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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/25/1998 - Workshop Minutes City CouncilMayor LYNN MclLHANEY Mayor Pro Tempore DAVID HICK$ON City Manager GEORGE K. NOE COLLEGE STATION Council Members STEVE ESMOND RON SILVIA SVVI KI ANEiERSON LARRY MARlO'ir ANNE HAZEN MINUTES COLLEGE STATION CITY COUNCIL Workshop Meeting Thursday, June 25, 1998 at 3:00 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers COUNClLMEMBERS PRESENT:Mayor Mcllhaney, Mayor Pro Tem Hickson, Councilmembers Mariott, Silvia, Hazen COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: Councilmembers Esmond and Anderson STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Noe, City Secretary Hooks, City Attorney Cargill, Jr., Acting City Engineer Smith, Community Development Director Carroll, Fire Chief Giordano, Human Resources Director Pavlinski, Interim Finance Director Cryan, Housing Program Coordinator Brumley, Grants Analyst Bond, Police Chief Feldman Councilmembers Hazen and Mariott removed the following items from the Consent Agenda for discussion. Agenda Item No. 5e: Rehabilitation of sin.qle family home at 118 Southland. Councilman Hazen asked about the contract provision for extra work charges which states that the contractor may be paid 25% above contract amount. Mr. Brumley, Housing Programs Coordinator, explained that the legal department reviewed the contract. City staff will oversee the project. Councilman Silvia asked about the occupancy of the home. Mr. Brumley noted that the agreement requires the owner sign a deed of trust that requires this residence be maintained as a principle homestead for twenty years. Agenda Item No. 5f: Community Health Center Alsie Bond, Grants Analyst, responded to questions by Councilman Hazen about the funding request. Ms. Bond confirmed the request for $100,000 which was approved by Council in September, 1997. Council Workshop 6~25~98 Page 2 Agenda Item No. 5g: Wolf Pen Creek - "Creedence Clearwater Revisited" Concert Anel Bow, Special Events Supervisor, answered questions by Councilman Hazen about the concert. Ms. Bow stated that the city projects a break even point with the sale of 3200 tickets. She described the band's popularity. Councilman Silvia asked about the rain out facility. Ms. Bow stated that Reed Arena has agreed to serve as a backup facility. A.qenda Item No. 2 -- Discussion and possible action pertaining to proposed standards of conduct ordinance for the City of College Station's public officials. Members of the Committee who worked on this ordinance were present: Former Mayor Larry Ringer, Gary Halter, Lorence Bravenec. City Manager Noe indicated to the Council that the letter submitted by Councilman Esmond was reviewed by staff. The department heads' expressed concern about item no. 1 related to the suggestion to include Department Heads' as public officials within the definition; and therefore, subject to the ordinance requirements. He reminded council that all employees are aware of the ethics policies in the current Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual. Also, the Charter clearly states that the director may not benefit directly or indirectly by any action of the city. The concern by directors' is the disciplinary process and disclosure reporting process outlined in the ordinance. Mayor Mcllhaney noted that the Council Relations Policy addresses some of the ethics issues proposed in the ordinance. City Manager Noe suggested council look at both documents and clarify the documents so that one document addresses the ethics issues and the council relations policy addresses relationship issues. This would eliminate any potential overlap that may exist between the documents. City Attorney Cargill presented the current conflict of interest provisions at the City. Section 131 of the City Charter provides that no member or any officer or employee shall have any financial interest, direct or indirect, in any contract with the city. Any violation of this shall constitute malfeasance in office and you forfeit your position. As it relates to Council, this provision is enforceable by the Attorney General, County Attorney, or District Attorney. Additionally, the contract entered into in violation of the section, is voidable by the city council or the city mana,qer. Local Government Code Section 171 provides that it will be in addition to any city charter provision. It defines a substantial interest as 10% of voting stock, more than $15,000 of value, or 10% share of business. Cities may enter into a contract with an entity so long as a Councilmember abstains and does not participate in the discussion or decision of the item. Currently, if a councilmember has a legal conflict, the councilmember is required to file an affidavit indicating the conflict of interest, abstain and not further participate in the discussion of the item. The statute provides for Council Workshop 6~25~98 Page 3 criminal penalties. Councilmembers must comply with both the charter provision and this statute. Mr. Cargill continued to outline that Chapter 251 of the Election Code on campaign financing is required by public officers. This provision regulates gifts, campaign contributions and expenditures. If the ethics ordinance is approved, this election provision will apply as well. Mr. Cargill referred to the proposed ethics ordinance, Section 7: He recommended that the ordinance provide that Council be given an opportunity to review a complaint prior to the Ethics Commission hearing. He referred to experiences in other cities which have similar ordinances. There is minimal discretion in this ordinance from a city attorney's perspective. When a complaint is filed, it constitutes a violation and the process begins. He asked council to carefully consider not including boards and committees that serve in an advisory capacity. When the city attorney confers with newly elected officials about ethics and conflict of interest regulations, he always invites councilmembers to seek his advice. He complimented the former Mayors' for their input. Council discussion was held on the types of boards and committees to include in the ordinance. Council agreed to include committees that have legislative authority. Former Mayor Gary Halter concurred with council comments. He emphasized that the ordinance provides for the enforcement issue. He also concurred with the city manager's recommendation that departments heads not be included. Former Mayor Lorence Bravenec asked the City Attorney to review the document and he offered the committee's assistance. Councilman Mariott made a motion to refer this ordinance to the Legal Department for the city attorney's input, insert changes and bring back to council in final form. Councilman Hickson seconded. City Secretary Hooks was directed to coordinate the selection process for the commission members. This item will be brought back to Council in August. Council Workshop 6/25/98 Page 4 A.qenda Item No. 3 -- Presentation and possible action re.qardin.q prelimina~ schematic desi,cln and review of the feasibility of the Colle.qe Main Parkin.q Garage. Assistant City Manager Tom Brymer introduced this item. Chad Grouke, associate with Architex Studio presented pictures depicting a preliminary design of the College Main Parking Garage. The garage parking capacity was adjusted in response to construction constraints and comments made by Northgate Revitalization members and staff for a total of 729 spaces. John DeShazo of DeShazo, Tang & Associates presented an update to the financial feasibility study for the revised garage design. The analysis was adjusted to address the following: · Current garage design which accommodates 729 parking spaces, · Revised parking supply which includes several off street facilities which were not in the initial inventory, and · Update in market demand as it relates to the current price of parking Based on $1.00 minimum and $3.00 maximum, the annual revenue for the garage is projected at $1,186,216; annual operating cost, $218,700; net income is $967,516; debt service of $618,634 with a debt coverage ratio of 1.56. Mayor Mcllhaney referred to a letter presented by Councilman Esmond about this issue. She asked Mr. DeShazo to respond to these questions and report back to Council. Councilman Hickson asked about the debt ratio impact if the rate were $5.00. Mr. DeShazo replied with a guess of a 1.75 debt ratio. Councilman Hickson made a motion to move forward with the design as presented and proceed to the next phase. Motion seconded by Councilman Mariott which carried 5-0. Agenda Item No. 4 -- Presentation and possible action on proposed employee pay I~roqram for FY 98-99. Human Resources Director Karen Pavlinski made a presentation about the proposed pay plan for the next fiscal year. The goal of the pay system is to provide a compensation system that reflects the organization, its structure, its philosophy, and its values. She reviewed the history of pay programs in the City of College Station. The elements of the proposed pay program are: * Market adjustment To pay competitively in the market for new hires and current employees Council Workshop 6/25/98 Page 5 * Gainsharing Share the successes of being efficient, highly productive, innovative, and creative Promote teamwork and continuous improvement efforts * Skill based pay To reward personal initiative and achievement To encourage a willingness to learn and grow with changing times * Competency based pay Reward superior performance linked to organizational goals Impact of this system are as follows: Survey indicates 4% deviation from the median Funding available for 3.5% across the board and entry adjustments Adjustment to be given January 1, 1998 Market cost - $592,000 in salaries and benefits Skill Based Pay adjustment for current employees Cost - $167,000 in salaries and benefits implemented October 1, 1998 Paying for skill and competency increases earned over the next year Cost - $47,000 in salaries and benefits implemented in July 1, 1999 Total program cost for FY 98-99 is $806,000 which reflects a 3.3% increase in total salaries and benefits. Recommendations to Council from Ms. Pavlinski were as follows: Approve continuation of pay elements Continue gainsharing Approve the 3.5% market adjustment Approve the concepts and money associated with implementing the skills based and competency based pay With no objection from councilmembers, Mayor Mcllhaney directed staff to proceed with these recommendations as part of the budget. She thanked the staff for their efforts in this proposal. Council will take action on this item during the budget process. Council recessed for a short break. A.qenda Item No. 5 -- Discussion and possible action re.qardin.q the ali.qnment of proposed George Bush East between Texas Avenue and Dominik Street Acting City Engineer Mark Smith presented this item. This topic was previously presented to Council on May 21 st. Council's direction to staff at that meeting was to consider other options with respect to Mr. Menefee's house at 306 George Bush East. Council Workshop 6~25~98 Page 6 Staff investigated other alignments and recommended a 330 foot centerline radius. This option will decrease the radius and impact a rental home across from Mr. Menefee's. It is also less expensive. Smith mentioned that Traffic Consultant Joe Blashcke recommended adoption of alignment with 370 foot centerline radius. Councilman Silvia directed staff to proceed with staff recommendation for a 330 foot centerline radius. Seconded by Councilman Mariott which carried unanimously, 5-0. Councilman Hazen asked the staff to prepare a letter to Mr. Menefee explaining council's direction. Agenda Item No. 6 -- Presentation and possible action on proposed Rock Prairie Road extension. Acting City Engineer Mark Smith described this item. This project is the first phase of the realignment of Rock Prairie Road from east side of Highway 6 to join the existing roadway near its intersection with Stonebrook in the Woodcreek Subdivision. The ultimate street project will widen the roadway to 74 feet with a median and sidewalks on both sides in a 100 foot wide ROW. Phase I will purchase the right of way and build half of the boulevard section. By reducing the project's scope, the project cost is approximately $700,000. Mr. Smith mentioned that the problem areas with the Rock Prairie Road east is because Rock Prairie is offset from Rock Prairie east. Rock Prairie east has a dangerous curve with high speed traffic. The frontage road also includes cross traffic exiting Highway 6 north. As development occurs to the south, the thoroughfare plan shows this road to be a major collector. This is the reason for constructing this roadway in phases. The Council will look at this project during the CIP Committee recommendations in July. Agenda Item No. 7 -- Committee Reports Councilman Hickson reminded WPC TIF Board members of a meeting Monday, July 29th at 12:00. Councilman Silvia reported on his attendance at a recent Health Board Meeting. He added that the Board will be developing a network system to enhance the information flow. The Board also presented a service award to former Councilman Birdwell. Mayor Mcllhaney reminded the council and audience of the July 4th Fireworks Celebration at Anderson track; Ringling Brother Circus at Reed Arena, July 14-15. Council Workshop 6~25~98 Page 7 Mayor Mcllhaney reported that she attended a meeting of elected officials sponsored by TNRCC in Austin. The Planning Committee will begin working on several environmental and health and safety issues for Vision 2020. Councilman Silvia asked about a recent visit to Smithville by staff. Mr. Noe will report back to Council on this trip. Agenda Item No. 8 -- Agenda Requests by Councilmembers No request were received. Agenda Item No. 9 -- Council Calendars Workshop and Regular meeting, July 9, 1998 AMCC, July 16-19, 1998. Staff is preparing a session based on the game show, Jeopardy for newly elected officials. Agenda Item No. 10 -- Executive Session and staff reports Staff Reports {LGC 551.075} a. Northgate Redevelopment Proposal b. West Luther street right-of-way Pending and Contemplated Litigation {LGC 551.071} Bryan v. College Station: Cause No. 40,381-85 Docket No. 15020 Docket No. 16157 Cause No. H-95-5627 Cause No. No. 43,098-85 Docket No. TX-96-2000 Cause No. 96-03168 Cause No. 97-02587 Neal v. College Station George & Tara Sopasakis v. College Station Lewis v. College Station Franklin Gold v. College Station, Bryan and BVSWMA Wendy Boriski v. College Station Robert Bailey I and II v. A&M Consolidated High School, College Station Police Department and the City of College Station Personnel {LGC 551.074} a. City Manager evaluation Council Workshop 6~25~98 Page 8 The council convened into executive session at 5:40 p.m. pursuant to Sections 551.071 and 551.074 of the Open Meetings Act to seek the advice of the City Attorney with respect to pending and contemplated litigation and to consider the appointment and evaluation of public officers, and to consider staff and legal reports. The workshop and executive meetings will adjourn following the regular meeting. PASSED AND APPROVED this 9th day of July, 199._~8. ES ,'-: City Secretary Connie Hooks APPROVED: MaY~ Lynn Mcllhaney /