Loading...
1976 01 22 CC Minutes.11 A MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN January 22, 1976 The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, met in regular session, Thursday, January 22, 1976, at 6:30 P. M. in the Council Chamber of the Baytown City Hall. The following members were in attendance: Jody Lander Fred Bednarski Charles Pool Mary E. Wilbanks Emmett 0. Hutto Tom Walmsley Tom Gentry Fritz Lanham Neel Richardson Jo Ann Bryant Dan Savage Councilman Councilman Councilman Councilwoman Councilman Councilman Mayor City Manager City Attorney Deputy City Clerk Assistant City Manager Mayor Gentry called the meeting to order and the invocation was offered by Councilman Tom Walmsley. Approve Minutes Councilman Bednarski moved approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held January 8, 1976, and ratification of actions taken at said meeting; ,Councilman Pool seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None Petitions None presented. City Manager's Report Houston Ship Channel - Maintenance Improvements - Notification has been received from the Corps of Engineers concerning two proposed maintenance im- provements along the Houston Ship Channel. One improvement would include the easing of the bend in the channel opposite Baytown; the other improvement is to be located at the turning point of Brady Island. Radio Equipment - At budget time the Administration discussed with Council the plans of the Houston - Galveston Area Council to take bids for radio maintenance for all communities in this area that purchase police radios through HGAC. Bids have been taken and the cost to Baytown based on those bids would be $19,644.00, which is approximately $7,500.00 more than estimated in the budget. Mr. Lanham suggested that if the City could purchase some additional testing equipment and hire a part -time radio technician as needed, the City could do the same job at a considerable savings. This equip- ment would cost about $6,000.00. Since the agreement with HGAC would only cover that equipment bought through the HGAC and not that used by Public Works, Inspection, and other city departments, the Administration recommended that the City not participate in the agreement at this time. Council had no objections to the Administration's recommendation. Sliplining - At the last meeting Council authorized the advertising for bids for the repairing and sliplining of sewer lines in two parts of the City. Since that time two other sewer lines have collapsed. One of these lines is between Harold Lane and Pamela. The line was televised and about 1055' of .Ili Minutes of the Regular Session - January 22, 1976 that line should be sliplined; the line along the railroad tracks near Mabry Road also collapsed and will require about 700' of sliplining. In addition to the sliplining between Harold and Pamela, there are approximately twenty - four (24) taps to be made by hand since they are located in backyards (fenced areas). The Administration requested that an addendum to the present bid specifications be send out in order to add these additional lines and to extend the time for the receipt of bids from January 26 to February 2. The total estimated cost for these projects is $50,000.00. Councilman Pool moved to advertise for bids for sliplining these lines; Councilwoman Wilbanks seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None Street Improvements Financed by Revenue Sharing and Budgeted Funds - Elm Street has not yet been surfaced. The work is progressing satisfactorily on Decker Drive; the new concrete section and curb and gutter on the south side of Decker has been completed. Brown & Root is now working on the north side of Decker. Sanitary Sewer System Improvements under the 1970 Bond Program - The West Main sliplining work is complete with the exception of minor cleanup. In the east district where the plant is being expanded, half the foundation slab for the treatment plant has been poured. The contractor expects to finish the sludge drying beds by February 1. In the west district the work on the systematic sewer system evaluation survey is in the first phase which includes a physical inspection of the man- holes and smoke testing of the lines. 50% of the manholes have been inspected; 40% of the lines have been smoke tested. Engineers expect to complete this phase of the project in two weeks. The second phase includes quantifying the leaks that are found within Phase 1. This could be completed by the middle of February. After this the City must get the approval of the Texas Water Quality Board and the EPA for the next phase, preparation of plans. Robin Road Storm Sewer Improvement - The Robin Road storm sewer work is underway. The contractor has removed the old pipe in preparation for laying the new pipe. Rollingbrook Bridge Improvement - The Rollingbrook Bridge project is complete with the exception of some minor cleanup and some welding. This should be completed within a week. The contractor will then move back to the West Texas Avenue bridge. West Texas Avenue Improvement - The fill and underground contractor on West Texas Avenue has completed his work with the exception of water and sewer lines that must be constructed across Goose Creek. Water Line on Bayway Drive - The contractor is underway on the Bayway Drive water line; 1450' of pipe is in the ground. Mr. Fletcher Hicherson has set up a series of defensive driving courses for city employees who drive city vehicles. Houston Natural Gas Company Richard DeSalme, Bayport District Manager for HNG Corporation, Howard Bell, Vice President and General Manager of the Gulf Coast Districts, and Mark Hayes, Rate and Research Department, appeared to answer any questions concerning HNG's rate increases. Mr. Howard Bell gave the following summary of the manner in which the gate rate operates. The legislature gave the Railroad Commission jurisdiction over pipeline suppliers. After hearings are held, the Texas Railroad Commission sets the rate that the pipeline supplier can charge distribution companies at the city gate. After these hearings, the Railroad Commission must make approval or disapproval of these -„ J Minutes of the Regular Session - January 22, 1976 rates before any changes can be made. In HNG's case beginning back in August, 1969 a new gate rate was established for Houston Pipeline Company, a subsidiary supplier for Houston Natural Gas. The gate rate was set at 33.7Q per mcl. In 1971 the rate was changed to 38.31 per mcl. An order Gas Utility Docket No. 483 in 1972 also established the 38.31 per mcl and provided for a cost of gas adjustment to be made semi - annually in the gate rate based upon increases in Houston Pipeline Company's weighted average cost of gas. This is taking into account the lower priced gas and the higher priced gas that the pipeline company must pay for and weighting that based upon what percent of the total it is so that there is a true weighted average cost. HNG allowed for semi - annual adjust- ments and also provided for any increases in the weighted average cost of gas that Houston Pipeline Company might have. Houston Pipeline Company was allowed to pass on to the distribution company 65% of those increases. This was done until Gas Utility Docket No. 592 when a purchase cost of gas adjustment was approved that provided for monthly pass throughs of the increases in the weighted average cost of gas. Houston Pipeline Company passes on 65% of the increases in the weighted average cost of gas. HNG in turn passes on penny for penny, with no increase in profits, the same additional cost to consumers of this community and all the communities served by HNG. Federal Power Commission rules state that interstate pipeline companies can not pay more than 52t per mcl at the wellhead; whereas, instrastate commerce is not controlled. The current rate at the city gate is $1.52 per mcl. Jim Kubik - Amendment to Southern Standard Building Code Mr. Jim Kubik appeared before Council to request an amendment to the Southern Standard Building Code which would allow him to build within three feet of the property line rather than the five feet required. The Code specifically states that a carport or garage, if attached cannot be closer than five feet to the side property line. This provision allows ten feet between adjacent residences. After much discussion, Council concurred that it would not be feasible to amend the code to allow all persons to build within three feet of the property line. Page- Dittman Motors - Temporary Deletion from Fire Zone Robert Kerr, General Manager of Page - Dittman, Inc., appeared before Council concerning a new building on their property. When the permit was first obtained, the plans showed the building approximately 30', more or less, from its present site. The original intent was to move this building back after completion of Phase 1 of construction which included moving the fence back to display more cars. It was then discovered that moving this building to the intended site would be detrimental to the operation of this business by losing a lot of display area. The problem with leaving the building where it is is that it extends into part of the fire zone which runs 100' deep parallel to Alexander Drive and it is of type 6 construction which does not meet the fire zone standards. The building was constructed in such a manner that it could be used on the car lot of a new location; therefore, the owners are requesting a temporary amendment to the fire zone. If Council desires to grant this request, this location must be removed from the fire zone. There are no guidelines as to what percentage of a community must be included within a fire zone. When field inspections are made, the amount of credit to be given is determined at that time. The key rate for the City of Baytown is now $.05 which means Baytown is 46% deficient, but this rate could be as much as $.10; therefore, it is not possible to determine if this deletion would affect the key rate. Deleting this property from the fire zone would not have the overall effect as amending the Southern Standard Building Code; there- fore, Council can change this ordinance to delete this particular piece of property. Mayor Gentry suggested that an ordinance be prepared for the next meeting and in the meantime those who have not seen this property can do so. In this way Council will know which way to rule on this issue. 6010 Minutes of the Regular Session - January 22, 1976 Calling the Municipal Election - Saturday, April 3, 1976 The municipal election to be held on Saturday, April 3, 1976, is for the purpose of electing three councilmen from Districts No. 1, 4, and 5. Councilman Hutto moved to adopt the ordinance calling the municipal election for April 3; Councilman Lander seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None ORDINANCE NO. 1934 AN ORDINANCE ORDERING THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE 3RD DAY OF APRIL, 1976, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING THREE (3) COUNCILMEN FROM THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS NOS. ONE (1), FOUR (4) AND FIVE (5); PROVIDING FOR ELECTION OFFICERS; DESIGNATING THE PLACES AND MANNER OF HOLDING SAID ELECTION; PRESCRIBING THE HOURS; PROVIDING FOR A CANVASSING BOARD FOR ABSENTEE BALLOTS; AND PROVIDING FOR THE POSTING AND PUBLICATION OF NOTICE. North Gaillard Street - Time Limit Parking Restrictions This ordinance concerns the one -block area of North Gaillard Street between Defee and Sterling limiting parking on the west side of Gaillard to two hours and on the east side or post office to 15 minutes. The Traffic Committee has studied this situation and recommends approval; Mr. Lanham concurred. Councilwoman Wilbanks moved to adopt the ordinance; Councilman Walmsley seconded the motion. The Mayor asked Councilman Pool, Chairman of the Traffic Committee, if the Traffic Committee had considered making both sides of this one -block of North Gaillard Street a 15- minute parking time limit. Since this had not been considered, Councilman Lander moved to table this item until the next meeting; Councilman Pool seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None Restricting Right Turns on "Red" from Garth Road onto Park Street This is consistent with the policy that has been used in restricting right turns on red in other places. The policy is that if a driver must look across four or more lanes of traffic, the right turns can be restricted. The Traffic Committee recommended approval of this ordinance; Mr. Lanham concurred. Councilman Bednarski moved to adopt the ordinance; Councilman Pool seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None ORDINANCE NO. 1935 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COU14CIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, RESTRICTING THE TURNING MOVEMENT OF RIGHT ON RED AT CERTAIN DESIGNATED INTERSECTIONS IN THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, PROVIDING A PENALTY FOR THE VIOLATION THEREOF, AND PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE. r r r 6011 Minutes of the Regular Session - January 22, 1976 Change Stop Signs at Certain Intersections The Traffic Committee has studied the two intersections of Oak and Nazro and Ward and Kilgore. However, they have since decided to reconsider or delay action on the Ward - Kilgore intersection. Presently, the traffic on Oak Street, a collector street, is required to stop at Nazro Street which is a dead -end street. The Traffic Committee suggested that this stop sign be changed from Oak Street to Nazro Street; the Administration concurred in this recommendation. Councilman Walmsley moved to accept the recommendation of the Administration thus deleting the Ward - Kilgore intersection from the ordinance; Councilman Hutto seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None ORDINANCE NO. 1936 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, PROVIDING FOR THE REMOVAL OF STOP SIGNS AT CERTAIN INTERSECTIONS AND THE POSTING OF STOP SIGNS AT CERTAIN INTERSECTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 18, "MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC," SECTION 18 -117, THROUGH STREETS; REPEALING ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; CON- TAINING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PRESCRIBING A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF TWO HUNDRED ($200.00) DOLLARS FOR EACH VIOLATION; AND PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. Award Bid - Group Insurance for City Employees Two bids were received on January 20, 1976, for group insurance for city employees. Present Policy - Base Plan Plus Massachusetts Mutual Employee Only Employee & Child(ren) Employee & Spouse Employee & Family Alternative I - Base Plan Plus $ 18.78 30.67 46.90 58.82 Massachusetts Mutual Blue Cross $ 21.25 42.10 53.82 70.42 Blue Cross Employee Only $ 18.88 $ 22.32 Employee & Child(ren) 31.04 44.54 Employee & Spouse 37.55* 56.24 Employee & Family 59.71 73.82 *This rate should be $47.55. Alternative II - Comprehensive Major Medical Employee Only Employee & Child(ren) Employee & Spouse Employee & Family Massachusetts Mutual $ 17.91 28.54 43.20 53.83 Term Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Massachusetts Mutual Blue Cross $ 17.00 41.73 53.50 63.29 Blue Cross Term Life per $1,000 $ .60 $ .56 AD & D per $1,000 .10 .08 6012 Minutes of the Regular Session - January 22, 1976 A committee of four persons, Dan Savage, Jon Pfennig, J. B. LeFevre, and Bryan James, was composed to evaluate these bids on group insurance and make a recommendation. In order to avoid the 45% increase made by American National, our present carrier, it was necessary to go out for bids for new employee insurance. The first time bids were taken, the Administration recommended to reject all bids and go out for bids again. This time bids were received from two companies, Massachusetts Mutual and Blue Cross. It is recommended that the bid of Massachusetts Mutual be accepted. It is felt that their policy would give the best coverage to city employees. This will indicate approximately an 18% increase in rates to the City over our present policy. That is probably the best possible rate increase the City could hope to get at the present time. Bids were taken on three different alternatives. There was a possibility of a comprehensive major medical plan. Blue Cross and Massachusetts Mutual both submitted attractive bids under the comprehensive major medical program. These bids were attractive because they represented a relatively small increase in cost to the City for employee insurance. The Blue Cross bid represented a rather unattractive set of rates that the employees would pay for dependent coverage. Therefore, it was felt that Blue Cross' bid could not be accepted. This would be an increase to the City of approximately 18% over American National's old rates, which is $11,000 over the budgeted amount. The employees' increase will be approximately 20% depending on what type of coverage the employee carries. Now, twenty -four employees have Employee and Children coverage, sixty have Employee and Spouse, and 130 have Employee and Family. The cost for this increase to the City will be available from the contingency fund. These rates are firm for 15 months through April 31, 1977. Massachusetts Mutual will pick up all claims effective February 1 under the extension of benefits. Mr. Lanham recommended approval of Massachusetts Mutual as the new insurance carrier for the City. Councilman Bednarski moved to adopt said ordinance; Councilman Lander seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None ORDINANCE NO. 1937 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, ACCEPTING THE BID OF MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL FOR A GROUP INSURANCE POLICY PROVIDING FOR LIFE INSURANCE, MAJOR MEDICAL BENEFITS, AND BASIC MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR THE CITY OF BAYTOWN EMPLOYEES; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST TO A CONTRACT WITH MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL, AND DIRECTING PAYMENTS OF PREMIUMS PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF SAID CONTRACT AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. Boring for Water Lines - Rosewood and Idlewood Drives The City is in the process of replacing the water lines on three streets in Graywood, namely Lindenwood, Rosewood and Idlewood. Since the line on Lindenwood is a 2" line, city forces were able to do all the necessary boring. However, the lines on Rosewood and Idlewood are 6" lines and require larger equipment than is owned by the City. 1 Several bids were received for the estimated quantities (about 420'). Scott's Boring Service $ 1,575.00 Osborn Road Boring $ 1,680.00 Pennington Road Boring $ 1,890.00 Road Crossing Contractors Co. $ 2,100.00 r 6013 Minutes of the Regular Session - January 22, 1976 Boring and Tunneling Co. $ 2,310.00 Coastal Road Boring $ 2,310.00 San Jacinto Boring $ 2,520.00 Southwestern Road Boring Co. $ 2,520.00 The low bid was that of Scott's Boring Service with a unit price of $3.75 per foot for a total of $1,575.00. Mr. Lanham recommended approval on the basis of low bid. Councilman Bednarski moved to adopt the ordinance; Councilman Hutto seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None ORDINANCE NO. 1938 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, ACCEPTING THE BID OF SCOTT'S BORING SERVICE FOR THE BORING OF WATERLINES ON ROSEWOOD AND IDLEWOOD DRIVES, AND AUTHORIZING THE CONTRACTING OF INDEBTEDNESS BY THE CITY FOR THE SUM OF ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED SEVENTY -FIVE ($1,575.00) DOLLARS WITH REGARD TO SUCH AGREEMENT. Bicentennial Park - Change Order to Payton Construction Company This contract was awarded at the last meeting at a larger amount with the intention to issue a change order at this meeting reducing the contract to $116,032.00 which is within the money allowed. The change in this contract include the deletion of the following: 1500' of walkway, 2 flagpoles, and 2 water fountains; and the addition of the art work and the carving of the mural. Mr. Lanham recommended approval of this ordinance. Councilman Bednarski moved to adopt said change order; Councilman Lander seconded. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto, and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None ORDINANCE NO. 1939 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING A CHANGE ORDER TO THE CONTRACT WITH PAYTON CONSTRUC- TION COMPANY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF BICENTENNIAL PARK, AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. Amend Section 34 -31 of the Industrial Waste Ordinance When this ordinance was passed, it provided for the charge being calculated at the time the permit was issued. The City has no users at the present time who are classified as industrial users. The EPA, in reviewing the ordinance, has asked that definite amounts be included in the ordinance. An ordinance has been prepared to include those amounts which can be recalculated at some other time. The charges included in the ordinance are BOD surcharge factor, $.083 per pound, and suspended solids surcharge factor, $.057 per pound. This method of caluclating is consistent with other cities. Mr. Lanham recommended approval of this amendment to the ordinance so that it might be submitted to the EPA for approval. 6014 Minutes of the Regular Session - January 22, 1976 Councilman Lander moved to adopt said amendment to the industrial waste ordinance; Councilwoman Wilbanks seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None ORDINANCE NO. 1940 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, BY THE AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 34, "WASTE DISPOSAL," ARTICLE II, INDUSTRIAL WASTE ORDINANCE, SECTION 34 -31, SCHEDULE OF CHARGES, BY SPECIFYING UNIT COSTS OF TREATMENT CHARGEABLE TO B.O.D. AND SUSPENDED SOLIDS. Authorize Payment of Permit Fee to the Harris - Galveston Coastal Subsidence District This ordinance would authorize payment of $27,753.00 based on the estimated ground water withdrawal for next year. Permits are based on an estimated with- drawal of 2,312,675,000 gallons. This is approximately 20 million gallons more than last year. If there is a dry summer, this.figure could be more. The Administration recommended approval. Councilman Pool moved to authorize such payment; Councilman Bednarski seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None ORDINANCE NO. 1941 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING PAYMENT BY THE CITY OF BAYTOWN TO THE HARRIS - GALVESTON COASTAL SUBSIDENCE DISTRICT OF ITS ESTIMATED ANNUAL GROUND WATER WITHDRAWAL FEE. Resolution No. 526 - Transfer of $27,753 for Payment of Permit Fee to the Harris - Galveston Coastal Subsidence District This resolution authorizes the transfer of $27,753.00 from Account No. 1001 -12 -0100, Contingencies Water Fund to Account No. 1001 -06 -0400, Special Services Water fund, for payment of the permit fee to the Harris - Galveston Coastal Subsidence District. Mr. Lanham recommended approval. Councilman Lander moved seconded. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None to adopt the resolution; Councilwoman Wilbanks Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and RESOLUTION NO. 526 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TRANSFER TWENTY -SEVEN THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY -THREE AND NO /100 ($27,753.00) DOLLARS FROM WATER FUND ACCOUNT NO. 1001 -12 -0100, CONTINGENCIES, TO WATER FUND, ACCOUNT NO. 1001 -06 -0400, SPECIAL SERVICES. 6015 Minutes of the Regular Session - January 22, 1976 Resolution No. 527 - Authorize an Interlocal Agreement with Harris County for Community Development Funds Several meetings ago permission was granted to the Administration to indicate to Harris County that we were interested in being considered with the County for community development funds. Baytown applied for funds last year. There were 48 or 50 cities in our Houston - Galveston Area that applied for these funds. There was about $900,000.00 available and six cities out of 48 or 50 were successful in getting these funds. The Administration feels that if funds were pursued in the same way this year the results would be the same; however, the City's chances would be greater if we joined with Harris County because the county is an entitlement entity. Last year the County got approximately $4.00 per capita for the population in the County. If the County should get that much this year and if they contributed to Baytown our pro rata share, the City should get approximately $3.00 to $4.00 per capita.. Mr. Lanham recommended authorization to enter into this agreement with the County. Councilman Lander moved to accept Resolution No. 527; Councilman Bednarski seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None RESOLUTION NO. 527 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING AND ENTERING INTO AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AND HARRIS COUNTY FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS. Preliminary Engineering Report - Market Street Bridge Improvements Mr. Jim Hutchison of Busch- Hutchison and Associates, Inc., appeared to review the preliminary report on the Market Street Bridge Improvement referring to a map contained in the packet. Two soil borings were made to determine if the same condition existed as on the West Texas Avenue Project. This means we have a very weak sub - strata about 11' thick several feet below the surface. Based on these soil borings, we could build a fill type construc- tion to protect the weak sub - strata from rotational failure while building a step -type fill. The laboratory tests indicate that with this type of construction, about 12 " -16" of consolidation might be expected over a period of 25 years. The figures are based on the best technology available at the time. This type of soil and these conditions lead to the possibility of two types of construction: (1) Berm or fill type and (2) the trestle. The trestle would be similar to a causeway. A little fill would be used with it but mostly would be built on piles. In the embankment or fill -type construction, we would have a two -step berm, a cross section of which is illustrated in the drawing. On the east side of the bridge near the cemetary, if a fill type of construction is done there will be an encroachment on cemetary property; however, this could be cut short with some sheet piling. Beyond that, toward the creek the fill would extend out into some of the property - most of which is submerged. On the other side of the road we would be encroaching on the high school's parking lot. We could stop the fill short there by a retaining wall or sheet piling of some kind. On the west side of the creek there would be no problem since most of the area is low -lying and would probably need no retaining walls. Because of filling on submerged land, we could get into the problem of ownership - what kind of right of way or easement it might require. As of this time as far as we know there is no precedent as to who owns that land. This could present some problem. 6016 Minutes of the Regular Session - January 22, 1976 In the trestle construction the amount of fill would be much less to the point that we wouldn't have to worry about causing a failure in the sub - strata. The trestle would start-about where the high school parking lot exit is now and extend to the other side of Goose Creek. There would be about 600' of trestle and 120' of bridge in this type construction. The paving on the filled areas would be 7" reinforced concrete. On top of the trestle or the bridge or both there will be 4" topping. The road- way is proposed to be 41' back -to -back curb up to the bridge. At the bridge, it would be widened to 49' back -to -back of curb so that a pedestrian walkway could be added on one side at this point. The fill type construction would interfere with the natural drainage, so if fill were used there would have to be some type of storm sewers added which would probably lead to curb and gutter construction. The costs for the embankment type construction are (1) $250,000 for the fill work and (2) $50,000 for storm drainage work; whereas, the cost for the trestle including the same work as for the embankment with the exception of the storm drainage work would be $530,000. If we do the fill construction all the way through, we will block the Lee High School parking lot, but to let them have access, we would build a ramp out into the parking lot. This would cost about $6,800.00. On trestle construction the ramp would cost approximately $21,000.00. Up to this point it has been easy to see that the embankment construction is less expensive, but now we must consider the 12 "- 16" consolidation that may occur in this type construction. This consolidation would be most severe nearest the bridge and gradually decrease farther away from the bridge. The sinking would probably occur very rapidly at first and then slow down in later years. Chances are there would have to be a bi- annual maintenance project to overlay the concrete with asphalt at a cost of about $2500 per operation. This would repair the bump in front of the bridge on both sides - probably worse on the school side. This could amount to approximately $25,000 over the lifetime of the sinking and would be done one side at a time in order to keep traffic moving. No subsidence or consolidation problem is anticipated with the trestle. The total estimated cost of the trestle is $868,000 and the total cost of the embankment, including the bi- annual maintenance projects, is $715,400. The money allotted for this project is $715,400.00. Mr. Hutchison recommended the embankment type construction; Mr. Lanham concurred. Councilman Walmsley felt that due to inflation the trestle method would be preferable. Councilman Pool moved to authorize the engineers to make detailed plans and specifications for the embankment type of construction; Councilman Bednarski seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks and Hutto Mayor Gentry Nays: Councilman Walmsley Authorize Engineering Study - Lakewood Sewage Treatment Plant Mr. Lanham referred to a letter dated January 13 from the Water Quality Board advising the City that there will be an enforcement hearing on February 12 where the Board will consider information and evidence regarding our noncompliance with two of our permits for sewage treatment plants, these being the East District Plant and the Lakewood Plant. The work done by the contractor on the East District Plant should satisfy the Water Quality Board. The contractor is expected to finish construction on the extra drying beds by February 1. The contractor is in process of building an expansion to that plant which will increase its capacity from 1,000,000 gallons per day to 3,000,000 gallons per day which will help take care of the overloading problem. However, this is not the case at the Lakewood plant. We have painted the facility, cut the weeds and repaired the equipment. The parts for the equipment were on order at the time the inspection was made; however, we do not have the wheels in motion to take care of the extreme overloading problem for that plant. In preparation for the hearing, the Administration would like to retain Langford Engineers to make an engineering study of interim improvements that we might make in the Lakewood plant during this 2 -4 year period before the ultimate decision can be made. Since the City has been 6017 Minutes of the Regular Session - January 22, 1976 working on this problem over two years, there is no way to determine when the City may obtain EPA and Water Quality Board approval of a grant to proceed with enlarging or relocating this plant. We feel we need to make a study of this kind for interim improvements to take to the hearing with us. This brief study would show interim improvements that could be done. The cost for this study would be approximately $1,500.00. Councilman Lander moved to authorize the engineering study as recommended by the Administration; Councilman Pool seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None Consider Approval of High -Rise Project for the Elderly and Handicapped At the December 11 meeting Council amended the Fire Prevention and Protection ordinance to permit the Planning Commission to review and recommend approval of all federally funded housing projects which do not meet the normal density and on -site parking requirements. The Planning Commission has studied the 100 -unit high rise apartment plan project by Mr. Lowell Lammers and recommend approval. The ordinance provides for not more than 20 units per acre and this will have almost 55 units per acre. Before the ordinance was amended a project of this size would be required to have 225 parking spaces; whereas, this plan calls for 62 spaces. Some spaces are 9' wide and some are 12'. The 12' spaces are for the handicapped only. According to HUD only 34 spaces are necessary for this number of apartments. The rule is that 34% of the number of units is necessary for parking spaces. Mr. Lanham concurred with the Planning Commission's recommendation. Councilwoman Wilbanks moved to accept the recommendations of the Planning Commission and the Administration; Councilman Bednarski seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None Committee Reports None Adjourn There being no further business to transact, Councilman Bednarski moved to adjourn; Councilman Walmsley seconded. The vote was unanimous to adjourn. Eileen P. Hall City Clerk By . QP alXj &444Zt_ Jo nn Bryant, Deputy Ci Clerk