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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1967-07-11149 Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council July 11, 1967 CALL TO ORDER Mayor W. G. Fuller called the regular meeting of the Euless City Council to order ,ln the Council Chambers at the_ Euless City Hall, at 8;20 P.M., with the following present: Council- men B i,l 1 Byers, Bobby Fuller and Harold Samuels. (Councilman Warren Arrived shortly before the meeting adjourned.) (Councilman Douglass on vacat ion. ) Also present were City Manager C. J. Griggs, City Attorney James Cribbs and City Secretary Vada Ferris. INVOCATION The Invocation was presented by Council- man Harold Samuels. VISITOk.S Visitors in attendance were: Mrs. Betty Potthoff and Messrs. Kenneth E. English and Darrel Benson. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of previous meetings were presented for "approval, as follows: Called Meeting dated June 20, 1967 ,Called Meeting dated June 24, 1967 Regular Meeting dated June 27, 1967 The minutes were approved as written, DRAINAGE STRUCTURE (FULLER AND ALEXANDER PROPERTY EAST OF SOUTH MAIN AND HIGHWAY 183) City Manager Griggs advised the members of the Council that the City had received a copy of a Highway Commission Minute Order from Mr. R. W. Crook, District Engineer for the Texas Highway 150 (Pape Two, Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, July 11, 1967) Department, which requires acceptance of the City of Euless relative to the construction on Spur 350 from Highway 157 to State Highway 183. Mr. Griggs stated that the State Highway Department proposes to construct a drainage structure East of South Main Street and Highway 183 on property owned by Mr. Homer Fuller and Mr. E. D. Alexander. Mr. Gribgs stated that the structure will be costly, and that the property owners, Messrs. Alexander and Fuller, have agreed to furnish easements and contribute $3,800.00, which is the amount designated by the State as the property owners' pro rata share of this facility. Mr. Griggs presented a map of the area, which was reviewed by members of the Council, and advised that he and Mayor Fuller plan to talk with Mr. Crook concerning easements and other pertinent data. In answer to a question, Mr., Griggs stated that one of the easements needed by the Highway Department is for storing equipment, p i p e , etc., which w i l l be used at the time the drainage facility is constructed. Mayor Fuller stated that Mr. Alexander is anxious to know how close he can build to the highway line, and if an inlet to drain surface water from his property is permissible. Councilman Councilman Byers inquired if it wi I I be necessary to destroy all of the trees on this particular'tract. Mr. Griggs stated that at the time he and Mayor Fuller confer with Mr. Crook it will be ascertained as to the removal of the trees, the necessary easements, whether or not some of the easements will be released after completion of the drainage structure, and any other information deemed necessary. ' Mayor Fuller stated that Mr. Alexander is anxious to know how close he can build to the highway line, and if an inlet to drain surface water from his property is permissible. 'City Attorney Cribbs advised that the $3,800.00 figure is only a verbal agreement from the property owners at the present time; and although both are reliable persons, he is of the opinion that the City should have a written agreement; that the Highway Department w i l l assume that the money is available upon receipt of the approved Minute Order. Councilman Samuels stated that, in his opinion, Mr. Alexander should negotiate with the State Highway Department rather than request the City to secure all this information. City Manager Griggs stated that the State wi I I not deal with an individual, that should Mr. Alexander make an attempt to discuss this matter with the State Highway Dt~partment he would merely be referred back to local government officials. 'City Attorney Cribbs advised that the $3,800.00 figure is only a verbal agreement from the property owners at the present time; and although both are reliable persons, he is of the opinion that the City should have a written agreement; that the Highway Department w i l l assume that the money is available upon receipt of the approved Minute Order. 151 (Page Three. Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, July 11. 1967) i Cmunci lman Samuels made the motion to approve State Highway Commission Minute Order No. 596$1 as presented. Councilman Byers seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Fuller, Byers and Samuels Nays: None Mayor 'Fuller declared the motion carried. APPOINTMENTS.- PLANNING AND ZONING" COMMISSION AND ELECTRICAL BOARD Mayor Ful ler 'advised the Council that his recommendation for vacancies on the Planning and Zoning Commission and Electrical Board are as follows: Planning and Zoning Commission - Mr. Jack Browne Electrical Board - Mr. Dale Gresham 'The Mayor stated that after discussing the Metropolitan Highway Committee vacancy with Mr. Searcy Dobkins, a member of the Committee, that he is of the opinion that it is necessary to have only one appointed member on this Committee and the Mayor and /or City Manager can attend the Metropolitan Highway Meetings with the appointed person. Therefore, he i s not recommend- ing a replacement for Mr. Walt Nelson, who recently resigned from the Committee. Members of the Council were in agreement with the Mayor's recommendation and no formal action taken. RESOLUTION FROM HURST -EULESS-BEDFORD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT - CITY AND SCHOOL ELECTIONS The City Secretary, Mrs. Vada Ferris, presented a letter dated May 9, 1967, signed by Mr. Wayne A. Roline, attorney' for the Hurst - Euless- Bedford Independent School District, with a Resolution attached. The Resolution suggests favorably of consideration of an election date common to all cities within the Hurst - Euless- Bedford Independent School District, on the day of the school election. The City Secretary advised the Council that earlier today, in conversation with Mr. Newell Odell, Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Odell had advised that I the School Board is by no means demanding any sort of action, but merely i 152 (Page Four. Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, July 11. 196 7) desires to reflect the feeling of the Board that if the elections were held on the same day, perhaps voter participation would be greater for the school election as well as' the City election. Mrs. Ferris informed the Council that she had advised Mr. Odell that the Euless City Council had previously discussed considering a change of their election date for City dlections, but had postponed a decision due to the fact that the Euless City Charter may be amended only once every two years,' and the change in election date would require a Charter Amendment. The Council considers it important to determine if other amendments are necessary. Councilman Samuels stated that he -would like for the City to be prepared to vote on Charter Amendments in the November election. However, it was pointed out that the City may call an election any time it so desires and voting machines used in the November elections could not be used for a City election. City Attorney Cribbs stated that there are several possible amendments which should be discussed with the City Manager before recommending a' Charter Amendment election. Possibly the Council would desire to amend the Charter tb permit additional seats on the Counci 1, also voting by place system, as well as changing the election date. City Manager Griggs stated that, with the Council's permission, he recommends that the City Secretary be request- ed to- express the Council's appreciation to the School District for their interest in Municipal Elections,' and the possible amendments to the Charter be referred to the City Manager. Members of the Council concurred with the City Manager's recommendation and no formal action was taken.. IV, ENGINEER'S RECOMMENDATION FCR ACCEPTANCE CF STREET IMPROVEMENTS - EONTRACT 4 -- RESOLUTION NO. 184 City Manager Griggs read a letter from the City's Consulting Engineers, dated July 6, 1967, in which the Engineers recommend the Council's acceptance of the streets improved under street Contract 4. These streets include Hollywood from Broadwayto Vine; Vine from Sunset to Whitener; and Broadway from Hollywood to a point two hundred sixty feet (260') North of Sunset. e), 3 (Page Five, Regular Meeting of'theEuless City Council, July 11, 1967) RESOLUTION NO, 184 City Manager Griggs presented Resolution No, 184, determining the completion of and accepting the improvement of a porti•bn of Hollywood from Broadway to Vine; Vine from Sunset to Whitana.— and Broadway from Hollywood to a point two hundred sixty feet (260') North of Sunset. Councilman Samuels made the motion to doncur•with the Engineer's recommendations and accept streets as improved in Street and Drainage Contract No. 4, and approve Resolution No. 184, as submitted. Councilman Fuller seconded the motion, and the Vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Byers, Samuels and Fuller Nays: None Mayor Fuller declared the motion carried. V. CLEARING OF VOTING MACHINES - 8EOF0R0•- EQLESS MERGER ELECTION City Secretary Vada Ferris informed the T Counnci1 that thirty days following an election the County Clerk must be advised to clear voting machines and requests autho'rization to inform the County Clerk to clear the voting machines used in the'8edford- Euless Merger election, held June 24, 1967. Councilman Byers made the motion to concur with the City Secretary's request and authorize the clearing of the voting machines. Councilman Fuller seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Byers, Fuller and Samuels Nays None Mayor Fuller declared tie motion carried. VI. DISCUSSION - RESPO�IS18WTY FOR UPKEEP OF EASEMENTS Councilman Samuels stated that he had been contacted by a citizen concerning the tall weeds and debris on the easement adjacent to the drainage channel between Oakwood and Sunset, near Pipeline Road. He stated that, particularly, the Oakwood side of the drainage channel needs to be mowed. Other Councilmen had similar comments. 1.54 (Pape Six, Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, July 11, 1967) Mayor Fuller stated that a public ease- ment is not the City's problem. The City Attorney stated that he does not think that the City should be' responsible for keeping drainage channels clear. I t was pointed out by several Counci ]men, however, that in this particular area it is practically impossible fo'r these people to get on this easement from their property. This matter, was referred to City Manager Griggs. Councilman Samuels commented, that, perhaps, "Maintenance of Easements" would be a good subjiect for a news - letter to Euless CitIzens. VII. DISCUSSION - PIPELINE ROAD MPFZO\/EMENTS Mayor Fuller recognized Mr. Darrell Benson, a visitor to the meeting, who stated that he recalls that Mayor Fuller promised that immediately following the Bedford - Euless Merger Election the improvements to Pipeline Road would be an agenda item. he stated that Pipeline Road im consideration by the Council if Mayor Fuller advised Mr. Benson City Manager for consideration; 'Road . 8:,50 P.M.) Mayor Fuller stated that he recalls that provements would be a matter for immediate the cities of Bedford and Euless merged. that this matter has been referred to the also the possible re- routing of Pipeline (councilman Warren arrived at this time, Mayor Fuller proceeded to comment that the City of Hurst is involved in the re- routing of Pipeline Road, and that negotiations are underway at this time. Mayor Fuller commented that he is still of the opinion that the property owners voted for the improvements of Pipeline Road, and, that funds should not be used to re -route Pipeline Road without a vote of the people. Mayor Fuller commented this is'merely a personal matter with him. Councilman Samuels inquired if the property owners in Morrisdale are aware of the proposed re- routing. Mr. Benson answered affirmatively, and commented that the persons having discussed this re- routing with him are in favor of the re- routing; however, they have understood that the plans are to improve the present Pipeline Road as a residential street, and re -route Pipeline Road to serve as. a. thoroughfare. Mayor Fuller commented that he is still of the opinion that the property owners voted for the improvements of Pipeline Road, and, that funds should not be used to re -route Pipeline Road without a vote of the people. Mayor Fuller commented this is'merely a personal matter with him. t55 (Page Seven, Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, July 11, 1967) i Mr. Benson stated that, personally, he does not believe it would be out of order to use funds to re -route Pipeline Road, if the persons who use the present Pipeline Road, would be, basically the persons who would use the re- routed portion. Mayor Fuller commented that the people on the East end of Pipeline Road want the improvements that were promised in the Bond Election. Mr. Benson was advised that he w i I I be informed when this matter appears on the agenda for Council consideration. VIII. GARBAGE DISPOSAL COMPLAINTS Councilman Samuels stated that he s t i l l reaeives garbage disposal complaints. He was advised that this matter has been referred to the City Manager, who i s presently discussing the complaints and other problems with the Tarrant County Waste Disposal owner, Mr. Don Presley. IX, i REPAIR CF DAMAGED PANEL IN COUNCIL ROOM CEILING Councilman Byers inquired about the replacing of the water damaged panel in the Council Room ceiling. He was advised by the City Secretary, Mrs. Ferris, that the contractor, Mr. Walker, (Walker Construction Company), has made several visits to City Hall in an effort to repair the leak; however, has stated that he must be certain that the leak has been found and repaired before replacing the damaged panel. X. An " 1DKIMGnrr The adjournment was at 9;00 P.M. APPROVED= ATTEST= Mayor C ity Secretary