1993-10-25 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTESam
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PEARLAND, TEXAS, HELD ON OCTOBER 25, 1993, AT 7:30 P. M. IN THE
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 3519 LIBERTY DRIVE, PEARLAND, TEXAS
The meeting was called to order with the following present:
Mayor C. V. Coppinger
Mayor Pro Tem/Councilmember Joy Colson
Councilmember
D. A. Miller
Councilmember Benny Frank
Councilmember Randy Weber (entered_
Chamber at 7:35 P.M.)
Councilmember David Smith
City Manager Paul Grohman
City Attorney Dick Gregg, Jr.
City Secretary Pat Jones
Others in attendance: Division Director Richard Burdine, Police
Chief Mike Hogg, City Engineer John Hargrove, and Attorney Dick
Gregg, III.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The invocation was given by Chief Mike Hogg. The Pledge of
Allegiance was led by Councilmember Colson.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember
Frank, that the minutes of the regular meeting of October 11, 1993,
be approved as submitted. j
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Motion passed 3 to 0, with Councilmember Colson abstaining due to
her absence at the October 11 meeting and Councilmember Weber not
present in the Council Chambers yet.
MAYOR'S ACTIVITY REPORT
Mayor Coppinger issued a proclamation in honor of the Air National
Guard, 147th Fighter Group. Major Steve Jones and Sergeant Ken
Mills accepted the proclamation and related some of the history of
the unit.
Mayor Coppinger, assisted by Councilmember Weber, also issued a
proclamation to the Exchange Club. "one Nation Under God" is being
observed by the Club and several of its members were present to
accept the document and invite all to a breakfast at Golfcrest
Country Club on November 17.
Mrs. Nell Fuller of the Exchange Club stated the organization
recognizes individuals and businesses who correctly display the
American flag. Three plaques were presented to City facilities.
Accepting for City Hall were City Manager Paul Grohman and City
Secretary Pat Jones. Municipal Court employees Becky Bonner and
Cheryl Shotwell and Police Chief Mike Hogg accepted the plaque for
the Public Safety Facility. The Community Center was represented
by Division Director Richard Burdine and Parks Director Ed Hersh.
Mayor Coppinger reported his attendance at Friendswood's unveiling
of their Centennial painting. Mayor Coppinger informed he attended
a meeting of the Community Leadership Council and asked
Councilmember Weber to report further under Council Activity
Reports.
Continuing his report, Mayor Coppinger reported on the Lion's Club
Annual Turkey Shoot. Mr. Coppinger asked Police Chief Hogg to
.5.4
comment on the traffic situation at Cole's Flea Market and asked
City Manager Grohman to comment on localized flooding last week.
Closing his remarks, Mayor Coppinger asked Councilmember Weber to
comment on the police promotion ceremony last week.
COUNCIL ACTIVITY REPORT'S
Councilmember Miller reported his attendance at the Brazoria County
Cities Association on October 20, 1993, hosted by the City of
Clute.
Councilmembers Frank and Colson had nothing to report at this time.
Councilmember Weber reported he attended the Ministerial Alliance
Breakfast on October 12 with Mayor Coppinger. On October 14, Mr.
Weber attended the Leadership Council with representatives from
other local entities. On that same day, Councilmember Weber
attended a meeting regarding the medical waste incinerator with
other representatives from concerned entities. Mr. Weber
accompanied Councilmember Miller to BCCA in Clute on October 20.
The promotion ceremony at the Police Station, Mr. Weber informed,
was for the promotion of Chris Doyle to Lieutenant and Ron Fraser
to Sergeant. Closing his report, Councilmember l�~reported he
and Mayor Coppinger will be attending Texas Municipal League's
Annual Conference next week.
Councilmember Smith reported he attended a three day seminar of the
Gulf Coast Emergency Management and obtained a wealth of
information to prepare the City in the event of a disaster. Mr.
Smith commented that he, too, attended many of the activities
mentioned by the other Councilmembers. Closing his remarks, Mr.
Smith commended all those who were involved in relief efforts in
the recent inclement weather.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Grohman reported there were seven to nine inches of
rain during the recent downpour and commended the efforts of all
who worked during this incident.
The drainage project on FM 518 is continuing with the State to
begin its work on November 1.
Signs denoting "Superior Water System" have been placed throughout
the City as we have been given this rating from the Texas Water
Commission, Mr. Grohman informed.
A language line has been installed through the efforts of the
Police Department for a maximum charge of $25.00 per month which
will aid us in the event a translator is needed on a phone call.
Translation for approximately 140 languages is available.
A new program, "Are You Okay?", is also being coordinated through
the Police Department to check on our elderly citizens daily.
Chief Hogg commented on the traffic situation at Cole's Flea Market
and stated it was a problem each weekend. A cooperative agreement
has been entered into with Mr. Cole for the installation of a
traffic signal, with Mr. Cole having already paid his portion some
time ago. The holdup has been on the State's part, but
installation is scheduled to begin soon. City enforcement teams
will more closely patrol the site to see that safety regulations
are in compliance, with a current major concern being that an
emergency vehicle does not have quick ingress and egress to the
site.
CITIZENS
1. Susan Partridge, 1601 Willits. Ms. Partridge addressed the
Council regarding a requested abandonment near her property.
She discussed the history of the site and the problems which
have occurred over the last four to five years and asked for
the City's help.
City Manager Grohman responded that the situation is being
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looked into.
DOCKETED PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
ORDINANCE NO. 664, WAIVING AN ENCROACHMENT ON MAGNOLIA STREET
Ordinance No. 664 was read in caption by Mayor Coppinger.
It was moved by Councilmember Frank, seconded by Councilmember
Miller, that Ordinance No. 664 be passed and approved on its second
and final reading.
Said Ordinance No. 664 reads in caption as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 664
AN ORDINANCE WAIVING THE ENCROACHMENT OF CERTAIN GATEPOST
SUPPORTS INTO THE DEDICATED RIGHT-OF-WAY OF MAGNOLIA
STREET.
Voting "Aye" - Councilmembers Miller, Frank, Colson, Weber, and
Smith.
Voting "No" - None.
Motion passed 5 to 0.
AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH INTERIM CITY ATTORNEY DICK GREGG, JR.
Council discussed with Mr. Dick Gregg the provisions of his
original contract and subsequent amendment. It was noted that Dick
Gregg, III, will attend the first meeting of the month in Mr.
Gregg's stead as he is committed to the City of Nassau Bay for this
time. The fee for this meeting will be $300 rather than $400.
According to the provisions of the contract, $100 per hour will be
charged for non -litigation work and $150 per hour will be charged
for litigation work.
Mr. Gregg asked that, as the contract under consideration
specified, he be referred to as City Attorney rather than Interim
City Attorney from this point on.
It was moved by Councilmember Frank, seconded by Councilmember
Miller, that the contract with City Attorney Dick Gregg, Jr. be
approved as presented.
In discussion, question was raised about a notice date in the event
of cancellation of the contract. Mr. Gregg stated this was covered
in the original contract, and that, if his services were no longer
needed, he would not serve, but would be paid for the work he had
done up to that point.
Motion passed 5 to 0, with Councilmember Frank noting that this was
not a modification but rather is the contract, with Mr. Gregg
agreeing that it did replace the old one.
NEW BUSINESS
COUNCIL DECISION ON DATE AND TIME OF THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC HEARINGS
TO BE HELD PURSUANT TO SECTION 6.07 OF THE CITY CHARTER REGARDING
RECALL PETITIONS PRESENTED TO COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 11, 1993
(TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 26, 1993, AT 7:00 P. M.):
A. CALL OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR COUNCILMEMBER MILLER
B. CALL OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR COUNCILMEMBER FRANK
C. CALL OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR COUNCILMEMBER COLSON
Mayor Coppinger opened the floor for any comments regarding call of
Public Hearing for Councilmember Miller.
Councilmember Colson asked that the following statement be read
into the records:
"I would like the Council to know that I intend to abstain from any
and all votes on the issues of recall currently before this Council
and would, at this time, offer my reasons for doing so. The
obvious reason is that I am individually named on the recall and
that presents a conflict for me. However, there are other
substantial reasons that would prevent me from voting on this issue
and carrying this process further even if I were not named. I
believe these particular recall petitions to be unethical, illegal,
and without any regard for the recall process and the intent for
which that legislative process was provided for in our City
Charter. I do not believe a recall petition is supposed to be used
as a means to coerce or threaten an official on how to vote. I do
not believe a recall is supposed to be used to restructure Council.
It is my belief that these petitions were predicated on false
accusations and laced with absurd untruths. I believe that
signatures on a recall petition, or any other petition, are only
valid if they are obtained with truth and facts. I have many
documented reasons to know that signatures on these petitions were
obtained with deception, fraud, and outright lies."
Councilmember Frank made the following statement:
"Since I am the subject of a recall petition, I believe it would be
a conflict of interest for me to participate in any vote regarding
a recall process and I must, therefore, abstain from voting on this
motion, given the facts that the recall process, from the very
beginning, has been directed toward myself, Mr. Miller, and Mrs.
Colson, in concert. A conflict of interest exists requiring an
abstention as to my vote on any of the petitions. This is
particularly the case since the recall petitions, themselves,
contain the allegations of conspiracy and conflict of interest
among all three of the councilpersons involved."
Councilmember Miller made the following statement:
"I might as well. I echo both of their remarks. I think they put
it very appropriately. I certainly agree with everything they have
_ said and I intend to abstain and not vote on this issue, also,
based on the fact that I feel it is a conflict of interest for me
to participate in this."
Mayor Coppinger stated he recalled a letter in the Council packets
which requested a public hearing to be held tomorrow night. Mayor
Coppinger stated the business before us is to set a hearing and
called upon City Attorney Gregg.
Mr. Gregg took the podium and addressed the Council, stating there
was in the packet a letter from Mr. Feldman, attorney for those
Councilmembers being recalled, dated October 15 pertaining to
recall petitions, which states "without waiving their right to
contest the matter, they do demand a hearing pursuant to a section
of the Charter."
Continuing his remarks, Mr. Gregg informed that, subsequent to
that, he had begun some preliminary discussions with Mr. Feldman,
attempting to find a convenient date that fit the times of the
Charter. Since there was no Council meeting in between, it was
necessary to give the Open Meeting notice for tomorrow night, Mr.
Gregg stated. That was a date that was the least objectionable to
Mr. Feldman and his office. Based on that, I instructed the City
Secretary to post the public notice, but, of course, Council action
tonight is necessary to make that have any meaning, but, in order
to comply with the Open Meeting law, the agenda had to be posted
ahead of time.
City Attorney Gregg commented on a case, Blanchard vs. Fulbright,
which pertained to the City of Angleton. There are many
similarities, Mr. Gregg stated, and commented on the procedures in
this case.
Mr. Gregg noted the Charters of Pearland and Angleton are identical
pertaining to the recall process.
The most important holding of this 1982 case is that this is a
ministerial act of this Council because the Charter says that
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Council shall call this hearing and Council shall call this
election and it provides no mechanism for the body to do anything
about these recall petitions regarding the content of them or the
allegations themselves, Mr. Gregg informed. This case is authority
for the fact that, if the people who created your Charter had meant
for Council to have a judicial review of these petitions, they
would have given Council that power and while it says that about
Angleton, it also says it about your Charter because the language
and such numbers are the same. It also says, Mr. Gregg continued,
that it is mandatory for the Council to call the hearing and to
call the election and that, to place a judicial function in this
Council would be to hand it to a non -impartial tribunal.
It also leaves, Mr. Gregg further advised, a mechanism for a
district court to review the allegations in the petitions
themselves and to determine, whether or not, they are of a
sufficient nature to reach the level of incompetency and
malfeasance that is called for in the Charter, but it makes it very
clear that the City Council is not the proper body to make that
decision. I read this case to say, Mr. Gregg said, that if the
hearing isn't called, that, just as was done in this case, the
petitioners have the right to go to the court of appeals and to
have this election ordered by a court instead of by this Council.
For this reason, Mr. Gregg continued, I feel this is a ministerial
duty. I think there is no choice but to call the hearing and to
call the election.
Mayor Coppinger urged that the processes be followed and the
election called, stating he felt this was what is best for the
entire community.
Mayor Coppinger asked the City Attorney if three Councilmembers are
abstaining, what can the remaining body do about setting the date.
City Attorney Gregg replied nothing could be done because the
Charter says it requires a majority of those present in order for
the Council to take action on anything. You, as Mayor, have only
a casting vote, a tie breaking vote. That means that if three
members abstain, and there are only two votes in favor, then there
isn't a majority.
In this situation, the next mechanism provides for the courts to do
it if the Council, as a body, does not, Mr. Gregg stated. If there
are three abstentions, then there is not a majority vote.
Therefore, there is no action taken. Therefore, there is no
hearing tomorrow night. Therefore, theoretically, there will be no
election called, either.
Mayor Coppinger asked what the time table was for triggering the
next action which would be referring this to the court.
City Attorney Gregg responded that, in that case, the same language
applies of twenty-five to thirty-five days after either the
presentation by the City Secretary or twenty-five to thirty-five
days after the public hearing. Also there is authority for the
fact that once the court gets it, then the court has a new twenty-
five to thirty-five days and from the day that the court makes a
final order, then it will be between twenty-five and thirty-five
days forward. So, the constraints of the Charter go out the window
with the necessary delays that are caused by going to the
courthouse, and while there may not be an election on November 20,
there will be an election. It is a question of when it will be,
but it will be either twenty-five to thirty-five days from tomorrow
night or twenty-five to thirty-five days from the date that a court
issues a final order to have that same election. one of the two
things will happen, Mr. Gregg concluded.
Mayor Coppinger asked if we were asking the court to set a date for
the hearing or for the election.
City Attorney Gregg stated this poses another interesting problem.
How do I get directed to do things, Mr. Gregg asked. I am the City
Attorney and there is a majority of Council that abstains and the
other two don't have enough to tell me what to do. On the other
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hand, the Charter is very precise and it says that you have, as a
Council, a duty to do these things. I think that is enough for me,
as your chief legal advisor, to at least bring it to the attention
of the County Judge which is the next mechanism. I believe, Mr.
Gregg continued, that, otherwise, I wouldn't be doing my duty. I
think it's wrong for me to play politics and I don't want to play
politics and so it's not a matter of choosing sides. It's a matter
of the Charter saying its mandatory, and therefore, I think I have
to go forward and bring it to the County Judge's attention, if this
Council doesn't act. For to do otherwise is to be stalemated and
that's not the point of democracy.
Mayor Coppinger reiterated his statement that he felt the best
thing for the community was to go forward with this process.
Councilmember Colson stated that she, personally, looked forward to
the Judge looking into these allegations and letting us know the
validity of them.
City Attorney Gregg advised that, in anticipation of another
specific question that might be raised, he had looked at Robert's
Rules of Order. It clearly provides that in a situation where the
test is a majority of those present and voting, that abstentions
are negative votes, not positive votes in favor of the majority.
The old rule used to be that however the other two voted would be
the way that those votes would be cast. Mr. Gregg informed that
has been changed and changed for a very good reason. Mr. Gregg
related to the ethics -type of legislation and the fact that one has
to file something that says he/she can't vote on an issue because
it involves them and then their abstention was deemed to be a
positive vote, then this individual had voted in favor of something
he/she shouldn't have been voting for. So they have changed the
procedure to make an abstention a negative vote and it's clearly
that way in the current version of Robert's Rules of Order, Mr.
Gregg concluded.
Councilmember Smith said he would like to ask one question, stating
it made no difference to him whether a public hearing was held or
not, but reading from the Charter, it says "in the event the City
Council shall order such public hearing to be held" and it goes on
from there, Councilmember Smith said. It uses the word "shall",
Mr. Smith said, and asked if "shall" was mandatory.
"Shall" is a mandatory command, Mr. Gregg replied, and when it's
mandatory then that means that a court can order you to do that
which you should have done. It's not discretionary and that's what
I'm saying the referenced case says.
Councilmember Smith asked if that meant this body has a duty to
perform and the City Attorney answered affirmatively.
Mayor Coppinger inquired of the City Attorney, under current
circumstances, what was the proper procedure at this point
regarding this agenda item.
City Attorney Gregg advised to first take the vote and see what the
outcome is. Then, determination will be made to the effect of
abstentions, if they occur, Mr. Gregg stated. Assuming that they
do, the thing that would happen next is that I would request the
City Secretary to give me certification of the action taken by the
Council, i.e., what was on the agenda, what the motion was, and
what the vote was. This would then be taken to the County Judge.
That's not an early morning turnaround procedure, but it is
something that can be done this week, Mr. Gregg informed.
Mayor Coppinger asked for a motion.
It was moved by Councilmember Smith that, based upon what the City
Attorney has explained and his understanding of the Charter, this
body go forward with the declarations of the Charter in calling
this public hearing.
Mayor Coppinger asked for a recommendation of a date in the motion
and Mr. Smith asked the City Attorney if it was necessary.
City Attorney Gregg replied that was what was on the agenda and
recommended it be done item by item. The agenda item says that
there will be three separate hearings, therefore, Mr. Gregg
advised, to do three separate motions.
Councilmember Smith clarified that "A" under Item No. 1 on the
agenda would be to call a public hearing for Councilmember Miller,
with Mayor Coppinger answering affirmatively and City Attorney
Gregg advising to state when it would be held.
Councilmember Smith said it was tentatively scheduled for October
26, so it would be set for October 26. Mr. Gregg advised at 7:00
o'clock P. M.
Mr. Smith stated he wanted to clarify the point that he was making
this motion because he felt the Charter says it has to be addressed
regardless of what the vote is.
Mayor Coppinger asked that, in keeping with the agenda, would Mr.
Smith please put a motion before them, setting a date.
Councilmember Smith amended his motion to set the date as October
26, 1993, at 7:00 P. M.
Mayor Coppinger asked for a second.
Councilmember Weber asked that the motion be amended to hold the
hearing in the high school auditorium if it's available because
there might not be room if the hearing is held here at this
location.
City Attorney Gregg stated the hearing had been posted for this
site and would have to be held here.
Councilmember Weber asked if the hearing could be moved back three
days and Mr. Gregg responded there was a problem with timing
because there is a five to fifteen day period and advised leaving
it as is because it was posted that way under the Open Meeting's
Act.
There was an interchange between Councilmembers Weber and Smith
regarding time frame and site, with Mr. Weber asking if the hearing
could be held at the Community Center.
City Attorney Gregg stated it had been posted for here at a
particular time, tomorrow night, and to modify it now would require
an emergency posting.
Councilmember Weber asked who came up with this date, time, and
locale.
Mr. Gregg responded that, as he had mentioned earlier, he had a
period of time and had written to the attorney, asking for a
convenient time. A discussion was held regarding the possibility
of scheduling convenient times, and a determination had to be made
as an administrative decision. After I found this out, Mr. Gregg
stated, I instructed the City Secretary to post it, tentatively,
for tomorrow night. If posting is done again, Mr. Gregg advised,
another seventy-two hours notice must be given and then the five to
fifteen day time frame comes into bearing and Mr. Gregg advised
against this.
Councilmember Weber stated that, as required by the Charter, he
would second Councilmember Smith's motion.
There being no further discussion, Mayor Coppinger called for a
show of hands to indicate the vote.
Voting "Aye" - Councilmembers Smith and Weber.
Voting "No" - None.
Abstaining from the vote - Councilmembers Colson, Frank and Miller
verbally abstained.
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Motion failed 2 to 0, with three abstentions.
It was moved by Councilmember Weber, seconded by Councilmember
Smith, that a public hearing be called for Councilmember Frank on
Tuesday, October 26, at 7 o'clock P. M. in the Council Chambers.
Mayor Coppinger called for a show of hands to indicate the vote.
Voting "Aye" - Councilmembers Smith and Weber.
Voting "No" - None.
Abstaining from the vote - Councilmembers Colson, Frank and Miller
verbally abstained.
Motion failed 2 to 0, with three abstentions.
It was moved by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember
Weber, that a public hearing be called for Councilmember Colson to
be held October 26, 1993, at 7 o'clock P. M. in the Council
Chambers.
Mayor Coppinger called for a show of hands to indicate the vote.
Voting "Aye" - Councilmembers Smith and Weber.
Voting "No" - None.
Abstaining from the vote - Councilmembers Colson, Frank and Miller
verbally abstained.
Motion failed 2 to 0, with three abstentions.
MEETING RECESSED AT 8:30 P. M.
MEETING RECONVENED AT 8:50 P. M.
ORDINANCE NO. 450-15, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 450, ESTABLISHING AND
REESTABLISHING CLASSIFICATIONS AND NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED POSITIONS
IN THE CLASSIFIED SERVICE OF THE CITY
Ordinance No. 450-15 was read in caption by Councilmember Weber.
It was moved by Councilmember Weber, seconded by Councilmember
Frank, that Ordinance No. 450-15 be passed and approved on its
first of two readings.
Said Ordinance No. 450-15 reads in caption as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 450-15
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 450 AS THE SAME MAY
HAVE BEEN FROM TIME TO TIME AMENDED FOR THE PURPOSE OF
ESTABLISHING AND REESTABLISHING CLASSIFICATIONS AND
NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED POSITIONS IN THE CLASSIFIED SERVICE
OF CITY OF PEARLAND, PURSUANT TO SECTION 143.021 OF THE
LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS; PROVIDING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, A SAVINGS CLAUSE, A REPEALING
CLAUSE, AN EFFECTIVE DATE AND CONTAINING OTHER PROVISIONS
RELATING TO THE SUBJECT.
Councilmember Colson asked for City Attorney Gregg's legal opinion
on whether it was appropriate for her to vote on these police
department issues with Mr. Gregg's knowledge that Mrs. Colson's
husband is a Pearland police officer. Mr. Gregg stated it was his
understanding that Mr. Colson's status was not changing by the
enactment of this ordinance and Councilmember Colson stated it was
not.
Mr. Gregg responded in question form that this ordinance applies
across the board to everybody in a particular class of officer
category, among other things, and asked if it singled Mr. Colson
out. Mrs. Colson said it did not.
As long as it deals with a class or category of employees, City
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Attorney Gregg advised, then the Nepotism Statutes Article 5996A
does not prohibit you from voting and recognizes that you have a
right to vote on that without being in violation of that law.
Councilmember Miller asked the City Secretary to make sure that the
last statement made by the City Attorney is so noted in the records
because Mrs. Colson's voting on certain issues is part of the
recall process.
City Attorney Gregg asked if this was not part of the first
petition and Councilmember Colson answered that it was on both
petitions.
Voting "Aye" - Councilmembers Smith, Weber, Colson, Frank, and
Miller.
Voting "No" - None.
I
Motion passed 5 to 0.
ORDINANCE NO. 665, WAIVING ENCROACHMENT OF PORTABLE BUILDINGS ON
SOUTH GRAND BLVD.
Ordinance No. 665 was read in caption by Mayor Coppinger.
City Manager Grohman informed that Mr. Medlin had two portable
buildings in the City's right-of-way. They pose no problem and
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance, Mr. Grohman said.
Discussion centered around the mobility of the buildings, the !,
length of time the buildings have been there, and that the owner is
aware the buildings will have to be moved should a need arise.
It was moved by Councilmember Frank, seconded by Councilmember
Colson, that Ordinance No. 665 be passed and approved on its first
of two readings.
Said Ordinance No. 665 reads in caption as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 665
AN ORDINANCE WAIVING THE ENCROACHMENT OF TWO CERTAIN
PORTABLE BUILDINGS OWNED BY EAGLE NATION, INCORPORATED,
EXTENDING INTO THE EASEMENT (ALLEY) LOCATED BEHIND THE
MEDLIN OFFICE CENTER, 2404 SOUTH GRAND BOULEVARD IN THE
CITY OF PEARLAND.
Voting "Aye" - Councilmembers Miller, Frank, Colson, Weber, and
Smith.
Voting "No" - None.
Motion passed 5 to 0.
EXCUSED ABSENCE FOR COUNCILMEMBER COLSON FROM REGULAR MEETING OF
OCTOBER 11, 1993
It was moved by Councilmember Frank, seconded by Councilmember
Weber, that Councilmember Colson be excused from the meeting of
October 11, 1993.
Motion passed 4 to 0, with Councilmember Colson abstaining.
AUTHORIZATION FOR CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A FACILITY USE
AGREEMENT WITH FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PEARLAND
City Manager Grohman recommended approval of this agreement, noting
the Park Board voted 3-2 for its approval. This will be a trade-
off for use of facilities which are needed at this time, Mr.
Grohman said.
Councilmember Frank asked permission to discuss the matter and
Mayor Coppinger recommended a motion be on the floor before
discussion began.
It was moved by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember
Weber, that the City Manager be authorized to enter into a facility
use agreement with First Baptist Church of Pearland.
Councilmember Frank commented that the City and School District
were working on, among other things, a joint use facility agreement
and stated he was surprised to see this on the agenda. Mr. Frank
suggested we continue our progress with the school, noting that the
District is a taxing entity and he would rather we not enter into
an agreement with a non -taxing entity.
City Manager Grohman stated the agreement will expire on March 1,
1994, and there will probably not be another solution in the
interim.
Councilmember Frank stated he also objected, if he understood the
terms of the agreement, to the fact that the City would be paying
for the insurance on both ends.
There followed a lengthy discussion regarding insurance
requirements, other terms of the contract, committing the pool and
pavilion during the summer peak months to the church to
reciprocate, and, possibly, a conflict regarding interchange with
other local churches.
Uses of the facility were discussed by Parks Director Ed Hersh and
is was brought out that there is a limited availability of other
sites.
The manner in which Park facilities are reserved and the rates
charged were discussed at length.
The matter was discussed at length again and the question was
called.
More discussion ensued regarding the number of teams to use this
facility and the amount of revenue that might be generated.
When asked if the church facility could be rented outright, Mr.
Hersh responded the church was only willing to enter into agreement
on a bartering system.
Dr. Bill Chase, Chairman of the Parks Board, addressed the Council
and recommended approval of the agreement. Mr. Chase discussed the
current uses of school gymnasium facilities.
The question was called again.
Motion failed' 3 to 2, with Councilmembers Miller, Frank, and Colson
voting no. �n��,,�
APPOINTMENT AND/OR REAPPOINTMENT OF THREE MEMBERS TO PARKS BOARD
Councilmember Frank asked City Attorney Gregg to comment on this
item being discussed in Executive Session. Mr. Gregg stated there
was an Attorney General's opinion on this subject which says it
should be in open session as this is an advisory board to the City.
Councilmember Frank informed Council that he had contacted the
three members up for reappointment and received indication two of
them did not wish to be reappointed to the Board.
It was moved by Councilmember Frank, seconded by Councilmember
Colson, that Retta Absher be reappointed to the Parks Board.
Motion passed 5 to 0.
It was moved by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember
Weber, that Michelle Lilie be appointed to the Parks Board.
Motion passed 3 to 2, with Councilmembers Frank and Miller voting
no.
In attempting to make the third choice, it was noted that were
several good applicants who have served the community well.
152
Mayor Coppinger said he would recognize Councilmember Weber or
Councilmember Colson for the next recommendation. Councilmember
Weber thanked the Mayor but stated he would like to defer to
Councilmember Miller who serves as liaison to this Board.
Councilmember Miller noted there were several good choices.
It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember
Weber, that Nell Fuller be appointed to the Parks Board.
Motion passed 5 to 0.
RESOLUTION NO. R93-36, ENDORSING EFFORTS TO INFORM CITIZENS ABOUT
IMPACT OF FEDERAL MANDATES
Resolution No. R93-36 was read in caption by Councilmember Smith.
It was moved by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember
Frank, that Resolution No. R93-36 be passed and approved on its
first and only reading.
City Manager Grohman explained the purpose of this document which
is sponsored by the National League of Cities and the Texas
Municipal League in an effort to stop Congress from placing huge
financial burdens on cities through their unfunded mandates.
RESOLUTION NO. R93-36
A RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE EFFORTS OF THE NATIONAL LEAGUE
OF CITIES AND THE TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE TO INFORM
CITIZENS ABOUT THE IMPACT OF FEDERAL MANDATES ON CITY
FINANCES AND THE BURDENS THEY IMPOSE.
Voting "Aye" - Councilmembers Miller, Frank, Weber, Colson, and
Smith.
Voting "No" - None.
Motion passed 5 to 0.
RESOLUTION NO. R93-37, AUTHORIZING STOP SIGNS (HATFIELD AND FITE
ROADS)
Resolution No. R93-37 was read in caption by Councilmember Miller.
It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember
Weber, that Resolution No. R93-37 be passed and approved on its
first and only reading.
Said Resolution No. R93-37 reads in caption as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. R93-37
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING, DIRECTING, AND RATIFYING
PLACEMENT AND ERECTION OF CERTAIN STOP SIGNS WITHIN THE
CITY OF PEARLAND, SO AS TO CREATE A TWO-WAY STOP
INTERSECTION FOR NORTHBOUND AND SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC AT THE
INTERSECTION OF HATFIELD AND FITE ROADS; AND FURTHER TO
PROVIDE FOR THE REMOVAL OF CERTAIN STOP SIGNS FOR
EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND TRAFFIC AT THIS SAME
INTERSECTION.
It was noted Councilmember Weber recommended this item which will
move the stop signs from their placement on the predominant artery
to the opposite sides of the intersection.
Voting "Aye" - Councilmembers Smith, Weber, Colson, Frank, and
Miller.
Voting "No" - None.
153
Motion passed 5 to 0.
RECOMMENDATION BY PARKS BOARD REGARDING RENAMING OF MCLEAN PARK TO
CENTENNIAL PARK
City Manager Grohman stated this request was originally presented
by Tom Reid, Chairman of the Centennial Commission. The Parks
Board has approved it and Staff recommends it also. It is not
known, Mr. Grohman said, whether the park was ever actually named
McLean Park, but it is thought the name came from its location on
McLean Road.
It was moved by Councilmember Frank, seconded by Councilmember
Colson, that McLean Park be renamed Centennial Park in honor of the
City's Centennial observance in 1994.
Motion passed 5 to 0.
RESOLUTION NO. R93-38, AUTHORIZING DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR
UTILITY SERVICE TO BLOCKBUSTER ADDITION
Resolution No. R93-38 was read in caption by Councilmember Frank.
It was moved by Councilmember Frank, seconded by Councilmember
Weber, that Resolution No. R93-38 be passed and approved on its
first and only reading.
Division Director Richard Burdine explained Blockbuster Video plans
to locate in this area in the undeveloped portion of the AppleTree
area which extends up to the drainage ditch on the west side of FM
518. It is recommended the cost to carry sewer across Main Street
(SH 35) be shared with the developer. This will relieve an
overloaded manhole in the vicinity of Orange Street and the
railroad tracks. The estimated cost is $13,610 which will be split
by the City and the developer.
Council discussed the placement of the extension of the utility
r- service and what areas would benefit.
Said Resolution No. R93-38 reads in caption as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. R93-38
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH DONALD M. WHITE, TRUSTEE, FOR
EXTENSION OF UTILITY SERVICE TO THE BLOCKBUSTER ADDITION.
Voting "Aye" - Councilmembers Smith, Weber, Colson, Frank, and
Miller.
Voting "No" - None.
Motion passed 5 to 0.
ACCEPTANCE OF OAKBROOK, SECTION III, BENTON BLAND INTEREST,
DEVELOPER, LENTZ ENGINEERING, ENGINEER
City Engineer John Hargrove stated all was in order and recommended
approval.
It was moved by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember
Weber, that Oakbrook, Section III, be accepted.
Motion passed 5 to 0.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:43 P. M.
W,
Minutesapprovedas submitted and/or corrected this day of
A. D•, I
. V. Q6pelnger,,Kayor
ATTEST:
Pat Jones, ty Secretary
*Correction is noted on Page 143 of the Minutes of this meeting.
*Correction is noted on Page 151 of the Minutes of this meeting.