ccreg 12-04-01
REGULAR SESSION OF CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4, 2001
The Schertz City Council convened in Regular Session on Tuesday, December 4,2001 at
7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Complex Council Chambers, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz
Texas. Those present were as follows: Mayor Hal Baldwin, presiding; Councilmembers
Norma Head; Billy Pitts; Reginna Agee and Ken Greenwald. Staff present were City
Manager Dewey P. Cashwell, Jr. and City Secretary Norma Althouse.
The Mayor asked everyone to rise and join him in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Following the Pledge, he then welcomed Joyce Briscoe's students to the meeting.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
Joan Brown of 369 Meadow View spoke about the recent rain and how lots of residents
in Windy Meadow got flooded out. Ms. Brown indicated she could speak only for the
people in her area, which is the old part of Windy Meadow She was inquiring if the
City is doing anything about this recurring problem.
Steve Simonson, Asst. City Manager, advised Ms. Brown the City has applied for a
FEMA grant to help alleviate the situation and the last they heard, they had a good
change of getting the funds. Ms. Brown asked if she could visit with Mr. Simonson in his
office and he replied he would be glad to speak with her and give her all the information
he has available.
George Mower of 50 1 Brooks referred to Item #7 regarding purchase of a vehicle for the
City Manager Mr Mower said when Mr Cashwell came on board, he understood he did
not want a vehicle with a City logo. Mayor Baldwin stated that Mr. Cashwell wanted a
car allowance instead of a vehicle. Mr. Mower asked if his car allowance would be cut
back if a car is purchased. Mayor Baldwin replied yes, but his duties include providing
transportation for several individuals. A City car would remain with the City The
former City Manager's car has been rotated to the Police Department.
Robert Brockman of 4505 Grand Forest also wanted to speak about Item #7, but said
most of his questions had been answered.
#2 Presentation by Executive Director, Rosalind C. Harris, regarding Students in
Christ Youth Center
Ms. Harris distributed a handout to the Council and then read from it the purpose and
mission of the youth center The center will be located in the old Goofy Golf building. It
will provide a place for the youth to hang out, to meet friends, to listen to music, to
pursue their interests (not everyone is an athlete) and have an opportunity for private
counseling, if necessary The grand opening is projected for January 12, 2002.
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Ms. Harris related they had met with several Homeowners Association presidents. They
feel they will eventually also be in Universal City and Converse.
As far as funding for the project, Ms. Harris said they had applied for several grants, but
are also asking the City for support. A five-year project is expected to cost 2.2 million
dollars and they are asking for at least 10% of that. Everything at the center will be free
except video games and the snack bar.
Mayor Baldwin questioned if they had talked with other churches. Ms. Harris replied
they are non-denominational, but are looking for a relationship and a partnership. They
don't have church sponsors.
Mrs. Head asked how many are on the staff and was told there are three. Ms. Harris
acknowledged that several members of the community have already volunteered to help.
Mr. Pitts inquired if they are recognized by United Way and Ms. Harris replied yes they
are. Since they are not officially in the building yet, they wanted to wait.
Councilmember Greenwald asked if they are aware the whole park is in the floodplain.
Ms. Harris replied yes they are.
Mayor Baldwin emphasized the City of Schertz is absolutely receptive to working with
them and with the youth. There are good volunteers in the City He then suggested Ms.
Harris meet with Mr Cashwell for more details. She will find that cities operate on a
budget.
#3 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on final reading of Ordinance providing
for the extension of the boundary lines of the City of Schertz, Texas by the annexation of
the territory comprising Guadco Municipal Utility District No. 1 and related matters.
Mayor Baldwin introduced an Ordinance and read the caption as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 01-A-26
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE BOUNDARY
LINES OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS BY THE ANNEXATION OF THE
TERRITORY COMPRISING GUADCO MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO.
1 AND RELATED MATTERS.
Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the final reading of an Ordinance providing for the
extension of the boundary lines of the City of Schertz, Texas by the annexation of the
territory comprising Guadco Municipal Utility District No. 1 and related matters. Mrs.
Agee seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
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AYES: Councilmembers Head, Pitts, Agee and Greenwald.
NAYS; None
#4 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on final reading of Ordinance providing
for the extension of the boundary lines of the City of Schertz, Texas by the annexation of
the territory comprising Guadco Mubicipal Utility District No.2 and related matters.
Mayor Baldwin introduced an Ordinance and read the caption as follows:
ORDINANCE 01-A-27
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE BOUNDARY
LINES OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS BY THE ANNEXATION OF THE
TERRITORY COMPRISING GUADCO MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO.
2 AND RELATED MATTERS.
Mrs. Agee moved to approve the final reading of an Ordinance providing for the
extension of the boundary lines of the City of Schertz, Texas by the annexation of the
territory comprising Guadco Municipal Utility District No.2 and related matters. Mr
Greenwald seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES. Council members Head, Pitts, Agee and Greenwald.
NAYS. None.
#5 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on final reading of Ordinance
authorizing retirement after 20 years of service in the Texas Municipal Retirement
System.
Mayor Baldwin introduced an Ordinance and read the caption as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 01-M-25
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS, AFFECTING
PARTICIPATION OF CITY EMPLOYEES IN THE TEXAS MUNICIPAL
RETIREMENT SYSTEM, GRANTING THE ADDITIONAL RIGHTS
AUTHORIZED BY SECTION 854.202(G) OF TITLE 8, TEXAS GOVERNMENT
CODE, AS AMENDED, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mrs. Head moved to approve the final reading of an Ordinance authorizing retirement
after 20 years of service in the Texas Municipal Retirement System. Mrs. Agee seconded
the motion, which carried with the following votes:
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AYES. Councilmembers Head, Pitts, Agee and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#6 Discuss replacement for Tim Swinney.
Council member Greenwald explained they had taken applications for the replacement of
Joe Potempa and his suggestion was to send a letter to these same applicants to see if they
are still interested in a Council position.
Mayor Baldwin inquired if he wanted any additional letters sent, but Mr Greenwald
indicated he would like to try the same applicants first. Mr. Pitts added that all the
previous applicants showed an interest in the process and to add others to the list would
be a disservice. Mr Greenwald said they could be offered a chance to refuse in case they
had changed their mind.
The consensus of Council was that this should be done quickly
Mr Brockman asked if the Charter provides for this process and was told it does.
#7 BUDGET ADJUSTMENT: Consider and take action regarding purchase of
vehicle for City Manager
Mr. Cashwell noted that Council had been very generous. His concern is what the best
investment is for the City and which vehicle will have the most value in the end. In his
opinion, the Honda Odyssey fits that bill.
There was a brief discussion about a logo on the vehicle. The City Manager was not in
favor of that, but the Mayor and most of Council were. Mrs. Agee thought there's a State
law on how the signing has to be handled.
Mr. Pitts admitted there's much to do about perception in this City, but he appreciates the
City Manager's input.
Mr Greenwald moved to table action on this item until the next workshop. Mr Pitts
seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES. Councilmembers Head, Pitts, Agee and Greenwald.
NAYS None.
#8 BID AWARD: Consider and take action awarding bid for Schertz Parkway
reconstruction.
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Mr. Cashwell advised that bids were opened on November 28, 2001. A total of eleven
(11) bids were received and Ford Engineering is recommending the bid be awarded to
Austin Bridge & Road, Inc. in the amount of $3,699,700.00. This project will have a
very positive impact on flooding issues as well as transportation issues.
Mr. Cashwell also mentioned that Billy Keen and Chuck Sharpe of the TIF Board are
present this evening.
Mr. Greenwald moved to award the bid for the Schertz Parkway Reconstruction Project
to Austin Bridge & Road, Inc. for a total of $3,699,700.00. Mrs. Agee seconded the
motion, which carried with the following votes:
A YES: Councilmembers Head, Pitts, Agee and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#9 RESOLUTION: Consider and take action authorizing certain actions including
proceedings in eminent domain in connection with the acquisition of certain waterline
and temporary construction easements in Gonzales and Guadalupe Counties and related
matters.
Mayor Baldwin introduced a Resolution and read the caption as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 01-R-40
AUTHORIZING CERTAIN ACTIONS INCLUDING PROCEEDINGS IN
EMINENT DOMAIN IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACQUISITION OF
CERTAIN WATERLINES AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENTS
IN GONZALES AND GUADALUPE COUNTIES AND RELATED MATTERS.
Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the Resolution authorizing certain actions including
proceedings in eminent domain in connection with the acquisition of certain waterlines
and temporary construction easements in Gonzales and Guadalupe Counties and related
matters. Mrs. Head seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Head, Pitts, Agee and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#10 Discuss SAC location for fire classes.
Mr. Cashwell recognized Interim Fire Chief Glen Outlaw for his initiation of this project.
SAC needs a third location and it's time the City stood tall and benefited from the
project. Classes can be held in the Fire Department's training area and the City will net
some revenue.
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Chief Outlaw commented the bottom line is that classes have expanded and there is a
need for another location. This gives them an opportunity to see the young recruits.
Mayor Baldwin asked if these classes are separate from the ones at Texas A & M. Chief
Outlaw replied they are separate.
Mr. Cashwell added this is an administrative Issue and he felt Council should be
informed about it.
#11 CONTRACTS: Consider and take action on proposed fire contracts with
Guadalupe County and Bexar County.
Mr. Cashwell advised the monthly payment is the same, but there is a reduction in
anticipated revenue. He also indicated the contract with Bexar County should be
scratched at this time. It will be presented at a later date.
Mrs. Head moved to accept the fire contract with Guadalupe County. Mr. Greenwald
seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Head, Pitts, Agee and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#12 Discuss proposal for joint EMS services and take action, if appropriate.
Mr. Cashwell explained this is a proposal for emergency medical services in
unincorporated Guadalupe County. It is a joint proposal between the City of Schertz
EMS and the City of Seguin EMS. Council has the document before them which will be
submitted to Commissioner's Court. He thinks it is a good document. No action is
required at this time.
#13 APPOINTMENT: Consider and take action appointing three (3) Housing
Authority Commissioners.
Mayor Baldwin noted this Certificate of Appointment is done on an annual basis. The
appointed Commissioners would be sworn in on January 14, 2002. He approves of the
appointments of Jackie Jones, Sharon Fruge and Mark Klebig.
Mr. Greenwald moved to appoint Jackie Jones, Sharon Fruge and Mark Klebig as
Commissioners for the Housing Authority. Mrs. Agee seconded the motion, which
carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Head, Pitts, Agee and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
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Mrs. Head mentioned that because of the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on
December 7th and because they are bringing in real snow for the occasion, the children
will get to play in the snow this weekend.
Mr. Simonson related that Boy Scout Troop #51 is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Hazel
Scott held the first meeting of the troop in her garage. At their ceremony for the
anniversary, Tom Dovey, Jr. gave a great speech in support of the Boy Scouts and how
much it meant to him to be a member.
Mr. Cashwell told Council the hook and ladder truck is scheduled to arrive December
12th
Mr Cashwell also commented the Chamber of Commerce Holiday Gala is tomorrow,
December 5th
#14 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at
8 19 p.m.
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Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas
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, City of Schertz
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