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Home My WebLink About09/12/1990 - Workshop Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORESHOP MEE~G WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBer 12, 1990 4.'00 P.M. Mayor Ringer, Councilmembers Brown, Schneider, Gardner, Mcnhaney, Crouch, Birdwell Citv Manager Ragland, Assistant Cit~ Manager Brymer, Assist_an. t C!ty Manager Woody, Executive uu'ector Management Senrices Piwonka, City Secretarj. Hooks, City Attorney Locke, Finance Director Harrison, Personnel Director Pavlinsld, Development Services Director Ash, City Engineer Pullen STUDENT GOV'T ~N: Trey Jacobson Mayor Pro-tern Brown opened the meeting with Mayor Ringer absent. .......... · . ~-E~ .... ~ ~_ ~__ _ ._ _d .... - ~ ~tor Ha~on ex~l~ed the ~en~ents. He stated that the ci~ c ~--- the he~ ~s~'-ance pr~s for a~ ret~ees of ~e ci~ ~ ~ reach ag~ St~ proposes that the re~ees be~ pang th~ o~ pre~ berg ~ext calendar ye=. He added ~at t~ ac~on ~ not affect ~y cu=ent re~ees. Mayor Ringer arrived at the meeting. Staff recommends to the Council another amendment that will give city em.ployees who leave city employment b.ecause of disabflity,.re~e,men,t,,~,~e option of choosing COBRA coverage at their own expense, ~mutea to ~o-~o months. City Manager Ragland suggested that this resolution become effective after December 31, 1990. Councilman Birdwell recommended that the resolution clarify that the service retirees may continue to be covered at their own expense. 007965 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, September 12, 1990 Page 2 ~,~_.,4~ !t_~,u No. 2 - Disc~_ sion of a change order for the Public Sendces B~kltn ts Pro ect No. GG-1001. Development Services Director Ash presented this item. The ch.ange, order reflects the dollar amount for the reconstruction of King Cole Drive, m the amount of $33,776.06. This money is appropriated in the current budget and would be allocated toward curb and gutter and a landscaping plan. Councilman Brown commented that this would be an asset for the new facilities recently built, police department/municipal court. Mr. Ash pointed out that this street is not a public street, it is used as an access street to public facilities. Councilman Schneider agreed with Councilman Brown in that this addition would enhance the municipal buildings. Councilman Gardner asked if the other road that curves around to Krenek Tap is included. Mr. Ash replied negatively. He added that staff does not have cost figures for this portion of the street. However, Joe LaBeau pointed out that the street will be maintained annually in the street maintenance program. Councilman Birdweil commented that the street should be dedicated as a public street. Agenda Item No. 3 - Discussion of the Lo'l't, uk Project. Mr. Carol Ziegler, District Engineer for the State Highway Department presented handouts to the Council. He reviewed these handouts that described seven schemes with various cost estimates. The council discussed at length several of the alternatives. Mr. out that the Commission may to more Ziegler pointed . . . find it difficult approve money because any increase ut funds for this project may mean a decrease of funds for another project somewhere in the state. Councilman Brown commented that he has heard from citizens who are not ~oing to support the project because of the high embankment at Southwest Councilman McBhaney concurred. She stated that there is a safety factor to consider when the train travels at a height in excess of 15 feet. However, she reiterated that she supports the project. Councilm....an Birdwell commented that this project is an enhancement for the commumty and will provide a major north/south corridor link to improve traffic flow. He also stated concern that the citizens will not vote for a $5.5 million bond issue. He added that the embankment can be eliminated for approximately $2 million, and this may produce more support. 007966 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, September 12, 1990 Page 3 May.or Ringer thanked Mr. Ziegler for all the work he has done for the city relative to this project. . Mavor Rinaer followed up by stating that he has spoke with numerous people anc~ there ~re many who are against the project. He stated ~at many voters . have told him that they believe this is a university project which will benefit only the ~'A~'ersity. Mr. Pat Olsen, Sr. spoke to the Council. He stated that he does not believe a project of this magnitude will be approved by the citizens in College Station. Ms. Helen Pugh commented that she feels the railroad should be depressed to 2818. She added that the citizens are not going to be in favor of the proposed scheme as it now stands. May. or Ringer emphasized that the grade separation at Honeman must be retained. Ms. P.u. gh asked what the final cost will be. Mayor l~.ger replied that the council's concern ~s the cost to the city, which ~s the right-of-way cost and any landscaping cost. Ms. Jo Burley addressed the Council. Her concern regarded the traffic problems that may occur during construction. Mr. James Bond, TAMU Deputy Chancellor for Legal Affairs and General Counsel, addressed the Council. He pointed out that the council has identified valid points. He offered his assistance in determining the best way to endorse this project. Mr. David Burley spoke to the Council and commented on the interchange at Southwest Parkway. Mayor Ringer stated that the current project proposes a grade separation at George Bush, Holieman, Southwest P. arkway, and 2818. The alternative which Councilman Birdwell has suggested ~s a grade separation at Holleman, George Bush, and 2818. Mr...G. eorge Dresser encouraged the Council to ask the Highway Commission for additional montes. Councilman Gardner asked Mr. Ziegler if he has considered the possibility of a future Amtrak station. Mr. Ziegler replied that he has not looked at a depot station because the configuration of the railroad has not been determined. Mr. Gardner hoped the University will respond to his idea of locating the Amtrak Station on campus before the proposition goes to the voters. Mr. Pat Olsen, Jr. addressed the Council. He encouraged the Council to look at this project in greater detail. 007967 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, September 12, 1990 Page 4 Councilman Birdwell mo..red that the Council endorse a design concept that includes a depressed railroad south to Ho]leman and request that the Ht.g. hwa~. Deoartment fund the additional construction costs for the depressed se. ction, lie adaed to the motion that the Council officially .ask Texas A&M Univermty to pay College Station's share of cost under normal highway department rules that are in excess of $3 mi11ion. The motion was seconded by Councilman Brown which carried unanimously, _Age~.ck Item No. 4 - Co~c~ Concerns. Councilman Brown su. ggested that a committee of local citizens be formed to assist the city in obtaining property from local property owners. Councilman Mc]]haney reported that the ~sibility is very bad at the sharp curb on Holleman. The hedges are overgrown. Mayor Ringer welcomed Trey Jacobson as Stude_nt (~ov't Li_~!-~on. He reminded the Council. of the 6:00 p.m. special meeting.on the t~ increase public hearing Thursday mght. He also asked the City Affairs Co.numtte?. to. look .at.the letter from Mr. Fred Benson regarding the 6th Congresmonal D~strict ,an.d the redistricting and report back to the Council with a recommendation. _Agenda Item No. 5 - City Manager Concerns. City Manager Ragland reported no concerns. Agenda Item No. 6 - Adjourn. Mayor Ringer adjourned the meeting at 6:10 p.m. ATTEST: APPROVED: 007966