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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 1968-07-15 Regular Approved as corrected - 8/5/68 -- STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF GALVESTON f CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD i MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 15, 1968 A regular meeting of the Friendswood City Council was held July 15, 1968, at 7:30 P.M. in the City Hall with the following members present: Ralph W. Somers Mayor James E. Mager Councilman George F. Prude Councilman Ronald G. Hamil Councilman Thomas F. Woods Councilman Edward F. Stuart Councilman Pat Gillespie Asst. City Secretary Ody Jerden City Attorney with the following members absent to wit: NONE, constituting a quorum at which the following business was transacted. CORRECTION AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 1, 1968: Regular: approved as corrected ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR: r An announcement was received July 15, 1968 from the office of Congressman Jack Brooks informing the people of the 9th District, of which Galveston County is a part of, that the Flood Insurance for the 9th Congressional District moved ahead as the National Flood Insurance Act was included in legislation passed on July 10, 1968 by the House of Representatives. (Copy on file in the City Secretary's office) . *9s� The City was informed by the FWPCA office in Dallas that the figures on the grant money on WPC-Tex-464 contract will be submitted to the City for their approval in the very near future. ' 9 . PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: The Texas State Health Department has advised the City that they must appoint a City Health Office as required by law under Articles 4424 and 4425, and that this office must be held by a competent physician legally qualified to practice medicine within this State. Mayor Somers informed Council that he had talked with the local doctors, and hoped that one would accept this appointment, but no answer as of this date. i i 7/15/68: reg: page 2 On July 23, 1968 in Alvin there will be a Disaster Preparedness Conference to be held in the Alvin High School Cafeteria. This Conference is -- � sponsored by the Division of Defense and-Disaster Relief, Texas Department of Public Safety and the Civil Defense Directors of Alvin and of Brazoria j County. The Mayor and City Council and other interested persons of Friendswood have been invited to attend. Mayor Somers advised Council that he would be attending this meeting. - An income projection has been received from the Galveston County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Board. The projection indicates what the Board believes to be an equitable request from the county government and the eight cities in the county for the 1969 calendar budget, and requests that Friendswood include the Mental Health Center in their budget for 1969. The prorated share from each city would be $ .10 per resident based on population estimates as of January 1, 1968-Galveston County Research Council, Inc. The estimated population for Friendswood is 3000 and the requested grant is $300.00. Mayor Somers advised this did not require Council action at this time, but that it will be discussed at the time the City's budget is projected for 1969. SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Library: On Wednesday, July 10, the Galveston County Commissioners Court C met to discuss their budget for 1969. Attending this meeting from Friends- wood were Mayor Somers, Ralph L. Lowe, Mrs. Helen Cline and Mrs. Ruth Maloney. Also attending were representatives from the Rosenberg Library. Mayor Somers stated the reason for attending this meeting was to see if perhaps the Commissioners Court was including in their budget any contri- butions or help to promote the proposal Friendswood library. Mayor Somers stated that the Rosenberg group voiced their objections in supporting the plan for the Friendswood library, and that no decisions were made by the Commissioners Court at the meeting. A meeting was scheduled at that time for Tuesday, July 16 at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall to further discuss the subject with the Rosenberg Library representatives. A letter dated July 10, 1968 from Lee B. Brawner, Assistant State.Librarian for the Texas State Library has pointed .out the requirements that Friends- wood must meet in order to receive the $50,000 grant for the proposed library project. They are as follows: (1) To qualify as an eligible expenditure for fifty percent. (50%) reimbursement under this program, the site must:. . (a) be purchased expressly for a public library building (b) be purchased within three (3) years of application approval for the program. _ (2) Friendswood must purchase the site and hold title to { same, and a copy of the deed is to be submitted to the State Library. 7/15/68:reg: page 3 (3) Friendswood must be able- to submit Proof of Payment (normally copy of check or voucher from the City to the Owner) to the State Library to receive reimburse- ment. I Mr.- Brawner also called to Mayor Somers attention a timetable factor the City and Library Board should be aware of. With the approval of Application Part I on March 29, 1968, the $50,.000 in Federal matching funds was encumbered for this project contingent on the submission and approval of the Application Parts II and III. If the project does not progress to Part II in a reasonable length of time, he will have to release the Federal fund's from the Friendswood project and allocate it to another applicant who is in a position to proceed with a building program on schedule. The deadline for the Application Part II to be submitted is October 1968. The final plans and specifications, which is Application Part III, are to be submitted no later than March, 1969. Mayor Ralph Somers and Mr. Ralph L. Lowe have discussed with Mr. Charles Mills of Community Public Service Company the possibility of acquiring property located at the corner of Morningside and Spreading Oaks, owned by Community Public Service Company, for the purpose of building the new library. This Company has stated that they do not wish to sell their property in the City unless another acceptable site is available to them. Property owned by Mr. Forest Harper legally described as: a tract of land 135; x 103.5' on Spreading Oaks Avenue; City of Friendswood,. Texas, €€ out of Block 4, Lot 2, Friendswood Subdivision and property owned by i Mr. Stanley Perry, legally described as: a tract of land 103.5' x 135' facing Sunnyview Avenue, in the City of Friendswood, Texas, out .of Block 4, Lot 2, Friendswood Subdivision is available for the City to purchase. The purchase price for Mr. Harper's property is $3500 and the price for Mr. Perry's property is $4000, making a total of $7500. After discussing the purchase of the above described properties, Councilman Woods made a motion .to approve the two options in the sum of $10.00 each to purchase real estate from Mr. . Forest Harper and Mr. Stanley Perry. f Motion was seconded by Councilman Prude and carried by unanimous vote. (Copy of options on file in the City Secretary's office.) Ralph Lowe reported to Council that the Community Public Service Company has tentatively agreed to exchange the two properties purchased by the City for their property at the corner of Morningside and Spreading Oaks, and Mayor Somers presented to Council for their approval a letter to be mailed to Mr. Charles Mills, requesting their consideration in the exchanging of these properties, and stating it is desired to complete this transaction within the next sixty (60) days. (Letter on file in the City Secretary's office) . Motion was made by Councilman Woods, seconded by Councilman Prude that the letter be signed by the Mayor as authorized by the Council. Motion �T 7 carried by unanimous vote. 7/15/68, reg: page 4 UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. Harlan Smith and other representatives of Norwood Homes, Inc. met with Council to discuss a contract whereby the City of Friendswood will provide the proposed Norwood Forest Subdivision with sewer services. (Copy on file at the City Secretary's office) . After much discussion and some objections to this contract from some of the citizens, Mayor Somers recommended that a motion be introduced that Council a-prove and accept the conditions outlined in the letter from Norwood Homes, dated July 12, 1968, concerning the contracting with the City of Friendswood for treatment of sewage from Harris County WCID #108. Councilman Woods recommended that the motion also state that the contract also be contingent upon the terms and conditions of Ordinance No. 98. These recommendations were moved in form of a motion by Councilman Mager, ,,`�� seconded by Councilman Woods and carried by unanimous vote. Norwood Homes, Inc. agreed in the contract .to purchase sewerage disposal service on the condition that the City of Friendswood withdraw .any objection they have made toward issuance of the discharge permit. After discussion of this condition, motion was made by Councilman Hamil that a letter written by Mayor Somers to the Texas Water Quality Board be approved whereby the City of Friendswood withdraws their objection to Harris County WCID No. 108 .application for a permit. Motion was seconded by Councilman Stuart and carried by unanimous vote. Councilman Hamil reported that request for bids have been submitted to about 6 different fence companies for fencing for the proposed dog pound facilities, and bids are due on July 22. Also, a meeting has been scheduled with Mr. Charles Mills of Community Public Service to look over that company's property to see if a water well is -feasible, and what portion of the financing of a water well they would be willing to share with the City. NEW BUSINESS: The Mayor and City Council approved unanimously to authorize Mayor Johnnie Arolfo of League City to represent the City of Friendswood to the Houston-Galveston Area Council. STANDING COMMITTEES AND DEPARTMENTAL: Fire: Councilman Mager (1) Fire Marshall's quarterly report has been received. (2) Three bids have been received and one has been accepted at a rate of $1.50 per fire hydrant for the painting of the fire hydrants. i Streets/Drainage: Councilman Hamil (1) The County has made an 4 engineering survey on Melody Lane in which they will run the ditch all the way down on both sides of Melody Lane from FM 2351 to Winding Way in Village Green. The plan has been approved by the Friendswood Drainage District on July 8, 1968, and the County would like Council approval on this plan. Councilman Hamil made a motion that this plan be approved. Motion was i 'sv 7/15/684. reg: page 5 seconded by Councilman Mager and carried by unanimous vote. i` - (2) The old Choate Road bridge is not being maintained, and to do so will cost the City. The bridge could create a safety hazard, and the City would be liable. Motion was made by Councilman Hamil to inform the County to barricade and close off the old Choate Road bridge -at their earliest convenience. Motion was seconded by Councilman Woods and carried by unanimous vote. Mayor Somers stated that he was in favor of this move. Councilman Hamil reported that he had received.a letter from Mr. Van Williams, President of the Annalea Subdivision requesting street lights to be installed at five locations in that subdivision. One light that was requested has already been installed and Chief Wright has been instructed to have one installed at FM 518 and Annette. The other lights requested.'�aill have to be worked in the next. year's program. ORDINANCES: Third and: Final Reading: Ordinance 111 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE AGREEMENT DATED JUNE 3, 1968 BETWEEN THE STATE OF TEXAS AND THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD, FOR THE INSTALLATION CONSTRUCTION, EXISTENCE, USE,' OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE OF HIGHWAY SIGNAL f PROJECTS(S) AT THE LOCATION(S) SHOWN ON EXHIBIT 1, ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF, IN THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD; ".PROVIDING FOR THE EXECUTION OF SAID AGREEMENT;AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Motion to approve ordinance on third and final reading made by Councilman J5 _ Hamil, seconded by Councilman Prude and carried by unanimous vote. Second Reading: Ordinance 112 AN ORDINANCE -ALTERING THE PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMITS ESTABLISHED FOR VEHICLES UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 6701D, VERNON'S TEXAS CIVIL STATUTES, UPON THE BASIS OF AN ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC INVESTIGATION, UPON CERTAIN STREETS AND HIGHWAYS, OR PARTS THEREOF, WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD, AS SET OUT IN THIS ORDINANCE; AND PROVIDING A PENALTY OF A FINE NOT TO EXCEED $200 FOR THE VIOLATION OF THIS ORDINANCE. Motion to approve ordinance on second reading made by Councilman Woods, 54� J l seconded by Councilman Hamil, and carried by unanimous vote. RESOLUTIONS: Resolution No. 10--68 WHEREAS, the progress of any governmental entity is dependent largly on its leadership, the Mayor and City Council of Friendswood are proud to be afforded the opportunity of participating in honoring a man who has provided so much progressive leadership for our Community. 7/15/68: reg: page 6 C THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of Friendswood unanimously renders the following statement: rIn recognizing RALPH L. LOWE'S contributions to Friendswood's City Government, it is difficult to single out any particular event or events ' which adequately describe the results of his efforts. Rather, it is best stated that his astutness and foresight was a major factor in the progress attained over the past three years. His tireless energy and willingness to go anywhere and talk with everyone .to promote Friendswo.od must be recognized and appreciated. Many accomplishments are a matter of record. For example, a modern City Hall, a Master Sewer Plan being implemented into a reality, 'an idea which, will result in Friendswood having a modern and entirely adequate library. The attainment of these goals are largly due to the efforts of RALPH L. LOWE. But, perhaps most important of all he should be recognized for the leadership he provided daily at City Hall and at Council. Here, issues were met squarly with the goal of seeking a solution in the best interest of all without prejudice. When one considers the mammoth task of keeping our City solvent, and yet progressive, and the accomplishments made during the tenure of RALPH L. LOWE in City Government, we believe that one and all should be grateful that he paused at City Hall for three years. Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilman Woods, seconded by Councilman Stuart and carried by unanimous vote. Resolution No. 11-68: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS, GRANTING CONSENT AS PROVIDED BY ARTICLE 970a VERNON'S ANNOTATED TEXAS STATUTES, TO THE FORMATION OF A RECLAMATION DISTRICT UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF ARTICLE 16, SECTION 59, OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF,TEXAS, TO BE KNOWN AS HARRIS COUNTY WATER CONTROL AND IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 108, AND EMBRACING WITHIN ITS BOUNDARIES 336.32 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS, SITUATED .IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, SAID AREA BEING HEREIN MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY METES AND BOUNDS IN EXHIBIT "A", UPON THE CONDITIONS AND PROVISIONS. Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilman Prude; seconded by , z Councilman Mager and carried by unanimous vote. Resolution No. 12-68: WHEREAS, pursuant to filing an application for a grant under P.L. 89-117 with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, United State Government, to aid in financing the construction of sewer lines south of Cowart Creek along Winding Way, Merriewood Dr. , F.M. 518 and Briarmeadow Ave. NOW BE IT THEREFORE,RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Friendswood although no land acquisition is contemplated, if any real property is acquired that: i ( 1. It will make every reasonable effort to acquire the real property by negotiated purchase before instituting eminent domain i - proceedings. 7/15/68: reg: page 7 F4 2. It will not require any owner to surrender possession of real property until the applicant pays, or causes to be paid, to the owner (a) the agreed purchase .price arrived at by negotiation, or (b) in any case where only the amount of the payment to the owner is in dispute, not less than 75 per cent of the appraised fair value as approved by the applicant and concurred in by HUD. 3. It will not require any .person lawfully occupying property to surrender possession without at least 90 days' written notice from the applicant of the date on which possession will be required. Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilman Woods, seconded 'by Councilman Prude and carried by unanimous vote. WARRANTS: Motion was made by Councilman Stuart to approved Warrants Nos. 2252-2267 and Nos. 3781-3796, seconded by Councilman Hamil. Motion carried by unanimous vote. ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Woods, seconded by Councilman Prude and carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Pat Gillespie Asst. City Secretary APPROVED: Ralph X. Somers, Mayor fi 1 '