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Home My WebLink About12/09/2010 - Workshop Minutes City CouncilMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP CITY OF COLLEGE STATION DECEMBER 9, 2010 STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF BRAZOS Present: Nancy Berry Council: John Crompton Jess Fields Dennis Maloney Katy-Mane Lyles Jana McMillan Dave Ruesink Citv Staff: Glenn Brown, City Manager Kathy Merrill, Assistant City Manager David Neeley, Assistant City Manager Carla Robinson, Interim City Attorney Sherry Mashburn, City Secretary Tanya McNutt, Deputy City Secretary Call to Order and Announce a Ouorum is Present With a quorum present, the Workshop of the College Station City Council was called to order by Mayor Nancy Berry at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 9, 2010 in the Council Chambers of the City of College Station City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas 77842. 1. Presentation. possible action. and discussion on items listed on the consent aeenda. Items 2h, 2j and 2n were pulled from the Consent Agenda. Item 2h: Chuck Gilman, Director of Capital Projects, explained the selection process for architects, engineers and other professional services are based on qualifications. They cannot consider price or geographic locations. The City has not experienced construction delays if the contractor is based out of town. WKSHP120910 Minutes Page 1 Item 2j: Dave Colman, Director of Water Services, explained the purpose of moving sewer lines to the front is to save money and to avoid disruption to residents' lives. He expects to save over $500,000 by moving the lines to the front rather than replacing lines in the back where they currently exist. Item 2n: Cheryl Turney, Assistant Finance Director, explained that the engineering contract was approved March 2009, and the construction contract was approved in October 2010. We are required to have a resolution on file for reimbursement. The October agenda item failed to have the resolution attached to it. 2. Presentation. Dossible action, and discussion regarding an update on sustainability efforts and implementation of aroiects funded through the Energv Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. Hayden Migl, Assistant to the City Manager, reported on the projects for the Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant. One project will be the replacement of fleet vehicles with hybrids. The grant will cover the difference between regular and hybrid vehicles with a normal replacement schedule, and hybrid system training for mechanics. There are also three parks improvements/retrofits: 22 trash compactors were installed, reducing man hours by 50% for a labor savings of $735 per month. Irrigation Upgrades have been installed at Veterans Park and Central Park, for a savings of approximately 13,000 gallons of water per year. Lighting Improvements include 79 new light standards at Veterans Park and 20 new light standards at Central Park, for a savings of $56,000. Sustainability programs were funded $195,000 over the years and include funds to cover the salary of the Sustainability Coordinator. Erin Chastain-Harris, Sustainability Coordinator, updated the City Council on Green College Station. She is benchmarking all City facilities. She is looking at over 600 meters which will be monitored regularly. The City is also participating in the Greenhouse Gas Inventory, with which we will incorporate sustainability in different areas of City operations. Green College Station was reinstituted with a Green Team with all departments represented. They are looking to draft a sustainability plan and are looking at performance-based contracting and green building standards. The Green College Station Task Force has been developed to help the City Manager create a sustainability plan. It was recommended at the Council retreat to make this task force a standing committee. The current members are willing to serve. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councihnember Crompton and a second by Councilmember Ruesink, the City Council voted six (6) for and one (1) opposed, with Councilmember McMillan voting against, to continue the task force with the membership as recommended by staff. The motion carried. 3. Presentation, possible action, and discussion regardinv_ an update on the impact of the August 2010 Darking rate changes for the Citv's various Northgate District Parking Assets. David Gwin, Director of Economic and Community Development, updated the Council on changes on the Northgate District parking rates. Contracts were also addressed: Annual Day and Annual 24/7 were both eliminated in the contract; semester contracts were realigned to run WKSHP120910 Minutes Page 2 consecutively with rates adjusted accordingly. They also implemented an on-going advertising campaign. Miscellaneous changes allowed for the sale of "bundled" pre-paid garage passes, increased 15-minute parking to 30-minute parking, and allowed for the sale of pre-paid "Zip Passes" at the garage. Mr. Gwin also reported on how the changed rate structure impacted revenue. In the 90-day review period the gross revenue was down 9%. The big hit came from the garage parking which was down 28%; the surface lot is cheaper, and that revenue increased. There was a big change in parking citations due to the reallocation of resources when the barricades were installed. There is a healthy reserve in the fund; however, by 2013 we will dip into the red if we don't do something. A potential revenue offset could be achieved if we increase the surface lot to 75 cents during non-peak hours. For the Promenade Surface Lot, he recommended maintaining the rate structure through May 2011. He would return if the losses become significantly worse; otherwise, he would return at the conclusion of the spring semester. Other recommendations include rescinding the first free hour of parking in the garage and to implement an online contract payment and management system. Regarding privatizing Northgate assets, there are two options: 1) the City owns the assets and a third parry manages, operates, maintains, enforces and provides customer service; and 2) total privatization wherein the City would sell the assets to a third party who would own and operate the assets. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Crompton and a second by Councilmember Fields, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to direct staff to return to Council with a feasibility report on liquidating the assets and a RFP to outsource all parking operations. The motion carried unanimously. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Crompton and a second by Councilmember Lyles, the City Council voted six (6) for and one (1) opposed, with Councilmember Fields voting against, to approve the first three NDA Consideration Requests presented and to increase the surface lot fee to 75 cents. The motion carried. 4. Presentation. Possible action. and discussion on aoproving total health Plan expenditures for the Period of January 1. 2011 through December 31, 2011. The Protected amount for both the renewals and total oroiected expenditures is 57.574.073.48. Alison Pond, Director of Human Resources, presented an overview of the benefit plan expenses and reminded the Council this was approved in the budget process. The 2011 expenses reflect changes made to the benefits plan. She noted the budget amount is less than last year's budgeted amount. We have removed long term care and short disabilities as employer provided benefits. There are three plan options for medical, with increased deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance. Some voluntary benefits options have been added, and the prescription provider was changed. 5. Presentation, possible action. and discussion regarding future updates to the Citv of College Station Unified Development Ordinance - Sections 3 and 8 (Subdivision Regulations). Bob Cowell, Director of Planning and Development Services, updated the Council on the UDO amendments related to subdivision regulations. A Public Hearing will be scheduled for January 13. WKSHP120910 Minutes Page 3 6. Presentation. uossible action. and discussion regarding possible agenda tonics for the Council's mid-vear retreat scheduled for January 21, 2011. Suggested topics included: • Sunset committee consideration • City-owned assets inventory 7. Council Calendar • December 10 Holidav Celebration/Christmas In the Park Sponsor Recognition Ceremonv at Stephen C. Beachv Central Park. 5:30 n.m. • December 15 BVSWMA Inc. Board Meeting at Public Works - Room 203 Municipal Court Bldg - 300 Krenek Tan. 11:00 am. • December 16 Planning & Zoning Meeting in Council Chambers. 6:00 n.m. • December 20 IGC Meeting at BVCOG.12:00 p.m. • December 21 Council Transportation Committee Meeting in Council Chambers, 4.30 p.m. • December 24 Citv Offices Closed - HOLIDAY • December 27 Citv Offices Closed - HOLIDAY • Januarv 3 Citv Offices Closed - HOLIDAY A special meeting is scheduled for January 11 at 4:00 p.m. to have a workshop to catch up on items. 8. Presentation. uossible action. and discussion on future agenda items: a Council Member may inauire about a subiect for which notice has not been given. A statement of soecific factual information or the recitation of existing Dolicv may be given. Anv deliberation shall be limited to a nronosal to Dlace the subiect on an agenda for a subseauent meeting.. Councilmember Maloney requested workshop items on the MPO and our partnerships, the City's communication plan to tell our story, and next generation business parks. Councilmember Crompton requested a workshop on the economic development holistic picture. Mayor Berry said we need to add the appointment to the Audit Committee. Councilmember Fields requested to have a workshop on the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Bryan for the operation of the Larry J. Ringer Library. 9. Discussion, review and uossible action regarding the following meetings: Arts Council of the Brazos Vallev. Audit Committee. Bicvcle. Pedestrian, and Greenwavs Advisorv Board, Brazos Countv Health DeDt.. Brazos Vallev Council of Governments. Brazos Vallev Wide Area Communications Task Force. BVSWMA. BVWACS. Cemeterv Committee. Code Review Committee. Design Review Board. Historic Preservation Committee. Interfaith Dialogue Association. Intergovernmental Committee. Joint Relief Funding Review Committee. Landmark Commission. Library Board. Mavor's Council on Phvsical Fitness. Mavor's Development Forum. Metropolitan Planning Organization. National League of WKSHP120910 Minutes Page 4 Cities. Outside Agencv Funding Review. Parks and Recreation Board. Plannine and Zoning Commission. Research Vallev Partnership. Regional Transportation Committee for Council of Governments. Signature Event Task Force. Sister Cites Association. TAMU Student Senate. Texas Municinal League. Transportation Committee. Wolf Pen Creek Oversight Committee. Zoning Board of Adiustments. Mayor Berry updated the Council on the MPO. She learned from TXDOT that they have put the funding in their budget to do the engineering and right-of-way studies for the Wellborn/George Bush grade separation. Councilmember Crompton reported on the CVB meeting. They are preparing an RFP to hire a facilitator to advise them so they can advise us on the allocation of HOT tax funds. Mayor Berry wished Hayden Migl well on his future endeavors. She stated how very much she appreciated his professionalism. Councilmember Fields commented on his helpfulness. 10. Executive Session In accordance with the Texas Government Code §551.071-Consultation with Attorney, and §551.074-Personnel, the College Station City Council convened into Executive Session at 5:10 p.m. on Thursday, December 9, 2010 in order to continue discussing matters pertaining to: A. Consultation with Attorney to seek advice regarding pending or contemplated litigation; to wit: • City of Bryan's application with TCEQ for water & sewer permits in Westside/Highway 60 area, near Brushy Water Supply Corporation to decertify City of College Station and certify City of Bryan • City of Bryan suit filed against College Station, Legal issues and advise on Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency contract, on proposed methane gas contract • Water CCN / 2002 Annexation / Wellborn Water Supply Corporation • Weingarten Realty Investors v. College Station, Ron Silvia, David Ruesink, Lynn McIlhaney, and Ben White • Chavers et al v. Tyrone Morrow, Michael Ikner, City of Bryan, City of College Station, et al • Clancey v. College Station, Glenn Brown, and Kathy Merrill B. Consultation with Attorney to seek legal advice; to wit: • Discussion of Legal Issues Regarding: Wellborn Incorporation Request • Legal issues of purchase and lease back to Arts Council • Discussion of Legal Issues Regarding: Creation of a Special Biocorridor District C. Deliberation on the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer; to wit: • City Manager • City Council Self-Evaluation WKSHP120910 Minutes Page 5 The Executive Session adjourned at 6:50 p.m. on Thursday, December 9, 2010. No action was required from Executive Session. 11. Adiournment MOTION: There being no objection, Mayor Berry adjourned the workshop of the College Station City Council at 9:29 p.m. on Thursday, December 9, 2010. yam` Nancy Berry, Mayor " TT T: Sherry MasWurn, City Secretary WKSHP120910 Minutes Page 6