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City Council |
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Agenda Request |
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Agenda Of: |
december 01, 2009 |
Agenda Request No: |
iii-f |
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Initiated By: |
linda drapp, administrative Secretary |
Responsible Department: |
City Secretary |
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Presented By: |
Glenda Gundermann, City Secretary |
Department Head: |
Glenda Gundermann, City Secretary |
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Subject / Proceeding: |
Minutes City Council
Meeting november 17, 2009 Approve Minutes |
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Exhibits: |
Minutes november 17,
2009 |
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Clearances |
Approval |
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N/A |
Executive Director: |
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Purchasing: |
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Asst. City Manager: |
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Budget: |
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City Manager: |
Allen Bogard |
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Budget |
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Current Budget:
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Recommended Action |
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Approve the minutes of the City Council meeting November 17, 2009. |
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Exhibits |
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STATE OF TEXAS |
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COUNTY OF FORT BEND |
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CITY OF SUGAR LAND |
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CITY OF SUGAR LAND
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
tuesday, november 17, 2009
REGULAR MEETING
The City Council of the City of Sugar Land convened in a regular meeting open to the public and pursuant to notice thereof duly given in accordance with Chapter 551, Government Code, Vernon's Texas Codes, Annotated, as amended, in Sugar Land City Hall within said City on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 5:30 o'clock P.M. and the roll was called of the members; to wit:
James A. Thompson, Mayor
Thomas Abraham, Council Member at Large, Position One
Jacqueline Baly Chaumette, Council Member at Large, Position Two
Donald L. Smithers, Council Member District One
Donald G. Olson, Council Member District Two
Russell C. Jones, Council Member District Three
Michael S. Schiff, Council Member District Four
QUORUM PRESENT
All of said members were present with the exception of Council Member Chaumette who arrived at 5:40 p.m.
Also present were:
Allen Bogard, City Manager
Glenda Gundermann, City Secretary
Joe Morris, City Attorney, and
A Number of Visitors
CONVENE MEETING
Mayor James Thompson convened the session, open to the public, to order at 5:30 o’clock P.M.
INVOCATION
Council Member Smithers delivered the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Smithers led the pledge of allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Thompson introduced Public Comment and entertained registered speakers.
Mr. Glenn Smith, 4819 Caladium Drive, stated he was in attendance representing the Crossbridge Church at 1049 Eldridge Road where he serves as a member of the Governing Board. Mr. Smith stated the church welcomes Terasita’s Café into the shopping center where the church meets and there are no reservations or concerns about the presence of Terasita’s and the fact that they will be serving alcoholic beverages.
REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Thompson introduced Review of the Consent Agenda and entertained questions and/or comments.
consent agenda
Mayor Thompson introduced III.A) SECOND CONSIDERATION: CITY OF SUGAR LAND ORDINANCE NO. 1764 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 5 (PUBLIC PROPERTY AND SERVICES) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ADDING SPEED ZONES FOR STATE HIGHWAY 99; III.B) CITY OF SUGAR LAND RESOLUTION NO. 09-40 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND, TEXAS, ADOPTING A CITY COUNCIL POLICY REGARDING IDENTITY THEFT IN ACCORDANCE WITH AN AMENDMENT TO THE FAIR AND ACCURATE CREDIT TRANSACTION ACT OF 2003; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; III.C) CITY OF SUGAR LAND RESOLUTION NO. 09-43 A RESOLULTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A DEMAND DEPOSIT ACCOUNT WITH JP MORGAN CHASE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS WITH CONNECTICUT GENERAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY; III.D) Authorizing execution of a Contract Addendum with Southwest Water Services, Incorporated for weather station inspection and maintenance through September 30, 2010; and authorizing a contract base fee increase in the amount of $8,645.76; III.E) Authorizing execution of a Contract in the amount of $100,000.00 with Uretek USA, Incorporated through Fort Bend County Interlocal Agreement for concrete street raising services; III.F) authorizing execution of a Contract in an amount not to exceed $224,500.00 with S & C Construction Company, Incorporated through Fort Bend County Interlocal Agreement for concrete street and drainage repair services; III.G) Authorizing approval and execution of an Agreement by and between Fort Bend County and First Colony Community Services Association, Incorporated for additional law enforcement services for the period October 01, 2009 through September 30, 2010 for Sweetwater subdivision; III.H) Authorizing execution of Change Order No. 1 in an amount not to exceed $44,000.00 with Southwest Water Company for utility operations in annexed River Park, Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 1 effective December 01, 2009; III.I) Approval of Telfair General Plan Minor Amendment No. 4; III.J) Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of November 03, 2009.
Following a full and complete discussion, Council Member Olson, seconded by Council Member Abraham, made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
variance
distance requirement for sale of alcoholic beverages
Mayor Thompson introduced consideration on a variance to the distance requirement for sale of alcoholic beverages for Teresita’s Restaurant, 957 Eldridge Road.
Mr. Harold Ellis, Planner II, stated Teresita’s Catering has requested a variance, Section 3-91 of Sugar Land Code of Ordinances requiring a 300 foot separation from alcoholic beverage sales, churches, public schools, and hospitals. The proposed restaurant is approximately 270 feet from existing Crossbridge Church. Teresita’s is a catering service but would like to have a small restaurant as part of the service and sell beer and wine. There are two existing businesses, located in the same shopping center, that were there prior to the church which sell alcohol, a restaurant and a liquor store.
City Council may grant a variance based on certain criteria and if granting the variance is in the best interest of the community. At the November 3 City Council meeting, council members asked if Crossbridge Church had been notified or had any concerns with the variance request; a letter has been received from Crossbridge Church stating the church does not object to the variance request.
Following a full and complete discussion, Council Member Smithers, seconded by Council Member Olson, made a motion to approve a variance to the distance requirement for sale of alcoholic beverages for Teresita’s Restaurant, 957 Eldridge Road. The motion carried unanimously.
municipal utility district bonds
fort bend county Municipal Utility district No. 106
issuance of unlimited tax refunding bonds series 2009
Mayor Thompson introduced consideration on approval of Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 106 issuance of $4,195,000 Unlimited Tax Refunding Bonds, Series 2009.
Ms. Jennifer Brown, Budget and Research Director, stated Fort Bend MUD No. 106 is located in the City ETJ and is one of four districts in the Greatwood community. The MUD is proposing the issuance of refunding bonds which will refund maturities from the 1997, 1998, and 1999 outstanding bonds. The proposed issuance was reviewed by staff and is consistent with the existing Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) between City and Greatwood. The proposed term of the issuance is 12 years with level principal and interest payments and the MUD is not extending the outstanding debt with the issue. Preliminary figures show that the District would yield about 4.1 percent present value savings of 4.1 percent of principal being refunded with average annual debt service savings of just under $17,000 for 12 years. The District currently carries an A rating from Standard and Poor.
Following a full and complete discussion, Council Member Olson, seconded by Council Member Schiff, made a motion to approve Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 106 issuance of $4,195,000 Unlimited Tax Refunding Bonds, Series 2009. The motion carried unanimously.
appointments
FIRST COLONY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mayor Thompson introduced consideration on appointment of seven members to First Colony Management District Board of Directors Positions 1 through 7 for term June 01, 2009 to June 01, 2013.
Mr. Steve Griffith, Assistant City Manager, stated in 1997, City Council approved Resolution No. 97-14 consenting to the creation of First Colony Management District; subsequently the District was created by special legislation. The Texas Special Districts Code provides that the Mayor and Council appoint the directors from those recommended by the Management District Board of Directors.
The Management District Board of Directors respectfully requests approval of the following reappointments for Positions 1 through 7: Position 1) Linda Carman, Board Member; Position 2) Stephen J. Ewbank, Chairman; Position 3) Glenn Howard, Investment Officer; Position 4) Debi Loff, Board Member; Position 5) Carl Favre, Secretary/Treasurer; Position 6) Bill Strother, Vice Chairman; and Position 7) Chris Siebenaler, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer.
Following a full and complete discussion, Council Member Smithers, seconded by Council Member Olson, made a motion to approve appointment of seven members to First Colony Management District Board of Directors Positions 1 through 7 for term June 01, 2009 to June 01, 2013: Linda Carman, Position 1; Stephen J. Ewbank, Position 2; Glenn Howard, Position 3; Debi Loff, Position 4; Carl Favre, Position 5; Bill Strother, Position 6; and Chris Siebenaler, Position 7. The motion carried unanimously.
ordinances and resolutions
ordinance no. 1766 – amending the
fiscal year 2009-2010 budget
Mayor Thompson introduced FIRST AND FINAL CONSIDERATION: CITY OF SUGAR LAND ORDINANCE NO. 1766 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR
2009-2010 BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND, TEXAS TO PROVIDE THAT THE REVISED
BUDGET FOR CERTAIN FUNDS BE ADOPTED AS THE BUDGETED AMOUNT FOR THOSE FUNDS, to
reflect budget adjustments and carryovers.
Ms. Jennifer Brown, Budget and Research Director, stated the City fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, there were contracts and projects that were budgeted in fiscal year 2009 that were not completed by year-end; except for capital projects funds, the budgeted appropriations lapsed at end of the fiscal year. In order for the projects to continue into fiscal year 2010, the fiscal year 2010 budget should be adjusted to reappropriate the funds.
Although there are no audited figures for fiscal year 2009 at this time, preliminary figures show that all funds ended the fiscal year better than anticipated when the projections were done and the budget was amended in September. The positive results are a combination of revenues coming in at or above projections along with savings in operating expenditures of which some savings are coming from the items that were budgeted but not complete at year-end. The combination results in ending balances higher than anticipated, and it is from the ending balances above where staff anticipated the year-end that the appropriations will be funded to amend the current year budget.
Results of the key operating funds:
General Fund
Budgeted Expenditures $69.43 M
Actual Expenditures 66.33 M
Variance to Budget 3.10 M
Carryover Requests
-1.96 M
After Carryovers $1.14 M
- $741,000 in salary savings from
managing vacancies
Significant
Carryovers
Ladder 4 Replacement $1,047,604
Police Department 191,008
Roof Replacement 188,688
Information Technology 102,693
Operational Review 75,000
Vehicles 61,117
Other Items 295,551
Total Carryovers $1,961,661
Utility Fund
Budgeted Expenses $11.64 M
Actual Expenses 11.14 M
Variance to Budget 0.50 M
Carryover Requests -0.13 M
After Carryovers $ 0.37 M
Other Funds
Balance vs Carry
Budget
Over
Surface Water $2.15 M $1.169 M
Airport 0.499 M 0.192 M
Fleet Fund 0.411 M 0.258 M
High Tech Fund 0.200 M 0.174 M
Tourism Fund 0.173 M 0.109 M
Grant Funds include the (CDBG) Community Development Block Grant Fund and Law Enforcement Block Grant Fund and there are matching revenues that carry over for the funds with a budgeted ending balance of zero for both funds.
Expenditure Adjustment includes: Council approved Fiscal Year 2010 budget adjustments of $27,218; reduction in expenditures for the Recreation Center of $1 million; two bond refundings $13,449,3l9; and Fiscal Year 2009 carryover total $4.27; Total Expenditure Adjustments of $16.75 million.
Revenue Adjustment includes: Council approved Fiscal Year 2010 budget adjustments of $27,218; reduction in bond proceeds from the Recreation Center of $1 million; bond refunding proceeds of $13.4 million; Fiscal Year 2009 carryover of $1.4 million; Total Revenue Adjustments of $13.88 million.
Following a full and complete discussion, Council Member Chaumette, seconded by Council Member Jones, made a motion to approve FIRST AND FINAL CONSIDERATION: CITY OF SUGAR LAND ORDINANCE NO. 1766 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2009-2010 BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND, TEXAS TO PROVIDE THAT THE REVISED BUDGET FOR CERTAIN FUNDS BE ADOPTED AS THE BUDGETED AMOUNT FOR THOSE FUNDS, to reflect budget adjustments and carryovers. The motion carried unanimously.
resolution no. 09-42 – the municipal channel
Mayor Thompson introduced CITY OF SUGAR LAND RESOLUTION NO. 09-42 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND, TEXAS, ADOPTING A CITY COUNCIL POLICY THAT ADDRESSES THE USE OF THE MUNICIPAL CHANNEL.
Mr. Doug Adolph, Assistant Communications Director, stated City Council discussions were held on July 21 to expand City policy to allow community content on the Municipal Channel, and staff was directed to develop policy options and a pilot project. On October 27, two policy options were presented: (1) Expand current policy to allow other government and property association content on a community bulletin board and implement an administrative fee for each submission, and (2) Further define criteria to allow non-profit content, including non-profit organizations outside the City limits. Staff is currently working on the recommendation and will have available for Council at the start of 2010.
Staff stated Resolution 09-42 would amend the City Council policy on use of government access channel to allow media and event notices of government agencies and property associations within Sugar Land on a community bulletin board that is limited to text slides.
The related agenda item VII.C, Ordinance No. 1765 would add a $25 fee for notices on the municipal channel’s community bulletin board. The ordinance requires two readings; after the second reading in December, the city would begin accepting government and property association content as part of a pilot project.
The pilot project would be limited to text slides on the community bulletin board; air time is 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. The program will be evaluated after six months.
Council Member Jones stated his recollection was that staff would bring forward a policy suggestion to Council and, if approved, implement rather than specifying that the initial phase would be six months long. Staff was to bring back a proposed policy regarding nonprofits after the New Year, and now has stated that the initial program would be six months and nothing could be done until May, stating he feels that Council would prefer to see the proposed policy in January and implement in January or February.
City Manager Bogard stated he understood that staff would bring back policy discussion regarding the nonprofits as quickly as possible, which staff will do, and regarding the issue of length of time the pilot project will run, he is unaware of what types of problems there could be in 30-60 days, and stated he does not recall the specific timing of the pilot project. If Council would prefer, staff could run the pilot for 30-60 days and report back to Council; if Council wants to amend the policy to deal with nonprofits, staff would provide that, with Council discussion.
Council Member Schiff stated his recollection was what staff has proposed, obtain analysis and discussion of adding the nonprofits in a similar manner, and provide to Council around the first part of January since the holidays are approaching. Council could start evaluating the staff proposal and add the nonprofits to the pilot period. In about 6 months, Council would have a better indication for what is working which includes the nonprofits and the proposal, and either fine tune the pilot, expand it, or leave in place.
Council Member Chaumette stated her understanding from the workshop was that after the additional information of the nonprofits was introduced to Council, at that time the Council would make a decision in regard to including the group in the current policy in the pilot program.
Mayor Thompson stated the governmental portion will begin after the second reading of Ordinance No. 1765, and in January the staff will return to Council with the nonprofit recommendation.
Staff stated after the meeting in January, the nonprofit portion could be implemented immediately and requires only one reading.
Council Member Jones inquired about the current policy, staff stated the policy has been expanded to delineate what is acceptable and appropriate. Mr. Jones pointed out three items on the proposed Resolution No. 09-42: (1) The last sentence of Section I. states, “The community bulletin board will be offered as a pilot project for a period of six months”, which Mr. Jones says is inconsistent with the discussions herein; (2) Under “Objectives”, it states the objective is “to deliver City governmental related information….”, and Mr. Jones stated the wording is not consistent with adding property owners associations; and (3) The “Policy” statement says, “All information aired on the municipal channel is considered governmental information provided by the City for the benefit of the public…”, which Mr. Jones states is not an accurate statement in view of the addition of the property owners associations.
City Manager Bogard asked that the item be tabled so that staff may address Council Member Jones’ questions.
City Attorney Morris stated he is responsible for some of the language in the proposed resolution, what staff is trying to convey on governmental information is that SLtv16 is a government channel, and the city acting as a government, has chosen to provide certain information. It is understood what Council Member Jones said in the sense that it is not always about the city; it is information that the city as a governmental unit thinks is appropriate to provide. Staff will re-word the proposed resolution.
Following a full and complete discussion, Council Member Smithers, seconded by Council Member Olson, made a motion to table RESOLUTION NO. 09-42 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND, TEXAS, ADOPTING A CITY COUNCIL POLICY THAT ADDRESSES THE USE OF THE MUNICIPAL CHANNEL. The motion carried unanimously.
ordinance no. 1765 – fee for notices on municipal channel
community event bulletin board
Mayor Thompson introduced FIRST CONSIDERATION: CITY OF SUGAR LAND ORDINANCE NO. 1765 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ADDING A FEE FOR NOTICES ON THE MUNICIPAL CHANNEL’S COMMUNITY EVENT BULLETIN BOARD.
Following a full and complete discussion, Council Member Schiff, seconded by Council Member Olson, made a motion to pass to second reading CITY OF SUGAR LAND ORDINANCE NO. 1765 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ADDING A FEE FOR NOTICES ON THE MUNICIPAL CHANNEL’S COMMUNITY EVENT BULLETIN BOARD. The motion carried unanimously.
workshop
federal emergency management agency
digital flood insurance rate maps
Mayor Thompson introduced discussion on Federal Emergency Management Agency Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
Mr. Shashi Kumar, Drainage Engineer, stated the FEMA maps in
hard copy format are being converted into digital format nationwide. The main objective of the program was to
provide better quality and updated flood maps that would identify the flooding
risks within a community, and the maps would be produced in digital (GIS)
format that would facilitate ease of distribution. Fort Bend County (FBC) and
City are local funding partners with FEMA in the project that began in late
2004-2005. The city and county funding
led to a detailed study of the Brazos River and Oyster Creek, two of the main
flooding sources in Fort Bend County.
The flood insurance rate map identifies flood hazard areas, or areas located within the 100-year floodplain. Insurance agents use the maps to write flood insurance policies, and cities and other entities use the maps to regulate development with floodplain areas. The Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps, or DFIRM, enables overlay of data on other GIS layers.
There were several issues when the mapping process started; increases in base flood elevations which could have had a large impact in Fort Bend County as several areas in FBC are protected by Levee Improvement Districts (LID). Entities worked together to raise the levees to meet the new anticipated base flood elevations. All levees in the city are in good shape and able to meet the recertification. FBC set up a Technical Review Committee to review the quality of data and the new maps that are being released in the county. New LIDs were created, Riverstone LID 15 and LID 19. All this led to delay in the process, but
the process was done to ensure that the data being released is of high quality and accommodates the new districts being created in Fort Bend County.
FEMA has released the maps to various communities (including City of Sugar Land) within Fort Bend County in preliminary format on October 30, 2009, and will call for a community coordination meeting and discuss the process and changes that have occurred in FBC; following that will be two newspaper announcements to disseminate the information to the public. FEMA will initiate a 90-day appeal period in which the city or any residents may contest or appeal the data. Cities like Sugar Land are encouraged to use the information in regulating floodplain development until the maps are formally adopted.
The city role in the process is to disseminate the information to the public and residents, and review and comment on the new data and bring any inconsistencies to FEMA. The city anticipates that there are some areas in the city, especially along the banks of Oyster Creek around the airport and Cleveland Lake, where there have been changes to the floodplain boundaries. Staff anticipates some comments and concerns from residents in the area. Instead of each resident contacting FEMA, the city would like to collect the information and facilitate the process with FEMA. The city has started using the information to regulate development in the floodplain.
Public notification has been made through city and county web sites, notification in local newspapers will be forthcoming, public meetings will be held, and notification has been made in the Sugar Land Today.
Preliminary DFIRM data is featured on the City and County websites at: http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/ Updated Flood Maps; and http://fbcmap.co.fort-bend.tx.us/floodplainmap/ Interactive Mapping Tool, Address Search.
After the 90-day appeal period is closed, generally in 3-9 months, FEMA will try to resolve all the complaints and protests; and after appeals are resolved, FEMA will issue the Letter of Final Determination which means FEMA has resolved all the appeals and protests, and the communities should adopt the maps within 6 months. The maps will then become effective. It is anticipated the whole process will take approximately one year, or by 2011 the maps will become effective.
Mayor Thompson questioned the appeal process; in the event a homeowner has a structure that was previously out of the floodplain, but because of the elevation used in the mapping the structure is now in the floodplain, how would this affect the resident. Staff stated if the structure was built in compliance when the old maps were in place, and the new maps put the property in the floodplain, there are some exemptions or benefits that the homeowner can realize. The determination is somewhat complicated, but uses the grandfather rule.
Council Member Chaumette inquired about notifications to the homeowner associations.
Council Member Jones commented some residents who were not grandfathered but now are transitioned into the floodplain may be required from their lenders to provide proof of flood insurance.
Staff clarified if a property is put in the floodplain and there is a mortgage on the property, the lender may mandate them to have a flood insurance policy. In terms of grandfathering, the homeowner may not have to pay the full premium if put in the floodplain now because they had built in compliance when the old maps were in effect; there is some type of prorated system wherein the insurance premium does not transition from out of floodplain/into floodplain. There is a mechanism in which FEMA charges them some type of a discount in terms of flood insurance premium rates.
Mayor Thompson inquired how the floodplain issue would affect a homeowner who is remodeling their home. Staff stated the city has a role in permitting development in the floodplain; the city must ensure that structures are built at or above the elevation based on the new 100-year or regulatory elevation. The city has a role in terms of enforcing the criteria when issuing building permits.
City Manager Bogard stated there are only (3) areas within the city that will be impacted as a result of the new flood maps; one is at the airport which will be reconciled with the best engineering data, and there are two residential areas within the city. The city will work very closely with the developer and/or homeowners association to ensure that the residents fully understand the implications and the City will be proactive in working with them. Because of strong regulatory practices in the past, there is very little impact to the city or residents as a result of the new flood zone maps.
Council Member Olson stated that many City residents live in levee districts; the levees were raised, and basically the homeowners living within the levee districts will not see a change. The majority of the residents will not be affected.
If residents have any questions, they should contact the Engineering Department at the city. Staff stated the City is floodplain administrator for the areas within the City Limits; the ETJs would fall under Fort Bend County.
Council Member Chaumette inquired as to the two residential areas that will be impacted due to the new flood maps; a new development along the banks of Cleveland Lake, The Orchard; and the Estates of Oyster Creek, located along the banks of Oyster Creek.
Staff stated Council will be kept informed of any other issues that may arise from this point, including public meetings and announcements.
city entertainment district
Mayor Thompson introduced discussion on efforts related to development of the City entertainment district.
Mr. Joe Esch, Executive Director Business and Intergovernmental Relations, presented an overview stating a City Vision was developed in concert with residents and stakeholders for 1,000 acres where the project is located. Market assessments indicated an opportunity for a Minor League Baseball team, both affiliated and independent leagues, and an Indoor Concert venue. The city identified that both the affiliated and independent leagues have an opportunity for minor league baseball, but there was a preference expressed by Council and members of the Task Force to start by approaching the affiliated baseball. Discussions began with potential partners who approached the city. In November 2008, four ballot propositions were approved that gave the city additional flexibility in use of the 4A sales tax and special venue taxes for ticket tax, parking, and Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT).
Formal proposals were provided on affiliated minor league baseball and the indoor concert venue. A formal proposal was sent to the Astros in April 2009, and a formal proposal to AEG in May 2009. In dealing with the projects, the city has been unable to reach an agreement with the Astros or AEG. Market forces in the economy and other items of interest to AEG have changed their ability to participate in the project, and the Astros have not reached an agreement. The city remains intent on accomplishing the projects as described. Market opportunities still exist for both Minor League Baseball and Indoor Concert Venue. Construction costs are still of benefit. There are numerous interested parties continuing to contact the city expressing interest.
The goals for establishing a formal process are to demonstrate the city’s intent to proceed with the projects, provide broad exposure to allow for maximum number of partners to express interest, validate assumptions on market interest in the City goals for baseball and concert venues, establish City timeline and expectations to communicate to possible respondents, and provide means to evaluate opportunities and make recommendations to Council by working with the Council Economic Development Committee so things continue to move forward quickly and there is public involvement in the process. Staff has recommended to Council Economic Development Committee a Statement of Interest that is broken into four categories: (1) General Information, (2) Project Background and Overview; (3) Requirements for Statement of Interest; and (4) Format for Statement of Responses.
CITY COUNCIL CITY MANAGER REPORTS
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Thompson introduced Community Events Attended or Scheduled.
Council Member Smithers reported attending the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation meeting, Gulf Coast Freight Rail District meeting, Veteran’s Day observances, Fort Bend Rotary Club event where the Humanitarian of the Year award was given to Ms. Dee Koch, North Fort Bend Drainage District meeting, the Central Fort Bend Alliance Chamber gala and Governor Rick Perry was speaker, and on Saturday, November 21, is the Arc of Fort Bend event, the Best in the West.
Council Member Chaumette reported attending the VIP Sneak Peak of Smashburger, Seniors Event at the Bud O’Shields Community Center, Chinese American Community Center Gala on November 19, Arab American Community Center gala on November 21.
Council Member Jones reported on the Grand Opening of the new boathouse of the Greater Houston Rowing Club, attended the Oyster Creek Rotary Club Veteran’s Day event and the Finance Committee meeting.
Council Member Abraham reported attending the Sugar Land Artists Show, H-GAC meeting, and Intergovernmental Relations meeting.
Council Member Schiff reported on an earlier Finance Committee meeting with discussions on the water and wastewater management contracts, the City Council retreat on November 5-6, and the Sugar Plum Market to raise money for the Junior Service League, Avalon HOA meeting, Veteran’s Day celebration at the Exchange Club, Council Economic Development Committee meeting, and Finance Committee meeting.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Bogard reported there will not be a City Council meeting on November 24, City offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving holidays on Thursday and Friday, November 26 and 27. The next Council meeting will be Tuesday, December 01; since the Riverpark annexation becomes effective at 12:01 a.m. on December 01, there will be 3500 new residents served by the City of Sugar Land. Thursday, December 3, the city will have the Christmas Tree Lighting in Town Square at 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURN
There, being no further business to come before Council, Council Member Smithers, seconded by Council Member Olson, moved that the meeting adjourn. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned, time at 7:00 o'clock P.M.
_____________________________________
Glenda Gundermann, City Secretary
(SEAL)