MINUTES
City Council
Regular Meeting
100 East Main Street, Suite 500
Tuesday - February 08, 2005 - 07:30 PM
1. Call to Order. Mayor Cat
Callen called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m. Councilmembers present were Kurt
Reece, Chuck Larosche, and Duane Blakeslee. Also in attendance were David Buesing, City Manager; Charles Simon, Assistant City Manager, Lauri Gilliam, Interim Assistant
City Manager; John Carlton, City Attorney; Clyde von Rosenberg, Planning
Director; Blake Overmyer, Building Official; Joe Carpenter, City Engineer; Randy Brown, Public Works Director; Richard Offield, Street Superintendent; and Kathy Ellis, Assistant City Secretary.
2. Public Hearings
A. Public hearing for the annexation of approximately
1,315.8 acres out of the S. Eiselin, T. S. Barnes and J. P. Sherwood surveys,
located along and including a portion of Pecan Street and areas north of the
State Highway 130 Right-of-Way, in Travis County, Texas. Mayor
Callen opened the public hearing. Mr. von Rosenberg explained that this is the
remainder of the area considered at the end of last year, including the area
adjacent to SH130 right of way and areas currently under negotiation with the
property owner regarding a Municipal Management District. He stated that the
schedule shows this annexation to be complete by March 8, 2005. He stated that the Service Plan was included in the Council Packet. There were no persons in
attendance that requested to speak at the public hearing. Mr. Reece moved to
close the public hearing. Mr. Blakeslee seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The motion carried.
3. Public Comment. Mr. Bruce Wood read a letter
thanking the City Council for their service and thanked the Council for
conducting the non-binding referendum on February 5, 2005. Mr. Wood stated that the results and turnout were overwhelming and inspiring and that he hoped this
would carry over into future elections. Mr. Wood stated that the election
demonstrated the voice of the people and called upon the Council to honor the
citizens by respecting the decision. Mr. Wood asked the Council to add an
agenda item to next week’s Council agenda reflecting the citizens’ wishes
regarding the racetrack and to inform the Texas Racing Commission that the
support given last October to the Austin Jockey Club has been withdrawn by the
City Council of Pflugerville.
Reading of the Consent Agenda. Item
6B was removed from the consent agenda to allow for a correction regarding the
size of aerial photos mentioned on page 4, Section M, from 2” to 6”. Ms. Ellis
read the items and ordinance captions under consideration.
4. Approval of Minutes
A. Approval of the minutes of the January 18, 2005
Special Meeting.
B. Approval of the minutes of the January 25, 2005 Work
session and Regular Meeting.
5. Ordinances First Reading
A. First reading regarding the annexation of
approximately 28.504 acres being: 24.188 acres out of the Thomas G. Stewart
Survey No. 6, Abstract No. 669, the John Davis Survey No. 13, Abstract No. 231,
the Sefrin Eiselin Survey No.1, Abstract No. 265, and the Henry Blessing Survey
No 3, Abstract No. 99; and approximately 4.316 acres out of the Sefrin Eiselin
Survey No. 1, Abstract No. 265 and the Henry Blessing Survey No. 3, Abstract
No. 99, to be know as Pfennig / 685 Retail.
Clyde von Rosenberg, AICP, Planning Director
6. Ordinances Second Reading
A. Amendments to Chapter 155, the city-wide Site
Development Code.
Blake Overmyer, Building Official
7. Resolutions
A. Resolution regarding the Atmos Prudence Review (2004).
John Carlton, City Attorney
B. Resolution adopting a schedule for the annexation of
approximately 218.91 acres of land out of the Henry Blessing Survey No. 3,
Abstract 99 and the Thomas G. Stuart Survey No. 6, Abstract 689, Travis County,
Texas, generally located north of Pfennig Lane, east of Heatherwilde Drive,
south of Wilke Lane, and west of F.M. 685.
Clyde von Rosenberg, AICP, Planning Director
8. Other Actions
A. Appointing Connie Gutierrez to the Keep Pflugerville
Beautiful Committee.
Karen Thompson, City Secretary
Action on Consent Agenda. Mr. Blakeslee made a
motion to approve the consent agenda. Mr. Larosche seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion carried.
6B. Second reading amending the Subdivision Code, Chapter 156
adding provisions regarding Conceptual Plans, Preliminary Plans, Final Plats
and park land. Ms. Ellis read the caption of the ordinance. Mr. Blakeslee
moved the second reading of this ordinance be approved with the earlier noted correction.
Mr. Reece seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The motion carried.
9. Ordinances First Reading
A. First reading regarding the rezoning of approximately
28.504 acres being: 24.188 acres out of the Thomas G. Stewart Survey No. 6,
Abstract No. 669, the John Davis Survey No. 13, Abstract No. 231, the Sefrin
Eiselin Survey No.1, Abstract No. 265, and the Henry Blessing Survey No 3,
Abstract No. 99; and approximately 4.316 acres out of the Sefrin Eiselin Survey
No. 1, Abstract No. 265 and the Henry Blessing Survey No. 3, Abstract No. 99 to
be know as Pfennig / 685 Retail, from Agriculture / Conservation (A) to General
Business (GB) or any other district. The property is located northwest of the
intersection of FM 685 and Pfennig Lane. Ms. Ellis read the
caption of the ordinance. Mr. von Rosenberg stated that since the public
hearing, there has been an additional community work group meeting organized by
PfCONA. He stated that the architect from Walmart was in attendance to discuss
the working design of the store. He stated that an initial traffic study
provided by Walmart traffic engineers has been provided and initial comments on
these presentations have been heard. Mr. von Rosenberg stated the City is now
in a position to work with Walmart and come to terms with a development
agreement. Mr. Trey Salinas with the Pflugerville Walmart project team stated
the project was progressing more slowly than was expected and that the team was
working with the work group on development issues. Mr. Salinas stated that
another work group meeting was to be scheduled the next week. Mr. Salinas said
it appeared that the second reading would probably be pushed back to March.
Mr. Salinas stated his team was in attendance and was prepared to answer any
questions. Mr. Blakeslee and Mr. Larosche requested to hear from Mike Heath of
Alliance Transportation regarding the three versus four-lane question for Pfennig Lane. Mr. Heath stated Alliance was tasked to determine what the long-term traffic
issues for Pfennig Lane would be. He explained that Alliance looked at the traffic
projections for Pfennig Lane in 2015. He explained that a three-lane cross
section would work for the majority of the project, but the intersections of
Pfennig and Railroad and Pfennig and FM 685 had long-term needs for a five-lane
cross section to handle the traffic at the intersection as well as any traffic
coming from development across the road at East Pfennig and 685. Mr. Heath
suggested that the roadway be classified as a commercial collector, restricting
the number of driveways able to access on Pfennig Lane in the future years as
development continues to expand. Mr. Heath said the study showed Pfennig would
eventually be an access roadway to the retail on Pfennig and that the extension
of Pflugerville Loop would be the new east/west access. He explained that three
lanes will work in the initial years; but between 2006 and 2010 the
intersection will need a five-lane facility. The Council and City staff
discussed the findings presented by Mr. Heath.
Mr. Randy Duncan asked the City Council to move ahead in
approving the annexation and rezoning of this property. He stated that he believes
it will give a jump start to the commercial development on FM 685 and 130 corridors
and will help begin to shift the tax burden from the taxpayer. Mr. Duncan
thanked all the groups for their participation and for coming together to make
this Walmart a unique project for Pflugerville.
Mr. Rod Reyna spoke on behalf of the community workgroup
that is cooperating with the Walmart development team. Mr. Reyna stated that
the Development Agreement with Walmart that the City staff is waiting on has
not been completed by Walmart at this time. Mr. Reyna requested that members
of the work group be able to view the agreement when it comes to the City staff
and be allowed to make sure the concerns and requests of the citizens have been
addressed. Mr. Reyna offered that an advocate of the work group could be
available to the City staff as they go over the proposed agreement. Mr. Reyna
reported that the Walmart architect presented second renderings and the group
was not satisfied with them so they will be returning with the next set of
renderings very soon. Mr. Blakeslee stated he had attended the last meeting
and complimented the Walmart team and the community work group for their professionalism
in working through these issues.
Mr. Rick Murphy, Director of PCDC, recognized that this
project will be a catalyst for the development of the FM 685/Pfennig area as well
as a commercial district. Mr. Murphy thanked the citizens who are a part of
the work group as well as Trey Salinas and Martin Salinas, Public Affairs
Representatives with Walmart for their willingness to go the extra mile for
Pflugerville.
Mr. Reece moved to approve the rezoning. Mr. Larosche
seconded the motion. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
10. Other Actions
A. Approval of a Pflugerville Community Development
Corporation (PCDC) incentive package and performance agreement for a new
commercial business within the city limits of Pflugerville. Mayor
Callen noted that Mr. Murphy requested this item be discussed in executive session.
At 8:16 p.m., Mayor Callen announced that the City Council would retire to
executive session for deliberation regarding economic development negotiations
pursuant to Chapter 551.086 of the Texas Government Code. She stated that action,
if any, would be taken in open session. Mayor Callen reconvened the meeting in
open session at 8:26 p.m. No action was taken.
Mr. Murphy introduced a new business that is moving to
Pflugerville. The new business is Merit Electric, an electrical service
maintenance firm that plans to build a 6400 square foot building and hire between
50 and 60 employees initially. Merit Electric serves large commercial
businesses providing electrical service maintenance. This company is a firm
located in Houston and this is the new Central Texas office. PCDC is asking the City of Pflugerville to approve an incentive agreement that consists of a
reimbursement of the city’s permitting requirements up to a max of $39,650.00.
The expectation is that the building will be up in approximately 8 to 9 months.
Mr. Blakeslee moved to approve the performance agreement
between PCDC and Merit Electric Company, LTD. Mr. Reece seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The motion carried.
11. Discuss and Consider
A. Downtown retail development. Mayor Callen presented the idea to Council regarding a specific type of development that might
be a good use for the gin property. Mayor Callen stated that multi-story
general merchandise or other type of medium sized retail facility
(approximately 50,000 square feet) could be a perfect possibility for this
plot. Mayor Callen stated that the pros of this type of retail facility would
be that the size would limit the type of goods and services offered and
possibly prevent the retailers from offering the kinds of extra departmental
services such as tire stores, floral departments, pharmacies, banks branches,
photography studios, etc., that are already available in the downtown area.
The Mayor stated she will be presenting this idea to PfCONA and Old Town Neighborhood
Association. The Council discussed generally and agreed that it would be a
plus to have any kind of development in the downtown area, but that this could
be a very involved discussion and would be more appropriate in a work session
setting.
B. Marketing Task Force Update – Mayor Callen reported that the Task Force is working on a branding idea for the City that would
be used by all city groups and hopefully will create a “buzz” in Central Texas about Pflugerville. One idea brought forth by a committee member was a
sticker for car windows that would look like the European Country Pride
Identifier. The Task Force has also discussed creating a website that would be
on the sticker and would lead to a site describing the activities and amenities
in and around Pflugerville. The group hopes this will attract some of the
human interest literature resources such as Texas Monthly that can help get the
word out about the City of Pflugerville. The Council discussed past efforts
using the “PF” and agreed that this was indeed a good idea to play off this
unique part of our name. Mayor Callen presented a list of slogans from the
group. The Council agreed this was not their expertise and they did not have a
strong opinion in this regard.
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement
with Travis County for conducting the City of Pflugerville's May 7, 2005
General Election to include or not include an agreement with the Pflugerville
Independent School District for conducting a joint election.
Mr. Buesing explained the need to begin looking at electronic voting with the
possibility of using Travis County to conduct the May election. Mr. Buesing
explained the proposed cost and the changes that by law have to be implemented
by 2006, adding this would allow our constituents to vote at any Travis County
Election location. The Council decided the cost was prohibitive this year, but
they will be prepared to try and share the election with PISD next year as all
entities would be required by law to go to electronic voting.
D. Proposed Revisions to the Engineering Design
Guidelines and Construction Standards. Mr. Carpenter presented
the most recent changes to the Engineering Design Guidelines. He explained
that the document is going out for public review by 3rd party
reviewers and once that is finished, the completed manual would be brought to Council
for final approval. Mr. Blakeslee questioned the reference to Austin Drainage
Criteria Manual in our manual. Mr. Buesing stated that Austin criteria are
the “local standard” for this item. Council discussed this issue and was
reassured that Engineering would provide any information or rules/regulations
to any builder that had questions.
E. Discussion of Section 155.300 Architectural Standards
of subchapter A of the Site Development Code. Mayor Callen
asked that this item be tabled. The Council agreed to table the item until a
future meeting.
F. Discuss and consider Windermere Utility Company's
proposal to erect an elevated storage tank near the intersection of
Heatherwilde Boulevard and Pecan Street. Mr. Simon reported
that Windermere Utility Company spokesman has said this is still a very
preliminary project. He reported that the proposed water tower is 170’ tall
and will be of the same design as the new tower off of AW Grimes Blvd. with the
monopole design. He stated that the location is directly behind the CVS
Pharmacy. He stated that this tank is needed for pressure and storage. He
stated that the City has offered to furnish this to them. Mr. Simon stated
that this issue will be brought back to the Engineering department.
Mayor Callen stated Mr. Reyna had signed up to speak. Mr.
Reyna asked was there a way for citizens and neighborhoods to be notified of
these types of projects. Mr. Reyna stated that the neighborhood organizations did
not know of this and had not been able to discuss it and plan on attending the
meeting.
Mr. Reyna also asked to speak on Item 11A. Mr. Reyna stated
that Downtown Planning Committee has received a proposal from TWC Architects to
draw together stakeholders of The Gin tract and Pfluger Property, etc. to
discuss the future of their property. Mr. Reyna asked the Council to consider
things that might be included in another proposal to be sent to PCDC that would highlight revitalization of downtown and work with those citizens to develop a
resident friendly environment.
G. Planning for the City's Annual Volunteer Appreciation
Dinner. Ms. Ellis explained the proposed date for the annual
Volunteer Banquet is April 19, 2005 and the budgeted amount for this event is
$10,000. Mr. Blakeslee asked if we could use a Pflugerville business to serve
this meal. Ms. Ellis stated the City does try to use as many Pflugerville
businesses as possible, but that in the past, the issues were ability to cater
a plated meal to the number of guests or the cost was prohibitive.
H. Purchase of real property.
I. Economic development negotiations regarding a proposed
commercial development within the City's Extra Territorial Jurisdiction.
Mayor Callen stated Items H and I would be discussed later
in the meeting in Executive session.
J. Plans for the February 19, 2005 City Council Worksession.
Mayor Callen stated February 19 is scheduled for a half-day Council
retreat. Council discussed the various items that were pressing and could be put
on the agenda in the future. Mr. Blakeslee stated that Council may be at a point
where they need to have worksession on a regular basis. Mayor Callen brought
up the issue of having a Council meeting every Tuesday with the off weeks being
a worksession. Council present were willing to visit this idea as long as a
time limit was imposed on all meetings. Mayor Callen stated this item would be
brought up at a future Council meeting when all members were present.
K. Duties, roles, and responsibilities of Councilmembers
and the Mayor. Mayor Callen requested that this item be tabled
until all Councilmembers were present. The item was to be revisited in a
future meeting.
L. Report on February 2, 2005 meeting with Texas
Department of Transportation (TxDOT) representatives. Mr.
Larosche complimented Mr. Buesing and Mr. Carlton on preparing the agenda for
the meeting. The agenda was broken down into three parts; economic development
issues, future working relationship issues and future road repair issues. The following
was reported regarding the meeting: The group entered the meeting with a
positive, cooperative attitude. The group discussed Pfluger Lane/685 to SH 130
and the City participation with them. Pecan Street was discussed but TxDot did
not offer participation. TxDot did say they hope right of way issues would be
resolved quickly. Working relationships brought about the discussion of CAMPO
and the need for Pflugerville to have a place at the CAMPO meetings. Bob Daigh gave directions regarding who to contact about possibly securing representation for Pflugerville
with the CAMPO Board. Mr. Daigh indicated that his District would be a new
regional district and would be willing to look at new design for urban roadways
in this area.
12. Discuss and Consider Standing Items.
A. Matters related to roads and traffic concerns. There
was no discussion on the item.
B. Matters relating to economic development. There
was no discussion on the item.
13. Administrative Matters.
A. Mayor and City Council comments. Mr. Blakeslee and
Mr. Buesing met with Manville Water and came away with a very positive
outlook. Manville Water would like to have a monthly meeting on the first
Monday of every month. The City agreed to set this up. Manville expressed
their wishes to help the City with fire flow problems that are being
experienced in certain areas.
Mayor Callen remarked about the exciting turnout for the
racetrack referendum. Mayor Callen stated that she will support the outcome of
the referendum and the voice of the citizens that economic development should go
in a different direction. Mayor Callen also reminded the group of the Town
Hall meeting to be held on Wednesday, February 9 at Pflugerville High School and the Chat with Cat on Wednesday, February 16, 11:30 at Mom’s Café. Mayor Callen stated she will be discussing becoming a candidate for Council and explaining
the process.
B. City Manager comments. Mr. Buesing stated that Suite 500 had been painted by a city employee with paint donated by citizens. Mr. Buesing
stated meetings have been held regarding the Pony League from Round Rock and
their use of the soccer fields and they have turned out well. Mr. Reece is
working with the ESD to set up meetings with the Council. Mr. Buesing told the
Council that Pflugerville residents, Bill and Janet Norwood were recognized in
President Bush’s State of the Union Address. Their son Byron, who lost his
life in Fallujah last November, has become the inspiration for a group of local
citizens to begin the process of erecting a Fallen Soldiers Memorial in
Pflugerville. Mr. Buesing also informed the group that Library Director, Lee
Sparks, has resigned and has accepted a position with the library in Rowlett.
H. and I. Mayor Callen announced that the City Council was
retiring to Executive Session at 9:55 p.m. for the purpose of consultation with
legal counsel pursuant to Chapter 551.071 of the Texas Government Code;
discussion of personnel matters pursuant to Chapter 551.074 of the Texas
Government Code; and/or real estate acquisition pursuant to Chapter 551.072 of
the Texas Government Code deliberation regarding economic development
negotiations pursuant to Chapter 551.086 of the Texas Government Code. She
stated that action, if any, would be taken in open session.
Mayor reconvened the meeting in open session at 11:05 p.m. No action was taken.
H. Purchase of real property. Mr. Larosche moved to
authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents to complete the
purchase of the following property: Westerly 3 feet of Lot 4 and all of Lot 5
Block A, Town of Pflugerville, an addition in Travis County Texas, according to
the map or plat thereof recorded in Book 2, page 156 of the plat records of
Travis County Texas. Mr. Reece seconded the motion. All voted in favor.
Motion carried.
C. Future agenda items. Mayor Callen stated there
would be a meeting on February 15, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. to canvass the votes. The main work session agenda item for February 19 will be residential
development. Capital improvements and downtown development will be on the
agenda, but will only be discussed if the residential issue is settled. Agenda
items for the February 22 meeting are as follows: Site Development Code; Duties
and Roles of City Council and Mayor; Discuss/Consider when work session on
Downtown, Ballot language for parkland disposition.
14.
Adjourn. There being no further business, Mr. Reece moved to adjourn
the meeting, and Mr. Blakeslee seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The
meeting was adjourned at 11:10 p.m.
Respectfully
submitted,
Kathy
Ellis
Assistant City
Secretary
Accepted
as presented on February 22, 2005.
