ccspecwksp 05-10-2000
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SPECIAL WORKSHOP SESSION OF THE SCHERTZ CITY COUNCIL
MAY 10,2000
The Schertz City Council hosted a reception for outgoing Councilmember Pia Jarman at
6:30 p.rn., prior to the Special Workshop Session, in the Municipal Complex Conference
Room, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas. The reception was attended by friends
and co-workers of Mrs. Jarman. Mayor Baldwin presented her a plaque in appreciation
of her service to the City. Refreshments and conversation were enjoyed by all.
Following the reception, the Council convened in Special Workshop Session at 7:00 p.rn.
in the Municipal Complex Conference Room, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas.
The following members were present: Mayor Hal Baldwin, presiding; Councilmembers
Pia Jarman, Joe Potempa, Reginna Agee, Glyn D. Williams and Ken Greenwald. Staff
present were City Manager Kerry Sweatt and City Secretary Norma Althouse.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
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David Richmond of 2921 Bent Tree Drive suggested Council might want to consider
placing on their next agenda some kind of action regarding improvements to Green Valley
Road. Mr. Sweatt promised to take it under advisement, and then explained to Mr.
Richmond the new rules for Hearing of Residents under the Open Meetings Act. Those
rules allow only the following responses to a question: a) a statement of specific factual
information; b) a statement of existing policy; or c) discussion regarding when the matter
can be placed on the Council's agenda for consideration at a later meeting.
#2 Discuss public hearing scheduled for 5-16-00 regarding drought contingency
plan.
John Bierschwale, Public Works Director, was at the meeting to discuss changes to
Exhibit "A" of the Drought Contingency Plan for both Public Water Supply and
Wholesale Customers which had come about since the Council's packets were prepared
last Friday. Copies of those changes were distributed.
Mr. Sweatt explained they have gone along with other entities so customers don't get
confused. The public hearing has been advertised to comply with the Texas Natural
Resource and Conservation Commission (TNRCC) rules. The Edwards Aquifer
Authority (EAA) issued different rules than issued in the past and the City is trying to
balance all these requirements. Mr. Bierschwale will brief Council on all the highlights
and answer any questions.
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Mr. Bierschwale started off by saying he is sure there will be more changes to Exhibit
"A" as time goes on. There are different requirements between the City and wholesale
customers as far as stages and levels and percentages. There's a 5% difference in
percentages. They have a fourth step as a back up because several years ago they lost a
water well. Also, there's fifth step at which time Council would determine limits for
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water rationing. There are no voluntary stages and because of that, citations will be
issued. There is no outdoor watering during daylight hours. Also, the ordinance would be
in effect all year round.
Mayor Baldwin inquired if the City ever talked to the school about getting on the reuse
water line. Mr. Bierschwale replied yes, but they will do so again. The biggest problem
with the school is the outside watering 10:00 a.rn. time. Mayor Baldwin then noted it
wouldn't make any difference if they could get on the reuse water line and Mr.
Bierschwale confirmed that's correct.
Mr. Sweatt brought up the fact the EAA says you can't have ornamental fountains. Mr.
Bierschwale added San Antonio says if they're the recycling kind, you can have them. If
that's good enough for San Antonio, it's good enough for Schertz.
Mr. Bierschwale then reviewed the highlights of the changes which had been distributed.
The first ones listed (for Public Water Supply) were for changes in Section VII,
Defmitions, regarding athletic fields, golf courses and landscape irrigation use.
1. Section VII, Definitions:
Under Athletic Field, change (a) to read: Conforming Athletic Field - An athletic field
with an approved groundwater conservation plan under Section XI of this plan.
. Under Golf Course, change (a) to read: Conforming Golf Course - A golf course with an
approved groundwater conservation plan pursuant to Section X of this plan.
Under Landscape Irrigation Use, add but does not include:
(a) Non-discretionary use without waste of groundwater by a commercial nursery to the
extent the water is used for production rather than decorative landscaping.
(b) Application of ground water without waste to a non-commercial family garden or
orchard, the produce of which is for household consumption only.
(c) Application of groundwater by means of hand-held bucket, hand-held hose, soaker
hose, or properly installed drip irrigation system; and
Application of groundwater by means of a soaker hose, hand held, hose or properly
installed drip irrigation system immediately next to concrete foundation solely for the
purpose of preventing, to the extend the watering is necessary, substantial damage to
the foundation of the structure caused by movement of the foundation.
2. Section VIII, Triggering: Water Rationing.
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Under requirements for initiation the only change was the Section number to XII.
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3. Section IX, 2, Drought Response Stages: Stage 1 Restrictions.
(b) add, and Golf Courses
Conforming 10% .............. (change Sections to X & XI)
Non-conforming 10% ...........( change Sections to X & XI)
Also add:
(i) Operation of any ornamental fountain or pond for aesthetic or scenic
purposes is prohibited except where necessary to support aquatic life or
where such fountains or ponds are equipped with a recirculation system.
4. Section IX, 2, Drought Response Stages: Stage II Restrictions.
(b) add, and Golf Courses
_Conforming 10% ............... (change Sections to X & XI)
Non-Conforming 10% ..........( change Sections to X & XI)
5. Section XII, Industrial Customers
Add, and Commercial Nurseries
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There was one change, as follows, to the Wholesale Plan:
1. Section VII, (d) Stage 4 - Emergency Shortage Conditions
Change to read:
Requirements for initiation - Customers shall be required to comply with the
requirements and restrictions for Stage 4 of this Plan when City Manager, or his/her
designee, determines that a water supply emergency exists based on:
Mr. Bierschwale reviewed the days and times for watering He noted that industrial and
commercial are not restricted in Stages 1, 2 and 3, but they are not allowed any excess
water wasting.
Mr. Bierschwale further stated that should water rationing be declared, a family would be
considered two people. The City would have to be told how many there are in a
particular family. Mrs. Jarman felt this wording in the booklet, about the number of
people in a family, should be changed because it almost sounds like the City is
encouraging people to lie about the size of their family.
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Mayor Baldwin asked if exceeding the average monthly usage is subject to fme because
some people out there don't care. Mr. Bierschwale related they wrote only one citation
last year and that was by a police officer. The Water Department personnel try to have
good public relations with the residents.
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Mr. Williams thought that on page 6 of the Public Water Supply Plan, in paragraph (c),
the word Industrial should be changed to Institutional - that would include Homeowners
Associations.
Mr. Potempa told Mr. Bierschwale he likes the plans - they did a good job.
Mr. Williams asked if in regard to athletic fields, 10% in the first stage is guesswork. Mr.
Bierschwale replied yes in the first year until they get a meter for the fields.
Mr. Bierschwale then commented they are trying to parallel San Antonio. Mr. Sweatt
added they plan to advertise on the web site on the Internet and in the Newsletter and are
open to other suggestions. The main thing is to eliminate confusion. Mr. Williams
suggested getting an article to the Homeowners Associations for their newsletters.
Mayor Baldwin verified this would be on the agenda next Tuesday night. Council agreed
they were ready.
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#3 Discuss following requests from Schertz Business Association:
1) variance to extend closing time of City Park from 11:00 p.m. until midnight
from June 30. 2000 through July 4, 2000 for 4th of July Jubilee;
2) Resolution designating particular area and dates for which alcoholic beverages
can be brought into Pickrell Park; and
3) contract approval
Anita Clark was at the meeting representing the Schertz Business Association. Mayor
Baldwin asked if there are any changes to what these items have contained in the past
other than times and dates. Mrs. Clark replied no. There was a brief discussion about the
designated area for alcoholic beverages and the drawing was reviewed to make sure it
was accurate. Mrs. Clark acknowledged it was correct. Mrs. Jarman pointed out the
statement on the flyer saying no dogs or coolers at the pavilion. She asked if the
statement about dogs could be enforced. Mrs Clark replied yes - they have used police
officers to help enforce it.
Mrs. Clark then mentioned that a local girl, Leslie Brooks, who is 15 years old and lives
on Pecan and sings, would be performing several different times. Also, there will be Arts
and Crafts under the pavilion on July 2nd and there will be Arts and Crafts outside on the
4th. Mr. Sweatt pointed out this is the 25th year for the Jubilee.
Mayor Baldwin commented it bugs him a little that the Jubilee doesn't get much
advertisement, but they probably couldn't handle any more people. Mrs. Clark remarked
there's a magazine (more like a newspaper) called Festivals of Texas and there will be an
ad in there. She then noted that for most festivals, the Highway Department puts out
signs. How can we get some for the Jubilee? Mr. Sweatt advised that Frank Holzman in
Seguin would be the place to start.
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Council indicated they were ready for this item to be placed on next Tuesday night's
agenda.
#4 Discuss bids for Communication Recording System in Police Department.
Mrs. Sweatt advised bids were solicited and only two were submitted. Those were from
Commercial Electronics for $26,118.30 and from Dictaphone for $34,873.00. It is
recommended, after review, that the bid be awarded to Commercial Electronics. There
would be a three-week delivery and installation time.
Chief Jerry Smith explained the current system is old, outdated and partially inaudible.
The old unit is the size of an upright freezer. The new unit would be the size of two
PC's.
Mr. Potempa asked if the funds are available and Mr. Sweatt replied yes, they are part of
the bond package.
Council indicated they were prepared for this item to be included on next Tuesday night's
agenda.
#5 Discuss update regarding FM 78 Improvement Project.
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Mr. Sweatt introduced Maureen Goodrich, Chairperson of the FM 78 Improvement
Group, and said she had been working with Planning and Zoning now for about nine
months on this project. Ms. Goodrich acknowledged that Steve Simonson, David
Richmond, Gail Douglas, Tony Moreno and Rich Gibbons are here tonight and they also
served on the Group.
Ms. Goodrich went on to say they started out with three goals - aesthetic improvements
ofFM 78 businesses from Cibolo Creek to FM 3009, landscape improvements for Cibolo
Creek and railroad bridge, and landscape improvements along railroad right-of-way. Mr.
Potempa questioned what the estimate was to bury the electric lines and Mr. Sweatt
replied 1.3 million dollars. Mayor Baldwin suggested, since they can't afford to bury
them, looking into moving the lines behind the businesses, like they are in some areas.
Mr. Sweatt stated he would look into it.
Mr. Potempa asked how many street lights they're talking about and Ms. Goodrich
answered they were unable to get an exact estimate because it depends on the placement
of the street lights. Mr. Sweatt estimated they're probably looking at a minimum of
twenty. Mr. Simonson related that Commissioner Wolverton volunteered to take them to
an electric company that does decorative street lights for the State and said they would
layout a plan for the City for free.
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Mr. Greenwald inquired if the contract for the road includes re- installing the existing
lights and Mr. Sweatt replied yes, but not any new ones. Mr. Richmond observed you
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won't see the decorative ones anyway because of all the poles. Mr. Sweatt advised they
are looking at some decorative lighting in the City public parking lots.
Mr. Williams asked if they had considered selling brick for the sidewalk. Mr. Simonson
replied a 5-foot sidewalk is part of the TXDoT contract. They will work with the City on
color of the sidewalk, but nothing else. Mr. Williams then inquired if bricks are out of
the question and Mr. Simonson answered they have to go with the State High,way
specifications
Mr. Greenwald wondered if there will be a sidewalk on each side and Mr. Simonson
replied no, just on one side.
Council had received, in their packets, a brochure from the FM 78 Improvement Group
outlining, among other things, their goals and their proposed recommendations. The
brochure also contained pictures of examples of decorative street lighting, a picture of an
example of an archway entrance, and pictures of examples of various landscaping ideas.
Mayor Baldwin thanked Ms. Goodrich for her time and said he appreciated all her hard
work. He then asked if she was going to stick around and Ms. Goodrich answered she
thought she would be around for a little while yet.
#6 Discuss Code of Conduct for CounciL
. Mrs. Jarman related they had input last week from City Attorney Michael Spain. Mr.
Sweatt verified that input had been incorporated into the Code by the City Secretary.
Mrs. Jarman then suggested changes to paragraph 2.2, Quorum, paragraph 3.3, Workshop
Sessions, paragraph 3.7, Emergency Meetings, paragraph 4.6, Substitution of Mayor and
paragraph 5.5, Consent Agenda. These were all discussed by Council and they agreed
with the changes. Mrs. Jarman also suggested a paragraph be added under Purpose and
Scope recommending that candidates for election attend at least a workshop and a re~ular
meeting in order to become familiar with the process and procedure of Council meetings.
Council thought it was a good idea Norma Head, Councilmember Place 1 elect, also
thought it was good idea. Mr. Sweatt promised to check on a couple of questions
Council had about the duties of the Mayor Pro-Tern. The consensus of Council was to
put this on an agenda for action whenever the changes are completed.
#7 Discuss City policy for naming of facilities.
Council reviewed the policy and found nothing they wanted to change but a couple of
typing errors. They indicated their readiness for this item to be included on next Tuesday
night's agenda.
#8 Discuss swearing in of Mayor and Councilmembers for Places #1 and #2.
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Mr. Sweatt advised they had, in the past, arranged the agenda so the outgoing
Councilmembers got to vote on all old business and then swore in the new members so
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they could vote on new business. Are we going to stay with this tradition? The
consensus of Council was to stay with tradition.
#9 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
There was none.
#10 ITEMS BY COUNCIL
Mr. Greenwald:
. Reported that the BVY A peewees are behind 29 games due to rain. Some of the
other age groups are also behind.
Mrs. Jarman:
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. Noted since she won't be around the next time for the Items by Council, she will say
her farewells. She thanked the City Secretary for her patience and kindness. She
thanked Mr. Williams for his patience and his efforts in entering the Code of Conduct
on his computer. She bequeathed the fmishing of the Code to him. She asked Mr.
Potempa for his forgiveness for all the conflicts they have had (she thinks they both
feel strongly about things). She thanked Mrs. Agee for the joy and pleasure of
working with her. She thanked Mr. Greenwald, her mentor, and said, jokingly, he
was the one who conned her into running for Council. She also thanked him for all
his years of working on the alternate water supply. She thanked the City Manager for
his patience and for not assuming that she always knew things and letting her ask
dumb questions. She also thanked him for being a friend. She thanked the Mayor for
being the father of the family and for his wit and humor. She also told him he has a
pretty good Council. Mayor Baldwin expressed how much the Council appreciates
all the efforts put forth by her while serving with them.
Mr. Williams:
. Mentioned the Health Report and saw that no one from Stop-N-Go had attended any
of the food handling classes. They are always on the list for non-compliance. Mr.
Sweatt commented Gary Davis will start issuing citations and it might be he would
issue them both to the employees and the managers.
#11 ITEMS BY MAYOR:
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. Reported attending a workshop this past Monday of the Commissioner's Court
regarding the TIF. He, Mr. Sweatt and Mr. Potempa attended. They made their
presentation. When looking at the numbers for the County, it is clear the revenue
they are receiving is substantial. There is nothing illegal about the TIF. One of the
Commissioners is going to come to Schertz to look at Schertz Parkway and expressed
an interest in getting the project started.
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. Stated all the Councilmembers should have their evaluation forms for the City
Manager. (Several asked for copies.)
. Invited anyone who's interested to attend the Northeast Partnership meeting
tomorrow at the Dragon Lake Restaurant in Universal City. There are at least two
new mayors in the area.
Mr. Potempa asked that he be notified when the County Commissioner's Court is going
to visit. He was told he would be notified.
Before adjournment, Mr. Williams asked what happened to the photograph of Council
that Glen Outlaw took. He was told it is hanging in the lobby here at City Hall.
#12 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Baldw' adjourned the meet~g at
8:20 p.m.
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ATTEST
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City Secretary, City of Schertz
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