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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/06/1995 City Council MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 6, 1995 The Regular Session of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas was called to order at 7:35 p.m. on the 6th day of November, 1995, at City Hall with the following Council roll call: William W. Manning, Mayor Absent Bill Longo, Councilmember Present Mary Watts, Councilmember Present Kay Hardin, Councilmember Present John Dillard, Mayor Pro-Tem Present G. David Heiman, Councilmember Absent and with four present, a quorum was established and the following items were addressed: 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. CITIZEN INPUT None 3. PRESENTATIONS, AWARDS AND MAYORAL PROCLAMATIONS MAYORAL PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE COLONY HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND FOR THEIR SUCCESS IN BEING APPROVED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 1997 ROSE BOWL PARADE IN PASADENA, CAI~IFORNIA Mr. Richard Clardy, Director, and members of The Colony High School band accepted the proclamation on behalf of all members. Mr. Clardy stated the band had competed the previous weekend in Houston in the Bands of America and had placed third. MAYORAL PROCLAMATION DECLARING NOVEMBER 14 - 18, 1995 AS CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK Deborah Brightwell, Children's Librarian accepted the proclamation and outlined the many programs .which would be presented by the Library during this week. MAYORAL PROCLAMATION DECLARING NOVEMBER 5 - 11, 1995 AS TEXAS VETERANS LAND BOARD AWARENESS WEEK MAYORAL PROCLAMATION DECLARING NOVEMBER 15, 1995 AS TEXAS RECYCLES DAY 8 Janice Brady, Recycling Coordinator, accepted the proclamation and explained the various activities for Recycling Week including the Junior Block Leader program. MAYORAL PROCLAMATION DECLARING NOVEMBER 19 - 26, 1995 AS NATIONAL BIBLE WEEK This item was postponed to the November 20 agenda. PRESENTATION OF THE GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION "DISTINGUISHED BUDGET AWARD" FOR THE 1994-95 MUNICIPAL BUDGET This item was postponed to the November 20 agenda. 4. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM THE LIBRARY BOARD TO CONDUCT A SHORT TERM SPECIAL ON LIBRARY FINES Joan Sveinsson, Library Director said she was pleased that the Library will re-open for morning hours beginning November 14, 1995. In celebration of this re-opening, the Library Board and Staff would like to offer a "50% off special" on outstanding fines. This would be a "one time only" offer. The purpose is to get materials back for circulation and encourage patrons to return to using the Library. Motion to approve one time reduction of library fines - Longo; second - Hardin. Motion carried with unanimous roll call vote. 5. RECEIVE REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TELEPHONE SYSTEM IN CITY FACILITIES WITH REGARD TO THE CREDITS RECEIVED FROM SOUTHWESTERN BELL AS A RESULT OF A RECENT SETFLEMENT Johnny Smith, City Manager reminded council that we had received $237,000 for telephone system improvements in a settlement agreement with Southwestern Bell. We had begun designing the new system for the city's buildings before the final details were worked out. The settlement calls for "discount" certificates which vary from 30% to 70%. With this new information, we are currently working with the representatives from Southwestern Bell to make improvements to our existing system. Councilmember Watts asked if any of this could be used for enhanced residential service for the citizens. Mr. Smith said no, he had asked specifically about using this money to purchase the switch necessary to allow services like caller I.D. and was told it could only be used to purchase hardware for city offices. 6. CONSENT AGENDA 9 00'68 Mayor Pro-Tem Dillard read the caption of each item on the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Watts pulled item E for further discussion. A. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD OCTOBER 16 AND 24, 1995 Motion to approve minutes with change requested by Councilmember Watts - Longo; second - Watts. Carried with unanimous roll call vote. B. CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF A LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM COUNCILMAN PLACE 4, ROB BURCHARD Motion to accept letter of resignation - Longo; second - Watts. Carried with unanimous roll call vote. C. CONSIDERATION OF RENEWAL OF THE AGREEMENT WITH THE COLONY AQUATIC TEAM (CATS) FOR USE OF THE COLONY AQUATIC PARK Motion to renew agreement - Longo; second - Watts. Carried with unanimous roll call vote. D. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COLONY HERITAGE SOCIETY Motion to approve resolution - Longo; second - Watts. Carried with unanimous roll call vote. E. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH DENTON COUNTY FOR THE PURPOSE OF CREATING AND ESTABLISHING THE LAKE SAFETY TASK FORCE AND PROVIDING ADDITIONAL FORCES FOR LAKE SAFETY LAW ENFORCEMENT Councilmember Watts stated she was the city's representative to this task force and to date there had been no meetings. She asked this item be postponed until we received more information concerning the make-up and function of this task force. Motion to postpone - Watts; second - Hardin. Carried with unanimous roll call vote. F. CONSIDERATION OF RENEWAL OF THE AGREEMENT WITH METROCREST MEDICAL SERVICES FOR MEDICAL CONTROL AND CONTINUING EDUCATION Motion to renew agreement - Longo; second - Watts. Carried with unanimous roll call vote. 10 7. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A PRELIMINARY PLAT AS PRESENTED BY AMOS ISHAKOV, COLONY BLAIR OAKS, LTD. FOR A SHOPPING CENTER TO BE LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST INTERSECTION OF STATE HIGHWAY 121 AND F.M. 423 (MAIN STREET) Sam Chavez, City Planner explained that the Planning and Zoning Commission had reviewed and approved this request at their October 24 meeting. Discussion followed concerning the stipulation concerning landscaping. Mr. Chavez explained this was a labelling change only. The landscaping would be included on the site plan but was not to be included on the preliminary plat. Councilmember Watts expressed concern over traffic flow and the possibility of expanding Blair Oaks to four lane divided. Mr. Chavez stated there were no plans for that and we cannot require the property owner to give up that ROW. He agreed it would improve the traffic flow and we could ask developer. Mr. Bill Winkman, project engineer, stated it appears Albertson's will be the anchor for this shopping development. He was unable to provide other prospective businesses. Motion to approve preliminary plat - Longo; second - Watts. Carried with unanimous roll call vote. 8. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A FINAL PLAT AS PRESENTED BY AMOS ISHAKOV, COLONY BLAIR OAKS, LTD., FOR LOT 1, BLOCK 1 OF THE MAIN STREET-121 ADDITION, LOCATED ON THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF STATE HIGHWAY 121 AND F.M. 423 (MAIN STREET) Motion to approve final plat - Hardin; second - Longo. Carried with unanimous roll call vote. 9. CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING CHANGES IN THE FEES FOR HIDDEN COVE PARK Sam Fitzgerald, Director of Hidden Cove Park presented a proposal for changes in certain fees at the park. They would like to reduce certain fees during the winter months to encourage more use of the facilities during a time when use is generally down. He also presented new rates to become effective in March, 1996 which reflect an increase to help cover utility and maintenance costs. The council was asked for input and direction on charging for groups using the large dining hall. Some guests attending a function at the dining hall were unaware of the entry fee to the park and have become upset. Various proposals for handling have been suggested including charging a set fee based on the number of vehicles to be admitted to the event. Mr. Smith suggested allowing the staff and Park & Recreation Board the flexibility to experiment with methods to handle this situation. Mr. Fitzgerald and Pam Nelson, Park & Rec Director commended all participants of the Haunted Hayride. Turn out was good. They made $2,500 in five nights. 11 Motion to approve rates as submitted and allow staff and board to determine procedure for setting rate at dining hall - Longo; second - Watts. Carried with unanimous roll call vote. 10. CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE AND AWARD OF BIDS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A RACQUETBALL COURT PANEL SYSTEM AND WOOD FLOORING SYSTEM; AND APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CONTRACT FOR SAME Pam Nelson, Park & Rec Director stated bids were sought for the renovation of one racquetball court to include the wail panel and hardwood floor. She showed samples of the materials to be used and recommended the contract be awarded to Hollman, Inc. Discussion followed concerning durability and methods of instailation. Councilmember Watts asked about warranty. Ms. Nelson said there is a ten year warranty. Motion to award contract to Hollman with ten year warranty - Watts; second - Hardin. Carried with unanimous roll call vote. 11. RECEIVE UPDATE FROM PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REGARDING THE WASTEWATER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Mr. Tom Cravens gave an update on the State Revolving Fund project for the improvements at the wastewater treatment plant. He detailed the expenses showing some were already approved and the projects have been completed or the equipment has been ordered. Based on these figures there will be a surplus and he recommends it be used to install fine bubble diffusers which would significantly reduce future electricity costs. Councilmember Watts was concerned that we might not be able to get the lab building built for the projected amount and does not want to use the contingency funds until the building is locked in. Mr. Cravens explained that the costs indicated were good figures. The city would hire a construction manager to oversee the project and it would be his responsibility to bring the job in for the price quoted. 12. CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE AND AWARD OF BIDS FOR SLUDGE HANDLING EQUIPMENT AND APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT FOR SAME Tom Cravens, Director of Public Works, stated five bids were received and reviewed. It is the recommendation of staff and the consultant from Wasteline Engineering that we award the contract for the Niro Centrifuge. One of the vendors, Sharpies, has issued a letter of complaint concerning their bid consideration. This issue was addressed in the bid tabulation and recommendation from Wasteline Engineering. Motion to award contract as recommended - Longo; second - Hardin. Carried with a unanimous roll call vote. 12 13. FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE REPEALING IN PART SECTION 6-1(7) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATING TO FIRE ZONES Dave Wallace, Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshall outlined the history of the current ordinance establishing fire zones, which was adopted in the 1980's. The strict requirements for fire protection systems, construction methods and maintenance of commercial buildings, eliminate the need for fire zones. Mayor Pro-Tem Dillard read the caption of the ordinance. 14. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION CASTING THE CITY'S VOTES FOR CANDIDATES NOMINATED BY THE TAXING JURISDICTIONS TO SERVE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE DENTON CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT Each year the city may vote for candidates to serve on the Board of Directors for D.C.A.D. This year the nominees are: Tracy Clinton, Richard Smith and Bill Wood. Motion to cast all city votes for Tracy Clinton - Watts; second - Hardin. Carried with unanimous roll call vote. 15. CITY MANAGER AND STAFF REPORTS Mr. Smith stated that Mr. Cravens has resigned effective November 17. We are now in the process of reviewing the job description and requirements. In the interim, the City Planner will oversee the inspections and planning departments. Mr. David Yordy, Water Production Superintendent will oversee the water departments. Mr. Smith will oversee the public works area. There are forty one potential applicants for the Police Chief position. The Selection Committee (Mr. Dillard, Mr. Heiman, Mr. Smith and Ms. Burkett) are now looking at about 25 applications and will select the top ten. There is a meeting Wednesday, November 8, of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Committee at the meeting room at the Library. It will begin at 7:00 p.m. 18. CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING FIRST SOUTHWEST COMPANY TO PROCEED WITH AN ANALYSIS AND ADVANCED REFUNDING OF OUTSTANDING 1979 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND 1989 REFUNDING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS Tony Johnston, Finance Director, stated we had recently refunded some utility bonds. We are now looking at refunding General Obligation bonds from 1979 and 1989. This will save approximately $50,000 each year. He needs a consensus from the council to proceed. All Councilmembers present concurred. 16. EXECUTIVE SESSION AS AUTHORIZED BY SECTION 551.072 OF THE 13 LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE RELATING TO LAND ACQUISITION, TO- WIT: A. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING THE STATUS OF THE EXTENSION OF MAIN STREET TO JOSEY LANE Adjourn to Executive Session - 9:20 p.m. Reconvene in Open Session - 9:50 p.m. 17. CONSIDERATION OF ANY APPROPRIATE ACTION TO BE TAKEN AS A RESULT OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION None With no further business to address, Mayor Pro-Tem Dillard adjourned the meeting at 9:51 p.m. APPROVED: John Dillard, Mayor Pro-Tern ATI'EST: Sandie Chance, Deputy City Secretary 14