ccrg 10-07-03
.
SCHERTZ CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR SESSION
OCTOBER 7, 2003
The Schertz City Council convened in Regular Session on Tuesday, October 7, 2003 at
7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Complex Council Chambers, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz,
Texas. Those present were Mayor Hal Baldwin, presiding; Councilmembers Carl
Douglas, Steve Simonson. Reginna Agee, Tony Wi1enchik and Ken Greenwald. Also
present were City Manager Mark Marquez and City Secretary Norma Althouse.
Mayor Baldwin asked everyone to rise and join him in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Flag, which was led by Boy Scouts from Troops #51 and #423 who are working on
badges. Mr. Wilenchik noted that a couple of weeks ago he was invited to speak to the
Scouts on Citizen Day
Mayor Baldwin welcomed the Scouts, wished them luck with their badges, and thanked
them for their time.
#1 PROCLAMATION
.
A Proclamation was presented to Fire Chief Elroy Friesenhalm and Fire Marshal Glen
Outlaw designating the week of October 5th through 11th as Fire Prevention Week.
Mayor Baldwin presented them the Proclamation and then announced the fire truck is
outside for anyone who wants to see it.
#2 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
Robert Brockman of 4505 Grand Forrest had the following comments:
· Congratulated Tony Wilson on all his work for the Schertz Tales.
· Mentioned the City needs to change some signs on Schertz Parkway. There is a
sign at Savannah Square that says there is a stop sign coming up. Mr. Marquez
stated Austin Bridge is still going through the punch list and will take care of the
SIgnS.
· Commented the Do Not Enter signs at the Library and at City Hall are faded.
· Questioned if white lines would be painted on the streets where the school speed
limits begin.
.
· Noted that before you get to the railroad tracks on Schertz Parkway, there is a
detour sign down on its side.
10
.
. Observed there are no sidewalks in front of the old Good Shepherd Church next
door to City Hall. Mr. Marquez assured him that problem would be remedied.
#3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Regular Session 8-05-03
Special Workshop Session 8-13-03
Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the minutes, as written, for the Regular Session 8-5-03
and for the Special Workshop Session 8-13-03. Mr. Wilenchik seconded the motion,
which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#4 PRESENTATION: By representative of Guadalupe Valley Hospital regarding
Prescription Assistance Program.
.
Don Richey, Chief Administrator of Guadalupe Valley Hospital, told Council it was a
pleasure to come back and tell about a successful program. The only cost is a $10.00
service fee. They provided $20,838 worth of medication for 15 Schertz residents this
past year. The program is up over 26%. He is here tonight to see if the City of Schertz
wants to continue with the agreement.
Mr. Marquez pointed out the City owes Guadalupe Valley Hospital $5,000 and the check
is being processed at this time. Mayor Baldwin asked if that would be the fee next year
and Mr. Richey replied that is totally at Council's discretion.
Mr. Douglas asked about the eligibility requirements at their offices and Mr. Richey
answered they have an office five days a week in Seguin and one day a week in Schertz.
Mr. Douglas then inquired if criteria are available at the hospital. Mr. Richey responded
yes and that each pharmaceutical has their own criteria. Most of these patients are on
Medicare. He went on to say for those who cannot afford to pay the $10.00, they try to
find a way to help them. They try to make it a flat fee regardless of the number of
prescriptions. The hospital is a conduit for pharmaceuticals.
Referring to the $5,000 for the coming year, Mr. Simonson mentioned that perhaps at
budget time, they could increase the amount. Mr. Greenwald wondered if they could get
an update every six months.
Mr. Richey mentioned that the biggest problem in Schertz is the number of doctors not
participating. Mayor Baldwin thanked Mr. Richey for his presentation.
#5 INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT: Consider and take action on Interlocal
Agreement with Guadalupe Valley Hospital for Prescription Assistance Program.
.
11
.
Mr. Greenwald stated they have already pre-programmed $5,000 for this year. Mr.
Douglas thought there is probably some "found" money around. Mr. Simonson
suggested taking a longer look at it at mid-year. Maybe then they could make an
adjustment and increase the amount for next year.
Mr. Simonson moved to approve the Interlocal Agreement, at the current budget amount,
with Guadalupe Valley Hospital for the Prescription Assistance Program. Mr. Greenwald
seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
A YES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#6 PUBLIC HEARING: To hear citizen comments on a request from Nextel of
Texas for a Specific Use Permit to allow a telecommunications tower.
.
Mayor Baldwin explained the procedures to be followed for the public hearing. Beau
Ramirez and John Arnold from Nextel were present for the public hearing. They
explained the tower would be 120' tall and be located near the rear property of 11486 FM
1518. When asked exactly where that location is, Amy Madison, Community
Development Director, responded it is next to the Randolph AFB runway. Mr.
Greenwald added it is way off to the side.
Robert Brockman inquired if the tower would be lighted and what happens if a light
burns out. Mr. Ramirez answered it would have red lights and would have an alarm in
case a light burns out, so it would be fixed immediately. Mr. Brockman then asked if
they are aware of the pole over by Wendy's that has flags on it and Mr. Ramirez
answered they have seen it.
Mr. Marquez reported that four letters were mailed to property owners within the
required distance and none were returned.
At this time Mayor Baldwin closed the public hearing.
#7 Consider and take action on above request from Nextel of Texas for a Specific
Use Permit.
Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the request from Nextel of Texas for a Specific Use
Permit allowing them to erect a telecommunications tower. Mr. Wilenchik seconded the
motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
.
12
.
#8 APPOINTMENTS: Consider and take ction regarding appointments to Planning
and Zoning Commission.
There was a letter in the Council packets from Amy Madison stating that the Planning
and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend the reappointment of David
Richmond, Gary Wallace and Clovis Haddock to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Mr. Douglas moved to approve the reappointment of David Richmond, Gary Wallace and
Clovis Haddock to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mrs. Agee seconded the
motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#9 APPOINTMENTS: Consider and take action regarding appointments to Schertz
Housing Authority.
Mrs. Agee moved to approve the appointments of Jackie Jones, Sharon Fruge and Mark
Klebig to the Schertz Housing Authority for terms oftwo years, which would expire on
January I, 2006. Mr. Simonson seconded the motion, which carried with the following
votes:
.
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#10 APPOINTMENT: Consider and take action regarding recommendation for
nomination to the Guadalupe Appraisal District and approving Resolution authorizing
such recommendation for nomination.
After a brief discussion, Council decided they should recommend the nomination of
Sylvia Schlather.
Mrs. Agee moved to recommend the nomination of Sylvia Schlather to the Board of
Directors of the Guadalupe Appraisal District and to approve the Resolution
recommending such nomination. Mr. Simonson seconded the motion, which carried with
the following votes:
A YES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
.
#11 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on first reading of Ordinance adopting
guidelines and criteria for Tax Abatement and Reinvestment Zones.
13
. Mayor Baldwin introduced an Ordinance and read the caption as follows:
AN ORDINANCE
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS, ADOPTING
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA FOR TAX ABATEMENT AND
REINVESTMENT ZONES AND PROVIDING FOR A REPEALING CLAUSE.
Mr. Marquez indicated there have been no changes since this was discussed at the last
workshop. It will not go into effect until January 1,2004 and will stay in place for two
years.
Mr. Simonson moved to approve the first reading of an Ordinance adopting Guidelines
and Criteria for Tax Abatement and Reinvestment Zones. Mrs. Agee seconded the
motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#12 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on first reading of TSAC Ordinance.
. Mayor Baldwin introduced an Ordinance and read the caption as follows:
AN ORDINANCE
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS, PROVIDING
THAT THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS BE
AMENDED BY REVISING CHAPTER 2, ADMINISTRATION; AND
PROVIDING A REPEALING CLAUSE.
Mr. Marquez advised there have been several changes to the by-laws. In Section 1, the
words "through the City Manager" have been added after recommendations to City
Council.
Mr. Wilenchik pointed out there is a conflict on the age requirement for a student in
Section 3. It was suggested it be changed to say "Student exempt from age requirement,
but must have a valid Texas Driver's license".
Mr. Marquez reminded Council all duties are subject to budget limitation and all tasks
should be passed through the City Manager.
.
Mr. Wilenchik moved to approve the first reading of the TSAC Ordinance with the
recommended changes. Mr. Greenwald seconded the motion, which carried with the
following votes:
14
.
A YES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#13 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on final reading of Ordinance regarding
stop intersections and all-way stops.
Mayor Baldwin introduced an Ordinance and read the caption as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 03-D-31
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 SECTION 18-32, STOP INTERSECTIONS, AND
SECTION 18-33, ALL-WAY STOPS; AND PROVIDING A REPEALING
CLAUSE.
Mr. Marquez noted this Ordinance deals specifically with signs at the Ashley Park
intersection. The change may not be immediately implemented, but we need to give
. plenty of notice so people get used to it.
Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the final reading of an Ordinance regarding stop
intersections and all-way stops. Mr. Wilenchik seconded the motion, which carried with
the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#14 Items by City Manager
General Announcements
School zone signs
· Commented the subject had been brought up about school signs and a change in
the lunch periods. The ordinance was designed so we could change the signs
without having to change the ordinance.
· Related that during open enrollment they allowed someone to come in and make a
presentation about short-term disability benefits. If Council has no objection,
they will offer it to employees. Council had no objection.
.
· Reported they are in the process of engaging an architect for asbestos surveys and
other surveys on property nearby. There will need to be some renovation to the
15
.
Community Center. The cost for the surveys is going to be somewhere around
$19,800. He needs to hear it now if anyone objects. There were no objections.
.
Advised the old 1983 Ford fire truck is no longer certifiable and is too expensive
to repair. If Council has no objections, they will sell it to the highest bidder. No
one objected.
#15
Items by Council
General Announcements
Councilmember Douglas
Liaison - EDC
. Observed the money from the fire truck will not be "found money" when we sell
it. Mr. Marquez said it would probably be reserved for a future fire truck.
. Inquired about the status of the Scout Hut. Chief Friesenhalm stated the Fire
Department and the Police Department are both finished with it. It's now up to
Public Works to tear it down.
.
. Mayor Baldwin asked Leonard Truitt, City Inspector, what they took down on
Main Street. Mr. Truitt replied they relocated an old house.
. Reported the Bank of America ribbon cutting had a great turnout. The Fire
Department was there and the Children's Choir of Texas was there.
Councilmember Simonson
4-B Board
Liaison BVY A
. Stated the BVY A meeting would be held on October 13th, so he may have
something to report the next time. They are growing, growing, growing.
. Mentioned there are no white lines across the road where emergency vehicles
exit. Mr. Marquez asked what happened to the flashing light and Chief
Friesenhalm did not know.
Councilmember Agee
4-B Board
Liaison - Schertz Housing Authority
Liaison - Schertz Library Board
.
. Commented Chief Cantrell, Judge Padgett and her had attended an open house at
the Guadalupe County Children's Advocacy Center. Bud Kuykendall wants to
make a presentation to City Council. They plan on having a facility in Schertz
next year.
16
.
.
.
Councilmember Wilenchik
4-B Board
Liaison - Schertz Humane Society
Liaison HOA Coalition
. Said he believes the Schertz Humane Society finally has its paperwork together
for 5013c status. As a charitable non-profit organization, they can get funds from
United Way.
. Mentioned that at the TSAC meeting last week they talked about reducing speed
limits in inclement weather and wondered if it's feasible. They are also looking
into no U-turns on Schertz Parkway and a jaywalking ordinance. They are also
awaiting passage ofthe TSAC ordinance.
. Commented when they were doing the SOB Ordinance, Connie Lock said it needs
to be reviewed annually to keep from changing it for a particular business.
Council needs input from legal council. Chief Cantrell stated some procedures
are set. Mr. Marquez said they would probably have a discussion on this at the
October 29th workshop. Mr. Wilenchik said he would not be here for that
meeting.
Councilmember Greenwald
4-B Board
Ex-officio - P&Z Commission
Ex-officio - S/SLGC
. Reported that Gloria Rivera is very appreciative of Council recommending she
stay on the Schertz/Seguin Local Goverument Corporation Board. That Board
has a meeting October 16th at 1 :30 pm in Schertz.
#16 Items by Mayor
General Announcements
. Remarked he received an e-mail from Glyn Williams apologizing for his letter to
the editor. He also asked that ordinances be placed on the website.
. Noted Alfredo Werta complimented the City about Schertz Parkway, but would
like for them to look at lowering the lights along the Parkway. Mr. Greenwald
commented it's probably the least intrusive lighting system he's seen.
. Thanked the Boy Scout for being here this evening.
#17 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at
8:12 p.m.
17
.
ATTEST:
~~-aJV
City Secretary, City of Schertz, Texas
.
.
/~~J
Mayo?! City/of Schertz, Texas
~~o*irt\.
18