PRE-COUNCIL WORK SESSION, THURSDAY
August 14, 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 August 14, 1997, at 8:30 A.M. in the Basement Conference Room of City Hall. Mayor Gary D. McCaleb was present and presiding with Councilman A. Don Drennan, Councilwoman Carol Martinez, Councilmen Rob Beckham and Ray Ferguson, and Councilwoman Kay Alexander. Also present were City Manager Roy McDaniel, City Attorney Sharon Hicks, City Secretary Jo Moore, and various members of the City staff. Councilman Paul R. Vasquez was absent.
City Manager Roy McDaniel introduced John Breier, new Director of Economic Development. Scott Payne, Risk Manager, briefed the Council on the City's Health and Wellness Program. The Council briefly discussed various consent and regular agenda items, including item 3.1, "Resolution calling a special election authorizing Library Improvement tax bonds". The Council stated the need to call the election in a manner to assure the best turnout and as little confusion to voters as possible. A correction to the July 24, 1997 minutes was noted in the first sentence of page 12, which stated, "Mayor McCaleb..." should read "Mayor Pro Tempore Ferguson". There being no further discussion, the meeting was recessed to the City Council Chambers until 9:00 a.m. for the regular Council Meeting.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 14, 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 August 14, 1997, at 9:00 a.m. in the City Council Chambers of City Hall.
Invocation was given by Councilman A. Don Drennan.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Greg Varner, 5th grader at Taylor Elementary School, who was accompanied by his father, Gary Varner; his grandmother, Dorothy Varner; and his school counselor, Don Woods.
Mayor McCaleb, assisted by City Secretary Jo Moore, presented Employee Service Awards to the following individuals for their years of service:
30 Years Wiley B. Walker Police Lieutenant
Police
20 Years Mike D. Whalen Fire Captain
Fire
Mayor McCaleb, assisted by Special Assistant to the City Manager for Youth Services Earnest Merritt, presented the July Employee of the Month Award to Wayne Herrington, Senior Planner.
Councilman Drennan moved to approve the minutes of the Budget Worksessions held July 22 & 25, 1997, and the Pre-Council Session and Regular City Council Meeting held July 24, 1997, with the correction as noted in the Pre-Council meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Martinez and the motion carried.
AYES: Councilman Drennan, Councilwoman Martinez, Councilmen Beckham and Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor McCaleb.
NAYS: None.
Consent Agenda items 3.1, 3.4, and 3.5 were removed from the consent agenda at the request of Bobbie Hotchkiss. Councilwoman Alexander moved to approve consent agenda items 3.2, 3.3, 3.6, 3.7, and approval of first reading for items 3.8 through 3.11 as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Councilman Beckham and the motion carried.
AYES: Councilman Drennan, Councilwoman Martinez, Councilmen Beckham and Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor McCaleb.
NAYS: None.
Resolutions:
3.1 Resolution calling a special election authorizing Library Improvement tax bonds. Removed from the Consent Agenda to be considered separately.
3.2 Resolution approving an agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for a Highway Improvement project on US 83/84 at FM 707.
The Resolution is numbered 26-1997 and is captioned as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ABILENE, TEXAS AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT TO CONTRIBUTE FUNDS FOR THE US 83/84 AT FM 707 PROJECT.
3.3 Oral Resolution approving a Street Use License request from Omega Environmental Services for monitoring wells located in the public right-of-way within 300 feet of the intersection of S. 7th St. & S. Leggett Drive.
3.4 Oral Resolution approving the use of TIF funds as an interim source prior to the receipt of Downtown Loan Program funding, specifically for a request made by Mediplex Home Health Care, Inc. Removed from the Consent Agenda to be considered separately.
3.5 Oral Resolution approving a Street Use License request from International Consultants of the Environment, located at N. 1st & Hickory. Removed from the Consent Agenda to be considered separately.
3.6 Resolution approving an amendment to the commercial aviation ground lease with Abilene Aero, Inc.
The Resolution is numbered 27-1997 and is captioned as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ABILENE, TEXAS, AMENDING THE COMMERCIAL AVIATION GROUND LEASE FOR FIXED BASE OPERATIONS WITH ABILENE AERO, INC., AT THE ABILENE REGIONAL AIRPORT.
Bid Awards
3.7 Pipe for Water Utilities Department, Bid #CB-7072. The bid was awarded to Plastic Wholesale Plumbing, Inc. of Abilene as the most advantageous to the City in the amount of $15,190.00, as recommended by staff.
Ordinances
3.8 Approval of first reading - Z-02797 - Rezone from RM-2 to O district, located at N. 21st & Hardy Streets, and set a public hearing for August 28, 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.
3.9 Approval of first reading - Z-03697 - Add H to underlying LI district, located at 802 N. 3rd St., and set a public hearing for August 28, 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.
3.10 Approval of first reading - Z-03897 - Rezone from RS-6 to RM-2, O & LC district, located at the NE corner of Ambler and N. Danville, and set a public hearing for August 28, 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.
3.11 Approval of first reading - Ordinance amending Chapter 18, "Motor Vehicles and Traffic," Section 18-293, of the Abilene Municipal Code.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 18, "MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC", OF THE ABILENE MUNICIPAL CODE, BY AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS AS SET OUT BELOW; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND DECLARING A PENALTY.
REGULAR AGENDA
3.1 Resolution calling a special election authorizing Library Improvement tax bonds was removed from the Consent Agenda to be considered separately by Mrs. Bobbie Hotchkiss, who wanted to know when the election would be. Mayor McCaleb informed Mrs. Hotchkiss that it would be November 4, 1997.
Councilman Drennan moved to approve the Resolution calling a special election authorizing Library Improvement tax bonds. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Alexander and the motion carried.
AYES: Councilman Drennan, Councilwoman Martinez, Councilmen Beckham and Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor McCaleb.
NAYS: None.
The Resolution is numbered 25-1997 and is captioned as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ABILENE, TEXAS, CALLING A BOND ELECTION.
3.4 Oral Resolution approving the use of TIF funds as an interim source prior to the receipt of Downtown Loan Program funding, specifically for a request made by Mediplex Home Health Care, Inc. was removed from the Consent Agenda to be considered separately at the request of Mrs. Bobbie Hotchkiss, who asked how the City could borrow funds it doesn't have yet. Elizabeth Grindstaff, Downtown Manager, stated this was a loan only for interim financing and that all TIF funds loaned to Mediplex will be repaid in full by the Downtown Loan Program.
Councilwoman Martinez moved to approve by Oral Resolution the use of TIF funds as an interim source prior to the receipt of Downtown Loan Program funding, specifically for a request made by Mediplex Home Health Care, Inc., as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Alexander and the motion carried.
AYES: Councilman Drennan, Councilwoman Martinez, Councilmen Beckham and Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor McCaleb.
NAYS: None.
3.5 Oral Resolution approving a Street Use License request from International Consultants of the Environment, located at N. 1st & Hickory was removed from the Consent Agenda to be considered separately by Mrs. Bobbie Hotchkiss, who asked if this has to do with the service station (Boyd Building). Mrs. Elizabeth Grindstaff, Downtown Manager, stated it does; and then explained the financing for the project. It was noted the purpose of the wells is to monitor for pollution.
Councilwoman Alexander moved to approve by Oral Resolution the Street Use License request from International Consultants of the Environment, located at N. 1st & Hickory, as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Councilman Beckham and the motion carried.
AYES: Councilman Drennan, Councilwoman Martinez, Councilmen Beckham and Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor McCaleb.
NAYS: None.
Bid Awards
4.1 Dwayne Hargesheimer, Director of Water Utilities, and Linda Simpson, Assistant to the Director of Water Utilities, briefed the Council on an Award of Bid for Water Utility billing print/mail services, Bid #CB-7073. Staff recommends the Council approve by Oral Resolution yearly bids to Mail Advertising of Abilene, Texas for bill processing and mailing in the amount of $35,100 and to Independent Business Forms of Abilene for necessary printed paper and envelope stock in the amount of $16,423.
Councilman Beckham moved to approve by Oral Resolution yearly bids to Mail Advertising of Abilene, Texas for bill processing and mailing in the amount of $35,100 and to Independent Business Forms of Abilene for necessary printed paper and envelope stock in the amount of $16,423, as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Alexander and the motion carried.
AYES: Councilman Drennan, Councilwoman Martinez, Councilmen Beckham and Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor McCaleb.
NAYS: None.
Resolutions
4.2 Dwayne Hargesheimer, Director of Water Utilities, briefed the Council on a Resolution revising the schedule of rates & charges for water utility services. Staff recommends approval.
Councilwoman Martinez moved to approve the Resolution revising the schedule of rates & charges for water utility services, as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Alexander and the motion carried.
AYES: Councilman Drennan, Councilwoman Martinez, Councilmen Beckham and Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor McCaleb.
NAYS: None.
The Resolution is numbered 28-1997 and is captioned as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ABILENE, TEXAS, REVISING THE SCHEDULE OF RATES AND CHARGES FOR WATER AND SEWER UTILITY SERVICE.
Mayor McCaleb noted that this revision provides a more efficient internal operation which will provide better service to our citizens.
4.3 John Maceda, Airport Operations Supervisor, briefed the Council on an Oral Resolution approving an agreement with Abilene Motor Sports, Inc. to conduct auto races and a spectator event at the Abilene Regional Airport October 4-5, 1997; then introduced Mike Dohrse, Vice President of Abilene Motor Sports, who briefed the Council on the expected attendance and revenue, and requested Council approve the request. Paul Lenker, President of Abilene Motor Sports, was also in attendance.
Councilman Ferguson moved to approve by Oral Resolution an agreement with Abilene Motor Sports, Inc. to conduct auto races and a spectator event in conjunction therewith at the Abilene Regional Airport October 4-5, 1997, as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Martinez and the motion carried.
AYES: Councilman Drennan, Councilwoman Martinez, Councilmen Beckham and Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor McCaleb.
NAYS: None.
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, and 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.
Councilman Drennan moved to approve the Mayor's reappointment of Rebecca Leonard, Connie Mangin, and Sonya Quinn, terms expiring 8/99; and appointments of Linda Foster and Tina Hill, terms expiring 8/98; and to increase the committee required membership from seven members to eight members with Durward Minor being appointed, term expiring 8/99 to the MH/MR Public Responsibility Committee. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Martinez and the motion carried.
AYES: Councilman Drennan, Councilwoman Martinez, Councilmen Beckham and Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor McCaleb.
NAYS: None.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:08 a.m.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Jo Moore Gary D. McCaleb
City Secretary Mayor