HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-06-11 Now, MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
EULESS CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 11, 1996
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Euless City Council was called to order by Mayor Mary Lib Saleh
at 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday,June 11, 1996, in the downstairs Administration Building Conference
Room. Those present included Mayor Mary Lib Saleh, Mayor Pro Tem Bobby Baker and
Council Members Carl Tyson, Leon Hogg, Charles Miller, Glenn Walker, and Katie Edwards.
A closed session was held to discuss pending litigation and land acquisition as authorized by
Sections 551.071 and 551.072 of the Texas Government Code. Precouncil discussion was
held on agenda items and other scheduled items.
COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF SCHEDULED ITEMS - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The Euless City Council continued their meeting in the Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m. for the
consideration of the scheduled items.
Staff Members Present
Paul Wieneskie, City Attorney; Joe Hennig, Assistant City Manager; Gary McKamie, Police
Chief; Lee Koontz, Fire Chief; Tom Cox, Director of Economic Development and
Administrative Services; Rick Herold, Director of Community Services; Diana Ortiz, Finance
Director; Bo Bass, Deputy Director of Development; Joey Ziemian, Police Captain; Ruth Alley,
Personnel Manager; Julia Wakeley, Recreation Manager; Diane Eggers, Senior Citizen
Coordinator; Ray McDonald, Special Projects Supervisor; William Rumuly, Program
Coordinator; Lisa Pierce, Water Department Clerk; Jenny Kratz, Municipal Relations
Coordinator; Scott Campbell,Administrative Assistant; Clyde Cullum, Reserve Police Officer;
Cathy DiMaggio, Deputy City Secretary
Visitors
Billy Owens, Planning and Zoning Commission; and other visitors as noted on the Visitor's
Register.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
In honor of Flag Day, Council Member Katie Edwards gave a presentation on the history of
the United States flag and introduced several Euless senior citizens who led the Pledge of
Allegiance. Karin Vaught sang "America the Beautiful."
INVOCATION
r..
Council Member Charlie Miller gave the invocation.
COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 11, 1996 PAGE 2
ITEM NO. 1: PRESENTATION OF EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH FOR JUNE
Mayor Saleh presented a plaque and gift certificate to Michele Hastings, Police CID
Secretary, as Employee of the Month for June. Ms. Hastings introduced her parents, Gordon
and Mary Morrison.
ITEM NO. 2: PRESENTATION BY LIONS CLUB - OUTSTANDING NON-LION
MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Council Member Charlie Miller (also Lion's Club President) presented the Lion's Club
"Outstanding Service Award"to Julia Wakeley, Recreation Manager, Ray McDonald, Special
Projects Supervisor and William Rumuly, Program Coordinator, for their contributions to the
Lion's Club as non-members.
ITEM NO. 3: PUBLIC HEARING - SPECIFIC USE PERMIT #96-13-SUP - A. M.
DOWNEN SURVEY, A-415
Mayor Saleh opened a public hearing at 7:16 p.m. to hear input on a request from Jeanne
M. Green, for Specific Use Permit #96-13-SUP, for an auto sales business within the C-2
(Community Business) zoning district at 1610 West Euless Boulevard (Tract 2F1, A.M.
Downen Survey, A-415).
Bo Bass, Deputy Director of Development, reviewed the request of Jeanne M. Green, for a
`ft. specific use permit. Mr. Bass stated that the Development Review Committee reviewed the
specific use permit submittal and both the DRC and the Planning and Zoning Commission
recommended approval.
Jeanne Green, 2509 Glen Oaks Court, Bedford, representing G. W. and Geneva Green,
spoke as a proponent of the specific use permit. Ms. Green outlined improvements to the
existing building, including removal of chain link fencing which will be replaced with 2" pipe
fencing; installation of exterior halogen lights;signage and landscaping, parking lot paving and
striping; roof replacement;ADA improvements and interior remodeling. Ms. Green stated that
the used autos would be from one to six years old and there would not be a maintenance
facility on the property. Ms. Green distributed four letters from surrounding property owners
who support the specific use permit.
There were no opponents who wished to speak.
Mayor Saleh closed the public hearing at 7:25 p.m.
ITEM NO. 4: DENIAL OF SPECIFIC USE PERMIT #96-13-SUP
Mayor Pro Tern Baker stated that he was not in favor of zoning any further property on
Highway 10 for a used car lot.
COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 11, 1996 PAGE 3
N.p, Council Member Tyson added that he felt that a used car lot was not the highest and best
use of this particular property.
Council Member Miller asked if the cinder blocks on the back of the property would be
demolished. Ms. Green replied that the block wall would be taken down and replaced with
a fence.
Ms. Green stated that she had a professional appraisal on the property and the report
indicated that buildings which still have value should be converted for an interim use until real
estate values increase in this area.
Council Member Miller asked Ms. Green if she would consider a specific use permit for a
specific time period. Ms. Green replied that any period less than 10 years would not be cost
effective for the owners.
Ms. Green asked whether or not other uses permitted in the C2 zoning district required a
specific use permit. City Attorney Paul Wieneskie replied that only some uses in that district
require a specific use permit. Mayor Saleh said that city staff could provide Ms. Green with
a list of uses that would not require a specific use permit.
Mayor Pro Tem Baker moved to deny Specific Use Permit #96-13-SUP, for an auto sales
business within the C-2 (Community Business)zoning district at 1610 West Euless Boulevard
(Tract 2F1, A.M. Downen Survey, A-415).
Council Member Tyson seconded the motion.
Ayes: Council Members Tyson, Hogg, Miller and Edwards, Mayor Pro Tern Baker and
Mayor Saleh
Nays: Council Member Walker
Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried.
Mayor Saleh explained to Ms. Green that the city has put a lot of money and effort into
improving the southern portion of Euless by building a multi-million dollar golf course, an
athletic complex and had just purchased Softball World. The plans for this area include
attracting businesses which would accommodate those who will be using these facilities and
which will enhance this area. The Council felt that since there were already several used car
lots on Highway 10, there was simply not a need for another business of this type in this area.
ITEM NO. 5: APPROVAL OF SITE PLAN #96-15-SP
Bo Bass, Deputy Director of Development, reviewed Site Plan#96-15-SP,for the construction
of an 18,000 sq. ft. facility for an office/manufacturing business. Mr. Bass stated that the
Development Review Committee and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended
approval.
COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 11, 1996 PAGE 4
v.. Council Member Miller asked how many parking spaces would be provided and the number
of people the firm would employ. Dave Cox, a representative of Eberle Manufacturing, replied
that there would be 32 parking spaces, 2 of which are handicap and the estimated number
of employees is 15 to 20. Council Member Miller asked if Mr. Cox would consider using
stone all along the north side of the building. Mr. Cox replied that he had considered doing
so, but decided against it both because of the cost factor and also when the site next door
is developed it would be closer to the street and thus would cover that portion of this building.
Mayor Pro Tern Baker referred to the dumpster location in the back of the building and asked
if there would be enough room for the garbage truck to come down the driveway and turn
around or would the driver have to back all the way down the driveway. Mr. Cox replied that
the Development Review Committee had raised this question. Mr. Cox said he believed the
truck would be able to back around the back of the building and then go out the side drive.
Mr. Bass said that the Development Review Committee looks at the standard turning radius
of fire trucks as well as tractor trailer trucks and also looks at screening requirements for
dumpsters. Mayor Pro Tern Baker replied that he did not have concerns about the truck
coming in and being able to turn the corner, but questioned if the truck would be able to get
out without backing all the way down the 280' drive. Mr. Cox stated that if the truck was not
able to turn around, the driver could back up 90' to the loading dock and then turn around.
Assistant City Manager Joe Hennig asked Fire Chief Lee Koontz how the Fire Department
would handle this situation. Chief Koontz replied that the building is fire sprinklered and so
does not require access around the entire building.
‘``" Council Member Walker moved to approve Site Plan #96-15-SP requested by Dave Cox for
the construction of an office/manufacturing business within the I-1 (Heavy Industrial) zoning
district at 1351 Westpark Way (Lot 1C, Block C, International/Regional Industrial Complex).
Council Member Miller seconded the motion.
Ayes: Council Members Tyson, Hogg, Miller, Walker and Edwards, Mayor Pro Tern
Baker and Mayor Saleh
Nays: None
Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried.
ITEM NO . 6: APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 96-942
Mayor Pro Tern Baker moved to approve Resolution No. 96-942, authorizing the city's special
counsel to dismiss all pending litigation with the D/FW International Airport Board, the Cities
of Dallas and Fort Worth, American Airlines, Inc., Delta Air Lines, Inc. and United Parcel
Service Co. and the Attorney General of Texas, provided those parties dismiss all pending
litigation against the City of Euless.
Council Member Hogg seconded the motion.
COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 11, 1996 PAGE 5
r.. Ayes: Council Members Tyson, Hogg, Miller, Walker and Edwards, Mayor Pro Tern
Baker and Mayor Saleh
Nays: None
Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried.
ITEM NO. 7: APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MAY 28, 1996 REGULAR
MEETING OF
Mayor Pro Tern Baker moved to approve the Minutes of the May 28, 1996 Regular Meeting
as presented.
Council Member Walker seconded the motion.
Ayes: Council Members Tyson, Hogg, Miller, Walker and Edwards, Mayor Pro Tern
Baker and Mayor Saleh
Nays: None
Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried.
ITEM NO. 8: REPORTS
ipr.
a) City Manager
In the absence of City Manager Tom Hart, Assistant City Manager Joe Hennig thanked the
Council for the time and effort they spent at the recent budget worksession. Mr. Hennig said
the Council should have a copy of the proposed budget by July 19. Mr. Hennig reported that
the Texas Star Golf Course is making good progress and the greens and fairways have been
hydromulched and sodded with hopes of opening next spring. Mr. Hennig said the city has
been released by the State to move forward on bidding the Parks at Texas Star. Bids will be
released on June 21 and will be brought before the Council for approval at the end of July.
Mr. Hennig applauded the Council's action on D/FW litigation, both in the past and at this
meeting, and stated it was time to move forward and work together.
b) City Attorney
City Attorney Paul Wieneskie stated he had nothing to report.
c) Staff
Bo Bass, Deputy Director of Development, gave an update on the library project. Mr. Bass
said the library is 99% complete, but there were a few items that had not been considered
�, in the plans that have been added expenses, such as a smoke detector in the book drop,
COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 11, 1996 PAGE 6
`.. clocks, fax machines and cash registers. Mr. Bass said he hoped these unexpected
expenses could be funded from money that should be left over in the construction and
furniture and equipment accounts.
Assistant City Manager Joe Hennig asked Mr. Bass if there were improvements to the existing
campus that would be made to tie the buildings together. Mr. Bass said that the
reconstruction of Sheppard Drive had been separated from the library construction project.
However, there is a large gap which must be repaired at the south end of Sheppard Drive
where the new curb and gutter was constructed for the library. Also, the road adjacent to the
Police Building which goes north to Trojan Trail does not have a curb which may present a
safety hazard. Two light fixtures on campus should be replaced to attain uniformity and some
employee parking lots need to be restriped.
Discussion took place regarding the trees on the south end of the library. Mr. Bass
responded that it was difficult to make a decision on whether to remove the trees since only
one of the three trees is a quality tree. Mr. Bass said that the trees would be removed when
SH183 widening takes place since they fall within the right-of-way for that project. Trees will
be planted to replace these trees and the present trees will be used as "nurse" trees to help
shade them while they grow. Mayor Pro Tern Baker stated he would like to see the trees
removed. Mayor Saleh asked Mr. Bass to look into the value of saving the trees as "nurse"
trees at least for one season to protect the newly planted trees from sun scald.
Mayor Pro Tern Baker moved to have the trees at the south end of the library removed.
Council Member Glenn Walker seconded the motion.
City Attorney Paul Wieneskie advised Council that since this item had not been placed on the
agenda for this meeting, they could not take action.
Assistant City Manager Joe Hennig suggested that staff work with the landscape company
to clean up around the trees and trim the trees to see if perhaps this would suffice for the
time being. Council Member Hogg commented that people driving down the freeway could
not see the front of the library because of these trees.
Finance Director Diana Ortiz introduced Lisa Pierce, Water Department Clerk, who also
serves as the collection clerk for the EMS collection program. Ms. Ortiz stated that the goals
of the program were to cover the cost of a collections clerk and to provide additional funds
through collection of delinquent funds and these goals have been met. Ms. Pierce explained
the cycle of EMS billing which begins with receipt of the ambulance runs from the Fire
Department. The data is entered into the computer and the billing is done every 2 to 3 days
which increases the cash flow when compared to monthly billing. Medicare claims are billed
electronically and Ms. Pierce projected that within two years all insurance billing would be
done electronically. Ms. Pierce pointed out that although she may have received complaints
about the size of a bill, she has never received a complaint about the service provided.
COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 11, 1996 PAGE 7
�.. If necessary, subsequent billings are sent at 30, 60 and 90 day intervals. At this point, an
attorney letter is sent stating they should contact the billing office to make arrangements for
payment or further collection will be necessary. If no attempt is made within 10 days to make
payment or make arrangements for a payment schedule, a report is made to the credit
bureau and it is written off as a bad debt.
Council Member Tyson asked what percentage of the amount paid is paid by insurance. Ms.
Pierce was not sure of the percentage billed to or paid by insurance, but will find out and
report back. Discussion took place on methods of collection, limiting delivery area and the
option of charging for mileage. Council Members asked staff to gather information on the
actual cost for ambulance runs, statistics on which hospitals are utilized, the charge for
mileage versus a flat charge, and a comparison of other cities' EMS charges to be presented
at the August budget retreat.
d) City Council
Council Member Katie Edwards congratulated Michelle Hastings, Julia Wakeley, Ray
McDonald and William Rumuly for the awards they received earlier in the meeting. Ms.
Edwards thanked the senior citizens who led the Pledge of Allegiance and Karin Vaught for
her rendition of "American the Beautiful" in observance of Flag Day.
Council Member Walker thanked Lisa Pierce for her conscientious work in EMS billing and
collections.
vs,
Council Member Charlie Miller thanked Lisa Pierce for her efforts to collect delinquent EMS
bills. Mr. Miller thanked Council Member Edwards for putting together an excellent program
in celebration of Flag Day. Council Member Miller said that he had an opportunity to fill in
for Mayor Saleh at a dinner honoring Tommy Neugent, who retired as Band Director at Trinity
High School after 24 years.
Mayor Pro Tern Baker said the citizens of Euless are fortunate to have an excellent EMS
program and thanked staff for their dedication to providing special care in a timely manner.
Council Member Hogg stated that he had occasion to use three different ambulance services
in various cities and was well taken care of and it is a very worthwhile service for the city to
offer its citizens.
Council Member Tyson told Lisa Pierce that he is very pleased with the work she is doing and
she is very much appreciated. Mr. Tyson recognized Bo Bass who has served as Project
Manager for the library and thanked him for the excellent job he has done. Mr. Tyson also
thanked Council Member Edwards for putting together a presentation for Flag Day which was
"above and beyond the call of duty."
Mayor Saleh joined Council Member Tyson in thanking Council Member Edwards for the
activities she planned in honor of Flag Day. Mayor Saleh told Lisa Pierce that she
�... appreciated the public relations work that she performs in addition to her regular duties.
COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 11, 1996 PAGE 8
r.. Mayor Saleh reported that she and Assistant City Manager Joe Hennig attended a North
Central Texas Council of Governments luncheon where the Cities of Euless, Hurst and
Bedford were presented with the first annual Regional Cooperation Award which recognized
efforts of cities working together. Mayor Saleh announced that at that same luncheon the
"Linda Keithly Award" was presented to Kay Godbey, City Manager of Burleson, and former
Assistant City Manager for the City of Euless.
Mayor Saleh asked if anyone in the audience wished to address the Council. Ms. Colette
Miles, 17 Abbey Lane, Euless, asked if the new Albertson's Store will sell wine. Mayor Saleh
replied that they will not because the city residents have not passed this local option. Council
Member Miller asked Director of Economic Development Tom Cox to provide Ms. Miles with
information on how to get this issue placed on the ballot. Mayor Saleh asked that this
information be provided to Council Members also.
ITEM NO. 9: ADJOURN
Mayor Saleh adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
APPROVED:
/'.0"/
Mary Lib aleh, Mayor
ATTEST: f"
. san Crim, •► C, City Secretary
wpwin\minutes\6-11-96.min