2002 03 14 WS MinutesMINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
March 14, 2002
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, met in work session on March 14, 2002,
at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Baytown City Hall, 2401 Market Street, Baytown,
Texas, with the following in attendance:
Ronnie Anderson
Council Member
Coleman Godwin
Council Member
Calvin Mundinger
Council Member
Don Murray
Council Member
Mercedes Renteria III
Council Member
Scott Sheley
Council Member
Pete C. Alfaro Mayor
Monte Mercer
City Manager
Ignacio Ramirez
City Attorney
Gary W. Smith
City Clerk
The meeting was opened with a quorum present after which the following business was
conducted:
Receive and discuss report on Garth Road signalization, Phase I.
The Baytown Municipal Development District (MDD) provided funding, in the amount of
$350,000, for the first phase of Garth Road signalization. Through this funding, Kimley-
Horne & Associates have conducted a study of the signals and traffic flow on Garth Road
from Park Street to Lynchburg -Cedar Bayou Road. The study and design concept provides
a basis for signalization and other physical alterations to the roadway. No funding is
currently provided for physical alterations.
A signal warrant analysis was conducted. From this analysis, a signal coordination project
has been developed. The final plans and specifications are being prepared and the project
will be bid upon their completion.
Kimley -Horn conducted a full study of Garth Road. The greatest return on investment will
be realized through traffic light synchronization. This synchronization is Phase I.
The signal warrant analysis indicated that all existing signals are warranted. The study is
ongoing on the signal at Office Depot. Kimley -Horn recommends the coordination of the
signals through a closed loop system. New controllers are required with microcomputers
that communicate through either fiber optics or telephone lines. Timing of the lights will
be the last phase of the project. The timing should change with the time of day. Fiber
optics is preferred due to the ability to transmit more data, however the cost may not allow
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Minutes of the Work Session —March 14, 2002
the use of fiber optics.
The signal heads for the intersections of Park, Schilling and Northwood are proposed to be
changed to allow left turns on green, as opposed to the present left turn on arrow only.
Permission has been obtained from the utilities to allow the necessary wires to be hung
along Garth Road. Final engineering of the project is being prepared, along with the
optimized timing and specifications for the controller cabinets. If the plans are approved
and the bid awarded, construction can begin during the summer.
Other recommendations include relocation of poles from the medians and the creation of
double left -turn lanes at designated intersections. Pedestrian signals with push pads are
also recommended. Baytown Central and Riceland would be realigned, however the
purchase of right -of -way would be required.
The controllers will be able to self - adjust the timing of the signals to compensate for
traffic. They would also communicate between the signals. The system would measure
the traffic. The improvements proposed for Phase I will be consistent with future
improvements.
Receive and discuss report on adoption of the International Building Codes and
potential amendments to the substandard structure code.
The International Residential Code was adopted in December. The Inspection Department
has met with builders and developers to give and receive information concerning the
International Codes and the existing building code.
The three major code publishers developed the International Codes. They have developed
the 2000 International Building Code, Energy Conservation Code, Fire Code, Fuel Gas
Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, and Property Maintenance Code. They
recommend adoption of the 2002 National Electric Code, in lieu of the development of an
International Electric Code.
Amendments proposed to the International Codes are minor and intended to remove
duplications and address local conditions. The proposed Existing Structures Code will
require an existing building to be rehabilitated to the codes in existence at the time the
structure was constructed. Storage buildings would not require a permit, nor would
sidewalks and driveways. The posting of notices will be clearly detailed. The expiration
of permits will be made clear. The finished floor will be required to be 18" above the
drainage level and could not encroach in setback areas. These conditions would require
certification by a surveyor or engineer. Most lending institutions require this certification.
The amendments to the Fuel Gas Code provided a fee table. The proposed table will be
revenue neutral to the current table. The appeal process is proposed to be consistent with
the process currently in place. The proposed amendments are consistent with the
recommendations of the Building Ordinance Review Committee.
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Minutes of the Work Session —March 14, 2002
When compared to the existing codes, the International Codes are not more restrictive.
Positive comments have been received from the builders and trades persons.
Council inquired about the impact of the codes on a Building Conservation District and
requested that staff bring a recommendation concerning the designation of a Building
Conservation District.
The Inspection Department conveyed information on the proposed Codes to its customers.
In January a forum was held with 30 contractors to discuss the International Codes.
Staff was commended for its communication to the industry and seeking customer
comments prior to recommending the International Codes.
Receive and discuss Inspection Department activities to improve customer service.
A process for the review of civil site plans has been developed. This is known as the
Development Review Committee. After a review, minutes of the meeting are prepared and
forwarded to the developer. The developers are invited to join with the committee prior to
planning of the development to help answer questions concerning the development. If
there are concerns expressed prior to the meeting, the comments are forwarded to the
developer. These concerns are resolved at the meeting. This has expedited the review
process and cut the review time in half. Involved departments and the required support
staff meet as a committee to review plans and assist developers.
The Development Guide has been updated. All necessary applications are included in the
Guide, including forms for appeals and special exceptions. The procedures are clearly
explained. Residential and commercial development information has been separated. A
complete checklist is provided for each kind of development.
An emphasis has been made to enhance professionalism in attitude and demeanor. Special
efforts are made to assist the nonprofessional. The staff is sensitive to concerns and
carefully explains procedures and requirements. More information is provided in
handouts. Customer service training has been increased. Customers are called to solicit
their comments on how the system worked for their projects. Meetings with the building
community and development community will continue.
An email list is being developed to allow the department to provide notifications
electronically. Inspectors are using electronic devices to enter their notes, which are
downloaded to computers. This provides prompt and clear information concerning
projects.
The department will continue to refine its procedures to assist the public. Members of
Council related improvements in customer service provided by the department. The staff
was commended for the improvements.
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Minutes of the Work Session —March 14, 2002
0^ Discuss the utility master plan.
The utility master plan looks at the areas that are projected for growth. The plan is
intended to insure that properly sized lines are planned for the area to avoid the double
expense of later replacement of undersized lines.
The utility needs of the developed parts of town are addressed through the on -going
rehabilitation programs.
Discuss appointments.
Growth Management and Development Advisory Commission and Planning
and Zoning Commission.
Council Member Godwin stated that he was not ready to make a nomination at this
time.
Urban Rehabilitation Standards Review Board.
Council Member Shelley stated that he would move the reappointment of Tom
Hard, E. W. Froehner, and David Mohhnan.
Adjourn.
Council Member Mundinger moved that the meeting be adjourned. Council Member
Anderson seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Aye: Council Members Anderson, Godwin, Mundinger, Murray, Renteria and
Sheley
Mayor Alfaro
Nay: None.
The motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 6:26 p.m.
G W. Smith
City Clerk
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