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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/13/1988 - Regular Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1988 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Ringer, Councilmen Birdwell, Brown, McIlhaney, Schneider. Gardner, Haddox STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ragland, City Secretary Jones, Assistant to the City Manager Piwonka, Public Utilities Director Woody, Planning Director Callaway, City Attorney Locke, Director of Capital Improvements Ash, Police Chief Strope. Zoning Official Kee, Energy Specialist Shear, Public Information Officer Calliham. Council Coordinator Hooks STUDENT GOV'T LIAISON: Shannon Maloney VISITORS PRESENT: See guest register. Agenda Item No. ! - Signing of a proclamation recoqnizinq the 50th anniversary of the Election held to vote on the incorporation of Colleg9 Station. Former Mayor Gary Halter, Chairman of the Historic Preserva- tion Committee came forward to accept the proclamation signed by Mayor Larry Ringer. Agenda Item No. 2 - Siqnlng of a proclamation designating October 9-15. 1988 as "Public Power Week" in College Station. Texas. Public Utilities Director Woody accepted this proclamation signed by Mayor Ringer and Mayor Tare. Agenda Item No. 3 - Approval of the minutes of the Workshop me,ting, September 21. 1988 and the Regular Meeting, Septem- ber 22~__~ Councilman Birdwell moved approval of the minutes. Councilman Schneider seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 4 - A public hearing to consider a final amending plat of Glenhaven Estates Phase I subdivision (88- 210). Director of Planning Callaway stated that the amending plat reduced the number of lots providing for fewer but larger lots with more street frontage. The lots are vacant at this time. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval. 96919 City Council Regular Meeting Thursday. October 13. 1988 Mayor Ringer opened the public hearing. No one spoke. Mayor Ringer closed the public hearing. Agenda Item No. 5 - Consideration of a final amending plat of Glenhaven Estates Phase I subdivision. Councilman Schneider moved approval of the plat. Councilman Birdwell seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 6 - A public hearing to consider a final amending plat of Glenhaven Estates Phase III subdivision (88- 211). Mr. Callaway stated that this plat reduces the number of lots from 15 to 14, thus increases the size of the lots. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the plat. Mayor Ringer opened the public hearing. No one spoke. Mayor Ringer closed the public hearing. Agenda Item No. 7 - Consideration of a final amending plat of Glenhaven Estates Phase III subdivision. Councilman Haddox moved approval of the amending plat for Glenhaven Subdivision (88-211). Councilman McIlhaney seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 8 - A public hearing to consider an amendment to section 9 of the Zoning Ordinance specifically affecting standards for temporary parking lots. Zoning Official Kee stated that this amendment is in response to Council directive for the P&Z Commission and staff to develop standards for a temporary parking lot. She explained that this response originated with the Aldersgate Church gravel parking lot. She explained that the amendment provides for standards that address surface material, drainage, access, blowing dust, tracking of mud onto public streets, and screening. It requires approval by the Commission and allows a temporary lot to exist for a 12 month period. The P&Z recommended unanimous approval. Mayor Ringer opened the public hearing. No one spoke. 06920 City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, October 13, 1988 4 included the continuance of the committee. He stated that suggestions have been made to appoint representatives from the school districts to serve on this committee. The charges of the committee should also be looked into further. Councilman Birdwell remarked that continuance of this committee is a good idea. Mr. Birdwell pointed out that the committee made other recommendations. Mr. Ragland stated the two staffs will be responding to these recommendations and will bring them back to the Council. Councilman Haddox moved to continue the activities of the WAR ON DRUGS Committee and extend an invitation to the school districts to appoint members subject to approval of the Bryan Council. Councilman McIlhaney seconded the motion which carried unan- imously, 7-0. A~enda Item No. 11 - Renewal of Electrical Engineering Services Contract for FY 88-89. Public Utilities Director John Woody addressed the Council. The renewal contract is with McCord Engineering for contin- uance of rate design services study toward a 5-year plan. He added that this is a budgeted item. Councilman Birdwell asked how much monies were spent in FY87-88 and how much is budgeted for in FY88-89. Mr. Woody stated that the amount budgeted for this fiscal year is $110,000. He mentioned that he will respond to Mr. Birdwell's question about the amount of monies spent in FY 87-88 as soon as possible. Councilman Birdwell moved approval of the renewal contract with McCord Engineering for Electrical Engineering Services. Councilman Schneider seconded the motion which carried unan- imously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 12 - Report from City auditors (Deloitte, Haskins, and Sells). Finance Director Harrison explained that the auditors will be presenting their interim report from the work conducted this summer. Mr. Stewart Snow and Mr. Charlie Chafin came forward to present their report. Each councllmember was given a detailed outline as to the auditors working operations in the written report. Mr. Chafin stated that the preliminary work was conducted in June and during that time the auditors reviewed financial statements, operating reports and accounting reports. He pointed out that the auditors conducted special work in the area of Community Development. Mr. Chafin stated that the auditors are very pleased with the cooperation they received City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, October 13. 1988 Mayor Ringer closed the public hearing. Agenda Item No. 9 - Consideration of an amendment to Section 9 of the Zoning Ordinance specifically affecting standards for temporary parkin~ hots. Councilman Brown moved approval of Ordinance No. 1781. Councilman Gardner seconded the motion. Councilman Birdwell moved to amend the motion by deleting Item No. 6 under the Standards section. Councilman Brown seconded the motion. Councilman Birdwell remarked that the standards for a temporary lot should not require a method of screening. Councilman Brown agreed. Mrs. Kee stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission was not unanimous on this particular item. They each felt some sort of screening would be appropriate. She added that the Commission held discussion at their meeting to determine whether this statement should be a requirement or at the Commission's discretion. The Commission ultimately decided that a screening method would be required. Mayor Ringer clarified that landscaping requirements for permanent parking lots would not apply to temporary lots. Kee concurred. MS. The motion to amend the ordinance by deleting item no. 6 under Standards carried unanimously, 7-0. Councilman Birdwell moved to delete the last sentence under the section, "Review by the Commission." The motion failed for lack of second. Ms. Meredith Landry, 10! Woodlake Drive. College Station came forward to address the Council. She asked if the ordinance addressed drainage. Mayor Ringer replied that the ordinance stated that the Commission shall take into consideration the runoff, drainage and flood control when reviewing a request for a temporary parking lot. The motion to approve Ordinance No. 1781 with the deletion of Item No. 6 under the section headed "Standards" carried by a vote of 6-1, Councilman Birdwell voted against. Agenda Item No. 10 - Discussion and consideration of contin- uation of the WAR ON DRUGS Committee. Mayor Ringer explained that a joint meeting was recently held with the City of Bryan Council to hear the report from the War on Drugs Committee. Recommendations made by the committee 6922 City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, October 13, 1988 5 from the City Manager and Finance Department. Steps have been taken from these departments to implement the auditors recommendations. Mr. Stewart Snow. manager for this specific job was respons- ible for the work conducted at the City. He addressed the Council and complimented Finance Director Harrison and his staff for their hard work in implementing many of the auditor's recommendations in the past year. Mr. Snow reviewed the Interim Report to Management and staff responses. Mr. Snow explained that the auditors aided the City in reconciling the Community Development reports to the federal government and developed recommendations to the staff regarding the ongoing accounting of the CD books. Mr. Chafin reported that much of the auditor's time was spent reviewing the city's policies and procedures to clearly safeguard the investments of the city. Councilman Birdwell asked if the city could solve their prob- lems in the payroll department by direct depositing checks or mail out checks. Mr. Snow replied affirmatively, yet a problem would exist where someone independent of the person preparing the checks would need to assume the duty of receiving the checks for mail out or direct deposit. Mr. Birdwell asked if the city reported more money or less money to the government than was spent. Mr. Chafin explained why there seemed to be problems in the Community Development accounting records. He stated that the Community Development Division maintains their own records. The records are ult- imately sent to the Accounting Department who maintains records. A third set of books are kept by the federal govern- ment. He pointed out that at one given time, each of the three groups had a different number for the amount of money related to Community Development. Most of the differences related to a timing situation and the reporting of the monies. Councilman Haddox asked if the city's investment policy is sound. Mr. Chafin explained that the State required all Governments to have a formalized investment policy, the auditors are satisfied with the city's policy. Agenda Item No. 13 - Consideration of funding a donation to the College Station Library for enerGY related materials. Energy Specialist Charlie Shear addressed the Council. He stated that the Energy Management Committee unanimously voted to establish an area at the library designated for energy related materials. The Committee also felt it would be a great idea to donate this money in the memory of former City ManaGer King Cole. He stated that the money will come from the Gulf States Utilities rebate money set up for energy conservation projects. City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, October 13. 1988 Councilman Brown moved approval of the $500.00 donation to the College Station Library for energy related materials in memory of Mr. King Cole. Councilman McIlhaney seconded the motion which carried unan- imously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 14 - Consideration of approval of sanitary sewer extension agreement for residents of Harvey Hillsides Addition. This item was withdrawn from the agenda. Agenda Item No. 15 - Consideration of an ordinance abandoning an alleyway between Lots 9 and i0, Block 3, Southeast College Park, and authorizing the Mayor to sign quitclaim deeds to adjacent property owners. Assistant City Engineer Smith presented this item. He stated that on August 25th, the City Council abandoned a portion of the alleyway between Lots 9 and 10. The staff determined that there is no public use of the alley and felt it would be appropriate to recommend abandonment of the entire alleyway between Lots 9 and 10. Mr. Smith stated that the alleyway will be split evenly between the property owners of Lots 9 and 10. Councilman Birdwell moved approval of Ordinance No. 1782 abandoning an alleyway located between Lots 9 and 10, Block 3 of the Southeast College Park Subdivision. Councilman Schneider seconded the motion which carried unan- imously. 7-0. Agenda Item No. 16 - Consideration of bids for the construc- tion of Fidelity Street from Wellborn Road to Fairview street. Mr. Smith explained that this project includes construction from Fidelity Street from Wellborn Road to Fairview. Staff recommended low bidder of Young Brothers, Inc. in the amount of $97,353.60. Councilman Birdwell asked if the estimate shown was the orig- inal estimate. Mr. Smith replied that the original estimate was $101,000 and it was based on a preliminary design. The revised engineers estimate shows $16.63/linear foot. Mr. Smith explained that the assessment will be levied after the project is completed. Councilman Birdwell moved to award the contract to Young Brothers, Inc in the amount of $97.353.60 for the construction of Fidelity Street from Wellborn to Fairview. Councilman Haddox seconded the motion which carried unani- mously, 7-0. *9,5924 City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, October 13. 1988 7 Agenda Item No. 17 - Consideration of bids for the relocation of a 12" waterline paralleling University Drive from Meadowland Street to South College Avenue. Mr. Smith stated that the City is reguired to relocate 220 feet of 12" waterline on University Drive in order that the Highway Department can continue with their widening project on Univer- sity Drive. Staff recommended low bidder to Pate and Pate in the amount of $70,074.65. Councilman Brown moved approval of the award of contract for the waterline relocation project on University Drive to Pate and Pate Construction in the amount of $70,074.65. Councilman McIlhaney seconded the motion which carried unan- imously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 18 - Consideration of bids for striping and pavement markings for Southwest Parkway. (G-81-81-14) Mr. Smith explained that three bids were received and staff recommended award of contract to the low bidder, Safety Lights of Houston. The markings will be thermoplastic markings, a more cost effective marking than paint. Councilman Birdwell moved approval to award the bid to Safety Lights of Houston in the amount of $22,498.39 for the striping and pavement markings on Southwest Parkway, G-81-81-14. Councilman Schneider seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 19 - Consideration of an agreement to contribute funds between the City and the State Dept. of Highways and Public Transportation for the purchase of right- of-way to construct the Southwest Parkway Interchange. Mr. Smith explained that the federal government has agreed to fund 90% of the costs of the right-of-way purchase for the Southwest Parkway interchange. The city's share will be 10% of the cost, $50,000. The total costs of the project has been estimated from the Highway Department at $500,000. Councilman Birdwell moved to approve the agreement to contrib- ute funds between the City and State Dept. of Highways and Public Transportation for the purchase of right-of-way to construct Southwest Parkway Interchange. Councilman Gardner seconded the motion which carried unan- imously, 7-0. City Council Regular Meeting Thursday. October 13. 1988 8 Agenda Item No. 20 - Consideration of a resolution supporting Proposition I, the Good Roads Amendment. Councilman Birdwell moved approval of Resolution No. 10-13-88- 20 supporting Proposition I, the Good Roads Amendment and adding to the last sentence that the Council urges its citizens to vote in support of this amendment. Councilman Schneider seconded the motion which carried unan- imously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 21 - Consideration of a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement with L.A. Ford for access and parking for the Amtrak platform. City Attorney Locke described this item. She stated that Amtrak recently notified the City their intentions to provide College Station and the Brazos Valley area with Amtrak Service beginning November 14th. Staff immediately began searching for a temporary site which is located at Wellborn Road and Jersey and Marion Pugh. She re- ferred to a diagram showing the exact location of the tract. Councilman Gardner asked if there would be access to properties on Marion Pugh. Ms. Locke noted that Mr. L.A. Ford, Jr. is the owner of the property and has agreed to lease .682 acres of his property for access to and parking at an Amtrak platform. Ms. Locke explained that the facility will be comprised of a parking lot access and she added that PARD Director Beachy is looking into a pavilion type facility which could be relocated. Councilman Schneider asked Ms. Locke to clarify the location of the temporary site. Councilman Birdwell commented that he is not a supporter of Amtrak. On the other hand, Councilman Brown made mention that the old College Station depot has been located and Mr. Birdwell stated that it would be a great idea to locate the station in a park or a historical site and accessible to the public. Councilman Brown remarked that there no park funds available in another zone except the zone indicated in the lease. Mr. Haddox commented that he is excited to know that a replica train station c6uld be added back to the City to help identify the way the City's name began and possibly start a museum. Councilman Gardner commented that he does not feel this is a good site for a permanent location. Councilman Brown moved approval of Resolution No. 10-13-88-21 authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement for lease from L.A. Ford, Jr. ' City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, October 13. 1988 Councilman Schneider seconded the motion which carried by a vote of 6-1. Councilman Birdwell voting against. Mayor Ringer commended the staff in preparing a lease agreement in such a short time period. He remarked that he has seen a lot of enthusiasm for the restored station. Agenda Item No. 22 - Hear Visitors. No one came forward to speak. Agenda Item No. 23 - Closed session to discuss land acquisition [6252-17(2)f], reports [6252-17(2)(r)], and personnel [6252- 17(2)(g)]. The council convened into closed session. Agenda Item No. 24 - Action on closed session. The Council reconvened into open session at 8:38 p.m. No action was taken. Agenda Item No. 25 - Adjourn. Councilman McIlhaney moved to adjourn the meeting. Councilman Gardner seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 7-0. APPROVED: Mayor Pro-rem Fred Brown ATTEST: C~'ty '~'~c~t~ry Dian Jon 06927 Guest Register City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, October 13, 1988 7:00 P.M. 3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30.