ccspecwksp 06-28-2000
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SPECIAL WORKSHOP SESSION OF THE SCHERTZ CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 28, 2000
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop Session on Wednesday, June
28, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Complex Conference Room, 1400 Schertz
Parkway, Schertz, Texas. Those present were as follows: Mayor Hal Baldwin,
presiding; Councilmembers Reginna Agee; Glyn D. Williams and Ken Greenwald.
Absent: Councilmembers Norma Head and Joe Potempa. Staff present were City
Manager Kerry Sweatt and City Secretary Norma Althouse.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
No one had signed up to speak.
Due to a conflict of interest, Mayor Baldwin turned Items #2 and #3 over to Mayor Pro-
Tern Agee.
#2 Discuss final reading of Ordinance establishing reinvestment zone in
Commercial Place Industrial Park.
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Council agreed they were ready for this item to be included on the next regular meeting
agenda.
#3 Discuss final reading of Ordinance regarding Tax Abatement and Tax
Abatement Agreement with Metro Ambulance.
Council agreed they were also ready for this item to be included on the next regular
meeting agenda.
At this time Mayor Baldwin returned and continued to preside over the rest of the
meeting.
#4 Discuss fint reading of Ordinance regarding rate increase by Waste
Management.
Mr. Sweatt advised that based on the billing schedule, the earliest effective date for the
3% rate increase could be August 18th, but they are recommending August 22nd because
that would coincide with the first date of a billing cycle.
Mr. Williams wondered, if before the waters are muddied any further, they could hold
off on the 3% until a decision has been made about the 6%. Mrs. Agee commented they
could stipulate when the first reading is approved that they require a written response
within 30 days regarding the 6%.
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Mayor Baldwin emphasized they gave Waste Management an opportunity to resolve this
6% matter, so we need to set the effective date by the final reading of the ordinance.
Michael Spain, City Attorney, suggested they should have the written response to the
City by the time the agenda is posted for the final reading. If they don't, then the
ordinance won't come up for a final reading. Council could probably get some kind of
indication by the meeting of July 12th. The consensus of Council was to go with Mr.
Spain's suggestion.
#5 Consider and take action on a requested variance for a dunking booth at 4th
of July Jubilee for BVY A All Stars.
Mr. Sweatt related that similar requests have been denied because they are in Stage 1 of
the Drought Management Plan. The carnival has been denied several items because of
the water situation.
Mayor Baldwin informed Council the team is going to Burleson, Texas for nationals and
they need about $4,000 for those team members who can't afford to go otherwise. He's
asking the Council to be benevolent - the request is not for cash, just water. If they can't
have the dunking booth on the 4th, they will still be selling hot dogs at the Jubilee. He
felt this request should come before Council.
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Mr. Sweatt pointed out that more than anything, it's the perception. We are expecting the
residents to conserve water. The City was chastised several years ago for a water booth
during the drought.
Several alternatives were discussed such as businesses chipping in $50.00 each, and using
foam rubber instead of water. Mrs. Agee asked how many others had been turned down.
Mr. Sweatt responded that car washes and certain rides (boats) at the carnival had been
turned down. Mr. Spain noted it's would be hard to justify turning down others if this is
approved.
Mr. Williams moved to disapprove the request from the BVY A All Stars for a dunking
booth at the 4th of July Jubilee. Mrs. Agee seconded the motion, which carried with the
following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Agee, Williams and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
After the vote, Mr. Spain said he would write BVY A a check for $50.00
#6 Discuss franchise agreements with Grande Communications and Western
Integrated Networks for telecommunications and cable service.
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Mr. Sweatt reminded Council they had representatives of both companies present this
evening and a presentation was made several weeks ago by Grande Communications.
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Western Integrated Networks has brochures to distribute to Council. This was placed on
the agenda as a discussion item and is considered being placed on the next regular
meeting agenda for action on the first reading of each ordinance.
Mr. Spain informed Council both agreements are non-exclusive and they will be as
similar as possible. He will try to have them ready for a first reading on July 12th. These
will serve the citizens by offering another cable opportunity. There is no presentation
tonight, but something more formal on July 12th.
Mr. Williams commented that after the presentation, he talked with some people and it
was mentioned that in the newer subdivisions, the cable boxes are in front. Will these be
installed the same as the current cable? It seems the citizens prefer the front.
Mr. Sweatt mentioned there might not be right-of-way conveyed in all cases. John Saenz
from Grande Communications replied if the availability is there, they would definitely
use it. Tina Mason of Western Integrated Networks noted that however electric goes into
the home, cable would have to follow. Mr. Spain suggested the City make sure in new
developments that cable is laid when the trenches are open.
Mr. Spain then went on to say both draft ordinances would require that if the utilities are
underground, the cable would be underground. Both ordinances are similar in detail.
Council needs to think about what the City wants.
. Mr. Sweatt noted one of the things the City wants is to connect City facilities through an
internet arrangement (traffic control, pumps, etc.). That was covered in the agreement
with Paragon Cable, but since Time-Warner acquired Paragon they haven't complied.
The City feels this is important.
Mayor Baldwin inquired how the law applies to Grande and Western as far as leasing
other items. Jerry Lambert of Grande replied they are protected under Title 6. They
don't have to open their cable lines to anyone. However, this regulation is in flux and
may be revisited in the next couple of months.
Mayor Baldwin remarked he thinks there will be concern about the number of boxes. He
then said he is glad to see the competition.
Mr. Greenwald expressed some concern about cuts and Mr. Sweatt said usually the cuts
are behind the curbs. Mr. Greenwald then mentioned that emergency notification is a big
deal and that needs to be in these agreements. Mr. Lambert advised there had been a
change in the law about that since the City signed an agreement with Paragon, so they
would need to make sure the scrolls are in conformance with the law.
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Mr. Sweatt reiterated the ordinances are in the hands of Mr. Spain and hopefully will be
in fmal form for the July 12, 2000 meeting. Council indicated they were prepared for the
ordinances to be included on the July 12, 2000 agenda.
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#7 Discuss E-911 budget.
Mr. Sweatt reminded Council the current telephone charges include a 22-cent per month
residential and a 51-cent per month commercial charge for support of 911 activity. The
City has benefited from the 911 District this year by having a second installation of the
latest technology in our dispatching area. The detailed budget is available for review and
it is recommended Council approve it.
Mayor Baldwin asked if Council would be required to vote on it at the next regular
meeting and was told yes. Council agreed they were ready to have it included on the
agenda of the next regular meeting.
#8 Discuss offer of donation of property.
Mr. Sweatt advised, as Council will recall, there was some question of ownership of
certain properties along the Cibolo Creek generated by the request of an adjacent
property owner to have the tract mowed. It was determined the tract belonged to Dennis
and Dawna Figol. The Figols are now offering the property to the City as a donation at
"fair market value for tax purposes."
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Mr. Sweatt went on to say that while we may have a cost of $4000 to $5000 in initial
clean-up and arrangements, he believes the City would benefit owning this property and
tying into the remainder of the property along the Cibolo Creek from FM 78. It is
recommended Council authorize the City to accept the property.
Mayor Baldwin observed that the more property the City owns along the Cibolo Creek,
the less problems they would have with creek clean-up. He then asked if Council needs
to take action now and Mr. Sweatt replied no - it would be brought back later.
#9 Discuss water billing matten.
Mr. Sweatt commented they believe they have resolved all issues. They are a little
behind in posting, but starting with cycles 6 and 7, the bills will show consumption and
debits and credits. The customers will receive their next bills at the time they are
accustomed to receiving them. Mr. Greenwald remarked they would see what happens
when the bills go out.
Mr. Sweatt then mentioned he would try and get an article in the Newsletter. He is open
for suggestions as how to word the information about the Waste Management increase.
Mayor Baldwin asked how far away they are from having the water bills sealed in
envelopes. Mr. Sweatt replied it shouldn't be too long.
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#10 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
. Reported that Guadalupe County has withdrawn its e-mail message that said the vote
on the TIF would be on June 29th They had the meeting on the 27th instead. Mayor
Baldwin said he thinks he'll attend the next meeting and express his opinion about
that. The TIF was a good business proposition. Mr. Greenwald stated the County
would be here at the City someday with hat in hand. Mr. Williams asked what's
going to happen to the Schertz Parkway project and Mayor Baldwin replied they
would have to consider a bond issue. Mr. Sweatt noted they stand a good chance of
getting FEMA money for the big ditch problem. They should have gone ahead and
the school and the County would have been locked in. This prompted a brief
discussion on conservatism. Mr. Williams mentioned they need to get the Schertz
Parkway Homeowners Associations out to vote. Mr. Sweatt admitted the project
could conceivably get passed without a bond issue.
#11 ITEMS BY COUNCIL
Mr. Williams:
. Remarked that last year Pia Jarman participated in opening ceremonies for the 4th of
July .Jubilee. Mayor Baldwin stated he would be there this year.
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Mr. Greenwald:
Inquired if invitations have been sent regarding VIP seats for the 4th of July Jubilee
parade. Mr. Sweatt promised to check into it, but indicated they should have already
been sent.
#12 ITEMS BY MAYOR
. Stated they would have the City Manager's evaluation at the July 12th meeting, so
please have the evaluations ready. Mr. Greenwald and Mrs. Agee both said they need
evaluation forms.
. Inquired about the status of the fire siren in the park. Mr. Sweatt replied a purchase
order had been issued. He will get Council an update.
#13 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at
8:34 p.m.
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ATTEST:
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City Secretary, City of Schertz
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