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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda CC 01.26.2010 WorkshopNotice of Meeting of the Governing Body of the City of Georgetown, Texas JANUARY 26, 2010 The Georgetown City Council will meet on JANUARY 26, 2010 at 4:00 P.M. at the Council Chambers at 101 E. 7th Street If you need accommodations for a disability, please notify the city in advance. Policy Development/Review Workshop - A Presentation to Council related to Energy Efficiency/Conservation and efforts to implement future enhancements -- Ken Arnold, Energy Services Director and Jim Briggs, Assistant City Manager for Utility Operations B Workshop discussion and possible action regarding the upcoming 2010/11 Annual Budget process, strategic planning process and related Budget Calendar -- Laurie Brewer, Assistant Finance Director and Micki Rundell, Chief Financial Officer C Presentation regarding Project Lab -- Mark Thomas, Economic Development Director Executive Session In compliance with the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Government Code, Vernon's Texas Codes, Annotated, the items listed below will be discussed in closed session and are subject to action in the regular session. D Sec 551.071: Consultation with Attorney 1. Advice from attorney about pending or contemplated litigation and other matters on which the attorney has a duty to advise the City Council, including this week's agenda items E Sec 551.072: Deliberation about Real Property - Discuss the value of land as it pertains to 10 acres of land adjacent to Shell Road -- Mark Sokolow, City Attorney F Sec 551.087: Deliberation Regarding Economic Development Negotiations - Discussions or deliberations regarding commercial or financial information that the governmental body has received from a business prospect that the City Council seeks to have locate, stay or expand in or near the territory of the City and with which the City Council is conducting economic development negotiations; or to deliberate the offer of a financial or other incentive to a business prospect that the City Council seeks to have locate, stay or expand in or near the territory of the City and with which the City Council is conducting economic development negotiations. - Project Lab Adjournment Certificate of Posting I, Jessica Hamilton, City Secretary for the City of Georgetown, Texas, do hereby certify that this Notice of Meeting was posted at City Hall, 113 E. 8th Street, a place readily accessible to the general public at all times, on the _____ day of _________________, 2009, at __________, and remained so posted for at least 72 continuous hours preceding the scheduled time of said meeting. __________________________________ Jessica Hamilton, City Secretary City of Georgetown, Texas January 26, 2010 SUBJECT: Presentation to Council related to Energy Efficiency/Conservation and efforts to implement future enhancements -- Ken Arnold, Energy Services Director and Jim Briggs, Assistant City Manager for Utility Operations ITEM SUMMARY: FINANCIAL IMPACT: SUBMITTED BY: Kenneth Arnold, Energy Services Director Cover Memo Item # A City of Georgetown, Texas January 26, 2010 SUBJECT: Workshop discussion and possible action regarding the upcoming 2010/11 Annual Budget process, strategic planning process and related Budget Calendar -- Laurie Brewer, Assistant Finance Director and Micki Rundell, Chief Financial Officer ITEM SUMMARY: Staff has begun the planning process for the upcoming 2010/11 Annual Budget. A major component of the planning process is determining the City Council’s priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. This workshop is the first step in defining the priorities and related strategies that will be the basis for the upcoming budget. In 2008, the City adopted the 2030 Plan as its master comprehensive plan. The 2030 Plan defines “what” the community should be in 2030, outlining the character and quality of life that the future citizens of Georgetown will experience. Yet, the 2030 Plan does not provide “how” the City should get from where it is today to where it will be in 2030. The Plan itself does’t determine specific goals or strategies needed for implementation, therefore, the priorities that the City Council sets through its annual budgeting process should in some way further the implementation of the Plan. Over the last three years, the City has focused on 12 basic “goal” or priority areas within the Annual Budget. Each one of these areas furthers the implementation of the Plan. From these 12 key goals, strategies will be developed within the context of the budget. These Priority Areas are: Continue revitalization and economic development Alleviate traffic congestion Continue implementation of the Downtown MAster Plan Improve quality of services while keeping property taxes low Improve emergency response levels Expand and coordinate Parks & Recreation system Continue efforts for community long-range planning Encourage and support Affordable Housing programs Expand recycling opportunities and environmental program initiatives Ensure adequate staffing & competitive compensation for all employees Continue implementation of City's Facility Plan Increase operational efficiency and financial integrity During this workshop, City Council can determine if these 12 goals are still relevant for implementing the 2030 Plan, and make additions and deletions as needed. From this discussion, staff will create an on-line survey to be used in prioritizing these goals. This survey will ask that Council members rank these priorities 1 thru 12, with 1 being themost important. The purpose is to only identify the priories and to rank their importance to the Council members. The cost associated with implementing the goal is not being addressed at this time, and will be idenified and addressed during the budget process. Once the survey is completed, a weighted average priority list will be presented to the City Council at the February 23 workshop, along with a detail listing of how each priority furthers implementation of the 2030 Plan. In addition, results from the 2010 Quality of Life Survey which will be presented on March 9 and will be linked to these priorities. From this exercise, staff hopes to provide City Council with a clear understanding of how each priority furthers the 2030 Plan, and through the Citizen’s Survey, its importance to the community. From this process, the 2010/11 Annual Budget will be prepared. The upcoming budget will be a challenge due to uncertain financial conditions that may prohibit the addition of new programs. Yet, this process can serve as a “long range” strategic plan that the City can utilize for the next 3 to 5 years. Budget Calendar City staff has begun the process for the Capital Improvements Program which will be formally presented to the City Council in June. In addition, staff will be bringing monthly updates on the budget and key budget items, such as compensation and benefits, parks and public safety in workshops in the upcoming months. The calendar is in draft format and dates are subject to change, as additional workshops on budget information may be added. The calendar will be provided at the workshop. In addition, the Truth in Taxation calendar for 2010 has not yet been established and slight changes may be necessary to accommodate these Cover Memo Item # B requirements. In any case, the budget is scheduled for adoption with first reading of ordinances scheduled before the end of August. Staff’s goal in this process is to provide City Council will much needed information and to allow enough time for the Council to make informed decisions throughout the upcoming budget process. FINANCIAL IMPACT: SUBMITTED BY: Micki Rundell, Chief Financial Officer ATTACHMENTS: Georgetown 2030 Plan Vision Statement and Policy Principals Cover Memo Item # B GEORGETOWN “2030 PLAN” The process to update the City’s comprehensive plan began in 2006 and utilized a broad cross-section of citizens that provided input and ideas throughout the process. Meetings were held that allowed citizens and stakeholders the opportunity to voice their ideas and concerns about community growth over the next 20 years. The Georgetown 2030 Comprehensive Plan or the “2030 Plan” is the product of a careful design process that incrementally built consensus on the desired future of the City and the means to achieve that future. The 2030 Comprehensive Plan builds on the foundation established by the Century Plan and advances the state- of-the-art of planning for the City’s future by establishing a Vision Statement that reflects the shared values and aspirations of citizens, and becomes the policy touchstone and the destination for the comprehensive plan. “2030 VISION STATEMENT” In 2030, Georgetown is a growing city, recognized throughout the region and the nation as a premier community of choice by virtue of its exceptional livability; proud historic heritage; welcoming, engaging people; safe neighborhoods; variety of well-paying jobs; excellent public schools; vibrant arts and cultural offerings; and well-planned infrastructure, transportation, and public facilities. We have taken advantage of our strategic location by embracing sound, managed growth, and harnessing and guiding it to deliberately shape Georgetown as we choose it to be. In embracing sound growth and encouraging a variety of densities and architectural styles, we have promoted sustainable development patterns that are compatible with our natural resources and historic character. We have encouraged innovation in development practices, raised quality standards for new development, re- invested in downtown and historic neighborhoods, and revitalized areas in transition. We have achieved greater economic autonomy by attracting quality employment and an array of local retail and commercial services to grow our tax base, safeguard our fiscal health and retain our talented youth. All of our neighborhoods are safe and thriving, and offer quality, affordable housing to households of all ages, lifestyles and economic means. We have achieved our Vision by exercising leadership and by mobilizing citizens, civic and neighborhood organizations, local businesses and institutions to work together in partnership with the City of Georgetown, its elected and appointed leaders and staff. We have crafted our Vision to articulate community values and aspirations, structured into the following four major themes: Quality of Life Sustainable Development Balanced Transportation / Efficient Mobility Effective Governance GEORGETOWN 2030 PLAN – POLICY PRINCIPALS 1.0 Quality of Life 1.1 Community Character A. The City of Georgetown is regarded throughout Central Texas and the nation as a safe, livable and beautiful “community of choice.” B. We have retained our unique identity and heritage by protecting the historic character of downtown and our older neighborhoods. C. We have raised the bar for development quality by encouraging innovation among forms of development that maintain and enhance community character and conserve land and natural resources, consistent with market demand. Attachment number 1 Page 1 of 5 Item # B D. We have enhanced the community’s visual character through greater attention to roadway aesthetics, conservation of our tree canopy and green spaces, standards for appropriate signage and enhanced gateway corridors. E. We have preserved our irreplaceable natural resources, our lakes, rivers and hill country scenery. Through a variety of means - including strategic acquisition and development of park lands, trails and greenways, successful partnerships, and effective use of incentives for voluntary preservation - our open spaces are protected for future generations. F. We have expanded public recreational use and enjoyment of our parks and open spaces by expanding sports facilities and by enhancing our network of greenways and trails, which link major open spaces, recreational areas and our rivers and lakes. 1.2 People A. Georgetown residents are educated, engaged, caring, diverse and committed to the community. B. Georgetown residents - whether long-time residents or newcomers; young households or retirees - become deeply rooted in the community and are actively involved in community service through their faith-based involvement, civic organizations and a variety of volunteer activities. C. Georgetown residents are well informed and engaged with local government on key issues affecting growth and change in the community. D. Georgetown residents recognize and embrace their diversity and respond to opportunities to come together in common purpose, overcoming generational, cultural, geographic and socio-economic barriers. E. Georgetown residents are tolerant, compassionate, and reach out to those in need. F. Georgetown residents are receptive to positive change and nurture future leaders. G. Georgetown residents respond to the needs of all economic levels of residents through the provision of affordable housing and adequate and accessible health and social services. 1.3 Educational and Cultural Opportunities A. Georgetown nurtures its most valuable resource—its youth—by promoting and supporting the highest level of excellence in public education and by actively engaging them in the life of the community. B. Southwestern University is a valued resource and a partner in community affairs. The City and University collaborate in initiatives to expand economic opportunities, to attract clean, knowledge- based employment, and to provide cultural enrichment to citizens and opportunities to engage the student body in the community. C. Georgetown seeks and creates partnerships to promote lifelong learning and provide affordable higher education for all, along with special venues for learning to make Georgetown an educational destination in Central Texas. D. Georgetown is a cultural destination in Central Texas, thanks to our vibrant community of artists and artisans, performing arts venues, and array of arts, heritage and cultural festivals and events. 2.0 Quality Growth / Sustainable Development 2.1 Throughout Georgetown we have... A. Attracted desired forms of balanced development, creating quality urban, suburban, and rural places that offer a choice of setting and lifestyle. B. Encouraged residential developments that are well connected to the larger community are planned and designed to compliment the heritage and natural character of Georgetown, and offer a variety of housing types and price ranges. C. Encouraged sound, compact, quality growth, including pedestrian-friendly development patterns that incorporate mixed uses and densities, conserve resources, and accommodate public transportation, alternative fuel vehicles, biking, and walking as convenient substitutes for automobile use. Attachment number 1 Page 2 of 5 Item # B D. Reserved well-planned and well-located sites for future employment centers, sufficient to meet our long range need for economic diversification and suitable to attract desired “clean” businesses. E. Maintained the quality and diversity of our housing stock in all of our neighborhoods, which are framed by safe, attractive streets. 2.2 In downtown Georgetown and our older neighborhoods we have… A. Supported home-grown businesses and planned for an optimal mix of businesses, services, retail and entertainment suited to the scale and historic charm of downtown. B. Attracted or created an array of civic, arts and other cultural activities and events to expand the level of downtown activity. C. Promoted downtown and in-town housing including infill, mixed use and the creation of apartments and lofts over retail. 2.3 Along our major highway corridors we have… A. Promoted development compatible with safe, efficient traffic circulation through sound standards for access management, limited installation of curb cuts and parking facility connectivity. B. Selectively determined appropriate locations and applied design standards for large commercial developments and other high traffic generating uses. C. Set high design standards for all commercial development and signage. D. Encouraged mixed-use, and “village center” development types as alternatives to conventional strip center and stand-alone “pad” sites. 2.4 In our suburban fringe we have… A. Exercised influence to prevent premature and incompatible development. B. Encouraged the staged, orderly expansion of contiguous development to coincide with the expansion of roads and infrastructure. C. Encouraged conservation development and other approaches that retain rural character and promote retention of open space. D. Provided for the City’s long range growth with strategically timed annexations. E. Consolidated development patterns within the city limits, where feasible, through judicious annexation and capital investments. 3.0 Balanced Transportation / Efficient Mobility A. Georgetown has implemented improvements to the local road and traffic control system, including new thoroughfare linkages to enhance connectivity, improved and coordinated traffic signalization, and standards for access management to enhance traffic flow and safety. B. Georgetown is progressing towards a functional, well-integrated, multi-modal transportation system, which provides convenient public transportation choices within Georgetown and access to the region’s major activity centers in and around Austin. C. Georgetown has reduced its reliance on conventional fuels and automotive traffic by promoting alternative fuel vehicles; by retrofitting bike lanes and sidewalks in underserved areas to enhance bicycle and pedestrian mobility; by incorporating these facilities in new developments; and by encouraging compact mixed-use and other “walkable” development types. D. Georgetown has assisted in carefully locating employment and commercial centers, schools, and other high-traffic generators. Attachment number 1 Page 3 of 5 Item # B 4.0 Effective Governance A. Our City government retains its reputation for providing a high level of responsiveness to citizens and in exercising visionary leadership in planning and investing for the future. B. We have created and enforced innovative, effective and fair regulatory codes and development standards to guide growth and improve development quality. We have streamlined the regulatory process, particularly for desired development types and locations. C. Georgetown has achieved a high level of service coordination, both internally and with County, State and other city service providers. D. Georgetown has anticipated and planned for the long-range need for public facilities including police, fire, recreation and libraries. E. The City has coordinated with the Georgetown Independent School District for the appropriate siting and timing of new school construction, consistent with the City’s growth management strategy. F. Georgetown has maintained and improved its fiscal strength by: Actively promoting sustainable economic development through recruitment of desired industries and employers. Guiding a compact growth pattern, which reduces public facility costs. Carefully prioritizing spending consistent with adopted capital improvement plans and budgets. Judicious use of incentives and subsidies for desired development. G. Georgetown has taken a leadership role in the use of advanced technology to incorporate sustainable “green infrastructure,” including initiatives to: Conserve water resources through reduced consumption. Effectively re-use treated wastewater for irrigation. Encourage renewable sources of energy. Promote maximum recycling. Promote the use of alternative fuels. Provide high speed internet access for all citizens. H. The City has followed through on its commitment to plan for the future, by adopting a comprehensive plan; by consistently applying it as a criterion in all decision-making; by implementing actions called for in the plan; and by periodic monitoring and updating of the plan. Attachment number 1 Page 4 of 5 Item # B 2030 PLAN POLICY PRINCIPALS PRIORITY AREAS 2.1 Continue revitalization and economic development 3.0 Alleviate traffic congestion 2.2 Continue implementation of Downtown Master Plan 4.0 Improve quality of services while keeping property taxes low 4.0 A Improve emergency response levels 1.1 Expand and coordinate Parks & Recreation system 2.0 Continue efforts for community long-range planning 1.2 Encourage and support Affordable Housing programs 4.0 G Expand recycling opportunities and environmental program initiatives 4.0 Ensure adequate staffing & competitive compensation for all employees 4.0 D Continue implementation of City's Facility Plan 4.0 Increase operational efficiency and financial integrity Attachment number 1 Page 5 of 5 Item # B City of Georgetown, Texas January 26, 2010 SUBJECT: Presentation regarding Project Lab -- Mark Thomas, Economic Development Director ITEM SUMMARY: FINANCIAL IMPACT: SUBMITTED BY: Mark Thomas, Economic Development Director Cover Memo Item # C City of Georgetown, Texas January 26, 2010 SUBJECT: Sec 551.071: Consultation with Attorney 1. Advice from attorney about pending or contemplated litigation and other matters on which the attorney has a duty to advise the City Council, including this week's agenda items ITEM SUMMARY: FINANCIAL IMPACT: SUBMITTED BY: Jessica Hamilton, City Secretary Cover Memo Item # D City of Georgetown, Texas January 26, 2010 SUBJECT: Sec 551.072: Deliberation about Real Property - Discuss the value of land as it pertains to 10 acres of land adjacent to Shell Road -- Mark Sokolow, City Attorney ITEM SUMMARY: FINANCIAL IMPACT: SUBMITTED BY: Jessica Hamilton, City Secretary Cover Memo Item # E City of Georgetown, Texas January 26, 2010 SUBJECT: Sec 551.087: Deliberation Regarding Economic Development Negotiations - Discussions or deliberations regarding commercial or financial information that the governmental body has received from a business prospect that the City Council seeks to have locate, stay or expand in or near the territory of the City and with which the City Council is conducting economic development negotiations; or to deliberate the offer of a financial or other incentive to a business prospect that the City Council seeks to have locate, stay or expand in or near the territory of the City and with which the City Council is conducting economic development negotiations. - Project Lab ITEM SUMMARY: FINANCIAL IMPACT: SUBMITTED BY: Jessica Hamilton, City Secretary Cover Memo Item # F