CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS: August 07, 1974 848 1 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Special Meeting August 7, 1974 3:00 P.M. Electric Auditorium 301 West Avenue The meeting was called to order with Mayor Butler presiding. Roll Call: Present: Councilmen Binder, Friedman, Lebermann, Mayor Butler, Mayor Pro Tem Love Absent: Councilmen Dryden, Ilandcox Mayor Butler announced that this was a Special Called Meeting of the City Council for the purpose of a Work Session with Staff and Department Heads for study of the proposed 1974-1979 Capital Improvements Program. City Manager Davidson indicated that the City Charter did require that the Planning Commission submit a 5-year C.I.P. plan. Mr. C. W. Hetherly, Chairman of the Planning Commission, felt that the proposed projects would provide a well-conceived, attainable schedule of improvements for next year and for the following four years. He noted that every proposal had been considered with a view toward engineering feasibility, environmental impact, the City's financial position, conformance to the Master Plan, and other approved plans. He further noted that they had encouraged citizen participation in that all meetings were publicly posted, and the citizens responded both in numbers and in helpful suggestions for the C.I.P. He took this opportunity to mention some key areas of concern which the C.I.P. Committee and Planning Commission felt were worthy of special mention: Public Works: The Commission recommended that right-of-way acquisition be accomplished as early as possible because of inflation and that a siteacquisition policy be established. Parks and Recreation: He noted that this section would constitute 21% of the General Government section, but he added that this percentage would not be maintained in future years. At the request of the Bicentennial Commission, they recommended that $1.2 million be moved forward into 1974-75 for the acquisition of parkland and greenbelts. He noted that currently available funds for Parks and Recreation would completely finance only the first year of the program. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 7, 1974 Hospital: In response to Council's decision to use only presently available funds for expansion, he stated that a project had been added to provide funds in future years for renovation of the old building. Auditorium: The only specific project proposed for the next five years would be for concession stands in the Auditorium, Health: In connection with branch health clinics, he felt that in view of the worsening accessibility of the Center on Sabine Street, something would have to be done relatively soon. Utilities: He indicated that the great majority of the money proposed to be spent would be in this section, which they felt was necessary to meet the needs of the citizens. In conclusion, he noted that the Commission felt that despite growth and higher costs, this Program would offer the City a financially sound program for progress. Mr. Joe Liro, Management and Budget Administrator, reviewed the proposed Capital Improvement Program: Electric Utility: This section would total $672,406,000 (including Traffic Signalization), and of this total, $530,650,000 (79%) would be for power generation. Expansion and updating of the traffic signal system would cost $1,942,000, and of that two-thirds would be for installation of new signals and modernization of old ones. In June In response to Councilman Binder's question with regard to growth rate in electrical demand, Mr. H. L. Peterson, Engineering Design Superintendent, indicated that the demand for June and July of this year as compared to last year was less than the projection of 13% for demand and 14% for energy. there was about a 6% increase on demand and 21% increase on energy. In July the demand was about 3% increase and about 8% on energy. In response to Councilman Binder's question as to whether or not there was a possibility of the percentage on demand lessening, Mr. Peterson stated that they wanted to take the whole summer in total to determine what growth rate would be for the summer; however, the figures for June and July were an indication that the demand and energy growth were below their projections. Traffic Signalization: Financed through the Electric Department's revenues but administered by the Department of Urban Transportation. In addition to expansions and signal installations and expansions of the computer system, this proposal would include the continuation of the reversible lane control concept. The Department would anticipate converting one arterial per year. In response to Councilman Binder's question, Mr. Joe Ternus, Urban Transportation Director, felt that this had been successful and found it a very efficient method of handling traffic movement without the necessary widening costs that would normally be involved. In response to Councilman Friedman's question concerning banishing bicycles from the streets that would be involved in the one-lane reversible system, Mr. Ternus indicated that this would not be part of the program. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 7, 1974 850 In response to Councilman Lebermann's question concerning the amount of money involved concerning the bicycle lane program, Mr. Ternus noted that this would be a very extensive program, and the system was under development through the transportation study office. He added that all figures had not been finalized but that they were talking about considerable sums of money. He noted that it was their intent to publish an interim system that they could progress in this area prior to the completion of the entire transportation study. In response to Councilman Friedman's question with regard to the signalization of the central business district, Mr. Ternus stated that this was scheduled for completion in May, 1975, and that approximately 45% was already complete. He noted that there was certain priority given to more heavily travelled streets. Water System: Mr. Liro indicated that there were two portions of this package: (1) water distribution and (2) water treatment. The entire system would be budgeted for $99.8 million, and of that, $20 million would provide for expansion or improvement of all three existing treatment plants. Improvements underway at the Davis Water Treatment Plant would increase capacity by 20 million gallons per day (MGD) while two additional units planned at the Ullrich Water Treatment Plant would increase capacity by 40 MGD. He added that a series of improvements at the Green Water Treatment Plant were proposed, but these were contingent upon a comprehensive study of the City's water supply requirements which would determine the site for a fourth plant. Wastewater System: There would be two portions of this: (1) wastewater collection and (2) wastewater treatment. The entire section would total $89 million, with wastewater collection totalling $46.2 million. Major projects would include the construction of 18 major interceptor sewers to meet demands in all areas of the City. In response to Councilman Friedman's question concerning a system on the other side of Lake Austin particularly along Route 360, Mr. Curtis Johnson, Water and Wastewater Director, stated that they had not scheduled any improvements on the west bank of the Lake and added that there could be some minor improvements that might be taken from the miscellaneous category. He pointed out that there was an item scheduled for the third year for handling the east bank of Lake Austin from about Mt. Bonnell to Bull Creek. He felt that the way this area would be handled would be by the installation of some lift stations that would pump from the west bank to the east bank and then get into the tunnel. City Manager Davidson noted that it had been the concern of the Planning Commission that the City be able to determine with some kind of accuracy as to which areas within the five-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction would be within the City's responsbility for sanitary sewer facilities. He felt that the City should watch and monitor the annexation policies developed by the Council and the rate of development along that bank of Lake Austin. Mr. Johnson noted that the completion date for the tunnel would be late next summer and that they had made contingent plans to use a portion of the tunnel in the interim but not to its full capacity. He added that the excavation would join some time in late September. _ _ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS- August 7, 1974 85 Public Works: Street Improvement Program would total $46.5 million. In addition to the right of way requirements for MoPac, there would be several major street projects as follows: Rutland-Rundberg System Lightsey-Barton Skyway-Clawson System Riverside Drive Congress Avenue paving and storm sewer improvements St. John's area redevelopment Burnet-Springdale In addition to street projects, there would be $3 million proposed for sidewalk construction. There was discussion by Mayor Pro Tem Love with regard to improvements in the Clarksville area. Mr. Liro indicated that street improvements would be done by priority. City Manager Davidson indicated that the staff would undertake to prepare preliminary estimates as to how much money would be required to upgrade the utilities, street and storm drainage facilities, etc., and come back to Council with a preliminary report regarding the allocations necessary for these improvements. He stated that at that time the Council could amend the priorities and decide to place Clarksville in whatever order the Council would desire. In response to Councilman Binder's question as to what the Congress Avenue's improvements will look like, Mr. Davidson noted that on the August 8 agenda the Council would be selecting a consulting firm to design this project; and as a part of this project, the City would ask that consultant to bring his concept as to how he would like to see it landscaped and some of the design aspects. At that time the Council could decide whether or not the work should be done by the Parks and Recreation Department or whether or not this would be part of the overall contract. In response to Councilman Friedman's question concerning the proposed West University area street improvements, Mr. Ternus stated that this was a little different than projects in the past and that because of the uncertainty of the specific projects and the desirability, they felt it was best to set up one project that was not definite and would be subject to the desires of the Council following the completion of the transportation study. He added that this amount was slightly less than the original series of projects but that series had included some federal money which had been taken out. which In response to Councilman Friedman's question with regard to the proposed widening of Enfield Road from MoPac to 15th Street, Mr. Ternus indicated that this would be State construction project with the City providing the right of way, certain utility relocations, signal improvements, etc. and the Highway Department would let the contract for the actual physical construction. He noted that the State would not widen without the City's cooperation but that the City could widen without State's funds. In response to Councilman Friedman's further questions, Mr. Ternus indicated that these improvements were requested because of the narrowness of Enfield and the anticipated increase of traffic upon the completion of MoPac. He added that the project would include 5 lanes using the reversible lane concept. He stated that there would be no strip right-of-way acquisition along Enfield. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 7, 1974 852 Aviation: Would total some $775,000 which would involve parking lot expansion and terminal entrance improvements, In response to Councilman Friedman's question, Mr. Roy Bayless, Director of Aviation, stated that the jet-way ramps should be going to bid within the next 14 days. In response to Councilman Binder's question concerning the redesign of the screening area, Mr. Bayless stated this would be moved out into the concourse. Fire: Would involve $1,773,000. A new Drill Tower and Training Area have been completed, and acquisition of a site for a Northeast Fire Station will be underway. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Love's question concerning the old training facility on Town Lake, City Manager Davidson stated that this would be handled by Parks and Recreation for appropriate landscaping and safekeeping for the future. Mr. Jack Robinson, Parks and Recreation Director, added that this would be incorporated into a landscape plan that would take into consideration the old base for the ice-making plant and would become one of the key features for the Town Lake Beautification Plan. Hospital: Would constitute $24 million, with $19 million to be utilized for Phase II expansion of Brackenridge, for which the Council awarded a contract in May for the completion of the 7th floor. Library: Would involve $5.5 million over the five-year period, with $4.5 million in the first year for construction of the central library. Parks and Recreation: The five-year recommendation would total $23.6 million with emphasis placed on preparing the City for Bicentennial. $2.2 million would represent the recommendations of the Horizons Program projects. In addition, over $2 million would be proposed over the next two years in order to have the Town Lake Development Plan basically complete by the Bicentennial. Congress Avenue beautification would be proposed to add planters and greenery to the downtown area. Police: Design is underway on the training facility parking structure and the police garage. He Deputy Chief R. B. Laws noted that the time schedule started in July for the improvements on the parking level. and training building and that they were in the design development period and would be completed in September. added that the construction document would be made in January, 1975. He further noted that they had met with the architects and the City's Engineering staff, and they had devised a plan that would permit the training academy to be on the same level as the parking level to meet the needs of the creek ordinance, the 100-year water flood plain, and the environmental plans. General Government: Included in this would be Vehicle Equipment Services facility improvements, improvements related to the Transit System, the Health Clinic System, Fire Protection Program, Police and Courts Building expansion, Library System expansion, and concession stands for the Auditorium, and Coliseum expansion and improvements. He pointed out that next year's improvements in the Vehicle Equipment Services would include provisions for additional fuel servicing equipment to handle requirements for pumping unleaded CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 7, 1974. 853 gasoline and would include a proposal for a diagnostic lane type of facility to pinpoint malfunctions and measure exhaust, emission-control systems. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Love's concern with regard to the Coliseum, Mr. Hetherly noted that it had been their concern that this project should be updated because they felt the City was losing a lot of functions. City Manager Davidson suggested that Mr. Carl Gandy, Auditorium Manager, supply an update of what type activities would be feasible for the Coliseum and Auditorium. In response to Councilman Friedman's question concerning the health clinics and the expending of money over a staggered year basis, Mr. Hetherly indicated that it had been the Committee's problem that they had not been able to determine whether or not these substations should even be built or whether or not this type of service should be used. He noted that it had been brought up that these buildings should be leased and not built as far as the cost to the City. In further response to Councilman Friedman's question, Mr. Hetherly stated that the Council should give the direction as to whether or not these will ever be implemented. He noted that the majority of the Committee felt that this was something that should be done now but did not know how to do it. In connection with this, Councilman Friedman requested that the City Manager come back on August 22, 1974, with some sort of report determining what sort of study should be authorized. In connection with Mayor Pro Tem Love's earlier concern regarding the Coliseum improvements, Mr. Hetherly pointed out that future use of the Coliseum should be considered in detail; and feasible plans for expansion or modification should be developed through preliminary engineering studies, and major expenditures on this facility should be deferred until this is done. Manager Davidson suggested that the staff come back to the Council with a report on this. City Transit: Would include funding in the amount of $8 million, and in the next year funds would be provided to purchase as many as 20 additional transit vehicles and to begin work on bus stop shelters. In In response to Councilman Binder's comment that the City would have to start devoting more money toward transit, Mr. Ternus noted ridership had increased over 50% in peak periods. He pointed out that the City was so far behind in street construction that there must be a strong transit program. response to Councilman Binder's question as to whether or not a stronger transportation system would assist in keeping down the cost for street improvements, Mr. Ternus stated that all elements of the system would have operating expenses, and the transportation study would be able to answer more questions the Council might have in the future. Community Development: This section catalogues the preliminary estimates of the requirements in each of the 43 Community Development Districts City-wide. The actual appropriation of funds would be handled through the various other portions of the C.I.P. and would set priorities subject to reconsideration by the Council. In response to Mayor Butler's question, City Manager Davidson indicated that this C.I.P. was scheduled for public hearing on August 8, and the Council could render final consideration within the month of August. In response to CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 7, 1974 854 Mayor Butler's question, Mr. Liro indicated that this could be amended in any area before September 27, 1.974 ADJOURNMENT The Council adjourned at 4:45 p.m. ATTEST: Grace Monise City Clerk APPROVED RayBeale Mayor