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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-11-08MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE EULESS CITY COUNCIL November 8, 1983 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Euless City Council was called to order at 8 :10 p.m., Tuesday. November 8. 1983, in the Council Chambers of the Euless Municipal Building, by Mayor Harold D. Samuels. Councilmembers present were Mayor Pro -Tem Willie Mae McCormick, Councilman Glenn Walker, Councilman Ron Sternfels, Councilman Bob Eden, and Councilman Robert Pippin. Staff Members Present W. M. Sustaire, City Manager. James Knight, City Engineer - Tom Hart, Assistant City Manager INVOCATIOI Bob McFarland, City Attorney Kay Rainey, City Secretary Visitors Mrs. Denice Britton Elizabeth Carson Raul DeLeon Richard D. Carson Bill Flowers Ben A. Stephenson Wait A. Elliott, Jr. Donald C. Harris Steven Redmond Marty Dickey Mr. and Mrs. Rori Tipton The invocation was given by Mayor Pro -Tens McCormick. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the regular meeting on October 25, 1983, were approved as written. 1983 -239 Euless City Council Regular Meeting November 8, 1983 - Page Two OLD BUSINESS ITEM 1: SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 765 Mrs. McCormick moved to approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 765, fixing and determining the general service rate to be charged for sales of natural gas to residential and commercial consumers in the City of Euless, to be effective November 14, 1983. Mr. Eden seconded the motion. Ayes: Mrs. McCormick, Messrs. Eden, Pippin, Sternfels Nays: Mr, Walker Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. ITEM 2: SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 766 Mr. Eden moved to approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 766, regarding Zoning Case No. 414, for a change of zoning from "R -1" Single -- family Dwelling District to "C -2" Community Business District and "R -5" Multi - family Dwelling District wi th "CUD" limited to 18.4 units per acre, on certain property out of the Levi Franklin Survey, A -513. Mr. Sternfels seconded the motion. Ayes: Messrs. Eden, Sternfels, Pippin, Walker, Mrs. McCormick Nays: No7e Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. ITEM 3: SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 767 Mr. Pippin moved to approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 767, regarding Zoning Case No. 419, for a change of zoning from "C -2" Community Business District to "R -4" Multi - family Dwelling District, for certain property out of the A. M. Downing Survey, A -415. Mr. Walker seconded the motion. Ayes: Messrs. Pippin, Walker, Eden, Sternfels, Mrs. McCormick Nays: None Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried, 1983 -240 Euless City Council Regular Meeting November 8, 1933 - Page Three NEW BUSINESS ITEM 4: AUDIENCE REQUESTED BY RON TIPTON Ron Tipton, 505 Thornwood Drive, Euless, Texas, stated that he and some of his neighbors were here tonight to address the issue of the possibility of closing Thornwood Drive to through traffic, Mr. Tipton stated that at this time he would waive the floor to his fellow citizens, Mr. Rick Carson, 421 Thornwood, Euless, Texas, read the statement in the petition that was presented to the City Council in August 1983. He expressed concern that, if a signal light were ever installed at Fuller -Wiser Road and Ash Lane, traffic heading southbound on Fuller-Wiser would cut through Thornwood Drive, utilizing it as a shortcut to avoid the signal light. This would also occur for vehicles travel ing eastbound on Ash Lane, who would cut through Thornwood going to Fuller -Wiser to avoid the signal Might. The neighbors were very fearful of a child being hurt or killed from extra traffic being routed through the neighborhood. Mr. Carson pointed out that the Euless Fire Chief's memo stated that,_ if Thornwood Drive was closed, there would be a lesser response time for certain hones in the neighborhood. Mr. Carson stated that the people who live in this neighborhood are willing to make the trade-off to lose a few seconds of response time to help alleviate this problem. Denice Britton, 501 Thornwood, Euless, Texas, stated that she too was very concerned with children in the neighborhood being hurt by vehicles. Her child was recently almost hit by a car. She stated she understood that children should not ride their bicycles in the streets for enjoyment, but it is difficult to convey this to children when they ride their bicycles to and from school everyday. She stated the probability that the rate of traffic will increase is very strong, and she feels the dangerous situation in the neighborhood will increase greatly. She stated she was at home all day and frequently saw vehicles travel through the neighborhood who were not residents, many of them being construction vehicles. Marty Dickey, who resides at the corner of Thornwood and Woodpath, stated that their neighborhood was a very tranquil neighborhood, with homes built at different elevations, extensive landscaping, and overall a very special place to live. She would like to see it stay that way and not have it become a heavy traffic street in the future. She pointed out that the streets in the neighborhood are up and down: hills, and when children are riding bicycles in the neighborhood, they tend to come down the streets very fast. This makes them more a traffic hazard for vehicles coming through the neighborhood, increasing the risk of injury. She stated that people that live there are aware of the children's situation, and drive very slowly and carefully and watch out for the children; however, strangers coming through the neighborhood are not aware of this. 1983 -241 Euless City Council Regular Meeting November 8, 1983 - Page Four ITEM 4: AUDIENCE REQUESTED BY RON TIPTON (Cont.) Karen Redmond, 507 Thornwood, stated that she 1 ives on the northwest corner of Thornwood and Fuller -Wiser Road. She has a fear of a vehicle running into her house, especially the construction vehicles who take a shortcut between Fuller - Wiser Road and Ash Lane by traveling down Thornwood Drive. She stated that, although construction in their neighborhood is complete, construction vehicles from surrounding neighborhoods frequently travel through their area. She said she also was willing to give up a few minutes of Fire Department. response time for the possibility of making the neighborhood safe for the children. Mayor Samuels asked the City Attorney, Bob McFarland, if documents could be drawn up to possibly release the City from liability if Thornwood Drive was closed. Mr. McFarland stated he would review the matter and study the feasibility of drawing up a "fold Harmless" agreement. Elizabeth Carson, 421 Thornwood, Euless, Texas, stated that Chittam Road is also a big attraction for younger groups of children to play, and this problem exists there also. She stated that of the 118 people who signed the petition, many more would have been here tonight, but they thought it was not necessary to have them here for this meeting. Mayor Samuels stated that the representative group they had chosen was certainly adequate and had presented the issue very thoroughly. He stated that the City does need to address the liability issue, and will need a little time to consider the matter. Mr. Eden stated that he had driven through the neighborhood and had seen such vehicles as described. Mr. Pippin stated that the problem was certainly amplified by the construction vehicles passing through there. Mr. Eden stated that he would be in favor of closing the street to through traffic, if the City were held harmless and it would not create any liability for the City. He pointed out that in the future the situation may change, and the street may need to be reopened, so possibly a portable barricade should be considered. Mayor Samuels suggested "No Outlet" signs, making the street a cul-de-sac. Mrs. McCormick stated that she could not easily go against staff recommendations. Mr.Sternfels stated that possibly No Through Traffic" signs could be tried. Mr.Sustaire stated that the problem should not exist for about nine or ten months, because Fuller -Wiser will be closed soon for the purpose of building a bridge. Mr. Walker stated that perhaps Thornwood Drive should be closed for two years, one year for the Fuller- Wiser bridge construction and one year for study of the traffic situation, and reevaluated at the end of that time. 19883 -242 Euless City Council Regular Meeting November 8, 1983 - Page Five ITEM 4: AUDIENCE REQUESTED BY RON TI.PTON (Cont.) Mr. Tipton stated that he had met with two of the department heads regarding the area, and had visited the site with them. The citizens in the neighborhood felt that with the close proximity of the central fire station on Ash Lane, fire response time would not be delayed that much, and all homes would still be within the required 500 feet of a fire hydrant. Mr. Tipton also felt that Jay Heilman may be willing to look at the situation a little closer and might possibly come up with other suggestions. Discussion was held regarding various solutions to the problems and various types of barricades that could be considered for use. Mr. Walker moved for the City Staff and City Attorney to research the matter, suggest the type barricade needed, present the legal aspects involved, and close Thornwood Drive to through traffic for two years; and after that time period, review the situation for action on a permanent basis. Mr. Pippin seconded the motion. Ayes: Messrs. Walker, Pippin, Eden, Sternfels Nays: Mrs. McCormick Mrs. McCormick stated that she felt she had to vote "nay" at this time, because she felt no decision should be made until the study was complete. Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. ITEM 5: CONSIDERATION OF PLATTING Mr. Eden moved to approve preliminary platting of Stockade Storage Addition No. 1, located west of FM 157, and south and adjacent to SH 10, in accordance with the recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Walker seconded the motion. Ayes: Messrs. Eden, Walker, Pippin, Sternfels, Mrs. McCormick Nays: None Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. 1983 -243 Euless City Council Regular Meeting November 8, 1983 - Page Six. ITEM 6: CONSIDERATION OF PLATTING Mrs. McCormick moved to approve final platting of Bear Creek Estates - Phase II, located south of Cherry Ann Drive, west of North Main Street, and north of proposed Cheek - Sparger Road, in accordance with the recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Sternfels seconded the motion. Ayes: Mrs. McCormick, Messrs. Sternfels, Pippin, Eden, Walker Nays: None Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. ITEM 7: CONSIDERATION OF A RESIGNATION Mr. Sternfels moved to approve the resignation of Mr. Stan Rosenquist from the Advisory Board for Social Concerns, and to send him the appropriate certificate of appreciation. Mr. Pippin seconded the motion. Ayes: Messrs. Sternfels, Pippin, Eden, Walker, Mrs. McCormick Nays: None Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. ITEM 8: CONSIDERATION OF AN APPOINTMENT Mr. Sternfels moved to approve the appointment of Mr. Larry Ingram as Vice Chairman to the Advisory Board for Social Concerns, to fill the office vacancy left by the resignation of Stan Rosenquist. Mr. Pippin seconded the motion. Ayes: Messrs. Sternfels, Pippin, Eden, Walker, Mrs. McCormick Nays: None Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. Euless City Council Regular Meeting November 8, 1983 - Page Seven ITEM 9: CONSIDERATION OF FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE 1983 -244 Mr. Walker moved to approve first reading of an ordinance, amending Ordinance Nos. 147 and 148, Subdivision Rules and Regulations, relating to requirements for avi gati on easements, and relating to the establishment and limits of an aircraft exposure Lone "B" and the requirements thereof. Mr. Pippin seconded the motion. Ayes: Messrs. Walker, Pippin, Eden, Sternfels, Mrs. McCormick Nays: None Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. ITEM 10: CONSIDERATION OF FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE Mr. Walker moved to approve the first reading of an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 715, Uniform Building Code 1982 Edition, relating to aircraft noise attenuation requirements, exposure Zone "B ", minimum noise level reduction requirements, building plan requirements, and certifications by registered architects or engineers as to compliance with said regulations. Mr. Pippin seconded the motion. Ayes: Messrs. Walker, Pippin, Eden, Sternfels, Mrs. McCormick Na s None Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. Don Harris, DFW Airport Planning Department, stated that he was very pleased to see these two ordinances considered. The City was not only helping developers by letting them know what is expected of them, but was helping the citizens of Euless, as well as the persons at DFW Airport who must also contend with these problems. He commended the City for taking this action. Mr, Harris stated that these ordinances reflected responsible planning for future residents of Euless. Cost estimates for such noise reduction standards were less than 5 percent of construction costs . These noise reduction standards would also provide higher energy efficient uses of these dwellings, so would be a double benefit for residents. Mr. Harris stated that the DFW Airport Board wished to thank the City of Euless very much for its progressive attitude. Studies are constantly being conducted, and it is the desire of the aviation field to construct aircraft that will produce lower sound levels. Hopefully, sound levels will not get worse, but will in fact get better. He stated that the flight patterns at DFW Airport would probably not change, unless there were major climatic changes in the area. The prevailing south winds at this time are expected to continue, so Euless is in the best location for the least amount of noise from the airport. 1983 -245 Euless City Council Regular Meeting November 8, 1983 - Page Eight ITEM 11: CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT Mr. McFarland stated that he had nothing to report. ITEM 12: CITY ENGINEER'S REPORT Mr. Knight stated that he had nothing to report. ITEM 13: AUDIENCE REQUESTED BY BILL FLOWERS Mr, Bill Flowers stated that he wanted to address the comments made by him that were reported in the minutes of September 27, 1983. He stated that he did apologize if any of these comments were misleading, but he did not intend to cast any aspersions on the Trinity River Authority or anyone else, and did not mean to imply that anyone was particularly at fault for the situation that he was addressing: He simply intended to put forth a hypothetical situation, and that was all. Mayor Samuels stated that he understood Mr. Flowers' comments as being hypothetical and simply trying to add information and assist at the time. Mr. Eden stated that he wished to reiterate the Council's appreciation to Mr. Flowers for his comments. Mr. Eden further stated that he could not see how anyone could oppose or misinterpret the statements in a negative fashion. Mr, Pippin stated that he agreed with Mr. Eden's comments. COMMENTS Mrs, McCormick stated that she was glad to get the buttons in the road along North Main Street, and that they helped a great deal. Mrs. McCormick informed the Council that the Friends of the Library were selling books on Fridays and Saturdays at. the Cormunity Building. She encouraged everyone to go by and look at the books and possibly make a purchase. They may continue to operate this bookstore on a permanent basis, but will not make that decision until after the first of the year. Mr,, Pippin requested the Euless Planning Department to obtain the "Panning Performance Study" recently completed by the cities of Grand Prairie and Hurst. 1983 -246 Euless City Council Regular Meeting November 8, 1983 - Page Nine ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9 :40 p.m. ATTEST: iney, city/ ecretary APPROVED: ../ Harold D Samuels, Mayor