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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/13/1993 - Joint Minutes City CouncilCITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WOBESHOP JOIN? MEETING ~ OF COT.v.~'_zi~. STATION AND ~ OF BRYAN WEDS, JANUAI~ 13, 1993 4:00 P.M. COLLEGE $?ATION COUNCn.M~:.~IIERS ~: Mayor Ringer, Councilmembers Brown Schneider, Kennady, Crouch, Gardner, Mcnhaney BRYAN COUNCrr.~t.~-'MI~E~,~I~S ~: Mayor Tare, Councflmembers Rose, Caflin, McOuaide, Hamlin, Schultz, Stabler See guest register. for the Brazoe Valley Solid Waste Mantaement Aaencv. m'eoared by consultina firm of Camp, Dmeser, and McKee, Inc. Public Services Director Joe LaBeau reviewed both councils on the background history of the BVSWMA agency. A report by Camp, Dresser & McKee was provided to the councils prior to the meeting. Mr. Jack Chappell of Camp, Dresser & McKee came forward. This consulting firm was retained to develop a long term business plan. One of the important factors identified in the plan were the different landfill sites in the region with regard to competition. Mr. Chappell addressed the operating functions of BVSWlVIA. The consultant recommended that the cities remain in the landfill business but two important factors must be considered. BVSWMA should be allowed to function as a separate agency to become more functional and the ability to expand its credibility. Nevertheless, BVSWMA will be accountable to both cities. Mr. Chappell pointed out a future potential disposal option as well as landfills. He suggested refuse derived fuel because there are possibilities to identify marketplaces for RDF in this area and this strong aiternative has shown to bring an excellent return on investment. Mr. Chappell expressed three major points to conclude his presentation. 1. The Cities should remain in the landfill business. 9.. Allow BVSWMA to function separately and to develop and implement their budget. 3. Allow BVSWMA to research alternatives for the next landfill or alternatives, such as RDF. Questions were raised by councilmembers from both cities on the structure of the BVSWMA group and also, the competitive situation in the area. Joe LaBeau recognized the budget savings and the improvement of services to the community by utilizing this cooperative approach. Joint Council Meeting Wednesday, January 13, 1993 Page Councilman Crouch made a motion to accept the BVSWMA plan as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schneider which carried unanimously, 7-0. Jkmmh IMm No. ~t. Acl]omn. Mayor Ringer adjourned the meeting at $:18 p.m. City Secretary Connie Hooks APPROVED: ~ COUNCI~ WOI~I~HOP MI~"TING 8:~0 P.M. Mayor Ringer, Councflmembem Brown, Schneider, Gardner, Mcl]haney, Crouch Kennady STAFF City Manager Ragland, City Secretary Hooks, City Attorney Locke, Asst. City Attorney Nemcik, City Engineer Pullen, Chief Accountant Hubbard, Executive Director Fiscal/Human Resources Schroeder, Public Information Officer Calliham, Executive Director Management Services Piwonka, Asst. City Manager Brymer, Asst. City Manager Woody, PARD Director Beachy See guest register Mayor Ringer presented Chief Accountant Kathy Hubbard a plaque and certificate of award for excellence in financial reporting. Ammd~ Item No. ii - Discussion o~ consent agesd~ 14th consent agends. Councilman Crouch removed Agenda Item No. 2.12. A~:lenda Item No. 2.12 - Consideration of a request to waive the plattinq requiremen~ for Wellborn Water Supply Corp. for property located in the ET! of Colleqe Station just east of Wellborn. Councilman Crouch asked if we could require owners to file an amended plat after the property is purchased. Senior Planner Kee replied that this action would be appropriate if the plat was filed within a designated time period. Aaenda Item No. $ - Pro__so__~ti_,,~_ and ~i,~c,,,,m!,',n o~ prohibiting !~8-__tt~nu_ ~t ~,- flow. Transportation Planner Edwin Hard presented this item to the Council. He explained that an opportunity is before the Council to make significant improvements to traffic safety and flow because of the upcoming widening project of Texas Avenue by the Highway Dept. From a tr~c engineering standpoint, there is no question that Dominik should be prohibited to left tums. However, there are other factors to consider. For instance, the impact to businesses along Dominik. This item was placed on the council agenda for staff to receive direction as to whether or not to proceed with City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, January 13, 1993 Page incorporating our proposed plan with the addition of a median at Texas Avenue and Dominik into the Highway Dept.'s widening plan. Mr. Hard remarked that the staff previously met with Council's development policies subcommittee in late November. This council meeting shall provide an opportunity for any property owners on Dominik or anyone interested to address this Council on this issue. Mr. Hard addressed the existing conditions and problems at the intersection and he provided accident history. AS part of this explanation, he pointed out that there are over 60,000 vehicles a day between George Bush and Dominik. He pointed out this is one of the top five accident locations in the city. He showed slides of the traffic storage problem at both intersections. Mr. Hard remarked that it is in the best interest of the public from a safety standpoint to prohibit left roms. The proposed plan is relatively simple with the addition of a median with brick pavers. Mr. Hard discussed the negative impact of a signal at this location. A number of engineers have been consulted as well as the technical division and it is not physically possible. He discussed the impact to businesses. The traffic studies indicate 600-700 patrons would be impacted by the closing of left tums. In terms of impact, the vehicles would be routed to Kyle Street to Dominik increasing tr~c on Kyle Street by 10 percent. Mr. Hard further pointed out that consideration of this proposal is very important because of the timing of the Texas Avenue widening project. Development Services Director Elrey/~sh commented that the realignment of Kyle in 1979 was made with the intent of relieving some of the traffic volume from Texas Avenue and routing patrons to Dominik via Kyle. Mr. Ash suggested placing a directional sign to show Dominik Drive at Bush and Texas Avenue. Councflmembers expressed their opinions about the staff's proposal. Dr. Russell Godwin, General Manager of Polo Club Apartments, 700 Dominik, came fosvard. He suggested that the City place in the vicinity of the Amtrak sign, a sign indicating that drivers proceeding south be given advance notice for Dominik Drive. He also indicated the need for a sign on Kyle Street to show the direction of Dominik Drive by an arrow. He requested these suggested changes be implemented as soon as possible. Mr. Godwin made another suggested change. If possible, change the name of Kyle Street to George Bush Drive through to Dominik. Paul Clarke, 216 Dominlk, addressed the Council. He addressed the council on behalf of the company's ownership of Bentley House. Mr. Clarke responded that this is not the only economic viable solution. He addressed additional factors for the council to consider. He expressed his concern for the safety and convenience of the city population at large by recognizing the Land Use Plan which reflects Kyle Street as a City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, January 13, 1993 Page 3 residential community and reflects Dominik as commercial. He pointed out the most important reason Kyle has a large traffic count is the avoidance of Dominik intersection. Mr. Clarke felt that Dominik Drive does not receive the credibility it deserves. He emphasized that a study has not been conducted regarding changes to Kyle Street. Another point made was the congestion of tr~c at Foster and Kyle street. The broad assumptions made by staff were done without consulting the property owners. At an absolute minimum, creative engineers should be involved with the staff's studies and create an exchange of information. He presented the council with two other alternatives suggested by the property owners. Bill McGee, manager of Whataburger, 108 Dominik came fonvard. He conducted a customer survey at his restaurant. The response was that this change would not be an inconvenience. His concern was the fact that so many cars would travel a residential street. Ken Martin of 109 Dominik and property owner of 112 Kyle spoke to the Council. He pointed out that the property owners would be impacted greatly by the staff's proposal. He opposed the generation of more traffic on Kyle. He concurred with Mr. Clarke's suggestion for additional studies. John Raney owner of the Texas Aggie Bookstore located on Dominik came forward. He stated his concerns about the proposal and the impact to his business. Ken Urbanosky, representing the TAMU Economic Development Foundation, addressed the Council regarding their recent purchase of a building on Texas Avenue, the vacant bank building. He urged the council to seek further study on this project. James Page, owner of Quick as a Flash, 110 Dominik reiterated the comments made by fellow businessmen. He asked for council to look at this issue further. Charles Speer representing Jerry J. Moore, owner of Culpepper Plaza declared his opposition to the proposal. Ronnie Miller, owner of property on Dominik, came forward to express objection to the staff's proposal. Ned Walton of Walton & Associates, P.E. addressed the Council. He recalled the study conducted on a similar project for this intersection. He advised the council to research other alternatives. He concluded that Dominik should be closed for left tums under the existing circumstances. Joe Blaske of 3807 Holley, in Bryan came forward. He is a transportation engineer and was contacted by Mr. Hard on this issue last year. He suggested the alternatives which may be proposed will not alleviate the concerns of this intersection. Paul Clarke responded that he would be amenable to hiring an engineer to conduct a study. The staff consented to erecting the signage proposed by the business owners. Mayor Ringer thanked the people who spoke to the council. City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, January 13, 1993 Page 4 Mayor Ringer expressed to the public the council's consent to delay this item for one month. Agench 1Mm No. 4 - Dbmmim3 of an ordinsnoe 8mondment to Chsptor 11, Seotion 3, Water and Sewer Main Eztsmioa Policies. City Planner Jim Callaway explained that this ordinance is intended to allow property owners to receover cost for extensions to water and sewer mains. It sets forth a rate and charge for all lots or tracts that utilize the newly constructed main. This amendment replaces the prior pro rata ordinance which is no longer valid because of statutory changes. Aaends Item No. 8 - Cotu,.cil Convnents. Councilman Gardner reported on the discussion held at the last Parks and Recreation Board meeting. He mentioned that the Board is involved in developing policies on liquor sales, and so forth for Wolf Pen Creek. Other issues discussed were seating arrangements. Mr. Gardner commented that the Board is somewhat frustrated about the phone calls they have received on the Wolf Pen Creek land purchases and their inability to provide appropriate responses to the citizens. Questions were also asked about the function of the Board with respect to Wolf Pen Creek. Mr. Gardner suggested that a joint workshop meeting be held among both groups. Councilman McIlhaney asked if anyone has contacted Mr. Igmg from Engineering and Office Supply. Mayor Ringer responded by letter to Mr. Igmg. Ms. Mcnhaney reported that she attended the School Board meeting at the Rock Prairie Elementary School. Discussion was held on a request submitted by the citizens for an additional crossing guard. She suggested that it might be helpful to have someone from the city attend these meetings to receive input from the citizens. She requested future copies of their agendas. Councilman Crouch suggested the council meet with the members of the Economic Development Foundation to receive input and a status repor~ on the Bryan Development Foundation. Councilman Schneider commented that it is sometimes di~cult to attend the citizen committee meetings when they coincide with the council meetings or other activities of the council. He encouraged the Mayor's suggestion to hold a council retreat. Councilman Kennady remarked that the Leadership Brazos class he and Kandy Rose conducted received good reviews. He commended staff for their presentations to the class. /kmnd~ Item No. $ - City City Manager Ron Regiand commented that TAMU President Mobley made a presentation to the Joint Economic Development Corporation on the strategic plan of TAMU. Handouts were provided. Aaenda Imm No. 7 - Adjount Mayor Ringer adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m. City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, January 13, 1993 Page ~ Item No. T - Jkijoun~ Mayor Ringer adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m. GUEST REGISTER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, Ji~NUARY L3, ~993 5:30 P.M 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40.