ccreg 09-15-1998
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REGULAR SESSION OF THE SCHERTZ CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 15, 1998
The Schertz City Council convened in Regular Session on Wednesday,
September 15, 1998 at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Complex Council Chambers,
1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas. The following members were present:
Mayor Hal Baldwin, presiding; Council members Pia Jarman; Joe Potempa;
Norman W. Agee, Sr.; Timothy Swinney and Ken Greenwald. 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. Following the Pledge, a Proclamation was presented to the Veterans of
Foreign Wars declaring September 20th through the 26th as "Voice of
Democracy" week in the City of Schertz. Those present to receive the
Proclamation on behalf of the VFW were Dolly Edwards, President, Martha
Wright, Patricia Copeland and Richard Gibbons, Senior Vice-Commander.
#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.
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No one had signed up to speak.
#2 PUBLIC HEARING: To receive citizen comments regarding the FY
1998/99 budget.
Mayor Baldwin explained the procedures to be followed for the public hearing.
Mrs. Sweatt then advised the proposed budget had been filed with the City
Secretary as required by the City Charter and in accordance with State law.
L.J. Cott, Comptroller, gave a slide presentation which highlighted, in chart form,
the revenues and expenditures of the General Fund, the Water and Wastewater
Fund, The SAFES Fund, the Fleet Services Fund, the Capital Recovery Fund,
the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund, the Park Fund and the Recycling Fund. -
Mr. Sweatt explained the change in assessed property values and the effective
tax rate. He then stated they conducted budget workshops in August and a
public hearing on the tax rate was held September 9th.
Ron Brockman, a resident of Carolina Crossing, had questions about the
replacement program for police cars. Mr. Sweatt stated they propose to
purchase four (4) new police cars. They have a total of twelve (12) and the
replacement is based more on miles rather than the age of the cars. Mr.
Brockman asked how the old cars are disposed of and Mr. Sweatt answered
. some (which are in decent shape) are dispersed to other departments in the City
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(Le., Planning and Inspection) and the rest are sold at public auction. An auction
is held whenever enough items are accumulated.
Mr. Brockman questioned if there's a salary increase for the Police Department
included in the proposed budget. Mr. Sweatt answered the City had hired a
consulting firm to do a salary plan study for the City and upon their
recommendation, there are salary increases for employees in the proposed
budget based on the prevailing rate for similar jobs.
Earl Hartzog of 3700 Whitefield declared his support of the replacement program
for police cars.
There being no further questions or comments, Mayor Baldwin closed the public
hearing at this time.
#3 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on emergency reading of
Ordinance regarding the proposed tax rate for FY 1998/99.
Mayor Baldwin introduced an ordinance and read the caption as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 98-T-28
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LEVYING AND ASSESSING ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY WITHIN THE
CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS FOR THE YEAR
1998; PROVIDING THE BASIS OF ASSESSMENT OF ONE HUNDRED
PERCENT (100%) APPRAISED VALUE AND PROVIDING FOR THE
COLLECTION THEREOF AT THE RATE OF $0.3544 ON THE ONE HUNDRED
DOLLAR ($100.00) ASSESSED VALUATION AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY.
Mr. Swinney moved to approve the emergency reading of the Ordinance
regarding the proposed tax rate for FY 1998/99. Mr. Agee seconded the motion,
which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Jarman, Potempa, Agee, Swinney and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#4 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on emergency reading of
Ordinance regarding the budget for FY 1998/99.
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Mayor Baldwin introduced an ordinance and read the caption as follows:
ORDINANCE 98-M-29
PROVIDING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1,1998
AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1999, BY APPROVING THE BUDGET FOR
SAID PERIOD AND APPROPRIATING THE NECESSARY FUNDS OUT OF
THE GENERAL AND OTHER REVENUES OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ,
TEXAS, FOR SAID YEAR FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND OEPRATION OF
THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS AND FOR VARIOUS ACTIVITIES AND
IMPROVEMENTS OF THE CITY; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the emergency reading of the Ordinance
regarding the budget for FY 1998/99. Mr. Swinney seconded the motion.
Before the vote, Mr. Sweatt commended the efforts of all the staff and especially
L.J. Cott and Mark Marquez in making approval of the budget seem like an easy
process.
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Mayor Baldwin noted he thought it was outstanding that some of the Samuel
Clemens High School students were present. The passing of the budget is one
of the most important things the City Council does. Two other important things
are the establishment of the tax rate and the management of growth to maintain
the quality of life in the City. He is disappointed by the lack of attendance at the
meeting tonight. Some think that's a good sign, others don't care.
At this time the vote was taken and the motion carried as follows:
AYES: Councilmembers Jarman, Potempa, Agee, Swinney and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#5 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on final reading of ordinance
amending the Code pertaining to purchasing requirements.
Mayor Baldwin introduced an ordinance and read the caption as follows:
AN ORDINANCE
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS AMENDING
THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS,
CHAPTER 2, ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE 1, IN GENERAL, SECTION 2-8,
COMPETITIVE BIDS FOR PURCHASES AND SALES; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
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Mr. Sweatt advised this ordinance had been discussed at previous workshops
and will put the City in compliance with State law as far as the requirements for
sealed bids.
Mrs. Jarman moved to approve the final reading of an Ordinance amending the
Code pertaining to purchasing requirements. Mr. Potempa seconded the motion,
which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Jarman, Potempa, Agee, Swinney and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#6 POLICY: Consider and take action approving policy regarding the Internet
and E-Mail Systems.
Mr. Sweatt commented the City believes it is appropriate to establish a policy for
the Internet and E-Mail Systems. An employee has no right to privacy in the use
of the systems, however, some latitude will be given for personal use to
encourage proficiency and familiarity with the systems. Any deviation will be
approved and/or disapproved on a case by case basis. Approval of the policy is
recommended.
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Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the policy regarding the Internet and E-Mail
Systems. Mr. Swinney seconded the motion, which carried with the following
votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Jarman, Potempa, Agee, Swinney and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#7 AGREEMENT: Consider and take action approving professional services
agreement for architectural work on Library and Municipal Complex remodeling.
Mr. Sweatt reported that when the bond issue was passed, it included some
funds for remodeling of the existing Municipal Complex and refacing of the
Library. The funds for this professional services agreement would total $30,000.
Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the professional services agreement for
architectural work on the Library and Municipal Complex remodeling in the
amount of $30,000. Mrs. Jarman seconded the motion, which carried with the
following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Jarman, Potempa, Agee, Swinney and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
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Mayor Baldwin noted this agreement had been discussed at the workshop
session last Wednesday.
#8 BID AWARD: Consider and take action regarding bid for long-term
disability insurance.
Mr. Sweatt advised they normally don't award a bid of this type so soon after
approval of the budget, but open enrollment for City employees is scheduled for
September 16th and 17th and it seemed appropriate the new benefits be
included in the open enrollment session.
Mr. Sweatt went on to say the City solicited proposals and the tabulations were
included in the Council packets. They went back to Provident, the lowest bidder,
because they seemed somewhat discriminatory against categories of employees.
Council was provided with a second proposal from Provident just minutes ago
and the price increased from 15 cents per $100 to 20 cents per $100. If TML can
provide at less cost through the pool, then Provident would meet that rate. The
net effect is that the rate of 20 cents per $100 is guaranteed for two years.
Mr. Sweatt further stated they believe they received excellent proposals and this
will be a significant addition to the employee benefit package at a reasonable
rate. He recommends it be authorized to be effective October 1 st.
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Mayor Baldwin then verified they won't be required to join the TML Benefits Risk
Pool this year and Mr. Sweatt answered that's correct. That makes the next
item on the agenda moot.
Mr. Swinney stated Provident is well known as the top dog in disability insurance.
They are extremely sound financially and very well respected.
Mr. Swinney then moved to award the bid for long-term disability insurance to
Provident at a rate of 20 cents per $100 in earnings. Mr. Greenwald seconded
the motion.
Before the vote, Mr. Swinney commented he hopes disability is not a hot topic
and hopes the City will stress what a good benefit it is.
At this time the vote was taken and the motion carried as follows:
AYES: Councilmembers Jarman, Potempa, Agee, Swinney and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#9 INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT: Consider and take action regarding
Interlocal Agreement between the City of Schertz and TML Group Benefits Risk
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Pool for purposes of securing long-term disability insurance. (As was explained
previously by Mr. Sweatt, this Item is now moot.)
$10 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
· Reported the City is scheduling its first television show and asked Rachel
Drady, reporter for the Herald Newspaper Group, to elaborate. Ms. Drady
said the first show is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24th.
The shows will be run one time per week on Channel 20. The three following
shows are scheduled for October 1 st, October 8th and October 15th. There
may be some tapes available for those who are not Paragon Cable
subscribers. When asked by Mrs. Jarman if there's a breakdown of dates for
specific episodes, Ms. Drady replied there is, but Paragon reserves the right
to substitute.
#11 ITEMS BY COUNCIL
Mrs. Jarman:
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· Reported on the status of the Schertz Humane Society. Michael Spain found
the Charter and the original by-laws and changes will be provided to Council.
They are at a critical point. There is an important distinction between animal
welfare groups and animal rights groups. She commended John Bierschwale
and Matt Braughton for their assistance and asked Mr. Sweatt to pass on her
gratitude to those employees. Mayor Baldwin asked how many active
members the Schertz Humane Society has and was told eight, but funds are
not available to send letters to all members.
· Mentioned speaking to a newcomer who lives in the new section of Woodland
Oaks and doesn't get the Herald Newspaper or the Newsletter. Ms. Drady
remarked that normally, the Herald Newspaper waits to distribute until an
entire subdivision is finished. Mrs. Jarman then asked if when the newcomer
packets are given out, could a Newsletter be included. Mr. Sweatt answered
they will see to it. Mr. Sweatt also noted that various homeowners
associations take care of distributing the Newsletter. Mrs. Jarman asked Mr.
Brockman (in the audience) if he gets the Herald Newspaper or the
Newsletter and he replied he does not get the Herald, but the Newsletter is
available at his office. There was a brief discussion about how to get the
Newsletter distributed to all the Schertz residents.
Mr. Potempa:
· Apologized for a wrong temperature for Schertz being reported on the news -
it was not 78 as given, but 87 instead.
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. Mr. Swinney:
. Inquired if Schertz is still in Stage 1 Water Conservation and was told by Mr.
Sweatt that's correct.
. Commented on the protocol for wearing ties at Council meetings and said he
recommends ties because they give an air of dignity.
Mr. Greenwald:
. Provided Mr. Sweatt with a copy of the Seguin Gazette and pointed out one of
the articles which says the City of Seguin is looking at the possibility of
creating an underground water district in Guadalupe County.
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Earl Hartzog, Chairman of the Board of Adjustment (BOA), asked to make some
comments at this time and was given permission to do so by Mayor Baldwin. Mr.
Hartzog stated there was a BOA meeting last night regarding proposed storage
on FM 3009 up by the Forest Ridge Subdivision. They wanted a rear yard
setback exception and a zero lot line. The developer will be cutting down lots of
trees and he feels Council should take a look at the City policy regarding trees.
The BOA suggests that for every tree that's cut down, one needs to be planted to
replace it.
Mayor Baldwin asked if the BOA approved the request and Mr. Hartzog replied
they did. Mr. Swinney asked why they're building up there instead of lower down
on FM 3009 and Mr. Hartzog answered because of the price of the land.
Barshop probably gave them a good deal. Mayor Baldwin observed they
probably don't have time to pass an ordinance to cover this situation with this
developer. Mr. Greenwald pointed out they will have to come back to Planning
and Zoning for several things. Their preliminary landscape plan was very nice,
but they are taking a lot of trees down.
Mr. Hartzog also referred to Council's recent decision regarding sidewalks along
FM 3009 and suggested they also look at bicycle trails. He then thanked Council
for their time.
#12 ITEMS BY MAYOR
Told the students present he appreciated their attendance at the meeting.
#13 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further discussion, Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at
8:27 p.m.
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