HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/18/1986 City Council 00244 ..
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON
AUGUST 18, 1986
The REGULAR SESSION of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas
was called to order at 7:30 p.m. at the 18th day of August, 1986 at City Hall
Following is the roll call of Council members
Larry D. Sample Mayor Present
Rick Harris Councilman Absent due to business
Tom Arrambide Councilman Present
David W. Dye III Councilman Present
Don Amick Mayor Pro-tem Present
Harvey Bradley Councilman Present
Marlene Poole Councilman Present
There being six members present and one mem1~:er absent, a quorum was estab-
lished and the following items of business were addressed:
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Sample led the audience and the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance
to the flag of the United States of America.
2. CITIZEN INPUT
Dick Weaver - referenced an article written by Mona Mason Effler which
came out in The Colony Leader, stating it was confusing. Mr. Weaver
said it stated our taxes would be reduced but we are still paying more
taxes. Weaver said according to his information the City (without M.U.D.)
is increasing taxes from 3~.2¢ to 40.5¢ this year, which represents an
increase of about 11 or 12%. Weaver said that maybe the reduction comes
in the fact that M.U.D. reduced their taxes from about 42¢ to about
34¢, going on to say that M.U.D. took into account the additonal land
held by the City and not M.U.D. at this point, to lower their taxes.
He said without that land the M.U.D. tax would be about 38¢. Mayor
Sample said the article stated the tax rate is decreasing from 43 to 40,
stating that 'according to the valuation of property, certain people will
be paying less taxes than before and some others will be payi~g~i more.
Mike Lynch - questioned why the City had not put a fence around the
hole on North Colony Blvd where some kind of work is going on.
Mr. Bill Hall said that M.U.D. is working there on the utilities for the
new Municipal Complex and there should be some kind of barricade around
the hole
3. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF INTERNATIONAL
BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION, FOR A CHAGNE OF ZONING ON
PROPERTY PRESENTLY ZONED AS AGRICULTURAL TO HAVE THE COMPRE-
HENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY AMENDED
SO AS TO GIVE SAID FOLLOWING 236 ACRES A BUSINESS PARK CLASSI-
FICATION:
SOUTH OF HWY 121, EAST OF A LINE
SOUTH OF PAIGE RD.
Councilman Arrambide moved to open the Public Hearing and Councilman
Dye seconded the motion which carried with all members voting Aye.
Janice Carroll, City Manager said that Mr. Bob Thomas, representing
I.B.M. was present at the meeting to answer questions. Eric Stanton
Building Official, read his memo to Janice Carroll in which he stated
that the Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended the approval
of this zoning request, with no special conditions or requirements.
Mayor Sample asked if a road to service the property was addr~sse~l-:-Mr.
Stanton said he was no-t sure, but he would check the minutes. Janet
Gadd, citizen asked how soon the property would be developed. Mr.
Thomas said he has no idea, that his company has ~.¥"--~---'~own the
element of development on this tract or the other tract owned by I.B.M.
and has never been able to make any sort of promises to the city regard-
ing that. Mike Lynch asked if the property is re-zoned for Business
Park when will it be re-appraised and when will it go on the tax rolls.
Mr. Lynch also wanted to know when it would help The Colony in terms
of taxes. Mr. Thomas said no it would probably not help The Colony
at this time, stating that the propoerty is being used as agricultural
at this time, and will probably continue to be used in that way. Mr.
Thomas went on to say that when his company bought this property,
it was in the City of Hebron, while the other tracts were in the City
of The Colony, stating that the ocmpany felt it better if all the
land be in the City-Of The Colony so they requested Hebron to dis-
annex this property and requested The Colony to annex it. Mr.
Thomas said the company feels their future is tied to The Colony and
that is why they had this done.
Jerry Burr asked why I.B.M. wanted a zoning change. Mr. Thomas
said the City has passed a new Ordinance last year which would give
a more appropriate zoning to this property (Business Park) than
Industrial zoning, which is how the other tracts of I.B.M. property
are zoned.
Adam Setsko asked where this land is and Mayor Sample pointed it
out on the map.
Robert Poynter - asked if there are any public roads through this property.
Mr. Thomas said the property is bounded by Hwy 121 on the north and
on the west by Old Fuqua Rd., stating there are none inside the property.
Janet Gadd asked if the rest of the I.B.M. property to be re-zoned.
Mayor Sample said the rest is zoned industrial already and that this
request is only for the land south of 121 and Business Park is more
appropriate zoning.
Mike Lynch wanted to know why I.B.M. was only asking to change this
small parcel and not the entire properties to Business Park and is there
a problem with the Plano Pkwy. that Mr. Billingsley is building in regard
to I.B.M. blocking the right of way. Mr. Thomas stated that I.B.M.
has given the right of Way. Mayor Sample said the matter has been
discussed but has not been settled yet. Mr. Lynch also asked if for
some reason I.B.M. refused right of way and the City had to condemn,
wouldn't it cost the City more to go through land zoned for business
than land zoned, for agricultural. Mayor Sample said he thought so.
Mr. Thomas referred to the map and stated that he did not think the
Piano Pkwy crosses the property being discussed in this meeting.
Mayor Sample pointed out a small portion of the land will be crossed
by the roadway. Mr. Thomas stated perhaps but was not sure, and
went on to say that I.B.M. will donate the right of way in the amount
of 17 acres along Hwy 121, free for the widening of that road (121)
and that the right of way for the extension of Piano Parkway will be
given free also if that roadway does in fact cross their property.
Janet Gadd asked how come they were not changing the zoning on the
rest of the property. Mr. Thomas stated that was already changed to
industrial.
Councilman Amick asked why I.B.M. was not presenting a development
plan along with the zoning request as Fox & Jacobs had done when they
requested Business Park Zoning.
Mayor Sample said he had a letter from Mr. J.F. Gagliardi, Jr. which
was a refusal to the request the Mayor had made for I.B.M. to pay
for the construction of Piano Pkwy. through their property. The Mayor
said that Business Park is a very dense zoning and how would I.B.M.
approach the traffic problem without a roadway through that property.
Mr. Thomas said the density would be on Hwy 121 not on Plano Pkwy.
Mayor Sample said developers had always paid for roadways, such as
Henry Billingsley, Fox & Jacobs. The Mayor said that if I.B.M. won't
pay for the road then the City has only one alternative. Mr. Thomas
said that it had been I.B.M.'s experience that when an interior land
owner wants to develop his piece of property, then the interior land
owner pays for the construction of the roadway to the exterior, going
on to say that if Mr. Billingsley wants a roadway through to Hwy 121
then he should pay for the paving of that roadway. Mayor Sample said
that Mr. Billingsley will not be ready to decelop for about 5-6 years
but that when he (Billingsley) had. aFplied for Business Park zoning
he agreed to pay for the construction of Piano Pkwy. through his land
and the Mayor went on to say that if this Council grants Business Park
Zoning to I.B.M. without I.B.M. agreeing to pay for the construction
of the roadway it will be the first time that has ever happened. Mayor
Sample said this is high density zoning. Mr. Thomas said that he is
authorized to give Mot of land but not to spend any money. Mayor
Sample said he just wanted Mr. Thomas to convey to the persons making
this decision that this road will go through, saying that the people
of The Colony have needed a north/south access for a long time. The
00245
Mayor said that I.B.M. has had this land on the tax rolls for a long
time at $3000 - $5000 which is a very good rate, and that the land has
been like this since 1978 with no use to it, suggesting that this zoning
request is premature. Mr. Thomas agreed that it might be. Mayor
Sample said he though perhaps the City should review the industrial
zoning on the other tracts and determine if that too is premature.
Councilman Poole pointed out that previously a road had been closed
for I.B.M. much to the sorrow and displeasure of the citizens of The
Colony, going on to say that she is tired of I.B.M. being a benevolent
dictator jto our city regarding what our citizens are going to do to exit
the City everyday and that she does not feel this is in the best interest
to the citizens.
Councilman Bradley added that in the same letter the Mayor referred
to earlier stating that I.B.M. is unwilling to pay for the cost of paving
the Paige Road extension at this time for the following reasons: 1) This
road is not needed nor does it offer any substantial benefit to I.B.M.
Councilman Bradley stated he takes offense to this statement. Councilman
Amick said that the road is not needed by I.B.M.
Mayor Sample said he has been questioned for 4 - 5 years regarding
what I.B.M. is going ot do with their property and as far as the tax
rolls show this will be a giant farming conglomerate. Mr. Thomas stated
that the City had gotten fair market tax value every year. Mayor Sample
said the City has but that there is now a request to change 3/4 of the
land to agricultural on the city's tax roll and that he believed at the
time the iddustrial zoning was granted there was verbal agreement between
the City and I.B.M. that I.B.M. would pay city taxes. The Mayor said
there is a letter confimring that at the Denton County tax office.
Mike Lynch asked if the land is not going to be developed is there any
chance of the closed roads being re-opened. Mayor Sample said he had
written a letter in 1981 aksing them to re-open some of the roads and
tht he had received an answer from Mr. Bill Ross saying that would
be considered once the suit with Eberhart was settled and that suit
was settled last year.
Councilman AMick said he believes in the right of an individual to develop
in the time frame he sees fit, stating the City cannot make I.B.M. develop
this land but at the same time, other developers bring plans in when
they request zoning, going on to say that he would not vote in favor
of this zoning request without the agreement of I.B.M. to pay for the
construction of the roadway.
Mayor Sample said he had spoken with John Akin, President of I.B.M.
who stated that he would review our request. The Mayor pointed out
that this is a Public Hearing and no action will be taken, but he did
recommend to the Council that when the Public Hearing is closed that
the stipulation be made that this be brought back to Council when
I.B.M. has made arrangments for the construction costs of Plano Pkwy.
Councilman Poole moved to close the Public Hearing and Councflman
Bradley seconded the motion, with instructions that the City Manager/
and Mayor write a letter to I.B.M. expressing the City's displeasure
at their refusal to pay for the construction Plano Pkwy. Mayor Sample
asked that Councilman Poole amend her motion to state that this item
be placed on the Council Agenda when I.B.M. agrees to pay for the
construction of Plano Pkwy. Councilman Poole amended her motion to
so state, Councilman Bradley seconded the amended motion and the motion
carried with a unanimous roll call vote.
8. RECEIVE RECOMMENDATION FROM THE YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD
Brady Small presented a proposal for a teen party to be given on
Friday the 29th of August at the Aquatic Park to celebrate the close
of summer and the beginning of school. Mr. Small stated that the pool
would close at 6:00 p.m. to prepare and then re-open from 7:00 p.m.
to 10:00 p.m. for teens only - No Adults! Elise Kno~, acting Directing
of the Pool had stated that she has adequate staff to handle such a
party and that there would be advertising handled by the Youth Advisory
Board. Possible activities at the party would include music through
the sound system, games, possible "dive-in-movies". Councilman Poole
said the Sr, Class party flopped due to the rain and hoped this party
would be a success. Councilman Poole also suggested waiving the fee
to get in but to charge for the concessions.
Councilman Amick mvoed to grant permission for the teen party on August
29 from 7-10 p.m., with free admission. Councilman Bradley seconded
the motion which carried with a unanimous roll call vote.
4. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES
OF THE CITY BY AMENDING APPENDIX A - ZONING BY REPEALING
ALL REFERENCES AND STANDARDS RELATING TO SF SINGLE FAMILY
DWELLING DISTRICT AND BY ADDING AND ESTABLISHING STANDARDS
RELATING TO FOUR (4) SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICTS, BEING
SF-1, SF-2, SF-3 AND SF-4 DISTRICTS
Councilman Amick moved to open the Public Hearing and Councilman
Poole seconded the motion which carried with all members voting Aye.
Janice Carroll introduced Eric Stanton to review the ordinance with
Council. Councilman Amick asked about the definition of masonry,
stating it should be clearer. Councilman Poole asked if that included
stucco and Mr. Stanton said it did not. Councilman Poole asked that
the line that requires "no stucco" be put back in the ordinance. Councilman
Amick also asked if the alley easement is in the Design Criteria. Councilman
Dye stated that there are somethings that overlap in the ordinance and
in the Design Criteria and he suggested that this be brought back after
the Council work session next week. Councilman Amick suggested continuing
the Public Hearing or closing it and holding it again after next week's
work session. Mayor Sample said before the motion is made he wanted
some things included, ie. side yards, stating we need some way to give
larger side yards and to get ideas from other cities and their requirements.
Councilman Bradley said some cities have -0- lot lines. Larry Ludwig
of Fox & Jacobs said people will choose the traditional typy lot when
given a choice.
Mike Lynch asked if this new ordinance would eliminate problems regarding
duplexes, multiple entry driveways, etc. Mayor Sample said not this
only addresses the size of homes.
Janet Gadd asked if 5' is the minimum and if it is it is too narrow.
Councilman Bradley stated that 7' is better, sayin the Health Dept. requests
it for better circulaiton between houses. Councilman Dye said that
Exhibit B needs to be clarified also, stating it should not have Duplex,
Office, etc. in the ordinance.
Councilman Amick moved to continue the Public Hearing to the September
2, 1986 meeting. Councilman Poole seconded the motion which carried
with a unanimous roll call vote.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
Councilman Poole asked to have Item A removed and Councilman Amick
asked to have Item C removed from the consent agenda for discussion.
A. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY BY AMENDING APPENDIX A - ZONING
BY REPEALING ALL REFERENCES AND STANDARDS RELATING TC
SF SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT AND BY ADDING AND
ESTABLISHING STANDARDS RELATING TO FOUR (4) SINGLE FAMILY
DWELLING DISTRICTS, BEING SF-1, SF-2, SF-3 AND SF-4 DISTRICTS
Councilman Amick moved to table this item to September 2, 1986 meeting
and Councilman Poole seconded the motion which carried with all
members voting Aye.
B.CONSIDERATION OF THE APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE
COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JULY 30, 1986
Councilman Arrambide moved to approve the minutes as written and
Councilman Poole seconded the motion which carried with all members
voting Aye.
C. CONSIDERATION OF A POLICY FOR THE STORAGE OF ITEMS ON
IRREGULAR LAND TRACTS LEASED FORM THE CITY
Janice Carroll read the proposed guidelines:
The intent of these guidelines, as established by the City staff
"The intent of these guidelines, as established by the City staff is to'allow
residents adjacent to unused City owned land to benefit from the use of the
land while preserving the naturalness of the area and protecting the adjacent
homeowners natural view. Based on these guidelines, the person requesting
the lease should provide to the staff for review, and subsequently to the
Council for approval, a land use plan based on the following criteria:
1. Only chain link or wooden fences no greater than four(4) feet in
height will be permitted.
2. No open storage of materials will be allowed.
3. Motorized vehicles or boats will not be allowed to be stored on the
property if it is determined by staff or Council that it will obstruct
a natural view enjoyed by surrounding homeowners.
4. A permanent building structure will not be allowed and temporary
portable buildings will be allowed only if it does not adversely
effect the naturalness of the area.
5.If a portable storage building is allowed, it must comply with
all City regulations and codes.
6. The land shall in no way be used in connectuon with any commercial
function or enterprise.
Ms. Carroll stated that all neighbors in the area must agree, bring a master
plan of the neighborhood, and the signed leases before the Council for final
approval.
Councilman Amick said he was not 100% sure these guidelines covered every-
thing. Mayor Sample said that item #3 should be changed, stating that he
does not think any motor home or vehicle should be stored on this property.
Councilman Dye asked why a four foot fence and Mayor Sample said the
citizens in prior meetings had asked for it.
Steve Tolen and Steve Mitchell wanted the word storage taken out of the
guidelines completely. Then Mr. Tolen presented a petition to the Council
(See attachment "A") outlining items they wanted to see incorporated in the
guidelines for the lease of this land. Councilman Dye said he felt the
staff could handle the guidelines and it did not need to come back to Council
Mr. Stetsco stated that he would like to see no wooden fences allowed, since
that could conceivably block someone's view. Agnes Foster, a member of
P & Z stated that there needs to be some consistent policy set for all areas
in the City. Mr. St eve Mitchell asked about the part of the lease which
refers to the liability on the land. Mayor Sample explained that is to protect
the City and the homeowner. Councilman Amick stated that he felt staff
probably had a difficult time coming up with guidelines that would please
the Council and suggested that a committee be appointed to handle that.
Mayor Sample said he thinks this needs to be done with and feels the following
items should be included:
1. fencing should be the same as allowed in front yards at this time
2. no storage and.or overnight parking of any ve!qicles
Mayor Sample also stated that trees cannot ~e disallowed.
Janice Carroll asked if this was the concensus of Council then these could
be used to deal with the individual leases. Steve Tolen and the Mayor want
the guidelines to be in the lease. Councilman Amick said trees need to be
addressed in regard to those that might block the view. Mayor Sample said
that could be addressed the master plan prepared by the neighborhood.
Mayor Sample then suggested that staff get with the neighborhoods and decide
what type fencing, etc. is desired.
Councilman Amick moved to table until such time as definite decision is made
regarding the guidelines. Councilman Bradley seconded the motion which
carried with all members voting Aye.
6. RECEIVE PROPOSALS REGARDING THE LIGHTING OF THE ALLEY BETWEEN
THE CITY OF THE COLONY AND THE CITY OF EASTVALE
Cindy Sykes of T.P. & L. said there were two proposals to light the alley
in question. One was to install floodlights at a cost of $180.00 each. The
other was from Joe Foreman, of Denton County Co-op who proposed to install
175 watt lights on 7 poles at a charge of $8.60 per month and no installation
fee. Councilman Poole asked if the lights are shot out, who would replace
them and Ms. Sykes said the Co-op should. /Vlayor Sample asked Chief Ri stagno
what he thought of this idea. The Chief said it was a good idea that
the area needs more light. Mr. John Wienberg of T.P.&L. sometimes if there
is too much involved in maintenance the company will discontinue the lights.
Councilman Amck asked if a shield could be placed around the lights to
prevent them shining into homes in Eastvale. Mr. Wienberg said the lights
would have shades which would prevent that. Councilman Amick said the
homeowners along that alley in Eastvale should probably be contacted.
Mayor Sample suggested that the Eastvale committee handle that and Councilman
Poole agreed they would, stating that the citizens in that area would like
to see those lights up as soon as possible. Councilman Amick said he does
not think the committee should approach the Eastvale citizens, but that the
lights should just be installed and shielded right away. Councilman Amick
then moved to accept the proposal from Denton County Co-op and to instruct
the City Manager to get with the company and come back with a lease agreement.
Councilman Bradley seconded the motion which carried with a unanimous roll
call vote.
7. RECEIVE REPORT REGARDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PEDESTRIAN
CROSSOVER AT NORTH COLONY BLVD. AND FM 423.
Janice Carroll stated that in the Council packet is a copy of a letter from
the traffic engineer, Hal Jones, in which he has re-evaluated the need to
build a pedestrian crossover at the above mentioned intersection. Ms. Carroll
went on to say that although the State Highway Depatrment does not have
a written policy regarding this, it is the knowledge of staff and Council that
the State has orally stated that they do not feel the number of persons using
such a crossover would justify it's construction costs. Ms. Carroll then stated
that it is her recommendation and the recommendation of Chief Ristagno that
this crossover is no longer a high priority since the State has recentbT installed
pedestrian acutated traffic signals at the intersection and that the crossover
should not be built at this time. Ms. Carroll suggested that the funds be
utilized for debt service or kept invested for a period of approximately 6
years and the interest earned from that investment be a aprt of that pro-
position. She also stated that if in the 6 years period another need was
found for the funds that another election could be held to obtain citizen
input on the use of the money. A copy of Mr. Jones' letter is attached
and made a part of these minutes (see attachment "B") Mr. Jones does
not recommend the building of the crossover.
Councilman Amick asked if taken to the people for a vote could the money
be used in another area. Mayor Sample said it would be best to use to retire
bonds. Councilman said he was not ready to decide at this meeting and asked
if we would save money by holding on to the funds or bygoing with another
election. Councilman Dye said he understands the interest rate is higher
on these bonds than what could be obtained on new bonds. There was
a lengthy discussion regarding the use of the $200,000. Mayor Sample said
he had no recommendation as to the use of the money now but would like
to see the crossover put to rest. Janice Carroll said she would bring back
all the options and repercussions as to the use of the $200,000. Councilman
Amick moved that the money designated to construction the crosswalk be
denied for that specific usage and to direct the City Manager to get options
from Mr. Boyd London and bring back to Council. Councilman Bradley seconded
the motion which carried with a unanimous roll call vote.
9. RECEIVE BOND UPDATE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Janice Carroll presented the Coucnil with a detailed reports outlining the
progress on the Bond propositions including prositions 1 - 4. Eric Stanton
gave an update on the progress of the Municipal Complex construction,
giving the various tages the construction of all three buildings is at and
stated that progress is good and basically on schedule.
EMERGENCY AGENDA ITEM:
1. CONSIDERATION OF THE AMENDMENT AND/OR REPEAL OF ORDINANCE
#436 OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY, CALLING A BOND ELECTION FOR
SEPTEMBER 13, 1986, AND CONSIDERATION OF THE PASSAGE OF AN ORDINANCE
CALLING A BOND ELECTION FOR THE ISSUANACE OF $500,000 GENERAL
.OBLIGATION PARK BONDS FOR IMPROVING AND ACQUIRING SITES FOR
PARK PURPOSES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPROVEMENTS AT
STEWART CREEK PARK AND THE ISSUANCE OF $2,500,000 GENERAL OBLIGA-
TION PARK BONDS FOR IMPROVING, CONSTRUCTING AND ACQUIRING SITES
FOR PARK PURPOSES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO A PUBLIC GOLF
COURSE TO BE LOCATED AT WYNNEWOOD PARK
Mr. Toby Bartholow explained that the wording of this ordinance
is clearer than the previous ordinacne passed by the Council and that
this document does repeal the first one and call the bond election.
Councilman Amick moved to adopt the new ordinance as written and
Councilman Poole seconded the motion which carried with a unanimous roll
call vote.
10. CLOSED DOOR SESSION AS AUTHORIZED BY ARTICLE 6252-17, V.A.C.S.
SECTION 2G, regarding personnel, to wit;
A. Proposed Municipal Budget fy 1986/87
With no further business to address, Councilman Amick moved to adjourn the meeting
and Councilman Bradley seconded the motion which carried with all members voting
Aye.
Mayor Sample adjourned the meeting at 11:25 pm.
APPROVED:
Mayor Protem,u~ ]~)on Amuck
ATTEST:
Patti A. Hick~, City Secretary
PETITION TO THE COLONY CITY COUNCIL
8/18/8&
We, the undersigned citizens o~ The Colony, hereby petition
the City Council to incorporate the ~ollowing items into the
lm:ase o~ city property bordering Lake Lewisville to city o~ The
Co~l ony residents. ,~
1. The right o~ ~irst refusal to lease the property shall be
given ~irst to the owners o~ the property adjacent to the land to
be leased. The extension o~ existing property lines shall
determine the area available ~or lease to each homeowner. I~ two
property lines intersect, then the extension o~ a line bisecting
the angle o~ intersection shall determine the property line.
a. I~ the right o~ ~irst refusal is passed~ the o~ners
on either side o~ the homeowner o~ ~irst refusal shall be given
the option to lease the property. I~ bo~h o~ these homeowners
~ish to lease the property~ hal~ o~ the property shall be leased
to each homeowner.
b. I~ none o~ the above homeowners ~ish to lease the
property, the right shall pass to the next homeo~ners~ ect.
2. The overnight parking of any vehicle, boat, or trailer
shall be prohibited.
~. No structures over 4 ~eet in height shall be allo~ed on
the property.
4. No hedges, shrubs, or trees over 4:~eet high shall be
permited, ', excluding those currently in place as o~ the date o~
the lease.
ATTACHMENT "B" (}(~245
JONES'FRIEBELE
CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC.
July'29, 1986
Mr. Nick Ristagno
Chief of Police
5576 N. Colony
The Colony, Texas 75056
Dear Mr. Ristagno:
At your request I have re-evaluated the need for a pedestrian overpass at
North Colony Blvd. and FM 423. The State's requirement that the City must
make this overpass structure accessible for the handicapped will substan-
tially increase the construction cost.
The State requires that a maximum grade should'not exceed 8.33% and that a
flat platform should be spaced every 30 feet. This configuration will re-
quire an additional 25 foot X 100 foot strip of right-of-way on each side
so that the ramps can be constructed.
It is my professional opinion that the $200,000 that had been funded for the
overpass, can be better utilized on other traffic safety projects. These
projects could be traffic signal installations, permanent pavement markings
for school cross walks and traffic lane markings, and construction of side-
walks for safe school routes. The factors that were considered are as
follows:
1. The traffic signal that the State has recently installed at North
Colony Blvd. provides for pedestrians.
2. If the structure was constructed as planned, it would restrict the
vision of the traffic signal.
3. There is no way that the pedestrians can be forced to use the over-
pass structure.
4. The volume of pedestrians crossing at this location does not justify
the additional cost for the overpass.
5. Pedestrian overpasses are usually considered for crossing of freeways
or expressways where the vehicular .traffic is traveling at high
speed and there are no adequate gaps between vehicles.
CENTER CREEK PLAZA · 633 CENTERVILLE RD · SUITE 310 · GARLAND, TEXAS 75041 · (2i4) 864-8555
Mr. Nick Ris~agno
July 29.
Page 2
I would suggest that the City request that the $200,000 authorized in the
1984 Bond Program be redistributed for traffic safety projects.
Sincerely,
Hal B. ,Jones, P.E.
HBJ: rt