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MIN CC 02/13/1996[1- CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 1996 BOOK "S" MINUTES OF THE HUNTS VILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 13TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 1996, IN THE CITY HALL, LOCATED AT 1212 AVENUE M IN THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, COUNTY OF WALKER, TEXAS AT The Council met in regular session with the following members present: J! COUNCILMEMBERS: William B. Green, Mayor Dan S. Davis Ronald L. Lange Andrew Holmes ABSENT: Marjorie Rex Dave Luning JoAnn Matthews Ann James David Martinez CITIZEN INPUT /INQUIRY Officers: Gene Pipes, City Manager Scott Bounds, City Attorney Danna Welter, City Secretary 1. Andrew Martinez. Mr. Martinez stated that his main concern tonight is the increased gang activity in Huntsville. Last October. gang members did over $3,000 to a home owned by a disabled citizen at the comer of 13th Street and Avenue E. To his knowledge, even with witnesses to the crime, the members have not been filed on. Graffiti has been discovered on schools and private residences recently. There have also been stabbings lately during a gang fight, and members of the Hispanic community are concerned about retaliation. Many members of this community are not aware of the existence of a "gang officer" in the Police Department. Mayor Green stated that this issue would be discussed later in the agenda. 2. Mamarito Martinez. Mr. Martinez stated that the pastors from the Hispanic churches in Huntsville have asked him to express their concern about the gang problem. These churches are trying to recruit these gang youths to join their congregations. He feels that the "gang officer" is not well known through the Hispanic community; not many citizens in this community know of the officer. If this position exists and continues to exist, the Hispanic community would like to see and feel his presence. Mayor Green asked that Mr. Martinez stay for the discussion on this subject later in the agenda. INVOCATION Invocation by Reverend Ron Sumter, First Christian Church. CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 23, 1996 Councilmember Matthews made a motion to anorove the minutes of January 23. 1996. and Councilmember Lange seconded the motion All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. [Note: Councilmember Rex absentl CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS WITH PENTAMATION ENTERPRISES FOR PURCHASE OF SOFTWARE LICENSE, HARDWARE AND IMPLEMENTATION/ TRAINING SERVICES FOR THE FINANCE COMPUTER SYSTEM IN THE AMOUNT OF $125,000 (BUDGETED FUNDS) AND At TRANSFER OF 55,000 FROM THE RESERVE FOR FUTURE ALLOCATION TO INCLUDING THE PURCHASING MODULE Ms. Allen stated that the Finance Department has been evaluating its needs for a computer system for the past year. A request for proposals was sent out in December and due back to the City in January. The prices ranged from $33,000 to $205,000 in software costs. An evaluation committee was formed and the recommendation is to purchase the Pentamation system consisting of several modules, for a cost of $125,000 from budgeted funds, and transfer of $5,000 from the reserve to include the Purchasing module. Councilmember Davis made a motion to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Pentamation Entemrises for the purchase of software license, hardware and implementation/training services for the Finance computer system in the amount of $125,000 (budgeted funds) and authorize the transfer of $5,000 from reserve to include the Purchasing module, and Councilmember Tames seconded the motion All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 'CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE ENGINEERING DESIGN BY WISENBAKER, FIX & ASSOC. FOR .. THE AUTOMATION OF THE WATER WELLS AT A COST NOT TO EXCEED $24,200 (TO BE FUNDED FROM THE WATER AND SEWER RESERVE) Mr. Wilder stated that staff is requesting that Council authorize the engineering design for automation of the water well controls. This project is in coordination with the project of providing water to the TDCJ units (Ellis/Estelle) planned to be online by October CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 1996 BOOK "S" 8 1996. TRA will still be the primary water source, with these wells to supplement the system during the peak periods. Funding for the actual project will be determined Councilmember Luning made a motion to authorize the engineering design by Wisenbaker, Fix & Assoc for the automation of the water well controls at a cost not to exceed $24.200 (from the water and sewer reserve) and Councitmember James seconded the motion All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Luning asked if the actual work would be performed during this budget year. Mr. Wilder stated that yes, it is planned to be completed about the time the TDCJ units are online. CONSIDER ORDINANCE 96 -02 -13.1 ESTABLISHING SPEED LIMITS ON SPUR 59 (40 MPH) AND THE IH -45 WEST FRONTAGE ROAD FROM SPUR 59 TO CITY LIMITS (55 MPH) Councibnember Matthews made a motion to approve Ordinance 96 -02 -13.1 establishing speed limits on Snur 59 (40 mph) and the IH -45 West Frontage Road from Snur 59 to City limits (55 mph). and Councilmember Lange seconded the motion All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER ORDINANCE 96 -02 -13.2 AMENDING THE PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON 19TH STREET FROM "NO PARKING AT ANY TIME" TO "NO PARKING 8 A.M. TO 5 P.M." FROM SAM HOUSTON AVENUE TO AVENUE O ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE STREET Councilmember Davis made a motion to approve Ordinance 96 -02 -13.2 amending the parking restrictions on 19th Street from "No Parking at anv Time" to "No Parking 8 a.m. to 5 p m " from the Sam Houston Avenue to Avenue O on the north side of the street and Councilmember Lange seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion Passed unanimously. PRESENTATION OF JUVENILE GANG REPORT Chief Eckhardt stated that David Collins, Investigator in the Criminal Instigation Division, is charged with investigating the crimes relating to gang activity. Gang activity is prevalent in Huntsville and there is a problem, although gang activity is not just a law enforcement problem, but a community wide problem that will take a community wide effort to be resolved. Youth involved in gangs are looking for a family unit and companionship. Chief Eckhardt asked Officer David Collins to address Council Officer Collins stated that seven gangs have been identified in Huntsville. Of these seven groups (60 to 70 overall members), two groups (the MS and OHL) are known for the majority of violent and property crimes. These two gangs (about 35 to 45 members) have been around for several years and meet the three recognized criteria for organized criminal street gangs. The remaining five groups �i are known only through acts of vandalism /graffiti, and are commonly known as identity gangs or tagging groups. As of yet, the Police I' !! Department has been unable to link these five groups to any other organized activity. The majority of Officer Collins' time as the gang investigator is spent on actual case investigations of criminal offenses known or suspected to be committed by gang members. He is working on the development of intelligence information such as linking an actual name to a nickname painted on buildings or a residence. This includes identification of known suspected members and disseminating this information to other officers in our agency and other agencies, including administrators and teachers at H.I.S.D., the H.I.S.D. Police Department, the Sheriffs Department and the University Police Department. He also works closely with the Juvenile and Adult Probation Departments of Walker County, and more recently the STAR Program. Juveniles in the STAR Program and community service workers through Municipal Court are being used to help paint over graffiti in our community. A program is currently under development in which local retailers will offer discounted paint and supplies to residents that have been victimized by acts of graffiti and vandalism. Officer Collins stated that he has participated in many public forums and speaking engagements to civic groups, teaching groups and students, seeking to educate the public on gangs. Numerous other meetings have been held with parents and family members to help them see the signs of a gang member, and what steps they can take to redirect the attentions and activities of their children, relatives, friends or acquaintances into something more positive. Officer Collins stated that he agreed with the Chief, this is a community wide problem and will take a community wide approach to further impact the program. He will continue to work diligently to reduce the gang activity and assist any person or group in this endeavor. Chief Eckhardt stated that Mr. Andy Martinez described a situation earlier, and assured him that he would look into the matter. The Police Department does not back off of making arrests or filing charges on any situation where evidence can be legally collected and have a case the District Attorney can prosecute. Councilmember Martinez asked how many of the gangs are Hispanic? Officer Collins stated that four are predominately Hispanic. Other gangs are composed of members of several different ethnic groups. The two gangs that are involved in most of the criminal - L� CfFY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 1996 BOOK "S" activity are primarily Hispanic. Councilmember Martinez suggested that Hispanic officers be hired to deal with these groups. Chief tt}}tt! Eckhardt stated that the Police Department does have several well qualified Hispanic officers_ i) Mayor Green asked if the scope of the existing bicycle officers could be expanded? Chief Eckhardt stated that both teams have been expanded to cover large areas, although the area in question is not being policed by the bicycle officers. The Police Department will review this situation. Councilmember Lange asked what type of results is the gang officer producing? He spends a lot of time on the east side and sees the graffiti daily. Has there been any arrests made for putting this graffiti on these buildings? Have there been results from the gang officer? Chief Eckhardt stated that yes there have been results, but he cannot say that everyone has been arrested. When the City applied for the gang grant a few years ago, there were nine to ten identified gangs, whereas today there are seven identified and there are fewer members involved in these seven groups. Councilmember Lange asked how many arrests have been made for putting graffiti on buildings? Officer Collins stated that he did not have the statistics but between 20 and 100. Councilmember Matthews stated that she has nothing personal against Officer Collins and feels he is a great officer doing a great job. She has and does continue to support the Police Department, but she does have some questions regarding the gang officer position. Councilmember Matthews stated that she has received many phone calls and is concerned that these individuals in the Hispanic community do not know David Collins, Gang Officer. Chief Eckhardt asked if these citizens do not know David Collins as the gang officer, or do not know David Collins. He feels that there may be some confusion in this area and maybe Officer Collins needs to identify himself as the gang investigator and that area of town as his beat. Councilmember Matthews stated that when the gang grant was fast put into operation, the officer was seen and heard. There were meetings at the schools along with an awareness that there was a problem. The program was vital, with the officer being very vocal, and now it seems that it has died down. She would like the statistics identified regarding the gang activity. Councilmember Matthews stated that she realized that this is a community problem, but there are resources that can be utilized to help combat gang activity. She stated that she does not feel there has been a meeting of the minds; the gangs are more organized that the members of the community. Councilmember Matthews asked about the idea of a community meeting and the Chief responded that the letters will be mailed out shortly; the meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Febmary 22, at 1:30, at City Hall. The meeting will involve many different members of the community involved in juvenile services to identify ways all groups can come together and better handle the juveniles that are not in school and could be potential gang members. Mayor Green asked if is there more than a sharing of information between agencies or is there a coordination of activities between the units? Chief Eckhardt stated that there has been sharing of information and coordination with different entities. Councilmember Holmes asked if data has been collected during the course of the program to be able to evaluate the City against other cities with similar programs. Chief Eckhardt stated that data has been collected. CONSIDER THE APPLICATION OF THE PHELPS RURAL WATER SUPPLY CORPORATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY Mr. Bounds stated that the City participated in a conference meeting several weeks ago, and at that time a pre- hearing was scheduled for February 23rd. The City staff discussed with Phelps Water Supply Corporation concerns relating to their request and has met with Phelps Water Supply officials to modify their CCN. Staff proposes a settlement agreement for Council's approval (the agreement has been approved by Phelps Water Supply Corporation). There is a consideration that at least 30 days prior to any future amendment to the CCN by Phelps Water Supply Corporation that written notice of the proposal be provided to the City. Councilmember Lange made a motion to approve a settlement agreement with Phelps Rural Water Supply Corporation for a certificate of convenience and necessity, and Councilmember Matthews seconded the motion All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Bounds stated that this only solves the Phelps Rural Water Supply Corporation's CCN and not the ongoing problem of the Walker County Rural Water Supply Corporation's application for a CCN. Mayor Green stated that he has had an opportunity to visit with our State Representatives on this issue, has communicated with Senator Gramm's office, Senator Hutchison's office is doing research, and TML has also been notified and is examining the issue. IMAYOR'S ACTIVITY REPORT 1. Discuss formation of Statewide Coalition of Cities on formation of Statewide of Cities on Utili�Matters. Mayor Green stated that he has receive a letter inviting him to attend a meeting in Austin on the formation of a statewide coalition of cities on utility matters. He asked that the City Manager attend this meeting and report back. CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 1996 BOOK "S" 10 2. Discuss City Council/Staff olannine convocation. Mayor Green stated that with consensus of Council, a work session would be scheduled for March 12 to discuss plans, goals, ongoing project, etc. for the City. Council agreed to the date. 3. Discussion of garbage billing in the 1994 annexed areas. Mayor Green stated that this item would be considered as contemplated litigation and discussed in the EXECUTIVE SESSION to follow the meeting. CITY COUNCILM EMBER ACTION Thank You. Councilmember James extended gratitude to City staff from the Powell's for being helpful and efficient in assisting them with information to begin the construction of the TTT Truck Stop on the northwest side. Walker County Proud. Councilmember James invited everyone to get a tree on Saturday at Normal Park and 11th Street (old Appletree). Walker County Proud will be giving away more than 1000 hardwood trees. Closing of City Hall. Councilmember Lange asked the City Manager to respond to a column on the editorial page in the Huntsville Item about a week ago about the City being shut down on the Friday of the ice storm. Mr. Pipes stated that all City offices were open and staffed fully, despite the misinformed columnist. The City operated full shifts, with the exception of the Library which closed at 5:00 p.m. on the Friday due to the icing situation and fall of dusk. Pay and Classification Study. Councilmember Lange stated that the Personnel Committee has approved a RFP for this study that will be sent out tomorrow and and be due back on March 12. On March 26, the Personnel Committee hopes to have a recommendation to Council MEDIA INQUIRIES None. Recess into a EXECUTIVE SESSION to consider items as follows: ' real estate acquisition: land acquisition for the Robinson Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant; " contemplated litigation: Phelps Water Supply Corporation/Walker County Rural Water Supply System, and Atlantic Technologies. Danna Welter, City Secretary