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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/21/1990 - Workshop Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1990 4~00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT= Mayor Ringer, Councilmembers Brown, Haddox, McIlhaney, Schneider, Birdwellv Gardner STAFF PRESENT= City Manager Ragland, Assistant City Manager Brymer, Assistant City Manager Woody, City Attorney Locke, City Seoretar~ Hooks, Executive Director Management Services Piwonka, Planning Director Callaway, Senior Planner Kee, Asst. City Attorney Banks, PARD Director Beachy, asst. PARD Director Ploeger, Development Services Director Ash VISITORS PRESENT~ See guest register. Mayor Ringer opened the meeting at 4:00 p.m., with Councilman Schneider absent. Aaenda Item No. I - Presentation and consideration of report from the War on Drugs Committee. Mr. David Branham, Chairman of the War on Drugs Committee, addressed the Council. Discussion was held regarding the crime rate associated with drug abuse and the statistics of usage among high school students. Councilman Gardner asked if the committee discussed the possibility of establishing a YMCA facility. Mr. Branham discussed the aspect that there are not a lot of activities for school kids to do after school, and the YMCA may be an alternative. Mayor Ringer thanked Mr. Branham for his report. A~enda Item No. 2 - Consideration of a resolution adopting Minute Order No. 89665 passed by tho State Department of Highways --4 Public Transportation on December 14, 1989, and status report with regard to the LoTraok project. Mr. Elrey Ash stated that the passage of the resolution will permit the State Highway Department to include a small portion of Wellborn Road, north of FM 60 to north of Maple Street, onto the State Highway system. Mr. Ash reaffirmed the Council that action by the Council will not commit the city to the Lotrack project. 007725 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, February 21, 1990 Page 2 Councilman Schneider arrived at the meeting. Mr. Carol Ziegler of the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation addressed the Council. Mr. Ziegler stated that this minute order is contingent upon the LoTrack project becoming a reality. Councilman Birdwell asked Mr. Ziegler to provide the council with an update of the project. Mr. Ziegler replied that SDHPT has estimated a cost of $35 million for the entire project. He noted that informal meetings have been held with the University staff and Schrickel, Rollins & Associates. He also noted that he will be meeting with the Board of Regents on March 22nd. The Highway Department has prepared a detailed scale model of the portion of the project existing north of University Drive and south of George Bush Drive. Mr. Ziegler added that there will be a series of public hearings held. Mr. Ash indicated that he has an idea of how much land will be involved. Councilman Gardner asked if this type of project has been built anywhere else. Mr. Ziegler replied that there are many unique aspects of this project. He added that this type of project accomplishes many goals. Councilman Brown moved approval of the resolution accepting the Minute Order No. 89665. The motion was seconded by Councilman Birdwell which carried unanimously, 7-0. &oenda Item No. 3 - Discussion relating to an increase in th~ looal sales tax. Budget Director Glenn Schroeder presented this item. He reviewed several of the advantages and disadvantages of a sales tax increase. He noted that the City of Bryan has indicated their support of this particular issue. Councilman Birdwell expressed his concern that the ordinance should include a statement to the effect that if the City of Bryan voters do not approve the sales tax increase, then College Station will not place the tax increase into effect. He emphasized that he does not want to place the retailers at a disadvantage. Councilman Brown asked if the staff has a plan to educate the public on the advantages and disadvantages. Mr. Schroeder replied that the educational process is very critical. 007724 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, February 21, 1990 Page 3 Councilman Birdwell commented that the people must be educated in the fact that there are two tax rates, 1) the rate the city taxes a citizen; and, 2) the other tax is the "effective tax rate" which is a calculation as the law interprets. Mayor Ringer stated that the Council must make a statement of their intent if the issue passes by placing ads in the newspaper. Discussion continued. Mr. Schroeder described several scenarios for utilizing the $2 million revenue received from the increase sales tax each year. Councilman Birdwell suggested that the Council wait until March 8th to consider the ordinance calling the election. He also suggested that a resolution be considered by the Council expressing the Council's intent to appropriate the monies. Mayor Ringer stated that discussion of the resolution should be placed on the workshop agenda, March 7th. Councilman Gardner stated several concerns. One concern is that the community is not ready for this increase and the means of offsetting will help less than fifty percent of the community. Also, the issue would discriminate against a rather large segment of the community, the students. Councilman Birdwell disagreed with Mr. Gardner's statement. Councilman Brown commented that 50% of the business in College Station is from out of town visitors. Councilman Haddox added that if the money obtained from the sales tax is properly utilized then the city can give the citizens more amenities. This concept offsets the regressive tax. Councilman Schneider commented that this idea is an opportunity to make a significant difference. Mayor Ringer placed on the March 8th agenda, the ordinance calling an election for an increased sales tax. The March 7th agenda will include discussion of how the council will propose proceeds of such sales tax. Councilman McIlhaney noted that it may be helpful if the council knows how much the increase will affect the utility fund. Councilman Brown requested a presentation of the public awareness campaign. 007725 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, February 21, 1990 Page 4 &aenda Item,s. 4 - Presentation and discussion of an update cost of service - Utility Rates (electric, water, sewer) by ~im HcCord, HcCord Enqineerinq (Council Issue No. 31) Management Services Director Piwonka introduced this item. Mr. McCord mentioned that his firm is currently working in a preliminary stage to gather data for the rate analysis. He pointed out three primary goals in the rate design: 1) provide utility rates for council's consideration to provide revenue needs established during the budget process; 2) reach self- sufficiency in the water and sewer areas; and, 3) provide rates to residents which are equitable and non-discriminatory. Councilman Birdwell pointed out that the demand charges will raise when the new power supplier is on line. Mr. McCord replied that some of these changes can be identified now. Discussion continued on the rate structure. Mr. McCord stated that he could provide the Council with a step design and flat design in the rate development. Aqenda Item No. 5 - Presentation and consideration of a potential Streetscape Plan and proqram for Colleqe Station (Council Issue No. Planning Director Callaway showed a slide presentation. He defined a streetscape plan as a set of standards and guidelines for both public and private improvements that occur in and along the major thoroughfares within the city. Mr. Callaway described the Streetscape Plan and its effect on public and private improvements. He showed slides of problem areas where improvements are needed, possibly areas for a streetscape plan. Mr. Callaway mentioned that it is beyond the current capabilities of staff to develop an appropriate streetscape plan. It would be necessary to seek professional services, estimated cost ranging between $20,000 to $50,000. Councilman Haddox commented that landscaping adds attractiveness. Mr. Callaway mentioned that the Streetscape Plan could help lead to the development of an attractive image for College Station. Councilman Birdwell suggested that staff modify the landscaping ordinance and set standards for landscaping major thoroughfares. Councilman Haddox stated that he would rather see specific areas addressed such as Northgate and $outhgate. This will initiate interest from businesess and groups in the community. 007726 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, February 21, 1990 Page 5 City Manager Ragland suggested inviting a consultant to discuss with the council the objectives and scope of a Streetscape Plan that the Council is interested in. Mayor Ringer suggested that staff ask someone with landscaping experience to make a presentation to the Council. Councilman Schneider stated that we may want to invite someone from the Community Appearance Committee. Councilman Haddox suggested inviting someone from Brazos Beautiful. &~enda Item No. $ - Discussion and consideration of Code Enforcement Activities (Codicil Issue No. 6) Mr. Callaway gave a status report of the code enforcement activities on a proactive and reactive basis. He discussed the enforcement used for regulating the parking on front lawns. Mr. Callaway showed slides of residences violating the ordinance. Councilman Birdwell asked if there is a way to enforce how many vehicles are allowed at a residence. Mr. Callaway replied that he would look into this. Councilman Schneider asked if there is an ordinance that requires a limitation on the number of persons living at the same residence. Mr. Callaway replied that there are no limitations for persons who are related. But in the case where persons are unrelated, staff depends on neighbor's complaints, because it is hard to enforce. Mr. Callaway mentioned that staff has seen cases of improvement regarding parking on lawns. The council agreed that staff should proceed in a proactive manner. &aenda Item No. 7 - Council Concerns. Councilman Birdwell reported that there are a number of subdivisions within the city with one access. He stated that staff should look at amending the subdivision ordinance and possibly placing a limit on the number of lots within the subdivision in accordance wtih access. Mr. Birdwell also thanked staff for providing a monthly financial report. Councilman Schneider reported that the Community Appearance Committee has spotted a dumping site at the corner of University and Tarrow Street. Mr. Gardner also reported that there is a dumping site at the northeast corner of Colgate/Dartmouth. Staff was asked to look at these sites. 007727 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, February 21, 1990 Page 6 Councilman Haddox mentioned that the creek near the KBTX-TV station was used as a dumping site. He would like to see an ordinance addressing this problem. Mr. Haddox also reported that he met with Dr. Leonard Berry, Director of Retail Marketing at A&M, who has indicated his willingness to talk with city employees about community service. Councilman Brown reported that a street light is needed at Emerald Forest Parkway and the overpass. Councilman McIlhaney also reported that a street light is needed at Holleman and the East Bypass frontage road. Councilman Gardner inquired about the progress of the Wolf Pen Creek Corridor. He also inquired about the library. Mayor Ringer responded that the CIP committee decided not to consider the library at this time. The CIP Committee has scheduled a meeting with the Planning and Zoning Commission in early March. The Council will have the opportunity to discuss this issue at a later date. Mayor Ringer mentioned that Mrs. Dian Jones had informed the Council that it is once again time to take council photographs. The council concurred to have a group photograph taken. Agenda Item No. 8 - City Manager Conoerns. Mayor Ringer presented handouts to the councilmembers. Agenda Item No. 9 - Adjourn. Mayor Ringer adjourned the meeting at 7:10 p.m. ATTEST: t~f~y Secretary Connie Hooks Mayo~ry~_~ng~ 007728 GUEST REGISTER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1990 4:00 P.M il. 12. 3 13. 14 5 15 6 16 7 17 18 9 19 10. 20 007730