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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1965-08-2481. Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council August 24, 1965 CALL TO ORDER Mayor W. G. Fuller called the regular meeting of the Euless City Council to order at 8;05 P. M. in the council chambers of the Euless City Hall with the following council members present: Councilmen Bobby F u l l e r , Frank Douglass, B i l l Byers and Don Warren. (Councilman Harold Samuels absent.) Also present were City Manager Lee Cowell City Attorney James Cribbs and City Secretary Vada Ferris. inivnrronnni City Manager Lee Cowell presented the nvocat ion. APPROVAL CF MINUTES The minutes of the regular council meeting August 10, 1965 were approved as written. VISITORS Visitors in attendance were: Messrs. Frank Austin, John W. B a r f i e l d . Paul D . Gregory, B i l l Ratliff, Jon Long (Euless Herald),Mrs. Betty Potthoff (News- Texan), Miss Sandi Major(Fort Worth Press) and Miss Gina Gregory. I. ANNUAL REPORT CF BLUE CROSS -BLUE SHIELD CONTRACT Mr. Thompson stated that under the present contract that exists between the City of Euless and Blue Cross -Blue Shield of Texas, an employee is not covered by Blue Cross -Blue Shield for a period from 30 days to as many as 59 days after he becomes employed by the City of Euless and application has been made for insurance coverage. He stated that an amendment may be added to the present contract which w i l l enable an employee to become covered almost immediately without additional expense involved - the employee w i I I be covered upon receipt of the application card in the Dallas office of Blue Cross -Blue Shield of Texas. City Manager Cowell informed the council that his recommendation is that the city council approve the amendment as presented by Mr. Thompson. Councilman Fuller seconded the motion and the vote i s as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Fuller. Douglass and Byers. Nays: None. City Manager Cowell informed the council that the Blue Cross -Blue Shield of Texas representative, Mr. Duane Thompson, was present to discuss the annual report for 1964 -65, to the council. Mr. Thompson informed the council that his firm is gratified that, during the past year, 85% of the city's claims for hospitilization have been paid by Blue Cross and that an increase in insurance rates will not be necessary for the ensuing year, 1965 -66. Mr. Thompson stated that under the present contract that exists between the City of Euless and Blue Cross -Blue Shield of Texas, an employee is not covered by Blue Cross -Blue Shield for a period from 30 days to as many as 59 days after he becomes employed by the City of Euless and application has been made for insurance coverage. He stated that an amendment may be added to the present contract which w i l l enable an employee to become covered almost immediately without additional expense involved - the employee w i I I be covered upon receipt of the application card in the Dallas office of Blue Cross -Blue Shield of Texas. City Manager Cowell informed the council that his recommendation is that the city council approve the amendment as presented by Mr. Thompson. Councilman Fuller seconded the motion and the vote i s as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Fuller. Douglass and Byers. Nays: None. 82 (Page Two - Minutes of Regular Counci 1 Meeting, August 24, 1965) Mayor Fuller declared the motion carried and thanked Mr. Thompson for his report to the council. Mr. Thompson stated that Blue Cross - Blue Shield is anxious to serve the city in every way possible and is appreciative of the council's consideration of their contract, (Councilman Warren arrived at this time.) REZONING JOIN BARFIELD PROPERTY (ZON ING CASE #133-WILSHIRE WEST) Mr. John Barfield appeared before the council concerning the rezoning from "A" Residential to "C" Commercial, a tract of land out of the T. A. Cash Survey (Huffman Drive) (it was recalled that a public hearing was held on February 23, 1965, on this zoning case.) Mr. Barfield stated that his request for rezoning this tract of land, having been in abeyance for several months, has necessitated a change in his plans and that he is requesting that 400 feet of the property be rezoned rather than the entire tract. He informed the council that the property located in Bedford, adjacent to his property, has been rezoned Commercial and he w i I I be most appreciative of any consideration the council can give him concerning this tract of land, After discussion, Councilman Fuller made the motion that the 400 feet be rezoned from "A" Residential to "C" Commercial as requested by Mr. Barfield. Councilman Douglass seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Fuller, Byers, Douglass and Warren. Nays: None. Mayor Fuller declared the motion carried. (It was discussed that if Mr. Barfiebd desires, at a later date, to request rezoning of the balance of the property in the original request in this tract of land, that he should not be required to pay the usual zoning fee as he w i I I have already paid it at the time he requested the rezoning of the entire tract. However, it was mentioned that possibly another public hearing wi I I have to be called on the rezoning on the balance of the tract of land.) Mr. Barfield thanked the council for their consideration. RESOLUTION - USE OF PARK PA(.II I IFC City Attorney Cribbs presented a copy of a resolution pertaining to the use of park facilities and other data pertinent to the operating of park sites. After discussion, it was agreed that the resolution should be reproduced in the Office of City Secretary and copies distributed to each councilman prior to the next regular council meeting, September 14, 1965, in order for the council to have ample time to consider this resolution. (This item will appear on the agenda for the next regular meeting September 14, 1965.) b Vi (Page Three - Minutes of Regular Counci 1 Meeting, August 24, 1965) IV, RESOLUTION NO. 103 - ACCEPTING IMPROVEMENTS TO NORTH MAIN STREET City Attorney Cribbs read Resolution No. 103 determining the completion of and accepting the improvements of North Main Street from State Highway 183 to Harwood Road and declaring an effective date. (City Attorney Cribbs advised the City Secretary to be mindful of Section 6 on the Resolution concerning the assessment procedure.) Mr. Bill Ratliff, consulting engineer, informed the council that the improvements to North Main Street have been completed as per the contract approved by the city for this construction. Councilman Byers made the motion to approve Resolution No. 103 as presented and Councilman Fuller seconded the motion. The vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Fuller, Warren, Douglass and Byers. Nays: None. Mayor Fuller declared the motion carried. (Councilman Byers stated that North Main Street being the first completed street in our Capital Improvement Program, that he considers that dedication ceremonies should be held. Mayor Fuller stated that this had been considered, and, that if it meets with the council approval, he recommends that the formal dedication of North Main Street and South Main Street be held after the completion of the work on South Main Street.) ( O f f i c i a l copy of Resolution No. 103 on f i l e in Office of City Sec - _._, retary. ) V. TRAFFIC BUTTONS AT MIDWAY DRIVE AND NORTH MAIN STREET Consulting Engineer Ratliff informed the council that at the request of City Manager Cowell he had conferred with the owner of the Fina Station at Midway Drive and North Main Street concern- ing the traffic buttons directly in front of the Fina Station on North Main Street. He stated that the traffic buttons are causing a disturbance to the owner of the Fina Station due to the fact that persons leaving the station desiring to drive north must cross the traffic buttons, which is illegal, and some of the people have been issued tickets by the police department, Mr. Ratliff stated that the row of traffic buttons in question are not necessary to the traffic control at this time, but were placed there for future control when Midway Drive is opened to the east of North Main Street. Considerable discussion transpired concerning the removal of the traffic buttons, and it was agreed that the traffic buttons should remain as they are. VI. ENGINEERS REPORT T COST OF CONSTRUCTION OF CRESTHAVEN DRIVE AND HIGHLAND DRIVE Consulting Engineer Ratliff informed the council that he has the cost estimates for the construction of Cresthaven Drive and Highland Drive, which was requested by the council at the last reg- ular meeting. He stated that the two streets can be improved as residential streets at a cost of $25,700.00 - as commercial streets for $29,300.00, In answer to a question by Councilman Byers, Consulting Engineer Ratliff stated 84 (Page Four - Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, August 24, 1965) that he did not think that the heavy streets (constructed for industrial traffic) are justified in this area. After discussion, it was agreed that Mr. R a t l i f f should secure cost estimates concerning the u t i l i t y stub -outs for the councils consideration before any decision is made concerning the construction of Cresthaven Drive and Highland Drive. VI t. ENGINEER'S REPORT CONCERNING A .R.F .R.MFNT Consulting Engineer Ratliff informed the council that in the very near future the engineers will be in a position to advertise for bids for Contract No. 3, which i s for the improvements to Harwood Road and Ector Drive. He reported to the council that according to his interpretation of the city's policy, Ector Drive property owner's would not be assessed because Ector had been completed according to city standards at the time of original construction. VI 11, RESOLUTION NO, 104 - NECESSITY FCR IMPROVEMENTS OF HARWOOD ROAD AND ECTOR DRIVE City Manager Cowell read Resolution No, 104 which determines the necessity for and order the improvements of a portion of Harwood Road from Highway 157 to North Main Street and Ector Drive firm Midway Drive to Huffman Drive, providing that a portion of the cost of the construction be assessed against the abutting property and its owners. After discussion, Councilman Douglass made the motion that Resolution No. 104 be approved as presented, Council- man Fuller seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Fuller, Byers, and Douglass. Nays: None (Councilman Warren absent firom council chambers at the time the vote was taken. ) Mayor Fuller declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 104 approved and in effect. (Official copy of Resolution No. 104 on file in Office of City Secretary. ) IX. COMMERCIAL PERMIT NO. 22 PORCELAIN HOMES (MR. FRANK AUSTIN Mr. Austin informed the council that he is requesting the issuance of a commercial permit in order to assemble a model home as a sales office on a 100 foot frontage west o f Western H i l l s Inn. He stated that the homes are porcelain lamenated steel, pre- engineered, pre - assembled, 100 year maintenance free bond design to be purchased at a low cost. Mr, Austin presented plans of a home showing different roof styles. He stated that these homes may be assembled in a few days. He presented sample squares depicting colors that may be chosen for these homes, (Page Five - Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, August 24, 1965) Mayor Fuller inquired if the building Inspector had studied the plans to determine if the building conforms to the City of Euless building standards. City Manager Cowell stated that the building Inspector had been away on vacation and he was not certain that the plans had been reviewed by the Inspector. After discussion, City Manager Cowell informed the council that Mr. Austin had appeared before the Planning and Zoning Commission requesting a commercial permit for his building and, that the Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval of the request subject to the approval of the city engineers and city inspector. Consulting Engineer Ratliff stated that he did not consider that the engineers could give an opinion on this type building; that he cansiders it is possibly out of their field. After further discussion, Councilman Warren made the motion to concur with the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and approve the issuance of Commercial Permit No. 22. Councilman Douglass seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Warren, Fuller, Douglass and Byers. Nays: None. Mayor Fuller declared the motion carried, IN PROPOSED ORDINANCE - PROHIBITING INTEREFERENCE WITH FREE USE OF PUBLIC STREETS - ETC. 1 1 City Attorney Cribbs advised the council that he had been requested by the City Manager to preapre this ordinance for consideration. After discussion, it was agreed that the Office of City Secretary should reproduce t h i s ordinance and send a copy to each c o u n c i l - m a n for consideration. This ordinance w i l l be on the agenda, September 14, 1965. XI" PROPOSED ORDINANCE - PROHIBITING LOITERING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE BUILDINGS City Attorney Cribbs advised the council that he had been requested by the City Manager to prepare this ordinance for consideration. After discussion, it was agreed that the Office of City Secretary should reproduce this ordinance and send a copy to each council- man for consideration. This ordinance will be on the agenda, September 14, 1965. XI I. APP01-NTMENT CF CITY AUDITORS FOR 1964 -65 City Manager Cowell informed the council that consideration should be given to the appointing of an auditor for the 1964 -65 fiscal year which ends September 30, 1965. City Manager Cowell stated that his recommendation is that Arthur Young and Company, of Fort Worth, be employed to audit the city's records. Councilman Fuller made the motion to concur with the City Managers recommendation for the appointment of Arthur Young and Company as auditor. Councilman Byers seconded the motion and the vote i s as follows: 8ti (Page Six - Minutes of Regular Counci 1 Meeting, August 24, 1965) Ayes: Councilmen Fuller, Byers, Douglass and Warren. Nays: None. Mayor Fuller declared the motion carried. XIII. ORDINANCE NO. 262 - AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 105 - VENDORS AND PEDDLERS PERMITS City Attorney Cribbs read Ordinance No. 262 which amends Ordinance No. 105, the itinerant vendors and peddlers ordinance. The council had requested the preparation of this amendment at the last regular meeting, August 10, 1965, due to the numerous complaints from citizens regarding the hours the vendors are permitted to operate in the City of Euless. After discussion, Councilman Fuller made the motion to suspend the rule whereby an ordinance is required to be read at two separate meetings and approve Ordinance No. 262 as presented. Councilman Warren seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Fuller, Byers. Douglass and Warren Nays: None Mayor Fuller declared the motion carried and this ordinance in full force and effect. (Official copy of Ordinance No. 262 on file in Office of City Secretary . ) XIV. ORDINANCE N0. 263 - AMENDING THE OFFICIAL BUDGET FCR THE FISCAL YEAR 1964-65 City Attorney Cribbs read Ordinance No. 263 which amends Ordinance No. 234, adopting the official budget for the City of Euless for the fiscal year, October 1, 1964, through September 30, 1965, authorizing the expenditures of funds for city engineering services and for city parks department purposes; reallocating general fund expendi- tures and redesignation of description providing that a copy of this ordinance be attached to and made a part of the 1964 -65 official budget for the City of Euless. Councilman Byers made the motion to suspend the rule whereby an ordinance must be given two separate readings and approve Ordinance No. 263 as presented on first reading, Councilman Warren seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Fuller, Warren and Byers Abstained: Councilman Douglass. Mayor Fuller declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 263 in full effect. (Official copy of Ordinance No. 263 on fi le in Office of City Secretary) — XV. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9 :55 P.M, APPROVED: MAYOR