ccspecwksp 09-13-2000
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SPECIAL WORKSHOP SESSION OF THE SCHERTZ CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 13, 2000
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop Session on Wednesday,
September 13, 2000 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; 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.
After calling the meeting to order, Mayor Baldwin introduced Jim Davidson of the SCVC
ISD School Board. He then referred to the agenda for the second meeting and said
following the Hearing of Residents they would go to the item regarding Johnson &
Associates, then to the item regarding the Metrocom Chamber of Commerce and then to
the item regarding the DuPlantis family.
#1 PUBLIC HEARING: To receive citizen comments on proposed tax rate and on
proposal to increase total tax revenues from properties on the tax roll.
Mayor Baldwin explained the rules of procedure to be followed for the public hearing.
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Mr. Simonson stated the proposed tax rate is 0.3405 cents per $100.00 assessed valuation.
That is a one-half cent drop from last year. The City is able to continue the downward
trend based on sales tax, ad valorem tax, franchise fees and permit fees.
A slide presentation by Mr. Simonson and Mr. Vijay Jain, Comptroller, showed the trend
of the tax rate over a number of years.
Mayor Baldwin commented he is glad the tax rate continues to come down and then
asked for questions or comments. There were none.
#2 ADJOURNMENT
It is required by law that the public hearing on the tax rate be the only item on the agenda.
Therefore, it is necessary to adjourn and hold a separate meeting for other items.
Mr. Greenwald moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Potempa seconded the motion, which
carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Head, Potempa, Agee, Williams and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
. The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
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Following the public hearing, and a short break:, Council convened in Special Workshop
Session in the Municipal Complex Council Chambers, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz,
Texas (Mayor Baldwin requested they remain in the Council Chambers.).
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
No one had signed up to speak:.
#2 Consider and take action on proposal by Johnson & Associates regarding
Executive Search for City Manager.
Chloe Johnson and Kay Williams were present to represent Johnson & Associates. Ms.
Johnson indicated they need to know what the Council is looking for in a City Manager.
They would work up a job description, do the national recruitment and look at the
resumes and applications. Their company is 14 years old.
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Ms. Johnson then noted at their first meeting with Council they would ask them to work
on a computer generated program which asks for primary job responsibilities of the City
Manager, qualities which the job of City Manager calls for, a Style Analysis response
form which would benefit both the prospective City Manager and Council personally and
professionally, and selection of interview questions Council feels are important to ask the
candidates for City Manager.
On the second visit, they would decide the finalists - it is suggested they narrow them
down to 3 or 5. The interview process is a two-day function and they would be with
Council the entire time. There would be a reception for the candidates and their spouses.
After the selection, they would do a background investigation and credit check on the
candidates and provide a written report on the investigation.
Ms. Johnson asked when Council would make a decision about whether or not to hire
them and Mayor Baldwin answered it's on the agenda tonight for action, if Council so
desires. Ms. Johnson then commented it has been a refreshing experience for them and
has been a pleasure. Schertz is a beautiful community.
Mr. Williams commented from what he's read, he feels Johnson & Associates would be
his choice.
Mr. Potempa remarked he personally feels they don't need to go any further - they have
Steve Simonson. Mayor Baldwin acknowledged he has complete confidence in Mr.
Simonson, but they would have to ask him if he's interested and it's not on the agenda
this evening.
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Mr. Potempa moved to table action on the proposal by Johnson & Associates regarding
Executive Search for City Manager. Mr. Greenwald seconded the motion, which carried
with the following votes:
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. AYES: Councilmembers Head, Potempa, Agee, Williams and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
The Council now moved to Item #8 on the agenda - Consider and tak:e action on joining
Metrocom Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Baldwin introduced Executive Director Gordon Dunkley and past Chairman Joe
Painter and present Chairman Kim Hunter.
Mr. Dunkley distributed some information to Council about the Chamber and made a
brief presentation. He gave a history of the Chamber and said the current membership is
350. They have been a Chamber for 26 years. Mr. Dunkley related he is the first Air
Force retiree to run the Chamber. He described some of the projects he had
accomplished and mentioned those they want to accomplish. When he was Chairman, he
solicited TXDoT for help with traffic problems at the Forum. Mayor Baldwin mentioned
traffic problems at IH-35 N and FM 3009. Mr. Dunkley pledged help if Schertz joins the
Chamber. Mr. Dunkley went on to say they would be publishing a new directory in the
fall and they would address water problems. He thanked Council for allowing him to
make an appearance this evening.
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Mr, Painter then spoke saying he is on the Board of Directors of the Chamber and the
Assistant City Manager of the City of Live Oak:. They did an evaluation of what the
Chamber should be and it now represents all members with no perceived ideas. They are
missing the City of Schertz and would like to have them on board. The Chamber has
changed. They have dynamic luncheon speak:ers and they have break:fast meetings. He
would be happy to answer any questions.
Mayor Baldwin pointed out the Chamber started approximately 25 years ago in Schertz
and it is almost ridiculous for Schertz not to belong. The Schertz Business Association
has long been the reason they have not joined, but it's just not the same as the Chamber.
Mrs. Agee moved for the City of Schertz to join the Metrocom Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Potempa asked why the City pulled out. Mayor Baldwin answered there was strong
support for the Schertz Business Association (which the City will always support) and
12-14 years ago there was some animosity and we divorced ourselves from the Chamber.
At this time, Mr. Greenwald seconded the motion, which carried with the following
votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Head, Potempa, Agee, Williams and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
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Council then moved to Item #3 on the agenda - Presentation by the DuPlantis family
regarding Goofy Golf property.
Mayor Baldwin informed Janie DuPlantis up front she can make a presentation, but there
can be no negotiations. This would have to be scheduled as an Executive Session for
Council.
Ms. Duplantis made the presentation, but admitted she is not the owner. Pam Brimhall is
the present owner. Ms. DuPlantis stated she sold it to Ms. Brimhall after the second
flood. A small business administration loan was taken out on the property. Ms. Brimhall
has had some health problems and can no longer manage it, so it is up for sale.
Ms. DuPlantis went on to say it's clear this Council is for the people and she would like
to see this business go to the City. She would like to see it kept as a wholesome place for
kids and the City needs a plan for entertainment for kids and their families. If you go
over to the property after school and stand for five minutes, you would see kids looking
for something to do.
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Mayor Baldwin asked Ms. DuPlantis if she has a plat and she replied she would try to get
a survey. Ms. DuPlantis added they are providing this opportunity to the City with no
money down and it would have to be refinanced, because it cannot be assumed.
Electrical work in the amount of $12,000 has been done and the building has new air-
conditioning units.
Ms. DuPlantis asked if Council would make a decision this evening and Mayor Baldwin
replied no - the next possible date for a decision would be next week. Council needs to
discuss this in Executive Session. Mayor Baldwin then thanked Ms. DuPlantis for her
time.
#4 Discuss final reading of Ordinance regarding Food Establishment Permit Fees.
Council indicated they were ready for this item to be included on next Tuesday night's
agenda.
#5 Discuss first reading of Ordinance regarding changes in school zone signs.
Mr. Simonson advised this Ordinance would make all the school signs uniform as far as
times. Mrs. Agee asked, since school is already in session, could we do an emergency
reading. Mayor Baldwin replied they could do an emergency ready as far as he knows,
but they do need to check with City Attorney, Michael Spain. Council agreed they were
ready for this item to be placed on next Tuesday night's agenda.
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#6 Discuss first reading of Ordinance regarding Stop Sign at Prairie Lane and
Schertz Parkway and Stop Signs at Doerr Lane and Union Pacific Railroad
crossing.
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Mr. Simonson related there is a Stop Sign at Prairie Lane coming out of the gated
community of Carolina Crossing and this ordinance makes it legal. As far as the Union
Pacific Railroad crossing, there have been lots of problems there because of growth. Mr.
Potempa asked why Union Pacific does not have blinking lights at the crossing and Mr.
Simonson replied they claim they don't have lots of traffic. Mr. Williams inquired as to
the location of Doerr Lane and Mr. Simonson pointed out the location to him.
Council was ready for this item to be included on next Tuesday night's agenda.
#7 Consider and take action on emergency reading of Ordinance regarding Water
Drought Plan.
Mayor Baldwin introduced an Ordinance and read the caption as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 00-F-25
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS, PROVIDING
THAT THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS BE
AMENDED BY REVISING SECTION 19-96, DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN
FOR PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY; AND PROVIDING A REPEALING CLAUSE;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
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Mr. Simonson stated the City had obeyed dictates from the Edwards Aquifer Authority
(EM) for putting together this plan. The well level has changed to a stream flow. John
Bierschwale, Public Works Director, is here to brief Council and answer questions.
Mr. Bierschwale commented the EM made a decision without consulting the cities.
They have also changed the Stage 3 requirements and we would like to match those.
Also, it appears San Antonio is not too acceptable to the fourteen-day ban on sprinklers.
We have not received a letter regarding that ban.
Mr. Bierschwale then mentioned he would like to bring this ordinance back next Tuesday
because they would like to make two changes. They would like to amend Stage 3
restrictions to match San Antonio and keep the sprinkler ban voluntary. Regarding the
sprinkler ban, they haven't issued citations, only warnings. Citations are next.
Mr. Potempa moved to table action on the emergency reading of an Ordinance regarding
the Water Drought Plan. Mayor Baldwin suggested they tak:e no action and Mr. Potempa
withdrew his motion. Because it was on the agenda for action, Mr. Potempa then moved
they tak:e no action tonight and put it on the agenda for action next Tuesday night. Mr.
Greenwald seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Head, Potempa, Agee, Williams and Greenwald.
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NAYS: None.
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. #9 Discuss final budget figures for FY 2000/2001.
Mr. Simonson reported they are redoing the SAFES budget and would have all the
figures in the packet this Friday. If Council has any questions, please call him because
the public hearing on the budget is next week. They are also reviewing the run charges.
Mr. Williams commented that one way to make up for cutting overtime is not hiring at
the beginning of the fiscal year. Mayor Baldwin insisted that overtime needs to be in the
budget as a line item. Mrs. Agee noted overtime has to be pre-approved. Mr. Greenwald
asked how it can be pre-approved if the person is out on a run. Mrs. Agee responded it
could be pre-approved if the person is not away from the facility.
Mr. Williams commented he thinks by the time this budget comes back, Guadalupe
County will have made up its mind. Mr. Simonson advised he and Juan Guerrero are
going to the Guadalupe County Commissioners meeting this Friday and if the money is
not approved, the City is out of the County. There was a brief discussion about this with
the result being that the Council felt the City should stick to its guns regarding per capita.
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Mr. Potempa indicated he has a problem with write-offs. Mr. Simonson informed him
they used the same percentage that was used previously. He then went on to say they are
trying to give Council an honest budget and would work all year long to get some of the
problems straightened out.
Mr. Greenwald asked if the City is aware New Braunfels and Canyon dropped Blue
Cross/Blue Shield. Mr. Simonson replied they are aware of that fact.
#10 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
· Related the City is getting caught in a crunch on the Cibolo Creek clean up. They are
asking for $24,000 more. This would allow $72,225 more in federal money. After
discussion, Mr. Greenwald suggested they do a consensus now on this request and
mak:e it official next week. The consensus of Council was to go ahead with the extra
$24,000, but put it on next Tuesday night's agenda for official action.
· Announced the San Antonio campus of a university system is having a Grand
Opening on October 5th at 9:00 a.m. Please RSVP if you wish to attend.
· Recommended Council review the notes on Drash Engineering in his activity report.
#11 ITEMS BY COUNCIL
Mrs. Head:
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· Reported she attended the Library Board meeting. The statistics are up and the new
flat line computers are in place. The Library Board plans to redecorate the children's
area.
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Mr. Potempa:
. Noted D.C. Morgan's and Mary McAllister's information had been submitted to
Paragon Cable as part of their Hometown Hero program.
Mr. Williams:
. Mentioned the Police Department caught two intruders of the Woodland Oak:s Sports
Facility last week.
. Asked the Mayor if he is going to discuss the meeting he had last Thursday and the
Mayor replied yes.
#12 ITEMSBYMAYOR
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. Told Council he had met with the SAFES Advisory Board last Thursday and they set
some rules and guidelines. A distinction needs to be made between being part of a
5013.c organization and part of the City. They are concerned about their future and
need to come up with a plan. They were informed the meeting was not for personnel
matters, but they would be kept informed about ongoing problems. The rumors need
to stop. SAFES is here to run an ambulance service, save lives and honor their
commitment to seven other cities. Mr. Williams asked if the advisory meetings are
open and Mayor Baldwin replied not necessarily. Mr. Williams then asked who
picked the advisory committee and the Mayor admitted he did. They need the
adoption of a budget, the resolving of the issue about the 5013c organization, and
have it made clear they are a department of the City. He has paperwork showing
they were turned over to the City in October of 1975. They don't need board
members telling the City Manager how to run SAFES. Informed Council he is on the
agenda of the Northeast Partnership meeting tomorrow to reassure the other cities
they are not dropping them.
#13 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at
9:13 p.m.
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Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas
ATTEST:
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City Secretary, City of Schertz
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