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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/13/1988 - Workshop Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1988 4:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ringer, Councilmen Boughton, Brown, Gardner, Haddox COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilman McIlhaney STAFF PRESENT: Acting City Manager Ragland, Director of Capital Improvements Ash, Assistant to the City Manager Piwonka, Finance Director Harrison, Budget Director Schroeder, Utilities Office Manager Albright, Public Information Officer Calliham, Director of Planning Calla- way, City Engineer Pullen, Assistant City Engineer Smith, Director of Parks and Recreation Beachy, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Cisneros, Public Utilities Director Woody, Parks Maintenance Supervisor Savage, Council Coordinator Hooks STUDENT GOV'T LIAISON: Kevin Buchman VISITORS PRESENT: See guest register. Agenda Item No. 1 - Council Concerns. Councilman Brown presented to each council member a report showing the results of the Budget/Finance Committee and the Bryan/College Station Apartment Association meeting. The committee's recom- mendation to the Council is that the utility rates continue at the current level through the end of the fiscal year, and at the end of six months, the committee can look at the possibility of dis- counts. Mayor Ringer stated that if there is no objection from the Council, the consensus is to accept this recommendation from the Budget/Finance Committee. Mayor Ringer announced that Councilman McIlhaney will not be present at the meeting. Agenda Item No. 2 - City Manager Concerns. Mr. Ragland passed out a copy of the operating budget schedule and amended budget schedule. He pointed out that the staff would like to hold a budget planning session for two days, preferably during the week of May 25th. Mayor Ringer asked the Council to check their calendars and let the City Manager's office know their choice. He mentioned that a letter should be sent to the upcoming city council candidates informing them of the session in order that the newly elected officials will be able to attend. 06626 CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1988 Page 2 Agenda Item No. 3 - Presentation of sponsor frames for 1988 Pepsi Games of Texas. Mayor Ringer presented a bronze sponsor plaque of the 1988 Pepsi Games to the owners of Brazos Valley Putt Putt. PARD Director Beachy also presented a framed poster of the games. Agenda Item No. 4 - Discussion of Bank Service Contract with First City National Bank of Houston. Finance Director Harrison stated that this item will be considered by the Council in the form of a resolution at their regular meeting. He explained that this contract will provide the City a safekeeping account with First City-Houston for holding collateral of treasury securities. The auditors have recommended that the collateral be held by an unaffiliated third party. Also, the City has conducted business in the past with First City-Houston. Mayor Ringer asked if this service could be provided by a local bank. Mr. Harrison replied that the local banks are not equipped to provide this type of service. He further explained that one reason for recommending this bank is because the city has agree- ments with this bank at this time. Mr. Harrison clarified the federal law; whereas, all deposits are insured up to $100,000; Texas State law requires the bank to put up collateral for any deposits over $100,000. Councilman Haddox asked what type of expenses are incurred in using an out-of-town bank. Mr. Harrison responded that the expenses are minor, probably $200.00 in yearly fees based on the volume of investments the city now has. Mayor Ringer asked when the banking agreement with Republic Bank ends. Mr. Harrison stated that the agreement expires September 30, 1988. The staff will be issuing RFP's to all local banking institutions. Agenda Item No. 5- Presentation of Wolf Pen Creek Corridor Con- ceptual Master Plan. Director of Planning Callaway introduced this item. He stated that the Steering Committee has met and reviewed the conceptual plan. Councilman Haddox, chairman of the committee, presented a slide presentation to the Council. 06627 CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1988 Page 3 Mr. Haddox stated that the steering committee is composed of mem- bers of the city staff, property owners, private individuals, and Texas A&M employees. He stated that the committee's goal is 1) to develop a comprehensive plan; 2) recognize the inter-relationship of drainage, erosion, and recreation; and, 3) to create a commu- nity attraction. He showed several slides of the creek as it presently looks. He mentioned that one idea of the concept is to eventually link most of the parks in the city through various creeks. He mentioned several possible features which could be added to the complex: restaurants, office buildings, water features, recreational facil- ities, amphitheatre, botanical gardens, and nature trails. Mr. Ragland described the slides Louisiana where he recently visited. of the Hodges Gardens in Mr. Haddox described the project funding sources: 1) public/private partnership; 2) Texas Parks and Wildlife grants; 3) possibly setting up a special tax district to put back into the project; 4) contributions of money or manpower. Mr. J.T. Dunkin, engineering consultant for this project, pre- sented the conceptual master plan and the status of the project to date. He stated that the underlying purpose of this project involves drainage improvements and erosion control. He mentioned that several meetings were held between the steering committee and the property owners; suggestions were made to the consultants and many of these suggestions will be used during the process of the plan. He stated that there are opportunities along the creek to establish a variety of development. Councilman Haddox added a few comments. He explained that 10-11 property owners who attended the steering committee meeting were surprised that the floodplain area had expanded. He emphasized that the development and the watershed in this area caused this condition to exist, the City of College Station was not respons- ible for this happening. Mr. Haddox pointed out one major con- cern of an individual property owner. This individual wanted to know what the city will be giving in return if he donates his land. Mr. Haddox replied to the property owner that the city would like the owner to donate the property in the floodplain area in order that the city can use the property as a matching grant. Mr. Haddox stated that some concessions may have to be made in return. CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1988 Page 4 Mr. Haddox mentioned that this presentation has been brought before the Parks and Recreation Board, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and several service groups. He stressed the need for public support and the support of the property owners. Councilman Gardner asked Mr. Dunkin if the nature of this project and illustrations could be written in a brochure for the indi- vidual property owners. Mr. Dunkin replied that if everyone approves of the concept, now is the time to proceed with the actual master plan. If the Council desires, the staff can begin to prepare a preliminary document. Mr. Gardner mentioned that the property owners may be curious to know more about the project and might not commit themselves until they see further information. Mr. Dunkin added that the committee will work to present the property owners sketches of the plan to assist them in making a decision. Councilman Boughton made a motion to approve the conceptual master plan. Councilman Brown seconded the motion. Mayor Ringer added that this item is not on the agenda for consideration; therefore, this vote indicates the feelings of the council. The vote carried unanimously, 5-0. A~enda Item No. 6 - Adjourn. Mayor Ringer adjourned the meeting at 5:30 p.m. ATTEST: City Sec~/~ary, Dian Jones APPROVED: 06629 GUEST REGISTER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1988 4:00 P.M. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. ® 17. 18. 19. 10. 20. 006630