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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/28/1978 City Council 000258 MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS HELD ON SEPTEMBER 28,1978 A Special Session of the Board of Aldermen of the City of The Colony, Denton County, Texas was called to order with the following members present: William J. Longo Mayor Glint Davis Alderman Linda A. Adams Alderman Sandra Shearer Alderman Gary S hipm~n Alderman Gene Pollard Alderman and a quorum was established. ITEM I RECEIVE A PRESENTATION ON CABLE TV SERVICE TO THE COLONY Mr. Hart, City Administrator, introduced Gary Brown, of GRB Cable Television. Mr. Brown presented the services that can be provided by his company at a basic monthly service fee of $9.00 and an additional $8.00 if "Home Box Office" is requested. The Council was concerned with increased rates in the future. Mr. Brown answered that it would be three years before a rate increase would be considered, additional revenues being made from the premium services. There followed a lengthy discussion concerning financial stability of the company, timetable for when services would be available, the type of services available presently and future services that could be provided. Alderman Shearer re- commended that the City Attorney be requested to investigate the leg~l aspects of the exclusive cable TV rights held by Lakeview CATV, Inc. as recorded on the city subdivision plat maps. Alderman Pollard asked that the City contact Cable television companies that had previously requested to give presentations before the Council. ITEM II CONSIDERATION OF THE ACCEPTANCE OF BIDS AND PURCHASE ONE TRACTOR, FRONT END LOADER AND ONE BRUSH HOG. Tom Hart, City Administrator, presented to the Council the three bids received on the tractor and front end loader and the two bids received on the brush hog. The bids on the tractor were as follows: Tractor Brush Hog Trinity Equipment Company $ 8,605.66 $1,098. O0 Denton Equipment Company 8,098.22 Ben Griffen Company 9,464.34 1,0i?. 52 It is the staff's recommendation to accept the Trinity Equipment bid for the John Deere tractor, Mr. Hart stated. There followed a lengthy discussion of this equipment. Alderman Davis said that since the "specs" used were John Deere criteria, he felt that other John Deere dealers should be given the opportunity to bid also. It was decided to rebid on the tractor and shop for the tractor attachments. Alderman Adams moved to reject all bids on the tracotr and brush hog. Seconded by Alderman Davis, the motion was passed by the following vote: Ayes: All members presented voted aye Noes: None Alderman Shipman suggested that bids be sent to John Deere dealers within seventy miles of The Colony ITEM III CONSIDERATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF COUNCIL MEMBERS TO REPRESENT THE CITY IN THE DISCUSSION OF JOINT.~CITY/MUD MATTERS Alderman Pollard and Alderman Adams have been appointed as representativea to M.U.D. at the Joint Meeting with the M.U.D. Board members on September 22, 1978 stated Mayor Longo. IV CONSIDERATION OF REPEALING CITY ORDINANCE #39 Alderman Pollard read the following caption of the ordinance under consideration: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS , REGULATING THE ERECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF UTILITY POLES, WIRES, ANCHORE, CABLES, MANHOLES, CONDUITS, PIPES, LINE OR OTHER APPURTENANCES ALONG, ACROSS, ON, OVER, THROUGH, ABOVE AND UNDER ANY AND ALL PUBLIC STREETS, AVENUES, ALLEYS, PUBLIC GROUNDS, WAYS OR PLACES IN THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR AN ANNUAL PAYMENT OT THE CITY BY EACH UTILITY COMPANY USING 0002,59 THE STREETS OF THE CITY IN AN AMOUMr EQUAL TO TWO PER CENT (2~) OF THE GROSS RECEIPTS OF SUCH UTILITY COMPANY FOR LOCAL SERVICE WITHIN THE CITY FOR THE RIGHT TO USE SAID STREETS; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Alderman Pollard stated that Southwestern Bell was granted a pass through of any Municipal Use tax; therefore, they are allowed to pass this expense on to the citizens when such a tax has been passed by a municipality. At this time, Alderman Pollard, moved t~at City Ordinance thirty-nine (39) be repealed. The motion was seconded by Alderman Shipman. Mayor Longo asked for comments from the Council. Alderman Adams questioned whether the base rate for telephone service would be increased or just broken out of the base rate so that customers would be aware of this tax. There followed a discussion of this issue. Alderman Shipman recommended that this ordinance not be repealed until it is determined if this would be an additional charge to the people in this telephone exchange or if it is a part of the base rate and only being broken out of this base rate. Alderman Pollard withdrew his motion. Alderman Shipman then made the motion that it be determined if this 2~o tax is an additive fee o~ an included charge that is being shown at this time. Seconded by Alderman Shearer, the motion was passed by the following vote: Ayes: A'll members present voted aye Noes: None ITEM VII CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF BILLS TO BE PAID OVER THE AMOUNT OF $50.00 Tom Hart presented the bills over $50.00 to be approved for payment. The Council was concerned with the amount paid by the Police Department for motor vehicle fuel. Alderman Davis requested that Mr. Hart look into a tax exemption status for the City for fuel charges. Alderman Shearer moved that the bills be approved for payment. Seconded by Alderman Pollard, the motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Ail members present voted aye Noes: None VIII RECEI~?E AN ADMINISTRATOR'S BRIEFING REPORT A. Mr. Hart told the Council that it is the Ambulance Director's recommenda- tion that the City charge thirty-five dollars per run, five dollars for the use of oxygen and fifteen dollars for transporting additional persons from the same family. In a discussion of this, the Council was concerned that the initial charge of thirty-five dollars was too low. Alderman Pollard suggested t~at the City accept the staff's recommendation and start charging the thirty-five dollars and possibly adjust later. Alderman Davis agreed and added that it should be reviewed in six months. B. Mr. Hart briefed the Council on the Southwestern Bell situation. He stated that Alan King, legal council for the P.U.C. advised t~at our City attorney should represent the Colony at the prehearing and hearing before the P.U.C. in Austin. Mr. Hart advised that a conference call is being set for tomorrow between the two attorney's and himself. The Council then discussed the City's need for metro service to Lewisville. Mayor Longo felt that the City should run a survey to see how much the citizens of The Colony do use the facilities in Lewisville. There was a discussion of this suggestion. Alderman Davis was emphatic that the City should not "hint" that citizens in other municipalities should subsidize our phone service. Mr. Bob Brown, a member of the audience, recommended t~at the survey include the entire General Telephone area. Alderman Adams sugges~ted that this survey be included in a newsletter to citizens and other subjects be included also. It was noted that no longer could a newsletter be distributed in the water bill as they were going to a postcard type of billing. C. A brief discussion of the Texas Municipal League Conference in Fort Worth followed. The Council verified their attendance and lodging needs. D. Mr. Joel Larkin of Fox & Jacobs, presented to the Council Annexatica petitions and boundry adjustment agreements with Frisco and Hebron. Mr. Larkin stated that this is an additional 450 acres. There followed a brief discussion of procedure and political considerations. -2- 000260 E. Mr. Hart presented his recommendations regarding the budget for the fiscal year 1978/79. Based on a more exact tax role figure, Mr. Hart recommended that the property tax revenue figure be raised from $105,536 to $106,000. Mr. Hart proposed that the City pick up the additional seven cents and adopt a twenty cent (20¢) per one hundred dollar valuation ad valorem tax rate. This would give the City an additional $57,077 in revenue. Mr. Hart recommended that this revenue be used for one time capital expenditure items. This would free some existing budget revenue for other needs. Mr. Hart outlined some specific needs and future expenses of the City. An addition to the Fire Station for office use by the City would be approximately $~8,000, modifications on the F & J house that the city plans to lease for interim office space should run $2,000; and an animal shelter would cost $5,000. Mr. Hart further proposed that the Council consider the addition of another full time Public Works employee in November. This would be at an approximate cost of $8,015, which would raise the Public Works budget from $95,208 to $103,223. There followed a lengthy discussion of City needs in Public Works. Mr. Hart maintained that the Public Works Department is undermanned now and~ certainly will be under,armed when the City acquires a tractor and brush hog. The Council was concerned that the position of Public Works director is not being utilized correctly. He also requested the addition of personnel in the Police Department. A Juveni~ Officer and a fifth patrolman. Mr. Hart explained that Chief Steinsiek was prepared to apply for a grant throught the Criminal Justice fund to pay for this officer for a minimum of one year. However, the grant would not pay for the a vehicle or radio equipment which would cost the city approximately $5,348 to furnish and maintain. This officer could not be used for patr~ work, Mr. Hart emphasized. He recommended that the fifth patrolman be hired in June at a cost to the City of $9,607. ITEM V. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE CITY OF THE COLONY BUDGET FOR THE YEAR OCTOBER 1, 1978 TO SEPTMEBER 30, 1979 With Mr. Hart's recommendations in mind Mayor longo stated that the Council would now consider the ordinance adopting the budget for the fiscal year 1978/1979. There followed a lengthy and detailed discussion of the proper allocation of the seven cents (7¢) which could be added to the City's Ad Valorem tax levy for the year 1978 and creating additonal revenue. Alderman Davis and Alderman Pollard were skeptical of the proposed budget changes without adequate review and study. Alderman Davis stated that his position has not changed and that he felt very strongly that the addition of the seven cents (7¢) should be a decision made by the citizens of The Colony in a referendum vote and not a decision of the City Council. Alderman Shipman was concerned that the people of The Colony were more anxious for services from the City and were less cancerned with a tax reduction. Alderman Shearer and Alderman Adams were also skeptical of the proposed budget changes, but expressed concern that the seven cents is needed this tax year, but the revenue should be allocated for the first interest payment on the bonds which would be due in July, 1979. Mr. Hart explained that by careful investments of the bond proceeds this payment could be made and the additional revenue could be used for capital improvements. Alderman Davis asked each Alderperson to respond to the following question and that it be a matter of record: "If the proposed bond program is not approved by the citizens, would you be prepared to lower the property taxes seven cents in 19797" Alderman Shipman could not answer the question at this time, nor could Alderman Shearer. Alderman Pollard answered that he would reduce the taxes seven cents provided that there are no major changes in the City's budget, but that he is also of the opinion that this is an issue that should be settled by a vote of the people. Alderman Adams stated that she was concerned with the need for a Juvenile Officer now and future needs of the City, so even if the bond issue was not passed she would not be able to make a decision until a later date. After more discussion, Alderman Pollard moved that Mr. Hart's recommended budget amendments be rejected. Seconded by Alderman Davis, the motion was -3- 000261 passed by the following vote: Ayes: Aldermen Davis, Pollard and Adams Noes: Aldermen Shearer and Shipman After further discussion of the Juvenile Officer grant, Alderman Pollard made the motion that application be made for a grant to enable the City to hire a Juvenile Officer. Seconded by Alderman Shipman the motion was passed by the following vote: Ayes: Ail members present voted aye Noes: None Alderman Pollard moved that the budget for the fiscal year October 1, 1978 through September 30, 1979 be adopted based on a thirteen cent per one hundred dollar valuation Ad Valorem tax levy with the following amendments: A. Re~zenues: Court fines shall reflect revenue in the amount of $10,600. B. Fire Department: Capital expenditures shall reflect the pt~chase of one 6x6 Texas Forest truck in the amount of $3,500. C. Revenues: Property tax revenues shall be increased by the amount of $466.00 D. Police Department: Budget shall be revised to reflect the hiring of one Juvenile Officer in the amount of $~,348 to provide a vehicle and radio for this position which will paid for through a grant. Seconded by Alderman Davis. The Mayor then asked for comments from the Council. Alderman Adams stated her concern on the City's ability to make the July interest payment if the bond issue is passed. As an alternative to the bond issue, The Council briefly discussed the possibility of a Farmer's Home Administration Loan at 5% interest. Mayor Longo then called for a vote on the motion on the floor. The motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Alderman Davis, Adams, Shipman and Pollard Noes: Alderman Shearer ITEM Vii, CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE LEVYING THE AD VALOREM TAXES FOR THE YEAR 1978 FOR THE CITY OF THE COLONY Alderman Pollard moved that the Ad Valorem tax rate for the City of The Colony be set a $.13 per $100 valuation for the year 1978. The motion was seconded by Alderman Adams. Prior to voting, Alderman Shearer expressed her concern on the City's ability to make the Jt~ly interest payment if a bond issue is passed. Mayor Longo went on record by stating that he would be in favor of a $.15 tax rate. Mayor Longo then called for a vote on the motion. The motion was passed by the following vote: Ayes: Aldermen Davis, Adams, Shipman, and Pollard Noes: Alderman Shearer There being no further action to be taken by the Council, Alderman shipman moved that the meeting be adjourned. Seconded by Alderman Davis, the motion was passed by the following vote: Ayes: Ail members present voted aye Noes: None Mayor Longo adjourned the meeting at 1:17 a.m. Willi~ ~. ~ Mayor , City Secretary -- ~ --