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MINUTES CITY OF BUNKER HILL VILLAGE REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 21, 2006 Mayor Pro Tem Essary 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 Pro Tem Derry Essary Ruthie P. Sager, City Administrator Councilman Peter Tuters John Olson, City Attorney Councilmember Susan Schwartz Yolanda C. Benitez, City Secretary Councilman Dave Ellis Steve Smith, Director of Public Works Councilmember Michelle Belco Tom Ramsey, Klotz Associates, Inc. Absent: Mayor Bill Marshall II. GREET GUESTS, MAYOR’S REPORT A. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING RESOLUTION NO. 11-21-06, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUNKER HILL VILLAGE, TEXAS, ACKNOWLEDGING THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE VILLAGE IS DUE, IN PART, BECAUSE THE CITIZENS AND POLICE WORK TOGETHER IN CONCERT TO FIGHT AND SUPPRESS CRIME. Councilman Ellis read the resolution and presented it to Chief Gary Brye. Motion was made by Councilmember Schwartz and seconded by Councilman Tuters to approve the resolution. Motion carried 5 to 0. B. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING PARTICIPATION WITH THE CITIES OF PINEY POINT VILLAGE AND HUNTERS CREEK VILLAGE IN THE ANNUAL CAROL TREE CELEBRATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00-$750.00. Chief Brye stated that the celebration will be held on December 17th in the afternoon. Motion was made by Councilman Ellis and seconded by Councilman Tuters to approve the participation. Motion carried 5 to 0. C. TML ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN AUSTIN – OCTOBER 25-27, 2006. Mayor Pro Tem Essary reported that all of the councilmembers, except Councilmember Belco, attended the TML conference in Austin this year. Councilman Ellis added that it was the best one he has attended. D. APPRECIATION DINNER – DECEMBER 1, 2006 – RSVP DEADLINE NOVEMBER 27, 2006. Mayor Pro Tem Essary reminded everyone of the Appreciation Dinner, which will be held on December 1st and noted that the deadline to RSVP is November 27th. E. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IN DECEMBER – CANCELLED. Mayor Pro Tem Essary stated that no regular meeting will be held in December. If a special meeting is needed, then one will be called. III. CONSENT AGENDA: “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.” A. MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 17, 2006 REGULAR MEETING. B. FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR OCTOBER 2006 C. NULL-LAIRSON, CPA, INVOICE NO. 18610, DATED NOVEMBER 7, 2006, IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00 FOR PREPARATION AND ATTENDANCE AT OCTOBER 5TH PUBLIC HEARING AND OCTOBER 17TH COUNCIL MEETING. D. KLOTZ ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES RENDERED IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS:
Motion was made by Councilmember Belco and seconded by Councilman Ellis to approve all items on the Consent Agenda. Motion carried 5 to 0. IV. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS A. JOE LAKI – 403 FLINTDALE ROAD (MILLARD JOHNSON, ATTORNEY) Millard Johnson, representing Mr. & Mrs. Joe Laki of 403 Flintdale, spoke with regard to replacement of their fence. He stated that the Laki’s had received conflicting information from the City Administrator, Ruthie Sager, regarding fencing regulations; however, they agreed to move their fence. In the meantime, they received a citation for placing their fence in the front yard, against City Ordinances, and appeared in Municipal Court on September 25t at which time they were assessed a $1,000 fine. Mr. Johnson further stated that, prior to the court date, he consulted with the City Attorney, John Olson, who told him that the charges would be dismissed (per information received from Ruthie Sager) and that there was no need for him to appear in Court with the Laki’s. At this time, Mr. Johnson asked the City Council to terminate City Administrator Sager due to the incorrect information she provided to his clients. V. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT A. AT&T PLANS TO BEGIN OFFERING CABLE BEGINNING NOVEMBER 27, 2006. City Administrator Sager stated that AT&T will be offering cable service to the residents beginning November 27, 2006. They will be advertising door-to-door, with the proper Solicitor’s Permit, and we should net the same amount as we currently do. VI. FIRE COMMISSIONER’S REPORT A. REPORT ON FIRE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES Councilman Tuters reported: the Fire Department is 6.21% under budget; they are amending the 2007 budget as a result of health care costs in the amount of $53,000. VII. POLICE COMMISSIONER’S REPORT A. REPORT ON POLICE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES Police Chief Gary Brye reported on the following: there has been a rash of parking lot burglaries, especially at the schools and churches; they are under budget for the year; they are scheduling a training program for the special response team; Judy Deats is retiring in December; and there have been a limited amount of residential burglaries. B. UPDATE ON HEALTH INSURANCE BIDS No report was given on this item. VIII. CITY ENGINEER’S REPORT A. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING AWARD OF BID NO. 11-06-06 FOR THE BUNKER HILL ROAD SIDEWALK AND DRAINAGE PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,368,966.60. Gary Struzick stated that the bids were similar to the previous bids and there were only a couple of changes made. He also noted that should we need to bore under Memorial Drive, the cost difference will only be for installation. Mr. Struzick reported that there were five bids received the second time and he recommend that we award the bid to Calco. Mayor Pro Tem Essary recommended that this item be tabled until a special meeting can be held with the contractor. It was requested that an 8:00 a.m. meeting be called for sometime next week, at which time Mayor Pro Tem Essary requested that the owner of Calco be present. B. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING PROPOSAL SUBMITTED BY KLOTZ ASSOCIATES FOR BLALOCK LANE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,600.00. City Administrator Sager explained the costs involved in this project and recommended the approval of the proposal in the amount of $11,600.00. Motion was made by Councilman Ellis and seconded by Councilman Tuters to approve the proposal. Motion carried 4 to 0 (Councilmember Belco left the meeting prior to this item being discussed). C. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING PROPOSAL SUBMITTED BY KLOTZ ASSOCIATES FOR REDESIGN OF RAYDON LANE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,800.00. Gary Struzick explained that this was a minor change needed to finish up the project, and noted that the developers decided not to install an asphalt street and to go with concrete instead. Motion was made by Councilman Ellis and seconded by Councilman Tuters to approve the proposal submitted by Klotz. Motion carried 4 to 0 (Councilmember Belco left the meeting prior to this item being discussed). IX. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A REQUEST FROM RESIDENTS ON SURREY LANE TO REPLACE TREE IN CITY RIGHT-OF-WAY. Steve Smith reported that a request was presented to replace a tree in the middle of this street in the City of Bunker Hill Village ROW, and noted that a large fire truck would have a difficult time getting in and out. Motion was made by Councilman Ellis and seconded by Councilman Tuters to table this item at this time. Motion carried 4 to 0, and the item was tabled (Councilmember Belco left the meeting prior to this item being discussed). X. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING EMPLOYEE INSURANCE COVERAGE AS FOLLOWS: A. DENTAL PLAN – SAFEGUARDB. BASIC LIFE/AD&D – MUTUAL OF OMAHAC. SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE – MUTUAL OF OMAHAD. LONG TERM DISABILITY – STANDARDCouncilman Ellis explained the health insurance and ancillary coverages being proposed. Motion was made by Councilman Tuters and seconded by Councilmember Belco to approve the insurance coverage as presented. Motion carried 5 to 0. XI. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING PARTICIPATION IN THE VILLAGES INSURANCE COOPERATIVE FOR FY 2007. Motion was made by Councilman Ellis and seconded by Councilmember Belco to withdraw from the Villages Insurance Cooperative for FY 2007. Motion carried 5 to 0. Councilmember Belco asked to be excused from the meeting at 5:30 p.m. XII. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN HARRIS COUNTY, THE CITY OF BUNKER HILL VILLAGE, AND METROPOLITAN TRANSIT AUTHORITY FOR THE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS ON MEMORIAL DRIVE @ GESSNER ROAD UNDER THE MULTI-CITIES PROGRAM. City Administrator Sager explained the reason for this amendment and noted that $400,000 was already given to us by Metro, and this additional amount will pay for improvements to the intersection. Motion was made by Councilman Tuters and seconded by Councilmember Schwartz to approve Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement. Motion carried 4 to 0. XIII. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND THE CITY OF BUNKER HILL VILLAGE FOR THE SANDALWOOD AREA WATER LINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT. City Administrator Sager explained why this project was being discussed and asked Steve Smith to provide additional information which included the fact that ideas were presented to the Interconnect Department and the Engineering Department, and he noted that this is a great opportunity for the City of Bunker Hill Village. Schansa Roberts, from the City of Houston, stated that the City of Bunker Hill Village already has a contract for the interconnect and noted that the approval of the Interlocal Agreement is a formality. Motion was made by Councilman Ellis and seconded by Councilman Tuters to table this item until further information is obtained. Motion carried 4 to 0, and the item was tabled. XIV. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN HARRIS COUNTY AND THE CITY OF BUNKER HILL VILLAGE FOR HOUSING CITY PRISONERS. Motion was made by Councilman Ellis and seconded by Councilman Tuters to approve the Interlocal Agreement for housing of city prisoners. Motion carried 4 to 0. XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION – THE CITY COUNCIL WILL CONVENE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT, CHAPTER 551 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING: A. SECTION 551.071 – TO SEEK THE ADVICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY WITH RESPECT TO PENDING OR CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION AND SETTLEMENT OFFERS. Mayor Pro Tem Essary advised that no Executive Session was needed. XVI. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING EXECUTIVE SESSION.No action. XVII. ADJOURN. Motion was made by Councilman Ellis and seconded by Councilmember Schwartz to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 4 to 0 and the meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m. Approved and accepted on January 16, 2007.
________________________________________________ DERRY D. ESSARY, MAYOR PRO TEM ATTEST:
______________________________ Yolanda C. Benitez, City Secretary |