HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/11/1997 - Workshop Minutes City CouncilMayor
LYNN MCILHANEY
Mayor Pro Tempore
HUB KENNADY
City Manager
GEORGE K. NOE
COLLEGE STATION
Council Members
STEVE ESMOND
LARRY MARIOTT
DAVID HICKSON
DICK BIRDWELL
SWIKI ANDERSON
MINUTES
COLLEGE STATION CITY COUNCIL
WORKSHOP MEETING
Thursday, December 11, 1997 at 3:00 p.m.
College Station City Hall
COUNCILMEMBERSPRESENT:
Mayor Mcllhaney, Mayor Pro tern Kennady,
Councilmembers Mariott, Birdwell, Anderson,
Hickson
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: Councilman Esmond
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Noe, Assistant City Manager Brymer, Assistant City
Secretary Casares, City Attorney Cargill, Human Resource Director Pavlinski, and Staff
Planner Battle
Mayor Mcllhaney called the meeting to order at 3:10 p.m.
Agenda Item No. 1 -- Discuss consent and statutory agenda items listed for the
Regular Council Meeting of Thursday, December 11 ~ 1997.
Comments and questions were made on the following consent agenda items:
5-e: Approve purchase agreement in the amount of $1,250,000 for purchase of
Greens Prairie Elevated Water Tower. Removed by Anderson.
5-g: Approve emergency construction contract with Elliott Construction, Inc., in the
amount of $138,928.50 to replace a section of sewer line along Bee Creek behind the
Police Station. Removed by Anderson.
5-h: Award contract for construction of Facilities Maintenance Building to Matrix
Construction as lowest responsible bidder in the amount of $215,700 plus a $20,000
project contingency. Removed by Birdwell.
5-i: Approve insurance rate renewals for the self-insured medical and prescription stop
10ss coverage, life, AD&D, Long-term disability and Employee Assistance Program for
an annual estimated expense of $258,760. Removed by Anderson.
5-j: Approve professional services agreement with Texas Municipal League Group
Benefits Risk Pool for Third party administration of our self-insured medical, dental and
Providing Customer Service Excellence
Council Workshop 12/11/97 Page 2
prescription plan and for preferred provider arrangements and utilization review
services for an annual estimated expense of $86,346. Removed by Anderson.
5-k: Approve selection of consulting firm to produce a detailed report of the condition
of Adamson Pool. Recommended award to Waterscape Consultants, Inc., of Houston,
Texas. Removed by Anderson.
5-m: Award contract for the Bee Creek Phase II Sewer and Drainage Project to Brazos
Valley Utilities as lowest responsible bidder. The contract amount is $1,032,968.50
plus $50,000 project contingency for the replacement of sewer lines and making
drainage improvements. Removed by Birdwell and Anderson
5-n: Approve acquisition of four single family lots (lots 1-4, block 1, Churchill Estates)
for a total of $56,000 to be used for single family homes sites. Removed by Birdwell.
Agenda Item No. 2 -- Present status report on the Arts Council of Brazos Valley.
Possible action, If necessary.
Carol Wagner, President of the Arts Council presented a report to the City Council. In
the past year, the Arts Council has engaged in a number of successful activities such
as: The Follies, Celebration of the Arts, Annual Awards, FestiFall and Holiday on the
Brazos. Services provided by the Arts Council include the monthly newsletter,
community arts calendar, information clearinghouse, and arts advocacy. Funds
received by the two cities are given back to the community through art projects. For
calendar year 1997, the Arts Council funded $68,000 for a variety of projects. The Arts
Council is currently working on the Public Art Policy.
Ms. Wagner thanked the Council for their support.
Agenda Item No. 3 -- Discuss and possible action Council Strategic Issue No. 5 -
Accessibility In and Out of B-CSIAir@ort Study.
Ronnie Hale, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce's Transportation Committee
updated the City Council on transportation issues. Mr. Hale stated there is a need to
connect our communities to the interstate system. He noted that Highway 21 has been
moved up on the construction plan. TXDot has authorized the District to employ a
consultant to finish the design on portions of Highway 21 expansion project.
The Transportation Committee will continue strong emphasis on the current projects
and start evaluating the needs of Highway 6 north and south. There is a necessity for
divided four lanes to Navasota, Heame to Calvert, The surrounding counties to the
north do not have the resources to purchase right-of-way. There is a strong need to
upgrade Highway 6 because it becomes an extension of the Presidential Corridor.
Discussion continued on various highway upgrades.
Council Workshop 12/11/97 Page 3
Agenda Item No. 7 -- Discuss and possible action on proposed Ethics Ordinance.
Gary Halter, a committee member selected by the Council to study this issue,
presented the proposed ethics ordinance. Other committee members present were
Larry Ringer. Dick Hervey was not present. Dr. Halter reviewed the following items
listed in the ordinance.
Section 1 - Policy
Section 3 - Standards of Conduct - Officials
Section 4 - Additional Standards of Conduct- Council Members
Section 5 - Disclosures and Further Official Action
Section 6 - Contracts with the City/Affidavit
Section 10 - Appearance by Past Official
The Ethics Review Commission is appointed by City Council. The commission reviews
a charge of violation of ethics and make a recommendation of penalties. This would
occur after the city attorney has determined a violation of the Code of Conduct.
Larry Ringer noted that this ordinance addresses all members of council and citizen
committees.
Councilmen Birdwell asked if the Ethics Review Commission would hear complaints
against the Council. Dr. Halter replied affirmatively.
The Council discussed the financial interest prevision in Section 5.
Consideration of this item is scheduled for a future regular meeting.
Agenda Item No, 4 -- Discuss and possible action on changin¢~ Third Party
administration from Donovan Benefits System to Texas Municipal League Group
Benefits Risk Pool for our self-insured medicalT dental and prescription plan.
Human Resources Director Pavlinski reviewed the changes in the City's insurance plan.
The proposed plan offers City employees an extensive network of preferred provider
contracts including those currently provided by Columbia Medical Center. She
answered questions regarding Medical Benefit Plan. Pavlinski identified elements in
substance abuse and mental treatment program.
Agenda Item No. 5 --Discuss and possible action on proposed amendments to
Zoning Ordinance on regulation of wireless telecommunication facilities in the
City.
Staff Planner Lee Battle presented the amendment to the zoning ordinance to regulate
wireless telecommunication facilities within the City. The purpose of the ordinance is to
provide guidelines for the development of wireless telecommunication facilities in
College Station and ensure compliance with the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The
Council Workshop 12/11/97 Page 4
ordinance will minimize the negative impacts by protecting the health and safety of
residents and minimizing visual impacts.
Listed below are the proposed amendments:
· Establishes three categories of WTF's and regulates two categories
· Identifies the zoning district
· Provides setbacks
· Limits proximity to major thoroughfares
· Requires separation between towers
· Establishes standards, height limits, etc.
· Outlines review processes
· Defines terms
The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the
ordinance amendment.
Consideration of this item is scheduled on the regular agenda.
Agenda Item No. 6 -- Discuss and possible action on bid and construction of
additional sidewalks in Northgate.
Mayor Protem Kennady stated this project was not completed due to limited CDBG
funds last fiscal year. Funding is available in the CDBG budget this fiscal year 1997-
1998 to complete this project.
Public Works Director Smith stated a year old contract exists for construction of bdck
sidewalks in Northgate area. Staff deleted portions of the contract to bring the sidewalk
project within budget. He noted that the current sidewalks are not included in the
design details of the Northgate Development Plan.
Smith presented slides of various areas where brick pavers are planned to be installed.
He stated that some of the sidewalks would be widened to meet ADA standards for
handicap accessible. He also mentioned that the brick pavers would cost three to four
times more than concrete.
The total cost for the project is estimated at $99,000. Funding options are:
Community Development Block Grant - $100,000 available
Hotel/Motel Funds - $650,000
Sidewalks CIP Funds, GOB 1995 Issue - $200,000 (This project included a Sidewalk
Master Plan)
Staff recommended CDBG funding and proceed to begin construction in the summer of
1998.
Council Workshop 12/11/97 Page 5
Councilman Mariott moved to place this item on the next council agenda, bid the project
and award contract using CDBG funding. Seconded by Councilman Hickson.
Councilman Anderson amended the motion to include cost estimates to meet the ADA
compliance for this project. Seconded by Councilman Birdwell. Motion failed by a vote
of 2-3.
For: Anderson and Birdwell
Against: Kennady, Madott and Hickson
Mayor Mcllhaney not present at this time.
The original motion by Councilman Mariott passed by a vote of 3-2.
For: Mayor Pro tem Kennady, Mariott and Hickson
Against: Anderson and Birdwell
Mayor Mcllhaney not present at this time.
Agenda Item No. 8 -- Appoint Councilmembers to the Ad Hoc Committee on a
Gateway Overlay District.
Mayor Mcllhaney suggested individuals to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee: Marsha
Sanford and Gary Sorensen from the Community Appearance Committee, Ron $ilvia
and Winnie Garner from the Planning Zoning Commission.
Mayor Pro tern Kennady made a motion to appoint Councilmembers Mariott and
Esmond to the Gateway Overlay District with Mayor Mcllhaney serving as the alternate.
Motion seconded by Councilman Birdwell which carded unanimously, 6-0.
Agenda Item No. 9 -- Creation of an Ad Hoc committee on marketing and
scheduling of the new Conference Center.
Mayor Mcllhaney stated that this committee would recommend guidelines to the
council.
Councilman Birdwell moved to bring this item before the Council on January 7, 1998.
Motion seconded by Mayor Protein Kennady and carried unanimously, 6-0.
Agenda Item No. 10 -- Committee Reports:
No discussion was held on this item.
Agenda Item No. 11 --Agenda Request by Councilmembers:
Councilman Birdwell requested a CIP project report.
Council Workshop 12/11/97
Page 6
Agenda Item No. 12 -- Council Calendars.
Ground Breaking Ceremony for University Computers - December 18, 1997
Mayor Mcllhaney suggested moving the January 8th Council meetings to January 7,
1998 due to AMCC Planning Committee meeting on January 8th and 9th. Mayor
Mcllhaney asked Councilmembers to check their schedules and call the Council office
if available.
Dinner at Messina Hof with the AMCC Planning Committee - January 8, 1998
Joint Meeting with Brazos County - January 15, 1998.
Agenda Item No. 13 -- Executive Session.
Staff and Legal Reports {LGC 551.075}
Pending and Contemplated Litigation {LGC 551.071}
Personnel {LGC 551.074}
The council moved into closed session at 5:45 p.m.
The workshop and executive sessions will adjourn following the regular meeting.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 26th day of February, 199~8.
APPROVED:
'E~nr{~Vlcllh~ney, Mayor ~-
ATTEST:
Connie Hooks, City Secretary