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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-07-2273 Regular Meeting Euless City Council July 22, 1975 CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Euless City Council was called to order at 8:05 P.M. in the Council Chamber of Euless City Hall by Mayor Harold Samuels. Members present were Mrs. Willie Mae McCormick; Messrs. Ray Ozebek, Wayne Wright, Glenn Walker, and Charles Hunt. Also present were City Manager W. M. Sustaire, City Secre'tary Della Houy, and City Attorney Bob McFarland. VISITORS Visitors present were as follows: Messrs. Gary Coker, Rik Sowell, June Morrison, Hal C. Ferguson, Joe Hendley, Lenard Sowell, Tommy Barnes, Jack Bullard, Lynn Schackelford, Sevan Denham, Pat Whitley, D. L. Cole, Mel McReynolds, Pat Gilliland, J. C. Whitmire, Charles Page, Carroll Davis, James Griffin, and Gene Voss; Mesdms. Barbara Burke, Lenette Sowell, Debbie Morrison, Maxine Hendley, Mary Ann Walker, Evelyn Poslick, Betty Jo Sees, Carolyn Griffin, Kathy Mosley, Peggy McReynolds, Patricia Gilliland, and Sharon voss. INVOCATION The invocation was given by Mr. Glenn Walker. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the regular meeting dated July 8, 1975 were approved as written. I CONSIDERATION CF RATE INCREASE AS REQUESTED BY TEXAS POWER & LIGHT MVPANY (PUBLIC HEARING HELD JUNE 24, 1975) Mrs. McCormick stated that she wanted to make a motion, but would like to preface it with a few brief remarks. Mrs. McCormick stated "Much study has been done by all Council members and several meetings held to discuss the Texas Power & Light rate increase. In addition to study, I've visited the Lignite plan at Fairfield & the Nuclear plan being con- structed at Glenrose. I've compared this rate increase with increases we've had in other industries, businesses, etc., especially in areas where oil and gas is used extensively, and it doesn't appear that TP & L is out of line with other areas. No one wants an increase, but I am convinced this raise is necessary if TP & L is going to continue to give the service we now enjoy. I'm reminded of the ten (10) virgins, five (5) were wise, they were prepared and had oil for their lamps and five (5) were foolish. So far, apparently TP & L has been prepared and the lamp has burned when I flipped the switch. It appears this raise is a request so that 74 (page Two, Regular Meeting, Euless, City Council, July 22, 1975) they can continue to be prepared. I am pleased with the Safeguard clause that states"if Texas Power & Light Company places in effect lower rates in any other of its Class A cities, said lower rates shall also be applicable in the City of Euless." Mrs. McCormick moved that the 11 %rate increase as requested by T1' &L be granted effective October 1, 1975 with the Safeguard Clause included. Mr. Ozebek seconded the motion. Mr. Hunt stated the rate increase as re- quested is an average of 11 %, this is average to all users, some higher, some lower. He further stated that the Council has heard plans as offered by Texas Power & Light and we are very familiar with the program; that we have been asked to consider a rate increase, evaluate it, and see if it measures up to justify the rate increase; but the information that has been given us is using one yard stick to the measure the correctness of the request. Mr. Hunt stated that the way he understands it, the newly formed Texas Utility Commission will begin on January 1, 1976, and it has been given us the understanding that their experience will be available to rural areas as well as any Municipalitites that seek their counsel and advise. Mr. Hunt stated that if the Council disallows the increase, they could turn the request over to the Utility Commission and let them shoulder the responsibility that has been given them. Mr. Hunt further stated that when the Board takes over, the Council will have expertise to allow them to know all the details. Mr. Hunt stated that he recommends that Mrs. McCormick amend her motion and allow interim time to look at this request and get some input from the Utility Commission and have a sound way to make a decision. Mr. Hunt stated he requests the motion be amended and that the Council pass an ordinance approving the requested rate increase on an interim basis, beginning with the October 1, 1975 billing, for 121 days or four (4) months, and the new rate to be reviewed during the month of January, 1976. Mrs. McCormick stated she would not add the amendment to her motion and that at a later date if the Council was not satisfied with TP & L, then they could go to the Utility Commission at that time. Mr. Charles Page stated the effective date for the Utility Commission is September 1, 1976, and the City would have to pass, by election, an ordinance for the City to go to the Commission, and as the law goes into effect immediately, Texas Power & Light is under the law at this time. Mr. Walker inquired if the City found out later that another City had received a lower rate, could the Council amend this ordinance. Mayor Samuels stated that this is taken care of in Mrs. McCormick's motion. Mr. McFarland stated the City has the authority to come in any time and amend the ordinance granting the request and adjust accordingly. (Page Three, Regular Meeting, Euless City Council, July 22, 1975) Mr. Hunt stated with the limited infor- mation the Council has, it appears that a vote in favor of the increase means that 11% is approved and accepted and the City would be putting 100% emphasis and thoughton the number that TP & L Company has given them, and he feels that other information is available to the Council. The vote on Mrs. McCormick's motion is as follows: Ayes: Mrs. McCormick, Messrs. Ozebek, Wright and Walker Nays: Mr. Hunt Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. II PRESENTATION OF PLAQUE TO MR. HAROLD COPHER Mayor Samuels recognized Mr. Harold Copher, former Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem. Mayor Samuels presented a plaque to Mr. Copher for his years on the Council and stated that as Mayor Pro Tem he was worthy of a gavel on his plaque. III HUEY BALL REQUEST - AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR THE ANIMAL CONTROL AND SERVICE CENTER BUILDING, SUBJECT TO STAFF REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF FINALIZED PLANS Mayor Samuels recognized Mr. Huey Ball who presented drawings of the proposed service center and animal control and explained all items that will be in the building. Mr. Wright inquired if the service center would be used for the new fire trucks and if a crew of firemen would be sta- tioned there. Mayor Samuels stated that the service center will not be required for housing the fire trucks as fire station /2 will be the central fire station and the new truckes will be housed there. Mr. Walker inquired why this particular site was selected for the center instead of a site away from the City Complex. Mayor Samuels stated that this site was selected because one building can be built cheaper in one location, and they were informed by several veterinarians that there would not be any noise or odor in connection with the Animal Control because there would not be any outside runs. Mr. Walker inquired if any large equipment would be stored at this site. 75 Gage Four, Regular e.e.ting, Eu1eas; ty'.Councl, July 22, 1975) City Manager Sustaire stated that most of the large equipment will be housed at the location in Bedfdird, and he hopes this storage will be an addition to the complex instead of a distraction. Mr. Ball stated that the plans are es- sentially complete, that a final check on the drawing, subject to staff re- view, will be completed this week, and they would like to advertise for bids before the next Council meeting. Mr. Ball stated that his estimate on the project was $267,338.00 with two (2) alternate bids, one, for a chain link security fence in the amount of $3,682.00 and the second is for asphalt topping in the parking lot in the amount of $5,980.00 with the total of $277,000.00. Mr. Ozebek inquired the number of square feet in the building and Mr. Lynn Shackelford stated there are approximately 8,600 sq. ft. Mrs. McCormick moved to authorize Mr. Ball to advertise for bids for August 19, 1975 subject to staff approval. Mr. Walker seconded the motion. Mr. Ozebek stated that he thought the original plans were for a two (2) story building. Mr. Sustaire stated that a two (2) story building would be more costly. Mr. Ball stated that the biggest cost is not in the shell but in the machinery and electrical equipment that will be installed. Mr. Walker inquired if the building will be air - conditioned. Mr. Ball stated negatively, but will be well ventilated; that the offices will be air - conditioned. Mr. Hunt inquired the number of animals handled over a period of time. City Manager Sustaire stated that the Animal Warden handles between 150 to 250 animals per month. A man in the audience inquired if the building would require any additional City Employees. City Manager Sustaire stated that only a mechanic would be needed and maybe another Animal Warden. The vote on the motion by Mrs. McCormick is as follows: Ayes: Mrs. McCormick, Messrs. Walker, Ozebek, Wright, and Hunt Nays: None Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. (Wage k'iye_2 Regular Meeting, Euless City Council, July 22, 2975) City Manager Sustaire stated that the funds for building the Animal Control and Service Center building would be Revenue Sharing Funds. ]V PUBLIC HEARING: BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 1975 -76 City Manager Sustaire presented the pro- posed budget for the fiscal year 1975 -76, and gave a breakdown of the proposed revenue and expenditures. Mr. Sustaire stated the charts he used i n h i s pre- sentation w i l l be on display in the Library with an explanation sheet on the new budget. Mr. Perkins inquired how the fines and forfeiture revenue figures were arrived at. only based on past years collections. under Traffic Safety. Mr. Sustaire stated that it is an estimate A lady from the audience inquired what is Mr. Sustaire stated that traffic signs, traffic signals and the promotion of Traffic Safety is included in Traffic Safety Administration. A man in the audience inquired if the budget reflected any pay increases. Mr. Sustaire stated that there is a fund to take into effect any salary increasesduring the year. Mr. Sustaire introduced Mr. Jim Hickerson as the City's Director of Finance. Mr. Perkins inquired about the golf course Mr. Sustaire stated that the City can use the golf course at the airport without any cost to the City except green fees for those w h o w i l l be playing and that the golf course w i l l not involve any tax money. Mr. Sustaire stated this budget does not include any additional personnel and the expenditures include any debt retirement on previously sold bonds. between the City and the Airport. A man in the audience inquired what all the Administrative Department included, and i f it only included salaries. Mr. Sustaire stated that this department includes salaries, supplies, and office equipment the City. for the administration of Gage Six, Regular Meeting, Euless City Council, July 22, 1975) Mayor Samuels inquired if there were other proponents, there being none, he inquired if there were any opponents, there being none he declared the public hearing closed. Mr. Hunt moved to accept the budget as presented by the City Manager. Mr. Wright seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Hunt, Wright, Ozebek, Walker, and Mrs. McCormick Nays: None Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. V AUTHORIZATION TO TAKE BIDS ON STREET REPAIRS - VINE STREET, ECTOR DRIVE AND JANNAN STREET PER CITY STREET SPECIFICATIONS. Mr. Sustaire stated he is requesting autho- rization to take bids for repairs on Vine Street, Ector Drive, and Jannan Street, as these streets are in bad need of repairs at this time. Mr. Walker moved to authorize the City Manager to proceed to advertise for bids for repair on Vine Street, Ector Drive and Janann Street. Mrs. McCormick seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Mr. Walker, Mrs. McCormick, Messrs. Wright, Ozebek, and Hunt Nays: None Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. VI AUDIENCE REQUESTED BY MRS, EARL CLARK FOR PERMIT TO SELL FROM HER HOME Mayor Samuels inquired if Mrs. Clark or her representative is present and there was no representative present to pre- sent her request. Mr. McFarland stated that the only relief the City could afford the lady is to amend the Zoning and Occupation License Ordinance of the City. Mr. McFarland stated it was explained to her by the City staff that it was against the City Ordinance to sell from her home. As Mrs. Clark was not present, no action was taken by the Council. 79 (Page Seven, Regular .Meeting,Euless City Council, July 22, 1975) VII ACCEPT RESIGNATION OF MR, CHARLES WALLER. PLANNING & ZONING COMMIS- SION AND CONSIDERATION OF APPOINT- MENT TO FILL VACANCY Mayor Samuels read the letter of resign - nation from Mr. Charles Waller as follows: "Please consider this letter as notice of my resignation from the Planning & Zoning Commission, effective immediately. Since being appointed to the commission, I have developed health problems. I will have surgery in the near future and an extensive convalescence. I regret the necessity of this action, because it was a pleasure meeting all of you on the commission, and I was looking forward to serving with you." Mr. Walker stated that he had talked with Mr. Waller and that Mr. Waller had had surgery on last Thursday and after the surgery he found out it was not as bad as anticipated and he is requesting the Council table his resignation until he is able to leave the hospital and talk with his doctors." Mrs. McCormick moved to table the accep- tance of the resignation of Mr. Charles Waller until the Council hears from Mr. Waller. Mr. Wright seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Mrs. McCormick, Messrs. Wright, Ozebek, Hunt, and Walker Nays: None Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. Mr. Hunt stated that at the last meeting the Planning & Zoning Commission did not have a quorum and he was wondering if the Council could appoint an alternate member to be called in order to have a quorum. Mr. McFarland read from the City Charter that three (3) members present constitute a quorum, and there is no stipulation for an alternate. VIII SIDEWALKS City Manager Sustaire stated that the sidewalks program had slowed down but is proceeding at this time. Mr. Sustaire stated that the City is in the process of building sidewalks on East Huitt Lane but are awaiting letters of intent to pay assessments for curbing along Huitt Lane and the improvements will include a bridge across the creek. (Page Eight, Regular Meeting, Euless City Council, July 22, 1975) IX ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9 :30 P.M. APPROVED : zz.a401.—L Mayor ATTEST: City Secretary