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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - City Council - 1999 - 03/10 - JointALLEN CITY COUNCIL AND 1999 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT STEERING COMMITTEE JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING MARCH 10, 1999 Present: Stephen Terrell, Mayor Councilmembers: Steering Committee: David Kerr, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Wolfe, Chair Lonnie Thomas Jim Waldbauer, Finance Doug Gallagher Bryan Yost, Water and Sewer Susan Bartlemay Robin Sedlacek, Parks and Recreation Kenneth Fulk Steve Matthews, Public Buildings Melissa Owen David Bishop, Streets and Drainage John Ross, Library/Arts City Staff: Jerry Wilson, Public Safety (absent) Peter H. Vargas, City Manager Michael Stanger, Assistant City Manager Judy Morrison, City Secretary Bill Petty, Community Development Director Sally Leeper, Program Coordinator Ron Gentry, Fire Chief Kenneth Lindsey, Assistant Fire Chief Mike Hagood, Assistant Fire Chief Bill Rushing, Police Chief Mike Stephens, Police Captain Barbara Buehler, Library Director Linda Vaughan, Finance Director George Conner, Public Works Director Call to Order and Announce a Ou irum is Present (Agenda Item 1) With a quorum of the Councilmembers and Steering Committee members present, the Joint Workshop of the Allen City Council and 1999 CIP Steering Committee was called to order 7:10 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10, 1999, in the Council Chambers of the Allen Public Library, Two Allen Civic Plaza, Allen, Texas. Discussion of 1999 Capital Improvement Committee Steering (Agenda Item II) Committee Report to City Council Department of Community Development staff provided copies of additional ranking sheets showing the ranking given to the projects as original presented, with staff's recommendation, then the subcommittee ranking, and then the full committee ranking. I ALLEN CITY COUNCIL AND CIP STEERING COMMITTEE JOINT WORKSHOP MARCH 10, 1999 Page 2 It was noted that the within the zero tax increase proposal Central Fire Station does not get completed. Streets me proposed for $18,000,000, and parks for $10,000,000. In the two -cent proposal, $2,000,000 in additional funds are allocated for streets and an additional $7,000,000 for parks. Central Fire Station does not get completed in the two cent proposal. In the four -cent proposal, $2,000,000 is added to streets, and $2,000,000 to parks, which includes most all of the "A" projects. • Finance Subcommittee Report Mr. Jim Waldbauer presented the PowerPoint presentation that had been previously presented on the Finance Subcommittee report. In addition, he provided a sheet containing comparison information regarding other cities and their tax rates. He reviewed the fact that a zero tax increase would allow a bond election of $35,800,000, a two -cent increase would allow $44,500,000, and a four - cent increase would allow $53,200,000. Mr. Waldbauer indicated that the water and sewer fund will cover the proposed projects; however, he later corrected that to say that funds would be available for most of the projects, but adjustments to the rate might need to be made to cover all of the projects. Mr. Waldbauer reviewed the drainage revenue fund. There are not sufficient funds available to cover the projected projects; therefore, it was recommended that they be included in G.O. bonds. Discussion was held regarding the commercial revenues and it was noted that property coming out of abatement was considered. • Library Subcommittee Report There was discussion of the proposed $1,100,000 shown for the library expansion, and whether the Steering Committee had included a new library in their proposal. Mr. Wolfe stated that there is no new library in the Steering Committee's recommendation. • Parks Subcommittee Report It was questioned whether grant funds from the State were factored into this process. Ms. Sedlacek stated that no, since they are not assured. If grant funds were received, the amount of the bond funds could be reduced. Additional projects could be considered if grant funds are received. It was noted that a four -cent increase is probably required to accomplish all of the "A" projects. The only "A" project not listed is one of the land acquisition projects ($2,000,000). There was discussion regarding the project for neighborhood park development. This discussion regarded the City's park dedication fees and whether they could fund the neighborhood park development projects. Ms. Sedlacek indicated that these projects are for parks currently owned by the City, but not developed. Park dedication fees should cover the cost of new parks. I ALLEN CITY COUNCIL AND CIP STEERING COMMITTEE JOINT WORKSHOP MARCH 10, 1999 Page 3 Mr. Vargas indicated that staff would provide a report regarding this park dedication fund and what might be available toward park development. There was discussion of the possibility of funding F.M. 2551 through TEA21. The four -cent scenario includes $4,000,000 for land acquisition, trails, and Jupiter field finish out. It was noted that land purchase was considered important not only because of the cost at today's market, but because of the availability of the land. It was noted that the $800,000 project for neighborhood park renovation would be important if funds could be found. The water park project was discussed. It was questioned whether it would be a revenue generating project, and why it was not included. Ms. Sedlacek indicated that the subcommittee did not feel it was a high priority, but agreed that it would be a revenue generating project. • Public Safety Subcommittee Reoort Mr. Jim Wolfe indicated that courts, library, and public buildings should be discussed together. The report speaks not only to funding needs through bond money, but also to personnel needs. This was appreciated by the City Council. The cost of Fire Station 4 was $1,200,000 for the station and the vehicle. The station itself was $700,000. The cost estimated for Fire Station 5 or 6 is based on information provided by Ron Hobbs, Architect. It is possible there would be funds left from the station to add to the vehicle costs. The cost of Central Station was considered and noted that it would be higher than a regular station because of the additional needs generated by that type of station. The group discussed whether the new Central Station is really needed in the next five years. Chief Gentry stated he felt it was very important in that their current situation is very dangerous. Streets and Drainage Subcommittee Report The process of the subcommittee ranking of these projects was clarified and it was noted that they grouped all construction projects as "A" and all maintenance projects as a "B" and all drainage projects as a "C." The traffic signal shop was proposed to be grouped with the traffic signals. The four cent scenario includes $22,000,000 while the subcommittee would have included $23,300,000. Therefore, it was noted that all "A" projects are not included. The $2,000,000 for unallocated matching funds was proposed to allow the City Council to fund TEA21 or other matching fund projects. MrIt was discussed whether the City could recapture any of the street funds if we adopted impact fees for roads. Mr. Petty stated this could not be addressed until a study could be completed. Mr. Vargas stated that an impact fee would address new projects rather than projects addressed in this bond I ALLEN CITY COUNCIL, AND CII' STEERING COMMITTEE JOINT WORKSHOP MARCH 10, 1999 Page q package. Mr. Conner added that if impact fees were adopted, they would affect the next CIP five years from now Water and Sewer Subcommittee Report Mr. Bryan Yost stated that the Rock Ridge Pump Station project should be divided into two projects: $270,000 for the purchase of property and $3,370,000 for construction of the station. The comanaction of this pump station would allow phasing out of the Lucas Pump Station. It is possible that this construction will not be needed in this five years. Additional Discussions on Subcommittee Report Mr. Wolfe reviewed the Steering Committee action regarding this proposal. He stated $3,000,000 was recommended from staff for a library addition (second and third stories). Staff also recommended a new court building. Staff also recommended expansion to the police/courts building for police only The Steering Committee began their deliberation with the court building. The majority of the committee was of the opinion that the court at this point in time (five year period) should stay where it is. The committee found that the best scenario for the library was to expand one floor during this 5 -year period. They suggested a study should be made of the needs of the library at this time. Funds were added for a second story to the existing library Concern was expressed as to the actual needs at buildout and alternatives were discussed that should be considered; i.e., technology of today through the internet, possibly a need for a separate children's library, etc. It was noted that parking issues should be studied. The remaining project, $200,000 for a puking lot, was moved to Public Safety since it was included with the police expansion. Mr. Steve Matthews indicated that he had a concern that the recommendation does not address the larger issue of parking, and that if a second floor is added to the library, what will be the future use if a new library is built later. Mr. John Ross discussed the fact that the Steering Committee's priorities were different from the subcommittee, and he felt it was because they were looking at the whole picture. He reviewed the concerns of the subcommittee. They noted that a new 90,000 sq. ft. library would take the City to buildout. The current building would then be used for something else. He stated that he felt a second floor added to the library would be functional at this time. He stated that branch libraries will escalate operational costs It was further discussed that the funds are not available to complete every project, and the City must be fiscally responsible. In addition, it was noted that the needs of the library of the future is not defused at this time. It was further stated that the originally projected 60,000 sq. ft. library was intended to be sufficient for buildout based on library standards at that time. Mr. Ron Hobbs, the City's consulting ALLEN CITY COUNCIL AND CIP STEERING COMMITTEE JOINT WORKSHOP MARCH 10, 1999 Page 5 architect, had stated to the committee that the City of Allen has one of the best quality libraries in this area. It was further noted that parking needs should be given high priority Comments from the City Council included the statement that $1,100,000 is for a second story to the current building, and consultant fees. The existing $2,600,000 would be added to these funds. The question was raised as to the need for $1,100,000 to build the second story in addition to the existing $2,600,000. Mr. Ross stated that 20,000 sq. ft. will cost $2,400,000. In addition, we need move in funds, furnishings, ADA compliance funds (elevators, etc.) and contingency The last bond issue was intended to finish a second floor and shell a third floor. Combining the City's library with the high school library was discussed, which would have been 72,000 sq. ft. There was discussion as to whether the City Council has established a policy regarding the possible third story of the library It was stated that the City Council's master plan was reported to the Library Board, which indicates a maximum height of two stories, and expansion to the west only, not onto the courtyard. It further indicates that parking is a major concern. There was a question as to what the expanded court space might be used for at such time as a new building is constructed for court, and the response was that the police facility would need that space for future needs. The Steering Committee indicated they were not aware of a Council policy regarding the Library and a possible third floor. The future needs for a court building were discussed and it was noted that the architect had recommended 17,500 sq. ft. The cost of a new library as proposed is $10,000,000. It was suggested that the court and fire administration facility could occupy the current library (Agenda Item IH) Polling Places Mr Vargas indicated that the question of polling places was raised at the Steering Committee level. Allen Independent School District's mobile polling places was mentioned. This was reviewed with the City Secretary He stated that the Attorney General's office is not favorable to this action. The traditional polling place in Allen is the library It was further suggested that the days allowed for early voting allows for sufficient voting time. Concern was expressed regarding pressure and special interest groups. Ms. Judy Morrison indicated that this type of polling results in discrimination against another group of people. She stated she would rather maintain the current polling place at the Library The consensus of the entire committee was to leave the polling place at the Library ALLEN CITY COUNCIL AND CII' STEERING COMMITTEE JOINT WORKSHOP MARCH 10, 1999 Page 6 • Calendar Mr. Vargas reviewed the Council's calendar that calls for a public hearing on March 16, 1999, an agenda item for discussion of the CIP on March 18, a decision on April 1, and an election called for June 12. Adjourn (Agenda Item VI) The Allen City Council and 1999 CIP Steering Committee adjourned the Joint Workshop at 10:45 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10, 1999. These minutes approved on the 1st day of Aoril, 1999 ATTEST: J y Mo icon, CMC, CITY SECRETARY H APPROVED: ,,Zia &2?, Stephefi Terrell, MAYOR