09-29-1981 (City Council) Minutes ,�. CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 29, 1981
7:00 P.M.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem William Martin. A
quorum was present and notice of the meeting had been posted in the
time and manner required by law. Those in attendance were Mayor Pro
Tem William Martin, Councilmembers Harold Eavenson, Geline Dodd and
Reta Allen, City Manager Lee Vickers , City Secretary Gail Wallace.
Also present were Larry Allen, Shorty Warren and Mike Rawlings from
the Wylie Volunteer Fire Department and Joe Gandy and Jim Rankin from
Lone Star Gas. A number of visitors were present. Mayor John W.
Akin and Councilman Bill Berry were not present.
Invocation was given by Mayor Pro Tem William Martin.
Mayor Pro Tem opened the public hearing on the proposed tax increase.
He explained to those present the need for the tax increase (to pay
off park bonds, purchase additional equipment, cost of living increase
for City employees, etc. ) . He also explained the role of Central Tax
Appraisal Agency mandated by S.B. 621 .
There were several questions from the audience where individual taxes
had gone up more than 16%. It was explained that because the City
had not had a reappraisal of property since 1976, some property values
had gone up considerably in order to bring them in line with the current
market values.
The City Manager also informed those present that the 1981 tax statements
would be approximately 15 days late due to several problems which could
not be helped.
The public hearing on the proposed tax increase was closed. Motion
was made by Harold Eavenson, seconded by Geline Dodd, all in favor, to
adopt the $.48 tax rate.
A public hearing was held on the 1981-82 budget. City Manager Vickers
presented a message on the proposed budget.
Carol Tice requested funds be added to the budget for two additional
school crossing guards. Mrs. Tice was informed that a study had been
conducted by traffic engineers and it was determined there was not a
need for additional guards. However, the Council admitted the danger
was there for the children and Mrs. Tice was informed that the City
Manager would discuss the matter with Mr. Whitt to see what arrange-
ments could be made. The City also advised they would request financial
assistance from the school district for the extra cost.
The public hearing on the 1981-82 budget was closed with motion made
by Geline Dodd, seconded by Reta Allen, all in favor to adopt the budget.
The public hearing on the proposed budget for General Revenue Sharing
was opened. City Manager Vickers explained the revenue sharing program.
He also advised that although the City would receive $31 ,700 this year,
by the year 1984 the General Revenue Sharing program would be phased
out by the federal government.
The revenue sharing funds will be spent on capital outlay purchases of
new and additional equipment for the Police Department and the Fire Department. '
The public hearing on the General Revenue Sharing funds was closed with
motion made by Geline Dodd, seconded by Harold Eavenson, all in favor to
approve the budget.
An ordinance fixing the tax rate for the 1981 taxes at $.48 per $100 was
adopted with motion made by Harold Eavenson, seconded by Geline Dodd, all
in favor.
An ordinance adopting a revised budget for the year ending September 30,
1981 was adopted with motion made by Harold Eavenson, seconded by Reta
Allen, all in favor.
An ordinance adopting the budget for the year ending September 30, 1982
was adopted with motion made by Harold Eavenson, seconded by Geline Dodd,
all in favor.
The next item for consideration was an ordinance ratifying electric rates
adopted by the Public Utility Commission. City Manager Vickers explained
the electric rate procedures through the Public Utility Commission. Although
Texas Power & Light had asked for an estimated $197 million increase, they
were only granted $57 million. The ordinance ratifying the electric rates
adopted by the PUC was adopted with motion made by Reta Allen, seconded by
Harold Eavenson, all in favor. ,.
City Manager explained the FAA planning grant. He explained to the audience
that the Council had given him prior approval to apply for a federal grant
for funds to prepare a master airport plan to find out how much an airport
would cost. The City Manager was informed and received confirmation that
$45,000 was available through the grant program. A vote was taken by the
City Council to determine if Wylie wanted to accept the $45,000 grant.
With motion made by Harold Eavenson, seconded by Reta Allen, all in favor,
the Council voted to accept the $45,000 to conduct the environmental assess-
ment report and to prepare the master plan.
The City had received a request for rate increase of 6.78% by Lone Star Gas.
Mr. Jim Rankin and Joe Gandy were present from Lone Star Gas to answer any
questions. There were none. The City Manager suggested that the Council
adopt a resolution suspending the rate increase for 120 days and to hold
a public hearing on the increase on October 13, 1981 at 7:00 P.M. Harold
Eavenson made a motion to adopt the resolution and hold a public hearing
on the gas rate increase on October 13, 1981 . The motion was seconded by
Reta Allen, all in favor.
Mr. Larry Allen of the Wylie Volunteer Fire Department submitted a letter
to the City Council requesting the tank on the 1969 GMC fire truck be
replaced. One bid from ASCO Enterprises had been received for the tank
replacement in the amount of $3,752.65. The City Manager recommended
approval of the bid with the stipulation that 1/8" steel be used. Harold �•,
Eavenson moved with second by Geline Dodd, all in favor to accept the bid
from ASCO Enterprises on the basis that 1/8" steel was used to replace the
tank.
90
Mr. Allen also recommended the lease-purchase of a Class A engine,
a demonstrator. He had found one at Texas A & M training school
which could be purchased for $50,000 - $55,000. The City Manager
advised Mr. Allen that it would be necessary to ask for bids on the
purchase of another engine. Councilman Eavenson made a motion that
the City Manager submit a request for bids to be opened at the Council
meeting of October 13. The motion was seconded by Reta Allen, all in
favor.
Mr. Allen also informed the Council that Paul Riggs would have the
demonstrator truck at the next regular meeting of the Fire Department
on October 5.
City Manager advised the Council of a letter he had received from
General Telephone Company. GTE, as a public service, offered to mark
all mailboxes with street addresses, using two-inch numerals. This
would include the City and rural areas. The Council indicated general
approval of this service. Councilman Eavenson asked that where a
resident does not have a mailbox, inside the City limits, if GTE would
consider putting the information on the curb. He also thought it wise
to put an article in the newspaper regarding this service.
City Council and Larry Allen, on behalf of the Fire Department,
granted approval for the Wylie High School Student Council to have
their bon fire on the parking lot north of the baseball fields on
October 8 at the Wylie Community Park, weather permitting.
General questions were solicited from those present.
Motion was made by Reta Allen to adjourn, seconded by Harold Eavenson,
all in favor.
cal,'
John W. Akin, Mayor
ATTEST:
it a ace, City Secretary