Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/13/1990 - Workshop Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORK~HOPMEETING WEDNESDAY, JUNE L3, 1990 4:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ringer, Councilmen Schneider, Gardner, Birdwell, Crouch COUNCIL MEMBERS ~BSENT: Councilmen McIlhaney and Brown STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ragland, Assistant city Manager Brymer, Assistant City Manager Woody, Executive Director Fiscal/Human Resources Harrison, Executive Director Management Services Piwonka, City Attorney Locke, City Secretary Hooks, Police Chief Strope, Interim Fire Chief Yeager, Budget Director Schroeder, Utilities Office Manager Albright, Water and Sewer Superintendent Luedke, Development Services Director Ash, Planning Director Callaway, Facilities Maintenance Director Shear VISITORS PRESENT: See guest register &qenda Item No. i - Consideration of fine1 schematic plans for Wolf Pen Creek Greenbelt Perk, Phase I. City Manager Ragland introduced this item. He stated that the Parks and Recreation Board discussed Phase I at their regular meeting. The Board's recommendations are stated in a memorandum from Ric Ploeger. Mr. J.T. Dunkin stated that the preliminary cost estimates for Phase I are approximately $1,700,000 which does not include the consultant's fees as well as the acquisition of land. He added that the entire project is estimated over $3,000,000. Mr. Ron Hobbs, architect for the amphitheater, addressed the Council. He presented a brief overview of project design. An approach to the design included a program mailed to the user groups to receive their suggestions about the amphitheater. He described the different aspects of the amphitheater. A model was displayed for the Council. He pointed out that the grant for the amphitheater is approximately $350,000. If the amphitheater is built for $350,000, it would include the foundation for the stage, roof structure, masonry walls, electrical service, electrical lighting, and miscellaneous (painting, doors, etc.). The above items total $313,000. From this point, he proposed to bid add alternates. This includes the choir floor and exterior 007866 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, June 13, 1990 Page 2 walls. These two features total $73,300. An added feature is the sound canopy that is estimated $158,700, and the last feature which was requested by the user groups was the plaza level seating, estimated at $94,400. He noted that the restrooms and concessions are planned for the future. Councilman Schneider inquired about the flooding conditions in the orchestra pit. Mr. Hobbs replied that the orchestra pit is one foot above the water level. He noted that a special made concrete masonry brick will be used that will not be damaged by flood waters. Mr. Hobbs commented that he was pleased with the user groups responses. He noted that the amphitheater will hold 6,000 spectators. Mr. Dunkin described other items in Phase I. Such as, the lake, utilities, lighting, group picnic area, playground area, bridges, landscaping, signage, and etc. Mr. Dunkin discussed the inadequate parking spaces. He also pointed out the time frame for construction. He added that the land must be acquired before the application is submitted. Councilman Crouch asked for the total project cost including Phase I, Phase II, and the land. Mr. Birdwell replied that it is approximately $4 million. Mr. Dunkin concluded by stating that this first step is a unique beginning for Wolf Pen Creek. Mr. Dick Haddox spoke to the Council. He stated that there may be the possibility of larger contributions now that the model of the amphitheater is available for interested parties to look at and obtain a better perception of what the city is attempting to do. Sharon Colson, Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Board, read the Parks Board recommendation. This information was provided to the Council attached to a memorandum from Ric Ploeger. She pointed out that the major concerns are lack of restrooms, sound canopy and walls, parking and lighting, and the acquisition of additional land. Councilman Birdwell mentioned that he did not believe the project of this magnitude should start without the assurance of the voters. 007869 city Council Workshop Meeting Page 3 Wednesday, June 13, 1990 Mayor Ringer asked Mr. Dunkin to describe the project with funds presently available. Mr. Dunkin replied that the Parks Board recommendation is to utilize the existing monies to begin with the lake and wait to construct the amphitheater. Also, the Parks Board suggested contacting the Parks and Wildlife Department to possibly reposition the monies to begin building the lake. City Manager Ragland mentioned that the staff approached this project in three steps while targeting October 13th as the bond election date. Staff discussed the idea of continuing with the design elements as proposed by J.T. Dunkin, and include the alternates in the bond issue. Thus begin a third phase which included the restrooms and concession stands, walls, and sound canopy. Councilman Birdwell pointed out that temporary facilities are not practical. He added that if the voters turned down the bond issue, then the direction might be to build a facility that is within the budget. Councilman Schneider emphasized the importance of the citizen's expectations and their impact on the bond issue. Mayor Ringer stated that he hears from council to continue to operate and work toward land acquisition and the permit for lake construction and in the meantime, set aside the amphitheater concept as proposed until the issue goes before the voters. Mr. Haddox asked Council to keep in mind that $250,000 is available to begin the amphitheater. Mr. Ron Hobbs summarized the Wolf Pen Creek amphitheater cost estimate. Councilman Crouch made a motion to direct architects to proceed with Phase I, the foundation of the amphitheater and to add alternates including the choir floor and exterior walls, according to the architect's schedule. The motion died for lack of second. Councilman Schneider explained that the city needs to make a maximum effort in presenting the right package to the voters. He added that he does not want to send out the wrong signals. Councilman Birdwell made a motion to direct staff to continue work with J.T. Dunkin in the development of this project on the basis that they proceed with the design and development stage of the lake and trails; and, that the city set aside the design and OO7870 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, June 13, 1990 Page 4 development stage of the amphitheater until the results of the bond election. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schneider. Discussion followed. The motion passed unanimously, 5-0. Mayor Ringer encouraged the Parks Board to select a citizen's committee to seek additional funding. Councilman Schneider commented that he is excited about the project and he hoped that we will present this proposal in a positive manner and subsequently receive a favorable response from the voters. Councilman Birdwell suggested that staff continue negotiating with J.T. Dunkin on the $4 million project. Mayor Ringer removed Agenda Item No. 5 from the agenda. &genda Item No. 2 - Presentation on Lotrak Dro4eot by Carol 2iegler of the State Department of Hiqhways and Publio Transportation. Mr. Carol Ziegler stated that in previous meetings, council expressed concern about the conceptual design from George Bush Drive to FM 2818. He pointed out that staff has looked at alternatives to address Council concerns. He reviewed several alternatives. One alternative is to raise the railroad at Luther Street with the roadway on either side. The railroad would go over Holleman Drive on the east and west side. The roadways of Holleman and Wellborn would intersect as an urban street intersection, very similar to the proposed intersection at Villa Maria. He also pointed out that the grade line for the rail leaves the existing elevation at about Luther Street, go over Holleman and Southwest Parkway and tie back the existing grade at FM 2818. He noted that the roadway grade at Southwest Parkway will not be changed. Mr. Ziegler pointed out that the Highway Department proposes to lower Holleman and Wellborn about 3 1/2 ft at the Holleman inter- change. Councilman Birdwell asked how much is the city's share of cost. Mr. Ziegler responded by stating that the additional construction cost for this alternative plan is estimated at $2.2 million. The city's share maybe the increase in right-of-way and utility cost. Discussion followed. 007871 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, June 13, 1990 Page 5 Mayor Ringer mentioned that the Highway Department has a matching program for landscaping. Mr. Ziegler pointed out that he has discussed the idea of landscaping with the Highway Department but he has not presented any drawings. Mr. Ziegler described Phase II of the Lotrak project. Mr. Ziegler discussed a potential site for the Amtrak station. He mentioned the possibility of placing the Amtrak station at F&B Road and Old College Road. He added that it might be a transportation center for Greyhound, etc. Mr. Ziegler stated that the Highway Dept. will proceed with the design and take the necessary steps for construction financing. He proposed a public informational meeting for the purpose of describing the total concept of the project and allowing citizens input. He mentioned that this meeting will not be a formal public hearing. Mayor Ringer remarked that the Highway Department has developed an alternative that addresses the council's concerns about the project and he feels this is a good solution. aqenda Item No. $ - Discussion of Proposed Librar~ Project. Chairman of the Library Committee Ralph Reed reviewed the recommendation of the Library Committee as stated in the second report from the Committee. The recommendations are as follows: 1. The City of College Station support a College Station Public Library within the standards of the Texas Library Association. 2. Establish an operating agreement with the Bryan Public Library to promote a Togetherness System so that both libraries are separately funded but work as one. 3. Construct a 15,000 square ft. facility at the primary site of Rock Prairie Road and Rio Grande Drive. 4. Expand hours of service from 41 to 60 hours. Mr. Reed pointed out that the committee has made a secondary recommendation that a satellite facility of 14,000 sq. ft. be built in the Wolf Pen Creek Corridor. Councilman Gardner asked Mr. Reed to explain the Committee's reasons for selecting a site at Rock Prairie Road. Mr. Reed replied that this area is where the city is growing. The 007872 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, June 13, 1990 Page 6 location has excellent access from all points of the city and the area includes parks and schools. Councilman Gardner pointed out that he has demographic slides he would like to present. He added that he does not agree with the committee's recommendation for a permanent site. Discussion was held on the citizen's responses on the question of location. Councilman Schneider complimented the library committee on their extra efforts and stated that he was impressed with the recommendations. Mayor Ringer commented that the Library Committee has addressed the concerns of the Council. Vice Chairman Ruth Schultz spoke to the Council. the citizens' reactions for a larger library. She emphasized Mayor Ringer noted that a special workshop meeting will be scheduled to discuss the CIP Bond package and the Library. Councilman Birdwell left the meeting. The council recessed at 7:00 p.m. The council reconvened into open session. Aaenda Item No. 4 - Discussion of report from Brazos Valley Development Council on Operation Bootstrap. Planning Director Callaway stated that a request was received from the BVDC asking council's support for the Operation Bootstrap through a commitment statement. A copy of the request was included in the council packet. Mr. Callaway described the intent of the project and read the commitment statement. Mayor Ringer noted that this item has been placed on the Thursday night consent agenda for approval. Aqenda Item No. 6 - Presentation of report from MIS Steering Committee in reqards to modification of 3 year MIS Plan and preliminary approval of staff recommendations. Executive Director/Management Services Linda Piwonka presented slides to describe the three year plan. She noted that savings of $195,000 are currently available for use on new technology. Several items have been implemented into the three year plan. Such as: 1) Handheld Meter Readers; 2) Public Safety System, and 3) Traffic Control System. 007873 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, June 13, 1990 Page 7 She described the financial aspects of the plan. MIS Director Charles Cowell addressed the issue of office automation in terms of networking. Mayor Ringer with the consensus of the Council approved the Steering Committee recommendations. &qe~da Item No. 7 - Discussion of priorities for uDcomina Community Development budaet. Planning Director Callaway presented this item. He stated that a base budget was prepared to show the same level of funding in similar activities. However, adjustments were calculated in the areas of code enforcement, economic development, and parks planning. Staff provided Council the 1990-91 CDBG Budget Planning Report. Discussion followed. aqenda Item No. 8 - Councll Concerns. Mayor Ringer asked Council to return their preferences for council committees. Aqenda Item No. 9 - City Manaqer Concerns. City Manager Ragland reminded the council that the dinner with the Fire Chief candidates is July 2nd. City Manager Ragland referred to the handouts. three items on the information memorandum. He mentioned Mayor Ringer mentioned that the Council needs to schedule three workshops: 1) to review the proposed CIP projects; 2) review and discuss strategic planning issues; and, 3) the budget retreat. He asked the Council to give their schedules to the City Secretary for the next three months. &aenda Item No. 10 - &d4ourn. Mayor Ringer adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m. City Secretary Connie Hooks APPROVED:r~ Mayor Lar 007874 GUEST REGISTER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 1990 4:00 P.M 11. 12. 13 4 14 5 15 6 16 7 17 8 18 9 19 10. 20 O07875