ccwks 07-10-02
Schertz City Council
Workshop Session
Wednesday July 10, 2002
The Schertz City Council convened in workshop session on Wednesday, July 10,
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 Interim City
Manager Mark Marquez and Deputy City Secretary Mary Ybarra.
#1 Hearing of Residents:
Robert Brockman of 4505 Grand Forest Drive brought up the following:
. Smoking in city vehicles relative to new city vehicle. Is there a city policy? He
believes smoking should be prohibited. Mr. Brockman was advised there isn't
a policy, however city council will look into the matter.
. Remarked the need for closer attention to city vehicles (pickups) having
garbage left in them.
# 2 Discuss first reading of ordinance regarding sexually oriented
businesses.
Connie Lock, legal counsel with Fulbright & Jaworski explained the ordinance is
in draft form at this point, and inquired on councils preference, would they like a
review section by section or a quick overview? She advised committee would be
meeting tomorrow evening to discuss final points and would be ready to deliver
ordinance at next meeting for action on first reading.
Council member Wilenchik advised council of reviewing ordinance, but isn't sure
it's appropriate to review issues this evening or wait to review with committee
tomorrow. He provided council with copy of certain changes/items that he
believes should be looked at before going to press. Mayor Baldwin also
mentioned reviewing ordinance page by page, and added there are some
differences, but basically, the same ordinance.
Connie Lock commented it's very similar to the existing ordinance, however there
are some differences.
Changes such as:
. licensing procedure will require an employee to have a license with the city
(on site license),
. Applicant must be over 18,
. background check (by DPS),
. fees,
. clarification to appeal process, more reference to computer imaging, and
tougher enforcement, (class A misdemeanor).
. She noted certain items were dropped only because issues might be subject
to lawsuit. She emphasized that the ordinance must be strong, but not
unreasonable.
Council member Wilenchik asked if ordinance is being amended or replaced? Ms.
Lock advised it was amending the existing. She added the amendment of
ordinance might result amending the UDC (Unified Development Code), due to
UDC referral to Chapter 15 1/2 city's current SOB ordinance.
Council member Wilenchik noted concerns to sections XI, licensing process and
XIV, exemption from location restrictions. He believes sections warrant review,
questions if they're too restrictive. Section XIV C, requires minor changes as well.
Ms. Lock agreed and noted changes would be made.
Council member Wilenchik noted other changes (administrative) would be
addressed at the committee meeting tomorrow evening at 6 p.m.
Ms. Lock pointed out two other issues:
. lighting, and fencing,
Asked what was preference? Ordinance calls for illuminated 5-foot candles.
In brief discussion, it was suggested the use of chain link fencing possibly 8'.
Security cameras were also discussed as well as lighting. Council believes all
these issues are justified and directed the committee to include in the ordinance.
It was suggested to delete the word morals from page one section 1 of the
ordinance. Council was in agreement.
At this time, Mayor Baldwin suggested that item #4 be discussed at this time,
Council agreed.
#4 Discussion by David Richmond, Planning & Zoning Chairman, on
zoning matters relative to sexually oriented businesses.
Mayor Baldwin related that David Richmond, P&Z chairman had asked to be
placed on the agenda to discuss certain zoning matters relative to sexually
oriented businesses.
Mayor Baldwin deferred to Mr. Richmond. Mr. Richmond advised council of
zoninq issue in discussion with the P&Z Commission. The commission believes
that zoning goes hand in hand with sexually oriented businesses and would like
council to consider location in regard to zoning.
Mr. Richmond noted that in the process of working with the city's comprehensive
land plan use (approved), it was found that the city-zoning map was not accurate.
At my request, Ford Engineering is working to get a current map to reflect the
zoning areas correctly. We hope to this map by next meeting. He emphasized
that the commission has been working on this certain issue well before other
elements coming to light, relative to sexually oriented businesses (SOB).
David Richmond pointed out that in the city's current Unified Development Code
(UDC), sexually oriented business (SOB) is permitted in General Business (GB).
At this time, he went to city map and identified all of GB zoning (blue area) of
which majority is along IH35, some along Schertz Parkway, FM 3009 and
FM1518. In discussion, the commission believes it makes good sense to change
the zoning category of which SOB's are permitted.
The commission has no doubt that the area along IH35, which is the corridor to
the city, is not suited for this category. In considering alternatives, M1 category
permitting, nightclubs, dance, etc. would be best suited for this category.
Advantage being it's accessible, yet not on frontage area. The commission
believes it's worth consideration, changing the SOB zoning from GB to M1. Of
course, there are pro & cons in any situation. One thing, addressed in committee
meeting was location. Location becomes a factor for emergency services and
public safety. The better for this category to be located in one area, it's more
timely, etc., as advised by emergency services directors.
Mr. Richmond pointed out the zoning issue would have to go through the same
process as any zoning change, public hearing etc.
Council member Head voiced concern on existing residents in the M1 zoning, and
what it would do to economic development. Has anyone looked into this matter?
Mr. Richmond stated these issues are of concern and have been discussed, and
considered.
In brief discussion other issues were discussed such as, can council take action
on SOB ordinance even though zoning issue isn't resolved. It was advised that
action could be taken.
Mr. Richmond thanked council for the opportunity to bring this matter for council
considered and discussion. He would report to the SOB committee and P&Z
commission as to council concerns.
#3 Discuss time frame and process for selecting a new city manager.
Mayor Baldwin asked for council input.
Council member Wilenchik suggests going out on our own. Not going with an
outside firm (too expensive). Council member Head suggests forming committee
(citizens) and added she has a couple of names in mine.
In brief discussion July 22 to August 22, 2002 was suggested, as time frame to
except applications, with the committee screening names for interview process.
Interview process possibly September 3rd to 6th, expanding two weeks if needed.
Possibly completing the actual interview with candidates in two days. By the end
of October 2002, have a city manager in place.
Suggest was made that background check on current and past references and
education is necessary. The search limited to Texas was council consensus.
Magazines such as TML and TCCMA are possible sources to get the word out.
Possibly seeking the assistance from ACCOG organization to screen applicants
along with the citizen committee was suggested. It was council consensus to
contact ACCOG.
Interim City Manager Marquez stated that sample job opening application, TML
magazine next addition deadline date, and copy of ad that was used last time
would be part of council packet for the next meeting.
Discussion on expenses, and what the city would pay was brought up. Council
believes paying travel expenses is appropriate; however, a limit should be
imposed. $500 was suggested, covering airfare, hotel and possibly a car. After
discussion, due to candidate search limited to Texas, travel expense would be
calculated at .345 cents per mile, hotel (Atrium in Schertz) and meals would be
paid.
Without further discussion, Mayor Baldwin noted council would be ready to set
time frame at next Tuesday's meeting.
# 5 Discussion of procedures for agenda items, packets, etc.
Council was asked if packet procedures are satisfactory and is there a need for
improvement.
Council would like the following added to packets:
. Agenda/minutes-P&Z & BOA
. Agenda/report-Economic Development
Council would like to be informed of what is on the horizon for the city. Report
once a month in workshop session or as an FYI would work.
. List of property that the city owns, and would like to see a city map reflecting
the property.
In brief discussion, Thursday 12 noon before next scheduled meeting was
suggested as deadline to place items on agenda for councilmembers.
Before adjournment, Interim City Manager Marquez asked that dates of August
3rd, 10th or 1 ih be considered for Strategic Planning Session dates, and asked
council to get back with him as to what dates are best. The consensus being that
the 10th was good for everyone.
A report on Mrs. Swinney and Jerry Smith was given. Council will be kept
informed of new developments. It was also mentioned that Don Brodeur past
away on July 4,2002 and that Tom Dobie had leg amputated.
August 3, Saturday, is kick-off National Night Out at the city pavilion. The event
hosted by Schertz Police Department commences at 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. The 19th
annual National Night Out, a nationwide promotion on crime takes place on
Tuesday, August 6th, between the hours of 7 and 10 p.m.
Interim City Manager Marquez informed council that he would be out of town July
18-22, 2002, in his absences, Chief Cantrell, would be acting city manager.
Also, reminder of the Community Forum scheduled for August 5th, Knights of
Columbus, 7 p.m. A post card is being prepared for mail out to get the word out
to the community.
Suggestion was made to send a thank vou to Mississippi Band performing at the
July 4th parade. Letter should come from the Mayor and would be nice to enclose
copy of Herald newspaper article on the matter. Mr. Marquez noted it would be
taken care of.
Interim City Manager Marquez advised council that Steve Simonson is back with
the city on a short time/part time basis (15 hours/week). His presence is really
needed stated Marquez.
Council member Pitts stated a decision on finalizing city logo is necessary and
noted that suggests from Amy Madison and others have been made. Suggests
placing the matter at next workshop session.
Council member Greenwald reported that due to Rep. Edmund Kuempel stepping
in the waterline issue in Seguin was taken care of as of Monday and approved.
Mayor Baldwin noted the Northeast Partnership will meet in Universal City, 11 :30
a.m., at Dragon Lake. Also, he will be attending the East Central ISD meeting,
where discussion on deannexation of Schertz Randolph Area will take place.
Mayor Pro-tem Pitts will preside at scheduled city council meeting.
Budaet schedule would be made available in the next council packet.
# 6 Adjournment
There being no further business
meeting at 9:05 p.m.
ATT~$,T: !
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DeptfY City $#cretary, City of Schertz, Texas
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Mayor, Citlof Schertz, Texas
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