Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1968-09-10Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council September 10, 1968 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Pro Tem Frank Douglass called' the regular meeting of the Euless City Council to order at 8:15 P.M. in the Council Chambers at Euless City Hall with the following in attendance: Councilmen B i I I Byers, Harold Samuels and Don Warren. (Absent: Mayor W. G. Fuller and Council- man Dan Shull.) Also present were City Manager C. J. Griggs, City Attorney James Cribbs and City Secretary Vada Ferris. JNVOCATION . City Attorney James Cribbs presented the invocation. VISITORS 13 .Visitors in attendance were as follows: Messrs. Bill Ratliff, Clint D. Starr. ;. Gene Welch, Bert E. Hey], William Shell, Hugh Waite, Ken Good, Jack Shannon, Jr., Ha ro -Id Copher, Curtis McCaff i ty, Ivan Gregory, D. A. Martin, Bob Eden, Ed Hiebert, Gerald Meason, Richard D. Karanian and Nelson Walraven; Mesdms. Harold Copher, Anne Martin, Marilyn Hiebert, Loretta Meason, L i l l i a n H. Karanian, Gay Wal raven, Betty Potthoff, representing the Mid Cities Daily News and Martha Hand, representing the Fort Worth Star Telegram. I NTRODUCTION: BENBROOK MAYOR PRO TEM JACK SHANNON . Mayor Pro Tem Frank Douglass welcomed and introduced Mr. Jack Shannon, Benbrook Mayor Pro Tem. PUBLIC HEARING: ZONING CASE NO. 179: 123 ACRES FFZCM "A" RESIDENTIAL TO "C" COMMERCIAL, NORTH CF HIGHWAY NO. 183 AND SOUTH OF HARWOOD ROAD, MR, ROBERT 901TAa;7 Mayor Pro Tem Frank Douglass opened the Public Hearing on Zoning Case No. 179, a rezoning request from Robert H. Power for rezoning "A" Residential to "C" Commercial, approximately 123 acres, north of Highway No. 183, South of Harwood Road and adjacent to Westwood Village and Somerset Place Addition. 144 Pacie Two, Reaular Meetina of the Euless City Council, September 10, 196 8) Mayor Pro Tern Douglass recognized Mr. Clint C Starr, who informed the Council members he is associated with Mr. Robert H. Power, Attorney at Law; that Mr. Power regrets that a previous committmemt prevents his presence at this meeting, but has sent a letter, which Mr. Starr proceeded to read. Mr. Power's letter basically stated that he and other interest holders desire the rezoning of this property for the purpose of constructing multi - family dwellings on the western portion of the tract with a buffer zone to protect homes in the area -- eastern portion of the' property will be industrial. The letter stated that the owners -have agreed to place deed restrictions upon the westermmett portion of the property for some reasonable distance, so as to assure the home- owners that no industrial -type development or traffic would be flowing into the resident ial area. Mr. Starr introduced Mr. Kenneth Good, one of the property owners, who briefly reviewed a plat of the area. Mayor Pro Tern Douglass inquired if there were other proponents in the zoning case. Mr. Bert Heyl stated that he i s an adjacent property owner and would like to see the apartment buffer extend further to the north, at least past his property. Mayor Pro Tern Douglass inquired if there were opponents present in the zoning case'. Mr, Hugh Waite was recognized by Mayor Pro Tern Douglass. Mr. Waite inquired about the buffer zone and was informed by Mr. Starr, that Mr. Power's letter states that "the apartment portion of the property would act as a buffer zone between the single - family residential and the proposed industrial usage ". (Councilman Warren arrived at 8:30 P.M.) Mayor Pro Tern Douglass recognized Mr. W i l l i a m Shell of Main Development, Incorporated, who expressed concern about' access streets and discussion followed, in which Mr. Starr and Mr. Good clarified that the stubbed -out street mentioned in Mr. Power's letter is Fuller Drive, not Waite Street. Mr. Waite stated that, as developer of Somerset Addition and Westwood Village, there is no objection to this rezoning. I n answer to a question by Mayor Pro Tern Douglass, Mr. Good stated that the owners desire to place deed restrictions on only the land two hundred (200) feet along the westernmost line of the property, up to the north line of the proposed Preliminary Plat. Mr. Good stated that rather than carry the deed restrictions further, he would like to work with the property Owners on the north on platting. i45 (Page Three, Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, September 10, 1968) City Attorney Cribbs inquired of Mr. Good his opinion of xoning for apartments instead of placement of deed restrictions. Mr. Good stated that the present zoning ordinance in the City of Euless is rather limited; therefore, the owners consider- ed deed restrictions necessary. City' Manager Griggs stated that deed restrictions can be removed as easily as placed. . Mr. Good 'expressed concern of the time involved in securing the Council's decision and Mayor Pro Tem Douglass advised Mr. Good that the'Council has the power to rezone properties -- that the procedure experienced thus far in this zoning case would not be necessary again. . I n answer to a question by Mr. Waite, City Attorney Cribbs stated that a Developer may impose deed restrictions after the Council has zoned the property. S Councilman Byers inquired of Mr. Bert Hey] hi-s plans for his property adj'acent to the property in question. Mr. Hey] stated plans are for a shopping center, residential and apartment areas. It was pointed out that the ppattments mentioned by Mr. Heyl would serve as a buffer zone in the same manner as the apartment buffer zone proposed by Mr. Power. Mayor Pro Tmm Douglass- recognized Mrs. David Martin. Mrs. Martin stated she - wanted the council to be reminded of Zoning Case No. 176, in which the Council voted differently concerning a stubbed -out street. (Zoning Case No. 176 involves property in the Wilshire Area.) There being no further discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Douglass declared the Public Hearing closed, and informed Mr. Starr that this case w i I I be reviewed and given consideration at the next regular council meeting on September 24, 1968.- Mr. Starr thanked the council for their consideration. REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF CONDIT'I.ON SUBSEQUENT ORDINANCE NO, 311 MR. HARRY HUNSICKER Members of the Council reviewed a letter, previously submitted by Mr. Harry Hunsicker, requesting an extension of the conditions subsequent imposed in Ordinance No. 311. Ordinance No. 311 rezoned property located west of Sheppard Drive, north of Spur 350, containing approxi- mately sixteen (16) acres. The construction of Spur 350 has delayed the develop- ment of this property. 1, 46' (Page Four, Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, September 10, 1968) Councilman Samuels made the motion to approve Mr. Hunsicker's request and grant an additional twelve (12) months extension to each of the three conditions subsequent in Ordinance No. 311. Councilman Byers seconded the motion and the vote i s as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Samuels, Byers, Douglass and Warren Nays: None Mayor Pro Tern Douglass declared the motion carried. Mr. Gene Welch, representing Mr. Huns.icker, expressed appreciation of the Council's approval of Mr. Hunsicker's request. I V. NAMES CONSIDERED FCR CHARTER COMMISSION Mayor Pro Tern Frank Douglass stated that ten (10) names had been submitted for consideration as appointees to serve on a Charter Commission - this commission to study and recommend possible amend- ments to the Euless City Charter. names, as follows: B i 1 1 Pasteur W. J. "Doc'' Hyde Blease Tibbets Lenard Sowell Searcy Dobki ns Mayor Pro Tern Douglass read th e I i s t o f Mrs. David Martin A. P. Anthony Mrs. Gene Heartsfield , Bert Heyl Bobby Fuller and announced t h a t seven (7) of, the ten (10) l i s t e d persons w i l l be announced at the next regular meeting to serve on the Charter Commission. V. CONS I DER REQUEST SUBMITTED BY MR, JACK APWISCH FCR PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON PAMELA D.BIVE Members of the council reviewed a letter, previously submitted by Mr. Jack Atwisch, requesting a parking ban on the west side of Pamela Drive and one hour parking on the east side. 1,47 (Page Five, Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, September 10, 1968) City Manager Griggs recommended that the Council consider prohibiting parking on the east side of Pamela Drive with continued parking -on-the west. side of the street. (A letter signed by W. M. Sustaire, Director of Public Safety, priaviously submitted to members of the council, substantiated the City Manager's recommendation.) Councilman Samuels made the motion to concur with the City Manager's recommendation to prohibit parking on the east side of Pamela Drive, with continued parking on the west side. Councilman Warren seconded the motion and the vote i s as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Samuels„ Warren, Byers and Douglass Nays: None Mayor Pro Tern Douglass declared the motion carried. City Attorney James Cribbs was instructed to prepare an Ordinance to this effect. Councilman Byers stated that, perhaps, off - street parking should be considered more closely in future developments. UI. CONSIDER REQUEST FCR INCREASE IN GARBAGE COLLECTION-RATES - SUBMITTED BY MR. CURTIS MC_CAFFITY . Mayor Pro Tern Douglass recognized Mr. Curtis McCaff i ty, owner of Tarrant County Waste Disposal, Incorporated. Mr. McCaffity informed the Council that he had no additional information concerning his request for an increase in garbage rates, (All information previously submitted to City Manager Griggs and reviewed by Council Members.) Councilman Byers made the motion to concur with the recommendation of the City Manager and approve at fifty -cent (50 increase on residential rate and a ten percent (100/0 increase on commercial rate, effective October 1, 1968. Councilman Douglass seconded the motion. 14 (Page Six, Regular Meetinq of the Euless City Council, September 10, 1968) Mayor Pro Tern Douglass recognized Mr. Ivan Gregory who stated that, in his opinion, the public should be allowed a Public Hearing on this request; that the garbage disposal service is most unsatisfactory presently and does not warrant an increased rate; that Euless citizens are paying more now than the service is worth; that a rate increase would not constitute better service; that the requirements for packaging garbage are unreasonable; that, many times, after pick -up of the garbage, yards and streets are cluttered with spilled trash. Mayor Pro Tem Douglass informed Mr. Gregory that the increased rate request is more in line with rates of other cities; that the requirements are basically the same as those imposed by other cities; and that an investigation has proved that securing another source for disposing of garbage, is practically impossible at this time. Mr. Gregory stated that the rate is not an issue; that there is no guarantee that the service will be any better. Mr. Gregory, in answer to a question by the City Attorney, advised the council that he has not registered a complaint against Mr. McCaffity with the City,; that he has called directly td) the Waste Disposal Office. City Attorney Cribbs stated that all complaints are logged in the; City Secretary's Office, and Mr. McCaffity is immediately advised of these complaints with a request to furnish information on his disposition of the complaint; that the only means of the City's being informed, is for complaints to be called to City Hall. Mr. Cribbs further explained that the City is not required to conduct a Pub] is Hearing on a request of this nature;, as Mr. McCaffity has only a permit with the City, not a franchise. Mr. McCaffity stated that a City Ordinance governs the packaging and handling of garbage; that he makes every effort to follew -up complaints. Mr. Gregory stated that he requests the Council consider calling a Public Hearing on this' request -for a garbage rate increase. Mr. Bert Hey] stated that he is of the opinion that Mr. McCaffity should be complimented for the fine service provided Euless citizens; that he has lived in several towns and Euless has the finest garbage disposal service. 149 (Page Seven, Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, September 10, 1968) Mayor Pro Tern Douglass asked for a vote on the motion, and the vote i s as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Byers, Douglass, Samuels and Warren Nays: None Mayor Pro Tern Douglass declared the motion carried. VII. BENBROOK MAYOR PRO TEM SHANNON EXTENDS INVITATION Mr. Shannon expressed appreciation to the members of the Euless City Council and extended'an invitation to the members of the council and Euless citizens to attend Benbrook's twenty -first (21st) birthday celebration on October 12. VIII. TRANSPORTATION TO AREA SCHOOL AND GUARD ASSISTANCE Mr. Karanian requested the Council's consideration of transportation for students to the various schools; also, for assistance to students crossing Highway No. 183. Mr. Karanian stated that police officers serving as school crossing guards are, at times, called to perform -dther police duties and students are unassisted in crossing Highway No. 183. Mayor Pro Tem Douglass stated that there is another City employee on duty during hours that students cross Highway No. 183 at Ec,tor; and.Ibbat this person remains although the police officer may be called from this location. Mayor Pro Tern Douglass stated there i s no action to be taken on the transportation to the schools;.that this is a matter for the School District. IX. APPRECIATION TO MASONIC LODGE LAW ENFORCEMENT MEETING Councilman Samuels suggested that a letter for Mayor Fuller's signature should be sent to the Estekle Masonic Lodge, with a copy to the Speaker, for the recent meeting sponsored by the Lodge for local law enforcement officers. 150 (Page Eight, Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, September 10, 1968) X. MRS , DAVID MARTIN PRESENTS SNAKE, PROTESTING LACK CF CITY ASSISTANCE IN CLEARING HURRICANE CREEK Mayor Pro Tern Frank Douglass recognized Mrs. David Martin, Mrs. Martin reminded the council that she has appeared numerous times before the council requesting assistance in clearing Hurricane Creek, adjacent to her home, in Wilshire Village. Mrs. Martin stated that the City voted bond money for these improvements - that the area is a "snake pit" - that several "copperheads" have been-killed in her yard and'in the surrounding area - that she urgently requests the council's consideration in this matter. Mrs. Martin stated that she does not under- stand why a portion of the $300,000.00 General Obligation Bond money from bonds recently sold, could not be used for these improvements; or, why a portion of the one million plus the City will receive from the sale of the Bedford portion of the Water and Sewer System could not be used. City Attorney Cribbs explained that bond funds are designated for specific use. Mayor Pro Tem Douglass informed Mrs. Martin that improvements to Hurricane Creek were approved in the 1964 Bond Election and the channel w i I I be improved; however, a specific time cannot be established presently. Councilman Warren informed Mrs, Martin that copperhead snakes are not exclusively in the Wilshire Addition, but are prevalent in several areas in Euless. Mrs. Martin concluded her appearance by presenting a_box with an appropriate tag stating "To Sirs, With Love" - the box contained a five (5) foot long snake, which Mrs. Martin stated was a "copperhbad" killed in her yard. Councilman Byers stated that he was of the opinion the snake is not a "copperhead ". Councilman Warren advised it is a non- poisonous water snake. Mrs. Martin expressed regrets that Mayor Fuller was not present to accept her "gift" to the council. (Page Nine, Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, September 10, 1968) XI. An Vll 1DAIMGAIT 15'1' Councilman Byers made the motion to adjourn. Councilman Warren seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Byers, Warren and Samuels; and Mayor Pro Tem Douglass Nays: None Mayor Pro Tern Douglass declared the motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:35 P.M. APPROVED: ATTEST: Mayor n -� City Secretary 15:2