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MIN CC 09/18/1984THE MINUTES OF THE HUNTSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE N THE CITY HELL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, LOCATED AT 1212 AVENUE M IN THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, COUNTY OF WALKER, STATE OF TEXAS AT 7:00 P.M. The Council net in regular session with the following members present: William V. Nash, Mayor 0. Eugene Barrett Murray A. Brown 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 the Reverend Marvin Jiles of Saint James United Methodist Church. CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF THE PPEVIOUS MEETING Councilmember Howard made the motion to approve of the City Council Minutes of September 11, 1984 and Councilmeniber Dowling seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING Open a Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 1984 -1985 Budgets, Revenue Sharing Expenditures, Tax Rates, Utilities and Sanitation Rates Mayor Nash then opened the public hearing and asked if anyone was present who wished to speak. Mr. Tom Fetters, representing the Huntsville Public Library Board, addressed the Council. Mr. Fetters expressed the appreciation of the Library Board for the support the Council has provided to the library. He advised the Council of the very imminent need for computerized equipment for the records bf the library. He also advised that the Library Board will begin a campaign to increase public awareness for our library and its many services. noting "we are alive and well and we intend to spread that word." Mr. J. D. Dickinson, representing KKNX Radio Station, addressed the Council to inquire about the fact that the Council offers no tax increase but rather an increase in water and sewer rates. He noted that sane citizens in the community feel this is really a tax increase coming in the back door. He asked the Mayor to respond to this question. Mayor Nash noted that the water, sewer and sanitation funds are proprietary funds which are and need to be self - supporting. He noted that because of inflation, these costs have increased. He noted the citizens of the community would not want these funds to be supported with general ad valorem taxes, but to be self- supporting with user fees, and because of this, this 10 percent increase is needed this year. There being no others present who wished to speak, Mayor Nash then closed the public hearing. REVIEW PROPOSED ORDINANCES Peview of Ordinances scheduled for action on September 25, 1984. The Council then reviewed the ordinance adopting the budget, which is presented for their information only at this time. it was noted that the appropriations listed for the ensuing fiscal year would change if the Council removes the unallocated reserve from each fund which would then present a total for all funds of 514,235,138, rather than $15,374,550. In reviewing the tax ordinance which would set the general fund operations tax at 40¢ and the debt service for payment of bonded indebtedness tax at 16¢ for each one hundred dollars of assessed value of.property, it was recommended that Section 2 be changed to read: All property upon which a tax is levied shall be assessed on the basis of 100% of its appraised value, rather than, at its full fair market value. It was noted the Central Appraisal District performs the appraisals and it is based on their method of nuking appraisals that this is based. The water and sewer rate ordinance was reviewed. It was noted that all of the rates would be adjusted upward 10% in order to fund the new year's operation, as discussed in the public hearing. The Council had decided in its earlier discussions not to increase the sanitation rates. STREET IMPROVEMENTS- -PHASE I Consider bids for Phase I Street Improvement Projects under the Series 1984 Bond Program to Gaylord Construction Company in the amount of $130,945 for overlay work, as previously scheduled Gene Pipes, City Manager, presented the staff's recommendation to award the bid to Gaylord Construction Company in the amount of $130,945. Councilmember Hodges made the motion to accept this bid as recommended and Councilmember Barrett seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER WRECKER SERVICE CONTRACT Consider Bid No. 84 -22, Wrecker Service Contract for Junked Vehicles, to David Martinez in the amount of $41.00 per vehicle Gene Pipes, City Manager, presented the staff's recanmendation to award this bid to David Martinez for $41.00 per vehicle. It was noted that under the city's contract, police designated junked vehicles are picked up and stored. After 20 days the City will initiate process of a salvage title. During the 20 day waiting period the owner may reclaim his vehicle after the established towing and storage fees have been paid. After the salvage title has been obtained, the vehicle will be disposed of and the City will be paid the bid contract amount. The wrecker service will keep all proceeds above the contract. Councilmember Dowling asked what the rationale is in moving a junked vehicle from one location to that of a wrecker yard which is still visible to the public in that they are not behind privacy fences in the Huntsville area. He asked if this wrecker service complied with all ordinances and with state law in this regard and felt perhaps it should be a part of the motion that this is assumed. After some discussion, Councilmewber Monday made the motion to accept the bid of David Martinez as noted above and Councilmember Dowling seconded the wution. P11 were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. It was noted this contract is for one year. CONSIDER INTENT TO ANNEX LANDS Consider Ordinance giving notice of intent to consider various areas for annexation into the corporate liniits of the city and making provisions therefor. Mayor Nash then presented this ordinance, the caption of which is as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 84 -22 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CiTY OF HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS, SETTING THE DATE, TIME, AND PLACE FOR TWO PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE PROPOSED ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN PROPERTIES BY THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY SECRETARY TO PUBLISH NOTICE OF SUCH PUBLIC HEARINGS; AND MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED THERETO. Mayor Nash advised these hearings are set for October 9 at 7:00 P.M. and October 16, at 8:00 P.M. and will cover 12 of the originally discussed,14 areas. The areas under consideration for annexation and set for public hear - ingsare: Henderson Land Company /Jenkins Road (Area A); Brown Oil Tool and Highway 75 North (Area B); Westridge (Area C); Majestic Forest (Area D); Highway 76 South (Area E); Southwood Drive (Area F); Boettcher's Mill (Area G); Badger Addition (Area H); Fish Hatchery and Anders Lane (Area I). Councilmember Monday made a motion to delete the Southwood Drive area from annexation consideration. Her motion did not receive a second and it therefore died on the floor. After further discussion, Councilmenber Brown made the motion to approve of Ordinance No. 84 -22 and Councilmember Davis seconded the motion. A1l_were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER ANNEXATION SERVICE PLAN Consider a redraft of the Service Plan to accompany the annexation plan to be discussed The Mayor presented the service plan and it was reviewed by the Council with some minor changes made. Mr. Bounds noted there are other minor revisions which he would like to incorporate into the plan prior to the public hearings on October 9 and 16. With this in mind, the Council took no action on the plan at this time in order that it can be perfected and brought back to the Council on October 9. Councilmenber Monday made the motion to table this item and Councilmenber Barrett seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER FUNDS FOR SIGNALIZATION PROJECT Consider Allocation of $14,259.46 for interconnection of signals along Sam Houston Avenue on Gulf States Utilities Power Poles Mayor Nash noted this regards the grant project of some $198,800 fran the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation for traffic signals at the intersections of US 75 with 13th Street, 16th Street, 17th Street, Lake Road Street, Avenue i, FM 1374, and Sycamore Street in Huntsville. He noted the Highway Department will be letting the bids in the morning for this project, but one item which has not been built into the project and will be a consideration, is the funding of GSU's expenses in interconnecting the signals, estimated to cost $14,259.46. He noted it may be necessary for the city to come up with these funds, if it cannot be incorporated into the grant structure at this point in time. He noted it is unanticipated and unbudgeted. Gene Pipes, City Manager noted it will need to come from the reserve for future allocation funds in a mid -year budget adjust - ment, if it becomes necessary for the city to fund this portion. After some further explanation, Councilmenber Hodges made the motion to approve of this potential future allocation and Councilmenber Monday seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. THE MAYOR'S REPORT -- William V. Nash Emergency Medical Service Housing and Related Topics Mayor Nash recommended that the Council not take action on EMS housing at this time. He noted Fire Station No. 1 may become available for EMS, subject to the development of other changes in the Fire Department regarding the County's fire department program. He noted the County is not in a position at this time to make this decision but is in the process of conducting research with other counties. He noted if they pursue the program as they currently see the likelihood, it would end up with the city not needing the full space that it would have in the three fire stations it has now; therefore space could become available in Fire Station No. 1. Mayor Nash noted with this as the current situation, the city would be much better off to wait until a decision can be made rather than force a decision at this time, realizing that we only have nine months left on our temporary EMS home. He noted it will not take nine months to rehabilitate an existing facility. Councilmenber Davis noted his agreement with Mr. Nash, but also expressed the sense of urgency he feels in getting this issue resolved with time to make the proper preparation. Councilmenber Monday suggested having a definite timetable to yet things moving, so that perhaps by mid - October, we can have a decision one way or the other. Interagency Council Meeting Mayor Nash noted this group was not able to get together on its scheduled meeting date; however, lire. DeShaw is working to regroup these individuals for a meeting next Tuesday. Mayor and Councilmembers Reception for Board Members City Secretary, Ruth DeShaw, advised the Council that the reception has been set for October 16 at 5:30 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., with presentations to be made at 6:30 P.M. in the Flag Room of First National Bank. City Picnic Gene Pipes noted the annual city picnic will begin at Noon, with the presentation of awards first before the serving of John Keys' great barbeque lunch. Mr. Pipes .reminded the Council to be sure to cone as well as any retired city employees, mayors and councilmembers. He noted this event will be at the Walker County Fair- grounds, COUNCIL ACTION GSU poles in violation of sight triangle provisions Councilmember Dowling noted he would like areas where GSU's utility poles are in violation of the sight triangle brought to the attention of Mr. Joel Jeffcote so that when new poles are installed or the opportunity arises to move old poles, that this be kept in mind. Parking on 19th Street During Football Games • Councilmember Dowling noted parking is occurring on both sides of the street on 19th Street during football games, especially on the eastern portion of 19th Street near Sam Houston's home. He noted it created a great deal of congestion and he urged the Police Department's enforcement of the no parking on one side of that street. Boats, Trailers and Campers Parking on City Streets Councilmember Dowling noted he has observed many boats and trailers stored on city streets for a long period of time. He asked if this might be in violation of a city ordinance. Mr. Bounds indicated he would check into this further. Mayor Nash noted it is not always safe to park a trailer as he has seen one roll dawn the street in front of his house from a parked position; noting it is not easy to set the brakes on a trailer sometimes. Trimming at Intersections Councilmember Monday asked what the city's schedule was to trim vegetation from street intersection areas, noting that some residents have expressed a concern abcut traffic safety as a result of vegetation overgrowth. Automatic bank draft to pay water bills Councilmember Monday asked if it has ever been considered to offer the service of an automatic bank draft to pay water bills for customers who might be away for an extended period of time. Mr. Pipes noted this option has never been considered, but that he would take a look at it. Annexation Area Tour Councilmember Monday thanked Dale Brown, City Planner, for taking some of the Council on a tour of the proposed annexation areas. She noted it was very educational and helpful for a better understanding. Mayor Nash encouraged everyone to do this before the annexation hearings. Chemical People Councilmember Howard noted there is some discussion now to combine The Chemical People with the Huntsville Drug Abuse Program, with an objective to some day become a regional center. He noted with this combined effort it is hoped that it will be less difficult to obtain funding. He noted at some date in the near future, he hopes to have some of these officers talk to the city about these plans. ADJOURNMENT ully submitted, DeShaw, City ecretary September 18, 1984 THE MINUTES OF THE HUNTSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 18TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, A.D., 1984 IN THE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, LOCATED AT 1212 AVENUE M IN THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, COUNTY OF WALKER, STATE OF TEXAS AT 7:00 P.M. The Council met in regular session with the following members present: William V. Nash, Mayor 0. Eugene Barrett Murray A. Brown 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 the Reverend Marvin Jiles of Saint James United Methodist Church. CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF THE PPEVIOUS MEETING Councilmember Howard made the motion to approve of the City Council Minutes of September 11, 1984 and Councilmember Dowling seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously.. PUBLIC HEARING Open a Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 1984 -1985 Budgets, Revenue Sharing Expenditures, Tax Rates, Utilities and Sanitation Rates Mayor Nash then opened the public hearing and asked if anyone was present who wished to speak. Mr. Tom Fetters, representing the Huntsville Public Library Board, addressed the Council. Mr. Fetters expressed the appreciation of the Library Board for the support the Council has provided to the library. He advised the Council of the very imminent need for computerized equipment for the records of the library. He also advised that the Library Board will begin a campaign to increase public awareness for our library and its many services, noting we are alive and well and we intend to spread that word." Mr. J. D. Dickinson, representing KKNX Radio Station, addressed the Council to inquire about the fatt that the Council offers no tax increase but rather an increase in water and sewer rates. He noted that some citizens in the community feel this is really a tax increase coming in the back door. He asked the Mayor to respond to this question. Mayor Nash noted that the water, sewer and sanitation funds are proprietary funds which are and need to be self - supporting. He noted that because of inflation, these costs have increased. He noted the citizens of the community would not want these funds to be supported with general ad valorem taxes, but to be self - supporting with user fees, and because of this, this 10 percent increase is needed this year. There being no others present who wished to speak, Mayor Nash then closed the public hearing. REVIEW PROPOSED ORDINA"ICES Review of Ordinances scheduled for action on September 25, 1984. The Council then reviewed the ordinance adopting the budget, which is presented for their information only at this time. It was noted that the appropriations listed for the ensuing fiscal year would change if the Council removes the unallocated reserve from each fund which would then present a total for all funds of 514,235,138, rather than $15,374,550. In reviewing the tax ordinance which would set the general fund operations tax at 40d and the debt service for payment of bonded indebtedness tax at 16t for each one hundred dollars of assessed value of property, it was recommended that Section 2 be changed to read: All property upon which a tax is levied shall be assessed on the basis of 100% of its appraised value, rather than, at its full fair market value. It was noted the Central AFpraisal District performs the appraisals and it is based on their method of making appraisals that this is based. The water and sewer rate ordinance was reviewed. It was noted that all of the rates would be adjusted upward 10t in order to fund the new year's operation, as discussed in the public hearing. The Council had decided in its earlier discussions not to increase the sanitation rates. STREET IMPROVEMENTS- -PHASE I Consider bids for Phase I Street improvement Projects under the Series 1984 Bond Program to Gaylord Construction Company in the amount of $130,945 for overlay work, as previously scheduled Gene Pipes, City Manager, presented the staff's recommendation to award the bid to Gaylord Construction Company in the amount of $130,945. Councilmember Hodges made the motion to accept this bid as recomunended and Councilmember Barrett seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER WRECKER SERVICE CONTRACT Consider Bid No. 84 -22, Wrecker Service Contract for Junked Vehicles, to David Martinez in the amount of $41.00 per vehicle Gene Pipes, City Manager, presented the staff's recommendation to award this bid to David Martinez for $41.00 per vehicle. It was noted that under the city's contract, police designated junked vehicles are picked up and stored. After 20 days the City will initiate process of a salvage title. During the 20 day waiting period the owner may reclaim his vehicle after the established towing and storage fees have been paid. After the salvage title has been obtained, the vehicle will be disposed of and the City will be paid the bid contract amount. The wrecker service will keep all proceeds above the contract, Councilrnenmer Dowling asked what the rationale is in moving a junked vehicle from one location to that of a wrecker yard which is still visible to the public in that they are not behind privacy fences in the Huntsville area. He asked if this wrecker service complied with all ordinances and with state law in this regard and telt perhaps it should be a part of the notion that this is assumed. After some discussion, Councilmember Munday made the motion to accept the bid of David Martinez as noted above and Councilmember Dowling seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. It was noted this contract is for one year. CONSIDER INTENT TO ANNEX LANDS Consider Ordinance giving notice of intent to consider various areas for annexation into the corporate limits of the city and making provisions therefor. Mayor Nash then presented this ordinance, the caption of which is as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 84 -22 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS, SETTING THE DATE, TIME, AND PLACE FOR TWO PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE PROPOSED ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN PROPERTIES BY THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY SECRETARY TO PUBLISH NOTICE OF SUCH PUBLIC HEARINGS; AND MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED THERETO. Mayor Nash advised these hearings are set for October 9 at 7:00 P.M. and October 16, at 8:00 P.M. and will cover 12 of the originally discussed,14 areas. The areas under consideration for annexation and set for public hear - irgsare: Henderson Land Company /Jenkins Road (Area A); Brown Oil Tool and Highway 75 North (Area B); Westridge (Area C); Majestic Forest (Area D); Highway 75 South (Area E); Southwood Drive (Area F); Boettcher's Mill (Area G); Badger Addition (Area H); Fish Hatchery and Anders Lane (Area i). Councilmember Monday made a motion to delete the Southwood Drive area from annexation consideration. Her motion did not receive a second and it therefore died on the floor. After further discussion, Councilmember Brown made the motion to approve of Ordinance No. 84 -22 and Councilmerrber Davis seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER ANNEXATION SERVICE PLAN Consider a redraft of the Service Plan to accompany the annexation plan to be discussed The Mayor presented the service plan and it was reviewed by the Council with some minor changes made. Mr. Bounds noted there are other minor revisions which he would like to incorporate into the plan prior to the public hearings on October 9 and 16. With this in mind, the Council took no action on the plan at this time in order that it can be perfected and brought back to the Council on October 9. Councilmember Monday made the motion to table this item and Councilmember Barrett seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER FUNDS FOR SIGNALLZATiON PROJECT Consider Allocation of $14,259.46 for interconnection of signals along Sam Houston Avenue on Gulf States Utilities Power Poles Mayor Nash noted this regards the grant project of some $198,800 from the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation for traffic signals at the intersections of US 75 with 13th Street, 16th Street, 17th Street, Lake Road Street, Avenue I, FM 1374, and Sycamore Street in Huntsville. He noted the Highway Department will be letting the bids in the morning for this project, but one item which has not been built into the project and will be a consideration, is the funding of GSU's expenses in interconnecting the signals, estimated to cost $14,259.46. He noted it may be necessary for the city to come up with these funds, if it cannot be incorporated into the grant structure at this point in time. He noted it is unanticipated and unbudgeted. Gene Pipes, City Manager noted it will need to came from the reserve for future allocation funds in a mid -year budget adjust - ment, if it becomes necessary for the city to fund this portion. After solve further explanation, Councilmember Hodges made the motion to approve of this potential future allocation and Councilnieniber Monday seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. THE MAYOR'S REPORT -- William V. Nash Emergency Medical Service Housing and Related Topics Mayor Nash recommended that the Council not take action on EMS housing at this time. He noted Fire Station No. 1 may become available for EMS, subject to the development of other changes in the Fire Department regarding the County's fire department program. He noted the County is not in a position at this time to make this eecisio but is in the process of conducting research with other counties. He noted if they pursue the program as they currently see the likelihood, it would end up with the city not needing the full space that it would have in the three fire stations it has now; therefore space could become available in Fire Station No. 1. Mayor Nash noted with this as the current situation, the city would be much better off to wait until a decision can be made rather than force a decision at this time, realizing that we only have nine months left on our temporary EMS home. He noted it will not take nine months to rehabilitate an existing facility. Councilmember Davis noted his agreement with Mr. Nash, but also expressed the sense of urgency he feels in getting this issue resolved with time to make the proper preparation. Councilmerrber Monday suggested having a definite timetable to get things moving, so that perhaps by mid - October, we can have a decision one way or the other. Interagency Council Meeting Mayor Nash noted this group was not able to get together on its scheduled meeting date; however, Mrs. DeShaw is working to regroup these individuals for a meeting next Tuesday. Mayor and Councilmembers Reception for Board Menibers City Secretary, Ruth DeShaw, advised the Council that the reception has been set for October 16 at 5:30 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., with presentations to be made at 6:30 P.M. in the Flag Room of First National Bank. City Picnic Gene Pipes noted the annual city picnic will begin at Noon, with the presentation of awards first before the serving of John Keys' great barbeque lunch. Mr. Pipes reminded the Council to be sure to come as well as any retired city employees, mayors and councilmembers. He noted this event will be at the Walker County Fair- grounds. COUNCIL. ACTION GSU poles in violation of sight triangle provisions Councilmember Dowling noted he would like areas where GSU's utility poles are in violation of the sight triangle brought to the attention of Mr. Joel Jeffcote so that when new poles are installed or the opportunity arises to move old poles, that this be kept in mind. Parking on 19th Street During Football Games Councilmember Dowling noted parking is occurring on both sides of the street on 19th Street during football games, especially on the eastern portion of 19th Street near Sam Houston's home. He noted it created a great deal of congestion and he urged the Police Department's enforcement of the no parking on one side of that street. Boats, Trailers and Campers Parking on City Streets Councilmember Dowling noted he has observed many boats and trailers stored on city streets for a long period of time. He asked if this might be in violation of a city ordinance. Mr. Bounds indicated he would check into this further. Mayor Nash noted it is not always safe to park a trailer as he has seen one roll down the street in front of his house from a parked position; noting it is not easy to set the brakes on a trailer sometimes. Trimming at Intersections Councilmember Monday asked what the city's schedule was to trim vegetation from street intersection areas, noting that some residents have expressed a concern about traffic safety as a result of vegetation overgrowth. Automatic bank draft to pay water bills Councilmember Monday asked if it has ever been considered to offer the service of an automatic bank draft to pay water bills for customers who might be away for an extended period of time. Mr. Pipes noted this option has never been considered, but that he would take a look at it. Annexation Area Tour Councilmember Monday thanked Dale Brown, City Planner, for taking some of the Council on a tour of the proposed annexation areas. She noted it was very educational and helpful for a better understanding. Mayor Nash encouraged everyone to do this before the annexation hearings. Chemical People Councilmember Howard noted there is some discussion now to combine The Chemical People with the Huntsville Drug Abuse Program, with an objective to some day become a regional center. He noted with this combined effort it is hoped that it will be less difficult to obtain funding. He noted at some date in the near future, he hopes to have some of these officers talk to the city about these plans. ADJOURNMENT • DeSha September