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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/11/1988 City Council 00 85i MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 11, 1988 The Regular Session of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas was called to order at 7:30 p.m. on the llth day of January, 1988 at City Hall with following Council roll call: Don Amick, Mayor Present Rick Harris,Mayor Pro-tem Present Johnny Spears,Councilman Present Michael Robinson,Councilman Present Steve Glazener,Councilman Present Harvey Bradley,Councilman Absent Marlene Poole,Councilman Present and with six members present a quorum was established and the following items were addressed: 1. THE LOCATION OF POLITICAL SIGNS ON ELECTION DAY Mayor Amick stated that traditionally on Election Day, candidates had been allowed to place their campaign signs around the polling places and that last year, someone complained about this practice. The Mayor said the sign ordinance could be amended to allow this on Election Day or the Council could state that the sign ordinance is not in effect on that day or they could just not allow the signs. After a brief discussion it was agreed that the City Secretary should prepare a draft amendment to the sign ordinance, allowing political signs around the polls on Election Day only and bring it to the Council in her report regarding elections at the January 18, 1988 Council meeting. Councilman Spears also stated that the copy of the sign ordinance that is placed in the Candidate Packets before elections should be clarified. 2. THE UPCOMING COUNCIL RETREAT The City Secretary gave Council a memorandum with various options for dates and places for the retreat. It was decided the retreat would be held on January 30, 1988 at the Concourse in Grapevine and that a Resolution so stating the date should be drafted and placed on the January 18, 1988 agenda. The Mayor also stated that the Council should be thinking about what they would like to have addressed at the retreat. Mayor Amick said that P & Z had requested a Work Session with Council, stating it should be held prior to the Retreat. Council all agreed January 25, 1988 would be a good time and the Mayor stated that Chairman Fuimara should set the agenda for the Work Session. 3. RIGHT TURN LANE EASTBOUND ON HWY 121 ONTO SOUTHBOUND PLANO PARKWAY Bill Hall covered the problems incurred recently when the right turn lane from 121 onto Paige Rd. had been deleted, stating that the Highway Department had created a new lane and he feels we will face the same type problems when Plano Parkway is opened if a right turn lane is not created. Mr. Hall said the cost would be from $17,000 to $21,000. Councilman Poole asked how far back the lane would run. Mr. Hall stated about 300 feet is standard. Mayor Amick said he really sees no choice but to build the lane, because if we don't we will cause greater traffic problems. Councilman 002852 Harris noted that North Carrollton residents will use this route to The Colony High School. Councilman ?oole asked about a signal light at Blair Oaks and 121 and Mr. Hall said it ia too close to the ones at 423 and Paige and the State will not allow it. Councilman ?oole then said perhaps a left turn onto 121 from Blair Oaks should not be allowed. Councilman Harris said that would cause more people to use Arbor Glen and it is not built to handle that much traffic, statin9 we would probably have to make Arbor Glen "no parking" on one side. There was a 9eneral discussion regarding a future left turn from Paige onto 121. Mr. Hall said it is too expensive to consider at this time. Mayor Amick said when Plano Parkway opens we will have to review the time sequence of the lights at that intersection. Mr. Hall said that the sensors on the lights should make the proper adjustments. Mayor Amick directed the City Manager to place this item on the January 18, 1988 agenda for approval of expenditure of funds. 4. SPEED LIMIT ON PLANO PARKWAY Bill Hall stated that Hal Jones, traffic engineer and the Chief of Police both recommended 50 mph. After a brief discussion all agreed and directed this be placed on the January 18, 1988 agenda for approval. 5. DRAINAGE PROBLEMS ON PAIGE ROAD Bill Hall reminded the Council of the serious drainage problems that exist on Paige Road, stating that approximately 4 times a year, the northbound lane has to be closed due to flooding. Mr. Hall said that when Plano Parkway opens, a bad problem will be created and recommended negotiating with IBM regarding a drainage system since that right of way is on their property. Mayor Amick said he feels, that problem can wait to be addressed. The Council agreed. 6. COUNCIL LIAISONS TO ADVISORY BOARDS Mayor Amick said he feels these appointments should change periodically. Councilman Spears agreed, stating the newer Council members would like to have the opportunity to serve in these capacities. Mayor Amick said that change is good and asked if one or two year terms would be better. Councilman Spears suggested one year terms and all agreed. Mayor Amick said the appointments should be made within 30 days after a general election and directed the City Secretary to draft a Resolution so stating and place it on the January 18, 1988 agenda for approval. 7. COUNCIL COMMITTEES The Council went over the list of existing committees and membership of each. Some were deleted and others were formed. The Mayor stated that the existing committees should hold at least one meeting before the end of February, noting that the Landlord Licensing committee should meet as soon as possible and come back with a recommendation for action. The Mayor went on to say if a committee is not active then it should be dissolved. 8. PARKING PROBLEMS ON CARR, CHAPMAN AND AUGUSTA STREETS Mayor Amick stated this is a result of a citizen complaint and asked if the Fire and Police Departments have ever said they cannot get through in that area. Bill Hall said there is no evidence of that ever being a problem, going on to say it is very close but that emergency vehicles can get through, adding that two cars cannot pass each other without one having to pull into a space and wait. Mr. Hall said that it is a concern but not a problem for emergencies. Mayor Amick said personally he does not have problem with this. Councilman Glazener said that he has had a few complaints and that Chapman and Carr are very crowded, even more so than it has been. Councilman Glazener said~he feels there is a definite problem on Curry Dr. also, citing driving too fast and cars dodging on-coming cars as hazards. Councilman Glazener proposed that no on-street parking be allowed on Curry and possibl~ all collector streets. Councilman Harris suggested no'parking on the north side because that would effect fewer homes. Bill Hall said that perhaps no parking at the intersection would help or even alternate day parking as some cities do, stating however, that is hard to enforce. Chief Ristagno agreed that no parking at the intersection only would help the situation and Councilman Harris said it would definitely help in maneuvering the corner. Mayor Amick at this point asked about trees and shrubs that block stop signs. Mr. Hall said that if the tree blocks the sign and is determined to be a hazard then the City can trim it, going on to say that just blocking line of sight at an intersection is sometimes a problem because the tree may be on private property and permission is needed from the owner to trim the tree. Councilman Harris asked if there was a law prohibiting parking at a corner. Chief Ristagno said the state law prohibits parking within 30 feet from a stop sign and the City can post no parking on the opposite side of the street to coincide with that. At this time, the Mayor called a 5 minute recess. 9. ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE ~ NUMBER OF ANIMALS ALLOWED AND EXOTIC ANIMALS Mayor Amick stated that the new Ordinance had been passed but there had been some question regarding the number of animals allowed. Councilman Spears said it is currently 4 and he recommends only 2. The Mayor said Chief Ristagno had done a survey of surrounding cities and read the results which indicated that most allow 4 or more animals with some not limiting the number at all. Councilman Harris said he would like to see it lowered but felt it would be a problem since so many people do have 4 currently. Councilman Spears agreed and stated that the new Ordinance is strong enough to handle any problems that may arise. All the Council agreed. Chief Ristagno then stated that his recommendation regarding exotic animals is to have two categories 1) licensed and permitted and 2) prohibited, going on to say that he understood there would be a Council committee formed to address this issue. Mayor Amick appointed Councilmen Spears, Glazener and Robinson to this committee. 10. SIGNALIZATION AT PAIGE ROAD AND NORTH COLONY BOULEVARD Bill Hall brought the Council up to date, reminding them of the agreement from F & J to pay 100% of a signal at North Colony or 50% of a signal at North and South Colony, stating he needed direction from the Council. Mayor Amick asked the costs again, and Mr. Hall stated North Colony would be approximately $35,000 and South Colony approximately $60,000. Chief Ristagno noted that if both are done at the same time some money may be saved. Mayor Amick said that both are needed and asked how long it would take if this was approved on January 18. Chief Ristagno said possibly 60 days. Mayor Amick then asked Mr. Hall if the City had the money. Mr. Hall said that the right turn lane on 121 and this project would be an approximate Capital Expenditure of $70,000 - $75,000. Mayor Amick directed Mr. Hall to get with James England, Finance Director and explore either using the F & J money to make the down payment and financing the balance or using the IBM money. Mr. Hall said there may be another alternative. Mayor Amick asked this to be brought back to Council no later than February 1, 1988. 11. TRUCK PARKING IN SHOPPING CENTERS Bill Hall stated that Bob van Til had checked with the Boston Boot company and they are not making this product anymore, but stated that there has been a marked reduction in the number of trucks that park in the shopping centers since the City had begun notifying the truckers of the violation. Mr. Hall said that Mr. van Til had looked into approaching Thomas Darcey, owner of the land behind McDonalds, regarding allowing that to be used as a parking area. Mayor Amick and the Council said no, they do not want a truck terminal in the City. Mayor Amick said to continue with the efforts and keep looking for other alternatives. 12. LOCAL OPTION ELECTION The City Secretary passed out a memorandum outlining some of the factors in a Local Option Election and noted that it is something the City needs to consider soon. The Council agreed and directed Ms. Hicks to meet with the County Clerk to see what is necessary and bring back to the Council along with the election report on the January 18, 1988 agenda. 13. DISCUSSION OF A RESOLUTION REGARDING THE DENTON CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT Mr. Hall referred to a letter he had received from the Appraisal District informing him of Senate Bill No. 312 passed in the legislation, which allowed for appraisal districts to own property. Mr. Hall said the Appraisal District has requested that all the cities in Denton County pass a resolution approving the District's ownership of an existing building and land. There was a brief discussion and then the Mayor directed the City Manager to have the resolution on the January 18, 1988 agenda and to have a representative from the Appraisal District present to answer questions. 14. DISCUSSION OF A RESOLUTION REGARDING A CONSULTANT FOR THE COLLIN COUNTY/121 STUDY Mr. Hall said this is not a resolution but an agreement with Collin County to employ a consultant to assist in the acquisition of highway right-of-way with relation to the improvements being made on Hwy 121. Mr. Hall stated that a lot of the work for our portion of the highway had already been done but that this consultant would still be beneficial to us and for the cost of $600.00 it would be well worthwhile. There was a brief discussion and all agreed this should be placed on the January 18, 1988 agenda for approval. 15. WATSON GOLF COURSE Mr. Hall said he had received a letter from the Corps of Engineers stating the time is almost up for the golf course to be built as was agreed to in the lease and that if we are not going to move forward with that project then the lease will be terminated. Mr. Hall went on to say that he had been in contact with Mr. Dick Watson regarding that very problem and feels that Mr. Watson is hedging, wanting more time, etc. Councilman Harris said that is the same thing the City heard a year ago and feels that he should be sent a letter stating if he has not started within 30 days then the contract is off and the City will find someone else. Councilman Poole felt the time should be only 15 days and all agreed. Mayor Amick directed Mr. Hall to write such a letter. 16. RULES AND REGULATION OF ADVISORY BOARDS Mr. Hall said that there were no actual rules and regulations of boards and that the Ordinances establishing those boards would have to be amended to accomplish what the Council wanted to achieve. After a brief discussion the City Secretary was directed to draft an amending ordinance stating that chairmen of boards should not serve more than one year as chairman and that they should not serve consecutive terms as chairman, to be placed on the January 18, 1988 agenda for approval. 17. ANY OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST THAT THE CITY COUNCIL MAY WISH TO DISCUSS Councilman Harris addressed the fact that there are so many locations in the City to buy liquor, beer and wine and more to come, stating that with so many already, the City needs to be careful how many more are allowed, suggesting perhaps placing a moratorium on liquor stores for awhile. Councilman Poole said you cannot legislate free enterprise. Mr. Hall stated that the attorneys advised that the City cannot bar liquor stores, but that control would have to be through zoning. Councilman Poole said that 6 churches need land but cannot buy because it is too close to a liquor store. Eric Stanton said there is no Ordinance prohibiting that, but the State would allow us to create one. Councilman Poole said there needs to be such an ordinance. Mayor Amick stated he believes in free enterprise and that the market will tell which businesses will stay open. Councilman Glazener suggested getting options from the attorney. Mayor Amick asked who wanted to pursue this with the following response: Glazener,Poole, Harris - yes Spears - no opinion Robinson - do not pursue Mayor Amick said Councilman Bradley needs to~easked about this and directed the City Secretary to place this item on the January 18, 1988 agenda for discussion. Mr. Hall stated that the Inspections Department is ready to begin enforcement in the Eastvale addition and wanted to know Council's views on procedure, also asking in the portable signs should be allowed to continue along 423. Councilman Glazener suggested sending one more notification before issuing citations and the Council agreed. Councilman Robinson stated that if persons are give 10 more days the Inspections Department should be sure to follow up in that time frame. All the Council agreed the portable signs should be removed. Mr. Hall showed the Council the new exempt stickers for senior citizens entering Stewart Creek Park. Council agreed they should be limited to one per family. Mayor Amick requested that there be an PUC attorney present at one of the regular Council sessions in February. With no further business to address, Councilman Harris moved to adjourn and Councilman Glazener seconded the motion which carried with all members voting Aye. Mayor Adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m. APPROVED: Patti A. Hicks, City Secretary [SEAL]