ccwks 08-22-06
.
MINUTES
WORKSHOP SESSION
August 22, 2006
The Schertz City Council convened in Regular Session on Tuesday, August 22, 2006
in the Municipal Complex Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m., 1400 Schertz Parkway
Building #4, Schertz, Texas. The following members were present: Mayor Hal
Baldwin presiding, Councilmembers Jim Fowler, David L. Scagliola, Regina Agee,
Tony Wilenchik, and Mayor Pro Tem Michael Carpenter. Also present were City
Manager Don Taylor, Assistant City Manager John Bierschwale, City Secretary
Judy Tokar, and City Attorney Michael Spain.
#1 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Baldwin called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
#2 Hearing of Residents.
.
Patrick True - representing the Schertz Chamber of Commerce announced a ribbon
cutting for the State Farm office on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. located at the Green Valley
strip center. Jeremy Fuller is the representative for this office.
#3 Presentation and discussion on Cibolo Creek Watershed Project by
Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority and Corps of Engineers.
.
Sam Willoughby introduced Ed Foo and Tommy Hill with the Army Corp of Engineers.
This is an on-going project. The Corps is paying for 50% of the project as a grant; the
other participants are GBRA, San Antonio River Authority and San Antonio Water
Systems. This project is meant to enhance the recharge of the Edwards Aquifer and the
Trinity Aquifer and is also an eco system project. This will look at how the clearing of
brush would impact the flooding as well as the watersheds, rangeland management, and
water quality. The study area is from lH 10 up to the headwaters. This is a multiyear
study of three to five years. Phase one developed base water level and was completed
about a year and a half ago. Phase two looked at potential projects such as flood control,
water supply, and development and the impact. Phase three is to focus on the most
promising projects. Phase four would be implementing the projects. The Corps is asking
the City to provide feedback on the value of the projects and if a project was beneficial,
then would the city become a participant and help with the cost. Ed Foo explained that
the Corps is at the point in the study that can help with the flooding along Cibolo Creek.
The study has identified ways to curb some of the flooding in Schertz and Selma. The
government can support up to $30 million on this project. For the construction of the
project, the federal government would pay from 50% to 66% of the construction, and
then the city would need to finance the difference. The Corps can reduce the water flow
approximately 40% by putting in two to three dams upstream. The model would show
Workshop Session 8-22-06
279
ways to divert the water around the railroad bridge piers help prevent buildup at the
bridge.
.
#4 Presentation and discussion on Red Light Program by A TS.
Police Department, Sgt. Marc Bane explained the red light enforcement program
monitors traffic not only for people going through the red light, also would record
accidents that happen at the intersections which would help with the investigation of the
accident. Sgt. Bane introduced Bob Barnard of ATS. Approximately 90% of accidents
that happen at intersections are because of people running red lights, improper turns, and
unsafe changing of lanes. This program does not require capital outlay or budgeting.
This program has shown that there is a reduction in violations, accidents, and fatalities.
Pictures would be available to the police department the next day. The pictures would be
reviewed and a police officer would determine if this would be a good violation or not,
then those determined to be good violations are sent to ATS and ATS would then issue
the citation. A survey was done here and it was determined that one of the worst
intersections is FM 78 and First St. There were 13 red light runners and 3 right - hand
turns on the red light. There is a one-month advance notification before activating the
system.
#5 ORDINANCE: Discussion on fmal reading of an ordinance establishing the
International Supply Consortium, LLC Reinvestment Zone.
No Change.
.
#6 ORDINANCE: Discussion on fmal reading of an ordinance approving a Tax
Phase-In and Tax Phase-In Agreement with International Supply
Consortium, LLC.
No Change
#7 ORDINANCE: Discussion on fmal reading of an ordinance amending the
UDC Ord. 96-S-28 by rezoning 1.765+ acres out of the G. Malpaz No. 67
Survey, Abstract No. 221, in Guadalupe County, Schertz, Texas from
Residential District-2 (R-2) to Neighborhood Services District (NS);
providing an effective date and providing a repealing clause.
No Change.
#8 ORDINANCE: Discussion on fmal reading of an ordinance amending the
UDC Ord. 96-S-28 by rezoning 13.972+ acres out of the Torribo Herrera No.
68 Survey, Abstract No. 153, in Guadalupe County, Schertz, Texas from
Residential District-l (R-l) to Residential District-7 (R-7); providing an
effective date; and providing a repealing clause.
.
Workshop Session 8-22-06
280
.
Mr. Harry Jewett said CItizens from the Woodland Oaks subdivision opposed the
extension of Cotton King. They were concerned about the additional traffic caused by
construction equipment. Mr. Jewett assured the citizens that this would not be a problem.
Councilmember Fowler asked if it were for smaller lots in this area and what impact this
would have on the other subdivisions.
Mayor Baldwin recommended that this be placed on the next workshop agenda.
#9 Discussion and possible action on the Town Creek Sewer Project.
This would be a joint project with the City ofCibolo. The total cost of the project will be
over $598,000.00. The new sewer line would parallel the current line. The City of
Schertz would use funds from Capital Recovery Projects. CCMA will assist in acquiring
the right-of-way for an 18" to 30" pipeline.
#10 Discussion on new Live Oak elevated storage tank and water/other storage
tank system improvements.
Mr. Larry Dublin, Ford Engineering, explained that the City is ready to go out for bids on
the Live Oak tank and The Links at Scenic Hills, Unit 4. It would save approximately
$300,000.00 to build both tanks at the same time.
.
#11 Discussion on meter testing results report and purchase of radio reading
meter system.
Sam Willoughby, Director of Public Works, introduced Rick O'Cardy of Master Meter.
Mr. O'Cardy briefed the Council on the project. A test of 30 residential meters was
conducted. American Water Association establishes the standards used for the test. Out
of the 30 meters tested, 27 did not meet the standards. The plan discussed is a 7-year
change out of the meters within the city. The new meters would be more accurate which
would generate more revenue. The accuracy would be greater and efficiency would
reduce the reading costs. The estimate is 5 years for the system to pay itself back. Mr.
Bierschwale asked the Council to approve this so that it can be started in the new
developments. There are budgeted funds of $100,000.00 from last year and $200,000.00
in the current budget to start this program.
#12 Discussion on GovDeals online auction website.
Kimberly Lewinski introduced Forest Simonton representing the online website. This
would allow the City to sell surplus items on an online auction website. This website is
available 2417. The company is approaching 1,000 clients in 32 states and approximately
86,000 registered bidders. Items are placed online for auction immediately was, 25% to
50% higher prices received over a traditional auction. All items are sold, as is. Common
items are online approximately 10 to 14 days. Only if an item were sold, would the
. company send an invoice to the city.
Workshop Session 8-22-06
281
#13 Discussion on revising the ordinance on security alarm system fees.
.
Councilmember Tony Wilenchik explained that the current ordinance has no charge for
the first five false alarms, at the fifth false alarm a letter is sent, then the sixth alarm and
any thereafter are charged $50.00. The state law allows the City to charge up to $100.00
for false alarms, but the state law also allows after the eighth false alarm an ordinance can
suspend an alarm permit. If a false alarm is received while on suspension, then it is a
"Class C" misdemeanor with a fine. This pertains to false burglar alarms only.
Councilmember Wilenchik suggested that the Council look at the alarm permit fees and
consider raising them. He also suggested that the builder be responsible for paying the
permit fees the first year of activation.
Mayor Baldwin recommended that this be placed on a workshop agenda for further
consideration.
#14 Discussion on issuance of General Obligation Bonds.
Mark McLiney, Southwest Securities said the sale of bonds this week provided a savings
of $338,000.00 over the lifetime of the bond and interest rate of 4.56%. The bond is for
$15,000,000.00.
#15 EXECUTIVE SESSION: Called under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government
Code, Sub-Section 551.074 - Personnel Matters, Deliberation the appointlnent,
employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of the Municipal
Court Judge.
.
Executive Session convened at 10:00 p.m.
Councilmember Agee left the meeting after the executive session.
#16 Action, if necessary on the above Executive Session.
The meeting reconvened at 11 :25 p.m., no action taken.
A motion was made by Councilmember Wilenchik, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern
~tec to ,"c= the moeting" 1130 p.m. and "oon2:Z?Z:
Hal BaldWin, Mayor
ATTEST:
.
Workshop Session 8-22-06
282