REGULAR MEETING APRIL 17, 2001

 

A. CALL TO ORDER: The regular meeting of the City of Hilshire Village was called to order by Mayor Jane Fisher on April 17, 2001 at 7:30 PM at 1003 Wirt Road, Suite 103, Houston, Texas. Invocation was given by Jane Fisher. Present were Councilmembers Connie Castro, Jerry Riley, Vernon Kahanek and Robin Border. Mayor Pro-tem Denninger arrived at 7:37 PM.

Mayor Fisher presented the previously distributed minutes of March 20, 2001. Councilman Border said that phrase "is idle" should be added after "...6" vault" in second paragraph, page 3. Mayor Fisher said on Page 1, last paragraph, storage "within" 48 hours should be used instead "of 48 hours". It was moved by Councilmember Castro, seconded by Councilmember Riley that minutes be approved with changes, and it passed 5-0.

B. REPORTS TO COUNCIL:

1. Police : Detective Gary Finkelman distributed the March 2001 report to Council and citizens. There were 62 calls. Fourteen alarm calls were made, and two thefts of purses from unlocked cars at Holy Cross Lutheran Church.

2. Treasurer’s Report : Cheryl Wolfe, Treasurer, gave the March 2001 report for the General Fund. Revenues were $14,000 with expenses of $79,000, giving a net loss of $65,000. Year to date revenues were $480,000, with expenses of $249,000, giving a net income of $231,000. Total assets were $1,500,000, of which $780,000 is Metro monies. The Treasurer also gave her quarterly investment report for the General Fund. The two Certificates of Deposit total $318, 023.84. The CD1 has a maturity date of 6/5/01, and CD2 has a maturity date of 6/24/01. The detailed Investment Report will be filed for record.

3. Fire Commissioner: Tom Archer, Fire Commissioner, was absent.

C. ACTION ONLY

1. Consent Agenda: Mayor Fisher presented the Consent Agenda. It was moved by Mayor Pro-tem Denninger, seconded by Councilmember Riley that it be accepted as presented, and it passed 5-0.

D. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING:

1 Set date for Canvass of Votes ( May 8 - 11th). : After some discussion, it was moved by Mayor Pro-tem Denninger, seconded by Councilman Border that date of canvass of votes be May 8, 2001 at 6:30 PM., and it passed 5-0.

2. Appointment of Treasurer: The Mayor read a resume’ from Mitzi McCorvey , of No. 10 Hickory Shadows, giving her accounting background and experience, and recommended that Council approve the appointment as a replacement of Treasurer Cheryl Wolfe, whose resignation is effective May 15, 2001. It was moved by Councilmember Riley, seconded by Mayor Pro-tem Denninger that Council approve of appointment of Mitzi McCorvey as Treasurer, and it passed 5-0.

3. Approval of Board of Adjustment Procedure Rules: Council had previously been given copies of updated Rules. These rules had not been updated since 1965, and procedure had changed in that time. The City Attorney had been consulted and confirmed these new rules complied with Zoning Ordinance 108. It was moved by Mayor Pro-tem Denninger, seconded by Councilman Border they be approved, and it passed 5-0.

 

 

 

4. Adoption of 2000 Codes, Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire and Sprinkler

BUILDING CODE:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 3 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF HILSHIRE VILLAGE, TEXAS, BY REPEALING ARTICLE 3.100 AND SUBSTITUTING A NEW ARTICLE 3.100, ADOPTING THE "INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE," 2000 EDITION (NON-RESIDENTIAL), AS PUBLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL, INC.; REGULATING THE CONSTRUCTION, ALTERATION, ENLARGEMENT, REPLACEMENT, AND REPAIR OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES; PROVIDING CERTAIN AMENDMENTS AND DELETIONS TO SAID INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE; ESTABLISHING FEES FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS; PROVIDING A PENALTY OF AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,000 FOR EACH VIOLATION OF ANY PROVISION HEREOF; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT OR IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY.

ELECTRICAL CODE:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 3 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF HILSHIRE VILLAGE, TEXAS, BY REPEALING ARTICLE 3.1000 AND SUBSTITUTING A NEW ARTICLE 3.1000, ADOPTING THE "NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE," 1999 EDITION, AS PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION, INC.; REGULATING THE INSTALLATION, ALTERATION, AND REPAIR OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF SAID CODE; PROVIDING A PENALTY OF AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,000 FOR EACH DAY OF VIOLATION OF ANY PROVISION HEREOF; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT OR IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY.

MECHANICAL CODE:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 3 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF HILSHIRE VILLAGE, TEXAS, BY REPEALING ARTICLE 3.900 AND SUBSTITUTING A NEW ARTICLE 3.900, ADOPTING THE "INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE," 2000 EDITION, AS PUBLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL, INC.; REGULATING THE INSTALLATION, ALTERATION, AND REPAIR OF MECHANICAL SYSTEMS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, VENTILATION, HEATING, COOLING, REFRIGERATION, AND RELATED SYSTEMS; PROVIDING CERTAIN AMENDMENTS AND DELETIONS TO SAID INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE; ESTABLISHING DELETIONS TO SAID INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE; ESTABLISHING FEES FOR THE ISSUANCE OF VARIOUS PERMITS; PROVIDING A PENALTY OF AN AMOUNT NOT T0 EXCEED $2,000 FOR EACH DAY OF VIOLATION OF ANY PROVISION HEREOF; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT OR IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY.

 

PLUMBING CODE:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 3 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF HILSHIRE VILLAGE, TEXAS, BY REPEALING ARTICLE 3.800 AND SUBSTITUTING A NEW ARTICLE 3.800, ADOPTING THE "INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE," 2000 EDITION, AS PUBLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL, INC.; REGULATING THE INSTALLATION, ALTERATION, AND REPAIR OF PLUMBING SYSTEMS; PROVIDING CERTAIN AMENDMENTS AND DELETIONS TO SAID INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE; ESTABLISHING FEES FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS; PROVIDING A PENALTY OF AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,000 FOR EACH VIOLATION OF ANY PROVISION HEREOF; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT OR IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY.

FIRE CODE:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 5 THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 5 THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF HILSHIRE VILLAGE, TEXAS, BY DELETING ALL OF SECTIONS 5.101, 5.102, AND 5.103 OF ARTICLE 5.100 OF CHAPTER 5 THEREOF AND SUBSTITUTING THEREFOR NEW SECTIONS 5.101 AND 5.102; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION

OF THE "INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE, 2000 EDITION," AS PUBLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL, INC.; PROVIDING REGULATIONS RELATING TO BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES, PREMISES, AND ACTIVITIES, WHICH SAFEGUARD FROM THE HAZARDS OF FIRE AND EXPLOSION; PROVIDING CERTAIN AMENDMENTS TO SAID INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE RELATING TO OPEN BURNING, SPRINKLER SYSTEMS, STANDPIPE SYSTEMS, SMOKE DETECTION DEVICES, FIREWORKS AND STORAGE OF FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS; PROVIDING A PENALTY OF AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2000 FOR VIOLATION OF ANY PROVISION HEREOF; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT OR IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY.

SPRINKLER ORDINANCE:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF HILSHIRE VILLAGE, TEXAS, BY DELETING ALL OF SECTIONS (A) AND (B) OF ARTICLE 5.400 OF CHAPTER 5 THEREOF AND PROVIDING NEW SECTIONS 5.401 AND 5.402; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF NFPA 13, 13D, 13R, 1996 EDITION STANDARDS, FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS AS APPROVED BY THE NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION, INC.; PROVIDING RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS; PROVIDING AMENDMENTS TO NFPA 13D; PROVIDING A PENALTY OF AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,000 FOR EACH DAY OF VIOLATION OF ANY PROVISION HEREOF; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY.

The Engineer for the City, Jack Murphy, said that this "international" edition was put together so that a uniform standard would be available. These codes combined many other building codes into one joint code for ease of understanding and enforcement, and in addition the other codes would go out of print. It was moved by Councilmember Castro that all six ordinances be approved at once, seconded by Councilmember Riley, and it passed 5-0..

E. DISCUSSION:

1. Irrigation needs at entrance Beds: Councilmember Castro presented a proposed plan for irrigation at the entrances to Hilshire Village. She felt it should be a joint effort between City and the Civic Club. The Civic Club had paid for all landscaping to date, and she felt that improving entrances would benefit all. Residents close to entrances, and many other volunteers had provided water for plant growth, but that it was unfair to expect homeowners to water all the time. She had secured information from the City engineer. It was thought the city could put direct taps into main water line at the 3 main entrances (she had bid for $2300) and in turn the Civic Club could install irrigation/sprinkler system in the beds (cost $1,100) and she calculated that plants and maintenance would cost about $1,000 annually. Councilmember Riley said she said she was in favor of this project.

Mayor Fisher said she was in favor of this project also, but had consulted with the City Attorney for his input, and she wished for the record that the following statement be inserted in the Minutes.:

"The budget constraints in accordance with Budget laws, Chapter 102 of the local Government Code, are such that this project cannot be added to this year’s budget. There is no line item which it will fit. There is no emergency to do this project. The project is not one the City NEEDS to do.

As the Officer responsible for the Budget, I cannot allow the city to be in a position that could be challenged by a lawsuit in which the City would have no defense. This project could be placed in next year’s budget.

s/s Jane Fisher, Mayor"

2. Report of Property Study: Mayor Fisher said that she had met with Councilmember Castro, David Alexander, an Architect, and Greg Post, Real Estate Business owner on March 21, 2001 at the City office to discuss availability of lease and purchase sites for use as a city hall. Councilmember Castro had looked at one section of Jeff Well’s Music Media business on Westview, which was about 1300 s.f. and has parking space. The interior would require extensive remodeling and no sales price was quoted. Mr. Alexander had presented a rough draft of city hall space requirements (approximately 1600 s.f.) He suggested possibilities to consider: rent offices space only and rent meeting space as needed; build a new building with parking at minimum cost of $200,000, buy and remodel an existing building; move building onto existing site and remodel. Mr. Post commented there are lease/purchase properties available in the area, but not near Hilshire Village. The vacant lot at Pine Creek Lane and Westview is for sale, and there might be lease space in the Bell Tower Center. Current interest rate on loans is 9%.

Some financial concerns that the City needs to resolve, such as what monies are available to spend for property, what can the city afford to pay for a City Hall, and how will be the revenue be raised to repay a loan. In summary, action should be considered on the following:

1. Buy a site for City Hall or continue leasing

2. Include Purchase Funds in next year’s budget if action is approved to buy a City Hall site.

3. Set up a Capitol Fund for payment

4. Research ways to provide funds to pay for purchase

5. Select a date to begin purchase process after financial plan has been established.

Further research will be done.

 

 

 

 

 

F. CITIZENS COMMENTS `Bill Bristow (1233 Pine Chase Drive) wanted to know if recycling had been discontinued, as his recycling had not been picked up. He also wanted to know if any action had been taken on installation of more street lights. Vicki Tucker (1214 Glourie Drive) wanted to know where last year’s Independence Festival trophy was.

G.. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilman Kahanek said he had flushed fire hydrants

this Tuesday, including Monarch School, and they requested that he flush on Mondays instead, as play area would be too wet for children’s projects outside, so he will oblige. Also, he had attended his Class C license requirements, and said in class the instructor said as of June lst, the EPA would require filtering and certification from plants to assure safety. Councilman Border said billing company needed to correct spelling of "Hillshire"" on billing statements. Mayor Fisher said that Mario Dell’Osso, Attorney for the City, notified City of increase in attorney’s fees. His fee would be $195.00 per hour effective April 1, 2001.

H. ADJOURNMENT: It was moved by Councilman Border, seconded by Councilmember Riley that meeting be adjourned. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.

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ATTEST: Jane Fisher, Mayor

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Claudia Bammel, City Secretary