ccwks 01-24-01
SPECIAL WORKSHOP SESSION OF THE SCHERTZ CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 24, 2001
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop Session on Wednesday, January
24, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Complex Conference Room, 1400 Schertz
Parkway, Schertz, Texas. Those present were as follows: Mayor Hal Baldwin,
presiding; Councilmembers Norma Head; Reginna Agee; Glyn D. Williams and Ken
Greenwald. Absent: Councilmember Joe Potempa. Staff present were Interim City
Manager Steve Simonson and City Secretary Norma Althouse.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
George Mower of 501 Brooks Ave. commented on the pipe$ne being installed by the
Scherrtz/Seguin Local Government Corporation. He would lile to see them stick to the
original plan and not increase the size of the pipe. Why just to spend the money? It
sounds like they're doing to the citizens what the County did td them.
#2 Discuss Schertz/Seguin Local Government Gove~ment Corporation Bond
Issue Requirements and Water Rate Plan/Schedule.
John Bierschwale, Public Works Director, explained they are tfying to come up with the
fairest water rate increases which would best serve the pub~ic and the City. Council
needs to approve an option on February 6, 2001. He distri~uted information to them
regarding the various options proposed for the rate increase.
In regard to Mr. Mower's comments, Mark McLiney noted tie interest rates have gone
down and they can get 18% more capacity with 6% more co$!, thus they plan to install
larger pipe. That would make it the most cost effective the mst time around. Everyone
thinks this is enough to supply water through the year 2050. If the water is available,
they can make outside sales.
Mr. Mower commented the original concept was to hav~ water available to this
community for 50 years. Mayor Baldwin said that's correct a.nli the plan has always been
to sell the extra water. Mr. Bierschwale added there ar~ no hidden things. The
possibility of a 7th well is great and an 8th well would be wonderful.
Mr. Mower remarked if the interest rate hadn't gone down this wouldn't have worked
and Mayor Baldwin agreed, but emphasized they got a break because the interest rates
are down.
Mr. McLiney mentioned the engineers had good contingenfies in their plans - they
worked off their best estimates with lots of variables. Mr. Simonson pointed out there are
no positives except the fact all the cities are being restricte~ by the Edwards Aquifer
Authority.
69
!
Mayor Baldwin wanted to move to Item #4 next and asked e~ryone if they were ready
for him to sign Mr. Cashwell's contract. He is not the City M!mager yet until Item #4 is
voted on. That was okay with Council and a call was placed td his home in Virginia. He
was not home, but was expected in about 15 minutes, so they moved instead to Item #3.
#3 Discuss RFP for Computer Network Administrator.
Mr. Simonson reminded Council they had asked for Mr. Cash\fell's input. He has all the
information and wants to see the system before we send the!RFP out. It appears he's
leaning toward a full-time position. Mr. Simonson's reconunendation was to put this
item on hold until the new City Manager comes on board.
Mr. Williams questioned why everything is being put on hold for the new City Manager.
Mayor Baldwin replied, in this case, because he is very knowledgeable on technology.
Council agreed they should let him look at the system and give him an opportunity to
make suggestions.
Mr. Williams then questioned why the City is still paying i $2000 a month to Brice
Systems. Why not fire them? Mayor Baldwin answered that !until everything is settled,
the question is can we live without them.
#5 RESOLUTION: Consider and take action on Resohjtion authorizing certain
actions including proceedings in eminent domain in connecti\:m with the acquisition of
certain waterline and temporary construction easements in Guadalupe County and related
matters.
Mayor Baldwin introduced a Resolution and read the caption as fullows:
RESOLUTION NO. Ol-R-2
AUTHORIZING CERTAIN ACTIONS INCLUDINq PROCEEDINGS IN
EMINENT DOMAIN IN CONNECTION WITH TltE ACQUISITION OF
CERTAIN WATERLINE AND TEMPORARY CONSTItUCTION EASEMENTS
IN GUADALUPE COUNTY AND RELATED MATTERS.
Mr. Simonson advised this is the first of many rights-of-way that will require eminent
domain, so further resolutions are expected on a regular basis.
Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the Resolution authorizin~ certain actions including
proceedings in eminent domain in connection with the acquisition of certain waterline
and temporary construction easements in Guadalupe County' and related matters. Mr.
Williams seconded the motion, which carried with the fullowiqg votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Head, Agee, Williams and Greenwalp.
NAYS: None.
70
#6 RESOLUTION: Consider and take action on Resolution authorizing City
Manager to enter into a contract with TXDoT for a STEP Program.
Mayor Baldwin introduced a Resolution and read the caption as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. Ol-R-l
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANStORTATION FOR A
SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM FOR TIlE PERIOD OF
FEBRUARY 6, 2001 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 17, 2001.
Mrs. Agee moved to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a
contract with TXDoT for a STEP Program. Mr. Williams seconded the motion, which
carried with the fo llowing votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Head, Agee, Williams and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
After the vote, Councilmember Head asked if this is being paid for with money from the
State and Mr. Simonson replied yes.
#7 RESOLUTION: Consider and take action on Resolution regarding Parcel #100
FM 78, Project #49, DR1257 - City of Schertz.
Mayor Baldwin introduced a Resolution and read the caption as fullows:
RESOLUTION NO. 01-R-3
IN SUPPORT OF ACCEPTANCE OF 0.085 ACRES AT 100 FM 78 FROM J.B.
DAVIS TO CITY OF SCHERTZ.
Mr. Simonson explained this is the last of the four buildings around Dr. Mays' office. It
is expected FEMA money would be received for this and if it is approved, it would be a
done deal.
Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the Resolution regarding Parcel #100 FM 78, Project
#49, DRI257 - City of Schertz. Mrs. Head seconded the motion, which carried with the
following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Head, Agee, Williams and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
71
#8 Discuss first reading of Ordinance regarding Stop Intersections and All-Way
Stops.
Mr. Simonson noted this ordinance provides a Stop Intersection at FM 1518 and Nell
Deane and an All-Way Stop at Nell Deane and Oak Street.
Council agreed they were ready for this item to be placed on next Tuesday night's
agenda.
#9 Discuss emergency reading of Ordinance calling election for May 5, 2001.
Mayor Baldwin explained Places 3, 4 and 5 are up for election this year. Council was
prepared for this item to be included on next Tuesday night's aienda.
# 1 0 Discuss Joint Agreement of General Election.
Council was prepared for this item to be included on next Tutsday night's agenda. Mr.
Greenwald observed the Joint Election process had been Ii godsend. The entities
involved this year are the City of Schertz, the City ofCibolo, CCMA and the SCUC ISD.
#4 Consider and take action approving City Manager ContractlEmployment.
Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the City Manager ContractAEmployment as presented.
Mrs. Agee seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Head, Agee, Williams and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
Mr. Cashwe11l had been contacted by phone and was now at home. He thanked Council
for their honor and trust in him.
Amy Madison, Public Information Officer, brought Mr. Cashwell up to speed on the frrst
focus group meeting regarding input on the water rate increase, Mrs. Madison mentioned
the following highlights: (a) rates were not an issue, (b) they dKln't believe Schertz was
smart enough to be involved in this alternate water supply plan, (c) and people from
varying ages attended. Overall, the citizens were very impressed. A brochure had been
prepared for distribution to the citizens and they were very excited about it.
While Mr. Cashwell was still on the phone, Mr. Bierschwale discussed the different
options he is working on regarding the water rate increase. Of course, they are still
encouraging conservation. They are also working on a possjble program to help those
families with an income of $45,000 and under. It would be fot the first four months only
after the increase becomes effective. Mr. Williams suggesttd finding out the average
income of families. Mayor Baldwin recommended adopting guidelines similar to the
!
72
school lunch program. Mr. Simonson indicated they could contact RACAP and GRASP
for information.
Mr. Simonson then reminded Council that Mark McLiney need!; ~o know which option
Council accepts for the water rate increase. He has to go to the 'b6nd rating agencies with
this information.
There was discussion about the history of rate increases, about .he sewer rate and about
out-of-City customers. Mr. Cashwell thanked everyone for thtir input and said he looks
forward to seeing them.
#11 Consider and take action regarding Assistant City Malnager's position.
Mayor Baldwin recommended creating an Assistant City M~er's position under the
City Manager, above the level of Department Heads. The Assistant City Manager is
expected to attend all City Council meetings to stay up to snu:tfon everything. He then
asked for comments from Council.
After a brief discussion, Council agreed the Assistant City M~er's salary should be a
Step Grade 40 ($60,932) effective the same day the new City Manager goes on the
payroll.
Mr. Greenwald moved to establish the Assistant City Manag~r's salary at a Step Grade
40 ($60,932) effective the same day the new City Manager gQes on the payroll. Mr.
Williams seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Head, Agee, Williams and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#12 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Announced he would be taking off next Monday and Tuesday with approval.
#13 ITEMS BY COUNCIL
Mr. Williams:
. Questioned if the EMS Director position has been filled or ,ifithey still have an Acting
Director. Mr. Simonson replied they still have an Acting! I)irector, but the position
could be advertised any time Council desires.
. Mentioned that in the Code is says Council is supposed to be provided with the City
Manager's financial report. This has not been happening.
73
. Requested two items be added to the next workshop meeting: (1) use of EMS facility
classrooms (need procedures), and (b) explanation of surcharges on utility bills and
other taxes.
. Strongly suggested the web site be updated.
~s. Head;
. Questioned status of old Fire Department building and asked if needs to be on next
workshop.
~. Greenwald:
. Noted, for those who haven't traveled FM 78, it's an eJGP~rience. It takes fifteen
minutes to get from the east gate of Randolph Air Force Base across the FM 78
bridge.
#14 ITEMSBYMAYOR
. Inquired about the status of the audit. Mr. Simonson replied it's coming to an end.
. Recommended at a future workshop they set up discussion on a 5-year plan fur Mr.
Cashwell.
. Advised everyone that his wife, Barbara's, cancer is back.
#15 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Baldwin ll!1journed the meeting at
9:27 p.rn.
o-1~
Mayor, City ofSchert2i, Texas
ATTEST:
'111 tAh~
~ City SrJc~(titY of Schertz
74