10/06/2008-CC-Minutes-Work SessionMINUTES: CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
OCTOBER 6, 2008
MEMBERS
PRESENT: Mayor Higgs, Councilman Garza, Councilman Ervin, Councilman Patton,
Councilman Walker, and Councilman Thomas Muir
OTHERS
PRESENT: Mike Brice City Manager, Rose Chavez City Secretary/Asst City Manager
1. Call Meeting to Order.
Mayor Higgs called meeting to order.
2. Discussion on New Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The City Manager addressed this item with a review of the housing market in
Sanger for the year. He also continued with a discussion concerning the benefits
and risks of delaying the new wastewater treatment plant. In delaying the sewer
plant it gives the ability to raise the utility rates which will be done over a period of
years. It also allows them to collect additional tap fees, and establish some impact
fees. The more money that is collected up front, the less debt that needs to be issued.
There are two bond debt issues that will be paid, one is in 2009 and the other is in
2011. Paying off these debts will allow these monies to be utilized for future debt.
The plan is to continue with the engineering planning process and then wait on the
bidding process. This will provide two advantages; timing the issuance of the debt,
and timing the construction. This also gives the opportunity to get a better interest
rate on the debt. The delay will also allow the completion of the comprehensive
water/wastewater study. Freese & Nichols is one engineering firm that was
contacted, and they will also contact one other firm. The study will give the City
and advantage by identifying the needs of the City for the next five, ten and twenty
years. This will help in the design of the treatment plant.
City Manager indicated there are two risks that are a concern. The interest rates
for the bond debt are unpredictable, and the economy is also a factor. The interest
rate could possibly be higher when the bond debt is issued. The construction cost is
another factor. Currently, with the economy factors as they stand, there are
contractors that need to work, and this is an advantage.
City Manager advised that the pressure to build the new sewer plant is not as it was
two or three years ago. It does not eliminate the need for the new plant, only defers
it.
Councilman Ervin indicated he had a problem in getting the project engineered for
the planning preparations. If it is delayed, he does not want the City to have to
completely re -do the engineering process. He does not want to get into a situation as
they have done in the past with a previous engineering firm.
City Manager advised this will not happen. The City has an advantage by having a
City Engineer and Upper Trinity's Engineers reviewing the plans.
Discussion continued and the City Manager advised that the City will still be
complying to the State requirements by continuing with engineering the planning
process. There was discussion concerning infiltration. In the comprehensive
wastewater study they will look at putting flow -meters in the wastewater system to
identify areas where infiltration is a problem. The impact fee study was discussed.
The City Manager discussed reimbursement to the General Fund for the Impact
Study by the Impact Fees. This is after the fees are established and collected.
Mayor Higgs indicated that there was an Impact Fee study done a couple years ago;
however, this was not a study that set the fees in place. The study justified the tap
fee charges.
The Comprehensive Study of the system is necessary to determine the deficiencies
and to allow for future growth. It will also makes the necessary recommendations
to the City on what size lines to put in the ground.
Councilman Garza inquired on how old is the existing sewer plant.
City Manager indicated that he thinks it was started in the 70's and the last major
improvements were made in 2002.
Councilman Garza asked if there have been abnormal breakdowns in the last
couple of years.
City Manager indicated there has not been anything abnormal. There are repairs
that occur and currently a blower motor was replaced. The old sewer plant is 4
separate plants and in the past we have added to what was there to get by during the
years.
The City Manager indicated he is not saying we do not need a new sewer plant, but
he is asking for it to be deferred for at least 6- to 12-months. The planning process
and the engineering will be completed by mid -summer and at that time they can
proceed forward.
Discussion continued concerning the old sewer plant.
Councilman Muir indicated that he asked previously asked on the possibility of
keeping the old plant with the new plant.
The City Manager advised that everyone he has talked to has indicated this would
not be a good idea.
It was discussed that the new sewer plant will take at least two years to complete.
There was discussion and concerns if the housing market improved. City Manager
discussed utilizing Upper Trinity's package plant if this were to occur. The City
would bear the cost to operate.
3. Discussion on Banning Cell Phone Use in School Zones.
City Manager advised that Councilman Patton had requested this item to be on the
agenda for discussion. Most of the ordinances that cities have in place are basically
the same wording. They basically ban the use of hand-held devices in school zones
when the school zone is active. North Richland Hills is the most restrictive. City
Manager advised that currently there is a State Statue that prohibits anyone less
than 18 years of age to be using a cell phone while operating a vehicle.
Councilman Ervin and Councilman Patton both discussed the safety issues
concerning the use of cell phones. Councilman Patton discussed there have been
several incidents in some of the schools concerning this situation. This is a safety
issue.
Councilman Ervin indicated this should apply to Police Officers, and there should
not be an exception.
Discussion followed concerning passing an ordinance and enforcement measures.
City Manager advised he will have an ordinance for their consideration on the next
agenda.
4. Overview of Items on Regular Agenda.
City Manager reviewed item 447 regarding the residential estate roadway
requirements. They removed the asphalt option from the ordinance. The road has
to be concrete and can be open ditch.
Mayor Higgs discussed the problem concerning the semi -trailers turning on the
overpass by Keaton Road and on Cowling Road by Hunter's. The Mayor asked if
the State has done anything to rectify this problem by the overpass.
The City Manager indicated the State has not done anything and it is a lengthy
process to get the State to correct the problem.
The Mayor suggested that the City could get some crush rock and put it on those
two places to help correct the problem.
The City Manager indicated that crush rock would not work; it would need to be
done in asphalt. The City can fix the problem, but it has to meet TX -DOT
standards.
Discussion continued concerning the problem when a semi -trailer gets stuck in those
corners. Mayor Higgs commented that it would be to the City's advantage to
correct the problem.
City Manager advised he will get a cost estimate and the standards that have to be
met for TX -DOT.
Councilman Patton expressed a concern regarding items 5 & 6 with the special use
permit for the business that is to be located at Cotton Patch. The special use permit
is for a veterinary establishment. The current establishments that are located in this
center are businesses that need to maintain a sterile environment. He thinks having
a veterinary establishment in this area will create a problem.
City Manager gave a brief overview of the use request.
Discussion continued and concerns were expressed regarding allowing the specific -
use permit. The possibility of large animals, noise and odor were concerns. There
was also discussion concerning the process of the removal of an SUP if a business
was non -compliant.
5. Adjournment.
Mayor Higgs adjourned the meeting.