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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/13/1989 City Council 00320 MINUTES OF T~E CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 13, 1989 The Special Session of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on the 13th day of February, 1989 at City Hall with the following Council roll call: Don Amick, Mayor Present Rick Harris, Mayor Pro-tem Present Johnny Spears, Councilman Absent Noretta Sipe, Councilman Present Steve Glazener, Councilman Present Dick Weaver, Councilman Present Joel Marks, Councilman Present and with six present, a quorum was established and the following items were addressed: 1. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A PROPOSAL FROM THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TELEVISION NETWORK (L.E.T.N.) Councilman Weaver asked for clarification on ppg. 4 and 5 of Chief Ristagno's memo. Mayor Amick said based on the normal training budget addressed in ppg. 4, money would have to be added to that amount this year, and that ppg 5 means that next year the budget would be prepared with these additional funds included. Councilman Weaver asked if the training budget will be cut. Chief Ristagno said that normally he budgets $2000-$2500 for training and next year that amount will probably be cut to around $1500, but that he will add money to cover this new program. Councilman Weaver asked how much time this training takes and the Chief said there will be 40 hours of training per month available and it will be shown several times so that all employees are able to view it. The Chief went on to say that this program covers much more than training, ie, legislation, liability, certification, etc. and that this will only be available in the police area. Councilman Weaver asked how much training can be done at home and on the job. Chief Ristagno said if the training segment is mandatory, it will be scheduled and recorded for use at various times, some will do this on their own time and some on city time. The Chief said once it is recorded, an officer can check it out and take it home for viewing. Councilman Glazener asked if we are under budgeted at this time in training and the Chief said we are, as are most cities. Councilman Glazener asked how officers get continuing education credit, Chief'Ristagno said that~credit is earned by taking' Texas Commission on Law Enforcement' OffiCer' Standards 'and Education approved programs. The Chief did say that thTs program will probably be approved for credit in the near future, stating that he is hopeful this program will grow and noted The Colony will be on the ground floor if this is approved. Bill Hall said he has been very impressed with this program, stating there is a 60 day termination clause in the contract. He stated that at the recent seminar he attended in Austin, representatives from Houston, Big Springs and Tyler all were very enthusiastic about the program Councilman Harris asked if this will help develop better overall procedures. Chief Ristagno said yes, this program will be using only the best in the field to conduct the training courses. Councilman Harris said he would like to see a report on the specific benefits to the program during the upcoming budget process. Councilman Sipe asked if the officers are aware of this program and how they feel about it. Chief Ristagno said those who know about it think it will be a good program. Councilman Marks asked if training will be scheduled. Chief Ristagno said yes, there is a program guide to allow scheduling. Councilman Marks said Mr. Wescott is a good business man and every thing he undertakes is successful. Mayor Amick said from the letters he read, he perceives the purpose is to reinforce things that are already known but not 0 0 3 . Practiced very often. The Mayor then noted some terminology in the contract regarding automatic renewal, rate, etc. stating to be sure contract is adequate. Chief Ristagno said the contract is a first draft and is being rewritten. Councilman Harris asked if we would be committing funds for future budgets. Mr. Hall said no that item 3 will be re-written to reflect that. There followed a brief discussion regarding the renewal and cancellation, as well as interference by the transmission, size of dish on the roof, etc. At this time, Councilman Harris moved to approve the agreement with amendments to the contract and Councilman Glazener seconded the motion. Mayor Amick said the effective date should be set at October 1 so that each year the sitting council will have the opportunity to review it before the new budget year. The vote was then taken and the motion passed with a unanimous roll call vote. 2. WORK SESSION TO DISCUSS AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 6 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATING TO TEMPORARY PROMOTIONAL SIGNS Mike Russell, Building Official stated that this addresses the subject of civic organizations advertising and promoting events, noting that currently they are allowed to place signs but that technically those signs are illegal and the groups are in violation of a city ordinance. Mayor Amick said he gets calls about placing signs in the median from various civic groups and always tells them it is O.K. if they remove them by a certain date. The Mayor went on to say this works, but he understands it is illegal and stated that this ordinance will give guidelines and will allow the signs to be placed legally. Councilman Harris said he does not want to see signs in the medians. Mr. Russell said that is addressed in the Display Limitations section. Mayor Amick asked why and Mr. Russell cited maintenance, mowing and a traffic distraction at intersections as reasons to prohibit signs in the median. Councilman Harris also said the signs should not be allowed in areas the city is attempting to beautify with trees and shrubs. There was a brief discussion regarding section 2 and the number of signs allowed per year, with Mr. Russell noting this is based on the section of the Code which addresses banners. Councilman Marks asked how the council feels about garage sales, stating he thinks the city discriminates against them and that isn't right, going on to asked what is wrong with people having garage sales and asked if they (councilmembers) have ever had one. Councilman Harris said he has, and he believes the City should not be trashed with signs, stating the ordinance should be enforced. Councilman Sipe said she has and she doesn't see a problem with signs but not in the medians. Mayor Amick said the ordinance should be enforced as it is and that the city was trashy with signs and is much cleaner now. Councilman Glazener supported the ordinance stating it needs stronger enforcement. Councilman Weaver said the situation is much better now than before and supported enforcement of the ordinance. Councilman Marks said he agrees with all the council but he just wanted to know how every one felt. Mayor Amick directed the City Secretary to place the ordinance on the consent agenda on the 20th of February for approval. Mayor Amick then recommended the new street in The Colony 28, just off N. Colony be named Walden Court. All agreed and the Mayor said this should be on the next agenda for action. With no further business to address Councilman Harris moved to adjourn the meeting and Councilman Marks seconded the motion which carried with all members voting Aye. Mayor Amick adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m. 003200 APPROVED: Dob Amick,~or- / ATTEST: Patti A. Hicks, City Secretary [SEAL]