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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/11/1983 - Regular Minutes City Council MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1983 4:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Halter, Councilmen Boughton, Prause, Anderson, McIlhaney, Reinke COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: Councilman Runnels City Manager Bardell, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director VanDever, Director of Capital Improvements Ash, Assistant Director of Planning Callaway, Parks Director Beachy, Assistant Parks Director Czimskey, Administrative Assistant Nowlin, City Secretary Jones, Deputy Finance Director Schroeder, Aquatics Superintendent Szabuniewicz, City Attorney Denton, Traffic Engineer Black, Tax Assessor/Collector Dickson, Director of Public Services Miller, Council Coordinator Jones. VISITORS PRESENT: See guest register. ~genda Item No. 1 - Approval of minutes of the Workshop Ci~ Council ~ee~t_~ Jul~ 27, 1983 and the Regular Ci~ Council Meeting, July 28, 1983. Councilman Boughton moved approval of the minutes. Councilman Prause seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 6-0. Agenda Item No. 2 - A public_hearing on the questio~ of rezoning two tracts of land totalling 9.33 acres located on the east side of Texas Avenue north of and adjaqent to the Lakeview Acres su~division-(ap~roximately 500 feet north of the intersection of Texas Avenue and Millers Lane) from General Commercial District C-1 and Single Family Residential District R-1 to General Commercial District C-1. Application is in the name of I. Q. Development, Inc. (83-112~ Assistant Director of Planning Callaway presented the item. He stated that the two tracts are located on the East side of Texas Avenue between Bee Creek and Lakeview Acres. These tracts are currently zoned General Commercial C-1 and Single Family Residential R-1. He referred to the Comprehensive Plan noting that the area along Texas Avenue reflected as commercial is approximately the same depth as the existing commercial zoning south of Millers Lane. The eastern portion of these tracts is in an area reflected as medium density residential. He stated that the staff recommends General Commercial C-1 zoning on the western portion of these 0039 . REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1983 PAGE 2 tracts (to a depth of 768 ft. off Texas Avenue and aligning with other C-1 land in the area), with the balance of the land to be rezoned to A-P. He explained that A-P would be a better choice because access to the proposed area would be through C-1 and the flood plain restrictions of the area would hamper development. He further stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended C-1 to a depth of 768 ft. and A-P on the balance by a vote of 6-0. Councilman Anderson asked if C-1 zoning was incompatible with other zoning in the area. Assistant Director of Planning Callaway explained that C-1 zoning would be incompatible with the current R-1 zoning; however, it might not be incompatible with high density zoning. Mayor Halter opened the public hearing. When no one spoke the public hearing was closed. Agenda Item No. 3 - Consideration of an Ordinance rezq~ing the above tract. Councilman Anderson moved to approve Ordinance No. 1439 written to rezone the area to General Commercial District C-1. There was no second for the motion. Councilman Prause moved approval of Ordinance No. 1439 written to rezone the area as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 6-0. Agenda Item No. 4 - A p~blic hearing on the question of rezoning Lots 12 ~ 13 Block T University Park II located on the northwest corner of University Drive and Spr%ng Loop from A~artments Low Density District R-4 to Neighborhood Comme~rcial District C-N. Application is in the name of Mac Randolph. (83-112) Assistant Director of Planning Callawa~ presented the item. He stated that the two lots are located on the northwest corner of Spring Loop and University Drive. He explained the existing zoning and land uses and stated that the requested C-N zoning is compatible with both. He pointed out that there was a considerable amount of commercial zoning in the area to allow for neighborhood/convenience businesses to serve the area. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to approve this request. Mayor Halter opened the public hearing. J. W. Wood, representative of the applicant, stated that the intended.use of the area was for a convenience store. The store would serve the University Park neighborhood, approximately 1300 people. He explained that 003995 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1983 PAGE 3 C-N zoning does not attract traffic from outside the neighborhood. No one else spoke; the public hearing was closed. ~enda Item No. 5 - Consideration of an Ordinance rezoning the above tract. Councilman Anderson moved approval of Ordinance No. 1440 rezoning the above lots. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 6-0. Agenda Item No. 6'- CONSENT AGENDA: BIDS: Consideration of Fencing Bids for Southwood Athletic Park. Consideration of Traffic Signal Equipment Bids. Consideration of Bid for Replacement panels on complete car exterior. Consideration of Bids for Automatic Blue Line Machine. Consideration of Bids for Hydraulic Excavator. PLATS: Consideration of Bids for Miscellaneous Plumbing Supplies. A final plat - Vacating and Resubidvision of Lot 24 Block 1 Emerald Forest Phase I and Lot 1 Block 1 Emerald Forest Phase II. (83-222) A preliminary plat - Woodway West Phase II. (83-309) Councilman Boughton requested that the Traffic Signal Equipment Bid be removed from the Consent Agenda; all other items were approved by common consent. Councilman Boughton stated that the bids as presented were confusing. Traffic Engineer Black explained the bid for the controller equipment and asked that it be awarded to Signal Engineering. He suggested that the controller for the signal at FM 2818 and Welsh be purchased now because of the good price received, so that when the Highway Dept. finalizes the widening of FM 2818 the signal can be installed. He explained the bid for the group two equipment which is the coordinating equipment. He asked that the bid from Eagle Signal be approved. He pointed out that Eagle's equipment is compatible with the City's existing equipment. Traffic Engineer Black requested that the quantity purchased be increased from seven to fourteen to take advantage of the low price quoted. Councilman Boughton moved approval of the Traffic Equipment Signal Bid. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1983 PAGE 4 Councilman Reinke seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 6-0. Agenda Item No. 7 - Discussion of Channelization at Post Oak Villa~. Director of Capital Improvements Ash explained the design of the median work being constructed on Hwy 30 by the State Highway Department. He stated that the developer of Post Oak Village had cooperated with the City when planning the shopping center and had moved the far left entrance to accommodate left turning traffic. Councilman Anderson asked if the curb cut in the center of Post Oak Village would be eliminated. Director of Capital Improvements Ash explained that there would be right turn in and out of the center curb cut. Councilman Reinke asked if the City was required by the State Highway Dept. to install the medians. Director of Capital Improvements Ash explained that the medians were part of the signalization system submitted and approved by the State. Traffic Engineer Black stated that the design was arrived at by the joint efforts of the City and the Hwy Dept. Mike Martensen, owner of Mike's Discount Liquor, spoke on behalf of the merchants of Post Oak Village. He stated that they were in favor of controlling traffic, but proposed a signalization system which would omit the medians. He pointed out that the large delivery trucks were having problems turning into the Center off of Dartmouth because of a median located on Dartmouth. Mayor Halter asked if the developer of Post Oak Village had explained any of this to the merchants. He asked what effect the removal of the south end of the median at Dartmouth would have. Director of Capital Improvements stated that the proposition would be studied. Mr. Paul Freeman, President of the Woodstone Merchants Association, noted that the lack of access into the shopping center would have a detrimental effect on the businesses. He also stated that the merchants had been unaware previously of this traffic plan, which had been underway for approximately two years. Director of Capital Improvements Ash stated that maximum traffic flow and safety were obtained with this particular signalization system. He stated that the median could be removed, but removal would mean a reduction in the effectiveness of the design. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1983 PAGE 5 Mr. Ben Sample, representative of Metro Properties Management, pointed out that the T-median in front of Dartmouth prohibited entrance into Woodstone Center through the center curb cut. He pointed out that this would eliminate some of the effectiveness of the landscaping done at this entrance. He asked the Council to consider having the City install right turn lanes into the Center off of Hwy 30. Director of Capital Improvements Ash stated that right turn lanes are normally designed and built by the developer. He explained the procedure for having the turn lanes installed and pointed out that the installation period would be approximately six months. Mayor Halter pointed out the three items considered when designing the traffic signalization system: the needs of the merchants, the need to effectively handle traffic, and the need for maximum safety. Councilman Anderson expressed his dissatisfaction with the design. Councilman Prause stated that it was unfortunate that the merchants had been unaware of the situation. Councilman Boughton moved to let the project continue and to have the staff look into the possibility of shortening the median on Dartmouth. There was no second for the motion. Councilman Anderson moved that the staff submit a report on the impact of an alternate signalization design for the intersection and to halt the construction presently underway. Director of Capital Improvements Ash pointed out that the City would have to pay for the work already completed. Councilman Prause seconded the motion which failed by a vote of 2-4, as follows: FOR: Councilmen Anderson, Prause. AGAINST: Mayor Halter, Councilmen Boughton, McIlhaney, and Reinke. Assistant City Manager VanDever stated that from a financial angle it might be a good idea to watch the system for a two month period. Director of Capital Improvements Ash asked the Mayor's permission to make a statement. He stated that if the construction were halted it would create future problems in obtaining cooperation from the High~yDept. Councilman Boughton moved to let the project continue and to study the traffic flow and problems in two months. Councilman McIlhaney asked when the traffic signals would be installed. 003998 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1983 PAGE 6 Traffic Engineer Black explained that it would be about three and one-half months before the signals would be working. He pointed out that the medians made the intersection safer by reducing the number of conflict points from 28 to 13. Councilman Boughton amended her motion, adding the removal of part of the median on Dartmouth. Director of Capital Improvements Ash asked if the Council wanted a consultant to be hired for the study. Councilman Reinke suggested that the merchants make a report on the effect this had on their businesses. Councilman Reinke seconded the motion which passed by a vote of 4-2, as follows: FOR: Mayor Halter, Councilmen Boughton, McIlhaney, and Reinke. AGAINST: Councilmen Anderson, Prause. Agenda Item No. 8 - Consideration of an Ordinance to Amend the Traffic Code - School Zone Speed Limits. Dr. Burnett, Superintendent of College Station Schools, noted that the City Staff had been very cooperative while working with the School Staff on this Ordinance. He stated that they had concurred with the proposed Ordinance except for the need to have hours to meet those of the kindergarten (11:00 to 11:30). Councilman Boughton questioned whether the 11:00 to 11:30 time was really needed based upon her observations of the pedestrian traffic at the school near her home. Councilman Boughton moved to pass Ordinance No. 1441 as presented without the 11:00 to 11:30 schedule and to do some traffic counts during those hours after school starts. Councilman Reinke stated her belief that crossing guards should be at the schools all the time. She expressed her concern over not having hours posted on speed limit signs for the noon hour. Councilman Prause seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 6-0. Agenda Item No. 9 - EMERGENCY ITEM: Proposed Wave Pool. Discussion and Consideration of Councilman Anderson moved to declare Item No. 9 on the Agenda an emergency situation. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 6-0. 003999 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1983 PAGE 7 Assistant City Manager VanDever explained the financial aspects of the wave pool. He stated that the City's two conventional pools lose between 80 and 100 thousand dollars annually. He pointed out that these pools are usually a financial drain on the City. He stated that the Southwood Athletic Park is proposed to have a wave pool to generate users fees to support the project. He stated that it was essential to hire a consultant to do the market study. Councilman Anderson asked why the City Staff could not make the study. Assistant City Manager VanDever pointed out that Mr. Haralson, the consultant, has done twenty-five economic analyses on the wave pool. He stated that the $7,500.00 would be well spent to do it right and that there was no one on the City Staff qualified to make the study. Councilman Anderson stated that he personally could not see the justification in hiring a consultant and in building a wave pool. He pointed out that he could not see the practicality of an expense of this nature. Councilman Boughton stated that she considers it a very viable project, one that will make money for the Parks Dept. Councilman Reinke asked if the park has enough space to accommodate a wave pool. Assistant City Manager VanDever explained that there could conceivably be some problem with parking. Judy LeUnes, Chairman of the Parks Board, voiced their support of the project. She stated that this project should be good for the City by promoting tourism and providing a recreational program. Councilman Anderson asked if the staff could make the study of feasibility. Parks Director Beachy stated that the staff was concerned about this.area being suitable for a wave pool; therefore, the expertise of the consultant is needed. He stated that the Parks Staff felt the pool was a unique opportunity. Councilman McIlhaney asked if there was a difference in maintenance between the conventional pool and the wave pool. Parks Director Beachy stated that the only difference was size. Councilman Anderson moved that the Council reconsider the hiring of a consultant. There was no second for the motion. 00 000 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1983 PAGE 8 Agenda Item No. 10 - Consideration of an Ordinance providing for a new section to the Building Code. City Attorney Denton presented the item. Councilman McIlhaney moved the approval of Ordinance No. 1442 adding a new section to the Building Code. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 6-0. A~enda Item No. 11 - Consideration of an Ordinance relating to Perq~ntage of Hotel/~ot~-~ Occup~qcy Ta.x_~. City Attorney Denton presented the item. He explained that the statute restricts the use of the hotel/motel taxes. The change in state law increased the hotel/motel tax percentage that can be collected to seven percent, but only allows one percent to be allocated to the art~. Mayor Halter asked if there were any restrictions for allocation of the tax to industry. City Attorney Denton stated that there were none expressly written. Assistant City Manager VanDever gave the Council a report on the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund. Councilman Reinke stated that she would like for the hotel/motel merchants to be informed about the proposed Ordinance. Mayor Halter rescheduled the item for consideration in two weeks. A~enda Item No. 12 - Consideration of Ado~gn of "Develgpment Policies" for Comprehensive Plan - Plan 2000. Councilman Anderson asked about the policy toward curb cuts and what its effect would be on general business. Director of Planning Mayo explained that the figures stated in the policy were the ones generally being used, but that these figures had never been put in a policy statement before. He pointed out that this policy statement sets guidelines that strengthen the position of the City Engineer. Mayor Halter requested that the wording "wherever possible" be inserted into the statement. Councilman Boughton moved the approval of the "Development.Policies" section of the Comprehensive Plan - Plan 2000 with three a'dditions - transportation, residential development, and commercial development - and OOt, O01 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1983 PAGE 9 the proposed additional wording. Councilman Prause seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 6-0. Agenda Item No. 13 - Hear Visitors. Tim Starker, student of the MPA program at TAMU, thanked the Council and City Staff for allowing him to intern with the City this summer. Agenda Item No. 14 - Closed session to discuss pen~g litigation ~62~C1~(e)] and personnel [62~-1~(g)~. The Council moved to closed session. Agenda Item No. 15 - Action on closed session. Councilman Boughton moved to appoint Richard Weirus to the Parks Board. Councilman Anderson seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 6-0. Councilman Anderson moved to appoint Larry Ringer to the Athletic Federation. Councilman McIlhaney seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 6-0. Councilman McIlhaney moved to appoint Clara Sandstedt Chairman of the Community Appearance Committee. Councilman Anderson seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 6-0. Agenda Item No. 16 - Adjourn. Mayor Halter adjourned the meeting. Attest: Dian Jones,/City Secretary Gary ~ter, Mayor OOaO,02 GUEST REGISTER REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1983 7:00 P.M. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. ' (~ I~c~ r Ho~3e 36, OOfiO03