2001 11 20 WS MinutesMINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
November 20, 2001
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, met in work session on November 20,
2001, at 5:25 p.m. in the Hullum Conference Room of Baytown City Hall, 2401 Market
Street, Baytown, Texas, with the following in attendance:
Coleman Godwin Council Member
Calvin Mundinger Council Member
Don Murray Council Member
Pete C. Alfaro Mayor
Absent were: Ronnie Anderson Council Member
Mercedes Renteria III Council Member
Scott Sheley Council Member
Monte Mercer City Manager
Ignacio Ramirez, Sr. City Attorney
Gary W. Smith City Clerk
The meeting was opened with a quorum present after which the following business was
conducted:
Discuss regulation of wild animals within city limits.
City Attorney Ignacio Ramirez, Sr. reported that during the recent legislative session,
Chapter 822 of the Health and Safety Code was amended requiring municipalities to
regulate wild animals. The legislation gives the cities the option of enacting a complex
regulatory system for wild and dangerous animals or to prohibit them from the city. At the
December Council meeting, staff will present an ordinance to prohibit wild animals, and
thereby avoid the bureaucracy of permitting wild animals. In response to a question from
Council Member Murray, Mr. Ramirez related that the City was not aware of any wild
animals being kept within the City, but that some were being kept within the extra-
territorial jurisdiction.
Discuss Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan.
City Manager Monte Mercer reviewed the final drafts of the Master Plan that had been
delivered to City Council. The changes were discussed in the memorandum that had been
delivered with the packets. In response to the suggestions of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department representatives, specific projects were listed in the Master Plan, along with the
generic goals that had previously been developed. The Park Board has reviewed the final
version and recommends approval.
Page 2 of 3
Minutes of the Work Session — November 20, 2001
Discuss expansion of Reinvestment Zone Number One, City of Baytown.
City Manager Monte Mercer reviewed the proposed expansion of the zone.
Approximately 350 new homes are proposed for construction within the addition to the
zone. The request is for the annexation of approximately 107 acres of land. The homes to
be constructed will be similar in size the homes constructed in Country Club Cove. The
sale of lots is projected to begin in the second quarter of 2002. The terms for
reimbursement of public improvements will be the same as for the Eastpoint development.
The proposed housing development will provide an incentive for Goose Creek
Consolidated Independent School District to participate in the zone, as school population
will increase.
Harris County is scheduled to make its decision on participation in the zone in January.
After Harris County decides, Goose Creek will be provided additional information to assist
them in making their decision.
This is the second 300 -home subdivision proposed in the zone. Without the
reimbursement from the zone, developments in the City cannot compete with
developments in Municipal Utility Districts. The development will provide single - family
infill. Because service is provided to the area, the additional cost to the City is less. The
proximity of the development to the Mall will positively impact business at the Mall. If
the area is not included in the zone, then the development will not happen.
Glen Angel, representing LEGNA Il, Ltd., stated that a national builder will construct the
homes in the development and that the development is proposed only because of the
incentives available through the zone. Mr. Angel complemented Council on the creation
of the zone, as it allows the City to compete with the Municipal Utility Districts.
Discuss adoption of International Codes.
Kevin Byal, Chief Building Official, reported that the proposed International Codes will
eliminate regional boundaries in the local building codes. The three code companies
formed a study -group to determine if uniform codes could be developed within the United
States. The result of the study -group is the International Codes. The new codes will allow
professionals to work across the nation. Standard documents for construction can be used.
Uniform education and training will be provided for contractors, construction companies
and building official throughout the nation. The need for local amendments will be
lessened. The legislature has mandated adoption of the International Codes by January 1,
2002.
The changes between the present codes and the International Codes will not be significant.
Windstorm strapping will be required in Harris County under the International Codes. Fire
alarms will be required in all bedrooms.
Adoption will be presented for consideration at the December 13 meeting.
Page 3 of 3
Minutes of the Work Session — November 20, 2001
Consider appointments.
Community Development Advisory Committee.
Mayor Alfaro asked that nominations be made for Districts 3 and 4 only. Council Member
Mundinger stated he would nominate Kitty Allen for District 3 and Carl Burg for District
4.
Baytown Redevelopment Authority.
Council Member Mundinger indicated that he would move confirmation of the Mayor's
appointments of the Chairman and Directors of the Baytown Redevelopment Authority.
Adjourn.
Council Member Godwin moved adjournment. Council Member Mundinger seconded the
motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council Members Godwin, Mundinger, and Murray
Mayor Alfaro
Nays: None.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
�Llwe�
Gar§ W. mith
City Clerk