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HomeMy WebLinkAbout00 0406 min MINUTES PLAINVIEW CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 6, 2000 The PlainvieTM City Council met at 11:30 a.m. on April 6, 2000, at the Plainview Convention Center.: The notice and agenda for this meeting were posted at City Hall on April 3, 2000 at 11:00 a.m. MayOr Lloyd C. Woods presided. Councilmembers present were Sam Parker, District 1; Mary Jane Shanes, District 2; Rey Rosas, District 3; Mike Hutcherson-District 4; Ross Owen-District 5; BObby R. McGehee, District 6; and Irene Favila, District 7. Staff members present were Jim Jeffers, City Manager; Dale Simpson, Civil Service Director; John Castro, Director of Community Services; Gary Glass, Fire Chief; Greg Zielinski, Code Enforcement; Dan Miller, Police Department; John Berry, Director of Public Works; Pat Hernandez, Municipal Judge; Wally Hatch, City Attorney; Norman Huggins, Director of Finance; and Karen McBeth, City Secretary. Guests present were Gilbert Patino and Joe Patino of 622 Ash St., and Ron Trusler of MHMR. OPEN MEETING Invocation - Karen McBeth. The COuncil reviewed the April 11, 2000 agenda. There were no City Council Reports. Ordinance No. 00-3246. An Ordinance canceling the May 6, 2000 Regular Election and declaring each unopposed candidate' elected to office; Providing that this ordinance shall be cumulative of all ordinances; providing a severability clause and providing an effective date. (First reading). Mayor Woods moved to adopt Ordinance No. 00-3246. Councilmember Rey Rosas seconded the motion. The motion carried with Councilmembers Parker, Shanes, Rosas, Owen, McGehee, Favila and Mayor Woods voting "yes." None voted against. Councilmember Hutcherson came into the meeting after the vote was taken. Development policies as it pertains to City infrastructure. A few years ago the State adopted impact fee legislation. If cities collect pro-rata payment for infrastructure there are many policies which have to be followed. The rigid impact fee rules would necessitate the City hiring additional personnel. Sam Parker asked if there were State grants available for this? Mr. Jeffers said money is available through the Texas Capital Fund, but getting it is on a competitive basis and it takes a very long time to know if you will get funded. Councilmember Ross Owen said the City should have a consistent policy in place and treat all alike. He said the City has many other important projects that need taking care of now, such as the wastewater and water treatment plants. Mr. Jeffers said the City will have to develop such a policy, a method of funding, and develop a procedure for application. He said such a policy will not be developed unless the Council really wants to do this. The consensus of the Council was to stay with the existing policy. Worksession Minutes O0 0406 Page 1 of 3 78 Review of Economic Development report. One of the goals established in the Economic Development report was the need to bring a vocational/technical education facility to the City. This can be done through South Plains College, or other educational establishments. Mr. Jeffers asked the Council to take the lead in this effort. He said he would work out a plan, get Council approval and then present it to other entities in the community. The consensus of the Council was for the City Manager to contact South Plains College, or similar entity; to establish a vocational/technical school here in Plainview. Councilmember Hutcherson asked how long it might take to put a plan together? Mr. Jeffers said there was no way of knowing a timeline on it. Councilmember McGehee asked if there were grants available to help with this? Mr. Jeffers said probably. Oversight Committee. Another aspect of having an effective Economic Development plan is the establishment of an Oversight Committee. Mr. Jeffers recommended an executive committee consisting of the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Association President, Mayor, PISD President, WBU President, County Judge, Chairman of the Industrial Foundation, and eight citizens, each appointed by the Mayor and each of the seven Councilmembers. Mr. Jeffers said these people are the mainstream economic development individuals who will be able to improve communications among all the groups involved in the economic development of the community. Councilmember Irene Favila stated she felt the committee should have more citizen involvement and noted there were no minorities on the proposed list. Mr. Jeffers said he agreed that there should be minority representation, but the individuals that head up these groups have to be a part of the oversight group. He said these people have to know what is going on in order for any plans to succeed. Mayor Woods said the individuals appointed by the Council could be minority. Councilmember McGehee stated the idea is to enhance the economic development of the community, regardless of gender, race or national origin. Councilmember Favila asked why there were no heads of financial institutions listed? Mr. Jeffers explained that by their very nature they will be involved indirectly in all economic development. Mr. Jeffers said rather than calling it an executive committee, just let it be a working committee. The Council agreed. Each Councilmember will make a nomination to this committee. Mr. Jeffers reminded them to ask the people they want to nominate if they are willing to devote the time and effort to serve. He said he would notify the others on the proposed committee. Review of Planning and Zoning Commission recommendations on zoning for Ports-to-Plains Corridor and a sign ordinance. Mr. Jeffers said the "corridor" is a highway planned from Canada to Mexico City. The presence of this important roadway will impact Plainview's traffic, and economic development. Director of Community Services, John Castro, displayed a map showing the planned route for the Ports-to-Plains Corridor and the property on either side of it. The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended rezoning a portion of undeveloped property immediately adjacent to the corridor. It is presently zoned for industrial manufacturing and Planning and Zoning Commission recommends the area be rezoned to general commercial, just along 1-27. This would present a more pleasant view than manufacturing. Councilmember McGehee asked what would happen if a manufacturer really wanted that property? Mr. Castro said it could always come back to the Council for rezoning. The Council had no objections to the proposed rezoning. Worksession Minutes O0 0406 Page 2 of 3 79 Mr. Castro showed pictures of various signs in and around Plainview. The Planning and Zoning Commission asked for direction in making recommendations. Should the present ordinance be amended? Should it be repealed and a completely new ordinance adopted? Should signs be limited in size? Should the height of the sign be limited? What about "portable" signs? After a brief discussion, the Council ascertained it would be best to review the existing ordinance, and make amendments. Mr. Castro said he would get the Council a copy of the ordinance showing the recommended changes. Police Drug Interdiction Program - Ordinance No. 00-3245. An Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 99-2230 to transfer funds from the Federal Seizure Income Fund to the General Fund and appropriate funds in the General Fund in the 1999-2000 Budget. (First Reading) Mayor Woods mOved to adOpt Ordinance No. 00-3245. Councilmember Rosas seconded the motion. Councilmembers Parker, Shanes, Rosas, Hutcherson, Owen, McGehee, Favila and Mayor Woods voted "yes" on the motion. None voted against. The motion carried. Term limit petitions - review of process. Mr. Jeffers reviewed Chapter 277 of the Election Code, regarding requirements for a petition to call an election to amend the City Charter. A petition must have the signature; signers printed name, date of birth, voter registration number, residence address and the date of signing. Must be signed within 180 days of submission. If the petition has the required number of legal signatures, the Council must call an election. Adjournment. Mayor Woods adjourned the meeting at 12:50 p.m. Passed and approved on April 25, 2000. Karen McBeth, City Secretary Worksession Minutes O0 0406 Page 3 of 3