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HomeMy WebLinkAbout98 0219 min MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION City of Plainview February 19, 1998 The Plainview City Council met ina regularly scheduled Work Session at 11:30 A.M. at the Plainview Country Club and Convention Center. Mayor Lloyd C. Woods presided. Councilmembers present were: Larry Dickerson - Precinct 1; Mary Virginia Kirchhoff- Precinct 2; Rey Rosas - Precinct 3; Bobby R. McGehee - Precinct 6; and, Irene Favila - Precinct 7. Councilmembers Mike Hutcherson and Ross Owen were absent. The notice and agenda for this meeting was posted on February 13, 1998. Staff members present were: Jim Jeffers - City Manager, Gary Glass - Chief of Fire Department, Ches Carthel - Director of Public Works, Will Mull - Chief of Police, Wally Hatch - City Attorney, John Castro - Director of Community Development, Dale Simpson - Civil Service, Tina Davis - Deputy City Secretary. News media present were: Richard Orr. Guest present: Billy Don Everett and Bob Castleberry - Everett Development and Management; Jerry A. McCrory, P.E. and guest, Department of the Army Corps of Engineers 1. Call to Order. Mayor Woods called the meeting to order at 11:45 A.M. and Councilmember Favila gave the invocation. 2. Review Agenda for February 24, 1998. The Mayor and the Council reviewed the agenda posted for the regular City Council Meeting of Tuesday, February 24, 1998. 3. Liaison Reports. Councilmember Kirchhoffreported on the most recent meeting of Pitch in Plainview. Ches Carthel added to the report a possible Medical Amnesty Day to be scheduled in the future. Councilmember McGehee informed the Council he was in attendance at the latest meeting of the Texas Municipal League Small City Advisory Committee. 4. Presentation by Everett Development & Management for multiple family housing project. Billy Don Everett of Everett Development & Management outlined a proposal for multiple family housing for the City of Plainview. As evidence of the success of programs initiated by Everett Development, Mr. Everett mentioned projects completed or under construction in Overton, Eagle Lake and San Saba, Texas. To facilitate a building project by Everett Development several steps were outlined for completion by the City and Everett. The first of which is the formation of a Housing Finance Corporation. Everett believes one could be formed within the City or the City could join with South Plains Association of Government's finance corporation. Addressing the issue Page 1 of 3 of the Housing Finance Corporation, Everett proposed a quicker organization time with SPAG. However, a local Housing Finance Corporation would provide more local control. Once completed, the Housing Finance Corporation would retain ownership as long as the I-IFC is in existence. After five years the HFC may disband, pay off all indebtedness and sell the structures. Second, Everett Development would complete a feasibility study. The study would actually be completed by a firm in Austin at no cost to the City. The purpose of said study is to show how much need exists in the City of Plainview for affordable multiple family dwellings and the appropriate rents for the units. Everett Development then proposes to put together a construction team. At present Everett suggested a firm from Copperas Cove, Texas, that has been in operati°n for 75 years plus. The suggested firm can bond up to 200 million dollars. Fourth, Everett can solicit underwriters for the project. The next stage in the proposed process would be the bond issue handled by Everett. The bonds will be no recourse bonds which provide for no liability to the County~ State, or City. An inquiry was made as to the sales rate of the bonds. To which Everett responded that the bonds usually sell well. Everett went on to reassure the Council's questions as to City liability, stating the bonds in no way create liability for the City. A question regarding the after construction management of the units was posed. Everett replied the project is not locked into a particular management firm. Everett mentioned a firm in San Antonio that could provide management services for the units. He went on to suggest the utilization of local personal for such a task. Everett will receive 3% of the bond sale as its fee. Everett stated he probably would receive his fee in two installments, one at the bond dosing and the second at the completion of construction. Everett stated it probably would not be feasible to construct less than 20 units. Although Everett disclaimed any first hand knowledge of eligibility requirements for Section 8 HUD vouchers, he believed, dependent upon local approval, the housing would be eligible for HUD vouchers. Everett also stated the property would not be subject to ad valorem taxes. In response to an inquiry, Everett stated his willingness, if solicited, to begin the proposed project as soon as possible. 9. S.A.F.E. - discuss participation of families outside of Hale County. The council addressed the issue of the SAFE program and the YMCA servicing children that do not reside within Hale County. It was decided that until and unless the current policy and situation becomes a problem or is abused, the council will refrain from adopting any restrictions on the monies provided to the SAFE program and the YMCA. The council agreed that if a problem arises in the future, the matter will be taken under advisement. 5. Review proposed schedule for 1998 Mayor/City Council retreats. It was agreed the council will observe their annual retreats on May 14, 1998 and November 12, 1998. 6. Highland School Zone Request on Quincy - status report. Pursuant to interest in the designation of a School Zone on Quincy in front of the Highland Elementary School, Jeffers offered a status report. At this time the City must wait until the State completes their inquiry into the matter. Once the State reviews the proposal the City can take the appropriate action 7. Report on proposed EXCEL water project and EDA application. The City has been informed by the EDA to submit its proposal for the EXCEL water project. It would appear that as of this date Page 2 of 3 there is a 50/50 chance of securing limited funding for the project. Any funding from an outside source must be tied to the creation and retention of jobs. 8. Report on proposed wetland restoration project- Department of Army Corps of Engineers. Jerry A~ McCrory, P.E., a representative of the Army Corps of Engineers was present to make his 1997 Reconnaissance Report regarding the next phases of the Running Water Draw/Wetlands Restoration Project. According to the report the City will be expected to contribute funds for a Feasibility Study and any construction that will ensue. The proposal will create natural wetlands for wildlife and environmental renewal. The Council will take the proposal under advisement and will place the matter on an upcoming council agenda for further action. 10. City Manager Report. Jeffers brought the council a request from Miguel Perez and his religious organization for funds to facilitate an event for the youth of the City during Spring Break. Due to his apparent affiliation with a religious organization, and based upon the longstanding policy of the City regarding contributions to religious events, the Council declined consideration of any contribution at this time. However, Mr. Perez was encouraged to submit a request for next year. 12. Adjournment. Mayor Woods adjourned the meeting at 1:15 P.M. PASSED AND APPROVED on 10t~ day of March, 1998. City Secretary Page 3 of 3