ccswks 08-30-1995
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SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 30, 1995
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop
Session on Wednesday, August 30, 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 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A. Special Session 7-12-95
B. Regular Session 7-18-95
It was mentioned that in the minutes of the Regular Session
of July 18, 1995, in the seventh paragraph under Item #11,
the word public should be changed to publish.
Mr. McDonald moved to approve the minutes of the Special
Session of 7-12-96, as written, and the Regular Session of
7-18-95, as amended. Mr. Potempa seconded the motion,
which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers McDonald,
Greenwald.
Potempa, Swinney and
NAYS: None.
ABSTENTIONS: Councilmenber Sawyer on both the Special
Session of 7-12-95 and the Regular Session of 7-18-95.
#2 HEARING OF RESIDENTS: No one signed up to speak.
#3 Discuss first
the Code of Ordinances
Four-Way Stops.
reading of
regarding
an ordinance revising
Stop Intersections and
Mr. Sweatt reminded Council they have in their packets a
copy of a letter received in July from the Woodland Oaks
Homeowners Association requesting stop signs at the
intersection of Dimrock and Kline and Woodland Oaks Drive
and Kline. The request has been reviewed with both the
Public Works Department and the Police Department, and it
is recommended the amendment to the Code of Ordinances
authorizing those stop signs be adopted. The location of
Dimrock and Kline is only a three-way stop, but it happens
to be in the section of the Code of Ordinances which
designates multiple intersections, so it has been included
in that division.
Mr. Sweatt went on to say the streets are roughly of the
same size and the traffic on each is pretty much of equal
volume. The stop signs have been requested 'as a means to
interrupt the traffic flow.
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Mr. McDonald related he had spoken
President of the Woodland Oaks Homeowners
wanted to know if it's possible to put
Woodland Oaks going across the street to
Sweatt commented he will check into it.
with Mr. King,
Association, who
a crosswalk on
the pool. Mr.
Mayor Baldwin remarked he would feel better about this if
we had a letter from everyone in Woodland Oaks saying they
wanted these four-way stops. You never know how many
people are really represented when some of these requests
are made. He knows there was some flack about the stop
signs in Savannah Square. Mr. Sweatt commented the
Woodland Oaks Homeowners Board supposedly represents the
entire subdivision.
Mr. McDonald indicated the whole idea behind this,
according to Mr. King, is to slow down the traffic coming
around the curve on Woodland Oaks so close to the
recreation area. The cars are going 30 mph and they really
don't have the visibility for that speed if there are
children out there trying to cross the street.
Mr. Swinney noted he thought this had been a concern for
some time and had been discussed by the people in Woodland
Oaks. Mr. Sweatt related there has been discussion, but
they had not brought it to the City.
After being asked by Mayor Baldwin, Council agreed they
were ready to have this on next Tuesday nights' agenda,
#4 Discuss revision to Chapter 5 of the City Code
relating to building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical,
unsafe buildings, one and two family dwellings and
amusement device codes.
Mr. Sweatt informed Council that rather than try to amend
all the different sections involved, they felt it was more
appropriate to submit a completely new Chapter 5 to the
Code. It will adopt the most recent codes for the Southern
Standard Building Code and other various standard codes.
It proposes we adopt those versions and future additions.
He will touch on a few points and then Assistant City
Manager/Planning Coordinator, Steve Simonson, and Leonard
Truitt and Ken Anderson of the Inspection Department are
here to answer questions.
Mr. Sweatt mentioned that the electric code proposes to
establish the permit fees on a specific item-by-item basis.
An application form is attached to the recommended code.
This will likely result in an increase of $10.00 per
residential installation. Mr. Potempa asked if that's in
the budget this year and Mr. Sweatt replied not entirely.
Mr. Sweatt referred to another change in the Electric Code
which will provide for a $25.00 fee for monitoring the
testing for an electrical license and a $5.00 fee for an
apprentice license. The apprentice electrical licensing has
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been provided in the Code in the past, but has not been
adopted. We believe it's an appropriate way to have
apprentices registered with us.
Continuing on, Mr. Sweatt stated we propose the
establishment of a plan check fee equal to the maximum of
$150.00 or 25% of the building permit fee, whichever is
smaller. We believe the fee is appropriate, particularly
on larger jobs, because the review time is considerable.
Referring to the unsafe building code portion, Mr. Sweatt
said it simply provides for some enforcement authority,
primarily in the areas outside residential construction.
We have fairly good enforcement authority on unsafe areas
of residential construction.
Next, in regard to the one and two family dwelling code,
Mr. Sweatt pointed out it is essentially an abbreviated
version of the Southern Standard Building Code.
Lastly, Mr. Sweatt stated the amusement device code deals
primarily with carnival and circus type rides.
Surprisingly, these rides are not covered very well in any
other type of code. There is no other place that deals
with certain safety aspects of these kinds of
installations.
Mr. Potempa wondered why the City waited so long to come
up with a plan check fee. He has a copy of the Southern
Standard Building Code from 1980 that permitted this fee to
be charged. Mr. Sweatt related they have been reviewing
it for some time. When they were not quite as busy, it was
not a problem. Some of the other cities around have been
doing it for a while. Schertz has been somewhat reluctant
to impose a fee, especially since they were not doing a lot
of the heavier items of business. However, the workload
has now gotten impossible, and it was decided it is the
appropriate time for the City to incorporate this fee. Mr.
Sweatt went on to say what they will likely do for some of
their builders is not charge them another fee if they
repeat plans.
Mr. Swinney asked how they came up with the $150.00 figure
and Mr. Simonson answered they estimated the average
number of hours spent on reviewing plans.
Mr. Swinney then wanted to know if there's anything that
can be done in the Code to lower fees as an incentive for
people to conserve water. Mr. Sweatt reminded Mr.
Swinney the City participates with the Edwards Underground
Water District in a rebate program for installing low flush
toilets. '
Mr. Truitt advised, that typically, we don't charge a
permit fee for installing new commodes as long as they meet
the low flow requirements. As long as the program through
the Edwards is in effect, the citizen also has an
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opportunity to collect a $50.00 rebate.
Mayor Baldwin asked if the Southern Standard Building Code
requires all new houses to have the low flush toilets and
was told it does.
Mr. Swinney, referring to amusement devices, asked how
this ties in with the State. He thought the State passed
some pretty heavy regulations a couple of years ago dealing
with amusement rides. Mr. Sweatt this is a nationally
recognized code. Every state and every city has an option
to adopt or not adopt, or issue variances to these standard
codes.
Mr. Swinney mentioned he thought the State regulates these
also and Mr. Truitt pointed they don't particularly at
local city levels. They have some general guidelines, but
he doesn't think there's anything stricter than what's in
these codes.
Mayor Baldwin asked if Article 10, the one and two-family
dwelling code, forces people to keep their houses in a
certain condition. Mr. Sweatt replied it does not.
That's the Housing Code and this is separate from that.
This is merely an abbreviated version of the Building Code.
Mayor Baldwin asked Council if they were ready to have this
item on next Tuesday night's agenda and they indicated they
were.
#5 Discuss public hearing on a request from
Cibolo-Universal City ISD for a Specific Use
allowing construction of an Intermediate School in
Square.
Schertz-
Permit
Savannah
Mr. Sweatt noted this is a request from the school
district for a Specific Use Permit. Council has, in their
packets, a drawing indicating the proposed location of the
school site at the intersection of Savannah Drive and
immediately behind Davenport. It's a 12.185 acre tract of
land. Planning and Zoning has reviewed the matter and
has suggested a public hearing be held.
Mr. Sweatt also commented that in Council's packets is a
memo describing the neighborhood benefits of a school.
Children from the general area will be able to walk to
school and there is a well-planned traffic pattern that
would eliminate problems if Savannah Drive is extended all
the way out to Schertz Parkway.
Mr. Potempa remarked it is nice of Mr. Biegert to donate
land to the school. Everyone agreed.
Mr. Swinney cited a problem with children crossing Schertz
Parkway and Mayor Baldwin assured him children won't be
crossing Schertz Parkway. It will be designated a
hazardous transportation area which means those on the
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opposite side of Schertz Parkway from the school will be
picked up by bus.
Mr. Swinney pointed out that one of the problems with some
of the older schools is that the driveways/parking lots are
in the wrong place, there's always a bottleneck. Has
anyone seen these plans? Mayor Baldwin responded two
streets are planned in order to allow free circulation of
traffic. .
Mr. Sawyer asked when they're going to get started and
Mayor Baldwin replied they're in the process now of
designing the school and, hopefully, will be in operation
by the next school year.
Mr. Swinney asked if this will be the only intermediate
school and Mayor Baldwin answered there will be two
intermediate schools. This will be one and there will be
another, but they haven't settled on a location yet. Then
Dobie will be converted to a junior high.
Council indicated their readiness for this item to be
placed on next Tuesday night's agenda.
#6 Discuss first reading of an amendment to the Zoning
Ordinance regarding the Board of Adjustment.
Mr. Sweatt advised Council they have a proposed ordinance
in their packets. However, after the city Attorney
reviewed it, he made a couple of minor changes. The City
Secretary distributed a revised copy of the ordinance. Mr.
Sweatt said this ordinance adds two alternates to the Board
of Adjustment who shall serve in the absence of regular
members when requested to do so by the Mayor or City
Manager. Each member, and alternate, shall be appointed
for a term of two years. All cases before the BOA shall be
heard by a minimum of four members, or alternates. The
concurring vote of at least four members, or alternates, is
required to reverse administrative decisions, grant special
exceptions, authorize variances, or take other action
authorized by the ordinance. It is believed the
appointment of two alternates will enable the BOA to have a
quorum at all meetings. Planning and zoning will probably
be aSked to set up a system whereby they don't ask the same
alternate to serve each time if only one alternate is
needed to fill in for a regular member. The suggestion
will also be made that the alternates draw for staggered
terms.
Mr. Potempa volunteered to serve on the Board of
Adjustment. Mr. Sweatt reported discussing the issue with
the City Attorney and there is no problem with a
Councilmember serving on the BOA.
Mayor Baldwin questioned the possibility of a conflict
arising if someone serves on Council and also serves on the
BOA, but Mr. Sweatt emphasized none of the requests that
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come before the BOA come to City Council.
Council agreed they were ready for this item to placed on
next Tuesday night's agenda.
#7 Discuss final reading of amendment to Code of
Ordinances regarding Water Drought Management Plan.
Mr. Sweatt advised there has been one change
first reading and this and that is the change
of the Edwards Underground Water District
Underground Water Authority.
between the
of the name
to Edwards
Mr. Sweatt commented that in the cases of water awareness,
water watch and water warning, they are initiated at a
specific well level. The wording simply states this
awareness/watch/warning begins at that level and the
administrative staff is authorized to post the signs and
take the action, and to remove the signs when those levels
are surpassed. Starting however at the emergency level
(level 4a) and forward, specific Council action is required
because remedial and punishable activities follow the
violation. The first three items could take place
automatically as the levels change, but beginning at 4a and
on, the Council will have to make any determination and
initiation.
Mr. Potempa, noting that on the Library's marquee it
states we're at Voluntary Stage 1, wondered if that's the
only place it's posted for the citizens to see. Mr.
Sweatt replied it should be on other City marquees and
several signs are displayed around the City. The Post
Office and the bulletin board at Wuest's are just two
places that come to mind where signs are located. It's
still not a real good foolproof system and that's what
makes us feel like there's some value in being tied to the
same announcements San Antonio makes.
Mayor Baldwin implied we ought to make a real effort to let
people know that when they hear on television, for example,
that San Antonio's in Stage 1, that means Schertz is in
Stage 1 also. Mr. Potempa suggested putting an article in
the Newsletter.
Mr. Greenwald reported, that as far as water usage, CRWA
has intervened on the side of the new Edwards Aquifer
Authority. After some discussion, Mr. Greenwald observed
the long-term answer is surface water supply.
After being asked by Mayor Baldwin, Council indicated they
were ready for this item to be placed on next Tuesday
night's agenda.
#8 Discuss final reading
1.0084 acres at the corner of
to R-6.
of an ordinance rezoning
Dimrock and FM 3009 from NS
3/0
Mr. Sweatt
proposed for
part of their
Units 5 and
approved.
reminded Council this is the tract of land
the location of three model homes by Pulte as
sales effort for development of Woodland Oaks
6. The first reading of the ordinance was
Mr. McDonald again expressed concern about the volume of
traffic that will be generated on Dimrock.
#9 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: A. Reported the City is
continuing to develop the second and final reading of an
ordinance on the Tax Abatement/Tax Abatement Agreement and
Reinvestment Zone with Intsel. Due to soil conditions,
they have had to renegotiate with the landowner. If all
matters are settled, Mr. Sweatt mentioned he would like to
place the final reading on the agenda for next Tuesday
night's meeting with Council's permission. Council
approved.
B. Distributed a folder
specifications for the
Council to review them.
yet.
containing, in draft form, the
new fire pumper and encouraged
They haven't advertised it for bid
#10 ITEMS BY COUNCIL: Mr. McDonald:. A. Thanked Mr.
Sweatt for the lights. It's a whole lot nicer to be able
to find some of the intersections on FM 3009. Mr. Sweatt
remarked that GVEC had been real responsive.
B. Asked if we have five people that have to be in the
fire truck when it responds to a call. Mr. Sweatt replied
we don't always, but often times we will, and the standards
require a five-man cab.
Mr. Potempa: Reminded Council Labor Day weekend is coming
up and once again he will be participating in the MDA
telethon. This year he will be wearing a City of Schertz
ball cap when he's up there answering phones.
Mr. Swinney: A. Congratulated Mr. Sweatt on 30 years of
service in the field of municipal government.
B. Referred to the section in the Newsletter listing
swimming pool hours and mentioned it doesn't say it's open
on Labor Day. Mr. Sweatt apologized and indicated they
will put a note in the community mailbox about it.
#11 ITEMS BY MAYOR: A. Related he had a major
complaint today about the drainage at FM 78 and River Road.
Mr. Sweatt commented it's a state right-of-way and as work
has taken place downstream, it has had the effect of
raising the dam rather than lowering the outfall. He will
speak with the Highway Department again.
Mr. Swinney asked if there's any suction or pumping
equipment that could be used after a big rain to pump the
water over into the fields. Mr. Sweatt replied it
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normally takes equipment with deeper suction than what
the City has.
Mayor Baldwin asked if there's a big chuck hole there now
too. Mr. Swinney replied he doesn't know, but the worst
part is from the Dairy Queen over to Citgo - it's a lake.
Mr. Sweatt mentioned again that the State's working on it,
but he doesn't see any long-term solution until the road is
widened.
B. Commented he has had four complaints from
the sign, 6 or 7 miles inside the Schertz City
3009 right by Savannah Square, saying Schertz
There was some discussion about what exactly
means. Mr. Sweatt said he would speak with
Department about it.
people about
limits on FM
is 4 miles.
the number
the Highway
C. Commended Mr. Sweatt on the Economic Development
Report. It's a good source of information. Mr. Sweatt
indicated he plans on giving that to Council at the end of
each month.
At this time Council took a five minute break.
#12 BUDGET WORKSHOP
Mr. Sweatt distributed revised sheet 43 containing
correction of a line item in account 60 where $7,585 had
been identified as Furniture and Fixtures and should have
been identified as Other Improvements.
Mr. Sweatt then touched briefly on several matters before
continuing review of the budget at account 64 where Council
left off at the last budget workshop.
First, he had failed to point out that currently the Fire
Chief also serves as the Fire Marshal. In the past that
job has been divided and was previously divided between
Johnny Woodward who was Fire Marshal and Ed Melton who was
Fire Chief. When Mr. Woodward assumed the duties of Fire
Chief, the function of Fire Marshal was also retained in
his office. Because of the increased activities in the
Fire Marshal's office, the City would like to divide that
again and is proposing Glen Outlaw be designated as Fire
Marshal. This would represent a net increase per year of
$1604. That amount is included in the budget.
Second, an article from the August 30th Northeast Sun has
been distributed to everyone. It is a comparison of tax
rates and tax impact in a number of communities, including
Schertz.
Third, the net effect of the proposed increase in swimming
pool pass rates has been calculated and the result was an
increase of $1500 in revenue, assuming attendance remains
the same. That change in revenue has not been made in the
budget.
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Fourth, Council will find an attached revision that the
Municipal Court Judges and the City Prosecutor have placed
in effect in the Municipal Court charge areas.
Mr. Sweatt mentioned the last budget workshop session
ended at account 63, Swimming Pool, and unless someone has
questions, he's ready to move on to account 64,
Administration.
Mr. Swinney asked if the swimming pool budget included new
lifeguard stands and was told by Mr. Sweatt it included
the lifeguard stands, a diving board and a vacuum pump.
Council reviewed account 64, Administration, and there were
no questions.
Moving along to account 65, Librarv, Mr. Sweatt reminded
Council they had already discussed some personnel changes
in this department. They are increasing part-time
personnel hours by 10 and establishing the position of
Library Assistant. It was originally anticipated they
would increase to an additional full-time person, but
because of a reduction in the support from the County, that
has been reduced to a 30 hour position versus a 40 hour
position.
Mr. Swinney wondered if personnel hours is the only thing
to be cut as a result of the reduction in support. Mr.
McDonald mentioned doing away with a $1200 request for some
bookshelves and a $50 bookcase. Mr. McDonald then
emphasized he thinks the bookshelves are a worthwhile
project.
Mayor Baldwin asked if it was decided not to get the
bookshelves and Mr. Potempa wondered if there isn't some
money in contingency the library could use for this
project. Mr. Sweatt replied there is $10,000 in a
contingency fund, but he was under the impression the
Library Board is going to fund the bookshelves. Mr.
Sawyer suggested waiting to see if the Library Board does
fund that project.
Mr. Swinney questioned the big drop in maintenance and Mr.
Sweatt explained they had put in a restroom to comply with
ADA regulations. The City had gone out for bids on it and
couldn't get any response, so they did it through force
account work and saved several thousand dollars.
Mr. Swinney asked if there's anything that prohibits the
City from buying used books, for example, at the Half Price
Bookstore. Mr. Sweatt answered some of the books are
used, but the overall success of used books is' not good.
Mr. Sweatt then pointed out we also.have an .Interlibrary
loan program which has been very beneficial.
Council next reviewed account 66, Manaaement Services. Mr.
Sweatt explained it is a two-person department which covers
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economic development and human services.
Mr. Potempa inquired about the big increase in line item
66220, printing and binding. Mr. Sweatt explained most of
that is for economic development. This made Mr. McDonald
wonder if the Economic Development Foundation would be
interested in funding part of the costs of printing and
binding.
Mr. Potempa wanted to know if there's anything in this
account for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Mr. Sweatt
answered there's $500 in account 67 for that.
The next account reviewed was 67, Non-DeDartmental, with
Mr. Sweatt saying it is a catch-all department. As you
can see by the individual line items this includes 67214
which is per capita EMS services and 67258 which is debt
service.
Mr. McDonald wondered if we get any monetary credit for
having the SAFES facility in our City and was told we do
not.
Mr. Potempa complained about the amount of SAFES
write-offs and Mr. Sweatt explained it is considered an
operating expense. Mayor Baldwin emphasized the write-offs
are split between the users.
There was some discussion on write-offs and Mr. Sawyer
asked why we can't put a lien on the property if the user
of the ambulance service owns property inside the City
limits. Mr. Sweatt promised to look into it.
Account 75, Water/Wastewater, was reviewed next.
Potempa asked if there will be a raise in either
rates or sewer rates this year. Mr. Sweatt replied
will not be a raise in either rate.
Mr.
water
there
Mr. McDonald referred to line item 75422,
equipment, and asked what they're buying. Mr.
answered two PC's and a printer.
office
Sweatt
Mr. Potempa queried what's included in line item 75438,
other equipment, and Mr. Sweatt replied chipping
equipment, part of which ($11,000) will come from a grant.
Mr. McDonald wondered what they will do with the
by-product of chipping and Mr. Sweatt indicated some will
be used in the parks and some will be offered to
homeowners.
Council then reviewed account 76, Billinq. Mr. Sweatt
pointed out line item 76416 and commented they are buying
two lateral filing cabinets. He then checked to make sure
they hadn't left out hand-held reading equipment.
Mr. Swinney questioned if it's feasible for the City to
have electrical vehicles. Mr. Sweatt thought it may be
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practical in the future. Mr. Greenwald, noting the
batteries are very expensive, stressed the technology isn't
there yet.
Moving to account 77, Fleet Services, Mr. Sweatt mentioned
they do primarily preventative maintenance. Mr. Potempa
asked if the ambulances are serviced by Fleet and Mr.
Sweatt replied no, most of them are done commercially.
In account 78, Capital Recoverv, Mr. Sweatt reported they
are planning replacement of water lines on Lower Seguin
Road and intend to update the data processing equipment.
The last account reviewed was 80, SAFES. Mr. Sweatt
advised Council Randolph AFB is making noise about change.
Mr. McDonald asked if Randolph has any unpaid bills and
Mr. Sweatt replied he would find out.
Mr. Swinney declared if Randolph has an increase in
population, as is projected, then they would logically be
needing more of SAFES services. Mr. Sweatt commented we
treat Randolph as we treat all the other entities.
Mayor Baldwin questioned line item 80224, City Insurance
Commercial, and Mr. Sweatt acknowledged it is not spread
equitably among the departments. Liability is based on the
number of trips.
There was a brief discussion about collection expenses and
about uncollectable accounts.
Mr. Sweatt also mentioned line item 80420, Motor Vehicles,
and informed Council SAFES will retrofit a box onto their
new chassis.
Having completed the review of the budget, Mayor Baldwin
indicated they need to decide on the next step. If Council
feels they need to discuss it further, there's an
opportunity for a workshop session after next Tuesday
night's meeting. For the most part, Council was satisfied
with the budget, but felt they needed to schedule one more
workshop session to be sure.
Mr. Sweatt commented, as it currently stands, the City is
ready to publish, on September 6th, notice of a public
hearing on the budget scheduled for September 19th. The
vote on approval of the budget and the vote for adoption of
the effective tax rate are also scheduled for September
19th. Mr. Sweatt was advised by Council to go ahead and
publish.
fl3 ADJOURNMENT: On a motion by Mr.
seconded by Mr. McDonald and unanimously
meeting was adjourned at 9:42 p.m.
swinney
carried,
and
the
ATTEST:
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City Secretary, City of Schertz
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-', -c~ ~-LL.:c,,~
Mayor~ City of Schertz, Texas
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