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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/24/1988 - Regular Minutes - City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 1988 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: STUDENT GOV'T LIAISON: VISITORS PRESENT: Mayor Ringer, Councilmen Boughton, Haddox, Brown, McIlhaney, Gardner No n e Acting City Manager Ragland, City Attorney Locke, Finance Director Harrison, Conwunity Development Director Fette, Public Information Officer Calliham, Assistant to the City Manager Piwonka, Public Utilities Director Woody, Energy Specialist Shear, Building official Perry, City Engineer Pullen, Council Coordinator Hooks Kevin Buchman See guest register. Agenda Item No. 1 - signing of a proclamation designating April 2-8, 1988 as "National Community Development Week" in College Station, Texas. Mayor Ringer read the proclamation and accepted it on behalf of the city staff. Agenda Item No. 2 - Signing of a proclamation designating April, 1988 as "Prevent A Litter" month in College Station~ Texas. Mayor Ringer read the proclamation and presented it to Ms. Kathy Ricker representing the Brazos Animal Shelter. Agenda Item No. 3 - Approval of the minutes of the City Council/ P&Z Workshop Meeting, February 24, 1988, the City Council Workshop Meeting, March 9, 1988 and the City Council Regula~ Meeting, March 10, 1988. Student Gov't Liaison Buchman asked that his name be added to the minutes of the March 10th meeting as present at the meeting. Councilman Gardner corrected the minutes of the Joint Workshop meeting; fourth paragraph, eighth line to read "response and the items were not covered by the press or other media". Also, he 06612 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 1988 Page 2 changed the word "this" to "that" in the fourth paragraph, last sentence in the same minutes. Mr. Gardner corrected the minutes of the workshop meeting, March 9th, page 4, third paragraph to read "method of operation" rather than "motor of operation". Also, he changed the last paragraph of page 4 of the minutes of March 9th to state that "Mr. Ragland explained that this study " deleting Councilman Haddox's name. eee , Councilman Gardner moved approval of the minutes with the above corrections. Councilman McIlhaney seconded the motion which was approved unanimously, 6-0. Agenda Item No. 4 - A public hearing on the question of rezoning Lots 1-16, Block 1, Woodway West Phase I. McClure Engineering, applicant (88-102). Director of Planning Callaway described the request by McClure Engineering. He stated that the request is to rezone Lots 1-16, Block 1, Woodway West Phase I from R-lA Single Family Residential to R-4 Apartments Low Density. The location of the tract is on the south side of Holleman Drive approximately 1200' west of Wellborn Road. The current zoning in the area includes R-4 to the north across Holleman Drive, R-5 adjacent to the east and west, R-1 adjacent to the south. He stated that this area is reflected as medium density residential and high density resi- dential on the land use plan. Councilman Gardner asked if the density is greater in R-IA zoning than in R-4 Apartments Low Density. Mr. Callaway replied nega- tively, he added that the maximum density in the current R-lA district allows 10 units per acre and the maximum density in the R-4 district allows 16 units per acre. Councilman Brown asked if the ordinance is approved to allow R-4 zoning on this subject tract, would the rest of the R-1 zoning to the south later change to R-4. Mr. Callaway responded that it is difficult to reply at this time. He mentioned that the tract Mr. Brown is referring to has been acquired as a city park site. Mayor Ringer opened the public hearing. The applicant, Mr. Mike McClure, 4008 Knightsbridge Lane, Bryan, came forward in support of this request. He was available to answer questions the Council might have. Mayor Ringer closed the public hearing. q66t3 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 1988 Page 3 Agenda Item No. 5 - Consideration of an ordinance rezoning the above tract. Councilman Brown moved approval of Ordinance No. 1743 rezoning Lots 1-16, Block 1, Woodway West Phase I from R-lA to R-4. Councilman Haddox seconded the motion. Councilman Gardner commented that the zoning uses would influence this area. He pointed out that the tract of land is not suitable for this type of rezoning. Councilman Boughton asked what the depth of these lots are. Mr. McClure replied 130 feet. The motion carried by a vote of 5-1, Councilman Gardner voting against. Agenda Item No. 6 - A public hearing on the question of amending Chapter 5, of the Code to adopt the National Electrical Code 1987 Edition. Building Official Perry presented the item. He stated that this ordinance has been recommended by the City Attorney and the Electrical Examining Board; He noted that the major change in the code is the board's recommendation of a reinspection fee of $15.00. He stated that there are a number of benefits in changing the code every four years. Mayor Ringer opened the public hearing. No one spoke. Mayor Ringer closed the public hearing. Agenda Item No. 7 - Consideration of an ordinance amending Chapter 5, of the Code of Ordinances by adopting the National Electrical Code 1987 Edition. Councilman Boughton moved approval of Ordinance No. 1744 adopting the National Electrical Code 1987 Edition amending the Code of Ordinances. Councilman Brown seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 6-0. "06614 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Page 4 THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 1988 Agenda Item No. 8 - A public hearing on the question of holding an election on a proposition to legalize bingo games for charitable purposes within the City of College Station as authorized by the Bingo Enabling Act. Mayor Ringer stated that at the last council meeting a petition was presented to the Council from the Knights of Columbus organ- ization requesting a proposition be placed on the May 7th ballot to legalize bingo games for charitable purposes . The petition contained a sufficient number of valid signatures. Mayor Ringer noted that by state law, the issue must be placed on the ballot since the request was presented with a petition. Mayor Ringer opened the public hearing . No one spoke . Mayor Ringer closed the public hearing . Agenda Item No. 9 - Consideration of an ordinance to hold an election on the question of legalizing bingo games for charitable purposes in College Station. Councilman Mcllhaney moved approval of Ordinance No . 1745 to hold an election on the question of legalizing bingo games for charitable purposes in College Station . The motion was seconded by Councilman Haddox and carried unan- imously, 6-0. This item will be placed on the May 7th municipal election ballot . Agenda Item No. 10 - Consideration of approval for purchase of Micro Computer hardware and software. Assistant to the City Manager Piwonka noted that this item was discussed at the workshop meeting on March 23rd . The staff is asking approval to enter into two purchase contracts with two local vendors for the purpose of purchasing the hardware and software to implement the office automation portion of the MIS Plan . The staff has recommended the primary vendor , Computer Access, and the secondary vendor, E&L Computers . Mr . John Flynn, of Computer Access was present at the meeting . Ms. Piwonka stated that the contracts would allow the city to purchase the equipment through the end of the extended fiscal year, Sept . 30th, not exceeding $155, 000. 's06615 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 1988 Page 5 Councilman Brown commented that the top three bids were local bids. Ms. Piwonka added that the top two local bids were very competitive. Councilman Haddox asked Mr. Flynn to stand for recognition. Councilman Brown asked what will happen to the old computers. Ms. Piwonka replied that the majority of the old computers are Osborn Executives which will be phased out and placed in the yearly auction. Councilman Brown suggested that the charitable organizations which are funded by the City could use these older models. Ms. Piwonka replied that she would look into this. Councilman Boughton moved approval authorizing the City to enter into a contract with the top bidders, Computer Access and E&L Computers to proceed in the purchase of micro computers as out- lined in the proposal. Councilman Brown seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 6-0. Agenda Item No. 11 - Consideration of a resolution acceDtinH provisions of the State Dept. of Highways and Public Transporta- tion Commission Minute Order $86815 to participate in the con- struction on FM 2818 from Loop 507 to SH 6 at the Dartmouth/ Emerald Parkway InterchanHe. City Engineer Pullen explained this item. He referred to a drawing on the map showing the boundary lines of this project. He stated that in 1981, a bond election was approved which in- cluded the purchase of additional right-of-way along Millers Lane and the funding of the Dartmouth Extension and participa- tion of the overpass at Emerald Parkway. The right-of-way at Millers Lane has been purchased. He explained that the Highway Commission approved state funding of $1,000,000 for the construction of the extension of 2818 and Loop 507 to State Highway 6. Upon acceptance of the resolution by the City, the minute order states that the city will provide the costs of the right-of-way and relocate any utilities necessary. Councilman BouHhton mentioned that the City paid for the costs of paving the curb and gutter on Holleman Street. She asked why we would not pay for the curb and gutter of this project. 06616 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 1988 Page 6 Mr. Pullen replied that the policies of the State Highway Department have changed. He noted that the City is not currently paying any cost for curb and gutter on the Highway 60 widening project from Tarrow to the East Bypass. He added that if the City desired to have sidewalks along these projects, the City would obtain those costs. Councilman McIlhaney asked what possibilities exist in this project being completed earlier in conjunction with the access project. Mr. Pullen replied that the access project will prob- ably be completed in early 1989. He added that before this proj- ect is constructed, the acquisition of the right-of-way must be completed, funding must be appropriated for the purchase of this right-of-way. Mayor Ringer pointed out that in Mr. Pullen's memorandum to the Council, he stated that the agreement to proceed with the project will save the taxpayers about $1,000,000 of General Obligation debt which we would be obligated to if we were to build the project with city funds alone. Councilman Gardner asked about the general obligation bonds sold. Mr. Pullen replied that part of the bonds have been ex- pended in the Miller Lane right-of-way acquisition. He explained that if the city decided to build the project, it would cost the city $1,000,000 for construction costs. Councilman Gardner asked what project will require extensive bridging. Mr. Pullen replied the Dartmouth street extension. Councilman Gardner asked what was the city's experience when the city purchased the right-of-way on Millers Lane in respect to the persons seeing the advantage of having an improved street. City Attorney Locke replied that most persons, not all, were willing to donate the land as an offset to street assessments. Council- man Gardner questioned if anyone anticipated these residents would donate their land. Mr. Pullen replied that the possibili- ties are very small. Councilman Gardner asked the staff for the federal and state laws governing the acquisition policy. Mr. Pullen stated that public hearings will be held, then the staff will negotiate with the property owners for assessment of their property. Councilman Brown moved approval of Resolution No. 3-24-88-11 accepting provisions of the State Department of Highways and 06617 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 1988 Page 7 Public Transportation Minute Order #86815 to participate in the construction of FM 2818 from Loop 507 to SH 6 at the Dartmouth Emerald Parkway interchange. The motion was seconded by Councilman McIlhaney which carried unanimously, 6-0. Agenda Item No. 12 - Consideration of authorization of a Professional Services Contract with Buchanan/Soil Mechanics, Inc. for geotechnical investigation and trench safety system recommendation for Phase I, Burton Creek Interception, G-83-83-09. City Engineer Pullen presented this item. He stated that the proposed cost of this work is estimated at $15,500, less than 1% of the estimated cost of the project. Mr. Pullen clarified that some cities have chosen to have the contractor responsible for the gathering of geotechnical data. The city's concern is that if litigation is brought about by a trench accident, it is helpful to own the data as opposed to collecting the data after an accident. Mr. Pullen mentioned that this item is a request for the staff to begin negotiating a contract with Buchanan Soil Mechanics, Inc. for geotechnical services. Councilman Haddox moved approval of authorizing the staff to negotiate a professional services contract with Buchanan/Soil Mechanics, Inc. for geotechnical investigation and trench safety system recommendation report for Phase I, Burton Creek Interceptor, G-83-83-09. Councilman Gardner seconded the motion which was approved by a vote of 5-0-1, with Councilman Boughton abstaining. Agenda Item No. 13 - Consideration of approval of a license to encroach a utility easement with an existing swimming pool. Mr. Pullen stated that the Chatham Place Apartments is in the process of being sold. They are requesting a license to encroach a 40' utility easement with the swimming pool. The staff recommended granting a license to encroach. Councilman Boughton moved approval of the license to encroach upon a utility easement with an existing swimming pool at Chatham Place Apartments. Councilman McIlhaney seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 6-0. 966!8 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 1988 Page 8 Agenda Item No. 14 - Consideration of award of contract for renovation of conference room into computer room. Director of Capital Improvements Ash described this item. He passed to each council member a memorandum describing the renovation of the upstairs conference room into a computer room. This renovation is to house the NCR 9500 series and the proposed hardware for Finance and Accounting. The MIS program contained $35,000 in monies allocated for this conversion and $4,000 for engineering fees and architectural services. He presented a bid tabulation showing Acklam Construction Company, Inc. as the low bidder of $36,390.00. He explained that the difference in the MIS funds and the low bid is due to two separate areas included in the conversion of the room. One, is the air conditioning dual system costing $18,500 and the other is the fire suppression system. Staff recommended the award of contract to Acklam Construction, Inc. Mr. Ash clarified that the room with the existing 9050 system will be included in the renovation and used as office space. Ms. Piwonka explained the funding strategy for the $5,290 difference in estimated cost and low bid. She stated that Finance Director Harrison sees no problem in transferring these monies for this purpose. Councilman Boughton moved approval of award of contract to Acklam Construction, Inc. in the amount of $36,290 for the renovation of the upstairs conference room at City Hall to a computer room. Councilman Haddox seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 6-0. Agenda Item No. 15 - Hear Visitors. Ms. Debbie Fiske of 4209 Green Valley, Bryan, Texas, Sub-Com- mittee Chairman of the Bryan/College Station Apartment Associa- tion addressed the Council. She stated that the Apartment Assoc- iation has expressed concern regarding City Ordinance No. 1709 passed by Council on June 11, 1987. She pointed out that the association pays for the costs of maintaining the transformers and meters, they pay a sub-contractor to read the meters, per- sonnel to deliver the bills and collect the money from residents. She stated that the city is now asking the association and resi- 96619 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 1988 Page 9 dents to pay similar costs to the city as well. She referred to Exhibit 1, page 3 of the handout she presented to Council. She requested that the association meet with a committee of the Council to review their concerns in hopes there may be a com- promise in allowing an equitable rate for their customers. Mayor Ringer suggested that the Council direct staff to prepare a report and present it to the Budget/Finance Committee of the Council. He stated that there may be changes which involve the budget year. Mayor Ringer asked Mr. Ragland, Bill Harrison, and Bruce Albright to look further into this issue. He also directed the Budget/ Finance Subcommittee to meet. Councilman Boughton stated that since she will not be serving on the Council for another term, the alternate should step up and serve as a regular member of the Committee. Councilman Haddox agreed to serve as the regular member of the Committee. Councilman Boughton concurred to serve as the alternate until her council term expired. Agenda Item No. 16 - Closed session to receive legal report [6252-17 (2)(r)]. The council convened in closed session at 8:00 p.m. Agenda Item No. 17 -Action on closed session. The council reconvened in open session. that no action was taken. Mayor Ringer announced Agenda Item No. 18 - Adjourn. Councilman Haddox moved to adjourn. Councilman Gardner seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 6-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m. ATTEST: C~ity S~tary Dian Jones APPROVED: ' 06620 e CITY (IL%iCIL RE~JLAR MEETING ~, MARCH 24, 1988 7:00 P.M. ® 10. 20. 21. 22. 23. 11. 24. 12. 13. 25. 26. ,06625