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Home My WebLink About03/09/1981 City Council 000804 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY HELD ON MARCH 9, 1981 A REGULAR SESSION of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas was called to order at 7:30 p.m. with the following members present: Richard Turner Mayor William J. Longo Councilman Norman Adeler Councilman Gary Shipman Councilman Dave Brown Councilman thus a quorum was established. 1. BRIEFING SESSION The Council did meet in a briefing session from 7:30 until 8 p.m. to discuss the following agenda items. No action was taken at this time. 2. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION TO COLONY YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION Mayor Turner presented these certificates in person to John Salamone for his work in the referee clinic and his continued work with the CYSA and to Keith Linz for his work with the field development for the soccer association. He also added that certificates would be presented to Rex Lollar and Glenda Davis for their continued work with CYSA. Mayor Turner stated that it is the city's intent and policy to recognize people who have contributed their time and efforts in all areas on behalf of the betterment of the city and for their desire to promote healthy activities for our young people. Rick Herold, Director of Park & Recreation, also gave his public thanks to this organization for its efforts and continued cooperation with the city. 3. ORDER APPOINTING MUNICIPAL ELECTION JUDGES Mayor Turner read aloud the following order: ORDER APPOINTING ELECTION JUDGE WHEREAS, on the 23 day of February, 1981, an Order was issued calling an election to be held on April 4, 1981, for the election of Municipal Officers. NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Rose Ashman is appointed Presiding Election Judge and Diane Kruzich is appointed Alternate Presiding Judge to serve at said election. ORDERED this the 9 day of March, 1981. RICHARD TURNER, MAYOR City of The Colony, Texas Councilman Brown then moved that the order be approved. Seconded by Councilman Shipman, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 4. CONSIDERATION OF AWARDING COMPUTER TERMINAL BID Mayor Turner noted that these bids had been presented by Mr. Greg Sterner at the March 2 meeting with his review on same. After a brief discussion, Councilman Shipman moved to approve the low bid submitted by RCA for a computer terminal in the amount of $7,831.00, with a monthly cost for a -1- 000805 maintenance contract of $94.50. Seconded by Councilman Longo, the motion was passed by the following roll call'vote: Ayes: Ail members present voted aye Noes: None 5. CONSIDERATION OF FIRST READING OF AUTHORIZATION ORDINANCE FOR PURCHASE OF BASE COMMUNICATION UNIT, COMPUTER TERMINAL, THREE CITY VEHICLES AND MODULAR BUILDING Mr. Tom Hart stated that this lease-purchase contract had been negotiated ~_. by the city with Mercantile Capital Corporation, and further advised the Council that this was a combined lease purchase to incorporate the base communication unit which had been approved at an earlier meeting, along with the computer terminal that would be hooked into this communication package, two police vehicles and one fire chief vehicle, as well as the present modular building to provide collateral. He did assure the Council that as each item was paid off, the corresponding monthly payment would be lowered. At this time, Mayor Turner read aloud in its entirety the following captioned ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A LEASE PURCHASE CONTRACT FOR A RADIO CONTROL CENTER BASE STATION, A COMPUTER TERMINAL, THREE POLICE UNITS, AND A MODULAR BUILDING, ATTACHING THE APPROVED CONTRACT AS EXHIBIT "A"; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilman Longo then moved to approve this ordinance upon first reading. Seconded by Councilman Adeler, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 6. CONSIDERATION OF TEXAS POWER & LIGHT RATE INCREASE REQUEST Mayor Turner introduced John Turner, Area Manager for Texas Power & Light in The Colony. Mr. Turner advised the Council that TP&L was requesting an average of a 20.3% total increase. This increase would reflect an average of a 25.2% increase for residential rates, a 19.8% increase for small commercial rates, a 16.4% increase for large commercial rates and a 25.86% increase for municipal servides. In a lengthy report to the Council, he cited that the reasons for this need are primarily cost inflation in construction, pollution control, the providing of reliable service and the recent requirement to convert to lignite. In a graph, he did show that TP&L has kept the cost of electricity at a reasonable rate compared to other service companies in the nation. There followed a lengthy discussion of these rates. Councilman Longo was concerned that homeowners do have to absorb the greatest amount in increase. Mr. Turner explained that in the past this has not been so and, for that reason, and based on PUC regulations, TP&L did have to spread the cost proportionately. Several citizens and members of the audience were concerned with the drastic increase in their monthly bill. Mr. Turner did advise the members of the audience that it would be an approximate $12 increase on a monthly basis to residential customers. Also, several members of the audience were concerned with the rate of return on their preferred and open stock, stating that they felt that TP&L already enjoyed a high profit margin and that this rate increase was not called for. Mr. Turner advised that this particular rate increase would provide a 12% return on investments. Mr. Larry Sample, a member of the audience, asked if this rate increase would in fact provide a 30% --' increase in summer while only 15% in winter. Mr. Turner answered that although this could be the case, that presented only the averages at this time. After further discussion, the Council concurred that this rate increase should be suspended for a period of 120 days for further study by the city. Mayor Turner read aloud in its entirety the following captioned ordinance: -2- 000806 AN ORDINANCE SUSPENDING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROPOSED REVISIONS OF RATES AND SCHEDULES OF TEXAS POWER A~ND LIGHT COMPANY FOR 120 DAYS FROM APRIL 10, 1981; PROVIDING THAT THE RATES OF SAID PUBLIC UTILITY SHALL REMAIN UNCHANGED DURING THE PERIOD OF SUSPENSION; AND PROVIDING FOR NOTICE HEREOF TO SAID PUBLIC UTILITY. Councilman Longo moved to approve this ordinance upon first reading and directed the city to join with the Texas Municipal League in pro- testing this rate increase in Austin. Seconded by Councilman Brown, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None Councilman Brown did note that this ordinance was renewable for an extended 30-day period. 7. RECEIVE REPORT ON WINTER MAGIC PROGRAM Rick Herold, Director of Parks & Recreation, presented the following report to the Council: Attendance-- Total Childrens Regular Classes 107 Total Friday Fundays 1684 Total Movie Series 941 2732 Total Adult Regular Classes 380 Senior Citizens Activities-"We are extremely excited over the growth in our senior citizen program. Initiated just a couple of months ago, the program has doubled many times over in size. We are proud to announce that The Colony Parks and Recreation Department has brought in enough seniors into the program that SPAN comes out once a week and takes our residents to the Lewisville center for recreation and fellowship. "Although the program has made strides, it hardly is being placed on a back burner. We are continuing to work with the program to provide more frequent and better opportunities for recreation in our own community..." Special Events Turkey Trot 58 Christmas Party 35 Total Seniors Programming 63 Other Special Events 93 249 Total No. of Participants for Winter Magic 1981 3268 Rick Herold also presented some upcoming events: The Pepsi Hot-Shot Competition Senior Citizen Billionaires Night Senior Citizens Trip to Old City Park 3rd Flea Market and Great Texas Bean Cook-Off The Greatest Summer Day Camp Ever The Innovative "Pick-A-Park" Clean-Up Month Grant Fields adding to our Expanding Park System Summer Programs Almost too Hot to Handle One member of the audience requested that more activities be planned for high school students. Councilman Longo suggested that possibly automotive maintenance would be a popular topic. After this presentation, the Council did determine that the primary reason for the discussion of this Park & Recreation program which was initiated approximately one year ago was due -3- 000807 to the hard work and efforts of Mr. Herold and commended him for his efforts in this area. 8. CONSIDERATION OF THE TRANSFER OF BUDGETED FUNDS Mr. Hart stated that, in accordance with the Home Rule Charter, the city manager could transfer funds from classification to classification within a city department; however, to transfer funds from one department to another, the approval must come from the City Council. He stated that primarily funds were being transferred from retirement accounts and personnel accounts into the Fire Department for extra equipment needed to adequately supply the new pumpers and to compensate for the increased cost for the new ambulance chassis and to the Park & Recreation Department for field maintenance and the upgrading of one part-time position to full time. Mr. Hart then presented the following detailed figures to the Council for their review and study: BUDGET TRANSFERS 01 General Administration Budget New Account No. Account Name Appropriation Appropriation Change 10 Salaries $ 38,235.00 $ 39,048.00 +813 15 FICA 2,475.00 2,544.00 + 69 17 Retirement Reserve 2,247.00 708.00 -1539 20 Office Supplies 480.00 650.00 +170 23 Magazines & Books 25.00 110.00 + 85 40 Telephone 10,081.00 10,483.00 +402 Department Total $111,531.00 $111,531.00 -0- 02 City Secretary 10 Salaries $ 25,736.00 $ 26,407.00 +671 15 FICA 1,666.00 1,725.00 + 59 16 Workman's Comp. 46.00 48.00 + 2 17 Retirement Reserve 1,515.00 476.00 -1039 29 Misc. Supplies 300.00 578.00 +278 53 Maint. Off. Equip. 80.00 83.00 + 3 64 Off. Furniture 900.00 926.00 + 26 Department Total $ 44,004.00 $ 44,004.00 -0- 03 Finance 10 Salaries $ 14,130.00 $ 14,494.00 +364 15 FICA 914.00 947.00 + 33 16 Workman's Comp. 25.00 26.00 + 1 17 Retirement Reserve 829.00 259.00 -570 20 Office Supplies 240.00 412.00 +172 Department Total $ 26,315.00 $ 26,315.00 -0- 04 Municipal Court 10 Salaries $ 14,130.00 $ 14,494.00 +364 15 FICA 735.00 761.00 + 26 16 Workman's Comp. 20.00 21.00 + 1 17 Retirement Reserve 671.00 213.00 -458 20 Office Supplies 650.00 780.00 +130 53 Maint. Off. Equip. 80.00 83.00 + 3 Department Total $ 18,961.00 $ 18,961.00 -0- -4- 000808 BUDGET TRANSFERS (Cont.) 05 Park & Recreation Budget New Account No. Account Name Appropriation Appropriation Change 10 Salaries $ 16,392.00 $ 22,617.00 +6225 15 FICA 1,069.00 1,495.00 +426 16 Workman's Comp. 602.00 633.00 + 31 17 Retirement Reserve 1,116.00 769.00 -347 20 office Supplies 150.00 350.00 +200 33 Contracting Services -0- 2,222.00 +2222 56 Park Maintenance 800.00 4,300.00 +3500 74 Reserve for Cont. 1,000.00 -0- -1000 Department Total $ 35,440.00 $ 46,697.00 +11,257 06 Community Development 10 Salaries $ 93,415.00 $ 93,943.00 +528 12 Salaries, Part Time 7,899.00 8,899.00 +1000 15 FICA 6,057.00 6,034.00 - 23 16 Workman's Comp. 4,750.00 4,768.00 + 18 17 Retirement Reserve 5,695.00 1,862.00 -3833 23 Magazines & Books 75.00 180.00 +105 Department Total $208,458.00 $206,253.00 -2205 07 Fire & Ambulance 10 Salaries $ 17,566.00 $ 16,272.00 -1294 15 FICA 1,148.00 1,082.00 - 66 16 Workman's Comp. 252.00 233.00 - 19 17 Retirement Reserve 1,227.00 385.00 -842 20 Office Supplies 175.00 450.00 +275 21 Postage 15.00 t00.00 + 85 23 Magazines & Books 30.00 130.00 +100 29 Misc. Supplies 5,100.00 16,165.00 +11,065 55 Maint. Vehicle 19,200.00 23,573.00 + 4,373 Department Total $ 92,954.00 $106,631.00 +13,677 08 Police 10 Salaries $239,710.00 $226,849.00 -12,861 11 Salaries, Overtime 7,500.00 8,244.00 +744 15 FICA 15,557.00 14,899.00 -658 16 Workman's Comp. 6,590.00 6,351.00 -239 17 Retirement Reserve 14,955.00 4,740.00 -10,215 37 Electricity (An. Shel.) 480.00 980.00 +500 Department Total $467,439.00 $444,710.00 -22,729 DEPARTMENT TRANSFERS Budget New Dept. No. Department Appropriation Appropriation Chang.~ 01 General Admin. $111,531.00 $111,531.00 -0- 02 City Secretary 44,004.00 44,004.00 -0- 03 Finance 26,315.00 26,315.00 -0- 04 Municipal Court 18,961.00 18,961.00 -0- 05 Park & Recreation 35,440.00 46,697.00 $+11,257 06 Community Devel. 208,458.00 206,253.00 - 2,205 07 Fire & Ambulance 92,954.00 106,631.00 +13,677 08 Police 467,439.00 444,710.00 -22,729 Reserve 2,720.00 2,720.00 -0- Total Budget $1,007,822.00 $1,007,822.00 -0- -5- 000809 DEPARTMENT TRANSFERS NEEDED Department Funds Moved From & Amount Department Funds Moved To & Amount 08 Police $11,257.00 05 Park & Rec. $11,257.00 08 Police 11,472.00 07 Fire & Amb. 11,472.00 06~ Comm. Dev. 2,205.00 07 Fire & Amb. 2,205.00 Councilman Longo moved to approve this transfer of budgeted funds as presented. Seconded by Councilman Adeler, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 9. RECEIVE REPORT REGARDING CIVIL DEFENSE WORKSHOP Mr. Greg Sterner, Civil Defense Coordinator for the city, did advise the Council that he is planning a workshop for the first week in April, which would be approximately two and one-half hours, to brief the Council on all aspects of the emergency operations. It was suggested that candidates also attend this workshop in the event that they would be sitting on the Council after the election. There followed a lengthy discussion of civil defense procedures. Mr. Sterner did advise the Council that a warning system would be provided by a $15,000 grant through CATV. He stated that this would be a future agenda item for their discussion. He did ask for a concurrence from the Council that this would be an agreeable grant for the city to pursue. The Council so concurred. He also advised the Council that on April 7 at 7 p.m. a Sky Warn School would be conducted at Fire Station No.2, and all residents were invited to attend. 10. CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO TEXAS TRAFFIC SAFETY PROGRAM CONTRACT REGARDING CONSTRUCTION SIGNS AND BARRICADES Mr. Hart advised the Council that this was the third grant provided by this state agency to the city, and that it is in the amount of $4,092. Mayor Turner then read aloud in its entirety the following captioned authorization ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION SIGNS AND BARRICADES WITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS & PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION; ATTACHING THE APPROVED FORM OF THE CONTRACT AS EXHIBIT "A"; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilman Longo moved to approve the first reading of this ordinance. Seconded by Councilman Adeler, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Ail members present voted aye Noes: None 11. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION REGARDING INDEMNIFICATION AGAINST PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR ALL PRESENT AND PAST COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Turner read aloud the following resolution: RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the City Council has deemed it advisable to support the actions that have been taken by its members, WHEREAS, it has been determined that this action is in the best interest of the City of The Colony and in the interest of its citizens, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the acts of the City Council and each of them for the term ended April, 1981 are hereby retified as being prudent and in the best interest of the City and its citizens; that these Council members are hereby indemnified against personal liability whether for cost of defense or for any resulting legal liability because of any act or failure to act except for a criminal act, willful act or gross neglect of duty. PASSED AND APPROVED THIS 9 DAY OF MARCH, 1981. RICHARD TURNER, MAYOR ATTEST: JANICE CARROLL, CITY SECRETARY --6-- Councilman Longo explained that it was his request this resolution be added to the agenda, as he felt very strongly that the Council did serve in their offices without pay and that this resolution did ratify their actions of good intent and provide a reaffirmation of support to them. Councilman Longo then moved that this resolution be approved. Seconded by Councilman Adeler, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: ~es: All members present voted aye Noes: None There being no further action to be taken by the Council, Councilman Brown moved that the meeting be adjourned. Seconded by Councilman Shipman, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Ail members present voted aye Noes: None Mayor Turner adjourned the meeting at 9:50 p.m. ~R, ~ff~OR ATTEST: JAN1-CTARROLL, CITY SECRETARY -7-