HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN 09.25.2018 CC-WMinutes of a Meeting of the
Governing Body of the
City of Georgetown, Texas
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
The Georgetown City Council will meet on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at 4:05 PM at the Council Chambers, at
101 East 71 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 three (3) days prior to the scheduled meeting date, at (512) 930-3652 or City Hall at 113 East 8th
Street for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Mayor Pro Tem, John Hesser, called the meeting to order at 4:05 PM. All Councilmembers were in attendance, with
the exception of Mayor Dale Ross. Anna Eby, Councilmember District 1, Valerie Nicholson, Councilmember
District 2, John Hesser, Councilmember District 3, Steve Fought, Councilmember District 4, Kevin Pitts,
Councilmember District 5, Rachael Jonrowe, Councilmember District 6, and Tommy Gonzalez, Councilmember
District 7 were in attendance.
Policy Development/Review Workshop — Call to order at 4:05 PM
A. Presentation and discussion of the Solid Waste Master Plan Project -- Octavio Garza, PE, Public Works
Director
Public Works Director, Octavio Garza, spoke on the Solid Waste Master Plan and provided a Comprehensive
Solid Waste Master Plan Summary Slide.
Garza spoke on the purpose and needs of a Transfer Station and explained the empirical graph that was
shown. Garza noted that, according to studies, it makes sense to proceed with the transfer station now,
instead of later.
Garza spoke on the Background of the Transfer Station
• The City committed to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to make certain
improvements at the transfer station
• Improvements include covering areas where waste is exposed and better storm water management
Garza explained the Projection for 2018 vs. 2028 and spoke on the 2028 Operational Capacity.
2018 vs 2028 Projection
70
= 2018
60 = 2028 Projection
so
40
r
I,
30
H 20
10
Is]
Qv �a�) ;1+1 ��� >i:�) c�`+)
7Grt0-1N'N5
1[X41
2028 Operational Capacity
70
60
GWAGE TOWN 6
I UXA%
ii
i
H I I
I
I
GWAGE TOWN 6
I UXA%
Garza described the Impact of Operating at Capacity. He noted that since the transfer station cannot operate
over its capacity, the operations would be impacted in several ways.
• Collection vehicles must wait longer to unload, impacting collection routes
• Collection operations would have to shift to earlier in the day or later in the day
• Recycling trucks could not be unloaded during peak hours since only one material stream can be
managed at a time
• Site becomes more congested, with less space for self -haulers
Transfer Station Options were shown and described next.
Garza provided a conceptual rendering of the new facility. He noted that this would not be exact, but is used
more as a planning tool.
He then described the New Transfer Station and Next Steps.
New Transfer Station:
■ Key CSWMP findings confirm the need for a new transfer station
o Comply with TCEQ regulatory requirements
o Expected continued growth of Georgetown
o Improved feasibility of separate organics collection for all sectors
o Lack of local organics processing facilities
Transfer Station Next Steps:
• Confirm direction from City Council on Transfer Station Option
o Cover in 2019-2020/Construct New after 2018
No rate impact until after 2028
• Construct new in 2019-201
o Rate Impact: $0.70 - $1.00 per month in 2020
• FY19 Return to Council with engineering contract
Councilmember Gonzalez asked if the City would bond out money for the project and then be reimbursed.
Mike Babin, the City's Deputy General Manager of Utilities explained that solid waste is in the general fund
and debt would be serviced by revenue in the general fund. Gonzalez asked if it would impact the property
tax rate because of bonds. Babin said the transfer station would be self-supporting and able to reimburse
the bond.
Gonzalez said he would want to continue on a course to build the transfer station now because rates will be
higher the longer the City waits. He suggested 20 or 25 year bonds to minimize the total impact.
Councilmember Nicholson said she agrees, as did Councilmember Jonrowe. Jonrowe said this focus is on
the transfer station. Garza said the master plan will be completed next fall.
Councilmember Pitts asked if other communities can use the City's transfer station as well. Garza
confirmed and said that TDS would be entitled to use the capacity until Georgetown needs all of it. Pitts said
this creates the opportunity for more revenue.
Project Timelines were shown next. Garza explained that the City's CIP Team would help with design.
Garza provided an update on the Downtown area, a special 9 block area with special trash collection needs.
He spoke on the Evaluation of Current Cart and Shared Dumpster System.
Continued site challenges
o Unsustainable with continued growth of Downtown; space constraints would not be solved
o Dependent on private property owner willingness to allow usage of space
o Negative aesthetics are deterrent to visitors
Funded through rates
o Challenges to enforcing equitable, volume based rate structure due to limited means for
monitoring and enforcement
Garza provided a slide showing the Key Input from Downtown Stakeholders with descriptions and discussion.
Garza detailed the Downtown Service Options to Consider, a Potential for Shared Roll -Off Compactors and
Components of a Concierge System
Downtown Service Options Considered
Carts Shared dumpsters
Concierge service
w
.W
Shared roll -off cornpaclors
i Direct -haul to Transfer Station
t'
Potential for Shared Roll -off Compactor
• Site challenge for compactor
u Significantly larger site than durnpsters
v Requires centrally located property with power and lighting
o Likely requires multiple sites
• Reduced Service Level
Customers may need to carry bags up to several blocks
presenting safety concerns at night
Less convenient for businesses
• Funded through rates
17
Potential for Concierge System
• Site challenges eliminated
Removal of carts and dumpsters
• Enhanced service levels
Door-to-door collection increases convenience for businesses
Increases feasibility of separate organics collection
Increases (unlimited) collection capacity for all three MSW
streams
• Funding more complex
Rales alone may not be effective
iit:oRGf owty 19
TE7LA5
Potential Concierge Service Levels
Service
Collection�,
Business
Level
Frequency Type
Quantity
Level 1
Seven days per week.
Restaurants
12
F
multiple daily collections
Seven days per week. Some restaurants enlertatnmenl
Level ..
one collection per day
venues coffee shops and others
10
having some food scraps
Two days per week,
Retail government facilites.
Level 3
one collection per day
some entertainment venues with
30
minimal food scraps
Level 4
One colleclion per day day per week, one
J Offices museums, some retail
1
41
GCORR WN
i f ][A4
20
• Prepare fallback shared dumpster alternative
o Resolve equitability
o Dumpster siting
o Funding plan
Garza also provided the CSWMP Next Steps to be discussed at the October 23, 2018 Workshop meeting.
• Solid Waste Master Plan Diversion Priorities
• Commercial — recycling and composting
• Multifamily — recycling
a Single Family — increase participation in current services
• HHW — minor review materials accepted over the next 10 years
Councilmember Jonrowe said there needs to be more stakeholder engagement. She asked if cities nearby
do these services. Jonrowe suggested that people could visit such systems and see how it performs in real
life time, including both concierge and shared dumpster services. Jonrowe noted that some of the alleyways
in Georgetown need attention. Jonrowe asked if concierge service allows for recycling and composting.
Garza confirmed.
Councilmember Pitts said he agrees to look at neighboring cities with older structures and how this has been
handled. He asked if the customer is required to hold the trash until picked up, in a concierge service, and
where it would be held. Garza said this is still being determined, but the information will be brought to the
Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Hesser noted that he had forgotten to confirm a meeting quorum at the beginning of the
meeting, and noted that all Councilmembers were present, with the exception of Mayor Ross. Hesser said
he wanted to announce this to clean things up for the record.
B. Presentation and discussion of 1/4 Cent Sales Tax for maintenance and repair of municipal streets — Ed
Polasek, PE, Transportation Planning Coordinator
Transportation Planning Coordinator, Ed Polasek, spoke on the renewal of the '/4 cent sales tax for
maintenance and repair of municipal streets.
Street Maintenance —'/ Cent Sales Tax Election on November 6, 2018
• Texas legislature allowed sales tax for street maintenance in 2001
• Four year sunset provision
• 2002: Authorized by 57 percent of Georgetown voters
• 2006: Re -authorized by 72 percent
• 2010: Re -authorized by 80 percent
• 2014: Re -authorized by 82 percent
Polasek noted that elected officials can provide factual information but cannot engage in advocacy. He
explained the high importance of following electioneering rules.
Street Maintenance - % Cent Sales Tax Election on November 6, 2018
• Dedicated 0.25 percent sales tax to be used for curb -to -curb street rehabilitation and resurfacing
■ Sales tax collected from retail sales, including Georgetown residents and nonresidents
• Cannot be used for sidewalks or trails
• Cannot be used for building a new road
Street Maintenance - % Cent Sales Tax Election on November 6, 2018
• Since April 2003, dedicated quarter -cent sales tax revenue of 431 million for street maintenance
• FY 2018/2019 street maintenance funds in the budget
o $3.2 million in quarter -cent revenue
0 $0.80 million in general fund money
Street Maintenance —'/4 Cent Sales Tax Election on November 6, 2018
• Street Maintenance Treatments
o Hot -in -Place Recycling
o High Performance Pavement Seals
Street Maintenance - % Cent Sales Tax Election on November 6, 2018
• 331 lane miles of streets resurfaced or improved since 2003
• Streets resurfaced in all areas of town based on PCI reporting
Polasek provided a graph depicting total lane miles and sales tax revenues across the years.
Ballot Language was shown next.
Polasek described the Communication Plan.
• 30 second video spot: Placed on cable TV stations, City Lights Theatres, You Tube, City Website
and Social media
• Print advertisements: Williamson County Sun, Community Impact, Georgetown View
• Postcard mailer to Georgetown residents
• News release and social media posts
Polasek emphasized Electioneering Rules.
City staff and officials can provide factual information
City staff and officials cannot engage in advocacy (e.g. how to vote, evaluative words such as
"needs')
Councilmember Gonzalez asked what percentage of the budget was spent on road maintenance prior to the
'/4 cent sales tax implemented in 2002. He said this tax allows the City to do so much more maintenance
and without just moving money from one bucket to another. Gonzales said he would want the citizens to
know specific figures showing this. He explained that without the funds from the 1/4 cent sales tax election,
much less road maintenance and repair can be done. Polasek said he will be happy to research and
provide the information.
Assistant City Manager, Jim Briggs said when the 1/4 cent sales tax was implemented the funds coming
from the general fund for street maintenance were $800,000, and the City has maintained this allocation
annually. He noted that before the sales tax implementation, the amount allocated to street maintenance
was $75,000.
C. Presentation and discussion of the Bicycle Master Plan Project Update -- Ed Polasek, PE, Transportation
Planning Coordinator
Ed Polasek, Transportation Planning Coordinator, spoke on the Bicycle Master Plan planning process. He
emphasized the need to start the bicycle master plan process while working with the 2030 Comprehensive
Plan update process.
Polasek spoke on the Bicycle Master Plan partnership the City has with the University of Texas. He
explained that this would be a community and regional planning program. Polasek introduced Dr. Ming
Zhang, who has international experience in all areas of planning focusing and transportation and introduced
Evan Scott, a Graduate Research Assistant. Other graduate students were present for the presentation
and had been bicycle riding in Georgetown that afternoon as part of their research. Polasek said there
would be a Planning Studio in the fall semester at University of Texas and 10 students would be working on
data collection, policy analysis and the completion of the draft for the Bicycle Master Plan.
Polasek showed how the Bicycle Master Plan fit with the 2030 Comprehensive Plan update.
Polasek spoke on the Role of the Master Plan in City Processes.
• For Development Process
o Recommendations for Unified Development Code amendment process
o Potential changes to the City's Construction Specifications and Standards
• For CIP Planning
o Potential future Transportation or Parks bond programs
o Design standards for future arterials
Polasek spoke on Building Upon the 2016 Bicycle Planning Study
Performed by same UT Program
o Cycling factors & case studies
o Citizen survey & analysis
o Existing conditions and opportunities
o Policy analysis of existing codes and plans
Key Findings
o "Interested but concerned" affecting potential bicycle ridership
o Identified strategic improvements
The UT Studio Work Plan for Fall 2018 was shown.
• Part 1: Existing Conditions (October)
o Assessment of existing conditions
o SWOT analysis of bicycle conditions
o Community survey and involvement
• Part 2: Visioning and Plan -Making (November)
o Development of goals, objectives and performance measures
o Draft network plan and design guidelines
o Draft Georgetown Master Plan by end of November
• Part 3: End of Semester Review
o Final review and presentation to City staff December 6, 3018, or
o Community workshop to present finding
• City Review and Adoption Process
o GTAB March 2019
o City Council April/May 2019
Mayor Pro Tem, John Hesser recessed the meeting to Executive Session under Section 551.071, Section
551.072, Section 551.074 and Section 551.086 at 4:41 PM.
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.
D. 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
- Putnam v. City of Georgetown Status Update
Sec. 551.072: Deliberations about Real Property
- Northwest Blvd - Parcel 5, Parcel 9
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
Sec. 551.086: Competitive Matters
- Discussion of Interconnection Agreement with ESS Rabbit Hill Project, LLC
- Discussion of Site Lease Agreement with ESS Rabbit Hill Project, LLC
Adjournment
Mayor Pro Tem, John Hesser, adjourned the meeting to begin the Regular City Council Meeting at 6:00 PM.
Approved by the Georgetown City Council on
3 n Hesser, Mor Pro Tern
lc) (,.T[( V
Date
Attest: City retary