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Home My WebLink About05/10/1989 - Workshop Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 1989 4:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ringer, Councilmembers Brown, Gardner, Haddox, McIlhaney COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilmen Schneider and Birdwe11 STAFF PRESENT: &ssistant City Manager Brymer, city Secretary Jones, Assistant City Manager Woody, Public Infor- mation Officer Calliham, CIP Director Ash, Asst. Director PARD Cisneros, Finance Director Harrison, Assistant to the City Manager Piwonka, City Engineer Pullen, Council Coordinator Hooks STUDENT GOV,T LIAISON: Shannon Maloney VISITORS PRESENT: See guest register. Aqenda Item No. i - Presentation reqardinq prospects for future high speed rail service. Mr. Bill Harris of the TAMU Department of Civil Engineering and Associate Director of the Texas Transportation Institute addressed the Council. He reported that Texas has been identified as the most likely state in the United States to have a high speed rail system. He stated that a bill has been introduced to establish a high speed rail authority in Texas. This committee would be charged with the development of a high speed rail system in Texas. The boundaries of the high speed rail service are Dallas/Houston/San Antonio. He mentioned that the details and intermediate points of service have not been decided. Mr. Harris recommended to the Mayor that College Station become a part of this system, if the bill passes. He pointed out several countries which have high speed rail systems. Councilman McIlhaney asked how the Council can work to begin initiating this system. Mr. Harris replied that the Council can first begin working with the legislators. The second step would be to establish a technical group to meet with the persons operating the system. Thirdly, the city should identify the needs and interests of the community and the kinds of functions this community could provide and support for a high speed rail 007273 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, May 10, 1989 Page 2 system. He added that high speed rail system is generally a passenger rail service. Mayor Ringer asked if there will be a need for a new railroad right-of-way. Mr. Harris replied affirmatively. Councilman Brown asked what the proposed speed of the new system would be. Mr. Harris replied that the new system would travel 170-180 mph. Councilman McIlhaney asked if the state and local governments will contribute a percentage of the operating costs. Mr. Harris replied that in the report under summary of findings and recommendations, the system would pay all operating costs and debt service. Mr. Harris presented a list of the members of the High Speed Rail Association to the Mayor for his staff to contact for further documentation. Mayor Ringer stated that the city should become involved early in the preliminary stages. He thanked Mr. Harris for his presentation. Agenda Item No. 2 - Consideration of an ordinance authorizing the termination of an escrow agreement. Finance Director Harrison explained this item. He stated that the Council authorized issuance of $1.5 million in contractual obligations in 1988, the escrow account was requested by First City National Bank in Houston. He stated that this account is no longer necessary since the obligations have been refunded. Councilman Brown moved approval of Ordinance No. 1809 authorizing the termination of the escrow agreement with First City National Bank in Houston. Councilman McIlhaney seconded the motion which carried unan- imously, 5-0. Aqenda Item No. 3 - CONSENT AGENDa. (3.1) Approval of the minutes of the Special Workshop Meeting, April 19, 1989, the Workshop Meeting, April 26, 1989, and the Regular Meeting, April 27, 1989. (3.2) Recoating of Community Center Roof - Bid #89-32. Brazos Urethane - $18,444. Mayor Ringer noted that the minutes of April 27, 1989, page 3, Item No. 9, should reflect that the public hearing was closed. The council approved the above items by common consent. 007274 city Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, May 10, 1989 Page 3 &qenda Item No. 4 - Canvass of Election Returns from the qeneral election on May 6, 1989. City Secretary Jones announced that an election was held on Saturday, May 6, 1989. She introduced Dr. E.E. Burns, Presiding Judge of the Central Counting Station. He presented the canvass of election returns. Councilman Haddox moved approval of Resolution No. 05-10-89-04 accepting the results of the city/school election of May 6, 1989. Councilman McIlhaney seconded the motion which carried unan- imously, 5-0. Aqenda Item No. 5 - Hear Visitors. No one spoke. Aqenda Item No. 6 - Council Concerns. Mayor Ringer stated that he will be providing the Council with a questionnaire for council's preference of council committees and liaisons to various boards and committees. Aqenda Item No. 7 - City Manaqer Concerns. Assistant City Manager Brymer reported that he has provided the council with a questionnaire which is separated in three parts. He asked that the Council answer the information and return to the City Manager's office by Monday. Aqenda Item No. 8 - Adjourn. Mayor Ringer adjourned the meeting at 4:40 p.m. APPROVED: ~er ATTEST: '~~ ~ ~ dity S~ary Dian Jones 007275