ccwks 11-26-03
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SPECIAL WORKSHOP SESSION
NOVEMBER 26, 2003
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop Session on Wednesday,
November 26, 2003 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, Regiuna Agee, Tony Wilenchik and Ken Greenwald.
Absent: CounciImember Steve Simonson. Also present were City Manager Mark
Marquez and City Secretary Norma Althouse.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
Robert Brockman of 4505 Grand Forrest mentioned the Board of Adjustment had an
agenda posted on the outside buIletin board and also listed on the marquee. When the
meeting was canceIled, the agenda was removed, but the meeting was stiIl listed on the
marquee.
#2 Discuss Public Heariug (December 2, 2003) PID.
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Mr. Marquez informed Council that in their next packets there would be an ordinance
with the assessed valuations for those businesses included in the PID, but it would be in a
slightly different format. At the December 2, 2003 meeting, a public hearing on those
valuations wiII take place and then Council wiIl consider the first reading of the
ordinance.
Ford Engineering has the plans ready to go out for bid, but stiIl needs some information
from Mr. Ripps. Mr. Wilenchik asked when construction would begin. Mr. Marquez
explained it takes several weeks for the bids to go out and when they are happy with the
results, they wiII proceed. The traffic signal won't happen until April or May.
Mr. Greenwald asked about the other property owners and Mr. Marquez replied they
have all the information from them.
Council said they were ready for this item to be included on next Tuesday night's agenda.
#3 Discuss Public Hearings (December 1 & 2, 2003) Annexation.
Mr. Marquez advised Council they would have service plans, maps, etc. in their packets.
He had a visit from an attorney the other day who felt the annexation is iIIegal, but City
Attorney, Michael Spain, said to go ahead with the process.
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Mrs. Agee inquired whom the attorney was representing and Mr. Marquez replied Mr.
Norman who does not want to be annexed, Mr. Marquez went on to say notices were
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sent to those property owners, within the required distance, who were on the appraisal
roIl. So far they haven't heard from anyone else.
Mayor Baldwin questioned if they could have public hearings two nights in a row. Mr.
Marquez pointed out there can't be less than twenty days before the reading of the
ordinance. Mrs. Agee clarified that's in order to get the final reading of the ordinances
done before December 31 st.
Mayor Baldwin then asked if there's a reason to have a public hearing on the second
night and Mr. Marquez explained this is the way Michael Spain set it up. Mr. Marquez
then asked if anyone other than the Mayor has a problem with public hearings two nights
in a row. No one else had any concerns. Mr. Marquez said it is his understanding they
could have had the second public hearing on the premises.
Council indicated they were prepared for this item to be included on next Tuesday night's
agenda.
#4 Discuss Library Interlocal Agreement between Guadalupe County and the
City of Schertz.
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Mr. Marquez noted this came out of the blue. They wiII pay us what they said, which is a
slight increase to $9371.50 each month. Mr. Greenwald questioned why we're just now
getting it and Mr. Marquez explained it went to the library first. Mayor Baldwin said he
couldn't understand why we get support for the library and not for the Fire Department.
Mrs. Agee asked what this money does for the residents of the county and was told by
Mayor Baldwin it allows county residents to use the Schertz library. Mr. Wilenchik
questioned if it includes the unincorporated portions of the county and Mr. Marquez
admitted that's the presumption.
#5 Discuss Police Vehicle Bids.
Mr. Marquez related all the vehicles are cars. They normally buy four vehicles, but
because of the increase in the number of staff, this time they are buying five. They went
out for bids and five (5) bids were received. The low bidder was Smith Chevrolet, but it
was determined they did not meet all the specifications and the back seat is way too
small. The staff is recommending acceptance of the bid from Seguin Motor Company.
Mr. Wilenchik asked if Smith Chevrolet got the same specifications as the others and was
told they did. Mr. Greenwald mentioned that the Chevrolet interceptor had a problem
with V-joints. Mrs. Agee added that by the time they adapt them it is costly. Police
Chief CantreIl stated it costs approximately $5,000 to adapt them.
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Mr. Wilenchik then asked why go out for bids from anyone other than those who
manufacture Fords/Crown Victorias. Chief CantreIl replied because Dodge stiII
manufactures police cars, but they wiIl be discontinuing the practice next year.
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Mayor Baldwin asked if Ford has worked out the difficulties with exploding gas tanks.
Chief CantreIl answered they had a brochure which showed some equipment that should
help with that problem, but he doesn't think they wiIl ever fix it completely.
Mayor Baldwin remarked he would rather shove a prisoner in a cramped back seat than
have an explosion.
After being asked, Council agreed they were ready for this item to be included on next
Tuesday night's agenda.
#6 Discuss Drainage Improvements - Maske Road.
Mr. Marquez turned the discussion over to JoIm Bierschwale, Asst. City Manager.
Larry Aiken and Don McCrary were also present. Mr. Bierschwale said based on
previous discussions regarding the West Dietz Creek drainage and flooding problems into
the Windy Meadow Subdivision and Oak Street, he has spoken with Larry Aiken,
knowing Mr. Aiken needs additional fiIl material for the Paul Silber tract to raise the
ground elevation for proper drainage.
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Mr. Aiken has agreed to accept all the fiIl dirt from the West Dietz Creek drainage
channel at the Maske Road low water crossing for his development. This would be a cost
savings to the City of Schertz in the amount of approximately $700,000. It is of the
utmost importance we consider this project as the highest priority to complete the
drainage/flooding problems at Windy Meadow Subdivision and along lower Oak Street.
Mr. Bierschwale went on to say his proposal is to reconstruct the existing low water
crossing, installing 5 to 7 sixty-inch drainage pipes, adjusting CCMA sewer and reuse
lines and purchasing 9.945 acres from the estate of Betty Boggess. The total cost
projected for this project, including engineering and design, is $415,150. He
recommends funding the project as soon as possible. Without Mr. Aiken's assistance it
would cost at least $1,180,000 to complete such a task. At this time Mr. Bierschwale
asked for Council's direction.
Mr. Greenwald suggested a refunding Resolution. Mr. Marquez agreed a refunding
Resolution would make the General Fund whole. Mr. Wilkenchik asked if there would
be a temporary dip in the fund balance and Mr. Marques replied yes. Mr. Wilenchik then
asked if that would affect our rating and Mr. Marquez replied it would not.
Mr. Wilenchik asked if they've given up on the Quality of Life bond issue. Mr. Marquez
replied he has been thrashing that decision around. Regarding BVY A, they need to do
some of those projects. The economy seems to be growing and he anticipates further
growth. They can't not do the church project and they can't not do these drainage
improvements at Maske Road.
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Mr. Bierschwale emphasized they need a consensus tonight. Council gave their
consensus to move forward with the West Dietz Creek at Maske Road drainage
improvements project.
#7 Items by City Manager
General Announcements
. Reminded Council about the meeting on Monday night, December 1st, at which
time the first public hearing on the proposed annexation wiII be held.
. Also reminded Council the employee Christmas party is December 12th. They
need a consensus to have alcohol on City property. Council had no problem with
giving that consensus. Mayor Baldwin commented he thought there's a Chamber
function that same night, but you can't go to everything. He then asked if Amy
Madison had resigned from the Chamber and was told she has. When asked who
the new president of the Chamber is, Mayor Baldwin replied it is Ann Smith.
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. Noted they have a model ofthe new fire station for everyone to see. The station
wiII be about 9,000 square feet. Mr. Bierschwale mentioned that architect Jerry
MendenhaIl redesigned it. Mr. Marquez noted the bottom is brick and the roof
caps are the same. Mr. Douglas asked if the roofing wiII be the same green as the
roofing on the public safety buildings next door and was told they are looking into
it. Mr. Douglas asked if it fronts IH-35 and was told it does and there wiII be
signage. Mayor Baldwin said the terrain looks like the building would be on the
side of a mountain. Mr. Marquez commented it has been moved over to the side
so there's not as much slope. Mr. Douglas asked when the construction would
start and Mr. Marquez replied they authorized them to begin on the engineering
plans today. Mr. Bierschwale added they're looking to start in March and finish
sometime between October and December. Mr. Wilenchik inquired if staffing
costs were built in for this year and Mr. Marquez answered they are not needed.
#8
Items by Council
Councilmember Douglas
Liaison - EDC
. Reported a ribbon cutting was held at the Schertz Medical Facility and they had
lots of good food. There wiII be three doctors at the facility.
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. Related he and Mr. Greenwald attended an HOA Coalition meeting last Thursday
evening, but the turnout was not big. Mr. Wilenchik was supposed to attend, but
he had a conflict. It's a good thing he didn't attend or they would have had a
quorum. Mr. Greenwald referred some of the questions his way, but there were
lots of questions about what's going on in the City such as with the Catholic
Church, with the Pill, with the standing of the new Post Office and with
development in general. They were able to answer all the questions. Mr.
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Marquez observed those people need to attend Council meetings. Mr. Wilenchik
noted they only attend if it affects them. Mr. Marquez asked if the Coalition is
doing anything as a group and Mr. Douglas replied that was their first meeting in
a year. They have no by-laws or anything. Mr. Marquez mentioned Gail
Douglas, Community Services Director, had been invited to the Park at Woodland
Oaks and they want to put up money if the City matches it to upgrade their park.
They're having Mike Trainor do a template for further reference. Along that line,
Mr. Marquez said they've had no takers on matching up to $500 for landscaping
along FM 78. The lady from Merlin's was the first to ask. Mr. Wilenchik
suggested putting an article in the Newsletter. Mr. Greenwald mentioned there
was conversation about cutting the grass along the railroad track and he advised
them that on every agenda there is a item where residents can sign up to speak.
Mr. Greenwald went on to say their only heartburn was not receiving information
about the Christmas lighting contest, etc. Mr. Douglas said he told them it was in
the Newsletter.
Councilmember Simonson
4-B Board
Liaison BVY A
Mr. Simonson was absent
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Councilmember Agee
4-B Board
Liaison - Schertz Housing Authority
Liaison - Schertz Library Board
. Advised that, regarding the bookstore at the library, they never have anybody to
run it. How can we develop something workable where it's open? It needs to be
bigger. The community service people are not showing up and she hopes they're
teIIing the Judge that. Mr. Marquez adruitted the library has been short staffed.
Mrs. Agee went on to say they should get the word out to the community that we
need volunteers. We need more press coverage. Mr. Marquez mentioned the PIO
is on vacation in Europe as we speak.
Councilmember Wilenchik
4-B Board
Liaison - Schertz Humane Society
Liaison - HOA Coalition
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. Stated he had several items to report regarding the Humane Society. First, the
Doggie Dash is scheduled for April 24, 2004. They are hoping for some level of
support from the City. Second, the annual Christmas party is scheduled for
December 16th and everyone is invited. Third, Dr. Rodriguez wiIl give a final
reading on the 50 I3c status. He is also trying to get a spay/neuter grant for the
Humane Society that could apply to auimals at the shelter. Fourth, they are
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working with Sandy Bryant on scheduling one Sunday per month at the
Community Center for adoptions. Mr. Greenwald asked if the square dancers are
stiII using the Community Center and Mr. Marquez promised to check on it. Mr.
Wilenchik said he got off the Bingo Committee so he could ride in the Festival of
Angels parade and attend the Christmas party. Mr. Marquez mentioned he needs
some feedback as far as who's riding in the parade.
Councilmember Greenwald
4-B Board
Ex-officio P&Z Commission
Ex-officio S/SLGC
. Stated Berry Creek supposedly submitted a letter to the City regarding the
opening of the gate. He told them once they remove the gate, it is no longer a
gated community. Mr. Marquez indicated he would submit it to TSAC. Mr.
Marquez also said he would forward to TSAC the request from Bob Pond in Oak
Forest for speed bumps.
. Reported some highlights from the previous night's Planning & Zoning
Commission meeting:
1. James Harden of Mobile ViIIa wants to put a mobile home in an area up
there which is zoned General Business. He is requesting a Specific Use
Permit, but he should just ask for rezoning.
2. Parkway ViII age platted for a strip mall next to the police station. The
problem is the engineering firm put in a one-foot non-access easement
across the front, but didn't put in a driveway.
3. Received the plat for Whispering Meadows Unit #3 at Northcliffe.
4. Another building of 9041 square feet (an office warehouse) is going in on
Commercial Place.
5. Jan Moore of BeIl North Industrial Park is putting in two Office and
Professional units.
#9
Items by Mayor
General Announcements
. Inquired if the holdup on the Elbel Road bridge project is Southwestern BeIl and
was told by Sam WiIIoughby, Public Works Director, that is correct. They hit a
GVEC line which came up with all the casing stripped off. Mayor Baldwin then
asked why they are boring a dirt channel and was told by Mr. WiIIoughby they do
bores. Mayor Baldwin then asked what the problem is and was told there's so
much stuff in there - the problem is Southwestern BeIl is trying to make a
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decision, they're holding up the project. Mr. Wilenchik asked if it were fixed
tomorrow, when would it be finished. Mr. WiIIoughbyanswered in three months.
Mr. Wilenchik then wondered if we should put an article in the Newsletter and
Mr. Marquez said they could, but they have to be careful of liability.
Mr. Marquez then added some items he had forgotten. The City Council workshop on
December 10th wiII probably in the Chambers because they're expecting a large group
from Oak Forest. Also, they may possibly have some discussion about the over age 65
tax freeze. Mrs. Agee noted the problem with that is that the younger people have to
make up the difference.
#10 ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Baldwin
adjourned the meeting at 8:46 p.m.
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ATTEST:
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City Secretary, City of Schertz
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