ccspecwksp 08-29-2000
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SPECIAL WORKSHOP SESSION OF THE SCHERTZ CITY COUNCIL
August 29, 2000
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop Session on Tuesday, August 29,
2000 at 6:00 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
George Mower of 501 Brooks Ave. wanted to know the facts about the death of Jack
Stomackin. He stated if Council couldn't answer tonight, then maybe it can be placed on
the agenda at a later date. Mayor Baldwin indicated needs to discuss it with the Interim
City Manager, but it probably can be on the agenda at a later date.
#2 BUDGET WORKSHOP
Mr. Simonson advised all of John Bierschwale's departments would be reviewed
tomorrow night. The others that have not been reviewed yet are here this evening.
. Mayor Baldwin thanked Vijay Jain, Comptroller, for the numbered pages. It's a big help.
A memo from Fire Chief Johnny Woodward had been distributed to Council. It outlined
briefly the troubles he had with Unit #217 and why he's looking to replace it. Chief
Woodward said in checking around, he finds new ones run anywhere from $186,000 to
$340,000. Mr. Potempa asked how much money we have and Mr. Jain replied $473,400.
Mrs. Head mentioned AACOG has a deal whereby you can purchase at a cheaper price.
Chief Woodward commented he couldn't wait for six months. He's looking at an
emergency purchase. Mr. Potempa asked if we couldn't give Chief Woodward
permission to go head. This prompted discussion about this purchase qualifying for
4B money and it was felt they should make sure first. They should also make
sure they could circumvent the bidding process.
Chief Woodward was then questioned about the increase in line item 114 in his budget
and he replied that due to State law, they now have to have their ladders inspected. Chief
Woodward was also asked about the siren at the park and he told Council it is ready.
Mr. Mower asked why there's not a copy of the proposed budget at the library and was
told there would be one there tomorrow.
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There was a lot of discussion about the SAFES budget. Council had many questions.
They questioned the increase in the salary line item, and they questioned the overtime
line item. They questioned the number of employees (full-time, part-time, volunteers,
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etc.) and wanted to know what it would take to fully man, according to law, three eight-
hour shifts per day, seven days a week. They wanted to make sure there is always a
back-up unit ready. They wanted to know how many people are employed in various
ranks/positions. They wanted to know why the fees for making an ambulance call are so
low compared to other entities. They wanted to know if the per capita charges to other
entities are accurate. They wanted an accounting of how many bills have been sent out,
how many have been paid and how many are uncollected from October 1999 through
March of 2000. They wanted to know what the back up plan is when all manned
ambulances are out. Submitting to rumors flying around about chaos in the SAFES
Department, they wanted to know what's going on and how it can be solved. The way it
is now, it's a scheduling nightmare.
There was discussion about overtime with Mayor Baldwin saying the City is not going to
hire someone who already has a job just so they can make overtime to enhance their
salary. After counting up everything, Council felt SAFES should start making the shift to
a fully paid staff. Juan Guerrero, EMS Director, and Mark Marquez , Chief Personnel
Officer, were asked to come up with some figures regarding how many new employ~es it
would take and what it would cost to get organized and on board for the new budget year.
Council felt SAFES should continue to honor its commitment to other entities, but it
needs to clean up its act and become a first class operation. They are willing to increase
the budget, if it can be proven it would be workable to go to a fully paid staff.
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Both Mr. Guerrero and Mr. Simonson promised to come back with answers to the
questions asked by Council.
There was then a brief discussion about new businesses and Mr. Potempa felt the staff
should keep Council informed about all new businesses.
Mayor Baldwin mentioned the Annual Business Appreciation Dinner is still on track and
scheduled for October 24,2000 at the Knights ofColunibus Hall.
Mr. Potempa inquired if they could have a Christmas party this year and Mr. Simonson
told him no. Mr. Potempa then asked if they could get a new consensus on that from the
employees.
At this time Council took a short break.
After the break, Mr. Simonson noted that an advisory committee would beset up to look
into the SAFES situation. He has asked the Mayor to appoint a committee. It is
recommended members from other cities be on the committee. Mr. Williams agreed,
saying it started in Schertz and now serves the Metrocom. Mr. Potempa asked for a chart
of services provided.
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#3 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
. Referred to a letter he has from Chief Smith wanting to make all the school zone
signs uniform as far as hours. They would all specify a speed of 20 mphfrom 7:00
a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This is due in part to a comment by
Mrs. Agee that the school district had changed it hours when the students get out for
the day.
. Reported he had attended an MPO meeting yesterday and learned something. If
TXDoT builds roads off-system (i.e., Lower-Seguin), they have no warranties.
#4 ITEMS BY COUNCIL
Mr. Potempa:
. Advised Waste Management is still picking up trash at La Pasadita at 4:00 a.m.
Mr. Williams:
. Reported there is a trailer in the HEB parking lot that looks like a business and it has
a port-a-potty outside. Mr. Simonson promised to check into it.
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#5 ITEMS BY MAYOR
. Announced the City of Converse is hosting a Region 7 TML meeting on Friday,
September 22, 2000. There will be a workshop at 5:30 p.m. and a regular meeting
following that. Please RSVP to the City Secretary so she can let Converse know.
· Noted that an upcoming meeting they will be doing a Proclamation regarding
prostrate cancer awareness.
· Remarked on an article in the newspaper about Guadalupe County changing its
animal control fees to a per call basis.
#6 ADJOURNMENT
~ere being no further business to discuss, ~o~. Jdwin adjourn. ed the meeting at
9.20p.m. ~~
Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas
ATTEST:
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City Secretary, City of Schertz
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