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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2007-08-20 Special 08/20/2007 2767 STATE OF TEXAS )( CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD )( COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS )( AUGUST 20, 2007 )( MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD CITY COUNCIL THAT WAS HELD ON MONDAY, AUGUST 20, 2007, AT 5:00 PM AND A REGULAR MEETING AT 7:00 PM AT FRIENDSWOOD CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 910 S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE, FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS, WITH THE FOLLOWING PRESENT CONSTITUTING A QUORUM: MAYOR DAVID SMITH MAYOR PRO-TEM CHRIS PEDEN COUNCILMEMBER LAURA EWING COUNCILMEMBER JOHN LECOUR COUNCILMEMBER JIM HILL COUNCILMEMBER LESLIE REID COUNCILMEMBER ANDY RIVERA CITY ATTORNEY JOHN OLSON (arrived at 6:30) CITY MANAGER BO MCDANIEL CITY SECRETARY DELORIS MCKENZIE Mayor Smith called the meeting to order. SPECIAL SESSION A discussion was held regarding the Tactical Plan for the FY2007-08 General Operating Budget for the City of Friendswood. Administrative Services Director Roger Roecker presented changes to the FY08 proposed budget that was discussed at the August 13, 2007 Work Session. Additional revenue was proposed with changing property tax rate from $0.5760 to $0.5764 with changes to the expenditures that were identified at the previous work session. Mr. Roecker further identified additional decision packages for the Community Development Department for GIS improvements, a list of Decision Packages (non- ongoing) are to be considered and other Council projects are going to be discussed for streetscaping for entrances into the City and increase the street improvements funding in the Operating Budget or Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) for further discussion. Mayor Smith proposed and Council concurred with the City Manager's Operating Budget as presented with changes as discussed. Council discussed Strategic Plan for the additional Decision Packages with non-ongoing items and asked if Council wishes to consider funding the eight unfunded items in the 2008 Budget. Council considered using $214,259 from the current year's excess funds, less the $50,000 that was allocated for the Master Pavement Plan. Some of the decision package items were discussed and the use of some of the items wh ich were identified as a total of $189,580 wh ich cou Id be fu nded except for $25,000, fu nd ing out of excess reserves for these items for this budget was also discussed. The new Fire Station is clearly a Capital Improvement Project (CIP) and could be taken out of past reserves and would be able to fund the complete $189,580 proposed package. Council discussed streetscaping for the Public Safety Building (PSB) median at an approximate cost of $3,100, Council concurred to include in the budget decision packages. Council discussed streetscaping for entrances to the City. The comparative value of entryway signs versus street improvements and other enhancements, Council would need to see a plan to consider streetscaping for entrances. The Community Appearance Board (CAB) has been working on developing a plan and discussed approving the concept for pursuing developing a plan and include the Community Economic Development Committee's (CEDC) input as to what is needed. Adding to the budget does not provide for spending the funds without a plan, items are added as a priority and funding would come from reserves. Council asked how does this continue the plan for economic development by providing for 08/20/2007 2768 infrastructure in the panhandle area, clarification was provided that the infrastructure for the panhandle area is funded in the Water and Sewer 2008 budget, need to look at over $6 million in fund balance for future projects, those decisions can be made following adoption of the budget and then a timeline would be developed based on projects approved for funding, water and sewer projects are funded from water and sewer funds, Staff needs good direction as to priorities within limitations, Council has to collectively agree as to limitations and agree to work within those parameters, Council will need to review CIP plan, may need to look at new projects not identified and/or re-investment in existing infrastructure, Staff can begin looking at debt management program, timeline for a road improvement plan may be a lengthy process due the work needed to identify everything. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION Council convened into Executive Session in Accordance with the Texas Government Code, pursuant to Section 551.072— Deliberation regarding Real Property Council convened into Regular Session at 7:00 pm with no action taken later in the meeting. RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION 7:00 PM— REGULAR SESSION The invocation was given by Pastor Joe Schwenk with Baybrook Baptist Church. Mayor Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and to the State of Texas. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC Elizabeth Kaufman, Friendswood resident, stated she was upset by the increase in garbage fees and was upset with paying the same as neighbors that do not recycle, she recycles the majority of her garbage and why could residents not be charged for how much garbage is generated in households and commercial. The City needs to be responsible for hazardous waste and the City should partner with the City of Pearland who have an excellent facility, Friendswood needs to address green waste recycling, would like to see greater recycling for commercial business owners, look at economics. Sarah Gabriel, Friendswood resident for 29 years, stated she is concerned with drainage in Glenshannon, there are approximately 160 homes that are impacted by drainage issues and is concerned with flooding and the emergencies during flooding issues, she is desperate for a timeline, thanked Councilmember Reid and Public Works Director Kaz Hamidian. John and Jenn Varnado, Friendswood residents, stated Glenshannon needs help and would like to know the timeline for this project and when something is going to happen, asked what happened to the interest from the bond money, does that roll into the bond money, Mayor Smith referred to the City Manager for factual information. The City Manager advised that the interest is invested and can be used for bond projects. Bobbie Jones, Friendswood resident stated she lived in the Forest Bend Subdivision and Public Works Director Kaz Hamidian and his Staff are wonderful, they have provided information regarding streets and asked about including funding for three areas that are desperately in need of repair on Ravine in addition to the needed repairs for Laura Leigh. 08/20/2007 2769 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Bo McDaniel reported on the Comprehensive Plan Update. The City Manager directed the Planning Staff to review City rezonings for consistency not necessarily compliance with the Comprehensive Master Plan's future land use map. A review of that history demonstrates that 61 percent of the rezonings were not compatible with the City's official public representations in the Comprehensive Master Plan. However, they do appear to be more consistent with Vision 2020 not formally adopted as a portion of the Comprehensive Plan nor reflected on the future land use map. The City Manager recommended updating the plan for a substantially higher consistency with the future land use map following appropriate public hearings and input or reviewing the need to regulate land use zoning, the City's original consultant Dunkin, Sefko and Associates of Dallas who prepared what is understood to be the first Comprehensive Plan is a reputable firm and have had personal career experience with this firm and can attest to their professional competency. The City Manager provided some background material to the consultant to assess our current Comprehensive Plan update needs and asked for an initial proposal to provide consulting services to assist with our update needs. Dunkin, Sefko provided at least two options. Their representatives can meet with Council and/or Planning and Zoning Commissioners as needed. The Planning and Zoning Commission and Staff have been working with the assistance of such professional help and are needed for the benefit of all stakeholders. Currently no budgeted funds are on hand for this need. The Council's guidance is requested, does the Council desire to invite Dunkin, Sefko to attend an introductory meeting to discuss the need and scope and to schedule a meeting therefore? The City Manager recommended Council have a joint work session with the Planning and Zoning Commission and meet the Dunkin, Sefko representative Dan Sefko about possible next steps. The City Manager reported on the Clear Creek Stakeholders meeting. As directed by Council, Staff invited sponsors of the Clear Creek Federal Flood Control Project NED proposal to be advised of the City of Friendswood and the Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District's position regarding support for this proposed project. No one attended the pre-meeting. The City and Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District's position was shared at the regular meeting and plans are to hold a meeting in September for the Project Sponsors to consider supporting the City's position. The City Manager stated Councilmember Hill may have additional information to share as the City's representative at this meeting. As a result of Council's position the request of sponsors to approve a resolution in support of the NED has been suspended pending policy position resolution on this issue. The City Manager reported on the future Work Session menu. There is a list of pending and back burner items for Council's discussion with the dates they were added as possible work session topics. A place has been added for new Council initiatives for Council to add any new items they may wish to explore. The City Manager asked that Council indicate the top five items they would like to address first. The City Manager reported on the 2007 Mid-Year Crime Report and Police Chief Bob Wieners defined UCR as Uniform Crime Reporting. Police Chief Wieners has highlighted key data points in the Crime Report, low serious crime rate comparatively speaking (Part I UCR), arrests up 19 percent over last year to date, Part II UCR up 17 percent over last year — driven mainly by narcotics and DWI offenses, noted increase in juvenile offenses to include one homicide, challenges that continue are organized criminal activity, repeat offenders, growth and mobility issues and emotionally disturbed persons. Mayor Smith stepped out of the Council Chambers at this time and Mayor Pro-Tem presided. 08/20/2007 2770 The City Manager reported on the Public Drinking Water Recognition Program. The City received recognition from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for Outstanding Total Coli-form Rule Implementation for this past year (2006). This is the second category listed in the TCEQ Water Utilities Database. TCEQ monitors the public drinking water systems and through this award program recognizes the efforts cities have made to improve their performance. Director of Public Works Kaz Hamidian and his department are to be commended for the accomplishments they have made through their efforts and dedication to protecting the public's health. ACTION ITEMS **Councilmember LeCour moved to approve the disposition of RFP 2007-09 for Employee Group Medical Insurance awarded to Aetna. Seconded by Councilmember Rivera. The motion was approved 6-0. Mayor Smith returned to the meeting at this time. **Councilmember LeCour moved to approve the disposition of Bid No. B2007-10 for Blackhawk Boulevard Waterline Replacement and Improvements awarded to Metro City Construction and authorize the Mayor to execute the contract. Seconded by Councilmember Reid. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Ewing moved to approve authorizing the Mayor to execute a contract for RFP 2007-05 with Gamma Construction for the construction of Fire Station No. 4. Seconded by Councilmember Rivera. The motion was approved unanimously. Councilmember Rivera moved to approve authorizing appropriation of funds for a Pavement Management Master Plan for the City of Friendswood. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously. RESOLUTIONS **Councilmember Peden moved to approve Resolution R2007-27 - A Resolution of the City of Friendswood authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute and the City Secretary to attest an agreement between the State of Texas and the City for the installation, construction, existence, use, operation and maintenance of highway traffic signals and lighting at FM 528 and Whitaker Drive; and providing other matters relating to the subject. Seconded by Councilmember Ewing. ***Councilmember Rivera moved to table R2007-27 to August 27, 2007 Special Council Meeting for Staff to bring back information regarding cost to add fixed arm. Seconded by Councilmember Reid. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Rivera moved to approve Resolution R2007-28 - A Resolution of the City of Friendswood supporting the recommended Alternate Route 1 for the location of Brittany Bay Boulevard in a portion of the City, said boulevard being an extension of League City Parkway, from the east city limits to the intersection of FM 528 and Friendswood Lakes Boulevard, Galveston County, Texas. Seconded by Councilmember Reid. ***Councilmember Ewing moved to table R2007-28 to obtain additional information Seconded by Councilmember Peden. The motion was approved unanimously. 08/20/2007 2771 COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS Mayor Smith stated he attended the Joint Teambuilding meeting. Councilmember Rivera complimented on the Teambuilding meeting and stated it was a great exercise. Councilmember Peden complimented and gave thanks to Community Development Building Official Frank Manigold for going above and beyond call of duty to assist a member of the public on his day off. Councilmember Reid thanked the Friendswood Fire Department, EMS and Police for participating in the National Night Out for a great event and representation, congratulated Kris Kern for receiving the EMS Educator of the Year award, thanked Public Works Director Kaz Hamidian for the meeting with her and the residents of Glenshannon and wished City Secretary Deloris McKenzie a Happy Birthday on Friday. Councilmember Hill stated he received a call from a senior citizen concerned about Channel 13 news reporting about the cost of EMS calls and stated what Channel 13 news reported was not correct, the statement was made and suggested by Councilmember Peden and it was not voted on by Council, there seems to be slime in the newsroom at Channel 13. Councilmember Ewing stated she attended the National Night Out and it was well attended with neighbors getting to know neighbors, also attended the NED meeting with the Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District, it was a good meeting to try to help the City move forward with their drainage issues, there has been a lot of input from parents whose kids play on different athletic leagues in the City of Friendswood. The City is working on this project and it is still ongoing to bring to Council, attended the Planning and Zoning and the Community Economic Development Teambuilding meeting, the City needs more of this type of open dialogue so that the City can move things forward in a more timely manner, attended the Texas Municipal League Legislative sessions on Saturday, a seminar was held on green spaces and the funds available to promote open space and parks, a study was done on young college graduates and they were asked what is going to attract them to a City and the response was a place of green, clean and safe living, the City can mitigate with a lot of other elements with park and open space. Mayor Smith stated the City Manager put together a meeting with Council Liaisons, Committee Chair and Co-Chairs and Staff Liaisons from the Community and Economic Development Committee and Planning and Zoning Commission, teambuilding and working together were discussed, the meeting has provided direction on moving some projects along and collectively there was a lot of wisdom to share, a lot of time is spent independently and not enough time is spent to share information and thanked the City Manager for putting the Teambuilding meeting together. Councilmember Rivera stated he learned that mostly everyone is playing from the same sheet of music, good model to use with other committees, complimented those citizens that volunteer. Mayor Smith thanked Police Chief Robert Wieners, Fire and EMS for putting together National Night Out, congratulated Nona Landers who is a volunteer with the education foundation and has done a lot of work for the school, has had the opportunity to attend the new teacher luncheon welcome program last Friday, please do not forget school begins next week, mind your manners and be prepared for kids and school traffic. Last week was stressful making preparation for possible Hurricane Dean and felt very comfortable with preparations. Mayor Smith recognized Mayor Pro-Tem Peden, City Manager Bo McDaniel, Emergency Management Coordinator Terry Byrd and Senior Staff and expressed appreciation for the countless hours that were put in, felt the sense of responsibility that everyone has in this preparation to keep the community as safe as possible, thank God the City did not have to deal with this but to the best of those who did. osi2oi2oo� 2��2 Councilmember Peden stated he appreciated and thanked Emergency Management Director Terry Byrd for his role in hurricane preparation. CONSENT AGENDA ''*Councilmember Rivera moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, A. Ratify and confirm the list of streets submitted for consideration to Galveston County to be included in their 2007 Bond Program. B. Authorize Council to invoke Rule 1(A) of the Rules of Procedure to schedule the regular September Council meetings for September 10 and 17 due to the Labor Day holiday. C. Accept July 2007 Property Tax Report. D. Approve Minutes of July 30, 2007 Meeting. Seconded by Councilmember LeCour. The motion was approved unanimously. A motion was made and approved to adjourn at 9:18 PM. � �, Mayor Davi J.H. Smith Attest: a� f�+�roa �� � �R� De oris McKenzie, T C v O City Secretary * * a �,�TF� �+�