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MIN CC 06/05/1990MINUTES OF THE JUNE 5, 1990 MEETING BOOK 11011 124 MINUTES OF THE HUNTSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 5TH DAY OF JUNE, 1990 IN THE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, LOCATED AT 1212 AVENUE M IN THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, COUNTY OF WALKER, TEXAS AT 6:45 P.M. The Council met in a regular session with the following members present: Jane Monday 0. Eugene Barrett City officers present: Gary Bell James L. Carter Gene Pipes, City Manager Ila G. Gaines William B. Green Scott Bounds, City Attorney William L. Hammock Percy Howard, Jr. Ruth DeShaw, City Secretary William H. Knotts, Jr. CONVENE AND RECESS Convene and recess into Executive Session to discuss real estate acquisition matters -- utility and drainage easements. Highway 75 N. Mayor Monday called the formal session to order and then recessed the Council into an Executive Session to discuss real estate acquisition matters concerning utility and drainage easements along Highway 75 North. No formal action was taken in this session. No other items of business were discussed. RECONVENE THE FORMAL SESSION Mayor Monday then reconvened the formal session. Councitmember and Mayor Pro Tem Percy Howard, Jr. presented the invocation. CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING Mayor Monday presented the minutes of the meeting of May 22, 1990. Councitmember Barrett made the , motion to approve the minutes as presented and Councitmember Gaines seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. RECOGNIZE OFFICER LANE HURST Recognize Police Officer Lane Hurst for his Life Saving Heroism The Mayor and City Council presented a Certificate of Commendation to Officer Hurst for his quick and decisive actions in administering CPR to a small child, Jordanna Williams, and thereby reviving her and saving her life. City Manager, Gene Pipes, reported that Officer Hurst maintained his composure and acted in a positive and professional manner in a very difficult situation. He felt his action should not go unnoticed. He presented the recommendation of Sergeant Lunsford that Officer Hurst be considered for a commendation, which is presently under review by the Police Department. Mayor Monday extended the gratitude of the City Council and noted they are glad Officer Hurst is in Huntsville and is "one of ours.-- She and the City Councilmembers then presented the commendation certificate and congratulations to Officer Hurst. Mayor Monday congratulated Chief Hank Eckhardt on the caliber of people he has in his department that represent the City of Huntsville. CONSIDER FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS To employ an outside auditor for FY 1990 -1991 -- Councitmember Green made the motion to extend the To retain consultant services for liability insurance evaluation -- Councitmember Green recommended a review of the city's insurance liability program. He said the city spends a considerable amount of city funds for risk management. He said it is felt it would be to the city's advantage to have someone that is not a seller of insurance to evaluate the city's program, to determine whether it is adequate and if it IN could be adjusted by possibly either changing the city's coverage in some way that it would be advantageous to the city, or possibly going out to rebid the insurance to save on rates. Councitmember Green then made MINUTES OF THE JUNE 5, 1990 MEETING BOOK "0" 125 Associates Inc to audit the city's existing liability insurance program in an amount not to exceed $2,500. Councilmember Knotts seconded the motion. After some discussion for clarification all were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. For employee health insurance rates and benefit adiustments -- CounciLmxmber Green noted effective July 1, all of the employees and their dependent's portion of their health insurance rates will increase by 20 percent and Likewise, the benefit package will be changed in order to effect a 20 percent reduction in coverage. He noted the overall effect is about 40 percent, half of which will be borne by increased rates and half will be borne by decreased coverage. Ms. Patricia Allen, Director of Finance, advised as of May 31, 1990, monies in the Health Insurance Fund totaled approximately $55,000. She said the plan year for the self - insured health plan is July 1 through June 30. Last July, she noted, it was anticipated that there would be approximately $80,000 remaining in the fund at this time; the reduced amount is a result of a higher than expected pay out of claims. Ms. Allen advised as a part of the annual review, the Insurance Administrator (EPSI) has recommended an increase in premiums to be paid for employee coverage and dependent coverage. The cost of coverage for the employee, she noted, has historically been paid by the City, and the cost of dependent coverage paid by the employee. She advised EPSI has also recommended several cost containment features, as follows: Effective July 1, the following medical plan changes will be adopted: In addition, dependent premiums will be increased 20 percent effective July 1. The new rates will be: Dependent Medical $179.76 Dependent Dental $ 12.24 Ms. Allen said the recommendation by EPSI is to increase both the employee premium and dependent coverage premium by 20 percent with a review of the plan in January of 1991. The increased premiums would begin in July, 1990, she noted. Ms. Allen reported that the estimated cost to the City for the remainder of this year would be approximately $14,175. Councilmember Green made the motion to approve the 40 percent adiustment in the employees health insurance rates and the above described benefit adjustments and Councilmember Knotts seconded the motion All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Green advised formal action will be needed by Resolution to amend the health plan of the City and this Resolution will be brought back at the next meeting. ' 1. A deductible equal to one day's semi - private room rate of the hospital entered will apply CONSIDER ORDINANCE zoning regulations to each hospital admission;. 2. The co- insurance limit will be raised from the current 80/20 of $2,500 to 80/20 of the _ first $5,000, then 90/10 of the next $2,500. 3. Out- patient surgery will be paid at 90 percent rather than the current 100 percent; 4. All substance abuse, alcohol, and mental claims will be limited to a $10,000 lifetime maximum rather than the current $20,000 and $25,000 lifetime maximums; and 5. Effective January 1, 1991, the calendar year deductible will be raised from the current $200 to $300. In addition, dependent premiums will be increased 20 percent effective July 1. The new rates will be: Dependent Medical $179.76 Dependent Dental $ 12.24 Ms. Allen said the recommendation by EPSI is to increase both the employee premium and dependent coverage premium by 20 percent with a review of the plan in January of 1991. The increased premiums would begin in July, 1990, she noted. Ms. Allen reported that the estimated cost to the City for the remainder of this year would be approximately $14,175. Councilmember Green made the motion to approve the 40 percent adiustment in the employees health insurance rates and the above described benefit adjustments and Councilmember Knotts seconded the motion All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Green advised formal action will be needed by Resolution to amend the health plan of the City and this Resolution will be brought back at the next meeting. ' Consider I Ordinance No. 90 -9 enacting CONSIDER ORDINANCE zoning regulations Mr. Gene Pipes, City Manager, presented this ordinance, the caption of which is as follows: MINUTES OF THE JUNE 5, 1990 MEETING BOOK 110" 126 ORDINANCE NO. 90 -9 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS, ENACTING ZONING REGULATIONS; CREATING USE DISTRICTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; REGULATING WITHIN SUCH DISTRICTS THE USE OF BUILDINGS AND LAND FOR TRADE, INDUSTRY, RESIDENCE OR OTHER PURPOSES; PROVIDING FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS; ADOPTING AN OFFICIAL ZONING DISTRICT MAP; CREATING A PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION; CREATING A BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AND DEFINING ITS POWERS; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY OF UP TO $1,000.00 FOR EACH OFFENSE; AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OF THE CAPTION OF THE ORDINANCE; AND PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE AND PRESERVING RIGHTS UNDER THE EXISTING ORDINANCE Pipes presented the zoning district maps. He rated he is aware of some recent efforts on the part of Spring Lake Subdivision residents association to complete the tract of Spring Lake, which is indicated a Management District in the middle of the Neighborhood Conservation District on the south end. nciLmember Bell advised the Spring Lake Association was of the understanding that aLL of Spring Lake had n deed restricted; subsequently, their Lawyer, Mr. Bob Delong, indicated there were some areas owned sonally by the developer, Mr. M. 8. Etheredge, and these Lands had not been formally included in the deed tricted area. He said because of this review and investigation within the Last week, there is now a ter definition of what Spring Lake incLudes and there is now a map showing those areas owned personaLLy Mr. Etheredge; i.e., the lake, the Leave -out between Autumn and Winter Way Streets, that are now deed tricted according to the formal requirements. Mayor Monday noted the new map that will be adopted by this ordinance does reflect these changes. L, yor Monday asked for any other changes. Mr. Pipes said those are the only changes. He said the staff did eck with each lot and property owner on Avenue P, the area that had been specifically recommended by the arming Commission, and there was some question as to the absoLute vaLidity of the deed restriction. He �I id this was accompLished and everyone or their representative has been contacted. He said those that were t specifically deed restricted or were deed restricted, have each been contacted an each has indicated a llingness or a total absence of opposition to being deed restricted in any way. He said they are either tally ambivalent about it or enthusiastic. He said those properties are included in the map on Avenue P om just south of 15th Street and proceeding down to 17th Street. There being no more questions on the map, Mayor Monday entertained a motion on the Ordinance. w Monday asked if there are any questions about the text of the ordinance before she caLLs for a vote on motion. Discussion: Councilmember Green asked for clarification on page 1 -17 with regard to appeal and ardship. He said it appears from this reading that "hardship relief or appeal relief, as the case may be, s under the authority of either the Planning and Zoning Commission or the Board of Adjustment. He said it Lao appears that hardship relief can be granted, which would imply that even though one cannot change the oning map without City Council action, it at least implies to him that the city can grant a variance or a ardship relief to the existing zoning map so that an activity, that is not allowable in one zone might ecome allowable, either through the PLanming and Zoning Commission or Board of Adjustment. Mr. Scott Bounds, City Attorney, pointed out that Section 112.1, Types of Appeals, as referred to by uncilmember Green, basically tracks the language in the state statute, which is the Texas Local vermnent Code's Sections 211.008 and 211.009. He said the courts, in interpreting those statutes and this nguage, have made it clear that a Board of Adjustment is limited in what it can do on two things: the ty's zoning ordinance and state Law; and that the zoning ordinance can give the Board of Adjustment any thority that they do not have under state law. In interpreting that state Law, which is the statute our dinance tracks, he said, it indicates that a Board of Adjustment has no authority or no power to authorize es not allowed in particular zoning districts. Use variances are therefore void and not entitled to MINUTES Of THE JUNE 5, 1990 MEETING BOOK "0" 127 protection. He said this is basically because there is no authority for the Board of Adjustment to grant use variances, and in interpreting the statute, that is clear. He said he would hate to try to modify the statute or ordinance and put in language inconsistent with the state statute. Mr. Bounds said the city could parenthetically simply say: "See Section 211.008 and 211.009 and the case Law on those and indicate that use variances are not permitted. Mayor Monday noted with the permission of the Council this ordinance will reference this particular section. Councilmembers Bet[ and Howard accepted this amendment to their motion and the council generaLLv agreed. CounciLmember Knotts asked what type of hardship could the board grant. Mr. Bounds said they can grant variances related to height, area, side yards, set - backs- -these are typically the set -back and area requirements on which the Board of Adjustments and Appeals can grant variances. Mr. Bounds said the chart is an integral part of the zoning ordinance and felt Councilmember Green's concerns are misplaced. He said if the chart is read consistent with the ordinance, it is clear what is permitted and what is not permitted. He said we are permitted to have telephone lines, the general utilities which are regulated by the public, but one would not be permitted to have an office, warehouse, or Southwestern Bell repair facility within the zone. He said Code 4811 is an obsolete SIC code and the new one starts at 4812. He said we need to read the SIC codes consistent with the ordinance. It is the same thing on education, he said. Mr. Bounds noted under services, schools and educational services, are a general classification under services and the code makes very specific provisions saying that is a permitted use under certain circumstances. He advised taken as a whole, the table is consistent with the ordinance and he has no problem with it. He said the SIC code goes in terms of establishments. He said if we want to establish a bus barn in a residential district, he would say that is probably prohibited; but if we want to drive a bus through a residential district, he does not view that as prohibited. ALL were in favor of the motion on the floor, as clarified, and it passed by a vote of eight to one with Councilmember Green voting "OPPOSED" to the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 8 to 1. I CONSIDER BIDS Consider the following bids: No. 87- 10- 02-- landfilL excavation to Southern States Equipment: $92,2261.6 -- Mr. Pipes presented the six bids received, ranging from the low bid to 8300,513.92. He then presented the staff's recommendation to award the bid to the low bid submitted by Southern States Equipment. Councilmember Knotts CounciLmember Green asked for clarification on Table 4 -1 on page 4 -4 which references permitable uses in terms of SIC Codes. He felt it would add some clarification if the city defines public utilities, which is permitted and it states that electric, gas and sanitary services are also permitted, but they are sometimes defined as public utilities, however it seems as if these are two different things. He said concerning the general Land use category "communications," at least one form of communication is telephone services, which is Listed as SIC Code 4811, and is not permitted in a residential neighborhood conservation district. He felt this is not intended as most of us would intend to be able to use a phone in that area as well. He said in case someone has a question about whether this would be possible or not, we ought to use that as a permitted activity. He suggested since communications, which is section 48, includes more than just telephone, if we want to just permit them to do telephone, we might list 4811 to be permitted in that area and we may want to exclude the other activities from that. in reference to the SIC number, he noted, it creates a little confusion. ' Mayor Monday asked if the whole chart needs to be reworked. Councilmember Green felt it doesn't need to be completely reworked, but there are some other minor things that might need clarification because we talk about the fact that educational services or schools might be in an area and SIC code 82 is, in fact, schools. He said it is not clear whether they are public or private, but in fact, schools are not permitted, yet we talk about that possibility. He said transportation, for instance, includes an area of school buses that is not permitted in a neighborhood conservation area and we may want to allow school buses. Mayor Monday asked how this chart can be revised. Mr. Bounds said the chart is an integral part of the zoning ordinance and felt Councilmember Green's concerns are misplaced. He said if the chart is read consistent with the ordinance, it is clear what is permitted and what is not permitted. He said we are permitted to have telephone lines, the general utilities which are regulated by the public, but one would not be permitted to have an office, warehouse, or Southwestern Bell repair facility within the zone. He said Code 4811 is an obsolete SIC code and the new one starts at 4812. He said we need to read the SIC codes consistent with the ordinance. It is the same thing on education, he said. Mr. Bounds noted under services, schools and educational services, are a general classification under services and the code makes very specific provisions saying that is a permitted use under certain circumstances. He advised taken as a whole, the table is consistent with the ordinance and he has no problem with it. He said the SIC code goes in terms of establishments. He said if we want to establish a bus barn in a residential district, he would say that is probably prohibited; but if we want to drive a bus through a residential district, he does not view that as prohibited. ALL were in favor of the motion on the floor, as clarified, and it passed by a vote of eight to one with Councilmember Green voting "OPPOSED" to the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 8 to 1. I CONSIDER BIDS Consider the following bids: No. 87- 10- 02-- landfilL excavation to Southern States Equipment: $92,2261.6 -- Mr. Pipes presented the six bids received, ranging from the low bid to 8300,513.92. He then presented the staff's recommendation to award the bid to the low bid submitted by Southern States Equipment. Councilmember Knotts MINUTES OF THE JUNE 5, 1990 MEETING BOOK "0" 128 made the motion to award the bid as recommended and Councilmember Barrett seconded the motion. ALL were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. No 90- 25- -SCADA System preparation to Bradburn Associates: 557.113.00 Mr. Pipes reminded the Council of the detaiLed discussion during midyear budget on the SCADA system. He advised the city wishes to upgrade the electrical control system in the water plants, wastewater plants, and various pump stations to prepare for the instaLlation of a supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA). He advised the bid for the SCADA system will be on the next council agenda on June 26; it is currently be reviewed by the city's consulting engineer and a recommendation wiLL be forthcoming. While four . bids were mailed out, he noted, only one was received. He then presented the staff's recommendation to award the bid to Bradburn Associates, Inc. in the amount of $57,113.00, which is below the city's original estimate. Councilmember Barrett made the motion to award this bid and Councilmember Gaines seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. No 90-26 -- Roll -off containers to Tate Manufacturing Company: $17.870. -- Mr. Pipes advised the city wishes to purchase six 30 -yard roll -off containers and one 40 yard roll -off container. He presented the six bids received, ranging from the low bid of $17,870 to $27,525. He advised it is the staff's recommendation to accept the lowest bid meeting specifications presented by Tate Manufacturing Company in the amount of $17,870. Councilmember Howard made the motion to award the bid as recommended and Councilmember Bell seconded the motion ALL were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. No 90-27 -- Pagers for Fire Department to Motorola Inc.: $19.377. -- The Council was advised that the city wishes to purchase 42 pagers with chargers and Leather carrying cases. Mr. Pipes reported five bids were maiLed out, but only one actual bid was received. He presented the staff's recommendation to �I award the bid to Motorola, Inc. in the amount of $19,337; noting the amount of $19,800 was budgeted for this expense. Councilmember Carter made the motion to approve of this bid as recommended and Councilmember Howard seconded the motion ALL were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER INS17UFORM PROPOSAL Consider a proposal to Insituform a 650 foot section of Highway 75N sewer Line at a cost of $22,750 Mr. Pipes advised the only section of the sewer system on Highway 75 North stiLL not compLeted is a section approximately 650 feet in length which begins at a manhole in front of the Sears Service Center and runs north to the south property line of the Hardy Drive -In property. He advised this sewer line is in poor condition and in need of major improvement. He advised Mr. Boyd Wilder, Director of Public Utilities, reports the replacement of the line is not feasible because there is no room in the right -of -way for another j sewer line. Mr. Wilder noted this would require the city to relay the sewer in the same Location (tear the old out, put the new in). Mr. Wilder said his crews found that there is a Large telephone conduit and a Large telephone cable that meanders back and forth above the sewer line, which makes excavation virtually impossible. Mr. Pipes presented Mr. WiLder's recommendation that the city Insitufarm this Line. He advised 11 this would aLLow the city to replace the line without excavation other than at the five house connections along the 650 foot line. Mr. Pipes noted the cost of this project would be approximately $22,750, which would be approximately the same cost if excavation were possible as the city would be required to backfill 4� with cement stabilized material. He noted the Insituform process is a single source process and competitive bids are not possible. Mr. Pipes advised the balance in the fund allocated for sewer line relocation or replacement is $338,590. Councilmember Bell made the motion to approve of this recommendation to Insituform this 650 feet of sewer line on highway 75 North as outlined above and Councilmember Howard seconded the motion All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER PAVESTONE PROJECT FOR DOWNTOWN Consider change order No 1--downtown pavestone project (NO 89- 09- 02) - -in the amount of $7,748.50 split between the utility fund $3.967.50 and the general fund. $3.781 Mr. Gene Pipes, City Manager, advised this change order reflects work needed on the downtown pavestone project after the completion of the water Lines in the downtown area. He noted this includes MINUTES OF THE JUNE 5, 7990 MEETING BOOK "Q" 129 replacement of the retaining walls, driveways, individual drainage systems, flagpole holders and the remedial work necessary to make a smooth transition with the pavestone construction. He said work has been ongoing in the downtown area for some time. He said the city began the pavestone work and other repairs Last week and is ongoing at the present time. He said this change order will accomplish the portions of the project on which the contractor did not originally ask for Council's approval. Mr. Autery is already at work on the work previously authorized project. He said these changes have come about through the extra work created by the various problems encountered in the utilities project. He noted the change order totals $7,748.50, with $3,967.50 chargeable to water and sewer and $3,781.00 chargeable to the general fund. Councilmember Barrett made the motion to approve of this change order and Councilmember Gaines seconded the motion. ALL were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. TRAFFIC SIGNALS of highway traffic signals at the intersection of IN 45 frontage road and SH 75 Mr. Pipes presented this resolution, the caption of which is as follows: RESOLUTION NO. 90 -11 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF TEXAS FOR THE INSTALLATION, CONSTRUCTION, EXISTENCE, USE, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE OF CERTAIN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SIGNALS /ILLUMINATION AT THE INTERSECTION OF IH 45 FRONTAGE ROAD AND SH 75 Mr. Pipes advised when the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Institutional Division, moved its administrative offices to the former Brown Oil Tool Building north of Huntsville, the traffic on the west feeder road increased tremendously and there have been traffic jams for months. He advised the Department has made considerable effort to adjust their work schedules to Lessen the traffic impact on this feeder road. He advised the SDHPT has been monitoring this situation for some months and has sent word down that there were funds available within the District that could be shifted to address this problem. He said the project has already been initiated and requires the Council's authorization to be done within the corporate limits of the city. He said the State is fording this entire project. Council member Knotts made the motion to approve of this signalization project at IN 45 frontage road and SH 75 N and Councilmember Howard seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. Questions Councilmember Bell asked about the status of state highway approval for flashing signals at the Smither Overpass [intersection of IH -45 east frontage road with Avenue Sl. Mr. Pipes said when the SDHPT completes the above project just approved, this is the next project on their list. Mr. Pipes said there is also a request from Councilmember Barrett for consideration of signalization at Brazos Drive and Highway 30, and this project is being studied as time is available and they will be getting back to the city on this. Councilmember Barrett said he would appreciate it if the City Manager would submit any traffic accident reports to the SDHPT that occur at this intersection. He said there have been a number or accidents when motorists try to turn Left out of Brazos Drive onto Highway 30. Mr. Pipes advised all of the signalization at Possum Walk and I -45 will follow for consideration. He noted there will be a Long list of signalization projects that are at least possible. He noted the flashing warning lights for the Smither Overpass area have been authorized and this project is now in the design stages, however, the project approved tonight took precedence because of the heavy traffic demand. ' CITY MANAGER'S REPORT - -GENE PIPES Consider Community Development Director Position as recommended by the Personnel Committee Mr. Pipes presented the job description for this position. Mr. Percy Howard, Jr., Chairman of the Personnel Committee, advised this position will fill a position lost to attrition several years ago. He noted many of those duties and responsibilities were delegated to existing departmental directors. He felt this position will work very well as a strengthening unit between the City Manager and the other MINUTES OF THE JUNE 5, 1990 MEETING BOOK "0" 130 departments. Mayor Monday and Councilmember Barrett, members of the Personnel Committee, also noted this position actually represents two positions that were lost some time ago. Mayor Monday noted filling this position is the unanimous recommendation of the Personnel Committee. Councilmember Howard made the motion to approve of this position and CounciLmember Barrett seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. Sumner Meeting Schedule Mr. Pipes presented this meeting schedule for the sinner: June 26, JuLy 3, July 24, August 21 and August 28. He noted this schedule will permit the staff to prepare the budget for presentation on August 21 and supplemental meetings can be held after that date with budget adoption in early or mid-September. MAYOR'S ACTIVITY REPORT- -JANE MONDAY Signs on Biking and Jogging Trails Mayor Monday asked about the status of the signs on the biking and hiking trails. Mr. Pipes said they have been ordered and he expects they are in stock. Mayor Monday asked him to check on how soon these can be installed. Drug Task Force Name Change Mayor Monday advised the Drug Task Force has now changed its official title and also its scope. She said the new is the "Walker County Task Force," and it is now extending an invitation to the Cities of Riverside, New Waverly and the New Waverly School District, so that this Task Force will be representing the j entire county and will focus an entire countywide effort on all of the things that will be done. She noted when this is accomplished, with Mr. Jack KyLe's Leadership, he will be coming back to give the Council an , update on all of the activities that are planned in the treatment, prevention and legal are Mayor Monday reported on the Highway 19 Association luncheon as an official recognition of Highway 19 and its completion and some of the things that are going on in Walker County. She said it is no accident that Walker County has a good working relationship with the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation. She noted local Leaders have worked hard for the past four to five years to form the Walker County Transportation Committee, which represents the entire county, including Riverside, New Waverly, the Chamber of Commerce, Walker County and the City. She said Mr. Arnold W. Oliver, Engineer- Director, State Department of Highways and Public Transportation, did comment in his presentation that this was one of the finer patterns in the whole state and that he too recognizes that we have been very effective on what we have done to bring dollars into this county, because we seek them in a unified manner and we speak as one voice. She said this is another tribute to the vehicle of coordination and cooperation that we have. She thanked the staff for all their help in the preparation for this luncheon. Mayor Monday noted she will be Looking at making appointments to the Planning and Zoning Commission one position) and the Board of Adjustment (five positions) soon so that the city can comply with the zoning rdinance. She asked for the CounciL's suggestions. Gene Pipes, City Manager, advised Mr. J. D. Schindler, f the Planning Commission, has tendered his resignation today and apologized for his inability to complete is term, but he expects the job market situation will be taking him out of town more in the future. Mayor Monday noted other appointments upcoming are on the Huntsville Housing Authority. ACTION REQUIRED AS RESULT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION DISCUSSIONS ' Consider real estate acquisition procedures for utility and drainage easement on Highway 75 North Mr. Gene Pipes, advised the city has in hand a series of appraisals which will assist the city in negotiating with the individual property owners on acquiring easements. He said the process will probably take two weeks or more in order to complete the cycle of visiting with all of the property owners and tendering an offer for the necessary easements. He said the staff needs an authorization to tender offers MINUTES OF THE JUNE 5, 1990 MEETING BOOK "0" 131 to acquire easements on both the water line easements and the drainage easements according to the appraisals as they have been provided tonight for the Council's review and consideration. He asked that the motion authorize him, as City Manager, to tender an offer, based on the appraisals reviewed tonight in the executive session, for acquisition of easements for water Line and drainage improvements on Highway 75 North. CounciLmember Green made the motion to authorize the City Manager to tender offers for the easements as outlined and CounciLmember Bell seconded the motion. CounciLmember Barrett noted he will abstain since he has property on Highway 75 North. ALL others were in favor of the motion and it passed by a vote of 8 with one abstention. COUNCIL ACTION Pothole Repairs Appreciated CounciLmember Bell noted his appreciation for the repairs made to the potholes at Spring Lake. Prebudget session CounciLmember Bell noted they talked at budget time last year about the possibility of a prebudget session where the City Council provides the general philosophical direction in which it would like to see the budget move over the next twelve months. He asked if some thought could be given to having such a workshop or to doing this as a part of a formal meeting. City Manager Gene Pipes said this could be very easily done and the Council might plan for the meeting of July 26 as a target date. He said they can take care of the formal business and then recess to the conference room and conduct the prebudget discussion. Mayor Monday felt this would be a good time to do this. Mr. Pipes said he will be happy to arrange this for June 26. ' Zoning Ordinance Appreciation CounciLmember Bell expressed his appreciation to the Council for passing this neighborhood conservation ordinance. He said it was sometimes tortuous and sometimes involved, but he thinks it worked out and he appreciates the role everyone played, including CounciLmember Green, who oftentimes called to their attention items that needed to be checked and double - checked. General Sam Houston Folk Festival Board of Directors Reception CounciLmember Gaines invited everyone to a reception, sponsored personally and individually by the members of the Board of Directors of the General Sam Houston Folk Festival, next Thursday afternoon at the Woodland Home, from 4:00 P.M. until 6:30 P.M. She said there will be a program at 5:15 P.M. at which time a report will be given on the status of the festival [financial] and some other information. She noted there will be some special music for this program. Bill Nash, Former Mayor. Installed as Rotary District Governor of 591 CounciLmember Gaines noted former Mayor Bill Nash was installed as Rotary District Governor of 591 this past weekend. She said there were about 200 people at Waterwood, representing about 40 different counties and about 37 cities. She noted the ladies from this group went shopping in Huntsville on Saturday, and those acting as hostesses indicated the Ladies were simply delighted at what they found there and they did promise to come back again. CounciLmember Gaines said it is a wonderful thing to bring the people into the downtown area and have something to show them. She said she is very proud of what is happening in the downtown area. She thanked the downtown merchants for all their hard work in the downtown area. Juneteenth Celebration Mayor Pro Tem Howard advised the Juneteenth Celebration will be held on June 16 [Saturday]. He said if the Council is not real busy, he thinks they should go this year. June 5, 1990 ADJOURI