MIN CC 03/15/1988D
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 15, 1988 BOOK "P" 43
MINUTES OF THE HUNTSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 15TH DAY OF MARCH, 1988 IN THE CITY HALL COUNCI
CHAMBERS, LOCATED AT 1212 AVENUE M IN THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, COUNTY OF WALKER, AT 6:45 P.M.
The Huntsville City Council met in a regular session with the following members present:
Jane Monday, Mayor William B. Green City Officers Present:
0. Eugene Barrett William L. Hammock
Gary Bell Percy Howard, Jr. Gene Pipes, City Manager
James L. Carter William H. Knotts, Jr. Ruth DeShaw, City Secretary
Ila G. Gaines Scott Bounds, City Attorney
FORMAL SESSION
Mayor Monday then called the formal session to order. Pastor Gary Bonner of First Baptist Church
presented the invocation.
CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
Councilmember Barrett made the motion to approve of the minutes of March 1, 1988 and Councilmember
Gaines seconded the motion. Discussion: Councilmember Knotts asked for a correction in the minutes under
the discussion of the FM 247 water line to remove the reference to the "state's field engineer" and insert
instead the "contractor's engineer." This amendment was accepted by all of the Council. The motion on the
floor to accept the minutes, as corrected by Mr. Knotts, passed unanimously. [Note: Councilmember Bell
was not present for the vote.]
CONSIDER SALE OF STREET IMPROVEMENT BONDS
Consider sale of $2.000,000.00 in Street Improvement Bonds Series 1988- -bids to be opened by Mr. Rennie
Baker. Cowan and Company
Mayor Monday then introduced Mr. Rennie Baker of Cowen and Company, the City's bond consultant for
many years, and his son, Rennie Baker, Jr. as well as Mr. Terry Yates of Vinson & Elkins. Mr. Baker read
the bids received as to interest rates on the bonds for the years 1990 through 2003. The net effective
interest rates received are listed below:
BIDDERS NET EFFECTIVE INTEREST RATE
Clayton Brown & Assoc., Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prudential Bache Securities, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Masterson & Company /Westcap Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bear, Stearns & Co., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shearson Lehman Hutton, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotan Mosle, Inc.; Lovett Mitchell Webb &
Garrison; Paine Webber, Inc.; Rauscher
Pierce Refsnes, Inc.; Westcap Securities, Inc .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Republic Bank Dallas, N.A.; First Southwest
Company; Southwest Securities, Joint Managers;
M. E. Allison & Co., Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underwood, Neuhaus & Co., Inc.; Shearson Lehman
Hutton; Texas American Bank /Fort Worth N.A.; Cowen
& Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Griffin, Kubik, Stephens & Thompson, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MBank Capital Markets -Joint Manager; Kidder Peabody
& Company -Joint Managers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.018419
7.0347
7.0826
7.085690
7.0864368
7.087069
7.1787
7.1812644
7.19669
7.338276
Mr. Baker said these ten bids represent approximately 35 to 40 different firms around the country,
and receiving these many bids speaks welt for the City's credit. He then excused himself so that an
evaluation of the bids could be made before a recommendation is made to the Council.
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 15, 1988 BOOK "PH 44
CONSIDER SIDEWALKS
Consider bids for replacement of sidewalk on Avenues 0 and University in conjunction with the utility repair
work to Ernst Construction in the amount of $17,348.87 to be paid from ca ital improvement r ram -- utilit
ands
Mr. Gene Pipes, City Manager, advised there were four bids received, ranging from $17,348.87 to
33,673.88. He then recommended awarding the bid to the low bidder, Ernst Construction in the amount of
17,348.87. He noted some of the funding for this project will come from the Water and Sewer Fund because
he construction of the sidewalks is the result of the improvements to the water line on Avenue 0 and some
funds will came from the Street Department where curb work needs to be done in association with the street
work, but all funds are coming out of the budgeted Capital Improvement Program funds. Councilmember Barrett
de the motion to approve of this bid and Councilmember Howard seconded the motion. All were in favor and
the motion passed unanimously- [Note: Councilmember Bell not present for vote.)
CONSIDER TELEVISION INSPECTION AND GROUTING EQUIPMENT
Consider bids for television inspection and grouting eguipment for sewer lines to TeLespector in the amount
of $114,708 for demonstration equipment, as recommended by staff, to be paid from budgeted utility funds
Mr. F. Boyd Wilder advised that the Council approved $196,000 on November 10, 1987 for the purchase
of a T.V. inspection system, hiring two employees, and operation and maintenance of the equipment for a two
year period ($100,000 for equipment, $41,000 per year for two employees, and $7,000 per year for operation
and maintenance of the vehicle and inspection equipment). He advised this equipment will allow the city to
rehabilitate much of the sewer system without excavation. The Council was advised that a "grout" system
consists of a "packer' which is controlled from the T.V. truck and observed with the T.V. camera which
enables the pumping of a chemical grout into a void, crack, or bad joint which seals any groundwater from
entering the sewer system or any sewer leaking out of the system. Mr. Wilder said computer software is
available with the equipment to generate reports currently being done manually.
Mr. Gene Pipes, City Manager, advised a demonstration of this sewer system television -grout
equipment was held between 4:00-6:00 P.M. today in the City Hall parking tot and was viewed by several
councilmembers. He said the staff is recommending adding the grouting equipment to the Council's previous
agreement to purchase the television equipment, which will add $14,843 to the total equipment cost. He
advised of the four bids received on the T.V. -only system, only one completely met the specifications and
that was Telespector at a cost of $99,865; additionally, of the four bids received for the T.V. and grout
system, only the Telespector demonstration unit bid and the Telespector new equipment bid met
specifications. It was noted the demonstration unit will cost $114,708 compared to a new system which would
cost $129,053 from Telespector. Mr. Wilder noted because of the availability of the software with this
equipment, he can eliminate the manual generation of the reports from the tapes which will eliminate one
Tech I position with an annual salary of $18,000 with benefits. This $18,000 will then be used to fund the
one time capital cost of the $14,708 for the grouting equipment. He advised the operation of the grouting
system will require the purchase of the chemical for use in grouting which will cost approximately $10,000
per year. Mr. Wilder advised grout joint repairs in a 12 inch line would cost somewhere around $60 to $70
at contractor's prices, but the city will be able to do it in-house for $30.00 to $35.00 including
equipment, products, labor and benefits. After some comments and questions for clarification, Councilmember
Barrett made the motion to approve of the purchase of the Telespector demonstration unit with grouting
equipment in the amount of $114.708, as recommended by Mr. Wilder. and Councilmember Howard seconded the
motion. Councilmmemmmber Knotts voted opposed. All other councilmembers were in favor and the motion passed
by a vote of seven to one. [Note: Councilmember Bell not present for vote.]
CONSIDER TRAFFIC SIGNALS
Consider approval of an aareement with the Texas Department of Highways and Public Transportation for the
installation of traffic signals at the intersection of FM 1374 and IH 45 east and west frontage roads
Mr. Pipes, City Manager, advised the State is involved in the widening of FM 1374 to four lanes at
this time. As a part of this project, the Council is being asked to approve of an agreement with them for
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 15, 1988
BOOK "p"
45
the installation of interconnected fully actuated traffic signals at the intersections of FM 1374 and the IH
45 east and west frontage roads. He said it is a standard form agreement. There was some discussion for
clarification of the project. Councilmember Knotts asked that the City Manager write a letter to the SDHPT
to ask for consideration of the Smither overpass suggesting they conduct a survey of that intersection for
future improvements. Mayor Monday then presented the Resolution which would approve this agreement, the
caption of which is as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 88 -5
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE THAT THE CERTAIN AGREEMENT
DATED MARCH 15, 1988 BETWEEN THE STATE OF TEXAS AND THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE FOR THE
INSTALLATION, CONSTRUCTION, EXISTENCE, USE, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE OF CERTAIN HIGHWAY
TRAFFIC SIGNALS /ILLUMINATION AT CERTAIN LOCATIONS BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Hammock made the motion to approve of the agreement and Resolution No_. 88 -5 and Councilmember
Gaines seconded the motion All were in favor and the motion Passed unanimously. [Note Councitmember Bell
not present for vote.]
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT- -GENE PIPES
Consider options on the FM 247 water line relocation Project
Mr. Pipes advised the Council some additional significant information has became available since the
Last Council Meeting concerning this project, noting there was some confusion when this was discussed Last
week. He clarified when the staff talks about moving a line, this means discontinuing service to the
existing line in the ground and laying a new line in the new location and then switching the service over to
it - -the old line stays in the ground as it would be too expensive to physically dig it up and move it. Mr.
Pipes reminded the Council that the City's master plan calls for paralleling all of its arterial streets
with 12 inch mains. [Note: Councilmember Bell arrives and is present for the remainder of the meeting.]
Mr. Pipes then presented information from Mr. Glenn Isbell, Director of Engineering Design. Mr.
Isbell advised a minimum of 1200 linear feet will have to be relocated, approximately 950 Linear feet from
station 29+ +00 to station 38+50) will be under the proposed pavement and 250 linear feet (from station 42 +00
to station 44 +50) will interfere with the proposed storm drainage construction. He said the east
right -of -way contains two existing telephone cables (a 900 and 600 pair) which fluctuate from one foot to 12
feet back of the proposed curb. He said relocation of the waterline within the right- of-way will entail
placement of the waterline within 05' to 35' off of the existing telephone cables, with an average of
approximately two feet from any one of the two telephone cables. Additionally, he noted, the waterline
should be relocated as any attempt to lower the existing line would cost more than laying a new tine because
of the stabilized backfill and density control involved. The Council was then presented with the following
five options:
1. Original recommendation to construct a new 12" waterline outside of the highway right- of-way from FM
2821 to FM 980. New line would entail approximately 5,000 linear feet at an estimated cost of
$125.389. Easements would have to be acquired from four property owners. This recommendation
conforms with the City's master plan for this area.
2. Construct a 12" waterline outside of the highway right -of -way from FM 2821 to the north end of the
existing 6" waterline. New line is estimated at 3,000 linear feet with an estimated cost of
$74,892. Easements would have to be acquired from three property owners. This recommendation
conforms with the City master Plan for this area.
3. Construct a 12" waterline outside of the highway right-of -way from the Town Creek bridge to the
north end of the existing 6" waterline. Re -tie the existing 6" waterline for the new 12" line at
the Town Creek bridge area. New line is estimated at 1500 linear feet at a cost of 535,646. This
proposal will conform to the City's master plan for the 1500 linear feet of new line and the
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 15, 1988 BOOK "P" 46
remaining 1500 linear feet from Town Creek bridge to FM 2821 can be completed at a future date.
Easements would have to be acquired from two property owners.
4. Construct a 6" waterline outside of the highway right-of-way from the Town Creek bridge to the north
end of the existing 6" waterline. Re -tie the existing 6" waterline to the new 6" waterline of the
Town Creek bridge area. New line is estimated at 1500 linear feet at a cost of 522.800. This
proposal will not conform to the City's master plan. Easements would have to be acquired from two
property owners.
5. Construct a new 611 waterline in the highway right -of -way parallel with only that portion of the
existing 6" waterline that will be under the proposed pavement or interfere with proposed storm
drainage construction and tie back to existing 6" waterline where needed. Length is estimated at
1200 linear feet at a cost of $25.320. Easements will not be required. Project does not conform
with the City's master plan. Existing utilities will pose problems during construction.
Mr. Pipes said on this date the telephone company advised they are considering moving one of their
large 900 pair of cables on that side as they would prefer to be on the other side because that is the trunk
Line that feeds the Ellis Unit facilities with telephone communications, but they have encountered some
problems on the other side with a 600 pair of cable and a gas Line already on the west side. He said a 20
foot utility easement outside the highway right -of -way on private property would benefit both the City and
the telephone company as it would give them a place to work, but only those four private property owners
can make that decision as it would have to be a voluntary easement: 20 foot permanent easement and an
additional 10 foot working easement, for a combined 30 feet. Mr. Isbell, Director of Engineering Design,
recommends Option 1 above simply to complete the project now. Mr. Pipes noted he prefers Option 2 simply
because the service tine currently there will service the needs at the present time, and we can complete the
balance of 2,000 to the north city limits line at a later date.
There was some discussion among the Council and staff for clarification. Councilmember Barrett
recommended Option 1 because it will only cost more to go back an do it right later and we need to be ready
for future growth: noting Option 2 is his second choice. Councilmember Carter complimented the staff on the
amount of information being provided on this project: but noted he is for Option 3 as he does not see the
urgency to install this 12 inch line, as he feels this is a maior project which should be specifically
discussed at budget time. noting this is a tiaht budget year. He said Option 3 wilt give us a 12 inch
segment which can ultimately be connected to other 12 inch segments Councilmember Knotts advised he would
vote against this Droiect, but will be abstainina from voting on this because he is a property owner in this
area. He said his attempts last week were designed to save the city some money by proposing a $25,000
alternative to a $140,000 expenditure. He was concerned that he was not included in the subsequent
discussions prior to this meeting concerning this project, since he had demonstrated a real interest in a
solution. He said he does not see the need to expend capital improvement money for a 12 inch line in this
area because he does not see the need for it in an area that is being developed in five acre plots and
because of the current council's annexation practice, which is to "not annex" if there are citizens who
would protest annexation. Mayor Monday reminded the Council that the master plan calls for running 12 inch
lines along alt arterials, FM 1374, Highway 30, FM 247, etc. that go out of the City, noting it is assumed
the city will be growing in all directions and it will be annexing in all directions. She said in order to
provide the adequate water to serve the outlying areas of the city as we do grow, it will be necessary to
have this 12 inch line. Mr. Knotts said the city is getting banded with one acre to five acre areas that it
cannot annex. Mayor Monday noted the city can annex and there is a tremendous growth potential to the
north, especially with the development of TDC along FM 980.
Mr. Gene Pipes, City Manager, noted the Council should have, in retrospect, put in a 12 inch line
along Highway 30 in the 1970's and it was the recommendation of the staff and the private consultant for the
developer to do so; -however, the Council accepted the developer's proposal for only an 8 inch line because
that is all the developer needed at the time. He said since then, we have evolved the Master Plan and he
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 15, 1988 BOOK "P" 47
believes that the Highway 30 line situation is exactly the reason we adopted the policy to parallel at
arterial streets with 12 inch mains so that this will not happen to us again. He said the city has sinc
cane back with a 12 inch main across from the hospital to serve the West Hills Mall because the 8 inch mai
that was out there was inadequate to service it.
Councilmember Green asked for a brief recess to review this on a map. The Council then recessed to
the conference room to review the map. After reconvening, Councilmember Howard indicated his interest in
Option 1, noting this is the city's opportunity to prepare for future growth in this area and this action
would be indicative of long range planning; Councilmember Hammock advised he would prefer Options 1 or 2,
noting if we don't do Option 1, he could live with Option 2; Councilmember Gaines also felt Option 1 is best
because she believes this council has to plan for future growth, and listed Option 2 as an alternative;
Councilmember Green indicated he feels more comfortable with Option 2; Councitmembers Bell and Carter chose
Option 3 and expressed their concerns about the Council's annexation policies, as mentioned above by
Councilmember Knotts. After some discussion, Councilmember Carter made the motion to approve of Option 3.
Councilmnemmber Bell seconded the motion Upon a vote all were opposed to this motion. except Councilmembers
Bell and Carter with Councilmember Knotts abstaining. The motion. therefore. failed.
A second motion was made by
Monday voted for this option and Councilmembers Carter Green and Bell voted Opposed. with Councilmember
Knotts abstaining The motion therefore passed by a vote of five to three. with one abstention.
CONSIDER SALE OF $2.000,000 STREET IMPROVEMENT BONDS AFTER EVALUATION OF BIDS
Mayor Monday then advised the evaluation period has ended and Mr. Rennie Baker has returned to
advise the Council of his recommendation. Mr. Baker recommended that the best bid for the Council to
accept is the bid of Clayton Brown and Company of Chicago, Illinois with an effective interest rate of
7.0184. He then presented the accompanying Ordinance No. 88 -6, the caption of which is as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 88-6
ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2.000.000 CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS.
STREET IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SERIES 1988.
Councitmember Barrett made the motion to accept the bid of Clayton Brown & Company and to adopt Ordinance
No 88-6 and Councilmember Green seconded the motion Upon a vote on the motion, all were in favor and it
passed unanimously. [Note: Councilmember Hammock abstained from voting due to a conflict of interest, an
affidavit regarding same is on file in the City Secretary's office.]
Mayor Monday then introduced Mr. Terry Yates of Vinson & Elkins to discuss the provisions of the
ordinance. Mr. Terry Yates then reviewed the salient provisions of the bonds as stipulated in the
ordinance. Mr. Yates advised that the ordinance does not now contain a certain necessary
covenant /provision, with respect to these bonds as being "qualified tax - exempt obligations," and he will
add it with the Council's approval. He said this addition is important because under the tax reform act of
1986, certain provisions were passed which make it unattractive to financial institutions to buy tax exempt
bonds because basically the new taw took away their interest expense allowance, which under the former law
they could deduct up to 80% of the interest expense allocable to their ownership of tax exempt bonds.
This deduction is not available under the new taw with the only exception being that the issuer and any
subordinate issuer that will reasonably expect to issue under $10,000,000 in tax exempt obligations within
the year. He said the covenants the Council will set out in the ordinance will designate these bonds as
"qualified tax - exempt obligations" and that the City and entities subordinate to the City do not reasonably
expect to issue more than $10,000,000 in tax exempt obligations in the year and that the City will not
qualify more than $10,000,000 in tax exempt obligations in a year. He said the City received lower bids
because the bidders know they can turn around and sell to financial institutions. Mayor Monday noted then
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 15, 1988 BOOK "P" 48
the ordinance will be so amended to include these covenants related to "qualified tax - exempt obligations and
the purchase of the bonds by financial institutions" as set out on page 10 of the official notice of sate
and preliminary official statement.
Councilmembers Barrett and Green then amended their motion to accept the low bidder and this
ordinance to include this adderxhm/amendment. and all were in favor of the amendment to the motion and it
Passed unanimously. with the continued abstention of Councitmember Hammock
Mr. Yates noted First National Bank, as the city's depository, is designated as the paying
agent /registrar in accordance with this ordinance and they will transfer the bonds and will register the
bonds. Mr. Yates continued to review and explain all of the provisions of the ordinance for the Council and
staff's understanding. Mayor Monday noted in passing this ordinance, the Council will be agreeing to all
of these covenants and provisions. After some discussion Councilmember Green noted the ordinance says, in
Section 3.08, "Money Held by Bank" in the "Paying Agent /Registrar Agreement," page 5, that "The Bank shall
be under no obligation to pay interest on any money received by it hereunder." He asked the effect of this
sentence since First National Bank is the City's official depository and is covered under that separate
agreement. Mr. Yates said this ordinance will not affect any other agreements the City has with First
National Bank, such as the depository agreement and any interest they are to pay in that arrangement.
Councilmember Green was concerned that the two be separate as it could be construed to negate the depository
agreement the city has with First National Bank. Mr. Yates said it is not meant to do that. Councilmember
Green asked for an explanation before he can vote on this ordinance.
As a clarification to this discussion, Mr. Rennie Baker said this particular agreement is separate
entirely and all this means is that First National Bank is the paying agent on these bonds so that when they
get the money to pay the bonds, they won't pay the city any interest on "that" money and it is transferred
from the city's regular depository account to the paying agent and their trust department to pay it. He
said he saw no conflict at all. Councilmember Green noted then the monies are kept in separate accounts
from that for which they are paying interest and no money is transferred into this account until the time
the interest is actually due. Mr. Baker said that is correct. Mrs. Patricia Allen, Director of Finance,
noted the money is kept and not transferred until the date due and then a check is written to the trust
department at the bank and the bank uses those particular funds to pay the interest. She saw no conflict in
the two agreements either. Mayor Monday noted then there is no need to strike that particular sentence.
She then thanked Mr. Baker and Mr. Yates for their assistance and presentations.
CONSIDER ORDINANCE
Consider Ordinance No. 88 -7 granting access to the Good Shepherd Mission on the 10th Street extension of the
Avenue F Property
Mayor Monday then presented this ordinance, the caption of which is as follows:
ORDINANCE N0. 88-'
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS, GRANTING
PERMISSION TO THE GOOD SHEPHERD MISSION TO USE PROPERTY OF THE CITY OF
HUNTSVILLE ADJACENT TO AVENUE "F", AND MAKING OTHER PROVISIONS AND FINDINGS
RELATED THERETO.
Mr. Pipes advised there will be a ground breaking in the morning for the Good Shepherd's new
building. He advised plans were not submitted to the City until after bids were awarded for this project.
Due to the ground breaking ceremony set for in the morning, it is important that the Council take action on
this easement at this time. He said access to the facilities and off street parking is only available at the
back of the property, and while there will be ample parking space available, it is not easily accessible.
He said they need access on the city -owned property. He noted this city property was acquired years ago to
be a part of our 10th Street right -of -way, but it has never been so designated. He said in the master plan
in 1981, the configuration for the 10th Street right -of -way was changed to conform more directly to a
n
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 15, 1988 BOOK "P" 49
parallel east -west artery with 11th Street. He said the city has been working on some options related to
this, but at the present time, the Good Shepherd Mission has to have access to the rear of their property,
or their project cannot go forward. He said there is a strict time -line problem, with two grants that allow
them only a certain numbers of days to get the construction done. He said while this is an unusual request,
and something about which the city would not normally feel some urgency, because of the circumstances that
do exist in this situation, he is urging the Council's approval. He said the ordinance grants the Good
Shepherd Mission and its successors and assigns access to their property across the City owned property and
makes various other provisions including a reversionary clause, etc. to protect the city's interest in this
property and does not inhibit the city in any way from developing this street or otherwise taking actions in
the best interest of the city, but will, at the same time, allow this Good Shepherd Mission project to go
forward. Mr. Pipes said a drive -way access will be rocked across the city property and the Good Shepherd
Mission is not actually building a street. He said at some point in time, whenever the city develops the
street out of 10th Street, then that drive -way will be lost. Councilmember Bell made the motion to approve
of Ordinance No. 88 -7 and Councilmember Carter seconded the motion. After some discussion for
clarification. the motion passed unanimously.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT- -GENE PIPES
Professional Presentation by Mr. Glenn Isbell
Mr. Pipes advised the Council that the City has received a letter recently from Texas A&M University
Extension Service System thanking Mr. Glenn Isbell for agreeing to make a presentation at the Spring
T.E.W.A. Conference and Equipment Show in Galveston concerning the topic of "Computer Maping- -The Huntsville
Story." He said there will be an audience of from 25-40 people representing municipal, county, state and
federal governmental agencies, engineering consulting firms and people with an academic specialty with
special interest in public works. He said Mr. Isbell's work on the City's utility system and computerized
work is receiving recognition around the state.
COUNCIL ACTION
Status of Certain Projects -- Councilmember Knotts expressed his concern that the Council needs to be
updated as to the status of certain projects; i.e., the Ravenwood Project as it relates to the hotel -motel
tax; an annexation workshop; update for the comprehensive plan; drainage engineering study- -city flooding;
etc. Mayor Monday advised Mr. Pipes is working on a calendar for the spring and summer and all of these
items will be addressed. Mr. Knotts felt there are many things left undone from last year and he is
somewhat concerned that the Council be made aware of what is happening on them. Mayor Monday noted there is
a working list of projects being kept and the staff has been working around the requirements of the lawsuits
as well. Councilmember Howard said the tax abatement committee is working with Roy Williams at the Chamber.
Councilmember Knotts felt the city should have their tax abatement policy in place before representatives of
the city discuss a policy with other entities.
Tax Abatement -- Councilmember Carter echoed Councilmember Knotts' concerns on tax abatement, noting if he
had not been told rather indirectly that there were these discussions ongoing, he, as a Councilmember, would
not even know about it. He said this is disturbing and should disturb every councilmember who was not
notified of that. He expressed his concern that the newspaper gets sales tax information before the Council
receives it. Mrs. Allen, Director of Finance, noted this is not unusual as often the media gets it before
she does, but in the most recent case, the information came in after the Council packets were sent out.
Tax Abatement -- Councilmember Bell said he is sensitive to the concerns of Councilmembers Knotts and
Carter. He said he is the representative of the Council involved in the tax abatement brainstorming
sessions and that it is more of a brainstorming session rather than an actual policy evolution session. He
said various taxing entities including the school board and the county, along with the Chamber of Commerce,
who is sharing in the whole situation, are getting together to find out what exactly the parameters in
those terms might be. He said it is the intention of that committee that after they brainstorm, they'll
bring back to the various entities recommendations and solicitations for input. He said rather than policy
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 15, 1988 BOOK °P" 50
determination, this is more of just a session to put it all together to see what we have instead of talking
in a vacuum.
Mrs. Dorothy Jones' oroblem with cercolation test -- Councilmember Howard advised Mrs. Jones is in the
Chambers to seek the Council's assistance to her as she is finding it difficult to comply with the city's
regulations concerning obtaining sewer connections for her trailer home and the necessary expense of
acquiring a percolation test. He advised the existing trailer home burned and the insurance has made it
possible for Mrs. Jones to acquire a used trailer to put in its place. The problem is with the expense of
the percolation test, as a part of the health regulations, which is all that is holding up her establishing
utilities for the home. He said while she has missed the citizen input session, if any of the
Councilmembers have the time to visit with her after the meeting, he would encourage them to do so. He said
according the city ordinance, we either need to grandfather her situation or have her follow through with a
percolation test and probably a new septic system. He felt the whole council should know about this, so
that if it comes up at any time, the Council will be aware of it. He said at the same time, she is working
with Mr. Gene Pipes in an attempt to find a solution to her situation.
H-GAC Meeting in Houston -- Councilmember Howard reported on the recent meeting he attended in Houston as a
representative to the Houston - Galveston Area Council. He noted the speaker was Jack Fields, a Texas
Representative, who told the group that Texas has probably the brightest future of all right now. He said
Mr. Fields emphasized the greatest asset Texas has is the spirit of its people; the economy improvement wilt
become a realty as communities enter into the diversification and only use the federal government to help
them facilitate that; the superconducting super collider will most likely go in the Dallas -Fort Worth area
and that all communities in a 200 mile radius of that area will benefit because the greatest scientists in
the world will be going back and forth from Houston, the medical center, Texas A&M University, the Space
Center, etc. Mr. Howard felt all that biotechnology will have a definite effect on Huntsville. He said the
spill out will involve Huntsville and he was concerned that the City become involved in something that would
be valuable to those individuals connected with this project. He said he didn't want to sell Huntsville
short in any way because somewhere along the way, Huntsville will reap the benefits.
ADJOURNMENT
spectfully s itted,
Ruth DeShaw, City JSSec: etary
March 15, 1988