ccwks 02-11-04
Council – Workshop Session
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
The Schertz City Council convened in workshop session on Wednesday,
February 11, 2004 at 7:00pm in the Municipal Complex Conference Room,
1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas. The following members were present:
Mayor Hal Baldwin presiding, Councilmembers Carl Douglas, 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 7:00 p.m.
At this time, Mayor Baldwin referred to resume passed out by D. J. “Dave”
Calkins who has expressed an interest to serve on the Guadalupe County
Hospital Board to replace Charles McDonald. Mr. Calkins is a resident of
Schertz for the last five years, has an excellent background in the medical
field, and expresses an interest to become active in the community.
City Manager Marquez advised of another candidate who has expressed an
interest to serve on the Board, Mr. O’Brien is a citizen of Cibolo. He went on
to say that Commissioners Court would be making the final decision,
however a resolution from the three major cities (Schertz, Marion and Selma)
is required with recommendation on candidate. It is preferred to have one
person recommended; however this might not be the case. He waits Council
instructions on how to proceed.
Mayor Baldwin stated that Council would wait to receive update from County
Commissioner Wolverton.
City Manager Marquez advised there is a possibility of having something
ready for next Council agenda.
Council and City Manager thanked Mr. Calkins for a very impressive
resume. Mr. Calkins thanked Council for their time and advised them if they
had any questions, telephone number as well as email address was on his
resume.
Mayor Baldwin made mention that Mark Roberts, Scout Master and Mark
Hill, Assistant of Troop #2462 were present. Mr. Roberts introduced Zach,
Nathan and Tyler who are working on Communication Merit Badge. The
boys would be taking notes and observing this evening. Council welcomed the
young men and hoped they find interest to City government.
#1 Hearing of Residents.
Buck Benson, 111 Soledad deferred comment until agenda item #5.
Robert Brockman, 4505 Grand Forest commented that early voting would
take place on March 9 at County Annex Building for County
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Commissioners. Also, informed of County Commissioners Court meeting on
Monday has changed to 9:00 am instead 10:00 am.
#2 Discuss final reading of Ordinance calling for election on May 15, 2004.
Discussion on ordinance followed regarding information on the up coming
election. The first day to file is February 17, 2004 and last day is March 15,
2004. Three places coming up for election are the Mayor and Places 1 & 2.
This is a standard ordinance that Council is familiar with.
Council would be ready to take action at next Tuesday night’s meeting.
#3 Consider and take action on 2004 General Election Services Contract
with J.R. Perez, County Elections Officer, State of Texas, County of
Guadalupe.
City Manager Marquez explained the contract is basically the same as every
year an election is held and J. R. Perez County Election Officer conducts the
election in the City. He has done a good job, and recommends going with the
contract.
Without further discussion, Councilmember Greenwald moved to approve the
2004 General Election Services Contract with J.R. Perez. Councilmember
Wilenchik seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and
Greenwald
NAY: None.
#4 Discuss final reading of Ordinance regarding Stop Signs on Circle Oak.
City Manager Marquez explained there are no changes, however as part of
Council packet is a letter from a resident that Council might want to read
before acting on Ordinance at next Tuesday night’s meeting.
Council would be ready to take action at next Tuesday nights meeting.
#5 Discuss public hearing scheduled February 17, 2004, for the rezoning
of 41.48+acres from Neighborhood Services (NS) and Residential (R-4 to
Residential (R-2).
City Manager Marquez reported Planning and Zoning Commission held
Public Hearing on issue last evening. The Commission decided to table the
issue until discussion on contractual arrangements are reviewed. He
commented he had expected to see a contract from the developer with a
builder in mind. If Council desires, they too may decide to table the issue,
postpone or drop the issue all together.
Before discussion, Mr. Buck Benson representing the developer (group of
partners) had the following comments. He stated he represented the partners
when the property was rezoned in 2001. At that time, there was some dispute
among partners, which prevented the property from being actively marketed.
However, issues have been resolved.
He went on to say that sometime in 2002 the remaining partners initiated an
agreement with the City on drainage improvements. He was not involved in
the negotiation. However believes everything is amicable. He believes the
City’s obligation hasn’t been fulfilled; however deadline is July of 2004 to do
so. Due to agreement, it was difficult to market property, however have been
able to secure a buyer and a portion of the property is under contract. The
developer is a group out of Austin that would develop a portion out of the
multi-family tract.
Mr. Benson was asked if the developer was Simba Village at which he
answered yes. He was informed; it’s believed the contract was cancelled. Mr.
Benson stated that as of today the contract is still in effect. He went on to say
that it has been difficult for developer, however with a completion date in
mine, believes his client can market the property, and asks they be given
some time, suggesting tabling the issue.
Councilmember Greenwald suggests dropping the issue until July 2004.
Councilmember Agee voiced concern in regard to property being sold as
parcels and the potential of additional curb cuts. With the original plan the
curb cuts called for possibly three cuts. It was pointed out the original master
plan has expired, platting, as well as any other authorizations. The
development would need to start the process again and only the zoning
stands at this time.
In brief discussion, it was Council consensus to hold Public Hearing on the
issue and possibly cancel or table the issue, until the July 2004 time frame.
Mr. Benson thanked Council for their time, and commented he would pass on
information to his client on items discussed.
#6 Discuss public hearing scheduled February 17, 2004 for selected
changes to the UDC.
City Manager Marquez advised the issue before Council includes changes to
UDC and would defer further comments to Ms. Amy Madison.
Ms. Madison explained the Planning and Zoning Commission has been
working diligently over the pass year on general changes to the UDC. She
continued to outline the changes as follows:
1. Article I: General Provisions, no significant changes, only change of
clarity. Changes are highlighted for review.
2. Article III: Zoning Districts and Maps. Creation of District R-7,
Single Family Residential and adding it to Section 2.8 revising the
numbering reflecting one more section. Section 2.8 includes text
indicating the single-family residential dwelling of minimum
square footage on a minimum lot size of 6,600 square feet. The
districts development would consist of more contemporary styles,
allowing dwelling construction on a larger lot.
3. Article IV; Permissible Uses, Section 5 includes 3-land uses to
Neighborhood Services District (NS): Convenience Store; Shoe
repair and Day Nursery.
4. Article VI: Density and Dimensional Requirements. Section 7.2:
Location of Structures; the removal of paragraph regarding
Manufactured homes constructed on or after June 15, 1976,
permitted on individual lots in residential district if home is placed
on permanent foundation. Manufactured Homes are only allowing
in permitted district of Manufactured Home Parks/ Subdivision
District (MHP-SD).
5. Table VI-A: Dimensional Requirements Residential Zoning District.
Added R-7, Single Family One, 6,600 sf, 60 width x 110 depth, 25
front ft, 7.5 internal side setbacks, 20 rear setbacks, 2 off street
parking, 35 maximum height, i Key.
6. Table VI-B: Dimensional Requirements Non-Residential Zoning
District; Removed footnote prohibiting parking, storage, etc., use
within 25 ft of property line in M-1 & M-2 zoning at rear and side
setbacks. Allowing rear parking, which would keep view from
public and maximize parking on impervious cover not usable
without variance.
7. Article XI: Platting: Section 20.12: Half Streets or Adjacent Streets,
Any new development abutting City roads in the City or ETJ shall
be assessed a road improvement fee due at final platting. Fee to be
determined by City engineer, based on total linear feet abutting city
road. Fee shall include costs to complete a fair share of the road not
to exceed 33.3% total construction to complete road to City specs.
Improvements shall include ROW, dedication, paving, curb and
guttering, shoulder improvements and sidewalks as determined by
the City. City finance department will maintain an account for each
road until the City decides to construct road.
Councilmember Simonson asked for clarification regarding development
abutting City roads; existing completed City roads such as Tri-County area.
He asked for a list of roads, which the change to UDC would require the road
assessment. He was advised; a list of streets would be researched and made
available.
Ms. Madison informed Council that the Planning and Zoning Commission is
on roll, working very hard and would be coming up with new and improved
changes to UDC. This is only the beginning of things to come.
#7 Discuss Regional Mutual Aid Agreement.
City Manager Marquez advised that Mr. Glen Outlaw, Asst. Chief /EMC is
standing by to answer any questions. He went to say that the memo is self
explanatory and very well outlined by Mr. Outlaw. He highlighted some the
proposed agreements regarding Mutual Aid:
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Agreement does not supersede local mutual aid agreement; aid would
be provided only if resources are available; personnel/equipment
remain under city control; reimbursement from agency is required
unless it is waived by mutual agreement by both parties and the
agreement provides forms for requesting aid from participating agency.
Mr. Glen Outlaw added that the regional mutual aid agreement is a condition
of the homeland security grant and recommends adopting the agreement.
Council would be ready to take action at next Tuesday nights meeting.
#8 Consider and take action setting public hearing date of March 2, 2004
for Triple R Electric Reinvestment Zone.
City Manager Marquez advised that all information was provided to Council
in their packets and this evening the only issue before Council is to set the
public hearing.
Ms. Amy Madison, Community Development Director added the business is
re-locating from Garden Ridge and it’s actually an expansion to the business.
Without further comment, Councilmember Agee moved to set public hearing
date of March 2, 2004 for Triple R Electric Reinvestment Zone.
Councilmember Greenwald seconded the motion, which carried with the
following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAY: None.
#9 Discussion Town Creek Sewer Project.
City Manager Marquez explained that CCMA and GBRA are facilities
servicing sewer for the area. GBRA is the regional source for 7 counties and
CCMA primarily services the local surrounding areas such as Schertz, Cibolo,
UC, and Randolph.
Assistant City Manager Johnny Bierschwale noted the issue was brought up
several weeks ago and a go ahead from Council was given; go forward and
research Town Creek Sewer project (replacing GBRA treatment plant). He
further remarked that at the time, a proposal was introduced from GBRA to
expand current treatment plant (300,000 gallon-permitted) to discharge into
the dry Comal. The cost was pretty high (1.3 million), and plant really didn’t
fit the City’s needs. So, the need to look at CCMA was the next step.
However, before looking at CCMA, another option was investigated (NBU
line), however the cost was 3 million, which was similar to GBRA. Again, the
need to go to CCMA and after research the total cost for the project is
approximately 3.5 million for a 3 million gallon treatment plant. He believes
this is the way to go. However, this evening is asking Council direction on
whether to notify GBRA to go ahead with permitting (under deadline) or go
with CCMA line.
He went on to say that funding is still ongoing and would be coming to
Council with recommendation. Different proposals are being looked at, such
as GBRA contract, Cibolo non-participation and impact fees. The impact fees
(capital recovery) would be re-established into CCMA plant charges. He
added that the 3.5 million to complete the project also includes the CCMA lift
station. Also, CCMA made comment that in the exchange for cash, (due to
billing fiasco) if the City of Schertz would consider, CCMA would pay
difference for the improvement of lift station. This option is for Council
consideration.
Councilmember Wilenchik noted that given the City’s projected growth,
expansion, etc., which best meets the specifics needs of the City to provide
service to the citizens. He was advised the 3.5 million project. It was also
mentioned, the line capacity with Cibolo participation would be 36”, without
the participation, and City goes on it’s own the line would drop to 24” and no
connects from anyone (Cibolo, etc.).
It was Council consensus to tell GBRA not to continue acquiring permitting.
#10 Items by City Manager
General Announcement
Verizon Renewal
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Commented on upcoming resolution regarding (Commissioners Court)
hospital board of managers candidate would be placed on agenda for
Council approval. Mr. Calkins (Schertz) makes a very good candidate
with his medical background.
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Noted Comprehensive Land Plan Committee (CLP) is scheduled to
meet February 19, Thursday, 7:30 pm. The CLP is meeting after
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EDC meeting. At this meeting will set up the next meeting with
consensus of Board. Scheduled for discussion is transportation
(master plan), and future land uses. There are no plans to bring the
sidewalk issue (Mr. Sutton) until plan is seen or direction from
Council is given.
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Informed of receiving RFP from the County on EMS contract. He is
not comfortable with any of the options the RFP provides. In Council
packet is copy of letter being sent to Commissioners Court (Wolverton)
explaining concerns and asking for delay on RFP and asking for
alternatives.
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Noted schedule changes from Chief of Police for Patrol Division.
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Advised on a request to adopt Schertz Parkway (maintenance) has
been withdrawn.
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Referenced promotion endorsement memo from City Attorney in
regard to City owned trailer used by Fire Department and (one)
volunteer firefighters union proposing to display name and logo on
trailer. He believes the City would be giving recognition to
firefighters union, putting the City in the position of appearing to
promote or endorse the organization. He recommends not doing so, it
would be only fair to display the names of all volunteers who helped if
they wanted to display or recognize volunteers.
#11 Items by Council
General Announcements
Councilmember Douglas
Liaison EDC
Liaison-Schertz Library Board
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Commented he had the good fortune of listening to Senator
Wentworth, where he covered issues on re-districting and school tax
(Robin hood effect). He mentioned it was interesting to learn that 50%
of school taxes go to Austin for the purpose of re-districting.
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Asked that he would like more information on Single-family dwelling-
Gated community, which is Article 7, Section 6 of the UDC.
Councilmember Simonson
4-B Board
Liaison BVYA
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Referred to TXDOT Trans Quarter meeting, and asked what is Trans
Quarter? He was advised that it is Governor Perry’s grand scheme to
connect everyone together (highways). It happens to be a big deal and
worth attending these meetings. Those interested were City Manager,
Councilmember Greenwald and Steve Simonson. The meeting will take
place on the 24, 6 pm at Seguin Coliseum.
th
??
Commented if land swap has been completed, could the recreational
bond issue be looked into again. He would like to see it brought up
again and see what direction Council what’s to take. He was advised
the issue would be discussed at Strategic planning session on March
23.
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Councilmember Agee
4-B Board
Liaison Schertz Housing Authority
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Had no comments.
Councilmember Wilenchik
4-B Board
Liaison Schertz Humane Society
Liaison HOA Coalition
Ex-officio-TSAC
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Informed Council there is a possibility that on the 2 of March he
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might be absent. It will depend solely on flight schedule.
Councilmember Greenwald
4-B Board
Ex-officio P & Z Commission
Ex-officio SSLG Corp.
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. Mentioned the black top is settling at corner of 78/1518 and it's getting
worse. TXDOT needs to get in there and do something.
#12
Items by Mayor
General Announcements
.
. Noted he changed phone companies and as a result has eliminated his
number from phone book. He would like to get the word out that his
number is not unlisted and that his number may be given out at
anytime.
. Referenced receipt of Baylor University letter regarding the university
becoming the home of the George Bush Library. The letter is asking
support from Mayor's. He would like to see the Library at Baylor and
would be drafting a letter with his support.
. Commented on recognition of Emily White, (Schertz resident) recipient
of Top Youths in Volunteers in Texas (2004) in the 9th annual
Prudential Spirit Community Award. Mayor asked that Ms. White be
invited to attend a Council meeting, where some type of presentation
could be made.
. Reminded Council of Northeast Partnership meeting, tomorrow at
Dragon Lake. Those attending would be Councilmember Simonson,
Mayor Baldwin and City Manager Marquez.
#13 ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, Mayor Hal Baldwin moved to adjourn the meeting
at 8:28 p.m.
retary, City of Schertz, Texas
.
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