ccspecwksp 08-09-2000
.
SPECIAL WORKSHOP SESSION OF THE SCHERRTZ CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 9, 2000
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop Session on Wednesday, August
9, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Complex Conference Room, 1400 Schertz,
Parkway, Schertz, Texas The following members were present: Mayor Hal Baldwin,
presiding; Councilmembers Norma Head; Joe Potempa; Reginna Agee; Glyn D.
Williams and Ken Greenwald. Staff present were Interim City Manager Steve Simonson
and City Secretary Norma Althouse.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
No one had signed up to speak.
#2 Discuss procedures and process for selecting new City Manager.
Mayor Baldwin advised that at a conference, Larry Burnside had given him the name and
numbers of several organizations that do searches for little expense and do a good job.
He and Mr. Williams have talked about it. The :fitst thing Council needs to do is come up
with a type of person they want for a City Manager. Do they want to go nationally, have
someone screen the applications, set up interviews and have score sheets for review?
.
The Council can go through TML or ICMA, or they can go out to the community for a
committee. Hiring an executive firm to do it would cost between $10,000 and $15,000
and if the person hired quits after the first year, it's not known if the executive firm would
do a search again for free. Mr. Simonson says Michael Spain, City Attorney, has the
names of three firms he can give us.
Mr. Williams mentioned that upon reading through various information pertaining to this
process, some :firms would do salary negotiations and others open it up to the community
for a "meet the candidate" type of situation with a moderator.
Mayor Baldwin pointed out Council needs to decide whether they want to do this in
house or hire a firm to go out for an executive search. Mr. Greenwald suggested going
out for RFP's and if they don't like what they receive, they can start over. There was a
brief discussion about not necessarily having to take the lowest bidder. Mrs. Head stated
that a workshop in Kirby, there was talk about AACOG screening candidates. Mayor
Baldwin indicated they should look into that.
Mayor Baldwin then informed Council he would sit down with Steve Simonson and write
an RFP if Council has no objection. Council did not object. The Mayor then commented
they would set a date and would touch base with Michael Spain to make sure everything
is legal.
.
263
.
Mrs. Head remarked that at a conference she heard it said that the more people are
informed, the happier they are. Even though Council is ultimately responsible for the
decision, it would be good to keep people informed. Mr. Williams noted they could go
as far as asking for department head input. Mayor Baldwin acknowledged they need to
do whatever they're going to do efficiently and rapidly.
Mrs. Agee suggested disseminating what they are doing to the public because they have
gotten lots of unsigned letters. Mr. Potempa suggested that if they are unsigned, they
should be thrown away.
#3 RESOLUTION: Consider and take action on Resolution regarding amendment to
budget for payout to City Manager and salary for Interim City Manger.
Mayor Baldwin inquired if this payout would come out of the fund balance and Mr.
Simonson replied yes. It would be reconciled when the City is audited. The Mayor then
stated that in the future, they need to establish a liability fund for this type situation.
Mr. Potempa asked what the contingency fund is for and isn't it the same. Mayor
Baldwin answered it could come out of the contingency fund if there's enough money in
it.
.
There was discussion about what Council should pay Steve Simonson as the Interim City
Manager and Mayor Baldwin recommended paying him out of the City Manager's fund
(fund 51) and leaving the money in the Planning Department fund (fund 54). Mayor
Baldwin then advised Mr. Sweatt's salary was $74,400 plus a car and a phone. Mr.
Potempa asked Mr. Simonson what his current salary is and was informed $50-,000.
Mayor Baldwin thought Mr. Simonson, while serving as Interim City Manager, should be
paid the same salary as the previous City Manger. Mr. Simonson mentioned he would
leave the car at City Hall and use it only for City business. There's a certain tax liability
ifhe takes it home every day.
Mayor Baldwin introduced a Resolution and read the caption as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 00-R-15
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS
AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE BUDGET FOR PAY OUT TO THE
CITY MANAGER AND SALARY FOR THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER.
Mr. Greenwald moved to transfer $92,870 from the fund balance to the City Manager's
account and to set the current salary for the Interim City manager at $6,200 per month
until a new City Manager is hired. Mr. Potempa seconded the motion, which carried with
the following votes:
.
264
.
AYES: Councilmembers Head, Potempa, Agee, Williams and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#4 Discuss need for Stop Sign at Woodland Oaks Drive and Wild Cherry.
Mr. Simonson related this request originally came from concern on the part of the
Greenshire Homeowners Association. Both the Police Department and Public Works
conducted a field survey and found it to be a very dangerous intersection due to the brick
fencing on Woodland Oaks Drive. It is recommended a three-way Stop be installed at
Woodland Oaks Drive and Wild Cherry.
Council indicated they were ready for this item to be placed on next Tuesday night's
agenda.
#5 Discuss need for establishing a school zone on Schertz Parkway.
Mr. Simonson reported the Public Works Department is recommending a 20 mph school
zone be established at the intersection of Ashley Oak Drive, north on Schertz Parkway to
300 feet north of Savannah Drive. The area was pointed out on the map. The
recommended times are from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
.
Based on concerns by parents in Ashley Place, Unit One whose children attend Wilder
Elementary, it is felt there is possible risk of children being struck by a vehicle in this
area due to volume of traffic and speed.
Mr. Williams asked ifthere would be yellow flashing lights and John Bierschwale, Public
Works Director, replied no. Universal City has solar flashing lights and they are going to
check on those. Mrs. Agee commented that if the lights are flashing and school is not in
session, then citizens complain about that.
Council agreed they were prepared for this item to be included on next Tuesday night's
agenda.
#6 Discuss service truck bids for Public Works Department.
Mr. Simonson deferred to Mr. Bierschwale who stated they received one bid and it is
recommended they award the bid to Rush Truck Center out of San Antonio in the amount
of $62,116.. It is recommended they award only the purchase of the 3500 HD GMC
Chassis and Cab to Rush. After checking around they found that Croft Truck Equipment,
a service body and lift gate supplier, could save the City $2,996 on those items. The
vehicles from Rush Truck Center will be one ton trucks with double cabs.
.
Mr. Potempa asked if the $62,000 is budgeted and Mr. Bierschwale replied yes, but with
the purchase of the service bodies and lift gates, they would be $868 short which he is
recommending they transfer from the contingency fund.
265
.
Mr. Williams inquired how long it would take for the trucks to be delivered and if the
prices are locked in. Mr. Bierschwale answered they would be delivered in six months
and the prices are locked in once the City awards the bid.
Council acknowledged they were ready for this item to be included on next Tuesday
night's agenda.
#7 Discuss drought response stages.
There was some discussion about information in the newspapers and information being
given out on television conflicting each other and being confusing. Mr. Bierschwale
stated he makes a call every morning to get the status- the Edwards always declares on
Monday. Mr. Simonson added the booklets are available here at the City which show the
differences between the stages.
Mr. Williams mentioned the Edwards talked yesterday about amending Stage 3. Is
Schertz amending? Mr. Bierschwale replied if they amend, we amend.
Mayor Baldwin reported attending a meeting yesterday where it was suggested
presenting a proclamation to the Edwards expressing concern about the management fee.
They want to let them know the committee that oversees these fees is requesting a
meeting.
.
#8 Discuss Hometown Hero nominations.
Mrs. Head related she had asked for some suggestions from the school district and passed
out a possible list to Council. It would be better if the nominee had a three-pronged
speciality: 1) works with children, 2) participates in a religious activity; and 3)
participates in any special activities. Mrs. Head thought Mary McAllister would be a
good nominee and asked Council if they had any other recommendations.
Mr. Potempa mentioned D.C. Morgan who is always involved in the MDA telethon, and
is the Deacon at the First Baptist Church Mrs. Agee stated he is also a member of the
Lions Club and a school bus driver.
Mrs. Head asked if they could have more than one nominee and Mayor Baldwin
answered they could have as many as they want and then one is chosen. Mr. Greenwald
directed Mrs. Head and Mr. Potempa to fmd out if either one of their nominees wishes to
participate.
Mayor Baldwin brought up Zenobia Coverson who does marvelous things with Easter
baskets and gifts at Christmas for underprivileged children and thought she also would be
a good nominee.
.
266
.
#9 Discuss appointment of new Mayor Pro- Tem.
Mayor Baldwin pointed out that under the current policy, Mr. Williams should be
appointed the next Mayor Pro-Tern. Council was ready for this item to be placed on next
Tuesday night's agenda.
#10 Discuss water billing issues.
Mr. Potempa asked how things are looking. Mr. Simonson replied they are now on true
cycles. One of the things being fixed is the credit and arrears amount showing up on the
bills. The girls at public works are gaining confidence in the software. He went to
everyone involved with water billing for feedback.
Mr. Williams questioned if there was any need to use the consultant lately and Mr.
Simonson yes - they used him last week. After the contract is up, then it would be on a
month to month proviso. A 60-day termination clause is required.
Mr. Williams requested a copy of the contract with Brice Systems and asked if anyone is
investigating Brady LeBlanc. Mr. Simonson promised to get him a copy of the contract
and answered no one is investigating Mr. LeBlanc. Mr. Williams said it's surprising
what you can find out on the Internet.
.
Mr. Bierschwale indicated he wants to go back to penalties in mid-August, but they're
tweaking the system to make sure the penalties are correct. Mr. Greenwald stressed they
need to make sure because they don't want to penalize anyone because the system was
screwed up. The City has had enough grief already.
Mayor Baldwin commented they hadn't collected penalties since at least January. Have
we lost a lot of money? Mr. Bierschwale answered he feels they've lost about $5,000 a
month.
#11 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
. Reported there is an addendum to the bid for medical coverage.
. Mentioned the public safety buildings are ready for landscaping and he understands
there are some volunteers for the project. If Council could give him the names and
have them call him, he would appreciate it. Mr. Williams stressed we owe them a
call. The volunteers are from the Woodland Oaks and Greenshire garden clubs and
he thinks one of the people from Woodland Oaks is a professional landscaper.
.
267
.
#12 ITEMS BY COUNCIL
Mr. Greenwald:
. Announced there is s Schertz/Seguin Local Government meeting next Thursday ip. the
Police Department meeting room.
Mrs. Head:
. Mentioned she attended the Library Board meeting on Monday and they were told the
children's librarian went to work for the school district. Also, the bookstore made
$459.90 in the month of July.
. Inquired if Schertz has a hazardous waste disposal pick-up day. Mr. Simonson
answered no, but they do have Spring Clean-Up. Mr. Greenwald thought the County
had a pick-up day, but they should have Mark Marquez check the contract to make
sure. There may be a small fee.
Mr. Potempa:
· Related the Sunday Seguin-Gazette Enterprise had a wonderful article on Mrs. Agee's
son. Perhaps we should have a ceremony once a year and give the students
. certificates for their accomplishments.
. Noted he would like to look at having a Christmas party again this year.
Mr. Williams:
· Thanked Mr. Simonson and all the employees of the City for the very enjoyable
Grand Opening ceremonies for the public safety building this past Sunday.
· Asked about the possibility of publishing Department of Health reports in the
Newsletter.
#13 ITEMS BY MAYOR
· Also thanked everyone at the City for the Grand Opening ceremonies last Sunday of
the public safety buildings. We need to find out who did the brass plaques and get
them in place for each building.
At this time Council took a short break.
#14 BUDGET WORKSHOP
.
The FY 2000/2001 Operating Budget recommendations were reviewed. The general
fund portion contains expenditure recommendations including:
268
.
1. Additional Municipal Court Clerk at mid-year.
2. Continuation of planning consultant for Comprehensive Plan.
3. Additional dispatcher and one position in CID for Police Department for mid-year.
4. Addition of three firefighters for Fire Department at mid-year.
5. Street Department - continuation of major street maintenance, Phase 1 of major
drainage ditch excavation brought forward from previous year, and addition of truck
and tractor as replacement equipment.
6. One new mower for new building maintenance in Park Department.
7. Conversion of part-time to full-time position in Animal Control.
8. Carrying forward of Facilities Maintenance expenditures for conversion of old EMS
to storage facility, and replacement of library roof.
9. Library Department - implementation of new computer services for patrons and
increased book purchases.
.
10. Adding a children's slide for Swimming Pool Department
11. Reserve for replacement of data processing equipment when needed in Non-
Departmental Department.
SAFES reflects an increase in per capita charges and addition of one full-time position.
Water/Wastewater expenditures include lease/purchase of water rights to supplement
Edwards Aquifer permit, increased payments to Edwards Aquifer Authority, payments to
Schertz/Seguin Local Government Corporation, and increased fees to CCMA.
HoteVmotel tax reflects continued support to 4th of July Jubilee and BVY A.
Capital Recovery includes estimated engineering design cost for improvements related to
Schertz/Seguin Local Government Corporation line connection and pump station
improvements.
Fleet Services anticipates increase of internal fees to assure balanced operation.
Recycling revenues and reserves continued as a separate account funding the rebate
program.
.
Park improvements include funds paid by developers for both park improvements and
tree mitigation costs and expenditures this year anticipate continuation of the ballfield
and parking lot improvements for the area behind the Community Center.
269
. Summary of debt service obligation for both general and water fund are a part of the
filing, with General Obligation bond requirement reflected in the interest and sinking
fund, and revenue bond debt service included in the operating budget.
It is being recommended, within the overall budget affecting each department,
continuation of merit pay system. Recommendations also include an increase in
longevity program, increasing monthly amount based on years of service, as follows: 0-5
same $10 per month; 6-10 - $11 per month; 11-15 - $12 per month; 16-20 - $13 per
month; and 21+, $14 per month. Health coverage and other related benefits are
anticipated to increase personnel services cost. Also included is the funding of TMRS
option of 20-year retirement alternative. After a brief discussion, Council was not in
favor of the 20-year retirement alternative and indicated they would address it again later.
Their main concern was the cost, which would escalate each year.
There was a brief discussion about the mid-year budget adjustments for Fiscal Year
1999/2000 versus the proposed budget for October 1,2000.
Mr. Greenwald wondered if anyone had heard anything about Comal County cutting
back on money for the Fire Department and EMS. No one had heard anything.
.
Mrs. Agee, saying if the Fire Department and the Police Department need additional
personnel at mid-year, that means they need them now. Why not bring them on October
1, 2000? The additional funds needed and a possible increase in the tax rate were
discussed as a result of Mrs. Agee's suggestion.
Mark Marquez mentioned the previous salary survey and stated there is $5,000 in the
budget for the 2000/2001 Fiscal Year to have the consultant return and update the survey.
Mr. Williams and Mrs. Head requested a copy of the previous survey.
Mr. Potempa questioned the status of the hoteVmotel tax audit. Mr. Vijay Jain,
Comptroller, answered it had been completed and everything is okay. Mr. Timmons just
needs to know what Council's pleasure is regarding the audit. Mayor Baldwin said they
just need to have copies of the written report.
Council liked the idea of being able to speak with individual department heads about their
particular budget. Mr. Simonson indicated he would ask the department heads to attend
the workshops when their budgets are being discussed.
#15 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at
10:01 p.m.
.
270
.
~~~.
ATTEST:
~~
City Secretary, City of Schertz
.
.
271