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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/27/1989 - Workshop Minutes City Council ~INUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY~ SEPTEHBER 27~ L989 4:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ringer, Councilmembers McIlhaney, Haddox, Schneider, Gardner, Birdwell, and Brown STAFF PRESENT: Assistant city Manager Woody, city Secretary Jones, city Attorney Locke, Public Information officer Calliham, Development Services Director Ash, Budget Director Schroeder, Fiscal Director Harrison, Utilities office Manager Albright, Management Services Director Piwonka, PARD Director Beachy, Assistant PARD Director cisneros, Assistant City Secretary Hooks STUDENT GOV'T LIAISON: Shannon Maloney VISITORS PRESENT: See guest register. Aqenda Item No. I - President William H. Mobley, TAMU, to present a proposal to rename Jersey Street to Georqe Herbert Walker Bush Drive; discussion on proposal (1988-89 Council Issue No. 14) Mayor Ringer invited TAMU President Mobley and Deputy Chancellor James Bond to comment on the proposal. President Mobley explained several positive factors about TAMU's proposal to acquire the George Bush Library, and added that the suggestion of changing Jersey Street to George Bush Drive will be one of several positive statements supporting the proposal. President Mobley pointed out that the street from Wellborn to Easterwood Airport does not have a formal name; also, that the request for the sign name has been changed to George Bush Drive. Mr. Bond passed each councilmember a copy of the preliminary proposal. He referred to the conceptual site plan. Mr. Bond urged the Council to give the community's first expression of support for the library. Councilman Haddox commented that it is a great opportunity for the entities to work together and the proposed facility will enhance the community. Mayor Ringer commented that the library will attract many tourists to the community. He added that the University has offered to provide student help in contacting and working with residents along Jersey Street. 007451 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, September 27, 1989 Page 2 Councilman Schneider welcomed the President to the meeting. He stated that two of the council issues are affiliated to the library. First is the library's cultural aspect and the impact on the community; second, the library's tremendous boost of community appearance. Councilman Brown agreed. Councilman Gardner pointed out that his concern is changing the street name; he does not oppose the library. President Mobley commented that symbolism is a positive statement in the package. Councilman Birdwell noted that the street renaming is a very simple process to do. He stated that the post office will continue to deliver mail to Jersey Street years later. He reported that he received calls from persons opposed to the renaming. Councilman Gardner stated he received calls of opposition based on sentimental and traditional reasons. Mr. Gardner added that the city should compromise by proposing to the President that the council will rename the street if the University receives the library. Mayor Ringer suggested naming FM 2347, west of Wellborn, to George Bush Drive and to direct staff to prepare a resolution supporting the location of the Presidential library and direct staff to work with the University staff in contacting residents on Jersey Street. Mayor Ringer stated that approval of the name change on Jersey Street could be made six months from now, to allow the residents along the street enough time to make changes. Councilman Birdwell stated that the mayor's suggestion was a good one. Mr. Bond said that he would rather see the entire street from Texas Avenue to 2818, be renamed at one time. Councilman Haddox stated that he feels the majority of the people would want to have the library. Mr. Bond commented that this issue has been publicized. Councilman McIlhaney commented that she received several phone calls. She stated that she believes it is a great opportunity for the community, and although several persons will be affected at the present time, in the long run, everyone will benefit. Mr. Brad Lancaster addressed the Council. He asked the Council if the library is contingent upon renaming the street. Councilman Birdwell replied that there is no guarantee that the library will come if the street is renamed or not. Mayor Ringer commented that the odds are in the city's favor at this point. Councilman Haddox stated that the Jersey street renaming is one important ingredient added to an attractive proposal. 007452 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, September 27, 1989 Page 3 Ms. Ann Bell, 1805 Medina, stated that she wholeheartedly supports the library. Agenda It~ No. 2 - Disoussion ~d approval of preliminary offioial bond statement; Counoil to set date for sale of bonds. Finance Director Harrison introduced Mr. David Fetzer and Mr. Pete Fisher of Moroney, Beissner & Co. Mr. Fisher reviewed the following three draft documents: official notice of sale, official bid form, and the official statement. The staff suggested that the 1989 general obligation bonds of $3,225,000 be sold on October 25th, a council meeting date. Mr. Fisher stated that the proceeds of the bonds will be used for street improvements and purchase of a maintenance and storage building. After further review of the documents, Councilman Schneider moved to set the date of sale for October 25, 1989. Councilman McIlhaney seconded the motion, which carried unanimously, 7-0. Agenda It~ No. 3 - Discussion of a proposal to name the City of General Zuazua in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, as a sister oity to the City of College Station. Mr. Jose Montemayor, College Station resident and local business owner, spoke to the Council. He made a request that his hometown of General Zuazua, Mexico be named a sister city to College Station. He stated that he would like to see the Mayor and Cabinet of his city visit this community. Mr. Montemayor also stated that the citizens of both cities can benefit by having an exchange program for students and exchange of ideas. Mayor Ringer commented that it will be a good opportunity for College Station citizens to know people in other countries. Agenda Item No. 4 - Discussion of a request from William D. Fitch for a variance to the College Station Cemeter~ Rules, to allow placement of a mausoleum in Section A. Councilman McIlhaney described the cemetery committee's discussion of Mr. Fitch's request to place a mausoleum in the cemetery. City Secretary Jones commented that by a vote of 4-0, the committee recommended that the city consider transferring a small section of the arboretum into the cemetery, and allowing Mr. Fitch to purchase space in this section for the purpose of placing the mausoleum, with the expense of moving the fence and surveying the section to be borne by Mr. Fitch. City Attorney Locke stated that there are no legal problems in transferring the land from parks to the cemetery. 007453 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, September 27, 1989 Page 4 Mayor Ringer asked if any property owners in Section H expressed opposition. City Secretary Jones replied that Section H property owners have not been contacted. Councilman McIlhaney mentioned that the cemetery committee is looking at sites in the newer part of the cemetery to designate an additional section for babyland. No disposition of property in that area can be made until a decision is made on babyland and a surveyor re-plats that portion. She pointed out that Mr. Fitch hoped to have a response to his request as soon as possible. Mr. Dan Sears provided the measurements of the mausoleum, 3 1/2 ft. high by 8 ft long. Mr. Sears added that Mr. Fitch has requested another space because opposition was expressed from property owners in Section A. Councilman Birdwell commented that he has no problem with placing the mausoleum in Section A. Mr. Gerald Scott, property owner in Section A, addressed the Council. He stated that he and his wife met with the cemetery committee and expressed their objection to placing the mausoleum in Section A, because this section was not designated for mausoleums. Mayor Ringer asked the staff to contact the property owners in Section H, Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, for their remarks. &qenda Item No. 5 - Discussion of 1990 Parks and Recreation Fees. PARD Director Beachy stated that no major changes were needed and only minor adjustments in several of the fees are suggested. Councilman Haddox inquired about the fees decreasing for Softball Fastpitch from $250 to $230. Mr. Beachy stated that the fees are based upon the variables, including the number of games played. Aqenda Item No. 6 - Consideration of an ordinance adoptinq , budqet for 1989-90 fiscal year. Budget Director Schroeder presented this item. He pointed out that one change has occurred since the council reviewed the budget, and that is in the hotel/motel tax budget where the Athletic Federation funding was increased by $2,000. Councilman Birdwell remarked that the council allocated $25,000 for drug and substance abuse programs; however, it was not specified to a certain group. He noted that a request was received for $25,000. Mayor Ringer preferred that discussion of the request be held at a future time. Councilman Gardner asked staff to describe briefly how they arrived at a figure of $200,000 for merit increases. Mr. Schroeder replied that several factors are involved, one of these 007'454 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, September 27, 1989 being a 5% percent increase for the average score. dates are considered in the budget process. Page 5 Also, merit After further discussion, Councilman Birdwell stated that he was told that the average merit raise would be 3% under this budget. Mr. Harrison commented that the figure 3.3 is the average score. He explained the employees' rating system. Discussion continued on how the amounts were computed. Mr. Schroeder explained that 5% percent has been used in the budget discussions throughout the last several months. Councilman Brown moved to approve Ordinance No. 1822 adopting a budget for 1989-90 fiscal year. Councilman McIlhaney seconded the motion. Councilman Haddox commented that he thought the increase was 3%, although he realized that some raises would be more and some would be less. The ordinance was approved by a unanimous vote, 7-0. &qenda Item No. 7 - Discussion and consideration of the followinq proposed ordinances relatinq to rate schedules: A. An ordinance adopting changes in electric rates. B. An ordinance adopting changes in water and sewer rates. Co An ordinance adopting changes in garbage disposal charges. D. An ordinance deleting the drainage assessment fee. Councilman Birdwell explained that he believed the sewer charges for families outside the city limits could be set at 1.1 times those within the city, and the basis for the charge could be justified. Ms. Piwonka responded to Mr. Birdwell's proposition by stating that staff has discussed this issue; however, at this time, staff felt emphasis should be on cost of service. She noted that the new rates had been filed with the Texas Water Commission thirty days earlier so that the rates could become effective October 1st. Mr. Jim McCord added that the city must justify an increase to the Commission. Councilman Birdwell expressed concern that the city cannot continue the trend of electric rates for residential users. He has a concern within the class of users. Mr. McCord replied that the customer charge has increased to be in compliance with those levels determined in cost of service. He added that there have been some inequities in the past. 007455 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, September 27, 1989 Page 6 Mr. Schroeder pointed out a change to the draft of the garbage disposal ordinance, as follows: 6 cubic yard container, $140.95 per month. Councilman McIlhaney moved approval of Ordinance No. 1823 adopting changes in electric rates. Councilman Brown seconded the motion, which carried unanimously, 7-0. Councilman Schneider moved approval of Ordinance No. 1824 adopting changes in water and sewer rates. Councilman Haddox seconded the motion. Councilman Birdwell moved to amend the motion by changing the sewer charge for service outside the city limits to 1.1 times the amount set forth. No second was made. A vote was taken on Councilman Schneider's motion. The ordinance was approved 6-1, with the following votes: FOR: Mayor Ringer, Councilmen Brown, Gardner, Haddox, McIlhaney, and Schneider AGAINST: Councilman Birdwell Councilman Haddox moved approval of Ordinance No. 1825 adopting changes in garbage disposal charges. Councilman Birdwell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously, 7-0. Councilman Brown moved approval of Ordinance No. 1826 deleting the drainage assessment fee. Councilman Gardner seconded the motion, which carried unanimously, 7-0. &qenda Item No. 8 - Discussion an~ consideration of an orainanc~ adopt~nq the ~989 ta~ rate. Mayor Ringer stated that the rate in the proposed ordinance is $.40/$100 of valuation. Councilman Birdwell moved approval of Ordinance No. 1827 adopting the 1989 tax rate. Councilman Schneider seconded the motion, which carried unanimously, 7-0. 007456 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, September 27, 1989 Page 7 Aqenda Item No. 9 - Council Concerns. Councilman Schneider reported that he would like to see the city look at the area of Health and Human Services; he feels this subject is very important. He suggested a council committee discuss this issue. Mayor Ringer stated that he will appoint a subcommittee if council members so desire. Councilman Birdwell commented that the poles on the "Welcome to College Station" sign have been painted a darker shade of blue. He felt it was not very attractive. Councilman Brown reported that several homes on Foster Street have cars parked on the grass. Aqenda Item No. 10 - City Manaqer Concerns. Assistant City Manager John Woody reported no concerns. A~enda Item No. 11 - Adjourn. The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 6:30 p.m. APPROVED: ATTEST: City Sec~ry Dian Jones 007457 GUEST REGISTER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1989 4:00 P.M. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 10. 20. 007'458