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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/11/1990 - Workshop Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 1990 4~00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ringer, Councilmembers Brown, Crouch, McIlhaney, Birdwell, Gardner, Schneider STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ragland, Assistant City Manager Brymer, Assistant City Manager Woody, City Attorney Locke, City Secretary Hooks, Planning Director Callaway, Assistant to the Engineer Morgan, PARD Director Beachy, Facilities Maintenance Supervisor Shear, Public Information Officer Calliham, Director of Development Services Ash VISITORS PRESENT: See guest register. Aqenda Item No. 1 - Discussion of a proposed aqreement between the CSISD and the City of Colleqe Station reqardlnq the abandonment of Holik Street. Director of Development Services Elrey Ash addressed this item. He pointed out one correction on the original agreement to read as follows on page 6, item 11: DISTRICT shall dedicate right-of- way in the preliminary and final plats and CITY shall make improvements to Anderson Street and Timber Street at George Bush Drive as it deems necessary. Mr. Ash referred to overhead transparencies. key points in the agreement. He addressed the Mr. Ash addressed the cost values for the two entities as follows: CITY Holik Street and Right-of-way Anderson Street Rebuild Signal Relocation Timber/Bush Intersection Total $120,000 125,000 15,000 35,000 $295,000 CSISD 124 Car Parking Lot adjacent to Community Center Landscaping Land for Parking Lot Right-of-way Anderson Street Right-of-way Timber Street Total $175,000 5,000 19,000 28,000 1,000 $228,000 007894 City Council Workshop Meeting Page 2 Wednesday, July 11, 1990 Mr. Ash distributed to each councilmember the revised agreement. He highlighted the paragraphs on page 1 and page 3; the new changes were recommended by the School Board at their meeting July 5th. Mr. David Neal, representing Dr. Ray Chancellor's office came forward to answer questions. Several school board members were present. Councilman Brown remarked that he does not agree with the value system as presented. Mr. Neal replied that the school board felt the improvements to Anderson Street and/or Timber Street will have to be made regardless of the changes to Holik Street. He also remarked that the number of students will decrease from 1200 students to 800 students when the Junior High Campus is moved. Mr. Neal pointed out that the school board's primary concern is the safety of children crossing the streets. Councilman Birdwell stated that he was initially opposed to closing Holik Street and the traffic study report did not justify closing Holik Street. He added that the city should not spend the funds to close Holik Street. Mayor Ringer commented that a committee from the Council and representatives from the School Board discussed this issue at length. He further stated that the committee eventually arrived at the original agreement as submitted in the packet. Mayor Ringer mentioned that the council committee requested that the school board direct the traffic consultants to provide additional data. The consultants replied to the School Board that it was not possible to conduct an accurate analysis because school is not in session until fall. City Manager Ragland mentioned that the $175,000 was set basically on the school district's side of the "book" and throughout the negotiations the monies were shifted to the city's side. School Board trustee Sherman Click commented that the Community Center is currently in need of parking. If something is not accomplished together during the closing of Holik Street, then the cost to the city will be greater to build additional parking spaces. Councilman Crouch pointed out two issues facing the council tonight: 1) should the city close Holik Street for the safety of the children; and 2) who is going to pay for closing Holik. 007895 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, July 11, 1990 Page 3 Mayor Ringer stated that if the Council found the agreement acceptable and decided to close Holik Street, then the Council will hold a public hearing. School Board trustee Dan MacGilvray addressed the Council on the issue of rebuilding Anderson street. Councilman Birdwell emphasized his concern for the out of pocket expenses which include the signal relocation and parking lot improvements. Mayor Ringer asked if Council preferred to offset costs for the entrance off Anderson Street. The council replied negatively. Mayor Ringer also asked Council for their opinion of the basic agreement that involves the closing of Holik Street, rebuilding Anderson Street with donation of right-of-way by the School District, signal relocation, single lanes at Timber and Anderson, and the parking lot. Mayor Ringer added that the school board set a deadline for improvements to Anderson Street by September 1, 1992. Mayor Ringer indicated that the Community Center Advisory Committee has requested additional parking spaces for the Community Center. Councilman McIlhaney reported that she supports the agreement. She added that these improvements will be good for the community, and allow traffic to flow smoothly. City Attorney Locke suggested that the Council not make a commitment for completion of the project. School Board trustee Linda Parrish addressed the Council. Councilman Schneider raised the question whether the Council reviewed other alternatives for handling the traffic situation at Anderson. He clarified the statement in the newspaper of the council's intentions to solve the traffic problems in the future. Councilman Brown remarked that he will support this effort; however, he would like to see the values adjusted evenly between the two entities and refrain from utilizing the current street funds. Mr. MacGilvray pointed out that the source of monies are the same for both sides, the taxpayers. 007896 city Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, July 11, 1990 Page 4 City Attorney Locke modified paragraph 11 to reflect the staff's intentions to work toward a completion date of September 1, 1992, but they will not commit themselves to that particular date. Councilman Birdwell disagreed that the city should pay for school roads. He added that he will vote against the agreement as submitted. Councilman Schneider asked if the street monies are uncommitted. City Manager Ragland replied that the monies can be allocated from the street maintenance funds and adjust the priorities by putting this item at the beginning of the list, or the council could include this item on the CIP bond issue. Mayor Ringer concluded that the council will consider this agreement as part of the consent agenda tomorrow night. He further stated that the agreement is also contingent upon the council holding a public hearing on July 26th. The council recessed for five minutes. Aqenda It~ No. 2 - Discussion and consideration of streetsoape pla-ninq in Colleqe Station. (Council Issue No. 13). City Manager Ragland introduced Mr. Bart Hodge and Mr. Frank Clements. He stated that these gentleman have developed streetscape programs in other cities and he's had the pleasure of working with them in two cities. Mr. Frank Clements began the presentation by describing the elements of a streetscape framework. He pointed out the elements of a revitalization program as follows: 1. Organization 2. Promotion 3. Design 4. Economic restructuring The council reviewed illustrations of a streetscape program in other cities. Mr. Hodge showed slides on a streetscape framework plan developed for other cities. Jim Callaway commented that in order to enhance community appearance, the city should develop a comprehensive streetscape plan. Mr. Callaway showed slides of Southwest Parkway and Texas Avenue. 007897 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, July 11, 1990 Page 5 Public Utilities Director John Woody supported the effort. Councilman Gardner asked if any conflicts might arise with the Highway Department in landscaping the heavily traveled highways. Mr. Clements replied that the Highway Department has an extensive landscape program. He also pointed out that the Highway Depart- ment is becoming more sensitive to the environmental issues. He also pointed out that the overall structure of the town can be emphasized through streetscape. Councilman Schneider asked if the council wishes to continue with this concept; do we develop an overall plan or is the streetscape plan developed in phases. Mr. Clements replied that the plan is derived from goals and objectives defining what they envision the city to be. City Manager Ragland mentioned that Susan Causey, Chairman of the Community Appearance Committee, and Ms. Diane Craig of Brazos Beautiful have indicated an interest to become involved in this program. Mr. Hodge stated that the city can offer a variety of incentives for the business community. Mayor Ringer stated that the council can discuss the streetscape program further at the planning retreat. &q~nda Item No. 3 - Discussion of a three year reo¥ol~nq collection contract with Texas Commercial Waste. Assistant City Manager Tom Brymer presented this item. highlighted several key areas of the contract. He Councilman Birdwell disagreed with the statement in the contract which stated that the city is entitled to take possession of the contractor's equipment if he has failed to collect the materials. This statement is reflected on page 13. Councilman Birdwell also expressed concern about Article IV: Sale of recyclables and remittance of funds. Councilman Brown concurred with Councilman Birdwell's concerns. Discussion continued. Councilman Birdwell suggested two changes to the contract: 1. State that if there is a service problem, the contract is cancelled. 007898 city Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, July 11, 1990 Page 6 2. State that if there is a disagreement on pricing, we take ownership of the collectables. Councilman McIlhaney stated that Ron Schmidt of Texas Commercial Waste is comfortable with the agreement as presented. Councilman Schneider commented that three years is a long period for such a program. He also indicated that the city staff may have to explain to the persons who w~re not selected for the program. Mr. Brymer responded that there is not a clause in the contract that prevents staff to re-negotiate the contract at anytime. Mayor Ringer pointed out that the contract requires the customer to sort the recyclables. He added that he is curious to know the participation rate the citizens will maintain after the initial program has begun. At the conclusion of this item, Councilman Birdwell and Councilman Gardner left the meeting. &qenda Item No. 4 - Discussion of proposed Community Development Block Grant Housinq Rehabilitation Proqram Guidelines. Planning Director Callaway explained this item. He stated that the city does not have a formal policy adopted by the Council which the housing rehabilitation program is operated, except one which is the expenditure limit of $15,000 per unit. Mr. Callaway explained the guidelines used by the Community Development Division for low to moderate income single family owner occupied dwellings. Clayton Hall, Housing Programs Coordinator, addressed the Council. He explained the eligibility requirements for financial assistance/selection procedures. Mr. Hall presented slides illustrating several dilapidated houses in College Station. Discussion followed. Mr. Callaway stated that the Community Development office diligently works to help the elderly and persons with urgent needs with some form of assistance. &qenda Item No. 5 - City Council Concerns. No concerns reported by the Council. 007899 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, July 11, 1990 Page 7 Agenda Item No. 6 - City Manager Concerns. city Manager Ragland reminded the Council about three workshop meetings scheduled: July 16 - CIP Bond Issue and July 25 - Planning Issues. He also mentioned that the Fireman's Training School has invited the council to attend a demonstration at 8:00 p.m. on July 25th. August 27 and 28 - Budget Retreat &qenda Item No. 7 - Adjourn. Mayor Ringer adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m. A~EST: / J. ~' ~lty Secretary Connie Hooks APPROVED: Mayor ~ 007900