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MIN CC 02/07/1984MINUTES OF THE HUNTSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 7TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 1984 IN THE CiTY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, LOCATED AT 1212 AVENUE M IN THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, COUNTY OF WALKER, TEXAS AT 7:00 P.M. The Council met in regular session with the following members present: William V. Nash, Mayor Murray A. Brown Larry Corley Stephen E. Davis Jerry L. Dowling Bill Hodges Percy Howard, Jr. Jane Monday Bob Tavenner The meeting was called to order by the Honorable William V. Nash, Mayor. The invocation was presented by Pastor Dennis Luckey of the New Life Christian Fellowship. CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING Councilmember Monday made the motion to approve of the minutes of January 31 and Councilmember Corley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. ATTENDING CITIZENS Sarah Nix and Sharon Hulings to present to the City, on behalf of Educational Film Strips, a 24 -unit Purple Martin House for erection on the City Hall grounds. Mrs. Hulings presented the green and white aluminum Purple Martin House to the Council in commemoration of Bird Awareness Week and the city's designation as a bird sanctuary. She noted it is a gift from Educational Film Strips (George Russell) to the City. The Mayor and Council expressed their appreciation to her for the thoughtful gift, noting it would be placed in the Town Creek Park area behind the City Hall for all to enjoy. Dr. Mary Frances Park, Chairman of the Planning Commission, to report on their meeting of February 6, 1984. Dr. Park advised the Council that the Planning Commission reviewed the preliminary plat for Vanderbilt Hills, which is a commercial lot of two acres out of a ten acre tract belonging to Ray Hankamer, located behind t e Exxon Station at I -45 and Hwy 75 -S (near Goree). She noted it was conditionally approved. The Council was also advised that a preliminary plat for Sarkis Addition, Sec. 1 on Roan's Ferry Road was given conditional approval. She noted this was submitted by Charles Sarkis which is a little over two acres of land adjacent to Carl Matthews ;property. Dr. Park told the Council the final plat of the Sarkis Addition, Sec. 1 was presented at the same time and disapproved by the Commission in order to allow the developer and staff more time to determine the availability of water to the site. The Council was advised that the Commission reviewed the Central Business District Report and on February 20, the Commission will review the recommendations regarding this report. She noted it is anti- cipated the Commission will complete their review by March. Mr. Joel Jeffcote, GSU Manager, to discuss GSU rate increase proposal Mayor Nash introduced Mr. Jeffcote. The Mayor advised the Council that the City has traditionally referred rate increase requests to the Public Utility Commission and taking no action locally until the PUC has made their review and determination. He noted this item is on the agenda, not for a public hearing at this time, but is there for the purpose of receiving information relative to a proposed rate increase which will be pursued by GSU through the PUC. He noted as a matter of record, GSU must go to each City Council to advise them of this request. Mr. Jeffcote noted his intention in appearing before the Council I5 to try to get the City to take some action regarding the rate increase which has been filed with all of the municipalities in Texas on January 6. He noted this rate increase is proposed to be a two step rate increase. He said the first step is for $161.2 million for a 27.8 percent increase in the company's revenues. He noted this covers construction work in progress (additions to the Nuclear Plant being built north of Baton Rouge, Louisiana - -GSU requests permissipn to put an additional portion of that Nuclear Plant into the rate base - -the largest single item under this first step rate ,increase) He noted in September of 1983, GSU included into its generation facilities "Big Cajun II, Unit 3" near New Roads,Louisiana, of which GSU owns approximately 40 percent share of that power plant; this totals $14,600,000 of this first step rate increase. He noted the third factor in this first step rate increase is return on additional rate base covering such additions as poles, transformers, and normal business expenses incurred due to growth; this totals $22,600,000. He noted fuel costs of $10,000,000 are anticipated, under the new guidelines from the PUC, in 1984 in addition to what was projected. Also, he said, secondary to that is fuel expense recovery. He said the fuel costs filed with the PUC last September, due to the changes in the PUC and the way that fuel adjustments are handled, caused GSU to "under- recover" its actual fuel costs. He noted this rate increase requests to make up this difference; this totals $12,800,000. He noted payroll and other operational expenses add another $13,400,000. He said depreciation and amortization cover $25,900,000 for a grand total of the first step rate increase of $161.2 million. The second step of the rate increase, Mr. Jeffcote reported, is for $264.6 million to cover fuel and 'purchase power it would take to replace a long term gas contract GSU has had with Exxon for the past 20 years. He noted the fuel costs alone will be $234,100,000. He noted the purchase power will be $34,100,000 and there will be $3,600,000's in adjustments netted out of that for the $264.6 million. Mr. Jeffcote noted the handling of the fuel, and the reason for the second step can be explained. He said this rate increase would not normally be this large, nor would it be handled in two steps. He advised that in '1983, the PUC was reorganized and restructured under Governor White. He said a study was made of the fuel 'adjustment on customer's bills to come up with a new way of calculating that cost and a new way of having cus- tomers pay for it. He noted the formula the PUC developed is that utility companies would file with the PUC each year what their anticipated fuel costs would be for the next.year. He said those had to be approved by the PUC before they could be put into effect; thereby, the customer would receive the same fuel cost each month and dit would actually become a part of the basic rate. He noted the Exxon contract expires January 1, 1985. He said for the past 20 years, approximately one -half of GSU's generation has cane from this Exxon gas which it has �received at 23t per million BTU's. He noted current market price for natural gas runs somewhere around $3.50 to $4 00 per million BTU's. He noted GSU has a big task in replacing this gas which it will lose in January of 1985. He noted in anticipation of losing this contract, GSU is constructing a 500 KVAtie with the Southern Companies, which is a conglomerate of utility companies in the Southeast (Mississippi Power and Light, Alabama Power and Light, etc), who have an excess coal fired generation capacity. He noted GSU entered into a contract with them (construction underway now) for a 500 KVAline by GSU's Bit-, to the East to tie with them. He MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 7, 1984 -- BOOK "N" -- PAGE 377 noted GSU will be receiving approximately 550 megawatts from them of cheaper, coal -based power. He noted the New P,oads,Louisiana plant is also coal- fired. He noted in 1983 GSU put into operation its own coal -fired plant near Lake Charles, Louisiana. He noted all of these things should minimize the impact of the increased gas costs that will have to be purchased next year. Questions from the Council and Those in Attendance Councilmember Monday asked if the cost will be equalized between Texas and Louisiana and how this will work regarding the cost delivered to each state in itself and to the recipients within those states & will there be any alternate usage programs provided whereby some of the customers are offered the alternative of cutting their bill by using power during certain time periods? // Mr. Jeffcote said there is a differenoebetween Texas and Louisiana's rates of about $10.00 per thousand killowatt hours. He noted in 1983 GSU filed with the Louisiana PUC a rate increase which was denied, plus this PUC recommended that the existing rates be reduced by a million dollars -- contrary to the testimony presented to them. He noted GSU, in turn, is filing another rate increase in March of 1984 and a suit is being prepared against this PUC in Louisiana as GSU feels they were negligent is not granting this increase. He noted, in general, however, that in the past GSU's rates have been higher than in Texas, but right now that is not the case. He said the Louisiana PUC does not allow construction work in progress in their rates but the Texas PUC has, historically, allowed construction work in progress to be included in Texas rates. He noted because of Louisiana's PUC regulations, when the Nuclear Plant being built north of Baton Rouge, Louisiana goes on line at the end of 1985, the full cost of this plant, over a one - night's period, will suddenly become a part of their rate base - -a dramatic effect on those customer's bills. He noted also that the Louisiana PUC has historically subsidized residential rates through their industrial customers and this has impacted their industrial group to an extent as their industrial rates are higher than they are in Texas. He noted this should give you some idea of why there could be a difference in the two states' rates. // Mr. Jeffcote noted in regard to alternatives on the bill, GSU proposes in this rate increase the inclusion of time -of -day rates for residential customers. This will give customers the choice of being on GSU's standard residential rates or a time -of -day rate which will necessitate the installation of a special meter at their location which will have two different sets of dials; one of which measures off -peak usage and one to measure on -peak usage; the on -peak cost will be roughly 232 per kw hour and the off -peak cost will be roughly 5 -62 per kw hour. He notes this special rate requires a dramatic change in lifestyle in order to benefit from this particular rate and to realize maximum benefit of it, the cus- tomer should stay on it for 12 months; to get out of this special rate system after 3 months would cost $30.00. Mr. Jeffcote noted the average rate costs, as a comparison to the rate quoted above, would be $14.10 per month customer charge (minimum charge) and the on -peak costs would be 21.232 per kw hour and the off -peak costs would be billed at 5.762 per kw hour (summer rates - May - October). He noted the winter rates -- November - April, on -peak costs would be 13.182 per kw hour and the off -peak costs would be 5.762 per kw hour. He noted on -peak hours in the winter would be 6:00 A.M., 10:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. Councilmember Dowling asked what the normal summer rate will be. Mr. Jeffcote said under the first step rate increase, customers would be paying somewhere in the neighborhood of 102 per kw hour and after the second step, if granted in its entirety, customers will be pay 12.852 per kw hour. Councilmember Hodges asked if we have a higher commercial than residential rate and whether this is an historical matter. Mr. Jeffcote noted the PUC has, in the past, been working on getting each rate class in Texas to pay its own way. He noted we are not there yet, but we are very close and with this rate increase we will be very close. Councilmember Monday asked if "fixed income" rates were being addressed. Mr. Jeffcote said they have not addressed this item in their rate structure, noting GSU feels this is a social issue that should be addressed by the public at large. He noted they are still working with the "Project Care" program, and the helpline has started which has really assisted alot of folks locally that are having problems. He noted GSU works with customers, offering them extended payment plans, etc. He noted some funds have come from the state to all the counties for energy assistance, and they have tried to make their customers aware of this. Councilmember Monday asked what effect the nuclear plant, coming on line in 1985, will have on our rates. Mr. Jeffcote noted nuclear power plants are more expensive for the first 13 years than would a coal fired plant be during that period of time, however, for the remaining 17 years, the nuclear power plant will more than make up the difference of cost in savings to the customers. Mr. Jeffcote noted the biggest impact on Texas customers will be this year with the rate increase being presented right now. He noted after this year and after the nuclear plant gets on line, although we might not see a moratorium on rate increases, we should certainly see, perhaps, longer periods of time between increases and a gradual softening of the need for increasing rates across the board. Councilmember Hodges asked what this rate increase will do to the average 2000 kw per month bill. Mr. Jeffcote noted his December bill this year was $303.00 for 4600 kw and if both steps of this rate increase are put into effect, the cost will go to 12.852 per kw hour this same 4600 kw will cost me $610.00 on January 1, 1985. Mr. Jeffcote noted GSU has approximately 575,000 customers system -wide, 265,000 in Texas. He noted each state stands wholely on its own regarding its rate increase; Texas does not subsidize Louisiana and Louisiana does not subsidize Texas, noting each state stands on its own merit with that particular PUC in each state. Mr. Jeffcote noted that fuel costs are really not a cost that you can reduce; noting that the largest portion of this rate increase, both steps, 67 percent of it is fuel and purchasing power. He noted we will probably not see any more 20 year fuel contracts. He noted GSU has five or six natural gas contractors under contract for natural gas supplies, but none of them are long term contracts as these cannot be found these days in the industry. He noted coal or nuclear are really the only alternatives Utility companies have today as far as energy generation; new gas powered plants were disallowed by the federal government in 1978. Mr. Jeffcote noted, in answer to Councilmember Dowling's questions, that GSU does anticipate purchasing power from SWEPCO and TRA plant on Lake Livingston. Mr. Jeffcote noted they have already constructed a line tying GSU to SWEPCO in 1982 to their new Grimes substation west of Huntsville. He noted this possibility is there if we need it. Councilmember Brown noted the Texas 2000 Commission says East Texas is going to double by the year 2000 and where are we in energy by the year 2000? Mr. Jeffcote indicated there should be enough energy for that number if GSU can get the rate increase it requests. He noted he personally sees a growth of lignite powered plants in East Texas within the next 10 -15 years and there will probably be quite a number by the year 2000. Mayor Nash then called an end to the questioning and advised Mr. Jeffcote that the City will be taking this under advisement. The Council then recessed for five minutes] AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT Presentation of the 1982 -1983 fiscal year financial report by the Audit Committee: Councilmembers Corley (Chair- man), Tavenner, Howard and Brown and Mr. John Reynolds, Breidenthal & Reynolds Mayor Nash then presented this item and introduced Councilmember Corley, Chairman of this Committee, to present the report of the Committee. Councilmember Corley asked that the auditor, Mr. John Reynolds, review the report prior to his summation. Mr. John Reynolds noted his firm has rendered an "unequalified" opinion, meaning there were no qualifications taken to the report. Mr. Reynolds noted his firm has audited the Community Development Block Grant and has found everything in good order. He then reviewed with the Council his recommendations in the Management Letter, for lyear ended September 30, 1983. In reviewing the salient features of this letter, Councilmember Dowling noted that the adequacy of the accounting records for general fixed assets is included in the recommendations of the ;auditors. He noted he would hope that these records will be so implemented and improved that this item will not appear in the auditor's management letter next year. He asked that this be noted for the record. In the dis- cussion of the Municipal Court fines in the management letter, Mayor Nash said to include an item on the monthl,� ;police report entitled "warrants issued and warrants served," so that this item can be more closely monitored. Councilmember Corley, Chairman of the Audit Committee, noted three areas in which procedures should be reviewed and those are at the Library, Municipal Court and in the permits and licensing division. He noted while there are no great problems here, the efficiency of the accounting should be improved. He commended the auditor for the fine report. He recommended, on behalf of the Audit Committee, that the Council accept the audit report and the management letter from Breidenthal & Reynolds. Councilmember Brown made the motion to accept the Audit Report and letter and Councilmember Hodges seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER FINANCIAL REPORTS Consider the Quarterly Budget Report and Adjustments and First Quarter Tax Reports. Councilmember Corley made the motion to approve the quarterly budget report for the month ending December 31, 1983, the budget adjustments for the quarter ending December 31, 1983 and Monthly Tax Reports for October, November and December, 1983 and Councilmember Monday seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously CONSIDER ORDINANCE Consider Ordinance No. 84 -7 approving claim and delivery of certificates of obligation in the amount of $50,502 for the engineering design computer, as budgeted in FY 1982 -1983. Mayor Nash presented this ordinance, the caption of which is as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 84 -7 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING CLAIM AND DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION; AND CONTAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATED HERETO. Councilmember Brown made the motion to approve of Ordinance No. 84 -7 and Councilmember Corley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. Consider Award of C. 0. Bid on Interest Rates, Received for the Above Item (Ordinance No. 84 -7). Mr. Pipes then presented the bids received on the C. O. for the engineering design computer, as follows: 8.70 % John Henry Neiderhofer 9.50% Huntsville National Bank Mr. Pipes noted the interest over the four year period of this C.O. would be $10,984, for a total of $61,486.19 total. Councilmember Brown made the motion to issue the C. 0. to the low bidder, John Henry Neiderhofer in the amount of 8.70 percent interest and Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER ORDINANCE Consider Ordinance No. 84 -8 Calling General Officers Election for the Four at -large Council Positions for April 7, 1984, as Prescribed by the City Charter and Applicable State Law. Mayor Nash then presented this ordinance, the caption of which is as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 84 -8 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS, ORDERING A MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE 7TH DAY OF APRIL, 1984, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING FOUR COUNCILMEMBERS FROM THE RESPECTIVE AT -LARGE POSITIONS ONE, TWO, THREE AND FOUR; PROVIDING FOR ELECTION OFFICERS; DESIGNATING THE PLACES AND MANNER OF HOLDING SAID ELECTION; AND PROVIDING FOR THE POSTING AND PUBLICATION OF NOTICE. Councilmember Monday made the motion to adopt Ordinance No. 84 -8 and Councilmember Corley seconded the motion. Discussion: Councilmember Dowling asked that the Council consider the inclusion on the ballot of a referendum (question) regarding whether or not the citizens of Huntsville would like to institute "zoning" in the city. After some discussion of the Council, it was noted that the Council would review this possibility, but that it is important at this time to call the general election due to the fact that candidates are already applying for a place on the ballot. The City Attorney, Scott Bounds, indicated the ordinance could be amended within the next two weeks to add that question to the ballot. The motion on the floor passed unanimously. CONSIDER ELECTION CONTRACT WITH HISD Consider an agreement with HISD to share costs and jointly hold the April election, as recommended by staff and the HISD administration Mayor Nash presented this contract to the Council for their consideration. It was noted HISD will reimburse the City on a total cost divided by total school ballots voted basis. Councilmember Monday made the motion to approve of this contract and Councilmember Corley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER ADDITIONAL COMPUTER EQUIPMENT Consider a proposal to authorize acquisition of additional computer equipment for the engineering design division as planned for capital improvements research, as a single source vendor from Hewlett Packard, in the amount of 47,269. Mayor Nash recommended approval of this additional equirment, the acquisition of which was delayed to insure that this system fit the requirements of the Engtneerinr ❑ rtment. PP noted now that we have found it to be the system that will efficiently meet the needs in this regard, it is being recommended that we complete the acquisition of the remainder of the planned equipment. He noted this is the portion of that package that makes it a multiple unit system (adds another CRT unit and the interchange system to make the existing system and the new one work together as one, increase the storage from 25k to 132k; the interchange system acts as a buffer system which permits the utilization of several different periphery equipment at the same time). Mr. Pipes, City Manager, explained in detail, the background, use, and financing of this equipment purchase for the Council's information. He highly recommended its purchase. Councilmember Corley made the motion to approve of the acquisition of this additional computer equipment for the engineering design department and Councilmember Howard seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. THE CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Worksession Schedule Mr. Pipes asked for the Council's guidance regarding the worksession schedule. After some discussion of the Council, it was suggested that the schedule for same be flexible and that they be called as needed, but that the staff feel free to use that medium of communication with the council when there are items that require indepth discussion. Mr. Corley cautioned that sometimes work sessions are not well managed and much time is lost to unrelated discussions. Mayor Nash noted the work sessions should be organized just like the formal meetings are with an agenda and backup information, options and recommendations from staff, noting it still needs to be a structured meeting, and not just an open discussion about anything. Councilmember Brown noted he liked this idea, but wanted to include, for a worksession topic, a review of the Community Development Project. Mr. Pipes noted critical for discussion is the session on the referendum on zoning, which is necessary immediately in order to facilitate the election timetable. He suggested discussing this on the 14th. State Highway Department Mr. Pipes read from a letter from Mark Goode, State Highway Department Engineer, to Judge Ralph A. Davis, commending the appearance of Huntsville representatives in Austin on November 21 before the Highway Commission concerning the local projects. Texas Department of Health Mr. Pipes noted he has received word that the highest certificate that can be earned by water utilities personnel was issued to Raymond Savage, this being a Grade A wastewater certificate. Reorganization of City Staff Mr. Pipes advised the Council that he intends to make some changes in order to expedite the plat review process and proposed to transfer a community development employee, who currently is involved in the review and evaluation of plans and plats submitted for development within the city, to the staff of Dale Brown, Planner, since Mr. Brown also has a function in that review process. He noted this will produce a two -step review process in the plat and plan review cycle. He noted the functional activities regarding the subdivision ordin- ance and the submission to the Planning Commission will be handled by Mr. Brown and Mr. Tomlinson in concert, and the technical review will go to Glenn Isbell, Director of Design Engineering. He noted Mr. Tomlinson will serve as the expediter between these two reviews. He noted he proposes to move Mr. Brown's office into the former office of David Smith, former City Engineer with Mr. Tomlinson's office and that of Ms. James, the HUD Coordina- tor, next to his in order to centralize that function and that activity and make the process easier for citizens. He noted all of the permiting procedures will be centralized in one office. Mr. Pipes noted he also proposes to assign the municipal court employees to Patricia Allen, Director of Finance. He noted Judge DeLong will remain autonomous from city functions in his judiciary responsibility. He requested Council's approval of these changes to be implemented on Wednesday, February 8, 1984. The Council indicated no objections. CITY SECRETARY'S REPORT Mayor Nash noted Mrs. DeShaw, City Secretary, has received her certificate of graduation from North Texas State University's Texas City Clerks and Secretaries Certification Program and participated in the graduation ceremonies along with seven other Texas Clerks in San Antonio in January. January Activity Report and Schedule for Absentee Voting -- These were presented for Council's information. Consider approval of advisory committee assignment for City Secretary to assist the Texas State Library on a Texas Municipal Records Manual Project. Mrs. DeShaw asked the Council's approval of her participation on an advisory committee with the Texas State Library's Regional Historical Resource Depositories and Local Records Division. The Council indicated their consensus of approval for this type of involvement and indicated their pleasure regarding her receipt of such an invitation to serve in that capacity. Absentee Voting Mayor Nash suggested that while space is to be provided in City Hall for the joint election absentee voting process, that the space allocated for this purpose not be in the City Secretary's office, but rather in the Council Chambers so that councilmembers frequenting city hall will not be jeopardizing the distance requirements to the absentee balloting polling place when they pass by the City Secretary's office and perhaps then will not be accused of possibly electioneering. MAYOR'S REPORT Division of Emergency Management Mayor Nash noted the Division of Emergency Management is currently working on a program that will be added to our emergency management program. Mr. Pipes noted personnel from this division were already here this week and he presented the document prepared by them which is a plan to provide for crisis relocation in the event of an emergency. He noted Huntsville will•be called upon to house some 50,000 relocatees from the Houston, area. Texas Department of Health Mayor Nash read excerpts from a letter from the Texas Department of Health, dated January 24, 1984. He said a Mr. Block of that office visited the City's state approved water system on January 9, and reported there were no violations noted and that all areas - Tliance with that department's regulations. rAbt 39U -- bUUK .,N., -- LW( LUUNL1L MiNUi.S ur rtakUHkr 1, 19x4 Letter from Lieutenant Governor Bill Hobby Regarding TDC Personnel Transition Mayor Nash read a letter he received from Lieutenant Governor Hobby in which he shares Mr. Nash's concerns regarding welfare and morale of the diligent and honest men and women who have loyally served the state in this often dangerous profession. He noted he realizes the contributions of these fine people and he will continue to give due regard to their problems in this time of transition. Mr. Nash noted he was pleased that Lieutenant Governor Hobby sent this letter to him. He noted there is a changing attitude surfacing now toward TDC and their problems, which is more understanding of the situation that exists. Judge Max Rogers Mayor Nash read a letter from Judge Max Rogers thanking the Mayor and Council for their recognition of him on the occasion of his retirement. COUNCIL ACTION Change February 14 Meeting Time Councilmember Brown requested a time change for next week's meeting. He noted he has a conflict at 7:00 P.M. He suggested meeting at 5:30 or 6:30 P.M. Councilmember Davis noted he has a meeting at 5:15 P.M. Mr. Pipes noted he will work on setting an alternate time. Zoning Discussion Councilmember Davis noted when the zoning discussion begins, he would like to include in the packet the article he provided to the City Manager earlier in this regard. Starting Time of Regular Council Meetings Councilmember Hodges suggested this topic be discussed in general, noting that perhaps we could schedule some regular meetings to start at 4:30 P.M. or 5:00 P.M. Gene Pipes suggested Thursdays instead of Tuesdays. Councilmember Hodges noted he had no preference on days but felt we should look at different hours. He felt that if we get into some daytime meetings, perhaps more folks would show up for the council meetings. Mayor Nash asked the City Manager to review this suggestion and make his recommendations back to the Council. Engineering Design Department Workload Councilmember Dowling expressed some concern regarding the amount of responsibility being relegated to Glenn Isbell and his Department. He noted he is a highly capable individual, but noted there is a saturation point. Mr. Pipes noted he is acutely aware of this problem. He noted he and Glenn monitor this possibility on a weekly basis to insure that we still have our nose above water. He noted we still have the originally budgeted position from community development (city engineer's position) unfilled at this time, in that this change over is being monitored on a trial basis. He noted that at such time as the administrative responsibilities or assigned work, etc. become overbearing, this position can be filled. Dismissal of Non - parking Traffic Tickets Councilmember Dowling was interested to know why a full one -third of the non - parking tickets got dismissed last month (48 tickets). Mr. Scott Bounds, City Attorney, noted he would check on this and report back. Blue Reflectors in Streets Councilmember Dowling asked the news media to relay to the public the purpose of the little blue reflectors in the streets to be indicators of fire hydrants for the ease of location of same by fire personnel. 12th Street Landscaping Councilmember Monday noted the north side of 12th street between Avenue M and Sam Houston Avenue, has been a trashy looking area until recently when the Street Department undertook to clean it up and install white rock and crepe myrtles there. She noted Mr. Poteete and his crew are to be commended for this effort. 7th Street Dumpster Councilmember Howard asked if the 7th Street dumpster could be relocated due to vision problems, etc. ADJOURNMENT Respectfully submitted, h DeShaw, City Secretary February 7, 1984 1