ccwks 02-13-02
Schertz City Council - Special Workshop Session
Wednesday, February 13, 2002
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop session on Wednesday,
February 13, 2002 at 7:00pm in the Municipal Complex Conference room, 1400
Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas. The following members were present: Mayor
Hal Baldwin, presiding; council members Norma Head, Billy Pitts, Reginna Agee,
Tony Wilenchik and Ken Greenwald. Staff members present were City Manager
Dewey Cashwell and Deputy City Secretary Mary Ybarra.
Mayor Baldwin called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
Before the meeting, Mayor Baldwin introduced candidate Frank Follis, running for
County Judge Place 2. Mr. Follis made a brief presentation and thanked council
for their time.
#1 Hearing of Residents:
Norman Slocum of 6675 N. Pfeil Road signed up to speak about his
neighborhood, the Schertz Randolph area, better known as the Schmierville
area. Copies were distributed of neighborhood issues and concerns. A map of
the community neighborhood was used as an example showing the following
items of concerns:
a. Zip code changes from Converse to Schertz,
b. Schertz ISD instead of East Central lSD,
c. Paving Scenic Lake Dr. and Boeing Road and upgrading Ware-
Seguin Road,
d. Basic park for the neighborhood,
e. Substation to host EMS, fire, police and park maintenance, etc.
within park area,
Mr. Slocum went on to say that everyone is very excited about the
Comprehensive Land Plan, but would like to remind council, to Question the
scope of the proposed 20 year land plan.
Will the plan:
a. provide an annex - cross-reference with others in the community,
b. identify the Schertz neighborhoods,
c. provide mechanism to identify neighborhood Issues for
consideration and,
d. reflect the progress of funding.
Mayor Baldwin suggested Mr. Slocum address these issues with the Planning
and Zoning Commission. Mayor Baldwin asked David Richmond, Planning and
Zoning Chairman, who was present, if he like to comment? Mr. Richmond said
he would, but would hold comments until item #6 of the agenda.
Robert Brockman of 4505 Grand Forest reported that it had taken 6 to 7 days to
have a dead animal picked up, in his opinion, that's to long.
Mr. Brockman inquired on the four city positions that under contract. Mr.
Brockman was advised the positions are general (department head positions).
One last thing Mr. Brockman asked was when would he have access to the
Comprehensive Land Plan? Mr. Brockman was advised that copies would be
accessible through the library, CD, planning department, and front counter at city
hall.
#2 Discuss summary of exemption process for primarily charitable
organizations provided by House Bill 1689.
Mr. Cashwell advised council this is a document on new Texas legislature that
was received by the city, and that a copy was turned over to Mr. Spain, city
attorney for his interpretation.
Mr. Spain informed council that the new legislature allows the exemption of
certain property by two methods,
a. by vote of governing body and,
b. majority vote at election called by governing body upon petition by 20% of
qualified voters having voted in the taxing unit's last election.
Mr. Spain went on to say that he believes the city doesn't have properties that fall
under the new legislature. He briefly discussed the steps that are required of
properties owned by charitable organizations seeking exemption. Organization
must comply with procedural steps that include, applying for "determination
letter" from Comptroller's office, filing exemption application with chief appraiser.
The Chief appraiser will make determination, may extend deadline for filing,
and/or submit evidence to PTD manager to determine validity of initial
determination.
Council had no comment or questions on this matter.
#3 Discuss Fleet Truck bids.
Johnny Brieschwale, Public Works Director informed council of bids for four (1/2
ton) vehicles for the inspection department, building maintenance, fire
department and water/wastewater department. Six bids were sent out, with two
received. He would like to upgrade the inspection dept. vehicle to a V-8, with
council approval. He believes Smith Chevrolet had the best bid at $16,672 per
unit (extended cab) for a total of $16,111. Total would increase if council
approves the inspection department upgrade (V-8) to $16,672. He recommends
awarding bid to Smith Chevrolet.
Mr. Pitts asked what was budgeted for each vehicle, and Mr. Bierschwale replied
$18,000 per department, which includes communication equipment.
Council agreed with recommendation and upgrade and asked that it be placed
on next agenda for council action.
#4 Discuss the following:
a. Bond strategy
b. Financing of public projects
c. Funding of staffing
Mr. Cashwell informed council that the numbers presented constitute an array of
oossibilities reached, after many discussions with key staff members. Projects
council has placed at the top are those related to public safety, to include
facilities and equipment. However, flooding issues are a priority. As noted at
lasting meeting, 16 million dollars in projects related to drainage and streets were
put forth. Approximately, 7.3 million dollars relate to drainage issues. Another
concern is "quality of life" improvements within the community. Items relating to
recreation, leisure, sport facilities, etc. However, the question here is, how much
can the city comfortably afford if it decides to go out to the bond market, and how
can this be done. The discussion this evening will center on only the oossibilities.
Mr. McLiney will explain different alternatives.
Mr. McLiney pointed out the "starting point" was the focus of discussion. "Where
does the city stand, and what is the picture right now". At the last bond issue the
city was given an upgrade of A+ (rating), in ability to pay debt. Very few cities in
the State are A+. and the city should be very proud.
Slide presentation by Mr. McLiney. Copies of slide presentation were distributed
to council.
First graph presented related to assess valuation on growth rate and dollar
amounts, explained growth from 1995 to 2001. In 2002, estimate growth of
7.50% due to annexation (Guado Mud's). Average growth rate of 16.24% since
1995, with projected growth rate of 7.50% for the next five years (2003-2008).
This is a snap shot of debt service supported by the City of Schertz taxes.
Second graph covered I&S tax rate. Showing the current tax rate of .0629, which
will be slightly lower next year if nothing is done on debt service side. The graph
refers to the possibilities of what can the city "afford" and the new I&S tax rate.
Third graph was a financial comparison of "like size cities" showing "affordability"
if a city elects to do projects. The chart is illustrative and used as a comparative
tool showing other "like size cities" on how they are doing debt wise. He believes
if the city issues more debt it will not effect the city's A+ rating. In summary, if the
city should elect to do GF supported projects; the tax base/tax rate would support
and maintain a favorably rating. Now is the time for decision-making, what
projects are needed, what can the city afford, and what can citizens take on.
Projects could be done by certificate of obligation, voted obligation, GO bond,
specific projects (going to the voters), and a tax note. Many avenues to consider.
Keep in mind that not all issues require GF debt, there are options.
On the next graph, Mr. McLiney explained that a number of projects could be
done off of I&S taxes. For instance on drainage there are at least two.
1. Creating drainage utility system, collecting monthly utility charge,
generating revenue. A brief discussion was given on process procedure.
2. Vote bonds.
Lastly, Mr. McLiney explained that the last graph relates to sales tax supported
debt obligation. This is another avenue that may become available at some point.
A brief discussion covering the GO bonds was given, indicating city obligations,
the year that sales tax will become available to undertake other projects.
Mayor Baldwin suggested placing the drainage utility study on a future workshop
agenda for further discussion. Council was in agreement.
The last item of discussion covered staff funding, which was discussed at a
previous workshop. Mr. Cashwell noted that issues covered related to staffing
needs relative to growth, annexation, and other activities. The positions brought
forth for council consideration are Human Resources Information, Technology
and Finance. The total cost of $177,809 for six months include the cost of three
police vehicles and accessory equipment at $72,000. The vehicles for the
inspection department have been reduced from two to one, bringing the total cost
to $249,000. Mr. Cashwell pointed out that revenue sources have been identified
within the budget from a variety of locations, totally $206,500. Another potential
source of revenue would be the ability to charge for alarms (residential,
commercial and industrial). Fees, for basic hook up to monitor, and false alarm
penalties, would generate potential revenue of $30,000 (six-month period). With
council approval the city would collect for existing and new alarms. These fees
have gone uncollected for a number of years and suggest collecting these fees.
An ordinance has been on the books for several years and it's appropriate to
collect, because it does cost the city. At this point, the city has virtually, what is
necessary in terms of revenue to cover the cost should council give the go ahead
to fill these positions.
Mr. Simonson commented on possibly bringing information to council at mid-year
(March) instead of waiting for April. This would allow for a clearer package, which
would include the final end of February income dollar figures. These numbers
include the increase of building permits due to annexation, a revenue source not
anticipated, normal turnover, retirement, personnel, etc.
Positions anticipated are:
1 . 3 for-pol ice department,
2. 1 for code enforcement
3. 3 for fire department,
4. 1 human resource clerk,
5. 3 for public works,
6. 1-information technology assistant.
7. 1-deputy finance accountant.
There was a brief discussion regarding the order of filling the above positions and
justification of all positions.
Mr. Cashwell noted that at next meeting narratives on all positions would be
brought forth for council consideration.
#5 Discuss AED Grant for EMS.
EMS Director, Dudley Wait reported on a grant to distribute AED (Automatic
External Defibrillators) for placement in first responder vehicles. He went on to
explain the importance of such a device. To cardiac arrest patients, time is
critical; each minute delay reduces survival by about 10%. There is a need for at
least 16 AED units. Cost per unit approximately $2,000. The grant would cover
50% with the city matching the other 50%. Mr. Wait believes the need is
warranted, and asks for council support.
In a brief discussion, it was council's consensus to place item on next agenda for
action.
#6 Discuss proposed Land Comprehensive Plan and revised Sign Ordinance
(scheduled for public hearing February 19, 2002).
Mr. Richmond, Planning and Zoning Chairman stated that he is happy to report
that council has a copy of a final draft of the Comprehensive Land Plan. Lots of
work has gone into this document, which he believes is first class. It was a huge
effort on part of the steering committee and everyone involved producing a
document the city can be proud of.
At this time, Mr. Richmond commented he would respond to Mr. Slocum's
presentation. He noted that discussion on the ability of annex, change, and
referral to other plans was discussed, and believed that they were very good
ideas. However, the committee felt that the time spent trying to incorporate these
issues into the Comprehensive Plan, it would rather and believed it was more
important to develop and get the plan approved first. Now so, with an approved
document, recognizing it is a "living document" now, it can be changed at will by
anyone.
Mr. Richmond also referred to Chapter 10 Implementation, and noted that there
are places within this chapter that calls for annual updates by city departments,
planning and zoning, and other commissions on briefing council on suggested
amendments and changes. He believes that changes and amendments such as
the presentation by Mr. Slocum can be made through these updates. Annex and
other matters as discussed, in his opinion are warranted and he believes Mr.
Slocum's point is well taken.
Billy Pitts commented that he believes there is a need to establish a protocol for
revising the document (possibly on a yearly basis). Secondly, there was also a
commitment made to publish the document on-line, and suggests the city follow
through.
Mr. Richmond commented that revision to Article IX, Sign Standard was a task
undertaken by the Planning and Zoning Commission, Inspection Department and
Mr. Michael Spain, City Attorney. Changes were made to the ordinance to
establish an enforceable document that would serve the community as well as
developers. He believes a thorough job was done by all involved.
Lastly, Mr. Richmond reminded council that with the approval of the sign
ordinance a "Municipal Sign Board" would need to be implemented. There is a
requirement of five individuals with specific qualifications.
#7 Discussion of assignment of name change on the contract for the Schertz
Parkway Reconstruction project.
Mr. Cashwell informed council that contractor IS seeking a change In
documentation to facilitate an easier process.
Mr. Spain, City Attorney stated that the contractor is making a change to their
company from a Delaware Corp. to a Delaware Limited Partnership. The contract
with the City of Schertz is between Austin Road & Bridge, Inc. the change would
assign the contract to Austin Road & Bridge, L.P. This assignment can not be
done without the city's consent. Mr. Spain pointed out that it is necessary for
payment of the performance bond to change, once confirmation is received on
both transfers, he recommends approval.
Without further discussion, it was the consensus of council to have Mr. Spain and
Mr. Cashwell, City Manager make sure transfers were confirmed and bring back
for council action at next meeting.
#8 Discuss Live Oak Hills.
Mr. Cashwell briefly explained the history behind the Live Oak Hills development,
Ron Wood, developer, and his intentions. He noted that the developer was
unable to carry through and that the development folded. The city currently has
an interested developer for the area, and believes the city should start from
scratch, with the new developer and a whole new era. City staff recommends that
because the development with Mr. Wood's did not come about ordinances should
be repealed.
In brief discussion it was council consensus to repeal the ordinances.
There was discussion in regard to several issues dealing with the ordinances
written back in 1996 and the reasoning behind the recommendation to repeal the
existing ordinances.
#9 Consider and take action appointing member to 4-B Board.
Mayor Baldwin noted that Mrs. Head had not been appointed to the 4-B-Board,
and needs to be done.
Without further discussion, Mr. Greenwald moved to appoint Mrs. Norma Head to
the 4-B-Board. Tony Wilenchik seconded the motion, which carried with the
following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Head, Pitts, Agee, Wilencik and Greenwald.
NAY: None
#10 Discuss contract with J. R. Perez for May Election.
Mayor Baldwin explained that the contract is a stand-alone contract with the city
and that council would be ready to take action at next meeting.
At this time Council moved to the Conference Room for an Executive Session.
#11 EXECUTIVE SESSION: Called under Chapter 551 of the Texas
Government Code, Sub-Section 551.072- deliberation regarding real property.
An Executive Session was held from 9:50 p.m. until 1 0:20 p.m.
The Council reconvened in the Council Chambers following the Executive
Session.
#12 Action, if any, on the above Executive Session.
No action was necessary.
#12 Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Baldwin adjourned the
meeting at10: 25 p.m.
ATTEST:
mJJA1.1 I AhM-1l /
De~~r~tary, City of Schertz, Texas
95
Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas