2011-06-27 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTESMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PEARLAND, TEXAS, HELD ON MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011, AT 7:30 P.M., IN THE
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 3519 LIBERTY DRIVE, PEARLAND, TEXAS.
Mayor Reid called the meeting to order at 7:42 p.m. with the following present:
Mayor
Mayor Pro -Tem
Councilmember
Councilmember
Councilmember
Councilmember
City Manager
City Attorney
City Secretary
Tom Reid
Scott Sherman
Woody Owens
Steve Saboe
Felicia Kyle
Ed Thompson
Bili Eisen
Darrin Coker
Young Lorfing
Others in attendance: Jon Branson Assistant City Manager; Matt Buchanan President of
Economic Development Corporation; Vance Riley Director of Fire Services; J.C. Doyle
Police Chief; Trent Epperson Project Director; Lata Krishnarao Planning Director; Claire
Bogard Finance Director; Michelle Smith Director of Parks and Recreation; ; Harold Ellis
Senior Planner; Rick Overgaard Assistant Finance Director; Bob Pearce Purchasing
Officer.
The invocation was given by Councilmember Saboe and the Pledge of Allegiance was
led by Police Chief J.C. Doyle.
MAYOR'S ACTIVITY REPORT
Mayor Reid recognized Linda Cowles, Executive Director of Keep Pearland Beautiful, for
winning the Governor's Community Achievement Award.
Mayor Reid reported June 12 -- 15, he represented the Houston -Galveston Area Council
at the National Association of Regional Councils Annual Conference; June 16, attended
the Pearland Chamber of Commerce Luncheon and the Gulf Coast Water Authority
Board of Directors Meeting; June 17, attending a Metro Park and Ride Meeting, met with
Scout Cameron Miller on Civic Merit Badges, and met with Pearland Chamber of
Commerce President Carol Artz and representatives from AT&T; June 18, attended the
Adult Reading Center Reception; June 20, attended the Agenda Meeting, the Audit
Committee Meeting, and City Council Workshops; June 21, attended the Houston -
Galveston Area Council Board of Directors Meeting and presented a proclamation to the
Golf Crest Country Club for forty years in Pearland; June 22, attended the BayTRAN
luncheon; June 22 — 23, joined Keep Pearland Beautiful in Austin to receive the
Governor's Award for $270,000; June 23, welcomed the community to the Hurricane
Awareness Seminar; June 24, attended the Houston -Galveston Area Council
Transportation Policy Council Board of Director Meeting; June 25, attended the Pearland
Area Radio Club Tournament.
Page 1 of 18 — 6/27/2011
COUNCIL ACTIVITY REPORTS
Councilmember Owens stated Pearland will be holding it's Fourth of July Celebration
Monday, July 4, 2011.
Councilmember Saboe passed on giving a report.
Mayor Pro -Tem Sherman stated he attended the Pearland Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Meeting. He also joined Mayor Reid and Councilmember Thompson at the
Hurricane Awareness Seminar which had a good turnout. Mayor Pro -Tem Sherman
congratulated Susan Sherrouse for winning the Runoff Election for Council Position No.
3.
Councilmember Kyle stated she would like to congratulate Susan Sherrouse on winning
the Runoff Election and stated she is looking forward to working with her on Council.
Councilmember Thompson stated he attended the Northern Brazoria County Education
Alliance CEO Round Table Event where the Secretary of State Hope Andrade spoke
very highly of what she has seen going on in the City. He also attended a Pearland
Aquatics Swim Meet at the Natatorium where there were over six hundred young people
that made up thirty teams from all over the area.
Councilmember Thompson — NBEA 600 young people
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager BIII Eisen reported a Brazoria County Deputy Sheriff was killed and
another seriously injured in an automobile accident earlier today. One of the young
men's first job was as a City of Pearland Lifeguard. Our thoughts and prayers are with
the families of both of the men. The City will be closed Monday, July 4, 2011.
Director of Parks and Recreation Michelle Smith stated the City is having its Fourth of
July Celebration. There will be a carnival at Pearland High School that begins at noon
and gates to the facility will open at 6:00 p.m. There will be a concert and fireworks to
entertain the attendees. She wanted to remind everyone that it is illegal to possess or
discharge fireworks within the city limits of Pearland.
CITIZENS
Gerald Bare, 4005 Manvel Road, addressed Council and stated he would like to come
back another time to discuss his issue.
Page 2 of 18 — 6/27/2011
Paul Eskine, 3516 East Orange, addressed Council and stated the residents in his area
were informed that the City planned to overlay Orange Street and submitted a petition
which stated they did not want any rise in elevation as a result of that overlay. The
elevation of the road rising would cause flooding and drainage issues. Flooding has
been an issue in this area for decades and the residents would rather the street flood
instead of their homes. In 1979, the City promised that the street would never be at a
level that would increase flooding the risk for the residents. The residents hope that the
City will take the necessary measures to prevent flooding and drainage issues in the
area.
DOCKETED PUBLIC HEARING: None
CONSENT AGENDA:
A. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION — APPROVAL OF
MINUTES:
1. Minutes of the June 13, 2011, Public Hearing held at 6:30 p.m.
2. Minutes of the June 13, 2011, Regular Meeting held at 7:30 p.m.
3. Minutes of the June 20, 2011, Special Meeting held at 7:30 p.m.
B. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION — SECOND AND FINAL
READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1447 — AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS, FINDING
THAT THE CITY HAS ESTABLISHED GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA
FOR GRANTING TAX ABATEMENT PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION
NO. R2011-12; DESIGNATING AND DESCRIBING A REINVESTMENT
ZONE (TO BE KNOWN AS REINVESTMENT ZONE #21), 1N
ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROPERTY REDEVELOPMENT AND TAX
ABATEMENT ACT; FINDING THAT THE IMPROVEMENTS SOUGHT
ARE FEASIBLE AND PRACTICAL AND WOULD BE A BENEFIT TO
THE LAND TO BE INCLUDED IN THE ZONE AND THE
MUNICIPALITY AFTER THE EXPIRATION OF THE TAX ABATEMENT
AGREEMENT; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN TAX
ABATEMENT AGREEMENTS WHEN APPROVED BY THE CITY
COUNCIL; HAVING A SAVINGS CLAUSE AND A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Darrin Coker, City Attorney.
C. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION — EXCUSE MAYOR
PRO -TEM SCOTT SHERMAN'S ABSENCE FROM THE MAY 23,
2011, REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. City Council.
D. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION — EXCUSE MAYOR
TOM REID'S ABSENCE FROM THE JUNE 13, 2011, REGULAR
COUNCIL MEETING. City Council.
Page 3 of 18 — 6/27/2011
Councilmember Owens made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Kyle, to adopt
Consent Agenda Items A through D as presented on the Consent Agenda.
Voting "Aye" Councilmembers Owens, Saboe, Sherman, Kyle, and Thompson.
Voting "No" None.
Motion Passed 5 to 0.
MATTERS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA: None
NEW BUSINESS
COUNCIL ACTION — REMOVE FROM TABLE ORDINANCE NO. 2000M-78. City
Council.
Councilmember Saboe made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Kyle, to remove
Ordinance No. 2000M-78 from the table.
Voting "Aye" Councilmembers Kyle and Saboe.
Voting "No" Councilmembers Thompson, Sherman, and Owens.
Motion Failed 3 to 2.
Councilmember Saboe moved to a point of Parliamentary Procedure and asked for
permission to have the floor.
Mayor Reid granted permission to have the floor to Councilmember Saboe.
Councilmember Saboe stated the indication of a vote to not remove an item from the
table, especially when Staff has provided additional information, indicates to him that
when the original motion to table was made it was done in a violation of the of the
minority to debate the issue. As a consequence of that, he has asked that additional
items be placed on the agenda. The first is to discuss the appropriate use of the tabling
motion, and the other was to add Ordinance No. 2000M-78 again to allow Council to
deal with the matter properly.
COUNCIL ACTION — SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2000M-
78 -- AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS,
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2000M, THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF
PEARLAND, TEXAS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF CHANGING THE CLASSIFICATION OF
CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY, LOCATION BEING A TRACT OR PARCEL CONTAINING
22.7711 ACRES (991,909 SQUARE FEET) OF LAND SITUATED IN THE THOMAS J.
Page 4 of 18 — 6/27/2011
GREEN SURVEY, ABSTRACT NUMBER 198, HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, AND BEING
OUT OF AND A PORTION OF THE CALLED 118.755 ACRE TRACT AS DESCRIBED
IN THE DEED TO MARION E. SETTEGAST, ET AL, RECORDED IN VOLUME 1421,
PAGE 25, OF THE BRAZORIA COUNTY DEED RECORDS. LOCATED AT THE
NORTHWEST CORNER OF BROADWAY (FM 518) AND PEARLAND PKWY,
PEARLAND, TEXAS, (ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION NO. 2011-04Z), A REQUEST
OF BEEMAN STRONG FOR THE SETTEGAST FAMILY, OWNER, AND LYLE HENKLE
FOR HEB, APPLICANT, FOR APPROVAL OF A ZONE CHANGE FROM THE
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT (PD) ZONE, TO GENERAL BUSINESS (GB) ZONE,
PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT OF THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP; CONTAINING
A SAVINGS CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AN EFFECTIVE DATE AND
OTHER PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT. Mr. Mike Hodge, Assistant City
Manager.
No action taken by Council.
COUNCIL ACTION — REMOVE FROM TABLE ORDINANCE NO. 2000M-79. City
Council.
Mayor Pro -Tem Sherman made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Kyle, to
remove Ordinance No. 200OM-79 from the table.
No action taken by Council.
COUNCIL ACTION — FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 200OM-79 — AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS,
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2000M, THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF
PEARLAND, TEXAS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF CHANGING THE CLASSIFICATION OF
CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY, LOCATION BEING A TRACT OR PARCEL CONTAINING
30.5709 ACRES AS DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT A BY TERRA SURVEYING COMPANY,
INC. FURTHER DESCRIBED AS SETTEGAST 30.5709 ACRES PROPOSED ZONING
CHANGE FROM PD TO R2 CITY OF PEARLAND, BRAZORIA COUNTY TEXAS
LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 700 FEET NORTH OF THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF
PEARLAND PKWY AND BROADWAY (518), PEARLAND, TEXAS, (ZONE CHANGE
APPLICATION NO. 2011-05Z), A REQUEST OF BEEMAN STRONG FOR THE
SETTEGAST FAMILY, OWNER AND APPLICANT, FOR APPROVAL OF A ZONE
CHANGE FROM THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT (PD) ZONE, TO SINGLE FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL -2 (R-2) ZONE, PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT OF THE ZONING
DISTRICT MAP; CONTAINING A SAVINGS CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AN
EFFECTIVE DATE AND OTHER PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT.
Mr. Mike Hodge, Assistant City Manager.
No action taken by Council.
Page 5 of 18 — 6/27/2011
COUNCIL ACTION — FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 200OM-80 — AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS,
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2000M, THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF
PEARLAND, TEXAS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF CHANGING THE CLASSIFICATION OF
CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY, LOCATION BEING A TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND
CONTAINING 11.9337 ACRES OF LAND OR 519,832 SQUARE FEET, LOCATED IN
THE JAMES HAMILTON SURVEY, ABSTRACT 876, HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, SAID
11.9337 ACRE TRACT BEING OUT OF AND A PART OF A 36.166 ACRE TRACT OF
RECORD IN THE NAME OF SHTIKIRBY, LTD. IN HARRIS COUNTY CLERK'S FILE
(H.C.C.F.) NUMBER 20080049996, SAID 36.166 ACRE TRACT BEING OUT OF AND
PART OF BLOCK °F" OF THE ALLISON-RICHEY GULF COAST HOMES
SUBDIVISION OF RECORD IN VOLUME 3, PAGE 40 IN THE MAP RECORDS OF
HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS. LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF KIRBY
DRIVE AND RILEY ROAD, PEARLAND, TEXAS, (ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION NO.
2011-08Z), A REQUEST OF SHTIKIRBY, LTD., A TEXAS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP,
OWNER AND BOYD COMMERCIAL, LLC, APPLICANT, FOR APPROVAL OF A ZONE
CHANGE FROM THE SPECTRUM DISTRICT 1 (SP1) ZONE, TO PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT (PD) ZONE, PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT OF THE ZONING
DISTRICT MAP; CONTAINING A SAVINGS CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AN
EFFECTIVE DATE AND OTHER PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT.
Mr. Mike Hodge, Assistant City Manager.
Councilmember Kyle made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Saboe, to approve
Ordinance No. 200OM-80 on its first reading.
Mayor Reid read into the record the Planning & Zoning Commission's recommendation
to forward to Council for approval of Application No. 2011-08Z.
City Manager Bill Eisen stated this item is a proposed rezoning from a Spectrum District
to a Planned Development district for a Merit Medical Systems manufacturing facility.
The property is located at the northwest corner of Spectrum Drive and Kirby Drive. The
Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the approval of this zone change.
Voting "Aye" Councilmembers Thompson, Kyle, Sherman, Saboe, and Owens.
Voting "No" None.
Motion Passed 5 to 0.
COUNCIL ACTION — RESOLUTION NO. R2011-70 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR AUDIT
SERVICES. Mr. Bill Eisen, City Manager.
Page 6 of 18 -- 6/27/2011
Councilmember Thompson made the motion, seconded by Councllmember Kyle, to
approve Resolution No. R2011-70. After discussion, this item was postponed until the
i next Regular Council meeting on July 11, 2011.
City Manager Bill Eisen stated the City is required by State Law to conduct an annual
audit of financial operations. This audit has been conducted by Null Lairson for the past
five years. The work of this firm has been very favorable.
Councilmember Kyle stated each year, in connection with the audit, this firm send a letter
along with a questionnaire to Council. For the last three years she has requested
clarification to the questions and has received the same letter which does not adequately
clarify the questions. She does not have concerns regarding the firms work; however,
she does have concerns regarding the responsiveness of the firm to a Councilmember's
questions. Ms. Kyle stated that she cannot vote in favor of this item without assurances
from the vendor that the questionnaires will be clarified.
Director of Finance Claire Bogard stated Staff will meet with the audit staff and will bring
forth these concerns.
Councilmember Kyle stated that she wanted to be clear that she is not implying that
anything improper is occurring; however, these questionnaires are utilized by the auditor
and become public record. She wants to be sure that she will receive adequate
clarification on the meaning of the questions to ensure she is answering them properly.
The issue has been expressed for several years and it has not been resolved.
Director of Finance Claire Bogard stated representatives from the vendor are not present
and asked Council to allow Staff additional time to meet with the vendor to get the issue
resolved.
Mayor Pro -Tem Sherman made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Kyle, to
postpone Resolution No. R2011-70 until the next Regular Council Meeting July 11, 2011.
Voting "Aye" Councilmembers Owens, Saboe, Sherman, Kyle, and Thompson.
Voting "No" None.
Motion Passed 5 to 0.
COUNCIL ACTION -- RESOLUTION NO. R2011-72 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS, APPROVING THE ACTION PLAN
FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM (YEAR 2011).
Mr. Bill Eisen, City Manager,
Page 7 of 18 — 6/27/2011
Councilmember Owens made the motion, seconded by Mayor Pro -Tem Sherman, to
approve Resolution No. R2011-72.
City Manager Bill Eisen stated the purpose of this item is to present the proposed use of
the Community Development Block Grant funds for the upcoming year. If this item is
approved, a Public Hearing will be held in July to allow public comment on the proposed
projects.
Mayor Pro -Tem Sherman stated, because he serves on the Adult Reading Center Board,
he will abstain from this vote.
Voting "Aye" Councilmembers Owens, Saboe, Kyle, and Thompson.
Voting "No" None.
Voting "Abstain" Mayor Pro -Tem Sherman.
Motion Passed 4 to 0, with one abstention.
COUNCIL ACTION — RESOLUTION NO. R2011-73 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF AN
INVOICE TO UNITED WATER SOLUTIONS, INC. FOR WATER METER TESTING
SERVICES. Mr. Bill Eisen, City Manager.
Councilmember Saboe made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Owens, to
approve Resolution No. R2011-73.
City Manager Bill Eisen stated the City had recently approved an agreement with United
Water Solution for the repair and testing of various large water meters thorough the City.
During the process, it was discovered that a number of the large meters needed repair.
Staff instructed the company to proceed with the repairs as necessary which caused the
amount to be higher than the $50,000 threshold which requires Council approval. This
item is for the approval of the expenditure to United Water Solutions.
Councilmember Thompson asked if the testing included a[I commercial meters within the
City.
Utility Billing Supervisor Meg McNulty stated the services for this invoices included
testing and repairs on one hundred and ninety one of the seven hundred and fifty six
large meters within the City. The testing is being done on a portion of the meters each
year.
Voting "Aye" Councilmembers Thompson, Kyle, Sherman, Saboe, and Owens.
Page 8 of 18 — 6/27/2011
Voting "No" None.
Motion Passed 5 to 0.
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1449 -- AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS, REVIEWING THE RATE INCREASE
REQUEST OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX; DENYING THE REQUESTED
INCREASE IN RATES; ORDERING THAT NO CHANGE IN RATES OCCUR;
REQUIRING THE REIMBURSEMENT OF RATE CASE EXPENSES; ESTABLISHING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE FOR THIS ORDINANCE; MAKING SUCH OTHER FINDINGS
AND PROVISIONS RELATED HERETO; CONTAINING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF. Mr. Darrin Coker, City Attorney.
Mayor Pro -Tem Sherman made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Kyle, to
approve Ordinance No. 1449 on its first reading.
City Attorney Darrin Coker provided Council with a detailed overview of the past rate
increase requests of Centerpoint Energy Entex. He stated this is the third rate increase
request by Centerpoint Energy Entex and, although it is not a significant amount of
money, the City needs to maintain consistency in opposing these types of requests.
Voting "Aye" Councilmembers Owens, Saboe, Sherman, Kyle, and Thompson.
Voting "No" None.
Motion Passed 5 to 0.
COUNCIL ACTION — RESOLUTION NO. R2011-63 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS, AWARDING A BID FOR
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH THE TRAIL CONNECTIVITY
PROJECT (PHASE 1). Mr. Bill Eisen, City Manager.
Councilmember Kyle made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Saboe, to approve
Resolution No. R2011-63,
City Manager Bill Eisen stated this action involves a couple of sections of the Trail
Connectivity Project. The funding for this project is from several sources which include
City funds, a grant from the Texas Wildlife Commission, and donated funds from Keep
Pearland Beautiful. The proposed contract is with Mills Development & Construction,
Inc. in the amount of $632,819.80.
Councilmember Owens stated he would like information on the excessive cost of the
benches, picnic tables, and water fountains.
Page 9 of 18 -- 6/27/2011
Assistant City Manager Jon Branson stated this particular contract is the low bidder by
$60,000. The line items mentioned by Councilmember Owens are higher than other
bidders, but other line items are substantially lower. The benches are high quality
benches that will be exposed to the environment all year. They are sealed and will be
anchored by a separate foundation for each footing. The labor cost of this is about
twenty-five percent. It is Staff's opinion that the prices seem to be excessive; however,
they are the best deal when the overall bid is considered.
Discussion ensued between Council, City Manager Bill Eisen, Assistant City Manager
Jon Branson, Project Director Trent Epperson, and Richard McNamara, Clam Condon &
Associates regarding the Resolution.
Assistant City Manager Jon Branson stated, if this item is approved, he will contact the
vendor and discuss options regarding the removal of the park benches and picnic tables.
Councilmember Kyle stated that the Council has spent too much time debating this issue
when the amount of savings on this project is considered. She does not think it is wise
to allow $100,000 in grant money that the City competed for, won, and has received two
extensions on go to the wayside.
Councilmember Owens stated the project is a good one and the process he is requesting
will not affect the grant money. The people of the City voted him onto Council to be a
good stewardship of the money and that is what is going to do.
Mayor Pro -Tem Sherman stated he is not opposed to this project, but is opposed to
expenditures that he feels are not necessary.
Councilmember Kyle called to question.
Voting "Aye" Councilmembers Owens, Saboe, Sherman, Kyle, and Thompson.
Motion passed 5 to 0.
Voting "Aye" Councilmembers Owens, Saboe, and Kyle.
Voting "No" Councilmembers Sherman and Thompson.
Motion Passed 3 to 2.
Councilmember Owens made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Saboe, to
reconsider Resolution No. R2011-63.
Voting "Aye" Councilmembers Owens, Saboe, and Thompson.
Page 10 of 18 — 6/27/2011
Voting "Aye" Councilmembers Sherman and Kyle.
Voting "No" None.
Motion Passed 3 to 2.
Councilmember Saboe stated he seconded this motion is because he believes it is
important to provide Staff with direction regarding this bid.
Councilmember Kyle stated there needs to be a solution that is not all or nothing. This
is one section of this project and removing all of the benches and picnic tables from this
one section will deprive the residents in this area of a benefit that residents in other
areas will receive. Families as well as athletes will utilize this trail and they will use
these benches and tables for multiple purposes.
Councilmember Thompson stated there is no reason that the City could not go back at a
later time and install the benches and tables. There is a need for benches and tables,
but not at the prices in this bid.
Mayor Pro -Tem Sherman stated, in a year where the City is not having employee
increases and having to lease fire engines, it is not appropriate to spend this amount of
money on benches and tables.
Discussion ensued between Council, Assistant City Manager Jon Branson, City
Attorney Darrin Coker, and Project Director Trent Epperson regarding the Resolution.
Councilmember Kyle stated that she wants the record to be clear that these items are
being taken out to allow the City the option of purchasing and installing the benches and
tables at a reduced cost.
Councilmember Owens made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Thompson, to
approve Resolution 2011-63, with the park benches and picnic tables line items
removed, and to direct Staff to review the option of purchasing and installing the
equipment at a reduced cost.
Voting "Aye" Councilmembers Thompson, Kyle, Saboe, and Owens.
Voting "No" Mayor Pro -Tem Sherman.
Motion Passed 4 to 1.
Page 11 of 18 — 6/27/2011
COUNCIL ACTION -- RESOLUTION NO. R2011-69 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY ;
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS REAPPOINTING DIRECTORS TO
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE PEARLAND MUNICIPAL MANAGEMENT
DISTRICT NO. 1. Mr. Darrin Coker, City Attorney.
Councilmember Thompson made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Saboe, to
approve Resolution No. R2011-69, After discussion no action was taken by Council.
City Attorney Darrin Coker stated this item is to reappoint members to the Municipal
Management District No. 1.
Mayor Pro -Tem Sherman stated he is concerned that only one of these members is a
Pearland resident and they are being appointed to a four-year term. It would be more
beneficial to the City for residents to be appointed to this board.
City Attorney Darrin Coker stated that it is his understanding that the individuals being
appointed are agents of the individuals that own the property.
Voting "Aye" Councilmembers Owens, Saboe, Kyle, and Thompson.
Voting "No" Mayor Pro -Tem Sherman.
Motion Passed 4 to 1.
COUNCIL ACTION — THE APPROPRIATE USE OF ROBERTS RULES OF ORDER AS
PART OF THE RULES OF PROCEDURE AND ORDER OF BUSINESS FOR THE CITY
OF COUNCIL, PER SECTION 2. VII OF RESOLUTION NO. R2000-143. City Council.
Councilmember Owens Made the Motion, Seconded by Councilmember Saboe, to
discuss the appropriate use of Roberts Rules of Order as part of the rules of procedure
and order of business for the City of Council, per section 2. VII of Resolution No. R2000-
143.
Councilmember Saboe stated Council passed Resolution No. R2000-143. This
Resolution defines the rules of procedure for the Council and contains a general
reference to the Roberts Rules of Order in that Resolution. He has raised this issue
because of an event that occurred June 13, 2011, where Council tabled Ordinance No.
2000M-78. There was some discussion during that meeting and post meeting that lend
themselves to the appropriate use of Roberts Rules of Order regarding the tabling
motion. He had been absent from the chamber during a portion of the discussion on the
issue, and he appreciated the other members of the Council waiting for him to return to
make this motion. Since that meeting, he has had the opportunity to review the
discussions that occurred while he was not in the chamber. If he had an understanding
of this discussion previously, he would have had a strong objection and a point of order
Page 12 of 18 — 6/27/2011
with the motion to table. He has done some research into the Roberts Rules of Order
and would quote an expert parliamentarian "the fundamental principles of parliamentary
f law require a two-thirds vote for every motion that suppresses a main question for the
session without free debate. The motion to lay on the table and being undebatable and
requiring only a majority vote and having the highest rank of all subsidiary motions, all
debate is to stop, the Chair is to take a second and then quickly move to a vote on that
motion to table." The notion of laying something on the table is in direct conflict with the
principles in as much as the motion is intended to suppress debate. A simple majority
vote should not suppress debate. In the principle and spirit of Roberts Rules of Order,
even though there may be a clear majority in the room, the intention is to allow the
debate to occur. This protects the rights of the minority to debate an issue. He asked
that this item be placed on the agenda to allow a fair debate. If habitually used in this
way, the motion to table, like other motions to suppress, require a two-thirds vote. The
tenth addition of Roberts Rules of Order, which was passed after Resolution No. 82011-
143 was adopted, explains that it does not permit the use of the lay to the table motion to
suppress the question. This rule has been in place for ten years and it is clear to him
that the Council has abused this motion in the past. There have been many occasions
that the Council has used the motion properly for the reasons of receiving more
information. This Ordinance was originally tabled for this purpose; however, the
continued motion to table has assaulted his fundamental rights as a minority member of
the Council to continue to debate his point.
City Attorney Darrin Coker stated generally speaking, everything that Councilmember
Saboe stated regarding Roberts Rule of Order is accurate. The motion to table is one of
the most misused motions by governing bodies that utilize Roberts Rules of Order
because it is synonymous with the motion to postpone. This has been addressed by the
Planning and Zoning Commission and the legal opinion was that technically when a
motion to table is used, it is technically a motion to postpone. There is a difference
between the two motions. The City has used the motion to table and treated it as the
motion to postpone. In the future, to use the proper terminology associated with the
Roberts Rules of Order, would be to postpone an item. The items can be postponed to a
specific time or indefinitely and will require a majority vote. The difference will be that
after a motion to postpone and item is approved, Council will be able to continue debate.
The motion to table stops debate once it is approved.
Discussion ensued between Council and City Attorney Darrin Coker regarding Roberts
Rule of Order.
No action taken by Council.
Page 13 of 18 — 6/27/2011
COUNCIL ACTION — SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2000M-
78 — AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS,
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2000M, THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF
PEARLAND, TEXAS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF CHANGING THE CLASSIFICATION OF
CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY, LOCATION BEING A TRACT OR PARCEL CONTAINING
22.7711 ACRES (991,909 SQUARE FEET) OF LAND SITUATED IN THE THOMAS J.
GREEN SURVEY, ABSTRACT NUMBER 198, HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, AND BEING
OUT OF AND A PORTION OF THE CALLED 118.755 ACRE TRACT AS DESCRIBED
IN THE DEED TO MARION E. SETTEGAST, ET AL, RECORDED IN VOLUME 1421,
PAGE 25, OF THE BRAZORIA COUNTY DEED RECORDS. LOCATED AT THE
NORTHWEST CORNER OF BROADWAY (FM 518) AND PEARLAND PKWY,
PEARLAND, TEXAS, (ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION NO. 2011.04Z), A REQUEST
OF BEEMAN STRONG FOR THE SETTEGAST FAMILY, OWNER, AND LYLE HENKLE
FOR HEB, APPLICANT, FOR APPROVAL OF A ZONE CHANGE FROM THE
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT (PD) ZONE, TO GENERAL BUSINESS (GB) ZONE,
PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT OF THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP; CONTAINING
A SAVINGS CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AN EFFECTIVE DATE AND
OTHER PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT. City Council.
Mayor Pro -Tem Sherman objected to the consideration of this following item based on
the fact that there is an identical tabled item, and it is his opinion that this is an attempt to
circumvent the process.
Councilmember Saboe called a point of order and asked for clarification from the
parliamentarian in the chamber to discuss the proper use of this agenda item request.
City Attorney Darrin Coker stated this item is a duplication of a previous agenda item.
Resolution No. R2000-142 is the local rule that applies to the Council and allows for two
Councilmembers to request that an item be placed on the agenda for consideration. In
this particular case the request is not to remove the previously tabled item from the table,
but is to consider this as a new business item.
Mayor Pro -Tem Sherman requested a ruling from the Chair.
Councilmember Saboe requested that the Chair run the rulings of the day.
Mayor Reid stated this is a legitimate placement of an item on the agenda by two
Councilmembers, which is permitted, and is subject to the Council's consideration.
Councilmember Saboe made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Kyle, to approve
Ordinance No. 2000M-79 on its first reading.
Mayor Reid read into the record the Planning & Zoning Commission's recommendation
to forward to Council for denial of Application No. 2011-04Z.
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Mayor Pro -Tem Sherman made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Owens, to
postpone Ordinance No. 2000M-78 until July 25, 2011.
Councilmember Saboe called a point of order and stated the motion to postpone is a
clear violation of rights of the minority to debate and vote on this issue. It is an attempt
of the majority to suppress the debate of this item.
Councilmember Kyle stated she would like it recognized that the Councilmember making
the motion is the same that consideration was given for him to return to the chambers
before the vote was taken previously. She would ask that this Councilmember consider
the courtesies that were extended to him and allow the same courtesies to be extended
to the minority and allow the debate of this item and a vote to be taken.
City Attorney Darrin Coker stated the point of order requires the Mayor to make a
decision on the point of order. Once the motion was made to postpone, the debate can
continue on the item.
Councilmember Kyle stated the motion to postpone was out -of -order and not consistent
with the Roberts Rules of Order. The motion was made in an attempt to circumvent the
minority in direct contradiction to the courtesies that were extended to him. She would
again ask the Councilmember that made the motion to extend that same courtesies he
received and to the minority. She asked that the motion to postpone be withdrawn to
allow the debate of this issue and a vote to be taken.
Mayor Pro -Tem Sherman withdrew the motion to postpone.
Councilmember Owens made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Thompson, to
postpone Ordinance No. 2000M-78 to a future agenda.
Councilmember Saboe stated this item has been thoroughly debated and a vote should
be taken. He is asking for his right, as a Councilmember, to vote on this item.
Discussion ensued between Council and City Attorney Darrin Coker regarding Ordinance
No. 2000M-78.
Councilmember Saboe stated he wanted to make it very clear for the record that he
wants HEB to build on the corner, but that is not what he is voting on. The HEB store is
not the issue, the issue is the zone change that will change the zoning of the property
from a Planned Development to a General Business zoning.
Discussion ensued between Council and City Attorney Darrin Coker regarding Ordinance
No. 2000M-78.
Page 15 of 18 — 6/27/2011
Councilmember Kyle stated the thing that is surprising to her is that the discussion
regarding HEB discussing the Planned Development options with Staff has been
continuing for several weeks. It is only in light of the recent event that this has occurred.
She would like information on when this occurred and why the discussions have not
been concluded and a response provided to Staff. She suspects that the purpose was to
allow Council to have the ability to argue that a vote could not be taken because there
were still discussions occurring or a new Council has not been set.
Councilmember Owens stated the memo provided to Council includes information that
Staff discussed the items with HEB representatives, but they are waiting to hear back
because the representatives present did not have the authority to approve the proposed
compromises.
Discussion ensued between Council and City Attorney Darrin Coker regarding Ordinance
No. 2000M-78.
Councilmember Thompson stated many items have been tabled in the past for further
review and further discussion, and now for this item it is not right.
Councilmember Saboe stated now that it has been discovered that the motion to table is
not the proper motion, it is not right to go forward using it as it was used in the past.
Councilmember Thompson stated the current motion is not to table, but to postpone the
item. This motion is proper under the Roberts Rules of Order.
Councilmember Saboe stated all he is asking for is the right to vote and does not
understand why he is not being allowed to that. The motion to postpone is violating his
right as a minority because it was directly made to prevent him from casting a vote.
Discussion ensued between Council and City Attorney Darrin Coker regarding Ordinance
No. 2000M-78.
Councilmember Owens withdrew his motion to postpone Ordinance No. 2000M-78.
Councilmember Saboe a memo was provided regarding the opportunity for discussions
to continue with HEB. The memo indicated that HEB representatives needed the
opportunity to discuss items with their designers and other representatives. Mr. Saboe
asked when the last conversation was conducted with HEB representatives regarding
the item in the memo.
Senior Planner Harold Ellis stated Staff last met with HEB representatives Wednesday,
June 22, 2011.
Page 16 of 18 -- 6/27/2011
Councilmember Saboe asked if it is Staff's opinion that this is a reasonable approach
and if this is really an opportunity for compromise and if so, what were the indications of
this.
Senior Planner Harold Ellis stated during the discussion there was nothing that the HEB
representatives strongly objected to, however, they wanted to review the cost
ramifications with someone that was in a position to approve the costs. Staff left the
meeting with the understanding that they would be provided information by this morning.
The HEB representative present at this meeting stated that, as of 6:00 p.m. this evening,
there was no news.
Discussion ensued between Council, Planning Director Lata Krishnarao, Senior Planner
Harold Ellis, and Burt Langdon, Landowner Group, regarding Ordinance No. 2000M-78.
Mayor Pro -Tem Sherman stated that, based on the discussions presented, this item
should possibly be postponed until the Council can be provided more information.
Mayor Pro -Tem Sherman made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Thompson, to
postpone Ordinance No. 2000M-78 to July 11, 2011.
Mayor Pro -Tem Sherman stated he made the motion to postpone the Ordinance
because there are outstanding issues regarding contracts between parties which may
provide comfort to the Council as the issue is moved forward. There is also a possibility
of agreements on some issues that may eventually lead to a Planned Development or
may lead to agreements in place by the Planning and Zoning Commission and Council
that may provide comfort.
Councilmember Saboe stated he appreciates the information that was provided during
this meeting. He sees the opportunity for compromise and that is all he wanted.
Councilmember Thompson stated Staff needs to be directed that this is important to this
Council.
Discussion ensued between Council, City Manager Hill Eisen, and Planning Director Lata
Krishnarao regarding Ordinance No. 2000M-78.
Mayor Reid stated that, if the debate was concluded, there is a motion and a second on
the floor to postpone Ordinance No. 2000M-78 to July 11, 2011 and called for a vote.
Voting "Aye" Councilmembers Owens, Saboe, Sherman, and Thompson.
Voting "No" Councilmember Kyle.
Motion Passed 4 to 1.
Page 17 of 18 — 6/27/2011
OTHER BUSINESS:
EXECUTIVE SESSION UNDER TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE
1. SECTION 551.072 — CONSULTATION WITH CITY ATTORNEY —
REGARDING THE SALE, LEASE, PURCHASE, OR EXCHANGE OF REAL
PROPERTY. Mr. Darrin Coker, City Attorney.
NEW BUSINESS (CONTINUED):
COUNCIL ACTION — REGARDING THE SALE, LEASE, PURCHASE, OR EXCHANGE
OF REAL PROPERTY. City Council.
Item passed to a future agenda, no action taken by Council.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 12:54 a,m.
Minutes approved as submitted and/or corrected this the 25th day of July, A.D., 2011.
Tom Reid `
Mayor
ATTEST:
Page 18 of 18 — 6/27/2011