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REGULAR MEETING CITY COMMISSION HARLINGEN, TEXAS OCTOBER 1, 2003 A regular meeting of the Harlingen Elective Commission was held on Wednesday, October 1, 2003 at 5:30 a.m. in Town Hall, City Hall, 118 E. Tyler Street, Harlingen, Texas. Those in attendance were:
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Mayor and City Commission Absent: Staff Present: |
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| Mayor Pro Tem Puente
called the meeting to order and stated that notice of the meeting had been
duly posted according to law.
INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/WELCOME Dr. John Teer delivered the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance followed. Mayor Pro Tem Puente welcomed all to the meeting. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION Mr. Gonzalez stated he met with the staff and drew some lines on his property that would make it easier for the trash to be picked up and all were agreeable to the particular location. But, then, the next time the container was again placed in front of the building. He was informed at that time that a complaint had been made that the stop sign at the corner is not visible due to the garbage container. Mr. Gonzalez distributed some pictures for the Commission’s viewing. Roy Rodriguez stated it was his understanding that the relocation of the garbage container was due to safety reasons. He stated he would discuss the issue with Ruben Diaz, Director of Public Works. A question was asked as to why it has become a safety issue now. Mr. Gonzalez further stated that where his container has been moved to causes an overspill of glass onto his driveway at his business for his customers. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL - REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 17, 2003 Motion to approve minutes as presented: Gonzalez CONSENT AGENDA:
Motion to approve consent agenda: Rodriguez PUBLIC HEARING TO HEAR COMMENTS FOR OR AGAINST REPLACING TWO EXISTING YIELD SIGNS ON JONES AND RUNNELS AT THEIR INTERSECTIONS WITH SAM HOUSTON WITH TWO STOP SIGNS AND ADDING TWO ADDITIONAL STOP SIGNS ON NORTHBOUND AND SOUTHBOUND SAM HOUSTON Mayor Pro Tem Puente declared the public hearing open. Michelle R. Leftwich, Director of Planning, stated there are currently yield signs on Runnels and Jones. During a recent public hearing for a specific use permit to be issued at one of the corner properties residents expressed concerns about high traffic volumes and accidents at this intersection. While few accidents have been reported, the traffic count indicates highly unequal volumes of traffic at differing peak hours. Due to the unequal traffic volumes on approach legs, it would be safest to put a four-way stop rather than simply upgrading the existing yield signs to stop signs at this intersection. Staff recommended approval as did the Traffic Safety Council. There being no comments from the public, Mayor Pro Tem Puente declared the public hearing closed. ORDINANCE ADOPTED ON FIRST READING ON THE ABOVE The caption of the ordinance was read.
Motion to adopt ordinance on first reading: Gonzalez
PUBLIC HEARING TO HEAR COMMENTS FOR OR AGAINST DESIGNATING A ‘NO PARKING ZONE’ ON 25TH STREET FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH JEFFERSON STREET TO THE ALLEY SOUTH OF BONHAM ELEMENTARY Mayor Pro Tem Puente declared the public hearing open. Ms. Leftwich stated there are four curbs on the 403' length of the school property fronting on 25th Street. Parents park along both sides of 25th Street currently to pick up/drop off children and it makes it difficult for cars who do the prescribed entrance drop off street through the first set of curb cuts (going south on 25th) to see to get back onto the street when cars are parked right up to the curb cuts. Staff recommended approval as did the Traffic Safety Council. There being no comments from the public, Mayor Pro Tem Puente declared the public hearing closed. ORDINANCE ADOPTED ON FIRST READING ON THE ABOVE The caption of the ordinance was read.
Motion to adopt ordinance on first reading: Gonzalez PUBLIC HEARING TO HEAR COMMENTS FOR OR AGAINST AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF HARLINGEN, TEXAS, TITLE 9, CHAPTER 91.14 BY REPEALING EXISTING LANGUAGE AND ESTABLISHING TRUCK AND HAZARDOUS MATERIAL ROUTES THROUGH AND AROUND THE CITY OF HARLINGEN, TEXAS Mayor Pro Tem Puente declared the public hearing open. Ms. Leftwich explained the City Engineer, Fire Chief and Planning Director met to discuss updating the established Hazardous Routes through and around Harlingen in response to a request from the MPO Director regarding addition of FM 509 as a Hazardous Materials Route. The proposed ordinance is the result of that meeting. Staff has attempted to eliminate the routes that go through the more retail and populated parts of town and retaining routes that are on the perimeter or more scarcely populated areas. There are exemptions for necessary fuel, food and lodging stops truck drivers may find necessary or desirable to make in Harlingen. Staff recommended approval as did the Traffic Safety Council. There being no comments from the public, Mayor Pro Tem Puente declared the public hearing closed. ORDINANCE ADOPTED ON FIRST READING ON THE ABOVE The caption of the ordinance was read.
Motion to adopt ordinance on first reading: Gonzalez PUBLIC HEARING TO HEAR COMMENTS FOR OR AGAINST ADOPTING AN ORDINANCE TO CHANGE SPEED LIMITS ON CERTAIN SECTIONS OF BUSINESS 77 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Mayor Pro Tem Puente declared the public hearing open. Ms. Leftwich stated TxDOT has recently conducted a speed zone survey on the section of Business 78 from Commerce Street to Whalen Road and have noted missing speed zone signs and have recommended revision of the speed limits along some areas. The speed limits would be set as follows:
TxDOT is requesting a City ordinance adopting the proposed speed limits. Once they receive a copy they will install all necessary speed signs accordingly. Staff recommended approval. There being no comments from the public, Mayor Pro Tem Puente declared the public hearing closed. ORDINANCE ADOPTED ON FIRST READING ON THE ABOVE The caption of the ordinance was read.
Motion to adopt ordinance on first reading: Gonzalez RESOLUTION APPROVED AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN ELECTRIC SUPPLY AGREEMENT FOR DELIVERIES OF ELECTRICITY EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 204 Brendan Hall explained the City has been a member of the South Texas Aggregation Project for the past two years. This is a coalition that was formed for cities to be able to buy electricity through them in a deregulated market. STAP’s second one (1) year agreement for electricity with First Choice Power will end December 31st. Consequently on September 24th, STAP issued a RFP to a number of Retail Electric Providers (REP(s) seeking the best possible rate for 2004 with a possible option for 2005. The RFP responses are due back October 15th in order to react quickly to lock in a favorable rate. STAP has asked all of its members’ governing bodies to pass resolutions authorizing one representative of each entity to sign a new contract and bind the City. This resolution authorizes the City Manager to sign the agreement on a short notice since electricity rates are very volatile and fluctuate frequently. Commissioner Gonzalez asked staff if there are numbers available showing any savings. Mr. Rodriguez replied the City was able to identify, during the first year, at least 25% decrease in utility costs. Commissioner Rodriguez asked how the process would work. Mr. Rodriguez replied sealed proposals would be submitted to STAP and STAP would make a recommendation to the 30 cities that are part of the coalition. He stated the City can choose to opt out if it does not want to go with the recommended provider. Staff recommended approval. Motion to approve resolution as recommended by staff: Meade RESOLUTION APPROVED RECOMMENDING TO THE TSTC BOARD OF REGENTS TO NAME THE LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER AT TSTC AFTER DR. J. GILBERT LEAL Roy Rodriguez explained this item was requested by Mayor de la Garza who was not able to be at the meeting tonight. The resolution recommends to the TSTC Board of Regents to name the learning resource center at TSTC after Dr. Leal who has served as President of TSTC for 25 years and has made many contributions to TSTC in various capacities. Motion to approve resolution: Meade EXTENSION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND CITY OF HARLINGEN WATERWORKS SYSTEM APPROVED Roy Rodriguez explained between 1993 and February 1998 the Development Corporation provided a loan for improvement and expansion of the Reverse Osmosis system and reverse osmosis water storage tank for Fruit of the Loom’s use. The loan is due September 2003. Last month the Development Corporation agreed to a six-month extension to the agreement. Motion to approve extension agreement: Meade DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION CONTRACT WITH HARLINGEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION SERVICES APPROVED Roy Rodriguez stated this is the annual contract funded by the Development Corporation. The Development Corporation has appropriated $966,842.00 for economic development and promotion services for fiscal year 2003-04. The Development Corporation approved the contract at their meeting of September 30. Staff recommended approval. Motion to approve contract: Meade DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION CONTRACT WITH HARLINGEN HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION SERVICES APPROVED Roy Rodriguez stated this is the annual contract funded by the Development Corporation. The Development Corporation has appropriated $386,736.00 for economic development and promotion services for fiscal year 2003-04. The Development Corporation approved the contract at their meeting of September 30. Staff recommended approval. Motion to approve contract: Meade: RESOLUTION APPROVED TO AMEND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF HARLINGEN, INC. BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003-04 Roy Rodriguez stated the budget, as presented, projects revenues of $4,345,633 and expenditures of $3,914,850. The amendment was approved by the Development Corporation at its September 30th meeting. The amendment adds $64,387 to the expenditures for the improvements to Haine Road. This covers the October 1st reimbursement to Harlingen Medical Center for the cost overrun. Staff recommended approval. Motion to approve resolution: Meade BOARD APPOINTMENTS Commissioner Meade appointed Joe Famiano to the Capital Improvements Advisory Board and to the Traffic Safety Council and appointed Michael Allex to the Zoning Board of Adjustments. Motion to approve appointments: Rodriguez REPORTS Roy Rodriguez reminded the Commission of the Special Meeting scheduled for October 8 at 11:30 a.m. to discuss the Museum. He also reminded them of Market Days on October 4 and the unveiling of the Bill Haley mural on October 11 at 12:00 noon on Jackson and ‘A’ Streets. There being no further reports, the meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
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