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Home My WebLink About102599S CC MinCITY COUNCIL SPECIAL SESSION MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1999 MUNICIPAL BUILDING 3800 UNIVERSITY BLVD. 6:30 P.M. The City Council convened in Special Session in the Municipal Building Conference Room (3800 University Blvd.) on October 25, 1999, with the following members present: Mayor Lewis presiding, Council Members Ballanfant, Bertini, Grubb and May. The City Manager, City Secretary, City Attorney, Fire Chief and Utilities Superintendent were also present. The notice for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Texas Government Code, Chapter 551, on the 22"d day of October 1999 at 3:00 p.m. AGENDA REVIEW: The City Council reviewed the regular meeting agenda and discussed items under consideration with the Staff. Matters related to the 2000 Budget and Ordinance No. 1628 and 1629: The City Council addressed the 2000 budget and the ad valorem tax rate. Mayor Lewis suggested that the City could set the tax rate at $.41 and still be able to move forward with all the projects but at a difference pace. After a complete and thorough discussion, the City Council agreed to reduce the estimated tax revenue by $100,000 by reducing appropriations by $50,000 each in the Police and Fire Departments. This reduction would reflect a phase in of the ISO implementation over two years instead of one year. REQUEST FROM CITY OF SOUTHSIDE PLACE REGARDING CITY BOUNDARIES: Matters related to a request from Southside Place Mayor Richard Rothfelder regarding the boundaries between Southside Place and West University Place. Mayor Rothfelder reported that the City of Southside proposes to resolve the issue regarding the boundary between the cities in the 3700 block of University Boulevard by the execution of a boundary agreement between the cities, which specifies that the boundary line runs along the existing south curb line of University Boulevard. The exact location of this boundary line would be established by a survey with metes and bounds, the cost of which would be paid one-half by each city. In addition, Southside will pay for the installation, maintenance, and repair of new streetlights on the south side of the 3700 block of University, and will pay for new curbs, gutters, and driveway aprons on the City Council Special Session, October 25, 1999 • south side of the street in connection with West University's proposed repaving and other improvements. In addition, Southside will execute a boundary agreement, which specifies that the boundary between the two cities from the 3800 block of Bellaire Boulevard to the Southwest YMCA will be along the existing north curb line of Bellaire Boulevard. This is also subject to the establishment of the exact boundary line by a survey, along with the continued right of Southside to maintain, repair, and replace any of its utilities that are currently situated in the area approximately 15 feet north of the existing north curb line of Bellaire Boulevard. Regarding the proposed improvements to the 3700 block of University Boulevard, Mayor Rothfelder stated that the residents in the area have several requests. First, the proposed esplanade should be no wider than five feet, in order to enhance the safety of motorists and pedestrians, and to conveniently permit residents to back out of their driveways onto the street. Second, the curb cuts on the south side of the 3700 block of University should be rebuilt to accommodate a wider turning radius. Third, openings between islands in the esplanade should be provided at regular intervals, so that the residents can turn from the westbound lanes into their driveways. Fourth, West University would repave the entire boulevard, as opposed to merely the portion of the street to approximately eight feet north of the south curb line, as was originally proposed. Last, the street will not be widened to the south, so that the residents in the area will not lose any frontage. The City Council recessed the Special Session at 7:30 p.m. The Special Session reconvened at 8:09 p.m. The City Council continued their discussion on the boundary issues Council Member Ballanfant suggested that all the boundaries between the City of Southside Place and West University be established simultaneously by a metes and bound survey. The City Council directed City Attorney Jim Dougherty to begin communications with the City Attorney of Southside Place regarding the boundary issues. REPORT TRAFFIC TASK FORCE: Matters related to a report presented by the Traffic Task Force. The Traffic Task Force Signage Subcommittee will attend the next regular session of the City Council and present their report. STRATEGIC PLAN: The City Council received a status update on their adopted Strategic Plan. Goals set by the City Council include enhancement of public safety, maximization of municipal services, maintain economic security, communications and community events. City Council Special Sessiop October 25, 1999 • NOMINATION OF CANDIDATE TO THE HARRIS COUNTY APPRAISAL BOARD: Matters related to a nominee to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Harris County Appraisal District. The City Council requested that the City Secretary prepare a resolution to be adopted at the next regular session nominating Bill Harry as a member of the Board of Directors of the Harris County Appraisal District. LONGER TERM MATTERS: Matters related to bidding and contract documents, HCFCD-county facilities, risk management, boundary map, official notices, advice on ordinances or regulations, handbills and solicitation, and tax auditor. City Attorney Jim Dougherty addressed the following matters: • Bidding and contract documents. Adopt standard bidding documents and "owner- friendly" contract documents for all projects, large and small. • HCFCD/County facilities. Clarify rights and responsibilities for major drainage facilities serving the City. • Risk Management. Adopt standard insurance requirements for contractors and other users of City facilities; set up a standard verification procedure. Review gaps in existing coverage and develop appropriate strategies. • Boundaries. Prepare and formally adopt a new city limit map; resolve any boundary anomalies. • Official Notices. Adopt standard notice forms and procedures for all meetings. • Advice about Ordinances or Regulations. Adopt a standard procedure for giving advice to the permittees and the public about ordinances or regulations, especially building regulations. • Handbills and Solicitation. Review and update ordinances on these subjects. • Tax Refunds. Appoint an "auditor" to review and recommend all tax refunds. Mayor Lewis inquired about amending the sign ordinance. The City Council directed the City Staff to begin working on the above items. REPORT FROM BOARD OR COMMISSION LIAISONS: The City Council reported on Board or Commission meetings attended by the liaisons. Council Member Grubb reported that the Neighborhood Safety Board is beginning to meet on a regular basis and will begin dividing into sub-committees. City Council Special SeSS7October 25, 1999 • Mayor Lewis reported that the Zoning and Planning Commission has developed a task force to consider "housekeeping" items. Members of the task force are the City Manager, City Attorney, Mayor Lewis and Charles Nelson. Council Member Ballanfam reported that the Parks and Recreation Board has selected a design consultant for the Colonial Park Master Plan. Council Member Bertini presented minutes from the October 201" meeting of the Traffic Task Force. The City Council discussed items to be considered as joint efforts on the part of the Traffic Task Force, the Neighborhood Safety Board, the Parks and Recreation Board, and the Friends of West University Parks. INQUIRIES, REQUESTS AND COMPLAINTS: The City Council reviewed matters received from the public and referred them to the appropriate department. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before the City Council at this time, a motion was made by Council Member Grubb, seconded by Council Member Bertini, to adjourn. The Special Session adjourned at 9:45 p.m. 4