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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/22/1988 - Regular Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1988 7:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ringer, Councllmembers Brown, Haddox, McIlhaney, Gardner, Schneider Birdwell STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ragland, Assistant to the City Manager Piwonka, City Secretary Jones, Finance Director Harrison, Budget Director Schroeder, Director of Planning Callaway, Utilities Manager Albright, Public Utilities Director Woody, City Engineer Pullen, Public Information Officer Calliham, Council Coordinator Hooks VISITORS PRESENT: See guest register. Agenda Item No. 1 - Sionin~ of a proclamation recoonizing the 50th Anniversary of the National Federation of Repub- lican Women. Mayor Ringer announced that this item has been withdrawn. AGenda Item No. 2 - Approval of the minutes of the Workshop Meeting, September 7, 1988, the Special Meeting, September 8, 1988, and the Regular Meeting, September 8, 1988. Councilman Birdwell corrected page 2, of the special meeting, first paragraph to read "Councilman Birdwell pointed out that paying for drainage by advalorem taxes instead of assessments would save the apartments money." Councilman Gardner added to the first sentence, fourth paragraph under Agenda Item No. 2, special meeting minutes, "... and will be more equitable." Mayor Ringer noted that on page 2 of the workshop minutes an addition should be made. He added the appointment of Councilman Schneider to represent the Council on the Budget Committee of the Arts Council. Councilman Gardner changed the wording in the same paragraph to "a seminar on illegal drugs." Councilman Birdwell moved approval of the minutes as corrected. Councilman Gardner seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 7-0. City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, September 22, 1988 Aqenda Item No. 3 - A public hearing to conside~ a resub- division plat of the Regency Square Subdivision (88=208). Planning Director Callaway described this item. He stated that this plat resubdivides a portion of the subdivision into three lots of the Regency Square Subdivision located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Holleman Drive and Wellborn Road. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of this plat. Mayor Ringer opened the public hearing. No one spoke. Mayor Ringer closed the public hearing. Aqenda Item No. 4 - Consideration of the resubdivision plat. Councilman Brown moved approval of the plat. Councilman Birdwell seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 5 - A public hearing on the question of amendinq the plat and development plan for the P.U.D. #2 located in the Shenandoah Subdivision. Mr. Callaway stated that the request provides for the replat of the P.U.D. #2 in the Shenandoah Subdivision. He explained that this area included lots which front on the first street from the entrance in the subdivision from Highway 6. He stated that the development as P.U.D. began outside the corporate limits of College Station as an ETJ subdivision and later annexed into the City. He noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval. Councilman McIlhaney mentioned that she received calls from residents in the subdivision. She asked if any of these residents appeared at the P&Z meeting. Mr. Callaway replied that several residents were present and most people spoke favorably in regards to this item and the next agenda item, yet, they expressed concern about various aspects of the subdivision. Mr. Gardner added that he received a call from a resident who attended the meeting, and she expressed positive feedback about the way the situation was handled. Mayor Ringer opened the public hearing. No one spoke. Mayor Ringer closed the public hearing. Agenda Item No. 6 - Consideration of amending the above plat. Councilman Haddox moved approval of amending the plat and development plan for the P.U.D. #2 located in the Shenandoah Subdivision. 96899 City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, September 22, 1988 Councilman Schneider seconded the motion which carried unan- imously, 7-0. Aaenda Item No. 7 - A public hearinq to consider a resub- division plat of portions of the Shenandoah Subdivision. Mr. Callaway explained the request. He stated that the plat proposes to reduce the number of lots within the subdivi- sion in order to provide larger lots and deleting as platted lots those sections which are not fully served by city utilities or streets. Mr. Callaway indicated that the Planning Commission made two different motions in regards to this item. 1) P&Z recommended unanimous approval of the plat; 2) P&Z recommended that the temporary turn arounds not be required by a vote of 5-1. Councilman McIlhane¥ noted that the plat was approved with the stipulations stated in the Presubmission Conference Report. Mr. Callaway responded affirmatively. Councilman Brown asked if any resident expressed concern about the plat. Mr. Callaway replied that generally most residents were concerned with drainage. Mr. Gardner added that concerns he had heard were related to areas which are reserved for future resubdivision, they had hoped the areas would be developed. Mayor Ringer opened the public hearing. No one spoke. Mayor Ringer closed the public hearing. Agenda Item No. 8 - Consideration of the above resubdivi- sion plat. Councilman Schneider moved to approve the resubdivision plat of portions of the Shenandoah Subdivision. Councilman Brown seconded the motion. Councilman Birdwell remarked that there are several parts of the plat, in his opinion, which are not designed adequately. regarding the alleyways and streets. Councilman Gardner asked if the alleyways are required to be paved. City Engineer Pullen replied that the alleyways in place are paved and the alleyways shown on a new plat would have to be paved before acceptance. Mr. Gardner asked why houses were built on an unacceptable- subdivision. Mr. Pullen replied that the water, sewer, and electrical systems were installed and accepted. The street and drainage systems have never been completed. He ex- plained that the proposed replat provides for the deletion of those portions of the subdivision which do not have complete systems. 6900 City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, September 22, 1988 The motion to approve the resubdivision plat with the P&Z recommendation that the turn-arounds are not required, carried unanimously, 7-0. Agenda item No. 9 - CONSENT AGENDA: Year End Budget Amendments and Transfers Janitorial Maintenance Contract Miscellaneous Contract Renewals for FY 1988-89 The above items were approved by common consent. Agenda Item No. 10 - Consideration of a request for funds from Utility Fund Contingency for a 12" waterline relocation project on University Drive. City Engineer Pullen described this item. He stated that this item was necessitated as a result of change in the design work on University Drive in front of student housing. The Highway Department required the city to relocate 2200' of 12" waterline. The Council will consider the award of bid at the October 13th meeting. Councilman Brown asked what fund will allocate monies to this project. Budget Director Schroeder replied that the funds will be allocated from the Utility Fund Contingency In the amount of $100,000 from the FY 87-88 budget. Councilman Birdwell moved approval of the request for funds from the Utility Fund Contingency in the amount for $100,000 for the 12" waterline relocation project on University Drive. Councilman McIlhaney seconded the motion which carried unan- imously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 11 - Consideration of authorizinq the City Manager to execute two agreements between the City and the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation to continue the second year of a three year program that includes STEP program and TRASER programs. Assistant Police Chief Ed Feldman presented this item. The Department is requesting approval of funding for the second year of a three year program to the State Dept. of Highways and Public Transportation. This amount totaled $17,753 to fund the STEP program. Mr. Feldman remarked that the pro- gram has been very effective . Councilman Haddox moved to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with the State Dept. of Highways and Public Transportation for continuation of the programs STEP and TRASER. City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, September 22. 1988 5 Councilman Schneider seconded the motion which carried unan- imously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 12 - Consideration of an ordinance adopting changes in rates for electricity. Budget Director Schroeder explained this item. He stated that the ordinance proposes rates which were presented to the Council on August 3rd by McCord Engineering. He indicated that this is the second year in the rate study which is moving the city in the direction toward costs of service in the water, service, and electric rates. Councilman Blrdwell pointed out that this action will provide for a reduction of approximately $1.8 million in electric charges. Mr. Schroeder pointed out that the rate study indicated that to reach cost of service in water, sewer, and electric rates during the next three years, the electricity rates will con- tinue to decrease, while the water and sewer rates will in- crease. Councilman Blrdwell noted that on page 14 a sentence has been left off the bottom of the page. Councilman Gardner also noted that a sentence is not complete at the bottom of page 7. Councilman Brown moved approval of Ordinance No. 1776 adopting changes in the electric rates. Councilman Schneider seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 13 - Consideration of an ordinance adopting changes in water and sewer rates. Mr. Schroeder explained that the changes in water and sewer charges reflect the second year of cost of service study with increases in the service charges and usage charge in water and sewer area. Councilman Birdwell moved approval of Ordinance No. 1777. Councilman Haddox seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. Agenda Item No. 14 - Consideration of an ordinance adopting chan~es in ~arbage disposal char~es. Mr. Schroeder reported that the Council previously reviewed the solid waste charges and the operations in the fund. At that time, rate proposals were presented to the Council by McCord Engineering. He stated that the proposed ordinance includes the rates discussed at the prior meetings. Mr. City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, September 22, 1988 Schroeder added that these rates are reflecting a move in the direction of charging for each class the amounts that are applicable to the cost to provide the service. He noted that the increases are applied to the residential and commercial classes. Councilman Birdwell asked if this ordinance provided a section for a tipping fee for persons who haul materials to the landfill. Mr. Schroeder replied that the $10.10/ton shown in the ordinance as the landfill disposal fee is the tipping fee when someone brings a load to the landfill. Mr. Birdwell remarked that this is not clearly stated in the ordinance. Mr. Schroeder indicated that if the city picks up on a roll off basis a $50.00 pickup fee plus the $10.10/ton would be charged. Councilman Haddox asked if the city charges less than $10.10/ton if a resident outside the city brings a load which is less than a ton. He suggested lthat the ordinance address this. Councilman Birdwell noted that another ordinance should be prepared which clarifies the tipping fees. Further discussion was held. The staff was directed to draft another ordinance describing a tipping fee and identify a minimum charge for disposals less than one ton from persons outside the city limits who utilize the landfill. Councilman Brown moved approval of Ordinance No. 1778 amending Chapter 11, Section 5 of the Code of Ordinances an assessment for garbage disposal in the City of College Station. Councilman Schneider seconded the motion. Councilman Birdwell pointed out that in the case of garbage collection the city is collecting enough money to pay for the landfill and garbage costs, the increase enables the city to transfer $400,000 to the general fund. Mayor Ringer pointed out that there are costs associated with the closing of a landfill site, the fund should reflect those anticipated costs. The motion to approve Ordinance No. 1778 carried by a vote of 6-1, Councilman Gardner voting against. Agenda Item No. 15 - Consideration of an ordinance adoDtin~ changes in drainage assessment fee. Mr. Schroeder explained this item. As recommended by the rate study conducted by A&FCS, the assessment would be raised to $.70/unit from $.50/unit for maintenance of drainageways throughout the City. q6905 City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, September 22, 1988 Councilman McIlhaney moved approval of Ordinance No. 1779 adopting changes in the drainage assessment fee. Councilman Mcllhaney indicated that she would like to see a priority list of areas for maintenance during the coming year. Councilman Haddox seconded the motion. City Manager Ragland noted that the staff is currently working on a drainage plan and this will be brought to the council. Councilman Birdwell moved to amend the motion by adding a section D under Section 7 stating that "The assessment charge will be shown as a separate item on the utility bill." Councilman Gardner seconded the motion. Mr. Blrdwell explained his reasons for his motion. He feels the customers should be notified about the drainage assess- ment by indicating it on the utility statement. Mayor Ringer indicated that the staff will make the necessary changes as staff time is feasible. The motion to amend carried by a vote of 7-0. The motion to approve Ordinance No. 1779 as amended carried by a vote of 5-2, Councilmen Birdwell and Gardner voting against. Agenda Item No. 16 - Consideration of an ordinance adoptina a budget for the 1988-89 fiscal year. Mr. Schroeder described several changes proposed for this year's budget. The most significant change made was in the General Fund, where the revenue for sales tax projections were increased by $150,000 and the adjustment for unexpended appropriation from 3% to 4%. Councilman Schneider moved approval of Ordinance No. 1780 adopting the budget for FY 88-89. Councilman Haddox seconded the motion. Councilman Birdwell moved to amend the motion to adopt the budget by eliminating the position for proposed Staff Assistant in the Finance Department. Councilman Gardner seconded the motion. Mr. Blrdwell explained his views that the City is adequately staffed and he is reluctant to add staff. City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, September 22, 1988 The motion was defeated by a vote of 5-2, Councilmen Birdwell and Gardner voting in favor of the motion. Councilman Blrdwell moved to amend the budget for the elimination of the proposed Administrative Assistant in the City Manager's office. The motion died for lack of second. Councilman Blrdwell moved to amend the budget for the elimination of the proposed Traffic Safety Specialist. Councilman Gardner seconded. Councilman Haddox pointed out to the audience that much deliberation has been held on the budget and the majority of the Council felt the budget was in order. He let the public know that the majority of the Council felt the staff positions are necessary after much discussion with the staff. Councilman Brown added his comments that over the last three year the city has become more efficient for all customers and tremendous strides have been made in utility billing and computer operations throughout the City; for the City to continue ahead the staff must be given the "tools" to make changes. Councilman Gardner pointed out that the City has been through a slow growth period and if the city were in a continuous upswing as they were four or five years ago, additional staff would seem necessary. The motion to amend the budget was defeated by a vote of 2-5, Councilmen Birdwell and Gardner voting in favor. Councilman Birdwell moved to amend the budget for the approval of Decision Package No. 40, Books and Equipment for the Library, in the amount of $18,767. Councilman Gardner seconded the motion which carried by a vote of 7-0. Councilman Blrdwell moved to designate $50,000 of uncom- mitted capital funds for sidewalks to be built in the future. Councilman Schneider seconded the motion. Mr. Ragland asked if the Council wishes to include desig- nated funds for the entrance signs Into College Station. .. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. Councilman Haddox moved to amend the budget by allocating undesignated capital funds not to exceed $25,000 for the construction of entry way signs into College Station. Councilman Schneider seconded the motion which carried by a vote of 5-2, Councilmen Blrdwell and Gardner voting against. City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, September 22, 1988 Councilman Birdwell explained his reasons for voting against the budget. He stated that the budget proposed this year is an increase of 19% over the budget two years ago, proposed spending of $13.8 million in the general fund. He also stated that in light of the economic times and economic growth, the base budget is too large. Councilman Gardner commented that he agreed with several points made by Councilman Birdwell. The motion to approve Ordinance No. 1780 adopting the budget with the amended changes carried by a vote of 6-1, Council- man Birdwell voting against. Agenda Item No. 17 - Hear Visitors. Mrs. Helen Pugh, 601Fairview, came forward to thank the Council for their feelings about run down property. She asked the Council if they would also consider adding a section to the ordinance addressing the problem of parked cars on lawns. Mrs. Pugh also asked the Council for the reasons why the drainage assessments are placed on the utility bills. Mayor Ringer stated that the Council who first established the drainage charge chose to place it as part of the utility bill as opposed to raising the tax rate to cover lt. Mayor Ringer explained the assessment charges to Mrs. Pugh. Agenda Item No. 18 - Closed session to discuss legal report [6252-17(2)(r)] and personnel [6252-17(2)(g)]. The Council moved to closed session at 8:15 p.m. Agenda Item No. 19 - Action on closed session. The Council reconvened into open session. action was taken. The following Councilman Haddox moved to reconsider last council meeting's action on the salary for the City Attorney. Councilman Schneider seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 7-0. Councilman Haddox moved to adjust the annual salary for the City Attorney at $50,000 and $250.00 car allowance per month. Councilman Brown seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 7-0. City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, SeDtember 22, 1988 10 AGenda Item No. 20 - Adjourn. Mayor Ringer announced the meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m. APPROVED: ATTEST: City Seer t~t~aFy Dian Jones S906 GUEST REGISTER CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Thursday, September 22, 1988 7:00 P.M. 14. 15. 16. 11. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 12. 25. 13. 26. . 06907