2016-06-10 CC Minutes City Council Minutes June 10, 2016
Farmers Branch City Hall
"" > ! City of Farmers Branch 13000 Wm Dodson Pkwy
. ° Farmers Branch,Texas
75234
FARMERS Meeting Minutes
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City Council
Friday,June 10,2016 9:00 AM Texas Independent Bankers Building
11701 Luna Road
Dallas,Texas
Special Called Meeting
Presiding: 1 - Mayor Pro Tern Harold Froehlich
Absent: 1 - Mayor Bob Phelps
Present: 4 - Council Member John Norwood, Council Member
Terry Lynne, Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Ana Reyes,
Council Member Mike Bomgardner
Staff: 20- Randy Pennington Facilitator, Charles Cox City
Manager, Amy Piukana City Secretary, LaJeana
Thomas Executive Assistant Administration, Pete
Smith City Attorney, Whitt Wyatt City Attorney, John
Land Managing Director, Rachael Johnson Assistant to
City Manager, Shawna Eikenberry Assistant to City
Manager, David Hale Deputy Police Chief, Allison
Cook Economic Development Manager, Andy Gillies
Community Services Director,Alexis Jackson Planning
Manager, Randy Walhood Public Works Director,
Hugh Pender Building Official, Ray Mendez Code
Enforcement Supervisor, Jeff Harting Parks and
Recreation Director, Steve Parker Fire Chief, Brian
Beasley Human Resource Director, and Mayve Strong
Interim Finance Director
A. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Pro Tern Froehlich called the meeting to order at 9:06 a.m.
B. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
B.1 TMP-1760 Welcome and Introductions
Mr. Randy Pennington welcomed City Council noting he would be facilitating
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the meeting.
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B.2 TMP-1761 Review agenda and goals for the day
Mr. Pennington explained City Council will review the 2017 Strategic Plan, noting
Council policy drives staff operational activities. He advised Council to focus on the
future, and develop a final plan based on the guiding principles. He noted deliverables
reconfirm direction and guidance for staff on strategic goals for the upcoming year.
B.3 16-158 Review the Board and Commission Applicant List
City Secretary Amy Piukana provided City Council with a board list of applicants who
wish to serve on a City Board and Commission. City Council placed color labels on
the board to identify and narrow the applicant list. No official action was taken on this
item. Mrs. Piukana noted the Board and Commission appointments will be voted on
at the June 21, 2016, City Council meeting.
B.4 TMP-1762 Review Strategic Plan Guiding Principles and Goals
Assistant to the City Manager Shawna Eikenberry briefed City Council regarding this
item. Ms. Eikenberry reviewed the 2017 Strategic Plan. Ms. Eikenberry reviewed the
Strategic Plan Structure, (Policy-Mission, Guiding Principles, and Council Goals) and
the (Operations - Department Goals, Key Activities, and Key Deliverables).
Ms. Eikenberry reviewed the following Guiding Principles and City Council Goals for
the 2017 Strategic Plan: ••r
Guiding Principle:
Doing the right thing for the right reasons delivers appropriate results.
Goal(s):
(1) Pursue transparency and accountability wherever possible.
(2) Establish standard operational practices designed to deliver consistent high
performance.
(3) Pursue opportunities to strengthen relationships across internal departments and
with area cities, school districts, chambers of commerce, and state and federal
agencies.
Guiding Principle:
Stakeholders' investments should be protected through conservative budgeting,
spending, and resource management.
Goal(s):
(1) Maintain responsible stewardship of taxpayers' investments in the community.
Guiding Principle:
Stakeholders deserve to know what is happening in the community and should have
the opportunity to participate in its governance.
Goal(s):
(1) Improve internal and external communication efforts.
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Guiding Principle:
aim Provide safety and security for citizens, visitors, and businesses through progressive
public safety programs.
Goal(s):
(1) Provide professional and timely public safety services which meet or exceed
industry benchmarks.
(2) Engage stakeholders to employ best practices in the proactive planning for and
prevention of public safety incidents.
Guiding Principle:
A strong, diversified economic base provides sustainable growth.
Goal(s):
(1) Promote business expansion, retention, and relocation to Farmers Branch.
(2) Promote visits in and around the City.
Mayor Pro Tern Froehlich discussed ways to quantify, asking for more city promotions,
noting we could consider restaurants as an attraction. Council Member Bomgardner
asked what other cities have utilized a good Economic Development website tool and
recommended staff consider promoting schools on the website. Assistant to City
Manager Rachael Johnson explained PYRO is reviewing promotional information for
our website, noting Town of Addison, City of Plano, City of Coppell and City of Allen
all have very good EDC websites.
Guiding Principle:
Effective planning, land use, development, code enforcement, and revitalization
activities yield strong, thriving commercial and residential neighborhoods.
Goal(s):
"' Plan, provide for, and promote the maintenance of vibrant residential and commercial
neighborhoods.
Guiding Principle:
Beautifully maintained natural environments, parks, trails, rights-of-way, and green
space paired with a wide variety of quality recreational and entertainment
opportunities for all ages enhance quality of life.
Goal(s):
(1) Provide community center spaces in which the public can gather for collaboration,
cultural development, and individual improvement.
(2) Maintain and develop infrastructure and beautification of City parks, trails, rights-
of-way, and other green spaces.
Guiding Principle:
Functional, sustainable and well-maintained infrastructure, facilities, and equipment
are essential elements which allow the City to achieve its potential.
Goal(s):
(1) Plan and prepare for the future infrastructure, and equipment needs of the City.
(2) Maintain and improve the current infrastructure, facilities, and equipment assets
of the City.
Guiding Principle:
A motivated, educated, experienced workforce is needed to carry out our mission.
Goal(s):
(1) Provide workforce investments to maximize employee expertise, wellness, safety,
and effectiveness.
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Guiding Principle:
Phenomenal service sets us apart as a community of choice.
Goal(s):
(1) Employ innovative programs, updated technologies, and objective analytics to
optimize efficiencies and enhance services.
After discussion, City Council agreed to add a customer service component to the
guiding principle recommending the following change under this Guiding Principle,
"Exceptional customer service sets us apart as a community of choice."
B.5 TMP-1763 Presentation on Demographic Trends by Ricker & Cunningham
Community Services Director Andy Gillies introduced Mr. Bill Cunningham and Anne
Ricker with Ricker& Cunningham Consultants (Real Estate Economists) who briefed
City Council regarding cultivating Farmers Branch for all generations.
The consultants reviewed the Demographic and Psychographic trends. Ms. Ricker
reviewed the following statistical information: Households and Employment, Age
Movement (Historical and Current) to include Baby Boomers, Generation X,
Generation Y and Millennials. Ms. Ricker reviewed Ethnicity Statistics for Farmers
Branch, Median Household Income (by age of Head of Household), Educational
Attainment, and Dominant Psychographic Segments (North Dallas County). Ms.
Ricker stated high value real estate translates into revenue for community assets and
services. She further reviewed Real Estate Industry Trends and social trend impacts
on real estate.
In summary, the consultants advised City Council establish both an external an
internal infrastructure that reflects the City's mission. She further stated these
components include: Up to Date Codes and Procedures, Market Understanding,
Development Policies, and alignment in all regulatory and policy documents. Ms.
Ricker suggested having a guiding principle to attract a specific item,then create goals
and review the alignment.
City Council recessed for lunch at 1:10 p.m.
City Council reconvened at 1:56 p.m.
B.6 TMP-1764 Briefings from Staff on West Side, East Side and Central Area
Community Services Director Andy Gillies briefed City Council regarding City
Development Statistics and West Side Statistics.
Council Member Norwood asked about the status of the gas well sites located on the
West Side. Mr. Gillies replied the City recently received a request to remove the gas
well sites, noting City Council will review this item in detail at the July 12, 2016, City
Council meeting.
Mr. Gillies asked if the current plan presented supports City Council's direction for the
West Side. Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Reyes suggested adding more green space.
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„„ Council Member Norwood asked about timing regarding the Centurion American
development. Mr. Gillies explained the developer is working on two (2) separate
phases of detailed site plans, noting he has not heard of a submittal date from the
developer.
Planning Manager Alexis Jackson reviewed the following items: East side, Recent
Development, Comprehensive Plan and Open House Results. Ms. Jackson noted
(66%) of the participants felt that the east side has too much industrial land uses. She
noted 93% support more flexibility for alcohol sales, 71% more owner occupied
housing is necessary, and 78% support the use of public funds to improve
infrastructure, restoration of creek channels and amenities.
Ms. Jackson reviewed the east side themes noting more restaurants and retail uses
are desired. Consider expanding the alcohol policy. Consider opportunity for
adaptive reuse of larger buildings. Identify lack of identity for the area, consider trails
and amenities as priority, and focus on how to connect east side to the rest of the city.
Ms. Jackson reviewed the Adaptive Reuse noting this refers to the process of reusing
an old site or building for a purpose other than which it was built or desired for. She
noted old buildings become unsuitable for their programmatic requirements, as
progress in technology, politics, and economics, moves faster than the built
environment.
Ms. Jackson reviewed the Arts and Entertainment explaining "Our Town Grant"
program supports creative place making projects that help to transform communities
"" into lively, beautiful, and resilient places with the arts at their core. City Organized
"Art Walk" events to promote galleries, museums, restaurants and shops. Next Ms.
Jackson reviewed the Tech/Start up Incubator idea which is a Public/Private
partnership that provides education, training and other resources such as affordable
office space. Ms. Jackson reviewed Restaurant/Commercial Kitchen Incubator,
Breweries and Distilleries, noting a company called Witherspoon Distillery converted
an abandoned grocery store. She explained this was a significant tax generator.
Ms. Jackson reviewed the East Side, noting the area has become more desirable as
a location for living and working due to its proximity to the downtown area and
increased traffic volumes on the Dallas North Tollway. Ms. Jackson noted the need
for infill development such as mixed-use, multifamily, and retail has started to
encroach into the industrial areas of the district. The core area represents the biggest
redevelopment opportunity. Ms. Jackson asked City Council to consider an alcohol
overlay to allow a higher use such as a distillery.
Council Member Norwood asked what the delay is in regards to a restaurant alcohol
type use in this area. Mr. Gillies explained the ordinance allowing alcohol sales would
need to be amended to support certain alcohol sales. Ms. Jackson explained planning
staff would review and bring forward more information for discussion at a future study
session meeting.
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Managing Director John Land reviewed the residential and commercial revitalization
program noting the City received over 46 applications for the Demo Rebuild program
and value totals were $4,153,744 and the proposed Improvement Market Value
totaled $17,847,139.
B.7 TMP-1765 Review and Discuss Code Enforcement efforts
Community Services Director Andy Gillies, Building Official Hugh Pender, and Code
Enforcement Supervisor Ray Mendez briefed City Council regarding this item.
Mr. Pender provided a PowerPoint presentation reviewing the number of Code
Enforcement correction notices and citations received from 2007 to 2016. Mr. Pender
noted 75% of all correction notices are generated by proactive Code Enforcement
patrol of the districts. He further stated the average response time between a
complaint received and inspection is about 16 hours. Mr. Pender explained the
Municipal Court added a bi-weekly code enforcement docket in January of 2016 on
the first and third Tuesdays to handle these cases. Mr. Pender reviewed the 1995
and 2015 Property Condition Surveys and reviewed Code Enforcement basics which
include enforcing all City codes and regulations to maintain the integrity of the
community, increase property values and protect the health, safety and welfare of the
residents.
Mr. Pender and Mr. Mendez explained the code enforcement process, noting they
first inspect the property, verify the existing violation, create a case, document
findings, take photos and issue a correction notice for each type of violation. He
further stated that after the notice time frame has expired, the Code Enforcement
Officer will conduct a reinspection, check for compliance and close the case out or, if
still in non-compliance, issue a citation to the violator who will then be required to
appear in court.
City Attorney Whitt Wyatt briefed City Council regarding the legal challenges to Code
Enforcement. Mr. Wyatt reviewed the challenges surrounding the Fourth Amendment
noting property protections against unreasonable search and seizure. He further
reviewed the Plain View and Curtilage (legal distance) you can be from the property,
reviewed challenges with the modified building standards approach, and reviewed
challenges abiding by due process and notice provisions in State Law.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Reyes asked how the City identifies inoperable vehicles. Mr.
Pender explained it's a visible approach noting flat tires, expired inspection, non-
movement of vehicles or raised vehicles on blocks, are all key to identifying these
types of violations. Council Member Lynne asked why the City regulates inoperative
vehicles. Mr. Cox explained the regulations are set by City Council per City
Ordinances and State Law.
Mr. Gillies explained City staff is able to modify the Code Enforcement approach to
meet City Council's needs. He noted first time offenders can be integrated with the
use of door hangers to promote personal contact with the property owner.
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Council Member Bomgardner asked that staff increase the customer service efforts
UMW a step further, by including a courtesy knock on the door and explanation of the
violation in question.
Mr. Gillies explained the new approach would allow Code Enforcement to be very
specific about the nature of the violation in the correction notice and include photos.
He further stated he would continue the aggressive approach for repeat offenders and
noted Code Enforcement after hour presence would increase during after-hours and
weekends.
Council Member Lynne asked for a Study Session item regarding Code Enforcement
be added to the next City Council meeting. Council Member Lynne excused himself
from the meeting at 4:11 p.m.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Reyes asked that City Council review the Ordinance regarding
high grass to consider reviewing the one time correction notice and citation process.
Council Member Norwood advised he does not want to utilize volume metrics for Code
Enforcement, and requested the wording "offenders" be removed. He further
explained that a review of the Alcohol Ordinance and Code Enforcement Ordinance
be reviewed to make sure they are updated to meet the current goals of City Council.
Mr. Pennington asked if the current Code Enforcement program has been effective
on the overall City look. Council agreed the City looks better.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Reyes asked for examples of numbers of complaint based
""" initiated Code Enforcement cases. Mr. Pender replied he would obtain those numbers
and provide the information.
Mr. Land explained the goal is to create better neighborhoods and allow residents to
communicate with each other to build a better community.
Resident Kathleen Matsumura suggested the City branch out into community watch
groups, and adding more town hall meetings to inform the public of new policies.
B.8 10-SU-07 Discuss Council Priorities and Direction
Mayor Pro Tem Froehlich explained Economic Development funding is a necessity.
Council Member Bomgardner explained he would like to see more tax base growth
and increased funds put back for Economic Development use. He asked that the City
review the Code Enforcement Property Data Charts and utilize this information
targeting areas in need promoting the Demo/Rebuild programs.
Council Member Norwood stated he is excited about where the City is headed,
suggesting holding on to the East and West Side Development momentum and
continue building based on future needs of the community. Council Member Norwood
asked City Administration to increase communication, provide excellent customer
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service and educate the public regarding existing and new changes to City
Ordinances. "'ir
Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Reyes recommended moving forward and not being afraid of
taking big steps to move forward on projects.
City Manager Cox thanked City Council for their input and attendance advising City
Council that the City will move forward with City Council's direction provided at today's
meeting.
C. ADJOURNMENT
Council Member Norwood made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:49 p.m. Motion
seconded by Council Member Bomgardner. Motion prevailed by the following vote:
Aye: 4- Mayor Pro Tern Froehlich, Deputy Mayor Pro Tern
Reyes, Council Member Norwood, Council
Member Bomgardner
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a 1 Pro Tem T
ATTEST: /_ /
City Secretor
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