Loading...
2016 08 04 CC Minutes, SpecialMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN August 04, 2016 The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, met in a Special Meeting on Thursday, August 04, 2016, at 5:44 P.M. in the Council Chamber of the Baytown City Hall, 2401 Market Street, Baytown, Texas with the following in attendance: Brandon Capetillo Council Member Robert Hoskins Council Member David McCartney Council Member Chris Presley Council Member Terry Sain Council Member Stephen H. DonCarlos Mayor Rick Davis City Manager Ignacio Ramirez City Attorney Leticia Brysch City Clerk Keith Dougherty Sergeant at Arms Mayor DonCarlos convened the August 04, 2016, City Council Special Meeting with a quorum present at 5:44 P.M., all members were present with the exception of Council Member Renteria who was absent. 1. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Conduct the first public hearing concerning the involuntary annexation of approximately 230.36 acres, situated in the J.W. Singleton Survey, Abstract No. 709, D. McFadden Survey, Abstract No. 591 and C. Smith Survey, Abstract No. 69 for multiple parcels and right -of -way, located approximately 130 feet east of N. Main Street, including Blue Heron Parkway right -of -way to Sjolander Road and portions of Barkuloo Road right - of -way, Harris County, Texas. At 5:45 P.M., Mayor DonCarlos opened and conducted the first public hearing concerning the involuntary annexation of approximately 230.36 acres, situated in the J.W. Singleton Survey, Abstract No. 709, D. McFadden Survey, Abstract No. 591 and C. Smith Survey, Abstract No. 69 for multiple parcels and right -of -way, located approximately 130 feet east of N. Main Street, including Blue Heron Parkway right -of -way to Sjolander Road and portions of Barkuloo Road right -of -way, Harris County, Texas. City Council Special Meeting Minutes August 04, 2016 Page 2 of 9 Planning and Community Development Director, Tiffany Foster presented the summary of this agenda item and stated that during a prior discussion, Council consented to moving forward with this involuntary annexation whereas they directed staff to do a service plan for the area. She stated that the staff had the area surveyed and also notified the property owners on two (2) separate mailings. She stated that there were two (2) property owners interested in signing development agreements with the City. She noted that they want to take in the Blue Heron right - of -way, all of the area that fronts Blue Heron, and the City's right -of -way. Mr. Gerald Teel registered to speak regarding agenda item La. and stated that he's for the annexation, as well as, submitted a development agreement with the City for an apartment development. Council Member McCartney inquired if there were voided spaces within this proposed annexation area. Mrs. Foster stated that the area that fronts Blue Heron Parkway is inclusive to the annexation, but also stated that there's a populated area nearby that will need to be annexed in the future that currently needs more work done before starting the annexation. With there being no one registered to speak regarding agenda item La., Mayor DonCarlos closed the first public hearing at 5:48 P.M. 2. PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS a. Consider a resolution authorizing the City to apply to Flint Hills Resources and Koch Pipeline Company for a Helping Heroes 2016 Grant on behalf of the City of Baytown's Police Department. Police Chief Keith Dougherty presented the agenda item and stated that Resolution No. 2435 authorizes the City to apply to Flint Hills Resources and Koch Pipeline Company for a Helping Heroes 2016 Grant on behalf of the City of Baytown's Police Department to purchase protection equipment, as well as, equipment for the officers. A motion was made by Council Member Terry Sain and seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Robert C. Hoskins approving Resolution No. 2435. The vote was as follows: Ayes: Mayor Stephen DonCarlos, Council Member Brandon Capetillo, Mayor Pro Tern Robert C. Hoskins, Council Member David McCartney, Council Member Terry Sain, Council Member Chris Presley Nays: None Other: Council Member Mercedes Renteria III (Absent) Approved City Council Special Meeting Minutes August 04, 2016 Page 3 of 9 RESOLUTION NO. 2435 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR A HELPING HEROES 2016 GRANT TO FLINT HILLS RESOURCES AND KOCH PIPELINE COMPANY ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN'S POLICE DEPARTMENT; DESIGNATING AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF. 3. DISCUSSIONS a. Discuss the City of Baytown 2016 -17 Fiscal Year Proposed Budget. City Manager Davis presented the agenda item and stated that the FY2016 -17 budget includes the implementation of the Council's goal while avoiding tax increases, as well as, water and sewer fee increases. He stated that this budget will implement a facility maintenance program, continue aggressive maintenance of public spaces, continue waterfront cleanup and improvements, continue ongoing bridge painting and maintenance, make improvements to the Library, partner with the school district to address brand and image, and coordinate with Centerpoint and Frontier Communications to consolidate line configuration as development occurs. As it relates to public safety, City Manager Davis stated that the budget proposes to expand the capacity to adopt animals, reduce euthanasia, and develop a volunteer program, fully staff and equip a fifth ambulance, support paramedic training, pursue the next phase for the fire training field, continue to build law enforcement capabilities, and implement an emergency medical dispatch program. Council Member Sain inquired if staffing the ladder truck was included in this proposed budget. In response to Council Member Sain's inquiry, City Manager Davis stated that staff addressed staffing the ladder truck during the current budget by moving three (3) positions to operator status and proposed for six (6) positions in the 2016 -17 budget to cover the gaps, as well as, provide a fifth ambulance team. He further stated that currently there's a personnel available to operate the ladder truck and although staff is not finished addressing the ladder truck, the hope is to completely staff it the following year. Council Member Capetillo inquired as to what personnel would be needed for the City to qualify for the ISO 1 rating. Fire Chief Shon Blake stated that the City will qualify for the ISO 1 rating once the lieutenant position is filled, which will be a two (2) person staff truck, along with the completion of the drill tower. Council Member McCartney inquired as to how many detectives were included in the proposed budget. Chief Dougherty stated that they augmented under the current budget and made an additional Sergeant Lieutenant, whereas they are full with regards to detectives currently. Chief Dougherty stated that they will be getting four (4) more officers that will start out at the patrol ranks and he will work on the goals from Council the next budget year. City Manager Davis noted a reminder to Council that starting with the FY2016 -17 budget; the City will fund the officers that were being funded through Exxon. City Council Special Meeting Minutes August 04, 2016 Page 4 of 9 During further discussion, Council Member Hoskins recommended that the public safety portion of the budget be revisited before the adoption of the budget to address the safety concerns of the police department with regards to records management and staffing to assist with the increasing of small neighborhood crimes. Chief Dougherty stated that the collaboration with the other department directors helps augment individual systems to a system that will improve the quality of enforcement and regulation within the city. Chief Dougherty also stated that staff is working in the right direction and he's able to go the City Manager for assistance as needed. Council Member McCartney stated that he was told that the police department is critically short on space and evidence and records are stored in portable storage containers outside of the police building. Chief Dougherty stated that Council Member McCartney's statement was accurate and that there are some portable containers with property in it on the pound lot that is secured. Chief Dougherty further stated that they are working on designing some of the current space from the vacating of the telecommunications facility to accommodate record storing space, but it will not empty out the portable containers. He noted that some of the records stored in the container relate to long term cases, in which you can't dispose of, but rather house it and also noted that they are in need of space. During further discussion, council voiced concerns of the police department facilities and storage space and further agreed that they be addressed in this proposed budget. Mayor DonCarlos stated that he expect that monies in the proposed budget be devoted to the repair of the police stations roof and to development space for storing police records with the current assets available. Additionally, he stated that the expectation is to provide staff with the best equipment and facilities so that they are able to do the best job possible in a safe environment. Mayor DonCarlos further stated that the answer for the police department concerns is going to be in the form of a bond issue, possibly for the year 2017. He noted that he expects the facility review to come before Council within six to nine months with a long term plan for getting the police department in a modern facility. City Manager Davis stated that the immediate needs would be addressed the day following this meeting and within the next 30 days he will provide Council with a detail plan of steps for moving forward. Council Member Hoskins requested for administration to schedule a walk through of the older fire stations. As it relates to neighborhood quality and vibrancy, City Manager Davis stated that this proposed budget will institute a proactive code enforcement program, expand pirates bay water park enhancements, continue to improve area parks, and begin a public art program. Council Member Presley inquired if new software and clerical support will be able to provide proactive enforcement with regards to finding substandard structure and getting it through the process to the municipal court or if an additional substandard or code enforcement officer should be hired. In response to Council Member Presley's inquiry, City Manager Davis stated that currently at this time he's confident that with new software, clerical support, and the current personnel that's City Council Special Meeting Minutes August 04, 2016 Page 5 of 9 in place staff will provide proactive enforcement, as positive progress has already been made with this regard. Mr. Nick Woolery noted that there's one (1) additional neighborhood protection officer being proposed in the budget. Mayor DonCarlos requested to have a regular report every other month on substandard structures so that Council can see the status of progress being made. During further discussion, a request was also made to have this topic as an agenda item on a quarterly basis, in which Council agreed to. During further discussion as it relates to substandard structures, council voiced concerns of addressing the allowances that are legal, but hinders the positive impact on the city, as well as, the ordinances that council has passed, but haven't been enforced. City Manager Davis stated that part of the implementation plan is to help set a legislative platform or foundation for code enforcement; therefore, staff will be bringing initiatives to strengthen the code. Mr. Woolery stated for clarity that the departments that primarily handle code enforcement are health and planning, but that the new additional staff being proposed in the budget will be for the health department. Mr. Woolery further stated that one of the challenges of code enforcement with regards to the planning department is that the inspectors are overlapping with regards to inspection duties. Mayor DonCarlos inquired if it would be more efficient to have a department that only did code enforcement instead of having it split between the departments. Assistant City Manager Troller stated that staff discussed centralizing code enforcement duties and the departments look at different aspects enforcement; therefore, there was no way to combine them together. During further discussion regarding councils concern of there being more improvements related to code enforcement in the planning department, City Manager Davis stated that staff has initiated steps with this regard and that some of the issues were already implemented through policies, but the issues with budgetary implications have to wait for budgetary support. Council Member Presley inquired if the new position funded through MDD could assist with some of the city's troubled properties or underutilized assets. City Manager Davis stated that staff is currently capable of handling such issues and although the new position could assist only as the city targets property for redevelopment, it would focus primarily on opportunities for new development. With regards to modern and reliable infrastructure, City Manager Davis stated that staff will continue the implementation of sanitary sewer overflow initiative program, continue improving expansion of current infrastructure through a wastewater master plan, and implement pavement preservation strategy. He stated that the wastewater master plan will be to give a better idea as to what improvements will have the greatest effect on decreasing infiltration/inflow (I &I). He stated that because I &I only occurs during weather events it is difficult to measure, but the improvements to the lift stations and other projects do have an effect on it. During further discussion, an inquiry was made as to what proportional I &I contributions were public compared to private. Deputy City Manager Bottoms stated that there is an aggressive program that TV lines whereas the reports of the findings are sent to the home owner so that they can make necessary repairs. Council Member McCartney further inquired about the number of participants of the program that are allowed to pay a fee rather than repair their line. In response to Council Member McCartney's inquiry, Deputy City Manager Bottoms stated that although there have City Council Special Meeting Minutes August 04, 2016 Page 6 of 9 been improvements on the city's system, staff may need to revisit the enforcement of the program. Mr. Woolery stated that through CDBG funds, the city offers a low income family assistance with replacing their lines, but noted that the challenge in increasing a fee above $25 is that the family doesn't have money to fix the line or pay the fee; therefore, staff is looking at other options to help resolve this issue. With regards to community mobility, City Manager Davis stated that staff is moving forward with the San Jacinto Mall area transportation improvement which involves Hunt, Santavy, John Martin, and San Jacinto Boulevard; the completion of the Goose Creek Trail System; implementing the sidewalk master plan; and strategically identifying choke points and other opportunities to mitigate traffic congestion that includes right -turn lanes, signal synchronization, east /west crossing of Cedar Bayou, a Highway 146 corridor study, and widening of Garth Road. He stated that a grant of $1.2 million was received to begin the design for the widening of Garth Road and staff will seek additional funding to complete the design. Council Member Sain inquired if the design would include putting the utility lines underground. In response to Council Member Sain's inquiry regarding the utility lines being put underground, City Manager Davis stated that during an educational riding experience with Centerpoint in terms of understanding exactly what it would mean to existing businesses to underground everything it would be cost effective, but consolidating and cleaning up the infrastructure is something that can be done, whereas, line burial and electrical consolidation is part of the Garth Road project. City Manager Davis stated that staff is developing a facilities master plan to determine what facilities to consolidate, repair, or let go. He stated that they will finalize the five (5) year strategic plan, complete a five (5) year capital improvement program, continue annual citizens survey, improve transparency by implementing a community score card, enhance long -range planning efforts, continue competitive compensation plan, and have no proposal to increase health care premiums. He further stated that staff will continue to pursue Bayland Island Conference Center Hotel Development, public /private partnerships for the redevelopment opportunities in the ACE District, implement improvements from the development process review, and complete a street media/wayfinding project. As it related to the street media/wayfinding project, Mayor DonCarlos recommended that staff consider the street signs on major thoroughfares with regards to uniformity of the font sizes. During further discussion, City Manager Davis stated that the new personnel in the proposed budget includes: Planner I; Long Range Planner; Marshall; Patrol Officers (4); Police Open Records Specialist; Telecommunicators (3); Firefighters (6); Neighborhood Protection Officer; Senior Animal Services Officer; Health Administrative Support; Evergreen Park Crew (2); Parks Foreman/Horticulturist; Parks Equipment Operator; Baytown Nature Center Park Crew (2); Visitor Outreach Specialist; Water Plant Operators (2); Utility Maintenance Technicians (2); Quality Assurance /Quality Improvement Coordinator; Asphalt Crew (2); and Development Director. Council Member Capetillo inquired as to what would be the duties of the quality assurance /improvement coordinator. In response to Council Member Capetillo's inquiry, Fire Chief Shon Blake stated that the coordinator position will look at the medical reports to make sure that the paramedics are doing what they are supposed to and also work with the medical director to assure all updated requirements are met. City Council Special Meeting Minutes August 04, 2016 Page 7 of 9 Finance Director, Wade Nickerson provided a summary of the general fund proposed budget and stated that the revenues are projected to increase and be at 13.5 %. He stated that 73% of the general fund budget is personnel, whereas the total revenues is just under $83 million and the total expenditures is just under $88 million. Mayor DonCarlos inquired as to the reason for the decrease in fines and forfeiture and stated that he didn't want to see a decrease in this line item. In response to Mayor DonCarlos's inquiry, Mr. Nickerson stated that the biggest reason for the decrease is due to the staff shortage in the Marshall program; therefore, staff anticipated the effects of such although an additional Marshall was added to the program. Mr. Nickerson further stated that he would further research this line item and bring back more information to council. With regards to the water and sewer fund, Mr. Nickerson stated that the revenues are proposed with an increase of 10.5 %, which is based on increased sales of more water usage and development, but not from an increase in water or sewer rates. He stated that the operating expenditures will be at a steady 6% as much money in this fund is being pushed more towards capital improvement projects. As it relates to expenditures, Mayor DonCarlos stated that the services in water and sewer are increasing due to primarily the increase in electricity costs and further inquired for clarity of the reasoning as his knowledge is that electricity rates are decreasing. In response to Mayor DonCarlos's inquiry regarding clarity on the electricity rate, Mr. Mark LeBlanc noted that some factors considered in the reason for the increase in electricity costs include the fact that the revenues increased due to selling more water and it takes more electricity to make more water. Mr. LeBlanc further noted that as more water is sold the more wastewater needs to be treated; therefore, the more electricity is needed. In addition to Mayor DonCarlos's inquiry, Mr. Drew Potts stated the city added new infrastructure and new buildings that require service and additionally, Mr. Nickerson stated that the proposal is based on the current year consumption projections. During further discussion, Council Member Capetillo stated that in previous years everyone would fuel at the same location and inquired of the source structure with regards to diesel and gas fuel was currently the same. Mr. Potts stated that the City works off of Houston rack prices, whereas the city would pay less than a penny on the gas and lesser of that on the diesel. Council Member Capetillo further inquired of the estimated cost that's used for budgetary purposes. In response to Council Member Capetillo's inquiry regarding the estimated costs, Mr. Potts stated that $2.50 was used for gas and $3 was used for diesel in which the amounts were reduced from previous. Council Member McCartney inquired if it was more efficient to run the plants on electricity and if there was any consideration to using gas as a more reliable and inexpensive power source. Mr. LeBlanc stated that he's not certain as it relates to the plant, but that staff is looking into other options related to generators. Mr. Jose Pastrana noted that it is always inefficient to run a small type generator and you can't beat the efficiency of the big generators which is the power companies. Mr. Pastrana further stated that the city couldn't run the plant on a natural gas type generator because all of the equipment is electrical; therefore, the gas would have convert to electricity and then run the equipment. City Council Special Meeting Minutes August 04, 2016 Page 8 of 9 With regards to the hotel occupancy tax fund summary, Mr. Nickerson stated that the revenues are being budgeted at approximately $300,000, which is a conservative increase over prior budget and the expenditures increased by 5% as the part time position that was turned into a full time position was taken into consideration. Additionally, he stated that the fund balance at the end of the year would be for is 61 days. During further discussion with regards to the historical percentage of 1% being noted by function, Council Member Presley inquired if this percentage was typical or in line with other cities. Mr. Woolery stated that this year's percentages are off because of the predictions being based on conference center costs, but the normal percentage is normally higher. City Manager Davis stated that the sanitation fund, which is utilized to finance the solid waste collection and disposal is proposing a 5% fee increase due to the following factors: solid waste collection external cost increase, a delay in disposal of brush due to more people utilizing brush collections, and an effort to sustain this fund from the trend of having a recurring deficit. He stated that although a $2.50 increase would set a pace of sustainability, he recommends a $1 increase to buy some time until the re- evaluation of the contract for solid waste for pick and disposal. Council Member McCartney recommended extending the hours of the recycling center. City Manager Davis stated that staff will re- evaluate the plan and bring back an estimated increase amount to accommodate extended hours of the recycling center. Mayor DonCarlos requested clarity for the $450,000 increase in personnel costs in aquatics. In response to Mayor DonCarlos's request for clarity, Mr. Mike Flinn stated that more guards are needed for the expansion of Pirates Bay and corrections were made with regards to school day rentals that were not budgeted for previously, as well as, for the ice rink. Deputy City Manager Bottoms stated that the salary line items weren't budgeted, but the revenues covered the expenses. Council Member Presley stated that the Town Square programming budget was increased to $50,000 per Mayor DonCarlos's request and further inquired if the annual programming budget would remain at $50,000. Mr. Dustin Schubert stated that the amount increased to approximately $65,000 to accommodate more snow for the ice rink and the events for the year. Mayor DonCarlos noted for informational purposes that the City of Houston increased the City of Baytown's water rates to 1.4% as a result of the City of Houston's population increase. In conclusion of the budget discussion, City Manager Davis stated that significant capital commitments will need to be made with regards to the sanitary sewer system. 4. ADJOURN A motion was made by Council Member Chris Presley and seconded by Council Member David McCartney adjourning the August 04, 2016, City Council Special Meeting. The vote was as follows: City Council Special Meeting Minutes August 04, 2016 Page 9 of 9 Ayes: Mayor Stephen DonCarlos, Council Member Brandon Capetillo, Mayor Pro Tern Robert C. Hoskins, Council Member David McCartney, Council Member Terry Sain, Council Member Chris Presley Nays: None Other: Council Member Mercedes Renteria III (Absent) Approved With there being no further business to discuss, Mayor DonCarlos adjourned the August 04, 2016, City Council Special Meeting at 7:42 P.M. Leticia Brysch, City Clerk City of Baytown Vm n1' 0! Z9 n: ,'O