HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 1965-09-08 Regular ` MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COt3NCIL MEETING OF SEFTEMBER 8, 1.965
A regular meeting of the Friendswood City Council was held September 8,
1g65; 7:3� P.M. at the City Hall.
Present were Mayor Harry D. Wagner, Councilmen Marvin Childers, William
Daviz�sQn,, Arrien Hi11, Ralph Lowe; City Secr��ar,y firtha l�rigi�t; City
Att�rney Goleman Carter; City Engineer William �dals.h.
• Also present were Mrs. Ora Warr, Wariren Gillespie, Jr, , W. B, White,
Betty Shore, Mx�s . Percy Hurt, Mrs . M. L. Childers, W. B, Evans,
J. B. Roach, R. G. Hamil, F. C. Cogdell, Mrs. F, C. Cogdell, Mrs. Harry
� M. Hatcher, Harry M. Hatcher, Leon Brown, Ray Dia�ond, Tom Long,
Norman Chennault, Gene Greathouse, C. C . Bost, 0. 0. Terrell, G. E.
• Creppon, Mrs . G. E. C�eppon, Armond F. Stoneman, Mack Wilder, Lou Wortham,
Betty Merchant, Dennis Grizzle, Linn Eignus, Bob Lee, Keith Smi.th, Fred
Krch, Leah North, D, G. Romeike, Marge Huss, Fritz Huss, Ken Toon, H.
�. Speck, Gle�in Browne, Morris Taylor� Stanley Faber
Minutes of the August 16, 1g65 stood approved a� read,
Ray D�amond stated that he wauld like to see a ma�or Gas Utility
Company in Friendswood an�gave some 'o -�reasons which were encom-
passed in a le�ter to the Citizens of Friendswood of �ugus� 24, 1965 .
"Many times your city government needs the help of the citizens
to back them up on decisions as to what� s best for the city, Your
Friendswood City Government is probably composed of some of the most
� fair mindec� men as are in the United States, but now and then on issues
of major benefit and importance to the residents of Friendswood you
need �o indicate your dzsire and wisries by per•sonally arguir�g a point .
Now that is what I am asking for by this Iet�er. I need your help to
support this idea if you see it as I see it. We have an opportunity to
get a ma jcr Gas Utili�y Campar�y ir� Fr:iendswood, ihis ��rould n�t puic
the old Utility Company out of business but it would simply franchise
two companies. For the City Qf Friendswood the following benefits that
you as a resident would get :
l. Elirnination of development cast and �50,00 meter
charges, consequently, a new house wauld be less ex-
pensive, -
2. You wou�.d have a major company that would provide
excellent services, good pressure and adequate supply.
3. The rate would be considerably cheaper in the areas
the new company serves . Possibly this competition
would bring our rates down.
�. I� major company with its engine�ring, planning
and promotion can better serve a comrnunity whatever
need may arise.
The above would be benefits f'or just an ordinary resident, but the
following are tangible benefits for a developer a�d builder and any
benefits a�ong this line benefit our city indirectly because we can
compete favorably with surrounding communities and consequently attract
new people . U�e need new people in Friendswood because we need ta split
up the tax burden. Our taxes will accelerate in the years ahead; otzr
population must increase :
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1. Development Cost - by this a major company has the expens�
of putting in the lines and meters .
Z. Gas participation �ith prornotion expenses are very helpful
to �he builder in keeping the cost down, consequently making ,
, hi�� competitive.
3. Major companies offer builders and developers professional
services when needed that would ordinarily be included in the
cost of const�uction.
I am for allnwing a new franchise in Friendswood, f�irstly, being
• a resident and secondly, being a builder and developer. There
' � are no immediate benefits to me personnally because I live in a
developed area and the old company will continue to serve me,
� but I know competition will cause better things to happen,
. , . . . , . . . . . . . . . . n
0. 0. Terrell, Gas Utility Service Company, resented cauncil with
Copies o e ers ra es an gra s s owln cost i ures, ua y
e r serv�ce e c . , w lc are on e �n e 1 y �ce. e
0 owing is a copy of the Gas Utility Service Company Gas Rates-
approved by R.R,C. :
First �00 cu, ft. �2,00
Next 640 cu, ft. 1,05
" 2,000 " " 1,�0 per M
r� 7, o00 " ,� .95
C " �+o, 000 " „ ,85
" 50, 000 " "
; ,70
� � O�er 100,000 " " .60
For: AIgQa, Alvin Heights, Bonn�y, Clear Creek Manar, Liver�aol,
�-:illcrest jTillage, Rosharon, L�Jebster ar.d Friendswood.
Further discussion of other Gas Company franchises was t�bled urztil
other company(s } can submit franchise �,roposa�s for discussion.
W. B. 'w'hite - Water Line tab�ed since D le Brou�m cou�.d not be here to
scuss s su ec or tid, B. White in re].ation to W, C. & I, D.#15
action previously.
Glenn Browne - Fire Hydrant - Glenn Browne had asked Marvin Childers to
scuss s pro em for �iim; and asked Mayar Wagner to explain that
due to illness he might not be able to at�end. (He did come for part
of the meeting ) . The f'ire hydrant in front of his property on Nlerrie-
wood is withir� his �:oper�y line and he r?�U�StS tha'� it be maved . in
order to give unencumbered title to his property� Council had given
Marvin Childers author•ity to investiga�e this line; Faul Milligan,
County Surveyor, was requested to stake the property line on the above
mentioned pi�operty and that across the street; whzch he did. Thi�
showed that the hydrant was on Mr. Browne' s property.
There was discussion of the possible need of more right-of-way by the
city for widening of Merriewood; of why it had been put in side
his property line - because the only apparent �orner marker used �o
line up that water line was not in a true line with that property.
Council agreed that C. C . Bost move the hydrant to the city easement
since this was part of the ��?�ril-TE}� 10�-IG contract px�esently being
cam�leted.
H� �. S��ck, sg�akirig for Lhe Frlez�dst�oQd C�a�nt�er t�f Cammerce, stated
� that �he Cham��r of Commerce had unde�taken the construction of the
City Hall; that the en� result was more than the original plan; that
the jai2, fire office and utili�y bui3ding and moving of �he chlorinator
and calgon equipment were additional expenses not planned on, He
submitted bills for the follawing;
Electric work (moving panels, e�c . � �1,015.00
Plumbing 935.00
Util'ity building & sidewalks 550,00
�2,500.00
�• He further stated that the Chamber of Comme�ce felt that these were
legitimate requests of payment from the u�i�ity fund since these
. items were directly related to the operation of the Water and Sewer
Department. In �esponse to questions by Marvin Childers relative to
who had au�hority to approve these expenditures, it was stated that
Ralph Lowe did b� unanimous Council vote at special meeting, May 18,
1965.
Mayor Wagner sta�ed that, in talking w1.th the City E�uditor and Ci�y
Attorney, i� would be illegal to take this money out of the Utilities
Department funds d�xe to the bond indebtedness . H, K. Speck stated that
in his opznion, �he funds were available in this fund. Mayar 4Jagner
said that he would like to see the city -�ay this bil1, but Council
would have to vo�e to make this expenditure after study of the books
showed that this maney was available for such pux�pose..� �ill Davidson
stated that, cansidering iche sad state of repair of' the old calgon
and chlorinatar nits, � ��-�' ���� ��
--� � -�' � c� --�c��.=�-..���-�e� c�r��,t-.�'�.�,.c��c.�G.���G'
� �...�.�. ��`
�;� Mr, Speck saia that he would resubmit these bzlls in a more itemized
form if i.t was f elt �o be necessary.
�
Ralph Lowe stated that w�th his appoin�ment as supervisor af the
Water and Sewer Departrnent by unanimous vo�e of the City Council,
that he felt that this meant operational and financial responsible,
therefore he had authorized �hese expenditures . If this appointment
was in error, he had been operating illegalZy and would pay the
$�,500.00 h�.mself.
The attached letters from Coleman Carter, City A'ttorney, which s�ated
t a Counc men were egal �.n running a ciepar men , were read and `
discussed,
Ra�.ph Lowe read notes of his attarney� s opinions on thiS subjec� of
he 3ega zty o a counc man 'unc ionin a so as a epar men ea .
Mr. Lowe said that he would like to see an Im�ar,.tial Board of Inquiry of
quaii ie en�ineers inves�igate the wa�er and sewer sys�em and giue
reco�mmenda�i'ans. The following people were asked to serve on this board:
Fred Krch, Jerry Roach, Warren G?llespie, Jr� , and W3.i23.am C. Walsh.
There was diseussion of the Council interviewing qualified personn�l
for �he position of Water and Sewer Superintendent - to be appoint�d
by the Mayor with Council approval or by ordinance; it was auggested
that for the present, until such licensed person can be hired, tha t
R�lph Lowe continue in his present capacity. Ralph Lowe stated tMat
since there was one legal opinion that stated that this position
was not legal, he relinquished this function at this time,
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Ralgh �owe read the follawing letter from C. C. Bost, g/?/65
"In reference �o your request dated August 3�, 1g65 f�r estimated
cost of relocatian �f the sewer main on Royal �ourt for the Shore
and Gillespie res�dence, we would Iike to postp�ne �his until �h� City
Engineer has completed his �ork �n this pro�ect. Then we wi11 be
happy to give a bid based an his �Ians and specification�. . . . , . . . . "
Marvin Childer•s made the m�tion that the Ci� Council give the MaTor
� aut or �r to run s a er an ewer epar men on e same b�sis n
re. e pressn �icense man, scue arris o � earland, and Bob McCoy -
analysist; until appointment of a licensed supervisor which wi�Z be
expedi'�ed as quickly as possible; ��rith all expend3.tures to be appro��ed
by Council; and that by th�s action Ordinance ;�52 (�rPating a ti�I�ter
and Sewer Commissi�n) wi12 be rescinded. P.rden Hi.II secanded the moti�n
an� i t was carried �y the follawing va�e : 3 f �r: �r�den Hi 1?, M�rt�in
�hilder�, and Ralph L�we. 1 aoainst: Wiliam Da�idsor. who stated that
his reason for th�s vote tkcs that this is not �n impravement over the
�xist�.rg s�.Tstem and t?�at it may jeopardize the sewer system. more �han
it has been in the past.
At this time Mayar Wagner called an emergency of the �auncil for
�,ep em er , or s presen a on o p ans an cos figures
a e wi comp 3e far• operat�.on of the 6dater and �ewer Departrnent.
Marvin Childers was asked bt the Friends�r�od Forest Civic C3.ub to pre-
sen a re;ues� to t e i y ..ounc . t .�. e ounc�.l give permission
for this group �o hire a firm - Trees cf Houston - who have su�i.mitted
a price �'or removal of five trees that are in the public righ�-of-way
Nhich wil�. further thei� paving �r�gr•am. T.zis perrnis�ic�n �va� �rantec�
by motiflr� �f Ralph Lowe, second by �Iilliam D�vidson; motion was carried
by �he fol�owing vote : 3 f�r: Marvin Childers, �ailliam Davidson and
Ra�ph Lowe; �rd�r� Hi�� a�s�ained.
Wil3iam D��.v�.dson read the recommendations of the financial work grou
w c� was es�a s e ur ng a spec a counci mee ng at e oi
i y a � une , 9 : copy at ac e .
The final approval of �his report and its rec�mmendations will be
plac�d on the agenda of the ne�t regul-r meeting September•, 20, I.965.
'vdilliam Davidson recommended that shel? be put on Whi[pPring Pir_es
wh c s n a s ape.
HarruT W��ner read his e�ork sheet - Stree� Program recom.mendations.
��QNy u v��"..a �u�
� representative of L�r•i �+Ioous stated that they had removed the 12rge
s ump n e m e o.� arey ane; � a t ey requeste a �ut t r•Qe
yar� o� �ancreLe �� 'i�l the resul�ing �ole, t u*as felt that t e
� aa ornr.'t ee , 4i�liam Davidson �nd Ra?ph Lowe) shoula give th�s
thei� c��sidera�icn.
1�
- � Leah North said that she had_ requested of Dale Brown, former eouncil-
MAN, that an engineer look at Imperial Drive for recommendations on
its repair. Water leak in the road betwesn ths��raft and Tindall
residences is undermining the road; and the road by the Shumilak
� residence had been chewed up by heavy truck traffic, the base is
giving away.
There will be a workshop sess�on far the council; subject - proeedures
for passage of ordinances as drawn up by the Procedure� Committee of
� ' the Women' s Leasue.
The Street Sign Program has been tabled,
A written ballot frQm each councilman was given to the Mayor for
' voting on their se ection o an Eng neering Firm for a master planning
program far the Ci y o ' Frien swood.
The Council unanimously selected Walsh & McLaren-Bovay.
Personnel policies - tabled.
A resolution to notify two property owners that the must clean up
e r proper y wi in en ays was passe y mo ion o ' r en ,
seconed y W am llavidson; motion unanimous.
A motion was made by William Davidson that the City add a thi�d
p one num er. Mot on secande by arv�n C i ers; motion unan mous .
; A motion was made by William Davidson that Sectian 6. of the Financial
� Work Group report e imp emen.te as of' Sep ember l, 3 , Mp ion
seconded y Ar en Hill; matian unanimous,
� motion was made by Arden Hill that �rtha Wright, City Secretary be
in�truc ed to issue warrant s 'or� a to a amoun cf ' ,SC�, o t e
Chamber of Commerce - f'or irnprovements on ma�n enance an ape�a ion
o ' t e ater and Sewer Department as per bi11s submitted by H, K. Speck
FOR THE Chamber of .Commerce. Motion secondad by �illiam Davidson.
The motion was carried by the following vote : 2 for : Arden Hi:�2,
Wi�liam Davidson; against 2": Marvin Ch�lders, Ra1ph Lowei Mayor
Wagner brake the t1e by voting for this motion with the st�pulation
that he wi11 talk to_ Gene Greathouse, , Secretary-Treasurer, of The
Chamber of Commerce to get an itemized bill for these expenditur�s,
Warrants #20�5� throu�h �#2�5�;
Warran ,s #476 through .�95 „(.e�cepting;.#�75 } apprqved and signed- by
i��'��f� Marviri Chi3ders, secone�aecl by ArdenY�Hi�l, mot�ion uriariimous ,
Wiiliam Davidson requesteti that the Councilmen be issued keys z"'o� the
outside door and city office,
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfui y submit�ed,
� ',
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r a g - Ci y ecre� ry
APPROVED:
� , � .
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� N�1 �Jr" �y—�'W.J�
Harr� D. ��r - �layo5�—
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Remark:
Mayor Wagner stated that the same calgon unit is still. in operation
with cnly minor repairs and the old ch�oinator is of a better
manufacture than the new and should hGve been repaired at a savings
to �he �ity. �e old chloinator ro�m is still unoccupied . The
t�ta3 change of equipment �nd f2oor space has been a capital cost
and not a saving.
i