ccwks 01-09-02
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP SESSION
JANUARY 9, 2002
The Schertz City Council convened in Workshop Session on Wednesday, January 9,
2002 at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Complex Conference Room, 1400 Schertz Parkway,
Schertz, Texas. Those present were Mayor Hal Baldwin, presiding; Councilmembers
Norma Head; Billy Pitts; Reginna Agee; Tony Wilenchik and Ken Greenwald. Staff
present were City Manager Dewey P. Cashwell, Jr, and City Secretary Norma Althouse.
Before the meeting, Mayor Baldwin swore in Tony Wilenchik as Councilmember for
Place #4 Mr Wilenchik replaced Tim Swinney on the Council.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
Roman Froboese of 4513 FM 3009 signed up to speak about drainage and fire hydrants.
Mr Froeboese said it looks like they're building a new road. Mr Greenwald
acknowledged that would be an extension of Wiederstein Road. Mr. Froeboese was
concerned about drainage being dumped on his property as a result of this new
construction and whether or not the water would go into the big culvert.. Mayor Baldwin
suggested Mr. Froeboese set up a meeting with Asst. City Manager, Steve Simonson,
regarding the drainage.
Mr. Froeboese then asked about fire protection and stated the closest fire hydrant to his
property is on the other side of the car wash. Interim Fire Chief, Glen Outlaw, informed
Mr Froeboese that every fire truck carries 1,000 feet of hose. Normally th~ biggest
problem is trees, but he would be happy to meet with Mr. Froeboese and take a look at
the situation.
Charles McDonald, Justice of Peace for Precinct #3, just came to remind Council he was
running for re-election. He noted that now someone is present so that all cases can be
heard.
Robert Brockman of 4505 Grand Forest mentioned he had the same concerns as Mr.
Froeboese about the new road going in. He also asked when the new Fire Chief would
come on board. Mr. Cashwell replied in 2-3 weeks. He then asked who is responsible
for cutting trees in the easements so trucks can get through. Are we in compliance with
the 15' requirement? Mr. Cashwell answered either the property owner or the City (if it
is a City easement) is responsible for trimming the trees and we are in compliance with
the 15' requirement as far as he knows.
David Richmond of 2921 Bent Tree Drive and also Chairman of the Schertz Planning and
Zoning Commission was present to speak about Item #6 - establishing the City of
Schertz Municipal Sign Board. Mr. Richmond said he would wait until that item comes
up to speak.
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#5 Discussion on necessary process for contribution of public funds for charitable
purposes.
Mr. Cashwell related there had been a couple of requests for actual funding from
charitable organizations. Mr. Spain wondered if it was possible to receive something in
return for dollasrs, i.e., something similar to the prescription drug program.
Mr. Wilenchik inquired if the City does not get services, if there is no contribution. Mr.
Spain pointed out you have to be able to monitor funds.
Mr Pitts commented that as the City grows, they should recognize the need to
respectively provide services for the citizens. He thought the budget had provided for
funds in that area.
Mrs. Agee asked if there is a line item for charitable contributions. We need to establish
criteria for what we're going to allow.
Mr. Spain remarked they need to think about it as dollars available to buy special
services. Mr. Pitts added they should see it as an investment in social services. Mayor
Baldwin expressed concern about opening up a floodgate.
Mr. Pitts asked if it's appropriate for Councilor Staff to set up guidelines. Mr. Spain
questioned what kinds of services. Mr Cashwell thought maybe contributing to United
Way would provide dollars for services within the City
Mrs. Head stated she is more inclined to go with an organization that has already helped
the City. Mayor Baldwin suggested Council really think about this. Mr Greenwald
added they need something definitive from Mr. Spain.
Mr. Pitts thought perhaps they need a committee made up of citizens of the City in order
to disassociate Council and the Staff from the responsibility. Mr. Spain mentioned that
other non-profit organizations may be a better source since they have no constitutional
restrictions. Mayor Baldwin emphasized they need to determine what services we are
required to provide for tax dollars.
There was discussion about paying for services provided by organizations such as
GRASP Mr. Wilenchik wondered if paying for services already rendered is tantamount
to subsidizing. Mr. Cashwell asked about in-kind services.
This item was tabled for possible future discussion.
#6 Discuss establishing the City of Schertz Municipal Sign Board.
Mr. Cashwell explained that Planning and Zoning feels this Board is necessary. David
Richmond, Chairman of Planning and Zoning, is working on revisions to the Sign
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Ordinance. Planning and Zoning is having a public hearing regarding the ordinance on
January 22nd
The City of Schertz Municipal Sign Board will be appointed for a term of two years and
must consist of the following:
Two real estate appraisers, each of whom must be a member in good standing of a
nationally recognized professional appraiser society or trade organization that has an
established code of ethics, educational program, and professional certification program;
One person engaged in the sign business in our City;
One employee of the Texas Department of Transportation who is familiar with real estate
valuations in eminent domain proceedings; and
One architect or landscape architect licensed by the State of Texas.
If the ordinance comes to City Council and a public hearing is held, they must be ready to
appoint a Sign Board.
Mayor Baldwin indicated he thought this Board would be hard to appoint. Mr. Spain
stressed the sign industry is very strong in Texas. The only link to the City would be to
have someone in the City in the sign business. This person would not have to be a
resident of the City. The Sign Board is appointed by the Mayor
Mayor Baldwin suggested having Mr Richmond speak at the Northeast Partnership
meeting. That may be helpful in finding people in the area for the Board. Mr Richmond
agreed, The Mayor then said any decision about the Board should be postponed until
after Mr. Richmond has spoken to the Northeast Partnership and until Leonard Truitt,
City Inspector, has approved all the revisions to the Sign Ordinance.
#7 Discuss sanitary sewer Interlocal Agreement with City of Schertz and Cibolo.
John Bierschwale, Public Works Director, reported that both Public Works and the City
Attorney have reviewed the interlocal agreement. This agreement will allow Cibolo to
use an existing 8" sewer line approximately 850' in length. This line is located in the
Wynn Brook Subdivision to accept sanitary sewer from the Centex Homes Subdivision in
Cibolo. An annual maintenance fee will be assessed to the City ofCibolo in the amount
of $12.96 per unit per year The City of Cibolo must comply with all laws regulating
wastewater under the City of Schertz Code of Ordinances, CCMA Waste Order and
TNRCC Regulations.
Both Mr Cashwell and Mr. Bierschwale felt this is a very generous and fair offer. It will
keep Cibplo from having to build a lift station. Council approval is recommended.
Council indicated they were ready for this item to be included on next Tuesday night's
agenda.
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#8 Discuss EMS contract between Schertz and Seguin.
Mr. Cashwell mentioned this item would be on next week's agenda for action. The
a5'""ment covers everything that needs to be covered. The payment by the County will
be made in a lump sum this year, but the following year it will be made in November and
in May.
The County took the best proposal to the table. Mr. Wolverton noted it was something
the County needed to do and Mr Jones did a wonderful job. Mr. Cashwell tipped his hat
to Dudley Wait, EMS Director, and to the Mayors of both Schertz and Seguin for all their
work on this aI:>' "".uent.
#9 Discuss remodeling of Municipal building lobby and Community Center
entrance.
Plans for this project were explained to Council by Asst. City Manager, Steve
Simonson.. (Council had received a copy of the drawing in their packets.) It involves
making a secure place in the lobby for the person in charge of customer service and a
little remodeling for all the employees up front as far as making things more secure.
There would be some remodeling in the office of the Public Information Officer and also
at the Community Center where there will be an office for the person in charge of
Economic Development. It is estimated that at its highest, this project would cost
approximately $25,000 and Mr. Cashwell assured Council they have the money Mr.
Pitts asked if the estimated cost includes furniture, fixtures and equipment and was told it
does not.
#10 Discuss and take action on acceptance of bids for City Administration vehicle.
Mr Cashwell related the vehicle he recommended was a Honda Odyssey EXL. They
received one (1) proposal for $30,885 from Gillman Honda and he would like for Council
to approve that proposal.
Mrs. Agee inquired if there were other bids and was told there were not.
Mrs. Head commented that in looking at the newspapers, it seems you can buy a van in
the $15,00 to $18,000 price range. She finds it difficult to justify this $30,000 luxury. It
comes across as a little pricey.
Mayor Baldwin ""I',,,.sed the desire to see how Ford and Chrysler mini vans compare to
the Honda Odyssey.
Mr. Pitts stated he had gone on line to compare and the average came out at around
$22,000. Apples to apples, this Odyssey is priced much the same as the others. It does,
however, have other features, which are causing the price to be higher
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Mr. Cashwell eXplained the Honda is tops in value. The rear most seat disappears into
the floor. A GIS navigation system is available and this option is only available with the
leather package. It would be a highly marketable vehicle on down the road.
Mayor Baldwin observed that if the Honda would last up to ten years, it is probably the
vehicle to buy.
Mrs. Head questioned the need for a GIS system. In looking at other comparable
vehicles, this choice makes her nervous. The City is looking too ritzy. Mr Greenwald
remarked there are portable GIS systems.
Mrs. Agee had questions about the invitation to bid. She didn't think you could write
specifications for only one type of vehicle. Mr Spain pointed out it doesn't mean you've
locked yourself into one vehicle.
Mrs. Agee then inquired how the bid came and was told by FAX. It did not arrive in a
sealed envelope. She then commented it just gives the impression of impropriety
Mr. Cashwell stressed he would be happy to meet Council's wishes. He then
remembered that the bid did come in an envelope, but he opened it before the bid date.
Mrs. Head stated she was never under the impression this was the only vehicle they were
considering. Mr Pitts, referring to the evening some of the Council members had looked
at the Honda Odyssey when Mr. Cashwell had it on the premises, felt maybe they had
mislead him into thinking they approved of it. Mr. Cashwell should come back with a
new specification package. Mr. Greenwald and the Mayor both suggested the
specifications be generic and also include a delivery time.
Mrs. Agee said for what it's worth, she would put in her two-cents in support of leather
seats. If you are transporting someone who is disabled, it is much easier for them to
navigate on leather seats.
Mr. Greenwald moved to reject the bid for the Honda Odyssey EXL and go with more
generic specifications for another bid. Mrs. Head seconded the motion, which carried
with the following votes:
AYES' Councilmembers Head, Pitts, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
Mr. Cashwell reminded Council of the upcoming annexation celebration for the people in
Scenic Hills and Northcliffe.
Mr. Simonson informed Council the FEMA grant is in the last stages of approval and
should be available sometime in the next 30-45 days.
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#11 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at 9-40
p.m.
JJ~/~
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Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas
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City Secretary, City of Schertz
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