The City Council of the City of Abilene, Texas, met in a Pre-Council Work Session on December 18, 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, 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. Councilwoman Carol Martinez was absent.

The Council briefly discussed various consent and regular agenda items. Item 3.1, Oral Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a continuance lease with Jane Blackburn for operation of a restaurant at Abilene Regional Airport, will be removed from the agenda to be considered at a later date, as the Airport Board was not able to consider it at their last meeting. It will return to the City Council agenda once it has gone before the Airport Board. Airport Manager Fal Falcioni briefed the Council on Item 3.2, Oral Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Austin Express, Inc. for scheduled airline operations at Abilene Regional Airport, stating Austin Express Inc. is expected to begin flying in March. Mr. Falcioni also stated Aspen expects to fly mid-January, and the lease will be brought to Council in January. Scott Payne, Risk Manager, briefed the Council on Item 3.8, City Employee Assistance program, Bid #CB8014. 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 December 18, 1997, at 9:00 a.m. in the City Council Chambers of City Hall.

Councilman Paul Vasquez gave the invocation.

Cody Green, 5th grader at Bowie Elementary, who was accompanied by Assistant Principal, Diane Rose, led the pledge of Allegiance.

Councilwoman Alexander moved to approve consent agenda items 3.2 through 3.8, as recommended by the staff. Item 3.1 was removed from the agenda to be considered at a later date. Councilman Vasquez seconded the motion and the motion carried.

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

NAYS: None.

Mayor McCaleb officially recognized Mr. Coody of the professional golf circuit. Mayor McCaleb stated Mr. Coody is one of the most popular and well-liked people on the circuit and is known as a true gentleman. The Mayor stated it is a pleasure to have Mr. Coody identified with Abilene, and stated appreciation for the fine way he represents the City.

3.1 Oral Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a continuance lease with Jane Blackburn for operation of a restaurant at Abilene Regional Airport. Removed from the Consent Agenda at the request of the Airport Board, to be considered at a later date.

3.2 Oral Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Austin Express, Inc. for scheduled airline operations at Abilene Regional Airport.

3.3 Oral Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with All American Events Inc. (Sterling & Reid Circus) to conduct a circus at Abilene Regional Airport March 21 & 22, 1998.

3.4 Oral Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Raw Water Supply contract with Abilene Cattle Feeders.

3.5 Oral Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Water Supply Contract with Potosi Water Supply Corporation.

3.6 Oral Resolution approving an additional $46,942.01 in TIF funds to Abilene Paramount Properties, Ltd. for sidewalk improvements at 174 Cypress Street.

3.7 Oral Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Water Supply Contract Water Supply Contract with Lytle Creek Golf Links, LLC.

3.8 City Employee Assistance program, Bid #CB8014. The bid was awarded to American Healthcare Partners (AHP) of Houston, TX in the annual amount of $19,440 ($1.35 per employee per month) as recommended by staff.

4.1 Scott Payne, Risk Manager, briefed the Council on a Resolution revising Resolution #36-1991, Indemnification to City Officials and Employees. Staff recommends approval.

Councilman Drennan moved to approve the Resolution revising Resolution #36-1991, Indemnification to City Officials and Employees as recommended by staff. Councilman Vasquez seconded the motion and the motion carried.

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

NAYS: None.

The Resolution is numbered 40-1997 and is captioned as follows:

4.2 Elizabeth Grindstaff, Downtown Manager, briefed the Council on a Resolution conveying ownership of T & P Freight Warehouse to Abilene Improvement Corporation (AIC) in order to secure Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits for its development. Staff recommends approval.

Councilman Ferguson moved to approve the Resolution conveying ownership of T & P Freight Warehouse to Abilene Improvement Corporation (AIC) in order to secure Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits for its development, as recommended by staff. Councilwoman Alexander seconded the motion and the motion carried.

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

NAYS: None.

The Resolution is numbered 41-1997 and is captioned as follows:

4.3 Fred Aycock, Assistant Director of Community Services, briefed the Council on an Oral Resolution to consider adopting Parks & Recreation Master Plan. Mr. Aycock listed some accomplishments noted under the 1984 Plan. This plan is an up-to-date plan based on current community needs. The Plan includes: new parks in unserved areas, expansion and/or development in existing parks, youth activities, swimming areas, new parks in existing served areas. There will be an annual review of the Plan and revisions as needed. The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, Planning & Zoning Commission, and staff recommend approval.

Councilman Vasquez stated that at Sears Park the service and facility quality is appreciated even though the numbers have decreased. Following further discussion among Council and staff, Councilman Vasquez moved to approve by Oral Resolution adoption of the Parks & Recreation Master Plan, as recommended by staff. Councilman Beckham seconded the motion and the motion carried.

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

NAYS: None.

4.4 Carl Lockett, Planning Administrator, briefed the Council on an Ordinance considered on second and final reading for thoroughfare abandonment of a 20' north-south alley located between S. 7th & S. 8th and Butternut & Elm Streets. The Planning and Zoning Commission and staff recommend approval, subject to the following conditions: (1) unobstructed utility and drainage easements shall be retained on the entire area of the abandoned right-of-way, (2) if relocation of utilities is desired, the relocation will be at proponent's expense; and (3) the proponent shall replat its property in a manner which will provide a connection to Elm Street. Mr. Lockett stated the proponent has amended their request to comply with the conditions set out by staff.

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 Vasquez moved to approve the thoroughfare abandonment of a 20' north-south alley located between S. 7th & S. 8th and Butternut & Elm Streets subject to the following conditions: (1) unobstructed utility and drainage easements shall be retained on the entire area of the abandoned right-of-way, (2) if relocation of utilities is desired, the relocation will be at proponent's expense; and (3) the proponent shall replat its property in a manner which will provide a connection to Elm Street, as recommended by staff. Councilman Beckham seconded the motion and the motion carried.

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

NAYS: None.

The Ordinance is numbered 50-1997 and is captioned as follows:

4.5 Carl Lockett, Planning Administrator, briefed the Council on an Ordinance considered on second and final reading to rezone from AO (Agricultural Open Space) to RS-8 (Residential Single Family) district located in the 2800 block of Antilley Road. The Planning and Zoning Commission and staff recommend approval.

Mayor McCaleb opened a public hearing on the item, and the following individual spoke in response to the request:

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

Councilman Drennan moved to approve the Ordinance to rezone from Agricultural Open Space to Residential Single Family district located in the 2800 block of Antilley as recommended by staff. Councilwoman Alexander seconded the motion and the motion carried.

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

NAYS: None.

The Ordinance is numbered 51-1997 and is captioned as follows:

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.

5.2 Councilman Vasquez moved to approve the Mayor's appointments of Paige Gollihar to the Board of Building Standards, term expiring 11/98; and Bryce Anders to the MPE/Swimming Pool Board of Appeals, term expiring 5/98. Councilwoman Alexander seconded the motion and the motion carried.

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

NAYS: None.

5.3 Sharon Hicks, City Attorney, briefed the Council on a Resolution reappointing Keith A. Barton Municipal Judge for a term of two (2) years. Staff recommends approval.

Councilman Drennan moved to approve the Resolution reappointing Keith A. Barton Municipal Judge for a term of two (2) years, as recommended by staff. Councilman Vasquez seconded the motion and the motion carried.

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

NAYS: None.

The Resolution is numbered 42-1997 and is captioned as follows:

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.

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Jo Moore, City Secretary

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Gary D. McCaleb, Mayor