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ccswks 05-29-1996 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MAY 29, 1996 The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop Session on Wednesday, May 29, 1996 at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room of the Municipal Complex, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas. The following members were present: Mayor Hal Baldwin, presiding; Councilmembers Charles McDonald; Joe Potempa; Earl Sawyer; Timothy Swinney and Ken Greenwald. Staff present were City Manager Kerry Sweatt and City Secretary Norma Althouse. H HEARING OF RESIDENTS A. Ray Wofford of 1200 Spicewood spoke regarding water conservation. The City's handout booklet contains 20-25 suggestions for conserving water. In reviewing them, he discovered a lot of things he hadn't thought about. Mr. Wofford suggested those items be reproduced and put in the City Newsletter. He further suggested they be printed on colored paper as an insert. If there's a need for help in folding and gathering and making the Newsletter ready for distribution, Mr. Wofford volunteered his services. Mr. McDonald there's lots water. thought that was a good idea and mentioned of confusion about when you can and cannot B. James Harris of FM 1518 and Schaefer Road remarked that on several occasions in the past he has addressed the Council and asked questions and the City Manager has inquired who he was talking to when he asked those questions. Mr. Harris indicated that unless he specifies someone in particular, he is talking to the Mayor. Mr. Harris then reported there was a wreck last week at FM 1518 and Schaefer Road and he called 911. They told him to call back if there were any injuries. He couldn't see any evidence of injuries. He waited about 20 minutes and no one showed up and he wondered why the Schertz Police were so slow. He called 911 again and they told him it was a Bexar County jurisdiction, not Schertz. He told them he lives in the City of Schertz and they insisted it was a Bexar County jurisdiction. Mr. Harris then called the Schertz Police Department and in about eight minutes they were there and took care of the situation. About forty-five minutes later, Bexar County arrived saying there were no injuries, so it wasn't high priority and they had other business to attend to first. Several days later his wife called the Bexar 911 District and was told their pole number is on Schaefer Road not on FM 1518 although Mr. Harris has the number posted on FM 1518. Bexar 911 said their pole number would be E. FM 1518. Somehow their phone number was not lined up to go to -275- Schertz. Bexar 911 did correct that however. The Bexar County officials told Mr. Harris it is their jurisdiction. The highway belongs to them and not to the City of Schertz, but sometimes the City of Schertz sluffs stuff off on them. Mayor Baldwin verified that Mr. Harris got the problem corrected and Mr. Harris admitted he thinks so. He commented he won't know until another incident occurs. Several Councilmembers suggested he test it ahead of time. Mr. Sweatt recommended calling the police dispatcher ahead of time to advise he was going to test it. There was address in explained addresses. a short discussion about Mr. the City of Schertz and Mr. the grid system used by the Harris having an Sweatt briefly City. to issue Mayor Baldwin observed that what Mr. Harris experienced is good justification to be annexed by a City if you live somewhere close to one. C. Kyle Swinney of 209 Forest way presented Mayor Baldwin with a milk jug full of soda tabs and asked that it be given to Melissa Spitler, who lives across the street from the Mayor, and she will give it to the neighbor next door to her who is suffering from cancer. It entitles that person to a free chemotherapy treatment. Mr. Sweatt asked who you contact about this. Is there an agency where we could get some publicity? It would be a good item for the Newsletter. Mr. Swinney agreed to check into this and get the information back to Mr. Sweatt. #2 Discuss public hearing request Michelle Smith for a Specific Use Permit to use the property at 201 Church St. school. from Debby and authorizing them as a Christian Mr. Sweatt commented this comes as a recommendation from Planning and zoning for a public hearing. No public hearing is held by Planning and Zoning for a Specific Use Permit. It comes directly to City Council. Twenty-eight letters were sent to property owners within the required distance. Two letters were returned in favor. The public hearing is set for June 4th and the request is to operate a Christian school. They plan to use the original First Methodist Church building which was developed in 1903 and is currently zoned residential. It has been used as a church since the time of its development. Mr. McDonald thought it strange that it is zoned residential, but Mr. Sweatt suspected it was there before zoning and was grandfathered. -276- Mr. Sweatt further stated they propose to utilize all the buildings and the empty lot across the street. The church will continue to be used as a church by the school for daily chapel services and by the community as a wedding chapel. The Sunday school classrooms will be used as the school proper. The former parsonage will be utilized as a day care not to exceed 22 children, some of whom could be employee's children. The do not desire to add or change any outside structure at this time, although general repairs and landscaping will be done. The empty lot across the street will be used for additional parking and may be fenced in if required for insurance purposes. They estimate the school, when running at full capacity, will employ 17-20 individuals. Mr. Sweatt mentioned that a drawing had been included in Council's packets. Mr. Swinney asked how much work they have to do to it. Does it meet the City codes? Mr. Sweatt replied he doesn't think the inspectors have been' inside the building yet, and Mr. Greenwald added the Smiths seem amenable to bringing it up to Code standards. They need to do that to obtain a day care license. Mr. Swinney mentioned the possibility of having a cafeteria and Mr. Sweatt said he would check with the Inspection Department about all these rules and regulations. Mr. Swinney then asked if the church is designated as an historic site. Mayor Baldwin answered he doesn't think so, but it certainly should be. Council indicated their readiness for this item to be included on next Tuesday night's agenda. #3 Discuss final approximately l4 acres to NS) in the Live Oak reading of an ordinance rezoning (10.75 from GB to R-2) (3.25 from GB Hills Subdivision. Mr. Sweatt indicated this had been pretty well covered at the last meeting. Mayor Baldwin asked if anyone has come in and complained and Mr. Sweatt answered no. After being asked by Mayor Baldwin, Council admitted 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 areas of the park; and, C. Contract approval. -277- A. Curfew exception for nark usaoe and nossession of alcohol in the nark. Mr. Sweatt noted the Schertz Business Association (SBA) is requesting a variance on the closing time of the City Park from 11:00 p.m. to midnight on Thursday July 3rd through Monday July 7th. Ann Almond, representing SBA, mentioned they will close down Sunday night at 11:00 p.m., but need a midnight closing for the other days. Mr. Sweatt told Council action will be taken on this request at the next regular meeting. B. Resolution reoardino the restriction of alcoholic beveraoes in certain areas of the Dark. Mr. Sweatt reminded Council they have a Resolution and a general drawing in their packets. Public ,Works has prepared a more specific drawing. Seyeral years ago an ordinance was adopted which prohibited bringing alcoholic beverages, at designated times, into areas of the park. This was done primarily to protect the integrity of the fund-raising action. This drawing describes the area. It goes along the drainage ditch, down Aero, past the access road into the large pavilion, down to the swimming pool area, around the swimming pool and back down to the drainage area. Professional-looking signs will be placed on pedestals around the area as well as (for the first time this year) the signs prohibiting firearms. C. Contract aooroval. Mr. Sweatt related the contract is much the same as it has been in previous years. Ms. Almond reported the only thing she knows that is different in the contract for the carnival is that they will be closing down for a short time on the 4th to allow people to have lunch before they go on. Mr. Sweatt mentioned the attendance over the years has continued to increase and after this year, he's not sure what the City will do about parking and shuttle service. They may have to look into some off-site parking of some sort. Mr. Sweatt acknowledged there has been real concern the fireworks display, especially if it doesn't between now and the 4th of July. Ms. Almond Veteran's Day is the baCk-up day if it postponed. Mr. Swinney asked if SBA has the same insurance company every year. Ms. Almond thought it had changed this year so they have it all year long rather than just covering the 4th of July. This covers float activities and other miscellaneous activities throughout the year also. about rain said Council affirmed they were ready for this item to be included on next Tuesday night's agenda. -278- #5 Discuss recommendations regarding water/wastewater Capital Recovery Fees. Mr. Sweatt reported that several years ago the City adopted an ordinance which allows a method of participation by developers, builders and new customers in the capital outlay cost of maintaining the utility system. Over the years the State laws have dealt with this issue in such a way that the City was required to solicit services by a consultant to help review the charges, review the method of calculation and to develop recommended fees. The fees have been set, as a practical matter, at a rate less than that which the expected and estimated cost of system improvements would dictate. We have charged new customers less than what the study said could be justified. Such a study was done this year and the Planning, and Zoning Commission served as the Water/Wastewater Impact Fee Study Update Committee. They reviewed calculations from both the Water/Wastewater Department and Ford Engineering and have recommended changes to our impact fee charges. John Bierschwale commented the highlights of the Capital Recovery Plan have not changed since the 1990 program except for all water treatment. The City is buying it's share in the capacity of the CRWA plant. The City is also trying to locate alternate sources of ground water outside the Edwards District. Those two projects amount to approximately $3,000,000. Mr. Bierschwale continued on saying they're looking at placing a new storage tank on IH-35 up around Freeway Manor that would also include the transmission mains and that is estimated be a 3.5 million dollar project. Mr. Bierschwale reported a few corrections have been made to sewer and they are asking for an increase from $150.00 to $315.00 of the $725.00 you're allowed to charge by law. There is more sewer line work programmed for the northern part of the City which comes from the New Braunfels fallout line over to Lookout Road. In 1985-86 the City purchased two acres with elevation equal to the Nacogdoches water tower. They would like to build a 2-3 million gallon storage tank and the most economical place would be running up I-35 toward the treatment plant. They want to bring that raw water in so they can do ballooning and mix flood waters together. Mr. McDonald asked if the waters come through the processing plant at New Braunfels or through Lake Dunlap. Mr. Bierschwale replied the City has a choice. They can go through Canyon Regional, through GBRA, or through City of Schertz should they build their own treatment plant. Mr. Bierschwale pointed out he reviews this study every six months. If at the end of that time it is determined -279- development is still impacting the City, the Planning and Zoning and he will be coming back to Council asking for another adjustment to the Impact Fees. Development needs to pay its own way. Mr. Bierschwale then mentioned the Schirmerville area project and said they have been very fortunate because Randolph Air Force Base donated a line from the 100 block of FM 78 at the doctor's office, across the bridge, down FM 1Sl8 and terminating at Schaefer Road. The City picked up one capital recovery fee program from that point to Lower Seguin Road. However, the portion that RAFB donated saved the City approximately one-half million dollars. The plans this year are to upgrade Lower seguin and Aranda. There are future plans for IH-35 and I-10, but the high priority will be raw water. There are limited sewer projects right now because of the cost. The Staff recommends the water impact fee go up $200.00 to $750.00 and the sewer impact fee go up $165.00 to $1300.00. Mr. Swinney asked Mr. affect on development because water is cheap. Bierschwale if he sees any adverse and Mr. Bierschwale replied no Mr. Greenwald remarked according to State law, they have to review this every three years. Nothing says, however, you can't go back and reevaluate it next year. Mr. Sweatt observed it is a fair and good system. It meets the legal as well as the practical test. Mr. reuse gone this McDonald emphasized the City needs to look at the of water. Mayor Baldwin related some cities have to a reuse program. There was a brief discussion on subject. Mr. Sweatt told Council he would like to place this item on the next agenda as an action item. Council concurred. #6 Discuss first reading of ordinance regarding traffic control measures in Dove Meadows, Unit 4. Mr. Sweatt remarked the streets listed in the ordinance are not on the ground yet. They are trying to stay ahead of development. There are recommendations for stop Streets as well as the Through Streets, Two-Way stop Intersections and Yield Intersections. It is anticipated the speed limit in Greenshire Unit 4 will be set at 20 mph as it is in other subdivisions throughout the city. A small sketch is included in the packets of the Council for identification of the area. The ordinance is also included. Council agreed they were ready for this item to be included on next Tuesday night's agenda. -280- #7 Discuss walking fitness course project. Mr. Sweatt reminded Council that included in their packets are copies of information furnished to them by Ruth Tienor back in April. It is a proposed combination project between the City, the SCUC ISD and the PTC of the Schertz Elementary School. There are proposed improvements for a walking/jogging fitness path in the vicinity of Schertz Elementary School and Pfeil Street. When talking with Ms. Tienor, it was thought money for the project would be considered in the 1996/97 budget year and she would speak with the school district at that time. Since then it has been suggested that other means of financial support be considered. Mr. Sawyer commented Mr. Swinney mentioned corporate sponsorships and wondered if there are any sponsors out there that would pay for this project. Mr. McDonald stated Wal Mart used to participate in projects such as this and would match every dollar from a fund raiser, with the employees of the store involved, up to $2,000. Mr. Swinney wanted to avoid too much commercialization and thought one or two unobtrusive signs on each fitness station would be sufficient. Mr. Swinney asked what sort of restrictions would be involved with the City/school aspect. Is there any snag with building it on the school property? Mr. Sweatt replied if the City were doing any sort of construction, there would have to be an interlocal agreement between the City and the school. Mr. McDonald asked if the school district will participate in the project and was told by Mayor Baldwin that Ms. Tienor hasn't presented it to them yet, so he doesn't know how they feel about it. Mr. Potempa suggested, before committing ourselves, waiting to see what the school does first. Mr. Sawyer pointed out the letter was addressed to the City Council, the School Board and the PTC. Mr. Sweatt mentioned he didn't bring it tonight asking for a commitment. Council had asked for it to be on the agenda for discussion only. He had told Ms. Tienor they would look at considering money for it in the 1996/97 budget year. He had hoped she would have presented to the School Board by now. Mr. Swinney asked if the Council can send Ms. Tienor some sort of reply saying the City is willing to consider it if she brings it up to the School Board and the PTC. Mr. McDonald thought she might want to seek alternate sources through corporate grants. Mr. Swinney remarked if they're going to consider the idea of corporate sponsorships, they might want to go through an organization such as the Schertz Business Association between now and August. -281- Mr. Sawyer indicated he would call Ms. Tienor and why the School Board and the PTC didn't get a copy letter. Mayor Baldwin told him they may have, hasn't been brought up yet. There was discussion about the cost of it being an equal three-way split and Mr. Swinney questioned if the City has the resources to participate. Mr. Sweatt replied it's a project the City can handle. ask of but her the it Mayor Baldwin commented there are lots of walkers in the City. Mr. Swinney foresees lots of positive aspects to the project. Mr. McDonald said you're looking at approximately $31,000 in costs and if you get $10,000 in corporate sponsorships, it would cut down everyone's cost considerably. It was determined it is now up to Ms. Tienor to approach the School Board and the PTC to see if'they are willing to participate. #8 Discuss bid award for uniform service. Mr. Sweatt reported the City solicited proposals for uniform services for the Public Works, Animal Control, Inspection, and Building Services Departments. This would consist of five changes per week. Council has bid tabulation forms in their packets. Bids were received from three uniform suppliers. Mission Uniform Service of San Antonio submitted a bid giving a weekly rate of $195.75. Guess Uniforms of San Antonio submitted a bid giving a weekly rate of $208.05. American Linen Service of Corpus Christi submitted a bid giving a weekly rate of $288.00. Mr. Bierschwale is recommending the City go with the lowest and best qualified bidder which is Mission Uniform Service of San Antonio. They meet all uniform specifications. Theirs would be a two-year contract with an option for a third year. After a the bid Control, $195.75, included brief discussion in which Mr. Sweatt pointed out from Mission Uniform did not include Animal so it will actually be $216.75 weekly instead of Council agreed they were ready for this item to be on next Tuesday night's agenda. #9 Discuss bid award for SAFES remount. Mr. Sweatt reminded Council that bid tabulation sheets are included in their packets and also some discussion from a previous meeting. The bids have been reviewed for compliance with various specifications and it is recommended the bid be awarded to San Antonio Ambulance Sales in the amount of $49,917.00. The remount will be available in 60 days or less (that is firm) from the day they receive the unit and they believe that justifies going to the highest bid. The other bids were based on a -282- delivery time after receipt of the chassis. Mr. Swinney mentioned an article in the newspaper about EMS services in San Antonio looking at video camera technology for their entire fleet. They can videotape the patient, the doctor at the trauma center and the scene of the accident so they can be prepared on what to do when they arrive at the scene. Mr. Sweatt agreed it's worth looking into. Mr. McDonald mentioned problems the City Manager had told him about with ambulance services at Randolph. Mr. Sweatt commented SAFES seems to be committing to longer trips. It appears they are no longer going to be able to deliver pediatric and OBGYN patients to BAMC, but will have to transport them to Wilford Hall. As a result, the ambulances will be out of service for longer periods of time. Being able to transmit visual information would certainly be beneficial. Mr. Swinney asked if this applies to emergency situations or to all and Mr. Sweatt answered to all situations. Mr. Greenwald inquired if they could sub-lease for non-emergencies. Mr. Sweatt admitted if it's not an emergency, SAFES shouldn't be transporting at all. They will be looking into some alternatives. Mr. Swinney asked if the Base can't provide a shuttle for non-emergencies. Mr. Sweatt said the Base has a real problem with transporting personnel off Base without a physician in attendance. Mr. Potempa stated the Base does have a van that goes from Randolph to Wilford Hall every day. Council agreed they were ready for this item to be included on next Tuesday night's agenda. #10 Discuss and consider action regarding Stage IV Water Management designation. Mr. Sweatt advised they have been told by the Edwards Underground Water District that they moved to Stage IV of the Demand Management Plan on May 23rd. All primary users have been asked to curtail 30% from their certified base line use volume. The City is now furnishing weekly pumping reports to the Edwards. Personnel from the Public Works Department attended a meeting with SAWS today and understood SAWS is not moving into Stage IV. They think that will occur when the stream flow reaches 60 cubic feet per second and the well level reaches 626-627 feet. It is currently at 635 feet. It is not necessarily recommended at this time that the City move into Stage IV. The ordinance prescribes this can be called at the discretion of the City Council upon recommendation after consultation with the Edwards Water Authority. They would probably like to see the City move into Stage IV and take some additional conservation -283- measures. Without felt there will be City's customers. San Antonio moving to Stage IV, it a lot of confusion on the part of is the Mr. Sweatt went on to say that as Mr. McDonald stated previously, there is confusion about the watering days. San Antonio adopted a calendar and in his opinion, it is very complicated. For right now, the City of Schertz is going to stay with its current watering schedule. There was discussion on how to better communicate with the customers and it was decided it eventually boils down to individual responsibility. During this discussion it was suggested the City go to watering one day a week. For the time being, Council agreed to stay with the current watering schedule. Mr. Swinney brought up the penalties in Stage IV and said the 15,000 gallons penalizes large families. Is there any way if someone goes over the 15,000 gallons that we can go back and have a blurb in there saying in excess of 15,000 gallons and/or a per capita figure? Mr. Sweatt understood where Mr. Swinney was coming from, but said he doesn't know how to deal with it on a per capita basis. When Mr. Swinney's water meter is read, it tells how many gallons was used, but not how many members in the household. Mr. Swinney suggested that when someone goes over the 15,000 gallons, then the City question them to determine how many people are in their household and if they have violated the water conservation plan. Mr. Sweatt and several members of Council felt that would be too time consuming. Mr. Swinney still felt there should be a way before a person is penalized, that they can talk about it and explain their situation. Mayor Baldwin asked the winter average 15,000 gallons is average. if there's any way it could be tied to and John Bierschwale explained the a better deal than using the winter Mr. Sweatt mentioned that in the booklet there are a couple of areas in Stage IV(a) and Stage IV(b) that he will be bringing to Council to think about changing as they move toward Stage IV. Under the current wording, existing landscape watering is prohibited. That's much more severe than San Antonio's restrictions. Also, filling new and existing pools would be prohibited. It's believed San Antonio won't have those restrictions. In Stage IV(a), water use by commercial vehicle washing facilities is currently prohibited and it is suggested the wording excent bv Water Saver Certification be added. Mr. Potempa asked if the new Texaco up on IH-35 will have a car wash using recycled water. Mr. Sweatt replied yes they will. -284- Mr. Swinney wondered if the City is committed to keeping the pool open this summer. Mr. Sweatt indicated the City believes keeping the pool open is appropriate for health and safety reasons. As they encourage people not to use water for their home pools, there will probably be a higher demand for the public pool. Council was prepared for this item to be included on next Tuesday night's agenda. #11 Discuss Charter Review Committee. Mr. Sweatt stated he had been asked to contact former Councilmembers to see if they wanted to serve on the Charter Review Committee. Adolph Aguilar, Mary Marsh and Barbara Stanhope have all indicated they will serve and Mr. McDonald is willing to serve as Chairman. Mr. Sweatt indicated he expects to contact Jeff Duffield. Mayor Baldwin said he had spoken with Mr. Duffield and he is willing to serve. Mr. Sweatt thought it appropriate to make appointments to the Charter Review Committee at the next meeting. Council agreed and gave their approval for this item to be included on next Tuesday night's agenda. Mr. Potempa asked if these will be open meetings and was told yes, they will be open. Mr. Sawyer commented anyone who's interested can show up. Mr. Sweatt mentioned the Committee can be in session for 90 days after the appointments are made. #l2 CITY the tour on (2) routes They will mid-morning around noon MANAGER'S REPORT: A. Reminded Council of June 8th. The City will be broken up into two - the northern route and the southern route. leave around 9:00 a.m. from City Hall, take a break, have lunch at the Community Center and try to finish up around 1:00 p.m. B. Mentioned the Firemen's Supper on Saturday, June 1st at the large pavilion and encouraged everyone to attend. An invitation is extended to the Councilmembers and their spouses to drop by Friday night around 7:00 p.m. for ribs. C. Noted the City had received a letter from Dr. Steele of the SCUC ISD requesting consideration of submission of a nominee for the Hall of Honor. The deadline for submission is July 31st. #13 ITEMS BY COUNCIL: Mr. Sawyer: A. Mentioned, regarding the rezoning of Live Oak Hills, that Mr. Gilpin was opposed to the rezoning and Council should have told him it's fairly easy to come back and request a change if someone should want to put a business on his property. Mr. Sweatt thought Mr. Gilpin was mainly concerned that the -285- rezoning would decrease the value of his Sweatt indicated it might be hard to zoning is better in a residential area. property. Mr. prove commercial B. Stated there's still a proliferation of unauthorized signs in the area where he walks. C. Was asked by Mr. Swinney if there was any word on the graffiti project at the VFW and told Mr. Swinney he hadn't heard from Mrs. Marsh. Mr. McDonald: Remarked, as a result of some of his work, he finds it upsetting that there are no young farmers out there. Mr. Greenwald: Reported someone at Zoning meeting last night asked if the letter to the State Highway Department weeds along FM 3009. the Planning and City could send a about cutting the Mr. McDonald would like to see the grass around the Shoe Shop trimmed also. He then aSKed what it would the City to mow the grass along the railroad tracks. Sweatt replied he doesn't know, but would try to find old cost Mr. out. Mr. Sawyer suggested finding out what someone would want to contract the work. Mr. Sweatt pointed out there would be the issue of liability. There was further discussion about the weeds and high grass along the railroad track and Mr. Swinney commented he was fed up with the railroad. It's ruining the appearance of a major portion of the City. Mr. Potempa related something appearance of the City is the painted that horrendous yellow. else that's ruining new tire shop on FM the 78 #l4 ITEMS BY MAYOR: Reported the VFW has kicked off a new program to replace the Buffalo Valley Jamboree. It's the South Texas Opry. It will be a quarterly event #l5 ADJOURNMENT: On a motion by Mr. Potempa, seconded by Mr. Swinney and unanimously approved, the meeting was adjourned at 9:17 p.m. -286- ~~"'du.-:: Mayor, City f Schertz, Texas ATTEST: ~ ~-L<2J'J City Secretary, City of Scherti -287-