MINUTES

CITY OF BUNKER HILL VILLAGE

REGULAR MEETING

MAY 16, 2006

Mayor Bill Marshall called the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Bunker Hill Village to order at 5:00­­ p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 11977 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas.

I.                    CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Present:                                                                                                        Also in Attendance:

Mayor Bill Marshall                                                                                      Ruthie P. Sager, City Administrator

Mayor Pro Tem Dave Ellis                                                                         John Olson, City Attorney

Councilman Peter Tuters                                                                            Yolanda C. Benitez, City Secretary

Councilmember Cindy Buckley                                                                 Tom Ramsey, Klotz Associates, Inc.

Councilman Derry Essary                                                                          Gary Struzik, Klotz Associates, Inc.            

Councilmember Michelle Belco 

At the request of Mayor Marshall, Councilmember Buckley read the Mission Statement for the City of Bunker Hill Village. 

II.                  GREET GUESTS, MAYOR’S REPORT

A.      DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUNKER HILL VILLAGE, TEXAS DESIGNATING MAY 15-19, 2006 AS NATIONAL POLICE WEEK.

Motion was made by Councilman Ellis and seconded by Councilman Essary to approve the resolution.  Motion carried 5 to 0.

B.      RECOGNITION OF CINDY BUCKLEY, OUTGOING MEMBER OF CITY COUNCIL

Mayor Marshall presented Councilmember Cindy Buckley with a plaque in recognition of her service on the council from 1998 to 2006.  He also presented her with a painting of her home on Knipp Road, which was done by Bunker Hill resident Kathleen Wasserman.

Former councilmember, Jill MacDonald, commended Councilmember Buckley on always “doing the right thing”.

 

Councilman Dave Ellis commended Cindy for her hard work on every project she undertook while serving on council.

 

C.      METRO FUNDING FOR IMPROVEMENTS ON MEMORIAL INTERSECTION AT GESSNER.

Mayor Marshall reported that we have received commitment from Metro to re-do the intersection.

III.               ADMINISTER OATHS OF OFFICE

A.                  COUNCILMEMBER, POSITION I - PETER TUTERS

B.                  COUNCILMEMBER, POSITION II - SUSAN SCHWARTZ

C.                  COUNCILMEMBER, POSITION III - DAVID ELLIS

D.                 COUNCILMEMBER, POSITION IV - DERRY ESSARY

Mayor Marshall administered the oaths of office to the four councilmembers listed above.  He also complimented the council on their service to the community and for the great job they are doing.

IV.                DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING ANNUAL APPOINTMENT OF MAYOR PRO TEM.

At the Mayor’s recommendation, motion was made by Councilman Ellis and seconded by Councilman Tuters to appoint Derry Essary as Mayor Pro Tem.  Motion carried 5 to 0.

V.                  CONSENT AGENDA:

“ALL MATTERS LISTED UNDER ITEM V, CONSENT AGENDA, ARE CONSIDERED TO BE ROUTINE BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND WILL BE ENACTED BY ONE MOTION.  THERE WILL NOT BE SEPARATE DISCUSSION OF THESE ITEMS.  IF DISCUSSION IS DESIRED, THAT ITEM WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND WILL BE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY.”

A.      MINUTES OF THE APRIL 18, 2006 REGULAR MEETING

B.      FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR APRIL 2006

D.      OLSON & OLSON, INVOICE NO. 20457, DATED APRIL 21, 2006 IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,047.50, FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RENDERED THRU JANUARY 31, 2006.

E.       LANGFORD ENGINEERING, INC., INVOICE NO. 12648, DATED MAY 4, 2006 IN THE AMOUNT OF $681.29, FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RENDERED THRU APRIL 21, 2006 CONCERNING THE WATER QUALITY EVALUATION.

F.       LANGFORD ENGINEERING, INC., INVOICE NO. 12649, DATED MAY 4, 2006 IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,203.92, FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RENDERED THRU APRIL 21, 2006 CONCERNING THE REPAINTING OF THE GROUND STORAGE TANK.

G.      KLOTZ ASSOCIATES, INC., INVOICE NO. 23690, DATED APRIL 30, 2006 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,813.40, FOR KNIPPWOOD LANE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT.

H.      KLOTZ ASSOCIATES, INC., INVOICE NO. 23840 DATED APRIL 30, 2006 IN THE AMOUNT OF $38,252.00 FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RENDERED FROM MARCH 16, 2006 TO APRIL 15, 2006 IN CONNECTION WITH THE BUNKER HILL ROAD/MEMORIAL DRIVE SIDEWALK AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS.

I.        JOHN D. GRUBBS – 25.4 HOURS AT A RATE OF $61.00 PER HOUR TOTALING $1,549.40 (LESS TAXES) FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT OF KNIPPWOOD DRAINAGE PROJECT.

Motion was made by Councilmember Buckley and seconded by Councilman Essary to approve all items on the Consent Agenda.  Motion carried 5 to 0.

VI.                PRESENTATION OF FY 2005 AUDIT BY NULL-LAIRSON

Mark McGrath introduced Collette Garcia, who reviewed the audit and pointed out that it is a “clean” audit.  She thanked Ruthie Sager and Yolanda Benitez for their assistance in the performance of the audit.

VII.             PRESENTATION BY DR. ZACHARY HODGES, HCC NW PRESIDENT – VISION FOR TRANSFORMING THE SPRING BRANCH AREA THROUGH A COMMUNITY COLLEGE INITIATIVE.

Dr. Hodges presented a slide presentation regarding HCC’s vision for the Spring Branch area.

VIII.           PRESENTATION BY JOSEPH MILONE REGARDING A REQUEST FROM NEXTG NETWORKS TO INSTALL, OPERATE, AND MAINTAIN FIBER OPTIC CABLE AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING OPTICAL REPEATERS AND ANTENNA FACILITIES, ON, OVER, AND UNDER THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY IN THE CITY TO PROVIDE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES.

Joseph Milone made a presentation regarding his request.  He explained that they are in the initial stages in getting approvals in the City of Houston, as well as the City of Austin.  No action was taken at this time.

IX.               DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING APPROVAL OF SALARIES FOR MAYOR ($750.00/MONTH) AND COUNCILMEMBERS ($375.00/MONTH), EFFECTIVE JUNE, 2006.

Mayor Marshall provided the background on this item, which was initially approved in April 2005, with an effective date of June 2006.

In response to the comments made by Donna Freedman, Councilman Tuters stated that this item was in the newspaper and on several council meeting agendas, and was discussed at length.

Motion was made by Councilman Tuters and seconded by Councilman Essary to approve the salaries as per previous action. 

City Attorney Olson stated that unless the council wished to abolish the salaries, no action was necessary at this time.

Motion and second were rescinded by Councilman Tuters and Councilman Essary, respectively.

X.                  CITIZENS’ COMMENTS

1.       Donna Freedman – 11930 Surrey Ln.  Ms. Freedman came before council with regard to the approval of salaries for the Mayor and Council.  She requested that before the council took action, she felt that an article should be on the front page of the newsletter and sent to all of the residents.  Ms. Freedman also pointed out that she learned about the action from a resident in another village.

XI.               UPDATE BY PLANNING & ZONING CHAIRMAN BILL PURIFOY REGARDING MEETINGS CONCERNING POSSIBLE REVISIONS TO THE TREE ORDINANCE.

Chairman Purifoy stated they have had two meetings with regard to the tree ordinance and will have a workshop tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. where the arborist from Piney Point will speak, along with the person who wrote the recently-adopted tree ordinance for the City of Piney Point.

XII.             CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

A.      R. STEPHEN SMITH WILL ASSUME THE DUTIES OF DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS EFFECTIVE MAY 22, 2006.

City Administrator Sager reported that Oziel Reyna was in the office today and he has a release to return to work on light duty on June 1st.

                        Ms. Sager stated that Steve Smith will be on board May 22nd as the Director of Public Works.

XIII.          FIRE COMMISSIONER’S REPORT

A.     REPORT ON FIRE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES

Commissioner David Light reported the following: $138,000 will be returned to the cities for fiscal year 2005; $255,000 has been collected thus far from ambulance billings.  He also pointed out that the average response time is five (5) minutes, and that the Emergency Response Coordinator, Chief Calagna, holds weekly meetings with representatives from all of the Memorial Villages, the Police Departments, the Water Authority and the fire inspector.  Commissioner Light noted that they are running under budget for the current year.  Upon inquiry from Councilmember Belco regarding contracts for the paramedics, Commissioner Light stated that they are treated as a loan and forgiven in 3-5 years time if they are still employed by the Village Fire Department.

XIV.           POLICE COMMISSIONER’S REPORT

A.      REPORT ON POLICE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES

Councilman Ellis presented the report on behalf of the Police Commission.  He reported that the mini substation should be occupied and functional within two (2) weeks and they will keep units in the east sector as crime is lower in the City of Bunker Hill Village.  Councilman Ellis emphasized that thefts from unlocked vehicles are still continuing.

XV.             CITY ENGINEER’S REPORT

A.     UPDATE ON BUNKER HILL ROAD AND MEMORIAL DRIVE DRAINAGE PROJECT

Gary Struzik presented the report noting that they have received the last part of the survey and they are ongoing with the design efforts.  He further noted that the Taylorcrest portion is done and the remaining plans will be presented at the next meeting, and we should be able to go out for bid sometime in July.  The Mayor and Council commended Gary on doing such a great job getting approval from the involved entities.

B.     DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING KNIPPWOOD DRAINAGE PROJECT.

Gary Struzik stated that the bid was $113,000, which was significantly lower than the next bidder.  He also stated that there is a slight decline of about one (1) foot going east to west on Knippwood.  Mr. Struzik added that they met with the residents at the site on Friday concerning the depth of the ditches.  He further noted that there are a few tie-ins that need to be done, along with the sodding.

Mr. Struzik offered the following recommendations:

1)     The City can bid a storm sewer for the rest of the project, and the cost to re-bid the job would be approximately $200,000 with a 15% contingency.

2)     The cost for the remaining storm sewer project is $150,000.

3)     There is a hump in the road; therefore they could storm sewer to that point, and fill in the deeper ditches for an approximate cost of $105,000.

4)     The City could selectively go out and fill in the ditches that are too deep.

5)     The City could move the ditch further away from the road, go around the large tree or take some trees out, and we would have the same carrying capacity.

6)     The City could go ahead and put in the sodding and monitor the ditch for a while to see how it functions, and go from there.

Gary Struzik emphasized that the current bid prices are good for two weeks.  Project Manager John Grubbs stated that there are some sandy areas that could be subject to erosion, and resurfacing of the road will cost approximately $125,000 to $150,000.

Councilman Essary stated that he had no problem with option #6; however, we would be at risk for losing the current prices.

Councilman Ellis recommended that a meeting be held with the residents within the next couple of weeks.

Mayor Marshall asked if any of the Knippwood residents would like to speak at this time.

Bill Blaney – 11914 Knippwood.  Mr. Blaney stated that there appears to be a danger and potential lawsuit problems regarding the ditches being too close to the edge of the road and being too deep.  He requested that the residents be provided with a narrative description of the options.  Mr. Blaney also noted that the contractor doing the job was a good choice.

Karen Hannigan – 11922 Knippwood.  Mrs. Hannigan stated that this is a safety issue, that there are no shoulders left, that they cannot walk on the street and they cannot get out of their vehicles on the passenger side without going into the ditch.

Mayor Marshall asked City Administrator Sager to schedule a meeting with the Knippwood Lane residents within the next ten (10) days.

XVI.           DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING RESOLUTION NO. 05-16-06-A, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUNKER HILL VILLAGE, TEXAS, ACKNOWLEDGING REVIEW OF THE PUBLIC FUNDS MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENT POLICY INCLUDING APPOINTMENT OF THE INVESTMENT COMMITTEE.

Motion was made by Councilman Tuters and seconded by Councilmember Belco to approve Resolution No. 05-16-06-A.   Motion carried 5 to 0.

XVII.        DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING REFERRAL OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE NO. 05-332 TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION.  (THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT DELETES FLINTDALE AS A “MAJOR STREET”)

Motion was made by Councilman Tuters and seconded by Councilman Essary to refer this item to the Planning & Zoning Commission.  Motion carried 5 to 0.

XVIII.      DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING AUTHORIZATION OF SIGNATURES ON CITY BANK ACCOUNTS (DELETE CINDY BUCKLEY AND ADD SUSAN SCHWARTZ).

Motion was made by Councilman Ellis and seconded by Councilman Tuters to approve the authorization of signatures on the city bank accounts.  Motion carried 5 to 0.

XIX.          DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING JUNE AND JULY COUNCIL MEETINGS

Motion was made by Councilman Ellis and seconded by Councilman Tuters to keep the June meeting as is and to cancel the July meeting.  Motion carried 5 to 0.

XX.             DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING AMENDMENT OF CONTRACT FOR CONSULTING SERVICES (JOHN GRUBBS).

Motion was made by Councilmember Belco and seconded by Councilmember Buckley to approve the amendment to the contract for consulting services.

Motion carried 5 to 0.

XXI.          NOTICE OF PLAT BEING FILED IN HARRIS COUNTY FOR JOINDER OF LOTS 5 & 8 LAZEE TRAIL.

City Attorney Olson stated that this item was put on the agenda in order to apprise the council of the procedure.

XXII.        DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING PETITION FROM PROPERTY OWNERS REQUESTING THAT THE CITY OF BUNKER HILL VILLAGE ASSUME OWNERSHIP OF RAYDON LANE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS IN ORDINANCE NO. 06-345.

City Administrator Sager stated that councilmembers approved the procedures in March, and once the preliminary plat is approved, the residents will have to bring the street up to city standards prior to final approval.  She also noted that it will cost approximately $60,000 to $75,000 to bring the street up to standards, and if there is money left over, it will be returned to the residents.

Motion was made by Councilman Tuters and seconded by Councilman Essary to approve the petition as presented.

After a brief discussion, the motion was revised by Councilman Tuters and seconded by Councilman Essary to authorize acceptance of the dedicated ROW for conversion of Raydon Lane upon execution of the necessary documents conveying the property interest and street ROW according to our policy and the posting of security for the expansion and improvement of the street as required by said policy and the subdivision ordinance.

Motion carried 5 to 0.

XXIII.     DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING RESOLUTION NO. 05-16-06-B, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUNKER HILL VILLAGE, TEXAS, ADOPTING A SCHEDULE OF FEES, RATES, DEPOSITS, AND OTHER CHARGES FOR PUBLIC SERVICES, INCLUDING THOSE RELATING TO DEVELOPMENT, BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, LICENSING AND REGISTRATIONS, REGULATORY INSPECTIONS, PERMITTING, APPLICATIONS, HEARINGS AND OTHER MATTERS.  (THE ONLY CHANGE IN EXHIBIT “A” ADOPTS THE RECOMMENDED FEE SCHEDULE IN THE 2006 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE)

Motion was made by Councilmember Buckley and seconded by Councilman Ellis to approve Resolution No. 05-16-06-B.   Motion carried 5 to 0.

XXIV.      DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING NEED FOR THE ADOPTION OF AN ENFORCEMENT AND PROSECUTION POLICY FOR THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES.

Councilmember Belco spoke with regard to this item.  Discussion followed with comments by all.  City Attorney Olson suggested having one (1) code enforcement officer for all of the villages.  No action was taken at this time.

XXV.        ADJOURN.

Motion was made by Councilmember Buckley and seconded by Councilman Ellis to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried 5 to 0 and the meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

 

Approved and accepted on June 20, 2006.

 

 

                                                                                                                                    ________________________________________________

                                                                                                                                    WILLIAM H. MARSHALL, MAYOR

 

ATTEST:

 

 

______________________________

Yolanda C. Benitez, City Secretary