HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN 01.09.2006 CC-WThe 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, Gabe Sansing, Doug Smith, Henry igen Oliver
Carr, John Kirby, Farley Snell
Staff Present: - --- -- - -
Paul Brandenburg, 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; Laurie Brewer, Controller; Joe Lara, Utility Financial Analyst; Shirley Rinn, Administrative
Assistant to the City Manager; Terri Calhoun, Paralegal; Keith Hutchinson, Public Information Officer
Called to order at 4:00 PM
A Overview of Pass -Through Tolling as a transportation financing mechanism -- Micki Rundell, Director of
Finance and Administration
Rundell introduced Garry Kimball of First Southwest who gave an overview of pass-through tolling. With a
slide presentation, Kimball explained that this is "off-balance sheet" financing for TXDOT for long-term
projects that they would otherwise fund, but this will expedite the construction by using the entity's money
for reimbursement at a later date. He said agreements have been approved by TXDOT, and projects have
been negotiated without final terms. He said the next step is that the local entity bids and finances the
project; and, based on the debt financing, there could be a shortfall or there could be excess funding that
could be used for future projects. He said there are actually no tolls collected on these projects. He said
the pass-through toll payments will take into account actual vehicle miles traveled during the payment
period. He said the local entity will assume the interest rate risk. He said the financing will be done after
the project is bid and the actual payments for the financing will be made at the same time as the entity
receives revenue from TXDOT according to the use of the road.
Nelon noted that when he heard about this arrangement, a TXDOT engineer suggested that the term
"tolling" not be used, but rather use the term pass-through "financing" instead. Kirby asked and was told
there is a minimum payment made by TXDOT. Kimball said project completion risk is probably the worst
risk involved. He said it is important to get the local state representatives involved in lobbying for specific
projects. He said Montgomery and Williamson Counties have been approved forjust under $200,000,000.
Nelon noted that he is glad that Jim Briggs and his staff have already submitted a packet of requests from
the City. Nelon asked Kimball about the N9 i and S (interest and Sinking)* portion of the debt. Kimball
noted that there are ways to mitigate an interest rate through tax increment financing. Snell confirmed that
the City will capitalize the debt. Rundell reminded Council that TXDOT will reimburse the City on the
inflated cost, not the cost amount that the City borrows. Carr confirmed that property owner land
contributions and GTEC funding would count for the City's contribution. There was more discussion, and
Nelon confirmed that there would be further discussion at the Council Meeting tomorrow night. It was
suggested that the method be called "Pass -Through Financing." (*as corrected by Mayor Nelon at the
City Council Meeting Minutes/January 9, 2006
Page 1 of 2 Pages
January 24, 2006 Council Meeting)
B Discussion regarding City of Georgetown Lease Agreements -- Paul Brandenburg, City Manager
Brandenburg said there are approximately 28 leases, excluding airport land leases and tie -downs. He
reviewed information regarding each of the leases. Snell confirmed that the lessee can lease out the facility
and receive revenue. There was considerable discussion.
C Review of questions to be used in conducting the 2006 City of Georgetown Quality of Life Survey-- Micki
Rundell, Director of Finance and Administration
Rundell said the questions on the survey have been reviewed and revised by the City Directors to make
them more specific. She said the survey is scheduled to take place the end of January, first week of
February. She said the results are planned to be presented at the March 13 Council Workshop. There
were comments and questions. Kirby suggested a separate survey for homebuilders to see if they
purchase building materials in Georgetown.
5:00 p.m. -- recessed into Executive Session
Executive Session
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.
D 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 the City Council, including agenda items
- Discussion and possible action regarding the "Application of the City of Leander to Amend Water Certificate of
Convenience and Necessity (CCN) No. 10302 and Sewer CCN No. 20626 in Williamson and Travis Counties,
Application Nos. 34789-C and 34790-C," SOAH Docket No. 582-05-7095; TCEQ Docket No. 2005-0864-UCR
- Discussion and possible action regarding legal issues related to the "Development Agreement with Forrestville
Associate, a Maryland General Partnership, Regarding the Development of Wolf Ranch."
- Discussion and possible action regarding the audit of the franchise agreement with Cox Communications, Inc. and
regarding the possible assignment to Cequel III (Cebridge Connections).
E Sec.551.072: Deliberations Regarding Real Property
- Consideration and possible action concerning the acquisition of right-of-way and easement(s) in connection with the
widening of SH 29 West. -- Patricia E. Carls, City Attorney and Kent Alan Sick, Attorney for City of Georgetown
- Consideration and possible action concerning the acquisition of 3.83 acres from W.D. Kelley Foundation for
construction of an electric substation -- Jim Briggs, Assistant City Manager for Utility Operations
5:55 p.m. -- resumed Open Session and adjourned
The meeting was adjourned at 05:55 PM.
City Council Meeting Minutes/January 9, 2006
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City Secretary Sandra Lee