ccswks 08-10-1994
222
SPECIAL SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 10, 1994
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop
Session Wednesday, August 10, 1994 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; Charles McDonald;
Barbara Stanhope; Ken Greenwald. Absent: Mary Marsh and
Joe Potempa. Staff present were City Manager Kerry Sweatt
and City Secretary June Krause.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS: Jim Harris: A. He said he
had talked with Mr. Potempa, who told him he could sign up
for any agenda item and wait until it was brought up to talk
on that item.
Mayor Baldwin explained that the policy approved by Council
states citizens may talk on any subject but only under the
Hearing of Residents item.
When asked by Mr. Harris if he would consider changing
that, Mayor Baldwin explained it is difficult to conduct a
meeting when people are jumping up all the time. He added
that it seemed to him if a person wanted input in all
discussions, he would file for council.
B. Mr. Harris then said he would appreciate it if,
discussing the budget, the Mayor or City Manager
describe what each department does or the personnel
department.
when
could
in that
#2 Discuss final consideration of an ordinance
allowing employees to apply for a Special Credit for limited
military service with TMRS.
Mr. Sweatt reminded that this ordinance was approved on
first reading. It applies to certain employees who meet the
criteria under TMRS. The ordinance deals with allowing
employees who have a minimum of ten years service to
purchase up to five years active duty military time. The
cost to the City is infinitesimal. The employee may
purchase that time any time up to the date of retirement.
Mayor Baldwin asked if Council would be ready to vote on
this at the next meeting and received an affirmative reply.
#3 Discuss. final consideration of an ordinance
allowing employees who have terminated previous membership
in TMRS to deposit the sum of withdrawal and receive credit.
Mr. Sweatt advised this is another option under TMRS.
would allow employees, who have a minimum of two years
the City to buy back time in TMRS plus a withdrawal
The cost to the City is a maximum of $3500 a
It
with
fee.
year.
/
223
Answering Mr. Greenwald's question, Mr. Sweatt said this
would be in addition to what we are already paying each year
to TMRS.
Mayor Baldwin asked if there was any discussion and if not
would Council be ready to act at the next meeting. There
was no discussion and they agreed they were ready.
#4 Discuss disposition of council meeting tapes.
Mr. Sweatt related that Mrs. Krause's office is covered
with audio tapes that have been made of each council meeting
since 1988. All meetings were taped in accordance with
Council practice and we have had no request to review the
tapes. In the State Library retention records, there is no
requirement to keep tapes much passed the time of minute
approval. The tapes made of Executive Sessions must be
retained for two years or as long as litigation is pending
on those taped meetings. We are asking that Council
consider reusing those tapes.
Mrs. Stanhope asked again how long we would have to keep
executive meeting taps if there was no litigation pending.
Attorney Mike Spain explained that only two years if there
is no litigation.
Mr. Sweatt advised that if it meets with Council approval,
we would put that in a policy statement for action at the
next meeting.
#5 Discuss appointment to the police reserve force.
Chief Agee explained that Officer Guttridge meets all the
requirements of the State of Texas and has a clear
background check. He added that we could use the help.
Mr. Sweatt added that he is TCLEOSE Certified and attended
college for a degree.
Mr. McDonald asked what the course cost for TCLEOSE
Certification. Chief Agee said from $400 to $600 depending
on what college attended.
#6 Discuss waiver of Waste Water Capital Recovery Fee
for qualified customers located in Mobile Villa Subdivision.
Mr. Sweatt reminded that from the first discussion of the
Mobile Villa Improvement Project, the CDBG Grant required us
to secure proof that a certain percentage of project met the
low to moderate income for Bexar County. We solicited and
received twenty three persons who filled out the forms and
twenty two met the criteria. At that same time, we asked
CCMA if they would waive their cost for those that met the
low to moderate income criteria. They have agreed that they
would waive their fee to those who met the criteria for low
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to moderate income, for a period of ninety days. We
that our fees also be waived under the same criteria.
remaining owners have been told the City policy allows
persons on septic tanks to remain until it fails or
chose to connect. We are asking for Council action so
we could include this information in the letters to be
to property owners.
asked
The
those
they
that
sent
Mr. McDonald asked if those that do not qualify would pay
when they hook up. Mr. Spain explained that if they do not
meet the low to moderate income, they will still have to pay
the full amount.
#7 Discuss Public Library Interlocal Agreement between
the City of Schertz and Guadalupe County.
Mr. Sweatt reminded that the City has been operating under
this for a number of years by providing the residents of the
county outside the city limits the use of our library and
receiving funds from the county. We believe that to
properly do that, it is appropriate to have an agreement.
The County agreed and have forwarded a signed agreement to
us. Mr. Sweatt recommended the Council authorize the
execution of this agreement.
#8 EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mayor Baldwin called an
Executive Session under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government
Code, sub-section 551.071(A) to consult with the City
Attorney on pending or contemplated litigation at 7:20 p.m.
The Special Session was reconvened at 8:05 p.m.
#9 Consider and tak~ action, if any, on the above
executive session item.
Mayor Baldwin ex~lained there was no action required.
#10 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: A. With Council
peru.ission, he wanted to place an item on the next action
agenda to consider authorizing us to participate on moving a
water line on FM 78, which includes the extension of FM 78
work beyond FM 3009. This is necessitated by the placement
of an additional storm sewer running approximately 800' up
FM 78 from FM 3009. We have a water line in the area that
needs to be lowered or relocated. It appears now that we
could construct a new line in private right of way for
$22,000 and would like to place this on the agenda.
B. Several meetings ago, he was asked to look into the Beck
Concrete Company as relates to FM 78 dust. They have
purchased a street sweeper and it appears to be working
better. They have poured additional concrete in the drop
off area and are putting in other steps to try to deal with
mud build up on tires.
225
C. Announced the Board of Adjustment would be holding a
organizational meeting the next night with the Mayor, city
Secretary and Mr. Sweatt joining them.
#11 ITEMS BY COUNCIL: Mr. Greenwald: A. Reported
on a Canyon Regional Water Authority meeting he and Mr.
Bierschwale attended. They received a tour of the plant and
announced there will be an open house soon. He said that
Bexar Metro is looking at doubling the plant size. The
current cost estimates to increase the plant to 4,000,000
gallons a day with a 30" main all the way from the plant at
Lake Dunlap to Kirby would cost about $18,000,000, which
would make the water cost about $2.47/1000. This is in the
preliminary discussion stage. All the entities in the
areas, based on the Edwards Drought Management Plan,
historical average 2,048 acre feet. The worse case
scenario, we would have to cut 614.65 acre feet. This does
not allow for growth or anything.
Mr. Sweatt said we have acquired the right to participate
but have not bought any acre feet.
B. He mentioned the recent discussion by Council of a
resolution to take to TML Region 7 meeting. He handed out
copies of the resolution. Mr. Sweatt read the resolution
and handed out copies.
Mr. Greenwald said he did not feel they would do away with
the Endangered Species Act but we were asked help with the
costs mandated.
Mrs. Stanhope: A. Reported on a Humane Society meeting
and asked Council to place on their calendar the date of
August 28th, for their Jamboree at the VFW, adding the
auction will start at 7:00 p.m.
She
They
them
use
year
said the subject of the old animal shelter came up.
wanted to know if Council would deed this property to
for very little money. They would refence and would
it for storage. It was suggested the City charge $1 a
as we do for the Scout Hut property.
Mr. Sweatt said he would do some research and have this on
the next workshop.
B. Reminded everyone of the Grand Opening of the Knights of
Columbus Hall at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday the 13th.
C. She reported on her very interesting trip to the
Amarillo Seminar.
#12 ITEMS BY MAYOR:
the Highway Department
again.
Advised that the young man with
would like to meet with Council
226
Mr. Sweatt suggested council needs to get together with him
again well before the FM 78 project begins.
Mayor Baldwin called for a short recess at 8:25 p.m. before
starting on the Budget Workshop. The Special Meeting was
reconvened at 8:30 p.m.
#13 BUDGET WORKSHOP: Mr. Sweatt had furnished
correction sheets to the budget as discussed at a previous
meeting, plus the bond pages. He called attention to the
original budget schedule, which allowed for meeting dates if
the tax rate would be increased by 3% or more. The budget
recommended is based on a tax rate of 42.75 cents per $100
valuation. If Council plans on setting a tax rate of 43.09
cents or over, it will be necessary to use the original
schedule; however, it Council stays below the 3%, we can
eliminate the extra meeting where Council votes to place a
proposed tax rate on an agenda and set a public hearing
date. . In this case, the only public hearings necessary
would be the budget hearing. He related that the effective
tax rate is 41.84 cents per $100 value, the 3% rate would be
43.09 cents and the roll back rate is 43.96. We are
recommending a tax rate of $42.75 per $100 value.
After discussion, Mrs. Stanhope and Mr. Greenwald agreed
to leave their options open and for now use the original
schedule. Mr. McDonald said he did not know why Council
should go that much higher because the budget looks like a
good document to him. He said he would like to increase the
COLA to 5% if it could be done within this budget.
Mayor Baldwin recommended going with the original
on the assumption that Council might want some
Council agreed.
schedule
changes.
Mrs.
item
but
any
Stanhope said she
by line item and she
they really do need
decisions.
had gone through the budget line
felt this was a really lean budget
to go over it before they can make
Mr. Sweatt referred to page 3, which gives a breakdown of
the recommended revenues of the General Fund in the amount
of $3,010,421.00, based on expenditures of $3,008,214.00,
with a balance of $6,207.00 of revenues over expenditures.
Mr. Sweatt advised that pages 5 through 76 are the
individual budgets for all general fund departments.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL - total of $19,687
The one item with major increase is the City Elections, in
the amount of $1633, which was predicated on the
recommendation to hire an early voting clerk and an
additional clerk on election day. The Special Events item
includes funds for Senior Citizen Day, Jubilee, Christmas
Lighting, Military Appreciation Day and float work.
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22,7
Paae 11 - Manaaement, includes the City Manager,
Officer, Administrative Secretary and two Finance
plus one part-time clerk, for a total of $174,445.00.
Finance
Clerks
Workers' Compensation is reduced in all departments
year because of very good experience modifier and
discounts by the carrier.
this
fund
Capital Outlay items under #51423 is for a high speed
printer for finance. Right now they are sharing a printer
with Tax and Water Billing. Mayor Baldwin asked if we could
find the money to purchase this item in this year's budget
and delete from next year's. Mr. Sweatt agreed to do that
as it is very hard to schedule use of the one printer and
will become harder during tax season.
Paae 15 - MUNICIPAL COURT - total $60,033.00
This is a department within Administration and is served by
two persons who provide service for the Judge and
Prosecuting Attorney.
Paae 17 - TAXES - total of $85,343.00 - two people
#53220 - Printing is increased because we are now printing
our own paper receipts forms.
#53254 Conference/Travel/Train. This is for the
secretary to attend computer programing course and to
maintain the Tax Assessor certification required by law.
Mr. McDonald asked about the costs of entities having
someone else collect their taxes. Mr. Sweatt advised that
you have to take other things into consideration besides
costs. We have the benefit of the tax payer coming in and
looking at documents. The tax records are used for various
other departments also list for notices for public
hearings, drawing juries, inspection department, etc.
paae 21 PLANNING - total $119,516 - two people.
One the Assistant City Manager, who oversees several
departments, and the planning secretary. The secretary
serves as Deputy City Secretary and she will move to the
City Secretary position upon Mrs. Krause's retirement and
this position will revert back to plain secretary under our
reorganization. This department also supports the Board of
Adjustment now.
Paae 25 - LEGAL - total $41,600 - no personnel
This department supports the legal retainer and fees. The
Advertising is the cost of publishing our legal notices.
Paae 29 - POLICE SERVICE - TOTAL $840,124.00
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,
This department consists of chief, Lieutenant, 3 Sergeants,
13 patrolmen, 1 office manager, 6 dispatchers and 2
part-time crossing guards.
We propose the addition of two police officers for a full
twelve month period, plus the direct costs of those.
#56136 - Citizen Police Academy - This is alumni support for
future classes.
#56420 - Motor Vehicles - this is to replace a 1985 Ford and
buy two new vehicles.
#56260 Lease/purchase Payments - making the last payment on
four units purchased this year.
#56130 Minor Equipment Supplies - are going to buy ten
flashlights and replace the roll tapes for each patrol unit.
Paae 33 - FIRE - Total Budget $303,436.00
The Department is manned by the Chief, three lieutenants,
Inspector, three firefighters and nine part-time personnel.
Last year we converted to three shift coverage.
#57224 Insurance Commercial - the decrease was brought
about by better allocation of charges. The figure includes
various types of insurance.
#57420 - Motor Vehicles - This is for the purchase of a new
vehicle for the Chief and his vehicle will be totaled to the
Inspector.
#57414 - Police/Fire/Med Equip - This includes the purchase
of nozzles, bunker gear, etc. Enhanced 9-1-1 and the Fire
Auxiliary have made considerable purchases and the
volunteers have purchased about 22 scuba gears to replace
all old equipment.
#57423 Computer & support equipment This is for a
stand-alone computer. This will solve the immediate needs
to provide data processing and report writing.
Paae 37 INSPECTION TOTAL OF $56,233 Inspector and
Assistant. Last year it included part of a clerk's time but
that has been removed this year.
Paae 41 - STREETS - Total $287,106. One Supervisor, one
foreman, 2 Worker II's, 4 Worker I's and the Pool Manager.
#59114 Chern/Lab Supplies - chemicals involved in park
spraYing, weed killing, etc.
#59244 Rental Equipment - this year we had to rent a
larger chipper because of storm damage.
----"
229
#59422 - office equipment - This is in error, it should be
listed under item #59438 - Other Equipment and includes
street line striping machine. We have a 1988 small unit
that was not designed to do what we need done.
Paae 45 - PARKS - TOTAL $102,437.00. This is a division of
Public Works and consists of one Foreman, one Worker II and
one Worker T.
# 60010 - Salaries - This decrease is the results of long
term employees leaving and hiring new ones at beginning
salaries.
#60114 Chem/med/lab Supplies - This includes first aid
items, wasp control, turbiside, deodorizer, etc.
#60128 Operational Supplies - Small items for water,
plumbing, etc.
#60315 - Motor Vehicle (Fleet Service)- Just their estimates
of repair costs after going through maintenance records.
#60416 Furniture/fixtures - This is various types of
playground equipment.
#60438 Other Equipment - to replace an out-front mower
with 72' deck and a drain cleaning auger.
Mrs.
several
painted
anywhere
Stanhope remarked that Council has discussed at
meetings the need for the large pavilion to be
and Mr. Sweatt had advised that it would take
from $8,000 to $25,000 to do this job.
Mr. Sweatt said we would try to get a better figure. We do
have some funds from other sources. We are selling the Oak
Forest Park and a portion will be dedicated to the Xeroscape
park, but some could be used for the pavilion.
Mr. Greenwald reminded that part of the cost of this would
be the disposal of the sandblasted material.
#14 ADJOURNMENT: As
the park department, Mayor
be adjourned at 10:02 p.m.
there was no more discussion
Bald:2~ing
Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas
of
to
ATTEST:
Q{
Ci ty lfIretary,
Citf of Schertz