ccswks 08-09-1995
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SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 9, 1995
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop
Session on Wednesday, August 9, 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; Earl Sawyer; Timothy
Swinney and Ken Greenwald. Staff present were City Manager
Kerry Sweatt and City Secretary Norma Althouse.
#1 SWEARING IN OF COUNCILMEMBER
City Secretary, Norma Althouse, swore Earl Sawyer in as a
new Councilmember to fill the unexpired term of Place #3.
#2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A.
B.
Special Session 6-14-95
Regular Session 6-20-95
Mr. McDonald moved to approve the Special Session 6-14-95
and the Regular Session 6-20-95. Mr. Potempa seconded the
motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers McDonald,
Greenwald.
Potempa, Swinney and
NAYS: None.
ABSTENTIONS: Earl Sawyer for the Special Session 6-14-95
and the Regular Session 6-20-95.
#3 HEARING OF RESIDENTS: The Reverend Don Jeffreys
of the First Baptist Church of Schertz informed the Council
his church is going to be doing a Community Needs
Assessment. They propose to have each of their members do
a simple survey of about five of their neighbors. The
areas of the community in which their members live are too
large to cover completely, so what they're hoping for is a
random sampling. There are six questions on the survey and
they are aimed at getting an idea of what people perceive
to be problems in the community.
Mr. Jeffreys went on to say they will compile the results
and summarize them to see if perhaps there are things they,
as a church, can begin to address in trying to help meet
needs in the community. They are willing to share this
information with other agencies, people and churches that
can help meet some of the needs. They also plan on
surveying government, business and school leaders.
Mr. Jeffreys then said the City of Cibolo has asked
copy of the results, which they will'provide, and he
be glad to do the same for the City of Schertz.
didn't want to get into any solicitation problems, so
are making everyone aware of what they'll be doing.
for a
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Mr. Sweatt commented he thinks it's an extremely good way,
not only for the church, but for the city to determine what
people perceive as problems. The City did a similar survey
about five years ago and it was very helpful in helping us
set some goals.
Mr. Swinney, noting the churches already help people in
need, asked Mr. Jeffreys if he foresees more activism from
the churches or more of a partnership with local
governments. Mr. Jeffreys replied he doesn't know what to
expect and he also doesn't know how his people will respond
to what they find out. Mr. Swinney remarked it might be
interesting to see if any of the citizens have solutions to
the problems.
At this time Mayor Sawyer sough permission to move to Item
#8 on the agenda. Council approved.
#8 Discuss proposed routing of GVEC transmission
line.
Mayor Baldwin introduced Marcus Pridgeon, General Manager
of GVEC, headquartered in Gonzales. The Mayor then asked
if everyone had a chance to stop by the K of C Hall this
evening for the public meeting on the routing of the
transmission line. Mr. Pridgeon reported they had 19
people show up.
Mr. Pridgeon then mentioned he has Steve Slaughter,
System Engineer, with him this evening and also his
and Director from this area, Lewis Borgfeld.
the
boss
Mr. Pridgeon related they had come before Council several
weeks ago requesting a Specific Use Permit to allow them to
construct a new substation in the Live Oak Hills
Subdivision and the request was approved. They are in the
process now of trying to acquire a Certificate of
Convenience and Necessity from the Public Utility
Commission for construction of a transmission line that
will connect the new Parkway substation and the Schertz
substation. One of the steps they are required to go
through is a public meeting such as they held tonight at
the K of C Hall. They are also required to propose several
different routes for the transmission line and they have
done that. Mr. Sweatt had provided Council with a map of
the proposed routes.
Mr. Pridgeon commented their original intent was to have
one of the routes on the east side of Schertz Parkway, but
upon discovering a school is planned in the area, they
cannot do that. You don't want transmission lines near a
school or heavily populated subdivisions. As a ,'result, all
the routes they have proposed are on the west side of
Schertz Parkway until they cross down on Live Oak Road.
The preferred route is through the flood plain which is the
most westerly route shown on the map. Letters were sent to
all residents within 200' of a proposed line and letters
Y1!
were also sent to all the residents in the back parts of
the subdivisions in the area. Nineteen people came to the
public meeting and Mr. Pridgeon reported he received no
phone calls.
Mr. Pridgeon remarked it will probably be December of 1996
before they can start construction and GVEC wants to
protect the aesthetics of Schertz Parkway as much as
possible. They're positive there will be some comments
from the City of Schertz on their proposed routes.
Mr. Sweatt pointed out that even though construction of
the transmission line is not anticipated until December of
1996, the substation will be up and receiving power by
December of 1995. Mr. Pridgeon admitted that's 'correct.
At Mayor Baldwin's request, Mr. Pridgeon displayed some
maps for Council to see. Mr. Sweatt commented normally
GVEC does not acquire a simple title, they acquire an
easement. Mr. Pridgeon explained they do not take
possession or own any of the property. As part of the
agreement, the property owner consents not to construct a
permanent structure in the easement.
Mr. McDonald asked, if the plant is on line in December of
this year, will they be distributing power out of it and
Mr. Pridgeon replied yes, they will have two distribution
circuits built out by the end of this year.
Mr. Potempa questioned if they will construct poles along
Schertz Parkway and Mr. Pridgeon answered yes they will.
Mr. Potempa indicated he is not in favor of that. Mr.
Pridgeon related that is the only way they can go right
now, but if after all this area is subdivided there emerges
a better way to do it, they will commit to coming back and
removing the poles.
Mr. Potempa then wondered how this will affect development
along Schertz Parkway and Mr. Sweatt observed that at
least wooden poles are less evil looking than the big steel
structures. To this, Mr. Pridgeon added Schertz Parkway
won't develop at all if there is no electricity and without
these poles, there will be none.
Mr. Pridgeon emphasized again, that once this all
develops, there may be a time when they can take the route
to the back and get the poles off the Parkway. Mark
Marquez wanted to clarify that they are saying they will
move that distribution line to the rear at a later point,
if it's practical to do so. Mr. Pridgeon stated once this
all develops and they know where all the players are and
how it all pans out, if there's a logical way to move the
distribution line off the Parkway, they will do that. Mr.
Marquez then asked if it can go in the same easement with
the transmission lines and Mr. Pridgeon replied it can.
They are attempting to acquire right-of-way easements big
enough to accommodate both.
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There was discussion about the flood plain route versus the
Schertz Parkway route. Mayor Baldwin asked who will make
the ultimate decision about which route will be chosen and
Mr. Pridgeon replied it will be the Public Utility
C""",mission. Mr. Greenwald suggested it would behoove the
Council to pass a resolution, for GVEC to carry with them,
saying which route they prefer. Council agreed.
Mr. Swinney asked how close this will be to Windy Meadow
and was told it will cross the drainage ditch. Mr.
Swinney confirmed that basically, it will be bisecting the
mobile home park. Mr. Pridgeon said that's correct.
Mayor Baldwin noted the only question he has is about this
route coming down Oak Street and then turning 'and going
down the Butler property line. He was told that was the
property owner's choice - they want them to come down the
front of their property instead of going through the
middle. The Mayor stressed it doesn't seem like the right
route to him because it could be kept in the flood plain
all the way. Mr. Pridgeon felt the property owner will
reconsider.
Mayor Baldwin then asked if the route were sent to
Public Utility Commission in that fashion and they say
okay, is it locked in. Mr. Pridgeon replied no, it's
one property owner and he's sure they will come down
middle of the property instead of turning.
the
it's
only
the
Council indicated they were ready for a resolution on this
to be included as an action item on the agenda next Tuesday
night.
The Mayor now moved back to Item #4 on the agenda.
#4 Discuss Edwards Underground District's
recommendations for Drought Management Plan changes.
Mr. Sweatt informed Council a representative of the
Edwards Underground District was asked to be here this
evening to discuss the changes and Mr. Chuck Ahrens is
present for that purpose.
Mr. Ahrens related that the previous Demand Management
Plan had just been changed to go from the water level
triggering mechanism to the spring flow triggering
mechanism. On June 14th, Judge Bunton issued an order
directing a panel of attorneys, representing the region, to
devise a plan for the remainder of 1995. Apparently Judge
Bunton felt that neither plan, the one the Edward's has in
place and the one the City of San Antonio has in place, was
adequate enough to protect the springs for the rest of
1995. Judge Bunton was waiting on the Department of
Justice to make a ruling on the new agency that's been
created. The Edward's does not have the teeth the Judge
would like to have in place to enforce these type
regulations.
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Mr. Ahrens went on to say the panel of attorneys came up
with a plan and Judge Bunton adopted it, strongly urging
the Edward's to go back to using the well level as a
trigger mechanism. Mr. Ahrens commented, in his opinion,
the plan not only changed the trigger mechanism, it also
changed the methodology for establishing the base usage of
any given user. Heretofore, the Edward's plan used
historical monthly numbers. The Judge's plan takes last
year's winter use, averages the three lowest months, and
then applies a multiplier towards that to come up with
what's called your maximum allowable use for any given
month for the remainder of 1995. The Edward's Board of
Directors adopted that plan on July 20th, after holding
public hearings in all three counties, and letters were
sent to all users notifying them of their maximum allowable
usage for each month. The Board felt like it was an effort
in regional cooperation.
Mr. Ahrens mentioned, that to complicate matters,
yesterday the Department of Justice did preclear the bill
which creates the Edward's Aquifer Authority. The
Authority comes on line the 28th of August and is also
responsible for developing a critical period management
plan. The likelihood is once the Authority is in place and
comfortable, there will be more changes.
Mr. Ahrens, saying John Bierschwale indicated to him this
would require an ordinance change on the part of the City
of Schertz, implied that's not necessarily the case. The
Edward's has issued a number that is the maximum allowable
usage for any given user and is not really interested in
how a user achieves that number. Whether or not the City
changes the ordinance is up to them.
Mr. Sweatt reminded Mr. Ahrens there is still, however,
a measurement at J17 well that you do fall back to - 655
ft., 648 ft., 642 ft., etc. Mr. Ahrens admitted that's
what the stages are based on right now. Mr. McDonald
mentioned our usage average could fall above or below what
we're allowed to use. Mr. Bierschwale remarked where it
will hurt us is in the months of July and August because
last year during that time we pumped 99 million gallons of
water in a 30 day period. According to the Edward's, when
we go into Stage 1, we'll be at 81 million.
Mr. McDonald asked what our three-month average for the
winter was last year and Mr. Bierschwale replied he would
have to calculate it. Mr. Ahrens pointed out 81 million
is Schertz's maximum level use right now. That's the
average of the lowest three winter months times 1.8.
Mr. McDonald asked what happens if the City doesn't
comply. Mr. Ahrens replied the 'Edward's" Underground
District can take the City to Court tip through August 28th.
The legislation that goes into effect on the 28th provides
that the Edward's Underground Authority can enforce any
rules adopted by the Edward's Underground District, however
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the Authority will be much more powerful. They have fining
capabilities from $100 to $1,000 per day for violators.
Mr. Sweatt asked if there isn't also authority for a
surcharge. Mr. Ahrens explained the Authority's operating
fees will be based on how much your permit is. The City of
Schertz will have to go to the Authority to obtain a permit
and pay a fee for the water use. Mr. Sweatt inquired if
within that structure there isn't a surcharge arrangement.
Mr. Ahrens replied that will all have to be worked out.
The usage will be based on an historic period which is yet
to be determined.
Mayor Baldwin mentioned the only problem he sees with it is
that the largest water waster in the wintertime, and he
thinks San Antonio is one, will not be penalized. A little
City will be penalized. The Mayor stated he doesn't think
this is a fair decision by Judge Bunton.
Mr. McDonald remarked what's more important is if the
regulations are equally applied. Is San Antonio going to
be required to comply as much as Garden Ridge or Schertz?
Mr. Ahrens pointed out that anyone who uses the water
contributes to total usage. San Antonio will have to do
their part to conserve water.
Mayor Baldwin commented he thinks they always attack the
little guy. Mr. Ahrens pointed out that in almost every
utility, you can double your usage from winter to summer,
so the formula of 1.8 should be close to fair.
Mr. Potempa asked who's going to do the policing of this.
Mr. Ahrens answered they will require monthly pumpage
reports from the City.
Mr. Greenwald declared what really gripes him
Judge Bunton wanted to use the spring flow as the
mechanism, and the ink is not even dry on that
we're back to using the well level.
is that
trigger
and now
Mr. Swinney asked if the catfish farm is considered part
of San Antonio. Mr. Ahrens replied that gentleman has his
own well. Mr. McDonald asked if private wells are
regulated. Mr. Ahrens answered there are a few industrial
users that are affected, but it's mainly water utilities.
Military installations are exempt. If the catfish farm is
issued a permit, he will be given an amount he is allowed
to use.
Mr. Ahrens wasn't sure anything needs to be done. Maybe
the ordinance the City has in place will protect them. Mr.
Sweatt pointed out Schertz has made changes to have the
spring flow as the trigger mechanism and something needs to
replace the spring flow in order for the City to implement
the various stages of activity. Our currertt stages are
predicated on those spring flow numbers. Mr. Ahrens
informed Mr. Sweatt they could call the Edward's office
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everyday. They still have spring flow
Greenwald noted media coverage uses the J17
of reference and that's what the public
Bierschwale strongly recommended using the
trigger mechanism.
numbers. Mr.
well as a point
keys on. Mr.
J17 well as the
Mr. Marquez asked how growth is factored in and Mr.
Ahrens replied it is his understanding when the Authority
begins to permit water, it will be based on historic use.
The intent is to limit the withdraw from the Edward's
Aquifer at 450,000 acre feet of water. The likelihood is
that after the Authority receives all the requests for
permits, it will exceed that amount and they will have to
cut back everybody's initial permit. Mr. Ahrens indicated
there is a provision in the law that says if after a
certain period of time an additional source comes on line,
the Authority can choose to issue permits in excess of
450,000 or 400,000 (depending on the year) acre feet of
water, but it is on an interruptible basis.
Mr. McDonald asked if the Authority has the power to cut
San Antonio's allocation from the Edward's if they don't
secure alternate sources of water. Mr. Ahrens answered
once a city's permit is issued, that's theirs for
perpetuity unless they come upon another source of water.
They would then have something to sell.
Mr. Sweatt thanked Mr. Ahrens for attending the session
tonight and answering Council's questions.
#5 Discuss public hearing on a request from M.W. Cude
Engineers to rezone 1.0084 acres at the corner of FM 3009
and Dimrock from NS to R-6.
Mr. Sweatt reminded Council they have a map in their
packets indicating the location of the requested rezoning.
If you come out of Woodland Oaks, facing FM 3009, you pass
a drainage ditch. Immediately after passing the drainage
ditch, on your right is a Neighborhood Services zoned area,
back approximately 200' from the right-of-way of FM 3009.
The request is to change a portion of that from
Neighborhood Services to R-6, single-family residential, in
order to allow three residential lots in the area. They
will start out as model homes and eventually be sold as
residences.
Mr. Sweatt continued on, saying they will meet all the
residential ordinance regulations and building code
requirements. Notices were sent to all property owners
within the required distance. The Planning and Zoning
Commission held a public hearing on August 8, 1995 and is
recommending approval of the rezoning. A drawing was
passed around showing how the area will look.
Mr. McDonald mentioned if you go across Dimrock,
that same amount of land on the other side.
someone wants to come in and build houses there?
there's
What if
Are we
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setting a precedent where we'll have to rezone that too?
Mr. Sweatt wondered why not. Mr. McDonald questioned if
there's enough room for a street. How is traffic going to
ingress and egress? Mr. Sweatt replied that would be the
developer's problem. As you can see, they pIan to serve
the area from a cul-de-sac.
Mr. McDonald expressed concern about having to access the
property using Woodland Oaks Drive. Dimrock is a
residential street and is narrower than Woodland Oaks
Drive, so a lot of traffic will be thrown onto Dimrock and
the other side streets to get over to Woodland Oaks Drive
to get to the new houses after they look at the models.
Wouldn't it be better to build off Woodland Oaks Drive?
The same property exists there.
Mr. McDonald then questioned if 90' from adjoining
property is wide enough for a business because they will be
backing right up against someone's fence. The way it is
now, with that all being zoned for business, it backs up
against a drainage ditch and then residential property.
Mr. Swinney pointed out it's 140' across the back. Mr.
McDonald noted it's 90' across the front. Mayor Baldwin
said it's 90' just in that turn radius on the corner, but
it's 140' across the back. Mr. Sweatt acknowledged it's
90' on the side of Dimrock, but in his opinion, most any
development would front FM 3009 and probably have just an
ingress/egress driveway off Dimrock.
Mr. McDonald mentioned three lots that could be built up
in the area where Dover Homes had their models. They're
zoned residential right now. What's wrong with using
those? Mr. McDonald stressed there are better options,
but he doesn't know if they were discussed or explored.
Mr. Sweatt, saying he couldn't speak for the developer,
indicated residential use is preferable to some people as
opposed to a commercial strip center in that location.
Mr. Potempa asked if the developer was asked to be here
tonight. Mr. Sweatt answered no. They will be asked to
attend the public hearing which is set for next Tuesday
night.
There was a brief discussion on what's planned for the
land behind Tiger Tote.
After being asked by Mayor Baldwin, Council agreed
were ready to go with this item for a public hearing
Tuesday night.
#6 RESOLUTION: Consider and take action on an
updated resolution providing exemptions of certain vehicles
from requirements of Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes.
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Mayor Baldwin introduced a resolution and read it as
follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 95-R-lO
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF .&...:1~ CITY OF SCHERTZ,
TEXAS, PROVIDING FOR EXEMPTION OF CERTAIN
VEHICLES FROM REQUIREMENTS OF ARTICLE 6701m-2,
VERNON'S TEXAS CIVIL STATUTES, IDA:.nIFICATION OF
CITY AND COL..Io... ~ -mbllJ~.L1 VEHICLES AND HEAVY
EQUIPMENT.
WHEREAS, Article 6701m-2, V.T.C.S., that requires
identification of city and county-owned vehicles and heavy
equipment, further provides for exemption of certain
vehicles when used for the purpose of performing official
duties.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ,
TEXAS:
1. In accordance with prov1s1ons of Article 6701m-2,
V.T.C.S., City vehicles used for the purpose of performing
official duties by the Schertz Police Department are hereby
exempted under identification requirements for unmarked
vehicles.
2. The following
submit applications for
Department of Highways
of the City:
persons are hereby authorized to
special license plates to the State
and Public Transportation on behalf
Kerry R. Sweatt - City Manager
Steve Simonson - Assistant City Manager
Norma Althouse - City Secretary
Dolores Butler - Deputy City Secretary
Mr. Sweatt advised this was placed on the agenda for
action and involves housekeeping only to recognize current
officials.
Mr. McDonald moved to approve the resolution providing
exemptions of certain vehicles from requirements of
Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes. Mr. Swinney seconded the
motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers McDonald, Potempa, Sawyer, Swinney
and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#7 Discuss BOA Rules of Procedure.
Mr. Sweatt related they have been asked
matter. Council is ahead of the game.
Procedure were discussed some time ago
Attorney recommended certain changes. The
to table this
The Rules of
and the City
BOA didn't have
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a quorum at their meeting last Monday, so they have not
taken final action. The copy included in the packets is in
final form. We're merely being asked to table them until
the BOA has had an opportunity to approve them.
Mr. Swinney moved to table discussion of the BOA Rules of
Procedure until such time as the BOA has had an opportunity
to approve them. Mr. Potempa seconded the motion, which
carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers McDonald, Potempa, Sawyer, Swinney
and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
(Since Item #8 was discussed earlier in the meeting, Mayor
Baldwin moved on to Item #9.)
#9 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: suggested, regarding the
resolution on the proposed routing of the GVEC transmission
line, that the other Boards and Commissions of the City
follow suit and approve a similar document.
#10 ITEMS BY COUNCIL: Mr. McDonald: Reported he had
attended the Library Board meeting Monday night and they're
coming right along with their computer program with the
exception of a minor disk problem. Gail Douglas presented
her proposed budget which has been changed by $6,000
because the County cut it by that much. One of the things
cut out was $1200 for additional bookshelves. If there's
any way to find that money, the library needs those
bookshelves. Mr. McDonald said he went out and looked at
them and thought maybe he could build them, but he couldn't
do it for $1200. He's doesn't know how they're getting
them for only that much.
Mr. Swinney asked if they have space for more bookshelves
and was told they do. Mr. Sawyer commented the
bookshelves were built, at one time, by the Engineering Job
Corp. The City bought the lumber and they built them.
Mr. PotemDa: Announced he will not be at next Tuesday's
meeting due to a scheduling conflict.
Mr. Swinney: A. Mentioned he had a report from a citizen
about people taking materials out of the recycling bins.
Has that been a big problem in the City? Mr. Sweatt
replied it has not been and the Council adopted an
ordinance prohibiting such action and making it a violation
of a City ordinance. Of course it's like any other crime,
you have to have a complaining witness.
B. Related he was at the pool enjoying adult night on
Monday. There were only five or six'people in the pool for
an hour. In talking with the lifeguards, it was mentioned
they make a killing on Monday nights because only a few
people participate in adult night. We need to get the word
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out and encourage more participation. Mr. Swinney
wondered, if they don't get more people to take part, is it
justified. Mr. Sweatt explained this was the second year
for the program and he believes they had a little better
response last year, but he doesn't know why. Mr. Swinney
admitted it's a really good deal and those who go are very
satisfied with the City of Schertz.
Mr. Greenwald: A. Declared he went to a
committee meeting on Monday. One of the
Davenport will be coming around to talk to us
"Safe Harbor Act", so hang on to your copies.
very interesting.
CRWA policy
things David
about is the
It will be
B. Reported on activity at the Planning and Zoning meeting
last night:
(1) Ashley Place, Unit 2 is already platted;
(2) Pulte Homes has bought a section of Woodland Oaks
(Unit 6A) which they've already platted;
(3) The school district is applying for a Specific Use
Permit to allow construction of an Intermediate School in
Savannah Square; and,
(4) There's a street in Ashley Place called Baldwin
Park which has nothing to do with the Mayor - the names
were submitted over a year ago.
Mr. Swinney interjected a comment at this time to publicly
recognize Boy Scout Troop #171 for repainting and cleaning
up the restroom facilities in the park as part of an Eagle
project.
Mr. McDonald remarked that the new Bill Miller's B-B-Q is
answering the phone "Bill Miller's Garden Ridge." Mr.
Sweatt mentioned their signs about parking recorded an
ordinance number in San Antonio.
#11 ITEMS BY MAYOR: Announced the Northeast Partner-
ship meeting is tomorrow in Live Oak. Everyone is invited.
(Council took a short break before going to Item #12.)
# 12 BUDGET WORKSHOP
Copies of a memorandum and several pages of changes were
distributed to Council. Mr. Sweatt advised the City has
now received their final instructions from the Property Tax
Board on calculating the tax rate. As a result of that,
the effective tax rate has been recalculated and is
recommended to be set at $0.4072 per $100 valuation rather
than $0.4087 per $100 valuation as . previously reported.
This will result in a $4,856 decrease' of projected
revenue.
J.50
Mr. Sweatt further stated the City has been notified by
Guadalupe County that they have declined to fund the
Library's original request in the amount of $66,000 and
instead will fund at last year's amount of $60,636. This
represents a further revenue decrease of $5,364. To
accommodate those two revenue decreases, the projected
revenue has been changed and revisions have been made in
the Police, Fire and Library budgets. In the Police and
Fire Departments, the reduction was accomplished by staging
the employees that were proposed to be added so they're not
added for the full fiscal year. In the case of the Library
Department, it was originally planned to fund a clerk from
the current twenty-hours up to forty hours and that has
been reduced to thirty hours along with some other cuts in
the Library budget.
Mr. Sweatt then told Council they need to talk about the
budget workshop schedule. Since they are recommending the
effective tax rate, and if they understand it correctly,
they will no longer need to do some of the things listed on
the the original schedule. They will no longer be required
to hold a separate tax hearing that was suggested for
September 13th. Also, the vote to place a proposal to
adopt the tax rate on the agenda, either August 31st or
September 6th, is no longer required. It is therefore not
necessary to schedule a public hearing for the tax rate
which is on the original schedule for August 31st.
September 19th would be the date not only to hold a public
hearing on the budget, but to also consider adopting the
budget and the tax rate for the effective date of October
1, 1995.
Mr. Sweatt then reviewed the workshop schedule - August
1st (we went over a few things), August 9th (tonight),
August 15th (Mr. Potempa cannot be here), August 23 (not a
regular workshop night because of five Tuesdays in August)
and August 30th. Does Council wish to meet on August 23rd?
Mayor Baldwin suggested finishing what they need to do
tonight, go ahead and have a workshop session on the 15th
and then see if they need one on the 23rd. Mr. Greenwald,
saying Mr. Potempa cannot attend on the 15th, recommended
not having a workshop session on the 15th and having one on
the 23rd instead. Mr. Greenwald also recommended it start
at 6:30 p.m. on the 23rd. Council agreed. Mr. Greenwald
then reminded Council they still have days in September
they can use for budget workshops if they need them.
Mr. Sweatt reviewed the various sources of revenue. A
couple of fees associated with teen court were brought to
Council's attention. It was mentioned they are still
protecting $20,000, yet to be designated, from the sale of
recyclable materials in the current fiscal year. Another
$20,000 is projected for next fiscal year.
Mr. Potempa asked if the City stopped renting out the
Library room for meetings and was told by Mr. Sweatt they
have. There is not a charge for it during operating hours
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and it is used only during the time there is someone at the
Library.
Mr. Swinney questioned how much they're figuring on pool
passes. He believes a family pass is now $40.00. Mr.
Sweatt answered he doesn't think they anticipated any
change in fees. Mr. Marquez noted there's a small
adjustment, but there's a split in the figures between gate
admissions and reservations. Mr. Swinney wondered if
we're charging an adequate amount. He has checked out
prices in surrounding cities and as a result, suggests
Schertz raise the price of the season passes, especially
for non-residents.
There was a brief discussion on this with questions being
raised about staying competitive, about subsidizing family
recreation, about how much the prices should be increased,
and whether or not we need to require some form of
identification. Mr. Sweatt remarked they could do a
survey before they set the rates.
Mr. Greenwald suggested, that when they get to the pool
portion of the budget, they have some numbers on how many
residents and non-residents purchased a season pass and how
many people were listed on those passes.
Mr. Swinney had to leave the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Mr. Sawyer asked Mr. Sweatt if he is going to come up
with a survey of the area regarding pool rates. Mr.
Sweatt answered he'll be happy to come up with some
statistics and rate comparisons by the workshop of August
23rd.
Mr. McDonald expressed the desire to see a consolidated
listing by fund rather than by department. He would like
to see total payroll figures, total travel expenditure
figures, etc. Mr. Potempa said, if that can be done, he
would also like a copy.
Mr. Sweatt indicated they could do that if there's some
value to it. They do, however, operate by department. Mr.
Sweatt then asked Mr. McDonald what particular figures he
would like consolidated or does he want all of them. Mr.
McDonald replied all of them if it's not too much trouble.
Mr. Potempa commented it was his understanding they would
revisit contractual services regarding dispatching for
Cibolo and for the school district. How come there's no
increase in this budget? Mr. Sweatt replied because the
level of work and the cost did not increase beyond the
original estimate. Mr. Potempa still felt we need to look
at this and maybe raise it up a little bit.
Mayor Baldwin questioned the money for the generator grant
and asked if this $3,000 pays for the generator. Mr.
Sweatt explained we've been receiving grant money each year
J'5.;2-
and this is the last year we will get it. It was a total
of $12,000 from the 911 District toward the overall cost.
The generator was paid for out of the General Fund.
Mr. Potempa asked why 46110 (miscellaneous
General Fund) dropped so much. It went down by
Mr. Sweatt replied there was some actual one-time
during the year when we received a refund from a
bond payment.
income
$38,000.
income
double
Mr. Potempa then asked what loan proceeds from police
vehicles means and Mr. Sweatt answered we are proposing to
buy four new police vehicles and we will fund them by
partial payment out of the General Fund and borrow $32,400
toward the price.
Mr. McDonald wondered if it's feasible to buy mid-size
vehicles and Mr. Sweatt replied they don't feel there's
enough savings to justify the inconvenience and the
reduction in vehicle use. There was a brief discussion on
the amount of gas needed for larger vehicles.
Mr. Sweatt then moved on to expenditures and covered the
various departments.
Regarding the City Council fund, Mr. McDonald asked if the
membership in professional organizations is the TML
affiliation. Mr. Sweatt listed the memberships which are
AACOG, TML, United Suburban Cities, Corridor Council and
the Northeast Partnership. Mayor Baldwin didn't think the
amount budgeted would cover it and Mr. Sweatt promised to
go back and check it.
Mr. Potempa asked what department of the City actually
handles 50272 - City elections. Mr. Sweatt replied the
City Secretary administers the election, but it has always
been paid for by Council because they call the election.
It could be budgeted anywhere.
Mr. McDonald asked for an explanation of special events.
Mr. Sweatt listed the Senior Citizens Program, the 4th of
July Jubilee, Christmas Lighting, the float, fireworks for
the Jubilee, specific advertising and $500 miscellaneous.
Mr. Greenwald asked if they're going to look at having a
sales tax election again this January. Mr. Sweatt felt
they need to strongly consider a bond election or sales tax
election, or both. Mayor Baldwin emphasized we need to
take our time and be better prepared for the next election.
Mr. Sweatt advised there is a $10,000 contingency account
should Council decide to hold an extra election which is
not budgeted.
Mr. Potempa, regarding the City Manager's budget, asked
what kind of new furniture they're buying and Mr. Sweatt
replied three chairs. One is for the City Manager's
Office, one is for the Administrative Secretary's office
35"3
and one is for the Finance Department.
Mr. McDonald asked what longevity is and Mr.
answered $4.00 per month per year of service. The
law requires the Police and Fire Departments be
longevity. The City has extended it to all employees.
Sweatt
State
paid
Mr. Potempa noted that the health insurance didn't go up
very much and Mr. Sweatt informed Council the City will be
soliciting bids for new hospitalization insurance.
This concluded the budget discussion for tonight. It will
continue at the next workshop.
.4J;
~( cA~ e::&-:c.,--~
Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas
by Mr. Potempa and
imously carried, the
#13 ADJOURNMENT: On a motion
seconded by Mr. Greenwald and un
meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
ATTEST:
~~,,~
City Secretary, city of Schertz