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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-08-29 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE EULESS CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, August 29, 2017 A regular meeting of the Euless City Council was called to order by Mayor Linda Martin at 4:34 p.m. on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, in the Precouncil Conference Room of City Hall, 201 North Ector Drive. Those present included Mayor Linda Martin, Mayor Pro Tem Eddie Price, Council Members Jeremy Tompkins, Linda Eilenfeldt, and Harry Zimmer. Council Member Tim Stinneford arrived at 4:38 p.m. Council Member Perry Bynum arrived at 4:47 p.m. During the Precouncil meeting: ➢ Council Member Linda Eilenfeldt commended the staff at the Mary Lib Saleh Euless Public Library for hosting the eclipse viewing event on Monday, August 21, 2017. It was well attended and everyone had a wonderful time. ➢ Council Member Jeremy Tompkins advised that he and his wife attended the 2nd Annual Drive-In Movie featuring "Grease" at The Parks at Texas Star and greatly enjoyed themselves. ➢ Director of Parks and Community Services Ray McDonald advised that staffing levels at the Aquatic Park will be lower than usual on Saturday, September 2, 2017, forcing the closure of the slide area. Staffing will be back to full capacity on Sunday, September 3 and Monday, September 4, 2017, allowing for all amenities to be open. Fire Chief Wes Rhodes provided an update on the Fire Department's response to Hurricane Harvey. Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Parkhurst was deployed to Houston on Friday as part of Texas Taskforce 1. Additionally, the boat rescue team consisting of Battalion Chief Bill Ver Steeg, Lieutenant Michael Hanks, Firefighter II Scott Evans, and Firefighter Cody Delmere along with four Bedford firefighters were deployed Monday August 28, 2017, to Houston through a Texas Interstate Fire Mutual Aid request. ➢ Police Chief Mike Brown advised that Technical Services Manager Gary Gregg has been deployed to Houston to assist with the communications for public safety. ➢ Deputy City Manager Bob Freeman provided several updates related to Hurricane Harvey: • Code Compliance officers are on standby to travel to Houston once the water recedes to perform assessments; • GIS Manager David Allen is assisting the North Texas Command Center with mapping related to routes, sheltering, and other logistics; • Expressed his appreciation to Emergency Management Coordinator Suzanne Hendrickson for her efforts; and • Euless will open a shelter for self-evacuees, if necessary. Council Minutes Page 2 of 11 August 29, 2017 ➢ Council Member Perry Bynum commended Fire Chief Rhodes for his service as President of the Northeast Fire Department Association (NEFDA.) ➢ City Manager Getchell reviewed the regular agenda. ➢ Assistant City Manager Chris Barker introduced Amanda Strucker, Senior Account Executive, American Municipal Services (AMS). Ms. Strucker provided a brief overview of municipal court debt collections as well as background about the company and its processes. She advised that the City of Euless has an 83 percent resolution rate for municipal court cases and a 73 percent resolution rate for utility and EMS billings. P tY 9 ➢ Director of Public Works and Engineering Hal Cranor introduced Dr. Kenneth Tramm, Modern Geosciences, who provided an updated on a proposed Municipal Setting Designation, which will be presented for City Council consideration at the September 12, 2017 meeting. Dr. Tramm presented the details of the request. He advised that the site is located at 12700 and 12710 Calloway Cemetery Road, Arlington, Texas, and is the former location of the Shred Tech facility. He advised that the groundwater and soil impact is restricted to the site and poses no risk to the Euless water well. ➢ Assistant City Manager Barker advised that Senate Bill (SB) 1004 related to small cell network nodes in public rights of way will take effect September 1, 2017. Staff and the City Attorney are working to draft an ordinance complaint with new legislation for companies seeking to install the network nodes. ➢ Assistant City Manager Barker advised of upcoming road closures along Ector Drive as well as a planned full highway closure from the evening of Friday, September 8 through Sunday, September 10, 2017, along State Highway (SH) 183 affecting westbound traffic. He advised that no lane closures are planned for the Labor Day weekend. ➢ City Manager Getchell advised that the trail connecting Bob Eden Park and Heritage Road is nearly complete and asked for input regarding a name for the trail to be used for signage. She mentioned the name "Glade Parks Trail" and the City Council concurred with the name. CLOSED SESSION The City Council convened into closed session at 6:30 p.m. for deliberation regarding the following: Deliberate the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property as authorized by Section 551.072 of the Texas Government Code related to: • Cresthaven Addition Council Minutes Page 3 of 11 August 29, 2017 • Westwood Village The City Council recessed closed session at 6:53 p.m. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF SCHEDULED ITEMS —COUNCIL CHAMBERS The Euless City Council continued their meeting in the Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m. for consideration of scheduled items. STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT City Manager Loretta Getchell Deputy City Manager Bob Freeman Assistant City Manager Chris Barker City Attorney Wayne Olson City Secretary Kim Sutter Deputy City Secretary Lindsay Wells Police Chief Mike Brown Director of Public Works and Engineering Hal Cranor Finance Director Janina Jewell Fire Chief Wes Rhodes Director of Planning and Economic Development Mike Collins Director of Parks and Community Services Ray McDonald Assistant to the City Manager Betsy Deck Library Administrator Sherry Knight Human Resources/Risk Administrator Carolyn Marshall Fleet and Facilities Administrator Kyle McAdams Texas Star General Manager Glenda Hartsell-Shelton VISITORS Angela Brown Donna Judd Pam Shawl Debbie Calvert Carol Kveck Barney Snitz Charles Cinquemani Molly Maddux Emily Stinson Darl Easton Don Martin Susan Stinson Kiera Elledge Anniece McKanna Motukia Tevi Iris Elliott Susie Peterson Peggy Vandiver Allan Gibbs Tom Peterson Diane Zimmer Vernon Gilmore LuAnn Portugal Jim Hamilton Gene Shawl INVOCATION Council Member Harry Zimmer gave the invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Pro Tem Eddie Price led the pledge of allegiance. Council Minutes Page 4 of 11 August 29, 2017 ITEM NO. 1. PRESENTATION OF EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH FOR SEPTEMBER Golf Superintendent Scott Boven introduced Golf Course Field Tech II Todd Stinson. Todd was accompanied by wife, Susan, daughter, Emily, and Texas Star General Manager Glenda Hartsell-Shelton. Mayor Martin presented Todd with a plaque and certificate commemorating his selection as employee of the month for September 2017. ITEM NO. 2. PRESENTATION OF AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION'S MISSION: LIFELINE® EMS GOLD PLUS AWARD Fire Chief Wes Rhodes presented the Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Plus Award to Mayor Martin as awarded by the American Heart Association for demonstrating continued success in using the Mission: Lifeline® EMS program. Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Morris advised the City Council of the criteria for the award. I ITEM NO. 3. PRESENTATION OF INSURANCE SERVICE ORGANIZATION CLASS 1 AWARD Fire Chief Wes Rhodes informed the City Council that the Class 1 Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating is the highest rating any city can receive. The ISO evaluates the community fire protection, emergency communications, water supply, and all fire prevention activities. He recognized Director of Public Works and Engineering Hal Cranor and Police Chief Mike Brown and their contributions to the application process. Chief Rhodes introduced ISO Regional Manager Phillip Bradley, ISO Field Representative Mike McCormick, and State Fire Marshall Chris Connealy. Mr. Bradley presented a plaque to Mayor Martin and explained the criteria that determines the ISO rating. Fire Marshall Connealy expressed his congratulations to the Fire Department and to the Mayor and City Council for their investment in the Fire, Police, and Water Departments. He confirmed that Euless is one of 52 Class 1 communities in the state. CONSENT AGENDA (items 4 through 8) Mayor Martin asked Assistant City Manager Barker to read each item into the record. Council Member Stinneford motioned to approve the consent agenda items number 4 through 8. Council Member Bynum seconded the motion. Council Minutes Page 5 of 11 August 29, 2017 Ayes: Mayor Martin, Mayor Pro Tem Price, Council Members Stinneford, Tompkins, Eilenfeldt, Zimmer, and Bynum Nays: None Mayor Martin declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 4. AUTHORIZED CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT CONTRACT Authorized the City Manager to execute a Construction Agreement Contract with Centerline Supply, LTD for the City Way-Finding Signage Project. The project consists of the manufacture, siting and installation of twenty(20)way-finding signs to direct vehicular traffic to prominent City facilities. The Construction Agreement Contract with Centerline Supply, LTD would be through the BuyBoard Contract #534-17. The estimated expenditure is $72,000. ITEM NO. 5. AUTHORIZED CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT Authorized the City Manager to execute a contract to extend the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Fort Worth's Environmental Collection Center Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program and provide continued participation through FY2018. The program allows Euless residents year-round access to the Environmental Collection Center located at 6400 Bridge Street in Fort Worth. The agreement also provides the City access to the Crud Cruiser mobile collection unit for mobile collection events held twice a year. The City of Fort Worth is requesting an increase in the household fee from $47 to $50. The $47 rate has been in place since 2001. All other conditions, terms, hours of operation and dates of service shall remain the same. ITEM NO. 6. APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 17-1512 Approved Resolution No. 17-1512, declaring the determination not to update water and wastewater impact fees, land use assumptions and capital improvement plan. Chapter 395 of the Texas Local Government Code mandates that impact fees be reviewed every five (5) years and either updated or, in the event that the governing body determines that no change to the land use assumptions, capital improvements plan or impact fee is needed, continued without change. City staff along with the firm of Birkhoff, Hendricks, &Carter L.L.P., recently completed a review of the Impact Fee Study and have concluded that no changes or updates are required at this time. ITEM NO. 7. APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 17-1513 Approved Resolution No. 17-1513, requesting financial assistance (low interest loan) by authorizing an application to be filed with the Texas Water Development Board. This resolution authorizes city staff to file an application with the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Loan Program in order j Council Minutes Page 6 of 11 August 29, 2017 I to provide funding for the cost of constructing Phase III of the Bear Creek Reclaimed Water System Expansion. ITEM NO. 8. APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Approved City Council minutes of the regular meeting of August 15, 2017. REGULAR AGENDA ITEM NO. 9. APPROVED SITE PLAN NO. 17-04-SP Director of Planning and Economic Development Collins presented the site plan to the City Council. The site plan intends to redevelop the site through the relocation of a new fuel island and canopy, new pavement and curbing on the front of the site adjacent to Main Street, and reorientation of the on-site parking. The Planning and Zoning Commission considered the site plan at their regular meeting of August 22, 2017, and voted to recommend approval with a vote of 6-0-0. It was noted that the property owner, Sean Hooda, and the applicant, Sherrelle Diggs, P.E., were not present for the case. Council Member Bynum motioned to approve Site Plan No. 17-04-SP, for Commercial Development proposed to be located on Fuller Addition, Lot 7R, 221 North Main Street. Council Member Eilenfeldt seconded the motion. Ayes: Mayor Martin, Mayor Pro Tem Price, Council Members Stinneford, Tompkins, Eilenfeldt, Zimmer, and Bynum Nays: None Mayor Martin declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 10. HELD PUBLIC HEARING FOR SPECIFIC USE PERMIT NO. 17- 09-SUP AND APPROVED FIRST AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2163 Mayor Martin opened the public hearing at 7:26 p.m. Director of Planning and Economic Development Collins presented the item to the City Council. He advised that Motukia Tevi, representing Tongan Meeting Hall is seeking a Specific Use Permit for a meeting space for a group of Tongan men that have formed a private membership organization to meet periodically and discuss ways to help the Tongan community in Euless. Additionally, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on August 1, 2017, and recommended approval of the specific use permit by a vote of 5-0-0 with the following conditions: Council Minutes Page 7 of 11 August 29, 2017 1) The Specific Use Permit is tied to owner of the assembly use Mr. Motukia Tevi; 2) The Specific Use Permit is tied to the organization name Tongan Meeting Hall; 3) Parking will not be allowed on any unimproved (unpaved) areas or double parked areas blocking vehicles from entering or leaving the site; 4) All access to the leased space shall remain open and clear and the sidewalk kept clear for the public way; and 5) The Specific Use Permit may be revoked if one or more of the conditions imposed by this permit has not been met or has been violated. Applicant Motukia Tevi was present to address any questions. Mayor Martin asked to hear from any proponents followed by opponents of the case. There being none, Mayor Martin closed the public hearing at 7:29 p.m. Council Member Tompkins expressed his concerns regarding the issues raised by neighboring property owners and residents, including noise and traffic. He recommended two additional conditions be included as part of the SUP: 1. All of the formal activities associated with the membership club use must be held internal to the building; and 2. The term of this Specific Use Permit shall be granted for a period of one year in order to gauge the further appropriateness of the use at the specific location. Motukia Tevi, 1012 Brady Drive, Irving, confirmed that he wanted to be a good neighbor and has already spoken to the members of his group regarding the concerns. Council Member Bynum mentioned a neighbor who submitted a letter in opposition of the SUP and explained that the neighbor's concern is that the group will be loud in the middle of the night and park along Wilshire Drive. Mr. Tevi confirmed that the group would meet as late as 4:00 a.m. but he will try to speak to the neighbor regarding his concerns. Council Member Stinneford reiterated that the City Council does not have to wait until the one year term expires if the conditions are not being met. Council Member Tompkins motioned to approve Ordinance No. 2163, a Specific Use Permit for a Private Membership Organization (Place of Assembly) on Oakwood Terrace North Addition, Block 16, Lot A1A1, 820 Wilshire Drive, Suite D in the Texas Highway 10 Multi-Use District (TX-10) with the conditions recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission as well as the following two conditions: 1. All of the formal activities associated with the membership club use must be held internal to the building; and 2. The term of this Specific Use Permit shall be granted for a period of one year in order to gauge the further appropriateness of the use at the specific location. Council Member Stinneford seconded the motion. Council Minutes Page 8 of 11 August 29, 2017 Ayes: Mayor Martin, Mayor Pro Tem Price, Council Members Stinneford, Tompkins, and Zimmer Nays: Council Members Eilenfeldt and Bynum Mayor Martin declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 11. HELD PUBLIC HEARING FOR EULESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BUDGET FOR FY 2017-2018 Mayor Martin opened the public hearing at 7:37 p.m. Finance Director Jewell presented the proposed budget to the City Council. She advised that the Euless Development Corporation (EDC) Board of Directors met on August 14, 2017, and recommended approval of the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2017-2018. The EDC budget is supported by a half cent sales tax approved by Euless citizens in 1993 for economic development, parks, and library projects. The estimated beginning fund balance is $2,055,852 with proposed sales tax revenues and related interest of $5,546,154, and proposed operating expenditures of$4,246,179 and includes funding for parks, library, economic development, debt, and contingencies. The proposed budget also includes recommended capital re quests of $2,367,910. If approved as recommended, the projected ending fund balance would be$987,917, which exceeds the recommended reserve level of $500,000. Additionally, she reviewed the allocation of funds between various City departments and stated that the proposed capital j expenditures include a carryover of $865,280 to complete previously approved projects and $1,502,630 for new projects. The Capital Projects Fund budget includes total expenditures of$5,627,370, which includes $5,400,000 for the remodel of the library. Mayor Martin asked to hear from any proponents followed by opponents wishing to speak regarding the proposed budget. Mayor Martin acknowledged the following citizens who registered their support of the library renovation project but chose not to address the City Council: Keira Elledge, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD STEM and School Library Coordinator Angela Brown (no address given) Carol Kveck, 825 Ector Drive, Euless Mark Compton, 606 Creekside Drive, Euless Allen Gibbs, 2402 Amber Hill Lane, Euless, expressed his support of the City as well as the library and stated that he feels that improving the library will greatly impact the future j of our youth. Darl Easton, 1005 Fayette Drive, Euless, expressed his opposition to the library renovation. He stated that he agrees that Euless has a wonderful library and believes any necessary repairs can be accomplished without an entire renovation. Council Minutes Page 9 of 11 August 29, 2017 There being no additional proponents or opponents wishing to address the City Council, Mayor Martin closed the public hearing at 7:52 p.m. Council Member Stinneford advised that, while the library is an award winning library, renovations need to be made to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. Council Member Bynum advised that he has utilized the Euless Public Library since he was a child and expressed his hope that children continue to have a great facility like the library to visit and learn. Mayor Martin announced that the City Council will consider approval of the budget at the September 12, 2017 regular meeting. ITEM NO. 12. HELD PUBLIC HEARING FOR CITY OF EULESS FY 2017-2018 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGETS Mayor Martin opened the public hearing at 7:56 p.m. Finance Director Jewell reviewed the overall budget objectives and presented the proposed City of Euless Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Operating and Capital Budget. She discussed the three largest revenue funds which include the General Fund, Water and Wastewater Fund, and the Car Rental Fund. She stated that the proposed budget continues all existing programs and services for the citizens, provides increased funding for street maintenance and future equipment replacement, and funds the addition of critical personnel as well as continuing the city's long-standing low property tax rate of $.4625 per $100 of assessed valuation. She presented the Capital Improvements Program Budget which includes street projects and infrastructure improvements, proposed wastewater and water projects, well replacement design for water well sites, funding for the Library remodel construction, and Glade Parks Final Phase. Additionally, she advised that both the Operating and Capital Budget and the Capital Improvements Program Budget are available on the City website, in the Library, and are on file in the City Secretary's Office for review. Mayor Martin asked to hear from any proponents followed by opponents wishing to speak regarding the proposed budget. Darl Easton, 1005 Fayette Drive, Euless, expressed his concern regarding what he considered to be inconsistencies in the budget document. There being no additional proponents or opponents wishing to address the City Council, Mayor Martin closed the public hearing at 8:16 p.m. City Manager Getchell advised that the information included on the cover page of the proposed budget document is based on calculations mandated by state law and is derived from the numbers on the city's tax roll as of June 30, 2017. She explained the process for Council Minutes Page 10 of 11 August 29, 2017 determining the numbers included in the proposed budget. She further explained that the City has an extremely low debt per capita. She added that the proposed debt issuance that is paid for by property taxes is for the purchase of fire department rescue equipment, traffic signal improvements, and street repairs. ITEM NO. 13. HELD PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED TAX RATE Mayor Martin opened the public hearing at 8:23 p.m. Finance Director Jewell advised that the proposed budget is based on a proposed ad valorem tax rate of $0.4625 per $100 of assessed value for tax year 2017. She added that the City has either reduced or held the same rate since 1995, and an additional public hearing regarding the proposed tax rate will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, 201 North Ector Drive, Euless, Texas. Additionally, she explained the two components of the tax rate which includes the Interest and Sinking (debt) portion levied to support the payment of required debt on outstanding bonds and the remaining Maintenance and Operation portion required to fund the City general operating budget. Mayor Martin asked to hear from any proponents followed by opponents wishing to speak regarding the proposed tax rate. Darl Easton, 1005 Fayette Drive, Euless, registered his opposition to the proposed tax rate and expressed his opinion that he believed the tax rate can be lowered by one cent. Mayor Martin closed the public hearing at 8:31 p.m. City Manager Getchell provided clarification as to the history of the tax rate and the steps taken by the City during the recession in an effort to maintain or lower the tax rate, and stated that the City does not have the ability to cut the taxes and maintain the level of service expected by the citizens. Council Member Stinneford advised that the City Council and staff must look long term when setting the tax rate and consider the on-going maintenance of streets, parks, and public safety as well as the many amenities the City has to offer. Council Member Zimmer stated that the average annual property tax bill of$756 equates to $63 per month. He advised that the amount is lower than other monthly bills including electric and phone service and funds City services and infrastructure improvements. Council Member Tompkins mentioned his monthly tax bill and was happy and grateful for the services provided for the value. Council Minutes Page 11 of 11 August 29, 2017 ITEM NO. 14. ANNOUNCE THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF VOTE ON TAX RATE Mayor Martin announced that the vote on the proposed tax rate will take place on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 201 North Ector Drive, Euless, Texas. ITEM NO. 15. PUBLIC COMMENTS No public comments. ITEM NO. 16. REPORTS City Manaaer Ci Manager Getchell advised that several firefighters and a member of the police City 9 9 department staff have been deployed to Houston to help with Hurricane Harvey efforts. She encouraged the audience to keep them in their thoughts and prayers. City Attorney No report given. City Council Council Member Bynum encouraged those who wish to make donations to support the Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts consider doing so to the American Red Cross. Mayor Martin made the following announcements: • Information is available on the City's website regarding Hurricane Harvey assistance; • Bokashi Composting for Kitchen Waste, Euless City Hall, Thursday, August 31, 2017, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.; and • The Labor Day holiday began in 1882 to honor the American Worker and she wished everyone a safe Labor Day weekend. Mayor Martin asked that everyone say a prayer for the citizens on the Texas Gulf Coast. ITEM NO. 16. ADJOURN Mayor Martin adjourned the meeting at 8:43 p.m. APPROVED: ATTE T: Li artin, Mayor (Un Sutter, TRMC, City Secretary