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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 -207- 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. -208- 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. -209- 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. -210- 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. -211- 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. -212- 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 -213- i ((~4 Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas ATTEST: ~U--' av-/",~ City Secretary, City of Schertz -214-