The City Council of the City of Columbus, Texas met in regular session on Monday, August 27, 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 - Ester Chandler
Councilman - Leroy Sebesta
Councilman - Donald T. Churchill
Councilman - Ronnie Rogers
Councilman - DeWayne Kotrla
City Manager - David Stall
City Secretary - Jill Ready

1. Call to Order:

Mayor Frnka called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M., August 27, 2001.

2. Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Mayor Frnka

3. Consent Agenda:

a. Approval of invoices.
b. Approval of minutes from August 13, 2001 Council Meeting.
c. Approval of financial statements.

Councilman Rogers moved to approve the consent agenda as presented. Councilman Churchill seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:

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

The motion passed.

City Manager Stall reported the following:

Two police officers are resigning.

The City received the survey of the right-of-way between the Ward and Youens additions.

The City has received permission to clear and maintain the drainage ditch that runs through the Voskamp property south of Montezuma. A gate has been installed along Columbus Loop to make access to the property easier for City crews, who will begin cleaning out the ditch as soon as the weather permits.

The headworks project at the sewer plant is on hold, awaiting the arrival of the auger screen.

The City received the engineer’s review on the estimated costs of MidTown Park improvements. It will be reviewed by management and then bids can be let.

The state has approved release of funding for the Hydro-Test Project. City Management will include the award of bid for the Hydro-Test building on the next agenda.

A water meter has been installed on our water well at the golf course.

City Manager Stall attended a water utility rate seminar sponsored by the TNRCC.

5. Citizen Presentations and Comments:

No citizens appeared before council at this time.

At this time Mayor Frnka moved to Item #7.

7. Report from Columbus Recreation Steering Committee and Discussion of Community Recreational Facilities Needs:

Mr. Dan Peevey, Chairman of the Columbus Recreation Steering Committee, gave a report of recreational needs. He stated that it is the committee’s recommendation that a parks and recreation department be created and a person hired to run activities, including programs for youth and seniors. The committee also recommended that a recreation center be built, possibly on school property, and include an after school program. Mr. Peevey stated that local organizations need to join together to apply for grant funds.

Mr. Nolan Blaschke, a member of the committee, reported that the school seems receptive to the idea. He suggested that the facility could also be used by the school as a practice gym and walking track. He recommended that the city and the school work together on this project.

Ms. Nancy Habermacher reported that the Columbus Live Oak Festival Association has formed a non-profit organization. They will be recruiting directors in the near future. Ms. Habermacher stated that they are going to take the good things from previous festivals and build on them to make a profitable event. She reported that the Association will look to the City for ideas and moral support as well as security during the festival in May.

8. Consideration and Action to Award Financial Audit Contract for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2001:

City Manager Stall reported that two proposals for audit services had been received. Councilman Rogers moved to table action on award of financial audit contract until council has had an opportunity to review the proposals. Councilman Churchill seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:

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

The motion to table action passed.

9. Consideration and Action to Adopt a Resolution Calling Upon the Citizens of Columbus to Inspect Their Premises and, Where Necessary, Make Repairs to Their Property to Met Minimum Standards and Ensure that Premises Are Free of Unwholesome and Unsightly Matter; Requesting City Staff to be Diligent in Bringing Violations of Ordinances to the Attention of the Violators for Voluntary Repairs or Corrections; and, in the Event Compliance is Not Achieved Directing that Proper, Prudent and Reasonable Enforcement Action is Taken by City Staff to Bring Violators Into Compliance With City Ordinances:

Councilman Rogers questioned who put this item on the agenda and who would enforce it if adopted. Councilman Churchill stated that he had requested that this item be placed on the agenda. Councilman Churchill said that he is not seeking to add a new ordinance, but only bring citizens’ attention to the fact that council supports the existing ordinances and that minimum housing standards will be enforced.

Nancy Stiles addressed council and stated that the Old Town Merchants Association would possibly volunteer to help with a clean-up project in the downtown area.

Councilwoman Chandler moved to adopt a Resolution calling upon citizens to inspect their premises and make repairs necessary to meet minimum standards and requesting that city staff see that violators are notified and compliance is achieved. Councilman Churchill seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:

AYES: Councilmen Sebesta, Churchill, Kotrla and Councilwoman Chandler

ABSTAIN: Councilman Rogers

The motion passed.

10. Consideration and Action to Certify City Finance Officer’s Audit of Article 59.06(g) Forfeiture Report of Seizures and Forfeitures Made By the Columbus Police Department:

Councilman Kotrla moved to certify the city finance officer’s audit of Article 59.06 (g) Forfeiture Report showing seizures and forfeitures made by the Columbus Police Department. Councilman Sebesta seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:

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

The motion passed.

11. Consider and Act on Application to Permit a Manufactured Home to be Located at 1037 Bonham Street:

Councilman Sebesta requested that the City verify that the lot will drain properly before the home is placed on it. Councilman Rogers moved to approve the application to permit a manufactured home to be located at 1037 Bonham Street. Councilman Sebesta seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:

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

The motion passed.

12. Consideration and Action to Instruct the City’s Attorney How to Respond to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Invitation to Join With It for Conciliation of Charge Brought by Robert Connor, Jr.:

Councilman Sebesta moved to thank the EEOC for the invitation but respectfully declined to join in conciliation of charge brought by Robert Connor, Jr. and instruct the City Attorney to respond accordingly. Councilwoman Chandler seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:

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

The motion passed.

Councilman Kotrla reported that the Milam Street railroad crossing is getting rough again.

Councilman Sebesta stated that he agreed we should recognize hometown people who excel such as Aaron Schobel, but must recognized everyone, such as Darrell Rau.

Mayor Frnka encouraged council to participate in the county fair parade. Council will ride together in a fire truck.

Mayor Frnka recessed the meeting at 7:25 P.M.

Mayor Frnka entered into a budget workshop at 7:34 P.M. City Manager Stall reviewed capital outlay items and other changes made in the budget. It was the consensus of council to leave the budget as presented.

17. Consideration and Notice of a Proposed Maintenance and Operation Property Tax Rate:

Councilwoman Chandler moved to give notice of a proposed maintenance and operation property tax rate of $0.18881 per $100 valuation for the City of Columbus. Councilman Rogers seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:

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

The motion passed.

There being no further business, Mayor Frnka declared the meeting adjourned at 8:02 P.M.

______________________________

Mayor

ATTEST:

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City Secretary