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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/14/1985 - Regular Minutes City Council MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1985 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Halter, Councilmen Boughton, McIlhaney, Prause, Runnels COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilman Anderson STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Bardell, Assistant City Manager VanDever, City Attorney Locke, Director of Capital Improvements Ash, City Secretary Jones, Deputy Finance Director Schroeder, Personnel Manager Dickson, Purchasing Agent McCartney, Assistant Parks Director Czimskey, City Engineer Pullen, Council Coordinator Jones STUDENT GOVT. LIAISON: Mike Hachtman VISITORS PRESENT: See guest register. Agenda Item No. 1 - Signing of a proclamation designating the week of February 18-24, 1985 as "National Patriotism Week" in College Station, Texas. Mayor Halter signed a proclamation designating the week of February 18-24, 1985 as "National Patriotism Week". Colonel Gene Oates and Mr. Bill Farmer were present to accept the proclama- tion. Agenda Item No. 2 - Signing of a proclamation designating the month of February, 1985 as "Black History Month" in College Station, Texas. Mayor Halter signed a proclamation designating the month of February, 1985 as "Black History Month" in College Station, Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Otha Byrd were present to accept the procla- mation. Agenda Item No. 3 - Approval of the minutes of the Workshop City Council Meeting, January 23, 1985 and the Regular City Council Meeting, January 24, 1985. Councilman Prause moved approval of the minutes of the Workshop City Council Meeting, January 23, 1985 and the Regular City Coun- cil Meeting, January 24, 1985. Councilman Runnels seconded the motion which was approved unani- mously, 5-0. 006780 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1985 PAGE 2 Agenda Item No. 4 - CONSENT AGENDA: BIDS: Miscellaneous 3-phase transformers (Bid 85-38) The item was approved by common consent. AGenda Item No. 5 - Consideration of Award of Bids for traffic signal construction. Director of Capital Improvements Ash presented the item. He ex- plained that plans and specifications for these signals were pre- pared by Walton and Associates and submitted to seven firms in the State. He recommended that the low bid of $251,000.00 from Electric Power Specialists be accepted because of their reputa- tion and experience in the electrical contracting business. He listed the traffic signals included in this proposal and noted that the scheduled completion date for the project is October 1, 1985: (1) Southwest Parkway - Anderson; (2) Southwest Parkway - Glade St.; (3) Southwest Parkway - Southwood Drive; (4) Southwest Parkway - Welsh Avenue; (5) FM 2818 - Welsh Avenue; and, (6) FM 2154 - Holleman. He further noted that bids were taken for traf- fic signal cabinets and controllers to be installed by the State Highway Department at other locations. He stated that the low bidder for this Group I, Alternate C Bid was Texas Signal Equip- ment in the amount of $82,253.00. Traffic Engineer Black stated that the city had intended to in- clude the construction of a signal at Southwest Parkway and Well- born Road in this proposal; however, construction of this signal will be made possible with funds appropriated from the Highway Department, which will release city funds to provide for the pur- chase of controller equipment for both the city and Highway De- partment signals. Councilman McIlhaney asked when the traffic signals to be con- structed by the Highway Department are scheduled for completion. Traffic Engineer Black stated that a tentative completion date for these signals would be February or March, 1986. Councilman Boughton moved to award the contract for traffic sig- nal construction to Electric Power Specialists in the amount of $251,000.00 and the contract for traffic signal cabinets and con- trollers to Texas Signal Equipment in the amount of $82,253.00. Councilman McIlhaney seconded the motion which was approved unan- imously, 5-0. 00 781 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1985 PAGE 3 Agenda Item No. 6 - Consideration of Award of Bids for construc- tion of a Storm Drain adjacent to the north boundary of the Dexter Place Subdivision. Director of Capital Improvements Ash presented the item. He rec- ommended that the contract be awarded to Ray Bewley and Sons, the low bidder, in the amount of $40,210.04. He explained that the bid is for the completion of 923 linear feet of storm drain in- cluding junction boxes and inlets. Councilman Runnels moved to award the contract for the construc- tion of a storm drain adjacent to the north boundary of the Dex- ter Place Subdivision to Ray Bewley, the low bidder, in the amount of $40,210.04. Councilman Prause seconded the motion which was approved unani- mously, 5-0. Agenda Item No. 7 - Consideration of an Ordinance ordering a Gen- eral Municipal Election in the City of College Station, Texas on Saturday, April 6, 1985, for the election of Councilmen for Places 1, 3, and 5; fixing the time, place, and manner of holding the Election and appointing judges and clerks thereof. City Secretary Jones presented the item. She stated that the proposed ordinance appoints the judges and alternate judges and establishes the polling places for the Election. She noted that the proposed ordinance calls for a Proposition to be submitted to the electorate for the purpose of determining whether the city should sell Pecan Tree Park. She explained that this tract of land has created development and maintenance problems for the Parks Department because of its small size. She further stated that the CSISD will consider a contract with Texas Voting Systems to provide services for the Election within the next week. Student Government Liaison Hachtman asked if there would be any problems created by combining Precincts Nos. 20, 21 and 35. City Secretary Jones stated that the CSISD would have to file a submission with the Justice Department to make any changes in the designated polling places. She noted that normally the polling place for Precinct No. 20 is the Memorial Student Center and be- cause the Election falls on Easter weekend the facility may not be accessible. She further stated that there has been a problem in the past with obtaining clerks for this polling place. Mayor Halter pointed out the expense borne in the past by the. city when a polling place was located at the MSC, but was used by only a few voters. 00/,. 782 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1985 PAGE 4 Councilman Prause moved approval of Ordinance No. 1572 ordering a General Municipal Election in the City of College Station, Texas on Saturday, April 6, 1985, for the election of Councilmen for Places 1, 3, and 5 and for the submission of a Proposition to the Electorate of the City of College Station; fixing the time, place and manner holding the Election and appointing judges and clerks thereof. Councilman Runnels seconded the motion which was approved unani- mously, 5-0. Agenda Item No. 8 - Consideration of leasing property on Sandy Point Road to General Telephone Company. Director of Capital Improvements Ash presented the item. He ex- plained that GTE has approached the city about the possibility of either leasing or purchasing a small tract of city property on Sandy Point Road for the construction of a Switching Station to service the area. He located the referenced property on the map, which is the location of the Sandy Point Pumping Station and Cooling Tower. He noted that GTE's proposed construction will have no effect on the city's future needs for the Pumping Sta- tion. He further stated that the staff feels confident in work- ing with GTE to allow them either to lease or purchase a small tract of land for construction of a Switching Station. Mr. Brook A. Baker, Senior Engineer for GTE, presented a photo of the Switching Station proposed for construction. He stated that this proposal is part of an overall plan to expand service in this area. Councilman McIlhaney asked how much property will be required for the construction of the Switching Station. Mr. Baker stated that construction of this facility will require approximately a quarter of an acre. Councilman Runnels asked about the proposed life of the lease. Mr. Baker stated that GTE is requesting a lease for approximately twenty-five years with an option for renewal. Mayor Halter stated his opinion that the city should try to ac- commodate GTE and noted that the options available to the city are to allow them either to lease or purchase the property. City Attorney Locke stated that the city can advertise for bids. She explained that if the city options to lease the property, the city will be in a position to draft a contract which will allow access for easements. 00&783 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1985 PAGE 5 Councilman Runnels requested that the City Attorney determine which of the proposed alternatives is the most advantageous for the city regarding GTE's proposal and return a recommendation to the Council. Mayor Halter scheduled further consideration of this item on the Regular Meeting Agenda, February 28, 1985. Agenda Item No. 9 - Consideration of Minute Order No. 82679 passed by the State Department of Highways & Public Transporta- tion in reference to the widening of SH 30 from Loop 507 through the State Highway 6 Interchange. Director of Capital Improvements Ash presented the item. He ex- plained that the Minute Order delineates the city's responsibili- ties for the curb, gutter and drainage for this project. He noted that the funds for this project were established in the 1981 Bond Program. Mayor Halter requested that some consideration be given to the construction of sidewalks along Highway 30 to accommodate pedes- trian traffic. Director of Capital Improvements Ash stated that presently there are insufficient Bond Funds for the construction of sidewalks. He stated that the staff will investigate the proposal and return to Council with additional information. Councilman McIlhaney asked if there is sufficient right-of-way for sidewalks along Highway 30. Director of Capital Improvements Ash replied affirmatively. Councilman Boughton moved approval of Minute Order No. 82679 in reference to the widening of SH 30 from Loop 507 through the State Highway 6 Interchange. Councilman Prause seconded the motion which was approved unani- mously, 5-0. Agenda Item No. 10 - Consideration of an Ordinance vacating and abandoning a portion of a Sanitary Sewer Line Easement conveyed to the City of College Station, Texas by Victoria Kapchinski on property now owned by Ronald E. Holmes and wife Laura. City Attorney Locke presented the item. She explained that this. easement is needed for the Bee Creek Sewer Line. She stated that the city has a sewer line across this property, but part of the line is in a recorded easement and part is not. She further stated that the city will be securing a formal easement for the 00a78 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1985 PAGE 6 line that has already been installed and an additional piece of property for a formal easement. Councilman Runnels moved approval of Ordinance 1573 vacating and abandoning a portion of a Sanitary Sewer Line Easement conveyed to the City of College Station, Texas by Victoria Kapchinski on property now owned by Ronald E. Holmes and wife Laura. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which was approved unani- mously, 5-0. A~enda Item No. 11 - Consideration of the Site Plan for Wayne Smith Park. Assistant Parks Director Czimskey presented the item. He stated that the Parks Department held two public hearings to determine the program and develop the concepts for this Park. He noted that a final plan has been developed and requires Council consid- eration and approval prior to construction. He located the Park on the map and listed the proposed amenities for site development as follows: (1) walkways; (2) two picnic units; (3) a kiosk; (4) drinking fountain; (5) seating; (6) a playground; (7) siGnage; and, (8) a designated area for two future basketball courts. He stated that the budget for the project is $35,000.00 to be funded through the Community Development Program. He further stated that the scheduled completion date for the project is August, 1985. Councilman Boughton moved approval of the Site Plan for Wayne Smith Park. Councilman Runnels seconded the motion which was approved unani- mously, 5-0. A~enda Item No. 12 - Consideration of the proposed program for the development of Richard Carter Park. Assistant Parks Director Czimskey presented the item. He stated that the Parks and Recreation Department has begun the planning process for Richard Carter Park, which is located in the Glen- haven Subdivision at the corner of Brazoswood Drive and the East Bypass Frontage Road. He noted that Richard Carter Park has been designated an official Texas Sesquicentennial Project for College Station. He reported that fundinG has already been approved for an artist-in-residence who will be designing a sculpture to be located at this site. He explained the entire planning process for the Park. He further noted that the official dedication of the Park Site is scheduled for March 2, 1986 with construction on the site to be completed by December 15, 1985. 00 785 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1985 PAGE 7 He listed the items included in the proposed development program as follows: (1) Historical Marker; (2) sixty foot flagpole with Texas Flag; (3) interpretive program; (4) fountain; (5) sculp- ture; (6) entryway; (7) landscaping; (8) relocated Carter Family Cemetery; (9) gazebo; (10) signage; (11) discovery garden; and, (12) site amenities, i.e. drinking fountains, waste receptacles, decorative fencing and seating. He stated that some considera- tion has been given to the inclusion of street parking and irri- gation of the entire site. He further stated that the Parks Board approved this program on 02/12/85. Councilman McIlhaney asked if the proposed sixty foot flagpole will be prohibited under the proposed Sign Ordinance. She noted that the proposed ordinance will allow signs along the Bypass up to fifty feet. Councilman Runnels requested that further consideration be given to the lighting of the flag. Councilman Boughton asked if there are any State or Federal regu- lations concerning the lighting of official flags. Director of Capital Improvements Ash stated that there are regulations re- quiring that State and Federal Flags be lighted if they are raised twenty-four hours/day. He noted that if the flag is not lighted it must be removed on a nightly basis. The Council directed the Parks Planning Staff to give more con- sideration to the height of the flagpole and the size of the pro- posed flag. Councilman Runnels moved approval of the proposed program for the development of Richard Carter Park. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which was approved unani- mously, 5-0. Agenda Item No. 13 - Hear Visitors. No one spoke. Agenda Item No. 14 - Closed session to discuss ~endin~ litigation [6252-17(2)(e)] . The Council considered Agenda Item No. 15 before moving to closed session. 00 i'B6 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1985 PAGE 8 Agenda Item No. 15 - EMERGENCY ITEM: Closed session to discuss personnel [6252-17(2)(~)]. A. Personnel [6252-17(2)(g)]. 1. Discussion of Administrative Personnel. Councilman Runnels moved to declare Agenda Item No. 15 an emer- Gency. Councilman Boughton seconded the motion which was approved unani- mously, 5-0. The Council moved to closed session and later reopened to the public. Agenda Item No. 16 - Action on closed session. No action was taken on closed session. Agenda Item No. 17 - Adjourn. Mayor Halter adjourned the meeting at 9:15 P.M. ATTEST: Dian 30ne~/C~-ty Secretary Gary Ha~, Mayor GUEST REGISTER REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1985 7:00 P.M. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 0 23. e 10. 24. 25. 11. 26. 12. 27. 13. 28. 14. 29. 15. 30. 00 .788