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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/26/1971 - Regular Minutes City Council MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF COLLEGE STATION April 26, 1971 Members present: Mayor D. A. Anderson; Councilmen Don Dale, Cecil B. Ryan, C. H. Ransdell, Fred R. Brison, James H. Dozier, R. D. Radeleff; City Manager Ran Boswell Visitors present: See Guest Register The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Room of the City Hall. Mayor Anderson stated that the council wished to publicly extend their appreciation to the three immediate former councilmen, Bill J. Cooley, Joseph J. McGraw and Dan R. Davis, for their contributions to the city during their tenure of service. Mayor Anderson also stated that the policy of procedure would be changed for future council meetings in that the items on the agenda would no longer be reviewed but would be taken in the order they appear. Any person in the audience wishing to comment must be recognized, approach the podium and give his name and address before making his statement. Items not on the agenda will be discussed after all regular agenda items have been considered. On motion by Councilman Ransdell, seconded by Councilman Ryan, the minutes of the council meetings of March 22, 1971 and April 7, 1971 were approved. It was recommended by City Manager Boswell that the city sell the following bonds: $125,000. $295,000. $3 80,000. $500,000. Waterworks System Revenue Bonds Sanitary Sewer System Improvements Revenue Bonds Electric System Improvement Revenue Bonds General Obligation Bonds He also recommended that the $500,000. Sewerage System Improvement Bonds not be sold at this time. On motion by Councilman Ransdell, seconded by Councilman Dale, the sale of bonds as recommended by the city manager was unanimously approved. On motion by Councilman Dozier, seconded by Councilman Ryan, the following resolution was unanimously passed: Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of College Station, Texas, that the Tax Assessor-Collector of the City of College Station, Texas, be, and is hereby authorized and directed to assess all taxable property in said City at 80% of the true market value thereof, commencing with the tax rolls for the current year and continuing thereafter until instructed otherwise by this City Council. Minutes Regular Meeting, April 26, 1971 Page 2 On motion by Councilman Ransdell, seconded by Councilman Dale, and unanimously approved, the city manager was authorized to contract with an engineering consulting firm for an engineering report and an estimate of cost for sewage facilities improvements. A public hearing was called on the rezoning of P&Z Cases #4-71, #5-71, #6-71, #7-71 and ~-71, cases which had been unanimously approved by the P&Z Commission. While discussing the rezoning of P&Z Case #4-71, the city planner pointed out that no sewer line to this property is available at this time. The owner of the property, Mr. Krenek, appeared before the council and stated that he plans no further development until sewer is available. On motion by Council- man Ransdell, seconded by Councilman Dale, the recommendation of the Planning & Zoning Commission to rezone this property from District No. l, First Dwelling House District to District No. 3-A, Mobile Home Park District was accepted. During consideration of P&Z Cases #5-71, #6-71 and #7-71, Charles Rhoden, consulting engineer from Waco, appeared before the council to discuss the flood plain in which part of the area in P&Z Case #6-71, to be zoned for Mobile Home Park District, is located. He stated that from information obtained from the Texas Highway Department an elevation of 255 feet would be sufficient to avoid flooding. He stated that his clients plan to fill the area in order to raise the elevation to this level. He said that although no field work had been done to accurately establish the flood plain, engineers on the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Engineer Lloyd James agree that raising the elevation to 255 feet would be sufficient. Rev. William Oxley, representative for the Environmental Action Council, appeared before the council and asked that action be delayed until further research concerning the flood plain is done. Mrs. Phyllis Hobson, real estate agent, stated that the purchasers of this property have agreed to supply their own water and sewer facilities and fill to the elevation required by restrictions imposed by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Raymond Reiser, 1404 Post Oak Circle, raised the question as to whether further development east of this area would affect the flood plain. After the discussion had ended, Councilman Dale made a motion, seconded by Councilman Ransdell, that the recommendation of the Planning & Zoning Commission to rezone this property be accepted with the following restrictions: P&Z Case #5-71 - the owner must supply his own lift station and water lines. P&Z Case #6-71 - the developer must provide water and sewer facilities and the city will not issue a building permit on land under 255' elevation. P&Z Case #7-71 - the developer must provide water and sewer facilities and the city will not issue a building permit on land under 255' elevation. Councilman Dozier asked that he be recorded as voting no on rezoning the part of the area which lies within the flood plain. Mr. Fitch appeared before the council during the discussion of rezoning P&Z Case #9-71 and stated that the property adjacent to the area is already Minutes Regular Meeting, April 26, 1971 Page 3 being used for commercial purposes and that the location indicates that commercial zoning is suitable. On motion by Councilman Dozier, seconded by Councilman Ryan, the recommendation of the Planning & Zoning Commission to rezone the property from District No. l, First Dwelling House District to District. No. 4, First Business District was unanimously approved. There being no further discussion, the hearing was closed. On motion by Councilman Ransdell, seconded by Councilman Dale, Ordinance No. 735, an ordinance to rezone the properties described in P&Z Cases #4-71, #5-71, #6-71, #7-71 and #9-71, was passed and approved. Councilman Dozier voted no on rezoning the portion of P&Z Case #6-71 which lies within the flood plain. A public hearing was called on the question of an amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. ~8 to include a Planned Unit Development (PUD). Codie Wells appeared before the council and gave a brief description of PUD and explained some of the details of the ordinance. There being no further discussion the public hearing was closed. On motion by Councilman Dozier, seconded by Councilman Ransdell, Ordinance No. 7~6, an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 38 to include a Planned Unit Development (PUD) was passed and approved. A public hearing was called on assessing a part of the cost of improving portions of Burt Street, Suffolk Avenue, Patricia Street, Spruce Street, Luther Street, and Montclair Avenue. Pieter Groot, Spruce Street, appeared before the council and expressed his concern over the width of Spruce Street. City Manager Boswell stated that the width of the street will be twenty-eight (28) feet. Mr. Groot also wished to know when the assessment was due and was informed that the assessment is due and payable thirty (~0) days after the final approval and acceptance of the improvements by the council. There being no further discussion the public hearing was closed. On motion by Councilman Dozier, seconded by Councilman Ryan, Ordinance No. 737, an ordinance closing hearing and levying assessments for a part of the cost of improving portions of Burt Street, Suffolk Avenue, Patricia Street, Spruce Street, Luther Street and Montclair Avenue, was passed and unanimously approved. On motion by Councilman Ransdell, seconded by Councilman Dozier, the city council endorsed the application of Texas A&M University for federal funds for improvements to Easterwood Airport and the University is to be so advised. On motion by Councilman Dozier, seconded by Councilman Ryan, the bid of Brytex Construction Company in the amount of $26,587.50 for improvements to Tarrow Street was accepted. On motion by Councilman Dozier, seconded by Councilman Dale, the bid of T&T Implement Company in the amount of $9,12~.00 with a delivery time of 45 to 75 days for a backhoe was accepted. Minutes Regular Meeting, April 26, 1971 Page 4 On motion by Councilman Ryan, seconded by Councilman Dale, the following resolution was unanimously passed in memory of former Councilman and Mayor pro tern J. A. Orr: RESLOUTION on the death of Joseph A. Orr The City Council of the City of College Station, Texas, records with deepest sympathy the death of former Councilman and Mayor pro tern Joseph A. Orr on Saturday, April 3, 1971. First elected to the city council on April 3, 1941, Mr. Orr gave unselfishly of his time and talents in developing the City of College Station from that day until the day of his death. As a registered professional surveyor he devoted uncounted hours to establishing the original metes and bounds of the city at the time of its incorporation. Then as additional areas were incor- porated into the city limits he was equally concerned that they be accurately and completely described before becoming a part of the city. But what was probably Mr. Orr's most lasting contribution to the city he loved so well was his work as secretary of the charter commission which wrote the original Charter of the City of College Station. Mr. Orr was ever zealous of the welfare of the citizens of College Station. He was a firm believer in the city living within its means, of paying its way, and of conducting the affairs of the city in an efficient and orderly manner. It was his conviction that truth and fairness should be the guiding principles in every decision. He missed few meetings of the city council, always requesting permission to be absent when he knew he would be away at an appointed hour. He believed that council meetings should be conducted with dignity and decorum and that all who sat around the council table or who in other ways appeared officially at public meetings should be neatly and appropriately attired. Mr. Orr was a man of kindly impulses, a Christian gentleman, and had an abiding faith in the principles of democratic government. In appreciation of his many years of service to this council and to the City of College Station it is ordered that this Resolution be made a part of the minutes of this meeting and that a copy signed by the mayor and city secretary be sent to each member of his immediate family. On motion by Councilman Ransdell, seconded by Councilman Dale, the following resolution was unanimously passed commending the Beautification Committee and Committee Chairman, Mrs. Clara Sandstedt, for their efforts during the clean-up campaign, April 3, 1971: RESOLUTION In recognition of the outstanding contribution made to city beautification by the College Station Beautification Committee during Clean-Up Day, Saturday, Minutes Regular Meeting, April 26, 1971 Page 5 April 3, 1971, we, the City Council, duly assembled this 26th day of April, 1971 in regular meeting, commend this committee. In particular do we wish to commend Mrs. Clara Sandstedt for the out- standing leadership she provided, as committee chairman, in making the day the success that it was. She is truly an outstanding citizen. Our city has now taken on a cleaner appearance due to the efforts of her and her committee. For this, this council, as representatives of the people, is grateful. It is hereby declared that this Resolution be made a part of the permanent minutes of this meeting and that the Mayor be directed to mail a copy thereof to Mrs. Sandstedt. Alfred Miller, Superintendent of the Sanitation Department, appeared before the council and offered his recommendation on garbage charge for large users. He recommended the $11.25 minimum fee entitle the owner to removal of one cubic yard per day and that $0.15 be charged for each addi- tional cubic yard, or portion thereof, removed. On motion by Councilman Dozier, seconded by Councilman Brison, Ordinance No. 7~8, an ordinance to amend Section 8 of Ordinance No. 726 was unanimously passed and approved. Mayor Anderson recommended the following committee, commission and board appointments for approval by the counil, such being additions or changes in the existing groups. Annual Report Committee - Lane Stephenson- chairman Business Development Committee - William G. Adkins - chairman Don Reiser J. H. Williams Mrs. Jean Godfrey Beautification Committee - Thomas R. Chaney- chairman Ron~d V. Crabtree Dan R. Davis Mrs. Jim L. Culpepper Mrs. Ruby Morse Dr. Gary Halter Mrs. Fredda King Mrs. Tommy Preston A. G. Searcy Dr. E. E. Keahey Mrs. Clara Sandstedt - advisor Cemetery Committee- C. I. Miller Mrs. E. L. Whitely Fred R. Brison - council liaison Health Committee - R. D. Radeleff- council liaison Itl Minutes Regular Meeting, April 26, 1971 Page 6 Parks & Recreation Committee - Arthur Haley- Parks Superintendent Planning & Zoning Commission - Codie Wells - chairman (term to expire in 1973) Carl Landiss (term to expire in 1972) James Wallace (term to expire in 1973) M. R. Calliham (term to expire in 1973) Don Dale - council liaison The council was asked to consider an appointee to fill the vacancy created by the death of Mr. Orr. Safety Committee - Frank M. I~ey Building Code Board of Adjustments & Appeals - John L. Bearrie (term to expire in 1972 Barney Stevenson (term to expire in 1974 J. W. Sorenson (term to expire in 1973 Housing Board of Adjustments & Appeals - Phillip Steen On motion by Councilman Ransdell, seconded by Councilman Brison, the mayor's appointments were approved. On motion by Councilman Dozier, seconded by Councilman Dale, C. H. Ransdell was elected Mayor pro tern by acclamation. Mr. Jim Johnson of Tyler approached the council and presented an outline of development plans for property along Highway 6 south of the city limits. He explained that the first development is to be a nursing home. He asked that the city annex this land and that an extension policy be worked out concerning extension of water and sewer lines. The council directed that the annexation be put on the agenda for the next council meeting and that the city engineer make a study of an extension policy. On motion by Councilman Ransdell, seconded by Councilman Ryan, City Manager Boswell was authorized to attend the annual conference of Municipal Finance Officers Association in New York City, May 30 - June 3. Councilman Dozier was authorized to attend this conference with the city manager. Mrs. Ruby Morse appeared before the council with the request from the A&M Garden Club that the city extend water lines to the two triangular parks at the East Gate. This request was endorsed by the Beautification Committee. The cost of the project will be approximately $1,000. The mayor recommended that this request be approved. On motion by Councilman Ransdell, seconded by Councilman Radeleff, the city manager was directed to proceed with the water line extension. On motion by Councilman Dale, seconded by Councilman Radeleff, Codie Wells was authorized to represent the City of College Station at the April 27 hearing of the Texas Water Quality Board. Minutes Regular Meeting, April 26, 1971 Page 7 On motion by Councilman Radeleff, seconded by Councilman Ransdell, and unanimously approved, a resolution to the Corps of Engineers read by the mayor is to be sent to them requesting that a survey of the Carter's Creek Flood Plain be made. On motion by Councilman Ransdell, seconded by Councilman Dale, a resolution supporting Amendment No. ~ was unanimously adopted. The resohtion reads as follows: RESOLUTION Supporting Amendment No. ~ WHEREAS, the 62nd Texas Legislature, at its Regular Session, 1971, has passed Senate Joint Resolution No. 17, a proposed amendment to add a new Section 49-d-1 to Article III of the Texas Constitution; and WHEREAS, said proposed amendment will appear on the ballot at a Special Election to be held on May 18, 1971, as Amendment No. ~; and WHEREAS, proposed Amendment No. ~ will permit the Texas Water Development Board, on direction of the Texas Water Quality Board, to issue additional water development bonds up to $100 million for use in providing grants, loans, or combinations thereof, to cities, towns, and political subdivisions, so that these entities may qualify for Federal matching funds for water quality enhancement programs; and WHEREAS, the proposed Amendment No. ~ provides that bonds authorized under this new Section 19-d-1 and all bonds authorized by Sections 19-c and 19-d of Article III, Texas Constitution, may bear interest at not more than 6%, instead of the existing rate of I%; and WHEREAS, the adoption by the people of proposed Amendment No. i would make it possible for the State of Texas to realize a greater return on tax dollars now going to Washington, since the Federal matching share of costs would increase from a maximum of 33% to 55%, as the State enters the program with grants and loans; and WHEREAS, the increase in the maximum interest rate from ~% to 6%, as provided in Amendment No. l, will make it possible for the Water Development Board to sell its bonds in today's competitive bond market; and WHEREAS, the passage of the proposed Amendment No. ~ would make more funds available to assist local government in providing facilities to adequately treat and dispose of their wastes, thereby enhancing the quality and quantity of the State's water, and lifting some of the tax load from already overburdened city taxpayers; now therefore BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of College Station that it endorses Amendment No. 4 on the ballot at the Special Election to be held on May 18, 1971. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council urges the citizens to go to the polls on May 18, 1971, and vote for the passage of Amendment No. 4. PASSED AND APPROVED this 26th day of April, 1971. Minutes Regular Meeting, April 26, 1971 Page On motion by Councilman Radeleff, seconded by Councilman Ryan, the adoption of a resolution opposing the passage of Senate Bill No. 630 was unanimously approved. The resohtion reads as follows: RESOLUTION DECLARING THE CITY' S OPPOSITION TO SENATE BILL 630 AND THE TEXAS MUNICIPAL BOND BANK WHEREAS the City of College Station, Texas, views with distrust any program prescribing a step-up in interest rate on the Bonds it issues, where there is no formula prescribed for establishing that add-on to the interest rate, and WHEREAS the City of College Station believes the proposed program to be of doubtful value to borrowers in the intermediate class, and WHEREAS the attempt of the proposed program to bind future legislatures to make appropriations to cover any deficits suggests that the whole scheme is fiscally unsound and potentially damaging to the credit of the State of Texas, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATI ON, TEXAS: That the Bill creating a public agency of the State of Texas to be known as the State of Texas Municipal Bond Bank is without merit; that the plan of operation described in the Bill is not beneficial to the Citizens of this City; that the City Council opposes Senate Bill 630, and any other bill embodying its principles. On motion by Councilman Dozier, seconded by Councilman Ransdell, the meeting was adjourned subject to call. APPROVED: Mayor ATTEST: Assistant City