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1970-12-02 CC MinutesCITY OF FARMERS BRANCH CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING December 7, 1970 A.11 members of the City Council were present: Mayor George G. Grimmer Mayor Pro-Te.m W. R. Linn Councilmen: Ray Flaherty Bill McClung Al Korioth Bill Binford City Manager City Attorney City Secretary Paul M. West B. Robert Baker Ruth Ann Parish Mayor Grimmer called the City Council .meeting of December 7, 1970 to order at 7:30 P. M.. Glenn Hayden pastor of the First Baptist Church gave the invocation. DECLARING AN EMERGENCY Upon a motion by Councilman Korioth, a second by Councilman Linn, all voting "aye", declared an emergency to consider authorizing an emergency purchase of sewer pumps for the Cooks Creek Lift Station. This Item was placed on the Agenda as Item No. 10. B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Upon a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Korioth, all voting "aye", approved as written the minutes of the City Council meeting of November 16, 1970. PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDER REVISING THE SIGN REGULATIONS OF ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 769. Mayor Grimmer opened the public hearing. Mayor Grimmer explained that the hearing was called because of complaints that had been received on large bill board signs. Mayor Grimmer stated the Council had a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission that "advertising" signs to be allowed in the C, LI, HI, and P. D. areas. Also the Commission recommended that these signs be limited to a maxiu.m area of 400 sq. ft. , spaced on a minimum radius of 500 feet. Mayor Grimmer read the recommendation from the City Administration: 1. Advertising signs be permitted in HI zone, only. 2. Allow Bulletin Board signs, having a maximum dimension of three feet by six feet, to be mounted on posts or supports of existing, conforming signs, with limitation that not more than one Bulletin Board sign be allowed for any one business. Page 186 3. Allow signs within the required front ,yard, or in front of the established building line, if these signs have been approved by an ordinance of the City Council. Director of Public Works Roy Patton displayed some slides sho ling signs that were in good form and signs that were in bad form. Mr. Sid Shaw, chairman of the Board of Adjustment, asked would this change, as to the signs, be for openings and such. The Council stated this would be discussed in the next item on the agenda. With no other comments from the audience, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Korioth, all voting "aye", closed the public he ar ing. The Council discussed with the City Attorney about removing existing signs. The Attorney stated it would take council action to remove any existing sign. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Korioth, all voting "aye", adopted the following captioned ordinance: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, AS HERETOFORE AMENDED, BY AMENDING ARTICLE 14, SIGN REGULATIONS, BY AMENDING SECTION 14-101 (e) PERMITTING ADVERTISING SIGNS IN H-I DISTRICTS ONLY, AMENDING SECTION 14-102 SO AS TO PERMIT BULLETIN BOARD SIGNS, AND BY AMENDING SECTION 14-109 SO AS TO PROHIBIT SIGNS WITHIN THE REQUIRED FRONT YARD OR IN FRONT OF THE ESTABLISHED BUILDING LINE, AND PROVIDING EXCEPTIONS; PROVIDING A PENALTY NOT TO EXCEED THE SUM OF TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200. 00) FOR EACH OFFENSE: AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. ORDINANCE NO. 866 - REVISIONS TO SIGN ORDINANCE NO. 788. Mayor Grimmer Stated the following: Certain amendments are proposed to the Sign Ordinance which will make it more consistent with the requirements of the zoning ordinance, and also allow the use of flags, banners and ballons during specified times. A change in the definition of an "Institutional" sign, as listed in the Sign Ordinance, will eliminate a conflict with the definition of an "Institutional" sign and an "Apartment" sign as listed in the Zoning Ordinance. Page 18 7 The proposed amendment, with respect to flags, banners and balloons, would allow the use of these devices for a maximum period of two weeks upon the opening of a new business, and would allow any business to use these signs for a maximum period of two weeks during a calendar year. A. permit and inspection would be required, as provided by the Sign Ordinance. The above statements by the Mayor were from the recommendation of the City Administration. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Korioth, all voting "aye", adopted the following captioned ordinance; AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH BY AMENDING ARTICLE III, SIGNS, BY AMENDING SECTION 3-36, SECTION 3-38 AND SECTION 3-79, AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF INSTITUTIONAL SIGNS, AND AUTHOR- IZING AN EXCEPTION SO AS TO PERMIT USE OF FLA.IRS, BANNERS AND BALLOONS FOR LIMITED PERIODS OF TIME A.S A.UTHORIZED BY THE CITY COUNCIL; PROVIDING A PENALTY OF FINE NOT TO EXCEED THE SUM OF TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200. 00) FOR EACH OFFENSE; and DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. STATE REPRESENTATIVE PRESENT Mayor Grimmer introduced State Representative Fred Agnich. Mr. Agnich made some remarks on items that would be before the forthcoming legislative session. RECONSIDERATION OF ZONING ON FORD ROAD IN DALLAS Mayor Grimmer stated that at the last meeting the Council hastily, without study, made a decision to oppose the zoning change requested to the City of Dallas by Thuron Industries to allow outside dog runs on their property located on Ford Road in city limits of Dallas. Mayor Grimmer stated the City of Dallas had postponed their decision since the City of Farmers Branch stated opposition. Mr. Thurmond A. Williamson, Vice-President of Thuron Industries, stated there was a little misunderstanding, he had not asked for a rezoning change, but request a use permit only. He explained the zoning now allows the keeping of chickens, cows, horses and sheep. He stated they needed a use permit for dogs allowing them to run in and out of kennels. He explained that approximately 30% of Thuron's sales are products for animal pets and was necessary to keep a small number of dogs nearby in order to continue its current line of business. Page 188 Several of the Councilman and the Mayor had investigated this situation and found the request to be a reasonable one. After some discussion, Councilman Linn moved to withdraw the City Council's decision of objection and voice no objection of Thuron Industries request. Councilman McClung seconded the motion and all voted "aye". GIRL SCOUT TROOP NO. 36 - REQUEST TREES FOR BINDS Sharon Grant of Girl Scout Troop No. 36 stated they were working on their "My Government Badge", and found that there were not enough trees and bushes for the conservation for birds. She asked if more trees and bushes could be planted in the parks for the conservation of birds. After some discussion on working with the Park Department, Councilman Flaherty moved to grant the request of Girl Scout Troop No. 36. Councilman Korioth seconded the motion and all voted "aye". 1969-1970 Capital Improvement Program Discussed Director of Public Works Roy Patton gave a slide presentation of the 1969-1970 Capital Improvements. Facts and figures were discussed. There were some clarification in amounts asked. City Manager Paul West stated that clarification of these amounts would be presented at the next Council meeting. 1970-1971 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM DISCUSSED Director of Public Works Roy Patton gave a slide presentation on the proposed 1970-71 Capital Improvement Program. Attached to this sheet is a copy of the 1970-71 Capital Improvement Program as proposed. There was some questions on the Rossford Road and Spring Valley Road projects. After some discussion, Councilman Binford moved to take the whole report under advisement. City Manager Paul West explained he was not asking authorization for expenditures on these projects but for authorization for the planning and designing for the 1970-71 Capital Improvements. With this Councilman Binford withdrew his motion. After more discussion, Councilman Korioth moved to approve the Capital Improvement Program as submitted for the year 1970-71. Motion died for lack of a second. Councilman McClung moved that the proposed Capital Improvement Program for 1970-71, as presented, be approved excluding the dollar value. Councilman Korioth seconded the motion and all voted "aye". Page 18 9 PROPOSED 1970 - 1971 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PAVING & DRAINAGE PROPOSED PROJECTS Eric & Josey Intersection Im2rovements The intersection of Eric with Josey is slightly offset from the entrance to the Central. Bank and Trust Company parking lot. A number of drivers make illegal turns at this intersection, which cause them to travel the wrong direction on a divided street. The present situation causes traffic congestion during peak hours, and is a safety hazard at all times. An attempt to correct the situation with traffic signs is not practical with the given street layout. The construction of a left turn bay for south-bound traf- fic, turning left at Eric, together with some channelization with- in the intersection, would permit all legal traffic movements and would prevent those which are causing the problem. Bridge at Denton Road and Farmers Branch Creek The existing bridge is deficient both hydraulically and struc- turally. The structural deterioration is such that a collapse of the bridge is a definite possibility. Bridge at Denton Road and Rawhide Creek This bridge is also inadequate. The bridge is not capable of carrying peak, stream flows, and there is evidence of serious structural failure. Bob Rossford Road Paving & Storm Sewer The construction of this street is an essential part of the redevelopment of central Farmers Branch, in accordance with the PD-°5 Plan. It is proposed that Rossford be paved to a width of 40 feet, and that additional right-of-way be acquired, as recom- mended in the Access Plan for PD-5. This plan will allow better facilities for north--south traffic, and will also eliminate a traffic problem on Valley View, caused by the proximity of Den- ton Drive to the Katy Railroad tracks. A storm sewer, originally scheduled for Ir_ordale Street, will be placed in Rossford Road, since Irondale is scheduled to be abandoned when the Pd-5 Plan is' complete. A portion of the costs will be recovered by assess- ments against adjoining property. -1- 12--7-70 PROPOSED PROJECTS-contd. Mark Twain Paving Developers have paved Mark Twain on both sides of Jaycee Park. There is a short section through Jaycee Park which should be paved to make a connection with the existing pavement. This paving will improve access to existing residential development and to Jaycee Park. Spring Valley Paving Present indications are that it will be possible to pave Spring Valley Road to provide a six-lane arterial street, be- tween Midway Road and the new Dallas Parkway. The paving and drainage improvements will be constructed on a cooperative basis, by adjacent property owners, Dallas County and the City of Farmers Branch. Estimates showed that the paving could be con- structed in this manner with less costs to the City, because of the right-of-way problems involved. Welch Road Paving & Drainage J 0 The City has been requested to pave a section of Welch Road through undeveloped land, between Spring Valley and the southern edge of the proposed Metropolitan Industrial Park, Section IV. The cost of this paving would be recovered from the developers of Metropolitan Industrial Park and the abutting property owners who have expressed a willingness to participate in all costs. This project is recommended, only if a satisfactory agreement can be negotiated, which will assure that developers and land owners in the area will be responsible for all costs involved. Bridge over Farmers Branch on Midway There is a possibility that 50% participation from the County gan be obtained for the construction of a bridge over Farmers Branch Creek. The present bridge is inadequate, and any assistance which can be realized from County participation will reduce the future costs of widening Midway Road. This bridge is to be built when the County can pay one-half the cost.. Box Culvert on Midway North of LBJ A fairly large box culvert will be necessary across Midway Road, before this street can be widened, adjacent to the Treasury Addition. It is anticipated that the County will participate in 50% of the costs -2.- 12-7-70 PROPOSED PROJECTS-cont'd. Traffic Signal Improvements Major improvements are proposed in the controllers, signals and related equipment at the following, presently signalized intersections: Valwood and Josey Valwood and Webbs Chapel Valley View and Webbs Chapel Improvements are proposed in the control equipment at: Valwood and Dennis Valwood and Heartside New traffic signals are proposed at the intersections of: Heartside and Josey Rollingdal.e and Josey Valwood and Denton The completion of these improvements will result in a safer movement of traffic with less congestion and with reduced main- tenance costs on presently signalized intersections. UNCOMPLETED JOBS UNDER CONTRACT As of October 1, 1970, the following jobs were under contract, but not complete: Spring Valley and Inwood Drainage Golfing Green Paving and Drainage Frisco Railroad Crossing Gates and Signals MorningstarLane and Cloverdale Lane - Rebuild Veronica and MountCastle Storm Sewers Windmill, Joanna, Mark Twain Storm Sewer Josey Lane Paving --ti I -3- 12-7-70 PROPOSED 1970-1971 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS WATER AND SEWER PROPOSED WATER PROJECTS South Loop Water Main This proposed water main is an extension of the water main now under contract, which goes through Metro Square Addition. The proposed extension will provide a connection between the termination of the main through Metro Square Addition with a 12" main, which now ends at the intersection of Morningstar and Templeton. This main will allow improved fire protection, a better flow of water into the surface storage tanks at Valley View and Templeton, and, an improved distribution of water from the Valley View and Templeton pump station. A portion of this main will be installed by developers, and a part of the cost will be recovered by future, pro-rata payments. i Josey_Lane Water Main A 12" water main is needed along Josey Lane, between Valley View and Rawhide Parkway. This water main will pro- vide an improved fire protection and distribution system. A portion of the cost can be recovered from future pro-rata payments. IR 35 E Utility Relocations Water mains, which will interfere with construction, must be relocated before the highway improvements are made. The Texas Highway Department and the Bureau of Public Roads will reimburse the City for the cost of relocating these water mains. NOW Welch Road Water Main This water main must be installed in Welch Road, between Spring Valley Road and the south line of the proposed Metro- politan Industrial Park, Section IV, This water main will be installed under a contract agreement with the developers and the abutting property owners, and the City will be reimbursed for all construction costs. Marsh View Water Tower Landsca ina Grading improvements, a sprinkler system and other site improvements are proposed for the area of City owned land ad- j&cent to the Marsh View Water Tower. The landscaping plan is -1- 12-7-70 PROPOSED WATER PROJECTS-cont'd Marsh View Water Tower Landscaping-contd. being prepared by the Park Departmen~_ _ UNCOMPLETED JOBS UNDER CONTRACT As of October 1, 1970, the following water improvement projects were under contract, but not yet completed: Valley View-Keenan Bridge Water Main Webbs Chapel Utilities Relocation Golfing Green Water Main PROPOSED SEWER PROJECTS Cooks Creek Sanitary Sewer Interceptor and Valwood Sanitary Sewer Interceptor Several alternate plans are under investigation to pro- vide a connection with the new T.R.A. Interceptor, and the existing sewage lift stations at Valwood and at Cooks Creek. A combination of the two interceptors together with certain improvements to existing facilities may prove to be most ad- vantageous to the City. The construction costs for several combinations of possible plans indicate that the total cost will not vary greatly, regardless of which combination is chosen. The cost of right-of-way will dictate the most eco- nomical plan. South Loop Sewer Main A sewer main is needed fri contract, through Metro Square Webbs Chapel Road. This sewer parallel to the proposed South be a cost saving, if the water structed at the same time. M Dm the end Addition, main will Loop Wate and sewer NNNNNM01 of the main now under to a point west of be approximately r Main. There will improvements are con- T IH 35 E Utility Relocation Sewer mains which will interfere with the construction of the proposed highway improvements must be relocated. The Texas Highway Department and the Bureau of Public Roads will reimburse the City for the cost of relocating these mains. -2- 12-7-70 PROPOSED SEWER PROJECTS-cont'd. Welch Road Sewer Main A sewer main needs to be constructed in Welch Road, be- tween Spring Valley and the south edge of Metropolitan Indus- trial Park, Section IV, at the same time the proposed water line is constructed. The City would be reimbursed for the cost of this sewer main in the same manner as was outlined for the paving, drainage and water improvements. UNCOMPLETED JOBS UNDER CONTRACT As of October 1, 1970, the following jobs for sanitary sewer improvements were under contract, but not yet complete: Valley View-Keenan Bridge Road Sewer Main Webbs Chapel Utilities Relocation V t U -3- 12-7-70 r PROPOSED ADDITIONAL COSTS 1970-1971 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PUBLIC BUILDINGS Remodel Citv Hall Plans for remodelling the existing City Hall have been approved by the City Council, and the completion of these plans will result in a better utilization of existing floor space. UNCOMPLETED PROJECTS Fire Administration Headquarters and Training Building .wi~w . 1L. -4- 12-7-70 WINTER AND SPRING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Park and Recreation Director John Burke gave a slide presentation of the existing parks and told of the proposed improvements of each park. The Council reviewed a priority list for Park improvements. The Priority list is attached to this page for record. City Manager Paul West stated that since funds were not available for the whole program, it was the recommendation of the Administration that the top three priorities be approved. An estimated $25, 000.00 is left in the Park Bond Funds reported Paul West. (The top three priorities are Don Showman Park, Vivian Field, and Cox Park.) Mr. Barney Wood, president of the Sports Council which represents the Little League, the BoYnbers, the Roadrunners and the Associated Sports, spoke in favor of the program and had worked with the Park Board on this. Mr. Tom Henasee, of Associated Sports, spoke in concern for the soccer program and requested additional lighted soccer fields. City Manager Paul West reported that two fields are planned in the Winter and Spring program. Mr. Larry Spencer of the Bomber Football asked if there was any chance in the future to come up with the $10, 000. 00, as shown on the priority list, needed to complete the proposed improvement program. A Mr. Fox spoke of the conditions that the soccer teams had to play on the existing baseball and football fields. He expressed a desire for adequate soccer fields. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Korioth, a second by Council- man McClung, all voting "aye", approved the remaining monies of the Park Bond Fund to be spend on the top three items of the priority list as recommended. ELM FORK FLOODWA.Y IMPROVEMENTS Mayor Grimmer explained the reasons why the Council chose the Corps of Engineers' plan for the Elm Fork Floodway improvements. The expenditures and comparison of both the Marvin Springer's plan and the Corps of Engineers' plan were discussed. Mrs. Accord, 2980 Golfing Green, presented a partial petition requesting the Council to reconsider the Marvin Springer plan. Mrs. Accord gave her reasons for wanting the Marvin Springer plan which was mainly for more natural nature areas. Page 190 12-4-70 PARK IMPROVEMENT PRIO 70-71 FACILITY TOTAL COST Don Showman Park 36,500.00 Vivian Field 11,400.00 Cox 19,350.00 Jaycee Park 8,350.00 West Practice Field 4,650.00 East Practice Field 2,200.00 Mallon Park 1,200.00 Squire Park 5,100.00 Dutch Village 350.00 Gussie Field 1,950.00 Town North 900.00 Fort Rawhide 950.00 Story Book 900.00 Sculpture Village 900.00 Kerr Park 800.00 Rawhide Park 3,000.00 TOTAL 99,100.00 Fire Station Office 850.00 RITY LIST CHARGED TO CHARGED TO GENERAL FUND PARK BOND FUND 25,700.00 10,800.00-- 6,500.00 4,900.00--* 9,000.00 10,350.00r* 4,850.00 3,500.00 4,650.00 2,200.00 700.00 500.00 2,800.00 2,300.00 350.00 1,200.00 750.00 400.00 500.00 450.00 500.00 400.00 500.00 400.00 500.00 800.00 3,000.00 64,000.00 35,100.00 850.00 *Maximum estimated Park Bond Funds $25, 000. 00. A Mrs. Harrison asked the Council to read an article from the December issue of Readers Digest named "Crisis on Our Rivers". She told briefly the intent of the article. The Council spoke again of the expenditures that would be incurred for this project. With no other questions, the Council passed on to the next item on the agenda. BID TABULATION - A 45, 000 G. V. W. 1970 TRUCK-CHASSIS After some discussion, a motion by Councilman McClung, a second by Councilman Binford, all voting "aye", awarded the bid in the amount of $11, 957. 61 for a 1970 Truck and Chassis 45, 000 G. V. W. to International Harvester Company. BID TABULATION -A 27, 000 G. V. W. 1970 TRUCK-CHASSIS After some discussion, a motion by Councilman McClung, a second by Councilman Korioth, all voting "aye", awarded the bid in the amount of $6, 238. 86 for a 1970 Truck and Chassis 27, 500 G. V. W. to Hudiberg Chevrolet Company. BID TA.BULATION - REAR LOADER BODY After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Korioth, all voting "aye", awarded the bid for a rear loader truck to Davis Truck and Equipment Company in the amount of $6, 700. 00 less $5, 200. 00 trade-in for a net amount of $1, 500. 00. EMERGENCY PURCHASE OF SEWER PUMPS After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Korioth, all voting "aye", authorized the emergency expenditure of funds for sewer pumps at the sewage lift station on Cooks Creek in the amount of $3,400. 00. DALLA.S NORTH EXPRESSWAY TO DALLAS PARKWAY After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Korioth, a second by Councilman Flaherty, all voting "aye", passed a resolution changing the name of Dallas North Expressway to Dallas Parkway as requested by the property owners in the area and by cities involved. PARENTAL RESPONSIBLE ORDINANCE DISCUSSED Councilman Binford, representative from the Council on the Anti-Vandalism Committee, read a recommendation from the Committee. The request asked for consideration of possibly adopting an ordinance allowing the Police Department to enforce an ordinance that makes the parents responsible for the actions of their children. Page 191 Councilman Binford moved that a. parental responsibility ordinance be prepared for consideration. Councilman Korioth seconded the motion and all voted "aye". EXECUTIVE SESSION After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Korioth, a second by Councilman Flaherty, all voting "aye", appointed the following to the Board of Adjustment: Place 1 Dick Cope for a term of 1 year Place 2 W. E. Morgan for a term of 2 years Place 3 Sid Shaw for a term of 1 year Place 4 Tom Madden for a term of 2 years Place 5 Ken Leckie for a term of 1 year Alternates: Place 1 Robert See]W for a term of 1 year Place 2 Lynn Odom to serve until reappointed by the Council. Councilman Korioth discussed the need for a legislation committee. No action by the Council was taken. The Council had mixed emotions on this. ADJOURNMENT Councilman Binford .moved to adjourn the City Council meeting of December 7, 1970. Councilman McClung seconded. Motion carried 4 to t with Councilman Korioth opposing. Mayor eorge Grimmer ity Secretary 0 Page 192.