Loading...
2011 03 24 WS MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR WORK SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN March 24, 2011 The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas met in a Regular Work Session on Thursday, March 24, 2011, at 4:40 P.M., in the Council Chamber of the Baytown City Hall, 2401 Market Street, Baytown, Texas with the following in attendance: Brandon Capetillo Lynn Caskey David McCartney Mercedes Renteria Terry Sain Scott Sheley Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Stephen DonCarlos Mayor Robert D. Leiper City Manager Kevin Troller Assistant City Manager Ignacio Ramirez City Attorney Leticia Brysch City Clerk Keith Dougherty Sergeant at Arms Mayor DonCarlos convened the March 24, 2011, City Council Regular Work Session with a quorum present at 4:40 P.M., all members were present. 1. DISCUSSIONS a. Discuss Options for Solid Waste /Recycling - Administration. City Manager Leiper presented the agenda item to discuss options for residential solid waste collection and curbside recycling. He stated that the goals were to increase recycling participation and decrease solid waste tonnage; therefore, a two phase twelve (12) month program was proposed. Mr. Leiper stated that the plan is to change from current uses to reuse /recycling carts. Some advantages are (1) it encourages recycling by expanding capacity and allowing for additional materials, (2) it reduces pet damage and blowing trash, and (3) it promotes a better community appearance. Phase One (1) of the pilot program began in March 2011 to designate three (3) areas to test and monitor for benchmark purposes. Then in July 2011, the next step will be to move towards the use of the 95 gallon carts in these designated areas, while monitoring change in both the recycling and garbage tonnage. Lastly, in December 2011, a review and analysis will be conducted regarding the changes. If the analysis is positive, then progress to phase two (2) will begin. Phase Two (2) of the pilot programs will begin in January 2012, to expand the test elements, and change trash pickup services from twice weekly unlimited garbage to once a week with the 95 gallon cart garbage service, while continuing with the recycling carts and tonnage analysis. In July 2012, an evaluation on the increases in recycling, decreases in garbage, and service delivery along with customer feedback will be conducted. If appropriate and with the approval of Council, a recommendation would be made at this point to negotiate a service change with Waste Management and implement the program city wide. City Manager Leiper stated that concerns in regards to the program will be addressed during the pilot program period, and that the designated areas were selected so that one truck could service that area. Mayor DonCarlos inquired as to why the pilot participants were not selected based on the areas that heavily use recycling. Mr. Leiper stated that the choice was not to target only those areas that recycle, but instead those areas that did not recycle as much to help encourage a culture change. Mayor inquired about the kinds of public education that will be conducted to encourage recycling for those areas that do not currently recycle heavily. Mr. Thane Harrison with Waste Management stated that there will be homeowner's meetings with City staff and Waste Management representatives that will educate the public on the program and answer any questions or concerns that they may have. Council Member Sain inquired if there would be an increase in the garbage fees to cover the cost of the carts. Mr. Leiper stated that some of the increase would be offset and spread out over a period of time, but also noted that this change would include an extension of services to the businesses and apartment complexes. Mr. Leiper also noted that commercial and apartment complexes would pay for the recycling program and that the tax payer would not take on the cost for private industry. Council Member Caskey stated that his concern was the pick up for bags of leaves. Mr. Leiper stated that he does not have an answer for that at this time, but also stated that the City's Public Works Department is working towards the creation of a system to help the community recycle yard waste. Mr. Thane stated that there is a City that they contract with for this type of service, which is a separate waste pick up that requires for the yard waste to be placed in clear plastic bags; however, there is a separate cost associated with this service. Council Member Renteria asked if the separate waste pick up for yard waste could be implemented in the pilot program. City Manager Leiper stated that this would include another route and truck, but stated that staff would look into options. b. Discuss Baytown 2010 Census - Planning and Development Services. City Manager Leiper presented the agenda item to discuss the 2010 Bureau of the Census first release of population data for the City of Baytown. Ms. Carpenter stated that U.S. Census Bureau released population data for Texas in February of 2011 with Baytown reported as having a population of 71,802; the City's census figure for 2000 was at 66,430, this is an increase of 5,372 people. Ms. Carpenter also stated that in the City's 2025 Comprehensive Plan, the population was estimated at 90,500, while other sources also estimated that the City's population would be a bit higher in 2010, than the number released by the U.S. Census. Ms. Carpenter stated that some factors that may affect the census count could be that many Baytown residents are non - English speaking residents and/or undocumented immigrants that are hesitant or untrusting as it related to filling out census forms Mayor DonCarlos inquired if a letter could be submitted to the Census, in regards to the discrepancy of the information being published. Ms. Carpenter stated that to her understanding, a suit would have to be filed with proof of documentation. Council Member McCartney inquired about the deadline to challenge the discrepancies. Ms. Carpenter stated that she not sure of a deadline, but no challenges is being accepted until June of 2011. The Council discussed the pros and cons of submitting a letter to the U.S. Census Bureau as it relates to the thought that the City's population had been undercounted. Staff informed Council that even if the City files suits and wins, there would be no added benefit to City, aside from placing the number on the City's signs. In order to have a significant impact on resources and representation, the City would have to reach the 100,000 mark, and if the Council wants to reach that milestone, it will have to consider its annexation plans for the future. C. Discuss Funding Options for Installation of Signage Designating Spur 330 as Veterans Memorial Highway - Administration. City Manager Leiper presented the agenda item to discuss funding options for the installation of signage designating Spur 330 as Veterans Memorial Highway. Mayor DonCarlos recommended paying for the signs and Council agreed. City Manager Leiper stated that it is within the City Manager's authority to approve the installation, but wanted direction from Council on the proceeding. Council directed the city manager to proceed with said purchase. 2. APPOINTMENTS Appointment Southeast Housilig Finance Corporation - Administration. (,','Ity Manager Leiper present the agenda itert'i to discuss one (1) appointment to the Board of Directors, of the Southeast 'I'exas I iousing Finance Cor-poration. Mayor DonCarlos stated that Mr. Daniel Sandoval no longer desires to remain on the Board and Iris replacement would serve the remaining six-ycar (6) terns ot'Mr. Sandoval, Which will expire in. 2013. Mayor DotiCarlos stated that I'/ r, Sandoval wanted to speak with the interested person (Icsiring to be Iris replacement to give lifirilher information as to what the Board is about bcf6re bringing them to Council and requested to hold oil the action itetil. 3. ADJOURN With there being no further business to discuss, Mayor DonCarlos adjourned the March 24, 2011, City Cou tic r Work Session at 5:53 P.M� tf . . . . . .. . I..,,eti-c-all-yscllV,", Cit yClcrk v I City of Biaytown,,,