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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/08/1987 - Regular Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1987 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ringer, Councilmen Bond, Brown, Boughton, Tongco, Haddox, Jones COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Cole, Assistant City Manager Ragland, City Attorney Locke, City Secretary Jones, Director of Capital Improvements Ash, City Engineer Pullen, Interim Director of Planning Callaway STUDENT GOV'T LIAISON: Absent VISITORS PRESENT: See guest register. Aqenda Item No. 1 - Council Concerns. Councilman Boughton reported that as council liaison, she attended the recent meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The Board had under consideration a request from Oak Forest Mobile Home Park for a variance for a sign; and, Board members discovered that signs for mobile home parks are not addressed by ordinance. They granted the variance but expressed concern over the omission from ordinance and requested Councilman Boughton to mention the matter to the City Council. Councilman Boughton stated that one boardmember pointed out that the use of industrial or modular type housing is increasing and College Station will see more of it in the future. Mayor Ringer recalled that a previous council had discussed modular housing proposed for a North Gate location; as a result, some changes were made to the building code. He requested that the city attorney look at the sign ordinance in relation to requlating signs for this type of housing. City Attorney Locke noted that Jim Callaway and Jane Kee were researching the question, and that recommendations would be drafted for the council. 005988 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1987 PAGE 2 Mayor Ringer commented that probably the regulation should be similar to that for apartment-type housing. Councilman Boughton concurred and added that the Zoning Board of Adjustment had suggested a similar approach. Mayor Ringer stated that a Munson Drive resident who lives between Francis and Lincoln, had commented about the increased traffic in that neighborhood. The individual expressed concern about the excessive speed of vehicles travelling that stretch of roadway and said that the problem is particularly bad during evening hours. City Manager Cole stated that he would notify the police department. Mayor Ringer announced that on February 2nd, the Texas Municipal League will hold a meeting in Austin to give city officials and their legislators an opportunity to talk about the upcoming legislative session. He noted that City Manager Cole would invite Senator Caperton and Representative Smith to join the council for lunch and discussion. He also announced that the City of Granger will host a meeting on January 29th for Region X of the TML. Agenda Item No. 2 - City Manager Concerns. City Manager Cole stated that the budget process was recently initiated for the 1987-88 fiscal year and that he would like to have a session within the next month or six weeks to allow preliminary input from the councilmembers. He suggested that the council could express their concerns about specific budgetary matters, recommend directions to go financially during the coming year, and have a general discussion that could help imprint their philosophy upon the budget preparation. He noted that a special meeting would not be necessary and that he would schedule the session for one of the workshop meetings. City Manager Cole stated that several of the councilmembers had received letters from Martin's Uniform Company concerning the recent award of bid for new uniforms for the College Station Police Department. He explained that although Martin's bid had been the low one, the staff had recommended the second lowest and the council awarded the bid according to the staff recommendation. Mr. Cole said that the letters from Martin's were to protest this action and to ask for a meeting to review this matter. 0059S9 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1987 PAGE 3 City Manager Cole pointed out that the decision not to use Martin's was based on two key items. By not submitting a sample uniform, Martin's had failed to meet one of the primary specifi- cations; to date, they have not sent a uniform for inspection as required by the city. Secondly, the city has documentation of at least eight reference checks; unfavorable comments were made about the quality and about the service provided by the company. Mr. Cole stated his belief that the staff recommendation was the best recommendation and that the council took appropriate action. He noted that the city attorney has determined that the city has no legal requirement to respond in any fashion to Martin's. City Manager Cole stated that public announcements have been published about the sale of McCaw Cablevision to Jack Kent Cooke. He distributed press releases that had been provided by the company. A~enda Item No. 3 - Approval of the minutes of the City Council Workshop Meetinq, December 10, 1986, and the City Council Regular Meeting, December 11, 1986. Councilman Boughton pointed out that the name of Councilman Haddox was omitted from the list of councilmembers present at the workshop meeting held on December 10th. The minutes were approved with the above correction. Agenda Item No. 4 - CONSENT AGENDA: PLATS: 86-216 - Final Plat - Emerald Park. The plat was approved by common consent. A~enda Item No. 5 - Consideration of a Resolution designatinq City votin~ precincts for an election to be held on April 4, 1987. City Secretary Dian Jones stated that council packets contained a proposed resolution listing the voting precincts to be used in the city election on April 4, 1987. She explained that the precincts needed to be determined so that election personnel could be obtained. She noted that in 1986 the Brazos County Commissioners had divided Precinct No. 32 into two voting precincts, No. 32 and No. 39, and also Precinct No. 10 into two votinq precincts, No. 10 and No. 40. The new precincts have been used recently in county elections, with voters ballotiL~g at Aldersgate United Methodist Church (40) and at the Tennis ~05990 Center-Southwood Valley Athletic Park (39). She stated that the' CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1987 PAGE 4 College Station Independent School District has the responsi- bility of contacting election personnel for the 1987 election and has suggested that the list of city/school voting precincts be expanded to include precincts No. 39 and No. 40; therefore, these two were included in the proposed Resolution for council con- sideration. She noted that each new voting precinct the council approved would add approximately $250 to the cost of the elec- tion. Councilman Brown moved to approve Resolution No. 01-08-87-05 to include the additional voting precincts. The motion was seconded by Councilman Haddox, and was approved unanimously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 6 - Consideration of an ordinance annexing 202.12 acre tract of land located approximately 2000 feet south of Greens Prairie Road. Jim Callaway, Interim Director of Planning, stated that the ordinance under consideration would add approximately 202.12 acres to the city. He noted that the tract belongs to Mr. W. D. Fitch and is contiguous to the city's southern boundary line and adjacent to the east side of State Highway 6. He stated that two public hearings on the question of this annexation were held in December, and the Planning and Zoning Commission and the planning staff both recommend annexation. City Engineer David Pullen commented that in making a final review of the Service Plan he would like to clarify the statements under "b. Fire" and "c. Emergency Medical Service" which indicate that no additional equipment or personnel will be required to serve the expanded city. He explained that under the current status and existing conditions, it is true that no additional equipment or personnel will be needed to service this annexation. However, as the expanded area of the city is developed, both personnel and equipment will need to be added to the fire department and the emergency medical service in order to maintain the city's insurance rating. Councilman Boughton moved approval of Ordinance No. 1691 to receive a 202.12 acre tract into the city limits. The motion was seconded by Councilman Tongco, and was approved unanimously, 7-0. CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1987 PAGE 5 Agenda Item No. 7 - Consideration of authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Jensen-Oldani and Associates to conduct an executive search for a new College Station Police Chief. City Manager Cole stated that the retirement of Police Chief Marvin Byrd created the need to select a new chief. Mr. Cole stated that his recommendation is to retain a firm to conduct this search; therefore, he has contacted Jensen-Oldani, of Bellevue, Washington. He explained that he had asked only the one firm for a proposal and noted that Jensen-Oldani has more experience in the field of police chief search than does any other executive search firm. He stated that a large Dercentaqe of the company's work has been done in Texas. The amount of the contract would be $11,250 plus expenses directly related to the search. City Manager Cole stated that several of the council members had expressed concern because of the lack of specific information about the amount for the related expenses. Mr. Cole pointed out that no estimate can be made until the candidates are located and the distances involved are determined. Mr. Cole noted that the Council will have control over that part since they will decide which candidates are to be interviewed by the firm; and, the council will directly approve in advance any expenses before they are incurred. City Manager Cole stated his belief that because of the nature of this community, the office of police chief is the most important appointment made, due to the significant powers vested in the position. He commented that the most reasonable approach to ensure that the best appointment is made, is to employ professionals to conduct the search. He mentioned that the final candidates will have their names publicized by the media, which will put them in a defensive position. Under the circumstances, the best candidates may not come forward if the city were to rely on advertisements. A search firm has the expertise to overcome this problem. To get the best candidates, the use of a search firm is a wise expenditure. Councilman Haddox asked if Jensen-Oldani has an office in Texas. He commented about the transportation expenses from their Washington base. City Manager Cole replied that he was not sure; however, one-third of the firm's work is done in Texas. Councilman Brown inquired about the amount of expenses paid by the other cities in Texas who used Jensen-Oldani. City Manager Cole explained that he had called some of the Texas cities who used the firm but had not asked for that specific information. CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1987 PAGE 6 Councilman Boughton stated that several members of the local business community had expressed their feeling that the use of a search team would be too expensive. She mentioned that the business people to whom she referred thought that the council would make the selection of the police chief; however, the city manager is the authority who will do so. She stated that these people also were not aware that the city had employed a search firm to hire a city manager, and that a large expense was involved but was justified by the selection made. Mayor Ringer pointed out that he, too, wondered about the travel expenses of the Jensen-Oldani people, as questioned by Councilman Haddox. He stated that this item was not clear in the proposal. City Manager Cole replied that he did not think those expenses would be charged to the city; however, he would be sure that this point was clarified. Councilman Bond stated that he considered an important part of the selection process, would be to choose a chief whose cultural background would be compatible with that of the local situation. Mr. Cole said that he anticipated the final candidates would be from the Southwest and particularly, Texas. Councilman Bond asked if employment of a search firm would preclude consideration of other applications. Mr. Cole replied that it would not. Councilman Bond moved approval of the request to authorize the city manager to enter into a contract with Jensen-Oldani and Associates to conduct an executive search for a new College Station Police Chief. Councilman Tongco seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 8 - Consideration of a Resolution authorizing the acquisition of a portion of property owned by Anton and Joan Slafka for the construction of Millers Lane. City Attorney Cathy Locke summarized the need for the proposed Resolution. She noted that in 1984 the Council passed an ordinance declaring the expansion and extension of Miller's Lane a necessity. It was determined that the staff would proceed with the purchase of right-of-way upon the Highway Department's agreement to construct the road. Mrs. Locke stated that all of the right-of-way except that on the Slafka tract had been acquired by voluntary purchase. She noted that this strip of right-of-way would be approximately 80' x 50'. 005993 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1987 PAGE 7 Councilman Bond asked if assessments would be inherent in this project. City Attorney Locke stated that currently the proposal is for the state to build the road and the city's responsibility is to acquire the right-of-way. However, the city may be responsible for curb and gutter. Councilman Bond asked why the state would do this construction. Councilman Boughton noted that this project is part of the extension of 2818. City Attorney Locke pointed out that the purpose of the Resolu- tion is to authorize the staff, should voluntary purchase become impossible, to begin condemnation proceedings. Councilman Brown moved approval of Resolution No. 01-08-87-08. The motion was seconded by Councilman Boughton, and was approved by a unanimous vote of 7-0. A~enda Item No. 9 - Consideration of oversize participation in an 18" waterline at Greens Prairie Road and Texas Avenue. City Engineer David Pullen referred to a previous meeting of the council when the proposal was introduced to enter into an oversize participation project with W. D. Fitch to construct an 18" water line . This project would answer the need to provide relocation of the 6" water line presently in service. Mr. Pullen referred to a letter from Mr. Fitch which states his willingness to participate in this endeavor, and discusses a time limit and the amount of money to be involved. Councilman Brown inquired about the highway department rebate connected with the removal of the 6" waterline from the Highway 6 right-of-way. Mr. Pullen replied that he had discussed the situation with officials at the highway department and they are looking into the matter. Councilman Haddox asked for clarification of the amount to be saved by the City if the proposal from Mr. Fitch is accepted. City Engineer Pullen estimated the amount to be from $25,000 to $26,000. City Engineer stated that the highway project will be bid in May, and will include the Dartmouth exchange. The right-of-way and easement agreements have to be cleared prior to the date the bid is let. After further discussion to determine the advantage of accepting the proposal from Mr. Fitch, a motion was made by Councilman Haddox to enter into an oversize participation agreement with W. D. Fitch for the construction of an 18" waterline. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion. 05994 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1987 PAGE 8 Councilman Bond asked if the land agreement with Mr. Fitch addressed provision of a water line. Councilman Haddox stated that no requirement was included from Mr. Fitch to bring water to the industrial tract. The agreement did state that he would bring sewer to the tract. The motion to enter into the agreement was approved unanimously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 10 - Hear Visitors. No one spoke. Agenda Item No. 11 - Closed session to discuss pending litigation [6252-17(2)(e)], and personnel [6552-17(2)(9)]. Mayor Ringer announced that the Council would move to executive session to discuss pending litigation and administrative personnel. Agenda Item No. 12 - Action on closed session. No action was taken. Agenda Item No. 13 - Adjourn. ATTEST: APPROVED: Dian Jone ,~_~t¥ Secretary 05995 GUEST REGISTER CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1987 7:00 P.M. 19. 20. 21. 4. ~ 22. 23. 24. 25. Se e 26. 27. 10. 28. 11. 29. 12. 30. 13. 31. 14. 32. 15. 33. 16. 34. 17. 35. 18. 36. 005999