ccwks 01-30-02
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP SESSION
JANUARY 30, 2002
The Schertz City Council convened in Workshop Session on Wednesday, January 30,
2002 at 7:0-0 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.
Mayor Hal Basldwin welcomed Mrs. Briscoe's class to the workshop.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
Robert Brockman of 4505 Grand Forest thanked everyone for serving the City well.
Since he first started checking, things have improved. Judge Padgett is doing a good job.
At First and Main, by the entrance to the Schertz Bank, there needs to be a sign which
says traffic coming across the railroad tracks will not stop. Schertz Parkway and Curtiss
is another intersection that is not well marked.
Mr. Brockman went on to say he objects to trees in the middle of the street and he would
think the Fire Department would object to trees in the middle of Schertz Parkway.
Speaking of Schertz Parkway, there are no signs to indicate where the school zone ends.
Mayor Baldwin suggested Mr. Brockman express his traffic concerns to David Allen of
the Transportation Safety Advisory Committee.
One last thing Mr. Brockman mentioned was that you cannot get to Eckerd on a protected
crosswalk, but you can get to Walgreen's on one.
#2 INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT: Consider and take action on renewal ofInterlocal
Agreement between the City of Schertz and Guadalupe Valley Hospital.
Michael Spain, City Attorney, commented the current agreement has expired. He passed
out some information showing how many Schertz residents had been served by the
Prescription Drug Program and indicated the information is confidential.
There was discussion about how much the City had contributed toward the program and
how the hospital had not filed timely reports with the City. The agreement called for two
payments of $5,000 each to be made May 1st and September 30th. Since the current
agreement expired at the end of September and it is already the end of January, they may
be talking about only $5,000 this time.
Mr. Pitts pointed out since they are currently without an agreement, proration is not
necessary. Mrs. Agee inquired if it could be amended if they see in May that funds are
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running short. Mr. Cashwell suggested that when the funds are exhausted, they come
back to the City.and request additional funds.
Mr. Pitts moved to renew the Interlocal Agreement between the City of Schertz and
Guadalupe Valley Hospital, in support of the Prescription Drug Program, until September
30, 2002. An amount of $5,000 was agreed upon unless funds are exhausted, and in that
case the hospital will come back to the City requesting additional funds. Mr. Greenwald
seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
A YES: Councilmembers Head, Pitts, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#3 AGREEMENT:
Schertz and Gary W.
Schertz.
Consider and take action on Agreement between the City of
Davis, R.S. to provide Public Health Services for the City of
Noting that this agreement had also expired, Mr. Pitts asked if there's any legal exposure
if they change the date. Mr. Spain suggested they date it with the current date - that
doesn't have any effect on the term.
Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the Agreement between the City of Schertz and Gary
W. Davis, R.S. to provide Public Health Services for the City of Schertz and to date the
agreement with the date of January 30, 2002. Mr. Wilenchik seconded the motion, which
carried with the following votes:
A YES: Councilmembers Head, Pitts, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#4 Discuss final reading of Ordinance calling for City election on May 4, 2002.
Mayor Baldwin remarked the language in the caption declaring an emergency had been
taken out and then asked Council if they were ready for this to be on next Tuesday
night's agenda. They replied they were ready.
#5 Consider and take action setting public hearing date for Sign Ordinance and
Comprehensive Land Plan.
David Richmond, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, explained that
Planning and Zoning had already held their public hearing for both the Sign Ordinance
and the Comprehensive Land Plan. All corrections to the Comprehensive Land Plan have
been made by Wilbur-Smith and digital copies are forthcoming. Revisions to the Sign
Ordinance have to do with improving the appearances of entrances into the City and ways
to enforce those regulations. They had some good input from City Inspector, Leonard
Truitt.
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Upon asking the City Secretary when the best time would be for the Council to hold their
public hearing on this, it was determined February 19th would be the best date.
Mr. Wilenchik inquired how the members of the Sign Board interact with these Sign
Ordinance regulations and Mr. Spain answered they can't approve different regulations
than what the State laws dictate. They have tried to make the regulations consistent with
State laws so no one needs a lawyer.
Mrs. Agee moved to set the Council public hearing date for the Sign Ordinance and the
Comprehensive Land Plan for February 19,2002. Mr. Greenwald seconded the motion,
which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Head, Pitts, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#6 Discuss preliminary draft of Technology Improvement Fund project budget.
Mr. Cashwell advised Council this is the Tri-Cities Network Project being carried out
jointly with Schertz, Cibolo, Universal City and the SCUC ISD. The School District is
completing work on a Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund grant proposal for
$500,000 that requires matching contributions from the cities of Schertz, Cibolo and
Universal City. The grant is due February 15th and requires a letter of support or
Resolution from each city as part of the submitting process. The TIF (Technology
Improvement Fund) grant budget draft in Council's packets was the most recent
information about the project when the packets were prepared. This afternoon at 2:00
p.m., the TIF Advisory Committee met and received an expanded detailed budget. He
and Amy Madison both attended the meeting.
Copies were distributed of a draft showing goals and activity and the estimated cost. One
of the goals is to improve electronic access and services for the residents of Schertz,
Cibolo and Universal City. This would involve wireless broadband for Schertz City
facilities, wireless broadband for Cibolo City facilities, a public computer lab for the
SCUC lSD, a mobile lab for the Schertz Public Library, and outreach facilities in
community centers and nursing homes.
Another goad is to develop a collaboration between the CA TE (career and technology
education) educators in the SCUC ISD and business owners in the three cities that result
in better opportunities for SCUC ISD students and improved electronic presence for the
business owners in the community. Services to the business community could include
web design, e-commerce development and web advertising.
The third goal is to create a substantial process for implementation of the near and long-
term goals for the Tri-Cities Community Network
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Mrs. Head inquired if someone would be on site and Mrs. Madison replied yes. They can
use CA TE and the incubator approach. Mrs. Madison went on to say a steering
Committee would be formed for the non-profit foundation. The initial grant is $550,000.
The second year, they would have to generate funds.
Mayor Baldwin asked if it won't be a budgeted item. Mrs. Madison answered the SCUC
ISD is ultimately responsible. Mr. Cashwell added the estimated budget is $100,000
annually and they hope it can sustain itself.
Mr. Pitts questioned if the configuration of computers includes software. Mrs. Madison
indicated they have asked for more specifics, Mr. Pitts then mentioned that some source
for information should be set up at City Hall. Mrs. Madison said they would champion
that idea. Mayor Baldwin asked about using bank lobbies. There could be a check-out
program. Mr. Cashwell thought HEB is probably a possibility.
Council was informed three changes could be made during the course of the grant.
#7 RESOLUTION: Consider and take action approving statement and petition in
condemnation relating to Peter L. Hernal, Jr.
Mr. Cashwell noted that Steve Simonson, Asst. City Manager, has additional information
about this item.
Mr. Simonson related that Mr. Hemal's property is part of the drainage channel system
for Schertz Parkway. The City made him an offer he didn't like. They offered him 15%
above the appraisal, but he was not receptive.
Mayor Baldwin introduced a Resolution and read the caption as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 02-R-l
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS
APPROVING A STATEMENT AND PETITION IN CONDEMNATION
RELATING TO PETER L. HERNAL, JR.
Mr. Pitts moved to approve the Resolution approving a sttement and petition in
condemnation relating to Peter L. Hemal, Jr. Mr. Greenwald seconded the motion, which
carried with the following votes:
A YES: Councilmembers Head, Pitts, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
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#8 Discuss Appointments to Library Board
The Schertz Library Board is made up of 9 members and their two-year terms are
staggered. Currently there is a vacancy on the Board, so it consists of 4 members whose
terms expire at the end of 2002 and 4 members whose terms expired in December 2001.
The 4 members whowe terms expired in December (Mary McAllister, Julie Parr,
Margaret Riley and Ruth Tienor) have all agreed to serve again. Council approval is
needed. Council approval is also requested for the Board as it is presented, with the
officers as proposed. Henry Gutierrez, whose term expired last December, does not wish
to serve again, thus his position remains vacant. The Board will approach the Council
again for approval of Mr. Gutierrez's replacement when the position is filled.
Council indicated to the Mayor they were prepared for this item to be included on next
Tuesday night's agenda.
#9 General Report from Public Works on various projects present and future.
Larry Dublin ofFord Engineering was at the meeting to update Council on various Public
Works projects both present and future. Ford Engineering had provided a chart for
Council showing the master schedule and progress for the various projects. Those items
included on the master schedule were the IH-35 1.5 mg elevated tank, the Live Oak water
plant - 12 mgd pump station, Schertz Parkway reconstruction, Schertz Parkway
signalization and design enhancements, Live Oak water plant distribution line, water
main from Schertz Parkway to elevated tank, Wiederstein and FM 3009 intersection,
Borgfeld Road drainage, and the Playscape.
Mrs. Agee asked where the money is coming from for all these projects. Mr. Cashwell
answered by saying lack of funds is never an excuse for lack of planning. Mrs. Head
inquired if there is any interest in the Ripps property. Mark Marquez of Management
Services replied that two major retailers have expressed an interest in that property.
John Bierschwale, Public Works Director, listed some of the projects that need attention.
Among them were upper Dietz Creek on Maske Road, Borgfeld Road (an $800,00-
$900,000 job), channel improvements in East Dietz Creek, drainage issues on Exchange
St., serious drainage improvements in Northcliffe, Doerr Lane improvements,
Wiederstein Road construction (estimated at $350,000), improvements to roads in rural
parts of Schertz, improvements to Green Valley Road, Lone Oak emergency exit (in case
of disaster), Vestal Industrial Park drainage, and Woodland Oaks drainage system, Mr.
Bioerschwale had provided a list to Council of all future projects and the estimated costs
to complete each one. Mr. Cashwell mentioned he had asked the staff to put on their
thinking caps. Some of these projects have higher priority than others.
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#10 Discuss GVEC Right-of-Way Easement for Good Shepherd Catholic Church.
Public Works received a request from GVEC conceming a power line easement across
the City property located at the Live Oak Road water plant. This easement will provide
electric service to the Good Shepher Catholic Church at the east property line.
According to GVEC, all power Jines will be sized appropriately to accommodate the
needs of the City water plant improvements and Good Shephers's current and future
needs. Public Works has been assured by GVEC that when the water plant electric
motors are running at full load, it will have no effect on the electric power demand from
Good Shepherd. Council approval is recommended.
Council affirmed they were ready for this item rto be included on next Tuesday night's
agenda.
# II Discuss possible review of and/or subsequent changes to Charter.
Mrs. Agee had brought up the idea of a possible Charter review several meetings ago.
Mr. Spain informed Council the original Charter was written in 1974 and it has been
amended four times. It calls for a periodic review by five people. If an election is held
on Charter amendments, then there cannot be another Charter election for two years. The
publication of proposed changes is fairly expensive.
Mrs. Agee suggested the possibility of having Department Heads on contract. Mr. Spain
pointed out that only four people are appointed by Council. Those are the City Attomey,
the City Manager, the Municipal Court Judge and the City Secretary. It was then stated
that the City doesn't have an appeal process. Mr. Spain indicated he wasn't sure they
want to turn themselves into a review board. There was a brief discussion about the
possibility of having Department Heads on contract. Mrs. Agee wondered if having
Department Heads under contract would fall under the Charter.
Mr, Pitts asked what the time frame is for a Charter election and Mr. Spain replied they
would need to have it on one of the uniform election dates. Mr. Pitts then added he
doesn't want to get into the business of hiring and firing. Mr. Spain noted there should
not be any provisions in the Charter which conflict with State law. The Charter does,
however, merit review every couple of years. Mayor Baldwin asked if anyone has
anything specific they would like to see changed right now. No one did, but the Mayor
said they would keep a review of the Charter in mind.
# 12 Discuss staffing needs.
Mr. Bierschwale related that the workload has doubled and he needs an additional three
employees for the drainage crew, two additional employees for the sewer line crew and
three additional employees for the street crew. Both the sewer line crew and the street
crew could be at a later date, but he would like the three additional employees for the
drainage crew at mid-year.
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Mr. Pitts requested a projection of the impact of lack of bodies on current staffing. Mr.
Wilenchik asked Mr. Bierschwale if he is paying a lot of overtime and he replied
approximately $10,000 per year.
Lt. Steve Starr was at the meeting to represent the Police Department. His request was
for three additional officers to adequately protect and serve the newly annexed area to the
City. Mayor Baldwin asked him if this is a mid-year request and he replied yes. Mr.
Cashwell reminded Council there would be some immediate needs as far as supplies and
equipment if three additional officers were hired. Mrs. Agee, admitting she is partial to
Public Safety, asked if they need these officers now or at mid-year. Lt. Starr replied if
they could get them now, it would be great.
City Inspector Leonard Truitt stated he would like to have two additional Code
Enforcement officers, but can deal with only getting one. He had sheets he passed out to
the Council Jisting all the costs associated with additional help.
Various figures were discussed and Mr. Greenwald told Mr. Cashwell it is the City
Manager's task to show Council what the City could afford. He needs to let Council
know what can be done either now or at mid-year. Mr. Wilenchik noted if we could do it
now, why wait until mid-year. Mayor Baldwin asked Mr. Cashwelll to come back to
them with definite figures and Mr. Cashwell promised to come back with a strategy.
#13 Update by Councilmember Greenwald on the Schertz/Seguin Local
Government Water Project.
A letter had been distributed to Council regarding the erection of the PipelinelPedestrian
Bridge on February I, 2002 at the river crossing at Starke Park in Seguin. Mr.
Greenwald passed around a book of pictures of the event for Council to see. He went on
to say easement acquisition is 95% complete and the tank is 90% complete. Construction
is running behind schedule, but they say we will have water by summer. The water is
there and it can be pumped. All in all, the project is in good shape. Mr. Pitts asked if the
cost is what was projected and Mr. Greenwald replied yes.
#14 EXECUTIVE SESSION: Called under Chapter 551 of the Texas Govemment
Code, Sub-Section 551.072, deliberation regarding acquisition ofreal property.
An Executive Session was held from 10:30 p.m. until II :07 p.m.
#15 Action, if any, on above Executive Session.
No action was necessary.
Before adjoumment, Mr. Spain informed Council that MUD #2 already paid for a wrap-
up audit. Does the City want the same for MUD #I? It would cost $6800. Mrs. Head
asked if it's needed. Mayor Baldwin replied yes. It was suggested it be included on next
week's agenda.
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Amy Madison reminded everyone of the Walkathon on February 23rd and the Golf
Tournament on March 8th.
#16 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at
11 :08 p.m.
,
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City Secretary, City of Schertz
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