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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/25/1990 - Workshop Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 1990 4:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ringer, Councilmembers Crouch, Gardner, Birdwell, McIlhaney, Schneider COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilman Brown ST/~FF PRESENT: City Manager Ragland, Assistant City Manager Brymer, Assistant City Manager Woody, Executive Director Management Services Brymer, Executive Director Fiscal/Human Resources Harrison, City Attorney Locke, Development Services Director Ash, City Secretary Hooks, Public Information Officer Calliham, Budget Director Schroeder, PARD Director Beachy, Assto PARD Director Ploeger, Forestry Superintendent Albrecht VISITORS PRESENT: See guest register. &qend& Item No. 1 - Continue discussion from CIP Speci&l Session. Library: The council began discussion on the Library project. Mayor Ringer mentioned that he has received an indication from Mr. Fitch that there may be a possible land donation. He opened the meeting for discussion. Mayor Ringer stated that he preferred to place on the bond issue, an amount of $2.5 million and not specify a site. He added that once the decision for a site is named, the price of the land may escalate. Councilman Schneider agreed with Mayor Ringer's comments. Councilman Gardner stated that he had several slides to present to the Council. In his opinion, the Rock Prairie site is not the proper location for the permanent library. Councilman Birdwell indicated that the largest factor of the council's decision will be the cost of the land. He concurred with the Mayor's suggestion. Councilman McIlhaney asked if the city is limited to the purchase of land which is stated in the bond issue. Mayor Ringer replied affirmatively. 0079 2 Council Workshop Meeting Page 2 Wednesday, July 25, 1990 Councilman Schneider moved to place on the bond issue, $2.5 million for the purchase of land and construction costs for a municipal library. Councilman McIlhaney seconded the motion. Mayor Ringer listed the items included in the estimated construc- tion budget. Chairman of the Library Committee, Ralph Reed spoke to the Council. He commented that the committee strongly recommended to the Council the site on Rock Prairie and Rio Grande. Councilman Birdwell remarked that the effort produced by the Library committee was valuable to the Council. Mayor Ringer concurred. A vote of 5-1, was taken on the motion to place a municipal library on the bond issue for $2.5 million. Councilman Gardner voted against the motion. Councilman Brown was absent. Mr. Gardner presented slides that represented data from the comprehensive plan and the future land use plan relating to the sites recommended by the Committee. Ms. Ruth Schultz addressed the Council. She mentioned that the employees of the Library felt library access is the most impor- tant factor. She added that they feel the best site, in terms of access, is the Rock Prairie/Rio Grande site. Mr. Reed stated that several sites were looked at along FM 2818. Discussion continued. Cemetery The council moved on to the next item, Cemetery Improvements. PARD Steve Beachy introduced this item. He stated that the Cemetery Committee discussed the possibility of renovating portions of the Cemetery. He added that a landscape plan has been prepared for council's consideration at this time. Mr. Ross Albrecht, Forestry Superintendent, presented the landscape plan. He presented the plan in two phases. The first phase is the fence replacement and plant renovations. He noted that current problems exist: overgrown trees and lack of direction for maintenance and upkeep. He noted that the fence is proposed to be replaced with rod-iron fence. As part of the fence line, raised planters for the rosebushes could be installed; and, 007913 Council Workshop Meeting Page 3 Wednesday, July 25, 1990 raised planters for the entrance way. Mr. Albrecht pointed out that the cemetery does not have an automatic sprinkler system. Mr. Albrecht showed several slides of the cemetery's existing conditions. He also presented slides of the proposed Phase I. He commented that the city is in the process of acquiring a State Historical Marker for the cemetery. He indicated that the estimated maintenance cost per year would be $2,100 for this Phase. He reviewed the proposed second phase: Fountain Renovation. He showed slides of the fountain's current condition. Councilman Birdwell moved to add to the bond issue, a measure for cemetery improvements in the amount of $75,000 and the deletion of the early weather warning system of $300,000. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schneider. Councilman Schneider moved to separate the motion and vote on the 1) addition of cemetery improvements, $75,000; and 2) deletion of the early warning system. Councilman McIlhaney seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-1, Councilman Birdwell voting against. The vote was taken on each item. Addition to the bond issue for cemetery improvements of $75,000 was approved by a vote of 6-0. Deletion of emergency warning system, $300,000 from the bond issue, failed by a vote of 1-5, Councilman Birdwell voting for the motion. Wolf Pen Creek The next item discussed was the Wolf Pen Creek Greenbelt Phases I and II. PARD Director Beachy addressed the Council. He stated that the Parks and Recreation Board reviewed the WPC Greenbelt Master Plan and developed recommendations for a revised Phase I project. The review process involved user input and city staff analysis. He stated that the Board has recommended for Phase I, a scaled down development that includes a basic amphitheater. The Board also looked at possible alternatives for Phase II. Mr. Beachy noted that the revised estimate for Phase I is $1,000,000 versus $1,711,085 in the preliminary cost estimate. He described the major cost factors. He indicated that the inadequate parking remains a drawback. 0079%4 Council Workshop Meeting Page 4 Wednesday, July 25, 1990 Mayor Ringer summarized the Board's recommendation to add $300,000 to CIP Bond Issue for additional site improvements and to add the sound canopy for the amphitheater. Mr. Beachy added that the basic amphitheater would include the back wall, but not side walls. Councilman Crouch mentioned that the Parks Board suggested that the front plaza area may be donated through fund raising efforts. Councilman Birdwell also mentioned that $100,000 could also be added to the project from the hotel/motel fund. Councilman Birdwell expressed concern about eliminating the retaining walls around the trees. Councilman Crouch moved approval of the revised estimates for WPC Phase I and additional bid items as follows: retaining walls, sitework, drainage, landscaping, and sound canopy for the amphitheater totalling $300,000. The motion was seconded by Councilman McIlhaney. Councilman Birdwell moved to amend the motion by increasing the amount to $500,000. Councilman McIlhaney seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 6-0. The motion as amended carried unanimously, 6-0. The council continued discussion on WPC Phase II. Mr. Beachy stated that the Parks Board developed four concepts for future development within the corridor. He described the advantages and disadvantages for the four concepts; A, B, C, and D. Mayor Ringer summarized the council's discussion. He suggested council consider the land acquisition and parking in Concept D, and the development in Concept C, with the development being contingent upon land being acquired by barter, trade, or donation. Councilman Gardner stated that it is too soon to make a decision at this time. Councilman Birdwell concurred. Mayor Ringer stated that public hearings have been scheduled for August 23rd. city Manager Ragland mentioned the revised election schedule for a December election. 007915 Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, July 25, 1990 Page 5 Mayor Ringer delayed further discussion of this item until the next workshop meeting to allow the councilmembers the opportunity to review the Phase II concepts presented tonight. Mayor Ringer outlined the measures for the bond election as follows: LoTrak: $4.5 million Municipal Library: $2.5 million Street Improvements: $4.5 million Public Buildings: $300,000 Parks Land Acquisition: $1.0 million Parks Improvements: $1.0 million Early Warning Weather System: $300,000 Cemetery Improvements: $500,000 WPC Creek Phase I: $500,000 WPC Creek Phase II: $1.5 million Linda Piwonka explained the revised publicity schedule for a December 8th election. The council recessed for dinner. Agenda Item No. 2 - Review and discuss Council priority issues. The council reviewed the City Services Survey. Comments were made by the Council on Animal Control, Emergency Medical Services, Library Services, Sidewalks, and Traffic Signals. The council began discussion of the 1990-91 Council Issues. Councilman Crouch, Schneider, and Birdwell explained their new issues which they felt should be addressed during the next fiscal year. Copies of this information was provided in each council packet. After thorough discussion, the Council completed the list of issues for 1990-91. Council was asked to take the list home and rank them according to the point score procedure. The following is a list of the issues agreed upon during the discussion, but it is not the order ranked by the Council: 1. Wolf Pen Creek (continuation) 2. Northgate Area (Masterplan) 3. Economic Development (Philosophy Guidelines - Incentives) 4. Pro-Active Code Enforcement 5. Southgate Area (Clean-up and Code Enforcement) 6. Community Appearance (Tree Planting) 7. Sidewalks/Bikeways (Policy Review) 8. Community Appearance (Streetscape and Electric Lines) 9. Customer Service 10. Infrastructure Replacement (Plan) vehicles, etc. 11. Revenue Sources (Cable Ownership) 00791& Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, July 25, 1990 Page 6 12. Solid Waste Disposal (Recycling - Waste Reduction) 13. Fee Structure Review 14. Intergovernmental Relations 15. citizens Survey 16. Fleet Replacement (Policy) 17. Solid Waste Management (In-house expertise) 18. Drainage Policy (Dedication) 19. Alternative Funding/Large Capital Items 20. Productivity/Waste Elimination 21. Easterwood Airport Funding (Level & Policy) 22. Recreation (Young & Old) 23. Exhibit Hall 24. Parenting Classes 25. Budget & Cost Reporting (CIP budgets) 26. Economic Development (C.S.E.D.F) 27. Street Maintenance (policy) 28. Street Lighting (standards) 29. Amtrak Relocation 30. Review of Policy on Private Drive &qenda Item No. 3 - Council Concerns. Councilman Birdwell remarked that he would like to have a detailed plan on the city's electrical distribution system. Mr. Birdwell mentioned that valid points were expressed by a citizen on Todd Trail concerning sidewalks. He asked staff to send a letter to the council with a copy sent to this particular citizen, which further explains staff recommendations regarding the status of sidewalks on Todd Trail. Councilman Schneider reported that there are several abandoned structures in College Station. He suggested staff look at these homes through our code enforcement efforts. Discussion followed. &qenda Item No. 4 - City Manaqer Concerns. City Manager Ragland reminded the council of the LoTrak public hearing conducted by the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation on Tuesday, August 7th, the Brazos Center. Aqenda Item No. 5 - Adjourn. The council adjourned at 10:00 p.m. APPROVED: Mayor ~ 007917