CITY OF BUNKER HILL VILLAGE

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL

OF THE CITY OF BUNKER HILL VILLAGE, TEXAS

JANUARY 19, 2010 – 5:00 P.M.

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

Mayor Essary called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 11977 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas.

Present:                                                                                Also in Attendance:

Mayor Derry D. Essary                                                         Ruthie Sager, City Administrator

Councilman Keith Brown                                                        Kelly Johnson, City Secretary/Director of Finance           

Councilman Dave Ellis                                                            Steve Smith, Director of Public Works                                   

Councilwoman Cooky Mays                                      

Councilwoman Susan Schwartz          

Councilman Jay Smyre

Josiah Stine a sixth grader at First Baptist Academy and Jonathan Stine a tenth grader at Lutheran High North, both boy scouts, were asked to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

II.                GREET GUESTS, MAYOR’S REPORT

A.        JANUARY 7, 2010 MEETING WITH HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL

            Mayor Essary said on January 7, 2010, he and Ms. Sager met with the executive director and project engineer for Harris County Flood Control.  The mayor said effectively our message to             them was we cannot wait another eight years for a solution and if nobody is going to step up at this point the City of Bunker Hill Village is going to solve Bunker Hill Village’s problems all on its             own.  Ms. Sager, City Administrator, said she got from the meeting that Harris County Flood Control wanted Bunker Hill Village to be a part of the overall solution rather than work our problems as an individual city.

            The mayor said two days after the January 7^th meeting we were asked to meet again.  The meeting   has been scheduled for January 20, 2010. 

B.   JANUARY 7, 2010 MEETING REGARDING SELECTION PROCESS FOR CHIEF OF THE VILLAGE FIRE DEPARTMENT

C.   STATE OF THE CITY MEETING JANUARY 12, 2010

D.  JANUARY 20, 2010 MEETING WITH HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL REGARDING W151

III.             CONSENT AGENDA

“ALL MATTERS LISTED UNDER 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 CONSIDERED SEPARATELY.”

A.  MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 17, 2009 REGULAR MEETING

B.   MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 31, 2009 SPECIAL MEETING

C.   MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 12, 2010 WORKSHOP MEETING

D.  NOVEMBER 2009 FINANCIALS

E.   LANGFORD ENGINEERING, INC., INVOICE NUMBER 14808, DATED DECEMBER 17, 2009, IN THE AMOUNT OF $19,379.12

F.   LANGFORD ENGINEERING, INC., INVOICE NUMBER 14820, DATED JANUARY 7, 2010, IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,081.82

G.  KLOTZ ASSOC., INVOICE NUMBER 909214, DATED SEPTEMBER 29, 2009, IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,206.04

H.  KLOTZ ASSOC., INVOICE NUMBER 1009059, DATED OCTOBER 23, 2009, IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,481.28

I.    KLOTZ ASSOC., INVOICE NUMBER 1109079, DATED NOVEMBER 24, 2009, IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,151.78

J.    KLOTZ ASSOC., INVOICE NUMBER 1209221, DATED DECEMBER 28, 2009, IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,148.24

Motion was made by Councilwoman Mays and seconded by Councilwoman Schwartz to approve all the items on the consent agenda.  Motion carried 5-0.

IV.              CITIZENS’ COMMENTS

                        John Glover at 11637 Blalock Lane discussed flooding issues, drainage, and entrance elevation onto                                     his street from Blalock Road. 

                        Tom Snyder at 11702 Broken Bough Circle discussed the rout problem as a result of the storm drain                                     that was installed in1997 on his street.  He’s requesting a meeting to discuss a solution.

V.                 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING AWARD OF BID FOR CONSTRUCTION OF SECOND SURFACE WATER LINE CONNECTION AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE RELATED DOCUMENTS

John Davis, of Langford Engineering, stated that we received four bids on this project.  Kingsley Constructors was low bid @ $427,520.  Prices are good for 90 days.  Mr. Davis said TCEQ has not approved this project but all the documents have been submitted.

Motion was made by Councilman Ellis and seconded by Councilwoman Mays to accept the recommendation of our engineer and award the contract to Kingsley Constructors Inc. as presented in the letter from Langford Engineering subject to the final approval from TCEQ.  Motion carried 5-0.

VI.              DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING REPAIRS TO BRIDGE ON MEMORIAL DRIVE, EAST OF GESSNER

Mr. Smith, Public Works Director, stated that the bridge is inspected annually and a report is submitted to us from TXDOT.  The report states we have a piling that is in need of repair. 

Mayor Essary stated that the high water levels in W151 have exasperated the repairs to the bridge.

Mr. Smith also said we have three bids but he recommended low bid from CALCO of $9,859.40.

Motion was made by Councilman Smyre and seconded by Councilwoman Mays to accept CALCO’s contract bid in the amount of $9,859.40 for the repair of the Memorial Bridge east of Gessner.  Motion carried 5-0.

VII.           DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING ELECTRIC RETAIL SALES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE AND THE CITY OF BUNKER HILL VILLAGE

Mark Michna, with Cavallo Energy, gave the background of Cavallo Energy.  He stated the offer in front of council was for a one, two, or three year contract with corresponding rates.   He also said that the electric rates are based on natural gas prices which change every fifteen minutes.  The start date of the contract is February 1, 2010.  Mr. Michna also said by doing business through the General Land Office, a seller of electricity, Bunker Hill Village as a buyer does not have to pay the gross receipt tax.

Councilman Ellis made a recommendation to take the best deal for 12 months and watch the market and revisit this issue during the year or at the end of 12 months.

Motion was made by Councilman Ellis and seconded by Councilwoman Mays to accept the proposal from the Texas General Land Office for a 12 month contract at $0.07197 per kilowatt hour for energy costs.  Motion carried 5-0.

VIII.        DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUNKER HILL VILLAGE, TEXAS, PROVIDING FOR THE HOLDING OF A GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON MAY 8, 2010, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING THREE COUNCILMEMBERS (position nos. 1,  2, and 3); PROVIDING DETAILS RELATING TO THE HOLDING OF SUCH ELECTION; and containing other provisions relating to the subject

Motion was made by Councilman Smyre and seconded by Councilwoman Mays to approve the ordinance as read.  Motion carried 5-0.

IX.              DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING 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

Mr. Smith, Public Works Director, said we review the fee schedule annually to see if any changes need to be made.  Mr. Smith discussed and reviewed the changes with council.

Motion was made by Councilman Brown and seconded by Councilwoman Mays to accept the new schedule of fees.  Motion carried 5-0.

X.                 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE BIDDING PROCEDURES FOR CONSTRUCTION OF DRAINAGE AND PAVING IMPROVEMENTS ON CAROLANE TRAIL

Mr. Smith said the approved emergency repairs to Carolane Trail are complete.  However, the line continues to fail.

Tom Ramsey, City Engineer, said the drainage and paving plans are ready on Carolane Trail, he just             needs to add the sanitary sewer line and it’s ready to go to bid next week.

Motion was made by Councilwoman Mays and seconded by Councilman Brown to authorize the bidding procedures for sanitary sewer system, paving, and drainage on Carolane Trail.  Motion carried 5-0.

XI.              DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING APPOINTMENT OF A PERSON TO SERVE A TWO-YEAR TERM TO THE HARRIS-GALVESTON SUBSIDENCE DISTRICT

The mayor said we have a recommendation from the General Manager of the Subsidence District to appoint Harley C. Robinson for another two-year term.

There was discussion regarding whether Bunker Hill Village’s voice is being heard at the Subsidence District.

Motion was made by Councilman Ellis and seconded by Councilman Brown to authorize the mayor to make a decision regarding the appointment of a board member to the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District.  Motion carried 5-0.

XII.           CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

A.  CITY OF HOUSTON NOTICE OF INCREASE IN CONTRACT TREATED WATER SERVICE RATES FROM $1.884 TO $2.184 PER 1,000 GALLONS, EFFECTIVE JAN. 1, 2010

      Ms. Sager, City Administrator, said the City of Houston will increase surface water rates again in April based on CPI.

B.   MICHAEL SANCHEZ HIRED TO FILL THE VACANT POSITION IN PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

C.   PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION IS SCHEDULED TO MEET ON JANUARY 28, 2010, REGARDING A SPECIFIC USE ORDINANCE ALLOWING CO-LOCATION ON THE VERIZON CELL TOWER BEHIND CITY HALL    

XIII.        FIRE COMMISSIONER’S REPORT

A.        FIRE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES

            Councilman Brown said there were no new activities to report.

B.   DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING FUNDING OF A PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF THE VILLAGE FIRE DEPARTMENT

      Mayor Essary stated that there are four village mayors that think a structural audit is imperative.  He said we believe the search and performance review can be done in concert for a lesser price.  Mayor Essary said that this has been heavily discussed among four of the mayors.  Mayor Essary said the four mayors believe it would be very beneficial.           The mayor said we are asking some fundamental questions about the interlocal agreement between the fire department and the governance of the department.

      Motion was made by Councilman Ellis and seconded by Councilwoman Mays to authorize the mayor to spend up to $15,000 for a performance audit of the Village Fire Department as soon as practical.  Motion carried 5-0.

C.   JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THE POSITION OF FIRE CHIEF

      Councilman Brown said at the Fire Commissioners meeting last night they reviewed a template for an ad for fire chief.

D.  COMMUNICATION BETWEEN MAYORS AND VFD FIRE CHIEF/VFD COMMISSIONERS

      Councilman Brown said that Chairman Reichek brought this subject up and suggested that if any of the mayors wanted to talk with the chief they go through Reichek.  Councilman Brown said it was his opinion that if the mayor wanted to speak with the chief he should be able to.

XIV.        POLICE COMMISSIONER’S REPORT

A.  POLICE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES

      Police Commissioner Peter Slot stated there was no crime to report in Bunker Hill Village last month.

B.   DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A 2010 BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUEST PER THE APPROVAL AND RECEIPT OF $47,429.81 FROM U.S. COINS TO BE USED TO PURCHASE AND EQUIP A MARKED POLICE VEHICLE 

      Mr. Slot said a gift of $47,429.81 from U.S. Coins was given to the police department for the purchase of a marked police vehicle.  Councilman Ellis stated that the police department would purchase a new vehicle and use an older vehicle at U.S. Coins.  Hedwig Village is also participating and having a vehicle outfitted.  What U.S. Coins is expecting is to have a marked vehicle parked in front of the business during business hours.  Councilman Ellis said we will rotate days with Hedwig Village.  Councilman Ellis also stated this is a win win situation and the contract with U.S. Coins can be terminated at anytime.  If the contract is terminated within the first three years an amortization of the vehicle would have to be paid back.

      Peter Slot said the police commission recommended approval.

            Motion was made by Councilman Ellis and seconded by Councilman Schwartz to approve the expenditure of funds consistent with the agreement entered into by the Memorial Villages Police Department with Mr. Duncan and to approve the budget amendment accommodating those expenditures.  Motion carried 5-0.

XV.           ADJOURN

Motion was made by Loren Smith, City Attorney, and seconded by Councilman Mays to adjourn the meeting at 6:50 p.m.  Motion carried 5-0.

Approved and accepted on February 16, 2010.

_______________________________________

DERRY D. ESSARY, Mayor

ATTEST:

_______________________________________

Kelly Johnson, City Secretary