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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN 12.10.2019 CC-WNotice of Meeting of the Governing Body of the City of Georgetown, Texas Tuesday, December 10, 2019 The Georgetown City Council will meet on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the Council Chambers, at 510 West 91" Street, Georgetown, TX 78626. 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 808 Martin Luther King Jr. Street for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. Mayor Ross called the meeting to order at 2:01 p.m. The following Council Members were in attendance. Mayor Dale Ross; Valerie Nicholson, Council Member District 2; Mike Triggs, Council Member District 3; Steve Fought, Council Member District 4; Rachael Jonrowe, Council Member District 6; and Tommy Gonzalez, District 7. District 1 is vacant and Kevin Pitts, Council Member District 5 was absent. Nicholson arrived at 4:04 p.m. during Item F. Policy Development/Review Workshop - Call to order at 2:00 PM A. Presentation and discussion regarding the changes between the 2012 and 2015 International Building Codes, International Fire Code and the 2017 National Electric Code -- Glen Holcomb, Chief Building Official and John Sullivan, Fire Chief Holcomb began the presentation with a community comparison of adopted codes and noted that most communities were using the 2015 International Building Codes. He then noted that this is a state mandated code to ensure all electrical standards are consistent across jurisdictions, regardless of what a municipality has adopted, and Texas adopted the 2017 NEC, effective Sept. 1, 2017. Holcomb reviewed the following changes to the Code: Chapter 3 Use and Occupancy Classification; Chapter 6-623.2 Prohibited Location; 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), C402.1.1 Low Energy Buildings; 2015 International Energy Code (IEC); 2015 International Plumbing Code (IPC), Chapter 4 - Table 403.1; Chapter 4 - 403.3 Required Public Toilet Facilities; Chapter 5 - 504.7.2 Pan Drain Termination; 2015 International Residential Code (IRC), Chapter 3 Building Planning and Construction; Chapter 3 Building Planning and Construction; Chapter 8 Roof - Ceiling Construction; 2015 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), Chapter 3 Use and Occupancy Classification; Chapter 4 Prescriptive Compliance Method; and 2015 International Mechanical Code (IMC), Chapter 11-1102.3 Access Port Protection. Chief Sullivan introduced Jason Fryer to present the International Fire Code (IFC). Fryer noted that approval of the ITC will improve regional consistency of code adoption/application with following the jurisdictions: Taylor (2009); Georgetown (2012); Cedar Park, Round Rock, Leander, Williamson County, Liberty Hill (2015); and Hutto (2018). He then reviewed the following Sections of the IFC: Section 403 Emergency Preparedness; Section 1004 Occupant Load; Section 1017 Exit Access Travel Distance; Section 1017 Exit Access Travel Distance; Section 1105 Construction Requirements for Existing Group I-2; Section 3105 Temporary Stage Canopies; and Section 5307 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Systems Used In Beverage Dispensing Applications. Jonrowe asked how infill projects in downtown are affected by the requirement for turnarounds for Fire vehicles. Fryer stated that all new developments must allow for fire vehicles to be able to turn around per Appendix D. Jonrowe asked if there are considerations for older areas in the Code. Fryer responded that new development isn't an excuse for not being Code compliant but can be reviewed. Jonrowe asked if there is ability to apply for a variance when dealing with issues in downtown. She stated that she wants to make sure that citizens are safe, but what can the City do to allow for development in areas with older infrastructure. Sullivan responded that the Code does allow for an appeal process that could possible lead to a Code amendment. Jonrowe asked about the process for Code amendments and Sullivan provided clarification on the process. Gonzalez asked if the City can customize the Codes to better meet the needs of the City. Sullivan responded that this is a high-level review of the Codes and in the past when the Codes are adopted the City will provide their own amendments. Gonzalez asked who staff reaches out to for input on Code amendments. Morgan stated that staff was about to cover that in the presentation. Holcomb reviewed the stakeholder involvement and public outreach plan that includes: public meetings with builders, developers, and other development professionals; notice to building permit applicants of contemplation of update to IBC and NEC; presentation(s) to Chamber Development Alliance; opportunity to provide comments on City's website; and open house and office hours. Holcomb then asked for Council feedback and direction on the following: Does Council support proceeding to collect public input on the proposed update to the IBC and NEC?, which would allow staff to return to Council in Q1 2020 to share community feedback, provide staff recommendation on local amendments, and seek Council's direction on whether or not to develop ordinance to amend the IBC and NEC; and are there any other methods of outreach to include in the stakeholder involvement and public outreach plan? Mayor Ross noted that there are no engineers are on Council to contradict the expertise of staff. He added if staff would eventually ask staff to vote on something. Morgan responded yes and that today was intended to show the Council the changes. He added that staff will come back after working with the development community. Holcomb stated that staff is working with Legal and can come back in the first quarter of 2020 with suggested changes to the Code for Council. He added that staff has the support of the Building Standard Commission. Holcomb also noted that many members of the development community are already using the 2015 Codes. Gonzalez asked what happens if the City doesn't adopt the new Code. Holcomb responds that the City would stay at the 2012 Codes. He added that getting too far behind in Code adoption will negatively impact the City's ISO rating. Morgan emphasized that having uniform codes helps the development community know what to expect when working. Jonrowe asked about notifying permit applicants regarding the change in Code. Holcomb responded that it would be for all building permit applicants. Council supported staff moving forward with stakeholder meetings to prepare for adopting the 2015 Codes. B. Presentation and update regarding the Implementation Plan for the 2030 Plan Update -- Sofia Nelson, CNU-A, Planning Director and Nat Waggoner, Long Range Planning Manager Nelson introduced the item and posed the following questions to Council: Do you support the implementation strategies outlined in this presentation?; Do you concur or seek amendments to the identified solutions and key takeaways?; and Is there additional information needed in advance of the preparation of a specific implementation action plan that implements the proposed strategies, identified solutions, and key takeaways? She then reviewed what make a comprehensive plan "implementable." Nelson then reviewed steps taken to reach this point in the process. She then reviewed the three major implementation strategies that are regulatory framework, decision framework, and plans, programs, and partnerships. Nelson covered the Steering Committee feedback that has been provided throughout the process. She then turned the presentation over to Wendy Shabay with Freese and Nichols. Shabay reviewed the concerns that were presented by the Steering Committee which included: What process will this be applied to, when someone wants to build something?; Common interpretation?; Residential vs. nonresidential % for future land use districts can possibly be too hard to balance and enforce; Do we have enough criteria to make discretional decisions? Is there enough detail for staff analysis?; Bandwidth of City staff to keep plan alive with current staffing levels; Is this a plan that will be on the shelf?; hate to do the work and it go unused; commitment to an annual meeting; incentives for single family residential historic properties need to be listed; Who is developing the standards/incentives?; development incentives - clarify, political; minimal dedicated funds to Home Repair program limit its effectiveness; use of a Multi -family rehab strategy could lead to landlords abusing money for improvements and lead to raising rents; balancing the vision of the plan with property owner rights and the City making decisions; there appears to be a lot of plans in the implementation strategies and not many partnerships or programs; and the County should be a identified partner. She then covered solutions that were offered which were: paying attention to detailed implementation, keep the big picture in mind; rent control, other tools to not take advantage of renters; education, ensuring that people know about homestead exemptions to stay in homes; annual reviews and reports to evaluate progress - "so that's what you did with that idea"; invest in resources to get the work done; checklist when developers come in pre -application, possible scoring; creating checklist is a way of keeping plan alive (keeps it in the forefront); quarterly evaluations of 2030 Plan; dedicated funding resource for incentives to encourage housing goals; define what an incentive is; utilize cheapest incentives, such as funding others are providing ( example grants, LIHTC.); specifically initiate (tax abatement for historic downtown, residential incentives); start working with County early; and stay connected to national innovation. Shabay then reviewed the following takeaways: key areas should be identified for targeted development and the use intentional infrastructure; dedicated funding source for implementation of housing goals should be identified; keep the plan alive through identified solutions and additional staff resources to prioritize the implementation of the plan; and incentives should be defined to include financial and development standard incentives (ex. density bonuses, height increase, impervious bonuses, etc.). She then reviewed the priorities exercise that was completed by the Steering Committee. Nelson then resumed the presentation and reviewed the feedback being requested by staff: Does the Council support the implementation strategies outlined in this presentation?; Does the Council concur or seek amendments to the identified solutions and key takeaways?; and Is there additional information needed in advance of the preparation of a specific implementation action plan that implements the proposed strategies, identified solutions, and key takeaways? Fought noted that Georgetown is a well -planned community and the work presented reflects that. He added that he has been thinking of how to keep the plan working going forward. Fought stated that he thinks staff is on track and there needs to be the ability for the plan to adjust to reality. Gonzalez stated the need for specificity of meanings for implementation. He added that staff and Council may need to review the plan more often in the future and he supports the plan and the work that has gone into it. Jonrowe thanked staff for their work. She noted that this process will be needed in the future. Jonrowe noted the need to monitor how the plan can impact different groups of citizens. She stated that she supports the plan and looks forward to the implementation phase. Mayor Ross stated that the stakeholders, consultants, and staff did good work. Nelson reviewed the next steps. C. Presentation and discussion regarding QSE/Energy Management Services Agreement -- Daniel Bethapudi, General Manager of the Electric Utility Bethapudi presented the item and noted that some of the items presented today are critical items to move forward with proper management of the City's energy portfolio. He then reviewed the Request for Proposal (RFP) process for selecting energy management services. Bethapudi stated that here were 12 responses and staff was recommending that the City choose Shell Energy North America. He then reviewed the services that Shell will be providing for the City including: load forecasting services; purchase power cost optimization services; and congestion management services. Bethapudi noted that the contract will be discussed in Executive Session due to the competitive matters contained within. D. Presentation and update on the Georgetown Utility Systems (GUS) Advisory Board and possible future structure of the Electric and Water Utility Boards -- Daniel Bethapudi, General Manager of the Electric Utility and Glen Dishong, Water Services Director Dishong began the presentation and provided the history of the GUS board and their purpose. He then reviewed previous discussion that Council has had regarding possible changes to the GUS board. Bethapudi then presented and reviewed Council's recommendations from July. He then reviewed the benefits of having two separate boards focusing on Electric and Water needs individually that include: addressing unique challenges related to growth; provide better aligned and focus for staff; and advising Council of the overall financial performance. Bethapudi noted that a possible negative to separating the boards is that some synergies with other City Departments could be lost. He then covered what a board's role should be in public utilities. Dishong presented and noted that staff recommend creating two separate boards for the electric and water functions. He then noted that the Water Utility board would need to: expand its purpose to include financial oversight; provide membership specific to Water Utility experience; reducing the board from 7 to 5 members; maintain at least one member from outside the City limits; and continue to use the Board as the core membership of the Impact Fee Committee. Dishong then provided an organization chart representing the board member makeup. Gonzalez asked about the contingency plan if staff cannot find a subject matter expert in the proposed areas. Dishing responded that staff suggest that the language reflect recommended expertise categories. He added that if that type of expertise cannot be found, staff could pick the next most suitable member. Bethapudi then showed Council an organization chart representing the board member makeup. Gonzalez asked about quorum issues that can often happen with five member boards. Bethapudi responded that staff will factor that in before finalizing. Bethapudi continued his presentation and noted that staff recommends the independent third party used for reviewing electric performance report directly to the Electric Board. He then reviewed the Electric Board's role in risk management. Jonrowe asked about the Water Board and their participation in financial oversight. Bethapudi responded that they will participate in financial oversight. Jonrowe then asked if participation on the Electric Board will be limited to citizens within the City limits/service area. Bethapudi responded yes, it will be limited. He added that the City's service area is mostly within the City limits. Morgan noted that the City's water service area has a large portion outside the City limits while the electric service area that extends outside the City limits is much smaller. Jonrowe asked what type of customers were outside the City limits in the electric service area. Morgan responded those customers were mostly commercial. Bethapudi that financial oversight is a major take away and will be part of both boards. He then provided next steps. Mayor Ross stated that he like the staff recommendations. E. Presentation and update regarding the Facilities Efficiency Study and presentation of findings -- Eric Johnson, CIP Manager Johnson presented the item and noted that the City has grown by 56% since 2010 and the study was needed to help anticipate future growth, plan for the needs of today and provide for future needs while allowing for adequate space for City Staff, improved operational efficiency, improved staffibuilding security, have adequate parking, and flexibility to accommodate future growth. He then reviewed the study scope that included: Georgetown Municipal Complex; Westside Service Center; Parks and Recreation Administration; Animal Services; Facility Services; Fuel Station; and the possible Need for New Facilities. Johnson reviewed the space needs based on assumptions of 20 years of growth. He noted that Fleet Services has 14,946 square feet and will need to grow to 17,349 square feet to accommodate bay space and work stations for additional mechanics. Johnson stated that Parks and Recreation has 13,297 square feet and will need to grow to 15,749 square feet to accommodate warehouse space, Parks shop space, and employee growth. He said that Animal Services has 4,445 square feet and will need to grow to 8,198 square feet including additional kennels, dedicated Animal control officer space, and a get acquainted room. Johnson stated that Facility Services has 2,765 square feet and will need to grow to 4,405 square feet for additional shop and bay space and outdoor covered storage. He noted that the Georgetown Municipal Complex has 52,096 square feet and will need to grow to 63,073 square feet to meet future long-range requirements, if all departments remain in the building. Johnson then reviewed the cost of expanding Purchasing/Warehouse/Fleet Services which is $13,476,168 + 25% = $16,845,210 for 33,670 square feet (SF) with Purchasing getting 8,670 SF, Warehouse getting 12,000 SF, and Fleet getting 13,000 SF including a wash bay, fuel station, storage yard and loading dock. He then covered the costs of expanding Animal Services facilities which is $4,931,284 + 25% = $6,164,105 for 11,235 SF while renovating existing Parks and Rec Admin of 5,320 SF; renovating existing Animal Services Building of 1,115 SF; and new kennel space of 4,800 SF including additional kennel space, new runs between the buildings, new/additional Bark Park, and space to meet the needs of the Animal Services Master Plan. Johnson noted the costs of expanding Parks and Recreation Administration which is $8,065,176 + 25% = $10,081,470 for 18,015 SF with a new building of 8,790 SF and shop/warehouse of 9,225 SF including a new parking lot, community room, and storage yard. He covered the costs of expanding Public Works which is $3,358,114 + 25% = $4,197,642 for 8,745 SF which covers renovating existing Fleet Building of 7,400 SF, new entry/lobby addition of 1,345 SF and includes a Traffic Management Center, two drive -through bays, additional parking, and a large canopy. Johnson covered the costs of updating the Fuel Station which is $951,937 + 7% = $1,011,337 and includes security fence, sight lighting, above ground tanks, and a new fuel island and canopy. He then reviewed the costs of updating the Facility Services area which is $761,014 + 20% = $913,216 for 2,070 SF of renovation while renovating the existing building of 1,360 SF and renovating the shop of 710 SF and includes: reutilization of existing building for admin space; removal of admin space in the shop for additional storage and work space; entrance from Walden Dr. which should assist with Transfer Station Design; and parking off Walden Drive. Johnson reviewed the costs of updating the Georgetown Municipal Complex (GMC) which is $6,579,448 + 28% = $8,421,693 for 27,920 SF and renovating the existing building of 21,160 SF and interior addition (warehouse) of 6,760 SF which includes: new meeting space, most of which is public accessible; secure back of house; receptionist in the lobby; and room for expansion. He then covered short term options for renovating the GMC that have a cost of $192,308 + 30% = $250,000 and include: new meeting space that is public accessible; secure back of house; and receptionist in the lobby. David Morgan noted that the numbers included for the short-term GMC renovation are part of the budget. Johnson then reviewed the next steps. Jonrowe stated that this proposal is a good piecing together needs and noted that she is not crazy about Fleet Services location. Morgan stated Jonrowe's comments are good feedback. He added that staff is looking at existing land the City owns and will look at other options. Gonzalez stated that he agrees with Jonrowe about the Fleet Service site and the City needs to start acquiring land now for future needs. Morgan asked if Parks Administration be a more agreeable use on that site. Gonzalez responded that it would be a better use but would prefer the site to be an open market site. Mayor Ross stated that the City needs to consider the highest and best use standpoint. He added a lot of rearranging that can be done. Mayor Ross asked if this presentation was put together considering only existing land. Johnson responded yes. Morgan stated that every year there are requests to renovate parts of the GMC without looking at the whole, so staff has been looking at long term needs. Mayor Ross stated that there have been previous success repurposing pf old buildings and getting other former City buildings back on the tax roll. Morgan noted that people love animal shelters, but don't necessarily want to live near them and the current location is good for an Animal Shelter use. F. Presentation and discussion regarding the FY2020 Roll Forward Budget Amendment for capital improvement projects -- Paul Diaz, Budget Manager Diaz presented the item and noted that many large capital projects take multiple years to design, construct or implement. He added that all funds are appropriated in the first year of the project and any unspent funds are rolled forward into fiscal years until the project is complete. Diaz stated that the first reading is today, and the second reading will be January 14, 2020. He then reviewed Fund 120 - General Capital Projects and that staff recognized a positive beginning fund balance adjustment of $25.6 million including $55,688.00 of additional revenue. He added that $25.6 million of capital expenses were budgeted but not spent in FY2019. Diaz reviewed Fund 120 - General Capital Projects includes parks projects like neighborhood park development, San Gabriel park improvements, and the trail at Katy Crossing and having a Parks rollforward total of $1.54 million. He then reviewed Fund 120 - General Capital Projects that includes bond funded capital projects like Fire Station 6 and 7, the EOC Siren System project and the transfer station project. Diaz stated that this segment of rollforward totals $3.1 million. He reviewed Fund 120 - General Capital Projects including downtown related projects like the CVB Redesign funds of $175,000.00, as well as funds for Downtown signage and parking upgrades and in total, this segment of rollforward equals $1.8 million. Diaz covered Fund 120 - General Capital Projects and the largest segment of rollforward in this fund is in the transportation segment totaling $19.2 million and including: $7.6 million for the Northwest Blvd Bridge; $3.8 million for FM971 improvements; and $2.33 million for Leander Road. He noted that proposed sidewalk rollforward projects include Old Town Northeast and Signal and Curb Ramp intersection repair. Diaz covered Fund 203 - Streets and stated that staff recognizes expenses budgeted but not spent in FY2019 totaling $358,044.00 and to appropriate this amount to the expense line so more street maintenance can occur in FY2020 above the original budgeted amount. He reviewed Fund 215 - CDBG and stated that staff is proposing to rollforward the funds for the CDBG project at 17th Street. He added that these funds were budgeted in FY2019 but due to timing, the work has not started. Diaz also noted that staff is proposing to start that project in FY2020 with a total of $182,994.00. He then reviewed Fund 226 - Main Street Fund with staff recognizing $51,052.00 in fund balance and a rollforward of the funds for the main street facade program. Diaz covered Fund 228 - Parks Special Revenue Fund with staff recognizing a positive beginning fund balance adjustment of $171,787.00 including $3,337.00 of additional revenue and $168,410.00 of capital improvement expenses budgeted but not spent. He added that the capital improvement projects for South San Gabriel Trail for $101,066.00 and the 84 Lumber Park for $50,000.00. Diaz reviewed Fund 229 - Parkland and that staff recognizes a positive beginning fund balance adjustment of $518,449.00 including $46,046.00 of additional revenue and $472,385.00 of capital improvement expenses budgeted but not spent in FY2019. He added that in FY2019, parks staff worked to amend the number of Parkland Zones from 19 to 4 and as this amendment process was under way, capital improvement was put on hold. Diaz also noted the rolling forward of the capital improvement projects for park improvements totaling $472,385.00 into the FY2020 Budget. He reviewed Fund 234 - Village PID with staff recognizing a positive beginning fund balance adjustment of $767,542.00 including $9,878.00 of additional revenue and $757,665.00 of expense budgeted but not spent in FY2019. Diaz noted the rollforward of the capital improvement into FY2020 so these projects can be completed: Madone Park for $56,750.00; Parklets for $279,794.00; Rowan Park for $143,141.00; and Shell road for $195,227.00. He then reviewed Fund 271 - Police Seizure noting that staff recognizes a positive beginning fund balance adjustment of $106,752.00 and a rollforward of this amount for the purchase of police equipment like thermal imagers, body armor and printers. Diaz covered Fund 400 - GTEC stating that staff recognizes a positive beginning fund balance adjustment of $3,555,474.00 including $104,064.00 of additional revenue and $3.4 million of capital expense budgeted but not spent. He continued noting that the following projects are proposed to be moved to FY2020: Fontana Northwest Bridge for $48,657.00; Interstate 35/ Highway 29 intersection improvements for $445,825.00; Mays Street/Rabbit Hill Road for $4.4 million; and Rivery Extension for $254,753.00. Diaz covered Fund 420 - GEDCO with staff recognizing a positive beginning fund balance adjustment of $287,190.00 including $42,578.00 of additional revenue and $244,612.00 of expenses budgeted but not spent in FY2019 and a rollforward of one project totaling $175,000.00 for Holt Cat. He reviewed Fund 600 - Airport with staff recognizing a positive beginning fund balance adjustment of $189,040.00 and rollforward the following projects: $40,823.00 for runway rehab design; $150,000.00 for taxiway edge lighting; and $25,743.00 for pavement upgrades. Diaz covered Fund 640 - Stormwater with staff recognizing a positive beginning fund balance adjustment of $1.47 million and rollforward the following capital expenses into FY2020: $425,796.00 for pond rehab; $404,652.00 for curb and gutter repair; $158,900.00 for stormwater infrastructure; and $158,824.00 for the stormwater project at 18th and Hutto. He then reviewed Fund 660 - Water with staff recognizing a positive beginning fund balance adjustment of $14.9 million including $4.7 million of additional revenue and $10.19 million of expenses budgeted but not spent in FY2019. Diaz then covered Fund 660 - Water including capital expenses totaling $12.1 million into FY2020 with $3.58 million for Park Lift Station and Force Main and $2.2 million for the Water Line at DB Wood and Pastor. He noted the wastewater improvements at San Gabriel like the belt press and an interceptor. Council had no questions. 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. G. 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 - LHISD Waterline Easement - Nemir Sec. 551.086: Certain Public Power Utilities: Competitive Matters - Purchase Power Update Sec. 551.087: Deliberation Regarding Economic Development Negotiations - Extension of Aviation Drive -- Micaela Dollar, Economic Development Director - Rivery Park TIRZ -- Laurie Brewer, Assistant City Manager 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 Adjournment Mayor Ross at 4:05 p.m. recessed into Executive Session with the note that Executive Session with start at 4:20 p.m. Approved by the Georgetown City Council on Date (SA,e 64� Dale Ross, Mayor Attest: C' Secretary