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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/07/1990 - Workshop Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 1990 4:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Rinqer, Councilmen Brown, Schneider, Haddox, Gardner, McIlhaney, Birdwell STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ragland, Assistant City Manager Br~mer, Assistant City Manager Woody, Budget Director Schroeder, City Attorney Locke, Assistant City Attorney Banks, City Secretary Hooks, Development Services Director Ash, City Engineer Pullen, Director of Public Service LaBeau, Executive Director of Fiscal and Human Resources Harrison, Assistant Director of Publlc Services Smith, Sanitation Superintendent Smith, Public Information Officer Calliham STUDENT GOV'T LIAISON: Shannon Maloney VISITORS PRESENT: See guest register. Mayor Ringer opened the meeting at 4:00 p.m. Aqenda Item No. i - Presentation of a traffic impact analysis and request by the College Station Independent School District to close Holik Street from Anna to Georqe Bush Drive. Dr. Ray Chancellor, Superintendent of the College Station Independent School District, addressed the Council. He explained the purpose of the request from the School Board Trustees. Dr. Chancellor referred to slides depicting the site at the Oakwood facility and the A&M Junior High School. One concern of the school board is that over 750 students must cross Holik Street on a daily basis for access to the band hall, auditorium, cafeteria/gymnasium. He added that the school board is very concerned about the safety of these students. Dr. Chancellor recognized several concepts related to the expansion of Oakwood. These concepts were identified in the packet materials provided to the Council. Mr. Babbineau addressed details of the traffic impact analysis conducted by Wilbur Smith Associates, Consulting Engineers. 007739 city Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, March 7, 1990 Page 2 He pointed out the traffic counts conducted during 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. of the school week. He summarized the findings of the study. Councilman Haddox pointed out that the area vacated by the closing of Holik Street may be a nice place for a small pond or some type of landscaping. Councilman Birdwell concurred. He encouraged the School District to retain the corner area for landscaping. Councilman Brown expressed concern about the need for adequate city parking at the Community Center. Councilman Schneider asked if the bike traffic was addressed in the analysis. Mr. Babbineau replied that the bike traffic issue was not addressed; however, during the traffic count study, very few bicyclists were noticed on Holik Street. Councilman McIlhaney reported that the Community Center Advisory Committee looked at the possibility of closing Holik Street and discussed the option of increased parking spaces. Mayor Ringer suggested that staff review the site plans and analysis study. He also asked the Development Policies Committee to meet with representatives from the School District and School Board to discuss the suggestions mentioned by councilmembers. Councilman McIlhaney expressed a concern about Timber Street. Mr. Babbineau noted that Timber Street may be restriped. Ms. McIlhaney further stated that a right turn lane should be provided. Councilman Birdwell commented that it would be advantageous to have Welsh Street as a major collector street through to George Bush Drive. Further comments were made. Mayor Ringer thanked Dr. Chancellor and Mr. Babbineau for speaking to the Council. &qenda Item No. 2 - Status Report and consideration of Carters Grove Addition Streets. Mark Smith, Assistant Director of Public Services, presented this item. He described the location of Carters Grove Subdivision, between Francis and Dominik Drive, west of Glenhaven subdivision. Mr. Smith provided visual aids. He pointed out that the streets in this subdivision are just below the funding level of the current obligation bond fund. He stated that the reconstruction cost for Carters Grove streets is estimated at $864,000. 007740 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, March 7, 1990 Page 3 Mr. Smith pointed out an immediate answer to the problem is to change the reconstruction priorities and proceed paving the streets of Carters Grove and delay the reconstruction of Dominik, Francis, and Holleman. Mr. Smith noted another way to approach this problem. He stated that a minimum pavement standard could be established for various classification of streets, and the streets may be prioritized according to this standard. If done this way, a residential street may be given higher priority. Mr. Smith also noted that these streets could be included in the capital improvements program for the general obligation bond funds. In his opinion, the most effective change is to move the streets in Carters Grove to the top of the priority list. Councilman Birdwell commented on the pavement assessment plan. Councilman McIlhaney stated that she supports the idea of establishing a minimum standard to each classification of streets. She also preferred looking at an alternative assessment program. Mr. Smith provided an overhead visual of a list of streets that need some level of construction amounting to $4,500,000. Councilman Gardner asked staff to explain how streets are prioritized. Mr. Smith explained that the system used to evaluate pavements was adopted from the Asphalt Institute, which has methods to measure potholes, cracks, etc. Councilman Birdwell suggested that staff look into establishing a new assessment policy for streets that have existing curb and gutter. Councilman Schneider recommended that the streets are categorized into two lists and prioritized accordingly. Mayor Ringer asked staff to come back with a proposal to change the street evaluation program and reclassify and separate the streets into groups. Mr. Smith stated that he will also provide the council with a proposal for funding. Mayor Ringer also suggested that staff provide information on a special assessment program designed for pavement areas with existing curb and gutter. 007741 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, March 7, 1990 Page 4 Aqenda It~ No. 3 - Presentation of Monthly Manaqement Reports (Council Issue No. 18). Linda Piwonka, Executive Director of Management Services, addressed the Council. She stated that the monthly management report was created as a result of the council's top priority issues this year. Councilman Birdwell commented that it is an excellent report. suggested that information on safety activities be included in the report. He &qenda Item No.4 - Discussion of revisinq the Sanitation Ordinance reaulatina aarbaae services. Director of Public Services Joe LaBeau presented a slide presentation, overheads, and a video tape on garbage regulations. He described instances where city workers have difficulty picking up trash and other elements that are packed tightly in trash cans and the delay of time involved. Mr. LaBeau described the amendments to the ordinance. One of the requirements is that residential refuse customers will have refuse placed for collection in bags or bundles only. Mr. LaBeau described the Customer Education Program with the assistance of the Public Information Office. He presented doorhangers to each councilmember signifying its purpose is to improve communication with the customers. Councilman Birdwell commented that many cities sell plastic bags to their customers. Mayor Ringer added that some cities furnish color coded bags for recycling purposes. Aqenda Item No. 5 - Update on Rec¥clinq Proqrams (Council Issue No. 29) Mr. LaBeau explained this item and showed visual aids. He pointed out that curbside recycling is becoming very popular and several communities have invested in this alternative. He described alternatives for different ways of recycling. Mr. LaBeau mentioned three recommendations in the Joint Solid Waste Management Study. 1) Form the Bryan/College Station Solid Waste Management Agency; 2) Manage the impact of the tipping fee; and, 3) Economies of Scale in the manner of joining landfill operations. Mr. Jim Smith, Sanitation Superintendent showed an audio tape that demonstrated an automated recycling system from the City of Beaumont. 007742 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, March 7, 1990 Page 5 Mr. Smith described the sample pilot program in the community. He noted that this program would consist of selecting 1500 housesholds in College Station and Bryan that will use the automated system with the large container and the automated truck. He further stated that this program could be implemented from the current base budget. Any revenues received from the recyclables could be placed back into the system for education or promotional purposes. Mr. Smith expressed several advantages to the pilot program. One advantage is community appearance, another advantage is convenience. Councilman Birdwell asked if the program could be conducted without an automated system. Discussion continued. Councilman Birdwell remarked that the life of the landfill will double if you recycle all the yard waste, even if you don't use an automation system. Mr. LaBeau summarized the goals of this recycling program. Mayor Ringer expressed his support of the recycling program, as well as many members of the community. He recommended that staff develop a strong program in the area of composting yard waste. Councilman Birdwell agreed, but he said that this program can succeed without combining routes with Bryan, and without an automation system. Councilman Haddox suggested having someone speak to the Council who has experience in the implementation of a recycling program. Councilman Schneider commented that we should remember that the emphasis be placed on the recycling effort and not so much emphasis on automation at this time. Mayor Ringer recommended two ways to approach this program: Begin the recycling program even if expenses are added; and, follow the proposal as submitted by the staff without the added expense. Councilman Haddox stated that he would like to see the recycling program begin as soon as feasible in College Station on an automated system. After further discussion, Councilman Brown moved to ask staff to bring an agenda item to the Council for their consideration to implement the recycling program with an automated system. Councilman Schneider seconded the motion. 007743 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, March 7, 1990 Page 6 Councilman McIlhaney suggested that we invite someone from Temple to come to a meeting and address questions the Council might have. Councilman Birdwell again stated that he opposes automation at this time, and he feels the automation may dilute the effects of the recycling. Mayor Ringer also asked staff to present a proposal for recycling without automation. A vote was taken on the motion and carried by a vote of 5-2, Councilman Gardner and Councilman Birdwell voting against. &qenda Item No. $ - Discussion of an ordinance amendinq Chapter 7 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Colleqe Station, Texas, by addinq Section 9, requlatinq the public smokinq of tobacco products. City Attorney Locke presented this item. She focused on several of the main points in the ordinance. Discussion was held regarding exemption C.4 in the ordinance. Councilman Brown commented that the section regarding employment should be removed from the ordinance. Councilman Birdwell agreed. Councilman Birdwell commented that the city should not require existing restaurant owners to modify their restaurants. Council- man Haddox remarked that new restaurants will not have to make adjustments. Mayor Ringer referred to exemption C.2 relating to smoking in shopping malls. After further discussion, the council concurred to set the ordinance effective sixty days after its passage. &qenda Item No. 7 - Discussion and consideration of a resolution relatinq to the proposed use of the additional one-half of one percent sales and use tax. Councilman Birdwell furnished the Council a statement to amend the resolution as it is proposed. Councilman Gardner moved to postpone discussion of this item until tomorrow night's meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Birdwell. 007744 city Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, March 7, 1990 Page 7 The motion failed by a vote of 2-3. FOR: Councilman Birdwell, Gardner AGAINST: Councilman Haddox, Councilman McIlhaney, Schneider ABSENT: Councilman Brown Budget Director Glenn Schroeder presented this item. Discussion was held on the council's intent for using the additional revenue. Mayor Ringer commented that the recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee is that the dollar amounts should not be specified. Councilman Schneider stated his concern about designating specific uses for the additional monies. He supported having three or four different ways to logically utilize this money. Councilman Gardner commented that the additional sales tax is an unneccessary tax and would increase the burden for persons on a fixed income. Councilman Haddox stated that the resolution allows flexibility. Councilman Haddox moved to adopt the resolution as proposed. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schneider. Mayor Ringer suggested a change in the last sentence in the last paragraph by changing the word "would" to "could". Councilman Birdwell moved to amend the motion to include in the resolution the statement proposed by Councilman Birdwell as follows: "It is the intent of the City Council of the City of College Station to use 75% of the increased revenue ...". Discussion followed. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schneider. Councilman Schneider moved to amend the amended motion to change 75% to 60%. The motion died for lack of second. Councilman Birdwell stated that he feels the taxpayers should know the intentions of the Council before they are asked to vote. The amended motion by Councilman Birdwell failed, 2-4. FOR: Councilmen Schneider and Birdwell AGAINST: Mayor Ringer, Councilman Haddox, Gardner, Brown, McIlhaney 007745 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, March 7, 1990 Page 8 A vote was taken on the original motion to approve the resolution as presented. The motion passed by a vote of 5-2, Councilman Birdwell and Gardner voting against the motion. Aaenda Item No. S - Presentation of Report by the Colleqe Station Charter Review Committee. Chairman of the Charter Review Committee Chris Kling addressed the Council. He commended the members of the Charter Commission for their hardwork and dedication during the past year. He highlighted several of the significant sections in the Charter where the committee recommended changes. He pointed out that the Committee updated numerous "housekeeping items". Mayor Ringer suggested asking the staff to review the committee's recommended changes and schedule a workshop meeting. Aqenda Item No. 9 - Councll Concerns. Councilman Birdwell reported his concerns about the proposed joint landfill agreement. Councilman Haddox asked about the status of the landfill agree- ment. Mr. Tom Brymer replied that the Council will be placed on the agenda of March 22nd. Mr. Haddox commended the police department for their joint effort with the City of Bryan in the drug raid conducted in the school systems earlier in the week. Councilman Gardner expressed concerns about the city's obligations to the Economic Development Foundation. Also, he asked that a special workshop meeting be held to discuss the report by the Library Committee on a proposed library. Mayor Ringer mentioned that a public hearing was held at 7:00 p.m. on the Highway 6 construction. Aqenda Item No. 10 - City Manaqer Concerns. City Manager Ron Ragland stated that the Oakwood 5th graders will participate in the DARE graduation program. Aqenda Item No. 11 - Adjourn. Mayor Ringer adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m. C~ty Secretary Connie Hooks APPROVEDr~ Mayor La 007746 GUEST REGISTER CITY COUNCIL MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 1990 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 10. 11. 12. 13. 007748