HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN 07.11.2000 CC-RThe City Council of the City of Georgetown, Texas, met in Regular Session on the
above date with Mayor MaryEllen Kersch presiding.
Council Present:
Ferd Tonn, Lee Bain, Susan Hoyt,
Llorente Navarrette, Clark Lyda, Sam
Pfiester, Charles "Noss" Burson (On July
12, 2000)
/1
Council Absent:
Charles "Hoss" Burson (on July 11, 2000)
taff Present:
eorge Russell, City Manager, Marianne Banks, City Attorney, Cathy Riedel, Assistant
ity Attorney, Sandra Lee, City Secretary (absent July 12, 2000), Shirley J. Rinn
)eputy City Secretary - present on July 12, 2000), Ed Barry, Director of Development
ervices, David Morgan, Chief of Police, Roland Waits, Police Department, Tom
antis, Director of Information Resources, Verna Browning, Director of Community
ervices, Micki Rundell, Director of Finance, Terry Jones, Purchasing Director, Travis
IcLain, Airport Manager
FRIMMINNUM =67
Status Report on Staffing and Service Level in Development Services -- Ed Barry
Barry gave Council an outline of the vacant positions and those being filled. He noted that the Building
Inspection Department is back to staff level, but will require a period of training. He noted that a more
streamlined version of project reports will be necessary due to the lack of staff. He predicted applications
would be required to be more complete and deadlines will need to be met. He said the vacancies will be
filled as soon as eligible candidates can be found. He said he expects to have the positions filled by
December or January. Russell asked Council to make their contacts through Ed Barry and the City
Manager's Office in order to coordinate the work load of the staff.
Presentation concerning a County -wide law enforcement training facility -- David Morgan
Morgan expressed the
need for adequate training
sites for
shooting and driving training. He described a
master plan approach
using 120+ acres adjacent
to the Williamson County landfill to be donated by the
County as their share
of the cost. He noted that
funding
would be provided by each law enforcement
agency at a rate of
$1500 per commissioned
officer.
Morgan estimated Georgetown's share at
approximately $75,000
to $80,000. Agencies who
opt in as a partner will have decision-making ability on
the governing board to
be established.
6:17 p.m. recessed for Executive Session
7:53 p.m. returned to Open Session
City Council Meeting Minutes/July 11, 2000
Page 1 of 7 Pages
C Sec.551.071 consultation with attorney
D Sec.551.072 deliberation on real property
- Grace Church
- Offering surplus land for construction of affordable housing
- Acquisition of Property to be Used for Parking Lot
- Update on Acquisition of Property to be Used for City Facilities
E Sec.551.074 personnel matters
- Discussion of job descriptions for City Attorney and City Manager
Regular Session
F Action from Executive Session
There was no action taken at this time.
G Comments from Mayor regarding the following items:
- Opening Comments and Welcome to Audience
Mayor welcomed the audience and gave a brief outline of meeting procedures.
- Reminder of Upward Bound Family Picnic in San Gabriel Park on July 16
Mayor invited representatives from Upward Bound to announce the Family Festival.
H Citizens Wishing to Address the Council and Responses from Councilmembers and/or Staff, if
appropriate
- John Costello of Belton regarding opposition to a regional airport at Robert Gray Army Airfield; in favor of
a regional airport at Draughon Miller Airport in Temple
Mr. Costello was not in attendance.
- Robert Seamans regarding a change in policy regarding payment to lifeguards.
Seamans of 104 Southcross Road thanked Russell for helping the lifeguards get the bonuses they were
promised. He explained the bonus proposal and told Council he thinks it was intentional and that the City
was purposely trying to cheat the teenagers out of the promised bonuses. Kersch said she felt it was a lack
of communication rather than an intentional effort on the part of the City to cheat the lifeguards out of their
bonuses.
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
Banks introduced Garry Kimball of First Southwest Company, the City's financial adviser, who explained
that the reason for the public improvement district was to finance infrastructure improvements for the
subdivision. Kimball said he believes the appropriate due diligence has been performed to ensure that the
City is not financially liable. Kersch re -confirmed that the City has no financial responsibility to "make good"
on the bonds. Banks also introduced Carol Palumbo of McCall, Parkhurst and Horton, the City's bond
counsel, who, with Kimball, answered questions from Councilmember Lyda. Micki Rundell noted that it
would be necessary to do a "continuance" of this hearing at an August Council Meeting.
J Consideration of approval of the minutes for the Regular Council Meeting of June 27, 2000 -- Sandra Lee
Lyda suggested that the minutes reflect that three councilmembers abstained from Item W on page 5.
Although the vote shows that the item was approved 3-0. He said the fact that Hoyt, Pfiester, and Lyda
abstained should be noted. Navarrette asked that the words "if it was possible" be added to what he said
regarding the non-opaque fence in Item T.
K Consideration of authorizing the
purchase of a
40KW emergency generator
for
Fire Station No. 4 from the
Houston
Galveston
Area Council
in
the amount
of
$18,465.84
--
Terry Jones
and
Micki
Rundell
City Council Meeting Minutes/July 11, 2000
Page 2 of 7 Pages
L Consideration of authorizing the purchase of single-phase electric meters retrofitted with electric ERTs and
water system ERTs to C3 Communications, Inc. in the amount of $175,000.00 -- Terry Jones and Jim
Briggs
Pfiester asked if the water meters actually worked well. Briggs explained that the City is reading and billing
off the meters right now. He noted there had initially been a problem that was solved by adding additional
units. Pfiester questioned the reason for purchasing at this time. Jim Briggs responded with an explanation
for the need.
M Consideration and possible action on an award of bid to McLean Construction for construction of the
Sequoia Spur/- Berry Creek and the County Road 151 12 -Inch Water Line Projects, in the amount of
$545,202.70 -- William Adams and Jim Briggs
N Update report on the status of the 2000/01 budget process -- Micki Rundell
Hoyt asked Rundell to give a verbal summary. Rundell said the budget workbooks would be available to
Council on Wednesday afternoon. She announced that the work sessions would begin on Monday, July 17
at 5:30 p.m. and continue Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Motion by Tonn, second by Bain to approve the Consent Agenda with the corrections to the minutes.
Approved 6-0. (Burson absent)
O Consideration of a request from the Georgetown Area Community Foundation for land to establish a family
resource center -- Verna Browning
Browning introduced Rick Eason, who introduced Foundation Board Members Norm Peters, Camy Garey,
Jim Haskell, and Barbara Brightwell. Eason said the vision is that there be a "home" for charitable
organizations in Georgetown. Eason did a slide presentation that included a concept plan. He said they
are asking the City for land, planning, utility infrastructure, and code applications. He said they would like a
"mid -town" presence. At Navarrette's question, Eason responded that each organization that would be a
part of the center has different missions and goals, but could share information and data bases so as to
reduce costs and enable more efficiency. Navarrette asked how it would be determined which
organizations would become a part of the center. Eason said the board would look at any organization that
would be interested in being "co -located." When asked by Kersch, Eason said the board would like to work
with the City Manager to locate a piece of property in the downtown area.
P First Reading of an ordinance codifying the Youth Advisory Board -- Murray Blackman and George Russell
Kersch noted that Items P and Q would not be handled at this meeting. Kersch said many good applicants
had been interviewed by the Council Subcommittee on Youth composed of Kersch, Pfiester, and
Navarrette. She suggested that Council should do a Saturday workshop sometime in early August. She
said the Council Subcommittee would like to create an organization for the students that included
community services in exchange for activities for the teens. She asked Navarrette to explain the reactions
they received to his question of what the youth are facing in Georgetown today. Navarrette listed lack of
activities in Georgetown, drug and alcohol abuse, and peer pressure as the priorities voiced by the teens.
Pfiester noted that all fifteen of the students that were interviewed should be involved. He suggested that a
youth coordinator be included in the City budget. Kersch suggested that Items P and Q be deferred until
after a Saturday workshop could be held. When asked to comment, Russell agreed it sounded possible.
Q Consideration of the appointment of four people to the Youth Advisory Board -- MaryEllen Kersch
Motion by Pfiester, second by Navarrefte to defer Items P and Q. Approved 6-0.
R First Reading of an ordinance to add two personal holidays for City employees -- Pablo Holguin and
George Russell
Russell told Council that this item is a follow-up to the workshop at the last Council Meeting, saying this
would be a quick method of offering a perk to employees. He compared the City holidays to County
holidays. He noted that adding personal holidays would allow employees to choose when they preferred to
be away from work. He said personal holidays would allow the City to remain open and still allow those
who wished to be gone for special days such as Veterans' Day, President's Day, and Good Friday. Lyda
questioned and Navarrette suggested delaying the additional holidays before the next budget year. Russell
noted that Council has the ability to revise the proposed ordinance. Navarrette suggested the additional
City Council Meeting Minutes/July 11, 2000
Page 3 of 7 Pages
holidays should be added in the next budget year. He asked if any other benefits would be offered in the
next budget year. Russell said this would be the only component affecting "leave time" other than an
adjustment in the vacation allowed between the employment of 10 years and 20 years. When asked for a
cost comparison Micki Rundell said there is no specific cost to be attributed to that. She said if the City is
closed for a specific holiday, the cost would be $10,000 to $12,000.
Motion by Lyda, second by Bain to approve with the modification of only one additional holiday during the
current fiscal year and beginning with the new fiscal year, two additional personal holidays would be added.
Approved (6-0.)
S Consider authorizing an
expenditure of
$15,940.00 from
Council Contingency for separation of the Library
public access computers
from the City's
primary computer
network -- Verna Browning and Tom Yantis
Yantis told Council that this is a security item for Informational Resources and an additional service for the
Library patrons. He said currently what the citizens can do is limited to City security requirements. He
explained that the separation would provide a separate network that would allow the city organization
network to be protected from viruses or intrusion by unauthorized users. Lyda asked if this expenditure
could possibly wait until next budget year. Russell stated that the contingency fund is currently a little over
$30,000. Bain agreed that this expenditure should wait until next budget year. Yantis noted that the Library
Foundation is aware of the issue and asked that the City be asked to address the expense. Tonn asked
Browning if the Foundation would be interested in paying half of the expense. Browning offered to propose
that to the Library Foundation at their next meeting.
Motion by Lyda, second by Bain to defer this item to the proposed budget. Approved (6-0).
T Consideration of
the
selection of an
airport
terminal building design
from the two options of a new
terminal building
or a
remodel/addition
building
--
Travis
McLain
and
Verna
Browning
Kersch asked McLain who provided the estimates on the terminal. He said that Tom Nichols asked the
contractor, Steve Richmond to provide the estimates. Lyda questioned the estimated costs provided by
White, Dolce, Barr on Fire Station No. 4. Russell explained that half of the difference was due to the
addition of space for emergency medical technicians and an increase in construction costs over a year and
a half. Lyda questioned the fee for the design. Browning said the decision to use that particular firm was
because they were already under contract for the work on the fire station. She noted that the design
brought forward on this item is somewhat different from the one brought by Clark Thurmond at a previous
Council Meeting. Pfiester noted that Nichols is charging less than half of the charge proposed by White,
Dolce, Barr. He said he is excited about preserving the original terminal. Tonn questioned the whether the
expenses incurred by White,Dolce & Barr would be eligible for the reimbursement from the Texas
Department of Transportation. McClain confirmed that it would not be eligible since only the architect who
does the design would be eligible and they will have to go back and get another architect. Tonn wanted to
know where the additional money would come from and Travis said it would come out of the Airport's
additional reserves.
Glen Watkins deferred his time to Guggamos. Guggamos told Council about the Board's efforts to solicit
input for a new terminal building. He said the 2800 square feet was arrived at carefully. He said he feels
the proposed remodel is not large enough. He said he feels to expand the remodel to the same square
footage would cost more than a new building would cost. He said the majority of the Airport Board feels
that the new terminal is best. Tonn asked if there would be room to build the new facility north of the
existing terminal. McLain said it would involve destroying a large oak tree. Tonn said the current building is
not worth rehabilitation. Guggamos suggested finding a new location for the new building. Lyda said he
attended most of the Airport Board Meetings when the issue was being discussed and he was concerned
that the Board was not interested in using the old building. He said the building had started out at 3800 to
4000 square feet and was reduced down to the 2800 square feet. He noted that the airport would not be
expanded in the future and therefore more room would not be needed. He indicated the airport board had
been talking about shrinking some of its services. Lyda talked about the pros and cons of rehabilitating the
old building, but feels like in this case, rehabilitation of the old terminal building is warranted. Hoyt noted
she is worried about the size. She said she could see making a museum out of the old building. Kersch
asked Council if they intended to "grow the airport." Pfiester said he thought the facility would be more than
adequate. McLain said he has no favorite, but would like for Council to make a decision tonight so
something can be started. McLain said the contractors will carefully bid the construction and if the bids
come in too high, the Council can consider that. Bain said he has never seen many people in the terminal.
McLain said most of the time it's quite crowded with pilots. Navarrette said the building is very distinctive
and worth preserving. Kersch thanked McLain and the Airport Board for their efforts.
City Council Meeting Minutes/July 11, 2000
Page 4 of 7 Pages
Motion by Pfiester, second by Bain to approve the Nichols design to make renovations and additions as
noted with the ability for future expansion. Approved 5-1. (Tonn opposed) (Burson absent)
10:20 p.m. recessed to be continued on Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m.
7:03 p.m. called to order on July 12, 2000
U Consideration and possible action on recommendations relating to the newly created City of Georgetown
Economic Development Commission, regarding creation of a position specified for a representative from
the Downtown Business District, authorizing the appointment of a facilitator to assist the City Manager in
establishing the Economic Development Commission, authorizing the advertisement for volunteers to assist
the Economic Development Commission at their request, and expanding the Business -at -Large category to
include service -related industries -- MaryEllen Kersch
There was discussion amongst the Council regarding adding additional positions on the Economic
Development Commission to include the service industries and the Downtown Business District. There was
also discussion amongst the council regarding whether or not a facilitator needed to be appointed for the
Commission until a Director was hired for the Economic Development Division. The general consensus of
the council was that if the Commission chooses to appoint a facilitator that was up to the commission.
There was further discussion about the makeup of the commission, the size of the commission, and the
importance of having a representation from the Downtown Business District, whose needs may not be
necessarily represented by the retail category.
Motion by Lyda, second by Bain to amend the economic development commission criteria to add 2
categories to the 7 business at large categories to make 9 categories from which 5 members can be drawn
to include the service industry and the Downtown Business District and to also authorize the City Manager,
if requested to do so by the Economic Development Commission, to name a facilitator to assist them in
their task. Approved (7-0)
V Consideration and possible action on appointments to the City of Georgetown Economic Development
Commission -- MaryEllen Kersch
Mayor clarified her criteria for her recommendations and discussed conflict of interest issues and why she
didn't eliminate any candidates because anyone could at some point have the appearance of having a
conflict. She thinks it is important to have people who have experience. There was a lengthy discussion
amongst the council regarding "conflicts of interest" and the "perception" of conflict of interest. There was
also discussion regarding the need for this commission to have a "buy -in" and trust of the citizens of this
community in order for it to be successful. The council talked at length regarding the pros and cons of
including Industrial Foundation board members and/or officers on the Economic Development Commission.
The council talked about the experience and knowledge that Industrial Foundation members could bring to
the commission. There was also a discussion regarding the ethics ordinance. there was a concern among
council members that there might be a "serving of two masters" if someone had dual roles on the Economic
Development Commission as well as an Industrial Foundation.
Citizen Jim Brown also addressed the council and discussed the "buy -in" of the citizens.
The council discussed the possibility of prohibiting board members and/or officers from serving on the
Economic Development Commission for a period of time prior to their appointment to the commission.
Recessed at 8:30 p.m.
Called to order at 8:53 p.m.
There was further discussion regarding the possibility of conflicts of interest and/or the appearance of
conflicts.
Citizen Katherine Heideman addressed the council and said that she feels that disclosure by the
Georgetown Industrial Foundation of its contributors would help the situation.
Councilmember Bain suggested that we appoint associate members and/or advisors to the commission.
These members would not be voting members, but would be able to offer their assistance as volunteers to
the commission. There was discussion amongst the council about the possibility of adding ad hoc
members to the commission.
City Council Meeting Minutes/July 11, 2000
Page 5 of 7 Pages
Citizen Jim Dillard said that he likes Bain's ideas because there are some very qualified individuals that
have been nominated, but he isn't sure that they can speak for the citizens. Jim said that he feels like the
commission will have to rely on people who are the citizens of Georgetown and understand where the city
wants to go.
There was a discussion as to which nominees had connections with the Georgetown Industrial Foundation.
Once the current positions are filled, there will still be three positions open on the Economic Development
Commission. The Mayor will fill the three remaining positions at a later date.
Motion by Lyda, second by Bain to approve the following nominations
David McLaughlin - GISD Representative
Johnny Lacy - Financial Representative
Bill Jones - Southwestern University Representative
F. Scott LaGrone - Tourism and Lodging
Daniel Vasquez - Downtown Business District Representative
David Hays - Williamson County Representative
Paula Boggs - Manufacturing Representative
Gordon Baker - Chamber of Commerce Representative
Will Moore - Citizen at Large Representative
Clark Thurmond - ad hoc Representative
Bill Connor -ad hoc Representative
and to establish a non-voting ad hoc membership category and appoint Bill Conner and Clark Thurmond to
those positions, and to invite Jim Mills, Mark Dixon and Tim Harris as ad hoc members*; and that a criterion
for membership to the Economic Development Commission be that no current member of the Board of
Directors, Officers or employees of the City's current or past Industrial Recruitment Contractor shall be
qualified to serve on the Economic Development Commission for a period of one year after the termination
of their board membership or their service as an officer or employee and that members of the Economic
Development Commission shall not serve as an officer, board member, or employee of the City's Industrial
Recruitment Contractor during their service on the Commission, as well as for a period of one (1) year of
leaving their service on the Economic Development Commission. *as corrected by Mayor MaryEllen
Kersch on August 8, 2000,
Citizen Jim
Brown made comment
to council regarding people who
submit bids related to industrial
recruitment
as to whether or not they
should be prohibited from serving.
(7-0) Approved
George Russell suggested that the timetable after the 1 st meeting of the Commission to be adjusted.
W Consideration and possible action regarding policy direction to staff regarding electric deregulation
preparations -- Jim Briggs
Motion by Tonn, second by Hoyt to defer Item W to the first meeting in August, 2000. Approved (7-0)
X Consideration of a resolution appointing directors to the Georgetown Enrichment Corporation (formerly
Georgetown 4B, Inc.) board of directors to conform to the appointment schedule as set forth in the
corporation bylaws and articles of incorporation -- Cathy Riedel and Marianne Banks
Discussion between council and Marianne Banks as to the need for reappointment of the Board of
Directors, as well as the purpose of the Georgetown Enrichment Corporation. George Russell also talked
to council about the need to prepare a charge for the Georgetown Enrichment Corporation and that
transportation issues will probably be the first charge for the Board.
Motion by Hoyt, Second by Pfiester to approve a resolution appointing directors to the Georgetown
Enrichment Corporation (formerly Georgetown 4B, Inc.) board of directors to conform to the appointment
schedule as set forth in the coporate bylaws and articles of incorporation. Approved (7-0)
Y Consideration of clarification and/or revision of Council Policy, and/or directive to Staff to revise pertinent
ordinances(s), regarding requirements for individual Councilmembers to place items on the Council
Agenda -- Clark Lyda and Llorente Navarrette
City Council Meeting Minutes/July 11, 2000
Page 6 of 7 Pages
Council discussed at length the revision to the City's ordinance to allow one councilmember with the
approval of the mayor or two councilmembers to place an item on the agenda and the current procedures
regarding placing an item on the agenda.
recessed at 10:00 p.m.
10:15 p.m. called to order
Motion by Lyda, Second by Navarrette to amend Section 2.24.020 of the Code of Ordinances at the
request of the mayor, a councilmember, or the City Manager to place an item on the agenda. Approved
(6-1). (Hoyt Opposed )
Marianne Banks asked the council to revisit the timeframe for councilmembers to turn their items due to
time constraints for completing the agenda packets.
Motion amended by Lyda, Second by Navarette to request that agenda items be turned into the City
Secretary in final form for the Agenda by 5:00 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the next council meeting.
Approved (7-0)
Z Discussion
and consideration
of
information received at the
July 6, 2000
Town Meeting, and determination
of process
for future action as
a
result of that information
--
Lee Bain and
MaryEllen
Kersch
Bain talked about the presentations and citizen comments presented at the Town Meeting. The Council
went on to discuss the various issues of concern, and what direction the City should move from this point.
The Council committed to establishing a citizens committee to review the need for transportation, parks,
library and facilities needs and possible funding required for needed projects. There was further discussion
amongst the council as to criteria for choosing the committee members.
Council also discussed at length the need for a feasibility study to look at the need for a new library.
Citizen Ken Evans addressed the council about set aside an amount of money each year for pot holes,
gutters, curbs, infrastructure in Old Georgetown.
Bain is to bring an agenda item to council regarding the appointment of and charge to a citizen committee
regarding transportation, parks, library and facility needs.
10:55 p.m. recessed to Executive Session.
Motion by Navarrette to Adjourn at 11:15 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 PM.
Approved :
ayor MaryEllen Kersch
City Council Meeting Minutes/July 11, 2000
Page 7 of 7 Pages
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