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ccswks 04-26-1995 If~ SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 26, 1995 The Schertz city Council convened in Special Workshop Session on Wednesday, April 26, 1995 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; Barbara Stanhope and Ken Greenwald. Absent: Councilmember Mary Marsh. Staff present were City Manager Kerry Sweatt and City Secretary Norma Althouse. Before the meeting started, Mr. Potempa asked that there be a moment of silence in honor of Mary Lou Malone, Executive Director of SAFES, who passed away two days ago. #1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS: James Harris of FM 1518 and Schaefer Road addressed Item #2 on the agenda which is the discussion of awarding bids for a 1956 gpm pumper fire truck. He doesn't understand why the City is considering giving it away instead of selling it. When discussion on it came up previously and Council thought about giving it to someone to use for training, Mrs. Marsh wondered why not try to sell it - that's why the City went out for bids. Mr. Harris also stressed he thinks the rule governing the hearing of residents at Council meetings is bad because it doesn't permit him to speak about this again until the next meeting. #2 Discuss awarding bid for 1956 gpm pumper fire truck. Mr. Sweatt explained the pumper is no longer creditable for key rating, parts are no longer available for it, and it is no longer safe for emergency response. At one time it was recommended it be given to the Guadalupe County Firefighter's Association, but City Council asked that we check on the possibility of selling it. The City advertised for bids on it and by the deadline only two had been received. One bid was from Burch Roofing for $1025 and the other was from the Masonic Lodge (Shriner's) asking the City to waive the bid and donate it to them for use at their youth camp. Mr. Sweatt went on to say that after consideration, they believe a donation to the Masonic Lodge for use at a youth camp represents a worthwhile use of the equipment and that is their recommendation to Council. Fire Chief Woodward noted that as far as someone using it for training, a water purification plant has been built next to Lake Dunlap and they don't use fire hydrants, so the people who were going to use it for training no longer need it. Chief Woodward mentioned he had contacted several places that have antique vehicles, but they weren't .~ /16 interested. It would be an astronomical cost to restore it. He suggested to Mr. Sweatt that they put it out of service. It was the first fire truck in the City of Schertz, so instead of selling it to Burch Roofing with no idea of what they're going to do with it, he would rather see it go to the Shriner's. Lt. Starr of the Police Department related he belongs to the Shriner's and since he became treasurer, he has been looking for firefighting equipment. Their camp has 75 cabins and 75 trailers, but no firefighting equipment. They plan to use it for a fire truck. Mr. McDonald asked who uses the camp and Lt. Starr replied individual Shriner's and it's also open to the Scouts. Mr. Potempa inquired if there's any liability on the part of the City of Schertz if they donate it to the Shriner's. Mrs. Stanhope answered there wouldn't be any until they give it back to us. Mr. McDonald felt it's improper to dispose of public property as a gift, but Mr. Greenwald thought the Shriner's would be a worthwhile cause for giving it to as a donation. Mrs. Stanhope agreed with Mr. Greenwald and commented when they no longer can use it, they can contact the City first and it would be up to the governing body at that time to decide what to do about it. Mr. McDonald admitted he has a problem with the pumper being donated to people with an above-average income. Mr. Potempa, then mentioning he is involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, asked if crippled children ever use the camp. Lt. Starr replied they do not. Mayor Baldwin remarked that since we did get a bid on the pumper, it would be hard to explain why we gave it away. Mrs. Stanhope asked Mr. Sweatt to contact Burch Roofing and find out what they plan to do with the pumper. Mr. Potempa asked what the law says about a situation such as this and Mr. Sweatt advised you can solicit bids and then either award a bid or give the property involved away. After being asked by Mayor Baldwin, Council indicated they were ready for this item to placed on next Tuesday night's agenda. #3 Discuss awarding bid for handicapped accessible improvements/curb modification project. Mr. Sweatt reminded Council the City had received a grant from Bexar County for accessible improvements to three restrooms in the City Park and 286 curbs in the City. We advertised for bids and two were received. Those two were Robinson Construction in the amount of $219,153.50 and ------- /f1 Evans & Evans, Inc. in the amount of $289,326.00. Robinson Construction is obviously the low bidder, but their bid exceeds the estimated construction cost by $84,150.00. Ford Engineering recommends the City modify the scope of the project to lower the construction cost and re-bid. There was discussion about complying with the stipulations of the grant and/or the ADA requirements if we modify the scope of the project and about the deadline for complying with ADA. Mr. Sweatt advised the deadline for complying with ADA is in effect now and as far as the grant stipulations, we would need to look for other projects. Mayor Baldwin asked Mr. Robinson of Robinson Construction, who was present, if the size of the project would change his bid. If the City decided to go with only the curbs, would he still consider doing the project? Mr. Robinson really didn't answer the question about changing his bid, but did point out that TXDot charges $900 per ramp, Evans & Evans charges $700 and he charges only $590. Mr. McDonald Mr. Sweatt capability. asked about having the work done in-house and replied he doesn't think we have the Mayor Baldwin estimates by check into it. wondered why Ford Engineering missed the so much and Mr. Sweatt promised he would Council, when asked by Mayor Baldwin, agreed they were ready for this item to be placed on Tuesday night's agenda for a decision. #4 Discuss consideration of the final reading of an ordinance rezoning 1.543 acres at Schertz Parkway and Mitchell Ave. from R-4 (Apartment/Multi-Family Dwelling District) to R-6 (Single-Family Dwelling District). Mr. Sweatt reminded Council they had approved the first reading of this ordinance at their last regular meeting. Along with the rezoning change, Veytia is also requesting two variances. The first is a change in the typical lot size from the currently authorized 60' x 100' to a proposed 50' x 120'. The second is a change in the front yard setback from the authorized 25' down to 20', allowing a 26' alleyway for entrance in the rear, with 15' separation between all buildings. There will also be a l' non-access easement with only one curb cut on Schertz Parkway. Mayor Baldwin yard setback. visitors are allowed along developer is Parkway. Mr. was at the commented he has a problem with the 20' front Mrs. Stanhope expressed concern about where going to park since there is no parking Schertz Parkway. Mayor Baldwin asked if the aware there is no parking along Schertz Greenwald related the engineer, Neil Fisher, last Planning and Zoning meeting with a ~ Iff preliminary plat. They are all set to go once this is approved and yes, the developer is aware of the parking restrictions. Merwin Willman informed Mrs. Stanhope that with a 26' alleyway in the rear, visitors will park there. After Mr. Sweatt advised he will ask the developer to attend next Tuesday night's meeting so Council can get all their questions answered before the final reading of this ordinance, Council indicated they were ready for this item to be included on that agenda. #5 Discuss consideration of the final reading of an ordinance rezoning the 500' depth along FM 1518, in the area from approximately 1000' south of Lower Seguin Road to 1000' north of I-I0, from GB (General Business) to R/A (Residential/Agricultural). Mr. Sweatt, reminding Council they had approved the first reading of this ordinance at their last regular meeting, pointed out the area to be rezoned on the map. Mr. Sweatt further commented the applications received for building in this area have primarily been for residential use of the land. If a business wanted to locate in the area, they could apply for a Specific Use Permit. Mayor Baldwin observed this gives the City solid control over what type of development goes in there and then asked Council if they were ready for this to be included on next Tuesday night's agenda. They were. #6 Discuss public hearing for the rezoning of approximately 37.886 acres from R-2 (Single-Family Dwelling District) to MH (Mobile Home District). Mr. Sweatt advised this request is from the owners of Windy Meadow Mobile Home Park and this acreage will be an addition to that park. The area involved extends across some farm land, so there will be certain drainage issues which will have to be addressed. Mayor Baldwin wondered whether traffic will empty out onto existing streets or to Maske Road. Mr. Greenwald explained one of the long range plans is a possible stub-out to Oak Street and also stated that Steve Simonson had brought up the fact that Maske Road would have to be widened and upgraded before it is able to handle a large influx of traffic. Mrs. Stanhope asked about concerns of the property owners on Maske Road and Mr. Greenwald answered they want a privacy fence between them and the mobile home park. Mr. Potempa asked putting in and was shows 160 lots. They how many mobile homes they plan on informed by Merwin Willman the plan intend to put in double wides. /11 Mr. Sweatt commented it is his understanding they would like to have restricted access versus opening it up to a lot of traffic. Mayor Baldwin asked Council if they were prepared to go with the public hearing on this request and they confirmed they were ready. #7 Discuss agreement with the Edwards Underground Water District regarding toilet replacement rebate program. Mr. Sweatt noted, that as Council will recall, the City participated with the Edwards Underground Water District in a somewhat similar agreement in 1993 but had to end the program after Senate Bill 1477 abolished the Edwards. Approximately 24 toilets were replaced before the program ended. This current proposed reimbursement rather than City and the Edwards and is which at $50 per unit would agreement provides for a escrow arrangement between the limited to a maximum of $2,750, allow replacement of 55 units. Mr. Sweatt continued on saying even though this agreement will require close monitoring and coordination between the Inspection, Utility, Public Works and Finance Departments, the City feels it can be an effective tool in overall conservation efforts and recommends Council authorize approval of the agreement. Mr. Greenwald observed then that contractor in this agreement and Mr. that's correct. the City is the Sweatt acknowledged Mr. McDonald asked licensed plumber and do it as long as they the City. if Mr. get the work has to be done by a Sweatt replied the homeowner can a permit and have it inspected by Mr. Potempa inquired how much the 1.6 gallon unit (which is the authorized replacement unit) costs and Mr. Sweatt said he thought they range from $135 on up. Council indicated they were ready for this item to be placed on next Tuesday night's agenda. #8 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: A. Announced the funeral for Mary Lou Malone will be held at 11:00 a.m. this Friday at the First Baptist Church in Schertz. Interment will be at the Guadalupe Valley Cemetery on Route 46 between New Braunfels and Seguin. Following the interment, a reception will be held at the K of C Hall in Schertz for anyone wishing to extend their condolences to the family. Viewing of the body is at the Colonial Funeral Home tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. A large turnout is expected for the funeral, so the plans are to close the Municipal Complex from 10:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. unless Council has ~- 1..,',__ ;2t?O objections. No one objected. Mr. Potempa asked if the funeral procession will have a police escort and was told by Mr. Sweatt it will. B. Mentioned there will be a Pet Fair at the Schertz Animal Shelter on May 6th from noon until 5:00 p.m. #9 ITEMS BY COUNCIL: Mr. PotemQa: Noted the Caulfield estate on IH-35 is being dismantled and the nursery will take over that location. Mrs. Stanhooe: Reported she had attended the drug-free rally put on by CVADAC and Juvenile Probation. The turnout was light, but this was their first one and she hopes they'll keep working at it. Mr. Greenwald: Related he had attended the FM 78 public meeting and feels it was the worst representation of State support he has ever seen. They don't even know where the streets are. The point was made that the low water crossing will not handle the traffic overflow when FM 78 is closed. It is apparent TXDoT didn't spend any time in the area and they weren't prepared to give us any right-of-way measurements. Mayor Baldwin remarked there were lots of business people there asking pointed questions. Mr. Potempa interjected a comment about the recent resurfacing done on FM 78 and asked about the expense involved. Mr. Sweatt answered it's relatively inexpensive and prolongs the life of the highway. Mr. McDonald inquired if we have a price tag yet on what it will cost the City for the widening of FM 78. Mr. Sweatt emphasized we won't have one until they provide us with the right-of-way dimensions. The next public meeting needs to be scheduled as soon as possible. #10 ITEMS BY MAYOR: There were none. #11 ADJOURNMENT: On a seconded by Mr. McDonald and meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Potempa and carried, the Ma yOr-;- City ~- of Schertz, Texas ATTEST: ~~~ City Secretary, City of Schertz