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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/14/2001 - Regular Minutes City CouncilCollege Station, Embracing the Past, Exploring the Future Mayor Lynn Mcllhaney Mayor Pro Tempore Larry Mariott City Manager Thomas E. Brymer City Council James Massey Ron Silvia Winnie Garner Dennis Maloney Anne Hazen Minutes College Station City Council Workshop and Regular Meetings Thursday, June 14, 2001 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor McIlhaney, Mayor Pro Tem Mariott, Councilmembers Silvia, Massey, Maloney, and Garner COUNCILMEMBER ABSENT: Councilman Hazen STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Brymer, Assistant City Manager Brown, City Attorney Cargill, Jr., Assistant City Secretary Casares, Budget and Strategic Planning Manager Kersten, Director of Economic Development Foutz, Director of Development Services Callaway, Project Coordinator Balmain Mayor McIlhaney called the workshop meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. Workshop Agenda Item No. 1 -- Discussion of consent agenda items listed for Regular Council Meeting. 11.2: Resolution approving phase 2 of the construction contract for rehabilitation of city owned and operated water wells no. 1, no. 2, and no. 3. Water/Wastewater Manager Schepers explained the evaluated bid cost. 11.5: Ordinance directing city manager to sell 0.101 acres tract to College Station, Texas Southgate Limited. Assistant Parks Director Ric Ploeger noted the fence would be replaced with chain link fencing. 11.6: Resolution authorizing publication of notice of intent to issue certificates of obligation. Director of Fiscal Services Charles Cryan stated this item addressed sidewalks, signage and landscaping for the final phase in the existing Business Park. City Manager Brymer addressed the master plan and time frame for the new Business Park. Council Minutes 6/14/01 Page 2 11.11: Interlocal agreement with CSISD to provide funding for construction of a parking lot at the Justice of the Peace building at the comer of George Bush Drive and Anderson Street. City Manager Brymer explained the agreement. City officials and the School District officials agreed that the school would provide right-of-way access needed to expand Anderson Street. In exchange the city would provide up to $125,000.00 for the construction of a parking lot on property owned by CSISD and used as a Justice of the Peace Office. 11.17: Abandonment of a 0.097 acre water utility easement lying and being situated in Crawford Bumett League. City Manager Brymer explained that this agenda item was added to the agenda to assist the developer in funding process. Workshop Agenda Item No. 2 -- Presentation~ discussion and possible action on the result~ of the 2001 Citizen Survey. Budget and Strategic Planning Manager Jeff Kersten presented the results of the 2001 Citizen Survey. The annual citizen survey was conducted by the Survey Research Center at the University of North Texas. 506 citizens were contacted. A major concern expressed by respondents related to transportation issues. No formal action was taken. Workshop Agenda Item No. 3 -- Presentation, discussion and possible action to receive annual reports from Citizen Committees on the committee's accomplishments and future ~,oals. The Chairman or Vice Chairman listed below presented reports fi.om various citizen committees: Library Committee - Larry Ringer Cemetery Committee - Katherine Edwards Joint Relief Funding Review Committee - Jim Scarmardo Wolf Pen Creek Design Review Board - Kay Henryson Copies of the reports are attached to the minutes. Council recessed at 4:37 p.m. They reconvened at 4:45 p.m. Workshop Agenda Item No. 4 - Presentation, discussion~ and possible action on tho. prioritization of transportation proiects by Dean International Assistant City Manager Glenn Brown informed the council that Dean Intemational and staff prepared a summary of top surface transportation projects based on direction fi.om the Council. The list consisted of seven top projects eligible for TxDot funding. Also, included on the list were Local and Regional Projects. Providing Customer Service Excellence Office of the City Secretam. College Station, Texas Council Minutes 6/14/01 Page 3 Workshop Agenda Item No. S -- Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a report and recommendations by Randall Travel Marketing, Inc. on the Bryan/College Station Convention and Visitors Bureau (B/CS CVB) and receiving direction from the city council. Mayor Mcllhaney stated that this item was placed on the agenda to allow an opportunity to address concerns and/or adopt the report completed by Randall Travel Marketing. Council discussed the following: funding sources, involvement of local entities, possible leadership role for College Station, merging the Sports Foundation and the appointment ora new Convention and Visitors Bureau Director. Councilman Garner made a motion to receive the report as a guideline and directed staff to develop an implementation plan that includes our strategic issues regarding the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Motion seconded by Councilman Maloney, which carded unanimously, 6-0. FOR: Mayor Mcllhaney, Mariott, Garner, Maloney, Silvia and Massey AGAINST: None ABSENT: Hazen At the conclusion of the discussion, the council agreed that the Convention and Visitors Bureau should be made a separate agency and directed staffto look at available options. Workshop Agenda Item No. 6 -- Council Calendars Joint Legislative Meeting, 6/20, City of Bryan, Room 305, 12:00 Noon Council Special Meeting, 6/20, 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers Council Workshop and Regular Meetings, 6/28, 7/12, 7/26 Dean International Inc., 6/21, Austin Legislative Update, 6/25, Dallas Citizen Committee Orientation, 7/9, 6:30 p.m., Council Chambers Special Joint Meeting with Planning and Zoning Commission 7/11, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Brazos Center AMCC Institute, 7/19 - 7/22, Wichita Falls Texas Transportation Summit, 8/15 - 8/17, Irving Joint Legislative Retreat-City of College Station, Bryan, Texas A&M, Brazos County, 8/30-8/31, G. Rollie White Visitor's Center Trip to Washington D.C., 9/16, 9/17, & 9/18 Employee Banquet, 10/26, Brazos Center TML Annual Conference, 11/28 - 11/30, Houston Congress of Cities, 12/4 - 12/8, Atlanta, Georgia Workshop Agenda Item No. 7 -- Hear Visitors At 5:45 p.m., Mayor McIlhaney opened the floor for public comment. Click East, 501 Thompson Street, addressed the council regarding noise in his neighborhood. He also requested a sidewalk between Holleman and Harvey Road. Providing Customer Service Excellence Office of the CiO, Secretary College Station. Texas Council Minutes 6/14/01 Page Ron Fulton, 3101 Missouri, addressed the council regarding the Bryan/College Station Convention and Visitors Bureau. He suggested an independent board of stakeholders be determined and agreed with the merge of the Sports Foundation. Mr. Fulton also suggested hiring an Interim Director. 4 Workshop Agenda Item No. 8 -- Executive Session At 5:53 p.m. Mayor Mcllhaney announced that the City Council would convene into executive session pursuant to Sections 551.071,551.072, and 551.086 of the Open Meetings Act to seek the advice of the city attorney with respect to pending and contemplated litigation, to discuss the purchase of real property, and to consider economic development negotiations. Cause No. Cause No. Cause No. Cause No. Cause No. Cause No. Cause No. Cause No. Cause No. 43,098-85, Brazos County - Bryan v. College Station 96-03168, Travis County- Bryan, et al. v. PUC (intervention) 97-02587, Travis County - Bryan, et al. v. PUC (intervention) 98-13391, Travis County - Bryan, et al. v. PUC (intervention) 96-06940, Travis County - Bryan, et al. v. PUC (intervention) 97-07000, Travis County - TMPA v. PUC (intervention) 98-11817, Travis County - TMPA v. PUC (intervention) GN002343, Travis County - San Antonio v. PUC (intervention) GN002513, Travis County - San Antonio v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. 49,367-CCL2, Brazos County - Wilkerson v. College Station Action No. 01-98-011056-CV, Court of Appeals Gold v. College Station Docket Nos. TX96-2-000 and TX96-2-001, FERC -College Station, applicant Cause No. 50,813-85, Brazos County - College Station v. Phillips Swager Associates, Inc.; et al. Cause No. 51,822-CC 1, Brazos County - Felder v. College Station Cause No. 52,434-361, Brazos County - College Station v. Wolf Pen Creek, Ltd., et al. Cause No. 28,765, Grimes County, Harold & Rosealice Trant vs Grimes County, City of College Station and City of Bryan Lone Star Gas rate increase filed May 31, 2001 Agenda Item No. 9 -- Final Action on Executive Session, if necessary. Council recessed the executive session at 6:50 p.m. and returned to the regular meeting. Reeular Meetine Item No. 10: Mayor Mcllhaney opened the regular meeting at 7:03 p.m. She led the audience in the pledge of allegiance. Councilman Silvia made a motion to approve the absence request from Councilman Hazen. Seconded by Councilman Massey, which carried unanimously, 6-0. Mayor Mcllhaney read the proclamation for Flag Day. Steve Beachy accepted the proclamation. Rick Watson presented a plaque to the City Council from the Bluebonnet Street Rod Club. Consent Agenda 11.1 Approved by common consent the minutes for City Council special meeting May 9, 2001 and workshop and regular meeting May 24, 2001. Providing Customer Service Excellence Office of the CiO, Secretary College Station, Teras Council Minutes 6/14/01 Page 5 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6 11.7 11.8 11.9 11.10 11.11 Bid No. 01-12 - Approved by common consent Resolution Number 6-14-2001-11.02 approving Phase 2 of a construction contract for the rehabilitation of City-owned and operated Water Wells Number 1 though 3. Awarded to the lowest responsible bidder meeting specifications, Weisinger Water Well, Inc., in the amount of $136,905.00. Funds available and budgeted in the Water Revenue Bond Fund, Capital Outlay. Bid No. 01-56 - Approved by common consent the purchase of a substation transformer. Awarded to lowest evaluated responsible bidder meeting specifications, Waukesha Electric Systems for $476,709.00. Bid No. 01-68 - Approved by common consent an annual bid for Electric Wire and Cable. Awarded to lowest, responsible bidder meeting specifications by item as follows: King Wire, Inc. $4,025.00; Priester Supply $110,200.00; Techline $461,931.00; Utiliserve $9,385.00; and Wesco $9,720.00 for a total annual estimate of $595,261.00. Funds available and budgeted in the Electric Fund. Approved by common consent Ordinance Number 2500 directing the City Manager to sell a 0.101 acres (4,413 square feet) tract to College Station, Texas Southgate Limited. Approved by common consent Resolution Number 6-14-2001-11.06 authorizing publication of notice oft he intention to issue certificates of obligation. Approved by common consent Resolution Number 6-14-2001-11.07a authorizing the plans and specifications for the improvement of Dartmouth Drive, from its current termination south of Southwest Parkway to Krenek Tap Road. Approved by common consent Resolution Number 6-14-2001-11.07b providing for assessment of a portion of the cost of improvements thereof against abutting property owners and approving the plans and specifications for said improvements. The abutting property descriptions are listed in "Exhibit A" attached to the resolution. Approved by common consent a change order in the amount of $100,000 to a Legal Services Contract with Robert D. Fowler for the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency (BVSWMA). Funds available and budgeted in the BVSWMA Operating Budget. Approved by common consent a change order in the amount of $50,000 to a Legal Services Contract with Paul G. Gosselink of Lloyd, Gosselink, Blevins, Rochelle, Baldwin & Townsend, P.C. for the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency (BVSWMA). Funds available and budgeted in the BSWMA Operating Budget. Approved by common consent an exemption from competitive bidding for professional legal services as allowed in LGC 252.022(a)(4) for expenses related to Fire Station #1 Litigation for Coats, Rose, Yale, Ryman & Lee PC for an estimated $80,000.00. Funds available in the General Government Capital Project Fund. Approved by common consent an Interlocal Agreement with the College Station Independent School District (CSISD) to provide funding for the construction of a parking lot at the Justice of the Peace building at the comer of George Bush Drive and Anderson Street, in an amount not to exceed $125,000.00. Funds available in the 1998 General Obligation Bond Funds for Street Rehabilitation. Providing Custotner Service Excellence Office of the City Secretam. , College Station, Tetras Council Minutes 6/14/01 Page 6 11.12 Approved by common consent Change Order No. 3 reducing the contract amount by $145,000.00 for the construction contract with Young Contractors, Inc. for the George Bush East Extension Project, Project No. ST-9916. 11.13 Approved by common consent the purchase of real property needed for street right of way and authorizing the Mayor to execute the Real Estate Contract to effect the conveyance. George Bush East Drive Extension (ST-9916). The cost will be a sale price of $175,000.00, the cost to install a street light (+/- $3,500.00) and closing costs (title policy, escrow fee, etc.). Funds fi.om reducing construction costs on the George Bush Extension will be available for this land purchase as well as Street Capital Project Funds and interest income fi.om SCPF. 11.14 Approved by common consent Change Order Number 2 in the amount of $33,851.40 to Contract Number 00-203, Sandy Point Pump Station Improvements, approved for award to Bryan Construction Company, in the amount of $2,806,859.00, by City Council Resolution Number 9-28-2000-10.4 as adopted September 28, 2000. Funds available and budgeted in the Water Revenue Bond Fund, Capital Outlay. 11.15 Approved by common consent a variance request for oversize participation in the amount of $24,463.00 for Spring Creek, a 675 fL long minor collector street running east fi'om Appomattox thru the proposed Emerald Forest Phase 11 Subdivision. This street will be constructed with the final plats of Emerald Forest Phases 1 lB and 1 lC. Funds available in the 1995 Bond Issue. 11.16 Approved by common consent Ordinance Number 2501 renaming Schaffer Road, a street within the city limits of College Station. 11.17 Approved by common consent Ordinance Number 2502 the abandonment of a 0.097 acre (10 foot wide) water utility easement lying and being situated in the Crawford Burnett League, Abstract No. 7, Brazos County, Texas and being a portion of Tract 3 as depicted by plat recorded in VOLUME 542, PAGE 131 of the Deed Records of Brazos County, Texas. Reeular Aeenda Item No. 12.1 -- Presentation~ discussion and possible action a resolution susoendin~ the proposed July 5~ 2001 rate increase by TXU Gas Distribution for nineW, (90) days beyond the proposed effective date of the rate increase and authorizing the hirino of any and all professional services for the purpose of providing the City with the information necessa~ to make the determination of reasonable rates. City Attorney Harvey Cargill introduced this item. He recommended the city council suspend the rate increase for 90 days to allow an evaluation of the proposal. Mayor McIlhaney opened the public hearing. Executive Director of Lone Star Gas, Don Fazzino of 5717 Timberton Drive in Bryan, came forward to propose a rate increase in gas distribution services to residential, commercial and transport customers. The TXU Gas Distribution rate increase covers the South Region Distribution System of 89 cities. The two major factors for the rate increases are plant Providing Customer Service Excellence Office of the City Secretary College Station, Texas Council Minutes 6/14/01 Page 7 investment (Pipeline placement for new development) and operation expenses. He asked council to adopt the rates as presented. Mayor McIlhaney closed the public hearing. The Council and Mr. Fazzino agreed to hold a Municipal Alliance meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Mariott moved to approve Resolution Number 6-14-2001-12.01 providing for a 90-day suspension and hire appropriate personnel to evaluate the increases proposed by TXU. Motion seconded by Councilman Silvia seconded the motion, which carried unanimously, 6-0. For: Mayor McIlhaney, Mariott, Silvia, Maloney, Massey and Garner AGAINST: None ABSENT: Hazen Regular Agenda Item No. 12.2 -- Presentation~ discussion~ and possible action on a resolution aooroving a grant amflication with the Texas Department of Transportation for the development of the Bee Creek and Wolf Pen Creek Multi-Modal Trail Connector. Greenways Program Manager Judy Downs outlined the TEA 21 grant processes for the development of the Bee Creek/Wolf Pen Creek Multi-Modal Trail Connector. Councilman Maloney moved to approve Resolution Number 6-14-2001-12.02 authorizing a grant application with the Texas Department of Transportation for the development of the Bee Creek/Wolf Pen Creek Multi-Modal Trail Connector. Councilman Masscy seconded the motion, which carried unanimously, 6-0. FOR McIlhaney, Mariott, Maloney, Massey, Silvia and Garner AGAINST: None ABSENT: Hazen Regular Agenda Item No. 12.3 -- Presentation~ discussion~ and possible action on appointment of Mayor Pro Tem. Councilman Massey moved to re-appoint Larry Mariott as Mayor Pro Tem. Councilman Garner seconded thc motion, which carried unanimously, 5-0-1. FOR: Mcllhaney, Massey, Maloney, Silvia, and Garner ABSTAINED: Mariott AGAINST: None ABSENT: Hazen Regular Agenda Item No. 12.4 - Presentation~ discussion~ and possible action on a resolution aooroving a grant application with the Texas Department of Transportation for the development of a new Convention and Visitors Bureau Facility to be located at the southwest corner of University Drive and Tarrow. Providing Customer Service Excellence Office of the CiO, Secretary College Station. Texas Council Minutes 6/14/01 Page 8 Senior Economic Development Analyst Charles Wood outlined the TEA 21 grant processes for the development of a new Convention and Visitors Bureau facility. Councilman Maloney moved to approve Resolution Number 6-14-2001-12.04 and associated letter authorizing a grant application with the Texas Department of Transportation for the Development ora new Convention and Visitor's Bureau facility. Motion seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mariott, which carried unanimously, 6-0. FOR: McIlhaney, Mariott, Maloney, Massey, Silvia and Garner AGAINST: None ABSENT: Hazen Regular Agenda Item No. 13 -- Executive Session Council concluded its executive session prior to 7:00 p.m. Regular Agenda Item No. 14 -- Final action on executive session, if necessary. No action was taken. Regular Agenda Item No. 15 -- Ad.iourn Hearing no objections, thc workshop, regular and executive sessions were adjourned at 8:27 p.m. PASSED and APPROVED on this 28t~ day of June, 2001. APPROVED: M~yor LYnn McIlfianey (~ ATTEST: City Secretary Connie Hooks Providing Customer Service Excellence Office of the CiO' Secretar3' College Station. T~ras WOLF PEN CREEK DESIGN REVIEW BOARD June 2001 The Wolf Pen Creek Design Review Board is charged with looking at design issues of proposed structures and landscaping within the context of the entire District and the property's relationship to the park and trails developing in the corridor. Using the information from the Wolf Pen Oversight Committee as well as the technical requirements provided by staff, the DRB reviews structures for site plan orientation and building design including color scheme and signage. We try to focus on how the structure and parking relate to the creek and trails and how the site plan relates to adjacent properties in order to provide continuity in sidewalks, vehicular circulation, landscaping and relationships to existing structures. During the last twelve months, we have reviewed new projects in the district, such as the Fazolli's which has recently opened, as well as participated in pre-development conferences for projects which are being considered in the area. We try to bring to these reviews additional information concerning other development in the Corridor, including park and trail developent, which the Owner may not have and which may impact his planning decisions. Although the Wolf Pen Creek Design Charette was a function of the Wolf Pen Creek Oversight Co~tittee, rather than the Design Review Board, it was probably the greatest accomplishment during the year. Done in conjunction with TAMU's departments of Landscape Architecture and Urban Development, Architecture and the. Brazos Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the charette brought together nearly sixty individuals from the community to review the Wolf Pen Creek Corridor Master Plan. This was particularly key in that the removal of the Conference Center/Hotel complex from the Wolf Pen Area meant that we had to revalidate the direction which was being taken and look at alternate uses for the areas which the City owned or had anticipated joint participation with private developers in the earlier project. Wolf Pen Creek Design Review Board Page 2 Participants included members of many of the city's boards who evaluate projects in the area, staff, Architects, Landscape Architects and park designers, real estate and financial professionals from the community, those involved in the tourism industry and most importantly, many of the private Owners of property in the area. The outcome of the two day charette has been published in 11 x 17 format and distributed to the various boards as well as being available at the city for developers to review. It includes recor~Lendations to the city for ways to establish a sense of identity and boundary for the district, improvements in vehicular and pedestrian use and suggestions for property purchases which would enhance facilities that the city currently operates such as the Amphitheater and future parking requirements. In addition, it gave a significant amount of attention to the development of the trail system through the area and the type of activities which that system could accommodate, including opportunities for education, as in the wetlands area, as well as identifying locations for cultural or recreational activities along the trail system. Respectfully submitted, Kay Henryson, AIA; Chairperson MEMORANDUM TO: THROUGH: FROM: RE: DATE: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members Tom Brymer, City Manager Jane R. Kee, City Planner Zoning Board of Adjustment Report June 13, 2001 The Zoning Board of Ad_iustment The Board has four regular members and three alternate members. There were five regular members before the Chairman resigned in March. After Chairman Bond's resignation Leslie Hill was appointed as Chair and has served since then. The transition has gone smoothly. The Board meets regularly once a month and will have a second monthly meeting if requested to hear an item. There has not been much demand for this second monthly meeting over the past year. The Board heard eight requests for variances from the beginning of their year (June 2000) through August 2000. Six of those eight requests were for setback variances while the other two involved parking variances. Five of the eight requests were granted. In general the Board's decisions upheld the integrity of the Zoning Ordinance. The only cases of concern were two setback variances on abutting properties presented by the same builder. These were granted without really clear special conditions. The primary reason they were granted was to facilitate the sale of the homes. In September a training workshop was held. After that training workshop and through May 2001 there were six requests for variances heard and two were approved. At this workshop the members discussed their role and responsibilities as a Board and had the opportunity for discussion with Development Services staff and Legal staff concerning this role. The City of College Station, Texas Embracing the Past, Exploring the Future. P.O. Box 9960 · 1101 Texas Avenue · College Station, TX 77842 www.ci.college-station.tx .us (979) 764-3500 Zoning Board of ,4djustment Report to City Council 14 June 2001 Over the past 12 months the Zoning Board of Adjustment has taken a much more conservative approach than in previous years. During the period of July 2000 through June 2001 a total of 13 variance requests have come before the Board. Ofthese, 8 were denied and $ were granted. Of the $ that were granted, the applicants were not always given everything for which they asked. While I do not feel that the Board has taken a less friendly posture toward the applicants, I do feel that we are now placing a greater demand upon them to justify the requested variances. The city ordinances exist to provide the greatest benefit to the citizens as a whole, and any requested deviation from these ordinances should be very carefully considered as to the long-term ramifications. Leslie D. Hill, Chairman Zoning Board of Adjustment City of College Station Home of Texas A&M University Bryan/College Station Joint Relief Funding Review Committee June 5,2001 Mayor Lynn Mcllhaney City of College Station Dear Mayor Mcllhaney: Dudng the 1980's the Cities of Bryan and College Station formed a joint committee with citizen members from each City for the purpose of consolidating Community Development Block Grant funds that are available to each of the Cities as entitlement recipients of Housing and Urban Development funds. Up to 15% of the annual CDBG grant is available to non-profit public service agencies to provide programs for Iow/moderate income residents. Each City appoints three committee members to receive and review applications each year from non-profit public service agencies providing health and human service programs to the residents in our community. Dudng 2000 the Joint Relief Funding Review Committee (JRFRC) reviewed applications from fifteen non-profit agencies and recommended to the respective City Councils a total amount of $244,872 to be distributed among the approved eleven agency programs. These programs provide a vadety of services including health care, childcare, hunger relief, youth and senior services, basic needs, programs for abused children, homeless and supportive services. Tens of thousands of Iow and moderate-income children and families are benefited through these diverse programs. For the current 2001 FY process, the JRFRC is reviewing sixteen agency programs and will recommend the distribution of approximately $247,260 as the total amount available from both cities. This process requires seven to eight weekly meetings during April, May and June. Each member also participates in agency site visits to gain a better understanding of the programs that have applied for funding and to review the capacity of the agency to deliver the programs according to City and HUD guidelines. After the review of the agencies has been completed, the JRFRC meets in jointly held City of Bryan/City of College Station Public Hearings to prioritize the applications and to formulate recommendations to the respective Cities as to the levels of funding for each approved program. The review and selection process has been approved by each City Council and the application procedures are reviewed annually by Staff and the Committee. The Committee members want to thank the City of College Station for its commitment to serving Iow/moderate income residents of our community as noted in Vision Statement #2, Strategy ~ of the City's Strategic Plan to provide for a safe, secure and healthy environment for all residents. Sincerely, Jim Scamardo, Committee Representative Joint Relief Funding Review Committee ;'. ?'/ ":" JUN - 8 001 '. .... '-;. Report of the Bryan + College Station Public Library System Advisory Board June 14, 2001 The Library Advisory Board Meets bimonthly. The purpose of the Board is to promote library services and to represent the public interest in h'brary services. The membership consists of four members from the City of Bryan and four members from the City of College Station. Members are appointed for two year terms. Typical duties of the Board are: Encourage the development of the library system. Recommend to the City Councils policies and programs for the advancement of the libraries. Cooperate with all other public and private groups in advancing the best interest of the Bryan + College Station Public Ll'brary System. Provide the City Councils with recommendations it considers advisable regarding the Bryan + College Station Library System. The Advisory Board has three libraries under its jurisdiction, the public library in Bryan, the public ~ in College Station, and the Carnegie Center for Brazos Valley History located in the old Carnegie Library in Bryan. Activities of Past Year Circulation at the College Station Library continues to increase. There are approximately 20,500 active patrons at the College Station Library versus just under 17,000 at this time last year. Circulation comparisons of 98-99, 99-00, and 00-01 for the College Station Library are shown in the table. (Some of the increase is in library reference use which was not tracked in previous years.) May 19,072 16,815 25,352 June 24,219 27,157 35,647 July 22,341 22~207 30,326 August 21v583. 19v962 26,420 September 17,687 18,983 25,803 October 17,484 18,842 24,957 November 16,221 17,659 23.148 December 14,715 14,863 18,442 January 17~101 17,976 24.387 February 17,851 18,357 23,75~ March 21 ~042 21,424 28,973 April 19.666 18r821 24,20E Total 228~982 233,066 311,211 COLLEGE STATION CEMETERY COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT MAY 2001 The Cemetery Committee has spent the last twelve months dealing with the following issues: 1. Site selection for the new municipal cemetery (including the possibility of an Aggie cemetery or an Aggie section in the new municipal cemetery) 2. A revision to Ordinance # 2178 which will close the Shiloh and Salem portions of the cemetery to future burials 3. Use of the Madeley bequest to create an "urn garden" in the existing cemetery 4. Determination of the agreement between the City and the William Fitch family regarding Section M of the cemetery *Discussion of the City's new cost recovery policy and how it applies to the cemetery The Cemetery Committee hopes to see the following accomplished in the next twelve months: 1. Identification and purchase of property for the new municipal cemetery 2. Council acceptance of the recommended revisions to Ordinance #2178 regarding the Shiloh and Salem portions of the cemetery and the sale of cremate spaces 3. Enhancement of the back entrance to the cemetery for use during upcoming reconstruction of Texas Avenue Long-term goals include: 1. Development of the new cemetery site 2. Continuing growth of the Endowment Fund (est. 1996; currently $500,000) Special mention: The committee enjoyed a visit to the GIS office and a very interesting demonstration by Gus Roman, especially concerning the creation of an information database for the cemetery. The committee extends special thanks to Ross Albrecht, Delmer Charanza, and Ann Marie Hazlett for their dedication, professionalism and support of this committee. *The proposal to make the cemetery cost effective has raised considerable consternation and debate within the committee. We are not all of the same mind, ranging fi.om "violently opposed" to "in agreement with", but there are several of us who have serious concerns about the new cost recovery policy. The issue is not so much that we have been asked to raise prices (at least not at this point), but with how the council views the cemetery. Is it to be lumped into the same category as electricity and garbage removal? Why has the cemetery been placed in the 80%-100% recovery category? We wonder which city services should be cost effective and which we should pay taxes for. We wonder, if we raise the cost of a cemetery space to the point where the cemetery achieves 100% cost recovery, what happens to the people who cannot afford to pay that price. We wonder what effect the cost recovery policy will have on the Cemetery Endowment Fund, which was established to ensure future funds for the maintenance of the cemetery. We believe that how we care for our dead as well as our living says a lot about our society and our community. The cemetery is an example of the sacred pride of a community. It is different from such temporal facilities as jogging and bicycle paths, athletic fields, or entertainment areas. It is essential for all members of a community. We believe it is a reflection of the respect of the living for the past. How does the city council view the cemetery? ME M ORAND UM TO: FROM: DATE: RE: Mayor Mcllhaney and Council members Shawn B. Carlson June 11, 2001 College Station Historic Preservation Committee 2000-2001 COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHTS (1) The Bonfire Memorial at Brison Park was recognized during an anniversary ceremony in November. Individual markers memorializing the fallen Aggies had not been completed at the time, but have since been installed on the street lights at Brison Park. (2) The primary concern of CSHPC this past year has been protection of the older neighborhoods. Several meetings focused on learning about historic preservation ordinances and included presentations by people instrumental in the development of Bryan's ordinance. After a special meeting with Lee Einsweiler of Duncan & Associates, the Committee dispensed with the idea of pursuing an historic preservation ordinance and, during a workshop meeting, focused on recommendations to the City's codes that could be used in conjunction with a conservation overlay. These recommendations were forwarded to Einsweiler for consideration. (3) The transition of the Committee from Parks and Recreation to Development Services was a somewhat unexpected change that required some adjustment. Some meetings were devoted to the presentation of information by city staff and others were devoted to goal setting. FUTURE PROJECTS During a goal setting meeting lead by city staff, the Committee identified several areas of concern. The top concerns were: (1) finding a physical place to store historic documents and materials. (2) Continuing to identify historic homes and sites. (3) Collecting historic photographs and documents. (4) Developing a web site to promote historic preservation. Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals Committee Report June 2001 The Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals hears appeals of decisions and interpretations of the Building Official and/or Fire Marshal and considers variances to the terms of the technical codes. The Board has heard seven variance requests during the past twelve months. The Board also acts as an advisory body to the City Council on issues concerning the technical codes. In June of 2000, the Board reviewed the 1999 Edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and recommendation adoption to the City Council. In September 2000, the City Council adopted the '99 NEC for use in College Station. The Board is currently in the process of reviewing the 2000 International family of codes for adoption and use in College Station. Through June of this year, the Board has reviewed the International Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fire, and Fuel Gas Codes and related amendments as presented by staff. The Board has a meeting scheduled in July and plans to review the three remaining International Codes (Residential, Property Maintenance, and Energy) at that time. Pending approval by the Construction Board, staff plans to present the International Codes to City Council for consideration as a package by August or September of this year. Dan Sears, Chairman Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals City of College Station Council Workshop Meeting JUNE 1/+~ 2001 Sign In Sheet CIty of College Statlo e 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 10. 20. City of College Station Council Regular Meeting J-Ot~ 14, 2001 Sign In Sheet City of College Station City of College Station Council Regular Meeting .lUNg 14, 2001 Sign In Sheet City of College Station 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. e 18. 19. 10. 20.