Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/28/1986 - Regular Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 1986 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: VISITORS PRESENT: Mayor Ringer, Councilmen Bond, Brown, Haddox, Jones, Tongco, Boughton None City Manager Cole, Capital Improvements Director Ash, City Attorney Locke, City Secretary Jones, City Engineer Pullen, Director of Planning Mayo, Building Official Perry, Purchasing Agent McCartney, Utilities Manager Piwonka, Deputy Finance Director Schroeder, Community Center Director Calliham, Energy Specialist Shear, Parks and Recreation Director Beachy, Council Coordinator Hooks See guest register. Agenda Item No. 1 -Siqning of a proclamation designating Septem- ber 7-13, 1986 as "American Heart's Food Festival Week". Mayor Ringer signed a proclamation designating September 7-13, 1986 as "American Heart's Food Festival Week". Sylvia McMullen of the American Heart Association accepted the proclamation. Mayor Ringer also signed a proclamation designating August 26, 1986 as "Women's Equality Day". Dr. Billie Trail was present to accept the proclamation. Agenda Item No. 2- Council Concerns. Mayor Ringer asked Mr. Cole if the date has been confirmed for the council retreat. Mr. Cole replied negatively. Agenda Item No. 3 - City Manaqer Concerns. City Manager Cole commented that the City of College Station City Hall is supporting the Load Management Program and the air con- ditioner is turned off between the period of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. 905819 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 1986 PAGE 2 Mr. Cole mentioned that the F.E.R.C. has approved the rate in- crease on an interim basis for Gulf States Utilities. The staff has prepared a news release to encourage persons to write to the F.E.R.C. opposing the rate increase. He asked if the council was in agreement with the letter writing campaign. The council con- curred. Mr. Cole mentioned that a paid advertisement in the Eagle would help support the fight against the rate increase. He added that the printing costs would be $300.00 for a quarter page, $399.00 for a third of a page, and $598.00 for one/half page. The staff feels that an advertisement would generate a significant number of letters. Councilman Brown asked if funding could be allocated from the Energy Conservation Fund. Mr. Cole replied that he was not sure if allocations from this fund would be appropriate. Mr. Cole mentioned that the City of College Station Electrical Department is in the process of maintenancing the electrical system. The operation utilizes an infrared scan positioned on a helicopter and enables the department to locate "hot-spots" through the transmission lines. This activity will take place on September 4, 1986. Mr. Cole stated that College Station has been asked to submit a proposal to host the Texas City Managers Association's annual state conference in 1990. This will bring 450 city managers and their families to spend three days in the city. The city must make a verbal request in early September. Mr. Cole mentioned that the host city is required to provide financial support for portions of the convention such as transportation, etc. The anticipated cost is $4,000.00 and Bryan is willing to share these expenses. The council concurred that this proposal will be a good attraction to the cities. Mr. Cole stated that he has started an "employee of the month" awards program for employees of the city. A task force was formed to select employees who have performed exceedingly well in their jobs. The first award for "employee of the month" was presented to Rita Watkins of the Police Department. Mr. Cole stated that Peggy Calliham, head of the task force, was present to speak to the Council. Ms. Calliham presented jackets to the City Council, as a reward for their willingness and dedication. A~enda Item No. 4 - Approval of the minutes of the City Council Workshop Meeting, August 13, 1986 and the City Council Reqular Meetinq, August 14, 1986. The minutes were approved by common consent. 005840 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 1986 PAGE 3 Agenda Item No. 5 - A public hearing to consider a resubdivision final plat of the Timber Ridge Addition (7.47 acres). Director of Planning A1 Mayo presented this item. He noted that this property circles from Hwy 30 along Rhett Butler Drive, par- allel to University Oaks Blvd. and back to Munson Drive. He described the zoning in the area as commercial for lots 1 and 2; lots 3, 4, 5, 6, are zoned R-6 high density apartments, and a conditional use permit has been approved for a sorority house. The Planning and Zoning Commission and the staff recommended approval. Councilman Boughton asked if lots such as these are normally zoned R-6. Mr. Mayo replied that R-6 zoning was very common a few years ago when many four-plexes were being built. Mayor Ringer opened the public hearing. Steve Andrews of Municipal Development Group offered to answer questions from the Council. Mayor Ringer closed the public hearing. Agenda Item No. 6 - Consideration of approval of a resubdivision final plat of the Timber Ridge Addition. Councilman Bond moved approval of the resubdivision final plat of the Timber Ridge Addition. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 7 - A public hearing to consider amending Section 12.3 of Ordinance No. 1638 (Zoning Ordinance) pertaining to the prohibition of balloons or gas filled objects. Mayor Ringer opened the public hearing. Lyle Stickleberg of Balloon Bonanza came forward to speak in favor of the amendment to allow the use of balloons or gas-filled objects attached to permanent structures. Councilman Bond asked Mr. Stickleberg if he had seen the proposed ordinance. Mr. Stickleberg replied negatively. 905841 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 1986 PAGE 4 Mayor Ringer pointed out that the Planning and Zoning Commission tabled this ordinance; therefore, Council cannot act on the ordi- nance at this meeting. Mr. Stickleberg presented several points which he thought should be included in the balloon ordinance, as follows: 1) the bal- loons should be operated as regulated signs; 2) balloons shall not be placed within 50 feet of a major thoroughfare in a com- mercial area or within 25 feet of a residential thoroughfare; 3) Lengths of tie-downs shall not exceed 75 feet from ground level and prohibit the object from entering into the restrictive areas, 4) balloons shall not be displayed in excess of 72 continuous hours at any one place of business or residence. Councilman Haddox asked Mr. Stickleberg if he felt a limit on length of time such as three or four days should be written into the ordinance. Mr. Stickleberg replied that the Bryan ordinance states the primary use for balloons is grand openings, sales, etc., and the balloons can be displayed for a period of three days. Mayor Ringer closed the public hearing. Agenda Item No. 8 - Consideration of an ordinance pertainin~ to the prohibition of balloons or gas filled objects. This item was removed from the agenda because the Planning and Zoning Commissioners have tabled action on the item and have not forwarded a recommendation to the Council. A~enda Item No. 9 - A public hearin~ to consider amendin~ Chapter 1, Section 13, (A), (B), and (C) relatin~ to the sale of alco- holic beveraqes. Mr. Tim Crowley, speaking in favor of this proposal, stated his opinion that the selling of alcoholic beverages until 2:00 a.m. would bring economic benefits to the City. Mr. Eddie Rodriquez from the Lulac Organization spoke in favor of the extended hours. He stated that he is responsible for bring- ing the State Lulac Convention to College Station and that there were problems associated with the convention; the meetings would end at 11:00 p.m. and time did not allow a delegate to have a drink and visit with friends before the bar would close at 12:00 pom, 005842 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 1986 PAGE 5 Councilman Haddox asked Mr. Rodriquez if the members of the con- vention were aware of the midnight closing hour before the con- vention was placed in College Station. Mr. Rodriquez stated that most conventioneers previously thought the drinking hours ended at 2:00 a.m. Mr. Scott Creole, marketing director for Culpepper Properties, spoke in favor of the proposed extended hours. He stated that the national restaurant chains overlook College Station because the city does not meet their minimum drinking hours of 2:00 a.m. He said that supervision over drinking is stressed at the bars because an owner's license is "on-the-line". Councilman Bond asked Mr. Creole for an example of a national restaurant that may include a lounge which stays open until 2:00 a.m. Mr. Creole replied that Bennigan's in College Station is a national chain and stays open for the hours currently under the ordinance. Councilman Bond commented that he is not convinced that a large number of national chains would deter away from Col- lege Station because the drinking hours are not 2:00 a.m. Mr. Jack McGregor, manager of Traditions, stated that the exten- sion of hours would generate more revenue for his restaurant, particularly during the football weekends. Dinner sales would generate $40,000 dollars more in revenue. Councilman Bond asked Mr. McGregor if he had experienced a large crowd on Friday nights after the football games which entailed him to consider staying open longer than 2:00 a.m. Mr. McGregor replied that he was referring to the football game with Texas when many people were looking for a place to have dinner and he had to turn people away. Mr. Tom Kelly, a senior at Texas A&M, spoke in favor of the ex- tended drinking hours. He expressed several reasons why the ex- tension of hours would benefit students engaged in campus activ- ities. Mr. Duke Bonilla spoke to council in favor of the extended hours. He read a letter from a College Station resident, Mr. Patrick Siegert, endorsing the extension of hours. Mr. Bonilla referred to DWI problems, public intoxication, and alcohol abuse, and commented that having the 2:00 a.m. drinking hour has not in- creased the number of DWI's in other cities. He referred to the DWI arrest records for Austin, Corpus Christi, and Waco. Councilman Bond asked which organizations have not considered the City of College Station because of the drinking hours. Mr. Bonilla replied that the Mexican-American Democrats have not 005843 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 1986 PAGE 6 committed themselves; but they hold a Thursday night banquet and fund-raising dance where liquor is sold. The Mexican-American Democrats feel this may be a deterrent economically because of the drinking hours in College Station. He added that the hotel is responsible for stocking the liquor and beer for the dance. Councilman Haddox asked how many residents are listed on the petition presented to Council. Mr. Bonilla replied there are approximately 2000 signatures. Councilman Brown stated that recent letters received from the Sheriff's Association and the Hotel/Motel Association are negative to the statements heard two weeks ago that these organizations had problems in obtaining con- ventions to this area. Mr. Bonilla replied that he is aware of each letter and was under the impression from these groups that extended hours would helD, but the individuals may have changed their minds. Councilman Jones stated her concern for the restaurant business. She asked for a commitment from the restaurant owners stating they feel the longer hours would have a definite impact on their business. Mr. Bonilla replied that letters supporting the longer daily hours were from J.T. McCord's, manager of the Post Oak Mall, the Inn at Chimney Hill, the Aggieland Inn Hotel, and others. Mr. Bonilla pointed out that many tourists and conven- tion bureaus do not perceive Bryan/College Station area as an exciting place to visit. Councilman Brown asked how many people are in the restaurant as- sociation. Mr. Bonilla stated that he did not know and had not contacted the restaurant association because many restaurants do not serve alcoholic beverages. Ray Knotek, general manager of Bennigan's, spoke in favor of the extended hours. Councilman Jones asked if Mr. Knotek believed the restaurant would net more income if the hours were longer. Mr. Knotek replied that last year's customers who had attended the Thursday night football game were very irritable because they could not have a drink with their late meal. Councilman Jones also asked if Bennigan's compares the local sales reports and statistics to those from other stores. Mr. Knotek replied that all other stores are open until 2:00 a.m.; he pointed out that Bennigan's has a strong liquor policy and if a person is not able to drive himself home, a cab is provided. Don Ganter, owner of the Dixie Chicken, spoke in favor of ex- tending the drinking hours. He stated that he began a restaurant business to subsidize for the expected loss of customers because 905844 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 1986 PAGE 7 of the higher drinking age. He stated that at 12:00 each night, 200-300 people are forced to leave the Dixie Chicken. He indi- cated that many of these people will ride around consuming al- cohol after midnight, and, if the hours were over later, he would see many people eating and less chance of people consuming alco- hol in vehicles. Councilman Haddox asked Mr. Ganter if he feels a compromise could derive by establishing a 1:00 a.m. drinking hour every night rather than 2:00 a.m. Mr. Ganter replied that he would produce more revenue if he stayed open until 2:00 a.m. on Sunday night. He further stated that the 2:00 a.m. drinking hour would be very rewarding for his business every night. Ms. Anita Friedman spoke in opposition to the additional drinking hours. She referred to Police Chief Marvin Byrd's report that there would be more police calls because of public intoxication, DWI accidents, and an increase in brawling. Ms. Friedman pointed out that residents from other areas will be driving to College Station to have a drink; she felt that this situation would cause the early morning hours to be quite dangerous for drivers. Ms. Friedman suggested that businesses extend the hours for sel- ling food and only non-alcoholic beverages if they feel they will lose revenue from the increased drinking age. Ms. Friedman pointed out that the most fatal time of the day is the period from 12:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. Ms. Florence Wagner of Wellborn came forward to present her thoughts on the extended hours. She pointed out the statistics from Waco are not relevant to the City of College Station. She also pointed out that the DWI arrests in College Station have de- creased 87% in the first quarter as compared to last year. She noted that a task force for DWI existed in 1985, but the task force no longer exists, and this is the reason for the decrease reflected in the study of DWI's. Councilman Tongco asked if she thought that the number of DWI's could be down because of the education in the con~unity. Ms. Wagner replied negatively and stated her opinion that the decrease was due to lack of the two- man DWI task force. She commented that the death rate has de- creased in the last two years. Mr. Kirk Brown, president of the local M.A.D.D. chapter, spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance. He gave councilmembers hand-outs listing death rate statistics. He explained that the M.A.D.D. chapter provides an educational program and encourages responsibility by the seller and the consumer. He stated that M.A.D.D is directly responsible for the drinking age increase. 005845 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 1986 PAGE 8 He commented that the opinions expressed in the public hearing have been toward compensating the restaurant and bar owners who will lose revenues when the new drinking age is effective. He stated that the city is not responsible for compensating these businesses. He discussed the goals of the M.A.D.D. organization. Councilman Haddox asked if M.A.D.D. has statistics relating to people who arrive at a club at 8:00 p.m. and leave at 1:00 a.m. Mr. Brown responded that he is not aware of any studies made of that situation. He commented on his observations and experiences while being a volunteer to pick uD intoxicated persons and take them home safely. Mr. Bob Chenoweth, 1800 Sabine Court, spoke in opposition to the extended hours. He stated that he has conducted two conferences and several workshops on the A&M campus, and he has never heard any of these organizations involved state complaints relating to the drinking hours. He commented that many parents are probably pleased that many clubs do not stay open late. Dr. Neal Pratt, a resident of College Station for 22 years, ex- pressed his concern and opposition against the extended drinking hours. He pointed out that the City of College Station is known for its proximity to Texas A&M and that Chancellor Adkisson has challenged the State of Texas and its citizens to develop their mental ability and use their resources; Dr. Pratt said that the city should uphold this statement. He stated his doubts that the tax revenue would increase from increasing the drinking hours. Mr. Bill McGee, 2502 Shennadoah, expressed his concern about the control of alcoholics and related problems. He asked council to discourage the drinking hours. Mr. Tim Crowley commented again on the issue and stated that the revenue for police manpower will be justified if the additional hours are allowed. He stated that in economic terms, the busi- nesses will benefit greatly and the city will receive greater sales tax revenue. Mr. Crowley finished his presentation by saying that the ordinance is a responsible proposal. Mr. Kirk Brown of M.A.D.D. made additional comments. He stated that the report from Tax Collector Glenn Schroeder showed the increased tax revenue would be $1500.00 and this should not make a difference when compared to the loss of someone's life. 005846 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 1986 PAGE 9 Mayor Ringer closed the public hearing and thanked the audience for their comments. Agenda Item No. 10 - Consideration of an ordinance amendinQ Chapter 1, Section 13, (A), (b), and (C) relating to the sale of alcoholic beverages. Mayor Ringer presented council with three options, as follows: 1) pass the ordinance as prepared; 2) defeat the ordinance as prepared; or, 3) revise the proposed ordinance. Councilman Haddox commented that the reports given to Council from law enforcement officials had varying viewpoints on the drinking hours. He expressed his concern that making a good decision is very difficult. Councilman Brown concurred. Councilman Bond moved to reject the ordinance as prepared. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which was passed unan- imously, 7-0. Councilman Tongco stated the following suggestions: 1) a time limit such as 30-45 days should be assessed before effective date to allow all businesses to determine individually the expenses incurred; 2) allow six to nine months for evaluation to amend or return to the previous law. She stated that the extended hours will not change the conventioneers' decision to locate in College Station, and she does not see a major change in the drinking habits of many residents. Councilman Tongco felt that Thursday, Friday, and Saturday would be the best days for the extension of hours. Mayor Ringer asked Cathy Locke for the effective date of the pro- posed ordinance. Ms. Locke replied September 8, 1986. Mayor Ringer added the date could be changed. Councilman Tongco re- marked that the 21 drinking age will affect many businesses; and the businesses will need time to determine if they will partic- ipate in the later hours. Councilman Haddox suggested that every premise serving alcoholic beverages have a responsible person able to notice if someone has been drinking in excess. Mayor Ringer added that the City Attorney has stated the City can set hours but cannot add other stipulations. Councilman Jones asked Councilman Tongco her opinion of extending hours for three nights. Councilman Tongco replied that the problems which arose related to special times, such as Thursday night football games, Thanksgiving, and conventions in the area. Councilman Bond indicated that the 1:00 a.m. hours each night would be reasonable. 905847 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 1986 PAGE 10 Councilman Tongco moved approval of 12:15 a.m. Monday through Thursday morning, 2:00 a.m. for Friday through Sunday morning, with an effective date of October 15, 1986, and with an automatic review after six months. Councilman Jones seconded the motion, which was defeated with a vote of 1-6. FOR: AGAINST: Councilman Tongco Mayor Ringer, Councilman Bond, Brown, Boughton, Haddox, and Jones Mayor Ringer pointed out the problems that could result from taking away late hours once they had been granted. Councilman Haddox moved approval of the Ordinance No. 1673 to allow alcoholic beverage consumption until 1:15 a.m. seven days a week. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which was approved by a vote of 4-3. FOR: AGAINST: Councilman Boughton, Haddox, Tongco, Bond Mayor Ringer, Brown, Jones Agenda Item No. 11 - Consent Agenda: Bid Item #87-06 Miscellaneous Library Furniture & Shelving was removed from the consent agenda by Councilman Tongco. All other items were approved by common consent. Councilman Tongco asked if Clara Mounce, Bryan City Librarian, had any comments for the Council. Ms. Mounce came forward and showed the council a sample of the shelving, an illustration of the charging desks, and a color sample of the carpet. Ms. Mounce stated that the delivery date for the furniture should be 90-120 days and the metal shelving will arrive in 6-7 weeks. Councilman Tongco moved approval of the low bid of $37,906.00, from R.J. Sheppard. Councilman Haddox seconded the motion which was approved unanimously, 7-0. Ms. Clara Mounce introduced Charlie Kreig as the College Station Branch Librarian. 005848 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 1986 PAGE 11 A~enda Item No. 12 - Consideration of award of bid for security fence for cemetery. City Manager Cole stated that this item was separated from the consent agenda because the cemetery committee did not unanimously approve the installation of a fence. He pointed out that the city received an alternate bid for a green vinyl coated fence. Purchasing Agent Virginia McCartney displayed a sample of the vinyl coated fence. City Manager Cole noted that a problem with vandalism occured at the cemetery during a recent two month period. He further noted that Alfred Miller, Director of Public Services, had received phone calls from people having relatives and friends buried in gravesites which were vandalized; they spoke in favor of finan- cially supporting the installation of a fence. He added that the front gates will not be locked and the barbed wire will be placed on the sides and back of the cemetery. Councilman Tongco pointed out that problems occur when the ceme- tery roadway is blocked by parked vehicles belonging to people who come to fish in the pond behind the cemetery. She stated that the fence would prohibit access to the pond from the ceme- tery. Councilman Tongco stated that two of the committee members were concerned about installing the fencing and one of these members felt that increasing the lighting would solve the problem. Councilman Boughton felt the barbed wire was a good idea and com- mented that it would not be noticeable since it would be at the back. Councilman Tongco moved approval of acceDting the bid of Hurri- cane Fence Co. for the standard galvanized chain link fence. She requested that Mr. Cisneros locate a certain type of vine to cover the fence to produce an aesthetic view. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. Aqenda Item No. 13 - Consideration of a request to designate 105 Boyett Street as a location qualified for the sale of beer and wine. Dian Jones, City Secretary, described the petition presented to Council from Mr. Hugh Stearns, who requested a variance from the 905849 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 1986 PAGE 12 ordinance that prohibits sale of alcoholic beverages within 300 feet of a church, school, or hospital. Mr. Stearns is opening a restaurant on Boyett Street at a location not previously licensed for the sale of alcoholic beverages. Mrs. Jones noted that the location is approximately 200 feet from the Christian Science Meeting Room. Applicant Hugh Stearns came forward to ask council to grant this variance. He stated that a convenience store located near his location sells beer and is within 300 feet of the learning center. Councilman Bond moved approval to grant the request to designate 105 Boyett Street as a location qualified for the sale of beer and wine. Councilman Tongco seconded the motion which was ap- proved unanimously, 7-0. A~enda Item No. 14 - Consideration of a contract with Ralph Anderson and Associates to conduct an executive search for an Electricity Division Superintendent. City Manager Cole suggested that council utilize a search firm to find a candidate for the position of Superintendent of the Electrical Department. Councilman Bond moved approval of the contract with Ralph Ander- son and Associates to conduct an executive search for an Elec- trical Superintendent. Councilman Tongco seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 6-0, with Councilman Brown temporarily absent. A~enda Item No. 15 - Consideration of authorizin~ the City Manager to join with the City of Bryan and Brazos County to con- tract with Telecom Resources for the county-wide 911 System. City Manager Cole explained that the 911 system has become a problem because the telephone exchanges in Brazos County do not coincide with the city limits. In addition, the study would pos- sibly set up a 911 system in the overall county. The entities of Bryan and Brazos County have committed $6,000.00 each to the costs of the system. Councilman Brown moved approval for the City of College Station to fund $6000.00 for the contract with Telecom Resources. 905850 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 1986 PAGE 13 Councilman Haddox seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 16 - Consideration of bids and awarding the contract for the construction of "Bee Creek Bridge at Southwest Parkway;" CIP No. G-83-83-04. City Manager Cole stated that staff has recommended approval of low bid to R.T. Montgomery. Councilman Bond asked for a descrip- tion of the job involved. Mr. Ash replied that this bridge was constructed in the late 1960's; corrosion and deterioration have developed on the structure and there has been a loss of pavement and waterline. Councilman Haddox moved approval of award of bid in the amount of $142,150.00 to the low bidder, R.T. Montgomery. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 17 - Consideration of a resolution authorizing the ~it~ Manager to execute a User Agreement with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education. City Manager Cole stated that this agreement is an annual proce- dure with the Austin agency who develops the examination used for recruiting police officers. The examination has been through a validation process, but the agency requires that an agreement with the city be executed before the examinations are used. Councilman Boughton moved approval of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a User Agreement with the Texas Com- mission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education. Councilman Tongco seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 18 - Consideration of approval of proposal relating to a Residential Energy Buildin9 code. Energy Specialist Charlie Shear presented this item. The Energy Management Committee unanimously favors improving the current building code. Mr. Shear discussed the following points: 1) benefits of an energy building code; 2) the builder's concerns; 3) procedures of developing the code; and, 4) funding. 905851 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 1986 PAGE 14 Mr. Shear stated that the major benefit of the code is lower utility cost for the user; also, the city's demand will lower. He added that the construction stage is the best time to provide energy efficiencies. He pointed out the following concerns ex- pressed by the builders: 1) expense to the builder; 2) too much government regulation; and, 3) builders should be self- regulated. Mr. Shear explained how the code would be developed and noted that the first step will be to determine criteria for a base-case home. He stated that a main goal of the Energy Management Com- mittee is to develop a code that is flexible and easy to admin- ister. Mr. Shear stated that the $22,000.00 requested for the proposal could be funded from interest on the Gulf States Utilities Rebate, which has been set aside for energy conservation pro- jects. Councilman Bond commented that he could see the builder's concern over too much government. For instance, the homeowner may design the type of home he would like to live in, but the building code may restrict the builder from constructing what the home-owner would like. Councilman Tongco clarified two points. She stated that the Energy Management Committee is looking for a basic building code. She also referred to a star rating program - which would be voluntary - where the builders would be looking for a rating for the home. Another aspect the committee is searching for, is justification and clarification of the basic building codes. Councilman Tongco moved approval of $22,000.00 funding from the Gulf States Utilities Rebate Fund for a consultant study of con- structed housing and, if needed the development of a residential energy building code. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 19 - Consideration of Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recommendations for names of new regional ~ark. City Manager Cole stated that the Parks and Recreation Board has recommended two names for the new Regional Park; 1) College Station Wild Prairie Park, and 2) College Station Wildland Park. 05852 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 1986 PAGE 15 Councilman Boughton pointed out that the Parks Board was not able to decide on other suggestions. Councilman Tongco suggested having a name contest for the students to bring ideas to the Council. The Council concurred to ask staff to return with this item to the Parks and Recreation Committee and develop a contest to name the park. Agenda Item No. 20 - Consideration of use of Central Park and Southwood Valley Athletic Park parkin~ lots as Park and Ride locations. City Manager Cole noted that the Highway Department has contacted the City with the idea of constructing a park-and-ride lot. Mr. Steve Beachy expressed the idea of using the parking lots at the parks since they are seldom utilized during the week. The Brazos Transit System and the Parks Board concurred to establish a use agreement between both parties. The staff recommends approval. Councilman Brown moved approval of the use of Central Park and the Southwood Athletic Park as park and ride locations. Councilman Jones seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 21 - Consideration of a resolution supporting the Texas A&M University Board of Regents in the commitment to make available a tract of land for a proposed aircraft plant. City Manager Cole stated that this item has been previously dis- cussed by Council in executive session. He further stated that Texas A&M University has made a proposal to provide land to Douglas Aircraft at Easterwood Airport for an aircraft assembly plant. The University had asked the City of College Station about their willingness to build a roadway from Hwy 60 to the site. Mr. Cole reported that Dr. Mark Money, Vice Chancellor for Research Park and Corporate Relations, had asked the City Council to make a formal commitment. Mr. Cole added that the County Com- missioners are willing to support this project with any help they can offer. Commissioner Bill Cooley was present and reiterated the comment made by Mr. Cole. Mr. Ed Brady, President of the Chamber of the Commerce, expressed his support for the proposal. He stated his belief that the city is moving in the right direction by making this commitment in advance. 005853 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 1986 PAGE 16 Councilman Jones moved approval of Resolution No. 08-28-86-21 supporting the Texas A&M University Board of Regents in the com- mitment to make available a tract of land for a proposed aircraft plant. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. A~enda Item No. 22 - Hear Visitors. Jim Gardner came forward to urge the Council to review and update the Comprehensive Plan. He asked if citizen input will be heard in this regard. Mr. Gardner also expressed his concern about the Industrial Park. Mayor Ringer explained that the Planning and Zoning Department is involved in revising the Comprehensive Plan. He stated that there may be one public hearing focused on certain sections of the Comprehensive Plan and another public hearing on the overall plan. A~enda Item No. 23 - Closed session to discuss pendin~ litigation [6252-17((2)(e)], land acquisition [6252-17(2)(f)], and personnel [6252-17(2)(~)]. The council moved to closed session. A~enda Item No. 24 - Action on closed session. No action was taken in closed session. A~enda Item No. 25 - Adjourn. Mayor Ringer adjourned the meeting. ATTEST: Dian Jo~es, City Secretary APPROVE D: Larr~J ? R~~r ~-~ayo~--r~ 005854 GUEST REGISTER 32. 33. 34. 005857