1989-05-15 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES210
M X]TES OF A MMCIAL MEETING OF THE CITY C"M OF TFE CITY OF PEARIAM, TEXAS, HELD
ON MAY 15, 1989, AT 7:30 P. M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 3519 LIBERTY
DRIVE, PEARIAND, TEXAS
The meeting was called to order with the following present:
Mayor
Tom Reid
Councilmrrber/Mayor Pro Tem William Wolff
Councilmember
Councilmember
Councilmember
Councilmember
City Manager
City Attorney
City Secretary
James Bost
David Smith
D. A. Miller, Jr.
Richard Tetens
Ronald J. Wicker
Robert Talton
Kay Krouse
City Manager Ron Wicker reported that sometime ago the City Council agreed to
participate in the State and Federal Bridge Replacement Program on a 20% City/80'%
State and Federal basis. The bridges were identified by priority based on the most
in need of replacement. These bridges are: 1) Longherridge; 2) Country Club Drive;
and 3) Dixie Farm Road. At that time the City paid 10°1 of the total program estimate
which was $97,100 with the remaining 10% to be paid before the State bids the pro-
jects. The State now has a more realistic preliminary estimate for each bridge, Mr.
Wicker said.
He explained the following plans for the bridges. The Longherridge bridge will be
designated as a two-lane, 90 foot span concrete structure with a preliminary cost of
$280,000. The City's share of this additional amount is $7,160.
The Dixie Faun Road bridge at Mary's Creek Bypass is anticipated to be a 90 foot span
concrete bridge 48.7 feet wide. The City's share of this additional amount is
$26,400.
Planning details are still underway for the Country Club bridge. This bridge is
anticipated to be located more to the north of its present location and Harris County
Flood Control is obtaining the needed rights-of-way. The old bridge can be replaced
with box culverts or the like and during construction that section of Country Club
Drive from the old bridge to the new bridge will need to be rebuilt so that the
finished elevation is above the known flood elevation. The State can design the new
bridge as a 130 foot concrete span or the ultimate span of 205 feet as detennined by
the Corps of Engineers. The State's preliminary estimate on both ways of this bridge
project is lass than the program estimate. In the meantime City Staff will continue
to work on getting Harris County Flood Control, the Corp of Engineers or some other
governmental agency to pay the additional cost of the larger bridge.
The State has prepared the preliminary plans and specifications for both the Long-
herridge and Dixie Farm Road bridges, Mr. Wicker said, and they need authorization to
proceed with these projects by City Council approving the additional cost difference
between the Program estimate and the Preliminary estimate, in the amount of $7,160 on
the Longherridge bridge and $26,400 on the Dixie Farm Road bridge.
When questioned by Council, Mr. Wicker responded that the State is asking for a
commitment by the City to pay the additional $33,560 plus the remaining 10916 of the
original program estimate. We have money available from the Street Bond Funds for
the projects.
It was moved by Councilmember Wolff, seconded by Councilmember Tetens, that Council
commit to the additional cost of the two bridge projects (Longherridge and Dixie Farm
211
Road) with the thought of further participation in a like manner on the third bridge
(Country Club Drive) and that funds be taken from the Street Bond Funds.
Motion passed 5 to 0.
City Manager Ron Wicker explained that, for the past several years, the legal firm of
Butler & Casstevens has been retained by a group of member cities of the Texas
Municipal League to represent them in a consortium on Southwestern Bell rate cases.
r They are trying to put together the same consortium for the participation in the
current Southwestern Bell rate inquiry presented before the Public Utility
Commission. Because there has been funds before, contributed by participating
cities, there is enough reserve that there is no request for funds for the city to
participate again in this consortium. I think, Mr. Wicker said, the main issue is
the legal approach in trying to keep the rates for the citizens of Pearland as low as
possible.
It was moved by Councilmember Bost, seconded by Councilmember Tetens, that Council go
on record in favor of participating with these named parties of other cities in this
inquiry regarding rates of Southwestern Bell and it is understood that this will be
at no cost to the City of Pearland.
In general Council discussion it was pointed out that, as part of the utility
franchise, these charges of defense by the cities are reflected back into the rates
of the telephone company. Councilmember Wolff stated that a few months back he had
personally endorsed the Southwestern Bell Telephone's "Texas First" economic
development plan as it appeared to have much merit.
In general, Council felt further investigation was needed on this subject.
Councilmember Bost, maker of the motion, and Counciilmember Tetens, the seconder,
agreed to withdraw the motion.
Mayor Reid advised this item would be put on the next Council agenda to allow Staff
to gather more information on the matter.
REWIEST BY R[JSSE1L PLANK CMS THE 28' PAVHWNT W10'M IN NASAWO D SUBOVISION
Russell Plank of Russell Plank and Associates came before Council again concerning
the 28' roadway into the Nasawood Subdivision. At the May 8, 1989, meeting the
Council granted a variance allowing the 28' street to remain with the stipulation
that it be widened to 41' when future development occurred.
Mr. Plank informed Council that Mr. George Bofysil, owner of the right-of-way needed
for access into Nasawood, has asked him to relay a request that Council consider
adjusting the variance they granted and then he will dedicate the necessary right-of-
way for the rerouted portion of the road.
Mr. Bofysil is requesting that Council grant a variance to allow Nasawood Drive to
remain 28' based upon a "No Parking" ordinance along both sides of the roadway.
In discussion between Council and Mr. Plank, the possibility of opening a street from
Riverwalk Subdivision which would tie into Nasawood Drive was brought out.
It was moved by Councilmember Wolff, seconded by Councilmember Bost, that the motion
made at the last meeting for Nasawood Drive to be 28' now and then later, when
development occurred, widened to 41' be rescinded.
Motion passed 3 to 2. Councilmembers Bost and Tetens voted against.
MEEET"IlC RECESSED AT 8:44 P. M.
MEQ BECONVENED AT 8:51 P. M.
It was moved by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Miller, that Nasawood
Drive be a 28' pavement width for the 1.15 acres proposed by Russell Plank and that
Nasawood Drive, from FM 518 to Nasawood Subdivision proper be emergency vehicle
parking only and that necessary right-of-way of Nasawood Drive to Riverwalk
Subdivision be simultaneously dedicated and constructed.
Motion passed 5 to 0.
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11 Z ire-lwm I ii., me,' • II MDI YDI' a COW'I DwA 1 / ' ' 0 1
City Manager Ron Wicker informed that the Parks Board has made this recommendation.
All the Council felt this would be a fitting tribute to the memory of Mr. Knapp.
It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Wolff, in keeping
with the recom endation of the Parks Board, that the South Grand Activity Center be
renamed the Melvin Knapp Activity Building, subject to the approval and concurrence
of Mrs. Knapp, and appropriately designated with the name displayed.
Motion passed 5 to 0.
It was mentioned that Councilmember Wolff, liaison to the Parks Board, would see to
replacing the flag pole at the Melvin Knapp building on South Grand.
OTHER BUSINESS
MEETING RECESSED TO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 9:01 P. M. UNDER TEXAS REVISED CIVIL
STATUTES, ARTICIE 6252-17, SECTION 2
Mayor Reid read, from the posted agenda, the topics to be discussed in Executive
Session.
MEETING RETURNED D TO OPEN SESSION AT 9:13 P. M. - NO ACTION TAKEN
Mayor Reid read the following item which was discussed in Executive Session and
signed a certification to the effect:
UNDER SUBSECTION (f) ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY - Council and City Staff had a
discussion concerning an Oil and Gas Lease on City property.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 9:14 P. M.
Minutes approved as submitted and/or corrected this day of ...-
A. D., 1989.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Se t
ary