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MIN CC 01/07/1992CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 7_ 1992 BOOK "It" 1 ATTENDING CITIZEN Luther Dickey Jr.: Mr. Dickey stated that he was concerned about vagrancy on 10th Street between MOten'S Liquor Store and a garage. He stated there were many fights at this Location and he would Like more police patroLs -in this area. Mr. Dickey stated that he lives on Smith HiLL Road, that there is a drug problem in this neighborhood, and that he wanted City Council to be aware of the problem. Mayor Hodges thanked Mr. Dickey for informing Council of the problems. Mr. Pipes asked Mr. Dickey to meet with Chief Eckhardt to discuss these problems. Councitmember Bell asked Mr. Dickey to return to Council for a follow -up at a later date. Councitmember Robinson asked Mr. Dickey the specific location on Smith Hill Road. Mr. Dickey stated that he lived at 411 .Smith HiLL, and that the problem area is at the intersection of Smith Hill and Roosevelt Street, and on both " sides of Smith Hill down to Mary Avenue. CONSIDER MINUTES OF DECEMBER 17, 1991 Councitmember Barrett made the motion to approve the minutes of December 17. 1991, and Councitmember Robinson 'seconded the motion All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER ARTS COMMISSION REQUEST Consider an Arts Commission request to seek funding assistance for two grants from the Texas Commission of the Arts and a new grant to the Meadows Foundation of Texas for Phase 11 of the Downtown Revitalization project. Mr. Pipes asked Council for authorization to seek funding assistance for these grants. The projects would be subject to Council approval if the grants were awarded to the City. Counc itmember Knotts asked if new City funds would be needed if the grants were approved. Ms. Pease stated that no new funds would be needed. CounciLmember Robinson asked for an update on the King's Candy buiLding. Ms. Pease stated the building had changed ownership and that the new owner ww Ld probably participate, but she has not been contacted by the new owners at this time. The money set aside for the painting of this building is being held until a decision is made. Councitmember Barrett made the motion to approve the two grant applications to the Texas Commission of the Arts and the new grant appLication to Meadows Foundation and CounciLmember Gaines seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER BIDS Consider bids for laboratory work for wastewater treatment plants as required by T.W.C. and E.P.R. to be awarded to N.D.R.C. Laboratories Inc. in the amount of $10.410 as budgeted.. Mr. Pipes stated that the bids for the minimum amount of Laboratory work for the tests required under the new E.P.A. regulations total 810,410. Chronic biomonitoring may be required if these tests are not successful. Mr. Pipes recommended that N.D.R.C. Laboratories, Inc., be approved as the low bidder for the Laboratory testing required by the E.P.A and Texas Water Commission to be paid from budgeted fund from both wastewater treatment plants. Councilmember Bell asked why the City did not perform the laboratory tests. Mr. Pipes stated that only certain certified Labs were approved to be used for the testing. CounciLmember Robinson asked if this was a new process because the three bidders had only one or two years experience. Mr. Pipes stated that it is a new testing process. Mr. Pipes cautioned the Council that if the City failed these tests, the additional testing that would be required is much more expensive. Councitmember Barrett made the motion to approve the low bid of $10,410 to N.D.R.C. Laboratories, Inc., and Councilmember Gaines seconded the motion All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. :MINUTES OF THE HUNTSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 7TH DAY OF JANUARY, 1992 IN THE CITY HALL COUNCIL (CHAMBERS, LOCATED AT 1212 AVENUE M IN THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, COUNTY OF WALKER, TEXAS AT 5:15 P.M. The Council met in a regular session with the following members present: W. H. Hodges, Mayor William B. Green City officers present: Gary BeIL William H. Knotts, Jr. Gene Pipes, City Manager Its G. Gaines Ronald L. Lange Scott Bounds, City Attorney 'James L. Carter 0. Eugene Barrett Danna Wetter, City Secretary <'Charles Robinson FORMAL MEETING CONVENED Mayor Hodges called the meeting to order at 5:15 P.M. ATTENDING CITIZEN Luther Dickey Jr.: Mr. Dickey stated that he was concerned about vagrancy on 10th Street between MOten'S Liquor Store and a garage. He stated there were many fights at this Location and he would Like more police patroLs -in this area. Mr. Dickey stated that he lives on Smith HiLL Road, that there is a drug problem in this neighborhood, and that he wanted City Council to be aware of the problem. Mayor Hodges thanked Mr. Dickey for informing Council of the problems. Mr. Pipes asked Mr. Dickey to meet with Chief Eckhardt to discuss these problems. Councitmember Bell asked Mr. Dickey to return to Council for a follow -up at a later date. Councitmember Robinson asked Mr. Dickey the specific location on Smith Hill Road. Mr. Dickey stated that he lived at 411 .Smith HiLL, and that the problem area is at the intersection of Smith Hill and Roosevelt Street, and on both " sides of Smith Hill down to Mary Avenue. CONSIDER MINUTES OF DECEMBER 17, 1991 Councitmember Barrett made the motion to approve the minutes of December 17. 1991, and Councitmember Robinson 'seconded the motion All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER ARTS COMMISSION REQUEST Consider an Arts Commission request to seek funding assistance for two grants from the Texas Commission of the Arts and a new grant to the Meadows Foundation of Texas for Phase 11 of the Downtown Revitalization project. Mr. Pipes asked Council for authorization to seek funding assistance for these grants. The projects would be subject to Council approval if the grants were awarded to the City. Counc itmember Knotts asked if new City funds would be needed if the grants were approved. Ms. Pease stated that no new funds would be needed. CounciLmember Robinson asked for an update on the King's Candy buiLding. Ms. Pease stated the building had changed ownership and that the new owner ww Ld probably participate, but she has not been contacted by the new owners at this time. The money set aside for the painting of this building is being held until a decision is made. Councitmember Barrett made the motion to approve the two grant applications to the Texas Commission of the Arts and the new grant appLication to Meadows Foundation and CounciLmember Gaines seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER BIDS Consider bids for laboratory work for wastewater treatment plants as required by T.W.C. and E.P.R. to be awarded to N.D.R.C. Laboratories Inc. in the amount of $10.410 as budgeted.. Mr. Pipes stated that the bids for the minimum amount of Laboratory work for the tests required under the new E.P.A. regulations total 810,410. Chronic biomonitoring may be required if these tests are not successful. Mr. Pipes recommended that N.D.R.C. Laboratories, Inc., be approved as the low bidder for the Laboratory testing required by the E.P.A and Texas Water Commission to be paid from budgeted fund from both wastewater treatment plants. Councilmember Bell asked why the City did not perform the laboratory tests. Mr. Pipes stated that only certain certified Labs were approved to be used for the testing. CounciLmember Robinson asked if this was a new process because the three bidders had only one or two years experience. Mr. Pipes stated that it is a new testing process. Mr. Pipes cautioned the Council that if the City failed these tests, the additional testing that would be required is much more expensive. Councitmember Barrett made the motion to approve the low bid of $10,410 to N.D.R.C. Laboratories, Inc., and Councilmember Gaines seconded the motion All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 7, 1992 BOOK "R" 2 F.D.I.C. PROPOSALS Consider authorization to make an offer on two real estate acquisition Proposals (F.D.I.C.) and earnest money deposits totaling $4.575. Mr. Pipes stated that Council had discussed offers to be made on two tracts of Land that are presently under the ownership of the F.D.I.C. Approval is now requested for the two offers: one for $58,560, and one for $32,940, with a combined total earnest money of 54,500 (5 %). CounciLmember Knotts stated that he did not agree with the purchase of the Harper washateria (11th Street) tract. Councilmember Knotts made the motion to approve the contract for the 27 acres on 7th Street and Councilmember Bell seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion Passed unanimously. Councilmember Barrett asked City Planner, Date Brown to comment on the 11th Street tract and whether -: it would aid the City for future traffic purposes. Mr. Brown stated that the City had discussed for an -. interloop or connecting streets to allow for better traffic flow. Rather than to extend a street off of the !. intersection of Highway 19 and Highway 30 at the Y, it might be better to get traffic away from that intersection by looping the traffic off of Sycamore onto Avenxne F. Avenue F at 11th Street is an offset .intersection and the washateria is sitting on property line impairing alignment of the streets. The removal of the washateria building would allow for the alignment of the right of way to Loop Avenue F onto Sycamore. Councilmember Green made the motion to approve the contract for the property on 11th Street and Mayor Hodges !'seconded the motion. Councilmember Green stated he felt the City should purchase the property. It will give the City the opportunity to fix the corner regardless whether the City proceeds with the long range plans of connecting Avenue F with Sycamore. The City could fix the corner, sell the metal building, and sell the property left over and recover the City's money. This would be an opportunity to solve a problem. Councilmember Knotts stated that the F.D.I.C. could sell the property and keep it on the tax roll. Count ilmember Barrett stated he agreed with Counci Lmember Green and felt the City should purchase the lot and improve the corner. A vote was taken and Councilmembers Lange Barrett Gaines Robinson Bell Green and Mayor Hodges voted for and Councilmembers Knotts and Carter voted against The motion passed 7 -2 CONSIDER BIDS Consider bids on the Highway Department sewer service project to be awarded to Elliott Construction in the amount of $15.639.72. Mr. Pipes recommended approval of the low bid which is approximately 56,000 Lower than the engineering estimate. Councilmember Bell made the motion to approve the low bid of $15,639.72 to Elliott Construction and Counci Lmenber Barrett seconded the motion. All were in favor of the motion and the motion passed unanimously. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Consider 22nd Street Drainage Proiect Mr. Pipes stated this is a revised proposal of the one presented to Council at a prior meeting. The Robinson Way area was deleted from the original proposal for a new total of $153,600. The cost was not budgeted and could be taken from the capital improvement funds. This project will take the dips out of 22nd Street, improve its car carrying capabilities, and help the overall neighborhood appearance. Mr. Pipes stated that the cost of the project is high due to the fact that the storm drainage will have to be put in the street. Otherwise, new easements would be required on private property (front yards of the residents). Councilmember Knotts made the motion to authorize the 22nd Street Drainage Project for a cost not to exceed $153.600, with the storm drainage system being installed in the street and Councilmember Bell seconded the motion. Councilmember Carter asked if residents of the neighborhood had been contacted to see if they wanted the dips removed; he felt the dips helped with traffic control. Councilmember Knotts stated the water problem is much greater than the traffic problem on 22nd Street, and cars now hit the dip at 40 mph and bounce into residents' yards. A vote was taken and Councilmembers Lange, Barrett, Knotts. Gaines, Robinson. Bell and Green and Mayor Hodges 'voted for the motion and Councilmember Carter voted against. The motion passed 8 -1. T.C.A. Grant Approval Mr. Pipes notified Council of a grant approval from the Texas Commission of the Arts to augment funds for the Arts contracts in the amount of $3,000. The projects have not been designated at this time. This is a notification and does not require any action by Council. CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 7, 1992 BOOK "R" 3 MAYOR'S ACTIVITY REPORT :Appointment of delegate and alternate for H.G.A.C. representative Mayor Hodges appointed Ila Gaines as representative to the H.G.A.C., and Jim Carter as the alternate. Financial Audit for H.W.C.C.C. Tourism Council Mayor Hodges stated the audit from the Tourism Council has been received. Tom McBee Retirement Reception Mr. Tom McBee will be honored following the Council Meeting for his retirement with 20 years of service in the Public Works Department- Street Division - Traffic Control. COUNCILMEMBER ACTION Tabling Policy Councilmember Carter stated that in the minutes (dated February 5, 1991) regarding the tabling policy that there was some assurance that if a Councilmember wanted to table an item that Council would probably go along with the tabling unless there was an emergency. Economic Development Councilmember Carter stated that he felt one problem in our community is that we are over built and have too many empty buildings. He feels the Planning Commission and those responsible for E.D. should plan for Long term instead of short term and we should see a moratorium on empty green spaces (the development or purchase or building) until we have filled those already destroyed pieces of property where there are buildings in place. He requested that the Planning Commission and the Economic Development Committee bring a plan to Council where for a period of years we do not allow the continued destruction of greenspace while there are empty buildings in place. Councilmember Knotts stated he felt a capital recovery fee on new construction would make them look at the already existing buildings so as not to have to pay the fee. Councilmember Green felt this would deter building. Mayor Hodges stated that there are some empty buildings and the Chamber of Commerce and other do have an inventory of these buildings and when making a presentations to any industrial prospect this is the first thing they are given. CounciLmember Lange felt this policy would project an image of negative growth in Huntsville. Personnel Committee Meeting Councilmember Barrett stated interviews for the City Secretary position were to begin on Thursday and Monday and when the final three to five candidates are chosen, the full Council will interview those. MEDIA INQUIRIES Wayne Sorge with KSAM asked about the T.D.C.J. -I.D. Unit bid solicitation. Mayor Hodges responded that this item was on the agenda if the E.D.C. came to the City and ask for support for their bid proposal to the State i� of Texas for the prison site selection. Mayor Hodges stated that if Mr. Sorge had additional questions he could contact the Economic Development Commission since they are the community body that is putting the package j together. RECESS INTO EY.ECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Hodges recessed and convened into an Executive Session at 6:05 P.M. to consider a personnel matter: appeal of termination by Kennith Johnson as a part time firefighter. RECONVENE Mayor Hodges reconvened the meeting at 7:15 P.M. PERSONNEL MATTER Consider appeal of termination by Kennith Johnson as a part time firefighter. Councilmember Green made the motion to ask the City Attorney to prepare an order to be voted upon at the next Council Meeting to uphold the decision made by the City Manager relative to the termination of Mr. Kennith Johnson and Councilmember Barrett seconded the motion All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT �,��t,i4,�i�� ;ice j'��(_•?i�C 1`;