ccswks 03-31-1993
122
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 3 1, 1993
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop
Session Wednesday, March 31, 1993 at 7:00 p.m. in the
Conference Room of the Municipal Complex, 1400 Schertz
Parkway, Schertz, Texas. The following members were
present: Mayor Earl W. Sawyer, presidingj Barbara
Stanhope; Mary Marsh and Ken Greenwald. Absent: Joe
Potempa and Hal Baldwin. Staff present were City Manager
Kerry R. Sweatt and City Secretary June Krause.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS: Mr. Bill Moore, President
of BVYA wanted to invite everyone to the Opening Ceremonies
of BVYA Baseball/Softball Season on Saturday April 3, 1993
at 9:00 a.m. He said they would like to introduce the
Mayor, Council, Police Chief and Fire Chief and are trying
to get the County Commissioner people to come so that they
could see just what facilities and activities we have here.
He mentioned the new roof and other repairs that have been
made to the facilities.
Mr. Moore said that to give an idea of how BVYA is growing,
last year they had 42 teams with 12 per team and this year
they have over 56 teams with 13 on each team. He added that
they have about 800 kids involved so far. This year they
are merging with Marion and Tri City and expect many more to
be involved next year. They have had many small businesses
donating fences and red clay and other things. They hope to
have donations for concrete to put in patios on either side
of the concession stand.
Mayor Sawyer said the City Council appreciates the good work
being done by BVYA.
#2 Discussion of a request by the Adolph Schertz
Scouting Association for permission to sublease the Schertz
Scout Hut.
Mayor Sawyer recognized Harvey Balcer of the Scouting
Association.
Mr. Sweatt called attention to letters addressed to him and
the City Council from Barbara McDaniel, President of the
Adolph Schertz Scouting Association, with reference to this.
He said that several weeks ago it was called to our
attention that they had subleased the Scout Hut to the
Church of the Harvest for services. He added that the City
has a fifty year lease for use of the property at that
location. There is a condition in the lease that the
property not be subleased without permission of the City
Council. We made contact with representatives of the
Association and they have in turn written for permission to
sublease. Their basic request is for permission for them to
sublease to this church for a short period of time. They
will be using the building on Sundays and Wednesdays with
the stipulation that no church service will be conducted
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where it will infringe on the. time Deeded for any Scouting
organization use. Mr. Sweatt then listed some of the
improvements the church has made to the property, such as
carpeting the main meeting room, several doors have been
changed to lend more security to the building.
Mr. Harvey Balcer said he thought that just about covered
everything.
Mayor Sawyer said he had no objection to the sublease; but
we do not want to get into anything that would create a
conflict between church and state. He felt this was entered
into in innocence; but said he would like Council to be
informed before any action was contemplated in the future.
Mr. Balcer said it was because of this agreement that they
were able to do some major repairs to the building. Their
intention all along is that any scouting function comes
first.
Mayor Sawyer asked Council if they would go along with this
sublease.
Mrs. Marsh suggested the Scouting Association get a written
agreement with the church rather than the present verbal.
With that stipulation, Council agreed to the sublease.
#3 Discussion of Board of Adjustment hearings:
A. A request by Southwestern Bell Mobile System, Inc. for
a SpeCific Use Permit allowing them to place a cellular
telephone tower approximately 250 feet north of the
intersection of IH-35 and FM 2252 on the east side of IH-35.
Mr. Sweatt referred to the recommendation from Planning &
Zoning, in which they state this tower would not be in a
flight pattern, nor near power lines, nor interfere with any
of our lines. They recommend this be scheduled for public
hearing, which we have set for April 6, 1993.
B. A request by Arthur Bartlett for a Specific Use Permit
allowing him to utilize five acres at 18701 IH-35 as a
holding area for cars purchased and in the process of being
prepared for sale.
Mr. Sweatt said that Mr. Bartlett's used car lot is
adjacent to this location and it consists mainly of older
"classic" cars. He has agreed to put up a privacy fence
around the property.
As there was some question about the exact location of this
five acre tract, Mr. Sweatt was asked to have the
particulars as to location for the public hearing set for
April 6, 1993.
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#4 Discussion of a proposed franchise with KBL
Cablesystem of the Southwest, Inc. dba Paragon Cable.
Mr. Sweatt advised that as discussed at an earlier
workshop, this is the result of meetings between the cities
of Schertz, Converse, Kirby, Live Oak and Selma and
representatives of Paragon Cable. He said the major points
of the agreement are: (1) 15 year term from November 9,
1992 (establishes a common ending date for all
jurisdictions)j (2) 5% franchise fee to all dollars
attributable to Cablesystem; (3) formal performance
evaluation on 5th, 9th and 13th yearSj (4) payment and
quarterly report providing for technological and new
additions with customer service request logs; (5) updated
customer service standards; (6) city to benefit from all
new technology and receive zero cost service connectionsj
(7) provision for audio and visual emergency notification
completed by December 31, 1995j (8) fiberoptics conversion
completed by December 31, 1997; (9) equal treatment clause
providing if any other franchisor located wholly or in part
of Bexar County modifies or renews a franchise agreement
providing increased benefits, the city may incorporate those
into this franchise.
Mr. Sweatt advised that we have scheduled a formal public
hearing for this on April 6thj and the charter provides
that we could have the first reading of the ordinance that
same date then, the second and final reading during the
month of May.
Mrs. Marsh asked if the prices are subject to change.
Mr. T.J. Connolly said that, effective the next day, their
lowest tier of service will be regulated by the cities.
There is a provision in Section 17 of the franchise that
speaks to all future regulations that might apply; meaning
that whatever happens tomorrow, the City is fully protected.
He said there are no plans for a 1993 rate increase. Mr.
Connolly said that although the franchise says they will
have fiberoptics in Schertz by 1997, they believe it will be
much sooner. He did add that they did not know where the
rates would be going over the length of the contract. He
said the basic service rate is about as high as it can go;
they could add channels but that is about it.
Mr. Greenwald asked about the provision that says
must be 25 dwellings per square mile for service and
that would affect the Schirmerville area. He added
because of the AICUZ zone, that will never meet
provisions.
there
how
that
these
Mr. Connolly said that is an ideal area for the wireless
company to go in. He did say that they would have staff go
out and run some figures on that and perhaps it could be run
through Randolph Air Force Base rather than from Schertz.
:25
Mr. Sweatt reminded that this item is scheduled for Public
Hearing on April 6, 1993 with the final reading of the
ordinance on about May 18th.
Mr. Connolly said he would be making a first presentation
to Converse the following week so his assistant, Susan
Williams, would stand in for him at the public hearing.
#5 Discussion of Reinvestment Zone Ordinance and draft
of Tax Incremental Financing Agreements.
Mayor Sawyer reminded Council they had been over this many
times.
Mr. Sweatt advised that a public hearing had been held and
are now suggesting this ordinance be considered. He said
staff would like to hear any comments from Council. He said
it is staff's plan to take this ordinance and agreement to
the other two entities (SCUC Independent School District and
Guadalupe County Commissioners) to see if they have any
comments. After that, it would be brought back to Council.
Council commented that it looked good to them and it had
been through our attorney, so go forward with the plan.
#6 Discussion of appointments to the Canyon Regional
Water Authority Governing Body and Board of Managers.
Mr. Sweatt reminded that at the last budget session,
Council budgeted for membership in the Canyon Regional Water
Authority. He said that in the long run, our water needs
must be met by other than the Edwards. Staff has been
working on a contract with the CRWA organization. Due to
the City Attorney being in the hospital, we have had to
delay this for the time being. CRWA would like for the
Council to designate and appoint members to both the Board
and Governing Body so they would have this information for
their annual meeting. He said we see no problem with doing
that. Our representative to the Board of Managers has been
Mr. John Bierschwale. We could have two appointees to the
Governing Body.
Mayor Sawyer suggested appointing John Bierschwale and Ken
Greenwald. If Mr. Greenwald can not make it, then appoint
Mr. Willman. Since Council agreed, this item will be on
the next agenda for action.
#7 Discussion of Economic Development Task Force
recommendations regarding reorganization.
Mr. Sweatt said that this organization was
accomplish a clearly defined set of
objectives. They now believe these goals
have been met. We now have staff that deals
commenced to
organizational
and objectives
with day to day
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conditions. The original group did a superb job in
completing the task set forth. They produced an excellent
video, a brochure and a Community Profile. They were also
able to provide a sense of direction and focus for economic
development. They did the research, made the contacts and
generally created the momentum for a viable Economic
Development Program for the City. The Task Force has
suggested that we undertake internal study as to how it best
could be restructured.
Mrs. Marsh, Council Liaison to the Task Force, suggested
they need a new focus and long range planning. There are
some programs that are on-going. She said they would ask
Council to approve going forward with the study to come up
with a new document. She indicated that Mr. Marquez would
work it out and she did not think the Task Force should be
disbanded.
Mr. Sweatt agreed that we do still need this group for tax
abatement and things like that.
Mayor Sawyer received consensus of Council to place this on
the next agenda for action.
#8 Discussion of landscaping and status of animal
shelter improvements.
Mr. Sweatt said the Humane Society has gathered funds to
assist in the improvements to the animal shelter, with our
immediate needs being for landscaping. He mentioned that
Robbie Ralls of the Humane Society and others have gone over
the plans and have develop a long list of items to be
purchased. He added that they have made some very good
suggestions.
Mr. Daniel Bratcher of Gardens of the World and also a
member of the Humane Society listed the number and types of
trees and shrubs they were recommending. Their
recommendations go along with the zeroscrape concept or at
the least low maintenance costs. He said they are
concentrating on the front of the building right now since
this is a new building and they know the budget is tight.
Mrs.
plan,
expert;
Stanhope and Mrs. Marsh both agreed it was a
with Mrs. Marsh adding that Mr. Bratcher is
however, the Council does like to be informed.
good
the
Mr. Sweatt advised we
completion, when we can
third or fourth week in
going to be well pleased
are anticipating mid May
move in and have the opening by
May. He said he felt everyone
with the facility.
for
the
was
A 1:'. ~~
#9 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: A. There will be a
Opening of the Sandwich Gardens on First Street at
a . m . Ap r ill I 1 9 9 3 .
Grand
11:00
B. We are soliciting drivers and chaperons for
go to the various parades. We need an employee
the governing body to drive the vehicle. He
several dates that are open.
our float to
or member of
then listed
#10 ITEMS BY COUNCIL
Mr~L~_____l1g.XS::I1: A. The Schertz Business Club met with a
fairly decent crowd present. They spent most of the time
discussing the July 4th Jubilee, mentioning they now have
about $900 toward the fireworks. They also have their
raffle tickets at three for $1.00, which will help with the
fireworks and the scholarship. She ended by saying they
need items for the silent auction they will have at the
Jamboree the third week in May.
B. She felt it time to revisit recycling. She said
Universal City has a good program that is working
well. She said she is constantly being approached
recycling. It is time we get down to business.
recommended the Task Force take the lead on this and
something back to Council in about one month.
that
quite
about
She
get
Mr. Sweatt said he did not disagree but right now the
problem is getting rid of it. We are hoping there are some
alternatives and are pursuing some grant to help with this.
#11 ITEMS BY MAYOR: A. Mr. Baldwin is going to be
our liaison with the Humane Society.
B. He urged everyone to make it down to the BVYA opening on
Saturday.
C. The
signage
$4200.
Richard family will be paying for the highway
name change for Roy Richard Drive, in the amount of
D. SAFES has their jamboree and dance from 3:00 to 7:00
p.m. on Sunday - everyone is welcome.
E. Mayor Sawyer asked the City Manager for a synopsis of
where recycling is going and how the program in Universal
City is working.
Mrs. March mentioned that on the weekends, there are a lot
of illegal garage sale signs allover.
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#12 ADJOURNMENT: There being no further
meeting was declared adjourned at 8:35
Sawyer.
business, the
p.m. by Mayor
ATTEST:
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