MINUTES

CITY OF BUNKER HILL VILLAGE

WORKSHOP

JANUARY 17, 2006 

Mayor Bill Marshall called the council workshop of the City Council of the City of Bunker Hill Village to order at 3:35 p.m. in Council Chambers of City Hall located at 11977 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas.

I.                    CALL TO ORDER

            Present:                                                                     Also in attendance:

            Mayor Bill Marshall                                                  Ruthie P. Sager, City Administrator

            Councilman Peter Tuters                                        Yolanda C. Benitez, City Secretary

            Councilman Dave Ellis                                            Ron Garrison, Director of Public Works

            Councilmember Cindy Buckley                             John Davis, Langford Engineering

            Councilman Derry Essary                                      Gary Struzik, Klotz Associates, Inc.

            Councilmember Michelle Belco                            Tom Ramsey, City Engineer

II.                  BUNKER HILL ROAD DRAINAGE PROJECT.

Gary Struzik provided council with charts and graphs and recommended a 10 year design at a projected cost of $2.4 million.  He stated that the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) would probably put in 50 year system if they put in a new system, which is a remote possibility.  Mr. Struzik noted that our system should show no net effect on Buffalo Bayou.  He added that 1,000 extra feet of pipe would run approximately $30-40,000.  Gary will talk to HCFCD to see if we can connect to the existing pipe on the east side, which Bunker Hill helped build.  He strongly encouraged Bunker Hill to request assistance from the HCFCD.

Tom Ramsey stated that the survey is being done and we can go out for bid by early summer.  He noted this is a 10-month project and we should be able to start in mid-summer.  Gary Struzik will provide a schedule. 

Weir Goodwin inquired about the size of the pipes to be used and Mr. Struzik stated he will get with him regarding this matter.

Gary Struzik also discussed the work on Williamsburg, both the private and public portion.

Walt Lundell asked about the size of pipe currently in on north side of Williamsburg.  Ron Garrison stated that it is 18” pipe.  Mr. Lundell also asked if the ditch was going to be covered?  Gary Struzik noted that there are different options, and he will provide Mr. Lundell with pipe sizes, etc.    He also noted that details will be worked out during the design phase.

III.               LANDSCAPING THE ISLAND AT MEMORIAL AND BRIAR FOREST (LOCATED IN THE CITY LIMITS OF BUNKER HILL).

Mayor Marshall explained the work involved in this project and asked for the council’s approval; he noted that the curb and water are already in.

IV.                MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS FROM ENGINEER.

A.  PROPOSAL FROM DONMAR GRADING FOR PAVEMENT REPAIRS ON CAROLANE TRAIL IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,970.

City Administrator Sager explained what type of work would be done.  Ron Garrison stated he has spoken to the contractor and they will be working one patch at a time.  Ron also noted that the work should hold about 10 years.

B.  DISCUSSION REGARDING DITCH CLEANING ON CAROLANE TRAIL IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,500.

City Administrator Sager stated that this work would also be done by DonMar Grading and noted that these items are on the regular meeting agenda for discussion and possible action.

C.     UPDATE ON KNIPPWOOD LANE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS

City Administrator Sager noted that Klotz Associates is working on the design for this project.

V.                  REPORT ON CHANGE IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGULATIONS CONCERNING ARSENIC LEVELS AND HOW IT WILL AFFECT THE WATER SUPPLY.

John Davis reported that the arsenic level on well #4 is less than 5, and the levels on the other two wells are between 20 and 25.  Councilmember Belco asked about increasing water pumping levels on well #2 and thereby possibly decreasing arsenic levels.

VI.                POLICY TO CONVERT PRIVATE STREETS TO PUBLIC.

Mayor Marshall stated that we have had several situations in the past year where Planning & Zoning needs to review this item, especially with regard to the radius on cul-de-sacs.  He stated he would like to ask them to review this and to look at conversion policy and the developer’s policy with regard to potential conflicts.

VII.             POOPER SCOOPER ORDINANCE.

Mr. Lundell stated the ordinance should be “village wide”, not just on sidewalks.  Councilmember Essary stated that while he has been out walking throughout the city, he estimates that 1 out of 20 dog owners carries a bag for their dog waste and 1 out of 10 dogs is on a leash.  Comment was made that compliance with the leash law might alleviate some of these problems.  Chief Brye stated that they respond to calls regarding dogs that are not on a leash.  Councilmember Belco stated that this issue will have to be addressed in conjunction with the TPDES permit application.

VIII.           ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Marshall announced that the council would take a short break before beginning the regular council meeting; therefore, the workshop was adjourned at 4:55 p.m.

Approved and accepted on February 21, 2006. 

                                                                                    ______________________________________

                                                                                    WILLIAM H. MARSHALL, MAYOR

ATTEST: 

____________________________________

Yolanda C. Benitez, City Secretary