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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2009-02-23 Special 02/23/2009 3074 � STATE OF TEXAS )( CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD )( COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS )( FEBRUARY 23, 2009 )( MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD CITY COUNCIL THAT WAS HELD ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2009, 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 ANDY RIVERA COUNCILMEMBER MICHAEL BARKER COUNCILMEMBER JIM BARR COUNCILMEMBER JIM HILL COUNCILMEMBER LESLIE REID (arrived at 5:16 PM) COUNCILMEMBER BILL HOLBERT CITY ATTORNEY BOBBY GERVAIS ACTING CITY MANAGER ROGER ROECKER CITY SECRETARY DELORIS MCKENZIE Mayor Smith called the meeting to order. SPECIAL SESSION ""`�` A discussion was held regarding Movies in the Park with a presentation given by Community Service Director James Toney on the proposal for equipment and quotes to provide for contracting out, or to do in-house, proposed joint venture with Friendswood Rotary Club. He introduced Rotary President Les Rumburg, who reported on the Community Services Staff and Police Department cost, also on volunteer services from the Rotary, general maintenance, storage and movie costs, rights to show movies. Mr. Rumburg stated costs could be offset by vendor permits for the booth space or consider Corporate sponsorship and usage and run public service message's. Mayor placed this on the agenda for informational purposes and action will be scheduled for the next agenda. He further stated Council would prefer owning the equipment and thanked Rotary for the sponsorship. A discussion was held regarding the Capital Improvements Projects (CIP) Manual. Community Development Interim Director Morad Kabiri presented an overview of the proposed CIP Manual and discussed other funding availability for outside funding for other projects, stated there are stimulus funds available for various projects, specifically road projects and discussed Brittney Bay and Friendswood Link Road extension. He asked Staff to look at these two projects and any other projects that may qualify for these stimulus funding. Council would like future discussions and action on the agenda later in this meeting. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION Council convened into Executive Session in Accordance with the Texas Government Code, pursuant to Section 551.071 — Consultation with attorney concerning pending or contemplated litigation; a settlement offer; or a matter in which the duty of the attorney requires it, Section 551.072 — Deliberation regarding ,,,,� real property and Section 551.074— Personnel Matters (Annual Review of the City Secretary). Council convened into Regular Session at 7:00 pm with action taken later in the meeting. 02/23/2009 3075 � RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION 7:00 PM—REGULAR SESSION The invocation was given by Mo Mays with First 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 of the Five Star Spirit Employee Award for the Fourth Quarter of 2008 was given to Terry Byrd, Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Coordinator. Terry has served the City of Friendswood since February 1995, just recently celebrating his 14th year with the City. Terry was nominated by his co-workers for his leadership during Hurricane Ike, as well as his continuous display of all five elements of the Five Star Spirit, including being courteous, competent, reliable, professional and enthusiastic. The City appreciates the service that Terry Byrd has provided to this community and congratulated him on being the recipient of the Five Star Spirit Award for the fourth quarter of 2008. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC Evelyn Newman, Friendswood resident and past Mayor, addressed Council and stated she appreciated all of the employees and thanked Terry Byrd for his services, honored City Secretary Deloris McKenzie for 25 years of service and thanked Deloris for what she has done for the City, Staff and Elected Officials. Ron Jadidi, Friendswood business owner, addressed Council and stated at the January 26, 2008, Council meeting his business was discussed without being on the agenda and a couple of Councilmembers "'"'"" stated his business was an eyesore and didn't appreciate the statements being made. Mr. Jadidi stated that he does have cars on his property and has worked hard to enhance his business that brings tax dollars into this City and requested next time that Council please at least say what they have to say with him attending, is upset having to hear it third hand and stated he is not upset that it was said just that it was not placed on the agenda, if there are a lot of cars it just means he is doing a lot of business. Deidre Carey Brown, Friendswood resident of Autumn Creek, addressed Council and thanked City Staff, especially Police Chief Wieners and City Secretary Deloris McKenzie, for their attitude in taking care of requests from citizens, has expressed concerns regarding crime prevention and have sent written communications to City and media and has not received response from anyone from the City, stated there are three seats up for election and is working to get out the voters. Joanna McCall, 30 year Friendswood resident of Annalea Subdivision, addressed Council and stated she has drainage concerns and stated she has flooded over and over again, requested that Annalea drainage be added to the Bond Election. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMITTEES AND SPECIAL REPORTS An Annual Report was given from the Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Kevin Holland who reported on accomplishments and amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, discussed and/or recommended amendments to the Subdivision Ordinance, discussed and/or recommended amendments to the Sign Ordinance, discussed and/or recommended miscellaneous items, discussed and/or recommended goals achieved in 2008 and plans for 2009. � 02/23/2009 3076 � CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Interim City Manager Roger Roecker reported on the new audio system installed in the Council Chambers. During the FY 2009 budget discussion, Council authorized funding for an audio upgrade in the City Council Chambers. As a result, the City has installed twelve new microphones, one new audio dynamics processor (to help reduce fluctuation in audio levels), and moved the lobby audio control knob (previously under the City Secretary's desk) to the back of the Council Chamber. Also added was a handheld wireless microphone to be used when appropriate, this microphone will provide the ability to be heard from anywhere in the Council Chamber. The Interim City Manager reported on the Equity Return expected from Texas Municipal League- Intergovernmental Risk Pool (TML-IRP). The Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool has informed the City of Friendswood that the City will be receiving an equity return this year in the amount of $38,437. This return is based on the low loss ratio in the coverage lines of worker's compensation and liability during the last fiscal year. The check is to be issued to the City in April. As a result of the safety practices of City Staff in performing their duties over the last three years, the workers compensation experience modifier will be even lower than the modifier that was assessed this year. The modifier is the number that is calculated to determine the premium for workers compensation coverage. TML-IRP also establishes an additional discount that with good experience history reduces premiums further. The City's current discount is 29 percent and that is expected to increase based on our experience history for the last three years. This $38,437 return is an excellent testament to the safety practiced by our employees. In the City's case, employee safety has helped save taxpayer dollars and the City is very appreciative of the work that our Safety and Training Coordinator Norm Stuart and all of our City employees have done to achieve this high safety rating. ""` ACTION ITEMS ''*Councilmember Rivera moved to approve the annual Performance Evaluation of the City Secretary with a 3.5% increase in salary with members of Council commenting on the City Secretary's 25 years of service and the professional job done. Seconded by Councilmember Barr. The motion was approved unanimously. "*Councilmember Rivera moved to table a Letter of Intent Not to Participate in Harris County Consolidated Region Application for Disaster Community Development Block Grant funding. Seconded by Councilmember Barker. The motion was approved unanimously. RESOLUTIONS **Councilmember Reid moved to approve Resolution R2009-09 - a Resolution adopting a Capital Improvements Plan containing a summary of all proposed projects to be acquired during a five year period, cost estimates, method of financing and a recommended time table for constructing the improvements to be undertaken in the City of Friendswood, Texas. Seconded By Councilmember Rivera. The motion was approved unanimously. "*Councilmember Rivera moved to approve Resolution R2009-10 -a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, providing for the holding of a General Election on May 9, 2009, for the purpose of electing a Mayor and two (2) Councilmembers (Position No's. 1 and 3); designating the polling places and appointing election officials for such election; providing the form of the ballots at such election; directing the giving of notice of such election; and containing other provisions relating to the subject. Seconded by Councilmember Reid. The motion was approved unanimously. ..� 02/23/2009 3077 ..�. **Councilmember Reid moved to approve Resolution R2009-11 - a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas calling a Bond Election to be held within said City; making provisions for the conduct and the giving of notice of the election; and containing other provisions relating thereto Seconded by Councilmember Rivera. The motion was approved 5-2 with Councilmember Hill and Barker opposed. ""Councilmember Hill moved to approve Resolution R2009-12 - a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, urging the Texas Congressional Delegation to request and support continued funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers General Reevaluation Report on Clear Creek for the Fiscal Year 2010. Seconded by Councilmember Rivera. The motion was approved unanimously. ORDINANCE "*Councilmember Rivera moved to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. T2009-02, an Ordinance amending the Code Of Ordinances of the City of Friendswood, Texas, by amending Sections 14-253 and 14-254 of Chapter 14, Article IV "Plumbing Code" to adopt standards for the installation of irrigation systems; providing for the issuance of permits; providing that permits for connections to the potable water source, water meter and the installation of backflow prevention devices on irrigation systems shall be issued only to qualified persons licensed by the State of Texas; and establishing a penalty for violation thereof; providing other matters relating to the subject. Seconded by Councilmember Barker. The motion was approved unanimously. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS Councilmember Hill apologized to Ron Jadidi for the Council discussion on his business without his "'"" knowledge and it was not intended to single him out, Council will go to any business member to inform them of a discussion in the future. Stated he is in support of the Police Department and announced anyone can call him at home. Councilmember Reid and Holbert had no report. Councilmember Rivera reported on the 2.5 million grant approved by Houston Galveston Are Council (HGAC)for FM 2351 drainage and stated to Fire Marshal Terry Byrd and City Secretary Deloris McKenzie that he is looking forward to next 25 years. Councilmember Barker and Barr had no report. CONSENT AGENDA *"Councilmember Reid moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented A. Approve two Traffic Safety Grants for the Police Department: one a comprehensive grant to conduct high visibility enforcement activities to increase public awareness; the second for occupant protection outreach (car safety seat inspections). B. Accept January 2009 Property Tax Report. C. Approve Minutes of January 12, January 22, January 26, February 2 and February 9, 2009, Meetings. Seconded by Councilmember Rivera. The motion was approved unanimously. RECONVENE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION "*Council convened into Executive Session in Accordance with the Texas Government Code, pursuant to Section 551.071 — Consultation with attorney concerning pending or contemplated litigation; a settlement offer; or a matter in which the duty of the attorney requires it, Section 551.072 — Deliberation regarding """""' real property and Section 551.074—Personnel Matters (Annual Review of the City Secretary). 02/23/2009 3078 � Council convened into Regular Session with no action taken later in the meeting. A motion was made and approved to adjourn at 8:37 PM. or David J.H. Smith Attest: � � � F R�E`k0 O `�'�y De oris McKenzie, C � p0 City Secretary v � � * � � �4rF OF t�� �..-.. �