MIN CC 03/24/1987MIMUTES or THE MUMTSVILLE CITY comm. MEETING MELD ON. U ,.4 1 $7 IM THE CITY mu c00MCIL
CHAMBERS, LOCATED AT 1212 AVENUE M IN THE CITT MALL, CITT OF MUNTSVILLE, ODONTT OP WALKER, TEXAS AT 6:45 P.M.
The Council met in regular session with the following members present:
Jane Monday, Mayor
0. Eugene Barrett
Gary Bell
Jerry L. Dowling
Ila G. Gaines
William B. Green
Percy Howard, Jr.
City Officers Present:
Gene Pipes, City Manager
Scott Bounds, City Attorney
Ruth DeShaw, City Secretary
ATTENDING CITIZENS
Brian P. Woodward, 125 Pine Valley, Huntsville, Texas, 295 -9495
Mr. Woodward made the following address:
"As you know, I appear here on very rare occasions, always in the state of agitation, usually concerned with
infringements on rights of real estate and property owners, all burdens that are imposed on developers and people
wishing to bring economic development to the city. In response, the Council has always assured me that it is thei
best intention that we have economic development and that no real impediment was being placed in the way of
developers. Today 1 have received a statement which states that Council apparently has an unwritten agenda. I'd
like to distribute it to you if I may. (Distributes) According to the statement, which is just the portion in
yellow, we won't comment on the rest of the statement, it appears that the effect of the subdivision restrictions
and other requirements of the City, were intended in actual fact to make development cost prohibitive. I'd appre-
ciate Council's comments on that."
Mayor Monday noted that her response would be that having received something with only ten seconds notice
that she would particularly like an opportunity to read it, look at it in context, and respond to him at a later
date. She then asked any other members of Council if they would like to respond to Mr. Woodward.
Brian Woodward said it certainly deserves a response, he thought. Mayor Monday said she would be delighted
to respond to it but she would like a chance to read it. Mr. Woodward said it is just one paragraph. Mayor
Monday asked if there were any other questions from the Council and there being none, she advised Mr. Woodward
the response would be made at another time.
The statement to which Mr. Woodward requested a response, is excerpted from Councilmember Gary Bell's cam-
paign letter (March, 1987), as follows: . . . We did, however, compromise on "performance zoning ". Under this
approach it is not illegal to build, for example, a convenience store next to your hose or apartment, but to
do so, it must meet so any special requirements— adequate parking, buffer zones between you and it, noise abate-
ment criteria, and upgrading of street and sewer facilities- -that in actual fact it becomes cost prohibitive. ". .
(Underlining as highlighted by Mr. Woodward.)
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Monday then called the formal session open. Reverend Ron Sumter presented the invocation, as follows:
"Let us pray. Our Father, once again, we thank you for this expression of government, our
City Council. It reflects the human dignity and intelligence whereby the honor of the
creation is carried out. And more in particular, we honor Councilman Jerry Dowling, who
has given so selfishly of his time and of his mind these years. We further acknowledge
that his gift to us has been made possible in part by the patience and encouragement of
his family. Kathy, Jared and Colin. May he be blessed by his memory of serving our
community. And now Lord of all Creation, help us to get on with the business of the
Council. Let this Council speak with wisdom, to sound what is truly upon their hearts
and the agenda and may they seek honor in this position as servants of Jesus Christ
Our Lord. Amen."
CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
Councilmember Barrett made the motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of March 17, 1987 and Council-
member Howard seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously.
CONSIDER BIDS
Consider bid No. 87 -24 for the annual chlorine contract to Jones Chemical in the amount of $19.25 cot for use in
the Utilities Department, to be paid from budgeted funds
Mr. Gene Pipes presented the staff's recommendation to award the bid to the lowest bid meeting specifications
submitted by Jones Chemical for 119.25 per 100 pounds. He advised this is the annual contract for purchasing one
ton cylinders of chlorine for the water plants and sewer plants in the divisions of Water Production, A. J. Brown
Treatment Plant and the N. B. Davidson Treatment Plant. Funds for these purchases, he said, are available in the
5207 chemical account in each division. Councilmember Howard made the motion to approve of this bid as described
above and Councilmember Barrett seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously.
Consider bid Ho. 86 -9 -1 for lift station standby power to McCaffety Electric in the amount of $35,733 to be paid
from Utilities C.I.P. funds, as planned
Mr. Pipes, City Manager, presented the staff's recommendation that this contract be awarded to McCaffety
Electric in the amount of $35,733 for standby power for the South College Farm Lift Station (Project No. 86 -9 -1).
Councilmember Dowling made the motion to approve of this bid as outlined and Councilmember Howard seconded the
motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Consider budget amendment to authorize 12,750 expenditure for July 4 fireworks display.
Mr. Pipes advised the Council this item was to have been brought back for consideration during the mid -term
budget adjustments, but it had not been. He then proposed the Council consider authorizing funds for the program
to be paid from the reserve for future allocation in the general fund. He said while funds are available for it,
the question is whether the Council wishes to continue the eleven year tradition of July 4 fireworks displays pro-
vided and paid for by the City of Huntsville and shot by Dr. Jerry Etheredge. -
Councilmember Sell indicated he feels this activity is a very important part of the quality of lift of &untsville
Cwncilmsmber Sell then made the motion to approve of $2,750 for the July 4, 1187 fireworks display and Council -
membar &word seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously.
MAYOR'S IMPORT
Planning Commission Vacancy
Mayor Monday noted pending the results of the election. there will be a vacancy on the Planning Commission
(Bill Enotts, candidate for Ward 2). She asked the Council to be thinking of nominations to fill that position
the Commission.
Council Committees
Mayor Monday also advised the Councilmembers that since there will be a turn over on the Council, there will
necessarily be a realigning of the council committees (personnel, audit, etc.). She said if a Councilmember is
interested in a particular committee. she would like to be so advised before she makes these new appointments
as it would be possible to switch or stay on a particular committee.
RECESS TO WORK SESSION
Presentation and review of the Ravenvood Resort Project (hotel, conference center, office building and retire-
ment center) by Messers. Tom Crider and Jim Blake of Real Estate Concepts.
A tape recording of this presentation is on file in the City Secretary's office. The news release related
to this project is reproduced below:
"Huntsville, Texas- -March 24. 1987. After nearly a year of negotiations with local business, civic and
political leaders, Real Estate Concepts, Inc. has announced its plans to develop 189.7 acres on Huntsville's
vest side. The real estate consulting and management firm based in Austin. Texas, is the managing partner and
project manager for the proposed RAVENWOOD RESORT. To be located on the west frontage of IH 45, immediately
south of State Highway 30, the project's master plan includes residential and mixed commercial uses. as well as,
substantial parklands and green space.
The master plan has been submitted to the City of Huntsville as a preliminary land plan. That plan was
approved by the City's planning commission after several months of cooperative effort between numerous members
of the City's planning, engineering, traffic and utility departments and the developer's architects and engineers.
Upon incorporation of the plan, utilities and traffic circulation will be greatly improved on the vest side of
the city.
"Upon completion, RAVENWOOD RESORT 1s expected to house over 2,000 petianent residents. Medium to high
density residential development will be designed as an adult community, catering to persons over age 55. The
31.4 acres of comercial lands will include specialty retail and professional office space.
"As part of the first phase, which is expected to break ground in late 1987, the developer will acquire 15
acres of the commercial lands and will build 22.77 acres of public parklands and 5.08 acres of roadways. This
phase will establish utilities and primary streets necessary to develop the remaining acreage. The 15 acres
will house a multi -use, high rise center vbich should be completed in late 1988 to Spring of 1989.
"The center, which will be known as RAVENWOOD CENTER, is expected to offer over 300,000 square feet of
luxury office space, specialty retail, attached housing, hotel and conference center. The dominant feature will
be an eight story tower which will house RAVENWOOD INN, a 150 room. suite -style hotel. Also located in the towe
will be approximately 23.500 square feet of conference space.
The conference space will be donated to a non - profit "Tourist Commission" which will operate the conference
facility and promote tourism within Walker County. As proposed, the commission will utilize a professional
management company to operate the conference facility. The "Tourist Commission" will begin in late 1987. It
111 promote conferences and seminars and sell services for all area businesses. The Chamber of Commerce has
committed to work with Real Estate Concepts, Inc., in developing the conference center and to pursue the concept
in its entirety, but has not made a financial commitment.
"Parkland. which will be developed by RAVENWOOD CENTER and donated to the City of Huntsville, will include
a nine hole "chip b putt" golf course, jogging trails and botanical gardens. A small, adjoining tract of
undeveloped parkland, already belonging to the City, will also be a part of the park development.
"Projected to cost over $15 million, the project will generate over 30,000 visitors annually. and upon
completion is expected to employ approximately 200 professional and unskilled workers."
(Architecture /planning /interior design: The Parker Croston /Lackey Blake Partnership, Inc., 6448 Highway
290 East, Building B 113. Austin. Texas 78723 12/15/86.)
FORMAL MEETING RECONVENED
Media Inquiries
Mr. J. D. Dickinson of KENE noted when the Council met in December, the presentation vas made for • concept
of tax abatement for a separate conference center. Drawings were presented for • two story W. S. Gibbs Confer-
ence Center, he said. Mr. Dickinson said it was his understanding at that time this $2.5 million dollar facility
was going to be given to the community in lieu of the tax abatement as a part of it. He said this week, John
Reynolds, Chamber of Commerce Hoard Chairman, said he feels since the concept has changed now that the tax abate -
ent concept deals are all off. He asked the Mayor if she takes that position. Mayor Monday said she does not.
at this particular time, take that position. She said they will be looking at the tax abatement issue based on
a number of things, including, not only the gift of the conference center and she didn't know a dollar estimate
on that, but also in looking at this as an overall package of industry coming to town with a $15 million base,
200 jobs, revenues to be gained from sales tax, etc. Shesaid the Council has not made a commitment yet, but when
the whole package is finalized with the Tourist Commission, it will then be brought back to the City and the oche
entities and each will have to evaluate the particulars at that time.
(NEXT PAGE FOR COUNCIL ACTION)
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COUNCIL, ACTION
0. Eugene Barrett
Councilmember Barrett said he has some famous near quotes from the Mayor Pro tem Jerry Dowling. He said
on many occasions we have heard him say, "I have just three things, number one: Mr. Pipes, it has come to my
attention that we have had another tidal wave on Avenue I and flooded some care; number two: I hate to keep
beating the proverbial equine, but something has got to be done about the battlefield mine holes and the removal
of the railroad tracks on same street; number three: I've forgotten what it vas, but be sure to come back to me.
Councilmember Barrett said, seriously: "Jerry, we on City Council will need a letter from you to take home to
our spouses as to why we are getting home two hours earlier after you leave." He said he can truthfully nay the
Jerry cannot be replaced on the City Council and that he would miss him.
Ila C. Gaines
Councilmember Gaines said one of the things she noticed when she came on the council was that she and Jerry
got to share the wastebasket. She said she has noticed tonight that there is no wastebasket at all as it has
already been removed. (Jerry said his influence has waned already.) Seriously, Councilmember Gaines said it
has really been a pleasure to sit at his right this year. She said she has prepared a certificate to present to
him. She then read: "Presented to Jerry Dowling in recognition of his outstanding ability to extend City Counc
Meetings with a simple phrase: 'It seems to me . . , presented this 24th day of March, 1987."
William B. Green
Councilmember Green said it is difficult for him to say nice things about Jerry. He said he is not sure
why that is the case, but he is going to be different tonight and he is going to say something nice. He said
when he came on the Council, one thinks that one has a great deal of insight into issues often or one wouldn't
be here and he found out very quickly that in his case, his knowledge and background was much less than he per-
ceived it to be and he found that he looked to Councilmember Dowling much more than he ever expected to look
to him for history and for insight and for perspective that he never could see himself. He said for himself,
he can truly say that he is going to miss the insight, background, knowledge and the breadth and broadness of
perception that he (Dowling) has given to the Council on issues from catching dogs to Motorola radios to Avenue
I and all kinds of things that history does not tell them about unless they have someone to really turn to. He
said he truly will miss Dowling and the Council is going to be sorely lacking without him.
Gary Bell
Councilmember Bell said in the great tradition of Jerry Dowling, he has just three things to give him.
First of all, he said, he stopped by Avenue I to pick up some of it (holds up a bag of black pavement chips)
to give him. He said this (bag) constitutes about 13 percent. He said Jerry may want to replace part of this,
but he felt he should keep at least a parcel of it as a momento of Huntsville memorabelia. Secondly, he said,
when he came on the City Council, one of the phrases which stuck most endearingly and enduringly on his mind
is Jerry's phrase about the low water pressure in his district and how the people had to run around in the shove
to get wet. He said he worried about that for two years -- people running around in showers - -he has been contem-
plating that. He said a solution occurred to him this last week. He said the Fire Department has a chemical
that makes water wetter in fighting fires. So, he said, what he thought we might do is take some of this chemic
and he has picked up some from the Fire Department, and let Jerry test it. He suggested Jerry fill his bathtub
half full and then pour this in about where his rubber duckie sits and then if it works, it would be his pro-
posal that the City add this to the Ward Two mater supply and thereby enhance the available water they have and
probably save them 50% of the running they have to do. Councilmember Dowling said there are those who would
contend it would also improve the quality. And finally, Councilmember Bell said, he has picked up on one of
Dowling's characteristics as others have; he has collected a dictionary of small words, short phrases and little
ideas so the next time Jerry holds public office, his colleagues will see a 50% reduction in the minutes. He
then presented these three items to Councilmember Dowling. He also said, moreover, that he greatly appreciates
Dowling's insight, his intelligence, and above all, his perseverence in the cause of the betterment of Huntsvill
He then thanked him.
Percy Howard, Jr.
Councilmember Howard said there are people that we just let go. We just say goodbye and they go, he said.
He said there are other people that you kinda hold on to. He said in seeing that everybody is somewhat attached
to the phrases that Dr. Dowling has given here; he has gone to the Criminal Justice Building where he plans
to set up a little office down the corridor and maybe seek some of the knowledge and influence Dr. Dowling
can so very well give. He said the other day, though, when he was driving to Houston, he made kind of a boggle
and his wife leaned over and told him he takes all sorts of chances and she thought she should be riding with
somebody else. He said he suggested she be quiet as she is not hurt yet. He then produced a huge box that he
wanted to use to see if Dr. Dowling is a gambler and whether be will take chances in opening this box. He said
there is one little statement on it that says "Don't Open," and the other one says "Go Ahead." He said so if
Dr. Dowling will just take a chance . . . Councilmember Dowling said the one on top says "Beer" too. Council-
member Howard said maybe that is what is inside. Councilmember Dowling said it does not appear to be ticking
nor is it large enough to have to feed it. (Councilmember Dowling then ceremoniously opened the box, only to
find another box, inside of another box, inside of another box, etc., until finally a small box emerged. He
found a very fine tie as a gift from the other side of the bench, on which Councilmember Howard sits.) While
opening the series of boxes, Councilmember Dowling noted "his mamma didn't raise no fool," and "now I know how
we extended the life of the landfill," among other barbs.
Ruth DeShaw, City Secretary
City Secretary, Ruth DeShav then addressed Councilmember Dowling, as follows: "To use some of your own
words, Dr. Dowling, it strikes me that you have been down here a long time. And, as you well know, over the
last eight years, we've pulled out some of the same horses to flog numerous and sundry times. But you were
always there to give us a piece of your philosophy- -many pieces- -and often you posed a side not yet considered.
You were always quick to advise us when the proverbial camel's nose was in the wrong tent. We could be assured
that if we were about to go off on a tangent of some sort, you would always steady the troups back on course
with you practical observations and judgements. Although there have been some who thought your contributions
made the meetings longer than they should have been, you were interested in trotting out all the sides to be
aired publicly and the minutes of the city and your scrapbook reflect those times. Also, it seems to be that
you remarked one time, not long ago, that you would really like to have a copy of an old photograph that we
had reproduced during a recent reception and so I have taken it upon myself to reproduce for you the photograph
of "A posse in front of the Jail." That is the only caption to it that we have. I don't even have a year on it
but now that you will soon be off the City Council, that could be part of your research to find a date for the
photo. Also, I have an album that I would like to present to you that sort of covers some of the highlights of
your public life.
se Pipe., City Musser
Mr. Gene Pipes said the phraseology 1s the key to any good politician and Jerry's ability to speak his mind
clsirly, concisely, coherently is almost alvey. preceded by the one single phrase: it strikes me." He said
it strikes all of us and it has struck all of us for eight years. And. he said, as we are all familiar with t
■ymbol of the City of Huntsville —the pine tree, a double shaft, very abstract. its on the wall and graces this
building and has been the city's symbol for some time. We decided, he said, that the phrase that Dr. Dowling
has so adroitly employed ought to be permanently emblazoned on our minds. So, he said, the staff has taken it
upon itself to emblazen an ax handle similar to the one that a certain gubernatorial candidate of Georgia used r
hand out at campaigns. Mr. Pipes presented Councilmember Devlin* with an ax handle with a bolt of lighting,
splitting the City pine tree in half emblazoned on it along with the words "It Strikes Me
Mr. Pipes said the staff has another presentation for Councilmember Dowling. He said Dr. Dowling came on
the Council with a very strong expertise in the field of law enforcement and of course his service to the
llniversity in the Department of Criminology, and he has an extensive background in police work and his interest
in the City of Huntsville Police Department was very obvious from early on from his service on the City Council.
Hank Eckhardt, Jr., Police Chief, then made the presentation. Chief Eckhardt said on behalf of the Police
Department, he wanted to show its appreciation for Dr. Dowling's leadership and expertise that he gave the
Council over hie eight years here. He then presented him with a framed HPD official shoulder patch and a police
supervisor's badge.
Councilmember Dowling then affixed his tenure plate to the permanent City Hall plaque to be displayed in th
lobby. Gene Pipes then presented facuimilfe copies of the 1845 and 1852 City Charters to Councilmember Dowling.
Jane Monday, Mayor
Jane Monday said it is really hard to summarize what Jerry has meant to the City Council over the last
eight years. She made the following statement: "I would like to tell you what he has meant to me. I was look-
ing for a quote this morning as I read through a couple of things and I found one that I thought fit Jerry very
well. It simply says that a greet man is what he is because he was what he was. And Jerry has done just that.
He has always been who he was through eight years that he has been down here. He has never veered off his
convictions. He stood tall and true to each of them. Many of you here tonight have been represented by him.
We are all going to miss his strong voice of representation. Also, ve are going to miss his analytical mind.
He could always address an issue from every angle and put issues into perspective and that talent will be missed.
5o tonight, Jerry, we want to say thank you for the many hours that you spent contributing to Huntsville's
welfare. I would like to take a personal opportunity to thank Jerry for being my right arm these last few years.
He has been a strong Mayor Pro tem and I've turned to him time and time again -- lots of times at 7 :00 A.M. in
the morning. He has been a great assistance to me and to the city throughout."
Mayor Monday then presented Dr. Dowling with a green T -shirt with the words "Jerry Dowling, Mayor Pro tem"
on the front in white letters, as a memento for the times when he had to stand in for the Mayor at various
functions; one time during which ne had to receive a similar T -shirt for the Mayor. Mayor Monday also pre-
sented him with a City of Huntsville belt buckle and a City of Huntsville cap. Mayor Monday then presented
the City Council plaque to Jerry Dowling which commemorates his eight years as City Councilmember for Ward
Two 1979 -1987 and Mayor Pro tem 1986 -1987.
Mayor Monday then recognized former City Councilmembers in the audience; B111 Hodges (former Mayor Pro tem
and at -large Councilmember); Goree McGlothen (former Ward Three Councilmember); and Steve Davis (former City
Councilmember -at- large, Pos. 3). Steve Davis commented that it is his experience that "they forget you quick,"
noting that he came to City Hall the next day after he resigned and found his name tag was already gone from his
desk. He said Jerry "put the form in reform; the bait in debate, and he also put the "p" in repeat."
Jerry Dowling, response
Councilmember and Mayor Pro tem Dowling then made the following response: "There is slot one could say,
but I won't, Jane. I would start by certainly thanking a bunch of folks, not the least of which starting with
my family, my rife Katherine, my son Jared and my son Colin. He said you can tell when your children are sup-
portive when they'll put on a tie to come. I certainly wouldn't be here without them. My wife made the first
81.00 filing fee. The other people I would certainly thank - -I served with three Mayors, only danced with one of
them; I served with three City Managers and didn't dance with any of them, nor do 1 intend to; one City Secretar
Mrs. DeShaw, who may be the one constant down here; innumerable City Attorneys, Mr. Bounds, for what that por-
tends; and a wide variety of fellow councilmembers and I did not bother to count how many but there has been
about one complete turn over sins- I've been down here. They tend to finish and move to Elkins Lake or some
place. I'm not doing that. To all of them I thank for their help; the city staff and department heads that
I've worked with over the years I've found most cooperative and most committed to the city, I thank; and
certainly to the voters of Ward Two who have seen fit four times to have me spend my Tuesday nights down here
—I don't what they are doing on Tuesday nights with me down here, but I thank them. I will simply say two
things, Gene. One to the people with whom I've worked on the council and the ■gaff -I have on occasion found
myself on the short end of 7 -2 votes and Dr. Bell is going to find himself on the short end of 8 -1 votes now.
To them I would simply say that I have tried to disagree without being disagreeable and I don't apologise for
disagreeing, but I do apologize if I've ever been disagreeable. One of the marvels of our democracy is the
ability to vote your conscious, state your peace, and go out and have a cup of coffee with the fellow whose
vote you've just cancelled. That would be the one thing. The other thing would simply be a word of advice
which, I guess, is the prerogative of all outgoing Councilmembers —a word of advice to those that remain behind
and those that are coming .board- -and that simply is that never forget when you are down here on Tuesday nights,
you represent those 25,122 folks out there within the corporate limits of the City of Huntsville. You are
representing them as people. people who are bound together in a social compact, and sometimes- -this is • fine
distinction -- sometimes what is good for the citizens in the city may not necessarily be the same thing that's good
for the City as a beauracratic entity. I would simply caution you to always err in favor of the citizen as
opposed to the governmental entity. I will miss you all certainly and I bid you good luck.
RECEPTION IN COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM.
ADJOURNMENT