HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-02-22 Nob.
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
EULESS CITY COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 22, 2005
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Euless City Council was called to order by Mayor Mary Lib
Saleh at 4:05 p.m. on Tuesday, February 22, 2005, at the Euless Police Department,
1102 W. Euless Blvd., to tour the emergency operation center, the police
department records area, and the Municipal Court department. The meeting recessed
at 5:30 p.m. and reconvened at 5:45 p.m. in the precouncil room of City Hall, 201 N.
Ector Drive. Those present included: Mayor Mary Lib Saleh, Mayor Pro Tern Glenn
Porterfield, Council Members Carl Tyson, Leon Hogg, Linda Martin, Charlie Miller, and
Veva Lou Massey. The precouncil meeting included a financial report from Finance
Administrator Vicki Rodriquez and Finance Controller Gary Yakesch for the month of
January, 2005, and a review of agenda items. Closed session was held to discuss
pending litigation regarding personnel issue as authorized by Section 551.071 of the
Texas Government Code.
COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF SCHEDULED ITEMS - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The Euless City Council continued their meeting in the Council Chambers at 7:05 p.m.
for the consideration of scheduled items.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
City Manager Joe Hennig, Assistant City Manager Loretta Getchell, City Attorney James
Cribbs, City Secretary Susan Crim, Deputy City Secretary Becky Null, Fire Chief Lee
Koontz, Director of Public Works Ron Young, Director of Planning and Development
Mike Collins, Director of Parks and Community Services Ray McDonald, Assistant
Police Chief Bob Freeman, City Engineer Robert Barker, Planning and Development
Manager Eric Wilhite, Finance Administrator Vicki Rodriquez, Fleet and Facility
Administrator Kyle McAdams, Human Resources Manager J. T. Ackerman, Texas Star
General Manager Glenda Hartsell-Shelton, Public Works Manager Chris Barker, Library
Administrator JoAnn Rogers, Building Official Kurt Kasson, Inspection Services
Supervisor Richard Ross, Senior Inspector Jim Moy, Inspector Jesse Alfaro, Inspector
Jeff Lee, Planning Administrative Secretary Karla Dickerson, Planning Secretary Holly
Houston, Planning Secretary Laura Gore, Senior Civil Engineer Allen Harts, Senior Civil
Engineer Jim Bennett, Right-of-Way Consultant Albert Hall, Facility Field Tech Clay
Witt, Facilities Attendant Jerald Lively, Information Services Manager Dan McLain,
Communications/Marketing Manager Betsy Boyett, and Reserve Police Officer Clyde
... Cullum.
City Council Minutes Page 2 of 6 February 22, 2005
`r.• VISITORS
Ken Harp, John Sanders, Jo Svochak, George Moore, Jack and Caron Griffith, Billy
Owens, Alex Horton, Mike Utzman, and other visitors as noted in the visitor register.
INVOCATION
Pastor Ken Harp, Restoration Church, gave the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Cub Scout Pack No. 253 led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ITEM NO. 1 PRESENTATION OF EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH
Planning and Development Director Mike Collins and Eric Wilhite, Manager, introduced
Holly Houston, Secretary, and Mayor Saleh presented her with a plaque for being
selected employee of the month for March.
ITEM NO. 2 PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION
Mayor Saleh presented a proclamation proclaiming February 23, 2005, Rotary Day in
`41., the City of Euless to Rotarians City Manager Joe Hennig, Mayor Pro Tern Glenn
Porterfield, Council Members Charlie Miller and Carl Tyson, and Jo Svochak.
ITEM NO. 3 PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION
Mayor Saleh presented a proclamation to Ron Young, Robert Barker, Allen Harts, Albert
Hall, and Jim Bennett, proclaiming February 20 - 26, 2005, as National Engineer's
Week.
CONSENT AGENDA
Council Member Hogg motioned to approve Consent Agenda Items numbered 4
through 6.
Mayor Pro Tem Porterfield seconded the motion.
Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tern Porterfield, Council Members Tyson, Hogg, Martin,
Miller, and Massey
Nays: None
Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried.
City Council Minutes Page 3 of 6 February 22, 2005
ITEM NO. 4 APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 05-1197
Approved Resolution No. 05-1197 declaring a public necessity for the acquisition of a
parcel of real estate required for the reconstruction improvements to Raider Drive from
South Pipeline Road to State Highway 10.
ITEM NO. 5 RECOMMENDATION TO TARRANT COUNTY TO AWARD A
CONTRACT FOR CDBG PROJECT NO. B04-UC-48-0001-22-50
Approved recommendation to Tarrant County to award a contract for CDBG Project No.
B04-UC-48-0001-22-50 for the replacement of water mains in the Park Crestmoor
Addition to Skyline Excavation, 3660 W. Highway 199, Springtown, Texas, 76092.
Tarrant County Community Development will pay $111,094 of the total amount of
$145,713 with the City of Euless providing $34,619 and agreeing to authorize up to an
additional $7,286 to cover authorized change orders.
ITEM NO. 6 APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of February 8, 2005.
REGULAR AGENDA
ITEM NO. 7 PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
NO. 04-04-UDC AND TABLING OF FIRST AND FINAL READING OF
ORDINANCE NO. 1679
Mayor Saleh opened the public hearing at 7:22 p.m. regarding Ordinance No. 1679
creating a new Chapter 40 "Gas Drilling & Production," of the Code of Ordinances.
Director of Planning and Development Mike Collins stated the Unified Development
Code currently establishes that oil and gas extraction requires a specific use permit in
all zoning districts. There are currently no specific standards, conditions, or
requirements established regarding the various activities associated with gas drilling
and production. Since the City of Euless is located within the Barnett Shale area, it has
become realistic that the City of Euless could see drilling activity. He stated that most
drilling activity occurs within the first 18-22 days. Once the drilling rigs are removed, the
well site will be screened with landscaping and should not be visible. This ordinance
establishes a minimum distance of 600 feet from the center of the well site where the
drilling rig would be in operation to any occupied structure in the city. The noise created
from the operation at this distance would fall below the already established level which
constitutes a nuisance.
There being no proponents or opponents, Mayor Saleh closed the public hearing at 7:31
p.m.
�r.. Council Member Miller pointed out that the city council will have the power to grant a
variance to the 600 foot distance requirement from any public or private building. He
also inquired if this use would be allowed in the TX 121 Gateway District.
•
City Council Minutes Page 4 of 6 February 22, 2005
Mike Collins stated that it would be allowed in any part of the city with a specific use
N.• permit.
In response to a question, City Attorney James Cribbs stated that the ordinance would
not have to go back to the Planning and Zoning Commission if the council wanted to
exclude the use from the TX 121 Gateway.
Mayor Pro Tem Porterfield asked if the same provisions applied to public lands as well
as private, and Mike Collins stated yes.
Council Member Miller motioned to table Ordinance No. 1679 to March 8, 2005,
creating a new Chapter 40 "Gas Drilling & Production," of the Code of Ordinances in
order to review the provisions regarding insurance and the area of operators over $25
million in net worth in terms of how we would consider the possibility that they could
waive bond requirements or insurance requirements based on their financials.
Council Member Massey seconded the motion.
Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tern Porterfield, Council Members Tyson, Hogg, Martin,
Miller, and Massey
Nays: None
'N,a„ Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried.
ITEM NO. 8 PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
NO. 04-06-UDC AND APPROVAL OF FIRST AND FINAL READING
OF ORDINANCE NO. 1680
Mayor Saleh opened the public hearing at 7:36 p.m. regarding amending Section 84-
232, "Definitions," Article VI, "Sign and Street Graphics Regulations," of Chapter 84,
"Unified Development Code."
Director of Planning and Development Mike Collins stated that when the recent
amendments to the sign ordinance were considered in November 2004, the ordinance
was approved with one major revision establishing that banners will only be approved
for use as part of a special event permit. The proposed amendments in Ordinance No.
1680 will establish clear definitions to enable the uniform and consistent application of
the provisions of the sign ordinance.
There being no proponents or opponents, Mayor Saleh closed the public hearing at 7:39
p.m.
Council Member Hogg motioned to approve Ordinance No. 1680 amending Section 84-
232, "Definitions," Article VI, "Sign and Street Graphics Regulations," of Chapter 84,
"Unified Development Code."
Council Member Martin seconded the motion.
City Council Minutes Page 5 of 6 February 22, 2005
Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tern Porterfield, Council Members Tyson, Hogg, Martin,
�••- Miller, and Massey
Nays: None
Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried.
ITEM NO. 9 REQUEST FROM GEORGE MOORE TO ADDRESS CITY COUNCIL
George Moore, 1104 Aransas Drive, Euless, Texas, addressed the council regarding
alleged damages that occurred on his property during storm drainage improvements
and called for the resignation or dismissal of the city managers and several engineering
and inspection staff.
ITEM NO. 10 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Caron Griffith, 600 E. Alexander Drive, Euless, Texas, addressed the council regarding
the lack of police action in response to trespassers on the Dickey Apartment property
and the danger brought about by the debris left upon the removal of gas lines after the
utilities were discontinued.
Alex Horton, 806 Little Creek Drive, Euless, Texas, addressed the council regarding
emergency warning sirens not being heard inside buildings.
ti..
ITEM NO. 11 REPORTS
STAFF REPORT
There was no staff report.
CITY MANAGER
City Manager Joe Hennig thanked the employees and citizens who were so kind,
generous, and loving to the family of Bill Ridgway during the last week after the loss of
his wife, Marcy. He stated that once again it is an example of how this city will step
forward when they need to support people and do the right thing.
CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney James Cribbs had nothing to report.
CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Pro Tem Porterfield extended sympathy to Bill Ridgway regarding the loss of his
wife, Marcy, and stated he grieves with the Ridgways. He said that Marcy was an
uncommon woman who always had a smile and whose countenance was encouraging
to all those who met her. He congratulated Holly Houston for being selected employee
of the month. He stated that those in the audience, who didn't know the staff members
City Council Minutes Page 6 of 6 February 22, 2005
who were talked about by citizens during the comments tonight, could end up with the
wrong perception. He stated he feels sorrow for the people who feel they have been
hurt by this city, but that he has a difficult time assessing blame in the direction it was
placed tonight.
Council Member Miller congratulated Holly Houston. He stated you couldn't meet a
more wonderful person than Marcy Ridgway, and he was proud of everyone who
offered comfort to the Ridgways. He said Marcy would be missed. He stated he
presented a proclamation at Texas Star at a gathering to remember the 60th anniversary
of Iowa Jima. He noted there are two sides to every story and believes the issues
brought up tonight by citizens will get resolved. He stated that staff does a good job and
is the best municipal staff in the United States.
Council Member Martin congratulated Holly Houston and stated she is a delightful
young lady. She congratulated Fire Chief Lee Koontz on becoming a first time grandpa
this past week. She heard everyone had a great time at the Valentines sock hop and
was sorry she missed it because she was out of town. She stated she also holds Gary
and Paula McKamie, after her recent surgery, and the Ridgways in her heart. She said
her life was richer for having known Marcy and she would never forget her smile. She
asked for continued prayers for them.
Council Member Tyson congratulated Holly Houston, noting that she does a good job.
He pointed out that the employees have the city at heart. He is behind the employees,
and he believes they do everything they can to make this city better.
Mayor Saleh stated it had been a sad week because of the circumstances surrounding
the Ridgways and Paula McKamie, and stated she would continue to keep both of them
in her prayers. She noted that Holly Houston and Clay Witt are engaged to be married
in June. She stated it was fun to recognize the engineers and Rotarians with
proclamations. She presented a proclamation at the Rotarian luncheon today and
noted that several of the people who started the local Rotary Club were in attendance.
She stated that it is always disappointing to be criticized so harshly when she knows
that staff tries hard to respond to the citizens. She said that we might not always do
everything right or when citizens want it to happen, but we do try to please almost
50,000 citizens. She felt that council and staff were harshly criticized tonight on some
items that were not true. She said the council appreciates when citizens come forward,
and she assured them that city staff will get back with them. She said she has faith and
confidence in the city council and the city staff, and if she did not, she would not be
sitting where she is today because it is not an easy job. She said she knows the staff
works hard to do the right thing for the citizens.
ITEM NO. 12 ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Saleh adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
Mary Lib leh, Mayor Susan Crim, C C, City Secretary