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City Council |
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Dee Margo |
Peter Svarzbein, District 1 |
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Mayor |
Alexsandra Annello, District 2 |
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Cassandra Hernandez-Brown, District 3 |
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Sam Morgan, District 4 |
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Tommy Gonzalez |
Michiel R. Noe, District 5 |
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City Manager |
Claudia Ordaz Perez, District 6 |
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Henry Rivera, District 7 |
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Cissy Lizarraga, District 8 |
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SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM |
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August 7, 2017 |
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The City Council met at the above place and date. Meeting was called to order at 9:46 a.m. Mayor Dee Margo present and presiding and the following Council Members answered roll call: Peter Svarzbein, Alexsandra Annello, Cassandra Hernandez-Brown, Sam Morgan, Claudia Ordaz Perez, Henry Rivera, and Cissy Lizarraga. Late arrivals: Michiel R. Noe at 9:50 a.m. |
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AGENDA
MOTION 1 Motion made by Representative Hernandez-Brown, seconded by Representative Morgan, and unanimously carried to APPROVE to revise the order of the agenda items taking items 2, 4, 3 then 1.
MOTION 2 Motion made by Representative Ordaz Perez, seconded by Representative Morgan, and unanimously carried to APPROVE to POSTPONE items 3 and 4 to a Special Meeting on August 21, 2017 and to revise wording on item 4 to include “discussion and action”.
MOTION 3 Motion made by Representative Svarzbein, seconded by Ordaz Perez, and carried to SUSPEND THE RULES OF ORDER to allow additional speakers to address the Council after the signup period.
AYES: Representatives Svarzbein, Annello, Morgan, Ordaz-Perez, and Lizarraga NAYS: Representatives Hernandez-Brown, Noe, and Rivera |
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1. |
Discussion and action on the FY 2017 – 2018 budget.
Mr. Robert Cortinas, Director of Office of Management and Budget, presented a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file in City Clerk’s Office).
Mr. Cortinas explained that the difference between the proposed rate and rollback rate would generate $4.7 million in additional property tax revenue.
Mayor Margo suggested that Council focus only on the items that need to be considered.
Representative Lizarraga questioned Item 83, the citizen collection station south of I-10 to replace the Delta Station and the reason the Delta Station was closed.
Ms. Ellen Smyth, Director of Environmental Services explained that the Water Utilities submitted the request then withdrew it after the station had been vacated. She explained that those residents are now going to the Harrison facility and that there are no plans to reopen Delta.
Representative Lizarraga withdrew Item 83 for now.
ITEM 2 Film Grant Pilot Program Representative Svarzbein stated he would like to proceed with Item 2, the request the fund a film grant pilot program.
Mayor Pro Tempore Noe inquired if they can we limit the projects so negative films are not budgeted.
Ms. Firth explained that they could set the money aside for now and define the parameters of the program at a later date.
Representative Svarzbein suggested that they could check with MCAD about the local artist parameter.
Mr. Gonzalez explained to Council that anything added would be in addition to the recommended increase of .393.
Motion 4 Motion made by Representative Svarzbein, seconded by Representative Annello, and unanimously carried to APPROVE $30,000 to provide for a Film Grant Pilot Program for 3 to 5 small independent projects ($10,000 per grant) as part of the Artist Incubator Grant Program (item 2).
AYES: Representatives Svarzbein, Annello, Hernandez-Brown, Morgan, Noe, Rivera, and Lizarraga NAYS: None NOT PRESENT FOR THE VOTE: Representative Ordaz Perez
ITEM 3 City of El Paso Monumental Mural Pilot Program
Representative Svarzbein deleted item 3
ITEM 8 Additional Funding for street illumination
Representative Ordaz Perez questioned if the item could be placed on the budget every year.
Mr. Ted Marquez, Director of Streets and Maintenance explained that the dollar amount could be lower but the $100,000 allocation for up to 50 street lights gives everyone street lighting.
Mr. Khalil Zaied, Deputy City Manager Public Works stated that commercial lighting could be more.
Mayor Margo inquired about the amount needed to cover the requests.
Mr. Gonzalez explained that sometimes neighbors request street lights be removed after installation and wanted Council to be aware of all aspects concerning lighting and clarified that some are requests for safety and some are other reasons.
Representative Ordaz Perez questioned the funding for maintenance on lights.
Mr. Marquez explained that it comes from different pots of money.
Representative Ordaz Perez inquired if it should be set aside in one pot of money.
Mr. Marquez replied that it was fine as is.
Representative Ordaz Perez inquired if a study would be done if a neighborhood wanted a light.
Mr. Marquez affirmed that a study would be conducted to make sure it met the criteria to support it.
Motion 5 Motion made by Representative Ordaz Perez, seconded by Representative Svarzbein, and unanimously carried to APPROVE up to $100,000 additional funding for street illumination (item 8).
Mr. Cortinas cautioned Council about continuous costs associated with items added that would impact future budgets.
Item 9 Additional funding for NTMP program
Mr. Marquez stated staff would come back with additional information.
Representative Hernandez-Brown asked if there were additional monies left over from Quality of Life Projects NTMP allocated funds.
Mr. Marquez replied that there wasn’t excess money left.
Mr. Gonzalez explained that when it was presented to Council the $5 million set aside for projects that were more elaborate but Council could’ve done the least expensive version to get them all done.
Mr. Marquez stated that out of 22 locations they have completed 18 or 19.
Representative Perez deleted the item.
Mr. Zaied explained that the $5 million set aside in 2012 was part of the Capital Improvement Program.
ITEM 20 Add 10% on every debt issuance for streets for the purpose of funding ADA curb cuts, street lights, traffic signals, sidewalk gap and traffic calming measures.
Representative Rivera explained his concerns with ADA.
Mr. Zaied explained that every project included an ADA component.
Mayor stated that the issue is on prior projects where ADA was not included.
Mr. Zaied explained that the 10% might not cover the costs depending on the project.
Mayor Pro Tempore Noe inquired about the total amount the 10% would represent.
Mr. Gonzalez gave an example on a $44 million street project and said it would total $4.4 million on top of the project.
Mr. Gonzalez explained that due to the proposed State legislation on placing a new cap on the tax rate that Council may want to consider the rollback rate to use some of it as a stabilization fund
Mr. Zaied explained that staff could return with an estimate on funding item 20.
Representative Rivera deleted item 20.
#33 Argal Park: construct ADA accessible restrooms at Argal Park
Representative Rivera inquired if neighborhoods could apply for it under the neighborhood improvement program.
Mr. Tracy Novak, Director of Parks and Recreation affirmed that it would be eligible and it would be a perfect time to apply.
Mr. Gonzalez inquired if it qualifies under the existing ordinance.
Ms. Dionne Mack, Deputy City Manager Public Safety & Support Services, replied that it would,
Mr. Zaied explained that the base bid on this project included the plumbing issues.
Mayor Margo stated that restrooms shouldn’t be optional for parks that qualify, 12 acres and above.
Mr. Gonzalez explained that they didn’t ignore restrooms but that sometimes communities request other items or additional land.
Mayor Margo inquired about how that could be avoided.
Representative Noe replied that it should be part of the policy to include restrooms.
Representative Annello inquired if restrooms were currently being rented and the annual amount spent.
Representative Rivera replied that Argal park is still under construction.
Mr. Novak stated that there was a budget of about 300,000 for temporary portable restrooms and that they were looking at expanding the budget for cleaning permanent restrooms.
Representative Annello stated that it would make more sense to include permanent restrooms on new parks.
Mr. Zaied recommended $68,000.
Mr. Novak recommended $68,000 vs. $200,000, $300,000 on other park projects. Motion 6 Motion made by Representative Rivera, seconded by Representative Annello, and unanimously carried to APPROVE $68,622 to construct ADA accessible restrooms at Argal Park (item 33).
AYES: Representatives Svarzbein, Annello, Hernandez-Brown, Noe, Ordaz Perez, Rivera, and Lizarraga
NAYS: None NOT PRESENT FOR THE VOTE: Representative Morgan
Item #38 Lame Duck provision on discretionary funds
Representative Rivera questioned if the lame duck provision could be effective one month before elections.
Ms. Sylvia Firth, City Attorney explained that the lame duck provision with regards to discretionary fund expenditures would be up to the Council to decide.
Motion 7 Motion made by Representative Rivera, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Noe and unanimously carried to APPROVE to institute a lame duck provision with regard to discretionary fund expenditures mirroring same provision adopted by boards and commissions to prevent the depletion of district office discretionary funds.
Item #40 Add 7 drones for both Police and Fire Departments to assist in critical investigations/events and to improve overall public safety and reduce employee workers’ compensation costs.
Representative Rivera inquired if it could be supplemented with confiscated funds.
Mr. Gonzalez replied that it seemed possible but was unsure when funds were already allocated.
Representative Noe inquired about the cost savings in eliminating use of helicopters and if the savings would cover the costs or if the departments needed the expensive $16,000 type of drones.
Mayor Margo inquired about the quantity of drones requested.
Representative Rivera explained that the departments suggested the quantity.
Representative Noe inquired if the public could be educated regarding the use of the drones.
Motion 8 Motion made by Representative Rivera, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Noe, and unanimously carried to APPROVE to include funding for 2 drones for the Fire Department with funding through available resources.
Item #43 Replace the baseball fences at Marty Robbins and Album/Eastwood Park
Representative Rivera inquired about the replacement of the fences at Marty Robbins/Eastwood.
Mr. Tracy Novak, Director of Parks and Recreation replied that they were looking into generating funds.
Representative Rivera deleted the item.
Item #44 Install security alarm systems in all existing Park and Recreation facilities
Mr. Cortinas explained that the I.T Department would need to conduct a study.
Representative Rivera deleted the item.
Item #47 Changing tables in both men and women restrooms in city facilities accessible to the public
Representative Ordaz Perez inquired about the number of restrooms would need to be included out of the 14 parks.
Mr. Novak explained that they would be looking at equipping existing restrooms and he would have the information this week.
Representative Ordaz Perez inquired if there’s anything that could be done to encourage businesses (existing) to include changing tables and maybe reimburse the sales tax.
Ms. Firth explained that it would have to serve a public purpose but would need to do some research.
Representative Perez withdrew the item for now.
Item #48 Funding for median landscaping to promote the visual image of El Paso
Representative Ordaz Perez questioned the cost estimate for funding most the traveled roads.
Mr. Zaied explained that he looked at top 20 – 25 streets and that it would be somewhere between $80 million to $210 million but he could come back with numbers depending on the items.
Representative Perez deleted the item.
Item #49 Murchison-Rogers Scenic Drive Park private-public partnership to design and reconstruct
Representative Svarzbein showed Council some design posters and explained that it would be an opportunity for a private public partnership with the Rogers Family.
Representative Svarzbein deleted the item.
Item #51 Establish Small Business Impact Fund to mitigate financial losses of local small businesses impacted by city construction projects
Representative Svarzbein asked if there was a better way to get the word out regarding the various programs available
Representative Svarzbein deleted the item.
Item #52 Crestmont Park: expand and add new playground equipment, park furniture, and lighting
Representative Svarzbein explained that this was in Representative Lizarraga’ s district but he brought it forward because it was brought to his attention.
Mr. Novak explained that he was previously asked to identify parks with basic amenities. He stated that an analysis indicated that there was about $8 million in improvements needed throughout the community. Mr. Novak explained that Crestmont Park doesn’t have all amenities they would like residents to have.
Mr. Gonzalez explained that they’ve used year end savings and asked Mr. Novak to look at needs based on demographics.
Mr. Novak stated that they would look at parkland dedication funds for Crestmont and if not then ask the neighborhood to apply for (NIP) Neighborhood Improvement Program funding.
Mayor Margo inquired about how to go about getting the word out.
Mr. Novak replied that Community Development spreads the word through Neighborhood Associations.
No action was taken on this item.
Item #65 Project Type: Dog Park
Representative Morgan stated that he would withdraw this item since he received information on the dog park last week.
Item #73 Fund $180,000 for the Thomas Manor Park Improvements project
Representative Rivera inquired if $180,000 was enough.
Mr. Novak replied that the PSB approached the City regarding a partnership to enhance the park. YISD will pay the other half of the improvements.
Motion 9 Motion made by Representative Rivera, seconded by Representative Svarzbein, and unanimously carried to APPROVE $180,000 for the Thomas Manor Park Improvements project, so that the joint use venture between YISD, PSB and other City Departments can come to fruition (item 73).
AYES: Representatives Svarzbein, Annello, Hernandez-Brown, Morgan, Noe, Rivera, and Lizarraga NAYS: None ABSTAIN: Representative Ordaz Perez
Item #74 Curb Cuts at Veterans Park for ADA Accessibility
Motion 10 Motion made by Representative Morgan, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Noe, and unanimously carried to APPROVE to include $16,000 for curb cuts at Veterans Park for ADA accessibility.
Item #76 Funding to establish an accountability process for all Quality of Life projects, bond projects, and infrastructure projects.
Representative Annello inquired about the estimated cost.
Mr. Zaied responded that it would be on tomorrow’s presentation during the Council meeting.
No action was taken on this item.
Item #77 Budget match with the County of El Paso for Municipal Identification Card Program.
Representative Annello explained that they’re still waiting for an intermodal agreement and that they need to be proactive.
Representative Noe stated he needs to know how it would impact the City with the proposed legislation on SB4.
Representative Annello stated that she would share the red line version of the White Paper on SB4.
Motion 11 Motion made by Representative Annello, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Noe, and unanimously carried to POSTPONE discussion and action on a budget match of $320,000 with the County of El Paso for the Municipal Identification Card program to an August 21, 2017 Special City Council Meeting.
Item #79 Direct the CM to review the original intent of the 2012 Streets CIP 7 year roll out plan
Mr. Gonzalez stated that the $21.6 million maybe shouldn’t be used for other resurfacing projects.
Motion 12 Motion made by Representative Hernandez-Brown, seconded by Representative Morgan, and unanimously carried to APPROVE to expedite the timeframe on resurfacing projects from 2022/2023 to 2019/2020 and to reallocate $21.6 million from reconstruction projects to resurfacing projects in order to extend the funding required to complete projects that were committed and to identify funding for highly traveled streets at a later date. Representative Hernandez-Brown motion.
Item 85 Spray Park in South El Paso. Representative Lizarraga withdrew.
Item 86 Spray Park in Central El Paso Representative Lizarraga withdrew.
Item 88 Add Sunset Heights to the Sun City Lights project Representative Lizarraga withdrew.
Item #50 Design and re-construction of Brown, from Rim to Schuster
Representative Ordaz Perez stated she could not support the item based on the current process for street improvements.
Representative Annello inquired if there a bike path on the street.
Mr. Marquez replied that it would be part of the plan for section 1.
Mr. Zaied explained that there weren’t any funds allocated for this.
Mr. Gonzalez affirmed that there was no set budget.
Motion 13 Motion made by Representative Svarzbein, seconded by Representative Rivera, and carried to POSTPONE discussion and action on additional funding for improvements to Brown Street, from Rim to Schuster to an August 21, 2017 Special City Council Meeting.
AYES: Representatives Svarzbein, Annello, Noe, Rivera, and Lizarraga NAYS: Representatives Hernandez-Brown, Morgan, and Ordaz Perez
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2. |
Discussion and action on the City of El Paso’s Debt Management Policy.
Introduction by Mr. Tommy Gonzalez, City Manager.
Mr. Robert Cortinas, Director for Office of Management and Budget, presented a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file in City Clerk’s Office).
Representative Hernandez-Brown inquired about the maximum cap on the debt rate.
Mr. Gonzalez explained that the max set by previous Council was 30 cents.
No action was taken on this item. |
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Discussion and action on the proposed certificates of obligation in an amount not to exceed $68,750,000.
Motion 14 Motion made by Representative Brown, seconded by Representative Annello and unanimously carried to APPROVE to reconsider item 3 on the agenda “Discussion and action on the proposed certificates of obligation in an amount not to exceed $68,750,000”.
Mr. Robert Cortinas, Director for Office of Management and Budget, presented a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file in City Clerk’s Office).
Motion 15 Motion made by Representative Annello, seconded by Representative Ordaz Perez, and unanimously carried to APPROVE to vote on items listed on the proposed certificates of obligation separately.
Motion 16 Motion made by Representative Rivera, seconded by Representative Lizarraga and unanimously carried to APPROVE to issue $25.1 million in certificates of obligation for public safety.
Representative Hernandez-Brown inquired about the $25.1 million for public safety for the purchase of fleet and the terms of the loan.
Mr. Cortinas explained that the loan would pay off the assets with a shorter life first.
Representative Rivera inquired about the funding for a canopy at Cohen Stadium.
Mr. Gonzalez suggested that the motion be amended to include a study for the redevelopment of Cohen Stadium.
Motion 17 Motion made by Representative Rivera, seconded by Representative Morgan and unanimously carried to APPROVE to amend the motion for the issuance of $2.65 million in certificates of obligation for infrastructure and existing facility improvements to include a study for the redevelopment of Cohen Stadium
Representative Annello inquired about the amount allocated for the San Jacinto restrooms.
Mr. Gonzalez explained that he would like to integrate another project to this to allow further the funding.
Motion 18 Motion made by Representative Ordaz Perez, seconded by Representative Rivera, and unanimously carried to APPROVE to issue $2.65 million in certificates of obligation for infrastructure and existing facility improvements as amended.
Representative Brown inquired about the project related to the $7.7 million MPO city match.
Mr. Zaied explained that they have a list of projects that the funding would match.
Mayor Margo explained that the amount would only cover 20% of the total funding for these projects and stated that the remaining amount was already covered.
Representative Rivera inquired about the $4.8 million for the Sun City Lights.
Mr. Gonzalez explained that this would be a way to service the debt with the parking revenue.
Representative Annello inquired about the wording for the certificates of obligation.
Mr. Cortinas explained that Council had previously agreed to allocate the Saturday parking revenue to the general fund.
Representative Lizarraga inquired about the amount of the parking revenue that would fund the Paseo de las Luces project.
Representative Annello stated that she doesn’t believe the Paseo de las Luces would be included with the issuance of debt.
Mr. Gonzalez explained that the language was amended to reinstate Saturday parking revenue collection and that the Saturday parking revenue was to be used to service this debt.
Representative Annello stated that she didn’t believe the certificate of obligation criteria is applicable for this project.
Representative Svarzbein inquired about the funding for the Plaza Theatre and explained that sometimes it’s important to invest in the community and that the area should be more pedestrian friendly and attractive for the street car passengers.
Representative Annello stated that she is concerned about the accumulating debt.
Representative Perez inquired about the $4.8 million for construction and the portion set aside for design.
Mr. Gonzalez explained that the design would be covered through Economic Development.
Mayor Pro Tempore Noe stated that he wondered if the Paseo de las Luces project could be covered through PID and doesn’t think the parking meter revenue would be sufficient when paying off the debt.
Mr. Gonzalez explained that the meter funding could be extended past 2025 to fund it.
Mr. Cortinas went over the criteria for issuing certificates of obligation.
Representative Svarzbein stated that the funding for the Plaza was done in a similar way.
Motion 19 Motion made by Representative Hernandez-Brown, seconded by Representative Annello and unanimously APPROVE to issue $13.3 million in certificates of obligation for streets
Motion 20 Motion made by Representative Brown, seconded by Representative Morgan, and carried to APPROVE to issue $4.8 million in certificates of obligation for the Sun City Lights Paseo de Luces project to be paid back with Saturday parking meter revenue and other identified funding sources.
AYES: Representatives Svarzbein, Hernandez-Brown, Ordaz Perez, Rivera, and Lizarraga NAYS: Representatives Annello, Morgan, and Noe
Motion 21 Motion made by Mayor Pro Tempore Noe, seconded by Representative Hernandez-Brown, and unanimously carried to APPROVE to issue $22.9 million in certificates of obligation for Quality of Life projects.
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Public comment on Items 1 – 3 Mr. Ken Kebacher spoke in support of Film Incubator Program. Mr. Nicholas Anthony Vasquez spoke on COs for Quality of Life don’t abuse powers. Ms. Lisa Turner declined to speak at time public comment was taken. |
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Presentation and discussion on the 2012 Street Infrastructure CIP.
Mr. Andy Goh, City Engineer, presented a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file in City Clerk’s Office).
Mr. Tommy Gonzalez, City Manager, commented that reconstructed dollars of $210 million set aside for improvements were to finish resurfacing and all reconstruction projects.
Representative Lizarraga inquired about the amount allocated for resurfacing.
Mr. Gonzalez stated that $19 million has already been spent, and there’s a contract for $13 million to use for the next 2 to 2.5 years. He said Council previously asked to move up resurfacing projects to get them completed by 2020 however all projects are over budget which have caused a delay. Mr. Gonzalez explained that they took money from other projects to complete others and gave the example of monies taken from the Schuster Street project to complete the Robinson St project. He stated that the City had a practice of paying for projects then reimbursing themselves and that the previous Council sold the bonds ahead of time to take advantage of the interest rates.
Mayor Margo explained that there would be a paving index study to identify data to use to determine the priority of the projects since the previous study was close to 10 years ago.
Representative Rivera inquired if the studies were going to be expedited and if would include commercial or residential streets.
Mr. Ted Marquez, Director for Streets and Maintenance stated that he would provide Council with the breakdown of the street requests.
Mr. Gonzalez explained that the study would take from 1.5 to 2 years however he would meet with staff and that the City would get aggressive with resurfacing. He explained that the new study will look at traffic patterns vs. worse streets and all streets throughout the City
Mr. Khalil Zaied, Deputy City Manager Public Works explained that they would look at block by block and then prioritize however it would take some time to develop the team.
Mayor Margo inquired about how often the study should be conducted.
Mr. Khalil explained that every 3 to 4 years and to be able to stagger the streets. He stated that the last study was in 2008 and that there was $17.3 million for projects already identified.
Representative Hernandez-Brown inquired if staff was recommending that $21.6 million be reallocated from reconstruction to resurfacing.
Mr. Khalil replied that there are 55 unfunded streets.
Mr. Gonzalez explained that $18.5 million could be reallocated back into fund to make $210 million whole if Council approved. He stated that staff could go over the list with Council.
Representative Hernandez-Brown stated that more streets would be covered with this plan in a shorter amount of time.
Representative Svarzbein questioned if there had been discussion on streets identified for reconstruction that could be resurfaced instead.
Mr. Zaied stated explained that they looked at 55 unfunded streets and categorized some as critical with a high priority and some as future projects.
Mr. Gonzalez stated that they plan on bringing the FY2012 list back to include the $18.5 million that needs to be placed back in fund.
Mayor Margo inquired if resurfacing projects are on time.
Mr. Goh explained that they are ongoing.
Mr. Richard Bristol, Deputy Director for Streets and Maintenance, stated that $16 million contracts are in place and that the only challenge is the bidding process.
Mr. Zaied explained that they have contractors on board but they could try to get more to bid on a lump sum maybe have 2 separate large contracts.
Mayor Margo stated that it looks like they have a supply and demand issue.
Representative Ordaz Perez inquired about the amount of the high priority streets that would be brought back within 60 days and if Council would be able to take action.
Mr. Gonzalez explained that staff needs direction but that Council needs to vote on it.
Mr. Zaied stated that the amount for high priority streets was more and he thought it was close to $123 million.
Representative Svarzbein inquired how it relates to funds that had not been allocated to reconstruction and if that money would be used for resurfacing.
Mayor Margo replied that it would and the study would be conducted for reconstruction projects.
Mr. Tommy Gonzalez, City Manager, explained that Item 4 had been previously postponed to a future meeting however there was no longer a need to postpone.
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ADJOURN Motion made by Mayor Pro Tempore Noe, seconded by Representative Svarzbein, and unanimously carried to ADJOURN this meeting at 1:51 p.m. |
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APPROVED AS TO CONTENT: |
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____________________________ |
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Laura D. Prine, Interim City Clerk |
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