HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/04/2008 City Council
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August 4, 2008
MINUTES OF REGULAR SESSION OF COUNCIL
HELD ON
August 4, 2008
The Regular Session of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas, was called
to order at 7:00 p.m. on the 4th day of August 2008, at City Hall, 6800 Main Street,
The Colony, Texas, with the following roll call:
John Dillard
Allen Harris
John Marshall
Jeff Connelly
Kirk Mikulec
Perry Schrag
Joel Marks
Mayor
Councilmember
Councilmember
Councilmember
Councilmember
Mayor Pro-tern
Councilmember
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
And with seven council members present a quorum was established and the following
items were addressed:
ROUTINE ANNOUNCEMENTS, RECOGNITIONS AND
PROCLAMATIONS:
Call to Order
Invocation - John Dillard
Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag
Salute to the Texas Flag
Citizen Input- Alyce Rufi invited the city council members to attend a Council
Appreciation Dinner on September 13 th.
Update on Hidden Cove Park - Ottis Lee representing Marine Quest told the
council that they had received approval today for the construction plans for the
Hidden Cove Park boat slips. They expect to receive the permit tomorrow and
plan to start floating the slips within the next few days. Ottis also said they have
been meeting with JT's Concessions and hope to bring forth a proposal soon. At
this time Dwight Bosworth with Marine Quest presented Mayor Dillard with a
check for $250,000.00 per the agreement between the city and Marine Quest.
Denton County Transportation Authoritv Report- Dave Kovatch viewed how the
DTCA operates and the funding sources. He said the current major project is a
Denton to Carrollton rail line that should be complete in 2010. He reviewed the
positive impacts, such as jobs and air quality improvement. It was noted that the
cities of Denton, Highland Village and Lewisville contribute sales tax to the
DTCA but The Colony does not.
Announcement of upcoming civic events and activities 1_ Director Joan Sveinsson
reviewed the current Library programs. Mayor Dillard announced an
I These items are strictly public service announcements. No action will be taken and no direction will be given
regarding these items.
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organizational meeting for Pirate Days scheduled for September 2nd at the
Community Center. Special Events Coordinator Emily Fox announced the Back
to School Bash scheduled for August 19t\ 5-8 p.m. Elise Knox, Aquatic Park
Manager, made a presentation on a microscopic parasite called Cryptospridium
that has been a concern for public pools in North Texas this year. Elise advised
The Colony Aquatic Park swimming water is treated with SeaKlear, which is a
chemical that inhibits Crypto. She also reviewed other steps being taken to help
avoid contamination such as mandatory pre-swim showers and educating the
public on proper pool use.
I 2.0 I CONSENT AGENDA
2.2 Consider approval of an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances,
Chapter 19, Section 19-10 to establish a 35 mph speed limit on McKamy
Trail (Eubanks)
2.5 Consider approval of a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a
revised agreement with Denco Area 9-1-1 District (Clark)
2.7 Consider approval of an ordinance setting August 18, 2008 as the date for a
public hearing on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2008-2009 (Koo)
2.8 Consider accepting Rita Webster's resignation from the Code Enforcement
Advisory Board (Council)
2.9 Consider accepting Barry Vondersmith's resignation from the Code
Enforcement Advisory Board (Council)
2.10 Consider appointing Ruby Lawrence to fill a vacancy on the Code
Enforcement Advisory Board (Council)
Motion to approve above consent agenda items- Harris; second by Marks; motion
passed with all ayes
Councilmember Marshall pulled this item due to his absence at this meeting.
2.1 Consider approval of minutes of council meetings held July 21, 2008
(Wilson)
Motion approve- Harris; second by Marks; motion passed with all ayes except for
Marshall who abstained
Councilmember Connelly requested items 2.3 and 2.4 be pulled from the consent agenda
for separate discussion.
2.3 Consider authorizing use of Hotel Occupancy Tax funds for promotional and
advertising needs of the Lakeside Community Theater Haunted House event
(CAB/Margolis)
Councilmember Connelly questioned whether the amount requested represented
more than half of the advertising budget for the project. Donna Arnold with
Lakeside Theater advised it is for all advertising. Councilmember Connelly then
stated that since this is not a city sponsored event he would recommend approving
one half of the total money budged. He suggested that in the future the Hotel
Occupancy Tax budget should reflect funding for this annual event.
Motion to approve $3,950.00 (rather than the requested $4,625.00)- Connelly; second
by Schrag
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Councilmember Harris stated he feels like the HOT funds were intended to be
used for this type of project, and that the Cultural Arts Board should be able to
make some of the decisions regarding use of these funds. He then added he
would like to see council approve the full amount that was requested.
Councilmember Marks confirmed that are no guidelines for the amount of money
the board could approve.
Motion failed with Connelly and Schrag voting aye and all others voting no.
Motion to approve for $4,625.00- Harris; second by Marshall; motion passed with all
ayes except for Connelly who voted no.
2.4 Consider approval of a revised Lakeside Arts Center Use Policy
(CAB/Margolis)
Councilmember Connelly stated that he feels the uses are restrictive and wants the
policy revised. Additional discussion followed regarding user responsibility, fees,
uses by religious and social groups, and specific election days set aside.
Councilmember Marshall noted that the intent was for the Cultural Arts Board
(CAB) to manage the building and did not find any real issues with the document.
City Attorney David Dodd advised the document can be changed and suggested it
be tabled.
Motion to table until the first meeting in September- Harris; second by Connelly;
motion passed with all ayes.
Mayor Dillard asked council members to send their recommendations for the
policy to the city manager.
Councilmember Schrag requested item 2.6 be pulled from the consent agenda for
separate discussion.
2.6 Consider approval of a revised standard form of agreement establishing
guidelines and fees for wrecker services (Clark)
Councilmember Schrag questioned extending the response times. Chief Joe Clark
said they extended the time by five minutes due to current traffic conditions.
Motion to approve- Schrag; second by Marks; motion passed with all ayes.
At 8:00 p.m. Mavor Dillard announced that at this time the council will convene the
Executive Session (item 4.1A). and that council will also discuss item 3.6.
14.0 I EXECUTIVE SESSION
4.1 A. Council shall convene into a closed executive session pursuant to
Section 551.071 of the TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE to consult with the city
attorney regarding pending litigation between the City of Frisco, North
Texas Municipal Water District and the City of The Colony.
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B. Council shall convene into a closed executive session pursuant to
Section 551.071 (2) of the TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE to consult with the city
attorney regarding an agreement with the Billingsleys and the City of The
Colony concerning development of Austin Ranch.
C. Council shall convene into a closed executive session pursuant to
Section 551.071 of the TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE to consult with the city
attorney regarding pending litigation between John McDonald and Cheryl
McDonald and the City of The Colony.
D. Council shall convene into a closed executive session pursuant to
Section 551.071 (2) of the TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE to consult with the city
attorney regarding the Hidden Cove Park Concessionaire Agreement as it
relates to Marine Quest's Ground Lease, Real Property and Personal
Property Lease Agreement.
Reconvene to Open Session at 8:35 p.m.
4.2 A. Any action as a result of executive session regarding pending litigation
between the City of Frisco, North Texas Municipal Water District and the
City of The Colony.
No action.
B. Any action as a result of executive session regarding an agreement
with the Billingsleys and the City of The Colony concerning development of
Austin Ranch.
Not discussed.
C. Any action as a result of executive session regarding pending litigation
between John McDonald and Cheryl McDonald and the City of The Colony.
Not discussed.
D. Any action as a result of executive session regarding the Hidden Cove
Park Concessionaire Agreement as it relates to Marine Quest's Ground
Lease, Real Property and Personal Property Lease Agreement.
Not discussed.
3.6 Receive Presentation and seek City Council feedback concerning a LaQuinta
in The Colony (Bateman)
Mayor Dillard stated that while the council is pro-business and looks forward to
development in our city, they cannot make any comments on this item.
Developers will be expected to follow procedures. At this time Councilmember
Jeff Connelly excused himself and was not present during the presentation.
Sandy Jacobs representing LaQuinta Inn reviewed a photographic rendering of the
building and location (Standridge and S.H. 121) for this development. She stated
this is a national chain wanting to make a major investment, adding that other
cities don't have overlay district restrictions. They do not intend to try and bypass
the process but knows there are some challenges. They want to know whether
this type of project will be welcome in The Colony and asked for feedback from
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the city staff. She reviewed the additional requirements on parking, landscaping,
and setbacks, adding that the developer has accommodated those. The position of
a monument sign, the tower sign, and masonry requirements are issues they need
to resolve with the city. She reiterated that the developer is willing to meet the
other requirements of the city's overlay district.
Councilmember Connelly returned to the dais.
I
and
13.0
3.1
I REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
Presentation of preliminary municipal budget for FY 2008-2009
schedule a budget work session on August 11, 2008 at 6 p.m. (Koo)
Finance Director Rebecca Koo told the council that the preliminary budget was
presented on July 31 st. She said the budget includes the operating budgets for the
General Fund, Utility Fund, Debt Service Funds, and other Special Funds. This
budget reflects a one-half cent reduction in the tax rate to $.6925 per $100
valuation. She advised that the tax rate reduction results in an average priced
home savings of $7.64 next year, however if the appraised value of the home
increases or decreases it will have an effect on the amount.
The certified roll for 2008-2009 is $2,133,752,344 which is 6.36% higher than
last year. Based on the half cent rate reduction and the tax roll increase the
increase in tax revenue is $782,658. The proposed budget includes one new
dispatcher position and one part-time position in P&R., Also included are a 4%
cost of living raise for employees and market adjustments for some positions.
This budget also includes a 6.75% water and sewer rate increase. Rebecca noted
there are ninety-one days in the "rainy day" fund. She also reviewed the Debt
Service funds.
The budget document is available on the city's website and at the Library. Staff
has scheduled a budget work session on August 11, 2008 and a public hearing on
August 18, 2008.
Motion to approve the meeting dates to start at 7 p.m.- Schrag; second by Harris;
motion passed with all ayes.
3.2 Discuss and consider approval of a resolution authorizing the city manager
to execute an engineering design services contract for the Phase IIIC
residential street reconstruction project (Scruggs)
City Engineer Gordon Scruggs said this contract is for the design services for the
re-construction of Aztec Drive and Branch Hollow Drive. Included in the project
are sidewalks, driveway returns within the street right-of-ways, storm drains,
water and sewer lines, and lighting. The construction project cost will be
approximately $1.3M and should start late next spring. City Manager Dale
Cheatham added that there will be no issuance of new debt for this. Paige Road
impact fees, previously issued debt and the utility fund will cover the cost.
Motion to approve- Harris; second by Marshall; motion passed with all ayes.
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3.3 Discuss and consider approval of a resolution authorizing city manager to
issue a purchase order for the purchase of a mobile stage to be used to
promote and enhance tourism through special events and authorize a budget
amendment ordinance (Nelson/Swain)
David Swain of Parks & Recreation reviewed the need and uses for this item,
adding that the stage currently used is homemade and no longer road-worthy. He
showed a video of the proposed stage that included set-up and safety features. A
study of possible uses indicated that 81 % of the uses would/could fit the criteria
for Hotel Occupancy Tax use. The funding request reflects that with the
remaining 19% to be taken from the General Fund.
Further discussion included where it will be stored, who will be responsible for
the maintenance of it, the warranty, size, lighting and sound, and insurance costs.
Dale Cheatham advised that there are funds available in the HOT contingency.
Citizen Christi Martin spoke in favor of the purchase.
Motion to approve 81% from HOT funds and 19% from General Fund, and also to
request a reimbursement from the CDC (4B)- Marshall; second by Mikulec;
motion passed with all ayes.
3.4 Discuss and consider approval of a resolution casting a vote for one
candidate to serve on the Denco Area 9-1-1 District Board of Managers
(Council)
Motion to approve a resolution casting the city's votes for Harlan Jefferson- Connelly;
second by Marshall; motion passed with all ayes except for Mikulec who had
stepped away from the dais.
3.5 Discuss and consider approval of a resolution casting a vote for a nominee to
serve on the Regional Transportation Council or approve a memorandum of
understanding related to this subject (Council)
Mayor Dillard suggested they vote for reappointing Rudy Durham, however he
noted that the Flower Mound mayor wanted to be appointed. Discussion followed
regarding the position automatically rotating among the cities of Lewisville,
Highland Village, Corinth, Lake Dallas, The Colony, Flower Mound and Little
Elm, however council voiced some issues with the Memorandum of
Understanding as presented.
Motion to approve a resolution nominating Rudy Durham- Harris; second by
Connelly; motion passed with all ayes.
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And with no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 9: 50 p.m.
ATTEST:
eLu LJ~
Christie Wilson, TRMC, CMC
City Secretary
APPROVED:
J n Dillard, Mayor
ty of The Colony
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