Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/07/1997 City Council00661.9 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JULY 7, 1997 The Regular Session of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas was called to order at 7:40 p.m. on the 7th day of July, 1997, at City Hall with the following Council roll call: Mary Blair Watts, Mayor Present Bill Longo, Councilmember Present Bemetta Henville-Shannon, Councilmember Present David Stanwick, Councilmember Present Wilma Avey, Councilmember Present John Dillard, Councilmember Present Dave Kovatch, Councilmember Present and with seven presem, a quorum was established and the following items were addressed: INVOCATION - MARK WORTHAM - FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MAYORAL COMMENTS * National Night Out is August 5, 1997 * July 10, 1997 Bond Committee meeting will be televised. Viewers will be able to call in with questions. * F.M. 423/N. Colony intersection improvements have been delayed from August to November, 1997. * 1997 Legislature passed laws regarding under age tobacco and alcohol users * The new solid waste services will be reported on later in the meeting. 9. CITY MANAGER AND STAFF REPORTS City Manager Lambert reported: 1. There will be an open house to showcase all major developers in the City in late July. Date to be set. A time for citizens to see what is being planned and also to see what the city staff does. Tentatively the last week of July. 2. City Hall is crowded and I have asked for two proposals from space planners which range in cost from $.10 per square foot to $1.00 per square foot. To do just the city hall side would be approximately $2000.00 - $2500.00. If there are no objections (from council) this will be pursued. 3. The next council retreat needs to be set. A Fall date is recommended, sometime after the budget is done. Council discussed when to hold budget meetings. Tentative - Last week in July for the first one. Mr. Johnston advised the preliminary budget will be presented to them at the July 21, 1997 council meeting. 4 Councilman Longo suggested adding the Police Communications Office to the space planning. Mr. Lambert advised there is not much that can be done in P.D. 4. The recycling bins at the Wal-Mart parking lot were removed by CWD at the request of Wal-Mart because CWD did not keep the area around them clean and neat. 5. The Council would like to have the agenda given to them sooner so they have plenty of time to review items before they vote on them. Mr. Lambert proposed having a work session on the Monday prior to the regular meetings (lst & 3rd Monday) to discuss all the items to be on the regular meeting agenda. Deadline for items would be Monday afternoon and nothing could be added after that. Another option would be to meet at 5:30 p.m. prior to the regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. He explained the packets would be given to the council at the work session on the previous Monday. They would then have a week to review before the regular meeting. There was brief note that this will delay the vote on some items. Councilman Stanwick said only items that will create long discussion should be on the pre-work session. Councilman Dillard said he has not had a problem with the current procedure and sees no reason to change it. Councilman Kovatch suggested getting the packet on the previous Monday, but holding the work session at 5:30 just prior to the regular meeting. Mayor Watts asked that they try the work session on the previous Mondays. Councilman Avey wants the packet on the Friday prior to the work session on Monday. 6. Mr. Lambert advised he has asked the Planning and Zoning Commission to serve as the interview panel for the Planning Director position and that he wants two Councilmembers to sit on that panel as well. 7. Mr. Lambert asked that the Mayor appoint 3 Councilmembers to meet with staff and the developer to draft a developer's agreement for the Billingsley property and the Wynnewood property (with regard to water and sewer). OLD BUSINESS * Code of Ethics - Councilman Longo reported that he and Councilman Avey had met with Margaret Burkett regarding the proposed ordinance drafted by Pete Eckert. He believes that State Law, the Charter and the Personnel Policies cover all but one minor issue and Margaret is working on an amendment to the Personnel Policies to cover that matter, which will be brought to council at a later date. * 1/2 cent sales tax will be addressed in Agenda Item 8. * Regional Wastewater - Mr. Lambert reported that he, the Mayor and staff met with Frisco and representatives from NTMWD on June 20, 1997. The engineers are working on the cost estimates and they will be brought to council when ready. * Lime Treatment/Centrifuge Installation/Aeration System - Pat Dmflap reported that the lime stabilization problem reported 45 days ago has been resolved. The contractor is on site to install the centrifuge and the contractor for the aeration system will be on site in mid-July. * 121 R.O.W. - Mr. Lambert and Councilman Kovatch will attend the 121 task force meeting on Friday. * Carver Policy - Councilman Kovatch suggested this would be a good follow-up to the retreat in the Fall. 5 * Solid Waste Services - Pat Dunlap reported that IESI has been serving the city since June 1. There have been problems but the owners have been very helpful and feel all the concerns either have been or will be resolved. The system is being modified to meet the needs of our city and they have gone above and beyond to rectify problems. Mr. Dunlap believes that within the next 30 days the system will be working much better. We have asked for proposals from them for some other services and those will be brought to council when reviewed by the committee. An IESI representative is at the Utility Bldg. this week to take all calls. Councilman Longo asked if bulk can be picked up more than once a month during the summer and again in January due to Christmas. 2. CITIZEN INPUT Roger Ballentine, 5628 Tucker, addressed the council regarding the upcoming bond election, stating he has been serving on the Bond Committee. Mr. Ballentine went on to say it appears the driving force is the Eastvale law suit and subsequent settlement agreement, which he believes grants everything to the Eastvale area that they want. Mr. Ballentine quoted from council minutes during 1987 regarding the consolidation of Eastvale into The Colony. He quoted a letter to the editor which was published in last week's paper in which Councilmen Stanwick and Dillard were reprimanded for not going along with the rest of the council. Mr. Ballentine concluded by asking if in the future the citizens will believe the Mayor and the other 4 couneilmembers acted in the best interest of the city or if they would be known as the "Gang of Five" who sold us out. Teresa Sidwell, 3953 Teal Cove invited everyone to attend one of the 15 block parties planned for National Night Out on August 5, 1997. She challenged the Mayor, Councilmembers and City Manager to volunteer time in a dunking booth at the Stewart Peninsula block party to raise money for the Denton County Child's Advocacy Center. 3. PUBLIC HEARING ON APPLICATION OF TRUMAN C. EDMINSTER, CARTER & BURGESS, INC. FOR A REPLAT OF PROPERTY PRESENTLY ZONED PLANNED DEVELOPMENT 8 (PD-8) FOR SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT, SEEKING A REPLAT OF COMMON AREA 1 INTO TWO (2) LOTS LOCATED ON THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF NORTH COLONY BOULEVARD AND STEWART BOULEVARD Mayor Watts opened the public hearing, which is a time for the council to hear input from the developer, staff and citizens regarding this request for a replat on the Cottonwood Springs Subdivision of Stewart Peninsula. Mr. Pat Dunlap gave a brief analysis of the request, stating that Planning and Zoning and staff have reviewed and do recommend approval. There were no other comments from the public or the council. Mayor Watts closed the public hearing. 4. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A REPLAT AS PRESENTED BY TRUMAN C. EDMINSTER, CARTER & BURGESS, INC. OF THE COMMON AREA INTO TWO (2) LOTS LOCATED ON THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF NORTH COLONY BOULEVARD AND STEWART BOULEVARD 6 00662; Following the public hearing, the council may take action to approve the replat. The request has been reviewed by Planning and Zoning and approval is recommended. Councilman Avey stated that the council had previously given direction to staff that they did not want to have any action item on the same agenda as the public hearing for that particular item. Motion to postpone to the next meeting - Avey; second - Longo, failed with the following roll call vote: Aye - Longo, Avey, Watts No - Henvill~Shannon, Stanwick, Dillard, Kovatch Motion to approve as presented, subject to all staff stipulations - Kovatch; second - Dillard. Councilman Stanwick clarified with Mr. Edminster that the island will be sprinkled. Councilman Dillard agreed with Councilman Avey regarding the direction given to staff previously, but noted that this particular item is a simple issue and We need to be flexible. He said there are cases that require more study, but this case is very simple. Mr. Lambert said it is customary under most zoning ordinances to separate the public hearing from the vote by two weeks and asked if the council wanted the Planning and Zoning commission to draft an amendment to our ordinance to require that (separation). Mayor asked if there was consensus to do this. Councilman Kovatch asked if P&Z would also have the same two week period. Mayor Watts asked for the vote on the motion. Motion carried with all members voting Aye. Mayor Watts asked again if there is consensus to ask P&Z to draft an amendment to the zoning ordinance. Councilman Stanwick stated that the council can postpone any item at any time, and that this might reduce the council's flexibility to address those items that don't require lengthy study and discussion. Councilman Kovatch asked that P&Z also be given the two weeks, but to asked that both (P&Z and Council) mn concurrently. Staff advised that could not be done because when council holds a public hearing, they must have the recommendation from P&Z. Councilman Longo suggested that P&Z be allowed to make the decision as to when an issue needs to be separated, instead of complicating the way we do business and agreed with Councilman Stanwick. Patti Hicks stated that she is responsible for these two items being on the same agenda. She stated that she assumed that this would be a simple case and would not require any separation. She further stated it is not a problem to separate items, it just was not done in this case due to the nature of this issue. Following discussion, there was consensus to ask P&Z to recommend an amendment to the zoning ordinance to handle this issue. 5. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Watts summarized the consent agenda items. A. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL 7 MEETINGS HELD JUNE 2, 9, AND 30, 1997 Council meeting minutes have been prepared for the council review and approval. Councilman Avey pulled this item and noted that it has been over a month since the June 2 and 9 meetings and she would like to see the minutes presented to council by the next regular session when possible. Ms. Hicks said is not possible right now, but will do the best she can. Motion to approve as presented - Avey; second Longo, carried with all members voting Aye. B. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF A REPRESENTATIVE AND AN ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVE TO THE NORTH TEXAS REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEM The Library Board recommends re-appointing Patricia Mooney and James Althaus to serve another two-year term. Motion to approve as presented - Kovatch; second Stanwick, carried with all members voting Aye. C. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT W1TH DELOITTE TOUCHE FOR AUDIT SERVICES The City has been using this fn'm for several years with very satisfactory results. Approval is recommended. Motion to approve as presented - Kovatch; second Stanwick, carried with all members voting Aye. 8:45 p.m. Recess 9:04 p.m. Reconvene 9:05 p.m. 10. EXECUTIVE SESSION AS AUTHORIZED BY SECTION 551 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE RELATING TO PERSONNEL (551.074) AND REAL ESTATE (551.072), TO-WIT; A. CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT B. PROPOSED LEASE OF CITY PROPERTY ADJACENT TO LAKE LEWISVILLE 10:35 p.m. Reconvene in open session 8 11. CONSIDERATION OF ANY APPROPRIATE ACTION TO BE TAKEN AS A RESULT OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION A. CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT Motion to approve as amended - Kovatch; second - Dillard, carried with all members voting Aye. B. PROPOSED LEASE OF CITY PROPERTY ADJACENT TO LAKE LEWISVILLE - No action to be taken 6. CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING A GROUND LEASE AGREEMENT WITH MATTHEWS-SOUTHWEST FOR WYNNEWOOD PARK The City has been negotiating with Matthews Southwest on a ground lease agreement for the lease of Wynncwood Park for a golf course facility. After approval of the Council, the lease must then be approved by the Corps of Engineers. Dennis Watson, Assistant to the City Manager, introduced Rick Manser representing the Economic Development Cooperation to make a presentation to the council regarding the proposal by Matthews-Southwest to construct a golf course on Wynnewood Peninsula. Mr. Manser's presentation outlined the requirements the EDC had established, the projected revenues from the proposed project and the time line. Mr. Manser said EDC unanimously recommends approval of this proposal with Matthews-Southwest. Tim House, with Matthews-Southwest said the proposed lease is the result of months of work with the EDC, noting that the overall concept started over 3 years ago. Motion to give preliminary approval of the lease, subject to revision made today and subsequent revisions, with final approval on July 21, 1997 - Stanwick; second - Dillard. Mr. House asked the Mayor to write a letter to send to the Corps with the City's endorsement of the lease. Mr. Lambert stated the city will do what it needs to in order to help with this process with the Corps. Motion carried with all members voting Aye. 7. CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING A SECOND INFRASTRUCTURE INSPECTOR IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Chttrently the city employs one infrastructure inspector to handle inspection of streets, drainage, water and sewer lines. With all the new construction unde~ay and projected in the very near future, it is recommended a second inspector by hired imme~atelY.' The cOSt of these inspectors is subsidized by the 1% inspection fee paid by the developers. Motion to approve as presented - Longo; second - Dillard carried with members voting Aye. 9 8. CONSIDERATION OF A BUDGET AMENDMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT The Council has directed the City Manager to pursue the establishment of an Economic Development Department including the hiring of an Economic Development Director. This budget amendment is necessary to cover the expenses of that department. Mayor Watts stated the EDC Plan of the Comprehensive Plan recommended this. Mr. Gary McClure, President of EDC stated this position will be very important in The Colony. Councilman Stanwick agreed the position is needed, but expressed concerns; the Economic Development Dept. should be funded by the sales tax. Whoever is hired will help get the sales tax passed and they will have to be allowed to nm the campaign as they see fit, which could delay the proposed January election date. Another concern expressed by Stanwick was in adding a director at the proposed salary ($60-65,000) when we know our other directors are not being paid enough and we may not be able to increase their salaries. Councilman Longo asked if the person would work with developers. Mr. Lambert said that would be the Planning Director's job; the Economic Development Director will be a marketing position, will have management responsibilities given and will work for him (city manager) and the EDC. Councilman Kovatch said the election campaign will be nm by the EDC and the established committee. Mayor Watts said the council was given a petition with 357 names on it which identified the types of businesses desired by the citizens and the Economic Development Director will make contact with these type of businesses. Motion to approve as presented - Kovatch; second - Avey, carried with the following vote: Aye - Longo, Henville-Shannon, Avey, Dillard, Kovatch, Watts No - Stanwick With no further business to address, Mayor Watts adjourned the meeting at 11:07 p.m. APPROVED: Mary Blair ~Natts, l~yor ATTEST: Patti A. Hicks, TRMC, City Secretary 10