The City Council of the City of Columbus, Texas met in regular session on Monday, February 26, 2001 at 6:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers of 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., February 26, 2001.

2. Pledge: Led by Mayor Frnka

3. Consent Agenda:

a. Approval of invoices.
b. Approval of minutes from February 12, 2001 and Town Hall meeting on February 7, 2001.
c. Approval of financial statements.

Councilwoman Chandler moved to approve the consent agenda with the exception of the invoices from Robert Zajicek Engineering for survey work at the Boy Scout Hut. Councilman Kotrla seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:

AYES: Councilmen Frnka, Churchill, Rogers, Kotrla and Councilwoman Chandler

The motion passed.

City Manager Brasher reported the following:

Curtiss Schonenberg trimmed the oak trees at the Community Park on Montezuma Street. This was a project of Keep Columbus Beautiful.

The city utility department replaced one block of PVC gas line on Jones Street between Forest and Charter.

The street department replaced the drop inlet at the corner of Travis and Robson. They are also going to extend the storm sewer and place a drop inlet at the corner of North Street and Burford.

The City received a sales tax rebate for sales tax collected in December in the amount of $73,587.34. This represents a 34.67% increase over the amount received at the same time last year. For the fiscal year, the city is 12.48% ahead of last year ($242,281.84 vs. $215,405.79).

The alcohol awareness program that was held last week and sponsored by the Columbus Police Department was very successful. It was attended by over thirty participants.

The lights have been installed on the elevated storage tank at the industrial park.

Kathy Burris has agreed to manage the swimming pool for the city this summer.

The City expects to take delivery of the vibratory roller sometime this week.

5. Presentation By Citizens:

Sharon Rogers appeared before council and asked them to vote "No" on agenda item #6, concerning the placement of modular homes within the city. She stated that she did not want to tell others how to use their property or be told how to use her property.

6. Consider and Act on the Adoption of Ordinance No. 3-01 Amending Chapter 42, Section 42-81 (7) of the Manufactured Home Ordinance:

Councilman Churchill moved to adopt Ordinance No. 3-01 amending Chapter 42, Section 42-81 (7) of the Manufactured Home Ordinance. Councilwoman Chandler seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:

AYES: Councilmen Frnka, Churchill, and Councilwoman Chandler

NOES: Councilman Rogers

ABSTAIN: Councilman Kotrla

The motion passed. A copy of the ordinance follows these minutes.

7. Consider and Act on Recommended Changes to the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau By-laws:

Ms. Toni Burns reviewed the proposed changes to the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau by-laws. Councilwoman Chandler moved to approve the recommended changes to the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau by-laws. Councilman Churchill seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:

AYES: Councilmen Frnka, Churchill, Rogers, Kotrla, and Councilwoman Chandler

The motion passed.

8. Consider and Act on the Appointment of Martin Williams to Serve on the EMS Citizens Advisory Committee:

Councilwoman Chandler moved to approve the appointment of Martin Williams to serve on the EMS Citizens Advisory Committee. Councilman Rogers seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:

AYES: Councilmen Churchill, Rogers, Kotrla and Councilwoman Chandler

ABSTAIN: Councilman Frnka

The motion passed.

9. Audience to DeWayne Kotrla Regarding the Annual Report of the Electrical Board:

Councilman Kotrla, Chairman of the electrical board, reported that a meeting of the board is scheduled for March 6, 2001. The board will be working on writing a new electrical exam.

Discussion Regarding Interest in Pursuing the Possibility of Developing a City Recreation Center:

Mayor Frnka asked council for input concerning interest in a city recreation center. She suggested that the three acres the city has for sale may be a possible site for the facility. Councilwoman Chandler stated that she was very interested in looking into a community recreation center. Councilman Frnka said he felt the three acres were too far out of town to be a good location for the center. He stated that he would prefer a more central location in the city. Councilman Frnka also suggested checking with the churches so there will be no duplication of projects. Councilman Rogers recommended the appointment of Dan Peevey to any board formed concerning a recreation center. Councilman Kotrla said he would be interested in looking into the community interest in this project. Mayor Frnka requested that council bring names for a steering committee to the next meeting.

Discussion Pertaining to Properties in Need of Repair:

Mayor Frnka reported that lists of properties and items needing attention had been prepared by council during their inspection of the city. A list was prepared for each department head to review and Mayor Frnka requested that they report back to council with their findings and solutions at the next council meeting.

Councilman Frnka announced that he will be filing for the position of mayor in the upcoming election.

Mayor Frnka thanked the citizens for coming to the council meeting and encouraged them to come again.

Mayor Frnka recessed the regular meeting at 7:00 P.M. and, after a short break, entered into Executive Session.

Adjourn to Executive Session for the Purpose of Discussing Personnel Matters Pursuant to the Provisions of the Open Meetings Law, Chapter 551, Government Code, Vernon’s Texas Code Annotated, in Accordance with the Authority Contained in Chapter 551.074:

The Executive Session was recorded on audio tape and sealed in an envelope marked "February 26, 2001 – Executive Session to Discuss Personnel Matters".

The Executive Session adjourned at 7:20 P.M. and Mayor Frnka reported that there was no action to be taken concerning discussion of the city manager’s position.

There being no further business, Mayor Frnka declared the meeting adjourned at 7:21 P.M.

______________________________

Mayor

ATTEST:

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City Secretary