07271998 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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168 Regular Meeting July 27, 1998 Page 10 PURCHASING DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Ms. Hughson moved for adoption of the Resolution and Mr. Doiron seconded the motion. Mr. Mihalkanin stated it seems like computers currently being used were not integrated to the same computer data base that San Antonio and Austin have. Ms. Ramona Brown stated data is entered into the TCIC into DPS and then the Police Department can access that information across the State, which the officers will have in their notebook computers in their cars. Ms. Ramona Brown stated it would reduce radio traffic and allow the officers to do their work from their vehicles. Ms. Brown stated they would be sharing computers for now and later have one for each vehicle as soon as the next grant is approved. Mr. Mihalkanin stated he was concerned about State University being late on time delivery of the system. Ms. Brown stated when the City looked at the application they had to make a decision based on cost and had to lease it from State University which provides the server and the software instead of installing the application from a vendor which is public, and would cost about $500 to $600. The following vote was recorded: AYE: Doiron, Moore, Moseley, Cox, Hernandez, Hughson NAY: Mihalkanin Mayor Moore introduced for discussion the proposed expansion of offices of the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce and direction to Staff on drafting an Amendment to Lease. Ms. Elizabeth Ferguson stated the Chamber needed the space because the Chamber is growing and would like to stay in the same area because it is close to the river and is on City property. Mr. Moseley asked if the City would be required to be responsible for expense in the expansion. Ms. Ferguson stated any expense would be taken care of by the Chamber of Commerce and members. Mayor Moore stated he agreed with the expansion plans as long as it did not interfere with the Parks and Recreation space or the Plaza of San Marcos. Ms. Ferguson stated it is being presented to the Parks and Recreation Board. Mr. David Chiu stated they have presented it to the Parks and Recreation Board and they were very supportive and gave their suggestions as to how to utilize the space better. The Council directed staff work with the Chamber and negotiate an amendment to the lease. Mayor Moore introduced a discussion regarding a request submitted by Sharon Chiu, Friends of San Marcos Firefighters, for $5,000. Ms. Chiu advised the Council of two purposes of the recent fundraiser, one being to recognize career firefighters and the other to raise money for the firesafety house. Ms. Chiu stated they had raised $15,000 and the cost of the house was $35,000. Ms. Chiu stated they also teach people how to place a 911 call correctly and it has different learning tools for people to use and how to escape a fire correctly. Ms. Chiu stated Chief O'Leary would like to take it out on the road to retirement homes and schools and would be stored at Firestation #4. Mr. Gilley stated there are several possibilities for source of funding, one being from the contingency fund and another from the annual 1998-99 budget. Ms. Chiu stated she is also going to LCRA to write a grant asking for an additional $20,000 and the extra $5,000 would be used for educational tool. Mr. Hernandez proposed that it be made part of the 1998-1999 budget in case the grant fell through. Ms. Chiu stated the deadline for the grant is September 30 and they would be advised by the end of November whether they will receive the grant. The Council agreed to encourage the grant and instructed Mr. Gilley to search for monies in next year's budget. Mayor Moore introduced receiving the City Manager's proposed 1998-99 Budget. Mr. Gilley stated this year the budget was for $69.5 million dollars which is a 9.3% over last year and this will be explained during the public hearings and workshops. Mr. Gilley informed the Council this was the first time the City has topped the $1,000,000,000 taxable value. Mr. Gilley stated the proposed tax property will remain at 6.325% of the dollar value. Mr. Gilley discussed water rates, property taxes and utility rates. Mr. Gilley stated the Staff will recommend a lifeline rate proposal for water. Mayor Moore introduced the City Manager's Report. Mr. Gilley suggested a followup workshop with Ms. Jackson to be scheduled for Saturday September 26th or Saturday, September 12th. The Council decided to hold the workshop on Saturday, September 12th.