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CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP SESSION
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1998
COMMUNITY BmLDING
6104 AUDEN
6:45 P.M.
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The City Council convened in Workshop Session in the Community Building (6104
Auden) on April 27, 1998 with the following members present: Mayor Foglerpresiding,
Council Members Starich, Davis, Neal and Sparkman. The City Manager, City
Secretary, City Attorney, Acting Police Chief, Fire Chief, Finance Director and' Public
Works Directorwere also present.
AGENDA REVIEW:
The City Council reviewed the regular meeting agenda and discussed items under
consideration with the Staff.
WES1'PARK PROPERTY LEASE:
The City. Council considered a contract from Goode Cook, Inc. to lease approximately
28,642 square feet at the City's Westparkproperty.
Fire Chief Terry Stevenson reported that MSC Properties, the real estate broker that
represents the City, was contacted by arepresentative of the Goode Company Restaurants
to inquire. about the property.adjacentto the Recycling Center on Dincansat.Westpark. It
is the Goode Company's desire to lease the property for use as an employee's parking lot.
The lease has a one-year term for $1 ,000 per month. There is a 60-day termination clause
and the property would continue to be on the market for a long-term lease or
development.
A motion was made by Council Member Davis, seconded by Council Member Starich, to
approve the lease with Goode Cook, Inc., subject to final negotiations by the city attorney
and MSC Properties.
A vote was taken on the motion with the following result:
Voting Aye:
Voting Nay:
Absent:
Mayor Fogler, Council Members Starich, Davis, Neal and
Sparkman
None
None
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BICYCLE PATROL REPORT:
The Staff presented a report on using bicycle patrols in the City.
Acting Police Chief Gary Brye reported that the main emphasis of a bicycle patrol is
twofold. First, it provides officers with a means to get to locations more quickly than it
would by car. Reactively, bicycles can be utilized by minimizing visible presence and
allowing quick silent responses to crimes in progress.
Second, it provides the officers with greater visibility and their contact with residents is
more positive because the officer is more approachable and has the presence of the
traditional walking the beat officer. Bicycle patrols can also have a more positive
relationship for officers, which would increase morale.
The cost per bicycle will be approximately $950. This includes the bicycle, which cost
approximately $700 and necessary additional equipment (i.e. headlight, taillight,
equipment bag, etc.) that will cost about $250. Initially, two bicycles and additional
equipment will be purchased. Costs incurred by the City would depend on outside
funding sources currently under consideration.
Prior to being assigned to bicycle patrol, officers would have to complete a state
approved training program, which is supported through the Texas Commission on Law
Enforcement Officer Standards and Education.
Implementation of this program would begin toward the latter part of summer. This will
allow for the development of policies and procedures, procurement of bicycles and
associated equipment, completion of the field training program, and the completion of
training for the police department's computer conversion.
Chief Brye stated that the Staff. recommends authorization to proceed with the
development and implementation of a pi lot program for uniformed bicycle patroL
The City Council authorized the Staff to move forward with the bicycle patrol program.
The City Council recessed the Workshop Session at 7:30 p.m. to convene in Regular
Session. The Workshop Session reconvened at 8:50 p.m.
1998 BONDISSUE:
The City Council considered the issuance of $7,835,000 in Public Improvement Bonds,
$5,500,000 in Refunding Bonds and $1,415,000 in Water Revenue Bonds.
Finance Director Walter Thomas reported that in 1995 the voters approved issuing bonds
totaling $63 million to almost completely reconstruct the city's infrastructure. In 1996
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the City issued $13,540,000 to fund construction in priority areas 4B, 5A, 5B and 6A.
The recent surge in the national economy has driven interest rates down to levels not seen
since the late 1970's. It is impossible to predict interest rates, but further declines appear
to be less likely than a gradual rise. As a result, financing for the next phase of
construction should be considered at this time.
Mr. Thomas stated that the staff is proposing that bonds be issued for street and drainage
tax bonds in the amount of $7,835,000, water revenue bonds in the amount of $1,415,000
and sewer revenue bonds in the amount of $3,015,000. The funds will be used for
Priority Areas 6B and 7 A. If approved, both the Street and Drainage Tax Bonds and the
Water Revenue Bonds would be sold in the next few months on the open market. In the
case of the Sewer Revenue Bonds, the Texas Water Development Board offers low
interest rate loans for sewer projects. The Staff plans on submitting a loan application to
TWDBin August 1998.
There is no effect on the current (1998) Budget. Increased debt service will cause the
property tax rate to increase as much as 5 cents in future years, however, this is within the
range discussed during the 1995 bond referendum.
Mr. Thomas reported that due to a recent unfavorable change in the market, the Staff is
recommending that the $5,500,000 in refunding bonds should not be refinanced at this
time.
The City's financial advisor, Jim Shaw with Dain Rauscher, Inc. was present at the
meeting to answer questions.
The City Council authorized the Staff to begin the preliminary work to issue bonds.
INQUIRIES. REQUESTS AND COMPLAINTS:
The City Council reviewed matters received from the public and referred them to the
appropriate department or agreed to place them on a future agenda for consideration or
action.
ADJOURNMENT:
With no further business to come before City Council at this time, a motion was made by
Council Member Davis, seconded by Council Member Starich, to adjourn. The
workshop session adjourned at 9:42 p.m.
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