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1990-12-17 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTESM MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS, HELD ON DECEMBER 17, 1990, AT 7:30 P. M. IN THE CITY HALL, 3519 LIBERTY DRIVE, PEARLAND, TEXAS The meeting was called to order with the following present: Mayor Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember City Manager City Attorney C. V. (Vic) Coppinger David Smith William Wolff Randy Weber D. A. Miller James DeShazer Lester Rorick City Secretary Kay Krouse Absent from the Meeting: Councilmember Richard Tetens. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was given by Councilmember Randy Weber. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Wolff. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Wolff, that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 3, 1990, be approved as presented. Motion passed 4 to 0. COUNCIL ACTIVITY REPORTS Councilmember Weber reported attending the Solid Waste Management meeting held in the Commissioners' Court on December 4. Councilmember Weber reported a citizen complaint on Wheatridge concerning dirt needing to be leveled and smoothed out around some culvert work done by City crews. He reported receiving a letter from a lady who expressed her concerns about the traffic situation at Barry Rose Road, F.M. 518 and Walnut and that she hoped a left -turn lane could be put in at that intersection. Councilmember Weber stated he agreed with this request and would also like to see a left -turn lane at Old Alvin Road and F.M. 518. Councilmember Miller reported attending the City employees' Christmas Party on December 7, which he felt was very well received, and later he attended a function held by the League of Women Voters. Councilmember Smith reported that he attended the December 4 meeting in Angleton and the City employees' Christmas Party on December 7. Councilmember Smith reported attending a meeting last Wednesday with the District Engineer from the Highway Department and County Commissioners from Pct. 2 and 3. At that meeting a commitment was made that the Highway Department will install a left turn lane 500' on either side of the intersection to the new high school on Hwy. 35, with proper traffic signals. In addition F. M. 518 will be restriped, with left turn lanes at Galveston, Old Alvin and Walnut and left turn lanes entirely through the area of the shopping centers. Also discussed at the meeting was the Hwy. 35 road from the end of the bypass north to Beltway 8, and a north bypass around Pearland from the area near the Episcopal Church, going north and crossing over Hwy. 35 and the railroad track, with grade separations. Mayor Coppinger reported that at the meeting with the Highway District Engineer and the County Commissioners, it was mentioned that funds for the new Hwy. 35 freeway to Alvin, west of Pearland, would be available possibly in 10 years, and possibly in six years, funds would be available for a farm -to -market bypass around the north side of Pearland. Mayor Coppinger advised that gill Walsh also served on the Chamber of Commerce committee along with himself and Councilmember Smith, and at the meeting they presented their ideas about future road projects to the Commissioners and the District Engineer. Commissioner Plaster informed that he 41 would work with the City on several suggested projects; one being the extension of Dixie Farm Road across Hwy. 35 and the railroad track to tie into a county road that goes west. Other consideration was given to a back entry from the new high school property to either John Lizer Road or into the Shadycrest Subdivision. Mayor Coppinger reported that he has invited the Chairman -Elect of the Chamber, Glenn Lilie, to the next Council meeting to inform Council of the activities schedul6& by the Chamber forthe coming year. In conclusion, Mayor Coppinger reported attending the C.H.I.C.K.E.N:;program, at Jamison Middle school, which was very informative. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS City Manager Jim DeShazer reported that the projects for the two bridges across Mary's Creek are progressing and are about 2/3 complete. The drainage pipe along Old Alvin Road has been installed to the intersection of Walnut and Old Alvin Road. The project will be completed shortly after the first of the new year. Limestone is being put on Magnolia Road extension and the County crews will be assisting us later on in the week. The limestone project should be completed by the first of the year with the possibility of asphalt being put on the roadway in the Spring. CITIZENS 1. Nick Boyko, 3704 Dorothy. Mr. Boyko expressed his concerns about the Sign Ordinance revisions being turned down by the Council at their last meeting. As Chairman of the Zoning Board of Adjustment, he advised that the Board has met on many occasions to consider variances regarding signs. The proposed revisions to the Sign Ordinance would have corrected the need for all the variance requests and he would like to urge Council to reconsider these revisions, Mr. Boyko stated. DOCKETED PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE UNFINISHED BUSINESS ORDINANCE NO. 603, ORDINANCE VACATING, CLOSING AND ABANDONING A CERTAIN RIGHT -OF- .--- WAY .CONSTITUTING A. PORTION OF CHESTIRWOOD DRIVE IN-,1SUNSET MEADOWS SUBDIVISION Ordinance No. 603 was read in caption by Councilmember Miller. (Second Reading) It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Smith, that Ordinance No. 603 be passed and approved on the second and final reading. Said Ordinance No. 603 reads in caption as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 603 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS, VACATING, CLOSING AND ABANDONING A CERTAIN RIGHT-OF-WAY CONSTITUTING A PORTION OF CHESTERWOOD DRIVE IN SUNSET MEADOWS SUBDIVISION, PEARLAND, BRAZORIA COUNTY, TEXAS. Voting "Aye" - Councilmembers Wolff, Weber, Smith and Miller. Voting "No" - None Motion passed 4 to 0. ORDINANCE NO. 509-24, ORDINANCE AMENDING LAND USE AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE, CHARLES EMMEtICH, AGENT, ZONE CHANGE FROM G04ERAL BUSINESS TO COMMERCIAL, BLOCK 21, LOTS 1-48, PEARLAND TOWNSITE Ordinance No. 509-24 was read in caption by Councilmember Wolff. (Second Reading) It was moved by Councilmember Wolff, seconded by Councilmember Weber, that Ordinance No. 509-24 be passed and approved on the second and final reading. Said Ordinance No. 509-24 reads in caption as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 509-24 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 509, KNOWN AS THE LAND USE AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS; PROVIDING AN AMENDMENT OF THE LAND USE DISTRICT MAP; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE AND CONTAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT. i I 42 Voting "Aye" - Councilmembers Miller, Smith, Weber and Wolff. i Voting "No" - None Motion passed 4 to 0. ORDINANCE NO. 509-25, ORDINANCE AMENDING LAND USE AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE, SPECIFIC USE PERMIT NO. 20, GEORGE L. RUSH, JR., AGENT, REQUEST FOR SPECIFIC USE PERMIT FOR UNSCMEDULED AND NEW COMMERCIAL USE, PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1323 N. MAIN, AND PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY FOR THE VIOLATION THEREOF Ordinance No. 509--25 was read in caption by Councilmember Smith. (Second Reading) It was moved by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Wolff, that Ordinance No. 509-25 be passed and approved on the second and final reading. Said Ordinance No. 509-25 reads in caption as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 509-25 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 509, KNOWN AS THE LAND USE AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR THE GRANTING OF A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT FOR UNSCHEDULED AND NEW COMMERCIAL USE (OPERATION OF AN OILFIELD SERVICE COMPANY); PROVIDING A PENALTY FOR VIOLATION; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE AND CONTAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT. Voting "Aye" - Councilmembers Wolff, Weber, Smith and Miller. Voting "No" - None Motion passed 4 to 0. ORDINANCE NO. 604, ORDINANCE WAIVING THE ENCROAC10NT OF CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS INTO A DEDICATED UTILITY EASEMENT IN COUNTRY GROVE, SECTION ONE, AND PROVIDING FOR EXECUTION OF CERTAIN PROTECTIVE CONVENANTS. Ordinance No. 604 was read in caption by Councilmember Weber. (Second Reading) It was moved by Councilmember Weber, seconded by Councilmember Smith, that Ordinance No. 604 be passed and approved on the second and final reading. Said Ordinance No. 604 reads in caption as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 604 AN ORDINANCE WAIVING THE ENCROACHMENT OF CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS INTO A DEDICATED UTILITY EASEMENT IN COUNTRY GROVE TOWNHOMES, SECTION ONE, AND PROVIDING FOR EXECUTION OF CERTAIN PROTECTIVE COVENANTS. Voting "Aye" - Councilmembers Miller, Smith, Weber and Wolff. Voting "No" - None Motion passed 4 to 0. NEW BUSINESS RESOLUTION NO. R90-31 Resolution No. R90-311 read in its entirety by Councilmember Wolff, was presented to Kay Krouse in recognition of her services and contributions to the City. RESOLUTION NO. R90-32 Resolution No. R90-32 was read in its entirety by City Attorney Lester Rorick. In Resolution No. R90-32, the Pearland City Council extends their wishes to all citizens of Pearland for a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year. 43 DISCUSSION WITH PRESTON BULLARD, SUPERINTENDENT OF PEARLAND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, REGARDING OPENING OF NEW HIGH SCHOOL Preston Bullard introduced the members of the School Board present with him this evening. Mr. Bullard expressed his gratitude for the progress being made with the Highway Department regarding signalization and left turn lanes at the entrance of the new high school on Hwy. 35. Mr. Bullard informed that the construction of the new high school is about 98% complete. It consists of some 325,000 sq. ft. of space and will eventually house 2500 students. They intend to move into the school, with all the students, in August of 191. Mr. Bullard related some of the future planning by the School Board and answered questions from Council concerning the new high school. In conclusion, Mayor Coppinger called on the School Board members for any comments they had. The Board members were in agreement that their main concern was traffic control around the entrance of the new high school. PROPOSALS FOR EMPLOYEE MEDICAL INSURANCE City Manager Jim DeShazer explained that employee medical insurance was coming up for renewal in January and we were informed by our present carrier, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, that rates will be increased by a sizable amount. He and Mary Hickling, Human Resource Coordinator, are working toward getting good insurance for the employees at a reasonable rate and have asked for proposals from the following individuals present this evening: 1. Marilyn Oates, representing Texas Municipal League, presented and explained the two proposals from TML. One is a straight indemnity plan; the second is a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan. Ms. Oates advised that TML would work with the City in obtaining the most cost effective plan. 2. For Joe Martin Insurance: Henry Parsons, representing Blue Cross, presented his proposal and explained the reasons for the rate increase and suggested alternate ways to control costs for the City. David Burton, representing Prudential, presented his proposals for a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan. In explaining the plans, Mr. Burton stated that these hada wide range of cost options. 3. Lee Sackett, Lee Sackett & Associates, presented and explained his proposals which he felt would be in the best interest of the City. One was a group medical plan offered by Travelers and the other a dental plan offered by Standard Insurance. Mayor Coppinger advised that this matter would be referred to City Staff for their review and recommendation to Council. RESOLUTION NO. R90-331 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION TO THE TEXAS COMMISSION ON ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR A DRUG ABUSE RESISTANCE EDUCATION (DARE) PROGRAM Police Chief Mike Hogg explained that the DARE program would mean putting an officer into the school not only as an officer but as an educator. Our plans are to begin the program in September, 1991, with an officer at Jamison Elementary School educating 5th and 6th graders about all types of drugs. Resolution No. R90-33 was read in caption by Councilmember Miller. It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Smith, that Resolution No. R90-33 be passed and approved on the first and only reading. Said Resolution Mo.. R90-33 reads in caption as follows: RESOLUTION NO. R90-33 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND THE �i-CHIEF OF POLICE TO APPLY TO TEXAS COMMISSION ON ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR A DRUG ABUSE RESISTANCE EDUCATION (DARE) PROGRAM. Voting "Aye" - Councilmembers Miller, Smith, Weber and Wolff. Voting "No" - None Motion passed 4 to 0. MEETING RECESSED AT 9:05 P. M. MEETING RECONVENED AT 9:15 P. M. RESOLUTION NO. R90-34, RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES IN THE CITY. (STOP SIGNS IN SUNSET MEADOWS SUBDIVISION) City Manager Jim De5hazer explained that there are about 100 residences in Sunset — Meadows and currently there are no traffic control devices in that subdivision. He has been getting some calls from residents in that area concerning the need for traffic control. The City Traffic Engineer has conducted a survey and has suggested areas where stop signs should be placed. Resolution No. R90-34 was read in caption by Councilmember Weber. It was moved by Councilmember Weber, seconded by Councilmember Smith, that Resolution No. R90-34 be passed and approved on the first and only reading. Said Resolution No. R90-34 reads in caption as follows: RESOLUTION NO. R90-34 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING PLACEMENT AND ERECTION OF CERTAIN STOP SIGNS WITHIN THE SUNSET MEADOWS SUBDIVISION. Voting "Aye" - Councilmembers Wolff, Weber, Smith and Miller. Voting "No" - None Motion passed 4 to 0. SUBMITTAL OF PROPOSED REVISIONS OF THE SIGN ORDINANCE TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING �.. COMMISSION FOR ITS RECOMMENDATION OR REPORT Councilmember Wolff explained that Councilmember Weber and he had met with City Manager DeShazer to review certain areas of the proposed revisions at which Council had taken exception. Councilmember Wolff described the proposed changes that were suggested at that meeting which involves: the definition of a sign; adding a length to width ratio to the maximum area of a subdivision directional sign; adding additional provisions for signs for churches, colleges, government- owned buildings and institutional educational uses; and reducing the penalty for the violation of the sign ordinance. A lengthy discussion followed concerning revisions to this ordinance and questions about the requirement of submitting the proposed changes to the Planning and Zoning Commission. It was moved by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Wolff, that the proposed revisions to the Sign Ordinance be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Motion passed 3 to 0. Councilmember Weber abstained. OTHER BUSINESS MEETING RECESSED TO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 9:50 P. M. UNDER TEXAS REVISED CIVIL STATUTES, ARTICLE 6252-17, SWrTON 2 Mayor Coppinger read from the posted agenda the topic to be discussed in Executive Session this evening. MEETING RETURNED TO OPEN SESSION AT 10:55 P. M. - NO ACTION TAKEN Mayor Coppinger read the following item that was discussed in Executive Session and signed a certification to that effect: 45 UNDER SUBSECTION (g) PERSONNEL - A discussion was held with the City Manager concerning the reassignment and reallocation of duties of various public employees pursuant to a general plan of reorganization. The meeting adjourned at 10:56 P.M. Minutes approved as submitted and/or corrected this day of A.D., 1991. Mayor ATTEST: City Secretary