HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-04-14 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
EULESS CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 14, 2009
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of. the Euless City Council was called to order by.Mayor Mary Lib._
Saleh at 4:08 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2009, in the Precouncil Conference Room of
City Hall, 201 North Ector Drive. Those present included: Mayor Mary Lib Saleh, Mayor
Pro Tern Linda Martin, Council Members Tim Stinneford, Leon Hogg, Donna Mickan,
Glenn Porterfield, and Perry Bynum.
During the precouncil meeting:
> Mayor Saleh reported on the Tarrant County Mayors Council meeting she
recently attended where an update was given on the Stimulus Program funds.
She also attended the Trinity Railway Express Advisory Committee meeting and
reported on the parking expansion that is planned for three of the stations.
> City Secretary Susan Crim announced upcoming city activities and events.
�.. > Texas Star General Manager Glenda Hartsell-Shelton distributed an article by
the Dallas Morning News in which the Texas Star Golf Course was ranked
number 11 in the Top 50 public golf courses in Texas and was ranked number 10
in the Top 25 Most Expensive Courses in Texas.
> In response to questions regarding the Crime Prevention ordinance discussed at
the previous meeting, Police Chief Mike Brown presented information regarding
the estimated costs that would be required for the installation of a camera
system, a drop safe and an alarm system. The time frame for the phase in of the
ordinance was also discussed.
> Director of Planning and Development Mike Collins presented additional
information on the sign ordinance that highlighted provisions of wall signs
including painted-on wall signs and window and kiosk signage.
> Director of Public Works Ron Young reviewed the Water Conservation Plan
required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to be
implemented before May 1, 2009, by retail public utilities that provide potable
water service to 3,300 or more connections. He stated that most of the things
required by the Plan are already being done by the City of Euless.
> Recreation Superintendent Michael Davenport gave an update on Arbor Daze
activities planned for Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, on the City Hall
Campus.
City Council Minutes Page 2 of 9 April 14, 2009
• Communications/Marketing Manager Betsy Deck showed a video of the
'�- employee volunteer work day that was held recently at a home on Ridgecrest
Drive, which was done in conjunction with Restoration Church.
> Library Administrator Kate Lyon reported that the Friends of the Library would be
holding a Book Sale at the Library on Friday through Sunday, April 17 — 19.
> Deputy City Manager Loretta Getchell stated that a vacancy on the Tarrant
Appraisal District (TAD) Board was created recently by the death of a member.
Council Members were advised that they are eligible to nominate someone for
the replacement.
• Director of Finance Vicki Rodriquez presented a financial update on sales and
car rental tax receipts paid for February, 2009.
> Deputy City Manager Loretta Getchell gave an update on capital projects
including the Redi Mix building, the selection of an architect for the Senior Citizen
Center, and the need to replace the fence at the Parks at Texas Star.
> Director of Public Works Ron Young gave a Capital Projects update on sidewalk,
water and sewer, street overlay, street light, drainage, median beautification, and
traffic signal projects. He reported on the progress of the Trinity River Authority
(TRA) transfer service main being constructed along Westpark Way.
> City Attorney Bob McFarland gave a legislative update regarding proposed bills
affecting ad valorem taxes, appraisal caps, and revenue caps.
> The agenda items were reviewed.
The City Council convened into closed session at 6:30 p.m. for deliberation regarding
contemplated or pending litigation concerning Merced vs. Euless, Overton vs. Euless,
and Azadpour vs. Euless, as authorized by Section 551.071 of the Texas Government
Code. They reconvened into open session at 6:45 p.m.
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 scheduled items.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
Deputy City Manager Loretta Getchell, City Attorney Bob McFarland, City Secretary
Susan Crim, Deputy City Secretary Becky Null, Director of Public Works Ron Young,
Director of Economic Development Bill Ridgway, Fire Chief Robert Isbell, Police Chief
Mike Brown, Director of Finance 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, City Engineer
Robert Barker, Assistant Director of Planning and Development Chris Barker, Assistant
Public Works Director J. T. Ackerman, Texas Star General Manager Glenda Hartsell-
City Council Minutes Page 3 of 9 April 14, 2009
Shelton, Fleet and Facility Administrator Kyle McAdams, Library Administrator Kate
`ow Lyon, Purchasing Manager Mike Lowry, Police Lieutenant Danny Neill, Special Projects
Manager Kay Godbey, Engineering Administrative Secretary Cynthia Daniel,
Purchasing Technician Jennifer Rhodes, Senior Police Officer David Parker, Police
Public Service Officer Howard Smith, Fire Battalion Chief Gary Thompson, Fire Captain
Keith Smith, Fire Lt. Bill VerSteeg, Fire Lt. Kip Smith, Driver/Engineer George Buttler,
Driver/Engineer Brad Smith, Firefighter I/EMT Cody Delmere, Firefighter I/Paramedics
Ashley Howard, Brad Walton, and Brian Vann, Firefighter II/Paramedics George Grim,
Michael Hanks, Josh Williams, Tommy Crist, David Johnson, Cliff Moore, David Cooper,
Shawn Soule, and Aaron Schmidt, Records Clerk Jolie McManus, Information Services
Administrator Dan McLain, Computer Services Specialist Brett Bennett, and
Communications/Marketing Manager Betsy Deck.
VISITORS
Courtney Blevins, Blanca, Dakota and Landon Grim, Nicole Hanks, Margie Hanks, Betty
Smith, Cameron Moilanen, Bailey McManus, Faye Stinneford, Dylan Ratliff, Lisa
Bynum, Helen Voss, Susan Rogers, Jerrie Keller, Iris Elliott, Diane Hildreth, Tim Powell,
Barney Snitz, Sandra Crowley, Jake Thomasson, Don Horton, John Schleeter, and
others as noted in the visitor register.
INVOCATION
Council Member Donna Mickan gave the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Perry Bynum led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ITEM NO. 1 PRESENTATION OF EMPLOYEE SERVICE PINS
Director of Finance Vicki Rodriquez introduced Purchasing Technician Jennifer Rhodes
and her son, Cameron. Fire Chief Robert Isbell introduced Firefighter II/Paramedic
George Grim, and Firefighter II/Paramedic Michael Hanks. George Grim introduced his
wife, Blanca, and sons, Dakota and Landon. Michael Hanks introduced his wife, Nicole,
and mother, Margie. Police Chief Mike Brown introduced Public Service Officer Howard
Smith and Senior Police Officer David Parker. Howard Smith introduced his wife, Betty,
and sister-in-law, Cynthia Daniel.
Mayor Saleh presented 5-year service pins to Jennifer, George, Michael, and Howard,
and a 10-year service pin to David.
ITEM NO. 2 PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION
Council Member Stinneford presented a proclamation to Library Administrator Kate
Lyon proclaiming April 12 - 18, 2009, as National Library Week. Kate recognized
Library Foundation President Sandra Crowley and Library Board member Barney Snitz,
who were present in the audience.
City Council Minutes Page 4 of 9 April 14, 2009
�•- ITEM NO. 3 PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION
Council Member Porterfield presented a proclamation to Director of Parks and
Community Services Ray McDonald proclaiming April 24, 2009, as Arbor Day in the City
of Euless.
ITEM NO. 4 PRESENTATION OF TREE CITY USA FLAG AND AWARD
Courtney Blevins, Regional Urban Forester with the Texas Forest Service presented a
Tree City USA Flag and award to Mayor Saleh and Director of Parks and Community
Services Ray McDonald. He noted that this is the city's 22nd year to receive the
recognition and that there are only approximately 60 communities in the State to have
achieved this award.
ITEM NO. 5 PRESENTATION OF ANNUAL REPORT BY ALLIED WASTE
SERVICES
Diane Hildreth, Manager of Business Development with Allied Waste, presented the
annual report regarding solid waste pickup. She reported that Allied had over 1,170,000
direct contacts with Euless customers last year and they picked up 35,941 tons of trash.
ITEM NO. 6 PRESENTATION OF QUARTERLY WASTEWATER REPORT
Director of Public Works Ron Young presented the quarterly wastewater report for
January through March, 2009. He stated that the wastewater calls for service have
continued to decline, and he attributes that to the commitment of the City Council to
replace the aging wastewater infrastructure in the City.
REGULAR AGENDA
ITEM NO. 7 AUTHORIZED CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN INTERLOCAL
AGREEMENT
Mayor Pro Tern Martin motioned to authorize the city manager to execute an interlocal
agreement with the City of Richardson for the purchase of firefighter bunker gear in the
estimated expenditure of $16,000 and the purchase of future goods and services.
Council Member Stinneford seconded the motion.
Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tern Martin, Council Members Stinneford, Hogg,
Porterfield, Mickan, and Bynum
Nays: None
Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried.
City Council Minutes Page 5 of 9 April'14, 2009
�.. ITEM NO. 8 AUTHORIZED CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN INTERLOCAL
AGREEMENT
Council Member Bynum motioned to authorize the city manager to execute an interlocal
agreement with Tarrant County regarding the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act (ARRA) to receive stimulus funding through the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
Program Award. The City of Euless' portion of these allocated federal funds is $61,820.
Of this amount, the fee for grant administration, based on an existing formula in place
with Tarrant County, is 16% or $9,891. The remaining $51,929 will be utilized for police
department equipment.
Council Member Mickan seconded the motion.
Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tem Martin, Council Members Stinneford, Hogg,
Porterfield, Mickan, and Bynum
Nays: None
Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried.
ITEM NO. 9 AUTHORIZED CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AN
AGREEMENT WITH REDICO, INC.
The City of Euless has identified an area generally bounded by SH 121, SH 10 and FM
157 for potential long-term redevelopment and desires to contract with Redico, Inc.
(Redico), a real estate, construction, and property management firm.
Redico will provide predevelopment consulting and related services that will be broken
into two phases: Phase I will be to conduct a feasibility study based on a determination
of the highest and best land uses, market evaluation, and financial analysis, which will
include a listing of land uses that are most likely to locate in the target area, and the
type and amount of public financial incentive that would likely be required to encourage
the development to actually happen. After completion of Phase I, if the City Council
determines that it is favorable to those land uses and supports the financial incentives
required, then Redico will begin Phase II.
Phase II will consist of developing a conceptual site layout of the proposed land uses,
preparing a draft planned development ordinance establishing entitlements for the
property and development standards under which the project would be constructed, and
completing an environmental assessment. Along with the work product contained in
Phase I, development of a master developer's agreement would begin as well.
Redico will be paid $100,000 for each phase. Phase I will be completed in FY 2009 and
Phase II will be completed on or before April 1, 2010. Redico will reimburse the City of
Euless for those fees upon completing financing of the contemplated development.
City Council Minutes Page 6 of 9 April 14, 2009
Council Member Porterfield motioned to authorize the city manager to negotiate and
`r- execute a professional services agreement with Redico, Inc., One Town Square, Suite
1600, Southfield, Michigan, 48076, to provide predevelopment consulting and related
services for the area generally bounded by SH 183, SH 10, and FM 157 for potential
long-term development for an amount not to exceed $100,000 for each phase
completed, which allows up to an additional $5,000 to be spent on other architectural
and site plan services. Expenses above $5,000 will require city manager approval.
Council Member Stinneford seconded the motion.
Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tem Martin, Council Members Stinneford, Hogg,
Porterfield, Mickan, and Bynum
Nays: None
Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried.
ITEM NO. 10 APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 09-1308
Council Member Hogg motioned to approve Resolution No. 09-1308 supporting an
application to establish a Municipal Setting Designation for a tract of land located at 924
Avenue J East, Grand Prairie, Texas.
N,,. Council Member Bynum seconded the motion.
Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tem Martin, Council Members Stinneford, Hogg,
Porterfield, Mickan, and Bynum
Nays: None
Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried.
ITEM NO. 11 APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Council Member Stinneford motioned to approve the minutes of the regular City Council
Meeting of March 24, 2009.
Council Member Mickan seconded the motion.
Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tem Martin, Council Members Stinneford, Hogg,
Porterfield, and Mickan
Nays: None
Abstentions: Council Member Bynum
Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried.
City Council Minutes Page 7 of 9 April 14, 2009
ITEM NO. 12 REQUEST TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL
John Schleeter addressed the city council requesting the council's support of Texas
Senate Bill 1481 which would allow citizens to be part of an aggregation power group to
receive lower electric rates.
ITEM NO. 13 PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
ITEM NO. 14 REPORTS
STAFF REPORT
Library Administrator Kate Lyon gave an update on the Euless Library, which included
circulation statistics and information on recent spring break activities, the Masterwork
performances, the upcoming edible book contest, the new downloadable audio books
program, the Friends of the Library book sale, plans for Arbor Daze Kidz Zone, and this
year's Summer Reading Club. She stated that library usage is up considerably over last
year at this time and contributed the increase to the economy. She reported that 570
people also received free income tax assistance.
CITY MANAGER
Mayor Saleh stated that City Manager Gary McKamie was out of town. Deputy City
Manager Loretta Getchell had no additional report.
CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Bob McFarland had no report.
CITY COUNCIL
Council Member Hogg announced the following winners of the 2008 Police Department
Awards who were recently recognized at their annual banquet:
Officer of the Year Ralph Suarez
Civilian of the Year Tammy Barnes
Supervisor of the Year Kim Althouse
Distinguished Service (Sworn) Bryan Gardner
Distinguished Service (Civilian) Demetrie Washington
Michael Williamson Memorial
Rookie of the Year Jacob Hansen
Reserve Officer of the Year Tony Williams
Blackie Sustaire Award Richard Wong
Volunteer of the Year Eric Bessemer
Certificate or Merit Todd Bellah
Citizen Police Academy Alumni
Association Volunteer of the Year Leah Benoit
City Council Minutes Page 8 of 9 April 14, 2009
Mayor Pro Tern Martin congratulated Purchasing Technician Jennifer Rhodes,
�► Firefighter II/Paramedic George Grim, Firefighter II/Paramedic Michael Hanks, Police
Public Service Officer Howard Smith, and Senior Police Officer David Parker on
receiving their service pins. She thanked Director of Public Works Ron Young and
Library Administrator Kate Lyon for their reports. She thanked Director of Economic
Development Bill Ridgway for his work on the Hazardous Waste Day and Director of
Parks and Community Services Ray McDonald for his work on the Trash-Off. She
congratulated the Police Department award winners and announced the following
winners of the 2008 Fire Department Award winners who were recently recognized at
their banquet:
Civic Award Winners EFD Honor Guard
Rookie of the Year Joshua Schnitzius
EMS Provider of the Year Ryan Hayes
Fire Rescue Specialist of the Year Brandon Herron
Driver/Engineer of the Year Jacob Smith
Supervisor of the Year Bill VerSteeg
Fire Dept Employee of the Year James Rowell
Citizens Fire Academy Member of the Year Jerrie Keller
Council Member Mickan stated she enjoyed the police and fire award banquets, noting
the presentations were heartwarming and it was an honor to attend. She congratulated
Jennifer Rhodes, George Grim, Michael Hanks, Howard Smith and David Parker on
,.. receiving their service pins. She thanked Ron Young and Kate Lyon for great reports.
She stated she enjoyed Rhett Butler at the Library recently which was one of the
MasterWorks series. She thanked John Schleeter for keeping the city informed with his
thoughts and updates.
Council Member Porterfield stated he echoed the comments made about the employees
honored tonight. He noted that the tough economic times are floating down to the city
with the sales tax receipts being down. He stated that even though the directors have
been asked to save money, staff is dedicated to ensuring that the citizens continue to
receive quality service. He reminded everyone of Arbor Daze on April 25, and 26, and
stated he is proud of the Tree City USA designation Euless has received. He thanked
Allied Waste for the solid waste report and Ron Young for his wastewater report.
Council Member Perry Bynum noted that Texas Star General Manager Glenda Hartsell-
Shelton distributed a newspaper article to them about the excellent ranking Texas Star
Golf Course received. He stated the golf course is an amenity to the city and it is known
across the nation. He thanked Recreation Superintendent Michael Davenport for his
great report on Arbor Daze in precouncil. He thanked John Schleeter for his comments.
Council Member Stinneford congratulated Jennifer Rhodes, George Grim, Michael
Hanks, Howard Smith, and David Parker for their exemplary service. He noted that
approximately 40 city employees volunteered to help revitalize a home on Ridgecrest
v.. Drive, and stated he is proud of them. He thanked the volunteers who helped with the
Trash-Off and Hazardous Waste Day. He thanked Allied Waste for their help with these
and many other projects. He stated that John Schleeter cares about the citizens and
the political process.
City Council Minutes Page 9 of 9 April 14, 2009
Mayor Saleh stated the Texas Star Conference Centre has been remodeled and is now
+•- open. She stated it is a beautiful place, and Raven's Grille served over 500 on Easter
Sunday and expects over 600 on Mother's Day. She noted that the Easter Egg
Scramble was a success. She reminded everyone of the city council election to be held
on Saturday, May 9. She announced the candidates for Place 5 are Council Member
Glenn Porterfield and Eddie Price and Place 6 are Council Member Perry Bynum and
Lorren Britton. She stated the next council meeting will be Tuesday, April 28, at 7:00
p.m.
ITEM NO. 15 ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Saleh adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
APPROVED:
LAtieV-L-C211-1-1/3
Mary Lib Saleh
Mayor
siew
ATTEST:
Susan Crim, TRMC
City Secretary