HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN 09.12.1995 CC-W&RMINUTES OF THE MEETING OF • •D
OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN,
TUESDAY, September 12, 1995
Council Present:
George Arroyos
Lee Bain
Doris Curl
Susan Hoyt
Ferd Tann
Dick Vincent
Staff Present:
Bob Hart, City Manager
Marianne Banks, City Attorney
Sandra Lee, City Secretary
Ed Barry, Dir. of Dev. Svcs.
Susan Morgan, Dir. of Finance & Admin.
Council Absent:
Winfred Bonner
Micki Rundell, Acctg. Supervisor
Dave Hall, Building Official
Shawn Enos, Building Inspector
Molly Alexander, CVB Coordinator
Jim Briggs, Dir. of Community Owned Utilities
Hartley Sappington, Dir. of Community Services
Elizabeth Gray, Dir. of Management Services
Worms -Called to order 5:30 p.m.
A Review a rate request by Longhorn Disposal for solid waste collection/Hartley Sappington
Longhorn Community Disposal General Manager John Albert explained to Council the need
for the additional amount requested particularly due to increased fees at the landfills. He
provided to Council comparisons of the rates charged by other cities in the area; a rate
history for the City of Georgetown; and a history of the landfill prices in the area.
Regular Session - (To convene Executive Session)
Executive Session
B Sec.551.071 consultation with attorney
C Sec.551.072 deliberation on real property
D Sec.551.075 conference with employee
Regular Session - Called to order at 7:10 p.m.
City Council Minutes/September 12, 1995
Page 1 of 10 Pages
E Action on Executive Session items
There was no action taken on Executive Session items.
Consent Ages nda
F Consideration of approval of meeting minutes --Regular Meeting of August 22, 1995/Sandra
Lee
G Consideration of approval of a Letter of Understanding with Maxwell, Locke & Ritter, P.C.
to perform the independent audit of City accounts for fiscal year ended September 30,
1995/Susan Morgan and Bob Hart
Curl questioned the increased fee. Morgan explained that the Georgetown Budget is a very
involved municipal budget and that the City is requesting more information from the
auditors this year. Morgan said the contract would be up for renewal in the spring. At that
time, the City will send out Requests for Proposal to be based on certain qualifications.
Morgan reminded Council that the audtor candidates are reviewed and interviewed by a
Council Subcommittee appointed by the Mayor.
H Consideration of a resolution setting a public hearing date for consideration of the proposed
water and wastewater improvement programs for the impact fee study and adoption of water
and wastewater impact fees/Ed Barry
I Consideration of a lease agreement with the Community Supervision and Correction
Department of Williamson County to maintain the Pecan Grove/Bob Hart
Curl encouraged use of this type of program in other areas and suggested they be asked to
expand their garden to help provide food for the "Meals on Wheels" program sponsored by
WBCO.
J Authorization for payment of two (2) deductibles to National Casualty Company/Hartley
Sappington
K Authorization for Councilmembers to attend the National Casualty Company/Hartley
Sappington (pulled by City Manager due to typographical error in the posting)
L Consideration of a contract with 1113 Architects, Inc. for construction of a building for
Reedholm Instruments under the Texas Capital Fund Program/Marianne Banks
There were questions from Wood and Bain about 1113 Architects. Hart explained that they
are a local firm working on renovating the Old Produce Warehouse near the Courthouse
Annex. They have been doing the design work on the Reedholm Building without a
City Council Minutes/September 12, 1995
Page 2 of 10 Pages
contract. With approval of this contract, they will be paid out of the grant money which will
be reimbursed by the Reedholms.
M Pulled. (See Regular Agenda)
N Consideration of a resolution withdrawing the intent to create a gas distribution system to
serve Sun City/Bob Hart
O Consideration of the termination of a contract with Dennis Worley, Engineers/Bob Hart
P Consideration of a resolution awarding the bid for the Fiscal Year 1996 Health Insurance to
MetraHealth, Inc. (PPO) and MetraHealth Care Plans of TX (HMO)/Elizabeth Gray
Curl thanked the City employees who were involved in choosing the best bargain for the
City. It was noted that the broker, Hutch Hubby, is a local business owner. Bain asked
about the total dollar amount for this year's City contributions. Gray replied that the amount
is almost the same as last year, but will serve an increased number of employees.
Q Consideration of approval of a contract with Dorcon, Inc. for complete design work and cost
estimates for the remodeling of the City Offices in an amount not to exceed
$19,300.00/Terry Jones and Hartley Sappington
Curl inquired as to the type of structural renovations that would be done to support the
upstairs floor, whether roof repairs would be done, and if the Heritage Society could have
input on the changes that would effect the Visitor Center? Sappington indicated that support
columns would be poured at a minimal interruption to existing work spaces, and that all
remodeling efforts would include improving the customer flow at the Visitor Center.
Bain asked if the contractor had worked before for the City. Sappington replied that he has
done T -hangars at the Airport.
R Consideration of approval of Garney Companies Change Order 41 to upsize the Pecan
Branch Wastewater Line in the amount of $78,119.08/Jim Briggs
Bain inquired and was told that the property owners were paying for the cost of the upsizing
upfront and that the fees have already been paid.
S Consideration of approval of a request to the Texas Department of Transportation to lower
the speed limit on West Highway 29 from Interstate 35 to just west of D. B. Wood
Road/Bob Hart
City Council Minutes/September 12, 1995
Page 3 of 10 Pages
Curl asked if there was more support than just from the letter copied in the agenda packet.
Hart replied that this request was also supported by First Baptist Church and residents in the
area.
T Consideration of a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign two deeds conveying property
to the Texas Department of Transportation for widening of the bridge on Highway
29/1\4arianne Banks
Motion by Tann, second by Vincent to approve the Consent Agenda with the exception of Items KK
and M. Approved 6-0. (Bonner absent due to illness)
Regular^ Agenda
U Citizens wishing to address the Council
Sam Gardner of 207 John Thomas informed Council that the construction in area is creating
problems. Many people drive too fast on the winding road with obstructed views. There
are lots of walkers early and late in the day. Gardner presented a petition showing that 27
of the 30 residents contacted would like a reasonable speed limit posted and enforced for that
area. He told Council that Austin has a "Speed Hump Project" that he would like to see
started in Georgetown. Wood acknowledged receipt of the petition.
Wood recognized, in the audience, Lone Star Gas officials Bill Smith, Jody Butler, Richard
Bone and Doug McCall.
Arroyos thanked City staff for their assistance with Fiesta San Jose.
Bill Miller of Berry Creek spoke to Council regarding the proposed variance to impervious
cover that would be coming before them sometime in the near future, to which he is very
much opposed, saying that he feels the variance is being requested purely for the economic
gain of the developer.
V Mayor, Council, City Manager, and staff comments and reports
• TML Regional Meeting in Round Rock on Friday, September 29
• TML Legislative Policy Committee Appointments
Hart asked Council to let him know if they were interested in serving on the
Legislative Policy Committees.
Mayor reported
that the
National
Highway System has been proposed in the House of
Representatives
and that
MOKAN
is a part of it.
Wood asked that Item CC be addressed at this time on the agenda.
City Council Minutes/September 12, 1995
Page 4 of 10 Pages
CC Authorization for distribution of funds received in a grant to the Mayor through the
American Hometown Leaders Award Program sponsored by the National Association of
Towns and Townships and WalMart stores/Mayor Wood
Wood asked Eunice Blair, President of the G.I.V.E. Board to come forward. Mrs. Blair
announced that she had nominated Wood for the leadership award because of his constant
sustained support for the G.I.V.E. Program. Wood also invited Jeri Manhal, Executive
Director of G.I.V.E. and Karen Hill, Chair of the Georgetown Heritage Society to come
forward. Wood thanked Blair and the G.I.V.E. Board, and announced that $3000 of the
$5000 award would be given to the G.I.V.E. Program, and $1000 would be given to the
Heritage Society for the Grace Church Fund. Wood said that because he had promised the
bond rating agencies in New York that the City would assist the General Fund whenever
possible, $1000 would go to the General Fund.
Motion by Bain, second by Vincent to approve the Mayor's recommended distribution of
the award funds. Approved 6-0. Hill thanked Wood and the Council for the $1000 for the
Grace Church Fund.
• LCRA Birthday Cake (30 minutes)
Wood recognized Robert Long with LCRA. On September 12, 49 years ago, Georgetown
first took power from LORA. In honor of that anniversary, Long served cake to those in
attendance at the Council Meeting.
7:50 p.m. break for cake resumed at 8:07 p.m.
W Second reading of an ordinance to rezone Stonehedge Subdivision, Section Three, Block J,
Lot 31, from A, Agricultural to RS, Single Family or any more restrictive classification/Ed
Barry and Hildy Kingma
Barry read the caption. Motion by Tonn, second by Vincent to approve Ordinance 95-39
on second reading. Approved 6-0.
X Second reading of an ordinance to rezone Stonehedge Subdivision, Sections One and Two
from A, Agricultural to RS, Residential Single Family/Ed Barry and Hildy Kingma
Pulled at the request of the applicant.
Y Second reading of an ordinance to require the Municipal Court Judge, that is appointed by
the Council, to set the minimum fine amounts for Class "C" Misdemeanors falling within
the Municipal Court's jurisdiction/Susan Morgan and Laurie Brewer
City Council Minutes/September 12, 1995
Page 5 of 10 Pages
Morgan read the caption. Curl asked if Council should receive recommendations from the
Judge and then adopt this ordinance. Banks and Morgan explained that this ordinance would
allow the Judge to choose the rate within a range prescribed by the State.
Motion by Curl, second by Bain to approve Ordinance No. 95-41 on second reading.
Approved 6-0.
Hoyt asked for a copy of the new rates. Morgan assured them that Judge would provide a
copy of the rates for Council.
Z Second reading of an ordinance amending Chapters 8.04 and 2.32, and Title 15 of the Code
of Ordinances, providing the adoption of updated versions of the Building and Electrical
Construction Codes/Ed Barry and David Hall
Hall read the caption. Motion by Tonn, second by Curl to approve Ordinance 95-42 on
second reading. Approved 6-0.
AA Second reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 2.60 of the Code of Ordinances for the
Board of Electrical Examiners/Ed Barry and David Hall
Hall read the caption. Motion by Vincent, second by Hoyt to approve Ordinance 95-43 on
second reading. Approved 6-0.
Bain expressed concern about the wording of Section 2 of the ordinance and asked for
clarification. Banks said the language would be clarified.
BB Second reading of an ordinance adopting revisions to the City's Subdivision Regulations/Ed
Barry and Hildy Kingma
Barry read the caption. Motion by Tonn, second by Curl to approve Ordinance 95-44 on
second reading. Approved 6-0.
DD Request for Council guidance related to revisions to the Zoning Ordinance to allow model
homes in the "R" zoning districts, and to allow a model home to operate at 1000 Woodview
Drive specifically/Hildy Kingma and Ed Barry
Barry explained that this guidance request concerned two
issues. The first issue was
how
to address model homes
throughout Georgetown, and the second issue was how to address
the model home at 1000
Woodview Drive. Barry explained
that staff has tried to work
with
the homebuilders in the area. He suggested that since there
were a number of issues to
deal
with, a workshop could
be scheduled to discuss the issues,
or Council could send this
item
City Council Minutes/September 12; 1995
Page 6 of 10 Pages
back to Planning and Zoning for recommendations. Barry reminded Council that a petition
had been submitted by the neighbors in the area.
Tom Casey of 214 Rockcrest Drive stated that Buffington Homes had never built before in
1000 Oaks Subdivision. He explained that the neighborhood's first concern was for two
very large signs that would have created viewing difficulties on the corner. Planning and
Zoning denied the signs. Casey said that the builder stated at the P & Z Meeting that the
model was built as a marketing method to compete with the more visible homes of other
builders. Casey and other residents feel that the lighting is obtrusive and the sidewalks
installed on two sides of the corner location are in response to a regulation in the Sierra Vista
section where the builder is actually constructing homes. Sidewalks were not required when
1000 Oaks Subdivision was built because the area had not yet been annexed. Casey
suggested that if the builder would be willing to put sidewalks throughout the rest of the
neighborhood, the neighbors would not oppose the model home.
When asked by Council if the model home was operating at this time, City Building
Inspector David Hall replied that a temporary final permit had been issued stating on the
permit that permission was granted to operate pending City Council decision. Barry stated
that lights are allowed as long as they are directed not to shine into the neighbor's yards.
Wood asked Banks to make a recommendation for Council action. Banks said the City
Council could revoke the permit, but the builder would then have grounds for a claim
against the City.
Curl emphasized again that the City needs an urban design plan because of the increased
growth. She asked for a workshop and resurrection of the urban design committee.
Banks advised Council that if this model home is found in violation, all existing model
homes in the City would also be found in violation except those in Churchill Farms because
they were in existence before the area was annexed, and those in Sun City because they were
handled under the regulations for a Planned Unit Development.
Motion by Hoyt, second by Bain to hold a workshop to discuss these issues at the Council
Meeting on September 26, and revoke the temporary permit until after the next meeting.
Arroyos asked what kind of risk this would be for city staff. Banks repeated that the builder
would have a valid claim. Approved 5-1 (Arroyos opposed)
EE Consideration of an amendment to increase rates in the collection and disposal of the solid
waste contract with Longhorn Disposal/Hartley Sappington
Wood asked for the difference between this item and Item JJ. Hart explained that this
increase would be in addition to the amount in the ordinance. Wood asked what amount of
City Council Minutes/September 12, 1995
Page 7 of 10 Pages
increase would be needed to cover the increased tipping fees. Sappington replied that about
$0.10 of the requested increase would cover the tipping fees, but another increase from the
landfill is anticipated in February.
Motion by Tonn, second by Hoyt to give Longhorn $0.10 cents on residential service and
1.2% on commercial service to cover the cost of the tipping fees. Approved 6-0.
FF First reading of an ordinance amending the 1994/95 Annual Operating Plan Element
(budget) to offset variances in various fund budgets for increases in expenditures that are
tied to service requests or revenue collection rates, to properly account for grant
expenditures, and to reclass expenditures between funds/Micki Rundell and Susan Morgan
Morgan stated that this is a "clean-up" item for the current budget. She said that the most
significant item pertained to sanitation revenue. Morgan said that sales are up, and this
increase was passed through to Longhorn. Also, a small grant was received for the Airport
and that money needs to be passed through.
Morgan read the caption. Motion by Bain, second by Hoyt Approved 6-0.
GG First reading of an ordinance adopting an Annual Operating Plan Element of the
Georgetown Century Plan (budget) for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 1995, and ending
September 3)0, 1996; adopting the Annual Amendment to the Century Plan/Susan Morgan
and Bob Hart
Morgan explained that this ordinance adopts the budget with a few minor changes having
occurred such as the elimination of the items that had been included for the proposed gas
distribution system.
Morgan read the caption only on first reading after satisfying the requirements of the
Charter. Motion by Tonn, second by Vincent to approve this ordinance on first reading.
Approved 6-0.
HH First reading of an ordinance amending Sec.2.08.010 "Administrative Divisions and
Departments" of the Georgetown Code of Ordinances/Susan Morgan and Bob Hart
Morgan explained that this ordinance sets up the operating divisions. She noted that changes
were pointed out in the item cover sheet. Morgan read the caption on first reading after
satisfying the requirements of the Charter. Motion by Bain, second by Tonn to approve this
ordinance on first reading. Approved 6-0.
11 First reading of an ordinance levying a tax rate for the City of Georgetown for the tax year
1995/Susan Morgan and Bob Hart
City Council Minutes/September 12, 1995
Page 8 of 10 Pages
Morgan read the caption only on first reading after satisfying the requirements of the
Charter. Tonn asked if the deletion of the proposed gas distribution system would effect the
tax rate. Hart explained that the gas system would have been covered by the Del Webb SIP
fees. Wood asked for a motion to adopt the 37 cent rate. Motion by Vincent, second by
Bain to approve this ordinance on first reading. Approved 6-0.
JJ First reading of an ordinance amending solid waste disposal rates/Susan Morgan and Bob
Hart
Morgan noted that on second reading this ordinance would reflect the motion made earlier
on the agenda to include the $0.10 increase rather than $0.75. Morgan read the caption only
on first reading after satisfying the requirements of the Charter. Motion by Tonn, second
by Hoyt to approve this ordinance on first reading. Approved 6-0.
KK First reading of an ordinance establishing water and sewer rates for customers in the Berry
Creek service area for billing permits after September 30, 1995/Susan Morgan
Jack Milanese of Berry Creek said he feels the Berry Creek residents are not receiving the
same services as other areas in the ETJ and would like for the water rates to be held as they
are until the services increase or until the water supply is adequate.
Bill Miller said that he would like to echo the previous remarks. He told Council that he
feels that the current water system is the same inadequate one, so why should the Berry
Creek residents pay more? He asked who pays for the laying of the water lines to supply the
area with water. He suggested delaying the increase until the line is laid and the service is
improved. Hart explained that the general policy is that the user/developer bears the cost.
All improvements in the Georgetown water system are provided through revenues from the
entire system.
Morgan read the caption only on first reading after satisfying the requirements of the
Charter. Morgan explained that the Council had passed a special ordinance back in March,
when the system was purchased, to allow the residents to remain on their old rate, because
the improvements would not be possible until the next fiscal year. She explained that the
ordinance was written to expire in September. She advised that if the improvements are not
done, the system will not be adequate.
Motion by Hoyt, second by Vincent to approve this ordinance on first reading. Approved
b-0.
Curl asked if the City was making plans for water conservation. Hart said the staff
recommends that the Council look at the options in early Spring. The City is participating
in the Trans -Texas Study and investigating all the other nearby water systems along with
City Council Minutes/September 12, 1995
Page 9 of 10 Pages
options for long-term water supplies. Hart said that rationing would probably be dealt with
at the treatment plant level regarding peak use.
LL First reading of an ordinance amending the fuel flowage fee rates charged at the Georgetown
Municipal Airport/Travis McLain and Hartley Sappington
McLain
read the
ordinance. Motion by
Vincent, second by Hoyt to approve this ordinance
on first
reading.
Approved 5-0. (Curl
abstained)
M Consideration of a development agreement concerning payment of improvements by Russell
Laundromat/Marianne Banks
Bain had a question about enforcement of payment. Banks explained that the City could
either sue or turn off utilities. Motion by Tonn, second by Hoyt to approve the development
agreement. Approved 6-0.
MM Final comments and evaluation of meeting process
There were no final comments.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:27 p.m.
Approved:
}
9 J
Leo Wood, Mayor
City Council Minutes/September 12, 1995
Page 10 of 10 Pages
Attest:
r
Sandra D. Lee, City Secretary