HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/26/2001 - 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, July 26, 2001 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
College Station City Hall Council Chambers
1101 Texas Avenue
College Station, Texas
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Mcllhaney, Mayor Pro Tem Mariott,
Councilmembers Massey, Silvia, Hazen, Garner, Maloney
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Brymer, Assistant City Manager Brown, City Secretary
Hooks, City Attorney Cargill, Jr., Assistant to the City Manager Brandenburg, Fiscal Services
Director Cryan, Strategic and Budget Manager Kersten, Fire Chief Giordano, Public Utilities
Director Woody, MIS Director Burnside, Asst. Public Communications Manager Roberts, Public
Communications Director Cole, Human Resources Director O'Connell, Public Works Director
Smith
Mayor McIlhaney opened the workshop meeting at 3:10 p.m. with all councilmembers present.
Workshop Agenda Item No. 1 -- Discussion of consent agenda items listed for Rei~ular
Council Meeting.
11.7: Budget Amendment No. 2 authorizing an increase in appropriations of $8~519,760.
Staff explained that a portion of the budget increases are due to increased fuel cost and the cost
allocated to the Employee Benefits Fund.
Workshop Agenda Item No. 2 -- Presentation~ discussion~ and possible action on the
Strategic Plan.
Council discussed Vision Statements No. 6, No. 7, and No. 8.
Council expressed the importance of ongoing communication with citizen committees on the
comprehensive plan changes, development code changes, and strategic plans.
Council requested information from staff on several items included in the implementation plans
outlined in the strategic plan:
~ Sidewalk Retrofit Plan
Council Meetings 7/26/01
Page 2
Percentage of sales tax increases in City of Bryan from retail business
Analyze the type of businesses that are marketable
Process for negotiations on Convention and Visitors Bureau
Residential Development near middle school on Graham Road and future traffic issues
Unified Development Code completion timeline
National Fire Protection Association standards
Parks Maintenance Standards
No action was taken.
Council recessed for a short break.
Council returned at 4:20 p.m.
Workshop Agenda Item No. 3 -- Budget Preview and Financial Forecast
Discussion of this item was held following the regular meeting items.
Workshop Agenda Item No. 4 - Presentation~ discussion~ and possible action on the
Employee Health Benefits Plan.
Mayor Mcllhaney was not present during the discussion of this item. Mayor Pro Tem Mariott
presided over this item.
Human Resources Director Julie O'Connell and Susan Smith from Texas Municipal League
Intergovernmental Employee Benefits Pool answered several questions from the Council about
the structure of the medical benefits program.
Ms. O'Connell discussed the national trends in health care and the average cost per employee.
Some of the factors she identified for increased health cost included:
Increased utilization
Improved technology
Increase in catastrophic cases
Aging Population
Staff recommended a one time transfer from operation funds for FY 01 ($500,000) and for FY
02, increase contribution for employee coverage from $244 to $319 ($614,000). Also, included
was a one-time transfer to offset charge to employees for their own coverage, ($121,000).
Ms. O'Connell discussed the FY 02 proposed pay plan dollars totaling $2,668,002. She stated
that the city has proposed to increase office visit co-payment from $10 to $30 and implement
$100 deductible on prescriptions and increase co-payments to $10/25/40. Additionally, a
proposal is being made in the budget to increase the dependent premiums in all categories.
Councilmembers asked questions about the current benefits plan.
Council Meetings 7/26/01 Page 3
No action was taken.
Workshop Agenda Item No. 5 -- Agenda Request by Councilmember
This item was discussed following the regular meeting agenda.
Workshop Agenda Item No. 6 -- Council Calendars
This item was discussed following the regular meeting agenda.
Workshop Agenda Item No. 7 -- Hear Visitors
No one came forward to speak.
Workshop Agenda Item No. 8 -- Executive Session
At 5:55 p.m., Mayor McIlhaney returned to the meeting. She announced that the Council
would convene into executive session pursuant to Sections 551.071,551.072, 551.074, and
551.086 of the Open Meetings Act to seek the advice of the city attorney, to consider the
purchase of real property, the evaluation of public officer, and economic development
negotiations.
Consultation with Attorney {Gov't Code Section 551.071 }; possible action
The City Council may seek advice from its attorney regarding a pending and contemplated
litigation subject or settlement offer or attorney-client privileged information. Litigation is an
ongoing process and questions may arise as to a litigation tactic or settlement offer, which needs
to be discussed with the City Council. Upon occasion the City Council may need information
from its attorney as to the status of a pending or contemplated litigation subject or settlement
offer or attorney-client privileged information. After executive session discussion, any final
action or vote taken will be in public. The following subject(s) may be discussed:
1. Cause No. 43,098-85, Brazos County - Bryan v. College Station
2. Cause No. 96-03168. Travis County - Bryan, et al. v. PUC (intervention)
Cause No.
Cause No.
Cause No.
Cause No.
Cause No.
Cause No.
Cause No.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
97-02587.
98-13391.
96-06940.
97-07000.
Travis County-
Travis County -
Travis County -
Travis County-
Bryan, et al. v. PUC (intervention)
Bryan, et al. v. PUC (intervention)
Bryan, et al. v. PUC (intervention)
TMPA v. PUC (intervention)
98-11817. Travis County - TMPA v. PUC (intervention)
GN002343, Travis County - San Antonio v. PUC (intervention)
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. 50,813-85, Brazos County- College Station v. Phillips Swager Associates, Inc.;
et al.
Council Meetings 7/26/01 Page 4
14. Cause No. 51,822-CC 1, Brazos County - Felder v. College Station
15. Cause No. 52,434-361, Brazos County- College Station v. Wolf Pen Creek, Ltd., et al.
16. Cause No. 28,765, Grimes County, Harold & Rosealice Trant vs Grimes County, City of
College Station and City of Bryan
17. Lone Star Gas rate increase filed May 31,2001.
Real Estate {Gov't Code Section 551.072}; possible action
The City Council may deliberate the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property if
deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the City in
negotiations with a third person. After executive session discussion, any final action or vote
taken will be in public. The following subject(s) may be discussed.
1. Greenway Acquisition of the Davis McGill property adjacent to Raintree Subdivision.
2. Possible purchase of land at Inlow Blvd., Nagle Street, and South College/FM 308.
Economic Incentive Negotiations {Gov't Code Section 551.086}; 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
Personnel {Gov't Code Section 551.074}; possible action
The City Council may deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties,
discipline, or dismissal of a public officer. After executive session discussion, any final action or
vote taken will be in public. The following public officer(s) may be discussed:
1. City Manager's Evaluation
Council recessed the executive session at 7:00 p.m. They returned to the council chambers for
the regular meeting.
Regular Meeting
A~enda Item No. 10: Mayor McIlhaney opened the regular meeting at 7:05 p.m. with all
councilmembers present.
She led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Danny Duron provided the
invocation.
Steve Beachy, Director of Parks and Recreation Department and employees of the Parks and
Recreation Dept. were recognized for the 30th anniversary of the Department. Mayor McIlhaney
presented a recognition plaque to the Parks and Recreation Dept. Mayor McIlhaney also
Council Meetings 7/26/01 Page 5
recognized Mary Alice Beachy and Steve Beachy for their service to the Explorer Post 1077.
Members of the Troupe were present to give thanks to Mr. and Ms. Beachy.
Consent Ae,enda
11.1 Approved by common consent the minutes for City Council workshop and regular
meeting July 12, 2001.
11.2 Bid No. 01-69 - Approved by common consent a resolution approving a five (5) year
agreement for the lease of slant-top, front-end loading refuse containers with Texas Commercial
Waste for an annual estimated expenditure of $102,600.00. Funds available and budgeted in the
Sanitation Fund, Commercial Collection Division.
11.3 Bid No. 01-78 - Approved by common consent an annual price agreement for concrete
water meter boxes. Awarded to the lowest, responsible bidder meeting specifications,
International/Hughes supply for an annual estimate of $75,870.50. Funds available in the
Water/Wastewater Inventory Fund and charged to the project as used.
11.4 Approved by common consent Resolution No. 7-26-01-11.4 approving a 380 Economic
Development Grant in the amount of $21,746.50 to Woodcreek Lodging, Inc. for privacy fence
and improvements.
11.5 Approved by common consent Resolution No. 7-26-01-11.5 approving notices of sale,
preliminary official statements, and related materials for the sale of "City of College Station,
Texas Certificates of Obligation, series 2001", "City of College Station, Texas Utility System
Revenue Bonds, Series 2001", and "City of College Station, Texas General Obligation
Improvement Bonds, Series 2001", including selection of a date for opening bids.
11.6 Approved by common consent Resolution 7-26-01-11.6 approving a professional
services contract with Malcolm Pimie, Inc., in the amount of $1,532,653.00, for engineering
design and construction management pertaining to Phase II capital improvements for the City's
Water Production System. Funds available and budgeted in the FY 1999-00 Water Revenue
Bond Fund.
11.7 Approved by common consent the calling for a public hearing on August 9, 2001 for
Budget Amendment #2 to the City of College Station 2000-2001 Budget authorizing an increase
in appropriations of $8,519,760 in various funds. Mayor Mcllhaney abstained from the vote.
11.8 Approved by common consent a renewal agreement between the MSE Environmental,
Inc. and the City of College Station for household hazardous waste collection in the amount of
$120,000. Funds available and budgeted in Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency.
11.9 Approved by common consent authorizing an appropriation of $285,825 fi.om the
Greenways acquisition funds to the Business Park Fund for greenways in the new business park.
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11.10 Approved by common consent authorizing the Mayor to sign Resolution No. 7-26-01-
11.10 authorizing the application and acceptance for the FY 2001 Local Law Enforcement Block
Grant in the amount of $22,380 on behalf of the City.
Reoular Agenda
Regular Agenda Item No. 12.1 -- Presentation~ discussion and possible action regarding an
Addendum to our existing Interlocal Agreement with Texas A&M University for Aircraft
Rescue and Firefighting Operations to be transferred to the College Station Fire
Department.
Fire Chief David Giordano presented this item. The proposed agreement is an addendum to the
1999 agreement that permitted College Station Fire Department to occupy and respond with a
structure fire engine from the facility. The addendum sets forth the operating guidelines,
insurance requirements, and payment methods by which TAMU and the College Station Fire
Department will perform through the contracting of Aircraf~ Rescue and Firefighting Operations
at Easterwood Airport. An increase of three firefighter positions will be required to staffthe
Aircraft firefighting unit. TAMU agreed to pay College Station $155,000 the first year with an
annual increase of three percent for services the City of CS Fire Department will provide for
Easterwood Airport.
Councilman Silvia moved approval of the addendum to the existing interlocal agreement with
TAMU for aircraft rescue and firefighting operations to be transferred to the College Station Fire
Dept. Councilman Maloney seconded the motion which carded unanimously, 7-0.
FOR: McIlhaney, Mariott, Massey, Garner, Silvia, Maloney, Hazen
AGAINST: None
Regular Agenda Item No. 12.2 -- Presentation~ discussion and possible action on an
Interlocal Agreement with Texas A&M University (TAMU) for the construction of
sidewalks around the perimeter of the main campus on George Bush Drive~ Wellborn
Road~ and University. Drive.
Mayor Pro Tem Mariott moved approval of the interlocal agreement with TAMU for
construction of sidewalks around the perimeter of the main campus on George Bush Drive,
Wellborn Road, and University Drive.
Motion seconded by Councilman Silvia, which carried unanimously, 7-0.
FOR: Mcllhaney, Mariott, Silvia, Hazen, Massey, Garner, Maloney
AGAINST: None
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Regular Agenda Item No. 12.3 -- Discussion~ and possible action regardine ~}rot~osed
facility, names for Veterans Park and Athletic Complex.
Ric Ploeger, Asst. Director of Parks and Recreation presented the recommendations of facility
names for Veterans Park and Athletic Complex. A subcommittee, from members of the Parks
and Recreation Advisory Board and the Veterans Memorial Committee developed the following
recommendations of facility names.
Veterans Parkway (main drive)
Soccer Fields (13)
- Army
- Navy
- Marine Corps
- Coast Guard
- Merchant Marine
- Air Force
- Solider
- Patriot
- Airman
- Ranger
- Minuteman
- Medic
Five Field Softball Complex (Old Glory) - Honor
- Courage
- Loyalty
- Duty
- Service
Four Field
Softball Complex (Eagle)
- Democracy
- Freedom
- Liberty
- Peace
Pavilions
American Pavilion
Texas Pavilion
Mayor Pro Tem Mariott moved approval of the staff recommendation. Motion was seconded by
Councilman Maloney, which carded unanimously, 7-0.
FOR: McIlhaney, Mariott, Massey, Maloney, Garner, Silvia, Hazen
AGAINST: None
Council continued discussion of the workshop items not completed prior to executive session.
Workshop Agenda Item No. 3 -- Presentation~ discussion~ and possible action on the City's
Financial Forecast and FY 02 Proposed Budget Preview.
Budget and Strategic Planning Manager Jeff Kersten presented the city's financial forecast in
each fund and an overview of assumptions for preparing the proposed FY 02 budget. Mr.
Kersten described significant issues in the proposed budget such as the revenue estimates,
monies for one time expenditures and ongoing expenditures, and sales tax growth.
Council Meetings 7/26/01 Page 8
The proposed budget will be presented on August 9th council meeting and special budget
workshops.
No action was taken.
Workshop Agenda Item No. 5 -- Agenda Request by Councilmembers
Discussion and possible action on the creation of a Greenways Advisory Board.
Mayor Pro Tem Mariott made a motion to not create a Greenways Advisory Board. Seconded
by Councilman Garner.
Discussion was held by the council on the purpose or charge ora committee. Other comments
related to utilizing the current Brazos Greenways Council as a "sounding board" on greenway
issues related to the Greenway Plan.
Councilman Mariott withdrew his motion. Councilman Garner withdrew the second.
Councilman Silvia made a motion to utilize the expertise of individuals who have a specialty in
greenways when staff is working on certain projects related to greenway purchase or use, within
city limits and the ETJ. Also, council will place on future workshops overall planning issues.
Motion seconded by Councilman Garner, which carried unanimously, 7-0.
FOR: Mcllhaney, Mariott, Garner, Massey, Maloney, Siivia, Hazen
AGAINST: None
Workshop Agenda Item No. 6 -- Council Calendars
Citizen Committee Orientation, 7/30, 6:30 p.m., Council Chambers
Council Workshop and Regular Meetings, 8/9, 8/23
Texas Transportation Summit, 8/15 - 8/17, Irving
Joint Legislative Retreat-City of College Station, Bryan, Texas A&M, Brazos County,
8/30- 8/31, G. Rollie White Visitor's Center
Trip to Washington D.C., 9/16 - 9/18
Employee Banquet, 10/26, Brazos Center
TML Annual Conference, 11/28 - 11/30, Houston
Congress of Cities, 12/4 - 12/8, Atlanta, Georgia
Legislative Committee meeting, July 31
Discussion of workshop items concluded.
Reltular Agenda Item No. 13 -- Executive Session
At 8:50 p.m. Mayor Mcllhaney announced that the Council would reconvene into executive
session pursuant to Sections 551.071, 551.072, 551.074, and 551.086 of the Open Meetings Act,
to seek the advice of the city attorney, to consider the purchase of real property, the evaluation of
Council Meetings 7/26/01 Page 9
public officer, and economic development negotiations. See executive session items on page 3
and 4.
Regular Agenda Item No. 14 -- Final action on executive session~ if necessary..
Council returned to open session at 12:05 a.m. Friday, July 27, 2001. No action was taken.
Regular Agenda Item No. 15 -- Adiourn.
Hearing no objections, the meetings adjourned at 12:06 a.m. Friday, July 27, 2001.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 9t._~~ day of August, 2001.
City Secretary Connie Hooks
APPROVED:
Mayor'~ynn McIlhaney