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Home My WebLink About01/30/2019 - Special Minutes - City CouncilRTRT013019 Minutes Page 1 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL RETREAT CITY OF COLLEGE STATION JANUARY 30, 2019 STATE OF TEXAS § § COUNTY OF BRAZOS § Present: Karl Mooney Council: Bob Brick Jerome Rektorik Linda Harvell Elianor Vessali John Nichols Dennis Maloney City Staff: Bryan Woods, City Manager Jeff Capps, Deputy City Manager Jeff Kersten, Assistant City Manager Carla Robinson, City Attorney Tanya Smith, City Secretary 1. Breakfast 2. Call to Order and Announce a Quorum is Present With a quorum present, the Retreat of the College Station City Council was called to order by Mayor Karl Mooney at 8:35 a.m. on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 in the CSU Meeting/Training Facility, 1603 Graham Road, College Station, Texas 77842. 3. Introduction and Retreat Process Brian Woods, City Manager gave a brief overview of the agenda and what will be discussed over the next few days. Ron Cox, consultant, presented an overview of the Governance structure review and Roles of Government. Council discussed their views of Roles of Government. RTRT013019 Minutes Page 2 Community Vision: College Station will be a vibrant, progressive, knowledge -based community that promotes the highest quality of life. Community Vision:  Promoting safe, tranquil, clean and healthy neighborhoods with enduring character.  Increasing and maintaining citizens’ mobility through a well-planned and constructed intermodal transportation system.  Promoting sensitive development and management of the built and natural environments.  Supporting high-quality, well-planned and sustainable growth.  Valuing and protecting our community’s cultural and historical resources.  Developing and maintaining high-quality, cost-effective community facilities.  Proactively supporting economic and educational opportunities for all citizens. Mission:  On behalf of the citizens of College Station, home of Texas A&M University, we will continue to promote and advance the community’s quality of life. Core Values:  The health safety, and general well-being of the community.  Excellence in customer service.  Fiscal responsibility.  Citizen involvement and participation.  Regionalism as an active member of the Brazos Valley community and beyond.  Plan and collaborate with TAMU.  Activities that promote local autonomy. Organization Values:  Respect everyone, deliver excellent service, risk takers, creative, innovative, one city- one team, personal responsibility, and doing the right thing with integrity, honesty, and have fun. Mission Elements:  Good governance, financial sustainability, core services and infrastructure, neighborhood integrity, diverse growing economy, improving mobility, and sustainable city. Strategic Plans on Roles of Government (Discussion Topics)  Capital Projects Update  Park Survey Outcomes/Directions  Facilities  Electric Advisory Board  Legislative Agenda Mayor Mooney recessed Council Retreat at 10:00 a.m. Council Retreat reconvened at 10:10 a.m. Mayor took items out of order. 4. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a Capital Projects Update. RTRT013019 Minutes Page 3 Emily Fisher, Assistant Director of Public Works, present a brief update on the 60 Capital Projects. Completed Projects:  Greens Prairie & Arrington Intersection  Eastgate Rehabilitation  Southwest Pkwy Sidewalks Under Construction Projects:  Lakeway  Veterans Park (Turf fields and bathrooms)  Fun for All Central Park  University Drive  Holleman South  Frances Drive Upcoming Construction Projects:  General Parkway Extension  Royder Road Phase 2  Signal – Barron Rd & Alexandra  Signal – Texas Ave. & Brothers Blvd  City Gateway Sign #2  Greens Prairie Road/Trail Phase #1 & #2  Lick Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant  Munson Ave Sidewalks  Woodson Village Rehabilitation Future Projects:  UPRR Grade Crossings and Roadway Improvements  Cain, Deacon and Rock Prairie  Align Capstone with Barron Road  Neighborhood Street Safety Improvements  Glade, Anna, Holik and Park Place  FM 2818 Capacity Improvements (TxDOT Project)  FM 2154 & Holleman Improvements (TxDOT Project) 6. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding City Facilities. Erick Wozinak, Vertical, gave a brief update on the City Facilities Projects.  Arts Council Renovation  Library Renovation Phase #1  New Police Head Quarters  New City Hall Brian Woods, City Manager, requested Councils feedback on relooking at increase the square footage to allow more departments to relocate into the City Hall. RTRT013019 Minutes Page 4 Council directed City Manager to explore the options he presented which is to increase the square footage to allow more employee’s relocation to the City Hall and determine the feasibility of which departments would move into City Hall. 7. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding the formation of an Electric Advisory Board. Brain Woods, City Manager, recommended an Electric Advisory Board only to Council to look at expanding Utilities and define purpose, role and function. Council directed City Manager to explore the purpose, role and functions of a Utility Advisory Board and it’s appointment process. Mayor Mooney recessed Council Retreat at 12:06 p.m. Council Retreat reconvened at 12:35 p.m. 5. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Parks Survey Outcomes. David Schmitz, Parks and Recreation Director, presented a brief overview of the Parks Survey Objectives and Methodology executed by (National Service Research (NSR), which was an online survey that was posted October 17, 2018 and closed November 23, 2018. A total of 271 mailed survey responses and 873 online responses were received for a total of 1,144. The margin of error of this sample size at a 95% confidence level is plus or minus 3.3%. Mr. Schmitz stated that the Survey was presented to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board on January 8, 2019, which received a positive response and the discussion was too moved towards Thomas Park/Pool. The Board did not have full consensus to re-affirm their original recommendation of building a new pool at Thomas Park. There was no official vote taken, however discussion showed some support for a new community pool in another location and deferred to City Council’s decision. Parks Needs Ranking: 1. Additional hike/bike trails with connections in the City 2. Additional nature trails/greenway corridors 3. Additional open spaces natural areas 4. Botanical gardens 5. Additional benches/seating in parks 6. New indoor aquatic center 7. New outdoor aquatic center 8. New indoor aquatic center in south College Station 9. Additional baseball fields 10. Additional playgrounds David Schmitz, Parks and Recreation Director, presented a brief overview on the Thomas Pool and what direction Council would like to go. Mr. Schmitz stated that staff Commissioned Kimley- Horn, Counsilman-Hunsaker and Arkitex Studio and observed compliance to state code and health requirements, physical plant operations and provided multiple scenarios of OPCC . The concerns RTRT013019 Minutes Page 5 were: Observation and water bills demonstrate water loss of 200,000+ gallons per month due to crack in drains, shell and joints; Noncompliant to state and local code in a number of areas of the facility (bathhouse, deck, parking, fixtures); and Antiquated design, concept and philosophy Options:  Aquatic center at Alternate Location  Natatorium  Construct New Pool in Thomas Park  Splash Pad, Restrooms, Improved Parking  Dog Park, Pavilion, Restrooms Council directed staff bring back a Thomas Park Master Plan and other options for the use of this park. Council directed staff bring back Natatorium concept plan with a possible partnership with CSISD, YMCA and HOT funds. 8. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding the 86th Legislative Agenda. Jeff Capps, Deputy City Manager, requested Council’s to discuss their main focus during the 86th Legislative Agenda. The issue items during the 86th Legislature are: Property Tax Revenue Caps, School Finance, State Budget for 2020-2021 Biennium, Hurricane Harvey Reform, Preemption of Local Ordinances, Sales Tax Exemption Expansion Bills, Property Tax Exemption Bills, Chapter 312 and 313 Extensions, Annexation, and Eminent Domain. Council’s focus during the 86th Legislative:  Annexation  Property Tax Revenue Caps  Sales Tax Exemption Expansion Bills  Preemption of Local Ordinances  School Finance  Chapter 312 and 313 Extensions  Eminent Domain Council directed staff to bring back a Draft Policy Statement that summarizes these priorities identified. Mayor Mooney recessed Council Retreat at 1:50 p.m. Council Retreat reconvened at 1:55 p.m. 9. Presentation, possible action and discussion regarding the review of progress on the FY 18-21 Strategic Plan. Ron Cox, consultant, presented an overview of the City’s progress on the FY18-21 Strategic Plan: RTRT013019 Minutes Page 6 Fiscal Year 18  Good Governance  Complete and go live with new city website. Victory – (March 2019)  Evaluate feasibility of Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMI). Victory – (April 2018 Council approves moving forward on Electric side – Water deferred to future date.)  Core Services and Infrastructure  Begin construction of police facility. Victory – (November 2018)  Begin design of new city hall. Victory – (July 2018)  Finalize City Hall funding plan and select CMAR. Victory – (October 2018)  Evaluate impact of Birkdale extension. In progress – (Draft report in review –take report to Transportation & Mobility then move to Council 2019)  Establish a plan for Fire Station #7. In progress – (Evaluate Study and bring to Council)  Implement the plan to re-purpose the Arts Council building. Victory – (January 2018)  Neighborhood Integrity  Pursue efforts to preserve the integrity of neighborhoods. In Progress Take off and add Ron Cox action items (look at his sheets)  Diverse & Growing Economy  Complete construction of two synthetic fields at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex. From 2017. In progress – (Substantial Completion March 2019)  Begin design of next phase of Veterans Park and Athletic Complex synthetic fields. Remain in 2018. (Move to 2019)  Design Phase One of Southeast Park. In progress (Currently at 90% design state for Phase 1, which includes 4 of 8 baseball/softball fields) (Construction in 2019)  Sustainable City  Complete evaluation of the comprehensive plan and identify items that ne ed to be updated. In Progress (Hope to have consultant contract March 2019) (Move to FY21)  Review Comp Plan annexation strategies for Council direction on implementation. (Provided an update in June of 2018)  Housing Stock Condition Fiscal Year 19  Good Governance  Establish an AMI implementation plan. In progress – (Jan.-Feb. evaluation of vendors, March – May contract negotiations, June contract approval, Summer of 2019 Implementation begins) (FY21 Completion)  Conduct a joint City/CCISD meeting at least once annually. In progress (FY20)  Pursue quarterly meetings between City and TAMU. In progress (FY20)  Complete comprehensive review of City’s Vision, Mission, and Core Values. In progress (FY20-21)  Core Services & Infrastructure  Begin construction of police facility. Victory – (November 2018)  Complete design of new city hall. In progress (Break ground Fall of 2019) RTRT013019 Minutes Page 7  Complete Community Center building improvements. In progress (Substantial completion March of 2019)  Expand opportunities to optimize programs of mutual benefit with BVSWMA. Victory  Continue development of Spring Creek Corporate Campus. In progress and continues  Enhance plan to improve retention and recruitment in all departments. In progress and continues  Review and make recommendations on pay and education incentives and requirements. In progress  Neighborhood Integrity  Pursue efforts to preserve the integrity of neighborhoods. In progress  Diverse & Growing Economy  Begin construction of Phase One of Southeast Park. (Should go out of for bids in Summer of 2019)  Complete construction of two synthetic fields at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex. (Substantial completion in March 2019)  Continue efforts to refine UDO. (In progress – ongoing)  Review and update Economic Development Plan. (Move to FY 20 based on coordination with Comp Plan update) Fiscal Year 20  Good Governance  Prepare for 2020 Census including public ……….  Core Services & Administration  Complete construction of police facility  Begin construction of new City Hall  Establish a rate formula for regular incremental rate adjustments for sanitation.  Neighborhood Integrity  Pursue efforts to preserve the integrity of neighborhoods.  Diverse & Growing Economy  Establish plan for final phase of Veterans Park improvements. (2 synthetic fields with one being a Championship Field – provide a total of 6 through all phases)  Complete construction of Phase 1 of Southeast Park.  Sustainable City  Complete Comprehensive Plan update.  Review and update Economic Development Plan. Fiscal Year 21  Core Services & Administration  Complete construction of new City Hall  Neighborhood Integrity  Pursue efforts to preserve the integrity of neighborhoods. From 2017  Diverse & Growing Economy  Construction of final phase at Veterans Park  Design of phase 2 Southeast Park (remaining 4 baseball/softball fields) RTRT013019 Minutes Page 8  Design of Fire Station 7 10. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding revising the Strategic Plan for FY19-22. Ron Cox, consultant, discussed the City’s Revised Strategic Plan, and identified issues and challenges. Fiscal Year 19  Good Governance  Establish an AMI implementation plan. In progress – (Jan.-Feb. evaluation of vendors, March – May contract negotiations, June contract approval, Summer of 2019 Implementation begins)  Conduct a joint City/CSISD Council/Board meeting at least once annually.  Pursue quarterly meetings between City and TAMU. In progress  Core Services & Infrastructure  Begin construction of police facility. Victory – (November 2018)  Complete design of new city hall. In progress (Break ground Fall of 2019)  Fire Station #7 study – Operations/Locations/Staffing.  Complete Senior Community Center building improvements. In progress (Substantial completion March of 2019)  Expand opportunities to optimize programs of mutual benefit with BVSWMA. In progress  Continue development of Spring Creek Corporate Campus. In progress and continues  Review plan to improve retention and recruitment in all departments. In progress and continues  Review and make recommendations on pay and education incentives and requirements. In progress  Natatorium Discussion  Neighborhood Integrity  Pursue efforts to preserve the integrity of neighborhoods. In progress  Annual Meeting – Engage with stakeholders, provide reminder tools with property owners /managers  Proactive code enforcement, resources and reports  Review & Reengage neighborhood plans through Comp. Plan processing  Define what is a neighborhood  Neighborhood integrity, overlay ordinance and process  Diverse & Growing Economy  Begin construction of Phase One of Southeast Park. (Should go out of for bids in Summer of 2019)  Complete design of next phase of Veterans Park and Athletic Complex synthetic fields. Remain in 2018. 2019  Continue efforts to refine UDO. (In progress – ongoing)  Review and update Economic Development Plan. (Move to FY 20 based on coordination with Comp Plan update) RTRT013019 Minutes Page 9 Fiscal Year 20  Good Governance  Conduct a joint City/CSISD Council/Board meeting at least once annually.  Pursue quarterly meetings between City and TAMU. In progress  Complete comprehensive review of City’s Vision, Mission, Core Values. In progress  Branding – Promote College Station Brand  Prepare 2020 Census Future Capital Plan  Revisit Homestead Exemption levels  Core Services & Infrastructure  Complete construction of police facility  Begin construction of new City Hall  Establish a rate formula for regular incremental rate adjustments for sanitation.  Evaluate feasibility of Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMI). (Water)  Continue development of Spring Creek Corporate Campus. In progress and continues  Review plan to improve retention and recruitment in all departments. In progress and continues  Neighborhood Integrity  Pursue efforts to preserve the integrity of neighborhoods.  Annual Meeting – Engage with stakeholders, provide reminder tools with property owners /managers  Proactive code enforcement, resources and reports  Review & Reengage neighborhood plans through Comp. Plan processing  Define what is a neighborhood  Neighborhood integrity, overlay ordinance and process  Diverse & Growing Economy  Establish plan for final phase of Veterans Park improvements. (2 synthetic fields with one being a Championship Field – provide a total of 6 through all phases)  Complete construction of Phase 1 of Southeast Park.  Continue efforts to refine UDO. (In progress – ongoing)  Implement Midtown Business Park Master Plan – look at approved plan  B-Park – Design, Property Owner Association  College Station Economic Development Council – Small business advisory board  Review Spring Creek – LGC – Goals, Accounts, etc.  Review the vision form Wolf Creek Park  Improving Mobility  Public Transit  High Speed Rail  Sustainable City  Complete Comprehensive Plan update. (Update Elements)  Review and update Economic Development Plan.  Smart City Concept – adapting to smarter technologies (Bring Council some elements in FY19) RTRT013019 Minutes Page 10  Review and Develop opportunities for Signature Event(s) in College Station to bring in people  Revisit the “Bike City” designation  Recycling Fiscal Year 21  Good Governance  Complete an AMI implementation plan. In progress – (Jan.-Feb. evaluation of vendors, March – May contract negotiations, June contract approval, Summer of 2019 Implementation begins)  Core Services & Administration  Complete construction of new City Hall  Evaluate feasibility of Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMI). (Water)  Review plan to improve retention and recruitment in all departments. In progress and continues  Design of Fire Station 7  Neighborhood Integrity  Pursue efforts to preserve the integrity of neighborhoods. From 2017  Diverse & Growing Economy  Construction of final phase at Veterans Park  Design of phase 2 Southeast Park (remaining 4 baseball/softball fields)  Continue efforts to refine UDO. (In progress – ongoing)  Sustainable City  Complete Comprehensive Plan update. (Comments Update) Fiscal Year 22  Good Governance  Financial Sustainability  Core Services & Administration  Review plan to improve retention and recruitment in all departments. In progress and continues  Neighborhood Integrity  Diverse & Growing Economy  Construction of Phase 2 at Southeast Park  Construction of Fire Station 7  Continue efforts to refine UDO. (In progress – ongoing)  Improving Mobility  Sustainable City Council discussed which issues and challenges to incorporate into a Revised Strategic Plan. Mr. Cox will incorporate the revisions and bring back to staff for a final review. The revised plan will come back to Council for approval at a future date. 11. Executive Session No discussion needed. RTRT013019 Minutes Page 11 12. Adjourn. MOTION: There being no further business, Mayor Mooney adjourned the Retreat of the College Station City Council at 5:04 p.m. on Wednesday, January 30, 2019. ________________________ Karl Mooney, Mayor ATTEST: _______________________ Tanya Smith, City Secretary