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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973-03-277,5 Regular Meeting Euless City Council March 27, 1973 CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Euless City Council was called to order at 8 :00 P. M. in the Council Chambers of the Euless City Hall with Mayor Pro Tem Dwayne Wilcox presiding. Members present were Councilman Harold Copher, Bi11 Dunn, Darrell Benson, and Harold Samuels. (Mayor A. C. Krause was absent.) Also present were City Manager C. Griggs, City Secretary Vada Ferris, City Attorney James Cribbs, and City Engineer B i l l Ratliff. . VISITORS Visitors in attendance are listed as follows: Messrs. L. C. Smith, Thomas P. Sullivan, R. J. Ozebek, Doug Ozebek, Randy Holman, T. H. Bravenec, C. C. Pasquale, W. W,. McCormick, Richard Parks, Ken Meyers, and Troy M. Fuller; Mesdms. Debbie Parish, representing the Mid - Cities Daily News, Willie Mae McCormick, T. H. Bravenec, L. M. Green, and Miss Mary Ann Ingram. INVOCATION The invocation was presented by Councilman B i l l Dunn. APPROVAL CF MINUTES Minutes of the regular meeting dated February 27, 1973, were approved as written. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONS I DER REQUEST CF FARINA -PATTERSON DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FCR CHANGE CF ZONING DISTRICT FROM "R-1" SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT TO "C -2" COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT ON 11.2 ACRES: FRCl'1 "R -1" SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT TO "R -5" MULTI - FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT ON 30.6 ACRES: FROM "R -1" SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT TO "L -1" LIMITED INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT ON 50.98 ACRES: AND FR CM "R -1" SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT TO "C -2" COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT ON 16.02 ACRES, TOTAL REQUEST FOR CHANGE OF ZONING Is 109.184 ACRES. (PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE NORTH SERVICE ROAD CF SPUR 3S0, 650' EAST CF CARTER DRIVE EXTENDING NORTH TO ;HARWOOD ROAD. L. C. SMITH, GENERAL MANAGER.) (ZONING CASE NO. 228) 76 Page Two, Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, March 27, 1973) Mayor Pro Tem Wilcox opened the Public Hearing and recognized Mr. L. C. Smith, who reviewed a plat of the area. Mr. Smith stated plans are indefinite i n some respect. However, trees w i l l be l e f t t o enhance the beauty o f the project which w i l l include an amusement center, possibly with an ice skating rink and a ro l l e r skating rink; also an athletic club. He stated small novelty shops are planned for the Commercial area fronting on Harwood Road, several apartment buildings - an industrial area similar to their project on S. H. 1$3 with additional deed restrictions to improve the development. He stated two sites are planned for motels. Mr. Smith stated the drainage channel would be controlled by an agreement acceptable to the City. Replying to a question by Councilman Copher, Mr. Smith stated that Planned Development was considered. However, due to the many changes which could occur in this area, a Planned Development District does not seem to be the best, in his opinion. He stated that this dynamic area does not warrant an opinion of plans for next year or the next - that, as changes in the area occur, zoning needs to be flexible. to al low the. developer the opportunity to program a project.. . Mayor Pro Tem Wilcox inquired if there were proponents or opponents present. There being none, he .declared the Public Hearing closed and advised Mr. Smith the Council w i 1 1 - r der consider this case at their next regularly scheduled Council meeting. MRS. FRANCES BRAVENEC, 1912 TOPLEA DISCUSSES RECENT VANDALISM I N HER NEIGHBORHOOD Mayor Pro Tem Wilcox recognized Mrs. Bravenec who stated that during recent months there have been numerous incidents of vandalism at her home - eggs thrown on her car, paint splashed on boat, tires punctured with sharp instruments. She stated that she has advised the Police Department of these incidents and she is concerned that our Police Department is unable to apprehend the person or persons responsible. She stated that several of her neigh- bors have reported similar occurrences and she is requesting the Council consider increasing the number of police officers in order to provide adequate police protection. She commented that she does not think: that two patrolmen on duty during the-evening hours provide sufficient protection to the citizens of Euless. Mayor Pro Tem Wilcox advised Mrs. Bravenec that the Council is considering increasing the number of police officers i n the next budget-which w i l l be effective October 1, 1973. He stated that the Council is cognizant that additional police patrolmen are necessary but there are many other city service functions to be considered - street repair, maintaining water lines and sewer lines, maintenance of park facilities and that all of these services require consideration in an attempt to provide the best service for all the citizens of Euless. 77 (Page Three, Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, March 27, 1973) Councilman Copher stated that incidents of this nature need citizen involvement - the citizen should contact the Police Department giving a car license number and a description of a person or persons - that this would probably help the Police Department in their investigation. City Attorney Cribbs stated that it is very possible that the Police Department has had the area under surveil- lance without the knowledge of the residents of the neighborhood. r e, dve. ec G.;.ated that he would Mr.. Bravenec stated that he would like to know when the Pol ice Department has the area under survei 1 lance; that he has been of the opinion that the Police Department is unconcerned and has done nothing about their problems. Mayor Pro Tem Wi Icox recognized Mr. Tom Pasquale who stated that he lives next door to Mr. and Mrs. Bravenec and that he has had the same problems. He stated that the person or persons responsible is either very sick or very clever; that a sharp instrument has been used on the t i re which does not cause the t i re to become deflated immediately, but permits a slow leak which causes a flat at some later time. Also that the valve stem is removed and a tiny pebble or some small object is inserted and the valve stem replaced which also creates a slow leak. Councilman Dunn stated that probably one way to assist the police or perhaps stop these occurrences is for some of the men in the area to take a leisurely walk through the neighborhood during the evening hours. Councilman Dunn stated that some time ago there was a problem in the neighborhood where he lives and that, some of the men discussed and planned a routine of walking through the neigh- borhood with a flashlight at certain times through the evening; and soon thereafter, the problem ceased to exist. Mayor Pro Tem Wilcox suggested that Mr. Bravenec and some of the area residents meet with Chief Sustaire and some of his staff and discuss with him the problems that exist and let the police suggest ways to possibly eliminate these problems. Mayor Pro Tem Wilcox thanked Mr. Bravenec for calling this to the attention of-the Council. DISCUSS I ON OF POSSJBLE $3000.00 PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FCR PERSONS OVER SIXTY FIVE YEARS OF AGE Mayor Pro Tem Wilcox recogn ized Tax Assessor - Collector, Mr. Richard Parks who informed the Council that the City.of Euless will probably have 150 persons to qualify for this . exemption which would result in an annual loss of $3,825.00. He stated that the school district and the City of Hurst have approved the exemption and it is under advisement in the City of Bedford. He stated that if the City of Euless approves this exemption it will be most help- ful if the tax office could be advised by the middle of April. 78 (Page Four, Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, March 27, 1973) Members of the Council thanked Mr. Parks and informed him this matter would be -taken under advisement. IV. AUTHORIZATION TO RECEIVE BIDS FCR *CONSTRUCTION CF S I DEWALKS ON MAJOR APPROACHES TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Members of the Council had been presented a communication from the City Manager advising that sidewalks can be installed without delay at certain locations near elementary schools. He stated that this comprises approximately 65% of the sidewalk work to be done and that the remainder of the sidewalk installation will be considered as soon as acquiring right of way and relocating utilities is accomplished. Councilman Samuels moved to concur with the recommendation of the City Manager to advertise fo r bids fo r construction of sidewalks as outlined. Councilman Benson seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Samuels, Benson, Dunn, Copher, and Mayor Pro Tem Wi Icox Nays: None Mayor Pro Tem Wilcox declared the motion earried. (Copy o f Council Communication on f i l e as Council Exhibit in Office of City Secretary.) V. CONSIDER REQUEST RII CITY OF FORT V\CRTH TO ENTER NEGOTIATIONS TO PURCHASE EULESS WATER FACILITIES I N TARRANT COMMUNITY AND VICINITY CF MOSIER VALLEY ROAD City Manager Griggs had presented a letter from the Fort Worth Water Department concerning negotiations for purchase of Euless water facilities in the City of Fort Worth.- Tarrant Community and vicinity of Mosier Valley Road. Mr. Griggs advised the Council that there will be about 80 customers in the Tarrant Community who are served by a two inch line, which does not provide adequate fire protection. He stated that th is i s a small investment for the City of Euless and that some time in the future, the City of Fort Worth will have to parallel the line. He stated that this would not mean a great loss of revenue to the City of Euless, probably 100 customers in the Tarrant and Mosier Valley communities. 79 (Page Five, Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, March 27, 1973) Replying to a question by Councilman Benson, Mr. Griggs stated that there are only underground distribution lines that no pumps would be involved in the transaction. Mr. Griggs stated that he would recommend' that the City of Euless proceed with negotiations and authorize the City Engineer to appraise the Tarrant and Mosier Valley lines. Members of the Council concurred with the recommendation of the City Manager to authorize a report from the Engineer to be presented for Council consideration. VI, CONSIDER JOINT EFFORT OF NORTHEAST TARRANT COUNTY CITIES AND CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE FOR PROPOSED HIGHWAY AND THOROUGHFARE PLANS Members of the Council had been presented a copy of a letter from the Haltom- Richard Area Chamber of Commerce, Hurst - Euless- Bedford Chamber of Commerce, aid Airport City Chamber of Commerce requesting support of an effort of the Northeast Tarrant County Cities and Chambers of Commerce to prepare a plan for highways and thoroughfares in our area. Mr. Griggs commented that the City of Euless contribution for participation in this shU¢y would be not more that five cents per person. Councilman Dunn moved to approve the City of Euless participation in the area project. Councilman Benson seconded the motion, and the vote i s as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Dunn, Benson, Samuels, and Mayor Pro Tern Wilcox Nays: None (Councilman Copher was absent from the room at the time of the vote.) Mayor Pro Tem Wilcox declared the motion carried. VII. RECOGNITION OF BOY SCOUT Mayor Pro Tem Wilcox welcomed Mr. Ray Ozebek to the meeting. Mr. Ozebek introduced his son, Doug Ozebek, who is attending the Council meeting as a Scout requirement for a merit badge. 80 (Page Six, Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, March 27, 1973) Mayor Pro Tem Wilcox welcomed Doug Ozebek and invited him to attend future Council meetings. C ITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT VIII. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 296 - LICENSING AND REGULATING OF PRIVATE DETECTIVES AND SPECIAL OFFICERS. City Attorney James Cribbs advised the Council that a law suit against the City is pending and the basis of the complaint is City Ordinance No. 296. Mr. Cribbs stated that the City Manager, City Secretary, and Chief of Police were in attendance at a Courthouse hearing on Thursday, March 22, 1973. However, the Judge postponed the hearing u n t i l A p r i l 4, 1973 which w 1 1 1 permit the City to amend the Ordinance to bring it in line with State statutes. Mr. Cribbs stated that this amendment requires the licensee to register with the Chief of Police and regulates the fee for licensing. Mr. Cribbs stated t h a t t h i s w i l l allow the Police Department to be knowledgable of private detectives who are operating in the City of Euless and preventing arrests of such persons because the police are not advised. Mr. Cribbs stated that he recommends the Council approve first reading of this Ordinance and he plans to present a copy to the City of Arlington; who is also involved in the law suit. Mr. Cribbs recommended second reading of the City Ordinance at the next Council meeting, if there are no objections to any portion of the Ordinance. Councilman Dunn moved to approve first reading of the Ordinance as presented by the City Attorney, Councilman Copher seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Dunn, Copher, Samuels, Benson, and Mayor Pro Tem W i !cox Nays: None carried. Mayor Pro Tern Wi Icox declared the motion PROPOSED CONTRACTS VVITH TRINITY RIVER AUTHORITY FOR REGIONAL WASTEWATER SYSTEM City Attorney James Cribbs advised the Council that he had reviewed the fifth draft of the proposed contract and he presented a letter to members of the Council summarizing his findings. Mr. Cribbs stated that he recommends the Council postpone action on the proposed contract at this time - that this is a very important matter which will bind the City of Euless to the Trinity River Authority for fifty years. He stated that he would like to have facts 81 (Page Seven, Regular Meet -ing of the Euless City Council) March_ 27, 1973) and figures from the City Engineer. He commented that he i s opposed to permitting the Trinity River Authority to tell the City of Euless how much the City of Euless will have to pay each year for this project after their annual budget is figured. He stated that he feels that the City's involvement in th is contract should allow representation on the Budget Committee. Mr. Cribbs stated that, with the permission of the Council, he w i l l send a copy of h i s l e t t e r to Mr. Brown, Development Manager of the Trinity River Authority and a copy to the Cities of Irving and Arl ington. City Manager Griggs stated that he agrees with the City Attorney that this contract should be reviewed and discussed by the City Manager, City Engineer, and City Attorney, and a report submitted to the City Council at a later date. Members of the Council concurred with the recommendation of the City Attorney and City Manager. CITY ENGINEER'S REPORT IX. CHANGE ORDER TO CONTRACT WITH SEASIDE POOLS Mr. Ratliff presented a change order to the contract with Seaside Pools to construct 4$" thick hot mix asphalt concrete paving in l i e u of 6" crushed stone base and 2 course penetration surface at the South Euless Neighborhood Swimming Pool parking lot and bathhouse. He stated that there will be no change in the amount of payment in the contract. The change order increases the working time thirty calendar days. Mr. Ratliff stated that this will not delay the opening of the swimming pool. Councilman Benson moved to concur with the recommendation of the City Engineer and approve the Change Order. Councilman Samuels seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Benson, Samuels, Dunn, Copher, and Mayor Pro Tem Wi !cox Nays: None Mayor Pro Tem Wilcox declared the motion carried. (Copy of change order filed as Council Exhibit in Office of City Secretary.) a2 (Page Eight, Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, March 27, 1973) Mr. Ratliff requested the Counci 1 consider approving a document to support the engineering firm and one of its City Attorney James Cribbs stated that he i s preparing the document and w i l l present it to the City Manager for his consideration within the next few days. X. ANNOUNCEMENT CF EULESS JAYCEES EVENT Councilman Copher informed the Council that the Euless Jaycees w i l l host the BB Gun State Championship competition i n the City of Euless. XI. REPORT ON STATUS OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM Councilman Copher inquired about the projects to be funded in the Capital Projects Program. City Manager Griggs informed the Council that property owners concerned with the drainage project in the Oakland Estates area are in agreement and that he recommends that the Council authorize plans, specifications, and bids for this project. Members of the Council concurred with the City Manager's recommendation. XII. PROPOSED CIVIL SERVICE ORDINANCE Mayor Pro Tem Wilcox asked the City Attorney about the proposed City Civil Service Ordinance and Mr. Cribbs stated that he w i l l have the proposed ordinance fo r Council consideration at the next Counci 1 meeting. XIII. REPORT CONCERNING SIGNALIZATION AT HARWOOD ROAD AND F.M. 157 Councilman Copher inquired about the signaliza- t i o n at Harwood Road and F.M. 157. City Manager Griggs advised that the Texas Highway Department will not release the City Engineer's plans until the Highway Department has provided a storage lane for a I e ft to rn signal. (Page Nine, Regular Meeting of the Euless City Council, March 27, 1973) XIV. ANNOUNCEMENT OF PROPOSED PROGRAM ON DRUG EDUCATION Mayor Pro Tem Wilcox stated that he has attended several meetings of area residents concerning a program on drug education. He stated that Mrs. June Garrett is preparing materials to present to area Cities in an effort to establish a center for drug education. He stated t h a t the t o t a l cost of the ppogram w i l l be about $45,000.00 and t h a t Mrs. Garrett w i l l be contacting a l l of the area Councils about th is project. ADJOURNMENT ATTEST: City Secretary XV. The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 P. M. APPROVAL: 83--