HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/10/2001 City Council MINUTES OF SPECIAL SESSION OF COUNCIL
HELD ON
DECEMBER 10, 2001
The SPECIAL SESSION of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas was called to order at
7:05 p.m. on the l0th day of DECEMBER 2001, at CITY HALL with the following roll call:
Bemetta Henville-Shannon, 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 Absent
and with six present, a quorum was established and the following items were addressed:
2.0 Discussion and any appropriate action concerning telecommunications issues to include cable
policies and the Telecommunications Board
Channel 71 programming
Mr. Cheatham introduced Dean Mitchell Smith from Collin County Community College. Dean
Smith advised the council what type of programming the college would air if allowed to use the city's
Channel 71 for the purpose of broadcasting college classes and other information. Dean Smith said the
college would welcome the opportunity to provide this service to the citizens of The Colony.
Councilmember Stanwick advised that the quality had been poor when CCCC had aired classes before.
Mr. Cheatham stated that AT&T had already said if the broadcasting were resumed, they would ensure the
quality to be improved. Mr. Cheatham said the college would only use about 25% of the airtime and said
the city needs to decide how to use the other 75% of airtime. Mr. Cheatham went on to say that the
Doppler radar, which is being shown continuously on Channel 71, now could be set up on Channel 6
(public safety channel) by the end of December 2001. He stated that CCCC could then use Channel 71
seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day for classes and bulletin board items. He noted that the city
could not use the channel to broadcast local information without special equipment, which is estimated at
$10,000 - $15,000. Mr. Cheatham said adjustments could be made in the future if the city wanted to
purchase the equipment.
Following comments from the Telecommunications Board members and council, the consensus
was to allow Collin County Community College to broadcast on Channel 71.
Channel 17 programming
Mr. Cheatham presented several questions regarding possible programming on Channel 17. The
council will decide whether or not to allow LISD items to continue to be aired after the results of a citywide
survey being sent out in January 2002. The council also agreed that churches and civic organizations should
not be allowed to broadcast on Channel 17.
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Telecommunications Board
Following lengthy discussion by the council and staff, the consensus of council was to allow the board
to continue to function as both an advisory board to the council and as an operational volunteer group. The
board will be asked for their input when expertise is needed in making certain decisions with regard to
telecommunications. The members will continue to volunteer their time to broadcast meetings, city events, etc.
The staff liaison will control the budget for the Telecommunications cost center.
3.0 Discussion and appropriate action on Park & Recreation facilities to include possible
partnership with YMCA
Mr. Cheatham presented a proposal from the YMCA to locate a facility in the city in the Austin
Ranch area. Lucy Billingsley was present and stated this would be a positive way to develop the property
in Austin Ranch, which would help both The Colony and Carrollton residents. She said the agreement with
the YMCA would consist of a 30 to 40 year lease at the cost of $1.00 per year.
After discussion, the council agreed to pursue the YMCA facility in Austin Ranch. They did
express some concerns about how that facility would affect the city's plan for a large recreation center at 5
Star, proposed for 2007-2008. Council directed staff to be sure that programs are coordinated so they
won't overlap. Pam Nelson, P&R Director shared the same concerns, but stated that she hopes the two can
supplement each other. She went on to say the city's portion of the expenses could be paid with 4B funds.
Councilmember Stanwick suggested checking out a TIF or PID for funding also.
1.0 Discussion concerning beautification, to include code enforcement and consideration of any
appropriate action
Mr. Persaud covered code enforcement and suggested two alternatives for improving the process.
Mr. Persaud also requested hiring a new Customer Service Assistant. After brief discussion, council agreed
to Mr. Persaud's recommendation of Alternative "A". They also agreed to allow him to hire a Customer
Service Assistant.
With no further business to address, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
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