HomeMy WebLinkAbout97 0722 min MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
City of Plainview
July 22, 1997
The Plainview City Council met at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 22, 1997 in the Council Chambers
of the Plainview City Hall at 901 Broadway. The Council met in Pre-Session at 7:00 p.m. Notice
of this meeting was posted in City Hall at 5:00 p.m. on July 15, 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, and Bobby
R. McGehee-Precinct 6. Irene Favila-Councilmember from Precinct 7 was absent.
Staff members present were: Jim Jeffers-City Manager, Cindy Gasaway-Main Street Coordinator,
John Castro-Director of Community Services, Pat Hernandez-Municipal Judge, Will Mull-Police
Chief, Gary Glass-Fire Chief, Wally Hatch-City Attorney, Norman Huggins-Director of Finance
and Karen McBeth-city secretary.
News media present: Phillip Hamilton of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and Richard Orr of the
Plainview Daily Herald.
Invocation - The Honorable Larry Dickerson
Pledge of Allegiance - First Class Scout Ross Skinner
2. Recognitions - Al Pardo, general manager of the Plainview Housing Authority was
recognized by the City Council for the work done by the Authority over the past year and a half.
Councilmember Rey Rosas recognized Arturo Luna, the coach of the soccer team Atlas, from
Plainview, who recently won the tournament for this area. Plainview was instrumental in putting
in soccer fields in the parks for young people.
3. Consent Calendar - Councilmember Ross Owen made the motion to approve the Consent
Calendar. Councilmember Mike Hutcherson seconded the motion. Mayor Woods and
Councilmembers from Precinct 1 through 6 voted in favor of the motion. The motion carried
unanimously. Councilmember Favila-Precinct 7, was not present to vote.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Minutes were approved.
Departmental Reports were accepted.
Expenditures were approved.
Excused Absences - Irene Favila was granted an excused absence for July 22,
1997.
e)
Health Insurance - Elected Official. Ordinance No. 97-3127. An Ordinance
of the City of Plainview, Texas, repealing and amending Article VIII of the
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Code of Ordinances, authorizing the Mayor and City Council to obtain
medical health insurance pursuant to the provision of Chapter 172 of the
Texas Local government Code; Providing for the classification of elected
officials; Severability clause; Cumulative clause; And effective date. Approved
on second reading.
Police-Undercover License Plates. Resolution R97-107. A Resolution of the
City Council of the City of Plainview, Texas authorizing the Chief of Police,
Director of Finance, Garage Department Head on behalf of the City of Plainview
to sign all applications, registration forms and/or affidavits necessary to obtain
undercover license plates. Resolution was passed and approved.
g)
Consider exemption from platting requirements, 309 Bryan Street, by Gary
and Shirley Jackson. Exemption was granted.
h)
Subdivision Exemption. Ordinance No. 97-3128. An Ordinance amending
Ordinance No. 89-2807, governing the development of subdivisions within the
City of Plainview, Texas, outlining certain classes of property exempt from
platting. Approved on second reading.
i)
Consider financing mechanisms for Plainview's participation in the Canadian
River Municipal Water Authority conjunctive use groundwater project.
Financing for the City of Plainview participation will be solely to participate
in bonds sold by the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
4. Precinct 6 Meeting - Hosted by Councilmember McGehee. Bobby McGehee,
Councilmember for Precinct 6 welcomed everyone and asked if there was anyone from his
precinct that wished to speak to the Council regarding any concerns. No one requested to speak.
City Manager Jim Jeffers asked the Mayor and Council if Item//7 on the agenda, Curfew-
Minors, Ordinance No. 97-3129 could be heard out of order, since some of the individuals
presenting this item needed to leave as soon as possible for family vacation. There were no
objections by the Mayor or Council.
7. Curfews-Minors. Ordinance No. 97-3129. An Ordinance of the City of Plainview,
Texas, amending Sec. 17-41(B) of chapter 17, Curfews-Minors, of the Plainview code of
ordinances; Redefining the curfew hours; Cumulativeness clause; Severability clause; Conflicts
clause; Effective date; And providing for publication. First Reading. Councilmember Bobby
McGehee made the motion to approve Ordinance No. 97-3129 and Councilmember Ross Owen
seconded the motion.
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Jason Gatica, 100 S.E. 5th Street, addressed the Council as a member of the Youth Advisory
Commission who researched and proposed the change in the curfew ordinance. He said
essentially, the change extended the youth curfew, Sunday, through Thursday, from 11:00 p.m.
to 6:00 a.m. to 12:01 a.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday
until 6:00 a.m. of the following day, beginning on the day that Plainview ISD releases students
for summer recess. Essentially, this extends the curfew for one hour, only during the summer
recess months. Youth Advisory Commission Member Meredith Owen, 1101 Jefferson, gave
statistics showing the total number of warnings given from June 1996 to June 1997 were 50, and
that 94.7% of those were not in this time period, only 5.1% were given in the 11:00 p.m. to
12:00 p.m. time period. Other cities with curfews allow this extra hour during the summer. The
Youth Advisory Commission is asking for a trial run to see if it works. She stated that the late
show starts after 9:00 p.m. and this does not give young people time to attend a late show and get
home before the curfew.
Municipal Judge Pat Hernandez stated she did not see a problem with extending the curfew for
this short time. She said most violations comes well after 12:00 p.m. Police Chief Will Mull said
he studied the proposed change and does not see a problem with it. His only recommendation was
that the curfew might end a few minutes before midnight, which is when all the private clubs close
and there might possibly be an increase in traffic and/or accidents.
Mayor Woods said the Youth Advisory Commission did a find job in their research and presenting
their recommendations.
Councilmember Ross Owen said essentially it was a question of privilege v. responsibility and he
did not see a problem with it on a trial basis.
Councilmember Rey Rosas asked how many citations have been issued, totally, since the inception
of the curfew. Mr. Gatica did not know.
Councilmember Mary Virginia Kirchhoff congratulated Jason Gatica for a good presentation. She
said she was willing to give it a try.
Councilmember Ross Owen moved to amend the motion that the curfew be changed from 11:00
p.m. to 12:01 a.m. for Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, for a one year trial
basis and reView it in August of 1998, with a report from law enforcement. The Mayor and
Councilmembers from Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 voted in favor of the amendment. The
Mayor and Councilmembers from Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 voted to approve the ordinance,
as amended, for first reading.
5. Bond Infrastructure Committee - Final Report. Councilmember Ross Owen moved to
accept the Bond Infrastructure Committee report and that it be studied during the budget process.
Councilmember Mike Hutcherson seconded the motion.
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Ron Gammage, Chairman of the Bond Infrastructure Committee addressed the Council with the
final recommendations of the committee. Mr. Gammage said that while many city offices were
crowded, the committee felt the most pressing need was the construction of a new fire station on
the West side of Plainview, due to the amount of growth experienced in that area. He stated once
the new fire station was in service, the fire station building at 10th and Quincy could be utilized
by other governmental departments to alleviate crowding. The committee recommended
construction of a new West side fire station, including fire administrative offices. The estimated
cost of $750,000.
Mr. Gammage told the Council the committee spent a great deal of time discussing city streets.
The committee recommended the City Council pursue an assessment program whereby adjoining
property owners would be responsible for paving costs. They recommended the Council
implement a permanent street improveme~nt, to be funded through tax dollars. The amount of five
cents per $100 value was recommended. This fund may need to occur with gradual tax increases.
It was recommended the City work with the Texas Department of Transportation to complete a
"loop" around Plainview and secure their assistance in designating 24th Street as a Farm to Market
road. It was recommended by the committee that all major dips in streets be prioritized and repair
done to lessen their impact as much as possible. It was recommended that utility line replacement
be scheduled as soon as practical under those streets which are scheduled for paving/rebuilding
where such replacement was needed. The traffic problem at Coronado School could be alleviated
somewhat by paving the easement West of Coronado School to provide an alternate route, a type
of one-way loop, around the school was recommended. Another item which could expedite the
movement of traffic in that area was the installation of a new traffic signal at 24th and Joliet,
establishing a turn arrow for traffic going east on 24th and turning south on Joliet. The projected
cost of this is $70,000 and should be submitted to the school district for review. The committee
recommended paving West 32nd St. from Quincy St. to Navajo trail, at an estimated cost of
$58,000; Paving Joliet St. from Industrial Boulevard to 33rd St., estimated cost $190,000; Paving
West 26th St. from Quincy (going east) to present paved portion, estimated cost $51,000;
Reconstructing llth St. from Quincy to Denver, estimated cost $424,000; and the resurfacing of
Broadway from 5th to 9th Streets, estimated cost $142,000.
The committee also recommended the water treatment plant and main distribution system be
updated, at an estimated cost of $1,500,000 with a possible completion date of 1999. They
recommended 120,000 feet of small water lines be replaced, in stages, at a cost of $1,440,000.
The committee recommends hiring a three person construction crew to do water line replacement.
The committee felt the work could be done more economically by a City hired crew than by
private contractor. Other water needs recommended was the construction of a ground storage tank
and pump station at well No. 19, located in Westgate, but also recommended additional study be
done to establish further justification. Possible alternative solutions to the well No. 19 should be
explored prior to spending the projected $500,000. Additionally, a 1.0 million gallon elevated
storage tank should be constructed in the West portion of the City, with an estimated cost of $1.5
million. The last recommendation the committee made concerning water was the construction of
a 14" water main on the West side of high 1-27, at an estimated cost of $45,000.
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Regarding finance, Mr. Gammage said the committee recommended the City use unencumbered
general fund reserves to finance the proposed fire station and street improvements, up to
$1,699,000. It was also recommended to spend $4,985,000 of utility fund monies, over a five
year period. The committee determined that with careful planning, all expenditures can be made
from reserves and does not recommend holding a bond election.
John Bertsch, a member of the committee, told the Council that in studying traffic patterns he
observed a "loop" around Plainview would take a great deal of pressure off inner city streets,
especially to the northeast and east. He stated a road by the water treatment plant and over to
Industrial Boulevard would be beneficial.
Mayor Woods asked Mr. Gammage why the committee thought hiring a three man crew to
specifically rebuild the necessary waterlines, as opposed to biding it out to a private contractor?
Mr. Gammage said the group felt that with this being the crews only function, it would be more
economical.
Councilmember Ross Owen asked if the committee had set priorities on what needed to be done.
Mr. Gammage said yes, their priority was as they were listed in the report.
Councilmember Bobby McGehee told Mr. Gammage and the committee that he was very
impressed with the work they had done. He said he was very proud of them.
Mayor Woods called for the vote; The Mayor Councilmembers from Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and
6 voted in favor of the motion. It carried unanimously.
Mayor Woods thanked Mr. Gammage and all those that served on the committee and gave him
certificates of appreciation from the Council to be distributed to all the Bond Infrastructure
Committee members.
6. Parks Comprehensive Plan - Comprehensive Plan Report. Councilmember Ross Owen
moved to hear and accept the comprehensive plan report of the Parks Advisory Commission.
Councilmember Mike Hutcherson seconded the motion.
Parks Advisory Committee Chairwoman Lucile Davis, who lives at 1009 Yonkers, told the
Council the committee started meeting two years ago and have developed a plan for a greenbelt
through Plainview. She said the committee conducted a survey to see what the citizens of
Plainview wanted in the way of park facilities. She said to date, they have only completed part
of their task. She stated the objective of the plan is to develop a continuing program to cover the
anticipated recreational needs for the citizens of Plainview until the year 2010. One important part
of the plan is to obtain land adjacent to the Running Water Draw for recreational and
conservational use and develop it into the parks system, and recycle affluent water from the
reclamation plant to convert this into a green belt area from Westridge Road on the West, and
Milwee street on the East, Southwest 3rd on the South, and West 4th Street on the North, a
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distance of approximately four miles. When properly developed, this will improve the
beautification of the area, provide enjoyment for citizens and visitors, as well as increase property
values in its immediate area.
There are two major programs, one a five year plan and then the long range plan to the year 2010.
The first step proposed is to develop a ten acre tree farm and purchase and plant various size trees
for future park needs, estimated cost $16,000. The next step is to install an irrigation system for
the tree farm, estimated cost $20,000. Excavate and construct a 150' wide, 500' long, 5' deep
fishing pond in Regional Park ($50,000), build restroom facility for year round use at fishing pond
location ($30,000), Lighting for park, fishing pond and parking lot ($40,000), Parking lot
($42,000), grass seed for pond area and around parking lot ($2,100), Gravel walking path with
concrete curbs ($6,000), Construction support materials ($20,000), Pipe rail along roadway and
around parking lot ($6,000), Approximately 40 large trees ($5,000), Picnic equipment and
drinking fountains ($38,720), and last, an automatic sprinkler system for 46 acres ($345,000).
The second five year plan begins in 2005 and proposes to develop the old landfill area on Joliet
Street into a recreational area. Included in these plans are: All weather road thru park area from
Joliet to Columbia with parking areas ($200,000), ADA walldng bridge over Running Water Draw
($75,000), Centrally located restrooms ($40,000), Four practice fields $20,000), Gravel walking
path with curbs ($10,350), Automatic sprinkler system for 37 acres ($277,000), Landscaping
materials ($35,000), Electrical system with light and night lights in playground areas ($40,000),
and Playground equipment ($29,770). This project totals $727,120.
A project planned for the year 2007 to 2010 includes an amphitheater to seat approximately 500
persons, dressing area and backstage facilities for 50 performers ($275,000), restrooms, parking
lot, landscaping, electrical service and lighting and automatic sprinkler system to area ($241,000)
for a total of $516,000.
Mrs. Davis said the committee also realized in adding this much park area, two additional park
employees would be needed by the year 2005, and by the year 2010, two more employees will
need to be added. Mrs. Davis added that while the Parks Advisory Commission understood these
plans were large in scope, and the price tag was also, the Council could use it as a broad guideline
to use each budget year and determine what was feasible and include that portion into their annual
plans. She said they envisioned each addition as a scenic attraction to Plainview. She suggested
looking into state and/or federal grants to subsidize part of the cost. She expressed appreciation
to Carl HOlland of the Parks Department and Ches Carthel, Director of Public Works.
Mayor Woods thanked Mrs. Davis and the commission members. He said they did a great job
in planning. Councilmember Owen asked how often grants are awarded. Mr. Seffers said they
were awarded twice a year, but sometimes monies were not available.
Mayor Woods asked for the vote and he and Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 voted for the motion
to accept the report and consider it during budget deliberations.
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8. Open Forum. No one spoke on the Open Forum.
9. 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, Electrical Board, Canadian River Municipal Water Authority and Parks Advisory
Board). A Closed Session was not held.
10. Boards, Committees and Commissions. Consider appointments to: Board of Adjustment,
Electrical Board, Senior Citizens Commission, Canadian River Municipal Water Authority and
Parks Advisory Board.
The city secretary told the Council Barbara Kiser, Lucile Davis, Ruby Riggins and Irma Luna
have submitted re-applications to continue serving on the Parks Advisory Commission, and
Norman O. Wright had submitted his re-application to continue serving the Canadian River
Municipal Water Authority Board and that each applicant qualified for their appointment.
Councilmember Rey Rosas made the motion to reappoint each applicant to the appropriate board
and Mike Hutcherson seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously among the Mayor
and all six Councilmembers present.
11. Adjournment - Mike Hutcherson moved to adjourn the meeting. Rey Rosas seconded the
motion. The motion carded unanimously. Mayor Woods declared the meeting adjourned at 8:40
p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED on August 12, 1997
Karen McBeth, City Secretary
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