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1975-11-17 CC MinutesCITY OF FARMERS BRANCH CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING November 17, 1975 Members of the City Council present were: Mayor - George G. Grimmer Mayor Pro Tem W. R. Linn Councilmen: John Dodd Bill McClung Ken Quevreaux Bill Binford Members of the City Administration present were: City Manager Paul M. West City Secretary J. W. Wade City Attorney Doug McCallon Director of Staff Services Glenn Moore Secretary Ruth Ann Parish Mayor Grimmer called the City Council meeting of-November 17, 1975 to order at 7:30 P. M. . AGENDA ITEM NO. 1. - INVOCATION Glenn Moore gave the invocation. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2. -APPROVAL OF MINUTES - November 3, 1975. After some consideration, a motion by Councilman Quevreaux, a second by Councilman McClung, all voting "aye", approved the minutes of the City Council meeting of November 3, 1975 as submitted. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3. -PRESENTATION TO TBE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH FROM THE BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION. Mr. Ray Thacker, Chairman of the Farmers Branch American Revolution Bicentennial Commission, presented a check to the City in the amount of $2, 250. 00 from the National American Revolution Bicentennial Association in Washington. Mr. Thacker stated that last January the Farmers Branch American Revolution Bicentennial Commission applied for funding for the Rawhide Park Project sponsored by the City. Both the State of Texas and the National American Revolution Bicentennial Association approved the grant request for $2, 250. 00 to be used for purchase of plant material for Rawhide Park. Vol. 24. Page 114. Mayor Grimmer accepted the check and expressed appreciation on the behalf of the City of Farmers Branch to the Commission for the work they are doing in Farmers Branch. Mr. Thacker introduced members that were present from the Farmers Branch Bicentennial Commission. They were: Tom Donoho, Inez Good, Joe Latimer and John Burke who acts as Secretary to the Commission and is also the Park and Recreation Director. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4. -SLIDE PRESENTATION OF HOUSING INSPECTION PROGRAM. A slide program showing progress of the Substandard Building and Housing Program made within the last year was presented. AGENDA ITEM NO. 5. -HMAR PROPOSALS ON RAT ERADICATION. REQUESTED BY MRS. CAROLYN PARIS. Mrs. Carolyn Paris stated that a public awareness meeting had been held on November 11, 1975, for the purpose to discuss the rat problem in Farmers Branch. She stated several present indicated they had current rat infestation problems. Mrs. Paris stated that she and Mr. Jan Loven, State Rodent Control Specialist, would like to make a presentation to the Council for planning an effective rat program in Farmers Branch. There was discussion by the Council members of whether or not the. City had a rat problem. There was discussion of the presentation request and the complaints of rat infestation not following the proper procedures of going through the City Administration before being presented to the City Council. After more discussion, a motion by Councilman Quevreaux and a second by Councilman Linn, tabled the discussion of rat infestation until a further meeting in order for the request to go through the proper procedures of the City Admin- istration before given to the City Council for consideration. The motion carried 4 to 1 with Councilmen Quevreaux, Linn, McClung and Binford voting "aye", and with Councilman Dodd voting "nay". AGENDA ITEM NO. 6. -PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER REQUEST FOR A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO BE ISSUED FOR A COFFEE SHOP TO BE LOCATED AT 2915 L. B. J. FREEWAY. REQUESTED BY BROOKHAVEN ASSOCIATES FOR MIKE YIU. Mayor Grimmer opened the public hearing to consider a request for a Specific Use Permit to be issued for a coffee shop to be located at 2915 L. B. J. Freeway. Mr. Gary Kline, of Transland Management (the owner of Brookhaven West), prdsented a request for a Specific Use Permit to operate a coffee shop in Brookhaven Office Park. Mr. Kline stated the operation would be a fast food service with no cooking on the premises and would be strictly for the tenants of the office park. He stated there would be no outside advertisement. Vol. 24, Page 115. Mr. Kline stated the coffee shop would have approximately {l, 100 sq. ft. space, and will have approximately 12 to 15 tables. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends that the Specific Use Permit be granted. Mayor Grimmer asked if there was anyone else in the audience who -Wished to speak in favor of the request. The following spoke: Mr. Mike Yiu stated that he would be the manager of the coffee shop and thinks it will be convenient and 'an asset to the office park tenants. He stated the coffee shop will eliminate tenants leaving the buildings at noontime in their cars. Mayor Grimmer asked if there was anyone in the audience who wished to speak in opposition of the request. No one spoke. A motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Dodd, all `,oting "ayes", closed the public hearing. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Dodd, all voting "aye, approved the request as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission by adopting the following captioned Ordinance No. 1086: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE ZDNING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, AS HERETOFORE AMENDED, SO AS TO GRANT A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT FOR A RESTUARANT ON PROPERTY PRE- SENTLY ZONED OFFICE, SAID PROPERTY BEING PART OF LOT A BLOCK 2 OF THE BROOKHA VEN OFFICE PARK, AN ADDITION OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH AND BEING KNOWN AS 2915 L. B. J. FREEWAY. PROVIDING A PENALTY OF FINE NOT TO EXCEED TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200.00) FOR EACH OFFENSE: AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. AGENDA ITEM NO. 7. - PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER IMPROVEMENTS TO SPUR TRAIL IN AN ASSESSMENT PROGRAM. Mayor Grimmer opened the public hearing in consideration of the assessment of the abutting property owners for improvements to Spur Trail, from Webb Chapel Road to Brookhollow Drive. Mr. Roy Patton of the Engineering Division of the City of Farmers Branch explained the scope of the improvement as to the boundaries and type of improvements in this project. Appraiser Charles Marr testified as being a qualified land value appraiser in Dallas County and the City of Farmers Branch. Mr. Marr testified that he had investigated and studied the tracts which abutts the right-of-way of Spur Trail paving project and in his opinion the property on each of these lots and tracts Vol. 24, Page 116. will be enhanced and benefited by the amount of the assessment which is in accordance with Section 23-4 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Farmers Branch. Mr. Marr testified that it was his opinion that the present assessment plan will equalize and balance the benefits of the improvements and burdens of the assessment among all the property owners. Mayor Grimmer opened the hearing to the general public. The following spoke: Mr. Roger Charlebois, 3146 Spur Trail, stated that he did not object to the assessment. He complimented very highly the Street Division on their work and courtsey of the employees. Mr. P. B. Hendricks, 3140 Spur Trail, stated he concurred with Mr. Charlebois' statements about the city employees on the job. Mr. John Oechsner inquired about the cost of the project and the assessment cost to the property owners. There being no other comments, a motion by Councilman Quevreaux, a second by Councilman Dodd, all voting "aye", closed the public hearing. After some consideration, a motion by Councilman Dodd, a second by Council- man Quevreaux, all voting "aye", adopted the captioned Ordinance No. 1084: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY CP FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS, LEVYING ASSESSMENTS AGAINST VARIOUS PERSONS AND THEIR REAL PROPERTY FOR THE PAYMENT OF A PART OF THE COST OF CONSTRUCTION FOR THE PAVING AND IMPROVE- MENTS OF SPUR TRAIL FROM THE EAST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF WEBB CHAPEL ROAD TO THE WEST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF BROOKHOLLOW DRIVE; PROVIDING FOR THE TIME WHEN SUCH ASSESSMENTS BECOME DUE AND PAYABLE, THE RATE OF INTEREST, AND FIXING A CHARGE AND LIEN AGAINST SAID PROPERTY AND MAKING SAID CHARGE A PERSONAL LIA- BILITY OF THE PROPERTY OWNERS OWNING PROPERTY ABUTTING ON SAID STREET; AND PROVIDING FOR THE COLLECTION THEREOF; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. AGENDA ITEM NO. 8. - CONSIDER THE APPEAL OF JOHN G. OECHSNER, JR. FROM THE DECISION OF THE DANGEROUS AND SUBSTANDARD BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS, REGARDING THE ORDER OF THE HOUSING INSPECTOR DATED AUGUST 20, 1975, REGARDING THE PROPERTY AT 2 512 PE PPER'WOOD . Mayor Grimmer gave the following information from a memo to the City Council from the City Administration: Mr. John G. Oechsner, Jr, seeks relief, claiming that the order is oppresive and selective and the ordinance is vague; however, Vol. 24, Page 117. the requirements set out in the order were completed prior to October 4, 1975, and prior to the Board of Appeals hearing. Mr. Oechsner stated that he is the owner of property in Block C, Lot 27, of the Longmires Addition to the City of Farmers Branch, and requests the help of the City. He pointed out the value of the property to the City. He read excerpts from various reports and studies concerning the property in the downtown section of Farmers Branch. He stated that the people in this section of town do not have the money to improve their property the way the city is asking them to. He complained about the street. conditions in this area. Mr. Oechsner pointed out areas that are in need of cleaning up and repairing. Mr. Oechsner presented pictures of situations that are hazardous on various properties. Mr. Oechsner stated that the repairs have been made on the property that is listed on the agenda. After some discussion and since the repairs have been made at the address which the appeal is requested for on the agenda, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second -,by Councilman Binford, all voting "aye", denied the appeal request of John G. Oechsner, Jr. from the decision of the Dangerous and Substandard Building Board of Appeals, regarding the property at 2512 Pepperwood. AGENDA ITEM NO. 9. -HEAR REPORT ON MUSIC DAY. This item was deleted for presentation at this tim&=at the request of the City Administration. AGENDA ITEM NO. 10. -CONSIDER SETTING A POLICY FOR SCHOOL ZONES. Mayor Grimmer gave the following information from a memo sent to the City Council from the Administration: The school crossing slide program shown to the Council at the last meeting was a report on existing conditions. No recommendation concerning a policy for school zone traffic control measures was made. It appears to be advisable to adopt a uniform policy for school zone traffic control measures. A report that had been prepared by the City Administration presents the more logical alternative and outlines the equipment required to implement these measures. The report was reviewed by the Council, and is attached to this page for record. City Manager Paul West read the recommendations that are listed on Page 8 of the report. Vol. 24, Page 118. FACTORS AFFECTING SCHOOL ZONE POLICY FACTORS AFFECTING SCHOOL ZONE POLICY SUMMARY It is almost impossible to irs t-all traffic control devices of any type which completely satisfy everyone who use them. This is especially true with regard to school zone controls. There is a basic conflict between the drivers desire for unrestricted use of the street and the desire for maximum possible pedestrian safety. Providing this pedestrian safety is further complicated by the fact that school zones are used by children having a wide difference in ages. A control plan which adequately provides for Junior High and High School students may be totally useless for younger children. Complex regulations may not be understood by the younger child and he will probably not be as adept in reacting to emergency situations. An emergency situation in a school crossing can be created by one driver who chooses to ignore or is not familar with the traffic control measures in force at that time. It is highly desireable to have a policy with respect to school zones which is as near uniform as possible. This eliminates one of the major causes of confusion on the part of both driver and pedestrian. One of the criteria for a successful school zone policy is that the control measures employed must be essentially self-enforcing. This self-enforcing occurs if the regulations adopted are readily understood and seem reasonable for those using the street. The cost of a school zone crossing program can vary from a bare minimum to a major expenditure. The human element, on both the part of pedestrians and drivers, prevent an absolute guarantee of satis- faction with any system selected. PRESENT PRACTICE Our present practice is to attempt to restrict the number of school crossings to those absolutely required. This is done on the belief that there will be more respect for the school crossings which are required than would result if the driver saw an endless series of school crossings but never saw them being used by school children. The type of street which must be crossed naturally affects the need for a school crossing. Many collector streets, such as Heartside; and Farmers Branch Lane,have sufficient traffic during the hours that children are crossing to create a need for pedestrian protection. These crossings are located where the maximum concentration of children occur. All arterial streets require some type of protection for school children. This protection on arterial streets varies from school crossing guards to full traffic signal installations with pedestrian signals. Providing adequate protection for the crossing of an arterial street requires that the crossing be located so that they are utilized by a relatively-large number of students. Any other practice would result in a number of crossings in which adequate protection could not be provided. This practice sometimes results in a crossing being located so that a child has to alter his route to school in order to take advantage of the pro- tection provided. The school boundaries are such that the present cros- sings of arterial streets are located so that a child is not forced to -2- walk an unreasonable additional distance. School crossing regulations are in effect only during those hours when students can be expected to be crossing. This is done to reinforce respect by drivers. It is believed that having the crossing regulations in effect only during the time that the crossing is being used makes the reasonabiness of the regulation more acceptable. This contributes to self-enforcement of the regulations in effect. The hours in which regulations are in effect determines the general age grouping of students for which protection is provided. our present practice is to provide for hours of operation which cover the times in which elementary and junior high school students are either going to or leaving school. This results in one period in the morning and one period in the afternoon if the crossinT is used exclusively by elementary age students. There is one time in the morning and two time periods in the afternoon if the crossing is used by both elementary and junior high students. The provision of crossing protection for kindergarten has not been provided in the past on a separate basis. These children attend school as two groups on a half-day basis. The first group is going to school at the same time regulations are in effect for other school children in the morning. The second group is returning from school at the same time regulations are in effect for elementary students in the afternoon. Crossing protection is not provided for the first group as they leave school and it is not provided for the second group on their way to school. -3- This practice was adopted because it appeared that children of this age who lived any distance from the school were transported to the school It is not known how many of these children would use the crosswalk or could be consistantly depended upon to understand the regulations if a crossing period for kindergarten age only were pro- vided. These practices have resulted from an analysis of the apparent needs at a number of locations. Regulations Iave been adopted which seemed to best fit within the practical limitations. Citizen attitude is a common limitation at all locations. The driver desires that inter- ferences be kept to a minimum and that regulations be easily comprehended. The parents and students desire that school zones be on direct routes from their home to school and that maximum protection be provided. The desires of parents and students do not always agree. This can be con- firmed by observing a small child crossing a street at an unprotected location when a protected crossing is provided but does not involve additional walking distance. Older students sometimes disregard crossings in an apparent attempt to assert independence. Present practices are not perfect, because of the limitations involved. They are believed to lie within the range of acceptable alternatives. PRACTICAL ALTERNAT IVES The possible alternatives range from providing no school crossing protection to attempting to provide complete protection for each student from the point he leaves his house to the point at which he enters the -4- school yard and returns. Neither of these extremes are practical. Any policy adopted will necessarily lie between these two extremes. Expense and the possibility for a break down in regulations will in- crease as the adopted policy moves toward the extreme of attempting to provide complete protection. One alternative is afforded by a change in the hours during which the school zone regulations are in effect. Some cities allow school zones crossings regulations to go into effect early in the morning and continue throughout the day until after the last child has returned home. The advantages of this are: 1. Traffic control equipment costs are reduced; 2. There is a minimum of confusion as to what is expected throughout the day; 3. Conviction of violaters may be simplified. Some of the disadvantages are: 1. Money spend for equipment may be wasted because of dis- regard caused by unreasonable regulations; 2. Reduction in confusion concerning regulations may be offset by increased violation; 3. Enforcement may be a problem. Another alternative is to reduce periods during which regulations are in effect to a bare minimum. This is sometimes accomplished by not specifying any particular time and wording the signs so that regulations are in effect when the crosswalk is occupied. The advantages of doing this are: -5- 1. There is minimum interference to traffic; 2. The time in which a regulations is in effect can be established without refering to a watch; 3. Control equipment costs are reduced. Some of the disadvantages of this method are: 1. Protection to pedestrians may be reduced because the driver reaction is not known; 2. Drivers must be continually alert for pedestrians who enter crosswalks without exercising caution; 3. Enforcement and conviction may be difficult. Another alternative is to control the time during which regulat- ions are in effect by lettering on signs. This is a widely used method and is employed at many of our school zones. The advantages of this method are: 1. Interference to traffic is reduced; 2. Respect for the regulations is increased by being more reasonable; 3. The time during which a crossing is protected is known to both drivers and pedestrians; 4. There is no significant increase in equipment cost. Some of the disadvantages are: 1. Interference to traffic may be increased because some drivers are confused as to actions required by regulation; 2. Regulation may be ignored by drivers who are unaware of time; 3. The number of periods which can be established during a day is limited because of the practical limitation placed on the amount of lettering which can be placed on sign. -6- The fourth alternative is to establish the hours of operation by flashing signals actuated by a time clock. This method is used at some of our existing school crossings. Some of the advantages of this system are: 1. There is a reduction in interference to traffic; 2. Respect is encouraged by reasonableness of regulation; 3. The signal commands attention because of its impact value; 4. Visibility is improved because the unique sign stands out from other distractions; 5. There is much greater flexibility with respect to the time and number of operating periods if improved timed clocks are installed. Some of the disadvantages are: 1. Required regulation may not be placed into effect because of equipment malfunction; 2. Flexible operating periods require that traffic entering school zones from side streets must be informed of regulat- ions; This notice must usually be in the form of the flashing signals on the side street. A flashing signal is almost mandatory in all cases if the number of operating periods exceed-three per day. This is caused by the space limitations for lettering on signs; 3. Equipment costs are greatly increased. POLICY DECISIONS NEEDED One of the required decisions concerns the provisions of protection for kindergarten students immediately proceeding and immediately follow- ing the lunch hour. Adding these two times will provide protection for the first group of students on their way home and for the second group on their way to school. -7- Another policy decision concerns the time periods in which school crossing regulations will remain in effect. Long overlapping times, with no pedestrian activity, will reduce respect for the crosswalk. providing more reasonable time intervals, especially if kindergarten protection is provided, will increase the equipment costs. A third policy decision which the Council may desire to make concerns the criteria for establishing school zones. The absences of any criteria may cause some groups of citizens to feel that they are not being treated equally. Criteria which are too rigid may be self-defeating because arbitrarily established requirements may not fit individual circumstances. The major policy decision left to the council concerns the amount of money to be spent on this program. Additional school crossing con- trols were not budgeted, an appropriation of funds will be required. RECOMMENDATION: The following recommendations are based on information which has been gathered in the preparation of this report. These are: 1. The Council authorize- the purchase and installation of flashing signals operated by time clocks at the points of entry into a school zone. Financial considerations may require that this be done on a phased basis. These signals will permit the lettering giving the time of operation to be removed from existing signs. The suggested lettering for replacement signs -is "SCHOOL ZONE - 20 M.P.H. WHEN FLASHING". Changeable face of speed limit signs, other than those now in operation, are not recommended. This should increase reliability and reduce costs. 2. That no major changes be made in the location of existing school zones. It is suggested that the city Council authorize The City Manager to make minor adjustments in beginning points of these school zones if required to position the proposed -8- t. control equipment in a better location for electrical service. 3. That the City Manager be authorized to assign to the Traffic Engineer, or such other individual as he may choose, the responsibility for designing and installing control devices required for school zones. The instal- lation of devices will be subject to appropriation of funds by the City Council. 4. That any person who disagrees with the decision of the Traffic Engineer concerning the establishment of a school zone shall have the right of appeal to the City Manager, and then to the City Council for a final decision concern- ing his appeal. -9- Mr. West stated that the estimated cost for flashing type school zone signals is $705.00 each, and the city will need approximately (40) of these flashing signs to cover all school crossings and zones around schools. This will result in a total cost of $28, 200. 00. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Dodd, a second by Council- man Linn, all voting "aye", adopted a policy for school zones as recommended by the City Administration. AGENDA ITEM NO. 11. -DISCUSSION ON POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR HOLDING COUNCIL MEETINGS. After a brief discussion, a motion by Councilman Quevreaux, a second by Councilman Dodd, all voting "aye", tabled the discussion on policies and procedures for holding council meetings for further study by the Council members. AGENDA ITEM NO. 12. -DISCUSS MEETING DATES FOR COUNCIL MEETING IN DECEMBER. Due to four of the Council members being out of town attending the National League of Cities meeting on December l,which is the first regular scheduled meeting in December, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Quevreaux, all voting "aye", set the date of December 15th for the only meeting date in December, unless the City Administration sees the -need for a special meeting. AGENDA ITEM NO. 13. CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN A CONTRACT ESTABLISHING MINI PARK WITH HOME INTERIORS. A slide presentation was presented showing area owned by Home Interiors and proposed for an industrial mini park . City Manager Paul West gave the following information: On the north side of Welch Road and Spring Valley, the City has right-of-way adjacent to a piece of property owned by Home Interiors. The city would like to build an industrial mini park for use by all company employees nearby. Home Interiors would agree to maintain the property for a period of 5 years if the City builds the park. Developmental cost is estimated at $15, 000.00 to $18, 000.00. These funds are not within the present budget. Mr..West recommended -that the city enter into an agreement with Home Interiors whereby the city would build a mini park and Home Interiors would maintain it for 5 years. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Quevreaux, a second by Councilman-Binford, all voting "aye", authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Home Interiors for the establishment of a mini park. Vol. 24, Page 119. AGENDA ITEM NO. 14. -CONSIDER ORDINANCE NO. 1085 SETTING RATES FOR ELECTRICAL SERVICE. Mayor Grimmer gave the following information from a memo sent to the City Council from the Administration: Proposed Ordinance No. 1085 and rate schedule repeals Ordinance No. 1064 which the Council passed on June 16, 1975. The new rate schedule reduces the rate charged to the Texas Power & Light customers by 1% and changes the method of computing the fuel adjustments from the average of the three previous months to allowing Texas Power & Light to estimate the fuel adjustment charges. There is also a penalty provided should the fuel adjustment charges be over estimated. This is the same rate schedule being adopted by other cities served by Texas Power & Light. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Dodd, adopted the following captioned Ordinance No. 1085: A.N ORDINA.NCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS, APPROVING CERTAIN REVISED RATE SCHEDULES AND APPROVING SERVICE REGULATIONS FILED BY TEXAS POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY WITH THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS OF SAID RATES AND REGULATIONS; PROVIDING A.N EFFECTIVE DATE; AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 1064. The motion carried. Councilmen Linn, Dodd, McClung and Binford voting "aye". Councilman Quevreaux disqualified himself from voting because of being employed with a utility company, Southwestern Bell' Telephone Company. AGENDA ITEM NO. 15. -CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR PORTABLE RESTROOMS. City Manager Paul West stated that funds for the purchase of two portable restroom units were approved in the present budget. These units will be used on parks for large group functions, primarily athletic events. The estimated cost is approximately $20, 000. 00. Mr. West requests permission to advertise for bids for the portable restrooms. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Dodd, a second by Council- man Quevreaux, all voting "aye", authorized the advertisement for bids for portable restrooms. Vol. 24, page 120. AGENDA. ITEM NO. 16 -CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR RECREATION EQUIPMENT. Mayor Grimmer gave the following information from a memo to the Council from the Administration; Funds were approved in the 1975-1976 budget for the purchase of recreational equipment. The, approximate cost is $6, 000. 00. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman McClung, a second by Council- man Quevreaux, all voting "aye", authorized the advertisement for bids for recreational equipment. AGENDA ITEM NO. 17. -CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR PLANT MATERIALS. Mayor Grimmer gave the following information from a memo to the Council from the Administration: In the current budget funds were approved for the purchase of trees, shrubs and groundcovers. The approximate cost for the 223 trees, 562 shrubs and 12, 600 pieces of groundcover will be $15, 000.00. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Binford, a second by Councilman Linn, all voting 01aye", authorized the advertisement for bids for plant materials for the Parks Division. AGENDA ITEM NO. 18. -CONSIDER THE PURCHASE OF SCALES FOR USE AT THE SANITARY LANDFILL. City Manager Paul West gave the following information: Two bids were received on November 13, 1975 for scales to be used at the sanitary landfill. One bid was delivered late and therefore was disqualified. These scales are proposed for installation at the new landfill in order to accurately keep account of incoming refuse. City forces will install the equipment. It is the recommendation of the City Administration that the Council accept the alternate bid in the amount of $10, 629.00 from Cardinal Scale Company for the scales. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Council- man Quevreaux, all voting "aye", accepted the bid from Cardinal Scale Company in the amount of $10, 629.00 for scales to be used at the sanitary landfill. AGENDA ITEM NO. 19. -CONSIDER THE PURCHASE OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL EQUIPMENT. City Manager Paul West gave the following information: Six bids were received on November 13, 1975 for traffic signal equipment. Signal Engineering Company was low bidder on the controllers. Automatic Signal Company was low bidder on all other equipment except poles. Valmont Industries was low bidder on poles. The Administration recommends that the bid be accepted from Automatic Signal Company in the amount of $60, 421. 61 and to Valmont Industries in the amount of $8, 362.00 for traffic signal equipment. Vol. 24, Page 121. Mr. Bill Brown of Signal Engineering Company in Houston and Mr. Bill Shed of Crouse-Hinds Signal Company, made statements concerning their bid and the performance of their equipment. Councilman Linn made a motion to accept the bid of Automatic Signal Company for traffic equipment in the amount of $60, 421. 61 and accept the bid of Valmont Industries in the amount $8, 362. 00 for support equipment. After some discussion, Councilman Linn withdrew his motion. Mr. Bill Shed of Crouse-Hinds Signal Company stated that the city had not made inquiry to the references, except one which was contacted, about the performance of his equipment. He stated there is a misunderstanding concerning information given by the reference that had been contacted and the information reported by the City Manager. He requested that the bids be reviewed again. After more discussion, a motion by Councilman Dodd, a second by Councilman Quevreaux, all voting "aye", tabled the consideration of purchasing traffic signal equipment for further information on the bids and the equipment of the bidders. AGENDA ITEM NO. 20. -CONSIDER THE PURCHASE OF PIPE, VALVES AND FITTINGS FOR THE WATERLINE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM. City Manager Paul West gave the following information: Five bids were received on November 13, 1975 for the purchase of pipe, valves and fittings for the Waterline Replacement Program. Low bidder is Trans-Tex Supply Company with a bid of $58,429. 55 on all items, as specified. The apparent low bid by Johns-Manville is for A. C. pipe items only in the amount of $38, 252.15. The lowest combination of groups of items from bidders which meet specifications is also achieved by the total Trans-Tex bid. The second lowest combination is achieved by adding Johns-Manville pipe to Rohan Company cast iron fittings and Bowles and Edens Company fire hydrants and valves. This combination totals $59, 341. 56, which is $912.01 more than the Trans-Tex total. It is the recommendation of the Administration to accept the bid from Trans-Tex-Supply Company in the amount of $58,429.55. After reviewing all bids, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Council- man Binford, all voting "aye", accepted the bid of the amount of $58, 429. 55 from Trans-Tex Supply Company as the lowest and best bid for pipe, valves and fittings for the Waterline Replacement Program. Vol. 24, Page 122. AGENDA ITEM NO. 21. -CONSIDER RENEWAL OF MEMBERSHIP IN THE NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS. Mayor Grimmer stated that the City had received notice that the dues are due in the amount of $1, 713. 00 for renewal of membership in the North Central Texas Council of Governments. This is for fiscal year of October 1, 1975 to September 30, 1976. After some consideration, a motion by Councilman Dodd. and a second by Councilman Linn, authorized to renew the city's membership in North Central Texas Council of Governments. The motion carried 3 to 2, with Councilmen Dodd, Linn and Binford voting "aye", and with Councilmen McClung and Quevreaux voting "nay". AGENDA ITEM NO. 22. -CITY MANAGER REPORTS. City Manager Paul West gave a report of the various projects and happenings in the various departments within the city. A motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Quevreaux, all voting "aye", accepted the City Manager's report. 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.'" THE MEETING WILL BE OPENED BACK INTO GENERAL SESSION AFTER THE ITEMS HAVE BEN DISCUSSED IN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION. Mayor Grimmer explained that Article 6252-17, Section 2 of the open meeing law provided that such item as Land Acquisition may be discussed in closed session, AUDIENCE RECOGNITION. The Council recognized the following persons from the audience: W. Carl Cooper, Manager of the Northwest Dallas County Chamber of Commerce Mrs. Edith Romain, 3062 Randy Lane Mr. Ed Linn of California, Councilman Linn's brother AGENDA ITEM NO. 23. -EXECUTIVE SESSION. a. Discuss Personnel Matters Appointments to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Building Code Board of Appeals were discussed. THE MEETING WAS OPENED BACK INTO GENERAL SESSION. Vol. 24, Page 123. A motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Binford, all voting "aye", reappointed conditioned upon their acceptance to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Building Code Board of Appeals the following for terms to expire December 1, 1977: Place 1 - Douglas McNeill; Place 3 - Harold Womble; and, Place 5 - H. H. Harvey. Councilman Quevreaux made a motion to appoint Rodney Nelson to serve as Alternate Place 2 on the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Building Code Board of Appeals, conditioned upon his acceptance. Councilman Binford seconded the motion. As an alternate motion, Councilman Dodd moved to table the appointment for the Alternate member to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Building Code Board of Appeals until the city can check and see if other interested persons are willing to serve on this board, Councilman Linn seconded the motion. The alternate motion failed 2-3, with Councilmen Dodd and Linn voting "aye", and with Councilmen Binford, Quevreaux, and McClung voting "nay". The motion made by Councilman Quevreaux appointing Rodney Nelson to serve on the board carried 4 to 1, with Councilmen Quevreaux, Binford, McClung and Linn voting "aye", and with Councilman Dodd voting "nay". AGENDA ITEM NO. 24. - ADJOURNMENT - A. motion by Councilman McClung, a second by Councilman Binford, all voting "aye'; adjourned the City Council meeting of November 17, 1975 at 9:55 P.M.. Z-M,-~ or org immer City cretary J. W. Wade Vol. 24, Page 124.