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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/11/1987 - Joint Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AND PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD JOINT WORKSHOP SESSION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987 5:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ringer, Councilmen BouGhton, Jones, TonGco, Bond, Brown COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilman Dick Haddox PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Shannon Bray, Park Board Members Worley, Ditton, Parker, Arnold PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: John Crompton, Michael Walterscheidt CITY STAFF PRESENT: STUDENT GOV'T LIAISON: VISITORS PRESENT: Mayor RinGer opened the Councilman Bond absent. City Manager Cole, City Attorney Locke, City Secretary Jones, Assistant City ManaGer RaGland, Interim Director of Planning Callaway, Zoning Official Kee, Director of Capital Improvements Ash, City EnGineer Pullen, Traffic EnGineer Black, Public Information Officer Calliham, Assistant Director Parks and Recreation Cisneros, Council Coordinator Hooks Mike Hachtman See Guest register. meeting with Councilman Haddox and Agenda Item No. 1- Council Concerns. Councilman TonGco reported that the EnerGy ManGement Committee will meet at 7:00 p.m. on this date to discuss the proposal for the energy base case study being conducted. 006067 CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987 PAGE 2 Agenda Item No. 2 - City Manager Concerns. City Manager Cole reported that at a previous meeting, Mrs. Charlie Marshall came to the Council with a request that the city provide water service to her property outside of the city limits. The staff's recommendation is not to authorize water service to anyone outside city boundaries because these residents are not subject to the city codes and the integrity of the city water system would be jeopardized. Also, an extensive process would need to be conducted with Wellborn Water Supply, and prob- lems could be associated with this procedure. Councilman Boughton asked if the City provides services to anyone outside the city limits. Mr. Cole responded that Foxfire is serviced by the City; and, there also may be others but these residents have agreed to abide by the City Codes. Mr. Cole noted that Mrs. Marshall requested annexation into the City limits; however, her property is not contiguous to city boundaries and in order for it to be annexed, the property of other owners in the same area would also need to be annexed. At this time, these property owners are not willing to give their consent. Aqenda Item No. 3 - Di'scussion of use of Parkland Dedication Fund for Zone 3. Mayor Ringer welcomed the members of the Parks and Recreation Board. He stated that the use of parkland dedication funds have been recommended by the Board for improvements to existing parks. The Council's main concern is the abundance of maintenance in- volved in new parks; and after discussion by the Council, the consensus was that a joint workshop session be held to brief both bodies on the parkland dedication funds. Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Tony Cisneros dis- played and narrated a slide presentation. Mr. Cisneros explained that at the Parks Board regular meeting the previous week, the members began researching the different alternatives for use of the funds. He described three specific areas; Brentwood Park, a new park, to be developed; the Police Pond as a redevelopment of an existing facility; and the new development of Wolf Pen Creek area as a "walkway" or "trail system" type of idea. Mr. Cisneros stated that the Parks Board recommendation is that the parkland dedication funds for Zone 3 be utilized on the police pond. The Parks Board felt this would serve the City's best interest. Mr. Cisneros showed slides depicting Wolf Pen Creek sites in certain areas around College Station. He described Wolf Pen Creek as a very active creek with substantial erosion. He showed n06068 CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987 PAGE 3 the channelization at the new intersection of Dartmouth and Hol- leman. He addresed the treatment of Oaks Park and noted that the Parks Board felt that in a concept form, an endorsement could be given to utilize Oaks Park as a beqinning point to possibly start a "trail system" and/or walkway; doing so may result in more public use of the park. Mr. Cisneros emphasized that the Board felt strongly that efforts should be concentrated in this area to bring the police pond back to a workable facility and to alle- viate some of the hazards involved in its present condition. He referred to the design of the aerator and dock at Gabbard Park, as a possible type of design for the police pond. He displayed the site plan prepared by the Planning Department to show the area surrounding Wolf Pen Creek. The Parks Board has endorsed the concept that the City consider implementing a devel- opment and design plan for this area. Mr. Cisneros noted that Brentwood Park and the right-of-way at Dartmouth/Holleman intersection belongs to the City; but all other area surrounding Wolf Pen Creek is under private ownership at this time. Councilman Boughton pointed out that the Parks Board felt that the $82,000-$83,000 allocated for Zone 3 was a "drop in the bucket" in relation to the amount needed for the Wolf Pen Creek project. She added that if any monies were left over after the completion of the police pond project, then this money might be used toward a basketball court at Central Park. Mayor Ringer commented about the desirability of cooperating with the private sector as the landowners develop the area around Wolf Pen Creek. Parks Board Chairman Shannon Bray noted that the owners of the land surrounding Wolf Pen Creek would like to be involved in planning the development of the creek area. Councilman Brown stated that the Emerald Forest Homeowners Asso- ciation met and a number of residents were concerned that not much emphasis was being placed on development of parks on the east side of the bypass. Tony Cisneros explained that as far as development is concerned, no monies are available through the parkland dedication funds; he referred to the parkland dedication guidelines governing allocations. He stated that preliminary clean-up and signage will begin at Emerald Forest Park and will be maintained by in-house employees. 06069 CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987 PAGE 4 Councilman Brown asked how Sandstone Park was acquired. Mr. Cisneros replied that it was through parkland acquisition funds. Councilman Boughton noted that much of the park fund is provided by developers of apartment complexes. Mr. Cisneros pointed out that initially interest funds were to be used in this zone, but following legal advice, the interest funds will be used strictly for the designated zones. City Manager Cole stated that the major costs factor is parkland maintenance. Councilman Tongco stated that she agrees with the group's con- sensus that the amount of funds available should go toward utili- zing the Police pond. She further stated that if growth con- tinues in College Station then the Council may want to con- sider making immediate plans for development in the Wolf Pen Creek area. Councilman Boughton concurred. She added that developer Jim Jett and owners of property in that area indicated they would like for the city staff to arrive at a proposal im- mediately. City Manager Cole asked if the Parks Department had the in-house capability to compile a master plan. Mr. Cisneros replied that conceptually, yes with the joint effort of the parks staff and the planning department. David Pullen, City Engineer, also stated that the engineering department has the capability to make a hydraulic analysis, but the most effort would be involved in the shape and configuration of the stream. He stated that it would take two weeks for the engineering staff to arrive at any recommendations. Mr. Cisneros added that the Parks Department would need about four weeks to study the area and make a report. Parks Board member Willard Worley commented that the major thor- oughfare at Stallings Drive and Holleman Drive would be a princi- ple location for a jogging trail, spillways, etc. in developing the creek area. Mayor Ringer summarized the discussion by stating that the con- sensus of the Parks Board and Council is to utilize the parkland dedication funds in Zone 3 for the development of the Police Pond, and for the staff to work together on a conceptual plan for development of Wolf Pen Creek. 06070 CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987 PAGE 5 Agenda Item No. 4 - Report on the traffic safety studies in Southwood Valley. CIP Director Elrey Ash presented this item. He explained that the Council had instructed the staff to review the speed study conducted last September in Southwood Valley. He presented the Council with updated information and described the three tasks requested by the Council. Task I related to performing initial speed studies at seven stations. During the time this study was being taken, the police department contacted the staff and voiced concern about the speed at Welsh Avenue. Mr. Ash referred to maps in the council packets. He reported the staff found that no significant changes occurred after the speed limits were raised to 40 mph in November of last year, but staff has no objection to lowering the speed limits on Longmire and Welsh Avenue to 35 mph if the Council desires. Councilman Bond arrived at the meeting. Councilman Tongco noted that the information in the packets indi- cated no significant changes in the speed patterns since the new signs have been posted. Mr. Ash agreed and added that some speeds have actually reduced. Mayor Ringer commented that the study seems to point out that drivers generally travel at a speed they feel is safe for particular street conditions. Councilman Brown asked if the Police Department felt that reducing the speeds on Longmire and Welsh to 35 mph would be a significant change. Mr. Ash stated that the Police Department feels that a reduction in speeds would prove beneficial. Councilman Tongco pointed out that the flashing signals replacing school hour signs will help slow traffic. Councilman Brown stated his opinion that 35 mph would be an appropriate speed on Longmire Street and on Welsh Avenue. Walter Ruoff of 1506 Treehouse Trail, voiced dissatisfaction about the Council's discussing this item at a workshop instead of a regular meeting. He expressed concern about the speed limits in Southwood Valley; he stated that he wrote to the City Council in relation to this speed study, and Councilman Brown responded to his letter. He expressed his opinion that the increased speeds on Rio Grande have posed a hazard for the children and joggers along this major street. Mr. Ruoff asked why the speed study was initiated. 906071 CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987 PAGE 6 Councilman Tongco responded that the study is done on a periodic basis. Councilman Bond added that this study may show altera- tions to the speed limits when it is prepared periodically. Mr. Ruoff stated that the residents concerned were never advised or made aware that these studies were being considered. Mayor Ringer stated that advertising was made through notices in the newspaper and television, and posted notices at City Hall. He pointed out that citizens appeared before the Council at an earlier meeting and expressed their concern about the speeds. He explained that the current agenda item relates to a report in- tended to provide information to the council and that action would not be taken until a subsequent meeting. Councilman Tongco pointed out that the City has a full time traf- fic engineer and his job is to prepare these reports period- ically as part of the study pattern and the information is then given to Council for their consideration. She also stated that the study process includes the traffic patterns of the children, bicylists and pedestrians. Mayor Ringer noted that when the original study was presented to the Council, the Council asked the staff to restudy some of the areas. He pointed out that the 85th percentile speed has essen- tially not changed. Mayor Ringer directed staff to place this item on the agenda for council action at the regular meeting on March 26, 1987. Mr. Ash explained Task 2. This process included a pedestrian safety study on Rio Grande and other points in Southwood Valley, in relation to the Southwood Valley Elementary School. The staff recommendations are to proceed with the preparation of the bid proposal and specifications for school flashers at 19 locations throughout the city and to have these school flashers in oper- ation by the fall. The cost of this project is $26,050 to be funded through a $37,239 reimbursement from the Highway Depart- ment. Councilman Brown moved approval of authorizing the staff to pro- ceed with the bid proposals for the school flashers. The motion was seconded by Councilman Tongco which carried unan- imously, 6-0, with Councilman Haddox absent. Mr. Ash explained Task 3. This request was for a study of 4-way stop warrants at two intersections along Deacon - the intersec- . 06072 CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987 PAGE 7 tion at Longmire, and the one at Rio Grande. He quoted from the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control explaining the warrants for multi-way stop. Mr. Ash noted that although the volumes shown do not meet the major warrant for a 4-way stop, the numbers shown on the tabulation are very similar at specific hours and indicate that the main street and cross streets are loaded at the same time during particular periods. This situation could be a reason to provide signs at the intersection, if council desires. Drivers would then have to stop at all times at the intersection, even when pedestrian traffic is not present. Councilman Boughton asked what the staff recommends. Mr. Ash re- sponded that the staff's recommendation is to continue to monitor the intersections and place 4-way stops at a later date. Councilman Bond inquired about a crosswalk. Mr. Ash replied that there is a pedestrian crosswalk at Rio Grande and the majority of pedestrians are children going to the park. Councilman Tongco noted that when the flashing signals are in- stalled this fall near the schools, a check should be made to determine their effectiveness in lowering traffic speeds. Mayor Ringer noted that this item will be on the regular agenda of March 26, 1987. Agenda Item No. 5 - Discussion of a proposed ordinance amending and supercedin~ Ordinance No. 1301, the Flood Hazard Protection Ordinance. City Engineer David Pullen presented this item. He summarized the changes in the ordinance, and explained that the changes relate to definitions and not regulations. This action is to comply with the Federal Emergency Management Act which became effective October 1, 1986. April 1, 1987 is the deadline for adopting changes in the flood insurance program. Councilman Tongco noted that she had difficulty interpreting paragraph one, page 10 of the proposed ordinance, relating to the issuance of variances. Mr. Pullen replied that this statement relates to the aesthetic consideration and he anticipates that it probably would relate to changes in flood plain elevation. Mayor Ringer noted that a number of points were raised in the letter from FEMA; he asked if these points were addressed in the ordinance. Mr. Pullen replied affirmatively. Mr. Pullen pointed out that the FEMA strongly recommends that a community apply 06073 CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987 PAGE 8 greater restrictions than the minimum requirements stated in the city's current ordinance. He stated that this ordinance has language similar to the drainage ordinance, but the drainage ordinance does not replace this ordinance. Councilman Tongco noted that the Flood Protection Ordinance will be updated to com- ply with the drainage ordinance. Mr. Pullen stated that the flood insurance program requires pas- sage of this ordinance as a prerequisite in the flood insur- ance program and the staff does not want to jeopardize the city's position in this program. Agenda Item No. 6 - Adjourn. Councilman Boughton made a motion to adjourn. Mayor Ringer adjourned the meeting at 6:15 p.m. APPROVED: ATTEST: ~ian Jo~es~City Secretary .06074 GUEST REGISTER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987 5:00 P.M. 17. 18. e 19. 20. 21. 22. ® 23. 24. 25. 10. 26. 11. 27. 12. 28. 13. 29. 14. 30. 15. 31. 16. 32. 006075