Loading...
11-27-02 Schertz City Council - Workshop Session Wednesday November 27, 2002 The Schertz City Council convened in workshop session on Wednesday, November 27, 2002 at 7:00pm in the Municipal Complex Conference Room, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas. The following members were present: Mayor Hal Baldwin, presiding, Councilmembers Steve Simonson, Tony Wilenchik and Ken Greenwald. Absent Reginna Agee. 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 stated he didn't have much to complain about. One thing however, he recalls a study being done on FM3009/Live Oak-and possible traffic light, what is the status? Johnny Bierschwale, Public Works Director advised of a scheduled meeting in December or January with City of Schertz, Guadalupe County, City of Cibolo, School district and HOA (Deer Creek and Dove Meadows). Because of traffic flow coming out of these areas, everyone will have to pay their equal share. TXDOT has found light is warranted, however, would be sometime (year's) before the area had a light. The cost is somewhere between 95 to 125 thousand dollars. In brief discussion the question was brought up, if a traffic light is needed to protect citizens, do all taxpayer share in the cost or do only citizens affected. It was pointed out, that technically TXDOT should be funding the light (state tax dollars paying). However, if the city expedites we could see a light possibly in four to five years. If parties involved make payment, there would be no reimbursement from TXDOT. David Light resident in area referred to as "no mans land" (Rittaman Addition) spoke on the proposed annexation plan. He provided council with history, and what he and family have in endured acquiring postal service (North St. only), and eventually to the whole area. He spoke briefly on other issues such as water and sewer. He wanted to let council know that he didn't ~vant to be annexed, the streets are substandard and believes its Bexar county responsibility for any improvements. Why should the city of Schertz spend money, and it will have to due to the area being in floodplain and other factors. He advised council his plan is to go after CDBG funding, in order to get the area up to standards. In this mind Bexar County caused the problem, and Bexar County should rectify the problem. It was pointed out that the city, when the time comes, would look at these issues, and would not pull the trigger, until all options were considered. Mr. Light advised council that residents of the area have the same feelings. They have asked him to speak on their behalf, as well as Diamond Shamrock on FM 1518. Mayor Baldwin advised Mr. Light that his comments have been dually noted. If and when the city does plan to annex, he suggests residents personally appear or petition with signatures, stating annexation is not wanted. However, in the meantime he suggests that residents look at the advantages by becoming citizens of Schertz. #2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: September 25, 2002 Councilmember Simonson moved to approve the minutes of September 25, 2002. Councilmember Greenwald seconded the motion, ~vhich carried with the following votes: AYES: Councilmembers Simonson, Wilenchik and Greenwald. NAY: None. #3 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on emergency reading of ordinance calling an election. Mr. Marquez explained that some minor changes have been made and corrected version passed out. Because the election is a special election the day of official ballot and close are quite different than normal. Also, a schedule of events has been provided, showing how the process will run. At this time, Mayor Baldwin introduced J. R. Perez, Election Administrator for Guadalupe County. Mayor Baldwin introduced an ordinance and read the caption as follows: ORDIANANCE 02-E-26 BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS, CALLING A SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 1, 2003 FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING A COUNCILMEMBER FOR PLACE #1 IN THE CITY AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Councilmember Greenwald moved to approve the ordinance calling for a special election for Place 1 and declaring an emergency. Councilmember Wilenchik seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes: AYES: Councilmembers Simonson, Wilenchik and Greenwald. NAY: None. #4 CONTRACT: Consider and take action regarding contract with J. R. Perez, Election Administrator for Special City Election of Feb. 1, 2003. Mr. Marquez explained that it is in the best interest of the city to contract with Mr. Perez who has conducted the city's elections for several years, and city would like to continue to do so. Part of council packet is copy of contract for consideration with cost breakdown. It was questioned where would election take place, it was assumed the Community Center. Mr. Perez stated Community Center was election location. He would like to answer any questions if any before council takes action on contract. The city hasn't had an election in sometime, because elections have been uncontested. It may be the case this time; however, we need to be prepared either way. He explained one issue: county has gone to touch screens (electronic system). The contract reflects the cost of touch screens, personnel, and his recommendation is to go with touch screens. It was pointed out early voting would take place at Elbel Road, Guadalupe County Facility. If no election takes place there is no cost to the city. Councilmember Wilenchik moved to approve contract with J. R. Perez, Election Administrator for Special City Election of Feb. l, 2003. Councilmember Greenwald seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes: AYES: Councilmembers Simonson, Wilenchik and Greenwald. NAY: None. #5 RESOLUTION: Consider and take action on resolution adopting voting system. Mayor Baldwin introduced resolution and read caption as follows: RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERZ, TEXAS ADOPTING VOTING SYSTEM. Councilmember Greenwald moved to approve use of Touch Screen System for special election. Councilmember Wilenchik seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes: AYES: Councilmembers Simonson, Wilenchik and Greenwald. NAY: None. #6 BID AWARD: Discussion of awarding bid on the proposed IH 35 Sanitary Sewer-Wiederstein Branch. Mr. Marquez explained the issue before council is the sewer line that runs across the Wiederstein tract, which would allow the entire area to be served properly. The bid seems to be appropriate and Ford Engineering is recommending awarding R. L. Jones in the amount of $82,196.60. Council would take action on the above issue at next meeting. #7 Discussion of rate change of trash collection by Bexar Waste. Mr. Marquez noted rate change comes at the request from Mr. Gutierrez from Bexar Waste. Such an increase is allowed as part of the contract. The rate change is driven by CPI report. He is suggesting a 2% increase, which is reasonable. As an example, the rate increase for residential household pickup, would be approximately $.15. The item is discussion only this evening with action at next weeks meeting. #8 Discussion of Annexation Plan. Mr. Marquez stated that it is time for the city to take another look at expanding borders. The plan before council runs out four to five years, and his recommendation is that the city pursue this type of approach or process aggressively. At this time, Mr. Marquez deferred to Mr. David Richmond, Planning and Zoning Chairman. Mr. Richmond explained that the 1996 annexation plan was a good starting point. Much of the recommendations still can be considered. Obviously, much has happened such as Northcliffe annexation. Council was provided with proposed areas of annexation. Illustration on maps showing these areas. Mr. Richmond pointed out that the recommended priorities from Planning and Zoning can certainly be altered by City Council, in the case volunteering annexation is proposed or situation may change that would change priority in a particular year. The annexation plan is broken down showing the areas proposed for annexation by year. The following is memo provided by Mr. Richmond with recommendation of the adoption and implementation of the annexation plan: ANNEXATION PLAN: Bring within the City's jurisdiction areas that are currently being supported by the City, Allow the City to help control development and establish zoning standards as identified in our 2002 Comprehensive Land Plan, Ensure the City a future growth pattern not hindered by other municipalities, and Aid the City's current public services personnel (fire, police, and EMS) by closing existing gaps in the City's geography and providing definitive boundary lines. The City's Service Plan can be readily fulfilled in most cases as much of the proposed area to be annexed is already served by Fire and EMS in most cases with Police serving existing City Limits that parallel the suggested annexation areas. Existing water mains are either in or near most of these areas. One area is part of the Green Valley Water System. Sewer is not available in two of the areas, while most of the other areas have sewer available. Existing roads are either FM's or county roads that are in fairly good shape and would require minimal initial work. Most of these areas are sparsely 61 populated; however, we anticipate that over the next several years these areas will experience increased growth pressure. The Commission recommends that the City Council proceed with the annexations of the areas identified on the attached map in the following sequence: 1. That part of Schertz along FM1518 and Cibolo Creek known as the Rittaman addition. This area may be annexed by partition. This area totals 69.84 acres. 2A. That part of Schertz west of Eckhardt Road to the Northcliffe Area. This area is 712.03 acres. Part of the land mass (97 acres) may become part of the City by partition. 2B. That part of Schertz that extends between and is surrounded by the Northcliffe area. This area is 36.84 acres. 3. That part of Schertz east of Eckhardt Road to the existing City Limits. This area is 992.56 acres. 4. That part of Schertz east of FM1518, north of Lower Seguin Road to the existing City Limits. This area is !,865.12 acres. 5A. That part of Schertz bounded by the Missouri Kansas Texas Railroad, FM 482, FM 2252, and FM 1103. This area is three tracts of land; 190.36 acres; 203.58 acres; and 203.73 acres (total of 597.43 acres). The Plarming and Zoning Commission further recommends that City Council begin negotiations with the Cities of San Antonio, New Braunfels, and Garden Ridge to release, change or swap ETJ's for the areas listed below. These areas will help square the City, establish clear City Limits, and provide an orderly progress for services rendered to these tracts of land. 5B. That area of Schertz's ETJ that extends north of FM 2252 into the Garden Ridge area. Negotiating with Garden Ridge to set FM 2252 as the City limits of both municipalities eases the burden on both Cities public service personnel, provides a clear delineation of municipal control and responsibility, and provides for the continued growth of both municipalities. This area consists of 2,228.80 acres. 6A. That area of Schertz from Lower Seguin Road, east of FM 1518, to Cibolo Creek. This area consists of 3,457.69 acres. The Commission recommends negotiating with San Antonio to allow Schertz to assume this tract of land within our ETJ or to annex this area. This would set IH-10 as the City Limits of both municipalities. This will ease the burden on both Cities public service personnel, and provide a clear delineation of municipal control and responsibility. Furthermore, this would square the southern City Limits of Schertz and continue the land use pattern under consideration for that area west of FMl518 (already in Schertz). This could potentially offer Schertz another opportunity for an additional Industrial Park. 6B. That area east of Cibolo Creek along IH-10 that borders 6A previously identified, consisting of 8,847.92 acres. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommend negotiating with the City of San Antonio to allow Schertz to assume this tract of land within our ETJ or to annex this area. Our rationale is that the City of Schertz is better postured to deliver the public services to support these areas, e.g. fire, police, EMS, and public infrastructure (water and sewage). 7. IH-35 North City Limits abutting the New Braunfels City Limits. This area is referred to as the 500' buffer between our two Cities and consists of approximately 135.09 acres. According to Texas Municipal Code 43.032, adjacent municipalities may make agreements in these boundaries. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends that City Council negotiate with the City of New Braunfels to reset these City Limits so they abut one another thus ending the "no man's" land that now exists. Annexation of these areas will affect the future of Schertz. The entire proposed plan will give the City not only the possibility for growth but give it control over the manner of its growth. Mr. Marquez pointed out that Mr. Richmonds memo to council is very accurate in terms of description of things that could or could not be. He believes it is worthy of council to consider these things, it's appropriate. The time in his mind is past; the city should've acted on this sometime ago. In brief discussion, issues such as service to areas are they going to be a problem. Would this further give the city problems such as, is the city capable to service these areas. It was pointed out that yes, however, the revenue would be there and part of the consideration that council would have is to review these issues as they come up, but it's time to act. The city does not want to be cut out or land locked, we must make decisions to move ahead. One thing to remember, what is important for the future, not so much for today but, the future. It was suggested City Council move ahead with annexation plan, not necessarily in priorities outlined by Planning and Zoning. It was pointed out the basic plan is good, the concept is great. Concerns voiced are still the utility issues. These are issues that would be looked at when it is decided when the decision is made on a particular area. State Law provides a template of what is expected (kind of services), not necessarily in the first or second year. The law allows four years to fully implement the service plan. Mayor Baldwin agrees the city should move forward with annexation plan, however, believes the city should move at a slow pace and not get the city in trouble with services. Mayor Baldwin asked that a formal plan be put together showing all areas of annexation and let's proceed with adoption. It was council consensus to move forward. Mayor Baldwin thanked Mr. Richmond and Ron Youngblood, Planning Director for a job well done. #9 Items by City Manager General Announcement Mr. Marquez noted he would be making a staff change December 1, 2002. Naming Amy Madison, Community Development Director. The position would be overseeing; Economic Development, Planning and Zoning and Inspection Departments. · Passed out new Metro-corn map, showing the City of Schertz. · Reminder Police Department is actively engaged in the STEP Program. #10 Items By Council General Announcement Councilmember Simonson 4-B Board Liaison BVYA Would like to see maps, when waterlines are part of council packet. This would give council some idea of where waterlines are going in etc. Councilmember Agee 4-B Board Liaison Schertz Housing Authority Liaison to Schertz Library Not present. Councilmember Wilenchik 4-B Board Liaison Sehertz Humane Society Liaison HOA Coalition Reported the Humane Society held meeting, nothing to report. Councilmember Greenwald 4-B Board Ex-officio Planning & Zoning Commission Ex-officio Schertz/Seguin Local Government Corp. Reported of meeting with city staff, Ron Youngblood, Mr. Marquez David Richmond, Oak Forest property owners association and Arroyo Verde Association. A decision was made several years ago not to tie Oak Forest into Arroyo Verde Subdivision. The city has had to renege on the decision. The associations were brought in to explain the problem. Two things have changed drastically, new school and the Wynn Brook Subdivision. After city staff's presentation the association's agreed on cross tie between Silver Oak, which would go into Wynn Brook. Reported on loan of $440,000 SSLGC settlement. He noted we are in pretty good shape on water. Commented on visiting Nixon Stock show arena on behalf of SSLGC. Made presentation advising that the corporation is "there". The hope is to help future farmers. #11 Items by Mayor General Announcement Mayor commented on the impact, not excepting fire service contract with the county and consequences to county residents. He asked Mark Marquez to place this item for discussion at the next workshop. Does the city really want to leave these county residents unprotected? Let's discuss this at workshop and address different options. Before adjournment Mr. Marquez wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. #12 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, Mayor_..HaldSat~,vil~ jou. m-~d the meeting at 8:45 p.m. ~ayor, Cil ' of Schertz ~' ATTEST: l~ept~y C/'ty ~cretary, City of Schertz