HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN 11.24.2003 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:
_ IPatty Eason, Gabe Sansing, Doug Smith, Jack !!Ken Evans, due to resignation
)Noble, John Kirby, Farley Snell
Staff Present: ------.---
Paul Brandenburg, City Manager; Tom Yantis, Assistant City Manager; Jim Briggs, Assistant City
Manager for Utility Operations; Trish Carls, City Attorney; Sandra Lee, City Secretary; Anthony Lincoln,
Fire Chief; Clay Shell, Assistant Fire Chief
Called to order at 4:03 p.m.
A Workshop discussion regarding formation of an Emergency Service District (ESD) for the Georgetown
rural fire protection area -- Anthony Lincoln, Fire Chief
Lincoln noted that each spring he brings before the Council a contract with the County in the amount of
$60,000 for rural fire protection. He explained that it has been a goal for several years to find a way that the
City could be reimbursed more adequately for services provided outside the city limits. Lincoln explained
that an ESD could include the City if the Council chooses, as well as the surrounding communities and
could possibly take the place of the City of Georgetown Fire Services Division. He said fire services would
be provided by what could become ESD #8, a taxing entity governed by a five -member Commission
appointed by the County Commissioners, and there would need to be an election of the people concerned
prior to September 2004 in order to determine if the District would be established and to receive funds by
January, 2005. He said Williamson County currently has six ESD's and Travis County has thirteen ESD's.
He said one of the biggest factors in forming an individual fire department is the benefit of a good ISO
Rating, saying if the ESD is set up, small communities could be a part of the ESD at a much more
economical rate than by setting up individual fire departments. Lincoln provided Council with a copy of the
boundaries for the proposed ESD. He listed the benefits for the City and the County. He said structures in
the County are currently built without regulating standards but they would be required with an ESD. He said
an ESD would allow a reduction in the insurance premiums paid by county residents.
There were questions from the Council regarding split ratings in the extra -territorial jurisdiction. Lincoln said
one of the disadvantages would be annexation of developments in rural areas that the Council may not
prefer to annex, but since development would probably occur anyway, this would be a method to assist in
the management of the development. He said also that the City would assume the debt within the areas
annexed and there could be debt issuance without City control.
There was lengthy discussion regarding the potential district. Yantis clarified that the number one reason
why city management is interested in doing this is for the subsidization of the cost, with a second tier
advantage of improved staffing.
B Council Calendar
City Council Meeting Minutes/November 24, 2003
Page 1 of 2 Pages
- Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 11, 2003, at 6:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers at
the northeast corner of Seventh and Main Streets
- Special Election for registered voters in City Single -Member District 7 on Saturday, December 20, 2003,
with early voting from December 3 through December 16, 2003.
- Community Breakfast Meeting at Georgetown Municipal Complex, San Gabriel Room on Friday, January
30, at 7:00 a.m.
4:48 p.m. -- recessed to 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.
C Sec.551.071 consultation with attorney
- Pending Litigation
- Legal Advice Regarding Agenda Items and other Matters
D Sec.551.087 Economic Development
- Discussion regarding economic development prospects regarding automobile manufacturing suppliers
6:50 p.m. -- returned to Open Session
The meeting was adjourned at 06:50 PM.
Appr�ed :
ff r,
_314 -
Mayor ary Nelon
City Council Meeting Minutes/November 24, 2003
Page 2 of 2 Pages
Attest:
City Secretary Sandra Lee