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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/08/1989 - Workshop Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1989 4:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ringer, Councilmen Gardner, McIlhaney, Blrdwell, Schneider, Brown, Haddox STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ragland, Assistant to the City Manager Plwonka, Assistant City Manager Woody, Assistant City Manager Brymer, City Attorney Locke, City Secretary Jones, Public Information Officer Calllham, Director of Capital Improvements Ash, Fire Chief Landua, Police Chief Strope, Finance Director Harrison, Director of Planning Callaway, Personnel Director Dlckson, Budget Director Schroeder, Energy Specialist Shear, Council Coordinator Hooks VISITORS PRESENT= See guest register. Aaenda Item No. 1 - Presentation by Gulf States Utilities, present Dower supplier and candidate to provide the future require- ments for College Station. Dr. Lynn Draper, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf States Utilities, came forward to address the Council. He stated that during the past 10 years, Gulf States Utilities has provided wholesale electric power to College Station and hopes to continue this relationship. He stated that GSU supplies power to three categories of customers, including retail customers in Louisiana, retail customers in Texas, and the wholesale customers. He noted that five percent of their business is wholesale and regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Dr. Draper commented that GSU has completed its major construction program which should provide for considerable stability in electric rates for a long period of time. He also commented that the financial position of the company is gradually improving. He indicated that one problem which still prevails is past due debt payable to preferred shareholders. Councilman Schneider inquired about the capacity offered at this time. Dr. Draper replied that GSU has 7000 megawatts installed, and the peak load last summer was 5000 megawatts. Councilman Brown asked Dr. Draper what he anticipates will be the financial position of GSU. Dr. Draper responded that the economic 007097 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, February 8, 1989 Page 2 stability of GSU will depend on outstanding pending cases. He explained that the second step of the rate increases for retail customers is approaching and if this is approved, recovery will be gradual. He added that the problem with wholesale customers has been settled. Mayor Ringer noted that Dr. Draper indicated that there will be no major rate increases for wholesale customers. Dr. Draper mentioned that the base rate will be stable, but problems might arise as in the past, when fuel prices increased. He added that the situation might not be as drastic as the last occurrence because GSU now sells coal and uranium. Councilman Birdwell pointed out that GSU has two cases pending in the courts with Cajun Electric and Southern Company, the latter being is a longstanding dispute. Dr. Draper explained that in the early 1980's, GSU entered into a long term purchase power contract with the Southern Company to buy coal electricity. He further explained that the contract was renegotiated in 1984, in 1985, gas prices declined, and GSU went back to Southern Company and held discussions for a year. Finally, GSU filed suit in federal court that the Southern Company had breached its obligation in good faith. No final decision has been rendered. He added that no power has been taken from Southern Company since the summer of 1988. Dr. Draper indicated that currently there is no dispute with Cajun Electric Company, who owns 30% of the GSU nuclear plant. He added that Cajun Electric Company has expressed their intent to conduct a comprehensive investigation on the construction of River Bend. Councilman Haddox commented that the construction of a nuclear plant is expensive. Councilman Gardner asked what percentage of business does College Station utilize from the five percent wholesale business. Dr. Draper replied that College Station plays a significant part of the wholesale business with 25 percent of the five percent. Councilman Haddox asked if GSU plans to increase the wholesale business. Dr. Draper commented that GSU would like to expand all aspects of the business. Councilman Schneider asked what type of economic development activity does GSU provide. Dr. Draper replied that GSU has a program called Team City Texas, in which GSU representatives coordinate with Chamber of Commerce, municipal governments, and financial institutions to identify the strong points that a partic- ular city might have to attract industry or expand existing industry. Dr. Draper introduced several associates of Gulf States Utllites; Mr. Jim Moss - Vice President, Marketing; Mr. John Connally - Vice President of the Western Division in Conroe, Mr. Jim Rlchard~o70?~ City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, February 8, 1989 Page 3 Marketing Department, and Mr. Malcolm Williams - Economic Development. Mayor Ringer thanked Dr. Draper for speaking to the Council. Agenda Item No. 2 - Presentation of a status report by the Stat~ Department of Highways and Public Transportation on the propose~ Wellborn Road/Railroad Corridor. District Engineer Carol Ziegler addressed the Council. He began by summarizing the events which have taken place. He noted that the Governor and the A&M Board of Regents appointed the Highway Department as project managers of this project. Mr. Ziegler stated that the A&M Board of Regents and the Highway Department met in November 1988 and January 1989 to discuss the concept of the "depressed expressway" to fit into the campus street system. He stated that on January 23, 1989, the Board of Regents adopted a resolution asking the Highway Department to proceed with work on State Highway 47 and proceed with the planning work on the concept of the "depressed railroad section", across the main part of the campus, with the railroad being in the center of the "expressway section". At this time, Mr. Ziegler presented drawings to the Council describing the details of the concept. He indicated one key part of the plan is to establish a pedestrian mall at Old Main, closing all vehicular traffic. Several decorative items will be included in this area; such as, planter boxes, trees, flagpoles, and flower pots. An artist's conception of this area was provided for the Council. Mr. Zlegler indicated that the preliminary cost estimate for this project is $30 million. Included in this cost are: right-of-way costs - $1.5 million, utility cost adjustment - $5 million, construction cost - $22.5 million, landscaping and planting - $1 million. Mr. Ziegler commented that a number of entities will be involved in the initial development of this project, including Texas A&M University, State Department of Highways, City of College Station, City of Bryan, Union Pacific Railroad, and Southern Pacific Railroad. He added that no amount has been determined in the fair share of costs for each entity. He indicated that the Highway Department has expressed a reasonable cost for their share of the project in the amount of $14 - $16 million. The Highway Department would like to work with the city staff on further plan development and coordination of city traffic plans. One of the key factors is public involvement. He noted that most Highway Department projects require formal public hearings. In this particular case, he suggested that a different format be followed; for instance, a series of informal public meetings could be held. 007099 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, February 8, 1989 Page 4 He presented several questions which will be directed to the local government staffs during the planning of the project. Councilman Haddox asked if the project at 2818 south of College Station at Wellborn Road is an authorized project. Mr. Ziegler replied that the project at 2818 is an authorized project in planning and will cross over the railroad at Wellborn Road. He added that the design of this project will greatly depend on the outcome of the proposed Wellborn Corridor Rail Relocation. He noted that the 2818 project at the Wellborn Road location has not required city assistance; however, if additional right-of-way is needed, the city would be asked to assist in that respect. Councilman Gardner asked Mr. Ziegler to justify placing a new route connection to Graham Road. Mr. Zlegler replied that he has not heard any justification; furthermore, the highway department has delayed any design work for this connection until a determination has been made with the railroad relocation. Councilman Gardner expressed his hope that in the meantime, the City will have progressed in updating the City plan. Mayor Ringer pointed out one advantage in this concept is the grade separation crossing at Jersey Street and the improvement of the interchange at University Drive. He also noted that Wellborn Road may increase its traffic capacity. Councilman McIlhaney asked if the transition of this project could create problems with funding for other projects onboard at this time. Mr. Ziegler clarified that the projects for improvements of Highway 6 on the project development plan are not affected by this project. He also noted that a project is being studied for an expressway from Tomball to B/CS and it is totally independent of what action is taken on the railroad project. He added that projects are selected on an individual basis and project merits. Councilman Brown asked, if all funding levels are met and all aspects fall into place, how long would it be before the project would be underway. Mr. Ziegler commented that his staff has made an optimistic prediction for the project to go to contract in two years. Councilman Schneider asked if other entities are to make a commitment soon. Mr. Ziegler replied that the strongest action at this time has been taken by the University Board of Regents, who passed a resolution asking the highway department to proceed with the planning of the concept. Mr. Ziegler commented that this concept seems to be within the realm of reasonable funding. Councilman Birdwell asked if the city's contribution would be different in this project. Mr. Ziegler responded that the state highway department is considered the major contributor; at this time, he does not know how much each city will be required to pay. 007 00 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, February 8, 1989 Page 5 Councilman Haddox noted that Texas A&M brings $253,000,000 a year to the economy of College Station along with entertainment and other amenities to the community. He commented that the City should consider very strongly to be supportive in this project. Mayor Ringer directed the planning staff to work with the Highway Department. Mayor Ringer thanked Mr. Ziegler and his staff for providing this information to the Council. Agenda Item No. $ - Discussion of a centralized dispatch system for Brazos County (Council Issue No. 14). City Manager Ron Ragland stated that the staff had prepared a four part series presentation on this item. Mr Ragland presented background information. He recalled that in August 1988, the Brazos County Emergency Communications District appointed a consolidated task force to conduct a feasibility study of centralized dispatch. In the latter part of 1988, the Council was presented the findings of the study. Mr. Ragland stated that the district is requesting at this time, direction from the Council in regards to the consolidated dispatch operation. He pointed out the following two factors: l) enhanced 911 can be accomplished with or without consolidated or centralized dispatch: and 2) implementation of enhanced 911 will require modifications to city facilities and equipment. He added that this action will have an impact on the FY 89-90 budget. Mr. Ragland pointed out one more factor: The existing radio equipment has numerous problems. He noted that the Chiefs have expressed the feeling that the issue of centralized dispatch will not be a significant improvement over the current service, unless the city upgrades or replaces the existing radio system. He pointed out that the 911 Board has requested that the City of Bryan and the County enter into an agreement for the centralized dispatch system, and at a later time, College Station and Texas A&M may opt to join if doing so is feasible. Mr. Ragland stated that staff has recommended the following measures: 1) encourage the district to pursue Requests for Proposal that structure bids for both a centralized and a decentralized system; 2) receive independent technical assistance to develop an implementation plan; and 3) submit results to each entity prior to budget preparations. Police Chief Strope addressed the Council and gave an overhead presentation. He explained that the current emergency communica- tion system is an efficient operation; nevertheless, problems arise. He described the current staff and their responsibilities in the technical service division of the Police Department. He indicated that there is a definite possibility of contracting with O071 l, City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, February 8, 1989 Page 6 the City of Bryan in holding some of their prisoners, due to the current overcrowding conditions experienced in the Brazos County Jail. He stated that the enhanced 911 system would automatically identify location and telephone number and route the emergency call to the appropriate public safety department. Chief StroDe described the organizational structure for centralized dispatch. He stated that it is estimated that after the first year's cost of $379,000, there will be continued annual costs of $333,525 to operate a share of the centralized dispatch system. Councilman Brown pointed out that approximately $100,000 of the $333,525 estimated annual cost would be applied to the 800 series trunking radio system over a ten-year period. Chief StroDe concurred. He also pointed out that this cost is not associated with the enhanced 911 system. Councilman Haddox inquired about the status of the current radio equipment. Chief StroDe explained that many problems have occurred in the present system; for example, it utilizes a low band frequency which does not provide adequate communication. He also stated that the system is probably twelve to fifteen years old. Chief StroDe further explained that the 800 trunking system offers a higher band and also allows flexibility in frequencies. He recommended to the Council that if centralized dispatch were approved, in order for the Police Department to continue services at the same level, he would need to retain nine of the fifteen individuals currently assigned to the technical services division. He explained the costs associated with the change in personnel. He addressed several positive and negative impacts in the concept of centralized dispatching. He concluded by stating that the bottom line is the initial increased cost to the City of College Station, closing the 24-hour walk-in complaints, and the effect it will have on the increased workload. Fire Chief Landua presented the Council an overhead presentation detailing the effect of centralized dispatch in the Fire Depart- ment. He showed an organizational chart of his current staff. Councilman Haddox asked if a call comes in, do both fire and police departments have access to the call. Mr. Landua replied that both dispatches can hear the same call and, whatever the type of call it may be, the appropriate department will respond. He showed a chart explaining the duties of the fire department dispatcher. He added that emergency services are provided to Texas A&M and Brazos County. He discussed the positive and negative impacts of centralized dispatch in the Fire Department. 007102 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, February 8, 1989 Page 7 Finance Director Harrison pointed out that estimated initial capital costs to implement the 91! system would be $174,350. He explained several funding alternatives. He added that this money would not apply to the 800 series radio equipment. Mr. Ragland commented that it is not clear who will be responsible for the cost of purchasing the radio equipment. Mr. Harrison pointed out two options to implement E-9!! and fund radio enhancements with current dispatch operation. !) Cost to modify existing radio systems would be $162,526 and a total first year cost of $336,876. 2) Total estimated first year cost would be $289,550 with the new 800 radio series which cost $115,200. He explained the funding alternatives for these options. Mr. Harrison explained the scenario implementing the enhanced 911, fund 800 series radio equipment with centralized dispatch. He stated that the cost over current budget is estimated at $83,0!0. He explained the funding alternatives for this scenario. He noted that in 1988 the actual calls received by both departments were 30,797. He pointed out that the City is paying $6.94 per call to operate the current dispatch system. The 91! District has stated that operation costs for centralized dispatch would be $8.38 per call. He indicated that the major expenditure change is for the 800 series radios which raises the district's cost per call to $10.83 and the city's cost for current dispatch to $~2.!2. Councilman Brown stated that the citizen will not be able to tell the difference between the centralized system and the decentralized system. Mayor Ringer reiterated the City Manager's recommendation to develop a Request for Proposal to receive bids for a centralized dispatch and a decentralized structure. He commented that he would like to see further data with real figures. Councilman Birdwell moved to approve staff's recommendation. Councilman Schneider seconded the motion, which carried unanimous- ly, 7-0. Auenda Item No. 4 - Status report on the Hotel/Motel tax revenues. Budget Director Glenn Schroeder recalled that during the budget process, much discussion was held regarding hotel/motel tax revenues. The Council directed the staff at that time to prepare a report showing the status of funds during the budget year. He referred to the graphs and tables provided in the packet infor- mation for the council. Mr. Schroeder reported that the fourth quarter revenues are $160,000, the total revenues for the '88 calendar year will be $6~2,000 and the total revenues for the '88 fiscal year will be slightly more than $600,000. He stated that at this time, it does 00710, City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, February 8, 1989 Page 8 not appear that enough additional revenue will be available to grant additional requests. Councilman Birdwell indicated that the staff predicted there would be a significant increase in motel income based on the elimination of the state entity tax exemption. Mr. Schroeder replied that the packet information attempted to address that issue. He applied the room revenues to the consumer price index to determine the revenues over the last few years while taking the inflation factor into consideration. Mayor Ringer restated that the requests unfunded during the budget process will not be funded at this time. Councilman Gardner inquired about the state limitation on hotel tax. Mr. Schroeder replied that the city is currently using 6 percent, but it could increase to the statutory limit of 7 percent. Mr. Jack Speer, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce, responded to Mr. Gardner's inquiry. He stated that cities of College Station's size are charging 7 percent. He stated that the Chamber is concerned about the loss of revenue resulting from several bankruptcies; also, while occupancy is up, room rates are down. He thanked the Council for giving the Chamber the opportunity to monitor the revenues from the hotel/motel tax. Mr. Speer suggested that the Council discuss the idea of collecting monthly motel/hotel tax. Mayor Ringer added that the staff may look into the idea of collecting taxes monthly and look into the statutory limit of 7 percent. Agenda Item No. 5 - Presentation of Quarterly Financial Reports. Finance Director Harrison presented this item. He stated that the staff is very pleased with the quarterly financial report. No expenditures and revenues are inconsistent with projections. However, he noted that sales tax is being observed very carefully. He pointed out that the biggest change made, was the implementation of the city's investment policy. Councilman Birdwell asked if staff looked at comparison of the percent of property tax collected this year versus the percent of last year's collection. Mr. Harrison replied that the city is ahead on percentage of property tax collection as compared to last year. Councilman McIlhaney asked if the county has a policy which allows them to collect property taxes which go unpaid. Mr. Harrison replied that the Appraisal District sets policies to actively collect taxes, per the different organizations. 007104 City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, February 8, 1989 Page 9 Agenda Item No. 6 - Affirmative Action Report (Council Issue No. 15) Personnel Director Karen Dickson explained that a copy of the report was placed in the agenda packet. She referred to several activities currently being done by the City of College Station Personnel Department. She stated that the interpretation of Affirmative Action has evolved in recent years from forced quota systems to "affirmative outreach" programs. Ms. Dickson reviewed the 1987 EEOC Statistics. Councilman Gardner asked Ms. Dickson to identify the difference between skilled craftsman and technician. Ms. Dickson replied that technicians include drafters, programmers, fire and police sargeants. Councilman Birdwell commented that there is not a forced quota system. He stated that if quotas existed it is because they agreed to the quotas. He also commented that the city has done very well in terms of the statistical totals. He did point out that minorities are not listed in the professional or administrator categories. Agenda Item No. 7 - Council Concerns. Councilman Schneider thanked Councilman Birdwell for the letter he sent to each councilmember regarding his concerns on the develop- ment to the south. He added that he felt they were real concerns and they should be examined. Mayor Ringer polled the Council on the option of having the council picture taken as a group or individual photos. The Council concurred to take a group picture. Agenda Item No. 8 - City Manager Concerns. The City Manager did not report any concerns. Agenda Item No. 9 - Adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. City~S~_~tar¥ Dian Jones ~r 007105 GUEST REGISTER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 8, 1989 4:00 P.M. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. e 17. 0 18. 19. 10. 20. 007106