ccwks 03-10-04
Council – Workshop Session
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
The Schertz City Council convened in workshop session on Wednesday,
March 10, 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.
#1 Hearing of Residents.
Joe Trevino introduced himself and noted the City has heard from him the
last couple weeks. He stated that Rita (City employee) is the only one that
answers her phone. All other lines forward to voice mail and on occasion you
will possibly receive a call back. He appreciates Rita putting up with him on
these occasions. His item of concern is construction on Elbel Bridge. The
bridge has been out for some time and on several occasions has called the
City on the issue as well as calling Southwestern Bell. He believes there
should be a sense of urgency to complete the project. Students have had to
put up with the construction all year long. He believes it’s a lack of bad
planning (closing road). The school year is almost over and still no end to
completion is in sight. Southwestern Bell has been done since last
Wednesday or Tuesday, and have seen no one on job site. He believes the job
needs to get finished regardless of who’s to blame for delay after delay.
Mayor Baldwin commented that the City wants to finish the project just as
much as anyone else. There have been several complications with the project;
the City has had to wait on the contractor, as well as paying huge penalties
for delay.
John Bierschwale, Assistant City Manager informed Mr. Trevino that the
contractor has been notified and a crew would be back on the job site the
latter part of the week and the majority of the main crew plans to be on job
site next week or the following Monday.
City Manager Marquez advised that lost time charges have been charged to
Southwestern Bell. Contractor has to be paid regardless and delay now is
going on six months. It was pointed out that contractor moves on to other job
sites (due to delay) and it takes some time to mobilize back to Schertz.
Contractor has been notified and should be mobilizing back to the (Schertz)
job site.
Mr. Trevino commented he understood that things happen and certain
procedures have to be followed, however asked when do the citizens of
Schertz get moved to the front of the table to get the job done?
City Manager Marquez stated he takes exception to Mr. Trevino’s comments
and informed him that the City has been working on the project for the last
five years, the City is trying to get it done as quickly as possible. The City
doesn’t like the road closed either. It has put a burden on the City by way of
extra personnel needed for traffic control and other issues.
Mr. Trevino asked if there was a timeline in place. He was advised the
original timeline was approximately 60 to 90 days.
Mayor Baldwin informed Mr. Trevino the City is doing the best it can to get
the job completed and if he believes the citizens aren’t a priority he isn’t
familiar with Council or the City.
Robert Brockman, 4505 Grand Forest spoke on the following:
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Need of signage at the three curb cuts in front of City Hall.
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Informed P&Z had trouble coming up with a quorum at their meeting
and did not start on time.
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Commended Dean, City employee (facility maintenance) on doing a
fantastic job with the upkeep of City building and marquee. Please
pass it on to his supervisor that he is doing a fine job.
At this time, Mayor Baldwin advised that the Executive Session would be
moved next on the agenda.
#15 EXECUTIVE SESSION: Called under Chapter 551 Texas Government
Code,
Sub-section-551.071-Consultation with Attorney.
Sub-section-551-072-Deliberation regarding real property.
Sub-section-551.073-Personnel Matters.
An Executive Session was held from 7:12 pm to 7:40 pm.
#16 Action, if any on above Executive Session.
No action was necessary.
#2 Discuss final reading of Ordinance regarding establishment of Triple
R. Electric Reinvestment Zone.
City Manager advised there were no changes to Ordinance.
Council would be ready to take action at next Tuesday nights meeting.
#3 Discuss final reading of Ordinance authorizing Tax Abatement and
Tax Abatement Agreement for Triple R. Electric.
City Manager advised of no changes.
Council would be ready to take action at next Tuesday nights meeting.
#4 Discuss public hearing (scheduled for March 16, 2004) on request from
Entex Construction Company to rezone 5.9+ acres from Pre-development
(PD) to Residential District 6 (R-6). Property located in Northcliffe.
City Manager Marquez advised that property consists of two tracts; 2.6 acres
and 3.298 acres. The property would be rezoned to R-6 for the purpose of
building homes. Plats haven’t been seen yet. At this time, Councilmember
Greenwald produced copy of plat introduced at the Planning and Zoning
meeting last night, and Councilmember Greenwald gave a review of plat. The
development will be a nice addition to the Northcliffe area, consisting of
approximately 18 to 20 lots.
#5 Discuss first reading of Ordinance rezoning 5.9 acres from Pre-
development (PD) to Residential 6 (R-6) in Northcliffe area.
Council would be ready to consider Ordinance next Tuesday night meeting.
#6 Discuss first reading of Ordinance regarding Records Management.
City Manager Marquez stated that Evelyn Boggess has been named record
manager officer, and explained the need to establish an ordinance comes by
state statute. He commented that he and City Attorney; Michael Spain have
reviewed Ordinance and one change was made to the authorizing entity.
Other requirements call for establishing an officer and plan, which have been
done. Also, a series of steps are required in the process. As the City continues
to grow the seriousness of locating records becomes very important, and
recommends moving forward with Ordinance.
He points out the need of a record repository, which if the city is to step
forward is essentially. The repository (fire proof) would be a bit pricey,
however the need is there when the time is right. The City is making
progress, moving forward and this is the first step toward the series of steps
to accomplish their goal.
Without further discussion, Council would be ready to consider Ordinance at
Tuesday night meeting.
#7 Discussion and possible action on bids for Public Improvement District
Project.
City Manager Marquez advised bids have been reviewed, and a copy of bids
are part of Council packet. Public Works Department concurs with Ford
Engineering and recommends approval of awarding ASC Paving as the low
bidder in the amount of $218,734.05.
Councilmember Wilenchik inquired on line amount (street excavation) total
versus other bids. Other bids are extremely higher. How is this possible? It’s
a bit troubling. He was advised the company possibly has other means of
disposing material that the others don’t have. City Manager Marquez
pointed out Ford Engineering as well as Public Works Department have no
problem with recommendation. He also mentioned the company has done
work for the City before, building parking lot behind Community Center.
He went on to say that the PID project consist of building two roads; road
coming off Corridor Parkway, new road through Ripps property. Also, some
improvements would be done across the street at HEB property and State
Bank & Trust. He mentioned property would also be required adding depth to
allow placement of street signal and property is being acquired.
Councilmember Simonson inquired on time frame for placement of street
signal. He was informed that at this time the information is not known.
There are other issues that have to fall in place before signal goes up. He did
mention that one of the last things to be placed would be the median. The
project will move as quickly as possible. The estimated cost of the PID project
is $717,000, however $750,000 has been allocated for other costs associated
with project such as landscaping, etc. The signal light is not included in the
above cost and it’s estimated cost is approximately $125,000.
Without further discussion, Councilmember Wilenchik moved to award bid to
ASC in the amount $218,734.05. Councilmember Greenwald seconded the
motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAY: None.
#8 Discuss Schertz Teen Court Scholarship Committee.
Judge Padgett informed Council that it’s that time again. Graduation is right
around the corner and it’s time to award teen court scholarships. She has
budgeted $1,000 and will award a $500 and two $250 dollar scholarship
amounts. Applications are due no later than March 31, 2004. The same
procedure will be utilized this year; Ms. Reid and myself will grade
applicants on participation; Michael Spain will grade essays and finally a
personal interview with Council. Again, she is asking Council participate by
way of committee.
Mayor Baldwin advised he would serve on the committee and asked for
volunteers. Councilmembers Douglas and Greenwald stepped up and
volunteered. The committee would meet late April to determine which
applicants would be awarded the three scholarships. Councilmember
Greenwald advised he would be available any day but Thursday.
#9 Discuss request from Youth in Christ regarding dances at Community
Center and discussion of City facilities fee structure.
City Manager Marquez explained Students in Christ Youth Center is
requesting rental fee waived for the use of Community Center for the purpose
of teen dances/teen functions for the surrounding area. He would like not to
waive fees for any non-profit organization, and more so, if the organization is
going to charge an admission fee. He isn’t raising the issue due to having an
ax to grind, but looking at the future when the City has a much-improved
facility. Certainly, the City can put up the capital (building, equipment, etc.),
but the day of operation, the user must cover costs. He believes the City must
establish a fee structure, not so much to make money, but to cover costs.
Councilmember Wilenchik commented he sees a difference in a one-time
event (yearly fundraiser) versus a reoccurring event. He believes a yearly
event is something the City could work with.
Mayor Baldwin believes there is not enough youth entertainment in the City,
and if the City can do anything to encourage anyone to take responsibility for
300 kids and keep them off the street, he believes it’s the City’s responsibility
to help these organizations, and if it’s going to cost $150 that’s pretty cheap.
Councilmember Agee asked that City inquire on admission fee, and what is
the money used for. She also inquired on age group, if age group is seventeen
and over what type of problems would there be, if any. Would security be an
issue? Another issue of concern is how solvent is (Students in Christ Youth
Center) the organization?
It was pointed out that the real question before Council is what does Council
believe is their job in dealing with taxpayer dollars and City buildings.
What’s Council direction to City Manager?
Brief discussion followed regarding charging organizations such as
Homeowner Association (HOA), non-profit organization, Senior Citizens,
Schertz residents and others. Should there be consideration and where does
it stop. Should consideration be made if it’s a youth activity, where is the line
drawn. It was pointed out that something needs to be charged if only for
maintenance upkeep, etc.
It was Council consensus to authorize City Manager to approve one time only
the use of Community Center, waive fees, however Students in Christ Youth
Center is to provide insurance and security.
City Manager Marquez advised that staff would work on establishing a
written policy, fee structure and present it for Council consideration.
#10 Review /Discussion of Church property.
City Manager Marquez advised that part of Council packet is documentation
on the Schertz Municipal Complex study and budget estimate. The design on
the sanctuary is not included only because drawing was not satisfactory.
He went on to explain that the cost estimate of 3.8 million does not include
the land purchase. The grand total including land now totals 4.5 million.
He on to explain the improvements: Community Center expansion to include
secondary floor, with ground floor and second floor office space (gaining 20
offices), the cost being approximately $460,000. Old EMS building (housing
facility maintenance and future purchasing agent) would double in size, the
cost being approximately $156,000. The Community Center expansion
(Church property) would have an addition of 14,000 square feet, which would
be attached to smaller existing building. The smaller building houses 7
classrooms, and the other building has the capacity of 5 additional
classrooms, providing plenty of meeting space. The seating capacity would be
approximately 500, which would allow for future functions (TCMA, TML,
etc.) that are not possible now. The building would be equipped with dividers
allowing two different functions to be happening at the same time. He
pointed out the information on design is to provide Council a broad picture of
future improvements and for Council to provide direction. Is this the way to
go or what direction does Council advise? By no means are improvements set
in stone, improvement may be altered and rethought.
He reminded Council that the project is out of cycle; this year’s budget does
not include any mayor bonding, and 4.5 million is a lot of money. Is it
something that the City needs to do, probably? He pointed out City Hall is
running out space, and has been holding back on hiring due to this reason.
Again, the question lies with Council, does the City proceed, he awaits
Council direction.
He pointed out areas where cost could be cut, and not just shaving around the
edges, but on items that aren’t needed. However, doesn’t want to cut cost on
things that are needed. He doesn’t want gold plated, but certainly would like
to do it first class. His question to Council is, are set of conceptual ideas
acceptable to continue or does the City need to back up and rethink. He did
add that feasibly the project is doable.
Councilmember Douglas believes the City needs to move forward it’s really
needed. Councilmember Wilenchik commented that the longer you prolong
construction; it’s not going to get any cheaper. To float a bond issue at this
time is not bad idea, with the interest rates being so low.
Mayor Baldwin inquired on tax increase; he foresees a major tax increase.
City Manager Marquez stated not necessarily. The City has other funding
sources that could be used without causing tax increase and if there would be
one it wouldn’t be a substantially one.
It was Council consensus to cover discussion of projects such as quality of life
issues, Church property, City improvements and baseball fields) at strategic
planning session. It was pointed out that there is a possibility of looking at
acquiring grant money for projects (Parks).
It was Council consensus to proceed with the idea presented.
#11 Discussion and possible action on support of George W. Bush
Presidential Library.
Mayor Baldwin advised on receiving a letter from Baylor University asking
for a letter supporting Baylor as the site for George W. Bush Library. Does he
sign it and forward support? He would like Council feedback.
Council did not have a problem with Mayor Baldwin signing letter of support.
Mayor Baldwin would forward letter.
#12 Items by City Manager
General Announcement
Mid-year budget review
SSLGC financial reports
Audit update
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Referred to EAP (employee assistance program) report in packet,
detailing utilization range.
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Reported final negotiations are winding up with Mortellaro’s contract
for Schertz Parkway maintenance. City Attorney Michael Spain has
approved contract in terms of costs, timing, etc. Contract will come
forward for Council consideration at next meeting.
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Referenced cleanup along FM78, and commended Community Service
Director Gail Douglas for a job well done. Parks Department headed
the cleanup and did a great job.
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Commented having received TIA (traffic impact analysis) for Wynn
Brook Subdivision. He has been advised it’s no big deal on traffic
coming and going from Wynn Brook to Oak Forest. If Council has no
objection, plans are to open the roadway (interconnection road) on
Friday.
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Referenced document (EMS article) that is ready for publication in
Seguin and Herald newspaper. Copy of article has been provided in
Council packet for the purpose of acquiring feed back from Council. Is
there objection going forward with publication? Article needs to be
published prior to decision being made, as opposed to waiting after
decision has been made. Council agreed to publish article as presented.
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Reported on scheduled ribbon cutting of (new business) B&G
Restaurant & Catering, 10:30 am Friday. Need City representation,
Mayor Baldwin and Councilmember Simonson would attend.
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Reminded everyone of Northeast Partnership meeting, 11:00 am, same
place. Please let him know if anyone would like to attend. Mayor
Baldwin stated he would attend.
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Informed plans for sidewalk have been received and will place item on
agenda of the 16 for Council review and consideration.
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Commented on legislative update being held in New Braunfels and
asked if anyone was interested in going to please let him know.
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Asked Council to start thinking of nominating someone as Grand
Marshal for the 4 of July Jubilee.
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#13 Items by Council
General Announcements
Councilmember Douglas
Liaison EDC
Liaison-Schertz Library Board
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Reported attending Miss Schertz Sweetheart pageant, where a
selection was made.
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Inquired on Wiederstein Road stripping, and was advised the City
would be doing the stripping.
Councilmember Simonson
4-B Board
Liaison BVYA
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Informed of a BVYA meeting to be held on Monday. Several issues
such as T-Ball are up for discussion. Reminded everyone of BVYA
opening day parade scheduled March 27.
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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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Reported that at TSAC meeting, William Gignac was elected
chairman, due to David Allen resigning. Also, TSAC is looking at
Ordinance (Alamo Heights) dealing with speed humps.
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Commented on Doggy Dash event April 24. The T-shirt design has
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been completed and company sponsorship is available in amounts of
$50 to $100 dollars. Sponsorship for T-Shirts is ongoing and asked that
if anyone was interested on becoming a sponsor there is still time.
Sponsors would be put on the back of the T-shirt.
Councilmember Greenwald
4-B Board
Ex-officio P & Z Commission
Ex-officio SSLG Corp.
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Referred to Saturday event of the Schertz Fire Safe House dedication
held on Saturday at HEB parking lot. It was a fun event and James
Schindler PIO, did a great job. Attendance was great, lots of people
showed up and kids had a great time.
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Hoped everyone has had a chance to look over the Schertz/Seguin Local
Government Corp. budget, that was part of Council packet. If not, he
informed everyone the Corporation is in good shape.
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Planning & Zoning Commission met last evening and approved
rezoning of Northcliffe lots. Also, Natural Bridge Caverns
representative informed the Commission of losing two signs due to
construction of the new Wal-Mart and asked for another sign
(directional) along IH-35 and FM3009 area. They were given
suggestions and were advised the City would help in anyway they
could. Also, final plat approval was given to Wal-Mart, with the
exception of signage, however options are being researched. Also,
subdivision on FM1518 (13-lots) was approved.
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Advised David “Dave” Calkins was selected to Hospital Board.
#14 Items by Mayor
General Announcements
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Reminded everyone of Cibolo groundbreaking for new City Hall, 1:30
pm this weekend. He is attending and anyone that would like to join
him please do.
#17 ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, Mayor Hal Baldwin moved to adjourn the meeting
at 9:25 p.m.
__________________________
Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas
ATTEST:
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Deputy City Secretary, City of Schertz, Texas