ccrg 09-17-02
Schertz City Council – Regular Session
Tuesday, September 17, 2002
The Schertz City Council convened in regular session on Tuesday, September 17, 2002 at
7:00pm in the Municipal Complex Council Chambers, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz,
Texas. The following members were present: Mayor Hal Baldwin, presiding,
Councilmembers Steve Simonson, Reginna Agee, and Tony Wilenchik. Absent
Councilmembers Norma Head and Ken Greenwald. Staff members present were Interim
City Manager Mark Marquez and Deputy City Secretary Mary Ybarra.
Mayor Baldwin called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and asked for everyone to rise
and join him in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Before continuing with meeting Mayor Baldwin recognized Johnie McDow, honoree for
the City of Schertz for Time Warner Home Town Hero Award. Mr. McDow and wife
Sandy were asked to remain standing while Mayor Baldwin spoke on his many
accomplishments; leader in the Buffalo Youth Organization; baseball, volleyball and
basketball programs. He has delivered a tremendous effort in the recreation area for the
th
community. Mr. Dow will be honored on October 9, with dinner, etc. at the Time
Warner Home Town Hero Award banquet. Mayor Baldwin remarked it is a pleasure
having him present, and thanked him on behalf of the city.
Mayor Baldwin asked Joyce Briscoe government class to introduce themselves, which
everyone did.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
Ramon Cook,
913 Dimrock Drive spoke briefly on concern relative to conserving
resources; tax rate. He believes an increase would help in the operations of the city. He is
for a tax increase of $.05, and $.10 would be do able. He believes it's beneficial selling
the tax rate to Schertz citizens, and he is willing to do what it takes.
Robert Brockman,
4505 Grand Forrest spoke on the following:
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Grass along Schertz Parkway is pretty high. Who is responsible, developer/
contractor? He was asked not to cut grass along Schertz Parkway, safety issue.
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Wiederstein Road at Schertz Parkway, making right turn is a puddle of mud. Mr.
Marquez advised he would look into.
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Referenced emergency reading of ordinances relative to the two on the agenda. He
was advised that due to statutory requirements, as well as deadline issues emergency
reading is necessary.
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Echoed Mr. Cook's comments relative to increase of tax rate. He tends to agree.
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He asked that announcement of absent council members be made for the benefit of
those present. Mayor Baldwin advised Councilmembers Head and Greenwald are
absent. Council is made up of (5) five elected officials plus the Mayor.
#2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Special Workshop Session August 14,
2002.
Councilmember Agee moved to approve the minutes of workshop session August 14,
2002. Councilmember Simonson seconded the motion, which carried with the following
votes:
AYES: Councilmember Simonson, Agee and Wilenchik.
NAY: None
#3 PUBLIC HEARING: To receive citizen comments regarding
the proposed FY 2002/2003 budget.
Mayor Baldwin explained the procedures to be followed for the public hearing.
Mr. Marquez commented that this year's budget was interesting; budget reviewed in some
detail in four council sessions commencing in July. A public hearing held on September
3, approved tax rate for the city. He advised this is the final step in budget preparation;
budget is presented to the public for their comment and input. Mr. Marquez added that
the budget process is not a simple process, no single person task. He thanked all
department heads for working with him in the budget process; it was an interesting time.
At this time, a Power Point presentation was presented on the proposed FY2002/2003
budget. After presentation the floor will be open for comments.
The slide presentation covered tax rates and property valuation; assessed property value
by year; tax valuation; revenue & expenditures-all funds; all funds-budget by function;
revenue & expenditures-general fund; general fund expenditures by function; revenue &
expenditures-water & sewer; revenue & expenditures-EMS.
Mr. Marquez pointed out the assess valuation rise; mentioned tax rate (0.3825) the same
as last year; some have categorized this budget as a "stand still" budget, he categorizes
budget as a "stand fast' budget. This budget carries necessary items; one of the most
important aspects is a pay increase (6%), across the board for employees. He briefed the
break down of All Fund revenues and expenditures; as well as General Fund, Water &
Sewer and EMS.
Mayor Baldwin announced staff has completed presentation and opened the floor for
comments.
Roger Nichols pointed out an increase of approximately 25% in this year's budget
compared to last year's budget. He believes that’s a huge increase. How can there be such
an increase in just one year. He was advised some of increase had to do with
Northcliffe/Scenic Hills annexation. Mr. Nichols would like to see dollar value; what was
the increase from last year, compared to this year. Mr. Marquez commented he would
look into.
Robert Brockman commented if things are on the right track and back to normal as
mentioned. Why is there no fire service in the Northcliffe area? No service, is not good.
He asked about the turnover rate, is it down? Did the pay increase help? Mr. Marquez
believes it did. He was advised the turnover rate is down 15% or less. He inquired on tax
rate; and how it compares to other communities. He pointed out that the city is quite
proud of 0.3825 tax rate, however the city is lacking services because of it.
Mayor Baldwin commented he isn't sure what tax rates are for surrounding cities
however, believes the city's tax rate is lower than Universal City, Cibolo, San Antonio
and possibly Seguin, but not sure.
Mr. Brockman echoed Mr. Cook. He believes an increase in tax rate is necessary. Mayor
Baldwin stated the support is appreciated however, council over the years has been fiscal
conservative. He believes not overly conservative, still providing the necessities (best
equipment money can buy.) and believes it's a good drawing card, brings homes and
industry into the city. We are not a city that gouaches on taxes.
Mayor Baldwin pointed out that usually you don’t have citizens in favor of raising the tax
rate. He commends them for their effort, however believe it isn't necessary at this time.
Frannie, student and resident of the Northcliffe area commented on stop sign at
Northcliffe entrance. The stop sign is behind the gate; makes no sense. Why is it there?
She was advised the stop sign alert drivers to slow down, so they don’t end up in the
fountain.
Since there were no further comments, Mayor Baldwin closed the public hearing at 7:50
p.m.
#4 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on emergency reading of ordinance
regarding the proposed tax rate for FY 2002/2003.
Mayor Baldwin introduced an ordinance and read the caption as follows:
ORDINANCE 02-T- 20
LEVYING AND ASSESSING ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY WITHIN THE
CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS, FOR THE YEAR
2002; PROVIDING THE BASIS OF ASSESSMENT OF ONE HUNDRED
PERCENT (100%) APPRAISED VALUE AND PROVIDING FOR THE
COLLECTION THEREOF AT THE RATE OF 0.3825 ON THE ONE HUNDRED
DOLLAR ($100.00) ASSESSED VALUATION; AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY.
Councilmember Simonson moved to approve theemergency reading of ordinance
regarding the proposed tax rate for FY 2002/2003.Councilmember Agee seconded the
motion, which followed with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Simonson, Agee and Wilenchik.
NAY: None.
#5 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on emergency reading of ordinance
regarding the proposed budget for FY2002/2003.
Mayor Baldwin introduced an ordinance and read the caption as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 02-M-21
PROVIDING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2002
AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2003, BY APPROVING THE BUDGET FOR
SAID PERIOD AND APPROPRIATING THE NECESSARY FUNDS OUT OF
THE GENERAL AND OTHER REVENUES OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ,
TEXAS, FOR SAID YEAR FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION OF
THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS AND FOR VARIOUS ACTIVITIES AND
IMPROVEMENTS OF THE CITY; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Councilmember Agee moved toapprove theemergency reading of ordinance regarding
the proposed budget for FY2002/2003.Councilmember Wilenchik seconded the motion,
which followed with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Simonson, Agee and Wilenchik.
NAY: None.
# 6ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on final reading of ordinance
regarding use of firearms in the city limits.
Mayor Baldwin introduced an ordinance and read the caption as follows:
ORDINANCE 02-M-19
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ,
TEXAS PROVIDING THAT THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
SCHERTZ, TEXAS BE AMENDED BY REVISING CHAPTER 10,
MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES ANFD PROVISIONS, ARTICLE IV, GUNS
"BB" GUNS, PELLET GUNS, SECTION 10-70, UNLAWFUL TO FIRE, AND
SECTION 10-71, EXCEPTIONS; PROVIDING A PENALTY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING A REPEALING CLAUSE.
Councilmember Simonson moved to approve the final reading of ordinance regarding use
of firearms in the city limits. Councilmember Agee seconded the motion, which followed
with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Simonson, Agee and Wilenchik.
NAY: None.
# 7 ANIMAL CONTROL CONTRACT: Consider and take action on Animal
Control Contract with Guadalupe County.
Mr. Marquez spoke briefly on issue, and advised that over the last several years the City
of Schertz has developed an agreement with Guadalupe County to provide animal control
services. The contract has been good to the city in such ways as making it possible to
purchase vehicles, and assisted in funding animal control shelter. Essentially it's the same
as last year and recommends approval. The only change is an increase; on annual
monthly fee ($5,900 per month) payable to the city. Mr. Marquez advised that Jim
Wolverton, County Commissioner is present, if there are any questions.
Councilmember Wilenchik moved to approve the Animal Control Contract with
Guadalupe County. Councilmember Simonson seconded the motion, which followed
with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Simonson, Agee and Wilenchik.
NAY: None.
Commissioner Wolverton thanked Council for the support. He mentioned it's a service
that is really needed.
#8 RESOLUTION: Consider and take action approving a statement and
petition in condemnation relating to Evelyn K. Ripps.
Mr. Marquez advised of working with the Ripps for approximately two years, trying to
get the city waterline/sewerline through the property. It has been a long difficult process
and this is the last resort.
Mayor Baldwin briefly explained the meaning of the resolution, which allows the city to
condemn and take right of way of private owned property for purposes of bringing a city
waterline/sewerline. When an agreement can not be reached with property owner,
condemnation proceedings must be followed. At these proceedings, the court determines
a fair price for both the owner and the city.
With no further discussion, Councilmember Agee moved to approve the resolution
excepting the statement and petition in condemnation relating to Evelyn K. Ripps.
Councilmember Simonson seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Simonson, Agee and Wilenchik
NAY: None.
#9 Items by City Manager
General Announcement
Mr. Marquez informed council of cuts to fire department funding by Guadalupe County
Commissioners. He pointed out that part of packet is the projected impact formula on the
county fire departments. The City of Schertz will receive only $9,674.41 for FY 2003
rather than the $22,825.00 expected. This is a major setback for all cities cutback that
include Northcliffe and Selma as well as Schertz.
#10 Items by Council
General Announcement
Councilmember Simonson
Liaison BVYA
Councilmember Simonson stated he wants to commend city staff and City Manager on a
job well done on budget. A lot of work and a lot of decisions were made, which is not an
easy task. One thing to remember is that the city has to be responsible; not only to staff,
but also to citizen's that pay taxes.
Councilmember Agee
4-B Board
Liaison Schertz Housing Authority
Councilmember Agee echoed Councilmember Simonson comments. We have a city and
staff to be proud of. Believes we have a long way to go, but by no means are citizens
being shortchanged.
Councilmember Wilenchik
4-B Board
Liaison-Humane Society
Councilmember Wilenchik had the same comments as Councilmembers Agee and
Simonson. He commented that things have to been done a little at a time. This year a
small piece of the pie and little next year will get us there.
#11 Items by Mayor
General Announcement
Mayor Baldwin echoed comments made by Councilmembers. We do have a long way to
go, however have come a long way in the past eight years. This city is a dynamic
growing community. This city had an excellent shot at a major (Toyota) automobile
manufacturing plant and believes the exposure has opened many doors and exposure is
invaluable. We don't know yet whether Toyota will turn us down, we will have to wait
and see.
Mayor Baldwin gave an update on search for City Manager. Forty applicants have been
received from all over Texas. A review committee along with ACCOG will review
applicants and make selection in the next two weeks and present candidates for selection
of new city manager.
#12Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at 8:05
p.m.
________________________
Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
Deputy City Secretary, City of Schertz, Texas