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MIN CC 07/16/1996CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 16, 1996 BOOK "S" 35 MINUTES OF THE HUNTS VILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 16TH DAY OF JULY, 1996, 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 Liming Dan S. Davis David Martinez Ronald L. Lange Andrew Holmes Ann James JoAnn Matthews Marjorie Rex CITIZEN INPUT/INQUIRY Officers: Gene Pipes, City Manager Danna Welter, City Secretary Absent: Scott Bounds, City Attorney Charles Smither. Jr. Mr. Smither stated that at the Council meeting on May 7, Council approved an expenditure of up to $9840 in tax funds for maintenance of Phase I of the Downtown Revitalization project. After seeing the work being performed, he obtained the specifications. The specifications indicate that the majority of the work described is routine maintenance associated with the ownership of commercial property or business operation (including wash storefront, clean glass, repair cracks, re -anchor flashing, sand and prime plywood panels at storefront, repair damaged shutter attachment area, repair damaged plaster, etc.). The architectural easement between the property owner and the City sets out that ordinary maintenance is specifically the responsibility of the property owner. Under these circumstances, it appears that tax payer funds are being spent for private purposes. He requests that Council look at the situation and take the necessary corrective action. ;i INVOCATION '1 Invocation by Jason Rollo, Fish Hatchery Church of Christ. MINUTES OF NNE 18, 1996 Councilmember Rex made a motion to approve the minutes of June 18. 1996, and Councilmember James seconded the motion. The motion nosed unanimously. ATTENDING CITIZEN 1. Present and discuss the Employee Pav and Classification Study Report. Councilmember Lange stated that 5 '/z years ago when he came on City Council, one of his first major milestone events was the '{ first Management Study done for the City in over 20 years! One of the recommendations of the consultant group (MGT) who did the '!. management study was that we should review the employee pay and classification plan which was ten years old at that time. This past Spring, the City commissioned the firm of the Waters Consulting Group of Dallas to perform that review. The magnitude of this study is relative to the most important asset of the City of Huntsville; its employees who provide services to our community. Our goal was to complete the study and implement the findings in the upcoming budget cycle. The Personnel Committee of City Council; a steering committee consisting of myself and Councilmember Rex, and the four department heads have worked closely with the Waters Group over countless hours to reach this recommendation. The process has involved every City employee in preparation of detailed job descriptions; and a job evaluation system to establish internal equity within City ranks. We have surveyed a number of local employers and other cities to establish external parity in the job market! We appreciate all of the help that we received. A thorough review of the study has been made of the report by the Personnel Committee this aftemoon. Each member of City Council will receive a copy of the Salary Survey and Benefits Analysis for in -depth review. In the past, the City was able to addressed both cost of living and a merit system in the budget process, but in light of the implementation for the corrections suggested by the Pay /Classification study, the City will not have a cost of living pay increase this year. The implementation will require a 3.19% increase in the payroll cost and j, benefits for the classification portion of the study. I am pleased to note a few points about the report: of approximately 220 employees, only five employees are above and eight employees below the market established by the study; we will need to amend our employee personnel policies to reflect some of the recommended changes; an accompanying computer program will enable the City to maintain I! the system in the future and minimize future consultant work to maintain market parity. Mr. Waters is here this evening to answer or 'r expand on anything that City Council may wish to explore. The Personnel Committee will recommend that the study results be Ll accepted in conjunction with the budget implementation October 1. ''i Councilmember Lange thanked the four directors on their hard work on this study. li CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 16, 1996 BOOK "S" 36 -- 2. John Escobedo. LULAC Vice President to discuss the children's olay area at the corner of Boettcher Mill and Avenue B Mr. Escobedo stated that LULAC would like permission from City Council to construct a child safety fence on a vacant lot owned by the City at the comer of Boettcher Mill and Avenue B. Children are beginning to gather on this lot to play. There is a sharp curve that circles this lot and traffic at times is heavy. It is hoped that a fence will help to protect these children. The entire project will be funded through donated lumber and supplies. Commitments have been made by the STAR Program, local church members and citizens to help construct the fence. The Walker County Adult Probation Department has indicated that they will assist in maintaining the lot through their community service program. He congratulated Chief Eckhardt on the great job the bicycle patrol is doing in this neighborhood. Mayor Green stated that staff will work with LULAC on a workable plan. CONSIDER ORDINANCE 96 -07 -16.1 ESTABLISHING CROSSWALKS ON CERTAIN STREETS ON THE SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS This item was removed from the agenda as requested by officials at Sam Houston State University. CONSIDER RESOLUTION 96 -07 -16.1 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT RELATED TO A SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM (STEP) GRANT FOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION Councilmember James made a motion to annrove Resolution 96-07-16.1 authorizing the execution of an agreement related to a STEP grant for occupant protection for the Police Department, and Councilmemb r Lunina seconded the motion. The motion passed . unanimousl CONSIDER JUNE TAX REPORT WITH ADJUSTMENTS TO THE LEVY Councilmember Davis made a motion to approve the tax report with adiustments to the levy as recommended by Chief Appraiser Grover Cook and Councilmember Rex seconded the motion The motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER CITY PARTICIPATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,999.25 FOR WATER/SEWER IMPROVEMENTS AT 406 AVENUE H, AND AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF CITIZEN'S PORTION IN 24 INSTALLMENTS FUND: WATER/SEWER RESERVE FOR FUTURE ALLOCATION Councilmember Rex made a motion to approve City participation in the amount of S1,999.25 for water /sewer improvements at 406 Avenue H and authorize oavment of the citizen's portion in 24 installments and Councilmember Davis seconded the motion The motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER BID 96 -18, RADIO MAINTENANCE CONTRACT, TO EASTEX COMMUNICATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1257.00 PER MONTH Councilmember Lance made a motion to annrove Bid 96 -18, radio maintenance contract to Eastex Communications in the amount of $1257.00 /month. and Councilmember Rex seconded the motion The motion Passed unanimously. CONSIDER ACCEPTANCE OF GIFT OF $12,000 BY AN ANONYMOUS DONOR AND APPROVE EXPENDITURE FOR VOLUME 4 OF "WALKER COUNTY STORIES" BY DAVID AND KAY CARPENDER Councilmember James made a motion to approve a gift of $12,000 and approve the expenditure for Volume 4 of "Walker County Stories" by David and Kay Carpender as recommended by the Arts Commission and Councilmember Matthews seconded the motion The motion passed unanimously MAYOR'S ACTIVITY REPORT 1. Consider appointments to various Boards and Commissions. Councilmember Davis made a motion to appoint Becky Roche to the Parks Advisory Board Thomas H Chambers to the Police Promotional Review Board and reappoint Mary Francis Park and Stanford Douglas to the Library Board as recommended by Mayor Green. and Councilmember Rex seconded the motion The motion oassed unanimously. 2. Consider a request by the Executive Council of the Huntsville- Walker County Emergency Medical Service to authorize use of a residential structure and property recently acquired by the City as a substation to improve response times; and consider a request that a water line extension be planned along Bearkat Boulevard for future service to a permanent substation location. Councilmember Rex made a motion to authorize use of the City owned structure and nrooerty located at 704 S Sam Houston for an EMS substation. and Councilmember Lange seconded the motion The motion passed unanimously. CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 16, 1996 BOOK "S" 37 The request by the EMS for a water line extension along Bearkat Boulevard for future service for a permanent substation will be considered during the budget sessions in August. 3. Consider a request from Bert Lyle, Trail of Lights Committee, to install "special occasion' banners in the downtown area with the use of City crews and equipment (installation and take down) during the Christmas season; Councilmember James made a motion to approve the installation of "special occasion" banners in the downtown area (with Citv crews installing and taking down) subiect to legal department approval, and Councilmember Matthews seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4. Consider a request from Elkins Lake Recreation Corporation for special security service. Chief Eckhardt stated that Mr. Brown, Elkins Lake RECOR, visited him and advised that the RECOR Board reviewed the security situation at Elkins Lake and asked if the Chief would be opposed to the City entering into a contract with Elkins Lake for a bicycle team. Consequently, Chief Eckhardt sent a letter with preliminary costs for a two man bicycle unit at $83,000 for personnel and equipment annually; pointing out that the Huntsville City Council makes all policy decisions for the City government and staff, Mayor Green stated that perhaps it is best to deal with the concept of entering into an agreement with the Elkins Lake RECOR for extra security and asked Councilmembers for their view s on this issue. Councilmember Luning stated that if this is a necessary police activity, the Cit y has some responsibility for providing it and should phase it in the budget. If this request is for extra services, then that is a different issue. Chief Eckhardt stated that the three bicycle teams that are in operation now are located in the areas with the most police demand (high crime /offenses). He noted that Elkins Lake area is in a low crime area and would not qualify, for police grants through the State. Councilmember Lange stated that he does not support contracting with private entities for police services and feels City Council needs to address the policy of the Police Department. He would like the City to have the same policy as the Texas D.P.S., which is I, if officers contract for extra work, they work for themselves and provide their own uniform. Councilmember James stated that there has been a large increase in vandalism in Elkins Lake in the last few months. The RECOR is proposing to pay to the City for police services for two bicycle officers. It is a gesture on RECOR's part in order to get personal contact. Councilmember James made a motion to have staff look into setting un a contract between the City and the Elkins Lake RECOR for a two man bicycle unit. and Councilmember Holmes seconded the motion. Councilmember Matthews stated that the correspondence does not state how long the contract is intended for, but does imply that the RECOR is ready to pay the initial payment to begin the team but would hope there would be grant funds available in the future. The government sets the guidelines for the at -risk areas, and Elkins Lake will not qualify for grant funding. She will not support the motion but does agree with Councilmember Lange that the policies should be addressed. Mayor Green stated that he feels the overall policies need to be reviewed before a contract is contemplated. Councilmember Davis made a motion to table the motion pending further review, and Councilmember Matthews seconded the motion All were in favor extent Councilmember Holmes. The motion to table passed 8 -1. 5. Consider resolutions for the 1996 TML Annual Conference. Mayor Green stated that if any Councilmember would like to introduce any resolution for the TML Annual Conference in November, they must be in to TML by September 30. CITY COUNCILMEMBER ACTION HGAC Regional Review Committee. Councilmember Martinez and James stated that Huntsville ranked second at HGAC in the review of grant monies for the Texas Community Development Program, Councilmember Martinez commended Councilmember Davis on a great presentation. Councilmember James stated that after seeing other cities in action, the citizens of Funtsville should be proud of the Council driven administration on the well being of the City. Wee Bear Program. Councilmember James commended the Walker County Credit Union on their sponsorship of the Wee Bear Program. Stuffed bears are given to all law enforcement officials to be given to victims of accidents, violence, etc. Fireworks. Councilmember Inning stated that he has asked staff to include monies in the budget for an Independence Day Fireworks Program to be discussed by Council during the work sessions. CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 16 1996 BOOK 'S" 39 , �i Resignation. Councilmember Holmes "Six months ago I was elected as an unopposed candidate to the Huntsville City Council. I iihave greatly enjoyed serving the people of Huntsville in this meaningful capacity. So, it is with very mixed emotions that I now announce my resignation from my council position due to career changes that will take me away from Huntsville for several years. �i Huntsville is a wonderful place to live and raise afamily, so, even though the move is definite, it is certainly notpermanent. *family and I will miss our association with this community. I'd also like to take this opportunity to appraise you of what I have learned about i .' our city as a result ofsix months ofcareful study and involvement. I was mistaken. Our city is exceptionally well managed. I believe that this can be credited to several factors. First, the citizenry of Huntsville has been ingenious enough to elect a long line of j committed andfar- sighted mayors. I truly believe that the vision provided by these leaders over the last twenty years is the single greatest reason that our community has been spared many ofthe problems nowfacing other similarly situated cities. Second, the city also has an excellentstaffthat is both dedicated and efficient. The number of city employees has been constantfor years despite the growth of the area and the corresponding increase in the demand for services. This prudent fiscal management is the reason that the City of Huntsville is one of the lowest tax- burden communities of its size in the state. Gene Pipes, our City Manager, does an excellent job. Mc Pipes fills a very visible andpoliticalposition in our community and often endures attacks from various groups. Over the last halfyear l have come to respect him as afar - sighted and committed resourcefor our community. Lastly, I havefound the current City Council to be superior. Although most issues are subject to differences of opinion and healthy debate, the intentions and motives of the individual Council members are invariably noble. The commitment and devotion of the council members continually impresses me. Good friends all. My brief tenure on council was all under one Mayor, so I am unable to directly compare the current mayor with his predecessors. However, it is diiculi for me to imagine anyone doing a better job as mayor than Bill Green. He is a strong, yet r considerate leader who possesses not only the ability to help guide our City through existing problems but also the vision to ensure �i our quality of life for the generation to come. In an age of self - serving and small- mindedpoliticians, he is a model of the citizen- . statesman We are lucky to have him. This analysis is not intended to imply that the city of Huntsville is perfect There is always room for improvement. New challenges constant /vpresent themselves. The current dispute with Walker County Rural Water Supply, which I believe to be the greatest threat to the long -term health of Huntsville in many years, is a good example. However, after having access to the inner-workings of our city government for the last half year, I am confident that the future of the city is in good hands. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. I will miss being a member of this community. " MEDIA INQUHdIES ADJOURNMENT Council adjourned into an EXECUTIVE SESSION to discuss: a. Pending litigation: Walker County Rural Water Supply System v. COH; and Hyvl v. COH; and b. Real estate acquisition: Robinson Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant site; and Willow Street ROW. L/ Danna Welter, City Secretary