2002 09 26 WS MinutesMINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
September 26, 2002
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, met in work session on September 26,
2002, at 5:45 p.m. in the Hullum Conference Room of Baytown City Hall, 2401 Market
Street, Baytown, Texas, with the following in attendance:
Ronnie Anderson
Calvin Mundinger
Don Murray
Scott Sheley
Pete C. Alfaro
Gary M. Jackson
Ignacio Ramirez, Sr.
Gary W. Smith
Absent: Coleman Godwin
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
Mayor
Interim City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
Council Member
The meeting was opened with a quorum present after which the following business was
conducted:
Discuss sending a request to the Texas Department of Transportation for approval of
the prohibition of the operation of large trucks in the left land of State Highway 146
between the south City limits and Business 146.
Fred Pack, Public Works Director, explained that the proposal was to send a request to the
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to conduct a study on the feasibility of
restricting large trucks for the left lane of Highway 146. A resolution is included on the
agenda to support the request for the study. If the results of the study are favorable, public
hearings are required prior to adopting an ordinance enacting the prohibition. The
proposed ordinance is required to be forwarded to TxDOT for review also. Members of
Council related calls from the public requesting such a restriction and noted that the
regulation in Houston has significantly reduced truck accidents.
Discuss Baytown Community Center project.
Interim City Manager Gary Jackson reminded Council of the prior discussions of the
project. The final decision was delayed until after adoption of the 2002 -2003 fiscal year
budget. The two alternatives being presented to City Council are the repairs to the roof, air
conditioning and restroom modifications, funded through the bonds, and the above repairs
with the renovation of the building to include office space for the Health Department,
requiring an additional $2,000,000.
Page 2 of 3
Minutes of the Work Session — September 26, 2002
Assistant City Manager Bob Leiper reported that the debt service for the additional
$2,000,000 was included in the adopted budget. Mayor Alfaro, Mr. Jackson and Mr.
Leiper met with representatives of the Senior Center. The space for the Senior Center is
proposed to be reduced from 2,000 square feet to 1,700 square feet. There are currently
seven meeting spaces. The proposed design will yield twelve meeting spaces, but with
46% less floor space. The potential savings of $300,000 can be realized by completing all
three phases at one time.
If the Council elects to do only Phase I, staff will recommend abating asbestos from the
entire building at the same time. This will increase the project by 51,000,000.
The debt load on the 52,000,000 will be $162,000 per year for twenty years.
The relocation of the Health Department to the Community Center will improve the
delivery of services to citizens by having the department closer to City Hall. The
Community Services Division of the Police Department will not be able to relocate from
the DeFee Street Annex and the Emergency Operation Center will not relocate from the
Annex at this time.
Phases I, II, and III will improve the interior appearance, acoustics and technology in the
Community Center.
Council Member Renteria arrived at 6:05 p.m.
An amendment to the contract with Bricker Canady (BCA) will be necessary to have them
prepare the plans and specifications for all three phases.
Mayor Alfaro asked if moving administrative offices to the Community Center was
consistent with the purposes of the building. Will this be the best use of the money?
Mr. Jackson reminded Council of the Northeast District Wastewater Plant project and the
extension of East Baker Road. The entire project is being considered because of the
unique window of opportunity that exists when Phase I is being constructed.
Council Member Sheley inquired about the pros and cons of doing it now or waiting.
Mayor Alfaro responded that Phase I is critical and delay is not acceptable. Council
Member Mundinger expressed his view that the opportunity for saving $300,000 makes
him favor completing all three phases at the same time. Council Member Sheley noted
that the Texas Avenue interests desired the police presence at the DeFee Street annex.
Council Members Murray, Renteria, and Anderson expressed support for completion of all
phases together. Mayor Alfaro voiced his opposition to Phases II and III.
Page 3 of 3
Minutes of the Work Session — September 26, 2002
Discuss appointments.
General Assembly of the Houston Galveston Area Council.
Council Member Anderson stated that he would move the reappointment of
Council Member Murray as the delegate to the General Assembly and Mayor Alfara as the
alternate.
Baytown Animal Control Advisory Committee.
This item was not discussed.
Adjourn.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:29 p.m.
G W. Smith
City Clerk
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