The City Council of the City of Abilene, Texas, met in a Pre-Council Work Session on October 23, 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 and A. Don Drennan, Councilwoman Carol Martinez, Councilmen Rob Beckham and Ray Ferguson, and Councilwoman Kay Alexander. Also present were City Manager Roy McDaniel, Assistant City Manager Mike Morrison, City Attorney Sharon Hicks, City Secretary Jo Moore, and various members of the City staff.

City Manager Roy McDaniel informed Council that item 4.4, Oral Resolution to consider annexation petition from Hoyt McBryde for 2.0 acres located at 4402 FM 3034, and petition from A. L. Rhodes for 2.2 acres out of Lot 5, Subdivision of the Alexander Thompson Survey 20, Taylor & Jones Counties, would be pulled from the agenda, as the proponents have withdrawn their requests pending a study of the area and preparation of a Service Plan, if necessary. Mayor McCaleb announced the Council would break for a reception for approximately 15 minutes in connection with the ABC video highlighting downtown Abilene. Councilwoman Alexander, who served as the Council representative in preparation of the ABC video, stated special recognition would be given to the groups involved in promoting the downtown area and the production of the video, followed by the reception. Mayor McCaleb also stated there would be a special Council meeting November 7th to canvass the votes of the Library Bond Election held November 4th. The November 6th Council meeting will remain the same. The Council briefly discussed various other consent and regular agenda items. There being no further discussion, the meeting was recessed until 9:00 a.m. for the regular Council Meeting.

Mayor McCaleb reconvened the City Council of the City of Abilene, Texas, into Regular Session October 23, 1997, at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

Invocation was given by Councilman Paul Vasquez.

Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jordan Richmond, fifth grader at Alta Vista Elementary School, who was accompanied by his mother and his principal, Nell Sims.

Mayor McCaleb presented the following proclamations:

October 23rd as West Texas Girl Scout Council 50th Anniversary Day; and

October as Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Mayor McCaleb introduced the ABC World News Tonight Video agenda item, stating Councilwoman Alexander has acted as Council liaison as well as Council representative to the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council for this event. Councilwoman Alexander recognized several groups including the Chamber of Commerce staff, Cultural Affairs Council staff, City staff, merchants, business owners, downtown employees, past and present members of the TIF, AIC, Abilene Preservation League, Cultural Affairs Council, DCOA, representatives from the Art groups, all people interviewed for the video; and all who were involved in the development of the Downtown area over the years, which has resulted in the recent national recognition. Special recognition was given to Lynn Barnett of the Cultural Affairs Council, who set up the interviews with ABC, and provided background information to the network. Councilwoman Alexander noted if Abilene had purchased the ad time as shown on ABC World News Tonight, it would have cost $300,000. 7,100,000 people viewed the broadcast, and 40 cities have contacted Abilene requesting information on what they can do to promote their downtowns and improve their communities. Councilwoman Alexander recognized individuals in the audience who wished to publicly commend those involved in the downtown redevelopment, and in the production of the video. The video was then shown, followed by a brief reception.

The Council reconvened from the reception. There being no corrections, additions, or deletions to the minutes of the Pre-Council Session and Regular City Council Meeting held October 9, 1997, Councilman Vasquez moved to approve the minutes as printed. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Martinez and the motion carried.

AYES: Councilmen Vasquez and Drennan, Councilwoman Martinez, Councilmen Beckham and Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor McCaleb.

NAYS: None.

Councilwoman Alexander moved to approve consent agenda items 3.1 through 3.4, as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Councilman Vasquez and the motion carried.

AYES: Councilmen Vasquez and Drennan, Councilwoman Martinez, Councilmen Beckham and Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor McCaleb.

NAYS: None.

4.1 Carl Lockett, Planning Administrator, briefed the Council on an Ordinance considered on second and final reading - Z-04597 - Ordinance to add H (Historic Overlay) to underlying CB & LI (Central Business & Light Industrial) district, located at 101 Oak. The Planning and Zoning Commission and staff recommends approval.

Mayor McCaleb opened a public hearing on the item, and the following individuals spoke in favor of the request:

Elizabeth Grindstaff, Downtown Manager, stated appreciation to Council for their consideration of this request on behalf of the Abilene Improvement Corporation.

There being no one else present and desiring to be heard, the public hearing was closed.

Councilman Drennan moved to approve the Ordinance to add H (Historic Overlay) to underlying CB & LI (Central Business & Light Industrial) district located at 101 Oak, as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Alexander and the motion carried.

AYES: Councilmen Vasquez and Drennan, Councilwoman Martinez, Councilmen Beckham and Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor McCaleb.

Nays: None.

The Ordinance is numbered 45-1997 and is captioned as follows:

4.2 Carl Lockett, Planning Administrator, briefed the Council on an Ordinance considered on second and final reading - Z-04697 - Ordinance to amend PDD 50 concerning Part 8, Specific Modifications and Part 10, Development, located at 3602 Hwy. 83/277. The Planning and Zoning Commission and staff recommends approval.

Mayor McCaleb opened a public hearing on the item, and the following individuals spoke in favor of the request:

Eddie Chase, agent for the proponent.

There being no one else present and desiring to be heard, the public hearing was closed.

Councilman Drennan moved to approve the Ordinance to amend PDD 50 concerning Part 8, Specific Modifications and Part 10, Development, located at 3602 Hwy. 83/277 as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Councilman Vasquez and the motion carried.

AYES: Councilmen Vasquez and Drennan, Councilwoman Martinez, Councilmen Beckham and Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor McCaleb.

Nays: None.

The Ordinance is numbered 46-1997 and is captioned as follows:

4.3 Carl Lockett, Planning Administrator, briefed the Council on an Ordinance considered on second and final reading - SNC-04797 - Ordinance for street name change from Play Street to Expo Drive. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval; staff recommends approval based on compliance with the Street Naming Policy.

Mayor McCaleb opened a public hearing on the item, and there being no one present and desiring to be heard, the public hearing was closed.

Councilwoman Martinez moved to approve the Ordinance for street name change from Play Street to Expo Drive, as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Councilman Vasquez and the motion carried.

AYES: Councilmen Vasquez and Drennan, Councilwoman Martinez, Councilmen Beckham and Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor McCaleb.

Nays: None.

The Ordinance is numbered 47-1997 and is captioned as follows:

4.4 Mayor McCaleb announced the Oral Resolution to consider an annexation petition from Hoyt McBryde for 2.0 acres located at 4402 FM 3034, and a petition from A. L. Rhodes for 2.2 acres out of Lot 5, Subdivision of the Alexander Thompson Survey 20, Taylor & Jones Counties, was withdrawn by the proponents and would not be considered at this time.

4.5 Sharon Hicks, City Attorney, briefed the Council on an Oral Resolution approving license of public convenience and necessity for Rural/Metro Ambulance.

Mayor McCaleb opened a public hearing on the item, and there being no one present and desiring to be heard, the public hearing was closed.

Councilman Ferguson moved to approve by Oral Resolution a license of public convenience and necessity for Rural/Metro Ambulance, as recommended by the staff. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Alexander and the motion carried.

AYES: Councilmen Vasquez and Drennan, Councilwoman Martinez, Councilmen Beckham and Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor McCaleb.

NAYS: None.

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 Vasquez moved to approve the Resolution nominating Harold Nixon and Betty Ray to the Central Appraisal District Board of Directors. The motion was seconded by Councilman Ferguson and the motion carried.

AYES: Councilmen Vasquez and Drennan, Councilwoman Martinez, Councilmen Beckham and Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor McCaleb.

Nays: None.

The Resolution is numbered 34-1997 and is captioned as follows:

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:20 a.m.

_____________________________ ______________________________

Jo Moore Gary D. McCaleb

City Secretary Mayor