Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/09/1985 - Regular Minutes City Council MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1985 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Halter, Councilmen Boughton, Bond, Brown, McIlhaney, Runnels, Tongco COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Assistant City Manager VanDever, City Attorney Locke, City Secretary Jones, Director of Capital Improvements Ash, Personnel Director Dickson, Parks Director Beachy, Fire Chief Landua, Community Center Director Calliham, Traffic Engineer Black, Deputy Finance Director Schroeder, City Engineer Pullen, Community Development Director Stevens, Assistant Director of Planning Callaway, PurchasinG Agent McCartney, Assistant Parks Director Czimskey, Aquatics Superintendent Szabuniewicz, Police Records Manager Norton, Council Clerk Sultemeier STUDENT GOVT. LIAISON: Mike Hachtman VISITORS PRESENT: See guest register The meeting began with Councilman McIlhaney absent. AGenda Item No. 1 - Signin~ of a proclamation designatin~ the week of May 19 through May 25, 1985 as "National Public Works Week" in College Station, Texas. Director of Capital Improvements Ash accepted the proclamation, adding that the purpose of this week is to provide insight into the work done by Public Works employees. AGenda Item No. 2 - Approval of the minutes of the Special City Council Meeting, April 17, 1985, the Workshop City Council Meeting, April 24, 1985, and the Regular City Council Meeting, April 25, 1985. Councilman Runnels moved approval of the minutes of the Special City Council Meeting, April 17, 1985, the Workshop City Council Meeting, April 24, 1985, and the Regular City Council Meeting, April 25, 1985. Councilman BouGhton seconded the motion which was approved unanimously, 6-0. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1985 PAGE 2 Agenda Item No. 3 - Public hearing on the question of rezoninq 41.574 acres of land at the southwest corner of the intersection of Graham Road and S.H. 6 from Agriculture-Open District A-O to Commercial Industrial District C-2 (10.689 acres) and Apartments High Density District R-6 (25.165 acres). Applicant is William Terrell A~cock III. (85-109) Assistant Director of PlanninG Callaway presented the item. He stated that this request concerns rezoninG 41.574 acres of land at the southwest corner of the intersection of Graham Road and S.H. 6 from AGriculture-Open District A-O to Commercial Industrial District C-2 and Apartments High Density District R-6. He pointed out the location of the tract and added that all adjacent tracts are zoned as AGriculture-Open districts. This is a relatively undeveloped area reflected on the land use plan as high and low density residential. He stated that this request was tabled by the PlanninG and ZoninG Commission on April 4, 1985. At that time, the Commission had two concerns as follows: (1). the potential for rezoninG the entire tract Commercial Industrial District C-2 in light of the amount of C-2 zoninG requests occurring in this area; and, (2). how to build compatibly between C-2 and R-6 zoninG areas. The staff felt that an R-6 zoninG was compatible with the C-2 zoninG and would be an appropriate buffer. He further stated that the C-2 zoninG request and the location of the tract is consistent with the city's development policies. On May 2, 1985, the PlanninG and ZoninG Commission unanimously approved this request. Councilman TonGco asked what the possible uses of C-2 zoninG are. Assistant Director of PlanninG Callaway stated that a C-2 zoninG allows for all the uses of C-1 zoninG and also for heavier uses such as a weldinG shop. Mayor Halter opened the public hearinG. Mr. William T. Aycock, owner of the tract, spoke in favor of the rezoninG. He stated that he had worked closely with the city staff in formulatinG this request. Agenda Item No. 4 - Consideration of an Ordinance rezoning the above tract. Councilman Bond moved approval of Ordinance No. 1589 rezoninG the above tract to Commercial Industrial District C-2 (10.689 acres) and Apartments High Density District R-6 (25.165 acres). Councilman BouGhton seconded the motion. Councilman TonGco expressed her opinion that any development of this tract will eliminate the trees used as a natural buffer, and further stated that she felt the creek on the property was not a Good barrier. 00 91 2 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1985 PAGE 3 The motion to rezone was approved by a vote of 5-1. FOR: Mayor Halter, Councilmen Bond, Boughton, Brown, Runnels AGAINST: Councilman Tongco Agenda Item No. 5 - CONSENT AGENDA: BIDS: Miscellaneous Transformers (Bid 85-48) PLATS: Final Plat - Haney Highway 6 (85-202) Final Plat - Replat Lot 4 Block 4 Southeast College Park Addition (85-203) Preliminary Plat - Glenhaven Estates Phase VII (85-302) Master Preliminary Plat - Family Tree (85-303) Councilman Runnels removed the Final Plat for Haney Highway 6 (85-202) for consideration by the Council. The other items were approved by common consent. Assistant Director of Planning Callaway presented the item. He stated that this plat was consistent with the preliminary plat which was approved by Council. He explained that this plat was one of two contingencies in recent rezoning action. A three-acre area at the corner of the tract was rezoned to C-3 Planned Commercial contingent on 1.) the final plat being submitted and approved and filed for the record, and 2.) a use permit being approved for the proposed filling station. The use permit was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission on May 2, 1985. He pointed out one change from the preliminary plat approved by Council; i.e. part of the area zoned A-P was removed due to a change in ownership. Councilman Runnels moved approval of the final plat for Haney Highway 6 (85-202). Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which was approved unanimously, 6-0. Agenda Item No. 6 - Consideration of a request for matching funds for the Brazos County Stepping Stone. Mr. John Hopkin, Chairman of the Board of the Brazos County Stepping Stone, stated that Stepping Stone is requesting $7,500.00 per year for the next two years. He explained that the grant they are seeking from the Texas Department of Human Resources is a two year proposal and the decision on the grant will be made upon receipt of funding for the next two years. Councilman Runnels asked Mr. Hopkin if the funds were needed immediately. 00l 913 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1985 PAGE 4 Mr. Hopkin stated that some funds would be needed in August. $7,500.00 would be for the year rangin~ from September 1st to September 1st. The Councilman Bond asked what type of presentation was made at the county level. Mr. Hopkin stated that Stepping Stone is making similiar presen- tations to the Brazos County Commissioners Court and the City of Bryan. They are asking for $7,500.00 from each entity. After some discussion about the budget situation, Mr. Hopkins stated that the $7,500.00 requested could be received at any time. Councilman Brown asked Mr. Hopkin what they will do if they do not receive the state grant. Mr. Hopkin stated that if the grant does not come through, they will look for other support. Councilman Tongco asked how great the need is for this type of service. Mr. Hopkin referred to a television news program which stated that the truancy and runaway problem in our area had increased by about 99% in the last two years. He further stated that so far this year there has been about 420 cases in the county. Councilman Tongco asked if there was any duplication of services in the area. Mr. Joe Nance, Vice Chairman of the Brazos County Stepping Stone, referred to a statement of need from the Juvenile Services De- partment which was inadvertently not included in the material they presented to the Council. He stated that he would see that the Council received a copy of this report. Mayor Halter and Councilman Boughton both expressed their support for this effort. Councilman Bond stated that he was favorable to this proposal and impressed by the leadership involved. However, he did not feel comfortable with the programatic aspect. He stated that he would like some time to consider this request. Councilman Tongco pointed out that there was a May 15th deadline. 00 91& REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1985 PAGE 5 Mr. Nance explained that the state, in considering these grants, classifies by population according to the 1980 census, whereby the Bryan-College Station community would fall into the under 100,000 population range. He further stated that they probably had no competitors for the grant in this range. He explained that the maximum amount they can request from the state would be $175,000.00 a year for 2 years. He added that they appreciate the Council's need for time but that the deadline set was beyond their control. Councilman Boughton asked if the application for the grant is dependent upon these matching funds requested from the county and cities. Mr. Hopkin explained that the grant will only match the funds they have raised. In order to receive the full $175,000.00 per year, they must receive the funds requested. He further stated that the funds are matched 15% - 85%. Councilman Tongco moved to approve the request by Brazos County Stepping Stone for $7,500.00 a year for two years. Councilman Boughton questioned how this would be handled in regards to the budget. Assistant City Manager VanDever stated that the Council can only appropriate funds for one year at a time. Councilman Runnels stated that the Stepping Stone really needed an expression of intent. Mayor Halter pointed out that technically they cannot bind future Councils. Mr. Hopkin stated that funds appropriated for one year and an expression of intent for the second year would meet the state's requirements. Councilman Tongco stated that the above is the intent of her motion. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion. Assistant City Manager VanDever recommended that the funds be appropriated from the General Fund Contingency. Mayor Halter clarified that the Council's intention is to express their support for this grant and agree to provide the $7,500.00 if the grant is awarded to the Brazos County Stepping Stone. The motion to support this effort contingent upon the state grant was approved unanimously, 6-0. 915 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1985 PAGE 6 A~enda Item No. 7 - Consideration of Design Concepts for the proposed Regional Park. Assistant Parks Director Czimskey presented the item. He stated that a site analysis had already been approved by the Council, and the Council should now select the actual concept of the park. He presented a slide show to demonstrate the character and location of the area. He distributed booklets containing illustratations of the three proposed Concepts as well as an analysis of the site. He stated that Concept ~1 was selected for recommendation by the Parks and Recreation Board. He stated that their main concern was that with this site, sewage facilities would be available in the near future. He added that it is a beautiful site that will lend well to development. He briefly outlined the other two concepts. He stated that the Parks Board also suggested that the Council consider allowing the 38 acres southwest of the flood plain, to be located within the park. He added that this park will cover approximately 375 acres, including the additional 38 acres proposed, placing it as the 3rd or 4th largest in the state of Texas. Mayor Halter stated his opinion that the additional 38 acres should be added. He further stated that since this park is being developed as a nature preservation, those acres could be potentially damaging if not included. Mayor Halter referred to a rare orchid possibly located in this park. He questioned if any conclusions on this item had been reached and added that some federal funds for the park might be available should those orchids be found there. Parks Director Beachy stated that studies were being conducted on this item. Councilman Tongco inquired about the possibility of water-based recreation, including fishing. Assistant Parks Director Czimskey replied that water impoundment on site has been considered in the criteria of each of the concepts. Councilman Tongco stated her opinion that the park should offer more activities than just walking. Mayor Halter stated that the idea for this park was that it be primarily a wilderness park with enough area left undeveloped so that most of the wildlife can be preserved. He later suggested that new Councilmembers might want to take a tour of the area. Councilman Brown stated that Concept #1 allows the greatest opportunity for future development. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1985 PAGE 7 Councilman Boughton stated that the accessibility of the 37 acres designated for development was a major consideration. Also, the wastewater treatment plant located there will minimize sewage problems and construction. Councilman Tongco moved to approve Concept %1. Councilman Brown seconded the motion which was approved unanimously, 6-0. Parks Director Beachy stated that the staff would prepare a more detailed site plan and return with it to the Council. Agenda Item No. 8 - Consideration of a request for support fees for the Brazos Animal Shelter. Mayor Halter stated that the amount requested, $11,000.00, is the city's share of the costs of operation of the animal shelter. He explained that this amount is based on what they call "animal days," the number of animals picked up and the length of time they stay at the shelter. He added that these funds were appropriated in the budget but no official record of approval could be located. Councilman Runnels asked what time period these funds are allocated for. Assistant City Manager VanDever replied that these funds are for fiscal year 1984-85. Councilman Brown asked how College Station's share relates to the share paid by Bryan and Brazos County. Mayor Halter stated that Bryan pays the highest share, College Station is next and the county pays the lowest share. He further stated that College Station has a lower impoundment rate and also more animals are picked up by owners. Thus, the owners pay the fees instead of the city. Councilman Runnels moved to express for documentation purposes the city's intent to fund $11,000.00 to the Brazos Animal Shelter. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which was approved unanimously, 6-0. Agenda Item No. 9 - Consideration of award of contract to lease property on Sandy Point Road adjacent to Sandy Point Road Pump Station. Director of Capital Improvements Ash recounted the history of this request. The land considered for lease is on the site of the pump station. General Telephone representatives requested to lease or purchase this land as a location for a switching 09q91"i' REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1985 PAGE 8 station. He further stated that the staff had no problem with this request so a legal advertisement was published offering a lease agreement. General Telephone was the only respondent. City Attorney Locke was present to discuss the details of the lease agreement. She stated that the agreement requested a 50 year term with the option of renewal for another 50 years. General Telephone would pay the city $300.00 a year for 50 years with the renewal option at that same price. Also included in the lease is the stipulation that GTE build a fence to separate this station from the pump station. Councilman Bond asked about the amount of area to be leased. size was computed to be approximately 4000 square feet. The Councilman Tongco asked if there was any reason that the city might need this land in the future. Director of Capital Improvements Ash stated that the city owned sufficient land in this area to fulfill future needs. Councilman Brown asked if the price offered by GTE was competitive. City Attorney Locke estimated that it probably was not. added that it was hard to determine. She Councilman Bond stated that a 50 year lease seemed of long duration, and that he would rather offer a lease for 50 years with no renewal option. Councilman Brown stated that he would rather sell the property to GTE and asked what amount was offered for purchase. Brook Baker, representative for GTE, explained that the amount offered for lease was based on current value of $3,000.00 per acre, broken down to one tenth. He further stated that GTE would like to have the 50 year renewal option as a matter of policy. Councilman Bond stated that the city may not have any use for the property in regard to the pump station but the land might become marketable in 50 years. He further stated that the 50 year option reduces the city's ability to deal with the property. He proposed a 25 year lease with a 25 year renewal option. Councilman Boughton pointed out that the site is located in the very corner of the property. Councilman McIlhaney arrived at the meeting. After further discussion, Councilman Tongco moved to lease the property to GTE for a 25 year term with a 25 year renewal option. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1985 PAGE 9 Councilman Brown asked what the life expectancy of the pump station is. Mayor Halter stated that the water pump station is likely to be there for a very long time. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which was approved unanimously, 6-0 with Councilman McIlhaney abstaining due to prior absence. Agenda Item No. 10 - Consideration of a Resolution authorizing Fire Chief Doughlas Landua to execute a Letter of Agreement between the College Station Fire Department, the College Station Air Traffic Control Tower, the College Station Flight Service Station, and Easterwood Airport concerning emergency notification procedures. Councilman Runnels moved approval of Resolution No. 05-09-85-10. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which was approved unanimously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 11 - A public hearing on the question of amending Section l-D, Definitions and the District Use Schedule Table A of Ordinance No. 850, the Zonin~ Ordinance, revisin~ definitions of and rear setbacks for accessory uses, structure or building. (85-803). Assistant Director of Planning Callaway presented the item. He stated that the proposed changes would increase the flexibility of the location of accessory structures on lots. The amendment allows accessory structures that are not living quarters to be placed as close as 15 feet from the property line. It would also allow garages, carports, and living quarter accessory structures to have a 20-foot setback line. Councilman Bond asked if this amendment would eliminate the technical difference of rear access. Assistant Director of Planning Callaway replied affirmatively. Councilman Bond asked what prompted this amendment. Assistant Director of Planning Callaway replied that several problems with the current ordinance have been brought to the staff by developers and builders. He gave several examples of these. Mayor Halter opened the public hearing. Mr. Mel Schroeder of 1813 Southwood Drive spoke in favor of the amendment. He recounted a problem he had with the current ordinance. No one else spoke. The public hearing was closed. 00 9% 9 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1985 PAGE 10 Agenda Item No. 12 - Consideration of an Ordinance amending Section l-D, Definitions and the District Use Schedule Table A of Ordinance No. 850, the Zonin~ Ordinance. Councilman Boughton moved approval of Ordinance No. 1590, amending Section l-D, Definitions and the District Use Schedule Table A of Zoning Ordinance No. 850. Councilman McIlhaney seconded the motion which was approved unanimously, 7-0. A~enda Item No. 13 - Public Hearing: Revenue Sharing and Operating Budgets FY 85-86. Mayor Halter opened the public hearing. Mr. Will Worley, 1001 Village, addressed the Council. He stated that he is a member of many organizations that receive funding from the Council and he wished to ask for the Council's continued support. He listed the B/CS Athletic Federation, the College Station Community Center, and the Sesquicentennial projects. He added that the Council's support was greatly appreciated. Mayor Halter asked Mr. Worley to send the Council copies of the B/CS Athletic Federation's budget. He stated that he would like to see where funding comes from and what expenditures are made, before he votes to allocate additional funds to the organization. He also pointed out to Mr. Worley that allocations of Hotel/Motel Tax Revenues were not being considered at this meeting. Councilman Tongco added that she would like to see that type of information for all funding requests. Assistant City Manager VanDever stated that the present format for the budget provided for discussion of hotel/motel fund allocations to be held on June 13th. Consideration of Revenue Sharing will be on May 22nd. No one else spoke. The public hearing was closed. Agenda Item No. 14 - Consideration of Basic Budget: (FY 85-86). Ail funds Mayor Halter stated that approval of this portion of the budget is important for the next stages of the budget process to take place. Councilman Runnels asked for clarification of what is being asked for at this meeting. Assistant City Manager VanDever explained that the basic budget includes everything except new and expanded programs and capital outlay. 920 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1985 PAGE 11 Mayor Halter added that electric rate increases were excluded. He further stated that these account for approximately 4% increase overall in this year's basic budget. Councilman Runnels asked the Council to consider reducing the proposed 6.5% increase in salaries. He pointed out that a 7% increase was awarded last year. He stated that the city is in a position where salaries are quite adequate and inflation is leveling off. He referred to a survey by the Brazos Valley Personnel Association which shows that clerical jobs in the public sector average higher salaries than those in the private sector. Mayor Halter asked several questions about the basis of comparison used, and stated that he disagreed with Councilman Runnels' interpretation. Councilman Tongco stated that she agreed with Councilman Runnels. She further stated that a 6.5% increase is probably twice too high. She referred to figures from several sources. Councilman Brown stated his agreement and expressed his opinion that the city government should show some fiscal restraint in light of the current slow growth of the local economy. Mayor Halter pointed out that not all employees receive a 6.5% increase. Councilman Tongco stated her belief that a maximum of 3.5% would be adequate in view of the uncertain economy and several high priority projects that will need funding. Mayor Halter stated his concern with keeping salaries competitive with the local market. Assistant City Manager VanDever referred to difficulties with re-formulating the mathematical model used for calculation. After further discussion on how the increases are determined per the pay system, Councilman Runnels stated that the merit system ranks people as to what percentage of the increase they are going to get and that he was proposing a 3.5% increase in the total amount of dollars available, to be apportioned according to merit rank. He explained that under his proposal, a year from now the "proposed budget" will show only a 3.5% gain over the "current budget." Assistant City Manager VanDever pointed out that the total cash flow number was not 6.5% but closer to 4.9%. He noted that the scale adjusts up and down. The Council discussed the factors influencing the cash flow, and Councilman Runnels inquired why the total salary increases had exceeded the percentage approved last year. 0 0 9 2 '1 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1985 PAGE 12 Assistant City Manager VanDever stated that last year's projections were built on a table that took data as a guess and that with the year's accumulation of data now available, the projections are very accurate. Councilman Bond discussed methods of revising the amount of increase and stated that he would prefer to deal in percentages and not in total dollars. After further deliberation by the Council on how percentage changes made in the cash flow would translate into percentage increases for employees, Mayor Halter suggested stating the proposal as a percentage increase in cash flow dollars. Councilman Runnels moved that the amount of dollars made available for salary increases increase by no more than 3.5% the current fiscal year. Councilman Tongco seconded the motion. Councilman McIlhaney requested that the staff prepare a table for review by the Council. Councilman Runnels pointed out that this would allow for more supplemental items to be approved without a tax increase. Mayor Halter stated that he had not been given sufficient justification or reasons to support the proposal. The motion was approved 5-2 as follows: FOR: Councilman Bond, Brown, McIlhaney, Runnels and Tongco. AGAINST: Mayor Halter, Councilman Boughton Mayor Halter instructed Assistant City Manager VanDever to rework the budget according to the above motion and return the revised edition to the Council. Agenda Item No. 15 - Hear Visitors. No one spoke. Agenda Item No. 16 - Closed session to discuss pending litigation [6252-17(2)(e)] and personnel [6252-17(2)(9)] . A. Personnel [6252-17(2)(g)]. 1. Discussion of Council Committee Assignments. 2. Discussion of Citizen Committee Appointments. 3. Discussion of Administrative Appointments. The Council moved to closed session and later reopened to the public. 004922 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1985 PAGE 13 A~enda Item No. 17 - Action on closed session. Councilman Tongco moved to appoint Eddie Schultz, Dick Haddox, Bill Sensibaugh, Britt Rice, Bill Cooley, Steve Hansen, Phil Springer, Eddie Joe Davis and Councilman Brown to the Industrial Foundation Board. Councilman McIlhaney seconded the motion which was approved unanimously, 7-0. Councilman Boughton moved to appoint Larry Burnside, Malcolm Richards, Doris Watson, Chuck Wiggins, Mayor Halter, Councilman Runnels, Councilman McIlhaney, and Councilman Bond, as Alternate, to the City Manager Search Committee. Councilman McIlhaney seconded the motion which was approved unanimously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 18 - Adjourn. Mayor Halter adjourned the meeting. ATTEST: ~ian .ty Secretary Gary-~~ ,- 923 GUEST REGISTER REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 9# 1985 7:00 P.M. 16. 17. 15. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 2?. 28. 29. 30.