01-29-2003 Schertz City Council - Workshop Session
Wednesday, January 29, 2003
The Schertz City Council convened in workshop session on Wednesday, January 29,
2003 at 7:00pm in the Municipal Complex Conference Room, 1400 Schertz Parkway,
Schertz, Texas. The following members were present: Mayor Hal Baldwin, presiding,
council members Steve Simonson, Reginna Agee, Tony Wilenchik and Ken Greenwald.
Staff members present were City Manager Mark Marquez and Deputy City Secretary
Mary Ybarra.
Mayor Baldwin called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and at this time introduced
Charles McDonald, D.C. Morgan and Commissioner Wolverton.
#1 Hearing of Residents:
~ 108 Meadow Lane informed council that during construction along FM78,
electricity was cut offto the Live Oak Subdivision entrance sign, and upon reporting it to
TXDOT, were told it wasn't their problem. The residents would like the sign restored and
ask the city for help on this matter. Mr. Morgan was advised that TXDOT would be
contacted, and hopefully the matter resolved. It was pointed out that the contractor for the
project was Capital Excavation.
Dave Allen 1300 Colony Drive, advised he would hold comments until agenda item #9.
Robert Broekman, 4505 Grand Forrest had the following comments:
· Would like to see sign changed at Police Department, referring to Blue Santa
donations.
· Noted gates are not getting broken (emergency building entrance) why, because both
arms are open. He was advised the matter would be taken care of.
Charles McDonald, 2629 Cotton King advised he would hold comments until agenda
item #7.
#2 Discuss final reading of Ordinance regarding changes to the Unified
Development Code (UDC), Article IV, Permissible Uses, Section 5, Land Uses,
General Business (GB) and Section 5, Land Uses, Manufacturing District (M-I).
Mark Marquez advised of public hearing held on this matter and having received very
positive response and recommends proceeding with final reading of ordinance.
It was council consensus to take action at Tuesday nights meeting.
#3 Discuss final reading of Ordinances regarding changes to Fire Alarm
regulations
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Mark Marquez advised of no change to ordinance regarding fire alarm regulations, unless
council has any. It was council consensus to take action on ordinance at Tuesday nights
meeting.
04 Discuss first reading of Ordinance calling General Election for May 3, 2003.
Mark Marquez noted this is a procedural process on upcoming election for Places 3, 4 &
5 taking place May 3, 2003. Pretty straightforward ordinance calling for an election.
Council again reiterated they would be ready to take action on first reading at Tuesday
nights meeting.
#5 Review of water structure for Schertz/Seguin Local Government
Corporation.
Mr. Marquez explained that part of council packet is an outline of water rate structure for
proposed wholesale water customers. He advised of proposal discussion at
Seguin/Schertz Local Government Corporation Board. The structure is divided into three
levels, and pointed out the process is pretty straightforward. He indicated there are
potential wholesale customers showing interest and questioning how service can be
obtained. Mr. Marqncz emphasized that rate for potential wholesale customers would be
a higher then the rate of Seguin and Schertz residents. The higher rate would be
economical and profitable for both cities, which will help in offsetting the debt service,
etc.
Johnny Bierschwale, Assistant City Manager went on to explain the three levels and how
each determining cost was reached for each level. He emphasized the rate is a fair rate to
the wholesale customer. Added that the goal is to establish the reserves in order to
reimburse both cities (stockholders) to support the annual debt service and offset each
obligation of $25,500,000.
In conclusion, Johnny Bierschwale pointed out a rate error made back in 2002. The error
was made when dividing gallons into the debt obligation. The two figures were reversed.
This error has been rectified to level II and level III structures, which were levels effected
by the error.
Council was in agreement that the rate structure was fair and was conffortable with the
figure presentation.
06 Discussion regarding Records Management.
Mark Marquez advised council of making a personnel shift to the City organizational
structure. In reviewing, and with several things that have occurred, it was found that the
city doesn't' have a good record management system. Last year, the city purchased a
piece of equipment (electronic system) that would do the job, unfortunately it's
complicated, and in review of the city ordinance the process was found to be extremely
complicated as well. After review, it was found that instead of leaving the function in the
City Secretary Office as assigned, it was decided to specifically assign someone to the
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task. In observation, it seems the city doesn't have a records officer. For this reason, the
decision was made to assign Evelyn Boggess, as Records Management Officer for the
City. She is in the process of transitioning from her position of Office Manager. The
transition will take place as soon as possible.
In conclusion, it was pointed out; that with the electronic system in place it will be
possible to view documents (minutes, etc) on the web, which is the intent. Council noted
that Evelyn would be undertaking a big job and passed on their sympathy.
#7 Discussion regarding request to rename buildings.
Mark Marquez advised council of request from D.C. Morgan to rename three emergency
service buildings. For council review, a copy of the city policy and applications are part
of council packet. He believes the people recommended are worthy of the recognition,
however believes naming buildings is too restrictive, due to many others deserving
recognition. He believes in using other means, as an example placing plaques on each
building recognizing individuals such as Chief Woodward, Fire and Mary Lou Maloney,
EMS, etc.
In brief discussion, it was pointed out that some sort of pedestal, similar to the one at
Public Works could work. A pedestal placed in an appropriate place, (at each emergency
service building, including City Hall) could work recognizing those individuals having
made contributions.
Mr, D.C. Mo_..~g_~, 108 Meadow Lane, commented that Mr. Marquez has a good idea.
His main objective is to get these people recognized in one way or another. These people
have made great contributions to the community. One thing, regardless of what the city
decides to do, he would like to see a nice l~arge plaque that everyone can see, whether it's
on the building or on a pedestal
Charles McDonald 2629 Cotton King suggested tabling the issue, giving council time
to revisit the ordinance. He strongly believes that a person shouldn't have to be dead to be
honored. He made mention of Earl Sawyer and his many contributions to the city. He
believes recognition should come to some of those that are still alive. It was pointed out
the city has a policy in place and not an ordinance. The policy doesn't prohibit individuals
it merely outlines the criteria normally followed by the City. The policy would still be
followed not losing the intent, such as nominating individuals, etc.
In a brief discussion on type of plaque and size, it was pointed out that it should be
visible, large enough to be seen. If honoring someone, it should be visible enough to truly
honor them. Comments were made on naming buildings versus honoring someone by
placing names on a wall plaque or monument pedestal. It was pointed out that placement
of a pedestal at each building is a possibility as well as wall plaques. Council was
receptive to either.
Mayor Baldwin suggested the issue be turned over to each department having each
department come up with their own design. Each department then would come before
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council with their presentation. It was council's consensus to have the issue turned over to
each department.
#8 Discussion and action regarding appointment of members to Schertz/Seguin
Local Government Corporation Board.
Mark Marquez with the help of councilmember Greenwald explained the procedural
process followed by Seguin/Schertz Local Government Corporation in appointment and
reappointment of board members for each city. Mr. Wolverton is up for re-appointment
by the City of Schertz at this time. If the city opts to keep Mr. Wolverton on the board,
the City of Seguin needs a letter from Schertz Mayor recommending re-appointment of
Jim Wolverton to the board.
It was council's consensus to have letter sent to Seguin Mayor Stautzenherger, with the
City of Schertz recommendation to reappointment Jim Wolverton to the board.
09 Discussion regarding traffic light at Live Oak/Dietz Road.
Mark Marquez informed council of meeting held on the 16th with City of Schertz,
TXDOT, City of Cibolo, School District and Guadalupe County on the issue. During the
meeting it was agreed, there is a definite need for a light. TXDOT pointed out that it met
all requirements. Unfortunately, plan for the light is two to three years down the road.
With this in mind, the entities agreed that it was their responsibility for the safety of their
citizens to proceed with the placement of the light. With the cooperation of all entities,
which would be a split of (4) four ways, of $100,000, (for traffic light) each would be
responsible for 25%. ($25,000).
Mr. Marquez went on to say that the next day he received a call from Mr. Balcar, City of
Cibolo informing him that the School District would not pay or couldn't. At this point,
the responsibility falls on three. The City of Cibolo can only contribute 25% as well as
the county. The City of Schertz could possibly come up with the balance, however it
would be stretching it, and would definitely have to cut hack.
In brief discussion, it was agreed to contact the School District on behalf of the City of
Schertz, speaking with Ms. Pustka, Superintendent of Schools, and find out if the School
District will play. Any amount would help if contribution of 25% weren't feasible. Again,
the City of Schertz is taking on the high road. If need be let's come up with $50,000.
Before making the commitment, lets speak with the other entities and make sure, there is
no way they can step up to the plate, and also make sure of their firm contribution.
#10 Items by City Manager
General Announcements
, Commented on the FYI items. There is no action required. As part of council packet
were the following:
a. Schertz Parkway Zone Annual Report,
b. Report on Economic Development Corp. 4-B Board
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c. Announcement of"Big Splash".
d. Memorandum on 2003 Quality of Life Bond Issue. It was suggested the
issue be placed on next workshop agenda for further discussion.
e. Agenda of Guadalupe County Commtss~oner s Cou up coming meeting.
f. Timetable for the sale of Certificates of Obligation, Series 2003.
#11 Items by Council
General Announcements
Councilmember Simonson
4-B Board
Liaison BVYA
· Councilmember Simonson had no comments.
Councilmember Agee
4-B Board
Liaison Schertz Housing Authority
Liaison Schertz Library Board
· Commented on attending Open House of the new ROADS Facility (Randolph
Opportunity Association for the Disabled). There were few in attendance. It was
mentioned the facility moved to the City of Selma.
Councilmember Wilenchik
4-B Board
Liaison Schertz Humane Society
Liaison HOA Coalition
· Reported on a meeting of Scbertz Humane Society, where Pla Jarmon officially
resigned as President. A new president was named. Also, Roger, shelter manager
announced he would be taking a new position in Dallas and would be moving.
· Reported on a seizure of 31 dogs in McQueeney. These animals were so bad they
were etberized before leaving the property due to their condition. There was also an
agreement not to prosecute the individuals due to procedaral process (the law). The
animals would have had to be taken to the shelter awaiting possible litigation, kept in
shelter suffering for possibly 60 days. This happens to be the second incident this
year, the second incident may cause large spike in etherize figures this month.
· Commented on stumbling in on a Woodbridge Subd~wsion HOA s meeting. He was
on his way to a Dove Meadows HOA meeting, wlfich had adjourned early.
Councilmember Greenwald
4-B Board
Ex-officio P & Z Commission
Ex-officio SSLG Corp.
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· Reported on meeting of the P&Z Commission. They held interviews on 5 more
people for the vacancy on the Commission. In two weeks the final five will be
interviewed. The Commission had an enormous response, with a total of 14 to 15
applicants.
· Noted several plats were discussed, such as Bank of America plat, next to HEB and
Blockbuster.
#12 Items by Mayor
General Announcements
Mayor Baldwin announced the Trailriders were going to be in town tomorrow the 30th, at
the park -11 am. The city would he making a presentation of City of Schertz handkerchief
and certificate. Free stew, drinks for everyone attending.
#13 EXECUTIVE SESSION: Called under Chapter 551, Texas Government
Code, Sub-Section 551.071, Consultation with Attorney on pending or contemplated
litigation.
At this time, Council took a short break, and then an Executive Session was held from
8:35 p.n~ to until 10:27 p.m.
#11 Action, if any, on above Executive Session.
No action was taker,
#12 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at
0: 0o.m.
Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas
ATTEST:
y , City of Schert7, Texas
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