PRE-COUNCIL WORK SESSION, THURSDAY
December 11, 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 December 11, 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 L. McDaniel, Assistant City Manager Mike Morrison, City Attorney Sharon Hicks, City Secretary Jo Moore, and various members of the City staff. Councilman Paul R. Vasquez was absent.
The Council briefly discussed various consent and regular agenda items. Mayor McCaleb reminded the Council that time would be needed for board appointments today, even though the agenda is short. There being no further discussion, the meeting was recessed until 9:00 a.m. for the regular Council Meeting.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
December 11, 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 December 11, 1997, at 9:00 a.m. in the City Council Chambers of City Hall.
Councilman Don Drennan gave the invocation.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jacob Thompson, 5th grader at Bonham Elementary, who was accompanied by his father, Mr. Thompson, and Mr. Brokovich, assistant principal.
Mayor McCaleb, assisted by City Secretary Jo Moore, presented an Employee Service Award to William J. Newman, Public Safety Dispatcher in the Police Department, for 20 years of service.
Kay Spiva, Abilene Clean & Proud boardmember, assisted Mayor McCaleb in presenting the 2nd Annual Downtown Window Dressing Awards as follows: Christmas Traditional - Under One Roof; Children's Favorite - United Way; Most Unique - O'Kelley Office Supply; Best Big Window - McLemore-Bass; Best Little Window - Fulwiler Jewelers; Best Use of Lighting - Gary's Antiques; Best of Show - Condley & Company. Mayor McCaleb then presented the Clean & Proud Quarterly Awards as follows: Business & Industry - Beautification to Sign Pro; Special Award to the Antilley Road project; Abilene State School; Pine Street Salvage; Abilene Refuse Department; Dyess Air Force Base (Civil Engineers); and Texas Department of Transportation.
Lee Griffith, Vice Chair of the Employee Committee, assisted Mayor McCaleb in introducing the past year's employees of the month as follows: October - Pat Harris, November - Cheryl Fillmon, December - Dee Gates, January - John Gallagher, February - Jeff Armstrong, March - Terri Wright, April - Scott Davis, May - Ray Jennings, June - Danella Elliott, July - Wayne Herrington, August - Gary Conder, and September - David Smith. Mayor McCaleb then presented the Employee of the Year Award to Pat Harris, Office Supervisor in the Administrative Services Department.
Mayor McCaleb, assisted by Earnest Merritt, Special Assistant to the City Manager for Youth Services, presented the Employee of the Quarter Award to Leta Gray, Plans Examiner in the Building Inspections Department.
Councilwomen Martinez and Alexander presented the James H. Howland Award they received on behalf of the City of Abilene from the National League of Cities. This award was in recognition for urban enrichment involving community efforts, environment, quality of life, and the revitalization of the downtown in the TIF district. Individuals recognized were: Mike Warren of the Abilene Preservation League, Ruby Perez, Executive Director of the Abilene Preservation League; C. G. Whitten, Abilene Investment Corp.; Mike Young, TIF District; and Elizabeth Grindstaff, Downtown Manager. In addition to the award, Councilwoman Martinez presented to Mr. Warren of the Abilene Preservation League a check in the amount of $2,000. Liberty Bell pens and a souvenir Program of Events from the NLC ceremony were presented to the Mayor and Council.
Councilwoman Martinez moved to approve the minutes of the Pre-Council Session and Regular City Council Meeting held November 20, 1997 and Special Council Meeting held November 25, 1997. Councilwoman Alexander seconded the motion and the motion carried.
AYES: Councilman Drennan, Councilwoman Martinez, Councilmen Beckham and Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander and Mayor McCaleb.
NAYS: None.
Councilman Drennan moved to approve consent agenda items 3.1 through 3.6 and first reading of items 3.7 and 3.8 as recommended by the staff. Councilwoman Martinez seconded the motion and the motion carried.
AYES: Councilman Drennan, Councilwoman Martinez, Councilmen Beckham and Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander and Mayor McCaleb.
NAYS: None.
Award of Bid
3.1 Pumper for Fire Department, Bid #CB8016. The bid was awarded to Sutphen Corporation the low responsible bidder with adjustments to the original bid prices as follows: DELETE $5,293 by accepting Sutphen's discount proposal, and delete $8,000 in options presented in Sutphen's bid proposal, for a total amount of $256,658.00 as recommended by staff.
3.2 Pipe for Water Utilities Department, Bid #CB8019.The bid was awarded to Plastic Wholesale Plumbing, Inc., the most advantageous for the City in the amount of $36,452.80 as recommended by staff.
3.3 Compressed air street sweeper, Bid #CB8009. The bid was awarded to STM Equipment, Inc., the low responsible bidder in the amount of $99,493.00 as recommended by staff.
3.4 Power broom street sweeper, Bid #CB8017. The bid was awarded to Bee Equipment Sales, Inc., the low responsible bidder, in the amount of $27,958.00 as recommended by staff.
3.5 Traffic sign material, Bid #CB8021. The bid was awarded on a per item basis to 3M for the unit prices bid, as recommended by staff.
Resolutions
3.6 Oral Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a pole agreement and fiber optic contracts with West Texas Utilities.
Ordinances
3.7 Approval of First Reading - TC-05497 - Ordinance for thoroughfare abandonment of a 20' north-south alley located between S. 7th & S. 8th and Butternut & Elm Streets, and set a public hearing for December 18, 1997 at 9:00 a.m.
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ABANDONMENT OF A PORTION OF PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY; PROVIDING FOR THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SUCH ABANDONMENT, AND CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING.
3.8 Approval of First Reading - Z-05697 - Ordinance to rezone from AO (Agricultural Open Space) to RS-8 (Residential Single Family) district located in the 2800 block of Antilley Road, and set a public hearing for December 18, 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.
REGULAR AGENDA
Resolutions:
4.1 James Condry, Assistant Director of Public Works, briefed the Council on a Resolution authorizing initiation of Eminent Domain proceedings for Parcel 1, Hardwick Road, and stated that if an agreement is met between the two parties, eminent domain proceedings will not be necessary.
Councilman Ferguson moved to approve the Resolution authorizing initiation of Eminent Domain proceedings for Parcel 1, Hardwick Road, as recommended by staff. Councilwoman Alexander seconded the motion and the motion carried.
AYES: Councilman Drennan, Councilwoman Martinez, Councilmen Beckham and Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor McCaleb.
NAYS: None.
The Resolution is numbered 39-1997 and is captioned as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ABILENE, TEXAS, DECLARING THE NECESSITY FOR ACQUIRING BY CONDEMNATION THE FEE SIMPLE TITLE TO CERTAIN DESCRIBED PROPERTY FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR THE HARDWICK ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FROM THE SOUTHERN END OF FAIRWAY OAKS BOULEVARD TO FM 707, AND ORDERING THE CONDEMNATION OF SAID PROPERTY TO PROCEED.
Award of Bid:
4.2 Elizabeth Grindstaff, Downtown Manager, briefed the Council on an Award of Bid to Jeff Luther Construction for rehabilitation of the REA Baggage Express and approval of revised budget, Bid #CB8010. Ms. Grindstaff gave a slide presentation of the REA Baggage Express from the early 1950s. Ken Burgess, representing the TIF board, stated the board requests approval following a briefing of the project. Renovation of the building will be done prior to getting a tenant, and a marketing process will start if approved. The estimated project cost to TIF will be $161,000, some of which TIF already has invested. Additional costs will be: base - $455,000 (plus one add alternate of $24,000), WTU - $53,549; and TIF recommends adding a $15,000 contingency. Mr. Burgess stated TIF realizes this is an expensive project, but the site is extremely crucial to continue on with downtown renovation. The clean up around the project area is expected to be done with private monies. The project has a significant historical impact. Councilwoman Alexander asked the architect to explain the large cost for improvements. Architect Rick Weatherl stated the majority of site elements must conform to ADA, barriers are required by the railroad, and continuance of streetscaping would be $70,000 to include landscaping and parking. Councilman Drennan stated there was a question in the Abilene Reporter-News about tearing the building down and using the area for a parking lot. Mr. Burgess stated that although that was suggested, the proposed project has an historical significance to downtown Abilene and the TIF Board was unanimous in approval of the project.
Councilwoman Alexander moved to award the Bid to Jeff Luther Construction for rehabilitation of the REA Baggage Express and approval of the revised budget, Bid #CB8010, as recommended by TIF. Councilwoman Martinez seconded the motion and the motion carried.
AYES: Councilman Drennan, Councilwoman Martinez, Councilman Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor McCaleb.
NAYS: Councilman Beckham.
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 fall board appointments and reappointments to various boards as listed below. Councilwoman Martinez seconded the motion and the motion carried.
AYES: Councilman Drennan, Councilwoman Martinez, Councilmen Beckham and Ferguson, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor McCaleb.
NAYS: None.
Abilene Clean & Proud, Inc. - 3 year terms
Reappoint:
Bob Woodard
Msgt. Lewis Graves
Jim Pethis
Appoint:
Malcolm Bramlett
Wendy Stovall
Steve Davis
Correne Benton
Abilene Health Facilities Development Corporation - 2 year terms
Reappoint:
Bob Springer
Rosemary Suttle
Abilene Public Health Advisory Board - 3 year terms
Reappoint:
Dr. Dale Brannom
Dr. William Shudde
Airport Development Board - 3 year terms
Appoint:
Kathy Webster
Paul Schnitman
Woody Gilliland
Animal Control Advisory Committee - 3 year terms
Reappoint:
Leah Herron
Dottie Scott
Charlotte Roy
Board of Adjustment - 2 year terms
Reappoint:
Kirby Leeson
Ernest Hermann
Appoint:
Tom Niblo
Fannie Baker, Alternate
Board of Building Standards - 2 year terms
Reappoint:
Tommie Harendt
Bruce Bixby
Don Faulkner
Sam St. Clair
Betty Blazier
Appoint:
Terry Crozier
Tim Crowe
Civil Service Commission - 3 year terms
Reappoint:
Hubert Pickett
Development Corporation of Abilene - 3 year term
Reappoint:
Jane Varner Beard
David Stubbeman
Housing Authority - 2 year terms
Reappoint:
Earl Williams
Faye Hedrick
Irma Lydia Molina
Human Relations Committee - 3 year term
Appoint:
Danny L. Scott
Landmarks Commission - 3 year terms
Appoint:
Cynthia Rucker-Allen
Carolyn Chorn, At-large
Phil Miller, Architect
Sherry Statler, Alternate
James Bucherie, Alternate
Reappoint:
Scott Bishop
Betty Hukill
Library Board - 2 year terms
Reappoint:
Adelina Zamarippa
Rebel Jackson
Appoint:
Priscilla Przybyslawski
Joe Specht
Laura Dyer
Barbara Vick
Mixed Use Review Board - 2 year terms
Reappoint:
Howard DeShazo, At-Large
Larry Chapman, At-Large
Larry Vaughn, At-Large
Reinvestment Zone #1 City of Abilene - 2 year terms
Reappoint:
Rhonda Bolt
Ken Burgess, Jr.
Sheldon Greene
Kris Southward
Jack Turner, County Rep.
James Elam
Ruppert Rangel
Sister Cities - 3 year terms
Reappoint:
James Aneff
Billye Proctor-Shaw
Appoint:
Vickie Reynolds
Steve Teaff
Joe Frush
Technology Committee - 3 year terms
Reappoint:
Phil Morehead
Appoint:
Kevin Wood
Jackie Hamilton
Anthony Williams
Youth Advisory Council - 1 year terms
Reappoint:
Harvey Mireles, Abilene High School
Kent Benfer, Cooper High School
Alesha Mitchell, Madison Middle School
Andrea Baldwin, Clack Middle School
Amanda Mahan, Cooper High School
Katherine Holden, Wylie Middle School
Robbie Allen, Wylie High School
Austin Cunningham, Abilene Christian High School
Appoint:
Lauren Stephens, Abilene High School
Levi Carlson, Wylie Middle School
Stephen Fink, Abilene High School
Xavier Mireles, Abilene High School
Collette Smith, Abilene High School
Brandon'a Schroeder, Abilene High School
Blair Schroeder, Abilene High School
Joann Dispo, Cooper High School
Janelle Ramirez, Abilene Christian High School
Ann Marie Graham, Christian Academy
Alyssa Adkins, Lincoln Middle School
Erica Rangel, Lincoln Middle School
Jeffrey Stephens, Lincoln Middle School
Ashlee McKinney, Madison Middle School
Holly Jones, Madison Middle School
Amanda Graham, Christian Academy
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m.
______________________________
Jo Moore, City Secretary
______________________________
Gary D. McCaleb, Mayor