City Council - 2026-03-09
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
La Porte City Council adopted Ordinance 2026-5035 amending noise pollution regulations with escalating fines up to $2,000 and certificate of occupancy suspension provisions. Council authorized a $270,000 professional services agreement with Kendig Keast Collaborative for a new Unified Land Development Code, though the vote was contested 4-3. The La Porte Livestock and Rodeo Association was granted expanded facility use from 60 to 120 days annually including 30 Saturdays.
Key Decisions (7)
Noise Pollution Ordinance Amendment 2026-5035
Adopted ordinance amending Chapter 34 Environment, Article 3 Noise Pollution with escalating fines ($500 first offense, $750 second, $1,000 third within 12 months, up to $2,000 maximum), extended Main Street District hours to 11PM on Fridays/Saturdays, added certificate of occupancy suspension provisions for repeat offenders, and grandfather clause defense for non-residential properties predating adjacent residential development within 500 feet.
Unified Land Development Code Professional Services Agreement
Authorized city manager to execute $270,000 professional services agreement with Kendig Keast Collaborative Incorporated for planning and ordinance writing services to create new Unified Land Development Code consolidating zoning (Chapter 106), subdivision regulations (Chapter 86), and design standards. Includes $262,388 for standard tasks plus $24,000 for zoning intelligence tools add-on with $7,612 contingency. Funded by Texas General Land Office grant.
Harris County Toll Road Authority Interlocal Agreement
Authorized city manager to execute interlocal agreement with Harris County Toll Road Authority for reimbursement of eligible fire and rescue response costs on tollway system using Option 1 flat rate per incident model based on FEMA rate guidance.
La Porte Livestock and Rodeo Association Facility Use Agreement Amendment
Directed staff to draft amended agreement with La Porte Livestock and Rodeo Association increasing facility rental days from 60 to 120 days annually and Saturdays from 15 to 30, while maintaining 10 days for rodeo events and 12 days for board meetings.
City Hall Project Change Order - Canopy with Masonry
Authorized change order to reinstate canopy with masonry at cost of $75,901 for new city hall facility. Fountain at $148,764.02 was rejected.
City Hall Furniture Purchase
Authorized purchase of furniture, seating, workstations, and related accessories for new city hall facility in amount of $884,613.59 from The Luck Company LLC through cooperative purchasing contracts (OFS Omnia R240113, KI Sourcewell 091423-KII, HumanScale Omnia R221002). Covers approximately 80 office spaces, conference rooms, lobby, and council chambers including freight, delivery, assembly, setup, installation, and move-in.
Consent Agenda Items
Approved consent agenda including: minutes of 02/23/2026 meeting; $150,733 contract with Hahn Equipment Company for five flight pump replacements; appointment of Brian Kinkoff to TIRZ board; Keep La Porte Beautiful Committee appointments; $235,628.25 sidewalk improvements phase three contract with CONSORT North America; $179,997 four-year drones as first responder program with Motorola Solutions; Resolution 2026-08 for $200,000 state homeland security grant for mobile barricade project; Resolution 2026-09 for $60,000 state homeland security grant for portable X-ray device.
Market Signals (3)
Infrastructure
City is investing $1,500,000 in arena improvements and proceeding with new city hall construction, indicating continued municipal infrastructure investment.
Housing Demand
Council members expressed strong concerns about protecting the Large Lot District from potential zoning changes, indicating political resistance to densification in that area.
Commercial Demand
Main Street District received extended operating hours (to 11PM on weekends) in noise ordinance, suggesting support for nightlife and commercial activity in downtown area.