MIN CC 08/15/1995X
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 15, 1995 BOOK "R" 390
MINUTES OF THE HUNTSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 15TH DAY OF AUGUST, 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
Dave Luning
Officers:
Dan S. Davis
JoAnn Matthews
Gene Pipes, City Manager
Ronald L. Lange
David Martinez
Drams Welter, City Secretary
Marjorie Rex
Ann James
Scott Bounds, City Attorney
ABSENT: Jim Carter
INVOCATION
Invocation by Chaplain Perry Barnes, Retired T.D.C.J: I.D.
CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 8, 1995
Councilmember Luning made a motion to approve the minutes of Aueust 8. 1995, and Councilmember Rex seconded the motion
Councilmember Rex made a correction on the first page, Livingston to Levingston; and Councilmember James asked that it be noted
in the minutes that she requested that small trucks make the chlorine deliveries in Elkins Lake if possible.
All were in favor and the motion nassed unanimously. NOTE Councilmember Carter absent
ATTENDING CITIZENS
Gwen Ritter. Grandoerson Center. Ms. Ritter stated that she is requesting assistance from the City of Huntsville to be able to add
five temporary slots to the senior citizen homebound meal program. She understands the City cannot waive the fees for water, garbage j
and sewer or pay for their Entex bill, but is asking for monitory contribution.
Mayor Green stated that this request will be considered during the budget work session following the meeting.
CONSIDER ORDINANCE 95-8 -15..1 AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES
CHAPTER 30 BY ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE DEVELOPMENT CODE
Couneilmember Davis made a motion to approve Ordinance 95 -8 -151 amending Chapter 30 Development Code andj
Councilmember Matthews seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Green stated that this is a "living" document and would be changed periodically as needed. City Council thanked the
Planning Commission and Staff for their had work on this project.
CONSIDER RESCINDING THE CHLORINE /SULFUR DIOXIDE BID AWARDED TO ACETYLENE
OXYGEN COMPANY AND RE -AWARD TO JONES CHEMICAL DUE TO ERROR IN CALCULATION
Mr. Schindler stated that the bid documents specified an estimated quantity and that due to an error in the calculation, the bid to
Acetylene Oxygen needs to be rescinded and re- awarded to Jones Chemical.
Councilmember Luning stated that the bids are so close that if one less chlorine or one more sulfur dioxide were used, the low bid
would be Acetylene.
Councilmember Davis stated that while this is we, the bids were obtained with an estimated quantity and the quantity specified
should be used to determine the low bidder.
Councilmember Luning. The motion passed 7 -1.
CONSIDER AN AGREEMENT FOR YOUTH SOCCER WITH THE HUNTSVILLE YOUTH SOCCER
ASSOCIATION FOR USE OF ROSS PARK FACILITIES
Mayor Green stated that at each Councilmember's place, there is a memorandum from Boyd Wilder requesting that this item be
tabled to allow time to organize a meeting between the many associations that need to use the fields. This will allow an opportunity
to consolidate all the association's needs into a "multi -use agreement" to present to Council at a later date. Staff will coordinate and
participate in this meeting.
Councilmember Lange suggested that SHSU be asked to participate in the discussions.
Councilmember Davis made a motion to table the aereement with the Youth Soccer Association and Councilmember James'.
seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously
I
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 15, 1995 BOOK "R" 391
CONSIDER A PROPOSAL TO AUTHORIZE THE USE OF TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE
INSTITUTIONAL DIVISION INMATE CREWS TO DEMOLISH ABANDONED BUILDINGS AT THE it
PROPERTY OWNERS REQUEST WITHOUT THE ATTACHMENT OF LIENS FOR COSTS II
Chief Eckhardt stated that Officers Hilley and McCurry (bicycle patrol) have been working on a nuisance abatement program
affecting vacant and/or condemned structures in certain areas of the City. The program arose out of concem that these structures attract
problems in the community and are detrimental to the safety and welfare of the citizens. They tend to attract a criminal element, create
fire hazards, invite vandalism and reduce the value of surrounding properties.
The project involves contacting the owners of the nuisance properties and offering to remove the structures without assessing a
lien on the property. The City would acquire the nuisance structure at the property owner's request and then TDCJ -ID has agreed to
provide inmate labor to assist in demolition of these structures.
Them will be disposal costs associated with the project. Salvageable items will betaken to a local reclamation center at no cost,
while other materials will be transported to a landfill facility. It is estimated that each structure will cost the City approximately $250-
$350 each.
Staff is requesting City Council approve this program.
Mr. Bounds requested approval of a letter agreement he prepared for their approval.
Councilmember Lange made a motion to approve a letter agreement to authorize the use of TDCJ -ID inmate crews to demolish
abandoned buildings at the property owners request, and Councilmember James seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion
passed unanimously.
Councilmembers asked if TDCJ -ID crews were willing to do this demolition in other areas of Huntsville. Staff indicated that this
was being investigated at this time.
City Council complimented Officers Hilley and McCurry for their fine work.
MAYOR'S ACTIVITY REPORT
Mayor Green stated that he, Councilmember Luring and Scott Bounds went to a GSU/Emergy meeting on August 11, 1995, in
' Beaumont. The meeting was very informative and interesting. The Company recognized that there are service problems and is working
to correct these problems. They are also willing to consider a rate reduction to pass on savings from reorganization and economic
efficiencies without the filing of a rate case and are willing to work cooperatively with the Coalition of Cities.
Councilmember Luning stated that it was a good meeting, but did feel the City shouldjoin the Coalition of Cities as an effective
way to keep Entergy in line.
CITY COUNCILMEMBER ACTION
Limbs. Councilmember Martinez stated that he had a complaint regarding limbs on Sam Houston Avenue between 8th and 10th
Streets.
MEDIA INQUIRIES
None.
Recess into a WORK SESSION for the FY 1995 -96 Proposed Budget - Utilities and Sanitation funds.
Recess into a EXECUTIVE SESSION to discuss
a) Johnson Road utility easement acquisition; and
b) Pending class action asbestos abatement suit.
18:00 p.m. - 8:20 p.m.jj
Danna Welter, City Secretary