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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/22/1982 City Council 00109 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY HELD ON MARCH 22, 1982 A REGULAR SESSION 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: Scott North Acting Mayor Larry Sample Councilman Norman Adeler Councilman Charlie Parker Councilman Charles Dodds Councilman and with no members absent; thus, a quorum was established. 1. BRIEFING SESSION g.t this time, Mr. Dan Savage, City Manager, reviewed the agenda with the Council. 2. CITIZEN INPUT Diane Foley was recognized. She told the Council that she was aware that an ordinance had been passed regarding parking of large trucks on the street. Her husband did drive a truck and was not allowed to park it on public streets, however, in the last several weeks she had observed a truck parked on city streets and felt that if this ordinance had been passed, there should certainly be no exceptions to it. In a brief discussion of this particular situation, she was advised that this particular truck that she had seen parked on the streets was in fact below the 4,000-pound carrying capacity, which was the definition of a truck per city traffic ordinance. Councilman Dodds did agree with her that, although it was not illegal, it did violate the spirit of the law and suggested that perhaps at some later date the Council review this ordinance. Councilman Parker also agreed that this ordinance should be reviewed in the future. In this discussion, they agreed that they should look at recreational vehicles, boats and other vehicles as well. Denise Brown was recognized and stated that she felt that tractors should be allowed to park in their own private driveways. Secondly, she was concerned that the Wal Mart store did not plan to provide any landscaping on their particular tract. The Council advised her that they had not reviewed the site plan at this time. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Janice Carroll, City Secretary, did ask that they provide to her the names of the landlords that had written to the city to be inserted into the March 10th minutes. These names were Margaret Carter and Carl R. Fisher, Councilman Adeler advised. At this time, Councilman Parker moved to approve the minutes of March 1 and March 10 as amended. This motion was seconded by Councilman Dodds. However, prior to passage, Councilman Sample did review some of the questions that were discussed at the March 10 meeting, and it was agreed that Question No. 16 should be corrected in that this was referred to the attorney for legal advice. Councilman Parker so noted that this was also an amendment to be included in his motion. At this time, Acting Mayor North called for a vote on the motion on the floor. The motion carried by the follow- ing roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 4. RECEIVE CITY MANAGER'S STATUS REPORT Mr. Savage advised the Council that the Police Department did give written tests Saturday in the process of obtaining two police officers, and the Fire Department will begin their newly-hired officers on April 5th. -1- 001096 He did warn the Council that the City Hall air conditioning as well as the Community Development air conditioning was out and needed substantial repairs, and that this cost would be brought before them in the near future. He then briefly updated them on the status of Stewart's Creek Park annexation proceedings. Mr. Savage then advised the Council that the City of Frisco had applied before the Public Utility Commission for permission to give water and sewer service to the land located to the north and east of The Colony city limits. He advised the Council that this area has been purchased by Tomlin Properties, it is located in Frisco's legal extraterritorial jurisdiction and that they were requesting that Frisco annex the property into their city limits. In a brief discussion of this matter, Councilman Sample stated that he was concerned about the Municipal Utility Distirct possibly extending their district boundaries far beyond The Colony's city limits. Mr. Savage then advised them that preliminary plans were continuing regarding the widening of FM 423. Southwestern Bell was beginning construction on the west side of the existing 423 right of way and that he had received a cost proposal from Denton County Electric Co-Op. in the amount of $41,859 to move their lines. He advised the Council that this was approximately $20,000 less than the estimate, and an authorization ordinance for this cost would be prepared for their next agenda. He advised the Council that the Planning and Zoning Commission did have their first working meeting, and they did approve the preliminary and final plat for a tract of land located directly behind Stop 'N Go, and that this will be presented to them for their consideration at the next Council rneeting. He stated that the Dallas Times Herald did have an article in their Sunday edition regarding crime in the Metroplex and that the City of The Colony was mentioned favorably in crime statistical information. He told them that he had received a call today from Fox & Jacobs, and they were considering building a test house made of modular components in Section 27. He stated that he was advised that this house would meet all codes of the city as well as comply with zoning. In a lengthy discussion of this item, Councilman Sample stated that the staff must review all plans prior to the building of this type of housing. Councilman Adeler felt that it was very important that it be clarified that the city staff could inspect electrical, plumbing, etc. only on the site and could not be expected to go to a factory to do this. Janice Carroll, City Secretary, then advised the Council that absentee voting was in process until March 30th. On this last day of absentee voting, she advised the Council that she would keep her office open until 7:00 p.m. for voting. At this time, Councilman Dodds and Councilman Adeler gave a report to the Council regarding their meeting with the Collin County Elected Officials Asso- ciation. Both Councilman Dodds and Councilman Adeler praised the Collin. County officials on their organization regarding efforts to bring the develop- ment of roadways into their county. Councilman Dodds urged that the city begin an organizational effort on transportation matters in Denton County. Acting Mayor North stated that he would bring this before the next Mayor's Association meeting. At this time, Councilman Parker asked Mr. Savage the status of cable TV in The Colony. Mr. Savage advised the Council that a franchise payment had been made and that he was currently waiting for the end of the year audit to be completed on the company, and then this will be presented along with an update report to the Council. The Council requested that if possible this be presented at the next regular Council meeting. Councilman Parker also stated that he was concerned with reports that he had heard of Texas Waste Management trucks speeding in the alleyways. Mr. Savage advised that he would look into this. Councilman Dodds stated that he had heard complaints regarding the bulky-item pickup. The Council did concur that it was time to receive a report from Texas Waste Management. Mr. Savage explained that this would be on the next Council meeting agenda. 00109? 5. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE TRANSFERRING FUNDS FROM CONTIN- GENCY ACCOUNT TO PAY CITY'S ASSESSMENT FOR INTERIM REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY Mr. Savage advised the Council that the Board of the Interim Regional Trans- portation Authority has developed a budget formula for funding its operations. He stated that this formula involves an assessment of 25¢ per capita, using 1980 census figures. The annual cost to the City of The Colony based on this formula is $2,896.50. The cost for the fiscalyear 1981-82 is $2,172.42. He further advised the Council that the Board is now developing an election schedule which will probably call for a vote on formal establishment of a trans- portation authority sometime in 1983 and, because of this, there could possibly be an additional assessment in that year. Councilman Sample stated that the City can stay in the program even if they do not pay their voluntary assessment cost. After a brief discussion, Council did concur that they felt at this time the payment of the money would not derive any direct benefits for the city. Mr. Savage advised the Council that he could verify their con- tinued participation without payment by letter. At this time, Councilman Parker did move to direct the City Manager to advise them by letter of this plan. Seconded by Councilman Dodds, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 6. CONSIDERATION OF PARTICIPATION WITH TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE REGARDING TEXAS POWER & LIGHT RATE INCREASE REQUEST Mr. Savage advised that the cities would not be required to make any financial contributions to this effort. After brief discussion, Councilman Dodds moved that The Colony join with Texas Municipal League in its intervention in the Texas Power & Light rate increase request filed on February 12, 1982. This motion was seconded by Councilman Sample. Prior to voting, Councilman Dodds did note that there have been four rate requests presented before the Public Utilities Commission by Texas Power & Light, and the Texas Muni- cipal League has played a major role in having these rate requests reduced substantially. Acting Mayor North called for a vote on the motion on the floor. The motion carried by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 7. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE ABANDONING PORTIONS OF STEWART'S CREEK ROAD IN FAVOR OF THE ABUTTING PROPERTY OWNER, FOX & JACOBS, INC. Mr. Savage pointed out on the map the portion of the road involved. He explained to the Council that Fox & Jacobs have requested that this portion of Stewart's Creek Road from FM 423 west to the west end of Section 27 be abandoned by the City of The Colony and sold to Fox & Jacobs. The right of ~vay of this road totals 3.23 acres, stated Mr. Savage. This right of way includes numerous areas that will be out alley or street rights of way in Sections 26 and 27. The appraised fair market value of this property totals $61,000. An ordinance has been prepared authorizing this abandonment if the Council desires to do so at this time, Mr. Savage explained. He further explained that Fox & Jacobs would like to have this portion abandoned as soon as possible as they do have homes in Section 27 that are ready to be occupied, and March 31, 1982, is the end of the company's fiscal year. He further advised the Council that, in discussing this abandonment with Fox & Jacobs, he has sug- gested that the City might wish to acquire several tracts of land for various city purposes. Some of this area is the Dave Cowan Park, the Lone Star Gas easement from City Hall south to the IBM property and the vacant tract located east of the. Lone Star Gas easement and north of the IBM property, as well as land reserved for a neighborhood park and fire station located west of FM 423. If the Council is in agreement, Mr. Savage stated, he would like to have their permission to seek appraisals on these land tracts in a timely fashion. Acting Mayor North then introduced Tom Cravens, a repre- sentative of Fox & Jacobs, for a verification of the completion dates of the homes. Mr. Cravens did advise them that the homes are completed but that the City cannot issue a Certificate of Occupancy until this deed is in on file at Denton County and all titles are clear. Councilman Dodds, being concerned with the appraised value of this land, asked how this did compare with the -3- 001098 IBM road abandonment appraisals. Secondly, Councilman Dodds was concerned with purchasing land from Fox & Jacobs that is not even usable land for development by Fox & Jacobs. Acting Mayor North stated that the land ques- tion was not a part of this ordinance at this time. Councilman Sample stated that he was also concerned with land value per this particular appraisal. Gene Pollard, a member of the audience, was recognized. Mr. Pollard stated that $1.50 per square foot for a commercial acreage adjacent to FM 423 was, in his opinion, much too low. Acting Mayor North suggested that the Council defer any action on this item at this time and request that an additional appraisal on the residential as well as the commercial land be made prior to further consideration. Councilman Dodds stated that although he agreed with these concerns he felt the Council must also take into consideration that there were homes completed, and new citizens of The Colony that were waiting to move into those homes. Mr. Savage suggested an alternative approach. He stated that Section 27 containing the residential housing only could be dealt with as one issue, and a second appraisal could be obtained on the commercial land located in Section 26 to be considered at a later date. He advised that the ordinance could be modified by omitting the legal description of Stewart's Creek Road in Section 26. Councilman Adeler expressed concern that Fox & Jacobs had built on this land prior to the road abandonment process. Mr. Savage did advise the Council that the plat had been approved by the City before construction had begun in that area. Councilman Dodds did agree with Councilman Adeler in that this certainly should have been presented to the Council at least a month ago to give them adequate time to review this appraisal and get other appraisals if needed. He asked how many actual homes were involved in this matter. Mr. Savage advised that 15 homes were in question. After further discussion by the Council, Councilman Dodds moved to table this agenda item for further consideration. Seconded by Council- man Sample, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None Councilman Dodds then moved that a special session be held by the Council on March 26 at 6:00 p.m., and that a reappraisal of this property be presented to them for their consideration at this time. Seconded by Councilman Adeler, the motion was passed by tt-~e following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None Mr. Cravens advised the Council that Ron Walden of Fox & Jacobs would be present at this meeting. Gene Pollard, a member of the audience, was recognized and stated that, although he did have concerns with the values quoted in the actual appraisals presented, he did feel that the Council does have a responsibility to help Fox & Jacobs meet their deadline regarding the sale of their homes. 8. RECEIVE SERVICE PLAN AND CALL PUBLIC HEARINGS REGARDING THE ANNEXATION OF A 236.31 ACRE TRACT AND A 1.9 AC~.E LAND TRACT LOCATED SOUTH GF STATE HIGHWAY 121 At this time, Mr. Savage outlined on the maF the particular tracts of land that are to be annexed into the city. He did advise the Council that the City of Hebron did disannex the property owned by IBM at t?,e request of IBM. At this time, Mr. Savage reviewed the following service plan: Because of the agricultural use of t'.xe area to be annexed, it will be relatively easy for the City to provide municipal services to the area. The following services will be provided upon annexation: 1. Fire Frotection: The area is presently served under the City's contract with Denton County. Under this agreement, the City's Class A pUmp.ers do not normally respond to fires in t~is area. Once the property is annexed, the City would use any needed equipment to fight fires in this area, 2. Police Protection: Gnce the area is annexed, the City will provide regular police patrol of the area. The City will also carry out normal police investigations. -4- 001099 3. Sanitation: Under the City's sanitation ordinance, all residents must receive sanitation service. The City's sanitation franchise holder will be required to provide sanitation service under the terms of the contract, once the area is annexed. 4. Maintenance of Roads and Streets: Presently, Denton County maintains the roads in the property to be annexed. The asphalt portion of the road can be patched with hot or cold mix as needed by City crews. The gravel portion of the road will have to be bladed regularly. The City will work with Denton County to keep this road maintained in the same condition as the County now maintains it. 5. Maintenance of Parks, Playgrounds, Swimming Pools, and Other Public Facilities: The City of The Colony does not provide water or wastewater services to its citizens. The Colony Municipal Utility District provides these services. The land question is beyond the current boundary of the M.U.D. This service plan will provide the property owner with services at least as good as those currently provided and with services which are typically provided in agriculturally zoned areas in the City. The Council was concerned regarding street maintenance in that area and requested the city manager to contact Denton County regarding the possi- bility of their asphalting this area prior to annexation. Councilman Parker asked why the speedup on getting this area annexed into the city. Mr. Savage advised that there was no particular deadline involved, but only a request from Robert Thomas, the attorney representing IBM. Mr. Thomas had also advised Mr. Savage that IBM will not ask for industrial zoning of this property in the near future. At present, only one residence is located on this property. Mr. Savage also advised the Council that, in accordance with the Municipal Annexation Act, the following schedule has been provided for their review: 1. Receive service plan and call Public Hearing on annexation, March 22 2. Publish legal notice of Public Hearings, March 25 3. Conduct Public Hearing on annexation site, April 5, 6:30 p.m. 4. Conduct Public Hearing at City Council Meetihng, April 5, 7:30 p.m. 5. Pass annexation ordinance at Special Council Meeting and accept service plan, April 26 Mr. Savage noted that this will require a special meeting of the Council on April 26. The Council then discussed the primary problem in that area, which will be street maintenance and agreed that contact with the County should be made regarding maintenance prior to annexation. At this time, Acting Mayor North read aloud the following Resolution: WHEREAS, International Business Machines, Inc. has requested by petition for a parcel of land located south of State Highway No. 121 to be annexed into the City limits of The Colony, and WHEREAS, the Town of Hebron has by ordinance relinquished this property from their city limit boundaries, and WHEREAS, annexation of this land parcel will bring all of the State Highway No. 121 right of way into The Colony City limits, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS: That two Public Hearings be held to give all citizens and landowners an opportunity to speak for or against this annexation. A Public Hearing shall be conducted on the property as legally described by Exhibit "A" attached hereto on the 5th day of April, 1982 at 6:30 p.m. A Public Hearing shall also be conducted at The Colony City Hall regarding said property as descrivbed in Exhibit "A" on the 5th day of April, 1982 at 7:30 p.m. The City Secretary shall publish notices of these hearings -5- 001i00 concurrently not more than 20 nor less than 10 days prior to the hearings in the official newspaper of The Colony. PASSED AND APPROVED ON THE DAY OF , 1982. /s/ SCOTT NORTH, ACTING MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ JANICE CARROLL, CITY SECRETARY Councilman Parker moved to approve the Resolution. Seconded by Councilman Sample, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None Based on their previous conversation, Councilman Dodds made a directive motion to staff to approach Loyd Odle, County Commissioner, regarding having these roads brought up to standards before annexation. Councilman Adeler seconded this motion. The motion passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 9. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION OF INTENT FOR JUVENILE GRANT APPLICATION N. C. Ristagno, Chief of Police, was present at the meeting and advised the Council that this would be a 60/40 split for the fourth-year funding. He did feel like the city in its fourth-year application has a slim chance of receiving the 40% grant. He did feel that it was worthwhile to continue the application process. Acting Mayor North read aloud the following Resolution: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS, APPROVING THE SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLI- CATION TO THE TEXAS CRIMINAL JUSTICE DIVISION FOR THE EXPAN- SION OF THE JUVENILE DIVISION OF THE COLONY POLICE DEPARTMENT AND PLEDGING PAYMENT OF THE LOCAL SHARE OF THE COST OF THIS JUVENILE DIVISION. WHEREAS, the City of The Colony recognizes a need for seeking improvement to its Police Department by expanding the Juvenile Divi- sion; and WHEREAS, the Texas Criminal Justice Division has indicated that funds may be available to the City of The Colony Police Department for financing the expansion of the Juvenile Division; and WHEREAS, the City of The Colony pledges its proportionate share of the cost of this project, as required, if a grant is obtained; and WHEREAS, the City of The Colony anticipates assuming total cost of this project at the end of Criminal Justice Funding; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS: Section 1. That the City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to submit a grant application to the pdroper authorities for assistance in the cost of the expansion of the Juvenile Division of The Colony Police Department. Section 2. That the City of The Colony anticipates assuming total cost of the unit, as required, if a grant is obtained. Section 3. That the City of The Colony anticiFates assuming total cost of this project at the end of Criminal Justice funding. PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON THE DAY OF , 1982 /s/ ~COTT NORTH, ACTING MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ JANICE CARROLL, CITY SECRETARY Councilman Parker moved to approve this Resolution as presented. Seconded by Councilman Sample, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 001101 10. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A REVIEW PROCEDURE FOR REVIEW OF CITY ELECTION DISTRICTS Mr. Savage advised the Council that this was included in the agenda at their request. He noted that blanks were in the Resolution regarding when the review of the districting process would begin and how often it would be con- ducted. After a brief discussion regarding this, it was agreed that the Council would commence reviewing it in December of 1982 prior to an at-large election and then continue to review the districting every two years thereafter. Councilman Sample did have some concerns with the two-year period. He felt that a four-year review timetable would be a more stable situation. Acting Mayor North then read aloud the following Resolution: WHEREAS, the City Council in accordance with a vote of the people on April 3, 1981, divided the City into four single member voting districts, and WHEREAS, these districts were established by determining the population of the City and dividing into four equally populated areas, and WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that the City will continue to grow in population which will create districts unequal in population and thereby creating unfair representation, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS: That the City Council review the City districting plan every 2 years in the Month of December commencing in the year 1982 to assure adequate representation for all citizens of The Colony. PASSED AND APPROVED ON THE DAY OF , 1982. /s/ SCOTT NORTH, ACTING MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ JANICE CARROLL, CITY SECRETARY Councilman Dodds moved to pass this Resolution and noted that the districting review would commence in December 1982 and would be continued every two years thereafter. Seconded by Councilman Sample, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 11.CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF A MERIT PAY PLAN POLICY FOR THE 1981/82 FISCAL YEAR Mr. Savage advised the Council that the 1981/82 budget did include funds for up to a 5% merit increase for all city employees effective April 1, 1982. He advised the Council that, for the past two months, he has been meeting with department heads on a regular basis to prepare a plan which will recog- nize the work effort of individual employees. He did advise that the following plan has been prepared by the department heads, and he would like to recom- mend it to the Council for approval. He stated that the basic elements of the plan are as follows: 1. All employees will be evaluated between April 1 and April 15 or at the end of their probationary period. The employee's evaluation will be used to determine his or her merit increase. 2. Merit increases will range up to 5%. Certified employees in the Police and Fire Departments will be eligible for a % increase. Other employees will receive from 0 to 5% depending upon their evaluation. 3. The merit increase will be added into the employee's base pay. 4. A standard evaluation form will be used. All employees will be judged on the basis of the following criteria: A. Job Knowledge B. Productivity C. Time Utilization D. Quality of Work E. Dependability F. Working with the Public G. Adaptability H. Initiative I. Cooperation J. Safety K. Planning & Organization -7- OO11O2 L. Judgment M. Leadership Ability Supervisors will rate each employee on the first five criteria, Mr. Savage stated, and then pick at least five of the remaining eight criteria depending upon the nature of the employee's job. He then stated that the following factor scoring system will be used to rate the employees as follows.' Rating Factor Score % Increase Outstanding 91-100% 5% Very Good 81-90% 4% .--- Good 71-80% 3% Satisfactory 60-70% 2% Poor 40-59% 0 Unsatisfactory 0-39% 0 He also added that a copy of the evaluation form prepared by the employees was included in their packet for review, as well as definitions of the actual factors. He did state that there were two departments which were exceptions to the merit pay, Police and Fire. It is the department heads' recommendation that their employees be reviewed with the understanding that they would either get no salary increase or the same percentage increase. Mr. Savage clarified that this is the certified Police and Fire personnel only; all other secondary employees in those departments will be eligible for the merit increases. Mr. Savage also recommended that they be allowed to receive the average merit pay increase of the other city employees at that time. The Council was concerned with the fact that Police and Fire would not be eligible for a merit increase if this would cause problems within the departments. Mr. Savage assured the Council that this had been discussed with the employees in those departments, and this procedure was done at the request of the department heads. After further discussion, Councilman Dodds then moved to approve the merit pay program for April 1982 with certified employees in the Police and Fire Departments being eligible for a percentage equal to the average merit increase of other city employees. This motion was seconded by Councilman Adeler. Councilman Sample did clarity that these monies were budgeted. Mr. Savage assured the Council that they were. The Council ~ then discussed further the Police and Fire increase, but they were satisfied that if this was with the approval of staff, they would approve it. There being no further discussion, Acting Mayor North called for a vote on the motion on the floor. The motion carried by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 12. DISCUSSION OF NEWSPAPER STAND OPTIONS Mr. Savage stated that presently the City of The Colony allows newspaper stands in the city right of way. He advised the Council that there were over 30 such stands throughout the city, and we do not regulate them in any way. As they had discussed in other meetings, he reminded the Council that several ordinances do address general issues under which it might be possible to control newspaper stand operations. The city zoning ordinance does address the general issue of location of business activities, and the city sign ordinance prohibits the placement of signs on public rights of way. As a general practice, Mr. Savage stated, the city does discourage the conduct of private business activity on city rights of way. The city does allow public utilities to use the city right of way for their transmission lines however. Mr. Savage did state that he was of the opinion that the newspapers do not have any vested right to operate newspaper stands on city right of way, even though they have been doing so for a number of years. He felt the -- City Council did have the right to require that stands be removed from city property without taking any legislative action. He did advise the Council that another viewpoint regarding the stands would be to regulate their place- ment operation. He stated that the city could continue to allow newspaper stands to be operated in the city right of way, however, regulations must be adopted to control the placement of these stands. Obviously, stands should not be allowed on street, alley or sidewalk pavement, and stands should not be anchored to city street lights or sign poles. The stands also should not 001103 be in close proximity to each other. He added that the Council might want to prohibit the location of stands from the same newspaper within 500 or 1,000 feet of each other. There followed a brief discussion of this. Councilman Adeler stated that he felt very strongly that signs should be restricted to shopping and commercial areas only. Councilman Sample agreed that signs should not be allowed in residential right of way. At this time, Acting Mayor North requested to pass the chair to Councilman Adeler, as he would like to make a motion regarding this particular item. Councilman North then moved to restrict all newspaper stands to areas not zoned residential and further to restrict newspaper stands in all public rights of way. This motion was seconded by Councilman Dodds. Prior to voting, there was some discussion regarding the time period, and it was agreed that Mr. Savage should write a letter to all newspapers giving them 30-day notice. Councilman North then made an amending motion that the signs must be removed within 30 days after notice. Seconded by Councilman Sample, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None Chairman Adeler then called for a vote on the amended motion. The amended motion passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 13. CONSIDERATION OF A "RETIREMENT PLAN" FOR THE OLD GENERAL FIRE TRUCK Mr. Rick Herold, Driector of Parks and Recreation, was present. He then reviewed the following points that he and Ronnie Gothard, Fire Chief, felt would be necessary for the Council to consider prior to the use of the old General for a park area. 1. We would have to strip the vehicle of a lot of dangerous or breakable items, i.e., windshield, headlights, ladders, various pieces of firefighting equipment. 2. We would need to weld the hood shut to protect against .injury. 3. We recommend a floor be put in the back of the truck to help make climbing around the vehicle safer. Could be done using two by fours and materials should be able to be gathered at no charge to the city. 4. We would eliminate sharp edges and jagged corners. 5. Since the upholstery is ripped, it might be better to take out the seats and replace with a bench. This should help guard against potential vandalism. 6. Anchor doyen the truck at a site. Tires should be removed. 7. We feel (Fire Department and Parks Department) could work together in making the truck suitable for a park. Due to present work loads, we may need 30 days to complete the project. 8. We feel outside of anchoring the truck in place and placement of a bench up front, there should be little if any expense incurred. 9. We feel the biggest problem with the placement of "Old General" in a park would be graffiti written on the truck. We would anticipate periodic paint jobs on the vehicle. He also advised that the tires on the old General could be used on another fire vehicle if they were to be removed. Councilman Adeler asked if any kind of memorial-type sign could be donated by any civic organizations. Acting Mayor North stated that he did not want to strip the old General to make it usable for play at this time. Councilman Parker stated that he felt the old General should be placed at a park other than Perryman, and he suggested a park in the northern area of town. Acting Mayor North dis- agreed, stating that Perryman Park was one of the oldest parks, it is located across the street from the original Fire Station where the old General made all of its runs. Councilman Parker stated that there are other areas in the city that are much more desperate for park development than Perryman. There followed lengthy discussion regarding the various options. Councilman Parker stated that it would be important for the Council to know the time element involved in getting this set up and the cost involved, as well as where these funds will be obtained. Chief Ristagno stated that he felt that -9- 001104 if the old General was used for a play area, the life span of the vehicle would be approximately one year due to vandalism. Councilman Parker then recom- mended that it be made into a historical area, fenced, and possibly do it at a later date. After further discussion of this option, Councilman Parker then made a motion that the old General fire truck be made a historical land- mark in the city and that it be located in a fenced area adjacent to Fire Station No.1 and that this be included in the budget for the 1982-83 fiscal year. This motion was seconded by Councilman Dodds. After further discussion, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 14. CLOSED DOOR SESSION DEALING WITH PERSONNEL A. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION APPOINTMENT B. GOALS COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT C. BOARD OF REVIEW OF THE DENTON COUNTY TAX APPRAISAL DISTRICT/NOMINATION Acting Mayor North announced that the Council would meet in a closed door session dealing with personnel as authorized by Vernon's Annotated Civil Statutes, Article 6252-17. 15. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS OR NOMINATION A. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION B. GOALS COMMITTEE C. DENTON COUNTY TAX APPRAISAL DISTRICT BOARD OF REVIEW Councilman Parker moved that Robert V. Fiumara be appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission to fill the vacancy made by the resignation of Clarence Gary. Seconded by Councilman Dodds, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None Acting Mayor North stated that there would be no Goals Committee appoint- ments. Councilman Dodds then moved to table the nomination to the Denton County Tax Appraisal District Board of Review to a special session to be held on Friday, March 26. Seconded by Councilman Adeler, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None There being no further action to be taken by the Council, Councilman Dodds moved to adjourn. Seconded by Councilman Adeler, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None Acting Mayor North adjourned the meeting at 12:44 a.m. ATTEST: -10-