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HomeMy WebLinkAbout072400S CC Min0 I'D CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL SESSION MONDAY, JULY 24, 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 July 24, 2000, with the following members present: Mayor Lewis presiding, Council Members Ballanfant, Bertini, Grubb and May. The City Manager, City Secretary, City Attorney, Police Chief 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 21" day of July 2000 at 4:00 p.m. Azenda Review: The City Council reviewed the regular meeting agenda and discussed items under consideration with the Staff. Matters related to Ordinance No. 1650: City Attorney Jim Dougherty reviewed the highlights of Ordinance No. 1650 relating to miscellaneous street regulations. Included in the proposed amendments is the protection of new roadways, permit fees for work on new roadways, extension of temporary regulations to November 15, 2000, low impact standard street structures and authorization to join the coalition of cities. The City Council discussed Appendix A, Section 19.201 (a)3 relating to permits required. They agreed to split this section into two separate points thus now reading as follows: (a)(3) any excavation affecting a new roadway (a)(4) any excavation greater than eight cubic feet Representatives from Southwestern Bell and Reliant Energy were present at the meeting and addressed some of their concerns relating to the proposed amendments. Police Department oreanizational chance. Matters related to an organizational change and reassignment of duties in the Police Department and authorization to add a position of Administrative Sergeant. Police Chief Kevin Begley reported that he has spent a considerable amount of time examining the organizational structure of the Department and the manner in which administrative duties have been assigned. The current workload has placed too many administrative functions on the "Administration" Division of the Police Department. The three persons assigned to that division must perform so many different functions, that City Council Special Sessslun', July 24, 2000 these functions suffer to some degree. Additionally, some of the administrative tasks are being assigned to Patrol Division supervisory personnel. These functions are not associated with the command of a Patrol shift, and they serve to remove these persons from their primary function— supervising officers on the streets. The end result is that the administrative function is fragmented and appropriate accountability is lacking. The Department is also unable to engage in strategic planning, to regain national accreditation, or maintain the standard operating procedures. Lastly, Patrol Division supervisors are spending time completing administrative tasks, instead of supervising officers in the field. Based on current salary levels, it is estimated that the budgetary impact of this reorganization would be approximately $45,000. Any costs associated with this reorganization for the remainder of 2000, will be made up entirely or in large part by funds currently in the budget as a result of unfilled positions. The first impact on the budget will be in fiscal year 2001. A motion was made by Council Member Bertini, seconded by Council Member Grubb, to approve the proposal to add a position of Administrative Sergeant to the Police Department effective October 1, 2000. 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 Architectural design of police dispatch center. Matters related to an architectural design of the Police dispatch center. Chief Begley presented plans for the design of the dispatch center. Tree protection in priority areas. Matters related to tree protection in Priority Area 7B and future infrastructure improvement areas. City Manager Sherman Yehl stated that it was decided during the January 10' City Council meeting that alternatives to existing tree preservation methods were to be instituted in the development of the tree preservation plans for Priority Areas 7B, 8 and 12 and all future plans. Previously all trees were protected during infrastructure construction. Based on current directions, the City will no longer protect trees that are in poor condition. This means certain trees would not be pruned, fertilized, fenced nor City Council Special Sess n July 24, 2000 would `zero curb cut' be utilized. The zero -curb cut method would not allow for removal or disturbance of area behind the curb. These trees would be identified during preparation of preservation plans and the owners would be informed. However, due to the nature of street construction some trees would actually become `hazardous trees'. This is due to the removal of root area behind the curb during stabilization. Urban Forester Nes Tesno provided data and pictures of trees collected in Priority Area 7B. She identified 39 trees that were in poor condition. Of the 39 trees, 17 could be considered hazardous once the city has cut behind the curb. Removal of the 17 trees is estimated at $300 each, totaling $5,100 for Priority Area 7B. Mr. Yeld reported that it is staffs opinion that the city should not create any situation in which injury or damage could occur to person or property. The 17 trees should either be removed by the City or protected per normal preservation standards. Trees would be available from the Tree Trust to replace any trees removed. The City Council agreed that staff should provide notice to those residents who have a hazardous tree and inform them that replacement trees are available from the Tree Trust. Traffic calming in College Court. Matters related to traffic calming in College Court and recommendations for infrastructure improvements in Priority Area 12. Joe Studlick, Chair of the Traffic Task Force, presented recommendations from members of the Task Force. The City Council agreed with the following recommendations: 1. Make the "one ways" on Judson and South Judson permanent and incorporate an island on the east side of the park to allow left turns off South Judson onto Judson to proceed west. 2. No parking restrictions should be made on Judson and S. Judson at Judson Park except at 2 entrances. 3. Install improved but minimal signage (speed limit 20 MPH, no parking, park, etc.) as appropriate throughout College Court 4. A permanent traffic circle should not be installed at Fairmont/Albans. The curb cut in the shopping center in line with Albans should be moved first and traffic monitored. If the problem persists, 4 -way stop signs may be tried. 5. Have a traffic engineer look at the island on Bissonnet. Redesign of Werlein Street at Kirby Drive. Matters related to the redesign of the landscaped area on Werlein Street at Kirby Drive. City Council Special Session, July 24, 2000 Dieter Ufer of Claunch & Miller Engineers, Inc., stated that they are in the process of finalizing the design of Priority Area 8 and need direction regarding the intersection of Werlein Street at Kirby Drive. The intersection is unique in that it is one of the very first street closures that incorporated landscaping in the street area to block the street from through traffic. Staff is under the impression that the landscaping was accomplished with input from the abutting neighbors and they still maintain the area. There are several options that could be considered in redesigning the intersection. The landscaping could be taken out and improved or the street could be permanently closed by extending the curb. Two new inlets would have to be installed for drainage and this would require approval from the City of Houston. The City Attorney recommended that if the City Council desires to close the street permanently, then the area should be replatted. The City Council agreed that the street should be closed permanently. Grant from Harris County Community Development Department. Matters related to the expenditure of a $100,000 grant to be received from the Harris County Community Development Department. Mr. Yehl stated that on December 17, 1999, the City submitted an application to the Harris County Community Development Department for funding for an owner- occupied housing rehabilitation program. The program is designed to assist income eligible home- owners (primarily the elderly) with financing to repair and renovate existing homes and bring them into compliance with federal Housing Quality Standards and other codes establishing minimum standards for decent, safe and sanitary housing. Through implementation of this proposed program the City would be able to rehabilitate up to seven homes, help preserve our history and small town heritage, and allow residents to continue to occupy properties that currently may be unsafe. The City's 25% match would be provided through technical assistance to property owners in the form of assistance in identifying property deficiencies, preparing work write -ups, construction bidding and management, and contractor pay -out. The funds provided under HOME would provide direct financial assistance for home repairs through the use of a zero percent deferred payment loan secured by a property rehabilitation lien. The lien would expire as long the property owner maintained residency for a period of five years. HCCDD is now requesting a firm commitment from the City to implement the program as well as provide the required match. If provided, the City would begin the program in January, 2001. Members of the City Council agreed that the City Manager should submit a letter of commitment to HCCDD for funding under the HOME program in the amount of $100,000 as outlined above. 4 City Council Special Sess a, July 24, 2000 Deed Restrictions. Matters related to a report on the enforcement of deed restrictions in West University Place. The City Attorney made a presentation on deed restrictions. The City Council requested that an ordinance be prepared that would require contractors to sign an affidavit stating that they have investigated the applicable deed restrictions. Sidewalks. Matters related to establishing a sidewalk policy and funding program. The City Attorney presented proposed amendments to Chapter 6 relating to curbs, gutters and sidewalks Discussion.of this item will continue during the next council meeting. Report from Board or Commission Liaisons: The City Council reported on Board or Commission meetings attended by the liaisons. The City Attorney reported that the Zoning and Planning Commission were looking at a new reformatted zoning district map,and specific new zoning amendments that includes garages and A/C and mechanical 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 Bertini, seconded by Council Member May, to adjourn. The Special Session adjourned at 10:23 p.m.