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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - Regular - 7/15/1997CITY OF LUBBOCK REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 15, 1997 COMMITTEE ROOM 103 8:00 A.M. The City Council of the City of Lubbock, Texas met in regular session on the 15th day of July, 1997 in the City Council Chambers, first floor, City Hall, 1625 13th Street, Lubbock, Texas, at 8:00 A.M. Present: Mayor Windy Sitton, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Cooke, Councilmember Victor Hernandez, Councilmember David Nelson, Councilmember Max Ince, City Manager Bob Cass, City Attorney Anita Burgess, and City Secretary Kaythie Darnell. Councilmember T. J. Patterson arrived at 8:10 AM. Councilmember Randy Neugebauer arrived at 8:30 AM. Absent: None 8:03 AM CITY COUNCIL CONVENES Committee Room 103, 1625 13th Street, Lubbock, Texas Mayor Sitton stated the Council will be holding an Executive Session in accordance with V.T.C.A. Government Code, Section 551.072 to discuss the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property (Electric Utilities, Solid Waste), and in accordance with V.T.C.A. Government Code, Section 551.071 to discuss pending or contemplated litigation (Police Department, Water Utilities). Major Accomplishments Summary was given by Bob Cass, City Manager. Cost Recovery Update was presented by Debra Forte, First Assistant City Manager. Councilmember Ince questioned if the eleven million quoted by Ms. Forte was hard costs or soft cost recovery. Ms. Forte responded that the rate increases "would have been" implemented thus calculated into cost recovery calculations. Mayor Sitton questioned if staff, at some point, discourages some conventions as a result of cost efficiencies. Mr. Cass stated that this issue is under going assessment. Councilmember Hernandez encouraged staff to approach cost recovery from all aspects: holistic approach. Also, Council - member Hernandez stated his concern for groups who cannot speak for themselves; thus, he encouraged the use of "models" for evaluation. Councilmember Neugebauer encouraged staff to go to second gear as to cost recovery efforts. Neugebauer stated that it was not wise to borrow money for maintenance purposes. 1 City Council Minutes July 15, 1997 Page 2 Mr. Cass stated that the problem areas have resulted in contracts needing to be revisited primarily. Councilmember Cooke stated that swimming pools can be privatized. First, we need to know what formula worked elsewhere; yes, we continue to ask the questions. Councilmember Neugebauer stated that there is no reason to ask the questions if staff softens their position. Yes, ask the questions, should positives outweigh negatives, then press forward. Councilmember Hernandez stated that staff could ask the questions and City Council decides to follow through or not. Councilmember Nelson asked that educational devices be in place to educate the community affected to assist with removing the element of fear. Councilmember Ince believes in practical user fees and agrees with Councilmember Nelson as to education. Ince believes that staff needs to move forward because when council becomes involved, often the position weakens. Councilmember Hernandez stated that he is uncomfortable with staff charging the hill because it is Council's decision to study case by case; cost recovery must be equitable. 9:30 AM CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING RECESSES 9:50 AM CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING RECONVENES Councilmember Patterson asked about the Youth Council Goal. Bob Cass stated that the proposed budget reflected 1 % TMRS. Currently TMRS is 6 %, and 7 % is allowed by state which would assist in creating a more competitive package for police officers. Councilmember Neugebauer noted that he would support the recommendation by the chief. Councilmember Nelson asked as to sales tax formula; what happens to surplus which seems to be inevitable. Councilmember Hernandez noted his concern of "caps" being placed in funding, such as 2.1 million to technical center. Hernandez stated that he would like to see a vote on the sales tax issue vs. depleting dollars into economic development. Councilmember Hernandez stated his desire for another community college. Councilmember Ince stated the 3/8 cent sales tax needs to go to economic development which would establish a cap and dedicated revenue system. Currently, the city is robbing Peter to pay Paul. Ince stated that a previous rate was tied to the multi -purpose arena with only 750 votes blocking the sales tax. 2 City Council Minutes July 15, 1997 Page 3 Councilmember Nelson stated that the community had voted for the Department of Defense Center because it created jobs. Councilmember Hernandez questioned the practice of spending surplus vs. setting aside funds for Lake Alan Henry project in 40 years or so. Councilmember Nelson asked for a cost comparison for the fleet consolidation. Mayor Sitton asked Mr. Cass if there was long range planning. Mr. Cass responded in the affirmative 11:32 AM CITY COUNCIL RECESSES TO EXECUTIVE SESSION City Council/City Manager's Conference Room 1:30 PM CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING RECONVENES Market Lubbock, Inc. M.E.T.T.S. 3:50 PM CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING RECESSES 4:05 PM CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING RECONVENES Municipal Court Reese Redevelopment Authority 5:31 PM ADJOURN Jt ir WINDY SIT, ON, MAYOR ATTEST: ayt i Darnell, City Secretary Read and approved this of , 1997. WINDY SIT N, MAYOR v ATTEST: Kay ie arne , MiSecretary 9