CITY COUNCIL MEETING

January 24, 2002, 8:30 A.M.

 

               CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ABILENE, TEXAS

               CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF CITY HALL

 

            The City Council of the City of Abilene, Texas, met in Regular Session on January 24, 2002, at 8:30 a.m. in the City Council Cham­bers of City Hall. Mayor Grady Barr was present and presiding with Councilmen Norm Archibald, Kris Southward, Anthony Williams, Rob Beckham, Jimmy McNeil, 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.

 

            Councilman Anthony Williams gave the invocation.

 

            Pledge of Allegiance was led by Kyle Goynes, fifth-grader at Jackson Elementary School.  Also in attendance were Kyle’s sister and his mother, Sandra Goynes.

 

Larry Johnson, Health Administrator, assisted Mayor Barr in presenting the Texas Department of Health Vital Statistics Award to Janice Louden, Vital Statistics Registrar.

 

Mayor Barr presented the following Proclamations:

February 2002 as “Girl Scouts 55th Anniversary Month”, and

February 2002 as “Crimestoppers Month”.

 

Councilwoman Alexander presented a proclamation for February 2002 As “American Heart Month”.

 

            Mayor Barr stated that due to this morning’s lengthy agenda, there will be no division presentation.

 

DISPOSITION OF MINUTES

There being no corrections, additions, or deletions to the January 10, 2002 Regular City Council Minutes, Councilman Southward moved to approve the minutes as printed. Councilman McNeil seconded the motion and the motion carried.

            AYES:  Councilmen Archibald, Southward, Williams, Beckham, McNeil, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor Barr.

            NAYS:  None.

 

     CONSENT AGENDA

            Councilman Southward requested Item 3.7 be removed from the Consent Agenda to be considered separately.  Councilman Archibald moved to approve consent agenda items 3.1 through 3.6 and first reading of item 3.8. Councilwoman Alexander seconded the motion and the motion carried.

            AYES:  Councilmen Archibald, Southward, Williams, Beckham, McNeil, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor Barr.

            NAYS:  None.

Resolutions:

3.1              Oral Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a lease agreement for restaurant space at Abilene Regional Airport with Ron-Bar, Inc.

 

3.2              Oral Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with HNTB for professional services associated with Runway Safety Area improvements to Runway 17L, extension of Taxiway D and TW Connectors at Abilene Regional Airport.

 

3.3              Oral Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for their professional services associated with installation of the MALSR, the approach lighting system at Abilene Regional Airport. 

 

 

Bid Awards:

3.4              Dump Trucks for Street/Drainage Services and Water Distribution Divisions, Bid #CB-2039.  The bid was awarded as follows: Items 1 and 2 to R. L. Anderson and Item 3 to Young’s Truck Center, representing the low responsible bidders in the amount of $284,726.00, as recommended by staff.

 

3.5              Gate seating for passenger terminal at Abilene Regional Airport, Bid #CB-2013.  The bid was awarded to KI Dallas Showroom in the amount of $38,869.70, as recommended by staff.

 

3.6              Parking lot at G. V. Daniels Recreation Center, Bid #CB-2038. The bid was awarded to Wagley Construction, Inc., Putnam, Texas in the amount of $39,582.95, as recommended by staff.

 

 

Ordinances:

3.7              Removed from the Consent Agenda to be considered separately.  Ordinance amending the 2000 International Building Code, Sec. 411.9 for Temporary Amusement Buildings, and set a public hearing for February 14, 2002 at 8:30 a.m. 

 

3.8              Ordinance adopting 2000 International Fire Code, with amendments, and set a public hearing for February 14, 2002 at 8:30 a.m.

 

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 10, ARTICLE III, “FIRE PREVENTION CODE”, DIVISION 1, SEC. 10-46 OF THE ABILENE MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS AS SET OUT BELOW; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND DECLARING A PENALTY.

 

 

 

 

 

 

REGULAR AGENDA

 

Ordinance:

3.7              First reading of an Ordinance amending the 2000 International Building Code, Sec. 411.9 for Temporary Amusement Buildings, and set a public hearing for February 14, 2002 at 8:30 a.m.

 

Cassie Hughes, Building Official, briefed the Council on the Ordinance.  Ms. Hughes stated the City adopted the 2000 Editions of the International Building, Residential, Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes in October of 2001.  The Fire Department, upon completing review of the International Fire Code and local amendments, presented both to the Board of Building Standards on December 5, 2001.  At the presentation, the Board agreed with the Fire Code Ad-Hoc Review Committee action, and voted to recommend amending the 2000 International Building Code to require a smoke detection system, in accordance with the International Fire Code, in temporary amusement structures.  It is, therefore, recommended to amend this section of the International Building Code in order for the International Fire Code and the International Building Code to be compatible and consistent with one another.  In October of this past year, there were three establishments that applied for approval under the temporary amusement building regulations for haunted houses.  One was a private business and two were sponsored fundraisers by the Jaycees of Abilene and the Abilene Repertory Theatre.  The amendment will require an upgrade in the smoke alarm system at each of these buildings.  The amendment will increase the cost of the smoke alarm system to be installed.  The Board of Building Standards and staff recommend approval of the Ordinance.

 

Council’s discussion included: the cost to and possible detrimental impact on the three existing businesses; the businesses being informed as to the date of the public hearing and to the specifics of the Ordinance.

 

Ms. Hughes stated cost estimates to bring the businesses into compliance with the Code could be obtained before the second reading and public hearing on February 14, 2002; and that the three businesses would be informed of the public hearing and the specifics of the Ordinance.

 

            Councilman Southward made a motion to approve first reading of the Ordinance amending the 2000 International Building Code, Sec. 411.9 for Temporary Amusement Buildings, and set a public hearing for February 14, 2002 at 8:30 a.m. Councilman Archibald seconded the motion and the motion carried.

            AYES: Councilmen Archibald, Southward, Williams, Beckham, McNeil, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor Barr.

            NAYS:   None.

 

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 8, “CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS” ARTICLE VI, “CODES AND OTHER REGULATIONS”, DIVISION 2, “BUILDING CODE”; OF THE ABILENE MUNICIPAL CODE, BY AMENDING SECTIONS AS SET OUT BELOW; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, DECLARING A PENALTY, AND CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING.

 

Resolutions:

4.1       Rick Crider, Airport Director, briefed the Council on an Oral Resolution designating Abilene Regional Airport as an Air Industrial Park.  Mr. Crider stated at the core of the airport master plan is the notion of bringing modes of transportation together at a location that will appeal to business and industry engaged in distribution, logistics and cargo.  Abilene Regional Airport has the potential to serve as a hub for commerce, and as one component of a multi-modal center.  Several tools were recommended by both the airport master plan consultant and the community development plan, one of which was to pursue the development of an air-industrial park.  Designation of Abilene Regional Airport as an industrial park will set the stage for further implementation of a comprehensive plan to bring transportation and commerce together in Abilene, ultimately providing an environment for new jobs and industry within the community.  Such a plan could bring other tools together and define the role the airport and industrial park will play as a regional economic development engine.  Designation of Abilene Regional Airport as an industrial park is important to the continued involvement and support of the Development Corporation of Abilene, and Mr. Crider stated there is no down side to the designation.  The Airport Development Board and staff recommend approval.

 

            Mayor Barr gave special recognition to Mr. Crider, thanked him for his service as Abilene’s Airport Director, and wished him well as he will be leaving to fill the position of Airport Manager in Gainesville, Florida.

 

            Councilwoman Alexander moved to approve, by Oral Resolution, the designating of Abilene Regional Airport as an Air Industrial Park, as recommended by staff. Councilman McNeil seconded the motion and the motion carried.

            AYES: Councilmen Archibald, Southward, Williams, Beckham, McNeil, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor Barr.

            NAYS:   None.

 

 

4.2       David Wright, Director of Finance, briefed the Council on a Resolution considering location of a bidder’s principal place of business in awarding contracts.  Mr. Wright stated the 77th Legislature amended Chapter 271.905 of the Local Government Code allowing cities with a population of 200,000 or less to give “preference” if the local bidder was within three percent (3%) of the lowest bid from a bidder not having a place of business in the City.  The law requires that the City Council determine, in writing, that the best combination of contract price and economic development opportunities is to the benefit of the City to award the contract locally.  The Resolution does not obligate the City to award contracts to local bidders.  Staff recommends approval.

 

Mayor Barr stated if the Resolution is approved, a description of the 3% information should be added to the bid documents.  Mr. Wright stated the actual “location” of local bidders would be addressed as situations arise.

 

 

 

            Councilman McNeil moved to approve the Resolution considering location of a bidder’s principal place of business in awarding contracts, as recommended by staff. Councilman Beckham seconded the motion and the motion carried.

            AYES: Councilmen Archibald, Southward, Williams, Beckham, McNeil, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor Barr.

            NAYS:   None.

            The Resolution is numbered 2-2002 and is captioned as follows:

 

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ABILENE, TEXAS, CONSIDERING LOCATION OF A BIDDER’S PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS IN AWARDING CONTRACTS AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

 

Bid Awards:

4.3       David Wright, Director of Finance, briefed the Council on a bid request for vehicles for various divisions, Bid #CB-2036.  Mr. Wright reviewed, as outlined in the Council’s agenda packet, the bids that the three (3) percent local preference allowance applied to.  Staff recommends the bids representing the low responsible bidders be awarded as follows:  Item 1 to Lawrence Marshall; Item 3 to Arrow Ford, and Items 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 to Lawrence Hall for a total amount of $707,939.60.

 

            Councilman Archibald moved to approve the bid request for vehicles for various divisions, Bid #CB-2036, as recommended by staff. Councilman Williams seconded the motion and the motion carried.

            AYES: Councilmen Archibald, Southward, Williams, Beckham, McNeil, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor Barr.

            NAYS:   None.

 

 

4.4       Ronnie Kidd, Director of Information Technology, briefed the Council on Request for Proposal #CB-2022, for Program consulting services for the Health Division Community Health Assessment and Profile Project (CHAPP).

 

            Mr. Kidd stated a request for proposals was advertised November 11 and 18 for the provision of consulting services relative to the planning, instrument development, data collection, and report preparation associated with a comprehensive health assessment of Taylor, Jones and Nolan counties.  The project is to solicit data from citizens utilizing various traditional methods including telephone, face-to-face, and/or focus group; and to collect similar data using electronic methodologies involving infoAbilene, e-mail, and/or Internet based capabilities.  The project will develop a health profile for each county in the assessment and for sub-areas of those counties, and distribute the information by various means including infoAbilene.  Staff recommends accepting the proposal from the United Way of Abilene for $60,000 and approval by oral resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with United Way of Abilene for provisions of the consulting services.

 

 

            Councilman Archibald moved to approve the Request for Proposal #CB-2022, for Program consulting services for the Health Division’s Community Health Assessment and Profile Project, as recommended by staff. Councilman Southward seconded the motion and the motion carried.

            AYES: Councilmen Archibald, Southward, Williams, Beckham, McNeil, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor Barr.

            NAYS:   None.

 

 

4.5            Dwayne Hargesheimer, Director of Water Administration, briefed the Council on award of bid #CB-1043 for the Southside Water Treatment plant.  Mr. Hargesheimer stated construction bids for the new Southside Water Treatment Plant were received and opened January 15, 2002.  This project is divided into two bid proposals.  The High Service Pump Station and Clearwell bids will be received January 29, 2002.  Staff recommends the Council authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with M. W. Bailey’s, Inc., Temple, Texas in an amount not to exceed $11,490,000.00. Mr. Hargesheimer further stated in evaluating the bid breakdown, several areas of potential cost savings were noted.  If the bid is approved, those potential savings would be explored for a possible reduction in the contract amount and scope.

 

            Councilwoman Alexander moved to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with M. W. Bailey’s, Inc., Temple, Texas in an amount not to exceed $11,490,000.00 for the Southside Water Treatment plant, Bid #CB-1043, as recommended by staff. Councilman McNeil seconded the motion and the motion carried.

            AYES: Councilmen Archibald, Southward, Williams, Beckham, McNeil, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor Barr.

            NAYS:   None.

 

 

Ordinances/Resolutions:

4.6       Jeff Armstrong, Development Services Administrator, briefed the Council on an Ordinance considered on second and final reading - SNC-00102 – Street name change for a portion of University Boulevard located between Old Anson Road and Forrest Avenue to Little League Road.  The Planning and Zoning Commission and staff recommend approval.

 

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

 

            Councilman Beckham moved to approve the Ordinance for a street name change for a portion of University Boulevard located between Old Anson Road and Forrest Avenue to Little League Road, as recommended by staff. Councilman Archibald seconded the motion and the motion carried.

            AYES: Councilmen Archibald, Southward, Williams, Beckham, McNeil, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor Barr.

            NAYS:   None.

 

 

            The Ordinance is numbered 2-2002 and is captioned as follows:

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ABILENE, TEXAS, FOR A STREET NAME CHANGE OF UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD TO LITTLE LEAGUE ROAD, AS DESCRIBED BELOW AND CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING.

 

4.7       Jeff Armstrong, Development Services Administrator, briefed the Council on an Ordinance considered on second and final reading - SNC-00202 – Street name change for a portion of Forrest Avenue located between University Boulevard and Vogel Avenue to Ambrocio Flores Jr. Road. The Planning and Zoning Commission and staff recommend approval.

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

 

·        Billy Enriquez, agent, 1773 Richland, member of the Northern Little League Board of Directors, stated this is an opportunity to enhance the little league program.  Mr. Enriquez further stated that the street name change is in honor of Mr. Flores who dedicated all his adult life to youth and the little league.

 

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

 

            Councilman Williams moved to approve the Ordinance for a street name change for a portion of Forrest Avenue located between University Boulevard and Vogel Avenue to Ambrocio Flores Jr. Road, as recommended by staff. Councilman Beckham seconded the motion and the motion carried.

            AYES: Councilmen Archibald, Southward, Williams, Beckham, McNeil, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor Barr.

            NAYS:   None.

 

            The Ordinance is numbered 3-2002 and is captioned as follows:

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ABILENE, TEXAS, FOR A STREET NAME CHANGE OF FORREST AVENUE TO AMBROCIO FLORES JR. ROAD, AS DESCRIBED BELOW AND CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING.

 

 

4.8       Jeff Armstrong, Development Services Administrator, briefed the Council on an Ordinance considered on second and final reading - TC-00302 – Thoroughfare abandonment of the north-south portion of an alley located from Westway Dr. to South 17th St. between Butternut & Poplar Streets. The Plat Review Committee, Planning and Zoning Commission and staff recommend approval subject to (1) Retain as accessible utility easement; (2) Retain as a drainage easement; and (3) Maintain emergency response vehicle accessibility.

 

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

 

            Councilwoman Alexander moved to approve the Ordinance for thoroughfare abandonment of the north-south portion of an alley located from Westway Dr. to South 17th St. between Butternut & Poplar Streets subject to (1) Retain as accessible utility easement; (2) Retain as a drainage easement; and (3) Maintain emergency response vehicle accessibility, as recommended by the Plat Review Committee, Planning and Zoning Commission and staff. Councilman Williams seconded the motion and the motion carried.

            AYES: Councilmen Archibald, Southward, Williams, Beckham, McNeil, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor Barr.

            NAYS:   None.

 

            The Ordinance is numbered 4-2002 and is captioned as follows:

 

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.

 

 

4.9       Jeff Armstrong, Development Services Administrator, briefed the Council on an Ordinance considered on second and final reading - TC-00402 – Thoroughfare abandonment of an alley being the east 500 feet from Hickory Street, north of North 18th Street. The Plat Review Committee, Planning and Zoning Commission and staff recommend approval subject to retaining the alley as an accessible utility easement.

 

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

 

            Councilwoman Alexander moved to approve the Ordinance for thoroughfare abandonment of an alley being the east 500 feet from Hickory Street, north of North 18th Street subject to retaining the alley as an accessible utility easement, as recommended by the Plat Review Committee, Planning and Zoning Commission and staff. Councilman Southward seconded the motion and the motion carried.

            AYES: Councilmen Southward, Williams, Beckham, McNeil, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor Barr.

            NAYS:   None.

            ABSTAIN: Councilman Archibald, due to his employment with Hendrick Medical Center.

 

            The Ordinance is numbered 5-2002 and is captioned as follows:

 

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.

 

 

4.10     Jeff Armstrong, Development Services Administrator, briefed the Council on an Ordinance considered on second and final reading - TC-00502 – Thoroughfare abandonment of Short Street, being the east-west street connecting both legs of Airport Boulevard along the north boundary of the Airport parking lot located at the Abilene Regional Airport. The Plat Review Committee, Planning and Zoning Commission and staff recommend approval subject to retaining the street as an accessible utility easement.

 

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

 

            Councilman Southward moved to approve the Ordinance for thoroughfare abandonment of Short Street, being the east-west street connecting both legs of Airport Boulevard along the north boundary of the Airport parking lot located at the Abilene Regional Airport subject to retaining the street as an accessible utility easement, as recommended by the Plat Review Committee, Planning and Zoning Commission and staff. Councilman Williams seconded the motion and the motion carried.

            AYES: Councilmen Archibald, Southward, Williams, Beckham, McNeil, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor Barr.

            NAYS:   None.

 

            The Ordinance is numbered 6-2002 and is captioned as follows:

 

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.

 

 

4.11     Jeff Armstrong, Development Services Administrator, briefed the Council on an Ordinance considered on second and final reading - Z-00602 – Rezone from RS-8 (Residential Single Family) to LC (Limited Commercial) or O (Office) zoning district property located at 3505 Buffalo Gap Road. Mr. Armstrong stated the applicant’s request is to rezone the property to limited commercial, but they are also agreeable to office zoning.  Mr. Armstrong further stated notification to the neighborhood only addressed the request for rezoning to LC.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends rezoning the property to office, and staff recommends denial of both limited commercial and office.

 

            Mayor Barr opened a public hearing on the item, and the following individual spoke against the request:

 

·        Elizabeth Mays, 2333 Cooke, concerned with possible increase in traffic and lowering of property values.

 

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

 

            Councilman Southward moved to deny the Ordinance to rezone from RS-8 (Residential Single Family) to LC (Limited Commercial) zoning district property located at 3505 Buffalo Gap Road. Councilman Williams seconded the motion and the motion carried.

            AYES: Councilmen Archibald, Southward, Williams, Beckham, McNeil, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor Barr.

            NAYS:   None.

 

            City Attorney Sharon Hicks explained to Council their options in tabling or denying the office zoning and the applicant’s options resulting from Council’s actions.

 

            Councilman Beckham moved to table the Ordinance to rezone from RS-8 (Residential Single Family) to O (Office) zoning district property located at 3505 Buffalo Gap Road, and to direct staff to notify the neighborhood of the proposed change to office zoning. Councilman McNeil seconded the motion and the motion carried.

            AYES: Councilmen Archibald, Southward, Williams, Beckham, McNeil, Councilwoman Alexander, and Mayor Barr.

            NAYS:   None.

 

            Council requested staff to invite the proponent to attend the next Council meeting where the proposed office zoning will be addressed, and also noted interest in having more of the neighborhood, living in that same general vicinity, attend the next meeting to express their opinion of the proposed change.

 

 

4.12            Assistant City Manager Michael Morrison briefed the Council on the proposed City Hall & Cypress Plaza renovation, reviewing the history of the City Hall building and the growth of and increase in City departments.  Mr. Morrison stated in a study of the City’s development process which was completed by Angie Brenton, the creation of a One-Stop permit center was recommended.  The Mayor’s Task Force made the creation of a Development Service Center one of its top priorities.  After the 1998 Bond Election that authorized the upgrade of the EOC, the Council authorized a space allocation study to determine the best location of the EOC and to establish a plan for the use of space at City Hall and Cypress Plaza.  The study, which was completed by Tittle/Luther Architects concluded that City Hall, particularly the first and second floors, are over-utilized with a shortage of adequate space for citizens use in conducting business.  The study concluded the “current” space needed exceeded available space by 3200 square feet.  Mr. Morrison further stated on March 8, 2001, the City Council approved an architectural services contract with CADCO for the development of plans and specifications for the renovation of City Hall and Cypress Plaza.  Along with the plans, CADCO was to develop construction estimates to provide the Council a basis to determine whether to proceed with the proposed renovation. 

 

            Mr. Morrison then introduced Steve Ellinger, CADCO Architects & Engineers, Inc., stating Mr. Ellinger would present the proposed project to the Council and following that presentation the funding of the Council approved projects would be discussed.  Mr. Ellinger distributed the preliminary cost estimates for the renovations, and gave a slide presentation on the project. The original projected budget for the Phase I and II of the renovation was estimated to be $1,300,000.  Phase I and II will include the creation of a new Emergency Operations Center and the consolidation of the City’s Information Technology functions in the basement; the creation of the Development Services Center and the relocation of the Human Resources offices on the first floor; and the renovation of the Cypress Plaza building to accommodate the relocation of the water billing office and housing offices.  In addition, a records storage facility will be created at Cypress Plaza to enable the City Secretary’s office to comply with state mandated records storage requirements.  Phase III will complete the relocation of various functions within City Hall in accordance with the space allocation plan. 

 

            The following Phases & Alternate costs were reviewed: 

 

Base Bid (Phase 1 & 2) Version A, total $1,520,238.00

                                                                 +$180,670.00 (additional cost for asbestos abatement)

Base Bid (Phase 1 & 2) Version B, total $1,689,163.00

                                                                 +$180,670.00 (additional cost for asbestos abatement)

Alternate 1 (Phase 3) $658,882.00

Alternate 2 (Phase 3) $868,000.00

 

            Council and staff discussion included: the $1.3 million budget now being $1.8 million, attributing to much of the additional expense included: the Housing Authority’s office and requirements having doubled since the project started, the needed asbestos abatement, and the electrical and mechanical requirements of the EOC; cost of renovating versus building an annex, City Hall needing to be updated for efficiency including the light fixtures, HVAC inefficiencies, compliance with current codes needed, EOC’s uses, federal funding being available, changes impacting the cost, bids on the project could be taken by late summer 2002, and concerns noted over approving the renovation before the Housing Authority board makes a commitment to move to Cypress Plaza.  Mr. Morrison reviewed the anticipated source of funds for the proposed renovations as follows:

 

Cypress Plaza Fund                            $      7,733

1998 Fire/EOC Bond Funds                      225,000

Certificates of Obligation                     1,100,000

Water Fund                                              250,000

Housing Fund                                           307,800

                                                            $1,890,533

 

            Mr. Morrison also noted some alternative funding that he stated could be pursued if Council chooses to move forward with the project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Mayor Barr moved, by Oral Resolution, for Council to authorize staff and the architect to proceed with final plans and specifications on the proposed City Hall & Cypress Plaza renovations for Phases 1, 2, and 3, to take solicitation of bids for phases 1 and 2 and alternates on the two items on Phase 3, and authorize staff to negotiate the additional Architect & Engineer fee associated with the Heating/Air Conditioning (HVAC). Councilman McNeil seconded the motion and the motion carried.

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

            NAYS: Councilman Williams.

 

Mayor Barr recessed the Council into executive session pursuant to Sections 551.071, 551.074, and 551.072 of the Open Meetings Act, to seek the advice of the City Attorney with respect to pending and contemplated litigation, to consider the appointment and evaluation of public officers, and to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property.

 

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

 

            There being no further business, Mayor Barr adjourned the meeting at 12:00 noon.

 

 

 

            _____________________________              ______________________________

            Jo Moore                                                  Grady Barr

            City Secretary                                                          Mayor