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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/16/1998 City Council-SS 00683 MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL HELD ON MARCH 16, 1998 The SPECIAL SESSION of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas was called to order at 6:05 p.m. on the 16t~ day of March 1998, at City Hall, 5151 N. Colony Boulevard, The Colony, Texas, with the following council roll call: Mary Blair Watts, Mayor Present Bill Longo, Councilmember Present Bernetta Henville-Shannon, Councilmember Present David Stanwick, Councilmember Present Wilma Avey, Councilmember Present John Dillard, Councilmember Absent (Arrived at 6:40 p.m.) Dave Kovatch, Councilmember Present And with six present a quorum was established, the following items will be addressed: 6:07 p.m. Executive Session 6:30 p.m. Reconvene 5.1 Discussion: Agenda items for March 16, 1998 Regular Session 5.2* Contracting with Ray Turco & Associates to conduct a citizen survey Councilman Longo expressed his concern that the City does not need a new survey. Councilman Avey suggested that perhaps the 4B Board should pursue this subject. Mayor Watts agreed that the 4B Board would be the appropriate group to decide on the justification for a new survey. 5.3* Clean up of pocket park in Section 18 Mr. Lambert reminded Council that at their retreat, it was brought up that due north of Lakeview Middle School is a drainage ditch full of trees in its natural state and has become a gathering place for students. Pat Dunlap, Public Service Director, has suggested trimming the trees to a determined height and cut down shrubs so personnel could then get in and mow on a regular basis. Mr. Dunlap's estimate is approximately four weeks of labor which will require seasonal part- time employees. Councilman Henville-Shannon asked how this park became so out of control. Mr. Lambert stated this park was intended to be let~ in a natural state. It was mentioned that service groups may be interested in taking this on as a project. It was consensus of Council that no money * 3/16/98 Regular Session agenda item reference 0O6884 3/16/98 would be expended until volunteer efforts were researched. 5.4* Street light replacement Mr. Lambert stated there were 870 streetlights, some of which are over 20 years old. Several need to be replaced and Mr. Lambert's suggestion is to change style of light as new ones are warranted. Replacement cost is approximately $1,200 - 1,800 per light plus wiring and concrete base. Mr. Lambert will propose a program to Coundl toward the end of this fiscal year in order to budget for future replacements. Councilman Longo suggested touching up current lights with fresh paint. Councilman Henville-Shannon agreed but mentioned that an additional base could be added to the same style of lights we have currently for a new look with less expense. Councilman Stanwick asked that when considering a style of light that more downward illumination be considered. Councilman Stanwick suggested that Mr. Lambert negotiate with TxDOT regarding lighting on Main Street. Mayor Watts mentioned that it's not only a matter of appe~t.mnce, but a safety issue since poor lighting is condudve to crime. Mr. Lambert suggested that Council appoint a study committee to bring a program to the Council at budget review time. 5.5* Street sign replacement Mr. Lambert showed a sample of proposed street signs and mentioned that blue rather than green would be an appropriate color for future street signs for the City by the Lake. He also stated that blue would not last as long or be as reflective as the current green street signs. Councilman Longo stated that it was his understanding that street signs were now required to be larger. Councilman Stanwick mentioned that our three color logo is cost prohibitive if used on street signs. His suggestion was to officially change the City logo to only two colors. Coundlman Avey pointed out that if the logo is put on the street signs, it would be unlikely that the logo or color could ever be changed in the future. Consensus of council was to have the Sign Department make a sample of a street sign in blue for future consideration. 5.6* Amendment to the food handling ordinance Harry Persaud, Planning Director, explained that the City recently hired a new food inspector who has reported several violations in local restaurants. Mr. Persaud is requesting the City teach a course to local food handlers in order for certification as authorized food handlers. Councilman Longo suggested a visible decal indicating a rating of a food establishment. Councilman Stanwick did not agree with the course being taught but suggested that the latest rating report of an establishment displayed would be effective along with rigorous City inspections. Councilman Avey would like to see the hairnet and glove regulation be enforced and stated that she doesn't agree with charging food handlers to register with the City. Councilman Dillard added that all regulations should be strictly enforced with constant inspection. Councilman Kovatch said state certification documentation should be available on site at City's request. Mr. Persaud argued that wearing gloves does not prevent unsuitable food handling. '3/16/98 Regular Session agenda item reference 2 3/16/98 7:20 p.m. Executive Session 7:30 p.m. Reconvene in open session With no further business to address in Special Session, the meeting was reconven~l in Regular Session. ATTEST: ~.'.:t~..v~ Der!i_,,_, Dep,.:%' City Secretary · 3/16/98 Regular Session agenda item reference 3