ccwks 05-11-2005
.
COUNCIL - WORKSHOP SESSION
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2005
The Schertz City Council convened in workshop session on Wednesday, May 11,
2005 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, and Ken Greenwald.
Absent were Councilmembers Agee and Wilenchik. Staff members present Interim
City Manager John Bierschwale and Deputy City Secretary Mary Ybarra.
Mayor Baldwin welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
.
David Richmond, 292l-Bent Tree Drive stated he would like to share a bit of good news
he received late Monday afternoon. As you well know, my interest in signage in Schertz
has been extensive over the years, signage that is less and more effective. He provided
Council with history of a program called Texas Logos, which advertises up and down
interstates throughout the State. He added that in speaking with General Manager Bill
Jones to find out whether there was a possibility of getting TXDOT to install signage at
exit 175, because business was beginning to boom in the area and foresaw future
congestion, but more from the standpoint of the type of businesses wanting to advertise,
he was advised to contact the regional office in San Antonio. The rest is history, because
the cause was lost.
He went on to explain that he believes the time is right, as well as the mix of businesses
in the area, such as the new Hampton Inn and soon Chili's coming on board. Because of
this, he got on the horn again and approached TXDOT; it was the right decision, because
after I provided background, TXDOT agreed to survey the area. He is pleased to report
that Monday afternoon; he received a call from TXDOT regional office in San Antonio
advising that Texas Logos signs for exit 175 were approved. The process is off and
running. It is now in the hands of Texas Logos. There is a process such as: application,
visit to each business, eligibility, etc. Each business would be given the opportunity to
participate and given a time frame to return applications. This application would provide
what type of signage is needed. Another surprise is that TXDOT recognizes the need for
signage and has indicated the willingness to reposition existing signage to accommodate
Texas Logo signs. I believe this is very significant for the City and it's businesses and I
am delighted that it's fmally come to pass.
.
Mayor Baldwin inquired on the Hampton Inn and Chili's, since they are in construction,
how about an application for them? The Mayor was advised there is problem because
TXDOT rules do not allow an application to businesses that are not open on the day that
applications are dispensed. However, there might be a way to get around it, but added it
would all depend on what businesses participate. It is surprising that when dispensing
applications, (a fee between $500-$700 is associated), that some businesses don't jump
2.:)'1
on the bandwagon. However, it will certainly be a boost to City businesses at that .
intersection.
Robert Brockman. 1000 Elbel Road had the following comments.
. Voiced conceru about flags for the Fourth of July Jubilee. Flags were put up for
the Festival of Angels along Schertz Parkway, however not for the 4th. Flag rods
are out there and believes the 4th of July Jubilee should be advertised, if
affordable, if not let's take the rods down.
. Inquired who sends out the 4th of July invitations, because Ms. Kolb, the County
Attorney, participates in parades, I don't know if she was here last year, but I saw
her riding one year, let's make sure she gets an invitation.
. Reported the County is having a problem with Click It or Ticket. It was
mentioned that Schertz and Seguin Police Departments participate in the
program, but that the County couldn't because of some crazy pay issue. Don't
know what it is, but it's interesting what comes out at these town meetings, it's
pretty strange.
. Advised he hasn't initiated the issue of the shelter sign for Animal Control
because he doesn't know if the sign should read animal shelter or animal control.
After talking to individuals at the shelter, he was advised that pretty soon animal
control is going to the police department.
. Recommended possibly getting the boy scouts to paint the fire hydrants in the
city or who is going to do it? He was advised the matter is taken care of.
. Inquired if TSAC (Traffic Safety Advisory Commission) follows procedures
under the open meetings act? If an item is not on the agenda, discussion is not
allowed on the matter. Is this correct or not. He was advised it was correct. He
suggests that Mr. Spain, City Attorney talk to the Commission about procedures,
before problems arise.
.
#2
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Regular Session-April 19, 2005
Workshop Session-April 25, 2005
Council member Douglas moved to approve the minutes as presented. Council member
Greenwald seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, and Greenwald
NAY: None.
#3 DISCUSSION ON FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE REZONING
61.295:t ACRES FROM PRE-DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (pD, GENERAL
BUSINESS (GB) AND APARTMENTIMULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-4) TO
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-7).
There were no changes or new information on this issue.
.
;)..&0
.
Council member Douglas remarked that he hopes the one resident that sent in the
disapproval would have actually read the letter carefully or had somebody explain the
rezoning issue. He was advised it would be turned over to the Planning and Zoning
Department to contact the property owner and explain the matter.
Council would be ready to take action at next Tuesday night's meeting.
#4 DISCUSSION ON FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE REGARDING
TAX ABATEMENT AND TAX ABATEMENT AGREEMENT FOR AND WITH
VALERO DIAMOND, L.P.
There were no changes or additions, however a brief discussion followed on certain
concerns such as time line of application, concerns of having a grand opening, pictures in
newspaper and warehouse operation, and Council just now dealing with the issue.
#5 DISCUSSION ON FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE REGARDING
TAX ABATEMENT AND TAX ABATEMENT AGREEMENT FOR AND WITH
ATLEE SCHERTZ, LTD.
There were no changes to report and Council would be ready to consider the matter at
next Tuesday night's meeting.
.
#6 DISCUSSION ON FINAL RADING OF ORDINACNE REPEALING TAX
ABATEMENT 04-T-36 AND TAX ABATEMENT AGREEMENT FOR AND
WITH SAFEGUARD SECURITY SERVICES, LTD. AND ESTABLISHING A
NEW TAX ABATEMENT ORDINANCE AND TAX ABATEMENT
AGREEMENT FOR AND WITH REAL TEX HOLDINGS, 3009 L.P.
There were no changes to report and Council would be ready to consider the matter at
next Tuesday night's meeting.
#7 DISCUSSION REGARDING
IMPROVEMENT BIDS.
MASKE
ROAD
DRAINAGE
Interim City Manager Bierschwale reported very good news relative to bids submitted.
He's made sure the bidder has a good bid bond, due to bid coming in low. Everything
was found in order and staff is recommending R. L. Jones, L.P. be awarded the bid in the
amount of $660,785.00. R. L. Jones has worked for the City of Schertz in the past and
has done an excellent job.
Council member Simonson stated it really sounds good and suggests that once approved,
it wouldn't hurt to notify Windy Meadow residents.
.
After a brief discussion, Interim City Manager Bierschwale stated it's a good bid,
however would like to point out that the bid is over the original budget amount. The
original budget amount including engineering was $550,000.00. However, it was
2-G:./
determined that estimated time frame would possibly be over a year and a half to the .
original estimate of one year. Taking into consideration the price of steel and everything
else the increase in amount is reasonable.
It was Council consensus to take action at next Tuesday night's meeting.
#8 BRIEFING ON POSSIBLE DESTRUCITON OF CHURCH PEWS:
Interim City Manager Bierschwale deferred comments to Gail Douglas, project manager.
Mayor Baldwin inquired where were the pews stored. He was advised the pews are being
stored in the old church hall. Mayor suggested possibly placing the pews on E-bay. He
was told the pews had been placed on the website and no takers.
At this time, Ms. Douglas informed Council that on January 14th an ad in the Seguin
Gazette advertising the pews was placed. The City did not get any responses. An Internet
search was made and a company was found with a possible interest. However, found that
if the pews (laminate) were not solid wood there wasn't a market for them.
She went on to say that Mr. Gary Patterson, from the San Antonio Baptist Association, is
very interested in taking them. The church is willing to haul them off if the pews are
given to the church. This way the pews aren't destroyed and the City doesn't have to pay
someone to haul them off.
.
Council member Douglas stated that if somebody wants them from a religious
organization let them have it.
After a brief discussion it was Council consensus to allow Ms. Douglas to dispose of the
pews as discussed.
#9 DISCUSSION OF CITY PARTICIPATION REGARDING FUNDING
LIBRARY STUDY.
Interim City Manager Bierschwale deferred comments to Council member Douglas.
Council member Douglas briefed Council on Library Board meeting regarding associates
offer of $5,000.00 for Library study. Staff thought it was fantastic because of the cost
involved and where it would be an additional benefit to the City, when it came to
financing the new Library. The Commission agreed to fund the project. However, he
suggested approaching Council to see if Council would be willing to split the cost with
the Library. Tom representing the firm is present and will present the concept.
Tom went on to explain that Mendenhall Architects would provide services for concept
and budget report for the new Library. He outlined what the study would include and
noted that basically it's a break-even proposition, because the firm really wants to be
involved in the construction of the Library. The proposal includes verifYing the site,
.
bl..Co2-
.
location benefits, conceptual floor plan, verifying size of the facility, conceptual exterior
sketch, and help develop a furniture, fixtures, and equipment budget. He noted the needs
assessment will be produced after interviews with the Library Board, Library Staff,
selected City Staff, and if necessary citizens and other groups that are interested. After all
is accumulated a report is created that can be presented to Council, and the Library
Board. The first step would be meet with the Library Board, and possibly start the
process.
Council member Douglas stated that it's a lot to offer for the price. Gail Douglas added
the study has a value of$25,000.00.
Mayor Baldwin stated the City is appreciative on Mr. Mendenhall's offer, however the
offer (split) will need more discussion.
Council member Douglas informed the Mayor that in discussion with Interim City
Manager Bierschwale it was found that funding ($2,500) would not put a strain on the
City budget. Council member Simonson suggested placing the matter on the next agenda
and do it.
It was Council consensus to place the matter on next Tuesday night's meeting.
.
#10 Items by the Interim City Manager
General Announcement
. Informed of Northeast Partnership meeting tomorrow morning: members who are
going will meet at City Hall and the Mayor wishes to be picked up at home.
. May 18th, the Corp of Engineers will be discussing Cibolo Creek. Information
was directed to Council about two months ago. Corp of Engineers, serve a private
contractor, working to make improvements in our area.
. Replaced freezer at Community Center for the Hot Meals Program.
. Met with NBU this week. Worked out great arrangements. Agreed to changes,
City Attoruey is cleaning it up. Tentatively planning (agreement) first part of
June.
. Mentioned Green Valley Water district Franchise agreement would be coming
forward about the same time. Working on both.
. Met with Sam Hughes, City of Converse, and Shannon Livingston, developer on
Ware Seguin Road reference de-annexation area. Passed on Council's desires.
Livingston is working very hard and was advised on the conditions of alignment
with traffic light on 1604. Discussions are ongoing on different options such as
possibly buying the 23 acres and giving it to the City of Schertz because of the
piece of property that is in the City of San Antonio.t. Thanked Council for sticking with him, this is his last meeting. Mr. Taylor is
excited to be in Schertz. He will be moving in tomorrow.
.
.:.2"3
#11 Items by Council
General Announcements
.
Councilmember Douglas
Liaison EDC .
Liaison-Schertz Library Board
. Mentioned he would have discussion on agenda item #9 at the Northeast
Partnership meeting. He will be pushing for the NE Partnership to be part of the
signboard, rather than individual cities.
. Commented the State is pushing to ban Moped, (electric or gas, under 50CC) off
of State highways and State roads.
. Reported seeing want ads advertising for Animal Control, Shelter Operator,
Police Dispatcher, Part-time Bailiff, and Records Clerk. Noticed the salary per
hour didn't fall under the recent realignment of salaries.
Councilmember Simonson
4-B Board
Liaison BVY A
. No comment.
Mayor Pro-Tem Agee
Liaison Schertz Housing Authority
Liaison Guadalupe County Children's Advocacy Center
.
. Not present.
Councilmember Wilenchik
4-B Board
Liaison Schertz Humane Society
Liaison HOA Coalition
Ex-officio- TSAC
Investment Advisor
. Not present
Councilmember Greenwald
4-B Board
Ex-officio P & Z Commission
Ex-officio SSLG Corp.
Reported on Planning and Zoning Meeting and items discussed:
· Preliminary site plan on Chili's Restaurant, approved signage.
.
2.iRl.f
.
. Belmont Park--hired a sign company who put up flags and signs, however didn't
pull a permit. All signs had to be taken down
. Reported doing a Walk About last week on a 1.8 million square footage Business
Park between Tri-County Parkway and Lookout Road, right off 35. Tentatively
10 to 14 buildings (could vary), depending on tenants. Also, there is plan for road
going all the way through the backside tying into Tri County, Associate Drive,
and "stub" at Lookout Road.
. Inquired where are ball fields? He was advised the project would open for bids,
probably on Monday. The market is still working against us. Discussions are
ongoing with two old bidders, waiting for recommendations. City is planning to
run numbers, takeoffs, trying to get this project where it belongs. Gail is working
on costs.
#12 Items by Mayor
General Announcements
.
. Mentioned calling council members and advising that Hot Meals Program freezer
had gone out and that all food in freezer was lost. Lady called from the program
and asked if the city could help replace the freezer. Since we are basically going
to own the program eventually and all the equipment, didn't see a problem buying
a new freezer. Johnny was instructed to find out what was needed, and buy a
freezer. The lady's were very grateful.
. Informed Council that Pam, Joe Potempa wife is pretty bad. Instructions are not to
resuscitate, once medication is taken away she will probably expire. For those
who are friends with Joe and have known him for a long time like myself Steve,
and Ken need to pay our respects.
#13 ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at 8:03 p.m.
.
re ry, City of Schertz, Texas
ZiP S-