HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN 11.25.2003 CC-RThe City Council of the City of Georgetown, Texas, met in Regular Session on the above date with Mayor
Gary Nelon presiding.
Council Present: i Council Absent:
1 Patty Eason, Gabe Sansing, Doug Smith, Jack jl Ken Evans, due to resignation on October 28,
i' Noble, John Kirby, Farley Snell 0 2003
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; Amelia Sondgeroth, Director of Planning and Development Services; Micki Rundell, Director
of Finance and Administration; Carla Bourland, Human Resources Director; Mark Thomas, Economic
Development Director; Eric Lashley, Library Director; Keith Hutchinson, Public Information Officer; Clay
Shell, Assistant Fire Chief; Julie Canady, Code Enforcement Supervisor; Laurie Brewer, Controller; Terry
Jones, Purchasing Director; Tom Leggitt, Fire Marshal; Mike Mayben, Energy Services Manager; Bobby
Ray, Chief Current Planning; John Aldridge, Systems Engineering Manager; David Munk, Development
Engineer; Carla Benton, Development Planner; Melissa McCollum, Development Planner
Policy Development/Reviews Workshop
There was no Policy Development Workshop held at this meeting.
Regular Session to convene and continue Executive Session, if necessary
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
A Sec.551.071 consultation with attorney
- Pending Litigation
- Legal Advice Regarding Agenda Items and other Matters
B Sec.551.087 Economic Development
- Discussion regarding economic development prospects regarding automobile manufacturing suppliers
There was no Executive Session at this meeting.
Regular Session
C Call to Order
The Meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
D Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Nelon led the Pledge.
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Page 1 of 11 Pages
E Comments from the dais regarding the following items:
- Welcome to Audience and Opening Comments -- Mayor Gary Nelon
Mayor Nelon welcomed the audience and gave a brief outline of meeting procedures.
- Board/Commission Vacancies:
- One position on the Housing Authority
- One position on the Library Board
Mayor Nelon announced the vacanies.
F Announcements and Comments from City Manager
Brandenburg noted that the Groundbreaking for the Simon Wolf Ranch Mall is scheduled for
December 16 at 9:30 a.m. at the site. He said Councilmembers will receive an invitation.
G Public Wishing to Address Council
Dr. JoAnn Ford regarding results of Mission of Mercy.
Dr. Ford said the Mission was a huge success and served 1300 Williamson County
patients in dental, 561 patients in vision, many in hearing, also screened high blood
pressure, diabetes, and served several thousand meals. She said they kept statistics on
all the patients and will provide the Council with information as to the zip codes of the
people served. She said none of these people had insurance. She said they had 130
volunteer dentists and dental associates from all over the state. She commended the
leadership of Carol Woods and the assistance from F.T. Woods, Inc. and said that the
City of Round Rock has agreed to host the event next year.
Keith Peshak regarding management of the City.
He complained about two incidents at the airport where he said he called 9-1-1, and one
incident he heard about involving a call to 9-1-1 about a person stumbling along Williams
Drive, saying the Georgetown Police Department should have shown up sooner than they
did.
H Action from Executive Session
Motion by Smith, second by Noble to offer a package of property tax abatements and
infrastructure improvements to TASUS Corporation to encourage them to develop a manufacturing
facility in Georgetown and further move that staff be directed to investigate reimbursement of some
of the infrasturcture costs through the Texas Capital Fund.
Snell stated that he planned to support this motion, but said he is dis-inclined to be interested in
economic development, especially industrial, and especially that which doesn't produce sales tax
revenue. He said he is uneasy about possibly not being able to recover the investment, and
unwilling to do tax abatements except in the case that no harm can be done to the City. He said
he thinks that is the case with this project. He said he feels it is a top-flight company and will be an
economic and ecological benefit to the City. He commended staff for their work on the responsible
and reasonable structuring of the proposal so as not to endanger the City's interest.
Kirby said he also has concerns about this item. He said he submitted a list of issues to the staff
regarding incentivising companies to come to Georgetown because of the low-wage jobs and
grants that require that they remain at a low-wage level. He said he is not certain that the
company adequately provides benefits to their employees. He said he is also concerned about
contaminating the water supply, and using 4B sales tax to build a "private" road. He said he feels
the City has a poor track record of using property tax abatements. He said he feels the Council
was "stampeded" into exercising this vote. He said he will vote against the motion.
Smith said he feels this is true economic development, unlike some projects in the past.
Sansing said the Council has been told that this investment will be good for the community. He
said he is grateful for the work of Economic Development Director Mark Thomas who put the
proposal together.
Noble said the Council was not stampeded. He said this proposal was recommended
unanimously by the Economic Development Commission and was passed unanimously by the 4B
Corporation board yesterday.
Approved 5-1. (Kirby opposed)
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Mayor announced that Items T-3 and T-4 from the Legislative Regular Agenda would be pulled.
Statutory Consent Agenda
I Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes of the Council Workshop on Monday, November
10, and the Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 11, 2003 -- Sandra Lee, City Secretary
J Consideration of authorization for Paul Brandenburg, Georgetown City Manager, to sign a contract
permitting the Georgetown Public Library to receive direct financial aid in the amount of $6,090.00 from
the Texas State Library and Archives Commission -- Eric Lashley, Library Director
K Consideration and possible action to authorize the approval of the annual license renewal, system
support, and software activation and hardware repair for the AMR Genesis and MVRS system between
the City of Georgetown and Itron Incorporated in an amount not to exceed $42,096.00 -- Michael W.
Mayben, Energy Services Manager and Jim Briggs, Assistant City Manager for Utility Operations
L Consideration and possible action to approve the purchase of two (2) copiers from Ikon Office Solutions
and one (1) copier from Dahill Industries through the the Texas Local Government Cooperative contract in
the amount of $28,795.00 -- Terry Jones, Purchasing Director and Micki Rundell, Director of Finance and
Administration
M Consideration and possible action to authorize the Mayor to sign a lease with the U.S. Department of the
Army, Army Corps of Engineers for public park and recreational purposes -- Tom Yantis, Assistant City
Manager
Motion by Noble, second by Eason to approve the Consent Agenda in its entirety. Approved 6-0.
Legislative Regular Agenda
N Awards of Bids
1. Consideration and possible action to award the bid for Police vehicles to Philpott Ford in the
amount of $489, 873.00 -- Terry Jones, Purchasing Director and Micki Rundell, Director of Finance
and Administration
Jones explained the item, saying proposals were sent to five companies but the City received only
one bid. He said the local Ford dealer was contacted but declined to participate.
Keith Peshak complained that the City is spending money for 17 more squad cars because they
can't do their job with the 100+ squad cars they have now.
Eason thanked Jones for the information that the local dealer had been contacted.
Motion by Sansing, second by Kirby to approve the award of bid. Approved 6-0.
Consideration and possible action to award the bid for pickups and vans to Philpott Ford in the
amount of $324,490.00 -- Terry Jones, Purchasing Director and Micki Rundell, Director of Finance
and Administration
Jones explained that bids were solicited from six dealers, but only one bid was received. He said
two local dealers were called but declined to bid. Motion by Snell, second by Eason to approve
the award of bid. Approved 6-0.
Consideration and possible action to award the bid for a bucket truck to Altec Utility Equipment in
the amount of $97,480.00 -- Terry Jones, Purchasing Director and Micki Rundell, Director of
Finance and Administration
Jones explained the item, saying that three bids were received, with Altec being the low bid.
Keith Peshak said the reason there is high crime at the airport is because the lighting is bad. He
said the bucket truck could be used to replace the burned -out lights.
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Motion by Smith, second by Noble to approve the award of bid. Approved 6-0.
O Discussion and possible action regarding the proposed Parking Management Plan for downtown -- Tom
Yantis, Assistant City Manager and Paul Brandenburg, City Manager
Brandenburg said in a survey that was sent out in August, 76% of the respondents approved of parking
management, saying that available spaces should be promoted. He said under the proposed plan,
volunteers would be supervised and trained by the Police Department to serve as Ambassadors who would
wear some type of uniform. He said the affected area would be Austin Avenue between 6th and 9th
Streets, Main Street between 6th and 9th Streets, 7th Street between Church and Rock, and 8th Street
between Church and Rock, and said the restrictions will be that vehicles may remain in a space for no
more than two consecutive hours, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. He said the first
offense would be a warning, second offense would be a fine not to exceed $50, third offense would be a
fine not to exceed $200, and the fourth and subsequent offenses would result in impoundment of the
vehicle and a fine not to exceed $500. He said Hospitality Permits could be obtained and signage would be
provided. He said there would be a meeting next week for presentation of the plan, then a meeting with
County Courthouse employees. He said there would be flyers distributed. He said if there is support for the
plan, Council would need to adopt the ordinance in December, signage would then be installed, and
volunteers trained. He said the enforcement would begin around the first of February, with an amnesty
period of 30 days. He asked for support from the Council
Sansing asked about Farmers' Market. Brandenburg said he didn't think it would be a problem.
Smith suggested the Ambassadors could be coordinated with the Visitor's Center. Brandenburg said
because of the equipment and uniforms, it would be best to keep them separate, but cross -training would
be good, in case more people would be needed. Smith suggested keeping the uniforms simple and
inexpensive.
Motion by Kirby, second by Smith to direct staff to prepare an ordinance. Approved 6-0.
P Item Forwarded from Georgetown Utility System Advisory Board
Consideration and possible action to renew a contract between the City of Georgetown and ElectSolve
Technology Solutions and Services Incorporated to provide AMR System Data Services in the amount of
$56,000.00 -- Michael W. Mayben, Energy Services; Walter Koopmann, Wireless Communications System
Manager; and Jim Briggs, Assistant City Manager for Utility Operations
Mayben explained that ElectSolve was chosen by RFP in 2001, and this would be a renewal of that
contract. Motion by Snell, second by Eason to approve the renewal. Approved 6-0.
O Consideration and possible action to approve the contract, budget and scope of work with GRW Willis,
Inc. for the Airport Master Plan Update -- Tom Yantis, Assistant City Manager
Yantis said the consultant selection committee developed the scope to attempt to remain in the approved
budget, but there will be some funds from TXDOT that will help pay the $87,198. He said $37,000 may be
paid by TXDOT, and any overage is available in the Airport Fund, so he needs Council to approve the
overage contingent upon receiving the funding from TXDOT. He highlighted the tasks to be provided by
GRW Willis, Inc. He introduced Chuck Willis who told Council his firm exclusively designs airports. He said
he predicts the project will take seven months with strong public participation.
Snell, who served on the consultant selection committee, commended Willis, and asked if there could be a
committee appointed to meet with Willis periodically. Yantis agreed that a committee could be formulated
and there would also be four workshops with the Council throughout the process. There was further
discussion and comments from the Council.
Speaker, Keih Peshak, said he is concerned that this will promote a larger airport. He also said he pays
more for his hangar than the rent being paid for the hangar across the road from him.
Speaker, Don Dison, said he owns a business at the Georgetown Airport, doing aircraft maintenance, with
additional land leased at the Airport and a request to lease more land that was tabled pending the airport
master plan study. He said he understands the increase in budget and he supports the additional
expenditure. He said the study is overdue and is needed for the education of the citizens and for the good
of the City. He said he would like some guarantee that this update doesn't go on forever, and suggested
there be a stipulation that it would stay on time and within the budget.
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Motion by Snell, second Sansing to approve the contract, scope and budget and take the additional
$24,377 from the airport fund, contingent upon the final authorization by TXDOT to complete the airport
layout plan tasks. There was discussion regarding the balance to be covered. Yantis confirmed the
amount and said the $24,377 included the 10% match. Approved 6-0.
R Consideration and possible action to authorize a contract with Montgomery and Associates to conduct the
2003/04 City of Georgetown Quality of Life Citizen Survey, in an amount not to exceed $20,000 -- Micki
Rundell, Director Finance & Administration and Paul Brandenburg, City Manager
Rundell said surveys are the standard for receiving feedback and allow contact from the "silent majority."
She said the 2001 survey was a major tool in the annexation plan, and transportation plan, and gauges how
tax dollars are to be spent. She said the 2001 survey was conducted by Montgomery and Associates. She
said there will be 40 to 45 questions, and gave a sample of the questions to be asked. She said the
information will help the Council and staff prepare priorities for the 2004/05 budget, saying if this item is
approved, a draft would come to Council at a workshop in February, 2004, with the survey to be conducted
in March.
Kirby said he would like the questions to be more action -oriented and less hypothetical and would prefer
that the survey would be ongoing like a poll, rather than hitting people with 45 questions at once. Sansing
asked if a public comment form could be incorporated into the website. Rundell said there would be 800
people surveyed, a cross-section of the citizens, randomly chosen, and at the end of the survey they would
be given the opportunity to give comments. Snell confirmed that this would be a telephone survey.
Motion by Sansing, second by Kirby to approve the contract. Smith said he thinks the responses will be
the same as in 2001. He said he would rather the $20,000 be spent somewhere else. Approved 5-1.
(Smith opposed)
S Consideration and possible action on a resolution expressing official intent to reimburse costs of fleet
police vehicle capital replacement not to exceed $585,600 with proceeds from bonds that will be issued
at a later time -- Micki Rundell, Director of Finance and Administration
Rundell explained the item.
Speaker, Keith Peshak, complained that the City is spending too much for police cars.
Mayor asked Rundell to tell the Council how many squad cars the city has. She said the City currently has
33 squad cars, with this item will purchase eleven, with others being taken out of service.
Snell confirmed the procedure for the bonds. Sansing confirmed that this is less expensive than leasing.
Motion by Noble, second by Kirby to approve the resolution. Approved 6-0.
T Second Readings
1. Second reading of an Ordinance amending the Georgetown Code of Ordinances, Section
8.20.0201, related to the prohibition of items placed in such a manner as to obstruct
passageway of or on public grounds and rights-of-way -- Tom Leggitt, Fire Marshal and Anthonly
Lincoln, Fire Chief
Leggitt read only the caption of the ordinance on second reading. Snell confirmed that this
ordinance amendment was done due to a citizen complaint that the ordinance was not clear
enough regarding portable basketball hoops. He confirmed that a portable basketball goal is still
not acceptable under this ordinance. Motion by Kirby, second by Sansing to approve Ordinance
No. 2003-80. Approved 6-0.
Second Reading of an ordinance revising Section 3.01.490 of the Code of Ordinances entitled "
Disciplinary Action and Appeals" -- Carla Bourland, Director of Human Resources
Bourland read only the caption of the ordinance on second reading. Motion by Sansing, second
by Eason to approve Ordinance No. 2003-81. Approved 6-0.
Second Reading of an ordinance providing for the annexation into the of City of 9.88 acres, more
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or less, in the Joseph Thompson Survey, located 100 feet north of and parallel to the
approximate center line of the South Fork of the San Gabriel River — Ed Polasek, Chief Long
Range Planner and Amelia Sondgeroth, Director of Planning and Development Services
This item was pulled.
4. Second Reading of an ordinance providing for the annexation into the of City 308.06 acres, more
or less, in the Joseph Thompson Survey, Abstract 608, located at 2951 SH 29 West, 2.5 miles
West of IH35 — Ed Polasek, Chief Long Range Planner and Amelia Sondgeroth, Director of
Planning and Development Services
This item was pulled.
U Public Hearings t First Readings
1. First reading of an ordinance of the City of Georgetown renaming Hacia Los Lobos Boulevard to
Wolf Ranch Parkway and Turkeytaii Trail to Indigo Lane -- Clay Shell, Assistant Fire Chief and
Anthony Lincoln, Fire Chief
Shell read only the caption of the ordinance after having satisfied the requirements of the City
Charter. Smith asked why the street is being renamed. Shell responded that the requested
change for Turkeytail Trail was approved by the County Commissoners Court, and the renaming of
Hacia Los Lobos Boulevard was requested by the Wolf Family. Sansing said he thinks the name
should stay as the developer named it. Shell said the developer agreed with the changes.
Motion by Snell, second by Noble to approve the ordinance on first reading. Approved 5-1.
(Sansing opposed)
2. First Reading of an ordinance providing for the adoption of the Downtown Master Plan as a new
element of the Century Plan — Ed Polasek, Chief Long Range Planner and Amelia Sondgeroth,
Director of Planning and Development Services
Mayor noted that in Executive Session on Monday night there was some discussion that some
further work was desired before the ordinance is adopted. He asked if there should be a motion to
defer until the chance to review it in a workshop.
Carts explained to Council how to proceed because of this being a Century Plan Amendment. She
said because the applicant, in this case, is the staff, Council could defer action until after a
workshop is held.
Mayor asked if there could be a workshop after the first of the year. Sondgeroth asked what
issues need to be discussed. Mayor responded that the issues involved traffic circulation and
safety. Brandenburg noted he would share his notes of Council's concerns.
Motion by Noble, second by Smith to defer this item to a workshop discussion in January.
Approved 5-1. (Sansing opposed)
3. Public Hearing to consider a Rezoning of Williams Addition, Block 1, Lot 9 and 10 and .361
acres out of the Nicholas Porter Survey, from RS. Residential Single Family to OF, Office
District, located at 2201 Williams Drive -- Bobby Ray, Chief Development Planner and Amelia
Sondgeroth, Director of Planning and Development Services
Ray explained the request is from the owners to allow them to market the property for something
other than single-family residential which is no longer viable along Williams Drive. He said the
Planning and Zoning Commission approved the rezoning. Council specified that this would not be
for an auto parts store or a car wash. Snell asked for clarification of the land -locked condition of
some of the lots in the addition as shown on the map contained in the agenda packet. The public
hearing was opened at 7:36 p.m. There were no comments. The public hearing was closed at
7:36 p.m.
First Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning of Williams Addition, Block 1, Lot 9 and 10 and .361
acres out of the Nicholas Porter Survey, from RS. Residential Single Family to OF, Office
District, located at 2201 Williams Drive -- Bobby Ray, Chief Development Planner and Amelia
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Sondgeroth, Director of Planning and Development Services
Ray read only the caption of the ordinance after having satisfied the requirements of the City
Charter. Motion by Sansing, second Eason to approve the ordinance on first reading. Approved
6-0.
5. Public Hearing to consider a Rezoning of .303 acres out of Block 69 of the Lost Addition from
RS, Residential Single Family District to OF, Office District, located at 214 West University Avenue
-- Bobby Ray, Chief Development Planner and Amelia Sondgeroth, Director of Planning and
Development Services
Ray explained the request, saying it is consistent with surrounding land uses and was approved by
the Planning and Zoning Commission. The public hearing was opened at 7:39 p.m. There were
no comments. The public hearing was closed at 7:40 p.m.
6. First Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning of .303 acres out of Block 69 of the Lost Addition from
RS, Residential Single Family District to OF, Office District, located at 214 West University Avenue
-- Bobby Ray, Chief Development Planner and Amelia Sondgeroth, Director of Planning and
Development Services
Ray read only the caption of the ordinance after having satisfied the requirements of the City
Charter. Motion by Sansing, second by Eason to approve this ordinance on first reading.
Approved 6-0.
7. First Reading of an ordinance amending the 2002103 Annual Operating Plan Element (budget)
to offset variances in various fund budgets for increases in expenditures that are tied to service
requests and revenue collection rates -- Micki Rundell, Director of Finance and Administration
Brewer explained the need to amend the operating plan for increases in expenditures that resulted
in budget variances. Motion by Kirby, second by Sansing to approve the ordinance on first
reading. Sansing clarified that all of these funds have sources and have no effect on the
budget -ending capital. Approved 6-0.
V Consideration and possible action on a Final Plat of a Resubdivision of The Rivery Park, Block A, Lot 1,
located on Rivery Boulevard — Carla Benton, Development Planner and Amelia Sondgeroth, Director of
Planning and Development Services
Benton explained the item, saying the applicants are requesting two waivers, one to allow parking between
the two lots, supported by staff, and to retain a plat note approved on the original subdivision plat regarding
impervious coverage, supported by staff for consistency. She said Planning and Zoning has approved the
plat and the requested waivers.
Terry Irion, representing the developers, said the purpose was for "without vacation," saying all the plat
notes stay on the plat, but the applicants didn't ask for the waiver, saying they told the staff they didn't sell
the purchaser the transfer credits. He said there won't be more than 70% impervious cover on any of the
lots.
Mayor asked him why he was concerned. Irion replied that they had not requested the waiver because
there couldn't be more than 70% impervious cover. Motion by Sansing, second by Kirby to approve the
final plat. Approved 6-0.
W Consideration and possible action on a Preliminary Plat of 195.63 acres in the Frederick Foy Survey to be
known as Woodland Park West, located off 4-T Ranch Road and behind Woodland Park Phase 1-A —
Mclissa McCollum, Development Planner and Amelia Sondgeroth, Director of Planning and Development
Services
McCollum explained the item, saying this development is no longer a part of the Sun City development.
She said they are requesting three waivers, eliminating street lighting, reducing the right of way width, and
reducing the lot width for twelve lots at the end of cul-de-sacs. She said the Planning and Zoning
Commission voted approval of the plat and the waivers.
Kirby asked about someday needing to supply power for street lighting. Briggs noted that area is on
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Pedernales Electric, and they would need to request that the conduit be placed in advance of building the
road.
Developer, Gregory Griffin, told Council there are no street lights in the adjoining subdivisions. He said the
houses will be "high-end" and will probably have security lights on their property. He said people move out
there in order to see the stars, so they probably would not request street lights.
Sansing said there are some small lots mixed in with the larger lots and asked if the developer could light
the smaller lots minimally. Nelon clarified that only the width of the frontage on the cul de sac would be
smaller, opening up into a larger lot in the back.
Griffin introduced Jimmy Jacobs, the builder, who said they could put in some street sleeves at the street
crossings in case somehow the customers would in the future prefer street lighting. Briggs said the
intersections could be lighted. Jacobs said the existing neighbors have no street lights and some of the
people would prefer not to have street lights. There were comments from the Council.
Motion by Sansing, second by Noble to approve the preliminary plat. Motion to amend by Snell, second
by Smith to approve as requested, but with lights at the intersections. Denied 2-4. (Eason, Sansing,
Noble, Kirby opposed) Sansing and Noble remarked that they believe that Jacobs builds a fine product.
Vote on the orignial motion: 4-2. (Snell and Smith opposed)
X Consideration and possible action on a Public Review Final Plat of 42.24 acres in the John Sutherland
and C. Joyner Surveys, to be known as The Woods of Fountainwood, Phase 5, located on Russell Park
Road with variances to the Subdivision Reguiations — Carla Benton, Development Planner and Amelia
Sondgeroth, Director of Planning and Development Services
Benton explained the request for three variances, being the width of right of way from 60 to 50 feet,
additional 815 feet of block length, and a 540 -foot cul de sac. She said the Planning and Zoning
Commission approved the variances. Motion by Sansing, second by Eason to approve the Public Review
Final Plat. Approved 6-0.
Y Consideration and possible action on a Variance to the Subdivision Regulations for Villages of Berry
Creek, Block H, Lots 108, 109 and 110, located on Buck Meadow Drive — Melissa McCollum,
Development Planner and Amelia Sondgeroth, Director of Planning and Development Services
McCollum explained the two variances to allow two driveways on the corner lot and to allow parking to
encroach 15' into the platted 25' front yard on Pebble Creek Drive. She said the Planning and Zoning
Commission recommends approval.
Edward Friarson, Architect, offered to answer any questions. Motion by Kirby, Noble to approve the
variances. Approved 6-0.
Z Discussion and possible action to amend the enabling ordinance and bylaws of the Animal Shelter
Advisory Board -- Councilmember Gabe Sansing
Sansing said several board members expressed concern to him that the board has no ability to recommend
their opinions regarding day-to-day operations at the shelter. He asked for the authority given to the other
city boards. He asked Dr. Susan Hopper to address her concerns. She said the Animal Shelter Board is
only allowed to prevent the shelter from breaking the law. She said they would like to be able to give advice
to the staff.
Nelon suggested that the lines of communication need to be opened to allow the Board to advise the
Council who would, in turn, direct the staff. He explained that the other boards are set up so that advice is
handled the same way. Hopper said they were directed by staff at the last meeting as to the limit of their
ability as a board. Smith reiterated that he felt that the Board was created to advise the Council.
Brandenburg suggested that a workshop could be held to allow communication. Eason suggested regular
workshops with the boards and commissions:
Molly Martin, volunteer at the Animal Shelter for several years, said the state law establishing a board for
animal shelters went into effect in 1989. She said she appreciates the City forming the Board as soon as
they found out. She said four meetings per year are not enough. She said the Board should be given more
authority to review and analyze policies and practises and evaluate whether the shelter is meeting the
needs of the community. She suggested that the Board be closely involved in the construction of the new
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shelter, and make recommendations regarding staffing size. She said more help is needed in cleaning the
stalls, more attention needs to be paid to the animal control officer schedules. She asked the Council to go
out and walk through the shelter and said she thought they would be ashamed at the condition.
Yantis said the ordinance was written based on the state statute. He said there has been no charge from
the Council other than to comply with state law. Council needs to share what they would like to have advice
about.
Motion by Sansing, second by Eason that there be a workshop with the Shelter Advisory Board. Approved
5-0. (Snell absent from the dais.)
8:23 p.m. -- recessed
8:29 p.m. -- resumed
AA Discussion and possible direction to staff regarding partnership opportunities with Habitat for Humanity of
Greater Georgetown -- Tom Yantis, Assistant City Manager
Yantis asked for Council to give staff direction on the following items as being requested of the City by
Habitat:
1. Amend the UDC to exempt Habitat from complying with certain provisions of the subdivision process
2. City provide utility service to Habitat lots that do not have existing service
3. Exempt Habitat from development, impact and permit fees
4. Further streamline the permitting/inspection process to dedicate one inspector to each Habitat project or
allow Habitat to contract for inspections
5. Continue to collaborate with Habitat on grants
6. City provide leadership to establish an affordable housing consortium
7. City donate lots to Habitat at no cost.
Yantis said Dave Hall, Building Official, has provided a report regarding the issues raised by Habitat, saying
his recommendation is that there should be an inspector designated for Habitat.
Bill Peel of Habitat told Council he was available to answer questions and appealed to the Council to assist
Habitat in providing low-income housing in Georgetown. There were questions and comments from the
Council. There was discussion regarding the provision of utility service and fee waivers to Habitat lots.
Kirby said he supports Habitat but does not support fee waivers for Habitat. Noble said one of Council's
priorities was to develop affordable housing. Kirby said his opinion of how the City could assist anyone who
takes over infill property would be by abating the difference in taxes after development.
Smith said he would prefer that the assistance to Habitat be listed in the Social Services Budget.
Motion by Snell, second by Eason to instruct staff to bring forth recommendations and quantify all the items
on the cover sheet. There was some further discussion. Kirby suggested that the citizens be surveyed
about how they feel about this. He said he doesn't think the Councl should give away things that cost the
City money. Vote on the motion: Approved 5-1. (Kirby opposed)
BB Appointments to City Boards and Commissions
1. Consideration and possible action to appoint Councilmember Patty Eason to the Georgetown
Utility System Advisory Boardto fill the term left vacant by the resignation of Ken Evans -- Mayor
Gary Nelon
Motion by Noble, second by Sansing to approve the appointment. Approved 6-0.
2. Consideration and possible action to appoint Councilmember Farley Snell to the Georgetown
Transportation Enhancement Corporation to fill the term left vacant by the resignation of Ken
Evans -- Mayor Gary Nelon
Motion by Sansing, second by Noble to approve the appointment. Approved 6-0.
3. Consideration and possible action to appoint Sarah Milburn as an alternate to the Planning and
Zoning Commission to fill the vacancy created due to the resignation of Michelle Gambino --
Mayor Gary Nelon
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Motion by Sansing, second by Eason to approve the appointment. Approved 6-0.
CC Discussion and possible action to authorize the preparation and filing of the necessary applications and
documents with the Public Utility Commission of Texas to authorize the Georgetown Utility System to
provide electrical services to the Meadows of Georgetown and other subdivisions/areas for the
purposes of serving municipal load, and to approve the retention of the law firm of Lloyd Gosselink Bievins
Rochelle & Townsend, P.C. for same -- Jim Briggs, Assistant City Manager for Utility Operations
Briggs explained that the City provides street lighting under the transportation section of the budget, not the
electrical section. He said the Meadows is serviced by Oncor Electric and there has been delay and
difficulty in getting the lights installed. He said the City would need to go to the Public Utility Commission to
request a dual service Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) in order to serve the area with
street lights.
Motion by Sansing, second by Noble to determine an amount not to exceed for payment to the firm of
Lloyd, Gosselink to file the City's request before the Public Utility Commission and report back to the
Council at the next meeting as to the sizing of the issue and the expected expense. Approved 6-0.
DD Consideration and possible action to adopt a policy for access management on state maintained
roadways within the City of Georgetown's Extraterritorial Jurisdiction -- Mark Miller, Transportation Services
Manager and Jim Briggs, Assistant City Manager for Utility Operations
Briggs noted that the City is continually struggling with the access issue on state -maintained roadways in
Georgetown. He said SB361 became effective in September 2003, and allows cities to establish a
management plan as long as the state does not own the access rights on a particular roadway. He said
HDR has been working with staff to develop a policy.
Gary Gemar of HDR Engineering noted that the proposed policy complies with the UDC and the TXDOT
driveway manual.
Iva Wolf McLaughlin asked for clarification regarding the provision for existing driveways. Gemar said if the
driveway is already existing it would not be required to relocate, but if something for that driveway were
going to be changed, such as the use, then it would need to come back for review.
Speaker, F_rcel Brashear, said he is a commercial real estate broker, and regulations in Georgetown for
driveways have been a problem for him for the last ten years. He said, in his opinion, according to this
policy, there are issues over which a property owner has no control, such as the widening of a roadway
which would cause that property owner to have to go back to the City to conform to a set of standards that
may not have been in place at the time that driveway was originally created. He said there is nothing in this
policy that says that an existing parcel is entitled to access, unless they are forced to appeal, in which case
it would be granted anyway as a question of equity.
Sondgeroth told Council that one of the biggest issues for staff with the development process has been
existing driveways and the conversion from residential to commercial on roadways like Williams Drive. She
said the process they were hoping to establish is that existing driveways would be under administrative
review, and allowed to remain if they meet the criteria, but if staff doesn't approve, it would go to Planning
and Zoning Commission. She agreed that some of the language needs to be further clarified. Gemar
clarified that the paragraph that refers to existing driveways talks about widening or modification, meaning
the driveway, not the road it connects to.
Nelon suggested and Briggs agreed that this item be brought back to Council after language clarification.
Motion by Eason, second by Noble to defer action on this item until the next Council Meeting. Approved
6-0.
EE Consideration and possible action to approve an amendment to Resolution 111103-R, calling the Special
Election for December 20, 2003, to add an additional Election Day Polling Place and to approve the
Election Judges and Alternate Judges for the election of a councilmember for District 7 -- Sandra D. Lee,
City Secretary and Trish Carls, City Attorney
Carls explained that the Post Office was requested by the County to be added as an additional polling place
because it was used in the May 2003 General Election. She noted that Early Voting would take place
between December 3 and December 16 at the Courthouse and Election Day is December 20, and the
City Council Meeting Minutes/November 25, 2003
Page 10 of 11 Pages
polling locations of the Courthouse or the Post Office are based on the County voting precinct. She
announced the candidates for the position as: Ben Oliver, Jeff VerColen and Mark Ramsey. Motion by
Sansing, second by Eason to approve the resolution. Approved 6-0.
FF Consideration and possible action to set a date for a special council meeting in December to consider
the second reading of an ordinance establishing a tax increment reinvestment zone for Simon/Wolf Ranch
-- Trish Carls, City Attorney
Kirby recused himself from this item. Carls explained that an additional meeting is required because the
Charter requires 10 days between readings of an ordinance. She noted that the required date would be
December 19 or after. Motion by Eason, second by Snell to hold the Special Meeting on December 19 at
5:00 p.m. Approved 5-0. (Kirby abstained)
GG Consideration and possible action to approve a First Amendment to the Purchase Contract between the
Georgetown Independent School District (GISD) and the City relating to the purchase of 33.16 acres of land
out of the John F. Ferguson Survey, A-231, for purposes of constructing and operating a regional
wastewater treatment plant to be known as the "Mankins Branch Wastewater Treatment Plant", to
include provisions required by the Texas Education Agency -- Trish Carls, City Attorney
Carls noted that there are special requirements that certain provisions be included in the document stating
that the City would not use this land for a discretionary school system. Motion by Smith, second by
Sansing to approve the first amendment. Approved 6-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 09:22 PM.
Ap .oved
,,�
Mayor , ry Nelon
City Council Meeting Minutes/November 25, 2003
Page 11 of 11 Pages
Attest:/
City Secretary Sandra Lee