Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-01-28 'r. MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE EULESS CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 28, 1997 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, January 28, 1997, in the 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 consideration of scheduled items. Staff Members Present Tom Hart, City Manager; Joe Hennig, Assistant City Manager; Bob McFarland, City Attorney; Susan Crim, City Secretary; Tom Cox, Director of Support Services; Bo Bass, Director of Development; Diana Ortiz, Director of Finance; Paul Kruckemeyer, City Engineer; Gary McKamie, Police Chief; Rick Herold, Director of Community Services; Ruth Alley, Personnel Manager;Andrea Baxter, Assistant City Engineer; Betty Yarbrough, Library Manager; Joey Ziemian, Police Captain; Rodney Davis, Police Captain; Bob Freeman, Police Lieutenant; Sheila Williams, Assistant Library Manager; Paula Myers, Library services; Carolyn Hoots, Library services; Scott Campbell, Administrative Assistant; Shelly Bird, Assistant to the City Secretary; Jenny Kratz, Municipal Relations Coordinator. VISITORS PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council Member Carl Tyson led the pledge of allegiance. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 28, 1997 PAGE 2 INVOCATION Mayor Pro Tern Bobby Baker led the Invocation. ITEM NO. 1: PRESENTATION OF EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR FOR 1996 Mayor Saleh presented plaques and gift certificates to Police Lieutenant Bob Freeman and Assistant Library Manager Sheila Williams for being Co-Employees of the Year for 1996. Mr. Freeman introduced his wife Julie, daughter Melanie, and son Bobby. Mrs. Williams introduced her husband Bruce and daughter Carol. ITEM NO. 2: SPECIAL PRESENTATION OF THE 1996 "CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR EXCELLENCE"BY THE MIDWEST SECTION OF THE TEXAS CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION Planning Services Manager Rod Tyler displayed the "Certificate of Achievement for Now Excellence" received by the City of Euless from the Midwest Section of the American Planning Association to recognize the city's commitment to professional city planning demonstrated by its administration, elected and appointed officials and the exemplary professional standards employed by its planning staff. Mr. Tyler stated that the City of Euless is one of twelve cities in the Midwest section to receive this award. Mr. Tyler added that the City of Euless received the award because we have a current master plan and because of the City's commitment towards educating the planning staff. ITEM NO. 3: SPECIAL PRESENTATION OF THE SPORTSPLEX OPERATORS AND DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION (SODA) NAMING SOFTBALL WORLD AT TEXAS STAR THE TOP SOFTBALL PARK IN AMERICA Community Services Director Rick Herold presented a plaque to Rick Lyle, General Manager of Softball World. Mr. Lyle explained that the Sportsplex Operators and Developers Association (SODA) is a professional non-profit organization of people who operate complexes across the country, and this year they named Softball World the "Complex of the Year" for their contribution to the softball community locally, regionally and nationally. Mr. Herold also announced that Mr. Lyle received the Director of the Year award from the United States Slowpitch Softball Association at the national convention for his dedicated Now efforts and untiring devotion to making USSSA what it is today in the State of Texas. Mr. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 28, 1997 PAGE 3 Lyle stated that he felt this award is a reflection of the entire City staff and City Council Members. ITEM NO. 4: APPROVAL OF SITE PLAN #97-03 - OAK FOREST ADDITION Planning Services Manager Rod Tyler gave a brief description of the site plan. Mayor Pro Tern Baker asked about the median cut adjacent to Harris Drive on Harwood Road. City Engineer Paul Kruckemeyer stated that they are trying to restrict traffic congestion at that intersection but that a left turn from westbound Harwood Road onto Harris Drive would not be prohibited. Mr. Kruckemeyer stated that this median is our request not the applicant's. Council Member Miller asked if the City planned to put up "No U-Turns" signs on Harwood Road. Mr. Kruckemeyer stated that would probably be necessary. Council Member Miller asked the applicant, Greg Mason, Development Director for National Auto Tech, 1190 Explorer Street, Duncanville, Texas, if all vehicles would be locked up after business hours. Mr. Mason stated that they do not leave vehicles in the parking lot, they do not sell cars off the parking lot, do not do major engine work or transmission work so they do not have cars sitting on the lot and it is their operating Nits I, policy that all vehicles be stored overnight inside the building. Mr. Mason added that this doesn't always happen, but the average stay of vehicles at their facility is 2-3 hours for minor service. Mr. Miller stated the City wants to make sure there is no outside storage problem that would require a fence, and if there is a storage problem later, we could not come back and require that a fence be put up. Mr. Mason stated that the garage would be open seven days a week so the owners of the vehicles could pick up their cars the next day, and that they would never stay for an extended period of time. Mr. Miller asked what type of screening fence would be constructed if it were required. Planning Services Manager Rod Tyler stated that a wood screening fence on metal posts would be required. Mr. Mason added that they do accomplish some screening on the site already with the landscaping, adding that they put in twice as much landscaping as is required by the C2 zoning. Mr. Mason stated that he felt the only additional screening necessary would be adjacent to the residential area. Mr. Miller stated that if there is any outside storage at the location, the city would require a fence. City Attorney Bob McFarland agreed that a fence would be required and added that if there are reports of violations, the owner would probably be given a customary notice and if it was not corrected or it occurred again they would be issued a citation for each and every time a violation occurred. Mr. McFarland told Mr. Mason that the code would require screening to be on all sides of the storage making it not visible from off the property. Mayor Pro Tern Baker motioned for approval of Site Plan #97-03 requested by Greg Mason, National Autotech, for general auto repair on Lot 6-R, Block 2, Oak Forest Nova, Addition with the following stipulations: CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 28, 1997 PAGE 4 1. The fire lane be constructed to the edge of the property or funds placed in escrow for its construction; 2. Median cuts in Harwood Road to be determined by the City at a later date and the developer be responsible for his portion of the costs; 3. The trash enclosure be equipped with screening gates; and 4. Screening for outside storage, including vehicles left overnight, to be completed to the satisfaction of the City's Planning Department. Council Member Edwards seconded the motion. Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tem Bobby Baker, Council Members Tyson, Hogg, Miller, Walker, and Edwards Nays: none Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 5: PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE 23RD YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 97/98 Mayor Saleh opened the public hearing at 8:00 p.m. to receive comments from citizens regarding the 23rd Year Community Development Block Grant projects for Fiscal Year 97/98. Planning Services Manager Rod Tyler reported that each year the City makes application for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds that are distributed through the Tarrant County Consortium of Cities. Part of the requirement in making application for CDBG funds is to obtain public input on proposed projects and that is the reason for the public hearing on this date. The public hearing was published on January 26, 1997 in the Mid-Cities News. Upon conducting the public hearing and the City Council making its selection, staff will submit the City Council's application to Tarrant County. Mr. Tyler stated that last year's CDBG project was the reconstruction and upsizing of a sanitary sewer line between Royce Drive and Clebud Drive. It was approved for funding and will be under construction later this year. Funding for the 23rd year is anticipated to be similar to last year's, from $120,000 to $140,000. The City's Development Review Committee is recommending the 23rd year CDBG project be the reconstruction of approximately 1200 linear feet of sanitary sewer pipe located between Simmons Drive and Royce Drive. There being no proponents or opponents Mayor Saleh closed the public hearing at 8:05 �•- p.m. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 28, 1997 PAGE 5 ITEM NO. 6: APPROVAL OF PROJECT SELECTION FOR 23RD YEAR CDBG PROJECT FOR FISCAL YEAR 97/98 Council Member Walker moved to approve the project selection for the 23rd Year Community Development Block Grant Project for fiscal year 97/98, concurring with the Development Review Committee's recommendation to reconstruct approximately 1200 linear feet of sanitary sewer pipe located between Simmons Drive and Royce Drive. Council Member Hogg seconded the motion. Council Member Miller requested the staff check into the possibility of the City having the option to choose a contractor for the project other than the one the County recommends, if necessary. Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tern Bobby Baker, Council Members Tyson, Hogg, Miller, Walker, and Edwards Nays: none Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. `,• ITEM NO . 7: APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE NO. 1227 Mayor Pro Tern Baker motioned for approval of Ordinance No. 1227 amending Chapter 82 of the Code of Ordinances to establish a speed limit on Fuller-Wiser Road from East Airport Freeway, westbound frontage road north to State Highway 360 southbound frontage road at a speed limit of 35 miles per hour. Council Member Hogg seconded the motion. Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tern Bobby Baker, Council Members Tyson, Hogg, Miller, Walker, and Edwards Nays: none Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 8: APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 97-963 AND ALTERNATIVE FUEL PROGRAM AGREEMENT Director of Support Services Tom Cox reported that the City has participated in the Texas Alternative Fuels Program for several years and currently has 19 vehicles that have been converted to propane as an alternative fuel. The program contributes $1,760 to convert each vehicle to a bi-fuel capability. He reported that we have had very good results with CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 28. 1997 PAGE 6 these conversions and the contribution to cleaner air is significant. j.. Council Member Hogg motioned to approve Resolution No. 97-963 authorizing the City of Euless to participate in the Texas Alternative Fuels Program and to authorize the execution of an agreement between the State of Texas and the City of Euless for funding of the Alternative Fuels Program. Council Member Edwards seconded the motion. Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tem Bobby Baker, Council Members Tyson, Hogg, Miller, Walker, and Edwards Nays: none Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 9: APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 97-964 Council Member Edwards motioned for approval of Resolution No. 97-964 waiving library user fees for students attending public schools in Euless but living in the City of Fort Worth and for teachers of public schools in the City of Euless. Council Member Walker seconded the motion. Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tern Bobby Baker, Council Members Tyson, Hogg, Miller, Walker, and Edwards Nays: none Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 10: APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 97-965 City Manger Tom Hart explained that Resolution No. 97-965 is being adopted so that proceeds for debt, City of Euless Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 1997, will be issued to acquire and improve existing facilities (3.066 acres located at 1315 Royal Parkway, Lot 9, Block C, International Regional Industrial Complex)for use as a service center and to convert existing facilities (Fleet Maintenance Service Center)for use as a fire station. This resolution will allow the City to make capital expenditures for these two projects and to reimburse such capital expenditures with proceeds of future debt. Mayor Pro Tern Baker moved to approve Resolution No. 97-965 declaring the expectation to reimburse expenditures with proceeds of future debt. Council Member Miller seconded the motion. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 28. 1997 PAGE 7 Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tern Bobby Baker, Council Members Tyson, Hogg, Miller, Walker, and Edwards No. Nays: none Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 11 RECEIPT OF CITY'S ANNUAL AUDIT AND COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT (CAFR) Council Member Tyson stated that the audit of the financial statements of the City of Euless for the Fiscal Year ended September 30, 1996, was prepared by Weaver and Tidwell,certified public accountants and consultants, and sets forth an unqualified opinion, the best opinion possible. He said there were no material errors in the City's financial papers that would distort the operations of the City. Council Member Tyson then moved to acknowledge receipt of the Annual Audit and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Council Member Walker seconded the motion. Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tern Bobby Baker, Council Members Tyson, Hogg, Miller, Walker, and Edwards Nays: none Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 12 APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER NO. 4 ON THE TEXAS STAR CLUBHOUSE CONTRACT Mayor Pro Tern Baker motioned for approval of Change Order No. 4 on the Texas Star Clubhouse contract in the amount of $36,366 for removal of debris that would create structural problems for the clubhouse. The cost of the change order will be paid out of the $60,000 contingency in the clubhouse contract. Council Member Edwards seconded the motion. Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tern Bobby Baker, Council Members Tyson, Hogg, Miller, Walker, and Edwards Nays: none Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 13 AWARD BID NO. 96-50, TEXAS STAR GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE FACILITY Council Member Miller motioned to award Bid No. 96-50 for the Texas Star Maintenance CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 28, 1997 PAGE 8 Facility construction contract to River Bend Contractors of Fort Worth, Texas, in the amount of $249,334. Council Member Walker seconded the motion. Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tern Bobby Baker, Council Members Tyson, Hogg, Miller, Walker, and Edwards Nays: none Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 14 APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 16, 1997 Council Member Hogg moved to approve the minutes of a regular City Council Meeting of January 16, 1997 with amendment to show Council Member Hogg made the motion on Item No. 18. Mayor Pro Tern Baker seconded the motion. Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tern Bobby Baker, Council Members Tyson, Hogg, Miller, Walker, and Edwards Nays: none Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 15 REPORTS City Manager Mr. Hart reported that the public hearing on the reconstruction project for Westpark Way had been held the previous week. Council Member Tyson stated the meeting went very well and added that everyone present at the hearing was very supportive of the project recognizing that the Marlene Drive intersection is dangerous and improvement of it was necessary. Mr. Hart stated that the contractor for the clubhouse at the golf course has indicated he is working very hard to meet the scheduled May opening, and the fencing and vertical construction at the Athletic Complex is progressing. Mr. Hart said an appraisal on the Western Hills Inn property has been obtained and it agrees with previous opinion that the cost of cleaning up the property will be greater than the value of the land and improvements. Mayor Saleh asked about the recent fire at the Western Hills Inn, and Fire Chief Lee o.. Koontz said the fire was set intentionally and the damage occurred in the same place as the last fire. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 28. 1997 PAGE 9 Mr. Hart related that the City of Grapevine has commissioned a study on the impact that DFW Airport has had on their City, and they have prepared a revenue sharing agreement for the Airport's acceptance. Mr. Hart reported that Fire Chief Lee Koontz had received a proposal from Phillips Swager Associates (PSA) regarding the renovation and expansion of the existing Vehicle Service Center for use as a fire station. Chief Koontz stated their architectural fee would be 12% and they have stated there are many variables in the job they cannot predict. Council Members Glenn Walker and Charlie Miller requested Mr. Hart negotiate a cap on the architectural fee of$75,000. Mayor Pro Tern Bobby Baker requested Mr. Hart obtain proposals from two architectural firms to obtain a competitive architectural fee. City Attorney City Attorney Bob McFarland said he had nothing to report that had not been reported in the precouncil session. Staff There was no staff report. Council Members Council Members Edwards congratulated Bob Freeman and Sheila Williams for being selected as Employees of the Year. Ms. Edwards reported that she attended the Town Hall meeting at South Euless Elementary School and said the platform used this year was better because citizens were able to be more involved in the meeting. Council Member Miller commented on a meeting he attended which involved recruiting the National Collegiate Athletic Association to relocate their headquarters to the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Mayor Pro Tern Baker stated that he was glad to see Mayor Saleh back. Council Member Hogg stated that he was happy to see the Mayor back. Council Member Tyson stated he was glad to see Mayor Saleh back to work and will be praying for her through her treatments. Mr. Tyson congratulated the Employees of the Year. Mr. Tyson reported he attended the TXDOT public hearing on the Westpark Way street construction project and reminded everyone the next Town Hall Meeting will be held Thursday night at Wilshire Elementary School. Council Member Tyson thanked Director of Finance Diana Ortiz for the job her department is doing which is evidenced by the good audit report. Mayor Saleh stated that she appreciated the concern and prayers of everyone. She said the Marquet of the Library sculpture, "Rapture of the Spirit", is now on display at the �..- Western American Bank. Mayor Saleh commented on the awards the Finance CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 28, 1997 PAGE 10 Department receives annually and said this speaks well of the Finance Department and Diana Ortiz. CLOSED SESSION Mayor Saleh convened a closed session to discuss personnel as authorized by Section 551.074 of the Texas Government Code. RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING The regular meeting was reconvened at 9:24 p.m. ITEM NO. 16 ADJOURN Mayor Saleh adjourned the meeting at 9:25 p.m. ATTEST: APPROVED: S an Crim, •MC/AAE Mary Lib aleh �.• City Secreta _ Mayor