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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2011-04-04 Regular 04/04/11 3540 � STATE OF TEXAS )( CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD )( COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS )( APRIL 04, 2011 )( MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD CITY COUNCIL THAT WAS HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL 04, 2011, 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 JIM HILL COUNCILMEMBER MICHAEL BARKER COUNCILMEMBER JIM BARR COUNCILMEMBER PAT MCGINNIS COUNCILMEMBER BILL HOLBERT COUNCILMEMBER DEIRDRE BROWN CITY ATTORNEY BILL OLSON CITY MANAGER ROGER ROECKER CITY SECRETARY MELINDA WELSH REGULAR SESSION Mayor Smith called the meeting to order. � The invocation was given by Dr. David Belk of First Baptist Church of Friendswood. Mayor Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and to the State of Texas. JOINT DOCKETED PUBLIC HEARINGS Mayor Smith and Planning and Zoning Commission Vice Chair Mark McLean cailed the hearing to order to receive comments from the public, both oral and written, regarding the consideration of amending Appendix C, Zoning Ordinance of the City of Friendswood Code of Ordinances, regarding amendments to Section 7.Q., Regulation Matrix— Residential Districts. Planning and Zoning Commission Vice Chair McLean asked if anyone would like to speak regarding the proposed amendment. Janis Lowe, Friendswood resident, stated she would like to speak regarding the Regulation Matrix, is sorry that she missed the Planning and Zoning Commission's meeting regarding this item, has concerns regarding the Garden Home District, thinks the goal of Staff or the Planning and Zoning Commission would be to create the ability to move cars from the road to the driveway, concern is that doing the setback will squeeze the size of the building envelope and will create a smaller house on a small lot and will create a greater density issue, and also has issues with the utilities access being moved. Vice Chair McLean asked if anyone else would like to speak and no one spoke. Hearing no further comments, Planning and Zoning Commission Vice Chair Mark McLean closed this portion of the Joint Public Hearing. � Hearing no further comments, Council kept the Joint Docketed Public Hearing open. 04/04/11 3541 ..�, Mayor Smith and Planning and Zoning Commission Vice Chair Mark McLean called the hearing to order to receive comments from the public, both oral and written, regarding the consideration of amending Appendix C, Zoning Ordinance of the City of Friendswood Code of Ordinances, regarding amendments to section 8.N.4.b., regarding Fenestration. Planning and Zoning Commission Vice Chair McLean asked if anyone would like to speak for or against the proposed amendment. No one spoke. Hearing no further comments, Planning and Zoning Commission Vice Chair Mark McLean closed this portion of the Joint Public Hearing. Hearing no further comments, Council kept the Joint Docketed Public Hearing open. Mayor Smith and Planning and Zoning Commission Vice Chair Mark McLean called the hearing to order to receive comments from the public, both oral and written, regarding the consideration of amending Appendix C, Zoning Ordinance of the City of Friendswood Code of Ordinances, regarding amendments to Section 15, Amendments, regarding Notification. Planning and Zoning Commission Vice Chair McLean asked if anyone would like to speak for or against the proposed amendment. Charles Prendergast, Friendswood resident, stated he is on the board of the Boca Raton Homeowners Association and the association feels that any notification to the citizens on any development that is on property adjacent to home owners should be made. He stated this is not the best wording because it requires everyone to sign up to be notified but any notification is better than none. .��, Vice Chair McLean asked if anyone else would like to speak and no one spoke. Hearing no further comments, Planning and Zoning Commission Vice Chair Mark McLean closed this portion of the Joint Public Hearing. Hearing no further comments, Council kept the Joint Docketed Public Hearing open. The Planning and Zoning Commission adjourned to the upstairs conference room to continue their meeting. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC Fred Krch, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and spoke regarding hearing that Council does not want more seniors in Friendswood because they do not spend enough money. Many senior citizens fought in wars that gave the rights to people today, thinks Lake Friendswood will draw senior citizens, assumes all of Council are Christians; they should think like Christians and take care of senior citizens. He believes abortion is wrong and those who wonder can refer to Jeremiah 1:5. He stated the proponents for the animal shelter want a"no kill" shelter but will not give the same support to anti-abortion programs. Friendswood should support senior citizens and their needs. Janis Lowe, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated she is in support of the Public- Educational and Government (PEG) Channel policy. She reported that she watched the Library Board meeting on the PEG Channel and wonders why speakers were shown at that meeting but not in other televised meetings, understands the City Manager is in charge of editing, but for continuity speakers should be on camera in the televised version of the meeting. .�. 04/04/11 3542 � COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMITTEES AND SPECIAL REPORTS A written annual report was provided by the Parks and Recreation Board Chair Tom Goodwin. Councilmember Brown stated she would like for this report to be included in the agenda packet backup documents on the website and Mayor Smith suggested this report be included in the minutes instead. The annual report read as follows: Good evening Mr. Mayor, members of Council, City Manager, Staff and citizens of Friendswood. I would like to begin this report by conveying the gratitude of myself and fellow board members to the Mayor and Council for continually supporting the need to have volunteer citizens' representation on boards such as the Parks and Recreation Board. We would also like to thank Community Services Director James Toney and the Staff of the Community Services Department for their unending willingness to aid the Parks and Recreation Board in performing our duties. In review of the past twelve months, the Parks and Recreation Board has been involved in the development of many projects that fall under its purview such as in 2010 the City saw the adoption of the new Parks Master Plan, and hopes this gives the City direction in working on long, medium, and short term solutions to the ever increasing demand for park land for the citizens of Friendswood. Also, in conjunction with the above statement the Board continually strives to seek ways to improve the current facilities. In addition, we as a board are excited about the completion of the extra parking on Stadium Lane. This not only relieves some of the vehicular congestion at Renwick Park, it has increased pedestrian safety as well. Thank you. With the approval of this plan, the Board began looking at Hike and Bike trails to link the City together. In conjunction with discussions with the Drainage District, the Board has seen a way to help make this project a reality by utilizing the creek system. So, the Board remains focused on how it could best utilize the existing Parks and facilities; all the while understanding the current need and future growth of our community. The Board's goals for the upcoming year are, through the completion and approval by � Council of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, that we will continually address the ideas and concerns of the citizens of Friendswood as they pertain to Parks and Recreation. But as a Board we feel the completion of this Plan will show that the most pressing item on the table is acquiring and developing land for parks. With this in mind, we must continually strive to bring our park land to the required acreage to meet the current population of the City. We also feel the City has taken a major step towards this goal by pursuing grants to make the Lake Friendswood property a reality. The Board would like to openly thank the Mayor and Council for all their efforts in this project. The Board hopes that with the use of the Master Plan it will show that the most urgent need of developing new parks and improving the current ones that will help alleviate the pressures on the parks that currently host the youth sport programs in our community. At first thought, people may think the Board's work on the Master Plan is only geared to meet the needs of the few in our community, but as you discover, youth sports fields benefit the community as a whole. But while youth sports are extremely important to a community, the Board's findings have shown as the Master Plan is developed, the community would love to see the development of recreation areas for eco-tourism, hike-bike trails, Civic or Community Centers, and a place to enjoy some water recreation just to name a few. Also included in the Master Plan is a look down the road at the eventual build out of the City. So as this pertains to the acquisition and development of park land we all must continually be aware of the needs of our community and its size. I know I speak for the entire Parks and Recreation Board that keeping Friendswood a great place to live requires both passion and vision, and the Board is 100% committed behind those ideals. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Roger Roecker reported that the Governor's Community Achievement Awards are presented each year to Texas communities with the best grassroots environmental programs in the state. Communities are judged based on their population size in ten categories, which is derived from population estimates from the Texas State Data Center. The efforts of these communities to involve ,,,_, citizens, businesses, schools, local government and youth to keep their city, county or region beautiful will earn ten of them a share of $2 million in landscaping monies from the Texas Department of Transportation. These prizes are designated for landscaping projects along local state rights-of-way. 04/04/11 3543 � The Keep Friendswood Beautiful (KFB) committee submitted a grant application and received second place in their population category. They received a score of 90 or better this year as opposed to their first year attempt in 2010 of 75. Cleburne won the largest grant award in the same category. While they did not receive any grant money this year, KFB has certainly improved their efforts and will try again next year. This second place is unheard of for a city that has only been participating, as Keep Friendswood Beautiful has, for two years. It is a tribute to the hard work of the KFB members and the Community Services Department staff. Special recognition should go to the grant writing subcommittee from KFB - Sherry Goen, Chair, Susan Delcambre, Loretta Murphy, Patty Steinke, Susan Stephens, Martha Cotton, Community Services Director James Toney, Community Services Administrative Secretary Kimberly Ramirez, and the entire KFB committee for all their hard work throughout the year. The City Manager reported that Friendswood community and visitors will soon be admiring many beautifully maintained and collectible automobiles and motorcycles at Stevenson Park because the Fifth Annual FIG Festival & Car Show is planned for Saturday, April 16, from 9 AM to 4 PM. The popular family event is coordinated by the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce, Friendswood Historical Society and the City of Friendswood. Title sponsor for the event, AMOCO Federal Credit Union, expects over 200 auto entries this year to compete for the 3:30 PM awards ceremony. The Historical Society wants to remind residents of the heritage of Friendswood. They will have fig trees for sale, and bus tours of the Frank J. Brown Museum, the Perry House, the Friends Church Cemetery and other historical locations. Many businesses, organizations and churches have signed up for booths and more than 25 craft booths are expected. HEB is sponsoring the Kid Zone again this year, which will have games and rides for children with proceeds benefiting the March of Dimes. A variety of food booths are expected including hamburgers, hotdogs, sausage on a stick, homemade lemonade, barbeque and possibly even crawfish. As you know, FIG stands for Friendswood Is Great, and this is the perfect event to prove it! The City Manager reported that the City began broadcasting the Public-Educational-Government (PEG) ""'� Channel in 2006. Since that time, the City began broadcasting City Council meetings and other board, commission, and committee meetings that meet in the Council Chambers. The City began broadcasting by using a camcorder on a tripod in the back of the Council Chambers, and eventually purchased the multi-camera system and editing equipment that is used today. The City receives quarterly franchise fees from our cable utility companies. A portion of this franchise fee is required to be used for"PEG Capital" expenditures. The City is moving forward with plans to use part of these funds to make a few upgrades and advancements in the PEG channel utilization. This item is on the budget amendment to be presented on tonighYs agenda. Four new televisions will be installed in City Hall that will broadcast the PEG channel throughout the business day. These televisions will also have the capability of showing any additional City-related information on a day-to-day basis. Two televisions will be located in the lobby area, and two will be in upstairs conference rooms. Residents who are waiting in line to pay a utility bill or visit the satellite tax office will be able to watch the City's channel while they wait. The rewiring will allow a direct feed from the projectors in the City Council Chambers to the meeting recordings, thereby eliminating the need for a camera to point at the screen. This will improve the appearance of whatever is projected on the screen. This is an excellent upgrade, especially since the money being used comes directly from franchise fees sent by Comcast and AT&T. Staff will continue to look for other ways to improve the City's media outlets. SPECIAL SESSION Mayor Smith opened the discussion regarding the Capital Improvements Program (CIP). City Manager Roger Roecker stated that Community Development Director Morad Kabiri would lead this discussion and stated that the last time Staff spoke to this, the projects within the first five years were discussed and now projects beyond five years will be discussed. .,.. Community Development Director Morad Kabiri stated all projects have been included in the packet that was provided to Council and have been placed in the order of importance based on previous Council 04/04/11 3544 ,�. discussions over the past three-plus years. He then listed the items on the list with those being the library, which included the construction of a new library, a records retention center, a civic center, Imperial Estates, Lake Friendswood, the Pavement Management Master Plan, Brittany Bay Boulevard from FM 528 towards League City, Friendswood Link Road Phase II, FM 518 drainage improvements, a new replacement for the headquarters fire station, Old City Park improvements, Anna Lea-Whitehall drainage improvements, Friendswood Sportspark Phase II, park land acquisition, Brittany Bay Boulevard Phase II which ties into Pearland Parkway, Shadowbend drainage improvements, Sunmeadow drainage improvements, West Edgewood FM 2351 drainage outfall, Public Safety Building Phase II, Public Works Building renovations, San Joaquin Parkway reconstruction, Fire Department Training Field upgrades, and Parks maintenance building Phase I and Phase II. Councilmember Brown stated she is interested in tracking the CIP's back as far as they have been in existence and seeing what the estimated costs were, how long the projects have been on the list, and if anything ever fell off the CIP list. She stated this will help her rank the projects. Morad Kabiri stated he could do that. Mayor Smith stated that Council went through the CIP list line by line three years ago to determine the status of many of the projects. Morad Kabiri stated he can give a historical reference to each item with a progression of the estimates. Mayor Smith stated to pay close attention to the information provided in 2008 because that was the first time in a long time there was any adding and subtracting from the original list. � Councilmember Brown stated she is looking more at 1999 to see how it is tracked through and the process. ACTION ITEMS '`'`Councilmember Barr moved to approve a second amendment to the License and Lease Agreement with Friendswood Independent School District for acreage within Centennial Park adjacent to the Junior High site to accommodate a new parking lot and authorizing the Mayor to execute the agreement. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Holbert moved to approve the renewal of an Interlocal Agreement with the Houston- Galveston Subsidence District to participate in the Water-Wise Conservation Program and authorizing the Mayor to execute the agreement. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously. *'`Councilmember Barr moved to approve the City of Friendswood to host the Galveston County Mayors' and Councilmembers'Association meeting on September 14, 2011. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously. ORDINANCES Planning and Zoning Vice-Chair Mark McLean returned to the Council Chambers at this time and stated the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved all items presented at tonight's Joint Docketed Public Hearings. Councilmember McGinnis asked if the Planning and Zoning Commission discussed the points that earlier ,,..,,, speaker Janis Lowe presented and if so what was the conclusion of the discussion and Vice Chair McLean stated the suggestions made earlier would not affect the size of the homes because the recommendations are minimum requirements and anyone wanting a larger home may build one. 04/04/11 3545 ...� The Planning and Zoning Commission believes the changes are necessary particularly on the finrenty foot setbacks. Councilmember McGinnis asked if this would apply to new subdivisions that will be developed and there wiii be no impact on the type or size of the home otherwise and Vice Chair McLean stated that if Council votes in favor of the recommended changes they will not be effective until such a time as they have been approved. Councilmember Brown stated she did notice that the change with the lot size would make it more in line with the Planned Unit Development (PUD) clusters, and asked why go up to 20 feet on the front yards and it is 15 feet on all the other categories. Vice Chair McLean stated there is an existing subdivision that was done under these guidelines and it turned out to be a mess because there was no room for sidewalks or for cars to be completely off the streets. The Planning and Zoning Commission believes that recommendations from Staff and citizens in the communities made them consider changes. Community Development Director Morad Kabiri stated the PUD clusters are specific to an individual piece of property so they will not be changed. Councilmember Barr asked when and why the 60 to 120 size was changed to 60 to 100 and Morad Kabiri stated he did not know. Mayor Smith reminded Council that this was just to hear the Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation and Council can ask questions when the ordinance comes up on the agenda. **Councilmember Holbert moved to approve the First Reading of Ordinance T2011-10 — an Ordinance amending Appendix C of the Code of Ordinances of he City of Friendswood, Texas, said Appendix C being the Zoning Ordinance of the City, by changing the Zoning Classification of a 10.0- acre tract of land at 402 Laurel from Single Family Residential (SFR) to Planned Unit Development District (PUD-SUP); providing for the granting of a Specific Use Permit to authorize the use of property within said PUD for NAICS use #611 — Education services, NAICS use #6111 — Elementary and secondary schools, and NAICS use #6116 — Other schools and instruction; providing for the amendment of the Official Zoning �'"" Map; imposing certain conditions; providing a penalty in an amount not to exceed $2,000 for each day of violation of any provision hereof; and providing for severability. (Friendswood Junior High) Seconded by Councilmember Hill: The motion was approved unanimously. "*Counci�member Barr moved to approve the First Reading of Ordinance T2011-12 — an Ordinance amending Appendix C of the Friendswood City Code, said Appendix C being City of Friendswood, Texas ordinance No. 84-15, as amended, originally adopted the 19th day of November, 1984, and being the Zoning Ordinance of the City, by amending section 8(N), Subsection 4, to amend the provisions pertaining to fenestration and emergency access doors; providing a penalty of an amount not to exceed $2,000 for each day of violation of any provision hereof; and providing for severability. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously. Mayor Smith closed Council's portion of the Joint Docketed Public Hearing. **Councilmember Brown moved to table First Reading of Ordinance T2011-13— an Ordinance amending Appendix C of the Friendswood City Code, said Appendix C being City of Friendswood, Texas, Ordinance No. 84-15, as amended, originally adopted the 19'h day of November, 1984, and being Zoning Ordinance of the City by Subsection De of Section 15 "Amendments" by clarifying language regarding notice of joint public hearings and adding new notification requirements for changes to the Permitted Use Table; providing a penalty of an amount not to exceed $2,000 for each day of violation of any provision hereof; and providing for severability. Seconded by Councilmember Barker. The motion was approved 5-2 with Mayor Smith and Councilmember Hill opposed. .�., 04/04/11 3546 ***Councilmember Holbert moved to approve the First reading of Ordinance T2011-14 — an Ordinance amending Appendix C of the Friendswood City Code, said Appendix C being Ordinance No. 84-15, as amended, originally adopted the 19th day of November, 1984, and being the Zoning Ordinance of the City, by amending the Regulation Matrix Table for residential districts contained in Section 7.Q District area and height regulations, Subsection 2, by amending the Regulation Matrix and notes for residential districts to change the front and rear yard setbacks in the Multi-Family Residential—Garden Home District (MFR-GHD) and to specify that the parking is required in accordance with the Parking Group Table in the Design Criteria Manual; providing other matters relating to the subject; providing a penalty of an amount not to exceed $2,000 for each day of violation of any provision hereof; and providing for severability. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously. ""Councilmember Barker moved to approve the First and Final reading of Ordinance 2011-15—an Ordinance amending City of Friendswood, Texas, Ordinance No. 2010-28, passed and approved October 4, 2010, same being an ordinance approving and adopting the City's General Budget for Fiscal Year 2010-2011 by approving "Budget Amendment VI"to the"Original General Budget of the City of Friendswood, Texas, for the Fiscal Year 2010-2011"; providing for supplemental appropriation and/or transfer of certain funds; providing for severability; and providing other matters related to the subject. Seconded by Councilmember Holbert. The motion was approved unanimously. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS Councilmember Barker stated he had no report. Mayor Pro-Tem Hill discussed the Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District meeting he attended ,� March 27, 2011, regarding water credits with the Houston-Galveston Subsidence District. He stated at this meeting they talked about purple pipe, which signifies a line with non-potable water, planned to drill four water wells and pump the water out of the detention ponds and refill the ponds with the wells if the water gets too low. He stated the original 2005 agreement states that they have permission to pump 75 million gallons a year from the wells and they can use the City's water credits in an emergency. He believes Staff should do more research and place the subject on another agenda for discussion because it is a concern and the City should not lose water credits to water plants. Community Development Director Morad Kabiri stated in 2005 when the Management District was created, the Utility Services Agreement had a provision under Section 2 that allowed them to drill four irrigation wells and pump up to 75 million gallons annually to irrigate or to fill up their detention ponds. Within the agreement the City allows them to drill the wells but specifies that there are issues with respect to groundwater limitations and no more than 20 percent can be taken. Staff feels there is some level of ambiguity to the agreement and a new development is warranted. He stated Staff has been meeting with Adam Lambert and Keith Schoonover with West Ranch and they agreed to get Staff the projections. He stated that 75 million gallons annually at the build out of the City will represent a small fraction of the City's overall water usage, or three to five percent, but it is still a significant amount of water. He stated the developer is willing to work with the City but no details have been hammered out. Mayor Smith stated if he is thinking correctly the Management District is responsible for the irrigation and the maintenance associated with the grounds and Morad Kabiri stated yes. Mayor Smith stated it will eventually be the property owners' responsibility to water the plants, so who is benefiting from the well. Mayor Pro-Tem Hill stated he commented to Adam Lambert about this issue. Mr. Hill reported that he had a water well years ago and it is very costly, and City water is the best buy there is. A well needs to be 600 feet deep and is expensive to operate, is concerned about the subsidence of the area and it ,,._, needs to be kept from sinking. Mayor Smith thanked Morad Kabiri for the help. 04/04/11 3547 ... Councilmember Barr reported that he would like to remind everyone of Spring Sparkle on Saturday, April 9, 2011, at Centennial Park. There will also be a garage sale, and profits go back into the parks so please make sure to participate. Councilmember McGinnis reported that the Library Board Long Range Planning Meeting will take place on May 7, 2011. Councilmember Holbert stated the Galveston County Fair and Rodeo runs this weekend and there are a lot of family activities. Councilmember Brown reported that the second Homeowners Association Education Forum will be Saturday, April 9, 2011, from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and please RSVP to her email address by April 5, 2011. Spring Sparkle is from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM so it is possible to attend both events. The Bay Area Council of Boy Scouts is having a fundraiser on April 28, 2011, at the Green Event Center and they are looking for table sponsors. The League of Women Voters Candidate Forum will be held on April 28, 2011, at 6:30 PM. Ms. Brown stated there will be an annual appreciation reception in honor of Harris County Commissioner EI Franco Lee on April 12, 2011. Mayor Smith stated that Council has been invited to play in the Girls Softball game this weekend. Staff members may play if they are interested. He stated April 16 is the Friendswood Is Great (FIG) Festival and it is a great traditional celebration. **Councilmember Brown made a point of information on who will be meeting with Council in Executive Session regarding Section 551.087 and Mayor Smith stated no one other than Staff. .�, CONSENT AGENDA **Councilmember Barr moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented: A. Authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement with Friendswood Area Swim team (FAST) for the use of the Sesquicentennial Swimming Pool. B. Accept the February 2011 Property Tax Report. C. Approve minutes of the March 7, 2011, Council Meeting. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION Council convened into Executive Session in accordance with the Texas Government Code, pursuant to Section 551.087 — Deliberation regarding Economic Development Negotiations; to deliberate the offer of a financial or other incentive to a business prospect. Council closed the Executive Session at 9:08 PM with no action taken later in the open meeting. Councilmember Holbert and City Attorney Bill Olson left the meeting at 9:10 PM. Council convened into Executive Session in accordance with the Texas Government Code, pursuant to Section 551.074 — Personnel Matters; to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee; or to hear a complaint or charge against an officer or employee. (Evaluation of the City Manager) Council closed the Executive Session at 10:18 PM and reconvened into Regular Session at 10:19 PM with action taken later in the meeting. ..,. **Councilmember Barker made a motion regarding the annual evaluation of the City Manager and to approve a raise of 2.25 percent. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. 04/04/11 3548 � Councilmember Barker stated he thinks City Manager Roger Roecker is doing a good job. Councilmember Hill stated anyone would be fortunate to have an employee liker Roger Roecker, is pleased to know him and work with him, and stated he deserves more money but would not take more. Councilmember Barr stated he deserves more but this is all he is willing to take. His managing skills are great in dealing with all of Council, appreciates the way he manages Council and Staff and works with citizens. Councilmember McGinnis stated he appreciated the guidance and working with him while he was a new Councilmember, and appreciates him as a City Manager. Councilmember Brown stated she appreciates all the hard work he has done, appreciates the adaptability, is not in favor of a large raise at this time with the economy the way it is now but it is no reflection on him personally, cannot support giving a raise whether it is justified or not, appreciates the time and skill of all of City Staff and believes they are well paid. She stated that she believes educational efforts are a good way to invest in Staff rather than raises, appreciates all of the time Roger Roecker invests in all of the educational material he sends, believes others can come up in the City system the way he did. Mayor Smith stated he would like to explain what a raise to the salary means. City Manager Roger Roecker has a contract that states he will receive at least the minimum of the average increase of the City's employees. The increase percentage will be more than 2.25 percent but Roger has asked it to reflect what upper management's increase will be. He further stated that Roger Roecker is the right ,� person for the job, appreciates the skills Roger has brought to the position but also trusts him with himself, his family and the community. Friendswood is in good hands. He tried to figure out what else Council could do for him and believes they could make the raise retroactive to his January 2011 anniversary date. **"Councilmember Barker amended the motion that the 2.25 percent increase be retroactive to January 2011, and the appropriate pay date. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved 5-1 with Councilmember Brown opposed. ****Main motion, as amended, was approved. Councilmember Brown stated she has a different appreciation of the City Manager's contract, does believe that the 2.25 percent presented by Roger Roecker is a very balanced number as opposed to what it could be and there could have been an effort to legitimately sell a higher number and Mr. Roecker approached Council in a fair minded way and she appreciates working with him. Mayor Smith stated Councilmember Holbert had to leave the meeting early due to a work function but told Mr. Roecker he appreciated him and the work he does. The meeting was adjourned at 10:32 PM. avid J. . Smith Attest: F R�ElyO pF S� m...., c l�i��J"�."-i-d� ~ V Q Melinda Welsh, TRMC * * City Secretary �' Py ��°rF oF j��'