ccreg 08-18-1998
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REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 1998
The Schertz City Council convened in Regular Session on Tuesday, August 18,
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 Pia Jarman; Norman W. Agee, Sr.;
Timothy Swinney and Ken Greenwald. Members absent: Joe Potempa. Staff
present were City Manager Kerry Sweatt and City Secretary Norma Althouse.
Mayor Baldwin asked everyone to rise and join him in the Pledge of Allegiance to
the Flag.
#1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Regular Session 06-16-98
Workshop Session 07 -01-98
Mrs. Jarman moved to approve the minutes, as written, for the Regular Session
of 6-16-98 and the Workshop Session of 7-1-98. Mr. Greenwald seconded the
motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Jarman, Agee, Swinney and Greenwald.
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NAYS: None.
ABSTENTIONS: Council member Agee for the Workshop Session of 7-1-98.
#2 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.
#3 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on final reading of Ordinance
making assignment of Tax Abatement from Genuine Parts, Inc. to Atlantic
Financial Group.
Mayor Baldwin introduced an ordinance and read the caption as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 98- T -26
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS AMENDING
CITY OF SCHERTZ ORDINANCE NO. 98-T -14 TO ASSIGN THE BENEFITS
OF A TAX ABATEMENT FROM GENUINE PARTS CORPORATION TO
ATLANTIC FINANCIAL GROUP, LTD., A PROPERTY OWNER IN THE CITY
OF SCHERTZ.
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Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the final reading of an Ordinance assigning the
benefits of a tax abatement from Genuine Parts Corporation to Atlantic Financial
Group, Ltd. Mrs. Jarman seconded the motion, which carried with the following
votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Jarman, Agee, Swinney and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#4 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on final reading of Ordinance
regarding GVEC Franchise and Street Lighting Agreement.
Mayor Baldwin introduced an ordinance and read the caption as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 98-F-27
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS GRANTING A
FRANCHISE TO GUADALUPE VALLEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. TO
FURNISH ELECTRICITY AND ELECTRICAL ENERGY SERVICES,
INCLUDING A FRANCHISE AGREEMENT AND A STREET LIGHTING
AGREEMENT, AND APPROVING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS THEREOF.
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Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the final reading of an Ordinance granting a
franchise to GVEC to furnish electricity and electrical energy services, including a
Franchise Agreement and a Street Lighting Agreement. Mr. Swinney wanted the
phrase and approvina the terms and conditions thereof added to the motion. Mr.
Greenwald amended his motion to include that phrase. Mr. Swinney then
seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Jarman, Agee, Swinney and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
Mayor Baldwin thanked Marcus Pridgeon and Lewis Borgfeld who were at the
meeting for their patience and consideration and added the City is looking
forward to GVEC's new building.
#5 APPOINTMENTS: Consider and take action regarding appointments to Tax
Incremental Financing (TIF) District.
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Mr. Sweatt reminded Council they had discussed, at the workshop last week, the
necessity to rearrange appointments to the TIF Board. We know that according
to the law Mr. Potempa had to resign from the TIF Board and Jerry Bethke, who
is currently a member of the TIF Board, has agreed to fill Mr. Potempa's position
as chairman until the term expires on December 31, 1998. Since Mr. Bethke will
be serving as chairman, his place on the Board needs to be filled. Also, Lewis
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Street has been unable to attend the meetings and his place needs to be filled.
David Heideman, who the Council suggested last week, has relocated to
Georgia. Billy Pitts has agreed to serve for a term that expires on December 31,
1999 and Billy Keen has agreed to serve for a term that expires on December 31,
1998.
Mrs. Jarman moved to approve the appointments of Billy Pitts and Billy Keen to
the TIF Board. Mr. Agee seconded the motion.
Before the vote, Mr. Greenwald asked if Council can appoint Mr. Potempa an ex-
officio member of the TIF Board and Mr. Sweatt indicated they can do that after
they vote on the appointments of Billy Pitts and Billy Keen.
At this time the vote was taken and the motion carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Jarman, Agee, Swinney and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
Mr. Swinney moved to appoint Joe Potempa as an ex-officio member to the TIF
Board. Mr. Greenwald seconded the motion, which carried with the following
votes:
. AYES: Councilmembers Jarman, Agee, Swinney and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#6 INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT: Consider and take action authorizing
Interlocal Agreement in Mutual Aid for Emergency Medical Services between the
City of Schertz and the City of Seguin.
Mr. Sweatt stated he is pleased with the working relationship we now have
between the City of Schertz and the City of Seguin. It will be beneficial to EMS to
receive financial assistance. Approval of the agreement is recommended.
Mr. Greenwald moved to approve authorization of an Interlocal Agreement in
Mutual Aid for Emergency Medical Services between the City of Schertz and the
City of Seguin. Mr. Agee seconded the motion, which carried with the following
votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Jarman, Agee, Swinney and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
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#7 BEXAR METRO 9-1-1 BUDGET: Consider and take action approving
Bexar Metro 9-1-1 Network proposed budget.
Mr. Sweatt reported talking with Bill Buckholds regarding PSAP costs. Part of it
has to do with the E-911 District office and part with alternate answering points in
emergency situations. It's on a long-term basis and in a disaster, we could move
our equipment to their office. A portion of the cost for Wireless Phase 1 is for a
system where cellular calls can be handled. It will be designed to provide the
same service as from hard wire lines. Bexar Metro 9-1-1 is asking for approval of
their budget and the City is the beneficiary.
Mr. Agee moved to approve the Bexar Metro 9-1-1 Nertwork proposed budget.
Mrs. Jarman seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Jarman, Agee, Swinney and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#8 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
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. Noted last weekend was the last time they could operate the swimming pool
this season. All the lifeguards and other workers have submitted their
resignations due to the early start of school. Mr. Swinney inquired if the City
is looking for lifeguards and Mr. Sweatt replied they have tried other cities, but
none are available.
. Commented he had been asked about Riedel's sign on FM 78 and said they
replaced a sign. He pointed out that all signs along FM 78 will be removed,
by ordinance, within the next several months when the widening begins.
. Reported receiving a notice from the law firm representing the City in the
Holman case. For the sum of $77,497 the City will own the property. Mayor
Baldwin mentioned Mr. Holman has the right to appeal and the amount could
be more, but not less. Mr. Sweatt added it could be less, but that's not likely.
He then said if Council has no objections, the City will file notice of
acceptance. There were no objections.
#9 ITEMS BY COUNCIL
Mrs. Jarman:
. Stated at the workshop last week she was physically challenged and thanked
Mr. Sweatt for his help.
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. Commended those involved in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new
emergency services buildings, especially Mrs. Sweatt.
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. Referred to the letter in Mr. Sweatt's activity report regarding Pecan Grove.
When she was on the Planning and Zoning Commission, they used to drive
through there at least once a month and the conditions were lamentable.
ARC has done wonders with the appearance - it looks much better.
Mr. Aaee:
. Noted he also enjoyed the groundbreaking ceremonies.
Mr. Swinney:
. Regarding Pecan Grove, indicated he is not ready to commit $1,000,000 for
the purchase of part of it.
. Pointed out that the sign by Bradzoil referencing Dobie Middle School needs
to be updated to Dobie Jr. High School.
. Echoed Mrs. Jarman's remarks about the groundbreaking for the emergency
services buildings.
Mr. Greenwald:
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. Remarked he was also pleased with the groundbreaking ceremonies,
especially the soft dirt.
#10 ITEMS BY MAYOR
. Inquired about the status of the Pfeil Street property. Mr. Sweatt advised the
executor of the estate has not signed the papers transferring the property to
the new owner.
. Reported he had a citizen complain to him about the high cost of a traffic
ticket. The person was not denying guilt, but felt the fines were too high. Mr.
Sweatt explained the City gets 10% of the money if it is sent to the State on
time and there's a penalty if it's late. Mayor Baldwin thought we need to
make sure the citizens understand how much of the money goes to the State.
Mr. Greenwald observed it sounds like a good item for the Newslettter.
#11 ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Baldwin adjourned the Regular Session at 7:31 p.m.
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Following a short break after adjournment of the Regular Session, the Schertz
City Council convened in Special Workshop Session in the Conference Room of
the Municipal Complex, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas.
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#1 BUDGET WORKSHOP
Mr. Sweatt related he had a call from Mr. Potempa whose wife is now at home,
but critical, saying he had looked at the salary plan and is convinced it is
workable.
Mr. Agee admitted he has some problems with the salary plan. He can't see
paying for longevity twice and there's no cost of living increase. He will approve
the salary plan so they can get on with the budget, but just wanted to express his
objections. He also stated he was not impressed with Mr. Van Ausburg and his
presentation.
There was some discussion about TMRS and the benefit to employees of a raise
in the City's contribution from currently matching one dollar for every one dollar to
matching one dollar and fifty cents for every one dollar. There was also
discussion about the long-range plan to institute increases. Mr. Sweatt
commented he would like to reinstate the merit increases on 10/1/99. He also
pointed out that, realistically, the City is looking at three years for the
incorporation of the new salary plan.
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Mr. Swinney asked if they had come to any conclusion on disability insurance.
Mr. Sweatt explained the short term suffers, the prices are better for the long
term. There are a lot of different plans out there and many of them want high
participation. There was discussion about various plans, their prices and the
turnover rate. Mayor Baldwin asked for Council's feelings on the matter. Mrs.
Jarman inquired if the City can afford disability insurance and Mr. Sweatt
answered they can if it's Council's wishes. Mr. Swinney suggested they
designate $10,000 in the budget for disability insurance. The other
Councimembers were agreeable to that amount and directed Mr. Sweatt to
proceed with the long-term plan. Mr. Sweatt asked for help from Mr. Swinney on
this matter.
Regarding the salary plan, Mayor Baldwin expressed concern about the Fire
Chief and the EMS Director being at the same salary level. Mr. Sweatt pointed
out this Fire Chief doesn't have EMS under his direction. Mr. Swinney asked
what the City could save if they combined the positions. Mr. Sweatt answered he
couldn't say - it would have to be done in steps. There was a brief discussion
about this possibility.
Mayor Baldwin, getting back to the rest of the budget, said he is against an auto
allowance for the City Manager. There are no problems with the current vehicle
contract and he thinks the buying of a vehicle for the City Manager and the use of
a City gas card are sufficient.
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Mr. Sweatt spoke to the issue saying he was trying to reduce the impact on the
budget so they could buy three new vehicles instead of four. His choice would
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