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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/23/2003 - Regular Minutes City CouncilCollege Station, Embracing the Past, Exploring the Future Mayor Ron Silvia Mayor Pro Tempore Anne Hazen City Manager Thomas E. Brymer City Council James Massey John Happ Robert Wareing Scott Mears Dennis Maloney Minutes College Station City Council Workshop Meeting and Regular Meetings Tuesday, October 23, 2003 at 3:00 p.m. City Hall Council Chamber, 1101 Texas Avenue College Station, Texas COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Silvia, Mayor Pro Tem Hazen, Council members Massey, Happ, Wareing, Mears, Maloney STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Brymer, Assistant City Manager Brown, City Attorney Cargill Jr., City Secretary Hooks, Public Communications Director Nugent, Director of Economic Development Foutz, Director of Fiscal Services Cryan, Director of Human Resources O'Connell, Budget and Strategic Planning Director Kersten, Director of Technology and Information Services Burnside, Assistant City Secretary Casares, Assistant to the City Manager Alexander Mayor Silvia called the workshop into session at 3:03 p.m. Workshop Agenda Item No. 1 -- Discussion of consent agenda items listed for Regular Council Meeting 10.4 — Discussion and possible action on the purchase of three small, 14 passenger buses to replace 3, 15 passenger vans through the Houston - Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGAC) in the amount of $123,498.30. Director of Public Works Mark Smith addressed the timing of the purchase, cost factors and budget amendment that will occur later in the fiscal year to provide the budget appropriation for the proposed purchase. Director of Parks and Recreation Steve Beachy addressed the safety issues in regards to vans vs. buses. 10.11- Discussion and possible action to approve a resolution approving the FY 2004 Budget of the Brazos County Emergency Communication District. Greg Petry explained that it is a state statute that required all governmental entities within the district to approve the 2003 Budget of the Brazos County Emergency Communication District. Providing Customer Service Excellence Office of the City Secretary College Station, Texas Council Meeting 10-23-2003 Page 2 10.6 — Discussion and possible action on a resolution approving conveyance agreements to transfer ownership of 412 Holleman and 1113 Detroit, two single- family undeveloped properties to the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. Council member Happ conveyed positive comments regarding the transfer of ownership at 412 Holleman and 1113 Detroit, single- family undeveloped properties to the local Habitat for Humanity. 10.3 — Contract No. 03 -167 — Discussion and possible action approving a professional services contract with Epsilon Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $699,973.00 to provide conceptual design and then contract documents for the proposed Interchange at Highway 6 at Barron Road and a rout study for Barron Road East Access. City Manager Tom Brymer remarked that staff has removed this item from the agenda. City Manager informed the City Council that staff requested to remove this item from the agenda. Workshop Agenda Item No. 2 — Presentation, discussion and possible action on the Spring Creek Corporate Campus (business nark) generally located ear the intersection of Lughwav 6 and Greens Prairie Road and proposed timeline for engineering and development. Director of Economic Development Kim Foutz remarked that the overall goal for Spring Creek Corporate Campus was to diversify the economy and create quality jobs. Providing a business environment with quality sites that are readily available for business prospects. Engineering design for Phase IA and IB of the Corporate Campus was scheduled for FY 2003, but design has not been initiated, as staff desires direction from City Council to proceed. Construction for Phase IA was budgeted for FY 2004, but plans to proceed are based on an as- needed basis only, on the level of absorption experienced in the existing business park. The master plan accommodates a greenway master plan through the acquisition and dedication of 109 acres and partial development of trails. Staff recommended authorization of Phase I engineering as outlined in the Master Plan. Mr. Roland Mower presented information regarding the site selectors. Mr. John Duncan conveyed positive comments regarding the proposed Spring Creek Corporate Campus. Council member Maloney moved to proceed with Phase I engineering of the Spring Creek Corporate Campus as outlined in the Master Plan. Also directed staff to put in place a fast plan of action. Council member Mears seconded the motion, which carried unanimously 7 -0. FOR: Silvia, Hazen, Massey, Happ, Mears, Maloney, Wareing AGAINST: None Providing Customer Service Excellence Office of the City Secretary College Station, Texas Council Meeting 10-23-2003 Page 3 Workshop Agenda Item No. 3 — Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding the status of the College Station Business Development Corporation and potential options for the structure of an economic development organization and economic development policy. Director of Economic Development Kim Foutz remarked that this item was in response to City Council's request that staff review the by laws of the College Station Business Development Corporation in regard to the Corporation's role and scope and to review changes made by the Legislature during the 2003 Legislative Session to the Development Corporation Act of 1979. Staff identified four primary areas of need for implementation of economic development program. Those areas included policy advice, technical expertise, a mechanism for land transaction incentives, and a mechanism for other incentives. Ms Foutz identified the following options related to policy advice and technical expertise: 1. Establishment of an advisory board 2. Development of a resource list of business people (this group could also serve as technical experts), and 3. Working with City Council through the strategic planning process and additional workshops. The following two options were identified as a means to transfer land for economic development projects: 1. Establish a new non - profit corporation 2. Utilize the Research Valley Partnership Providing Customer Service Excellence Office of the City Secretary College Station, Texas The ad -hoc Council Committee composed of Dennis Maloney, Scott Mears and Anne Hazen recommended the following combined approach: • Place the College Station Business Development Corporation into a "dormant" status and notify board members that their appointments have been discontinued. This will allow the City to re- activate the Corporation if the need ever arose or if new legislation arose. Staff would bring forth a resolution at the next City Council meeting. • Develop a resource list of business people and consultants. These names would be referrals from city staff and Council member referrals. • Utilize the Research Valley Partnership for land transactions. The Research Valley Partnership Executive Committee reviewed this request and indicated a willingness to perform these transactions. The Research Valley partnership will need to change their bylaws in order to provide this service. In the event a bylaws change is not accomplished, then staff would recommend establishing a new, non - profit corporation that is allowed, by law, to conduct real estate transactions. • Receive policy direction from City Council through workshops, strategic planning, and evaluation of specific projects. After a brief discussion, Council directed staff to bring forth a resolution that would position the College Station Business Development Corporation into a dormant status. Council Meeting 10-23-2003 Page 4 Workshop Agenda Item No. 4 -- Discussion and possible action 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 recitation of existing policy may be given. Any deliberation shall be limited to a proposal to place the subiect on an agenda for a subsequent meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Hazen requested a workshop agenda item to review the city's current ordinance pertaining to parked trailers on city streets. Council member Maloney requested a workshop agenda item removing parking on one side of the cities narrow streets. Council member Maloney requested updated information regarding the intersections of Longmire /2 818 and Welsh/2818. Council member Happ requested a workshop agenda item on a transportation priority list, with the MPO and Chamber of Commerce in attendance. Workshop Agenda Item No. 5 -- Council Calendars 2003 Council Meeting dates Council Planning Calendar as of September 19, 2003 October 20th — 31st Early Voting — locations are at City Hall and Post Oak Mall October 20 Unveiling of "Genesis" sculpture — Easterwood Airport 12:00 noon October 21 Intergovernmental Committee Meeting - Noon @ Brazos County October 21 Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting — 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber October 21 "Exploring College Station History" Lecture Series - 7:00 p.m. CS Conference Center October 23 City Council Workshop and Regular Meeting October 30 TML Region X Meeting and Dinner — 5:00 p.m. in Round Rock November 4 Election Day November 4 Transportation Committee Meeting — 5:00 p.m. City Hall November 10 Canvass Election — 5:00 p.m. Council Chambers November 13 City Council Workshop and Regular Meeting November 14 Employee Banquet — 6:00 p.m. Brazos Center November 17 Intergovernmental Committee Meeting - Noon @ City of College Station November 19 -22 TML Annual Conference and Exhibition — San Antonio November 19 Leadership Brazos State and Local Govt. Day — 8:00 -11:30 a.m. CS Municipal Court Building November 19 "Exploring College Station History" Lecture Series — 11:00 a.m. CS Conference Center November 19 Research Valley Partnership Board of Directors Meeting — 3:00 p.m. November 25 City Council Workshop and Regular Meeting November 27 — 28 Thanksgiving Holiday December 1 Dedication of the P. David Romei Arts Center — 4:00 p.m. December 2 Transportation Committee Meeting — 5:00 p.m. City Hall December 4 City Council Workshop and Regular Meeting December 9 — 13 National League of Cities — Nashville, Tennessee Providing Customer Service Excellence Office of the City Secretary College Station, Texas Council Meeting 10 -23 -2003 December 16 Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting- 8:00 a.m. @Chamber December 17 Research Valley Partnership Board of Directors Meeting - 3:00 p.m. December 18 City Council Workshop and Regular Meeting December 24 - 25 Christmas Holiday City Hall Closed Council reviewed upcoming events. Providing Customer Service Excellence Office of the City Secretary College Station, Texas Page 5 Workshop Agenda Item No. 6 -- Executive Session will immediately follow the workshop meeting in the Administrative Conference Room. At 4:55 p.m., Mayor Silvia 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 the city attorney with respect to pending and contemplated litigation, to consider the purchase of real property, and the evaluation of a public officer. Cause No. 43,098 -85, Brazos County - Bryan v. College Station Cause No. 96- 03168, Travis County - Bryan, et al. v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. 97-02587, Travis County - Bryan, et al. v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. 98- 13391, Travis County - Bryan, et al. v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. 96- 06940, Travis County - Bryan, et al. v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. 97- 07000, Travis County - TMPA v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. 98- 11817, Travis County - TMPA v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. 98- 11815, Travis County - Texas -New Mexico Power Co. v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. 97- 12392, Travis County - Central Power & Light Co. v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. 97- 12405, Travis County - Bryan v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. 97- 12401, Travis County - TMPA v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. 97- 12402, Travis County - San Antonio v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. 97- 10792, Travis County - TMPA v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. GN002343, Travis County - San Antonio v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. GN002513, Travis County - San Antonio v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. GN000152, Travis County - TMPA v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. GN200090; Travis County - Reliant Energy v. Big Country Electric Coop, et al. Cause No. GN200100, Travis County - San Antonio, etc. v. Brazos Electric Power Coop, et al. Cause No. GN200685, Travis County - TMPA v. PUC and City of Bryan (intervention) Cause No. GN300714, Travis County - TMPA v. PUC and City of Bryan (intervention) Case No. 03 -02- 00462 -CV, Court of Appeals -TMPA v. PUC (continued intervention) Case No. 03 -02 -00701 -CV, Court of Appeals - TMPA v. PUC (continued intervention) Docket Nos. TX96 -2 -000, TX96 -2 -001, TX96 -2 -002, TX96 -2 -003, TX96 -2 -004, TX96 -2 -005, TX96 -2 -006, TX96 -2 -007, FERC - College Station, applicant Docket No. 25197, Public Utility Commission - College Station request to set rates. Docket No. 25395, Public Utility Commission - College Station (intervention) Docket No. 26950, Public Utility Commission - College Station (intervention) PUC Project No. 21927 - College Station request to maintain current certification Cause No. 52,434 -361, Brazos County - College Station v. Wolf Pen Creek, Ltd., et al. Case No. G -02 -108, U.S. District Court - Lester v. College Station and Piersall. Causes No. 02- 001154- CV -85; Brazos County - Municipal Drilling vs. College Station Cause No. 02- 001291 -CV -361, Brazos County - Piersall v. College Station and Feldman Council Meeting 10 -23 -2003 Page 6 Cause No. 02- 002445 -CV -272, Brazos County — Evelyn L. Bruce v. College Station, C.D. Henderson, Inc., and Scott Elliott, d/b /a Elliott Construction Cause No. 03- 000617 -CV -272, Brazos County — TCA Holdings, et al. v. College Station Cause No. 03 -CV- 129115, Fort Bend County — College Station v. Contract Land Staff, Inc. TCEQ Docket No. 2002 - 1147 -UCR; Applications of Brushy Water Supply and College Station (Westside /Highway 60) TCEQ Docket No. 2003- 0544MWD; Application of Nantucket, Ltd. TXU Lone Star Gas Rate Request. Wellborn Special Utility District, Cease and Desist McDougal Claim. Real Estate {Gov't Code Section 551.072 }; possible action 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: 1. Kapchinski Land Purchase 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: 1. City Attorney Evaluation 2. City Council Evaluation Regular Meeting Mayor Silvia called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with all Council members present. He led the audience in the pledge of allegiance. City Manager Tom Brymer provided the invocation. Recreation Supervisor Geri Marsh presented the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation Award to Austin Edelmon and Stacie O'Shea. Kevin Baker, president of the Brazos Valley Cyclists presented a certificate of appreciation to the City of College Station for the city's efforts to create a better bicycling environment and a bicyclist guidebook. Benjamin Knox presented a 65 Birthday print to the City of College Station. City Manager Tom Brymer presented Parks and Recreation Director Steve Beachy with the historic station print No. 65 for his efforts regarding the 65 Birthday Celebration. Providing Customer Service Excellence Office of the City Secretary College Station, Texas Council Meeting 10 -23 -2003 9.1 Hear Visitors: Shannon Schinicht, 408 Eisenhower, addressed the council on duplication of the charter brochures sent to residents in College Station. Consent Agenda 10.1 Approved by common consent minutes for the workshop and regular meeting of September 9, 2003. Providing Customer Service Excellence Office of the City Secretary College Station, Texas Page 7 Chuck Jeffery, 8409 Wildwood Circle, addressed the council regarding the proposed employee Health Insurance. Don Hughes, 8009 Park Valley, Austin, addressed the council regarding the proposed employee Health Insurance. 10.2 Bid No. 02 -107 — Approved by common consent the renewal of an annual purchase agreement for tires to Wingfoot Commercial Tire Systems, Bryan, Texas for an annual estimated expenditure of $76,009. 10.3 Contract No. 13 -167 — Discussion and possible action a professional services contract with Epsilon Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $699,973.00 to provide conceptual design and then contract documents (plans, specifications and estimates) for the proposed interchange at Highway 6 at Barron Road and a route study for Barron Road and a route study for Barron Road East Access. Staff removed this item from the consent agenda. 10.4 Approved by common consent the purchase of three small, 14 passenger buses to replace three, 15 passenger vans through the Houston - Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGA) in the amount of $123,498.30. 10.5 Approved by common consent a change order increasing the contract for diesel fuel and gasoline with Brenco Marketing in the amount of $121,605. 10.6 Approved by common consent Resolution No. 10 -23- 2003 -10.06 approving the conveyance agreements to transfer ownership of 412 Holleman and 1114 Detroit, two single family undeveloped properties, to the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. 10.7 Approved by common consent the purchase of real property needed for the City Centre Project located on the Earl Rudder Freeway (SH 6) and Krenek Tap Road and authorizing the Mayor to execute the real estate contract and related documents to affect the conveyance. 10.8 Approved by common consent funding for the City's run off property /casualty and workers compensation claims with Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool for an estimated amount up to $55,000 for property /casualty claims and $80,000 for workers compensation claims. Council Meeting 10-23-2003 Page 8 10.9 Approved by common consent Ordinance No. 2673 approving the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) to increase the employee deposit rate from 6% to 7% and associated changes. 10.10 Approved by common consent Resolution No. 10 -23- 2003 -10.10 of the City Council of the City of College Station, Texas, approving and setting fees for Parks and Recreation Facilities and Services. 10.11 Approved by common consent Resolution No. 10 -23- 2003 - 10.11 approving the FY 2004 Budget of the Brazos County Emergency Communication District. jgu1ar Agenda Regular Agenda Item No. 11.1 -- Discussion and possible action on a proposed resolution of the City Council of the City of College Station, Texas, appointing the City's representative to the Brazos County Appraisal District Board of Directors for a two year term commencing on January 1, 2004; and providing an effective date. Fiscal Services Director Charles Cryan remarked that the terms of the Brazos County Appraisal District Board of Directors was for two years. The current term for all members of the Board will end December 31, 2003. Virginia Kettler has served for the past two years. Council member Happ moved to re- appoint Virginia Kettler to the Brazos County Appraisal District Board of Directors. Council member Massey seconded the motion. Approved 7 -0 FOR: Silvia, Hazen, Massey, Happ, Wareing, Mears, Maloney AGAINST: None Regular Agenda Item No. 11.2 -- Presentation, discussion and possible action retarding employee health insurance. Human Resources Director Julie O'Connell remarked that the goal of the proposal was the best value for the employee and the city, with the greatest choice in network and facilities and have three entities working together through intergovernmental cooperation to achieve savings and quality. The top four proposals estimated savings were $540,000- $595,000 in the first year on the medical plan. The decision was based on best choices in facilities, most comprehensive, in- place provider network, and most aggressive discounts. The estimated savings on the medical plan are: • First year savings: $546,000 • Second Year Savings: $555,000 • Third Year Savings: $555,000 Total administration fee are $296,270.00. Funds budgeted and available in the employee benefits fund. Providing Customer Service Excellence Office of the City Secretary College Station, Texas Council Meeting 10-23-2003 Page 9 Staff recommended to contract with Blue Cross /Blue Shield as medical /dental claims administrator, Eckerd Health Services as prescription plan administrator, and Interface EAP as employee assistance program. Council member Massey moved to contract with Blue Cross /Blue Shield as medical /dental claims administrator, Eckerd Health Services as prescription plan administrator and Interface EAP as employee assistance program. Council member Maloney seconded the motion, which carried unanimously, 7 -0. FOR: Silvia, Hazen, Massey, Happ, Wareing, Mears, Maloney AGAINST: None Workshop Agenda Item No. 8 -- Final action on Executive Session, if necessary. Council member Hazen moved to ratify and approve payment to Ercot settlement fund of $51,000.00 and accept payment to College Station of $500,000.00 from AEP and other parties in the Ercot settlement. Council member Happ seconded the motion, which carried unanimously, 7 -0. FOR: Silvia, Hazen, Massey, Happ, Wareing, Mears, Maloney AGAINST: None Regular Agenda Item No. 11.3 -- Discussion, review and possible action retarding the following meetings: Brazos County Health Department, Brazos Animal Shelter, Brazos Valley Council of Governments, Capital Improvement Program Citizen Advisory Committee, Cemetery Committee, College Station Business Development Corporation, Facade Improvement Program Advisory Committee, Historic Preservation Committee, Intergovernmental Committee, Joint Relief Funding Review Committee, Library Committee, Metropolitan Planning Organization, Parks and Recreation Board, Planning and Zoning Commission, Sister City Association, TAMU Student Senate, the Research Valley Partnership, Transportation Committee, Wolf Pen Creek Oversight Committee and Zoning Board of Adjustments, International Festivals Committee. (See attached posted notices for subject matters) Council member Maloney presented highlights of the Research Valley Partnership meeting. He also noted that the International Festival is scheduled for March 27 -28, 2004. Council member Mears described the public meetings regarding the Bond Proposals and Charter Amendments. Council member Hazen presented an overview of the student senate meeting. Council member Massey conveyed comments on the intergovernmental committee meeting. Council member Happ presented a summary of the Transportation Committee meeting. Robert Wareing congratulated Dr. Romei and the Arts Council regarding the dedication of ti llbe Genies at the airport. Providing Customer Service Excellence Office of the City Secretary College Station, Texas Council Meeting 10 -23 -2003 Page 10 Mayor Silvia presented a brief overview of the Brazos Animal Shelter Board Meeting. Regular Agenda Item No. 12 - -The City Council may convene the executive session following the regular meeting to discuss matters posted on the executive session agenda for October 23, 2003. At 8:18 p.m., Mayor Silvia announced in open session that the City Council would reconvene into executive session pursuant to Sections 551.071, 551.072 and 551.074 of the Open Meetings Act, to seek the advice of the city attorney with respect to pending and contemplated litigation, to consider the purchase of real property, and the evaluation of a public officer. Regular Agenda Item No. 13 -- Final Action on executive session, if necessary. Council concluded the executive session at 8:49 p.m. No action was taken. Regular Agenda Item No. 14 -- Adjourn. Hearing no objections, the meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. PASSED AND APPROVED this 8 day of January, 2004. 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