La Porte council approves consent agenda and several grants, raises community grant maximum to $10,000

The La Porte City Council approved its consent agenda and several funding and contract items, including a budget amendment for school‑zone signal repairs, professional services contracts for generator design, the reappointment of a member to a regional board, and incentive and façade grants.

Consent and administrative actions: The council approved the consent agenda, which included: approval of minutes from March 24, 2025 and a special session on April 5, 2025; authorization for the city manager to execute two professional services contracts with HDR Inc. for generator projects for a total expenditure of $207,300; resolution 2025‑13 to adopt procedures for purchasing with federal grant funds; adoption of Ordinance 2025‑4058 amending the FY 2024‑25 budget to appropriate $19,200 in the general fund for emergency repairs to school‑zone signal flashers; reappointment of Steve Gillette to the Harris‑Galveston Subsidence District board of directors; authorization for the city manager to execute an agreement with SLSCO Limited for disaster relief resources under RFP 23504; and authorization of a 19‑month agreement for La Porte to provide fire protection services to the city of Shore Acres with specified monthly rates. Several items were listed on the agenda as consent; the council passed the consent agenda on a voice vote (motion by Councilmember Engelkin, second by Councilmember Williams).

La Porte Development Corporation facade grant: The council authorized a La Porte Development Corporation enhancement grant not to exceed $44,938.28 for Main 101 Grill and Bar, 101 East Main Street, to fund exterior façade improvements, parking lot asphalt work, a new patio and related repairs. Staff said total project quotes were $89,876.56 and the EDC board recommended the grant. Councilmember Engelkin moved to approve and Councilmember McCauley seconded; the motion carried.

Community cooperation grant guideline change: The council amended the community cooperation grant guidelines to increase the city's maximum contribution from $5,000 to $10,000 per eligible project (matching up to $20,000 total project cost). City staff said the change responds to inflation and was discussed during the prior pre‑budget retreat. Councilmember McCauley moved to approve the change and Councilmember Williams seconded; the motion carried and staff said the new limit would take effect immediately.

Other business: Staff reports and committee updates included a drainage and flooding committee report noting progress on a detention pond project in cooperation with the city of Pasadena, with dirt‑moving anticipated in July.

Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (items 6A–6G listed on the meeting agenda): Approved (motion: Councilmember Engelkin; second: Councilmember Williams). Items included minutes approval; HDR generator design contracts ($207,300); resolution 2025‑13 (federal grant purchasing procedures); Ordinance 2025‑4058 (budget amendment, $19,200 for school‑zone signal repairs); reappointment of Steve Gillette; SLSCO disaster relief agreement; Shore Acres fire protection services contract. - La Porte Development Corporation enhancement grant — Main 101 Grill & Bar: Approved; grant not to exceed $44,938.28 (project total quoted at $89,876.56). - Community cooperation grant guideline amendment: Approved; city maximum contribution increased to $10,000 per project.

The council had no registered public commenters at the start of the citizens comment period and moved into executive session later in the evening.