ccwks 05-29-02
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CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP SESSION
MAY 29, 2002
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop Session on Wednesday, May
29, 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, If. and City Secretary
Norma Althouse.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
Robert Brockman of 4505 Grand Forest had the following comments:
. Thanked the City fur the drinking fountains at the Playscape.
. Mentioned that a man who lives on Aviation wants to park an RV in the front
yard. Planning and Zoning advised him to get a letter of permission from his
neighbors. Is that correct? Mayor Baldwin replied it falls under the regulations
of the ordinance.
. Asked when, not it; the City Manager has a heart attack, who's in charge since
there is no Assistant City Manager? Mayor Baldwin answered the City Council
would appoint someone.
#2 ORDINANCE: Discuss final reading of Ordinance rezoning 30.075 acres from
Predevelopment District (PD) to ApartmentlMulti-Family Residential (R-4).
The first reading of this ordinance was approved on May 21, 2002. Mr. Cashwell
indicated there are no changes to the first reading of the ordinance. Council agreed they
were ready for this item to be included on next Tuesday night's agenda.
#3 ORDINANCE: Discuss final reading of Ordinance revising the Code of
Ordinances, Section 18-75, Maximum Limits in School Zones and Section 18-76,
Maximum Limits on Specific Streets.
Mr Cashwell reminded Council this ordinance came to them upon the recommendation
ofTSAC. The first reading was approved on May 21, 2002. There are no changes to the
first reading. Council indicated their readiness to have this item included on next
Tuesday night's agenda.
#4 ORDINANCE: Discuss final reading of Ordinance revising the Code of
Ordinances, Section 18-32, Stop Intersections.
Mr. Cashwell advised this brings the Code up to date as far as streets in new subdivisions
and in the Northcliffe area. The first reading was approved on May 21, 2002. There are
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no changes to the first reading of the Ordinance. Council was prepared for this item to be
included on next Tuesday night's agenda.
#5 ORDINANCE: Discuss first reading of Ordinance providing for the disarmexation
of.97 acres acres of land within the corporate limits of the City of Schertz.
Mr. Cashwell explained this is a finger of land which crosses FM 1518 down to the
Cibolo Creek. He is confident this is the path to take. Mrs. Biegert has agreed to the
disarmexation of her property.
Mrs. Agee mentioned Schertz is giving it to Universal City and Universal would give it to
Selma.
Mr. Greenwald commented it looks okay to him if the word "Schertz" is changed and
spelled correctly in Exhibit A. Council agreed and said they were ready for this item to
be placed on next Tuesday night's agenda.
#6 Discuss and take action on setting a public hearing to remove a junked vehicle.
Leonard Truitt, City Inspector, stated he needs to request a public hearing to remove a
junked vehicle at 3442 Northern Heights in the Northcliffe area. Two certified mail
notices (3-01-02 and 4-19-02) were returned unclaimed. On May 1,2002 a door hanger
was left asking the owner to contact the Inspection Department. That was never done.
On May 6, 2002, while conducting inspections in the area, they noticed the front door
was open and tried to stop and talk with the occupants. By the time they got out of the
car and went to the door, the occupants would not open the door. They could issue a
citation, but it wouldn't do any good. Council has pictures of the car in their packets.
Mr. Greenwald moved to set the public hearing date on a junked vehicle at 3442 Northern
Heights for June 4, 2002. Mr. Pitts seconded the motion, which carried with the
following votes:
AYES. Councilmembers Head, Pitts, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#7 Consider and take action on waterline easement purchase from the estate of
Henry Gutierrez, Sr.
John Bierschwale, Public Work Director, had a letter in the Council packets regarding a
meeting he had with Henry Gutierrez, Jr. Mr. Gutierrez has agreed to accept $31,600 for
the easement property. Approval of the purchase at this price is recommended so the
City can begin construction of the 16" water line interconnecting Schertz Parkway and
FM 3009 to be supplied by water from the Schertz/Seguin Local Government
Corporation.
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Mrs. Agee moved to purchase the water line easement from Henry Gutierrez, Jf. in the
amount of $31,600. Mr. Wilenchik seconded the motion, which carried with the
following votes:
AYES. Councilmembers Head, Pitts, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#8 RESOLUTION: Consider and take action approving Vita Nonwovens as
candidate for the Schertz Enterprise Zone.
Mr. Cashwell related that Amy Madison had asked for this item to be placed on the
agenda for action due to a deadline of June I, 2002. Mark Marquez, Director of
Management Services, asked that the item be pulled from the agenda because Vita
Nonwovens does not have a lease on the property.
#9 Consider and take action on amending the designated fund balances
established in the mid-year budget approved on April 16, 2002.
Mr Cashwell explained this policy puts the City Council on record as formalizing
maintenance of a specific fund reserve balance and to have a formal mechanism in place
to replenish a depletion from the stated amount in a systematic way.
In preparation for Leisure Services Quality of Life Bond Proposal, the investment
community and the bond rating agencies will have a greater comfort level with assurance
of a healthy fund balance. Thus the City's A + bond rating will be secure while incurring
additional debt.
Mayor Baldwin inquired if GASB 34 requires fund balances and Vijay Jain, Finance
Director, responded that Nancy Vaughan wants formal approval. The previous auditor
always accepted Kerry Sweatt's word for it.
Mr Greenwald moved to approve the policy for formalizing maintenance of a specific
fund reserve and for a formal mechanism in place to replenish a depletion from the stated
amount in a systematic way. Mr. Pitts seconded the motion, which carried with the
following votes:
AYES. Councilmembers Head. Pitts. Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#10 HOMETOWN HERO: Discussion of nominee and action on nomination.
Mayor Baldwin noted they had received the application forms and anyone could
nominate. Mr. Greenwald said to make sure the person nominated agrees to accept.
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Mr. Pitts wanted a couple of Councilmembers to take the lead in this project. Mayor
Baldwin indicated that was up to City Council.
After a brief discussion, it was decided to bring the application forms back at a later date.
#11 Consider and take action on appointment of representative to the
Schertz/Seguin Local Government Corporation Board.
Mr. Cashwell reported that Robin Dwyer's appointment to the Schertz/Seguin Local
Government Corporation is about to expire. Mr. Dwyer, however, wishes to continue on
the Board. Council is asked to take action reappointing Mr. Dwyer.
Mr. Greenwald moved to reappoint Robin Dwyer to the Schertz/Seguin Local
Government Cu. }'v. "lion Board. Mr. Wilenchik seconded the motion, which carried with
the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Head, Pitts, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#12 Presentation aBd discussion of new utility bill and mailing process.
Mr. Marquez stated they have been working for some time on upgrading the look and
utility of the water bill that is sent out. The postcard has become cumbersome and does
not provide the level of information needed by customers.
They are finally ready to implement the change to a single-page bill. The improvements
include a graphic representation of up to the last 13 months of usage, and they expand the
area for description of charges and credits and provide additional sI*'e for special
messages. In addition, the bill will be mailed by envelope so privacy can be maintained.
A return envelope will also be included to make payment easier. The first mailing of the
new bills is expected to be in middle to late June to correspond with billing cycles for that
period and after the upgrade has been publicized.
The publicity plan includes mailing the June Newsletter to all water customers with a
sample of the bill and a narrative explanation. Press releases are planned for all local
news media.
The cost of this change is expected to be amortized over a relatively short time and be a
major improvement in customer service. The bill will now be printed on a blank sheet of
paper instead of a pre-printed form. This provides space for a fuller explanation of the
bill and has a history component as well. The additional space could also include other
bills owed to the City such as Alarm Permit renewals. Privacy is maintained as well.
The cost of the paper and additional envelopes is about the same, perhaps slightly less,
than the pre-printed form. The mailing costs are expected to be approximately the same.
Using the single sheet, as opposed to the card, will save substantial staff time in that the
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cards had to be manually separated and sorted prior to mailing. The new folding and
stuffing equipment eliminates that process. The pre-printed return envelope should also
make payment easier.
It is believed, overall, this will be a major improvement in services to our customers at a
very small cost. Mr Marquez added that these changes have been planned to
accommodate the new billing software we are considering and should have no cost
impact.
Several items were discussed such as electronic transfer, larger space for messages,
protocol for messages, mailing of the Newsletter every time, different paper stock to
reduce postage, and everyone getting their water bill at the same time. It was concluded
there are lots of things to considef.
#13 Discussion on activity and services being provided in newly annexed areas.
Chief Cantrell reported he had done some research from January through April. The
Police Department received 28-30 calls per month from the Northcliffe/Scenic Hills area.
There were some ordinance violations and some thefts. Patrol has increased. The
response time, on the average, is 7-12 minutes. They currently have five vacancies - the
three allocated for the annexation and two others. They have been meeting with the
Homeowners Associations and addressing their needs and trying to nip issues in the bud.
Chief Friesenhahn related they have been working very diligently with the residents as
well as the Northcliffe Volunteer Fire Department. They probably answer 6-10 calls per
month (combined Fire and EMS). It is difficult to make adequate response time. They
think they have come to an understanding with the Northcliffe Volunteer Fire
Department. An agreement is needed between the City of Schertz Fire Department and
Northcliffe so they don't get in trouble. He has been preparing a presentation for
Council.
Mrs. Head asked Chief Friesenhahn what he means by hoping they don't get in trouble.
Chief Friesenhahn replied by saying documentation between the Schertz Fire Department
and the Northcliffe Volunteer Fire Department is currently being drawn up by Fulbright
& Jaworski. Even though they have been annexed, the citizens in the Northcliffe area
feel their volunteers can respond quickef. Dudley Wait, EMS Director, has agreed to
provide additional training to them. They could help tremendously with the response
time and have agreed to some testing to see if they are qualified. Mrs. Head noted they
are making a lot of noise for only a few people. Chief Friesenhahn admitted there are
some internal concerns.
Mr Wait distributed a document having to do with EMS First Response by the
Northcliffe Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Wait said that Dr. Butter feels they need to
be CPR certified. Also, they need to be State certified to be a first responder. They have
some concerns about waiting for us to respond, so we have agreed to teach some basics.
They are eager to do the AED/CPR option, so we are going to train them, but the rest is
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up to them. Mr. Wilenchik asked if they would pay for the AED and Mr. Wait replied
yes.
Chief Friesenhahn brought up the fact also that they have a dispatch problem. Since
armexation, the dispatch calls come to Schertz. Before annexation, they went to
Guadalupe County.
Mayor Baldwin observed that based on their location, it is imperative they get first
responder training. Chief Friesenhahn thought the City of Schertz should not put out any
money to them until they are trained.
Mr. Wilenchik inquired who the first responder was prior to annexation and was told it
was them. Mr. Greenwald added that in all the meetings with them before they were
armexed, they were encouraged to be part of the Schertz Fire Department. Mr. Cashwell
commented they have no aspirations to be a paid service. They understand they are
ultimately on the way out.
Mrs. Agee remarked it sounds like they want the glory of being a volunteer, but don't
want to make the commitment,
Mr Wilenchik inquired what the ultimate goal is for the City of Schertz. Mr Cashwell
answered that will be part of the budget discussion.
Mr. Bierschwale reported, that as far as Public Works is concerned, they couldn't ask for
better cooperation. It is typical business for their department. They have to work out the
street light issue and work with GBRA about expanding the sewer plant.
Mr Pitts asked if there would be a pool up at Northcliffe this year and Mr Bierschwale
replied maybe. They have to have trained lifeguards who can respond to heart attacks,
etc.
Mr. Truitt advised they have an average of 27 new houses on the ground. In another two
months that number will probably grow to 60 and two months after that, an additional 40.
They average 20 calls per month and have lots of e-mail from the Homeowners
Association. So far they haven't encountered too much resistance to conformance with
City of Schertz laws.
Mr. Truitt went on to say other issues are basketball hoops, junked vehicles and
unpermitted sites under construction by unlicensed contractors. He added they usually
have a 48-hour turnaround on complaints.
Mayor Baldwin asked if they're flocking in for permits. Mr Truitt stated it's usually the
contractors who give them the hassles.
Evelyn Boggess, Customer Care Representative, informed Council most things are going
smoothly with the residents of the Northcliffe area. Their complaints are usually
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resolved. One of the most frequently asked questions is who is their representative on
Council. Also, they thought when they were annexed, the City would maintain the
fountain and the walls on the access roads, but those are maintained by the Homeowners
Association.
Mr. Wilenchik wondered if they are using the 1-800 number. Mrs. Boggess replied
there's no way to know because it rol1s into our 7477 system, but we are trying to inform
everyone about it.
Mr. Greenwald inquired about the status of the franchise agreement with New Braunfels
Utilities. Mr. Cashwell replied so far it is unsuccessful. Mr Bierschwale added they
don't want to enter into a franchise agreement with the City of Schertz, but Fulbright &
Jaworski is working on it.
Before adjournment, Mr. Cashwel1 mentioned that under the FYI items a first draft of a
document on Urban Planning was included.
Mrs. Head commented that Mr. Jain had talked about an itemized cost for the Playscape
and she thought that was a good idea.
Mr. Jain wanted to go on record and say he was also instrumental in designing the new
water bill. Mr. Cashwell apologized, saying he had neglected to point that out. Mrs.
Agee noted it was a team effort, but not without Mr. Jain.
Mr. Pitts related meeting with a local skateboarding group, which would like further
involvement by Council. He requested Council's approval of his participation. The
consensus of Council was to approve participation by Mr. Pitts.
Mr. Pitts also mentioned that at the last budget workshop they talked about a mid-year
planning session and groundwork for a bond election. Would it not be beneficial earlier
than later? Mr. Cashwell commented they had a day and a half of staff planning for the
budget and it's amazing how many of the strategic planning goals have already been
implemented.
Mayor Baldwin mentioned they also need to resolve the matter of the City Manager's
evaluation form. According to the contract, his evaluation is due by July Mrs. Head
indicated the form is in Council's packet. Mr Pitts asked Mr. Cashwell if he had a copy
and Mr. Cashwell replied he thinks so.
Mr. Wilenchik said they need to revisit setting a date for the public forum on the
Comprehensive Land Plan and he would also like periodic updates on Incode, if possible.
Mr. Marquez noted, that as far as Incode goes, they are waiting on conversion process
approval.
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Mayor Baldwin inquired about the sidewalk along Schertz Parkway. Did they do away
with the color? Mr. Bierschwale answered yes they did because they couldn't get it to
match.
At Mr. Cashwell's request, Mr. Bierschwale updated Council on several Schertz Parkway
projects. Mr. Bierschwale commented they are getting ready to fill up the Monterrey-
Medina property and channel work will start shortly Mr. Pitts asked about the piers on
Schertz Parkway and Mr. Bierschwale replied they are just temporary. There was a brief
discussion about when Live Oak Road would be opened back up and Mr Bierschwale
thought possibly by the end of June.
Mayor Baldwin inquired if the Resurrection Baptist Church resolved their sewer line
problem. Mr. Bierschwale replied they talked about it, but haven't heard back from
them.
Mr. Cashwell mentioned the trees along the jogging trail on Schertz Parkway have been
irreversibly damaged and he's not sure what can be done to preserve them.
Mrs. Head asked about the outcome of the luncheon with Mrs. Kramef. Mr. Wait
indicated she was amenable with the City acquiring her property, but is getting some
pressure from her family to split the value between them. The City is still hopeful.
Mayor Baldwin related he had seen her in the grocery store and she is still interested in
seeing the City preserve her house.
#14 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor B ldwin adjourned the meeting at 8.48
p.m.
// ;/
( '/; L~-
Mayor,'Cify of Schertz, Texas
ATTEST:
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City Secretary, City of Schertz, Texas
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