HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN 08.08.2000 CC-RThe City Council of the City of Georgetown, Texas, met in Regular Session on the
above date with Mayor presiding.
Council Present. Council Absent.
Charles "Hoss" Burson, Clark Lyda, Susan Hoyt, Lee Bain
MaryEllen Kersch, Sam Pfiester, Ferd
Tonn, Llorente Navarrette
Staff Present:
George Russell, City Manager, Marianne Banks, City Attorney, Cathy Riedel, Assistant'
City Attorney, Shirley J. Rinn, Deputy City Secretary, Verna Browning, Director
Community Services, Ed Barry, Director of Development Services, Jim Briggs, Director
Community Owned Utilities, Tom Yantis, Director of Information Resources, Micki
Rundell, Director of Finance, Terry Jones, Purchasing Director, Mike Mayben, Energy
Services Manager, William Adams, Water/Wasterwater Superintendent, James Baker,
Development Planner, Kathy Ragsdale, Utility Supervisor, Patricia Rinehart,
Administrative Assistant, Clay Shell, Fire Services, Lt. Kevin Stofle, Police Services,
Jim Babcock, Development Services
Policy Development/Review Workshop
A Discussion of sanitation services contract, incentive plan, and service and
payment options --Verna Browning
Verna Browning, Director of Community Services, introduced Eddie Dick, Ralph Wueller and Ed Plummer
of Texas Disposal Systems who gave a presentation regarding the sanitation services contract, incentive
plan and service payment options.
Verna informed council that this was the beginning of the third year for our contract with TDS and the need
for review of the services. She discussed the benefit of having a long-term contract with a contractor that
would view themselves as a partner with the City. She discussed the goals, which included quality
service, satisfied customers and a contractor that was committed to Georgetown. Eddie Dick discussed
TDS' performance measures. Ed Plummer discussed the number of homes served by TDS. Eddie Dick
and Ralph Wueller discussed the types of trash collected since January 1999 and the service levels
regarding the same. They also discussed some of the recyling issues. Issues regarding internal and
external cost increases were also discussed. Micki Rundell gave a financial discussion regarding trash
collection fees. There was an additional discussions about options for fees for commercial and residential
customers in the future. Additional discussion regarding incentives for continued quality and long term
service. Further discussion of Performance Standards. Verna also discussed staffing issues at the
City Council Meeting Minutes/August 8, 2000
Page 1 of 7 Pages
Collection Station and whether or not the City could combine the Collection Station with TDS, as well as
the possibility of looking at a transfer station as a way to make services more efficient. Council, staff and
TDS representatives talked about the options regarding the collection station and Performance Standards.
6:55 p.m. Recessed to Executive Session
B Sec.551.071 consultation with attorney
C Sec.551.072 deliberation on real property
Offering surplus land for construction of affordable housing
. Update on Acquisition of Property to be Used for City Facilities
D Sec.551.074 personnel matters
Process for Selection of Chief of Police
E Sec.551.086 competitive matters
electric utility
Regular Session
7:34 p.m. reconvened for Regular Session
F Action from Executive Session
Motion by Lyda, Second by Burson to authorize City Manager to execute a letter of intent to
reserve 10,000 acre feet of water from Brazos River Authority. Approved 5-0 (Hoyt and Bain
absent)
Motion by Lyda, Second by Tonn to authorize City Attorney to execute a contract to purchase of
approximately 10 acres and improvements from BSR Investments. Approved 5-0. (Hoyt and
Bain absent)
G Comments from Mayor regarding the following items:
- Opening Comments and Welcome to Audience
Welcome to boys scouts and presentation
Mayor welcomed citizens and gave brief overview of meeting procedure
Discussion of upcoming Workshops
September 12, 2000 workshop will be with Convention and Visitors Advisory Board
September 26, 2000 workshop will be with the Housing Working Group
September 27, 2000 workshop - job descriptions for City Manager and City Attorney and review of
Boards & Commissions Bylaws and Scope
- Report from councilmembers regarding committee assignments
Transportation/Utility will meet on Monday August 14, 2000 at 3:00 p.m.
Zoning the committee is in the process of finalizing a request for proposal.
Facilities authorized contract to purchase 10 acres plus improvements
Update on AMCC Conference
Mayor talked about some of the issues she was faced with at the 2000 AMCC Conference
regarding transportation, economic development, deregulation, staffing in the growth corridors,
and attorney general's opinions. She indicated one of the most important things that councils can
do take action on policy and procedures.
H Citizens Wishing to Address the Council and Responses from Councilmembers and/or Staff,
if appropriate
City Council Meeting Minutes/August 8, 2000
Page 2 of 7 Pages
- Will Moore regarding Heritage Society Lease of Old Grace Church
Did not attend.
- Gael Dillard regarding Heritage Society Lease of Old Grace Church
Did not attend
- Gerry Anderson regarding 1) sidewalks, 2) airport terminal, and 3) police department
Mr. Anderson talked about the renovation of airport vs. rebuilding one. He also talked about the
removal of the sidewalks out of the budget.
Public hearing regarding the feasibility of the creation of the Cimarron Hills Public
Improvement District and receipt of report of consultants in connection therewith. --
Marianne Banks
Charlie Crossfield discussed the deferral of the initial public hearing to obtain appraisal
figures. Mr. Crossfield discussed the results of the Appraisal. Gary Kimball of First
Southwest Company informed the council that the assessments that are lower than
anticipated and the meaning of that assessment.
Mayor asked for public comment and hearing none, the public hearing closed.
Statutory Consent Agenda
J Consideration of approval of the minutes for the Regular Council Meetings of July 11, 2000 and
July 25, 2000-- Shirley Rinn
K Consideration of award of the annual bid for Cold Pour Crack Sealer to Allstate Coating
Company in the amount of $33,750.00 --Terry Jones and Jim Briggs
L Acceptance of the City's Investment Report for Quarter ended June 30, 2000 --Laurie Brewer
and Micki Rundell
M Consideration and possible action to approve an amendment to the contract, between the City of
Georgetown and Roming, Parker & Kasberg, L.L.P., of Temple, Texas, for design changes
related to the Austin Avenue Water Line Extension, in the amount of $11,500.00 --Jim Briggs
and William Adams
Lyda asked that Jim Briggs discuss the reasons for placing the waterline in a section where the
environmental issues were not so disruptive and the need to modify the design to address these
issues.
Motion by Tonn, Second
by
Navarrette to
approve the Consent Agenda with the corrections noted to
the minutes. Approved 5-0.
(Hoyt and Bain
Absent)
Items T, U & S moved to beginning of legislative agenda
T Consideration of a Concept Plan of Rivery Subdivision Conveyance Plat, Lot 3, to be known as
The Rivery Park, located on the South IH35 frontage road and the proposed Rivery Boulevard --
Ed Barry
Ed Barry addressed council regarding issues surrounding the concept plan.
Doug Cota deferred time to Jane Montgomery.
Jane Montgomery of River Hills Subdivision is concerned that map was not mailed to residents.
She is concerned about communication from developer. She said that neighborhood is upset
about the development and the impact it will have on their daily lives.
Motion by Lyda, Second by Burson for approval of the concept plan for Lots 1A and 1B, with the
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Page 3 of 7 Pages
provison that the approval of a revised concept plan for the balance of Lot 3 may be subject to
contribution or assessment for transportation improvements to provide connectivity and additional
access and revised balance of lot 3 (area other than) may be subject to contribution and
assessment development agreement. Approved 5-0 (Hoyt and Bain Absent)
Navarrette wanted to know if a meeting has occurred between city staff and the developer. Barry
indicated that they did meet and that the documentation presented to council is the same that
council had at the last meeting.
U Direction from Council and possible action to approve revised options and cost estimates, from
Camp, Dresser & McKee, for construction of the Pecan Branch Wastewater Treatment Plant
--Jim Briggs and William Adams
Jim Briggs addressed the council regarding the revised options and cost estimates regarding the
construction of the Pecan Branch Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Scott Pope of 3700 FM 971, which is adjacent to the property on which the Pecan Branch
Wastewater Plant will be located. He thought that this matter had been closed and that a state of
the art system would be put on the property. He is concerned that the project will not be done as
originally presented and wants to insure that it will be a quality project and the corners will not be
cut to build it. He just wants reassurance from the council. He is concerned about his property
values.
Briggs said that this facility will be more than adequate to meet the permit requirements. SBR
was an attempt to save long-term dollars in the cost of the facility. Jim indicated that the bids
have come in higher than expected.
Briggs also discussed the difference between a conventional facility vs. a SBR facility. Jim
indicated that the SBR over the long run is more cost efficient. However, in the short run, it is
more expensive to build. He indicated that either process will meet permitting requirements from
the TNRCC.
Pfiester indicated that about 90% in the area are conventional and that by going that route would
not be a means of cutting corners. Briggs indicated that both designs are adequate and do not
cut corners.
Navarrette wanted to know the amounts of dollars allocated for landscaping at the previous plant.
Brief discussion between the council, Briggs, Marianne Banks and Scott Pope regarding issues
related to previous pending administrative litigation with regard to the previous plant.
8:30 p.m. - recessed to executive Session
8:40 p.m.- reconvened to regular Session
Brief description of the Administrative claim at the TNRCC meeting regarding the previous plant.
In order to settle claims, the City opted to pay the party status individuals for landscaping and
buffering in order to avoid further legal costs.
Jim gave an explanation to council about the ALJ ruling regarding criteria for party status.
Motion by Pfiester, Second by Lyda to submit the Pecan Branch Wastewater Treatment Plant
for redesign and rebid for both conventional and SBR facilities. Approved 5-0 (Hoyt and Bain
absent)
S Consideration of a Resolution making findings as to the feasibility and desirability of an
Improvement District to be known as The Cimarron Hills Public Improvement District; making
findings as to the advisability, nature, and estimated costs of the proposed improvements and the
method of assessment within the boundaries of the District; authorizing the District as a Public
Improvement District pursuant to Chapter 372, Subchapter B, of the Local Government Code;
Accepting a feasibility report; making provisions related thereto and declaring an effective date;
and providing for a savings clause --Marianne Banks
Lyda questioned the need for the language on Page 2, Section 1, citing the Economic
City Council Meeting Minutes/August 8, 2000
Page 4 of 7 Pages
Development Focus End 1:01. Marianne indicated it was just language from the Century Plan
and that it was not necessary.
Motion by •. Second by ' • Approve the Res• an with the modification t• remove
the • r•' on r•' 2, Sectionof Resolution as f• •ws "Emr.,ene.Mip. DevelopmeRt
(HoytERd 1:01 "EXiStiRg URdeveleped sites in GeargetGWR are put te bepp.firUia;I 1.16e.. Approved 5.0
r • Bain r •
8:50 p.m. recessed
9:05 p.m. reconvened
N Update report on the status of the 2000/01 budget process -- Micki Rundell
Mickie Rundell addressed council regarding the most recent budget workshop accomplishment.
Mayor Kersch wanted clarification that business plan was included in the budget. Micki Rundell indicated
that it was included.
O First reading of an ordinance clarifying ambiguities in certain street names,
assigning street names to certain former county roads and assigning specific names
to existing park roads --Clay Shell
Clay Shell read the caption.
Motion by Tonn, Second by Burson to adopt an ordinance clarifying ambiguities in
certain street names, assigning street names to certain former county roads and
assigning specific names to existing park roads. Approved 5^0 (Hoyt and Bain
absent)
P First reading of an ordinance Rezoning Lost Addition, a 0.165 acre part of Block 69, from
RS, Residential Single Family to RM -1, Multi -Family, or any more restrictive district, located at
310 West University Avenue-- James Baker and Ed Barry
Councilman Tonn left the dais.
Ed Barry asked that this item be tabled for a month to give staff the time to review and explore
the issues.
Motion by Lyda , Second by Burson to defer Item P until September 12, 2000 Approved 4-0.
(Hoyt, Bain and Tonn absent)
Q Second reading of an ordinance amending Section 2.24.020 of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of Georgetown relating to placing items on the City Council
agenda-- Marianne Banks and Cathy Riedel
Maranne Banks read the caption.
Motion by Lyda, Second by Burson to approve Ordinance No. 2000'36. Approved
4^0. (Hoyt, Bain, Tonn absent)
R Discussion of Subdivision Regulation, Section 33000 regarding connectivity of
roads and effect on adjoining neighborhood s--MaryEllen Kersch
Mayor Kersch indicated that the Planning and Zoning Commission would like direction
on this issue. She said that our current policy requires that we have connectivity of
roads. Pfiester talked about the importance of road connectivity, but felt that when
there is intense development should take careful consideration that common sense
should prevail. Lyda indicated that the subdivision regulations gives the Planning and
Zoning Commission the room it needs to make
Pat Walsh, chairman of P&Z, addressed the council. He said there were several
commercial developments whereby the concept plans showed the connectivity where
staff indicated it had to be that way. He said that it tends irritate people when large
City Council Meeting Minutes/August 8, 2000
Page 5 of 7 Pages
Development Focus End 1:01. Marianne indicated it was just language from the Century Plan
and that it was not necessary.
Motion by •. Second by • Approve the Resolution with th- modification to remove
the language • . • ' 2, Sectionof the Resolutionws "Er.,epe.Mir., Development
(Hoyt. • Bain absent)
8:50 p.m. recessed
9:05 p.m. reconvened
N Update report on the status of the 2000/01 budget process -- Micki Rundell
Mickie Rundell addressed council regarding the most recent budget workshop accomplishment.
Mayor Kersch wanted clarification that business plan was included in the budget. Micki Rundell indicated
that it was included.
O First reading of an ordinance clarifying ambiguities in certain street names,
assigning street names to certain former county roads and assigning specific names
to existing park roads --Clay Shell
Clay Shell read the caption.
Motion by Tonn, Second by Burson to adopt an ordinance clarifying ambiguities in
certain street names, assigning street names to certain former county roads and
assigning specific names to existing park roads. Approved 5-0 (Hoyt and Bain
absent)
P First reading of an ordinance Rezoning Lost Addition, a 0.165 acre part of Block 69, from
RS, Residential Single Family to RM -1, Multi -Family, or any more restrictive district, located at
310 West University Avenue-- James Baker and Ed Barry
Councilman Tonn left the dais.
Ed Barry asked that this item be tabled for a month to give staff the time to review and explore
the issues.
Motion by Lyda , Second by Burson to defer Item P until September 12, 2000 Approved 4-0.
(Hoyt, Bain and Tonn absent)
Q Second reading of an ordinance amending Section 2.24.020 of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of Georgetown relating to placing items on the City Council
agenda-- Marianne Banks and Cathy Riedel
Maranne Banks read the caption.
Motion by Lyda, Second by Burson to approve Ordinance No. 2000w36 Approved
4'0. (Hoyt, Bain, Tonn absent)
R Discussion of Subdivision Regulation, Section 33000 regarding connectivity of
roads and effect on adjoining neighborhoods--MaryEllen Kersch
Mayor Kersch indicated that the Planning and Zoning Commission would like direction
on this issue. She said that our current policy requires that we have connectivity of
roads. Pfiester talked about the importance of road connectivity, but felt that when
there is intense development should take careful consideration that common sense
should prevail. Lyda indicated that the subdivision regulations gives the Planning and
Zoning Commission the room it needs to make
Pat Walsh, chairman of P&Z, addressed the council. He said there were several
commercial developments whereby the concept plans showed the connectivity where
staff indicated it had to be that way. He said that it tends irritate people when large
City Council Meeting Minutes/August 8, 2000
Page 5 of 7 Pages
connector streets connect with small streets.
Pat Walsh said that he feels that staff needs to be given enough leeway that they
have sufficient latitude to do something sensible as opposed to an "imagined"
mandate. He feels like a statement from council as to its intent would be sufficient.
Marianne said that the Collector Level Streets seem to be the issue. Lyda said that
we need to make sure that we have diversity of traffic flow. He said that the only time
there is a problem is where you go from a less intense to a more intense area. He
feels like these issues can be addressed as the ordinances are being rewritten.
There was discussion as to the need to do a workshop on these issues. A workshop
will be held at 4:00 p.m. on September 12, 2000.
Maura Criton signed up to speak, but decided not to speak.
V Consideration and possible action to approve payment, to McCord Engineering, to provide
engineering services related to the planning, design, and review of the City's electric system
improvements, system construction, system expansion (due to development), and system
mapping in the amount of $425,000.00 --Jim Briggs and Michael W. Mayben
Jim Briggs addressed the council regarding the city's electric system improvements, system
construction, system expansion and system mapping and the city's relationship with McCord
Engineering. He said that this expenditure is in the budget for CIP projects.
Jim gave an overview to council on the process for bidding the engineering services provided on
CIP Projects.
Motion by Pfiester, Second by Lyda to approve funding to McCord Engineering, to provide
engineering services related to the planning, design, and review of the City's electric system
improvements, system construction, system expansion (due to development), and system
mapping in the amount of $425,000.00. Approved 4-0 (Hoyt, Tonn, and Bain absent)
W Consideration and possible action regarding policy direction to staff regarding electric
deregulation preparations --Jim Briggs and Michael W. Mayben
Jim Briggs gave a presentation to council regarding the implications of deregulation. He told
council that no other cities that have voted to opt -in. Perdenales has voted to opt -in. A lot of
municipals are preparing themselves to opt -in. MaryEllen said that at the ACMM conference there
were concerns that municipals would not be allowed to opt -out. Jim said that a bill has been filed
at the national level opt -out provision for municipals - which would require municipals to have to
opt -in. Jim gave a discussion about Public Power's position on opting -in, which is "let the
communities decide, not the legislature." However, there will be a push by the PUC to have
municipalities opt -in. He said that there will be issues related to aggregation between entities. He
said the communication will be a factor. He said that even though "public power cities" aren't
opting in, they are preparing for opting in -"opt -in preparedness" He gave a presentation to
council regarding the issues related to "opt -in preparedness".
Council indicated
their support of
being
prepared for opting -in -"opt-in preparedness" regardless
of whether or not
the City decides
to opt -in
or not.
X Consideration and
possible
action to allow waiver of electric connect fees
and underground
development costs
as related
to Hewlett Volkswagen --Jim Briggs and Michael
W. Mayben
Jim Briggs said that it was determined that a waiver was not needed in this particular case.
However, he and George Russell felt that it would present a good opportunity to discuss issues
relating to developments in dual service areas. He said that TXU has a policy with commercial
customers that provides for arrangements that include no cost to the customer. However, the
customer has to sign a contract with the utility indicating that if they get off of the system within a
certain period of time the customer would have to pay the Utility back for the cost of that service
plus any other additional fees required. He said that this particular cost is much higher on the
front end that it is on the back end. Briggs indicated that this strategy has been used for years by
City Council Meeting Minutes/August 8, 2000
Page 6 of 7 Pages
utilities for competition in order to retain customers.
Briggs said that on this particular project Hewlett signed a contract for 10 years to use the City of
Georgetown's power. However, the waiver wasn't necessary because of the grant associated with
the infrastructure regarding the Hewlett property, which includes the site in described in this Item.
Briggs wanted council to know that this type of agreement may be coming before them in the
future because of development in the dual service area.
Y Consideration and possible action to approve Community Owned Utilities to aggregate a
portion of its electric load, up to 10%, with other interested Association of Wholesale Customers
(AWC) for the purpose of diversifying its delivery of energy and containment of wholesale
costs --Jim Briggs and Michael W. Mayben
Jim Briggs discussed the issues surrounding aggregation of electricity.
He indicated that in the past LCRA has put a lot of limitations on allowing us to market the
electricity. He did say that we did aggregate some electricity a couple of years ago and the City
saved about $40,000.00 after the expenses were payed. LCRA is again allowing the City to
market 10% of its energy. Several other interested Association of Wholesale Customers want to
aggregate its electric load and market it as whole package to get a better deal.
Briggs discussed the risk factors with Council and indicated to council that the risk of doing this
was minimal.
Motion by Navarrette Second by Pfiester to approve Community Owned Utilities' request to
aggregate a portion of its electric load, up to 10% of its energy, with other interested Association
of Wholesale Customers (AWC) for the purpose of diversifying its delivery of energy and
containment of wholesale costs. Approved 4-0. (Hoyt, Bain and Tonn)
10:38 p.m. Recess to Executive Session
12:12 a.m. Reconvene to Regular Session
Action from Executive Session
Motion by Lyda, Second by Navarrette to approve payment of an invoice in the amount of
$21,814.81 in legal fees to Strausberger & Price.
Motion to Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 12:14 AM.
roved
G
MaryEllen Kersch
City Council Meeting Minutes/August 8, 2000
Page 7 of 7 Pages
Attest:,/'
City Secretary Sandra Lee