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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/20/2001 - Regular Minutes City CouncilCollege Station, Embracing the Past, Exploring the Future Mayor Lynn Mcllhaney Mayor Pro Tempore Larry Mariott City Manager Thomas E. Brymer City Council James Massey Ron Silvia Winnie Garner Dennis Maloney Anne Hazen MINUTES College Station City Council Workshop and Regular Meetings Thursday, December 20, 2001 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor McIlhaney, Mayor Pro Tern Mariott, Councilmembers Maloney, Silvia, Massey, Garner COUNCILMEMBER ABSENT: Councilmember Hazen STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Brymer, Assistant City Manager Brown, City Attorney Cargill Jr., Senior Assistant City Attorney Nemcik, City Secretary Hooks, Budget and Strategic Planning Manager Kersten, Director of Fiscal Services Cryan, Parks and Recreation Director Beachy, Fire Chief Giordano, Director of Economic Development Foutz, Development Review Planner Jimmerson Mayor Pro Tem Mariott called the workshop meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Workshop Agenda Item No. 1 - Discussion of consent agenda items listed for Regular Council Meeting, No items were removed for discussion. Workshop Agenda Item No. 2 -- Presentation~ discussion and possible action regardino extension of contract and expansion of contract scope of services between Dean International~ Inc. and the City of College Station. Mayor Mcllhaney arrived to the meeting. David Dean and Stan Lynch from Dean International, Inc. described the contract scope of services between the City of College Station and Dean International, Inc. The efforts and tasks to be performed by Dean International and the city staff in 2002 were outlined in the presentation: · Proactive Public Policy Strategy · Mass Transit Evaluation Council Meetings 12/20/01 · Aviation · Rail · Regional Cooperation · Potential Funding · Prioritization of Projects · Regional Transportation Summit · Mission to Austin and Washington Page 2 Mr. Dean presented a schedule of meetings for progress reports. Councilmembers raised concern regarding other entities' commitment to participate in the funding for regional transportation projects. Mr. Dean emphasized his staffs commitment to ensure that the movement of the projects in the scope of services will move forward. No action was taken. Workshop Agenda Item No. 3 -- Presentation~ discussion and possible action on recommendations to create an ad hoc committee to develop final Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws for a stand alone Convention and Visitors Bureau for Brazos Valley. This item was removed by staff and will be presented at a future meeting. Workshop Agenda Item No. 4 -- Presentation~ discussion and possible action regarding a report related to the feasibility of a skate park facility in College Station. Recreation Superintendent Peter LaMont presented a feasibility study for a proposed skate park. The report addressed issues including location, design, construction, operation, maintenance, financial impact and potential liabilities. Councilmembers discussed the liability and safety concerns and did not support moving forward on a skate park facility. Workshop Agenda Item No. 5 -- Presentation~ discussion and possible action in imolementinu a chan~e in oractices where staff will investigate the use of debt in.~trument~ for the purchase of equipment to determine whether such a tool is prudent, Fiscal Services Director Charles Cryan recommended changing the city's current policies to allow the use of debt instruments when acquiring equipment. The city may utilize its resources if it were to use short-term (3 to 5 years) debt instruments to acquire equipment. The City can earn approximately as much or more on its investments than the cost of issuing debt. Staff would analyze a particular issue and determine whether it would be advantageous to include equipment in an issue versus paying for the equipment with existing resources. If debt Providing Customer Service Excellence Office of the City Secretary College Station, Texas Council Meetings 12/20/01 Page 3 were used, payments for the obligations would not come from the General Debt Service Tax Rate and have no negative impact on operating expenses. Council agreed with staWs recommendation regarding the flexibility of the policy and directed staff to present the appropriation for the purchase of equipment to council on a case-by-case basis. Workshop Agenda Item No. 6 -- Presentation~ discussion and possible action on the ~urchase of a li~htninu orediction system. Recommend award to Thor Guard, Inc, a sole source provider, in the amount of $40~370.00. Further recommendation to transfer aDorooriation for this purchase from general fund contingency in the amount of $40~370.00. Emergency Management Coordinator Ralph Staplin described the lightning prediction system. The City of College Station and College Station Independent School District participation would not provide coverage to the entire City; the system would cover areas with the highest potential for injury from lightening strikes. The coverage would include all public schools and park facilities where group outdoor activities are frequently held. Texas A&M University has acquired and installed a fixed lighting predication system to cover most of Texas A&M University campus. Staff recommended approval of the purchase of a lightning prediction system compatible with Texas A&M University and College Station Independent School District for $40,370 from General Fund Contingency and a maintenance fee of $800 annually. Mayor Pro Tern Mariott moved to approve the purchase of a lighting prediction system from Thor Guard, Inc., and the General Fund Contingency Transfer in the amount of $40,370. Motion seconded by Councilmember Maloney, which carried unanimously, 6-0. FOR: McIlhaney, Mariott, Maloney, Silvia, Massey and Garner AGAINST: None ABSENT: Hazen Workshop Agenda Item No. 7 -- Council Calendars Council Workshop and Regular Meetings, 1/10, 1/24 Workshop Agenda Item No. 8 -- Hear Visitors Council did not receive any public comment. Workshop Agenda Item No. 9 -- Executive Session At 4:35 p.m. Mayor Mcllhaney announced that the City Council would convene into executive session pursuant to Sections 551.071 and 551.087 of the Open Meetings Act to seek the advice Providing Customer Service Excellence Office of the CiO' Secretar3' College Station, Texas Council Meetings 12/20/01 Page 4 of the city attorney with respect to pending and contemplated litigation and to consider economic development negotiations. Consultation with Attorney {Gov't Code Section 551.071 }, possible action Cause No. 43,098-85, Brazos County - Bryan v. College Station Cause No. 96-03168 Travis County - Bryan, et al. v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. 97-02587 Travis County - Bryan, et al. v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. 98-13391 Travis County- Bryan, et al. v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. 96-06940 Travis County - Bryan, et al. v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. 97-07000 Travis County - TMPA v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. 98-11817 Travis County - TMPA v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. GN002343, Travis County - San Antonio v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. GN002513, Travis County - San Antonio v. PUC (intervention) Cause No. 49,367-CCL2, Brazos County - Wilkerson v. College Station Action No. 01-98-011056-CV, Court of Appeals Gold v. College Station Docket Nos. TX96-2-000 and TX96-2-001, FERC - College Station, applicant Cause No. 52,434-361, Brazos County - College Station v. Wolf Pen Creek, Ltd., et al. Cause No. 28,765, Grimes County, Harold & Rosealice Trant vs Grimes County, City of College Station and City of Bryan Economic Incentive Negotiations {Gov't Code Section 551.087}; possible action The City Council may deliberate on commercial or financial information that the City Council has received from a business prospect that the City Council seeks to have locate, stay or expand in or near the city with which the City Council in conducting economic development negotiations may deliberate on an offer of financial or other incentives for a business prospect. After executive session discussion, any final action or vote taken will be in public. The following subject(s) may be discussed: 1. Hotel/Conference Center Workshop Agenda Item No. 10 -- Final action on Executive Session, if necessary.. Council returned to the regular meeting at 7:05 p.m. Regular Meetim, Item No. 11: Mayor McIlhaney opened the regular meeting at 7:05 p.m. She led the audience in the pledge of allegiance. Councilmember Silvia moved to approve the absence request from Councilmember Hazen. Motion seconded by Councilmember Maloney, which carried unanimously, 6-0. FOR: McIlhaney, Mariott, Maloney, Silvia, Massey and Garner AGAINST: None Providing Customer Service Excellence Office of the CiO, Secretao, College Station. Texas Council Meetings 12/20/01 Page 5 Police Chief Ed Feldman, Assistant Police Chief Mike Patterson and other law enforcement personnel were present and recognized by the Mayor for the Re-Accreditation Award in 2001. Director of Public Utilities John Woody recognized Gilbert Martinez and Len Jenicek for their efforts on the development of the new College Station Utilities Logo. Mayor McIlhaney made a presentation to Frank Elliott and Kathy Holste from the Children's Museum. Consent Agenda 12.1 Approved by common consent Ordinance No. 2538 amending Chapter 1, "General Provisions", of the Code of Ordinances of the City of College Station, Texas by repealing Section 15, "Disposal of Unclaimed and Surplus Property; Destruction of Pistols and Illegal Weapons"; providing for a new Section 15, "Disposition of Abandoned or Unclaimed property; Disposition of Salvage or Surplus Property; and Disposition of Seized Weapons, Explosive Weapons, or Other Prohibited Contraband". 12.2 Approved by common consent a second amendment to the Reciprocal Operating Agreement between the City of College Station and TAC Realty Inc. for the Highway 30/60 corridor hotel and conference center project. Councilmember Garner abstained. 12.3 Approved by common consent a professional services contract with the Wallace Group Inc. in the amount of $282,830.00 for engineering and consulting services for the Highway 30/60 corridor hotel/conference center Phase I Infrastructure Project. Funds available and budgeted in the Conference Center fund. Councilmember Garner abstained. 12.4 Approved by common consent an extension of contract and expansion of scope of services of contract between Dean International, Inc and the City of College Station in the amount of $30,000 per month for one year. 12.5 12.6 12.7 12.8 Approved by common consent the Council meeting schedule for 2002. Approved by common consent Resolution No. 12-20-2001-12.06 approving a Professional Services Contract with the Texas A&M Research Foundation to develop specific greenway design alternatives. The fixed price for the proposed work is $55,957.00. Approved by common consent a Technical Services Agreement with Crestline Hotels & Resorts, Inc. to expend up to $22,000.00 for the development of conference center standards and operating/pre-opening budgets associated with the hotel/conference center project in the Highway 30/60 corridor. Funds available in the Hotel/Motel Fund. Councilmember Garner abstained. Approved by common consent the first amendment to the Infrastructure Agreement between the City of College Station, TAC Realty Inc. and College Main Apartments Ltd. for the Highway 30/60 corridor hotel and conference center project. Councilmember Garner abstained. Providing Customer Service £xcellence Office of the CiO' Secretary College Station, Texas Council Meetings 12/20/01 Page 6 12.9 Approved by common consent a professional services agreement between the City of College Station and HKS Inc. to expend up to $1,016,000 for architectural, interior design, and purchasing services associated with the hotel/conference center project in the Highway 30/60 corridor. Funds available and budgeted in the Conference Center Fund. Councilmember Garner abstained. 12.10 Approved by a vote taken in the workshop meeting the purchase of a lightning prediction system. Awarded to Thor Guard, Inc., a sole source provider, in the amount of $40,370.00. Further recommendation to transfer appropriation for this purchase from general fund contingency in the amount of $40,370.00. Regular Agenda Item No. 13.1 -- Public hearing~ discussion and possible action on an ordinance amendment for a rezoning of approximately 5.953 acres known as Canyon Creek located at 1267 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South from R-4~ Low I)ensity Apartments to Pii)I)-It~ Planned I)evelopment I)istriet for I-lousing. (01-236) Development Review Planner Jessica Jimmerson presented the rezoning request application. Currently the applicant is considering building a townhome development. Ms. Jimmerson pointed out that the PDD is the only available district that provides for the meritorious modifications of the regulations that allow for the applicant to develop the property as envisioned, which would allow the applicant to consolidate the available greenspace on the site into large landscaped areas and leave only minimal front and backyard spaces. Ms. Jimmerson clarified that the rezoning request has been evaluated based on compliance with the City's goals and objectives as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan, Land Use Plan and Thoroughfare Plan. The Planning and Zoning Commission and staff recommended approval. Veronica Morgan from Mitchell and Morgan described the proposed development that includes consolidation of greenspace, greenways, landscaping and interior roadway system. Mayor Mcllhaney opened the public hearing. Todd Sullivan of 710 Woodland in Houston, developer of the property, described the green spaces and clarified the proposed parking. Mayor Mcllhaney closed the public hearing. Councilmember Garner moved to approve Ordinance No. 2539 rezoning 5.53 acres from R-4, Low Density Apartment to PDD-H Planned Development District for housing. Motion seconded by Councilmember Massey, which carried by a vote of 5-1. FOR: Mcllhaney, Mariott, Silvia, Massey, Garner AGAINST: Maloney ABSENT: Hazen Providing Customer Service Excellence O.~ce of the CiO' Secretao, College Station. Texas Council Meetings 12/20/01 Page 7 Regular Agenda Item No. 13.2 -- Public hearing~ discussion and possible action on an ordinance amendment for a rezoning of 75.651 acres~ known as Westfield Village and located west of the existing Alexandria subdivision~ from A-O agricultural Open to PDD H, Planned Development District for Housing. Development Review Planner Jessica Jimmerson presented the rezoning request application. Ms. Jimmerson explained that this project will be located between two school sites and is ideally suited for the young family market that would provide affordable, entry-level family housing. A trail system providing connectivity of this proposed neighborhood to the adjoining school parcels and adjacent neighborhoods, as well as a proposed neighborhood park is also envisioned. Ms. Jimmerson clarified that the rezoning request has been evaluated based on compliance with the City's goals and objectives as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan, Land Use Plan and Thoroughfare Plan. The Planning and Zoning Commission and staff recommended approval with the following conditions. · At the time of Preliminary Plat the proposed phasing meets the requirements proposed in the Unified Development Ordinance, which are areas with more than 50 lots provided 2 access points to the existing street system and those with more that 250 lots have provision for a future third access point. · Prior to the beginning of site work, the conditions recommended by the Greenways Program Manager's letter should be followed. Mayor Pro Tern Mafiott left the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Randy French, 6208 Cromwell, described the new development and explained that this design is for young families with affordable housing. Mayor McIIhaney opened the public hearing. No one spoke. Mayor McIlhaney closed the public heating. Councilmember Garner moved to approve Ordinance No. 2540 rezoning 75.651 acres in the Westfield Village located west of the existing Alexandria Subdivision, from A-O, Agricultural Open to PDD-H, Planned Development District for Housing. Motion seconded by Councilmember Silvia, which carried by a vote of 4-1, with two absences. FOR: McIlhaney, Silvia, Garner and Maloney AGAINST: Massey ABSENT: Hazen and Mariott Re~,ular Aeenda Item No. 13.3 -Presentation, discussion~ and possible action on an Aereement for Development and Tax Abatement in Reinvestment Zone #14 in the Texas A & M University. Research Park for Compaq Computer Corporation~ Schlumberger Technology Corporation, and CW CS 1 LP (Caldwell Watson Real Estate Group). Providing Customer Service Excellence O~ce of the Cigy Secretary College Station, Tetas Council Meetings 12/20/01 Page 8 Councilmember Maloney moved to approve the agreement for development and tax abatement in Reinvestment Zone #14 in the Texas A&M University Research Park for Compaq Computer Corporation, Schlumberger Technology Corporation, and CW 1LP (Caldwell Watson Real Estate Group). Motion seconded by Councilmember Garner, which carried by a vote of, 4-0-I. FOR: Mcllhaney, Silvia, Garner and Maloney AGAINST: None ABSTAINED: Massey ABSENT: Hazen and Mariott Regular Agenda Item No. 13.4 -- Presentation, discussion and possible action on appointment to the Joint Relief Funding Review Committee. Councilmember Garner moved to appoint Mary Sherwood to the Joint Relief Funding Review Committee. Motion seconded by Councilmember Massey, which carried unanimously, 5-0. FOR: Mcllhaney, Garner, Massey, Silvia, Maloney AGAINST: None ABSENT: Mariott, Hazen Regular Agenda Item No. 14 --The City Council may convene the executive session following the regular meeting to discuss matters posted on the executive session agenda for 12/20/2001. Council concluded its executive session prior to the regular meeting. Regular Agenda Item No. 15 --Final action on executive session~ if necessary. No action was taken. Regular Agenda Item No. 16 -- Adlourn. Hearing no objections, the workshop, executive session and regular meetings were adjourned at 8:20 p.m. PASSED AND APPROVED this 10th day of January, 2002. APPROVED: may~{~ Lynn MclIhaney fi ATTEST: City Secretary Connie Hooks Providing Customer Service Excellence Office of the City Secretary College Station. Texas City of College Station Council Regular Meeting DECEMBER 20~ 2001 Sign In Sheet City of College Station 6. 16. 7. 17. 8. 18. 9. 19. 10. 20.