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MIN CC 04/25/1995CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 25, 1995 BOOK "R" 365 ;t MINUTES OF THE HUNTSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 25TH DAY OF APRIL, 1995, IN THE CITY { ' HALL, LOCATED AT 1212 AVENUE M IN THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, COUNTY OF WALKER, TEXAS AT 5:15 P.M. The Council met in regular session with the following members present: COUNCILMEMBERS: William B. Green, Mayor Ann James Officers: Dan S. Davis Jim Carter Gene Pipes, City Manager - Ronald L. Lange David Martinez Danna Welter, City Secretary Marjorie Rex Dave Liming Scott Bounds, City Attorney ABSENT: JoAnn Matthews "WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD" PROCLAMATION Mayor Green proclaimed April 23 -29 "Week of the Young Child" and presented Melissa Becker with Proclamation 95 -04. Melissa Becker introduced Claudia Kirkwood as the Chairman of the "Week of the Young Child" this year. Children from different child cue centers in the community from birth to age 8 presented Councilmembers with a gift of unique art. CITIZEN INPUTANQUIRY Rick Hanna, 3766 Spring Drive. Mr. Hanna expressed his support for maintaining signage at the intersection of Spring Drive and Winter Way in the Spring Lake subdivision. The stop signs on Spring Drive have had a significant impact in slowing the traffic coming around a blind curve. Many residents walk, jog, bicycle, roller skate, etc., in the neighborhood. Mr. Hanna stated that he understood there would be a petition presented to Council tonight to remove the signage on Spring Drive and asks that members of Council drive through the area before acting on the petition. Christina Hansen, 3774 Spring Drive. Ms. Hansen stated that she has lived at that location for ten years and has been concerned about the speeds being driven on Spring Drive. Since the stop signs have been installed, the difference has been immense. Ms. Hansen's driveway is located on a blind spot and she lost a cat approximately six years ago to a speeder. There are many small children living around this intersection and would appreciate Council keeping the stop signs in place. Tina Hanna, 3766 Spring Drive. Ms. Hanna stated that she lives directly in front of the three way stop on Spring Drive at Winter Way. She has two children and teaches kindergarten. She believes citizens would be disappointed in a City Council that would believe that the inconvenience of a stop sign is more important than the lives of small children. Perhaps the citizens that signed the petition did not realize how many small children live in the homes near the three way stop. She asked that City Council leave the stop signs on Spring Drive at Winter Way in order to protect not only her children but the children, walkers, bicyclists, and even pets of Spring Lake Estates. Marilyn McDonald, Rt. 8, Box 380. Ms. McDonald stated that she is the registrar for the Huntsville Youth Soccer Association. Presented at each Councilmember's place is a letter requesting field use and acquisition. Due to the growth of the Association and expansion of programs, there is a desperate need for fields. City fields are not available for soccer after March 1 each year, with teams having to practice on borrowed fields and pastures, and games being played out of town during the Spring season. The Association needs primary use of Field 6 at Kate But Ross Park year round for soccer. HYSA donated approximately $15,000 toward the development of that field. Additional practice and playing fields are also needed immediately and the Association would be willing to participate with the City in their acquisition and development. Immediate consideration is requested and appreciated. INVOCATION Invocation by Reverend Dan Moon. ' ATTENDING CITIZENS Lyndon Smith, E,P.S.I. Mr. Smith stated that he was a native Texan and many times through the years has travelled to and through Huntsville. He used to associate Huntsville with the prison system and Sam Houston State University, but over the past year has begun to regard Huntsville as the home of Sam Houston. Since April is a very important month to all Texans, he would like to dedicate a signed print, "In the Footsteps of Heroes ", to the City of Huntsville. The picture depicts the march from CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 25, 1995 BOOK "R" 366 Groce's Plantation to Harrisburg, in which he had to decide whether to go left to the safety of the United States or go right knowing I , he was going to face Santa Anna. In the picture he is pointing right. 11 Mayor Green thanked Mr. Smith for the beautiful print on behalf of the citizens of Huntsville, and also thanked him for�!i his donation to the statue project during the "Stand for Sam" fund raiser. Reverend Dan Moon, Huntsville Christian Academy. Reverend Moon requested the use of two fields at the Kate I Ross Park for use by 52 students at Huntsville Christian Academy for P.E. use between the hours of 1:00 and 3:00 in afternoons. Mayor Green stated that the City has a signed contract with the Huntsville Boys Baseball Association and other associations for this year regarding these fields. There seems to be concern not only from Huntsville Christian Academy, but also from the Soccer Association and others about the lack of facilities. At this point there is not a ready solution, but this should be addressed during the upcoming review of the City's Comprehensive Plan. At this point, the Parks Advisory Board will inventory the fields, look at current needs, project needs for future years, make a recommendation on the best Yield utilization, and develop a plan for future use. Mr. Pipes stated that there are some general use facilities in Emancipation Park, including back stops, basketball court, etc, that would be available for use during the times requested Councilmember Luning stated that he realized that there was preparation time required during the daytime hours for the'. games played in the evenings, but would like to try and accommodate these types of requests if possible, realizing that more City parks may be the answer, Councilmember Carter asked that staff begin the process of looking at the current needs before it is turned over to the Parks Board during the Comprehensive Plan review. He did agree with Mr. Pipes that the facilities at Emancipation Park are nod. utilized at the present time. Councilmember Lange stated that in looking at the calendar for use of the fields, it appears that organized sports are the! only listings. He agrees that the Parks Board should review the problems and come up with recommendations. There are very ' few facilities in Huntsville for the youth to just go play at a field. Reverend Moon stated that perhaps Emancipation Park would have facilities that would serve the group's needs, but he was concerned with safety in that area of town. Mayor Green stated that he felt there were two issues: 1) short term issue of Huntsville Christian Academy's request to use the fields, and 2) long range plan regarding field needs. He requested staff work on developing a policy dealing with use of the fields for the short term issue and the long range planning would be addressed by the Parks Board. Tom Davis, Shrine Lake Resident, Mr. Davis stated that he has been a resident of Spring Lake for twenty years and does not understand why the stop signs were installed. In checking the reason for the signage, he learned that a Councilmember�!i requested that they be installed, with no scientific data used in determining the need for these signs. He does not feel stop sign'', installation should be done for speed control. More effective measures would be to lower the current speed limit or enforce the one in place. Mr. Davis presented City Council with a petition, with 65 % of the residents living on Spring Drive /Winter Way, to have the stop signs removed. Mayor Green stated that the stop sign was put up on a 90 day observation basis, with an ordinance to be presented to City Council following the 90 days to codify the signage. He asked staff to review the data collected during the 90 day period and come back to Council with a recommendation in June. Councilmember James asked Mr. Davis his objection to the stop signs. Mr. Davis stated that they were not needed at this intersection and should not be used to control speed. Councilmember James stated that she had driven through the area and felt they were installed due to poor vision. Councilmember Carter asked what scientific data would be compiled. Mr. Pipes stated that traffic counts, accident'.. history, site visibility lines, speed information, and other factors would be compiled and evaluated. Councilmember Carter stated' that he was glad this information would be provided, but there were other factors to consider regarding stop signs in residential. neighborhoods. Councilmember Rex asked about the accident history at this intersection. It was noted that two fender benders had taken'. place at that intersection within the last ten years. Councilmember Luning stated that this stop sign is in his ward and he does not feel the accident record shows this to be '.. a dangerous intersection. He feels that this is a speed stop sign and if this is a way to control speed, leave the sign. But, if it is not the way to control speed, then take the stop sign out and determine how to control the speed. j''. CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 25, 1995 BOOK "R" 367 Councilmember Davis stated that he did request the stop signs and appreciates both view points fully. After the discussion this evening, he still feels the need for the signage as do the other residents located around this sign. The stop signs have worked wonderfully to control speed in the area. Mayor Green stated that Council would look at the information and recommendation to be provided by Staff. Council may or may not accept the recommendation, but it will be discussed at the June meeting. CONSIDER THE SAM HOUSTON HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION'S REQUEST FOR THE USE OF EMANCIPATION PARK FOR A JUNETEENTH CARNIVAL Councilmember Rex made the motion to approve the use of Emancipation. Park for a Juneteenth Carnival and Councilmember James seconded the motion All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER ORDINANCE 954-25.1 ESTABLISHING DRUG FEE ZONES IN THE AREA OF CITY PARKS AND OTHER AREAS City Attorney Scott Bounds stated that in September 1993, State legislators passed a law which allowed the City through its engineer to designate certain drug free zones. These areas are within 1000 feet of schools, universities, and public parks, and within 300 feet of video arcades. Soon thereafter, Councilmember Matthews asked staff to research this law and prepare a drug free zone map. This request was sent to the Parks Board for review. City Engineer Glenn Isbell has prepared a map (posted on the wall) to conform with state law. If an offense is shown to have occurred in a designated drug free zone, then the penalty for that offense would double. Councilmember Lupine made the motion to annrove Ordinance 95-4 -25.1 establishing drug free zones in the area of City parks and other areas and Councilmember Lange seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER ORDINANCE 954 -25.2 ESTABLISHING AN OFFICIAL POPULATION COUNT Scott Bounds stated that this ordinance was prepared to update the population after our recent annexation for the new City Limit signs that the Texas Department of Transportation is ordering. Mr. Antwi has developed a population estimate of 34,592 for the City which takes into account our population according to the last census, the areas added during annexation, births minus deaths, and an adjustment for the prisoners added to the City. Councilmember Liming made the motion to approve Ordinance 954 -25.2 establishing an official population count of 34 ,592, and Councilmember Rex seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER BIDS 1. Bid 95 -14 Stabilized Flexible Base to D Rice Materials for $23.45/pick up and $25.45 /delivered. Councilmember Luning made the motion to approve Bid 95 -14, stabilized flexible base to D. Rice Materials in the amount of $23 45 /pick up, and $25 45 /delivered and Councilmember Davis seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 2. A J Brown Wastewater Treatment Plant Permit Modifications, to R. P. Constructors, Inc. of New Braunfels, Texas in a base bid amount of $1,249,000 with an additive alternate amount of $110,000.00 for the installation of new 40 horsepower gear reducers and interior channel shaft and bearing assemblies for the two aeration basins. Mr. Wilder stated that these modifications were mandated by the E.P.A. at the time of permit renewal. Ten bids were received. Staff recommends approval of the bid by R. P. Constructors, Inc., in the amount of $1,359,000. Budgeted funds in the amount of $1,800,000 are available for these modifications (TWDB funds). Councilmember Luning made the motion to approve the permit modifications to the A. J. Brown Wastewater Treatment Plant to R P Constructors Inc in the amount of $1,359,000 (including additive alternate), and Councilmember Rex seconded the motion All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. MAYOR'S ACTIVITY REPORT 1. Energy /GSU service /rate case. Mr. Bounds stated that he had talked to Gary Wright who represents cities in the Beaumont /Port Arthur area. It was suggested that there be a steering committee called for the cities in Entergy's service area to consider a joint action with regard to the service and rate issues. The City of Conroe and Cleveland have called and expressed an interest in cases related to this issue. Mr. Wright has volunteered to contact all the cities in the service area and schedule a meeting as soon as possible. CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 25, 1995 I 2. Consider Resolution 95- 4-25.1 honoring retiring District Clerk Betty Tacked. ' I� Councilmember Carter made the motion to approve Resolution 95-4-25.1 honoring retiring District Clerk Betty Tackett,`� and Councilmember James seconded the motion All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 3. Uniform Traffic Control Manual response. Mayor Green stated that he had asked staff if there was another type of manual regarding traffic control, A memorandum;, from City Attorney Scott Bounds is in the packet addressing the issue and stating that there is not another uniform traffic control', manual. The manual does give some flexibility with regard to establishing our own rules. CITY COUNCILMEMBER ACTION 1. Ron Lange Personnel Committee Chairman to report on Magistrate employment process. Councilmember Lange stated that the Personnel Committee would like to begin accepting applications for the magistrate position from those interested and set up an interview process. 2. Councilmember Carter thanked Patricia Allen for the information showing the increase of 9% in Hotel -Motel revenue. He was concerned about the two months of negative sales tax. Mr. Pipes stated that this follows the trend of the past few years. MEDIA INQUIRIES None. ADJOURNMENT Recess into a WORK SESSION to consider Chapters 3 -7 of the proposed Development Code. Darns Welter, City Secretary