MIN CC 01/13/1998CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 13, 1998 BOOK'S' 126
j MINUTES OF THE HUNTS VILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 13TH DAY OF JANUARY, 1998, IN THE CITY
HALL, LOCATED AT 1212 AVENUE M IN THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, COUNTY OF WALKER, TEXAS AT 7:00 P.M.
li The Council met in regular session with the following members present:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
William B. Green, Mayor Ron Lange Officers:
Dan S. Davis Dave Luning Gene Pipes, City Manager
Vance Howard Ann James Danna Welter. City Secretary
j! JOAnn Matthews Scott Bounds, City Attorney
Absent: David Martinez, Marjorie Rex
n
ii
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Convene and recess into Executive Session to discuss 1) contemplated and pending litigation: City franchise negotiations and
compliance for utility service, Townsend, Hyvl, Entergy /GSU, and Curtis Development Corporation bankruptcy. [4:30 p.m. - 5:05 p.m.]
CITIZEN INPUTANQUIRY
John Strickland. Mr. Strickland stated that he understood that when Council approved for the University to teach the food handler
classes that the cost would be $15.00. The ordinance as approved reads $20.00.
Mayor Green stated that staff would check into this issue.
Mr. Strickland also stated that there is terrible traffic congestion at 12th Street and Sam Houston Avenue. There seems to be two
to three accidents per week at this location.
Mayor Green stated that this intersection could be added to the traffic control devices on the City's traffic improvements plan that
will be discussed later in the agenda.
James Black. Mr. Black presented Council with a map identifying traffic problems /corrections in Huntsville. The problems
identified include the intersection of 22nd Street and Sam Houston Avenue, 11th Street and IH 45, adding turnarounds to the over
passes, a road from Richards Road to the Hospital; and a network of roads around Walmart.
Mayor Green thanked Mr. Black for his suggestions.
INVOCATION
Invocation by Carroll Williams, First Baptist Church.
CONSIDER MINUTES
Councilmember James made a motion to aoorove the minutes of November 25. 1997, and Councilmember Davis seconded the
motion. The motion passed unanimously. [Note: Councilmember Matthews, Martinez and Rex absent]
Councilmember James made a motion to approve the minutes of December 9. 1997. and Councilmember Howard seconded the
motion. The motion passed unanimously.
ATTENDING CITIZEN
1. Mr. Bob Ernst, Rita B. Huff Humane Society, to request an additional $500 per month to continue the low cost spay /neuter
assistance program.
Mr. Ernst stated that the low cost spay /neuter assistance program was originally funded through the cooperation of local
veterinarians and the donations of substantial funds by several members of the society. Over $40,000 has been spent subsidizing the
almost 2000 pets that were neutered under this program to date. These funds will run out in early 1998. The Society is requesting an
additional $500 per month to continue the low cost spay /neuter assistance program. The County has also been asked to contribute this
amount
Councilmember Luning made a motion to approve a $500 increase per month to Rita B. Huff Humane Society for the continuation
of the low cost spay /neuter assistance Program, and Councilmember Davis seconded the motion.
Councilmember Lange stated that he felt a committee should be established consisting of City and County officials to reach a
solution to this issue. This would encourage an equitable solution between the City and County.
A vote was taken. All were in favor except Councilmember Lange. The motion passed 6 -1. [Note: Councilmember Matthews
resent
1
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 13, 1998 BOOK "S"
127
CONSIDER ORDINANCE 98-01 -13.1 REDISTRICTING COUNCIL WARDS BY THE ADDITION
OF CERTAIN PROPERTIES
Councilmember James made amotion to annrove Ordinance 98-01-13.1 redistricting Council wards by the addition of properties
annexed and Councilmember Matthews seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
CONSIDER ORDINANCE 98 -01 -13.2 AMENDING THE SPEED LIMIT ZONES ON PART OF SO 19
AS RECOMMENDED BY THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Councilmember Luning made a motion to approve ordinance 98-01-13.2 amending the speed limit zones on part of SH 19 as
recommended by TXDOT and Councilmember Howard seconded the motion The motion passed unanimously.
CONSIDER ORDINANCE 98 -01 -13.3 AMENDING THE FISCAL AND BUDGETARY POLICIES
INCLUDING PURCHASING LIMITS
Councilmember Davis made a motion to approve Ordinance 98-01-13.3 amending the fiscal and budgetary policies including
purchasing limits and Councilmember Howard seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
CONSIDER BIDS
1. Bid 98 -3, bulldozer, to Carruth/Doggett in the amount of $65,797 (90 hp with extended life undercarriage), with a $4,087 budget
transfer from the water and sewer reserve fund to complete purchase of bulldozer and trailer.
Mr. Wilder stated that originally the City was going to trade -in the old dozer, but since it has had to undergo considerable repairs
and is in good working order, staff decided to keep the machine as a back up.
Councilmember James made a motion to approve Bid 98 -3 a bulldozer to CarmthlDoggett in the amount of $65.797 with a $4.087
budget transfer from the water and sewer reserve fund. and Councilmember Matthews seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
2. Bid 98 -7, annual contract for disposal of sludge, to CDR Environmental in the amount of $310 per load.
Councilmember Luning made a motion to approve Bid 98 -7. an annual contract for the disposal of sludge to CDR Environmental
in the amount of $310 per load and Councilmember Matthews seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
CONSIDER RESOLUTION 98 -01 -13.1 AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF A TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE
GRANT APPLICATION
Councilmember Howard made a motion to approve Resolution 98-01-13.1 authorizing submittal of a Texas Parks and Wildlife grant
application and Councilmember lames seconded the motion The motion passed unanimously.
CONSIDER RESOLUTION 98 -01 -13.2 AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN THE TXDOT'S INNOVATIVE
FINANCE PROGRAM TO INSTALL SECURITY ITEMS AT THE HUNTSVILLE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
Councilmember James made a motion to annrove Resolution 98- 01 -13 -2 authorizing particination in TXDOT's innovative finance
program to install security items at the Huntsville Municipal Airport and Councilmember Davis seconded the motion The motion
passed unanimously.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF AN ENGINEERING CONTRACT FOR DESIGN OF AERATION EQUIPMENT
FOR THE N. B. DAVIDSON WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
Councilmember James made a motion to approve an engineering contract for design of aeration equipment for the N B Davidson
wastewater treatment plant and Councilmember Howard seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 13, 1998 BOOK "S"
_ MAYOR'S ACTIVITY REPORT
1. Consider approval of the Texas Department of Transportation priority list for 1998.
Counci[members made several amendments:
CITYOFHUNTSVIILE
1998 TRANSPOR TA TION IMPRO VEMENT PROGRAM
IH 45
Implementation of the Corridor Study recommendations*
SH 30
4 -lane divided roadway - IH 45 to .6 mi. w of FM 1791
SH 19
US 190 south to Intersection with IH 45- add. two lanes
SH 75
SH 19 to PR 40 south City limits - five lane cont. turn
US 190
Five lane continuous turn from SH 19 to FM 2296
SH 75
Five lane continuous turn from IH 45 to FM 1696
MISC. INTERSECTIONS Traffic control devices -safety improvements"
FM 1374 Shoulders from IH 45 to southwest City limits
FM 247 1 FM 2821 to US 190 /SH 30 - realign existing roadway
FM 247 1 Shoulders from FM 980 to north City limits
FM 1696 Extend from IH 45 east to FM 247
BOWDEN ROAD From FM 1791 to FM 1374 (put on system)
* IH 45 Corridor Study Projects in priority order:
A) Exit 112 relocation;
B) Spur 59 entrance ramp;
C) SH 30 West side entrance ramp moved south near Avenue S overpass;
D) Conversion to one -way feeder roads;
E) SH 30 overpass "U" turn deck additions;
F) Relocation of Exists 1 14N, 116N, 1 16S, 118N and 118S;
G) Additional overpass between SH 19 and FM 1374 overpasses; and
H) Extension of feeder road sections north and south to PR 40 and FM 1696.
* * Traffic Control Devices - Safety Improvements (no priority order - warrant compliance)
A) Sycamore @ US 190 and SH 30 intersection;
B) Spur 59 @ SH 75 N;
C) SH 75 N @ Pleasant;
D) SH 75 N @ Eastham;
E) Avenue S overpass @ east feeder road of IH 45;
F) West Hill Drive @ SH 30;
G) Elkins second entrance @ west feeder road of IH 45;
H) FM 1791 @ SH 30;
1) FM 247 @ FM 980;
1) SH 75 @ 12th Street;
K) SH 75 @ Goree overpass - illumination;
Q SH 19 @ IH 45 east feeder - illumination; and
M) SH 19 @ Old Houston Road - illumination.
128
Councilmember Lance made a motion to approve the Texas Department of Transportation Priority list for 1998 with the amendment
listed, and Councilmember Matthews seconded the motion The motion passed unanimously.
!i
i
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 13, 1998 BOOK "S" 129
2. Consider approval of hiring Clarence West of Dow, Cogbum & Friedman to provide special counsel for use of City right -of -ways,
with initial funding from the reserve for future allocation in an amount not to exceed $23,500.
Councilmember Matthews made a motion to anumve the hiring of Clarence West to provide snecial counsel for use of City right -of-
wa s in an amount not to exceed $23.500, and Councilmember Lange seconded the motion The motion passed unanimously.
COUNCILMEMBER ACTION
Statue lighting. Councilmember James stated that she had learned that the University has one of the largest telescopes in the state.
The lighting at the statue is diminishing their effect. She has been asked if hoods could be put on the lights at the statue.
Mayor Green stated that if the City receives an official request from the President of the University, it will be considered.
Combined Dispatch. Councilmember Luning stated that committee on combined dispatch has been meeting and will be hiring an
employee in the near future.
MEDIA INQUIRIES
Mayor Green introduced Metric Beth Donehoo as the Item's new City reporter.
ADJOURNMENT
D4 tt'L,
Danna Welter, City Secretary