The City Council of the City of Abilene, Texas, met in a Pre-Council Work Session on August 10, 2000, at 8:30 a.m. in the Basement Conference Room of City Hall. Mayor Grady Barr was present and presiding with Councilmen Norm Archibald, Kris Southward, Victor Carrillo, Rob Beckham, Versie L. Brown, Jr. and Councilwoman Kay Alexander. Also present were City Manager Roy L. McDaniel, Assistant City Manager Michael Morrison, City Attorney Sharon Hicks, City Secretary Jo Moore, and various members of the City staff.

Mayor Barr stated item 4.3, Ordinance to rezone from HI (Heavy Industrial) to PDD (Planned Development) zoning district property located on Arnold Blvd., south of I-20 would be moved to first on the Regular agenda if Council has no objections, and stated that discussion would be confined to the proposed zone change only, allowing the DCOA the opportunity to address the other citizen concerns at a future DCOA board meeting. Mayor Barr further stated Tucker Bridwell, DCOA representative and Ken Musgrave, citizen representative, will be given the opportunity to address the Council on the item. Mayor Barr also stated the reason for moving Item 4.3 is to allow ample time for Dr. Brenton's presentation on the City's development process. City Manager Roy McDaniel stated beginning this morning, each City division will be giving a 10-15 minute presentation on their respective functions. Cassie Hughes, Building Official, then briefed the Council on the Building Inspection Division functions, noting that Building Inspection is part of the Community Development Department. Ms. Hughes then outlined the division's mission, services provided, volume of permits issued and number of inspections made (23,500+) each year, tools that are utilized (state regulations, national standards), development partnerships, who handles complaints, how they inform the public of their services, and why their employees work in building inspections. Mr. McDaniel explained the Board of Building Standards role in the Building Inspection process, and noted Ms. Hughes and her staff assure citizens that houses are up to standards. Ms. Hughes briefed the Council concerning calls received per month on substandard property, noting that occupied houses are not condemned. Following Ms. Hughes' presentation, Mr. McDaniel stated that although agenda Item 3.9 was denied by the Planning and Zoning Commission, the proponent has one week to appeal the Planning & Zoning Commission's decision, so the item is before the Council for first reading today. There being no further discussion, the meeting was recessed to the City Council Chambers until 9:00 a.m. for the regular Council Meeting.

Mayor Barr reconvened the City Council of the City of Abilene, Texas, into Regular Session August 10, 2000, at 9:00 a.m. in the City Council Chambers of City Hall.

Councilwoman Kay Alexander gave the invocation.

Pledge of Allegiance was led by Rachel Graves, first-grader at Allie Ward Elementary. Rachel was accompanied by her parents, Rhonda & Tim Graves and her brother, Austin. Rachel's grandfather is City Manager Roy McDaniel.

Jo Moore, City Secretary, assisted Mayor Barr in the presentation of the Employee Service Awards as follows:

25 Years, Ramon C. Moreno, Park Worker, Community Services

Councilman Archibald moved to approve the minutes of the July 14, 17, & 18, 2000 Budget Worksessions and July 27, 2000 Pre-Council and Council Meeting as printed. Councilman Southward seconded the motion and the motion carried.

AYES: Councilmen Archibald, Southward, Carrillo, Beckham, Brown, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor Barr.

NAYS: None.

Councilman Beckham moved to approve consent agenda items 3.1 through 3.3 and approval of first reading of items 3.4 through 3.10. Councilman Brown seconded the motion and the motion carried.

AYES: Councilmen Archibald, Southward, Carrillo, Beckham, Brown, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor Barr.

NAYS: None.

2. Backhoe loader for Water Distribution Division, Bid #CB-0049. The bid was awarded to Abilene New Holland, the low responsible bidder in the amount of $45,385.00 and that their extended full coverage warranty option be purchased for an additional $3,500.00, for a total award amount of $48,885.00 as recommended by staff.
3. S. 14^th St. Rehabilitation, Phase III, Bid #CB-0051. The bid was awarded to J. H. Strain & Sons, Inc. of Tye, Texas for the unit prices bid with an estimated construction cost of $586,166.17, as recommended by staff.

Ordinances

4. Approval of first reading - Z-03500 - Rezone from SC, LC & AO (Shopping Center, Limited Commercial & Agricultural Open Space) to PDD (Planned Development) zoning district property located in the 5300 block of Buffalo Gap Road, and set a public hearing for August 24, 2000 at 9:00 a.m.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ABILENE, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 23, SUBPART E, "ZONING," OF THE ABILENE MUNICIPAL CODE, CONCERNING PDD-69 PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT; CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING; PROVIDING A PENALTY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

5. Approval of first reading - Z-03700 - Rezone from SC (Shopping Center) to GC (General Commercial) zoning district property located in the 3600 block of North 6^th Street, and set a public hearing for August 24, 2000 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.

6. Approval of first reading - TC-03800 - Thoroughfare abandonment of a 20' north-south alley located between South 2^nd (abandoned) and South 3^rd Streets, and set a public hearing for August 24, 2000 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.

7. Approval of first reading - Z-03900 - Rezone from SC, RS-8 & CU (Shopping Center, Residential Single Family & College-University) to CU (College-University) zoning district properties located at 1626 Campus Court and 1600-1700 block of North Judge Ely Blvd., and set a public hearing for August 24, 2000 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.

8. Approval of first reading - Z-04000 - Rezone from O (Office) to GC (General Commercial) zoning district property located at 2625 Barrow, and set a public hearing for August 24, 2000 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.

9. Approval of first reading - TC-04200 - Thoroughfare abandonment of (1) a 30' north-south alley from the north right-of-way line of an east-west alley and being 86' in length adjacent to the west property line of Lot 4, Reeds Subdivision; and (2) a 20' east-west alley east from Merchant to the north-south alley and located on Merchant between North 11^th & North 12^th Streets, and set a public hearing for August 24, 2000 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.

10. Approval of first reading - Z-04300 - Rezone from SC & RS-8 (Shopping Center & Residential Single Family) to GC (General Commercial) zoning district property located at Antilley and Buffalo Gap Roads, and set a public hearing for August 24, 2000 at 9:00 a.m.

Mayor Barr stated item 4.3, Rezone from HI (Heavy Industrial) to PDD (Planned Development) zoning district property located on Arnold Blvd., south of I-20 would be moved to first on the Regular agenda, and noted it was tabled at the July 27^th Council meeting. Mayor Barr asked for a motion to remove the item from the table.

4.3 Councilman Carrillo made a motion to remove from the table Item 4.3, Z-03600 - Rezone from HI (Heavy Industrial) to PDD (Planned Development) zoning district property located on Arnold Blvd., south of I-20. Councilman Archibald seconded the motion and the motion carried.

AYES: Councilmen Archibald, Southward, Carrillo, Beckham, Brown, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor Barr.

NAYS: None.

Jeff Armstrong, Assistant Director of Community Development, briefed the Council on Z-03600 - Rezone from HI (Heavy Industrial) to PDD (Planned Development) zoning district property located on Arnold Blvd., south of I-20. Mr. Armstrong stated the Development Corporation of Abilene is developing the Industrial park, and this Planned Development District provides for controls that are intended to preserve the quality of the park. The Planned Development District is designed to allow for industrial and associated uses with substantial aesthetic and design controls. Mr. Armstrong further stated this property was called the Greater Abilene Industrial Park, but the name has been changed to Five Points Business Park. The Planning & Zoning Commission and staff recommend approval.

Mayor Barr recognized DCOA chair Tucker Bridwell. Mr. Bridwell stated DCOA requested the PDD zoning in the 5 Points Business Park to place more restrictions on the remaining land in the park, in order to improve the look of the park, to improve the value of the land, and to make it nicer and more attractive for the present and future. Mr. Bridwell emphasized the spec building cannot be used for office space, and that DCOA doesn't plan to, or want to use it for that purpose.

Kenneth Musgrave, 3051 Hwy. 351, stated after meeting with some Council & DCOA board members to discuss certain concerns, he no longer objects to the PDD zoning, and he stated appreciation to the Council for their patience in this matter.

Councilman Southward moved to approve the Ordinance to rezone from HI (Heavy Industrial) to PDD (Planned Development) zoning district property located on Arnold Blvd., south of I-20 as recommended by staff. Councilwoman Alexander seconded the motion and the motion carried.

AYES: Councilmen Archibald, Southward, Carrillo, Beckham, Brown, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor Barr.

NAYS: None.

The Ordinance is numbered 30-2000 and is captioned as follows:

1. Dr. Angela Brenton, Professor of Organizational Communication at ACU, presented the final report on the City of Abilene Development Process. In February of 2000, Dr. Brenton was hired as a consultant to assist the City in examining and making improvements to its development processes. Part of the process included interviewing individuals connected with the City; conducting three focus groups with architects, engineers, general contractors, developers, and sub-contractors; and facilitating a half-day retreat with the City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and Board of Building Standards to discuss development issues. Dr. Brenton stated the report is based on the perceptions of the people interviewed.

Following Dr. Brenton's overview of the report, Council's discussion and concerns included the citizens' perception of the City organization and the difficulties they perceive exist in the current development process. Areas noted in the report that need to be addressed in any change effort included streamlining the development process to offer better service to customers, being proactive in communicating improvements, and communicating the message about how the City has been responsive to public feedback. Budget implications to implement the recommendations in the report were questioned by Council. City Manager Roy McDaniel stated that although having the report before the budget worksessions was hoped for but did not occur, efforts to implement some of the recommendations have already been made.

Councilman Carrillo moved to accept the final report by Dr. Angela Brenton on the City of Abilene Development Process as presented. Councilman Brown seconded the motion and the motion carried.

AYES: Councilmen Archibald, Southward, Carrillo, Beckham, Brown, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor Barr.

NAYS: None.

4.2 Dwayne Hargesheimer, Director of Water Administration, briefed the Council regarding an Oral Resolution approving change order #1: Rehab of Ft. Phantom Raw Water Pump Station.

Staff recommends approval.

Following Council and staff discussion, which included the current drought conditions and use of effluent water to irrigate golf courses, Councilman Beckham encouraged staff to look at using effluent water in such areas as the railroad right-of-way, etc.

Councilman Beckham moved to approve by Oral Resolution change order #1: Rehab of Ft. Phantom Raw Water Pump Station to Starks Construction Company in the amount of $53,371.23, as recommended by staff. Councilman Carrillo seconded the motion and the motion carried.

AYES: Councilmen Archibald, Southward, Carrillo, Beckham, Brown, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor Barr.

NAYS: None.

4. Rick Crider, Airport Manager, briefed the Council on an Oral Resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept a Federal Aviation Administration grant for terminal expansion work and aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle at the Abilene Regional Airport, stating the grant was approved as of last Friday. Mr. Crider then introduced Larry Gill, Chair of the Airport Development Board, Jimmy Tittle, Jack Harkins, and Paige Gollihar of Tittle & Luther. Mr. Gollihar presented and reviewed the site plan for the expansion project.

Mr. McDaniel stated that by accepting this grant, a Certificate of Obligation sale will be necessary next spring to provide the City's match.

Council stated appreciation to Mr. Gill and the Airport Development Board for their efforts toward the betterment of the Airport.

Councilman Archibald made a motion to authorize the City Manager by Oral Resolution to accept a Federal Aviation Administration grant for terminal expansion work and aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle at the Abilene Regional Airport, as recommended by staff. Councilwoman Alexander seconded the motion and the motion carried.

AYES: Councilmen Archibald, Southward, Carrillo, Beckham, Brown, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor Barr.

NAYS: None.

4.5 David Wright, Director of Finance, briefed the Council on the State law requiring a public hearing be held prior to adoption of the tax levy. Mr. Wright noted the FY 2000-01 Budget approved on first reading by Council on July 18^th set the tax rate at 58.09 cents, and final approval is scheduled for the August 24, 2000 Council meeting.

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

No Council action was required.

There being no further business, Mayor Barr recessed the Council into executive session pursuant to Sections 551.071, 551.072 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 purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property, and to consider the appointment and evaluation of public officers.

The Council reconvened from executive session and reported no action taken.

Councilman Brown moved to approve Mayor Barr's reappointment of Steve Austin to the MHMR Board of Trustees, term expiring 8/2002. Councilman Beckham seconded the motion and the motion carried.

AYES: Councilmen Archibald, Southward, Carrillo, Beckham, Brown, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor Barr.

NAYS: None.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:58 a.m.

Jo Moore, City Secretary

Grady Barr, Mayor