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HomeMy WebLinkAbout97 0909 min MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MERT1NG City of Plainview September 9, 1997 The Plainview City Council held a meeting at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 9, 1997 in the Council Chambers of the Plainview City Hall at 901 Broadway. The Council met in Pre-Session at 7:00 p.m. The notice and agenda for this meeting was posted in City Hall at 5:00 p.m. on September 4, 1997. Mayor Lloyd C. Woods presided. Councilmembers present were: Larry Dickerson-Precinct 1, Mary Virginia Kirchhoff-Precinct 2, Rey Rosas-Precinct 3, Mike Hutcherson-Precinct 4, Ross Owen-Precinct 5, Bobby MeGehee-Precinct 6 and Irene Favila- Precinct 7. Staff members present were: Jim Jeffers-City Manager, Ches Carthel-Director of Public Works, Gary Glass-Fire Chief, Norman Huggins-Director of Finance, Wally Hatch-City Attorney, Cindy Gasaway-Main Street Coordinator, John Castro-Director of Community Services, William Mull- Police Chief, and Karen McBeth-city secretary. News media present: Richard Orr-Plainview Daily Herald. OPEN MEETING Invocation - The Honorable Mary Virginia Kirchhoff Pledge of Allegiance - Mike Hutcherson 2. Recognitions - There were none. 3. Consent Calendar - Councilmember McGehee moved the Consent Calendar be approved. Councilmember Favila seconded the motion. The Mayor and all eight Councilmembers voted in favor of the motion. No one voted against it. a) b) c) d) Minutes were approved. Departmental Reports were accepted. Expenditures were approved. Excused Absence was extended to Lloyd Woods for the Work September 4, 1997. Session of e) Consider adoption of a policy addressing the award of the City of Plainview Medal of Honor. Policy was adopted. Consider application of Southwestern Public Service Co. for approval of a new grain elevator service tariff. Application was approved. lof7 g) Waste Reduction Grant. R97-113. Consider a resolution supporting a grant application to the South Plains Association of Governments for purchase of a tnb grinder to enhance recycling efforts by establishing a composting project. Resolution was approved and adopted. h) Ordinance No. 97-3131. An Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 96-3090, to appropriate funds in the 1996-1997 Budget for the continued operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant. Second reading. Ordinance 97-3131 was passed and approved. i) Ordinance No. 97-3132. An Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 96-3090, to appropriate funds in the 1996-1997 Budget for the continued maintenance of streets within the City of Plainview. Second reading. Ordinance was passed and approved. REGULAR AGENDA ITEM~ 4. Resolution No. R97-114. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Plainview, Texas identifying and declaring a certain area around Ash Learning Center to be a Drug Free Zone. Councilmember Kirchhoff made a motion that Resolution No. R97-114 be adopted. Councilmember Dickerson seconded the motion. Councilmember Dickerson read the resolution and presented it to Fred Mancias, the D.A.R.E. officer of Ash Learning Center. The Mayor and Councilmembers from Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 voted in favor of the motion. No one voted against it. 5. Resolution No. R97-115. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Plainview, Texas identifying and declaring a certain area around Houston Street School to be a Drug Free Zone. Councilmember Rosas made a motion that Resolution R97-115 be adopted. Councilmember Owen seconded the motion. Councilmember Rosas read the resolution and presented it to Fred Mancias, the D.A.R.E. officer of Houston Street School. Officer Mancias thanked the Council for declaring both Ash Learning Center and Houston Street School as Drug Free Zones. He said drug education was a big job and he felt the D.A.R.E. program was making a positive impact. He said the resolutions were another positive step in reinforcing a no drug attitude and he appreciated the support of the schools, the staff, the Council and the police. Councilmembers from Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, and the Mayor voted in favor of the motion. No one voted against it. 6. Pay Plan. Ordinance No. 97-3133. An Ordinance of the City of Plainview, Texas, adopting a pay plan for non-public-safety personnel of the City of Plainview for the 1996-1997 fiscal year. Second reading. Councilmember Owen made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Rosas, that Ordinance No. 97-3133 be approved. The Mayor asked if there was any public comment, or comments from the Council. No one made comment. The Mayor and Councilmembers from Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 voted in favor of the motion to approve. 2of7 No one voted against it. 7. Consider approval of the combination plat for Mesa Verde, Unit No. 6. Councilmember McGehee moved the combination plat be approved as submitted. Councilmember Rosas seconded the motion. Director of Public Works Ches Carthel reviewed the proposed plat. He explained this was to allow Prairie House to expand West and North. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of this plat with the following stipulations: Execution of a dedication deed acceptable to the city engineer and city attorney; Street rightzof-way dedication on the West side and completion of a signed agreement with the City on postponement of infrastructure. Councilmember McGehee moved to amend the motion for approval contingent upon execution of a dedication deed, right-of-way dedication and signed agreement regarding the postponement of infrastructure agreeable to landowners and City of Plainview. Councilmember Rosas seconded the motion to amend. The Mayor and Councilmembers of Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, voted in favor the motion to amend, and on the motion to approve as amended. No one voted against the motion or the motion to amend. Paul Johnson, a member of the Board of Directors of Prairie House, thanked the Council and staff for their help and cooperation. 8. Consider the annual report on the S.A.F.E. program as presented by the YMCA. Councilmember Rosas made a motion to accept the report on the S.A.F.E. program. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Favila. Richard Galle, Executive Director of the YMCA reported the S.A.F.E. program just completed, had operated from June 9th through August 1, 1997. A total often YMCA staff and 35 JTPA staff were employed. The program was carried out at Edgemere, Lakeside and Highland Elementary schools. The program hosted 394 youth, and on average, each site had from 75 to 125 daily participants. The participants were charged $2 per day, but no one was turned away because of inability to pay. He said there were no major problems. He emphasized the program was not a child care program, and a letter/sign up notice signed by each parent or guardian stated this specifically. The program was defined as a municipal recreation program. Mr. Galle thanked the City of Plainview, Hale County, MET Inc., Caprock Community Action, Plainview Independent School District, Caprock Girl Scout Council, who along with the YMCA made the program possible. Funding from fees and all donations totaled $34,995.00; all expenses totaled $23,109.00; leaving $11,886.00. Councilmember Owen asked if this would be more beneficial as a half day program in the future? Galle said it was originally submitted that way, and it would certainly be less costly. He said the half day program is the traditional municipal program. There was no public comment. The Mayor and Councilmembers of Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 voted in favor of the motion to accept the report. No one voted against the motion. 9. Ordinance No. 97-3134. An ordinance abandoning and vacating all of the alley located within Bratcher Addition, Plainview, Hale County, Texas, and declaring that same is in the public interest. Councilmember Owen moved to approve the ordinance for the first reading. Councilmember Favila seconded the motion. City Attorney Wally Hatch explained the request was made by Plainview Auto Plex, as owners of the property. The alley directly behind the establishment is not used by the City, however the City did reserve the sewer easement. This 3of7 ordinance returns the alley to its original owners. The Mayor and Councilmembers of Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 voted in favor of the motion to approve. No one voted against it. 10. Ordinance No. 97-3135. An Ordinance of the City of Plainview, Texas, adopting and approving the Budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 1997 and terminating September 30, 1998 and making such appropriations for each department, project and account. Councilmember Hutcherson made a motion to approve the ordinance. Councilmember Owen seconded the motion. City Manager Jim Jeffers reviewed the ordinance, explaining this is the first of two readings, and the Budget of approximately $11 million is for the fiscal year October 1, 1997 through September 30, 1998. Because the City is a service organization, the major portion of the budget is for personnel and fringe benefits. The remainder is for public works (water, sewer, streets); public safety (police and fire protection), legal service, finance, and administration. This past year the Bond Infrastructure Advisory Committee recommended funds from reserves, in the amount of $950,000 be used for major street improvements and $750,000 be used to construct a new fire station on the west side of the city. In Budget deliberations, the council determined the need to construct a new municipal court, court room/ouncil chamber at a cost of $250,000. The proposed Budget also includes spending $2 million for improvements to the water treatment plant and distribution system, and replace water lines. A. Public Hearing - Mayor Woods asked if there was anyone present who wished to make comment on the proposed budget. No one spoke during the Public Hearing for this ordinance. B. Consideration first reading - The Mayor and Councilmembers from Precinct 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 voted in favor of the motion to approve. No one voted against it. Councilmember Rosas informed the City Manager prior to the meeting, that he would abstain from voting on the Municipal court portion of the budget. 11. Ordinance No. 97-3136. An Ordinance levying municipal ad valorem taxes for the City of Plainview, Texas for the year 1997, and directing the assessment and collecting thereof; Severability clause; Cumulativeness clause; Conflicts clause; And effective date. Councilmember Ross Owen made the following motion: "I move the first reading of Ordinance No. 97-3136 be approved, setting the tax rate at $.4656, and the final vote on said Ordinance be taken on September 23, 1997, 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 901 Broadway." Councilmember Rosas seconded this motion. City Manager Jim Jeffers reviewed the tax rate ordinance, explaining the Bond Infrastructure Advisory Committee had studied at length all of the infrastructure needs of the City. The committee determined the City was continuing to fall behind in building new streets and keeping existing ones adequately repaired. The recommendation was to establish a permanent fund for the construction and maintenance of city streets by increasing the tax rate up to five cents, for this purpose and this purpose only. The City Council studied this recommendation and they are proposing an increase of 4.7 cents for this purpose. A. Public Hearing - Mayor woods called for public comment. Ron Gammage, 2501 Itasca, told the Council that as Chairman of the Bond Infrastructure Advisory Committee he considered it an honor and privilege to work on the committee. He said they worked many hours and studied each need carefully before making a final recommendation. He told the Council the final recommendation was nor to encumber the city with debt, which a bond obligation would have 4of7 done, and to establish a permanent fund for street construction and improvement. He said he was very glad to see it done this way. B. Consider first reading - The Mayor and Councilmembers for Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 voted for the motion. No one voted against it. 12. Consider approval of the Chamber of Commerce hotel/motel tax budget for the 1997- 1998 fiscal year. Councilmember Dickerson made a motion to approve the Chamber of Commerce hotel/motel tax budget for 1997-1998 and his motion was seconded by Councilmember Hutcherson. Lori Glenn, with the Chamber of Commerce Convention and Tourism Bureau, told the Council they had worked hard to have a successful year. They have worked on marketing to bring in new residents to Plainview; put up a new billboard featuring the antique stores; new postcards; new visitors guide; a page on the internet; and participated in a cooperative effort for advertising on the 1-27/US70 underpass. She said a newly organized regional tourism group should also be successful. Muff London, Chairperson of the Convention and Tourism Committee, told the Council the committee is a solely volunteer group of business people and other citizens who work with Lori to promote Plainview. She reviewed the proposed budget, saying $86,850 will be from hotel/motel tax, $2,000 will be from a transfer of savings, and $1,000 will be from interest on savings, for a total of $89,850. Projected expenses, including utilities, advertising, planned community events, supplies and personnel services will be $89,830. Mayor Woods noted the Museum of the Llano Estacado was shown in the budget and asked if they had received all of their money for this year? Ms. London said no, they have not gotten the last check. She agreed the museum is important to Plainview and promoting it and supporting it monetarily should be a community effort. Councilmember Owen observed that in studying the proposed budget, if there is money being transferred from savings, and interest from savings is shown, why is the amount of the savings not listed? Jim Ferrell, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, stated there is a certificate of deposit of about $30,000 but he did not consider this part of the budget. It is used when money in the budget has been expended and something unforeseen comes up, then the needed amount is transferred into the Chamber account. Councilmember Owen asked where does money go if the hotel/motel tax is over the expected amount? Mr. Ferrell said it was put into the certificate of deposit, but it is not ear marked for anything specific. Councilmember Kirchhoff asked if this certificate was shown in the budget? Mr. Ferrell said no, because there were no planned expenditures from it. Councilmember Kirchhoff moved to amend the motion to read, approval is contingent upon the budget being revised to reflect all unencumbered funds. Councilmember McGehee seconded the motion to amend. 5 of 7 The Mayor and Councilmembers from Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 voted yes to the amendment and yes to the motion to approve as amended. 13. Resolution No. R97-112. A Resolution of the City of Plainview, Texas, requesting the Texas Youth Commission consider Plainview/Hale County as a site for a juvenile corrections facility. Councilmember Hutcherson made the motion Resolution R97-112 be adopted and his motion was seconded by Councilmember Owen. Mr. Jeffers explained the Texas Youth commission has sent out requests for proposals for a 330 bed juvenile detention center, which will eventually be a 660 bed unit. It will have an estimated $20 million annual payroll. It is estimated to cost $19,500 to build and will have a $766,000 annual utility pay out. The Plainview/Hale County Industrial Foundation is submitting a proposal and the deadline for submission is October 3, 1997. Sites are under consideration and if we are in the running, the site locations will be disclosed. The City and County will work together on this project in the same way they did toward acquiring the two prison units. Grady Elder told the Council this project is very important to the City. There were 200 applications sent out and we need to do our very best toward acquiring this unit. It will be beneficial in creating jobs. He said he appreciated the help he received from City Staff. Mayor Woods and Councilmembers from Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 voted in favor of the motion to adopt the Resolution. 14. Resolution No. R97-116. A Resolution of the City of Plainview, Texas, pledging city support and offering to provide water and sewer utilities, sanitation and EMS service to the proposed site of the Texas Youth Commission juvenile corrections facility in Plainview/Hale County Texas. Councilmember Rosas made the motion to adopt Resolution R97-116 and Councilmember Owen seconded the motion. Mr. Jeffers told the Council this Resolution was similar to what the City proposed to do when the proposals for the prison units were made. He said one of the sites being considered akeady had water and sewer lines close and if this site were chosen, the expense would be much less. The City may also participate in the purchase of the site. Councilmember McGehee asked if the proposed unit used 118,000 gallons of water per day, how will it affect the City's capacity to produce and reclaim the water? Director of Public Works, Ches Carthel said it will be noted, but will not adversely affect the City. The Mayor and Councilmembers of Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 voted in favor of the motion to adopt the resolution. 15. Consider amendment to the Open Forum Policy of the City of Plainview, Texas. Councilmember Owen moved to amend the Open Forum Policy. Councilmember Favila seconded the motion. 6of7 City manager Jim Jeffers explained that in April, 1997 the Open Forum Policy was amended so that the first three people who asked to speak during this portion of a Council meeting could do so. The Council has proposed returning to the old policy, where individuals would have to sign up no later than 5:00 p.m. the day before the Council Meeting and divulge the topics they wished to speak on. Added to this was the stipulations that the topic must be City related and be something about which the Council has control. The Mayor and Councilmembers of Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 voted in favor of the motion to amend the Open Forum Policy as proposed. 16. Open Forum. Hear citizens requests and comments per Open Forum Policy. No one spoke during this portion of the meeting. 17. Closed Session. Deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment or duties, removal, discipline or dismissal of a public officer or employee, board, commission, or committee member, or to hear complaints or charges. (Board of Adjustment, Senior Citizens Commission). No Closed Session was held. 18. Boards, Committees and Commissions. Consider appointments to: Board of Adjustment, Senior Citizens Commission. City secretary Karen McBeth told the Council there were no applications for these boards. No appointments could be made. 19. Adjournment. Councilmember Ross Owen moved to adjourn and Councilmember Mike Hutcherson seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously with the Mayor and all seven Councilmembers. The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Passed and approved on September 23, 1997. KaJen McBeth, City Secretary 7of7