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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/07/1982 City Council 001264 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY HELD ON SEPTEMBER 7, 1982 A REGULAR SESSION of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas, was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at CATV Building, with the following members present: Gene Pollard Mayor Larry Sample Councilman Norman Adeler Councilman Charlie Parker Councilman Charles Dodds Councilman Marlene Poole Councilman and with Councilman Scott North not in attendance at this time, however a quorum was established. Councilman North did arrive at the meeting at 7:30 p.m. 1. DISCUSSION OF PENDING LITIGATION (CLOSED DOOR SESSION AS AUTHORIZED BY ARTICLE 6252-17 VACS) Mayor Pollard did announce that the Council would meet in closed door session until 7:30 p.m. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilman Parker moved to approve the minutes of the Public Hearing Special Session conducted at 7:00 p.m. on August 31, 1982, and the minutes of the Regular Session conducted on August 31, 1982, at 7:30 p.m. Seconded by Councilman Poole, the motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Ail members present voted aye Noes: None 3. CITIZEN INPUT Mayor Pollard noted that no one had signed to speak before the Council at this time. 6. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION TO JULIUS FAMBRY AND DALE JANECEK FOR THE DONATION OF A CB MONITORING STATION Mayor Pollard then presented to Mr. Janecek a Certificate of Appre- ciation from the Council for his donation to the city and his concern for the welfare of The Colony citizens. He also asked that Mr. Janecek accept the Certificate of Appreciation for Mr. Fambry, as he was unable to attend. 5. PRESENTATION OF PLAQUES OF APPRECIATION TO MDA REPRESENTATIVES: MIKE STUCKEY AND SYLVIA BRANTLEY At this time, Mayor Pollard presented to Mike Stuckey a plaque for serving as the MDA Co-Chairman from September 1979 through September 1982 and also asked that Mr. Stuckey accept Sylvia Brantley's plaque for serving as MDA Telethon Co-Chairman from September 1979 through September 1981. At this time, Mr. Stuckey did take a moment to thank all the citizens of The Colony for participating in donating during this year's telethon. He advised the Council that their pledge center's goal was $2,500, and it exceeded this goal by collecting $2,700. 4. RECEIVE CITY MANAGER'S STATUS REPORT Mr. Savage advised the Council that Stewarts Creek Park was open over the Labor Day holiday and that he did observe on Sunday there were 150-200 people using the park. He stated that, according to the Police Department, there were a few more than that number utilizing the park on Monday. He also stated that the trash pickup is minimal. He told the Council that the City of Carrollton has petitioned the State of Texas to widen Denton Road. The City of Carrollton does propose to use their bond funds for the widening of Denton Road to Rosemeade as a match for the entire project. He would like to present at the September 20th meeting a resolution of support for this project. The Council was in concurrence with this recommendation and requested that he get specific details from the City of Carrollton and that perhaps representatives from The Colony should attend the hearing in Austin. He advised the Council to be looking at the Sunday real estate section in the Dallas Times Herald. Fox & Jacobs has begun a new ad campaign in this newspaper. The theme of the campaign is "Don't Buy a Home, Buy a Home Town" and it does feature the City of The Colony. He stated that 47 permit applications were issued Friday by Community Development. Regarding the hearing in Austin for a Certificate of Need for The Colony Community Hospital, Mr. Savage advised that the examiners will meet and have a decision November 5th. He advised that the hospital officials are optimistic about this decision and, if it is favorable, they do plan on opening the hospital in late 1984 or the first of 1985. Before proceeding to the next agenda item, Mayor Pollard took a moment to read the following proclamation: WHEREAS, the City government is always concerned with the general welfare of the citizens of The Colony and of those groups representative of our citizens, and WHEREAS, the City government is supportive of all endeavors in the City which are for the welfare of our citizens. NOW, THEREFORE I, GENE POLLARD, Mayor of the City of The Colony, proclaim the Month of September as The Colony Jaycees Project Month to assist Ginger and Sherry Syc with their family's travel expenses to Moscow, Russia, for medical treatment. PROCLAIMED this 7th day of September, 1982. /s/ GENE POLLARD, MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ JANICE CARROLL, CITY SECRETARY He advised the Council that he was signing this proclamation and would like for them, as well as the citizens of The Colony, to help in this worthy cause in any way possible. He advised that the goal of The Colony Jaycees was to assist the family in raising $9,000 for additional costs. 7. DISCUSSION OF EMERGENCY CARE SERVICE Councilman North stated that he did request this item be placed on the agenda. He stated that he, Fire Chief Ronnie Gothard and City Manager Dan Savage had met with the doctor in charge of emer- gency medical care at Plano General Hospital. He stated that the reason for his interest in this meeting, as well as meeting with other hospitals, was the upcoming paramedic training for the city's firemen. He would like the Council's approval that he, Mr. Savage and Chief Gothard be a committee to research this to determine the highest and best use for The Colony's telemetry equipment and paramedic training. The Council did agree that this research should be done. Councilman Sample requested that the committee talk with all the local doctors also, and Mayor Pollard stated that this study should be broadened to include all hospitals in this area. Mike Stuckey was recognized and stated that as a volunteer fireman he did note that all severe trauma cases that were taken to Lewisville were immediately transferred to Dallas. In discussion of the best care possible for the citizens, Councilman North did note that the mileage is farther to Plano but time-wise it is approximately the same. After further discussion, Councilman Sample moved that City Manager Savage, Councilmen Dodds -2- 001266 and North and Chiefs Gothard and Ristagno be appointed as a study group. Seconded by Councilman Adeler, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Ail members present voted aye Noes: None 8. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE APPLICATION FOR A LEASE FOR PUBLIC PARK AND RECREA- TION PURPOSES AT STEWARTS CREEK PARK Mr. Savage presented to the Council for their review the following general development plan, as well as the city budget appropriations for the 1982/83 fiscal year to manage the park: GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN The City of The Colony, Texas, is prepared to provide the equipment, manpower and financial resources needed to continue the operation of Stewarts Creek Park. The City would like a two- year commitment from the Corps of Engineers, during which time the City will be responsible for the following: 1. Operating and Maintenance Plan (Enclosed) a. Hiring parks maintenance personnel b. Hiring all park attendants c. Water system maintenance and operation d. Refuse collection e. Provide necessary maintenance operations 2. Park Operation on Year Round Basis (Not all Facilities) 3. Establish Free Play Athletic Fields 4. During the two-year period, develop a long-range master plan looking at upcoming increased lake level, access improvements, entrance modifications, feasibility of beach and swimming facilities and permanent facilities such as: a. Marina b. Athletic fieids c. Recreation facilities d. Third party concessions e. Development of camping facilities f. Development of other park areas The City would also like to annex Corps property within the year into the City limits to improve the servicing of the park by the City. Application is for short-term (two year) duration at which time when the master plan is completed the City will approach the Corps for a long-term lease. A long-term lease would enable the City to finance park development through bond issues and other financing programs. The City would also submit to operate Stewarts Creek Park on a fee basis. The fees would assist the City in the operation and maintenance of the popular recreation areas. After lengthy review and cost anticipation, the City recommends the following fee structure: Annual Family Fee $15.00 (first sticker} 5.00 (each additional sticker with proper vehicle i.d.) Daily Fee 2.00 Group Fee 20.00 (The City is aware that fees and park usage must be non-discrimi- natory and would adhere to all applicable federal regulations.) We feel a nominal fee does not limit park visitation but instead assists park officials with further enhancement of the recreational area through: -3- 001267 1. Additional Revenue 2. Improved Park Control 3. Decreased Vandalism The park operation procedures would be regulated through the office of the Director of The Colony Parks and Recreation Department. During the short-term lease, reports would be funneled through the Parks and Recreation Board to The Colony City Council for further action. CITY BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS FOR ANNUAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FISCAL YEAR 12982-1983 A. Plans for Management Activities 1. Capital Improvements / Proposed a. Parking areas--define and designate additional parking areas. Cost Donated b. Athletic fields--build two athletic multi-purpose fields (infield area of park) to be used for occasional play. Cost Donated Total -0- 2. Maintenance / Proposed a. Mowing--estimated fuel cost $700.00 b. Refuse collection, restroom clean up and chemicals 3,200.00 c. Repairs and upkeep: - Repair picnic tables damaged during fall and spring floods - Water foundain repair - Miscellaneous upkeep Donated d. Small tools--estimated cost 250.00 e. Utilities 500.00 Total $4,650.00 3. Administrative / Proposed a. Printing for permit fee, control forms and record keeping 500.00 Total 500.00 B. Budget / Proposed 1. Income a. Balance on hand -0- b. Income from fees 15,000.00 c. City appropriated funds 11,548.00 Total $26,548.00 2. Expenditures a. Capital improvements (estimated) -0- b. Maintenance (estimated) 4,650.00 c. Administrative (estimated) 500.00 d. Personnel (estimated) 21,398.00 Total $26,548.00 C. Personnel / Proposed 1. Park Time Employees a. Two park attendants--responsible for maintaining control of visitors to make sure each has paid applicable fee. -4- 001268 Responsible for light maintenance including restroom clean up, litter control, operation of hand mower. Responsible for maintenance and visitation records as required by the City. Responsible for radioing city police when necessary. Part time through 18 weeks each @ $5.00 per hour $6,120.00 b. Part time maintenance (parks laborer)--responsible for mowing entire park with proper equipment. Responsi- ble for recurring maintenance operations within the park. Responsible for repairs to park as needed. One year 15,278.00 Total $21,398.00 Mr. Savage also noted that per Mr. McKean of the Corps of Engineers, the following fee structure is presently being proposed for Corps parks: Annual fee $20.00 Daily fee 2.00 Special Event fee 25.00 However, at this time, we have no way of knowing if Congress will pass this fee structure, advised Mr. Savage. If it is passed, Mr. Savage did recommend that our fees be brought in line with all Corps park fees. After discussion regarding the small tool accounts, personnel, donated materials and radios, Mayor Pollard read aloud the following resolution: .WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas, wishes to formally apply for a Department of the Army lease for a two year period for public park and recreational purposes at Stewarts Creek Park on Lake Lewisville Reservoir. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS: That Daniel M. Savage, Jr., City Manager of the City of The Colony, Texas, be, and he is hereby, authorized and directed to execute and submit the attached application for a two year Depart- ment of the Army lease for public park and recreational purposes on behalf of the City of The Colony, Texas, to the District Engineer, U. S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, P. O. Box 1600, Fort Worth, Texas, and to do such other and further acts, and to execute such additional instruments as may be necessary and proper to carry in force and effect the terms and provisions of such applica- tion and to enable the City or County to accept any lease granted as a result of said application and to fulfill any requirements made by the proper authorities with reference thereto. PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS DAY OF , 1982. /s/ GENE POLLARD, MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ JANICE CARROLL, CITY SECRETARY At this time, Councilman Sample moved to approve the resolution. The motion was seconded by Councilman Dodds. Mike Stuckey was recognized and asked how the city did intend to enforce this and if a decal was going to be issued for a boat. Mr. Stuckey was advised that the city personnel would enforce this procedure and that the car would be the only authorized vehicle to have a decal at this time. 9. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO DEVELOP FOR PUBLIC PARK AND RECREATIONAL PURPOSES LAND OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS Mayor Pollard read aloud the following resolution: WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas, establishes by this Resolution the right of the City of The Colony, Texas, to lease, develop, operate and maintain a public park on lands outside its limits and jurisdiction. -5- 001269 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS: That the City of The Colony, Texas, be, and it is hereby authorized, if granted a two-year Department of the Army lease on land in Stewarts Creek Park on Lake Lewisville Reservoir for public park and recreational purposes located outside its corporate, territorial and jurisdiction limits, to lease, develop, operate and maintain a public park thereon for the purpose of said license. PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS DAY OF , 1982. /s/ GENE POLLARD, MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ JANICE CARROLL, CITY SECRETARY Councilman North moved to approve this resolution. Seconded by Councilman Dodds, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None Mayor Pollard then called for a brief recess. 10. CONSIDERATION OF LIBRARY STAFFING AND HOURS OF OPERATION Mr. Savage advised the Council that included in their packet was a memorandum from Ann Beckel, Librarian, listing some of the options on the hours that the Library could be open in a 30-hour week. The memo also contains a survey conducted by Mrs. Beckel comparing hours of service from area community libraries and a statistical sheet listing each day of the week and number of patrons using the Library each day. Mrs. Beckel does feel strongly that the Library hours should provide for maximum utilization of the collec- tion, the Library facility itself and the services offered by the Library staff. Also, The Colony Public Library should provide services for all citizens but, in the early stages of growth, she has targeted services to the children of the city because of the limited activities currently available to them. In the memorandum, Mrs. Beckel also states that another consideration in setting library hours is the time that the volunteers are able to come in and work. She stated that currently she has good volunteer support during the daytime hours, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., but does have difficulty in getting volunteers during the evening hours and on Saturdays. Mr. Savage then presented the following options for the hours to open the Library. He did note that the first three are prioritized based on the history of the Library usage this past year and have been approved by the Library Board. Option 1 Tuesday 10- 4 Wednesday 1- 8 Thursday 1- 8 Friday 10- 4 Saturday 10- 2 Option 2 Tuesday 10- 5 Wednesday 10- 5 Thursday 10- 8 Friday 10- 1 Saturday 10- 1 Option 3 Tuesday 10- 6 Wednesday 10- 6 Thursday 2- 8 Friday 10- 2 Saturday 10- 2 -6- OO127O Option 4 Tuesday 10- 6 Wednesday 10- 6 Thursday 10- 8 Friday 10-12 Saturday 10-12 Option 5 Tuesday 10- 4 Wednesday 2- 8 Thursday 2- 8 Friday 10- 4 Saturday 10- 4 Option 6 Tuesday 12- 6 Wednesday 12- 6 Thursday 12- 6 Friday 12- 6 Saturday 10- 4 At this time, it was Mr. Savage's recommendation that possibly the hours of the Library could be increased to 36 hours per week by the use of volunteers to keep the Library open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Thursday and 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday. He did emphasize that he would only want the Library opened by volunteers when there is a paid Park and Recreation Department employee present in the building. There followed a lengthy discussion regarding the best schedule for the Library, as well as the use of volunteers. Sandri Gehrke, Assistant Librarian, stated that she and Mrs. Beckel were not in favor of utilizing volunteers to keep the Library open. Lynne Stewart was recognized and stated that, as a volunteer, she would not work without a librarian present. Lydia Gober, President of the Friends of the Library, asked why the Council felt there was a need to add additional hours. Mr. Savage answered that good, dependable volunteers could provide a few more hours which would assist in the uniformity of the hours. His goal is to maintain a six-hour day. In discussion, it was noted that Option Three was the one that the Board did prefer. Mrs. Gober asked why are the hours a concern of the Council when the Library Board has approved these hours. Mayor Pollard did explain that, basically, the City Manager does set the hours of the Library and that the Library Board is an advisory panel to the Council and to staff. It does not set policies. After further lengthy discussion, Council- man Dodds did move to direct the City Manager to set the hours of the Library that he deems most appropriate. This motion was seconded by Councilman Poole. Councilman Sample asked that Mr. Savage clarify his recommendation. Mr. Savage did advise that he would go with Option Three and tentatively use volunteers to keep the Library open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Thursday and 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday. He did emphasize that a paid employee must be accountable for the building at all times. He did assure the Council that he would report back to them on this experimental program in the near future. Mayor Pollard then called for a vote upon the motion on the floor. The motion carried by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Councilmen North, Adeler, Parker, Dodds and Poole, Mayor Pollard Noes: Councilman Sample 11. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED 1982/83 BUDGET Mr. Savage advised the Council that the preliminary tax roll value was approximately $295 million. He advised that today he had received orally the new certified tax roll figure of $301,185,689. He advised the Council that the primary difference is the IBM land that originally had been placed under an agricultural exemp- tion and that this had been corrected. This correction did yield $20,000 in tax revenue. He advised the Council that the budget, -7- 001271 as originally presented, did not include the following: additional legal fees, $10,000; purchase of copier, $5,000; lease/purchase of computer, $5,000; Friends of the Family donation, $5,000. He also stated that the budget document presented to them tonight as Exhibit A of the ordinance passing the budget does contain the corrections made in work sessions and has removed all furniture requests, as this will be purchased in this budget year. He also added that they did add $2,500 in maintenance to the Park and Recreation Department and that the Fire and Ambulance Department, while it does have no increase in personnel, does have an increase for paramedic training, as well as an incentive program. The Council did have some qustions regarding the middle column, which ~ reflects the expenditures in the 1981-82 budget. Mr. Savage did explain that these figures, although as close as possible, did not represent final figures on the 1981-82 budget at this time. He did note that the radios that the Council did request that the Fire Chief purchase for the ambulance in this budget are still under consideration and study at this time and that, while the Police Department did note they had not spent a large percentage of their overtime account at the work session, since school has started, this account has been used extensively. He did note on revenues that he had lowered the expected revenue from Fox & Jacobs building permits. The Council was concerned that the interest revenue predicted might be high. He did advise them that he felt like after the November election, interest rates will escalate again. He told the Council that he had estimated the interest revenue based on an average of 12 percent per investment. Mayor Pollard did note that, if the average for each investment was 10 percent, the city could expect to lose $7,000. Councilman Sample stated that he did have a serious problem in accepting the certified tax roll amount presented by the Denton County Appraisal District as valid. He was aware of their problems in their data processing system and felt there could be serious mis- takes made. He asked what recourse the City does have if this figure is incorrect. Janice Carroll, City Secretary, did advise the Council that the budget can be amended by ordinance if it is necessary. At this time, she also presented to them the following '-' tax levy schedule, which is a new "Truth in Taxation" requirement of Chapter 26 of the Texas Property Tax Code. July 1 Publish Notice of Revenue Sharing Hearing July 8 Hold Hearing on Revenue Sharing July 15 File Budget July 19 Pass Ordinance calling Public Hearing July 22 Publish Notice of Public Hearing August 2 Hold Public Hearing on Budget September 7 Pass Ordinance Adopting Budget Decision vote to raise taxes 3% September 9 Publish Notice of Hearing on over 3% tax increase (7 days) September 20 Hearing on Tax Increase September 23 Publish Notice of second meeting where over 3% tax increase will be adopted *September 27 Second meeting on tax increase and -- passage of ordinance to levy tax Publish Notice--Budget Summary available (30 days from filing date; required by Revenue Sharing) *Tax rate must be passed no less than 3 days after the Public Hearing or no more than 14 days after the Public Hearing. 12. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE PASSISNG 1982/83 BUDGET -8- At this time; Mayor Pollard read aloud the following captioned 001272 ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS, APPROVING AND ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE CITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR OCTOBER 1, 1982 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 1983; PROVIDING THAT EXPENDITURES FOR SAID FISCAL YEAR SHALL BE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SAID BUDGET; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilman Poole moved to approve this ordinance passing the 1982-83 fiscal year budget as presented by the City Manager. Seconded by Councilman Dodds, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Ail members present voted aye Noes: None 13. CONSIDERATION OF "DECISION TO RAISE TAXES" Mr. Savage did note that this budget does call for a 34 cent total tax rate. This does represent a 12.99 percent increase in taxes. Mr. Savage explained that this would represent an approximate $3.00 per month increase in taxes for a person who owned ahome valued at $60,000. After a brief discussion by the Council, Council- man North made the motion to consider the increase of taxes by 12.99 percent. Seconded by Councilman Sample, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Ail members present voted aye Noes: None 14. CLOSED DOOR SESSION DEALING WITH PERSONNEL AS AUTHORIZED BY ARTICLE 6252-17 VACS A. CITY SECRETARY B. HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION C. INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION D. LIBRARY BOARD E. AUDIT PROPOSALS Mayor Pollard did announce that they would meet in a closed-door session dealing with these personnel items at this time. 15. CONSIDERATION OF BOARD RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS A. HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION B. INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION C. LIBRARY BOARD Upon reconvening in open session, Councilman North moved that David Bird be appointed to the Library Board. Seconded by Council- man Dodds, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Ail members present voted aye Noes: None Councilman Dodds moved to appoint Bob Lux, Bob Brown, Sherri Camp- bell and Dee Cole to the Housing Finance Corporation contingent upon their acceptance. The motion was seconded by Councilman Poole and passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Ail members present voted aye Noes: None Councilman Dodds did move to table an appointment to the Industrial Development Corporation to fill the vacancy made by the resignation of John Turner. Seconded by Councilman North, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Ail members present voted aye Noes: None There being no further action to be taken by the Council at this time, Councilman Poole moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Councilman Adeler, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: 001273 Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None Mayor Pollard adjourned the meeting at 12:17 a.m. GE~ POLL~RD, M-A?OR - ~ ATYEST; J~/~~C~ 'CARROLL, CITY SECRETARY -10-