PRE-COUNCIL WORK SESSION, THURSDAY
June 12, 1997, 8:30 A.M.
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ABILENE, TEXAS,
BASEMENT CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
The City Council of the City of Abilene, Texas, met in a Pre-Council Work Session on June 12, 1997, at 8:30 A.M. in the Basement Conference Room of City Hall. Mayor Gary D. McCaleb was present and presiding with Councilmen Paul R. Vasquez, A. Don Drennan, Ray Ferguson, and Councilwoman Kay Alexander. Also present were Acting City Manager Roy L. McDaniel, Assistant City Manager Mike Morrison, City Attorney Sharon Hicks, City Secretary Jo Moore, and various members of the City staff. Councilman Rob Beckham was absent from pre-council only, Councilwoman Carol Martinez was absent.
Acting City Manager Roy McDaniel informed the Council that item 4.2, Oral Resolution considering application from Medlife Emergency Medical Services, Inc. for Ambulance Service License of Public Convenience and Necessity, will be removed from the Regular Agenda at the request of Mr. Deanda of MedLife, who contacted him earlier this morning to completely withdraw his application for ambulance services. James Condry, Assistant Director of Public Works; Bob Lindley, Engineer; and Eddie Chrane, Emergency Operations Coordinator; summarized the status of Elm and Catclaw Creeks in relation to recent heavy rainfall and the events occurring during the rainfall. The City actively monitored the situation. There was no known water in businesses or houses; barricades were placed at low water crossings as necessary; and there was some creek bank erosion. Mr. Condry noted we now have data on a flood event that did not come out of the channel. Mayor McCaleb stated that work on creeks has resulted in containing the water in recent years; and charged to staff to 1) clean out trash as soon as possible to keep water moving, 2) keep prison crews busy cleaning, and 3) inform the media of who the authority for the City is and have that person on the scene to answer questions. Mr. McDaniel briefed the Council on staff monitoring of the rainfall and stated that staff had concluded it was a non-flood event, but overlooked notifying the media to fully inform the public. Eddie Chrane, Emergency Management Officer, briefed the Council on the coverage the media provides in the event of a National weather alert. Mayor McCaleb stated it is imperative that every televised form of media in our viewing area broadcast the alert message. The critical issues/strategic plan briefing was not conducted due to the lack of time. The meeting was recessed to the City Council Chambers until 9:00 a.m. for the regular Council Meeting.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
June 12, 1997, 9:00 A.M.
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ABILENE, TEXAS
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF CITY HALL
Mayor McCaleb reconvened the City Council of the City of Abilene, Texas, into Regular Session June 12, 1997, at 9:00 a.m. in the City Council Chambers of City Hall.
Invocation was given by Councilman Rob Beckham.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Kelsey Chrane, daughter of Eddie Chrane of the Fire Department, who was accompanied by her parents, Eddie and Connie Chrane.
City Secretary Jo Moore assisted Mayor McCaleb in the presentation of an Employee Service Award to Larry Sutton, Firefighter, for 20 years of service.
Earnest Merritt, Special Assistant to the City Manager for Youth Services, assisted Mayor McCaleb in presenting the June Employee of the Month Award to Ray Jennings, Construction Inspector II.
Cassie Hughes, Building Official, presented to the Mayor and Council an "Award For Excellence" received by the Building Inspection Division from the Building Officials Association of Texas for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession and the Community.
Bob Woodard, President of Abilene Clean and Proud, presented the following quarterly awards: First Baptist Church for Landscaping; TIF Board Everman Park Project for Beautification; Taylor County Expo Center for Litter Control; and Abtex Beverage Corp. for Recycling.
Roberta Thompson, Housing Administrator, and Earl Williams, Chair of the Housing Authority Board, assisted Mayor McCaleb in recognizing Mario Najera, Housing Division Employee as Maintenance person of the year and Beth Vinson, Public Housing Senior Resident.
Debra Guerra, Assistant to the City Manager, assisted Mayor McCaleb in presenting Certificates of Appreciation to Mark Kimuyu and Brandon Cribbs of the Abilene High School Boys Gymnastics team who represented Abilene and the state of Texas on the National High School Championship team.
Mayor McCaleb presented Honorary Citizen certificates to visiting Russian delegates; who, in turn, presented books to the Mayor.
Councilman Rob Beckham recognized Boy Scout Jeremy Miers who is working on his merit badge.
There being no corrections, additions, or deletions to the minutes of the Pre-Council Session and Regular City Council Meeting held May 22, 1997, Councilman Vasquez moved to approve the minutes as printed. The motion was seconded by Councilman Beckham and the motion carried.
AYES: Councilmen Vasquez, Drennan, Beckham, Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor McCaleb.
NAYS: None.
Councilman Drennan moved to approve consent agenda items 3.1 through 3.3, and first reading of items 3.4 through 3.9, as recommended by the staff. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Alexander and the motion carried.
AYES: Councilmen Vasquez, Drennan, Beckham, Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor McCaleb.
NAYS: None.
Resolutions
3.1 Oral Resolution approving a request for a fireworks display permit from the Abilene Prairie Dogs near Crutcher Scott Baseball field July 4, 1997 at approximately 9:30 p.m. (after the ball game).
3.2 Oral Resolution authorizing the renewal of a lease agreement between the Water Utilities Department and Vulcan Chemical Technologies, Inc. for a Chlorine Dioxide program with a chemical cost of $.46/lb as recommended by staff.
3.3 Oral Resolution authorizing the City of Clyde to sell water to the Texas Department of Transportation.
Ordinances
3.4 Approval of first reading - Z-02897 - Rezone from RM-2 to O district at 1801 & 1809 S. 14th, and set a public hearing for June 26, 1997 at 9:00 a.m.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 23, "PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT," SUBPART E, "ZONING," OF THE ABILENE MUNICIPAL CODE, BY CHANGING THE ZONING DISTRICT BOUNDARIES AFFECTING CERTAIN PROPERTIES, AS DESCRIBED BELOW, DECLARING A PENALTY, AND CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING.
3.5 Approval of first reading - Z-02997 - Rezone from RS-6 to LC district at Ambler & N. Danville, and set a public hearing for June 26, 1997 at 9:00 a.m.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 23, "PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT," SUBPART E, "ZONING," OF THE ABILENE MUNICIPAL CODE, BY CHANGING THE ZONING DISTRICT BOUNDARIES AFFECTING CERTAIN PROPERTIES, AS DESCRIBED BELOW, DECLARING A PENALTY, AND CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING.
3.6 Approval of first reading - Z-03097 - Rezone from RS-6 to MH district in the 900 block of Midway, and set a public hearing for June 26, 1997 at 9:00 a.m.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 23, "PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT," SUBPART E, "ZONING," OF THE ABILENE MUNICIPAL CODE, BY CHANGING THE ZONING DISTRICT BOUNDARIES AFFECTING CERTAIN PROPERTIES, AS DESCRIBED BELOW, DECLARING A PENALTY, AND CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING.
3.7 Approval of first reading - Z-03197 - Amend PDD 45 to allow office and storage buildings located on Frenchman's Creek Road, and set a public hearing for June 26, 1997 at 9:00 a.m.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ABILENE, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 23, SUBPART E, "ZONING," OF THE ABILENE MUNICIPAL CODE, AND ORDINANCE NO. 68-1986 CONCERNING THE PDD #45 PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT; DECLARING A PENALTY AND CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING; AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
3.8 Approval of first reading - Z-03297 - Rezone from AO to PDD district at 425 & 441 S. 25th Street, and set a public hearing for June 26, 1997 at 9:00 a.m.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ABILENE, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 23, SUBPART E, "ZONING," OF THE ABILENE MUNICIPAL CODE, BY CHANGING THE ZONING DISTRICT BOUNDARIES AND CREATING PDD #63 (FREDECK) PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT; CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING; PROVIDING A PENALTY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
3.9 Approval of first reading - Ordinance approving one year select-time of use pilot proposal filed by West Texas Utilities for furnishing of service within the City of Abilene by WTU.
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND ACCEPTING THE ONE YEAR, SELECT-TIME OF USE PILOT PROPOSAL FILED BY WEST TEXAS UTILITIES COMPANY FOR THE FURNISHING OF SERVICE WITHIN THE CITY OF ABILENE, TEXAS, BY WEST TEXAS UTILITIES COMPANY, PROVIDING SEVERABILITY, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
REGULAR AGENDA
Public Appearance:
4.1 Debra Guerra, Assistant to the City Manager, introduced the Mann Middle School MIMES students, who then gave a presentation on Abilene's youth services and made recommendations as follows: transportation for teens, expanded CityLink bus routes, improve technology centers in the Library, improve the Library by adding a restaurant and gift shop, decorations for the library, computers, magazines for teens in the library, computer lab with instructors, computer literacy program, work study room, on-line book review web site. Dr. Jeri Pfeiffer introduced their teachers, Gail Swearengin of Clack Middle School and Holly Woodard of Mann Middle School; then summarized the student activities and stated appreciation to Council and staff.
The Council stated their appreciation for the report, adding youth volunteerism is great. Mayor McCaleb requested copies of the students' remarks, and stated this demonstrates how important is that all of us work together. The students presented ideas the Mayor has never heard before, and he appreciates the emphasis on the library; accentuating improvements. Councilman Vasquez stated that in 1990, the City began the effort to diversify, and noted the diversity in this MIMES group.
Resolutions:
4.2 Roy McDaniel, Acting City Manager, stated the item "Removing from the table and holding a public hearing on an Oral Resolution considering an application from Medlife Emergency Medical Services, Inc. for an Ambulance Service License of Public Convenience and Necessity" has been withdrawn by the applicant and will not be considered by the Council. Mr. McDaniel stated Mr. Leroy Deanda had sent a written request to remove the item from the table and place it back on the June 12 agenda. The public hearing notice was published and the item was placed on the June 12 agenda. At 8:15 this morning, Mr. Deanda contacted Mr. McDaniel and withdrew this request. The item is disposed of with no action being required by the Council.
Ordinances:
4.3 Carl Lockett, Planning Administrator, briefed the Council on an Ordinance concerning annexation of 63.52 acres owned by Sydney E. Niblo. The Planning and Zoning Commission as well as staff recommend approval.
Mayor McCaleb opened a public hearing on the item, and the following individual spoke in favor of the request:
. David Todd, 2500 S. Willis, agent for the proponent.
There being no one else present and desiring to be heard, the public hearing was closed.
Councilwoman Alexander moved to approve the Ordinance concerning annexation of 63.52 acres owned by Sydney E. Niblo, as recommended by the staff. The motion was seconded by Councilman Drennan and the motion carried.
AYES: Councilmen Vasquez, Drennan, Beckham, Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor McCaleb.
NAYS: None.
The Ordinance is numbered 23-1997 and is captioned as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ABILENE, TEXAS, PROVIDING FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE BOUNDARY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF ABILENE, TEXAS, AND THE ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN TERRITORY LYING ADJACENT AND CONTIGUOUS TO THE PRESENT BOUNDARY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF ABILENE.
5.0 Other Business:
Mayor McCaleb recessed the Council into executive session pursuant to Sections 551.071 and 551.074 of the Open Meetings Act, to seek the advice of the City Attorney with respect to pending and contemplated litigation, and to consider the appointment and evaluation of public officers.
The Council reconvened from Executive Session and reported no action taken.
Mayor McCaleb recommended board appointments and reappointments as follows:
ABILENE HIGHER EDUCATION AUTHORITY, INC. - 2 year term
Reappoint:
Lanny Hall
Robert Shimp
John Combs
Scott Dueser
ABILENE HIGHER EDUCATION FACILITIES, INC. - 2 year term
Reappoint:
Lanny Hall
Robert Shimp
John Combs
Scott Dueser
CITYLINK ADA ADVISORY BOARD - 3 year term
Reappoint:
George Toone
Appoint:
Leonard Decker
Karen Presley
CIVIC ABILENE, INC. - 3 year term
Reappoint:
James Smith
John Jiminez
Lynn Mendenhall
Rob Barnhill
Nancy Bander
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMITTEE - 3 year term
Reappoint:
Teresa Quintanilla
Appoint:
Jutamas Adair
Beverly Ferguson
Anthony Williams
Sylvia Shurgot
Julia A. McNurlin-Reed
Willie Cooper, term expiring 5/98
Lori D. Christner, term expiring 5/98
MPE/SWIMMING POOL BOARD OF APPEALS - 2 year term
Reappoint:
Earle McMillan, Building Contractor
Jayne Propst, Building Contractor (Alternate)
Doyle Hufstedler, Electrical Subcommittee
Charlie Stearns, Alternate Master Electrician
Gary Bunkley, Master Electrician
Appoint:
Waylon Schroeder, Architect
Jeff McMillon, Mechanical Contractor
Bobby Gilbreath, Pool Contractor
Ray Lane, Electrical Subcommittee
PARKS & RECREATION - 3 year term
Reappoint:
Tony Gutierrez
Appoint:
Susan Arrington
SENIOR CITIZENS BOARD - 2 year term
Reappoint:
Charles White
Durward Young
Ernest Hermann
Paul Rehm
WEST CENTRAL TEXAS MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT - 2 year term
Reappoint:
A. E. Fogle, Jr.
Abraham Allen
J. V. Martin
Councilman Vasquez moved to approve Mayor McCaleb's board appointments and reappointments as listed above. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Alexander and the motion carried.
AYES: Councilmen Vasquez, Drennan, Beckham, Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor McCaleb.
Nays: None.
Mayor McCaleb stated procedures for seeking a new City Manager were discussed in executive session, but with all members of the Council not being present today, and indications are the June 26 Council meeting will not have a full council present, it appears a special called meeting may be held. Staff will check on a time when all Council can be present for a special called Council meeting if necessary.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:27 p.m.
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Jo Moore, City Secretary
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Gary McCaleb, Mayor