11052007 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Regular Meeting November 5, 2007 Page 8 recovery factor. Ms. Vela stated the power cost recovery factor is the cos of purchasing electricity from LCRA. Mr. O'Leary stated this is a cost tha is passed on to the customers. Ms. Robertson stated she feels the water charges need to be clearer on the utility bill. Ernest Cavazos stated the charges can be made clearer. The Council agreed by consensus for the utility bill descriptions to be simplified and clear. Mayor Narvaiz introduced a discussion regarding the aesthetic enhancements and funding of Hopkins Street Pedestrian Bridge. Ms. Anderson stated the additional cost is for adding lighting and rails. Richard Mendoza, Director of Public Works, stated he has been working with engineering firms and exploring enhancements. He stated the enhancement is a custom railing and lighting brackets or lighting insert available from the manufacturer, which adds approximately loo to the cost of the bridge or about $57,000.00. An additional $6,500.00 is needed to purchase and install the light fixtures themselves for a total of $63,500.00. He also stated the manufacturer indicates that the elevation views of the bridges with rail and lighting options is developed with the final plan and specifications. He stated the current funding for this project is approximately $303,200.00, which has a shortfall. He stated the project would cost $255,100.00 without the rail and lighting enhancements or $313,200.00 with the enhancements. He stated there are several funding options available to complete the project, 1) use fund balance to make up the shortfall and construct the project, or 2) sell additional Certificates of Obligations to make up the shortfall and construct the project, or 3) use current funding to construct the abutments and allocate 2008 funds to complete the project. Ms. Robertson inquired to whether there would be illumination, if the Council does not do the lighting. Ms. Anderson stated the lighting would be similar to the lighting of the current bridge. The Council provided directions to add lighting to the bridge and go with the railing in the first photograph in the Council packets, but to also bring back an updated drawing of the bridge before the final approval. Ms. Robertson stated she feels the shortfall should be funded by the sell of additional C.O.'s Mayor Narvaiz stated she feels the shortfall should be funded out of the General Fund, so the construction can begin. The Council decided by consensus and gave direction to fund the balance of the project from the General Fund Balance. Mayor Narvaiz introduced an Executive Session pursuant to the Government Code, Section 551.074 to discuss the duties of a public officer and employee (Interim City Manager; Interim Economic Development Director). The Council adjourned into Executive Session at 2:40 p.m. Mayor Narvaiz announced the Council would reconvene at 3:40 p.m. Mayor Narvaiz introduced for consideration adoption or direction to Staff on matters discussed in Executive Session. Mr. O'Leary stated the City Council provided directions regarding the duties of the Interim City Manager and Interim Economic Development Director.