ccswks 04-26-1995
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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of Schertz, Texas
ATTEST:
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City Secretary, City of Schertz