HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - Regular - 5/24/2001CITY OF LUBBOCK
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
May 24, 2001
8:00 A. M.
The City Council of the City of Lubbock, Texas met in regular session on the 24th
day of May, 2001, in The Canyon House, The County Line of Lubbock, Route 3,
Box 308, approximately one-half west of I-27 on FM 2641, Lubbock, Texas 79401
at 8:00 A. M.
8:05 A. M. CITY COUNCIL CONVENED
City Council Chambers, The Canyon House, The County Line of
Lubbock, Route 3, Box 308, Lubbock, Texas.
Present: Mayor Windy Sitton Mayor Pro Tem. Alex "Ty" Cooke,
Councilmember Victor Hernandez, Councilmember Frank Morrison,
Councilmember Marc McDougal, Councilmember David Nelson, and
Councilmember T.J. Patterson
Mayor Sitton called the meeting to order at 8:05 A. M.
City Manager Bob Cass made comments to the Council and
introduced Jim Bertram.
8:15 A.M. Councilmember Hernandez left the dais.
(I.) Councilmember T. J. Patterson gave the invocation.
( 2.) Pledge of Allegiance was given in unison by those present at the
meeting.
(3) Strategic Planning Update"What We Have Accomplished".
Jim Bertram gave a presentation updating the City Council on the
progress the City has made on issues that the Council instructed staff to
work on following the Goal Setting Session on January 25, 2000.
( 4•) Setting the Stage/Overview"What We Hope To Accomplish Today".
( 5•) Economic/Financial Report- -"Resources Expected & Available".
City Manager Bob Cass and First Assistant City Manager Debra Forte'
discussed the economic/financial possibilities for the City.
9:35 A.M. CITY COUNCIL RECESSED
10:00 A.M. CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED
Councilmember Hernandez returned to the meeting.
( 6•) Long Range Financial Planning -General Fund Rate Model.
City Manager Bob Cass and First Assistant City Manager Debra Forte'
discussed the long range financial planning.
( 7.) Community Improvement4Vorking Toward a Better Lubbock.
Working toward a better Lubbock has always been at the forefront of
decision making for city councils. There are several opportunities for
improvements through different revenue streams like bond elections,
annual capital projects, public/private partnerships, and other types of
revenue sources. There are also other ways to improve the community
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May 24, 2001
Page 352
through enforcement of various codes and ordinances aimed at improving
the aesthetics in neighborhoods and in the business community.
Over the past several years, staff has worked on the completion of the
Broadway Streetscape, developing the Depot District, Canyon Lakes
System, and other improvements including park developments and
attractions like the Omnimax and the Windmill Center. Future projects
include the Regis Corridor Greenbelt, the City and Texas Tech
University and 19`' Street joint Streetscape Project, 34`' Street
Improvement, and other similar projects aimed at improving Lubbock's
image to citizens and visitors.
Along with focusing on these projects, we also focus our efforts on
enforcing City ordinances. There have been complaints on both sides
regarding enforcement; some citizens feel we are too lenient while others
feel we could stand to be more stringent in our enforcement. Should the
bar be raised on our existing enforcement standards? Is this considered a
part of our overall plan to work toward a better Lubbock for citizens and
visitors?
Assistant City Manager Tommy Gonzales made the presentation to the
Council.
Karen Malouf, Keep Lubbock Beautiful (KLB), addressed the Council
concerning areas KLB is looking at regarding enforcing the codes.
Staff recommended that Council consider whether staff should continue
to focus on identifying projects that improve Lubbock's image, look at
how we enforce codes violations, and whether a citizen committee or
staff recommendation should be forthcoming in order to address these
topics.
First Assistant City Attorney Forte' recommended that citizens'
suggestions be incorporated.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Sitton stated the Council would hold an executive session in
accordance with the V.T.C.A. Government Code, Section 551 to
deliberate, vote and take final action on electric rates of Lubbock Power
and Light (Electric Utilities); to discuss, vote, and take final action on a
competitive matter regarding financial planning, policies, studies,
analyses of Lubbock Power and Light (Electric Utilities); to discuss,
vote, and take final action on a competitive matter regarding operation
and capital statements and budgets, improvements plans, revenue and
expense projections, strategic and business plans and studies of Lubbock
Power and Light (Electric Utilities); to discuss pending or contemplated
litigation (Finance).
12:10 P. M. CITY COUNCIL RECESSED TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Canyon House
All councilmembers were present.
(8.) Hold an executive session in accordance with V.T.C.A. Government
Code, Section 551.086 to deliberate, vote and take final action on
electric rates of Lubbock Power and Light (Electric Utilities).
(9.) Hold an executive session in accordance with V.T.C.A. Government
Code, Section 551.086 to discuss, vote and take final action on a
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May 24, 2001
Page 353
competitive matter regarding financial planning, policies, studies,
analyses, of Lubbock Power and Light (Electric Utilities).
(10.) Hold an executive session in accordance with V.T.C.A. Government
Code, Section 551.086 to discuss, vote and take final action on a
competitive matter regarding operation and capital statements and
budgets, improvement plans, revenue and expense projections, strategic
and business plans and studies of Lubbock Power and Light (Electric
Utilities).
(11.) Hold an executive session in accordance with V.T.C.A. Government
Code, Section 551.071(1)(A) to discuss pending or contemplated
litigation (Finance).
1:25 P.M. EXECUTIVE SESSION RECESSED.
1:30 P. M. CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING RECONVENED
City Council Chambers
Present: Mayor Windy Sitton, Mayor Pro Tem Alex "Ty" Cooke,
Councilmember Victor Hernandez, Councilmember Marc
McDougal, Councilmember Frank Morrison, Councilmember T. J.
Patterson; Bob Cass, City Manager; and by Rebecca Garza, City
Secretary.
Absent: Councilmember Nelson had stepped away.
Mayor Sitton called the meeting to order at 1:30 P. M.
Motion was made by Councilmember Patterson, seconded by
-- Councilmember Morrison to approve Items 12-15 as recommended by
staff. Motion carried: 6 Yeas, 0 Nays.
(12.) Ordinance No. 2001-00040 - Presenting information on revised
budget for FY 2000-2001 and proposed calendar for FY 2001-2002,
making changes in the FY 2000-01 budget of the City of Lubbock for
government purposes (first reading).
ORDINANCE NO. 2001-00040
AN ORDINANCE MAKING CHANGES IN THE FY 2000-01 BUDGET OF
THE CITY OF LUBBOCK FOR GOVERNMENT PURPOSES; AND
Staff presented revised budget for fiscal year 2000-2001 for the General
Fund and Enterprise Funds as well as Capital Projects. A summary
overview by fund was provided.
In addition, the calendar for the upcoming fiscal year 2001-2002 budget
work sessions was presented. Although the council work session dates
have been confirmed on Council member calendars, this will provide a
quick review of the process and dates.
Staff recommended approval. An ordinance has been placed on the
Council agenda for Council action.
(13.) Ordinance No. 2001-00041 authorizing the issuance of $35,000,000
"City of Lubbock, Texas, Tax and Municipal Drainage Utility
System Surplus Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2001" and
all necessary documents related to the issuance (first reading).
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ORDINANCE NO. 2001-00041
AN ORDINANCE authorizing the issuance of "CITY OF LUBBOCK,
TEXAS, TAX AND MUNICIPAL DRAINAGE UTILITY SYSTEM SURPLUS
REVENUE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION, SERIES 2001"; specifying the
terms and features of said certificates; providing for the payment of said certificates of
obligation by the levy of an ad valorem tax upon all taxable property within the City
and a lien on and pledge of the net revenues from the operation of the City's
Municipal Drainage Utility System; and resolving other matters incident and related to
the issuance, sale, security, payment and delivery of said certificates, including the
approval of a Paying Agent/Registrar Agreement and Purchase Contract and the
approval and distribution of an Official Statement; and providing an effective date.
On May 10, 2001, City Council approved the first step in the issuance
process. Resolution #2001-R0172 dated May 10, 2001 was to approve
and authorize publication of Notice of Intention to Issue and Notice of
Sale with respect to the issuance of the Certificates of Obligation.
The second reading of this bond ordinance is scheduled for June 14,
2001. The City will sell these bonds on a negotiated basis. The City
will negotiate a purchase price for the bonds with the City's chosen
underwriters at the time of sale.
City Council will be asked to award the bonds as well as approve the
second reading of the ordinance and make final approval of all necessary
documents related to the issuance at the June 14, 2001 meeting.
As this action is necessary to proceed with the bond issuance, staff
recommended passage of this ordinance.
(14.) Resolution No. 2001-R00195 considering approving and authorizing
publication of "Notice of Sale" of "City of Lubbock, Texas, Electric
Light & Power System Revenue Bonds, Series 2001" in an amount
not to exceed $9,300,000.
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-RO195
A RESOLUTION approving and authorizing publication of notice of sale with respect
to revenue bonds.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Lubbock, Texas, has determined to issue
electric light and power system revenue bonds in the principal amount of $9,300,000
and, in connection therewith, the sale of such bonds is to be advertised in a newspaper
once a week for a period of 30 days; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LUBBOCK,
TEXAS: The City Secretary is hereby authorized and directed to cause a notice of sale
relating to the sale of electric light and power system revenue bonds to be published
once a week for a period of thirty (30) days; such notice of sale to read substantially in
the form and content of Exhibit A hereto attached and incorporated herein by reference
as a part of this resolution for all purposes.
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PASSED AND APPROVED, this May 24, 2001.
CITY OF LUBBOCK, TEXAS
/s/ WINDY SITTON
MAYOR
ATTEST:
/s/ Rebecca Garza
City Secretary (by Brenda Brown)
The proceeds from the sale of this bond issuance will be used for
Electric Light and Power System improvements including construction of
a substation, overhead and underground distribution improvements,
transmission system improvements, acquisition of equipment and to pay
the costs of issuance associated with the bonds.
As this action is the first necessary step to proceed with this bond
issuance, staff recommended passage of this resolution. Pricing date is
set for July 10, 2001.
(15.) Resolution No. 2001-RO196 considering approving the updated City
of Lubbock Financial Policies.
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-RO196
WHEREAS, the City of Lubbock has an important responsibility to its citizens
to carefully account for public funds, prudently manage municipal finances, and plan
for the adequate funding of services desired by the public; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the financial policies is to enable the City to achieve a
long-term stable and positive financial condition by exercising integrity, prudence,
responsible stewardship, planning accountability, and full and continuous disclosure;
NOW THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LUBBOCK:
THAT the attached City of Lubbock, Texas, Financial Policies, which are
incorporated in this resolution and included in the minutes of the Council as set forth in
their entirety, shall be adopted as the official financial policies for the City of Lubbock.
Passed by the City Council this 24th day of May, 2001.
/s/ WINDY SITTON
WINDY SITTON, MAYOR
ATTEST:
/s/ Rebecca Garza
Rebecca Garza, City Secretary (by Brenda Brown)
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
/s/ Andy Burcham
Andy Burcham, Cash & Debt Manager
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APPROVED AS TO FORM:
/s/ John M. Knight
John M. Knight, Assistant City Attorney
A copy of City of Lubbock, Texas, Financial Policies is filed with Resolution No.
2001-R0196.
The City of Lubbock has an important responsibility to prudently manage
the financial activities of the City. Policies have been identified and
documented to enable the City to achieve a long-term stable and positive
financial condition. The policies provide for the exercising of integrity,
prudence, responsible stewardship, planning accountability and full and
continuous disclosure. Those policies were first approved by the City
Council in December 1996.
A recent review of those financial policies revealed some wording
changes and minor changes in practices that needed to be updated.
Current practices in the issuance of debt were described and provided in
the form of a debt policy document. The proposed debt policy and a
marked up version of the December 1996 policy document were
provided to City Council members for review at the City Council goals
retreat. The proposed changes need to be made to update the current
policy document.
Staff recommends passage of the resolution.
Councilmember Nelson returned.
(16.) Public Safety Issues-PSA's on Domestic Violence Video, Crime
Rate/Jail.
Presentation by Chief of Police Ken Walker, Sheriff David Gutierrez,
and Criminal District Attorney Bill Sowder on methods developed and
implemented to deal with current trends in the crime rate and current
City/County Jail issues.
Paul Scarbrough and Lt. Kelly Rhode also spoke to the Council.
(17.) This item was deleted.
3:30 P.M. Council recessed for break
3:40 P.M. Council reconvened
(18.) Economic Development -CIF, LRRA, LISD.
In the past several goal setting sessions, Council has consistently
identified economic development as its top priority. Staff continues to
work under that assumption.
During today's session, staff focused on three areas of economic
development:
1. Community Investment Fund The citizens task force chaired by
Barry Orr had strongly recommended that we seek annualized
funding of approximately $10 million for this fund. Staff will be
prepared to speak to the current amount of funding and would
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like some direction from Council as to whether or not this is a
realistic target.
2. LRRA —Debbie Forte' has continued to work with the Reese
Authority Board and staff in an attempt to precisely define their
funding needs over the next few years. Staff was prepared to
review those with the City Council. The most immediate area of
concern is funding for fire protection purposes, especially in light
of anticipated development at the Center.
Forte' briefed the Council on LRRA financial plan. Delbert
McDougal also participated in the discussion.
3. LISD Numerous school districts lie within our corporate city
limits, but the largest single school entity is LISD. Given LISD's
impact on the community, and given the fact that they did
experience a fairly substantial enrollment "out flow" last year, the
Mayor felt that it would be a good idea to invite the chairman of
the School Board (or his designee) to make a presentation to the
Lubbock City Council regarding the District's needs and future
plans. Many of the economic development initiatives which the
City undertakes (abatements, freeport tax exemptions, etc.) would
be more effective were the District able to participate, but LISD
does have funding constraints which often make this difficult.
Bob Cass, City Manager, briefed the Council. Also included in
the discussion were Mark Griffin, a School Board Member and
Jack Clemmons, Superintendent for LISD.
At this point, the staff has no specific recommendations for
Council. However, the staff is interested in input on all three
areas to assist in developing our long-term economic development
funding strategies.
(19.) Council Agenda Setting for Phase II Goal Setting Meeting.
(20.) Wrap -Up, Q & A.
Ideas were suggested as follows:
Mayor Sitton
1. Look at developing Lubbock Airport as a Hub.
2. Performing Arts Center - possibily partnering with TTU, City
of Lubbock and private organizations.
Councilmember Hernandez
1. Residential tax abatement issue.
2. Extension of Ports -to -Plains Initiative - trying to position City of
Lubbock as a distribution center.
Councilmember Nelson
1. Be conscious of our image. Lubbock doesn't have a negative
image. It is just not known.
2. Continuing to encourage partnering with other entities in
Lubbock, such as LISD, Market Lubbock, Inc., etc.
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3. Lubbock Power and Light
4. 34`' Street project
5. Community Park
Mayor Sitton
Canyon Lakes Project
Councilmember Morrison _
1. Vatican Exhibit - make greater effort to market Lubbock before
and during this time.
2. Competitive labor markets - Look at ways to implement
technology in places where we have employees doing it.
Councilmember Patterson
1. Invite Youth Commission Students to visit with Council at next
goals session.
4:55 P.M. COUNCIL ADJOURNED
There being no further business to come before Council, motion was
made by Councilmember Morrison, seconded by Councilmember
Patterson to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried: 6 Yeas, 0 Nays.
(Councilmember McDougal had stepped away).
Read and approved this - day of , 916b1 .
/s/ Windy Sitton
WINDY SITTON, MAYOR
ATTEST:
Rebe ca Garza, City Secretary
KK-11