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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994/07/26-Agenda-Pre-Council BUDGET STUDY SESSION T U SDAY,J U LY ?.6, 1994 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING CITY COUNCIL PRE-COUNCIL CIL CHAMBER PRE-COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1994 8:30 A.M. PRE-COUNCIL CHAMBER 1) Report of the City Manager - Bob Terrell, City Manager 2) Responses to M&C's Continued from a Previous Week a) M&C G-10710 - Supplemental Appropriation and Adoption of Two Ordinances for Implementation of the Fort Worth Graffiti Program (Continued from 7/12,94 by Council;Hale responding) b) M&C G-10738 - Settlement of the Lawsuit Filed by Michael Owens (Continued from 7/19/94 by Silco)g Adkins responding) c) M&C C-14374 - Agreement with Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector for Assessment and Collection Services (Continued from 7/12,/94 by Council; Boswell responding) C-14388 - Proposed Change Order No. 3 to Interim Solids Dewatering, Processing and Disposal,Village Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, Oscar Renda Contracting, Inc. (Continued from 7/19/94 by Council; Groomer responding) e) M&C C-14394 - Consider Approval of Contract for Composting of Wastewater Biosolids (Continued from 7/19/94 by Staff; Groomer responding) 3) Questions Concerning Current Agenda Items - Bob Terrell, City Manager 4 Make Findings Concerning a Proposed Tax Abatement Agreement with Haggar Apparel Company and Authorize Execution of the Agreement (M&C C-14400) -Mike Groomer, Assistant City Manager 5) Status of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrative Order to Eliminate Sanitary Sewer Overflows (I.R. 7850) Richard Sawey, Director, Water Department 6) Monthly Financial Report - Charles Boswell, Assistant City Manager 7) City Council Request for Future Agenda Items and/or Reports THE PURPOSE OFA PRE-COUNCIL MEETING HELD PRIOR M A REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING ISM ALLOW THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS TO INFORMALLY DISCUSS ITEMS ON THE AGENDA AND TO SECURE INFORMATION FROM THE CITY MANAGER AND THE STAFF.ALTHOUGH THE MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, CITIZENS ARE REQUESTED TO RESERVE COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS FOR THE SUBSEQUENT COUNCIL MEETING SO THEY WILL BE A PART OF THE PUBLIC RECORD. "This facility is wheelchair accessible. For accommodations or sign intehmetive serviceg, COPS the City Manager's Office at 871-6140,48 bows in advance." Ally SECRL1ARf FT. WORTH, TEL a NOTES FROM JULY 26, 1994 PRE-COUNCIL AND COUNCIL MEETINGS FOR JULY 27, 1994 CITY MANAGER'S STAFF MEETING PRE-COUNCIL 1. Report of the City Manager SUMMARY: Mr. Terrell reported that staff had received word from HUD that the City's EV EC application had not been received. Staff subsequently determined that someone at HUD had signed for the application, and it was located. Mr. Terrell also reported on the trip to N.Y. made last week by him, Charles, and Ramon to visit with Fitch, Moody's, S&P's, and Lehman Brothers. Mr. Terrell also stated that he will not be attending the large cities meeting at the end of this week, as he had intended. ACTION: None. 2. Responses to M&C's Continued from a Previous Week a) M&C G-10710 - Supplemental Appropriation and Adoption of Two Ordinances for Implementation of the Fort Worth Graffiti Program. SUMMARY: Jan Hale provided Councilmembers with the recommended revised ordinance and highlighted the revisions. COUNCIL: Mr. Silcox presented two changes to the ordinance that he prefers, including having the 14-day time period for abatement begin upon receipt of the certified letter, rather than three days after mailing; and the fines to accrue on a per citation basis, rather than a per day basis. Mayor Granger suggested limiting the number of times that a property owner may be fined for separate occurrences of graffiti at the same location, and/or capping the fine at $2,500. STAFF: Luis Fierros responded that, if a property owner refuses to accept the certified letter, staff's hands are tied and the ordinance can no longer be enforced on that property owner, if the notification occurs upon receipt. He reiterated the Task Force's position that notification should-occur as of the 3rd day following mailing in order to preclude this from happening. Ms. Hale responded to the Mayor that in cases wheEaaloca on ORD ARY TEL is experiencing graffiti on a regular basis,the Parks & Community Services Department will work with the Police Department to obtain undercover monitoring of the "hot" spot in an effort to catch the perpetrators. ACTION: None. b) M&C G-10738 - Settlement of the Lawsuit Filed by Michael Owens. SUNIlVIARY: Mr. Silcox indicated that this item would be discussed during the executive session. ACTION: None. C) M&C C-14374-Agreement with Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector for Assessment and Collection Services. SUNEVIARY: ACM Boswell provided Council with a copy of the letter that had been sent to Councilmembers last week addressing Ms. Woods concerns about refunding tax overpayments. COUNCIL: Mr. Silcox indicated that he would like staff to look into finding another agency, other than Tarrant County, to collect the City's taxes. ACTION: None. d) M&C C-14388 - Proposed Change Order No. 3 to Interim Solids Dewatering,Processing and Disposal,VCWWTP,Oscar Renda Contracting, Inc. SUNMARY: ACM Groomer presented the information in this M&C. COUNCIL: Mr. Barr stated his recollection that Oscar Renda would lower his per-ton rate to the rate in the new contract beginning last April. STAFF: ACM Groomer responded that Oscar Renda did lower it by app. $2.20/ton from the stated rate, but not down to the level of his new contract. ACTION: None. OFFICIAL RECORD CITY SECRETARY _ 2 FT. WORTH, TEIL e) M&C C-14394 -Consider Approval of Contract for Composting of Wastewater Biosolids SUMMARY: ACM Groomer presented the information in this M&C and asked Council for additional direction on how to proceed with these negotiations. COUNCIL: Mr. Lane asked the downside of tabling these negotiations until after the legislature meets, to determine what new legislation might be enacted. Mr. Meadows suggested that these negotiations should be concluded at this time. Mayor Granger and Chuck Silcox agreed. STAFF: ACM Groomer stated that the only downside to tabling the negotiations is that other vendors are available, and may have additional proposals that the City might be interested in pursuing, but could not, if the City remains tied to BioGro. ACTION: None. 3. Questions Concerning Current Agenda Items. a) M&C C-14399 - Contract with E. Horn Construction, Inc. For Construction of a Gymnasium Addition at Fire Station Community Center. COUNCIL: Mayor Granger asked to which facility this gym is being added. STAFF: ACM Watson stated that this gym is being added to Fire Station Community Center on Lipscomb Street. She added that staff had attempted to use the Boys &Girls Club facility across the street, but it was not_ large enough for a gym. ACTION: None. b) M&C P-7009 - Purchase Agreement with Innovative Construction, Inc. For Weatherization Services for the Housing Department. COUNCIL: Ms.Webber asked the level of DBE participation in this contract. STAFF: ACM Boswell responded that staff will obtain this information prior to the Council meeting. ACTION: Staff to provide the level of DBE participation in this contract to Council. OFFICIAL RECOID CITY SECRETARY - FT. WORTH, TEX. 3 4. Make Findings Concerning a Proposed Tax Abatement Agreement with Haggar Apparel Company and Authorize Execution of the Agreement (M&C C-14400). SUMMARY: ACM Groomer presented a brief overview of the proposed tax abatement agreement with Haggar, and stated that Haggar has committed to hiring Fort Worth residents from within the areas that would qualify under the EZIEC application. COUNCIL: Mr. Silcox asked how many of the current abatements that have been granted have adhered to their contractual obligation. STAFF: ACM Groomer responded that this information is available, and that he will provide it to Mr. Silcox next week. ACTION: Provide Mr. Silcox with information regarding current tax abatement agreements and how well companies have adhered to their agreements next week. 5. Status of U.S. EPA Administrative Order to Eliminate Sanitary Sewer Overflows (I.R. 7850). SUMMARY: Dale Fisseler presented the information found in I.R. 7850 regarding an overall approach to building a cost-effective fix to the sanitary sewer overflow problem. COUNCIL: Mr. Meadows asked how the proposed TNRCC rules differ from those of the EPA. Mr. Silcox asked why Dallas' cost to repair is estimated to be so expensive. Rev. Jackson asked where the funds will come from to pay for this program. STAFF: Mr. Fisseler responded that the City must work through the TNRCC to be permitted. He also stated that Dallas' cost is expected to be so high because they have found that a lot of their sewer pipe is in worse shape than they originally thought. He added that by getting this current team on board to address this issue, Fort Worth will be in good shape in the future. In response to Rev. Jackson, Mr. Fisseler stated that the funds will come from the undesignated fund balance of the Water Fund. ACTION: None. 6. Monthly Financial Report SUMMARY: ACM Boswell presented the June 1994 monthly financial report. COUNCIL: Mr. Barr asked that Councilmembers revisit the issue of giving authority_ to staff to purchase vehicles from the CPRF,and buying them now in order to save some money. ---- OFFICIAL. RECORD CITY SECRETARY FT. WORTH, TEX. 4 STAFF: Mr. Terrell stated that it would be helpful to staff to be able to being the purchase fo items from the CPRF at this time. ACM Boswell added that some money can be saved by adding on to the current year Fire Department order. He stated that he will provide Councilmembers with a list of the items that staff would like to purchase from the CPRF. ACM Boswell also stated that staff received the certified tax role from TAD, which reflected a 6.3% decline in taxable value overall. He stated that this level of shrinkage is more than anticipated but not enough to cause staff to reformulate the budget strategy. He added that the taxable value in June of 1994 is app. $500m lower than June of 1993. COUNCIL: Mr. Silcox asked if other cities are having the same property shifts as Fort Worth, and if each appraisal district operates differently, to account for the discrepancies in values between cities. STAFF: ACM Boswell responded that he has not yet had the opportunity to talk with other cities to determine their situation,but will do so and report back to Council. He added that the formation of the appraisal districts in Texas was meant to standardize valuation methodologies, and that a State agency exists as well. ACTION: Staff to bring back to Council those vehicles proposed to be purchased from the CPRF, as well as the property value situations of other cities in Texas and Tarrant County. 7. City Council Requests for Future Agenda Items and/or Reports a) Jim Lane reported that he has met with the majority of homeowners located at the end of the runway at Meacham Airport affected by the noise, and they favor a combination of soundproofing and buying of easements. He stated that 6-8 months could be saved on this process if staff would begin talking to homeowners at this time. He asked that Council give staff the authority to begin negotiations with homeowners. Mr. Meadows asked who would conduct these negotiations, and if the costs would be reimbursed by the FAA. STAFF: Mr. Terrell responded that staff will gladly move forward with this process, and that negotiations would be carried out by the Real Property Division. Andy Rivera stated that the City will be reimbursed by the FAA, and that these costs are included as part of the City's 10% match for the FAA grant. ACTION: Staff to begin negotiations with homeowners affected by the noise at Meacham to either soundproof or buy them out. b) Mayor Granger announced that the plans have been finalized for Fort Worth week in Budapest, and that departure date is September 8th. She stated that anyone interested in going will have to pay their own way, and to contact either Sister Cities or Carol Elder if interested in attending. ACTION: None. OFFICIAL RECORD CITY SECRETARY - FT. WORTH, TEX. :10 5 COUNCIL MEETING VI. Items to be Withdrawn from the Consent Agenda a) M&C P-7009 - Purchase Agreement with Innovative Construction, Inc. For Weatherization Services for the Housing Department. Mr. Terrell withdrew this item from the consent agenda at the request of Ms. Webber to allow staff the opportunity to provide Council with the level of DBE participation in this contract. This item was later continued for one week. ACTION: Continue M&C P-7009 for one week. b) M&C C-14395 - Contract with Atkins Brothers for Installation of Concrete Pathways in Multiple Park Sites. Mr. Barr withdrew this item from the consent agenda due to concerns about the level of DBE participation in this contract. This item was later continued for two weeks with staff directed to negotiate with the contractor to increase the level of DBE participation. ACTION: Continue M&C C-14395 for two weeks; staff to negotiate with the contractor to raise the level of DBE participation. C) M&C C-14399 - Contract with E. Horn Construction, Inc. For Construction of a Gymnasium Addition at Fire Station Community Center. Mr. Barr withdrew this item from the consent agenda due to concerns about the level of DBE participation in this contract. STAFF: Mr. Terrell informed Mr. Barr that the bids on this project expire on Thursday. Mr. Horn addressed Council and stated that he has tried to obtain a higher level of DBE participation in this project, but has not been able to locate many DBE firms interested in participating in this contract. Mr. Terrell added that the second and third low bidders did not have any DBE participation. COUNCIL: Mayor Granger stated that she and Ms. Webber met with the AGC and they are aware of difficulties faced by contractors. She added that Council should work towards encouraging more DBE bidders on projects. Mr. Meadows added that Fort Worth's DBE initiatives pale by comparison to those of other cities, and that staff has not brought forward any solutions. Mayor Granger suggested the implementation of a construction incubator program. This item was approved by Council, with Mr. Barr requesting that Mr. Horn make every effort to increase his level of DBE participation in this project. ACTION: None. OFFICIAL RECORD VII. Items to be Continued or Withdrawn by Staff-None. CITY SECRETARY FT. WORTH, TEX. 6 k %� / ' XIII. Report of the City Manager a) M&C G-10710 - Graffiti Program. Following the executive session and citizen presentations in support of the program by Don Klingensmith, Fernando Florez, and Kathy Brintzenhof, this item was approved unanimously by Council. (Thank God!) ACTION: None. b) M&C G-10738 - Settlement of the Lawsuit Filed by Michael Owens. Following the executive session, this item was approved unanimously by Council. ACTION: None. c) M&C C-14388 - Proposed Change Order No. 3 to Interim Solids Dewatering, Processing and Disposal, VCWWTP, Oscar Renda Contracting, Inc. (Revised). Mr. Meadows moved to approve recommendation 1, and direct staff to negotiate with Oscar Renda to reduce the rate to the $121/ton level for the contract in effect from now through April of 1995. Mr. Barr stated that his recollection from April was that the $121 rate was in effect from the time Mr. Renda was awarded the new contract in April. Mr. Meadows stated that the contractor has reduced his price somewhat(but not down to the$121 level) since last October. Mr. Barr asked the ramifications of not approving recommendation 1. STAFF: ACM Groomer responded that once the current contract with Oscar Renda expires, it is possible that he may discontinue dewatering and all sludge would have to be put into the drying beds; however, he added that Mr. Renda would most likely continue to dewater the sludge for a short period of time without a contract while these issues are being negotiated. Robert McMiller recommended terminating the interim contract with Mr. Renda that expires today and settling up with him, and then approving the new contract that will carry us through the construction of the facility. Mr. Terrell added that if the new facility is delayed,the City would have to pay a designated amount of money each day to Mr. Renda. COUNCIL: Mr. Silcox asked that the tapes from the April meetings be reviewed to determine what verbal agreement was made at the time. Following the executive session, this item was approved as Mr. Meadows originally moved, to approve recommendation 1, and direct staff to negotiate with Oscar Renda to reduce his rate to the$121 level,if possible, for the new contract in effect through April of 1995. ACTION: Staff to negotiate with Oscar Renda to reduce the per-ton rate down to the $121 level, if possible for the new contract in effect through April of 1995. d) M&C C-14394 - Consider Approval of Contract for Composting of Wastewater Biosolids. Following citizen presentations by Kristi Wiseman and Robert Dow, recommendation 1 to discontinue further negotiations with BioGro was adopted. Kristi Wiseman also encouraged a separate Environmental Management Department. OFFICIAL RECORD - CITY SECRETARY 7 FT. WORTH, TEX. STAFF: Mr. Terrell stated that the proposed changes to the Environmental Department would not effect the service delivery of the department, and would give it more clout by moving it under the CMO. He stated, however, that the director position remains in the budget for next year, and that staff will being recruitment for the position again, using an executive search firm that will interview Councilmembers in developing the position profile. COUNCIL: Mayor Granger agreed with filling the director's position, but stated that she does not agree with hiring an executive search firm to recruit when staff has not interviewed those applicants who applied the last time. She added that she does not see the need to interview Councilmembers because a detailed plan has already been developed. STAFF: Mr. Terrell responded that staff will review applications again and will interview appropriate candidates. ACTION: Staff to review applications received from previous recruitment of Environmental Management Director position, and interview all appropriate candidates in an effort to fill the position. XIV. Citizen Presentations 1) Mary Avila had a concern regarding her subsidized rent that she was told was calculated incorrectly, and now she is having to pay an increase in her rent from$133/mo. to $288/mo. She asked if she is liable for this miscalculation. Mayor Granger referred her to ACM Watson. ACTION: ACM Watson to handle. OFFICIAL RECORD CITY SECRETARY FT. WORTH, TEX. 8