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MIN CC 03/11/1997CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 11, 1997 BOOK "S" 77 MINUTES OF THE HUNTSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE I ITH DAY OF MARCH, 1997, IN THE CITY HALL, LOCATED AT 1212 AVENUE M IN THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, COUNTY OF WALKER, TEXAS AT 5:15 P.M. The Council met in regular session with the following members present: COUNCILMEMBERS: William B. Green, Mayor Dave Luning Officers: Dan S. Davis David Martinez Gene Pipes, City Manager Ronald L. Lange JoAnn Matthews Scott Bounds, City Attorney Vance Howard Marjorie Rex Danna Welter, City Secretary ABSENT: Ann James CITIZEN INPUTANQUIRY 1. Nancy Goodwin. Ms. Goodwin stated that the "Citizens fm Community Recycling" are interested in curbside recycling. They have had several meetings with several Councilmembers and Cindy Blaylock, Sanitation Superintendent in attendance. The group is studying this issue and requests City Council's leadership in going forward. Councilmember Luning stated that he would like for the City Council to direct Ms. Blaylock to pursue this issue and see if there is a feasible way to improve the City's recycling program. Councilmember Lange stated that a study of curbside pickup should include the whole process, from pick up to delivery of goods to the point of recycling. Mayor Green stated that the program would need to be economical, the City does not need to raise citizens' garbage rates to recycle. He stated that the City is involved in various areas of recycling at the present and would be glad to enter into discussions with SHSU, HISD or other entities to reduce the waste stream and the cost to taxpayers. Mayor Green asked Ms. Blaylock to examine new technologies and possibilities to allow the City to look at the alternatives in a way to make a judgment based on the benefit and cost. 2. Delora King. Ms. King stated that she would like to discuss the trash all over the City and the possibility of recycling. One possibility is to stop buying products that litter the community and force the manufactures to be more environmentally concerned and produce containers that are recyclable. This would take education and cooperation of the citizens. Ms. Delora King introduced Edith King. Ms. King stated that she takes her recyclables to Conroe. She came from an area that recycled and continues to recycle. She does not agree that money needs to be made from recycling because she feels that it costs money not to recycle. Ms. Delora King stated that many communities only have one garbage pick up per week and she doesn't see why the City couldn't go to one pick up and begin a program of curbside recycling in a small way. 3. Johnnie Joe Schmidt. Ms. Schmidt, Manager of the local TCA Cable, provided to Council copies of letters her office sent to several apartment complexes this week. At this time, TCA Cable does not have signed contracts with the apartment complexes. The letter states that on bulk accounts, TCA is no longer offering the basic only service ($7.95 for 25 channels), but offers the full standard service for a price of $12.95 (35 channels) for each unit (whether vacant or occupied). She understands that several Councilmembers have been contacted and is here to answer any questions. Councilmember Lange stated that he had been contacted by one apartment manager and their concern is that TCA was requesting a five year contract and TCA would be able to raise rates during these five years. Ms. Schmidt stated that any increases in rates will be in line with increases to residential customers, and stated that it was a five year contract and is waiting for a copy from the Company to we if there is a termination clause. Ms. Schmidt stated that one alternative is for the complexes to go back to individual units paying for cable service. Councilmember Luning stated that he had calls from several apartment complex employees asking about the City's franchise agreement, and suggested that they visit with the City Attorney on this issue. 4. Kenneth Hessel. Mr. Hessel outlined a transportation plan for the Interstate corridor. He would like the City, in approaching the Texas Department of Transportation, to change all exits from the Interstate so that they do not merge with the feeders. The Texas Department of Transportation feels that the only solution to the traffic problems is to make the feeder roads one way and Mr. Hessel stated that he feels there we other options. Mayor Green thanked Mr. Hessel and stated that the City's Engineer has expertise in this area and would evaluate the situation. � CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 11, 1997 BOOK "S" INVOCATION Invocation by Kenneth Hessel, Faith Lutheran Church. CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 25, 1997 78 Councilmember Rex made a motion to annrove the minutes of February 25 1997 and Councilmember Matthews seconded the motion The motion Passed unanimously. INOT& Councilmember James absent] ATTENDING CITIZENS 1. Walker County Judge Charles Wagamon to discuss the Walker County Trash Bash Day activities and request funding assistance to dispose of the waste that is collected. Judge Wagamon and Commission Reynolds stated the Walker County Trash Bash Day will be April 5th. Walker County Proud has received donations for this project and the County will be putting in man-hours and running vehicles. A major goal of this Trash Bash Day will be to educate the population about the City's transfer station and recycling options. It is requested that the City waive the tipping fees at the transfer station for this event. After discussion, it was the consensus of Council that Walker County Proud approach the County for funding before the City votes on this issue. The City Council would be more receptive to matching funds with the County for a fixed dollar amount. 2. Mr. Luther Jones Entex Local Manager, to discuss a proposed minor cost of service rate increase. Mr. Jones stated that Entex is proposing a minor cost of service rate increase - $32 per customer per year. Council took no action on this increase. CONSIDER ALL MATTERS INCIDENT AND RELATED TO THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF $14,395,000 "CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS, WATERWORKS AND SEWER SYSTEM REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 1997' BY THE APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 97 -3 -11.1 AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS Councilmember Davis made the motion to annrove Ordinance 97-3-11.1 authorizing the issuance of $14,395.000 "City of Huntsville Texas Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds. Series 1997 ". and Councilmember Rex seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER MONTHLY TAX REPORT FOR FEBRUARY WITH ADJUSTMENTS TO THE LEVY AS RECOMMENDED BY GROVER COOK, CHIEF APPRAISER Councilmember Davis made a motion to approve the February tax report with adiustments to the levy as recommended by Chief Appraiser Grover Cook and Councilmember Lange seconded the motion The motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER RESOLUTION 97 -3 -11.1 APPROVING A LEASE/PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH CAPITAL CITY LEASING, INC. FOR THE PURCHASE OF A REAR LOADING REFUSE TRUCK IN THE AMOUNT OF $69,985.26 AT AN INTEREST RATE OF 5.83 % Councilmember Rex made a motion to annrove Resolution 97 -3 -11.1 unmoving a lease /purchase agreement with Capital City Leasing Inc for the ourchase of a rear loading refuse truck in the amount of $69.98526 at an interest rate of 5.83%- and Councilmember Lange seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER BID 97 -11, TWO NEW AND UNUSED POLICE VEHICLES TO PHILPOTT FORD IN THE AMOUNT OF $37,386 (1996 MODELS) Councilmember Matthews made a motion to approve Bid 97 -11. two new police vehicles to Philoott Ford in the amount of $37.386 (1996 models), and Councilmember Rex seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER AN AGREEMENT WITH THE HUNTSVILLE FAMILY YMCA TO ADMINISTER AND CONDUCT THE HEAP PROGRAM FOR THE SUMMER OF 1997 AT A COST OF $14,100 This item was withdrawn. CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 11, 1997 BOOK "S" 79 CONSIDER INCREASE FOR ROLL -OFF RATES IN SECOND AMENDMENT TO DISPOSAL SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND WASTE MANAGEMENT Mr. Wilder stated that he has checked with other companies and even with the increase, the City's citizens that use this service are getting a lower rate for the roll -off service. Councilmember Davis stated that when this issue was last voted on, he recused himself due to a minor investment in WMX Technologies. He has divested himself of this investment and is eligible to vote on the issue at this time. Councilmember Rex made a motion to approve the increase for roll-off rates as allowed in the second amendment to the disposal service agreement with Waste Management and Councilmember Martinez seconded the motion The motion oassed unanimously. MAYOR'S ACTIVITY REPORT j L Consider downtown parking. The City has employed a new parking control officer and the step up in enforcement has generated several comments and a lot of questions regarding the parking regulations downtown. Particularly, Judge Wagamon has requested I that the County Court at Law Judge be exempted from the parking regulations. There are some "reserved" puking spaces around the Courthouse that have not been adopted by City Council. As a result of these issues, City staff is suggesting that since the north and west side parking around the Courthouse are actually on County property, the County consider being responsible for permit puking on their property. This might better utilize the parking spaces on these two sides of the Courthouse. The County Commissioners discussed this issue and have agreed to assume responsibility for controlling the 19 puking spaces on the north and west side of the Courthouse. Mr. Bounds stated that he had met with downtown property owners and many suggestions were made, including: limit time restrictions (usually two hour) away from the square; utilize the County's off street parking lot by opening it to the public; utilize the County's off street parking lot by designating spaces and requiring County employees to use it; utilize the Southwestern Bell parking lot by opening it to the public; construct a covered walkway from a remote parking lot such as the Southwestern Bell property to the Courthouse; utilize the FUMC/FNB parking lot by different signage; shorten time limits inside the square; issue permits for areas near World Finance needing paving to increase off - street puking; remark parking spaces in front of FUMC no longer used for day care loading /unloading; utilize the property at the southwest comer of 12th Street and Avenue I as public or permit parking; utilize the property west of Sam Houston Avenue between 12th and 13th Streets as public or permit parking; identify or permit all cars parking downtown on a regular/daily basis; utilize the Ernst parking lot for public or permit parking; alter the parking fine schedule to punish it repeat offenders; and establish a "scrambling" or zone parking ordinance that would restrict people from moving their vehicle from one regulated space to another. After considering the comments received, he recommended at least the following: the City should permit the County to control parking on the north and west side of the Courthouse; the City should remove all exemptions from its Ordinance except those for juror parking; the City should remove two hour parking restrictions away from the square where street parking is not used regularly; the City should resign some areas to encourage puking; and the City should consider establishing fine guidelines for repeat offenders. Additionally, the City Council might consider: leasing at no fee private areas for public parking and signage to encourage parking use in those areas; and a scramble ordinance for the Courthouse square only. 2. Consider Ordinance 97-3-11.2 ordering the City /Community Planner to prepare an annexation service plan for certain tracts of land. City Attorney Scott Bounds identified the areas that were under consideration for annexation: an area on Highway 75 South from the City limits to Park Road 40 and around to the boundary of Elkins Lake; the highway right -of -way on Highway 30 and FM 247. Councilmember Luning made a motion to approve Ordinance 97 -3 -11.2 ordering the City /Community Planner to prepare an annexation service plan for the described areas. and Councilmember Lange seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. '! CITY COUNCILMEMBER ACTION TML Spring Meeting. Councilmember Davis stated that all members should have an invitation at their place for the TML Spring Meeting. The speaker at this meeting will be Houston Mayor Bob Lanier and he encouraged all members to attend. Bond Rate. Councilmember Howard congratulated the City Council on their hard work in receiving a very favorable bond rate for the $14,395,000 issue. �i i I CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 11, 1997 BOOK "S" 80 Police Department Extra Duty Employment Councilmember Lange stated that at the last meeting, the Personnel Committee reviewed the Police Department's extra duty employment policy. Please contact the Police Chief if any member would like to see the policy. It does not need Council approval. MEDIA INQUIRIES None. ADJOURNMENT Recess into EXECUTIVE SESSION to discuss: il. a) pending litigation: McDonald Creek, Sam Houston Inn, Attorney General Opinion, and Townsend; and I b) land acquisition: Robinson Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant site, anand /Avenue I and 9th Street. l XJ�u� Dana Welter, City Secretary C