ccwks 06-30-04
.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES.
SPECIAL WORKSHOP SESSION
JUNE 30, 2004
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop Session on
Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Complex
Conference Room, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas. Those present
were Mayor Hal Baldwin, presiding; Councilmembers Carl Douglas, Steve
Simonson, Reginna Agee, Tony Wilenchik and Ken Greenwald. Staff
members present were Asst. City Manager John Bierschwale and City
Secretary Norma Althouse.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
Sharon Pennington, President of Schertz Business Association, reminded
Council of the T-shirts that are for sale at City Hall and at the park on the
days of the 4th ofJuly Jubilee. The cost is $10.00.
.
Robert Brockman, 4505 Grand Forrest, mentioned the following:
. Between Woodland Oaks andAshley Park the street lights were not
working and he never did get an answer. Public Works Director, Sam
Willoughby, told him the lights had a short in them and they are
working on the problem.
· Planning and Zoning had a meeting and made a presentation about the
new Hampton Inn. The City needs an overhead projector for such
presentations. Mr. Greenwald added it was not a full presentation and
they will come again with drawings. Amy Madison, Community
Development Director, stated there was no discussion or no action, it
was just a way to get Planning and Zoning familiar with the project,
but Mr. Brockman makes a good point. John Bierschwale, Asst. City
Manager mentioned that once the renovations are completed on the
Church property, they would have a means for making overhead
projection presentations.
.
· Suggested the City ask for Representative Edmund Kuempel's help in
getting a sign on FM 3009 for the Animal Control Facility. Mr.
Wilenchik thought they were supposed to contact the State again and
367
Mr. Bierschwale promised to check on it. Mayor Baldwin mentioned .
that a few letters from citizens might help.
. Told the Mayor the City did a good job on Wiederstein Road.
#2 Consider and take action on appeal by Real Estate Renovators
(John Levesque) of action by the Board of Adjustment regarding appeal
of action by Leonard Truitt, Building Official, revoking Contractor's
License of Real Estate Renovators.
It was announced this agenda item is cancelled because the issue has been
resolved.
#3 Report from Glen Outlaw regarding problems from recent heavy
rains.
Fire Marshal,Glen Outlaw, reported that on the afternoon of June 9, 2004,
six to eight inches of rain fell on the Schertz area. High water areas were the
East Aviation low water crossing, Schertz Parkway at Buffalo Drive, Schertz .
Parkway at Live Oak Road, Senior Circle at Clyde Ford Village,
. Wiederstein Road at West Dietz Creek, Maske Road at West Dietz Creek,
Crepe Myrtle, Cherry Blossom and Oleander in Windy Meadow Mobile
Home Park, FM 1518 at Woman Hollering Creek and Harvest Drive at
Cherry Tree in Northcliffe.
Mr. Outlaw went on to say there were water rescues at Woman Hollering
Creek (vehicle stranded in high water) and at Schertz Parkway and Buffalo
Drive (driver attempted to circumvent barricades on Schertz Parkway by
using driveway behind garden homes).
Approximately two dozen people were evacuated from their homes on
Cherry Blossom, Crepe Myrtle and Oleander. Only one person required
shelter. Others went to family and friends.
There was no damage reported to City property or commercial property.
Several homes on Harvest Drive had 4" to 6" of water inside.
Mayor Baldwin commented its obvious that several of the drainage projects .
have improved things. Mr. Outlaw reminded everyone it was a record
rainfall.
368
.
Larry Dublin of Ford Engineering advised that both Savannah Square and
Ashley Place need some problems solved. Regarding Maske Road and Live
Oak Road at Schertz Parkway, he has been in contact with the developer
about drainage problems;
Mr. Bierschwale noted that improvements made to Borgfeld corrected
problems in Dove Meadows. Mr. Wilenchik mentioned problems with
water flowing on Dietz Road and blocked drainage by Dobie school where
water goes to Dove Meadows. Mr. Bierschwale promised to cheek into
those problems.
Mr. Bierschwale then related that on March 9th he and Mr. Marquez went
down Marilyn and there was no water from the field into the channel. The
street water was more of a danger than water from the channel. . George
Vick of 508 Marilyn commented that when cars went by, waves of water
went up into his garage.
.
Mr. Bierschwale commended the entire staff for their help that day.
Mr. Greenwald felt the City should let citizens know through the newsletter
they should stop using drainage ditches for garbage dumps.
Mr. Greenwald then aksed how the Elbel Road bridge is coming and Mr.
Bierschwale replied it's about 40% finished. The contractors have dealt
with a lot of rain during this project.
Mayor Baldwin thanked Mr. Outlaw for his presentation.
#4 Presentation by William Gignac, TSAC Chairman, regarding need
for walkways along FM 3009.
Mr. Gignac explained that TSAC (Transportation Safety Advisory.
Commission) has been working on an ordinance for gas-powered and foot-
pedaled scooters. They feel there is a need for sidewalks on a least one side
ofFM 3009. They also feel the speed limit should be lowered.
.
Mr. Gignac went on to say the Vice-Chairman of TSAC is a former engineer
with TXDoT. Whether or not that has any influence remains to be seen.
369
Questions were raised about whether or not the City would favor sidewalks. .
Also brought up was the lack of funding on the part ofTXDoT.
Mayor Baldwin wondered if the Vice-Chairman thought TXDoT would fund
any part of such a project. He would like to see sidewalks in that area, but
TXDoT would have to participate.
Mr. Greenwald referred to Mr. Gignac's remarks about the speed limit and
wondered if another traffic control speed study would be considered.
Mr. Wilenchik related they also talked about Green Valley Road, traffic in
the area, and the possibility of another traffic light.
Mr. Bierschwale noted that he and the City Manager feel it should be a one-
shot deal for the sidewalks, traffic light and speed limit.
Mr. Simonson felt there might be a good chance if the City and TXDoT
participate together. Mr. Greenwald felt the City needs to know the cost.
Mayor Baldwin felt the best way is to have sidewalks all the way along FM
300~ .
Mr. Wilenchik asked if they could schedule an update on this at the second
workshop in July. Mr. Bierschwale replied yes they could.
Mayor Baldwin thanked Mr. Gignac for his time.
#5 Discussion regarding appeal of decision by Planning and Zoning
to deny a variance allowing an LED message sign for Samuel Clemens
High School.
_Mr. Bierschwale said he understood that Amy Madison would handle this
matter.
Mrs. Madison explained that the LED sign is a gift from the class of 2004.
While out doing research, they discovered there is an unpermitted LED sign
at the elementary school on Green Valley Road. Mayor Baldwin
commented students need to give money for something that is not against
the ordinance.
.
370
.
Mr. Douglas asked why the sign was disapproved and Mrs. Madison
answered because it is against the ordinance. Mayor Baldwin observed it's
hard to approve this one and turn others down.
Mr. Douglas then asked about lottery signs which scroll across. Mr.
Wilenchik mentioned there were a lot of signs there before the ordinance
was passed. Once you waive the rules, it sets a precedent. We invalidated
the ordinance by approving an LED sign for Mark Roberts.
Mr. Douglas stated that whoever wrote the Sign Ordinance made a good
stipulation for community service signs and referred to Schertz Bank and
Trust as an example. Our Sign Ordinance is lacking. We need to get it into
the 21st century.
.
Mayor Baldwin admitted that not allowing LED signs was probably a bad
decision. The pros and cons of such signs being a distraction to traffic were
discussed. Mr. Greenwald admitted that in that discussion, everyone kept
referring to Austin Highway and its proliferation of similar signs. Mr.
Douglas added that the ordinance does not specify LED signs.
Mrs. Madison mentioned the school needs a sign with room for a small
message. Mrs. Agee noted the class of2004 needs to solicit the school for
help from the activity fund. .
Mrs. Madison inquired how they enforce this. Mr. Wilenchik said he hates
to override Planning and Zoning. Should they suggest redoing the
ordinance? Mr. Douglas pointed ou that even if they create a new Sign
Ordinance, everything that's legal will be grandfathered.
Mr. Simonson indicated Planning and Zoning does a good job, they just
need to move into the 21 st Century as far as this kind of sign. It was
suggested it be put on the agenda next week for action.
Council agreed they were ready for this item to be placed on next Tuesday's
agenda.
.
371
#5 Discussion regarding Randolph EMS.bid. .
.
Dudley Wait, EMS Director, explained they used to provide ambulance
service to Randolph and they are trying to re-secure that service. It was a
three-section proposal.
They can reach any specified gate within ten minutes. They asked for three
different prices. They have to accept assignments for Tri-Care. They also
asked for stand-by rates and should know something within 30-45 days.
Mr. Greenwald said one of the problems they had in the past was mutual aid.
Everybody was calling and the base wouldn't pay. Mr. Wait indicted that
was addressed and said bidding on a government contract is quite
educational.
#7 Discussion regarding bids for EMS facility.
Mr. Bierschwale related they received bids from three contractors and are
recommending going with the bid from C.A. Landry in the amount of .
$649,750.
It would be a block building and living. quarters would be added in the next
phase. They still have to pay the. architect. It is recommended Fire and
EMS use a double-wide trailer, which would be remodeled.
Mayor Baldwin inquired about package #2 and was told the price is too
high. He then inquired if the architect is Jerry Mendenhall and was told that
is correct.
Mr. Brockman asked about the roof and was told it is metal.
Council indicated they were ready for this item to be included on next
Tuesday's agenda.
#8 Discussion regarding legislative agenda for 2005 session.
Mayor Baldwin mentioned they had gotten together with Edmund Kuempel
and were told they need to get support from other cities. There is a copy of
the Legislative Agenda for the 2005 session in Council's packets.
.
372
.
Item #2 on the Legislative Agenda is Platting; Subdivisions. The legislative
goal is to provide a process for all or part of a platted subdivision, which has
been in existence for years but never developed. to be replatted or to have
unworkable restrictions modified with the consent of a super majority of
affected homeowners.
#9 Consider and take action setting a public hearing date of 7-30-04
for the rezoning of 655.51+ acres from Predevelopment (PD) to
Residential/Agricultural (Rf A).
Mr. Douglas moved to seta public hearing date of 7-30-04 for the rezoning
of 655.51+ acres from Predevelopment (PD) to Residential/Agricultural
(RIA). The applicant is the City of Schertz. Mr. Greenwald seconded the
motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and
Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
.
#10 Items by City Manager
General Announcements
· Reported the City contracted with Randolph Air Force Base for
Animal Control services.
· Asked who's riding on the fire truck for the 4th of July Jubilee parade
and where do they want to be picked up. Let him know. The parade
route has been changed a little this year.
#11 Items by Council
General Announcements
Mayor Pro-Tern Douglas
Liaison - EDC
Liaison - Schertz Library Board
:.
· Questioned the status of the Welcome to Schertz Sign as far as the
electrician and Mr. Bierschwale promised to find out.
373
. Asked for an update on the Church property. Mr. Bierschwale .
indicated they are waiting on a signed contract.
. . Referred to the off-premise sign at Live Oak Road and FM 3009 and
asked that discussion of it and the Sign Ordinance be on the next
Workshop agenda. He knows there are other illegal signs in the City.
Councilmember Simonson
4-B Board
Liaison - BVY A
Mr. Simonson had nothing to report.
Councilmember Agee
4-B Board
Liaison - Schertz Housing Authority
. Inquired if information had been received yet on registration for the
Annual TML Conference and was told it had not. Mr. Bierschwale
added the dates are October 27 through October 29 and they're hoping .
to have a fish fry this year instead of a big dinner. However, they
will do whatever Council desires.
Councilmember Wilenchik
4-B Board
Liaison - Schertz Humane Society
Liaison - HOA Coalition
Ex-officio - TSAC
. Extended greetings to all from former Counciomember Tim Swinney.
· Reported the Dove Meadows HOA is hopefully back on tract. They
had a couple of drainage issues.
· Announced the Schertz Humane Society garage sale is July 3rd.
· Remarked that in the Texas Town and City magazine, Schertz is not
listed in one of the articles where it should have been listed. Mayor
Baldwin suggested he remind Mr. Marquez about it.
.
374
.
Councilmember Greenwald
4-B Board
Ex-officio - P&Z Commission
Ex-officio - S/SLGC
. Mentioned the building of a Hampton Inn up off IH-35 in the vicinity
next to Schlotzky's and said they are leaving space for a restaurant.
Mrs. Agee asked if they could have a potential list of prospects if it's
not a secret.
#12 Items by Mayor
General Announcements
. Inquired if the slab on FM 78 is going to be a Family Dollar store.
Mr. Bierschwale said he would find out.
.
. Mentioned he received a nice letter from Michelle Tereletsky about
the lady they found dead in Deer Haven.
. Reported that Denny Arnold's wife passed away last week. Mr.
Arnold was a former City Manager of Schertz.
#13 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Ma or Baldwin adjourned the
meeting at 9:10 p.m.
ayr, City of Schertz, Texas
ATTEST:
.
~ ~-aJV
City Secretary, City of Schertz, Texas
375