Loading...
ccwks 11-12-03 Council – Workshop Session Wednesday, November 12, 2003 The Schertz City Council convened in workshop session on Wednesday, November 12, 2003 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. At this time, Mayor Baldwin called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. #1 Hearing of Residents The following are residents that signed up to speak: Roberto Salas, 1041 Gettysburg Dr. commented on following: ?? Boats being parked in driveways. Is there some type of restrictions? He was advised that as long as boat is parked in someone’s yard or property it is believed there is no violation, unless boat, RV, etc is parked in street. The matter will be researched. ?? Dumpster (at rear) of Sippel’s Hardware. Visibility is an issue due to fence obstructing view of traffic and walking pedestrians. The area is an accident waiting to happen. Robert Brockman, 4505 Grand Forest commented on following: ?? Asked for clarification regarding “only items on agenda” can be discussed. He was advised that discussion on any issue can be discussed only when the item is an agenda item. On other issues the following three are acceptable: statement of fact, statement of existing ordinance and discussion regarding when issue may be placed on agenda for consideration. After “Hearing of Residents” citizens are asked to keep questions short if there are any. Council may respond, however at this point discussion is only with staff and Council. ?? Inquired on status of new public works building and north side fire station. Was told new architects have been acquired for projects. Preliminary drawings on Fire station have been seen and anticipate drawings on Public Works building will be next. Project is moving along. ?? Asked if Police Department got vent door and evidence room issues taken care of. He was advised yes. ?? Inquired on an area on Schertz Parkway, area between Ashley Park and Jonas Woods. The area needs some attention along the creek. He was advised it is believed it’s a HOA responsibility. Also, in the Woodbridge area, an area needs attention by the hike/bike trial. #2 Discussion regarding public hearing (scheduled November 18, 2003) on Specific Use Permit request from Harold and Linda Reno for a second residential dwelling at 411 Curtiss Ave. City Manager Marquez advised that documentation included in packet is in preparation for upcoming public hearing on the issue. Basically, Mrs. Reno is requesting a second dwelling in order to care for her mother. The matter has been through Planning & Zoning at which time they recommended approval unanimously. Appropriate letters (19) have sent to property owners within the required distance, and have received thus far three letters in favor of the request. Mrs. Reno spoke briefly on the matter and stated she would appreciate Council’s help in considering approval. Due to her mother’s health condition and needing supervision the second dwelling would provide her with her own space, but would allow family to be close by. Council voiced no concerns and would be ready to consider and take appropriate action at next Tuesday night’s meeting. #3 Discussion of Reinvestment Zones, Tax Abatements and other incentives. City Manager Marquez informed Council that matter before Council comes at Councilmember Wilenchik request. At this time, he deferred to Councilmember Wilenchik. Councilmember Wilenchik stated he has concerns and questions when it comes to reinvestment zone/enterprise zones. In view of recent events regarding the same, a request was before Council for consideration in which the development was near completion. Why aren’t they done in advance? He questioned City Ordinance regarding tax abatement relative to construction procedures. Possibly it should state that construction shouldn’t start until tax abatement is approved. In his opinion, this would get developer to commit. He questioned the purpose of allowing tax abatement to a developer agreeing to develop and has started or near completion of project before receiving approval. If the developer has gone through process has met criterion with P&Z and EDC and both have recommended approval, then why six weeks down the road come before Council for approval. His question, what happens if Council doesn’t approve, will developer leave or would development continue? In his opinion, it no longer is an incentive. His concern is public money being given away for no good reason, when a development has committed, selected location and construction has commenced. If commitment is before tax abatement, he believes it’s not good use of tax abatement money. City Manager Marquez stated he disagrees only with one comment regarding Councilmember Wilenchik comments, it’s an investment, not giving away money. In a brief discussion, regarding tax abatement procedures and construction process it was pointed out that a certain developer started construction before actually getting approval. It turned out that the developer had submitted application on a timely manner, had gone through the necessary steps had received approval from the appropriate entities and recommendations (approval) had been sent to Council. However the process was delayed (to Council) in house. It was pointed out that nothing else has been started prior to the one in question, and only because of the delay in house. Also, tax abatement issue must meet all criterions; go through the drill both with P&Z and EDC. If it does not, it will never make it to Council for their stamp of approval. After lengthy discussion, relative to tax abatement incentive or as some would say, rewarding business to develop in the City, Council had mixed feelings and voiced concern regarding process. Possibly it’s time to take a look at Ordinance and ask,” What do we want to do”? Possibly change process, reduce time, and have EDC meet more than once a month. A few options were discussed as to the wording in City Ordinance relative to approval and when may construction commence by developer. Council by law has to hold public hearing and Council makes the final approval, however, remembering that the matter has been through the process, (P&Z and EDC) meeting all criterion or it wouldn’t be before Council. The Commissions that Council has put in place, reviews, does grunt work, and makes sure it’s beneficial to the City before it’s even sent to Council. At this time Council believes the process of tax abatement and reinvestment zone established by the City is working as expected. #4 Discussion and possible action on scheduling of future Council meetings. City Manager Marquez explained the new Council schedule and extra meetings in December due to annexation process. Indicating some meeting nights will only have one agenda item unless something should come up. For the month of December meetings are planned as follows, December 1, (one item) 2, stnd (regular), 10, (workshop) 16, (regular) 23, (special meeting 1 reading ththrdst annexation Ordinance), 30 (special meeting final reading annexation th Ordinance). Councilmember Wilenchik moved to approve schedule of Council meetings as explained. Councilmember Douglas seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes: AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald NAY: None #5 Discussion regarding employee holiday policy. City Manager Marquez explained the matter before Council comes at Councilmember Greenwald’s request, and at this time deferred further comments to Councilmember Greenwald. Councilmember Greenwald remarked that the reason the matter is being brought up is because of receiving phone call from an individual asking, “why was City hall closed” (Veteran Day’s Holiday-Monday and Tuesday)? He didn’t have an answer. He believes there is a need to review holiday policy of City employees. In brief discussion, several remarks relative to City policy regarding employee holidays were discussed. Such remarks were relative to what are major holidays, and its definition. Does Veterans Day fall under the category allowing for a four- day weekend? At this time it was pointed out that the City observes all holiday’s that are defined as Federal Holidays, there are no State holidays observed. The City holiday policy was established many years ago, as incentive for City employees to help offset low wages. It was pointed out, times have changed and wages increased and if employees want a four-day weekend, a possible option would be use a vacation day. City Manager Marquez remarked that the policy has been in place for approximately twenty plus years and to alter it would cause a sufficient change to employee city benefits. His recommendation to Council is to not change it. He went on to say that this situation doesn’t happen every year. This year there are two or so holidays that will fall on Tuesday, which means the preceding Monday is also a holiday. However, it doesn’t happen every year. Councilmember Greenwald suggested possibly having issue placed on an executive session for further discussion. There were mixed feelings among Council whether it was necessary to do so. Assistant City Manager, Johnny Bierschwale stated that most holidays are Monday holidays with some exceptions similar to this year. He reminded Council that one major holiday (July 4), 75% of City staff gets paid double time th for working, which is usually before and after the 4, and really these employees th don’t get to enjoy the holiday as most others. In further discussion, it was pointed out that the only guaranteed two days off is Thanksgiving, with exceptions such as this year. Councilmember Agee stated that in her personnel opinion if any of the following, New Year’s Day, July 4, th Thanksgiving and Christmas fall on Tuesday or Thursday, you should get the other day off. Without further discussion it was Councils consensus to allow the continuation of established holiday policy for City employees as it stands. #6 Discussion of Solicitor’s Ordinance. City Manager Marquez explained the request on the issue comes from an individual voicing concern regarding the distribution of handbills, which do not require a permit. He believes handbills should be permitted, because to him it’s very uncomfortable having someone walk up to your door and as he put it, are casing the joint. City Manager Marquez advised that after reviewing the Ordinance its one or the other, the City either requires it or not. He went on to say, handbills had been part of Ordinance requiring a permit, however due to complaint from local business owner it was taken out. Now, the City has a citizen saying it isn’t a good idea. In brief discussion, it was pointed out that most handbills are passed out by day workers. Have these individuals under gone a background check. Could these workers possibly be checking out area, checking who is home and who is not? It was pointed out that other individuals could be doing the same. It was also mentioned that these individuals aren’t making contact with anyone, and to make sure of this, the City has other ordinances in place such as loitering, littering, etc. that could be enforced if individuals weren’t following procedures. Councilmember Agee brought up the question of charitable school organizations soliciting door to door for donation purposes. She was asked what are procedures. She was advised such organizations must obtain permit, however in most cases would not be required to pay for the permit. If a person is under the age of sixteen (16) that person must be accompanied by a person eighteen (18) years of age or older in order to solicit. This question bring ups a very good point, remarked City Manager Marquez. There is a fine line in some instances, however reminds Council that Ordinance was written in such a manner that it allows the City Manager some latitude in certain circumstances. Without further discussion, it was determined the Ordinance would remain unchanged; however a review would take place. #7 Discussion and possible action on casting ballot for Board of Directors of Guadalupe Appraisal District. Mayor Baldwin introduced Resolution and read caption as follows: RESOLUTION NO. 03-R-21 RESOLUTION OF VOTES CAST TO ELECT DIRECTORS FOR THE GUADLAUPE APPRAISAL DISTRICT FOR THE YEARS 2004-2005. Without further discussion, Councilmember Agee moved to cast all 240 votes for Sylvia Schlather. Councilmember Douglas seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes: AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald. NAY: None. #8 Items by City Manager General Announcement ?? Advised of PID meeting scheduled for 14 and added that he will have to th take a hard line and possibly go to condemnation if owners don’t come across. Project must continue. ?? Reported that close to $5,000 was collected in the Holiday lockup. After expenses, which isn’t much, half of the monies will go to Blue Santa program and other half will defray cost of City Christmas program. ?? Commented the City has completed the United Way Campaign, the total raised was $4,118.94, which is $1,500 dollars more than last year. Employees really stepped up to the plate this year. ?? Advised receiving a check for $1,376,456.76 (“found money”). The City is checking into two possibilities of where the money came from. It’s possible it’s for FEMA project, however do not know, but will certainly investigate. #9 Items by Council General Announcements Councilmember Douglas Liaison EDC ?? Had no comments. Councilmember Simonson 4-B Board Liaison BVYA ?? Had no comments. Councilmember Agee 4-B Board Liaison Schertz Housing Authority Liaison Schertz Library Board ?? Had no comments. Councilmember Wilenchik 4-B Board Liaison Schertz Humane Society Liaison HOA Coalition Ex-officio-TSAC ?? Reported Humane Society is holding its fundraiser Bazaar on Saturday, 15, 8:00 a.m. at Community Center. th Councilmember Greenwald 4-B Board Ex-officio P & Z Commission Ex-officio SSLG Corp. ?? Reported Seguin/Schertz Local Government Corporation meets tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. in Seguin. ?? Asked that inspector check out RV’s parked at Church of Christ parking area. How are all those RV’s hooked up? He was advised the Church is having a fellowship meeting on the 13 and have approximately twenty- th four speakers, however will have it checked out. . . Passed out San Antonio Express Article regarding Tax Freeze for elderly 65 or older. This issue will have to be addressed soon or later. Possibly bringing it to the voters. #10 Items by Mayor General Announcements . Reported on Senior Citizen Bazaar having a very good turn out. He is happy to see the event get started again. . Informed of Time Warner Hometown Hero award ceremony held last week, where City recipient Zenobia Coverson was recognized. In her honor he suggested having a reception (cake and coffee) on the first Tuesday meeting in December at 6:30 p.m. . Asked Council to RSVP to TML Dinner for those who haven't. The following is Council count: . Tony Wilenchik-2 Ken Greenwald-2 Reginna Agee-l Steve Simonson-2 Carl Douglas-2 #11 ADJOURNMENT With no further business, Mayor Baldwin moved to ad' urn the meeting at 8:58 p.m. ATTEST: . 78