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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1967-05-23iii Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council May 23, 1967 CALL TO ORDER Mayor William G. Fuller called the regular meeting of the Euless City Council to order at 8:07 P.M., in the Counc'il Chambers of the Euless City Hall, with the following present: Councilmen Bobby R. Fuller, Bill Byers, Don R. Warven' and Frank-Douglass'. (Absent: Councilman Harold Samuels) Also present were City Attorney James Cribbs_ and City Secretary Vada Ferris. INVOCATION The Invocation was presented by City Attorney James Cribbs, . VISITORS Visitors in attendance were: Messrs. Bill Ratliff, Jerry Midkiff, B. J. Reaves, Walter A. Elliott, Jr., Richard Roberts, H. R. Williamson, Don Presley and W. M. Fitch, Jr.; Reverend Lyndol Adams;*Mesdms. Martha Hand, representing the Fort Worth Star Telegram, i and Betty,Potthoff, representing the Mid - Cities Daily News. I 'APPROVAL CF MINUTES The Minutes of the regular meeting of the Euless City Count i I, dated May 9, 1967, were approved as presented. SECOND'READING, ORDINANCE N0. 302 LITTER ORDINANCE City Secretary Vada Ferris presented Second Reading of Ordinance No. 302 - Litter Ordinance, as requested by Mayor - Fuller, There were no comments on the reading of the ordinance. Councilman Douglass made the motion to approve Second Reading of Ordinance No. 302. Councilman Byers seconded the motion, and the vote i s as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Douglass, Byers, Fuller and Warren' Nays: None Mayor Fuller declared the motion carried. (Official Copy of Ordinance No. 302 on f i l e in Office of the City Secretary.) 112 (Page Two, Regular Meeting of the'Euless City Council, May 23, 1967) REQUEST FOR GARBAGE RATE INCREASE TARRANT OOL TY WASTE DISPOSAL Messrs. Presley and Williamson were present with'their Auditor to discuss their request'for a rate increase in garbage collection fee. The'firm is requesting a fifty cent per month' increase in the City of Euless. Mayor Fuller informed Messrs. Presley and Williamson that numerous complaints are received at City Hall and that he is of the opinion that they should impf -ove their services to the citizens before requesting a rate increase. Mayor Fuller stated that one citizen had commented to him that he had been tempted to take a picture of garbage blowing from the truck just to show the inefficiency of the service. Mayor Fuller stated that he was of the opinion that more information should be presented on the operation of the garbage disposal service. Mayor Fuller asked if the City Secretary has a schedule of the p ck -ups i n the City. Mr. Presley replied negatively. Mayor Fuller stated that they are doing business with the City of Euless and they should provide a schedule in order for the Administrative Offices to be able to answer citizen's requests intelligently. Councilman Douglass inquired if the operating statement (dated March 31, 1967) presented'"several Weeks ago by their firm was for the Cities of Euless and Bedford or for Euless. Mr. Presley answered that it was for both cities. Councilman Douglass stated that he did not feel that the City Council could properly evaluate this statement if it is for both Euless and Bedford. Mr. Presley stated that,his Auditor, Mr. Bill Fitch, was present and could explain the break -down if the Counci 1men des ire. Mayor Fuller inquired about the lack of payment of the franchise due the City, commenting that it has not been paid since January. Mr. Presley stated that this fee has not been paid due to lack of funds. Mr. Presley stated that his company handled complaints as soon as they were aware of them and that if the complaints received at City Hall would be relayed to his office, he would see that they were hand ed. He further commented that they want to do a good job and want'the C ty of Erless to be proud of their firm; Mayor Fuller asked if the City Secretary has a schedule of the p ck -ups i n the City. Mr. Presley replied negatively. Mayor Fuller stated that they are doing business with the City of Euless and they should provide a schedule in order for the Administrative Offices to be able to answer citizen's requests intelligently. Councilman Douglass inquired if the operating statement (dated March 31, 1967) presented'"several Weeks ago by their firm was for the Cities of Euless and Bedford or for Euless. Mr. Presley answered that it was for both cities. Councilman Douglass stated that he did not feel that the City Council could properly evaluate this statement if it is for both Euless and Bedford. Mr. Presley stated that,his Auditor, Mr. Bill Fitch, was present and could explain the break -down if the Counci 1men des ire. Mayor Fuller inquired about the lack of payment of the franchise due the City, commenting that it has not been paid since January. Mr. Presley stated that this fee has not been paid due to lack of funds. 113 (Page Three. Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, May 23, 1967) 'Mr. Cribbs, City Attorney, asked how many employees were with this firm. Mr. Presley stated twelve, including himself, and operated four trucks. Mayor Fuller stated that the report should be in wtitir►g, giving figures, 'procedures, pick -ups, etc. Mr. Presley stated that collections are off'about 20 %; that he is losing money each month. He said that'he would 1 i ke, to put a delinquent charge'on the customers. Mr. Presley commented that, with the Councilmen's permission, he would I i ke to have'this item on the Agenda again and he will furnish all the necessary details in writing. Mr. Cribbs reminded the Council that it w i I I be necessary to have a Public Hearing before a rate 'incfease can be effected. Mayor Fuller stated that first the Council must have the necessary information before they can evenconsider a rate increase and at such time as they deem it advisable, a Public Hearing will be called concerning a rate increase . Mr. Jerry Midkiff of 912 Vine Street in Euless, stated that he works for the Post Office Department and covers approximately fourteen' (14) miles every day and that he will protest any increase i n garbage collection pick -up fee because of the imperfect service. tie stated that along his route the'garbage is scattered on the streets; trucks are negligent in 'picking up the garbage; the men who operate the tr'ucks go with their s'hirts undone. He stated that he has all due respect for the men in this business, but that he is of the opinion! that an increase s1hould not be granted u nti I 'their f i r m proves that they can do a good job. He commented' that he does not'see how people can get so far behind i n their payments, if their firm has a cut-off in two months.. Mayor Fuller thanked Mr. Midkiff for his comments. Mr. Presley agreed to furnish the necessary information prior to the next Council Meeting. Councilman Douglass made the motion that this matter be tabled until sufficient information had been presented to the Office of the City Secretary, in writing. Councilman Warren seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Byers, Douglass, Fuller and Warren Nays: None Mayor Fuller declared the motion carried. (Page Fourf Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, May 23, 1967) PRELIMINARY PLAT APPROVAL ROYAL OAKS ESTATES Mr. B. J. Reaves was present requesting approval of a temporary plat-for Royal Oaks Estates. City Secretary Vada Ferris read Minwtes of the Planning and Zoning Commission, in which the Commission recommended approval of the preliminary plat of Royal Oaks Estates as submitted by Mr. B. J. Reaves , subject to the Developer's compliance with the Engineers' recommendations as set out in paragraph 4, of Mr. B i I I Ratl iff's letter to the Planning and Zoning Commission, dated May 15, 1967. The Planning'and Zoning Minutes further requests the Council's careful consideration of Paragraph 2 which -cites a deviation in the length of blocks vs. Easement or Pedestrian Walkway. The Preliminary Plat was reviewed by. members of the Council and Mr, Bill Ratliff 's letter was introduced, which contains the following comments: �l) While normally we do not recommend long, straight streets as are indicated on this plat, the shape of the property involved must be considered and this tract may be the exception in this respect. (2) The block lengths of 1100 feet come within item IV A 7 of your sub- division ordinance which states, "Block lengths, generally, should not exceed one thousand feet in length. In blocks of one thousand feet or more, there shall be provided, near the center of the block, a u t i I i ty or pedestrial easement or walk, the walk 14) be paved to a width of not less than five feet and to be 119,11ted properly ". (3) The drainage provisions appear to be sound with the provision that swales w i l l be provided over the storm sewers in the f i n a l *construction plans. (4) VM believe the amount of right -of -way provided 'for North Main and for Ash Lane to be sufficient for future widening. It should be understood that the procedure i n such cases, where an existing rodd section bounds on a subdivision, is that the Developer either installs curb and gutter to a grade approved by the City and paves to the connecting pavement or deposits $2.75 per front foot in escrow for this purpose under a City Capital Improvement Program. Mr. Reaves stated that he had complied with the request as set forth by the Engineers and that he is planning spacious homes in t h i s area which has very wooded lots and w i l l make a very nice subdivision for the City of Euless. Mr. Reaves commented that he realizes this is a deviation from the Ordinance, but he requests the Council's consideration of this deviation due to the rectangular shape of the tract. 115 (Page Five, Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, May 23, 1967) ,Councilman Douglass inquired if the deviation would necessitate a difference in fire rates. The City Attorney stated that he 'does not believe that the length of the blocks would have any effect on f i re rates. It is the location of the fire plugs that determines'the rates. Considerable discussion followed concerning the deviation from the Ordinance and the City Attorney informed the Council that they do not have the power to waive this Ordinance. He stated that this matter should have been presented to the Zoning Board of Adjustment rather than to the Planning and Zoning Commission and to the Council. However, if the Council, at this time, does'not act on this matter and it goes to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, it cannot come back to the Council at a later date. City Attorney Cribbs reviewed Ordinance 147 and stated that, in his opinion, it is defective -- that the word "Generally" in paragraph 4 should be deleted and a specific block length should be determined. Mr. heaves and Mr. E I I i ott, Engineer on this particular development, requested the Council's consideration of thfs plat. Mr. ReaVes informed the Council that he had a short contract on this project and needed the Council's consideration at this time if it is at all poss ib le . City Attorney Cribbs stated that under Ordinance.147, the Council could approve this plat, but that the Ordinance shou l.d definitely be amended. I, Councilman Douglass inquired about street 'names commenting that where there is a street being located that w i l l possibly connect to an existing street, the names should be the same. Mr. Reaves commented that if the street names are a problem, adjustments can be made. Mr. Elliott stated that this is a Prelimin- ary Plat, and that the City can make adjustments to street names prior to the final plat being approved -- that the City Council' is not approving 'the street names, merely approving a Preliminary Plat. Councilman Douglass commented that, in his opinioh, the street hames should be checked on very carefully before the Final Plat is presented. Mayor Fuller inquired of Mr. Elliott if names could be left off Preliminary Plats in the future and then let someone, or a committee from the City, study the proposed names which could be pre- sented with the plat. Mr. Elliott stated this could be done very easily. (Page Six, Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, May 23, 1967) After considerable discussion, with the City Attorney and review of the plat, Councilman Byers made motion that the Preliminary Plat of Royal Oaks Estates be approved, sented, based upon the' recommendations of the Engineers. Councilman Douglass seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Byers, Douglass and F u l l e r Nays: Councilman Warren, Mayor ru11er declared the motion carried. IV. ORDINANCE NO. 147 - DISCUSSION discussion the as pre- Members of the Council discussed Ordinance No. 147 briefly, due' to the fact that it had been discussed at length during the discussion on the Preliminary Plat of Royal Oaks Estates. It was agreed by all that this Ordinance should be amended in its entirety and pvesented to the Planning and Zoning Commission for consideration. Mr. Ratliff stated that it w i I I 'possibly take thirty (30) days to review and amend this' Ordinance; that the 'Ordinance requires quite a bit of changing; he would possibly have it ready within less time, but requests permission to be allowed at least thirty (30) days. make the necessary amendment was no official action taken. COMMERCIAL PERMIT NO. 50 MR. QUICK RESTAURANT The Council agreed to permit Mr. Ratliff to to Ordinance No. 147 for consideration. There V. Commercial Permit No. 50 is a request by Mr. Bobby Nowell for a restaurant at Highway No. 183 and. Vine. The Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes recommend approval of the building permit subject to recommendations of the Consulting Engineer's letter dated May 15th. The City Secretary informed the Council that the recommendations in the engineer's'letter had been complied with and that the Highway Department's approval had been received in the Administrative Offices several days ago; also that M r . B u l l a r d , B u i l d i n g Inspector, had submitted a check l i s t indicating that all items had been checked and complied with the City's regulations and ordinances. Members of the Council reviewed the plat. 17 (Page Seven, Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, May 23, 1967) Councilman Fuller made the motion to approve Commercial, Permit No, 50 for the Mr. Quick Restaurant at Highway 183 and Vine, Councilman Warren seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Byers, Douglass, Fuller and Warren. Nays: None Mayor Fuller declared the motion carried. VI- RESOLUTION N0. 179 FAVORING ESTABLISHMENT CF NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS AIRPORT AUTHORITY City Secretary Vada Ferris presented Resolution No. 179 requesting the Council's consideration of favoring the establishment of the North Central Texas Airport Authority. Mayor Fuller stated that the creating of this Authority is very important to Dallas and Tarrant Counties, as it w i I I be the governing body for the Regional Airport. Councilman Douglass made the motion to approve Resolution No. 179, as presented. .Councilman Fuller seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Byers, Douglass, Fuller and Warren Nays: None Mayor Fuller declared the motion carried. VII. BIDS FOR, SAF.EWAY STORE . HIGHWAY 183 AND ECTCR i Mr. B i I I Ratl iff advised the Council that competitive bids were taken on the Sanitary Sewer relocation for the Safeway Tract at Highway 183 and Ector which are as follows: Tanner Construction Company, Ft. Worth $1,462.50 Cowart Construction Company, Hurst 1,772.76 Dan Shull, Euless 1,910.00 Feazelle Construction Company, Arlington 2,320.00 Mr. Ratl iff recomrrended the Council authorize the Mayor's signature on contract documents based on the low bid submitted by Tanner Construction. • (Page Eight, Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, May 23, 1967) Councilman Fuller made the motion to authorize the Mayor's signature on the Safeway contract and approve the bid tabulation as submitted by the City's Consulting- Engineers. Councilman Warren seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Byers, Douglass, Fuller and Warren Nays: None Mayor Fuller declared the motion carried. MASTER PLAN FOR WATER AND SANITARY SEWAGE SYSTEMS Mr. B i I I Ratliff presented each member of the Council and City Secretary with a letter dated May 18, 1967 pertaining to the City of Euless Master Plan for Water and Sanitary Sewage - Systems. He reviewed the letter and explained in detail that the Engineers consider that such a master study is highly essential in the extension and expansion of the system as the City grows and therefore strongly recommends that such a study be undertaken. He stated that this type plan w i I I also serve as the first step in arriving at the over -all needs of the system and will serve as a guide f o r the C a p i t a l Improvement Programs which w i I I be necessary in the future. He commented that the Engineers estimate that a Master Plan wi 11 cost between $5,000.00 and $9,000.00.. He further commented that if the Council agreed to perform this study on a fixed fee basis, the Engineers would set the fee at $7,000.00; however, that in the City's interest it might be best to effect the Study on a per diem basis i n the same mamner as the City's Consulting Engineers present general consultation is performed. Councilman Douglass stated that this should be one of the items placed on the priority list for the new City Manager's consideration. Mayor Fuller stated that he does not think a I I items should be tabled for the new City Manager, but that he did want the Council to be aware of this matter and to be giving some consideration to it- 1X. RESOLUTION 'NO. 1.80 SETTING ELECTION. DATE FOR BEDFORD- EUL'ESS CONSOLIDATION The Council was informed that the City of Bedford had passed a Resolution at their meeting this evening setting June 24th as the date for an election in the City of Bedford on the proposed consolidation of the cities of Euless and Bedford. (Page Nine;' Reqular Meeting of the Euless City Council, May 23, 1967) City Attorney James Cribbs presented Resolution No. 180, setting the election date for the City of Euless for the proposed consolidation of the Cities of Euless and Bedford, as June 24, 1967. Councilman Douglass made the motion to approve Resolution No. 180, as presented. Councilman Warren Seconded- the motion and the vote is as follows: ' Ayes: Councilmen Byers, Douglass, Fuller and Warren Nays: None Mayor Fuller declared the motion carried. X. APPOINTMENT CF ELECTION OFFICIALS AND AUTHORIZING USE CF VOTING MACHINES 'Councilman Warren made the motion that voting machines be used in the June 24, 1967 election and that Mrs. Reba Cromer be approved as Election Judge. Councilman fuller seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Warren, Fuller, Douglass and Byers. Nays: None Mayor Fuller declared the motion carried. XI . DISCUSSION CF STREET LIGHTS IN FORT VVRN (EAST CF EULESS CITY LIMITS) fly Mayor Fuller stated that he is to meet with Fort Worth City Officials in the very near future on another matter, and he wi I I call this to their attention. Councilman Douglass informed the Council that Developers in the Eastern area. adjacent: to the- Utycaf..Euless have net paid for the use of street lights and that Texas Power & Light has removed the bulbs. Mr. Douglass stated that possibly the City of Fort Worth is not aware of this Situation and that perhaps they should be contacted by someone from the City of'this matter,. Mayor Fuller stated that he is to meet with Fort Worth City Officials in the very near future on another matter, and he wi I I call this to their attention. 11M (Page Ten, Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, May 23, 1967) XI I. DISCUSSION CF PROPOSED ASSISTANCE IN DEVELOPING EAST SIDE CF SOUTH EULESS PARK Mayor Fuller informed the Council that he and Mr. Schrickel are to meet with Fort Worth City Officials in the near future to discuss Fort Worth's assistance in developing the East side of the South Euless Park, and l i g h t i n g it, as the City of Euless has improved and lighted the park area on the West side of the creek. XIII. REQUEST FROM NORTH EULESS BAPTIST CHURCH TO DELETE TAXES City Secretary Vada Ferris presented a letter from Reverend Lyndol E. Adams, Pastor of the North Euless Baptist Church, which was reviewed by the City Attorney'. The letter requests the Council consider deleting taxes from the church parsonage to be located at 508 Harwood Road in Euless. Councilman Fuller made the rpotion to comply with the request of North Euless Baptist Church and delete taxes from the church parsonage at 508 Harwood Road in Euless. Councilman Byers seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Byers, pougl ass, Fuller and Warren Nays: None Mayor Fuller declared the motion carried. XIV. RESOLUTION NO. 181, AUTHORIZING DISBURSEMENT FTZOM WATET2 AND SEWER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT ESCROW FUND City Secretary Vada Ferris presented Resolution No. 181, authorizing a disbursement in the amount of $3,723.90 from the Water and Sewer System Capital Improvement Escrow Funds, payable to Shull Construction Company, for relocating the sewer crossing at Hurricane Creek. Mr. Ratliff explained that the Council had previously approved $3,663.50 for this project; however, due to unforeseen circumstances, it was necessary that the Contractor expend an additional $60.40, making the total cost of the project $3,723.90. 121 (Page-Eleven. Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, May.23, 1967) Councilman Douglass made the motion to approve Resolution No. 181, as presented. Councilman Warren seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Warren, Fuller, Douglass and Byers Nays: None Mayor Fuller declared the motion carried. XV . AUTHORIZE DISBURSEMENT FOR CITY OF EULESS' PRO RATA SHARE OF WATER STUDY INTERIM REPORT Councilman Douglass briefed the Council on the expenditure for the Water Study Interim Report which was discussed at the last Council Meeting, on May 9th. Fie pointed out that the City of Euless' pro rata share i s $1,060.00, and that he requests the Council's consideration of this expenditure, when the statement is presented to the City Offices. Councilman Warren made the motion that the City Secretary be authorized to expend $1,060.00, as a disbursement. for the Wate'r Interim Report. Councilman Fuller seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Warren, Fuller, Douglass and Byers Nays: None Mayor Fuller declared the motion carried. XV I . MAYOR AND MRS, WOLF OF THE CITY CF BEDFORD RECOGNIZED Mayor Fuller welcomed Mayor and Mrs. Wolf from the City of Bedford. Mayor Wolf stated that the Bedford City Council had authorized him to officially notify the City of Euless of the setting of the date of June 24th as the election date for the proposed consolidation of the Cities of Euless and Bedford. Mayor Fuller thanked Mayor Wolf f o r t h i s information and advised him that the Euless City Council had, earlier this evening, passed a Resolution setting June 24, 1967 as the date for the election in the City of Euless. 122 (Pape Twelve, Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, May 23. 1967) ►0 SKATING RINK AT MIDWAY PARK Mayor Fuller inquired of Mr. Cribbs, the City Attorney, the status of the Council's request to initiate proceedings to remove the skating rink from Midway Park. Mr. Cribbs stated that he needs to' know i f the Council wants the skating ri n k moved o r i f they want rest rooms put i n the skating rink. Mayor Fuller stated that he wants some- thing done immediately to move the skating rink from Midway Park. City Attorney Cribbs stated that he w i l l file a petition immediately, to have the skating rink moved. He stated, however, that this cannot be done over night . XVIII. DISCUSSION OF TIRES ON HIGHWAY 183 (1285 WEST EULESS BOULEVARD) Mayor Fuller tated that he reque is the City Attorney's status of the moving of the tires at 1285 West Euless Boulevard, which was requested by a petition to the City Council several weeks ago. Mr. Cribbs stated that he has served notice on the owner -- that the tires must be removed by May 31, 1967. ADJOURNMENT XIX. The meeting adjourned at 10:15 P.M. APPROVED: ATTEST: �z Mayor C ity Secretary Mr. Roberts; who owns the was hateria on North Main near the skating rink was present, and Mr. Byers stated that Mr. Roberts had contacted him several times, stating that his problems at the washateria are being compounded -- that the patrons at the skating rink are using rest rooms in his business establishment and this is causing consider- able congestion and problems. Mayor Fuller stated that he wants some- thing done immediately to move the skating rink from Midway Park. City Attorney Cribbs stated that he w i l l file a petition immediately, to have the skating rink moved. He stated, however, that this cannot be done over night . XVIII. DISCUSSION OF TIRES ON HIGHWAY 183 (1285 WEST EULESS BOULEVARD) Mayor Fuller tated that he reque is the City Attorney's status of the moving of the tires at 1285 West Euless Boulevard, which was requested by a petition to the City Council several weeks ago. Mr. Cribbs stated that he has served notice on the owner -- that the tires must be removed by May 31, 1967. ADJOURNMENT XIX. The meeting adjourned at 10:15 P.M. APPROVED: ATTEST: �z Mayor C ity Secretary