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ccswks 08-30-1995 ~7~ 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. 37~ 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 37~ 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 In 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 J1~ 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 371 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 JJ/ 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. J'!~ 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 JJ'3 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 Ji'Lj 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: ~~ City Secretary, City of Schertz ~- g../'., , \ _ 7 / ' -', -c~ ~-LL.:c,,~ Mayor~ City of Schertz, Texas Yf~