ccreg 02-17-1998
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REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 17, 1998
The Schertz City Council convened in Regular Session on Tuesday, February 17,
1998 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Complex, 1400
Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas. The following members were present: Mayor
Hal Baldwin, presiding; Councilmembers Ken Greenwald; Joe Potempa; Norman
Agee, Sr.; Charles McDonald; and Timothy Swinney. Staff present were L.J. Cott,
Comptroller and Deputy City Secretary Dolores Butler. '
Mayor Baldwin asked everyone to rise and join him in the Pledge of Allegiance to
the flag.
Mayor Baldwin recognized Mrs. Briscoe's class in attendance to witness
democracy in action; Mr. And Mrs. Lewis Borgfeld, president of the
GuadalupeValley Electric Coop (GVEC); and Marcus Pridgeon, general manager
of GVEC who would like to address the council.
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Mr. Pridgeon stated he had come tonight to present the check for the annual
franchise fee for the use of city rights of way. During the year 1997, GVEC billed
the citizens of Schertz, Texas $6,641,438.50 and that generated the franchise fee
tax in the amount of $432,828.77. Mr. Pridgeon continued, saying that it has been
an honor working with the City of Schertz and he would be glad to answer any
questions the council might have while he is here.
Mr. Swinney asked Mr. Pridgeon his viewpoint on the deregulation of utilities and
what is going on in the states.
Mr. Pridgeon reiterated his comments in the last issue of GVEC Review are that
we are not under the same pressures of California, Massachusetts, and Maine
with their rates. As a supporter of free enterprise and free markets, but dealing
with service of electricity you need to do it very carefully. Mr. Pridgeon stated that
in his opinion, we should watch California and Maine, let them go through this big
turmoil before we jump into it because it is the perfect thing to do. Although
everyone seems to think it is going to happen in January, 1999, he expressed his
doubts because of what is going on in California.
Mr. Potempa inquired if GVEC is going to move the poles off Schertz property line.
Mr. Pridgeon said his commitment every year is that when and if GVEC is able to
remove the poles from Schertz Parkway (once Schertz Parkway is developed)
GVEC will remove the poles. The reason they can't be removed now is because
GVEC doesn't know how it is going to develop and how they will feed that area.
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Mr. Swinney complimented the new billing format with the return envelope
enclosed. Mr. Pridgeon said they had received positive comments and was
appreciative of that.
#1. HEARING OF RESIDENTS: Those citizens wishing to speak on agenda
items (other than public hearing items) or items not on the agenda, will be heard at
this time.
No one had signed up to speak.
#2. Consider and take action on final reading of Ordinance changing school
zone hours.
Mayor Baldwin then introduced an ordinance and read the caption as follows:
AN ORDINANCE
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS, PROVIDING
THAT CHAPTER 18 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF SCHERTZ,
TEXAS BE AMENDED BY REVISING ARTICLE 4, SPEED REGULATIONS,
SECTION 18-75, MAXIMUM LIMITS IN SCHOOL ZONES AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE AND A REPEALING CLAUSE.
. Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the final reading of the ordinance changing the
school zone hours. Mr. Potempa seconded the motion, which carried with the
following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Greenwald, Potempa, Agee, McDonald and Swinney.
NAYS: None
#3 Consider and take action on first reading of an ordinance granting a Tax
Abatement for AER Corporation.
Mayor Baldwin then introduced an ordinance and read the caption as follows:
AN ORDINANCE
BY THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS, APPROVING A TAX ABATEMENT AND
A TAX ABATEMENT AGREEMENT BY THE CITY COUNCIL FOR AND WITH
AER MANUFACTURING INC., A PROPERTY OWNER IN THE CITY OF
SCHERTZ.
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Mr. Chris Mantzuranis, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of
AER introduced himself and stated the company is looking forward to doing the
warehouse business in Schertz and offered to answer any questions the council
might have.
Mr. Swinney moved to approve the first reading of the ordinance granting a Tax
Abatement and Tax Abatement Agreement for and with AER Manufacturing, Inc..
Mr. McDonald seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers McDonald; Potempa; Greenwald, Agee; and Swinney.
NAYS: None
#4 Consider and take action on request from AER for a sidewalk waiver.
Mr. Potempa moved to approve the request for a sidewalk waiver from AER. Mr.
Swinney seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers McDonald; Potempa; Agee; Swinney and Greenwald.
NAYS: None
#5 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: Mayor Baldwin reported that Mr. Sweatt is
in Odessa for the funeral of W.J.'s brother. Steve Simonson is undergoing
emergency surgery this evening at 6:00 p.m. for some unknown mass discovered
this morning. Also, Norma is in Northeast Methodist Hospital with pneumonia as a
result of a sever asthma attack.
#6 ITEMS BY COUNCIL: Mr. McDonald: Inquired if it would be appropriate to
recognize Riedel's Furniture for their 50th anniversary in Schertz.
Mr. Swinney commented we need to make sure we are consistent with all
businesses.
Mr. Swinney: Asked if the proclamation about the (Clemens) football team. Mayor
Baldwin said we never did get that done but we can still do it.
Commented that Taco Cabana is coming along.
Mr. Greenwald: Remarked on Mr. Roddy Stinson's article goes along with Kerry's
letter based on meeting with the legislative group regarding annexation.
Inquired concerning an earlier question regarding cost estimate and feasibility of
constructing the new police facility foundation to accommodate a second story in
the future.
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