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Home My WebLink About051208R CC Min CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL AND REGULAR SESSION MINUTES MONDAY, MAY 12, 2008 MUNICIPAL BUILDING 3800 UNIVERSITY BLVD. ATTENDANCE Mavor/Councilmembers: Mayor Kelly, Council Members Cohen, Fry, Guffey and Talianchich Citv Staff: City Manager, City Attorney, Acting City Secretary, Finance Director, Fire Chief, IT Manager, Parks and Recreation Director, and Police Chief CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Kelly called the Special Meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. 1. Recreational Facilities Matters related to the West U Recreation Center, Colonial Park and Community/Senior Center presented by Russ Schulze, Parks & Recreation Board Chairman. A presentation of the Parks and Recreation Board's Recommendation was given by Russ Schulze. Parks Board members Janine Shuppert, Mardi Tumer and John Neighbors also spoke. Citizen Comments: I. Leah Ragiel- 2740 Centenary - Spoke of her surprise at the views being expressed. Asked the Council to not let this process be derailed. She believes there is a lot of support for the renovation or rebuilding of our parks. 2. Ian Ragiel- 2740 Centenary - Spoke in support of the plans to renovate the pool. 3. Frank Driskill- 3837 Coleridge - He commented that he does not see a rigorous process being conducted as to what is the best choice on how to spend the money being addressed. If we are using e-mails to hear what people want, we should atmounce it and let people vote in an email because we are using it like a referendum. He wants a new bubble and does not want to rebuild. He would like to assist in the engineering survey to see what is wrong with the existing facilities. 4. Fran Oravetz - 4131 Oberlin - He commented that the Parks Board recommendation does not do what residents ask for in the survey. He does not think the survey recommendation is representative of how most residents feel. He asks Council to not approve the Parks Board recommendation. When asked by Mayor Kelly, he commented that he is in favor of one enlarged and enhanced Colonial park Pool. 5. Susan Ohsfeldt - 4101 Tennyson - Spoke about the e-mails being received and does not believe it is a way of getting the pulse of what is wanted. Most of us think we do not need a year round pool. City Council Meeting, May 12, 2008 6. Ramsey Elder - 2821 Tangley - He commented that he believes the Parks Board recommendations are not based on the actual survey results. He said the Parks Board has reversed engineered the results. 7. John Pedigo - 3831 Amold - He suggested that the survey is flawed in that the questions posed led to desired answers in some areas. He wants to see a conservative philosophy in regards to this issue. He does not see the need to spend a lot of money on facilities that are used by a small number of people in our community. 8. Linda Driskill- 3837 Coleridge - Made 3 comments. She believes the parks are important, statistics are needed to support the evidence, and a motivational way to finance is needed. 9. Jennifer Long - 4029 Swarthmore - She wants a beautiful place to swim with her children but feels that we are being rushed through this. She does not think the new construction proposal accommodates every age group. 10, Cathy Wright - 3222 Georgetown - She is glad to see that due to concerns, some revisions have been made since the Town Hall meeting but feels that the comments made at that meeting were not counted. Janine Shuppert responded to a question concerning the comments made at the Town Hall meeting not being counted and she informed those present that her report did account for the spoken and written comments Mayor Kelly encouraged everyone to send emails with their questions and comments. It was noted by Tim O'COlmor that an engineering study on the feasibility of the buildings has been made and that report is in the process of being distributed. Arrangements for an assessment of the pools are being pursued. 11. Steve Brown - 3305 Rice - Commented on his observations listing 7 items: (I) West U is sUlTounded by a major city with recreation facilities abundant and nearby; (2) the population will ebb and flow in age distribution but it will not grow; (3) our tax base will continue to rise and residents will grow relatively wealthier; (4) West D's parks are primarily for its residents; (5) West D's residents expect value for their tax dollars; (6) use common sense to avoid 30-year mistakes; and (7) Parks, though desirable and valuable, are amenities, not essential infrastructure. 12. Paul Holzhauer - 5724 Buffalo - He spoke that you cannot compare the infrastructure with the pool issues. He believes there are other things we can do with the money. He does not see how this is going to be funded. Mayor Kelly Postponed the Special Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Kelly Reconvened the Special Meeting at 6:38 p.m. The following citizen comments were made after the special meeting was reconvened: Page 2 of 5 City Council Meeting, May 12,2008 1. Stan McCanless - 3712 Rice Blvd. - spoke in favor of a tax exemption for Senior citizens. 2. Hope Northrup - 4217 Ruskin- She spoke concerning the Recreation Center and its proposed location. Ms. Northrup was informed that the location she perceives has changed and is no longer next to her property. 3, Katy Hwu - 3317 Plumb - spoke in support of Option C and commented that she is speaking for many families with young children that cannot be at this meeting. Mayor Kelly Adjourned the Special Meeting at 6:46 p.m. Motion: To Adjourn the Special Meeting Made by: Cohen Seconded by: Guffey Action: Passed 5-0 Voting Aye: Mayor Kelly, Council members Cohen, Guffey and Talianchich Voting Nay: None CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Kelly called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:47 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilmember Fry. Notice. The notice for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Texas Government Code, Chapter 551, on the 9th of May 2008 at 4:00 p.m. Citizens who wish to be heard and/or address agenda items I. Robin McGowan - 2920 Carnegie - Spoke on the need for a new pool and feels the cunent facilities do not reflect our community. She also spoke on the need to work together to make this happen. 2. Cathy Wright - 3222 Georgetown - Commented that West D is a model community within Harris County for and our Senior programs and services. She supports a raise in the tax abatement for Seniors and wants West U to be a leader in Han'is County in our treatment of our Seniors. Item 3 Property Taxes for Citizens over age 65 (this item was moved UP in the agenda) Matters related to tax abatements for Citizens that are 65 years of age or older presented by Walter Thomas, Finance Director. Councilmember Guffey presented a proposal for an increase from $110,000 to $185,000. Motion: To Approve Ordinance 1874 on the first reading in the amount of $185,000. Guffey Made by: Page 3 of 5 City Council Meeting, May 12,2008 Seconded by: Action: Voting Aye: Voting Nay: Talianchich Passed 4-0 Mayor Kelly, Council members Cohen, Fry, Guffey and Talianchich Cohen 2. Rescheduling City Council Meeting Matters related to rescheduling the City Council regular session meeting on May 26, 2008 requesting a change of date due to the Observance of Memorial Day. Motion: Made by: Seconded by: Action: Voting Aye: Voting Nay: To reschedule the May 26 meeting to May 21, 2008 Fry Talianchich Passed 5-0 Mayor Kelly, Council members Cohen, Fry, Guffey and Talianchich None 4. Website Improvements to Enhance Transparency in City Government Matters related for improvements to enhance transpat'ency in City government presented by Council Member Michael Talianchich. Councilmember Talianchich would like to have more transparency of the City government made accessible on the City's web site. City Manager Michael Ross presented the cost and the time involved. It was agreed that a demonstration of the audio minutes from Council meetings will be exhibited on the City's web site for a determined length of time and a monthly financial report will also be provided. At this time, Council Member Guffey excused himself from the meeting to attend a prior appointment. 5. Friends of West University Place Parks Fund, Inc. Matters related to the Friends of West University Place Parks Fund including Resolution No. 2008-07 appointing a new Board Member presented by Friends Director Donna LaMond. Motion: Made by: Seconded by: Action: Voting Aye: Voting Nay: To approve Resolution 2008-07 appointing Stephanie Roman to the Friends Board Fry Cohen Passed 4-0 Mayor Kelly, Council members Cohen, Fry and Talianchich None 6. City Council Minutes Matters related to the minutes of the Town Hall Meeting on April 23 and the Regular and Special Session conducted April 28, 2008. Recommended Action: Approval of minutes. (Gayle Schultz, Acting City Secretary) Motion: Made by: To approve the minutes as presented Fry Page 4 of 5 City Council Meeting, May 12, 2008 Seconded by: Action: Voting Aye: Voting Nay: Cohen Passed 4-0 Mayor Kelly, Council members Cohen, Fry and Talianchich None Council Member Reports. Mayor Kelly commented on the time Council has served in office is now approaching one year and this Council has been a great Council and they have accomplished a lot. City Manager Report. City Manager Michael Ross repOlted on the investigation into the problems with the street located at Weslayan and Swarthmore. He also reported that repairs have begun. Adjournment. Motion: Made by: Seconded by: Action: Voting Aye: Voting Nay: To Adjourn the meeting at 7:23 p.m. Fry Talianchich Passed 4-0 Mayor Kelly, Council members Cohen, Fry and Talianchich None These minutes are excerpts from the Council proceedings, A recording of the meeting is on file in the City Secretary's office. Prepared by: Gayle Schultz, Acting City Secretary (2- ,),3-0[( Date of Approval Approved: Page 5 of 5