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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2007-11-19 Special 11/19/2007 2822 STATE OF TEXAS )( CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD )( COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS )( NOVEMBER 19, 2007 )( MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD CITY COUNCIL THAT WAS HELD ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 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 ANDY RIVERA CITY ATTORNEY BOBBY GERVAIS CITY MANAGER BO MCDANIEL CITY SECRETARY DELORIS MCKENZIE Councilmember Leslie Reid was absent from the meeting. Mayor Smith called the meeting to order. SPECIAL SESSION A discussion was held regarding the City of Friendswood recycling. Councilmember Ewing stated she spoke with IESI and looked at the City's website for recycling information and stated the website contained good information. The City did not have yard trimmings listed and suggested adding newspapers, clear glass bottles, jars and clear, green or opaque plastic bottles. The residents of Friendswood were encouraged to remove caps from water bottles and stated will accept cans, aluminum and steel. Flattened cardboard and glass bottles with metal lids are acceptable, IESI will not take loose leaf papers with this recycling and recommended yellow or teal recycle bins for recycling loose leaf paper and requested adding recycling to Fire Stations so they can participate in the effort. Councilmember Rivera stated he is concerned about placing recycling at Fire Stations and has concerns as to safety. Mayor Smith stated he is not sure should include the Fire Department as these are contract personnel, could check before adding to City language. Councilmember Ewing asked if the City can get the paper company to participate in recycling loose leaf paper and advised metal caps will be sorted at recycling landfill. City Manager Bo McDaniel stated Staff understands general guidelines and can move forward to put together a policy for Council consideration. Councilmember Hill stated he would like to see education to promote limiting creating waste, would be a tremendous savings on waste and are better off not to create waste. A discussion was held regarding a proposed art display at City Hall. Mayor Smith and other members of Council attended the annual Texas Municipal League (TML) Conference and heard a keynote speaker regarding a program creating an environment to encourage rising to the occasion and using art displays for local students to inspire them to do greater things and using facilities at City Hall to showcase artwork from local students, possibly have contests and purchase artwork to be hung at City Hall on a rotating basis to show community pride and support the students. Councilmember Ewing stated she has heard previous speakers and considered not only displaying student artwork but also professional artists. It could be displayed anonymously and allow public to vote to choose the best piece. A piece from the student's artwork and a piece from the professional artwork could be chosen to be purchased and hung 11/19/2007 2823 permanently at City Hall. Mayor Smith suggested going to the art teachers and getting feedback. Councilmember Rivera reminded that there are two schools and suggested this is a good way to build goodwill and community spirit. Councilmember Peden stated he does not think Staff should be chasing artwork and should not expend the City's resources to do this. Councilmember Hill stated he thinks it is best to leave the artwork to the schools, City Hall is limited on places to hang the artwork and the City could encourage businesses to purchase the artwork or to hold the artwork to showcase. Mayor Smith stated that City Secretary Deloris McKenzie and Community Services Director James Toney looked at the foyer in City Hall and stated the City could potentially hang a minimum of 14 pieces of art with lighting which would create a spirit of encouragement. Councilmember LeCour asked what would be the purpose of this project, would it be to inspire students and tell them that they can do good and stated it takes great things to aspire to achieve their goals, contractors at NASA are seeing students not as interested in the math and science areas, there is a lack of people that have engineering, math and science degrees, would like to see other fields be recognized as well in this manner to encourage students, need to keep students interested and encourage them in these fields, would like to start here and build on it. Councilmember Ewing stated the original conversation from the TML Program a year ago was actually promoting economic development, other cities are promoting other endeavors, they start with arts and add other fields to promote other sciences. Mayor Smith stated he could see dividing this project up in various fields every 6 months. Councilmember Peden stated he thinks the City should not be doing this, the City should leave it to the schools, the City could partner with them and support them, will not support spending time and funds on these projects, would rather be spending time and effort on other City related projects, stated Council has discussed this project, if there is a consensus then move forward with the project. Mayor Smith stated the idea was to discuss this to see if there is interest in the project, this is just the beginning and was just getting feedback. Councilmember Peden stated he does not think this is a priority and if a couple of Councilmembers are interested they should go and create a policy and bring back for Council. Councilmember Ewing stated she would love to work with Mayor Smith, Councilmember LeCour and Staff to develop this project which supports economic development. Councilmember Rivera stated if the City does the project then include math, science and technology with the arts. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION Council convened into Executive Session in Accordance with the Texas Government Code, pursuant to Section 551.074— Personnel Matters (Annual Review of the City Manager) RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION Because the City Manager requested that his annual evaluation be conducted publicly. A very lengthy discussion was held regarding the City Manager's evaluation with the Mayor, City Council and the City Manager participating. Mayor Smith reviewed the process of evaluation and stated the guidelines in the employment agreement, reviewed the form for evaluation and could take each item on the form individually, the City Manager was in agreement with the form as it is used. Mayor Smith asked if the desire to keep the City Manager is acceptable or unacceptable. Councilmember Peden stated his perspective is he deems unacceptable. Councilmember Ewing stated she is not willing to terminate the City Manager and could give some suggestions for improvement. Councilmember Hill stated it would be unacceptable. 11/19/2007 2824 Councilmember Rivera stated he has been on Council only 6 months and does not have any reason for believing it would be unacceptable. Mayor Smith stated he finds it acceptable. Councilmember LeCour stated he feels it would be unacceptable. Mayor Smith outlined the process to be used. Councilmember Peden stated he sees concern with the process. Councilmember Rivera stated he does not see the City Manager's evaluation being resolved this evening and would rather wait until a full Council is in attendance. Councilmember Ewing stated she would rather do this at the end of tonight's agenda. Councilmember Peden stated he believes should leave as it is on the agenda and move it to the end of the agenda. Council concurred to move the City Manager's evaluation to the end of tonight's agenda. Council convened into Regular Session at 7:00 pm with no action taken later in the meeting. 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. SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS A special presentation was given to Assistant Fire Marshal Brian Mansfield to thank him for his efforts. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Commander B.P. Hall sent Mayor Smith a commemorative coin representing a Commanding Officer's gratitude for a job well done. Mayor Smith presented the coin and a letter from the US Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit regarding preparing for Hurricane Dean. During Hurricane Dean in August of this year, the United States Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit in Galveston requested assistance from the City's Office of Emergency Management. They needed to relocate boats and vehicles from Galveston Island to a safe location on the mainland. Mr. Mansfield was very helpful in securing space and assisting them in the relocation of their equipment. Mayor Smith presented a proclamation for National Community Education Month to LeAnna Bridgett, Community Education Director, at Friendswood Independent School District. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC Bobbie Jones, Friendswood resident of Wedgewood Subdivision, thanked everyone with all of her heart and to Mayor Smith, Council and City Staff for the work on Laura Leigh, it is almost complete, this has been the best Thanksgiving present ever. 11/19/2007 2825 Kelly McKnight, Friendswood resident, stated she is checking on the status of the Glenshannon Drainage Project, knows that the permit is being issued by the Corps of Engineers and has heard from Staff regarding timeline for bidding this project. Mayor Smith directed Ms. McKnight to the City Manager for an answer to this question and other questions regarding this project. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT The City Manager wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and announced that City Hall will be closed on Thursday November 22, 2007, and Friday November 23, 2007, for the Thanksgiving holidays. The City Manager reported on the Pavement Assessment Progress Report. Public Works Director Kaz Hamidian reports they are making progress on the pavement project and have completed initial reviews of the following subdivisions/areas to date: Wedgewood Village, Forest Bend, Annalea, Kingspark- Whitehall, Sunmeadow, Windsong, Mission Estates, Carmel Village, Boca Raton, San Joaquin including The Lakes at San Joaquin, EI Dorado, Lundy Lane, Tower Estates, Mandale Road, Windsor Estates, Friendswood Lakes, Eagle Lakes, Falcon Ridge, Fox Meadows, Keystone Estates, The Lakes of Falcon Ridge, Centennial Park, Rancho Viejo East and West. Data from the field forms have been inputted on many of the areas and are now in the process of field checking the results. They should be able to identify some of the highest priority streets for rehabilitation within the next two weeks since the older areas of town will be completed. The City Manager reported on the City Hall parking lot expansion. As a follow up to Council's direction to proceed with parking improvements, Interim Community Development Director Les McMahen spoke regarding the status and a request for confirmation of the next step. Should Staff not hear otherwise, Staff will proceed to design the parking lot as configured and prepare documents for bidding and determine the required funding source before proceeding with the actual bid. Councilmember Ewing asked about moving trees and about a plan for a sidewalk versus a driveway to connect parking areas, would rather lose two parking spaces to save the oak tree, there would not be any excavation close to this tree. Councilmember Rivera stated he is concerned with micromanaging and bringing tree issue back to Council rather than allowing Staff to handle. Councilmember Peden stated could possibly designate parking for small cars along the new driveway and agrees with Councilmember Rivera regarding micromanaging and is also in agreement with Councilmember Ewing about the City adhering to its own requirements. Mayor Smith asked about making a one-way driveway to connect parking lots and ask Staff for additional options. Councilmember Peden stated if the one-way is not properly marked then there will be cars parked on the driveway. It was decided that Staff would bring back options for Council consideration at a later date. The City Manager reported on the upcoming City Employee Christmas Dinner. This year's Christmas Dinner will be held on Friday, December 7, 2007, at the Friendswood Community Church. The theme this year is "An Italian Christmas". Santa will arrive at 6 PM and dinner will be served at 7 PM with live entertainment, food, door prizes and the annual Service Awards for employees will be announced. 11/19/2007 2826 ACTION ITEMS **Councilmember Rivera moved to approve disposition of Bid No. B2007-15 for the Sunmeadow Lift Station Replacement project and authorize the Mayor to execute the contract and approve $128,535 for additional funding. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Rivera moved to approve an agreement with Cherry Demolition for salvage and demolition of City Buildings and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement and additional funding for the project. Seconded by Councilmember LeCour. The motion was approved unanimously. Council suggested giving a courtesy notification of the demolition to citizens in the surrounding area and letting others have material of the old building. This includes taking out the parking lot except for a small driveway to the tower. Mayor Smith stated it should not be ignored that this old building has sentimental value, this was the City's first City Hall and first police station and asked if there is anyone who would like a part of the building as a memento of those that worked or served there. Councilmember Rivera stated that should be done before the contract is signed and Councilmember Ewing, LeCour, and Peden agreed with Councilmember Rivera that it needs to be coordinated. The City Manager stated no good deed goes unpunished and the City could possibly have bricks piled up for first come first serve. Mayor Smith stated he thinks that would be a great idea. Community Service Director James Toney asked for guidance regarding removal of the slab that will affect the price of property if sold or building parking garage and if the pervious cover could be removed to get credit for off-site drainage credit. Council gave the Mayor latitude to make determination regarding the pervious cover. **Councilmember Ewing moved to approve the Mayor's recommendation to appoint Sheri Riveron to fill a vacancy on the West Ranch Management District Board. Seconded by Councilmember Peden. The motion was approved unanimously. RESOLUTIONS **Councilmember Peden moved to approve Resolution R2007-37, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, approving the Public Funds Management and Investment Policy. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Ewing moved to approve Resolution R2007-38, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, adopting a policy governing the approval of the issuance of debt by the West Ranch Management District. Seconded by Councilmember Rivera. The motion was approved unanimously. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS Mayor Smith reported on the Texas Municipal League (TML) Annual Conference he and other members of Council attended. Councilmember Rivera announced the upcoming Senior Activity Center Christmas Shopping Trip and invited all of the senior citizens to participate. Councilmember Peden stated he attended the TML conference and it was a great opportunity to network and learn from each other, attended the Galveston County Mayor and Council meeting with the Mayor being absent, Mayor Smith was elected Vice-President of this organization. 11/19/2007 2827 Councilmember Ewing stated she attended the Parks and Recreation Board meeting and also the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting and announced they both are working hard on various projects. Councilmember LeCour stated he would like everyone to have a happy and safe Thanksgiving and is especially thankful for families. Councilmember Hill wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Councilmember Rivera announced his new grandson was born on November 16, 2007, and was named Noah Braeden Rivera. Mayor Smith thanked Galveston County Mayor and Council for his election as Vice-President, attended a meeting with Webelos Scouts and has attended a lot of the meetings. The Texas Municipal League (TML) conference was very educational and inspiring with the opportunity to talk to other elected officials around the State to learn from each other, met with new consultant from Freese and Nichols' Dan Sefko on the new updated Comprehensive Plan, encouraged as many senior level Staff inembers to attend the TML conference as well. Mayor Smith recognized Councilmember LeCour's 50t" Birthday on November 12t". CONSENT AGENDA **Councilmember Rivera moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, A. Accept October Property Tax Report. B. .Approve Minutes of October 29 and November 5, 2007, Meetings. Seconded by Councilmember Ewing. The motion was approved unanimously. OPEN EXECUTIVE SESSION Council convened into Executive Session in Accordance with the Texas Government Code, pursuant to Section 551.074— Personnel Matters (Annual Review of the City Manager). Council returned to open session and Mayor Smith announced that the City Manager requested that his annual evaluation be conducted publicly. As is allowed by law, a very lengthy discussion was held with the Mayor, Council and City Manager regarding the City Manager's annual evaluation. The City Manager read a prepared statement and made numerous comments. Following a lengthy discussion with numerous comments being made, the City Council was split on the evaluation and it was determined to not proceed with the evaluation until there is a full Council present. Councilmember Reid was absent due to an out of town church mission trip commitment that was made prior to this agenda being set. Council concurred to place the City Manager's evaluation on the next agenda, in December. No action was taken regarding the City Manager's Annual Performance Review. 11/19/2007 2828 A motion was made and approved to adjourn at 10:00 PM. �� � Mayor David J.H. Smith Attest: �►�� �R�a+ � �O . loris cKenzie, TR C v Q City Secretary * * a ��r�� �,��