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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/11/1990 - Workshop Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11~ L990 4:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ringer, Councilmen Brown, Schneider, Gardner, Haddox, McIlhaney, Birdwell STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ragland, Assistant City Manager Woody, Assistant City Manager Brymer, city Attorney Locke, City Secretary Hooks, Executive Director Management Services Piwonka, Executive Director Fiscal/Human Resources Harrison, Budget Director Schroeder, Development Services Director Ash, Planning Director Callaway VISITORS PRESENT: See guest register. Mayor Ringer called the meeting to order. Councilman Haddox asked that Agenda Item No. 2 and Item No. 6 be moved to the beginning of the meeting. The council concurred. Aqenda Item No. 6 - Discussion of an aqreement by and between the Cities of Bryan and Colleqe Station and the BzTan-Colleqe Station Economic Development Corporation. Councilman Haddox moved to defer discussion of this item until the next council meeting. Councilman Birdwell seconded the motion which carried by a vote of 6-0, Councilman Schneider absent. Aqenda Item No. 2- Presentation by TAMU students reqardinq class projects to desiqn a city lake. Councilman Haddox introduced the Ag Education 441 class from Texas A&M. The following students addressed the Council: Mr. Reginald Martin stated that the Ag Education class has researched the idea of a proposed Alum Creek Lake. He noted that this proposal may provide an alternative recreational facility in the Brazos Valley. He continued to state that Alum Creek Lake is proposed as a 100 acre public lake contiguous with the 515 acre Lick Creek Park. Mr. Brian Thurman described the proposed location for Alum Creek Lake and the surrounding property. Mr. Greg Peters stated that their proposal is designed in two parts. First, the Alum Creek Lake. He described possible land 007784 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, April 11, 1990 Page 2 acquisitions which could be achieved. This information was provided in the brochures given to the council and audience. He stated that the estimated cost of Alum Creek Lake with cost of land and construction donation is $440,000. Councilman Schneider arrived at the meeting. The second part of the proposal is the improvements to Alum Creek. He described the cost details. He stated that the total estimated cost for improvements to Alum Creek is $540,000. He reviewed four important aspects of the entire project. 1)economic development; 2)aesthetics; 3)recreation; and, 4)education. He indicated that the Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously in support of the project. Mr. Yancy Parsons addressed the Council on the benefits to the community. Councilman Gardner inquired about the watershed. Councilman Haddox remarked that part of the watershed is the flow from Nantucket Lake. In addition, the watershed flows off the property north and south that drains into the creek. He indicated that there is ample watershed to provide a constant level. Councilman Gardner asked if trees exist. Councilman Maddox replied that Global Resources planned to build a lake and the trees were cleared. Subsequently, a lake was not built. However, trees are all around the possible lake area. Councilman Schneider asked if any area is included in the city limits. Councilman Haddox remarked that it is within 100 yards of the city limits. Councilman Brown asked if homes may be built along the lake front. Mr. Parsons replied that the city would govern building acceptable to this area; perhaps comparable to Pebble Creek Subdivision. Mayor Ringer thanked Dr. Clark and his class for working on such a project and making the presentation. He suggested that the students make this presentation to the Parks Board. Councilman Schneider thanked Councilman Haddox for his efforts in this project. Councilman Haddox was excused from the meeting. 007785 city Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, April 11, 1990 Page 3 Aqenda Item No. 1 - Discussion and approval of insurance bids for property and liability insurance. Finance Director Bill Harrison stated that the firm of Robert W. Lazarus & Associates has been retained to assist the city in reviewing the bids. Mr. Harrison introduced Mike Willey, the city's new Risk Manager. Mr. Robert Lazarus reviewed the insurance bids received. He recommended that staff explore a methodology for auto physical damage. Mayor Ringer asked for the loss history. Mr. Lazarus noted that losses claimed from 1985-1989 was $272,000, of which one claim was $242,000. Mr. Lazarus also recommended to raise the automobile liability deductible from $1,000 to $10,000, generating a premium credit of 17,000 to $20,000 for additional savings. Mr. Harrison recommended to the Council that the city continue with the $1,000 deductible at this time until staff can further review the proposed $10,000 deductible; and accept Employer's Casualty for all property liability in the amount of $320,857; A.J. Gallagher, policies for boiler and machinery, $4,485; non- owned aircraft, $1,100; and crime policy, $6,683. He stated that the savings for the city is approximately $70,000, less than the city's current cost. Item No. 3 - Discussion and consideration of Sister City Aqreement with Kazan, U.S.S.R. Mr. Scott Thatcher, President of the Bryan/College Station Sister City organization addressed the Council. He stated that several visitors from Kazan will be in College Station on May 5th and will continue their stay through May 12th. A sister-city agreement will be signed by the three cities, Bryan, College Station and Kazan on May 10th. A copy of the agreement was attached in the packet material. Mayor Ringer mentioned that monies are in the budget for a barbeque hosted by the city on Friday, May llth. He mentioned that he enjoyed his trip to Kazan last year. 007786 city Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, April 11, 1990 Page 4 Councilman Birdwell moved approval to authorize the Mayor to execute the Sister City agreement with Kazan, U.S.S.R. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schneider. The vote was taken and carried unanimously, 6-0, Councilman Haddox absent. Mayor Ringer mentioned that the May 10th meeting will be moved to 5:30 p.m. because he will be attending the reception for the Russian delegates at 7:00 p.m. &qenda Item No. 4 - Discussion of & Resolution amendlnq the city Investment Policy. Mr. Bill Harrison presented this item. He mentioned that the basic areas of investment opportunities eligible for municipalities are: 1) investment pools; 2) commercial paper; 3) bankers' acceptances; and 4) money market mutual funds. After further discussion, the council concurred to delete the section referring to commercial papers and bankers' acceptances. This item has been placed on the consent agenda for the regular meeting. Aqenda It~ No. 5 - Discussion of a resolution authorizinq Investment in ,,TexPool". Mr. Harrison stated that this resolution will allow the city to sign a contract with "TexPool" as referred to in the Investment Policy. This resolution has been placed on the council's Thursday night agenda. Aqenda Item No. 7 - Council Concerns. Councilman Birdwell suggested several changes for the advertisement on the sales tax election. Councilman Gardner showed overhead transparencies which illustrated the comprehensive plan street system. He also commented on the future Amtrak Station. Councilman Brown asked that discussion on the Lotrak project and the Amtrak Station be placed on a workshop agenda. Mayor Ringer indicated that he could contact Jimmy Bond to find out the progress of the pedestrian mall design. Mayor Ringer stated that several concerns were mentioned at the Monday meeting about the possibility of bringing the southbound Wellborn Road traffic on the east side of track, and also a grade separation at Holleman, Luther Street, or George Bush Drive. 007787 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, April 11, 1990 Page 5 Discussion continued on the Lotrak issue. Mayor Ringer stated that staff is aware of the Council's concerns. Councilman Birdwell questioned if $2 million was adequate monies to acquire right-of-way. City Attorney Locke replied that staff is evaluating this estimate by the Highway Department. Councilman Brown commented that it was clear to the Highway Department at the meeting Monday night, that the Council has concerns about the proposed concept. Councilman Gardner asked if the Wolf Pen Creek Steering Committee might be reactivated, in respect to Phase II. City Manager Ragland reported that a status report on Wolf Pen Creek Phase II will be presented at the next council meeting. Mayor Ringer reported that the council retreat has been tentatively scheduled for June 8-9. He asked Councilmen Brown, McIlhaney, and Schneider to work with staff in planning the retreat and review the council policy procedures. aqenda Item No. 8 - C~t¥ Manaqer Conoerns. City Manager Ragland mentioned that Planning Director Callaway will be discussing the economic development policies at the next council workshop meeting and he reminded the council to bring in their surveys. ~qenda Item No. 9 - &d~ourn. Mayor Ringer adjourned the meeting at 5:40 p.m. City Secretary Connie Hooks APPROVED: Ma~~ 007788 GUEST REGISTER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1990 4:00 P.M 3./' 11. 12. 14 15 16 17 18 19 10. 20 007789