HomeMy WebLinkAbout97 1204 min MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
City of Plainview
December 4, 1997
The Plainview City Council met in a 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, Ross Owen-Precinct 5, Bobby R. McGehee-Precinct 6,
and Irene Favila-Precinct 7. Councilmember Mike Hutcherson was absent. The Notice
and Agenda for this meeting was posted at 4:00 p.m. on November 30, 1997.
Staff members present were: Jim Jeffers-City Manager, Gary Glass-Fire Chief, Cindy
Gasaway-Administrative Assistant, Ches CartheI-Director of Public Works, Will Mull-Police
Chief, Wally Hatch-City Attorney, John Castro-Director of Community Services, Dale
Simpson-Civil Service Director, Norman Huggins-Finance Director and Tina Davis-Deputy
City Secretary.
No news media was present. Guests present were: Don Burress-Fire Department Training
Officer and Bob Humphrey-Road Rescue Safety.
THIS IS A WORK SESSION AND NO ACTION CAN BE TAKEN:
OPEN MEETING
1. Call to Order. Mayor Woods called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m.
Councilmember Ross Owen gave the Invocation.
2. Review Agenda for December 9, 1997. The Mayor and Council reviewed the
agenda posted for the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 9,
1997.
3. Liaison Reports.
Mayor Woods reported on the status of the Austin Heights Community Center. The
scheduled completion date is December 14, 1997.
Councilmember Kirchhoff informed the Council of the status of the Hale County Appraisal
District renovation. Kirchhoff emphasized the necessity of the Appraisal Board to seek
approval from the taxing entities if the proposed renovation exceeded the allocated budget.
C:\MyFiles\Work Session Minutes\97 1204.wsm.Pwli~ge 1 of 2
Council Relations Policy: Mr. Jeffers, per the previous work session, asked the
Council for their ideas on making the Council Relations Policy an ordinance of the
City, so it can be enforced, albeit softly rather than harshly. If it is adopted as an
ordinance, it may have penalty provisions. Councilmember McGehee asked if an
ordinance would have the effect of a law, with mandatory directives rather than
permissive language. City Attorney Wally Hatch said yes, it would have the correct
language and titles as a law rather than a policy. Following some discussion, Mr.
Jeffers asked the group if they still wanted to make it into an ordinance, stating
regardless of how mild the punitive language in the ordinance was, if the ordinance
was not obeyed a councilmember may be subject to recall under the new Charter
provisions. Councilmember Rosas asked what kind of punishment would be in the
ordinance. Mr. Jeffers said something as mild as public censorship would most
likely be the penalty clause in such an ordinance, which would be the equivalent of
saying, "don't do that." The Council would determine and administer any penalty.
The current policy has no provision for penalties. Mr. Jeffers told the group that
points of order will probably be the most frequent item brought up. Mayor Woods
asked if anyone had objections to putting it an ordinance form? Councilmember
Rosas said he was against an ordinance like this, but wanted to know when it would
be adopted, if presented? Mr. Jeffers said it would most likely be on an agenda in
January. Councilmember Favila stated she did not see the need for such an
ordinance. Councilmember McGehee said he thought it to be a good idea.
Councilmembers Kirchhoff, Owen and Hutcherson agreed saying they would like
to look at such an ordinance. Councilmember Rosas said he would like this subject
reviewed at the scheduled Retreat. Mayor Woods and other Councilmembers
agreed to continue discussion at the November 10, 1997 Retreat.
6. Mayor Woods declared the meeting adjourned at 1 '10 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED on November 25, 1997.
Karen McBeth, city secretary
C:\MyFiles\Work Session Minutes\97 1106 wl~l~ of 2