ccswks 06-13-01
Schertz City Council-Special Workshop
Wednesday, June 13, 2001
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop Session on Wednesday, June
13,2001 at 7:00pm 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, Tim Swinney, and Ken Greenwald. Staff
present: Dewey Cashwell City Manager, and Norma Althouse City Secretary. Absent:
Councilmember Joe Potempa
Mayor Baldwin called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
Mayor Baldwin read a letter of resignation from Councilmember Joe Potempa.
#1 Hearing of Residents:
No one signed up to speak.
It was asked that item #15 be moved up on the agenda. With Council's approval, Mayor
Baldwin moved item #15 to the #2 spot.
#15 Discuss Community Planning Grant:
Dr. Sharon Skrobarcek, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, briefly talked about the
grant and then introduced Dr. Bruce Curran to due the presentation of the Community
Networking Planning Grant.
A handout was distributed at this time.
Dr. Curran informed Council that this would be a two-phase grant. The first phase is a
$25,000.00 planning grant. The second phase is a Community Network Implementation
Grant of $500,000.00, which would be applied over a two-year period. Dr. Curran then
referred to the section of the handout which talked about areas of interest. Those areas
are Information and Communication, Education, Social, Health and Wellness, Economic,
and E-Govemment issues.
Dr. Skrobarcek commented they would be sending out a letter of intent tomorrow. The
letter would say they are intending on applying for the grant. If they receive the planning
grant, then they would begin to develop a concept.
Mrs. Agee commented that when the City and the school corne together to do this grant,
each entity can have their own special project. It would be done as one overall project,
but the City, for example, could make use of the web site. Mrs. Agee stated after the two
year project is up, advertising could be sold to pay for upkeep. If it doesn't work after
that, there is no loss or penalty.
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Dr. Curran noted that more of these Community grants could be expected in the future.
Mayor Baldwin asked if everyone in the area would be competing for one $500,000.00
grant. Mr. Curran explained that there is a pot of 25 million dollars for this grant. Last
year, out of 47 applicants; 36 of them were given the Implementation grant. There is
about a 70% chance of getting the grant. The greater the involvement with the
Community, the better the chance is of getting the grant.
Mayor Baldwin asked if the letter of intent was due by July 14th. Mrs. Agee answered
they are going to be sending the letter out on July 14th.
Dr. Curran indicated they would need a letter of support by the time the planning grant is
due, which is Julyl6th. Dr. Curran explained the letter of intent is simply on of the steps
that have to be followed to apply for the Planning Grant.
Mrs. Agee pointed out there is one fiscal agent, and that is the School District.
Dr. Curran explained this grant does not work quite the same way as other grants. The
reason for getting the Planning Grant first is because the majority of the money from that
grant would go to the development of the implementation plan. There will be a very
specific budget for both the Planning Grant and the Implementation Grant. Mrs. Agee
remarked it is a good idea to "get on the band wagon" and participate with the School
District.
Mayor Baldwin thanked everyone for corning and making the presentation. He
mentioned he is looking forward to working with them on the grant.
#2 Appointment: Consider and take action appointing a fourth member to the
Transportation Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC):
Mr. Cashwell explained there was some mis-advertisement at the last meeting. It had
always been intended there would be four residents on this board and three staff
members.
Council was asked to submit a ballot and the result of the vote was in favor or William
Gignac.
Without further discussion, Mr. Greenwald moved to appoint William Gignac to the
Transportation Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC). Mr. Swinney seconded the motion,
which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Head, Greenwald, Agee, and Swinney
NAYS: None
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#3 Action as result of public hearing: Consider and take action on junked vehicle
as result of June 5, 2001 public hearing.
Mayor Baldwin asked for a motion on the results of the public hearing.
Without further discussion, Mr. Swinney moved to authorize City employees to take
action on the junked vehicle in accordance with the Ordinances. Mrs. Head seconded the
motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Head, Greenwald, Agee, and Swinney
NAYS: None
#4 Discuss the following regarding 4th of July Jubilee:
A. Contract with Schertz Business Association:
B. Resolution designating particular area and dates for which alcoholic beverages
may not be brought into or removed from Pickrell Park:
C. Variance on closing time of City park; and
D. Service Agreement with First Baptist Church Youth Group for clean up.
Mr. Cashwell explained this item is necessary in order to accomplish certain things that
are critical to the success of the event. He noted item D has been amended to let the
BVY A organization provide for the clean up.
Mayor Baldwin, acknowledging the members of the Business Association, asked if they
had any comments or questions.
Anita Clark stated Patrick True brought some large posters for anyone who has room to
put them up. Mrs. Clark then distributed some of the small flyers.
Mr. Swinney asked about the status of candy at the parade. Mrs. Clark noted Public
Works would distribute candy before the parade starts.
#5 Discuss bids for Tractor/Mower for Public Works Department:
Mr. Cashwell commented that it is his understanding Council likes to review all
expenditures over $15,000.00. The lowest bid for the Mower is from Ewald Tractor for a
Kubota M5700 mower. The total amount of the bid is $19,350.00.
#6 Discuss bids for playground Equipment for Public Works Department:
Mr. Cashwell explained the bid for the playground equipment includes: 2 playground
sets, I spiral slide, and 3 park benches. The low bidder was Total Recreation Products in
the amount of$23,608.00.
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Council asked where the playground equipment was gomg to be located. Mr.
Bierschwale answered it would be at Pickrell Park.
Mrs. Head asked if the company is a New Braunfels Company. Mr. Bierschwale replied
he believes it is. Mrs. Head was very impressed with their catalog. Mr. Bierschwale
indicated this equipment is metal and plastic.
Mr. Swinney asked if there is an expected service life on the equipment. Mr.
Bierschwale replied the service life is about 10 years depending on how rough it is
treated.
There being no further comments, Mayor Baldwin stated this item would be on next
week's agenda for action.
#7 Resolution: Consider and take action on Resolution regarding application to
TXDoT Statewide Enhancement Program for development of Schertz
Walking/HikinglBiking trail.
Mayor Baldwin introduced a Resolution and read the caption as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 01-R-19
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS APPROVING THE
SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION TO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION STATEWIDE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM FOR A
PROJECT NOMINATION PROVIDED BY THE TRANSPORTATION EQUITY
ACT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY.
Mr. Cashwell informed Council that Mr. Youngblood has done due diligence on research
to determine what is necessary to become competitive in this grant.
Mr. Youngblood at this time showed a diagram of the concept. He commented that if the
public forum was any indication on how the City is doing as far as providing alternate
recreational facilities and activities for citizens, then they are well received. Mr.
Youngblood stated if the City can get the Texas Park and Wildlife Grant and the TXDoT
Enhancement Grant, then all that would be left would be the nature trails.
Mayor Baldwin asked about the total dollars. Mr. Youngblood replied it is about
$1,136,000.00. The City's share would be $177,379.00. The City has a pretty good
chance of getting the grant.
Without further discussion, Mayor Baldwin asked for a motion.
Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the Resolution regarding application to TXDoT
Statewide Enhancement Program for development of Schertz Walking/HikinglBiking
Trail. Mrs. Head seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
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AYES: Councilmembers Head, Greenwald, Agee, and Swinney
NAYS: None
Mr. Cashwell felt these grants are very significant to the future of the community.
#8 Discuss Resolution regarding GBRA's request to amend Canyon Permit
Certificate and issue Permit Amendment:
Mr. Cashwell explained GBRA is requesting that the Texas Natural Resource
Conservation Commission (TNRCC) amend their Canyon Lake Permit so they be
allowed to increase their draw from that body of water. He then read the letter that was
received from GBRA in this matter.
Mr. Cashwell reported the reason this is being presented to City Council is because the
City's jurisdiction is within that region. The reason for GBRA wanting this amendment is
so they can increase the authorized deliveries from the reservoir from 50,000 acre-feet
per year to approximately 90,000 acre-feet per year.
Mr. Cashwell abstained from speaking on this item in a political prospective, but stated it
is a controversial issue.
Mr. Greenwald commented that Canyon Lake was never meant to be used as a water
supply, it was a flood control project!
Mr. Greenwald mentioned attending a Friends of Canyon Lake meeting where it was
pointed out that all of the boat ramps would be unusable 30% of the time and Mr. West
(General Manager for GBRA) commented that they would still be usable 70% of the
time. Mr. Greenwald felt that is not acceptable and he also felt it is foolish to pass a
resolution supporting them. He felt we should not have to suffer because San Antonio
has had a water problem that they have known about for thirty years, and not taken care
of.
Mayor Baldwin asked when GBRA is going to the State on this matter. He was told it
will be on June 20th. Mayor Baldwin felt Council should not vote either way, he doesn't
want to get into a political battle with GBRA over this. Mrs. Head asked ifby not doing
anything, would they interpret that as not going along. Mayor Baldwin was not sure how
they would interpret it.
Mr. Cashwell mentioned according to a newspaper article, it appears that only one entity
has considered supporting this (South Central Texas Regional Planning Group). Mr.
Cashwell was not sure if they even passed the resolution to support it.
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Mayor Baldwin commented the City has other more important issues with GBRA that are
moving along well, so he does not want to stab anyone in the back by supporting either
side.
The consensus of the Council was to let the letter from GBRA die.
#9 Discuss Resolution of membership of Northeast Partnership opposing
development of critical period plan based on "Quarterly Management" concept:
Mr. Cashwell stated this Resolution would put the City in support with the opposition of
the above-mentioned concept. After talking with individuals at Northeast Partnership
meetings, the consensus of the people is Edwards is going overboard with these
restrictions and the people would just like to go back to the rules that were in place a
couple of years ago.
Mr. Greenwald commented this new plan is a joke. Mayor Baldwin felt the City needs to
stand behind their neighbors and support them in this.
The consensus of Council was to support Northeast Partnership.
#10 Discuss appointments to Library Advisory Board:
Mayor Baldwin asked Mrs. Althouse to add this to the agenda for next week.
# 11 Discuss assignment of liaison to Housing Authority:
Action will be taken at next meeting.
#12 Discuss appointment of Councilmember to 4-B-Board:
Mayor Baldwin asked Mr. Swinney to serve on the board. Mr. Swinney agreed. Action
will be taken at next meeting.
#13 Discuss Jerry Graham's concept for Parks and Recreation:
Mr. Jerry Graham explained this idea started twenty years ago and it is now time to put a
commission in place to recommend (to City Staff) improvements that are received from
the citizens in the community.
Mayor Baldwin felt the more of the community that gets involved, the better. Mr.
Swinney felt it is critical to get the word out for bond elections.
Mayor Baldwin suggested this document be revised by Mr. Spain. Mayor Baldwin then
asked if anyone has any problem with establishing a parks commission. No one had a
problem with it.
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Mr. Cashwell suggested there is a place for such a group, but he also encouraged Council
to make sure the language be soft because citizen participation and collaboration is going
to be critical.
Council agreed to send the document to Mr. Spain and get his input.
Mr. Swinney asked if this should go through the Public Works Director first. Mr.
Cashwell felt the best way to do this would be to have a Leisure Services Director in
place first. There should be something for the youngest and the most senior. A
professional could bring many ideas to the table.
#14 Discuss Library Village and Playscape:
Mr. Cashwell stated the playscape is underway, the funds necessary for the Design Day
have been sent off. The first commitment to this project is done. The Leathers
Organization has everything necessary to accomplish this goal for a playscape and
Library Village. The total cost for the playscape would be somewhere between $80,000-
$100,000.00. A Design Day will be scheduled for either October 23'd or 25th. Mr.
Cashwell feels very confident that the community can produce the resources to defray
quite a bit of the cost. He felt this is a great project and sees no reason to stop it.
Mrs. Head received an information booklet from Leathers, and there is a hierarchy of
volunteers that are necessary. It suggested the two key volunteers be people recognizable
within the Community. Mrs. Head contacted Ruth Tienor and DC Morgan and they both
agreed to take on that job.
Mrs. Head mentioned she would like to visit with the school prior to the Design Day and
try to have Mrs. Tienor's P.E. classes work on this project.
Mr. Greenwald noted there are a number of organizations and volunteers on base that
would be willing to help.
Mrs. Head stated Mr. Morgan and Mrs. Tienor both asked that someone else be in charge
of asking for funds. They do not want to get into that. Mrs. Head asked if it is legal for
Councilmembers to ask people for money. It was noted several other Councilmembers
have done that in the past, they don't foresee a problem with it.
Mr. Cashwell commented when trying to get these funds, it should not be perceived as a
government project.
#15 City Manager's report:
. Latest Schertz Business Association newsletter
. Corridor Council Report Included
. Letter from Chamber of Commerce regarding water
. Two Ribbon Cuttings; Job Market and A-AAA Key Mini Storage
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. Distributed traffic counts report
. 31 question trivia of City of Schertz was won by Torn Althouse (Norma Althouse's
husband) with only 8 wrong answers.
Mrs. Agee requested a copy of the questions.
Mayor Baldwin stated Joe Potempa should be honored in some way for his years of
service. Possibly a dinner and also a plaque.
Mr. Greenwald requested on the next agenda a discussion item be added regarding the
Coronado Paint tax abatement.
Mayor Baldwin stated he would like to see another Strategic Planning Session. He also
commented Council needs a means of evaluating the City Manager.
#16 Adjournment: There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Baldwin
adjourned the meeting at 8:43pm.
Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas
ATTEST:
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City Secretary, City of Schertz, Texas
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