04-01-2014 MinutesMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
April 1, 2014
A Regular Meeting was held by the Schertz City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas, on April 1,
2014, at 6:00 p.m., in the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex Council Chambers, 1400 Schertz
Parkway, Building #4, Schertz, Texas. The following members present to -wit:
Mayor Michael Carpenter
Councilmember Jim Fowler
Councilmember Cedric Edwards
Staff Present:
Executive Director John Bierschwale
Chief of Staff Bob Cantu
City Secretary Brenda Dennis
Call to Order
Mayor Pro -Tern David Scagliola
Councilmember Daryl John
Councilmember Matthew Duke
City Manager John Kessel
Executive Director Brian James
City Attorney Charles Zech
Deputy City Secretary Donna Schmoekel
Mayor Carpenter called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Invocation and Pledges of Allegiance to the Flags of the United States and the State of Texas
Councilmember Jim Fowler provided the invocation followed by the Pledges of Allegiance to the
Flags of the United States and the State of Texas.
City Events and Announcements
• Announcements of upcoming City Events (J. BierschwaleB. James)
Mayor Carpenter recognized Executive Director Brian James who provided the following
announcements and upcoming events:
• Thursday, April 3, New Haven Assisted Living & Memory Care — One Year
Anniversary, 2300 FM 3009, Schertz, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, April 4, Joint City Council Workshop Meeting with Department Heads, 1:00
p.m. — 3:00 p.m. City Council, 3:00 p.m. Department Heads join City Council,
Civic Center/Bluebonnet Hall, 1:00 p.m. — 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, April 5, Friendship Pet Hospital & Wellness Center, 3`d Annual Schertz
Pet Fiesta, 11135 North in front of Lowe's, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Saturday, April 5, City of Castroville 3`d Annual Tour de Castroville 5K & 10K
Walk and Run, Castroville Regional Park, 816 Alsace Avenue, 7:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m.
• Thursday, April 10, Community Volunteer Fair, Schertz Civic Center, 5:30 to 7:00
p.m.
• Announcements and recognitions by City Manager (J. Kessel)
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Mayor Carpenter recognized City Manager John Kessel who complimented staff for setting
up the 40�' Anniversary of the EMS luncheon today. He stated it was a tremendous event,
with a number of speakers who spoke on the history and success of the program.
Mr. Kessel also stated he had received an email from a resident who had been doing water
repairs due to a water leak in their house behind one of their walls. The resident could not
figure out how to turn the water off and they contacted the Public Works Department and
requested assistance. Public Works employee Forrest Blackwell showed up and assisted
them in turning off the water.
Mayor Carpenter stated that if anyone was in attendance this evening for the Hal Baldwin
Scholarship, that there was a sign -up sheet in the back, and be sure to sign up.
Presentations:
• Schertz Sweetheart Court Fiesta Medal Presentation (B. Cantu/M. Spence/E. Matlock)
Mayor Carpenter recognized Events Coordinator Mary Spence who stated that each of the
young ladies will be addressing Council separately. Ms. Spence stated that the Sweethearts
are nearing the end of their reign for the year and that the new coronation will be on May 1,
2014, for the next set of young ladies who will be representing the City.
Ms. Spence introduced Miss Friendly City Ariel Villarreal who came forward thanking the
City for the privilege and honor to serve as Miss Friendly City and as an ambassador of
Schertz. She stated that she has enjoyed representing Schertz and it has given her a new
appreciation and love for the City, and she is proud to call it her home. She stated her future
plans are to attend Texas A &M Corpus Christi.
Ms. Spence introduced Miss Jubilee, Sydney Fischer who stated how amazing it has been
serving on the Sweetheart Court. She thanked the members of the Sweetheart Court, the
Advisory Board and City Council and others she has had the pleasure of building
relationships with that have left lasting relationships in her heart. She indicated that the
Sweetheart Court had contributed to her very busy first year of high school in the best way
and hopes that it will keep her busy for the next three years. She stated that she will be hying
out for the Sweetheart Court for the second time in May. Other future plans include joining
the Student Council, and trying out for varsity volleyball. She also plans on taking medical
and physiology classes in school, and would like to become a lifeguard for a summer job.
Ms. Spence introduced Miss Schertz Katie Gibbons who came forward stating that she has
been very blessed to have spent two years on the Sweetheart Court. She stated that this year
has been filled with unforgettable experiences. She feels privileged to have been able to
represent the City of Schertz when they have traveled to City events and events in local
communities. She has always felt overwhelming pride when telling people she is from the
City of Schertz. This has been the most memorable year, her senior year, and she is happy to
know that they have served as role models to children in the community. Katie stated she is
sad that the year has come to an end, but is excited to start the next chapter in her life. Her
future plans this fall is to attend Texas A &M University and major in special education.
Katie invited everyone to Fiesta and presented everyone with a Fiesta medal, designed by the
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individual Court members; this year the Flambeau Parade theme is the Roaring 20's. Mayor
and Council thanked the Sweethearts for serving this year.
• National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (Mayor Carpenter/ Jennifer
Fernandez)
Mayor Carpenter read and presented the Proclamation to Ms. Jennifer Fernandez with the
Guadalupe Valley Violence Shelter, Inc. Mayor Carpenter had all the Councihnember sign
the proclamation. Mayor Carpenter stated that the number of cases in Guadalupe County is
more than you would imagine. Mayor Carpenter thanked all the individuals and groups who
deal with the cases. Mayor Carpenter recognized Ms. Fernandez who thanked the City for
supporting and recognizing the need for awareness. Ms. Fernandez stated that she and
another associate were recently trained to be able to meet and respond to victims while in the
emergency room and support them.
• Child Abuse Prevention Month (Mayor Carpenter /Christy Williams)
Mayor Carpenter read and presented the Proclamation to Ms. Christy Williams and Ms.
Dixie Bane with the Guadalupe County Children's Advocacy Center and Ms. Bernadette
Buchanan of the Guadalupe County Child Welfare Board. Mayor Carpenter mentioned that
the Guadalupe County Grand Jury has heard numerous cases on child neglect; this is also a
challenging thing that we do not talk about. Again, he stated that the individuals who deal
with these cases are to be commended for the work they do.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Ms. Christy Williams who stated that they have been in
operation for more than ten years. She stated the number of cases they see do not go down at
all; they see at least 330 children every single year. They do forensic interviews, and provide
therapy and assist the children when they go to court. The organization makes sure that the
children are receiving all the help that they need. She stated that the organization has
received a donation of land from sponsors that have been with the organization from the
beginning and they are currently working on getting a new facility built to assist with their
ever growing needs. She stated that April 4, 2014, is Go Blue Day and requested everyone to
wear blue on that day. She also stated that on April 8, 2014 you can go eat at any Chili's in
Selma, Schertz or Seguin and if you have a flyer, which you can pull a copy off their web
page, that 10% of the proceeds will go toward their new building fund.
• National Service Recognition Day (Mayor Carpenter to read into record)
Mayor Carpenter read into record the Proclamation recognizing National Service
Recognition Day joining over 1,750 Mayors across the nation who participated in
recognizing and turning to national service and volunteerism as a cost - effective strategy to
meet city needs. While utilizing volunteer groups like AmeriCorps and Senior Corps they
address the most pressing challenges facing our cities and nation, from educating students for
the jobs of the 21st century and supporting veterans and military families to preserving the
environment and helping communities recover from natural disasters.
• Parks Lighting and Signage — Presentation and discussion regarding parks lighting and
signage. (B. James /C. VanZandt)
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Mayor Carpenter recognized Park Manager Chuck Van Zandt who introduced this item
stating that in response to the request that staff address the lighting issue in City parks, the
Parks Advisory Board would like to create a committee to develop a process to address this
issue. The Advisory Board feels that each park should be considered on a case by case basis,
depending upon the particular needs, existing amenities, resident input, and how the request
fits into our overall park funding priorities.
Mr. Van Zandt also stated that several stone monument signs located in City parks continue
to sustain vandalism by way of removal of the surface -mount lettering. The most frequently
vandalized signage is located in Woodland Oaks Park, Ashley Park, and Wendy Swan
Memorial Park. The Parks Advisory Board has recommended to staff that the Parks
Department employ the new, engraved lettering system utilized at the Animal Adoption
Center and the Veterans Memorial Plaza to abate this issue in the future (see attached
pictures). Mr. Van Zandt stated staff is prepared to initiate this procedural change beginning
at Wendy Swan Memorial Park. Currently, there is funding available to do so; staff will
budget funding for the other two (2) signs in FY 2014-2015.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Fowler who stated that he believes the Parks
Advisory Board has good ideas and would like to volunteer his time to the special committee.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Duke who addressed the lettering and graffiti
issues, but he also requested that the committee look at lighting. He stated that there is no
park utilization after dark, and would like to see the committee look into different strategies
and plans for future park lighting.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Edwards who asked if there are any grant
opportunities to assist in the projects. Mr. Van Zandt stated that the parks department has
been utilizing the grant program and provided examples of recent grants they had received.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Executive Director of Development Brian James who came
forward stating safety, security and vandalism will be topics for the committee. The plan is
to have the committee develop criteria; look at each park on a case by case basis, and check
with the HOA's on their use as well as develop recommendations.
Mayor Carpenter thanked the Parks Board for setting up the sub committee. He believes that
the Parks Advisory Board can take care of the park lighting issues with the residents.
Mayor Carpenter recognized City Manager John Kessel who stated that should the committee
come back with recommendations of installation of lighting, the costs would have to be
approved by Council.
Hearing of Residents:
Mayor Carpenter recognized the following who spoke
• Ms. Debbie Pape, Chair of the Senior Advisory Council, who provided updated
information on how the Senior Center is running. She stated that since the City has
taken over operation of the center only eight weeks ago, the center has done a
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complete 180 degree turn. The members are much happier and once again there is
laughter in the air. Membership is growing and the members are proud of such a fine
establishment. The meal program continues to grow, serving 40 to 50 meals per day.
The Center has scheduled lunch and learn programs for April and May with sponsors
who pay for the meals, which on those days 80 to 100 seniors attend. She stated that
the seniors are getting out there working with the community and businesses to assist
in the growth and they are learning as they continue to grow.
Ms. Pape stated that the Center is getting all their contacts and sponsor lists together,
as the foundation had taken every phone number and every piece of paper with them
but the seniors are rebuilding it. They now have sponsors for 8 to 10 bingo games a
month, an end of the month birthday party, a raffle that is sponsored, and a once a
month dance that is sponsored, as well as working very hard to get their fundraiser
organized.
Ms. Pape stated she has spoken to all the Senior Council Advisory members and to a
huge selection of seniors and would like to express to the City Council what they
would like from the City of Schertz, and what they want is for you, Council, to stand
by your seniors. They would like the City to provide them with a City Coordinator
and an Administrative Assistant. They can make sure that the Center is run 100
percent. This would allow the seniors to work on the meals, activities, fundraisers
and the day to day operation of the Center. They do not want the City to pass the
Center off to another third party; if this happens again, the seniors will be out of the
loop once more.
• Mrs. R. Clare Layton, 12231 Lost Meadows Drive, who publicly thanked City Staff
for attending the two Community Pre - Budget meetings. She had two observations:
(1) the off -site meeting both last year and this year was more successful than the
meetings in the Council Chambers; (2) the budget related meetings are still not
attracting City residents. She stated that those who know her realize that the lack of
citizen's participation in government is her number one issue. She provided her
modest proposal by stating possibly dropping the word `Budget" in the title when
announcing the meeting and calling the meeting a "gathering ". She believes citizens
would then need to read the text to know "gathering for what ?" She stated possible
the text "This is your chance," to suggest to City department heads what they should
be doing with your money. In thinking about this wording, it is friendly, open and
invites action, it conveys the general purpose of a pre- budget meeting, and the
prospect of interacting at the department level is much less formidable than
addressing top leadership.
Consent Aeenda Items
1. Minutes - Consideration and/or action regarding the approval of the minutes of the regular
meeting of March 25, 2014 Q. Kessel/B. Dennis)
2. Resolution No. 14 -R -31 - Consideration and/or action approving a Resolution authorizing
EMS Debt Revenue Adjustments for certain inactive outstanding accounts receivables. (J.
- Bierschwale/D. Wait)
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The following was read into record:
RESOLUTION NO. 14 -R -31
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS
AUTHORIZING EMS DEBT REVENUE ADJUSTMENTS FOR INACTIVE
OUTSTANDING ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLES AFTER 180 DAYS OF NON
PAYMENT AND OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH
3. Resolution No. 14 -R -32— Consideration and/or action approving a Resolution authorizing
Utility Billing Debt Revenue Adjustments for certain inactive outstanding accounts
receivables. (J. Bierschwale /C. Spence)
The following was read into record:
RESOLUTION NO. 14 -R -32
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS
AUTHORIZING UTILITY BILLING DEBT REVENUE ADJUSTMENTS FOR
INACTIVE OUTSTANDING ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLES AFTER 180 DAYS OF
NON PAYMENT AND OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH
4. Resolution No. 14 -R -25 — Consideration and/or action approving a Resolution approving
and authorizing an agreement for a Public Utility Easement and Temporary Construction
Easement along Maske Road. (J. Bierschwale /S. Willoughby /J. Hooks)
The following was read into record:
RESOLUTION NO. 14 -R -25
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS
APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT FOR A PUBLIC UTILITY
EASEMENT AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT ALONG MASKS
ROAD FROM JON P. AND TERESA F. CHALKER IN CONNECTION WITH THE
MASKE ROAD WATERLINE PROJECT, AND OTHER MATTERS IN
CONNECTION THEREWITH
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Fowler who moved, seconded by
Councilmember Edwards, to approve the consent agenda items 1 through 4. The vote was
unanimous with Mayor Pro -Tem Scagliola, Councilmembers Fowler, John, Edwards, and
Duke voting yes and no one voting no. Motion Carried.
Discussion and Action Items
5. Resolution No. 14 -R -33 — Presentation and consideration and/or action approving a
Resolution authorizing an agreement with Touchpay Holdings, LP for installation of
equipment and software programs for a free - standing payment Kiosk. (J. Bierschwale /C.
Spence) -
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The following was read into record:
RESOLUTION NO. 14 -R -33
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS
AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH TOUCHPAY HOLDINGS, LP FOR
INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE PROGRAMS FOR A FREE-
STANDING PAYMENT KIOSK FOR CITY OF SCHERTZ PAYMENTS
Mayor Carpenter recognized Business Office Manager Carol Spence who introduced this
item providing a brief presentation regarding the free - standing payment Kiosk. She stated the
free standing payment kiosk center is anticipated to be cost efficient and a convenient
payment method to the public. The benefits of the payment automation system include:
• Reduced after hour phone calls to the police dispatch for utility payments
• No cost to the City of Schertz. TouchPay is absorbing the $5,000 cost to interface with
our current Incode Billing Software System. TouchPay charges a nominal transaction
convenience fee to customers utilizing the service.
• No additional cost for cash management, i.e. bank runs.
• Unit is portable. Can be moved to a different location if needed.
• Kiosk can be used by other departments and agencies to collect payments.
• Payments post immediately and all payment inquiries go through TouchPay.
• Easy ATM -type use
Ms. Spence stated currently, the City has limited options available for utility customers to
pay for their water bill after normal business office hours. The installation of a free - standing
payment kiosk center that is available to the public during and after regular operation hours
will allow greater access to our citizens to pay their utility bills. Staff researched different
options available to provide this service. Staff has negotiated with TouchPay Holdings, LP to
provide the kiosk and service for 36 months to the City at no cost. TouchPay will charge a
nominal transaction convenience fee to customers utilizing the service. The deployment and
installation will be covered by TouchPay Holdings, LP.
Ms. Spence introduced Elaine Ladimore with Touchpay who came forward addressing
questions from Council.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Fowler who asked if the system would
dispense cash. Ms. Ladimore stated no, it would only accept cash or credit card payments for
resident's utility water bills.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Pro -Tern Scagliola who asked how you protect the
security of the customer's accounts. Ms. Ladimme stated that they would create an interface
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that would be tied to the Tyler Incode System of the City and that the customer would have
to put in a defined set of criteria to identify themselves. Touchpay would work with the City
to define what is to be displayed to the user via the kiosk. She stated they are licensed as a
money transmitter, they are PCI compliant, and they follow all of the rules of the Master
Card and Visa companies.
Mayor Pro -Tem Scagliola asked if this was a seamless interface between the kiosk system
and our IT Department. IT Director Myles Clauser came forward stating they actually vetted
the system, the data is both encrypted in transit and is protected on the City side as well. He
feels very confident that they can protect the information as it is very similar to the current
on -line system we have through Incode.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Fowler who asked if other payments of other
utilities could be utilized. The answer was no that this system is for the City of Schertz
Utility Water billing accounts only at this time. But if in the future you wanted to extend it to
payment for traffic citations, that this could be done utilizing another interface and include a
different payment button. Councilmember Fowler asked if someone wanted to make
multiple payments to different accounts would they be charged another $4.00. The answer
was yes, it is $4.00 per transaction.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Duke who asked why the YMCA site was
chosen and have other sites been evaluated or are other sites planned for the future. Ms.
Spence stated that HEB would not be a good location as citizens already have the ability to
pay their water accounts there, but would like Council to provide their suggestions for future
locations.
Ms. Spence stated they chose the YMCA due to their hours of operation. Citizens wishing to
make payments can do so at the YMCA after 5:00 p.m. and not have to utilize the outside
payment drop.
Mayor Carpenter recognized City Manger John Kessel who complimented staff on the work
on the entire process. He stated that one of the items brought up last year during the budget
process was the ability to find remote locations for citizens to pay their water bills,
particularly in southern Schertz. At this time we do not have a suitable building or business
in Southern Schertz that we can partner with yet, but this would also offer us the opportunity.
This is a convenience for our customers. He believes that the peak use of this will be during
cut off days.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Edwards who moved, seconded by
Councilmember Duke, to approve Resolution No. 14 -R -33. The vote was unanimous with
Mayor Pro-Tent Scagliola, Councilmembers Fowler, John, Edwards, and Duke voting yes
and no one voting no. Motion Carried
6. Ordinance No. 14 -T -14 — Presentation and consideration and/or action approving an
Ordinance authorizing a Midyear Budget Adjustment to the General Fund, EMS Fund, and
EDC Fund. First Reading (J. Kessel/J. Walters)
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The following was read into record:
ORDINANCE NO. 14-T-14
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS
AUTHORIZING A MIDYEAR BUDGET ADJUSTMENT TO THE GENERAL
FUND, THE EMS FUND, AND THE EDC FUND; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES
OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT WITH THIS ORDINANCE; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Mayor Carpenter recognized Budget/Finance Analyst James Walters who introduced this
item stating that with Ordinance 13 -T -34 the City Council of the City of Schertz approved
the annual budget for FY 2013 -14. Over the last 6 months the City staff has been able to
identify revenue in certain areas that are expected to exceed our budget estimates. By
recognizing these additional revenues the City will be able to fund additional programs using
a midyear adjustment.
Staff has identified unfunded "Top Priority" programs from FY 2013 -14 that remain critical
priorities. These programs are repairs to the Recreation Center and undertaking a Salary and
Benefits Survey. Additionally, making a mandated Criminal Justice Information Services
(CJIS) upgrade and additional funding for the Facilities Master Plan have been identified for
prioritization. All of these programs except the CJIS upgrade were "Top Priority" goals set
by City Council and the Leadership Team in February 2013.
The midyear budget adjustment will also encompass a few other items as well, including the
Senior Center operations, the Caterpillar tax abatement, and a reorganization of personnel
funds.
Beginning in February 2014 the City took over operations of the Senior Center. Part of the
midyear adjustment will be to set up a budget to fund the Senior Center for the remainder of
the fiscal year. This is a temporary measure to help continue operations while the City
determines if it would be better to outsource the Center's operations or continue to operate it
in- house.
In October 2010, the City approved an Agreement with Caterpillar which established a
performance -based tax incentive to develop their multi -phased manufacturing facility. This
year, the taxable value of Caterpillar increased significantly. As a result, the City increased
both revenue and expenses that were unanticipated, with a net gain to the community. The
midyear adjustment will recognize the additional amount payable to Caterpillar on their
property tax reimbursement, in addition to the already recognized additional revenue that
does not require budgeting as it is simply received as additional revenue.
This year there is an opportunity to reorganize the City staffing structure. Rather than
refilling three vacant positions, the City is able to add four different, new positions and fund
one previously authorized position that was in the General Fund. There are also five title
changes and two positions with significant additional duties. The following was presented:
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Personnel Changes General Fund
• 3 positions removed:
- Executive Director Support
- Public Affairs Director
- Assistant Library Director
• 4 positions added:
- Events Specialist
- Librarian
- Plans Examiner
- Fire Inspector
• 1 authorized position funded:
- Engineer
• 5 title changes:
- Deputy City Manager
- Events Manager
- Communications Manager
- Senior Budget Analyst
- Library Director
2 positions with significant additional duties:
- Executive Director Development
- Chief of Staff
• 1 position added (with additional billing revenue offsetting expense):
- EMS Billing Clerk
The savings on compensation amount to $61,632 but $19,218 of equipment for the new
personnel will need to be purchased. The overall effect of this reorganization is a savings of
$42,414 in the General Fund. The EMS Fund will also receive a new Billing Clerk to assist
with the growing demand on that department and will be funded by their own revenues.
The overall fiscal impact to the General Fund will be a net $178,362 reduction of the
anticipated amount returned to fund balance to $362,340. There will be no fiscal impact to
the EMS Fund as the new position will generate revenue equivalent to their expenditures.
The fiscal impact to the EDC Fund will be an increase of $345,908 which will increase their
anticipated return to reserves to $376,565. Staff recommends approval.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember John who asked about the possibility of any
insurance liability from the subcontractors who installed the windows on the recreation
center. City Manager John Kessel stated that the City was the actual general contractor and
the subs were small companies who may or may not still be in business. Additionally, the
warranty expired after one year and the deficiencies were discovered afterwards. It was an
installation and design selection issue where materials were delivered that were determined
to be not correct. The city made the decision to have them installed anyway thereby taking
on that liability at that time.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Jim Fowler who asked for the bottom line of
the budget adjustment being presented tonight. Mr. Walters stated they are asking for
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Council approval to put back only $362,000 in the reserve fund instead of the original plan of
putting back $540,000. After the budget adjustment we would be $530,000 away from our
25% replenishment target.
Mayor Carpenter summarized the previous discussions by stating decisions were made in the
past during the economic downturn when buildings such as the YMCA and Fire Station No.
2 were constructed. In order to save money, the City decided to be its own General
Contractor on these projects. Also, during this time, rather than lay employees off, more
decisions were made to forgo employee cost of living and/or merit raises at the time, which
today has now resulted in internal inequity in comparing pay levels of tenured against newly
hired personnel. He feels we need to do the right thing and rectify this situation now. As a
safety issue, the building deficiencies have to be fixed and the compensation of our
employees needs to be addressed. He thinks everything the staff has brought to us is
necessary.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Edwards who concurred stating they realize
they have asked City Management to come to Council with responsibility based management
and needed budget adjustments and also that our biggest investment is our people.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Fowler who asked if one of the new persons
we are going to be hiring would be an Engineer and would they be capable of helping us
avoid the types of construction errors made in the past that we have been discussing. City
Manager John Kessel stated that this person would be an entry level engineer who would be
able to take some workload from the current engineer. This will also create a career path that
would be available for a lower entry level engineer to promote into. Investing in employee
expertise now will save a lot of money by avoiding mistakes that would need correction later.
Mayor Carpenter stated he hoped that the revenue estimates made by our staff for the rest of
this fiscal year would end up being more that what is currently being forecast. He issued a
challenge to city staff members to continue to find ways to save both small and large
amounts of money that would allow us to have more capital to get closer to our original goals
in putting a certain amount of funds back in our reserves.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Edwards, who moved, seconded by
Councilmember Duke, to approve Ordinance No. 14 -T -14 first reading. The vote was
unanimous with Mayor Pro -Tem Scagliola, Councilmembers Fowler, John, Edwards, and
Duke voting yes and no one voting no. Councilmember Fowler was absent. Motion
Carried.
7. Ordinance No. 14 -T -15 — Consideration and/or action approving an Ordinance establishing
fees for Senior Center related services provided by the City of Schertz. First Reading (J.
Kessel/J. Walters)
The following was read into record:
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ORDINANCE NO. 14-T-15
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS
AMENDING THE CITY OF SCHERTZ CODE OF ORDINANCES AND CERTAIN
OTHER ORDINANCES BY AMENDING AND ESTABLISHING FEES FOR
SENIOR CENTER RELATED SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF
SCHERTZ; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE OF
ALL ORDINANCES AS TO SUCH SUBJECT; PROVIDING FOR FUTURE
AMENDMENT OF THIS ORDINANCE BY RESOLUTION; PROVIDING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY CLAUSE; PROVIDING
A SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Mayor Carpenter recognized Budget/Finance Analyst James Walters who stated the Schertz
Senior Center was operated by the Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation until February
2014 wherein the City of Schertz terminated the agreement and took over operation of the
program. This program serves over 250 registered members with lunches, events, trips, and
social gatherings. In order to collect revenues associated with the normal operations of the
center, the City needs to establish fees for the rental of the facility, for membership of the
center, and for lunches during the week.
By establishing these fees that were charged by the Comal County Senior Citizens
Foundation previously we can limit the impact of the City undertaking the operations of the
Center. Since the City currently operates this program these fees need to be set to reduce the
impact of the center operations on the city budget and the general population. Fiscal impact
for this item is $54,410. Staff recommends approval.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Pro -Tem Scagliola who asked if patrons could buy a
book of coupons for reduced lunches. Mr. Walters stated it was a set fee and that the program
could be set up again. Mayor Pro -Tem Scagliola asked what the rental revenue and costs
were for the facility. The answer was around $15,000 for revenue and the costs would
remain the same as our general services department was already cleaning the facility. The
membership fee is still $36 per year. All of these items have been discussed with the current
Senior Advisory Committee.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Duke who asked what the procedure was if
someone came in who could not afford the set lunch fee. Mr. Walters stated they would not
be turned away. Executive Director of Development Brian James came forward and clarified
that the procedure is to charge at least $1, but they would also work with anyone who came
up short.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Pro -Tem Scagliola, who moved, seconded by
Councihnember Fowler, to approve Ordinance No. 14 -T -15 on first reading. The vote was
unanimous with Mayor Pro -Tem Scagliola, Councilmembers Fowler, John, Edwards, and
Duke voting yes and no one voting no. Motion Carried
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Roll Call Vote Confirmation
Mayor Carpenter recognized Deputy City Secretary Donna Schmoekel who recapped the votes of
items 1 through 7.
Requests and Announcements
8. Announcements by City Manager
• Citizen Kudos
• Recognition of City employee actions
• New Departmental initiatives
No further announcements provided.
9. Requests by Mayor and Councilmembers that items be placed on a future City Council
agenda.
No items requested.
10. Announcements by Mayor and Councilmembers
• City and community events attended and to be attended
• City Council Committee and Liaison Assignments (see assignments below)
• Continuing education events attended and to be attended
• Recognition of actions by City employees
• Recognition of actions by community volunteers
• Upcoming City Council agenda items
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Pro -Tem Scagliola who stated he attended the following
events:
• Cibolo Valley Local Government Corporation (CVLGC) meeting last week
• Saturday, March 29, BVYA Opening Day Event - Parade and Opening Ceremonies
• Tuesday, April 1, EMS 40th Year of Service Luncheon at the Civic Center
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Fowler who stated he attended the following
events:
• Saturday, March 29, BVYA Opening Day Event - Parade and Opening Ceremonies
• Tuesday, April 1, EMS 40th Year of Service Luncheon at the Civic Center
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Edwards who stated he attended the following
events:
• Saturday, March 29, BVYA Opening Day Event - Parade and Opening Ceremonies
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Duke who stated he attended the following
events:
• Saturday, March 29, BVYA Opening Day Event - Parade and Opening Ceremonies
04 -01 -2014 Minutes Page - 13 -
Mayor Carpenter stated he attended the following events:
• Saturday, March 29, BVYA Opening Day Event - Parade and Opening Ceremonies
• Tuesday, April 1, EMS 40`h Year of Service, Luncheon at the Civic Center
He stated they had a meeting today with staff and members of the United States Military to
discuss their concerns as well as ours about what is happening with military bases and are we
protecting the mission at Randolph. The pleasant outcome is that we are doing everything we
can to assist in this endeavor and as a city we are taking no action that would put them in
jeopardy.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Fowler who stated that he was involved in
doing the review of the Joint Base and Land Use document and he saw a lack of information
of communications between the military and the local emergency service units (Police, Fire,
and EMS). Since the City has now gone to the P -25 radio system, we all need to be able to
communicate on this system. Also, at this months' upcoming Northeast Partnership meeting,
one of the Military Generals will be speaking about their current concerns and how we, the
local cities can help and support them. He feels this is going to be a very good meeting for
us to go to.
Adiournment
As there was no further business,
the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 .
Mayor, Michael R. Carpenter
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