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1986 04 24 CC Minutes60424-1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNC I L OF THE C I TY OF BAYTOV" April 24, 1986 The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, met in regular session on Thursday, April 24, 1986, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the Baytown City Hall with the following attendance: Fred T. Philips J inTny Johnson Perry M. Simmons Ron Embry Roy Fuller Rolland J. Pruett Errme t t 0. Hutto Fritz Lanham Larry Patterson Randy Strong Eileen P. Hall Councilman Councilman Councilman Councilman Councilman Councilman Mayor City Manager Assistant City Manager City Attorney City Clerk The meeting was called to order with a quorum present. The invocation was offered by Councilman Fuller, after which the following business was conducted: Consider Minutes for the Regular Meeting Held April 10, 1986 Councilman Simmons moved for approval of the minutes for the meeting held on April 10, 1986; Councilman Embry seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Sim-nons, Embry, Fuller and Pruett Mayor Hutto Nays: None Receive Petitions No petitions were presented. Consider Approving Official Statement for Sale of $9,990,000 in General Obligation Bonds on May 13, 1986 The city manager reminded council that two weeks ago the administration had recommended that the city proceed with the sale of $9,990,000 because of the favorable market and because of the possibility that the tax reform bill might pass which could be detrimental to the sale of the city's bonds. Underwood, Neuhaus now feels that it is unlikely that bill in its present form will be adopted. For this reason, the administration recommended that the city proceed with the sale of $6,350,000. Larry Catuzzi with the firm of Underwood, Neuhaus was present and concurred with what the city manager had said regarding the feeling that more favorable tax legislature probably will be adopted and therefore , concurred with the recommendation to sale $6,350,000. He stated that the planned schedule is to rework the documents to reflect the change from the $9,990,00 to the $6,350,000, along with minor changes and Fedex those to the rating companies so that they will have actual copies of the proposal issue by Monday. City representatives are scheduled to meet with the rating companies on Wednesday, both morning and afternoon. Documents on the sale will be printed next week with a bid date of May 13th. 60424-2 Minutes of the Regular Meeting - April 24, 1986 The administration recommended approval of the official statement for sale of $6,350,000 with necessary changes. Councilman Fuller moved to approve the official statement for sale of $6,350,000 in General Obligation Bonds on May 13, 1986; Councilman Embry seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Summons, Embry, Fuller and Pruett Mayor Hutto Nays: None John Thompson Will Appear Mr. Thompson was not present. Rodney Green Will Appear Joe Perino, Fire Protection Consultant with CSI, appeared on Mr. Green's behalf and requested that the council consider release of information concerning a fire at 201 Pin Oak. Mr. Perino felt that the fire was accidentally set, but the City of Baytown investigators felt that findings at the scene showed that the fire was started by artificial means and was deliberately set. The city attorney specified that the city investigators had determined that arson was involved. No arrests have been made and therefore, the case is still open and will be until someone is arrested. Until that time, the city attorney stated that he would have a very difficult time releasing the information because it may compromise the criminal prosecution. The difference of opinion among the investigators is what will be decided by a judge or jury in either a civil or criminal court proceeding. Mr. Perino explained that they were not questioning the right to withhold any information that would involve a party to the crime. However, if there is a crime, the facts that make it a crime should be made public. The city attorney responded that those very facts may be things that must be kept confidential in order to be able to find and arrest the individual who actually set the fire. By releasing that information, the city could lose the ability to ever make an arrest. This is common practice in criminal proceedings. The DA's office, for instance, does not release its entire file. They give out the information that is available under the Open Records Act as the city has in this case. The city manager said that he would ask the city attorney to check further and report back at the next meeting. The city attorney said that he would check to see if there was another basis for releasing information, but he was not aware of anything at this time. The city attorney further explained that the fire marshal's determination in the case would not necessarily affect the insurance company's decision to pay the claim or not pay. The insurance company does perform its own investigation. Mr. Perino stated that many times after the company can get into governmental files after they have been closed out, there was nothing there. About 97% of the time, most arson cases do not have sufficient evidence to prove arson. The city attorney indicated to Mr. Perino that he would get back with him after he had a chance to review the laws. 60424-3 Minutes of the Regular Meeting - April 24, 1986 Consider Proposed Resolution No. 947, Establishing Rules and Procedures for Conducting Council Meetings Ron Embry, Chairman of the committee to review and suggest possible changes to the rules and procedures for conducting council meetings, summarized suggested changes as follows: 1. An item entitled, "Citizen Communications," for those persons desiring to appear before council concerning a matter not listed on the agenda will be added to the agenda. To appear, the citizen would complete a form furnished by the city clerk. 2. Citizens will be furnished with a summary of the rules that apply to their appearances before council and that summary would be attached to the Citizen Communication form. 3. Individuals who desire to speak concerning items on the agenda would be asked to register on a form provided in the forum of the council chambers and when that item came up for consideration, that person could appear to express their particular point of view. Councilman Embry emphasized that it was not the intent of the committee to limit the time available to any responsible citizen. If that citizen is making progress and needs more time, council may extend the time limit by a majority vote. He also mentioned that the committee did research other governmental bodies and some had more stringent rules than these, while others were a little less stringent. The proposed rules fall in the middle. The committee reviewed the policies of the Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District, and the cities of Houston, Deer Park, Austin, Beaumont, LaPorte and Port Arthur. The committee felt that it would be a good practice to communicate a set of rules and procedures to citizens in advance so that they would know what to expect. Councilman Embry moved for adoption of the resolution; Councilman Fuller seconded the motion. Councilman Johnson stated that he had a problem with limiting citizens to a certain amount of time, and he would hate to get the citizens so bogged down in paper work that they refuse to appear before council. Arthur Morgan, resident of Baytown, stated that council already has rules in effect where a time limit can be set, and he felt that council would be stepping close to the edge of violating citizens' rights to freedom of speech if the proposed guidelines were adopted. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Simmons, Embry, Fuller and Pruett Mayor Hutto Nays: None RESOLUTION NO.947 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN ESTABLISHING RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING COUNCIL MEETINGS; REPEALING PRIOR RESOLUTIONS PERTAINING TO COUNCIL RULES AND PROCEDURES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Consider Proposed Ordinance, Extending Contract for Ambulance Service up to Ninety (90) Days 60424-4 Minutes of the Regular Meeting - April 24, 1986 Larry Patterson, Assistant City Manager, explained that at the last council meeting, council had instructed the administration to place an item on the agenda to extend the contract with Baytown Ambulance Service. The administration is submitting the existing contract to council for consideration of a ninety (90) day extension. Councilman Philips reported that members of the Baytown Ambulance Committee met again on Tuesday, April 22nd to begin work on revamping the specifications for the long term ambulance contract. The committee will meet on a weekly basis until the specifications are drawn, and the committee intends to have specifications developed for council consideration by May 22nd. If the specifications are approved, the committee hopes to receive bids in time for a long-term ambulance contract to be awarded by July 10th. Prior to bringing specifications to council, the committee felt that it is important that each member of council has a good understanding of the work of the committee and the goals the committee is seeking to accomplish. Therefore, Councilman Philips suggested that council schedule a work session for Tuesday, May 6th or Tuesday, May 13th. Council scheduled the work session for Tuesday, May 6th at 4:00 p.m. Councilman Philips moved to extend the present contract for ninety (90) days on the basis that this is an alternative to bridge the gap; Councilman Pruett seconded the motion. Councilman Johnson stated that he did not feel that the proposed ordinance was handled in the correct manner. He felt the non -bidding process is wrong, and it is wrong to spend $8,000 a month for a three-month extension when for $9,000 more, the city could get another three months. By spending this extra money, council is not being prudent with the taxpayers money. Harold Buswell, Chief Executive Officer of Medic Services, Inc., the parent company of Medic I, stated that he has had fifteen (15) years in the EMS field and several of his staff members have 5 or more years. He questioned whether the present contractor would be willing to upgrade to what the citizens of Baytown need today, not tomorrow. Medic I has been in business for eight years, and they have the current police contract in Pasadena. The company is community involved such as providing in -services for CPR at nursing homes and hospitals. They have the scouting program through the aspecies of the Boys Scouts of American where high school students from local high schools are trained in advanced first aide and CPR. They are placed on the units and allowed to assist. There have been several cases in Pasadena where these students have performed CPR until an ambulance could arrive. He said that everyone seemed concerned about the prices quoted in Medic I's bid. According to the information available to him, Baytown Ambulance is charging $60 per call for basis life support service, not counting subsidy. Medic I's price is $63 plus mileage. This an area of professionals and an area where one must use people in the business world to correlate activities. Mr. Buswell said that if council elected to extend the contract with Baytown Ambulance Company, they owed it to the citizens of Baytown to mandate to him that he must go to an advanced life support system with the equipment and trained technicians. Baytown needs a more advanced system, and Medic I would appreciate having that opportunity. 60424-5 Minutes of the Regular Meeting - April 24, 1986 Mayor Hutto stated that he felt that the entire council wanted the best ambulance service for the best price possible. Councilman Embry stated that he did not feel that council should vote for this proposed ordinance to extend the contract because they felt that they must. Therefore, he proposed that council defeat the motion and that council consider, on an emergency basis, because council does need to move quickly, to rescind the vote last week and consider awarding the temporary contract to one of the bidders who worked with the ambulance committee from the beginning. He added that he had nothing personal against the present provider, except his reluctance to work with the system. Councilman Philips stated that he wished to withdraw the motion to allow council a chance to have a free period of discussion without a motion on the floor; Councilman Pruett withdrew the second. Councilman Fuller stated that he had done some investigation into the matter and had talked with various individuals to determine that council is taking the wrong approach. He noted that without a motion, this matter can die, and then council can proceed with Councilman Embry's suggestion. In response to Councilman Pruett's concern that the City may end up bidding ambulance service every ninety days, Councilman Phi lips stated that nothing is 100%, but he is certain that the city does need to upgrade ambulance service. The specifications represent twelve items of good solid upgrade. These are not just minor things. These things wi l l give Baytown a step up in care. One of the things that the committee was very pleased about was the competitive bid of $65 to perform advanced life support. That is the premium level of care that can be taken to a person out in the street. The bid will not impact the person adversely who will be paying the bill, and it will reduce the city's supplement. The city has gotten the best of everything. Councilman Pruett pointed out that since this is only an interim bid, no comparison can be made between the original bids and those received for interim care. Councilman Philips responded that the $65 figure would probably hold. The city's supplement may have to be increased somewhat. Jess Navarre, owner of Baytown Ambulance Service, stated that he had the cost that Medic I had charged a citizen which came to a total of $170.20. Councilman Philips pointed out that that was a charge made between Medic I and a customer without a contract being involved. When a contract is involved, the contractor will only be allowed to charge according to the provisions of the contract. Chuck Curtis with Chuck Curtis Ambulance Service stated that moving to the MICU level is one thing, but staying there is another. He mentioned that he would be leaving tomorrow to fly to Dallas to bid a contract that a contractor had gone into for three years, but only asked for 18 months. He stated that after the council meeting he would be willing to discuss with each council member two cities which had lost their ambulance coverage because of low bids. He also pointed out that a franchise fee is being requested by more cities. This fee helps to defray the administrative costs of the cities. 60424-6 Minutes of the Regular Meeting - April 24, 1986 Councilman Sirrmons stated that he felt the best course for the city to pursue because there has been a known quantity for nineteen years is to continue with the current provider for the next ninety (90) days. This will allow time to set the contract that everyone desires in place. Councilman Simmons moved to continue the contract with Mr. Navarre as offered for ninety (90) days; Councilman Pruett seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Simmons and Pruett Mayor Hutto Nays: Council members Philips, Johnson, Embry and Fuller Councilman Embry moved that council reconvene Monday, April 28th at 4:00 p.m. to consider the provision of temporary ambulance services to begin May 1st; Councilman Fuller seconded the motion. The ambulance providers who were present in the audience were polled to determine their willingness to serve the City of Baytown on an interim basis as previously bid. Both Chuck Curtis and Medic I representatives stated that they would stand behind their bid. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Simmons, Embry, Fuller and Pruett Mayor Hutto Nays: None The city attorney pointed out that in order for council to keep both options open, there would need to be two agenda items: (1) To consider the award of the contract for interim ambulance service and (2) To consider extension of the contract with Baytown Ambulance for ninety (90) days; council concurred. Consider Proposed Ordinance, Amending Chapter 27 of the Code of Ordinances by the Addition of Section 27-35, Commercial Setback Requirements Since council will be meeting with the Planning Commission in a work session prior to the next regular council meeting, the city manager suggested that this item be passed until that time. Consider Proposed Ordinance, Approving Interlocal Law Enforcement Agreement The administration has received a request from the sheriff's office that the cities in Harris County enter into an interlocal law enforcement agreement with Harris County. As a result of a recent court decision, there is some question about the authority of a city police officer to have jurisdiction outside the city. This agreement would provide authority in the investigation of criminal activity and the enforcement of criminal laws outside the cities' jurisdiction. It is not intended for traffic related offenses, but would be restricted to major criminal investigations and arrests only. The administration recommended approval of the ordinance. Councilman Philips moved for adoption of the ordinance; Councilman Johnson seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Simmons, Embry, Fuller and Pruett 60424-7 Minutes of the Regular Meeting - April 24, 1986 Mayor Hutto Nays: None ORDINANCE NO. 4434 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST TO AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH HARRIS COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES WITH REGARD TO PROVIDING FOR COOPERATION AMt7NG LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. Consider Proposed Ordinance, Approving Contract with MNM Engineering Associates, Inc. for Electrical Design Services There is money set aside in the budget for a new emergency generator for the police department. It is necessary to draft specifications to advertise for bids. The administration does not have the expertise required for this purpose. When the new generator was bid for city hall, MIA was the consultant and did a good job. Therefore, the administration recommended approval of the ordinance. Councilman Fuller moved for adoption of the ordinance; Councilman Embry seconded the motion. In response to an inquiry from council, the assistant city manager explained that the generator now in use at the police station will be moved to the fire administration building. Councilman Philips suggested that the generators should be connected in some fashion so that if one went down, the other could serve as backup. Mr. Lanham stated that the staff would -ask the consultant to consider that possibility. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Sirrmons, Embry, Fuller and Pruett Mayor Hutto Nays: None ORDINANCE NO. 4435 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST TO AN AGREEMENT WITH MNM ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES FOR ELECTRICAL DESIGN SERVICES IN THE INSTALLATION OF AN EMERGENCY GENERATOR FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT; AUTHORIZING PAYMENT BY THE CITY OF SEVEN THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED AND NO/100 ($79300.00) DOLLARS; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREUF. Consider Proposed Ordinance, Awarding Bid on Wall or Cabinet Mounted Chlorinator for the Wastewater Treatment Division The administration recommended that the bids be rejected because the bids came in higher than the available funds. The specifications will be rewritten, and the staff will readvertise for bids. Councilman Johnson moved to reject all bids and authorize the administration to rewrite specifications and advertise for bids; Councilman Embry seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Simmons, 60424-8 Minutes of the Regular Meeting - April 24, 1986 Embry, Fuller and Pruett Mayor Hutto Nays: None For bid tabulation, see Exhibit "A." Consider Plans for Water line on Cedar Bayou Lynchburg Road and Authorize Advertisement for Bids Norman Dykes, Director of Public Works/City Engineer, explained that the staff had received a request from a citizen along Cedar Bayou Lynchburg Road for water service outside the city limits. The requester has already been to council to receive permission for the service, but he would like to work with the city to have the line oversized for future tie ons in order that he can be reimbursed as others tie onto the line. He has had his engineer prepare plans for a proposed water line on Cedar Bayou Lynchburg Road from Timber Ridge Water Well down Cedar Bayou Lynchburg to his home. He is proposing to pay for the line. On a section of the line, the small horizontal part, the city is proposing to take an alternate bid for a twelve inch line because it will become a part of a larger looped system of the city in the future. Presently, the city is preparing to lay a line with city crews up Raccoon Drive and over to Sjolander to a twelve inch water line loop to the new water tower. A twelve inch line is being proposed down to the the Timber Ridge Addition to allow for the elimination of the water well. In order to avoid duplication later, the staff is proposing to take an alternate bid for the section at the top, about 500 feet of twelve inch, so that in the future as the city expands, the city can come on around and tie back in at Archer Road near the stadium where there is a twelve inch line up Sjolander to Archer. That could complete a large loop some day for a water district or the city to provide service to that area. The staff requested permission to advertise for a base bid for what is needed by the owner and an alternate bid for a twelve inch line for the section needed to loop in the future. Councilman Simmons moved to authorize the staff to take the base bid as requested by the homeowner and to take the alternate bid for a twelve inch line for the section needed to loop in the future; Councilman Johnson seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Simmons, Embry, Fuller and Pruett Mayor Hutto Nays: None Consent Agenda Council considered the consent agenda as follows: a. Proposed Ordinance No. 60424-6, will approve administrative fee for court ordered withholding of child support for payment to Harris County Child Support Division of $2.50 per payday. The city has received a court order to withhold income from an employee's check for payment of child support. The city is entitled to charge an administrative fee of not more than $5.00 per month for the amount ordered to be withheld from income for child support. The actual administrative cost to process such action twice a month and mail to Harris County Child Support Division far exceeds the $5.00 60424-9 Minutes of the Regular Meeting - April 24, 1986 allowed. Our recommendation is to deduct $2.50 from each check mailed for child support to assist in deferring some of the costs. We recommend approval of this ordinance. b. Proposed Ordinance No. 60424-7, will award the bid for the annual cold mix asphalt contract. Bids were mailed to five vendors. Two proposals were received. Coastal Materials submitted the low bid of $54,400. However, the low bidder does not meet our specifications. He has bid Texas Highway Dept., Item 350, hot Mix -Cold Lay Asphalt Pavement, not Item 330, Cold Mix Limestone Rock Asphalt pavement. We currently have a contractor for hot mix -cold lay asphalt. The next low bidder, White's Mines meets our specification with a bid of $58,660. We recommend the low bidder meeting specifications, White's Mines, be awarded this contract. C. Proposed Ordinance No. 60424-8, will accept the low bid of Channel Construction for the Community Development Project: Sanitary Sewer Sliplining of Ash and Huggins Streets. Channel Construction provided a bid in the amount of $39,390. We recommend approval of Proposed Ordinance No. 60424-8. d. Proposed Ordinance No. 60424-9, will award the bid for the emergency repair of Hoffman blower for the Central waste treatment plant. We have lost two of our Hoffman blowers at the Central district treatment plant due to mechanical failures. Due to these blower failures the plant is operating below State standards on treated effluent and could present a threat to the public's health. Therefore, we felt an emergency situation existed, took informal letter bids for repair of one blower, and awarded the contract for repairs to the low bidder, Houston Service Industries. They submitted the low bid in the amount of $2,437.85. We seek Council's approval of this emergency contract award to Houston Service Industries. e. Proposed Ordinance No. 60424-10, will award the bid for reroofing of a metal garage. Bids were mailed to 12 contractors. Four proposals were received. F. W. Walton, Inc. submitted the low bid of $6,840. This reroofing will be for the metal garage in the Garage Division. We recommend the low bidder, F. W. Walton, Inc. be awarded this contract. Councilman Philips moved for approval of the Consent Agenda Items a through e; Councilman Johnson seconded the motion. Councilman Philips suggested that since it is necessary to make repairs to the Hoffman blowers throughout the year that perhaps purchasing could develop an annual bid for those repairs. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Simmons, Embry, Fuller and Pruett Mayor Hutto Nays: None 60424-10 Minutes of the Regular Meeting - April 24, 1986 ORDINANCE NO. 4436 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR AN ADMINISTRATIVE FEE TO BE CHARGED FOR COURT -ORDERED WITHHOLDING OF CHILD SUPPORT, AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. (Proposed Ordinance No. 60424-6) CRDINANCE NO. 4437 AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING THE BID OF WHITE'S MINES FOR THE ANNUAL COLD MIX LIMESTCNE ROCK ASPHALT PAVEMENT CONTRACT AND AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT BY THE CITY OF BAYTOWN OF THE SUM OF FIFTY-EIGHT THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED SIXTY AND NO/100 ($58,600.00) DOLLARS. (Proposed Ordinance No. 60424-7) ORDINANCE NO. 4438 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST TO A CONTRACT WITH CHANNEL CONSTRUCTION FOR SANITARY SEWER SLIPLININCB OF ASH AND HUGGINS STREETS; MAKING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATED THERETO; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. (Proposed Ordinance No. 60424-8) ORDINANCE ND. 4439 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, DECLARING THAT AN EMERGENCY SITUATION EXISTS; AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF THE SUM OF TWO THOUSAND FOUR 1-tJNL RED THIRTY- SEVEN AND 85/100 ($2,437.85) DOLLARS TO HOUSTON SERVICE INDUSTRIES FOR REPAIR OF A HOFFMAN BLOWER; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. (Proposed Ordinance No. 60424-9) ORDINANCE NO. 4440 AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING THE BID OF F. W. WALTCN, INC. TO REROOF THE METAL GARAGE AT THE PUBLIC WORKS YARD AND AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT BY THE C I TY OF BAYTOWN OF THE SUM OF S IX THOUSAND E IGHT HUNDRED FORTY AND NO/100 ($6,840.00) DOLLARS. (Proposed Ordinance No. 60424-10) For bid tabulations, see Exhibits "B" through "D." Consider Appointment to Baytown Industrial Development Corporation Board The Baytown Industrial Development Corporation Board is composed of council members. Since Councilman Dickens did not seek re-election, there is a vacancy on the board. Councilman Embry moved to appoint Councilman Rolland Pruett to the Baytown Industrial Development Corporation Board; Councilman Johnson seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Simmons, Embry, Fuller and Pruett Mayor Hutto Nays: None Consider Appointments to the Planning Commission These appointments will be made at a future meeting. Consider Appointments to the Auto Wrecker Corrmittee These appointments will be made at a future meeting. Consider Appointments to the Traffic Commission 60424-11 Minutes of the Regular Meeting - April 24, 1986 Councilman Embry moved to appoint Bobbie Becka to replace Becky Clayton on the Traffic Commission and to reappoint M. T. Haynes to another two-year term. Councilman Johnson seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Simmons, Embry, Fuller and Pruett Mayor Hutto Nays: None Recess into Executive Session to Discuss Pending Litigation and Acquisition of Land Mayor Hutto recessed the open meeting into executive session to discuss pending litigation and acquisition of land. When the open meeting reconvened, Mayor Hutto announced that there was no action necessary as a result of the executive session. City Manager's Report Invitation to Attorney General's Reception - Invitations to the Attorney General's reception were placed at each council place. The reception is to be held from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on May 1st at the Rockin R Ranch. East District Wastewater System Improvements - These are about 95% complete. Since the last report, the pumps, motors and electrical panel have been delivered, have been installed, and are in service. Operation of the equipment is being watched by the contractor and city personnel. This contractor should be ready to be finalized within the next few weeks. Massey Tompkins at North Main - This street improvement project has been completed, and the engineers and contractor are working on the final quantities and the final pay estimate. Water tower - The contractor on this project has completed the clearing and grubbing of the site, and pile driving for the foundation is scheduled to begin next week. Council may get calls concerning noise in that area. It should take two to three weeks to complete the pile driving. Sliplining Contract - The contractor is about 35% complete. He has been working between Beech Street and Airhart Drive. The installation of 700 feet has been completed. They also have been working between Magnolia and Pine Street and have installed about 500 feet. Eva Maud Subdivision Water Line Replacement - Wayne Smith and Associates have completed the plans for the Eva Maud Water Line Replacement. The engineering staff is reviewing those plans. An item in this regard will be on a forthcoming council agenda. Comments/Questions from Council Councilman Fuller suggested that an item be placed on the next agenda to grant a variance to the portion of the ordinance pertaining to the requirement of a six inch curb for the fire station at Fayle and Tenth Streets. He also asked that the staff draft an amendment to the animal control ordinance to provide that the owner of the animal shall be responsible if the animal bites others, and he requested that traffic counts be made on Defee, Sterling and Texas Avenue. Councilman Simmons asked that an item be placed on the next agenda to change the name of Lynchburg Road from Market Street to the railroad tracks to J. B. LeFevre Road. 60424-12 Minutes of the Regular Meeting - April 24, 1986 Councilman Philips requested that the administration check into the possibility of removing the snake -downtown Texas Avenue. It is an expense to the city to maintain the structures, and it is considered to be a safety hazard. There is also a need for the parking space. The city manager indicated that probably the work could be done with city forces. The point was made, however, that the debris from that area would be a problem. Adjourn There being no further business to be conducted, the meeting was adjourned. Eileen P. Hall, -City Clerk l