ccswks 03-26-1997
SPECIAL WORKSHOP SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 26, 1997
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop
Session on Wednesday, March 26, 1997 at 7:00 p.m. in the
Conference Room of the Municipal Complex, l400 Schertz
Parkway, Schertz, Texas. The following members were
present: Mayor Hal Baldwin, presiding; Counci1members
Charles McDonald; Joe Potempa; Earl Sawyer; Timothy
Swinney and Ken Greenwald. Staff present were City Manager
Kerry Sweatt and City Secretary Norma Althouse.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS:
speak.
No one had signed up to
#2 Discuss final reading of ordinance rezoning
approximately 30 acres from Mobile Home Subdivision (MUS)
to Residential/Agriculture (R/A) (Cliff Johnson Property).
This had been discussed at a previous workshop and at the
regular Council meeting and Council had nothing further to
add. They were prepared for it to be included on next
Tuesday night's agenda.
#3 Discuss public hearing on request from Resurrection
Baptist Church for a Specific Use Permit allowing them to
construct a church on Live Oak Road.
Mr. Sweatt pointed out the location of the proposed church
on the map. It is a l2.6 acre tract of land, next to the
Butler property, on the left coming from FM 3009.
Mr. Sawyer asked what's going to be done with the current
building they use as a church. Mr. Sweatt answered he has
had no indication they are going to dispose of it. Mr.
Sawyer then commented this 12.6 acre tract looks like a
good place for a church.
Mr. Potempa inquired if any of the property is in the
floodplain and Mr. Sweatt replied it is not.
Council indicated their readiness for this item to be
included on next Tuesday night's agenda.
#4 Discuss capital improvements plan and committee
meetings.
Mr. Sweatt distributed rev~s~ons to Council regarding the
proposed capital improvements program figures. Public
Safety (Police, Fire, EMS) totalled $4,458,000; community
Facilities (Town Center, Library, Community Center,
Streets/Drainage) totalled $l,472,500; Parks and
Recreation (Park Improvements, Recreation Building, Sports
Complex) totalled $6,870,023; and, Miscellaneous and Cost
of Issue totalled $l99,477. All these came to a grand
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total of $l3,000,000.
Mark McLiney of Southwest Securities distributed a chart to
Council showing current outstanding debt service and
anticipated I&S tax rate, showing proposed debt issuance
(total new debt service, I&S tax rate), and showing total
combined debt service, new combined I&S rate, sales tax
revenue, net combined debt service, net new I&S rate and
increase from current I&S Tax. The chart went from 1997 to
the year 2020.
Mr. swinney distributed a draft agenda for the March 31st
Capital Improvements Study Committee meeting and ground
rules for the sub-committee chairperson.
A handout had also been distributed and
thanked Mr. Sweatt and the staff for all
saying a handout is the best tool.
Mr. Swinney
their work,
Mayor Baldwin suggested that perhaps the tour should be
first and Mr. Swinney acknowledged they had considered
that, but thought it would be better in the middle of the
process.
Mr. McDonald
MacDonald to
suggested the
individuals.
asked that his name be corrected
McDonald on the handout and it was
list contain the phone numbers of
from
also
the
Mr. Greenwald inquired if there will be any kind of slides
or something to show what we're up against. Mr. Sweatt
replied there will be a brief slide presentation used as a
beginning tool and then for the 4th, 5th and 6th meetings
the staff members will rotate to other groups.
Mr. Swinney commented the bond situation
complicated, and that's why Tom Ander1itch and Mark
have been asked to make a presentation. Also,
Spain will be asked to explain the election laws.
Mr. Swinney then remarked the bonds can be over three (3)
phases and Mr. McLiney said that's correct and they can
also be adjusted. Mr. Sweatt added it can be worked so
the rate increase does not take place all at one time.
is so
McLiney
Michael
Mr. McDonald stressed they need to explain how much the
General Fund needs to generate and then ask how much they
can afford. Mr. Swinney felt that would only confuse
people and muddy the waters since they don't know what the
future operating costs will be. Mr. McDonald disagreed
saying he doesn't believe in the mushroom theory - you need
to tell people everything up front. Mr. Sweatt noted they
can give out some of the estimates, but not all of them
because they don't have a history.
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Mr. Potempa asked what happened to the five-year plan and
Mr. Sweatt reassured him they have one. Mayor Baldwin
pointed out they don't want to get caught not having enough
for operational costs. Mr. McDonald felt they should
provide estimates up front based on the worst case
scenario. Mr. Swinney proposed two options. The first
option is to provide projected revenues and the second
option is to make a statement saying the operating costs
will increase, but we don't know how much. Mr. Sweatt,
indicating if it's Council's pleasure, said he would try to
come up with some estimates of the operating costs. Mr.
McDonald, thinking that was a good idea, said we want to
see the three public safety issues pass for sure, but we
have to make it palatable to the voter. Mr. Swinney
emphasized we also need to present the revenue
possibilities.
Mr. Potempa asked if any of the bonds in existence
have money in them for park improvements. Mr.
replied they do not.
still
Sweatt
Mr. McLiney suggested giving a growth evaluation/estimate
for the next five years and also giving the historical
growth of the City. Mr. Sweatt commented his big fear is
someone won't hear the word "estimate". Mr. McLiney
admitted growth over the last five years has been
phenomenal and he doesn't think it can be duplicated. When
asked if they thought it was a good idea to give some
history on the growth of the City and make some
projections, the Consensus of the Council was to go ahead
with the idea.
There was then a brief discussion on operating a heated
year-round swimming pool. Mr. McDonald asked that all the
details on the pool be made available to the committee so
they have a full package.
Mayor Baldwin asked if 9:00 p.m. is the suggested time for
adjourning the meetings and Mr. Swinney replied yes, he
thinks they owe it to the people to finish at a reasonable
hour. Mr. Swinney also suggested the City Council come to
the meetings in shirts and ties. Mr. Sweatt asked that
they come to the meeting on Monday a few minutes early.
#5 Discuss budget amendments.
Mr. Sweatt recommended the
consideration:
following for
Council's
Income - account #41016 (GVEC franchise) $19,238.00.
Expenditure - account #5l0l0 (salary) $l5,576.00.
Account #5l014 (F.I.C.A.) $l,207.00.
Account #5l0l6 (Worker's Compensation) $52.00.
Account 51020 (Retirement) $863.00.
Total expenditures - $l7,698.00.
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Mr. Sweatt explained it has been necessary to hire a
comptroller for the City and he asked Council to make this
amendment at this time and stated he will bring normal
mid-year and other overall salary recommendations at a
later date.
Mr. Sawyer asked if the money is available and Mr. Sweatt
replied yes it is. Mr. Swinney asked about health
insurance funds and Mr. Sweatt replied they are sufficient
to cover this.
Council agreed they were ready for this item to be included
on next Tuesday night's agenda.
#6 Discuss change of
hours.
Municipal Building operating
Mr. Sweatt reported the extended hours of operation on
Thursdays from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. hasn't had the
response they expected. During the month of January an
average of only II customers or phone calls per day were
received during the extended hour days, with the majority
of customers in each case being those using the drive-up
water payment window. He recommended they go back to the
regular hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursdays.
Mr. Sawyer remarked if the City Manager recommends it,
they should go with his recommendation.
Mr. Sweatt added they will design and erect a sign for the
corner of the building noting presence of the after hours
night depository drive-up window. He also mentioned they
have contacted Wuest's regarding the possibility of having
customers make their water payments at the Supermarket, but
haven't had a reply yet.
Mr. Swinney asked how they will get the word out and Mr.
Sweatt replied they have a two-week lead time and will post
notices allover, put it on the billboard, and mention it
in the Newsletter.
After being
ready for
agenda.
asked by the Mayor, Council indicated they were
this item to be placed on next Tuesday night's
#7 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: A. Mentioned there's a new
development going in by Autumn Winds and it's getting
harder and harder to save a 38" oak tree, but they're doing
their best.
B.' Related he needs RSVP's for the TML Regional meeting on
April 4th.
#8 ITEMS BY COUNCIL: Mr. Swinnev: A. Apologized for
missing the opening of the BVYA season last Saturday - he
forgot about it.
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B. Referred to an excellent article on the high speed rail
by Representative Lamar Smith and asked if a Resolution
would help in showing the City's support for such a
project. The consensus of the Council was for a Resolution
to be drafted in support of the high speed rail.
C. Asked if the railroad crossing on FM 3009 before you
get to Garden Ridge is in the City and was told it is. He
then asked how we can get gates. Mr. Greenwald stated the
Railroad and TXDoT pretty much control that situation. Mr.
Sweatt commented the chances of getting gates are slim and
none because the Railroad is hard to deal with. He said he
would be happy, however, to write a letter requesting
gates.
D. Stated he was glad to see the video store complied with
the City's request.
Mr. Potemoa: A. Reported attending the opening
BVYA season where Cliff Johnson threw out the first
BVYA didn't recognize anyone from City Council this
so we need to pass on to them that the Council
supports them. Mr. Greenwald promised to pass that
of the
ball.
year,
still
on.
B. Related he received a call Friday evening from a
citizen having a garage sale on Saturday who forgot to get
a permit. The citizen wanted his permission to hold the
garage sale. He called the dispatcher, but they didn't
have Steve Simonson's phone number on their roster.
Something needs to be done about that. Eventually,
however, Mr. Simonson took care of the problem.
Mr. Sawver: Stated he is proud to see Mr.
serving as Chairman of the Capital Improvements
Committee.
Swinney
Project
Mr. McDonald: A. Questioned why so much water loss is
shown on the Consolidated Department Activity Report. Mr.
Sweatt replied some of the loss is from fire hydrant
flushing, some from leakage, and some from fighting fires.
Mr. Potempa wondered how much water is being used by
contractors and not being paid for by them. Mr. Sweatt
noted most contractors have an account with the City and
are billed for their water usage.
B. Asked if Planning and Zoning
all bandit signs be prohibited.
Planning and Zoning will talk
meeting.
is going to require that
Mr. Greenwald mentioned
about it at their next
C. Inquired if Berry Creek complied with the UDC in regard
to their fence and Mr. Sweatt answered they had complied.
D. Expressed concern about a school bus not being able to
turn around in Woodland Oaks Village. Mr. Sweatt promised
to check into it.
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Mr. Greenwald: A. Remarked Mr. Sweatt was nice enough
to make them copies of the TML Legislative Update and he
sees the silly season is upon us. TNRCC would like to
collect a $1.00 per month per water meter from all users.
Mr. Swinney asked if he understands correctly that the
water wheels individuals are going to have to start getting
permits and was told that's correct. He then asked if they
will be charged and Mr. Greenwald answered he sees a time
in the not too distant future where they will start
charging us. Mr. Sweatt noted we will be funding the
operations of the EAA through a charge on our numbers of
gallons pumped.
Mr. McDonald asked the status of the
project. Mr. Sweatt replied it didn't get
local bill and they are going to regroup.
Wolverton promised to keep us informed.
cloud seeding
carried as a
Commissioner
Mr. Potempa interjected that on Tuesday
they said Schertz registered 90 degrees.
free advertising out of that. They said
shorts and shirts on in Schertz.
night on KENS TV,
The City got some
you can put your
B. Informed Council when Mr. Veytia was working on his
property, he put out a scare newsletter saying if the City
puts the street through, children will be run over. The
night before last there was a child hit at Westchester and
Curtiss and the street isn't in. There is no correlation
and fortunately the child is all right.
C. Stated that at last night's Planning and Zoning
meeting, they had another lengthy discussion on bandit
signs. Council will be receiving a letter from Planning
and Zoning asking for their thoughts on just eliminating
all of them.
Mr. Sawyer suggested fining them. Mr. Greenwald
acknowledged the inspector does have the authority to write
a citation and it's up to $200 per occurrence. What is an
occurrence? Mr. Sawyer answered each sign. Mr.
Greenwald remarked there's a bit of a problem with the
current Municipal Judge as far as enforcing the fines.
Several Councilmembers indicated the Municipal Judge works
for the City and can be replaced.
Mr. Sweatt
thinks if we
message. Do
commented builders need to advertise and
say they can't have signs, we're sending a
we want to put someone out of business?
he
bad
Mayor Baldwin asked if anyone is complaining about the
bandit signs. Mr. McDonald answered he is complaining and
Mr. Greenwald and Mr. Potempa both agreed they don't like
them. Mayor Baldwin then asked if the public is
complaining. Mr. Greenwald replied he has had a couple of
complaints.
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Mayor Baldwin remarked he has never had anyone complain to
him about bandit signs. In his opinion, Planning and
Zoning should stop wasting their time about bandit signs
and get on with more important things. When the building
along FM 3009 stops, they will go away.
After more discussion, it was
more concentrated enforcement
controls bandit signs.
agreed the City should try
of the ordinance which
#9 ITEMS BY MAYOR: A. Announced the City of Cibolo,
last night, approved a school site.
B. Reported a gentleman approached him at the ball park
about an incident that occurred in front of him when he was
coming down Elbel Road. He was coming from FM 3009 down
Elbe1 toward the high school. A child was riding a bicycle
going toward FM 3009, alongside the curb, and two busses
came up in both lanes. They got even with the bicycle and
the child started to panic and the bike hit the curb. The
gentleman couldn't see what happened to the child until the
busses got clear and fortunately the child fell off the
bike and went into the grass. He could have fallen in
front of the busses. The gentleman was really upset and
asked why the City can't build a sidewalk along Elbel Road.
Mayor Baldwin asked the gentleman to come to the Council
meeting, but obviously he's not here. The Mayor thought
the school would be amenable to building a sidewalk on
their property.
Mr. McDonald agreed they do need sidewalks. Mr. Sweatt
related the City is going to extend some Borgfeld Road
improvement dedicated funds for a traffic barrier
arrangement to be able to use a bridge so there will be a
walking path all the way from Dove Meadows to Dietz Road.
He will get some cost estimates on sidewalks.
Mr. Potempa commented what concerns him is the crossing at
FM 3009 and E1bel. Maybe the City should have a crossing
guard there.
C. Asked how many Councilmembers have used Schertz Parkway
since the Stop signs went up. It is easy to run the second
one going toward IH-35.
D. Noted for anyone on
look at the school's
Partnership's home page.
the Internet, they should take a
home page and the Northeast
Both look real good.
#9 ADJOURNMENT: On a motion by Mr.
seconded by Mr. McDonald and unanimously
meeting was adjourned at 9:07 p.m.
Potempa
carried,
and
the
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i
((~4
Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas
ATTEST:
~U--' av-/",~
City Secretary, City of Schertz
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