ccreg 09-03-02
SCHERTZ CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR SESSION
9-03, 2002
The Schertz City Council convened in Regular Session on Tuesday, September 3, 2002 at
7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Complex Council Chambers, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz,
Texas. Those present were Mayor Hal Baldwin, presiding; Councilmembers Norma
Head; Steve Simonson; Reginna Agee and Ken Greenwald. Absent: Councilmember
Tony Wilenchik. Also present were Interim City Manager Mark Marquez and City
Secretary Norma Althouse.
#1 PUBLIC HEARING' To receive citizen comments on the proposed tax rate.
Mayor Baldwin explained the procedures to be followed for the public hearing.
Mr. Marquez advised that the tax rate would stay the same as last year. It will be .03825
per $100 evaluation. The evaluation this year is in excess of one billion dollars and that's
the first time that has happened. Mr. Marquez went on to say this year's budget is what
he calls a standfast budget. One aspect of it is a 6% increase for employees in an effort to
bring salaries up to market value. It is a no frill kind of budget. He thanked Council for
their support.
Mayor Baldwin observed that if a homeowner had no increase in their property valuation,
then there is no increase in their taxes.
Ramon Cook of 913 Dimrock stated he believes his wife is alive today because when her
system failed on February 21, 2002, EMS responded to their call very quickly. He is
proposing a substantial tax rate increase of ten cents. That would increase his taxes by
approximately $11.40 per month, which is money he can afford and thinks would be well
spent.
Robert Brockman of 4505 Grand Forest echoed Mr Cooks's sentiments. He also
mentioned the fire protection in the Northcliffe area is not adequate and we need to do
something about that. The City has basically told the Northcliffe Volunteer Fire
Department to get out ofthe way and that's not right. The ISO rating will change ifthere
is a fire in the area. He doesn't think the City is doing much for the NorthcliffelScenic
Hills. Mayor Baldwin explained to Mr. Brockman there are plans to build a sub-station
along IH-35. Congestion at a fire scene is always difficult. The members of the
Northcliffe Volunteer Fire Department have to be certified as a first responder and we're
working on that. That also affects ISO rates because you cannot have unskilled people on
the scene of a fire. The City is also concerned about the industrial area. Mrs. Head
added the City did buy a ladder truck for the industrial area and is aware of the needs.
She thinks they will come up with a sub-station this coming year. She thanked Mr
Brockman for his suggestions and said she thinks what needs to be done can be
accomplished with the proposed tax rate.
288
Mayor Baldwin commented Mrs. Agee had just reminded him about the tax rollback rate
whereby a percentage of the voters can force an election. The rollback rate this year is
thirty-nine cents. If the City went to forty cents, you would see citizens you've never
seen before.
Mrs. Head commented that a number of people who attended the Community Forum
were in favor of raising the taxes. The City has things on the table and just like at home,
they have years when they have to tighten their budget. When you consider things like
the tax rate and bond issues, you have to consider all citizens.
Mayor Baldwin remarked that in the final analysis, the City might do some of the things
they've talked about. It's nice to go to a public hearing and hear citizens in favor of
raising the tax rate.
Since there were no further comments, Mayor Baldwin closed the public hearing at this
time.
#2 ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at 7:24 p.m.
The Schertz City Council convened in Regular Session, following a public hearing on the
tax rate, in the Municipal Complex Council Chambers, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz,
Texas.
Mayor Baldwin asked everyone to rise and join him in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Flag. He then welcomed Mrs. Briscoes's students to the meeting.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
Ruth Bailev of 3438 Northern Heiqhts told Council she had requested a variance on the
number of dogs allowed at a residence and she got a letter today saying she had to
comply with the Ordinance by September 9th. The Ordinance allows three of a species
and she has four dogs. The last time she was here, she was told she had a good chance to
get a variance. She cannot afford to pay the fines and she hadn't heard anything from
Council.
Mr. Marquez apologized to Mrs. Bailey saying he had not read her letter as a request for
a variance. He then gave the letter to Council to read.
Mayor Baldwin explained to Mrs. Bailey that on the advice of the City Attorney, they
were told not to grandfather her dogs and if they do, it could lead to headaches on down
the road. He told Mrs. Bailey if they put her request on the agenda as an item, then they
can take official action. She has to understand they would probably follow the advice of
the City Attorney.
289
Mrs. Bailey stated her yard has no odor. Her dogs have pedigrees and she has spent a lot
of time and money on them.
Mayor Baldwin reminded her she needs to understand it is a touchy subject and the
Council needs to do things legally and follow appropriate procedures. They need to put
her request on the agenda. The Mayor added it's tough to make exceptions because once
they are made, you have to keep making them.
Mrs. Bailey thanked the Council for their time. Mr Marquez assured her that her request
would be a future agenda item for official action.
Tom Harm of 100 Patrick Henry inquired if the City has a webmaster and was told by
Mr. Marquez they do. Mr. Harm commented the web is the perfect tool for the citizens,
but it's impossible to get into. He pulled it up on different networks and there's an error
in the program. The last time it was updated was August 1st.
Mr. Harm said he knows the City advertises when jobs are available, but he knows many
people who can't get into the web because of errors in the program. He had dropped off
a letter to City Hall, but never received a response. A number of surrounding cities
provide good information and people like to do their homework ahead of time. Mr.
Marquez promised they would look into it.
Mayor Baldwin admitted he wasn't sure how many Councilmembers have computers.
Mrs. Head stated she has one, but hasn't checked the web in the last three months. She
thanked Mr. Harm for bringing this problem to their attention. Mr. Harm offered his help
to the City Mr Marquez told Mr. Harm if it's convenient, he would like to meet with
him later.
Robert Brockman of 4505 Grand Forest brought up the following:
(a) Referring to Mr. Harm's question about a webmaster, asked who it is for the City. He
was told it is Tony Wilson, Public Information Officer
(b) Thought the marquee should be updated when agendas are posted. Mr. Marquez
noted there are several meetings through the week and not enough room on the marquee.
Mr. Brockman suggested that when the City Secretary's office posts the agendas, they
ought to sign off that the marquee is updated.
(c) Stated he has been looking for a reverse 911 article in the newspaper
(d) Questioned how much money Mrs. Bailey has to pay to request a variance. Mr
Simonson replied this type of request doesn't cost anything.
(e) Pointed out that there's a typing error on the budget books. They say FY 2001/2002
and it should be FY 200212003 Mr Marquez thanked Mr Brockman and said it would
be corrected.
290
#2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Workshop Session July 10,2002
Regular Session July 16, 2002
Workshop Session July 31, 2002
Mr. G,,;,,;,..,,ald moved to approve the minutes for the Workshop Session of July 10,
2002, the Regular Session of July 16, 2002 and the Workshop Session of July 31, 2002.
Mr. Simonson seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES. Councilmembers Head, Simonson, Agee and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#3 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on first reading of Ordinance regarding
firearms in the City limits.
Mayor Baldwin introduced an ordinance and read the caption as follows:
AN ORDINANCE
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS PROVIDING
THAT THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS BE
AMENDED BY REVISING CHAPTER 10, MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES AND
PROVISIONS, ARTICLE IV, GUNS, "BB" GUNS, PELLET GUNS, SECTION 10-
70, UNLAWFUL TO FIRE, AND SECTION 10-71, EXCEPTIONS; PROVIDING
A PENALTY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING A REPEALING CLAUSE.
Mr Marquez listed the substantive changes and Council reviewed the proposed changes
to the ordinance. Mrs. Agee asked if the City of Cibolo has a gun ordinance because she
walked out in the yard and heard guns popping. Mr. Marquez replied he didn't know if
Cibolo has such an ordinance.
Mr Greenwald moved to approve the first reading of an Ordinance regarding firearms in
the City limits. Mrs. Head seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Counciomembers Head, Simonson, Agee and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#4 Discussion regarding bid for stone wall along Schertz Parkway.
Mr Marquez stated he would like to run this by the Parkway Zone Board. He suspects
they will take care of this bid. No motion by Council was necessary.
#5 Discussion and possible action awarding bid for fiber optic cabling.
291
Mr. Marquez advised they have been looking at this project for 6 or 7 months now It is
for the installation of a fiber optic communication cable from City Hall to the Public
Works Department and to the Library The lowest bidder was Netversant of San
Antonio, Texas. They were checked out and found to be a good company. It is
recommended the bid be awarded to Netversant.
Mrs. Agee Plove<! to award the bid for a fiber optic communication cable from City Hall
to the Public Works Department and to the Library to Netversant in the amount of
$40,992.17 and trust the Public Works specifications are on target. Mr Simonson
seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES' Councilmembers Head, Simonson, Agee and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#6 RECYCLING REBATE: Consider and take action rescinding recycling rebate
and using recycling fund for Spring and Fall Clean-Up.
Mr. Marquez advised Council that in 1994 there was a non-binding referendum
approving the recycling fee of $1.25. Over the years, the amount built up. City Council
suggested giving the money back to the people and so it was computed at 42 cents and
was given as a rebate on the water bills for five or six years. Now the fund is empty.
Recycling revenues are down. It has been determined it would be appropriate for the
recycling funds to pay for the Spring and Fall Clean-Up.
Mrs, Head said she understands they won't get the 42-cent rebate anymore, but how are
we going to pay for the clean-ups. Mr. Marquez answered they are hoping to get enough
money for those projects. He is hopeful recycling revenues may go up again someday.
Mrs. Head moved to rescind the recycling rebate and use recycling funds for the Spring
and Fall Clean-Ups. Mrs. Agee seconded the motion, which carried with the following
votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Head, Simonson, Agee and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
Mayor Baldwin mentioned this information needs to get into the Newsletter and on the
web site.
#7 APPOINTMENTS: Consider and take action appointing Reginna Agee as liaison
to the Schertz Housing Authority and appointing Steve Simonson as liaison to BVY A.
Mr. Greenwald moved to appoint Reginna Agee as liaison to the Schertz Housing
Authority and Steve Simonson as liaison to the BVY A. Mrs. Head seconded the motion,
which carried with the following votes:
292
ATES: Council members Head, Simonson, Agee and Greenwald.
NAYS. None.
#8 ITEMS BY CITY MANAGER
General Announcements
· Stated the Metrocom Chamber of Commerce is holding a luncheon at Retama
Park on September 10th at 11 :30 a.m. We are the table sponsors for the Henry
Cisneros visit. You need to RSVP as soon as possible.
· Reported he had been in consultation with John Bierschwale and Chief Cantrell
and they have decided to move the Animal Control back to the shelter area. They
will still be under Chief Cantrell. Mr Messick will be the supervisor.
#9 ITEMS BY COUNCIL
General Announcements
Councilmember Head Report
4-B Board
Liaison Schertz Library Board
· Reported the 4-B Board met earlier this evening. The Library Board will not
meet until next week because of the holiday.
Councilmember Simonson Report
· Mr. Simonson, having just been appointed BVY A liaison, had nothing to report at
this time.
Councilmember Agee Report
4-B Board
· Mrs. Agee also reported the 4-B Board met earlier this evening. Having just been
appointed liaison to the Schertz Housing Authority, she had nothing to report on it
at this time.
Council member Wilenchik Report
4-B Board
Liaison - Schertz Humane Society
· Council member Wilenchik was absent
293
Councilmember Greenwald Report
4-B Board
Liaison - BVY A
Ex-officio - Schertz/Seguin Local Government Corp.
Ex-officio - P & Z Commission
. Mr. Greenwald reported the 4-B Board approved a possible budget for additional
equipment for the Police Department exercise room at mid-year
. He noted the BVY A will meet next Monday and he will take Mr. Simonson and
introduce him and then bow out gracefully.
. Mentioned the Schertz/Seguin Local Government Corporation will hold a dinner
tomorrow evening. Clay Roming will give an update on the pipeline project.
Mrs. Head commented they need an update. She trusts the water will get to
Schertz on schedule.
#10 ITEMS BY MAYOR
General Announcements
. Commented he had received a letter from Anna Solis of the Schertz Randolph
Neighborhood thanking him for his participation in the public hearing process.
. Advised that Johnie McDow of BVY A was selected as the Schertz Hometown
Hero through the annual TimeIWarner program.
#11 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at 8'10
p.m.
~~f~
V..-r
{Jh?-IE/>t
ATTEST.
~~
City Secretary, City of Schertz, Texas
294