CITY OF BUNKER HILL VILLAGE

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.

M. J. Riddle of Boy Scout Troop 242 at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, and Girl Scout Samantha Winkelman led the pledge of allegiance.

Mayor Marshall stated that the Appreciation Dinner will be held on Friday, December 1^st beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Houston Racquet Club. He asked City Secretary Benitez to email the guest list to all councilmembers for their review.

B. LETTER FROM CITY OF HOUSTON MAYOR REGARDING STORMWATER RETENTION IN THE TIRZ PROJECT WHICH WILL ADD ADDITIONAL TURNING LANES ON GESSNER BETWEEN IH 10 AND BARRYKNOLL.

Mayor Marshall provided an overview of the response which we received from the City of Houston regarding detention. Councilman Essary emphasized the need for detention. Tom Ramsey stated that the Harris County Flood Control District has engaged them and two other firms to prepare the preliminary engineering report, which will include a detailed summary of the detention needs.

C. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF BUNKER HILL VILLAGE, TEXAS, IMPLORING AND URGING PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH AND THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND THE UNITED STATES SENATE AND THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (CONGRESS) TO STRONGLY ENFORCE THE UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY ACT, TITLE 8 USC 1101-1536 IMMIGRATION (THE ACT) AND TO APPROVE INTO LAW THIS FALL OF 2006 ANY AMENDMENTS NECESSARY TO FURTHER ADDRESS OUR CITIZENS’ CONCERNS ABOUT THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OUR POROUS BORDERS ARE HAVING ON OUR NATIONAL SECURITY AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN OUR CITIES AND IN OUR STATES AND NATION.

Councilman Ellis made a few changes to the resolution, followed with one change by Mayor Marshall. Motion was then made by Councilman Ellis and seconded by Councilman Essary to approve the resolution with the changes requested by Councilman Ellis and Mayor Marshall. Motion carried 5 to 0.

“ALL MATTERS LISTED UNDER ITEM III, 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.”

D. OLSON & OLSON, L.L.P., INVOICE NO. 20754, DATED SEPTEMBER 27, 2006, IN THE AMOUNT OF $600.75 FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PROVIDED THROUGH 6/30/06.

E. KLOTZ ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES RENDERED IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS:

INVOICE #	INV. DATE	AMOUNT	DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
24089	09/30/06	$1,675.30	RAYDON LANE IMPROVEMENTS
24091	09/30/06	$2,210.15	DRAINAGE PLAN REVIEW/KNIPPWOOD LANE
24097	09/30/06	$9,486.00	BUNKER HILL ROAD/MEMORIAL DRIVE SIDEWALK AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS
	TOTAL	$13,371.45

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

Mayor Marshall asked the audience if there was anyone wishing to speak. Bunker Hill resident, Jean Winkelman, commended the council on the good job they are doing. Mayor Marshall thanked her for her comments.

A. UPDATE ON STATUS OF RAYDON LANE – PRIVATE TO PUBLIC STREET AND PROPOSED SUBDIVISION.

City Administrator Sager reported that Raydon Lane will be made into seven (7) lots, of which six (6) will be ½ acre lots, and one (1) will be a one-acre lot. Councilman Ellis asked about the dedication of the street and City Attorney Olson explained the procedure to be followed.

City Administrator Sager stated that the Bunker Hill exit and entrance ramps, going east, will be closed for eight to nine months; however, the Gessner ramps will be open.

Chief Gary Brye provided additional information regarding the traffic back-ups on the feeder roads and noted that they are trying to get the timing on the green lights lengthened.

Ms. Sager reported that we had a total of 3.72 inches of rain yesterday, that there were trees down on four streets, and one person reported that they had water in their garage on Cobblestone. She also stated that we had several calls regarding water in backyards.

Commissioner Light reported that they are 5% under budget for the year; that they have discussed the health insurance issues at length and are going to try to get everyone back in the coop next year; and they want to get the whatever objections Great West has to the Interlocal Agreement. Commissioner Light reported that they bought new piece of equipment, namely a pneumatic stretcher, which will lift 600 lbs. straight up and it will save on injuries and lost man hours.

B. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING REQUEST FROM FIRE DEPARTMENT CONCERNING POSTING OF SIGNS PROHIBITING FIREWORKS.

After a brief discussion, it was decided that this information will be put on the city’s website.

Commissioner Slot reported that the Police Commission had met last night and noted that there has been a drastic reduction in crime in the villages. He recommended that the Police Department be commended for the reduction in crime via a resolution. Mayor Marshall stated that this will be done at the next council meeting. Commissioner Slot also reported that the bid opening will be held on Thursday for ancillary services.

Dave Ellis reported that the City of Piney Point approved the insurance bid presented by Great West.

A. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING PROPOSAL IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,000 FOR UPDATING PLANS AND MANUAL FOR BUNKER HILL ROAD PROJECT.

Tom Ramsey stated that the bid opening is scheduled for November 6^th, and that it will be advertised this Thursday and again next week. He stated the specific changes that were incorporated in the bid documents and noted that they do not want any confusion in the second bid. Councilman Essary commented that he is not pleased with the process that was followed and having to rebid the project.

Motion was made by Councilman Tuters and seconded by Councilmember Schwartz to approve the proposal submitted by Klotz, not to exceed $12,000. Motion carried 5 to 0.

IX. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BUNKER HILL VILLAGE, TEXAS, BY DELETING ALL OF SECTION 16-26 OF ARTICLE II OF CHAPTER 16 THEREOF AND SUBSTITUTING THEREFOR A NEW SECTION 16-26; ESTABLISHING RATES TO BE CHARGED BY THE CITY FOR WATER, SANITARY SEWER AND SOLID WASTE SERVICES; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT OR IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY.

Motion was made by Councilman Ellis and seconded by Councilman Tuters to approve the ordinance, as presented. Motion carried 5 to 0.

Mark McGrath – Null-Lairson, CPA. Mr. McGrath reminded everyone of the functions of their office and emphasized that their auditing practice is composed mostly of governmental entities. He reported that a healthy fund balance, as recommended by the Government Finance Officers Association, is three (3) months of expenditures and the City of Bunker Hill Village had almost nine (9) months at the end of FY 2005, which is a very healthy fund balance. Mr. McGrath also noted that for the debt to total assessed valuation 7-8% is good measure; however, the City of Bunker Hill Village’s was 1.6%, which is a strong indicator that we have plenty of bonded capacity. During the last bond issue, we were rated by Moody’s Investor Services as very favorable. Councilman Tuters stated that he agreed totally with Mr. McGrath’s statements.

Mayor Marshall stated that the council and staff prepare the budget in order to best meet the residents’ needs. In other words, having the Police and Fire Departments respond as quickly as possible is of utmost importance. He further added that both departments deserve an A+ for the excellent services they provide to the City of Bunker Hill Village.

A. AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE CITY OF BUNKER HILL VILLAGE, TEXAS, GENERAL BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2007; MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CITY FOR SUCH YEAR AS REFLECTED IN SAID BUDGET; ESTABLISHING THE PROCEDURE FOR INTRA-BUDGET TRANSFERS; AND CONTAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT.

Motion was made by Councilmember Belco and seconded by Councilman Tuters to approve the ordinance adopting the FY 2007 budget. Motion carried 5 to 0.

B. APPROVING AN AD VALOREM TAX RATE OF 0.175381 FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION EXPENDITURES.

Motion was made by Councilmember Belco and seconded by Councilman Tuters to approve the rate of 0.175381 for Maintenance and Operation expenditures. Motion carried 5 to 0.

Motion was made by Councilmember Belco and seconded by Councilman Tuters to approve the rate of 0.132563 for Debt Service. Motion carried 5 to 0.

D. AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF AD VALOREM TAXES of THE CITY OF BUNKER HILL VILLAGE, TEXAS, FOR THE YEAR 2006; PROVIDING THE DATE ON WHICH SUCH TAXES SHALL BE DUE AND PAYABLE; PROVIDING FOR PENALTY AND INTEREST ON ALL TAXES NOT TIMELY PAID; providing for severability; AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES or PARTS OF ORDINANCES Inconsistent or in CONFLICT HEREWITH.

motion was made by Councilmember Belco and seconded by Councilman Tuters that property taxes be increased by the adoption of a tax rate of 0.307944, and that the ordinance setting such tax rate and providing for the levy and collection of taxes be adopted. Motion carried 5 to 0.

XII. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUNKER HILL VILLAGE, TEXAS, ADOPTING THE CITY’S PERSONNEL POLICIES.

Councilman Tuters asked about a comparison with the personnel policies from other surrounding cities and City Administrator Sager stated that the policies are similar to those of Spring Valley’s and Hedwig Village. She further noted that City Attorney Olson edited and re-wrote the policies.

Motion was made by Councilmember Belco and seconded by Councilman Ellis to approve the resolution adopting the policies. Motion carried 5 to 0.

Motion was made by Councilmember Belco and seconded by Councilman Tuters to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5 to 0 and the meeting was adjourned at 5:55 p.m.