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ccreg 02-19-02 Schertz City Council - Regular Session Tuesday, February 19, 2002 The Schertz City Council convened in regular session on Tuesday, February 19, 2002 at 7:00pm in the Municipal Complex Council Chambers, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas. The following members were present: Mayor Hal Baldwin, presiding, council members Norma Head, Billy Pitts, Tony Wilenchik and Ken Greenwald. Absent was council member Reginna Agee. Staff members present were City Manager Dewey Cashwell and Deputy City Secretary Mary Ybarra. Mayor Baldwin called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. #1 Introduction of new Fire Chief Mayor Baldwin asked Mr. Dewey Cashwell, City Manager to do the introduction. Mr. Cashwell shared information on newly hired Fire Chief Elroy Friesenhahn and wife Ann. For the past ten years, Chief Friesenhahn held the position of assistant Fire Chief in New Braunfels, nine years in the city of Alamo Heights, and as city engineer in New Braunfels. His educational credentials are impressive and the city is lucky to have him on board. Betty Woodward wife of former Fire Chief Johnnie Woodward was asked to make badge presentation. Mrs. Woodward spoke briefly after presentation and welcomed the new Chief and family. Chief Friesenhahn thanked Mrs. Woodward, and said he and his wife are excited about his new position and are looking forward #2 Introduction of new Public Information Officer. Mr. Cashwell introduced Tony 'Wilson the city's new Public Information Officer. Mr. Wilson held a position at Gary Job Corp in San Marcos. He comes highly qualified and the city is fortunate to have him on board. Mr. Wilson spoke briefly and thanked council and Mr. Cashwell. He added that his first day on the job would be Monday, February 25th, and that he is very excited and eager to start. At this time, Mayor Baldwin introduced Chris Jenkins, Eagle Scout who was present. #3 Approval of Minutes: December 4, 2001 December 12, 2001 Without further discussion, Ken Greenwald moved to approve the above minutes as presented. Billy Pitts seconded the motion. With a vote being called the vote was as follows: AYES: NAY: Council members, Head, Pitts, Wilenchik and Greenwald. None. #4 Hearing of Residents: Robert Brockman declined to comment at this time. Amy Madison, Economic Development reported on fundraiser for the playscape at the Schertz City Park. a. Saturday, Walkathon (over a mile) starting at 8:30 am, park large pavilion, b. School sponsored, Kiss a Pig. Principal of school will kiss a pig. Pig will be oiled and rolled in mud, c. Senator Wentworth will be present, d. Selling of pickets (500 available) $30 per picket. Amy Madison encouraged everyone to come out in support of worthwhile cause. #5 PUBLIC HEARING: To receive citizen comments on the proposed Comprehensive Land Plan and the revised Sign Ordinance. Comprehensive land Plan Use Mayor Baldwin explained the procedures for the public hearing and asked City Manager, Dewey Cashwell for comments at this time. Mr. Cashwell introduced Mr. Bret Keats, representing, Wilbur Smith & Associates (consulting firm) and asked Ron Youngblood, city planner for comments. Mr. Youngblood explained that the report is in draft form and that revision to chapter 4, map and corrected index were handed out to council. He added Mr. Keats would make a presentation, and will be available to answer any questions. At this time, slide show and presentation of the Comprehensive Land Plan Use project was made by Bret Keats. Mr. Keats explained that the presentation covered an overview of 12 months, started March 2001. The steering committee had their work cut out, and commends them on a job well done. Citizen Comments: Robert Brockman of 4505 Grand Forest spoke on the following: a. questioned if there are plans for a sidewalk in front of city hall and, b. asked what are plans for arterial streets, median, and FM 3009. He believes trees in medians are not a good idea, and asked who is responsible for maintenance. Mayor Baldwin commented that Schertz Parkway median and trees would be city owned, and responsibility would fall on the city. Mr. David Richmond, chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission stated that islands in subdivisions or in other areas help slow down traffic. For this reason, the Planning and Zoning Commission encourage developers to consider islands when possible. Mr. Simonson commented on the sidewalk question. He stated that a sidewalk is planned on only one side of the street continuing from IH35 along Schertz Parkway. There is no plan for sidewalk in front of city hall. At this time, Mr. Richmond thanked Bret Keats of Wilbur Smith & Associations for an excellent plan. It's a 1 st class document. Mr. Cashwell stated that he believes the plan is a living document, to be used as a guide by the city as well as the developer, and citizens alike. This plan will be reviewed regularly, and changes made to keep up with future development. It was questioned if copies were available for public viewing. Mr. Youngblood noted that only 10 (draft) copies were printed. The final document will be available at the library and possilbly on the web. Before then, come by city hall for a copy. There being no further discussion on this item, Mayor Baldwin asked that council move on to the second part of the public hearing. Sign Ordinance Mr. Richmond explained that in his opinion the revision to the sign ordinance better serves the community, in that the existing ordinance limits control. For this reason, the Planning and Zoning Commission took on the task of updating the UDC, Sign Standard section addressing billboards, off premise signs, and others. Mr. Richmond believes it's a good document that is enforceable, understandable by both developer and citizen. For this reason, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend approval. Citizen Comments: Mark Roberts of 4300 Spanish Oaks commented on the following: a. agrees with the revised sign ordinance, b. suggests looking into allowing electronic signage in some areas of the city, c. limit usage on FM3009 of election signs. Without further discussion, Mayor Baldwin closed the public hearing at 7:55 pm. #6 Consider and take action on the following: (a) Proposed Comprehensive Land Plan (b) First reading of revised Sign Ordinance. a. Proposed Comprehensive land Plan Mrs. Head moved to approve the Comprehensive Land Plan. Tony Wilenchik seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes: Before a vote was called, it was suggested that the motion include a scheduling of a community forum, to introduce final document to the community (creative force). Several dates were discussed such as: a summer forum, February of 2003, and others. However, it was council consensus to schedule the public forum before the end of the year. No set date was given at this time. At this time, a vote was called to include the above to the motion, which carried with the following votes: AYES: NAY: Council member Head, Pitts, Wilenchik and Greenwald. None. b. First reading of revised Sign Ordinance. Mr. Pitts moved to adopt the revised Sign Ordinance as presented. Mr. Greenwald seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes: AYES: NAYS: Council member Head, Pitts, Wilenchik and Greenwald. None. #7 Bid Award: Consider and take action awarding Fleet Truck bids. Mr. Bierschwale, Public Works Director reported on a revision made to the fleet truck bids: the city would purchase (4) trucks at $16,672 per truck for a total of $66,688. (Smith Chevrolet bid). The total is well under the budget amount of $74,000, and Mr. Bierschwale recommends awarding the bid to Smith Chevrolet. Mr. .Greenwald moved to award bid to Smith Chevrolet. Tony Wilenchik seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes: AYES: NAY' Council member Head, Pitts, Wilenchik and Greenwald. None. #8 AED GRANT FOR EMS: AED Grant for EMS. Consider and take action authorizing Mr Cashwell explained that this grant if authorized would enable the city to acquire AED equipment through the grant process. Mr. Dudley Wait, EMS Director explained that the grant is a 50% matching grant, with the city matching it's portion. The grant would enable the purchase of 16 AED units to be distributed among city personnel. Without further discussion, Ken Greenwald moved to approve for the city to go out for the AED grant. Mrs. Head seconded the motion, which carried with the following vote: AYES: NAY: Council members Head, Pitts, Wilenchik and Greenwald. None. #9 CONTRACT: Consider and take action regarding contract with J.R. Perez for City General Election May 4, 2002. Mr. Pitts moved to approve the contract with J.R. Perez for City General Election May 4, 2002. Mr. Greenwald seconded the motion, which carried with the fOllowing votes: AYES: NAY: Council member Head, Pitts, Wilenchik and Greenwald. None. #10 Adjournment There being no further business to meeting at 8:20 p.m. discuss, MaYO~BaldW'; ;djourned the Q{&;{{~- ". , Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas ~TJEA>T: 7Y//21u tfl"'2-1/UV De'tty c;rtyJecretary, City of Schertz, Texas 100