01-15-03 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SPECIAL WORKSHOP SESSION
01-15-03
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop Session on Wednesday, January
15, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Complex Conference Room, 1400 Schertz
Parkway, Schertz, Texas. Those present were Mayor Hal Baldwin, presiding;
Councilmembers Steve Simonson, Reginna Agee, Tony Wilenchik and Ken Greenwald.
Staffpresent were City Manager Mark Marquez and City Secretary Norma Althouse.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
Robert Brockman of 4505 Grand Forrest had the following comments:
· Noted there are a couple of trucks parked over by Butch Roofing that he doesn't
feel should be parked there. One of the license plates is RK44F - maybe it's
stolen.
· Asked if there's any word about a crosswalk at the tennis courts off Elbel Road.
Mr. Bierschwale, Asst. City Manager, replied they are waiting on instructions
from the school district.
· Remarked there is finally a traffic sign on Ashley Oak Place. Schertz is a good
place to live.
#2 Recognition of Promotions and Achievements within the Fire Department.
Fire Chief Friesenhahn introduced several people from his department, gave their
background and credentials, and noted that Roger Niemietz had been promoted from
Lieutenant to Captain and John Perry had been promoted from Firefighter to Lieutenant.
He also mentioned that Roger Niemietz and Terry Aikman had completed the Fire
Investigation Course. Mayor Baldwin stated Council is very proud of them and is glad to
have them here,
#3 Presentation by Gordon Dunldey of the Randolph Metrocom Chamber of
Commerce.
Mr. Dunkley, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, advised he has new
maps for the City and is sorry for the delay. He will get more copies to us by the end of
next week.
Mr. Dunkley also reported the Chamber is in negotiations for a multi-use facility in
which an aviation history museum in Universal City is being proposed. He will gladly
come to the Economic Development Commission meeting to discuss the details.
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He also armounced that the last Thursday in March, Randolph Air Force Base would do a
military TATOO with a flyover at the Verizon amphitheater. They will be celebrating
the 100th anniversary of aviation and the 30th anniversary of the POW release. Among
the entertainment will be the Band of the West and Tops in Blue.
Lastly, Mr. Dunkley mentioned the Chamber is looking for an administrative assistant.
At this time Mr. Marquez advised he would like to reverse the order of Items #4 and #5
on the agenda.
#5 Discussion with Mark McLiney regarding final debt structuring of obligations.
Council had received charts showing the impact of Series 2003 Certificates of Obligation
in the amount of $3,360,000 with a 5% assessed value growth rate and with no assessed
value growth after one year. Mr. Mcliney explained they would still be in declining debt
service even if there were no growth after the first year, They could still have money for
other projects. Outstanding bonds would be paid by I&S taxes.
Mr. Wilenchik inquired when they would be able to float a $15,000,000 bond without
exceeding a tax rate of 10 cents. Mr. McLiney answered they could sell in 2004 in two-
year increments. Mr. Marquez added they sell when they have the capacity to pay for
them.
Mr. Wilenchik then asked when they could start constmction on any project supported by
bonds. Mr. McLiney replied possibly in 2003, but definitely by 2004. The City has
flexibility and doesn't get penalized if they sell bonds in February.
Mayor Baldwin inquired if when they get community support, i.e. from BVYA, would
BVYA have to wait six years, Mr. McLiney answered it would be 5-6 years down the
road before the first projects are done and the public needs to be well informed. Mayor
Baldwin observed that when the package is presented, they need to prioritize.
Mr. Marquez emphasized they still can't say taxes won't go up. The idea is to minimize
the increase. They're hoping they won't have to go up much.
Mr. Simonson commented he doesn't see a problem because we run an open system here.
He, personally, doesn't think the citizens will balk over a one or two-cent increase. He
suggested getting an artist's rendering of proposed projects and displaying it in the lobby.
Mr. Marquez referred to the memo he had included in Council's packet regarding the
bond process to meet capital requirements. The memo includes an outline of those items
proposed for purchase to complete this fiscal year requirement as well as other special
requirements such as FEMA, the Fire Station, and the pool. GUADCO Impact Fees will
be paid out of Capital Recovery Fees. It was too late to correct it last year coming from
I&S versus from Capital Recovery.
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Mr. Marquez indicated they have prepaid their Capital Recovery Fees in Scenic Hills.
Mayor Baldwin acknowledged he gets nervous when they start using Capital Recovery
Fees for something other than improvements. Those things should be paid with tax
money. Mr. Marquez admitted he was not uncomfortable with this and Mr. McLiney
explained why they don't have to use tax money.
Mayor Baldwin then asked where the EMS money is coming from and was advised by
Mr. Marquez it is coming out of annual revenues and he thought, by the way, the
presentation by Dudley Wait, EMS Director, was excellent. Mayor Baldwin noted there
used to be all this discussion about a chassis and boxes. Mr. Simonson noted what's
being offered now is much better. Mr. Marquez pointed out we have I&S funds in excess
to use as needed,
Mr. McLiney mentioned the Notice of Intention to Issue Certificates of Obligation would
be approved at the meeting next week. He also reminded Council of the Timetable of
Events which was included in their packages.
#4 Discuss Resolution authorizing and approving publication of notice of intention
to issue Certificates of Obligation.
Mr. Marquez reminded Council they will act on this next week. They need to make sure
all the items are included that the City intends to buy. The bids they received on the pool
were surprisingly lower than they had expected.
One of the bidders on the pool was present in case there was discussion, but Mr. Marquez
informed him the bids would be discussed next week.
Mr. Wilenchik inquired if the City has a reimbursement resolution and was informed they
do.
There was discussion about the overview of upcoming capital requirements for this fiscal
year. Those items were as follows:
Fire Sub Station $750,000
Swimming Pool $250,000
Matching FEMA Grant $1,000,000
*IH-35/FM 3009 $750,000
Total $2,750,000
Equipment:
Library $12,392
EMS $31,000
Fire $29,000
$72,392
Vehicles:
*EMS Ambulances $260,000
Building Services $18,900
Animal Control $22,000
CID $35,000
Inspection $18,900
Power Riding Broom $24,500
Slope Mower $50,950
$430,250
Grand Total $3,252,642
Mr. Marquez pointed out two of the projects are long overdue and two are new
requirements. Two of the items (asterisked) the PID project and the ambulances are
actually to be paid by revenues other than I&S. 75% of the PID project will be paid by
special assessment to the business owners in the PID district. The new ambulances are
front-funded for Schertz EMS with a four-year payback from future revenues. The
FEMA grant match is a short-term note in the sense when reimbursements from FEMA
are paid, the balance remaining from our match will inure to fund balance or to reduce
debt.
#6 Report on status of Tax Abatement Program.
Amy Madison, Economic Development Director, reported that since the program began
in 1992, the City of Schertz has entered into 29 (not 30 as shown in the written report) tax
abatements. We have retired a total of 14, three of which were retired in 2002 including
American Freightways, Alamo Holly and Theis, The remaining abatements include
Ramada, SCI, Lone Star, AER, Alamo Packaging, Coronado Paint, S.P. Richards, Keaco,
Victory, Cal-Tex, Pro-Logis 2, Metro, Block, Embry and Technos 2.
The City is earning $3.34 to every dollar given in abatement. The previous report
showed a return of $3.02 to every dollar abated.
Verizon completed a 3.8 million dollar facility and Sprint completed a 2.4 million dollar
facility this year and neither project is receiving abatement. Nabisco did not ask for
abatement.
To date we have not given abatement to projects in the Schertz Industrial Park where
over 100,00 square feet is under construction in various projects. Mrs. Madison
complimented Edmond Ortiz of the Herald Newspaper for his article on tax abatements.
#7 ORDINANCE: Discuss and take action on final reading of Ordinance adopting
Guidelines and Criteria for Tax Abatement and Re-Investment Zones.
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Mr. Marquez pointed out the language has been cleared up in the ordinance regarding
expansion and we haven't seen a lot of slowdown since 9 -11.
Mayor Baldwin introduced an ordinance and read the caption as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 03-T-02
BY TIlE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS, ADOPTING
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA FOR TAX ABATEMENT AND RE-
INVESTMENT ZONES.
Mr. Wilenchik moved to approve the final reading of the Ordinance adopting Guidelines
and Criteria for Tax Abatement and Re-Investment Zones. Mr. Simonson seconded the
motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#8 Update on Public Works Projects by representative of Ford Engineering.
Larry Dublin of Ford Engineering was present for the update.
Mr. Bierschwale distributed a draft of an ordinance establishing a drainage utility. He
told Council it was for them to study and it will be brought back in two weeks for
discussion at the next workshop. He emphasized he does not like it because it is an
unfunded mandate.
Mr. Dublin mentioned that things are getting busy. The elevated storage tank is coming
along well.
Mr. Marquez commented they would be setting a date for the grand opening of the
Schertz/Seguin pipeline. Mr. Bierschwale explained they are in the testing phase. Mayor
Baldwin asked if the waterline is complete and was told it is and that the estimated
construction costs are still to the good.
Mr. Dublin then remarked that the Schertz Parkway reconstruction is coming along as
well as can be expected considering all the rain they've had. They are moving traffic
over to the other lane tomorrow. They think it will take approximately 60 days to
complete. They are estimating April for completion. There is a difficult spot at
Woodland Oaks Drive where the traffic has to cross over.
Mr. Bierschwale also mentioned they are extending the sidewalk and Mr. Marquez
complimented Austin Bridge and Road on their work.
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Mr. Dublin mentioned they readvertised for the Wiederstein and FM 3009 intersection
project. The Lower Seguin waterline project is waiting for rights-of-way, and the FM
1518/I-10 South waterline project is on hold for people to move their fences.
Regarding the Northcliffe tank, Mr. Dublin thought they should be painting the logo on
next week. They are close to buying off Mr. Ripps's property for the IRC sewer project.
Concerning the swimming pool rehabilitation, awarding of the bid will be on next week's
agenda.
Mr. Dublin then stated they should begin work on the Borgfeld Road project next week.
It will involve some permanent improvements. Mr. Simonson stressed it needs to be a
high priority. It was an MPO project and then it was pulled.
Mr. Dublin was then asked about Dietz Creek and where they stand on the FEMA
project. He had a large drawing with him and explained the improvements that would be
made. They are not going to touch the Cibolo Creek. Mayor Baldwin asked if the FM 78
bridge would handle the flow. Mr. Dublin replied what they are doing will not have an
effect on it. Mr. Simonson asked if they will still have to retain the pond and was told
they would. The project will lower the water level by two inches. The City needs to see
if Council wants to ask the railroad to expand their bridge.
Mr. Wilenchik asked what the new construction is next to the Animal Shelter. Mr.
Bierschwale replied it is a strip center, which includes a dance studio.
Mrs. Agee asked about the status of Elbel Road. Mr. Bierschwale answered they will be
ready to bid the project out in about two weeks. They will eventually have to close Elbel
Road for about 60 days, but will try to do it when school is out.
There was a brief discussion about a traffic light at the Live Oak Road/Dietz Road
intersection off FM 3009. It was mentioned that the City of Cibolo said they would
participate if others participated.
Mr. Dublin then displayed working drawings for the Fire Sub-Station and the Public
Works Complex. He said he would have elevations for the Fire Sub-Station the next
time. They are approximately three weeks from going out for bids. Mr. Bierschwale
advised the preliminary budget for the Public Works Complex is $750,000 and for the
Fire Sub-Station it is $600,000 to $650,000.
This was the conclusion of the presentation by Ford Engineering.
#9 Discuss first reading of Ordinance regarding changes to Fire Alarm
regulations.
Mr. Marquez explained there was an error in the ordinance passed recently and it pertains
to the number of false alarms allowed. Council xvas ready to have this item included on
next Tuesday night's agenda.
#10 Discuss landscaping for Schertz Parkway.
Gall Douglas, Community Services Director, was present and she introduced Phil
Solomon the landscape architect who has been looking into the Schertz Parkway project.
He did the landscaping for the Jonas Woods subdivision and will explain his plan for
Schertz Parkway.
Mr. Solomon stated his plan is low maintenance with a scheme indiginous to the area.
He plans on using five different types of trees so that some will have something going on
all the time through the year. Each island along the Parkway is equipped with a water
meter. He will hydroseed the bottom, he will stay about 3' off the curb, there will be
gradation of height and there will be clustered trees. He will make compensation for
planting in rock.
Mayor Baldwin asked if there would be good visibility at the intersections and Mr.
Solomon replied yes.
Mr. Marquez informed Council the City would go out for bids on the project. Mr.
Solomon said if he is chosen he will oversee the project and remain as a consultant. Mr.
Wilenchik questioned if anyone had given any thought to maintenance of the
landscaping. Mr. Marquez replied they had, and they always lean toward low
maintenance.
Mayor Baldwin wondered if they could loop into CCMA's reuse water system. Mr.
Bierschwale indicated it is too costly.
Ms. Douglas stressed they need to keep the root system down so it won't spread to the
asphalt. Mr. Solomon recommended a bubbler on each tree.
Ms. Douglas then mentioned she is also working on beautifying FM 78 and will probably
need an additional park person.
Council thought the landscaping plan for Schertz Parkway looked good. Mr. Marquez
told them they need approval to proceed. Council gave their consensus to proceed.
#11 Items by City Manager
General Announcements
Mr. Marquez noted that the new Mayor Pro-Tem would be sworn in next week.
According to the line of progression, the new Mayor Pro-Tem will be Mr. Wilenchik.
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#12 Items by City Council
General Announcements
Councilmember Simonson
4-B Board
Liaison BVYA
Mr. Simonson said he had attended the BVYA meeting this past Monday night. Opening
Day for this season is March 29th. He mentioned they are planning a Pony tournament
at the end of June, but do to circumstances, want to know if there's any problem with
having it the first week of July. After some discussion, he was told to tell them it could
be no later than July 2nd because of the 4th of July Jubilee.
Cotmcilmember Agee
4-B Board
Liaison Schertz Housing Authority
Liaison Schertz Library Board
Mrs. Agee mentioned she had attended the Housing Authority meeting Monday night.
Barbara Volkner has resigned and the new employee is Mynette Benedict.
Councilmember Wilenchik
4-B Board
Liaison Schertz Humane Society
Liaison HOA Coalition
Mr. Wilenchik reported that Pla Jarman has resigned from the Humane Society. The
Humane Society wants to hold a 5K run fundraiser on the 3rd of May. It would include a
one-mile fun run and doggie walk. By the way, his doctor said he could start jogging
again in about four weeks.
He asked about an update on the February 1, 2003 Special Election and was told five
candidates have filed.
Councilmember Greenwald
4-B Board
Ex-officio P & Z Commission
Ex-officio S/SLGC
Mr. Greenwald reported the Planning and Zoning Commission met last night and there
are lots of new projects coming in. Also, the Commission had 17 applicants for their
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vacancy. They interviewed nine of them last night and plan to interview the remainder at
their next meeting.
The Schertz/Seguin Local Government Corporation will meet tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. in
Seguin.
#13 Items by Mayor
General Announcements
Mayor Baldwin told Council he had received an invitation, for himself and Council, to
the Court of Honor for the Church of the Latter Day Saints on Sunday, January 19th at
7:00 p.m. They do need to RSVP.
Reminded Council the Trailriders will be in town on January 30th. For anyone wishing
to help, Schertz Bank employees will prepare the stew at the large pavilion on the
evening of January 29th.
Mentioned he, Mr. Greenwald and Amy Madison attended the grand opening of the Kid
Cafe at the Youth in Christ Center. The San Antonio Food Bank has been providing
food.
#14 EXECUTIVE SESSION: Called under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government
Code:
(a) Sub-Section 551.071, Consultation with attorney; and
(b) Sub-Section 551.074, Persounel matters
An Executive Session was held from 9:36 until 10:45 p.m.
#15 Action, if any, on above Executive Session.
Action from Executive Session included in Item #16.
#16 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on Ordinance authorizing the
advancement of funds to Schertz-Seguin Local Government Corporation and Related
Matters, and Declaring an Emergency.
Mayor Baldwin introduced an ordinance and read the caption as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 03-M-03
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADVANCEMENT OF FUNDS TO
SCHERTZ-SEGUIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT CORPORATION AND RELATED
MATTERS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AND SETTING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
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Mr. Simonson moved to approve the Ordinance authorizing the advancement of funds to
the Schertz-Seguin Local Government Corporation and related matters, declaring an
emergency and setting an effective date. Mr. Greenwald seconded the motion, which
carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#17 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at
10:48 p.m.
'~Viayor, City of Schertz, Texas
ATTEST:
City Secretary, City of Schertz, Texas
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