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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/16/1983 City Council MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY HELD ON MAY 16, 1983 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: Larry Sample Mayor Scott North Counci]man Noel Long Councilman Norman Adeler Councilman Charles Dodds Councilman Marlene Poole Councilman and with no members absent; thus, a quorum was established. 1. ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE FOR COUNCILMAN, PLAGE 4 Mayor Sample introduced Mr. Don Amick, who was appointed by the Council to Place 4 upon on the resignation of Charlie Parker. At this time, he adminis- tered the Oath of Office to Mr. Amick, and Mr. Amick took his place at the Council table. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Sample ]ed the Council and members of the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilman Poole moved that the minutes of May 2, 1983, be approved as presented. Seconded by Councilman Dodds, the motion passed by the fo]]owing vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 4. CITIZEN INPUT Mayor Sample noted there was no citizen input at this time. 5. CONSIDERATION OF PROCEDURE TO ADOPT THE DALLAS AREA RAPID TRANSIT AUTHORITY PLAN Mayor Sample introduced to the Council and members of the audience The Colony representative, Mr. John Clark, as well as Maurice Carter, the Executive Director of the Dal]as Area Rapid Transit Authority. Mr. Clark complimented the City Council and the past City Council for their farsightedness in being interested in being included in this massive rapid transit plan. He advised the Council that they would be provided 56 miles of subscription bus service, and the routes would be changed as needed. He also advised that in the original plan, there has been an extension to The Colony for a light-rail system, which presently is unfunded. He did state that he and Mr. Carter would answer any questions that the Council might have. Mayor Sample asked for a clarification on the subscription bus service. Mr. Carter stated that the bus service was to areas of lower density, and those using this service would pay on a monthly basis. He added that the scheduling was based on demand and adjustments could be made. He stated that additional buses could be added above the two allocated for The Colony if there is a need. Mayor Sample stated that he is concerned that there are no good statistics on The Colony, as we are included in the Lewisvi]]e and Carrollton statistics, and he feels that perhaps two buses, which would carry only 102 persons, might be inade- quate for The Colony's needs. In further discussion of the bus system, Council- man Adeler was concerned that this service would not provide help to those that worked on a part time basis or on a shift basis. Councilman Dodds did c]arify with Mr. Carter that if there was a need for bus service more than twice a'day that it could be provided. Mr. Carter assured the Council that this could be done based on need and finances. In a lengthy discussion regarding -1- the actual transportation plan, Mr. Clark did clarify that after the August 13th election, the plan essentially cannot be changed without going through a difficult public hearing procedure. He advised the Council that the earliest route to The Colony would be in the year 2010. Councilman North stated that he was concerned that The Colony would pay the estimated $46 million for this service and yet not receive any benefits from it until the year 2010. Mr. Clark stated the alternative is no representation in planning for future transpor- tation. Mr. Carter clarified, though, that after 1986 whatever is developed will depend on use. Councilman Long asked how the expense of this plan was calculated. Mr. Carter stated that it was figured in 1982 dollars, although they are aware the sales tax escalates along with general inflation. Mr. Carter stated that the first stage from 1984 to 1986 is the engineering stage and will cost approximately $600 million. The total project is estimated at $1.7 billion. He did emphasize that this public transportation plan will not solve all traffic problems. Councilman Long asked if they had looked into the bullet train systems. Mr. Carter said that this particular group had not, however, there was a non-profit corporation that was studying this system and would be prepared to interface with it if it was developed. Councilman Long asked how a city could voice their complaints to the DART Board regarding the plan or their representation. Mr. Clark advised that this must be done through their representative and that there will be one representative per 60,000 popula- tion. Mr. Carter explained that the Board could have 17, 21 or 25 members and the City of Dallas will never have more than 65% of the Board. He stated that Dallas County is assured of having one member and that the balance of the Board will be representatives of suburban areas based on 60,000 people. He explained that this was set up by the State Legislature. Councilman Amick was concerned as to exactly what year the express routes were scheduled for completion. Mr. Carter advised that no exact date had been set, but it would be after 1986. Councilman Amick stated that the only incentive to ride the bus from The Colony is to get to an express rail route, and he hoped that the bus service would not be discontinued in The Colony if it did not interconnect with an express route. Councilman Poole asked if meetings would be held in The Colony to determine the bus use. Mr. Clark stated yes that DART would conduct public hearings in The Colony to establish this service. Councilman Dodds stated in summation that usage is the key to the growth of this plan, and that the purpose of this meeting is to determine if the Council should put this plan before the public. He stated that he was for doing this, but he felt it very important that citizens be actively informed as to exactly what they will be receiving for the one-cent sales tax. Mr. Clark stated that he would like a representative from The Colony to meet with him regarding the dissemination of accurate information to the citizens of The Colony. In a lengthy discussion of the actual fare for the subscription bus service, it was determined that it basically would cost approximately ten cents a mile to ride the bus, or $20-$30 per month to ride from The Colony to a point in Carrollton. After further discussion, Mayor Sample advised the Council that they had the option to vote tonight on the Resolution approving the plan and tax rate enabling the City of Dallas and Dallas County to call an election on August 13th or to table for further study but that it must be passed prior to May 27th. At this time, Councilman Amick moved that the Resolution be passed approving the DART plan and corresponding sales tax. Seconded by Councilman North, the motion passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Councilmen Amick, Dodds and Poole Mayor Sample Noes: Councilmen North, Long and Adeler 11. CLOSED DOOR SESSION AS AUTHORIZED BY ARTICLE 6252-17 OF VERNON'S ANNOTATED CIVIL STATUTES, AS AMENDED A. PERSONNEL B. LITIGATION Mayor Sample stated that the Council would meet very briefly in a closed-door session regarding the appointment of a City Attorney. 6. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF MAY 15th AS NATIONAL POLICE WEEK Upon reconvening in open session, Mayor Sample read the following Resolution: -2- 00'?- 48 WHEREAS, the Congress of the U~itecl 8tares of America has designated the week of May 15th to be dedicated as "National Police Week" and May 15th of each year to be "Police Memorial Day" and WHEREAS, the law enforcement officers are our guardian of life and property, defenders of the individual right to be free men, warriors in the war against crime and dedicated to the preservation of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and WHEREAS, the City of The Colony desires to honor the valor, service and dedication of its own police officers. WE THEREFORE PROCLAIM THE WEEK OF MAY 15-21 TO BE POLICE WEEK and call upon all our citizens in this community to especially honor and show our sincere appreciation for the police officers of this city by deed, remark and attitude. I call upon all our citizens to make every effort to express their thanks to our men who make it possible for us to leave our homes and family in safety each day and to return to our homes knowing they are protected by men willing to sacrifice their lives, if necessary, to guard our loved ones, property and government against all who wou]d violate the law. Signed this day of May, 1983, at the City of The Colony, State of Texas, in the witness thereof the seal and signatures of the city are affixed. /s/ LARRY D. SAMPLE, MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ JANICE CARROLL, CITY SECRETARY Councilman Poole moved the Resolution be approved as presented. Seconded by Councilman Dodds, the motion passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None It was noted that Helen Gray, a member of the audience, stated that she felt that The Colony did have one of the best police departments in the metroplex. 7. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE PROVIDING A FINE FOR THE MISUSE OF LIBRARY MATERIALS Councilman Long moved that this be tabled until the next regular meeting date. Seconded by Councilman Poole, the motion passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 8. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL FOR PAYMENT OF LEGAL FEE Councilman North stated that this was a budgeted bill from the attorney representing The Colony in the Frisco litigation suit, and he would like to request the Council refrain from a public discussion of the itemized bill and the amount. Mayor Sample did concur with Councilman North, and stated that the amount of the bill was as expected. At this time, Councilman Poole moved that the bill be paid to the firm of Henderson Bryant & Wolfe. Seconded by Councilman Dodds, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 10. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FROM TEXAS WASTE MANAGEMENT TO RESGHEDULE TRASH PICKUP DAYS Mr. John Gustafson was present. He did state to the Council that in accordance with Paragraph 4 of the contract with the City, they did have the right to change pickup days, as long as two pickup days per week were provided. He did explain to the Council that they would like to change the area presently picked up on Wednesday and Saturday to the existing pickup days of Monday- Thursday or Tuesday-Friday. To accomplish this, an extra truck will be run in The Colony on those days. He did advise the Council that this would be effective on June 1st. After a brief discussion, the Council did concur with this change but requested that it be adequately publicized so that people will be aware of the rescheduling. At this time, Councilman north moved to approve the change. Seconded by Councilman Dodds, the motion was passed -3- by the following roll ca]] vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 9. RECEIVE REPORT ON THE COLONY HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION Mr. Bob Brown, Chairman of the Housing Finance Corporation, referred to the Reservation Certificate from the Texas Department of Community Affairs that the Council did have in their packets for their review. He advised the Council that this Certificate was for $3,475,800, and that it was Dan Almon, the Corporation's financial advisor's recommendation that this be refused within the next 45 days and that The Colony refile for a larger amount which could be $20 million. Mr. Almon said that the cost for the bond issue, whether it be small or large, would be approximately $200,000 and that mortgage companies would not be interested in dealing with the smaller amount. He told the Council that this money will revert back to the State. Councilman Long stated he did have a problem in accepting Mr. Almon's advice. He was concerned that Mr. Almon and his firm of Rauscher Pierce Refsnes, Inc. would be the financial advisors, as well as the bonding agent to the Corporation. Councilman Poole clarified that the function of this was just to report to the City Council. Mr. Brown agreed with Councilman Poole and stated that the action taken must be taken by the Housing Finance Corporation. After further discussion of the time and procedure, the Council did concur that it would be financially advisable for the Corporation to refuse this smaller amount and wait for a larger amount of mortgage bonds. 11. CLOSED DOOR SESSION AS AUTHORIZED BY ARTICLE 6252-17 OF VERNON'S ANNOTATED CIVIL STATUTES, AS AMENDED A. PERSONNEL B. LITIGATION Mayor Sample stated that the Council would meet again in a closed-door session to consider the appointment of a City Attorney and board appointments, as we]] as to discuss pending litigation. 12. CONSIDERATION AND DISCUSSION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF A CITY ATTORNEY Upon reconvening in open session, Councilman Dodds moved that Mr. John Boyle of the firm of Hutchison Price Boyle & Brooks be appointed attorney for the city effective May 18, 1983. Seconded by Councilman North, the motion passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: A]I members present voted aye Noes: None 13. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Councilman Dodds moved that Bob Fiumara be appointed to Place 1 on the Planning and Zoning Commission and that Earl Brantley be appointed to Place 2 on the Planning and Zoning Commission contingent upon his resignation from the Parks and Recreation Board. Seconded by Councilman North, 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 that the meeting be adjourned. Seconded by Councilman North, the motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None Mayor Sample adjourned the meeting at midnight. A TT~ES~: yRETARY --4--