1988 01 28 CC Minuteski
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
sa
January 28, 1988
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, met in
regular session on Thursday, January 28, 1988, at 6:30 p.m. in
the Council Chamber of the Baytown City Hall with the following
attendance:
Fred T. Philips
Jimmy Johnson
Perry M. Simmons
Ron Embry
Roy Fuller
Rolland J. Pruett
Emmett 0. Hutto
Fritz Lanham
Bobby Rountree
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 Simmons, after which the
following business was conducted:
Consider Minutes for the Regular Meeting Held on January 14, 1988
Councilman Philips moved for approval of the minutes for the
regular meeting held on January 14, 1988. Councilman Pruett
seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Simmons,
Embry, Fuller and Pruett
Mayor Hutto
Nays: None
80128 -2
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - Jan. 28, 1988
Citisens Communications:
a. James Anderson, President of Baytown Police Patrolmen's
Union, requests that a payroll deduction be authorized to collect
dues for the Baytown Police Patrolmen's Union.
The Baytown Police Patrolmen's Union was organized as
Local 8371 on August 8, 1987 with five Baytown police officers.
In less than six months, there has been more than 400% growth
which represents approximately 60% of the street officers in
Baytown. Membership is open to all officers with a rank of
patrolman, and associate membership is open to those with the
rank sergeant or lieutenant. Officer Anderson stated that the
union was formed to provide a voice on behalf of officer's. He
mentioned that in these hard economic times officers are accus-
tomed to hearing that funds are not available. However, with
this request council has the opportunity to provide a service to
officers in Baytown. He emphasized that the union is not
requesting action on this matter at this time, but would ask
council to take the matter under advisement and take action at
the next council meeting.
Mayor Hutto inquired if Mr. Anderson could substantiate
his statement in the Citizen's Communication which requests
approval from council of dues deduction for police union as is
required by existing case law.
Mr. Anderson stated that he would provide this infor-
mation to the City Attorney early next week. The city attorney
will brief council on case law and its options at the next
council meeting.
Consider Plans for Parking Lot Expansion at the Community
Building
Jim Hutchison with the firm of Busch, Hutchison & Associates
directed council's attention to the map posted in the council
chamber which depicted the addition of 112 parking spaces and
would provide three outlets from the parking lot. An alternate
bid will be taken to provide concrete pavement for the new
addition to the parking area which will provide 50 of the 112
spaces. With council's approval of these plans, bids will be
received and the consultants will be in a position to recommend
award of a bid by the second meeting in February. The Parks and
Recreation Board has reviewed these plans and recommended
approval.
80128 -3
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - Jan. 28, 1988
Councilman Simmons moved to approve the plans for parking
lot extension at the community building and authorized the admin-
istration to advertise for bids. Councilman Johnson seconded the
motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Simmons,
Embry, Fuller and Pruett
Mayor Hutto
Nays: None
Consider Proposed Ordinance, Amending Chapter 2 1/2, "Adult
Commercial Establishments," of the Code of Ordinances
Randy Strong, City Attorney, reviewed the proposed changes.
Under Section 1 of the proposed ordinance, the only establish-
ments exempted from provisions of the ordinance are book stores
or movie theaters. Previously, alcoholic beverage establishments
had been exempted from the provisions of the ordinance. Another
change in the ordinance is the requirement that prior to making
application for a sexually explicit business, the applicant must
provide notification, not more than ten days prior to the appli-
cation that such application will be made and at what location.
Upon making application, the applicant must provide proof that
such notification was published.
The third change that council could consider is the distance
requirement. Under the current ordinance, the requirement is 500
feet from a child care facility, a church or place of religious
worship, a dwelling, a hospital, a building in which alcoholic
beverages are sold, a public building, a public park, or a
school. Under the present ordinance, the 500 feet would be
measured in a straight line. Posted in the council chamber was a
map indicating both 500 feet and 1,000 feet distances from
hospitals, churches, child care facilities, schools, dwellings
and public parks. The attorney mentioned that council could
establish whatever distance deemed reasonable as long as that
selection would not preclude the establishment of a sexually
explicit business altogether. He pointed out that if council
desired to establish a minimum of 1,000 feet, a sexually oriented
business could be located along Decker, Highway 146, Tri -City
Beach Road, Garth, Baker and perhaps along North Main.
80128 -4
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - Jan. 28, 1988
Dr. Mark Brister Recognised
Dr. Brister commended the city attorney for the excellent
wording of the ordinance. He thanked council for their support
and encouraged council to consider establishment of a minimum of
1,000 feet.
Councilman Simmons noted the eight categories under consid-
eration and recommended the addition of nursing homes. Council
recognized that the establishment of sexually oriented businesses
often results in reduced property values, increased law enforce-
ment and the general deterioration of neighborhoods. Council
also recognized that the concentration of sexually oriented
businesses in one area would create even greater negative impact
with respect to reduced property values, increased law enforce-
ment problems and neighborhood deterioration.
Councilman Fuller moved for the adoption of the ordinance
with the provision that a proposed sexually oriented commercial
establishment must be located a minimum of 1,000 feet from any of
the following: a child care facility, a church or place of
religious worship, a dwelling, a hospital, another sexually
oriented commercial establishment, a public building, a public
park, a school, or a nursing home.
Councilman Johnson seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Simmons,
Embry, Fuller and Pruett
Mayor Hutto
Nays: None
Ordinance No. 4910
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS,
AMENDING SECTIONS 2 1/2 -13 AND 2 1/2 -14 OF CHAPTER 2, "ADULT
COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS;" REPEALING INCONSISTENT ORDINANCES;
CONTAINING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING A PENALTY; AND PROVIDING
FOR THE PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
Consider Plans for Renovation of the Bulkhead on Cedar Bayou in
Roseland Park
Jim Hutchison with Busch, Hutchison & Associates, explained
that plans involved installation of approximately twenty -five new
pilings and replacement of more than 100 anchoring tie rods.
Id
80128 -5
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - Jan. 28, 1988
Construction cost is estimated at $15,500. The Parks and Recrea-
tion Board has reviewed the plans and recommended approval.
Mayor Hutto pointed out that this job would require contin-
uous inspection.
Councilman Fuller moved to approve the plans and authorized
the administration to advertise for bids. Councilman Pruett
seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Simmons,
Embry, Fuller and Pruett
Mayor Hutto
Nays: None
Consider Proposed Ordinance, Authorizing the Barricade of Certain
Streets in the Brownwood Area
Council will consider this item at a future meeting.
Consider Recommendation of the Baytown Parks and Recreation Board
for Naming of the New Senior Citizen Activities Area of the
Community Building
Part of the Community Building was previously utilized as a
Teen Center. Plans are to convert that area to a new Senior
Citizen Activites area. Parks and Recreation staff have worked
closely with the seniors and recommend that this area of the
Community Center be named the Baytown Senior Citizen Information
and Recreation Center. The Parks and Recreation Board has
reviewed the proposal and recommended approval.
Councilman Philips moved to name the new facility Baytown
Senior Citizen Information and Recreation Center. Councilman
Johnson seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Simmons,
Embry, Fuller and Pruett
Mayor Hutto
Nays: None
E:I7
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - Jan. 28, 1988
Consider Proposed Ordinance, Approving a Contract Regarding Use
of the New Senior Citizen Activities Area of the Community
Building
The Parks and Recreation staff has worked with the senior
citizens' group to draft a contract delineating the seniors'
responsibility and the city's responsiblity for the Senior
Citizen Center. The seniors will be responsible to staff the
center while the City of Baytown will provide the space and
janitorial service. The center will be staffed for eight hours
from 9:00 through 5:00. The administration recommended approval
of the contract.
Councilman Philips moved to adopt the proposed ordinance;
Councilman Embry seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Simmons,
Embry, Fuller and Pruett
Mayor Hutto
Nays: None
Ordinance No. 4911
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST TO A CONTRACT WITH BAYTOWN
SENIOR CITIZENS ADVISORY ASSOCIATION WITH REGARD TO THE SUPER-
VISION AND MANAGEMENT OF A BAYTOWN SENIOR CITIZENS INFORMATION
AND RECREATION PROGRAM; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE
HEREOF.
Consider Revised Sewer Line Maintenance Policy
The city's policy concerning sewer line maintenance has been
changed to be consistent with the discussion of council prior to
the last regular council meeting. This policy provides in those
cases where taps and service lines are located in street rights
of way and paved alley rights of way, and the customer is unable
to unstop his line, the city will perform the repair service for
the utility customer at no charge. In those cases where taps are
located in utility easements and in unpaved alleys, the city will
perform the services for the utility customer at the current
tapping fee. The administration recommended approval of the
policy.
Councilman Embry moved to adopt the policy. Councilman
Pruett seconded the motion.
80128 -7
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - Jan. 28, 1988
Richard Olachia Recognized
In response to an inquiry by Mr. Olachia, the City Attorney
explained that regardless of the dedication, it is the responsi-
bility of the citizen to maintain his line. The only exception
would be if there is pavement over that line, then the city would
make the repair at no cost to the customer. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Simmons,
Embry, Fuller and Pruett
Mayor Hutto
Nays: None
See Attachment "A" for city's policy concerning sewer line
maintenance.
Consider Proposed Ordinance, Establishing Regulations for Main-
taining Private Sewer Lines
Council had discussed this ordinance previously. With the
adoption of this ordinance, the city can move ahead with its
smoke testing and line repair work. The proposed ordinance will
authorize notification to owners of leaks in service lines and
the need to effect repairs. In accordance with the policy
adopted by council, if the needed repair is under a paved street
or alley, the city will make repairs with no cost to the owner.
Councilman Fuller moved for adoption of the ordinance;
Councilman Philips seconded the motion.
At this point, Councilman Embry clarified that the policy
speaks to publicly imposed pavement, not to the instance where a
citizen has paved his backyard, including the public easement.
Richard Olachia, Jr., 3415 Carriage Lane, informed council
that their is a double tap between his property and his
neighbor's property which is causing a problem. Therefore,
council referred the matter to the administration to solve. The
vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Simmons,
Embry, Fuller and Pruett
Mayor Hutto
Nays: None
80128 -8
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - Jan. 28, 1988
Ordinance No. 4912
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS,
AMENDING CHAPTER 15, "HEALTH AND SANITATION," OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES BY ADDING SECTION 15 -25, "MAINTENANCE OF PRIVATE SEWER
LINES;" AMENDING SECTION 15 -3, "PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS;" REPEAL-
ING INCONSISTENT ORDINANCES; CONTAINING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVID-
ING FOR A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF TWO THOUSAND AND N01100 ($2,000.00)
DOLLARS; AND PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE
HEREOF.
Consider Proposed Ordinance, Adopting Buy Back Option For
Employees Who Have Terminated Previous Service Credit in the
Texas Municipal Retirement System
Several years ago, council adopted an ordinance similar to
this one which applied to people employed with the city at that
time. Adoption of this ordinance would allow persons who have
terminated employment with a city covered by Texas Municipal
Retirement System and who have withdrawn their retirement to buy
back that retirement and pay a 5% per year penalty.
There are a number of people presently employed with the
city who are interested in doing this. Some of these are people
who worked for the City of Baytown previously.
Councilman Johnson moved for adoption of the ordinance.
Councilman Simmons seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Simmons,
Embry, Fuller and Pruett
Mayor Hutto
Nays: None
Ordinance No. 4913
AN ORDINANCE ALLOWING CERTAIN EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY WHO HAVE
TERMINATED PREVIOUS MEMBERSHIPS IN TEXAS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT
SYSTEM TO DEPOSIT THE SUMS SO WITHDRAWN PLUS ANNUAL WITHDRAWAL
CHARGES, AND ALLOWING AND UNDERTAKING THE COST OF ALLOWING ANY
SUCH EMPLOYEE CREDIT IN SUCH SYSTEM FOR ALL SERVICE TO WHICH SUCH
EMPLOYEE HAD BEEN ENTITLED AT DATE OF SUCH WITHDRAWAL, WITH LIKE
EFFECT AS IF ALL SUCH SERVICE HAD BEEN PERFORMED AS AN EMPLOYEE
OF THIS CITY.
80128 -9
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - Jan. 28, 1988
Consider Proposed Ordinance Establishing Speed Limits During
Construction on a Portion of Spur 330 Within Corporate Limits of
Baytown
The proposed ordinance has been revised to provide for
decreased speed limits only during hours of actual construction.
The administration recommended approval of the ordinance.
Councilman Philips moved for adoption of the ordinance;
Councilman Pruett seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Simmons,
Embry, Fuller and Pruett
Mayor Hutto
Nays: None
Ordinance No. 4914
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS,
ESTABLISHING A PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMIT DURING CONSTRUCTION OF A
PORTION OF DECKER DRIVE (SPUR 330) FROM LOOP 201 TO THE CITY
LIMITS DURING CONSTRUCTION; PRESCRIBING A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF TWO
HUNDRED AND N01100 ($200.00) DOLLARS FOR EACH VIOLATION THERETO;
AND PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
Consider Plan for Sidewalks Near Schools
Fritz Lanham, City Manager, explained that funds were
included in the 1981 bond issue to provide sidewalks near
schools. The proposed list of sidewalk construction near schools
was devised after conferring with principals at each of the
schools. In order to perform this work, the city would need to
sell bonds. Therefore, council may want to begin to think about
a bond sale. Currently, there is $3,640,000 in unsold bonds.
The city's bond advisor has been asked to prepare a schedule for
selling the remaining bonds.
Norman Dykes, City Engineer /Director of Public Works,
pointed out that drainage work is involved as part of sidewalk
construction in some areas. In that connection, he also
mentioned that if sidewalks were installed at the school on
Massey Tompkins, and the drainage work was performed, when Massey
Tompkins Road is reconstructed, that drainage work would be torn
out and would have to be replaced.
80128 -10
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - Jan. 28, 1988
Councilman Embry noted that the estimated cost for perform-
ing all of the work listed exceeds the amount of funds allocated
from the 1981 Bond Program. Therefore, at some point it would be
necessary to come up with a priority list and make some cuts.
Those priorities should be based on future plans to improve
streets and drainage work in the area, along with lowest cost
estimates and location near elementary schools. The estimates
are based on city crews performing the drainage work and con-
tracting for the sidewalks.
Council will consider this matter again after deciding on a
schedule for a proposed bond sale.
Consider Proposed Ordinance, Authorizing Emergency Repair of
Approximately 520 Feet of 6 Inch Concrete Sewer Line Between
Defee and Sterling from Felton West
The smoke testing crew discovered a leaking sewer line
between Sterling and Defee from Felton Street west. The line is
so badly deteriorated that it cannot be repaired. Therefore, the
staff is recommending that the entire segment of line be slip -
lined with polyethylene plastic pipe. The administration sought
bids from two contractors. However, only one contractor elected
to bid. Channel Construction Company, Inc. bid $7,830.
Councilman Pruett moved for adoption of the ordinance;
Councilman Philips seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Simmons,
Embry, Fuller and Pruett
Mayor Hutto
Nays: None
Ordinance No. 4915
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 SEVEN THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED THIRTY AND
N01100 ($7,830.00) DOLLARS TO CHANNEL CONSTRUCTION FOR THE REPAIR
OF THE SANITARY SEWER LINE ON FELTON STREET; AND PROVIDING FOR
THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
Consent Agenda
Council considered the Consent Agenda Items a through d as
follows:
80128 -11
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - Jan. 28, 1988
a. Proposed Ordinance No. 80128 -7, authorizes change
orders for a rehabilitation contract at 1316 Elm
Street. The roof was examined and we found that it
could not be repaired and had to be replaced. The
replacement cost was $1,075.00. Additional electrical
work was needed, and wall damage was repaired in the
living room. Total cost of change orders for this
project was $1,675.00, which represents an increase of
15% of the original bid. The new contract amount will
be $12,897.00.
We recommend approval.
b. Proposed Ordinance No. 80128 -8, authorizes the Engine-
ering Department to contract the professional services
of Don S. Reichle & Associates to inspect the West Main
Street Elevated Water Storage Tank. These services
will consist of a physical inspection of the structure
for a determination of needed repairs, preparation of
the technical specifications, and the conducting of a
pre- construction conference with the contractor once
bids are taken and a contract is awarded. It is esti-
mated that the cost of these professional services will
be $3,650.
We recommend approval.
C. Proposed Ordinance No. 80128 -9, awards the bid for
floor tile replacement at the Community Building to
Sherwin Williams in the amount of $10,698.86. Invita-
tions to bid were mailed to ten vendors, of which three
returned quotations.
We recommend approval.
d. Proposed Ordinance No. 80128 -10, repeals Ordinance No.
4744, and awards the annual janitorial services at the
Police /Courts Building contract to the second low
bidder, Navarro Janitorial in the amount of $826.50 per
month or $7,438.50 annually.
The low bidder, Unique Building Corporation, has been
unable to hire a crew that can pass the necessary
background checks. The company has asked to be
released from the contract.
id
80128 -12
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - Jan. 28, 1988
We recommend approval.
Councilman Fuller moved for approval of the Consent Agenda
Items a through d. Councilman Embry seconded the motion. The
vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Simmons,
Embry, Fuller and Pruett
Mayor Hutto
Nays: None
Ordinance No. 4916
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN AUTHORI-
ZING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO THE CONTRACT WITH ORTIZ CONSTRUCTION
FOR THE STRUCTURAL WORK PERFORMED ON HOUSING REHABILITATION
PROJECT NO. 86 -07R, 1316 ELM STREET. (Proposed Ordinance No.
80128 -7)
Ordinance No. 4917
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH DON S. REICHLE AND
ASSOCIATES FOR THE INSPECTION OF THE WEST MAIN STREET ELEVATED
WATER STORAGE TANK; AND AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF THE SUM OF THREE
THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FIFTY AND N01100 ($3,650.00) DOLLARS IN
CONSIDERATION THEREOF; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE
THEREOF. (Proposed Ordinance No. 80128 -8)
Ordinance No. 4918
AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING THE BID OF SHERWIN WILLIAMS FOR THE PUR-
CHASE OF COMMUNITY FLOOR TILING AND AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT BY
THE CITY OF BAYTOWN OF THE SUM OF TEN THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED
NINETY -EIGHT AND 86/100 ($10,698.86) DOLLARS. (Proposed
Ordinance No. 80128 -9)
Ordinance No. 4919
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS,
REPEALING SECTION 1 OF ORDINANCE NO. 4888 ADOPTED DECEMBER 10,
1987; AWARDING THE ANNUAL JANITORIAL CONTRACT; AND PROVIDING FOR
THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. (Proposed Ordinance No. 80128 -10)
80128 -13
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - Jan. 28, 1988
For bid tabulations, see Attachment "B."
Resolution Recognizing City Clerk
Councilman Embry proposed the adoption of Resolution No.
1009, recognizing and commending Eileen P. Hall for professional
achievement and excellence as City Clerk for the City of Baytown,
Texas. Councilman Philips seconded the motion. The vote
follows:
Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Simmons,
Embry, Fuller and Pruett
Mayor Hutto
Nays: None
Resolution No. 1009
A UNANIMOUS RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAY -
TOWN, TEXAS, RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING EILEEN P. HALL FOR PRO-
FESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AND EXCELLENCE AS CITY CLERK FOR THE CITY
OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS.
City Manager's Report
Highway 201 at Park Street - Presently, the contractor is
working on construction of the service roads. At the intersec-
tion of the service road and Park Street, the plan as drawn calls
for one -way traffic east, but the City Engineer has talked to the
Highway Department and they have indicated a willingness to
construct a short section that will connect Park Street to Decker
Drive. The service road will continue to be one -way, but this
connection will allow for travel to Decker Drive.
Texas Water Commission - The administration has received a
letter from the Texas Water Commission regarding the city's plan
for abatement of infiltration and inflow as approved by city
council. After thorough review of the submitted plan and
schedule, the Texas Water Commission found that the submittal
meets the specifications required by the order.
80128 -14
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - Jan. 28, 1988
Emergency Shelter Grant Funds - At the last regular meeting
of council, council approved application on behalf of the Baytown
Area Women's Center and Baytown Sheltering Arms. The grant
request for Baytown Area Women's Center was approved for $45,000,
but the other grant application was not approved.
Property Insurance (Fire and Casualty) - During budget
preparation, the staff had indicated that property insurance
coverage would be due for consideration in May. Council had
indicated a desire to seek bids. The staff has begun the process
of developing specifications and finds that more time will be
needed to develop the specifications. Therefore, the adminis-
tration would like to extend the present policy for three months.
The present carrier has agreed that there will be no surcharge
for this extension. This would give the administration through
July to bring bids back to council. Council had no objections.
Petition - Holly Hills Subdivision Street Lights - The
administration had received a petition from residents along
Camelia, Vine and a portion of Olive Street requesting installa-
tion of street lights. Street lights are paid for by the indi-
vidual, but the monthly charge for service is paid for by the
city. Mr. Lanham informed council that no funds are budgeted to
cover this request. Therefore, this expenditure would need to be
included in the 1988 -89 budget, along with several other
requests. The administration will ask Houston Lighting and Power
to develop a plan for street lighting.
Smoke Testing - Fifteen subdivisions have been smoke tested
resulting in discovery of 385 main line leaks; 157 of those have
been repaired. Also, the crew has located 305 service line leaks
which indicates about half the problem is in customer lines.
Drainage - The work on Fairway is almost complete. Council-
man Embry indicated that he is already receiving favorable
comments as a result of the work in progress.
Central District Contracts - The contractor on the Central
District Treatment Plant is 68% complete. The belt press has
been delivered. The start up for new facilities at the plant is
scheduled for February, but the plant will not be totally opera-
tional until June.
80128 -15
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - Jan. 28, 1988
The clarifiers are filled, and plans are to start those up
next week. Once those are operating successfully, plans are to
work on the old clarifiers.
Eastside Water Line Project - About 3,100 feet of water line
is in place. This project is about 20% complete.
Questions /Comments from Council - In response to an inquiry
from council, the city manager stated that the administration is
in the process of establishing a deposit for apartment complexes.
After looking at whether Walnut Ridge would fall in that
category, a determination was made that the deposit for Walnut
Ridge is sufficient.
Mayor Hutto suggested that this is a very involved
problem and asked council to contact the staff directly for
further information.
Councilman Simmons commented that while he was at
Harris County Housing Authority on Wednesday, he was shown a
program that the National Housing Forum will be putting on at the
L.B.J. School of Public Affairs next week. While reading through
the program, he noted that Mayor Hutto will be one of the six
from throughout the nation who will chair one of the working
group sessions.
Adjourn
There being no further business to be transacted, the meet-
ing was adjourned.
Eileen P. Hall
City Clerk
3 -2 -2
Attachment "A"
MEMORANDUM
TO: Fritz Lanham, City Manager
FROM: f Norman Dykes, City Engineer /Director of Public Works
SUBJECT: Revised Sewer Line Maintenance Policy
DATE: January 19, 1988
The following option was chosen by council at the work session
prior to the January 14, 1988, City Council meeting:
The property owner calls the City that his sewer line is stopped
up. The City responds and checks the main line. If the main line
is stopped up, the City takes care of the problem. If the main
line is open, then the City notifies the property owner and asks
him to call a plumber to rod his line out to the main line. If
the problem is under a street or paved alley and he is unable to
unstop the line, then he is to call the City and we will send a
crew to take care of the problem at no cost. If the problem exists
in an area not under a street or paved alley, such as in a rear
easement, then the property owner will be required to have his
plumber unstop the line. If the line should be deteriorated such
that a new tap is needed, the property owner would have the option
to have the plumber make the new tap or he could pay the City the
$175 for a new tap to be put in by the City. This option would essentially
leave our existing policy unchanged with the exception that if the
problem is under a street or paved alley, the City will take care
of it with no charge to the property owner. Based on this option,
the amount of work needed should not change from our present policy
and no additional crews or equipment would be needed; however,
the City would not be collecting $175 for each of those taps made
under a street or paved alley. Since only 10 of these type calls
were received in the last six months, this would not be a significant
reduction in revenue.
I recommend that the above be incorporated in our existing policy.