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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-08-28 `r- MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE EULESS CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 28, 2007 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Euless City Council was called to order by Mayor Mary Lib Saleh at 4:10 p.m. on Tuesday, August 28, 2007, in the Precouncil Conference Room of City Hall, 201 N. Ector Drive. Those present included: Mayor Mary Lib Saleh, Mayor Pro Tern Leon Hogg, Council Members Tim Stinneford, Linda Martin, Charlie Miller, Glenn Porterfield, and Perry Bynum. The precouncil meeting included: • A report by Director of Planning and Development Mike Collins and City Manager Gary McKamie regarding the reconstruction of Heritage Road; > A discussion led by Director of Economic Development Bill Ridgway regarding the solid waste and recycling franchises that are due to expire in early 2008; • A report from Director of Planning and Development Mike Collins and Fire Marshal Paul Smith regarding proposed amendments to the gas drilling ordinance; > A review of the July financial reports by Finance Director Vicki Rodriquez; • A presentation by City Attorney Bob McFarland regarding conflict of interest and disclosure of business interest by elected and appointed officials; > and the review of agenda items. The city council convened into closed session at 6:40 p.m. for deliberation of contemplated litigation regarding Composite Investment/Three New Millennium as authorized by Section 551.071 and deliberation concerning real property as authorized by Section 551.072 of the Texas Government Code. They reconvened into open session at 6:52 p.m. 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 scheduled items. STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT City Manager Gary McKamie, Deputy City Manager Loretta Getchell, City Attorney Bob McFarland, City Secretary Susan Crim, Deputy City Secretary Becky Null, Director of Council Disposition Page 2 of 11 August 28, 2007 Economic Development Bill Ridgway, Director of Public Works Ron Young, Fire Chief `or- Lee Koontz, Police Chief Mike Brown, Finance Director Vicki Rodriquez, Director of Parks and Community Services Ray McDonald, Director of Planning and Development Mike Collins, Assistant Police Chief Bob Freeman, Assistant Police Chief Harland Westmoreland, Assistant Fire Chief Robert Isbell, Fire Training Chief Dale Skinner, City Engineer Robert Barker, Planning and Development Manager Chris Barker, Public Works Manager J. T. Ackerman, Human Resources/Risk Administrator Carolyn Marshall, Texas Star General Manager Glenda Hartsell-Shelton, Library Administrator Kate Lyon, Police Lt. Wayne Pavlik, Police Lt. Joe Kraft, Police Sgt. Gary Landers, Battalion Chief John O'Brien, Fire Lt. Danny Phillips, Fire Lt. Jerry Sutton, Driver Engineer/EMT Steve Mayo, Driver Engineer/Paramedic Tommy Rush, Driver Engineer/Paramedic Lance Judd, Firefighter/Paramedics Robert Hopkins, Tom Tyre, Aaron Schmidt, Jon Evans, Scott Evans, George Grim, Kenneth Wroblski, and Jeremy Goodman, Firefighter/EMTs Rusty Cade and Stephen Dacus, Special Events/Projects Supervisor Michael Davenport, Police Dispatcher Cynthia Pena, Fire Secretary Melissa Thomas, Victim's Assistance Coordinator Kathy Haecker, Facilities Tech Jerald Lively, Information Services Administrator Dan McLain, Computer Services Specialist Jake Dilliplane, Communications/Marketing Manager Betsy Boyett, and Reserve Police Officer Clyde Cullum. VISITORS Mike and Kristi Christenson, Jimmy, Sondra, and Tyler Beck, Kiah Pena, Lisa, Halle and Hunter Phillips, George and Margie Good, John Schleeter, Don Martin, Faye Stinneford, Dylan Ratliff, Lisa Bynum, Jan Hogg, John Haecker, Helen Voss, Keith Eggers, Jerri Keller, Jake Thomasson, Helen Wagner, Sharon Finnegan, Barney Snitz, Carroll Scott, Billy Owens, and others as noted in the visitor register. INVOCATION Father Tom Kennedy, St. Michael Catholic Church, gave the invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council Member Charlie Miller led the Pledge of Allegiance. ITEM NO. 1 PRESENTATION OF EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH FOR SEPTEMBER Police Chief Mike Brown introduced Police Dispatcher Cynthia Pena and her daughter, Kiah. Mayor Saleh presented Cynthia with a plaque for being selected employee of the month for September. ITEM NO. 2 PRESENTATION OF EMPLOYEE SERVICE PIN Fire Chief Lee Koontz introduced Fire Lieutenant Danny Phillips, his wife, Lisa, daughter, Halle, son, Hunter, and mother and father-in-law George and Margie Good. Mayor Saleh presented Danny with a 30-year service pin. Council Disposition Page 3 of 11 August 28, 2007 ITEM NO. 3 PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION r..r Fire Chief Lee Koontz introduced Driver Engineer/Paramedic Mike Christenson, who retired on June 30, 2007, and his wife, Kristi. Mayor Saleh presented Mike with a proclamation recognizing his retirement with over twenty-five years of service. ITEM NO. 4 PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION Director of Parks and Community Services Ray McDonald introduced Horticulture Foreman Jimmy Beck, who retired on July 31, 2007, his wife, Sondra, and son, Tyler. Mayor Saleh presented Jimmy with a proclamation recognizing his retirement with over twenty-seven years of service. She also presented Jimmy with a book containing the descriptions he had written about the plants he placed in the City Council Chambers over the years. ITEM NO. 5 PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION Council Member Bynum presented Assistant Police Chief Bob Freeman with a proclamation proclaiming September as National Preparedness Month. ITEM NO. 6 PRESENTATION OF RECOGNITION Mayor Saleh noted that James Gordon was out of town and will attend a later council meeting to be recognized as "S.T.E.P. Officer of the Year for the State of Texas". ITEM NO. 7 PRESENTATION OF TEXAS FESTIVALS AND EVENTS ASSOCIATION AWARDS Director of Parks and Community Services Ray McDonald and Special Events/Projects Supervisor Michael Davenport reported that the following awards have been received by the City of Euless from the Texas Festivals and Events Association: Best Organization Newsletter - Euless Today, Arbor Daze Edition Best Cover Design - Euless Today, Arbor Daze Edition Best Volunteer Program —Arbor Daze Best Environmental Program —Arbor Daze Best Educational Program — Stars Over Euless Best Children's Programming — Bicycle Rodeo ITEM NO. 8. APPROVAL OF TEMPORARY USE PERMIT NO. 07-08-CC Council Member Miller motioned to approve Temporary Use Permit No. 07-08-CC for the Greek Food Festival on Lot 6 and portion of Lot 7, Alexander-Cullum Addition, located at 303 Cullum Drive, for three days on September 21 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., September 22 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and September 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Council Member Bynum seconded the motion. Council Disposition Page 4 of 11 August 28, 2007 Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tern Hogg, Council Members Stinneford, Martin, Miller, Porterfield, and Bynum Nays: None Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 9 APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 07-1261 Council Member Porterfield read the new Vision Statement written by the City Council: Our vision for Euless, Texas, is a progressive community with economic diversity, recognized for its quality shopping, cultural, educational and recreational amenities and community planning that focuses on the quality of life with a strong emphasis on public safety and a stable base of dedicated employees. We envision additional new job opportunities in health care, industrial and technological commerce and retail trades. The City's proactive leadership will maintain a sound fiscal policy with a balance between single and multi-family housing. Persistently searching out new economic development opportunities, we foresee continuing and consistent revitalization and redevelopment to prevent deterioration in appearance or quality of business facilities, residences, or infrastructure. This includes constantly updating code requirements and enforcement. Additionally, we are committed to a compatible business relationship with the DFW Airport and our neighboring communities. Council Member Martin motioned to approve Resolution No. 07-1261 establishing a new Vision Statement for the City of Euless. Council Member Stinneford seconded the motion. Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tern Hogg, Council Members Stinneford, Martin, Miller, Porterfield, and Bynum Nays: None Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 10 PUBLIC HEARING FOR EULESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BUDGET FOR FY 2007-2008 Mayor Saleh opened the public hearing for the Euless Development Corporation (EDC) Budget for FY 2007-2008 at 7:46 p.m. Director of Finance Vicki Rodriquez stated the Euless Development Corporation met on August 13 and recommended approval of the proposed budget for FY2007-08. The EDC budget is supported by a half cent sales tax approved by the citizens of Euless in �` 1993 for the exclusive purpose of economic development, park and library projects. Council Disposition Page 5 of 11 August 28, 2007 The EDC is expected to begin FY 2007-08 with a fund balance of $1,995,252 and to receive sales tax revenue and related interest totaling $4,027,903. Proposed operating expenditures total $3,317,238 and fund a portion of the park, library and economic development personnel, supplies, equipment, library books, economic development incentives, and debt service on outstanding bonds. The FY2007-08 budget includes the addition of a seasonal field tech to assist with park maintenance, converting two part-time library aides to a full-time office tech, and includes one time capital expenditures totaling $2,113,113. If approved as submitted, this fund would have an estimated ending fund balance of $592,804, which exceeds the board's recommended minimum reserve level of $500,000. Currently 17% of the total budget is committed to debt service. Proposed capital expenditures include carryover of several existing projects which were funded during the FY2006-07 budget totaling $73,113. These include the monument sign program, ESL library programs, aerial photos of the city, trail enhancements, an update to the park master plan, and contract laborers to keep our parks properly maintained. In addition, new capital funding is recommended in the amount of $2,040,000 in FY08 for a multi-bay masonry storage bin for the parks maintenance staff, a metal shade structure to be located near the soccer fields at the Parks at Texas Star, and funding for a transfer to the capital projects fund for economic development incentives. There being no proponents or opponents, Mayor Saleh closed the public hearing at 7:49 p.m. ITEM NO. 11 APPROVAL OF EULESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BUDGET FOR FY 2007-2008 Council Member Stinneford motioned to approve the Euless Development Corporation (EDC) Budget for FY 2007-2008. Council Member Bynum seconded the motion. Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tem Hogg, Council Members Stinneford, Martin, Miller, Porterfield, and Bynum Nays: None Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. Council Disposition Page 6 of 11 August 28, 2007 ITEM NO. 12 HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING FOR CITY OF EULESS FY 2007-2008 OPERATING & CAPITAL BUDGET Mayor Saleh opened the public hearing for the City of Euless Operating and Capital Budget for FY 2007-2008 at 7:51 p.m. Director of Finance Vicki Rodriquez stated the preliminary budget was presented to the city council at a budget work session at the beginning of August. A copy of the budget is on file in the City Secretary's Office, the city's website, and the library. The budget includes funding for revitalization and redevelopment throughout the city, the addition of three firefighter/paramedics, and a cargo trailer for the fire department. The General Fund is the largest fund and supports the primary governmental functions such as public safety, street maintenance, parks, recreation, library, code enforcement, etc. The FY2008 budget includes resources of $33.3 million, of which $29.6 million is expected from current revenues, and $3.7 million represents a planned drawdown of excess reserves to cash flow several capital and one-time expenditures. Sales tax represents the largest revenue source at 28% of total revenues, with property taxes making up the second largest source at 27%. The remainder of the funding for this budget is derived from franchise fees, fines, permits and other miscellaneous sources. Projected property tax revenue is based on a tax rate of 47.000 per $100 of assessed value, which is a decrease of almost 2¢ from the current rate of 48.950. Proposed General Fund expenditures total $33.3 million, which include capital and one- time expenditures of $3.7 million and departmental expenditures totaling $29.6 million, of which 48% is dedicated to public safety. Increases in the current year budget are attributed to a 5% salary package for employees, increased funding for the city's health insurance plan, an increase in payments relating to rebate agreements, three firefighter/paramedics and on-going funding for sidewalks, traffic signals and street lighting. Proposed capital expenditures include funding to continue the street overlay program, funding for the design of a new senior center and land acquisition for the facility, expansion at the library to include study rooms and additional office space, improvements at Midway Recreation Center including a new roof and flooring, and funding for revitalization and redevelopment throughout the city. The second largest operating fund is the water and sewer fund with proposed resources totaling $16.9 million, of which $16.5 million is expected from current revenues, primarily water and sewer user charges (89%); and $368,100 is a planned drawdown of excess reserves to cash flow capital and one-time expenditures. Proposed expenditures of the water and sewer fund total $16.7 million. This budget covers the cost of purchasing water from Trinity River Authority (TRA), the cost of sewer treatment by TRA, all expenses associated with water production and distribution, meter reading and billing, debt payments, overhead expense and infrastructure replacement. Council Disposition Page 7 of 11 August 28, 2007 Increases in this budget are attributed to a 5% salary package for the water and sewer `.► personnel, increased funding for the city's health insurance plan, increased payments to TRA due to an increase in cost, the addition of a part-time utility billing clerk, and capital expenditures including computer equipment, water meter and transponder replacements, and replacement of several water and sewer lines. Projected water revenue is based on a proposed increase of 17¢, which will bring the cost per 1,000 gallons to $2.97. Projected sewer revenue is based on a proposed increased of 210, which will bring the cost per 1,000 gallons to $2.21. The city purchases most of its water from TRA and has all sewage treated by TRA. These projected increases are based on information from TRA indicating that our cost will be increasing by an equivalent amount due primarily to increases in their utility costs (electrical). These increases are subject to change (up or down), pending final budget approval by the TRA board. The cost of water and sewer in the City of Euless remains competitive in comparison to area cities. The car rental fund is fully supported by a 5% tax that was authorized by the citizens of Euless in 1999 to be imposed on the short term rental of motor vehicles. Due to a revenue sharing agreement with Dallas and Fort Worth, a consolidated car rental facility was built at DFW Airport and located within the boundaries of the City of Euless. Two- thirds of the revenue from this facility is rebated to the owner cities of the airport. The remaining third has allowed the city to cash flow numerous projects, including construction of a new fire station and a new public works facility, and a complete remodel of city hall and the finance building. In addition, this fund has also provided funding for drainage improvements, street improvements, and upgrades throughout the city parks. The proposed budget for FY2008 includes estimated total baseline revenues of approximately $13.7 million with a net of$5 million after rebate. Based on council direction, a portion of these funds support general government operations and general obligation debt service, which has a direct reduction on the property tax burden. Additionally, a portion of these funds will be allocated for the design of drainage improvements along Hurricane Creek, including the bridge at Marlene Drive, funding for an expansion of the conference centre located at the Texas Star Golf Course, and funding for economic development incentives. Other projects of note include $430,000 of drainage improvements, and $785,000 of street improvements. The city has several other special revenue funds, debt service funds, internal service fund, and enterprise funds that are included in the city's total budget. Details of these funds can be found in the Preliminary Budget that is on file in the library, in the City Secretary's Office or on the City's website. Council Disposition Page 8 of 11 August 28, 2007 In summary, the city's total resources for all operating funds are projected at $102.1 million, which includes $88.1 million in revenue and $14 million in cash reserves. Proposed operating expenditures total $97 million, which includes $83 million of operating costs and $14 million of capital and one-time expenditures that are being funded from cash reserves. Comparing to the previous year, while total expenditures increased approximately $16 million, most of this is attributed to increases for capital projects which vary from year to year. The budget includes over $12 million for capital projects, including land acquisition and design of a senior center, the expansion of the Texas Star Conference Centre, improvements to the library and the Midway Recreation Center, funding for economic development incentives and redevelopment/revitalization projects throughout the city, and debt reduction. The remaining $4 million increase from operating funds is attributed to a salary and benefits package, increased utility costs, and an increase in rebates and incentives related primarily to the DFW Car Rental Facility and the Shops at Vineyard Village. Baseline operating increases are minimal. Mayor Saleh asked for any proponents. Billy Owens stated that he thought the proposed senior center was great. There being no additional proponents or opponents, Mayor Saleh closed the public hearing at 8:01 p.m. City Manager Gary McKamie stated that this is the first time that the amount received from sales tax is larger than the amount received from property tax. ITEM NO. 13 APPROVAL OF FIRST AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1782 Council Member Martin motioned to approve the first and final reading of Ordinance No. 1782 adopting the City of Euless Operating and Capital Budget for FY 2007-2008. Council Member Stinneford seconded the motion. Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tern Hogg, Council Members Stinneford, Martin, Miller, Porterfield, and Bynum Nays: None Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. r.. Council Disposition Page 9 of 11 August 28, 2007 ITEM NO. 14 RATIFICATION OF THE PROPERTY TAX REVENUE INCREASE °�- REFLECTED IN THE FY 2007-2008 BUDGET Mayor Pro Tern Hogg motioned to ratify the property tax revenue increase reflected in the City of Euless Operating and Capital Budget for FY 2007-2008 in accordance with the requirements of HB 3195. Council Member Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tem Hogg, Council Members Stinneford, Martin, Miller, Porterfield, and Bynum Nays: None Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 15 APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Council Member Stinneford motioned to approve the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of August 14, 2007. Mayor Pro Tem Hogg seconded the motion. Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tern Hogg, Council Members Stinneford, Martin, Miller, Porterfield, and Bynum Nays: None Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 16 PUBLIC COMMENTS Billy Owens stated his appreciation for the amount of detail in the budget information presented to the audience. ITEM NO. 17 REPORTS STAFF REPORT Police Chief Mike Brown introduced Police Lt. Wayne Pavlik who gave a presentation on what the police department is doing to keep children safe. He stated that the city is part of the Child Abduction Response Team (CART) comprised of area cities including Hurst, Bedford, Colleyville, Grapevine, Haltom City, North Richland Hills, Richland Hills, Keller, Southlake, and the U.S. Marshal's Office. Another program, Sex Offender Registration Check, has aided them in increasing their oversight of registered sex offenders living in Euless, of which there are currently 64. The police department has also implemented NetSmart, an educational, interactive computer safety program for adults and children. Council Disposition Page 10 of 11 August 28, 2007 CITY MANAGER City Manager Gary McKamie noted that the Vision Statement adopted tonight stressed public safety, and he stated that the council and staff will continue to stress public safety in Euless. He stated that the police and fire departments do a wonderful job. He reported that on September 11, the council will be asked to adopt the reduced tax rate of 470. The water and sewer rate increase will also be on that agenda. He stated that the 130 water and 150 sewer increases last year were not passed through to the citizens. He noted that there will be additional increases this year and increases of 170 per 1,000 gallons of water and 210 per 1,000 gallons of sewer will be passed through this year effective October 1. He thanked Deputy City Manager Loretta Getchell and Finance Director Vicki Rodriquez, as well as those in each department who worked on the budget. He also thanked Finance Department Accountants Cathy Rygiewicz and Diana Ayala for their tremendous efforts in preparing the budget. CITY ATTORNEY City Attorney Bob McFarland had nothing to report. CITY COUNCIL Council Member Stinneford congratulated Police Dispatcher Cynthia Pena on being selected employee of the month, Officer James Gordon for being S.T.E.P. Officer of the Year for the State of Texas, Betsy Boyett, Jeff Towne and Michael Davenport on the awards received from the Texas Festivals and Events Association, Fire Lt. Danny Phillips on receiving his 30-year service pin, and Mike Christenson and Jimmy Beck on their retirement. He stated that he attended the physical agility test for new firefighters the previous Saturday and commented on how difficult that test was. Mayor Pro Tem Hogg expressed thanks to all the employees. He stated that while he was out of town in East Texas, he heard that Helen Wagner and Sharon Finnegan celebrated as they watched the Dickey Apartments being torn down. Council Member Martin congratulated Cynthia Pena noting she has a very difficult job as dispatcher. She also congratulated Danny Phillips, Mike Christenson, and Jimmy Beck for their recognition. She noted that the Citizens Fire Academy Alumni Association recently learned there are 55 families in Euless directly impacted by Muscular Dystrophy and stated that the CFAAA members will be answering the phones Labor Day weekend for the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. Council Member Miller congratulated all the employees and Parks and Community Services on their awards received tonight. He stated that Vicki Rodriquez's first budget presentation was outstanding, and that Wayne Pavlik gave a great report on the police programs. He stated he attended the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD convocation, and that Bear Creek Elementary staff expressed appreciation for Euless' support and attendance. Council Member Porterfield congratulated those honored tonight, and thanked those who have served the city so well. Council Disposition Page 11 of 11 August 28, 2007 Council Member Bynum stated that Fire Chief Lee Koontz was at a meeting he attended "► and represented Euless well. He thanked Vicki Rodriquez on her presentation, and stated that Gary McKamie and Bob Freeman were well prepared for any emergency management response that could have been needed during the recent threat of Hurricane Dean. Mayor Saleh noted that last Friday, the city accepted a new Dodge SUV from Allen Samuels Dodge for use by the COPS program. She stated her appreciation for support from Allen Samuels Dodge. She thanked staff and the council for all their work on the budget, and noted that it was the best budget ever because of teamwork. She wished everyone a good Labor Day holiday. ITEM NO. 18 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Saleh adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m. APPROVED: 4teat Mary Lib s aleh, Mayor ATTEST: � c 041&'// / .IIL vsan Crim, T' Cr-City Secretary