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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/26/1988 - Workshop Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1988 4:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Presiding Officer McIlhaney, Councilmen Haddox, Schneider. Birdwell, Gardner STAFF PRESENT: Assistant City Manager Woody, City Secretary Jones, City Attorney Locke, Assistant to the City Manager Piwonka, CIP Director Ash, Assistant City Attorney Banks, PARD Director Beachy, Assistant PARD Director Cisneros, Assistant City Engineer Smith, Budget Director Schroeder, Traffic Engineer Black, City Engineer Pullen, Council Coordinator Hooks STUDENT GOV'T LIAISON: Shannon Maloney VISITORS PRESENT: See guest register. Agenda Item No. 1 - Council Concerns. Councilman Gardner asked if staff is preparing an ordinance regarding abandoned vehicles. Ms. Locke replied affirmatively, and added that this ordinance will come before Council in the near future. Mr. Gardner commented that the recent police survey did not refer to the drug problem. Discussion followed. Councilman Haddox reported that Councilman Brown was not present at the meeting today because he was scheduled to receive an award from the President of BMW for being the #1 customer service agent in the nation. Councilman Schneider commended the staff in their response to the issue of community appearance. Councilman Birdwell mentioned that the local newspaper reported a developer was not happy with the city's response in dealing with inspections. Councilman Haddox commented that a local developer remarked to him that the city's service has never been better. Councilman McIlhaney mentioned that the Brazos Valley Restaurant Association will be hosting a dinner for the Council members before their regular meeting Thursday. She reminded City Council Workshop Meeting 2 Wednesday, October 26. 1988 the Council that the 1st Annual B/CS Joint Cleanup along Texas Avenue will be held on October 29th. Agenda Item No. 2 - City Manaqer Concerns. Mr. Woody reported no concerns. Agenda Item No. 3 - Presentation of Wolf Pen Creek Corridor ~d¥... (council Issue No. 4) Mr. J.T. Dunkin, consultant for the project came forward to address the Council. He commended the Steering Committee and staff for their work during the past year. Mr. Dunkin referred to the drainageway throughout Wolf Pen Creek. He pointed out that the plan will improve the drainage conditions and at the same time, enhance the adjacent areas. Mr. Dunkin reiterated that the master plan addressed the floodplain limits and floodway limits. He stated that during the planning process, the floodway area was determined as the "core area". He pointed out that the "core area" can be accomplished without addressing other areas in the plan at this time. Park elements can be added for enhancement to the park. Mr. Dunkin noted that the Steering Committee met several times and expressed their desire for certain community type facil- ities in the Wolf Pen Creek Park. Mr. Dunkin stated that four methods of land acquisition can be expected: 1) Dedication of a minimum amount of land as an easement or public right-of-way; 2) Acquisition of a reservation strip of land; 3) Acquisition of land through purchase; and 4) contribution of monies. Mr. Dunkin referred to Appendix B in the overall plan which lists the preliminary cost estimate of the Wolf Pen Creek Corridor. He mentioned that the development for the Core Area is estimated at $3,525,000 which includes a substantial amount of drainage costs. He expressed his appreciation to the Council for allowing him to work on such a project and he added that he looked forward to continue working toward the first phase of the plan by preparing the grant application which must be submitted January 31. Councilman Birdwell asked for the basis of the costs for the development of the Core area. Mr. Dunkin replied that the type of soil stabilization, lake shore and flood plain treatments were estimated figures. Discussion was held regarding the recycling of water to the creek. 6940 ? - City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, October 26, 1988 Councilman Schneider asked if a time table has been deter- mined for the development of the Core area and the total project. Mr. Dunkin replied that the first step will be to apply for a grant through the Parks and Wildlife Department, maximum amount of money through this grant is $600,000. Councilman Haddox commented that half of the money estimated could be raised through grants from the Tx. Parks and Wildlife Dept. and the other half of the costs could be allocated from a bond issue or by means through the city. Mr. Haddox remarked that many people have shown an interest in seeing this project developed. Mr. Birdwell made several comments about the tax increment district and financing for the project. CIP Director Ash reported that the City has applied drainage monies toward this study. Councilman Gardner commented that the study has been planned very well. He added that several students at TAMU are developing a model replica of the Wolf Pen Creek Park Corridor. Councilman Haddox made several concluding statements. He stated that adoption of the plan will give the Steering Committee the tool to begin working in the direction of obtaining sources of money. The Council thanked Mr. Dunkin for coming to the meeting and presenting this study. Agenda Item No 4 - Discussion of Tax Increment Financing and possible ~DD!ication in the Wolf Pen Creek corridor (Council Issue. No. _4) Planning Director Callaway introduced this item. He stated that the report prepared by Mr. Dunkin recommended that tax increment financing be considered as an alternative method of financing. He noted that staff identified two critical elements with respect to tax increment financing: 1) a 60 day notice must be given to all taxing units prior to the hearing; and 2) the tax increment financing zone would become effective January 1 of the year following the year in which the zone was created. Mr. Callaway described the location of the tax increment zone. City Attorney Locke explained the Tax Increment Financing Act, Tax Code, Chapter 311. She stated that the initial reguire- ment of the statute is that notices be sent to all taxing City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, October 26, 1988 units. The notice must outline the following: 1) intent to establish zone; 2) description of the proposed boundaries; 3) tentative plans for development; and 4) estimate of general impact of the proposed zone on property values and tax revenues. Ms. Locke stated that a formal presentation must be made by the municipality to the other taxing entities. Ms. Locke explained the criteria in creating the zone. She stated that the Wolf Pen Creek Corridor can qualify as a rein- vestment zone because it is "predominantly open and, because of obsolete platting, deterioration of structures or site improve- ments, or other factors, substantially impairs or arrests the sound growth of the municipality." After a public hearing has been held, an ordinance can be passed which would specify the zone boundaries, create zone board of directors, set an effective date (January 1 of the following year), set a term- ination for the zone, name the zone, establish the tax increment fund, and council must make findings. Ms. Locke explained criteria for the Board of Directors, as follows: 1) five to fifteen members, as set by Council; 2) County appoints one member; 3) School district appoints one member; 4) City Council appoints the remaining members with annual designation of Chairman. Ms. Locke continued with her presentation by describing the financing plan, collection and deposit, tax increment fund permitted expenditures, and tax increment bond issue. Budget Director Schroeder explained the best and worst case scenarios on the impact of tax revenues in a tax increment financing district. He also explained a conservative scenario. Councilman Haddox asked if the city issued bonds over twenty years for $2.5 million to complete the core, in the conser- vative scenario, could the city pay it off. Mr. Schroeder replied affirmatively. Councilman Birdwell commented that the tax increment financing maybe a controversial issue for the County and School District. Mr. Birdwell remarked that the Northgate area is ideal for this type of district. The staff was given direction by the Council to set up a hearing with the School District Board members and the County Commissioners to present a formal presentation. City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, October 26, 1988 Agenda Item No. 5 - Discussion of warrant studies for four-way stop_~_gn control at five intersectionqs in ~olleg9 Station. City Engineer Pullen explained that council asked the staff to study five intersections for stop sign control. Staff has conducted studies based on traffic volume warrants required in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for four way stops. Traffic Engineer Black has recommended that a four way stop sign be designated at Longmire and Deacon. The other recommendation is that the stop signs at Francis and Munson be reversed. Mr. Pullen indicated that warrants were not met at the other three intersections where studies were conducted; Rio Grande - Deacon, Deacon - Brothers, and Glade - Haines. Councilman Birdwell reported that he would oppose reversing the signs at Francis and Munson. He recommended that a four-way stop sign be installed. The Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance for con- sideration at their next meeting designating four-way stop signs at Longmire-Deacon and Francis-Munson. Agenda Item No. 6 - Report on the Adopt-A-Street (Council Issue No. 6). PARD Director Beachy explained that this item was brought to the Council in September. At that meeting, the Council directed staff to look at various sizes of signs. He stated that three sizes of signs were posted in front of City Hall for Council's view. Councilman Birdwell stated that he preferred the middle size, 24"x18". Councilman McIlhaney asked staff to keep the signs erected until all the Council members are able to view them. Mr. Cisneros reported to the Council that the Brazos Beautiful received a national award, a No. 2 rating for cities of the same population. Councilman Haddox inquired about the open spaces between the parking lots of businesses and streets. Mr. Ash replied that that the landscape ordinance requires landscaping. Agenda Item No. 7 - Staff Presentation of Emerald Fores$_R&~ Plan Development~ Mr. Beachy explained that this item is a presentation to the Council of the site plan development for a neighborhood park located in Emerald Forest Subdivision. He noted that several City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, October 26, 1988 public hearings have been held at the meetings of the Parks and Recreation Board. The Board adopted the formal site plan and staff recommended approval of the plan. Staff has also recom- mended that the replacement playground equipment for Thomas Park be included as an alternate bid item. Mr. Cisneros presented a slide presentation describing the property and site plan. He noted that the park is located in the floodplain and heavily wooded. Councilman Gardner asked for the location of Bee Creek. Cisneros replied that Bee Creek borders the western and northern Dart of the park. Mr. Mr. Cisneros pointed out that much concern was expressed by the Board for the City to look into what type of border would distinguish "park" property" from "private" property. Councilman Haddox remarked that there is a beautiful section of land adjacent to the park. Mr. Cisneros indicated that parking did not receive favorable comments from the homeowners. The homeowners felt that all money should be spent on improvements within the park. Mr. Birdwell asked if homeowners opposed parking in the Clubhouse parking lot. Mr. Beachy replied that the homeowners felt that the traffic to the park will be generated from persons in the neighborhood. Mr. Birdwell expressed concern about no parking spaces. Mr. Cisneros remarked that Appomattox Drive is wide enough for on street parking. Mr. Cisneros pointed out that the city owns Sandstone Park, acres of open area located next to Emerald Forest. He added that this area would be suitable for soccer fields, practice fields, baseball, etc. 15 Councilman Gardner remarked that the Emerald Forest neighbor- hood park should include more acreage. He pointed out that the floodplain is such a big factor and it should be cause for concern in the future. Councilman McIlhaney added that the city has plans to event- ually utilize the GSU easement to connect Raintree Park, Windwood Park and Emerald Forest Park. Councilman Schneider asked if the city has a park development strategy with different configurations to fit individual park needs. Mr. Beachy replied that each park has their own par- ticular situation and no specific criteria has been set to determine the needs for the parks. ' ' 5944 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, October 26, 1988 7 Mr. Beachy added that the site plan will be brought to the Council for approval. Agenda Item No. 8 - Adjourn. Councilman Schneider moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:50 p.m. Councilman Haddox seconded the motion which carried unanimous- ly, 4-0, Councilman Birdwell absent. ATTEST: bi~'6-JP,'&s'} ?city secretary APPROVED: GUEST REGISTER City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, October 26, 1988 4:00 P.M. 3. 15. 4. 16. 5. 17. 6. 18. 7. 19. 8. 20. 9. ' 21. 10. 22. 11. 23. 12. 24. 06946