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SOLUTIONS ARCHIVE 2006

Periodically, TML receives inquiries for which there is minimal, current information among our resources. The questions presented here represent an attempt to assist an inquiring member who has an informational need unmet through regular research efforts. Should you have information which would be helpful to the inquiring member, please contact him/her directly. At your discretion, TML would appreciate a copy of your response for the purpose of continually improving our information database. Your response or your own question may be sent to TML. When submitting a question, please include your name, title, and city.
Thank you

December 5, 2006
Subject: Up Front Legal Documents
The City of Rosenberg is looking for a copy of a simple up front legal document for bidding purposes such as grounds maintenance, janitorial services, mosquito spraying and rights of way mowing. The documents we use for large contracts do not fit well with the smaller projects such as the ones mentioned above. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks
Contact:
City of Rosenberg, Kenneth Jansky, Public Works Director, PO box 32, Rosenberg TX, 77471; 832-595-3519; kennethj@ci.rosenberg.tx.us
December 4, 2006
Subject: Condominium Land Use
Two property owners in our city want to establish condominiums on their properties.  One situation involves a new six building office park on a single lot which is zoned general business.  The owner obtained a variance sometime ago allowing him to build several buildings on this lot, even though the zoning code calls for a single structure.  The other situation involves several existing buildings with mixed uses on a single lot which is zoned SF residential.  The zoning and platting were done decades ago.  According to the owners, the purpose of the condo approach now would be to sell off whole, separate buildings (not just units within the buildings) without the need to subdivide/replat, concern for each one to have direct ingress/egress, parking space requirements, setbacks and all of the usual subdivision and zoning considerations.  Is anyone familiar with this type of arrangement?  Would rezoning to a PUD solve this issue, and is it the only way to allow selling portions of property without subdividing?  Any advice will be appreciated.
Contact:
James Blystone, City Manager, City of Castle Hills, 209 Lemonwood Drive, San Antonio, TX 78213; 210-342-8406 210-342-4525--fax jblystone@cityofcastlehills.com
November 28, 2006
Subject: Responsibility for Wastewater Lines
The City of Castle Hills has taken the position that any "lateral" wastewater line installed between the city's main and an individual's private property line remains the responsibility of the property owner, and not the city.  The only time the city accepted responsibility for any backup, repair or installation was when it was to the main itself.  There is no written policy to this effect, but it is carried out consistently in practice.  Conversely, there is no written policy that the city will assume ownership for any lines installed in its ROW's or easement's, either.  Does any other city follow this practice/policy?  Please help with any information you may have.
Contact:
James Blystone, City Manager, City of Castle Hills, 209 Lemonwood Drive, San Antonio, TX 78213; 210-342-8406 210-342-4525--fax jblystone@cityofcastlehills.com
November 1, 2006
Subject: Funding Request
The Newly Incorporated City of Escobares (1year) population 1250 have been operating through a non-profit organization for the past year... The funds are depleting and are in dire need of funding. We would like to know if there is any city out there that has experienced anything like us.  We would like information regarding the funding for operations and staffing.  We recently placed sales & use tax in November and are limited to approximately 7 local businesses.  Please respond as soon as possible.
Contact:
Maribel M. Salinas, City Secretary; Escobares, Texas (956)847-1200 Email: maribelmsalinas@yahoo.com
November 1, 2006
Subject: Grantwriter as an Employee; Independent Contractor & Compensation
The City is considering hiring a grant writer, either as an employee or as an independent contractor. Whether the grant writer is an employee or an independent contractor, how do cities pay the individual:
Solely through the general fund? With grant funds? Other? Thank you!
Contact:
Barbara S. Reaves Director, Community Services City of Alice, Texas 361.668.7250
October 30, 2006
Subject: Performance Evaluations
The City of Burkburnett,(pop.11000 )would like to have copies or your performance evaluations forms.
Contact:
Please fax to Dale Lewis Dir. of Admin. 940-569-4192 or e-mail dlewis@burkburnett.org.
October 11, 2006
Subject: Annexation Cost/Benefit Analysis
The City of Boerne would like information on the cost-benefit analysis of annexations that other cities use. We are interested in reviewing the “analysis format” and the “approval processes” that are utilized leading up to council authorization. We appreciate any information you can provide.
Contact:
Linda Zartler, Sr. Assistant to City Manager/City Secretary, phone: 830.249.9511, fax: 830.249.9264, or e-mail: lzartler@ci.boerne.tx.us.
October 3, 2006
Subject: Code enforcement of xeriscaped properties
The City of Mesquite is seeking information concerning any ordinances or code enforcement practices dealing with property owners who practice (or claim to practice) xeriscaping. Our current ordinance does not allow grass over twelve inches. Enforcement has proven difficult when the property owner contests the notice by claiming they are practicing xeriscaping. Does anyone have ordinances addressing this issue.
Contact:
Bill Hobson, Senior Mgmt Analyst, City of Mesquite, PO Box 850137, Mesquite, Texas 75185-0137; Phone: 972-216-6409; e-mail: bhobson@ci.mesquite.tx.us
September 14, 2006
Subject: Operational Audits
The City of Sugar Land is considering operational audits for the Accounting and Purchasing Departments. If you have had an operational audit performed for your City, please let us know what firms were considered and if you were happy with the results. If you did an RFP/RFQ, we would appreciate receiving a copy. Thanks for your input.
Contact:
Dianne F. Stanford, Chief Accountant at dfs@sugarlandtx.gov; 281-275-2747.
September 7 , 2006
Subject: Hotel Occupancy Tax Revenue
The City of Early wants to attract more tourism by utilizing the Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue.  We would be interested to know the various ways other cities are allocating their revenues from this tax.  We want to know specific types of projects (i.e. ball field lighting, festivals, and advertising), contributions to various organizations, and charges you may use for administering the funds.  We know every city has varying amounts of Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue so even percentages would be appreciated.
Contact:
Ken Thomas, City Manager, Early, Texas at earlytx1@web-access.net.
July 19, 2006
Subject: Oil & Gas Franchise Agreements
We are currently working on a franchise renewal agreement, but before we finalize the contract I would like to know if our pipeline franchise fees are commensurate with those of other cities. Please contact me if you are willing to share your fee structure for oil & gas franchise agreements.
Contact:
Sandra Krieg, Accounting Manager, City of Bryan, Texas; Phone  979-209-5089; SKrieg@BryanTx.gov
July 10, 2006
Subject: Streets
I am interested in finding out how other small cities handle the upgrading of their city streets. Does the city pay the full cost of improving an oil sand road to an asphalt street or are the property owners assessed for a portion of the improvement. Do any small cities assess property owners for street upgrades? We are a small city with a population of 2,800.
Contact:
William (Buddy) Heuberger, mayor pro-tem Reno (Lamar County) Texas
June 24, 2006
Subject: Housing Allowance
I would like to know if any cities offer a housing allowance as part of their benefits package.  We are considering this for our police department.
Contact:
Lauren Doss, Assistant to the City Administrator, Village of Bee Cave; 512.767.6613 ph; 512.263-5576 fax; www.beecavetexas.com
May 31, 2006
Subject: Death Benefits Dilemma
I am writing to request assistance/input on how other Cities handle the payment of a deceased employee's final paycheck, vacation, and/or sick pay. I recently became responsible for reviewing and approving the payment of these benefits and have encountered the situation where the cost to get a court judgment or order exceeds the amount due. I would think that there is a way to avoid such an inequity, for example, by utilizing a beneficiary designation form. Does anyone have such a form or experience with the issue? Thanks for any assistance!
Contact:
Tanja L. D. Hunter, Assistant City Attorney, City of Houston, Legal Department - Labor Division; 900 Bagby Street, Houston, Texas 77002; Phone: (713)247-1504; Fax: (713)247-1017
May 24 , 2006
Subject: Automatic water meter reading
The City of Jacksonville is investigating the use of automatic read water meters.  We would like to speak to other cities, particularly under 20,000 population, who have investigated and/or installed such equipment within the last year or two.
Contact:
Richard Ball, CPA, Director of Finance, City of Jacksonville, P. O. Box 1390, 301 E. Commerce St., Jacksonville, TX  75766; Phone: (903)586-3510; Fax: (903)586-4609
May 16 , 2006
Subject: Space Needs Assessment
The City of Wichita Falls needs to budget for space needs assessments to begin the process of looking at new facility construction.  Has anyone had an architect conduct a space needs assessment in last couple of years?
Contact:
Matt Benoit, Assistant City Manager, City of Wichita Falls , Phone: (940)761-7404 or E-mail: matt.benoit@cwftx.net
May 5 , 2006
Subject: Purchasing Manual
The City of Sealy is in the process of updating its purchasing manual.  We would like to receive copies of purchasing manuals from cities of any size to utilize as samples in updating our own manual.  Any information provided would be appreciated.
Contact:
Steven W. Kutra, Director of Finance, Phone:  (979)885-3511; Fax:  (979)885-3513; or E-mail:  skutra@ci.sealy.tx.us
April 11, 2006
Subject: park pavilion/pool rental agreements
The City of Jourdanton is reviewing its current park pavilion/pool rental agreement. If anyone has a rental agreement of this type that they would like to share I would appreciate it.
Contact:
Cindy Trevino, City Secretary, City of Jourdanton. A copy can be faxed to (830)769-2598 or E-mail to cityofjourdanton@hotmail.com.
April 11, 2006
Subject: Payroll Debit Cards
We are considering payroll debit cards as an alternative method of paying our employees. Are any other cities currently using payroll debit cards? If so, how were the cards received by your employees and would you recommend them?
Contact:
Sandra Krieg, Accounting Manager, City of Bryan; E-mail: Skrieg@bryantx.gov; Phone: (979)209-5089
April 6, 2006
Subject: Franchise Agreements
I would like to know which department(s) in your City is(are) responsible for negotiating the renewal of franchise agreements and monitoring compliance with such?
Contact:
Kathy Davidson, Chief Financial Officer; City of Bryan. E-mail: kdavidson@bryantx.gov; Phone: (979)209-5081.
March 22, 2006
Subject: Emergency Service Districts
The City of Snyder, along with other governmental agencies in the region, is considering the formation of an Emergency Service District to provide fire protection to the region. We are interested in other cities that have participated in the formation of such a district. Specifically, we would like information regarding the funding, the staffing distribution (remain city employees and contract with ESD or become ESD employees), and the investment in equipment. We appreciate any assistance or information that you have available.
Contact:
Ron Shaw, Councilmember, City of Snyder; E-mail: shawronn@sbcglobal.net or Phone: (325)573-4957.
March 15, 2006
Subject: Sick Leave Pooling
I would like to have copies of policies for sick leave pooling.
Contact:
Dale Lewis, Dir.of Admin. City of Burkburnett , 501 Sheppard Rd. Burkburnett, Texas76354.
March 13, 2006
Subject: Nonconsent tow truck rates
I am looking for whether any city has recently examined the rates they permit tow truck companies to charge for nonconsent tows within their city. Additionally, the names of consultants who have assisted the city in preparing such an examination would also be helpful. Thank you for your assistance.
Contact:
Christopher J. Caso, AICP, Assistant City Attorney, City of Dallas; E-mail: chris.caso@dallascityhall.com or Phone: (214)670-3508.
March 6, 2006
Subject: Reduction of Prima Facie Speed Limits in Residential Areas
With the approval of HB 87, cities are now able to reduce prima facie speed limits in residential areas from 30 to 25 miles per hour provided the street is less than 35 feet in width, the street is not parking restricted, and the governing body determines that the 30 mile per hour prima facie speed limit is unreasonable or unsafe. If any city reviewing this request has reduced their prima facie speed limit in residential areas from 30 to 25 miles per hour, would you please contact me? I am interested in obtaining any formal studies that were performed to make a determination that the 30 mile per hour prima facie speed limit was unreasonable or unsafe, or if a study was not conducted, I would like to understand how your city made the determination that the existing speed limit was unreasonable or unsafe.
Contact:
Douglas C. Mousel, Town Administrator, Town of Prosper, Texas; Phone: (972)346-2640; Fax: (972)347-2111 or E-mail: doug_mousel@prospertx.gov.
March 6, 2006
Subject: Speed Control Devices
Several citizens have requested that the City of Carthage place “speed bumps’ in their neighborhood. If you have recent experience in the process of utilizing speed control devices in your city, please contact me. We are interested in any information regarding street selection, the types of devices used, the liability issues involved, and the results you have experienced from placing speed controls in the streets. Thanks for your assistance.
Contact:
Robert Underwood, City Attorney, City of Carthage; E-mail: robertu@sbcglobal.net or Phone: (903)693-2303.
February 22, 2006
Subject: Time Clocks
The City of Jacksonville is considering the use of “time clocks” for recording work hours for our employees. If there is a city that has utilized this method to capture the employee work hours, please provide contact information. Thanks.
Contact:
Richard Ball, CPA, Director of Finance, City of Jacksonville. Phone: (903)586-3510 or E-mail: jville3@flash.net.
February 6, 2006
Subject: Special Assessment District
The City of Eagle Pass is looking at creating a special assessment district whereby it would charge an "assessment" or fee on a per acre basis to pay for the extension of a water line which will service the area. The area to be serviced would be light industrial, for warehouses, etc. Has anyone encountered this type of scenario and would you be able to provide the actual "agreements" used or ordinances created?
Contact:
Please e-mail response to chdzjr@cityofeaglepass.com.
February 3, 2006
Subject: Municipal Court Caseworker
Grand Prairie Municipal Court: I would like to know how many courts currently have a juvenile caseworker and how many are planning to request council approval to charge the new fee to pay for a caseworker. If considering the allowable fee of $1 to $5, how much will be requested?
Contact:
Judge Nancy Robb, Grand Prairie, Texas. Phone: (972)237-8605 or E-mail: nrobb@pgtx.org
February 2, 2006
Subject: Naming Rights for City Facilities
Are there any cities that currently have a Naming Rights Policy for city facilities? Any information would be greatly appreciated as we are in the developmental stages of such a policy. Thanks in advance!
Contact:
Kathy Keane, Business Liaison, City of San Angelo, P O Box 1751, San Angelo, TX 76902; (325) 653-7197; Fax (325) 653-7187; kathy.keane@sanangelotexas.us
February 2, 2006
Subject: Sharing of Employees
We are a town of about 3000. New, only incorporated going on the 6th year. We have talked about sharing employees, in particular as we have grown mostly on a volunteer basis we are approaching the need for a "City Manager Type". But, our needs for a few years probably would only be this manager for a couple of days a week. Several smaller cities in our area have talked a little, but I am in need of reference where other cities have worked on this.
Contact:
Curtis Strong, Alderman, Salado, Texas; Phone: (254)947-4835 and E-mail: cstrong1@vvm.com.
February 2, 2006
Subject: Records Management
How is Records Management handled in your City? Do you have a Certified Records Manager on staff? Are you aware of agencies that contract with cities to handle their records management?
Contact:
Sandra D. Lee, City Secretary, City of Georgetown, E-mail: slee@georgetowntx.org; Phone: (512)930-3651; Fax: (512)930-3659
February 2, 2006
Subject: LaserFiche Agenda Manager
Looking for a city that has used LaserFiche Agenda Manager for the City Council Agenda preparation. How long have you used it? Was it readily accepted by staff? Do you use it for a paperless agenda and provide personal computers/laptops on the Council dais? Or, do you continue to provide paper copies?
Contact:
Sandra D. Lee, City Secretary, City of Georgetown, E-mail: slee@georgetowntx.org; Phone: (512)930-3651; Fax: (512)930-3659
January 24, 2006
Subject: Budget Comparison
What percentage of the total budget is allocated to salaries and benefits for your employees? We are interested in cities in the 10K-15K population range. We would be grateful for any information you may have. Thanks.
Contact:
Dale Lewis, Director of Administration, Burkburnett, Texas at Phone: (940)569-2263 or E-mail: dlewis@burkburnett.org.
January 16, 2006
Subject: RV Park Regulations
Are there any cities or municipalities that have city ordinances or other regulations that would govern the operation of a recreational vehicle (RV) park? We would appreciate any information you may have. Thank you.
Contact:
Lemuel D. Lopez, City Administrator, Boyd, Texas at Phone: (940)433-5166 or E-mail: lemlo53@hotmail.com.

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