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1990-03-26 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES126 MINUTES OF A REOULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS, HELD ON MARCH 26, 1990, AT 7:30 P. M. IN 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 Councilmember Acting City Manager City Attorney City Secretary Piz Tom Reid William Wolff D. A. Miller Richard Tetens James Bost David Smith James DeShazer Robert Talton Kay Krouse The Invocation was given by Councilmember James Bost. was led by Acting City Manager Jim DeShazer. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Pledge of Allegiance It was moved by Councilmember Tetens, seconded by Councilmember Wolff, that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 12, 1990 be approved with the following correction made: on page 122, line 11, insert the word "year" between thL*-;J*WF-. "two" and "term". Motion passed 5 to 0. MAYOR'S ACTIVITY REPORT Mayor Reid recognized, from the audience, students from a government class at San Jacinto College. Mayor Reid issued a proclamation proclaiming Saturday, March 31, 1990, as "Pearland High School Band Car Wash Day" in Pearland. James Pavlik, Band President and other band members were present to accept the proclamation. Mayor Reid issued a proclamation proclaiming the week of March 26-31, 1990, as "Voter Registration Week" in Pearland. Members of the League of Women Voters and the Ladies Auxiliary to Pearland VFW 7109 accepted the proclamation. Mayor Reid issued a proclamation proclaiming the month of April as "Child Abuse Prevention Month" in Pearland. Sarah Springer from Youth Services_.accepted...the proclamation. Mayor Reid issued a proclamation proclaiming Saturday, April 7, 1990 as "Community Cleanup Day & Earth Day 190 Festival" in Pearland. Elliott Moore, President of Clean Pearland and other board members accepted the proclamation. Patty Bates, Clean Pearland Coordinator, described all the activities planned for that day. COUNCIL ACTIVITY REPORTS Councilmember Bost questioned the status of placing "limited parking" signs on South Grand in front of the Melvin Knapp Activity Building during election time. Acting City Manager Jim DeShazer responded that the parking spaces on Grand Blvd. have been restriped but that he was not sure whether we had any ordinances that would permit placing the limited parking signs. Councilmember Smith reported that the Pearland E.M.S. will be participating in a "mock airline crash" at Ellington Field this Saturday along with other area emergency teams. Area hospitals will also participate and the events happening 127 will be very realistic. Councilmember Smith reported that the Clear Creek Watershed Steering Committee met today and they will be meeting at City Hall the evening of April 11. This committee is trying to keep pace with the guidelines dictated by the State Water Board, in trying to meet deadlines in order for the State to continue funding this project. The committee has prepared an interlocal agreement that will be presented to each of the 17 entities involved in the project. This agreement will have to be signed and delivered to the State before they will fund the next portion of the project. A Resolution will have to be passed by the Council that will authorize Councilmember Smith, as the City's representative, to sign this agreement. Councilmember Smith reported attending the Drainage District No. 4 meeting this morning in which the District presented a proposal to do some storm sewer work on Old Alvin Road; whereby, if the City would participate with the County in buying the pipe, the County would agree to do the work. Councilmember Smith advised that in July of last year the Council discussed taking $150,000 out of the street bond funds, using $75,000 for additional street rebuilding and the balance to be used to start a storm sewer project on Old Alvin Road. At that time Council authorized the $75,000 for the resurfacing of the additional streets and at the same time, Mayor Reid recommended that Councilmember Smith work with City Staff on the storm sewer project on Old Alvin Road to Walnut. With this in mind, Councilmember Smith stated he feels that Council needs to consider this and notify the Drainage District No. 4 of their intentions on this issue. Councilmember Smith reported that during the meetings held between the City, the School and the Drainage District, the City offered to secure the right-of-way from the Pasternak estate along the east side of the park, but up to this time it was never determined what width of right-of-way was needed. The Drainage District, at their meeting today, instructed their engineer to determine the width for the right-of-way and then advise the City. Councilmember Smith stated that he was advised by the Drainage District that Mr. & Mrs. Jamison had given them permission to enter on their property and work Mary's Creek across the property they have. Councilmember Smith advised that, included in the Council packets, there is a cost breakdown on a project that involves the City, County and State Highway Department. This project includes work on Hwy 35 from the north end of the Alvin Bypass to the Brazoria/Harris county line, and also gives us an East/West road that would leave F.M. 518, in the proximity of the Episcopal Church, going North, crossing the existing Hwy 35 just north of the cemetery, giving us an overpass over that route, giving us an overpass over the railroad track, and continuing on to intersect the new 35 Freeway. Councilmember Smith stated that he feels the dollars represented in this breakdown are the best presented in a long time. To finance this project, Councilmember Smith informed, would take a County Bond Issue, and since this would be of great benefit to us, the City should help in promoting this project. Councilmember Wolff reported that the new traffic signal at McLean and F. M. 518 is in operation and seems to be improving the traffic flow in that area. Councilmember Wolff reported about the complaints he has received from citizens concerning the length of time it is taking for the City crews to pick up the debris around the City. Councilmember Wolff recommended that the City Manager investigate the rental of a brush chipper. The chipper, by cutting the branches into smaller pieces, would make it possible to take more of the debris to the landfill on each trip. Councilmember Wolff reported about the complaints from citizens concerning the center turn lane on F. M. 518 in the proximity of Yost Road and Shadycrest. The turning arrows in that center lane are very confusing for making a left turn off F. M. 518. Councilmember Wolff informed that he has been advised that a work order will be forthcoming for Houston Lighting & Power to install 12 additional street lights on F. M. 518, which will make it a much safer roadway. Councilmember Tetens reported that he presided at the Brazoria County Cities Association meeting in Sweeney on March 21, and Judge John Damon was the guest speaker. Councilmember Miller reported that tomorrow night, he and the two other Pearland representatives will meet with the Airport Feasibility Study Committee to discuss the final draft of this study. We and the representatives from the cities of Alvin and Friendswood will, in the near future, present to our respective city council our ideas on the feasibility of the three cities purchasing the Clover Field Airport, Councilmember Miller advised. Councilmember Miller questioned the status of McLean Park. Acting City Manager Jim DeShazer responded that the contractor for the basketball courts submitted a bond in another company name. This has since been cleared up and work should begin shortly on the construction of the courts. Councilmember Miller mentioned that he, too, had noticed a tremendous amount of yard trimmings around town waiting to be picked up and he suggested that we do whatever we have to do to get them picked up as quickly as possible. City Manager Jim DeShazer advised that in doing the work on Barry Rose Road, we had to draw on all the manpower we could get, one being the driver of the heavy trash pickup. This has caused the delay in the pickup of debris. We do anticipate catching up on picking up this type of trash, and if need be, they will work this Saturday. Mr. DeShazer added that he, too, feels that a chipper would help speed up this operation. City Manager DeShazer reported that the work on Barry Rose Road is progressing in a timely fashion. All the material is in place, it will have to be worked in, packed, seal coated and then hot mix put on it. CITIZENS - Mayor Reid advised that Mr. Council, was not present this evening. DOCKETED PUBLIC HEARINGS - None UNFINISHED BUSINESS Schultz, who signed to speak before ORDINANCE NO. 243-2, ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 28, SECTION 28-6, ENTITLED HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION Ordinance No. 243-2 was read in caption by Councilmember Miller. (Second Reading) It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Tetens, that Ordinance No. 243-2, which increases the 65 and older Homestead Exemption to $25,000, be passed and approved on the second and final reading. Said Ordinance No. 243-2 reads in caption as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 243-2 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 281 SECTION 28-6(a), ENTITLED HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS, BY CHANGING THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AMOUNT AS AUTHORIZED BY V.T.C.A. TAX CODE, SECTION 11.13; AND PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Voting "Aye" - Councilmembers Miller, Tetens, and Wolff. Voting "No" - None Motion passed 3 to 0. Councilmembers Smith and Bost abstained. APPOIN'IMM OF ONE ALTERNATE TO THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT TO FILL UNEXPIRED TERM It was moved by Councilmember Bost, seconded by Councilmember Smith, that Gene Wasek be appointed as Alternate member to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a term to expire in April, 1991. Motion passed 5 to 0. APPOINDOW (V ONE M04M TO 5M BUILDING CODE 90MD (F ADJUBMWO 6 APPEALS TO FILL UNEXPIRED TERM Mayor Reid advised that this item would be passed to a future agenda. 129 NEW BUSINESS APPROVAL OF PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL FLWDS TO TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS & PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FOR CITY'S PORTION OF COST OF CONSTRUCTION OF LONGHERRIDGE ROAD BRIDGE AND DIXIE FARM ROAD BRIDGE, IN THE AMMW OF $47,083.09 City Manager Jim DeShazer explained that this payment is a result of the bidding on these two bridge projects. The City has already paid for its share of the estimated amount of the projects, but was advised by the State that the low bid received was 67% over their estimated cost; therefore, they are requesting this additional amount of $47,083.09 for the City's share of the construction cost of these two bridges. Councilmember Smith mentioned that he had been advised by the District Engineer for the State that they had forgotten about, in their estimate, the need for the construction of temporary crossings to have a way for traffic to go around during work on these bridges. It was moved by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Bost, that the City Staff advise the State and also enclose a check in the amount of $47,083.09 for the City's participation in the construction of the Longherridge bridge and the Dixie Farm Road bridge, and that the money be taken from the appropriate funds. Motion passed 5 to 0. P�l to• - •Qke - r� •; is •:- �• - s • • �� ��•:� ,4��tt��� DOM Councilmember Smith explained that the E.M.S. had an ambulance that was taken out of service and was to be sold at a future City auction. However, we had an opportunity to make an even trade for this ambulance for a step side truck with which we are going to build an emergency command post that will also serve the police, fire and emergency management departments. Everyone to be involved in this feels it is the right thing to do, Councilmember Smith stated. It was moved by Councilmember Wolff, seconded by Councilmember Miller, that authorization be given to the even exchange of the ambulance for a step side truck. Motion passed 4 to 0. Councilmember Smith abstained. RESOLLTrION NO. R90-8, RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPOINTMENT OF COM[ITTEE TO RECMGM GUIDELINES FOR AI'MONBILE DATA TERMINAL SYSTEM AND INTERLOCAL ANTI' WITH CITY OF Captain Jay Chapman explained that back in December his department and Friendswood's were able to obtain some mobile data terminals and radio equipment from the Texas Surplus Agency in San Antonio and were able to pick this up for the purchase of the storage and transportation cost. We now find we lack an essential part of this equipment, called a message switcher, which will cost around $60,000. What we would like to do is split the cost with Freiendswood, by an interlocal agreement, and perhaps spread the cost over a five year lease/purchase plan. We are requesting, Captain Chapman stated, permission to do further research, get some bids and bring a proposal back to Council for their consideration. Resolution No. R90-8 was read in its entirety by Councilmember Smith, with the following correction made: In Section 1, change the wording "The City Council approves the appointment of a committee to recommend" to "The Mayor shall appoint a committee to recommend". It was moved. by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Wolff, that Resolution No. R90-8 be passed and approved, as corrected, on the first and only reading. Mayor Reid appointed Councilmember David Smith, Captain Jay Chapman and Harris Maulden, Electronic Technician, to the committee to work on the details of the interlocal agreement and possible purchase of the message switcher. Councilmember Miller recommended that when the committee makes its presentation to Council, they include, other than the cost factors, what all is involved, such as maintenance, training and installation cost; and how this equipment will improve the quality of law enforcement in our City. 130 Resolution No. R90-8 reads in caption as follows: RESOLUTION NO. R90-8 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING APPOINTMENT OF A COMMITTEE TO RECOMMEND GUIDELINES FOR THE PURCHASE, INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF A MOBILE DATA TERMINAL SYSTEM AND TO RECOMMEND THE TERMS OF AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS, FOR THESE PURPOSES. Voting "Aye" - Councilmembers Miller, Tetens, Wolff, Smith and Bost. Voting "No" - None Motion passed 5 to 0. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:97 P. M. MEETING RECONVENED AT 8:57 P. M. CHANGE IN THE ORDER OF BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS •rte AUTHORIZATION FOR PLACEMENT OF BANNER ACROSS F. M. 518, IN FRONT OF WEST SIDE NATIONAL BANK, FOR THE ADULT READING (ENTER, INC. Mrs. Dale Pillow, President of the Adult Reading Center, Inc., requested permission for the Adult Reading Center to have a banner strung across F. M. 518 in front of West Side National Bank to promote its Positive Accents craft show in May. They have contacted the bank and they have no problem with this. Ted Shannon from Houston Lighting & Power has agreed that if the Fire Department cannot hang the banner, then HL&P will, Mrs. Pillow advised. It was moved by Councilmember Tetens, seconded by Councilmember Miller, that Council approve the placement of the Adult Reading Center banner across F. M. 518. Motion passed 5 to 0. AWARD OF PROPOSAL FOR INDEPENDENT AUDIT SERVICES FOR CITY OF PEAREJ ND Acting City Manager Jim DeShazer advised that the Staff received three proposals for independent audit services for 1989-90, and he would like to recommend a committee be appointed to interview these people and bring back a recommendation to the Council. Mayor Reid recommended appointing Councilmember Billy Wolff as Chairman, along with Acting City Manager Jim DeShazer and Finance Director Janet Eastburn to serve on this committee. In response to a question by Councilmember Bost, City Manager DeShazer responded that the proposal did not include the audit for any of the volunteer organizations. It was moved by Councilmember Tetens, seconded by Councilmember Bost, that Councilmember Billy Wolff, City Manager Jim DeShazer and Finance Director Janet Eastburn be appointed to a committee to interview each firm that submitted proposals for audit services for the City for 1989-90, and bring back a recommendation for Council consideration. Motion passed 5 to 0. AUTHORIZATION TO BID SEWER LINE REHABILITATION IN REGENCY PARK SUBDIVISION City Manager DeShazer explained that there is a deterioration of the sewer system in Regency Park. City crews have repaired some places, but there are some that we cannot do because of depth and inaccessibility. There is a process we have used before, called insituform, that will rehabilitate the lines without doing any digging, but this process is costly. He and Public Works Superintendent Ronnie McWhirter have heard about a similar process that is less costly. The City of 13i Tomball will be using this sometime in April and we could check it out then. In addition Ronnie McWhirter informed he was advised by this company that they are not proficient in relocating existing connections, but would like to use this in sections of pipe that have no connections into it. It was suggested that insituform be used in the places that were applicable and that the new process be used in the other areas. It was moved by Councilmember Wolff, seconded by Councilmember Smith, that the Public Works Superintendent be given authority to bid the sewer line rehabilitation in Regency Park in any manner he sees fit to remedy the situation _ and report back to Council. Motion passed 5 to 0. RESOLUTION NO. R90-9, RESOLUTION AGREEING TO HOLD HARMLESS THE BRA'ZORIA ML24TY DRAINAGE DISTRICT NO. 4 FOR THEIR WORK ON THE CHANNEL EXCAVATION OPERATION FOR THE CITY IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE STATE'S COUNTRY CLUB ROAD BRIDGE REPLALEMEIT PROJECT Mayor Reid advised that this item was not ready for Council consideration this evening and would be passed to a future agenda. AGREEMENT TO THE CONFIGURATION OF NORTH -SOUTH ON THE ADDITION TO THE MELVIN KNAPP ACTIVITY BUILDING, ON SOUTH GRAND BLVD., IF THE PROPERTY NECESSARY FOR THIS BUILDING EXPANSION BECOMES AVAILABLE Mayor Reid advised that two configurations of the building expansion were presented at the workshop; one an east/gest and the other a north/south. As owner of the property needed for the expansion of the north/south concept, Mr. George Hastings had informed Council that he would donate the land if Council selected that concept, Mr. Jack McDuff, Architect, presented a plan from the notes taken from the workshop that showed a revised north/south concept. MEETING RECESSED AT 9:17 P. M. in order for Council and Mr. Hastings to review the �-- revised plan. MEETING RECONVENED AT 9:25 P.M. Mayor Reid advised that Mr. Hastings would need some type of assurance from Council that they agree to the north/south concept if and when the property becomes available. Mayor Reid informed Mr. Hastings that if he is willing to donate the land, then he could use the services of our City Attorney in this endeavor. It was moved by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Wolff, that Council authorize Mr. McGuff to go forward with the plans for the north/south addition to the Melvin Knapp Activity Building as soon as the City Attorney advises Council that we have ample protection, in that we do have the property to build this building on. Motion passed 5 to 0. When questioned by Mayor Reid, Mr. Hastings responded that the Council motion seemed favorable to him. AUTHORIZATION TO HIRE A CLERICAL PERSON TO WORK IN THE PUBLC WORKS DEPARTMENT LOCATED AT THE CITY SERVICE CENTER City Manager Jim DeShazer explained that the clerical position at the Service _- Center was cut out of this current budget. We now have one person answering the phones there, along with her other duties in helping the Shop Superintendent. We do have sufficient funds to hire an individual and feel we are in need of another person answering phones, taking messages and helping in record keeping, which will provide better service to the public. It was moved by Councilmember Wolff, seconded by Councilmember Tetens, that a clerical person be added to the Public Works Department located at the City Service Center. Motion passed 5 to 0. 132 AWOM The meeting adjourned at 9:32 P. M. Minutes approved as submitted and/or corrected this _ day of A. D., 1990. ATTEST: City Se etary Mayor