HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989/07/18-Agenda-Pre-Council OWN
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8: 30 A.M. JULY 18 , 1989
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1. PAY$ Awards - Charles Boswell , Manageme ervis ector
Ten employees were honored for their money sari g- -suggestions .
These suggestions will save approximately $55,000 , much of this
savings is recurring.
2 . Briefing on Proposed New Public Safety Communication System -
J.A. Marshall , Director, Information Systems and Services
Mr. Marshall reviewed the communication accomplishments of the
past two years . He then outlined the current problems with the
city's communication system and how the new system will address
those problems . The problems are as follows :
1 . Severe traffic congestion on radio channels
2 . System does not allow communication between departments
3 . Absence of secure radio communications
4. All 9-1-1 calls are received by the police department and
then transferred
5. Downtime in computer aided dispatch system
6. Pressures caused by area growth
7 . Lack of intergovernmental communication
The proposed system will solve the problems at a total estimated
cost of $26 million, of which $21 million will be required from
the General Fund. The proposed timetable has the system in place
sometime in 1992 .
Mayor Bolen wants the department to be sure that all possible
grants and intergovernmental cost sharing agreements are pursued.
Councilman Chappell wants confirmation that the 40 channels
currently reserved by the city can be held past the present
deadline of June 1990 .
3 . Water Safety Ordinance - Gary Steinberger, Assistant City
Attorney and Larry McMillen, Fire Chief
Mr. Steinberger stated that the city does have the power to
regulate boat operation on public waterways . There has been some
contact with the State Attorney General and a local rafting
organization. Both will be consulted during the drafting of the
ordinance.
The proposed ordinance would give the city manager the power to
designate a dangerous condition and thereby order closure of the
waterways. There may be a section listing certain boats that
would not be prohibited.
Mr. Steinberger noted 3 potential problems with the ordinance.
1 . What is the definition of a dangerous condition?
2 . The possible liability if the city manager fails to act
and someone is injured or killed.
3 . Enforcement may be difficult .
A draft ordinance will be brought before council in 2-3 weeks .
There was discussion between council members concerning just how
effective such an ordinance would be. Councilman Gilley suggested
that the ordinance allow the city to recover rescue costs for
someone requiring rescue after the city manager has declared a
dangerous condition.
4 . Status of Regalridge Square Project - Ramon Guajardo,
Assistant City Manager and Bob Terrell , Assistant City Manager
Mr . Guajardo reviewed the proposed rental assistance program to be
placed at Regalridge Square. Staff will return to council within
two weeks asking them to enter into a contract with a nonprofit
entity to administer the program. Council was also notified that
the first scheduled tax payment from Mr . Briscoe's company was
received on time.
Harry Bartel , attorney for Mr . Briscoe, then reviewed the current
financial situation of Mr . Briscoe's company . Mr. Bartel has been
negotiating with Heartland Federal Savings and Loan concerning the
outstanding debt . A tentative restructuring agreement was
rejected twice by the Heartland Board of Directors . It appears
now that Mr. Briscoe will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the
hope of reorganizing his company . Mr. Briscoe is seeking the
city 's support in creating a workable reorganization plan. It is
his intention to keep Regalridge Square open at all time.
Councilman Zapata stated that he believed the council would
support a reorganization plan which is similar to the one
previously worked out between Mr. Briscoe and the city . He also
stressed that he wanted to see no change in management nor any
relaxation in security measures at Regalridge Square. Councilman
Murrin also stressed these points .
Mr. Bartel assured Councilman Chappell that the scheduled tax
payments would continue on schedule if Chapter 11 was declared.
Councilman Gilley stated that it was important that the city not
lose sight of the fact that there is a very innovative housing
assistance program being prepared which is being watched by
officials and cities all over the country .
Mr. Briscoe addressed the council and pledged that there would be
no reduction in standards at Regalridge Square, and that he is
committed to providing quality , affordable housing.
5 . Lease Agreement on Riverboat Queen, Lake Worth - Mike Pyles ,
Director , Real Property Management .
Held over until next week
6. Authorization of UMTA Grant Application for Feasibility Study
of Proposed Tarantula Rail Project (M&C G-8128) - Nancy Amos ,
Assistant Director, Transportation/Public Works
Discussed during the council meeting
7 . Questions/Answers Concerning Current Agenda Items - Douglas
Harman, City Manager
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