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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-03-26 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE EULESS CITY COUNCIL MARCH 26, 1996 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Euless City Council was called to order by Mayor Mary Lib Saleh at 4:20 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 1996, in the downstairs Administration Building Conference Room. Those present included Mayor Mary Lib Saleh, Mayor Pro Tern Bobby Baker and Council Members Carl Tyson, Todd Smith, Charles Miller, Glenn Walker and Katie Edwards. Precouncil discussion was held on agenda items and other scheduled items. A closed session was held to discuss land acquisition as authorized by Section 551.072 of the Texas Government Code. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF SCHEDULED ITEMS - COUNCIL CHAMBERS The Euless City Council continued their meeting in the Council Chambers at 7:06 p.m. for the consideration of the scheduled items. Staff Members Present Tom Hart, City Manager; Bob McFarland, City Attorney; Susan Crim, City Secretary; Joe Hennig, Assistant City Manager; Lee Koontz, Fire Chief; Gary McKamie, Police Chief; Paul Kruckemeyer, softy City Engineer; Diana Ortiz, Director of Finance; Randy Byers, Director of Development and Public Works; Tom Cox, Director of Economic Development and Administrative Services; Andrea Baxter, Assistant City Engineer; Ruth Alley, Personnel Manager; Richard Ross, Building Inspector; Scott Campbell, Administrative Assistant; Clyde Cullum, Reserve Police Officer; Cathy DiMaggio, Deputy City Secretary Visitors Leon Hogg, Chairman, Parks and Leisure Services Board; Billy Owens and Keith Eggers, Planning and Zoning Commission; Tarrant County Judge Tom Vandergriff; Susan and Austen Hart; and other visitors as noted on the Visitor's Register. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Cub Scout Pack #371 led the Pledge of Allegiance. INVOCATION Council Member Glenn Walker gave the invocation. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION Mayor Saleh presented a proclamation to Linda Densman, Principal, Euless Jr. High, Nam. commending staff and students for their assistance to a group of handicapped passengers whose bus had broken down in front of the school. COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 26, 1996 PAGE 2 ITEM NO. 1: PRESENTATION OF EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH Mayor Saleh presented a plaque and gift certificate to Richard Ross, Building Inspector, as Employee of the Month for March. ITEM NO. 2: AUDIENCE REQUESTED BY MELISSA HOEPPNER, 1203 OAK TIMBER DRIVE Ms. Melissa Hoeppner, 1203 Oak Timber Drive, Euless, Texas, and other members of Girl Scout Troop 1542, addressed the Council about the need for a sidewalk on Ash Lane between Lakewood Drive and Main Street. ITEM NO. 3: AUDIENCE REQUESTED BY SUSAN HART Ms. Susan Hart, 1806 Lakewood, requested that the Council consider approval of an ordinance at their next regular meeting requiring children to wear helmets while riding bicycles. Mayor Saleh welcomed The Honorable Tom Vandergriff. Judge Vandergriff stated that he has been visiting the City Council meetings of several Tarrant County cities and that he was especially impressed with the way the City of Euless honors its employees by naming an Employee of the Month and the involvement of youth through the Pledge of Allegiance. Judge Vandergriff added that the quality of the presentation of the Girl Scouts to Council was also remarkable. Judge Vandergriff said that Euless is a credit to Tarrant County. *t.. CONSENT AGENDA Items 5, 6, 7, 13, 14 and 15 were removed from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. Council Member Walker moved to approve Items 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18 on the Consent Agenda as follows: ITEM NO. 4: AUTHORIZE CITY ENGINEER TO CONTRACT WITH WINKELMANN & ASSOCIATES TO SURVEY AND DESIGN HARWOOD ROAD Authorize City Engineer to contract with Winkelmann &Associates to survey and design Harwood Road from North Main Street to SH360 for a fee of $195,000. ITEM NO. 8: APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 96-937 Approval of Resolution No. 96-937, authorizing the City Engineer to execute a contract for engineering services with Conlan Engineering for the design of utility relocations on FM157 between SH183 and SH121, in the amount of $68,840, with contract modifications not to exceed a total of $3,500. ITEM NO. 9: AWARD OF BID NO. 96-01 Bid No. 96-01 was awarded to Larry Jackson Construction, Fort Worth, Texas, for the construction �.. of two drainage and golf cart crossing tunnels and the relocation of utilities at Hurricane Creek COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 26, 1996 PAGE 3 and South Pipeline Road, in the amount of $202,586, with a 10% contingency ($20,250) to cover change orders and quantity changes. ITEM NO. 10: AWARD OF BID NO. 96-02 Award Bid No. 96-02 to Consolidated Traffic Controls, Inc. for opticom signal light pre-emption control devices with an estimated expenditure of $69,358. ITEM NO. 11: AWARD OF BID NO. 96-03 Award Bid No. 96-03 to Layne-Texas, 5734 American Legion Road, Tyler, Texas 75708, for replacement of 1460' of pipe at a cost of $35,320, replacement of two check valves at the well site at 1400 N. Euless Main Street, at a cost of $730 each, plus an additional $3,680 for repairs and replacement of defective parts, if needed. ITEM NO. 12: ACCEPTANCE OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT FOR JULY 1, 1995 TO DECEMBER 31, 1995 Acceptance of the Capital Improvements Advisory Committee Semi-Annual Report for July 1, 1995 to December 31, 1995. ITEM NO. 16: AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN INTERLOCAL PURCHASING AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF HURST Authorize the City Manager to enter into an interlocal purchasing agreement with the City of Hurst, appointing the City of Hurst as the City of Euless purchasing agent for the purchase of selected goods and products through the Cooperative Purchasing Program and the bidding for such goods and products will be conducted by the City of Hurst. ITEM NO. 17: AUTHORIZE THE CITY SECRETARY TO EXECUTE A DECLARATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE RECORDS SCHEDULING REQUIREMENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT RECORDS ACT Authorize the City Secretary to execute a "Declaration of Compliance with the Records Scheduling Requirement of the Local Government Records Act," thereby adopting the following records retention schedules: Elections and Voter Registration; General Records; Public Health Agencies; Justice and Municipal Courts; Public Safety Agencies; Public Works and Services; Property Taxation; and Utility Services. ITEM NO. 18: APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 27, 1996 REGULAR MEETING AND MARCH 5, 1996 SPECIAL MEETING Approval of the Minutes of the February 27, 1996 Regular Meeting and the March 5, 1996 Special Meeting as presented. Mayor Pro Tem Baker seconded the motion. COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 26, 1996 PAGE 4 `oe. Ayes: Council Members Tyson, Smith, Miller, Walker and Edwards, Mayor Pro Tem Baker and Mayor Saleh Nays: None Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. REGULAR AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 96-934 Mayor Pro Tern Baker moved to approve Resolution No. 96-934, supporting the submission of a project nomination form to the Texas Department of Transportation (Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program) for funding assistance for Phase II development of a pedestrian and bicycle trail along Blessing Branch. Council Member Walker seconded the motion. Ayes: Council Members Tyson, Smith, Miller, Walker and Edwards, Mayor Pro Tern Baker and Mayor Saleh Nays: None N"s. Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 6: APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 96-935 Mayor Pro Tern Baker moved to approve Resolution No. 96-935, supporting the submission of a project nomination form to the Texas Department of Transportation (Statewide Enhancement Program) for project funding assistance for the development of pedestrian facilities and landscaping improvements along SH10 from west of FM157 to Raider Drive. Council Member Walker seconded the motion. Ayes: Council Members Tyson, Smith, Miller, Walker and Edwards, Mayor Pro Tem Baker and Mayor Saleh Nays: None Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO . 7: APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 96-936 Mayor Pro Tem Baker moved to approve Resolution No. 96-936, supporting the submission of a project nomination form to the Texas Department of Transportation (Statewide Enhancement Program) for project funding assistance for development of pedestrian facilities and scenic and landscaping improvements along SH10 between FM157 and Dickey Lane and S. Ector Drive between SH183 and SH10. COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 26, 1996 PAGE 5 `osy Council Member Walker seconded the motion. Ayes: Council Members Tyson, Smith, Miller, Walker and Edwards, Mayor Pro Tern Baker and Mayor Saleh Nays: None Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 13: APPROVAL OF FIRST AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1202 Mayor Pro Tem Baker moved to approve the first and final reading of Ordinance No. 1202, amending Chapter 82 "Traffic and Motor Vehicles," Article Ill, Section 82-62 of the Euless Code of Ordinances, returning the speed limit from 25 MPH to the original 35 MPH on W. Pipeline Road from the 4000 block west through the 4300 block, from Chaparral Drive to Arwine Cemetery Road (Hurst City Limits). Council Member Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: Council Members Tyson, Smith, Miller, Walker and Edwards, Mayor Pro Tern Baker and Mayor Saleh Nays: None �` Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 14: APPROVAL OF FIRST AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1203 Council Member Smith moved to approve the first and final reading of Ordinance No. 1203, amending Chapter 82 "Traffic and Motor Vehicles," Article Ill, Section 82-62 of the Euless Code of Ordinances, increasing the speed limit from 55 MPH to 65 MPH on SH 121 from the 2100 block north (South City Limits) to the 3000 block north (North City Limits); and increasing the speed limit from 55 MPH to 60 MPH on SH 183 from the 1000 block west (West City Limits) to the 900 block east (East City Limits). Council Member Tyson seconded the motion. Ayes: Council Members Tyson, Smith, Miller, Walker and Edwards, Mayor Pro Tem Baker and Mayor Saleh Nays: None Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 15: APPROVAL OF FIRST AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1204 Council Member Walker moved to approve the first and final reading of Ordinance No. 1204, declaring unopposed candidates for the Offices of Mayor, City Council Place 2 and City Council Place 4, as elected to the office, provided such candidates be unopposed in accordance with provisions of Subchapter C of Chapter 2, Texas Election Code. COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 26, 1996 PAGE 6 Council Member Edwards seconded the motion. Ayes: Council Members Tyson, Smith, Miller, Walker and Edwards, Mayor Pro Tern Baker and Mayor Saleh Nays: None Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. Mayor Saleh noted that Council Member Todd Smith, Place 2, would be replaced in May by Leon Hogg. Mayor Saleh introduced Mr. Hogg and recognized Council Member Charlie Miller, Place 4, who will continue in that place. ITEM NO. 19: PUBLIC HEARING FOR ZONING CASE 96-01 Mayor Saleh opened a public hearing at 7:42 p.m. to hear input on a request of Western Rim Investment Advisors, Inc. for a zoning change from C-2 (Community Business District) and CUD #768 (Community Unit Development- R-5 at 21.5 units/acre) to R-5 (Multi-Family dwelling district at 24 units/acre), on 14.902 acres located on the east side of FM 157 (1500 feet north of Cheek- Sparer Road/Mid-Cities Boulevard). Randy Byers, Director of Planning and Development, briefly outlined the request for rezoning and described the location of the property. Mr. Byers stated that the zoning is being requested to allow access to the development through the commercial zone adjacent to SH 121. The Development Review Committee recommended approval to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval at their March 5, 1996 meeting with three stipulations to be discussed when the Site Plan is considered. Rick Simmons, a partner in Western Rim Investment Advisors, Inc., addressed the Council. Mr. Simmons commended the development staff for their assistance during the planning and zoning process. Mr. Simmons stated that he and the architect had placed a high priority on saving as many trees as possible and designed the layout of the buildings with this in mind. The overall density of the development, as the site plan indicates, is approximately 17.8 units/acre. The elevations of the development will be designed to give the feeling of a single family residential area. Mr. Simmons stated that there will be restrictions regarding the use of the garage for storage and that visitor parking may not be used by residents. The garages are large enough to accommodate vehicles as well as ample room for storage. The upper end market is being targeted for this development. Mr. Simmons stated that he has agreed to fence the entire property as one phase prior to the certificate of occupancy. Mike Clark, Winkelmann Associates, addressed the Council regarding drainage issues. Mr. Clark indicated he has worked through the drainage issues with staff and Planning and Zoning. Mr. Clark has discussed with Dal-Tex (adjacent property owners) the outfall to the south and they have agreed to coordinate drainage. The design contemplates a fully developed condition on the apartment complex and upstream as well. The City Engineer has discussed dissipating the outfall velocity to minimize erosion and this will be coordinated with Dal-Tex as well. �... Ken Mitchell, representing the Baze family who own 74 acres to the east of the property proposed for rezoning, addressed Council. Mr. Mitchell stated that this tract was originally a dairy farm and still has agricultural use. The Baze family realizes that this development will have significant COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 26, 1996 PAGE 7 impact on their property. The family is pleased with the development and with the preservation of trees. Mr. Mitchell stated he has listed the property and will try to work with the city to determine the highest and best use of this property and how it will integrate with this development. Mr. Mitchell outlined areas of concern as follows: 1) The applicant has agreed to erect a wrought iron fence along the eastern boundary of the property (on the western boundary of the Baze property). Mr. Mitchell asked for a guarantee that the fence would be built to protect against trespasser injury since there are cattle grazing on the property. 2) The site plan shows that no garages face the Baze property and the family is in support of this proposal. 3) The family is concerned about the future road that is shown within the Texas Power and Light easement. Since the road is shown entirely within the boundary of the Baze property, they are concerned that they may be assessed for 100% of the cost of this major thoroughfare. If the road is built in the future, they ask that the cost be assessed equally to the property owners on the east and west side of that road. 4) Request irrigation in the wooded area. 5) Request that elevations become a matter of record since the family feels that the residential design and character of the elevations are a benefit to the city and to the %Or adjoining property. There were no opponents who wished to speak. Mayor Saleh closed the public hearing at 7:58 p.m. ITEM NO. 20: APPROVAL OF FIRST AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1201 (ZONING CASE 96-01) Mayor Saleh opened discussion on a request of Western Rim Investment Advisors, Inc. for a zoning change from C-2 (Community Business District) and CUD #768 (Community Unit Development - R-5 at 21.5 units/acre) to R-5 (Multi-Family dwelling district at 24 units/acre), on 14.902 acres located on the east side of FM 157 (1500 feet north of Cheek-Sparer Road/Mid- Cities Boulevard). Mayor Pro Tern Baker noted that the ordinance stipulated 24 units/acre, however, the developer has indicated the units per acres would be 17.8. Mr. Baker asked for a discussion of the possibility of changing that number in the ordinance. City Attorney Bob McFarland clarified that the zoning simply changes the zoning to not more than 24 units/acre. Mr. McFarland advised that the density should be clarified on the specific use permit rather than the zoning ordinance. Mayor Pro Tern Baker asked Randy Byers, Director of Planning and Development, why the requested zoning from CUD #768 at 21.5 units/acre is being changed to 24 units/acre since the developer intends to build at 17.8 units/acre. Mr. Byers indicated he was not part of the discussion on this issue, but said he would research the reasoning for this request. Mayor Pro COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 26, 1996 PAGE 8 `'•■ Tern Baker expressed concern about approving the zoning at 24 units/acre prior to approving the specific use permit and site plan, because if the site plan fails the Council has then approved the 24 units/acre. Mr. McFarland advised that if the Council chose to do so, they could postpone consideration of this item until the specific use permit is considered, and if adopted, reconsider the zoning ordinance. Council Member Tyson stated that although the project is a good one, it violates the comprehensive land development plan. The plan placed future multi-family development in the eastern part of the city. This project would place multi-family dwellings in the area for single- family dwellings. Council Member Walker moved to table consideration of Ordinance No. 1201 until Item 21 (Public Hearing on Specific Use Permit 96-03) and Item 22 (Specific Use Permit 96-03) are considered. Council Member Edwards seconded the motion. Ayes: Council Members Tyson, Smith, Miller, Walker and Edwards, Mayor Pro Tem Baker and Mayor Saleh Nays: None Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. N.. After consideration and approval of Items 21 and 22: Mayor Pro Tern Baker moved to remove from the table and approval of the first and final reading of Ordinance No. 1201 (Zoning Case 96-01) for a zoning change from C-2 (Community Business District) and CUD#768 (Community Unit Development-R-5 at 21.5 units/acre) to R-5 (Multi-Family dwelling district at 24 units/acre), on 14.902 acres located on the east side of FM 157 (1500 feet north of Cheek-Sparer Road/Mid-Cities Boulevard). Council Member Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: Council Members Smith, Walker, Edwards, Mayor Pro Tern Baker and Mayor Saleh Nays: Council Members Miller and Tyson Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 21: PUBLIC HEARING FOR SPECIFIC USE PERMIT 96-03 Mayor Saleh opened a public hearing at 8:08 p.m. to hear input on a request from Western Rim Investments Advisors, Inc. for Specific Use Permit 96-03 for luxury apartments with direct garage access within the R-5 (Multi-family dwellings at 24 units per acre) zoning district on 14.902 acres located on the east side of FM 157, (1500 feet north of Cheek-Sparer/Mid-Cities Boulevard). Catherine Scott, appraiser with Michael Massey and Associates, a proponent of the specific use permit, addressed the Council. Ms. Scott stated that she did a market study for the project and COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 26, 1996 PAGE 9 `ur determined there is a demand for luxury apartments, particularly on the west side of the airport, and there are a limited number within the metroplex, mostly in north Dallas. The tenant profile of this type of complex would enhance high end development along SH 121. There were no opponents who wished to address the Council. Mayor Saleh closed the public hearing at 8:15 p.m. ITEM NO. 22: APPROVAL OF SPECIFIC USE PERMIT 96-03 Council Member Tyson asked Ms. Scott when she considered the best use for this property did she consider just this property or the best use for this property as far as residential use. Ms. Scott stated that in determining the best use, the legal use of the property must be taken into consideration. The primary area of the tract was already zoned multi-family, with the only concern being the entryway. Market research indicates a high demand for multi-family housing within the HEB area. This development would not be competing with other multi-family housing within the area because of the quality of this development. City Manager Torn Hart pointed out that the surrounding land use is commercial and industrial which is not conducive to high end single-family residential. Council Member Tyson replied that the city's intent was to change some of this zoning based on the comprehensive land development plan, but it has not been done. Council Member Miller expressed concerns that if multi-family housing were to be developed to '"' the north, then access to SH 121 would be necessary unless a road is developed to the east side of the property. Council Member Miller pointed out that the land plan indicates that SH 121 and SH 360 would be the city's major commercial corridors, but this project would carve out a piece of land for access. City Attorney McFarland stated that the comprehensive land use plan is a goal-oriented mechanism for the city to establish future use of particular properties within particular areas. Unless the Council goes forth and changes zoning as suggested in the comprehensive land use plan, the property is still zoned. Whenever the city changes zoning on its own initiative, you run the risk that a property owner may consider that change in zoning to be a diminution of value of his property and can raise that issue. Mayor Pro Tern Baker stated that he envisioned this project as a stimulus to this area. Mayor Saleh agreed that it would provide a momentum to establish commercial development. Mayor Pro Tern Baker added that if the city is going to have multi-family dwellings, then this type of project is very desirable. Council Member Edwards indicated agreement and noted that this would provide an attractive entryway into the city. Council Member Miller stated that he felt the city should be patient and wait for the commercial development which will ultimately come and which is in compliance with the city's master plan. Mayor Pro Tern Baker clarified concerns of the Baze family with Mr. Simmons. Mr. Simmons replied that the wrought iron fence had been placed as a contingency for approval by the vr. Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Simmons also agreed that as per the site plan, no COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 26, 1996 PAGE 10 garages would face the Baze property and any assessment for a future road would be assessed to property owners on both sides of the road. City Engineer Paul Kruckemeyer added that the assessment issue would be addressed prior to construction permits being issued. The figures are not available at this time because it has not been determined what type of road would be built, but funds will be escrowed prior to construction. Discussion on the irrigation of the wooded area determined that when live oaks have not been used to irrigation there is a possibility of killing them if regular irrigation is applied. Mr. Simmons stated that the trees are as much an asset to the development as they are to the city, and particular care would be taken to assure proper care of these trees. New trees and landscaping will be fully irrigated. The integrity of the site plan will be preserved including the elevations of the buildings. Council Member Miller stated that if there was no access to SH 121, the thoroughfares would have been the new north/south road and Priest Road as an extension to SH 121. Mr. Miller asked staff if this would still be a part of this development within the city. City Engineer Kruckemeyer replied that it would. The last transportation master plan called for the north/south road with Priest Road not being taken all the way to SH 121, but only to the back of the commercial property. However, other transportation engineers have suggested that Priest Road could be taken all the way through to SH 121. Council Member Tyson asked if there was a way to keep the front part of the property zoned C-2 and allow a temporary access to this development until the road is built and then close the temporary access. The project could then be developed in the back and retain C-2 zoning in the front. Mr. Simmons replied that this would mean the park would be lost and with no visibility from SH 121 the project would be very difficult to market. Council Member Edward moved to approve Specific Use Permit 96-03 for apartments within the R-5 zoning district on 14.902 acres located on the east side of FM 157, 1500 feet north of Cheek- Sparer/Mid-Cities Boulevard, contingent upon approval of Ordinance 1201; maximum of 18 units/acre; and as specified by the Planning and Zoning Commission at their March 5, 1996 meeting, a wrought iron fence and/or a good quality fence is to be installed on all four sides of the property as committed to by the developer. Ayes: Council Members Smith, Walker, Edwards, Mayor Pro Tern Baker and Mayor Saleh Nays: Council Members Miller and Tyson Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. Mayor Saleh directed the Council back to consideration of Item No. 20, Ordinance 1201. ITEM NO. 23: APPROVAL OF SITE PLAN 96-02 Discussion took place regarding the type of fencing to be placed at the front of the property and the type of material on the buildings. Mr. Simmons stated that the buildings would be stucco with some synthetic stone work. Mayor Pro Tem Baker expressed concerns regarding the durability of stucco. COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 26, 1996 PAGE 11 ''` City Manager Hart pointed out that the city is currently considering a stucco and rock exterior for the golf course clubhouse. Council Member Miller asked City Engineer Paul Kruckemeyer about some type of detention to slow the drainage of water to the south (park area). Mr. Kruckemeyer replied that the applicant's drainage design has not been completed at this time, but the applicant has been told that water cannot be released in an erosive manner. Mayor Pro Tern Baker moved to approve Site Plan 96-02, requested by Western Rim Investment Advisors, Inc., to obtain building permits for the construction of apartments within the R-5 (Multi- family dwelling district at 24 units/acre) zoning district located on the east side of FM 157, 1500' north of Cheek-Sparer/Mid-Cities Boulevard, contingent upon the privacy wooden fence shown on drawings to be replaced with wrought iron fencing. Council Member Edwards seconded the motion. Ayes: Council Members Smith, Walker, Edwards, Mayor Pro Tem Baker and Mayor Saleh Nays: Council Members Miller and Tyson Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 24: REPORTS a) City Manager City Manager Tom Hart reported that the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has revised its population forecast for the City of Euless as of January 1 to 40,850. Mr. Hart gave an update on current projects: the ballfields, concessions, playgrounds, and other above ground work for the Parks at Texas Star will go out for bid in April; the infrastructure work is already underway. Golf course construction is proceeding on schedule, with seeding to begin in May. A decision will be made soon on the clubhouse floor plan and elevation. The library project is proceeding as planned with move-in to take place in June during which time the library will be closed to the public. Softball World transition has been smooth and renovation has begun. Mr. Hart reported that the police and fire study with the City of Bedford is progressing well, with a recommendation to come before the Euless and Bedford Councils in June as to whether to proceed with separate projects or to combine projects. This is a good opportunity for a joint project with savings for our citizens. Mayor Saleh asked that Chief McKamie give a full report at a pre-council meeting in April. b) City Attorney City Attorney Bob McFarland had nothing to report. COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 26, 1996 PAGE 12 c) Staff There was no staff report scheduled. d) City Council Council Member Tyson congratulated Richard Ross as Employee of the Month. Mr. Tyson reported that he attended the National League of Cities conference in Washington, D.C. One of the seminars at the conference was presented by John Carver on increasing council effectiveness and planning ideas that he would like the city to adopt. City Manager Hart noted that the City of Plano has adopted Mr. Carver's policies. City Manager Tom Hart introduced his son, Austen, who was present at the meeting to assist in the presentation by Susan Hart regarding a request for an ordinance to require children to wear helmets while riding a bicycle. Council Member Smith welcomed Judge Vandergriff. Mr. Smith noted that Judge Vandergriff got to see all of the good things that go on in the City of Euless, but he also witnessed a non- unanimous vote by the Council which is a rare occurrence. Judge Vandergriff commented that he attended Council Member Smith's first City Council meeting and now Mr. Smith is near his last Council meeting. Judge Vandergriff said he is proud of Mr. Smith and his contributions to the City of Euless and added that Mr. Smith has much public service yet to render. Judge Vandergriff said that he also recognized Scott Campbell, Administrative Assistant, for whom he performed vu. a marriage ceremony. Council Member Miller commented that although Richard Ross has a "thankless job," he always has an upbeat attitude. Mr. Miller attended the Girl's Softball Association with Leon Hogg, Council Member Elect and Rick Herold, Director of Community Services, who brought them up-to-date about Softball World and the development of the Parks at Texas Star. Mr. Miller reported that he attended the Morrisdale/Wilshire Town Hall Meeting, which made him realize that different parts of the city have very different needs and concerns. Council Member Walker said he is glad to be back in the country after visiting New Zealand. Mr. Walker congratulated Mayor Saleh, Council Member Miller and Leon Hogg on their respective reelection and election to Council. Council Member Edwards thanked Girl Scout Troop 1542 on their excellent presentation and to Cub Scout Pack 371 for leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Ms. Edwards thanked the city staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission for all their hard work on the zoning and site plan for Mansions by the Vineyards. Mayor Saleh explained that the City Council started having scout troops lead the Pledge of Allegiance as a result of a recommendation by the Community Advisory Board to involve youth in city government. Mayor Saleh said that once a year the city also hosts a mock city council meeting for junior high school students who vote on some of the controversial issues which the council has voted on in recent years, such as the teen curfew. COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 26, 1996 PAGE 13 Mayor Saleh welcomed Mr. Roy Power from Lone Star Gas. Mr. Power said he had been reassigned to the HEB area and will be attending occasional council meetings. City Attorney Bob McFarland commented that Lone Star Gas has generously agreed to co-sponsor a luncheon for the Senate Economic Development Committee which will be meeting in the area. Mayor Saleh reported that she attended the National League of Cities conference in Washington, D.C. and attended many excellent meetings. Mayor Saleh serves on the NLC Public Safety Committee and is very proud of what the city has done with the COPS program. When comparing the city's police department programs with those of other cities around the country, she is very pleased with what Euless has been able to accomplish, especially the town hall meetings and other citizen education programs. ITEM NO. 25: ADJOURN Mayor Saleh adjourned the meeting at 9:25 p.m. APPROVED: 1r Mary Lib ;.aleh, Mayor N411. ATTEST: / Susan Crim, C, City Secretary