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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-10-07 - Regular City CouncilMINUTES OF GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING City of Stephenville - City Council TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1997 - 7:00 P.M. The City Council of the City of Stephenville, Texas, convened on October 7, 1997, at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 354 N. Belknap Street, for the purpose of a General Business Meeting, with the meeting being open to the public and notice of said meeting, giving the date, time, place and subject thereof, having been posted as prescribed by Chapter 551, Government Code, Vernon's Texas Codes Annotated, with the following members present, to wit: Mayor John Pollan Councilmemb ers Jerry B . Madkins Barbara T errel l K. H. Conatser Billy Bob Hodges Bea Marin Bill Corbin Absent Marshall Shelton Others Attending Don Davis, City Administrator Cindy L . Stafford, City Secretary Randy Thomas, City Attorney I. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Pollan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and declared a quorum present. Mayor Pollan recognized news reporter, Jane Pratt, and Rich Browne, Managing Editor of the Stephenville Empire -Tribune. II. CITIZENS' GENERAL DISCUSSION David Stanphill, 1131 North Neblett, Stephenville, reported to the Council that on July 18, 1997 at 3:28 a.m. he received a ticket for his pickup being parked facing the wrong way, in front of his home. First, he stated that he did not know this was a violation of the law. He said he wondered if this was a valid reason "for the city to make another $8.00". Stanphill said that he thinks "there's better things for police officers to do at 3 :3 0 in the morning than give tickets for cars parked the wrong direction". He said it was a hassle for the police to issue these tickets and it only General Business Meeting --October 7, 1997 irritated citizens. Stanphill acknowledged that he did pay the ticket. City Attorney Randy Thomas advised Stanphill that this action was in violation of state statutes, and the City has no authority to change it. III. WESTERN HERITAGE COMMITTEE REPORT Danny Hodges, Chairman of the Western Heritage Committee, reviewed the report with the Council. He reminded the Council that the duty of this committee was to look at some of the suggestions and the feasibility study presented to the Council by Dr. Don Henneke, and then to make recommendations to the Council. The members of the Western Heritage Committee are Danny Hodges, Bob Doty, Dr. Linda Jones, Lee Leschper, Alice Newsome, Jerry Norris, Robin Riddick, Mike Scott, and Gary Sult. Hodges applauded the efforts of the committee and thanked them for their hard work. He also thanked Don Davis and Ronnie Isham for working with the committee. The Committee presented the following seven concepts for establishing a successful tourism effort in Stephenville: 1. The City and Chamber of Commerce should rally together to develop a long- range strategic plan that would best implement the goals and objectives of the Western Heritage concept and promote a coordinated effort to improve tourism for Stephenville and Erath County. 2. The committee believes that synergies can be gained by the pooling of resources and talent in working with the Chamber of Commerce Board and staff. 3. This committee supports portions of the report "Feasibility Study on the Establishment of a Western Heritage Museum" by Dr. Don Henneke, however we feel that the Western Heritage Theme is only one part of a complex effort to improve and foster a strong tourism program for Stephenville and Erath County. 4. The position of Tourism Director should be a full-time position. 5. The Tourism Director's position should office with the Chamber of Commerce. 6. The committee asks that the joint Planning and Development workshop develop a mechanism which provides for representation of a cross-section of groups, organizations, and community leaders for the purpose of bringing a General Business Meeting -- October 7, 1997 1If�• unified effort to the promotion of all tourism and the expansion of the Western Heritage Theme. 7. The position of Tourism Director should be funded by the city and will coordinate activities with the proper support groups and participating parties. In addition to these seven points, the committee has added the following: l . The Planning and Development Committee of the Council and the Chamber Executive Committee and/or designated represxentatives should convene in a workshop to develop a plan to carry forward the recommendations of the Western Heritage Committee. It is also suggested that a workshop facilitator be used to guide discussion and focus of the group. 2. This group should discuss and refine goals, concepts, and objectives pertaining to Tourism and Western Heritage theme, including the creation of a time line and specific benchmarks of progress in a long-term master plan. 3. The group should develop a budget and budget process that is practical to meet the needs of Tourism. The budget process should provide the necessary reporting, accountability and governance structure afforded to the use of regulated funds. 4. A system should be structured which evaluates the process and the end result of this effort and the master plan should be reviewed on a timely basis. Councilmember Corbin moved to accept the report of the Western Heritage Committee and refer this matter to the Planning and Development Committee for review of the seven concepts. Councilmember Hillin seconded the motion which passed by unanimous vote. IV. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF STEPHENVILLE, ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL JUNE 49 1985, ESTABLISHING CRITERIA FOR AG - AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT WITHIN THE CITY OF STEPHENVILLE, TEXAS Mayor Pollan announced the opening of a public hearing to consider amending the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Stephenville, adopted by the City Council June 4, 1985, establishing criteria for AG - Agricultural District within the City of Stephenville, Texas. General Business Meeting -- October 7, 1997 Speakinsz in Favor of the Amendment: No One. Speaking in Opposition to the Amendment: No One. Mayor Pollan closed the public hearing. Councilmember Conatser moved to adopt Ordinance No. 1997-21 amending the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Stephenville and establishing criteria for AG - Agricultural District within the City of Stephenville. Councilmember Terrell seconded the motion which passed by unanimous vote. Conatser expressed his appreciation to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their work in establishing this criteria. V. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT A. Consider an Agreement for Household Hazardous Waste Program City Administrator Don Davis reminded the Council that the City of Fort Worth received a grant to construct and operate a regional center for receiving household hazardous waste. This center is now operational, and the City of Stephenville can use this facility, with the charges set up on a debit program. The City will pay an "up front" amount; and when someone uses the center, our account will be debited. Any amount that is not used will be refunded to the City of Stephenville. Davis identified some household hazardous wastes to be paint, chemicals, aerosol spray cans, and batteries. A list of all items is available from the city. Councilmember Marin made a motion to enter into an agreement with the City of Fort Worth for disposal of household hazardous waste in the amount of $750.00 ($75 per household). Councilmember Conatser seconded the motion which passed by unanimous vote. B. Consider a Resolution Concerning the Issuance of a Type I Landfill Permit to Blue Flats Disposal Davis explained that this resolution supports the permit application of the Blue Flats Disposal project. Councilmember Hillin moved to adopt Resolution No. 1997-8 supporting the Type I Permit for Blue Flats Disposal, L.L.C. Councilmember Corbin seconded the motion which passed by unanimous vote. C. Plans and Specifications for Cell No. 2 of the Stephenville Landfill General Business Meeting --October 7, 000691..- This committee reviewed and discussed plans and specifications for Cell No. 2. The total estimated cost for construction of Cell No. 2 is $23 9,144.3 8. The landfill reserve account has a balance of approximately $186,000.00 which is $53,144.3 8 short of the estimated cost for Cell No. 2 construction. VI. WATER PLANNING COMMITTEE REPORT --Consider a Contract with HDR Engineering, Inc. for Supplemental Surface Water Supply Study Mayor Pollan introduced Kenneth L. Choffel, Senior Vice President of HDR Engineering, Inc. and Bill Klemt of LBG-Guyton. He began by stating the various issues and options to be included in this study. He stated that Stephenville presently operates 26 wells, and the existing use on an average year is approximately 2.2 million gallons per day (peak day, 4.9mgd). During the last several decades, the City has experienced ground water level declines in the Hwy. 67 well field about 10 to 13 feet per decade. In the Alexander well field, the decline is about 5-7 feet per decade. In -town well field level is basically stable. Choffel stated that one of the big issues that needs to be addressed is "Why wouldn't the City continue to rely 100% on ground water?" Some of the reasons include 1) long-term water level declines; 2) ground water in Stephenville is being mined (withdrawals exceed local recharge); 3) sole source water supply limits potential for future growth especially commercial/manufacturing opportunities; 4) surface water available today from others will be further limited in future as other entities purchase available water. Surface water in Texas is regulated by the "first in time, first in right" theory. If we don't get our share of surface water, there's a good chance someone will beat us to it. Also, these shares become more expensive with time. Supplemental Water Supply sources considered and are to be included in the study are: 1) Lake Proctor, purchasing water from the Brazos River Authority; 2) Palo Pinto Water District No. 1; and 3) Lake Granbury. Sources that were considered by the Water Planning Committee and excluded from the study are: 1) Bosque River (limited availability; poor quality); 2) Reuse of wastewater (city already sells portion; quality issues); and 3) New Reservoir (permitting uncertainties; high cost). Some of the issues that will be considered in selecting the water source would be the compatibility of that water with ground water, delivery into the city's distribution system, control of any water stored underground, right of way/environmental/permitting, impacts to water rates and negotiation of water purchase contracts. Klemt stated that some of the duties of LBG-Guyton would be to take each option into consideration and what impact it would have on water rates. Councilmember Conatser asked both Klemt and Choffel about their experience with ASR (Aquifer Storage and Recovery) studies. Choffel has personally had one experience, and stated that Klemt has much more experience in this area. Conatser asked Klemt how many operational ASR are in the state at this time. Klemt General Business Meeting --October 7, 1997 answered, "Really, only one in my opinion, and that's the one in El Paso." Davis pointed out that this process is basically new in the State of Texas. In discussion about a surface water reservoir, Choffel pointed out that in order to develop a yield of about 2 million gallons per day, that amounts to 2,000 acre feet and a factor of about ten in terms of how much storage is needed in the lake. If you take 2,000 times 10, you need about 20,000 acre feet of water in that lake to produce a yield of 2,000 acre feet. Madkins asked about any estimate that the water will cost in the future compared to what we have now in terms of water cost. He believes it is relatively inexpensive compared to 100 years from now. Choffel said that if the three options mentioned above were not available, the next closest water would be Lake Whitney which is double the distance of Granbury, which would in turn double the cost. Councilmember Terrell made a motion to employee HDR Engineering, Inc. to conduct a Supplemental Surface Water Supply Study for a cost not to exceed $93,000.00. Councilmember Hillin seconded the motion. Conatser asked that this matter be tabled and a decision postponed for 30 days, and to remove the ASR process from the study. The motion passed by the following roll call vote: Armes: Councilmembers Madkins, Terrell, Hillin, Corbin, Hodges, Marin, and Mayor Pollan. Noes: Councilmember Conatser VH. INITIATE THE AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT FOR CLARK FIELD City Administrator reminded the Council that we are entering Phase II of the Airport Improvement Project. Phase I was the land acquisition, and Phase II begins the design and construction phase. It is estimated that our share--10% of the design stage-- will be approximately $11, 000.00. We have approximately $112, 5 00.00 in the Airport Fund for this project remaining. In addition to the $11, 000.00 requested at this time, it is estimated that we will owe an additional $98,000.00 for our part of the construction cost. The remaining total of our participation (Phase II, $11, 000 and Phase III, $98,000) is $109,000.00. Councilmember Madkins made a motion to designate Finance Director, Mark Kaiser, to execute the Certification of the Project Funds and the Certification of the Airport Funds; to designate Ronnie Isham, Director of Community Services, as the contact person for the administration of this contract; and to designate the Airport Advisory Board as the committee to screen and interview the prospective engineers. Councilmember Hillin seconded the motion which passed by unanimous vote. General Business Meeting -- October 7, 1997 VIII. CONSIDER AMENDING LEASE AGREEMENT WITH RHINO HOMES City Administrator Davis explained that Rockin' A Homes has purchased this property from Rhino Homes, and a new lease is needed with the new owner. Councilmember Madkins made a motion to enter into a lease agreement with Rhino Homes. Councilmember Hillin seconded the motion which passed by unanimous vote. Ix. REPORT FROM DR JEREMY CURTOYS CONCERNING THE CITIZEN SURVEY Dr. Jeremy Curtoys, professor of Political Science at Tarleton State University, presented the results of a survey on city services. The survey was performed by a political science honors class at Tarleton who worked up a questionnaire. Once the survey was completed, the students analyzed the results. Joyce Goodman, Director of Personnel, and Mark Kaiser, Finance Director, worked with Curtoys on the questionnaire. The survey was mailed in Marchto 1,057 single family water users by random selection. Two hundred forty-three surveys were returned. Curtoys made the following comments regarding the survey: 1. The sample is heavily weighted towards long-term residents. More than half reported they had lived in Stephenville for 15 years or more. 2. A majority of the sample consider Stephenville either "excellent" or "good" as a place to live. 3. A plurality of respondents considered Stephenville a friendly place. 4. Most of the services of the city received a favorable rating. Those services deemed less favorable include City Administration, storm water drainage, street maintenance, and the water system. 5. While the sample was representative of the populations in terms of gender, the of college students is very low, mainly because of the bias percentage caused by not sampling multi -family dwellings. Curtoys po inted out that several "open ended" questions resulted in irrelevant information. Curtoys recommended that the Council and department heads study the result of the survey. gg He suggested that future surveys should be done every other year, and that the survey should be refined. Curtoys added that he would like to continue working with the City on future l 9 General Business Meeting-- October 7 199, O �J surveys. By doing this, the cost of the survey is minimal, and it provides students with an opportunity for hands-on research. A more effective sampling technique should be used, however, in order to obtain a representative sample of citizens, but this would be more expensive, approximately $5,000. City Administrator Davis suggested that discussion of this survey would be placed on the agenda for the Council's retreat. Councilmember Conatser made a motion to accept this survey. Councilmember Hillin seconded the motion which passed by unanimous vote. X . CONSENT AGENDA: Councilmember Madkins requested that Item B. "Approval of Minutes of Special Meeting on September 16, 1997" be removed from the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Madkins moved approval of the remainder of the Consent Agenda (Items A. and C). Councilmember Corbin seconded the motion which passed by unanimous vote. A. Approval of Minutes of Regular Business Meeting on September 2, 1997 B. Approval of Minutes of Special Meeting on September 16, 1997 C. Change Order No. 1--Public Safety building Councilmember Madkins pointed out in the minutes of the Special Meeting on September 16, 1997 Item II. Public Hearings on Rezoning, that the vote as written was incorrect and should be recorded as follows: Armes: Co uncilmembers Madkins, Hillin, Shelton, Corbin, Hodges, Marin, and Mayor Pollan. Noes: Councilmember Conatser. Corbin moved to approve the minutes of the Special Meeting on Councilmember C p ed. Councilmember Marin seconded the motion whi ch September 16, 1997 as correct passed by unanimous vote. Xl, CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A NEW CITY LOGO • r a city logo. No official vote was made as to Th e Council considered four drafts for ty g the selection of a city logo. X AO CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT October 7, 1997 General Business Muting '�. 1 Administrator Davis announced that he had nothing to report. XIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION At 9:12 p.m., Mayor Pollan recessed the open portion of this meeting, and the Council went into executive session in compliance with the provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Law, Subchapter D, §551.072, Local Government Code, Vernon's Texas Codes, Annotated, in accordance with the authority contained in Deliberation Regarding Real Property and §551.071(l)(A) Consultation with Attorney; Closed Meeting, pending or contemplated litigation. 1. Mitchell Williams vs. City of Stephenville, Cause No. 97-09-23698-CV, Erath County District Court 2. Negotiations with CSI, Inc. on Airport Property XIV. ACTION TAKEN ON MATTERS DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary) At 9:43 p.m.. Mayor Pollan called the council back into regular session. No action was taken by the council. Xv. ADJOURN There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:44 p.m. ATTEST: ind L . tafford, City 0�jetary Y General Business Meeting --October 7, 1997 Q�l (7"��7 zo e Johnfi llan, Mayor