06101996 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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54 Regular Meeting June 10, 1996 - Page 4 reserve fund, however 3% of the reserve fund amount will sit in fund balance and will earn money. The Council then voted unanimously for adoption of the Resolution. Mayor Moore introduced a discussion regarding the Capital Improvements Program for FY 1996- to 2001. Mr. Gilley stated the total of the CEP Program was S66 million over a five year period and would be discussed in greater detail during the budget process. Mr. Cox stated the railroad overpass project was not in the CIP. Mr. Gilley stated that was correct. He stated the Texas Department of Transportation would initiate that project and the State would be responsible for funding that project. Mr. Gilley stated projects in the CIP were City generated projects only and State funding would only occur if the City requested the project. Ms. Hughson asked if the City would be responsible for any of the funding for the railroad overpass project such as right-of-way. Mr. Gilley stated that would depend upon the location of the project. Mr. Cox asked about using Electric Utility Fund Balance for CIP funding. Mr. Gilley stated it was cheaper to issue bonds than to use cash on hand. Mayor Moore introduced a discussion regarding the waiver of fees for Hays County construction projects. Mayor Moore stated Judge Etheredge requested the City set a standard operating procedure between the two entities so they would not be trading money back and forth unnecessarily. Nir. Gilley stated there were several alternatives for the City such as reduction of fees or a case by case basis. Mr. Guerra stated if the City agreed to waive fees for the County, then they should also waive fees for the School District. Ms. Hughson agreed that the fees should be waived for both entities. Mr. Gilley suggested if the fees were waived for both entities, the City still have the ability to inspect the projects. Mr. Hart asked what some of the fees were the City paid to the School and County. Mr. Gilley stated the City paid the School for their facilities during youth night and the custodial services needed after the events and paid the County for different types of filing fees. Mr. Cox pointed out that the sewer surcharge was a separate type of entity and would be addressed as a separate issue. Mr. Gilley stated that was correct. Ms. Hughson reiterated that only the fees for the permits would be waived, not the permits themselves. Mr. Gilley stated that was correct. The Council authorized Mayor Moore and Mr. Gilley to negotiate an agreement with the County and the School District to waive permit fees. Mayor Moore introduced a discussion regarding BFI contract amendments. Mr. Guerra 1.7 dismissed himself from the room during this discussion item. Jack Clement, BFI, stated BFI would like to propose a pilot program for 60 days to change from twice a week trash collection to once a week trash collection using 95 gallon containers limited to a specific geographic area which the City staff would select. Mr. Clement stated the end results would be less cost to the citizens and the 95 gallon containers would limit the other apparatuses used on the streets. Mayor Moore had three concerns of the citizens - 1) large and heavy containers 2) non-recyclers 3) downtown areas not picked up during special events. Mr. Clement stated the size of the carts could be changed upon request. Ms. Hughson stated concern with non-recyclers being given larger containers and asked about the large heavy bags. She suggested trash be measured and cost should depend on amount of trash generated by the individual. Ms. Hughson stated she would be more interested in a brush pick-up and a compost program. Mr. Clement stated BFI was ready to discuss that program when the City was ready, but the pilot program was the first step in making some changes. Discussion ensued. Mr. Hernandez and Mr. Hart stated they felt this would be a good program to examine. Mr. Mihalkanin stated concerns with the assigned day pick-up. He stated there were some days when BFI did not pick-up on the days assigned, therefore, trash sits for several days before being picked up. Mr. Clement stated BFI is aware of the downtown problem, however, he did not know why the problems occur. Mr. Hart stated during the downtown events, arrangements should be made with BE so a special pick-up would be made. Mr. Mihalkanin stated that was part of the problem, the trash was not being picked up, therefore the garbage simply accumulated. Mr. Hernandez suggested the events' sponsors contact BFI and have additional cardboard garbage boxes for special events. Mr. Hart asked about reduction of fees. Mr. Clement stated a reduction of.25 to .30 cents per home was expected and possibly the next BFI cost adjustment could be waived next year to bring a total savings of .50 to .60 cents per household. The Council directed staff to try the pilot program and bring the Council the results after the trial period. Mayor Moore introduced for discussion submission of an application to amend the wastewater