MIN CC 03/03/1992CITY COUNCIL MEETING -OF MARCH 3 1992 -
BOOK TV 27
(MINUTES OF THE HUNTSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 3RD DAY OF MARCH, 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 Officers:
'.Gary Bell William H. Knotts, Jr. Gene Pipes, City Manager
Ila G. Gaines Ronald L. Lange Soon Bounds, City Attorney
:James L Caner Dan S. Davis Melba Byers, City Secretary
'(Charles Robinson ABSENT: William B. Green
CITIZEN INPUTflNGUIRY
Mr. Smither He stated that the landfill salvage proposal was a workshop type item and he feels it is more formal'
li
with the position on the agenda; therefore, he would like o request that the matter not be rushed into and that sufficient time
,be allowed for interested citizens to study the proposal and be allowed actual input in all aspects of this matter at public
discussion.
Carolyn Harrison: She discussed the H.E.A.P. program and the possibility of the Y.M.C.A. taking over this program.
She voiced concerns that if the Y.M.C.A. began administering the operation of this program the programs would not be as
good and not as affordable to certain individuals.
Nancy Durbin: She voiced concerns that the H.E.A.P. program be maintained at its present operation level. Also,
she expressed concem that several religious, ethnic and social sectors of this community would not participate in a program
run by a private religious organization.,.
Adele Simpson: She stated importance of the H.E.A.P. program, gave a brief history of its beginning, cited how
'unique the program is, and expressed concem about Huntsville relinquishing control of this program.
Mayor Hodges stated this is a preliminary discussion and invited all interested to participate in these discussions.(.
REGULAR SESSION - CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hodges called the meeting to order.
CONSIDER MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 16, 1992
Councilmember Gaines made the motion to approve the minutes of February 18 1992 and Councilmember Lange
seconded the motion All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. NOTE: Councilmember Green was absent.
ATTENDING CITIZENS
Professor Eiichi Gumisawa was present to bring greetings from Japan.
Mr. Michael Sullivan of Champion made a presentation on recycling operations and passed out a brochure outlining
same. He stated this operation should be active in the first quarter of 1993. Several questions were raised regarding
collection bins, percentages of collections and useable products. Alternatives will be discussed and brought back to council
when an agreement is ready.
Mr. Daniel Hardy of Hardy, Heck, Moore of Austin gave a brief report on his project of the Historical Survey.
Mr. David Carpenter demonstrated the multi -image show/video recommended by the Arts Commission as requested
by City Council on February 18, 1992. Councilmember Bell made a motion to accept the bid of $3,425.00 to fund this project,
and a second by Councilmember Gaines. Seven Councilmembers were in favor of this motion and Councilmember Carter
was not in favor. Motion passed 7 to 1.
Mr. Luther Jones of Entex presented a rate increase proposal to be effective April 1, 1992. Mayor Hodges stated
that if Council took no action, the proposal automatically goes into effect.
Mr. Mike Mead of Y.M.C.A addressed Council regarding a proposal to assimilate H.E.A.P. He presented materials
regarding the concept, and requested another session after staff worked out details. He discussed 'Resource Utilization' and
'Economic and Community Development'. He discussed the growth and success of Y.M.C.A. in Huntsville (1985 serving
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 3, 1992 BOOK 'R' 28
approximately 500 participants and this year over 4,000 participants). Although concern was voiced by Councilmembers and
Mayor, there was a consensus to continue discussion of this proposal. Councilmember Bell suggested a work session,
including H.E.A.P., be scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 1992.
CONSIDER BID #92 -11
City Manager stated this bid is for the purchase of two mowers for the Parks Division which totals $1438800.
Councilmember Bell made a motion to accept this bid and a second was made by Councilmember Knotts. The motion
passed unanimously.
RECOMMENDATION OF HUNTSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD
City Manager stated this recommendation is for authorization to purchase a CD -ROM. He stated this is a Computer system
to be funded from proceeds from the Margaret Powell Endowment krierest earnings not to exceed $3,388.88. Dr. Burris gave
a report of this system and its benefits. Councilmember Lange made a motion to approve this recommendation and a second
by Councilmember Gaines. The motion passed unanimously.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Consider speed limit chances as requested. City Manager Pipes stated that staff reviewed speed limits at three locations,
as follows: (1) He reported that staff cannot, after review, recommend changes on Lake Road due to limited sight distances,
traffic volumes and numerous apartment driveways, (2) On Bearkat Blvd. east of Sycamore, the speed limit has been
approved to be raised to 40 MPH, and (3) On Smith Hill, north of FM 2821, the speed limit is approved to be raised to 40
MPH. B Council requests, the City Attorney will be asked to draft appropriate amendments to the ordinances to allow these '
speed limits to be changed and presented at the next council meeting.
At this time, Councilmember Davis stated that he agreed Lake Road speed limits should be changed, and requested certain
sections have differing speed limits. At this point, Councilmember Bell made a recommendation that the section without
apartments and limited sight distances be changed to 35 MPH and the remaining portions remain at 30 MPH. There was
a consensus to request further study by staff and that findings be presented at the next council meeting for appropriate action
on Tuesday, March 31, 1992.
'.'. Consider a draft landfill salvage proposal. City Manager Pipes stated no action is required at this time, the word 'draft
indicates this is for future discussion. There was a consensus to schedule a work session for Tuesday, March 10, 1992.
Consider coalition of cities proposal for GSU fuel adjustment charge. Mayor Hodges stated this Is not a rate increase but
a fuel adjustment and is before the Council due to certain cities wishing to protest this adjustment. He further stated this is
the responsibility of the Public Utilities Commission. Motion was made by Councilmember Carter co join other groups or
discussion of this proposal. Second by Councilmember Knotts. Mayor Hodges and Councilmembers Gaines, Lange,
Robinson and Davis voted Against. The motion was defeated 5 to 3.
Consider contract with Huntsville Alcohol and Drug Abuse. City Manager Pipes stated this contract is :or treatment services
for females and it was part of the City's annual budget consideration. The request is for compensation of a maximum amount
not to exceed $5,000.00. Mayor Hodges stated he will not vote due to conflict of interest Councilmember Knotts made a
motion to fund this program. Second by Councilmember Gaines. The motion passed unanimously. (Mayor Hodges
abstaining).
Notice received from Texas Department of Health. City Manager Pipes stated that the highest certificate that can be earned
by waterworks personnel is a Grade A Water Certificate. Mr. Billy Daugette was issued this certificate after he met the
,. requirements for certification.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 3 1992 BOOK R' 29
' MAYOR'S ACTIVFTY REPORT
Consider appointments to Boards and Commissions. Mayor Hodges made appointments and reappointments to various
Boards and Commissions. Councilmember Bell made a motion to approve these appointments. Second by Councilmember
Gaines. The motion passed unanimously. Appointments are as follows:
* Police Promotional Review Board - Ken Sherrill (reappointment)
* Planning and Zoning Commission - Joe Boaz
* Parks Advisory Board:
Tommy Martin - reappointment
Darryl Patrick - reappointment
Ray Moore - reappointment
Jill Baine - unexpired term of Ralph Pease
* Board of Adjustments and Appeals:
Dan Phillips - reappointment
Jim Standefer - reappointment
* Huntsville - Walker County E.M.S. Board:
Dan Davis - City Councilmember position
Gene Barrett - At -large citizen position
* Huntsville Employees Health Plan Trustees:
Ann Olsta - H.M.H.
David White - S.H.S.U. Personnel Office
' Consider a draft RFP for City organization efficiency study. Mayor Hodges stated that this RFP is listed on Agenda pages
34 through 38. If the bottom portion of page 36 were deleted, this proposal would be ready to go out for bids. The reason
for deleting this portion of the proposal is due to the fact that all questions are answered in the remainder of the proposal.
Councilmember Lange staled this is only a request for proposals and bids can be accepted or rejected. Councilmember
Lange made a nation to approve this RFP. A second was made by Councilmember Knotts. Also, Mayor Hodges appointed
Councilmember Green and Councilmember Bell to be the Council Representatives to this group — Co-Project Managers.
Councilmember Lange made a nation to approve this appointment, seconded by Councilmember Carter. The motion passed
unanimously.
ACTION
Plannina Commission and Library Board
Councilmember Gaines reported that she had met with the planning commission on the library/cultural /civic center
that is being proposed. There will be announcements at a later date after further meetings and discussions.
Wild flowers issue.
Councilmember Carter discussed the wild flowers issue. He made a motion that we have a spring time policy not
to mow the City rightof -ways during the 'spring' season. Councilmember Bell made a second with an amendment to the
motion that defines spring as March 1sl to May 15th. Councilmember Carter accepted the amendment. Mayor Hodges,
Councilmembers Knots and Gaines voted Against. The motion passed 5 to 3.
Arts Commission expansion.
Councilmember Carter made a motion to expand the number of voting members of the Arts Commission from 3
to 5 for better representation. Second by Councilmember Bell. Mayor Hodges and Councilmembers Gaines, Lange,
Robinson and Davis voted Against. The motion failed 5 to 3.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 3, 1992
BOOK R -- - 30 -
Tree Curring on Sycamore.
Counclmember Carter stated citizens had contacted him regarding an extensive tree cutrong on Sycamore. Mayor
Hodges instructed City Manager Pipes to check into this action and report back to Council.
Annual Sam Houston Folk Festival,
Councilmember Davis reminded everyone that April 24th, 25th and 251h is Huntssville's Annual Folk Festival and
encourages City support and participation.
Reckless Driving and Speeds.
Counclmember Robinson reported that a concerned citizen reported reckless driving and speeds from Ave. F to
13th Street new the rodeo arena.
Chamber Expo.
Mayor Hodges reported that on Thursday, March 12th, the City will have a booth at the fairgrounds. If time permits,
please plan to spend some time at the booth from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Special Presentation.
Councilmember Bell called for a City Proclamation to horror Danna Welter commending her for a good job as Interim
City Secretary.
Counclmember Bell also welcomed Melba Byers, new City Secretary.
Counclmember Bell also requested that the Council Meeting start at 5:30 instead of 5:15 due to the fact that some
Councilmembers are late due to work schedules. Mayor Hodges agreed to delay action on items other than citizen input
unfit 5:30 P.M.
Mayor Hodges recessed to an Executive Session.
MEDIA INQUIRIES
ADJOURNMENT