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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/14/1987 - Regular Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1987 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ringer, Councilmen Haddox, Brown, Jones, McIlhaney, Boughton, Gardner COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Cole, Assistant City Manager Ragland, Director of Capital Improvements Ash, City Secretary Jones, City Attorney Locke, Director of Parks and Recreation Beachy, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Cisneros, Finance Administrative Assistant Barnett, Deputy Finance Director Schroeder, Capt. John Kennedy, Public Information Officer Calliham, Council Coordinator Hooks STUDENT GOV'T LIAISON: Kevin Buchman VISITORS PRESENT: See guest register. Agenda Item No. 1 - Approval of the minutes of the City Council Workshop Meeting, April 22, 1987 and the City Council Regular Meeting, April 23, 1987. Councilman Gardner corrected the workshop meeting minutes on page 6, paragraph 3, changing the words "civic center" to read "civic buildings" and substituting "semi-public uses such as a community theatre" for "community center". Councilman Haddox moved approval of the minutes with the cor- rections. Councilman Jones seconded the motion which was ap- proved unanimously, 7-0. " 06185 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1987 Page 2 Agenda Item No. 2 - A public hearin9 on 1987-88 Revenue Sharin9 and Operatin~ Budgets. Mayor Ringer opened the public hearing. Mr. George Hodnett of 602 Luther came forward to express his con- cern in opposition to the closing of Thomas Park Pool. He noted that the City of College Station Parks and Recreation Service has proposed the closing of Thomas Park Pool during the months of October thru May. He noted that swimming programs would be available at Aerofit Pool. In his opinion, most of the people who use the Thomas Park Pool would not be able to utilize the Aerofit pool because it closes at 5:00 p.m. and persons would not be able to swim after work. Mr. Hodnett explained his alter- native proposal. He noted that the cost incurred to open Thomas Pool from September until May is $107,834. He noted that the alternative cost to utilize the Aerofit Pool from 8:00-5:00 is $68,437 from September until the first of May. Mr. Hodnett re- quested that Thomas Park Pool remain open until the middle of November and be closed in December, January, and February. Mayor Ringer commented that the information received by the Council states that an average of 45 people per day use the pool- during the winter months. Mr. Hodnett responded that he did not feel that the average number shown was accurate for the months of October, April, and May. Mayor Ringer noted that the City of Bryan has a pool available year-round. Judy Wagner of Rt 5. Box 1334, came forward to express the need to keep the Thomas Park Pool open. Councilman Brown asked if the same opportunities could be offered at Aerofit. Ms. Wagner re- plied that many people cannot afford the fees. She stated that the swimming program in College Station is a very good program containing master swimmers and swimming leagues. She noted that she had spoken with Mr. Szabuniewicz, and he stated that a solar cover costing $8,000 would decrease the costs of electric and gas bills. Director of Parks and Recreation Beachy stated that there is no agreement with Aerofit to spend $68,000 to have swimming programs in the winter. Ms. Wagner suggested closing the pool at Thanks- giving and opening the first of May. Mr. Szabuniewicz had re- sponded that this proposal would cost approximately $25,000- $40,000 including buying the $8,000 solar cover. Councilman Boughton reiterated that the pool would be closed all winter and there were programs set up for the swim team and swimming pro- 06186 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1987 Page 3 grams with Aerofit. Mr. Beachy replied that the swim programs are not set up with Aerofit at this time. He stated that the Parks Board's recommendation is to change the priorities from winter pool operation to increased maintenance and beautifi- cation in the parks system and eliminate the open swim program. Councilman Brown noted that he would favor a compromise and close the pool for a limited amount of time. Mr. Beachy verified the open dates for Thomas Park Pool: May 1 thru the end of September. Ms. Wagner proposed to close the pool at Thanksgiving and open it the first of March. Mr. Will Worley, 1001 Village Drive, a member of the Parks and Recreation Board, stated that Aerofit has the facilities for master swimmers and he noted that both high schools occupy the pool during the winter session. The Board agreed that Bryan had two heated pools, City of Bryan and Aerofit, and the swimming program could be supplemented at the Aerofit pool for general swimmers. David Dromnes, 3913 Sierra, came forward to speak on behalf of MHMR. He noted that the Council allocated $54,000 to MHMR in the past. The State has indicated that they will continue funding to the MHMR Brazos Valley. He stated that the present request from the City is $60,000. These funds will be allocated for the in- fant stimulation program, allowing teachers to help children with mental disabilities from 0-3 years of age. Also, funding will be spent toward emergency screening and community support programs. Mayor Ringer stated that the MHMR funding request is proposed in the Community Development Budget. Mayor Ringer closed the public hearing. A~enda Item No. 3 - Consideration of the 1987-88 Basic Budqets for the General Fund, Utility Fund, and Sanitation Fund. Councilman Brown suggested a compromise which would allow part of the on-going programs from last year. Councilman Haddox pointed out that the parks are for the people, and he noted that College Station has a good reputation for parks and recreation facili- ties. Councilman Boughton stated that she received many calls from citizens who were extremely concerned about being able to swim in order to stay fit. These people were not necessarily in- volved in the swim programs offered. She added that the Bryan Aquatic Center would be open for the winter months, and she found q06187 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1987 Page 4 it difficult to keep Thomas Park Pool open for a few people, especially during the budget situation the City is facing and the economic hardships of the community. Councilman Brown suggested closing the pool from November 15 thru March 15. Councilman McIlhaney agreed with Councilman Brown's suggestion for a compromise to allow the program to continue. Mayor Ringer commented that the use of the parks is what many of the citizens enjoy. Also, Bryan has agreed to charge College Station residents the same as the Bryan residents for their use during the winter months. Councilman Haddox asked when the monies would be expended in the parks and recreation programs instead of using the monies in the winter swim program. Mr. Beachy replied that the Board's main priority is the increase of beautification of the parks which means there are ongoing costs for maintenance. Councilman Jones asked if the mid winter months are the most costly with regard to keeping the pool open. Mr. Beachy replied that the utilities are the highest, and the greatest expense is the personnel ex- pense and the salary of the lifeguard. If the Council desires, the budget figures could be readjusted to reflect the winter swim program. Mr. Pete Binon of Rt.4 Box 490 came forward to express opposition to the closing of Thomas Park Pool. He suggested that the fees could be raised during the winter months. Many people have agreed to pay more compensation in order to have a pool during the winter months. Mr. Beachy noted that general admission is $1.00 daily and an annual pass is $200.00. Councilman Brown moved to approve the Revenue Sharing and Opera- ting Budgets for FY 87-88 changing the Parks and Recreation Basic Budget in the General Fund to close Thomas Park Pool from Novem- ber 15-March 15. Councilman Jones seconded the motion, which was approved by a vote of 6-0 with Councilman Gardner temporarily absent. Councilman McIlhaney moved to approve the Utility Fund and Sani- tation Fund as presented by staff. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 4 - Consent Agenda. Bids: ~87-30 - Truck Cab Chassis - 2 each. - Parkland Dedication Fund Construction Projects. Councilman Gardner removed the parkland dedication fund con- 06188 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1987 Page 5 struction projects from the consent agenda. Bid #87-30 was ap- proved by common consent. Councilman Gardner asked if the monies are spent on neighborhood parks which were not built by the City, specifically Hensel Park. Mayor Ringer noted that the parkland dedication ordinance speci- fies zones defined by major arterial streets and the monies originated in these zones from parkland dedication must be spent in that same zone. Mayor Ringer stated that Hensel Park serves as the "neighborhood" park in that zone by default. It is the only park in the Northgate zone. Councilman Boughton noted that the City has furnished a playground to serve the area. Councilman Boughton moved to approve the bids for parkland dedi- cation fund projects as recommended by staff. Councilman McIlhaney seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 5 - Consideration of award of contract for con- struction of the Lick Creek Wastewater Lines "A" and "C". CIP Director Elrey Ash presented this item. He referred to the graphic depicting the wastewater treatment plant location in Lick Creek Park. He stated that Sewer Line "A" would travel from the Wastewater Treatment Plant to the proposed roadway at Texas Avenue and through to Rock Prairie Road. Sewer Line "C" is pro- posed to travel from the roadway to Greens Prairie Road. The staff recommended the bid Pate and Pate Enterprises in the amount of $710,290.32. Councilman Brown moved approval of the award of contract for con- struction of Lick Creek Wastewater Lines "A" and "C" to Pate and Pate Enterprises in the amount of $710,290.32. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion. Councilman Gardner reported that he has written the Council a memorandum regarding the proposed wastewater treatment facili- ties. He pointed out a few major concerns. - There is no need for the expenditure of $2 1/4 million at this time. The existing plant contains enough vacant developable land to accommodate growth projected to the year 2000. - The forthcoming Greenleaf Hospital service demand could be utilized by the City providing a 100,000 gallon per day package plant at a cost between $200,000 and $300,000. - The funding of this project by the use of interest earned on investment of voter-approved but unused utility bond funds is legal, but it is troublesome. 06 89 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1987 Page 6 Councilman Gardner discussed his recommendations. - Defer the passage of the ordinance approving the Sewer Lines and the Wastewater Treatment Plant until the time is more appropriate. - Obtain bids for and construct a 100,000 gallon package plant at Alternate #1 site. - Conduct comprehensive review and evaluation of overall "Southend" situation. Councilman Boughton stated that the Council considered all points when the decision was made to build this wastewater treatment plant. Mayor Ringer noted that the Council reviewed the costs, the land which could be served, and the possibility of other development, the salvageable costs of the package plants. Councilman Haddox disagreed with Councilman Gardner's remarks. He noted that we have $3 million dollars worth of land with a road (Greens Prairie Road), a water tower, and electricity; the only service lacking is providing sewer. It does not make sense to stop short now and not complete the services. Mr. Haddox stated that the 500,000 gallon plant would provide for a greater area to be used and when the permanent plant is built there would be less loss in monies. He added that the proper utilities will help make the area grow. The motion to approve the award of contract for the construction of Lick Creek Wastewater Lines "A" and "C" was approved by a vote of 6-1, Councilman Gardner voting against. Agenda Item No. 6 - Consideration of award of contract for con- struction of Lick Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. Mr. Ash stated that the low bidder was B-5 Construction Company from Oakwood, Texas. The staff recommended approval of the bid for $1,141,844,00. Councilman Haddox moved approval of the low bid to B-5 Con- struction Company for the construction of the Lick Creek Waste- water Treatment Plant. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 6-1, Councilman Gardner voting against. '06190 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1987 Page 7 Agenda Item No. 7 - Consideration of a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Intaglio, Inc. for the pub- lication of "A Pictorial History of College Station, Texas." Mayor Ringer noted that this item is being presented by the Historic Preservation Committee for the publication of the Pictorial History of College Station to commemorate the 50th birthday of the City. Dr. Henry Dethloff has agreed to edit and print this publication. The Committee has projected that the revenue from the sale of the book will cover the costs of the publication. Councilman Boughton moved approval of the resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Intaglio, Inc. Councilman McIlhaney seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 6-0, with Councilman Brown temporarily absent. A~enda Item No. 8 - Consideration of an ordinance closing the hearin~ 9iven to the real and true property owners abuttin~ upon Holleman Street as to Special Benefits to accrue to said property by virtue of the improvement of said street. Mayor Ringer noted that this item was returned from the meeting of April 23, 1987. City Attorney Locke stated that the apprais- als have been provided to the Council at their request. Councilman Haddox stated the assessment which is being charged to each property owner is determined by the costs divided by the linear footage of the property fronting the street. City Attor- ney Locke replied that the statute defines that the assessment costs cannot exceed the enhanced value. Councilman Haddox pointed out that if the enhancement value was considerably lower than the assessment, then it would not affect the assessment shown. Mayor Ringer noted that there is a case (Frank M. Kahan tract) where the enhancement value is smaller than the gross assessment. Councilman Boughton moved approval of Ordinance No. 1703 closing the hearing given to the real and true property owners abutting upon Holleman Street. Councilman Jones seconded the motion which was approved unanimously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 9 - Consideration of an ordinance closin~ the hearin~ given to the real and true property owners abutting upon Dartmouth Street as to special benefits to accrue to said property by virtue of the improvement of said street. *0619t CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1987 Page 8 Councilman Brown moved approval of Ordinance No. 1704 closing the hearing given to the real and true property owners abutting upon Dartmouth Street. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 10 - Consideration of a resolution expressing the support of the City of College Station, Texas for the efforts to locate the Superconducting Super Collider in Burleson County, Texas. Mayor Ringer noted that the information gathered in the proposal will be available and used to attract industrial development in the area. Councilman Haddox added that this effort by the sur- rounding communities showed cooperation in working together for a good cause. Councilman Jones moved for approval of the resolution expressing the support of the City of College Station for the efforts to locate the Superconducting Super Collider. Councilman Haddox seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 11 - Report on recommendations of the Municipal Sign Board regarding off-premise signs. City Attorney Locke described the signs: "I love Linda" sign, a sign on Nagle Street advertising the Circle Drive-In, and the McCo-Ad sign advertising Readfield Meats. She provided photo- graphs of these signs. The Board met and made two recommenda- tions. They recommended payment of $8,100 to McCo-Ad as compen- sation for the removal of the "Readfield Meats" sign. The "I Love Linda" sign has no value. Councilman Brown moved approval of the Sign Board's recommenda- tions. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion. Councilman Haddox commented that he does not agree with the Board's recommendation for removal of the "Readfield Meats" sign. City Attorney Locke stated that the decision to remove the sign is at Council's discretion, but the Council does not have a choice on the compensation for the removal of the sign. Councilman Brown moved to retract Boughton seconded the motion. his motion. Councilman 06192 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1987 Page 9 City Attorney Locke pointed out that the cost of removal may change because the rental value may increase. 'Councilman Brown added that there is a chance someone may purchase the property and remove the sign. Councilman Haddox moved approval of the removal of the "I Love Linda" sign and the agreement with Mr. Boyett on the removal of the Nagle Street sign. Councilman Brown seconded the motion, which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. Councilman Boughton made the motion to remove Agenda Item No. 8 from the table. Councilman McIlhaney seconded the motion which was approved unanimously, 7-0. Councilman Boughton moved approval of Ordinance No. 1703. Coun- cilman Jones seconded the motion, which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. Councilman McIlhaney made the motion to remove Agenda Item No. 9 from the table. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously, 7-0. Councilman Brown moved approval of Ordinance No. 1704. Coun- cilman Boughton seconded the motion, which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 12 - Consideration of the telecommunications project - installation of Overhead Cable Network. City Manager Cole asked the Council for a recommendation for in- stalling phone systems at the Police Department and the Utility Service Center. The staff will research options to finance the recommendation and report back to the Council at a future date. Ms. McCartney stated that the GTE proposal will be discussed at a future meeting. Councilman Brown moved approval to direct staff to proceed with the study on the City installing its own cable network. Council- man Boughton seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously, 7-0. 0619 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1987 Page 10 Agenda Item No. 13 - Consideration of Learn-To-Swim program pro- posal for implementation of an additional program site at Aerofit Health and Fitness Club. Steve Beachy, Director of Parks and Recreation, described this item. He stated that the request is to conduct swimming instruc- tion programs at the Aerofit Club in Bryan. This would allow an additional Learn-To-Swim program site. He noted that the College Station pools are heavily used from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. by the general public, and they are not available for instructional pro- grams. The Aerofit Club would charge $15.00 of which the City would receive $11.70 and Aerofit would receive the remaining $3.30. Mr. Beachy emphasized that the Parks and Recreation Department will be starting an aggressive campaign to increase swimming instruction and to improve the marketing program. Councilman Jones moved approval of the the Learn-To-Swim summer program at Aerofit Health and Fitness Club. Councilman Haddox seconded the motion which was approved unanimously, 7-0. A~enda Item No. 14 - Consideration of an ordinance to amend the Code of Ordinances by revisin~ the Code relatin~ to fire lane markings. City Manager Cole explained that this issue was raised a year ago when Municipal Court received citations for vehicles parked with- in fire lanes in apartment complexes. The staff developed a new marking system that was implemented by an ordinance. After the ordinance was passed, the apartments began to make changes, and discovered that the costs associated in complying with the ordi- nance and additional painting, would be $5,000-$7,000. Fire Marshall Harry Davis stated that Mr. John Black designed a sign stating "Fire Lane Designated Parking Only". These signs will be installed at the entrances of apartment complexes. He noted that the largest apartment complex may need only four to five signs. Passing of the ordinance gives the property owners the option of either the 8 inch stripe or the placement of the signs. Councilman Brown moved approval of Ordinance No. 1705 amending the Code of Ordinances relating to fire lane markings. Council- man McIlhaney seconded the motion which was approved unanimous- ly, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 15 - Consideration of a resolution endorsin~ the "Build Texas" pro~ram designed to encourage construction of public facilities and help the economy. 0619 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1987 Page 11 Mayor Ringer noted that this is a proposal which comes about from a joint effort of TML, state goverment leaders, and Lieutenant Governor Hobby to fund public buildings and set up programs to replace the federal fundings. City Manager Cole pointed out that this program is proposed by Lt. Gov. Hobby to be a stimulus to the economy in Texas which would solve a number of problems, one being the state prison problem. The Droposed bond issue would allow $300 million in general obligation bonds for the construction of prisons, youth correction facilities and mental health/mental retardation facil- ities, $400 million for public facility loans and grants to local governments. Councilman Jones moved approval of the resolution endorsing the "Build Texas Program". Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 7-0. AGenda Item No. 16 - Consideration of an ordinance to amend the Code to include a new Section 4 pertainin~ to vicious animals. City Attorney Locke explained that the animal control officers are dealing with problems relating to vicious animals. She noted that the ordinance was compiled with the City of Bryan ordinance and only minor changes were made. Councilman Haddox referred to Section 4A (3)b, defining vicious animals. He asked that the word "and" replace the word "or" after the words physical nature. He asked if the section re- lating to guard dogs applies to residential owners as well as commercial property owners. Ms. Locke replied affirmatively. Councilman Haddox moved approval of Ordinance No. 1706 subject to changing Section 4A (3)b, replacing the word "or" by adding "and" after the words physical nature. Councilman Brown seconded the motion. After further discussion, Councilman Haddox withdrew the motion. Councilman Brown seconded the motion. Councilman Haddox moved approval of Ordinance No. 1706 subject to changing Section 4A (3)b reading as follows: "Vicious animals shall mean any animal which because of its vicious propensity is 06195 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1987 Page 12 capable of inflicting serious physical harm or death to a human which would constitute a danger to human life or property." Councilman Brown seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 17 - Consideration of an ordinance to amend Chapter 10, Section 4 of the Code of Ordinances by adding regulations for impounding vehicles for unpaid parking violations. City Attorney Locke explained this item. The ordinance is a step-by-step procedure for towing illegally parked cars after five parking violations have been received. She noted that there will be no towing or impoundments procedures without court order. This gives the owner an opportunity for a hearing. Councilman Jones moved approval of Ordinance No. 1707 amending Chapter 10, Section 4 of the Code by adding regulations for im- pounding vehicles for unpaid parking violations. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 7-0. Agenda Item No. 18 - Hear Visitors. No one spoke. Agenda Item No. 19 - Adjourn. Councilman Jones moved to adjourn the meeting. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 7-0. Mayor Ringer declared the meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. ATTE ST: City Sectary Dian Jones APPROVE D: Mayo'l"- L~ ~ l~r 06196 GUEST REGISTER CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1987 7:00 P.M. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 10. 24. 11. 25. 12. 26. 13. 27. 14. 28.