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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/13/1988 - Workshop Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING JANUARY 13, 1988 4:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: STUDENT GOV'T LIAISON: VISITORS PRESENT: Mayor Ringer, Councilmen Boughton, Haddox, McIlhaney, Gardner, Brown Councilman Jones Acting City Manager Ragland, Director of Capital Improvements Ash, City Secretary Jones, City Attorney Locke, Public Utilities Director Woody, Director of Planning Callaway, Director of Parks and Recreation Beachy, Assis- tant Director of Parks and Recreation Cisneros, Building Official Perry, Energy Specialist Shear, Utilities Office Manager Piwonka, Director of Finance Harrison, Budget Director Schroeder, Public Information Officer Calliham, Council Coordinator Hooks Kevin Buchman See guest register. AGenda Item No. 1 - Council Concerns. Councilman McIlhaney reported that Sebesta Road is eroding along the creek near the ARC Industrial Park due to the recent rains. She also mentioned that the street light has been damaged at the corner of Emerald Forest Parkway and Sandstone Drive. Councilman Boughton reported that the Parks Board met and discus- sed the issue of the school bond election. The Board consented to ask the Council at their next regular meeting to pass a reso- lution expressinG support for the February bond election. She also reported that she has received several inquiries about the cable packages in Bryan and College Station. Cathy Locke re- marked that Cooke Cablevision has upgraded the number of channels in the smaller package and has met with Mr. John Southard, General Manager of Cooke Cablevision regarding an ordinance amending the franchise agreement. He has not responded back to her. Councilman Boughton asked staff to continue work on this. 06476 CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988 Page 2 Councilman Brown reported that the 911 Board of Directors are currently advertising for an executive director in the TML mag- azine. He mentioned that a committee was formed to study a map- ping system of the county. Councilman Gardner inquired about the Cable 24 Public Access channel. Public Information Officer Calliham responded that the computer equipment is not working at this time, she hopes it will be working soon. Also, in the future, current information will be listed. Agenda Item No. 2 - City Manager Concerns. Mr. Ragland mentioned that at an earlier council meeting, several councilmembers requested to see an unappropriated interest earn- ings report. He stated that this report will be presented to the Council at their next meeting. He stated that the Budget/Finance Committee has tentatively scheduled to meet the following week and discuss four council priority issues. They are as follows: 1) funding policy for non-profit and outside agencies; 2) pos- sibly changing the fiscal year; 3) research funding for airports; and, 4) fiscal responsibility. A presentation may be scheduled for the January 27th council meeting. Agenda Item No. 3 - Presentation of Wellborn Road/Railroad Corridor Study by the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation. Mr. Carol Ziegler of the Highway Department came forward to pre- sent a feasibility study on the Wellborn Road Corridor. He de- scribed the corridor to begin at Villa Maria Road in Bryan south on Wellborn Road to Texas Highway 6 and Greens Prairie Road. The map illustrated the key area, the Texas A&M University campus between University Drive and Jersey Street, as the critical part of the feasibility study. He stated that the design used in this section will affect the entire corridor development. Mr. Ziegler described several alternatives: 1) to relocate, elevate or lower the railroad; and, 2) close, elevate or lower Wellborn Road. He described the aesthetics, environmental and traffic issues associated with each. He described various cost estimates associated with each alter- native. Mr. Ziegler explained that the most favorable alterna- tive which appears to have definite advantages is to depress Wel- lborn Road and the railroad along the existing location. He stated that the Highway Department plans to proceed with more detailed planning work for this scheme. He mentioned that a ' 06477 CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988 Page 3 Committee has been formed to perform planning work in consulta- tion with other agencies; the City of College Station, Texas A&M University, involvement of two Railroad lines, the City of Bryan, and Brazos County. The final decision of the plan will be made by the Texas A&M Board of Regents and the Highway Commission. He presented a drawing of Alternative III at its completion phase. He ended his presentation by stating that this alterna- tive is the most favorable by the Commission, no recommendations have been made but it appears this alternative is the most fea- sible, economical, and fundable. Councilman Haddox asked Mr. Ziegler if he had an idea when the final decision will be made. Mr. Ziegler replied that a concept agreement may be decided in May. Councilman Gardner asked if there will be more refinements made to the concept presented and if further presentations will be presented to the public. Mr. Ziegler responded that the committee is still in the planning stages, and the presentation made to the Council tonight is definitely not a final concept. He added that the State Depart- ment of Highways and Public Transportation will be reporting back to the Council as the plan develops. Councilman Gardner asked if studies will be conducted for the other elements in the corridor. Mr. Ziegler stated that an interchange may be provided at Point D, Wellborn and 2818. He added that a concept should be decided at the B and C section be- fore other elements are looked at. Mr. Jingly Bond, Vice Chancellor of Legal Affairs at Texas A&M, briefly addressed the Council on this issue. He stated that A&M has expressed concern that the 2818 westerly corridor utilize a connector with Texas Highway 6 further south than its current location. He mentioned that no particular interchange has been studied. Councilman Haddox commented that this facility outlined at the meeting tonight was very impressive. Councilman Brown asked Mr. Ziegler when construction would begin. Mr. Ziegler replied that estimated construction time would possibly be in 12-18 months at one location. Mr. Carol Ziegler introduced Mr. Nick Turnham of the Public Af- fairs office at the Highway Department. "06478 CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988 Page 4 Mr. Bond added that the Highway Commission, in their own inter- est, adopted a 10 mile corridor for study and development. The presentation made tonight is a basic design of what they have in mind. He stated that it is very beneficial that the Highway Department Commission showed their interest in the 10 mile proj- ect. He commended the District 17 staff for their partici- pation and effort toward this goal. Agenda Item No. 4 - Discussion of proposed ordinance amendin~ Chapter 3 of the Code by adopting a new Section 2.B, Residential Energy Compliance Code. Energy Specialist Mr. Charlie Shear presented the item. He in- troduced Dr. Dave Claridge of T~IU Mechanical Engineering Depart- ment and his assistant Derek Schrock who assisted with the prep- aration of the code. Mr. Shear began his presentation by defining the goals achieved in the Energy Compliance Code: 1) set minimum requirements; 2) upgrade model energy code; 3) cost effectiveness; 4) easier to understand and administer. He continued to explain several techniques and changes that will be required by builders as stated in the Energy Compliance Code. He stated that the Energy Compliance Code will set standards and produce savings for a single family residential home and multi- family housing. He recognized the persons responsible for their input in com- piling this Code. Councilman Brown asked if the citizens could have their homes checked for energy efficiency. Mr. Shear replied that the staff is looking into a certification program for residents who comply with the energy efficiency standards. Councilman McIlhaney asked if this study would be feasible to address commercial establish- ments. Mr. Shear replied that this study would be very dif- ficult and currently there are no plans to study commercial prop- erties. Agenda Item No. 5 - Discussion of the proposed City of Colleqe Station investment policy. Finance Director Bill Harrison presented the item. He stated that the the Council completed questionnaires in regards to the city's investment policy. A draft was prepared from these '".96479 CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988 Page 5 questionnaires. He stated that the goal of the City of College Station Investment Policy shall be to ensure the safety of all public monies, the availability of those funds for needed pay- ments, and to provide for the investment of all funds. The ob- jective of the process is to obtain a better balance within the city's investment portfolio by diversifying into the government securities market. He added that state law requires the City to proceed with a policy. Councilman Brown inquired as to how much extra money the city could make by investing funds. Mr. Harrison stated that there are no guarantees because of the changing interest rates, but there is no reason the city cannot gain a full percentage point, meaning that the City could gain approximately $5000 per week. Agenda Item No. 6 - Orientation and Preview of the 1988 Texas Games. Director of Parks and Recreation of College Station, Steve Beachy, and Director of Parks and Recreation of Bryan, Dr. John Blackburn presented the item. Mr. Beachy began by giving a brief history of the Texas Games. The 1988 Texas Games are a group ef- fort of five different agencies, Texas A&M University, City of Bryan, City of College Station, Chamber of Commerce, and the Bryan/CS Athletic Federation. He presented a slide presentation and described the various events and the facilities where these events will take place. Mr. Beachy mentioned that the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation is the governing body for the Games. The games will begin in February with the 10K Run Event. The opening ceremonies will be held Friday, August 5th at the Olsen Field on the Texas A&M University campus. Mr. Beachy mentioned that all hotels in the two cities will bene- fit from the Texas Games. The staff of all entities will be in- volved in the preparation of the Games. Mr. Beachy pointed out that the financial support will be gained by individual contribu- tions, event sponsorships, corporate sponsorships, donations of equipment and services. In 1987, the direct economic impact in Ft. Worth was $2 million. He stated that the 1988 Games will definitely meet that mark, if not exceed it. Mr. Beachy stated that the most important point is the image that this community will project on a state-wide basis. ' 06480 CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988 Page 6 Councilman Gardner asked if there will be an admission charge. Mr. Beachy replied that the admission charge has been discussed, but has not been decided. There will be an admission charge to the opening ceremonies, a can good. This food will be donated to the Brazos Food Bank. Agenda Item No. 7 - Signing of a proclamation initiating the 1988 Texas Games. Mayor Ringer signed a proclamation initiating the 1988 Texas Games and College Station as a host city. Mr. Steve Beachy and Dr. John Blackburn accepted the proclamation. Mayor Ringer was presented with a plaque designating the College Station as a host city. Agenda Item No. 8 - Presentation of the Sanitary Sewer Master Plan for the Sandstone and Foxfire Subdivisions. City Engineer David Pullen explained that the subdivisions of Sandstone and Foxfire were originally planned as rural, large lots. Since their development, public sanitary sewers have been installed through their drainage basins and many homes have con- nected to it at their expense. He stated that the staff has seen a problem with property owners extending their sewer lines be- cause they are primarily interested in the costs. However, expanding this system is leading to duplication of services and if continued will lead to an unnecessarily large operating ex- pense to service the system. At the request of Councilman McIlhaney, staff has prepared a master plan utilizing the services of Municipal Development Group. The plan is designed to serve all current and undeveloped areas and benefit those who seek to extend service to their prop- erty by providing them with the most cost effective way to do that. Mr. Pullen added that funds for the plan have been expend- ed in the operating budget. Councilman Haddox asked if the persons who live outside the city limits, would follow the plan. Mr. Pullen replied that the plan was prepared for the property owners to follow when the time ar- rives for them to construct their sanitary sewer system. Mr. Haddox expressed concern that the plan include a statement so the city could enforce this plan. Mr. Pullen stated that as stated in the resolution, the master plan is a guide for property owners to follow. CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988 Page 7 Councilman Gardner asked if the costs are an obligation of the developer or property owner. Mr. Pullen replied affirmatively and stated that there would be an exception, in the case where a party petitioned for pro-rata consideration. Councilman McIlhaney commented that she appreciated the staff's work on the plan. She reported that five or six homes have been built and the owners did not have a plan to follow. She mention- ed that many homeowners have expressed relief to be connected to the city sewer system. The council consented to ask staff to change the resolution with stronger wording and bring back to the Council at their regular meeting. Agenda Item No. 9 - Dicussion of the Trinity River Authority Hydro Electric Pro~ect in relation to the needs and goals of the City of College Station. Public Utilities Director John Woody stated that in 1983, Council directed the City of College Station along with the Trinity River Authority to prepare a licensed application to be submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the construction of a Hydro-Electric Project on Lake Livingston. In December 1987, Council granted authorization to obtain the firm of Burns and McDonald to evaluate the city's long range plan of our power supply. Mr. William Dermann, Project Manager for Burns and McDonald pre- sented a brief report on Phase I of the power supply study. Mr. Dermann stated that the projected estimated financial requirement is $161,300,000, or $3,226/kW. He pointed out that Gulf States Utilities Power costs per mills/kW is 47.5 mills/kW. He stated that Gulf States Utilities is a long term stable utilities oper- ation. Mr. Dermann presented overhead projections on the basis of power- purchased today and power purchased in the future from GSU in comparison to power purchased from the hydro electric project. Mr. Woody noted that staff has recommended withdrawal from fur- ther participation. The Council consented to withdraw the City's participation from Trinity River Authority Hydro Electric Project. 06482 CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988 Page 8 Agenda Item No. [6252-17 (2) (e) ]. 10 - Closed session to discuss litigation The council convened in closed session at 6:40 p.m. Agenda Item No. 11 - Action on closed session. At 7:00 p.m., the council reconvened in open session. was taken. Agenda Item No. 12 - Adjourn. Mayor Ringer declared the meeting adjourned. No action APPROVED: ATTEST: ¢ City Sec~y Dian Jones Mayor'-7~r~ln~ *06483