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MIN CC 02/17/1987MINUTES 01,1Miwa A*T tit 1987 BOOK "0" PAGE 843 MINUTES OF THE HUNTSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING, HELD ON THE 17TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 1987 IN THE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, LOCATED AT 1212 AVENUE M IN THE CITY OF HUNISVILLE, COUNTY OF WALKER, TEXAS AT 6:45 P.M. The Council met in regular session with the following members present: Jane Monday, Mayor City Officers present: Gene Pipes, City Manager Scott Bounds, City Attorney 0. Eugene Barrett Members absent: Ruth DeShaw, City Secretary Gary Bell Stephen E. Davis Ila Gaines Jerry L. Dowling Dick Wharton William B. Green Percy Howard, Jr. CALL TO ORDER AND RECESS INTO A SCHEDULED EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Monday called to meeting to order and recessed into an executive session to discuss contemplated litigation- -Acker v. Texas Water Commission and Highlands Addition deed restrictions. There was no need to take formal action in the formal session to follow. CITIZEN INPUT /INQUIRY Harold Reiling - -P. 0. Box 6579, Huntsville, Texas (295 -2861) Mr. Reiling advised the Council that for approximately four years he has lived about one -half milesnorth of Huntsville's city limits on Smith Hill Road off of FM 2821. He said two years ago this Easter two young college students were killed on that road. He warned that we are going to have other people killed on that road unless something is done. He said the road is unpaved, crooked, narrow, and hilly. He said he has seen some efforts during the last year on the part of the city to improve that first stretch of road that belongs to the city, including 20 mph speed signs, which are blatantly ignored. He said he has 37 years experience in law enforcement and he can tell the Council that in his lifetime, he has never seen a more dangerous stretch of road. Be assured we are going to have someone killed unless something is done, he said. He said we have parents out there who are allowing their children on that road, on three wheelers, motorcycles, no driver's licenses and not even a license plate on their vehicle. He said we have people who are making a race track out of it - -50 and 60 mph -- slinging gravel, forcing people on the road into the ditch - -we've had two accidents just recently but fortunately no injuries. He said several calls have been placed to the City's Police Department requesting police patrol on that road. He said neither he nor his neighbors have seen anything of our best of Huntsville. He said it may very well be that the City cannot afford to improve that road and pave it, but he is sure the City can afford to put some 'policemen out there to set an example for these people, before his neighbors, his neighbor's children, or his wife or his child are killed. He said he knows of one instance wher people have even given up their home out there and moved because of "that road." He said his conscious has required him to come here this evening to tell the Council this. He said he has done that. He said he certainly hopes the Council will prod the Police Department to get somebody out there once in a while at least and make them examples. We might save a life, he said. Mayor Monday thanked Mr. Reiling for sharing this information with the Council. She noted the Police Chie Hank Eckhardt, is present and has heard this presentation. She expressed her appreciation to Mr. Reiling. Paula Moak, 2003 Avenue P, Huntsville, Texas (295 -4230) Mrs. Moak advised the Council she is here representing the Oakwood Cemetery Association regarding the name change for Avenue F to Martin Luther King Drive. She stated the Oakwood Cemetery Association is very much opposed to this change because Oakwood Cemetery is an old cemetery and people who come to town for funeral services will have some difficulty finding it on Martin Luther King Drive, as opposed to finding it in an alphabetical street grid or a numerical street grid. She said the Association feels it would be in its best interest to leave the street as is for the convenience of visitors to the community. Bo Hall, 1803 Avenue P, Huntsville, Texas (295 -3771) Mr. Hall came to address the same problem and is also a member of Oakwood Cemetery Association. He seconded the statements of Mrs. Paula Moak (above). He said in directing people in the City he has always run into a problem even in trying to explain where Sam Houston Avenue is, noting it was easy when it was Avenue L and Avenue K before it was changed to University Avenue. He said it is confusing to people from out of town not to have the numerical or alphabetical system in the street designations. He said from this stand- point, he would like for the Council not to change Avenue F to Martin Luther King Drive. He felt the system we have is handy and easy to understand as far a deliveries and so forth. Although it may not be a problem for local residents, he said, it is a problem for visitors to the community, particularly since this designa- tion is scheduled for only part of Avenue F (north of llth Street). Jennifer Donohoo, #208 Barrett, Huntsville, Texas (294 -4108) Jennifer Donohoo addressed the Council as a representative of the student leaders from Sam Houston State University to personally extend an invitation to each of the Councilmembers and their spouses to attend the basketball game this Monday at 7:30 P.M. in the Coliseum between SHSU and its arch rival, the SFA Lumberjacks. Ms. Donohoo advised some 26 leaders of the larger student organizations decided it was time for them to work cooperatively, as a unit of SHSU, with the City, of which they are all residents. She said it is their hope to work more closely with the City in involving the city in the activities of the university students. She indicated she will work with the City Secretary to provide the tickets needed for the Council and spouses to use to attend the game on Monday night. Mayor Monday thanked Jennifer for the invitation. RECONVENE FORMAL MEETING Mayor Jane Monday called the regular meeting to order again. The invocation was presented by the Reverend Robert Thompson of First Presbyterian Church. CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING Councilmember Barrett lads the motion to approve the minutes of February 10, 1987 and Councilmember Howard seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 1 %fl CONSIDER AUDIT Presentation and review of the Annual Financial Report (Audit) for Fiscal year 1985 -1986 and Management Letter - -Bill Green, Chairman of Council Audit Committee and Ken Davis of Reynolds, Davis, White 6 Company Councilmember Bill Green advised the Audit Committee met last week with the auditors to review the audit report and letter. He then deferred to Mr. Ken Davis of the auditing firm to make the presentation to the Council. Mr. Ken Davis advised the audit was conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. He said his firm has issued its unqualified opinion that the financial statements contained in the report pre- sent fairly the financial condition of the city as of September 30, 1986. Based on their examination of the city's financial records, Mr. Davis said two additional letters were issued dealing with compliance and internal controls. Mr. Davis explained the audit tests indicated the transactions and records complied with applicable laws and regulations and for items not specifically tested, nothing came to their attention to indicate laws and regulations had been violated. He said additionally, his firm studied payroll, tax receipts, disbursements, encumberances, inventory, budgeting and financial reporting and found no condition believed to be a material weakness. He indicated his firm has also issued a management letter to the City suggesting and commenting on the city's financial reporting. He said the City has a viable internal control and accounting system. He noted the City has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its 1985 financial statements (received in September of 1986) and it has also received a commendation from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for its grant administration and report compliance for the three year block grant that was completed at the end of 1985 and included in this fiscal year. He felt this is all indicative of continued hard work and vigilance on the part of the Council and staff and he commended them for this effort. Mr. Davis noted the City is moving towards computerization of its warehouse and municipal court departments. He said this will further strengthen the already good internal control system of the City. He suggested, on behalf of his firm, that the city's user's fees (licenses, permits, HEAP registration fees, etc.) are decreasing while expenses are generally increasing (due to reduced economic activity in the city, in part) and this warrants further evaluation. He said although this is a minor source of revenue to the City, it should evaluate the osts vs. reimbursement and adjust those costs where warranted. He noted such an evaluation has not been made in over two years. In regard to the ongoing GSU bankruptcy delimma, he stated although bankruptcy seems "unlikely," his firm feels it is prudent for the city to develop short term and long term contingency plans addressing supplemental funding and cost saving measures. He said the city has taken measures to gather information to develop such plans and they encourage the city to continue in those efforts. He said this comment is made due to the serious economic ramifications of such an event. Mr. Davis then thanked all those who assisted and cooperated with his firm during the performance of the audit, especially the members of the audit committee, Mr. Pipes and his Secretary, Mrs. Teston, who typed this massive document, and Hrs. Allen and her staff. Mayor Monday noted the Council appreciates the audit report and would like to take a week to read it and then if there are any questions, perhaps Mr. Davis can come back to answer them. Mayor Monday noted in regard to the suggestion regarding GSU, the city has gathered the infor- mation he suggested and has instructed the staff to draw up those short and long term contingency plans. She said that is in the process of being done at this time. Councilmember Dowling asked about the city's fixed assets inventory as to whether it was in good shape. Mr. Davis noted over the last two years there has been a great improvement, with most of the improvements made in 1985 and in 1986 no special problems were noted. CONSIDER ELKINS LAKE'S PETITION Consider a response to the Elkins Lake Citizens Committee request to authorize an incorporation referendum for the subdivision - -Scott Bounds, City Attorney Mr. Bounds advised the petition submitted by Elkins Lake does not comply with the uniform petition require- ments of Section 141.063 of the Election Code, but that provision of the Election Code is subject to some questio as to its own validity because of the way it was passed in the State Legislature. He said under that law. it would state for the petition signature to be valid, it must contain, in addition to the signature, the signer's printed name, the voter registration number and the signer's residence address and the date of signing. He said those are problems that may be perhaps valved - -it is not clear under state law since that question hasn't been presented. Mr. Bounds also noted that although the petition cites a legal description of 1,051 acres that the Texas Water Commission records would indicate the H.U.D. only consists of 1,002.66 acres. Mr. Bounds said the city did run out the legal description that is provided and it does appear to roughly follow the boundary of Elkins Lake M.U.D., including one section not yet platted and it does close and it does describe 1.051 acres. He said he just wishes to note this discrepancy, but it appears the description is accurate. He said he would be happy to answer any other questions the Council may have regarding the petition. Mayor Monday advised the Council a resolution was attached to that petition which would, if adopted, grant consent to the incorporation of certain territory as the Village of Elkins Lake, Texas. She said if the Council so desires this evening, this could probably be addressed and passed. She then opened the topic for discussion. Councilmember Dowling made the motion to approve the petition as presented and to approve the attached Resolution No. 87 -1 and the motion was seconded by Councilmember Barrett seconded the motion. The caption of the Resolution is as follows: RESOLUTION NO. 87 -1 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS, GRANTING ITS CONSENT TO THE INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN TERRITORY AS THE VILLAGE OF ELKINS LAKE, TEXAS Discussion: Councilmember Dowling advised it is no great secret the City of Huntsville and various units of Elkins Lake, primarily the M.U.D. Board. have been in discussion off and on for well over a year about a variety of things. He said it is also no great secret there has been some, apparently, interest in folks at Elkins Lake about what lies in their future, whether it be annexation /incorporation or doing nothing. He said it strikes him that one of the great American traditions is the tradition of self - determination. He said he basically sees no reason why the City of Huntsville should not allow those folks to pursue an incorporation election if that is what, in fact, they so desire and can meet the state law compliance regulations. He said he didn't feel there is any good reason at the moment for the City to stand in their way of doing that, whether the election is successful or not will be up to the folks at Elkins Lake to decide and it is not our determinat to make. He said he will vote in favor of the motion he has made above. J Councilmember Green said he too will vote to support the resolution although he has some misgivings about it because he feels there are some things the City needs to work out with Elkins Lake, particularly with regard to eater contracts, sewer contracts and things of that sort. He suggested no natter what the residents of Elkins Lake choose to do about the incorporation issue, that the City continue to work with the people of Elkins Lake _MINUTES FEBRUARY 17. 1987 BOOK "0" PAGE 845 to resolve whatever problems we may have with regard to reaching an ultimate solution. He said his vote for them to incorporate is not a turning of his back in either direction on Elkins Lake as he would still like to see the City and Elkins Lake work together to solve their mutual problems even though at this point he feels it is not in the interest of the City to annex Elkins Lake nor is it in its interest to keep them from having an election of their own to choose whether they wish to incorporate or not. He said he will support the vote to allow them to incorporate if they wish while at the same wanting to see the City and Elkins Lake continue to work very closely to resolve mutual problems we have. Councilmember Davis said he also plans to vote for this Resolution. He said he hopes that whichever way the vote will be on incorporation, that it will be carefully thought out because, we, as citizens of Huntsville want the long range plan to be healthy for Elkins Lake as they are a part of our community. He said the City certainly wants Elkins Lake to thrive and be in good repair. Councilmember Howard noted he too will vote for the Resolution, realizing the community of Elkins Lake is so very close to the inner makings of Huntsville and we should not shove them away and they have been beholding to us. He said he really does not think all of the information has been brought out. He said we should wish them well and offer support to each other. Councilmember Barrett said he too is in favor of endorsing this resolution. He said he feels the city and Elkins Lake should continue to be good neighbors and help each other and try to work together as we are in close physical relation and that we should continue that close working relationship in the future. Councilmember Bell noted he would be making the vote in favor of the Resolution unanimous. He also wished to extend the invitation to Elkins Lake that the City will be interested in working with them on various problem they have should they decide that incorporation is not in their best interests. Mayor Monday said she feels Dr. Dowling's comments are very appropriate and that this indeed is a decision to be made by Elkins Lake residents. She said the City of Huntsville stands ready to assist and help whichever way that decision goes. She wished them well in their election. She stressed the City is here and it is willing to work with Elkins Lake. Mayor Monday then called for a vote of the motion on the floor to adopt the resolution granting consent to the incorporation of certain territory as the Village of Elkins Lake. All were in favor of the motion and it passed unanimously (note: Dick Wharton and Ila Gaines are absent from this meeting). CONSIDER ORDINANCE Consider Ordinance No. 87 -4 renaming a portion of Avenue F from 11th Street to 1st Street as Martin Luther King Drive - -Percy Howard, Jr., Ward 3 Councilmember Councilmember Howard stated that after considering all of the discussions, he would like to make the motion) to adopt the ordinance before the Council renaming and redistricting Avenue F between 11th Street and 1st Street as Martin Luther King Drive and Councilmember Bell seconded the motion. Discussion: Councilmember Green said he has very mixed feelings about this primarily because he has a problem with naming streets after anybody. He said he thinks, as was indicated in citizen input this evening, that it adds confusion to the city in terms of not only folks moving in, but just folks here as to where things are. He said he has no problem finding things on numbered or lettered streets, but if we ask where a named street is, other than Sam Houston Avenue, he would probably have a problem with where it is located. Conversely, he said, he also recognizes the strong sentiment for renaming this particular street as Martin Luther King Drive and he understands and appreciates that. He said what he would like to see done and would like to so amend the motion on the floor, is that the street be dual named as Martin Luther King Drive as well as Avenue F and he then so moved that this be an amending motion to the first motion. Councilmember Barrett seconded the motion. All were in favor of the amend ing motion except Councilmembers Howard and Davis. The motion passed five to two. Notes: Councilmember Barret said he lives on Highway 75 North and he gets his mail at 240 Avenue Q. He said it is highly important that people not have to change their mailing address because it affects them to the effect that many letters will ship of all the address changes that would be required with a complete name change. Councilmember Bell asked if the street signs will carry both names in the event of dual names and will the post office sanction this idea. Mr. Pipes said the signs will carry both names and he sees no problem with the post office. Council- member Davis noted his concern that people's addresses stay with the Avenue F designation. He said this is a very personal thing. Gene Pipes assured the Council the post office will recognize either name as far as it concerns the delivery of mail. Councilmember Dowling said he would rather not change street names because of the problems that can occur, but at the same time he also recognizes the community's sentiment and the fact that Mr. Howard is sponsoring the idea. He said there are very few privileges Ward Councilmembers get in this operation and maybe one of the privileges they should have is sort of like a senatorial courtesy on street name changes or something. He hoped the city would not, however, get into a big street name changing syndrome down here for whatever good and sufficient reasons because it does provide confusion. He said one of the fine things about Huntsville is that it is fairly easy to direct people along the grid system. He said he would vote for the dual designation. Upon a vote of the amended ordinance to now include the dual designation, all were in favor and there were no opposing votes. CONSIDER POLICY Reconsider a policy which authorizes the Police Department to unlock vehicles for stranded motorists Gene Pipes advised the Council that some time ago a policy was considered by the City Council which authorized the Police Department to assist stranged motorists by using a slim -jim to unlock cars for people who had inadvertently locked their keys in the car. He said this was considered to be a public service and was something the police officers could do rather quickly and easily and with very little training. He said the process involved signing a simple release form so if the city were to damage the lock or door, the city and Police Department would not be liable. Mr. Pipes said recently the City received a letter from Mr. Carl Fleming of A -1 Locksmith Company, urging that the City do away with that policy and instruct the Police Department not to open vehicles except in extreme emergencies. Mr. Pipes said the word "emergency" is somewhat in the eyes of the beholder and whether it is a real emergency or a perceived emergency. He said because we have this formal request to reconsider our policy, he felt the Council should review it again. Mr. Pipes said he feels the Police Department should be a service agency, however, he does realize there are many people who earn their living daily by providing services. He said that there are some 75 cars a month that the Police Department unlocks and this is a sizeable number. He said there is some risk in unlocking a car with an electronic door lock as it could be really fouled up. He said with the signed release form, however, the city is released from damage claims. Councilmember Davis said he feels if the police cannot get the door unlocked they should call a locksmith. He said door locks have changed slot in the last five years as the door lock mechanisms have become much more sophisticated and the slim -jim may not work. Councilmember Davis said if a child is locked in a car in the hot summer time, that vn.ld be an emergency and that would be cause perhaps to even knock the window out. He said, however, if someone just locks their keys in the car, he felt the local locksmiths could respond in good time to assist in that situation. Councilmember Barrett felt that if there is an animal or child locked in a car and their is some danger for their life. certainly the police need to respond. He said if there Is a police car in the parking lot there and no special call would have to be made, it would probably be okay. However, he said, he didn't feel it would be proper for people to call police out when it is not an emergency and they would have to drop their other duties to go answer a non - emergency type call. He said the local locksmiths can respond to these calls as that is the business. He was in favor of cutting down on this type of service, when not emergencies, as this cuts into police time too, if the police are making a special call just to unlock an automobile. Councilmember Bell asked if we are fairly sure someone is available 24 -hours a day to open cars. Gene Pipes said he is not sure as it is not like the wrecker rotation system where for certain periods certain indi- viduals are on -call. He said there are only two locksmiths available. Mr. Pipes said certain car dealers also have blanks for certain of their makes and models (series of cars), so there are other alternatives to a police or locksmith call when not an emergency and it is a matter more of convenience. He said it takes the same amount of time to call the police as it would a locksmith. He said it is a question of the public's perception of a service oriented Police Department. Mr. Pipes said the police rarely drive up onto these situations, so the public does call them to perform this service. Councilmember Green said he has no problem with the police saying "no" in most circumstances, because generally we would have to say that is not their primary responsibility, but yet, he is reluctant to adopt any kind of blanket policy that says you can't do it unless It 1s an emergency, and then try to define emergency. He felt perhaps we ought to allow a little more discretion if that is a possible way although this too creates new problems. He said he didn't know quite how to get around it. Councilmember Davis suggested turning the matter back to the City Manager, since he is the one that does direct the Police Department as he now has our feelings about what perhaps an emergency is and when an officer should be made a locksmith. He also didn't feel comfortable passing a blanket policy saying an officer can't go out and open doors. Mayor Monday said what she feels the Council is saying is that discretion and good judgement will have to be used. She asked the City Manager to get with Chief Eckhardt and consider the Council's comments here tonigh and come up with a policy. Councilmember Howard felt the decision should also consider whether it is night or day in that it may well be an emergency if it occurs at night and there 1s some added danger to the situation. Councilmember Barrett agreed with Councilmember Davis' suggestion. He asked that the City Manager and Police Chief come back to the Council with their recommendations. Mayor Monday noted she would also be interested in their implementation procedures. Councilmember Dowling said he can think of all kinds of things the Police Department does that private industry would be happy to do. He said the Police Department currently does security surveys and private companies will do a security survey for you for a fee. He said we discussed recently whether the Police Depart- ment would monitor burglar alarms or not (or let a private company do it). He said this is just another decisio that has to be made, among others like it, on a policy basis on whether your Police Department is going to pro- vide that service or not. He said there are many more private services today in the traditional public safety/ law enforcement areas primarily because of the inability or unwillingness of police agencies to continue to do that. He said private security companies do check the locked doors of business at night. He said this decision simply has to be made on the bigger picture, that being what is the role and function of the Police Department in the city of Huntsville: is it purely a reactive law enforcement /arrest the bad guy role, or is it a broader public service mission. He said he simply makes these general comments for thought before Mr. Pipes brings back his policy. Councilmember Barrett expressed the vacation home check is a very much appreciated police service. Council member Dowling noted the private security companies would very much like to come by and do that for a fee. He said this whole thing is simply a matter of where you draw the line as to what a Police Department is going to d versus what it is not going to do and allow the private sector to pick up. Mayor Monday noted then Mr. Pipes has enough information with which to write up his policy. Mr. Pits nodded in agreement, somewhat apprehensively. CONSIDER ROCK Consider a request to purchase chip rock from a sole source vendor (White Mines) at $25.81 per ton -- 115,500 to be used for seal coat application in the capital street improvement program Mr. Pipes advised that prior to 1984, there were two sources of P.E. seal coating rock in Texas (White Hines and Azrock). In 1984, he said, White Mines bought out Azrock, and since that time whenever we have taken bids for P.E. precoated chip rock, White Mines has been the only bidder. The Council was advised this year we are looking at using a new type of chip rock that is naturally black tricolor. This rock 1s a very hard lava roc with the only krimm source to be White Mines' Knlppa Plant, he reported. Mr. Pipes said the staff is requesting that we be able to purchase as a single source, 600 tons of this rock at 925.81 per ton delivered or to purchase the same amount of P.E. precoat rock at 926.65 per ton. It was noted last year's price for P.E. rock was 925.70 delivered. Mr. Pipes stated this rock will be used on the streets that were designated to receive a seal coat treatment under the capital street program. The total cost is approximately $15,500, he said, Councilmember Green made the motion to approve of this prchase of chip rock from White Mines at 125.81 per ton or 915,600 for the seal coat application in the capital street improvement program and Councilmember Howard seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER FURNACES AND EVAPORATOR COILS Consider bid No. 87 -17 for installation of four furnaces and evaporator coils for the Municipal Justice Center as replacement units to the low bidder, Beckham 6 Jones Co. in the amount of 95,900 from budgeted funds Mr. Pipes said this is to replace the furnaces in the Police Station that have worn out and are now con- sidered a fire hazard. He recommended approval. Councilmember Bell made the motion to approve of this bid as stated and Councilmember Barrett seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Pipes noted this equipment w.11 replace original furnaces and coils on this building. CONSIDER APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION JUDGE Consider appointment of new election fudge for Precinct 202 to replace Bob Biles City Secretary Ruth DeShaw advised the Council that Dr. Bob Biles has filed for • position on the School Board and therefore. he is not eligible to nerve as an election judge in that same election due to the fact that are holding a joint election with the school district. She suggested the Council appoint in Dr. Biles' place Dr. John Holcombe to nerve as election presiding judge in Precinct 202. Councilmember Green made the m n to approve of this appointment of Dr. Holcombe and Councilmember Bel] seconded the motion. All were i r and the motion passed unanimously. MEDIA INQUIRIES After some questions from the media for clarification of issues acted upon in this meeting, the Mayor then moved on to the City Manager's Report. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Presentations to Steve Davis, Outgoing Councilmember at- large, Position 3 Mr. Gene Pipes, City Manager, then took the opportunity to present some gifts to outgoing Councilmember Steve Davis. He presented him with a portable "Huntsville City Limits" sign so that Dr. Davis could. at his own choosing, move that city limits sign beyond his new residence so that he could again serve on the Council. Mr. Pipes also presented Dr. Davis with a "budget ax," representative of his skill in axing the excesses out of the city's budget during the budget review sessions each year. The ax was signed by all of the members of Council, the mayor, and directors of the city and some staff members. Finally, Dr. Davis performed the tradi- tional ritual of affixing his name plate showing the term of service and office held to the permanent City Hall plaque which hangs in the City Hall Lobby continuously. Mr. Pipes expressed his appreciation to Councilmember Davis, on behalf of the staff, for his fine leadership and sound decision making during his five year tenure on the City Council. CITY SECRETARY'S REPORT City Secretary, Ruth DeShaw, then made her traditional presentation of a scrapbook to Councilmember Davis which was compiled in his honor depicting the highlights of his political life, from the first campaign adver- tisement to activities as a member of Council, ending with his resignation letter. Mrs. DeShaw reported while doing research for the scrapbook, she discovered Councilmember Davis' favorite recipe (as published in the Huntsville Item on September 3, 1983, was "Brennan's Bananas Foster." She then presented to him, on behalf of the administrative staff, an empty ice cream bucket full of bananas along with an ice cream scoop and a bottle of Banana Liqueur so that he could continue to enjoy his favorite desert as a parting gift from the staff; a dessert Councilmember Davis is an expert at preparing. COUNCIL ACTION Farewell Comments Councilmember 0. Eugene Barrett expressed his enjoyment in having worked with Dr. Davis and that he would certainly miss him on the Council, especially being a fellow dentist as they do see a few things alike. He said he has made a resolution to refer more patients to him as a subsidy to compensate for the jris of his big City Council check ($10.00 per meeting). Councilmember Bill Green said he too has enjoyed working with Dr. Davis. He said he decided to spend some time to list some of the things Dr. Davis has accomplished during his five year term on the council and he reported he still does not have anything written on his paper. He said he thought it might help if he looked in Ruth's scrapbook, but there wasn't but one page in there and that was of him taking the oath of office. On a serious note, Councilmember Green admitted the Council would miss Dr. Davis' counsel, advic experience, and all the good things he has done representing our community. He said not only will we miss him, but the community as well as he moves his residence outside the city limits. He said maybe some day we (Huntsville) will be rich enough to annex him, but until then, well miss him. Councilmember Gary Bell said he would like to note for the record that Steve has always been to the right of him. However, he said, this does not have the political connotations one might assume as, in fact, he and Steve agree, much to his surprise, much more often then he would have expected. He said what he means by "right," is that Steve kind of took the "new kid on the block" under his wing and gave him very good advice and very sound insights on how the city is ordered. And most importantly, he said, he advised what to say and what not toc say as the Press is taking notes. Dr. Bell said Dr. Davis has a very sound sense as to when he (Bell) should keep his mouth shut and he has been very good about helping him with that. He said he will also miss Steve tremendously and he will personally miss Steve unusually simply because he ha been sitting to his side and they've been comparing notes and talk about things. He said he appreciates Stev influence in giving him the ability to see the city in an historical perspective and providing him the insights he needed. Councilmember and Mayor Pro tem Jerry Dowling said during their tenure together on the Council, they have not always agreed, but he could safely say that about everybody here (on the Council), but he will certain will be missed. He said anytime someone in public office that has served some period of rime, that loss of experience 1s an unfortunate thing for the population which they serve. He said he hated to see his premature loss from the Council. He felt the city would be worse off for it. He said he hopes that in living at Westridge, with those dogs running loose through his front yard, and the streets crumbling worse than they are on Elmwood, that he'll look back to your time on the City Council and recognize that your living in the city and your service to the city was an important part of your life, a high point of your life, in relationship to the folks down here. He said they are going to miss you and he knew he would mit him during his brief remaining tenure on the Council (April, 1987). Particularly, Dr. Dowling said, the service of Dr. Davis on the ems Board has been an area that is to his credit as the Council, to a very large degree, has deferred to his judgement on and that defference to his judgement has proven to be the proper thing to do time after time. He said that has been one less thing the Council collectively has ha, to worry about. He said he is certainly to be commended in that regard. He wished him good luck in his future endeavors . . . maybe run for county commissioner or something. Mayor Jane Monday expressed her deep appreciation for Steve's time and involvement which was more than ju Tuesday night. She commended him for the very fine service on the Board of Directors of EMS, a pr . ram 0 which the City is extremely proud. She noted Dr. Davis has also served on the personnel committ • as he Sol d W =ste Stud Committee. She noted even thou -h he is leav" • PAGE 848 BOOR "0" MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 17 1987 CITY COUNCIL MEETING knows he will retain his interest in that solid waste program and everything else that we are doing. She felt he would be leaving a part of him with us, especially during budget and all the other times. She said she feel he represents to the City a "Tower of Strength," as he has always spoken his mind and articulated it very well and time and time again it has been very fine judgement. She felt ve need to look a little further than that when we talk about Steve because he is, in his own way, a very fine and outstanding individual. She said in thinking about this, a poem came to mind, which she shared with the Council, entitled "Sermons We See," by Edge A. Guest, as follows: I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day I'd rather one should walk with me then merely show the way The eye is a better pupil and more willing than the ear Fine counsel is confusing but examples always clear And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creed For to see the good in actions is what everybody needs I can soon learn how to do it if you'll let me see it done I can watch your hands in action but your tongue too fast may run And the lectures you deliver may be very wise and true But I'd rather get my lessons by observing what you do For I may understand you and the high advice you give But there 1s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live Mayor Monday said Steve has been that kind of example down here and well miss him. She then presented his a loyal service plaque from the City Council. She noted we let you go with a great deal of regret but with our very best wishes. Carl Voskamp, Director of the Emergency Medical Service Prior to the City Secretary's presentation, Mr. Carl Voskamp, Director of EMS, presented Councilmember Davis a plaque commemorating his service on the Board of Directors of the EMS. He extended his appreciation and thanks for the wisdom and contribution of Dr. Davis as a member of the Board. PARTING COMMENTS Councilmember Stephen E. Davis expressed his thanks to his family for allowing him the time to serve the city every Tuesday night. He thanks the city staff for all of their support. He thanked the citizens of Huntsville for giving him the opportunity to serve on their behalf and he thanked them for their trust. He thanked each of the councilmembers for lending their opinion very honestly and openly. He said one of the things he notice immediately after coming onto the Council is that people could differ but yet be friends and not get angry and this really leads to very open discussion and for people of high quality to run for this office. He said he appreciated the honor to be a part of that. Dr. Davis said we are sometimes asked why we run for City Council and why would one do that. He said he has something in his office that he reads occasionally and he wanted to share that with the Council and thoEo present tonight. He said it is by Ralph Waldo Emerson, as follows: Thank you. To laugh often and much To win the respect of people And the affection of children To earn the appreciation of honest critics And endure the betrayal of false friends To appreciate beauty To find the best in others To leave the world a bit better Whether by a healthy child A garden patch Or redeemed social condition To know even one life is made easier because you lived This is to have succeeded. ADJOURNMENT The Council then adjourned to the conference room for a reception for Councilmember Davis and his family. [fully submitted, L Ruth DeShaw, City Secretary February 17, 1987 9 1