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HomeMy WebLinkAbout050800S CC MinrJ CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL SESSION MONDAY, MAY 8, 2000 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 May 8, 2000, with the following members present: Mayor Lewis presiding, Council Members Ballanfant, Bertini, Grubb and May. The City Manager, City Secretary, City Attorney, Finance Director, Police Chief, Parks and Recreation Director and Public Works Director were also present. The notice for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Texas Government Code, Chapter 551, on the 5s' day of May 2000 at 4:00 p.m. Agenda Review: The City Council reviewed the regular meeting agenda and discussed items under consideration with the Staff. Design of entrance to city at Weslavan and Bissonnet. Matters related to the development of plans for the entrance to the city at Weslayan and Bissonnet. The City Council authorized the City Staff to engage Jim Patterson of White Oak Studio to development plans for the design of gateways into the City. Edloe Street Linear Park. Matters related to the Houston Light & Power light poles at Edloe Street Linear Park The City Council directed the City Attorney to meet with the attorneys for HL &P to discuss the terms of the franchise agreement and the relocation of the light poles. Sales tax revenue. Matters related to the use of $192,000 of excess sales tax revenue. City Manager Sherman Yehl reported that at the City Council meeting of April 25, 2000 staff provided recommendations on the use of the unanticipated sales tax revenue as requested by Council Members Grubb and Bertini. Council delayed taking action and requested a follow -up report on the use of these funds. 7/100 S �' City Council Special Sessi�, May 8, 2000 Mr. Yehl stated that the staff has completed a review of equipment needs and believes that those needs have generally been met during the budget process. Regarding the use of these funds for a one -time salary adjustment, it is the opinion of the department directors that such an adjustment, if provided, should be made available to all employees and not just public safety staff. The approach that has been developed would be to provide a flat payment of $500 to each provisional and regular employee plus $40 for each year of completed service. This would provide the recognition and benefit for each member of our City team as well as recognize those team members for their long service to the City. The cost of this adjustment is approximately $96,000, or one -half of the sales tax revenue. Regarding the use of these funds for Town Center fencing, should the Council wish to include fencing in the proposed improvements for Town Center, it is staff s opinion that the fencing could be included as part of the enhancement project that will be funded under the Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program nomination approved by the Texas Department of Transportation. While this improvement was not included in the original nomination, a strong argument can be made that such fencing is not inconsistent with the project intent. In the meantime, the sales tax funds could be returned to the City's General Fund balance until such time as a determination is made on the final project design of Town Center. Council Member Grubb commented that, because of the low salary structure for the Police Department, the city was having trouble hiring and keeping good police officers. He asked that a report on salary comparisons to other cities be presented at the next meeting. A motion was made by Council Member Bertini, seconded by Council Member Grubb, to place the additional sales tax revenue in the general fund pending a report from the police on salary structure and to include the fencing for the Town Center in the STEP grant. A vote was taken on the motion with the following result: Voting Aye: Mayor Lewis, Council Members Ballanfant, Bertini, Grubb and May Voting Nay: None Absent: None The City Council recessed the Special Session at 7:28 p.m. to convene in Regular Session. The Special Session reconvened at 8:30 p.m. Ouarterly Report. Matters related to the Quarterly Report. Y. City Council Special Sessian, May 8, 2000 The City Council discussed the Quarterly report as presented by the City Staff. Strategic Plan. Matters related to a status update on the adopted Strategic Plan. The City Council reviewed an update of their Strategic Plan. They addressed items, such as the architectural structure of the police facility, to be considered during the 2001 budget process. Council Member Ballanfant commented that he would like to expand the city's involvement with other organizations. Time Warner Inc. and AOL merger. Matters related to the merger between Time Warner Inc. and America Online, Inc. After a brief discussion, the City Council agreed to not take any action on this item. Report from Board or Commission Liaisons. The City Council reported on Board or Commission meetings attended by the liaisons. Clint Faulkner, a member of the Neighborhood Safety Board, reported that the Board had discussed cut - through traffic with the Police Chief. Council Member Ballanfant reported that the Parks and Recreation Board was meeting to discuss the Park Master Plan. Mayor Lewis reported that test lights were being installed in the 3700 block of Georgetown. 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. Council Member Bertini suggested that a letter be sent to the residents who appeared before the City Council and spoke concerning the recent zoning ordinance. Matters related to the Purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property. (1) House and lot at Colonial Park known as 4127 Case. Closed Executive Session to be held under Sections 551.072 Texas Government Code. City Council Special Session, May 8, 2000 The City Council convened in Executive Session at 9:10 p.m. The City Council closed the Executive Session at 9:13 p.m. and reconvened in special session. Adiournment. With no further business to come before the City Council at this time, a motion was made by Council Member Bertini, seconded by Council Member Grubb, to adjourn. The Special Session adjourned at 9:14 p.m.