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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/28/1999 - Regular Minutes City CouncilMayor Lynn Mcllhaney Mayor Pro Tempore Larry Mariott City Manager Thomas E. Brymer City Council James Massey Ron Silvia Winnie Gamer Dennis Maloney Anne Hazen MINUTES COLLEGE STATION CITY COUNCIL Workshop and Regular Meetings Thursday, October 28, 1999 at :5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Joint Workshop with Planning and Zoning Commission at 4:00 p.m. City Hall Utility Billing Offices and Council Chambers COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor McIlhaney, Mayor Pro Tem Mariott, Councilmembers Silvia, Hazen, Maloney, Massey, Garner STAFF PRESENT: Acting City Manager Brymer, City Attorney Cargill, Jr., City Secretary Hooks, Executive Assistant Broussard, Fire Chief Giordano, Public Works Director Smith, Parks and Recreation Director Beachy, Electrical Superintendent Massey, Budget Manager Kersten, Finance Director Cryan, Development Services Director Callaway OTIS Director Burnside, Public Communications and Marketing Manager Chapman, City Planner Kee, Economic Development Director Foutz Mayor McIlhaney opened the workshop meeting at 3:00 p.m. Workshop Agenda Item No. 1 - Discussion of consent agenda items listed for Regular Council Meeting. Councilmembers asked questions about the following items: 11.2 Renewal of annual agreement for tree trimming and right of way clearing. Electrical Superintendent David Massey explained that the city does not have plans at this time to assume the task of tree trimming. He added that the city staff conducts a performance audit of services performed by outside vendors for this project. Discussion was held about the privatization of this service. 11.4: Arima_a_! agreement for various automotive parts. Public Works Director Mark Smith explained that the bid proposal for automotive parts were based on a representative sample. In turn, this allows the city to stock an adequate supply in the warehouse. Council Meetings 10/28/99 Page 2 11.13: Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances eliminating requirement for subdivider cost upon request of underground service. Public Utilities Director John Woody explained that the fee for underground service is proposed to be eliminated because over the years, technology and operating practices have narrowed the cost difference between overhead and underground construction to almost zero. This ordinance will ease the obstacle of cost and encourage further use of underground electric service. 11.14: Resolution supporting Proposition 17, an amendment to the Texas Constitution, relating to the investment to the Permanent University Fund. Councilman Maloney asked that this item be removed. He felt the council should not place itself in a position that would appear that the council is telling the voters how they should vote. Other councilmembers disagreed that this was not a position of the city imposed upon voters. It is a declaration to the University that College Station supports the idea. Workshop Agenda Item No. 2 - Presentation~ discussion~ and possible action on the adoption of the 1999-2000 Strategic Issues. Executive Assistant Edward Broussard introduced the strategic team leaders. Each staff member highlighted the goals and objectives. Issue No. Issue No. Issue No. Issue No. 11 - Drainage Maintenance 12 - Northgate Revitalization and Development 13 - Tourism Development/Marketing/Attractions 14 - Railroad Safety and Grade Separations Issue No. 15 - Cooperative Efforts with TAMU and CSISD Issue No. 16 - Strategic Plan Issue No. 17 - Fire Department Master Plan Issue No. 18 - Centralized Customer Service Issue No. 19 - Issue No. 20 - Issue No. 21 - Issue No. 22 - Issue No. 23 - Issue No. 24 - Gateway, Streetscape and Beautification One Stop Social Service Facility Senior Programs New City Hall Street Marking Programs Growth Management Mark Smith Kim Foutz Kim Foutz/Steve Beachy Ed Hard Tom Brymer JeffKersten David Giordano Olivia Burnside for Linda Piwonka Jim Callaway Jo Carroll Steve Beachy Tom Brymer Mark Smith Jim Callaway Councilmembers asked several questions. Discussion was held on the ranking process. Motion made by Councilman Silvia to adopt the proposed strategic issues, No. 1-24 with the goals and objectives outlined by staff. Motion seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mariott, which carded unanimously, 7-0. Council Meetings 10/28/99 Page 3 Councilmembers directed staff'to report back to council if any concerns arise to the issues proposed in terms of financial or time restraints. Workshop Agenda Item No. 3 -- Joint Workshop with the Planning and Zonin8 Commission to discuss city olanning issues and development standards. P&Z Commissioner Chairman Wayne Rife called the joint Commission meeting with City Council to order at 4:10 p.m. Commissioners present were Joe Hoflen, Karl Mooney, Judy Warren, Richard Floyd, and Steve Parker. Commissioner Ron Kaiser absent. Development Services Director Jim Callaway explained that the purpose of the joint workshop was for discussion of concerns in context of the comprehensive plan, policy guidance, gateway entrances and infill development. Commissioner Warren spoke about a conference she attended in South Padre Island on comprehensive neighborhood planning. This related to the new neighborhood services program that the city has in place. Commissioner Floyd presented a newcomer's viewpoint about the development processes, ordinances, conditional use permits, comprehensive plan, and other issues. He spoke about the infill development occurring on the East side of the Bypass. He added that there appears to be a lack of understanding the ordinances during preliminary (preconstruction and oversight) review meetings. He also expressed a concern about ordinance enforcement. Chairman Rife agreed with comments addressed by other Commissioners. He pointed out that the Zoning Board of Adjustments also makes important decisions and should be included in these discussions. Commissioner Mooney emphasized that the city officials do not have time to plan. Other commissioners agreed. He stated that an important player in these discussions is the University. Commissioner Parker made remarks about the current staffing level. This has caused deficiencies in the staff's ability to plan for the future. Each group decided to hold joint workshops with ZBA on Monday, November 8, and Tuesday, November 9 at 5:00 p.m. Topics of interest for discussion at these meetings should be submitted to the City Manager. Workshop Agenda Item No. 8 -- Hear Visitors At 5:45 p.m., Mayor Mcllhaney opened the floor for public comment. Council Meetings 10/28/99 Page 4 Mike Luther of 614 Welsh expressed statements about the processes many years ago in regards to variance requirements. He also commented on the pride that city employees had years ago that was conveyed to citizens. He encouraged the city to establish a city wide motto that symbolizes the previous values of its employees. Marianne Oprisko of 14125 Renee Lane discussed the focus by the Community Appearance Committee in terms of gateways and neighborhoods. The CAC has discussed similar issues that were discussed today at the joint workshop with P&Z, in terms of code enforcement, rezonings, and greenways. Benito Flores-Meath of 901 Val Verde suggested council discuss a moratorium at their next meeting related to the housing issues in the Southside area. He discussed the existing definition of single family housing and the definition of unrelated persons in one household. Gale Touchstone of P.O. Box 10747, CS spoke on three issues. The first item related to the proposed parking garage fees. He questioned the feasibility of the garage. The second item related to the landfill site. He asked council to hold public heatings when the city begins to look at potential landfill sites. And, thirdly, he discussed the site for a future city hall center. Bill Davis of 1219 Boswell spoke about the safety concerns related to on street parking in Northgate. His concern is the traffic flow in the area in order to have safe egress and access in the area. He recommended the city accomplish the issue of on street parking now before the garage is constructed. By doing this, the usage will increase at the surface lot on Patricia. Workshop Agenda Item No. 4 - Presentation~ discussion~ and possible action to authorize final design and construction for the Colleee Main oarkinil earaee in Northgate area within the City of College Station. Economic Development Director Klm Foutz presented an overview of the project. The current proposal is to build a 725 parking space garage that will provide additional parking to assist with the redevelopment of Northgate. This is the second phase of an overall parking system in the Northgate area. John DeShazo of DeShazo, Tang and Associates came forward to present an overview of the updated feasibility report. He continued to support the feasibility of the project and stated that the project should work based on current factors. Questions were asked by councilmembers. Council decided to discuss this issue following the regular meeting. Council recessed the workshop meeting at 6:40 p.m. Council Meetings 10/28/99 Page 5 Regular MeetinR Mayor McIlhaney opened the regular meeting at 7:07 p.m. allegiance. All councilmembers were present. She lead the audience in the pledge of Mayor McIlhaney presented the following awards: Distinguished Budget Award to city staff members, Jeff Kersten, April Henry, John Coffey, Ryan Judy, and John Curran Retired City Employee Malone "Rocky" Smith received a service appreciation award. TAAF President Award to Parks Employee Tony Sca_zzero Sister City Proclamation to recognize Kazan, Russia. Russian students and teachers from the Russian delegation were present to accept the proclamation. Consent Aeenda 11.1 11.2 Approved by common consent the minutes for city council workshop and regular meetings, September 23, 1999 and October 14, 1999. Bid No. 98-75 Approved by common consent a renewal of annual agreement for tree trimming and right of way clearing. Awarded to National Tree Expert Company for an estimated annual expenditure of $268,623.87. Funds available and budgeted in the Electric Fund Operations Budget. 11.3 Bid No. 99-87 Approved by common consent a contract for College Station Switch Station addition, Post Oak Mall Substation Circuit switcher installation and Greens Prairie Road, and Southwood Valley Substations metering modifications. Awarded to lowest, responsible bidder meeting specifications, Dacon Corporation for $398,909.87. Funds available and budgeted in Utility Bond Fund. 11.4 Bid No. 00-07 Approved by common consent an annual agreement for various automotive parts. Awarded to lowest responsible bidder meeting specifications, Brazos Parts Warehouse for an annual estimated expenditure of $35,000. Funds available and budgeted in Fleet Services Fund. 11.5 Approved by common consent Ordinance No. 2415 adopting the franchise agreement with American 3CI for collection and disposal services for treated and untreated medical waste. 11.6 Approved by common consent the purchase of 24 Ethernet switches for advanced communication connections. Awarded to lowest, evaluated offer by Download Computer Services in the amount of $34,680. Funds available and budgeted in Electric Fund. Council Meetings 10/28/99 11.7 11.8 Page 6 Approved by common consent the contract for professional services with Arkitex Studios, Inc. for the city hall decompression and renovation project in an amount not to exceed $54,000. Funds available and budgeted in FY 2000 General Government Project Fund. Approved by common consent the approval of exemptions from competitive bidding as described more fully in LGC 252.022(a)(7), a procurement of items available from only one source. United States Postal Services (postage) $100,000 Bryan Public Library (mgmt. Expenses for CS Library) $ 40,0001 Bryan Public Library (new book collection exp. for CS Library) $ 40,0001 Bryan Public Library (operational exp. for CS Library) $481,790~ 11.9 11.10 11.11 11.12 11.13 Network Associates (software maintenance) Software Corporation of America (software maintenance) $ 15,550 $ 20,044 Approved by common consent Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $99,000 to McClure Engineering for additional design services related to Eastgate Residential Utility Rehabilitation Program. Funds available in Water and Wastewater Capital Fund. Approved by common consent the approval of oversize participation in the amount of $15,276 for extension of a 12 inch water line near the intersection of Earl Rudder Freeway and University Drive East. Funds available and budgeted in FY 2000 Water Capital Project Fund. This line shall be constructed with final plats for Block One, Lot 3 Gateway subdivision and Gateway Phase 1 Subdivision. Approved by common consent a resolution authorizing a design professional service contract with O'Malley Engineers of Brenham, Texas for Veteran's Park and Athletic Complex in the amount of $168,200. Funds available in 1998 Parks Capital Project Fund. Approved by common consent Ordinance No. 2416 authorizing abandonment of 0.078 acres, 15 foot wide public utility easement lying in and being part of Lot 9R-A, Sandstone Addition, depicted by plat recorded in Volume 2685, page 3164 of the official records of Brazos County. Approved by common consent Ordinance No. 2417 amending Chapter 9, Section 9-F of the Code of Ordinance of the City of College Station, eliminating the requirement for subdivider costs upon request of underground service. Council approved the interlocal agreement for these annual expenses on February 27, 1997. Council Meetings 10/28/99 Page 7 11.14 Discussion and possible action on a resolution supporting Proposition 17, an amendment to the Texas Constitution, relating to investment of the Permanent University Fund and the distribution from the Permanent University Fund to the Available University Fund and providing an effective date. Mayor Pro Tem Mariott made a motion to approve a resolution supporting Proposition 17, an amendment to the Texas Constitution relating to the investment of the Permanent University Fund and the distribution from the Permanent Distribution Fund to the Available University Fund and providing an effective date. Seconded by Councilman Silvia, which carded 6-1, Councilman Maloney voted against the motion. Regular A~enda Item No. 12.1 -- Discussion and possible action on an ordinance amending, Chapter 10t Section 4~ paraeraoh G, cham, in~ the hourly fee for parking in the North~,ate Promenade Parkin~ Lot. Economic Development Director Klm Foutz discussed the proposed amendment to change the parking lot hourly fee from $1.00 per hour to $.50 per hour from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and $1.00 per hour from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. The Northgate Revitalization Board recommended approval of the rates. She noted that the Fire Marshal recommended an effective date for the beginning of spring semester, 2000. Following a concern expressed by Councilman Silvia about on street parking, Tom Brymer reported that the on street parking issue has been discussed by staff and the NRB. The preference at this time is to wait until the parking garage is in place before removing on street parking. Mayor Mcllhaney recognized two individuals to speak on this item. Benito Flores-Meath of 901 Val Verde made two comments about the parking garage rates and surface parking rates. He referred to another study conducted Carl Walker Associates and their recommendation to charge $.50 per half hour. Mr. Brymer replied that the Northgate Board did not feel this recommendation was feasible at this time. The issue is to ensure utilization of the lot. Dick Birdwell of 3 Forest Drive discussed Mr. DeShazo's report. He suggested a parking rate at $.25 per hour at the Patricia street lot with a limit of two hours. Mayor Pro Tem Mariott made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2418 changing the hourly fee for parking in the Northgate Promenade Parking Lot as presented by staff. Motion seconded by Councilman Maloney, which carded unanimously, 7-0. Council Meetings 10/28/99 Page 8 Reeular ARenda Item No. 12.2 -- Discussion and possible action on proposed College Station Business Development Corporation, Inc. Bylaws. Kim Foutz outlined language changes to the documents. Councilmembers asked staff to clarify items made by Council and bring back at the next meeting. Harry Green of 1304 Scarborough and President of the Economic Development Corporation clarified that the City Council is the final authority on any economic development decisions. He urged council to act promptly on these documents. Council tabled this item to the first meeting in November. Reeular ARenda Item No. 12.3 - Discussion and possible action on a proposed aereement for administrative services between the City of College Station and the Colleee Station Business Development Corporation, Inc., This item was tabled to the first meeting in November. Reeular A~enda Item No. 12.4 - Discussion and possible action on appointment of two representatives to the B/CS Chamber of Commerce Special Attractions Committee. Councilman Maloney made a motion to appoint the following individuals to the Task Force: Chris Barzilla, regular member; Bill Davis, alternate; Anne Hazen, regular member; Klm Foutz, staff liaison. Motion seconded by Councilman Garner, which carded unanimously, 7-0. Council returned to workshop session at 8:10 p.m. to continue discussion of Northgate garage report by Mr. DeShazo. Mayor Mcllhaney recognized two individuals to speak on this item. Dick Birdwell came forward to address the report. He discussed the financial conditions projected for the garage. He did not feel the Northgate parking garage was practical to build at this time with the data presented by the consultant. John Raney, owner of the Texas Aggie Bookstore in Northgate and member of the Northgate Revitalization Board expressed his support of the garage. He added that the garage is a part of the overall objective of the Northgate Revitalization Plan. Mr. DeShazo provided additional comments. Mayor Pro Tem Mariott made a motion to approve the design phase of the Northgate garage project. Motion seconded by Councilman Garner, which carded unanimously, 7-0. Council Meetings 10/28/99 Page 9 Workshop Agenda Item No. 5 - Committee Reports Mayor Mcllhaney reported that she attended a regional planning committee meeting in Leon County. The county officials expressed an interest in participation. Councilman Maloney commented on the recent Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. The P&Z passed 4-3 a new ordinance restricting development in the WPC corridor. Developers were dissatisfied that there is not master plan east of Dartmouth to Bypass which hinders potential development. Workshop Agenda Item No. 6 - Agenda Request by Councilmember No items were requested. Workshop Agenda Item No. 7 - Council Calendars International Students Tour, 11/2, Teen Center Legislative Joint Meeting, 11/10 Brazos Center Council Workshop and Regular Meetings, 11/11 Texas Municipal League Conference, 11/17-11/20 Workshop Agenda Item No. 14 - Executive Session Pending and Contemplated Litigation {LGC 551.071 } Cause No. 43,098-85, Bryan v. College Station Cause No. 96-03168, Bryan et al v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. 97-02587, Bryan et al v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. 98-13391, Bryan et al v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. 96-06940, Bryan et al v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. 97-07000, Bryan et al v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. 40,142-85, Anderson & Esmond v. College Station & Connie Hooks Cause No. 49,367-CCL2, Wilkerson v. College Station Civil Action No. 01-98-01056-CV, Court of appeals - Gold v. College Station Civil Action No. H-98-0847, U.S. District Court - Boriski v. College Station Docket No. 96-2-000, FERC, College Station, applicant Cause No. 49,989-85, John Lofferelli v. College Station Real Estate {LGC 551.072} a. Landfill Personnel {LGC 551.074} a. Acting City Manager Evaluation Council Meetings 10/28/99 Page 10 At 8:40 p.m., Mayor McIlhaney announced that the College Station 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 discuss the purchase of real property, and to consider the appointment and evaluation of public officers. Council returned to open session at 10:26 p.m. The following action was taken. Councilman Maloney made a motion to appoint Tom Brymer as College Station City Manager with an annual base salary of $118,000; car allowance, $8400/yr; deferred compensation, $4,000/yr., payments toward family health insurance and term life insurance. The contract will be prepared by the City Attorney and brought back to council for final consideration. Motion seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mariott, which carded unanimously, 7-0. Comments were made toward Tom's expertise and their trust in his efforts to move the city forward. Regular Agenda Item No. 13 - Council Monitoring Report. Councilman Massey presented a satisfactory report on council conduct and performance during meeting. Councilman Maloney made a motion to adjourn the meetings. Heating no objection, the meetings were adjourned at 10:35 p.m. PASSED AND APPROVED this 11th day of November., 1999. APPROVED: TEST: , (~ City Secretary Connie Hooks l~ayd Lynn'Mcllhaney / GUEST REGISTER WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1999 ~_ _ 3:00 P.M. 13. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. GUEST REGISTER REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1999 7:00 P.M.. GUEST REGISTER REGULAR MEETING OF THE CiTY COUNCIL THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1999 7:00 P.M..