ccswks 08-23-1995
363
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 23, 1995
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop
Session on Wednesday, August 23, 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.
11 HEARING OF RESIDENTS: Barbara Stanhope of 704
Pecan thanked everyone for the hours they give to the City.
Having been a former Councilmember, Mrs. Stanhope said she
knows how much time they put in working on the budget.
Mrs. Stanhope then mentioned that Council never designated
or earmarked the recycling income for anything specific and
she would like to give her opinion on that. Those are
funds that are raised by the citizens and she thinks it
would be great if the funds were used to benefit the
citizens. Saying she can't see any way to get the funds
back to the citizens, Mrs. Stanhope indicated it would be
nice if a percentage of the income were earmarked for the
parks not for regular upkeep, but for things like
improvements or new pieces of equipment that can't be
worked into the normal budget. Everyone has access to the
parks. Her personal preference would be for 75% of it to
go toward improvements and for 25% of it to be held in
reserve to keep down the price of recycling.
Mayor Baldwin commented he wasn't sure exactly what all
they would do in terms of that money, but it will be
identified. He thinks they pledged to wait until the end
of the second year to see what kind of money is there. Mr.
Sweatt thought Council certainly wanted to wait until the
end of the year to see what kind of money it's producing.
He wasn't positive they wanted to wait until the end of the
two years. The City currently has a commitment from Alamo
Waste whereby the price is fixed for a two-year period.
After that, they don't know what the price may be. This
budget includes some $20,000 as an estimated revenue from
recycling. So far this year, through the month of August,
we have collected a little over $21,000 and the program
just began in January. Up to now we've experienced good
prices, but the recycling market, like everything else,
fluctuates.
Mayor Baldwin assured Mrs. Stanhope that Council will talk
about it and start making plans as to how they, can best
return that money to the citizens.
12 DISCUSS FY 1995-96 BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS
Mr. Sweatt briefly recapped what they had covered
previously and stated that at the last workshop they went
J61
up through Account 51, Management, so they can start
tonight at Account 52 which is Municipal Court.
Before getting started, Mr. Potempa asked why the revenue
from recycling is shown in this budget if we're not going
to do decide what to do with it for two years. It was
explained to Mr. Potempa the money has to be accounted for
and has to be recognized as revenue.
Mr. Sweatt stressed that if Council wishes to spend the
recycling money and not wait for two years, then they need
to make a decision about it in this budget. Mr. Sawyer
suggested that if they spend it, they should spend it on
non-recurring items because it's not an assured amount.
Mr. Sweatt agreed and commented they could use 'a portion
of it to buy down the rate.
Mr. McDonald asked when the hotel/motel tax will show up
as a line item in the budget. Mr. Sweatt replied it is
not shown in this budget, but they will recognize it at mid
year.
Mayor Baldwin asked if Council wanted to talk about the
recycling money. Mr. Sawyer thought one of the Councils
had said we should look at it after two years and see what
it's going to be. Several other Councilmembers agreed.
Mr. Swinney remarked they seem to be on a prudent course
right now. The consensus of the Council was to wait for
the two years.
The discussion now moved to account 52 - Municipal Court.
Mayor Baldwin noted that court just happens to be in
session tonight. Mr. Sweatt advised that Judge Cinnamon
has made himself available four days a week which will
hopefully cut down on the night courts.
Mr. Sweatt stated the proposed budget for Municipal Court
is $62,996. There are no major changes.
Mr. Sawyer asked what Municipal Court brings in. It used
to operate at a loss. Does it make a profit now? Mr.
Sweatt, answering it's broken down into several areas, said
the Municipal Court fines are estimated to be $142,500,
arrest fees $16,000, and warrant fees $13,000. There are a
series of fines set up under State law for which we receive
a portion of the State law fine which is another almost
$26,000. There is now more money coming in than is going
out.
Mr. Potempa asked how the new law about defensive driving
applies to the City. Does it hurt us? Mr. Sweatt
indicated it did have an impact on our revenue, but we've
recognized that and had to deal with 'it. Mr. Potempa then
asked if we will have to come back again at mid year and
make an adjustment to the Municipal Court account. Mr.
Sweatt replied he hopes not.
y".:r
Mr. Potempa asked what we're doing with the security fee.
Are we putting up little devices to check on people? Mr.
Sweatt explained the City pays police officers for court
time. It is just a recognition of a category of revenue
that the State has authorized as part of the fees the State
establishes. We believe the justification for receiving
those fees is the court security provided by the police
officers who are here as part of their court duty.
Mr. Swinney asked if Judge Cinnamon is being overworked.
Mr. Sweatt replied the City has the best of both worlds
right now because he is a total volunteer. He serves as
judge for the Teen Court and has been of great service to
the Police Department by magistrating prisoners at all
hours.
Mr. Sawyer commented Judge Cinnamon has turned a lot of
the Teen Court responsibility over to Jack Tokar which
frees him up to vo~unteer here at the Municipal Complex
during the day. Mr. Sweatt acknowledged that's correct.
He does, however, still serve as judge for the Teen Court.
Mr. Sweatt then admitted if things continue in the
direction they are going, they may very well come at mid
year and asked that some small remuneration arrangement for
Judge Cinnamon be set up. There is a tremendous amount of
court activity.
Mr. Greenwald mentioned there was something in the last
legislature about teen court fines. Mr. Sweatt advised
there are some teen court administrative fees that will
become effective September 28th of this year.
Mr. Sweatt continued on, saying the court is handling a
lot of truancy and disciplinary cases through the school
which they have not had in the past.
Mr.
Judge
up to
wishes
find
come
look
Swinney asked if it's feasible to considering paying
Cinnamon in this budget. Mr. Sweatt answered that
now he's been happy volunteering, but if Council
to pay him, they will have to see where they can
the money. Mr. Sawyer suggested that Mr. Sweatt
up with figures for the Council and they will take a
at them.
Mr. Sawyer said Judge Cinnamon may be insulted by any
offer of money and suggested Mr. Sweatt speak with him
about it. Mr. Swinney thought he may have to take Social
Security into consideration.
Mr. Sweatt emphasized it is not money which d~ives Judge
Cinnamon, it is love of the work. The consensus of Council
was to wait until mid year and then consider this issue.
Mr. McDonald asked what the $8,000 collection expense
represents. How much revenue will that generate? Mr.
Sweatt explained that's a percentage of the warrants served
Jt.6
out of the area. The City has a collection service they
use if the warrant is to be served 50 miles or more away.
They collection agency doesn't get paid until they collect
the money.
Moving along to account 53, Taxes, Mr.
department consists of two persons -
clerk. The clerk serves both the
Inspection Department. The clerk is
tax office.
Sweatt related this
a tax collector and a
tax office and the
budgeted fully in the
Mr. Potempa asked if there's only one person in that
department now and then pointed out the $36,000 for
salaries. Mr. Sweatt admitted there is only one person
there now, but they have budgeted for a clerk also because
they intend to add a clerk to the department.
There was discussion about why the City needs a tax
collector and what exactly the tax collector does. This
prompted talk about the possibility of contracting this
service out. Mr. Sweatt reported they have investigated
it and have not been able to resolve all the questions
involved. They believe there is, today, sufficient value
in maintaining our own collection office. We use tax data
for a lot of other things other than collection of taxes.
Also, it is important for the citizens to be able to deal
with the tax collector on a personal basis.
Mr. McDonald wondered if it would be appropriate to talk
with other entities who have contracted their tax
collection out and see if they are happy with it. Mr.
Sweatt responded it boils down to the fact if we're willing
to accept what the County dictates, they'll collect the
taxes for a fee. He isn't sure contracting tax collections
out is in the City's best interest. Mayor Baldwin reminded
Council there would still be some cost involved because of
record keeping.
Mr. Sweatt acknowledged they may consider contracting out
some time in the future, but not this year. Council felt
the idea should at least be explored a little.
Mr. Swinney wondered why the professional membership
organization budget figure in the Tax Department dropped so
drastically and Mr. Sweatt answered there are only two
professional organizations the current tax collector felt
it is appropriate to join.
Along that same line, Mr. Swinney asked if the City keeps
a check on publications to make sure they're all necessary.
Mr. Sweatt advised that most of the publications are a
part of your membership - if you join, they send you a
magazine as part of that. Some of'the other costs are
updated handbooks and manuals required for particular
departments such as the Criminal Law and "Motor Vehicle
Handook for Municipal Court and Election Laws for the City
Secretary.
~7
Mr. McDonald questioned the dramatic raise in the
conference/travel/training line item for the Tax
Department. Mr. Sweatt explained those costs are for
certification requirements for the tax collector. The
previous tax collector (Tom Dovey) was certified, but the
new one (Evelyn Boggess) needs to get her certification.
Accounts 54, Planninq, and 55, Leaal, were reviewed with no
major concerns or questions from Council. They then moved
on to account 56, Police.
Mr. Sweatt advised the Police budget provides funding for
two additional officers with a portion of their salaries
paid through the COP program. Application has been made,
so we're not sure they'll be funded, but the budget
includes their full salaries with off-setting income and
revenue. This budget also includes, for the first time, an
administrative secretary. To anticipate some minor
shortfalls, we don't plan to fund the administrative
secretary except for nine months of this fiscal year.
Mr. Potempa asked how many police cars will be purchased
this year and Mr. Sweatt replied they propose to buy four
at an expected cost of $64,800 with a bank loan of $32,400.
Mr. Potempa then wanted a list of what the Police
Department requested this fiscal year, and then a breakdown
from that of what was approved and what was disapproved.
Mr. Sweatt mentioned $800 of furniture and fixtures which
is chairs and filing cabinets, the aforementioned vehicles,
new light bars and sirens, striping, and radio equipment.
Mr. Potempa, saying everyone has a wish
what they asked for that we can't supply.
the answer to that is nothing.
list, wondered
Chief Agee said
Mr. Potempa asked if the City supplies the officers with
City-owned weapons and Mr. Sweatt replied they do not, but
they do furnish the ammunition. Mr. Potempa then asked if
it would be beneficial to furnish the officers a City
weapon. After some discussion, Mr. Sawyer pointed out the
officers usually prefer to have their own weapons.
Mr. Potempa asked Mr. Sweatt, if in his professional
opinion as the City Manager, he could say our Police
Department is well equipped. Mr. Sweatt replied they are
adequately equipped.
Mr. Potempa then related having attended the Citizens
Police Academy and remembered there was some equipment they
needed which they didn't have, for example in hostage
situations. Mr. Sweatt responded to this by saying to Mr.
Potempa that you could go to any department, police service
not withstanding, and they would like to have more things.
He relies on the judgement of the Police Chfef to let him
know which items are necessary for the Police Department.
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The last question Mr. Potempa had about the Police
Department was about bullet proof vests and Mr. Sweatt
told him they are all furnished. Mr. Potempa stressed he
is just concerned about the safety of the police officers.
Mr. Sawyer observed the City has always taken good care of
the Police Department. The other Councilmembers agreed.
Mr. Sweatt commented if you really want to know what every
operating department in emergency services has on their
wish list, it's to enlarge our physical facilities. Mr.
Sawyer said it sounds like we need public safety bonds.
Mr. McDonald also mentioned Certificates of Obligation,
saying we had tried the half cent sales tax. Mr. McDonald
stressed, however, he still thinks the sales tax is viable.
Mr. Sawyer suggested we start looking into bond packages
and/or another sales tax election. Mayor Baldwin
emphasized that if we do it, we need to do it right.
The Council then moved on to account 57, Fire. Mr. Sweatt
pointed out that, among other things, there's $160,000 in
this budget for a new fire truck and the addition of one
new firefighter.
Mr. Swinney asked if anyone knows what differentiates a
full-time fire department from a volunteer fire department.
Is it the number of people you have full time? Mr. Sawyer
thought most of our firemen are paid now. Mr. Swinney
mentioned it's still considered volunteer. Mr. Sawyer
stated he thinks most small cities call their fire
departments volunteer, but anyone that answers a call has
to be paid. Mr. Sweatt reported the City has a few who
are straight out volunteers. Under our conditions, both in
the Fire Department and in SAFES, we cannot cause a person
to volunteer or give their time for which they are normally
paid. We have a number of part-time firemen and 8
full-time firemen, and propose to fund a 9th full-time
person.
Mr. Swinney asked if each volunteer is paid so much per
meeting and Mr. Sweatt replied they are paid $3.00. Mr.
Swinney then questioned if that's included in the salary
line item and Mr. Sweatt answered there's $1200 in the
salary line item for that purpose.
Mr. Potempa asked how many volunteers we have and Mr.
Marquez didn't know for sure, but said the number is
dwindling. Mr. Sweatt added that we have gone to 24-hour-
a-day, 7-day service out of necessity.
Mr. Potempa inquired why the City insurance dropped so
much. Mr. Sweatt related that vehicle insurance is only a
portion of that figure. One of the bigger things is
calculation of coverage for liability insurance. It also
includes any surety bonds. We now have a better handle on
how the time for volunteer hours is calculated and how the
reporting of that is done, and as a result it has reduced
our overall premium.
Y6:?
Mayor Baldwin questioned the big jump in line item 57414
and Mr. Sweatt explained it is new equipment which is
needed. Mr. Potempa asked if the Fire Department has a
Hurst tool and was told they do. Mr. Sweatt commented the
volunteer organization has done an outstanding job, not
only in volunteering time, but in buying hardware. The
Ladies Auxiliary has also been a big help.
Mr. Sweatt informed Council that many cities, when they
buy a new pumper, include all the ancillary equipment in
the bid. We believe we will be better served, and it will
be more economical, if we can bid the basic truck and then
bid outside of that, on our own, for the other pieces of
equipment. In fact, it looks like the volunteers are going
to offer to pay for the generator even though we've
included it in the budget.
Mr. McDonald asked about the jump in radio equipment
figures and Mr. Sweatt replied that's for the new radio in
the new pumper and 4 new pagers.
Mayor Baldwin asked if we're recognizing the revenue for
the new fire truck in this year's revenues and Mr. Sweatt
answered yes we are.
Mr. Potempa, going back to the same question he asked
about the Police Department, wondered if there's anything
the Fire Department needs. Mr. Sweatt answered their most
urgent need is more space.
Mr. Potempa observed that the way it's going, they'll need
a sub-station up along IH-35 and in the Schirmerville area.
Mr. Sweatt reminded Mr. Potempa the long-range plan calls
very likely for the building of a central station up on
IH-35 and a sub-station in the central part of the City to
serve this area and south. We have land that could be used
for that purpose up along IH-35 that we bought several
years ago at a tax sale. The manning of the sub-station is
going to be a problem and also the buying of the extra
equipment.
Mr. McDonald wondered if any thought had ever been given
to asking developers for donations of safety equipment
versus land or money for parks. Mr. Sweatt answered he
didn't know of a legal way to do that.
Mayor Baldwin asked the status on the purchase of the
fire truck. Mr. Sweatt reported Chief Woodward has
bid specifications ready, but we don't expect to award
until after October 1st.
Account 58, Inspection, was the next topic of ,'discussion.
Mr. Sweatt commented this department consists of two
personnel and they share a clerk with the tax office.
new
his
bids
Mr. McDonald
radios and Mr.
asked if $900 is for the purchase of
Sweatt explained it's for two radios
new
and
J'70
the chargers.
Mayor Baldwin suggested the possibility of cellular phones
for the Inspection Department rather than radios. He
thought it would be cheaper. Mr. Sweatt, saying it's a
good idea, promised to check into it.
Mr. Potempa mentioned that according to the newspaper, the
City of Live Oak is contracting with the General Services
Commission on a State cellular contract. They pay a $150
annual fee and claim they are saving over $1,000 per year.
Why can't Schertz do that? Mr. Sweatt replied you have to
be a member of the General Services pool and we are not
currently a member. We're going to check into the price of
the membership fee and see if it's cost effective for what
we want to buy.
Moving on to account 59, Streets, Mr. Sweatt indicated
there is an increase in their Capital Outlay fund for the
purchase of a conveyor unit and a tractor/shredder.
Next, in account 60, Parks, Mr.Sweatt pointed out there is
a decrease due to the loss of a need for money to repaint
the pavilion. This department has requested some Capital
Outlay to make improvements in the parks. They will put a
parking lot and driveway in Pickrell Park and a driveway in
Cut Off Park. This is material cost only. The Street
Department expects to do the work.
Mr. Swinney, noting if the primary purpose of this is just
to get cars off the main road and have a place for them,
wondered if that couldn't be accomplished by just a parking
lot. Why do we have to have an actual road through the
park? Mr. Sweatt remarked they need the road to get the
cars to the parking lot. In Pickrell Park, we're going to
build a parking lot and just the surface of a driveway to
get into it. In Cut Off Park, we're building a 24' wide
roadway into the park so they can drive in and stop along
the way and use that part of the park. Mr. Swinney
observed the City's trying to improve access, not just
parking and Mr. Sweatt stated that's correct.
Mr. Swinney asked
maintenance on the
replied they try to
equipment is checked
maintenance.
how often they do
playground equipment.
do the painting once a
every day as far as
preventative
Mr. Sweatt
year. The
preventative
Council next discussed account 61, Municipal Buildinq. Mr.
Sweatt advised this department is custodial services/set-up
services for all the City's public buildings. Some of the
items they propose to buy this year from Capital Outlay are
monitor and security cameras, and 5 four-yard recycling
containers. The cost of these containers will be offset by
a grant. They will be used to start a paper collection
program at some public facilities. Our hauler will furnish
the collection if we furnish the containers. This is for a
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demonstration project in the hopes of encouraging business
to do something about recycling paper.
Mr. Potempa asked what the money in line item 61310 is
intended for and Mr. Sweatt answered the entire air duct
system will be cleaned. The building was constructed in
1978 and apparently the air duct system has never been
cleaned and we are beginning to have some problems.
The next account discussed was 62, Animal Control. Mr.
McDonald asked what they're buying for $8,734. Mr. Sweatt
replied they're purchasing a new box for animal control
equipment. We've added a vehicle out of the Public Works
Department and we need to add a transporter unit to the
back of it. Mr. Potempa asked if it's a sealed unit and
Mr. Sweatt replied it's very similar to the other one.
Mr. potempa then wanted to know the purpose of it being
enclosed and Mr. Sweatt responded to protect the animals -
to keep them separated from each other.
Mr. Potempa asked if the City has had any rabies problems.
Mr. Sweatt answered there have been several wild animals
with rabies, but they've not had a report of a rabid
domestic animal. Mr. Sweatt then stated the biggest
problem is unwanted animals. One of the saddest things we
do is euthanize animals. Mr. Potempa wondered if the City
does that or do they use a veterinarian. Mr. Sweatt
replied our veterinarian is Dr. Harborth, but we euthanize
the animals ourselves. It has cut down a lot on operating
expenses.
Mr. Potempa mentioned line item 62310,
maintenance, and asked what they're doing - it's
new building. Mr. Sweatt stated they will put
boards between the pens and stalls, make changes
loading chute, change some filter arrangements in
conditioning and do some touch-up painting.
building
a brand
in kick
to the
the air
The Council now moved to account 63, Swimmina Pool. Mr.
Swinney thanked Mr. Sweatt for all the information. He
thinks we're heavily subsidizing folks outside of Schertz.
We could raise our pool pass rates and still be
competitive. Of course, it's in the public interest to
make the pool affordable for our young people. We don't
want to price them out of the market. We could probably
bump up pool rates $lO to $15 for an average family of four
or five and it would still be reasonable.
Mr. McDonald recommended raising the pool pass rates by
20% for non-residents and 10% for residents. After further
discussion, it was decided to raise the pool pass rates for
non-resident by 50% and for residents by 10% rounding the
figures to the nearest $5.00.
After being
adjourn at
account 63
reminded by Mr. Potempa they had
9:30 p.m., discussion on the budget
and will start at account 64 at
agreed to
ended at
the next
J 7,:2.-
workshop.
13 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: There was none.
14 ITEMS BY COUNCIL: Mr. Greenwald: A. Reported
there's a storage facility coming in at the corner of FM 78
and FM 3009.
B. Related also that Alamo Holly is planning on locating
in Tri-County. They assemble and service the machines that
make hamburger patties. Mayor Baldwin asked how many
people they will employ and Mr. Marquez replied 18.
C. Commented he heard we're having some problems with BOA
hearings as far as not being able to get a quorum. He
suggested it be on next week's workshop agenda for
discussion. Mr. Sweatt commented his recommendation would
be they amend the ordinance and create alternate positions.
Mr. Sawyer mentioned there's no reason a City Council
member can't be appointed. Mr. Greenwald asked why not
appoint two Councilmembers as alternates. (This will be
placed on next week's workshop agenda.)
D. Mentioned a letter had been received from Ben Davis
regarding shot gun shells and their range, along with some
recommendations. Council never did discuss it again. Are
they going to? Consensus of Council was that this is a
dead issue.
Mr. Sawyer: Noted the advertisement signs had been taken
off the poles already and said that's a step in the right
direction.
Mr. Swinney: A. Told Council he thought they should try to
refrain from using so much profanity.
B. Asked if
Mrs. Gloria
equipment in
there would be
everyone got a copy of a letter written by
Hall in an effort to get some playground
the Lone Oak Park. Mr. Sweatt indicated
a copy in everyone's packet the next time.
C. Referring to the Commissioner Court's meeting last
night and the fact they're chopping cities, said we need to
protect City resources if they're going to be that way.
Mr. Greenwald commented if they cut us, they better cut
Seguin, or we'll take them to court.
#5 ITEMS BY MAYOR: There were none.
37'-3
#6 ADJOURNMENT: On a motion by Mr. Potempa and
seconded by Mr. Swinney andzlna imously carried, the
meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
I/} //_
\\x!-:; J2_~t~c~
Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas
ATTEST:
~~
City Secretary, City of Schertz