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MIN CC 02/18/1992CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 18, 1992 BOOK 'R' 21 MINUTES OF THE HUNTSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 18TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 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: William B. Green, Mayor Pro Tern Staff: Gary Bell William H. Knotts, Jr. Gene Pipes, City Manager ' Ila G. Gaines Ronald L Lange Scott Bounds, City Attorney James L. Carter Dan S. Davis Danna Welter, City Secretary Charles Robinson ABSENT: W. H. Hodges CITIZEN INPUT /INQUIRY Mr. Murp : He stated that three years ago the City was granted an easement at 725 Highway 190 for a sewer line. This easement goes behind his two lots. The City cut down the right-of -way approximately two feet to level it for the machinery to work. Mr. Murphy stated he wanted to fence his lot, but it reeds fill dirt He asked the City to put a maximum of We dump truck loads of dirt on the line to keep his fence from washing down. He stated that if the City would dress up the easement, he would maintain R. Mayor Pro Tern Green thanked Mr. Murphy for coming to Council and stated that Staff would check the situation. Councilmember Carter asked Mr. Murphy to provide photographs of the easement REGULAR SESSION - CALL TO ORDER Mayor Pro Tern Green called the meeting to order. ' CONSIDER MINUTES OF JANUARY 21, 1992, AND FEBRUARY 4, 1992 Councilmember Robinson made the motion to approve the minutes of January 21, 1992, and February 4, 1992, and Councilmember Gaines seconded the motion. All were In favor and the motion passed unanimously. ATTENDING CITIZEN Mr. Dan Phillips: He stated that two weeks ago he discovered that there were two cornerstones at the landfill: one belonging the old Baldwin Building and the other to the old Women's Gym on campus. The University did not intend to discard the stones. He feels this brings up the need for an organized reclamation program. Mr. Phillips stated that this program would save historic items, save space at the landfill, reduce toxic material at the landfill, save antique and collectibles, keep resale items out of the landfill, and possible make the City an income. Mr. Phillips stated he had come up with two strategies: 1. turn Johnny Poteete and Cindy Kellgren loose to develop a reclamation program, or 2. to issue a salvage permit to one person, that person provide evidence of major medical insurance and disability and other details -this the person would be the sole picker. This one person would keep accurate books, perhaps the City receiving a percentage of the profits. This person would need to be able to recognize antiques, serviceable used tires, rebar with life, salvageable material, and know the market for these hems. Mr. James Patton: He stated that he feels the City needs a reclamation program and would ask consideration of Council. Councilmember Bell noted there were a number of citizens in the audience supporting this issue. Coundlmember Knotts stated he felt one person might not be adequate, and suggested staff come up with a proposal to bring back to Council. Mr. Phillips stated he felt to test the process one person would be adequate. Mayor Pro Tern Green asked Staff to come back to Council with a proposal, including a cost analysis, that Council ' can discuss and modify or change as necessary at a subsequent meeting. Councilmember Lange suggested that the citizens form a committee to help in the making of a program at a worksession. He slated that he did not want to see an eye sae along the interstate with all the used furniture, etc. Mr. Phillips stated that the State would probably set procedures, including a opaque fenx to hide the salvage center. Councilmember Robinson asked what the procedure would be if fifteen citizens wanted the salvage permit. Mr. Phillips stated that a possible solution would be an interview and screening process of the candidates and choosing the most CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 18, 1992 BOOK 'R' qualified candidate; the permit maybe being rebid or renewed each year. Councilmember Bell asked that this Issue be put on the next Council agenda in a worksession. 22 Mr. Dave Cich: He slated he was present to discuss the Texas Prison Rodeo. T.D.C.J.-I.D. has sent out request for proposals for the Prison Rodeo. Due to the condition of the Prison Arena, It is asking for proposals where the community would assume the full financial responsibility, indemnity T.D.C.J. and the State of Texas, take on all costs for liability insurance and costs of promoting and carrying out the rodeo. The proposal states that T.D.C.J. would be reimbursed all costs directly incurred in staging the Prison Rodeo including transportation and security of Inmates, etc., etc. The two main issues he sees are 1) the lack of an adequate facility to Fold the rodeo and 2) the costs of staging the event with questionable returns. Mr. Cich had talked to Commissioner's Court earlier about a possible proposal, and they stated they would be willing to discuss any proposal the City had to make. Councilmember Carter recommended that for a variety of reasons, Including Cost, that the City have no interest in providing the Prison Rodeo. Councilmember Bell suggested that an estimate of costs be established to see If the Rodeo would be a profitable event. Councilmember Knolls stated that the cost of liability insurance itself would be expensive. Councilmember Gaines stated that for a fact the insurance would be very costly. Mr. Cich stated that at this point the City did not a suitable arena to hold the Rodeo. The consensus of Council was that the City should not submit a proposal for the Prison Rodeo. Mr. Cich stated he would draft a letter to T.D.C.J. CONSIDER AGREEMENT WITH WALKER COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT Consider an agreement with Walker County Appraisal District to perform duties of assessment or collection of taxes as recommended by the Finance Committee. Councilmember Davis slated it was the recommendation of the Finance Committee to approve the agreement with Walker County Appraisal District with two minor changes (a provision addina the Deputy Chief Appraiser on page paragraph and on pacts , paragraph taldna out the word 'addidonal9 to perform duties of assessment or collection of taxes. All were in favor and the recommendation passed unanimously. CONSIDER ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORT Consider_ acceptance of the FY 1990.91 Financial Report as prepared by Mrs Candvce F Dixon CPA and recommended by the Finance Committee. Councilmember Davis stated it was the recommendation of the Finance Committee to accept the FY 1990 -91 Financial Report All were in favor and the motion Dassed unanimously. Councilmember Carter stated that the management concerns addressed by the Auditor are being reviewed and Council will have a discussion about what changes should be made or direction taken in terns of inspection; purchasing, etc. CONSIDER RESOLUTION NO. 92 -2 -18.1 Consider Resolution No. 92 -2 -18.1 authorizino the submission of a arant application to the Criminal Justice Division of the Governor's Office for fundina of the D.A.R.E. Program Councilmember Gaines made the motion to approve Resolution No. 21 -2 -181 authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Criminal Justice Division of the Governor's Office for funding of the D.A.R.E. Program and Councilmember Bell seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER RESOLUTION NO. 92- 2.18.2 Consider Resolution No. 92 -2 -18.2 authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Criminal Justice Division of the Governor's Office for funding of a police officer to work with iuvenile offenders and car,gs. [J I .CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 18, 1992 BOOK 'R' 23 Mr. Pipes stated that the Police Departrnem learned that all monies related to juvenile offenders have been allocated, :therefore, the gram application would relate only to gang activitles. Councilmember Lange made the motion to approve Resolution No. 92 -2 -18.2 authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Criminal Justice Division of the Govemor's Office for funding of a police officer to work with aana activities. and Coundimember Bell seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unaninously. CONSIDER RESOLUTION NO. 92 -2 -19.3 Consider Resulution 92 -2 -18.3 authorizing application for a Criminal Justice Division Grant to renew the Central East Texas i Narcotics Task Force. Mr. Pipes stated this is a renewal of a grant Councilmember Robinson asked what entities were Involved and Mr. Pipes stated they were Huntsville Police Department, Madison County Sheriff's Department, T.D.C. Internal Affairs Department and the Walker County District Attorney's Office and Sheriff's Office. Mr. Pipes stated that the 25% match is shared between all the entities, and the majority of the match comes from seized money and property. Councilmember Lange made the motion to approve Resolution 92 -2 -18.3 authorizing application for a Criminal Justice Division Grant for the East Texas Narcotics Task Force. and Councilmember Knotts seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion oassed unanimously. CONSIDER BID NO. 90.19 Consider Bid No. 90.19 - Renewal of annual contract to supply water meters to Badger Meter Company. Councilmember Knotts made the motion to approve the renewal of annual contract to supply water meters to Badger Meter Company, and Councilmember Bell seconded the nation. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER BID NO. 90-22 Consider Bid No. 90.22 - Renewal of annual contract to supply polyphosphate to the Utilities Department to Napco Chemical Company. Councilmember Knotts made the motion to approve the renewal of annual contract to supply polyphosphate to the Utilities Department to PMco Chemical Company, and Councilmember Robinson seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER BID FOR BALLFIELD /SOCCER LIGHTING Consider Ballfield/Soccer Ughtina bid to Turner Electric in the amount of $33,500 from composite renovation funds. Councilmember Robinson made the motion to approve the bid on the balifield /soccer liahting to Turner Electric in the amount of $33.500 to bU?gi from composite renovation funds. and Councilmember Larne seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion. passed unanimously. CONSIDER BID NO. 92 -11 Consider Bid NIL. 92 -11 for two 80' riding mowers to Nortfaate Outdoor Power and Tractor in the amount of $14,388.00. Councilmember Davis made the motion to approve the bid for two 80' riding mowers to Nort hgate Outdoor Power and Tractor in the amount of $14.388.00 and Coundimember Gaines seconded the motion. compete. Councilmembor Knotts stated that maybe the specifications should have been written so the local bidders could CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 18, 1992 BOOK 'R" 24 Councilmember Carter made the motion to table the bid until the matter was further investigated and Councilmember Bell , seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER BID NO. 92 -12 Consider Bid No. 92 -12 for one Sir flail mower to Watson Distributing Company in the amount of $10,598. '.. Councilmember Bell made the motion to approve the bid for one 80" flail mower to Watson Distributing company in the amount of $10,598, and Councilmember Knotts seconded the motion. All were in favor and the nation passed unanimously. CONSIDER MONTHLY TAX REPORT -. Consider monthly tax report with adjustments to the valuation as rated. Councilmember Knotts made the motion to approve the monthly tax report with adjustments to the valuation and Councilmember Gaines seconded the motion. All were In favor and the motion passed unanimously. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Consider a request by the Oakwood Cemetery Association for a tap and water meter installation in the old section of Oakwood Cemetery. Mr. Pipes stated that he had received a letter from Oakwood Cemetery Association requesting a tap and water meter installation near Sam Houston's grave to water playas, flowers, etc. This is a timely issue due to Sam Houston's birthday celebration coming up in 1993. The Association would pay the monthly water charge. Councilmember Knotts made the motion to approve the request by Oakwood Cemetery Association for a tap and water meter installation and Councilmember Carter seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. Consider signage on the scoreboard/fence at Ross Park as detailed. Mr. Pipes stated there were two proposals that could done at this time; the project was not budgeted, and could be postponed until the following budget year when funds could be budgeted. F. Councilmember Gaines made the motion to bring this Issue of sidnage on the scoreboard /fence at Ross Park back during the budget process, and Councilmember Knotts seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. Consider a proposal to stamp (brick pattern) and dye (red) the sidewalks on 19th Street and Avenue O as outlined by the University Streetscape Project Committee. This proposal is the result of the efforts of Streetscape Committee in conjunction of One installation of lite 12" water main. In the past, when the waterline replacement causes the construction of a sidewalk, the City assumes tr.e r•nsponsibility to replace the sidewalk in standard gray concrete. Also, the City has In the past entertained initiatives from any interested party to color or pattern the sidewalk. At this time we have pending for approval a red dye stamp brick concrete sidewalk from 19th Street from Avenue O to Avenue N and also the section of sidewalk on Avenue O from 19th Street down towards the track. The additional costs would be paid by the University and Mr. Russell. Councilmember Carter made the nation to approve the proposal to stamp (brick. patter) and dye (red) the sidewalks on 19th Street and Avenue O by the University Streetscape Project Committee and Councilmember Bell seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. ' Consider recommendations from the Arts Commission. Mr. Pipes stated there were three recommendations by the Arts Commission: } CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 18, 1992 BOOK 'R' 25 ' 1. Contract with Sam Houston Memorial Museum to oversee a project of traditional arts demonstrations and performances in the Downtown and on the Museum grounds with grant funds from Texas Commission on the Arts in the ! amount of $3,860. Councilmember Knots made the motion to approve the contract with Sam Houston Memodal Museum and Councilmember Gaines seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 2. Contract to fund the development of a multimedia slide program with a video transferral on the Downtown Revitalization Plan in the amount of $3,425 from unallocated funds in the Arts Commission budget and $250 from the 'I Downtown budget. This proposal is from Dave Carpenter, a mull -media specialist who is currently in the process of relocating in Huntsville and offers his own services pro bona for this project. Councilmember Gaines made the nation to approve the contract with Dave Carpenter, and Councilmember Robinson seconded the motion. Councilmember Bell stated he felt this was a large amount of money for a slide program. Ms. Hedong stated the 'different supplies and technical costs involved in the presentation. She also stated this presentation would be used by many :! individuals in promoting Huntsville. Councilmember Carter stated he felt a slide presentation was not state -of- the -art and asked if bids were taken for this service and Ms. Hartong responded that this was an offer made by Mr. Carpenter. Mr. Carpenter stated he would be glad to bring a sample of a presentation for Council to view at the next meeting. Coundlmember Carter made the motion to table this contract and Councilmember Knotts seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 3. Contract with Progressive Women's Association of Huntsville in the amount of $875 to present a musical drama with professional and student artists to celebrate Black History Month. Production is scheduled for February 29 at Huntsville High School Auditorium. Councilmember Robinson made the motion to approve the contract with Progressive Women's Association of Huntsville. and Councilmember Bell seconded the motion All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Robinson suggested that the City's contribution be published on the program so the public would realize the City and Arts Commission funded the program. Sales Tax Report A preliminary investigation into the drop in the sales tax revenue in this reporting period reveals that 1) there was a major purchase in this period last year and 2) the bankruptcy of a large business during this reporting period. Councilmember Knotts stated he felt the Academy dosing had an affect on the drop. Day Care Day Mr. Pipes stated that April 8, 1992, is 'Day Care Day' and asked Council to plan for a time to visit one of the local day care centers. MAYOR'S ACTIVITY REPORT Mayor Pro Tern Green stated he attended the Interagency Breakfast and the Economic Network Luncheon on the .Mayor's behalf. COUNCILMEMBER ACTION HGAC Board Meeting Councilmember Gaines stated she attended the HGAC Board Meeting and had discussed a solid waste management plan. A preliminary report has been dratted and public hearings will be held in each of the HGAC counties in CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 18, 1992 March and April. BOOK 'R' 26 u Sewer Line Break Councilmember Lange stated he and other Councilmembers went to look at the sewer break two weeks ago and he felt the City employees who worked on the project and also the oonhacMr, did an outstanding job. Councilmember Knotts stated he agreed with Councilmember Lange. Fish Hatchery Councilmember Knotts stated he talked to Mr. Gene McCarthy, with Texas Parks and Wildlife, and was informed that the lunker project Is still on -going and someday would be a reality. Wild flowers Councilmember Carter stated that he did not want to see the wild flowers In right -of -ways cut until they have bloomed and gone to seed. He requested this item be put on the next agenda. Historical Survey Councilmember Carter asked staff about the meetings with the contractor for the survey. Ms. Pease stated that Mr. Hardy, of Hardy # Heck • Moore spent approximately a week in Huntsville checking with various departments about mapping, signing contracts, etc., and checked with staff about the in -kind lodging and other amenities. He had met with members of the University, the Historical Commission, and Huntsville Arts Commission. Arts Commission Councilmember Carter stated that he felt the voting members of the Arts Commission needed to be expanded from three to five; he felt this is a minimal representation. He requested this item be put on the next agenda. Green Tubes Councilmember Robinson stated he had received several phone calls regarding the green Huntsville Item tubes and asked staff to include in their decision all the areas in the City limits that tubes were installed at. Creek behind Good Shepherd Mission Councilmember Robinson asked staff to inspect the creek behind the mission. He had reports that there were people living there. MEDIA INQUIRIES ADJOURNMENT