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HomeMy WebLinkAbout88 0121 minCITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 21, 1988 O0 007 K-BOB ' S RESTAURANT 11:30 A.M. MINUTES The Plainview City Council met in Work Session on Thursday, January 21, 1988, at 11:30 a.m., at K-Bob's Restaurant with Mayor E.V. Ridlehuber Presiding. The following Councilmembers were present: Alton Jackson, Terry Clements, Don Dickson, Barbara Dorman, Junior Brown, Bobby James and Tom Aday. Staff present were: James P. Jeffers, City Manager; David Blackburn, Assistant City Attorney; Mike McDonough, Director of Municipal Services; Bill Hogge, Director of Public Works; and Roy Osborne, Chief of Police. News Media present were: Cathy Donahue - K.V.O.P. and Richard Orr - Plainview Daily Herald Guest present were: Hale County Judge Bill Hollars and Commissioners Nina Morris and James Belk; Plainview Chamber of Commerce President Richard Ligon and Boardmembers Ken Halbleib, David Wilder and Executive Vice President Jim Ferrell; State Highway Department Resident Engineer Merlin Bennett; School Superintendent Dr. Dennis Townsend and Assistant School Superintendent RiChard Watson. SNOW REMOVAL. Richard Ligon, President Plainview Chamber of Commerce, proposed a snow removal program be developed whereby snow would be removed from key streets so emergency vehicles may travel more quickly; improve travel to doctors offices by the public as well as to banks, grocery stores and schools; and to access businesses better in order to minimize financial losses which have an adverse impact on taxes. Ligon advised he had visited may residence and business and they were 100% in favor in seeing something done to develop a snow removal program. Ligon suggested a meeting be called within the next two weeks to discuss specifics with at least two individuals from each -interested entity. Merlin Bennett, a Resident Engineer for the State Highway Department, advised that the State's first priority was Interstate 27 which consisted of approximately 50 miles. The second priority was U.S. 70 with the third priority being State Highway 194. The State had access to two maintainers and six snow plows and a snow blower for use with a front end loader. Bennett advised that the State does no snow removal in the City, and when the State had in the past there were many complaints about snow blocking drives and Intersections. Bennett closed by stating that the State was willing to work with any interested party in improving snow removal within the City and that the farm to market roads were also a concern to the State. James Belk stated his county precinct was concerned primarily with drift problems on the County roads and his first priority was to get the roads open for homes first and then for school purposes. 1 of 5 O0 008 Belk added that many times roads had to be reopened two or three times. Commissioner Belk felt that the County's biggest problem in assisting the City would be finding the time to provide the assistance. Judge Hollars also questioned as to whether or not there was enough equipment in the immediate area to provide any assistance. Commissioner Belk advised 'he does not provide any assistance to Edmonson, but he was quite confident that Commissioner Rieff does do work for Hale Center and Abernathy. Commissioner Morris stated her precinct had five maintainers and the Airport was the first priority, followed by four to five families that had physical conditions which required their roads to be opened. Morris advised that the County may be able to assist the City in coming and going to the County to work on their roads. Plainview Independent School Superintendent Dr. Dennis Townsend, is interested primarily in getting kids to and from school. The school was probably more concerned about the rural situation than inside the City. Townsend was interested in seeing snow routes include the schools. Assistant School Superintendent Richard Watson, advised two days had been missed this year due to snow, but in the last two years no school days were missed. Watson also expressed concern about snow being piled in school parking lots if there were a snow removal program. Watson felt that snow in the parking lots would create a more serious situation for the schools than the existing snow removal policy. Director of Public Works Bill Hogge, advised that "removal" is the problem. Hogge advised that when the City works the snow, the drifts are smoothed out so traffic can pack it down. The City has three sand trucks and can do anything the public is willing to furnish the funds for. Hogge did site that farmers come into town many times to clear private drives and in some isolated incidents have done more damage to the streets, by cutting into the surface, than helping. Commissioner James Belk, suggested that private contractors may be a viable option.~ Richard Ligon, stated that the Chamber was not proposing a snow removal program, but whether blading the snow. Ligon did concede that more time would probably be spent in clearing drives and intersections than blading the snow off the streets. Ligon felt an effective snow removal program would not be a major expenditure and existing equipment could be utilized and it may not cost more than $5,000.00 per storm. Councilwoman Barbara Dorman, pointed out that Plainview is a service area and we need to do all we can to attract area people to the community. Councilman Don Dickson, inquired as to whether or not it would be feasible to pile the snow in the middle of the road. 2 of 5 O000i Bill Hogge advised it would be easier, but the snow would stay longer and more damage would be done to the streets. Mayor Ridlehuber acknowledged that equipment may not be the major expense, but in the City operations, personnel is the major expense and excessive overtime could be devastating to the City Budget. Richard Ligon was charged with the responsibility of calling a meeting and he requested the City prepare preliminary figures. Ligon was instructed to contact the City Manager in the next few days to ascertain when the City would have some preliminary information ready. It was estimated that said information would take two to three weeks to compile. Mayor Ridlehuber appointed Bobby James. an~ Barbara Dorman to serve on the Committee. ~IGHWA¥ DEPARTMENT UPDATE: Merlin Bennett, Resident Engineer for the State Highway Department advised that the ramps for Interstate 27 in the vicinity of Wal-Mart were still in the analysis stage. Bennett advised he was waiting for information from the Austin Traffic Division and did not yet know as to when such might be received. The U.S. 70 four lane project from Vernon to Muleshoe is still in'the feasibility study stage. Southwest Third would be completed with the second course sometime after May 1, 1988. FIRE ALARM SYSTEM. The City Council briefly discussed the need for a fire alarm system in order to protect the records at City Hall. Councilwoman Dorman moved that City Staff proceed with the development of specifications and the calling of bids for this project which should not cost more than $8,000.00. Motion was duly seconded by Councilman Clements and carried by a unanimous vote. PLAYA LAKE 10TH & ENNIS. Because the Church of Christ, adjacent to the 10th & Ennis Street duCk pond, was not interested in participating in opening the facility to fishing because of the potential liability, and without giving the land to the City and exchanging it for other land. Councilman Aday moved that the plan to pursue opening the lake for fishing be abandoned. Motion was duly seconded by Councilman Dickson and carried by a unanimous vote. City Manager Jim Jeffers, stated the City would attempt to develop a maintenance plan assigning the responsibilities to the Church for their properties, and other responsibilities remaining with the City of Plainview. STREET LIGHTS. The City Council was presented with a plan to discontinue street lights in "Unit No. 4", on Date Street. The Council was requested to review such and would be requested to "temporarily" discontinue the lights at the next Work Session. The following items were reviewed for possible action at the January 26, 1988, City Council Meeting: 3 of 5 O0 010 1) INVOCATION 2) OPENING OF COUNCIL: This meeting of the Plainview City Council is being conducted in compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Law. 3) EMS Franchise Ordinance. Consideration on second and final reading Ordinance No. 88-2738, entitled, "An Ordinance amending Chapter 4, of the Plainview City Code regarding ambulances and ambulance services; delineating certain definitions; requiring a franchise license and setting certain minimum qualifications; providing for permits; providing for a penalty; and providing for a severability clause." 4) Alarm Ordinance. Consideration on second and final reading Ordinance No. 88-2737, entitled, "An Ordinance amending Chapter 17, of the Plainview City Code, offenses, providing for registration and regulation of alarm systems within the City; providing definitions; providing for fees and permits; providing for suspension and revocation of permits; providing for appeals; providing for penalties; and other matters relating to the subject." ALL MATTERS UNDER ITEM 5 CONSENT CALENDAR ARE CONSIDE~ TO BE ROUTINE BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND WILL BE ENACTED ON A MOTION IN THE FORM LISTED BELOW. THERE WILL BE NO SEPARATE DISCUSSION OF THESE ITEMS OTHER THAN THE ASKING OF QUESTIONS FOR SIMPLE CLARIFICATION. ON OBJECTION BY ANY PARTY TO THE INCLUSION OF ANY ITEM ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR, THAT ITEM SHALL BE REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR. SUCH OBJECTION MAY BE RECORDED ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE TAKING OF A VOTE ON THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR. ALL SUCH ITEMS SHALL BE CONSIDEPED INDIVIDUALLY IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY ARE OBJECTED TO, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE CONSIDERATION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR. 5) CONSENT CALENDAR a) MinUtes b) Department Reports c) Budget Expenditures d) ~ICIPAL COURT WARRANT OF ARREST AND DRIVING SAFETY COURSE. Consideration on second and final reading Ordinance No. 88-2734 entitled, "An Ordinance of the City of Plainview, Texas amending Article 10, municipal court, of the Plainview City Code by adding Section 2-231 relating to fines and special expenses to incorporate changes made in State Law as more fully set out herein; providing for expenses and an effective date." e) LIABILITY PLAN - OFFICER AND EMPLOYEE. Consideration on second and final reading Ordinance No. 88-2735 entitled, "An Ordinance of the City of Plainview, Texas amending Chapter 4, "Administration", Article 12, "officer and employee liability 4 of 5 O0 0 plan", of the Plainview City Code, as amended; amending a provision regarding the limits of coverage as such are Set forth by State Law; and providing an effective." f) WASTEWATER PERMIT. Resolution No. R88-104 entitled, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Plainview, Texas authorizing the City Manager to retain consultants in order to assist the City in retaining the appropriate Wastewater Treatment Plant Permit." g) BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEE APPOINT~RNTS. Resolution No. R88-105 entitled, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Plainview, Texas appointing various individuals to serve on the various boards, commissions and committees of the City of Plainview." h) ELECTIONS FOR MUNICIYALOFFICERS. First and final reading of Ordinance No. 88-2739 entitled, "An Ordinance of the City of Plainview, Texas With regard to elections for municipal officers to conform to the Texas Election Code; providing a saving clause; providing for publication; and declaring an emergency." 6) EXECUTIVE SESSION. Executive Session to discuss litigation as authorized by Article 6252-17 Section 2(e). (Alexander versus City of Plainview; and Barnett versus City of Plainview). COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. Councilman Bobby James suggested the City Council, in Work Sessions, meet ~ndividually with all of the County Commissioner candidates in order to learn of common interest. After a brief discussion it was the consensus of the City Council to pursue such with Councilman Clements objecting to the proposal. Out of concern for the perceptions the public would perceive from such meetings. There being no further business Mayor Ridlehuber adjourned the Meeting at 1:15 p.m. E.V. RIDLEHUBER, Mayor ATTEST: er 5 of 5