ccwks 01-12-2005
.
SPECIAL WORKSHOP SESSION
SCHERTZ CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 12, 2005
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop Session on Wednesday, January
12, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Complex Conference Room, 1400 Schertz
Parkway, Schertz, Texas. Those present were as follows: Mayor Hal Baldwin,
presiding; Councilmembers Carl Douglas, Steve Simonson, Reginna Agee, Tony
Wilenchik and Ken Greenwald. Those staff members present were Interim City Manager
John Bierschwale and City Secretary Norma Althouse.
Mayor Baldwin called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
Robert Brockman of 4505 Grand Forrest commented on the following:
He read the Schertz Tales and wanted to thank James Schindler for a good job. Mr.
Brockman was informed the City now has a new Public Information Officer and her
name is Debbie Gildea.
.
He noticed the sign saying Maske Road is closed. Mr. Bierschwale pointed out they
needed to get signs up in order to re-route all the traffic. Mr. Simonson noted there is
also a closed sign on FM 1518.
#2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Session
Special Workshop Session
Regular Session
Special Workshop Session
11-02-04
11-10-04
11-16-04
12-01-04
Mr. Douglas moved to approve the minutes as listed in the caption above. Mr. Simonson
seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#3 RESOLUTION: Consider and take action on Resolution regarding temporary
moratorium on property development in a platted subdivision.
Mayor Baldwin introduced a Resolution and read the caption as follows:
.
111
.
RESOLUTION NO. 05-R-01
A RESOLUTION REGARDING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT IN A PLATTED SUBDIVISION, AND OTHER
MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
Mr. Bierschale advised there have been no changes to the Resolution.
Mr. Simonson moved to approve the Resolution regarding a temporary moratorium on
property development in a platted subdivision, and other matters in connection therewith.
Mr. Greenwald seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#4 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on first reading of Ordinance regarding
temporary moratorium on property development in a platted subdivision.
Mayor Baldwin introduced an Ordinance and read the caption as follows:
.
AN ORDINANCE
ADOPTING A MORATORIUM ON PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT IN A
PLATTED SUBDIVISION, AND OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION
THEREWITH.
Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the first reading of an Ordinance adopting a
moratorium on property development in a platted subdivision, and other matters in
connection therewith. Mrs. Agee seconded the motion, which carried with the following
votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
At this time, Mr. Bierschwale explained that Gary Davis is running late and asked
Council to consider moving #5 on the agenda after #11. Council had no problem with
that request.
.
#6 Consider and take action to take from the table (tabled 11-16-04) action on the
first reading of an Ordinance amending Chapter 7 of the Code of Ordinances
relating to the Fire Department.
112
.
Mr. Simonson moved to take from the table (tabled 11-16-04) action on the first reading
of an Ordinance amending Chapter 7 of the Code of Ordinances relating to the Fire
Department. Mr. Greenwald seconded the motion, which carried with the following
votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#7 Discussion on first reading of Ordinance amending Chapter 7 of the Code of
Ordinances relating to the Fire Department.
Mr. Bierschwale related that the Fire Department has revised the Ordinance and made the
recommended changes. Sprinkler systems will now be required only in residential
properties exceeding 5,000 square feet. They spoke with home builders in the City as far
as this requirement and only one opposed the idea. Chief Friesenhahn is here tonight to
answer any questions from Council.
Mr. Douglas inquired if we have any existing residences that are impacted and Chief
Friesenhahn replied there might be a few. They are basically looking at which stage it
impacts the Fire Department.
.
Mr. Douglas then wondered if it would preclude homeowners from getting mortgages
on their houses if they didn't want to put in a sprinkler system. Chief Friesenhahn
indicated this applies only to new construction or remodeling.
Mr. Bierschwale mentioned that some builders would offer it as an option on smaller
homes. Mrs. Agee questioned how much it adds to the price of the home. Mr.
Bierschwale replied he thinks it adds about .75 per square foot. Chief Friesenhahn
commented the national average is about $1.45 per square foot.
Mr. Wilenchik complimented Chief Friesenhahn for a good job on the Ordinance.
Council indicated they were ready for this item to be included on next week's agenda.
#8 Discussion on fmal reading of TSAC Ordinance.
Mayor Baldwin asked if there had been any changes. Mr. Bierschwale answered the
current Ordinance calls for seven members on the Board and the revised Ordinance calls
for nine members. Mr. Wilenchik asked what a quorum of nine would be and was told
by Mr. Bierschwale it would be five.
Council agreed they were ready for this item to be on next week's agenda.
.
113
.
#9 Discussion regarding Inspection Department fee changes.
Mayor Baldwin questioned if they hadn't recently changed some of the fees. Mr.
Bierschwale answered it had been discussed, but no action had ever been taken.
Mr. Bierschwale then advised that Mr. Truitt is not present this evening and asked
Council if they wanted to put this on hold until he can be present. Council agreed they
wanted to put this item on hold.
#10 Discussion regarding bids for Borgfeld Road Project.
Larry Dublin of Ford Engineering and Sam Willoughby, Public Works Director, were
present to answer questions.
Mr. Bierschwale informed Council bids were opened on December 16, 2004 and they
exceeded the estimate by $269,000.00. He went on to explain they have some FEMA
money left over and some excess funds available on the channel. Mr. Douglas asked if
they would be using "found" money and Mr. Bierschwale replied no - it would be money
from the $7,000,000.00 bond.
.
Mr. Dublin explained they had originally figured on 48" pipe, but had to go with 54" pipe
because of a conflict with CCMA pipe.
Mr. Wilenchik mentioned the first estimate was $500,000.00, but that was 6 or 7 years
ago.
Mayor Baldwin then asked if there was anything they could do to reduce the cost. Could
they take something out? Mr. Dublin replied they are doing what they have to do.
Mr. Bierschwale stated they are recommending the bid be awarded to Aaron Concrete in
the amount of $1,059,360.00. Mr. Greenwald and Mr. Dublin both spoke favorably
about Aaron Concrete.
Council indicated their readiness for this item to be on next week's agenda for action.
Gary Davis had arrived and Council went back to Item #5 on the agenda.
#5 Discussion regarding health permits and inspections of Church facilities.
.
Mr. Davis remarked they have not usually messed with church facilities. Times have
changed. They used to have an occasional event, but now the events are more frequent.
We need to issue permits to find out what they're doing. The fees could be waived.
Special precautions should be taken to protect the consumer. Meals are prepared by
personnel who are volunteers and who have no food safety training.
114
.
Mr. Douglas stated the church he attends in San Antonio is permitted and the fees are
waived. The citizens should be knowledgeable and fully supportive.
Mayor Baldwin asked Mr. Davis how his wife is doing and was told she is doing well.
He then told Mr. Davis to go forward with the permits and health inspections of Church
facilities.
#11 Discussion regarding Customer Care Survey.
Mr. Bierschwale informed Council they would have a counter-type survey available for
citizens and also a survey they could fill out on line. Mayor Baldwin stressed they need a
quarterly update on surveys turned in by citizens and a copy needs to be provided to Dave
Caulkins.
Executive Services Coordinator, Rita Duprat-Waldo, mentioned that in looking over the
survey, there are a couple of bumps they need to overcome.
Donna Dykes, Human Resources Director, commented that the IT Coordinator, Rohan
Pierce, is looking for more compatible software. This prompted a brief discussion about
software and Mrs. Agee agreed the survey should be put in something other than "word".
.
#12 Items by City Manager
General Announcements
. Reported City Public Service is planning to put in the traffic lights for the Pill
project.
. Regarding TXDOT, another set of plans should be submitted so the drainage issue
at the new fire station can be discussed.
. Announced the Northeast Partnership meeting is tomorrow.
. Advised that Mr. Hardy has withdrawn his request for rezoning.
#13 Items by Council
General Announcements
Councilmember Douglas
Liaison - EDC
Liaison - Schertz Library Board
. Mentioned he is attending an AMCC Session in Austin in February.
.
. Asked what he's supposed to do in response to a letter he got from a gentleman
who wants to build some apartments. Mr. Greenwald advised him not to worry
about it.
115
.
Councilmember Simonson
4-B Board
Liaison - BVY A
. Asked how the Pill project is coming as far as interconnectivity. Mr.
Bierschwale answered they will find out. As soon as the traffic lights are
operational, the City's finished with their part.
Councilmember Agee
4-B Board
Liaison - Schertz Housing Authority
. Commented she attended the Guadalupe County Children's Advocacy Center
meeting and told them about the lnterlocal Agreement with the City of Schertz.
They were thrilled at the prospect of funds from Schertz.
.
Councilmember Wilenchik
4-B Board
Liaison - Schertz Humane Society
Liaison - HOA Coalition
Ex-officio - TSAC
. Asked how the Northc1iffe Homeowners Association meeting went. Mr.
Greenwald told him the homeowners were happy. He answered lots of questions
about TSAC. (Mayor Baldwin asked if City staff has addressed the speed humps
issue. Mr. Bierschwale commented that TSAC would recommend Stop signs.)
Mr. Greenwald further informed Mr. Wilenchik there were issues about the Fire
Department, but he told them they would came back later for that discussion.
Also, forms were available for them to sign regarding their choice of zip codes
and they also talked about New Braunfels Utilities.
Councilmember Greenwald
4-B Board
Ex-officio - P&Zcomission
Ex-officio - S/SLGC
. Said he got a copy of the selection for the Schertz Hometown Hero. He doesn't
even know her. Maybe they published the wrong candidate. Mayor Baldwin
mentioned he was probably going to the banquet, which is January 26th. That's a
Council meeting night, but the Mayor Pro-Tem can sit in for him. He will call
Time Warner for some information about the candidate.
.
. Reported the plat for O'Reilly's Auto Parts was approved.
116
.
. Stated another medical complex is going in on the road named after the Ripps
family.
. Commented another traffic light is going in on FM 78 at the entrance to the east
gate of Randolph Air Force Base.
#14 Items by Mayor
General Announcements
. Informed Council the Northeast Partnership meeting tomorrow is at the Olympic
Hills Golf Course.
. Mentioned he and Mr. Bierschwale are meeting with an aide of Representative
Henry Cuellar on Friday afternoon.
. Inquired if they are working on the new Council Chambers and was told yes.
Mr. Wilenchik inquired at this time if it's true that after five years, tree mitigation funds
have to be returned to the developer. He understands there's lots of money in the tree
mitigation fund. Mr. Bierschwale told him no - that's Capital Recovery Fees that have
to be returned.
.
Mr. Douglas then asked how the search is going for quotes on improvements to the
playscape. Gail Douglas, Community Services Director, replied they have two quotes
right now, but they need three. They should have the third one by Friday. It was
suggested they possibly go with the Eagle Scouts for the gazebo project.
#15 EXECUTIVE SESSION: Called under Chapter 551, texas Government Code,
Section 551.074, Personnel Matters: Appointment, employment, evaluation, assignment,
duties, discipline, or dismissal of the City Manager - Discussion of employment of new
City Manager, including qualifications and search process.
An Executive Session was held from 8:42 p.m. until 9: 17 p.m.
#16 Discussion and possible action on the subject of the above Executive Session.
There was no action required.
#17 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at
9:19 p.m.
.
117
.
ATTEST:
~L/~
City Secretary, City of Schertz, Texas
.
.
118
M yor, City of Schertz, Texas