HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN 09.12.2006 CC-RThe City Council of the City of Georgetown, Texas, met in Regular Session on the above date with Mayor
Gary Nelon presiding.
Council Present. Council Absent.
Patty Eason, Doug Smith, Henry Carr, Pat Gabe Sansing
Berryman, Farley Snell, Ben Oliver
1,. 1 '
Paul Brandenburg, City Manager; Tom Yantis, Assistant City Manager; Jim Briggs, Assistant City
Manager for Utility Operations; Patricia E. Carls, City Attorney; Sandra D. Lee, City Secretary; Micki
Rundell, Director of Finance and Administration; David Morgan, Police Chief; Travis McLain, Airport
Manager; Ed Polasek, Principal Long -Range Planner; Keith Hutchinson, Public Information Officer;
Leticia Zavala, Accounting Manager; Melissa McCollum, Planner 11; Bobby Ray, Planning and
Development Director; Kevin Russell, Human Resources Director; David Hall, Inspections Director;
Glenn Dishong, Water Services Manager; Judy Fabry, Library Administrative Assistant Ili; Marsha Iwers,
Purchasing Manager
• • ! - • • ' - • • • • • • MONOUTIT
A Discussion and possible direction to staff to amend Chapter 10.04 and add new section 10.04.045 of the
Code of Ordinances of the City of Georgetown pertaining to riding of bicycles, velocipedes, mopeds and
similar vehicles, to establish restrictions on the unauthorized use and operation of motor assisted scooters
and mopeds, provide definitions, and establishing parental liability for child's unlawful use and operation of
motor assisted scooters and mopeds --David Morgan, Chief of Police and Paul E. Brandenburg, City
Manager
Morgan explained that there have been public safety concerns about the above-mentioned motorized
vehicles. He said state requirements are very lax, with no restrictions regarding day or night use.
Brandenburg told Council that there have been numerous complaints. There were questions from the
Council. Morgan said the purpose of the workshop is to get feedback from the Council. Brandenburg noted
that the main issue is to regulate not to prohibit. He told Council that an ordinance would be brought to
them at the next meeting.
5:18 p.m. recessed to Executive Session
Executive Session
Regular Session to convene and continue Executive Session, if necessary
In compliance with the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Government Code, Vernon's Texas Codes,
Annotated, the items listed below will be discussed in closed session and are subject to action in the
regular session that follows.
B Sec.551.071: Consultation with Attorney
- Advice from attorney about pending or contemplated litigation and other matters on which the attorney has a duty to advise
City Council Meeting Minutes/September 12, 2006
Page 1 of 11 Pages
the City Council, including agenda items
- Requesting Authorization Lloyd Gosselink to review the electric service agreement for Project Lee -- Jim Briggs, Assistant City
Manager for Utility Operations
- Evaluation of the LCRA contract -- Jim Briggs, Assistant City Manager for Utility Operations
-Transamerican Underground vs. Arch Insurance Co., C.C. Carleton Industries, and Third Party Defendant the City of
Georgetown, Cause No. 06-121-C277, District Court of Williamson County, 277th Judicial District
- Civil Action No. A -06 -CA -082 SS, Daniel and Carmen Henderson v. City of Georgetown and Bishop Gregory Aymond for the
Diocese ofAustin, in the United States District Court, Western District of Texas, Austin Division
- Application by MUD 19 for a Sewer Utility Certificate of Convenience and Necessity
C Sec 551.072 - Deliberations about Real Property
- Discussion and possible action related to the aquisition of property within the Williams Drive Gateway Redevelopment Area.
D Sec.551.087: Deliberations Regarding Economic Development Negotiations
- Discussions or deliberations regarding commercial or financial information that the governmental body has received from a
business prospect that the City Council seeks to have locate, stay or expand in or near the territory of the City and with which
the City Council is conducting economic development negotiations; or to deliberate the offer of a financial or other incentive
to a business prospect that the City Council seeks to have locate, stay or expand in or near the territory of the City and with
which the City Council is conducting economic development negotiations.
Regular Session ® To begin no earlier than 06:00 PM
(Council may, at any time, recess the Regular Session to convene an Executive Session at the request of
the Mayor, a Councilmember, or the City Manager for any purpose authorized by the Open Meetings Act,
Texas Government Code Chapter 551.)
6:02 p.m. -- adjourned Executive Session
Mayor Nelon called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
Mayor Nelon led the Pledge.
G Comments from the dais
- Welcome to Audience and Opening Comments -- Mayor Gary Nelon
- Review of procedure for addressing the City Council
Mayor Nelon welcomed the audience and explained the procedures for the Council Meeting.
Announcement of a vacancy for the Downtown Business Owner position on the Main Street Advisory Board
Mayor Nelon announced the vacancy.
Proclamation to be presented to Dr. Charles Aguillon of the Georgetown Independent School District
regarding music education
Mayor Nelon read and presented the proclamation to Dr. Aguillon.
Graduation Ceremony for the participants in the Georgetown Citizen Academy
Brandenburg announced the graduation of the first class of 22 citizens who participated in the Citizen
Academy. Brandenburg explained the function of the academy and named the graduates. They
accepted their diplomas from the Mayor.
H Announcements and Comments from City Manager
Brandenburg made the following announcements:
On Wednesday, September 20, at 9:30 a.m., Williamson County will dedicate the entrance road
into Berry Springs Park and Preserve as Tom McDaniel Parkway and will dedicate a park bench in
his memory. The dedication is open to the public.
On Wednesday, September 20th at 5:00pm, The Georgetown Independent School District will
have its Groundbreaking Ceremony for Phase One of the new High School at 500 County Road 104.
The Groundbreaking Ceremony is open to the public.
With renovations to be completed early next year, Parks and Recreation will begin accepting
reservations for the Georgetown Community Center on Monday, October 2, 2006. Community Center
reservations may be made for dates after March 1, 2007. The Community Center is located in San
Gabriel Park. For complete fees, regulations, and uses, please contact the Parks and Recreation
Administration office at (512) 930-3595. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5
p.m.
The Georgetown Police Department is launching a new program called Volunteers in Police
City Council Meeting Minutes/September 12, 2006
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Service. The volunteer program will offer a wide range of positions that may include jobs for office
administration, data entry, school-based programs, research, vehicle maintenance, traffic/crowd
control, citizen patrols, and special programs such as Blue Santa. Young adults ages 14 to 18 can
volunteer by joining the police Explorer Post 152. For More information about the YIPS Program, call
Lt. Evelyn McLean with the Georgetown Police Department at (512) 930-8408 or visit our website at
www.georgetown.org.
I Public Wishing to Address Council
As of the deadline, there were no persons who requested to address the Council on items other than
already posted on the Agenda.
J Action from Executive Session
Motion by Smith, second by Carr that the City Council authorize the Mayor to sign the Memorandum of
Understanding with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) related to the wholesale power contract
negotiations. Approved 6-0 (Sansing absent)
Motion by Smith, second by Oliver that the City Council retain the services of the law firm of Lloyd
Gosselink to review the draft electric service agreement with Citicorp North America, Inc. Approved 6-0
(Sansing absent)
Motion by Smith, second by Eason that the City Council authorize the City Manager and the Assistant City
Manager to commence discussions with the Georgetown Independent School District and other landowners
regarding the possible acquisition of properties in the Williams Drive Gateway Redvelopment Area, and to
report back to the City Council regarding such discussions. Approved 6-0. (Sansing absent)
Statutory Consent Agenda
The Statutory Consent Agenda includes non -controversial and routine items that Council may act on with
one single vote. A councilmember may pull any item from the Consent Agenda in order that the council
discuss and act upon it individually as part of the Regular Agenda.
K Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes of the Council Workshop on Monday, August 21,
Council Meeting on Tuesday, August 22, and the Special Public Hearing on August 31, 2006 -- Shirley
Rinn, Deputy City Secretary and Sandra D. Lee, City Secretary
Oliver pointed out that he had been absent from the Council Meeting on Tuesday, August 22, and the
mintues need to be corrected to reflect his absence from voting.
L Consideration and possible action to approve Resolution to accept the 2006 Tax Appraisal Roll for the
City of Georgetown as presented by Deborah Hunt, Tax Assessor -Collector -- Micki Rundell, Director
Finance & Administration
M Consideration and possible action to approve a Resolution approving the 2006/07 Budget and related
Property Tax Assessment for the Georgetown Village Public Improvement District #1 -- Micki Rundell,
Director Finance & Administration
N Consideration and possible action to adopt a Resolution accepting the proposed project list and approving
the Adopted 2006/07 Budget for the Georgetown Transportation Enhancement Corporation -- Micki
Rundell, Director Finance & Administration
O Consideration and possible action to approve a professional services contract for $27,567.50 with Matthew
and Company of Georgetown for the production, placement, and streaming of informational videos to
educate Georgetown voters prior to the November 7 election on the one-quarter cent street maintenance
sales tax ballot item -- Keith Hutchinson, Public Information Officer and Paul Brandenburg, City Manager
P Consideration and possible action to approve an amendment to the contract between the City of
Georgetown and Kasberg, Patrick & Associates, LP for professional services relating to the engineering
review for the remainder of Sun City Texas -- David Munk, P.E., Development Engineer and Bobby Ray,
AICP, Director of Planning and Development
Q Consideration and possible action on a Public Review Final Plat for 37.043 acres in the Frederick Foy
Survey, Abstract 229, to known as the Planned Unit Development of Sun City Georgetown Neighborhood
Forty, located west of Sun City Boulevard and north of Neighborhood 41-- Melissa McCollum, AICP,
City Council Meeting Minutes/September 12, 2006
Page 3 of 11 Pages
Planner II and Bobby Ray, AICP, Director of Planning and Development Services
Motion by Carr, second by Eason to approve the Consent Agenda with the correction to the minutes of August 22,
2006. Approved 6-0 (Sansing absent)
Council will individually consider and possibly take action on any or all of the following items:
R Presentation of the "City of Georgetown Street Maintenance Program" to be used for educational
purposes regarding the November 7, 2006 election to reauthorize a 1/4% sales tax for street maintenance --
Micki Rundell, Director Finance & Administration
With a slide display, Rundell presented an educational program regarding the proposal to reauthorize the
1/4% sales tax for street maintenance at the November 7 Election. She noted that the voters had first
authorized the 1/4 cent per $100 valuation of the sales tax for street maintenance in November, 2002; and,
the State requirese a reauthorization every four years. She said more than $3.4 million has been collected
since April of 2003; and 23 streets have been improved, heavy equipment has been purchased, and the
City has implemented a pavement management information system.
At this time, Mayor invited Lettie Lee, the City's representative to the Williamson County and Cities Health District, to
address the Council. She said she was disappointed in the City's response regarding a request for an increase in
the per capita funding for the District to help increase salaries to retain and recruit employees. She said the City is
$73 per capita, but the Health District Board had requested $85 per capita, a difference of $12,020.00. She asked
Council to consider the $2.05 per capita increase. She distributed some additional information to be copied and
distributed to the Council.
Brandenburg said not all cities in Williamson County are participating so Georgetown and the others who participate
are subsidizing the other cities. He said there needs to be a new agreement. He also said the Health District's
increase request came in late in the City's budget cycle. He said City staff met with representatives from the other
cities.
Lee said the City Attorney has been given a draft agreement. Carls said she has a meeting scheduled with Health
District Director, Karen Wilson, next week. Lee said currently there are four cities currently participating and there
are at least two more that may join.
S Consideration and possible action to authorize staff to amend Article VII, Construction, paragraph 7.01
Mandatory Construction of the long term Airport Ground tease Agreement as recommended by the
Airport Advisory Board and prepared by the City Attorney -- Travis McLain, Airport Manager and Tom
Yantis, Assistant City Manager
McLain noted that this agreement was brought to Council in July, and this is a new agreement incorporating
the suggestions from the Council. Motion by Snell, second by Carr to approve the amendment to the lease
agreement. Approved 6-0. (Sansing absent)
T Discussion and possible action related to the proposed bus transit station to be developed by the Capital
Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) in Georgetown through a grant from the Texas Department of
Transportation -- Tom Yantis, Assistant City Manager
Yantis noted that CARTS has received funding from TXDOT to construct this station in Georgetown. He
reviewed the history of the project and provided a handout to to the Council on the dais. He said the site
selection process will be repeated, saying the grant from the state was extended, so there is now a new
two-year window for the process. He noted that a scoring criteria was provided, and asked for Council's
input regarding that criteria. He referenaced a map in the handout that shows five potential sites to be
considered.
Snell asked and was told that the City would purchase the land and donate it to CARTS to satisfy our
participation in the grant. Snell asked for clarification of the use of the station as to whether it would be a
transfer station. Yantis said the grant is for an intercity route. He said the location could also be used as a
fixed route within the City. He said it could also be a centralized place to ship freight via bus, saying
currently none of these services are provided in Georgetown. Brandenburg also talked about the linkages
between downtown and Wolf Ranch, the Rivery, and Southwestern. Smith said he thinks the proposed
uses indicate the need for more than one site. Yantis said there is a plan for linkage between the local
City Council Meeting Minutes/September 12, 2006
Page 4 of 11 Pages
CARTS bus and large travel buses. Oliver noted that he understood the concerns with the first proposed
location on Holly Street. He said there needs to be more clarification about the use and the ultimate
build -out at the new location. Yantis said there will be further presentations regarding the various locations.
U Consideration and possible action to approve a resolution establishing Council policy on the implementation
of conservation subdivision design standards for certain properties within the city limits and ETJ -- Tom
Yantis, Assistant City Manager
Yantis said, currently, the land that is included in the South San Gabriel River Basin is undeveloped, but the
City is beginning to see interest in developing that area into residential sites. He said the City needs a
mechanism to implement a design standard that will eventually be adopted into the Unified Development
Code (UDC). He said it is important to get a policy in place so amendments to the Comprehensive Plan
can be handled. He said one unit per acre has been the proposed intensity for those areas, but the
developers are considering higher density, so they will be asking for revisions. He said the City will need to
request incorporation of conservation subdivision design standards in their development plans. Mayor said
this gives Council a tool to make sure that the developments comply with City standards through either
Planned Unit Development (PUD) or with development agreements. Carr asked and was told the criteria
would determine whether there would be a PUD or a development agreement. Yantis said the developer
would submit a comprehensive plan amendment for the project; which would then go before the Planning
and Zoning Commission and then to Council. Eason asked and Yantis noted that the changes to the UDC
would occur in April. Motion by Snell, second by Oliver to approve the resolution. Approved 6-0.
(Sansing absent)
V Consideration and possible action to award a bid for the construction of approximately 1800 linear feet of
sidewalk -- Mark Miller, Transportation Manager and Jim Briggs, Assistant City Manager for Utility
Operations
This item was pulled by staff and forwarded to the September 26 Agenda.
W Item forwarded from the Georgetown utility Systems (GUS) Board
Consideration and possible action to enter into an Agreement with Operations Management Iternational for
the emergency repair of the Lake Water Treatment Plant Filter #2 for $89,757.50 -- Glenn Dishong, Water
Services Manager and Jim Briggs, Assistant City Manager for Utility Operations
Dishong explained the item, saying this failure is similar to the recent failures at other plants. He said the
GUS Board unanimously approved the agreement. Berryman asked about the failure issue with the
product. Dishong noted that the City is dealing with the manufacturer regarding three of four failing at the
same time. He said there is really not a competitor for this particular product. Smith noted that the
manufacturer is giving the City substantial discounts on the replacement filters. Motion by Smith, second
by Oliver to approve the agreement. Approved 6-0. (Sansing absent)
X Second Readings
1. Second Reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 15.16, Electrical Code, of the Code of Ordinances,
providing for the adoption of the 2005 (National Electrical Code and electrical licensing registration
requirements -- David Hall, Director of Inspection Services and Tom Yantis, Assistant City Manager
Hall read only the caption of the ordinance on second reading. Motion by Carr, second by Berryman
to approve Ordinance 2006-75. Approved 6-0. (Sansing absent)
2. Second Reading of an ordinance amending Chapters 2.28, 6.0418.04, 8.087 8.20, 8.287 10.04, 10.16,
12.24 eliminating references to the position of Fire Marshal and replacing references to Fire
Marshal with references to various other city personnel consistent with the city's current administrative
divisions and departments -- David Hail, Director of Inspection Services and Tom Yantis, Assistant City
Manager
Hall read only the caption of the ordinance on second reading. Motion by Smith, second by Eason to
approve Ordinance 200646. Approved 6-0. (Sansing absent)
3. Second Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning from AG, Agricultural district to C-1, Local Commercial
district, Lot 2, Dicotec Subdivision, also known as The Barn, located at 4405 Williams Drive -- Bobby
Ray, AICP, Director of Planning and Development Services
City Council Meeting Minutes/September 12, 2006
Page 5 of 11 Pages
Ray explained
the item
and read only the caption of the
ordinance on
second reading. Motion by
Smith, second
by Carr
to approve Ordinance 2006-77,
Approved 6-0.
(Sansing absent)
4. Second Reading on an Ordinance Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change the Future Land Use
from Residential and Office/Retail/Commercial to Office/Retail/Commercial for 2.572 acres in the
William Addison Survey, Abstract No. 21, located near the northeast corner of Inner Loop and E.
University -- Jordan Maddox, Planner I and Bobby Ray, AICP, Director of Planning and Development
Services
Maddox explained the item and read only the caption of the ordinance on second reading. Motion by
Snell, second by Eason to approve Ordinance 2006-78, Approved 6-0. (Sansing absent)
5. Second Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning from RS, Residential Single -Family district to C-3, General
Commercial district, 2.572 acres in the William Addison Survey, Abstract No. 21, located at the
northeast corner of the intersection of SH -29 and Inner Loop -- Bobby Ray, AICP, Director of Planning
and Development Services
Ray explained the item and read only the caption of the ordinance on second reading. Motion by
Eason, second by Berryman to approve Ordinance 200649. Approved 6-0.
6. Second Reading on an Ordinance Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change the Future Land Use
from Residential and Office/Retail/Commercial to Office/Retail/Commercial for 42.326 acres in the
William Addison Survey, also to be known as University Plaza, located at the northeast corner of Inner
Loop and E. University -- Jordan Maddox, Planner I and Bobby Ray, AICP, Director of Planning and
Development Services
Maddox explained the item and read
only the caption of the
ordinance
on second reading. Motion by
Carr, second by Berryman to approve
Ordinance 2006-80,
Approved
6-0. (Sansing absent)
7. Second Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning from RS, Residential Single -Family and AG, Agriculture
districts to C-3, General Commercial district, 42.326 acres in the William Addison Survey, also to be
known as University Plaza, located at the northeast corner of Inner Loop and east SH -29 -- Bobby Ray,
AICP, Director of Planning and Development Services
Ray explained
the
item and
read only the caption of the ordinance on
second reading. Motion by
Eason, second
by
Smith to
approve Ordinance 2006-81, Approved
6-0. (Sansing absent)
8. Second Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning from AG, Agricultural district to PUD, Planned Unit
Development district for 37.043 acres in the Frederick Foy Survey, Abstract 229, to known as the
Planned Unit Development of Sun City Georgetown Neighborhood Forty, located west of Sun City
Boulevard and north of Neighborhood 41 -- Melissa McCollum, AICP, Planner 11 and Bobby Ray, AICP,
Director of Planning and Development Services
McCollum explained the item and read only the caption of the ordinance on second reading. Motion
by Carr, second by Berryman to approve Ordinance 2006-82, Approved 6-0. (Sansing absent)
9. Second Reading of an Ordinance Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change the intensity level
from Level 1 to Level 2 for 154.015 acres in the A.H. Porter Survey, also known as Cimarron Hills —
Jensen Tract, located at 300 Lightning Road near SH 29 West -- Jordan Maddox, Planner I and Bobby
Ray, AICP, Director of Planning and Development Services
Maddox explained the item and read only the caption of the ordinance on second reading. Motion by
Berryman, second by Smith to approve Ordinance 2006-83, Approved 6-0. (Sansing absent)
Y Public hearings/First Readings
1. First reading of an ordinance levying a tax rate for the City of Georgetown for the tax year 2006 --
Micki Rundell, Director Finance & Administration
Rundell explained the item, saying the rate is based on the net taxable property values at January 1,
2006, and is being proposed at $0.36728 per $100 valuation, representing a 6% increase in last year's
rate of $0.34626. She noted to Council that this rate has been used in preparing the budget for
adoption in the next item on the agenda. She noted that the state requires specific language when
City Council Meeting Minutes/September 12, 2006
Page 6 of 11 Pages
making the motion, as outlined in the agenda item cover sheet for this item.
Speaker, Helen Jackson, said the 2 cent increase coupled with the 3% to 4% increase in property
values results in a 10% increase in the amount of taxes to be paid by citizens. She said she is in favor
of a pay increase for public safety if it can be done without a tax increase. She said two proposed
one-time expenditures, a dog park and a merit bonus program for non -safety personnel, seem to be
exclusive to specific people. She said she disagreed with trying to "keep up" with Round Rock.
Speaker, Joseph Carpenter, said he doesn't think the City has hired the proper people to manage the
City's budget. He said the staff and Council have approved the tax increase, but what about the
citizens? He said he thinks the proposed tax rate is wrong.
Rundell read the caption only of the ordinance on first reading after having satisfied the requirements of
the City Charter. Motion by Snell, second by Smith that property taxes be increased by the adoption of
a tax rate of $0.36728, of which $0.21979 will be for Maintenance and Operations, and $0.14749 for
interest and sinking.
Carr asked that his words be recorded in the minutes, verbatim. Following is Carr's statement for the
record:
"I do oppose the high tax rate that we have published and talked about for several weeks; also oppose
the budget that's implicit in this tax rate. I think we're simply spending too much. I agree with Joe, the
earlier speaker. In a year, in which all of our sources of revenue have gone up significantly, in some
cases, exceeding any forecast ever made, we're marching toward a large property tax rate increase on
top of a large property tax increase due only to the appraised values going up. I've seen estimates of a
total impact of 10°1x, and I assure you that I know some people who have much larger appraisal
increases, and so this is not a 10% problem for them. In the press, and in the comments made from
the dais, we continue to hear the drumbeat about Georgetown having the lowest or one of the lowest
property tax rates in this region, and I just want to point out that that's just part of the story. There's
another way you can look at this.... it's a true statement, but there's another side to this. Our property
tax rate is low compared to others, but if you look at the spending rate for the General Fund, we're
spending a lot more than that tax rate will imply. And, I think when we talk about it, from the dais and
from the microphone up there, we never really acknowiege that higher level of spending. If you take
the property tax rate, and then add slightly more than 3 cents of sales tax for property tax reduction,
which was approved by the voters, and then if you add the return on investment from the utility profits
to this analysis and try to convert that into what it would mean for a tax rate if you didn't have those
other ways of getting money, we would be in excess of 40 cents per $100 evaluation. I estimate the
number to be 32 cents. And, if you look at all these other cities that are around us in this region, we
would be right in the middle of that pack, and some of them do not have the utility business that we
have. So, you know, it's a good thing that we have these sources of revenue, but I think we need to be
straight up about the idea that we are spending quite a bit more than the property tax rate would imply,
and I don't think we could exist if we didn't, and do the services that we provide now. So, in essence,
its costing us the equivalent of 42 cents per $100 evaluation to run this part of our government. The
property rate tax payer, the utility rate payer, the customers, are going to pay for this one way or the
other. The cost of running the government is a real fact of life in this budget, and I just think that we
shouldn't let people think that it's only the tax rate that does it. Are we trying to do too much? I believe
we are. Of course, I could have an endless argument with the City Manager about this, and we would
never get anywhere. I think we need to better manage our expense levels in every department. And,
we need to set a cap for this and tell the City Manager to go back and figure out how to implement it.
If, indeed, public safety is so incredibly important, to get the salary levels up to Austin, then, we need to
give up something else to do that. I think there's enough money in a $28 million General Fund that is
growing from $22 million this year, that we ought to be able to find it. I'm confident I could find it, if i
had the power to go do it. But, it's very rarely that I can out -argue the City Manager on this. I don't
have that authority or patience. There's another way to go at this. If you go back and look at the
surpluses that we generated in running the government for the last three or four years, and try to
average that surplus together, I'll bet we could take 2/3 of that number and set that as a goal and Paul
would never even feel the damage. That's just sort of the tactical way to go do it. Anyway, I know that
that's not a popular attitude, so I'd like to get some recorded votes here before we get to the big vote. I
want to amend the motion that's been made to set the property tax rate to exactly this year's current
rate, and I believe, that's 34626, but I might be wrong on that. And, if 1 get a second, I might say
something else about that. That's really a significant increase in property taxes, if nothing else, just
because we have increases in appraised values."
City Council Meeting Minutes/September 12, 2006
Page 7 of 11 Pages
Motion by Carr, second by Berryman to amend the motion to set the property tax rate at the current
rate.
Carls asked for the breakdown, and Rundell said if the current property tax rate is adopted, the interest
and sinking would come out of the General Fund. Rundell said she could calculate the breakdown of
the tax rate as proposed by Carr.
Nelon noted for the record that when the City Manager proposed his budget to the Council, he
proposed just a little over 35 cents, and the Council raised the amount in order to get the compensation
up to the 95% level.
Smith asked and Carr said he wanted to obtain the additional $400,000 to "up" the salaries of public
safety employees by trimming it from other areas of the budget. Oliver asked for an explanation of the
term "excess." Carr said that every year the City generates excess. Smith said he believes that the
excess was to be applied to the increased costs for the Recreation Center.
Vote on the amendment: Opposed 4-2. (Eason, Smith, Oliver, and Snell opposed) (Sansing absent)
Motion by Carr, second by Berryman to amend the original motion by setting the property tax rate at
the exact number as proposed by the City Manager. Rundell said the City Manager's proposed rate
was 35.728. The vote was 3-3. Nelon broke the tie. Approved 4-3. (Snell, Eason, and Qwar*
Smith opposed) (Sansing absent) Mayor Nelon said he voted in the affirmative to approve the 35.728
and work with the City Manager to phase in compensation. (* as corrected by Smith at the Council
Meeting on September 26, 2006.)
Motion by Snell, second by Smith to amend that the difference as it effects the budget, that we instruct
the City Manager to remove the compensation increases which the 1 % originally provided. He said he
would prefer that rather than going back and looking through all the budget items. He suggested that
the rate go back to the amount that the City Manager first suggested, phasing in the salary increases.
Oliver asked and Brandenburg explained that the phasing brought the salary rate to 92% of Round
Rock's rate.
Carr clarified that if it is Council's desire to reach the 95% level, Council could tell staff to go figure out
how to do this and bring it back to the Council at the second reading. Rundell said if Council wants
them to pursue the 95% rate, she needs specific instructions tonight in order to bring forth an amended
second reading. Berryman asked for clarification, and Brandenburg said staff will come back with
recommendations to remove specific items from the budget in order to achieve the money needed to
increase the public safety compensation from 92.5% to 95%.
Oliver said he feels it's important to have staff go back and look for the extra money. He said he
believes this is an issue of "supply and demand," not a matter of matching Round Rock, saying there
are a limited number of public safety personnel because they are going overseas and elsewhere in
order to make more money. He said the City must find a way to be competitive. He confirmed that
Brandenburg will come back with a set of choices for Council. There was further discussion from the
Council.
Vote on the amendment: Opposed 4-2 (Eason, Carr, Berryman and Oliver opposed)(Sansing absent)
The amendment failed.
Carls asked that the amended motion be read in the specific language required by the State. Motion
by Carr, second by Berryman to amend that the property taxes be increased by the adoption of a tax
rate of $0.35728, of which $0.20979 will be for Operations and Maintenance and $0.14749 for Interest
and Sinking. Approved 4-2 (Snell and Eason opposed)(Sansing absent) Snell clarified that at the
next meeting, on second reading, the City Manager will bring in proposals to justify this tax rate; and
there will be a second reading on the tax rate, and if it is moved back to the original idea, there will be
alternatives. Brandenburg and Rundell confirmed that staff would be ready with the proper ordinance.
Rundell noted that Council could not go "over" the original proposed rate because it has already been
published in the newspaper.
2. First reading of an ordinance adopting an Annual Operating Plan Element of the Georgetown
Century Plan (budget) for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2006, and ending September 30, 2007;
adopting the Annual Amendment to the Century Plan, First Reading, Micki Rundell, Director Finance &
City Council Meeting Minutes/September 12, 2006
Page 8 of 11 Pages
Administration
Rundell read only the caption of the ordinance on first reading after having satisifed the requirements of
the City Charter. She noted that the budget summary that had been distributed to the Council will be
appropriately amended to correspond with the differences that will be calculated for the newly proposed
tax rate. She said the original budget appropriations amounted to $153,873.42 or a maximum of
$1547000.00.
Motion by Oliver, second by Carr to approve the ordinance on first reading. Approved 6-0. (Sansing
absent)
3. First reading of an ordinance amending Section 2.08.010 "Administrative Divisions and
Departments" of the Georgetown Code of Ordinances -- Micki Rundell, Director, Finance &
Administration
Rundell said the only administrative change is to move sanitation from finance to community services.
She read only the caption of the ordinance on first reading after having satisifed the requirements of
the City Charter. Motion by Carr and second by Smith to approve the ordinance on first reading.
Approved 6-0. (Sansing absent)
4. First Reading of an Ordinance establishing the classifications and number of positions (Strength of
Force) for all the City of Georgetown Fire Fighters and Police Officers pursuant to Chapter 143 of the
Texas Local Government Code pertaining to Civil Service -- Kevin Russell, Human Resources Director
and Paul Brandenburg, City Manager
Russell noted that this ordinance is required by state law to detail the number of classifications and
number of positions in police and fire. He read only the caption of the ordinance on first reading after
having satisifed the requirements of the City Charter. He said the number of positions will be tied to the
number of positions approved for the upcoming year. He said the only change will be in the Fire
Department, where the title of the position that is currently known as captain is being changed to
batallion chief to more closely describe the duties and activities of that position. He said this was
approved by the Civil Service Commission in May. Motion by Eason, second by Berryman to approve
on first reading. Approved 6-0. (Sansing absent)
5. First reading of an ordinance denying the rate increase proposed by the ATMOS Energy Corporation,
Mid -Tex Division; requiring the reimbursement of municipal rate case expenses; finding that the
meeting complies with the Open Meetings Act; and making other findings and provisions related to the
subject -- Jim Briggs, Assistant City Manager for Utility Operations and Trish Carls, City Attorney
Briggs read only the caption of the ordinance on first reading after having satisifed the requirements of
the City Charter. He said they found the greater amount of gas service used, the lower the rate, so the
rate burden is on the residential rate payer. He said the methodology used is that the high end user
gets a lower cost. Motion by Eason, second by Carr to approve the ordinance on first reading.
Approved 6-0. (Sansing absent)
6. First Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Georgetown, Texas, repealing and
replacing chapter 13.20 of the City of Georgetown Code of Ordinances relating to "Sewage Disposal;"
repealing conflicting ordinances and resolutions; including a severability clause; and establishing an
effective date -- Glenn Dishong, Water Services Manager and Jim Briggs, Assistant City Manager for
Utility Operations
Dishong read only the caption of the ordinance on first reading after having satisifed the requirements
of the City Charter and explained that this is a complete rewrite that expands the language to be more
consistent with the changes made to the Unified Development Code, provides for the additional
systems, and gives incentives to wastewater collections sytems rather than septic systems. Motion by
Carr, second by Berryman to approve the ordinance on first reading. Approved 6-0. (Sansing absent)
7. First Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Georgetown, Texas, repealing and
replacing Chapter 13.10 of the City of Georgetown Code of Ordinances relating to "utility System
Improvements;" repealing conflicting Ordinances and Resolutions; including a severability clause; and
establishing an Effective Date—Glenn Dishong, Water Services Manager and Jim Briggs, Assistant
City Manager for Utility Operations
City Council Meeting Minutes/September 12, 2006
Page 9 of 11 Pages
Dishong read only the caption of the ordinance on first reading after having satisifed the requirements
of the City Charter and explained that this is a complete rewrite to make it conistent with recent
changes to UDC and Chapter 13.20 of the City Code. Motion by Smith, second by Berryman to
approve on first reading. Approved 6-0. (Sansing absent)
8. Public hearing and first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 13 ("Infrastructure and Public
Improvements") of the Unified Development Code (UDC) pertaining to the Creation of Special
Districts and Utility Infrastructure in Rural Residential Subdivisions -- Tom Yantis, Assistant City
Manager
Yantis read only the caption of the ordinance on first reading after having satisifed the requirements of
the City Charter and explained that this is the creation of municipal utility districts and the changes to
utility services. The Public Hearing was opened at 7:52 p.m. There were no comments. The Public
Hearing was closed at 7:52 p.m.
Motion by Snell, second by Carr to approve the ordinance on first reading. Approved 6-0. (Sansing
absent)
9. First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Section 15.04.045 of the Code of Ordinances to revise the
Development Process Fees for Planning and Zoning -- Bobby Ray, AICP, Director of Planning and
Development Services
Ray explained the increases, saying they will offset the cost of producing the maps. He read the
caption only of the ordinance on first reading after having satisifed the requirements of the City Charter.
Motion by Smith, second by Eason to approve the ordinance on first reading. Approved 6-0.
(Sansing absent)
10. First Reading of an Ordinance Annexing into the City 145.5779 acres, more or less, in the Joseph
Fish Survey and William Roberts Survey, located south of Shell Road, for Georgetown Village,
Section Nine -- Edward G. Polasek, AICP, Principal Planner and Bobby Ray, AICP, Director of
Planning and Development
Polasek said the public hearings were held in August. He read only the caption of the ordinance on
first reading after having satisifed the requirements of the City Charter. Motion by Carr, second by
Berryman to approve the ordinance on first reading. Approved 6w0. (Sansing absent)
11. First Reading of an Ordinance Annexing into the City 1.28 acres, more or less, in the Joseph Fish
Survey, William B. Lord Survey and William Roberts Survey, located north of Shell Road, for
Georgetown Village, Section Six revised -- Edward G. Polasek, AICP, Principal Planner and Bobby
Ray, AICP, Director Planning and Development
Polasek explained the item and read only the caption of the ordinance on first reading after having
satisifed the requirements of the City Charter. Motion by Berryman, second by Smith to approve the
ordinance on first reading. Approved 6-0. (Sansing absent)
12. First Reading of an Ordinance Annexing into the City 10.158 acres, more of less, in the Williams
Addison Survey, Abstract No. 21, located southeast of FM 1460 and Georgetown Inner Loop, for the
remainder of the Avery Tract -- Edward G. Polasek, AICP, Principal Planner and Bobby Ray, AICP,
Director Planning and Development
Polasek explained the item and read only the caption of the ordinance on first reading after having
satisifed the requirements of the City Charter. Motion by Carr, second by Berryman to approve the
ordinance on first reading. Approved 6-0. (Sansing absent)
13. First Reading of an Ordinance Annexing into the City 66.737 acres, more or less, in the Williams
Addison Survey, Abstract No. 21, located southeast of FM 1460 and Georgetown Inner Loop, for the
remainder of the Moore Tract -- Edward G. Polasek, AICP, Principal Planner and Bobby Ray, AICP,
Director Planning and Development
Polasek explained the item and read only the caption of the ordinance on first reading after having
City Council Meeting Minutes/September 12, 2006
Page 10 of 11 Pages
satisifed the requirements of the City Charter. Motion by Eason, second by Smith to approve the
ordinance on first reading. Approved 6-0. (Sansing absent)
Z Appointments
1. Consideration and possible action to appoint members to the Comprehensive Plan Steering
Committee -- Mayor Gary Nelon
Mayor listed the proposed members of the Committee. It was noted that this is an ad hoc committee,
the appointees being representatives of particular entities, saying the representatives could designate
someone to attend in their position, if necessary. Nelon asked if there were a councilmember who
might serve with the Mayor to attend in the Mayor's absence. Farley Snell volunteered. Mayor noted
that the first meeting is posted for tomorrow night at 6:00 p.m. Motion by Berryman, second by Oliver
to approve the list of names. Approved 6-0. (Sansing absent) The members who were appointed
are: Mel Pendland (Chamber), Ellie Skross (Downtown), Mayor Nelon/Farley Snell, Jack Hunnicutt
(Homebuilder), Supt. Joe Dan Lee (GISD), Jake Schrumm (Southwestern), Linda Scarborough (Sun
/media), Sarah Milburn (P & Z), Marge Tripp (Health District), Chris Troutman (Churchill Farms HOA),
Micki Wiesner (Sun City HOA), Deena Berg, Katy Crossing HOA), Mike Cook, Heart of Georgetown
HOA), Bob Horick (Housing Authority), Rick Smith (Economic Development Advisory Board), Mark
Ramsey (Parks Board), and Perry Steger (Development Community).
2. Consideration and
possible
action
to
appoint Taunya
Vessels
to the Convention and Visitors Bureau
Board to a position
that will
expire
in
February, 2007
-- Mayor
Gary Nelon
Nelon explained the item. Motion by Oliver, second by Carr to approve the appointment. Approved
6-0. (Sansing absent)
The meeting was adjourned at 08:05 PM.
City Council Meeting Minutes/September 12, 2006
Page 11 of 11 Pages
Attest:
Secretary