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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1966-01-25203 Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council January 25, 1966 CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of theEuless City Council was called to order by Mayor W. G. Fuller at 7;40 P.M, in the Council Chambers a t the Euless C i t y H a l l , w i t h the f o l l o w i n g Council- men present: Messrs. B i I I Byers, Frank Douglass, Bobby Fuller and Harold Samuels. (Absent: Councilmen Don Warren) Also present were City Manager Lee Cowell, City Attorney James Cribbs and City Secretary Vada Ferris. INVOCATION The invocation was presented by Councilmen B i 11 Byers. APPROVAL CF MINUTES The minutes of the regular Council Meeting, January 11, 1966, and the Executive Council minutes for January 11, 1966, were approved as written. VISITORS Visitors in attendance were: Mesdames C. H Holland, Sandra Trainham, Dorothy M. Gorman, Betty Potthoff, Jack W Browne, H C. Harris, Don L. Armstrong; Messrs. Alton Ray, J. D. Smith, A. L Smith, Jack M. Bullard, Dwight Morgan, Jimmy Payton, Thomas S. Brown, Bobby Trainham, M. R. Mantooth, John Brown, David C. Moak, Andy Winters, R. M. Soule, Duane Jarvis, 0. D Long and Walter A Elliott; Mr. and Mrs. Hoe H. Sweet and R. G. Parks. PUBLIC HEARING: REZONING BLOCK 2, TUCKER ADDITION Mayor Fuller opened the Public Hearing on the rezoning of Block 2, Tucker Addition from � A" Residential to "Ct0 Commercial. City Manager Cowell explained that this Public Hearing had been called due to the fact that the field notes in Ordinance No. 204, which rezoned this property, were in'error and -;he had been - advised by the City Attorney to correct the field notes, it is necessary to follow the usual prodedure for rezoning property. Mayor Fuller inquired if there were opponents or proponents to the rezoning of this property. A visitor to thei meeting requested that the property in question, and streets in the area, be pointed out on the map, in order that persons attending the meeting who own propetty near the Tucker tract might be aware of the exact l o c a t i o n of the Tucker'property. M r . B i l l Ratliff, the City's Consulting Engineer, pointed out the property on the map and explained that the property was previously rezoned in Ordinance No. 204, with the exception of the streets which had been closed; therefore, the Amendment to Ordinance No. 204 would rezone only the streets which were omitted in Ordinance No. 204. 204 (Page Two - Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting, January 25, 1966) A visitor inquired as to exactly what "C" Commercial indicates. The City Attorney explained that in Ord- inance No. 33 approximately 42 designations are listed which are considered "C" Commercial; however, that "C" Commercial did not permit a business of a detrimental nahure to the other businesses or residences. A visitor inquired if owners of homes in the area near the Tucker property may operate a business. City Manager Cowell explained that a City Ordinance prohibits the operating of a business in a home unless the property is rezoned for business or a special permit is granted by the City. City Manager Cowell informed those present that the City is as concerned about the type of business that Mr. Tucker plans for this site as the property owners near the site, since the City's new Civic Center is located adjacent to the Tucker property . A visitor stated that at the Public Hearing in 1963, when the Tucker property was rezoned, Mr. Tucker's attorney stated that the property in question would be used for a shopping center. Mayor Fuller inquired if there were further questions or discussion, and there being none, Mayor Fuller de- clared the Public Hearing closed. City Manager Cowell read Ordinance No. 272:, which amends Ordinances No. 33, No. 153, and No. 204, rezoning from "A" Residentail to "C" Commercial, Block Two, Tucker Addition. Councilman Fuller made the motion to approve Ordinance No. 272 and that the rule whereby an Ordieance must have second reading be dispensed and this Ordinance passed as an Emergency Ordinance. Councilman Samuels seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Fuller, Samuels, Douglass and Byers Nays: None Mayor W. G. Fuller declared the motion carried. (Copy of Ordinance No. 272 on file in Office of City Secretary.) PUBLI C HEAR I NG = REZON I NG TRACT CUT CF J';" H. HAVEN SURVEY (ZONING CASE NO. 146, J. D. SMITH Mayor Fuller opened the Public Hearing and City Manager Cowell read Planning and Zoning Minutes dated January 18, 1966 Item 111 B, in which the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of rezoning Mr. Smith's property from "A" Residentbal to "C" Commercial. (This property located near Highway No. 157 and Glade Road.) Mr. Smith was present and informed the Council that he plans to build a shop on this property on an existing foundation. After d i *cuss ion,. Counc',lRan Douglass made the motion to concur with the recommendation'of the Planning and Zoning Commission and approve the rezoning from "A" Residential to "C" Commercial as requested by Mr. Smith. Councilman Byers seconded the motion, 200 (Page Three, Minutes of the Regular City Counci 1 Meeting, January 25, 1966) and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Byers, Douglass, Fuller and Samuels Nays: None Mayor W. G. Fuller declared the motion carrked. (First redding of Ordinance Rezoning this property on February 8; 1966.) Mrs. Holland, a visitor to the meeting, inquired if it is necessary to change the zoning of her property which is adjacent ,to Mr. Smith's property. Ctty Attorney Cribbs advised Mrs. Holland that, unless she changes the type business that is now being conducted at this location, it w i I I not be necessary for her to request the rezoning of her property. ESTELLE MASONIC LODGE TAY QTATI IQ Mr. Jimmy Payton appeared before the Council with Mr. Dwight Morgan, Worshipful Master of the Estelle Masonic Lodge and Mr. Xlton Ray, Past Master of the Lodge, and presented a letter to the Council requesting that the Estelle Masonic Lodge No. 582 A.F. & A.M.., (approximately 1.65 acres on Ector Drive in Euless) be removed from the tax roll of the City of Euless. Mr. Payton advised the Gouncil that the Estelle Masonic Lodge is a non - profit organization which contributes directly to the support of the Masonic Home and School in the City of Fort Worth. He stated that this home is for orphan children and is an Indepen- dent School District, which is solely supported by Masonic Lodges and does not receive tax money,. either State- or Federal ; that the Estelle Lodge contributes indirectly to the Scottish Rite Crippled - Children's Hospital, the Shrine Hospital for Burns, t•he Home f6r Aged Masons and provides eye glasses for the needy. Mr. Payton stated that to his knowledge, the school in Fort Worth is the only one of its kind in the State of Texas -and that it costs approximately $2,000.00 per child for education and home sur- roundings and environment.. The following metes and bounds of the 1.65 acres owned by the Estelle Masonic Lodge No. 582 A.F. 6- A.M. were taken from the deed of this property: A 1.69 acre tract of land in the James P. Halford Survey, Ab- stract No. 711, being the south ead ,of the tract of land in said survey conveyed to Seller by Paul Revere Company, by deed dated November 14, 1957, recorded in Volume 3167, Page 146, Deed Records of Tarrant County, Texas, except that part of said tract heretofore - conveyed to the Euless- Bedford - Hurst School District. The 1.69 acre tract is bounded on the east by Ector Drive, on the west by the tract sold to the Euless - Bedford -Hurst School District, on the south by Seller's south line, and the north boundary line is to be fixed by a ground survey so as to include 1.69 acres of land. Mayor Fuller commented that, in most Texas cities, it is the general practice to tax exempt the Masonic Lodge. 06 (Page Four -M nutes of the Regular. City. Counci 1 Meeting, January 25, 1966) Councilman, Douglass made the motion that theEste le Masonic Lodge and Building, located on 1.65 acres on Ector Drive, be du y declared as a tax exempt non - profit organization on the City of Euless Tax Roll. The motion was seconded by Councicbman Byers, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Byers, Douglass, Fuller and Samuels Nays: None Mayor W. G. Fuller declared the motion carried. (Copy of letter signed by Dwight Morgan, Worshipful Master, Estelle Masonic Lodge No. 582 A.F. & A.M., dated January 25, 1966, on f le in Office of City Secretary, as Official Council Exhibit) IV. ENGINEER'S REPORT STREET IMPROVEMENTS COMPLETED M r . B i l l Ratliff, Consulting Engineer, presented a letter to the Mayor and City Council adviAing that imppovements have beem,completed on the following streets: South air, Simmons Drive, Himes Drive, Byers Drive, Cannon Drive and Wright- Richardson Road, and that the engineers recommend the Cipy Council accept these improvements in order for assessment procedures to begin. (Copy „of letter on file as Council Exhi- bit in Office off-City Secretary.) V. RESOLUTION NO. :119,. DETERMINING COMPLET I 0 N CF STREETS City Secretary Vada,Ferris presented Resolution No. .119 determining the completion and accepting the improvement of South Main from Pipeline Road to State - Highway 183, Himes Drive from Fuller to Lee Street, Byers Drive, from Duckett to Fuller Street, Cannon Drive from Hollywood to the North 220 ft., Wright- Richardson Road from State HigK- way 183 to Pipeline Road,, Simmons Drive from State Highway 183 to the South; and declaring an effective date. (The, streets, reoommended,by Gregory,., Know] - ton & Ratliff) After discussion, Councilman Samuels made the motion to approve Resolution No. 119 and that this Resolution shall be effective immediately upon adoption, Councilman Fuller seconded the mo- tion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Fuller, Byers, Douglass and Samuels Nags: None Mayor W. G. Fuller declared the motion carried. (Official copy of Resolution No. 119 on file in Office of City Secretary.) VI. DISCUSSION: WEST EULESS PARK SITE Ctt:y Attorney James Cri,gbs informed the Council that he has,prepared the proposed Contract of Sale for the twebty (20) acre park s i t e in the Western Euless c i t y l i m i t s (Searcy Dobkins Prop- erty), proposed dedication of right -of -way for Northwest Boulevard, and a copy of an Ordinance closing that portion of County Road No. 357 which is being rerouted by dedication of the new Northwest Boulevard. Mr. Cribbs pre- sented a plat which showed the location of the park site, as well as the 20 (Page Five - Minutes of the Regular City Counci 1 Meeting, January 25, 1966) Northwest Boulevard, and eommented that the Ordinance for closing the por- tion of County Road No. 3157 should not be acted upon until the right -of- way designation documents have been signed and forwarded to the City by Mr. Dobkins and his associates. (Copy of plat on file as Council Exhibit in Off ice of City Secretary.) Mr. Clark, a property owner adjacent to the park site location, examined the plat of the area and inquired as to the street assessment. He was advised that the assessment will be the same as any residential area; however, it will be some time before the street is completed. After discussion, Councilman Samu,el,s made the motion that Mayor Fuller be authorized to sign the purchase con- tract for the Park Site when executed right -of -way designation documents have been received by the City. Councilman Douglass seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Samuels, Byers, Fuller and Douglass Nays: Hone Mayor W. G. Fuller declared the motion carried. VII. INTRODUCTION CF TAX ASSESSOR - COLLECTOR City Manager Cowell informed the Council that Mr. Richard Parks, Tax Assessor - Collector recently employed by the Hurst - Euless- Bedford Indepdndent School District, was present and intro- duced Mr. Parks to the Mayor, Members of the Councils,; Cjty Attorney, and City Secretary; Mr. Parks commented that�he was delighted to be in this area and was at the Council's disposal when, at any time, the Council deems it necessary -for his services. V.III. MR. GENE SCHRICKEL Mr. Schrickel, Park Planner, informed the Council that the Hurst - Euless- Bedford School Board, is contemplating purchase of an elementary school site in the vicinity of the Euless High School Site and it is advantageous to the City to consider park facilities in this area. (Mr. Schrickel co- ordinates with the School District.) After discussion, Councilman Fuller made the motion that the City of Euless continue, through Mr. Schrickel, to cooperate and co- ordinate concerning park facilities with the School Dis- trict and report back to the Council on this matter. Councilman Byers secon- ded, the motion., and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Byers, Fuller, Samuels and Bouglass Nays: None Mayor-W. G. Fuller declared the motion carried. 2®8 (Page Six - Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting, January 25, 1966),. 1X. TELEVISION CABLE FRANCHISE DISCUSSION City Attorney Cribbs presdnted the Mayor, Members of the Council, City Manager and City Secretary a copy of letter pertaining to the proposed Television Cable Franchise Agreements. (These agreements have.been presented to the City and forwarded to Mr. Cribbs for his edification and recommendation.) It was agreed that Members of the Council should have an opportunity to read and study the City Attorney's recommendation before action is taken in this matter; however, City Manager Cowell informed the Council that Television Cable Franchise Agreements have been - presented to numerous cities recently and that several cities are taking bids on Franchise Agreements. The City Manager also stated that the City Managers Association has literature pertaining to Franchise Agreements of this nature, and he would decure this information if the Council so desires. After discussion, Councilman Fuller made the motion to delay action on these Franchise Agreements - pedding re- port of further information. Councilman Douglass seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Samuels, Douglass, Byers and Fullse Nays: None Mayor W. G. Fuller declared the motion carried. X. PLANS FCR NEW LIBRARY City Manager Cowell informed the Council that Mr, Duane Jarvis is present, requesting, approval to proceed with detailed plans for the new library. Mr. Jarvis showed drawings of the library and explained the location of the building and the ability to expand the library when necessary. He further commented that „h,e, has been.. working with the Librarian and Library Board on placing partitions and other minor arrangements. Mayor Fulher stated that he considers the architects have performed their services well for the City; however, he objects to the architect's placing of furniture and other items which have been received in the City Offices and Library (library shelves); that he feels that the City of Euless should be permitted to assist in selecting the fur- nishings for Ithe new building; that the architect should work very closely with the people who w i 11 occupy these buildings. He reminded the Council that; in the'early planning stages of these buildings, the Council authorized the Mayor and City Manager to cooperate with the architects in the building arrangements and other details pertaining to these buildings; however, he (Mayor Fuller) has not been requested, at any time, to meet with the archi- tects . Mr. Jarvis stated that the architects have placed only the items which have been requested by the City Manager. Mayor Fuller, asking Mrs. Armstrong, Librarian, if she is satisfied with the shelves which have recently been placed in the Library, received a negative reply. Mrs. Brown, Library Board Chairman, was asked the same question, and she commented that she was not pleased with the shelves; however, the floor in the present library is not level and if the end panels were placed on these shelves, she considers the shelving would be much more stable. Mr. Jarvis stated that he ordered 209. (Page Seven - Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting, January 25, 1966) the shelving which the Librarian had requested, and that he is of the opinion that the library employees are not familiar with the different types of library shelving. After further discussion, Council, - man Byers made the motion that Jarvis, Putty & Jarvis be authorized to proceed with working drawings for the new library. Councilman Samuels seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Samuels, Byers, Fuller and Douglass Nays: None Mayor W. G. Fuller declared the motion:, carried. Councilman Byers stated that he is appreciative of the architect's assistance 16 selection of furnishings for the new buildings, since he does not consider himself qualified in this capacity; however, he does feel that the selection:of furnishings should be co- ordinated with someone employed by the City. Councilman Byers recom- mended that the City Manager and City Secretary meet with the architects and co- ordinate in the selection of furnishings for the new buildings and present a r~ecommendat'ion to the City Council on these furnishings. Mr. Jarvis stated that he would be very happy if the Librarian and Library Board Members would make recom- mendations on furnishings for the new library. Mrs. Brown stated that the Library Board plans to present a written program of suggestions for the new Library to the City Council in February. Mr. Jarvis stated that he has various supply books of library furnishings that he would be happy for the Library Board to study, if they so desire. Mrs. Brown commented that she would se- lect several of these books on Thursday(of this week) to study prior to the Library Board recommendations. i Councilman Douglass inquired as to the selection of the radio transmitting equipment and heating and air condi- tioning for the new buildings. Mr. Jarvis commented that these items would not be left to the discret$mD of the architects exclusively. Mayor Fuller thanked Mr. Jarvis for his appearance before the Council. XI. PRELIMINARY PLAT: TIMBERLINE ESTATES (ANDY W INTERS Mr. Andy Winters, who plans to de- velop the Timberline Estates, appeared before the Council with Mr. Walter 'Elliott, Engineer, and Mr. David Moak, Surveyor. Mr. Winters informed the Council that he is request ng approval of a preliminary -plat of Timberline Estates and copies of the plat were presented for the Councilmen's considera- tion. City Manager Cowell read Planning and Zoning Minutes dated January 8, 1966, Item IIIC, in which the Planning and Zoning Commission recommedds approval of preliminary plat for Timberline Estates, subject to the developer's compliance with the engineer's recommendations. It was noted that the (Page Eight- Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting, January 25, 1966) engineer's recommendations are detailed in a letter dated January 17, 1966, subject no. 6503 - 5.6, of which a copy 'Js made a part of the Official Re= cords of the City. Considerable discussion followed, and Mr. Winters informed the Council that he is desirous of removing the dirt from the creek bed running through Timberline Estates and placing the dirt on some of the lots in the area which require filling. Consulting Engineer Bill Ratliff informed the Council if this dirt is removed the cost of constructing a drainage channel w i l l be much greater than if the creek bed is left un- d isturbed. City Manager Cowell informed Mr. Winters that the City does not have funds at this time to line this channel 'and that only very preliminary work can be done at this time. Mr. Winters stated that he is prepared to place his portion of the oost of the drainage channel in escrow with the City, if the Council so desires. Mr. Elliott stated that if the City does not have funds for concrete lining of the channel at this time, he would suggest that an earthen channel be contemplated. Mr. Elliott com- mented that there will be some very minor adjustments to the creek in order to line the channel. After considerable discussion, Councilman Fuller made the motion to concur with the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendations and approve the preliminary plat, subject to the engineer's recommendations. Councilman Byers seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Byers, Fuller, Samuels and Douglass Nays: None Mayor W G. ' Ful ler delcared the motion carried. XI I. ELECTION OFFICIALS FCR CITY COUNCIL ELECTION Mayor Fuller presented a list of Election Officials for the Council's consideration, as follows: Election Judge Mrs. Reba Cromer Election Clerks Mrs. Eunice Anderson Mrs. Iris Elliott Mrs. Billy Owens Councilman Samuels made the motion to approve the selection of the Election Officials as recommended'by the Mayor. Councilman Douglass seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Douglass, Byers, Fuller and Samuels Nays: None Mayor W.'G. Fuller declared the motion carried. (Page Nine - Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting, January 25, 1966) XIII. VOTING MACHINES Councilman Byers made the motion that the City secure voting machines for the City Election to be held April 5, 1966. Councilman Fuller seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Counc i fibem Douglass, Byers, Fuller and Samuels Nays: None Mayor Fuller declared the motion carried. (itwas recommended that, in the future, all City Elections use voting machines - all the Council in agreement). XIV. RESOLUTION NO.. 120 CALLING PUBLIC HEARING: REZONING M. W. SIMMONS PROPERTY City Secretary Vada Ferris presented Resolution No. 120 calling a Public Hearing on February 22, 1966 on a rezoning request by Mr. M. W. Simmons for property in the Park Crestmoor Addition to be rezoned from "A" Residential to "C" Commercial. Councilman Fuller made the motion to approve Resolution No. 120 and set date of February 22, 1966 for the Public Hearing on this rezoning request. Councilman Samuels seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: i Ayes: Councilmen Samuels, Byers, Fuller and Douglass Nays: None Mayor W. G. Fuller declared -the motion carried. (Copy of Resolution No, 120 on file in Office of City Secretary.) XV . EXPENDITURE STATEMENTS 211 City Manager Cowell informed the Council that Certificate No. 2, Application No. 2, Walker Construction Company in the amount of $56,658.00 have been received i n the City Offices on January 19, 1966 and payment executed under terms of the city's contract with Walker Construction Company for construction of the Civic Center Buildings. XVI. STREET AND DRAINAGE CONTRACT N0. 3 SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT N0. 3 City Manager Cowell presented Supplemental Agreement No. 3, Street and Drainage Contract No. 3 (Texas Bitulithic Company) in the amount of $1,024.85 for adding 103 L. F. of pedestrian hand -rail complete in place, including painting and supervising, at $9.95 per linear foot; these hand -rails to be placed on the newly constructed culverts on Milam Drive and Aransas Drive. Councilman Fuller made the motion to approve Supplemental Agreement No. 3 in the amount of $1,024.85 and that the Mayor be authorized to sign these documents. Councilman Byers seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: 212 (Page Ten - Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting, January 25, 1966) Ayes: Councilmen Byers; Fuller, Samuels and Douglass Nays: None Mayor Fuller declared the motion carried. XVl I. WATER AND SEWER LIEN City Manager Cowell informed the Council that the City has received a check in the amount of $4,916.11 from the American Standard Life Insurance Company for release of lien on water and sewer facili- ties outstanding against the Brookhollow Addition to the City of Bedford, Tarrant County, Texas. It was agreed that City Attorney Cribbs would prepare the necessary lien documents in this matter. (No Council action required.) XVII. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT COUNCIL AND MINISTERS CONFERENCE City Manager Cowell informed the Council that he considers that a meeting of the area Ministers and - Members of the Council would be advantageous to both groups, if such a meeting could be held in a relaxed atmosphere where problems and planning could be discussed. The Mayor and Council Members concurred with the City Manager's opinion, and it was agreed that the City Manager should proceed to establish a meeting date with the Ministers of the area. An off - Tuesday -night (first and third) was suggested or a luncheon or breakfast meeting. EMPLOYEES' SCHOOL TUITION City Manager Cowell requested that he is desireous of the Council's opinion of the city's participation in financing school tuition for city employees. He stated that recently Chief of Police Sustaire had requested tuition for three officers in the Police Department for a semester at Arlington State College, the tuition amounting to $48.00 per man for one semester. After considerable discussion, it was agreed that the City Manager should investigate the feasability of financing school tuition for city employees. (The course mentioned by the Chief of Police would not interfere with the officers' work in the department, as he would be going to-school on his own time; and if the officer made less than a "C ", he would have the tuition fee deducted from his salary.) XIX. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT OFFER: PURCHASE CF RIGHT -OF -WAY NEAR CIVIC CENTER SITE City Manager Cowell informed the Council that, in an Executive Meeting on January 11, 1966, the Council-had approved the State's offer for the right -of -way near the Civic Center Site, exclusive of 25x300 ft. (Sheppard Drive). He stated that City Attorney Cribbs had advised that if the City expects compensation for the 25x300 ft. that an agreement should not be entered into with the State until the 25x300 ft. is included in the agreement. After discussion, it was agreed that the City should proceed to accepted the State's offer and express a desire for compensation of the property ommitted. 213 (Page Eleven- Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting, January 25, 1966) XX TAX ASSESSING - COLLECTING COST REPORT A Tax Assessing - Collecting Cost Report was presented to the Mayor and Members of the Council prior to this meeting, and it was agreed that Council action was not necessary concerning this report. (Copy of report on file in Office of City Secretary.) XXI. AM ini ion inn Mnrr The meeting adjourned at 10:35 P. M. APPROVED: Mayor ATTEST: City Secretary �JL -_x i