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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/20/1981 City Council 0009 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY HELD ON JULY 20, 1981 A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas, was called to order at 7:30 p.m. with the following members present: Richard Turner Mayor Scott North Councilman Freeman Upchurch Councilman Norman Adeler Councilman Charles Dodds Councilman and with Councilman Gary Shipman not in attendance due to vacation; however, a quorum was established. 1. BRIEFING SESSION The Council did meet in a briefing session from 7:30 to 8 p.m. to review the following agenda items. No action was taken at this time. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilman Dodds moved that the minutes of the July 6 regular meeting be approved as presented. Seconded by Councilman Upchurch, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 3. RECEIVE REPORT REGARDING THE MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT BOND ELECTION TO BE HELD AUGUST 1, 1981 Mayor Turner introduced Tom Forrest, the Municipal Utility District Manager, at this time. Mr. Forrest stated that the upcoming bond election .was a confusing one to many citizens, and he appreciated having the opportunity to present a brief report to the Council at a public meeting. He stated that since 1974 the district has grown from 884 acres to 3,706 acres and from 12 residents to approximately 13,000 residents. It is anticipated that the momentum of growth which has been established in prior years will be continued and perhaps accelerate by the increased develop- ment in north Dallas, south Collin and southeast Denton Counties. He added that The Colony has been growing at an average rate of about 800 water connections per year and, if this rate of growth continues, the population within The Colony will reach 24,000 by 1985 or about 8,000 water and sewer customers. Along with this growth, it is also expected that the rate of commercial growth will increase in the next few years, placing additional demands on the water and wastewater system. This growth creates three problems: 1. Based on the projections of population, it is predicted that the existing water supply and storage facilities will be marginally adequate to meet demands through 1982, but will not be sufficient in the following year. In order to provide service for 8,000 connections, an additional water supply must be provided in the amount of at least 3.7 MGD. 2. A second problem is one that is familiar to all citizens, and that is the quality of our water. Mr. Forrest stated that, although the water pumped from the Trinity Sands Acquifier meets the primary drinking water standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency, the well water is not without problems. He stated further that, even if the quality of water was tolerable, it is highly unlikely that the Texas Department of Water Resources would approve an additional well for The Colony, because since 1974 the Texas Department of Health has encouraged the District to provide a higher quality of water when it was available. Purchase of treated surface water from Dallas will exceed their requirements. -1- 000912 3. Mr. Forrest then stated that the District in 1974 was authorized to issue $25,300,000 in a combination tax and revenue bond and, at this time, $7,365,000 of this is unissued. This unissued amount was to be used for bringing surface water to The Colony. However, when these bonds were approved, a 10% limit on the interest rate at which they could be sold was required. The Legislature has since raised that interest rate ceiling to 15%, but it also provided that the bonds must be re-voted if originally approved at the 10% limit. Therefore, based on that criteria as well as increased costs, the Board felt that it was advisable to call a second bond election for $8,300,000 to bring surface water to The Colony. Mr. Forrest stated that the Board did not consider a tax increase or a water and sewer rate increase this budget year and, by 1986, this project would require no more than $6.00 per month per residence, provided there was not a large amount of commercial growth which would, of course, lower that rate. He stated that if residents had any further ques- tions, he would be happy to answer them at any time. Councilman Dodds asked Mr. Forrest to clarify why The Colony is not building their own treatment plant. Mr. Forrest stated that the initial cost of a water treatment plant is at least $12,000,000 and the ongoing cost of opera- tion from year to year is very expensive; therefore, the Board along with their advisers decided that a water main would be the most economical route for providing water. Several people were concerned regarding the recent rate increase in Dallas, and Mr. Forrest clarified that this rate increase in Dallas would not affect the City of The Colony. There followed further discussion regarding the quality of the water and how our well water will be mixed with Dallas water, as well as further explanation of financing. Mayor Turner asked Mr. Forrest if perhaps absentee voting could be continued until after regular office hours at some time during the required period. Mr. Forrest said he would look into this and get with Janice Carroll, City Secretary, who is conducting absentee voting for the District. 4. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION TO THE 4TH OF JULY COMMITTEE Mr. Rick Herold, Director of Parks and Recreation, commended the Committee for their hard work in the implementation of the new policies and new activities for the 4th of July. Mayor Turner then presented Certificates of Appreciation to George Gillett, Wanda Gillett, Rose Ashman, Joan Lux and Linda Rollins who was not present at this meeting. 5. RECEIVE PROGRESS REPORT ON PARK GRANT STATUS Mr. Herold told the Council that Randall & Blake have started construction on all of the park grant sites. At the John S. Yates Park, the major problem has been the movement of gravel, however, this rough dirt work should be finished by July 18. At the North Colony Park, unfortunately Mr. Herold noted one large tree had to be removed because it fell in the middle of a multi-purpose field. Rough dirt work there will also be finished by July 18. Turner Street Park at this time has just been staked, and dirt work will begin soon. According to Randall & Blake, all construc- tion is on schedule, and all of the work is set to be completed by October 13, 1981, Mr. Herold said. 6. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED NAMES FOR THE CITY PARKS NOW BEING DEVELOPED Mr. Herold explained to the Council that this information was needed at least eight weeks prior to the dedication of the parks so that appro- priate plaques could be made. He stated this was on the Park & Recreation Board agenda, and the park board would like for the Council to consider the following names: 1. Powerline Park--T.P. & L. easement 2. Arbor Glen Park--12 acres located south of Arbor Glen Rd. 3. Colony Historical Park--historical marker at Blair Oaks and South Colony Blvd. 4. The Complex--the North Colony fields next to the middle school 5. North Colony Park--North Colony grant park 6. Bridges Park--John S. Yates Park -2- 000913 Mr. Herold told the Council further that he had looked into the background of this area through the Denton County Historical Society and received much information regarding the Bridges Settlement, which was the basis for the name Bridges Park. The Council was concerned with some of the names presented and did not feel prepared to take action at this meeting. Mayor Turner stated that the Council should take this under consideration, and advised them it would be back on the August 3 meeting for action. 7. CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF TRACTOR BIDS AND CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION ORDINANCE ON SAME Mr. Savage stated that after a rebid on these items, the staff did recom- mend awarding the contract to the low bid presented by Trinity Equipment Company in the amount of $5,256; the only other bid received was from Ben Griffin Ford in the amount of $6,171.59. Upon review, the Council con- curred with this decision and Councilman North moved to award the bid to Trinity Equipment Company in the amount of $5,256 and to approve the passage of the authorization ordinance on same. Seconded by Councilman Dodds, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Ail members present voted aye Noes: None 8. CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF ATHLETIC FIELD LIGHTING BID AND CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION ORDINANCE ON SAME Mr. Savage stated that the staff had reviewed the basic bid and made a further study of installation cost. It was determined by Mr. Herold that the movement and resetting of these lights would be at a cost to the city of approximately $3,000 to $5,000 and, therefore, total cost of the lights could run as much as $13,000. The cost for new lights, according to one electrical company estimate, would run between $16,000 and $18,000, which would include installation. Based on these cost figures, Mr. Savage told the Council that Rick Herold, Director of Parks & Recreation, recom- mended that the bid be rejected at this time. However, Mr. Savage advised the Council that they had three optioms: To accept the bid, reject the bid or table the bid. After a brief discussion, Councilman North moved to table this item for further cost study. Seconded by Councilman Dodds, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 9. RECEIVE UPDATE REPORT REGARDING TRUCK PARKING ON PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAYS Mr. Savage presented the update information to the Council. He did advise them that the existing ordinance allowing the parking of commercial vehicles on streets wider than 36 feet did create a traffic flow problem. There are two courses of action that can be taken: 1. Amend this ordinance 2. Ban all parking of all vehicles on streets wider than 36 feet Mr. Savage did suggest that any action be deferred for further study and recommended that an appropriate ordinance be prepared for the August 3 meeting. The Council concurred with this recommendation and then briefly discussed a proper length of time to allow truckers to conform to this ordinance. Joel Marks, a member of the audience, was recognized and expressed his displeasure that he would not be able to park his truck anywhere within the city limits. The Council concurred again that they saw no alternative to this ordinance nor any area that would be conducive for the parking of trucks within the city. Councilman Adeler did invite Mr. Marks to bring back any alternative plans to the August 3 meeting for the Council's consideration. -3- 000914 10. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE CALLING BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING FOR AUGUST 3, 1981 Mayor Turner read aloud the following captioned ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS, PROVIDING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR OCTOBER 1, 1981 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 1982; PROVIDING A TIME AND PLACE FOR SAID PUBLIC HEARING, TO-WIT: ON THE 3 DAY OF AUGUST, 1981, AT 7:30 O'CLOCK P.M. AT THE COLONY CITY HALL; PROVIDING FOR NOTICE; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. __ Councilman Adeler moved to approve this ordinance. Seconded by Council- man North, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 11. RECEIVE REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL, SECTION 8.5, MILITARY LEAVE Mr. Savage advised the Council that it had been brought to the staff's attention by a police officer employed by the city that in accordance with state law, Article 5765 of Vernon's Ann. Civil Statutes, the city must pay full salary to employees involved in properly authorized military duty up to 15 days a year. Mr. Savage stated that the city attorney, Robert Dillard, was in agreement with this interpretation of the statute. Mr. Savage also stated that based upon review of this policy, the city would begin paying full salary while an employee is on military leave and that in the near future the personnel policies should be amended to reflect this change. 12. RECEIVE CITY MANAGER'S STATUS REPORT Mr. Savage told the Council that this would be a regular agenda item for the purpose of keeping the Council updated as to the day-to-day administra- _-. tive happenings within the city. He then advised the Council that the mayor, Councilman North and himself did have a meeting planned with Fox & Jacobs representatives to discuss the newly built stucco cottages and that he did expect to have a report to give to the Council next week. He also advised the Council that Frank Graham has requested to have a work session meeting with the City Council to review future growth plans for Fox & Jacobs. Councilman North at this time stated that he would like to see the staff hold the issuance of permits until this stucco problem was resolved and also prepare an ordinance prohibiting anything but a brick veneer in The Colony. Councilman Dodds disagreed with this limitation to brick, as did Councilman Upchurch. After further discussion, Mayor Turner did state that it was an appropriate time for the Council to meet with Fox & Jacobs on the future growth of The Colony and suggested that a work session be held possibly on a Sunday afternoon. He further directed Mr. Savage to request that the Planning & Zoning Commission also be in atten- dance. The Council did concur that this work session should be held at another place other than City Hall. Councilman North did add that Fox & Jacobs was very receptive to working with the Council regarding future con- struction and that this problem could be resolved on a timely basis. Mr. Savage advised the Council that Mr. Carroll, the owner of Carroll Trash Service, did request to meet with the Council to discuss the existing conK tract with the utility district. Councilman Adeler expressed concern that this might not be a wise thing to do prior to the bidding process; however, __ Mayor Turner did feel that Mr. Carroll did have a right to speak before the Council. After further discussion, it was agreed that Mr. Carroll could appear before the Council at the August 10 work session and also on this August 10 date, the schedule for the bid procedure would be discussed. On July 9, a meeting was held at the Department of Highways and Public Trans- portation regarding the widening of Denton Road. Mr. Savage stated that it -4- 000915 was encouraging to hear that Carrollton could provide assistance for the widening of Denton Road to Rosemeade Parkway. Based on this information, Mr. Yielding with the Highway Department felt that this would lend credence to a second request to the Highway Commission for assistance in this project. A priority during the next week, Mr. Savage stated, was to meet with Bill Parisi of Methodist Hospital regarding further negotiations and a written lease for the building owned by Methodist Hospital next to City Hall. Mr. Savage informed the Council that the first homicide in the city occurred on July 19 and that The Colony Police Department had requested that the party involved be charged with first-degree murder. Mr. Savage did meet with Mr. Ansley of the Office of Traffic Safety and was informed that our grant for barricades had been approved. CATV did have 190 homes wired for service by July 18, which is in accor- dance with the franchise agreement; however, Mr. Savage was unable to get a full report from CATV and would like to update the Council at a later date. Mr. Savage advised the Council that the Texas Municipal League's annual conference would be held October 24-27 and that the Council should be making plans to attend. In a memorandum from the Texas Municipal League to cities now over 10,000 in accordance with the U. S. Census, we were informed that longevity pay must be paid to police and fire personnel and that this amount must be incorporated into the budget. Regarding the budget, Councilman North stated that the Lions Club did commend the city manager on holding the tax increase to 5¢. 13. CLOSED DOOR SESSION DEALING WITH PERSONNEL A. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION B. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT & APPEALS Mayor Turner announced that the Council would meet in a closed-door session as authorized by Article 6252-17 of Vernon's Ann. Civil Statutes~and that no action would be taken during this session. 14. CONSIDERATION OF BOARD APPOINTMENTS TO PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AND BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT & APPEALS Upon reconvening in open session, Mayor Turner announced that there would not be any appointments to the Board of Adjustment & Appeals at this time; however, during the interview process, the Council did feel prepared at this time to appoint a member to the Planning & Zoning Con~nission. Council- man Dodds moved that Clarence Gary be appointed to a two-year term on the Planning & Zoning Commission. Seconded by Councilman Upchurch, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None At this time, as there was no further action to be taken by the Council, Councilman North moved that the meeting be adjourned. Seconded by Council- man Dodds, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None Mayor Turner adjourned the meeting at 1 · .m. ~-~ ATTEST: --5--