2017 08 10 WS MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR WORK SESSION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
AUGUST 10 2017
The City Council of the City of Baytown Texas met in a Regular Work Session on Thursday,
August 10 2017, at 5.30 P M., in the Hullum Conference Room of the Baytown City Hall 2401
Market Street Baytown, Texas with the following in attendance
Laura Alvarado
Council Member
Robert Hoskins
Council Member
Charles Johnson
Council Member
David McCartney
Council Member
Chris Presley
Council Member
Terry Sain
Council Member
Stephen DonCarlos Mayor
Rick Davis
City Manager
Ignacio Ramirez
City Attorney
Leticia Brysch
City Clerk
Keith Dougherty
Sergeant at Arms
Mayor DonCarlos convened the August 10 2017, City Council Regular Work Session with a
quorum present at 5.30 P M. all members were present with the exception of Council Member
Johnson who arrived at 5:41 P M., Council Member Presley who arrived at 5:43 P M., and
Council Member Sam who arrived at 6:00 P M
DISCUSSIONS
a Receive and discuss a presentation regarding the Gene and Loretta Russell Park
Master Plan
Director of Parks and Recreation Scott Johnson introduced Mr Charles Burditt, Ms Ericka Belt
and Ms Claudia Walker from Burditt Consulting Group who presented an update on the process
regarding the Gene and Loretta Russell Park Master Plan
Mr Buri in stated that since the last meeting in May, they have undertaken a significant amount
of work on this project and noted that there has been many meetings with City staff Mr and
Mrs Russell and other stakeholders from the area north of 1 10, such as the Youth Fair the
Goose Creek Consolidated School District others regarding the park s master plan He stated
that they received input on the project, data, geo tech information surveys, and other
information from staff that gave them a good start because they were able to then set up a GIS of
the site He noted that other forms of outreach included a public online survey sent to over 150
residents and local area students in which some of the feedback received included having
opportunities for testing at the park a center for after school activities, Wi R accessibility trails
City Council Regular Work Session Meeting Minutes
August 10 2017
Page 2 of 7
for the cross country team, covered basketball facilities sidewalks, benches, picnic tables and
other park amenities He further noted that all of this various data was collected and catalogued
in lune, which was then used to create a proposed master plan.
Mr Burdnt noted that the master plan itself is not lust a flat drawing, but is instead a document
that has a narrative based on all of the input He stated that this document will include all of the
sketches renderings notes and comments, in order to tell a story of what s intended and how to
get from one (1) end to the approval of the master plan, along with the associates cost of
different phases and/or opportunities Mr Burditt noted that for a park of this magnitude it will
have to be built in phases, therefore, once the project is done staff and council will decide which
phase comes first as well as, how to pay for it He further noted that the master plan will include
information on potential funding opportunities that the City might be interested in pursuing.
Mr Burditt stated that Mr and Mr Russell wanted to participate in the creative process for this
project and has never met anyone so committed to a City of which they do not reside, but love
very much He stated they envision conservancy for the park in order for it to maintain itself
with hopes of a 5016 or friends of the park organization come into fruition in order to support
the park and to have perpetuity of funding for its maintenance
Ms Walker stated that they received input from the before mentioned stakeholders and provided
a rendering of the park illustrating the different possibilities for connectivity way -finding, the
expansion of an easement through the middle of the park, the drainage sites a potential pipeline
easement, drainage and Floodplain She noted that the park is located close to N Main and
Wallisville which allows for the possibility of other connectivity to trails and roads, allowing for
several access points to the park
Ms Walker noted that as it relates to the existing conditions at the site, the soils are hard and not
in the best quality, which results in a lot of flooding- therefore, the plan is to move some soil
around in order for the area to not be so flat She also noted that some soil will need to be added
for plants and other landscaping needs Ms Walker stated that they'll look at the park s
topography and give it some elevation by using some of the soil that will results from the
excavation of the retention pond She stated that there are already some trees that have been
planted around the perimeter by ExxonMobil in the park and noted that the retention pond is nice
for fishing and walking around with trails
Ms Walker provided to Council a map identifying different aspects of the park including an
active recreation area, a family recreation area and a community events area She noted that they
designed around the existing easement, but can move things around as needed She stated that
the community center is planned with its own parking along with an open space with a small
pavilion and/or gazebo that could be used for private events like weddings She identified the
playground space for inclusive play a splash pad area, restroom pavilion and a condition space
for party rentals She noted that they planned for sidewalks around the entire site with a
roundabout sculpture/gazebo or other significant piece to allow for access to the entire park She
further noted that there would also be a volleyball area different picnic areas with logging, and
walking tracks around the whole site Additionally Ms Walker stated that the plan included a
covered open multi use field for sports that is 450 feet across and 600 feet long an open space
City Council Regular Work Session Meeting Minutes
August 10 2017
Page 3 of 7
event lawn with a pavilion structure for small concerts or other outdoor events, two (2) covered
basketball courts a recreation space, a pond, and a large dog park with its own trails and picnic
pavilion
During further discussion, Mr Burditt stated that this plan gives Council an idea of where things
could be and how it could look, and noted that the pond is located in an area that is now owned
by the City but could be located there if something is worked out with the property owner
Mayor DonCarlos stated that the City has been in talks with Chevron regarding the possibility of
a long term lease of this area specifically for the pond and noted that they're also looking at
putting something unique to Baytown that will really attract people to visit the City such as
equestrian trails trails for foot races, or something similar. but low impact in this space
Additionally, he stated that Chevron wants to mamtam this green space, but we are having good
conversations about low impact uses that they would be ok with, and make this a really beautiful
space
Council Member Johnson noted that the community center listed in the plan is more like the size
of the pavilion in Roseland Park but a little nicer and more updated
Mayor DonCarlos noted that the Russell s would like an area that can really support weddings
with a beautiful gazebo with a water background that's heavily landscaped in addition to an
inside space that will allow for the placement of chairs and a place to hold receptions
Council Member Hoskins asked if the open lawn concept was flat or sloped. Mr Burditt stated
that this area is designed to be gently sloped for sitting lawns and chairs for an amphitheater and
further noted that this is the master plan as it stand today and this could be it however noted that
once starting on the actual design of the park they'll begin to see how all the details will start
coming together Mr Burdnt also noted that they provided to Council what they had coin up
with considering the input received thus far, but things could change
Ms Walker stated that the community center noted in the plan is more multi purpose and will
give people an opportunity to have restrooms a bride chamber, additional instructional space
that could be coordinated with GCCISD for sports or activities pavilions that could be open with
more landscaping beneficial to the visitors
Mayor DonCarlos stated that this is going to be a big park with 36 square miles which might be
an ideal opportunity for the placement of another recreation center to the north of the City
because they want the first youth center to be on the south side of the City Council Member
Johnson stated that the recreation center is like a foot pont in the plan which allows to have
everything in place when the time comes to build the facility and further noted that this area to
the north of the City is a great area that s exploding with new residents. therefore this park will
be used and is very much needed
Additionally Mr Burditt stated that they will be working on getting the individual components
cost for each phase and will have it for Council's review at an upcoming council meeting.
City Council Regular Work Session Meeting Minutes
August 10 2017
Page 4 of 7
Mayor DonCarlos stated that he's close friends with the Russell s and know they're fanatically
committed to seeing this project come to fruition and with its many unique features is going to be
an absolutely wonderful park
It Discuss the City of Baytown trash collection and recycling services
Director of Public Works Department, Frank Simoneaux presented the agenda item and stated
that this item was for discussion purposes only with the intended purpose to provide Council
with some options, as well as receive input from them on how to move forward
Mr Simoneaux stated that the City's current contract with Waste Management expires October
01, 2017 He stated that the City went out for bids and received two (2) proposals that both came
in much higher than expected and therefore, presented the following options to the Council, in
order to receive their feedback
Options 1 provides for a large price increase of 30 to 50 percent more for the same service
provided by contractor which includes twice weekly garbage collection (unlimited quantity,
bags or cans), twice weekly bulk pickup with garbage collection (furniture bulky items but not
building mamnals), once weekly recycling service once monthly brush collection and recycling
bulk and brush drop-off, including building materials with some exclusions at the Green Center
Option 2 is a more moderate price increase of 20 to 30 percent that provides for an adjusted
service by contractor which includes once weekly garbage collection (unlimited quantity bags
or cans) once weekly bulk pick up with garbage collection (furniture, bulky items, but not
building materials) once weekly recycling, once monthly brush collechon and recycling, bulk
and brush drop-off including budding materials with some exclusions at the Green Center
Option 3 has a moderate price increase of 10-20 percent that provides for comparable service by
the City's Public Work Department which includes twice weekly garbage collection (6 -day
route all trash in a City -provided can, additional cans can be purchased at an additional cost),
on-call bulk pickup (furniture bulky items but not budding materials) once weekly curbside
recycling, once monthly brush collection and recycling, bulk and brush drop-off including
building materials with some exclusions at the Green Center
Option 4 has no price increase and provides for adjusted service by the City's Public Works
Department which includes once weekly garbage collection (all trash in a City provided can
additional cans can be purchased at an additional cost), on call bulk pickup (furniture bulky
items but not budding materials), once weekly curbside recycling, once monthly brush collection
and recycling bulk and brush drop-off, including building materials with some exclusions at the
Green Center
Mr Stmoneaux provided the Council with an option recap chart to outline the difference
between the four options side by side
City Councd Regular Work Session Meeting Minutes
August 10 2017
Page 5 of 7
Option 1
2
3 4
HH Trash 2x Wk
Ix Wk
2x Wk (Auto) Ix Wk (Auto)
Bulk Trash 2x Wk
Ix Wk
On Call On Call
Brash lx M0
Ix Mo
lx Mo Ix M0
Const & Debris Green Ctr
Green Ctr
Green Ctr Green Ctr
Curbside Recycle Ix Wk
Ix Wk
lx Wk lx Wk
Green Center Rcy, C&D,Bsush
Rcy C&D,Bvsh
Rcy, C&D,Biush Rey C&D,asush
Cost Effect targe Increase
Mo uc Inose
Moderate Increase No Change
Mr Simoneaux stated that staff would be
holding two
(2) town hall meetings next week to
receive public feedback regarding this item
He noted that
he cannot discuss pricing for these
options because negotiations are ongoing with the contractor and said information should not be
disclosed in a public meeting setting.
In response to a question from Council Member McCartney regarding recycling Mr Simoneaux
stated that under options one (1) and two (2) the recycling would be handled by the contractor
and under options three (3) and four (4) the services would be handled by Public Works He
noted that under options three (3) and four (4), the City would provide two (2) cans, with one (1)
being for the trash and the other for recycling. Additionally Mr Simoneaux stated that should
the Council decide to move forward with options three (3) or four (4) the City would have to
purchase trucks, bins and other equipment in order to take on the services in house
In response to a question from Council Member Sam Mr Simoneaux stated that the City would
deliver it s recycling to Waste Management instead of them picking it up
In response to a question from Council Member Presley City Manager Davis stated that Waste
Management could increase the landfill fees, but noted that these fees are published, therefore, if
they raised the fees on the City they would have to raise them on everyone
The consensus from the Council was that option three (3) appeared to be a more viable option
Council Member Hoskins stated that since the City increased the trash pickup to twice a week,
there's been a decrease of large trash on the roads throughout the City He further noted that he
would hate to cut back on any of the trash and recycling services that currently being provided to
the citizens, because it may be an increase in big bulky trash items littered in the back roads of
town City Manager Davis noted that there are some benefits associated with moving to once a
week trash pickup found in option four (4), such as, the wear and tear on the roads as the capital
costs is expensive and puts a strain on existing human capital in order to deliver Additionally,
City Manager Davis noted that staff would like to have this nem ready to go starting January 1"
and there would be two (2) months in which the City would be paying Waste Management at the
new rate
Mr Simoneaux in response to a question from Council Member Sam stated that the startup cost
for the trucks bins and equipment would be $5 to $6 million for option four (4) and higher for
option three (3) Mr Davis recommended that we wait on movmg forward with an option until
City Council Regular Work Session Meeting Minutes
August 10 2017
Page 6 of 7
the town halls had taken place and staff had an opportunity to compile citizen comment on the
noted four options
City Manager Davis further noted that there are a number of communities that have started the
migration towards once a week collection and this could be an opportunity for the City of
Baytown to consider this also Council Member Sam noted that the City had gone down to once
a week trash pickup before and it was not well received by the public
Deputy City Manager Bottoms asked the Council if there were any concerns from their
perspective on internalizing these services Mayor DonCarlos stated that the current practice is
easier however he noted that it has come to a point where he feels that the City of Baytown is
being held hostage and cannot get to a point where they cannot control the costs associated with
such services
Council Member McCartney asked if the contractor knew that the City was looking at options to
take on these services and not move forward with negotiations City Manager Davis stated that
the contractor is aware of how the City feels and there are no indications that they are willing to
move from their position
City Manager Davis noted that in option three (3) there's an increase in the rates in order to
maintain the same level of service, but it s not as much as it would be if decided on option one
(1)
Council Member McCartney asked if a 20% increase would be enough to cover the cost of all
the new equipment and labor to undertake this program Mr Simoneaux stated that the City's
current rate is at $2131 plus tax and clanfied that the City does not collect that tax as it goes to
the state, and further agreed that a 20% increase mentioned by Council Member McCartney
would be enough to bring everything in house
The Council briefly discussed bin options, sizes and cost, automated trash pickup options and
once a week trash collection
City Manager Davis stated that staff will receive public feedback along with the exact financial
impact for each option and bring to the next council meeting in order to allow for the Council to
make an informed decision
Mr Simoneaux noted that the two (2) public meetings were scheduled for Tuesday, August 15`n
and Wednesday, August 16'" both at 6.30 P M with the first being located at the Community
Center and the second at the Alamo Elementary School cafeteria
c Discuss the City of Baytown FY2017 18 Proposed Municipal Budget
City Manager Davis stated that pending a decision on the trash collection and recycling, he
recommended that the adoption of the budget be postponed to the next council meeting The
Council concurred with City Manager Davis's recommendation
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August 10 2017
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Council Member Hoskins requested an additional work session regarding the proposed FY 2017
18 budget as he still had some concerns he wanted to discuss of which, the tax decrease being
one of them
The Council requested that staff poll for a special budget work session on August 17 2017
d Discuss any or all of the agenda items on the City Council Regular Meeting Agenda
for August 10 2017, which is attached below
This item was not discussed
ADJOURN
With there being no further business to discuss, Mayor DonCarlos adjourned the August 10
2017, City Council Regular Work Session at 6:30 P M
Leticia Brysch, City Clem
City of Baytown