HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/11/2000 City Council 9/11/00
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF COUNCIL
HELD ON
SEPTEMBER 11, 2000
The REGULAR SESSION of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas was called to order at
7:00 p.m. on the 11th day of September 2000 at City Hall, with the following council roll call:
William W. Manning, Mayor Present
John Gordon, Councilmember Present
Lewis Jue, Councilmember Present
David Stanwick, Councilmember Present
A1 Garcia, Councilmember Present
John Dillard, Councilmember Present
Dave Kovatch, Councilmember Present
and with seven present a quorum was established, the following items were addressed:
I 1.0 I ROUTINE ANNOUNCEMENTS, RECOGNITIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS: [
Call to Order
Invocation - Bob Evans, Holy Cross Catholic Church
Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag
Salute to the Texas Flag
Mayoral Proclamations:
National Payroll Week-Jackie Carroll and Charmyne Crowe accepted the proclamation and
gave the council gifts to commemorate the week.
Constitution Week-This will be mailed to the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Baby Safe Month-Cheryl McKinnis with TXU will receive this proclamation.
Announcement regarding "Trash Bash" - September 16, 2000 - Shirlene Sitton invited everyone
to participate in this event, which is its 9th year. The purpose is to clean up the banks of the Trinity River.
Ms. Sitton gave the council visors and invited them to wear the visors while they helped with the Trash
Bash.
1.1 Citizen Input - None
12.0 I CONSENT AGENDA [
2.1 Consideration of approval of the minutes of the council meetings held August 21 and 28,
2000 (Hicks)
Motion to approve the minutes as written-Kovatch; second-Dillard, carried with all ayes.
2.2 Consideration of acceptance and award of bids for the purchase of traffic materials and
approval of an ordinance authorizing contracts for same Chutchian/Sparkman)
Motion to approve as recommended-Kovatch; second-Dillard, carried with all ayes.
2.3 Consideration of an ordinance repealing Section 3 of Ordinance No. 357 insofar as it
pertains to tracts which were disannexed by the city pursuant to Ordinance No. 944
(Lambert)
Motion to approve the ordinance as written-Kovatch; second-Dillard, carried with all ayes.
2.4 Consideration of a resolution authorizing Interlocal Agreement with TML for employee
insurance coverage (Burkett)
9/11/00
Margaret Burkett, Human Resources Director, advised the council that the cost for independent
coverage had increased this year from $9.62 to $28.84. She asked the council if they would approve the
city paying the increase for those employees with dependent coverage. The total amount of the increase
is $12,003. Councilmember Stanwick asked if we would be setting a precedent by doing this, stating that
he did not want employees to expect this every year. Ms. Burkett assured him that this would be
reviewed each year and that it would not become a standard. Councilmember Gordon asked if the city
would be offering an equal benefit to those employees who do not have dependent coverage. Ms. Burkett
advised that was discussed last year, but the Committee agreed that it would not recommend benefits for
other employees. Councilmember Kovatch agreed with Councilmember Gordon and asked staff to look at
that during the coming year.
Motion to approve the agreement with TML for insurance coverage and to authorize payment of the
increase in dependent coverage in the amount of $12,003-Kovatch; second-Dillard, carried with the
following roll call vote:
Ayes - Gordon, Jue, Stanwick, Garcia, Dillard, Kovatch
Abstain - Manning
Mayor Manning explained that he abstained because he does have city employees as patients and
while their business does not represent 10% of his annual income, he feels it is best to abstain from voting
on this particular issue.
2.5 Consideration of approval of an ordinance authorizing the city manager to enter into a
Construction Contract with Home Depot for the construction of Memorial Drive (Persaud)
Mr. Persaud addressed the council, advising that the agreement in their packet had been amended
by removing references to the sidewalk on the north side of Memorial Drive. He stated the sidewalk was
a requirement of the development plan for Home Depot and the city should not share in the cost of
construction. He also noted the addition of the cost sharing for engineering fees, which had been left out
of the original agreement. The city's cost of this project will be $12,706, a reduction of $588.00.
Motion to approve the agreement as amended-Stanwick; second-Kovatch, carried with all ayes.
13.0 I I GtlLAR AGENDA: I
3.1 Public Hearing to consider a request for annexation of approximately 604 acres located on
Wynnwood Peninsula (Persaud)
7:23 p.m. - Mayor Manning left the meeting
Mayor Pro-tern Dillard opened the public hearing. Mr. Persaud explained the proposed
annexation schedule, noting that zoning will be accomplished at the same time. There being no
comments, Mayor Pro-tem Dillard closed the public hearing.
7:25 p.m. - Mayor Manning returned to the meeting.
3.2 Public Hearing to consider annexation of a strip of land being the right-of-way of State
Highway 121, extending from the intersection of Standridge Drive to the intersection of the
abandoned Kenepac Road (Persaud)
Mayor Manning opened the public hearing. Mr. Persaud explained that this is the second of two
required public hearings. There being no comments, Mayor Manning closed the public hearing.
3.3 Discussion of the proposed tax rate, consideration of record vote on the proposal and
consideration of setting a public hearing on the tax rate to be held September 21, 2000
(Johnston)
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Mr. Johnston explained that this year's effective tax rate is at $.69262 per $100 valuation. Mr.
Johnston said that is what our tax rate would have to be in order for the city to collect the same revenues
as last year. He noted the rollback tax rate is $.74638 per $100 valuation. He said due to these numbers,
the city is required to hold a public heating to discuss the proposed tax rate, which staff is proposing to
cut by $.02, from $.76500 to $.74500.
Motion to call a public hearing to discuss the proposed tax rate for 7:00 p.m. on September 21, 2000-
Dillard; second-Gordon, carried with all ayes.
3.4 Consideration of approval of a Program Awarding Employee Suggestions (PAE$) (Burkett)
Ms. Burkett advised a program such as this has been discussed for quite some time and now she
is asking for council approval of the Program Awarding Employee suggestions (PAE$). She said if
approved the program would encourage employees to bring forward new ideas, which would save the city
money by improving customer service, efficiency and/or productivity.
Councilmember Dillard suggested that the committee consider adding department directors to the
eligible employees at a future time.
Motion to approve as presented-Garcia; second-Stanwick, carried with all ayes.
3.5 Consideration of acceptance and award of proposals to Commeenter Net Services for
development of the city's web site and approval of an ordinance authorizing contract for
same (Lambert)
Councilmember Kovatch said he is not opposed to the web site, but that he doesn't think we need
to add the bill paying and purchasing software at this time. He said he believes it will take some time for
citizens to really utilize the web site for paying their bills. Councilmember Kovatch also asked how much
staff time would be needed to work with Commcenter Net Services to set up the site and to keep it
updated.
Mr. Johnston said he understands this will be a turnkey project, noting that employees will
provide information and Commcenter will set up the site. Councilmember Kovatch asked if the cost
includes set up and maintaining (hosting) of the site. Mayor Manning also asked the amount of the
hosting fee. Mr. Johnston advised that he had not really been involved in this issue and that the city
manager would need to respond to those questions. Mr. Johnston did advise the council that the Demand
Star purchasing software is needed at this time to enhance the Purchasing Agent's ability to handle
purchasing.
Mayor Manning noted that the proposal indicates the hosting fee as $2379.40. Councilmember
Kovatch asked if the budget included funding to cover hosting and staff time. Mr. Lambert said he really
did not know the amount of staff time and expense at this time.
Motion to award the contract to Commcenter for the development of the city web site and to purchase
the Demand Star purchasing software-Stanwick; second-Kovatch, carried with all ayes.
3.6 Consideration of authorizing staff to proceed with $5,000,000 bond issue for Paige Road,
Community Center (Old Library), Fire Station//2 renovations, and renovations and repairs
to other city facilities (Johnston)
Mr. Johnston said he is proposing the next bond issue to be finalized in November or December
of this year. Councilmember Stanwick said he is not opposed to using bond money to pay for streets and
perhaps the renovation of the old library, but that he does question using bond money (long term debt) to
pay for short term projects, such as renovations to Station 2 and roof repairs. Councilmember Stanwick
said roof replacement would be acceptable, but not patching. He recommended using $3.5 million for
streets and the other $1.5 million for other infrastructure.
00,742°
9/11/00
Councilmember Kovatch said he is in favor of all the proposed projects, but that this issue should
go before the voters in a bond election.
Mr. Lambert advised that the roof repairs mentioned are actually replacement of the entire roof at
the police department and the recreation center. Mayor Manning asked what flexibility the city has once
the issue is approved. Mr. Johnston advised the $3.5 would be locked in for streets, but the rest would be
for general building renovations.
Mr. Johnston stated the request tonight is just to proceed, noting a formal vote would be taken in
October 2000. Councilmember Kovatch explained that his concern is that we should put these issues
before the voters to see if they want to spend $18 million on street repairs before we proceed.
Councilmember Stanwick said if this was for building new streets, he would agree, but stated that this for
maintenance of existing streets and that it is the city's responsibility and duty to maintain streets for the
citizens. Councilmember Kovatch reiterated that he believes it does not matter (whether new streets or
maintenance), the voters still should approve.
Motion to approve proceeding with the bond issue as presented-Stanwick; second-Gordon, carried with
all ayes.
3.7 Discussion and consideration of appropriate action regarding participation in a steering
committee representing cities in the TXU Franchise Litigation (Lambert)
Mike Bucek with Bucek & Frank, advised the council they have until October 20 to take action.
He further stated there is a meeting at NCTCOG on September 20 at which this matter will be discussed
fully.
Motion to postpone this item until the October 16, 2000 council meeting and to direct the city manager
and the finance director to attend the meeting at NCTCOG on September 20, 2000-Kovatch; second-
Garcia, carried with the following vote: Ayes - Gordon, Jue, Stanwick, Garcia, Kovatch, Manning; No
- Dillard.
[ 4.0 DISCUSSION ITEMS I
4.1 Blair Oaks Water Line (Lambert)
Mr. Lambert said a suggestion was made that the water line necessary to mn north along FM 423
be moved and installed along Blair Oaks Rd. during the reconstruction of Blair Oaks. He said the idea
was that this could save money and time for the city and get water to the north of the city in a faster time
frame. Mr. Lambert said the engineers do not recommend this route for the water line. Mayor Manning
said he ~s the one who made the suggestion, but if the engineers do not recommend it, then he does not
want to-pursue this change.'. The'r~'st of the council agreed the water line should be placed along FM 423,
not Blair Oaks.
4.2 TML Report on Asbestos in City facilities (Lambert)
Mr. Lambert advised that TML had completed their inspection of city buildings and that they
have found asbestos in the following locations:
a. Hidden Cove Park
b. Fire Station No. 2 (N. Colony)
c. Public Works Bldg. (One Hams Plaza)
d. Wastewater Plant
e. Well Site/ti
f. Well Site #2
g. Well Site #3
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Mr. Lambert stated that removal of the asbestos planks at the well sites is in the CIP for 2000-
2001 in an amount of $175,000. The other sites are being reviewed for methods to mitigate the asbestos
in these buildings.
4.3 Photographic Red Light Enforcement Legislation (Clark)
Chief Clark covered the proposed legislation and information he has received regarding this
method of stopping drivers who run red lights. Chief Clark advised the council that he is not in favor of
this legislation.
8:34 p.m. Recess
8:40 p.m. Convene in executive session
15.0 I EXECUTIVE SESSION I
5.1 Executive Session as authorized by Sections 551.086 and 551.074 of the Government Code
regarding Economic Development and Personnel respectively, to-wit:
A. To deliberate the offer of a financial or other incentive to a business prospect
B. Evaluation of the City Manager
C. Evaluation of the City Secretary
9:42 p.m. Reconvene in open session
5.2 Consideration of any appropriate action to be taken as a result of the executive session.
Motion to authorize a 70% tax abatement for 5years to Pizza Inn and an expenditure of $250,000 4,4
funds to the Billingsley Co. as an economic development incentive for the Billingsley/Pizza Inn project-
Stanwick; second-Dillard, carried with all ayes.
With no further business to address, Mayor Manning adjourned the meeting at 9:45 p.m.
APPROVED:
~~.~. ~~_~ William W Manning, Ma!~,r~_ o , o_~
Patti A. Hicks, TRMC,CMC/AAE
City Secretary