The City Council of the City of Columbus, Texas met in regular session on Monday, August 14, 2000 at 6:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers at City Hall located at 605 Spring Street, Columbus, Texas, with the following present:
| Mayor | Paula Frnka |
| Mayor Pro-Tem | Earl Joe Frnka, Jr. |
| Councilwoman | Ester Chandler |
| Councilman | Donald T. Churchill |
| Councilman | Ronnie Rogers |
| Councilman | DeWayne Kotrla |
| City Manager | John Brasher |
| City Secretary | Jill Ready |
1. Call to Order:
Mayor Frnka called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M., August 14, 2000.
2. Invocation: Councilman Frnka
3. Consent Agenda:
a. Approval of invoices.
b. Approval of minutes from July 24, 2000.
c. Approval of financial statements.
Councilman Frnka moved to approve the consent agenda. Councilwoman Chandler seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:
AYES: Councilmen Frnka, Churchill, Rogers, Kotrla and Councilwoman Chandler
The motion passed.
4. City Manager's Report:
City Manager Brasher reported the following:
The City received the final easement on Montezuma Street. The contractor has been notified to begin preparation of the storm sewer project. A pre-construction meeting will be held Wednesday.
A pre-construction meeting was held last week with Dernehl Construction regarding the Great Southern Texas Capital Fund infrastructure improvements in the business park. Dernehl Construction will be responsible for the street and drainage improvements.
The city staff will have a pre-construction meeting with Broadway Communications on Wednesday regarding a proposed telecommunications fiber optic line that will be constructed in state right-of-way on Highway 90.
The City Manager will be meeting with a representative of Union Pacific Railroad to discuss the condition and maintenance of the railroad crossings in the city. It will take place during the week of the 28th.
The First State Bank will begin a major remodeling project in the next couple of weeks. The sidewalks around the bank will be closed off to pedestrian traffic due to the remodeling and safety concerns. Provisions will be made for pedestrian traffic to use an area in the street next to the curb.
Contractors completed the installation of the sanitary sewer line on Bowie Street from Preston to Washington. There is still more work to do to finish the project but what is remaining will take place during daytime hours.
Street crews are currently spending a majority of their time cutting low hanging tree limbs throughtout the city and will continue doing so as long as time allows.
5. Police Chief’s Report:
Police Chief Connor reported the following:
Danny Jackson, Tomas Ramirez, and Wayne Thompson were recognized for their outstanding work.
Through grants the City was able to purchase software that will prepare the UCR and other reports for a cost of $13,000.
New computer wiring was installed for the computer network in the police department.
The 1997 Police car was damaged when it caught on fire. It has over 100,000 miles on it and will need a new motor. There is a 1999 DPS police car for sale and, with trade-ins, would cost $15,000.
New uniforms are being ordered for the officers. The officers have requested to change to dark blue shirts.
A drug bust was conducted on Highway 90 East.
The department is now stopping vehicles with probable cause for drug activity.
6. MidTown Park Update:
Mr. Jim Brisco, grant administrator, was present to discuss the MidTown Park project. He reported that preliminary site work had begun. A request for bids for playground equipment has been published in the newspaper. It should be shipped within ten weeks of bid approval and installed two or three months later. Mr. Brisco is working on a Partnership in Parks grant from LCRA.
7. Presentations by Citizens:
No citizens appeared before council at this time.
8. Review Proposals and Adopt Resolution Selecting Grant Application Preparation and Management Services for the Texas Community Development Program:
Karen Kibbe with Raymond k. Vann and Associates was present to review proposals received for grant management services. Councilman Frnka moved to adopt a resolution selecting Raymond k. Vann and Associates for application preparation and management services for the Texas Community Development Program. Councilman Kotrla seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:
AYES: Councilmen Frnka, Churchill, Rogers, Kotrla and Councilwoman Chandler
The motion passed.
9. Review Proposals and Adopt Resolution Selecting Engineering Firm for the Texas Community Development Program:
Karen Kibbe with Raymond k. Vann and Associates reviewed proposals received for engineering services for the Texas Community Development Program. Councilwoman Chandler moved to adopt a resolution selecting John D. Mercer & Associates as the engineering firm for the Texas Community Development Program. Councilman Rogers seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:
AYES: Councilmen Frnka, Churchill, Rogers, Kotrla and Councilwoman Chandler
The motion passed.
10. Consider and Act on Resolution Authorizing the Submission of a Grant Application to the Texas Community Development Program, Community Development Fund:
Karen Kibbe with Raymond k. Vann and Associates reported that the city must match 15% of the amount being requested. Donald Warschak, engineer with John D. Mercer and Associates, stated that it is his recommendation to drill the new well at a different location. At the current location the best production would be about 400 gallons per minute. At an off site location production would be about 750 gallons per minute. Councilman Rogers moved to adopt a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application for $350,000 to the Texas Community Development Program, Community Development Fund for the purpose of drilling a new water well. Councilman Churchill seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:
AYES: Councilmen Frnka, Churchill, Rogers, Kotrla and Councilwoman Chandler
The motion passed.
11. Consider and Act on Quote by Supak Construction to Install 30 Inch Storm Sewer at $20.00 Per Linear Foot for a 5 to 7 Foot Cut, $22.00 for a 7 to 9 Foot Cut, $24.00 for a 9 to 11 Foot Cut and $1.00 Per Linear Foot for Trench Safety With Total Change Order Not to Exceed $25,000:
Donald Warschak, engineer with John D. Mercer and Associates, reported that a change order can be issued for up to 25% of the original contract. This would be about $25,000 which would cover about 500 feet of the deepest storm sewer on King Drive and Oak Cluster. Councilman Frnka moved to accept the quotes from Supak Construction and proceed with the installation of 500 feet of storm sewer on each road not to exceed a total cost of 25% of the original contract. Councilman Rogers seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:
AYES: Councilmen Frnka, Churchill, Rogers, Kotrla and Councilwoman Chandler
The motion passed.
12. Consider and Act on a Resolution Supporting the Submission of a Texas Capital Fund Grant Application on Behalf of Hydrotest Incorporated:
John Kroll, with Southwestern Development Associates, Inc., requested support from council for the submission of a Texas Capital Fund Grant application by the Columbus Community and Industrial Development Corporation on behalf of Hydrotest Incorporated. Mr. Kroll reported that Hydrotest will be able to repay the grant interest free and there should be no cost to the Industrial Corporation or the City. Councilwoman Chandler moved to approve the resolution supporting the submission of a Texas Capital Fund Grant application on behalf of Hydrotest Incorporated. Councilman Rogers seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:
AYES: Councilmen Frnka, Churchill, Rogers, Kotrla and Councilwoman Chandler
The motion passed.
13. Consider and Act to Adopt a "Local Opportunity Plan" Encouraging Diversification and Ample Opportunity for Hiring and Awarding Contracts for the City of Columbus:
Councilman Kotrla moved to adopt a "Local Opportunity Plan" encouraging diversification and ample opportunity for hiring and awarding contracts for the City of Columbus. Councilman Frnka seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:
AYES: Councilmen Frnka, Churchill, Rogers, Kotrla and Councilwoman Chandler
The motion passed.
Discussion and Action Regarding the Colorado County CAD Budget for Fiscal Year 2000-2001:
Harry Henkhaus and Bill Mitchell were present to answer questions concerning the Appraisal District budget for fiscal year 2000-2001. Mr. Henkhaus explained that the major increase in salaries is for Chief Appraiser Bill Youens who is making substantially below other area Chief Appraisers. No action was taken by council regarding the Colorado County CAD budget for fiscal year 2000-2001.
15. Consider and Act on Application to Permit a Manufactured Home to be Located at 229 Smith Street:
The mobile home applicants were present to answer questions from council. Councilman Rogers moved to approve the application to permit a manufactured home to be located at 229 Smith. Councilman Frnka seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:
AYES: Councilmen Frnka, Rogers, Kotrla and Councilwoman Chandler
ABSTAIN: Councilman Churchill
The motion passed.
16. Discussion and Action Regarding Amending Police Department Budget to Either Repair or Replace a Patrol Unit:
Chief Connor and City Manager Brasher explained that a police car had caught on fire and needed to be repaired or replaced. Repairing the car would cost approximately $5,000 and the car has 116,000 miles on it. A used police car with 26,000 miles could be purchased for $15,000 plus the trade-in of two old cars including the one that caught on fire. Councilman Rogers moved to approve the purchase of the used police car for $15,000 with two trade-ins. Councilman Kotrla seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:
AYES: Councilmen Frnka, Churchill, Rogers, Kotrla and Councilwoman Chandler
The motion passed.
17. Consider and Act on a Resolution Supporting the Pursuance of Forming a Colorado County Groundwater Conservation District:
Mayor Frnka reported that both Eagle Lake and Weimar had passed resolutions supporting the formation of a county groundwater conservation district. Councilman Kotrla and Councilman Rogers expressed concern about double taxation on city residents. Councilman Frnka was concerned with the involvement of LCRA. Councilwoman Chandler also expressed concerns with the formation of the district at this time. Councilman Rogers moved to table adoption of a resolution supporting the pursuance of forming a Colorado County Groundwater Conservation District. Councilman Frnka seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:
AYES: Councilmen Frnka, Churchill, Rogers, Kotrla and Councilwoman Chandler
The motion passed.
18. Discussion and Action Regarding the Adoption of a Resolution Supporting the Formation and Development of a Coalition of Local Governments and Local, State, and Federal Agencies Into a Working Partnership to be Known as "The Texas Colorado Flood Safety Coalition":
City Manager Brasher explained that various cities which flooded in previous years were interested in forming a coalition. He explained that meetings attended have been informative concerning flood plain information. Councilman Frnka said he did not see the need for this because a federal flood control program already exists. Councilwoman Chandler moved to adopt a resolution supporting the formation and development of a coalition of local governments and local, state, and federal agencies into a working partnership to be known as "The Texas Colorado Flood Safety Coalition" and have Jerry Krenek serve as the city representative. Councilman Rogers seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:
AYES: Councilmen Frnka, Churchill, Rogers, Kotrla and Councilwoman Chandler
The motion passed.
19. Consider and Act on a Budget Amendment for the Repairs to the City Hall Roof:
Councilman Kotrla moved to approve a budget amendment increasing Administration Repairs and Maintenance $15,000 for the repair of the city hall roof. Councilman Frnka seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:
AYES: Councilmen Frnka, Churchill, Rogers, Kotrla and Councilwoman Chandler
The motion passed.
20. Consider and Act on a Proposal to Increase the Rate Charged to the Glidden Fresh Water District for the Treatment of Sewage:
Councilman Rogers moved to increase the rate charged to Glidden Fresh Water District for the treatment of sewage to $1.80 per 1,000 gallons. Councilwoman Chandler seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:
AYES: Councilmen Frnka, Churchill, Rogers, Kotrla and Councilwoman Chandler
The motion passed.
21. Consider and Act on the Recommended Appointments of Henry Potter, Robin Garcia, Dr. Arun Nayar, and Tracy Lillie to Serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission:
Councilman Rogers moved to approve the appointments of Henry Potter, Robin Garcia, Dr. Arun Nayar, and Tracy Lillie to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Councilman Churchill seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:
AYES: Councilmen Frnka, Churchill, Rogers, Kotrla and Councilwoman Chandler
The motion passed.
22. Discuss and Act to Set Date and Time for a Public Hearing to Receive Comments on the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau Budget for Fiscal Year 2000-2001:
Based on the City Manager’s recommendation, Councilwoman Chandler moved to set August 28, 2000 at the regular council meeting as the date and time for a public hearing to receive comments on the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau budget for fiscal year 2000-2001. Councilman Rogers seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:
AYES: Councilmen Frnka, Churchill, Rogers, Kotrla and Councilwoman Chandler
The motion passed.
23. Items From Council:
Councilman Churchill thanked council for the placement of a stop sign on Preston Street.
Councilman Frnka reported that he had some negative feedback concerning the stop sign.
Mayor Frnka reported that she had attended a workshop and felt good about where Columbus is compared to other cities.
24. Announcements:
City Manager Brasher reminded council that he needed a head count for the Tri-Cities meeting.
At this time, 8:25 P.M., Mayor Frnka recessed the meeting for a short break.
25. Budget Workshop:
Mayor Frnka began the budget workshop at 8:35 P.M. Various budget items were reviewed. It was the consensus of council to limit commercial hand-picked items to ten items per pickup.
26. Adjournment:
There being no further business, Mayor Frnka declared
the meeting adjourned at 8:50 P.M.