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MIN CC 07/10/1984MINUTES OF THE HUNTSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD 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 0. Eugene Barrett -- At- large, Position 1 Murray A. Brown -- At- large, Position 4 Stephen E. Davis -- At- large, Position 3 Jerry L. Dowling -- Ward 2 Bill Hodges -- At- large, Position 2 Percy Howard, Jr. -- Ward 3 Jane Monday -- Ward 1 Bob Tavenner -- Ward 4 Gene Pipes Scott Bounds Ruth DeShaw -- City Manager -- City Attorney -- City Secretary The meeting was called to order by the Honorable William V. Nash, Mayor. The invocation was presented by the City Manager, Gene Pipes. CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING Councilmember Monday made the motion to approve of the minutes of the June 26, 1984 Council Meeting and Councilmember Hodges seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER ANNEXATION GUIDELINES Consider amended guidelines for annexation and schedule as adjusted for the Planning Commission Mayor Nash noted one of the statements in this guideline has been revised to read: Territory substantially developed or undergoing development shall be given priority in annexation." He noted this is the only change in the guidelines but the proposed calendar for annexation had been revised and he then presented it for the Council's information. After some discussion among members of the council, the Council approved of these guide- lines by consensus and no formal motion was made. CONSIDER ORDINANCE AND AGREEMENT Consider Ordinance No. 84 -19 approving an agreement with the Texas Department of Highways and Public Transporta- tion for signal installation along Sam Houston Avenue, as previously discussed Mayor Nash presented the ordinance, the caption of which is as follows: ORDINANCE N0. 84 -19 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE AGREEMENT DATED JULY 10, 1984, BETWEEN THE STATE OF TEXAS AND THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, FOR THE INSTALLATION, CONSTRUCTION, EXISTENCE, USE, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE OF HIGHWAY SIGNAL PROJECT AT THE LOCATION SHOWN ON EXHIBIT 1, ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF, IN THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE; PROVIDING FOR THE EXECUTION OF SAID AGREEMENT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Mr. Nash noted this agreement concerns the installation of traffic signals at seven intersections on Sam Houston (US 75) in the City and includes the installation of mast arm poles, fixed -time controllers and the interconnec- tion of these signals for progression of traffic on Sam Houston Avenue with the signals being coordinated in two sections. The first section, he said, will consist of the intersections of 13th, 16th, 17th and 20th Streets and the second section will consist of the intersections of Lake Road, Avenue I, FM 1374 and Sycamore Street. Mr. Nash noted the Highway Department anticipates a September, 1984 contract letting of this project. Mr, Nash noted the agreement requires that the City consent to the construction of these signals at the locations and in the manner described in the specifications; that it agree to operate and maintain the highway traffic signals at its own expense upon completion of the installation by the State; that it pay all power costs for operating the signals; that it obtain written approval from the state before making any changes in the design or before removing any part of the installation; that it returns all parts removed to the state and that it be responsible for police enforcement. It was noted that in the event the signals installed in accordance with this agreement become unnecessary or are removed for any reason, this agreement shall terminate. The City Attorney, Scott Bounds, noted the indemnification section of the agreement has been amended by deleting the first paragraph, a part of the second paragraph, and all of the third and fourth paragraphs. He asked the Mayor to initial these deletions before the contract is signed and returned to the state. Councilmember Tavenner asked if the new cul -de -sac street, proposed by FNB South, will be included in this signalization project as it will require a signal installation. Mr. Pipes noted the plans that he reviewed earlier did have this signal included. Mayor Nash noted the only change to the signal installation is that it changes from a three -way to a four -way at this location (extension of Avenue I south to the cul -de -sac). Councilmember Hodges made the motion to adopt Ordinance No. 84 -19 and Councilmember Barrett seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER EMERGENCY POWER Consider the options for emergency power and accompanying cost for the Water Supply System Mayor Nash noted the electrical consultant hired by the City has studied the City's auxiliary power needs and has determined the Palm Street Plant will require a stand -by power generator which will cost $54,600. Mayor Nash noted he recommends proceeding with the acquisition of this stand -by generator and to issue a change order to the elevated storage tank contract to include its installation as part of these project funds, which currently balance out at $517,000 (after the two million gallon water tank is complete). Councilmember Monday made the motion to approve of the change order to include the stand -by power generator for the Palm Street Water Plant and Councilmember Howard seconded the motion. Discussion: Mr. Pipes noted the generator will have to be housed externally and it will be diesel powered: Mr. Pipes noted when the new two million water tower is com- plete, the City will have two million, nine hundred thousand gallons of elevated water storage and five million gallons in on- ground water tora e. It was noted the TRA plant has approximately 500,000 gallons of water in the final clarifier, but if it is not pumped, it will not come to town, "Councilmember Dowling noted that we will i JULY 10, 1984 -- BOOK "N" -- Page 432. en, in the time of a power cut off, if everything is full, have some eight million gallons of water ready to distribute, without any more production, and this stand -by power generator will allow us to distribute that eight, million gallons of water. Mayor Nash noted in an emergency situation, without the generator to pump the water, we would only have 2.9 million; but with the pump, well have eight million as it would more than double what we have. Mr. Pipes noted this amount of supply should take care of the water consumption needs for approxi- mately two and one -half days based on average daily usage during a hot dry day. it was noted if Huntsville is experiencing another hurricane like Hurricane Alicia, it will probably not not be a hot and dry day and this supply may last even longer. He noted this generator should last some 25 years and will be tested monthly. Councilmember Hodges noted that we have never run out of water with the present amount of elevated water storage and now we've tripled that amount of elevated storage and he questioned the need to spend $54,600 for a generator. He felt this same $54,600 may be better spent on the distribution system. Councilmember Monday noted if we look at long -range planning, this is something we need to do because during the recent hurricane we came within minutes of running completely out of water and if a fire had occurred, this could have been a serious situation. She felt we need to have this type of insurance even if it is just to insure adequate water to fight a fire. She also noted once we lose water in the elevated storage towers, we also subject the distribu- tion system to stress when air is trapped in the lines, etc. Mayor Nash noted we are also in a growing situa- tion and this is the appropriate time to do this type of thing. Councilmember Hodges noted he will vote for this motion but at the same time, he feels that perhaps we are spending this money "just because" we have a half - million dollars left over on the water tower project - -and this made him somewhat uncomfortable - -to hurry up to spend it just because we have it. Mayor Nash then called for a vote on the motion upon the floor. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER TML LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMS Consider the 1985 TML State Legislative Program and Committee nominations Mayor Nash presented the memorandum from TML requesting nominations from city councils and staff personnel to serve on the various TML legislative committees: personnel; community development; and finance and general municipal affairs. He asked that those interested in any of those committees, please complete the form and return it to the staff. He advised he will take action on those next week in order to respond to TML prior to August 1. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT - -Gene Pipes Budget Philosophy and Schedule Mr. Pipes provided the Council with his written budget philosophy which encouraged maintenance of existing basic programs and employees before expanding into new areas; limiting expenditures while meeting obligations to get the job done; consider merits of overall budget programs rather than individual elements; get details to make good decisions; continue the segregation of proprietary fund programs from general fund areas; maintain capital projects, debt service and reserve funds at traditional levels; incorporate comprehensive plan elements, consul- tant reports and citizen input into the budget review process; strive for no tax increase in general fund and limit any rate increases to the minimum needed. After some discussion by members of the Council, it was decided the first review period would be on July 19 beginning at 4:00 P.M. and continuing until approximately 10:00 P.M. with a break for sandwiches around 6:00 P.M. Mr. Pipes noted the public hearing is planned for August 21 and the entire process should conclude with approval of the budget on September 11. Mr. Pipes then presented the budget format information for the Council. TML Director Retired Gene Pipes, City Manager, noted the Executive Director of the Texas Municipal League, Mr. Dick Brown, has retired from TML and will go into the private lobbying business in Austin. He noted he has been hired back as a consultant to TML at $55,000 annually. He also noted that the City of Houston will hire Mr. Brown as their lobbyist at a fee of $70,000 annually. He noted Mr. Ted Willis, former City Manager of Grand Prairie, has been selected as the TML Director by its Board of Directors. Smoke Testing of infiltration- Inflow Study Mr. Pipes advised the Council the smoke testing for the I/I study will be conducted within the next two weeks by our consultants from Indiana. Town Creek Park - -Tree Deck Mr. Pipes advised the Council there is a deck being built around a tree in the backyard of City Hall (Town Creek Park) by an Eagle Scout, lir. Todd Dellar. He noted he is working under the supervision of the Town Creek Park Committee in building this deck, installing two light poles, and several park benches along the pathway. He noted the deck, will be positioned in a location for optimum viewing of the bronze stature of Totem. Brazos Transit Systems Mr. Pipes noted he has asked officials of Brazos Transit Systems to make a presentation to the City Council regarding the status of their transportation facility plans for the City so that we might understand exactly what their funding requirements are and the extent of the local obligations. Sealy Waste Control Project Mr. Pipes noted the County Judge, Ralph Davis, asked the City to "actively consider" the engineering proposal from the engineers on the Sealy Waste Control Project to do a feasibility study for Huntsville - Walker County. He noted the city has received some information from him and the staff is currently evaluating it. He felt it would be in order for Judge Davis to come to the City to talk about the County's plans regarding solid waste alternatives. Executive Session to discuss legal and personnel evaluation matters is listed on the agenda, noted Mr. Pipes. MAYOR'S REPORT Meeting with TDC Mayor Nash advised the Council he and Mr. Pipes will be meeting tomorrow at 2:00 P.M. with Mr. Procunier, the new Director of TDC, to update him on TDC -City relations. He noted a meeting of the Interagency Council (HISD, TDC, Walker County, City, SHSU and the hospital district) is planned for Noon on Thursday in Mr. Procunier's -- office, which consists of a representative of each entity. He noted this council attempts to meet monthly at a time convenient to the majority. Huntsville Housing Authority Appointments Mayor Nash noted this board consists of five members; three of these members' terms have expired. He noted the Housing Authority is different from other committees in that the composition of this board is deter- mined by the state and the terms are set at two years, rather than three as in most city boards. He noted in view of this board's various legal and fiduciary responsibilities, he is thereforemaking an exception to his rule of not making re- appointments. He then recOmmendei there-appointment of Rose Coley and Robert Eubanks for a two year term. He then recommended a new appointment to replace David Madden, who has moved away, to be Mr. Jay Griffin. His term will also be for two years. Councilmember Monday made the motion to approve of the Mayor's appointments and Councilmember Barrett seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. He noted the other members of the board are Jim Carter (1985) and Goree McGlothen (1985). Huntsville Public Library Board Mayor Nash noted this board has two vacancies.with the expiration of the terms of Q. C. Robbins and Earnest Grover, Jr. He recommended the appointment of Mr. Raymond Davis for one of these three year terms but that he would not be able to confirm the other nomination until next week, pending contact of the individual. Councilmember Monday made the motion to approve of the nomination of Raymond Davis to the Library Board and Councilmember Dowling seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. COUNCIL ACTION EMS Board Meeting -- Decision on Relocating Ambulance Facility Councilmember Davis noted the EMS Board has narrowed down its location alternatives for the EMS facility to the southeast corner of 13th Street and Avenue M, behind the HEAP building (old Police Station). He noted this location is close to City Hall and easily dispatchable to all areas of Huntsville. He noted alternate sites would be Walker County Sheriff's Department, the Service Center, HISD land at Avenue F and FM 2821; the Gibbs Bros. proposal near the Palm Street Water Plant and the base of the new water tower. He noted the Board also recommended that we contact HISD to accept their offer of land for the EMS for possible future building for any EMS needs -- Avenue F will be developed under the City's present bond issue. He noted now that the locations have be prioritized, the construction plans will be begun and these will be brought back to the Council for review. Councilmember Monday asked what effect these plans will have on the City's budget. Councilmember Davis noted he will not have these figures before we begin the budgeting process, but should have them well before the budget needs to be adopted. Councilmember Dowling suggested the area being prioritized as number 1 is a small plot of land and the board may wish to consider using Fire Station No. 1 and moving the fire station to another area more appropriate for a fire facility, since Station 1 is relatively close to Station 2. Councilmember Davis noted the Board did not discuss fire needs so this question was not raised. He noted it is anticipated the building on this proposed lot will be two story, with the first floor used as a bay area for the trucks and the offices and living quarters on the second floor. Councilmember Dowling noted this land should perhaps be consider.d for library or HEAP facility expansion or reserve the use of that entire tract of land for possibly something else in the longer range future. He noted the EMS' concerns may stand somewhat independent of other things the city and /or county may have interest in. Councilmember Davis noted representatives of the city and county are members of the EMS board. Sealy Trash Burning Plant Councilmember Davis noted he was quite impressed with the Sealy plant that converts trash of all forms into h e a t ed petroleum distillate and then into steam and then into electricity. He noted it is not a large plant, but it is very clean and new. He encouraged local officials to look at this type of system as a viable alternative for the disposition of trash Personnel Committee Councilmember Dowling, Chairman of the Personnel Committee, asked that Councilmembers Monday, Hodges and Davis set aside 6:00 P.M. on July 17 for a personnel committee meeting. Airport Project Councilmember Dowling asked for an update on the airport project. Gene Pipes noted the contract on Phase VI has begun and the slurry seal is going down on the main runway; the taxiway expansion and improvements into the new hangar area will be commencing very shortly. He noted the airport operator is proceeding with plans to build a new hangar. Council Committees Mayor Nash re- established the membership on the two council committees for the benefit of Councilmember Barrett. Mayor Nash noted the Personnel Committee is composed of Councilmembers Dowling, Monday, Hodges and Davis and it reviews the charter positions of the City regarding salaries and personnel matters. He noted the Audil Committee is composed of Councilmembers Brown, Howard, Tavenner and now Councilmember Barrett assuming the position of former Councilmember Corley. He asked that Councilmember Brown assume the chairmanship of the Audit Committee. He noted the Audit Committee reviews applications from auditors to perform the city's annual audit and it then meets with the City's auditors after the audit to go over its report and it then makes a recommendation to the Council upon the presentation of the audit report. Sealy Plant -- Response to Judge Davis regarding feasibility study Councilmember Monday noted she would be interested to know what the city's response will be to Judge Davis' request to actively consider the proposal of the consulting engineering firm who designed the Sealy Plant. Gene Pipes, City Manager, noted the staff needs to visit with Walker County to find out what their plans are at this time. 4th of July Celebration Councilmember Monday complimented the City, County and the Walker County Fair Association for the very fine 4th of July activities. She noted the band was excellent and moving them under the canopy was a good move for the improvement of accoustics. She asked what kind of thanks the City extends to Jerry Etheredge for producing the fireworks display each year. Mr. Pipes noted we thank him. Councilmember Monday noted we may wish to thank him with a plaque or proclamation or something more meaningful. She also felt thanks were in order for the City Police and the County law officers because the traffic flowed beautifully. Sesquicentennial Presentation -- Councilmember Brown commended the presentation made to the Kiwanis Club by Councilmember Monday. He recommended her to other organizations who may wish to have an update on it. Truck Route -- Councilmember Hodges asked if we were enforcing the truck route. Mr. Pipes noted we were. Energy confgrence-- Councilmember Hodges encouraged a staff member to attend the energy conference sponsored by the Natt16Onai League of Cities to be held in St. Paul, Minnesota. He felt we needed to save on the amount of energy consumed in city buildings as much as possible. Respectfully submitteda Executive Session. Ruth DeShew. City seer.