HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/05/1997 City Council 00653,.I
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON
MAY 5, 1997
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 5th day of May, 1997, at City Hall with the following Council roll call:
William W. Manning, Mayor Present
Bill Longo, Councilmember Present
Mary Watts, Councilmember Present
David Stanwick, Councilmember Present
Wilma Avey, Councilmember Present
John Dillard, Councilmember Present
Dave Kovatch, Councilmember Present
and with six present, a quorum was established and the following items were addressed:
INVOCATION - Brace Scofield, First Baptist Church
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
2. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE CANVASSING THE ELECTION HELD ON
MAY 3, 1997 IN THE CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS AND DECLARING THE
RESULTS; CALLING A RUN-OFF ELECTION FOR MAY 17, 1997 IF NECESSARY
Mayor Manning read portions of the ordinance and Ms. Hicks announced dates and times
for early voting for the run-off election.
Motion to approve - Dillard; second - Kovatch, carried with all members voting Aye.
Mayor Manning congratulated Ms. Watts on her victory. He further stated that it had
been a privilege and honor to serve The Colony for the past seven years. He wished Ms. Watts
and the Council well and stated the staff is professional and knowledgeable in their fields and
asked Council to allow them (staff) to do their jobs which will make the Council's job much
easier. He closed by saying he would remain involved.
3. ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE TO NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS
Patti Hicks, Interim City Manager, administered the Oath of Office to Mary Blair Watts.
Ms. Watts took her seat at the dais. Ms. Hicks then administered the Oath of Office to
Councilman Bill Longo who then returned to his seat.
Mayor Watts spoke regarding her plans for the future and thanked the citizens for the
honor given her. Councilman Longo commented that he looks forward to working with this
Council and mayor and that coatrary to rumor, there is no "hit list." He also added that if
employees cannot trust their elected officials, they should look elsewhere.
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4. CITIZEN INPUT
Rich Lewis, 5013 Ashlock Dr., thanked Bill Manning for seven years of service and
everyone who supported him (Lewis). He also stated he planned to stay involved. Councilman Longo commended Mr. Lewis for his efforts.
David Heiman, 5949 Fox Dr., congratulated the newly elected officers and asked that
everyone come together and work in harmony.
John Dillard~ 4916 Crawford, also congratulated the newly elected officers and former
Mayor Manning for his years of service. He stated he was concerned about pending lawsuits and
urged Council to work toward settling these issues soon. Regarding undeveloped land he read
from the Dallas Morning News regarding land acquisitions in the Westlake situation. He also
commented to the staff that it should be "business as usual" and he would hate to lose anyone.
He stressed his desire for unity on the Council.
Jimmie McCormi.ck~ representing the Chamber of Commerce, congratulated newly elected
officers and Mayor Manning. He announced Chamber Week and gave a brief overview of
Chamber activities and plans. He announced that with the h~lp of the Digital Magic Factory,
Mike Catt, a web page (thecolonytx.org) has been established today on the internet. This page
will be used strictly by the Chamber for economic development purposes. It will be updated only
by the Chamber and only information approved by the City Manager and President of the
Chamber of Commerce will be considered. Mr. McCormick also presented the new 1997
Business Referral Guide.
5. MAYORAL PROCLAMATIONS
MUNICIPAL CLERK'S WEEK - MAY 4 - 10, 1997
Mayor Watts read the proclamation in its entirety and presented the proclamation to Patti
Hicks.
PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK - MAY 5 - 1 l, 1997
Mayor Watts read the proclamation in its entirety m~d presented the proclamation to
Margaret Burkett, Personnel Director. Ms. Burkett accepted the proclamation on behalf of all
the employees of the City.
6. PUBLIC HEARING OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON APPLICATION OF STEPHEN
WILLIAMSON, MOCKINGBIRD DEVELOPMENT, SEEKING TO CHANGE
ZONING ON THE BELOW DESCRIBED PROPERTY FROM PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT (PD) 7 FOR THE (SF) SINGLE FAMILY DISTRICT TO PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT FOR THE (GR) GENERAL RETAIL DISTRICT; AND APPROVAL
OF AN ORDINANCE GRANTING THE ABOVE NAMED ZONING CHANGE
GENERALLY LOCATED SOUTH OF RIDGEPOINTE DRIVE, ON THE
WEST SIDE OF F.M. 423 (MAIN STREET)
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Motion to open public hearing - Longo; second - Kovatch, carried will all members voting
Aye
Sam Chavez, City Planner, gave an overview of the applicant's request. Councilman
Dillard stated he had received a telephone call from a concerned citizen regarding the proximity
of the car wash to a residential area relating to traffic and noise. Rick Horn, Carter & Burgess,
introduced himself and asked the Council for questions. Councilman Kovatch asked Sam Chavez
if by approving this request, would he be locking himself into approving anything relating to the
car wash. Sam Chavez responded that by approving this zoning change, Council will only allow
those uses listed in the packet for this property.
Motion to close public hearing - Kovatch; second - Longo, carried with ali members voting
Aye
Motion to approve ordinance - Kovatch, second - Stanwick, carried with aH members voting
Aye except Councilman Dillard who voted No.
7. PUBLIC HEARING OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON APPLICATION OF STEPHEN
WILLIAMSON, MOCKINGBIRD DEVELOPMENT, SEEKING APPROVAL OF A
SPECIFIC USE PERMIT FOR A FULL SERVICE CAR WASH AND AUTO LUBE
CENTER ON THE BELOW DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN A PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT; AND APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE GRANTING
THE ABOVE NAMED SPECIFIC USE PERMIT
GENERALLY LOCATED SOUTH OF RIDGEPOINTE DRIVE, ON THE
WEST SIDE OF F.M. 423 (MAIN STREET)
Motion to open public hearing - Stauwick; second - Kovatch, carried with all members
voting Aye
Sam Chavez gave an overview of the applicant's request for a Special Use Permit. Rick
Horn, Carter & Burgess, offered comments regarding the request. Councilman Kovatch asked
the approximate distance from the rear hedgerow to the residences. Mr. Horn responded about
250' all of which is in the flood plain. Councilman Kovatch then asked if the applicant would
be responsible for maintaining toe flood plain. Mr. Horn responded yes per City ordinances.
Councilman Stanwick asked th~ proposed hours of operation. David Becherer, applicant,
responded the hours would be from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m. Councilman Stanwick asked how the lighting is handled. Mr. Becherer stated the
lighting is downward and there will be no parking lot lights on the perimeter. Councilman
Stanwick also asked about drainage blocks and how they propose to prevent run-off into the
creek. Mr. Becherer said about 80% of the water used is reclaimed and they have never had a
blockage problem. Councilman Stanwick asked Sam Chavez if the S.U.P. is based on approval
of zoning or approval of final plat. Sam Chavez responded it would be based on approval of
zoning.
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Joyce Fulco, 4712 Clover Valley, asked if the car wash would be full service. Mr.
Becherer responded it would be full service with 3040 employees hired initially.
Daniel Martin, 4824 Wagner, asked if a culvert was planned. Rick Horn responded no
culvert was planned. Mr. Martin then asked if there were plans for Lot 1. Mr. Steve Mundt,
applicant, responded that there are no plans now but maybe aa office later.
Eric Logan, 7213 Ragan Pl., asked about the noise and site abatement foliage. He wanted
to know who would provide maintenance. Mr. Becherer responded that the applicants would
maintain the area.
Rich Lewis, 5013 Ashlock Dr., asked if there were dedicating right-of-way for FM 423
widening. Mr. Becherer responded yes.
David Heiman, 5949 Fox Dr. asked if a traffic study had been completed and also if
impact fees for wastewater utilization would apply. Sam Chavez responded that a traffic analysis
has not been conducted. A signal light will be erected at some time in the future. Impact fees
will be based on non-residential land use.
Councilman Kovatch asked if they will become utility customers and will be charged by
consumption. Sam Chavez responded that was correct.
Motion to close public hearing - Kovatch; second - Avey, carried will all members voting
Aye.
Motion to approve ordinance - Longo; second - Kovatch
Councilman Stanwick asked how close does the site conform to the 121 corridor
guidelines regarding materials, landscaping, signage, etc. Sam Chavez responded they do exceed
the 121 guidelines.
Motion carried with all Councihnembers voting Aye except Councilmember Avey and
Dillard who voted No.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Watts asked if anyone wanted to pull any items from the consent agenda.
Councilman Avey requested Item A be pulled.
A. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF TItE MINUTES OF THE
COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD APRIL 7 AND 19, 1997
Councilman Avey stated that three Councilmembers were absent from the April 19
meeting and she would like the reasons added to the minutes.
Motion to approve with amendments - Avey; second - Kovatch, carried with all members
voting Aye.
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B. CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE AND AWARD OF BIDS FOR THE
PURCHASE OF CHEMICALS FOR THE WATER PRODUCTION AND
WASTEWATER TREATMENT DEPARTMENTS; AND APPROVAL OF AN
ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT FOR SAME
Motion to approve - Dillard; second - Kovatch, carried with all members voting Aye.
C. CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING THE FINANCE DIRECTOR TO
PURSUE A FINANCING CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF
EQUIPMENT FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Motion to approve - Dillard; second - Kovatch, carried with all members voting Aye.
9. CITY MANAGER AND STAFF REPORTS
Patti Hicks commented that it has become very difficult to schedule representatives from
the various churches to attend regular sessions for the purpose of giving the invocation. She
asked for Council direction. Ma)or Watts stated she had a meeting scheduled with most of the
church leaders and this situation will be discussed. Mayor Watts continued by saying that when
agendas are posted, she would like to see the name of the individual scheduled to give the
invocation listed. Councilman Dillard suggested that staff members or even councilmembers be
considered.
Patti Hicks asked Councilmembers to return the city manager resumes as quickly as
possible. Dr. Geisel has requested to meet with the Council next week to reach a list of top ten
favorites. Pete Eckert, City Attorney, has also requested to meet with the Council next week
regarding pending litigation.
Tony Johnston, Finance Director, stated that during the last budget process, Utility Fund
departments were allowed to purchase additional computer equipment while General Fund
departments were restricted from additional purchases. Mr. Johnston reported to the Council that
unbudgeted revenue from an insurance premium refund makes it possible to purchase some
additional equipment. In addition there are some escrowed funds that could also be used with
approval from the city attorney. Mr. Johnston would like to purchase new computers for
employees with the greatest need and move older computers to areas with less computer use.
There is also a need for modems to use with linking to the Intemet and a UPS (uninterruptable
power source) is necessary for file server backup. He also stressed the city has a great need for
communications software to link remote offices to City Hall. Councilman Avey asked who Mr.
Johnston intended to give Internet capability. Mr. Johnston responded he intended to add Parks
& Recreation, Fire and Council. Ms. Avey asked Mr. Johnston to submit justification and usage
expected. Mr. Johnston responded he would provide that information. He continued stating that
he would be preparing a Request for Proposal. Mayor Watts asked Councilman Avey if she had
misgivings about the purchase of computer hardware. Ms. Avey responded she did not.
Councilman Longo commented that some service providers provide EMail service only. Mr.
Johnston responded that all these options were being researched.
Sam Chavez, City Planner, updated the Council on the status of the Comprehensive Plan.
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The plan is being brought before the Council at the ]une 2 meeting. Mr. Chavez commented that
Council had received a preliminary plan and would be provided with updates at that meeting.
Pat Dunlap, Public Services Director, reported on water damage from roof leakage. He
stated that a roof'mg contractor has looked over the damage which might exceed $15,000. Mr.
Dunlap will be preparing bids soon for all city facility roofs which could total between $40,000
and $50,000. Councilman Longo asked if insurance reimbursement would be forthcoming. Mr.
Dunlap stated that the damage was not enough to exceed deductibles. Councilman Dillard asked
if roofs would be replaced or repaired. Mr. Dunlap said that right now only repairs would be
made with the exception of the Utility Building. Councilman Longo asked about the possibility
of excessive mold in the building and asked that contractors be aware of these concerns. Patti
Hicks added that possibly funds could be budgeted next year for duct cleaning.
Mayor Watts stated that she formerly had requested design of the intersection
improvements of F.M. 423 and North Colony Blvd. She said that information was available if
any citizens wished to review it after the meeting. The State will be proceeding and a contract
let in August, 1997, to begin improvements.
With no further business to address, the meeting was adjourned at 9:06 p.m.
APPROVED:
~VIary Blair '~vCatts~ M~or
ATTEST:
Pi~u"ih~',-I~-ek4t,~, Depu-ty ~i~y Sec-retary
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