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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/04/1993 City Council MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 4, 1993 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 4th day of October, 1993, at City Hall with the following Council roll call: William W. Manning, Mayor Present Mike Lynch, Councilman Present Toby Pollard, Councilman Present Joe Agnew, Councilman Present Tom Bogan, Councilman Present John Dillard, Councilman Absent Joel Marks, Mayor Pro-tem Absent and with five present, a quorum was established and the following items were addressed: 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. MAYORAL PROCLAMATION DECLARING OCTOBER AS DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH Mayor Manning read the proclamation in its entirety as follows: MAYORAL PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, the United States of America has prided itself on advancing the civil rights of individuals and guaranteeing liberty and justice for all; and WHEREAS, central to the philosophy of our democratic form of government are the precepts of equality and individual dignity, the value of self-reliance and the basic right of all citizens to live full, independent and productive lives; and WHEREAS, in keeping with that proud tradition, the United States Congress in 1990 enacted the Americans with Disabilities Act, landmark civil-rights legislation prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation and telecommunications; and WHEREAS, by joint resolution, the Congress has designated October of each year as "National Disability Employment Awareness Month," and has called upon state and local governments to join in the national observance; and WHEREAS, the city of The Colony strongly supports this resolution and the spirit 00495o as well as the letter of the law to assure that all citizens with disabilities are fully included ~-. in our social, cultural and economic mainstream; and WHEREAS, people with disabilities represent a large untapped pool of talent in the city of The Colony, by the power invested in me as Mayor I do hereby proclaim October as DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH and urge its observance by all of our citizens. I further declare it to be the official policy of my Administration to help promote full and equal employment opportunities for our fellow citizens with disabilities. 11. CITIZEN INPUT Cheryl Spears, 5629 Painter, told the council there are numerous problems in the area of Painter and Baker Streets. She said she believes there is criminal activity occurring on Baker Street and it is flowing over onto Painter. Ms. Spears said all the homes and cars have been broken into and that even though the police have been called, there doesn't seem to be anything that can be done to stop this activity. She cited some particular incidents and noted that there is only one street light at the end of the street and that more lighting is needed in that area. She said the neighborhood wants something done immediately, because if not, someone is going to get hurt. Mayor Manning said Mr. Hall will call her tomorrow. 3. ELECTION OF DEPUTY MAYOR PRO-TEM Motion to postpone until a full council is present - Lynch; second - Bogan. Carried with a unanimous roll call vote. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD SEPTEMBER 20 AND 22, 1993 Motion to approve the minutes as written - Agnew; second - Pollard. Carried with a unanimous roll call vote. B. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AMENDING GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT Motion to approve the resolution as written - Agnew; second - Pollard. Carried with a unanimous roll call vote. C. CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR ~ 4 THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS: METER READER, ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER AND PARKS AND RECREATION MAINTENANCE Motion to approve the advertisement of named positions - Agnew; second - Pollard. Bill Hall noted that today another drainage crew employee submitted his resignation and asked if the council would agree to authorize advertisement for that position as well. Motion to amend to include advertisement of drainage crew position - Agnew; second - Pollard. Carried with a unanimous roll call vote. D. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCE BY ADDING SECTION 2.7 AND 2.8 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Councilman Lynch noted that a memorandum from Mr. Hall stated the Director of Administrative Services will act in place of the City Manager when the City Manager is absent. Councilman Lynch went on to say that is not indicated in this ordinance, and also stated that according to the memorandum this position would not actually be official until passage of this ordinance. Mr. Hall said the memorandum had been for Council's information to let them know he was out September 29, 30 and October 1 and that the Director of Administrative Services would take his place during that time, even though officially the position would not be established until this ordinance is passed. Motion to approve the ordinance as written - Lynch; second - Agnew. Carried with all council voting Aye, with the exception of Councilman Pollard who voted No. 6. CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSITION OF A 1971 MERCEDES BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT Mr. Hall reminded the council that the 1971 Mercedes had been confiscated for use as the DARE vehicle, but that it had been a constant problem. He said that previously, Council had been asked to authorize disposition of the vehicle by trading it for installation an air conditioner and that it had been decided to go out for bids to sell the car instead. Mr. Hall advised no bids were received and that staff once again would like permission to dispose of the vehicle, stating that the air conditioner deal may still be available. Motion to approve the disposition as recommended - Bogan; second - Agnew. Carried with a unanimous roll call vote. 7. CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO REQUEST PROPOSALS FOR HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICES Mr. Hall said this was one of the areas that the Andersen Study had suggested privatizing. He said there are individuals in this area that do health inspections on a contract basis. Mr. Hall stated this position is currently filled by an employee and that he has discussed this with that person, telling her that she would be welcome to submit a proposal for the contract services. He also asked that if proposals are received and one is accepted that it not be effective until January 1994 to allow that employee time to adjust. Motion to approve the seeking proposals for health inspections - Agnew; second - Pollard. Carried with a unanimous roll call vote. 8. CONSIDERATION OF NOMINATION TO SERVE ON THE BOARD FOR DENTON CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT Mr. Hall said this is an annual action by the council, noting however, we have never had any of our nominees elected to serve. Mayor Manning said he does not know who should be nominated. Councilman Lynch suggested asking for volunteers. Mr. Vern Roberts, member of the Parks and Recreation Board was present and volunteered his name to be submitted. Motion to nominate Vern Roberts to serve on the Denton Central Appraisal District Board Pollard; second - Bogan. Carried with a unanimous roll call vote. 9. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SUBMISSION OF A GRANT TO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM Mr. Bob van Til said staff proposes to apply for a grant through the Transportation Enhancement Program (T.E.P.) and is requesting the council to reallocate $5200.00 from Park Bond Funds to the T.E.P., which would be used as the local match. Mr. van Til said the T.E.P. is a category of the 1991 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act, which was created by a federal law to address the multi-facetted components of transportation issues in the United States. He said the T.E.P. provides funding for ten types of categories, some of which include bicycle and pedestrian facilities scenic and landscaping programs, historic preservation and water pollution control. Mr. van Til said there are generally five criteria which must be met: (1) function, (2) proximity, (3) impact, (4) ten enhancement categories and (5) consistency with the long range transportation plan. Mr. van Til said this had been discussed with the Parks & Recreation Board who has forwarded a recommendation that the Council transfer the $5200.00 from the Park Bond Funds for this project. He said there were three programs recommended; (1) pedestrian overpass at FM 423 and N. Colony, (2) Hike and Bike trail and (3) landscaping on FM 423 at SH 121. He said there were several reasons why the first two would not be feasible, and the recommendation is to go with the landscaping of the intersection of FM 423 and SH 121. He said the proposed total budget is $31,200.00 and the $5200.00 provides a 21% match, noting only 20% is required. The amount of funding to be requested is $26,000. ---' Motion to approve the resolution authorizing the grant application - Bogan; second Agnew. Mr. van Til noted the State will run this project and the city will only have to submit our 20% match. Mayor asked the age of the bonds. Mr. Roberts said they are 7 years old and that this will zero out the account. Mayor Manning said beautification is very important, but maintenance is just as important, suggesting native plants be used. Councilman Agnew agreed, stating irrigation must be included. Councilman Bogan asked if the staff can properly handle this area. Tom Cravens said they can handle it, although they do not really have sufficient personnel. Councilman Bogan said he likes the idea, but wants to be sure it is properly maintained. Councilman Lynch asked the time frame and Mr. van Til said it would be about 2 years. Councilman Lynch said the idea is good, but reminded everyone that this money was voted for by the people to be used in parks and asked why the money had not been used in 7 years. Mr. Roberts said the money was originally for a jogging trail. He said the board feels that is not something that is really needed and that $5200.00 would probably not be enough for that project. Mr. Roberts said they have accomplished most of the goals in the bond projects. Bill Hall reminded council that the bond funds cannot be used for maintenance and that this is only $5000.00 of a $700,000.00 bond issue that has not been spent. Motion to approve the reallocation of bond funds as recommended - Bogan; second - Agnew. Carried with all council vote Aye with the exception of Councilman Lynch who voted No. 10. CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF $100.00 TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ANNUAL COUNCIL OF COMMERCIAL REALTORS EXPO Bob van Til said this is a request to expend $100.00 for the purpose of participating in the 10th Annual Council of Commercial Realtors Expo on October 21, 1993. He said this is a good opportunity to meet people and get the city's name out into the public. He said this helps to market our city to companies and individuals who are key in bringing purchasers in touch with owners and city officials. After a brief discussion, motion was made. Motion to approve the expenditure - Lynch; second - Pollard. Carried with a unanimous roll call vote. 12. COUNCIL COMMIT-FEE REPORTS - None 13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 1. The Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual that was recommended in the Andersen Study has been completed and will be available in the City Secretary's 7 office for council review soon. Ms. Sharon Sebera, Executive Secretary did an excellent job in preparing this manual. One copy will be made for each department head. 2. The final response to the Andersen Study is complete and will be on the October 18, 1993 council agenda. A copy will be placed in the library for public review. 3. Tom Cravens reported the Clean up day a success with 750 cubic yards of trash being hauled away. 4. Patti Hicks reported that in order to comply with HB 859, the Utility Department will soon be notifying all utility customers that they now have the right to request that their personal information be kept confidential. The approximate cost to accomplish this mailing is just under $1500.00. 5. Tom Cravens said SH 121 is now projected to open October 25, 1993. 6. Mayor Manning thanked Bob van Til for his work in helping Mr. Skinner with his project. 4. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF A TAX ATI'ORNEY FOR THE CITY OF THE COLONY Bill Hall said the city attorney was to have been present, but has been delayed. He went on to say we now use Merrily Moore in Roundrock, Texas for collection of taxes and that Mr. Pete Eckert has expressed a desire for his firm to handle this for us. Mr. Hall said there would be no additional cost to the city as the fees are paid from collected taxes. Motion to postpone until October 18, when the attorney can be present - Lynch; second - Pollard. Carried with all members voting Aye, with the exception of Councilman Bogan, who voted No. Mayor Manning expressed appreciation to the new camera technician and again put in a plea for volunteers to help with televising the council meetings. With no further business to address, Mayor Manning adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m. APBRO~_VED: t~Wllh"'~'am W. Ma~'tning-~ Mayor <~ ATTEST: Patti A. Hicks, TRMC, City Secretary 8