sps 03-23-04
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STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION
MARCH 23, 2004
The Schertz City Council convened in a Strategic Planning Session on TUesday, March
23, 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, Regiuna Agee, Tony.Wilenchik and
Ken Greenwald. Staff present were City Manager Mark Marquez, Asst City Manager
John Bierschwale, City Seeretary Norma Althouse, Finance Director JUan Santoya,
Police Chief Steve Cantrell, Fire Chief Elroy Friesenhahn, EMS Director DudleyWait,
Public Works Director Sam Willoughby, Community Services Director Gail Douglas,
Community Development Director Amy Madison, and Public Information Officer James
Schindler. . Michael Spain, City Attorney, was also present Two citizens, Robert
Brockman of 4505 Grand Forrest and Michael Carpenter of 3616 Calvert were present
for the session. Several members of the Planning and Zoning Commission stopped in
after their 7:00 p.m. meeting.
#1 Call to Order
Mayor Baldwin called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
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Mr. Marquez provided COUlicil with the details of visitation hours and funeral
arrangements for City employee, Karen Choina, who succumbed to cancer.
#2 Recap of Infrastructure Projects
Mr. Marquez reviewed the list of proposed street and drainage improvements, a copy of
which was in Council's packets. They are in order as follows:
(1) Borgfeld Road and drainage phase #1 - drainage and upgrade of the street.
Estimated cost is $850,000.
(2) Upper West Dietz Creek drainage - includes drainage structure at Maske Rd.
Estimated cost is $565,000. Mr. Marquez reminded Council a Refunding Resolution is
already in place.
(3) Deer Haven entryway improvements, which include upgrade of streets and curbs
and sidewalks. Estimated cost is $900,000. .
(3-B) FM 3009 deceleration lanes. . Estimated cost is $645,000.
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(4) Doerr Lane street improvements - City limits to end. Estimated cost is
$1,439,500. Mr. Marquez indicated there are some concerns about the Doerr Lane
improvements. They are hoping to make some kind of swap with Garden Ridge. Mr.
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Greenwald added that utilities on both sides and railrOads on both sides would make it .
expensive.
(5) Aviation Heights drainage improvements - underground storm sewer. Estimated
costis $175,000.
(6) Road improvements south ofFM 78 and north ofHI-35 rest stop. Estimated cost is
$5,500,000. These improvements are under study. A new transportation plan will be
coming to City Council.
(7) Lone Oak emergency exit The estimated cost is $175,000. These improvements
are also under study and being worked on now according to Mr. Marquez.
(8) Northcliffe drainage channels - cleanout and reconstruction. Thc estimated cost is.
$750,00(}. Mr. Marquez noted thesc improvements are also under study and win
hopefully be included in the mid-year budget review..
(9) Woodland Oaks drainage improvements - underground storm sewer from Hidden
Grove .to FM 3009 crossing. The estimated cost is $325,000 and is currently under study
as reported by Mr. Marquez. He asked Council whlit they do with the field and there was .
some discussion on that, but no definitive answer. Mr. Simonson asked if it is under
study for cost and was informed that is part of the study.
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(10) Maske Road - Live Oak to FM 1518. The estimated cost is $2,27(},OOO. Mr.
Marquez advised Council this improvement would come sooner than they imagine.
(11) Elbel improvements. The estimated cost is $120,000. Mr. Marquez pointed out
part of this is a drain so you won't have a water buildup in the high school parking lot.
(12) Upgrade Green Valley Road to City. The estimated cost is $827,000. Mr.
Marquez remarked both #11 and #12 would be on the list fur a while.
Mr. Wilenchik mentioned they have part of Borgfeld Road torn up. About a year ago
they did a plan and this list is identical, although some are under study. Are there any
underway? Mr. Marquez answered they have focused on drainage and some of these are
beyond the scope of the regular budget. Mr. Wilenchik stressed they need to do
something or decide not to do something and go on with something else.
Mr. Simonson reminded Council the idea is to prioritize the projects tonight and have the
City Manager look into ways to do them. It was proven in 1978 that the drainage channel
in Dove Meadows used up every drop of rain.
In reviewing priorities from previous years, Mayor Baldwin wondered if they should put
a couple of small projects in the mill so it looks like they're doing something.
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Mr. Douglas rcportedthat. regarding drainage ditch weeds, he got involved and took
pictures and then the problem was resolved. The worse violation was the City was
violating its own ordinances. The City can bite the bullet and do some of these things or
~ more staff which still involves a cost factor. Mr. Marqooz emphasized he has
eschewed a band-aid approach to anything.
Mayor Baldwin asked the status of Dietz Creek. Mr. Marquez answered CounCIl had
passed a refunding Resolution and he is recommending the cost for remodeling
improvements to the Church property be added to that.
Mr. Wilenchik asked how soon it would be before they finish the area by Borgfeld Road.
Mr. Bierschwale answered it is finished, they just need to seed.
Mr. Douglas commented that once they prioritize, they could tell Mr. Marquez to go forth
and gather options, then do. Mr. Marquez indicated he would look into the best source of
funds.
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Mayor Baldwin mentioned he thought Mr. Marquez had toW him they received a
substantial amount of money from FEMA. What's the status? Mr. Marquez replied it
was originally six million donars, but the four million they gave us included everything
but Schertz Parkway; What lie's saying is there should be additional funds. Mr. Spain
noted they added a project to the projeet, not funds. Mr. Bierschwale said they want to
make sure FEMA recoguizes what the City did on Schertz Parkway. There is a
possibility of getting up to six million.
Mr. Simonson added this might come from unmet needs. We need to keep an eye on it.
Mayor Baldwin asked if we're in a box on that. Mr. Marquez answered the worse case
scenario is if there's money left over from FEMA, we apply it to the 1&$. Mr. Simonson
then asked when we would know and Mr. Marquez replied he's not sure, but probably
after FEMA completes their audit.
Mr. Simonson noted he has no problem with the capital improvements projects chart.
Items 2,5 and 9 - Dietz Creek drainage, Aviation Heights drainage and Woodland Oaks
. drainage are all necessary projects.
Mr. Wilenchik mentioned that Storm Water was the top priority in 2002/2003. He then
questioned project 3-B, FM 3009 Deceleration Lanes and wondered why we're paying
for them. Mr.. Marquez stated they probably wouldn't be funded until 200812009
Legislation is in place that would reimburse entities based on traffic counts.
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Mr. Douglas inquired if there would be deceleration lanes at PM 3009 and GreenValley
Road and Mr. Greenwald replied yes - the developer would put them in. Mr. Simonson
indicated he doesn't consider deceleration lanes a high priority. They need to look at the
new Comprehensive Land Plan for priorities. Mr. Douglas, wondering when that would
be finished, stated they need all the data before they prioritize. Mr. Simonson said when
these things come through, the Economic Development people need to let Council know
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what's in the crystal ball. Mr. Marquez emphasized the streets and internal projects .
would get revamped.
Mayor Baldwin then noted that Recreational. Facilities and Programs was Priority #2 in
2002/2003. Mr. Marquez commented he doesn't know if attendance at the forums
represented the electorate. If they proceed with the remodeling of the Community
Center, that will add more offices. Mr. Marquez went on to say that regarding BVY A,
four ball fields, a press box, a concession area and restrooms would cost approximately
one million dollars. There are also some football and soccer issues. It would cost half a
million dollars for two full-courts for basketball.
Mayor Baldwin inquired if the new schools didn't take the pressure off for more
basketball facilities. Mr. Greenwald replied no beeausc more kids are commensurate
with growth.
Mr. Douglas stressed they need to put together a sports oomplex. They will just have to
bite the bullet. There is a nice one on the way to Kerrville. Mr. Spain added. there is also
a nice one in San Marcos. He then inquired if there's any possibility of a joint project
between the City and the School District. Mrs. Agee replied there is a funding problem.
Mr. Greenwald related that if they put in new ball :fields and rent the old ones out to adult
leagues, it would be a cash cow. Mr. Marquez added if they do anything, they need to be
prepared to do it all the way. The facilities have to pay for themselves.
Mr. Simonson observed that at the moment we arc letting BVY A be our recreational
director. City Council needs to think about where they want to go as a City. They need
to step up and get some things bui!1;c Mr. Greenwald mentioned they also need a
skateboard park. '
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Mr. Douglas suggested putting a proposal together with alternatives. Mr. Marquez said
they had floated the idea of a Parks and Recreation Committee.
Mr. Wilenchik agreed with Steve Simonson in that they need to do something. They
need to do bonds, but you can't do that without a tax raise. There is serious interest out
there for more sports facilities Mr. Marquez mentioned they need to come up with fees
and programs. Mayor Baldwin suggested putting together a phased plan on how they
create a Recreation Department.
Mayor Baldwin noted Annexation was priority #3 in 2002/2003. Mr. Marquez used an
area map to point out sections where they need to work on annexation and one of those
areas was south on 1-10. They need a three-year plan and in the future they will not wait
until December to armex. Mayor Baldwin asked if coming up with a plan would cost
money and Mr. Marquez answered no, but it would take staff time.
Mayor Baldwin then asked how becoming a Home Rule City affects what Cibolo does. .
Mr. Marquez replied he does not know. There has, however, been some talk about
merging Cibolo with Schertz and they will proceed in that direction until somcone tells
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them to stop. There ate enough folks in favor of it that could force the issue now. There
is, however, that sense of the loss of community pride, history and tradition. We could
possibly add two seats to Council. He hates to gu to Districts.
Mayor Baldwin stressed they need to do it quickly. If we wait too long, they will be a
Home Rule City, have a new City Hall and have a new high school. Mr. Simonson
agreed with the Mayor ~ but our plan goes on without that Mr. Douglas stated we need
to :find out or put it to bed.
Mayor Baldwin commented Economic Development was priority #4 in 2002/20(}3. Mr.
Marquez informed Council the Comprehensive Plan review is going nicely. We need to
think about what we do as far as giving new bU$inesses an ineentive to come here. Mrs.
Madison agreed, saying Mr. Marqu~ has DellA bugging. her fur a marketing plan. She
also mentioned they need to review thelJDC. Mr. Marquez said we need our own
. Chamber.
Mayor Baldwin remarked City Staff (positions and Employment) was priority #5 in
2002/2003. Mr. Marquez reported they put in the COLA and reinstated the merit system.
He is trying for a 2 to 1 retirement ratio. He prides himself in being fair and things will
continue to improve. .
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Mayor Baldwin noted that Regional Issues was priority #6 in 2002/2003. Mr. Marquez
indicated they are trying to get more involved in TML, in the Economic Development
Council, and in TMCA. They encourage staff to get involved. Involvement in the
County area is problematic. We also have to have some measure of involvement with Ed
Kuempel and Jeff Wentworth.
Mr. Wait noted the Guadalupe County Commissioners Court has heard from a lot of
citizens regarding EMS services.
Mr.. Simonson stressed they need to look at sister cities. San Antonio has big plans for
1-10. Ourside of 1604 belongs to San Antonio. Mr. Marquez said it is his sense that San
Antonio is not posed east.
Mayor Baldwin mentioned he thought maybe Facilities should be a priority, but everyone
didn't agree. .
#3 Discussion of 4-B activities.
Mr. Marquez reminded Council they need to think about how they are going to use 4-B
funds.
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Mr. Simonson inquired if they can still use them for the Police Department, Fire
Department and EMS. Mr. Marquez replied some uses have been eliminated. We can
use the funds for rolling stock.
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Mayor Baldwin asked if they can use 4-8 money to payoff the 4-B debt. Mr. Marquez .
answered he had spoken with Mark: McLiney of Southwest Securities and he suggested
waiting for ten years.
Mr. Greenwald askedif they could use the 4-8 funds to stock EMS facilities. Mr. Spain
replied he would check into it.
Mayor Baldwin. mentioning the possibility of using the 4-Bfimds furever, asked why
pay them off early. .
#4 Emergency Communications Requirements.
Mr. Marquez mentioned it is difficult tlil get the kind of communications they need and he
doubts if 4-B funds can be used for communications equipment.
Mrs. Agee suggested h( find out what 4-8 funds can be used for.
#5 Uses of Church and Medina properties.
Mr. Marquez distributed maps and charts of the church and. Medina properties.
Regarding the church, he outlined upcoming expenses and remodeling plans. Regarding
the Medina property, Mr. Marquez said the back area has room fur football fields, soccer .
fields, a town center behind a retail center, maybe II new library, walking paths, old
houses, windmills, etc., and maybe II skateboard park.
Mr. Marquez commented that Councj1had already passed a refunding Resolution for
additional money for expansion of the Community Center. Mr. Simonson asked if they
need to do another Resolution and was told no, just sell the bonds.
#6 Setting of Priorities
Council had in their packets a Debt Service chart. Mr. Marquez explained it shows a 5%
growth rate for five years. Mr. Simonson inquired what the numbers represent and was
told by Mr. Marquez they represent growth from today. Mayor Baldwin suggested Mark
McLiney see a copy of the chart.
Mr. Wilenchik emphasized right now is the time to sell bonds. There was some
discussion about this and Mr. Spain recommended Council look to Mark McLiney for his
advice. Mr. Marquez indicated this project would be done within 18 months and asked
for consensus from Council for the full 4.5 million dollars. Council gave their consensus,
with Mr. Greenwald adding only if the numbers work.
Mr. Wilenchik asked if this priority is based on cost or importance. Mayor Baldwin
answered if they do 4.5 million dollars, it becomes priority #1. Mr. Wilenchik wondered
if there's a way to do both, it's hard to prioritize until they see numbers. Mr. Marquez .
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thought he should have numbers for them at the next workshop and they should also have
the mid-year budget numbers by then.
#7 EXECUTIVE SESSION: Called under Chapter 551, Texas Government Code:
Sub-Section 551.072 Deliberation regarding real property
.Sub-Section 551.087 Deliberation regarding Economic Development.
An Executive Session was held from 9:51 p.m. until 10:38 p.m.
#8 Action, if any, on above Executive Session.
No action was necessary.
#9 Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at
10:39 p.m.
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ATTEST:
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City Secretary, City of Schertz, Texas
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