HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/09/2000 City Council MINUTES OF WORK SESSION OF COUNCIL
HELD ON
DECEMBER 9, 2000
The Work Session of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas, was called to order at 8:00
a.m. on the 9th day of December, 2000, at The Tribute Golf Course with the following roll call:
William W. Manning, Mayor Present
John Gordon, Councilmember Present
Lewis Jue, Councilmember Present
David Stanwick, Councilmember Present
A1 Garcia, Councilmember Present
John Dillard, Councilmember Present
Dave Kovatch, Councilmember Absent (Personal)
and with six present a quorum was established and the following items were addressed:
1. Council will meet with members of the Telecommunication Board to discuss direction
and scope of the board, capital purchases and other items pertaining to the operations
of the board
Members of the Telecommunications Board (Duane Sanders, Bill Cunningham, Clark
Switzer, Allen Harris) presented the Council with ideas to improve operations. Duane Sanders gave
an overview of upcoming events which will be televised including tonight's Christmas Parade and
Tree Lighting. He explained that playback equipment and additional cameras were needed. Mayor
Manning asked Council what they wanted to be aired on the local government access network.
Councilman Stanwick stated that LISD activities are not governmental functions and asked why the
Board is requesting equipment to air other than govermnental activities. He suggested setting
guidelines to determine what events are covered since audience is not large. Allen Harris,
Telecommunications Board, said audience would expand if programming were better. Councilman
Jue said the City is investing dollars in equipment to be operated by volunteers and asked if this
would lead to needing paid staff. Patti Hicks, Interim City Manager, explained the Board also
handles franchise agreements which probably should not be negotiated by anyone other than paid
staff. Councilman Dillard added that he is not interested in expanding TV since it costs too much
and should only be used as a service to residents not able to attend Council meetings. Discussion
continued regarding considering a city media department. Councilman Stanwick said the City needs
a Public Information Officer which could oversee the government access channel. Councilman
Gordon suggested the Council proceed with what's been committed in the budget with the purchase
of equipment.
2. Policies regarding contracting with non-profit agencies for services rendered to citizens
of The Colony
Councilman Stanwick commented that of all the samples of policies submitted for review, he
liked the one from the City of Carrollton best and suggested any agency considered should have a
physical presence in The Colony. Mayor Manning added that agencies should apply annually to be
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considered. Discussion followed regarding ways to fund the contributions. Tony Johnston, Finance
Director, will look into the City's options. Patti Hicks said she would send letters to local agencies
explaining the new procedures once established.
3. Evaluation of the tree-trimming program since its implementation and discussion of
possible change of direction
Council consensus was to add the tree trimming program as a city service and no longer
require residents to do their own tree trimming. The cost of the program will be added to the City's
budget each year. Councilman Dillard added that he would like to see dead trees in the easements
removed and not replaced since they cause sidewalks and streets to buckle.
4. Recommendations for Eastvale street resurfacing and/or rebuilding
Ken Leverich identified streets needing immediate attention in the Eastvale area. He
proposed asphalt streets with concrete gutters and curbs. Councilman Garcia noted that emergency
vehicles currently have difficulty with the condition of the roads in the area. Patti Hicks asked if the
repairs would include Witt Rd. Mr. Leverich responded that Witt would need an engineering
redesign but could be repaired with a "quick fix" which would last approximately 3-5 years. Mayor
Manning noted that if a bond issue were considered, public hearing would need to be conducted for
all citizens, not just residents of Eastvale area. Consensus was for staff to bring back to Council
estimated costs to improve streets immediately and begin long-term process for a more permanent
solution.
5. Memorial Drive and Park projects
Patti Hicks explained that rcommendation for an engineering contract is being presented at
the next regular session. Abel Saldafia, City Engineer, explained proposal for Office Creek Drainage
Improvements. Discussion followed regarding impact fees and funding. Mr. Saldafia explained that
FEMA will amend flood plain maps in phases. Tony Johnston, Finance Director, informed Council
that a developer is interested in purchasing Tracts A, B, and C of the property owned by JNC.
Council requested that Tony Johnston put together options to bring to Council to complete the entire
project. Also the City needs to come to some agreement with the developer regarding financial
details. Figures provided by JNC for completion of the project are probably not sufficient. The City
could agree with JNC' s estimates and anything above the estimate would be absorbed by JNC. Mr.
Johnston will present options at a later date.
With no further business to address, Mayor Manning adjourned the meeting at 12:30 p.m.
ATTEST: ['4/qilliam w~-Manni~g, Mayor <~
~ Ruthann Dev'lin, Deputy City Secretary