HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2002-04-15 Regular � �1881
STATE OF TEXAS )(
C1TY OF FRIENDSWOOD )(
. COUNTIES OF GALV£STON/NARRIS )(
APRIL 15, 2002 )(
MINUITES OF A REIaULAR MEETI(�fG OF THE FRIEI�lDSWOOD GITY COUNGIL THAT WAS HELD ON
MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2002 AT 6:Q0 PM AT �RIENDSWQOD CITY HALL GOUNCIL CHAMBERS, 910 S.
,FRIF�pSW00p pRIVE; fRIENDSW00d; TEXAS, WITH TH� FOLLOWING PRESENT CONSTITUTING .A
QUORUM:
. � MAYOR HARCILD L. WHITAKER
MAYOR PR0 TEM LARRY TAYi�OR
COU�JCILMEMBER KITTEN BRIZENDINE
COUNCiLMEMBER JERRY ERICSSON
COUf�CILMEMBER TRACY G�ZA
� COUI�CILMEMBER KiM BRIZENDINE
COUP�CILMEM�ER ' MEL MEASELES
CITY ATTpRNEY JOHN OLSON
CITY MANAGER RON COX
C.ITY SECRETARY QELOR[S MCKENZIE
MAYOR WHITAKER CALLED TNE MEETWG TO ORDER at 6:OQ PM.
WORK SESSION - -
Discussion was hefd regarding Police Department staffing—Traffiic Safety Program. Police Chief Bob
Wieners gave a power point presentation on the foilow[ng.
• PersonneVTraining
• Enfiorc�ment Hctivity. ' .
• Other duties �
• Cost/Benefit
• Staffing Proj��ctions
Chief Wieners summarized:�he presentation as follows:
• With approval of�raffic safety unit, the police department will have what it needs to reach this
year's revised goal
• The Police Depar�ment will add one officer in th'e 4t'' quarter to staff the traffic safety unit
• There is no cost to the general fund for adding the officer
• The Police Department will need to craft a budget strategy that addresses the need for more
personnel and addresses diminished grant fund'ing.
Councii taok a brief break a-t this time.
REGULAR SESSION
�
Council_convened into Regular Session at 7:00 PM.
The Invocation was given by Cauncilmember Larry Taylor.
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4� is/a2 , 1ss2
COMMCINICATIONS FROM MAYOR AND COUNC[LMEMBERS
Councilrnember Measeles reported on attendingApril 2�dthe Friendswood Public Library Poetry Reading
during which works from two focal poets were read, attended the Galveston County Exposition at fihe dog
track in LaMarque, with Friendswood in participating in the Fire Department disaster driil, with
helicopters, blaad banks, etc., reported on attending the�exas Municipal Clerks Association/Salt Grass :
Chapter Annual BanGuet during which a scholarship fund was announced and named after City Secretary
�Deloris McKenzie.
Councilmember Tayl�r stated that this was his last officiat meeting, reported on attending the "Opening
Day Celebration" at Renwick Park for little-Ieague basebaii'and so#tbali teams; and reported on attending
the Salt Grass Chapter Annual Banquet wnere City Secretary Del'oris McKenzie was recognized for her 25
years of service as a City Secretary and a scholarship fund was named after her.
Councilmember,Kim Brizendine reported that he was unabfe to attend the Salf Grass Chapter Annual
Banquet but announced each Councilmember will donate $10Q.00 towards the Deloris_ McKertzie
Scholarship Fund in recognition of her outstanding service. Councilmember Brizendine also reported on
meeting with homeowners associatians and stated this is a great'wayto communicate with homeowners
and suggested possibly having a liaisan to homeowners associations.
Councilmember Goza announced he supported the donation to the Deloris McKenzie.:Scholarship Func(,
and reported he attended the opening ceremonies at Renwick Park for little-league baseball and softbal!
teams.
Councilmember Ericsson reported on attending the opening ceremonies for little-league baseball and
softball and the soft�all ffoats that were a part of the "`Opening Day Celebration" at Renwick Park, and
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8anquet `
Councilmember Kitten Brizendine reported on attending the Senior Citizens' spaghetti luncheon held at
�he Activi�ty Building during which Mr. Joe DeBonis was recognized for.his work in preparing the spaghetti
and his generosity to the SeniorProgram, reported on a�tending,the Rotary Reverse Draw,.the TMCA Sait
Grass Chapter Annua( Banquet and the creation of the Deloris McKenzie Scholarship Fund, and thanked
the 1aw firm of Olson & O[son for their generous donation to the scholarship fund, and also recognized
the law firm of Greg �and Grey for their contribution ta �he scholarship fund.
Mayor Whitaker reported on attending the "Opening Day Celebration" for little-league and stated that
about 1,700 attendin�g this event, stated that this youth prograrti has really expanded, and cor�imended
the Community Services Department for the excellent'program they offer to the youth of Friendswood,
congratulated City Secretary Deforis McKenzie on the creati,on of the beloris McKenzie Scholarship Fund
and stated she is a real professional, anc[ recognized',Councilmember .Taylor tar his service to the
communi�y the Iast three years, and looks forward to working with him in the Legislature.
�
Mayor Whitaker also recognized the Counselors Ms. Mary Rinehart and Ms. Renae 5imons who worked
with the Decathlon tearn and presented the Proclamation ho�orir�g the Friendswood High Schaol
Academic "2d02 Decathlon 1 eam" who won the State Championship for the lOth consecutive year. The
members present and their counselors received a St31��i�1� Ol�ut!On.
4/ 15/02 1883
COMMUNfCAT10NS FROM 1�N£ PUBLfG ,
Mr. Lew Fincher, 13�J1 Buttonwood, appeared before Council and announced the National Hurricane
Conference Award for Outstand'ing Achievement in Local Emergency Management was presented to
Friendswood Fire Marshal TE:rry Byrd last week in Washington..
Mr. John Wilkinson, 112 W. Lang, representing Reliant Energy; appeared before Cauncil regarding
Reso!ution 20�2-22 an�l asked Council not to suspend the operation of the Proposed Rate Schedules for
"-' a pe.r:iod up to 90 days beyond the c(ate �n which such schedules would otherwise to inta effect.
Ms. Doris Heard, P. C7. Bax 647; appeared before council to express her concerns regarding the medians
on FM 2351, presented a petition which 750 peaple have signed, presented a drawing of the current
medians and asked Councii to consider alternatives to the removal of the medians.
Mr. Tom Lay, 905 Layfair, appeared before Councii and gave;a presentation regardingthe removal ofthe
medi�ns on FM 2�51 and stated h� represented concerned citizens, stated that hundreds signed a
- petition "Don't Mess With our Medians", asked where will the dollars come from to fund the removal of
the medians, and asked Council to reconsider previous votes or decisions made on removing the
medians..
Ms. Susan Hood, 2I09 S. Mission, appeared befare couneil fhank thanked council for allowing her to
reiterate what has already been said, suggestecl a workshop be held to brainstorm the median�project,
expressed concerns i�egarding traffic, alternative interior circulation, the turn at Albertson, an extended
left turn lane, proposed a study be done by-Texas Tran5portation Institute, discussed cost analysis, and
maintaining the bea�aty af the medians.
Ms, Millie Perner, 506 Fairdale, appeared before council to;express her concerns regardingthe proposed
removal of the medians on FM 2351, stated she was a member af the Community Appearance Board a
long time ago and at that time decisions were made regarding the raised medians, stated that
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FM 518. '
Mr. Jeff Payson, 1013 Quaker Bencl, appeared befare council and stated he wished to express another
" "" point ofi view on esp{anades, discussed the shortage of rights of way, FM 2351, traffic, alternatives for the
use of the crepe myrtles on �he medians on FM 2351., and would prefer a continuous turn lane thaf would
accommodate the offices focated on FM 2351 at Melody Lane and traffic.
Mayor Whitaker rec�pped the reason for the medians on'FM 2351 being rev[ewed, explained that over
two years ago, the Texas Department of Transporta�ion presented a plan, stated the City Manager Cox
wili look into this to see if a draft plan will be avaifable for Council review, sta#ed that Council has not
voted an this, and tl�iat only city funds would be spent if the city wan�ted to enhance a turn lane on FM
2351.
C:�MMUNlCAT10NS FROM �OMMITTEES OR SPECtAL REPOFtTS
Ms. Kaye Corey, Chair of the Community Appearance Board, appeared befiore Council with the Annual
Report which included the Annual Projects such as ``Spring Sparkle", "Falf Haul A Day", "Rdopt a Spot",
°Busir�ess Beautificatio� Award", Annual Tree Give-a-way", and "Main Street Beautification Project".The
report also incfuded opposition to the removal of the 2351 medians, and recommendations for open
space resulting frem the FEM.A bu}�o!�t. Ms. Core��a[so e�cpressed the Board's appreciation to Gouncil for
funding; thanked Councilmember Measeles for servin� as Liaison, fihanked Director of CommunityJon
Branson for his support, recapped the Board's projects, and stated tl�at the Board is missing 5 members
and that vofunteers �re needed:.
4/ 15/02 , 1884
SPE�IA,L PRESENTp�TIONS
Gity Manager presented the Five Star Award to Mr. dan Johnson, Deputy Director of the Community
Development Depart:ment, far the first quarter of 2002. Dan is always very courteous to everyone,
whether a citizen ar a fellow employee and was nominated for the work he has done on the FEMA Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program. Dan wrote the application to FEMA and it was the first in the nation to be
funded under their newly impfemented Fast Tract Program. ban handled the families anc! their
properties both professionally and campassionately.
Ci-ty Manager Cox ga,ie.special�recognition to Judy Howard,telecommunicator for the Friendswood Police
Department, for being named one of seven State Telecammunicators of the Year for 2001. Judy was
recognized fior her patience and caring with a strake victim vvho�alled fhe police`department in January,
2001. The lady did not knaw where she lived or what had happened to her and for 45 minutes Judy
car.efuliy and patientay questioned the 1ady. She was able to have the lady practice dialing 9-1-1 on her
phone. This brought the call to the attentian of a telephone aperator who was abie to give Judy the
lady's phone number. With the ohane number, Judy was al�le ta Icicate the (ady's address �.rt�1 c�n±a�t
Pearland EMS to assist her. Judy stayed on the phone with the lady until help arrived at her rural
Brazoria County address.
City Manager Cox also gave special recognition to Stephanie Price-Taylor, telecommunicator for the
Friendswood Police department for receiving a state awarc[ as a °Silent Hero". This award is given to
diligent, hard working telecorr�municators who;go the exti�am[le to help the pubfic in their everydaywork.
Gity Manager Cox recognized Terry Byrd, Fire MarshalfEmergency Management Coordinator, for the
honor of receiving the award#or"OutstandingAchievement in Local Emergency Management." Terrywas
recognized for his outstanding service during Tropica[ Storm Allison by the Nationai Hurricane
Conference at their annual meeting in Orlando, Florida cI an April 4, 2002. This award is given to one
individual each year. Mr. Cox sfiated that Terry is a I:eader in emergency management in the city, our
region, our state, and not as evidenced by this award, our nation.
GITY MANAGER'S RIEP(]RT�
City Manager Cox reported on the Hurricane Greg Exercise. This is the annual preparation and training
fior the hurricane sea�son, which begins June l of each year. This year the exercise will begin after the
landfafl of Hurricane Greg, a Category)V hurricane. Und'er this scenario, we will actually simulate the
activation and opera�tion of the Emergency Operations Genter. Preparations for the event have already
begun. A debris contractors meeting was held on March'21, 2002. A meeting for utilities, Red Cross,
and the school districts will be held on April 17, 2002 to discuss,the hurricane season and recovery
issues. Afl city departments will receiue EOC,Operations trainingfrom April 15-19, 2002. On April 24,
2002,the Friendswood Office of Emergency Management will be conducting a functional exercise for the
City. We will coordinate our exercise with state and county. The city department heads will meet at the
Friendswood EOC on April 22-23, 2002 at 4 p.m. to prepare for the functional exercise. City Manager
Cox afso reported on the Staff and Organizational Development. Mr. Cox reported that about 40
employees were enlisted to complete a writte� questionnair.e to measure each empfoyee's percepfiion of
what actualfy occurs in our organization, versus what they believe should occur. The results of the
Organizational Needs Inventory(ONI)showed gaps in eignt major areas of our organizatian—Flexibility,
Motivational Style;Communication S�yle, Identification with the Organization, Empowerment,Trust, and
Shared Values and Befiefs. Project teams co�sisting of over 50 employees #rom a11 departments of the
organization were as5igned the duty of making recommendations to close the gap in each bf these eight
areas_ On Apri! 9t", al! partici��.n.ts in these �ro;ect tea�s Y.r:et to rr?�ke �rese�ta�icns L�? the:r
recc�mmendations_ The recommend�ti�ns centerec� on c�-gan��at�c�nal devei�,�m�nt and irr!prnvement in
#hese major areas: training, communication, acknowledgement, recognition, consistency and
involvement. Mr. Cox stated that he and the Senior Staff will work to see these recommendations are
i
4/ 15/02 � 1885
implemented on a timely basis and bring a work session item to Council to have a first-hand view of the
plan, ,
AGTION ITEMS
x�Councilmember Kirn Brizenzine moved to approve the contract for consulting services far the Corps of
Engineers Clear Cree� Flood Control Project.
Seconded by Councif�nember Ericsson. The motion was approued unanimously.
-- �'�Councilmember Kim Brizendine maved to approve action regarding a negative recommendatian from
- Planning and Zoning Commission for a zoning recfassifieation for 3.765 Acres off F.M. 528, Harris
County �rom Singie Family Residential (SFR) to Agricultural District (A1) (Whitcomb Property).
Seconded by Councilrnember Measeles. Ti�e motion was approued unanimousiy.
RESOLUTIONS
xxCounciImember Kirn Brizendine mc�vecl to approve Resolut�o� Nn. R?C�Q2-2?, A Res�!!�t!on nf thA.��±},
Council of the City c�f Friendswood, Texas, Gaiveston/Harris Counties suspending the operation of
Proposed Rate Schec(ules fi{ed by Reliant �nergy Entex for a period up to ninety (90) days beyand the
date on which such schedules would otherwise go info effect.
Seconded by Councilrnember Kitten Brizendine. 7he motion was approved unanimously.
-xxCouncilmember Kitten Brizendine moved to approve Resolution No. R2002-23, A Resolution of the City
Councif of the City of Friendswood, Texas, assenting to increased access line rates by the Publ,ic Utility
Commission of Texas. -
Seconded by Councilmember Kim Brizendine. The motion was approved unanimously.
ORDINA�NCES
-xxCouncilmember Measeles moved to approve Ordinance Na. T2,002-49, Second and Final reading of an
n.-.�1'�-,-, ,-1�.,,,- (��+.� -f C.=•,..,,�....,,.,. T„ ��,.�,......,. pn •i c � .a� • • i � x_� �
viuiiiailCc aiii2iiuiii� vi�y Gi r i iciivavvvv�, I CXCIJr �fUl11QIIl+G^!.�`-F'1:J� QJ �IIICIIUC�, viigiiraiiy au��iieu l�le
19t"day of November, 1984,'same being Appendix C of the Friendswood City Code and being the Zoning
Ordinance of the City, by adding two sentences to Paragraph 7 of Sectian 9.G thereof; estabiishing time
limitations for a SpecAfic Use Permit; providing a penalty of an amount not to exceed$2,000 for each day
�° � of violation of any provision hereof; and providing for severability.
Secondecf by Councilmember Kitten Brizendine. The motion was approved unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA
xxCouncilmember Taylor moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presentec[. A, Payment of Capifal
Projects. 1. Buyout Homes Demofition with payment in the amount of$35,928.00 to Cherry Demolition
for demolition services. To date, 18 percent of the contract has been expencled. 2. Booster Pump
Station Replacements with payment in the amount of $951.49 to Wayne Smith & Associates for
professianal services. To dat�:, 53 percent of the contract has been expended. Payment in the amount o#
$279,670.50 to T & C Construction LTD for constructing services. To date, 22 percent of the contract
has been expended. 3. Grouncf Storage Tank Rehabiiitation with payment in the amount ofi$2,558.08 to
Wayne Smith & Assaciates for professional services. To date, 73 percent of the contract has been
expended. 4. PubEic works Addition with payment to G & z Contracting for contracting services. To
date, 100 percent of i:he contract has been expended. {Retainage still to be paid.) 5. Second Elevated
Storage Tank with pa�yment in the amount af$1,893,OQ to Stork Southwestern Laboratories for testing
serv;ces. To date; 21 �ercent of the ^c�tract has '�ee_n. ex�ended. p�yment in the �mc����t of
$218i1�9-23 tc� L�.n.dm�rk Cc?nstruction for eQ.n.�truction ServicPS. �o �1ate 47 �erGe�,t �if the contra�t
has been expended. 6, Surface Water Pump Station with payment in the amount of$5,316.00 to Stork
Southwestern Laboratories for tesfing services. To date, 71 percent of the contract has been expended.
4/ 15/02 � 1886
Payment in the amount of $52,000.00 to T & C Construction LTD for constructing services. To date,
three percent of the contract has been expended. ,Tota! payments were $633,738.58. B. Approve
� disposition of Bid Nc�. 2002-03 for Water Improvement Projeet—24" Trunk Waterline for surface Water
Second take Point from Beamer Road to Blackhawk Bou[evard i:o Calco Contracting, Inc. in the amount
of $781,736. C. Approval of the assignment and assumption of the agreement from American Tower
Corporation to Amer3can Tawer, L.P. D. Approve Federal Equitable Sharing Agreement(FESA)to share
seized assets with the fieder�l government. E. Invoke Rule I8 of the Rules of Procedure and change the
regular meefing dafe from Monday, May 6 to Tuesday; May 7 for�he first meeting in May. F. Approve
Banner Perrrmit Anplica�ion far Firsfi Baptist Ghurch_ G, PrapPrty Tax Report for the mont.h. of March
2002. H. Minutes af the March 18 and April 1, 2002 Council Meetings.
Seconded by Counci(member•Goza. The motion was apprave unanirnously.
A motion was made and approved to adjourn at 8:30 PM.
�/
� -Mayor Harald L. Whitaker
Attest:
'. � �
Fd�i � �� `� � � �'.�
Deloris McKenzie, T MC " � -
City Secretary