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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-10-03 - Regular City Council1.95 REGULAR SESSION- TUESDAY OCTOBER 3, 1978 - 7:00 P.M. CHAMBER OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY HALL, CITY OF STEPHENVILLE, TEXAS The City Council of the City of Stephenville, Texas, met in Regular Session, Tuesday, October 3, 1978 at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Donald R. Jones present and presiding. Councilmembers Mike Leese, W. M. Irwin, Calvin A McGee, Charles Riggins, Raymond Anderson, E. W. Ferguson, and Larry Hammett. were present. Councilwoman Linda Chew was absent. Others attending the meeting were City Administrator Marshall Shelton, Administrative Assistant Kurt Ackermann, Director of Public Works R. Y. Gann, Chief of Police Mike Watkins, Tax Assessor - Collector Robert Groves, Water Supt. J. D. Chapman, Street Supt. Clinton Hicks, Mrs. Lillian Crow, Mrs. Pat Zelman, Mrs. Betty Heath, Mrs. Lavinia Lohrman, Mr. David Mont- gomery, Mr. Dean Cox, Mrs. Virginia Dorris, City Secretary Joyce Pemberton, members of the press and others. Mayor Jones called the meeting to order. ITEM I: APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mayor Jones asked that Item 9, Paragraph 3, of the minutes of the September 11, 1978 minutes be corrected and reflect that the Depository Bids of the Farmers First National Bank and Stephenville Bank & Trust Co were the same except for the interest rates paid to the city on deposits of $100,000 and over. Councilman Anderson moved, seconded by Councilman Leese, that the minutes of the September 11, 1978 meeting be approved, with the above change, as written. Motion carried unanimously. ITEM II: EQUALIZATION BOARD REPORT Mrs. Lillian Crow, Chairmperson of the Board of Equalization, re- ported that the Board of Equalization had examined the tax roll pre- sented to them by Tax Assessor - Collector Robert Groves and had approved the tax roo, both personal and real property, as assessed by Mr. Groves. They had found the assessment to be as equitable as could be under the present circumstances. Mrs. Crow, on behalf of the Board of Equalization, recommended that the City Council approve the 1978 city tax roll as pre- sented. Mr. Groves expressed his appreciation to.the Board of Equalization and recommended to the Council their reappointment for next year. Mayor Jones asked the Assistant City Attorney to check to see if the Council could appoint an Equalization Board in the November meeting and, if possible, will probably make the appointments in November. Councilman Irwin moved, seconded by Councilman Riggins, that the City Council accept the 1978 tax roll as recommended by the Board of Equalization. ,Motion carried unanimously. ITEM III: ANNUAL REPORT OF TOURISM & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Mr. Gerald Cook, manager of the Chamber of Commerce, presented the annual report of the Tourism & Development Committee. In his report, Mr. Cook said that, in his opinion, $15.00 per day per visitor, would be conservative estimate of what a visitor to Stephenville would spend. The cost to get the visitors here was estimated at 31(� per visitor with $763,590.00 per year as the visitor impact on the City of Stephenville. Mr. Cook presented copies of the 3rd quarter financial reports of the Tourism & Development and the Hotel -Motel Occupancy Tax Receipts Comparisons report. Mr. Cook said there have been 50,906 visitors in the city this year compared to 44,552 last year. The visitor industry is growing and he hopes to have 60,000 visitors to the city by this time next year. -- Councilman Riggins asked what percent of the annual budget is the $5,000 showed for secretarial salaries. Mr. Cook said he had an annual budget of $61,000. I 196 Mayor Jones explained that the city is statutorily authorized to pass a Hotel -Motel Occupancy Tax for use in tourism and development for the Chamber of Commerce and to authorize the Chamber to administer those funds, but the city is not statutorily authrozied to contribute to the Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Jones said he would like to make sure that the city did not get into a situation where, out of the Tourism & Develop- ment Fund, the city is funding another function of the Chamber. Councilman Riggins said that was what he had in mind and was wonder- ing if the city had any responsibility to see how these funds were spent. Mayor Jones said, in his opinion, the city did have the responsibility to see that the funds were spent for tourism and development. Mayor Jones suggested that the percentage of the total Chamber budget allocated to Tourism and Development might be a fair basis for allocation. That possibly, whatever percentage of the budget is allocated to Tourism and Development, that percentage be allocated for secretarial salaries. Mr. Cook agreed to try to find some way to let these reports reflect the said salaries percentage in regard to the Tourism and Development Funds. Mayor Jones thanked Mr. Cook for a very good report. ITEM IV: DISCUSSION OF SALE OF AIRPORT OPERATIONS Mayor Jones reiterated the sale of the airport operations as dis- cussed in the previous meeting. He said Mr. W. H. Pittman had been negotiating with Mr. Cecil Davis for the purchase of said operation. As Mr. Pittman was not present to speak to the Council, Mayor Jones advised that there had been some consideration also as to whether the city should involve itself with the operation of the airport. Mayor Jones said there had been some speculation that the city might be able to establish a good erminal situation and other improvements and hire a mechanic or whatever it takes to operate an airport. Assistant City Attorney Chandler said he had been contacted by both Mr. Pittman and his son and, it is his understanding, that Mr. Pittman and several others have tried negotiating with Mr. Davis for the purchase of his tools, goodwill, etc. but have not been able to arrive at a price that is satisfactory to all. Mr. Chandler said that if the city would build a terminal, with a lounge and two offices at an approximate cost of $20,000, hire someone to take the money, do the bookkeeping, and service the planes this would be one of the best airports around for a city of this size. Mayor Jones suggested submitting this to the Airport Advisory Committee to consider these possiblities and see if it would be feasible for the city to do the things suggested by Mr. Chandler. ITEM V: MRS. PAT ZELMAN SPEAKS Mrs. Pat Zelman, representing the Erath County Women's Political Caucus, spoke to the Council regarding documentation of city services, such as, paving, dirt hauling, and related work using city equipment and material and city employees in their off time for private citizens. Mrs. Zelman said the Women's Political Caucus thought all the citizens should be made aware of this service. The city should carefully screen the services provided to see that they do not conflict with the services offered by private enterprises. Also the city should keep specific recorda stating the businesses contacted by anyone seeking city services and the businesses should verify that they could not provide the services required. Mayor Jones pointed out that the city had not publicized these services because the city did not want to get into this type business and very definitely did not want to be in competition with any local contractor. Mr. Shelton advised that a new form has been designed for this purpose and these files are and will be available for inspection by anyone who so desires. 11 ITEM VI: ONE BUILDING PERMIT TO REMAIN CITY POLICY Mayor Jones reviewed the former city policy for the issuance of permits for the construction of a dwelling or a commercial building. The present policy is to issue one building permit which is inclusive of the plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits. The Electrical Board has requested that the city change the policy back to the previous type which is to have one permit each for the build- ing, plumbing, electrical and mechanical. As there was no one present from the Electrical Board to speak to the Council on this issue, Mayor Jones asked for discussion from the Council. Councilman Hammett said he felt this problem had arisen from a "feud" between two electricians here in the city. He said that, in his opinion, the one permit policy as it is now is the best. It saves time for the Building Inspector, the contractor and the subcontractors. Councilman McGee said he was in complete Hammett and he did not know of any advantages unless there is someone tacking an additional permit. The one permit policy simplifies the tractor and /or owner get one permit, it is pa double bookkeeping problems. agreement with Councilman to the mulitple type permit, charge onto a building whole process as the con - id for and there is no It was the consensus of the Mayor and Council to pass this item at this time and, unless someone in the future specifically wants to speak to the Council regarding this item, the one permit will be considered the policy of the city. ITEM VII: REPORT ON YOUTH CENTER AT TSU In his absence, Director of Parks & Recreation Ronnie Isham had filed a report on the TSU Youth Center. In his report, Mr. Isham showed there had been 3,250 participants at a total cost of $2,088.00 which equals to 640 per participant. He also recommended operating said center in the summer of 1979 with some additional programs started. The Council took no action at this time. Mayor Jones suggested that when Mr. Isham thought he needed to start preparation of this program he should come to the Council for approval at that time. ITEM VIII: HANGAR LEASE AGREEMENT WITH MR. GARY PAUL Mayor Jones reviewed the action taken in the September lithe meeting in which the Council authorized entry into an agreement with Mr. Gary Paul to lease a space 40' X 40' for a helicopter hangar for a five year period @ $10.00 per month. Mr: Paul had now requested a ten (10) year lease agreement @ 10.00 per month. After some discussion, Councilman Leese moved, seconded by Councilman McGee, that the city enter into a lease agreement with Mr. Gary Paul for a 40' X 40' space at the city airport for a ten (10) year period at $10.00 per month to be paid annually. Motion carried unanimously. ITEM IX: EMPLOYEES' EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PLAN NOT READY FOR FINAL ADOPTION Mayor Jones explained that the Employees' Educational Incentive Plan was not ready for final adoption. The plan, given to the Council at the September meeting, was for the Council to study. Mr. Ackermann asked the Council to study said outline and he would like to have any input they might have and he hoped to have the proposal ready for presentation for final adoption by the.November meeting. W ITEM.X: DISCUSSION OF ANNUAL RETREAT FOR COUNCIL Mayor Jones explained that he and Mr. Shelton had discussed an annual retreat for the council and department heads and anyone else that wishes to attend. Said retreat being for the purpose of examining what the Comprehensive Plan is, what the plans are for the city as far as its growth is concerned and its orderly growth, to examine the Zoning Ordinance set priorities for the budget, ect. He said he thought May would be a good time because it would be after the city election and any new council members would be there and May is just prior to the preliminary planning of a new budget. There being no objections from the Council, Mayor Jones said he would set a time and place in May of each year for a retreat. Said retreat would be open to the press and nyone else that is or would be interested. ITEM XI: INVITATION OF BIDS FOR D -7 DOZER- AUTHORIZE AN INCREASE OF LANDFILL RATES TO CITY OF DUBLIN AND TARLETON Mr. Shelton explained that the landfill charges to the City of Sublin and Tarleton State University are 80r, per cubic yard, effective July, 1976. He and Mr. Gann felt that, due to increased costs of the landfill operation, these rates should be increased to $1.00 per cubic yard. Mr. Shelton said this would represent an increase of approximately $2,000 per year for Dublin and a comparable amount for Tarleton and they could not operate their own landfills for what they are or would be paying to the City of Stephenville. He said he was just trying to keep up with inflation. After some discussion, Mayor Jones said he would like to invite bids on the dozer and, at the same time the dozer bids are received, examine the landfill charges with the need and amount of increase relative to the cost of the dozer be determined at that time. In the interim, he would like for Mr. Shelton to check in other areas that are providing contract service to see if the increase to $1.00 per cubic yard is in line with what other cities are charging. Councilman Riggins moved, seconded by Councilman Hammett, that the City Council authorize the invitation of bids for the purchase of a D -7 dozer for use at the sanitary landfill. Motion carried unanimously. ITEM XII: DISCUSSION OF TAXICAB STANDS IN DOWNTOWN AREA Mayor Jones reviewed council action on the request of Mr. Boyce Gowan for a taxicab license discussed at the September meeting regarding ordinance provision for a residency requirement. Mayor Jones suggested that, relative to the previous discussion, the present ordinance relating to taxicab licenses be amended to omit the provision requiring an applicant to be a resident of the city for six months prior to the issuance of a taxicab license. Mayor Jones said he and the City Attorney would submit an amended ordinance to the Council in the near future. After some discussion, establish taxicab stands in Mrs. Lavinia Lohrman s a lot of people coming into telephone to call a taxicab need for the stands. Mayor Jones said he did not see a need to the downtown area. yid she could see a need for them as there the Senior Citizens Center to use the and she thought there was a very definite Councilman Irwin stted he thought the merchants would be dis- satisfied. Councilman Irwin moved, seconded by Councilman Anderson, that until more information is determined, the requests for the establish- ment of taxicab stands in the downtown area be tabled. Motion carried unanimously. ITEM XIII: BID AWARDED FOR PICKUP Administrative Assistant Kurt Ackermann presented the two bids received for a new pickup for the Planning and Inspections Department and advised that $4,200 had been budgeted for this item. The bids are as follows: 1. Pollan -Blue Ford Co. - -1 new model, 6 cylinder , ton pickup ----------------------- $5,023. 2. Bruner Chevrolet Co. - -Did not meet specs All were used vehicles Councilman Irwin moved, seconded by Councilman Leese, to award the bid to Pollan -Blue Ford Company, Stephenville, Texas, for the purchase of one new model Ford Pickup with a 6 cylinder motor and meeting all specs for the amount of $5,023.00. Motion carried unanimously. ITEM XIV: ZONING BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS The City Council considered and took action on the following recommendations of the City Zoning Board: 1. Mayor Jones advised the Council that the applicants for the rezoning of Lot 2E, Block 29, Tarleton Heights Addition, from R -2 to B -1 have withdrawn their application. There was no action required and no action taken. 2. The Zoning Board had recommended that the request of Mr. Loyd Stephens to put a cabinet and furniture shop in the building situated on Lot 12, Block 5, McAlister Second Addition, (230 Davis Ave.) be approved. Mrs. Virginia Dorris spoke to the Council regarding the above recommendation. Mrs. Dorris stated that this property is presently zoned R -1, but a non conforming permit was issued when it was brought into the city limits. The reason the Zoning Baord had continued the issusance of non conforming permits is because of the radio tower behind it and their contract has another 7 or 8 years to go. Councilman McGee moved, seconded by Councilman Irwin, that the City Council accept the recommendation of the Zoning Board for the continuation of the non conforming permit for Lot 12, Block 5, McAlister Second Addition, and that Mr. Loyd Stephens be permitted to put a cabinet and furniture shop in the building on said lot. Motion carried unanimously. 3. The Zoning Board had not taken any formal action on the request of Mr. Wayne Garner to make a two bedroom apartment out of an existing building on back of his lot at 815 Lydia St. After some discussion, Councilman Irwin moved, seconded by Councilman Hammett, that Mr. Wayne Garner's request to make a two bedroom apartment out of an existing building on the back of his lot at 815 Lydia St. be denied. Motion carried unanimously. ITEM XV: PERMISSION GRANTED FOR FAA TO INSTALL RADIO TOWER AT AIRPORT Mayor Jones explained that he had received a call from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requesting permission to install a radio tower at the airport at absolutely no cost to the city. He said this would be a ground /air radar type unit that assists passing planes and those landing here. Mayor Jones advised that the FAA was looking at serveral different airports which they might use to install this unit and were getting con - firmation from each place that they could install said unit if they so desired. It was the consensus of the Mayor and C, Aviation Administration be granted tentative land for the placement of a radio tower with city will determine the size and location of that it does not effect the operation of the growth of said airport. )uncil that the Federal approval of use of airport the stipulation that the the area to be used and airport or the potential 199 JT 2G0 ITEM XVI: APPOINTMENT OF FIVE MEMBERS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION Mayor Jones explained that the terms of five members of the fifteen member Planning Commission had expired and he was recommending the re- appointment of Mr. Clinton Cox, chairman, Mrs. Susie Coan, Mrs. Virginia Dorris and the appointment of Mr. Lee Wilson and Mr. Garry Lewallen for three year terms. There being no other nominations, Councilman Anderson moved, seconded by Councilman Irwin, that the above persons be appointed to the Planning Commission as recommended by the Mayor. Motion carried unanimously. ITEM XVII: POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICIES PRESENTED Mayor Jones advised the Council that sometime back he had talked to Mr. Shelton and Chief Watkins regarding police department policies. He said he felt that they needed some policies outlining what the city ex- pected from the police department and the individuals that work for it. Mayor Jones asked the councilmembers to take their copies of the proposed policies, drafted by Chief Watkins and his department, home to examine and study and he would like to have the council's input, the police department's input and then adopt a final policy. MISCELLANEOUS Councilman Hammett asked if anything had ever been done regarding Mrs. Mamie Carpenter's barber shop at 121 Park Drive. Mayor Jones said no there has not been any action taken., but it was his understanding that the barber shop had been opened without the state's approval as well as witho -t the city's approval and it was his under - standing that the situation had been taken care of by the state. He said he would very definitely check on it because he did not want the city to put a "stamp of approval" on that situation by acquiescence. Assistant City Attorney Randy Chandler advised the Mayor and Council that he was ready to file the delinquent tax suits on real property. Now he needs to know if the Council wants him to file suits on the delinquent personal property taxes. Mayor Jones said some people pay them and some don't and, in his opinion, the city should either enforce it or take it off the books. Councilman Anderson asked if personal property taxes were legal and constitutional and, if so, maybe an article in the paper so stating would be beneficial in helping to collect some of those delinquent. Mayor Jones said he had gotten a ruling from the Attorney General's office and personal property was a legal and constitutional tax and should be collected. After more discussion, Councilman McGee moved, seconded by Councilman Leese, that, if the persons with delinquent personal property taxes have been properly notified and have not responded, suit be filed for the col- lection of said taxes. Motion carried unanimously. Councilman Anderson said there was a problem with the parking meters in the downtown area not working. He said the meters were not registering the money put in them and the people are getting tired of getting parking tickets when they have put or tried to put money in the meters. He said is is getting to be a real problem and, in his opinion, the meters should either be working properly or taken out. Mayor Jones directed that the parking meters be checked. There being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor Jones adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m. AZTE 44ity/rSecretary