Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/30/1988 City Council 0028,??i. MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 30, 1988 The Special Session of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas was called to order at 9 :00 a.m. on the 30th day of January, 1988 at the Grapevine Concourse, 3800 Fairway Drive, Grapevine, Texas , with following members of Council and Advisory Boards in attendance: Don Amick, Mayor Rick Harris ,Mayor Pro-tem Johnny Spears ,Councilman Michael Robinson,Councilman Steve Glazener,Councilman Marlene Poole,Councilman Library Board Cathy Koelling, Lowell Barton, James Althaus, Norman Adeler, and Morris Seay Park and Recreation Board Wayne Sandy, Dee Cole, Chairman, David Martin, Kathy Phillips, and Sherry Schuyler Board of Adjustment and Appeals Gene Poole, Chairman Planning and Zoning Commission Robert Fiumara , Chairman , Robert Doss , Cathy Bock, and Agnes Foster Youth Advisory Board Lora Terry and Laurie Nopp and with six Council members present a quorum was established and the following items were addressed: 1. WELCOMING REMARKS BY MAYOR AMICK Mayor Amick welcomed those present to the Retreat , explaining that retreats were established to set aside an informal time for staff and Boards to interact with the City Council . The Mayor said the agenda would be followed but encourage everyone to ask questions at anytime. The Mayor then covered several items of interest: A. IBM - Mayor Amick stated that there is always speculation regarding the development of the IBM property in The Colony, going on to say the City has no idea when that will occur. The Mayor said landscaping of the setback does not mean they are ready to develop, stating he had been told by IBM if they ( IBM) had planted trees ten years ago there would mature trees on the property now. Mayor Amick stated that IBM does not sell land. They either hold it or develop it. B. Taxes - Mayor Amick said that last year the City was successful in passing a budget with no tax increase and that this next year will do the same thing. The Mayor went on to say that if it is possible to lower the taxes the Council will do so, but right now it would not be practical , stating the Council does not want to lower the taxes falsely only to have to raise them drastically later. Mayor Amick said that was done once in The Colony and it caused a revolt. C. Roads in and out - The Mayor said that Plano Pkwy will hopefully be open by mid-February, going on to say the hold 00287 up now is the right turn lane from 121 onto southbound Plano Pkwy. and also traffic control devices at Plano Pkwy. and 544 . Mayor Amick said that the City is working with the City of Carrollton on an agreement at that intersection, but wants to be cautious , and reach an agreement that is favorable to the citizens of The Colony. Mayor Amick then stated that in the very near future signal lights will be installed at the intersections of S. Colony and N. Colony Blvds . and Paige Rd . , at an estimate of $140 ,000 .00 , going on to say that it is believed that with the opening of Plano Parkway these two intersections will see a major traffic impact. D . Fast Food Row - Mayor Amick said that this was intentional, that it was done right and looks nice, going on to say that the Council plans to continue in that direction along FM 423 . The Mayor said that is the doorway to the City and the Council is concerned with the way it appears. Mayor Amick did say that north of Taco Bell on the west side and north of the Cable T.V. Co. on the east side, there will be no more fast food restaurants. At this time , the Mayor asked everyone present to introduce themselves and state with which Board or in what capacity they serve the City. 2. RECEIVE UPDATE FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING: A. MASTER PLAN AND THOROUGHFARE PLAN B. OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST A. Plano Parkway - Mr . Hall showed an aerial map of the area and stated that another hold up on the roadway was the bad weather, going on to say that the tie in at 121 was poured on Friday and as soon as the right turn lane is finished the road will open. Mr. Hall said that when the right turn lane onto Paige from 121 was eliminated, it caused a very great traffic problem and the staff, did not want to see that occur again. Mr. Hall stated that the project had been funded almost exclusively by Crow-Billingsley and that the new City limit line will be at the bridge at Indian Creek. At this time Mr . Hall showed those present one of the new City limit signs designed by Mr. Dick Schuyler. Mr. Hall also reminded everyone that the speed limit on Plano Pkwy will be 59mph. Y B. Municipal Complex - Mr. Hall stated that the Municipal Complex signage is in the works , saying there will be two signs, one at the entrance to the Police Department and one at the entrance to the Administration/Library buildings. Mr. Hall said they will be similar to the wood sign at N. Colony and Main St. full three color logo, and hopefully will be ready in two weeks. As for landscaping at the complex , that is scheduled to begin shortly. C. City Limit Signs - Mr. Hall noted that the City limit sign has been moved north on FM 423 and that it is incorrect. It reads "Colony, Texas" instead of "The Colony, Texas" , and Mr. Hall said he is working with the State to correct that. D. Eastvale Park - Mr. Hall said there have been no major changes, but that the City has contacted the Corps to let them know we are interested in the park. E. Golf Course - Mr . Hall said that the Wynnewood Golf Course is still a viable project, but that Dick Watson had written a letter to him, advising he cannot build the course ' now, however he is still very interested. F. At this time, Mr. Hall addressed the proposed Municipal Athletic Complex, stating that staff had been working with the City of Lewisville, to negotiate for the land west of 423 near where the Animal Shelter is located and south, extending to the area across from Scott' s Marina. Mr. Hall said that land would be suitable for a multi purpose sports complex. G. Wastewater - Mr. Hall said this is critical to any city' s development and that The Colony has a sophisticated system which is very important to developers , stating that the first thing a developer asked about is land and then water and wastewater service, citing the Stonebriar development, which the City of Frisco could not service, but The Colony can. At this time, Mr. Hall showed those present a proposed wastewater master plan for the City, showing how the City will be able to serve the more recently annexed property. Mr . Hall summarized by stating that now the City can tell the developer yes, we can serve them and then show them how by the use of this plan. Councilman Poole stated at this time, that a Fortune 500 company is to decide by mid-February about bring a distribution company to The Colony, which will employ 1200 persons . Councilman Poole said the company is considering the land located south of T P & L, east of 423 , south to 121. H. Thoroughfare Plan - Mr. Hall shoed the Denton County plan as adopted by Council , explaining that not all the roads shown on the plan will be built, but it gives us a place to start. Then Mr. Hall showed the 1977 plan, indicating how the plan has changed through the years and has become a much more elaborate plan . At this time , Mr . Hall presented a preliminary plan which is being prepared for Council approval , stating this is helpful in negotiating with developers also. Councilman Harris asked about the PASS plan. Mr. Hall said a study had been done and it was determined that Crider Rd. should be a 6 lane divided roadway to adequately handle the amount of traffic it carries . Mr. Hall explained briefly that there is work being done with the State, County and developers , to improve the roadway between 121 and 544. Councilman Glazener asked if the City could work with Commissioner Jacobs to keep a major traffic problem as occurred recently from happening again. (When Crider Rd. closed for repair) Mr. Hall explained that normally that would not have occurred in that manner, but that was an emergency repair of a collapsed drainage pipe at the south end of the road. 3 . DISCUSSION OF GENERAL MAINTENANCE AND JANITORIAL SERVICES AT THE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX Cathy Koelling of the Library Board said the Board had some concerns over the maintenance of the heating and air conditioning units and asked if there was a maintenance schedule. Mr. Hall said yes , that there is a maintenance crew in the Utility Department that has a plan for all 3 buildings, reminding everyone that right now the buildings are still under a one year warranty. Ms. Koelling stated also that cleaning the Library two days a week was not enough and that the staff is having to do a lot of clean up. Mr. Hall said that two days a week is all that is budgeted and staff may have to pick up some of the slack, not mopping, but emptying trash cans and norman daily maintenance. 002W?4 Lowell Barton of the Library Board mentioned that the public restrooms are a real problem for health reasons , stating they are not clean enough. Mayor Amick said that staff had talked about creating a janitorial staff and the Council had said not to do so. James Althaus, Library Board, said the Rec Center had the same problem. Mr . Hall said that there have been numerous times that citizens have damaged property, citing several occasions where staff has had to clean up human excrement from the walls in the Library and Rec Center restrooms as well as have equipment repaired due to vandalism. Mr. Hall said that staff is trying very had to enforce rules that will protect the facilities but he feels that the residents of The Colony need to be made aware of these problems. Agnes Foster , P & Z , stated that the City cannot afford to not have the restrooms cleaned daily. Dee Cole, Chairman, Park and Recreation, said that mud is a big problem at the Rec Center , with over 200 people coming through per week. There was a lengthy discussion regarding the care of the buildings , the vandalism and how to prevent it from occurring . Councilman Harris suggested an off duty policeman to act as a security guard at the Rec Center. Mrs . Cole and Wayne Sandy both said that the police are making regular walk throughs now and that trouble makers are being identified and if they consistently cause trouble they are suspended from using the facility. Sherry Scuyler, Park and Recreation Board, agreed that the papers need to be told about the vandalism and Councilman Poole said the dollar amount of damage needs to be put in the papers also. David Martin asked about prosecution of vandals, and Mayor Amick said they are prosecuted according to what the law will allow. Mayor Amick suggested that vacuum cleaners be made available to each building for use by staff in normal daily maintenance. At this time, the Mayor called a brief recess . Upon reconvening , Mayor Amick stated that vandalism and trash beget vandalism and trash and when staff sees a problem, it should be corrected immediately, because if it is left as it is , more damage is likely to be done. The Mayor did say if the repair will cause a major fiscal impact, then Council should be called. 4. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE LENGTH OF TIME TO BE SERVED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AND APPEALS, IN LIGHT OF AMENDING ORDINANCE #519 SECTION 4 The City Secretary explained that this was placed on the agenda at the request of the Board of Adjustment and Appeals because that particular chairman may only preside at one or two meetings in a 12 month period. Mayor Amick stated that this ordinance was amended so that new people would have an opportunity to serve as chairman and also stated that perhaps the Council needs to reconsider the section relating to the Board of Adjustment and Appeals. 5. DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AS REQUESTED BY THE PARK AND RECREATION BOARD: Dee Cole, Chairman, addressed the items: A. INCREASE IN PUBLIC RELATIONS Mrs . Cole said there needs to be better signage at the Rec Center and better press coverage regarding programs, stating that there is very little cooperation from The Colony Leader in that respect . Councilman Poole stated that the door hangers used last year were very effective, and recommended using the bulk mail rate to get the programs to every household. Mayor Amick directed the Park and Rec Board to check into getting information in all possible locations in the City. F. FRIENDS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION Mrs . Cole said they would like to form a Friends organization much like the Friends of the Library to do volunteer work at the Center and to hold fund raisers to buy equipment. mayor Amick said it would be good if they can get it together. B. PARK EQUIPMENT AND MORE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS Mrs. Cole said that rubber mats are need on the gym walls to prevent further denting and that Ms. Brantley is checking on the costs. Mrs. Cole also advised that there is no park in the "W" area and that the greenbelt off Wilcox Street had been suggested as a possibility. Mayor Amick directed the Board to look further into that and also directed Councilman Glazener to check into the Eastvale addition for an area suitable for a park. Agnes Foster asked about trees in the pocket parks . Mrs . Cole said that trees had to wait until sprinkler systems were installed . Robert Fiumara, P & Z suggested requiring developers giving park land to provide sprinkler systems , trees , equipment , etc . Councilman Harris said instead , perhaps we could ask for the money so the City could develop the parks as they see fit. Mrs. Cole said they also need several new employees at the Center. At this time, Mrs . Cole addressed a list of items which had been brought up at the Council Retreat in January 1987 and reported on their status. . Use of High School Band - Still working with the school to achieve this . "Wurstfest" etc. - Not needed with all the other annual events that take place in the City. . Movies in the Park, City Band and Theme City - all being worked on by the P & R Director . Miniature Golf Course - One installed this past year . Landscaping area behind the Center - ongoing project . Sr. Citizen Center - will be a reality with the remodeling of the old City Hall . Master Plan Stewart Creek Park - is still being worked on . Pistol and Archery Range - no safe place available C. STEWART CREEK MASTER PLAN There was a general discussion regarding the park, including the fact that Scott ' s Marina seems to be moving closer to Stewarts Creek. Mayor Amick said that the Corps had been asked about that and they maintain that is not happening and that there is no problem such as that. There followed a discussion of the re-location of the boat ramp and the level of the lake is raised. 002$70 D. SPORTS COMPLEX (REC CENTER) Mrs . Cole said it has been found that Sunday users in the center are mostly non-residents and it has been suggested to limit Sunday use to residents of The Colony only. There was a lengthy discussion regarding this. Councilman Harris said this would be hard to enforce and would discourage people from using the facility. Mayor Amick suggested a user fee for non-residents . Councilman Robinson disagreed saying that we should be proud of the Center and should not be turning people away. Mayor Amick directed the P & R Board to do a study and to bring back a recommendation to Council , stating that personally, he does not think it is a problem yet. E. EQUIPMENT FOR RECREATION CENTER Wayne Sandy said a divider for the gym would allow better use of the facility. Kathy Phillips said that if they "Friends" organization could be formed, they could hold fund raisers to buy equipment. Councilman Glazener at this time, said he had been asked about holding the Triathalon twice a year, in the Spring and the Fall . Mayor Amick said that the P & R Board should approach people such as those interested in Triathalon and the Criterium race and not wait for them to come to the City. Councilman Harris asked about perhaps installing a full court basketball court outside the Center to relieve the heavy use inside. Councilman Robinson suggested that a calendar of upcoming major events be prepared and given to each entrant to increase participation. Mayor Amick did say that funds raised by the "Friends" would not have to go into the General Fund. 6 . UPDATE OF NEW BUSINESSES COMING INTO THE CITY Agnes Foster said she asked for this item, wanting to know who encourages new businesses in the City. Mayor Amick said the City does not actively work with the shopping centers at this time and that the City cannot offer tax abatements at this point in time, because we do not have enough lower income families and unemployment in our City. It was suggested that City maps be made available for sale at the local convenience stores so that visitors can readily find their way around. 7. GENERAL DISCUSSION OF ANY OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST THAT THE COUNCIL OR BOARDS MAY WISH TO ADDRESS • Councilman Harris said he is concerned about the abandoned houses in the City, with broken window, etc. , asking if there is a way to force the mortgage holders to maintain the property. Mr. Hall said the City is empowered to establish a Board to address problems such as this. Councilman Harris asked for an update on the remodeling of the old City Hall . Patti Hicks said the work was going well , and was on schedule. Councilman Harris said he would like to see an opening ceremony planned when it is complete. Lowell Barton expressed concern over the crowded streets due to people parking on both sides, and over the poor vision in the alleys , causing a danger for children playing. Mr . Barton suggested installing wrap around mirrors on the fences so that drivers can see the children and vice versa. 09287 ? Mayor Amick said the mirrors would just ask for vandalism, stating the problem in alleys is that people drive too fast. Mayor Amick said that staff has checked into the parking problem but has not come up with a viable solution as yet. Councilman Poole said that the City needs to inform it citizens, that Wranglers is not in the City of The Colony, and suggested a "Leaving The Colony" signs be placed at the western city limits on 121 . Councilman Spears encouraged everyone to wear their The Colony lapel pins , stating it is good P.R. Mayor Amick closed by saying that the Boards should know their Council liaison and use them properly, stating that if the Boards desire a joint session with Council , to ask for it. At this time, Councilman Spears moved to adjourn and Councilman Poole seconded the motion, which carried with all members voting Aye. Mayor Amick adjourned the meeting at 12 :20 p.m. APPROVED: Don mick, Mayor ATTEST � r // ' -/(i/; Patti A. Hicks, City Secretary [SEAL]