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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/27/1984 City Council MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY HELD ON AUGUST 27, 1984 The Special 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 to the United States flag. 2. CITIZEN INPUT The first citizen to speak was Mr. Jerry Schultz, a resident of the City for three months, living at 4821 Nash Drive. He had several subjects he wanted some answers to. 1) Why is it taking so long to complete FM4237 2) Why is it taking so long to get the Dallas water hooked up? and 3) He did't like the way the City Inspections Department handled his Certificate of Occupancy inspection and didn't feel like it was his responsibility to get such an inspect- ion. He said it took a month and several nasty letters from the City before he got the inspection. He went on to say he wasn't even aware the City required such an inspection. Janice Carroll, City Manager responded first to his question regarding FM423. She said the City has very little control over the State and their scheduling. She went on to say we are looking at an October completion date. Mayor Sample responded to his water questions, by advising him to contact M.U.D. since the City has very little control over them. Ms. Carroll advised Mr. Schultz, that as a homeowner, he is responsible for arranging for the C/O inspection. She said she would research his particular inspection for any irregularities. Mr. Billy Freeman, representing the youth of the City, asked the Council if they would reconsider using the land sale money on a City Hall. They would rather see is used to build a recreation center. Mayor Sample advised him that first of all, the City hasn't received any monies yet. When it does, less than half of the approximately $2 million will be used for a City Hall facility. A recreation center is a priority to this Council. He told them the Council has been looking into the possibility of using Fire Station #1 for this purpose when a new more adequate Fire Station can be built. He added, the Council would continue to give their recommendation serious consid- eration. Mrs. Jungman, also representing the youth, asked what the youth could do to help get a recreation center. The Mayor advised her that a City can only do so much to provide things for the citizens to do. Private enterprise normally provides such things a movie theaters and bowling alleys to name a few. This City is still very young but those sort of things will come in the near future. He told them the Council would be more than happy to work with their group on their recommendation. Mayor Sample, spoke to read a letter that Mr. & Mrs. Tom Sullivan, residents of 5117 Reed, wrote to numerous landlords in the City. It was in total support of the Ordinance #278 and backed the City Council in their decision to enforce it. The Mayor then quoted some statistics on single family rental property in Denton County as well as the City of Dallas. The percentage of rental properties in The Colony far exceeded the other statistics. Thereby, he feels it warrants some legislation. 00182"i 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE AUGUST 6th, 8th, 13th and 20th MEETINGS Councilman Dodds moved to approve the minutes of all four meetings as written. Councilman Poole seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. 4. CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF BIDS ON A 13.606 ACRE LAND TRACT GENERALLY LOCATED WEST OF THE INTERSECTION OF SOUTH COLONY BLVD. AND FM423 AND AWARDING OF SAME City Manager Carroll reviewed the bid process at 2:00 P.M. today. The City received six bids. Six bids were for the 1 acre tract, with the Talmadge Tinsley Company being the only bid received for all three tracts. Three bids were delivered after the 2:00 ~p.m. deadline and therefore not accepted. This represents a totla of nine companies that showed an interest in our property as a sound financial investment. After reviewing the bids, the staff recommends that Council accept the Talmadge Tinsley bid on tract #1 in the amount of $1,068,000 which represents $3.20 per square foot, and for tract #3 in the amount of $689,000 which represents $3.20 per square foot as well. The bid recommended on the one acre tract, identified as tract #2, is by the Dunning Development Corporation in the amount of $285,000 which represents $6.55 per square foot. The City will have to pay Talmadge Tinsley approximately $74,705 which represents one-half of the profit made above $3.12 per square foot on the 1 acre tract. Obviously, we do not have to pay them any portion of the profit on any land tract that we may award to them. The City would be receiving $1,967,613.00 for the entire 13.606 acre tract. Mayor Sample recommended accepting and awarding the bids as recommended by staff. Councilman Poole moved to accept all six bids and to award the bid for tracts #1 and #3 to the Talmadge Tinsley Company and the bid for tract #2 to Dunning Development Corporation. Councilman Long seconded the motion. Councilman Amick felt it would be prudent to review all attachments first and have the attorney review them as well before a decision is made. After a brief discussion the Council agreed. Councilman Dodds then moved to amend the motion on the floor to only accept the six bids. Seconded by Councilman Amick, the motion to amend passed with the following roll call vote: Ayes: Ail members present voted aye Noes: None The Council then voted on the original motion as amended, it passed with the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None Mayor Sample made a brief statement regarding the way the City acquired the land. He went on to say after a series of land trades with Fox & Jacobs, the land on North Colony was acquired. It was at that time the decision was made to sell the land on FM423 and use the funds to build a Municipal Comp]ex on the North Colony land. He went on to say that Nick Oprea sued the City for the right to bid again and yet he did not bid. He then spoke briefly to clarify several erroneous statement by Mr. Oprea that were published in the newspaper, Friday August 24th. He added, Nick Oprea didn't have a bid in this process not because of the City Council but because of himself. 001,g2o 5. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION PROTESTING THE 1985 DENTON COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT BUDGET City Manager Carroll introduced the Council to Mr. Joe Rogers, the Acting Chief Appraiser for the District. He briefly reviewed his position with the district and told the Council he would do his best to answer their questions. Mayor Sample expressed his disapproval of the proposed 40% increase. Councilman Poole asked how they expect the different entities in the district to approve a budget they haven't even seen. She re- quested a line item budget. Mr. Rogers stated that their Board will be reviewing and revising the budget this Thursday night. After their revisions, he said he would send a copy of the line item budget. He advised the Council of the Steering Committee and their recommendations. He said their recommendations are reflected in this proposed budget. He briefly went over how the committee was formed and who it consists of. Councilman Poole asked how many entities in the district would have to oppose to the budget to get it overturned. He replied, the majority of the 31 entities. The Mayor mentioned that he had heard Carrollton was considering withdrawing from the District next year. He was concerned as to how it would affect The Co]ony's share. If it continued to increase at the rate his has been, it would be less expensive for the City to do it themselves. Councilman Long mentioned that even if Carrollton backs out of the Appraisal District, 14% of it is still in Denton County and would still have to be appraised as such. They just wouldn't be paying for it. He went on to ask what type of computer they were planning to get. Mr. Rogers indicated they would beef up their present system They would get enough personnel and computer hardware to appraise every two years rather than every four years. Councilman Long also objected to the Chief Appraisers salary. Councilman Amick pointed out the 1982/83 budget. It was increased $200.00. The increases in the past have been relatively low. The high percentage increase this year is primarily due to the steering committee. He questioned their need for a new building. Mr. Rogers explained that in their present location, they have absolutely no room to expand. Many employees don't have a desk. Councilman Amick then asked about the budgeted amount for mapping the County. Mr. Rogers advised him that the mapping department is presently doing maintenance on approximately 400 transfers per week therefore, an outside firm will be hired to prepare the map. The District mapping department will then be able to keep it up to date and maintain them. Councilman Amick asked if the new line item budget would have more information on it than the first one the City received? He asked Mr. Rogers to request his Board to permit him to send The Colony an updated line item budget when they have made their revisions. Councilman Harris was curious as to whether of not The Colony had anyone on the steering committee. City Manager Carroll advised the Council that Jane Barton is on the Data Processing Committee and Ruth Ann Devlin is on the District Communications Committee. Councilman Harris requested a copy of the steering committee report. There was a lengthy discussion primarily between the Mayor and Mr. Rogers pertaining to the type of computer equipment to be purchased &the data processing budget. Mayor Sample said that one third of the 1¢ tax increase levied by the Council is to pay for the 40% increase in the appraisal districts fees. Councilman Harris reminded everyone that the Public Hearing on this budget is this Thursday and if we want to oppose it, we would have until September 15th to do so. 00182o Mayor Sample then read the Resolution as follows: CITY OF THE COLONY TEXAS RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas, is always concerned with the general welfare of our citizens and the residents of Denton County, and WHEREAS, in the judgment of the City Council it is in the best interest of our citizens and the residents of Denton County to protest the Denton County Appraisal District budget for the 1985 calendar year. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS: That the City Council respectfully submits to the Denton County Appraisal District Board of Directors and the Commissioners Court this Resolution officially protesting the estimated budget allocations for the Denton County Appraisal District for the 1985 calendar year. PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS, ON THE 27TH DAY OF AUGUST, 1984. /s/ LARRY D. SAMPLE, MAYOR /s/ JANET GADD, CITY SECRETARY 6. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 1984/85 BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF THE COLONY City Manager, Janice Carroll, reviewed her budget memo. It basic- ally included the following information. As adopted, the budget provides for a 38¢ tax levy or a 1¢ increase from the previous year. The contingency reserve is estimated to be $214,690 or 13% of the budget. The budget emphasizes the addition of new personnel. Three Lieutenants for the Fire Department, an Investigator for the Police Department, and two additional Main- tenance men in the Public Works Department. A 5% pay adjustment for all employees and a 2% "F" step were also added. She went on to say the purchase of the vehicles for the Police Department is carried as a line item on the Police budget. Councilman Amick asked if the backhow and trelimitry equipment transfered from the 1983/84 budget are included as a capital expense? Ms. Carroll stated, they are included as line items on the department budgets. Amick went onto say he did not want any capital purchases made without Council approval. Mayor Sample reminded Councilman Amick of the policy of bidding on any item over $5,000. Therefore the Council would have control. Mayor Sample read the following Ordinance caption: CITY OF THE COLONY TEXAS ORDINANCE # AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS APPROVING AND ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE CITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 1984 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 1985; PROVIDING FOR THE INTRA- AND INTER- DEPARTMENT FUND TRANSFERS; PROVIDING FOR THE INVESTMENT OF CERTAIN FUNDS; PROVIDING THAT EXPENDITURES FOR SAID FISCAL YEAR SHALL BE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SAID BUDGET; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. With no further discussion, Councilman Dodds moved to approve the Ordinance as written. Seconded by Councilman Amick, the motion passed with the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 7. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE LEVYING THE AD VOLOREM TAXES FOR THE YEAR 1984 AT A RATE OF $.38 PER ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ASSESSED VALUATION 0018oo Mayor Sample read the following Ordinance caption: CITY OF THE COLONY TEXAS ORDINANCE # AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS, LEVYING THE AD VALOREM TAXES FOR THE YEAR 1984 AT A RATE OF $.38 PER ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100.00) ASSESSED VALUATION OF ALL TAXABLE PRO- PERTY WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY AS OF JANUARY 1, 1984; TO PROVIDE REVENUES FOR THE PAYMENT OF CURRENT EXPENSES AND TO PROVIDE AN INTEREST AND SINKING FUND ON ALL OUTSTANDING DEBTS OF THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR DUE AND DELINQUENT DATES TOGETHER WITH PENALTIES AND INTEREST; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. With no discussion, Councilman Dodds made a motion to approve the Ordinance as written. Seconded by Councilman Amick, the motion passed with the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 8. DISCUSS PROPOSED BOND PROPOSITION AND FINANCIAL ADVISOR FOR SAME City Manager Carroll advised the Council that she has been in touch with the City Attorney regarding a Finance Advisor. He said he would like to handle our Bonds and would recommend a large firm handle the sell of the bonds. Councilman Long felt it would be more economical to have an individual handle the bonds, like the City of Irving does. He could be paid as an advisor. Mayor Sample expressed his thoughts regarding the matter by saying by using a large firm, you are gauranteed good bidders. Councilman Poole spoke regarding Mr. Dipples,one of Mr. Boyles partners, qualifications. Stating that he had been the Financial Advisor for Lomas & Nettleton for a number of years. After a lengthy discussion on the matter, Councilman Amick made a motion of resolution to pursue the route the City Manager recommended to obtain the bonds by using the City Attorney, Mr. Boyle and the First Southwest Corporation. Seconded by Councilman Dodds, the motion passed with the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 9. CLOSED DOOR SESSION AS AUTHORIZED BY ARTICLE 6252-17 SECTION 2G OF V.A.C.S. REGARDING PERSONNEL AND APPOINTMENTS AS FOLLOWS: a. Library Board b. Municipal Court 10. CONSIDERATION OF RESIGNATIONS FROM AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE LIBRARY BOARD Councilman Amick made a motion to accept the resignations of David Bird, Place 5 and Elaine Gayle, Place 4 from the Library Board and to appoint Mr. Norman Adeler to 4. Seconded by Councilman Poole, the motion passed with the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 11. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE Councilman Long moved to have the Mayor ask for Mr. Burke's termination within the next two weeks and appoint Mr. Mustard to take his place effective the 29th day of August, 1984. Seconded by Councilman Poole, the motion passed with the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None 001831 With no further 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 11:45 p.m. Approved: Attest: Jan~add, City Secretary [SEAL]