ccswks 08-31-1994
240
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 31, 1994
The Schertz City Council met in Special Workshop Session,
Wednesday, August 31, 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; Councilmembers Charles McDonald; Joe Potempa;
Barbara Stanhope; Mary Marsh and Ken Greenwald. City Staff
members present were City Manager Kerry Sweatt, Deputy City
Secretary Norma Althouse, Administrative Assistant Mark Marquez
and Police Chief Norman Agee.
Mayor Baldwin called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS: A. Mrs. Betty Britt, a resident
of Mobile Villa Estates, voiced a complaint regarding permit
fees. Mrs. Britt indicated they had been told there would be
no charge for permits when they signed up to hook onto the
sewer and gas. Nothing was said about high or low income, just
that they wouldn't have to pay. Now, those with the higher
incomes are having to pay permit fees. Mayor Baldwin asked Mr.
Sweatt if he would like to speak to this matter and Mr. Sweatt
advised if the sewer and gas permits are paid at the same time,
it is a $20.00 fee, but if they're paid separately, then it's
$15.00 each or a total of $30.00. The only fees the City ever
discussed waiving were the CDBG fees. Mayor Baldwin asked Mrs.
Britt who had told her they wouldn't have to pay any permit
fees and she replied the City Inspector, Leonard Truitt.
Councilman Potempa backed Mrs. Britt up saying he had been at
the meeting and that's what Leonard Truitt said. Mr. Sweatt
commented he had spoken with Mr. Truitt about this and Mr.
Truitt told him he didn't waive the fees. Furthermore, Mr.
Truitt is not in a position to waive fees, that would be up to
City Council.
Mayor Baldwin suggested the matter be investigated further and
be included on a future workshop agenda. Mr. Sweatt asked for
names of witnesses who had attended the meeting where this all
took place. Mr. McDonald inquired if time is important and
Mayor Baldwin said he supposed we could reimburse anyone who
paid that we determine shouldn't have.
B. Mr. Jim Harris referred briefly to a letter he had in the
paper this week and then reported he had attended all the
budget workshop meetings and the budget, overall, appears
adequate. He agrees with the 3% raise for employees, he
wouldn't agree to a larger percentage, and maybe there can be
more of a raise next year due to all the new home construction.
Mr. Harris further stated one thing Council has to be
sensitive to is the administrative personnel cost creep.
You'll find this creep in most non-profit government
organizations who get their money from grants or have a way to
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241
raise taxes. There should be some quantifying factors for the
hiring of new administrative personnel. Mr. Harris commented
he approves the inter local agreement between the Police
Department and the school district but thinks there could be
the appearance of conflict of interest on the part of Mayor
Baldwin because he works for the school district.
Mayor Baldwin thanked the citizens for their comments.
#2 Briefing by the Guadalupe County Juvenile Advisory
Board regarding needs.
Judge Leroy Cinnamon, teen court judge, informed the Council
they may finally be bringing some juvenile services to Schertz.
Judge Cinnamon pointed out that County Judge James Sagebiel,
Chief Guadalupe County Juvenile Probation Officer Harry Marek
and local probation officer Stephanie Mitchell are present
tonight for the briefing.
Judge Sagebiel spoke first and noted they have no solid plans
at this point. What they are considering is possibly building
a larger facility in Seguin and possibly additional holding
facilities in Schertz. They need a home-like facility. They
have outgrown the current facility, and lack of security there
is a problem. Crime is not isolated, it is county-wide, and
the legislature is serious about children and has regulations
which prohibit overcrowding. It appears monies will be made
available to local governments to help deal with overcrowding.
What they don't want to do is jam up against another bond
issues. They want to present this to the citizens carefully.
Judge Sagebiel also stressed that you have to be thinking about
more than just locking them up - you have to think of programs
that will provide some help for them.
Mr. Greenwald asked if they had done any investigation to see
what they may need and Judge Sagebiel replied they are looking
at modules or pads because you can add to these on down the
road.
Mr. McDonald asked the estimated lead time and Judge Sagebiel
replied almost a year because they have to have programs in
place.
Mayor Baldwin asked if they have any satellite facility plans
and Judge Sagebiel answered they will need some type of holding
facility.
Mr. Sweatt then inquired if they are looking at
personnel and Judge Sagebiel answered yes, that's
expensive factor.
additional
the most
Harry Marek then gave a brief review of the daily routine of
juveniles at the facility. Mr. Marek said they get up at 5:30
a.m., go to school all day, have three rigorous exercise
242
programs and are permitted only 45 minutes each day of
television. Your tax dollars are not being wasted.
Stephanie Mitchell related there have been some staff assaults
by juveniles at the center. Ms. Mitchell indicated she
realizes it takes time away from patrolling the streets when
the Schertz Police have to transport juveniles to Seguin. An
additional facility would be beneficial. They feel like
they're losing the battle with probation.
One of the citizens present blamed the increase in crime on
laws that take discipline away from families. When his
children grew up, if they needed physical discipline, he saw to
it that they got it. You can't do that today or you risk the
possibility of having your children taken away from you.
Councilman Greenwald pointed out we elect the judges that
create these laws. Mr. Greenwald then asked if there are any
statistics to show how much increase there has been in juvenile
crime and Harry Marek told him the biggest increase is in the
area of serious offenses. Mrs. Marsh wondered when they're
going to go after the parents of these juveniles.
Judge Sagebiel told the Council he will be back to update them
on any progress and concluded the presentation at this time.
#3 Discussion of
requests:
public hearings on the following
A. G. Russell Hutchins, on behalf of Cottaae Lifestyles.
Inc.. requesting a zoning change for 14.57 acres on E. Live
Oak Road from NS to R-4.
Mr. Sweatt pointed out the location on the map and then
related that nine letters had been sent to property owners
within 200' and none had been returned. The Council's public
hearing is scheduled for next Tuesday. The Planning and Zoning
Commission recommends approval contingent on construction
beginning within six months of the final zoning approval and
contingent also on a senior citizen development being built on
the site. Mr. Sweatt passed around a brochure he had about
Cottage Lifestyles, Inc. and mentioned they qualify for some
of their financing by using housing tax credits.
Mr. McDonald commented he knew they had requested a copy of
the waiting list for the Housing Authority and also their
utility allowances.
Mr. Greenwald remarked that quite a few citizens showed up for
the Commission's public hearing. Mrs. Stanhope, referring to
the public hearing, implied they had stressed they will
advertise locally, their applicants must be 55 years of age and
older, the residents of the senior citizen complex cannot have
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243
children
two-week
have all
September
living with them and grandchildren are limited to
visit. Mrs. Stanhope stressed the Council needs
its questions together for the public hearing
6th.
a
to
on
Mr. Sweatt indicated that to qualify, they have to have some
residents with a low to moderate income. Mrs. Marsh said it
states the laws of the Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan
will be followed. Mayor Baldwin commented if those laws
pertain to all people over 55 years of age, that's not a
problem. Mr. Baldwin then encouraged everyone to read the
Letter to the Editor in the Herald this week about seniors
resenting young tenants.
Mr. Sweatt, stating this is a fully taxable piece of property,
acknowledged they are eligible to apply for a tax abatement.
Mrs. Stanhope declared she thinks it's a neat idea and Mayor
Baldwin requested this item be placed on the agenda of
September 6th for a public hearing.
B. Veytia
acres at
R-4.
Partners. Ltd. requests a zoning change for 8.61
the corner of Elbel and Schertz Parkway from NS to
Mr. Sweatt pointed out the location on the map and then
related that nine letters had been sent to property owners
within 200' and none had been returned. Two of the adjoining
properties are owned by the City. The Council's public hearing
is scheduled for next Tuesday. The Planning and Zoning
Commission recommends approval contingent on construction
beginning within six months of the final zoning approval. It
is his understanding they will build up to 200 units of
multi-family housing.
Mrs. Marsh wanted to know about the reputation of the builder
and wondered if they will see a rendering of what's proposed to
be built. Mr. Greenwald told Mrs. Marsh that's part of the
platting process. To the best of his knowledge, it will be
two-story, and perhaps some three-story, apartment units, with
a sprinkler system, and will be a gated community for security
purposes. Mrs. Marsh said she doesn't like to agree to change
the zoning just to change it unless she can see what's going in
there.
Mrs. Stanhope asked if there is any formula for giving us the
occupancy rate of apartments in the area and Mr. Sweatt
commented he thinks it runs above 90%.
Mayor Baldwin inquired what happens if the zoning change is
approved and nothing is built within six months. Does it just
hang there? Do we have to have another public hearing to
change it back? Mr. Sweatt answered he believes it reverts
back to the original zoning, but will check that point with the
City Attorney.
244.
Mr. Greenwald informed the Council that the
extend Westchester Drive out to Elbel Road. This
to have been done by the developers of Sycamore
Sweatt remarked this is not a universally shared
the property owners in the Village.
builder will
was supposed
Creek. Mr.
wish of all
Mayor Baldwin requested this item be placed on the September
6th agenda for a public hearing.
C. Rayco. Ltd. requests zoning change and variances for
property on both sides of Schertz Parkway.
Mr. Sweatt pointed out the location of the property as being
50.6 acres on the west side of Schertz Parkway and 105.2 acres
on the east side of Schertz Parkway that they are requesting be
rezoned from R-2 and GB to R-6. Mr. Sweatt related that 89
letters were sent to property owners within 200' and 3 were
returned undeliverable, 6 returned opposed and 3 returned in
favor. The Council's public hearing is scheduled for next
Tuesday. The Planning and Zoning Commission had quite a
lengthy discussion on this and is recommending approval of the
rezoning and approval of the variances requested with some
exceptions and stipulations.
Mr. Greenwald explained that Rayco had requested a variance
from all 60' x 100' lots on the west side of Schertz Parkway to
lots that are a mixture of 55', 60' and 65'x 120' giving them
flexibility for house plans and trees. The Commission approved
the request with the stipulation that only 30% of the lots be
55' in width. Rayco had requested that all the lots on the
east side of Schertz Parkway be 55' x 120', but the Commission
approved a variance the same as that for the west side. They
felt 105.2 acres was too many lots only 55' in width.
Mr. Greenwald went on to say Rayco had requested a variance to
the 7' and 8' side yard setback to allow a 5' side yard setback
on one side only, maintaining a 15' separation between all
buildings. The Commission approved this for both the east and
west sides of the parkway.
Finally, Mr. Greenwald stated Rayco had requested a variance
to the landscaped buffer along Schertz Parkway from 20' down to
10' and this was approved by the Commission for both sides of
the parkway.
Mr. McDonald inquired if there will be a new road out to FM
3009 and Mr. Sweatt answered there's a possibility there will
be one beside the nursing home.
Regarding the landscaped buffer, Mrs. Marsh asked what happens
if they need to widen Schertz Parkway and Mr. Greenwald
replied they already have the right-of-way to do that.
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245
Mayor Baldwin asked if there will be a mandatory homeowners'
association to maintain the green space and was told there will
be.
Mr. Potempa wondered how long before completion and Mr.
Sweatt indicated the answer to that would be market driven.
Going back to the landscaped buffer, Mayor Baldwin commented he
has a problem with giving part of it away. He has no problem
with a 6' wall, if it looks nice, but hates to give away an
extra 10' of green space.
Mr. Sweatt observed that on the west side there are lots of
trees, but on the east side there are not trees all the way
back. Mrs. Stanhope, who had attended the Planning and Zoning
Commission's public hearing, reported Rayco had said they will
try to save as many trees as possible.
Mr. Potempa asked if Rayco is eligible for a tax abatement and
Mr. Sweatt replied they are not, but they will, however,
enhance the TIF district. Mark Marq~ez noted they may be
asking for assistance on the sewer operation.
Mayor Baldwin requested this item be placed on the September
6th agenda for a publi~ hearing.
#4 Consider and take action regarding selection of
Financial Audit Services
Mayor Baldwin announced that before they get into it, since Don
Cormie, representing one of the bidders, is present but wasn't
here in time to sign up to speak, he will allow him to say a
few words. Mr. Cormie told the Council they have been in the
area for 30 years, they would like to have the City af
Schertz's business, they are knowledgeable in the Certificate
of Achievement award (they judge this award for other states)
and would appreciate being considered by the City.
Mr. Sweatt informed the Council they received proposals from
five firms by the deadline. Those firms are (1) Padgett,
Strateman and Co. of San Antonio, (2) Hanke, Green & Stein of
San Antonio, (3) Blakeslee, Lewis and Co. of Pflugerville, (4)
Patillo, Brown and Hill of waco, and (5) Thompson, Williams,
Biediger, Keator and Young of San Antonio. Whoever is chosen
will enter into a two-year engagement with the City. The firm
of Hanke, Green & Stein came in with the lowest bid and, after
being interviewed by the audit committee, has been recommended
by them.
Mrs. Marsh expressed the opinion she is leery of Hanke, Green
and Stein due to their lack of experience. Mayor Baldwin,
reading from the Government Code, said the choice should be
made on the basis of competence and low bid is not the key word
in selection.
246
Mr. McDonald told the Council he had met with this group.
Alice Jenkins has extensive experience and if they do what they
say they will do, there is no problem. They have access to
experts and he was very impressed with them.
Mrs.
and
some,
that
about
Marsh
Stanhope asked how much difference there is between Texas
other states and Mr. Sweatt replied there certainly is
probably in grants and state funds. Mayor Baldwin added
probably most guidelines are national, but he is nervous
a new firm taking on a city the size of Schertz. Mrs.
agreed she doesn't want Schertz used as a training base.
There was some discussion about the other firms with the
Council wanting to know their specific experience. Mrs.
Stanhope asked if we're under a time frame and Mr. Sweatt
replied the new firm would begin at the close of this fiscal
year. A five minute recess was taken so Mr. Sweatt could get
his files on all the firms.
After the recess Mrs. Marsh asked how much we paid an audit
firm last year and in years before that. Mr. Sweatt answered
the City has paid as much as $15,000 and as little as $11,500.
Mrs. Stanhope wanted to know where this is in the budget and
Mr. Sweatt replied it is divided half and half between
Non-Departmental in the General Fund and Professional Services
in Water. They are budgeting $15,000 for this item.
At this time
Sweatt giving
Marsh favored
based on their
the firms were reviewed one by one with
Council each firm's specific experiences.
Thompson, Williams, Biediger, Kastor and
time in the business and their experience.
Mr.
Mrs.
Young
Mayor Baldwin ruled out those from Waco and Pflugerville due to
the distance, but Mr. Greenwald pointed out if we have
received a bid from them, distance is not a factor.
Mr. Potempa wanted to know if we go with the lowest bid and
they don't perform to City standards, can they be terminated.
Mr. Sweatt replied yes they can, we would not renew their
contract for the second year.
Mr. McDonald moved to approve the firm of Hanke, Green & Stein
for financial audit services. Mr. Potempa seconded the motion
which did not carry due to the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers McDonald and Potempa.
NAYS: Councilmembers Stanhope, Marsh and Greenwald.
Mrs. Marsh moved to approve the firm of Thompson, Williams,
Biediger, Kastor and Young for financial audit services. Mrs.
Stanhope seconded the motion which carried with the following
votes:
_/
247
AYES:
NAYS:
Councilmembers Stanhope, Marsh and Greenwald.
Councilmembers McDonald and Potempa.
#5 Discuss resolution urging modification of legislation
and regulation of the Endangered Species Act
Mr. Sweatt reminded Council they placed a similar issue, in
the form of a resolution, to TML asking for region support of
that issue and that it be considered by TML. It was favorably
carried by Region 7 at the Municipal League meeting and we
expect it will go forward to the Municipal League as a whole
for consideration as a position paper. The original Endangered
Species Act was adopted in 1973 and this resolution reflects
state-wide support for change to federal regulations.
Mayor Baldwin requested this item be placed on the September
6th agenda for action.
#6 Discuss Interlocal Agreement with SCUC-ISD regarding
law enforcement and emergency communications service.
Mayor Baldwin, saying he wanted to assuage Mr. Harris's fears,
declared this is the first time he has seen this agreement - he
had nothing to do with it.
Mr. Sweatt advised it is the result of a discussion he and
Chief Agee had with representatives of the school district,
specifically Chief Anders and Dr. Gary Herbert. They
discussed the ramifications of the agreement and the workload.
That was about the time they were completing an arrangement
with the City of Cibolo and they told the school district they
wanted to wait and see what that did to our workload.
Mr. Sweatt related they have identified the areas for specific
support services and the amount they're asking for is
predicated on the number of calls and types of services needed.
The agreement will be subject to renegotiation next year.
Mr. Potempa asked how much involvement there would be
school district and Chief Agee replied they're doing
anyway for free. This should lessen our load and
reevaluate it at the end of this school year.
with the
it now
we will
Mr.
Agee
than
hour
Mayor
Potempa asked if false calls will be eliminated and Chief
indicated they will dispatch the school's police rather
the City's. Mayor Baldwin pointed out this is not a 24
service. Mrs. Stanhope asked what the hours are and
Baldwin answered the school hours.
Mr. Potempa asked how many police are at the school and Mayor
Baldwin replied just two, the Chief and a patrolman.
Mayor Baldwin then asked that this item be placed on the
September 6th agenda for action.
24~
#7 Discuss amendment to CDBG Interlocal Agreement for
economic development plan to extend project completion date.
Mr. Sweatt reviewed the situation saying the City entered into
an agreement with Bexar County to be part of a Metrocom
cooperative to develop an economic development study. The
cities of Schertz, Converse, Kirby, Live Oak, Selma and
Universal City joined together with a request for a study,
which was funded by Bexar County, of economic development plans
and programs. The original agreement called for the project to
be completed by now and we have run over that time. Bexar
County asked us to formally request an extension and amend the
agreement to provide for the completion to be extended until
August 30th (even though that was yesterday) and that will
clean up the paperwork for them and satisfy CDBG.
Mayor Baldwin asked that this item be placed on the September
6th agenda for action.
#8 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: A. Reported the City is
watching the demise of the Afghan Pine tree out in front - it
is dying. Mrs. Marsh asked from what and Mr. Sweatt replied
they're not sure. They have contacted tree experts and
followed their advice and they spoke with the Agricultural
Extension Service who said it might live if it were trimmed,
but nothing has worked. They plan to cut it down and replace
it with a native, healthy tree. Mrs. Marsh asked what they
will use for a Christmas tree and Mr. Sweatt acknowledged that
may be a thing of the past. It will be replaced with other
decorations.
B. Reminded everyone the Business Appreciation Dinner will
take place September 22nd at 6:00 p.m. at the VFW.
that
the
#9 ITEMS BY COUNCIL: Mr. Greenwald: A. Informed everyone
Schertz is getting its first hotel/motel. The plat for
Ramada Inn Ltd. has been approved.
Mr. Marquez noted it will be of mediterranean style with 60
rooms and a meeting room. Mayor Baldwin asked how many stories
and ~as told by Mr. Sweatt two stories now and three later.
There was a brief discussion on the hotel/motel tax. Mr.
Marquez admitted ours is at 7%.
Mayor Baldwin asked when the groundbreaking will be and Mr.
Sweatt answered they are hoping for it sometime in September.
B. Reported the Canyon Lake Water Supply Corporation is in the
process of buying a bunch of wells and taking a share of Canyon
Lake Water. Mrs. Marsh asked what the impact will be and Mr.
Greenwald replied it decreases what's left to buy. Mr.
Greenwald expressed the opinion the City should buy now while
they have the chance.
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240
Mr. McDonald: A. Announced the Housing Authority has an
emergency meeting tomorrow to deal with the contractor again.
Mr. Potempa stated he had a call from Donna Lackey of the
Housing Authority asking him to furnish data on rainfall in
Schertz. She had received some misleading information from San
Antonio. Mr. Potempa told her he would be available to corne
down and use his log to help her out.
B. Referred to the letter in the paper by Mr. Kelly of TXDoT
saying the widening plan for FM 3009 was not defective or
deficient. Mr. McDonald was really disturbed by the letter
and suggested everyone read it.
Mrs. Stanhope: A. Noted she had attended the Humane Society
Jamboree with Mayor Baldwin and his wife and it was fairly good
event.
B. Brought up some highlights of the Schertz Business
Association meeting she had attended:
(1) they welcomed Metro-Ambulance with a plaque;
(2) Garden Ridge Pottery renewed their membership;
(3) Mr. Sweatt gave the City Hall update;
(4) they gave the Jubilee report as follows:
(a) concluded they need porta-potties next year,
(b) they are going to get a quote on year-round liability
insurance;
(c) the dates next year will be June 30th through July 4th;
(d) the carnival will be the same and run during the day;
(e) on July 2nd there will be an arts and crafts show
called "Christmas in July";
(f) there will be a dance on July 2nd and 3rd;
(g) there will, of course, be the opening ceremonies and
the parade with the theme being "Memories of
Yesteryear"; and,
(h) they are recommending the fireworks display be
increased to $3500
(5) they are talking about sponsoring youth activities such as
dances for young peoplei
(6) they discussed the making of community Christmas calendars
for the Metrocom area;
(7) the next meeting is September 27th; and,
(8) Ann Almond and Anita Clark thanked the City for their
support of the Jubilee.
C. Asked, if when the budget process is over, are they
to discuss the Animal Control ordinance and the old
shelter and Mr. Sweatt answered probably.
going
animal
Mr. Potempa: A. Evans and Evans had started work in
Villa and it's looking good.
Mobile
B. The Jerry Lewis telathon is this weekend.
r. McDonald: A. Announced the Housing Authority has an
e ergency meeting tomorrow to deal with the contractor again.
Mr.
Hous.l g
Schert .
Antonio
down and
stated he had a call from Donna Lackey of the
Authority asking him to furnish data on rainfall in
She had received some misleading information from San
Mr. Potempa told her he would be available to come
use his log to help her out.
B. Referr
saying the
deficient.
and suggested
to the letter in the paper by Mr. Kelly of TXDoT
widening plan for FM 3009 was not defective or
r. McDonald was really disturbed by the letter
veryone read it.
(1)
( 2 )
( 3 )
( 4 >
Mrs. Stanhope:
Jamboree with Mayo
event.
she had attended the Humane Society
and his wife and it was fairly good
B. Brought up so
Association meeting s
highlights of the Schertz Business
had attended:
bulance with a plaque;
newed their membership;
Hall updatej
eport as follows:
ta-potties next year,
quote on year-round liability
they welcomed Metro
Garden Ridge Pottery
Mr. Sweatt gave the t
they gave the Jubilee
(a) concluded they need ~
(b) they are going to get
insurance;
(c) the dates next year wil
(d) the carnival will be
(e) on July 2nd there will
called "Christmas in JulY"jO
(f) there will be a dance on Jul nd and 3rd;
(g> there will, of course, be th ening ceremonies and
the parade with the the being "Memories of
Yesteryear"; and, ,~
(h) they are recommending the \fi eworks display be
increased to $3500 ~\
they are talking about sponsoring youth ctivities such as
dances for young people; A~
they discussed the making of community cH~ calendars
for the Metrocom areaj
the next meeting is September 27th; and,
Ann Almond and Anita Clark thanked the
support of the Jubilee.
e June 30th through July 4th;
e and run during the day;
an arts and crafts show
( 5 )
( 6 )
( 7 )
( 8 )
their
C. Asked, if when the budget process is over, are
to discuss the Animal Control ordinance and the
shelter and Mr. Sweatt answered probably.
Mr. Potempa: A. Evans and Evans had started work in
Villa and it's looking good.
B. The Jerry Lewis telathon is this weekend.
y/
25]
Mrs. Marsh: Stated she takes offense to the letter in the
paper about FM 3009. We are not a bunch of greenies. We had a
public hearing, with about 150 citizens attending, 5 or 6 years
ago and discussed the problems and complications of widening FM
3009. Our funds for the City were diverted two years ago for
the Fiesta Texas project.
Mayor Baldwin confirmed the City has a long history of one
problem after another in regard to the Highway Department and
roads. Mr. Sweatt indicated they are trying to get an
appointment with Mr. Kelley.
#10 ITEMS BY MAYOR: Mr. Baldwin reported that Hugo
Ackermann is in the hospital at Northeast Baptist. Merwin
Willman said he had a heart attack.
Mr. Sweatt, saying he had something to add, announced a joint
meeting of the cooperative cities, the economic development
committees, and various other commissions at the Live Oak Civic
Center for the final economic development study report. This
meeting is tentatively scheduled for September 26th at 7:00
p.m.
#11 BUDGET WORKSHOP
Mr. Sweatt mentioned a few housekeeping items. First, in the
Council's packet are sheets called Change #3. This affects
pages 1, 2, 61, 63, 91, 93, 94, 95, 97 and 98. Change #3
increased Fleet Services by $8200 and reduced Capital Recovery
by $8200. It was an error in printing.
Second, there is an increase of $100.00 to the Administration
Department budget to pick up a bond that was neglected. The
bottom line of the budget is changed by $100.00
Mr. Sweatt referred to the letter about a possible change in
Animal Control uniforms and said provisions have been made to
buy new uniforms if necessary.
Mr. Sweatt reported a change to the budget as a result of June
Krause's impending retirement. The budget will increase by
$1029 and he asked Council to consider approving that module.
Mr. Sweatt explained that Norma Althouse, current Planning
Secretary and Deputy City Secretary will move up to the
position of City Secretary and the City Manager's secretary
will become the Deputy City Secretary. The Planning and Zoning
Secretary's position will revert back to a lower grade and no
longer include the title of Deputy City Secretary. The City
Secretary's position has been modified somewhat. June Krause
also carried the title of Personnel Director and Deputy City
Manager. The human services responsibilities of personnel will
be taken on by Mark Marquez and he will have some clerical
support to help him out and to help out front also. The
252
overall net cost is an increase of $1029.
Several members of the Council expressed concern about this and
the fact that economic development is a full-time job. They
did not want these new responsibilities being taken on by Mr.
Marquez to interfere with that. Mayor Baldwin suggested they
rely on Mr. Sweatt's judgment. He will not let economic
development suffer.
The Council gave its consensus of approval to accept the module
increasing the budget by $1029.
The tax rate was the next topic of discussion. The cost of
updating the pavilion was mentioned and several members felt
strongly about doing something to update it this year. The
possibility was suggested that money from the sale of the
parkland in Oak Forest be used for that purpose and that a
strong commitment be made to do something by mid-year. The
possibility of using hotel/motel revenue tax for that purpose
was also suggested. Mrs. Marsh recommended Mr. Sweatt
continue to investigate what's needed to bring the pavilion up
to date.
Going back to the tax rate, Mr. Sweatt noted that
traditionally at the public hearing on the budget, Council has
adopted both the budget and the tax rate at that meeting. If
Council desires to have a tax rate 43.09 cents or greater, then
it will be necessary to have a second public hearing. If the
desire is for a tax rate lower than 43.09 cents, then a second
public hearing will not be required.
Mrs. Stanhope wanted to know if the 3% salary increase for
employees makes us competitive. Mr. McDonald admitted he
would like to see another salary increase of 2% at mid-year.
Mr. Greenwald pointed out until we get a larger business base
versus the single-family dwelling base, we can't be
competitive. Mayor Baldwin reminded everyone the budget
includes the 3% salary increase and also another 2 1/2% for
merit increases.
Mrs. Marsh felt they are cutting the tax rate too much. It's
nice to lower taxes, but there are things the City needs and
when taxes have to be raised again, she hopes they don't hear a
big outcry from the citizens.
Mrs. Marsh then asked what the City has in reserve and Mr.
Sweatt answered that by the end of this Fiscal Year they will
have reached the point of three months in reserve.
Mayor
will
Mr.
Baldwin suggested setting the tax rate at 43 cents which
keep them at less than 3% under the effective tax rate.
McDonald recommended 42.75 cents.
~-
250
Mayor Baldwin polled the Council for their consensus which was
as follows:
43.0 cents - Councilmembers Stanhope, Marsh and Greenwald.
42.75 cents - Councilmembers McDonald and Potempa.
Mr. Sweatt related that Mark Marquez and Alice Austin have
done yeoman work on the budget.
Mr. Potempa moved to adjourn the meeting at 10: 15 p.m. and
Mrs. Stanhope seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas
ATTEST:
Deputy City Secretary, City of Schertz