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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-08-27 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE EULESS CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 27, 1996 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Euless City Council was called to order by Mayor Mary Lib Saleh at 4:35 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27, 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 land acquisition as authorized by Section 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 7:05 p.m. for the consideration of the scheduled items. r•r Staff Members Present Tom Hart, City Manager; Bob McFarland, City Attorney; Susan Crim, City Secretary; Joe Hennig, Assistant City Manager; Gary McKamie, Police Chief; Rick Herold, Director of Community Services; Diana Ortiz, Finance Director; Tom Cox, Director of Administrative Services; Bo Bass, Director of Development; Don Wilson, Deputy Fire Chief; Vickie Smith, Accountant, Finance Department; Janina Jewell, Accountant, Finance Department; Jenny Kratz, Municipal Relations Coordinator; Cathy DiMaggio, Deputy City Secretary Visitors Jack Hill, Zoning Board of Adjustment; Ray Saleh; and other visitors as noted on the Visitor's Register. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Saleh led the Pledge of Allegiance. INVOCATION Council Member Tyson gave the invocation. COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 27, 1996 PAGE 2 Now ITEM NO. 1: AUDIENCE REQUESTED BY DON WEBB, MORRISDALE ESTATES Mr. Webb was not present to address the Council. CONSENT AGENDA Item No. 2 on the Consent Agenda was pulled to be considered later in the meeting in conjunction with Items 9 and 17. Council Member Miller moved to approve Items 3 and 4 on the Consent Agenda as follows: ITEM NO. 3: APPROVAL OF EXTENSION OF BANK DEPOSITORY CONTRACT WITH LANDMARK BANK-MID-CITIES Extension of bank depository contract with Landmark Bank - Mid-Cities for a period of one year (through September 30, 1997). ITEM NO. 4: APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 13, 1996 Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 13, 1996 as presented. Council Member Walker seconded the motion. Ayes: Council Members Tyson, Hogg, Miller, Walker and Edwards, Mayor Pro Tem Baker and Mayor Saleh Nays: None Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. REGULAR AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: PUBLIC HEARING ON THE CITY OF EULESS FISCAL YEAR 1996-97 BUDGET Mayor Saleh opened a public hearing at 7:07 p.m. to hear all interested citizen who wish to express their opinions on the City of Euless Fiscal Year 1996-97 budget. Finance Director Diana Ortiz reviewed the proposed 1996-97 budget highlights, including the General Fund, Water and Sewer Fund, Risk Management Fund and the Drainage Utility System Fund. Major increases in General Fund revenues include sales tax, franchise fees, municipal court fines and fees, grants and interest income. Recurring expenditures include a raise package for employees and new positions. One-time excess fund balances will be used for non-recurring capital items, including public safety apparatus, facility maintenance, equipment, computer hardware/software, start-up funds for a new fire-pumper, fire station land acquisition, Western Hills ,r acquisition and Main Street revitalization. COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 27, 1996 PAGE 3 'r• Water and Sewer Fund revenue increases are projected in sales and service and interest income. Water and Sewer Fund expenditures include a raise package for employees, meter calibration program and meter maintenance. Ms. Ortiz stated that the total proposed FY 1996-97 budget, including all funds, amounts to $39.8 million. Mayor Saleh asked if there were any proponents who wished to speak. Mr. Ray Saleh, 1400 Driftwood Drive, Euless, stated that he endorsed the balanced budget and commended the City Council and staff for proposing a balanced budget and also a reduction of 10% in the property tax rate. Mayor Saleh asked if there were any opponents who wished to speak. There were no opponents who wished to address the Council. Mayor Saleh closed the public hearing at 7:13 p.m. ITEM NO. 6: APPROVAL OF THE FIRST AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1211 Council Member Tyson moved to approve the first and final reading of Ordinance No. 1211, adopting the official operating and capital budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 1996 and ending September 30, 1997, and amending the budget for fiscal year beginning October 1, 1995 and ending September 30, 1996, including a transfer of $10,000 from the General Fund to the Insurance Fund. Mayor Pro Tem Baker seconded the motion. Ayes: Council Members Tyson, Hogg, Miller, Walker and Edwards, Mayor Pro Tem Baker and Mayor Saleh Nays: None Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 7: PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED TAX RATE Mayor Saleh opened a public hearing at 7:15 p.m. to hear public input on the proposed 1996 property tax rate. Finance Director Diana Ortiz stated that the proposed 1996 tax rate of .54498 is a 10.6% decrease from the 1995 tax rate of .606. The proposed tax rate absorbs the debt service for $5.2 million of bonds sold during this 1995-96 fiscal year, primarily for street projects. Mayor Saleh asked if there were any proponents who wished to address the Council. There were no proponents who wished to speak. COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 27, 1996 PAGE 4 Mayor Saleh asked if there were any opponents who wished to speak. Mr. Jack Hill, 616 Bent Tree Drive, Euless, stated that he felt the valuation of homes in the City of Euless is too high and this fact should be considered when the tax rate is set. Mayor Saleh explained that individuals who feel the valuation of their home is too high may appeal to the Tarrant Appraisal District. City Attorney Bob McFarland stated that the State of Texas requires that each County in the State establish its own appraisal district and the City of Euless has no authority to challenge the property appraisals for the city. There being no further opponents or proponents who wished to speak, Mayor Saleh closed the public hearing at 7:23 p.m. City Attorney Bob McFarland announced that the vote on the tax rate will take place at the September 10, 1996 meeting. ITEM NO. 8: APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 96-956 Finance Director Diana Ortiz explained that approval of Resolution No. 96-956 is necessary to accept the low bid of 5.749% interest rate from Southwest Securities and to issue $1,485,000 in bonds to complete Phase I of the athletic complex. Mayor Pro Tern Baker moved to approve Resolution No. 96-956, relating to the "Euless Development Corporation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 1996"; approving (i) the resolution of the Board of Directors of the Euless Development Corporation authorizing the issuance of such Bonds and (ii) the execution, on behalf of the City, of the Financing/Use Agreement relating to such financing by the Euless Development Corporation; resolving other matters incident and related to the issuance of such bonds; and providing an effective date. Council Member Hogg seconded the motion. Ayes: Council Members Tyson, Hogg, Miller, Walker and Edwards, Mayor Pro Tem Baker and Mayor Saleh Nays: None Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 10: APPROVAL OF SITE PLAN #96-10-SP Director of Development Bo Bass reviewed the request from Mr. Dennis de la Paz for site plan approval for the construction of an office/apartment clubroom/golf shop within the R-4 (Multi- Family Dwelling District - 16 units/acre), Lot 11-AR, Sotogrande Addition (1401 Sotogrande Boulevard). Mr. Bass stated that the Development Review Committee reviewed the site plan and found that it complies with the Unified Development Code requirements and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval at their August 20, 1996 meeting. Council Member Walker moved to approve Site Plan #96-10-SP for the construction of an office/apartment club room/golf shop within the R-4 (Multi-Family Dwelling District- 16 units/acre), v► Lot 11-AR, Sotogrande Addition (1401 Sotogrande Boulevard). COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 27, 1996 PAGE 5 Council Member Hogg 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. 11: APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 96-947 - ENDORSING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NORTH TEXAS TOLLWAY AUTHORITY Council Member Miller suggested that Council consider adding a clause to the resolution that approval is subject to all cities participating in drafting the legislation and final approval would not be given until all cities have had a chance to review the final legislation. Mayor Saleh commented that Representative Nancy Moffat will be submitting this legislation and we would have input by contacting her. Council Member Tyson agreed with Council Member Miller and would like to be assured that cities will be involved in the process of putting this legislation together. City Attorney Bob McFarland agreed to write Representative Nancy Moffat, Representative-Elect Todd Smith and Senator Chris Harris asking for the opportunity to review the proposed legislation and have input. Council Member Walker moved to approve Resolution No. 96-947, endorsing the establishment of a North Texas Tollway Authority, Mayor Pro Tern Baker 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. 12: APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 96-953 Council Member Hogg moved to approve Resolution No. 96-953, supporting removal of the sunset provision for the Crime Control and Prevention Act. Council Member Edwards 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. COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 27, 1996 PAGE 6 ITEM NO. 13: APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 96-954 Mayor Pro Tern Baker moved to approve Resolution No. 96-954, supporting reauthorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991. Council Member Edwards 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. 14: APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 96-955 Council Member Miller moved to approve Resolution No. 96-955, restricting the use of dedicated transportation funds for transportation purposes and in support of H. R. 842, Truth in Transportation Budgeting Act. Council Member Walker seconded the motion. Ayes: Council Members Tyson, Hogg, Miller, Walker and Edwards, Mayor Pro Tern r... Baker and Mayor Saleh Nays: None Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 15: APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 96-952 City Manager Torn Hart explained that approval of Resolution No. 96-952, determining the necessity for improvement of FM 157 from SH 183 to SH 121, will be the first step in the street assessment process and will legally allow the city to get estimates on the cost of the project and to determine would could be assessed. Mayor Pro Tern Baker asked if there was an estimate at this time of how much the assessment would be. Mr. Hart replied that he did not know how much the assessment would be, but an appraisal is done on the property and in no case can the assessment exceed the amount by which the value of the property is increased by the road improvements. Mr. McFarland further clarified that this is a joint project with the State of Texas and the assessment of the abutting property owners would only be allowed to the extent of the city's participation in the project. Mr. Hart said that discussions would be held with the City of Bedford regarding the assessment of property owners in the City of Bedford because such assessment would need City of Bedford approval. If the City of Bedford agrees to the assessment of its property owners, they also must begin to pass appropriate resolutions prior to the commencement of the project. New COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 27, 1996 PAGE 7 *goy Council Member Hogg moved to approve Resolution No. 96-952, determining the necessity for and ordering the improvement of a portion of FM 157, northward from State Highway 183 to State Highway 121. Council Member Edwards 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. 16: AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PURCHASE TRACT 4A, ABSTRACT 415, ALLEN M. DOWNEN SURVEY Mayor Pro Tern Baker moved to authorize the City Manager to make the minimum bid required at tax foreclosure sale and to purchase Tract 4A, Abstract 415, Allen M. Downen Survey (Western Hills Inn). Council Member Hogg seconded the motion. Ayes: Council Members Tyson, Hogg, Miller, Walker and Edwards, Mayor Pro Tern Nita. Baker and Mayor Saleh Nays: None Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 9: APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 96-957 City Manager Tom Hart explained that approval of Resolution No. 96-957 will allow the city to purchase equipment for the golf course which will total approximately $750,000, including two bids on this agenda (Item No. 2 and Item No. 17). Options to pay for this equipment include: 1) selling additional bonds at the time golf course bonds were sold, however, this would have meant paying for equipment which would depreciate before it was paid for; 2) lease/purchase through the equipment manufacturers; and 3) the recommended option of buying the equipment using a short-term note with an approximate interest rate of 5%. Council Member Walker moved to approve Resolution No. 96-957, declaring expectation to reimburse expenditures up to$750,000 with proceeds of future debt for the purpose of purchasing heavy equipment and golf carts. Council Member Edwards seconded the motion. Ayes: Council Members Tyson, Hogg, Miller, Walker and Edwards, Mayor Pro Tern Baker and Mayor Saleh COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 27, 1996 PAGE 8 Nays: None Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 2: AWARD OF BID NO. 96-16 Mayor Pro Tem Baker moved to award Bid No. 96-16 to Zimmerer Kubota, Fort Worth, Texas for two heavy duty utility tractors for the Texas Star Golf Course, in the amount of $36,578. Council Member Hogg 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. 17: AWARD OF BID NO. 96-26 Mayor Pro Tem Baker moved to award Bid No. 96-26 as follows: Item 1-6 21/22 inch Walk Behind Green Mowers plus options 1-4 to Professional Turf of Irving, Texas, in the amount of $25,694.34; Item 2-2 26 inch Walk Behind Green Mowers plus options 1-3 to Jacobson Turf of Carrollton, Texas, in the amount of $9,433.20; Item 3-3 Heavy duty utility vehicles with 2 spray rigs and 1 spreader and 1 top dresser to Professional Turf Products of Irving, Texas, in the amount of $52,207.35; Item 4-6 Light duty utility vehicles to Jacobson Turf of Carrollton, Texas, in the amount of $24,438.90. Council Member Hogg 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. 18: REPORTS a) City Manager City Manager Torn Hart had nothing to report. r.. COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 27, 1996 PAGE 9 b) City Attorney City Attorney Bob McFarland had nothing to report. c) Staff There was no staff report given. d) City Council Council Member Tyson thanked City Manager Tom Hart and Finance Director Diana Ortiz for their hard work on the budget and stated that this is a good budget for the citizens of Euless. Council Member Hogg stated that he was very pleased to pass a balanced budget and lower property taxes. Council Member Miller urged citizens to review a regional transportation study entitled, "Mobility 2010" and get in touch with representatives with their thoughts. Mayor Saleh reported that the Council and staff have committed a great deal of time to the budget and thanked the residents who attended the public hearing on the budget. Mayor Saleh commented that the proposed tax rate is 10% lower than last year's tax rate. ,tw Council Member Miller thanked Jack Hill for his comments during the public hearing on the proposed tax rate. Mr. Miller said he agreed there are some areas where houses are assessed for more than they can be sold, but there are other areas where this is not the case. ITEM NO. 19: ADJOURN Mayor Saleh adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m. APPROVED: ,1 Citatk Mary Lib SaMh, Mayor ATTEST: Aker Susan Susan Crim, . C, City Secretary