HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-04-14MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
EULESS CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 14, 1992
A regular meeting of the Euless City Council was called to order by Mayor Harold
Samuels at 4:15 pm. on Tuesday, April 14, 1992, in the downstairs
Administration Building Conference Room. Those present were Mayor Harold
Samuels, Mayor Pro Tem Mary Lib Saleh and Council Members Frank Douglass, Todd
Smith, Bobby Baker and Peter Staks. Precouncil discussion was held on agenda
items and other scheduled issues.
The Euless City Council continued their meeting in the Council Chambers at 7:00
p.m. for consideration of scheduled items.
Staff Members Present
Tom Hart, City Manager; Kay Godbey, Assistant City Manager; Bob McFarland, City
Attorney; Susan Crim, City Secretary; K. B. Fuller, Chief of Police; Paul
Yy Kruckemeyer, City Engineer; Debra Forte', DirectoT-- of Fiscal ---and Human
Resources; Randy Byers, Director of Public Works; John Craig, Director of
Development; Rick Herold, Director of Community Services; Tom Cox, Director of
Economic Development/Administrative Services, Eldred Pruitt, Environmental
Health Manager; Mike Harris, Data Processing Manager; Modesto Mundo,
Administrative Assistant; Cathy DiMaggio, Assistant to the City Secretary
Henry Boatright, Chairman, Civil Service Commission;
and Leisure Services Board; Charles Miller, Parks
Steve Overton; Frank Fletcher; Joe Jordan; Bob Hall,
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Councilman Peter Staks led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Councilman Bobby Baker gave the invocation®
Leon Hogg, Chairman, Parks
and Leisure Services Board;
Bob Hall and Associates
Mayor Pro Tem Saleh presided in the absence of Mayor Harold Samuels.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING — APRIL 142 1992 PAGE 2
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Mayor Pro Tem Saleh read and presented the Arbor Day Proclamation to Rick
Herold, Director of Community Services. Arbor Day in the City of Euless will be
observed on April 24, 1992, the first day of Arbor Daze '92 (April 24-26).
ITEM NO. 2: SPECIAL PRESENTATION - TEXAS GIRLS' CHOIR DAY
Mayor Pro Tom Saleh read and presented a proclamation to three Euless
representatives of the Texas Girls' Choir. May 2, 1992 will be observed as
Texas Girls' Choir Day in the City of Euless.
ITEM NO. 3: PUBLIC HEARING FOR 92-04-ZC AND APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE No. 1076
Mayor Pro Tem Saleh opened the public hearing at 7:05 p.m. to hear public input
on the request to consider rezoning all of Blocks A, C, D and a portion of Block
B, Sunshine Meadows Addition, from R-IA (Single Family Attached) to R-1 (Single
Family Detached). Mr. John Craig, Director of Development, explained that this
rezoning is being requested because this property was platted as single family
attached and was later replatted as single family detached, however, the zoning
was not changed. The owner of the property has sold several lots. If the
property is not rezoned, a person could purchase one of these lots and, by law,
go back and replat it into a single family attached lot and build 2 houses on
it. There were no comments from the audience. The public hearing was closed at
7:07 p.m.
Councilman Douglass moved to concur with the Planning and Zoning Commission for
approval of 92-04-ZC, rezoning of Blocks A, C, D and a portion of Block B,
Sunshine Meadows Addition, from R-lA (Single Family Attached) to R-1 (Single
Family Detached).
Councilman Baker seconded the motion.
P-92-01 is a request from Weaver Development Company to replat Block A,
International/Regional Industrial Complex into Lot 3R and 4R, Block A to
accommodate a proposed warehouse and casket distribution center. Mr. Bob Hall
was present to represent the Weaver Development Company. Councilman Staks noted
that the radius of the fire lane on Regal Parkway may not accommodate fire
equipment. Mr. Hall indicated the fire lane would be adjusted to requirements
specified by the Fire Marshall.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETIM APRIL 14$ 1992 PAGE 3
Councilman Smith moved to approve P-92-01, a replat of a portion of Block A,
International/Regional Industrial Complex into Lots 3R and 4R, Block A,
contingent upon the resolution of the fire lane issue with the City of Euless
Fire Marshall.
Councilman Staks seconded the motion.
Ayes: Councilmen Douglass, Smith, Baker, Staks and Mayor Pro Tem Saleh
Nays: None
Mayor Pro Tem Saleh declared the motion carried.
ITEM NO. 5: APPROVAL OF SPECIAL EXCEPTION TO MASONRY VENEER REQUIREMENT
Request of J. H. Garner for masonry veneer exception to casket warehouse to be
constructed on Lots 3R and 4R, Block A, International/Regional Industrial
Complex.
Councilman Baker suggested that as a stipulation for the masonry veneer
exception that the exposed side be landscaped and an irrigation system
be implemented to ensure maintenance of the landscaping, Mr. Hall indicated
that the site plan included red tip photinias every four feet on the west side,
and a catch basin with four downspouts coming off of the building which would
turn itself to the center of the building to water the plants. Hydrants are
being installed on the outside of the building to facilitate watering of the
plants during the dry season.
Councilman Staks moved to approve the special exception to the masonry veneer
requirement for a casket warehouse to be constructed on Lots 3R and 4R, Block A,
International/Regional Industrial Complex, with the stipulation that an
automatic irrigation system be installed along the west side of the building to
water landscaping on that side consisting of red tip photinias.
Councilman Baker seconded the motion.
Ayes: Councilmen Douglass, Smith, Baker, Staks and Mayor Pro Tem Saleh
Nays: None
Mayor Pro Tem Saleh declared the motion carried.
ITEM 6: APPROVAL OF AMENDED INVESTMENT POLICY
After the policy review for Quarter 1, Fiscal Year 1992, the Investment
Committee recommended three revisions to the Investment Policy:
1) PRUDENCE - add the following:
. . . due care, under circumstances
then prevailing.
Standard of prudence
shall be "prudent person" and shall
be applied in the
context of managing
Its
an overall portfolio. Investment
officers acting
in accordance with
written procedures and the investment policy and exercising due diligence
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 141� 1992 PAGE 4
shall be relieved of personal responsibility for an individual security's
credit risk or market price changes, provided deviations from expectations
are reported in a timely fashion and appropriate action is taken to control
adverse developments.
2) SCOPE - add the following:
The policy shall be reviewed annually by the Investment Committee and any
modifications must be approved by the Investment Committee and forwarded to
City Council for final approval.
3) MISCELLANEOUS:
Change calendar year to fiscal year in Annual Report section.
Councilman Smith moved to approve the amended Investment Policy as proposed.
Councilman Douglass seconded the motion.
Ayes: Councilmen Douglass, Smith, Baker, Staks and Mayor Pro Tem Saleh
Nays: None
Mayor Pro Tem Saleh declared the motion carried.
ITEM 7: CONSIDER REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR STREET SWEEPING
A request for proposals was mailed to three bidders in November of 1991. BFI
was the only bidder to bid per specifications. Four options were presented to
Council, ranging in cost from $47,560 per year (for arterial sweeping every
month and residential sweeping every three months) to $24,454 per year (for
arterial sweeping every three months and residential every six months).
Councilman Douglass moved to contract with BFI for Proposal 4 to sweep arterial
streets every 3 months, or 4 times per year, and residential streets every 6
months, or 2 times per year, at a cost of $24,454.
Councilman Baker seconded the motion.
Ayes: Councilmen Douglass, Smith, Baker, and Staks and Mayor Pro Tem Saleh
Nays: None
Mayor Pro Tem Saleh declared the motion carried.
ITEM 8: BID AWARD NO. 90-11
City Manager Hart pointed out that to meet bid laws, the City must bid the item,
but gasoline is a widely- fluctuating item. The bid is tied to the OPIS price,
which is a Metroplex price average of wholesale gas. The companies then bid
plus or minus that average. Because the City spends $100,000 plus on fuel
annually, a small variation in price per gallon can make a big difference.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AFRIL 14, 1992 PAGE 5
Councilman Baker moved to renew Bid No® 90-11 with Advance Petroleum for
gasoline and diesel fuel at .0035 cents over wholesale cost,
Councilman Smith seconded the motion.
Ayes: Councilmen Douglass, Smith, Baker, Staks and Mayor Pro Tem Saleh
Nays: None
Mayor Pro Tem Saleh declared the motion carried.
ITEM NO. 9: APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE NO. 1075
Reducing the speed limit on Bear Creek Parkway
Because of the addition of the new Villages of Bear Creek Park, a request was
made to lower the current speed limit of 30 mph to 20 mph on Bear Creek Parkway
from E. Ash Lane to Mid Cities Boulevard. Mr. Hart noted that signage would be
erected and advance warning of the lowered speed limit would be given to
motorists.
Councilman Douglass moved to approve Ordinance No. 1075, reducing the speed on
Bear Creek Parkway from 30 mph to 20 mph from the 1600 block through the 2100
block.
Councilman Baker seconded the motion.
Ayes: Councilmen Douglass, Smith, Baker, Staks and Mayor-Pra Tem Saleh
Nays: None
Mayor Pro Tem, Saleh declared the motion carried.
ITEM NOW 10: APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 92-785
Authorizing the Director of Administrative Services to sign
for exempt plates
The State Department of Transportation requires the City to pass a resolution
each year authorizing a representative to sign required forms to acquire tax
exempt vehicle license plates.
Councilman Douglass moved to approve Resolution 92-785 authorizing the Director
of Administrative Services to sign for exempt license plates.
Councilman Staks seconded the motion.
Ayes: Councilmen Douglass, Smith, Baker, Staks and Mayor Pro Tem, Saleh
Nays: None
Mayor Pro Tem Saleh declared the motion carried.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 14, 1992 PAGE 6
ITEM NO. 11: PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING CHARGES FOR DE14OLITION OF PROPERTY AT
505 SLAUGHTER
Mayor Pro Tem Saleh opened the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Mr. John Craig
explained that the house at 505 Slaughter was left abandoned and deteriorated to
such an extent that it was structurally unsafe. The City went through the legal
process to get the owners of the property to clean up the property or demolish
the building. After no response from the owner, the City went through the
abatement process which gave the City the authority to demolish the house. Bids
were sought, awarded and the building was demolished. At this point, approval
is being sought from Council to recover money invested in the property.
Mr. Hart explained the four agenda items regarding the property at 505
Slaughter; the first of which is the public hearing to hear any objections or
protests. Item No. 12 is the consideration of a resolution to authorize the
assessment to be paid in installments. Item No. 13 on the agenda is the
acceptance of correctness of the charges for demolition of the property® item
No. 14 provides for either making the charges a personal obligation of the
property owner or to assess the charges as a lien against the property.
Mayor Pro Tem Saleh asked if anyone would like to express any objections to the
charges and there being none, closed the public hearing at 7:34 p.m.
ITEM NO. 12: RESOLUTION 92-786
Authorizing assessment levied against property at 505 Slaughter
to be paid in installments.
Councilman Staks moved to approve Resolution 92-786 to authorize the assessment
levied against property at 505 Slaughter to be paid in installments.
Councilman Baker seconded the motion.
City Attorney McFarland noted that the motion should include the number of
installments up to a maximum of five, and set an interest rate. Staff
recommended an interest rate of 10%. Mr. McFarland stated that this resolution
would allow the payment in installments, However, if the Council chooses to
make the assessment a lien against the property, a notice of assessment would be
filed immediately. If payment is not made, the City can foreclose on the lien
against the property.
Councilman Staks moved to amend his motion to allow the owner to pay the
assessment in two installments over the course of a maximum of four months, at
an interest rate of 10%, or in a lump sum.
The amended motion is as follows:
Approve Resolution 92-786 to authorize the assessment levied against property at
505 Slaughter to be paid in two installments over the course of a maximum of
four months, at an interest rate of 10%, or in a lump sum.
Councilman Baker seconded the am-ended motion.
REGULAR C01UNCIL MEETING APRIL 140 1992 PAGE 7
Ayes: Councilmen Douglass, Smith, Baker, Staks and Mayor Pro Tem Saleh
Nays: None
Mayor Pro Tem Saleh declared the motion carried.
City Attorney McFarland pointed out that the interest obligation will inure to
the assessment. If the assessment is not paid in four months or the owner
doesn't opt to pay in installments, the interest rate of 10% is effective from
the date of the assessment of the levy.
ITEM NO. 13: ACCEPTING THE CORRECTNESS OF CHARGES FOR THE DEMOLITION OF THE
PROPERTY AT 505 SLAUGHTER
Councilman Baker moved to accept the report and charges of $2,825.20 for the
demolition of the property at 505 Slaughter as correct.
Councilman Staks seconded the motion.
Ayes: Councilmen Douglass, Smith, Baker, Staks and Mayor Pro Tem Saleh
Nays: None
Mayor Pro Tem Saleh declared the motion carried.
ITEM NO. 14: MAKE DEMOLITION CHARGES FOR PROPERTY AT-505 SLA)UGHTER A PERSONAL
OBLIGATION OF PROPERTY OWNER OR ASSES&�'SUCH``CHARGES AGAINST THE
PROPERTY.
City Attorney McFarland advised Council that the safest option would be to
assess the charges as a lien rather than create a personal obligation to the
owner, since they have no knowledge of the personal financial circumstances or
whereabouts of the owner.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING "RIL 14, 1992 PAGE 8
Ayes: Councilmen Douglass, Smith, Baker, Staks and Mayor Pro Tem Saleh
Nays: None
Mayor Pro Tem Saleh declared the motion carried.
ITEM NO. 16: REPORTS
a) City Manager
Mr. Hart asked Eldred Pruitt, Environmental Health Manager, to speak to the
Council regarding the licensing of dogs and cats in the City. Mr. Pruitt
explained that although the fee for licensing of dogs and cats had been
removed from the code, the ordinance requiring the licensing of dogs and
cats had not. Discussion took place regarding the pros and cons of
licensing dogs and cats. No decision was made, however, Mr. Hart noted
that a policy decision should be made at a future meeting to delete the
present ordinance requiring licensing or to set a fee for that ordinance.
Mr. Hart commended Debra Forte', Director of Fiscal and Human Resources, on
the award of distinction received for the budget. Euless is one of
approximately 300 cities in the nation who have a budget that falls into
this category out of approximately 80,000 governmental entities.
b) City Attorney
Mr. McFarland made no report.
c) Staff
Mike Harris, Data Processing Manager, presented a history of data
processing in the city from 1974 through the present. He outlined computer
hardware and software distribution throughout the city and the annual cost
to maintain this equipment. A long-range plan as well as a program for
near future was also presented. Mr. Harris explained that some software is
developed in a cooperative effort with other cities and some of the
developed costs are recouped as the software company sells the particular
software to other cities. The Drainage Utility software was developed in
this manner at an initial cost of $30,000 and for every sale made, the City
gets $3,000 back, up to a maximum of seven $3,000 blocks. The City
receives software applications instead of actual dollars. Councilman Staks
questioned why the rebates given to the City for software developed for the
Drainage Utility District would not be placed back into the Drainage
Utility fund rather than used to purchase software for other departments.
Mr. Hart indicated that the software company would not pay cash for the
software. They agreed to provide discounts on software. Debra Forte'
explained that the total initial amount was paid out of Drainage Utility
System and paid no salary or any other City cost out of the Drainage
Utility System for staff's time in designing this software which would have
cost double the amount if it had been purchased off the shelf. The General
Fund was never repaid the salary costs spent in the design of the software.
Assistant City Manager, Kay Godbey, indicated that she would review the
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING "RIL 14, 1992 PAGE 9
process of reconciliation of the costs of the development of the Drainage
Utility software.
d) City Council
Councilman Douglass thanked Rick Herold for a job well done on the recent
pre-grand opening of the Bear Creek Amphitheater. Mr. Douglass commented
that the event was well attended and very entertaining. He thanked Mike
Harris for his fine presentation.
Councilman Baker reiterated Mr. Douglass' positive comments regarding the
pre-grand opening of the amphitheater. Mr. Baker noted with sadness the
passing of long-time City resident Herman Reaves®
Councilman Smith thanked those involved with the Bear Creek Amphitheater
event. Mr. Smith said that he had attended the Ranger baseball game where
a tribute was made to local police departments and those officers who have
been injured or given their lives in the line of duty, and an expression of
appreciation was given to all area police officers who are subjected to
this kind of risk on a regular basis. Mr. Smith added his personal
appreciation to these officers.
Councilman Staks noted that he also enjoyed the Bear Creek Amphitheater
event and that the Park should have a good future. Mr. Staks extended best
wishes to Councilman and Mrs. Smith on the birth of their son, Spencer
Thomas Smith, Mr. Staks thanked Tom Cox, Director of Administrative
Services, for his creativity in negotiating the lease of the City's water
tower to Southwestern Bell at $200,000 for 20 years. An antenna will be
erected by Southwestern Bell on the water tower instead of building a
receiving station for mobile telephones.
Mayor Pro Tem Saleh introduced Frank
citizens dances at the Ruth Millican
on Saturday, April 18, a dance will be
invited the Council to attend.
Fletcher, who coordinates the senior
Center. Mr. Fletcher announced that
held honoring Rex Day. Mr. Fletcher
Mayor Pro Tem Saleh commented that the Mayor's Newsletter was very well
done and she had received several positive comments. Mrs. Saleh also
reported that several citizens from Euless participated in the Texas Toast
which is a fundraising event held by the Northeast Tarrant Arts Council.
Almost $10,000 was raised for cultural arts in the area.
Mayor Pro Tem Saleh noted that the Night of a Thousand Stars at the Library
was a big success.
Mayor Pro Tem Saleh introduced the candidates for the May 2 Election:
Place I - Councilman Frank Douglass
Place 3 - Councilman Bobby Baker
Place 5 - Councilman Peter Staks
Place 6 - (in order of drawing) Henry Boatright, Leon Hogg and Steve
Overton, Mike Medina, Jr. was not present,
ASGtAiZ COUNCIL MEETING "RIL 14, 1992 PAGE 10
As there was no further business before the City Council, the meeting was
adjourned at 8:32 p.m.
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\minutes\079.
Harold D. Samuels
Mayor