HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN 07.11.2017 CC-RMinutes of a Meeting of the
Governing Body of the
City of Georgetown, Texas
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
The Georgetown City Council will meet on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at 6:00 PM at the Council Chambers at 101 E. 71h
St., Georgetown, Texas
The City of Georgetown is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require
assistance in participating at a public meeting due to a disability, as defined under the ADA, reasonable assistance,
adaptations, or accommodations will be provided upon request. Please contact the City Secretary's Office, at least
four (4) days prior to the scheduled meeting date, at (512) 930-3652 or City Hall at 113 East 81 Street for additional
information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Mayor Ross called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. All Councilmembers were in attendance. Mayor Dale Ross,
Ana Eby, District 1, Valerie Nicholson, District 2, John Hesser, District 3, Steve Fought, District 4, Ty Gipson,
District 5, Rachael Jonrowe, District 6, and Tommy Gonzalez, District 7 were in attendance.
Regular Session
(This Regular session may, at any time, be recessed to convene an Executive Session for any purpose authorized by
the Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code 551.)
A. Call to Order
Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
Comments from the Mayor
- ADA Awareness Month Proclamation
- National Parks and Recreation Month Proclamation
City Council Regional Board Reports
Music on the Square Friday Night announced this Friday.
Announcements
- GoGeo Launch August 21
- Parks and Recreation Month Instagram Photo Contest
- Sunset Movie Series
- Flood Prone Areas Open House
Action from Executive Session
No action came from Executive Session
Statutory Consent Agenda
The Statutory Consent Agenda includes non -controversial and routine items that may be acted upon with one single
vote. An item may be pulled from the Consent Agenda in order that it be discussed and acted upon individually as
part of the Regular Agenda.
B. Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes of the Workshop and Regular Meeting held on
Tuesday, June 27, 2017 -- Shelley Nowling, City Secretary
C. Consideration and possible action to appoint Stuart McLennan to the General Government and Finance
Advisory Board (GGAF) to fill a vacancy -- Mayor Dale Ross
D. Consideration and possible action to appoint Alternate Member Terri Asendorf as a regular member of the
Historic and Architectural Review Commission (HARC) to fill a vacancy -- Mayor Dale Ross
E. Consideration and possible action to move Catherine Morales from the Alternate Number 2 position to the
Alternate Number 1 position on the Historic and Architectural Review Commission (HARC) to fill a vacancy —
Mayor Dale Ross
F. Consideration and possible action to approve a contract between City of Georgetown and the Georgetown
Health Foundation for a feasibility study relating to an in-patient residential hospice facility in the
Georgetown area for an amount not to exceed $10,000.00 -- Councilmember Steve Fought, District 4
Councilmember Fought pulled Item F to the Legislative Agenda for discussion.
Motion by Jonrowe, second by Eby, to approve the Statutory Consent Agenda in its entirety, with the exception
of Item F, which was moved to the Legislative Regular Agenda.
Approved: 7-0
Legislative Regular Agenda
F. Consideration and possible action to approve a contract between City of Georgetown and the Georgetown
Health Foundation for a feasibility study relating to an in-patient residential hospice facility in the
Georgetown area for an amount not to exceed $10,000.00 -- Councilmember Steve Fought, District 4
Councilmember Fought pulled Item F from the Statutory Consent agenda for discussion. Fought said he would
like to update everyone before action is taken on this item. He spoke on the feasibility study for the in-patient
residential hospice facility. He explained that this would be a hospital like setting with large rooms, kitchens and
bathrooms. Fought noted that the closest in-patient residential hospice facility is Christopher House in Austin.
Fought described the purpose of such facilities and how they are for end of life experience and are very dignified
and professional. He explained that this is not just for Sun City and noted that you do not have to be old to die.
Fought said the proposal is for a feasibility study to be done in two phases. If the study proves things to be
feasible, the second study would be on how to do it. Fought said there is an impressive team leading the study
with Baylor Scott and White, the Georgetown Health Foundation, Christopher House and originally GEDCO.
The Council recently directed the funds to be used from the Council Discretionary Fund instead of from GEDCO.
Fought said the stud is being looked at in a collaborative fashion. He noted that, if this is done right, it will be
$10,000 well spent. Fought mentioned qualified consultants. He said the study would begin in mid-July and he
will bring the results back to the Council.
Motion by Fought, second by Eby to approve Item F.
Approved: 7-0
G. Consideration and possible action to allow the applicant of a Special Use Permit for an automotive sales
facility located at 2030 S. Austin Avenue, to reapply for a Special Use Permit before the expiration of twelve
months -- Councilmember John Hesser, District 3
Councilmember Hesser spoke on the Special Use Permit for Alan Auto Sales. He explained that this was a
request to waive the one year time requirement before the applicant could reapply for a special use permit.
Hesser said the original request had not been adequately explained and that he has learned more after visiting
with the applicant and understanding his special use permit request further. Hesser said he wanted to also
examine the Planning & Zoning Commission unanimous vote for approval, which told him something might have
been misunderstood by Council.
Motion by Hesser, second by Gonzalez, to approve Item G
Councilmember Eby asked if this means there is no waiting period at all. City Attorney, Charlie McNabb,
confirmed that the applicant can bring the request back to the Planning & Zoning Commission immediately.
Councilmember Gipson asked what was missed. Hesser said there was a concern with an impact with the 2030
plan and it should be made more consistent for the applicant.
Mr. Alan Carnley shared a handout of his business plan with the Council. He said he was asking for
reconsideration for his auto sales business. Carnley said the offices are located at 2030 Austin Ave. and he is
requesting permission to show 8 to 10 cars in the back of the property. He described other businesses in the
area and how his business would fit in well and not be a barrier or create a bad look to the area. Carnley said
he specializes in buying cars from new car dealers and reconditions the vehicles. He described a unique
warranty program that his business offers, as well as the fairness of his rates. Carnley said reviews of his
business always receive 5 stars.
Councilmember Gipson asked if the time limit waiver will help or if he will end up back at Council again with
similar problems. Carnley said it is a fast growing business and he does not see recurring issues.
Councilmember Jonrowe asked how long the property will meet his needs. Carnley said he might rent the
property for a while, but would not use the property to display cars for long. Jonrowe asked about the possible
solution of a special use permit for a limited time, because she would not want to make him go through the
process again only to be denied again later. Jonrowe explained that the area has been identified as a gateway
area and the Council would want to comply. She spoke on the investment that has gone into 1460. Jonrowe
said she would be willing to consider a shorter term if Mr. Carnley is willing to accept a 3 year period.
Mayor Ross spoke on the area being a gateway to the historic district — a clearly defined gateway.
Councilmember Eby said the time period waiver does not guarantee that this can come back again. She
explained that this is an odd issue and not good to be in a gateway area. Eby suggested that the Council needs
to have the opportunity to decipher the issues, but she feels this is an appropriate reconsideration.
Councilmember Gipson said he wants to be able to show applicants what the vision is and be able to follow the
specified plan. Gipson said Council needs to be vigilant with the specified plan.
Mayor Ross said Council needs to be clearer to staff on what the specified plan looks like. Gipson said there
needs to be consistency and it is unfair to follow the plan sometimes and not others.
Carnley said that when he applied for this permit, he had no clue that there would be an issue.
Approved: 7-0
H. Public Hearing and First Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning approximately 12.228 acres in the J. Powell
Survey, located at the intersection of Kelley Drive and Gateway Drive, along North Interstate 35 from the
Agriculture (AG) District to the General Commercial (C-3) District -- Sofia Nelson, CNU-A, Planning Director
(action required)
Planning Director, Sofia Nelson, spoke on the rezoning request. She provided a location map, zoning map, and
future land use map.
Nelson said staff had reviewed the criteria for the rezoning and found it to be consistent.
The appkamon is complete and d» information
contalrted with the application is sufficient and correct
~ to allow adequate review mW final action;
The torw+g change is consistent with the coin prehem we
Plan;
The 20a to d-W promotes the h-ft, safety or Several
welt re of dw Oty and the soh orderly, and heAhM
deveWnwit of the OW,,
The Io"change is compatible "h the present torwtg
and conforming uses of Manby property and vMh the
character of the neighborhood; and
The property to be retornd is sWuble for uses permitted
by the dswkt tb at world be apphd by the proposed
anwndnwnL
Nelson noted that the Planning & Zoning Commission had unanimously recommended approval.
Nelson read the caption.
Mayor Ross opened the Public Hearing at 6.36 PM.
Chris O'Connor, the applicant, spoke and introduced the project team. He also acknowledged the property
owner, Mr. Dale Illig, in the audience. O'Connor complimented the staff and Planning and Zoning Commission
and said he was very grateful to them for their support. O'Connor said he would be happy to answer any
questions.
Mayor Ross closed the Public Hearing at 6.37 PM.
Motion by Jonrowe, second by Gipson, to approve Item H.
Approved: 7-0
I. Second Reading of an Ordinance to Rezone 5.605 acres in the A. Flores Survey, located east of Interstate
35 and approximately 500 feet south of the intersection of Lakeway Drive and Interstate 35, to be known
as Ewald Kubota from the Residential Single -Family (RS) District to a Planned Unit Development with a General
Commercial (C-3) base zoning -- Sofia Nelson, Planning Director (action required)
Planning Director, Sofia Nelson, spoke on the rezoning request. She explained that this was the second reading
for the request. Nelson said this is a PUD request and provided a location map, zoning map and future land use
map. She explained that this is an undeveloped property.
Nelson described PUD criteria and provided comparison charts.
UDCR"viremont PUDVariation
The display shall not extend The display shall not exceed
to a height above 10 feet. 15' feet.
The display should be
located adjacent to wall of
principal building, In a front
yard or street yard.
UDC ReWfremwt
All non-residential surface
parking areas or lots shall
contain areas constructed,
planted, and maintained as
landscaped Islands,
peninsulas, or medians and
shall contain shade trees to
reduce the thermal Impact
of parking lots. Enclosed
parking structures and
vehicle display and sales
areas are exempt from the
Parking Lot Landscaping
requirements set forth
herein.
Located In front, street, side,
and rear yards, permitted In
locations on Conceptual
Land Pian, and wM not be
paved.
PUD Variation
Parking lot landscaping
requirements shall not
apply to equipment storage
and display areas.
UDC Requirement
No light fixtures, parking,
dumpsters, storage,
recreation facilities,
accessory buildings, or
alleys shall be permitted
within a required buffer
yard.
Aff commercial sales and
service: 1 per 300 ft2 GFA
of office/showroom area r
I additional per 2,500ft2
Indoor and outdoor storage
or staging area.
UDC Requirement
Sidewalks required all on
road frontage.
Due to legal lot status the
waste water extension
would not normally be
required.
PUO Variation
Light poles shall be allowed
in a bufferyard, setbacks,
and easements.
No additional parking
required for
Indoor/outdoor storage or
staging area.
PUO Varlation
Owner will build sidewalk
on east side of property
and will pay 20% into
sidewalk fund for south
and west side.
The developer is
committing to the
extension of utilities
through the PUD.
A variety of housing types, employment
opportunities, or commercial services to X
'achieve a balanced community;
An orderly and creative arrangement of all X
land uses with respect to each other and to
the entire community;
A planned and integrated comprehensive
transportation system providing for a
separation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, X
to Include facilities such as roadways, bicycle
ways, and pedestrian walkways;
The provisions of cultural or recreational
facilities for all segments of the community;
The stagingof development in a manner
which can be accommodated by the timely X
provision of public utilities, facilities, and
services.
X
Nelson explained that both staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission have recommended approval and read
the caption.
Motion by Jonrowe, second by Gipson, to approve Item I.
Approved: 7-0
J. Second Reading of an Ordinance to Rezone 0.791 acres of vacated right of way, located at the southwest
corner of Booty's Crossing Road and Williams Drive from no zoning to C-1 (Local Commercial), to be known
as Williamsburg Village -- Sofia Nelson, CNU-A, Planning Director (action required)
Planning Director, Sofia Nelson, spoke on the rezoning request. She explained that this was the second reading
for the request for an area to be known as Williamsburg Village.
Nelson provided a location map, zoning map and future land use map. She noted that the right of way was
purchased with no zoning designation.
Nelson noted that the UDC criteria for the rezoning request was found to be consistent.
The aWKa*m is compote and the bdormaoon
contained within the applicaton is sufficient and correct
e WLO to allow adequate review and final action;
The zor"change Is consistent with the Comprehensive
Plan;
The zmwq dwW promotes the health, safety or general
welfae of the City and the safe orderly, and heakhful
devolopment of the City;
The zorwtgchange Is compatible wnh the present zorwV
and conforming uses of nearby property and with the
character of the neighborhood; and
The property to be rezoned is suitable for uses permitted
by the dbbkt that world be appbed by the proposed
amendment
Nelson said that the Planning & Zoning Commission had unanimously recommended approval and that the City
Council had approved the request at its first reading on June 27, 2017.
Nelson read the caption
Motion by Jonrowe, second by Gipson, to approve Item J.
Approved: 7-0
K. Consideration and possible action to consider a potential battery storage project funded by the Department of
Energy -- Chris Foster, Resource Management and Integration Manager
Chris Foster, the City's Resource Management and Integration Manager, spoke on a battery storage project.
Foster began by speaking of the Westside Service Center and the solar panels, which are a conservation show
case of the building. He explained that there is extra space available. Foster said Advanced Microgrid Systems
had received a grant from the Department of Energy to test the batteries on the customer side of the meter and
the City's site matches what the grant requirements call for. Advanced Microgrid asked the City for use of the
site and to partner in the project. The City would be required to contribute $50,000 of staff time over 3 years and
$200,000 of the grant proceeds would be put into the City's budget to offset costs of software integration and
Scada upgrades. Foster said this is a small project for the City, but it will afford the opportunity to test the City's
algorithms in the battery market with ERCOT and how it affects reliability.
Mayor Ross asked what the City is required to give and what it would receive. Foster said we are giving space
at Westside and $50,000 worth of staff time over 3 years. He added that what the City will receive is $200,000 in
cash to offset the costs and benefits of the system itself, as well as insight and predictions of how to bid this
resource. Foster said staff will gain knowledge of how to play in the market and. He said staff will gain valuable
knowledge from the 3 years of testing.
Councilmember Jonrowe asked about the batter capacity. Foster said 250 kw which is equivalent to less than .2
of the energy used by the city in a year.
Ross asked if this helps the City in the long run. Foster said this technology relies on a lot of software
integration, which operates much quicker than a person can and gives the city the opportunity to use this instead
of real time operations.
Jonrowe asked what happens to the physical assets at end of project. Foster said this has not yet been
determined but there are several options such as the City buying the residual value, or AMS removing it and
selling it to a third party, or the City could lease the equipment to AMS. Foster added that there are no risks at
the end of the project regarding the equipment.
Foster read the caption.
Mr. Bill Kelberlau signed up to speak on the item. Kelberlau said that he is highly educated in these fields and is
concerned with the use of battery energy. He voiced that ERCOT and Oncor are mentioned and that the interest
might not be what is best for the City. Kelberlau said the device would be attached to GUS and new software
comes with risk and the risk needs to be looked at further. He then noted that there could also be an impact to
cybersecurity.
Foster called on Kate Sherwood from Advanced Micro Systems to speak. Foster explained that the lithium
based battery tested at the Westside Service Center would be subject to all of the City's safety and code
regulations. He explained that if the gridline goes down the system must shut down automatically. Foster also
noted that this is not an internet connected device. He said it runs in an internal network, protected by 5 different
firewalls. Foster added that if the City decided to use the system at the end of the project, there would be
feasibility studies conducted.
Kate Sherwood, the Vice President of Business Development for Advanced Microgrid Systems, spoke. She
said they are a platform company that provides energy service software that operates battery storage systems
behind the meter. Sherwood explained that her company applied for a grant from the Department of Energy.
Sherwood spoke on the grant requirements and noted that the information is publicly available. She addressed
concerns with risks by explaining that all equipment and processes would need to go through all City inspections
and follow code regulations, including fire safety regulations. Meter data would be covered by disclosure
agreements with Georgetown Utility Systems.
Councilmember Gonzales said he would be in support at this point, which is the research portion, but would want
to hear more about the risks, if the system comes to fruition.
Motion by Jonrowe, second by Fought, to approve Item K
Approved: 7-0
L. Consideration and possible action to approve a Resolution accepting the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning
Organization (CAMPO) and City of Georgetown Williams Drive Study -- Nathaniel Waggoner, AICP, PMP,
Long Range Planning Manager, and Andreina Davila -Quintero, Current Planning Manager
Nat Waggoner, Long Range Planning Manager, spoke regarding acceptance of the Williams Drive Study
conducted by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) and the City of Georgetown.
Mr. Ashby Johnson of CAMPO addressed the Council. Mr. Johnson said he was present to support staffs
recommendation of acceptance of the Williams Drive Study. He noted that CAMPO wants to work with the City
of Georgetown. He explained the implementation of regional studies. Johnson explained that the City of
Georgetown staff was forward thinking and one of the first to participate in the $250,000 study, which required a
$50,000 investment from Georgetown, while CAMPO invested $200,000. Johnson congratulated Andreina
Davila Quintero and Nat Waggoner for their extraordinary work and the benefits that this will bring to Georgetown
and others. Johnson announced that CAMPO would be bringing out a call for projects in September and the
Williams Drive Study should do well with the scoring criteria for CAMPO funding.
Waggoner described the Resolution for the item as acceptance of the Study and adoption of the Short Term (0-4
Years) Implementation Plan.
Waggoner provided slides depicting the plan for the first 4 years.
LaFirst 4 years
1&2 - Transportation(Traffic Congestion and Operations)
• Traffic Management Center
• Williams Dr & 1-35 intersection improvement
• Promote Go -Geo
• Communication/Public Education
• Stripe Northwest to include center turn lane and on -street bike
lanes*
• Raised, planted medians in Centers Area
Recommendatroms related to biryde facilities will be addressed hirough Obe
Citywide Bicycle Master Plan
First 4 years
1&2 - Transportation (Traffic Congestion and Operations)
• Right -turn lanes on Williams Dr and Rivery Blvd
• Traffic Signal Coordination
• Traffic engineering (access management, intersection
improvements, network connections, capacity, speed and utilities)
• Williams Dr & Austin Ave intersection operation improvement
• Painted median pilot program
First I years
3 - Barriers to Redevelopment/Reinvestment
• Update the 2030Comprehensive Plan
• Amend the Future land Use Map
• Preliminary engineering (access management, intersection improvements, neQvork
connections, capacity. and speed)
• Review and update development standards and zoning
• Ne -,v connecting road,,vays
4 - Aesthetic Enhancements
• Remove empty telephone poles
• Review and update development standards and zoning
• Signage and wayfinding study
• Raised, planted medians in Centers Area
• Grant program for signage and streetscape
First I ye -ars _41
5 - Pedestrian/Bicycle Facilities
• Sidewalks on west side of Austin Ave
• Install and repair curb ramps
• Bicycle Master Plan*
• Remove mid -block pedestrian crossing
• Bicycle facilities`
• Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) upgrades at intersections
• Install and repair sidewalks on Williams Dr
` Recommendations related to bicycle facilities will be addressed through the ctpwde
Bicycle ,Waster Plan
Councilmember Fought spoke on the painted median pilot test. He asked that this be implemented before there
is anything done with raised medians or planting. Waggoner confirmed.
Waggoner read the caption.
Mr. Marshall Friedman had signed up to speak on the item. He explained that he has been a member of the
Planning & Zoning Commission for many years and has been following the Williams Drive Study. He listed his
concerns with the project.
Studied informative
Traffic congestion and safety addressed
Bicycle improvements
Campo lead organization
Discussion of traffic volume not included
Must address the movement of traffic
What volume of traffic should be allowed?
What will the traffic volume be with new developments?
What is the additional traffic volume that will be added?
How will this impact traffic, with only median and shoulders worked on?
Why have traffic volumes present and future not been addressed?
What traffic alternatives should be considered?
Impact to commercial uses
Encourages Council to defer action
Mayor Ross asked Waggoner if the end product is the result of Council direction. Waggoner confirmed and said
that Council had been visited and asked for direction at every turn. City Manager, David Morgan, added that
there will be engineering studies and the 1 s' four years of the project is designed to conduct those traffic studies
and will focus on traffic congestion first. Morgan said this is the first priority and the next step is to take an
engineering look at Williams Drive.
Waggoner read the caption
Motion by Eby, second by Fought, to approve Item L
Mayor Ross cautioned that paying attention to the aesthetics is also important and speaks to who we are as a
City.
Councilmember Gipson thanked Waggoner and Davila and team for the great work.
Davila was asked about the public meetings that had been held for the Williams Drive Study. She said there had
been 4 public meetings held, one of which was a week long. She noted that there had been 150 attendees and
the City had received great input. Davila also noted an online survey that had been conducted and received
great input, as well.
Approved: 7-0
M. Forwarded from the General Government and Finance Advisory Board (GGAF):
Consideration and possible action to approve the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the Design/Build
agreement with G. Creek Construction of Austin, Texas for the restoration of Grace Heritage Center -- Eric
Johnson, CIP Manager and Laurie Brewer, Assistant City Manager
Eric Johnson, the City's CIP Manager, spoke on a design -build agreement for the restoration of Grace Heritage
Center.
Johnson began the presentation with slides depicting the background of the project and the Architectural
Assessment Scope.
Architectural Assessment Scope
Council Allocated $290,000 to address the
scope identified in the Architectural
Assessment.
• ADA Compliance was not addressed in that
scope
— City would have made ADA modifications
through the Facilities ADA Transition Project
that is completing ADA compliance Citywide.
[� CORVf� IAN
Construction — $348,948
• Phase 1
— Level 1 - Critical Advanced deterioration is involved and
immediate repair or replacement is needed to prevent the failure
of the element within the next 2 years There may be a threat to
health or life safety Level 1 priority should be accomplished
immediately
• Phase 2
— Level 2 - Serious Deterioration may result in the failure of the
element within 2 to 5 years if not corrected, and a threat to health
or safety may result if not corrected Deterioration of adjacent or
related elements may occur as a result of this deterioration
Level 2 should be repaired or restored within this period or
included in a comprehensive restoration of the building
�iktft,f frN"�
if t•
Beyond Original Scope
• ADA
— Meet current Texas Accessibility Standards
• Detached Restroom
-- Restroom Exterior — Restore and repaint
• StaFnPd Glass Re.storatiet1
--- Stained Glass Restoration
(il.pRGfTU1Ns`3
trxas
ADA Compliance— $103,418
-Mw
(..1011-t r\65 w
M
Johnson described the Budget Breakdown.
(Includes Pr4tr
Services)
Construction
ADA
Restroom
Stained Glass
PROJECT TOTAL
Construction Budget
Owner Contingency
Estimates by ARCHITEXAS
Over Budget
S348,948
S 103,418
$ 25,472
S 13,512
$ 491,350
2016 ADA Funding
TIRZ
TIRZ
$ 348,948
S 20,000
$ 290.000
13% $ 38,948
City Manager, David Morgan said the restrooms, if mobilized in that area, needed to be addressed. He said the
restroom improvements would benefit other structures and downtown events, not necessarily only the Grace
Heritage Center.
Funding was shown next.
Morgan said the Council will see this plan in the next quarterly financial plan. He explained that staff will look at
existing bond funds and possibly left over dollars. He noted that the $59,000 will be brought back to Council at
the quarterly update.
Johnson spoke on the GGAF Recommendations for the project and a scope reduction.
Johnson said the next steps would be to ratify a contract with G. Creek for the approved Guaranteed Maximum
Price (GMP) in July 2017 and begin construction in August 2017, with an estimated construction time of 30 to 45
days.
Johnson read the caption
Amanda Parr, President of Preservation Georgetown, signed up to speak on the item. Her comments included
the following.
Ask for whole hearted support
Thanked Council
GHC is one of the most historic buildings in Georgetown
Landmark and cornerstone of downtown
Grateful for continued partnership
GHC brings visitors
Historic gem
In need of preservation
Motion by Gonzalez, second by Nicholson, to approve Item M.
Councilmember Fought asked for the criteria that makes a building historic and not just old. He said he would
want to know that this was the first or last church of its design, or other historic information, if applicable. Fought
said the City needs to define historic. He explained that the costs will be great and he could support the project
much better if he knew why it is historic. Fought said the building could be sold for the lot. Fought said he
cannot see it as being anything but old.
Councilmember Gonzalez said the church has been in Georgetown since 1880. He said costs have escalated
from the original request for restoration and will continue to be more. Gonzalez said the City should do the
original renovation plan. He said that he is a member of the GGAF Board and said he wants to be fiscally
responsible. Gonzalez said he thinks it is important to take care of the building, but the City needs to take it in
pieces.
Mayor Ross asked about the $393,000 + $25,000, which were clarified
Fought asked what gets spent if Council votes no. Ross said Council already approved $291,000. Morgan said
there is funding available through ADA. He explained that a motion of approval would be a motion to move
forward with the GGAF recommendation not to exceed the $393,000 + $25,000. He explained that this would
then reduce the scope.
Councilmember Jonrowe asked if the costs would continue to increase if this list is not approved. Johnson said
these are phase 2 items and Morgan explained that if done now, construction crews would be able to operate out
of the parking lot next door to mobilize. If construction were delayed, there will be an office building there which
would require the City to close off a portion of the City parking lot across the street and increase mobilization
costs and be less efficient.
Ross asked if the $491,000 spent would come back through tourism etc.
Jonrowe said the bathroom needs to be taken care of and it is understood that there will be some increase in
costs as time has gone by. Jonrowe said the City needs to be responsible for bringing this back to the state it
should be in. She explained that it would not be in its present poor condition if the City would have done their
part all along.
Mayor Ross said the construction number has doubled. Hesser said this is a poor use of tax payer's money. He
explained that even if $500,000 is put in this building it will continue to deteriorate and will continue to need more
funds as long as the City handles it. Hesser said the city is historically a bad landlord and suggested that funds
could be raised through private fund raising. He explained that if funds were unable to be raised, then it would
prove that there is not enough interest and the building could be sold at that time.
Councilmember Eby said some of this is because the City has been a poor steward of this asset. She discussed
Phase 2 and said she is not comfortable with putting off the critical foundation matters and wants the age and
use of this building preserved. She explained that it would send a strange message if the City abandons the
project at this point. Eby suggested possibly working with other entities. She said she would want to go forward.
Mayor Ross asked Amanda Parr, the President of Preservation Georgetown, how many events are held at the
Georgetown Heritage Center. Parr said there are 3 to 4 events in the fall and 3 to 4 events in the spring. She
said there are 1 to 2 weddings a month and 1 to 2 meetings per month. Parr said the church is open 3 days a
week to the general public.
Councilmember Gipson asked if there could be some fundraising to get to this larger number. Gipson said this is
set up to fail.
Councilmember Gonzalez suggested that, while phase 1 is going on, phase 2 could be fund raised. He
mentioned that stained glass had not been included in the original scope. He noted that the project is supposed
to be phased by critical need.
Ross said the City needs to be all out or all in and it is complicating factors if it is not all in. He explained that the
project will be more costly if not done all at the same time.
Jonrowe asked if construction was looked at in isolation, would it be more palatable. She explained that the
construction has not increased by much, and the expense is because of the bathroom and ADA improvements.
Original Motion Failed: 1-6 (Eby, Nicholson, Hesser, Fought, Gipson, Jonrowe opposed)
Motion by Jonrowe, second by Eby, to approve the (GMP) for the Design/Build agreement with G. Creek
Construction for the restoration of Grace Heritage Center in the amount of $491,350.
Failed 3-4 (Hesser, Fought, Gipson and Gonzalez opposed)
City Manager, David Morgan, said the item required the Council to approve the GMP and the Council has
allocated the funds but has not approved the contract to move forward with construction. He said the $291,000
and the $103,500 for ADA, will need to be brought back to the Council because you cannot do one without the
other. Mayor Ross said it would not make sense to approve the $291,000 and not the $103,000 and there would
need to be a motion to include both. Morgan said this would be the minimum scope to move forward with the
project.
Ross said that for just $100,000 the project would not be done at all and it makes sense to do all of the
renovations at once, in order to save costs.
Fought said he would like to see a GMP that includes the ADA expense.
Jonrowe said the $291,000 has already been approved and this equates to not improving the bathrooms. She
noted that the $291,000 has already been appropriated in two different previous budgets.
Councilmember Eby asked about the fund raising component. She explained that there is only one more vote
needed to do all of the renovations.
Fought asked if there should be a vote on whether the City should be all in or all out. Discussion followed.
Morgan said the Council cannot make a vote to sell the property because it is not on the agenda.
Jonrowe explained that someone who voted against approval needs to reconsider. Ross said it makes sense to
spend the $491,000. Gonzalez said the cost has gone from $291,000.00 to $491,000. Eby noted that the
increase is only $38,900 from the original to now. Gonzales said the increase is $58,900 and there will always
be surprises in old buildings. Gipson asked if Council was committed to the $291,000 no matter what. Morgan
said no and it would not be restricted. He said the City could look at 2017 bonds issued which might be
permitted to be used for other purposes also. Morgan explained that the $291,000 is allocated through bonds.
Jonrowe said no one will buy the building in its present condition. Hesser said there would likely be a $700,000
swing. Hesser said the renovation cost is over $400 a square foot and it is way too high. Jonrowe said
restoration is not comparable.
Motion by Gipson, second by Jonrowe, to reconsider the GGAF recommendation to approve the $291,000, the
ADA portion and the bathroom improvements. Morgan said this will total $418,972.
Approved: 6-1 (Hesser opposed)
Motion by Gipson to approve the GMP GGAF recommendation. Second by Gonzalez.
Approved: 5-2 (Hesser, Fought opposed)
Project Updates
N. Project updates and status reports regarding current and future transportation and traffic project; street,
sidewalk, and other infrastructure projects; police, fire and other public safety projects; economic development
projects; city facility projects; and downtown projects including parking enhancements and possible direction to
city staff -- David Morgan, City Manager
Mayor Ross asked City Manager, David Morgan, if he had any project updates to discuss. Morgan said he did
not have any updates at this time, but would be happy to answer any questions.
Public Wishing to Address Council
On a subject that is posted on this agenda: Please fill out a speaker registration form which can be found on the table
at the entrance to the Council Chamber. Clearly print your name and the letter of the item on which you wish to speak
and present it to the City Secretary on the dais, preferably prior to the start of the meeting. You will be called forward
to speak when the Council considers that item.
On a subject not posted on the agenda: Persons may add an item to a future City Council agenda by contacting the
City Secretary no later than noon on the Wednesday prior to the Tuesday meeting, with the subject matter of the topic
they would like to address and their name. The City Secretary can be reached at 512/930-3651.
O. - At the time of posting, no persons had signed up to address the City Council
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.
P. Sec. 551.071: Consultation with Attorney
- Advice from attorney about pending or contemplated litigation and other matters on which the attorney has a duty to advise the
City Council, including agenda items
Sec. 551.074: Personnel Matters
- City Manager, City Attorney, City Secretary and Municipal Judge: Consideration of the appointment, employment, evaluation,
reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal
Adjourn
Motion by Fought, second by Eby, to adjourn the meeting. Mayor Ross adjourned the meeting at 7.59 PM.
Approved by the Georgetown City Council on 5
Date
Dae ass, Mayor