HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/01/1998 City Council-WS 006912
MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF COUNCIL
HELD ON
JUNE 1, 1998
The WORK SESSION of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas was called to order
at 6:10 p.m. on the 1st day of June 1998 at City Hall, with the following council roll call:
Mary Blair Watts, Mayor Present
Bill Longo, Councilmember Present
Bernetta Henville-Shannon, Councilmember Present
David Stanwick, Councilmember Present
A1 Garcia, Councilmember Present
John Dillard, Councilmember Absent (Arrived 6:15)
Dave Kovatch, Councilmember Present
and with six present a quorum was established, the following items were addressed:
6.1 City Hall renovations with regard to the location of the council chambers
Councilmember Longo opened discussion stating that he had been in favor of leaving the
chambers in the existing city hall to save approximately $150,000, until he read a memorandum
from Patti Hicks (City Secretary). He said he now believes it would be better to move the
chambers to the new location, making it a multi-purpose room for other uses.
Councilmember Henville-Shannon said after Saturday's workshop, reading Patti Hicks'
memorandum and hearing the consultant's recommendation, she agrees with Councilmember
Longo. She said it is her understanding the room will be multi-use and that TCI will be required
to wire the new facility for cable access.
Councilmember Stanwick also agreed it is a good idea to move the chambers, but said the
room needs to be functional. He said we need to be sure use, materials and construction are
functional.
Councilmember Garcia agreed with Patti Hicks' recommendation to move the chambers
and also agreed that the room needs to be functional as well as aesthetically pleasing.
Councilmember Dillard said until Saturday, he was in favor of leaving the chambers here,
but since there will be a large room in the new facility anyway, then the chambers should be
moved to that location. He said he does want a new dais and sound system.
Councilmember Kovatch said the strongest recommendation for moving the chambers is
Patti Hicks' memorandum, but he expressed concern because when the public was informed of
the purchase of this building, it was with the understanding that it would someday become the
main Library. He went on to say that it seems this building is going to now be a city hall and
when we ask the voters to approve (bonds) building another city hall, the chambers will have to
be moved again.
Mayor Watts said in November and December (1997) the intent was to have the Library
take over the new building, but since then the sales tax election was successful and the 4B board
is interested in seeing a new Library built on Paige Rd.
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Councilmember Longo said the new facility will be ½ city hall and ½ library and the
police department needs this whole building. He said he believes it's the sensible thing to do and
that he hopes the citizens see that the council is trying to do things in an efficient manner. He
said the building would someday be either a library or a city hall...with no frills.
Mr. Norm Hatfield, architect, said the cost to move the chambers will not be $150,000.
He stated the multi-purpose room to be built will cost approximately $22,000 and adding the
chambers would mean an estimated, additional $55,000 for audio/visual equipment.
Mayor Watts said it appears there is consensus to move the chambers. Councilmember
Longo agreed, but reiterated it would not be a Taj Mahal.
Councilmember Dillard suggested a moveable dais. Mr. Hatfield said they are available,
but not practical due to manpower needed to move them. Councilmember Henville-Shannon
suggested that the new purchasing agent might be able to help in finding good prices for us.
Councilmember Longo said employees might be able to build a new dais.
Mr. Hatfield said now he, Harry Persaud and the staff will meet to settle the issue of staff
office spaces. Mayor Watts advised that since the council has deci'ded on the chambers, the
decisions are now left with the city manager and staff. Councilmember Kovatch said he thought
the council would review the plans again. Mayor Watts said the only decision the council
needed to make was whether or not to move the chambers.
Mr. Lambert noted that the plan is to make the chambers, directors' offices and hallways
smaller than originally proposed, which will allow giving the Library more space.
With no further business to address, Mayor Watts adjourned the meeting at 10:29 p.m.
APPROVED:
ATTEST:
Patti A. Hicks, TRM'C, City Secretary