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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/26/1989 - Workshop Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 1989 4=00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT= Mayor Ringer, Councilmen Brown, Haddox, Gardner, Schneider, Birdwe11, McIlhaney STAFF PRESENT= City Manager Ragland, City Secretary Jones, City Attorney Locke, CIP Director Ash, City Engineer Pullen, Assistant to the City Manager Piwonka, Assistant City Manager Brymer, Assistant City Manager Woody, PARD Director Beachy, Assistant PARD Director Cisneros, Community Development Director Fette, Budget Director Schroeder, Finance Director Harrison, PIO Officer Calliham, Personnel Director Dickson, Council Coordinator Hooks VISITORS PRESENT: See guest register. Aqenda Item No. I - Report by Dr. Frank B. Ashley on the National. Youth Sports Proqram to be conducted this summer by the Depart- ment of Physical Education at T~MU. Dr. Frank Ashley and Dr. Frank Walters presented this item. Dr. Ashley stated that TAMU received a $35,000 grant to conduct a Youth Sports Camp, June 26-July 28 for underprivilege children in the Bryan/College Station area. Dr. Walters further explained the program. A video presentation was given. Mayor Ringer received a T-shirt and poster from the physical education department promoting this program. Councilman McIlhaney asked if anyone from the community could serve as volunteers. Dr. Ashley responded that the majority of staff will be teachers from the university and teachers from the Bryan and College Station schools. Dr. Ashley pointed out that the biggest expense is transportation cost. 007249 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, April 26, 1989 Page 2 They asked that the Council help them identify local businesses and organizations who would be interested in donating to the program. Agenda Item No. Z - A presentation relating to a municipal golf course for College Station. Councilman Brown introduced Mr. Leon Howard, presenter of this item. Mr. Howard gave each council member a National Golf Foundation publication describing statistics and dollar figures for golf courses. He pointed out that the current population in Bryan and College Station needs six public golf facilities to provide services that would meet the standards set by the national average. Councilman Schneider asked Mr. Howard if he had a specific location to place such a golf course. Mr. Howard replied that he has no interest in any specific property. He stressed the need to provide an 18-hole daily fee golf course in College Station. Mr. Howard indicated that several firms were interested in serving this area; and, if the city provided the land, they would underwrite the cost. Agenda Item No. 3 - Report from staff committee on an audit con- sultant for the city,s Pay Plan. Finance Director Harrison explained that the City Manager appointed a pay for performance review committee consisting of John Woody, Cathy Locke, and himself to review the current pay plan and recommend a proposal to the Council. Their recom- mendation is that a pay plan audit be conducted by an outside audit consultant who would be objective and unbiased. Requests for Proposals were submitted and four responses were received. The staff recommended Ralph Anderson & Associates of Dallas, for a fee of $17,500 plus expenses $4,000, with comple- tion in 10 weeks. He noted that funding is available in this year's budget. Mr. Harrison presented each councilmember a copy of the proposal submitted by Ralph Anderson & Associates. Aqenda Item No. 4 - Discussion on extendinq Welsh Street throuqh Southwood Valley - Section 24. Mr. Callaway explained this item. He stated that the council previously discussed a proposed revision to the master preliminary plat for Southwood Valley Section 24. The proposal would revise the plat in an area to allow development of most of the section without requiring the extension of Welsh Street. He noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission tabled considera- 007250 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, April 26, 1989 Page 3 tion of the plat pending resolution of the Welsh Street issue. Subsequently, the Council tabled that portion of the plat. He reviewed the major points stated in the staff report. The estimated cost for the construction of this portion of Welsh plus the remaining balance between Southwood Valley and the new elementary school, is $341,600. The developer proposed that he not be accessed cost for street construction, in exchange for the right-of-way dedication. The developer also proposed dedication of a greenbelt area. The staff recommended (1) that the proposed greenbelt area not be accepted by the city due to maintenance problems; (2) that the developer not be allowed to revise the plat without the Welsh extension, and (3) that the subdivision regulations be amended to prevent the preliminary piecemeal platting of developments and to address the timing of construction of major streets within subdivisions. Mayor Ringer noted that the Council Development Policies Committee met and reviewed the staff report. The Committee supported staff's recommendations. Councilman Haddox asked if the city could allow the developer to delay his portion of the street until another portion of the street has been constructed to Rock Prairie Road. Mayor Ringer replied that the committee discussed this issue, and they felt that once the new school has opened, pressure will soon be brought on the council to add access to the school. Discussion continued. Councilman Haddox repeated the staff's recommendations to Mr. Fitch. He suggested to the Council that the developer be allowed to build his portion of Welsh Street only when the remaining portion of Welsh is developed to Rock Prairie Road. Mayor Ringer restated the committee's feeling that the entire project should be built, and the master preliminary plat revision not be approved because it does not show the extension of Welsh Street. Mr. Fitch responded that he will bring back another plat showing Welsh Street. Mr. Fitch pointed out several concerns. Councilman Birdwell commented on city policy regarding the size of street built by the developer; he also noted that the city must provide connecting streets between various subdivisions. Mr. Fitch asked to receive a copy of the staff's report. 007251 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, April 26, 1989 Page 4 Councilman Haddox asked Mr. Fitch if he felt as though he would benefit if he were not required to build the extension of Welsh Street until the remaining portion of Welsh is constructed to Rock Prairie Road. Mr. Fitch responded that he would like to see another participant pay for a portion of the street; and, he would like approval of the plat so that he could extend the lots. Mayor Ringer suggested that an agreement could be developed between the city and Mr. Fitch, with the developer to build the entire street and the city to pay him for its portion of the street. Mr. Fitch referred to the drainage problems along Welsh Street. He agreed with Mayor Ringer's suggestion. Mr. Fitch asked if he should revise his plat to show the Welsh Street extension, and plat the lots deeper. Mayor Ringer responded that the Council's concern is the placement of the extension of Welsh Street. Mayor Ringer stated that the plat will go to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their approval and return to the Council at the next meeting on May 10th. Agenda Item No. $ - Discussion of oversize participation project~ and policies. City Engineer Pullen presented graphics to describe the oversized participation process. He referred to the East Bypass Business Park and explained how the staff considered the oversized participation. He noted that oversized participation is only the construction cost of the project. He referred to the waterline improvement segment in the Plan 2000. Mr. Pullen presented graphics. He described costs which are avoidable, and the problems which are associated with parallel lines. He noted that it is the commitment of the City Council to utilize monies on the project the funds are specified for. He stated that one risk which a city takes in building an infrastructure system, is the risk that growth will not occur. Mr. Pullen pointed out the following positive factors of oversized participation: 1) encourages economic growth by bringing the infrastructure to the edge of development; 2) improves community appearance by removing construction work from the front of developed properties; 3) reduces annual operating cost; and, 4) reduces consultant expenses. He summarized his presentation by stating that staff recommends continued participation in oversize participation. Councilman Birdwell commented that he would encourage any oversize participation requests to be accompanied by an economic analysis before any decision is made. 007252 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, April 26, 1989 Page 5 Aqenda Item No. $ - Report from city risk manaqer on a proposed disability review policy, ~d current risk ~anaqement proiects. Mr. Wagner, the city's risk manager, has selected a Disability Review Committee to make periodic evaluations to determine whether an employee who has been disabled, will be able to perform the duties that constitute the requirements of the job. Recommendations will be made to the City Manager. Mr. Wagner presented a brief overview of the projects he has begun since he came to the city in January. Councilman Haddox asked if new employees sign a waiver release for workers compensation information. Mr. Wagner responded that the city is not currently requiring this information, but he hopes to reinstitute this process. Agenda Item No. 7 - Report on city,s Community Development Proqram. Community Development Director Dan Fette presented this item. He stated that College Station has participated in the CD program since 1975. He showed an overhead presentation. Mr. Fette stated that three neighborhood meetings were conducted in March to receive feedback. One significant response by a citizen was that the low income people need jobs. Mr. Fette pointed out the target areas of greatest need for improvements in housing and infrastructure. Councilman Birdwell commented that two blocks northeast of Fairview are in the same condition as the area which is in the community development area. Mr. Fette responded that this portion of the tract does not qualify as low-moderate income. Mr. Fette stated that a survey can be conducted by staff, but HUD would rather adhere to the boundaries set by the Census. Staff requested guidance from the Council in three areas: Continue emphasis on current priorities? Expand CD target areas in May/June? Seek additional funding from other sources? Councilman Haddox commented that the staff should seek additional funding and prioritize some of the housing assistance money toward jobs for the lower income persons. Mr. Fette remarked that the Small Business Development System programs are designed to help low income minorities start their own businesses. Councilman Birdwell advised staff to look at the infrastructure in Northgate as a CD target area. Mayor Ringer restated the council's recommendations. 007255 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, April 26, 1989 Page 6 Councilman Schneider asked if staff has seen legislative proposals in the Congress regarding additional federal funding. Mr. Fette replied that two bills have been submitted to Congress. Councilman Gardner asked staff to look at the Southgate area as a target area. Aqenda Item No. S - Presentation of proposed legislation for council review. City Attorney Locke introduced this item. the floor for discussion. Mayor Ringer opened Councilman Birdwell stated that he is opposed to H.B. 2155, and S.B. 1040, Changing Fees Cities Can Charge. Discussion followed. The Staff Committee seeked Council direction with regard to several legislative bills. Mayor Ringer and Council expressed support for H.B. 458, Smoking in Public Places, H.B. 27, HIV Testing, and S.J.R. 14, Council Pay. Bills opposed by Council area as follows: H.B. No. 1352, Requiring Municipal Voting Districts, H.B. 1538, Death Benefits for Police Officers and Fire Fighters. Agenda Item No. 9 - Discussion on the selection of audit service- for the City of College Station. Councilman McIlhaney stated that the Finance Committee met and an agreement was made among the members that the city submit proposals for auditors. Disagreement was stated on the timing of selecting new auditors. Councilman Birdwell and Councilman Haddox expressed concern that timing was not critical, because they stipulated desire to receive local bids, keeping costs down. Councilman Haddox commented that the local firms may be combined with a larger firm to form a joint venture. Councilman Birdwell added that he wants to give the local firms the opportunity to demonstrate their qualifications. Mayor Ringer disagreed to the extent that the current auditors are familiar with the city's accounting changes and a change in auditors this year would not be a wise decision. Councilman McIlhaney remarked that it would not be unreasonable for the Finance Committee or the Mayor to approach Deloitte, Haskins & Sells to let them be aware of the Council's concerns. Councilman Haddox commented that he is ready for a change in auditors. Councilman McIlhaney recommended that the city allow the auditors to finish the work for this year. Councilman Haddox remarked that he disagreed with staff's recommendations. 007254 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, April 26, 1989 Page 7 Mr. Harrison commented that staff concurs that audit services should be reviewed on a periodic basis. He expressed concern about the many extra hours his accounting staff has worked, implementing the new accounting system and upgrading fixed asset reporting to correct the material weakness noted by the auditors. Discussion followed. Councilman McIlhaney commented that she has previously worked in the extensive process of selection. She pointed out that the proposal must state the city's clear understanding of what they expect from the auditors. She urged the Council to proceed in this manner once again to make sure the city sets the right direction for the future. Mr. Harrison restated the staff's position that they favor changing audit firms on a periodic basis. Staff recommended continuing this fiscal year with the current contract with Deloitte, Haskins & Sells and go out for bid this fall for auditing services beginning FY '90. Aqenda Item No. 10 - Discussion on concerns relatinq to the billing policy for city sewer charges to strip centers. Councilman Birdwell placed this item on the agenda. He stated that the staff proposed waiting until budget time to change the billing policy. Mr. Birdwell recommended that the council solve the problem at this time. Mayor Ringer noted that the policy should be changed during the regular review of rate structure during the budget process. Councilman Brown agreed. Mr. Ragland indicated that staff is currently addressing this problem. Ms. Piwonka stated the staff's proposed alter- natives to this issue. She pointed out that the city can continue to offer customers an option to pay the landlord or to pay their own bill, and the city add an addendum to the commercial sewer rate that will incorporate a minimum charge for average usage. The other option is to notify the 175 users about the change and give them time to make the change of commercial billing to the property owner or tenant, with an effective date of October 1st. Councilman Birdwell stated concern that the staff is not following the ordinance. Ms. Piwonka gave the staff's interpretation of the ordinance. The Council concurred to direct staff to look at the option of billing commercial sewer charge to the person who pays the water bill. Agenda Item No. 11 - Council Concer~-. 007255 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, April 26, 1989 Page 8 Councilman Haddox reported that there are several properties on Montclair Street which are very unpleasant. He remarked that the city should change its position to an active enforcement situation in the Northgate and Southgate areas. He stated that he spoke with the City Manager about this problem. Mr. Ragland responded that the recent anti-neglect ordinance is a preventative maintenance ordinance. The rental houses may continue to deteriorate because no complaints have been filed. Councilman Schneider commented that he strongly agreed on pro- active enforcement and supported Councilman Haddox's comments. Councilman Birdwell commented on the 2nd Annual Texas Balloon Championship to be held in College Station, June 1-4, with an estimated 200,000 visitors expected, &qenda Item No. 12 - City Manaqer Concerns. Mr. Ragland reported that the Omni Center officials have agreed to hire a security guard to oversee the Omni Center building on the East Bypass. He provided Council information about the citizen concern brought before Council at their last meeting, in regard to the position of parking spaces in the Northgate area. He reported on the funding situation for the Family Violence Unit. Councilman Haddox reported an additional concern. He stated that the proposed bridge structure over the East Bypass entering Raintree Drive will be very steep, causing much concern. He would like the Council to notify the Highway Department of their disapproval of this bridge structure. Councilman Birdwell pointed out that he saw the detailed design of the Emerald Forest Interchange, and Emerald Forest Parkway is shown on the plans to be extremely wide. Discussion continued. Aqenda Item No 13 - Ad~ourn. Mayor Ringer adjourned the meeting at 7:20 p.m. ATTEST: City Sg~r~ary Dian Jones APPROVED: ~er 007256 GUEST REGISTER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 1989 4:00 P.M. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 10. 24. 11. 25. 12. 26. 13. 27. 14. 28. 007257