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06-16-2005 (Citizens Bond Committee) Minutes MINUTES Wylie Citizen Bond Advisory Committee Thursday,June 16,2005—7:30 p.m. Wylie Municipal Complex—Council Chambers 2000 State Highway 78 North CALL TO ORDER Committee Vice Chairman Marvin Fuller called the meeting to order at 7:36 p.m. with the following Committee Members present: Daniel Chestnut, Doris Craighead, Jim Cummings, Jamie Gregg, Jim Griffin, Janet Johnston, Linda Jourdan, Chuck Kerin, Dennis Larson, Grace Morrison, Mike Phillips, Chris Seely, and Jerri Smith. Committee Chairman Jay Whitlow was absent. Staff Present were: City Manager,Mark Roath; City Engineer, Chris Hoisted; Planning Director, Claude Thompson; Police Chief, Jeff Butters; Public Services Director, Mike Sferra; Assistant Finance Director, Ron Hutchison; Police Lieutenant, Mike Atkison; Public Information Officer, Mark Witter; WEDC Executive Director, Sam Satterwhite; and Executive Assistant,Brandy Brooks. Financial Advisors, Nick Bulaish and Chris Janning, representing First Southwest were also in attendance. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION Ms. Diane Culver, residing at 2918 Jamestown, was asked to come speak regarding the infrastructure issue. She feels that improvement of Stone and Brown before laying a road that doesn't exist. With the location of the new high school and a junior high and intermediate school down Brown Street, it's going to become real dangerous in that area with the added traffic. Also believes sidewalks should be installed before the schools are built. She is adamantly against improving Bennett Road, because it is not in the City, and is a County Roadway. She also spoke about giving the Police and Fire Departments whatever they need to get their jobs done. She said the first priority on her wish list is the Library. Mr. Fuller and Mr. Griffin asked Ms. Culver to explain where she lived, what increase in traffic she has seen since the housing developments have been built, and if there has been an improvement since SH 78 was opened. Ms. Culver stated that her home backs up to Brown. She said she has not seen a traffic increase, as she moved into the last phase of development; however, traffic on Brown has improved since SH78 was opened. Ms. Shannon Nolan, residing on 315 Callie Court, representing the Wylie Baseball Association. She stated that over 600 children participated in their program this season, and will have over 700 next season. The WBA is in need of additional fields, and they presented a plan to the Parks Department. Also, she stated that improvements to current facilities. According to Ms. Nolan, Wylie is missing out on revenue due to the current little league fields inability to host tournaments. There isn't a lot of room for expansion in the program, and the Wylie Baseball Association is going to have to turn people away. Mr. Cummings asked how many children are utilizing other programs in different cities due to the facilities and lack of space. Ms. Nolan stated that they lose at least one team in every league that the WBA has, which is approximately 200 children. Mr. Larson asked how many fields it takes to play a full schedule at all the different levels; Ms. Nolan stated that currently there are 640 children, 3 t-ball fields, 1 coach pitch field, 1 junior field, 1 minor field and 1 major field. There are 17 t-ball teams, 14 (7-8) teams 9 (9-10) minor, 8 major (11-12).3 junior (12-14). She stated that a minimum of two fields, excepting t-ball,per league is what is needed to accommodate their needs for the next 3-5 years. Minutes—June 16,2005 Citizens Bond Advisory Committee Page 1 Mr. Chris Trout, residing at 1705 Mapleleaf, spoke to the Committee about roads and parkland. He stated that the Wells property was purchased by the City to preserve as much as possible for parks. He stressed that the City needs to preserve the land as much as possible, because once you develop it, you can't undo it. He believes it is a legacy to leave for the children. He stated that the municipal complex was only to take up a small piece of the land on the northwest portion of the land, and the Council discussed that when they were purchasing the land. He also spoke about Sanden, and that FM1378 being built will improve the traffic flow. He believes Brown should be widened prior to building Sanden. He asked the Committee to look at Eubanks between Brown and 78 again. He stated that a High School and Fire Station #3 being built will increase the need for Eubanks. Mr. Larson asked about Mr. Trout's vision of open space and how it relates to ball fields. Mr. Trout stated that there is a need for open space and keeping natural areas with hike/bike trails; however, developing ball fields and turning portions of the land into a parks area is also acceptable, as long as it is done right. Mr. Kerin asked where Council had proposed to put City Council. Mr. Trout informed the Committee that while he was on Council, they discussed utilizing the portion north of Brown Street and west of FM 1378 for a town center concept. Mr. Fuller asked Mr. Trout, as it related to Council, what he thought of Sanden, a grade separation road that would allow traffic from Brown to access 78 without going through the intersection at 1378/544, and give visibility to the park. Mr. Trout said that some day, the road might be necessary, but he doesn't believe it is currently a necessity; especially since FM 1378 is scheduled to be widened and all the property behind the high school and over to SH78 is going to be part of Woodbridge, and eventually FM 1378 will go through to SH78. Mr. JC Worley, residing at 335 Donna, spoke about the need to preserve the Wells Property. He stated that the Committee should recommend to Council a percentage of the Wells property for buildings. He asked Mr. Roath to clarify whether the current Municipal Complex land will be lost if the City moves out, because the land was given with the stipulation that it be used only for a municipal complex. Mr. Cummings asked him to clarify. Mr. Roath stated that the City Attorney clarified that the property is sellable. Mr. Worley stated that another possibility the Committee should consider is to purchase the land surrounding the current Municipal Complex to keep the facilities here, and preserve the Wells property as parkland and open space. Mr. Fuller asked if Mr. Worley wants a City Hall on the Wells property; Mr. Worley stated that while he did not, more people do, and therefore, the Committee should recommend that the Council limit the amount of buildings on the Wells property. Mr. Fuller asked how he felt about building Sanden through the Wells property; Mr. Worley stated that he thought it was an interesting idea that he might not be opposed to. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1.Approval of the Minutes of June 2,2005 Motion - A motion was made by Dennis Larson and seconded by Grace Morrison approving the minutes for the June 2, 2005 Citizens Bond Advisory Committee Meeting. The Committee voted 14—FOR and 0—AGAINST in favor of the motion,with Chairman Whitlow absent. 2.Animal Shelter Presentation Police Chief, Jeff Butters reviewed the City's current Animal Shelter. He explained the history of the facility, including the state compliance, ventilation and current capacity. There was discussion surrounding the future capacity and the holding period for animals. Vice Chairman Fuller adjourned the meeting at 9:04 p.m. and reconvened at 9:09 p.m. Minutes—June 16,2005 Citizens Bond Advisory Committee Page 2 3. Discussion, and possible action, on Bond Program including Financial Impact. Mark Roath reviewed the options available to the Committee, including the items listed in a memo from the City Manager to the Committee.He asked that the Committee review the options and decide what to present to the Council. Chairman Fuller asked staff to discuss Sanden from FM544 to Brown Street. Mark Roath stated that it may be valuable to see what pressure FM 1378 will take off the area once it is widened to four lanes; however, eventually, Sanden may be a consideration for an additional roadway. Chris Hoisted stated that FM 1378 does not continue south to SH78 currently,but the thoroughfare plan shows it connecting. Dennis Larson agreed that while Sanden may be needed in future, there are so many more critical projects in front of the Committee. He expressed concern about the amount of money each household will have to raise to pay for all the critical needs, as well as the wants that the Community has expressed, including the animal shelter and the library. Daniel Chestnut compiled a packet for the Committee for discussion. He compiled his various options based on comments from citizens as well as staff presentations. His package added up to approximately $90 million. Mr. Larson brought up sidewalks as an issue to consider. Jim Griffin stated that he understands money is still available to repair sidewalks. He stated that he has seen sidewalks that are in very poor condition, and that he has heard from citizens that they want the sidewalk issue to be part of the bond. Mr. Larson informed the Committee that he has heard from the citizens that while they want a pool, once he informs them of the cost of putting one in, the citizens have expressed that they might not pay for it. Ms. Johnston stated that repeatedly,the pool issue comes up again and again; however,the streets should be the number one priority for the bond. Ms. Jourdan asked if the expanded Animal Shelter could be paid for without bond funding. Mr. Roath stated that in order to lower the City's Maintenance and Operations tax, all capital projects should be funded through bonds. Mr. Larson suggested that community meetings should be held to present the financial information Mr. Cummings stated that he was in agreement with the City Manager's recommended option. The exceptions were Stone Road, which he believes should be extended to Bozman, instead of Collins. He believes Public Safety should be included; as well as a Recreation Center and monies for Community and Founders Parks. Mr. Cummings started a discussion about the necessity of Sanden going through the Wells property. Various members discussed what should be built on the Wells property. Mr. Phillips expressed that the Committee should focus on the projects to fund through the bond and not what will go on the Wells property. Motion - A motion was made by Jim Cummings and seconded by Grace Morrison to remove both sections of Sanden Boulevard from consideration. A vote was taken and passed 13 - 1 with Chairman Whitlow absent. Minutes—June 16,2005 Citizens Bond Advisory Committee Page 3 Nick Bulaish, First Southwest began discussing tax increases at the request of the Committee. He explained that incremental growth will assist with the phasing of the projects and bond sales. Vice Chairman Fuller suggested that the Committee go through the list, without taking formal votes, and figure the total and then the cost. The first item on the list was FM1378 from Brown to Parker, and the Committee agreed it should be included at a cost of $9.7 million. The Committee further decided that Phase 1 of the Library should be included at a cost of $5.1 million. Stone Road, at a cost of$7.4 million, was also included. Brown Street, from FM1378 to Ballard was included, with a cost of$9 million; as well as SH 78 to Anson for a cost of$5.5 million. Public Safety renovation was included at a cost of$0.5 million. Phase 1 of the Wells property, at a cost of$5 million was discussed. Daniel Chestnut stated that improvements at Community and Founders Parks, for$6.7 million. He stated that to include all three projects would put the City in a good position for future growth. Vice Chairman Fuller asked where 4B funds were currently going, and the Committee was informed by Mr. Bulaish and Mr. Hutchison that it is going to pay debt service on property, and paying employee salaries.The Committee decided that the Wells property will not be included in the total. The Committee decided to remove Park Boulevard both from FM1378 to McCreary and from Parker to Spring Creek. Alanis from Twin Lakes to Stone was also removed. The Committee agreed to recommend$0.4 million for renovations to the Animal Shelter. The Committee discussed adding Fire Station #3 at $1.5 million, as well as Eubanks from Brown to SH78 at a cost of$0.7 million. Chairman Fuller stated that without City Hall and a Recreation Center, the current total was $39.8 million, and Mr. Bulaish stated that, over 4 years (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012), there would be a tax increase of$0.0789 per $100 valuation, which is a tax increase of$118 per year for a $150,000 home. With the City Hall at a cost of$8.7 million added, the total became $48.5 million, would have an increase$0.1111, or a$167 per year increase. To include a Recreation Center, at a cost of $10.2 million, would bring the total to $58.7 million, which would have a financial impact of$0.1488, or$223 per year. When the Committee included Founders and Community Parks at a cost of $6.7 million, it increased the total bond package to $65.4 million, which creates a tax increase of$0.1735, or $260 per year. The Committee discussed adding$2.2 million for sidewalks. Motion - A motion was made by Mike Phillips and seconded by Jerri Smith removing sidewalks from consideration. The Committee voted 11 — FOR and 3 — AGAINST, with Chairman Whitlow absent. The Committee discussed including the Fire Training and Swift Water Rescue facilities, but decided to informally remove them from consideration. Minutes—June 16,2005 Citizens Bond Advisory Committee Page 4 Vice Chairman asked to take out the $0.7 million for Eubanks, for a total of$64.7 million, or a tax increase of$0.176, or$256 per year. Vice Chairman Fuller asked if these were the projects they would present to the Council. Ms. Jourdan asked if each item could be separate. Mr. Roath requested that the Committee allow him to take the list to the Bond Counsel and come back with a recommendation of language for the various propositions. The Committee asked how long they have to present information to the Council. Mr. Roath stated that the Council's final date to submit information to the County for a November 8, 2005 election was September 7, 2005. He suggested that the Committee have another meeting within two weeks' time, Staff would have adequate time to prepare information. July 7, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. was decided on as the optimal date for the meeting. Motion - A motion was made by Mike Phillips and seconded by Dennis Larson approving the addition of the Online Citizen Input comments to the Minutes for the June 16, 2005 Citizens Bond Advisory Committee Meeting. The Committee voted 14 — FOR and 0 — AGAINST in favor of the motion, with Chairman Whitlow absent. ADJOURNMENT With no further business before the Committee, Vice Chairman Fuller adjourned the meeting at 11:17 p.m. Jay Whitlow,Chairman ATTEST: Mark B.Roath,City Manager Minutes—June 16,2005 Citizens Bond Advisory Committee Page 5