Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/04/1998 City Council 0O6880 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF COUNCIL HELD ON MAY 4, 1998 The REGULAR SESSION of the City Council o£ the City of The Colony, Texas was called to order at 7:30 p.m. on the 4th day of May, 1998 at City Hall, with the following council roll call: Mary Blair Watts, Mayor Present Bill Longo, Councilmember Present Bernetta Henvi~le-'~hannon, Councilmember Present David Stanwic.l<, Councilmember Present Wilma Avey, Co~ncilmember Present John Dillard, Councilmember Present Dave Kovatch, Councilmember Present and with seven present a quorum was established, the following items will be addressed: 1.0 ROUTINE ANNOUNCEMENTS, RECOGNITIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS: Invocation - Roy Winegar Pledge of Allegiance 1.1 Mayoral Proclamations: "Honoring Griffin Middle School Band" Accepted by band member '; and director, John Benzer, who stated this award took lots of work on the part of families, students and teachers over the past 10 years. "Recognizing Congressman Burt Solomons" Presented to Congressman Solomons to recognize his efforts during the last legislative session toward safety on Texas lakes. "National Safe Boating Week'' Accepted by Don Weise, Army Corps of Engineers, and a representative of the Coast Guard. Both thanked the city and Congressman Solomons for their efforts. "Public Service Week" Accepted by Pat Dunlap, Public Services Director, on behalf of all city employees, recognizing public service employees in all sectors. "Municipal Clerk's Week" Accepted by City Secretary, Patti Hicks. 0O6880 1.3 City Manager and Staff Reports Pat Dunlap reported that the Clean-Up day on Saturday, May 2, was successful, with approximately 750 cubic yards of compacted trash hauled out of the city. 246 loads of tree limbs were collected. He advised that more than one clean up day per year may need to be considered. City Attorney, John Hill reported that the judge hearing the lawsuit filed by Richard Kamen, et al (Eastvale) had granted sm:~mary judgement in favor of the city on the equal protection claim and had dismissed without prejudice the breech of contract claim. Lanny Lambert advised the sewer line and manhol~ at the Wal-Mart site had been almost 40' deep and had been completed by city crews. He commended Pat Dunlap and Ken Leverich for getting into the dkch with their men. The water and sewer lines are almost complete. The Eastvale water line project will get under way in the next 3 weeks. --> The Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) was addressed. This plan should include every capital project needed for the next 5 years. They have not been prioritized. The Council needs to reactivate the CIP committee, assign the task to P&Z or prioritize the list themselves. · -> The 423/North Colony intersection project may not be complete until the end of August. Councilmember Longo suggested appointing a citizen committee to see what they want (regarding the CIP). Councilmember Kovatch agreed, stating that committee could be combined with P&Z and Council. 1.2 Mayoral Comments -> Mayor Watts presented Councilmember Avey with a bouquet of flowers in appreciation of her service on the City Council -1~ Mayor Watts introduced newly elected Councilmember A1 Garcia. -> Appointments to Council committees need to be made. Councilmembers were asked to indicate on the list which committees they are interested in and to return that to Mayor Watts as soon as possible. · -) The May 2, 1998 election will be canvassed at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday May 5, 1998. ~ Mayor Watts reported that the City Manager has been approached by a sexually oriented business that wants to build in our city. We do have an ordinance in place relating to these types of businesses. -1~ Mayor Watts, Lanny Lambert and Harry Persaud traveled to Lowe's last week. She believes it was a good trip, but went on to say we would not know anything until later. Mayor Watts reminded the citizens of the alcohol and drug free post prom party to be held after the prom on Saturday, May 9, 1998. 1.2 Citizen Input Rick Manser, 4120 Clary Drive, announced the minor league baseball game to be played at The Colony High School on May 16, 1998. Tickets are on sale at several locations. 00685U Councilmember Longo commended Councilmember Avey for her hard work while serving on the council, stating it had been a pleasure to work with her. REGULAR AGENDA: 2.5 Consideration of acceptance and award of bids for the construction of a 500,000- gallon elevated water storage tank; approving an ordinance authorizing contract for same. Mr. Hal Jones with Hunter Associates, Engineers, advised that the following bids were opened April 27, 1998: CONTRACTOR OPTION 1 (COMPOSITE) Landmark- Ft. Worth, Tx $598,000 Caldwell Tanks, Inc.- Louisville, Ky. $666,800 Pitt-Des Moines, Inc. - Kennesaw, Ga $708,000 CONTRACTOR ' OPTION 2 (SPEROID) CBI - Constructors, Inc. - Houston, Tx. $565,200 Brown Steel Contractors, Inc. -Newman, Ga. $724,000 Mr. Jones said both low bidders (Landmark for the composite tank and CBI for the speroid tank) have a proven recoi'd in elevated tank construction. He explained the difference in maintenance costs between the two types of tanks is marginal, making appearance of the tanks the main difference. Motion to accept the bids - Longo; second - Henville-Shannon. Mayor Watts asked if thc current concrete shortage would hold up construction on a composite tank. Mr. Jones said every job his firm has is being held up due to that shortage. Mr. Jones did say the contractor has promised the job will be complete by the end of 1998. Councilmember Longo asked if it is more feasible to go with a composite tank rather than a speroid due to maintenance. Mr. Jones said maintenance problems are going to be inside the bowl and both types are going to about the same in that regard. CBI representative, James Carter, said there are two issues to consider: 1. Maintenance costs - both types use steel to hold water so maintenance inside the bowl is the same. 2. Storage space on the speroid is 24' diameter and with the composite it is 26' diameter. Councilmember StanwicK said a composite tank would blend with others of the same type in the area. Councilmember Henville-Shannon said The Colony is unique and that she thinks the speroid is more aesthet;,:ally pleasing. Councilmember Avey said both types tanks are found in our area and that she has no problem with either type; however, she is concerned about the concrete shortage. Councilme'aber Kovatch suggested going with the speroid type due to the shortage. 006891 Mr. Lambert said this water tower will be the city's skyline for the next 100 years and noted there is more storage space with the composite tank. Motion amended to accept the bids and award the contract to Landmark for a composite tank - Longo; second - Avey, carried with the following vote: Ayes - Longo, Stanwick, Avey, Dillard, Kovatch, Watts. Noes - Henville-Shannon 2.1 Consideration of proposed amendment to The Colony Governmental Television Policy Mr. Lambert advised the policy adopted a few weeks ago was just the beginning and that the Board is recommending an amendment to allow for broadcast of local sports activities. Motion to approve as written - Avey; second - Longo Councilmember Kovatch asked the city attorney if allowing these items to be broadcast would change our designation as a governmental access channel to a public access channel. Mr. Hill said these items are city and/or school sponsored events and would not jeopardize the channel's designation. Mr. Clark Switzer, chairman of the board, advised they are taking the sponsor fees to the Fees Committee and will be coming back to council for approval of them at a later date. Motion carried with the following vote: Ayes - Longo, Henville-Shannon, Avey, Dillard, Kovatch, Watts. Noes - Stanwick 2.2 Consideration of adoption of an ordinance providing for the issuance of the City's General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 1998; prescribing the form of said bonds; providing for the security for and payment of said bonds; awarding the sale thereof; approving the official statement; calling certain obligations of the city for redemption prior to maturity; and enacting other provisions relating to the s abject Motion to approve as written - Stanwick; second - Henville-Shannon Tony Johnston used overheads to give a history of the city's debt. Doug Hartman with First Southwest distributed a bond-pricing book to the council and explained various tables and information contained therein. He advised that Moody's has upgraded the city's bond rating from Baa to A3 on the G.O. limited tax bonds, which save over $1,641,582 over the whole refunding process. Mr. Lambert credited Mr. Johnston and his department for this change. Motion carried with all ayes. 00689Z 2.3 Consideration of adoption of a policy for city street identification signs Pat Dunlap reiterated points in the new policy, which calls for dark blue signs with white lettering and a city logo, for the council. State highways will require green signs. Mayor Watts advised that Mr. Elsom with TxDOT said if the signs are at least 1" off the right-of-way then they could be blue. Motion to stay with the green street signs without a city logo; provided signs on main arterial signs are larger and signs on major streets are pursuant to state law - Longo; second Stanwick. Councilmember Henville-Shannon said she thought the council had already agreed on the blue signs with a logo and that the cost to replace with a logo is nominal. ($2.50 to $3.00 each). She continued stating we need to upgrade our city and this is not too much money to spend for that purpose. Councilmember Avey said she thought the agreement was to have the logo only on the main streets, not residential streets. Councilmember Stanwick said we can't put the city logo on the State highway signs and he suggested staying with the green signs throughout. Mayor Watts said blue signs can be used along the State highways and that in a (Northpointe) Homeowner's Association meeting two weeks ago those residents agreed with the blue signs and the city logo. Councilmember Dillard called the question. Motion failed with the following vote: Ayes - Longo, Stanwick, Dillard Noes - Henville-Shannon, Avey, Kovatch, Watts Motion to approve policy as written - Kovatch; second - Henville-Shannon. Councilmember Dillara observed that all areas of the city do not have a homeowner's association to give opinions on such matters. Motion carried with the following vote: Ayes - Henviile-Shannon, Stanwick, Avey, Kovatch, Watts Noes - Longo, Dillard 2.4 Consideration of authorizing the city manager to execute and submit a letter of commitment to the North Central Texas Council of Governments regarding a Lewisville Lake Use Study Mr. Lambert advised the city has received a letter from Matthews-Southwest agreeing to fund up to $10,000 for the cost of the lake use study. Councilmember Longo said the agreement should contain all the stipuh~tions in the letter received from Matthews-Southwest. Councilmember Stanwick asked v, ho would pay the difference if the city's share was more than $10,000. Councilmember Loego said our approval should be limited to $10,000. 00689 Mr. Tim House with Matthews-Southwest, agreed, stating the Corps is holding everyone hostage by this request and if they want more money, then his company will have to reconsider. Mayor Watts clarified that the marina being proposed is not to be located in The Colony Bay, but at Wynnewood. Mr. Lambert pointed out the location on the map, noting it will be across from the Stewart Peninsula Golf Course. Mayor Watts said this study is for water use recreation and that we (city) have to tell them (Corps) what we want. She said we also need a comprehensive plan for the waterfront in our city. She said the 4A and 4B boards have indicated they would participate in that program. Councilmember Longo asked Mr. Lambert to obtain a copy of the lease between the Corps and Pier 121 Marina. Motion to authorize the letter of commitment not to exceed $10,000 and to include all the stipulations found in the letter from Tim House, Matthews-Southwest - Longo; second ltenville-Shannon, carried with all members voting Aye. 3.0 CONSENT AGENDA 3.1 Consideration of approval of the minutes of the council meetings held April 6, 13, 20 and 22 1998 Motion to postpone the minutes of the April 6 and 13 meetings to the May 18, 1998 meeting - Avey; second - ltenville-Shannon, carried with all ayes. Motion to approve the minutes of the April 20 and 22 meetings - Longo; second Kovatch carried with all ayes. 3.2 Consideration of acceptance and award of bids for the annual purchase of water meters; approval of an ordinance authorizing contract for same Motion to accept the bids and award as recommended - Longo; second - Kovatch, carried with all ayes. 3.3 Consideration of acceptance and award of bids for the annual purchase of sand, gravel and topsoil; approval of an ordinance authorizing contract for same Motion to accept the bids and award as recommended - Longo; second - Kovatch, carried with all ayes. 3.4 Consideration of acceptance and award of bids for roofing repairs on various city facilities; approval of an ordinance authorizing contract for same Motion to accept the bids and award as recommended - Lon~o; second - Kovatch, carried with all ayes. 3.5 Consideration of rejection of bids for the annual contract for mowing of well sites and elevated storage tank sites 006894 Motion to reject the bids as recoinmended - Longo; second - Kovatch, carried with all ayes. 3.6 Consideration of rejection of bids for the annual contract for mowing of Animal Shelter site Motion to reject the bids as recommended - Longo; second - Kovatch, carried with ali ayes. 3.7 Consideration of approval of a budget amendment to allocate $2,240.00 to The Colony Governmental Television for maintenance of equipment Motion to approve as presented - Longo; second - Kovatch, carried with all ayes. 3.8 Consideration of an ordinance amending chapter 9 by adding Article IV relating to billing procedures and fees for ambulance transportation Motion to approve as presented .- Longo; second - Kovatch, carried with all ayes. 3.9 Consideration of approval of a contract with Municipal Service Bureau for automated billing for ambulance services Motion to approve as presented - Longo; second - Kovatch, carried with all ayes. 4.0 OLD BUSINESS UPDATE - NONE 5.0 DISCUSSION ITEMS: 5.1 Receive briefing on Austin Ranch - None 5.2 Tax reduction program Councilmember Kovatch presented a long-range plan for reducing the ad valorem taxes (See Attachment "A"). Using overheads he gave an overview of the history of the property tax rate in the city. He then presented a plan to reduce the taxes based on the following assumptions; (1) continued growth; (2) gro,~h rates provided by staff(3); the council will approve and adhere (4) every dollar not borrowed, saves one dollar that would have been paid in interest; (5) sales tax money from 4A/4B are not included. Councilmember Kovatch asked the council to take time to review his proposal and to discuss it during the 1998-99 budget work sessions. 5.3 Other - None 9:57 p.m. 006890 6.0 EXECUTIVE SESSION AS AUTHORIZED BY SECTION 551.071 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE RELATING TO LITIGATION, TO-WIT: A. JWV v. CITY OF THE COLONY B. GOODY-GOODY v. CITY OF THE COLONY C. OFFICE CREEK v. CITY OF THE COLONY D. GIBSON v. CITY OF THE COLONY E. KAMEN, et al v. CITY OF THE COLONY 10:20 p.m. Convene in open session 6.1 Consideration of any appropriate action to be taken as a result of the Executive Session - None With no further business to address, Mayor Watts adjourned the meeting at 10:20 p.m. APPROVED: ATTEST: "" Patti A. Hicks, TRMC, ~iiy Secretary