1970-10-19 CC MinutesCITY OF FARMERS BRANCH
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A. REGULAR MEETING
October 19, 1970
Members of the City Council present were:
Mayor
Mayor Pro Te.m
Councilmen:
City Manager
City Attorney
City Secretary
George G. Grimmer
W. R. Linn
Ray Flaherty
Al Korioth
Bill Binford
Paul M. West
H. Louis Nichols
Ruth Ann Parish
Councilman McClung was absent because he was on vacation,
which was recognized as an excused absence.
Mayor Grimmer called the City Council .meeting of October 19, 1970
to order at 7:30 P. M.. The pastor of the Valley View Christian Church,
Dennis Slaughter, gave the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Upon a motion by Councilman Korioth, a second by Councilman Linn, all
voting "aye", approved the minutes as written after the correction was
made on page 169 under the caption of FLOOD PLAIN PROPERTY DISCUSSED.
Let the first sentence read, "Mr. Addison Bradford, attorney representing the
Ola P. Good Estate located at the northwest corner of Farmers Branch
Lane and Denton Drive, requested the Council to pass a resolution stating
that the City Council will remove that part of said property, which is designated
in the Flood Plain, from the Flood Plain when and if the State Highway
Department builds a channel, designed to be capable of carrying a flood
resulting from a storm of not less than fifty (50) Year frequency. "
APPRECIATION OF SERVICE RECOGNIZED
Mayor Grimmer stated that a local citizen, Mr. Joe McGowan, went out of
his way of being a good citizen. Mayor Grimmer read an article that
appeared in one of the local newspapers that Mr. McGowan spend a whole
Sunday cleaning up Story Book Park. The article was submitted to the
newspaper by a neighbor of Mr. McGowan's.
The Council recognized Mr. Joe McGowan.
Councilman Linn made a motion to endorse a vote of thanks to Mr. Joe
McGowan from the Council. Councilman Korioth seconded the motion and
all voted "aye".
PROCLAMATION - PROCLAIMING CLEANER AIR WEEK
Upon a motion by Councilman Korioth, a second by Councilman Linn, all
voting "aye", proclaimed the week beginning October 25, 1970 as Cleaner
Air Week as requested from the Texas State Department of Health.
Page 172
ORDINANCE NO. 862 - NO PARKING ON JOSEY LANE FROM RAWHIDE
DRIVE TO VA.LWOOD PARKWAY
An ordinance was presented to the Council for consideration which prohibits
parking on Josey Lane from Rawhide Drive to Rawhide Parkway. Mayor
Grimmer stated this ordinance is being considered because of the widening
of Josey Lane has just been completed from Valley View Lane to Rawhide
Drive. He explained that Josey Lane narrows down from Rawhide Drive
north to Valwood Parkway.
Mayor Grimmer asked if anyone was in opposition to this ordinance.
No one spoke in opposition.
Mr. Fred Moore, 13659 N. Rawhide, stated he thought this was a good idea
and it would help the flow of traffic.
Councilman Linn noted that property owners had been notified of such
consideration and no one has spoken in opposition.
Upon a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Flaherty,
all voting "aye", passed the following captioned ordinance No. 862:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH,
TEXAS, PROHIBITING PARKING AT ANY TIME ON
BOTH SIDES OF JOSEY LANE FROM THE NORTH CURB
LINE OF RAWHIDE PARKWAY TO THE SOUTH CURB
LINE OF VALWOOD PARKWAY; AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE TO POST
SIGNS; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY NOT TO EXCEED
TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200. 00) FOR EACH OFFENSE;
AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
RESOLUTION OPPOSING AMENDMENT #3 TO THE TEXAS CONSTITUTION
TO BE VOTED ON NOVEMBER 3, 1970
Councilman Korioth explained that amendment # 3 if passed would provide
for farm land to be taxed on an agricultural basis, rather than on the market
value basis. He presented a resolution opposing this amendment.
Mayor Grimmer read the resolution submitted, which is as follows:
"WHEREAS: There will appear on the ballot in the General Election
of November 3rd, 1970, a proposed constitutional
Amendment No. 3, and
WHEREAS: Said amendment will authorize the state legislature to
provide for the establishment of a uniform method of
assessment of ranch, farm and forest lands based on the
capability of the lands to support the raising of livestock
or to produce farm and forest crops, and
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WHEREAS: Passage of said amendment could result in the loss of
substantial tax revenues to local governments and school
districts resulting in increased tax levies on homeowners
and business, and
WHEREAS: Said amendment could encourage holding of large urban
tracts for speculative purposes forcing development of
land further away from the cities resulting in urban sprawl,
and
WHEREAS: Homeowners and business are bearing an inordinately
heavy share of the tax load due to limitations placed on
local governments by state statues; and
WHEREAS: It would be manifestly unfair to increase the proportionate
tax load of the homeowner and business man for the benefit
of the land speculator, and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS:
SECTION 1. That the City Council of Farmers Branch is unanimously
opposed to Amendment No. 3.
SECTION 2. And further directs that this resolution be forwarded to
all area municipal governments with the request that this or
a similiar resolution be passed and publicized.
SECTION 3. That copies of this resolution be forwarded to all area
news mediae "
After some discussion, the Council agreed that Section 2. should be
changed to read, "And further directs that this resolution be forwarded
to all area municipal governments with the request that consideration be
given to passing and publicizing this or a similiar resolution".
After further discussion, a motion by Councilman Korioth, a second by
Councilman Flaherty, all voting "aye", passed a resolution opposing amendment
No, 3 to be voted on November 3, 1970 as presented by Councilman Korioth
with the change in Section 2.
ITEM #9 DISCUSSED BEFORE ITEM #6
Upon a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Flaherty,
all voting "aye", authorized the discussion of Agenda Item #9 before
Item #6, Item #9 concerns a request from the Carrollton-Farmers Branch
School District,
Page 174
REQUEST FROM SCHOOL BOARD FOR CITY PARTICIPATION IN FENCE
Mr. Glen Barnes stated he represented the Carrollton-Farmers Branch
School Board. His request was in the behalf of the School District for City
participation in the cost of a fence at. the Vivian Field Junior High School.
He stated the School Board felt that a fence around-the football field was
needed to control the entrance to the field. Mr. Barnes explained they
plan for a 6' chain link fence which would be more economical and feasible
at this time.
Mr. Barnes stated that bids were out now and the expenditure is only an
estimate. The estimated amourt discussed was $4,100. 00 to $4, 600. 00
for the entire cost.
The Council inquired about the financing of this cost. City Manager Paul
West suggested the money be appropriated from the unappropriated reserve
fund since this was not budgeted.
Mr. Barnes asked if the City could do the construction of the fence? He stated
this would savo considerably on the cost.
City Manager Paul West stated the City's forces have busy schedules and
he would have to check on this,
After more discussion, Councilman Linn .made a motion to participate with the
School District on the fencing at Vivian Field Junior High School but not to
exceed $2, 300. 00 for one-half of the total cost of the fence. Councilman
Binford seconded the motion. Councilman Linn amended his motion to state that
the money be appropriated from the unappropriated reserve funds for this
expenditure. Councilman Binford seconded this amendment. Motion and
amendment carried with all voting "aye".
SITE PLAN METRO SQUARE PHASE 1
Director of Public Works Roy Patton presented a site plan for Phase 1 of
Metro Square as was presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
The site plan was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
After a brief discussion, a motion by Councilman Binford, a second by
Councilman Linn, all voting "aye", approved the site plan as presented
for Metro Square Phase 1.
LIBRARY FACILITIES DISCUSSED
Mayor Grimmer recognized Mr, Paul Gross, chairman of the Library Board.
Mr. Gross discussed with the Council the needed facilities for a new library.
Mayor Grimmer stated there was no money available at this time for a library.
The Mayor stated that a bond election would be the only way money could be
obtained.
After some more discussion, Mr. Gross asked th-- Council to consider
holding a bond election for a new library.
The Council discussed the possibilities of a bond election for a library complex
with facilities of more than a library.
Page 175
After other comments, Councilman Flaherty moved that the Council move
as quickly as feasible, taking all factors into consideration, and put this
to a vote in a bond election for a new library complex. Councilman
Binford seconded the motion and all voted "aye".
MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 13000 WILLIAM DODSON PARKWAY, REMODELING
City Manager Paul West reported in 1967 Bond Funds were voted to remodel
the City Hall. He presented a proposed floor plan. Mr. West explained
he proposed to do this work with City forces and hiring those portions of
it done when it is necessary. He said it would be necessary to go out
for bids on the air-conditioning work. Mr. West said that handling the
remodeling this way would result in substantial savings to the city. The
total estimated cost for the remodeling is $33, 000. 00, and $35, 000. 00 in
Bond Funds has been established for this purpose.
After some discussion, Councilman Linn .moved to approve the remodeling
of the Municipal Building at 13000 William Dodsai Parkway in the amount
of $33, 000. 00. Councilman Flaherty seconded the motion and all voted
ay e~~.
ELM FORK FLOOD CONTROL DISCUSSED
Mayor Grimmer explained there are two decisions facing the Council which
should be resolved in the near future. First is the decision as to which plan
the City wishes to support, the original Corps of Engineer plan or the Marvin
Springer open space plan. Second is the decision as to whether or not
the City Council plans to pay for our share of the local interest cost of
the flood plain improvements or whether they desire to have the T.R. A.
representing the local interest groups, using their taxing authority to pay
this share of the cost. Another possibility is to have this cost paid for by the
County.
The Council discussed these plans.
Mr. Phil Sizer, 14127 Tanglewood Drive, was opposed to the Corps of Engineers
plan. He asked for consideration of the use of the land.
After some discussion on the placement of levies in each plan, Councilman
Linn moved to table the finalization of this decision for additional study and
information on the T. R. A. taxing power, and this be considered at the
2nd meeting in November. Councilman Korioth seconded the .motion and
all voted "aye
REQUEST TO PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION FOR ZONING
ORDINANCE CHANGE CONCERNING SIGNS
Mayor Grimmer reported that he had had a request for consideration of
revising the sign ordinance in respect to billboards.
The Council discussed billboards that are now being permitted in commercial
areas and pointed out the location of some that are now in existence. The
Councilmen expressed opinions that billboards should be limited to Heavy
Industry zoning.
Page 176
After some discussion on non-conforming usage, Councilman Linn made
a motion to turn to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their recommenda-
tion of limiting billboard signs to HI-Heavy Industry zoned property.
Councilman Korioth seconded the motion and all voted "aye".
EXECUTIVE SESSION 9:05 P. M.
Appointment to Planning and Zoning Commission Tabled
Two names were submitted at the City Council meeting of October 5, 1970 for
consideration for an appointment to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
They Were Charles McKee and Ed Sostecke. Councilman Korioth, who had
submitted Charles Mc Kee's name, stated he would like to go along with
Councilman Linn, who nominated Ed Sostecke.
Councilman Flaherty submitted the name of Lan-tar R. Dickerson, 3414
Chapparal, to be considered for the appointment.
After some discussion, Councilman Korioth .moved to table the appointment
until a full Council was present. Councilman Linn seconded the .motion,
and all voted "aye
Other Discussions
Councilman Linn .moved to adjourn.
Councilman Linn withdrew his motion.
City Attorney Louis Nichols gave a brief report on the Wagner condemnation
case. The Council expressed desire that Louis Nichols take care of this at
his own discretion.
Councilman Binford .moved to adjourn.
Councilman Binford withdrew his .motion.
City Manager Paul West asked the Council if a study session could be held
to discuss the status of the parks and Spring Valley Road. The meeting was
set for October 26, 1970 at 7:00 P.M. .
ADJOURNMENT
Upon a motion by Councilman Binford, a second by Councilman Korioth, all voting
"aye", adjourned the meeting of October 19, 1970 at 9:15.
Mayor eor G. ri.m.mer
City Secretary
177