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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2006-02-20 Regular 2/20/06 2439 STATE OF TEXAS )( CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD )( COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS )( FEBRUARY 20, 2006 )( MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD CITY COUNCIL THAT WAS HELD ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2006, AT 4:00 PM AT FRIENDSWOOD CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 910 S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE, FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS, WITH THE FOLLOWING PRESENT CONSTITUTING A QUORUM: MAYOR KIMBALL BRIZENDINE MAYOR PRO-TEM DAVID SMITH COUNCILMEMBER LAURA EWING COUNCILMEMBER JOHN LECOUR COUNCILMEMBER TRACY GOZA COUNCILMEMBER CHRIS PEDEN COUNCILMEMBER MEL MEASELES CITY ATTORNEY JOHN OLSON (arr. 7:00 PM) CITY MANAGER RON COX CITY SECRETARY DELORIS MCKENZIE Mayor Brizendine called the meeting to order. 4:00 PM —WORK SESSION Discussion was held regarding selection of a Firm to search for and select a City Manager. City Manager Ron Cox reviewed the timeline with Council having no comments, list of four search firms and possibly an additional firm in the Houston area and one in California, add these to the list, to add in particular other Texas Groups, Council stated they want to advertise and that this may change the timeline, up to fifteen firms total, Council determined to discuss the RFP — Scope of Work - Item A change wording to assist Council in writing selection criteria, add Council to screen applicants, page 3, change wording to "shall" not directly contact, disclosure of conflict of interest within the third degree of consanguinity, to be disclosed been employed by Consultant, personal interactions, or any financial interest. Discussion was held regarding Information Technology budget and upgrades. Administrative Services Director Roger Roecker addressed Council and Information Technology (IT) Manager Todd Yeager provided history and explanation of Management Information Systems (MIS) plan, technology fund and proposed technology refresh projects, a question and answer session was held regarding amount of MGB and GB, numbers of computers and users, number of refreshes, why funded out of tax fund rather than general fund, suggested use same method as vehicle replacement fund, by this refresh what benefits expectations, any citizens problems forward to IT to assist, what does the City have as far as technology, the City is not at the very leading edge but has good system, wants to utilize proven technology to see value, is it more cost effective to do every few years with staff advising more cost effective with greater staff utilization and can focus on other issues, could bank the City budget every year for future years with staff stating that is what is proposed to be considered this budget year in the budget process. 5:30 PM —CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION Council convened into Executive Session in accordance with the Texas Government Code, pursuant to Section 551.074 — Personnel Matters - City Secretary's Annual Performance Review and Acting City Manager Appointment. Council convened into Regular Session at 7:00 pm with action taken later in the meeting. 2/20/06 2440 RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION 7:00 PM — REGULAR SESSION The invocation was given by Pastor Roger Patterson with First Baptist Church of Friendswood. Mayor Brizendine led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and to the State of Texas. COMMUNICATIONS FROM AND POSSIBLE DISCUSSION WITH THE PUBLIC Dick Arndt, 30 Wilderness Trail, addressed Council regarding the Brittany Bay Boulevard extension, reviewed history of the creation and changes to the Brittany Bay Boulevard extension and the various routes, provided recommendations and final was to discard plan, provided alternate routes suggestions, will save millions upon millions of taxpayers money, cited Hastings Oil Field, leave residential area alone, will have opportunity for commercial with the various other routes, cited committee that worked for 8 months in 1998, why was this report thrown out. JJ Brown, 38 Wilderness Trail, addressed Council and stated he is opposed to the proposed red routes, has lived on this route for the last 15 years, the neighborhood is utilized as recreational area and by joggers, cited a quote of City Manager Ron Cox regarding heritage, is here tonight in support of protecting heritage, the need must be defined by citizens not by anyone else, consider neighborhood as a closed neighborhood, will change if route comes through neighborhood, will be used by people other than residents of this neighborhood, cited committee that worked for 8 months as a participatory group, asked what happened to that report, if the City does not want it to remain residential, tell us, what is the justification of road, why now, feels like something is going on, proposed route from the committee got buried, cited report and commented on impact on homes in this route, some lived there 30 or 35 years, this is an election year and this is an election issue, signs around town in opposition, we are not going away, working on petition of opposition over 250 signatures at this time, do not know how many it will take, there is not reason why this cannot be fixed, help us keep our heritage, keep our road as is. Mayor Brizendine stated he must defend, this issue is not close to coming to Council and he does not expect it to for a year, fact gathering time, will go through deliberative process, a decision at this level would be very supportive of public input, will not be made in a vacuum, will include public in process, 1998 committee report has not been dismissed, assure public Council has full control of this issue. Frank and Margaret Pickell, 29 Wilderness Trail addressed Council regarding the Brittany Bay Boulevard extension. Frank Pickell stated he is an engineer that specializes in mobility projects all over the world, lived here since 1998, here tonight to speak in opposition of red route, taking the original thoroughfare report away from the public is tangible to him, moved here because of uniqueness, quoted from the website, residential area away from the vehicular traffic, walking, jogging, bicycling and horseback riding is used more than cars, Chigger Creek could be increased with the development of this roadway, may be forced by Eminent Domain for additional property for drainage improvements, was aware of the Major Thoroughfare Plan which was approved by Committee and adopted by Council, seems somehow to be all thrown out, much better alternative routes, asked what is the justification of this roadway, who drew the red route and how was it chosen, if has to be built, if Council sticks to the plan citizens will be happy to work with the City. Shanon Morrand, 1503 Piney Woods, addressed Council and stated she opposed both routes. Deborah Winters Chaney, 1008 Applewood Drive, addressed Council and stated she have lived in Friendswood since 1990, talked about the feeder roads into Wilderness Trail, important that citizens understand the impact on these roads, has concern with safety and security to the High School area. 2/20/06 2441 Interim Director of Community Development Dan Johnson reviewed the process, valid process plan has not gone away, reviewed the routes, original major thoroughfare route in 1998, reviewed process, reviewed meetings for last two years with other participants, consultants, League City, Friendswood and TxDOT, and process used as determined by TxDOT to get to this point of the project, TxDOT would fund approximately 80% of the costs if the City wants to build, presented Brittany Bay frequently asked questions information, reviewed the interlocal agreement with League and the portions of the project that the City is responsible for, TxDOT requested 130 ft. right-of-way for Brittany Bay, reviewed next steps, continue collecting public input, keep moving, compile date, council determine if road will be added and if so will select preferred alignment or not road at all, the PE/EA is completed by the end of the year then the project is added to the TIP for TxDOT funding in 2010 or later. Mayor Brizendine stated the process needs to play out a little better, council liaison and Staff will obtain additional input, slow the process down, so that everyone understands there is not bias, allow for all input, meet with citizens, all accommodations will be made to provide for all input to be allowed. Councilmember Ewing stated the meeting this evening is a model in government, so many people attending tonight is grass roots, compliment Interim Director of Community Development Dan Johnson for the amount of time he is spending with everyone to help get the information, Councilmember Peden stated this is government at its best, good process, gentlemen this is Texas, let the ladies standing have a seat. Councilmember Tracy Goza stated if anyone wants to meet can meet in groups or individually or whatever anyone wants and Council will get everyone's input. Don Seyfert, 2304 Old Road, addressed Council regarding Ordinance T2006-05, saw something that raised concerns, access to this one acre that is being rezoned, is shown on his driveway, not correct, no objections to what is wanted to build on property, West Ranch will provide corrected map, there is not access to this one acre via the fee simple owned driveway of Don and Laurie Seyfert. Don Johnson, 810 Myrtlewood, addressed Council and stated he lives on Clear Creek, speak on item on the agenda ordinance T2006-06, providing funds for the Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District (GGCDD), spoke on City agreement with GGCDD for desnagging and associated cost of $150,000 paid for project, does not understand where the push came to fund this project must be from administration, agreement very clear it was to only be $50,000 and not pay for over runs, hopes Council will debate this issue and ask for their money back presented pictures of drainage maintenance, the City needs a local plan for drainage, it is up to the City to take charge, hopes the City will set up a group to help with this issue. Mayor Brizendine commented he has stated previously that the City wants to take charge of the Clear Creek Project, consultant is reviewing and looking at recommendations, the City will have a plan, do have a group of engineers that have this expertise regarding this plan and desnagging the creek and banks of the creek. Don Johnson stated he plans to come back to discuss Dannenbaum Engineer's report from the February 13 Council meeting, some of the report is misleading. City Manager Ron Cox stated there was no book keeping error, the error was at the last council meeting when this item was taken off the agenda, this $100,000 was authorized by Council in June 2005, the $50,000 was not a bookkeeping error, approved by Council but not budgeted by Council, Ordinance is to document this expenditure, the City did not put forth that additional funds be spent, there is a contractual agreement for $50,000, GCCDD asked for additional funding of $100,000, which was approved by Council. 2/20/06 2442 Councilmember LeCour, money was authorized, no revised agreement, city manager advised there was a letter request. Don Beeth 5303 Whittier Oaks, addressed Council in support of the IT Budget, needs a look perhaps by a third party outside of the City, knew the City was in trouble when report stated use of consultant, need to react to change in needs, need a closer look at IT. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMITTEES AND SPECIAL REPORTS David Dannemiller, Vice Chair of the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals, presented a short report on the Committee's activities and goals. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Ron Cox reported on the Time Warner fiber installation. Last week, Time Warner Cable contractors began installing fiber optic cable to City Hall in order to provide the City with the necessary connections to broadcast the future municipal cable access channel, also known as the Public Education/Government (PEG) Channel. This will also enable the City to upgrade the service line for the cable TV and Road Runner service within City Hall. This would eliminate any signal loss to and from the cable box outside the building. Staff is currently drafting a policy to specify the appropriate use of the City's future municipal cable access channel, and it is expected that the City will be prepared to go live with this channel within the next few months. ACTION ITEMS **Councilmember Goza moved that City Secretary Deloris McKenzie, based on her annual performance review, be given an increase in salary of 5%, which equals $307.37, a month, or$3,688.45 a year; plus, for a period beginning May 1, 2006 and continuing until three months after the hiring of a new City Manager, an additional salary of $500 per month for the extra duties she will be required to perform during the transition period. Seconded by Councilmember Smith. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember LeCour moved to accept the resignation of Councilmember Smith from City Council Position 4 effective 12:00 AM, midnight of May 12, 2006. Seconded by Councilmember Measeles. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Peden moved to appoint Administrative Services Director Roger Roecker as Acting City Manager beginning on or before April 30, 2006 and give an additional salary of $2,000 per month prorated, and then $2,750 after the departure of the current City Manager to last until the new City Manager starts, for the extra duties he will be required to perform during the transition period. Seconded by Councilmember Goza. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Smith moved to approve authorizing Requests for Proposals for the search for and selection of a City Manager. Seconded by Councilmember Measeles. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Smith moved to approve authorizing the Mayor to execute a lease/purchase agreement for replacement of computer hardware and software. Seconded by Councilmember Measeles. The motion was approved unanimously. 2/20/06 2443 RESOLUTIONS **Councilmember Peden moved to approve Resolution R2006-04 — A resolution of the City of Friendswood calling a General Election for the second Saturday in May 2006 (May 13) for the purpose of electing a Mayor and two Council Members to Positions#1 and #3, providing for the holding of a Special Election on the same date for the purpose of electing a Council Member for an unexpired term ending May 2007 for Position #4. Seconded by Councilmember Ewing. The motion was approved unanimously. ORDINANCES **Councilmember Ewing moved to approve the Second and final reading of Ordinance No. T2006-03, An Ordinance of the City of Friendswood, Texas, adopting "Budget Amendment II" to the "Original General Budget of the City of Friendswood, Texas, for the Fiscal Year 2004-2005"; providing for supplemental appropriation and/or transfer of certain funds; providing for severability; and providing other matters related to the subject. Seconded by Councilmember Goza. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember LeCour moved to approve the Second and final reading of Ordinance No. T2006-05, An Ordinance amending Appendix C of the Friendswood City Code, said Appendix C being City of Friendswood, Texas, Ordinance No. 84-15, as amended, originally adopted the 19th day of November, 1984, and being the Zoning Ordinance of the City, by changing the zoning classification of a certain 1.0 acre tract of land, more or less, from Agricultural District (A-1)to Neighborhood Commercial District (NC), such tract also being a portion of Lot 52 of the Sloan Subdivision, John Dickinson League, City of Friendswood, Galveston, County, Texas; providing for the amendment of the City's official Zoning Map; providing a penalty in an amount not to exceed $2,000 for each day of violation of any provision hereof; and providing for severability. Seconded by Councilmember Measeles. The motion was approved 6-1 with Councilmember Peden opposed. **Councilmember Goza moved to approve the First and final reading of Ordinance No. T2006-06, An Ordinance of the City of Friendswood, Texas, adopting "Budget Amendment III" to the "original General Budget of the City of Friendswood, Texas, for the Fiscal Year 2004-2005"; providing for supplemental appropriation and/or transfer of certain funds; providing for severability; and providing other matters related to the subject. Seconded by Councilmember Smith. The motion was approved unanimously COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS Councilmember Ewing reported that she attended a lot of ineetings, Wednesday night Clear Lake Consortium, Eco Tourism, Seniors had a great Valentines Dance, Chic-fil-A inside Baybrook Mall is hosting Friendswood Spirit Day, certain amount of money comes back for Kids Fish Day, April 21 is Relay for Life, participated last two years, have a small but strong team, would ask other people to come and participate, need by April 1st. Councilmember LeCour had nothing to report. Councilmember Goza reported that he had an interesting week, thanked Friendswood Police Department for recovering his truck, which was stolen at the Library during the February 13 Council meeting, and he appreciates the hard work. Councilmember Smith had nothing to report. 2/20/06 2444 Councilmember Peden reported that he attended meeting last Wednesday night, League City Mayor wanted shorter meetings, thanked citizens that spoke about Brittany Bay, thanked Staff for getting the information out, believes if Brittany Bay will tear away the unique feel of Friendswood, then he thinks Council should not consider this at all. Councilmember Measeles thanked all the people that came out and expressing their views, Council listens, Clear Creek, Dickinson Bayou Steering Committee, and will attend on Wednesday eco tourism meeting and invited others to attend. Mayor Brizendine commented on Councilmember Peden's statement regarding Brittany Bay, a good statesman is one that will listen to all issues and then go through deliberative issues, not aware of ever harming the citizens of Friendswood, lost another young citizen, SPC Ray Joseph Hutchinson, in Iraq, will be honoring him with a tree dedication in Centennial Park on March 4, the number of Friendswood's young people losing their lives is shocking based on the population, all share in the pain of the not only the parents and community, also lost a great leader in Mr. K. Speck last week, stated he was always a great mentor to many and will miss him very much. CONSENT AGENDA "*Councilmember Smith moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. A. Authorize the extension of the Annual Service Agreement with Garver Construction, Ltd. for the evaluation and rehabilitation of sanitary sewer system for the third and final year. B. Approve Resolutions of the City of Friendswood as follows: 1. Resolution R2006-02, A Joint Resolution of the City Council of the City of Friendswood and the Board of Trustees of the Friendswood Independent School District providing for a Cooperative Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. 2. Resolution R2006-03, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, designating the Mayor as the City's representative in seeking eligible grant funds under the Crime Victim Assistance Program for Fiscal Year 2007, as authorized by the Victims of Crime Act; and authorizing the submission of such grant application to the Criminal Justice Division of the office of Governor. C. Approval of January, 2006 Property Tax Report. D. Approve Minutes of February 06, 2006 Meeting. Seconded by Councilmember Ewing. The motion was approved unanimously. A motion was made and approved to adjourn at 9:25 PM. � � � �� Mayor Kimball W. Brizendine Attest: Q� FitIE'�y�j� � � �� �OO � � t,� O Deloris McKenzie, M * * City Secretary � � �4TF OF '�''"� �