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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/06/1984 City Council 00180 ', MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS HELD ON AUGUST 6, 1984 The 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 D. Sample Mayor Rick Harris Councilman Noel Long Councilman Helen Gray Councilman Don Amick Councilman Charles Dodds Councilman Marlene Poole Councilman with all members present, a quorum was established. 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Sample led the Council and members of the audience in the pledge of allegiance to the United States flag. 2. CITIZEN INPUT Don Amick wished to speak as a citizen regarding weeds. He briefly reviewed a memorandum he received from the City Inspect- ions Department regarding a particular residence in his neighbor- hood. It basically stated that it took five separate citations to the tenant before they would mow the yard. The first four to the previous tenant and the fifth to the landlord. He just wants the citizens to know that the legal process as well as the steps attempting to determine who owns the property take some time but that the City does make every effort to get this sort of problem corrected. Janice Carroll, City Manager, said the Inspections Department sends approximately 35 warning letters out per day and get 8 to 10 back because the tenants have changed or moved. Betty Laker a resident of 5240 Avery Lane spoke regarding her dismay over the general appearance of the United Methodist Church across the street from her. Her main concerns centered around the portable building in the back of the building and the general appearance of the grounds. She wanted to know why the homeowners in the area were not notified that it was being put there? Ms. Carroll gave a brief history of the building itself. She said at the time the church got the building, it met all codes. The church had a Specific Use permit to use it for auxilary use. Following a brief discussion by the Council, Ms. Carroll advised them she would have the minutes of the Council meeting at which time this building was discussed (approx. 3 years ago), and report back to them regarding the bricking. Councilman Poole seemed to recall that they had agreed to brick it at some point in time. Mayor Sample assured Mrs. Laker that the building as well as the appearance of the grounds would be looked into and citations issued if necessary. 3. RECEIVE A REPORT FROM THE MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT REGARDING ACCESS TO DALLAS WATER Mayor Sample said this item was put on the agenda because of some ques~ic~s Councilman Amick was wanting some answers to. He then read aloud a letter delivered to M.U.D on behalf of the Council by City Manager Carroll. It asked for answers to the following questions: 00180'2 (1) What is your best estimate as to when the Dallas water will be on line and how will this effect the rationing of water? (2) Explain the formula used to determine the mix of the Dallas water and The Colony well water? (3) What is the most recent estimate as to the gallons per day of Dallas water you expect to purchase, and what is the cost? -- (4) What is the total storage capacity of the Office Creek water storage facility and how will it effect the mix of the Dallas and The Colony water? (5) What are the terms of the Dallas water contract with the Utility District regarding payment to Dallas for water purchased. Ms. Carroll advised the Mayor and City Council that Mr. Hall would not be present tonight to answer these questions. She said he would respond in writting. Mr. Bill Longo, a member of the MUD Board of Directors, was present and said the board recox~nended that Mr. Hall respond in writting rather than in person at the City Council meeting. 6. DISCUSSION OF CITY/M.U.D. FEASIBILITY STUDY Mayor Sample said he met with the MUD Board of Directors at their last meeting regarding the feasibility study. They have agreed to participate in such a study. He selected Councilman Poole and Councilman Amick to serve on a committee to seek out a consulting firm agreeable to both entities to do the study. The study will determine whether or not it is feasible for the City and the MUD District to merge. He said Janice Carroll would serve on the committee as well. Mr. Longo advised the Council that Mr. Bob Hauck , Mr. Bill Hall and himself would serve as the committee for the MUD Board. Mayor Sample said it is necessary to determine what the best options are for our citizens. He went on to say, he would totally suppOrt whatever the consulting firm recommends. 3. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST BY HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH TO RENAME A SECTION OF NORTH COLONY BOULEVARD WHEN THE EXISTING ROUTE IS CHANGED Mayor Sample read aloud the letter received from Rev. Ellsworth T. Wigginton. His letter basically stated that he would like the Catholic community to have a contest of sorts to name the street that will run in front of their Church. They would submit uplifting names with a religious tone. Mayor Sample explained how the street in front of the Church would have no name once the route of North Colony Boulevard is changed to extend over the Rail Road tracks to connect with SH121. He also showed those present which section of North Colony is in question. Councilman Poole recommended that Councilman Gray be the liason between the Church and the Council since this has been an area ~ . she has expressed interest in, in the past. The rest of the Council concured with Councilman Poole's recommendation and Councilman Gray accepted. Councilman Harris moved to approve the request by the Catholic Church to rename a section of North Colony, only after the route has been changed, and to have Councilman Gray act as the liason between the Church and the Council. Seconded by Councilman Gray, the motion passed with the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 5. REVIEW BUDGET FOR 1984/85 FISCAL YEAR City Manager Carroll reviewed an amended Summary of General Funds. It reflected a lower figure in the building permit category. She added, the $6,000 for Police vehicles would be paid in December even though the lease/purchase isn't actually up until April 1985. Councilman Gray spoke regarding the building permit figure. She feels it is necessary to look very seriously at the number of building permits being issued as long as we are having a problem with water. Mr. Longo said M.U.D. is planning for another 350 homes in their budget and doesn't feel like there will be any problems. Following a brief discussion on Stewart Creek Park, Ms. Carroll said all monies received from admittance fee's goes directly back into the park, i.e. upkeep, improvements. There was a brief discussion as to the need of an additional defibulator for the Fire Department. Ms. Carroll said the decision to purchase two was made last year when it was determined the City would maintain two complete paramedic corps. Paul Newman a resident of 5657 Perrin questioned the need for a Fire Station on the Stewart Creek Peninsula. Mayor Sample said Chief Gothard is wishing on that right now. Ms. Carroll added, a third station will definitely be located on the Peninsula. Councilman Long was curious about the projected City Sales tax figures. Ms. Carroll said she is hoping for some new tax percent- ages from possible growth and changes in the tax laws. Councilman Amick asked how the taxes come in. Do they have peaks and valleys? Ms. Carroll said it is basically a steady flow. Mayor Sample suggested that maybe Bob Bullock, State Comptroller, could be contacted to see what factor the state is using to determine increas~ in tax revenue. There was a brief discussion on proposed Police vehicles. Council- man Amick said he would rather not commit to using the building permit fees to pay for the vehicles. He would rather see it as a capital item built into the base. Councilman Amick said he wants to plan for a 1¢ tax increase and conduct the public hearings. The concensous of the Council was to proceed with the hearings. Mayor Sample objected to the Denton County Appraisal Districts 50% increase. He and Councilman Poole requested additional information be received on their proposed budget. Ms. Carroll advised the Council that the Public Works budget includes two additional maintenance men. Councilman Long spoke regarding the proposed Lieutenants for the Fire Department. He is very much against the idea. Councilman Gray had some questions regarding the overtime pa~ Mayor Sample asked if the hiring of the lieutenants was considered when figuring the possible overtime hours. Ms. Carroll said the reason they have the overtime pay is that we require two men per shift. If the lieutenants are hired, that would give the City three men per shift. If one was ill or absent, it would still give us our two man requirement, therefore the overtime pay would be substantially lower than this year. This was considered when figuring the overtime amount. With no further discussion or action to be taken by the Council at this time, Councilman Dodds moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Councilman Long, the motion passed with a unanimous vote. Mayor Sample adjourned the meeting at 11:15 p.m. 00180 Approved: Larr~/~. Sa~p e~, MaWr Attest: Jan~add, City Secr~ - y [ SEAL]