City Council Minutes

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MAY 15, 2007

CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Robin S. Border called the regular meeting of the City of Hilshire Village Council to order at 7:33 P M at 8301 Westview, Houston, Texas. Invocation was given by Connie Castro. Present were Council members Connie Castro, Brian Henault, Zandra Anderson, Mayor Pro-tem John Denninger and Shannon Whiting. Also present was Efrain Him of Claunch & Miller, Inc., (CMI) Engineers for the City.

Mayor Border presented the minutes of the Special Meeting of April 12, 2007. It was moved by Denninger, seconded by Castro that minutes be approved with correction:
“..the proposal that CMI commence final design of lift station as a separate item was unanimously defeated”, and motion carried. Minutes of Regular meeting of April 17 were presented. Castro moved they be approved, seconded by Anderson, and motion carried. The minutes of the Special meeting of May 3, 2007 were presented and Denninger moved they be accepted with change that “there would be no supplemental bid. Total bid was for $9,350”, seconded by Henault, and motion carried.

CITIZENS COMMENTS/PUBLIC FORUM: Mrs. Jean Bravenec (8010 Burkhart) addressed the Council regarding the conditions left by the contractor for 1209 Pine Chase outfall. She said it was “a disaster”. Photos were shown to Council. Contractor had mis-handled the work and turned a natural ravine into a “gorge”. The natural vegetation had been disturbed, and she wanted a proper solution. (See Engineer’s report under item 3.4 below). Don DeTata (1314 Bridle Spur) distributed a draft of an agreement to allow for some residents to pay for the costs of others who desire not to pay in regard to Bridle Spur residents’ dedication to the City. This was prepared by his attorney for input. Mrs. Janet Wourms (8201 Burkhart) was also concerned about retaining the natural state of the ravine of Pine Chase, and would like a landscape architect and urban forester to attend the next meeting of the Ridgeley Improvement Project.

REPORTS TO COUNCIL:
    3.1. Police: Detective Gary Finkelman distributed his written report for April 2007. There were 11 alarm calls. Two traffic tickets were issued. There was a burglary of a building. The Spa due Village at 8389 Westview had some gift or boutique items stolen. Total calls for service numbered 59.

    3.2. Fire Commissioner: No report.

    3.3. Treasurer: Year to date revenues for April 2007 General Fund were $588,960.18 with expenses of $370,002.81. Year to date for Utility Fund revenues were $130,201.25 with expenses of $172,862.81.

    3.4 Engineers: Efrain Him of CMI had previously distributed his report. (1) 1209 Pine Chase Drive drainage outfall): Olson & Olson sent TEK Holdings a letter declaring them in default of their contract due to non-response. CMI coordinated with three contractors to request bids to complete this project. The City and J&V Utilities signed a new contract. Work will commence week of May 14th. (2) Ridgeley Paving and Utilities Project: The City authorized CMI to proceed with geotechnical investigation services. (3) CMI reviewed the Model D Flood Plain Ordinance transmitted by FEMA and compared it with the Model C previously reviewed, and found that no additional action is required on this item.

    3.5. Building Official Report: Ted Lazarides, Building Official, read his previously distributed report: There were 4 permits issued in April (permit log was attached). The Tribble residence permit was revoked on April 25, but several re-submissions were made. As of today, re-submission has been approved and permit issued. Ted hereby “requests that the City Council define “separation” in reference to garage and house- perhaps a minimum of six feet would work”. Ted is working with the City attorney to have trash removed from 1306 Pine Chase.

    3.6. Mayor and Council Report:
Border gave Council a copy of letter from City of Houston regarding increase in water and wastewater rates. New rates will appear on October 2007 billing. He also gave Council a copy of Amendment to Interagency Agreement between Harris County, the City of Hilshire Village and the Metropolitan Transit Authority for improvements to Ridgeley which means that the additional $606,000 we have been waiting for will be contributed. Whiting said wording would be changed to “instrument of dedication” instead of “deed of dedication” for Bridle Spur residents. Ridgeley Drive Improvement Citizens Committee will meet on May 23 at 6:30 PM. Henault said computer system and recording/sound system have been installed.

    3.7. HVCEFFC (Conduit bonds): Bank statement in Council packet reflects a balance of $53,668.46.

    3.8. City Secretary Report: Action resulting from previous meeting: A letter was written to TML regarding claim from plumbing expenses on private property, and have had no reply to date. Whiting had questioned “foreclosures” listed for Hilshire Village. Chronicle made an error- included Houston, and should make correction on website. Letter of dedication sent to Bridle Spur property owners. Office hours changed May 1st to 9-5 Monday through Friday.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION:

    4.1. Consideration and possible authorization for Claunch & Miller, Inc. (Engineers) to commence Final Design Services for the Ridgeley Drive Reconstruction Project: Preliminary Engineering Report was delivered to this office for council’s review. The report addressed paving, drainage, water, and wastewater facilities located in Hilshire Village.
Included in the report were maps, and detailed recommendations. Some council members received this latest report and some did not have an opportunity to review this presentation. The books were not received by Anderson or Denninger. Whiting got a call from office to pick up her book. Castro said she happened to be in office and picked up her book. Henault went by and picked up his book. After some discussion, it was moved by Denninger, seconded by Whiting that authorization be given to commence final design services. A vote was taken. Council members who voted for authorization were Castro, Henault, and Whiting. Anderson voted against and Denninger abstained. The Mayor asked his reason for abstention. Denninger said he had not studied the report, which is an invalid cause for abstention, so vote changed to a “no” vote per Mayor. Motion carried 3-2.

    4.2. Set date for canvas of election (revision in date due to results from Early Voting Board of Joint Harris County and other entities): Date approved was Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at 6:15 P M for official canvass.

    4.3. Assignment of place Numbers to Council in accordance with Ordinance No. 603 passed April 17, 2007, providing that the election of the City’s Board of Aldermen shall be by a place system. In May 2008, the Mayor and Place No. 1 and Place No. 2 will be up for election for a two year period. In May 2009, three Council members will be up for election: Place No.3, No.4 and No.5.

Based on the unofficial canvass, in 2008 Mayor Border’s term will expire and will be up for election for a two year term; Connie Castro’s term as Place No. 1 will be up for election in 2008 for a two year term and Brian Henault’s term as Place No. 2 will be up for election in 2008 for a two year term.

In 2009, Place No. 3, 4 and 5 will be up for a two year term. John Denninger- Place No.3; Zandra Anderson- Place No. 4; and Shannon Whiting- Place No. 5.

    4.4. Bridle Spur deed of dedications, letter of agreement to City of Hilshire Village (Whiting): Eight (8) Bridle Spur residents met at City Hall on May 10th. There is a newer letter naming it as “an instrument of dedication”, as some objected to word “deed”. City attorney Mario Dell’Osso will advise what information Olson & Olson needs for title report. “Addenda to the letter will be written to more specifically outline the information required in the title report and survey. Some residents have expressed unwillingness to fund the cost of the title report. Attorney Mr. Richard Merrill, representing Mr. Don DeTata, prepared a draft document to be used for residents who have agreed to absorb these costs. It was presented to Council for its consideration during Citizens Comments by Mr. DeTata, but the City has no jurisdiction over such an agreement between Bridle Spur residents, hence no action required by the City.”

    4.5. Intra-Budgetary Transfer for Village Fire Department for refunds to each Village. At the April 16th meeting the Fire Commissioners Board directed that 2006 Intra-budgetary Transfers be submitted to each Village for approval. This budget reflects the actual costs. It was moved by Castro, seconded by Whiting that transfer be approved and motion carried unanimously.

    4.6. Donation to Villages Independence Festival ($750): This amount was budgeted for this fiscal year. It was moved by Henault, seconded by Denninger that donation be made, and motion carried unanimously.

    4.7. Donation to Friends of Library at Harris County Library on Corbindale: ($250): This amount was budgeted for fiscal year. Citizens of Hilshire Village may use the county library without charge. The Houston library on Long Point requires a deposit if books are to be checked out. It was moved by Henault, seconded by Denninger, that donation be made, and motion carried unanimously.

    4.8. Authorization to spend up to $500 to fund a Hilshire Village City Parade Float for the 4th of July Independence Festival: Hilshire Village had floats in the parade in prior years. This year the organizers are trying to stimulate more interest and involvement by having a contest, and distributed rules for the float entry. Mayor Border announced that April Hill would head up the committee. It was moved by Henault, seconded by Denninger, that up to $500 be approved, and motion carried unanimously.

    4.9 Approval for the Hilshire Village Civic Club to erect new entrance markers at the existing sites (Wirt & Ridgeley; Westview and Glourie; Westview and Ridgeley) upon completion of Ridgeley Drive Rehabilitation Project. Judy Shields, President of Hilshire Village Civic Club, presented Council with a sketch showing proposed entrance markers. They will be granite, with the logo of Hilshire Village seal on the face. They would be approximately four feet by eight feet, and eighteen inches above ground. It was moved by Castro, seconded by Whiting that approval be given. A vote was taken, and Castro, Henault, Denninger and Whiting voted yes, and Anderson voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

    4.10. Approval of nuisance ordinance to include barking dog nuisance. Mayor Border had anticipated that an ordinance would be prepared for this meeting, but it was not. Alison Holland of Olson and Olson took a leave of absence, so Mario Dell’Osso is in process of assigning another attorney for Hilshire Village. This item tabled till next meeting.

DISCUSSION: None

CONSENT AGENDA: Disbursements, Summary, Professional Invoices: It was moved by Henault, seconded by Denninger that consent agenda be approved as presented, and
motion carried unanimously.

MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS: Border had received an e-mail from Bruce Alpe requesting the Neighborhood Watch sign be removed from Glourie near Westview and changed to “Children at Play”. Sign will be ordered and installed. He received a bulletin from Texas Municipal League about upcoming legislation, and mentioned HB1031 regarding changing the law so that cities under 5000 population could use paper ballots. HB 1038 (Ritter) relating to the Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC). As passed, this is a lengthy bill making changes in the operation of TRCC. Among other things, the bill provides that a city may not issue a building permit for a new house or a major improvement of a home unless the City determines that the builder is registered with the TRCC. Anderson says she wants to get hand outs as soon as available so that she may review them in advance of the meetings.

ADDITIONAL CITIZENS COMMENTS: None

ANNOUNCEMENTS: None

ADJOURNMENT: It was moved by Whiting, seconded by Anderson that meeting
be adjourned. Meeting adjourned at 9:45 P M.

                            ____________________
                            Robin S .Border, Mayor

ATTEST:

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Claudia Bammel, City Secretary

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