[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6070142,"mediaKeyId","3060994-940e1dbc56045b2c66e9699f120b6e30","parentId",3060994,"title","La Porte council approves zoning changes, budget amendment, signage contract, FTZ agreement and other routine items","audioSeconds",1241,"startMs",2499000,"endMs",3740000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3060994-940e1dbc56045b2c66e9699f120b6e30&start=2499&end=3740","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3060994-940e1dbc56045b2c66e9699f120b6e30/thumbnail_2499000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6070142/La-Porte/Harris-County/Texas/La-Porte-council-approves-zoning-changes-budget-amendment-signage-contract-FTZ-agreement-and-other-routine-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070142-613590a77d3065845f20e235bd32a5cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185778&Signature=AEadlMC9WWxe3F7vEgaYMvpPEOwsHzCVot61erMmOnFBDQVDK6LLRvruZLgTMQJeTJAUMQqwbByI3bXTd9oZ4QhUxRKq9KQrxzVQcO1tyiqR0vUPdbc4Fu4-mAAzs1WLDtv68Rmn7gmKzwT7yEh~Wzi0MWN9vuh-92~hUphDVbrU8hfpCDscXQzGV4HyOviubDfBIEF-MYHzBEt92aOGumqxtWbqmPr6JxWY6w4eNJw8aW9nVcpUUPiALGlNjfNQO5IAWQfzIDT8AATbpNB75O3Xyd4wq~Rqt49BEDlHM70e34yUuZ2GXzFcX1IigsikAskdNEpHbz0crbf-xjaaxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","La Porte, TX","date","2025-03-24T00:00:00Z","article","The La Porte City Council approved a slate of routine and substantive items at the meeting, including land‑use changes, a budget amendment, procurement for electronic signs, a foreign‑trade‑zone agreement and a resolution urging the Texas Legislature to reject two pending bills.

Key votes at a glance

- Future land use and rezoning: Council adopted Ordinance 2025‑4052 to amend the future land use map and Ordinance 2025‑4053 to rezone approximately 1.16 acres from General Commercial to Low‑Density Residential (FLUP 2025‑00006 / ZC2025‑6). The planning and zoning commission and city staff recommended approval; Councilmember Williams moved for adoption and Councilmember Engelton seconded; the motions carried.

- Screening requirement for automotive repair yards: Council adopted Ordinance 2025‑4054 amending Chapter 106 (Table A, Footnote 15) to add screening requirements for vehicles stored overnight at automotive repair businesses (NAICS 8111). The ordinance was recommended by the planning and zoning commission (9–0) and approved by council on a motion by Councilmember Engelkin with a second by Councilmember McLaren.

- Budget amendment and equipment purchases: Council adopted a budget amendment for FY 2024–25 appropriating funds for computer replacements and related equipment (itemized in staff report); council also authorized purchases through cooperative contracts for computers and hardware. The council approved the budget ordinance and related purchase authorizations as presented.

- Signage procurement: Council authorized the city manager to execute a contract with EZ Signs for $279,750 to supply and install two LED building marquees, one non‑LED entrance sign and one LED entrance sign (Choice Partner contract referenced in staff report). The procurement follows issues with a prior vendor that filed for bankruptcy; council emphasized vendor terms that avoid deposits until installation is complete.

- Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) agreement: Council authorized the city manager to sign a letter of no objection for Frontier Logistics’ FTZ application and approved a payment‑in‑lieu‑of‑ad valorem taxes (PILOT) agreement between the city and Frontier Logistics LP. Councilmember Martin moved approval; Councilmember Englekin seconded; the motion passed.

- Resolution opposing state bills: Council approved Resolution 2025‑12 expressing opposition to Senate Bill 2722 and House Bill 5177, which staff said would redirect an estimated $58 million in Harris County toll‑revenue surplus to the City of Houston and reduce regional project funding. Councilmembers directed the mayor’s office to send the resolution with council signatures.

- Consent and administrative items: The council approved minutes, a professional services contract with Cobb Finley & Associates for $58,803 for the Lomax Arena Extension and related site work, an easement with Harris County for stormwater outfall, an interlocal sidewalk agreement with a La Porte share of $35,265.60, and other routine items presented on the consent agenda. Mayor Pro Tem Englekun filed a conflict and did not participate in the GRIP suspension item noted in the agenda.

What happens next: Staff will proceed with the contracts, complete required ordinance filings, and process the EZ Signs installation under the terms approved. Frontier Logistics will include the city’s letter of no objection with its FTZ application to Port Houston and U.S. Customs.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","La Porte City Council Meeting March 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved a package of routine business and separate votes on land‑use changes, a contract for LED signage, a foreign‑trade‑zone agreement, and a resolution opposing state toll‑revenue legislation.","taxTitle","La Porte, Harris County, Texas","taxId",55940,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6070148,"La Porte Council authorizes notices for 16 properties deemed 'dangerous' by inspections board",1240,3900000,5140000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3060994-940e1dbc56045b2c66e9699f120b6e30&start=3900&end=5140","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3060994-940e1dbc56045b2c66e9699f120b6e30/thumbnail_3900000.jpg","/articles/6070148/La-Porte/Harris-County/Texas/La-Porte-Council-authorizes-notices-for-16-properties-deemed-dangerous-by-inspections-board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070148-2881d1240d0764cd06bf7b0152f4e4a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185778&Signature=ZdhPJqR4d8MQQyR2~hy1GUWzpgVa~WAyH9K9TtZrMQ2JnMSlMSf5RMfjWCEuRk69TQveYGDEuHacjAqaY5LPMGjCM1TZLg~EDi41WymTmIYSL1uQBlFE16JE~1KqpKVgiFUSi-Qb8w5ATpfrJUZSLJU5-Fq1sn-p5MTenI6H4nVTUcWOTaYkl8vfBsj-m3~QSJZhzsGTE~obPtuVEXRxpUPaxPKYazjj1qZL2pu6q1X4lWoidwpucBf3-A6GieLSiIeJRS4ChaGqrJvCH9cuQK~Ck20REbl8fLlQSzetqiUWS8JPKZLCn6H0egbG77Ww0bI8xg2s85e224btBY2UAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The La Porte City Council voted to authorize administrative staff to notify owners of 16 properties the Dangerous Buildings Inspections Board determined to be dangerous, starting the city’s formal process for repair or possible demolition.

A staff presentation to council listed 16 addresses the board recommended for follow‑up under Chapter 82 of the city code. The board is composed of the chief building official, the fire chief and the fire marshal. The properties include single‑family homes, garages and outbuildings with roof collapse, foundation failure, open windows and other structural hazards; several properties also had outstanding taxes or liens, the staff report said.

Examples cited in the report included a rear garage at 113 North Third Street described as “collapsing” and a mobile home at 201 Pine Bluff Lot 4 struck by a fallen tree; staff said some owners were in contact and others appeared unoccupied. For multiple properties staff documented holes in roofs that allow water penetration and large areas of structural rot.

Councilmember McCauley made the motion to notify owners of all properties identified by the board except 405 South Iowa, which the board had recommended removing from consideration; Councilmember Williams seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Staff told council that notifying owners is the first step in a multi‑step due‑process sequence: after notification the city will hold public hearings to determine whether to order repairs or demolition. Staff said some properties with active water accounts are easier to contact because they are likely occupied; others had no water accounts and may be vacant.

What happens next: staff will send formal notices to owners of the properties listed by the Dangerous Buildings Inspections Board (less 405 South Iowa), schedule public hearings and report back to council with recommended actions and timelines.","After a spring inspection report, the Dangerous Buildings Inspections Board identified multiple structures at risk of collapse or severe deterioration. The council authorized staff to notify owners and begin due‑process steps for possible hearings and remediation, excluding one property removed from the list.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6070152,"La Porte resident urges overhaul of city landscaping; council creates Keep La Porte Beautiful advisory committee",1963,363000,2326000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3060994-940e1dbc56045b2c66e9699f120b6e30&start=363&end=2326","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3060994-940e1dbc56045b2c66e9699f120b6e30/thumbnail_363000.jpg","/articles/6070152/La-Porte/Harris-County/Texas/La-Porte-resident-urges-overhaul-of-city-landscaping-council-creates-Keep-La-Porte-Beautiful-advisory-committee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070152-bd12322c0ee41f6c9de3ad813186b930/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185778&Signature=EgCKbAR1cRf~nY9Ak9XmNwYIgzOdRIwIgJ80jYlbPn3PgpdxJ3935moYTIEBDkkkLiFbxPve3KJ0WdIcv4SlROvZwS2NCIHKU6s25S7gcc3jlbrBCj7x1Lh~KBLB2NkP8RaruZ5T6LjVmHIxsh2~6-EXl6QbXSDQQoqKUnbhZhSBdvQDBJ4mESompHYwso9Qrqm0J5qQNXjMe2CLMLsSFk~7DBjao0AbYzf20GjCp-g2wOr4t0uHwAYSS-mwUzgEtWvxPJ3sQhQ8HnPylnk40i5wi~Sadaa0y3Tad3HeXn6xHw433Hop~zcEXAgNlRMaYXYsbqEeb1K1R-PS8KF0gQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Virginia Pearson Turner, a La Porte resident who told the council she has inspected the city’s grounds, urged the City of La Porte to hire a full‑time landscaping professional and tighten oversight of contractors at a council meeting.

“I have visited every one of the 39 buildings, 5 pools, 3 splash pads and 27 parks managed by the city of La Porte,” Turner said during a presentation. She detailed widespread dead plantings, bare soil, unscreened dumpsters and repeated failures of seasonal beds and recommended a staff horticulturalist to set standards and hold contractors accountable.

Turner said the city currently contracts with a landscaper to maintain flower beds at 11 sites for about $64,000 per year, with annual beds replaced three times; she told council the contractor’s work often left soil exposed, failed to address drainage and relied on rock that “doesn’t improve the soil.”

Councilmembers discussed two related responses: forming a community advisory body and reviewing the city’s existing contract and staffing. Council approved an ordinance creating the Keep La Porte Beautiful Committee, a nine‑member advisory panel that will develop bylaws, propose projects and recommend policy to the council. The ordinance passed after a motion by Councilmember McCauley and a second by Councilmember Williams; the vote carried.

City staff said the committee is intended to be advisory only and will not replace staff responsibilities. The draft committee structure presented to council called for quarterly meetings, a parks/public works liaison, and a focus on tree planting, landscaping, public art and litter prevention. Staff and council members said the committee is also a requirement for affiliation with Keep Texas Beautiful, which can unlock grant opportunities.

Several councilmembers emphasized the committee should not be an either/or substitute for professional horticultural support. Councilmember Williams said the committee should “go hand in hand” with either improved contractor performance or consideration of bringing landscaping expertise in‑house. City staff said the current seasonal color contract runs through the fiscal year and that staff will evaluate contractor performance, available budget and the cost of possible in‑house staffing before the next budget cycle.

What happens next: the advisory committee will develop bylaws and submit recommendations to council; staff will review the current landscaping contract and report back with cost and staffing options before the end of the fiscal year.","A long-time resident urged the City of La Porte to hire a full‑time landscaping professional after documenting deteriorating plantings across parks and city facilities. The council voted to establish a Keep La Porte Beautiful advisory committee and directed staff to work with the new group and review landscaping contracts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

La Porte council approves zoning changes, budget amendment, signage contract, FTZ agreement and other routine items

La Porte Council authorizes notices for 16 properties deemed 'dangerous' by inspections board

La Porte resident urges overhaul of city landscaping; council creates Keep La Porte Beautiful advisory committee