HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/10/2008 - Workshop Minutes City Council Grff 111111111111
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION Council members
Ben White John Crompton
Mayor Pro Tem James Massey
Ron Gay Lynn Mcllhaney
City Manager Chris Scotti
Glenn Brown David Ruesink
Minutes
City Council Workshop Meeting
Thursday January 10, 2008 at 3:00 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers, 1101 Texas Avenue
College Station, Texas
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor White, Mayor Pro Tem Gay, Council
members Crompton, Massey, Mcllhaney, Scotti, Ruesink
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Brown, City Attorney Cargill Jr., City Secretary
Hooks, Assistant City Secretary Casares, Management Team.
Mayor Pro Tem Gay called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
Workshop Agenda Item No. 1 -- Presentation, possible action, and discussion on
items listed on the consent agenda.
Director of Economic and Community Development David Gwin, Director of Public
Works Mark Smith and Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Eric Ploeger
described and provided additional information on Consent Agenda Items No. 2a, 2d, and
2j.
Workshop Agenda Item No. 2 — Presentation, possible action, and discussion on
transit - oriented development from Mr. John Stainback, President /CEO of
Stainback Public/Private Real Estate (SPPRE), LLC.
Director of Economic and Community Development David Gwin introduced Mr. John
Stainback, President and CEO of Stainback Public /Private Real Estate of Houston.
Mr. Stainback provided a brief overview on transit - oriented development and applicable
projects that may have relevance for the City of College Station.
No formal action was taken.
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City Council Workshop Meeting 1/10/08 Page 2
Workshop Agenda Item No. 3 — Presentation, possible action, and discussion
L . regarding the proposed designation of an auxiliary area of the Northgate's Patricia
Street Promenade parking lot and new spaces specifically for motorcycle parking.
Director of Economic and Community Development David Gwin noted that a serious
safety hazard was identified concerning motorcyclists parking on the pedestrian areas of
the Patricia Street promenade. The College Station Police Department was ticketing
motorcycles parked in any unlawful locations. Staff has identified the possibility of
signing and striping six (6) motorcycle parking spaces in an existing paved auxiliary area
of the Patricia Street promenade. Mr. Gwin pointed out that if the City moved forward
with the construction of public restrooms in Northgate, additional motorcycle parking
opportunities may be available as part of the project.
Staff is seeking guidance whether to install parking meters for these six (6) motorcycle
spaces. The installation of meters for the referenced new spaces could generate
approximately $7,500 in additional revenue per year.
Staff recommended moving forward in designating sex (6) motorcycle spaces and meter
parking at the same rate currently charged for other spaces in Patricia Street Promenade
parking lot.
Council member Gay directed staff to move forward in designating six (6) motorcycle
spaces and metered parking at the same rate currently charged for other spaces in Patricia
Street Promenade parking lot. Council member Massey seconded the motion which
carried unanimously, 7 -0.
FOR: White, Gay, Crompton, Massey, Mcllhaney, Scotti, Ruesink
AGAINST: None
Workshop Agenda Item No. 4 -- Presentation, possible action, and discussion
regarding the design and construction of public restrooms and entry -way and water
features in Northgate.
Director of Economic and Community Development David Gwin noted that a public
restroom facility would significantly add to the functionality and attractiveness of the
Northgate area as a significant community entertainment and tourist destination. The
Northgate facility is estimated to cost approximately $250,000. In addition to
construction, there are issues of on -going and regular service and maintenance. An
estimated annual cost for regular maintenance, sanitation and operations of the restroom
facility if $36,000. This is a significant on -going cost that is not included in the City's
existing operating budget.
Staff recommended moving forward with the public restrooms in Northgate with the
recognition that further efforts must be undertaken to ensure the Northgate is a safe, clean
and attractive environment.
City Council Workshop Meeting 1/10/08 Page 3
Entry Way Features
Mr. Gwin noted that the entry -way features are meant to heighten the visibility and
identity of Northgate as a unique district of the city. Originally, this project was
envisioned as a series of major arches over key entrances to the district. Staff believes
that this objective can be realized in a much safer and more cost effective manner.
However, staff is researching to determine if alternate identity features may be better
suited for the area.
Staff recommended moving forward with the entry way features in Northgate.
Water Features
Staff recommended against moving forward with the water features at this time. With the
current challenges to general maintenance and sanitation in Northgate, staff and several
key stakeholders believe that this would not be in the best interest of the Northgate area
to construct improvements of this type.
Council member Mcllhaney moved to approve moving forward with the public restrooms
and entry way features in Northgate. Council member Scotti seconded the motion, which
carried unanimously, 7 -0.
FOR: White, Gay, Crompton, Massey, McIlhaney, Scotti, Ruesink
4 AGAINST: None
Council recessed for a short break at 4:50 p.m. and reconvened the workshop meeting at
5:00 p.m.
Workshop Agenda Item No. 5 -- Presentation, possible action, and discussion
regarding a follow -up on items discussed at the City Council Strategic Planning
Retreat in July 2007.
City Manager Glenn Brown remarked that the City Council held its annual Strategic
Planning Retreat on July 16 -17, 2007. At that retreat, a number of strategic issues with
specific tasks for each of the issues were identified. Mr. Brown provided a brief
overview of the follow -up and answered questions of the City Council.
No formal action was taken.
Workshop Agenda Item No. 6 -- Presentation, possible action, and discussion on tree
protection standards in College Station.
Staff Planner Crissy Hartl described the City of College Station current tree protection
requirements and a brief summary of various tree protection ordinances from a survey of
12 cities across the state as well as examples of ordinances from the cities of Conroe,
Plano, Denton, and Carrollton. The summary was created for the Planning & Zoning
City Council Workshop Meeting 1/10/08 Page 4
Commission and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Subcommittee during the spring
of 2006 and includes a review of the qualifications of a protected tree, standards to
protect trees, tree replacement requirements, and other unique elements of those
ordinances. Discussions from the subcommittee to create a tree protection ordinance
evolved into creating the Streetscape Resolution that was adopted by the City Council on
April 27, 2006.
Staff recommended that tree protection be a mandatory requirement or that greater
incentives to protect trees be provided. Such incentives may include increased
landscaping requirement bonuses, density bonuses by clustering housing units to protect
an area of trees, dimensional standard variations where trees may pose a site design
challenge, buffer bonuses or a tree replacement program. Also, recommended was an
inventory to be obtained of the native species and growth patterns in College Station to
determine which trees should be protected; and the ordinance be expanded to include
residential developments.
Council members concurred with staff recommendation.
Workshop Agenda Item No. 7 -- Presentation, possible action and discussion on the
City of College Station's practices regarding floodplain management and greenways
planning and acquisition.
Director of Planning and Development Bob Cowell introduced this item and provided a
brief summary of the City's current objectives and structure of the floodplain
management and greenways for the City of College Station. He discussed issues and
opportunities within the plans. Mr. Cowell made the following action:
• Inclusion in Comprehensive Plan update
• Engage Community & stakeholders
• Additional resources toward acquisition
• UDO Amendments — Greenway /Stream Buffer Ordinance
• No Adverse Impacts
Director of Public Works Mark Smith remarked the City prepared and adopted a plan for
the identification, protection, and development of greenways within the City of College
Station. This plan has been used to acquire greenways to protect natural resources,
maintain storm water capacity, and to provide hike and bike connections between parks,
schools, and other community features.
City Engineer Allen Gibbs presented benefits of the floodplain protection and
management plan.
Council member Mcllhaney moved to approve staff recommendation and include
beginning discussion on the No Adverse Impacts. Ms. McIlhaney's motion also included
contacting the Intergovernmental Committee members to meet with the County to discuss
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the possibility of the County giving some of the authority to the Cities. Council member
Crompton seconded the motion, which carried unanimously, 7 -0.
FOR: White, Gay, Crompton, Massey, Mcllhaney, Scotti, Ruesink
AGAINST: None
Workshop Agenda Item No. 8 — Council Calendar
January 9, 2008 Chamber Family Night at the TAMU Women's Basketball Game,
5:30 pm Reed Arena
January 9, 2008 CIP Community Meeting, 7:00 pm CS Conference Center Room
127
January 16, 2008 CIP Community Meeting, 7:00 pm Lincoln Center Community
Room
January 16, 2008 Groundbreaking Ceremony — TAMU Health Science Center
Bryan Campus, 9:30 am
January 16, 2008 TAMU Health Science Center Bryan Campus — Convocation, 1:30
pm Bush Library Complex
January 16, 2008 Meet the Mayor Reception for Hispanic Forum, 5:00 pm Council
Chambers
January 18, 2008 Steve Beachy's Retirement Reception 5:30 pm Annenberg
Presidential Conference Center
January 21, 2008 City Offices closed
1 January 22, 2008 IGC Meeting, BVCOG office, noon
January 22, 2008 Joint Meeting with COCS City Council and CSISD School Board,
6:00 pm Location to be announced
January 23, 2008 2008 Economic Outlook Conference, 7:45 am CS Hilton
January 23, 2008 CIP Community Meeting, 7:00 pm CS Middle School Cafeteria
January 24, 2008 Vonn Casares' Retirement Reception, 11:00 am Council Chambers
January 24, 2008 Council Workshop /Regular Meeting, 3:00 pm Council Chambers
January 26, 2008 OPAS Gala, 6:00 pm CS Hilton — Grand Ballroom
January 28, 2008 Staff Evaluations, 5:30 pm City Hall Administration Conf. Room
January 29, 2008 Special City Council Meeting - Annexation Public Hearing, 7:00
pm Council Chambers
January 30, 2008 CIP Community Meeting, 7:00 pm Pebble Creek Elementary
School Cafeteria
January 31, 2008 7th Annual Appreciation Banquet - Brazos Valley African
American Museum, 6:30 pm CS Hilton
This item was postponed until the regular meeting. Please refer to the January 10, 2008
regular minutes.
Workshop Agenda Item No. 9 -- Presentation, possible action, and discussion on
future 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
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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.
This item was postponed until the regular meeting. Please refer to the January 10, 2008
regular minutes.
Workshop Agenda Item No. 10 -- Discussion, review and possible action regarding
the following meetings: Arts Council Subcommittee of the Council, Audit
Committee, Brazos County Health Dept., Brazos Valley Council of Governments,
Cemetery Committee, Design Review Board, Historic Preservation Committee,
Interfaith Dialogue Association, Intergovernmental Committee, Joint Relief
Funding Review Committee, Library Committee, Metropolitan Planning
Organization, Outside Agency Funding Review, Parks and Recreation Board,
Planning and Zoning Commission, Sister City Association, TAMU Student Senate,
Research Valley Partnership, Regional Transportation Committee for Council of
Governments, Transportation Committee, Wolf Pen Creek Oversight Committee,
Wolf Pen Creek TIF Board, Zoning Board of Adjustments.
This item was postponed until the regular meeting. Please refer to the January 10, 2008
regular minutes.
Workshop Agenda Item No. 10 -- Executive Session will immediately follow the
workshop meeting in the Administrative Conference Room.
At 6:03 p.m., Mayor White announced in open session that the City Council would
convene into executive session pursuant to Sections 551.071 551.072, and 551.074 of the
Open Meetings Act, to seek the advice of our city attorney, to consider the purchase of
real property, and evaluation of public officers.
Consultation with Attorney {Gov't Code Section 551.0711; The City Council may seek
advice from its attorney regarding a pending and contemplated litigation subject or
settlement offer or attorney - client privileged information. Litigation is an ongoing
process and questions may arise as to a litigation tactic or settlement offer, which needs
to be discussed with the City Council. Upon occasion the City Council may need
information from its attorney as to the status of a pending or contemplated litigation
subject or settlement offer or attorney - client privileged information. After executive
session discussion, any final action or vote taken will be in public. The following
subject(s) may be discussed:
Application with TCEQ in Westside/Highway 60 area, near Brushy Water Supply
Corporation.
Civil Action No. H -04 -4558, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, Houston
Division, College Station v. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, etc., and Wellborn Special Utility
District.
Cause No. GN- 502012, Travis County, TMPA v. PUC (College Station filed Intervention
7/6/05)
Sewer CCN request.
City Council Workshop Meeting 1/10/08 Page 7
Legal aspects of Water Well and possible purchase of or lease of another water site.
Civil Action No. H -04 -3876, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, Houston
Division, JK Development v. College Station.
Cause No. 06- 002318 -CV -272, 272 " Jud icial District Court, Brazos County, Texas,
Taylor Kingsley v. City of College Station, Texas and Does 1 through 10, inclusive.
Cause No. 485 -CC, County Court at Law No. 1, Brazos County, Texas, City of College
Station v. David Allen Weber, et al.
Bed & Banks Water Rights Discharge Permits for College Station and Bryan
Cause No. 07- 001241 -CV -361, 361 Judicial District Court, Brazos County, Texas
Gregory A. & Agnes A. Ricks v. City of College Station
Water CCN request
Competitive Matter {Gov't Code Section 551.086 }; The City Council may deliberate,
vote, or take final action on a competitive matter in closed session. The City Council
must make a good faith determination, by majority vote of the City Council, that the
matter is a Competitive Matter. A "Competitive Matter" is a utility - related matter that the
City Council determines is related to the City of College Station's Electric Utility
Competitive Activity, including commercial information, which if disclosed would give
advantage to competitors or prospective competitors. The following is a general
representation of the subject(s) to be considered as a competitive matter.
a. Marketing and Strategy Plans for College Station Electric Utilities
Real Estate {Gov't Code Section 551.072 }; The City Council may deliberate the
purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property if deliberation in an open meeting
would have a detrimental effect on the position of the City in negotiations with a third
person. After executive session discussion, any final action or vote taken will be in
public. The following subject(s) may be discussed:
a. Property Acquisition in the Northern Portion of Northgate
Personnel {Gov't Code Section 551.074 }; possible action The City Council may
deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or
dismissal of a public officer. After executive session discussion, any final action or vote
taken will be in public. The following public officer(s) may be discussed:
a. Discussion of evaluation process for Council appointees: City Manager, City
Attorney, City Secretary, Municipal Court Judge, Internal Auditor
Workshop Agenda Item No. 12 -- Action on executive session, or any workshop
agenda item not completed or discussed in today's workshop meeting will be
discussed in tonight's Regular Meeting if necessary.
Council recessed executive session at 6:59 p.m. No action was taken.
Workshop Agenda Item No. 13 -- Adjourn.
City Council Meting 1/10/08 Page 8
Hearing no objection, the workshop meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m., January 24, 2008.
PASSED and APPROVED this 24 day of January, 2008.
APPROVED:
Mayor
Am CST:
c
Cic ' Secretary Connie ` oo ,