ccwks 12-15-04
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SPECIAL WORKSHOP SESSION
DECEMBER 15, 2004
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop Session on December 15, 2004
at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Complex Conference Room, 1400 Schertz Parkway,
Schertz, Texas. Those present were Mayor Hal Baldwin, presiding; Councilmembers
Carl Douglas, Steve Simonson, Reginna Agee, Tony Wilenchik and Ken Greenwald.
Those staff members present were Interim City Manager John Bierschwale and City
Secretary Norma Althouse.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
Johnie McDow of 465 Twinpoint Creek reported that BVY A has 749 kids in baseball and
300 kids in softball. They have 11 volleyball teams comprised of 95 kids. A lot of
volleyball teams are girls. He remarked football is also under the jurisdiction of BVY A.
They have 725 kids registered for basketball from ages 3-18. They now have 10 tee ball
teams. Over the past 3 years BVY A has spent $20,000 in general maintenance and
upkeep. They are in desperate need of new bleachers. The old ones are a safety hazard.
Mayor Baldwin told Mr. McDow they are very pleased with what BVY A does for the
youth in the community.
. Timothy Sheble of 3917 Brook Hollow Dr referred to itern #5 on the agenda and said he
is assuming the moratorium is for the Live Oak Hills Subdivision. Mayor Baldin
informed him that is correct. Mr. Sheble stated they already have a moratorium on that
subdivision and asked why another one is necessary. What is the City hoping to
accomplish? Mayor Baldwin told Mr. Sheble he was welcome to stay and draw his own
conclusions. Mr. Shelble then asked if they could keep the property in a perpetual state
of moratorium. Mayor Baldwin informed him they will be discussing it further during
Item #5.
Cindy Hiebert of 521 Exchange Ave said she understands the 500 block of Exchange
Ave. is slated for drainage improvements. Mayor Baldwin acknowledged they have
appropriated funds for drainage improvements.
Robert Brockman of 4505 Grand Forrest stated FM 78 still needs signs for Schertz
Parkway and Randolph Blvd. He also mentioned that a plot had been cleared on Maske
Rd and asked if there is development in process. Mr. Bierschwale replied yes.
#2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Regular Session - August 17, 2004
Special Workshop Session - Sept. 1,2004
Regular Session - Sept. 7,2004
Special Workshop Session - Sept. 15,2004
Regular Session - Sept. 21, 2004
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. Mr. Wilenchik moved to approve the minutes for the dates listed above. Mr. Greenwald
seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
Ayes: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
Nays: None
#3 Discussion on {"mal reading of Ordinance regarding placing restrictions on the
use and operation of motor assisted scooters.
Mr. Bierschwale related there are no further changes and Council stated they were ready
for this item to be on next Tuesday's agenda.
#4 Discussion on {"mal reading of Ordinance to lower posted speed limits on FM
2252, Comal County.
Mr. Bierschwale had nothing to add and Council indicated they were prepared for this
itern to be on next Tuesday's agenda.
#5 Consider and take action on Resolution calling for two public hearings to
consider development moratorium.
. Mr. Bierschwale advised there will be two public hearings on the moratorium, one on
January 4th and one on January 11th. City staff is recommending we go forward with the
moratorium. There are some serious issues involved and the City can't move forward
with development until they are solved.
Mr. Simonson inquired if the City is coming up with a plan for drainage and Mr.
Bierschwale replied yes.
Council was rerninded that according to the by-laws a moratorium can only be called for
90 days, however its time could be extended. Council felt the moratorium should be
continued until the property could be developed.
Mayor Baldwin introduced a Resolution and the caption as follows;
RESOLUTION NO. 04-R-18
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS SETTING PUBLIC
HEARINGS ON THE PROPOSED IMPOSITION OF A MORATORIUM ON
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT IN A PLATTED RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION;
APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE PUBLICATION OF NOTICES
RELATING TO THESE MATTERS; AND OTHER MATTERS IN
CONNECTION THEREWITH.
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Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the Resolution as listed in the caption above. Mr.
Wilenchik seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
Ayes: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald
Nays: None
#6 Discussion on City of Cibolo Resolution regarding Wiederstein Road.
Mayor Baldwin informed Mr. Bierschwale he had intended for this itern to be discussed
in Executive Session. Mr. Bierschwale explained that the City Attorney said they could
not do that.
Todd Parton, Cibolo City Manager, was present for discussion. He related that his
Council had authorized him to continue discussion and consider all options.
Mayor Baldwin said he saw no benefit to the swap for Wiederstein Road because only
Cibolo was going to use it. Mr. Parton stressed they want to avoid another Dietz Road.
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Mr. Greenwald saw no problem allowing Mr. Bierschwale to work with Mr. Parton on a
solution acceptable to both parties. The other Councilmernbers expressed the same
opinion as Mr. Greenwald. Mrs. Agee pointed out that someone needs to take control.
There was no action on the Resolution, but representatives from both Cities agreed to try
to work out a solution.
#7 Discussion and possible action on proposed City of Cibolo Resolution regarding
Town Creek Watershed and supporting study and grant.
Mr. Bierschwale felt that if multiple jurisdictions are involved then everyone should
understand what is going on. Mr. Bierschwale went on to say the City of Cibolo is
asking for help and a show of support in its application for a grant from the Texas Water
Development Board. We need to show support for the City of Cibolo as they are
submitting the grant application tomorrow and we need to see the application before
signing a letter of support.
Mr. Greenwald moved to agree to sign a letter of support for the City of Cibolo on its
application for a grant from the Texas Water Development Board. Mr. Simonson
seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
Ayes: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
Nays: None
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After the vote, Mayor Baldwin inquired how Chuck Balcar is doing. Mr. Parton replied
he is doing as well as can be expected.
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#8 Discussion regarding Children's Advocacy Center Contribution.
Mr. Bierschwale reminded Council they have letters in their packets from the Children's
Advocacy Center. Mrs. Agee reported that the letter went out to everyone associated
with the Advocacy Center in the past year. The City of Schertz represents about eleven
percent ofthe caseload.
Mr. Wilenchek thought it was a good cause and asked if the subject had not come up
before about donating to it. Mrs. Agee replied this letter is from the County/State
Program. It works along the same lines as the Prescription Assistance Program. Mr.
Wilenchik asked if we could support it with forfeiture funds and Mrs. Agee replied you
could only use forfeiture funds for certain things.
Mr. Bierschwale commented they need to speak with City Attorney, Michael Spain,
about how to do this. Mrs. Agee felt they need to do something at mid-year budget time.
Mr. Bierschwale promised to look into it and get back to Council with further
information.
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#9 Discussion and possible action regarding approval of the following:
A. Request from Police, Fire and EMS Departments for Installation of
Safety Garage Door Sensors.
B. Request from Community Services Director for funding for Bleachers.
C. Reqnest from Community Services Director for funds for Playscape
Project.
Mr. Bierschwale reported that the 4-B Board met on November 23rd and recommended
approval for all 3 iterns.
All department heads affected by the request were present and voiced their support. Mr.
Greenwald commented these are things that are obviously needed.
A.
Police Chief Starr, Fire Chief Friesenhalm and EMS Director Wait all voiced support in
favor ofthe sensors.
Mr. Greenwald moved to approve installation of safety garage door sensors for the
Police, Fire, and EMS departments. Mr. Wilenchik seconded the motion, which carried
with the followings votes:
Ayes: Councilmernbers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald
Nays: None
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B.
Mr. Greenwald said the current bleachers are worthless and unsafe. He then moved to
approve the funding of bleachers. Mr. Simonson seconded the motion, which carried
with the following votes.
Ayes: Councilmernbers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald
Nays: None
c.
Gail Douglas, Community Services Director, mentioned she has plans for lighting,
paving and landscaping the playscape. She also mentioned she would like to put up a
gazebo. This prompted quite a bit of discussion from Council with Mr. Wilenchik saying
he is in favor of improvernents, but is not sure we should spend the money just because
we have it, particularly for the gazebo.
Mr. Douglas pointed out the playscape is one of the most visible areas of the City. Other
Councilmembers agreed and brought up the idea that maybe they could get some
volunteers to build the gazebo.
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Mr. Simonson moved to approve $25,000 for lighting, paving and landscaping at the
playscape and to try to use volunteers to help build a gazebo. Mr. Douglas seconded the
motion, which carried with the following votes;
Ayes: Councilmernbers Douglas, Simonson, Agee and Greenwald
Nays: Councilmernber Wilenchik
# 10 Discussion and possible action on awarding bid for Public Works Building.
Mr. Bierschwale advised Council this is the third time they had gone out for bids on this
project and the bids they received are still a little higher than they anticipated. However,
they did receive a good bid from V. W. Brooks Inc. Mr. Douglas inquired where the new
Public Works Building will be located and was told next door to the current Public
Works Building.
Architect Jerry Mendenhall was present to answer Council's questions regarding the new
building.
Mr. Greenwald moved to award the bid for the new Public Works Facility to V. W.
Brooks Inc. in the amount of $753,000. Mrs. Agee seconded the motion, which carried
with the following votes.
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Ayes: Councilmernbers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
Nays: None
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#11 Discussion and possible action on awarding bid for Council Chambers
Complex.
After a brief discussion, Mr. Douglas moved to award the bid for the Council Chambers
Complex to V. W. Brooks lnc in the amount of $399,000. Mr. Greenwald seconded the
motion, which carried with the following votes.
Ayes: Councilmernbers Douglas, Simonson, Agee Wilenchik and Greenwald.
Nays: None
# 12 Discussion and update regarding street drainage issues.
Mr. Bierschwale explained the drainage issues would be paid for out of the recent seven
million dollar bond issue that was approved.
The improvements include the following: Borgfeld Road drainage improvements; Upper
West Dietz Creek drainage (includes drainage structure at Maske); Elbel improvernents;
Aviation Heights drainage improvements (underground storm sewer); Woodland Oaks
drainage improvements and underground storm sewer (Hidden Grove and both sides of
Dimrock.).
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Council agreed to all the drainage projects listed above and Mayor Baldwin suggested
they add the low water crossing on Aviation to the list. We need to get Universal City to
cooperate in the project. Mr. Bierschwale promised to talk with the City Manager of
Universal City.
#13 Discussion regarding Labor Market Analysis and SalaryIDepartment
Realignment.
Mr. Bierschwale informed Council that Donna Dykes, Human Resource Director, had
been a great help to him in crunching all the numbers for this report.
Mr. Bierschwale stated he feels it is of the utmost importance to bring forth a competitive
salary package to City Council for consideration and possible action. The complete
salary study for all City positions indicates that the majority of department heads are
within the market range. A few departments heads as well as other supervisors and field
workers fall below the market range. The overall objective is to design a two-phase
salary plan that will support a salary increase package of $941 ,021.00 annually.
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Mayor Baldwin said his biggest concern is keeping up with salary increases because
Schertz needs to lead the area as far as the salaries it pays its ernployees. Mrs. Agee
mentioned she thought they approved a pay structure when they approved the budget.
Along that line, Mr. Wilenchik indicated they need to look at the budget and see if they
can afford the salary increases.
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Mr. Simonson commented he was shocked to see such discrepancy in the budget and they
need to get to the bottom of this.
Mr. Wilenchik recommended they take one of the months that has five Tuesdays or
Wednesdays and schedule a meeting for this particular subject. Everyone agreed they
need to have a thorough briefing on the budget.
#14 Discussion regarding 4-B Budget Amendments for Revenues and
Expenditures.
Mr. Bierschwale reminded Council that in the past the 4-B Board had paid the salary of
the Economic Development Director. Mrs. Madison now has an Executive Assistant and
he feels it is appropriate for both their salaries to be paid out of 4- B funds.
It is felt that Mrs. Madison is overloaded with responsibilities and that we should search
for a professional Planning Director. Council agreed and gave their support for such
action.
#15 Items by Interim City Manager
General Announcements
Customer Service Survey Update
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. Mr. Bierschwale reported he has given department heads until the 17th of
December to complete comments on the Customer Service Survey.
. Mayor Baldwin asked the status of the new Fire Department and Mr. Bierschwale
replied the permits had been issued.
#16 Items by Council
General Announcements
Councilmember Douglas
Liason -EDC
Liason-Schertz Library Board
Mr. Douglas had nothing to report.
Mayor Pro-Tern Simonson
4-B Board
Liason BVY A
Mr. Simonson had nothing to report.
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. Councilmember Agee
4-B Board
Liason-Schertz Housing Authority
Mrs. Agee had nothing to report.
Councilmember Wilenchik
4-B Board
Liason-Schertz Humane Society
Liason-HOA Coalition
Ex-officio-TSAC
. Stated the Humane Society received $9,000 for a spay and neuter program.
. Mentioned possibility of reviewing the Non-Smoking Ordinance. Some citizens
say it should be changed, some feel it should be repealed.
. Questioned the status of Lake Denny (there is a constant water accumulation at
the parking lot at Denny's). Mr. Bierschwale told him that TX Dot is working on
a solution.
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Councilmernber Greenwald
4- B Board
Ex-officio-P&Z Commission
Ex-officio-S/SLGC
. Inquired about the status of the Franchise Agreement with NBU. Mr.
Bierschwale told him the City Attorney is working on it.
. Mentioned the possibility of an O'Reillys coming into the City.
#17 Items by Mayor
General Announcements
. Read thank you cards from a couple of people - Floyd Westernman and Terry
Aikman.
. Rerninded Council they have in their packets some recommendations for City
Manager. The information was provided by David Richmond.
#18 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at 9:40
p.m.
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ATTEST:
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City Secretary, City of Schertz, Texas
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