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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-06-24Regular Meeting Euless City Council June 24, 1980 CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Euless City Council was called to order at 8 :10 p.m., in the Council Chambers of Euless City Hall by Mayor Harold Samuels. Other members present were Mayor Pro Tern Willie Mae McCormick, Councilmen Ron Sternfels, Glenn Walker and Robert Pippin. (Absent was Councilman Charles Hunt.) Also present were City Manager W. M. Sustaire, City Secretary Della Houy, City Attorney Bob McFarland, and City Engineer James Knight. VISITORS Visitors in attendance were Messrs. Don Perkins, Joe Hobbs, Rod Davis, Bill Thompson, Richard A. Hamm, Bob Eden, J. M. Wilson, Bill Welch, Billy Killion, Kent Flynn, and Philip Brown; Mesdms. Esther Hobbs and Mary Welch. INVOCATI'ON The invocation was given by Mayor Pro Tem Willie Mae McCormick. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the regular meeting dated June 10, 1980, were approved as written. I. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE OF MERIT TO OFFICER JOE HOBBS Police Chief John Wilson presented the Certificate of Merit to Officer Joe Hobbs of the Euless Police Department. The Certificate reads as follows: This Certificate of Merit is awarded to Joseph F. Hobbs for outstanding performance of duties under unusual, complicated or hazardous conditions specifically, on January 8, 1980, at the scene of a major fire by evacuating people and giving aid to residents with disregard to personal safety, thereby distinguishing himself and the Euless Police Department." (Page Two, Regular Meeting, Euless City Council, June 24, 1980) COMMENDATION OF POLICE OFFICERS Mayor Samuels stated Sgt. R. L. Davis, Officer D. L. McLain, Sgt. J. J. Ziemain, and Pat Rennels, CID Secretary, received a written commendation from Police Chief Wilson for a variety of outstanding and efficient actions that have occurred in recent weeks and he would like to publicly commend these persons. II. ORDINANCE N0. 629 APPROVING A RATE INCREASE FOR TEXAS POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY Mr. McFarland reviewed an amendment to the first reading of the ordinance for the Council. Mr. Pippin moved to approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 629 with the amendment as presented by the City Attorney that would limit the implementation of the schedule to the date that Texas Power and Light Company actually implemented the increase. Mrs. McCormick seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Mr. Pippin, Mrs. McCormick, Messrs. Walker, and Sternfels Nays: None Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY'S SIGN ORDINANCE Mrs. McCormick moved to approve first reading of an ordinance amending the City's sign ordinance. Mr. Sternfels seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Mrs. McCormick, Messrs. Sternfels, Pippin, and Walker Nays: None Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. (Page Three, Regular Meeting, Euless City Council, June 24, 1980) IV. CONSIDER BIDS- MID -SIZE MOWER FOR THE PARK DEPARTMENT Members of the Council had previously received copies of the bids received for a mid -size mower to be used in the Park Department and a recommendation from the Park and Recreation Coordinator, Larry Morgan. The bids are as follows: BIDDER BID PRICE DELIVERY DATE Goldthwates of Texas $5,016.00 2 - 3 days Colonial Motor Company $5,460.00 30 days Mr. Walker moved to concur with the recommendation of the Park and Recreation Coordinator and award the bid for the mid -size mower to the low bidder, Goldthwates of Texas, in the amount of $5,016.00. Mrs. McCormick seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Mr. Walker, Mrs. McCormick, Messrs. Sternfels and Pippin Nays: None carried. Mayor Samuels declared the motion V. CONSIDER POSTING OF ZONING CHANGE SIGNS AND SETTING A FEE FOR SAME Mrs. McCormick moved to approve first reading of an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 347 requiring the posting of signs on property that is being considered for rezoning. Mr. Sustaire stated this does require that our Zoning Ordinance be amended and should include a fee for this service. He stated it costs a minimum of $15.00 to have the sign erected. He stated he would like the Council to select the type of sign to be posted. Mr. Pippin inquired if the City would include the type of zoning requested on the sign. Mr. Flynn stated the signs could include this information, but the sign would have to be larger. 150 (Page Four, Regular Meeting, Euless City Council, June 24, 1980) After discussion, Mrs. McCormick moved to amend her motion to include that the City use a sign similar to the City of Fort Worth and the fee be paid when the zoning fee is paid. Mr. Pippin seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Mrs. McCormick, Messrs. Pippin, Sternfels, and Walker Nays: None Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. Mr. McFarland stated the Council can approve a resolution or minute order, instead of amending the Zoning Ordinance, increasing the zoning fee to include a fee for erection of a sign indicating a zoning change has been requested and requiring, as a condition of the zoning application, that the applicant execute a release to the City. He stated this release will protect the City in case a sign is inadvertently not erected, or vandals steal the sign after it has been erected, and the sign not be posted ten days prior to the public hearing. Mrs. McCormick moved to reconsider the vote by which the preceding matter was adopted by ordinance. Mr. Walker seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Mrs. McCormick, Messrs. Walker, Pippin, and Sternfels Nays: None Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. Mrs. McCormick moved to approve a minute order increasing the zoning application fee by $15.00, to a total of $165.00, making acceptance of the application conditioned upon the applicant executing a letter of authorization for signing of the property with respect to the zoning change in form from time to time prescribed by the City, and authorizing and instructing the City Staff to appropriately sign the property as to the zoning change in a form similiar to that used by the City of Fort Worth. Mr. Sternfels seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Mrs. McCormick, Messrs. Sternfels, Walker, and Pippin Nays: None carried. Mayor Sarnuels declared the motion (Page Five, Regular Meeting, Euless City Council, June 24, 1980) VI. RESOLUTION NO. 490 AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF EULESS TO PARTICIPATE TN THE POLTCE TRAINING PROGRAM THROUGH THE OFFTCE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY Mr. Pippin moved to approve Resolution No. 490 authorizing the City of Euless to participate in the Police Training Program through the Office of Traffic Safety. Mr. Walker seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Pippin, Walker, Sternfels, and Mrs. McCormick Nays: None carried. Mayor Samuels declared the motion VII. CONSIDER APPOINTING AN AUDITING FIRM FOR 1979 -80 AUDIT Mr. Sustaire stated he would recommend continuing with Arthur Young and Company for the 1979 -80 fiscal audit. Mr. Pippin moved to concur with the recommendation of the City Manager and appoint Arthur Young and Company as auditors for fiscal year 1979 -80. Mr. Sternfels seconded the motion and the vote is as follows. Ayes: Messrs. Pippin, Sternfels, Walker, and Mrs. McCormick Nays: None carried. Mayor Samuels declared the motion VIII. CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 1980 -81 Mr. Walker moved to call a public hearing on July 22, 1980, on the proposed budget for fiscal year 1980 -81. (Page Six, Regular Meeting, Euless City Council, June 24, 1980) Mr. Pippin seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Walker, Pippin, Sternfels, and Mrs. McCormick Nays: None carried. Mayor Samuels declared the motion IX. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE ABANDONING A UTILITY EASEMENT IN TRAIL LAKE ESTATES Mr. Sternfels moved to approve first reading of an ordinance abandoning a utility easement on Lot 13, Block 1, Trail Lake Estates. Mrs. McCormick seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Mr. Sternfels, Mrs. McCormick, and Mr. Pippin Nays: None Abstain: Mr. Walker carried. Mayor Sarnuels declared the motion X. AUDIENCE REQUESTED BY BILL WELCH REGARDING SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION IN THE WILSHIRE AREA Mr. Bill Welch, 1811 Marlene Drive, stated that the HEB School District sent all residents of Wilshire Addition a letter that a student must live two miles or more from the assigned school, as measured by the shortest route that may be traveled on public roads, or they will not be able to ride the school bus. He stated he surveyed the area three times the past three days and that area cannot be traveled by both students and vehicles as there is not enough room on the road. He stated there is heavy brush and deep ditches on the sides of the road where a child will have to walk if a vehicle is on the road. He stated he believes the only solution the citizens have is for the City Council to approach the School District to continue the bussing until something can be done. (Page Seven, Regular Meeting, Euless City Council, June 24, 1980) Mr. McFarland stated there is a state law that limits the two miles. He stated most of the funds for transporting students from their residents to the nearest school does come from the Legislature. He stated in the 66th Session of the Legislature, it was brought to the Legislatures attention that there were often circumstances in the district that would make travel by a student on foot, within the two m i l e l i m i t , hazardous because of the conditions of the area a student would have to walk. He stated the Legislature allocated additional funds and provided that any school district could make application for additional funds for transportation of students within the two m i l e area. He stated he would recommend that the school district be made aware of this directive and request that the school make application for additional funds to transport students that have to cross this street for the upcoming school year. Mayor Samuels inquired if a minute order or a resolution would assist in getting additional funds. Mr. McFarland stated the Council can instruct the City Staff to correspond with the Transportation Department of the School District and advise them that the Council is aware of the situation and finds it to be dangerous and request that the School District make application for additional funds for transportation for these students. Mr. Sustaire stated this street is dangerous for persons walking or riding their bicycles, but before sidewalks can be built, the City w i ll need to install storm drains and t h i s would cost approximately $250,000 and w i l l take approxi- mately two years to complete. Mr. Pippin moved to authorize the Mayor t o write a letter to Dr. Forrest Watson, Superintendent of School, advising him that the Council has had a request from the citizens of the Wilshire area within the two m i l e limt for continued transportation to Central Junior High School, and request that they give consideration to making application to the State for additional funds, as allowed by the State Legislature. Mr. Sternfels seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Pippin, Sternfels, Walker, and Mrs. McCormick Nays: None Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. Mayor Samuels requested Mr. Welch t o give his address to the City Secretary and he would send him a copy of his letter to Dr. Watson. (Page Eight, Regular Meeting, Euless City Council, June 24, 1980) XI. ORDINANCE NO. 630 ESTABLISHING RULES, REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSING OR PARTIAL BLOCKING OF STREETS IN THE CITY OF EULESS Mayor Samuels called the consideration of an ordinance regarding signs and barricades in construction areas from the table. Mr. Pippin moved to suspend the requirement of two ordinance readings and approve Ordinance No. 630 on an emergency basis on first and final reading, establishing rules, regulations, and procedures for closing or partial blocking of public streets, thoroughfares, sidewalks, and alleys in the City of Euless. Mr. Sternfels seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Pippin, Sternfels, Walker, and Mrs. McCormick Nays: None carried. Mayor Samuels declared the motion XII. MINUTE ORDER APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH TRINITY RIVER AUTHORITY Mr. Walker moved the adoption of a Minute Order approving as to form the agreements for expansion of the Tarrant County Water District facilities entered into between the Trinity River Authority and the cities of Colleyville, Grapevine, and North Richland H i ll s , Texas, and authorizing the Trinity River Authority to implement such agreements in accordance with their terms. Mrs . McCormick seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Mr. Walker, Mrs. McCormick, Messrs. Pippin and Sternfels Nays: None Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. (Page Nine, Regular Meeting, Euless City Council, June 24, 1980) XIII . CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT Mr. McFarland reported that the trial of the City of Arlington litigation challenging the make -up of the Tarrant County Appraisal Board is set to begin July 7, 1980 and he w i 11 report any decisions at the next council meeting. CITY ENGINEER'S REPORT XIV . c MTDWAY DRIVE TMPROVEMENTS Mr. Knight reported that the contractor has indicated that he is near completion and requests that the City Staff inspect the work to see if anything needs to be corrected. Mr. Knight requested the Council to advise him of any complaints or problems that they are aware of. SOUTH MATN STREET IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Knight stated that all problems on South Main Street have been completed by the contractor. He stated that 98% of payment has been made to the contractor. LITTLE BEAR CREEK PARK Mr. Knight reported that the contractor has started construction on the pavillion and restroom facilities. Mr. Knight stated the City has received approval of the second phase for Little Bear Creek Park. He stated Schrickel, Rollins and Associates are revising the plans to include some lights for the tennis courts and some irrigation on the soccer fields and they have been forwarded to the State and they should be submitted for bids in the very near future. Mr. Knight stated the - irrigation system on the softball field has been installed and has been inspected. XV . USE OF DISABLED AMERICANS DISCARD BOX Mr. Sternfels stated he has been receiving some complaints regarding the Disabled Americans box located in the Wilshire Shopping Center. He stated it has become an "eye -sore" and feels something needs to be done. (Page Ten, Regular Meeting, Euless City Council, June 24, 1980) Mr. Sustaire stated the only thing he knows is to ask the people to move their boxes from the City. Mr. Pippin inquired if the City could require the owners t o build a screening fence around their boxes. Mr. Sustaire stated he doesn't believe they w i 11 do that. He stated he doesn't think they w i 11 pick up any of the junk because the City had to move some damaged items at another location before. Mr. Pippin inquired if maybe the City couldn't negotiate with the companies and have them make more frequent pickups. Mr. Sustaire stated the Mayor may put something in his newsletter to have the citizens call the different companies and have the companies pick up the discards at the house and not leave items in the boxes. XVI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m. APPROVED: /s/ Harold D. Samuels Mayor ATTEST: /s/ Della Houy City Secretary