MIN CC 04/28/1992CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 28, 1992 BOOK "R" 46
MINUTES OF THE HUN'ISVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING IIELD ON THE 28TH DAY OF APRIL, 1992 IN THE CITY
.MALI. COUNCIL CHAMBERS, LOCATED AT 1212 AVENUE M IN THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, COUNTY OF
WALKER, TEXAS AT 5:30 P.M.
The Council met in a regular session with the following members present:
W. H. Hodges, Mayor
Officers:
Gary Bell
William H. Knotts, Jr.
Gene Pipes, City Manager
Ila G. Gaines
Ronald L Lange
Scott Bounds, City Attorney
William B. Green
Dan S. Davis
Melba Byers, City Secretary
James L Carter
Charles Robinson
CITIZENS /INPUT INQUIRY
Mayor Hodges called the meeting to order and asked if anyone would like to make any comments in this portion of the _
meeting.
Margie Allen was concerned that everything was stipulated as taxi under Chapter 16, Taxicabs and Other Vehicles for
hire, and she felt there should be coordination with the City and the Railroad Commission. She also requested that proper
identification be required on all vehicles.
Betty Maness expressed her concerns about a mobile home in which she lived. It was condemned due to dangers. Gulf
States Utilities did not pull their meter, and the owner went out and turned on the electricity when she needed. Also, the
condemned sign has been removed without repairs being done. Mayor Hodges referred this to City Manager Pipes and requested
he make inquiries and report the findings to Council as well as Ms. Maness.
REGULAR SESSION - CALL TO ORDER '
Mayor Hodges called the regular session to order. Invocation by Councilmember Lange.
CONSIDER MINUTES OF APRIL 14, 1992
Councilmember Gaines made a motion to annrove the minutes of April 14. 1992. and Councilmember Lange seconded
the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimousl
ATTENDING CITIZENS
Jav Griffin Chairman of the Huntsville Housing Authority introduced other officials present: Ms. Dolores Mathews,
Executive Director; Dr. John Holcombe, Board Member; and Ms. Iielen King, Board Member. Mr. Griffin then gave an update
on the activities of the Authority. A grant was received from IBJD in September 1981 in the amount of $1,600,000. Plans for
the funds are repairing slabs with foundation problems, re- grading the land where houses are sinking, build a community center
and a new office, turn the old office into a day care center, building playgrounds with basketball courts, clear the land on
Thomason Street and make a road to the property. We also plan on building a fence around the entire property. Also, plans
are to update the bathrooms in the existing houses and adding showers to the family sections.
To comply with the law, we also plan on converting five units for handicapped personnel. We are planning on repairing
or replacing sidewalks that are not up to standards.
At this point, Councilmember Cuter raised a question about clearing the land. Mr. Griffin replied this includes about
15 acres which will be cleared only enough to make a good playground and welcomed the City Council to be a part of what is
being done and give them some ideas.
Mr. Griffin advised the Council that another application for more funds had been submitted to HUD this month for
almost $1,000,000. We share this by $18,000. This means we are generating $18,000,000 in revenue -- extra money to the City.
In the last two years, we have organized a resident organization that is very active. Accomplishments are: two Halloween
Carnivals, a Christmas Tree Lighting & Christmas Caroling, fund raisers such as garage sales, snow cone sales, classes, organized
a neighborhood crime watch in coordination with the Walker County Sheriffs Department, a Valentine's party, and the resident
organization just completed a community clean -up date. Ile stated that kids volunteered their time for this clean -up effort.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 28, 1992 BOOK "R" 47
One important thing i; that HUD has cut our subsidy in half this year and because of this we are now using people that
are on community service. We are asking for all of the s ^_ppori possible for use at the City Housing Authority.
i
Mayor Hodges, at this point, stated his satisfaction on how the quality of life in our community has improved due to
the good job that is being done by the Authority. And, I believe I speak for the entire Council.
CONSIDER ORDINANCE 92- 4-28.1
Councilmember Green made a motion to approve the Ordinance of City of Huntsville, Texas Waterworks and Sanitary
Sewer System Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1992, and Councilmember Robinson seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
CONSIDER ORDINANCE 92. 4.26.2
Councilmember Green stated the bonds had been sold which would provide the City with a savings of approximately
$170,000 as a result of the reissuance. The average interest rate was 5.58%. Councilmember Green made a motion that the
Ordinance of the Award of Sale of the City of Huntsville, Texas Waterworks and Sanitary Sewer System Revenue Refunding
Bonds, Series 1992 be approved, and Councilmember Gaines seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Councilmember Green stated that TRA savings was about $130,000, and over the life of these bonds, the City will have
saved approximately $300,000 as a result of the refunding operation.
CONSIDER ORDINANCE 92.4.28.3
City Manager Pipes reminded the Council that several months ago there were revisions to our Taxicabs Ordinance and
we expected at that time to do some fine tuning in the not to distant future. We have had several items that have been identified
as problems since the institution of that Ordinance and have sought to resolve those matters.
City Attorney Bounds explained the first thing that is accomplished is that it grandfathers the use of the minivans thatI,
are currently in operation as taxicabs and it prohibits any more minivans as taxicabs. The reason for this is it will aid in the
enforcement of the Railroad Commission Rules which prohibit the use of a minivan type vehicle or larger for transportation of
people outside the City of Huntsville without a Railroad Commission Permit. The next provisions simply are going to do two
things: permit multiple loading or simultaneous loading of Railroad Commission vehicles at one time. To do this, we need more
space so that all the different companies permitted by the Railroad Commission would have space in the boarding area in which
to load. So what we are proposing is to switch the boarding area between taxicabs and railroad commission vehicles to switch sides
of the street and then permit the simultaneous loading of railroad commission vehicles in the boarding zone designated for this
near the bus station. Beyond that, the changes are very minor. I have received phone calls from various people affected by the
ordinance. I have talked to representatives of the Texas Railroad Commission and they have indicated that the proposed'.
ordinance resolves the problems that they had with regard to our Ordinance. Mr. Justice of the Railroad Commission did ask I'I
that two matters be addressed by the City Council. One was that we permit drivers to leave their vehicles while they were in the
boarding area because it gets so hot in their vehicles. I told him I was not going to recommend that to Council. The second item
he asked was concern about the flip - tlopping of the side and I explained that was necessary because of available space. LIe did
not press that concern any further. My recommendation is to adopt these changes and they would be effective 10 days after
publication of the Ordinance caption.
Councilmember Bell made a motion that this Ordinance be adopted and was seconded by Councilmember Green. The
motion passed unanimously.
CONSIDER QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT AND BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS
Councilmember Green made a motion that the budget adjustments be approved with a second by Councilmember
Gaines. The motion passed unanimously.
CONSIDER LANDFILL SALVAGE PROPOSAL.
Mayor Hodges stated, you will recall there was a work session and proposals were accepted for the landfill salvage. We
do have a response from Angela S. Galloway. She bid $316.16 a month which is in excess of what our minimum bid was and I
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 23, 1992 BOOK 'R° 45
would suggest we authorize the City Manager to enter into a services contract with Angela Galloway.
Councilmember Bell made a motion to approve this bid with a second by Councilmember Cuter. The motion passed ,
unanimously. i20'RE99b>t'Ff9'Nflep— 791—/0
CONSIDER 92 -4. 5.4
City Manager Pipes stated that we had taken bids on the Cab and Chassis. This bid is $21,527.62 from Huntsville
Chrysler(DodgeTlymouth. This is an item that the CO and the Acceptance of Bid Authorizing use of the CO can be combined
to purchase the Cab and Chassis.
Councilmember Knotts made a motion to approve this bid with a second by Councilmember Gaines. The motion passed
unanimously.
CONSIDER ALLIED SAFETY EQUIPMENT, INC. BID
Mayor Hodges stated we had received a low bid in the amount of $5,627.00 from Allied Safety Equipment for the
purchase of air packs/regulators for the Fire Department. City Manager Pipes stated that staff recommends this purchase. '..
Councilmember Bell made a motion that this bid be approved with a second by Councilmember Robinson. The motion
passed unanimously.
CONSIDER REFURBISHING AND SECURITY MEASURES IN CITY HALL
Mayor Hodges explained this refurbishing is for the finance area. We have received bids from the Warehouse for carpet
and wall coverings in the amount of $9,700.70, Sprout Custom Cabinets in the amount of $1,525.00 and Able Glass in the amount
of $954.00.
City Manager Pipes stated these bids also includes the public areas, the conference room and especially the security ,
windows on the opposite side of the main hallway. The idea is to have all the utility bills paid at the front window just inside the
hall rather than going into the finance wing which would provide additional security as well as control of the traffic. Also, new
carpet and wall coverings in the rest rooms and the conference room. Agan, this is a refurbishing since this building was built in
1976 and this is the first substantial refurbishing of the interior.
Councilmember Knotts made a motion to approve all three bids with a second by Councilmember Green. The motion
passed unanimously.
CONSIDER UTILITY EXTENSION AT EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Mayor Hodges stated that staff recommends this project be re -bid. City Manager Pipes stated that this re -bid is
recommended due to the fact that the bids were about double what the original estimate was, and since it is not a matter of
urgency for the church we feel like we can change a few items in the bid process and receive a more reasonable bid.
There was a consensus of Council to initiate a re -bid. City Manager Pipes was instructed to proceed with the re -bid.
CONSIDER DRAINAGE PROJECT ON 1STII STREET
City Manager Pipes explained that Mr. & Mrs. Noah Speer appeared before Council on March 31st and asked for
assistance on the project. Council's instructions were to figure the cost of the City's portion in the right -of -way and bring it back
for Council approval. The cost to the City would be approximately $14,000.00. Staff recommends the City approve the work that
is associated with the City right -of -ways to prevent any washing away of the wall.
Councilmember Green made a motion that this construction be approved with a second by Councilmember Gaines. The
motion passed unanimously.
CONSIDER Q. C. ROBBINS SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENTS
Mayor Hodges stated that this is an informational item for the Council. There have been some public improvements
done on a lot that was recently purchased by Moore -Henry Motors across Lake Road. I understand there was a drainage area
through the center of the lot and they simply made improvements to make the drainage go down the outside edge of their lot so
this lot can be used for a shop. This did go before the Planning Commission and was approved. No formal action required.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 28, 1992 BOOK "R" _ 49 _.
Councilmember Green voiced concern of abiding by the green space policy, and wanted to be assured that the City policy
:j was abided by in this improvement project. Councilmember Green also stated they were burning and asked if they had a permit.
City Manager Pipes stated they did have a permit, but were not supposed to be burning tires, which was stopped by City Staff.
CONSIDER MOTOROLA CONTRACT
Mayor Hodges stated this is consideration of a renewal of a contract for Radio maintenance. Staff recommends this
proposal
Councilmember Gaines made a motion to approve this proposal with a second by Councilmember Green. The motion
i
passed unanimously.
CONSIDER BOETTCHER MILL STORE SITE CONTRACT
Mayor Hodges stated this is additional work at Boettcher's Mill. City Manager Pipes explained that staff is still working
on a fuel tank soil contamination problem. We need to spend additional money. We expect the Texas Water Commission to
reimburse all but $1,000 of the City's cost on completion of this project. We had previously reported progress and difficulty to
Council but still wanted to keep Council aware of expenditures in that area.
Councilmember Knotts made a motion to approve this contract with a second by Councilmember Carter. The motion
passed unanimously.
CONSIDER MUSTANG DOZER REPAIRS
Mayor Hodges reported that repairs me needed on a dozer from Mustang Tractor Company for $16,402.00. City
Manager Pipes explained this piece of equipment was in the shop for transmission problems, and it was discovered several other
needed repairs. The cost of a new dozer is in the $150,000 range so we do have to repair this equipment. This equipment is used i.
in the landfill and street departments; therefore, half of this cost will be born by the Sanitation fund and half by the Street I'
Department.
Councilmember Knotts made a motion to approve this contract with a second by Councilmember Robinson. The motion
passed unanimously. !.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT '..
City Manager Pipes stated that Councilmember Bell had asked about the possibility of implementing a fixed utility billing!,
cycle. Patricia Allen, Director of Finance, provided Council with an extensive study of surrounding cities and explained there are '
several time frames, difficulties, etc Once again, Councilmember Bell encouraged Council to adopt a particular due date for utility '..
billings and requested additional research be done. There was consensus to have additional research done and be brought back j
to Council.
MAYOR'S ACTIVITY REPORT
Mayor Hodges reported that there will be activities from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on May 5th at the Jane Monday
Amphitheater at City Hall. He encouraged everyone to attend if their schedules permitted.
CITY COUNCILMEMBER ACTION
Councilmember Carter. I have been thinking about our Economic Development Policy. He voiced concerns about existing
buildings being repaired to help businesses stay where they are instead of building or moving to a new location with City assistance.
City Manager Pipes stated, it is a matter of the City having set aside funds for encouragement of economic development by
providing utilities. Taxes cannot be abated on improvements that are already in place. Tax abatement can only be authorized
on new facilities. Mayor Hodges requested City Attorney Bounds research this issue and return to Council with findings.
Also, several Councilmembers came to me after the vote on the wild flowers issue and indicated that they didn't want
to vote against the wild flowers, and that they came up with several good ideas. One was to designate some areas in the City as
wild flower areas, buy and plant seeds. Mayor Hodges requested the Parks Department to look into this request and report back
to Council.
' Councilmember Davis. He made a comment on behalf of the General Sam Houston Folk Festival. I feel it is recognized as being
important to the cultural life of the community and the Board of Directors appreciate support from the City. I would like to tell
everyone that it was apparently handled in a financially satisfactory fashion.
Councilmember Robinson. I would like to thank Council and City Staff for sending flowers to my wife who is in the hospital.
Secondly, I would like to report that there is a fire hydrant on Easley Circle covered by grass and weeds. Staff was requested to
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 28, 1992 BOOK 'R" 50
look into this matter.
Councilmember Bell. I would like to express satisfaction due to the fact that I now see elementary school students walking on '
the sidewalk instead of in the street since the mowing has been done. I feel this is a safe policy. Secondly, I would like an update
on the park that city crew is working on at 10th Street and University. J. D. Schindler stated the dirt is in, we are now ready to
put in conduit for electricity and ready for the curb.
Councilmember Knotts. Regarding the wild Bowers mowing I have had numerous citizens voice concern that we were going to
mow III -45 and probably should have run an article in the Item.
Councilmember Lance. I, also, am very pleased to see the school kids walking safety on the sidewalks instead of in the street since .!.
mowing has been done.
Councilmember Gaines. This past weekend, there was a radio station that came to the Folk Festival from San Antonio. They
spent several hours here. Mr. Bill Cody, a young man with the radio station, stated how impressed their crew was with our City,
volunteerism, and the things they saw they could not say enough nice things about. They wanted to help in anyway they could.
They also want to come back and be a part of the Bicentennial Celebration, and this is all on a voluntary basis. We have a lot
to be proud of.
MEDIA INQUIRIES
No activity.
Mayor Hodges adjourned the Regular Session to go into a Work Session which included two items: (1) Preliminary General Fund
Budget Review (1992- 1993), and (2) Proposed Telephone Franchise Agreement.
Mayor Hodges recessed to an Executive Session to consider two items: (A) Pending Litigation: Brent Justice vs TDC, and (B) '
Acquisition of easements for Iii -Lo Water Project on 19th - 22nd Street area.
ADJOURNMENT
s `
d
Melba Byers l�
City Secretary