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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/10/1990 - Workshop Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING ~EDMESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1990 4:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT= Mayor Ringer, Councilmembers Brown, McIlhaney, Gardner, Schneider, Birdwe11, Haddox STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ragland, City Secretary Jones, Development Services Director Ash, Budget Director Schroeder, Manage- ment Services Director Piwonka, Assistant City Manager Brymer, Assistant City Manager Woody, City Attorney Locke, PR & Marketing Manager Calliham, Finance Director Harrison, Assistant City Secretary Hooks VISITORS PRESENT: see guest register. Agenda Item No. i - Discussion of funding a College Station Independent School District Project to build a Good Cents Home. Energy Specialist Charlie Shear introduced Mr. Alonzo Wood, CSISD Director of Community and Vocational Education. Mr. Shear explained that funds are requested to help the CSISD Vocational Education Program build a single family residence to the standards of the Good Cents Home Program. He stated that the construction costs will be $85,000, and an amount of $3,000 is requested for promotional activities. Funds are available in the Energy Project Fund. Mr. Shear listed the responsibilities of the city and the responsibilities of the school district if the project is approved by both entities. Mr. Shear noted that the School District will have an open house for six months to help publicize the Good Cents Program; the school district will then sell the house and reimburse the city for the construction costs. Mr. Shear named the benefits this program would bring the City of College Station and the CSISD. He noted that a resolution authorizing the project is on the January llth agenda for council consideration. Mr. Alonzo Wood made several comments to the Council. He stated that in January 1990, plans will be implemented, and the construction will begin in last spring or early summer, so that in the beginning of the school year, 1990-91, construction can start with the target to turn the house over to the city for open house purposes in June 1991. In January 1992, the house will be on the market for sale. Mr. Wood commented that this project is 007611 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, January 10, 1990 Page 2 a very positive step toward continuing the linkages between the school district and the city. He urged the Council's acceptance of this idea. Councilman Schneider asked about the relationship between this project and the Good Cents program. Mr. Shear responded that the home will be built as a quality home with energy conservation features. Councilman Schneider inquired about the funding arrangements; Mr. Shear pointed out that under the contract, if the home fails during any period the school district is obligated for the expenses. Councilman Haddox asked if the CSISD Vocational Department is experienced in building houses. Mr. Wood replied that the School District is currently interviewing to fill a position which requires someone with construction experience. Councilman Brown remarked that he is excited about this program and believes that it will fill a void. &qenda Item No. 2 - Presentation of a proposed resolution supportinq a State Department of Hiqhways and Public Transportation Safety Project for the ramp relocations and Southwest Parkway overpass in connection with the conversion of the frontaqe roads to one-way operation. Development Services Director Ash introduced this item. He noted that several entrance and exit ramps will be redesigned for the preparation of the frontage road conversion to one-way operation. Mr. D.D. Williamson, Project Engineer from S.D.H.P.T., presented plans showing the Council specific details of the project. He pointed out that the conversion of the frontage roads has been on the Highway Department's agenda for many years. Mr. Williamson reported that the Highway Department is proposing to meet with all property owners and businesses along the way to discuss the change from two-way to one-way. He described the area involved in the project. Councilman Haddox inquired about the numerous accidents near and on the ramps. Mr. Williamson replied that one factor is the yield condition on the frontage roads, another large portion is the multiple turning movements at an intersection. He added that all frontage road traffic must yield to traffic from the ramps. Councilman Haddox expressed concern that a business may wish to locate between Rock Prairie Road and Green's Prairie Road and then discover that the frontage road will become one-way. Mr. Williamson stated that the frontage roads south of town were initially designed for two-way with the understanding that as 0076i2 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, January 10, 1990 Page 3 future development occurred, and as the accident rate increased, the one-way status would change. Councilman Gardner asked if the S.D.H.P.T. has indicated any problem areas where no parallel streets exist. Mr. Williamson referred to a study conducted by TTI. Mr. Williamson noted that a public hearing will be held with the property owners. Councilman Birdwell asked for a time frame. Mr. Williamson stated that the construction will be completed in approximately 2 1/2 years, and the change to one-way operation will not be done until Southwest Parkway overpass is built and 2818 is extended. A general discussion was held on the future of the area and the problems being addressed. Mr. Williamson stated that the Bryan City Council will discuss this item at a future meeting. He added that the project will be let in April and he remarked that the federal government will fund $7 million of the cost. A brief discussion was held on the availability of federal funds for access roads. &qenda Item No. 3 - Discussion of a contract between Colleqa Station Economic Development Foundation and W.D. Fitch. City Manager Ragland explained that the staff was asked to do a brief status report. City Engineer Pullen reviewed the status of Marsh Boulevard and Spearman Drive. He pointed out that all of the oversize participation cost for right-of-way for Marsh Boulevard and Spearman Drive has not been paid, and that this item has been placed on the agenda for council consideration at the regular session. Mr. Pullen concluded the report and noted that if the Council wants a contract between the city and the EDF, one can be developed for their consideration. Councilman Birdwell inquired about the water and sewer service to serve the EDF tract, a cost of $335,000. Mr. Pullen stated that the property served is within and through the EDF tract with water and sewer service on both sides. CSEDF President Dennis Goehring addressed the Council. He stated that costs are incurred if the land is divided and sold in parcels. Councilman Birdwell stated that he looked into this matter because of clauses in the contract that have not been addressed. 007613 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, January 10, 1990 Page 4 After further discussion, Mayor Ringer remarked that an agreement should be developed between the city and the Economic Development Foundation to establish responsibilities and to resolve some questions. He mentioned the land as an example, is it a gift or a loan. He suggested appointing three councilmembers to a committee to work with staff and representatives from the EDF to develop such an agreement and bring the agreement to the Council for their consideration. Councilman Gardner stated that the EDF's purchase of 1300 acres was not clear to him. He stated that he does not understand the legal ramifications of the Industrial Foundation. Councilman Gardner noted that the city never developed a clear statement of its goals for the 1300 acres. He stated that the council needs to have a consensus for what they want this area to be. Councilman Haddox explained that the EDF purchased the property from the City with the intent that the Foundation serve as a freestanding and self-supporting organization to work on behalf of the city on the basis of economic development, but not necessarily to be a division of the City. However, some points have been left unclear and need to be resolved. The contract that was drawn should be revised if necessary, and approved by the City Council. Councilman Brown and Councilman Birdwell agreed with the Mayor's suggestion, as an appropriate way to handle this problem. Mr. W.D. Fitch requested permission to address the Council. He pointed out that the EDF has not extended water and sewer lines or built any streets. Mr. Fitch emphasized that he would like to have a commitment from the EDF or the Council to extend the sewer line through the EDF tract, so the part of the sewer extension would enable him to use the property on the front part of the tract. He asked for clarification on whether or not the EDF can act and can make contracts with a third party or whether the third party has to deal with the city. Mayor Ringer replied that in his view, a non-legal opinion, the EDF can make decisions and the EDF can pay for constructing a street or water/sewer lines. However, the EDF cannot say the city will pay for the expense. He reiterated his suggestion that an agreement be made between the city and EDF. Councilman Haddox stated that as Chairman of the Economic Development Foundation, he felt that it has never been the intention of the CSEDF to commit the city to any expense. He noted that they have come from a mediocre situation to a very attractive one. He stated that he supports the mayor's suggestion. 007614 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, January 10, 1990 Page 5 Mayor Ringer stated that if no one has an objection, he will appoint councilmembers to a committee to review the contract and develop an agreement. Agenda Item No. 4 - Council Concerns. Councilman Brown referred to the GSU advertisement in the newspaper. He stated that the city spent large amounts of monies in negotiations with GSU, and the last three years, the company never offered to lower the rates. He called the issue a case of "sour grapes." Councilman McIlhaney referred to a television show about recycling paper. She stated that the city could start marketing the idea of recycling paper. She commented that the junior high school has had a successful campaign. Mr. Ragland mentioned that the staff will be bringing the Council a report on recycling. Mayor Ringer commented that the problem with recycling paper is finding a market for it. Councilman Gardner reported that there is a large pothole, 100 feet east of Anderson Street on Holleman in the westbound lane. He stated that he was not sure what department should be contacted to warn people about the pothole. Mr. Gardner asked if a warning device could be developed. Councilman Birdwell referred to Mr. Harrison's memorandum regarding the audit services contract. Councilman Birdwell stated that he interprets the city charter to read that auditors are selected every year; he asked Mr. Harrison to explain. Mr. Harrison responded that the staff has every intention to follow the Charter. Mr. Ragland pointed out that the staff enters into an agreement with the intention that the contract will be renewed on an annual basis. Agenda Item No. 5 - City Manager Concerns. City Manager Ragland reported no concerns. Agenda Item No. 6 - Adjourn. Mayor Ringer adjourned the meeting at 5:20 p.m. City Secr~y Dian Jone~ 007615 GUEST REGISTER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1990 4:00 P.M 11. 12, 13. 14 15 16 17 18 9 19 10. 2O 0076%6