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HomeMy WebLinkAbout110899S CC Min0 0 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL SESSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8,1999 MUNICIPAL BUILDING 3800 UNIVERSITY BLVD. 6:30 P.M. C_ *4 The City Council convened in Special Session in the Municipal Building Conference Room (3800 University Blvd.) on November 8, 1999, with the following members present: Mayor Lewis presiding, Council Members Ballanfant, Bertini and May. The City Manager, City Secretary, City Attorney, Public Works Director, Finance Director, Parks and Recreation Director and Acting Police Chief 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 5a' day of November 1999 at 12:00 p.m. Agenda Review: The City Council reviewed the regular meeting agenda and discussed items under consideration with the Staff. Report from Traffic Task Force. Matters related to a report presented by the Traffic Task Force. Members of the Traffic Task Force Sub-Committee, Muriel Flake and Davis Tucker were present at the meeting to present the report. The committee proposed the following: • The replacement of the signs at the major entrances to West University Place such as Buffalo Speedway and Bissonnet, Buffalo Speedway and Holcombe, and University Blvd. and Kirby. • A special sign designed by an architect at the entrance at Bissonnet and Weslayan. • Placement of signs at the boundaries of West U with a sign following that states Reduced Speed 30. • Placement of special traffic calming signs with a logo representing neighborhood and community with a sign following that states Drive Friendly. • Placement of 4-way signs under stop signs and No Parking signs on some streets. The committee also addressed the material used to make the signs such as engineering grade or high intensity. The City Council authorized the Traffic Task Force to move forward with their proposals. City Council Special Seo, November 8, 1999 • The City Council recessed the Special Session at 7:30 p.m. The Special Session reconvened at 7:58 p.m. Report on Tax Increment Financing and city center development planning. Matters related to a report presented by the City Manager. City Manager Sherman Yehl presented a report on developing a tax increment reinvestment zone for the City Center area. He stated that Council Member Grubb had requested that the City Staff look into the feasibility of creating a tax increment reinvestment zone for the Edloe/University corridor. TIRZ is a tool that cities can use to publicly finance improvements and infrastructure within a defined area. Generally these improvements must be undertaken to promote the viability of existing businesses and to attract new commercial enterprises to the area. The cost of the improvements to the area is repaid by the contribution of future tax revenues by each taxing unit that levies taxes against the property. The additional tax revenue that is received from the affected properties is referred to as the tax increment. TIF can be initiated by petition of the affected property owners or by the city council. Mr. Yehl reported that the analysis on the feasibility of designating the City Center area a TIRZ is incomplete. Preliminary information indicates that unless major redevelopment was to take place in this area, the incremental property tax payments would only support a very modest investment. The economics of a TIRZ depend very heavily on the participation of both the County and HISD. HISD would be unlikely to be interested in a new TIRZ because of 1999 legislation changing the state funding formulas. School districts are now penalized on state funding if they participate in a TIRZ. Mr. Yehl stated that should the City Council desire to explore this tool further, the City Council should retain the assistance of an expert to develop a City Center Plan that would address improvements, costs and financing. In addition, an informal request should be made early to both the County and HISD regarding their willingness to participate in a TIRZ. The City Council was not interested in pursuing a tax increment reinvestment zone. Report from Board or Commission Liaisons. The City Council reported on Board or Commission meetings attended by the liaisons. Council Member Ballanfant reported that a product of the Park and Recreation Board's deliberation was brought before the City Council that night. Council Member May reported that he attended the Building and Standards Commission meeting and Building Official Dennis Mack would be conducting a chapter by chapter review of the International Code. City Council Special Sem, November 8, 1999 4* Council Member Bertini reported that the Traffic Task Force came before the City Council and the Recycling Board was meeting on Tuesday night. Mayor Lewis reported that six members of the Zoning and Planning Commission voted not to approve a moratorium on perimeter development. Mayor Lewis also reported on the West U and South Side Place festival, now called Home Place Celebration to be held April 1 through May 1, 1999. Inquiries, requests and complaints. The City Council reviewed matters received from the public and referred them to the appropriate department or placed them on a future agenda for consideration or action. Adiournment. With no further business to come before the City Council at this time, a motion was made by Council Member May, seconded by Council Member Bertini, to adjourn. The Special Session adjourned at 8:20 p.m.