05-28-03
Schertz City Council – Workshop Session
Wednesday, May 28, 2003
The Schertz City Council convened in workshop session on Wednesday, May 28,
2003 at 7:00pm in the Municipal Complex Conference Room, 1400 Schertz
Parkway, Schertz, Texas. The following members were present: Mayor Hal
Baldwin, presiding, Councilmembers Carl Douglas, Steve Simonson, Reginna
Agee, Tony Wilenchik and Ken Greenwald. Staff members present were City
Manager Mark Marquez and Deputy City Secretary Mary Ybarra.
At this time, Mayor Baldwin called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
#1 Hearing of Residents:
Rita Duprat-Waldo, Executive Services Coordinator, introduced Airman Dan
Erickson. Also, present was his wife, Jennifer and mother Tammy. Dan has just
returned from Iraq.
Ms. Duprat-Waldo explained that back in April of this year she received an email
from Dan. In the email, Dan explained he was deployed in Iraq, was a fire fighter
in the Air Force, and was from the great City of Schertz. He went on to say that
he was inquiring about the possibility of getting Schertz Fire Department T-Shirt,
because he would love to represent the City of Schertz. Well, needless to say, the
response was great. Not only did the Fire Department come through, but also
EMS folks with shirt, patch and hat. It didn’t stop there; Police Department also
came through as well as the Athletic Department at Samuel Clemens with
donation of hat from his high school. Of course, City Hall employees also came
through with items we thought he would enjoy.
She went on to say that in her letter to him, she asked that on his return to please
feel free to stop by City Hall to say hello, everyone would very much like to meet
him. Dan has returned safely and stopped by to say thank you.
Dan commented that he very proudly worn his T-shirt and was very proud to be
from the great City of Schertz and is happy to be back with family and friends.
Council extended they’re congratulations on his safe return, and thanked him
and his family for stopping by.
Robert Brockman, 4505 Grand Forrest had the following comments:
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Stated he really likes living in Schertz, and doesn’t like to complain.
However, the need arises at times.
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Mentioned attending a showing of snakes (non poisonous/poisonous) at
the Police Department. Showing advised on which ones to avoid, etc.
There was a showing of an actual live reptile.
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Commented picking up (3) three signs advertising a furniture sale in San
Antonio. Does the City return these signs? He was advised yes.
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Pointed out there is a need to establish a work order system for the City.
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Inquired if the City is actively seeking a City Planner. Ms. Amy Madison
did not have a clear answer.
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Asked what is the status on placement of board member plaques in the
lobby area? Was advised it’s still ongoing, having difficulty locating the
appropriate frame.
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Referred to wearing of hats in buildings. He believes hats should be
removed and possibly the City could look into setting standards.
#2 Discuss final reading of Ordinance levying drainage utility charges.
Mr. Marquez reported the ordinance has been discussed at previous meetings
and Council has approved first reading. There are no changes. Council
indicated they would be ready to take action at Tuesday nights meeting.
The question was asked if anyone had conducted testing of water in they’re
neighborhoods. Councilmember Wilenchik commented attending Greenshire
Homeowners Association meeting and receiving no negative feedback. Council
believes the consensuses among residents are very positive.
#3 Discuss final reading of Ordinance rezoning 79.77 acres from
Predevelopment (PD) to Residential (R-5) and 5.17 acres from General
Business (GB) to Residential (R-5) (Tanglewood Subdivision).
Mr. Marquez pointed out above ordinance has been discussed in workshop
session and Council has approved first reading. There are no changes. The
property is located on Eckerd Road. The development will support a
subdivision. Council indicated they would be ready to take action at Tuesday
nights meeting.
#4 Discuss final reading of revised Solicitor’s Ordinance.
Mr. Marquez indicated there are no changes. Again, this ordinance has been
discussed at workshop session and Council has approved first reading. Council
indicated they would be ready to take action at next Tuesday nights meeting.
#5 Discuss Court of Record Ordinance.
Mr. Marquez pointed out information relative to Municipal Court of Record,
Connie Lock, Fulbright & Jaworski, prepared advantages/disadvantages. He
went on to say that he isn’t certain there is a need to go forward.
Councilmember Douglas asked if population would require the City to go ahead
with establishing a Court of Record. Was advised, not sure population would
have anything to do with it, however experiences would.
Other topics addressed by Council covered such issues as:
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Costs, what would it cost. The cost would be minimal and can be
handled, answered Mr. Marquez.
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Convenience is a factor; not having to wait to acquire search warrants.
Locating District Judge to issue warrant. Two (2) hour turn around time.
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The need of Court Administrator and additional personnel.
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Would it require a change to Charter?
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Discussion of Ordinance, pro and cons of statue Chapters 29-30.
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Would physical changes be required to existing office space. It was noted
that security is an issue now. It was pointed out that there is the possibly
of using the back area.
It was Council consensus to revisit the issue at next workshop and ask legal
counsel to be present to cover all issues and advise if we really need to do it.
#6 Discuss bid award for Side-to-Side Slope Mowing Machine.
Mr. Marquez pointed out that of 8 bid packages received, the city received one
(1) bid and one (1) decline. The one bid is satisfactory, meets all specifications
and well under the estimate figure of $50,000.
Council was surprise to see that local dealerships (San Antonio, Seguin area)
declined or no bids submitted. It was surprising that a company from Georgia
was the only bid.
Pubic Works Department recommends awarding bid in the amount of $48,477
from Kut Kwik Corporation.
Council would be ready to take action on this issue at next Tuesday night’s
meeting.
#7 Discuss June 3, 2003 public hearing on Public Improvement District
(PID).
Mr. Marquez advised requirements have been followed. The next step in the
process is the public hearing, scheduled for June 3. Letters have been sent to
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(12) twelve property owners. Resolution creating the District will be introduced
at the public hearing for Council action. Map will be made available to preview
the project. He added that everything is clicking right along.
Larry Dublin, Ford Engineering was present and produced map for preview. He
went on to explain median and traffic flow that would elevate many of the
concerns at intersection (FM3009/IH35). TXDOT has been very cooperative,
knowing the City will be paying for project. At this time, it isn’t known what
type of median will be used. It was pointed out that a raised island would be
placed.
Mr. Marquez pointed out one concern associated with the project; traffic coming
off the access road may stack up on FM3009. They are looking at different
options and possibly one will work. Bottom line the creation of the PID will be
of tremendous impact to this problem area.
#8 Discuss June 3, 2003 public hearing and first reading of Ordinance on
rezoning of 12 acres from (GB) to R-4 (Legacy Oaks).
Mr. Marquez advised the property is the Boomer property along IH35 access
road. The request is rezoning 12 acres from General Business to R-4,
Apartment/Multi-family residential district. The public hearing scheduled is
only for the rezoning issue.
Mr. Marquez pointed out the tax abatement issue is another matter and will be at
a later date for Council consideration. If Council agrees to move forward with
the matter a tentative date of June 17 has been scheduled to hold public
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hearing. At this time, the request is only to rezone the property.
#9 Public Works Projects Update by representative of Ford Engineering.
Larry Dublin of Ford Engineering reported on various City projects as follows:
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IH-35 1.5 MG Elevated Tank- will be coming on line in the next week
to 10 days.
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Live Oak Water Plant-12MGD Pump Station-finished with pump station.
The station will go on line at slow start, which reduces pressure spikes.
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Schertz Parkway Reconstruction-looking at mid July for completion. He
would really like to see landscaping complete at this time also. They have
started moving dirt. Mr. Marquez advised July 15 would be the ribbon
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cutting. Mr. Dublin stated that possibly it wouldn’t be a bad idea to wait
until August 1. The contractor may run into some problem. Mr. Dublin
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added that the contractor will do all rework to base and repave, the job
won’t be complete until then.
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Wiederstein and FM3009 Intersection-contract signed on base less
asphalt. 400’ back to Forest Ridge. Project is moving right along.
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Lower Seguin Road Waterline-moving right along, 80-95% complete.
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FM1518/IH10 South Waterline-Looking for contract from contractor early
next week.
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Dietz Creek (FEMA) Drainage Channel-pre-conference meeting held on
project and contract awarded. Don’t foresee objection from FEMA for time
extension. Estimate on completion possibly January of next year.
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Upper Dietz Creek Drainage Channel-on hold
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Tank Re-Painting (UC Site & Northcliffe)-project complete.
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IRC Sewer-project complete.
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Fire-Sub-Station-ongoing and will open bids June 6.
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Public Works Complex-ongoing and will open bids June 5.
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Borgfeld Road Temporary Drainage-finished plans and waiting on Mike
Claypool.
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Storm Water Utility Creation-ongoing project
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NPDES II Permit- ongoing project.
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Mater Sewer Plan-working on project.
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Street Drainage Master Plan-ongoing project.
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FM3009/Live Oak Signals-ready to expedite project. Looking to have
signal light in place before school starts. Possibly project will cost less.
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PID Creation and Road Design-ongoing project.
The following project was not part of update, however Mr. Dublin did want to
bring Council up to date on the matter.
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Savannah/Woodland Oaks Drive Stripping Hike/Bike Lane-Looking at
cost concepts, versus stripping (cost of good paint $.65 feet) and the use of
buttons (cost approximately $1.25 ea.).
This concluded the update from Ford Engineering.
At this time, Council moved agenda item #11 next on the agenda.
#11 Items by Council
General Announcements
Councilmember Douglas
Liaison EDC
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Reported the EMS Banquet had a good turn out.
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Commented he would like to attend the AMCC in Austin, July 25-26,
2003. This conference targets new member s of Council.
Councilmember Simonson
4-B Board
Liaison BVYA
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Made reference to article in San Antonio Express News in relation to the
Carrizo Wilcox Aquifer. Apparently, San Antonio is out.
Councilmember Agee
4-B Board
Liaison Schertz Housing Authority
Liaison Schertz Library Board
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Councilmember Agee had no comments.
Councilmember Wilenchik
4-B Board
Liaison Schertz Humane Society
Liaison HOA Coalition
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Thanked Gail Douglas, Johnny Bierschwale, and Chief Cantrell for their
support at the Greenshire Management meeting.
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Mentioned the Humane Society would like to be placed on next Tuesday
night’s agenda; the Society would like to make a presentation to the City.
Reported a total of $3,200 raised at Doggy Dash Run.
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Asked for updates on the following items that have been discussed at
previous meetings;
Incode. Is it finished? Was advised of some problems with the
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Inspection Department, however are working to resolve. The last
piece will be Human Resources Department.
Would like the status of Post Office, last report was in March.
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Annexation Plan- is anything being done. Issue discussed in April.
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What is the status on the identifier sign on FM3009 for Animal
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Shelter? Subject brought up in March.
Discussion on establishing re-investment zones in the City.
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Discussion was targeted to; does the city want to establish zones in
advance or wait for request from developers?
Status on street name signs on traffic light at Savannah Square. It
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was mentioned that approximate cost is $500 and probably less.
Issue of Memorial Plaques; what has happen?
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On issue brought up by Mr. Brockman on identifier sign on
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FM1518. What is status? Was advised sign has been placed by
TXDOT.
Will Council be receiving bound copy of Mid-year budget? Was
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advised staff is working on it.
Status on study of cost feasibility- Bond Authorization. Was
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advised it’s ongoing and right on track.
Councilmember Greenwald
4-B Board
Ex-officio P & Z Commission
Ex-officio SSLG Corp.
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Reported that Planning & Zoning (P&Z) meeting of last night was quite
quiet and subdued. Michael Spain, City Attorney had a sit down meeting
with the Commission. He advised the Commission of procedures and
conduct that are to be practiced.
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Also, as part of P&Z agenda was discussion on a request from Fred
Niemietz (Biegert Property) relative to variance to Schertz Overlay
District.
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Made mention of a call regarding July 4 and Food Handler course
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Apparently, Schertz Business Association (SBA) would like the whole
event (4 July) to be exempt from fees ($50), food handler course, etc. It
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was pointed out vendor’s are not non-profit organizations; they make
money out there. Also, sanitation is a health issue and everyone handling
food should take the food handlers course. He mentioned founding out
that San Antonio has no requirement on sanitation.
Council was advised that the City Health Inspector would honor other
City permits. The fees collected cover expenses that include two
inspections per booth. Also, the City’s contribution is a lot and the City
doesn’t make money. It was pointed out the event has grown, times
change, and things can’t continue as before. Most of the organization
(SBA) members seem to understand, however there are certain ones that
don’t.
#12 Items by Mayor
General Announcements
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Inquired on Farmers Market out on FM1518 (City Park). Are they legal?
Was advised, yes. The market has acquired the proper permits (banner);
also it’s within City Ordinance. The market is tied up with Texas
Agriculture of Central Texas, which allows other farmers in the
surrounding areas to participate. The market is open on Tuesday’s, 2-6
p.m.
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Mentioned the official ribbon cutting/dedication of Green Valley
Elementary School. There were approximately 25 former students in
attendance.
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Mayor Baldwin brought up an issue relative to memorial plaques;
placement of plaque at the Randolph Realty Building. The building has a
remarkable history such as being City Hall and housing the Fire
Department. He recalls having been given a copy of all research
information and will try to locate. He would like to revisit the issue and
possibly resurrect all the information.
#10 Items by City Manager
General Announcements
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Remind Council to maintain paperwork until projects completed.
Reminder from City staff, we are killing a lot of trees. Asking for Council
to hold on to backup information if at all possible.
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SBA contract and variance for extended hours at City Park and alcohol
consumption at City Park for 4 of July Jubilee.
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Mentioned the above items will be coming forward for Council
consideration possibly at the next meeting.
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Alcohol consumption at employee picnic at City Park.
Will be extending a waiver for alcohol consumption for the event. Council
is invited to participate and there are plans for an egg toss event. Event
will start at 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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Project Graduation activities.
Made mention of certain events that go over curfew hours in relation to
High School activities such as Prom and Homecoming where these hours
are extended. It was believed Project Graduation was such an event
requiring variance, however it is not. Extending the variance certainly is
important to these students, and the City will make every effort to do so.
At this time, Ms. Amy Madison extended an invitation to Council to the
upcoming Business Appreciation Dinner scheduled October 28, 2003. This
year’s theme will be NASCAR. She mentioned, Councilmember
Greenwald has agreed to help retain a NASCAR Driver, to sign
autographs.
Councilmember Wilenchik informed Council he and his wife would be in
Hawaii on October 28and unable to attend.
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At this time, Council took a short break before going into Executive Session.
#13 EXECUTIVE SESSION: Called under Chapter 551 of the Texas
Government Code:
Sub-Section 551.074, Personnel Matters, and
Sub-Section 551.072, Deliberation regarding real property.
An Executive Session was held from 9:10 p.m. to 10:10 p.m.
#14 Action, if any, on above Executive Session.
No action was taken.
#15 ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at 10:11 p.m.
__________________________
Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas
ATTEST:
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Deputy City Secretary, City of Schertz, Texas