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2001 07 26 CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN July 26, 2001 6:30 p.m. The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, met in regular session on July 26, 2001, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the Baytown City Hall with the following in attendance: Mercedes Renteria, III Ronnie Anderson Coleman Godwin Calvin Mundinger Don Murray Scott Sheley Pete C. Alfaro Monte Mercer Ignacio Ramirez, Sr. Gary W. Smith Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Mayor City Manager City Attorney City Clerk The meeting was opened with a quorum present and Council Member Godwin led the pledge of allegiance and offered the invocation after which the following business was conducted: Consider approval of minutes of the work sessions held on July 10 and July 12 and the regular meeting held on July 12. Council Member Mundinger moved approval of the minutes of the work sessions held on July 10 and July 12 and the regular meeting held on July 12. Council Member Renteria seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council Members Anderson, Godwin, Mundinger, Murray, and Renteria. Mayor Alfaro. Nays: None. Abstentions: Council Member Sheley. The motion carried. Page 2 of 9 Minutes of the Regular Session — July 26, 2001 Presentation of OAK Awards. The OAK Award was presented to the following: For Customer Service: Deborah Fanestiel, of the Finance Department, has been the model of hard work and dedication in her assistance to the City's employees by providing dependable delivery of services. Deborah always has time to answer employee questions and if she doesn't have the answer, she knows how to find the person who does. Our employees have developed confidence in knowing that Deborah will go the extra mile to take care of them. Her dedication and efficiency impact every employee in the City and she truly exemplifies what it takes to deliver high quality customer service. For Integrity: Eleazar Arellano, Jesus Gutierrez, and Camille Borowiak, Parks and Recreation Department, were recipients of the award because of an incident involving the return of lost property. In April, Eleazar and Jesus found a wallet and at the end of the workday turned it in to Camille. Camille looked through the information and found that the individual was from Dayton and an instructor at Lee College. Camille left a message, which the individual heard and only then realized that someone had stolen her wallet. When she notified her credit card company of the theft, she learned that $300 had already been charged on her credit card since noon that day. The Recognition Committee noted that rather than ignoring the wallet and leaving it for someone else to find or turning it over to the Police to process, these individuals took it upon themselves to right the wrong. They truly exemplified consideration and honesty in dedicating themselves to the highest ideals of honor and integrity in their relationship with the public. For Innovation: Jerry Ickes, of the Fire Department, was recognized with the award because he researched, developed, and implemented the idea of conducting a Life Safety Camp for junior school students. This camp covers such critical topics as abduction, drugs, under- age drinking, drinking while driving, fire safety, first aid, CPR, and internet safety. Jerry secured the assistance of outside funding sources and outside resources so the fiscal impact on the City budget is minimal. The program has been successful and has expanded from a May session for GCCISD students to include a YMCA session in June that includes students from all over the Houston area. Jerry receives a lot of support from all the departments that are involved, without whose help the program would not be possible. However, Jerry deserves special recognition for his original idea of developing and implementing such a successful program. Page 3 of 9 Minutes of the Regular Session — July 26, 2001 The committee believes that this kind of innovation and dedication is what the City needs to develop into a top rate community. It's important to reward our employees when they have ideas that not only benefit the City, but more importantly, have a direct impact on our citizens. Mayor Alfaro recognized the family members of the OAK Award recipients. Consider Proposed Resolution No. 010726 -1, authorizing application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for an outdoor grant for the development of the Chandler Arboretum and Park. Proposed Resolution No. 010726 -1 authorizes the City Manager to apply for an outdoor grant of up to $500,000 for the acquisition and development of the Chandler Arboretum and Park. The project will consist of land acquisition and the development of the front 18 acres of the arboretum site and will include community gardens, trails, two freshwater ponds, a playground, picnic area, ornamental gardens, and a native prairie grass area. The submission deadline for the grant is July 31, 2001. Approval is anticipated in January 2002, with construction expected to begin in the winter of 2003. The Chandler Arboretum Subcommittee has approved the proposed grant project and recommends approval of the proposed resolution. FUNDING SOURCE AMOUNT Texas Recreation and Parks Grant $ 500,000 Donated 38.4 Acres 247,400 Donations 3,380 In kind match 36,925 City of Baytown MDD Fund 212,295 TOTAL $1,000,000 The City's portion of the match consists of the value of the property ($247,400), corporate and individual donations ($3,380), and in kind services, as water and sewer lines, playground equipment, picnic sites and shelters, ($36,925); totaling $287,705. This project was discussed during the municipal development district (MDD) meeting held prior to the City Council meeting. MDD supported the funding match. Council Member Sheley moved adoption of the resolution. Council Member Renteria seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council Members Anderson, Godwin, Mundinger, Murray, Renteria, and Sheley Mayor Alfaro. Nays: None. The motion carried. Page 4 of 9 Minutes of the Regular Session — July 26, 2001 RESOLUTION NO. 1503 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE APPLICATION TO THE TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT FOR A GRANT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHANDLER ARBORETUM AND PARK; DESIGNATING AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE; AUTHORIZING THE REPRESENTATIVE TO ACCEPT OR AFFIRM ANY GRANT AWARD THAT MAY RESULT THEREFROM; AUTHORIZING IN-KIND MATCHES TOTALING TWO HUNDRED EIGHTY -SEVEN THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED FIVE AND NO /100 DOLLARS ($287,705.00); AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATED THEREOF. Consider Proposed Resolution No. 010726 -2, authorizing application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for an indoor grant for the development of the Chandler Arboretum Learning Center. Proposed Resolution No. 010726 -2 authorizes the City Manager to apply for an indoor grant of up to $445,000 for the acquisition and development of the Chandler Arboretum and Park Learning Center. The project will consist of land acquisition and the development of a 3,000 sq. foot building. The building will serve as a teaching center where environmental education classes, gardening, and plant care classes will be conducted. The submission deadline for the grant is July 31, 2001. Approval is anticipated in January 2002, with construction expected to begin in the winter of 2003. The Chandler Arboretum Subcommittee has approved the proposed grant project and recommends approval of the proposed resolution. FUNDING SOURCE AMOUNT Texas Recreation and Parks Grant $ 222,500.00 Donated 4.6 Acres 27,600.00 Donations 62,000.00 In kind match 29,225.00 City of Baytown MDD Fund 103,675.00 TOTAL $445,000.00 The City's portion of the match consists of the value of the property ($27,600), corporate and individual donations ($62,000), and in kind services, as water and sewer lines, playground equipment, picnic sites and shelters, ($29,225); totaling $118,825. This project was discussed during the municipal development district (MDD) meeting held prior to the City Council meeting. MDD supported the funding match. Council Member Murray moved adoption of the resolution. Council Member Sheley seconded the motion. The vote follows: Page 5 of 9 Minutes of the Regular Session — July 26, 2001 Ayes: Council Members Anderson, Godwin, Mundinger, Murray, Renteria, and Sheley Mayor Alfaro. Nays: None. The motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 1504 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE APPLICATION TO THE TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT FOR A GRANT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHANDLER ARBORETUM LEARNING CENTER; DESIGNATING AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE; AUTHORIZING THE REPRESENTATIVE TO ACCEPT OR AFFIRM ANY GRANT AWARD THAT MAY RESULT THEREFROM; AUTHORIZING IN -KIND MATCHES TOTALING ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED TWENTY -FIVE AND NO /100 DOLLARS ($118,825.00); AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATED THEREOF. Consider Proposed Resolution No. 010726 -3, supporting funding of and the completion of the main lanes of Spur 330 from Fairway Drive to Interstate Highway 10. Completion of the Fred Hartman Bridge and Highway 146 have increased large truck traffic and the incidence of hazardous cargo along Spur 330 (Decker Drive). The two projects currently in progress will complete the main lanes to Fairway Drive and the access roads to Interstate Highway 10. The traffic demands and safety require prompt funding and completion of the main lanes to Interstate Highway 10. Completion of the main lanes will provide grade separation for the intersections with Spur 330, Baker Road, railroad tracks, and Bayway Drive. The Houston - Galveston Area Council has committed $3,000,000 local funding to complete the main lanes. The Baytown Municipal Development District committed $2,500,000 for local funding of the project, contingent upon funding of the entire project. This resolution encourages the Texas Transportation Commission to fund the project. Adoption of the proposed resolution is necessary for delivery to the Texas Transportation Commission prior to its August meeting. Council Member Sheley moved adoption of the resolution. Council Member Mundinger seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council Members Anderson, Godwin, Mundinger, Murray, Renteria, and Sheley Mayor Alfaro. Nays: None. The motion carried. ia Page 6 of 9 Minutes of the Regular Session — July 26, 2001 RESOLUTION NO. 1505 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, SUPPORTING THE COMPLETION OF THE MAIN LANES OF SPUR 330 FROM FAIRWAY DRIVE TO IH -10 AND SUPPORTING THE FUNDING OF THE PROJECT; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF. Announcement of Mayor's appointment to the Baytown Housing Authority. Mayor Alfaro announced his appointment of James White to the Baytown Housing Authority as the resident commissioner. Mr. White lives in Edison Courts. Consider appointment to Baytown Housing Finance Corporation. Council Member Mundinger moved the appointment of James White to the Baytown Housing Finance Corporation. Council Member Murray seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council Members Anderson, Godwin, Mundinger, Murray, Renteria, and Sheley Mayor Alfaro. Nays: None. The motion carried. Consider appointment to the Tow Truck Committee. This item was not ready for consideration. Consider appointments to the Baytown Industrial Appraisal Review Board. Council Member Godwin moved the appointment of Ronn Haddox, Joe Muller and David A. Sherron to the Baytown Industrial Appraisal Review Board. Council Member Anderson seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council Members Anderson, Godwin, Mundinger, Murray, Renteria, and Sheley Mayor Alfaro. Nays: None. The motion carried. Page 7 of 9 Minutes of the Regular Session — July 26, 2001 Consider appointments to the Board of Adjustment. This item was not ready for consideration. Hold a public hearing on the creation of Proposed Reinvestment Zone Number One, City of Baytown, comprising 350 acres near the southwest intersection of Garth Road and Interstate Highway 10 at 6:45 p.m. Mayor Alfaro called the public hearing to order at 6:45 p.m. Manager Mercer gave an overview of the creation of Proposed Reinvestment Zone Number One, City of Baytown. He related that existing conditions, State and Municipal sales tax trends, regional mall retail sales comparison, and the San Jacinto Mall in -line permanent real estate tax value indicate an overall downward valuation trend. The concept of tax increment is proposed for financing for a plan that encourages development of the vacant and underutilized land within the proposed Zone, encourages redevelopment of existing commercial property, encourages the construction of new residential housing on a larger scale with the City, and improves the Regional Image. The redevelopment components include public roadways, gateway landscaping and monumentation, public plazas, vacant/residential lands development and Mall realignment. Manager Mercer listed a total of $30,893,000 of non - project costs to be borne by the developer. These projects include restaurants, a theatre, interior Mall improvements, exterior Mall improvements, a hotel, gateway commercial development, gateway landscapes, gateway monumentation, and residential infrastructure. The estimated non - education project costs total $35,840,000. These projects include a conference center, public plazas, public roadways, gateway landscapes, gateway monumentation, HCFCD improvements, utility relocation, land assembly, residential public utilities, and Zone administration and project management. The estimated education zone projects could be funded by the increment generated by Goose Creek ISD, and Lee Community College District. It is anticipated that $18,500,000 will be expended for education - related projects, such as a convocation/fine arts center, and educational facilities and infrastructure. Manager Mercer concluded by saying that the proposed Zone is being recommended to spur economic development within that area. He said that without the creation of the proposed Zone, economic development and redevelopment of the area would not occur in the reasonably foreseeable future. It is anticipated that there will be a spill over effect outside of the proposed Zone boundaries, thus providing an increased tax benefit to all taxing entities. Page 8 of 9 Minutes of the Regular Session — July 26, 2001 Chris Presley appeared to speak at the public hearing. Mr. Presley stated that he owns 14 acres adjacent to the proposed Zone, with an option to purchase more. He requested that this property be included to aid in its development. Manager Mercer informed the Council that he had received a letter from Lee College requesting that 126.2 acres be included in the proposed Zone. Manager Mercer said that staff will further study the inclusion of these properties in the proposed Zone. Mayor Alfaro closed the public hearing at 7:01 p.m. City Manager's Report Budget work sessions — August 6, 2001, 7 :00 a.m. August 7, 2001, 4:30 p.m. August 8, 2001, 5:00 p.m., if necessary National Night Out — August 7, 2001 Lincoln - Cedars Grand Opening — August 28, 2001 TSP Work Session - July 31, 2001 Hold hearing on the appeal of the decision of Chief Building Official on the requirements for height of a sign as requested by Premiere Cinema Corporation. Mayor Alfaro opened the hearing at 7:04 p.m. Manager Mercer announced a compromise to resolve the issue. Due to unique circumstances, the failure of a former theatre, and the fact that the theatre is in a large commercial facility with no signage, a variance is supported. Premiere Cinema Corporation and Alliance Retail agreed no signage would be attached to any portion of the sign above the forty -two and one -half foot limit. The hearing was closed. Consider affirming, reversing, or modifying the decision of the Chief Building Official on the requirements for height of a sign as requested by Premiere Cinema Corporation. Council Member Sheley moved granting a conditional variance to Premiere Cinema Corporation, conditioned that no signage be attached to any portion of the sign above the forty-two and one -half foot limit. Council Member Anderson seconded the motion. The vote follows: Page 9 of 9 Minutes of the Regular Session — July 26, 2001 "^ Ayes: Council Members Anderson, Godwin, Mundinger, Murray, Renteria, and sheley Mayor Alfaro. Nays: None. Adjourn, Council Member Mundmger moved that the meeting adjourn. Council Member Murray seconded the motion: The vote follows. Ayes: Council Members Anderson, Godwin, Mund`urger,.Murray, Renteria, and sheley Mayor Alfaro. Nays: None. There being no furtherbusiness, the meeting adjourned at 7:08 p,ni. r Ga W. mite City Clerk