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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/13/1986 - Regular Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: STUDENT GOV'T LIAISON: VISITORS PRESENT: Mayor Ringer, Councilmen Boughton, Tongco, Brown, Bond, Jones, Haddox None City Manager Cole, Director of Capital Improvements Ash, City Engineer Pullen, City Attorney Locke, City Secretary Jones, Assistant Director of Planning Callaway, Building Official Perry, Utilities Office Manager Piwonka, Assistant Utilities Office Manager Albright, Council Coordinator Hooks Mike Hachtman See guest register. Agenda Item No. 1 - Approval of the minutes of the City Council Workshop Meeting of October 22, 1986, the City Council Regulak Meeting, October 23, 1986 and the City Council Retreat, Octobek 26, 27, 28, 1986. The minutes were approved by common consent. Agenda Item No. 2 - A public hearing to consider a replat of the Herman F. Krenek Phase Two Subdivision. Assistant Director of Planning Jim Callaway presented this item. He described the replat showing lot lines shifted to reduce the size of Lot 5 and increase the size of Lots 3 & 4. CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986 PAGE 2 Mayor Ringer opened the public hearing. Steve Andrews of Munici- pal Development Corporation came forward to answer questions from the Council. Mayor Ringer closed the public hearing. Agenda Item No. 3 - Consideration of approval of a replat of the Herman F. Krenek Phase Two Subdivision. Councilman Tongco moved approval of the replat. Councilman Brown seconded the motion which was approved unanimously, 6-0, with Councilman Bond absent. Agenda Item No. 4 - A public hearing on the question of rezoning a 65 acre tract located along the south side of Greens Prairie Road from C-1 General Commercial, A-P Administrative Professional and A-O Agricultural Open to C-1 General Commercial. Assistant City Planner Jim Callaway presented this item. He stated that the current zoning includes C-l, A-O, and A-P; the applicant is requesting C-1 for the entire tract. The area is reflected as Industrial on the land use plan and after passage of the land use plan, the City Council adopted (by resolution) a conceptual land use plan for this area showing potential land use and street arrangements. Mr. Callaway described the tract as having 2600 feet of frontage along Greens Prairie Road and 1200 feet in depth. He pointed out that the requested zoning district will eliminate the problem of having zoning boundaries crossing this tract; and will provide a single zoning district for the entire tract. The staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval. Mayor Ringer noted that this tract is the proposed site for Greenleaf Hospital and asked if the requested zoning would be appropriate for this area if the hospital did not use this tract. Mr. Callaway responded affirmatively. Mayor Ringer opened the public hearing. Dan Sears, representing Area Progress Corporation, spoke in favor of rezoning the site. He explained that the new zoning would provide a site for Hospital Corporation of America to build their facility as a permitted use. Councilman Bond arrived at the meeting. Jim Gardner came forward asking that the subject property remain as currently zoned because a hospital can be built in any zone with a use permit. He pointed out that 2000 feet going east q05947 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986 PAGE 3 toward the intersection of the East Bypass and South Highway 6 is already zoned C-1 and A-P. He added that this rezoning request would add an excessive amount of commercial zoning in this area. Mayor Ringer closed the public hearing. A~enda Item No. 5 - Consideration of an ordinance rezonin~ a 65 acre tract from C-1 General Commercial, A-P, Administrative-Pro- fessional and A-O Agricultural-Open to C-1 General Commercial. Councilman Bond moved approval of Ordinance No. 1686 rezoning a 65 acre tract from C-l, A-P, and A-O to C-1. Councilman Haddox seconded the motion which was approved unanimously, 7-0. A~enda Item No. 6 - A public hearing on the question of amendin~ the Code of Ordinances to adopt the Standard Plumbin~ Code, Gas Code, and Mechanical Code. Mayor Ringer noted that at the workshop meeting previously held, a change was made to the proposed Plumbing Code, as follows: the members of the Plumbing Appeals Advisory Board will be ap- pointed by the Mayor and approved by the Council, as opposed to the City Manager selecting the members. Mayor Ringer opened the public hearing. No one spoke. Mayor Ringer closed the public hearing. A~enda Item No. 7 - Consideration of an ordinance amendin~ the Code of Ordinances to adopt the Standard Plumbinq Code, Gas Code, and Mechanical Code. Councilman Brown moved approval of Ordinance No. 1687 adopting the Standard Plumbing Code, Gas Code, and Mechanical Code, 1985 Editions, including the proposed amendments. Councilman Jones seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. A~enda Item No. 8 - CONSENT AGENDA: PLATS: #86-212 - Final Plat - Fraternity Row Subdivision #86-214 - Final Plat - Southwood Forest Phase I 986-305 - Master Preliminary Plat - Texas Centroid Ranch CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986 PAGE 4 Ail items were approved by common consent. Agenda Item No. 9 - Consideration of a resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract with the Brazos County Health Department. City Manager Cole stated that this proposal is a continuation of the city's annual contract with Brazos County for their admini- stration of the health department services. Mayor Ringer asked if the amount of the City's support is the same as in the past. Mr. Cole replied that the actual amount is below last year's amount. Councilman Tongco moved approval of Resolution No. 11-13-86-09. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 10 - Consideration of approval of Change Order ~2 for repair work to the Texas Avenue Elevated Water Tank. City Manager Cole stated that the maintenance and paint contrac- tor discovered more damage than anticipated. The change order is $13,750.00 raising the total contract to $146,570.00. The staff recommends approval. Councilman Haddox commended Bud Ward of Bud Ward Volkswagon for being very patient during this process. Mr. Ed McDow, repre- senting Riewe and Wischmeyer, stated that the contractor's work is 40% complete and the final color will be the same color as the Greens Prairie Road water tank. Councilman Boughton moved approval of Change Order ~2 for $13,750.00. Councilman Haddox seconded the motion which was ap- proved unanimously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 11 - Discussion and consideration of funding a Utility Cost of Service Study. City Manager Cole stated that the purpose of this study is to perform intense cost accounting of revenue and expenditures to determine how the revenues and expenditures match the costs of providing the services. He explained that there are two reasons why this study is needed. (1) There is an understanding in the community for a need to be competitive in the large commercial rate structure to have the ability to attract new industrial prospects. (2) The city's water and sewer systems are not car- rying their portion of the revenue necessary to cover the expen- ditures generated. The city must be able to establish goals by making progress to put the water and sewer systems on a "pay- ~05949 as-you-go" basis. - CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986 PAGE 5 Jim McCord of McCord Engineering described his proposal for the rate study and explained the objectives outlined in it, as fol- lows: (A) Review existing rate tariffs and identify any ineq- uities and inconsistencies present. (B) Perform a comprehensive cost of service study for the electric, water, and sewer depart- ments. (C) Develop a computerized cost of service model in order to document sources of data so the study can be reproduced quickly, economically, and on a regular basis in the future. (D) When the cost of service is completed, the rate design will be the basis to provide departmental costs. (E) Furnish compar- isons of present and proposed rates of the City to the rate charges of other comparable utility systems. Mayor Ringer asked if the costs of this study are reasonable. Mr. Cole responded affirmatively. Councilman Brown moved approval of funding the Utility Cost of Service Study in the amount of $22,500.00 from the Utility Con- tingency Fund. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 12 - Consideration of approving use of pro rata rate policy for sanitary sewer line improvements in the Sandstone Addition. City Engineer Pullen stated that three residents in the Sandstone Addition are requesting council approval to allow extension of sanitary sewer mains to Lots 14, 15, and 3R. The city's policy states that the city will assist the property owners in recovery of part of the construction expense paid for the extension. The staff recommends approval. Tim Chinn of Kling Engineering came forward representing the owners. He pointed out that these owners have agreed to build the line at their expense in an effort to delete some of the septic systems and drainage fields. Councilman Tongco asked if the size of the line will service additional lots. Mr. Chinn re- sponded affirmatively. Councilman Bond asked for clarification of the City's policy servicing sanitary sewer lines to an annexed subdivision. Mr. Ash replied that as with any subdivision, the developer or prop- erty owners are responsible for extending sewer lines to the ,q05950 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986 PAGE 6 major trunk line. He added that the Sandstone Subdivision had chosen not to connect with the major trunk line, but rather to use septic tanks. Councilman Bond moved approval of pro-rata refunds to the Sand- stone Addition for sanitary sewer line improvements as proposed by the applicants. Councilman Tongco seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. 13 - Consideration of fundin~ to the Mayors' A~enda Item No. Committee on the Disabled. Mayor Ringer stated that because of their budget cycle, the City of Bryan has chosen not to fund the committee at this time. He also stated that this committee was established by a previous Mayor and Council, and asked the council to consider funding for this reason. Councilman Bond asked about allocation of the funds. Mr. Cole recommended that the funds come from the general contingency fund. Councilman Brown asked who will fund the balance re- quested. Mayor Ringer replied that funding in the past has been from special projects, fund-raising activities and support from the Brazos Valley Development Council. Mayor Ringer stated that he feels an obligation to support the Committee's efforts. Councilman Boughton moved approval of the funding with the stip- ulation that the Committee provide necessary information regard- lng their funding activities. Councilman Brown asked if this request is for the next 12 months. Mayor Ringer stated that the request is for the calendar year, January through December. Councilman Brown commented that he would like to see partial funding at this time. Councilman Haddox asked for the reason of the request. Mayor Ringer replied that the Committee has asked for $10,000.00 and the majority of funding is for the van ser- vice. The Committee is also requesting funding for awareness programs. Councilman Boughton amended her motion, granting partial funding of $5000.00 to the Mayors' Committee for the Disabled for the first six months of their budget year 1987 with the stipulation that the Committee will provide necessary information regarding their funding programs. 905951 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986 PAGE 7 Councilman Brown seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. Mayor Ringer noted that he will contact the Committee urging them to reconsider their budget requests to coincide with the City's budget cycle. The Mayor will also ask the Committee to give a periodic report of their activities. He pointed out that consideration and approval of this funding was based on the fact that this committee was established by the council. Agenda Item No. 14 - Consideration of an ordinance vacating and abandoning a portion of a utility easement in the Morgan Rector League, Colleqe Station. City Manager Cole stated that this request is for the abandonment of an un-utilized guy wire easement at Dartmouth and Holleman. The staff recommends approval. Councilman Boughton moved aDproval of Ordinance No. 1688 vacating and abandoning a portion of a utility easement in the Morgan Rector League, College Station. Councilman Tongco seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 15 - Consideration of an ordinance amending Chapter 10, Section 3, of the Code of Ordinances relating to speed zones. Director of Capital Improvements Elrey Ash presented this item. He explained that the ordinance was prepared in conjunction with the study by Mr. John Black, Traffic Engineer. He added No. 25 to the list stating traffic speed will be 35 mph from the inter- section of Deacon Drive and Texas Avenue to the intersection of Deacon Drive and Welsh Avenue. Councilman Haddox mentioned that he received a phone call regard- ing the proposed 40 mph speed limit on Rio Grande. He asked if the pedestrian traffic is given consideration during these speed studies. Mr. Ash replied that all traffic situations are taken into consideration, and that Rio Grande is very wide with side- walks on both sides of the road. , 05952 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986 PAGE 8 Councilman Jones stated that she received a phone call from the same resident; this person has computed the speeds on Rio Grande and has concluded that changing the speed limit from 30 mph to 40 mph will save only 30 seconds in time. Councilman Boughton and Councilman Bond commented that 40 mph is an adaptable speed for Rio Grande Drive. Mr. Ash mentioned that these studies can be re-evaluated at the Council's request and the speed zones can always be changed by ordinance. Councilman Boughton asked how much staff time did this study in- volve. Mr. Ash replied one month. Dr. Ronnie Elmore, 1101 Santa Rita Court, also expressed concern about the traffic situation on Rio Grande Drive. He stated that raising the speed limit on Rio Grande Drive will present safety hazards. He noted that parking is allowed on both sides of the street next to Brothers Pond Park, causing pedestrians to cross the street to reach the park. He mentioned that fifteen streets along Rio Grande Drive do not have stop signs. Dr. Elmore commented that on school days, many children stand along Rio Grande at Deacon waiting for buses. He stated his opinion that the safety of motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians is much greater than moving traffic efficiently. Councilman Haddox pointed out that 30 mph is very slow for this roadway. Elaine Gibson of 2803 Cimarron spoke in opposition to the pro- posed speed limit. She stated that many children cross Rio Grande Drive going to the Park or school, and that 40 mph would not be a wise choice because safety of the children is essential. Councilman Boughton stated that there has not been a problem with the school crossings and bikeways on Southwest Parkway. Councilman Haddox moved approval of Ordinance No. 1689 accepting all speed limits as shown with the addition of No. 25 and the deletion of Item No. 21 relating to Rio Grande. Councilman Brown seconded the motion. 005953 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986 PAGE 9 After further discussion, Councilman Haddox withdrew the motion. Councilman Brown concurred. Councilman Boughton moved approval to change the speed limit to 35 mph on Rio Grande Drive. Councilman Jones seconded the motion which was approved unanimously, 7-0. Councilman Haddox moved approval of Ordinance No. 1689 adopting the new speed study as presented with approved changes and the addition of No. 25. Councilman Brown seconded the motion which was approved unanimously, 7-0. Councilman Haddox commented that a speed limit of 30 mph on Rio Grande Drive would be inconsistent with the other speed zones. Councilman Tongco asked if staff would report to the Council the status of the stop signs at the side streets intersecting with Rio Grande. A~enda Item No. 16 - Consideration of extension of ~as service to the Utility Service Center. Mr. Ash presented this item. He explained that the cost of Gas service to the Utility Service Center from Lone Star Gas is $12,207.00 and would be allocated from the building fund for the Utility Service Center. The extension will begin at Birmingham Drive, which is located south of Humana Hospital. The staff recommends approval. Councilman Brown asked if Lone Star Gas will be contracting the work. Mr. Ash replied affirmatively. Councilman Brown also asked if this is a fair price. Mr. Ash replied that Lone Star Gas will extend the lines and they already have a contract for the installation of the lines. Councilman Brown noted that rather than using Lone Star Gas to install a gas line to his business, he had hired a contractor at less cost. Mr. Ash stated that he had not checked with other contractors for a better price, but could do so. Councilman BouGhton moved approval of the extension of the gas line to the Utility Service Center and directed staff to in- vestigate the possibility of the City's contracting the work for a better price. Councilman TonGco seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. ' 05954 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986 PAGE 10 Agenda Item No. 17 - Consideration of award of contract for Fairview/Montclair Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project. Mr. Ash stated that the low bidder is Ram Construction for $39,949. The staff recommends approval. Councilman Bond asked if there is easy access behind the homes. Mr. Ash replied con- struction easements are along the neighborhood. Councilman Brown moved approval of low bid to Ram Construction in the amount of $39,949.00. Councilman Bond asked about the sewer line replacement project in College Hills. Mr. Ash replied that the major line from Highway 30 to Gilchrist Street is being advertised. Also, a meeting has been held with the residents of the College Hills area. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 18 - Consideration of a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Cooperative Agreement with Brazos County to initiate patrols for DWI enforcement. City Manager Cole noted that this program is administered by Brazos County and is funded through state grants. The exception is that court time costs are not included. The City of Bryan has agreed to participate. The College Station Police Department recommends approval of this Task Force. Mr. Cole mentioned that he had previous experience with this program and it is extremely effective. Mayor Ringer asked for clarification of the city attorney's recommendations. Ms. Locke replied that the officers of the City shall not be considered for any purpose to be employees of the County; this is one term of the agreement. She anticipates no problems with the agreement. Councilman Haddox moved approval of Resolution No. 11-13-86-18 authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Brazos County to initiate a DWI Task Force. Councilman Jones seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 19 - Discussion of wastewater treatment plant and sewer line for the 2300 acre tract south of College Station. Councilman Haddox asked how the bids were obtained for the .0595§ CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986 PAGE 11 500,000 gallon per day treatment plant at the final site. Mr. Ash replied that this quote came from the original presentation given to Council previously. Mr. Ash stated that the Council had previously directed staff to provide an outline estimating costs for a 300,000 gallon per day packaged treatment plant at the final site and a 500,000 gallon per day plant at the final site. He summarized the costs of each scenario. The costs of a 300,000 gallon per day treatment plant are estimated at $1,539,000. The 500,000 gallon per day treatment plant estimated costs are $1,800,000. He noted that two major trunk line costs included in the above prices total $735,000. Mayor Ringer asked what costs would be recoverable in a 300,000 gallon per day packaged plant. Mr. Ash noted that a large por- tion would be recoverable and the plant could possibly be sold. Councilman Haddox asked how Sandstone Psychiatric Hospital would be serviced. Mr. Ash replied that the sewer line would route across Texas Avenue to a collection line pumped through lift stations now serving Shennandoah, then come to the intersection of Texas Avenue and Rock Prairie; from there it will go through a gravity line and flow to the existing wastewater plant. In the future, the extension of trunk lines in the Lick Creek Basin will service the Sandstone Psychiatric Hospital. Councilman Haddox commented that the 500,000 gallon per day plant would be the most economical. Councilman Haddox moved to direct staff to proceed with the de- sign of a 500,000 gallon per day plant located at the final site and to present bids to the Council at a later date. Councilman Tongco seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. A~enda Item No. 20 - Consideration of a resolution authorizin~ the City Manager to si~n a Letter of A~reement to receive com- puter hardware and software for the Police Department in exchange for the software program designed by the City. City Manager Cole explained that the computer operator in the Police Department designed a vehicle maintenance program. The computer hardware and software provider for the City of College Station was impressed with the program and would like to place it on the market. In exchange, Nixdorf would like to upgrade our system; estimated costs are $23,270. 005956 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986 PAGE 12 Mr. Cole pointed out that a clause should be added to the agree- ment, to specify a 90-day warranty period on the printers and terminals. Councilman Bond asked if the computer company is re- ceiving exclusive rights to market this software program. Mr. Cole replied negatively and explained that this program was de- veloped within a public domain and he does not believe Nixdorf can obtain full rights. Ms. Locke added that this issue has been pointed out to Nixdorf, and the city has asserted a coDywright to the program whereby Nixdorf will be able to use the program in exchange for the hardware and software update of our system. Councilman Brown moved approval of Resolution No. 11-13-86-20 authorizing the City Manager to sign a Letter of Agreement to re- ceive computer hardware and software for the Police Department in exchange for the software program designed by the City. Councilman Jones seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. A~enda Item No. 21 - Consideration of authorizin~ the Community Development Division to remove the City owned residential struc- ture at 1202 Foster and use it in their Housin~ Assistance Program. City Manager Cole noted that the city owned property is located behind City Hall. The Community Development Division has in- quired about using the house in their housing assistance pro- gram; the structure would be moved and renovated as a residence for a low-income family. The staff recommends that the house be given to the Community Development Division. Councilman Boughton moved approval of authorizing the Community Development Division to use the house at 1202 Foster in their Housing Assistance Program. Councilman Tongco seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 22 - Consideration of an ordinance establishin~ administrative departments and the organization and function of divisions within the City. City Manager Cole stated that the City Charter requires that the City Council establish the administrative departments and divi- sions within the City organization by ordinance. q05957 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986 PAGE 13 Councilman Bond moved approval of Ordinance No. 1690 establishing the new organizational structure for the City of College Station. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. A~enda Item No. 23 - Hear Visitors. Jim Gardner came forward to state his concern for more citizen participation at the City Council meetings. He also asked what the engineering consultants fees are for the Utility Cost of Service Study. Mayor Ringer replied $22,500.00. He also de- scribed the new organizational management structure to Mr. Gardner. Mr. John Southard, local manager for McCaw Cablevision, came forward to introduce himself to the Council. Agenda Item No. 24 - Closed session to discuss pending litigation [6252-17( 2)(e)] . The council moved to closed session. Agenda Item No. 25 - Direction to City Staff on response to Gulf States Utilities Settlement Proposal. Action was taken on this item at the workshop meeting held November 12, 1986. A~enda Item No. 26 - Other action on closed session. No action was taken. Agenda Item No. 27 - Adjourn. Mayor Ringer adjourned the meeting. ATTEST: Dian Jon s~/City Secretary APPROVED: ~Mayor 05958 GUEST REGISTER CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986 7:00 P.M. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 16. 17. 33. 34. 005962