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01-12-1988 (City Council) Minutes 3 7 7 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 12, 1988 The Wylie City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, January 12 , 1988 at 7 :00 P. M. in the Wylie Community Room. A quorum was present and notice of the meeting had been posted in the time and manner required by law. Those present were Mayor Chuck Trimble, Mayor Pro Tem Sandra Donovan, Council Members Calvin Westerhof, Kent Crane, Marvin Blakey, John Akin, and Chris DiTota, and City Manager John Pitstick, City Secretary Carolyn Jones, Code Enforcement Officer Roy Faires, Chief of Police Royce Abbott, Finance Director James Johnson, Assist. Engineer Ron Homeyer , Personnel Specialist Debbie Peoples and City Attorney Robert Dillard. Mayor Trimble called the meeting to order and Councilman Akin gave the invocation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 22 , 1987 AND JANUARY 4 , 1988 MEETINGS: Motion was made by Councilman Westerhof to approve the minutes with corrections on the Jan. 4th meeting. The corrections were that the 1982 taxes were $.49 per $100 .00 valuation and that Councilman Akin and Crane arrived late. Seconded by Councilman DiTota. The vote was as follows : Mayor Trimble - in favor, Mayor Pro Tem Donovan - in favor, Councilman Akin - in favor , Councilman Westerhof - in favor , Councilman DiTota - in favor, Councilman Crane - in favor, and Councilman Blakey - in favor . This motion carried with all in favor. APPROVAL OF PROCLAMATION - AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH - FEBRUARY, 1988 : This proclamation is done for the Rockwall Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution. Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Donovan to approve the proclamation for American History Month as February, 1988 . Seconded by Councilman Blakey. The vote was as follows : Mayor Trimble - in favor, Mayor Pro Tem Donovan - in favor, Councilman Akin - in favor, Councilman Westerhof - in favor , Councilman DiTota - in favor, Councilman Crane - in favor, and Councilman Blakey - in favor. This motion carried with all in favor. AUTHORIZATION TO SEEK BIDS FOR RADIO COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR THE TWO NEW POLICE CARS: City Manager John Pitstick said that Council granted two new cars for the police department and now we need to seek bids for radio equipment for these cars. Councilman Akin wanted to know about the radios in the old cars . Councilman Crane asked about their 378 condition. Chief Abbott stated that these old radios were 14 years old and did not pickup all the frequencies , plus they were worn out . Motion was made by Councilman Westerhof to approve the authorization to seek bids for radio communication system for the two police cars . Seconded by Councilman DiTota. The vote was as follows : Mayor Trimble - in favor, Mayor Pro Tem Donovan - in favor, Councilman Akin - in favor, Councilman Westerhof - in favor, Councilman DiTota - in favor, Councilman Crane - in favor, and Councilman Blakey - in favor . This motion carried with all in favor. APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION REQUESTING REGULAR TAGS WITH EXEMPT STATUS FOR 1978 BUICK REGAL: This is the car that was awarded to the police department through the Collin County Courts . We have been trying for over a year to get these plates and each time paper work is sent in it comes back with another request . Motion was made by Councilman DiTota to approve and sign the resolution requesting regular tags with exempt status for the 1978 Buick Regal . Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Donovan. The vote was as follows : Mayor Trimble - in favor, Mayor Pro Tem Donovan - in favor, Councilman Akin - in favor, Councilman Westerhof - in favor, Councilman DiTota - in favor , Councilman Crane - in favor, and Councilman Blakey - in favor. This motion carried with all in favor . APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF A REGIONAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY FOR THE MUDDY CREEK BASIN: City Manager John Pitstick said that this was a key resolution, and that Mayor Pro Tem Donovan has been working on this project. Mayor Pro Tem Donovan and Mr . Johnson are on the Collin County Bond Committee that is trying to get funding for planning money for a regional wastewater plant. Mayor Pro Tem Donovan said there are seven (7) cities and five (5) commitments from these cities have been turned in. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Donovan to approve the resolution supporting the development and construction of a regional wastewater treatment plant. Seconded by Councilman Akin. The vote was as follows : Mayor Trimble - in favor, Mayor Pro Tem Donovan - in favor, Councilman Akin - in favor, Councilman Westerhof - in favor, Councilman DiTota - in favor Councilman Crane - against, and Councilman Blakey - in favor. This motion carried with six (6) in favor, and one (1) against. APPROVAL OF TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT AND PRO RATA CHARGES TO KEN ' S COMMUNICATION ON THE POLICE COMMUNICATION TOWER: City Manager John Pitstick said there was an agreement with Ken' s Communication. It was a 20 year agreement with a pay off clause. This pay off would be $908 .00 . Motion was made by Councilman Westerhof to approve the termination of the agreement and pro rata charges to Ken' s Communication in the amount of $908 .00. Seconded by Councilman Akin. The vote 379 was as follows : Mayor Trimble - in favor, Mayor Pro Tem Donovan - in favor, Councilman Akin - in favor, Councilman Westerhof - in favor , Councilman DiTota - in favor , Councilman Crane - in favor , and Councilman Blakey - in favor. This motion carried with all in favor. APPROVAL OF FINAL DRAW FOR SPEED FAB-CRETE IN THE AMOUNT OF $31,000 . City Manager John Pitstick said this was the final draw for Speed Fab-Crete and that everything has been corrected with the exception of the hand rail on one side of the ramp going into the Council Chambers. Councilman Akin wanted to know what type of agreement over a period of time. Mr . Roy Faires, Code Enforcement Office said, there is a one year time period for problems . Councilman Crane wanted to know if they had cleaned the maroon paint off the walls. Mr . Faires said yes . Motion was made by Councilman Akin to approve the final draw for Speed Fab-Crete in the amount of $31,000 . Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Donovan. The vote was as follows : Mayor Trimble - in favor, Mayor Pro Tem Donovan - in favor , Councilman Akin - in favor , Councilman Westerhof - in favor, Councilman DiTota - in favor , Councilman Crane - in favor , and Councilman Blakey - in favor . This motion carried with all in favor. DISCUSSION OF THE PROPOSED ALIGNMENTS OF SANDEN BLVD: Mr . Ron Homeyer, Assist. Engineer, stated that there are four (4) proposals that Collin County Public Works Department has sent to us . These proposal will taken Sanden Blvd. from FM544 to Hwy 78 . Sanden Inc. is going to begin work the week of January 25th and is looking at- early March for ground breaking. Alignment I - this alignment aligns with Century Way and does not require construction of a bridge. There are some disadvantages such as it will divide the Sanden tract, limits traffic access to the West and the grade crossing at the railroad and Hwy 78 with a grade range of 12% to 13%. Alignment II - this alignment would be less disruptive to the Sanden tract and it affords a better westerly alignment with County Road 297 . It does not have favorable north-south alignment, does require a bridge and the grade crossing is unfavorable between the railroad and Hwy. 78 . Alignment III this aligns with Alanis and conforms to the proposed thoroughfare alignment for the City of Wylie. This alignment does require construction of two (2) bridges and has a grade crossing in excess of 10% and would 380 also require major modification to the railroad trestle. Alignment IV this alignment requires construction of a major bridge and has a most favorable grade crossing on Hwy 78 which is less than 3% and does not require alteration of railroad grade. This alignment does not align with the present Alanis Road and does not totally conform to the future thoroughfare plans for the City of Wylie. Councilman Akin wanted to know if staff looked at Sanden' s plans prior to doing these alignments . Mr. Homeyer said no, that Sanden has just this week said their plans were ready. Councilman DiTota wanted to know which alignment would give frontage road for future development. Mr . Homeyer said alignments tow and three are both totally in flood plan. Councilman DiTota wanted to know if alignment four was in the city limits. Mr. Homeyer said yes. Mayor Pro Tem Donovan wanted to know about the time frame if Hwy 78 had to be raised. Mr . Homeyer said now because staff is looking at the improvements for Hwy 78 now. Councilman Blakey said the railroad in front of Century Way looks as if it is about the same as the highway if you take the sides off the tract. Mr. Homeyer said no, because the highway will be raised at this point. Mayor Pro Tem Donovan asked Mr . Homeyer which he would suggest , would it be number four. Mr. Homeyer said alignment four is most feasible, but does not meet the thoroughfare plans . City Manager John Pitstick said we are not asking Council to choose one of these but to let you know where we are on the project . This will be brought back to Council later. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF NEW COMPENSATION AND PAY FOR PERFORMANCE PLAN FOR CITY EMPLOYEES : Councilman DiTota made a motion to table this item as well as item no. ten approval of salary adjustments under the new compensation plan. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Donovan . The vote was as follows: Mayor Trimble - in favor, Mayor Pro Tem Donovan - in favor, Councilman Akin - in favor, Councilman Westerhof - in favor, Councilman Crane - in favor, and Councilman Blakey - in favor . This motion carried with all in favor to table. PRESENTATION OF THE PROPOSED 87-88 BUDGET CUTS UNDER ROLLBACK ELECTION: City Manager John Pitstick said the City raised taxes from $.49 to $.59 have eliminated 16 positions. The City now has 59 employees with over 8 ,000 population and 12.4 square miles of city. In 1985/86 budget year the City --* had 63 employees with 5,000 population and 4.75 square miles of city. In addition to raising the taxes, the City raised the over 65 exemption to $30 ,000 . The staff has tried to be fair and honest in the cut backs if the rollback passes. 381 City Manager John Pitstick said the main staffing levels are critical right now. In the first cut back we did not touch the police department. If the rollback occurs there will be four patrolmen effective by a lay off , one officer has recently left our employment so there will be only three as his position was not filled . The biggest impact is going from three vehicles to two vehicles patrolling the streets . Other cuts in the police department are the cars, we originally budgeted for four cars, but have only bid out two and the other two will be cut . The Library will be closed , staff will try and keep the library open with volunteer help. The third area is in the Parks Department. We would be looking for volunteers to help in maintaining the parks and right-of-way in the City. City Manager John Pitstick said come Monday morning if the rollback passes these cuts will be done immediately. Our service levels and staffing are critical , we received a letter from Bob Bullock' s office that stated that sales tax for Wylie is down by 20% . Staff is recommending the above cuts if the rollback passes . Councilman Akin asked how the staff came up with $ .50 isn' t it 8% of the tax rate. City Manager John Pitstick said no it is on the valuations of property. APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATE JUDGE FOR JANUARY ELECTION: City Secretary Carolyn Jones said she had talked with Mr . Curtis Hale last Sunday night and he would not be able to work this election due to his job. The Election Judge Mrs. Stewart recommends Mrs . Martha Cryer. Motion was made by Councilman Blakey to appoint Mrs. Martha Cryer as Alternate Judge. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Donovan. The vote was as follows : Mayor Trimble - in favor , Mayor Pro Tem Donovan - in favor , Councilman Akin - in favor, Councilman Westerhof - in favor , Councilman DiTota - in favor , Councilman Crane - in favor , and Councilman Blakey - in favor . This motion carried with all in favor . CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: Mr . Naish of 512 Rustic Place wanted to know who much the Christmas Party at the Harvey House for the city employees cost . City Manager John Pitstick said approximately $3400 .00 . Mr . Naish said with times the way they are and with the economy it should not have been done. Mr . Naish also said he shows an increase over tax money from last year with one cent increase. Mr . Naish also said that the 16 positions in the paper was very threatening , I have a lot to do with the rollback and I did not have any personal vendetta with the Council or staff . These positions that were never rehired from 86/87 budget year and two employees were promoted and we have hired a warehouse and garageman. City Manager John Pitstick said there was a trade for these positions, the payroll clerk took the personnel position as well as payroll clerk and the garageman was also a member of 382 the public works staff. Mr. Naish asked how many new employees were hired since September. Mr . Naish also stated that he did not get into the rollback election for the money, I did not know you had the work shops on the budget, or I would have been there to help. The parks people, in the 86/87 budget never did work in the parks, and these people worked in other departments of the City yet there was money paid out of the parks budget for salaries. I do not understand if you pay someone from parks department how you can let them work in other areas. The football and other sports people mowed and cared for the parks during the summer times . City Manager John Pitstick said yes we used the parks employees in other areas, I do not have a secretary right now and I go to the court clerk or someone else and they type for me. In a small city like us, everyone works together to get the work done. Mr. Orton Messenger 504 Rustic Place heard the Southfork Mobile Home Park is to pay the City some $400,000 . for sewer . City Manager John Pitstick said he does not know where the story come from that every house (lot) pays $275.00 for sewer and $225.00 for water. Everyone pays this, Southfork has sewer and we did collect from them. City Manager John Pitstick said Southfork does not owe us any money right now. Mr. Robert Fultz , 701 S. Ballard, Chairman of the Library Board. The Library Board charged me with making a statement to the Council , first the building was given to us by Rita and Truett Smith, plus other gifts from other citizens. The Library also receives gifts from other agencies, Wylie accepted these gifts and we should be gracious in maintaining them. A community concern is shown in the education program and it would not enjoy such a thing as closing the library. The Library Board urges Council to look at these cuts and work with the Library prior to making such cuts. Have the two positions been changed since the budget. City Manager John Pitstick said no. Mr. Fultz said volunteer help would be disastrous if staff chooses to go this way. Perhaps there are cuts in other departments before cutting the Library. The questionnaire was very good that you mailed out. Mr . Allan Nosar 505 Rustic Place, is it true the auditor was scheduled to come on moving day. City Manager John Pitstick said it was schedule prior to the move. Mr . Nosar said concerning the 16 positions, how much revenue does it save the City. Councilman Akin said $17 ,000 . to $20,000. City Manager John Pitstick said these people had quit and staff did not replace them. Mr . Nosar asked if there was a final -- . copy of the 87/88 budget . City Manager John Pitstick said there was a final copy. Mr. Nosar wanted to know if there was a printout that could be purchased. City Manager John 383 Pitstick said as long as we don' t have everyone wanting a copy you can come by and pick up one. COUNCIL DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tem Donovan stated that with BFI missing a pickup day, due to weather , is there a refund. City Manager John Pitstick said there is an act of God clause in their contract that covers this, and they are trying to double up. Finance Director James Johnson said the land fills were closed and they could not get here. BFI had one truck slide through a wall in Allen and three men were in the hospital from it. Mr . Johnson said BFI would not give a refund. Mr. Nosar said they are only putting half of the trash in the trucks. They are not picking up properly. Mayor Pro Tem Donovan said a final note to Citizens, we have to listen to staff on the figures, I hope to God this rollback does not come about on Saturday and I hope we do not have to do away with these services and that all the citizens will get out and vote on Saturday help up with these services. Councilman Blakey wanted to know if we had an update on the Texas Water Commission meeting. Mayor Trimble said he would give that later. Councilman Blakey also said any citizen who have questions about the rollback, maybe some of them do not know the exact dollar it is costing them to hold this election and that they have no confidence in the staff or the Council All these citizens have a change to become involved come May. Councilman Crane wanted to know if there is any hard numbers on the cut from the Library. Also I would like to receive a compliance report on the wastewater plant. Mr. Homeyer said he would get them. City Secretary Carolyn Jones reminded Council of the called meeting on Tuesday, January 19th to validate the election returns and a possible work shop on Thursday, Jan. 21 if there is no Collin County Bond meetings. Councilman Akin said one of the greatest things to happen to Wylie was getting the Library. I will not do any thing to off set the Library. Councilman Akin stated that he personally will always be grateful to Rita and Truett Smith for their many years of contributions to the City and to the citizens of Wylie. Especialy their donation of the Rita and Truett Smith Library to the City and the citizens of our community. I will never stand by and see this library closed . It has been very distributing to me that some of the older people have been told that we would do away with the exemption and that the police department is being done away with. These things are very frightening, and this bothers me. 384 Mayor Trimble said the TWC meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 5th was with himself, John Pitstick, Ron Homeyer, Carl Riehn and Dolan McKnight and with members of the Water Commission staff and Water Resource Board. The Water Resource Board is the board that will lend us money for our improvements. Mayor said the grant system has been done away with but there is a revolving loan where you can borrow money and pay it back. If we can get a regional plat then we can look at borrowing the money. This is the second meeting at TWC and they are very supportive at this one. Mayor said they are supportive of the cut back on the size of line for connecting sub divisions to our sewer system due to cost. TWC was in total opposition to pump and haul . TWC said they were never in favor of pump and haul . We have met all the deadlines and we are in good standing with them again. City Manager John Pitstick said we have a meeting next Friday with TWC again. We are still under the enforcement act from TWC until we get out of the pump and haul . Councilman Akin said he was glad to hear we were in good faith with TWC again and that TWC is working with us. There being no other business, a motion was made to adjourn with all in favor . p O�Fnramm1 //Zia, SEAL shuck Trimble, Mayor ATTEST : 41/2iE TEXPo�`°� u/ue11111 a� Carolyn es, / ' y ecretary