ccspecwksp 05-12-1999
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SPECIAL WORKSHOP SESSION OF THE SCHERTZ CITY COUNCIL
MAY 12,1999
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop Session on
Wednesday, May 12, 1999 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 Pia Jarman; Glyn D. Williams
and Ken Greenwald. Absent: Council members Norman W. Agee, Sr. and Joe
Potempa. Staff present were City Manager Kerry Sweatt and City Secretary
Norma Althouse.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
Roman Froboese of 4513 FM 3009 had signed up to speak about drainage. Mr.
Froboese stated nothing is happening from Forest Ridge Subdivision to the
culvert. Nothing has been cleaned out. Mayor Baldwin asked if it's the City's
responsibility and Mr. Sweatt replied no, it's the developer's responsibility - he's
waiting to hear from Barshop on the status.
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Mr. Froboese commented he feels like it's Barshop's responsibility. They built a
big culvert and because it needs cleaned out, it's not doing any good. The water
goes around the culvert and runs into his front yard. Mayor Baldwin indicated the
City would continue to press the developer to clean it out.
Mr. Froboese then mentioned that water from the large warehouse in the
Industrial park runs onto the Morton property, which he farms. He dug a ditch
along the property so the water wouldn't ruin the field. The City needs to get the
soil conservation people out there to resolve the situation and do what's best for
everyone involved.
Mr. Sweatt noted he and Mr. Froboese went out and looked at the area and he
had assured Mr. Froboese he would talk with the engineers. He hasn't had a
chance to set up a meeting yet. Perhaps there may be a different opinion as to
where the drainage goes. Mayor Baldwin remarked it seems like there could be
better drainage in the industrial park. He thanked Mr. Froboese for his input and
asked him to give the City time to find a solution.
At this time Mayor Baldwin asked if Council had any objection in going next to
Items #3 and then #6 on the agenda and then coming back to Item #2, etc.
Council did not have a problem with that.
#3 Discuss public hearing regarding request from Stanley E. Stehle of
21650 FM 2252 for a Specific Use Permit.
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Mr. Sweatt pointed out the location on the map and related the request is for
permission to allow a manufactured home on the property adjacent to the current
residence. A parent will reside in the manufactured home. The public hearing is
scheduled for May 18th. Mr. Stehle is present if anyone has questions.
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Mrs. Jarman inquired if Mr. Stehle understands the provisions of a Specific Use
Permit and Mr. Sweatt answered that Mr. Stehle understands that if he sells his
property, the Specific Use Permit is subject to review. Mayor Baldwin pointed out
the public hearing will be held next week and after the public hearing, Council will
vote on the request.
#6 Discuss request by Guadco MUD #1 and Guadco MUD #2 for
agreement to sell refunding bonds.
Representatives from both Guadco MUD #1 and Guadco MUD #2 introduced
themselves and stated they were present to answer questions.
Mr. Sweatt reminded Council they have copies of letters from Guadco MUD #1
and Guadco MUD #2 in their packets. Both Municipal Utility Districts are
requesting approval for a private sale of bonds. Also included is a letter and
comparison of debt service amounts relating to City annexation effort.
Part of the consideration for annexation of the Northcliffe area is that the rate be
no lower than what they are paying now. The City believes the plan proposed is
acceptable, but doesn't know if it will have a positive or negative effect on
annexation proposals.
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Mr. Sweatt went on to say they have reviewed this request, the 1975 consent
resolutions and the current service agreements with the two utility districts. While
this refunding does change facets of the original annexation plans, the City is
recommending the refunding proposal be allowed to go forward. Council will be
asked to consider a resolution on this matter.
Bill Blitch, representing Guadco, stated both Municipal Utility Districts have
outstanding debts with high interest. He is here tonight to ask for approval of the
resolution. This will be a current refunding. If they are required to go out for
public bids, it will incur twice as much issuance cost versus the cost on a
negotiated sale. If the refunding is approved, Guadco MUD #1 will be out of debt
in the year 2002 and Guadco MUD #2 will have a 22-cent tax reduction, which
might engender some activity.
Mr. Sweatt noted the downside to this is that it may impair salability of annexation
to the residents. Mr. Miller and Mr. Towry, both representing Guadco, told Mr.
Sweatt they feel the refunding is an asset. The majority of residents they have
spoken to are in favor of annexation.
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Mr. Sweatt advised Council that approval of the resolution would be on next
Tuesday night's agenda for approval. Mayor Baldwin asked if that is the City's
only involvement and Mr. Sweatt told him the agreement says the City will be
notified.
#2 Discuss final reading of Ordinance regarding smoking in buildings
open to the public.
Mr. Sweatt reminded Council they have, in their packets, the revised ordinance
with the changes previously discussed and a section has been added clarifying
the penalty. Council indicated they were ready for this item to be included on
next Tuesday night's agenda.
#4 Discuss the following requests from the Schertz Business
Association regarding 4th of July Jubilee:
A. Curfew exception for park usage and possession of alcohol in the park;
B. Resolution regarding the restriction of alcoholic beverages in certain places of
the park; and
C. Contract approval.
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Mr. Sweatt noted the curfew exception deals with liquor being served from 11 :00
p.m. until midnight. Also, several years ago the City recognized the concern for
outside alcoholic beverages being brought in and adopted a festival-type
resolution, which barred that activity for certain places in the park.
Anita Clark, representing the Schertz Business Association, remarked the area
would change a little this year because of placement of the carnival. The new
location of the carnival will be at the corner of Aero where the pavilion exists
down to FM 1518. She has spoken with John Bierschwale, Public Works
Director, and Aero will be closed from Monday through the end of the Jubilee.
Aero will be the midway.
Mr. Sweatt related the carnival opens on the 1st of July, which is Thursday, and
the parade is on Saturday and the fireworks on Sunday. Mrs. Clark added the
Grand Marshal is Schertz's own Tom Funk and the Honorary Grand Marshals
are Ricci and Trey Ware from KTSA. The theme for the parade is "Stars and
Stripes Forever" and the theme of the opening ceremony is "God and Country.>>
After Mrs. Clark allayed some concerns expressed by Mr. Greenwald about
power cords, Council agreed they were ready for this item to be included on next
Tuesday night's agenda.
#5 Discuss bid award for check writing and billing system.
Mr. Sweatt advised this is additional equipment for the Finance Department and
. Council gave approval for it to be placed in the . budget. Four (4) bids were
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received and the tabulations are in the Council packets. After review of the bids, .
L.J. Cott, Comptroller, is recommending it be awarded to Secure Document.
Mr. Sweatt further stated this system basically prints the checks from stock. It
takes the place of the check writer. He then explained some of the security
safeguards.
Mayor Baldwin asked if anyone had checked out Secure Document, considering
their bid was lower than the others submitted. Mr. Cott replied he had visited
TMRS to observe the system in person and they had nothing but praise for it.
Mr. Cott then noted this system will also print the utility bills and a return
envelope will be included.
Mr. Sweatt commented it is one more way to control personnel costs and has a
lot of good potential. Mr. Greenwald asked if in accounts payable, there's some
way to put in the department code and Mr. Sweatt replied yes. Mr. Greenwald
also inquired if it's capable of making a direct payment to the bank and Mr. Cott
answered it is not. Mr. Greenwald then questioned if it is Y2K compliant and Mr.
Sweatt replied it is and has been checked out by the consultant. Mr. Sweatt also
pointed out the amount bid by Secure Document is under budget.
Council affirmed their readiness for this item to be included on next Tuesday
night's agenda and before moving on, Mr. Cott introduced his new employee in .
the Finance Department, Senior Accountant Juan Santoya, Jr.
#7 Discuss appointment to Schertz Economic Development Corporation.
Mr. Sweatt explained this is the 4B Board, which was established to oversee the
% cent sales tax. It is comprised of both Councilmembers and citizens. The
Articles of Incorporation call for four (4) Councilmembers and three (3) citizens.
This appointment is to replace Tim Swinney who did not run again and it is
appropriate for Council to fill Mr. Swinney's unexpired term. Mr. Williams was
asked if it would be a problem for him to serve on the Board and indicated it
would not be a problem. If that's okay, then Council will act on it at next
Tuesday's meeting. Council agreed.
#8 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
· Announced the GVEC grand opening for their new building is May 25th from
2-4 p.m.
· Reported he had spoken with Reginna Agee and Norman is still in the ICU at
Northeast Methodist Hospital. He is in pain and has respiratory problems.
. Reminded Council that when the bids were awarded for the three new public
safety buildings, they pulled out the towers. Things are moving along and
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looking good and it appears they are under budget, but he would like to put
an item on the agenda for Council to authorize removing the towers from the
contract. Mayor Baldwin asked the cost of the towers and Mr. Sweatt replied
$126,000. Mr. Greenwald questioned what kind of figures the City is getting
in sales tax and Mr. Sweatt answered they're doing fine, but there are still
some unknowns
· Related the Schertz/Seguin Local Government Corporation will meet in
Schertz this month on May 20th at 1 :30 p.m.
#9 ITEMS BY COUNCIL
Mr. Greenwald:
· Noted that according to the Seguin-Gazette, they are funding a full-time tax
appraiser position at the County Building location in Schertz.
· Indicated Coma I County has changed the rules on wells and septic tanks.
Both have to have a minimum lot size of 5 acres - it was previously 1 acre.
Mrs. Jarman:
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· Referred to the Paragon Cable Hometown Hero program and asked if there's
a deadline and if the City submitted a name. Mr. Sweatt replied they have not
received the forms, but have requested them again. Mrs. Jarman thought
Ruth Tienor would be a good candidate for all her perseverance in getting the
fitness trail off the ground. Also, AACOG had requested submissions for a
Distinguished Citizen program and she thought Mr. Greenwald would be a
good candidate for that because of all his efforts through the years on various
committees trying to obtain an alternate water supply for the City.
· Mentioned that on behalf of the Schertz Library, she will be participating in the
summer program by doing a presentation over five weeks on well-mannered
dogs. The program will be for children 9 years of age and up. She has
noticed from her reading that dog bites have increased dramatically and in
her opinion, it is because children don't know how to behave around dogs.
Children 9 years of age and up is a good age group for the program, and it
will be for those who already have a pet or who are considering getting one.
Mr. Williams:
· Commented on the letter to the editor in the Herald Newspaper last week
regarding the Mayor and said he got a six-page anonymous letter through the
mail.
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. Remarked he thought there would be a big discussion tonight about the .
smoking ordinance, but there wasn't. He has talked to people, but no one
has contacted him about the ordinance.
#10 ITEMS BY MAYOR
. Stated both Mr. Froboese and Mr. Ackermann have farmed for years and
know a lot about water channelization and where it goes. Water has an
impact on their livelihood. He asked the City Manager to check into the
drainage problems Mr. Froboese mentioned.
. Reported there is a Northeast Partnership meeting tomorrow and they have a
new slate of officers. He invited everyone to attend.
. Advised he had visited Wilder Intermediate School one day and gave out a
lot of free pool passes. He told the students about activities sponsored by
the City, about the new drugstore, about new buildings in the City and about
the Bordertown complex proposed up along the IH-35 access road. The
prospect of the new Bordertwon complex caused the most excitement.
#11 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to
meeting at 8:37 p.m.
discuss, Mayor
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aldwin adjourned the
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ATTEST:
~ Cilt:;t~
City Secretary, City of Schertz
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