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Home My WebLink About01/20/1996 City Council MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 20, 1996 The Work Session of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas, was called to order at 8:30 p.m. on the 20th day of January, 1996, at the Dining Hall at Hidden Cove Park with the following Council roll call: William W. Manning, Mayor Present Bill Longo, Councilman Present Mary Blair Watts, Councilman Present Kay Hardin, Councilman Absent David McCreary, Councilman Present John Dillard, Mayor Pro-Tern Present David Heiman, Deputy Mayor Pro-Tern Present and with six present, a quorum was established and the following items were addressed: 1. REVIEW AND DISCUSS PROPOSED CAPITAL PROJECTS AND PROPOSED FINANCING OF TItOSE PROJECTS Mayor Manning briefly explained the purpose of the Work Session was to determine which items or projects should be considered for a bond package. Presentations had previously been made by staff, therefore, this session would be for clarification of the City's needs. PARKS AND RECREATION Youth Football Fields Lights - Approved Irrigation - Consensus was to not proceed ADA Compliance Sidewalks - Friendship Park, Little League Complex - Approved (Possibly could be included in funds for Public Works sidewalk repairs) Fall zones for playgrounds - Friendship and Perryman Parks - Approved Multi-Purpose/Activity Room Addition - Approved Racquetball Court Renovation - Consensus was to not proceed Inline Skating Rink - Consensus was to not proceed Security Lighting/Electrical Service - Approved Park Maintenance Playground equipment - Approved Replacement light poles - Approved Additional irrigation and timer for City Hall - Consensus was to not proceed TOTAL ESTIMATED COST - $308,000 AQUATIC PARK Indoor Pool Building Repairs Indoor Pool Deck Replacement - Approved Repaint Indoor Pool Ceiling - Approved Indoor Pool Building Entry Hall Enclosure and Office Addition - Approved Dehumidifier System- Approved Park Repairs Refinish Outdoor Pool - Approved Park Development Tot Lot Play Equipment - Approved TOTAL ESTIMATED COST- $155,000 HIDDEN COVE PARK (Projects arranged in order of priority) Electronic gate at main office - Approved Boat and camper storage area - Approved Additional campsites (25) - Approved Tie-in 10 campsites to sewer, and install 50 amp breakers - Approved Road repairs/drainage work - Approved Courtesy boat dock - Approved Repaint water tower - Approved Stock park store and reopen - Consensus was to not proceed Fishing pier - Approved Designated swimming area with sand - Approved (Possibly could be taken from operating funds) It was noted that Councilman Watts would like to see purchase of a patrol boat. TOTAL ESTIMATED COST - $229,350 FIRE Booster Apparatus - Approved Replacement Pumper - Approved Aerial Apparatus - Approved Central Fire Station (Addition and Remodel) - Approved Training Tower - Approved South Fire Station (Plano Parkway) TOTAL ESTIMATED COST - $2,110,000 Crow-Billingsley will donate land south of railroad tracks for a future station. Councilman Longo suggested it would possibly take seven people to operate the station and it would have a tremendous impact on operating budget. Chief Van Morrison said an aerial apparatus would be preferred equipment for a new station in that area. Councilman Dillard requested that Chief Morrison design a map showing fixe coverage. FIRE/POLICE Public Safety Pacility Councilman Longo said he would like to see a new City Hall constructed rather than displace the Police Department. Councilman Watts suggested new City offices near the lake so as to justify the "City By The Lake" image. Patti Hicks, Interim City Manager, explained there would not be time to put a proposal together by May when the bond election was to be held. Chief Brace Stewart added that the Municipal Court/City Marshal operation could remain in existing building. It was determined that further research would have to be considered for this project. 11:00- 11:10 A.M. Break At this time Tony Johnston, Finance Director, introduced Mr. Boyd London, First Southwest Company. Mr. London briefly explained the history of the present debt structure. He suggested the staff propose a plan for the City Council taking property taxes into consideration. He also suggested that the Council not consider Water and Sewer Revenue Bonds for this issue. Projects should fn'st be prioritized before considering financing. Impact fees should also be a consideration for some of the projects proposed. Prior to breaking for lunch, Johnny Smith surprised everyone by joining the Work Session. After a standing ovation, the meeting was adjourned for lunch. 12:00 - 12:30 P.M. Break LIBRARY Construction of New Library - Option #1 Expansion & Renovation of Existing Library - Option #2 With the possibility of construction of another City building, discussion following regarding building utilization. Councilman Heiman requested a building utilization study to determine the City's needs. Johnny Smith explained that this was a good opportunity for the City of The Colony to establish a focal point for the community. He further explained that other cities have town squares, etc. Councilman Watts added that the citizens need to be proud of their City Hall. Councilman McCreary said that the City must improve its image and not offer "band-aid" repairs to any of the buildings. It was then determined that Sam Chavez would work on a concept of a new municipal complex and that a committee of citizens should make recommendations also. PUBLIC WORKS ADA Requirements Sidewalks - Approved Drainage Improvements - Approved Irrigation for Medians - Approved Ethridge Street Improvements - Need to update thoroughfare plan Street Repairs Hal Jones,, explained that street repairs by overlay is usually a maintenance project but many cities include this type of project in a bond election since it lengthens the life of the streets. Mayor Manning expressed his concern for the condition of all streets in the City. Councilman Longo requested a feasibility study and asked if staff could be utilized to determine sUeets in need of repair. Johnny Smith said that someone experienced would be needed to make that determination. Councilman McCreary requested it be noted he was not in favor of median irrigation. Ken Leverich, Public Works Superintendent, answered that irrigation is needed to keep concrete in proper condition and to maintain constant water content in the soil. Regarding sidewalk ramps for ADA compliance, Margaret Burkett, Personnel Director, stressed that the proposed ruling states that by the year 2000 all sidewalks would comply with ramps. The City needs to show that there have been "good faith" efforts made in that direction. Councilman Watts said she would like to see all entrances to the City beautified. It was finally decided that decisions regarding Public Works projects would be postponed pending a citizen committee being formed to evaluate the City's needs. WATER PRODUCTION Elevated Storage Tank - Approved Water Main Replacements - Approved WASTEWATER Sam Chavez explained that the Billingsley property annexation created a need for increased wastewater capacity. It was again determined to postpone any decisions on wastewater projects. UTILITY ADMINISTRATION Building Renovation - No decision until after building utilization study. With no further business to address, Mayor Manning adjourned the meeting at 3:30 P.M. APPROVED: William W. Manning, Mayor ~ ATTEST: D ev~in,//D e'~u t y -City- S~ c-re t ary