HomeMy WebLinkAbout110899R CC Min1/9
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1999
MUNICIPAL BUILDING COUNCIL CHAMBERS
3800 UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD
7:30 P.M.
The City Council convened in Regular Session in the Municipal Building Council
Chambers on November 8, 1999, with the following members present: Mayor Lewis
presiding, Council Members Ballanfam, Bertini and May. The City Manager, City
Secretary, City Attorney, Parks and Recreation Director, Finance Director, Acting Police
Chief and Public Works Director were also present. Council Member Grubb was absent.
The notice for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Texas Government Code,
Chapter 551, on the 5th day of November 1999 at 12:00 p.m.
Citizen Comments:
Mayor Lewis invited citizens who wished to address the City Council to come forward as
their names were called.
Arthur L. Hirdler, 6416 Community, presented a letter dated October 26, 1999 requesting
a correction to the minutes dated October 11, 1999 and a letter dated November 8, 1999
regarding the storm water drainage along the railroad tracks.
Ordinance providine for increased annuities:
Matters related to the first reading of Ordinance No. 1630
Mayor Lewis read the caption of Ordinance No. 1630 as follows:
An ordinance providing for increased prior and current service annuities under the act
governing the Texas Municipal Retirement System for retirees and beneficiaries of
deceased retirees of the City of West University Place, and establishing an effective date
for the ordinance.
Copies of Ordinance No. 1630, in the form proposed for adoption, were available in the
Council Chambers.
Finance Director Walter Thomas reported that in the past four years, the City Council has
twice authorized increases to annuities paid by the TMRS to City retirees. The TMRS
provides for an annual annuitant increase based on percentage of the consumer price
index. If increases are adopted annually and inflation remains under control, the cost of
the increases are minimal. The 2000 budget provides funding for approximately $1,700
to increase the City's retiree annuity by 70% of the percentage change in the consumer
price index from December 1998. This is the maximum amount permitted by TMRS.
Currently there are 29 retired City employees receiving benefits under TMRS.
City Council Regular SAO, November 8, 1999 0
A motion was made by Council Member May, seconded by Council Member Bertini, to
adopt Ordinance No. 1630 on the first reading.
Council Member Ballanfant commented that he was in favor of increasing the retiree's
annuity but would prefer that the City Council address the amount on a yearly basis.
Mr. Thomas stated that Ordinance No. 1630 would automatically increase retiree's
annuities by 70% of the CPI each year.
A vote was taken on the motion with the following result:
Voting Aye: Mayor Lewis and Council Member May
Voting Nay: Council Member Ballanfant and Bertini
Absent: Council Member Grubb
The motion failed.
The City Council requested that a new ordinance be prepared for the next meeting to
increase the annuities for the year 2000.
Resolution casting ballot for a member of the Board of Directors of the Harris
County Appraisal District:
Matters related to Resolution No. 99-32
Mayor Lewis read the caption of Resolution No. 99-32 as follows:
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of West University Place, Texas casting its
ballot for the election of a person to the Board of Directors of the Harris County
Appraisal District.
A motion was made by Council Member Bertini, seconded by Council Member May, to
nominate Bill Harry to the Board of Directors of the Harris County Appraisal District.
A vote was taken on the motion with the following result:
Voting Aye: Mayor Lewis, Council Members Ballanfant, Bertini and
May
Voting Nay: None
Absent: Council Member Grubb
Engagement of landscape architect for the development of park master plan:
Matters related to the engagement of a landscape architect for the development of a
Master Plan for Colonial Park and other areas in the City.
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City Council Regular A, November 8, 1999 10
Parks and Recreation Director Mark Mailes reported that the Parks and Recreation Board
released a Request for Qualifications to provide master planning for the City's parks
system. There were seven responses. After review of qualifications, three firms were
asked to submit proposals. Two firms made presentations to the Board and White Oak
was selected as the firm who provided the best scope of services required for the project.
Their references were checked and found to be excellent.
White Oak Studio would provide a five to seven year master plan for the City's parks.
During the planning stage, a determination would be made to prioritize the next park for
development or re-development. The initial assumption is that Colonial Park will be the
Phase I Park Project.
Mr. Mailes stated that the Friends of West University Place Park Funds, Inc. would
provide the $42,250.00 fee for the project.
A motion was made by Council Member Ballanfant, seconded by Council Member
Bertini, to approve a contract with White Oak Studios in the amount of $42,250.00 to
provide a long-range park plan.
A vote was taken on the motion with the following result
Voting Aye: Mayor Lewis, Council Members Ballanfant, Bertini and
May
Voting Nay: None
Absent: Council Member Grubb
City Council minutes:
Matters related to the minutes of the Workshop and Regular Sessions conducted on
October 25, 1999.
A motion was made by Council Member May, seconded by Council Member Bertini, to
approve the minutes as presented.
A vote was taken on the motion with the following result:
Voting Aye: Mayor Lewis, Council Members Ballanfant, Bertini and
May
Voting Nay: None
Absent: Council Member Grubb
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City Council Regular Ses n, November 8, 1999
Council Comments:
Council Member Ballanfant commented that he was present at the meeting during the
comments regarding the previous jobs of White Oak Studio. He stated that the comments
were glowing as to their ability to work with communities and residents.
Council Member Bertini commented that the Recycling and Solid Waste Reduction
Board's next meeting would be held on Tuesday, November 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Public
Works Lunch Room.
Adiournment:
With no further business to come before the City Council at this time, a motion was made
by Council Member Ballanfant, seconded by Council Member May, to adjourn. The
Regular Session adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
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