HomeMy WebLinkAbout99 0413 min MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
City of Plainview
April 13, 1999
The Plainview City Council held a meeting at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 13, 1999 in the Council
Chambers of the Plainview City Hall at 901 Broadway. Notice of this meeting was posted in City Hall
at 5:00 p.m. on April 5, 1999. The Council met in Pm-Session at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Lloyd Woods
presided. Councilmembers present were: Mary Jane Shanes-Precinct 2, Rey Rosas-Precinct 3, Mike
Hutcherson-Precinct 4, Ross Owen-Precinct 5 and Bobby McGehee-Precinct 6. Councilmembers
Sam Parker-Precinct 1 and Irene Favila-Precinct 7 were absent.
Staff members present were: Jim Jeffers-City Manager, John Castro-Director of Community Services,
Wally Hatch-City Attorney, John Berry-Assistant Director of Public Works, Norman Huggins-
Finance Director, Dale Simpson-CMl Service Director, Gary Glass-Fire Chief, William Mull-Police
Chief, Darryel Pierce-Superintendent Water Production, and Karen McBeth-city secretary.
News media present: Richard Orr-Plainview Daily Herald, Wayland Baptist University television
crew.
Guests present: George Rodriguez of 600 West 14~ St., Don Dickson of 1005 West 11th St., Jim
Franklin of 1004 Vernon, Marlin Miller of 2108 Amarillo ~4, John C. Anderson of 1308 Itasca, Laura
Moran of 1106 Milwaukee, Paul Barrientos of 1908 W. 26~ St., David Wilder of 300 Lometa and
Jeff.Noble of 4100 Villa Dr.
OPEN MEETING
Invocation - The Honorable Lloyd Woods
Pledge of Allegiance - The Honorable Mary Jane Shanes
2. Recognitions - There were none.
3. Consent Calendar - Councilmember McGehee moved to approve the Consent Calendar and
Councilmember Hutcherson seconded the motion. Mayor Woods and Councilmembers Shanes,
Rosas, Hutcherson, Owen and McGehee voted "yes" on the motion.
a) Minutes of March 18, 1999 and March 23, 1999 were approved.
b) Departmental Reports were accepted.
c) Expenditures were approved.
d) Excused Absences were granted to Councilmember Sam Parker and Councilmember
Irene Favila for this meeting.
e)
Consider appointment of a Plainview City Councilmember to serve on the
Plainview/Hale County Board of Health. Councilmember Rey Rosas was appointed
Minutes of April 13, 1999 Page 1 of 8
to the Plainview/Hale County Board of Health.
Budget Amendment: Ordinance No. 99-3213. An ordinance amending ordinance No.
98-3186 to appropriate funds in the 1998-1999 Budget for the purchase of EMS
equipment, First Reading. The ordinance was approVed.
g)
Budget Amendment. Ordinance No. 99-3214. An ordinance amending ordinance No.
98,3186 to appropriate funds in the 1998,1999 Budget for the purchase of computer
software and hardware for the landfill department. First reading. The ordinance was
approved.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
Zone Case #676. Ordinance No. 99-3212. An ordinance amending the zoning map of the
City of Plainview, Texas, rezoning Lot 6, Block 1 of the Rowe-Goode Subdivision, address
being 1810 W. 12t~ Street, Plainview, Hale County, Texas from an R-1, Residential Zone to
a C-2, Light Retail and Commercial Zone; Cumulativeness clause; Conflict clause; Conflict
clause; Severability clause; And effective date. First reading.
Director of Community Service John Castro said Harvest Christian Fellowship Church is requesting
the zone change. The church faces Quincy Street and the lot considered for rezoning is behind the
church and will be used as a parking lot. The church is in contract to purchase the lot, contingent
upon it being rezoned. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommends approval of the request and
city staffrecommends approval. Councilmember Owen moved to approve Ordinance No. 99-3212
and Councilmember Rosas seconded the motion. Mayor Woods and Councilmembers Shanes, Rosas,
Hutcherson, Owen and McGehee voted "yes" on the motion, none voted against.
Zone Case #675. Ordinance No. 99-3211. An ordinance amending the zoning map of the city
of Plainview, Texas, to rezone Lots 46-61, of the proposed Unit #8, LaMesa Subdivision
from an Agriculture (A) to a Single Family Residential (R-l); Cumulativeness clause; Conflict
clause; Severability clause; And effective date. First reading.
John Castro displayed a map showing the area to be rezoned, located behind LaMesa School. There
are residences in the area and the proposed housing is compatible with the surroundings. Planning
& Zoning Commission approved the change and there were no objections. Councilmember Shanes
moved to approve Ordinance No. 99-3211 and Councilmember Owen seconded the motion. Mayor
Woods and Councilmembers Shanes, Rosas, Hutcherson, Owen and McGehee voted "yes" on the
motion, none voted against.
Consider repaving the 500 block of Smyth Street as a boulevard to be used as the main
entrance to Wayland Baptist University.
Minme.q of April 13, 1999
Page 2 of 8
Mayor Woods said a year and a half ago Wayland Baptist University asked the City to construct a
boulevard on Smyth Street, from 5th Street to the Wayland campus. Mayor Woods said he
considered it economically progressive. The City helped Excel, WalMart and the Texas Department
of Criminal Justice and each of these entities increased local employment. The Industrial Foundation
has donated $5,000 to Wayland for the Smyth St. project. Wayland pays $7,063,630 in salaries each
year; provides $135,712 in PEP Scholarships, and $163,864 for the Museum of the Llano Estacado.
The University is presently spending $1,447, 000 for the renovation of the Van Howeling building and
$115,000 on concessions, restrooms and an entry for the baseball complex. This is a $13,596,081
impact on the local economy. The community may use the Harral Auditorium, McClung Center, and
other facilities. The 1,000 student enrollment provides a positive impact on the local economy. He
said Wayland Baptist University has been here since 1908 and will be here for many years to come.
Mayor Woods asked if anyone wished to speak against this proposal.
Mr. Jim Franklin, 1004 Vernon, stated his street floods but when asked to do something about this
the City said here was no money budgeted to fix his street. Why is there money to pay for a
boulevard for Wayland, but not fix his street?
Mr. George Rodriguez, 600 West 14th Street, said he was against building a boulevard on Smyth
Street. He said his street floods and he wants the Council to consider fixing his street first. Mr.
Rodriguez showed a video of the street after the last rain. He said he asked the Council to fix his
street several months ago and was turned down. It is not fair to fix a street for Wayland and not fix
his street. He said 14t~ & Galveston is not paved at all and water stands and does not drain. He said
he supports Wayland but wants his street paved first.
Mr. William Davis, 1109 Yonkers, stated he was opposed to this project. He said it does not fit in
with the Infrastructure Committee's long range plan. He said other problem areas in the city should
be fixed first.
Mayor Woods asked those who wished to speak for the project to do so.
Mr. David Wilder, 300 Lometa, said Wayland Baptist University was the first industry in Plainview.
He said it was built using no tax dollars. It provides teachers for the local school district, sponsors
numerous cultural events, and the facilities are used by the cormnunity at no cost. The athletic events
bring people to Ptainview who shop, eat in restaurants, and spend the night in local motels. He said
Plainview must invest in the improvement of Plainview and this would be a great improvement. He
said he hopes the Council will agree to help build this entrance into Wayland.
Mr. Don Dickson, 1005 West 11th Street, said building a boulevard on Smyth Street as a main
entrance into Wayland would be community improvement. He said Wayland spent $111,000
purchasing the property along Smyth Street for this project. He said $206,638 will be spent by
Wayland for this new entrance. He said Wayland is a not-for-profit institution and does not get any
money from the State. He said there needs to be a spirit of cooperation between the community and
Wayland Baptist University. The proposed boulevard is planned to become the main entrance into
the campus. Buildings will be remodeled and it will become the focal point of the campus. The City
Minutes of April 13, 1999 Page 3 of 8
sets aside money for street improvement, but Mr. Dickson said this is economic development.
Mr. John C. Anderson, 1308 Itasca, said he thinks it makes good business sense. Wayland Baptist
University is investing $2,600,000 in an industry in Plainview, and Plainview should spend $70,000
to enhance that investment. He said the street will still belong to the City. He said Wayland adds to
the quality of life in Plainview and he asked the Council to approve the project.
Mr. Jeff Noble, 4100 Villa Dr., said he played football on Wayland's campus as a child and his
memory of the cooperation between the University and the community made him decide to go to
Wayland Baptist University when he graduated from high school. He said many people fi.om the
community, not just young people, attend classes at Wayland. He said Azteca, Excel and WalMart
all took Wayland into consideration in their decision to come to Plainview. Wayland is an asset for
Plainview and should be considered as such. It would be good for Plainview to have a beautiful
boulevard entrance on 5th Street.
John Truscotti III, president of Wayland's student body, said he can see how it important it is to
beautify the campus and make a good impression on people coming to Plainview, as well as
prospective students coming to Wayland. By making Smyth Street a boulevard and the main entrance
to Wayland, both the City and Wayland would benefit.
There was no further public comment.
Councilmember Mike Hutcherson said he agreed that the first impression sets the tone for the lasting
impression. Wayland Baptist University has been a good neighbor. This street improvement would
benefit both the City and Wayland.
Councilmember Ross Owen said he prepared the following "I personally find it somewhat of an
embarrassment that we are here once again dealing with what is perceived as a controversy regarding
one of Plainview's principal business partners, namely Wayland. This city council, more than any
others in recent years, has taken great pride and effort allocating the appropriate funds necessary to
create economic development, to beautify the appearance of our community, and to make Plainview
a more attractive place for all its citizens. A city we can all be proud of. We've spent money on our
parks, landscaped several areas of the city, and are currently spending tax dollars on giving our
downtown area a much needed face lift, all in an effort to give Plainview the appearance of a
successful, thriving community. It makes each of us feel better about the place we live, not to
mention the added advantages of economic recruitment when potential prospects visit our city. No
one wants to move their business to a city where dirt, trash, and dilapidation run rampant. Economic
impact doesn't mean much to anyone until it affects them personally. It has been proven statistically
that a more attractive college campus increases enrollment. College students have to spend their
money somewhere. Wouldn't more students mean more money spent? Let's ask our merchants, our
food establishments, and our other service providers if they have all the customers they need or want.
Let's couple that with the fact the area in question just happens to abut the most traveled area in all
of Plainview. Not only do each of us use this street on a daily basis, think of all the people passing
through Plainview who travel this very route every day. Would not an enhanced entrance to a focal
Minutes of April 13, 1999 Page 4 of 8
point of our city, namely Wayland, be far superior to an undeveloped, vacant lot with weeds growing
in it? The benefit is twofold. Not only do we vastly improve a heavily traveled area of the city, we
work hand in hand with one of our principal employers. How many times over the years have we
coordinated the city's efforts with WalMart, with Excel, and more recently the Texas Department of
Criminal Justice on various projects which on the surface do nothing for the citizens of this
community? Why? Because we know their well being is of the utmost importance to the future of
Plainview. Never once have I heard the city council say we don't need to spend this money because
WalMart, or Excel, or even the State of Texas have plenty and can afford it. The fact is we all know
that a prosperous city relies on an ongoing, cooperative effort between the city government and its
primary industries. Why is Wayland any different in this regard? They were here long before
WalMart or Excel were even a thought in someone's head. This is not a slant on either of these fine
businesses. Quite the contrary. Without just one of these entities, the City of Plainview would be
in far worse shape than we are now. I can promise you without just one of them, your tax rate would
probably be higher and the standard of living we currently enjoy would be far less. This city council
has systematically begun setting aside funds for street and road improvement. The project will on
going and take several years to complete. Wayland's request deals with one of the city's streets.
This is not a driveway, nor a sidewalk, or even some internal, middle-of-the-campus project that
nobody sees. This is a cooperative effort between the city and one of its business partners which will
mutually benefit each entity. I hope the city government of Plainview will always strive to be
consistent in their policies and maintain the reputation of being an excellent business partner. I
support Plainview as well as our friends at Wayland. I am in favor of this project because I know that
ultimately what is good for Wayland is also good for Plainview."
Councilmember Rey Rosas asked if there were any representatives from Wayland present? He said
Wayland did not approach the City Council as a whole, but only asked the Mayor. He stated
Wayland is a good school and he supports Wayland and its efforts to grow. However, this is not a
budgeted item. He said there are many streets in town which need repairs and the city needs to take
care of those streets. He said there was not enough money to fix all the streets in town and these
need to be done first, then do something for Wayland. He said Wayland should pay for any
beautification to its campus. He said it is not fair to use tax dollars for a street that does not need
repairing. He said it is an embarrassment to have unpaved streets in the city.
Councilmember Bobby McGehee said it is unfortunate that this issue has become divisive within the
Council but at least it has given us the opportunity to examine the processes involved in spending
taxpayers' money. This project began as one of over 90 proposed street sites in the city that needed
improving (i.e. paving, resurfacing, etc.) To be paid for with money in the street improvement fund
that was established in 1997 and funded with a 4.7 cent increase in the ad valorem tax rate. When
it became apparent that the 500 block of Smyth did not need improving, and the project should not
be paid for with the money fi.om the street improvement fund, it was changed into "an investment for
economic development that would benefit the city by drawing more students to Wayland." From
what I hear tonight, however, it appears to have changed again to an expression of appreciation for
what Wayland means to Plainview. "More students" is also the stated objective of the other projects
in progress that will improve the appearance of campus buildings. We will not be asked to use
taxpayers money for those projects, so why is Smyth Street different? Regardless of the expressed
Minutes of April 13, 1999 Page 5 of 8
justification for using tax dollars to rebuild the 500 block of Smyth into a boulevard, the question
arises of the priority of this project relative to other projects the city has committed to, or has
recognized the need for, such as: Parks (important in economic development, more efficient watering
systems are being installed, a new park for Westgate, and a request for a walking/jogging track in 16~h
Street Park, and playground improvements in general), Downtown beautification, airport runway
resurfacing, water supply development ($70,000 is approximately half the cost of drilling and
developing a new well for city water), making our brick streets smoother and more attractive by
resetting the bricks in rough spots and replacing those that have been removed for utility repair,
community gardens within the city which will require tapping into the city water lines. I understand
that recently a business was considering locating in Plainview, but decided against it because of the
condition and appearance of the downtown area. It could be that $70,000 spent on the Fair Theatre
or other downtown projects would result in more economic development than a one block boulevard
on Smyth. Regarding the requested park in Westgate, I think it should be noted that the group
making the request has offered to offset some of the cost to all taxpayers by contributing $25,000 for
the project. Until the Mayor mentioned tonight a contribution from the Industrial Foundation I had
not heard of an offer by Wayland or anyone else to pay for any of the cost of rebuilding Smyth Street
into a boulevard. I am sure that ifa fund was established to raise $70,000 for it many people would
be glad to contribute. There is no provision in the current budget for this project or even a suggestion
that it be discussed in budget preparations. This is in contrast to the Parks Advisory Commission's
recommendation for a track in 16~h Street Park. The cost of that is estimated to be less than $20,000
but consideration of it was deferred until budget work sessions because of"the expense associated
with a project of this nature." I think we all agree that if there is going to be a system of budgeting
the spending of taxpayer's money, then it should be applied to ail requests. It has aiso been suggested
that $70,000 is only a small part of the city's overall budget. It may be only a little more than one
half of one percent of the total budget, but it is approximately $3 for every citizen in Plainview, or
an average $10 per property owner, assuming 7,000 owners paying taxes to the city. It would also
be 1.3 cents of the current 45.06 cents per $100 evaluation being levied on the property owners of
the city. Is the tax rate going to be increased 1.3 cents to pay for this project? I just hope each
member of this council will apply objective reasoning rather than subjective emotion in deciding this
issue.
Councilmember Mary Jane Shanes made no comment.
Mayor Lloyd Woods said he cannot stress enough that he wants to support both the city's projects
and Wayland Baptist University. He said everything we do affects the entire City. He said everything
we beautify improves the City. Mayor Woods made a motion the City of Plainview work with
Wayland Baptist University and redo Smyth Street fi.om 5th to 6th Street. Councilmember Ross Owen
seconded the motion. Those voting "yes" on the motion were Councilmember Hutcherson,
CounCilmember Owen and Mayor Woods. Those voting "no" on the motion were Councilmember
Shanes, Councilmember Rosas and Councilmember McGehee. The motion failed due to lack of a
majority. Mayor Woods asked this subject be placed on the next agenda.
Resolution No. R99-100. A Resolution of the City of Plainview, Texas, authorizing the
submission of a Texas Community Development Program application to the Texas
Minutes of April 13, 1999
Page 6 of 8
Department of Housing and Community Affairs for the Housing Rehabilitation Fund: And
authorizing the Mayor to act as the City's Executive Officer and authorized representative
in all matters pertaining to the City's participation in the Community Development Program.
John Castro, Director of Community Services, said the city is applying to the Department of Housing
and Community Affairs for a grant of $250,000 to be used to rehab low to moderate housing. He
said this would rehab approximately 16 houses. This resolution in support of the application is
necessary to complete the application process. Councilmember McGehee moved to approve the
Resolution and Councilmember Rosas seconded the motion. Mayor Woods, Councilmembers
Shanes, Rosas, Hutcherson, Owen and McGehee voted "yes" on the motion. None voted against.
Budget Amendment: Ordinance No. 99-3215. An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 98-
3186 to appropriate funds in the 1998-1999 Budget for improvements to the Plainview/Hale
County Airport. First reading.
It is to be noted that Councilmember Mike Hutcherson has signed a conflict of interest regarding this
agenda item. Mr. Marlin Miller, co-manager of the airport, told the Council the Airport Board of
Directors applied to the State seven years ago for money for improvements to the airport. The rains,
snows and freezing weather have deteriorated the runways over the years. Engineers have tested the
runways and determined that it will take $1,930,000 to adequately repair the runways. Runway
#1331 will have to be torn up and redone. The Board has until April 28, 1999 to document there is
money to complete these repairs. He said airport funds have been set aside to pay all but $122,000.
He said many businesses in town use the airport regularly, such as Azteca, KMart, Stage, K-Bobs,
SPS, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, ADM, to name a few. John Speck, Airport Board
Member, told the Council that often the airport is the first impression businesses get of Plainview, and
the most lasting impression. Other Board Members present were Lonnie Bradley and Harry
Garretson. Mr. Miller asked the Council to please consider appropriating the city's portion of the
funds. He said the airport can only get into the federal funding program about every 15 to 20 years.
Councilmember Owen moved to approve ordinance No. 99-3215 and Councilmember Rosas
seconded the motion. Mayor Woods, Councilmembers Shane, Rosas, Owen and McGehee voted
"yes" to approve the motion. Councilmember Hutcherson abstained from voting. The motion
passed.
9. Annual Report - City of Plainview water system. Darryel Pierce, Superintendent of the city
water production plant told the Council the city has 15 wells with 11 presently in use, capable of
producing 11,779,200 gallons per day. Combined with 4,200,00 gallons at the surface water plant,
produces 15,979,200 gallons of water per day. The City received 761,011,000 gallons of water from
the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority in 1998 and 801,779,600 gallons from wells,
producing a total of 1,562,790,600 gallons. The peak consumption day was June, 1998, using
9,743,000 gallons. The allocation from CRMWA was 1,114,918,000, and the City used 88% of that
allocation. The City has reserves of 2,036,200 gallons of water. Mr. Pierce said plans are being made
to do a major renovation of the water production plant. Councilmember McGehee asked when this
upgrade will take place? Mr. Jeffers said construction should be underway by Summer.
Minutes of April 13, 1999 Page 7 of 8
10.
11.
Open Forum. Hear citizens requests and comments per Open Forum Policy.
Council commercial for charity. Was not given.
No one spoke.
12.
Adjournment. Mayor WoOds moved to adjourn the meeting and Councilmember Owen
seconded the motion. The motion carded unanimously among the five Councilmembers and
the Mayor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p,m.
Approved on April 27, 1999.
Karen McBeth, City Secretary
Minutes of April 13, 1999 Page 8 of 8