| The City of |
| Hilshire
Village |
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TUESDAY, June 16, 2009 COUNCIL MEETING 7:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Robin Border called the City of Hilshire Village Council Meeting to order at 7:05 P.M. at 8301 Westview, Houston, Texas 77055. Invocation was given by Council Member Wolfe.
1.2. Present were Mayor Robin Border, Mayor Pro Tem Connie Castro and Council Members Cheryl Wolfe, Edward Davis, Bill Bristow and Shannon Whiting. Also present were Efrain Him, P.E., of Claunch & Miller, Inc., Engineer for the City; Chief Gary Finkelman, Spring Valley Police Department; Tom Archer, Fire Commissioner, David Labbe’, Alternate Fire Commissioner and Ted Lazarides, Building Official.
2. CITIZENS COMMENTS: Grady Farris, 1138 Glourie, requested his speaking notes be part of the minutes. Mr. Farris showed Council pictures of the alley way behind the church after a rain.
Alan Wolfe, 1314 Pine Chase, stated he was not ready to entertain the thought of speed bumps. He felt that everyone needs to show an example by coming to a complete stop.
Paul Maddock, 8 Hilshire Oaks Court, thanked the City for the work that was done at Hilshire Oaks. He thinks they still need to put in a curb at the corner at Ridgeley to stop people from cutting across.
OUT OF ORDER
3. REPORTS TO COUNCIL
3.1 Police: Chief Finkelman gave his report. The Chief stated there was one (1) arrest for a traffic violation in which the driver did not have a license. They issued 22 traffic citations and 25 warnings. He stated 40 to 50 percent of these were to residents. Alan Wolfe asked if there was anything to be worried about by shopping at the Kroger shopping center at night. The Chief said he did not know of any reason to be worried.
OUT OF ORDER
5.1 Building Official: Ted Lazarides stated there was a slight increase in activity in permits and inspections. He expects two (2) new houses to start this quarter per conversations he has had with architects. Ted has asked the City’s engineer for clarifications on the drainage criteria and the City might consider adding these items to the ordinances. Mayor Border wanted to let the audience know that this is a process that takes time because of public hearings. Ted stated that the City Secretary has been working on a new packet for contractors. Ted has modified the generator specifications. The Mayor discussed his concerns of the noise made by generators. Grady Farris asked if 1309 Glourie will follow the ordinance in regards to drainage. The Mayor reminded Mr. Farris that these were drainage criteria not ordinances that Ted was referring to and that if the guidelines were adopted prior to permits being issued to 1309 Glourie then they will be expected to follow the guidelines.
The City Building Official was excused at this time.
3.2 Fire Commissioner: Commissioner Tom Archer reported there were six (6) ambulance calls for May. The treasurer’s report showed that the Fire Department was under budget by 0.24% ($28,000.00). Commissioner Archer reported that Kevin Dozier was given reimbursement for Paramedic School and is going to sign a five (5) year contract to stay with the department. He stated the vehicle maintenance is over budget and the ladder truck needs approximately $6,000.00 worth of repairs. The department most likely will delay normal maintenance until next year to make these repairs. Commissioner Archer reported John Green had been appointed by Governor Perry to serve on the Texas Board of Fireman for a four (4) year term. He stated this was a very significant achievement.
3.3 Engineer’s Report: Efrain Him of HDR/CMI gave his report regarding Ridgeley Drive Paving and Drainage Improvements (Package 3). He stated he had a conversation with Harris County Flood Control District on the status of channel crossing A‘s improvements. He informed the District that the project is substantially complete and would provide them with the required information upon completion of the project.
Efrain stated AAA Asphalt Paving, Inc. had begun corrective work from the punch list given to them. The contractor will also perform the additional work (1110 Glourie driveway culvert replacement, Burkhart/Glourie crossing culvert and asphalt pavement repairs, replacement of existing inlet near the intersection of Archley South and Ridgeley and additional erosion control measures upstream of Channel Crossing D at Mallie Court) authorized by City Council last month.
Efrain stated there was not a pay application request for AAA Asphalt Paving, Inc., this month.
Efrain reported that he assisted the City in the preparation of additional information requested by Harris County in regards to CDBG funding for the Pine Chase and Glourie Drives drainage and paving improvements. The Mayor informed Council that this was the Block Grant of $200,000 out of a $4,000,000 project to do essentially the same thing that the City did on Ridgeley. The Mayor’s intent is to use the money to widen the ditches and align the culverts along the Southwest quarter of the Pine Chase/Glourie loop.
Efrain also reported that he assisted the City in the preparation of additional information requested by the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management associated with the City’s HMGP funding. Mayor Border explained that this was FEMA money and would be used to install an emergency generator at City Hall.
Efrain reported that he had reviewed drainage plans for 8001 Anadell and had several meetings in regards to 1134/1138 Glourie flooding issues. He had a topographic survey done at Terrace United Methodist Church’s drainage ditch along with 1134 and 1138 Glourie Drive properties. Mayor Border told Council that he had approved the $2,500 survey cost to help resolve the drainage issues.
Efrain stated he has been talking with the City of Houston in regards to the water pressure issues in the City. He is setting up a meeting to go over these issues. The Mayor said that all our water is supplied by the City of Houston. The Mayor said he suggested a valve survey to make sure the City knows and marks which way the valves turn on and off.
The City Engineer was excused at this time.
Out of Order
Mayor Border explained that the City Secretary’s report will moved to the front of the Agenda for the sake of the residents.
5.5 City Secretary: Utilities – City Secretary Blevins stated she had a conversation with everyone concerning past due notices and was assured that their checks were in the mail.
FEMA - City Secretary Blevins stated the City received a check from FEMA in the amount of $7,342.16 for expenses incurred by Hurricane Ike. She stated these expenses did not include debris cleanup. She also stated that the balance of $845.00 was the amount not reimbursed by FEMA.
Plan Check List – City Secretary Blevins stated changes were made to the plan check list and forwarded to all responsible parties for their approval.
Emails - City Secretary Blevins explained to Council that the City needs carbon copies on all emails received and sent out by City Council, Board of Adjustment, Treasurer and Fire Commissioners. David Olson, City Attorney, stated Council should forward all emails regarding City business and then delete them of their personal computers.
Complaint Log – City Secretary Blevins stated that one phone call was received stating the water had cleared on Glourie and there were no more complaints to date on dirty water.
Mayor Pro Tem Castro asked about the status of electronic billing for water bills. City Secretary Blevins stated that Severn Trent has not completed their process.
4. ACTION ITEMS (CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON):
4.1 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Castro to authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement between Harris County and the City of Hilshire Village for administration and implementation of a regional watershed protection education program, seconded Council Member Davis. The Mayor explained that Harris County will take care of all State requirements for the amount of $381.60. A vote was taken to approve the motion authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement between Harris County and the City of Hilshire Village for administration and implementation of a regional watershed protection education program. The vote passed unanimously.
4.2 A motion was made by Council Member Whiting to authorize the City to pay an invoice to Huntsville Gardens, Inc., for repair work done at 8 Hilshire Oaks, seconded by Council Member Davis. Mayor Border stated that this repair was to correct a problem the City created last year when they repaired the fire hydrant in the yard at 8 Hilshire Oaks. Council Member Wolfe asked if the repairs were made by a licensed irrigator as required by the State. Mr. Maddox did not know that answer. Council Member Wolfe said the City could not pay for this invoice if it did not have the State license number. A new motion was made to authorize the City to pay the invoice to Huntsville Gardens, Inc. for repair work done at 8 Hilshire Oaks pending receipt of Certification of Irrigation License. A vote was taken to approve the motion authorizing the City to pay an invoice to Huntsville Gardens, Inc., for repair work done at 8 Hilshire Oaks after receipt of certification. The vote passed unanimously.
4.3 Mayor Border said there was not an action item on the agenda at this time, regarding the drainage issue at 1134 & 1138 Glourie Drive because there was no solution provided by either party. He stated there will be an item on the agenda in the future in case there is an agreement to be presented to Council.
4.4 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Castro to approve the Child Safety Program’s Policy and Procedures and the amount of funds to be allocated yearly, seconded by Council Member Whiting. Mayor Pro Tem Castro explained that the City Secretary had mentioned there was no policy in regards to the distribution of these restricted funds to Council at a previous meeting. Mayor Pro Tem stated that she had worked with City Secretary Blevins to write a policy and procedure and it was presented to Council for approval. The Texas Legislature created the Child Safety Fund funding for public, parochial and private school crossing guard programs. The legislation also provides that if a surplus exists it can be used to pay for programs designed to enhance child safety, health and nutrition. After discussion a vote was taken to approve the motion approving the Child Safety Program’s Policy and Procedures, allocating $2,000 funds be available for three (3) years and $1,000 thereafter and opening a special bank account to hold the funds. The vote passed unanimously.
4.5 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Castro to table approving the Village Fire Department’s 2010 budget as proposed due to lack of information, seconded by Council Member Davis. A vote was taken to table the motion to approve the Village Fire Department’s 2010 budget as proposed. The vote passed unanimously.
4.6 A motion was made by Council Member Wolfe to appoint a Fire Commissioner and Alternate Fire Commissioner, seconded Mayor Pro Tem Castro. Mayor Border stated he put this motion on the agenda because of all the controversy that has happened regarding unfunded liabilities regarding the Fire Department’s retirement benefits. The Mayor stated there might be merit to have a City Council Member sit on the Fire Commissioner’s Board. He stated that there were questions as to whether the Fire Commissioners had the best interest of the City or the Fire Department. Mayor Pro Tem Castro was concerned with Commissioner Tom Archer’s comments to the Board on June 1, 2009, regarding City Council and the Mayor’s actions. After lengthy conversations regarding the fact that City Council expected the Commissioners to follow the Council’s directives and act on the City’s behalf, Council did not want to change Fire Commissioners. Fire Commissioners stated they always voted for the benefit of the City and would continue to make their decisions after consulting with the City Council. Both parties agreed that in the future better communication was needed between Council and the Commissioner. City Council Member Wolfe and Mayor Pro Tem Castro withdrew their motion to appoint a new Fire Commissioner and Alternate Fire Commissioner
4.7 Appointing HVCEFFC Directors. Mayor Border stated that he would put this item on the agenda again next month because he did not have all the information together as to who was on the committee and who still lived in the Village. Mayor Border stated that he would like to appoint Chris Halaska to this Corporation. He also asked Council to make suggestions for appointments to this committee. No motion was made to appoint HVCEFFC Directors.
The City Attorney was excused at this time.
5. REPORTS TO COUNCIL (con’t)
5.2 Treasurer: Manisha Patel reported to Council that she had been looking into the TX Pool for investments. She was renewing the CD with Amegy Bank at this time until she was better acquainted with TX Pool.
5.3 Mayor and Council:
Mayor Border: Energy Efficiency Workshop: Mayor Border introduced Nancy Benthien to discuss an Energy Conservation Workshop. Mayor stated that if Council thinks this workshop has merit the City could sponsor this workshop. Nancy informed Council that the workshop was a five (5) week commitment discussing electricity, heating and air conditioning, transportation and recycling. She said the workshop usually consisted of eight (8) to twenty (20) people. Mayor Border stated his interest was to reduce the City’s energy footprint. Council requested more information before a decision could be made to sponsor the workshop.
Water – Mayor Border reiterated that the City was working on the water pressure issues.
Glourie – Severn Trent: The Mayor stated he thought the scouring of the lines on Glourie was successful. The Mayor was surprised that the City had not received a lot of feedback after this procedure had been done.
Whiting: Bridle Spur: No report at this time. Ridgeley Project Citizens Committee: No report at this time.
Wolfe: Utilities Committee Update: Council Member Wolfe stated she had received some information from Severn Trent but it was not what she had requested. The Mayor stated the City needed some type of recommendations for the Council Meeting in July. After discussion, Council Member Wolfe decided that she would resign from the committee allowing Council Member Davis to head up the committee. The committee will consist of Mayor Border and Council Members Davis and Whiting
5.4 HVCEFFC (Conduit Bonds): City Secretary Blevins stated there was a balance in the checking account of $1,050.00.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
6.1 A motion was made by Council Member Whiting to accept the consent agenda deleting 6.2 Special Council Meeting of May 26, 2009 and Council Meeting of May 19, 2009, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Castro. A vote was taken to approve the motion to accept the consent agenda excluding Council Meeting minutes of May 19, 2009 and Special Council Meeting of May 26, 2009. The vote was passed unanimously.
6.2 A motion was made by Council Member Whiting to accept the Minutes from Council Meeting of May 19 with corrections to 4.9, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Castro. A Vote was taken to approve the motion to accept the Minutes from Council Meeting of May 19, 2009, with corrections to 4.9 to read “seconded by Council Member Wolfe and the vote passed 4-1 with Mayor Pro Tem Castro against the motion”. The vote to approve the minutes with corrections to 4.9 passed unanimously.
6.2 A motion was made by Council Member Whiting to accept the Minutes from Special Council Meeting of May 26, 2009, with corrections to Council Member Wolfe’s comments during Mayor and Council Comments section, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Castro. A vote was taken to accept the Minutes from Special Council Meeting of May 26, 2009 with changes to Council Member Wolfe’ statement to read “Council Member Wolfe stated no one should have flooding problems and something needs to be done for the benefit of the current flooding situation and for any potential future flooding situations related to new construction.” The vote passed unanimously.
7. DISCUSSION ITEMS:
7.1 Viability of safety measures including speed bumps placed at stop signs. Council Member Davis stated that speed bumps may need to be added to Ridgeley Road to control the speeding. Speed bumps have changed over time and do not damage vehicles like the old style. He suggested that the City put the speed bumps at the stop signs which will discourage people from speeding and running the stop signs. Mayor Pro Tem Castro stated she was not for speed bumps. She felt that increased policing would be a better solution. Council asked to see pictures and costs for the suggested speed bumps. Council Member Bristow was against speed bumps; however, he believes a stop sign should be at every intersection. Council Members Wolfe and Whiting were against speed bumps because of the danger to cyclers and walkers. Council Member Wolfe said that Council and other citizens need to lead by example. She suggested that the Child Safety Program might be used to educate residents on the safety of our children.
8. ADDITIONAL CITIZENS COMMENTS:
Grady Farris, 1138 Glourie Drive, wanted some clarifications regarding the drainage criteria. He wanted to know why contractors were required to abide by these drainage criteria’s if it was not an ordinance. Mr. Farris stated he understood the Mayor and City Council to say it was up to the Farris’ and the Finks’ to resolve the problem of flooding at 1138 Glourie. This problem arose through inaction of public officials to enforce our ordinances. He stated he has built a case against the City repeatedly.
Kenneth Judice, representing the Wilkerson’s at 1305 Glourie stated that the Wilkerson’s had surveys done on both properties (1305/1309 Glourie). Mr. Judice wanted to let Council know he would be working with the Wilkerson’s.
9. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Council Member Wolfe stated she was concerned with new construction and the threat of flooding on existing properties. The City needs to take greater strides to assure the protection of our existing residents. Mayor Border suggested that all Council Members look at the 1309 Glourie property because of the existing ditches. The property is close to the top of the hill with little available slope. He believes there is merit in surveying the ditches and making necessary changes if needed. He stated it might be a good idea to contact Harris County for assistance.
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS: NONE
11. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Pro Tem Castro moved to adjourn, seconded by Council Member Whiting.
____________________ Mayor Robin Border
ATTEST:
__________________________ Susan Blevins, City Secretary
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