ccwks 07-14-04
COUNCIL - WORKSHOP SESSION
WEDNESDAY, JULY 14,2004
The Schertz City Council convened in workshop session on Wednesday, July 14,
2004 at 7:00 pm 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 City Manager Mark
Marquez and Deputy City Secretary Mary Ybarra.
Mayor Baldwin welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
Patricia A Mevers, 309 Wright Ave. brought to Council's attention a recent incident
regarding the use of poppers over the 4th July holiday. The use of these poppers resulted
in receiving a citation issued by Schertz Fire Inspector. She was informed that fireworks
were prohibited in city limits and were unlawful. In her research and talks with city
personnel in regard to poppers she was advised that the city ordinance (dated 1981) was
vague in its interpretation relative to gunpowder amount and it's legality. She was
advised the Fire Marshal would be taking a look at the ordinance, updating it, etc.
She stated poppers were purchased at a local store, and was unaware they were illegal.
She advised the Fire Inspector of this. However it still resulted in a citation; going before
the judge, paying court cost, ($47) and being placed on probation for thirty days. She is
before Council not to fight the citation, only to ask the need to update ordinances is
essential, suggesting ordinances be made easy to understand and interpret; are made
available through the website and possibly publish such matters (issues that are little
known) in the Herald and Schertz Tales. The incident caused her much frustration and
money and asks that the City take a good look at ordinances for the good of the
community and relations with governing officials. At this time, she thanked Council for
the opportunity to speak.
Ms. Meyers was advised the matter would be checked out and researched.
Rov Mendoza. 2705 Cotton King referenced a letter written to the City Manager and
response letter dated June 17, 2004 to Will Brown, President the Park at Woodland Oaks
HOA, regarding Basketball Court at the Park at Woodland Oaks. The reason he is
present, as well as other residents, Mr. Dourzad, Mr. Gordon and Mr. Chavez. They have
concern with the response letter received from the City relative to not having physical
responsibility. He believes people's lives have been effective by the situation; location is
a problem and believes property value is also a factor. He went on to say that in
conversations with Ms. Douglas and Inspection Department on the matter he voiced
concerns of some of the residents. He believes that property owners that were going to be
directly effective with the construction of basketball court were not notified. No one
asked them for input.
Mayor Baldwin advised the matter would be researched, if further discussion were
warranted the item would be placed on a future agenda and notification would go out to
those residents that have signed in this evening.
Robert Brockman. 4505 Grand Forest brought to Council attention the need for a new
clock in Council Chambers; inquired how long someone needed to be a residents of the
City in order to service on City Boards, was advised six months, asked if trailer (mobile
home) of the recently purchased Church property is to be moved and utilized at EMS/Fire
sub-station. Is it the right move? He was advised yes, and would be used as living
quarters; one of the warning lights (one) advising train is coming (FM 3009) is not
working properly.
Wendv Kinkade, 1633 Canyon Oak, reported on BVY A Shelton Division All-Star
Team. The team is headed to Houston (Humble 21th) representing Schertz/San Antonio
and added that the team is the only team in their age bracket going to the Texas State
Champion. They will be holding several raffles throughout the City, raising money for
the trip; they hope to raise enough money to pay for everyone's way.
Mayor Baldwin asked that the team leaders report back to Council if the team goes on to
the National Level.
#2 PRESENTATION BY REPRESENTATIVE OF FIT CITY PROGRAM.
Donna Dykes, Human Resources Director deferred comment to Vince Gonzales from
Community First. He went on to explain that Community First is promoting the Fit City
Program and will cover the cost of $10 (annual member fee) per City employee for the
first year.
Ms. Salmon, Walk San Antonio Coordinator briefly explained that the program helps
people become physical active (walking, exercise, etc.). A body fat analysis is done,
which determines guidelines for each participate. She handed out pamphlet information
on the program explaining everything in detail. She also added that part of the program is
giving everyone who participates incentives that helps in reaching goals, etc.
City Manager Marquez explained that the decision to go with the program was employee
surveys taken during the City Health fair. The numbers of approximately 152 employees
were surprising. The program is strictly voluntary, however if numbers show
improvement, it benefits the City in terms of fitness among city employees.
Again, it was reiterated that for the first year Community First would cover the cost per
City employee who participates and hopefully bring these numbers down. It was
mentioned that possibly the cost of Council participate could be rolled in as part of
employee cost if Council was interested in participating.
Council asked that Ms. Dykes report back to Council on employee participation and
thanked everyone for the presentation.
#3 APPOINTMENTS: CONSIDER AND TAKE ACTION REGARDING
APPROINTMENTS TO BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT.
Councilmember Simonson moved to approve the reappointment of the Board of
Adjustment members for two-year terms.
Kathy Hill
James C. Harden
Joe Potempa
Peggy Brown, Alternate
Norma Slocum, Alternate
Councilmember Douglas seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAY: None.
#4 CONSIDER AND TAKE ACTION RESCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING
DATED FOR AUGUST 3, 2004 ON SPECIFIC USE PERMIT REQUEST FROM
COLLEEN CRAIN.
City Manager Marquez explained the public hearing had to be rescheduled because of a
notification flaw. The permit is for placement of a Beauty Salon behind her residence.
Without further discussion, Councilmember Greenwald moved to set public hearing date
of August 3, 2004 on specific use permit from Colleen Crain. Councilmember Wilenchik
seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald
NAY: None.
#5 DISCUSS PUBLIC HEARING (SCHEDULED FOR JULY 20, 2004)
REGARDING THE REZONING OF 655.5+ ACRES FROM
PREDEVELOPMENT (PD) TO RESIDENTIAL/AGRICULTURAL (RA) IN
GUADALUPE AND COMAL COUNTIES: APPLICANT: CITY OF SCHERTZ.
City Manager Marquez explained the property is an annexed area located at IH-
35IEckhardt Road. Currently, the area is zoned Pre-Development and the request is to
rezone to Residential! Agricultural (RA).
Council would be ready to hold public hearing on issue on scheduled date of July 20,
2004.
#6 DISCUSSION OF TAX EXEMPTIONS (OVER 65).
It was mentioned that petitions are being circulated throughout the City and County.
City Manager Marquez stated that as requested he has gathered information relative to
over 65 tax freeze. Schertz has 12,726 registered voters and for a successful petition 5%
or 636 certified signatures would be needed. As mentioned, City Council has several
options: Tax freeze could be passed by ordinance, which is not recommended; wait and
do nothing and see if 5% of voters are gathered; the third option, raise the existing 65
exemption from 10,0000 to $20,000. The estimated cost of this option would be
$51,981.57 for the first year and change every year after that. He would favor options two
or three, although a tax increase would be likely with option three.
A brief discussion followed on different options on the over 65 tax freeze, to name a few;
the City becoming a haven for over 65 residents; burdening younger residents with taxes;
people over 65 are more expensive to maintain, etc.
Councilmember Wilenchik stated he doesn't see the rational behind the over 65-tax
freeze. It isn't fair, why 65? Why burden younger residents. What do you do with the
over 65 that make or have more money. Councilmember Douglas stated he agrees with
Councilmember Wilenchik and would support an increase to the homestead exemption.
Mayor Baldwin stated he believes the proper action is to wait and see if there is enough
interest in the community to get a referendum on the ballot. Lets see where the chips fall.
Let it sit. As to the fact that there are actual petitions out there, he doesn't really know.
He has been waiting for someone to knock at the door with petition.
Mr. George Mower resident of Schertz stated that it has been out of courtesy to the
Mayor, that no one has knocked on his door. Petition has circulated throughout his
neighborhood.
Council consensus was to let the matter sit and wait to see if a petition is received.
#7 DISCUSSION REGARDING TAX ABATEMENT AND TAX
ABA TEMENT AGREEMENT FOR AND WITH CORRIDOR HOTEL, LTD.
City Manager Marquez explained the tax abatement is for Corridor Hotel, Ltd. (Hampton
Inn). The City is looking at a 4.26 million dollar capital investment, with the hotel
consisting of 98 rooms and 50,000 square foot hotel, located on Corridor Loop. The
development has gone through the Economic Development Commission and evaluation
done by staff shows the development qualifies for 79% abatement for a period of 10
years. He brought attention to an error in the amount of hotel!motel tax due by developer
to reflect 7% instead of 6%. The adjustment would be made. He recommends approval on
tax abatement and the other piece of the project creating reinvestment zone. The process
requires public hearing and recommends proceeding.
Council consensus was to proceed with the matter at next Tuesday night's meeting.
#8 CONSIDER AND TAKE ACTION SETTING PUBLIC HEARING DATE
OF JULY 20, 2004 FOR CONSIDERATION OF CORRIDOR HOTEL, LTD.,
REINVESTMENT ZONE.
Councilmember Greenwald moved to set public hearing of July 20, 2004 for
consideration of Corridor Hotel, Ltd. Reinvestment Zone. Councilmember Wilenchik
seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald
NAY: None.
#9 DISCUSSION REGARDING TENATATIVE BUDGET SCHEDULE-
2004/2005.
City Manager Marquez explained the schedule before Council is the step process
associated with preparation; workshop sessions; notice publication, public hearing dates,
vote on budge/tax rate ordnance, etc. dealing with budget and tax rate process. It's a good
schedule complied by Finance Director, Juan Santoya, Evelyn Boggess.
Council voiced no problem with the tentative schedule and recommends proceeding with
it. Council asked for a detail report on previous tax abatement given by the City and
where they stand. Possibly report would be ready by next workshop session.
#10 Items by City Manager
General Announcement
City of Schertz Development Chart
Made reference to items in Council FYI's:
. Chart showing the breakdown of acreage type by zoning, provided by Community
Development Department. Breakdown shows commerciallindustrial at 31 % of the
total acreage of the City, residential 22%; residential!agricultural 34% and other
(PD/PUB) 13%.
. Advised that Commissioners Court agenda shows item #6 is discussion and
possible motion to set date to end contract negotiations with the City of Schertz
for Emergency Medical Services.
. Advised fees for dispatch services for Cibolo increased from $56,000 to $81,000,
and they have been billed. Also, invoice has gone out to school district for $2,500.
He added there has been preliminary discussion with Selma City Manager on
dispatch service for the City.
#11 Items by Council
General Announcements
Councilmember Douglas
Liaison EDC
Liaison-Schertz Library Board
. Inquired on survey being done by Ford Engineering in area of Hidden
GroveIDimrock. Was advised it was part of bond package.
. Inquired on status of Elbel Road, is it tentatively scheduled for end of July? Was
advised yes.
. Inquired on status of lights at entrance sign on Schertz Parkway. Was advised
there is a wait for Maldonado to make final connection and would be done before
the weeks out.
. Inquired on status of SARA board. Was advised there is no word, however a call
will be made to see where it stands.
. Inquired on property along FM78 between businesses and railroad tracks. The
area looks like a jungle. Who is responsible? He was advised it's railroad
property. The railroad has been notified, however have heard no response and
property is being mowed as of today and railroad will be sent an invoice from the
City.
. Reported on Chili contest he sat in for Mayor Baldwin on Saturday. Stated it was
an interested experience.
Councilmember Simonson
4-B Board
Liaison BVY A
. No comment.
Councilmember Agee
4-B Board
Liaison Schertz Housing Authority
. No Comment.
Councilmember Wilenchik
4-B Board
Liaison Schertz Humane Society
Liaison HOA Coalition
Ex-officio- TSAC
. Thanked Johnny and Larry (Ford Engineering) relative to drainage issues (out in
Dove Meadows) they were out there and have confirmed there are problems along
Dietz Road.
. Also, a confirmation was given on drainage ditch running behind Dove Meadows
is in need of mowing.
. Inquired on Comprehensive Land Plan, what is the status.
.
. Inquired on status of Ordinance(s) update. It has been in the works for 2 Yz years,
since the issue was brought up. There is a need to expedite the issue.
Councilmember Greenwald
4-B Board
Ex-officio P & Z Commission
Ex-officio SSLG Corp.
Reported on Planning and Zoning Meeting and items discussed:
. LED sign and need of guidance from Council.
. Hampton Inn Plat
. Dollar Store Plat
. Bindseil Farms MasterPlan
. Property at IH-35/ FM 1103
. IH-35 Frontage One-way
Mentioned SSLG meeting scheduled tomorrow 1 :30 in Police Training Room.
#12
Items by Mayor
General Armouncements
.
. Asked that further discussion is needed on Basketball court issue and asked that
further information is gathered and schedule for next workshop. Notif'y residents
attending this evening..
. Garden Ridge Pottery is making a come back.
. Made mention of gun law and the use of gun locks.
#13 EXECUTIVE SESSION: Called under Chapter 551 Texas Government
Code, Sub-Section 551.074 Personnel Matters: Evaluation of Municipal Court
Judge and Evaluation of City Secretary.
. Executive Session was cancelled.
#14 ACTION, if any, on above Executive Session.
. None.
#15 ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at 9:20 p.m.
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