HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/18/1988 City Council 00302
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON
JULY 18, 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 18th day of
July, 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
Dick Weaver,Councilman Present
Joel Marks,Councilman Present
and with seven members present a quorum was established and the
following items were addressed:
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Amick led the Council and the audience in the Pledge
of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
Mayor Amick said that Councilman Harris had to leave shortly to
attend a meeting in Little Elm regarding Extended Area Service
and asked that Consent Items B and C be pulled for discussion.
3. CONSENT AGENDA
B. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY
AMENDING APPENDIX A-ZONING OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES
GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT CLASSIFICATION ON BELOW
DESCRIBED PROPERTY, PRESENTLY ZONED SINGLE FAMILY, FOR THE
OPERATION OF A DAY CARE FACILITY
NORTH COLONY BOULEVARD, BETWEEN MELROY AND NEWTON DRIVES
Mayor Amick read the caption of the ordinance as written:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE
ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY,
TEXAS, ORDINANCE NO. 61, AS AMENDED, PASSED
AND APPROVED ON JUNE 4, 1979, THE SAME BEING
APPENDIX A OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE
CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS, BY GRANTING AND
APPROVING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT FOR A DAY
CARE FACILITY IN THE SF, SINGLE FAMILY
DISTRICT AND LOCATED ON NORTH COLONY
BOULEVARD, BETWEEN MELROY AND NEWTON DRIVES;
CORRECTING THE OFFICIAL COMPREHENSIVE ZONING
ORDINANCE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
DETERMINING THAT THE PUBLIC INTEREST, MORALS
AND GENERAL WELFARE DEMAND THE ZONING CHANGE
AND AMENDMENT HEREIN MADE; PROVIDING A
PENALTY OF NOT LESS THAN ONE DOLLAR NOR MORE
THAN ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR EACH OFFENSE
AND A SEPARATE OFFENSE SHALL BE DEEMED
COMMITTED UPON EACH DAY DURING OR ON WHICH A
VIOLATION OCCURS; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Councilman Spears moved to approve the zoning request and
Councilman Robinson seconded the motion. Councilman Spears
stated that at the last meeting there had been much citizen
opposition, and after doing his own research, he feels this
is a quality organization, and in speaking to neighbors of
the existing Peanut Gallery in Carrol]ton, found them to be
overwhelmingly in favor, stating he did not feel it is a
detriment to the neighborhood. Councilman Harris said he
had given this a lot of consideration and feel that this
area has been established as a residential area and to allow
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businesses there is not a good idea, asking what if this
business fails, what will go in at that location then, and
stating that he is opposed to the zoning request.
Councilman Weaver said he is against the change because he
represents the people of the City and the people are against
it. Councilman Glazener concurred, stating the people in
the are against this change and he is also.
Councilman Marks stated that we do need another day care
center in The Colony, but the Council represents the people,
the people are against it and he is too.
Mayor Amick said the wording on the petition may have skewed
the subject at hand, because it referred to commercial
businesses and a day care center is not a commercial type
operation, going on to say he believed the people signing
the petition may not have known exactly what the petition
meant. Mayor Amick said he too visited the Carrollton
location and he feels there should only be homes in the area
in queStion tonight, therefore he is opposed to the change.
The motion to approve the zoning change then failed with the
following vote:
Harris - No, Spears - Aye, Robinson - Aye, Glazener - No,
Weaver - No, Marks - No, Amick - No
C. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY
AMENDING APPENDIX A-ZONING OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES
GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT CLASSIFICATION ON BELOW
DESCRIBED PROPERTY, PRESENTLY ZONED GENERAL RETAIL, FOR THE
OPERATION OF A PAWN SHOP
174 MAIN STREET, BLOCK 1, LOTS 90-93
Mayor Amick read the caption of the Ordinance as written:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE
ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY,
TEXAS, ORDINANCE NO. 61, AS AMENDED, PASSED
AND APPROVED ON JUNE 4, 1979, THE SAME BEING
APPENDIX A OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE
CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS, BY GRANTING AND
APPROVING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT FOR A RETAIL
STORE IN THE GR, GENERAL RETAIL DISTRICT AND
LOCATED AT 174 MAIN STREET (FM 423) (BLOCK 1,
LOTS 90-93); CORRECTING THE OFFICIAL
COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE; PROVIDING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; DETERMINING THAT THE
PUBLIC INTEREST, MORALS AND GENERAL WELFARE
DEMAND THE ZONING CHANGE AND AMENDMENT HEREIN
MADE; PROVIDING A PENALTY OF NOT LESS THAN
ONE DOLLAR NOR MORE THAN ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS
FOR EACH OFFENSE AND A SEPARATE OFFENSE SHALL
BE DEEMED COMMITTED UPON EACH DAY DURING OR
ON WHICH A VIOLATION OCCURS; DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Councilman Glazener moved to disapprove the zoning change
request and Councilman Harris seconded the motion.
Councilman Weaver said he was opposed to the paw an shop at
first but then he researched pawn shops and found that they
are State regulated and that he feels the man who will be
operating the business is highly reliable. Councilman
Weaver also stated that he visited with the police chief who
stated that they get help from pawn shops in area cities and
that he (Weaver) is for the zoning request.
Councilman Glazener stated that the business in question in
the previous zoning case is State regulated too, but the
neighbors in this case are against the request and he is
too.
Councilman Harris stated that being State regulate~ is no
criteria on which to base approval, concurring with
Councilman Glazener, and opposing the zoning request.
Councilman Weaver said the one lady who voiced opposition
had said if a fence was put up she would not oppose the pawn
shop, he also noted that he had spoken with her and she
advised him that she tried to get signatures on a petition
to oppose this case, but had no luck.
Daryl Siemens, Highland Village, president of the
corporation making the request stated that the building will
be cleaned inside and out and re-painted, also noting that
he had too spoken with the neighbor about the fence and said
his company is willing to install the fence. Mr. Siemens
said his management policies will go one step further than
the State requires. Pawn tickets will be delivered to the
police department, persons must be 18 years of age not 16 to
sell to the pawn shop, all merchandise will be held 10 days
before re-sale in order to help the police, discounts on
ammunition will be offered to policemen. Mr. Siemens said
his shop will specialize in musical instruments, selling no
junk. They will sell fishing equipment, tools and jewelry,
noting that they will be audited by the State on a regular
basis. Mr. Siemens said there would be no loitering allowed
and said the building is ideal for this purpose.
Mr. Jerry Standifer, Rt. 4, McKinney, stated he and his wife
are the other officers in this corporation and advised the
Council that in order to receive a pawn shop license you
must have a perfectly clean record. Mr. Standifer said he
and his wife live in Prosper I.S.D, where he served for 12
years on the P.I.S.D. Board (9 years as Chairman), is a
member of the Baptist Church and is a farmer. He went on to
say that they would run a respectable business, noting that
in order to get the license, they also had to show $150,000
working capital to prove good intentions.
Councilman Marks asked if they would be selling guns. Mr.
Siemens replied they had received a federal permit and they
would be selling firearms Councilman Marks said he has no
doubt about the family being upstanding but he feels the
type of persons the business will attract will not be. Mr.
Siemens said only 5 out of 100 persons who frequent pawn
shops are undesirable. Mr. Standifer said he was against
pawn shops also until he spoke with a banker, who informed
him that pawn shops are the only place people can get a
small loan anymore. Councilman Marks said he was opposed to
the pawn shop because they will sell weapons.
Ken Wood said he is opposed to the sale of weapons in the
City.
Mr. Siemens said there are already several persons in The
Colony licensed to sell firearms. Councilman Spears noted
that Wal-Mart sells firearms and asked if we should close
them down because they sell weapons.
At this time Mayor Amick called for a vote on the motion to
disapprove the zoning change request. The motion passed
with the following vote:
Harris - Aye, Spears - No, Robinson - No, Glazener - Aye,
Weaver - No, Marks - Aye, Amick - Aye
A. CONSIDERATION OF THE APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL
MEETINGS HELD ON JUNE 13 AND 20, 1988
Councilman Spears moved to approve the minutes as written
and Councilman Glazener seconded the motion which carried
with all members voting Aye, with the exception of
Councilman Robinson who abstained from both meetings.
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At this time, (7:50 p.m.) Councilman Harris excused himself to
attend a meeting in Little Elm, Texas with regard to Extended
Area Service.
2. CITIZEN INPUT
Katherine Martinez, stated she wished to thank some special
people who work for the City of The Colony for the
successful City Employee Picnic held June 25. She thanked
Gwen Love, President, Teresa Spears, Secretary, Jim Bell
Historian, and Rhonda Herd, Treasurer for all their hard
work. Then Ms. Martinez presented a plaque of appreciation
to Mr. Rudy Almendarez for acting as chef for the occasion.
Ms. Martinez also thanked COuncilman Johnny Spears for his
gift of a trip to Las Vegas to be used as a door prize at
the picnic.
Colleen Seymour, 5600 Tyler, addressed the Council regarding
3 issues in her neighborhood: (See Attachment "A")
1. "Lake Tyler" - the collection of water and trash at the
intersection of Tyler and Taylor streets.
2. Weeds exceeding the 12 inch limit behind the Aquatic
Park.
3. City Landfill on Taylor Street.
Mrs. Seymour indicated she and her husband had been very
disappointed in the lack of response demonstrated by city
officials when contacted about the above named problems.
Bill Hall apologized for not getting back to her, but he had
responded to the Councilman from which the complaint had
come, stating that the repair of the street will be done
with a mud jack as soon as possible. Mr. Hall went on to
say that there are a lot of areas that need mowing and we
will try to mow the area behind the Aquatic Park as soon as
possible. Mr. Hall also said that the area on Taylor is not
an authorized dump, however, pool contractors are given
permission to dump dirt only at that location. Randy
Seymour said that he spoke to a director today about the
drainage easement along Taylor and was told it would take
about a year to correct the problem. Mr. Seymour said if
the City does not have the equipment, then we need to
include it in our budget, stating it is very important.
Bill Hall said that we are working to improve all the
drainage easements, but due to the extremely high cost, they
must be phased in.
Ken Wood, 5000 N. Colony Blvd., said thanks for the copy of
the budget placed in the Library, noting the totals stayed
the same, but some department totals went down, such as
Public Works and the Library. Mr. Wood said we shouldn't
rob Peter to pay Paul but should balance the cuts in all
departments.
4. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY
ACCEPTING HIGHWAY COMMISSION MINUTE ORDER NO. 87570 DATED
JUNE 28, 1988 REGARDING A PROJECT ON JOSEY LANE FROM FARM TO
MARKET ROAD 544 TO STATE HIGHWAY 121
Mayor Amick read the Resolution as written in it's entirety:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THE
COLONY, TEXAS ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL BY THE STATE
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ISSUED
IN MINUTE ORDER NO. 87570 DATED JUNE 28, 1988
WHEREAS, population and traffic growth in and around the
City of The Colony has increased rapidly in recent years and
citizens are encountering unacceptable travel delays; and
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WHEREAS, in Denton County in the Cities of Hebron and The
Colony on Josey Lane from Farm to Market Road 544 to State
Highway 121, a distance of approximately 1.5 miles, a project is
required; and
WHEREAS, this project qualifies for the 1988-92 Urban
System/Principal Arterial Street System Program (Major Urbanized
Areas) approved by the State Highway and Public Transportation
Commission action; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the
City of The Colony, Texas to accept the following proposal as
tendered in Minute Order No. 87570:
SECTION 1.
The Cities of Hebron and The Colony will:
1. Provide one hundred percent of the cost of right-of-way
clear of obstructions and free of cost to the State with
acquisition procedures to be in accordance with policies of
the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation
and with applicable Federal and State laws governing the
acquisition policies for acquiring real property.
2. Provide one hundred percent of the cost of utility
adjustments as may be required in accordance with policies
of the State Department of Highways and Public
Transportation.
3. Upon completion of the construction of this project,
maintain that portion of the work which is its
responsibility in accordance with Federal and State
requirements, and agree to regulate traffic and prevent
encroachment on the right of way, all in accordance with
governing policies and regulations of the State Department
of Highways and Public Transportation.
SECTION 2.
The State Department of Highways and Public Transportation will:
1. Provide relocation assistance as may be determined to
eligible under the Relocation Assistance Program.
2. Provide for construction.
3. Maintain that portion of the work which is its
responsibility in accordance with present maintenance
agreements.
SECTION 3.
Upon acceptance of the provisions of Minute Order No. 87570
by the City of Hebron and the City of The Colony, Josey Lane from
Farm to Market Road 544 to State Highway 121 be designated a
principal arterial street.
SECTION 4.
Upon acceptance of the provisions of Minute Order No. 87570,
the Engineer-director for this project shall proceed in the most
feasible and economical manner with project development to
include any necessary agreements, right of way acquisition,
utility adjustments, relocation assistance and construction at an
estimated cost of $5,105,000 to the State which will be funded
from the 1988-92 Urban System/Principal Arterial Street system
Program (Major Urbanized Areas).
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of The
Colony, Texas this 18th day of July , 1988.
003033
Mayor Amick stated that to his knowledge, none of the right
of way lies within the City of The Colony, but if we don't
pass this resolution, along with the City of Hebron, then
the road will not be built. Councilman Weaver moved to
approve the resolution as written, and Councilman Glazener
seconded the motion. Councilman Weaver asked if we had
heard from the City of Hebron regarding their intent,
wondering if the land owner is opposed will Hebron act.
Mayor Amick said he has no first hand know]edge but
suggested we contact them regarding this issue. The motion
then carried with a unanimous roll call vote.
5. CONSIDERATION OF THE ACCEPTANCE AND AWARD OF BIDS FOR THE
INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNALIZATION AND SCHOOL FLASHERS AT
THE INTERSECTION OF NORTH COLONY BOULEVARD AND PAIGE RD.
Bill Hall explained that about a year when F & J came in
with development plans for the Northpointe subdivision, they
had agreed to pay for signal lights at the intersection of
N. Colony and Paige Rd., due to the probability of increased
~traffic problems caused by the proposed development. Mr.
Hall said that Hal Jones, traffic engineer put together the
bid specs and those bids were opened at 3:00 p.m. on July 8,
1988. Mr. Hall stated that 6 bids had been received
ranging from $56,905 to $75,702, going on to say that after
the staff and Mr. jOnes had reviewed all bids, the
recommendation is Durable Specialties, Inc. at a cost of
$57,347.50, including the amendment. Councilman Spears
moved to accept the bids and award the contract to the low
bidder, Durable Specialties, Inc. Councilman Robinson
seconded the motion and asked what the time table for
installation is. Mr. Ha]] said hopefully they will be
complete by the time school starts. The motion then carried
with a unanimous roll call vote.
6. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR
THE INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNALIZATION AND SCHOOL
FLASHERS AT THE INTERSECTION OF NORTH COLONY BOULEVARD AND
PAIGE RD.
Councilman Spears moved to approve the ordinance as written,
and Councilman Marks seconded the motion which carried with
a unanimous roll call vote.
7. RECEIVE REPORT FROM FINANCE DIRECTOR REGARDING NEW UTILITY
BILLING CYCLE
James England, Finance Director stated the new billing cycle
is on the computer as of July 1, 1988 and passed out a
sample of the new bill. He said changes are needed in the
billing cycle due to several problems, going on to list the
proposed changes:
1. Move up the billing date
2. Move up the due date
3. Move up the delinquent schedule
Mr. England said the changes would be made on a systematic
basis so customers would not be hit at once with new bills,
due dates, etc. He said the changes would take place over a
3 months period,~ beginning November 1, 1988 while the water
bills are low. Mr. England said the utility department is
now completely on the NCR Tower system which has more speed,
power and flexibility than the old Burroughs System. Mr.
England then passed a sample of a Final Notice. Mayor Amick
said when these are reprinted, perhaps a clarification of
the $20.00 disconnect fee needs to be made. Councilman
Weaver noted that one of his constituents called him stating
her water had been turned off, that she had a baby and that
her husband had paid the bill. She went on to tell him that
she called the night office who turned her water back on
just on her say so. Mr. England said that happens often,
but if the next day it is discovered the bill has not been
paid, then the water is turned off again.
Mayor Amick also noted that he could see the amount of his
bill through the window in the envelope and felt we might
get some complaints regarding this. Councilman Marks asked
if the customers will be notified and Mr. England said yes,
that is why it is being brought out at this time.
Councilman Marks asked what the costs are to get information
placed in the water bills. Bi]] Hall said there is no
specified cost, just secretarial time, paper, etc.
8. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Hall stated he had no report at this time.
At this time, Mayor Amick called a brief recess.
The council reconvened at 8:50 p.m and addressed the following
item:
EMERGENCY AGENDA ITEM
1. REVIEW PROPOSED CAPITAL EXPENDITURES FOR THE 1988/89
PROPOSED MUNICIPAL BUDGET
Mayor Amick stated that the Personnel Committee will meet
Saturday, July 23 and directed Bill Hall to have all personnel,
salaries and a break down of each individual employee ready by
then. The Mayor also directed the Fees Committee to meet this
week, and directed the City Secretary to post a budget work
session for Monday, July 25, 1988, at which the Council will
attempt to cover 6 departmental budgets. Mayor Amick also said a
budget work session would be added to the agenda for the Regular
Session on August 1, if time allowed.
Bill Hall clarified the Capital Expenditures sheet given to
Council, stating that the numbers 1,2, and 3 beside the items
indicates the Department Heads priority of those items.
Police Department
Mayor Amick asked if vehicles should be on Lease Purchase. Mr.
Hall said yes, but first need direction from Council as to which
vehicles will be purchased. Mr. England stated that we have to
lease more small items this year than in the past. Councilman
Marks asked what TLETS means. Chief Ristagno stated that is the
computer system which links us to the Austin Computer, allowing
us access to Criminal History, Motor Vehicle Information, etc.
The Chief stated that Austin has upgraded their computer to an
IBM and as of December 1988, without a new system, ours will be
obsolete. Councilman Robinson asked about Telecom Deaf. Chief
Ristagno said this is a device much like a modem, which beeps
over the phone and lets the dispatchers know to put the call on
our system so they can communicate with the caller. Councilman
Robinson asked if 9-1-1 served the same purpose. The Chief said
not exactly, 9-1-1 does not allow for communication, it just
gives the name and address of the caller. Councilman Marks asked
how many requests we have had for this system, and the Chief said
that is hard to determine, but that the State regulation mandates
it and that we currently have one on loan from the State. Chief
Ristagno said it has been instal]ed 2 - 3 months and we have not
received any calls on the system as yet. Mayor Amick asked how
long we could keep the system, and the Chief said the State did
not say, but had indicated that if the system if not used, they
will take it back. Councilman Marks asked again how many need
this system in the City. The Chief said he did not really know.
Mayor Amick directed the Chief to try to determine the need in
the City. The Chief said we may be liable if we don't have the
system installed. Mayor Amick said he did not see how we could
be liable if the State is going to remove the system for non-use.
0 ).,t035 .
Mayor Amick asked if the 6 police vehicles are on schedule with
the replacement program and the Chief said they are actually
behind, stating that these are replacements, not additions.
Councilman Glazener asked if the lease would be open or closed
and Mr. England stated this would be a lease/purchase loan from
the bank.
Mayor Amick asked about the ballistic shields. Chief Ristagno
said they department has none at the present time, and that these
are for use in an extremely violent situation. Mayor Amick also
asked about the camera. The Chief said this is a mug shot
camera, which takes a split image (two on one frame), going on to --~
say that currently the department has a Polaroid which costs
about $.75 per picture and is in poor repair.
Mayor Amick asked what a drag sled is used for and the Chief said
to aid in determining the facts at an accident scene. Mayor
Amick asked about the CCTV. Chief Ristagno said that is a Closed
Circuit Television to aid in security of the complex.
Mayor Amick asked why the Animal Control Truck was given so high
a priority. The said because the current truck is 5 years, has
high mileage and needs to be replaced.
Mayor Amick then covered the individual items to determine which
should be cut at this time. After a brief discussion, following
is the determination:
Ballistic Shields - leave in for now, needs investigation
Telecom Deaf - Need more information, if we don't need it
then cut it.
CCTV - Need break down of costs, cut for the complex, leave
in for the booking area.
Drag Sled and Camera - leave in for now
TLETS - leave in
Cars - Chief to bring back information regarding scheduling
of replacement cars to next work session
Library
Councilman marks asked why a VCR-TV would cost $900.00, stating
he knows they can be purchased for less, going on to say all the
items on this list seem high. Bill Hall said the prices were
taken out of a catalog and agreed they could all probably be
purchased for less. Councilman Marks asked if the Library could
possible buy used items to save money. Mr. Hall said yes, noting
that all department do that from time to time.
Mayor Amick addressed the items for possible cuts. All agreed
the Book trucks, stools and projections cart were necessary, but
determined to cut the VCR-TV.
Swimming Pool
Councilman Robinson explained that an equipment roof is very
necessary to protect the thousand of dollars in chemicals and
equipment kept outside the pool building.
Bill Hall explained that the Heater system is for the interior of
the building, ie., showers and lockers, which are now without
heat at all.
Mayor Amick asked if a fire extinguisher could be bought now
instead of waiting until the new budget year and Mr. Hall said
yes it could.
Mayor Amick asked if the dry deck was for sun bathing mentioned
at the retreat and Mr. Hall responded that it was. Mayor Amick
recommended cutting this item and the Council all agreed.
Bill Hall explained that the scuba equipment is needed for use in
cleaning the pool stating they currently use snorkel gear. After
brief discussion, it was determined this item should be cut. All
Council agreed there is a need for a drum truck, but that it can
be purchased for a lower price. Mr. Hall said the ladder is
needed to reach the top of the building and the bleachers are
needed for spectators at swim meets. Both items are to be left
in for now. After a brief discussion, all agreed to cut the
picnic tables.
Park and Recreation
Mayor Amick asked if we had not previously approved purchasing
wall mats and Mr. Hall said we had, but due to budget constraints
they had not been purchased. Council discussed all items briefly
with the following determination:
Wall mats - leave in
Weight Mats - leave in for now
Mirrors - for weight room - Cut
Chin Bar - leave in
Typewriter - Councilman Spears said the P & R Board has requested
money for a computer, if purchased they will not need a
typewriter.
Cleaning Equipment - Necessary to clean gym floor - leave in
Table Games - Important to the kids - leave in
Mayor Amick asked Tommy Turner how often the foundation of the
Rec Center is watered and Mr. Turner said he was not sure. The
Mayor directed him to be sure the foundation is watered often to
prevent cracking.
Inspections
Councilman Spears said that departments should be getting PCs not
typewriters, stating that all the PCs should be compatible to the
utility system. All agreed and the Mayor directed Mr. Hall to
check into this before the budget process is complete.
Public Works
Mayor Amick asked why the 4610 Tractor had received number one
priority. Tommy Turner said it is bigger and heavier than any
tractor they currently have, that the present tractors all have
lots of wear and that a bigger tractor is needed to do the amount
of work to be done. Councilman Robinson asked what type of work.
Mr. Turner said grade work, bush hog, etc. Councilman Weaver
asked why we could not buy a used tractor just as we bought a
used grade-all. Mr. Turner said with used equipment you don't
know what you're getting and there are no warranties on used
equipment, going on to say the used grade-all had been quite
expensive to keep in good repair.
There was a brief discussion regarding radios and the ice
machine. Mr. Turner said the 1210 tractor is smaller and is
needed for work on the ball fields and medians, stating they need
another one. Mayor Amick asked if the auger is a replacement and
Mr. Turner said yes, the current one is 8 years old and is worn
out.
Mayor Amick asked why we need a sandblaster. Mr. Turner said to
smooth the surface of the roadways before putting down buttons or
painting stripes. Mr. Turner said without it the paint we put
down barely lasts a year.
Fire Department
Mayor Amick asked why we need radios and Chief Morrison stated
that the current radios are old and do not work properly, adding
he believed they were purchased in 1978. Mayor Amick also asked
why we need an air pack tester. Chief Morrison said the air
packs we now have are in need of maintenance but we do not have
the equipment necessary to do so. The Mayor then asked why air
packs is not a priority item. The Chief said they have some
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packs, just not enough and this would be an additional 3 packs.
The Mayor asked what safety bars are, and Chief Morrison said
these are bars placed across the jump seat of the pumpers to
prevent firemen from falling out of the truck while attempting to
get ready, enroute to a fire.
Chief Morrison explained that a gas detector is to detect leaks
of many different types of gases, stating that the Fire
Department receives many calls of this nature, and went on to say
that the Utility Department could probably make use of this'item
also. All Council agreed to leave this in for now.
Safety Equipment, Chief Morrison explained is descent devices or
repelling devices. The Chief said the department had never
concentrated on this because of the expense involved, but with
new development bringing the possibility of high-rise buildings,
these items would be a necessity, plus this would allow rescue
from water towers. After a brief discussion, all Council agreed
to cut the safety equipment.
City Secretary
There were no questions at this time.
General Administration
Mayor Amick asked what we are using as a postage meter at this
time, and Mr. Hall stated the current meter is old, requires hand
feeding and does not have the capacity to run large bulk
mailings. After brief discussion, all agreed to cut this item.
Mr. Hall explained that this item is necessary to keep
unauthorized persons out of the employee entrance at City Hall.
Mayor Amick said we should look into installing it now.
All agreed the landscaping for the Municipal Complex should be
left in. After a brief discussion all Council agreed the video
equipment should be cut.
Regarding the PC for Mr. van Til, Councilman Spears stated that
several departments had requested various computer related items
and went on to say that one laser printer could be utilized by
several PCs and could Probably be purchased at no more cost than
the PC and printer requested by Mr. van Ti/ and the noise
deflector requested by the City Secretary put together. All
agreed with that and directed Mr. Hall to check into this
suggestion.
Court
Chief Ristagno said the current court system was an add-on to the
Police system and is not the best design. Councilman Spears said
he believes the utility system has a court software package.
Mayor Amick directed Mr. Hall to give Councilman Spears a
breakdown of the requirements of the court system. There were no
questions regarding the computer system or the desk and chair.
Mayor Amick said the Utility Fund would be discussed at a later
meeting. With no further business to address, Councilman Spears
moved to adjourn and Councilman Robinson seconded the motion,
which carried with all members voting Aye.
Mayor Amick adjourned the meeting at 10:05 p.m.
APPROVED:
Don Amick, May~r
ATTEST:
P,~~ i~l~ki~ ',ity Secretary
003039
ATTACHMENT "A"
RANDY AND COLLEEN SEYMOUR July 18, 1988
5600 Tyler Street
The Colony, TX 75056
(214) 370-4625
INADEQUACIES WITHIN THE CITY OF THE COLONY
1. "Lake Tyler" - tile collection of water and trash at the intersection
of Tyler and Taylor.
This issue started when Marlene Poole was councilwoman and was
continued upon the election of Joel Marks. The day after the first
conversation with Joel Marks, the city came out and marked the water
level. It washed away several days later. That was approximately
the second week in May. It is now over two months later and we still
have a lake. We have been told "within two weeks", then at the end
of 'those two weeks, we were 'told "within three weeks", and we are
still waiting. Our last call to OUR councilman resulted in him
telling Randy 'to call the city manager. We did, and four weeks
later, he has still not returned our call.
We have people deliberately drive through the water to splash us
while we are working in the yard - what wi:ll happen when someone does
'that, loses control, seriously 'injures or'kills someone, or lands in
my front living area? Will you think about taking care of this
problem 'then?
We pay extremely high taxes out here and would at least expect 'the
courtesy of a return call from a city official.
Let's get this problem fixed and keep us informed~!!!
2. Weed ordinance passed by city
Property on Taylor owned by the city well exceeds tile 12 inch limit -
not an expecially enjoyable view outside my kitchen window. Is the
city exempt from its own ordinance?
3. CITY LANDFILL on Taylor
On June 26, 'two individuals (separate incidenlts) were observed
dumping dirlt, rock, and mixed trash approximately l0 feet from the
curb on Taylor between Tyler arid Tucker streets. After questioning
them, they informed us that 'tile city had given them permission to
dump and said that this was now the city landfill. SINCE WHEN?
We would appreciate a response on these items. We are tired of being put
off and I, for one, am very disappointed that Mr. Marks shirked his
responsibility of serving this area by telling us to call the city
manager. Makes me wonder why I took 'time out from my busy day 'to cast a
vote that Saturday morning!!1
§ 10`82 THE COLONY coDE
Sec. 1082. Growth or accumulation prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any lot or lots w/thin ~he city to allow, su_~er or
permit r-he same r~ be growrt up w/th. or the accumulation of, weec~, rubbish, brush or any other
objectionable, unsightly or unsanitary matter o£ whatever nature.
(Ord. No. 239, § i, 1-10-83: Ord. No. 350, § 1.6-I7.85)
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person owning, claiming, leasing, occupying or having
superv/sion or consol of any real property, occupied or unoccupied, within the city to permit
weeds, Johnson grass or bnmh to grow, notwithstanding such person did not permit such
growth, to a height greater than twelve (12) inches, or to allow the accumulation of any trash,
rubbish or any other type of objectionable or unsightly matter to accumulate, notwiflmtanS;.g
such person did not permit such accumulation upon such property, within one hundred an,~-~
f&~y (150) feet of any property line which abuts street rights-of-way, alleys, utility easement~.
subdivided additions, developed property or any buildings or other structures.
ih) It shall be the duD, of any person owning, claiming, leasing, occupying or having
supervision or control of any property, occupied or unoccupied, within the city to keep the area
adjacent to his pioperD' line including the front or side parkway between the property line or
sidewalk and the rear or side parkway between the proper~y line and t~e alley pavement or
traveled way or if there is no curb, then within ten (10) feet outside such property line free and
clear of tAe marker referred to above, provided, however, that where the alleyway is not open
unto traffic, that the parkway in such cases shall be deemed to be between the property line
and the center line of the alley. All vegetation not regularly cultivated and which exceeds
twelve (12) inches in height, and all trash, debris and rubbish which shall accumulate on such
property, shall be presumed to be objectionable and unsightly, except that regularly culti.
rated crops shall not be allowed to grow within the right-of, way of any public street or
easement, but shall be kept mowed. It shall be unlawt'ul for any reason to fail'to cut and
remove said weede, Johnson gra.~ or brush, notwithstanding such person did not permit such'~'
grovah, and it shall similarly be unlawful to fail to remove such trash, rubbish, debris or any
other type of objectionable or unsightly matter, notwithstanding such person did not permit
such accumulation to occur, referred to in this section and above, and such failure shall
constitute a violation of the term-~ of this article[
(Ord. No. 239, §§ 2, 3, 1-10-83; Ord. No. 3~0, § 1, 6-17-85)
Sec. 10-84. Fa/lm-e to comply with regulations.
In the event that any person owning, leasing, claiming, occupying or ha~ing supervision
or control of any real proper:y, occupied or unoccupied, within the city, fails or refuses to cut
and/or remove the items enumerated above, within ten (10) days after notice in writing, the
City of The Colony may do such work or cause the same to be done and may pay therefor and
charge the expenses incurred in doing or having such work done or improvements made, to'
the owner of such property as provided for below.
(Ord. No. 239, § 5, 1-10-83; Ord. No. 350, § 1, 6-17-85)
Supp..No. 4
664