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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987/06/23-Agenda-Pre-Council AW tid f h PRE-COUNCIL MEETING PRE-COUNCIL CHAMBERS Qj N JUNE 23, 1987 ABSENT: Councilman Vance ITEMS: 1. PROPOSED PUSHCART SITES IN DOWNTOWN AREA PARKS - RAMON GUAJARDO, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER Ramon Guajardo, Assistant City Manager, provided Council with the locations for pushcarts in the downtown parks as recommended by the Park and Recreation Board and the City Manager. They are as follows: 1) Burnett Park - On the sidewalk adjacent to Lamar Street, not far from the 7th Street intersection. 2) City Hall Plaza - On the west side of the park, near the center and near the walkway by the Federal Building. 3) General Worth Square - In the west portion of the park, near the center of the square. a) Water Gardens - On the sidewalk near the main entrance (northwest corner). S) Hyde Park - One at the northeast corner of the park. Councilman Gilley asked why Heritage Park was not considered for a pushcart location. Mr. Guajardo reported that there was concern about the safety of the area during periods of heavy traffic. Council discussed adding pushcart locations in Heritage Park and on the east side of the Water Gardens. This ammendment could be added to M&C G-7123 during the City Council meeting. Mr. Guajardo concluded by announcing that applications to participate in a lottery for the spots would be conducted in the near future. 2. LIGHTING REPAIRS FOR PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT - DAVID NIVENS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/FACILITIES, PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT David Nivens, Assistant Director of Park and Recreation Department provided Council with an overview of the lighting repair services that was provided by Watson Landscape Company. In the original contract the amount bid was not to exceed $1200.00. After the work had started, it was ascertained that additional work was needed to the pole lights along the drive. The additional work was authorized by the Park Supervisor based on the fact that the total invoice would not exceed $2000.00 for all the repairs. It was determined that upon completion of the work the total amount owed for the repairs was $7,209.01. After deliberation between the Park Supervisor and Mr. Watson it was agreed upon that the charges be reduced by $1 ,209.01 for a total of $6000.00 and, in addition, Mr. Watson donated a outdoor lighting design plan for the garden center and conservatory. Mayor Bolen asked if the agreed upon total bid of $6000.00 was defined in the original contract or was it open ended? Mr. Nivens stated that the contract would have to be reviewed again to verify the specifications. Councilman Gilley asked if the bid were under $5000.00 and there was an overrun, would it not have come before Council. Kay Cecil, Assistant Director of Finance said that it would not have. Mayor Bolen asked who authorizes the over payment? Judson Bailiff, Finance Director reported that the Department Head does. 3. RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF AN EXPANDED BASE FOR SALES TAX - CHARLES BOSWELL, OMS DIRECTOR Mr. Boswell, OMS Director announced that the Texas Municipal League, led by Mayor Bolen and representatives from other Texas cities are planning to have a press conference in Austin to call for the State Legislature to expand the sales tax base for professional services. They would also ask that cities be allowed to receive the additional revenue from the 1 percent city sales taxes. Mayor Bolen stated that there is approximately 40 mayors who will be meeting in support of this issue. 4. BUDGET ASSUMPTIONS - CHARLES BOSWELL, OMS DIRECTOR City Council supported the proposed budget assumptions that were presented at the June 16th Pre-Council meeting. This endorsement provided the City Manager direction in developing the 1987-88 budget. Councilman Lancaster indicated that substantial budget cuts are necessary and that the Council should be in a leadership role and also review cuts in their budget. Councilman Williams asked what are the exact cuts to be expected in human services. Mr. Boswell stated that the proposal is to cut operating hours for Recreation Centers and cut custodial services. In addition they are looking at closing one more day a week at the Multi-Purpose facilities. Councilman Williams was concerned about the potential cut of personnel and asked the names of the individuals to be considered. Mr. Guajardo said that the individuals have not been identified thus far. Mayor Bolen requested that staff review the possibility of contracting the recreation facilities during the days that they are not being used. He suggested z that the YMCA be looked at. 3. PROPOSED BUS TOUR OF CITY FACILITIES AND CURRENT DEVELOPMENT - CITY MANAGER DOUG HARMAN City Manager Doug Harman announced that Council would be touring over SO facilities or developments throughout the City. The first tour will be scheduled in July. City Manager Doug Harman and Council deliberated over specific dates for the tours which will be announced at the next Pre-Council meeting. 6. COUNCIL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS Mayor Bolen stated that most of the committee assignments have been turned in by Council. Councilman Gilley requested that he be placed on the City Council/School Liaison Committee. Councilman Murrin reiterated his concern in having a liaison committee established between the City and the County concerning the proposed location for the new jail. Mayor Bolen said that Council is in support of a committee, however there has been no response from the County.