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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/22/2020 - Regular Minutes - City CouncilRM102220 Minutes Page 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING VIA TELECONFERENCE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION OCTOBER 22, 2020 STATE OF TEXAS § § COUNTY OF BRAZOS § Present: Karl Mooney, Mayor Council: Bob Brick John Crompton Linda Harvell John Nichols Dennis Maloney City Staff: Jeff Capps, Interim City Manager Jeff Kersten, Assistant City Manager Carla Robinson, City Attorney Tanya Smith, City Secretary Lisa McCracken, Records Management Administrator 1. Call to Order and Announce a Quorum is Present and Pledge of Allegiance, Invocation, consider absence request. With a quorum present, the Regular Meeting of the College Station City Council was called to order by Mayor Mooney via Teleconference at 6:55 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2020, in the Council Chambers of the City of College Station City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas 77840. 2. Presentation Proclamation honoring Dr. Bill Harris for his dedicated service representing the City of College Station on the Board of Directors of the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District (BVGCD) from 2013 to 2020. Mayor Mooney presented a proclamation to Dr. Bill Harris, honoring him for his dedicated service representing the City of College Station on the Board of Directors of the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District (BVGCD) from 2013 to 2020. 3. Hear Visitors Comments No comments at this time. RM102220 Minutes Page 2 4. CONSENT AGENDA 4.1. Presentation, possible action, and discussion of minutes for:  October 8, 2020 Workshop Meeting  October 8, 2020 Regular Meeting 4.2. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding the renewal of six Master Agreements for Real Estate Appraisal Services: Duff & Phelps, LLC; JLL Valu ation & Advisory Services, LLC; Lowery Property Advisors, LLC; Paul Hornsby & Company; S.T. Lovett & Associates; Valbridge Property Advisors with each agreement not to exceed $30,000. 4.3. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding approval of the of the City’s annual price agreements for Electric Three Phase Pad-Mounted Transformers with estimated annual expenditures for KBS Electrical Distributors in the amount not to exceed $900,204. The total recommended award is for an amount not to exceed $900,204 for FY 20-21 and possibly two one-year renewals. 4.4. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding the renewal of the Inter -Local Agreement with Brazos County for housing College Station Class C Misdemeanor prisoners in the Brazos County Jail. 4.5. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding approval of the City’s Annual Price Agreements for Electric Warehouse Inventory Materials with estimated annual expenditures of Anixter Inc. for $32,803, KBS Electrical Distributors for $288,083, Techline for $999,886, and Wesco Distribution for $30,530. The total recommended award is for an amount not to exceed $1,351,302. 4.6. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on Ordinance No. 2020-4217 amending Chapter 38, “Traffic and Vehicles,” Article VI “Traffic Schedules,” Section 38-1014 “Traffic Schedule XIV, No Parking Here to Corner and No Parking at Any Time,” by removing street parking at entrances and exits to public garages and parking areas and at certain intersections in the Northgate District. 4.7. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding the approval of a funding agreement with Catholic Charities in the amount of $140,000 to provide case management and assistance to College Station residents affected by COVID-19. 4.8. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a ratification of the assignment, assumption and amendment of a lease agreement in the amount of $257,234.59 for the property at 614 Holleman Drive East by and among Brazos Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of College Station and TRDWind Wolf Pen, LLC. 4.9. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Renewal one (1) of the Master Agreement between the City of College Station and The Reynolds Company (TRC) for the purchase of Rockwell Automation products and services for maintenance of Water Services Department SCADA infrastructure for a not to exceed amount of $150,000. RM102220 Minutes Page 3 4.10. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding the award of a contract to Brazos Paving, Inc. for base failure repairs and pavement treatments in an amount not to exceed $4,613,250. This item is for contracted equipment, labor, and materials for standard maintenance activities associated with asphalt streets. 4.11. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on consideration of Ordinance No. 2020-4218 amending Chapter 38, “Traffic and Vehicles,” Article VIII “Traffic Schedules,” Section 38- 1008 “No right turn or no left turn” prohibiting left turns on school days from Gilchrist Avenue to Williams Street. 4.12. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a contract with Freese & Nichols, Inc. to update the city-wide water and wastewater impact study with a total cost of $300,000. 4.13. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on approval of the 2020 Property Tax Roll in the amount of $52,501,620.03. 4.14. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding the approval of a Real Estate Contract that will convey 1.000 acre of City-owned land generally located at 1820 Harvey Mitchell Parkway, Bryan, Texas. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Harvell and a second by Councilmember Brick, the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried unanimously. 5. REGULAR AGENDA 5.1. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on Ordinance No. 2020-4219 authorizing the issuance of “City of College Station, Texas General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2020 - A”; approving a purchase contract and other procedures relating to said bonds; and enacting other provisions relating to the subject. Mary Ellen Leonard, Director of Finance, introduced Marti Shew with Hilltop Securities and the Jeff Gulbas with McCall, Parkhurst, and Horton. Marti Shew, Hilltop Securities, stated that the aggregate original principal amount of the Bonds shall not exceed $17,085,000. The City could refund no more than $17,085,000 of its Certificates of Obligation, Series 2012 and General Obligation Refunding and Improvement Bonds, Series 2012 in order to achieve savings due to lower interest rates that are currently available. Refunding is issuing new debt to replace and pay off existing debt. Refunding can be done for several reasons; however, most often are used to accrue a savings against the current debt. Because of the short amortization of the Bonds, we are selling these refunding bonds in a privately placed transaction with a bank after solicitation of bids from interested banks; this method of sale is faster and avoids costs that are typically required to prepare an offering document for sale in the public markets. The City Council's Finance and Budgetary Policies allow for the City to "refund" debt when there is a net present value savings of at least 5%. The opportunity that is currently before the City Council will save the City approximately 7.46% over the remaining life of the issues. The net present value savings includes the debt issuance costs. RM102220 Minutes Page 4 MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Nichols and a second by Councilmember Crompton, the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to adopt Ordinance No. 2020- 4219, authorizing the issuance of “City of College Station, Texas General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2020-A”; approving a purchase contract and other procedures relating to said bonds; and enacting other provisions relating to the subject. The motion unanimously carried. 5.2. Public Hearing, presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a summary of assistance provided to residents and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, discussion of current needs identified in the community caused by COVID-19, and discussion regarding the use of additional CARES Act Community Development Block Grant funding in the amount of $822,034. Debbie Eller, Director of Community Services, presented a summary of funds distributed to residents and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The City will receive additional CARES Act Community Development funds in the amount of $822,034. Due to the changing conditions in the community due to the pandemic, staff has worked to collect information regarding current needs from service providers, residents, and businesses. A specific plan for the allocation of funding wil l be developed based on direction and specific U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requirements and provided to Council at a future date. This information presented along with possible funding areas for the additional funding. Assistance Provided – Business  CDBG Economic Assistance Grant Program: The goal of this program is to assist businesses in retaining jobs for low-to-moderate income employees. In total $793,911was awarded to 46 small businesses.  CDBG Economic Assistance Grant Program: The goal of this program is to provide reimbursement for expenses incurred related to public health in response to COVID. In total $1,668,708.98 was awarded, $250,976.18 to 32 small businesses and $1,417,732.80 to health care systems.  Brazos Feed It Forward: The goal of this program is to support local restaurants and feed essential employees. In total $107,000 provided 9,741 meals.  Economic Development Bridge Loans: The goal of this program is to support local small business with cash until business picks up again. Loans totaled $68,000 provided to 3 business which are to repay a total of $25,000.  In addition, $117,689.72 in HOT Tax has been deferred for local hotels. Assistance Provided – Business/Residents  Utility Assistance: Residents were allowed to make payment arrangements and the City forgave approximately $400,000 in late fees in addition to approximately $353,000 in reconnection fees. Assistance Provided – Residents  Court Fines and Fees Waived: A total of $91,740 was forgiven on 242 cases.  HOME Tenant Based Rental Assistance – Rent: The goal of this program is to work to alleviate evictions, support landlords, and reduce stress on families affected by COVID. In total $207,757 was distributed to 90 households who received up to 3 months’ rent with a $3,000 (maximum). Throughout the city 60 different landlords participated. RM102220 Minutes Page 5 Rent & Utility Assistance Through Partners:  Catholic Charities received $15,000 in CDBG funding and assisted 67 unduplicated clients with 24 unique households to provide rental and utility assistance.  St. Vincent de Paul received $15,000 in CDBG Funds funding and assisted 31 families with rental or utility assistance.  College Station ISD COVID-19 Family Empowerment Program received CARES Act grant totaling $250,000. This program serves low income students and employees of College Station ISD and to date has distributed $163,828.62 to 56 unduplicated clients in the form of rental assistance.  Project Unity received $124,250 in CARES Act funding assisting 67 unduplicated clients with car payments, cell phone payments, health insurance payments, rent assistance payments, utility assistance, and transportation with a total disbursement to date of $31,563.94.  Unlimited Potential: $42,490 – CDBG-CV  New – Catholic Charities: $140,000 – CDBG/CDBG-CV  Pending: Waiver Request to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – requesting ability to pay City-owned utility bills. Raney Whitwell, Community Development Analyst, presented an overview on the CARES Act survey results. Demographics of Respondents:  802 participated in the English Survey  8 participated in the Spanish Survey  18.00% – Small Business Owners  3.37% – College Students  40.00% - Families with School Age Children  19.70% - Older Adults (Over 55)  14.09% - Adult Household no Children  6.00%- Other, option not listed CARES Act Funds Ranking 1. Food Assistance 2. Small Business Assistance 3. Rental Assistance 4. Medical Services Related to COVID -19* 5. Job Retraining Assistance* At approximately 7:45 p.m., Mayor Mooney opened the Public Hearing. There being no comments, the Public Hearing was closed at 7:55 p.m. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Brick and a second by Mayor Mooney, the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to approve a summary of assistance provided to residents and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, discussion of current needs identified in the community caused by COVID-19, and discussion regarding the use of additional CARES Act Community Development Block Grant funding in the amount of $822,034. The motion unanimously carried. RM102220 Minutes Page 6 5.3. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding approval of a Public Health Reimbursement for Baylor Scott & White in the amount of $748,000.22 for public health labor expenses and supplies to respond to COVID-19. Debbie Eller, Director of Community Services, stated that Baylor Scott & White submitted a Public Health Reimbursement Program application for consideration of a reimbursement of expenses related to COVID-19 in the amount of $748,000.22. Staff has reviewed documentation submitted and confirmed all expenses were reasonable and necessary. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Maloney and a second by Councilmember Nichols, the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to approve a Public Health Reimbursement for Baylor Scott & White in the amount of $748,000.22 for public health labor expenses and supplies to respond to COVID-19. The motion unanimously carried. 5.4. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding approval of a Public Health Reimbursement for CHI St. Joseph Regional Health Center in the amount of $641,168.61 for public health labor expenses and supplies to respond to COVID-19. Debbie Eller, Director of Community Services, stated that CHI St. Joseph Regional Health Center submitted a Public Health Reimbursement Program application for consideration of a reimbursement of expenses related to COVID-19 in the amount of $641,168.61. Staff has reviewed documentation submitted and confirmed all expenses were reasonable and necessary. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Maloney and a second by Councilmember Brick, the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to approve a Public Health Reimbursement for CHI St. Joseph Regional Health Center in the amount of $641,168.61 for public health labor expenses and supplies to respond to COVID-19. The motion unanimously carried. 5.5. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding the conversion of existing greenways property to park land in the Lick Creek Area. Venessa Garza, Planning and Development, stated that the bordered by the Midtown Business Park, Rock Prairie Road and Highway 6 are numerous greenway properties throughout the Lick Creek corridor. These greenways were acquired through dedicated platting and purchased with 98 bond monies. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Maloney and a second by Councilmember Crompton, the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to approve the conversion of existing greenways property to park land in the Lick Creek Area. The motion unanimously carried. 5.6. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2020-4220 consenting to and extending the Mayor's renewal of a disaster declaration due to public health emergency. Jeff Capps, Interim City Manager, stated that on October 20, 2020, the Mayor of College Station issued a proclamation pursuant to §418.014 of the Texas Government Code renewing the state of disaster proclaimed by the Mayor on March 17, 2020, April 21, 2020, May 22, 2020, June 22, 2020, July 22, 2020, August 21, 2020, and September 21, 2020. The conditions necessitating the declaration RM102220 Minutes Page 7 of a state of disaster and mayoral orders continue to exist. The Council needs to consent to and approve the Mayor's Disaster Declaration renewal. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Maloney and a second by Councilmember Nichols, the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to adopt Ordinance No. 2020-4220, consenting to and extending the Mayor's renewal of a disaster declaration due to public health emergency. The motion unanimously carried. 6. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on future agenda items and review of standing list of Council generated agenda items: A Council Member may inquire about a subject for which notice has not been given. A statement of specific factual information or the recitation of existing policy may be given. Any deliberation shall be limited to a proposal to place the subject on an agenda for a subsequent meeting. Councilmember Crompton requested a future agenda for a discussion on adding polling locations for College Station Elections during Early Voting. 7. Adjournment. There being no further business, Mayor Mooney adjourned the Regular Meeting of the City Council at 8:29 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2020. ________________________ Karl Mooney, Mayor ATTEST: ___________________________ Tanya Smith, City Secretary