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MIN CC 01/14/1992CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 1992 BOOK "R" 4 MINUTES OF THE HUNTSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 14TH 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 6:00 P.M. The Council met in a regular session with the following members present: '. W. H. Hodges, Mayor WiLtiam B. Green City officers present: Gary BeIL William H. Knotts, Jr. Gene Pipes, City Manager Ila G. Gaines Ronald L. Lange Scott Bounds, City Attorney James L. Carter 0. Eugene Barrett Darns Welter, City Secretary -' Charles Robinson FORMAL MEETING CONVENED Mayor Hodges caLLed the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. ATTENDING CITIZEN Morris Waller: Mr. Waller stated that he is the President of the Walker County Economic Development Corporation for 1992. Mr. Waller encouraged City Council to support jobs in this community. He stated that sometimes statements in the newspaper give the wrong impression that Council is not fully backing economic development in the community; that he had read in the paper something to the effect that the Council my not be as enthusiastic about permits for new buildings because we already had so many buildings; that he felt this was a "silly" statement. He asked that Council try to project a positive image in the community and stated that we are all working for the same goal in building our community. Mayor Hodges thanked Mr. Waller for coming to Council and stated that the comments were made by one member of Council, that the majority of Council is supportive of economic development, and that the Council has approved tax abatement as an initiative for businesses to come to Huntsville. Councilmember Carter stated he did not feel there was anyone on Council opposed to economic development. He stated he had brought a statement to take into account some of the shortcomings of his presentation of the past CounciL meeting that he doesn't feel the comments he made last week were "silly ", that his primary interest last week was to protect greenspace and to rid the community of some derelict abandoned buildings, that he hoped that the E.D.C. and City Council would have the same purpose or goal, that he doesn't know why, with the old Academy, the old K -Mart, the oLd Grapes and Grain, and the old Piggly Wiggly, that the City would allow or encourage people to destroy other greenspace when this space is available. He stated that the E.D.C. and Planning Commission should encourage new development on those sites. Mr. Walter stated that he totally disagrees with Councilmember Carter's position, that the existing vacant buildings will be occupied as soon as a use for those buildings arise, and that a new developer will design his building the way he wants it built. Counci lmember Carter stated that, rather than place a moratorium on the development of greenspaces, the City should make it easier to develop those derelict buildings and abandoned sites. He stated the City could lift restrictions to make those properties more attractive. CONSIDER MINUrIES OF JANUARY 7, 1992 Councilmember Barrett made the motion to approve the minutes of January 7 1992 and CounciLmember Gaines seconded the motion. ALL were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER ORDINANCE NO. 92- 1.14.1 Consider Ordinance No 92-1.14.1 adopting a final order in the disciplinary action for Kernith Johnson Councilmember Knotts made the motion to approve Ordinance No 92-1.14.1. and Councilmember Gaines seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Americans with DisabiLities Act compliance Mr. Pipes stated that an ordinance regarding this act would be considered at the next Council meeting. He stated the act requires self - evaluation in a number of areas in which handicapped or disabled individuals encounter public facilities, employment and programs. It will be necessary to develop an action plan and to have a periodic review of that plan over the next several years. Annual Contracts - Janitorial Services, Stabilized Flexible Base and Police Uniforms Mr. Pipes withdrew the Janitorial Services contract and stated there were a number of items to be worked I. out. Mr. Pipes recommended for Council's approval the annual contracts to D. Rice Materials for stabilized CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 1992 BOOK "Rm 5 ii flexible base and Martin's Uniforms for police uniforms. I Councilnuember Barrett made the motion to approve the two annual contracts - D. Rice Materials for stabilized jI : flexible base and Martin's Uniforms for police uniforms and Councilmember Gaines seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. I. Contract with Hardy • Heck • Moore Mr. Pipes stated that Last year there was a proposed joint venture with Walker County to be matched by a grant which fell through because the federal grant monies had been allocated. Subsequently Walker County withdrew their support. There was some concern about doing the project with Local individuals interested in this area, and Council withdrew the proposal to allow those local individuals to acquire the appropriate credentials; that not forthcoming, Council then instructed Staff to bring this back at such time this work could be done. Mr. Pipes stated that with Council approval, the $6,000 budgeted Last year was renewed for allocation and proposals were sent out. Hardy • Heck • Moore is well qualified and letters of recommendation provided indicate they perform good work. The effort to reduce the scope of services, or perform in kind services Locally, has resulted in several options ranging from $15,052 to 18,672. Mr. Pipes stated this is part of a multi-phase project. Later project documentation would be submitted to the national register for certification of a historical district or structures. He stated the Arts Commission and Linda Pease's staff has worked very hard on this project. Mr. Pipes stated the cost is above the budgeted funds at the present time, although other monies could be allocated. Mayor Hodges suggested that in these hard economic times that Council not go beyond the $6,000 budgeted. Councilmember Knotts asked if staff could keep applying for grants to help in the cost of this project and staff responded that they would continue in the grant applications. Councilmember Bell suggested that Council postpone action for a week and discuss this project with the Arts Commission. Mayor Hodges suggested that staff see how much work could be done for the budgeted money. Councilmember Knotts asked that the County be consulted again. Ms. Pease stated that the timing is important due to the fact that the photography must be done before ' the trees begin leafing. Pals Literacy Grant Mr. Pipes stated the proposed grant is a literacy effort sponsored by the Houston Library System and with no objections staff would apply for the grant. MAYOR'S ACTIVITY REPORT Welcome Introduction and Discussion of the Cultural Planning Council Mayor Hodges welcomed the Cultural Planning Council and asked Betty Hartong to speak. Ms. Hartong reported that Huntsville 2020 Cultural Plan is in progress after years of planning and consideration. She thanked City Council for agreeing to the project. Dr. Anisman, President of Sam Houston State University, stated that its staff and students are active participants in the plan. He felt the cultural plan a very important aspect of Sam Houston State University, and it would participate in any way Council and the Cultural Planning Council deem appropriate to help come up with a plan to look forward the year 2020 and beyond. He expressed the University's deep commitment and pride in this cultural plan. Dr. Dixon, Superintendent of Huntsville Independent School District, stated that one of the goals and objectives for the students of HISD, is to provide, through allocation of resources and incooperati on with other community agencies and organizations, an opportunity for all. students to develop an appreciation for, awareness of, and understanding of their cultural arts and culturaL heritage. The results of the plan may greatly enhance our likelihood of reaching or partially reaching that goal. HISD wholeheartedly endorses this City effort and pledges commitment of any assistance needed as the committee goes through its process. J. D. Davis, President of the Chamber of Commerce, stated that the Chamber of Commerce was proud and '.. excited about the formation of Cultural Planning Council. It is their desire to aid this Council in any way !, they can. Pam Anisman stated that she is honored as consultant of the cultural plan to work with the group of people in the Arts Commission who truly care about what this city will look like in twenty to thirty years. !. She stated that the Cultural Planning Council will work very hard to represent everyone in Huntsville and Walker County. Ms. Anisman stated the Planning Council would let the people of Huntsville define what cultural should be and come to City Council with recommendations for implementation that are doable and accessible to everyone in the community. Diane Lowe, Chairman of the Cultural Planning Council, introduced the members of the Cultural Planning Council. i I CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 1992 BOOK °R° 6 Mayor Hodges stated he had received a series of letters from interested citizens and organizations in support of this endeavor including: Dan Davis, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission; Former Mayor Morris Waller; Former Mayor Jam Monday; Guy Klinginsmith, President of Huntsville Credit Management; Mary.l Francis and Name Park; County Judge Frank Robinson; Marjorie and Harley Rex, Huntsville Community Chorale''. Society; Arlene McLaughlin, Huntsville Item; and President Anisman, Sam Houston State University. Mayor Hodges!'. stated that he had met with the Cultural Planning Council earlier in the day and had promised them as a group that when Council receives the report that it will not be put on the shelf, but will be a project enacted and followed through, and that they will be able to see the fruits of their work. COUNCILMEMBER ACTION Huntsville Item Boxes Councilmenber Bell stated he has received a number of complaints about the Huntsville Item's green boxes that have blossomed everywhere. He asked that this item be put on the next agenda. Economic Development Councilmember Carter stated that after considering the consents made by other Counci[members regarding economic development last week, he came to the conclusion that there is not a disagreement - he wants economic'' development just as the rest of Council does - he feels sure Council wants to protect the environment just as he does. He stated he did a poor job of presenting his idea to Council. He feels there are two basic criteria - used to judge any particular assistance that we might offer: 1) how many jobs will the activity assisted generate and do those jobs created provide adequate wages for the people hired; and 2) will the City be able to absorb the population increase, the air or water use, the pollution they bring, solid waste produced, or the social changes that may come about, and if the City cannot carry those changes in this community we don't have a net gain in terms of economic development. Councilmember Carter stated he does not want to make it more difficult for business activity to take place in Huntsville unless that activity fails to meet the criteria he has expressed. Consequently, instead of increasing restrictions, take a more positive approach and simply make , the abandoned buildings and already destroyed properties more attractive for development than our greenspeces. The City could eliminate permitting costs on these sites, participate in the clearing of the derelict buildings, and provide Landscaping of the Lots. Councilmember Carter stated the program he is suggesting would target blighted areas such as the Academy, K -Mart, Grapes and Grain, Piggly Wiggly, and would accomplish economic development and preserve and enhance the environment at the same time. Councilmember Lange stated that the concept that Councilmember Carter proposes needs a lot of study and work. Personnel Committee CounciLmember Barrett stated the Personnel Committee is still in the process of interviewing applicants for the City Secretary position. MEDIA INQUIRIES RECESS AT 6:50 P.M.- RECONVENE AT 7:00 P.M. Mayor Hodges introduced special guests - Mayor Jane Monday and Mayor Morris Waller. Councilmember Barrett introduced his family - his mother, Ms. Annavieve Frasier, his wife, Carole, and son, Dan. Mayor Hodges stated that some things never change: in 1984 the Hornets were in the playoffs and in 1992 the Hornets are in the playoffs; in 1984, neither the Houston Astros or the Houston Oilers made it to the championship series and in 1992 the same thing. But, during that same time period some things do change: Gene Barrett had two children in college in 1984 and in 1992 he doesn't have any children in college, but has five grandchildren. In 1984 the prime rate was 11% and in 1992 the prime rate is 6 112 percent. In 1984 the City tax rate was .56 cents and in 1992 the City tax rate is .38 cents. He stated that Councilmember Barrett has been an integral part of the City of Huntsville for the past eight years. He has served this past year as Mayor Pro Tom and also been Chairperson of the Personnel Committee of Council. He has been the H.G.A.C. ' representative and has done a good job in that capacity, while also being on the EMS Board. He has participated in many improvements in the City of Huntsville during the past eight years. Mayor Hodges stated that Counci[member Barrett is the one who has hammered to keep the tax rate down. Mayor Hodges stated he appreciated all his work, dedication and Leadership over the past eight years. Mr. Pipes presented Counci Lmember Barrett with his namep Late to put on the plaque of Counci[ members who have served in this building; a plaque showing the dates of service to the City of Huntsville; and a scrapbook CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 1992 BOOK "R" 7 of his past eight years as Councilmember. i! Paul Alexander, Director of EMS, presented Counci Lmeober Barrett with a plaque and thanked him for his time and service on the EMS Board. He has been instrumental on the EMS Board. j Councilmember Green thanked Councilmember Barrett for the experience and guidance given and appreciated his willingness to speak out on issues he felt were important to the City and most importantly to represent the citizens of the City of Huntsville. He stated the Council would miss his experience, expertise and leadership. Councilmember Bell stated that has always been impressed with the amount of time he has devoted to the City. He also appreciated his willingness to stand firm on the tax issue. Councilmember Carter stated that he felt Councilmember Barrett had made a real contribution in terms li of physical policy and not just taxes. He stated he would miss him and the glares they exchanged on occasion. I� Councilmxanber Robinson expressed his appreciation for being able to work with Councilmember Barrett and in knowing him. He felt Councilmember Barrett was a down to earth Councilmember. He stated he hoped !! Councilmember Barrett would stay active in the community. Councilmember Lange thanked Councilmember Barrett for his guidance and help during the past year and 1!.i stated he had enjoyed sitting next to him. 'I Councitmember Knotts stated he was glad to see people that go through their youth and live all their Lives in Huntsville, to serve and give time Like he gave; he felt it helped the City and he appreciated it. Councilmember Gaines stated that Councilmember Barrett's dedication did not surprise her, that his roots in Huntsville were deep. She felt his family has been an integral part of this community for years. She li!i appreciated his dedication, clarity of thought, tenacity, and other qualities already mentioned. Thank you. Councilmember Barrett thanked Council for their comments and stated he would miss everyone. He stated: "Its been an honor to serve the Huntsville community as a Councilmember in the past eight years. When I Was approached by Larry Corley to consider running as his successor, I knew I had some big shoes to fill. I feel we have achieved some important goals during this period; the water, sewer and street improvements within the jl City's infrastructure and the downtown development project and maintaining the same ad valorem tax rate are some of the City's accomplishments for which I am particularly proud. The support given in the downtown project is �!I helping to bring it back as a functional and vibrant part of our City and compliments the mall and other retail I!1 areas. 1 am grateful for the opportunity to serve with Mayors Jane Monday, Bill Nash and Bill Hodges as well ' as the other Councilmembers and staff. Each one of them has had a significant source of inspiration to me in some way. 1 would also like to thank my wife, Carole, mother, and family and friends for their support during these years. 1 appreciate my friend Dan Davis, who will replace me on Council. With his experience and expertise, I know he will be a great asset and do a fine job. We are fortunate to have the many volunteers and those who are members of the appointed City committees. This is a tremendous resource of talent that renders outstanding services. 1 have enjoyed serving on the EMS board and feel a special closeness to the people involved. These are dedicated and highly trained individuals who provide us with quality emergency medical service. They are to be commended. I have Learned many things while being on Council, but the most important is to disagree without being disagreeable. This took me a Little while. I leave Council With the hope that i! your priorities in the future budgets will be conservative yet aggressive. Carefully study the projects under consideration and I know the choices made will be for the good of the community. We have a wonderful City in which to live, work and raise our families. With the wisdom of Council, the City staff and the grace of God, it will continue to progress in the future. I appreciate all of you being here tonight and share this occasion I'; with me. Thank you." ADJOURNMENT h