11-25-2014 Amended Agenda with BackupMEETING AGENDA
City Council
REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL
November 25, 2014
HAL BALDWIN MUNICIPAL COMPLEX COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY BUILDING #4
SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154
Policy Values
Economic Prosperity
Fiscally Sustainable
Family Friendly for All Ages
High Quality of Life
Safe Community
Essential Services
Attractive Community
Innovative and Proactive
Service Oriented
Friendly City
Call to Order — City Council Regular Session
Invocation and Pledges of Allegiance to the Flags of the United States and State of
Texas. (Councilmember Edwards)
City Events and Announcements
• Announcements of upcoming City Events (J. Bierschwale /B. James)
• Announcements and recognitions by City Manager (J. Kessel)
Presentation
• Briefing and information regarding the upcoming Festival of Angels 2014, December
5, 2014, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (J. Kessel /B. Cantu /M. Spence)
Hearing of Residents
This time is set aside for any person who wishes to address the City Council. Each person
should fill out the speaker's register prior to the meeting. Presentations should be limited to
no more than 3 minutes.
All remarks shall be addressed to the Council as a body, and not to any individual member
thereof. Any person making personal, impertinent, or slanderous remarks while
addressing the Council may be requested to leave the meeting.
11 -25 -2014 Council Agenda
Discussion by the Council of any item not on the agenda shall be limited to statements of
specific factual information given in response to any inquiry, a recitation of existing policy in
response to an inquiry, and /or a proposal to place the item on a future agenda. The presiding
officer, during the Hearing of Residents portion of the agenda, will call on those persons who
have signed up to speak in the order they have registered.
Workshop
• Update on the Lone Star Rail Project. (B. James /J. Black)
Consent Agenda Items
The Consent Agenda is considered self - explanatory and will be enacted by the Council with
one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless they are removed
from the Consent Agenda upon the request of the Mayor or a Councilmember.
1. Minutes - Consideration and /or action regarding the approval of the minutes of the
Regular Meeting of November 18, 2014. (J. Kessel/B. Dennis)
2. City of Schertz 2015 Master Calendar — Consideration and /or action regarding the
approval of the City of Schertz 2015 Master Calendar (B. Cantu /S. Gonzalez)
3. Resolution No. 14 -R -95 — Consideration and /or action approving a Resolution
amending the City of Schertz Code of Ordinances and certain other ordinances by
amending and establishing fees for certain licenses, permits, and other services
provided by the City of Schertz.(B. James /M. Sanchez)
Discussion and Action Items
4. City Council Place 5 Resignation — Consideration and/or action accepting the
resignation from Matthew Duke City Council Place 5. (Mayor /Council)
5. Resolution No. 14 -R -97 — Consideration and/or action approving a process for
considering and appointing an individual to the vacant Place 5 City Council position.
(J. Kessel/B. Dennis
Roll Call Vote Confirmation
Executive Session
6. City Council will meet in closed session under section 551.074 Evaluation of the City
Secretary and Deputy City Secretary.
Reconvene into Regular Session
6a. Take any necessary action based on discussions held in closed session under Agenda
Item number 6.
11 -25 -2014 City Council Agenda Page - 2 -
Roll Call Vote Confirmation
Requests and Announcements
7. Announcements by City Manager
• Citizen Kudos
• Recognition of City employee actions
• New Departmental initiatives
8. Requests by Mayor and Councilmembers that items be placed on a future City
Council agenda.
9. Requests by Mayor and Councilmembers to City Manager and Staff for information.
10. Announcements by Mayor and Councilmembers
• City and community events attended and to be attended
• City Council Committee and Liaison Assignments (see assignments below)
• Continuing education events attended and to be attended
• Recognition of actions by City employees
• Recognition of actions by community volunteers
• Upcoming City Council agenda items
Adjournment
CERTIFICATION
I, BRENDA DENNIS, CITY SECRETARY OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS, DO
HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE AGENDA WAS PREPARED AND POSTED ON
THE OFFICIAL BULLETIN BOARDS ON THIS THE 21St DAY OF NOVEMBER 2014 AT
4:00 P.M., WHICH IS A PLACE READILY ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC AT ALL
TIMES AND THAT SAID NOTICE WAS POSTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER
551, TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE.
greKJ01 Deww's
renda Dennis CPM, TRMC, MMC, City Secreta
I CERTIFY THAT THE ATTACHED NOTICE AND AGENDA OF ITEMS TO BE
CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL WAS REMOVED BY ME FROM THE
OFFICIAL BULLETIN BOARD ON DAY OF 2014.
Title:
This facility is accessible in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Handicapped
parking spaces are available. If you require special assistance or have a request for sign
interpretative services or other services please call 210 - 619 -1030.
11 -25 -2014 City Council Agenda Page - 3 -
The City Council for the City of Schertz reserves the right to adjourn into executive session at
any time during the course of this meeting to discuss any of the matters listed above, as
authorized by the Texas Open Meetings Act.
Executive Sessions Authorized: This agenda has been reviewed and approved by the City's
legal counsel and the presence of any subject in any Executive Session portion of the agenda
constitutes a written interpretation of Texas Government Code Chapter 551 by legal counsel
for the governmental body and constitutes an opinion by the attorney that the items discussed
therein may be legally discussed in the closed portion of the meeting considering available
opinions of a court of record and opinions of the Texas Attorney General known to the
attorney. This provision has been added to this agenda with the intent to meet all elements
necessary to satisfy Texas Government Code Chapter 551.144(c) and the meeting is conducted
by all participants in reliance on this opinion.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS
Mayor Carpenter
Audit Committee
Hal Baldwin Scholarship Committee
Interview Committee for Boards and Commissions
Investment Advisory Committee
TIRZ II Board
Mayor Pro -Tem John — Place 3
Lone Star Rail District
Councilmember Fowler — Place 1
Councilmember Azzoz — Place 2
Interview Committee for Boards and Commissions
Animal Control Advisory Committee
Schertz Housing Board Liaison
Sweetheart Advisory Committee
Randolph Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) Executive
Committee
Schertz Seguin Local Government Corporation
Councilmember Edwards — Place 4
Councilmember Duke — Place 5
Audit Committee
Audit Committee
Hal Baldwin Scholarship Committee
Investment Advisory Committee
Interview Committee for Boards and Commissions
Cibolo Valley Local Government Corporation
11 -25 -2014 City Council Agenda Page - 4 -
Agenda No. 2
CITY COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
City Council Meeting: November 25, 2014
Department:
Subject:
BACKGROUND
City Secretary
Minutes
The City Council held a regular meeting on November 18, 2014.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council approve the minutes of the regular meeting on November 18, 2014.
ATTACHMENT
Minutes — regular meeting November 18, 2014
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
November 18, 2014
A Regular Meeting was held by the Schertz City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas, on
November 18, 2014, at 6:00 p.m., in the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex Council Chambers,
1400 Schertz Parkway, Building #4, Schertz, Texas. The following members present to -wit:
Mayor Michael Carpenter
Councilmember Jim Fowler
Councilmember Cedric Edwards
Staff Present:
Deputy City Manager John Bierschwale
Chief of Staff Bob Cantu
City Secretary Brenda Dennis
Call to ordor
Mayor Carpenter called the meeting to order at E
Mayor Pro -Tem Daryl John
Councilmember Grumpy Azzoz
Councilmember Matthew Duke
City Manager John Kessel
Executive Director Brian James
City Attorney Connie Lock
Invocation and Pledges of Allegiance to the Flags of the United States and the State of
Texas (Councilmember Fowler)
Councilmember Fowler provided the invocation followed by the Pledges of Allegiance to the
Flags of the United States and the State of Texas.
Councilmember_ Edwards arrived at 6 :05 p.m.
City Events and Announcements
• Announcements of upcoming City Events (J. Bierschwale/B. James)
Mayor Carpenter recognized Executive Director of Development Services Brian
James who provided the following announcements:
o Thursday, rasat ber 4, 2014, Lunch provided by the Community Council of South
Central Te he Seni or Center
Friday, December 5, 2014, Leadership Team Building, La Quinta Inn and Suites,
17654, Oaks Lane, 8 -5 p.m.
o Friday, December 5, 2014, Festival of Angels Parade, Hal Baldwin Municipal
Complex, 6:00 p.m.
11 -18 -2014 Minutes Page - 1 -
• Announcements and recognitions by City Manager (J. Kessel)
Mayor Carpenter recognized City Manager John Kessel who stated that at this time of
year the EMS Department not only does the CPR recertification classes for city staff
members but also for the local fire departments in the surrounding areas. He received
a very nice note from Marion Fire Chief Thomas (Tom) Amen who complimented
EMS Paramedic Wes Dailey for his superior training. Congratulations to our EMS
personnel for a job well done. 1&6�
Hearing of Residents:
Mayor Carpenter recognized the following who spoke:
k' lv�
Ms. Clare Layton, 12231 Lost Meadows Drive, who congratulated all the newly
elected/re- elected candidates and expressed words of appreciation to those who lost.
Thanks to everyone who stood up for consideration. She stated she had many memories
of past elections but this one was especially amazing because during the campaign, her
and her husband were classified, `persons- non - grata'. Why? Was it because they
pointed out that the topography of the southern area of the city is so flat that it is subject
to a unique phenomenon known as sheet flow flooding? As a result, Rhine Valley now
has a design which saves one third of its home sites from being flooded. Also, the City
now acknowledges sheet flow in its UDC. Was it because we along with some others
opposed TxDOT from building a road through a flood prone area known as Lake View
Estates? Was it because Mr. Layton helped bring a $7 million Bexar County tax dollar
funded flood control project to the Schaefer Road area. She was surprised when the
pro - Schertz activities of the Laytons resulted in a candidate being told that he would
have a much better chance of advancement within the city if he disassociated himself
with us (the Laytons), Commissioner Wolverton, Councilmember Azzoz, Mr. Don
Taylor, and Mr. Steve White. I am so proud that the Laytons were even mentioned in
the same sentence with those gentlemen. To think that seeking the combined wisdom
and historical knowledge of these six folks would be a disadvantage to anybody who
wants to make it in Schertz is in her opinion a ludicrous remark; but this remark is `The
memory' that she will take away from this election.
• Ms. Jana Volitis, who stated that since tonight is the consideration of the charter review
applicants, she wanted to introduce herself to those who did not know her. She moved
here about 3.5 years ago (the military spouse of an active duty air force member). They
fell in love with the Schertz area and moved here in 2010. She works at the Schertz
Chamber with Maggie and Robin and she runs a small photography business on the
side. She would love to serve the residents of Schertz and be a part of something great.
• Ms. Maggie Titterington, who thanked everyone who attended the chamber awards
banquet last Friday night. A bit of information from the forthcoming quarterly report is
that from July through September we had almost 450 walk -ins who wanted a variety of
information. They also took 800 field calls and four relocation requests. They broke a
11 -18 -2014 Minutes Page - 2 -
record on internet searches and she gave some statistics on that traffic. They also
integrated their Facebook and are getting people to `like' us, because ocial networking
is here to stay. Tomorrow morning there will be a free breakfast at Encanto's Grill from
7:30- 9:00 a.m.
Workshop
• Discussion and possible action regarding Council Rules of Conduct and Procedures, and
proposed Code of Ethics. (Mayor /Council)
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Edwards who stated we have talked about
this before and he thinks it is about right where we need it to be. We should go forward
and pass this tonight as it bears merit.
Mayor Carpenter stated that former Councilm er Scagliola had brought up his concern
about the proper use of personal electronic ices duricouncil meetings.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Azzoz who stated he thinks all devices
should be off, thereby not distracting anyone.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Edwards who commented that if there will
be no electronics up here on the dais then 1) the ipad needs to go, 2) the monitor, and 3)
the phone(s). This will be virtually impossible. The ipads are the nerve center to what
we do. Everything is done on the ipad these days, events, training, other information, etc.
Does he communicate with his iphone; yes he does, from his family and/or clients.
However, the city does not pay his personal phone bill. The ipad is city owned and
anyone can request data from that item at any time.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Fowler who stated he thinks it's a bit more
than that. When someone is texting, they are not able to pay attention to what is going on
within the meeting. If a speaker sees us texting it may appear to them know that we are
not interested. He thinks we are doing a disservice to our speakers. We need to consider
what the impression is that we are giving the speaker(s) and audience in general.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Duke who stated he pretty much operates
paperless these days in everything he does, business and personal. He does not disagree
with Mr. Fowler's point of courtesy to speaker(s). He does think we need a proper
decorum but cautions about going one direction over the other and we should not make
technology the enemy. We need to find a `balance'.
Mayor Carpenter stated he sees two concerns: 1) a person being disrespectful by
occupying themselves with another activity, or 2) if there is communication going on, is
there a violation of the open communications act (state law). These things could also be
accomplished with things other than electronics (i.e., newspapers, private conversation,
etc.). He doesn't think we can or should control these things. Every member on the dais
has a first amendment right to do foolish things. The public will judge them as well as
I I -18 -2014 Minutes Page - 3 -
the voters. If we choose to do inappropriate things it will ultimately be judged by the
resident voters.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Fowler who stated as a reminder to
everyone, the three minute rule we have is to give our citizens a chance to present an
argument or state their concern to us. We cannot engage in conversation other than with
factual information. It is stated this way because we set an agenda and we cannot get off
into other areas outside of the agenda realm. If it is something that can be handled by a
staff member, we ask them to get with that city employee to discuss it. If it does need to
come before us then it can be put on the next agenda. We always will try to take action
when we can and still stay within the guidelines of our procedures.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Azzoz who stated we have to make it a
point to allot residents time to come before us to speak. Maybe we should allow a dialog
with them to let them know we will get with them later to get their information. He also
stated that in regard to the phone issue discussed earlier, he made a decision to give his
time to the residents as a councilmember once a week for three or four hours; during this
time he does not have to have his cell phone on. It is imperative to listen to our residents.
We should be paying attention to the people speaking before us during council meetings.
Mayor Carpenter stated that in regard to the three minute time limit for the hearing of
residents portion of the meeting, it is there as a guideline. He can extend time if he wishes
and so can council. Council can actually vote to suspend the rules at any given time and
allow as much time as anyone wishes. State law however is clear in regard to how we can
respond. We are limited to 1) responding with a statement of fact, 2) responding with a
citing of current policy, or 3) debating whether to put the matter on a future agenda for
discussion. We must and will follow state law. With regard to changing our rules of
procedure regarding what electronic devices are allowed on the dais, council will have to
decide that with a motion. We can have such a motion if that is the will of the council.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Azzoz who made a motion that no personal
electronic devices be allowed on the dais during city council meetings. The motion failed
for lack of a second.
Mayor Carpenter stated the next item in this segment is the City Council Code of Ethics.
He asked if there was anything that staff or legal counsel needed to address before
discussion. City Attorney Connie Lock stated that any time there is an investigation they
suggest the City get outside counsel to investigate it because there could be an ethical
issue or perception that their firm could be biased. A few sections also address that if
someone is being disciplined or censured it take place in private executive session unless
the councilmember requests it in open session. It is also not clear in the code of conduct
that you have the power of discipline or censure. The city attorney has provided some
suggested language for this revision.
Mayor Carpenter responded to Councilmember Duke in regard to Section 4.10 that states
City Council shall have the authority to conduct an inquiry into the affairs of the city and
I I -18 -2014 Minutes Page - 4 -
the conduct of any department or agency. So we are trying to give some definition to that
authority. Councilmember Duke said he is just asking if you have the ability to defend
yourself if you are the accused. The City Attorney replied that would be a policy
decision and could be reconsidered. City Manager John Kessel stated he agreed that any
accused individual should be allowed to hear what the accusation is and respond to it.
Mayor Carpenter suggested we have legal counsel and/or staff come up with a statement
that would allow the accused to make a statement addressing the matter. Mayor
Carpenter stated they would not take any action tonight but would take it up at a future
meeting. I&I
• Discussion and consideration and/or action regarding Co Liaison appointment
positions on the various City boards and commissions. a reenter /Council)
■ Animal Control Advisory Committee %, N'
• Cibolo Valley Local Government Corporation
• Schertz Seguin Local Government Corporation
• Sweetheart Advisory Committee
• Interview Committee for Boards and Commissions
Mayor Carpenter recognized City Secretary Brenda Dennis who introduced this item
stating now that we have a new Councilmember it is time Council take the opportunity to
re- evaluate their roles and assignments on the various City Council liaison assignments
within the City. She stated Council needs to appoint a Councilmember to the following
Boards, Committees:
Animal Control Advisory Committee
Cibolo Valley Local Government Corporation
Schertz Seguin Local Government Corporation
Sweetheart Advisory Committee
Interview Committee for appointments to City Boards and Commissions
a
Council may also consider changing up the other Council assignments as outlined in the
information provided.
Mayor Carpenter asked for volunteers to serve on the committees vacated by former
Councilmember David Scagliola. Councilmember Azzoz volunteered to serve on the
Animal Control Advisory Committee and the Sweetheart Advisory Committee.
Councilmember Edwards volunteered to serve on the Interview Committee and the
Cibolo Valley Local Government Corporation. Councilmember Fowler volunteered to
serve on the Schertz Seguin Local Government Corporation.
Discussion and Action Items
1. Minutes — Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 12, 2014. (J.
Kessel /B. Dennis)
11 -18 -2014 Minutes Page - 5 -
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Edwards who moved, seconded by
Councilmember Duke to approve the minutes of the special meeting of November 12,
2014. The vote was unanimous with Mayor Pro -Tem John, Councilmembers
Fowler, Azzoz, Edwards and Duke voting yes and no one voting no. Motion passed.
2. Charter Review Commission Appointments — Discussion and consideration and /or
action appointing the FY 2014/15 Charter Review Commission. (B.
Dennis /Mayor /Council)
Mayor Carpenter stated that we had asked for volunteers from the community to serve on
a charter review committee and subsequently received several applicants. Tradition is
that about every eight years or so the charter compels us to seat a charter review
committee. In the past we have allowed the five voting members of council to appoint
whomever they wish. In this case we solicited interest from the public and we have
gotten several responses. Mayor Carpenter asked for further comments and/or
recommendations of appointment. Nk
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Edwards who recommended the
appointment of Mr. Mark Davis. Councilmember John recommended the appointment of
Mr. Michael Dahle. Councilmember Fowler recommended the appointment of Ms.
Reginna Agee. Councilmember Azzoz recommended the appointment of Mr. Bert
Crawford. Councilmember Duke recommended the appointment of Mr. Robin
Thompson. Mayor Carpenter added that although the committee members stand as
equals, they may choose amongst themselves to appoint a chairman, if they desire to do
so, who can then report to council. The committee will begin working directly with city
staff and the city attorney(s) and will hold open meetings.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Edwards who moved, seconded by
Councilmember Duke to appoint the following individuals to the FY 2014/15 Charter
Review Commission: Mr. Mark Davis, Mr. Michael Dahle, Ms. Reginna Agee, Mr. Bert
Crawford, and Mr. Robin Thompson. The vote was unanimous with Mayor Pro -Tem
John, Councilmembers Fowler, Azzoz, Edwards and Duke voting yes and no one
voting no. Motion passed.
3. Resolution No. 14 -R -92 — Consideration and/or action approving a Resolution
authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Cibolo related to the Nortex Farms
Development. (J. Bierschwale /S. Willoughby)
The following was read into record:
RESOLUTION NO. 14 -R -92
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ,
TEXAS AUTHORIZING AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY
OF CIBOLO RELATED TO THE NORTEX FARMS DEVELOPMENT AND
OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH
11 -18 -2014 Minutes Page - 6 -
Mayor Carpenter recognized Deputy City Manager John Bierschwale who stated Nortex
Farms Development has worked out their arrangements with Green Valley and the City
of Cibolo and need assistance from the City of Schertz for their sewer. We already have
relationships with Cibolo providing transportation as their sewer service. We also
already have established policy and they will pay us for any capacity they absorb from
the current mains we have in that area in the amount of $1,668. The first year they will
pay 27 cents for a transportation line fee. That will escalate over the next five years,
going to a high of 51 cents in 2017. They will make their payments annually.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Edwards who asked if there is anything that
will allow us to protect the City of Schertz in case they decide not to pay. Mr.
Bierschwale stated that if there is any default we will go through a process to collect it
and they would also have to pay us if they discontinue their relationship with us. He
emphasized that Cibolo has never defaulted with us before and doesn't expect that they
will do so in the future.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Edwards who move ; onded by
Councilmember Duke to approve Resolution No. 14 -R -92. The vote vyS unanimous
with Mayor Pro -Tem John, Councilmembers Fowler, Azzoz, Edwards and Duke
voting yes and no one voting no. Motion passed.
4. Resolution No. 14 -R -94 — Consideration and /or action approving a Resolution extending
the Professional Services Agreement with Jackson A &E Associates, Inc., (J. Kessel/B.
James)
The following was read into record:
RESOLUTION NO. 14 -R -94
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ,
TEXAS AUTHORIZING AN AMENDED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH JACKSON A &E ASSOCIATES, INC., AND OTHER
MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH
Mayor Carpenter recognized Executive Director of Development Services Brian James
who introduced this item stating that on November 8, 2011 the City entered into a
contract for owner's representative services with Jackson A &E Associates, Inc., to
provide third party owner's representative services for the multiple Capital Improvement
Projects including the playscape, soccer complex, baseball complex, Animal Adoption
Facility, and Aquatics Facility. The initial term of the agreement was for 12 months and
was extended on November 19, 2012 and November 18, 2013. This resolution extends
the agreement for up to another 24 months to allow for completion of remaining Capital
Improvements Projects. Staff recommends approval of Resolution No. 14 -R -94
authorizing the City Manager to amend the contract with Jackson A &E Associates, Inc.,
to provide owner's representative services to the City of Schertz.
11 -18 -2014 Minutes Page - 7 -
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Fowler who asked what additional projects
Mr. Gaudreau has been involved in. Mr. James replied that he has also been involved in
the aquatics facility plans, other building repairs and our facilities master plans. He gets
called on for a lot of extra things. Mr. Fowler stated he has been sitting in on the pool
design meetings recently and Mr. Gaudreau has been staying on top of things to make
sure we stay on budget and the design is correct as we progress. There has also been
great coordination with the local school district and the YMCA. He has found Mr.
Gaudreau to be professional and forward looking.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Azzoz who asked about the cost of hiring
Mr. Gaudreau. Mr. James stated the fee is $9,000 per month plus about $1,500 in
expenses. Mr. Azzoz asked if there was not anyone locally we could hire where we
wouldn't have these expenses. Mr. James stated they did not want to switch to someone
else in the middle of these projects. Staff feels they are getting a lot of service for the
money and this company has a lot of experience working with municipalities. However,
if we have another project in the future, we may lean towards a local company.
r
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Edwards who asked if we have a running
total of what has been saved so far. Mr. James said he would have to get that information
and come back with it. Mr. Edwards said he would like that information in the next few
weeks if possible. A discussion followed regarding the advantages of outsourcing for
skills versus internal hiring.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Fowler who moved, seconded by
Councilmember Edwards to approve Resolution No. 14 -R -94. The vote was 4 -1 -0 with
Mayor Pro -Tern John, Councilmembers Fowler, Edwards and Duke voting yes and
Councilmember Azzoz voting no. Motion passed.
5. Ordinance No. 14 -S -47- Consideration and/or action approving an Ordinance amending
Part III, Schertz Code of Ordinances, Unified Development Code (UDC), Article 5 and 10
of the City of Schertz Unified Development Code (UDC) to create the Main Street Mixed
Use Zoning District. Final Reading (B. James /B. James)
The wing was read into record:
ORDINANCE NO. 14 -S -47
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ,
TEXAS AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, UNIFIED
DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC) SECTION 21.5.2 ZONING DISTRICTS
ESTABLISHED: LIMITATIONS ON R -6 AND R -7, 21.5.5 STATEMENT OF
PURPOSE AND INTENT FOR RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS, TABLE 21.5.7.A
DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS, 21.5.8
PERMITTED USE TABLE, 21.10.4 SCHEDULE OF OFF - STREET PARKING
REQUIREMENTS PROVIDING A REVERSIONARY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A
11 -18 -2014 Minutes Page - 8 -
REPEALING CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
PROVIDING A PENALTY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Carpenter asked if council had any comments or questions and hearing none,
asked for a vote.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Edwards who moved, seconded by
Councilmember Duke to approve Ordinance No. 14 -S -47, final reading. The vote was
unanimous with Mayor Pro -Tem John, Councilmembers Fowler, Azzoz, Edwards
and Duke voting yes and no one voting no. Motion passed. a
Roll Call Vote Confirmation
Mayor Carpenter recognized City Secretary Brenda Dennis who recapped the votes of
items 1 through 5.
I` e
Requests and Announc
6. Announcements
• Citizen K
• Recogniti
• New Dep
No further annou
7. Requests by Mal
agenda.
No requests were
a
>n a future City Council
Requests by Mayor and Councilmembers to City Manager and Staff for information.
No ests were made.
Announcements jbyor and Councilmembers
• City an community events attended and to be attended
• City Council Committee and Liaison Assignments (see assignments below)
• Continuing education events attended and to be attended
• Recognition of actions by City employees
• Recognition of actions by community volunteers
• Upcoming City Council agenda items
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Azzoz who stated he attended the
following:
11 -18 -2014 Minutes Page - 9 -
• Sunday, November 16, 2014, Library StoryWalk Dedication
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Duke who stated he has really enjoyed
learning a lot about the history of the city and its phases of change and requirements.
This has been a wonderful place for him and his family to live. But just like the city, the
phases and requirements of his family have also changed. He received a promotion earlier
this year from his employer and so he and his wife began looking for another place to live
within Schertz. They finally found another home, but it is outside of Schertz. In the next
week or two they will be moving and he will be turning in his resignation from city
council. He will be happy to stay on to the extent he is allowed to while Council looks for
his replacement. Mayor Carpenter responded by asking everyone present to join him in
extending his gratitude to Councilmember Duke for his service to the City of Schertz.
Mayor Carpenter asked City Secretary Brenda Dennis to add an item to the agenda in
approximately two weeks to address the selection of a replacement for Councilmember
Duke. Once again he thanked Mr. Duke for his service, for serving on the Economic
Development Corporation for many years and his more recent service as a
Councilmember. AW i
Adjournment
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at T 46 p.m.
IPF -q44111Y
ATTEST:
Brenda Dennis, City Secretary
11 -18 -2014 Minutes Page - 10 -
Michael R. Carpenter, Mayor
Agenda No. 2
CITY COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
City Council Meeting: November 25, 2014
Department:
Subject:
BACKGROUND:
City Manager
2015 Master Calendar
Each year the staff drafts a Master Calendar that serves as a planning tool for the
upcoming year.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends Council approval of the Master Calendar with the following
considerations:
• Cancel the September 22, 2015 Council Meeting as it occurs the day Council and
Management attend the Texas Municipal League Conference scheduled in San
Antonio, September 22 -25, 2015
• Cancel the October 6, 2015 Council Meeting due to Texas National Night Out
ATTACHMENTS:
City of Schertz Master Calendar 2015
Boards /Commissions Calendar 2015
City of Schertz Master Calendar 2015
2 Texas Independence Day
7 Wilenchik Walk for Life
8 Daylight Savings Begins
9 -13 SCUCISD Spring Break
9 -13 East Central ISD Spring Break
16 -20 Comal ISD Spring Break
17 St. Patrick's Day
20 Spring Begins
20 Employee Remembrance Day
29 Palm Sunday
10 Mother's Day
16 Armed Forces Day
25 Memorial Day Holiday (office closed)
S M T W T F S
1= 3 4® 6 7
8 9 10 = 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 = 24 -® 27 28
29 30 31
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6= 8 9
10 11 12 ® 14 15 16
17 ® 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 ®® 29 30
31
JULY
S M T W T F S
3-4 Schertz 4th of July Jubilee 1 2 3 4
4 Independence Day (office dosed on Jul. 3) 5 6 7 ® 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 ® ®3 24 25
26 = 28 29 30 31
7 Labor Day Holiday (office closed)
11 Patriot Day
13 -15 Rosh Hashanah
18 -19 SchertzFest
22 -25 Sept. Annual TML Conf: San Antonio
22 -23 Yom Kippur
23 Autumn Begins
23 -27 Comal County Fair
S M T W T F S
1 2 = 4 5
6 7 8 - 10 11 12
13 ® 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 e® 25 26
27 = 29 30
14 Valentines Day
16 Presidents Day Holiday (office closed)
18 Ash Wednesday
19 Chinese New Year (Year of the Sheep)
APRIL
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
T
S M T W T
F
S
S M T W T F S
1 New Years Day (offices closed Jan. 1 & 2)
1
2
3
a
8 Elvis' Birthday
4= 6 7 8
9
10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
17 Selma - Schertz 5K Run
11 12 13 ® 15
16
17
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
19 MLK Holiday (office closed)
18 19 20 21 ®2
23
24
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
18
25 27 29
30
31 1
22 24 25 26 27 28
23
24
25
16 -26 Fiesta Weeks
2 Texas Independence Day
7 Wilenchik Walk for Life
8 Daylight Savings Begins
9 -13 SCUCISD Spring Break
9 -13 East Central ISD Spring Break
16 -20 Comal ISD Spring Break
17 St. Patrick's Day
20 Spring Begins
20 Employee Remembrance Day
29 Palm Sunday
10 Mother's Day
16 Armed Forces Day
25 Memorial Day Holiday (office closed)
S M T W T F S
1= 3 4® 6 7
8 9 10 = 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 = 24 -® 27 28
29 30 31
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6= 8 9
10 11 12 ® 14 15 16
17 ® 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 ®® 29 30
31
JULY
S M T W T F S
3-4 Schertz 4th of July Jubilee 1 2 3 4
4 Independence Day (office dosed on Jul. 3) 5 6 7 ® 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 ® ®3 24 25
26 = 28 29 30 31
7 Labor Day Holiday (office closed)
11 Patriot Day
13 -15 Rosh Hashanah
18 -19 SchertzFest
22 -25 Sept. Annual TML Conf: San Antonio
22 -23 Yom Kippur
23 Autumn Begins
23 -27 Comal County Fair
S M T W T F S
1 2 = 4 5
6 7 8 - 10 11 12
13 ® 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 e® 25 26
27 = 29 30
14 Valentines Day
16 Presidents Day Holiday (office closed)
18 Ash Wednesday
19 Chinese New Year (Year of the Sheep)
APRIL
---------
S M
T
W
T
F
S
3 4 5 6
11 -14 Texas City Mgt Assn Conf -Plano
7 8
1
a
3
4
3 Good Friday
5 6
7
8
9
10
11
3 -11 Passover
12 13
14
15
16
17
18
5 Easter
19 20
21
22
23
24
25
16 -26 Fiesta Weeks
26 =
28
29
30
31
JUNE
---------
S M
T
W T F S,
1
2
3 4 5 6
11 -14 Texas City Mgt Assn Conf -Plano
7 8
9
10 11 12 13
14 Flag Day
14 15
16
17 18 19 20
18 June -17 July Ramadan
21 _
23
24 25 26 27
21 Father's Day
28 29
30
11
21 Summer Begins
S M T W T F S
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 M 25 111111ML 28 29
30 31
- ----------------
---------
OCTOBER
S
M
- - - - --
T W
T
F
S
IN
2
3
4
5
6 7
8
9
10
11
12
13 14
15
16
17
18
19
20 21
22
23
24
25
26
27 28
29
30
31
6 Texas National Night Out
8 -11 Guadalupe County Fair
12 Columbus Day (office closed)
31 Halloween, Trunk or Treat
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 Daylight Savings Time Ends 1 = 3 a_ 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 4 Schertz Festival of Angels
3 Election Day 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 6 -14 Chanukah
11 Veterans Day (office closed) 15 = 17 ® 1® 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 22 Winter Begins
26 Thanksgiving (offices closed Nov. 26 & 27) 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 22 23 24 25 26 25 Christmas Day (office closed)
29 30 27 - 29 30 31 26 Dec. -1 Jan. Kwanzaa
31 New Years Eve
SCUCISD Holidays are in red
East Central ISD Holidays are underlined
Corral ISD Holidays are in italics Council Meeting P &Z Comm Trans Safety Adv Comm
City Holidays (office closed) Library Adv Bd Board of Adjustments
SSLGC Meeting Econ Dev Corp Parks & Recreation Adv Board
CVLGC Historical Preservation Comm
* ** *Dates are subject to change. Check www.schertz.com for updated information
2015 Boards /Commissions
Board of Adiustments
Day: 41h Monday of the month
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Council Chambers
NOTE: During the following months, BOA will meet on the following date:
May 18th (the 31d Monday)
November 16th (the 3rd Monday)
December 21St (the 3rd Monday)
Economic Development Corporation
Day: 4th Thursday of the month
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Council Chambers Conference Room
NOTE: During the following months, EDC will meet on the following date:
November 19th (the 3rd Thursday)
December 17th (the 3rd Thursday)
Library Advisory Board
Day: 1St Monday of the month
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Library - Meeting Room 1
NOTE: There will be no meeting in July
During September, the Library Board will meet on the following date:
September 14th (the 2nd Monday)
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Day: 4th Monday of the month
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: Bob Andrews Conference Room
NOTE: During the following months, Parks & Rec Advisory Board will meet on the following date:
May 18th (the 3rd Monday)
November 16th (the 3rd Monday)
Planning and Zoning
Day: 2nd and 41h Wednesdays of the month
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Council Chambers
NOTE: During November and December, P &Z only meets once a month:
November 18th (the 3rd Wednesday)
December 16th (the 3rd Wednesday)
Transoortation Safetv Advisory Commission
Day: 1St Thursday of the month
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: Council Chambers Conference Room
NOTE: There will be no meeting in January or July
Historical Preservation Committee
Day: Quarterly on the 4th Thursday of the month:
January 22nd, April 23rd, July 23rd and October 22nd
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Bob Andrews Conference Room
Schertz- Sequin Local Government Corporation
Day: 3rd Thursday of the month
Time: 1:30 pm
Location: SSLGC Admin. Office Building — 108 W. Mountain Street, Seguin TX 78155
Cibolo Vallev Local Government Corporation
Day: 4th Thursday of the month
Time: 9:00 am
Location: Alternates between Schertz & Cibolo — contact Regina Franke rfranke @seguintexas.gov
NOTE: As of now, there will not be a November meeting (Nov. 26th), as it falls on a City holiday
Agenda No. 3
CITY COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
City Council Meeting: November 25, 2014
Department: Development Services
Subject: Resolution No. 14 -R -95 — amending the
City of Schertz Code of Ordinances and
certain other ordinances by amending and
establishing fees for certain licenses,
permits, and other services provided by the
City of Schertz
BACKGROUND
City Departments collect a wide variety of fees for permits, services, fines and other charges that
are all part of the everyday operations of municipal government. Since September 2008, the fees
have been incorporated into a single fee schedule. City Council approved the FY 2014 -15 fee
schedule by final reading of Ordinance 14 -M -39 at their meeting of August 5, 2014.
Future modifications to an adopted fee schedule are allowed by Resolution. Three separate fees
were established in the Inspections Division for Fire Sprinkler, Fire Alarm and Fire Suppression
Contractors at a rate of $60.00 each/annually. Staff notified contractors that were currently
registered with the City that effective October 1, 2014, there would be an annual fee assessed for
registration as adopted by the fee schedule. Shortly thereafter staff was contacted by the State
Fire Marshal's Office informing that state law (Texas Insurance Code), prohibits a political
subdivision from requiring fire alarm and fire sprinkler contractors to obtain a "registration"
and show financial responsibility requirements (insurance). The reference sections in the statute
are TIC 6002.003 (alarm) and TIC 6003.003 (sprinkler); a copy of which is attached.
Goal
To amend the Schedule of Fees and to omit the registration requirement for Fire Sprinkler and
Fire Alarm Contractors in accordance with state law, the Texas Insurance Code; and to also omit
the requirement for Fire Suppression Contractors.
Community Benefit
This amendment will resolve the conflict of adopting a registration fee for Fire Sprinkler and
Fire Alarm Contractors that the City of Schertz has no authority to impose per the Texas
Insurance Code; and to also omit the requirement for Fire Suppression Contractors. This
amendment ensures accuracy in the assessment of fees and maintains our commitment to
City Council Memorandum
Page 2
financial transparency. The department has not collected the adopted fees having learned that is
was prohibited by state law. All registered contractors were re- notified of this discovery and
informed that no fee could be collected; nor would proof of insurance be requested upon permit
application for a fire sprinkler, fire alarm or fire suppression system.
Summary of Recommended Action
The attached resolution amends Appendix C of the City code which details the fees by the
Inspections Division of the Development Services Department. The Inspections Division
Schedule of Fees will be effective upon approval of the Resolution. Staff recommends this
Resolution be approved.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Resolution 14 -R -95 amending the City of Schertz Code of Ordinances be
approved.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution No. 14 -R -95
Inspection Fee Schedule (Exhibit "A ")
Texas Insurance Code
RESOLUTION NO. 14 -R -95
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SCHERTZ, TEXAS AMENDING THE CITY OF SCHERTZ CODE OF
ORDINANCES AND CERTAIN OTHER ORDINANCES BY AMENDING
AND ESTABLISHING FEES FOR CERTAIN LICENSES, PERMITS, AND
OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF SCHERTZ.
WHEREAS, the City of Schertz (the "City ") has established by ordinances and
resolutions fees for licenses, permits, and services provided by the City; and
WHEREAS, the Schedule of Fees for the Inspections Division attached as Exhibit A
reflects a revision to omit the registration of Fire Sprinkler, Fire Alarm and Fire
Suppression Contractors; and
WHEREAS, due to the need for periodic modification of said fees and for the purposes
of efficiency, the City Council desires to adopt future fee changes by resolution rather
than by ordinance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS THAT:
Section 1. The City Council authorizes the approval of an amendment to
Ordinance 14 -M -39 as shown on Exhibit A, to omit the annual registration fee for Fire
Sprinkler, Fire Alarm and Fire Suppression Contractors.
Section 2. The recitals contained in the preamble hereof are hereby found to be
true, and such recitals are hereby made a part of this Resolution for all purposes and are
adopted as a part of the judgment and findings of the Council.
Section 3. All resolutions and codes, or parts thereof, which are in conflict or
inconsistent with any provision of this Resolution are hereby repealed to the extent of
such conflict, and the provisions of this Resolution shall be and remain controlling as to
the matters resolved herein.
Section 4. This Resolution shall be construed and enforced in accordance with
the laws of the State of Texas and the United States of America.
Section 5. If any provision of this Resolution or the application thereof to any
person or circumstance shall be held to be invalid, the remainder of this Resolution and
the application of such provision to other persons and circumstances shall nevertheless be
valid, and the City hereby declares that this Resolution would have been enacted without
such invalid provision.
Section 6. It is officially found, determined, and declared that the meeting at
which this Resolution is adopted was open to the public and public notice of the time,
place, and subject matter of the public business to be considered at such meeting,
including this Resolution, was given, all as required by Chapter 551, as amended, Texas
Government Code.
Section 7. This Resolution shall be in force and effect from and after its final
passage, and it is so resolved.
PASSED AND ADOPTED, this 25th day of November, 2014.
Michael R. Carpenter, Mayor
ATTEST:
Brenda Dennis, City Secretary
EXHIBIT A
City of Schertz
Schedule of Fees
Inspections
1 2013 -14
2014 -15
Re- Inspection Fees
Additional Permit Copies
Each re- inspection, per trade
$ 75.00
$ 75.00
Re- inspections after first, per trade
$100.00
$100.00
NOTE: if re- inspection has been called for and the second inspection revealed
$
30.00
the original turn down items have not been corrected in part or whole, in
$
5.00
addition to the above fees, a seventy -two (72) hour notice of inspection shall be
5.00
Address Corrections
required before another re- inspection will be conducted
30.00
$
Licenses/ Registrations:
Notary Public
$
General Contractor (Initial)
$150.00
$150.00
General Contractor (Renewal)
$100.00
$100.00
Master Electrician (Initial)
$150.00
$150.00
Master Electrician (Renewal)
$ 75.00
$ 75.00
Journeyman Electrician (Annually)
$ 50.00
$ 50.00
Apprentice /Wireman Electrician (Annually)
$ 25.00
$ 25.00
Mechanical Contractor (Annually)
$ 60.00
$ 60.00
Plumbing Contractor (Annually)*
N/C
N/C
Irrigation (Annually)
$ 60.00
$ 60.00
Backflow Tester
$ 60.00
$ 60.00
Sign Contractor (Initial)
$150.00
$150.00
Sign Contractor (Renewal)
$100.00
$100.00
Electrical Sign Contractor (Initial)
$150.00
$150.00
Electrical Sign Contractor (Renewal)
$ 75.00
$ 75.00
Electric Sign Journeyman Electrician (Annually)
$ 50.00
$ 50.00
Electric Sign Apprentice /Wireman Electrician (Annually)
$ 25.00
$ 25.00
Utility Contractor (Annually)
$ 50.00
$ 50.00
Mobile Home Park (Annually)
Fire Spr- nldeF System Gont,.,,,.teF (Annually)
FiFe ni.,...., Syste.., Gant--actor (Annually)
Fife 5;:,.pFessio System Goat...,, ter- (n...,,,ally)
$ 40.00
$ 40.00
$ 68-09
$ 68-80
$ 60.00
*N /C - No Charge for license per state law
Miscellaneous Fees
Additional Permit Copies
$
5.00
$
5.00
Street Name Change on Permit
$
30.00
$
30.00
Duplicate of Licenses/ Registrations
$
5.00
$
5.00
Address Corrections
$
30.00
$
30.00
Notary Public
$
6.00
$
6.00
Administrative Fee for Cancellation of Permit
10% of
10% of
permit fee
permit fee
For any item not specifically included in the preceding schedule, the
Development Services Department shall establish a fee consistent with
the level of work and necessary inspections established by the schedule
and the applicant shall be advised accordingly.
INSURANCE CODE CHAPTER 6002. FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM DEVICE INSTALLATION
or testing of a fire alarm device or a fire detection device.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 730 (H.B. 2636), Sec. 1J.001, eff.
April 1, 2009.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 14.018(a), eff.
September 1, 2009.
Sec. 6002.003. EFFECT ON LOCAL REGULATION. (a) This chapter and the
-rules adopted under this chapter have uniform force and effect throughout this
state. A municipality or county may not enact an ordinance or rule
.inconsistent with this chapter or rules adopted under this chapter. An
inconsistent ordinance or rule is void and has no effect.
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), a municipality or county may:
(1) mandate that a fire alarm or detection system be installed in
certain facilities, if the installation conforms to applicable state law;
(2) require a better type of alarm or detection system or otherwise
safer condition than the minimum required by state law; and
(3) require regular inspections by local officials of smoke detectors
in dwelling units, as that term is defined by Section 92.251, Property Code,
and require the smoke detectors to be operational at the time of inspection.
(c) A municipality, county, or other political subdivision of this state
may not require, as a condition of engaging in business or performing any
activity authorized under this chapter, that a registered firm, a license
holder, or an employee of a license holder:
(1) obtain a registration, franchise, or license from the political
subdivision;
(2) pay any fee or franchise tax to the political subdivision; or
(3) post a bond.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section or Section
6002.155, a municipality or county may require a registered firm to obtain a
permit and pay a permit fee for the installation of a fire alarm or fire
detection device or system and require that the installation of such a system
be in conformance with the building code or other construction requirements of
the municipality or county and state law.
(e) Notwithstanding Subsection (d), a municipality or county may not
impose qualification or financial responsibility requirements other than proof
of a registration certificate.
(f) A political subdivision may not require a registered firm, a license
holder, or an employee of a registered firm to maintain a business location or
residency within that political subdivision to engage in a business or perform
file: / / /Cl / ... 2000DE %20CHAPTER% 206002.% 20FIRE% 20DETECTION% 20AND% 20ALARM %20DEVICE %20INSTALLATION.htm1[11 /18/2014 1:15:05 PM]
Re- codified with nonsubstantive changes to clarify and simplify the statutes and to make the statutes more accessible,
understandable and usable, per Government Code, Sec. 323.007
—TW: S IASURANCE •
TITLE r REGULATION • OTHER • . i •
CHAPTER •il r PROTECTION Ps • SYSTEM : : •
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 6003.001. DEFINITIONS.
In this chapter:
(1) "Fire protection sprinkler system" means an assembly of underground or overhead piping or conduits
that conveys water with or without other agents to dispersal openings or devices to:
(A) extinguish, control, or contain fire; and
(B) provide protection from exposure to fire or the products of combustion.
(2) "Fire protection sprinkler system contractor" means an individual or organization that offers to
undertake, represents itself as being able to undertake, or undertakes the plan, sale, installation, maintenance, or
servicing of:
(A) a fire protection sprinkler system; or
(B) any part of a fire protection sprinkler system.
(3) "Individual' means a natural person, including an owner, manager, officer, employee, or occupant.
(4) "Installation" means:
(A) the initial placement of equipment; or
(B) the extension, modification, or alteration of equipment after initial placement.
(5) "Insurance agent" means:
(A) an individual, firm, or corporation licensed under:
(i) Subchapter E, Chapter 981; or
(ii) Subchapter A, B, C, D, E, or G, Chapter 4051; or
(B) an individual authorized to represent an insurance fund or pool created by a municipality, county,
or other political subdivision of this state under Chapter 791, Government Code.
(6) "License" means the document issued to a responsible managing employee authorizing the employee
to engage in the fire protection sprinkler system business in this state.
(7) "Maintenance" means the maintenance of a fire protection sprinkler system or any part of a fire
protection sprinkler system in the condition of repair that provides performance as originally planned.
(8) "Organization" means a corporation, a partnership or other business association, a governmental
entity, or any other legal or commercial entity.
(9) 'Registration certificate" means the document issued to a fire protection sprinkler system contractor
authorizing the contractor to engage in business in this state.
(10) 'Responsible managing employee" means an individual designated by a company that plans, sells,
installs, maintains, or services fire protection sprinkler systems to ensure that each fire protection sprinkler
system, as installed, maintained, or serviced, meets the standards for the system as provided by law.
(11) "Service" means maintenance, repair, or testing.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 730, Sec. 1J.001, eff. April 1, 2009.
Sec. 6003.002. APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER.
(a) This chapter does not apply to:
(1) an employee of the United States, this state, or any political subdivision of this state who acts as a fire
protection sprinkler system contractor for the employing governmental entity;
(2) the plan, sale, installation, maintenance, or servicing of a fire protection sprinkler system in any
property owned by the United States or this state;
(3) an individual or organization acting under court order as authorization;
(4) an individual or organization that sells or supplies products or materials to a registered fire protection
sprinkler system contractor;
(5) an installation, maintenance, or service project for which the total contract price for labor, materials,
and all other services is less than $100, if:
(A) the project is not a part of a complete or more costly project, whether the complete project is to
be undertaken by one or more fire protection sprinkler system contractors; or
(B) the project is not divided into contracts of less than $100 for the purpose of evading this chapter;
Summer 2014 TIC Chapter 6003 and Sprinkler Rules State Fire Marshal's Office Page 3 of 24
(6) an engineer licensed under Chapter 1001, Occupations Code, acting solely in the engineer's
professional capacity;
(7) a regular employee of a registered fire protection sprinkler system contractor; or
(8) an owner or lessee of property that:
(A) installs a fire protection sprinkler system on the owned or leased property for the owner's or
lessee's own use or for family members' use; and
(B) does not offer the property for sale or lease before the first anniversary of the date of installation
of the fire protection sprinkler system.
(b) This chapter does not authorize an individual or organization to practice professional engineering other
than in compliance with Chapter 1001, Occupations Code.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 730, Sec. 1J.001, eff. April 1, 2009.
Sec. 6003.003. EFFECT ON LOCAL REGULATION.
(a) This chapter and the rules adopted under this chapter have uniform force and effect throughout this
state. A municipality or county may not enact an order, ordinance, or rule requiring a fire protection sprinkler
system contractor to obtain a registration certificate from the municipality or county. A municipality or county may
not impose on a fire protection sprinkler system contractor qualification or financial responsibility requirements
other than proof of a registration certificate.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a municipality or county may require a fire protection
sprinkler system contractor to obtain a permit and pay a permit fee for the installation of a fire protection sprinkler
system and require the installation of a fire protection sprinkler system to conform to the building code or other
construction requirements of the municipality or county.
(c) A municipal or county order, ordinance, or rule in effect on September 1, 1983, is not invalidated because
of any provision of this chapter.
k Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 730, Sec. 1J.001, eff. April 1, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER B. POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMISSIONER,
DEPARTMENT, AND STATE FIRE MARSHAL
Sec. 6003.051. ADMINISTRATION OF CHAPTER.
(a) The department shall administer this chapter.
(b) The commissioner may issue rules necessary to administer this chapter through the state fire marshal.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 730, Sec. 1J.001, eff. April 1, 2009.
Sec. 6003.052. ADOPTION OF RULES.
(a) In adopting necessary rules, the commissioner may use recognized standards, including standards:
(1) adopted by federal law or regulation;
(2) published by a nationally recognized standards - making organization; or
(3) developed by individual manufacturers.
(b) Under rules adopted under Section 6003.051(b), the department may create a specialized licensing or
registration program for fire protection sprinkler system contractors.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 730, Sec. 1J.001, eff. April 1, 2009.
Sec. 6003.053. RULES RESTRICTING ADVERTISING OR COMPETITIVE BIDDING.
(a) The commissioner may not adopt rules restricting advertising or competitive bidding by the holder of a
license or registration certificate issued under this chapter except to prohibit false, misleading, or deceptive
practices.
(b) In the commissioner's rules to prohibit false, misleading, or deceptive practices, the commissioner may
not include a rule that:
(1) restricts the use of any medium for advertising;
(2) restricts the use of a license or registration certificate holder's personal appearance or voice in an
advertisement;
(3) relates to the size or duration of an advertisement by the license or registration certificate holder; or
(4) restricts the license or registration certificate holder's advertisement under a trade name.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 730, Sec. 1J.001, eff. April 1, 2009.
Summer 2014 TIC Chapter 6003 and Sprinkler Rules State Fire Marshal's Office Page 4 of 24
Agenda No. 4
CITY COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
City Council Meeting: November 25, 2014
Department:
Subject:
BACKGROUND
Mayor /Council
Acceptance of the resignation of Matthew
Duke City Council Place 5
At the City Council meeting of November 18, 2014, Matthew Duke City Council Place 5
announced that he would be moving out of the City of Schertz.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council accept Mr. Duke's resignation.
Agenda No. 5
CITY COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
City Council Meeting: November 25, 2014
Department: City Secretary
Subject: Resolution No. 14 -R -97 —
Resolution announcing that the City
Council is accepting applications for
the Vacant Place 5 City Council
position in the City of Schertz,
Texas; approving the form of
application for appointment; setting a
deadline for submitting applications,
setting an interview date; authorizing
the City Secretary to advertise on the
City's Website and in the City's
Newspaper of Record that
applications are being accepted for
the Vacant Place 5 City Council
Positon; and other matters in
connection therewith
BACKGROUND
At the January 8, 2013, Council Meeting Council approved Ordinance No. 12 -M -34 on final
reading regarding the procedures for appointing a Councilmember.
Appointment Procedure for a Councilmember
5.2 Appointment Procedure for a Councilmember.
(a) The Council may appoint a Councilmember to a vacant seat as authorized by
Section 4.06 of the City Charter.
(b) The Council will announce and advertise on the City's website and in the City's
newspaper of record that applications are being accepted for a vacant position on
Council.
(c) A due date for applications to be submitted will be set.
(d) Applicants must meet the qualifications for a Councilmember set forth in Section
4.02 of the City Charter.
City Council Memorandum
Page 2
(e) Applications will be received by the City Secretary's office and distributed to all
Councilmembers.
(f) An interview date will be set and posted for a public meeting.
(g) Interviews of prospective candidates will be held in a public forum by a quorum
of Councilmembers.
(h) Councilmembers will discuss, and appoint by majority vote, the new member of
Council at either the same meeting as the interviews or at a subsequent Council
meeting.
(i) The Council is the final judge of whether a candidate is qualified to serve as a
Councilmember as set forth in Section 4.03 of the City Charter.
0) Council reserves the right to alter this procedure at any time by resolution or rule.
Staff incorporated these procedures into the Current Council Rules of Conduct and Procedures.
(See Attached Current Copy adopted by Ordinance No. 14 -M -46)
Goal
To establish a date and time for submittal of applications for the City Council Place 5
vacancy.
Community Benefit
Establishment of a fully seated Council.
Summary of Recommended Action
Staff recommends Council review the two (2) Resolutions No. 14 -R -97 (A) with a
deadline to submit applications by December 15, 2014 and set interviews for December
16, 2014, or Resolution No. 14 -R -97 (B), with a deadline to submit applications by
December 29, 2014, and set interviews for January 6, 2015, or may as stated above under
(J) Council may reserve the right to alter this procedure by resolution or rule.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
RECOMMENDATION
Council discuss the above options and direct staff accordingly.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution No. 14 -R -97 (A), Resolution No. 14 -R -97 (B), and Resolution No. 14 -R -97 (C) and
Pros and Cons Sheet.
RESOLUTION NO. 14 -R -97 (A)
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SCHERTZ, TEXAS ANNOUNCING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL IS
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE VACANT PLACE 5 CITY
COUNCIL POSITION IN THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS;
APPROVING THE FORM OF APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT;
SETTING A DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS FOR
APPOINTMENT; SETTING AN INTERVIEW DATE; AUTHORIZING
THE CITY SECRETARY TO ADVERTISE ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE
AND IN THE CITY'S NEWSPAPER OF RECORD THAT
APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE VACANT PLACE 5
CITY COUNCIL POSITION; AND OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION
THEREWITH
WHEREAS, pursuant to Ordinance No. 14 -M -46, the City Council of the City of Schertz,
Texas (the "City ") adopted procedures to fill certain vacancies on the City Council (the
"Procedures "); and
WHEREAS, there is currently a vacancy in the City Councilmember Place 5 position;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City to
seek applications for appointment to fill the vacant Place 5 Councilmember position in
accordance with the Procedures; and
WHEREAS, at the November 25, 2014, City Council meeting, the City Council directed
City Staff to commence the process for accepting applications for appointment to fill the vacant
Place 5 Councilmember position in accordance with the Procedures.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS
THAT:
Section 1. The City Council of the City hereby announces that the City Council is
accepting applications for appointment for the vacant Place 5 City Councilmember position. The
City Council hereby directs the City Secretary, or her designee, to make the form of application
set forth on Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein (the "Application ") available to
prospective candidates in accordance with the Procedures. In addition, the City Secretary, or her
designee, is hereby directed to place a Public Notice on the City's website and in the City's
newspaper of record announcing that the City is currently accepting qualified candidate
applications in the form of the Application from citizens interested in serving on the City
Council in Place 5 to fill an unexpired term expiring in November 2015.
Section 2. The City Council hereby sets the deadline for submission of applications
to the City Secretary as Monday, December 15, 2014 at 12:00 p.m., and the City Council hereby
sets the date for interviews of qualified applicants for Tuesday, December 16, 2014, at 4:00 p.m.
at the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex, City Council Chambers, 1400 Schertz Parkway,
Building #4, Schertz, Texas.
Section 3. The recitals contained in the preamble hereof are hereby found to be true,
and such recitals are hereby made a part of this Resolution for all purposes and are adopted as a
part of the judgment and findings of the City Council.
Section 4. All resolutions, or parts thereof, which are in conflict or inconsistent with
any provision of this Resolution are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict, and the
provisions of this Resolution shall be and remain controlling as to the matters resolved herein.
Section 5. This Resolution shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the
laws of the State of Texas and the United States of America.
Section 6. If any provision of this Resolution or the application thereof to any person
or circumstance shall be held to be invalid, the remainder of this Resolution and the application
of such provision to other persons and circumstances shall nevertheless be valid, and the City
Council hereby declares that this Resolution would have been enacted without such invalid
provision.
Section 7. It is officially found, determined, and declared that the meeting at which
this Resolution is adopted was open to the public and public notice of the time, place, and subject
matter of the public business to be considered at such meeting, including this Resolution, was
given, all as required by Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, as amended.
Section 8. This Resolution shall be in force and effect from and after its final
passage, and it is so resolved.
PASSED AND ADOPTED, this 25th day of November, 2014.
CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS
Mayor, Michael R. Carpenter
ATTEST:
City Secretary, Brenda Dennis
(CITY SEAL)
50594976.2 - 2 -
EXHIBIT A
APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT FOR THE VACANT
PLACE 5 CITY COUNCILMEMBER POSITION
RESOLUTION NO. 14 -R -97 (B)
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SCHERTZ, TEXAS ANNOUNCING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL IS
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE VACANT PLACE 5 CITY
COUNCIL POSITION IN THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS;
APPROVING THE FORM OF APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT;
SETTING A DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS FOR
APPOINTMENT; SETTING AN INTERVIEW DATE; AUTHORIZING
THE CITY SECRETARY TO ADVERTISE ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE
AND IN THE CITY'S NEWSPAPER OF RECORD THAT
APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE VACANT PLACE 5
CITY COUNCIL POSITION; AND OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION
THEREWITH
WHEREAS, pursuant to Ordinance No. 14 -M -46, the City Council of the City of Schertz,
Texas (the "City ") adopted procedures to fill certain vacancies on the City Council (the
"Procedures "); and
WHEREAS, there is currently a vacancy in the City Councilmember Place 5 position;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City to
seek applications for appointment to fill the vacant Place 5 Councilmember position in
accordance with the Procedures; and
WHEREAS, at the November 25, 2014, City Council meeting, the City Council directed
City Staff to commence the process for accepting applications for appointment to fill the vacant
Place 5 Councilmember position in accordance with the Procedures.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS
THAT:
Section 1. The City Council of the City hereby announces that the City Council is
accepting applications for appointment for the vacant Place 5 City Councilmember position. The
City Council hereby directs the City Secretary, or her designee, to make the form of application
set forth on Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein (the "Application ") available to
prospective candidates in accordance with the Procedures. In addition, the City Secretary, or her
designee, is hereby directed to place a Public Notice on the City's website and in the City's
newspaper of record announcing that the City is currently accepting qualified candidate
applications in the form of the Application from citizens interested in serving on the City
Council in Place 5 to fill an unexpired term expiring in November 2015.
Section 2. The City Council hereby sets the deadline for submission of applications
to the City Secretary as Monday, December 29, 2014 at 12:00 p.m., and the City Council hereby
sets the date for interviews of qualified applicants for Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. at
the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex, City Council Chambers, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Building
#4, Schertz, Texas.
Section 3. The recitals contained in the preamble hereof are hereby found to be true,
and such recitals are hereby made a part of this Resolution for all purposes and are adopted as a
part of the judgment and findings of the City Council.
Section 4. All resolutions, or parts thereof, which are in conflict or inconsistent with
any provision of this Resolution are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict, and the
provisions of this Resolution shall be and remain controlling as to the matters resolved herein.
Section 5. This Resolution shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the
laws of the State of Texas and the United States of America.
Section 6. If any provision of this Resolution or the application thereof to any person
or circumstance shall be held to be invalid, the remainder of this Resolution and the application
of such provision to other persons and circumstances shall nevertheless be valid, and the City
Council hereby declares that this Resolution would have been enacted without such invalid
provision.
Section 7. It is officially found, determined, and declared that the meeting at which
this Resolution is adopted was open to the public and public notice of the time, place, and subject
matter of the public business to be considered at such meeting, including this Resolution, was
given, all as required by Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, as amended.
Section 8. This Resolution shall be in force and effect from and after its final
passage, and it is so resolved.
PASSED AND ADOPTED, this 25th day of November, 2014.
CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS
Mayor, Michael R. Carpenter
ATTEST:
City Secretary, Brenda Dennis
(CITY SEAL)
50594976.2 - 2 -
EXHIBIT A
APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT FOR THE VACANT
PLACE 5 CITY COUNCILMEMBER POSITION
RESOLUTION NO. 14 -R -97 (C)
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SCHERTZ, TEXAS ADOPTING A PROCESS AND PROCEDURE FOR
APPOINTMENT OF AN INDVIDUAL TO THE VACANT PLACE 5 CITY
COUNCIL SEAT; AND OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION
THEREWITH
WHEREAS, pursuant to Ordinance No. 14 -M -46 the City Council of the City of Schertz,
Texas (the "City ") adopted procedures to fill certain vacancies on the City Council (the
"Procedures "); and
WHEREAS, there is currently a vacancy in the City Councilmember Place 5 position;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City to
seek applications for appointment to fill the vacant Place 5 Councilmember position in
accordance with the Procedures; and
WHEREAS, City Council has previously adopted rules of Conduct and Procedure which
includes a process for appointment to vacant City Council seats; and
WHERES, pursuant to Section 5.2 0) of the Rules of Conduct and Procedure City
Council may, at its discretion, alter the adopted process for appointment to City Council
vacancies by resolution or rule; and
WHEREAS, City Council finds and determines that it is necessary and appropriate to
alter the adopted process as outlined in this Resolution for the single purpose of filling the
current vacancy in Place 5.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS
THAT:
Section 1. The City Council, pursuant to its authority in section 5.2 (J) of the City
Council's Rules of Conduct and Procedures, hereby adopts the following procedures for City
Council appointment to the currently vacant City Council Place 5:
Section 2. The recitals contained in the preamble hereof are hereby found to be true,
and such recitals are hereby made a part of this Resolution for all purposes and are adopted as a
part of the judgment and findings of the City Council.
Section 3. All resolutions, or parts thereof, which are in conflict or inconsistent with
any provision of this Resolution are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict, and the
provisions of this Resolution shall be and remain controlling as to the matters resolved herein.
Section 4. This Resolution shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the
laws of the State of Texas and the United States of America.
Section 5. If any provision of this Resolution or the application thereof to any person
or circumstance shall be held to be invalid, the remainder of this Resolution and the application
of such provision to other persons and circumstances shall nevertheless be valid, and the City
Council hereby declares that this Resolution would have been enacted without such invalid
provision.
Section 6. It is officially found, determined, and declared that the meeting at which
this Resolution is adopted was open to the public and public notice of the time, place, and subject
matter of the public business to be considered at such meeting, including this Resolution, was
given, all as required by Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, as amended.
Section 7. This Resolution shall be in force and effect from and after its final
passage, and it is so resolved.
PASSED AND ADOPTED, this 25th day of November, 2014.
CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS
Mayor, Michael R. Carpenter
ATTEST:
City Secretary, Brenda Dennis
(CITY SEAL)
50594976.2 - 2 -
EXHIBIT A
APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT FOR THE VACANT
PLACE 5 CITY COUNCILMEMBER POSITION
CITY OF SCHERTZ
CITY COUNCIL
RULES OF CONDUCT AND PROCEDURE
These Rules of Conduct and Procedure (these "Rules ") are intended to provide an
understandable and workable structure for City Council meetings.
These Rules shall serve to aid the conduct of public business at Council meetings, to facilitate
communication at Council meetings among Councilmembers and between Councilmembers and
City staff and members of the public, and to promote confidence in the citizens that their
government is performing its duties with the highest of ethical standards and with a genuine
interest in the well -being of the community.
There Rules are in all events subject to the City Charter and applicable provisions of State law,
including the Texas Open Meetings Act.
As a part of these Rules, the Council has established the following Code of Conduct for the
Mayor and all Councilmembers:
• Address the merits of the issues no personal attacks
• Focus on representing the interests of all citizens.
• Attempt to resolve personal conflicts among Councilmembers internally before
speaking publicly.
• Assume positive intentions don't look for hidden agendas.
• Observe the City's written Rules of Conduct and Procedure.
• When others are speaking, listen with an open mind.
• Recognize that inappropriate public disclosure of confidential information can be
detrimental to the City and its citizens.
• Understand that "majority rules ". Once a vote is taken, if you were in the
minority agree to disagree and move on. Recognize that a majority view, when
expressed in a vote, becomes an expression of City policy.
• Coordinate all requests of the City staff through the City Manager.
10 -28 -2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3.1 Regular Meetings ................................................................................ ............................... 2
3.2 Special Meetings ................................................................................. ............................... 2
3.3 Recessed Meetings .............................................................................. ............................... 2
3.4 Adjourned Meetings ............................................................................ ............................... 2
3.5 Executive Sessions .............................................................................. ............................... 2
3.6 Emergency Meetings .......................................................................... ............................... 3
ARTICLE 4.
PRESIDING OFFICER AND DUTIES
4.1 Mayor ................................................................................................... ..............................3
4.2 Call to Order ....................................................................................... ............................... 3
4.3 Preservation of Order .......................................................................... ............................... 3
4.4 Rulings by Presiding Officer .............................................................. ............................... 3
4.5 Questions to be Stated ......................................................................... ............................... 3
4.6 Substitution of Mayor ......................................................................... ............................... 3
ARTICLE 5.
APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES
5.1 Appointment Procedure for the Mayor Pro Tem ................................ ............................... 3
5.2 Appointment Procedure for a Councilmember ................................... ............................... 4
10 -28 -2014 1
Page
ARTICLE 1.
AUTHORITY
1.1
City Charter ......................................................................................... ...............................
1
1.2
Effective Date; Amendment ............................................................... ...............................
1
ARTICLE 2.
GENERAL RULES
2.1
Meetings to be Public .......................................................................... ...............................
1
2.2
Quorum ............................................................................................... ...............................
1
2.3
Minutes of Meetings ........................................................................... ...............................
1
2.4
Questions to Contain One Subject ...................................................... ...............................
1
2.5
Right to the Floor ................................................................................ ...............................
1
2.6
City Manager ...................................................................................... ...............................
1
2.7
City Attorney ...................................................................................... ...............................
2
2.8
City Secretary ...................................................................................... ...............................
2
2.9
Officers and Employees ...................................................................... ...............................
2
2.10
Rules of Order ..................................................................................... ...............................
2
2.11
Suspension of Rules ............................................................................ ...............................
2
2.12
Amendment to Rules ........................................................................... ...............................
2
2.13
Matters Not Addressed by Rules ........................................................ ...............................
2
ARTICLE 3.
TYPES OF MEETINGS
3.1 Regular Meetings ................................................................................ ............................... 2
3.2 Special Meetings ................................................................................. ............................... 2
3.3 Recessed Meetings .............................................................................. ............................... 2
3.4 Adjourned Meetings ............................................................................ ............................... 2
3.5 Executive Sessions .............................................................................. ............................... 2
3.6 Emergency Meetings .......................................................................... ............................... 3
ARTICLE 4.
PRESIDING OFFICER AND DUTIES
4.1 Mayor ................................................................................................... ..............................3
4.2 Call to Order ....................................................................................... ............................... 3
4.3 Preservation of Order .......................................................................... ............................... 3
4.4 Rulings by Presiding Officer .............................................................. ............................... 3
4.5 Questions to be Stated ......................................................................... ............................... 3
4.6 Substitution of Mayor ......................................................................... ............................... 3
ARTICLE 5.
APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES
5.1 Appointment Procedure for the Mayor Pro Tem ................................ ............................... 3
5.2 Appointment Procedure for a Councilmember ................................... ............................... 4
10 -28 -2014 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
9.1
Page
9.2
ARTICLE 6.
8
9.3
ORDER OF BUSINESS
8
6.1
Agenda ................................................................................................ ...............................
5
6.2
Communication to Mayor and Council ............................................... ...............................
5
6.3
Approval of Minutes ........................................................................... ...............................
6
6.4
Presentations by Members of Council ................................................ ...............................
6
6.5
Consent Agenda .................................................................................. ...............................
6
9.9
ARTICLE 7.
10
9.10
CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, AND MOTIONS
10
7.1
Printed, Typewritten, or Electronic Form ........................................... ...............................
6
7.2
City Manager Review ......................................................................... ...............................
6
7.3
City Attorney to Approve ................................................................... ...............................
6
7.4
Funding ............................................................................................... ...............................
6
7.5
Reading of Caption Only .................................................................... ...............................
6
7.6
Ordinances -Two Readings; Emergencies ........................................ ...............................
6
7.7
Recording of Votes ............................................................................. ...............................
7
7.8
Vote Required ..................................................................................... ...............................
7
7.9
Tie Vote .............................................................................................. ...............................
7
7.10
Numbering Ordinances and Resolutions ............................................ ...............................
7
7.11
Ordinance Passage Procedure ............................................................. ...............................
7
ARTICLE 8
RULES OF DECORUM
8.1
Recognition by presiding officer ........................................................ ...............................
7
8.2
Order ................................................................................................... ...............................
7
8.3
Presiding Officer ................................................................................. ...............................
7
8.4
Improper References to be Avoided ................................................... ...............................
8
8.5
Interruptions ........................................................................................ ...............................
8
ARTICLE 9.
MOTIONS AND MEETING PROCEDURES
9.1
Motions ............................................................................................... ............................... 8
9.2
Debate ................................................................................................. ...............................
8
9.3
Motion Procedures .............................................................................. ...............................
8
9.4
Point of Privilege ................................................................................ ...............................
9
9.5
Point of Procedure or Order ................................................................ ...............................
9
9.6
To Appeal a Ruling ............................................................................. ...............................
9
9.7
To Recess ................................................................................... ............................... 9 &
10
9.8
To Withdraw ..................................................................................... ...............................
10
9.9
To Postpone or Extend ...................................................................... ...............................
10
9.10
To Refer ............................................................................................ ...............................
10
9.11
To Amend ......................................................................................... ...............................
10
9.12
To Limit or Close Debate or "Call the Question" ............................. ...............................
10
9.13
To Count the Vote ............................................................................. ...............................
11
9.14
To Take Action or Reconsider an Action; Main Motions ................ ...............................
11
10 -28 -2014 11
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page
9.15 To take action or Rescind motion ..................................................... ............................... 11
9.16 To Take Action; Main Motions ........................................................ ............................... 11
ARTICLE 10.
ENFORCEMENT OF DECORUM
10.1 Warning ............................................................................................... .............................12
10.2 Removal .............................................................................................. .............................12
10.3 Resisting Removal ............................................................................ ............................... 12
10.4 Motions to Enforce ........................................................................... ............................... 12
10.5 Adjournment ..................................................................................... ............................... 12
ARTICLE 11.
CREATION OF COMMITTEES, BOARDS, AND COMMISSIONS
11.1 Standing Committees ........................................................................ ............................... 12
11.2 Special Committees ................................................................. ............................... 12 & 13
ARTICLE 12.
CITIZENS' RIGHTS
12.1
Addressing the Council ..................................................................... ...............................
13
12.2
Manner of Addressing the Council — Time Limit ............................. ...............................
13
12.3
Personal and Slanderous Remarks .................................................... ...............................
13
12.4
Public Hearings ................................................................................. ...............................
13
12.5
Written Communications .................................................................. ...............................
13
12.6
Hearing of Residents ......................................................................... ...............................
14
ARTICLE 13.
COUNCIL AND STAFF RELATIONS
13.1
City Manager to Provide Information ............................................... ...............................
14
13.2
City Manager's Responses to Requests ............................................ ...............................
14
13.3
Directions to City Manager ............................................................... ...............................
15
13.4
City Manager's Duty to Inform ........................................................ ...............................
15
13.5
Customer Concerns ........................................................................... ...............................
15
13.6
City Manager /Council Relations ....................................................... ...............................
15
10 -28 -2014 111
ARTICLE 1.
AUTHORITY
1.1 City Charter. Section 4.09 (d) of the City Charter provides that the Council shall, by
ordinance, determine its own rules and order of business.
1.2 Effective Date; Amendment. These Rules shall be in effect upon their adoption by the
Council and until such time as they are amended or new rules are adopted. In the event
of a conflict between these Rules and the Charter, the Charter shall govern over these
Rules. In the event of a conflict between these Rules and State law, State law shall take
precedence.
ARTICLE 2.
GENERAL RULES
2.1 Meetings to be Public. All meetings of the Council and all meetings of committees
composed of a quorum of the Council shall be open to the public as provided by State
law, except when State law allows closed or executive sessions for certain limited topics.
2.2 Quo rum. Three members of the Council, not including the Mayor, shall constitute a
quorum. In the absence of the Mayor, the Mayor Pro Tem or other presiding officer shall
be counted for purpose of determining the existence of a quorum. If a quorum is not
present, those in attendance will be named, and they may recess to a later time as
permitted by State law or may hear business before them, taking no official action.
2.3 Minutes of Meetings. An account of all proceedings of the Council shall be kept by the
City Secretary and shall constitute the official record of the Council. Such minutes, after
being approved by the Council (except any closed or executive session portion), shall be
open to public inspection. The City Secretary shall provide an index showing the action
of the Council in regard to all matters before to it at both regular and special meetings. A
recording or "certified agenda" of each closed or executive session shall be made and
maintained as required by State law.
2.4 Questions to Contain One Subject. All questions submitted for a vote shall contain only
one subject. If two or more subjects are involved, any Councilmember may require a
division, if the subjects can be reasonably divided.
2.5 Right to the Floor. Subject to Section 8.5, any Councilmember or member of City staff
desiring to speak shall be recognized by the Mayor (or the presiding officer in the
Mayor's absence) at an appropriate time, and shall confine his/her remarks to the subject
under consideration or to be considered.
2.6 City Manager. The City Manager or the Acting City Manager shall attend all meetings of
the Council unless excused. The City Manager may make recommendations to the
Council and shall have the right to take part in all discussions of the Council, but shall
have no vote. The City Manager shall be notified of all special meetings of the Council.
10 -28 -2014 1
2.7 City Attorney. The City Attorney shall attend all meetings of the Council as required by
the Council or as requested by the City Manager, and shall, upon request of the Council
or the City Manager, give an opinion, either written or oral, on questions of law.
2.8 City Secretary. The City Secretary or the Deputy City Secretary shall attend all meetings
of the Council, unless excused, and shall keep the official minutes.
2.9 Officers and Employ. Any officer or employee of the City, when requested by the
City Manager, shall attend meetings of the Council. If requested to do so by the City
Manager, they shall present information relating to matters before the Council.
2.10 Rules of Order. Part 8 of these Rules shall govern the proceedings of the Council.
2.11 Suspension of Rules. Any provision of these Rules not required by the Charter or State
law may be temporarily suspended by a majority vote of the Councilmembers who are
present. The vote of each person on any such suspension shall be entered in the minutes.
2.12 Amendment to Rules. These Rules may be amended, or new rules adopted, by a duly
adopted ordinance.
2.13 Matters Not Addressed by Rules. Issues of the conduct or procedure of public meetings
not addressed by these Rules, the Charter, or State law shall be determined by the Mayor
(or the presiding officer in the Mayor's absence).
ARTICLE 3.
TYPES OF MEETINGS
3.1 Regular Meetings. The Council shall hold regularly scheduled meetings as provided by
the Code of Ordinances, Part II, Section 2 -2. The Council may also hold regularly
scheduled meetings which may be designated by the Council as "workshop" sessions.
3.2 Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called by the Mayor, the City Manager, or
any three (3) members of the Council. The call for a special meeting shall be filed with
the City Secretary in written form, except that announcement of a special meeting during
any regular meeting at which all members are present shall be sufficient notice of such
special meeting. The call for a special meeting shall specify the day, hour, and place of
the special meeting and shall identify the subject or subjects to be considered.
3.3 Recessed Meetings. Subject to State law, any meeting of the Council may be recessed to
a later time, provided that no recess shall be for a longer period than until the next regular
meeting.
3.4 Adjourned Meetings. Any meeting of the Council that has been adjourned may not be
reconvened except by a motion to reconsider prior to any Councilmember's departure
from the Council chamber. See Sections 9.3 and 9.4.
3.5 Executive Sessions. Executive or closed sessions may only be held in accordance with
State law.
10 -28 -2014 2
3.6 Emergency Meetings. In case of emergency or urgent public necessity, an emergency
meeting may be called as a special meeting as set forth in Section 3.2, however, an
emergency meeting may not be held unless authorized by, and notice is given in
accordance, with State law.
ARTICLE 4.
PRESIDING OFFICER AND DUTIES
4.1 Mao. The Mayor, if present, shall preside as Mayor at all meetings of the Council. In
the absence of the Mayor, the Mayor Pro -Tem shall preside. In the absence of both the
Mayor and the Mayor Pro -Tem, the most senior Councilmember (by time of service on
the Council) present shall be the chairperson.
4.2 Call to Order. Each meeting of the Council shall be called to order by the Mayor, or in
the Mayor's absence, by the Mayor Pro -Tem. In the absence of both the Mayor and the
Mayor Pro -Tem, the meeting shall be called to order by the most senior Councilmember
(by time of service on the Council) present.
4.3 Preservation of Order. The presiding officer shall preserve order and decorum, prevent
personalities from becoming involved during debate or the impugning of members'
motives, and confine Councilmembers in debate to the question under discussion.
4.4 Rulings by Presiding Officer. The presiding officer shall rule on points of privilege,
points of procedure or order, and withdrawals of motions, subject to the right of any
member to appeal to the Council as set forth in Article 9 of these Rules. See Sections
9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, and 9.8.
4.5 Questions to be Stated. The presiding officer shall state all questions submitted for a vote
and announce the result. A roll call vote shall be taken on all votes.
4.6 Substitution of Mao. In the event the Mayor must relinquish the chair, the Mayor shall
call upon the Mayor Pro -Tem to preside if the Mayor Pro -Tem is present. If the Mayor
Pro -Tem is not present, the Mayor may call upon the most senior Councilmember (by
time of service on the Council) present to preside, but such substitution shall not continue
beyond adjournment of that meeting.
ARTICLE 5.
APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES
5.1 Appointment Procedure for the Mayor Pro Tem.
(a) The Council will discuss, and with a majority vote, appoint the Councilmember to
serve as the Mayor Pro Tem for the City.
(b) The appointed Mayor Pro Tem must be a Councilmember and must meet the
qualifications of Section 4.02 of the City Charter. In addition, to be appointed to
the position of Mayor Pro Tem, a Councilmember must be an elected member of
Council.
10 -28 -2014 3
(c) Term dates for the Mayor Pro Tem position will begin in February and August of
each year (the election dates offset by three (3) months). Terms will sequentially
rotate according to Councilmember place.
(d) If the Councilmember place that is up for appointment as Mayor Pro Tem is
vacant or is held by a Councilmember who is not qualified to serve as Mayor Pro
Tem, the Mayor Pro Tem appointment will go to the next qualified
Councilmember.
(e) The position will have a term of office of six (6) months.
(f) The appointed Mayor Pro Tem may be removed by Council by a two - thirds (2/3)
majority vote of the members of Council at any time during his or her term.
(g) Council reserves the right to alter this procedure at any time by resolution or rule.
5.2 Appointment Procedure for a Councilmember.
(a) The Council may appoint a Councilmember to a vacant seat as authorized by
Section 4.06 of the City Charter.
(b) The Council will announce and advertise on the City's website and in the City's
newspaper of record that applications are being accepted for a vacant position on
Council.
(c) A due date for applications to be submitted will be set.
(d) Applicants must meet the qualifications for a Councilmember set forth in Section
4.02 of the City Charter.
(e) Applications will be received by the City Secretary's office and distributed to all
Councilmembers.
(f) An interview date will be set and posted for a public meeting.
(g) Interviews of prospective candidates will be held in a public forum by a quorum
of Councilmembers.
(h) Councilmembers will discuss, and appoint by majority vote, the new member of
Council at either the same meeting as the interviews or at a subsequent Council
meeting.
(i) The Council is the final judge of whether a candidate is qualified to serve as a
Councilmember as set forth in Section 4.03 of the City Charter.
0) Council reserves the right to alter this procedure at any time by resolution or rule.
10 -28 -2014 4
ARTICLE 6.
ORDER OF BUSINESS
6.1 Agenda. The City Manager and the City Secretary shall prepare an agenda for each
meeting of the Council. Items may be placed on the agenda by the City Manager (or in
his absence any Assistant City Manager), the Mayor, or any Councilmember, except that
a Councilmember directing that an item or items be placed on an agenda must do so in
open session, during a properly posted meeting of the Council. Items placed on the
agenda by the City Manager (or in his absence any Assistant City Manager) may be
removed only by the City Manager (or any Assistant City Manager) and he /she may do
so at any time that permits the agenda for the Council meeting to be properly posted by
the City Secretary's Office under the Texas Open Meetings Act. Items placed on an
agenda by the Mayor may be removed only by the Mayor, and he /she may do so at any
time that permits the agenda for the Council meeting to be properly posted by the City
Secretary's Office under the Texas Open Meetings Act. Items placed on the agenda by a
Councilmember may be removed only by that specific Councilmember, and he /she may
do so at any time that permits the agenda for the Council meeting to be properly posted
by the City Secretary's Office under the Texas Open Meetings Act.
(a) Information Required. Any item to be on the agenda must be provided to the
City Manager pursuant to a procedure established and modified by the City
Manager from time to time. Each item on the agenda must contain sufficient
information so that full disclosure of the item to be addressed is present so as to
alert the Council and the public of the topic to be considered.
(b) Order of Listing Items; Sponsor and Responsible Staff. The agenda shall list all
items for consideration in a format recommended by the City Manager. The name
of the person or persons placing an item on the agenda and the name of any
expected staff presenter shall be stated on the agenda.
(c) Copy Provided to Mayor and Council Members. The City Secretary shall furnish
the Mayor and each Councilmember a copy of the agenda, including the proposed
ordinances, resolutions, petitions, notices, or other materials as required. Copies
of attachments and background material will generally be provided for the initial
presentation only and should be retained by the Mayor and the Councilmembers
until such time as the item is finalized.
(d) Copy Available to Public. A copy of the agenda, with or without attachments as
determined by the City Manager, shall be made available to the public at City
Hall prior to the meeting. Copies of the agenda shall be available to the public at
the meeting.
(e) Order; Exception. The ordinances, resolutions, and other proposed actions shall
be taken up and disposed of by the Council in the order listed in the agenda,
subject to the right of the presiding officer to take up matters in a different order.
6.2 Communication to Mayor and Council. The City Manager shall provide the Council with
a copy of each ordinance or resolution and appropriate analysis of items proposed to be
acted upon by the Council at a meeting. These communications shall be delivered to the
10 -28 -2014 5
Mayor and Councilmembers along with the agenda. This information should also be
retained by the Mayor and Councilmembers until such time as the item is finalized. Staff
members, in making presentations to Council at a meeting of the Council, should
endeavor to restrict their presentations to five (5) minutes, excluding responses to
questions by the Mayor and/or Councilmembers.
6.3 Approval of Minutes. Minutes may be approved without public reading if the City
Secretary has previously furnished the Mayor and each Councilmember with a copy
thereof.
6.4 Presentations by Members of Council. The agenda shall provide a time when the Mayor
and each Councilmember may bring before the Council any business that person believes
should be brought up during the "Requests by Mayor and Councilmembers" and
"Announcements by Mayor and Councilmembers" portions of the agenda. These matters
need not be specifically listed on the agenda unless the person desiring to make a
comment knows prior to posting of the agenda that he /she will make such comment. In
response to an unposted comment, there (1) may only be a statement of factual
information in response, (2) a recitation of existing City policy, or (3) discussion
regarding a proposal to place the subject on the agenda for a subsequent meeting.
6.5 Consent Agenda. At the direction of the City Manager (or in his absence an Assistant
City Manager) with respect to items believed to be non - controversial, the City Secretary
shall place multiple items on a "Consent Agenda" portion of the agenda, subject to the
right of the Mayor or any Councilmember to request at the meeting that any one or more
of such items be removed from the Consent Agenda for individual consideration. First
readings of ordinances shall in all events be posted for individual consideration and shall
not be included on the Consent Agenda.
ARTICLE 7.
CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, AND MOTIONS
7.1 Printed, Typewritten, or Electronic Form. All ordinances and resolutions shall be
presented to the Council only in printed, typewritten, or electronic form.
7.2 City Manager Review. All ordinances and resolutions shall be reviewed by the City
Manager or his designee.
7.3 City Attorney to Approve. All ordinances and resolutions shall be approved as to form
and legal content by the City Attorney, when requested by the Mayor or the City
Manager.
7.4 Funding. All actions authorizing an expenditure of money shall include the exact source
of the funds to be expended.
7.5 Reading of f Caption Only. Upon being introduced, each proposed ordinance or resolution
shall be read by caption only.
7.6 Ordinances —Two Readings; Emergencies. Ordinances introduced at a Council meeting
shall not be finally acted upon until at least the next regular meeting, except that
10 -28 -2014 6
immediate action may be taken upon an emergency as determined by the Council in
accordance the Charter or State law.
7.7 Recording of Votes. The ayes and nays shall be taken upon the consideration of all
ordinances and resolutions and shall be entered in the minutes of the Council.
7.8 Vote Required. Approval of every ordinance, resolution, or motion, unless otherwise
required by these Rules, the Charter, or State law, shall require the affirmative vote of
three (3) Councilmembers who are present and eligible to vote.
7.9 Tie Vote. In the event of a tie in votes on any motion, the Mayor shall cast the decisive
vote in accordance with Section 4.05 of the Charter. Other Councilmembers acting as
presiding officer shall not be restricted to voting only in the event of a tie.
7.10 Numbering Ordinances and Resolutions. After approval of a resolution or an ordinance
on second reading or on a single reading as an emergency, the City Secretary shall assign
a number to each ordinance or resolution within the records of the City.
7.11 Ordinance Passage Procedure. After passage, an ordinance shall be signed by the
presiding officer and shall be attested by the City Secretary or Deputy City Secretary, and
it shall be filed and thereafter preserved in the office of the City Secretary.
ARTICLE 8.
RULES OF DECORUM
8.1 Recognition by presiding officer. Subject to Section 8.5, No person shall address the
Council without first being recognized by the presiding officer.
8.2 Order. While the Council is in session, the Councilmembers must preserve the order and
decorum of the meeting, and a Councilmember shall neither, by statement or otherwise,
delay or interrupt the proceedings or the peace of the Council or disturb any other
Councilmember while speaking or refuse to obey the orders of the presiding officer.
Councilmembers are expected to remain on the dais during a Council meeting unless they
have good cause to vacate.
8.3 Presiding Officer. The Mayor or the Mayor Pro -Tem or such other member of the
Council who is serving as the presiding officer may participate in debate, subject only to
such limitations of debate as are the rights and privileges of a Councilmember by reason
of such Councilmember acting as the presiding officer. If the presiding officer is
engaged in debate and is, at the insistence of three (3) Council members, abusing the
position of the presiding officer, the presiding officer must relinquish the chair to the
Mayor Pro -Tem, or in his /her absence, to the next most senior Councilmember (by time
of service on the Council) present. The Mayor Pro-Tern or such other member, other
than the Mayor, who is serving as presiding officer may move, second, and debate from
the chair, subject only to such limitations of debate as are the rights and privileges of a
Councilmember by reason of the member acting as the presiding officer.
10 -28 -2014 7
8.4 Improper References to be Avoided. When a Councilmember has the floor pursuant to
Section 2.5 or 8.5, he /she shall avoid all references to personalities and indecorous
language.
8.5 Interruptions. A Councilmember, once recognized, shall not be interrupted by the Mayor
or another Councilmember when speaking unless it is to raise a point of privilege
(Section 9.4) or a point of procedure or order (Section 9.5), or to enter a motion to
withdraw a previously- stated motion (Section 9.8), or as otherwise provided in these
Rules. If a Councilmember, while speaking, is interrupted as set forth herein, the
Councilmember so interrupted should cease speaking until the question is determined.
ARTICLE 9.
MOTIONS AND MEETING PROCEDURES
9.1 Motions. A Councilmember, after he /she obtains the floor, or the Mayor may make a
motion on the particular subject of discussion or a procedural point as permitted. A
"Second" to the motion, if required, must be made by a Councilmember who did not
make the motion within a reasonable but brief time period. The Mayor may not
"Second" a motion. A motion or a "Second" merely implies that the maker of the motion
and the person who "Seconds" agree that the motion should come before the meeting and
not that he /she necessarily favors the motion. Without a "Second ", if required, the
motion dies.
9.2 Debate. Debate, if permitted, must be limited to the merits of the issue under discussion
as stated by the presiding officer.
9.3 Motion Procedures. There are twelve (12) types of motions in three (3) categories:
Meeting Conduct Motions (4 types), Disposition Motions (7 types), and Main
Motions(1 type) *. When any motion is pending, any motion listed above it on the chart
below is in order; those below it are out of order.
Motion
May
Interrupt
Speaker
Second
Required
Debatable
Amendable
Resolved
by Chair
No Vote
Affirmative
Vote by 3
Council-
members
2/3
Vote
A. Meeting Conduct Motions
1. point of privilege
yes
no
no
no
yes
no
no
2. point of procedure or order
yes
no
no
no
yes
no
no
3. to appeal a ruling
no
yes
yes
no
no
yes
no
4. to recess
no
yes
yes
yes
no
yes
no
B. Disposition Motions
5. to withdraw
yes
no
no
no
yes
no
no
6. to postpone
no
yes
yes
yes
no
yes
no
7. to refer
no
yes
yes
yes
no
yes
no
Sections 9.3 through 9.14 are included by permission of Donald A. Tortorice, The Modern Rules of Order,
ABA Publishing, 2nd Edition.
10 -28 -2014 8
8. to amend
no
yes
yes
yes
no
yes
no
9. to limit or close debate or
"call the question"
no
yes
yes
yes
no
no
yes
10. to extend debate
no
I yes
yes
yes
1 no
yes
no
11. to count the vote
no
yes
no
no
sy
no
no
no
C. Main Motions
12. to reconsider
yes
yes
if original
motion
was
debatable
no
no
yes
no
13. to rescind
no
yes
yes
yes
no
no
yes
14. to take action
no
yes
yes
yes
no
Yes * **
no
9.4 Point of Privilege. A point of privilege, sometimes called a point of personal privilege, is
a communication from a Councilmember to the presiding officer, drawing urgent
attention to a need for personal accommodation. For example, the point may relate to an
inability to see or hear, a matter of comfort, a matter of requested convenience, or an
overlooked right of privilege that should have been accorded to the Councilmember(s).
In essence, it is a call to the presiding officer for the purpose of assuring a
Councilmember's convenient and appropriate participation in the meeting. Because of its
urgent nature, a point of privilege can interrupt a speaker. Because it is addressed to the
attention of and action by the presiding officer, it cannot be debated or amended, and no
vote is required.
9.5 Point of Procedure or Order. A point of procedure, sometimes called a point of order, is a
question addressed to the presiding officer, no seconding is required, and either inquiring
into the manner of conducting business or raising a question about the propriety of a
particular procedure. It is simply an inquiry and is resolved by correction or clarification
by the presiding officer. A point of procedure can interrupt a speaker. Because it is
addressed to the attention of and action by the presiding officer, a second is not required,
and it cannot be debated or amended, and no vote is taken.
9.6 To Appeal a Ruling. Decisions or rulings of the presiding officer are final on questions
of procedure, except that any ruling by the presiding officer's ruling can be appealed to a
vote of the Council. Whenever a Councilmember questions the appropriateness or
essential fairness of the presiding officer, that member can appeal the ruling to a vote of
the meeting. If, however, a motion is out of order as a matter of law (not a proper subject
of the meeting, improper notice given, etc.), the presiding officer's ruling cannot be
appealed. A motion to appeal cannot interrupt a speaker. To prevent frivolous appeals, a
second is required. The motion is subject to debate (which should be brief) and, by its
nature, is not amendable. To overrule a procedural decision of the presiding officer, an
affirmative vote of three (3) Councilmembers is required.
9.7 To Recess. A motion to recess requests a brief interruption of the meeting's business,
usually so that an ancillary matter can be addressed, or simply to provide a needed break.
Mandatory if seconded; no vote required
10 -28 -2014 9
Unless stated in the motion, the period of recess is decided by the presiding officer. If
necessary, a recess can extend the meeting from one day to another, subject to State law.
The motion cannot interrupt a speaker, and a second is required. It is debatable, it can be
amended, and an affirmative vote of three (3) Councilmembers is required.
9.8 To Withdraw. Only the maker of the motion can make a motion to withdraw it. It is
essentially a communication to the presiding officer that the maker is withdrawing his /her
proposal. This is the maker's privilege; thus, it does not require a second. Because the
withdrawal motion obviates discussion, it can interrupt a speaker. In addition, because
another Councilmember later can make a similar motion, a withdrawal motion is not
subject to debate, amendment, or vote. The presiding officer should simply state that the
motion is withdrawn, and the meeting should proceed with a new treatment of the issue at
hand—or a new issue.
9.9 To Postpone or Extend. These motions may arise from a need for further information, a
matter of convenience, or for any other reason that will enable the Council to deal with
the issue more effectively during the same meeting or at a later time. Unless otherwise
specifically provided in the motion itself, a postponed or extension motion can be
renewed at a later appropriate time during the meeting or, if properly posted, at a later
meeting. This motion cannot interrupt a speaker. It requires a second, it is debatable, and
it is amendable (particularly as to postponement, timing), and an affirmative vote of three
(3) Councilmembers is required.
9.10 To Refer. A motion to refer is typically used to submit an issue to a committee, usually
for study leading to a subsequent recommendation. Because it ordinarily disposes the
motion for purposes of the current meeting, a motion to refer is subject to the same rules
that apply to a main motion. (See Section 9.14). This motion cannot interrupt a speaker,
and a second is required. It is debatable and amendable, and an affirmative vote of three
(3) Councilmembers is required.
9.11 To Amend. A motion to amend proposes a change in the wording of a motion then under
consideration. When a motion to amend is pending and an amendment to the amendment
is proposed, the presiding officer should focus discussion on the latest amendment,
resolve that question, then proceed to the first amendment before continuing discussion
on the main motion. Votes on amendments are thus in reverse order of the sequence in
which they are proposed. A motion to amend cannot interrupt a speaker. It requires a
second, and it is debatable and amendable. An affirmative vote of three (3)
Councilmembers is required for approval of the amendment. Note that State law may
restrict amendments to proposals that are required to be set forth in the notice of the
meeting.
9.12 To Limit or Close Debate or "Call the Question". Because the extent to which an issue is
discussed rests primarily with discretion of the presiding officer, it is the presiding officer
who carries the burden of ensuring that adequate time and discussion are given to
differing points of view. A motion to limit or close debate is therefore an overruling of
the presiding officer's determination. A motion to close debate is the same as a motion to
"call the question ". Because this motion affects the most fundamental right of any
Councilmember, the right to speak one's views, it is the only procedural motion that
requires an affirmative vote of two - thirds of participants voting.
10 -28 -2014 10
9.13 To Count the Vote. A motion to count the vote should be limited to those circumstances
where the convenient hearing of "yeas" and "nays" cannot clearly resolve the issue. It
represents the right of a Councilmember to have a vote demonstrated by count. That
count can be directed by the presiding officer either as a showing of hands or a standing
of voting members while the vote is recorded. Upon completion of the count, the
presiding officer announces the result —and final disposition of the issue voted upon.
This motion cannot interrupt a speaker. It requires a second; it is neither debatable nor
amendable; and, because of the importance of the matter, it should be considered
mandatory; thus, no vote is required.
9.14 Motion to Reconsider. Allows a main motion to be brought back before the City Council
for consideration. May be made only at the meeting at which the vote to be reconsidered
was taken. It may be made by any member of City Council. Any City Council member
may second it. It can be made while any other question is pending, even if another
member has the floor. It requires a majority vote to pass. A motion may only be
reconsidered twice. If the reconsideration is moved while another subject is before the
City Council, it cannot interrupt the pending business, but, as soon as the pending
business has been disposed of the motion has the preference over all other main motions
and general business of the agenda. In such a case the Mayor does not state the question
on the reconsideration until the immediately pending business is completed.
9.15 Motion to Rescind. The motion to rescind is a main motion without any privilege, may
only be made when there is nothing else before the City Council and must be made at the
same meeting at which the subject matter of the motion was considered and it requires a
two - thirds vote of the City Council members. It cannot be made if a motion to reconsider
has been previously made. The motion to rescind can be applied to votes on all main
motions with the following exceptions: votes cannot be rescinded after something has
been done as a result of that vote that the City Council cannot undo; or, where a
resignation has been acted upon, or one has been appointed to, or expelled from, a
committee or office, and was present or was officially notified. In the case of expulsion,
the only way to reverse the action afterwards is to restore the person to the committee or
office, which requires the same preliminary steps and vote as is required for the original
appointment.
9.16 To Take Action; Main Motions. Main motions state proposed policy or action on a
substantive issue being considered by the Council. As such, the motion is an initial call
to take particular action. Although lowest in precedence among all motions, main
motions are clearly the most important: through their content, the business decisions of
the Council are determined. A main motion can be made only when a prior main motion
has been disposed of. It cannot interrupt a speaker; a second is required; it is debatable
and amendable; and an affirmative vote of three (3) Councilmembers is required unless a
greater vote is prescribed by the Charter or State law.
10 -28 -2014 11
ARTICLE 10.
ENFORCEMENT OF DECORUM
10.1 Warning. All persons other than a recognized speaker shall, at the request of the
presiding officer, be silent. If, after receiving a warning from the presiding officer, a
person persists in disturbing the meeting, the presiding officer may order the person to
leave the meeting. The Chief of Police, or such member or members of the Police
Department or other persons as the presiding officer may designate, shall be sergeant -at-
arms of the Council meetings. If the person so requested does not leave the meeting, the
presiding officer may order the sergeant -at -arms to remove such person.
10.2 Removal. Any designated sergeant -at -arms shall carry out all orders and instructions
given by the presiding officer for the purpose of maintaining order and decorum at the
Council meeting. Upon instruction of the presiding officer, it shall be the duty of the
sergeant -at -arms to remove from the meeting any person who intentionally disturbs the
proceedings of the Council (or successor provision of law).
10.3 Resisting Removal. Any person who resists removal by the sergeant -at -arms shall be
charged with violating Section 42.05 (a) of the Texas Penal Code.
10.4 Motions to Enforce. Any Council member may move to require the presiding officer to
enforce these Rules and the affirmative vote of a majority of the Councilmembers present
and eligible to vote shall require the presiding officer to do so.
10.5 Adjournment. In the event that any meeting is willfully disturbed by a person or groups
of persons so as to render the orderly conduct of such meeting unfeasible and when order
cannot be restored by the removal of the individuals who are creating the disturbance, the
meeting may be adjourned and the remaining business considered at the next regular or a
special meeting or, subject to State law, may be recessed to a set time and date.
ARTICLE 11.
CREATION OF COMMITTEES, BOARDS, AND COMMISSIONS
11.1 Standing Committees. The Council may create committees, boards and commissions to
assist in the conduct of the operation of the City government with such duties as the
Council may specify not inconsistent with the Charter, the Code of Ordinances, or State
law. Membership and selection of members shall be as determined by the Council if not
specified by the Charter, the Code of Ordinances, or State law. No person may
concurrently serve on more than one Board unless, by virtue of his /her position on the
Council, he /she also holds a position on another Board. Persons related within the second
degree by affinity or consanguinity to the Mayor or any member of the Council shall not
be eligible to serve on a standing committee. No standing committee so appointed shall
have powers other than advisory to the Council or to the City Manager, except as
otherwise specified by the Charter, the Code of Ordinances, or State law.
11.2 Special Committees. The Council may, as the need arises, authorize the appointment of
"ad hoc" Council committees. Except where otherwise specifically provided by the
Charter, the Mayor and the City Council shall appoint the members of the special
committees. Any committee so created shall be given a "mission statement" directing its
10 -28 -2014 12
activities. Any special committee shall cease to exist upon the accomplishment of the
special purpose for which it was created or when abolished by a majority vote of the
Councilmembers present and entitled to vote.
ARTICLE 12.
CITIZENS' RIGHTS
12.1 Addressing the Council. Any person desiring to address the Council by oral
communication shall first secure the permission of the presiding officer.
12.2 Manner of Addressing the Council — Time Limit. Each person addressing the Council
shall speak at the podium into the microphone (or at another designated location), shall
give his/her name and address in an audible tone of voice for the record, and, unless
further time is granted by the Council, shall, subject to Section 12.4 below, limit his /her
remarks to three (3) minutes or less. All remarks shall be addressed to the Council as a
body, and not to any individual member thereof. No person, other than members of the
Council or City staff (when requested by the presiding officer) and the person having the
floor, shall be permitted to enter into any discussion, either directly or through the
members of the Council, unless requested or approved by the presiding officer. No
questions shall be asked the Councilmembers, except through the presiding officer.
Responses to questions may be limited as required by State law.
12.3 Personal and Slanderous Remarks. Any person making personal, impertinent, or
slanderous remarks, or who shall become boisterous, either while addressing the Council
or otherwise while in attendance at a Council meeting, may be requested to leave the
meeting, pursuant to Article 10 of these Rules, and may be removed from the meeting if
necessary for the conduct of the remainder of the meeting.
12.4 Public Hearings. After being recognized by the presiding officer, interested persons, or
their authorized representatives, may address the Council with respect to the subject
matter of a public hearing being conducted. The presiding officer may establish
procedures at a public hearing to limit the amount of time (which, unless modified by the
presiding officer, shall be as set forth in Section 12.2 above) interested persons may
speak, subject to the Councilmembers' right to appeal the presiding officer's ruling
pursuant to Section 9.6. Subject to modification by the presiding officer, and subject to
the Councilmembers' right of appeal pursuant to Section 9.6, the normal order of a public
hearing is as follows: (i) the opening of the hearing and the establishment, if any, of a
modified public hearing procedure by the presiding officer; (ii) address to the Council by
any interested person(s); (iii) discussion by the Mayor and Councilmembers, including
requests for information from City staff or any person(s) who addressed the Council; and
(iv) action by the Council, if any is posted on the agenda relating to the hearing.
12.5 Written Communications. Interested persons, or their authorized representatives, may
address the Council by written communication in regard to any matter concerning the
City's business or over which the Council has control at any time by direct mail or by
addressing the City Secretary, who shall, on the request of the writer, distribute copies to
the Councilmembers.
10 -28 -2014 13
12.6 Hearing of Residents. There shall be included on the agenda of each City Council
meeting an item labeled "Hearing of Residents ". After being recognized by the presiding
officer, members of the public (giving precedence to residents of the City) may address
the Council on items on or not on the agenda at that time, providing they have completed
the "Hearing of Residents" form, unless authorized by the presiding officer. The form
shall be made available to persons wishing to address the Council prior to the calling of
the meeting to order and such completed form shall be made available to the presiding
officer prior to the calling of the meeting to order. The persons signed up for "Hearing of
Residents" must speak during the "Hearing of Residents" portion of the meeting.
Councilmembers and members of City staff may not discuss unposted items nor take any
action thereon other than to (1) make a statement of factual information, (2) make a
statement of existing City policy, or (3) discuss placing the item on a future agenda.
Persons speaking shall be subject to the time limits set forth in Section 12.2, unless
otherwise authorized by the presiding officer.
ARTICLE 13.
COUNCIL AND STAFF RELATIONS
13.1 City Manager to Provide Information. The City Manager is directly responsible for
providing information to all the Councilmembers concerning any inquiries by a specific
Councilmember. If the City Manager or his staff's time is being dominated or
misdirected by a Councilmember, it is his responsibility to inform the Mayor or the
Council as a whole.
13.2 City Manager's Responses to Requests. The City Manager is expected to respond in a
timely manner to the Council and Councilmember's requests. When information is
requested, the City Manager will estimate a reasonable time frame for collecting the
requested information.
(a) If the City Manager disagrees with the request, he should say so and explain his
position.
(b) If the City Manager disagrees with individual directives, he should initiate
clarification of the Council's will with regard to the individual
Councilmember's request.
(c) The City Manager may delegate responsibility for the response as necessary and
appropriate, but the City Manager will be responsible for its receipt by the
Council in a timely manner.
(d) The City Manager should maintain a checklist and timetable for requests and
other directives of the Council.
(e) All Councilmembers will be provided the same written information when any
matter under consideration may be of general concern to the Council. There will
be no preferential dissemination of information by the City Manager or his staff.
10 -28 -2014 14
13.3 Directions to City Manager. During meetings of the Council, unless a vote is taken, a
consensus of the Councilmembers present will be required to direct the City Manager to
take any action.
13.4 City Manager's Duty to Inform. The City Manager is responsible for keeping the
Council informed. The Council should be provided weekly reports outlining progress on
outstanding issues as well as information on new issues and opportunities. Additionally,
the Council should be informed of City news prior to release of such information to the
community, newspaper(s), or other governmental entities, etc.
13.5 Customer Concerns. It is the responsibility of the City Manager to establish procedures
for handling customer concerns in all departments with prompt feedback to citizens and
Councilmembers.
13.6 City Manager /Council Relations. The City Manager should strive to maintain positive
relations with the Council by following these guidelines:
(a) Work to establish mutual trust with the Council.
(b) Maintain open lines of communication with the Council and keep Council
informed.
(c) Inform all Councilmembers of educational opportunities, recognizing that an
educated Council is in the City's best interest.
(d) Include the Council in City- sponsored employee social events.
(e) Conduct orientation sessions for new Councilmembers, including a tour of City
buildings and introductions to staff.
Amended: November 12, 2014
10 -28 -2014 15
APPLICATION TO SERVE ON CITY COUNCIL
Please type or print clearly
Please return to the attention of the City Secretary, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154 by Due Date TBD
Full Name: Date of Birth:
Home phone: (Include area code) Work phone: (Include area code)_
Mobile number: (Include area Code)
Physical address:
(Street, City, State, Zip)
Mailing address: (If different from above)
(Street, City, State, Zip)
Email address (s):
Do you live in the corporate limits of the City of Schertz? ❑ Yes ❑ No Are you 18 years or older? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Are you registered to vote? ❑ Yes ❑ No Which County? Registration No:
(The City Charter requires that members of Council be qualified voters residing in the City)
Have you been a resident of the City for at least six consecutive months immediately preceding your filing for office? Yes No
Are you an obligator to the City on any obligation past due, provided, however, that a person may be elected or select- o ed o and
hold office if such obligation is being actively contested in the appropriate forum? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Current /past occupation or area of expertise:
Professional and /or community activities:
Additional pertinent information /references:
Submission of a Resume or Curriculum Vitae is encouraged. A letter of interest may also be submitted.
Signature
S'S(CIHIIE]Rt�V7Z
COMMUNITY* SERVICE* OPPORTUNITY
FILLING THE VACANCY IN THE POSITION
OF COUNCILMEMBER PLACE 5
PROS & CONS
-1-
Choice
Pro
Con
1.
Leave position vacant until
Allows citizens to fill the
Council will be short one
November 2015
position.
member for an additional
one year; there will be one
fewer Councilmember
contributing to Council
discussions and one fewer
Councilmember to cover the
various Council liaison
positions; there will be a
greater likelihood of failure
to have a quorum since the
vacancy will be at the
Councilmember level.
2.
Call a special election for
Allows citizens to fill the
All of the "con" factors in
May 2015 to fill the position
position.
choice 1 above (except for 6
months instead of a year),
plus the winner will have to
stand for re- election 6
months later, plus cost of
May election.
3.
Council appoints a person to
Avoids all of the "cons" in
Takes the interim choice
fill the position through the
choices 1 and 2 above.
from the voters (but this is a
"normal" appointment
permitted process under the
process.
Charter, which has been
approved by the voters);
delays the appointment
process until January 2015.
4.
Council appoints a person to
Avoids all of the "cons" in
Takes the interim choice
fill the position waiving the
choices 1 and 2 above; fills
from the voters (but this is a
"normal" appointment
the seat immediately.
permitted process under the
process and filling the seat
Charter, which has been
by direct Council
approved by the voters).
appointment.
-1-