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1975-06-16 CC MinutesCITY OF FARMERS BRANCH CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING June 16, 1975 All members of the City Council were present: Mayor George G. Grimmer Mayor Pro Tem W. R. Linn Councilmen: John Dodd Bill McClung Ken Quevreaux Bill Binfor d Members of the City Administration present were: City Manager Paul M. West City Attorney Doug McCallon City Secretary J. W. Wade Director of Staff Services Glenn Moore Secretary Ruth Ann Parish Mayor Grimmer called the City Council meeting of June 16, 1975 to order at 7:30 P.M. . AGENDA ITEM NO. 1. - INVOCATION. Glenn Moore gave the invocation. DECLARING EMERGENCY ITEMS. After some consideration, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Council- man Binford, all voting "aye", declared an emergency and placed the following items on the agenda: 4.A. Consider Request for Civic and Philanthropic Use. Requested by the Farmers Branch Jaycees. 4.13. Consider City Council Meeting Dates for July. 9.A. Consider Authorizing the Advertisement for Sale of Water and Sewer Improvement Bonds. 12.A. Consider Commenting on Application for Special Use Permit Filed with the City of Carrollton for Property located Northwest Corner of the Intersection of Wallace Road and Valley View Lane. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2. -APPROVAL OF MINUTES - June 2, 1975 After some consideration, a motion by Councilman Binford, a sPoond by Councilman Quevreaux, all voting "aye", approved the minutes of the City Council meeting of June 2, 1975 as submitted. Vol. 24, Page 29. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3. - PROCLAMATIONS Upon a motion by Councilman Dodd, a second by Councilman Quevreaux, all voting "aye", proclaimed the week beginning June 29, 1975 as "National Safe Boating Week in Farmers Branch, Texas"; and, proclaimed June 21, 1975 as Connie Mack Day in Farmers Branch. Mr. Hollis Davis, president of Associated Sports, told of events that would be happening on the new Field Property Park in observance of Connie Mack Day on June 21, 1975. Mr. Davis invited the City Council to participate in a baseball game between the officials of Farmers Branch and the City of Carrollton. MAYOR GRIMMER. RECOGNIZED JACK ADAMS OF BOY SCOUT TROUP #116. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4. - PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS. Mayor Grimmer presented service awards to Robert Clarkson, of the Building Maintenance Divison and Melvin R. Eads of the Street division for their five years of employment with the city; and, to John C. Brim and Tommy L. Seabolt of the Fire Department for their ten years of employment with the city. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4.A. -CONSIDER REQUEST FOR CIVIC AND PHILAN- THROPIC USE. REQUESTED BY THE FARMERS BRANCH JAYCEES. Mr. Jim Proffitt, president of the Farmers Branch Jaycees, presented a request to conduct an Independence Day celebration, July 4, 1975, on the grounds of Jaycee Park. Mr. Proffitt told of various games and contests that are planned for that day. He said the Jaycees propose to erect booths to house concession stands. He stated that other civic organizations will be invited to participate. Mr. Proffitt stated that the Jaycees would like to challenge the City Council and other city officials to a softball game on that day. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Dodd, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 75-20, granting the Farmers Branch Jaycees to conduct a temporary Civic and Philanthropic Use on Jaycee Park on July 4, 1975. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4;.B. CONSIDER CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATES FOR JULY_ After some discussion that various Councilmembers will be out of town at the same time on the regular scheduled Council meeting dates in July, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman McClung, all voting "aye", set the date for the City Council to meet on July 1 as the only meeting date for July. Vol. 24, Page 30. AGENDA ITEM NO, 5. - CONSIDER SYSTEM OF VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION FOR PARK IMPROVEMENT FUND, In accordance with the directions of the City Council at the last .meeting, the Administration prepared three written questionnaires that could be included in a newsletter to the citizens concerning voluntary contributions for a Park Improvement Fund. The questionnaires are attached to this page for record. Councilman Dodd discussed Questionnaire Draft No. 1. Councilman Dodd stated that he had received favorable comments from some citizens on the idea, Councilman Binford stated he had received comments that the money should be put into the streets instead of the parks. After more comments, Councilman Dodd made a motion that a questionnaire be sent out to the citizens this next month seeking the feelings of the citizens of a 50~ park donation. Councilman Linn seconded the motion. The motion failed. Councilman Linn and Dodd voted "aye", and Councilmen McClung, Quevreaux and Binford voting "nay". AGENDA ITEM NO. 6. -CONSIDER AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR STREET MAINTENANCE IMPROVEMENTS AND PARK IMPROVEMENTS. City Manager Paul West explained that the Street Division has overlayed Marsh Lane with asphalt and shoulder material at a cost of $26, 760. 00, and also constructed the transition road on Denton Drive to the new bridges. These projects have depleted the funds for asphalt, and therefore, the Street Division is in need of an additional $37, 000. 00 for the overlay of Spur Trail, Brookhollow Drive and Sunbeck Circle. For the park improve- ments, the Street Division is in need of $14, 000. 00 for tennis courts at Jaycee Park and Temple Trails Park. Mr. West stated that the Administration recommends the appropriation of funds be authorized for the remainder of this budget year for these improvements. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Quevreaux, a second by Councilman Dodd, all voting "aye", authorized the appropriation of funds in the amount of $37, 000, 00 for the Street Division and $14, 000. 00 for the Park Department for the remainder of the budget year, AGENDA ITEM NO. 7, -CONSIDER AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR PURCHASE OF NEW LIBRARY CARDS. City Manager Paul West stated that the city has purchased new first quality plastic cards to be used for the library. The cost of the cards is $2, 871. 00. Mr. West stated that the Administration recommends that $2, 871.00 be appropriated for these cards. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Council- man Quevreaux, all voting "aye", authorized the appropriation of funds in the amount of $2, 871. 00 for the purchase of the new library cards, as recommended by the City Manager. Vol. 24, Page 31. CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH DRAFT NO. 1. of Proposed Questionnaire for Voluntary Park Contribution COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR CITY COUNCIL BY COMPLETING AND RETURNING THIS QUESTIONNAIRE. A. neighboring city has a unique program for financing capital improvements for its park system. On each water bill a 50~ donation is added. On the bill is a statement informing you that you may pay the bill as is, or you may subtract the 50~. Those residents who wish may call City Hall and have the item removed completely from the water bill. If you feel this program should be adopted in Farmers Branch, please let your City Council know by returning this question- naire with your water bill. FOR AGAINST THANK YOU. CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH DRAFT NO. 2. of Proposed Questionnaire for Voluntary Park Contribution COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR CITY COUNCIL BY COMPLETING AND RETURNING THIS QUESTIONNAIRE. Would you, as a resident of Farmers Branch, like to contribute towards a capital improvement program for the city parks ? A system could be arranged by which 50~ or a $1. 00 is added to your water bill each month. If you did not want to contribute you would pay your bill less the donation. If you did not want to be bothered at all the donation would be left off your water bill completely at your request. The City Council would appreciate hearing from ,you on this idea. Please fill out the below questionnaire and return with this months water bill, or under separate cover. PLEASE CHECK AND FILL IN: 1. I would be in favor of this program. Yes 2. If yes, how much do you think the contribution should be each month. $ 3. I do not like this idea at all. No 4. If no, do you have an alternate suggestion? THANK YOU. CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH DRAFT NO. 3. of Proposed Questionnaire for Voluntary Park Contribution COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR CITY COUNCIL BY COMPLETING AND RETURNING THIS QUESTIONNAIRE. A. neighboring city has a rather unique program for capital improve- ments for its park system. On each resident's water bill a 50~ donation is added to the total bill. A statement on the water bill states that you may pay the bill as is, or you may subtract the 50~ and pay the new total. Those residents who do not want to be bothered with it at all may call City Hall and have the item removed completely from the water bill. If you feel this program should be considered in Farmers Branch, please let your City Council know by completing and returning this question- naire. 1. Would you like to contribute on a voluntary basis ? Yes No 2. Do you think the 50~ should be a $1.00 donation? Yes No 3, Would you prefer we not consider a voluntary contribution system at all? Yes No If you have any further comments, please attach a separate page. Please return the questionnaire to City Hall. THANK YOU. AGENDA ITEM NO. 8. -CONSIDER APPOINTMENT OF CITY AUDITORS. City Manager Paul West explained there is a need at this time to appoint an auditor for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1975. The auditor appointed can begin preliminary work prior to the close of our fiscal ,year. The Administration recommends that Smith, Baines and Company be appointed. They have audited the city's records in previous years and have done a good job. After some consideration, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Binford, all voting "aye", appointed Smith, Baines and Company as auditors for the fiscal year 1974-1975. AGENDA ITEM NO. 9. - CONSIDER AVA'ARDING THE CONTRACT FCR THE PUMP STATION AND GROUND STORAGE TANK ON DENTON DRIVE. City Manager Paul West explained the following: Bids have been received for construction of the Denton Pumping Station and Ground Storage Tank. Three contractor service organizations, 19 material suppliers and sub-contractors, and 22 general contractors picked up plans and specifications. Eleven bids were received. The apparent low bidder is H. D. Riddle Construction Company with a bid of $666, 100. 00 and time of completion of 360 calendar days. The second bidder is Talon Construction with a bid of $698, 000. 00 and time of completion of 300 calendar days. The financial statement, equipment schedule and experience record of Talon Construction indicate a greater capability to accomplish the construction we specify. Talon Construction has performed satisfactorily on similar projects for the City of Dallas, North Texas Muni- cipal Water District and others. Riddle Construction Company has also performed satisfactorily but all contracts listed have been for highways, drainage structures and bridges, not pumping facilities. The specified completion date was Ma.y 1, 1976. If the contract is signed by July 1, 1975 only 304 calendar days can be allotted for construction. Mr. West stated because of completion date stipulations the Administration recommends that the bid be awarded to Talon Construction Company in the amount of $698, 000. 00 for a completion date on or before May 1, 1976. After reviewing all bids, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Council- man Dodd, all voting "aye", awarded the contract for the pump station and ground storage tank on Denton Drive to Talon Construction Company in the amount of $698, 000. 00 with a completiondate no later than July 1, 1976. AGENDA ITEM NO. 9. A. - CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR SALE OF WATER AND SEWER IMPROVEMENT BONDS. City Manager Paul West explained the following: The Water and Sewer Fund has increased it's financial condition to such an extent that the city can now sell the remaining $770, 000. 00 in revenue bonds approved by the citizens in June of 1967. The Administration feels the interest rates will be at their lowest level in July as many Governmental Agencies are waiting until the fall and winter to sell needed bonds. The prime rate charged by banks is anti- cipated to reach it's lowest point approximately 6% during the summer Vol. 24, Page 32. months. It is anticipated these bonds will sell below 7%. The expected rate is between 6. 5% and 6. 8%. The sale of these bonds will allow the city to continue the water replacement program and completely finance the proposed water storage facilities on Wicker Street from bond proceeds. The additional interest and principal payments are expected to be an average of $70, 000. 00 per year for 25 years. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman McClung, a second by Councilman Dodd, all voting "aye", authorized the advertisement of bids for the sale of $770, 000. 00 in Water and Sewer Bonds. AGENDA ITEM NO. 10. -CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR ASBESTOS PIPE FOR WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS. City Manager Paul Vest explained that approximately 1, 500 feet of M pipe is needed for water system improvements that are not connected with the water main replacement program. This pipe will be used for water main connections to the Denton Road Pump Station and for completing loops in the water distribution system. The installation will be by city forces. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Binford, a second by Council- man Quevreaux, all voting "aye", authorized the advertisement for bids for asbestos pipe for water system improvements. AGENDA ITEM NO. 11. -CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR RECREATION EQUIPMENT. City Manager Paul West explained that funds for permanent recreation equip- ment in the two new school gynasiums, Valwood and Farmers Branch Elementary, were approved at the last Council meeting. The equipment will be used jointly by the schools and city in their programs. The Administration needs to advertise for bids now so an early Fall delivery can be expected. Estimated cost is over $4, 000. 00. There was discussion of the equipment being identified in some way as the property of the City of Farmers Branch. After more discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Dodd, all voting "aye", authorized the advertisement of bids for recreation equipment to be used by the City and the Schools and this equipment be identified as the property of the City of Farmers Branch. AGENDA ITEM NO. 12. -CONSIDER AUTHOR IZING THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR A SANITARY LANDFILL COMPACTOR. City Manager Paul West explained the following: Funds for the purchase of a compactor for the use on the landfill are included in the current budget. The purchase of this machine is desired prior to our beginning operations on our new landfill site. The primary benefit from the use of a compactor of this type is that the life of the landfill is extended. At least 30% more material Vol. 24, Page 33. can be deposited in the same space as is possible with present means of compaction. Other benefits are that there is less settlement of the completed landfill and less gas is produced by the decomposing waste. The estimated cost of the compactor is $70, 000. 00. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Council- man Binford, all voting "aye", authorized the advertisement for bids for a sanitary landfill compactor as recommended by the City Manager. AGENDA ITEM NO. 12. A. -CONSIDER COMMENTING ON APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT FILED WITH THE CITY OF CA13ROLLTON FOR PROPERTY LOCATED NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF WALLACE ROAD AND VALLEY VIEW LANE. City Manager Paul West stated that a notice of public hearing had been received from the City of Carrollton. The City of Carrollton has had a application filed for Special Use Permit providing for the excavation of sand and gravel on property located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Wallace Road and Valley View Lane. The City of Farmers Branch has the right to voice any opinions since the property is located next to its city limits. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Quevreaux, a second by Councilman Linn, all voting "aye", instructed that the City of Carrollton be notified that the City of Farmers Branch has no objections to the application for Special Use Permit for the property located at the north- west corner of the intersection of Wallace Road and Valley View Lane. AGENDA ITEM NO. 13. - CONSIDER REQUEST FOR. RATE INCREASE BY THE TEXAS POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY. Since there was no one present from the Texas Power and Light Company at this particular time, Councilman Linn made a motion to move this item later on the agenda to see if someone arrives to present the request and then if someone does not appear when ready for adjournment then the Council can take further consideration. Councilman Dodd seconded the motion. The motion carried 4 to 1, with Councilmen Linn, Dodd, McClung and Binford voting "aye", and Councilman Quevreaux voting "nay". AGENDA ITEM NO. 14. -CITY MANAGER REPORTS. City Manager Paul West gave a report on the various happenings and projects of the various departments of the city. AGENDA ITEM NO. 13. -CONSIDER REQUEST FOR RATE INCREASE BY THE TEXAS POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY. Mr. John Prickette, Area Manager of the Texas Power and Light Company, explained that due to increases in construction costs, rising interest rates, declining interest coverage and general inflation, the Company's return is not sufficient to attract the tremendous amount of new capital that will be required to continue to adequately service the customers in the future as they have in the past. Large investments for new construction of lignite plants and nuclear plants, as well as the transmission and distribution required, make it necessary for this rate request at this time. Vol. 24, Page 34. Mr. Prickette presented a slide presentation of fact charts on fuel, construction and finance explaining reasons for the requested rate increase. Mr. Prickette stated that along with the requested rate schedule that had been filed with the city, Texas Power and Light Company requests that there be a change in the fuel adjustment clause where the cost of fuel be raised from 20~ to 70~ per million BTU. Also, in the fuel adjustment clause that it be modified to provide for a one month's system of recovering fuel cost from its present provision of 3 months. Mr. Prickette stated that in order to maintain Texas Power and Light's financial integrity which is absolutely necessary if to meet the electrical needs of Farmers Branch, an upper adjustment in the rates is needed. Mr. Prickette stated the requested rate adjustments provide an overall 11% increase for residential users and to be effective starting October 1, 1975. There was discussion between the Council members and Mr. Prickette on some of the charts that had been presented. There was discussion between the members of the City Council and Mr. Prickette concerning the cost effects the increase would have on the Farmers Branch customers and how the costs are derived; and, of the value of the T. P. & L facilities within the city limits of Farmers Branch, After more discussion, Councilman Binford made a motion to table Council action on the rate increase request for further study by the Administration and report back at the July 1, 1975 Council meeting. The motion died for the lack of a second. Councilman Quevreaux requested Texas Power and Light Company to give statistics to the newspapers to publish so that citizens could tell what their cost for electricity would be per kilowats used. After more discussion, Councilman Linn made a motion to adopt the following captioned Ordinance No. 1064: AN ORDINANCE APPROVING CERTAIN RATE SCHEDULES FILED BY TEXAS POWER & LIGHT COMPANY IN THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS, AND PROVIDING CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH SUCH RATE SCHEDULES MAY BE CHANGED, MODIFIED, AMENDED OR WITHDRAWN. Councilman McClung seconded the motion. The motion carried 3 to 2 with Councilman Linn, McClung and Dodd voting "aye", Councilman Binford voting "nay", and Councilman Quevreaux disqualifying himself because of being employed with a utility company, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. The rate schedules and the slide presentation information presented by Mr. Prickette are on file with Ordinance No. 1064. Vol. 24, Page 35. MAYOR GRIMMER ANNOUNCED THAT THE ITEMS ON THE AGENDA FOR THE GENERAL SESSION HAVE BEEN CONCLUDED AND THERE ARE ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. Mayor Grimmer explained that Article 6252-17, Section 2 of the open meeting law provided that such item as Land Acquisition may be discussed in closed session. AGENDA ITEM NO. 15. - EXECUTIVE SESSION. 0 I Land Acquisition City Manager Paul West gave a status report on the landfill property. City Manager Paul West gave a status report on the Oakbrook on Brookhaven Development. THE MEETING WAS OPENED BACK INTO GENERAL SESSION. After some discussion of time and date of awarding the contract for the sale of the Water and Sewer Bonds, a motion by Councilman McClung, a second by Councilman Dodd, all voting "aye", rescinded the motion made earlier in the meeting of setting the Council meeting in July for July 1, and, set the date of July 28, 1975 as the meeting for the month of July. AGENDA ITEM NO. 16. - ADJOURNMENT. Upon a motion by Councilman Quevreaux, a second by Councilman Linn, all voting "aye", adjourned the City Council meeting of June 16, 1975 at 10;27 P.M.. C Mayor -Gegr'-9,640. glimmer e, - . cd - a4 City S retary J. W. Wade Vol. 24, Page 36.