1971-02-15 CC MinutesL
CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
February 15, 1971
Those present of the City Council were:
Mayor George G. Grimmer
Mayor Pro Te m W. R. Linn
Councilmen: Ray Flaherty
Al Korioth
Bill Binford
Bill McClung (Arrived at 9:10 P.M.)
City Manager Paul M. West
City Secretary Ruth Ann Parish
City Attorney George M. McDonald
4
L
Mayor Grimmer called the City Council meeting of February 15, 1971 to
order at 7:30 P.M.. J. W. Wade gave the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Upon a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Flaherty, all
voting "aye", approved the minutes of the City Council meeting of February 1,
1971,after the following corrections were made:
1. On Page 211 under heading, "NO OBJECTION OF ZONE CHANGE ON
PROPERTY EAST OF DALLAS PARKWAY", let the record show that Council-
man Flaherty seconded the motion and all voted "aye";
2. On Page 211 under heading, "BID TABULATION - FIRE HOSE", let the
record show the motion to read: }awarded the contract to the low bidder,
W. H. Lumpkin and Associates, on a per foot basis, as listed below=, as recommend
by the Fire Chief to allow the Fire Department to purchase a quantity of a
new type hose (Polymer) for trial testing purposes prior to completing the
order."
3. On Page 212 in Amendment No. 2, the word sufficient should read
'insufficient" in the fourth line from the bottom of Section 2. 04. This
Amendment should replace the Amendment No. 2 in the Ordinance calling
the election.
4. On Page 213 in Amendment No. 3, the phrase "right to case the
deciding vote" should read, "right to cast the deciding vote", in the seventh
line of Section 2. 05.
5. On Page 218 in Amendment No. 18, the phrase 'as near a practicable"
should read 'as near as practicable" in the fifth line of Section 6. 12.
6. On image 219 in Amendment No. 19, the phrase "for the one council place
which we are now nominating" should read "for the one council place for which we
are now nominating" in the second line from the bottom in the second paragraph
of Section 7. 03.
Page 224.
7. On Page 221 in Amendment No. 4, let the record show, Councilman Flaherty
opposed the motion. Councilman Linn, McClung, Binford and Korioth
voted "aye".
8. On Page 221 in Amendment No. 7, let the record show,
"Councilman T ,itin moved that Amendment No. 7, Section 2. 09
be completely deleted. Councilman McClung seconded the motion. The
motion carried 4 to I with Councilmen Linn, -McClung, Korioth and Binford
voting "aye", and Councilman Flaherty voting "no"."
9. On Page 222 and 223 under the heading, "Land Acquisition'", the
property spelling of the property owner should be Durrett not Durrant.
10. On Page 223 under heading, "Mrs. Zelma Hill's Claim", let the
second sentence read: "Mrs. Hill claimed she was hurt by stepping into
a meter box. "
COUNCILMAN McCLUNG'S ABSENCE
Mayor Grimmer explained that due to a death in the family Councilman
McClung was absent but might come in late.
GIRL SCOUTS RECOGNIZED
Mayor Grimmer recognized and welcomed Cadet Girl Scout Troop 1072.
PUBLIC HEARING - REQUEST FOR A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT FOR
DALLAS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE.
Mayor Grimmer opened the public hearing. The area was shown on a
transparency. The location being on the Dallas Christian College property
west of Ford Road.
Mr. E. Dean Barr, President of the College, presented his request for
a Specific Use Permit which would allow them to secure a building permit for the
construction of another building on the campus. Mr. Barr explained he
was unaware that the property was zoned R-4 and that they had to obtain a
"Specific Use Permit", until they applied for a building permit in January.
A lengthy discussion was held concerning the access road to the college.
Mayor Grimmer asked if anyone else was present to speak in favor of
the request. No one spoke.
M~Lyor Grimmer asked if anyone was present that wanted to speak in
opposition of the request. No one spoke.
A motion by Councilman Korioth, a second by Councilman Linn, all voting
"'aye", closed the public hearing.
After some discussion of the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning
Commission, a motion by Councilman Korioth, a second by Councilman Linn,
all voting "aye", approved the Specific Use permit as requested by Dallas
Christian College, contingent upon the recommendation of the Planning and
Page 225.
Zoning Commission which was that before a Certificated Occupancy could be
issued for the building, a new or revised site plan be approved by the
Planning and Zoning Commission; and, the plans to show all entrances
and exits from the college property be from Ford Road. The site plan
should include such things as current and future building locations, fire
lanes, utility easements, utilities, drainage, elevations, and other normal
things site plans include.
PARK DEPARTMENT'S PRESENTATION TO BE ON NEXT AGENDA.
The visual presentation on the Park Department's accomplishments during
1970 was notgiven due to the illness of the Park and Recreation Director,
John Burke. The Council expressed desire to have this on the next agenda.
BID TABULATION - WATER METERS
After reviewing the bids on the different sizes of water meters and discussing
the quantity to be used in one year, Councilman Linn moved to award the
bid on water meters for a period of one year to Hersey-Sparling Meter Company
with an estimated expenditure of $20, 000. 00. Councilman Binford seconded
the motion and all voted "aye".
The bid tabulation sheet is attached to this page.
RESOLUTION OPPOSING NEW PROPOSED PENAL CODE.
Mayor Grimmer explained some of the reasons why a new penal code was
presented before the legislature. Mayor Grimmer told of some of the
crimes and of the proposed fines and sentences of these crimes.
Councilman Korioth suggested that the letter from Henry Wade opposing
the proposed penal code be made part of these minutes. They are attached.
A resolution opposing the proposed penal code was discussed and it was felt
by the Council that the resolution was not strong enough and suggested some
changes. The resolution was tabled until the City Attorney could corporate
the suggested changes and would be considered later in the meeting.
Mr. George Locus of the audience spoke in favor of leaving the word denounce
in the proposed resolution.
ORDINANCE NO. 871 - NO PARKING ON EAST SIDE OF VALWOOD CIRCLE
POST PONED.
Mrs. M. D. Gage presented a request to prohibit parking on the east side
of the entrance of Valwood Circle. She Stated that it was dangerous because
children played in this area and could run out from behind_a parked car,
and with the street being so narrow, could get hit by a car entering the circle.
Mayor Grimmer asked if anyone else would like to speak in favor of the
proposed ordinance. The following spoke.
Page 226.
CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH
BID TABULATION
February 3, 1971
2;00 P. M.
ONE YEARS SUPPLY OF WATER METERS
Meter Description and Size
Disc Meters
5/8" X 3/41, meter less connections
1" meter less connections
1-1/2" meter with flange
2" meter with flange
Compound Meters
2" meter
3" meter
4" meter
6" meter
F.M.C.T. (Fire Line Meters
4" meter
6" meter
8" meter
101° meter
10" X 12" meter
Detector Check Fire Line Meters)
4" X 1" meter
6" X 1" meter
8" X 1" meter
1011 X 1" meter
NEPTUNE METER CO.
Amount of Bid-Unit Price
36.00
79.20
155.70
232.20
Not Available
659.40
1,096.10
2,186.10
826.79
1,564.36
2,340.98
3,120.15
Not Available
Not
Available
Not
Available
Not
Available
Not
Available
HERSEY-SPARLING METED CO.
Amount of Bid-Unit Price
34.07
74.80
146.60
217.95
398.50
619.00
1,019.00
2,081.00
911.00
1,641.00
2,396.00
3,436.00
3,973.00
368.00
464.00
719.00
1,306.00
'•.P * SFr
HENRY WADE
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
DALLAS COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER
DALLAS. TEXAS 75202
February 4, 1971
Chief Pete Green
Box 14203
Dallas, Texas 75230
Dear Chief Green:
During this month a bill containing sweeping changes in Texas
I criminal law will be placed before our State Legislature for
adoption. I believe that many proposals in this bill are de-
trimental to effective law enforcement and urge that the adoption
of this bill be opposed.
Enactment of this bill, which embodies a whole new penal code,
would result in severe reduction of the length of criminal sen-
tences and would permit the possibility of much earlier parole
than is now available. It is my opinion that such a reduction
of criminal penalties is an open invitation to heightened
criminal activity.
Further, the proposed Penal Code-contains criminal defenses
which are not presently available. These defenses would create
additional jury trials and make it more difficult to obtain
convictions. The proposed Penal Code also contains rules which
would lengthen trial procedure and cause additional appeals.
I believe such proposals are particularly undesirable at a time
when our justice system is overburdened with criminal case load.
The Dallas County District Attorney's Office, along with all
Law Enforcement Agencies in Texas, has experienced the diffi-
culties that are presented in implementing new laws and rules
of procedure such as those promulgated by the Warren Court and
those adopted by the Texas State Legislature in the latest
revision of the Code of Criminal Procedure. I would hope that
any broad change in our Penal Code would be delayed for some time
to avoid compounding the present difficulties in applying criminal
law.
The committee which drafted this proposed code has worked under
a cloak of secrecy, keeping its work product "confidential". In
early December, 1970, the product was presented at a seminar in
Austin, but until the middle of January copies of this code were
not made available to interested members of the general public,
the State Bar, or Law Enforcement Agencies. By way of example,
the seven Judges of the Criminal District Courts of Dallas County
were unable to obtain copies of this voluminous document for
study purposes until this past week. Even though the general
public, most lawyers, and law enforcement personnel have not been
given an opportunity to study the proposed code, its drafting
committee is aggressively pressing for its immediate adoption.
As the passage of this proposed code would have a far reaching
effect on the- administration of criminal justice in the State
of Texas, I certainly urge that the Legislature postpone voting
upon this bill until all interested parties have had a fair
opportunity to make an in-depth study of this proposal. I would
ask that the bill not be acted upon until the next session of
the Legislature which would convene in January of 1973.
In support of my observations concerning provisions of this
code, I have prepared a brief memorandum of law for your con-
sideration. This may be helpful in light of the fact that the
proposed code with full interpretative commentary is 772 pages
in length.
If you agree with me that these provisions should not become
the law of the State of Texas, and that the adoption of the
proposed Penal Code should be opposed, or at least postponed
for two years for proper consideration, then I urge that you
contact your Legislators and voice your concern. Further, I
believe that interested citizens in your area should be asked
to oppose the passage of this bill by signing petitions to that
effect and mailing them to their Legislators.
PROVISIONS OF THE PROPOSED PENAL CODE
REDUCED PENALTIES:
Adoption of the proposed code would result
in a general reduction in the length of criminal penalties. We
feel that provisions which weaken criminal penalties are extremely
undesirable at a time when criminal activity is so prevalent.
The following comments point out the effect of the proposed
code's penalty provisions:
Many misdemeanor penalties would be cut in half. Section 12.32
of the proposed code provides that the maximum for a misdemeanor
shall not exceed one year in jail, whereas presently many mis-
s
demeanor statutes provide for jail sentences up to two years in
length. Further, the minimum sentences for misdemeanors would
be drastically reduced. Section 12.05 provides that the penalty
for any misdemeanor may be a fine without jail sentence. Section
12.33 provides that the minimum fine of $1.00 may be assessed as
the complete punishment for any misdemeanor.
Article 61 of our present penal code has been omitted from the
proposed code. Article 61 provides that upon a second conviction
of the same misdemeanor, a defendant shall receive double the
punishment prescribed for such offense in ordinary cases, and
upon a third or any subsequent conviction for the same offense,
the punishment shall be increased so as not to exceed four times
the penalty in ordinary cases. The proposed penal code has no
provision for such enhancement of misdemeanor penalties with the
exception that the third non-probated offense of misdemeanor
theft would be a felony with a minimum sentence of one year and
a maximum sentence of six years. This provision is of limited
use to law enforcement due to the fact that most theft cases
involve the taking of property iindcr the value of fifty dollars
and under the proposed code, such cases would be handled in
corporation court where conviction records are generally in-
sufficient to prove the prior convictions.
Section 12.31 provides that even felonies of the first degree
such as murder, rape, and robbery have a possible minimum of cne
year in the penitentiary. Further, Section 12.05 provides that
the penalty for any felony may be a fine without penitentiary
sentence. Section 12.22 provides that the fine for any cate-
gory of felony may be as little as $1.00 and shall not exceed
$5,000.00. Also, the maximum sentence for most serious crimes
would be substantially reduced. (See attachment A) .
k
The proposed code deletes present Article 62 which provides that
a maximum sentence shall be returned upon proof that a defendant
has previously been convicted of the same or similar felony
offense. Present Article 63 states that upon proof that a defen-
dant has been convicted of two previous felonies, his sentences
shall be assessed at life. The proposed code weakens this pro-
vision by providing in such cases for a sentence with a minimum
of one year and a maximum of 30 years.
Section 3.02 and Section 3.03 of the proposed code provide that
a person may only be sentenced to one crime for all offenses
committed during a "criminal episode" which is defined as all
conduct incident to a single criminal objective. The State must
join in one trial all offenses committed during the episode;
those not joined are in general barred from subsequent prosecution.
Even though convicted of a number of offenses in the same episode,
a defendant may.generakly be sentenced for only one.
Concerning a judge's right to set consecutive sentences, the
proposed code substantially limits this right in Sections 12.45
(d) and (e) which provide that the Ragregate maximum may not
exceed 30 years imprisonment. Thus a defendant who has committed
four or five first degree felonies may only be effectively sen-
tenced for one.
Proposed article 42.08 states that after a judgment of guilt or
sentence is reversed or set aside, the sentencing court may not
increase the severity of the original sentence. Under present
Page 2 .
law, a judge may increase-a defendant's sentence after retrial
if there is evidence in the record of the defendant's misconduct
subsequent to the imposition of the original sentence. This
type of evidence is available many times where a defendant has
been released on an appeal bond and engages in criminal conduct
during the time his appeal is being processed.
t
The material in Attachment A compares many of the sentences pro-
vided for in the proposed code with our present law. The severe
reduction of theft penalties should be of particular interest to
businessmen who are the victims of shoplifting and hot check
artists. All citizens should be concerned by the reduction of
penalties among all the listed serious crimes.
EARLY PAROLE:
Under the proposed code, criminals would be eli-
gible for parole even more quickly than under present rules.
The sentencing procedure would allow a minimum sentence to be
set within a period of one year up to a number of years, equaling
one-third of the maximum sentence. Section 15 (A) states that
a criminal is eligible when he has served his minimum sentence,
and further that credits for good behavior apply toward serving
that minimum. As an example, in setting a 30 year sentence
in accordance with the proposed code, a minimum sentence between
one year and ten years would have to be set. The defendant
serving that 30 year sentence would be eligible for parole when
he had credit for the minimum, which could be as little as one
year. We are opposed to further liberalization of our parole
rules.
INSANITY DEFENSE: Section 8.01 of the proposed code states
that a person is not criminally responsible for crimes if at
the time of the crime he was unable to conform his conduct to
the requirements of the law as a result of mental disease or
defect. This is basically the "irresistible impulse" rule and
represents an extention of our present insanity standard and will
result in more criminals being freed from criminal responsibi-
lity. Out present "right from wrong" insanity standard is now
Page 3
the law in 26 of the 50 states.` As the insanity defense is pri-
marily raised by violent offenders accused of serious offenses,
an extension of our present standard would result in such
offenders being held in mental hospitals which many times have
inadequate security, and commonly return such criminals back
to society in short periods of time. We favor the retention of
the present standard of criminal insanity.
SEPARATE HEARING ON INSANITY ISSUE: Under the proposed code
Section 2.02, a defendant has a right to demand that the defense
of insanity at the time of the offense be heard in a separate
trial before a different jury than the one that determines the
guilt or innocence issue. This provision would force the State
to have two jury trials where one now does the job. We are op-
posed to adding unnecessary trials to the crowded dockets which
now exist.
INTOXICATION: Defense Section 8.03 states that evidence of
voluntary intoxication is admissible in evidence if it is re-
levert to negate an element of the offense. Thus it would
appear that such intoxication is a defense to the crime. This
represents an extention of our present rule which states that
intoxication is not a defense, but may be considered in miti-
gation of ~unishs^ent. Adoption of this proposed section would
permit a criminal to "build" a defense by getting drunk prior
to engaging in criminal behavior. We favor retention of the
present rule.
MISTAKE OF AGE DEFENSE: Section 21.12 (A) states that if the
criminality of conduct proscribed in the proposed code depenJs
on a child being younger than 16 years, (this includes statutory
rape, consentual fondling of a child, and consentual indecent
exposure to a child) it is an affirmative defense to prosecution
for the conduct that the defendant believed the child to be 16
years of age or older. Presently, this offense is not recog-
nized in the State of Texas nor in most American jurisdictions.
We are opposed to creating this additional defense to sexual
Page 4
crimes involving youthful victims.
CORROBORATION OF TESTIMONY: Section 21.12 (D) states that a
person may not be convicted of rape, sexual abuse, or indecent
exposure on the uncorroborated testimony of the victim unless
the victim made an outcry at the first reasonable time or within
48 hours of the offense. Presently no such rule limiting
prosecution exists. Many victims of such offenses are reluctant
to discuss such occurrences and occasionally the first outcry
concerning a sexual offense is made more than 48 hours after the
offense. We favor retaining the rule that a victim's testimony
need not be corroborated.
ARREST AND SEARCH: Section 9.51 severly limits a peace officer's
right to use his firearm to effect arrest, or prevent escape from
the scene of a crime. This provision substantially disarms an
officer in providing that before an officer may use deadly force
or the threat thereof, he must reasonably believe that the party
being arrested used or attempted to use deadly force in com-
mitting a crime, and that there is substantial risk that such
party will kill or seriously injure another if the arrest is
delayed. This provision would encourage-criminals to attempt
to escape from peace officers.
COMPULSORY JOINDER: Section 3.02 provides that the State must
join in a single criminal action all offenses arising out of
the same criminal episode. "Criminal episode" is defined in
Section 3.01 as all conduct directed towards-the accomplishment
of a single criminal objective. Section 3.03 Trovi.des that if
a defendant is adjudged-guilty of a number of offenses arising
from the same criminal episode he may generally be sentenced
for only one of the crimes. Section 3.04 provides that the
trial of one offense committed during a "criminal episode" would
bar prosecution for other offenses committed during the episode.
Thus, an acquittal for one offense committed during a criminal
episode will bar prosecution for all offenses committed during
the same "criminal episode". We favor joinder rules which
Page 5
would aid in clearing trial dockets but strongly disagree with
the approach found in the proposed penal code. This approach
would in effect force the State to prepare and try multiple
offenses in situations where an adequate penalty may be achieved
in a trial on one offense. This rule adds unnecessary workload
to an already overburdened justice system.
JUDGE SENTENCING: Under proposed code, Section 42.02 (Conforming
Procedural Amendments), punishments for criminal offenses would
be set by judges. We strongly favor retention of the present
rule that criminal sentencing may be done by a jury. Sentences
set by juries serve as a clear and accurate indicator to our office
of the community's attitude toward various offenses. As the cit-
izens of Dallas County are the victims and potential victims of
crime in this area, we feel they should have an opportunity to
directly participate in setting the price for criminal conduct in
this county. We feel that the uniformity of sentencing which is
sought by instituting judge sentencing will not be achieved.
Sentences set by an individual judge, of course, will be uniform
but great diversity of sentences will exist from court to court,
and from area to area throughout the state.
Further, we urge that the present rule allowing the•criminal
to pick and choose between judge sentencing or jury sentencing
be abolished, and the right of such election be granted to the
State's attorneys charged with enforcing the laws of the State.
RAPE: Section 21.02 states that rape by force or threat (Where
neither death, serious bodily injury or-the threat thereof are
involved) shall be punished by a maximum of 12 years T.D.C. The
present penalty for such offenses includes the death penalty
or a sentence of life. We feel that this reduction of penalty
is undesirable for a crime of violence.
INDECENCY WITH A CHILD: Section 21.11 includes acts which are
presently proscribed by the offense of fondling a child. The
proposed code has set a maximum sentence for this behavior at
Page 6'
six years T.D.C. The present fondling statute carries a maximum
of 25 years T.D.C. We favor the retention of the present
penalty as a deterrent against child molesting.
STATUTORY RAPE: Under proposed code, Article 21.09, the penalty
for consentual intercourse with a female child would carry a
maximum of six years T.D.C., unless the victim is 13 years of age
or younger. Presently, such offenses carry a maximum of life
or death. We oppose such drastic reduction of penalty for an
offense that involves youthful victims.
SODOMY IN PUBLIC: Under proposed code, Article 21.07, (A) (2)
an act of sexual deviate intercourse in public would be a mis-
demeanor carrying a maximum penalty of one year in jail. Such
conduct presently is punishable as a felony carrying a maximum
of 1S years T.D.C. We favor retention of the present penalty
as a deterrent to such deviate behavior in public places.
ROBBERY: Under proposed Code Section 29.02, robberies which do
not involve the use of a deadly weapon nor involve serious
bodily injury to a person carry a maximum penalty of 12 years
T.D.C. Our current law provides a maximum sentence of life
for such offenses. We favor retaining the present penalty as a
deterrent to these crimes of violence.
POSSESSION OF MARIHUANA: Section 48.07 of the proposed code
defines "cannabis" or marihuana as an abusable drug. Section
48.11 circuitously provides that simple possession of mariliuan
first offense shall be a class A misdemeanor. The maximum sen-
tence for class A misdemeanors under the proposed code would
be one year in jail. The minimum could be as little as one day
in jail or a fine of $1.00. The present penalty for possession
of marihuana is not less than two years nor more than life in
the penitentiary. We feel that such drastic reduction in this
penalty will serve as an invitation for more youngsters to use
marihuana.
Page 7
SALE OF MARIHUANA AND OTHER ABUSABLE DRUGS: Under Section
48.06 of the proposed code the sale of an abusable drug
(includes marihuana) would caz•ry a penalty with a maximum of
six years T.D.C. and a possible minimum, of one year T.D.C. or a
fine of $1.00 to $5,000.00. The present penalty for sale of
marihuana is not less than five years T.D.C. nor more than life.
POSSESSION OF NARCOTICS: Section 48.05 of the proposed code
defines such narcotic drugs as heroin, Morphine, and Opium as
"dangerous drugs". Section 48.11 provides that possession of
these hard narcotics, first offense, would carry a maximum sen-
tence of six years T.D.C. and a possible minimum of one year
a T.D.C. or a fine of $1.00 to $5,000.00. The present penalty for
possession of hard narcotics is not less than two years T.D.C
nor more than life. We are strongly opposed to reducing the
present penalty for this serious offense.
SALE OF NARCOTICS: Reduction of penalty for sale of hard nar-
cotics such as Heroin and Morphine are unwarranted and undesirable
from a law enforcement standpoint. Under the proposed code
Section 48.04, the penalty for the sale of hard narcotics first
offense would be a maximum of 12 years T.D.C. and a possible
minimum of one year T.D.C. or a fine of $1.00 to $5,000.00. The
present penalty is not less than five years T.D.C. nor more than
life. We favor retention of the present penalty as a deterrent
to dope pushers.
PROVISIONS CONCERNING ORGANIZED CRIME: Law enforcement recog-
nizes that bookmaking is the life blood of organized crime.
Gambling operations in the United States provide organized crime
with an estimated seven billion dollars revenue each year.
This money is "reinvested" in loansharking operations, whole-
sale narcotics trade, and sophisticated business swindles.
i Despite these facts, we find that the provisions under which
our office would prosecute an organized criminal offender are
impotent.
PajYe 8
Section 12.43 provides that an "organized criminal offender" may
receive a sentence with a minimum of one year and a maximum of
30 years upon conviction for a second or third degree felony.
To prove that the defendant is an "organized criminal offender",
the State must prove that the felony is a part of a pattern of
conduct continuing over a protracted period of time and carried
on in concert by the defendant and ten or more other persons.
Such standards are nearly impossible to prove and make this
article useless to law enforcement.
Section 47.04 (Aggravated Gambling Promotion) is the only
gambling offense which would carry felony penalties. This
statute is of very little use to law enforcement as the State
must prove that the defendant is operating a gambling enterprise
with another person on a regular basis. Such proof is nearly
impossible to obtain in secretive criminal operations. Thus,
we find that the only statute under which organized gamblers
could be effectively prosecuted is Section 47.03, a misdemeanor
carrying a maximum of one year in jail, and a possible minimum
of one day in jail or a fine of $1.00. This is opposed to the
four and five year maximum felony penalties found in our present
gaming and bookmaking statutes.
It is generally agreed that to obtain convictions of organized
offenders, conspiracy prosecutions are most useful. Linder the
proposed code such prosecutions for gambling activities are
basically precluded by the fact that the one offense that is
subject to proof (Section 47.03) is not a felony and conspiracy
to commit a misdemeanor is not a violation of the law.
Organized crime in Texas further is involved in the importation
of hard narcotics in wholesale lots. The proposed penalties
for possession of Heroin, etc., have been reduced to a minimum
of one year and maximum of six years. The sale of Heroin penalty
would be a minimum of one year and a maximum of 12 years. Con-
spiracy to possess Heroin would be a misdemeanor carrying a min-
imum of no jail time and a maximum of one year in jail. Conspiracy
Page 9
to sell Heroin would carry a minimum of one year and a maximum
of six years in the penitentiary. We certainly believe that the
provisions of the proposed penal code are wholly inadequate to
deal with organized crime.
The references listed below will prove helpful in locating
articles mentioned in the preceding commentary:
Page 1: Section 12.33 concerning misdemeanor fine is section.
12.23 on page 117 of the final draft of the proposed
code.
` Page 2: Section 42.08 concerning prohibition of increased sen-
tence after appeal is incorporated into the conforming
amendments on page 414 of the final draft of the pro-
posed code.
Page 3: Section 15 (A) concerning eligibility for parole is in-
corporated into the conforming amendments in Article
42.12 on page 420 of the final draft of the proposed
code.
Page 4: Section 2.02 concerning separate jury trial on issue
of insanity at the time of the offense is incorporated
into the conforming amendments in Article 46.02 on
page 388 of the final draft of the proposed code.
Page 6: Section 42.02 (Conforming Procedural Amendments) con-
cerning Judge Sentencing is found on page 402 of the
final draft of the proposed code.
Page 10
Attachment A--Page 1
PROPOSED CODE
Section
Offense
71in.
12.42
Extended term for Ha-
1 yr.
bitual Offender (3rd
non-probated•Felony)
1:.43
Extended term for or-
1 yr.
ganized offender (o£
no value to law'enfor-
cement as is virtually
unprovable)
12.44
Extended term for Ha-
1 yr.
bitual pelty thief
(3rd non-probated mis-
demeanor) (of limited
value to law enforce-
ment as most thefts
will be prosecuted in
Corporation Court where
inadequate records are
kept to prove previous
offenses.)
'Tax.
30 yrs.
30 yrs.
6 yrs.
21.07 Public Lewdness 1 day or 1 yr.
(includes sodomy $1 fine jail
in public)
P'? E SF..'kTT L A111
.
Article
Offense Vin.
ax.
63
Same Al
iT 0^.1AT I C LIFE
1436e
3rd Phonlifting 2 yrs.
10 yrs.
offense wliere goods
are under $50.00
2nd conviction for
PE?dALTY DOUBLED
same misdemeanor
offense
3rd conviction for
PENALTY
same misdemeanor
OUADRUPLED
offense
524
Sodomy 2 yrs.
1S yrs.
Attachment A--Page 2
PROPOSED CODE
PRESPNT LAPS
Section
Offense
Min.
Max.
Article
Offense
Min.
Max.
21.09
Rape of a child
1 yr. or
Life
1189
Rape
5 yrs.
Death or
(under 14)
$1 fine
Lire
21.11
Indecency with
1 yr. or
6 yrs.
535d
Fondling
30 days
25 yrs.
child (includes
$1 fine
jail
fondling)
28.02
Arson
1 yr. or
12 yrs.
1314
Same
2 yrs.
20 yrs.
$1 fine
29.02
Robbery (not
1 yr. or
12 yrs.
1408
Robbery
5 yrs.
Life
involving serious
$1 fine
(by assault)
bodily injury or
use of deadly i%eapon)
31.03
Theft ($250.00 or
1 yr. or
6 yrs.
1421
"50.00 or
2 yrs.
19 yrs.
more but less than
$1 fine
more
$10,000)
Theft (more than $50.00
1 day or
1 yr.
1421
$50.00 or
2 yrs.
10 yrs.
but less than $25.00)
$1 fine
jail
pore
Theft ($50.00 or less)
$1 fine
$200
1422
over $5.00
1 day
2 yrs.
fine
Tinder ~50.no
P
Attachment A--Page 3
PROPOSED CODE
PRESENT LAW
Section
Offense
Min.
Max.
Article
Offense
"Ain.
~'ax.
32.41
Issuance of Bad Checks
$1
fine
$200
567b
1Jnder $58.00
1 day
2 yrs.
fine
$50.00 or more
2 yrs.
10 yrs.
40.63
Prohibited 'Keapons
1 yr, or
12 yrs.
1723
Possession of
5 yrs.
25 yrs.
(includes bombs)
$1
fine
Sec. 2
Bombs
[and/or
$1,000 to
x10,00)
Death if
mayhem o
r death
results]
47.03
Gambling promotion
1
day or
1 yr.
652a
Dookmakina
10 days
yrs.
(includes bookmaking
$1
fine
jail
jail
TDC
etc.)
47.04
Aggravated Gambling
1
yr. or
6 yrs.
619
Keening Gaming
2 yrs.
4 yrs.
Promotion (of no value
$1
fine
Table
to law enforcement as
is virtually unprovable)
625
Keening Premises
2 yrs.
4 yrs.
for gaming
642c
Policy Games
2 yrs.
4 yrs.
48.04
Sale of "Dangerous
1
yr. or
12 yrs.
725b(23)
Sale of
5 yrs.
Life
Drugs" (includes
$1
fine
',,Tarcotics
Heroin, P,orphine,
etc.)
48.06
Sale of "Abusable Drugs"
1
yr. or
6 yrs.
725b(23)
Sale of
5 yrs.
Life
(includes `Marihuana)
$1
fine
nIarihuana
Attachment A- Page 4
PROPOSED CODE
PRRSF?NT LVq
Section Offense
?Tin.
`?ax.
Article Offense "in. ?Tax.
48.11 Possession of."Dangerous
1
yr. or
6 yrs.
725h(23) Possession of 2 yrs. Life
Drugs" (includes Heroin,
$1
fine
'Jarcotics
Morphine, etc.)
48.11 Possession of
1
day or
1 yr.
725b(23) Possession of 2 yrs. Life
"Abusable Drugs"
$1
fine
jail
`Iarihuana
(includes Mari-
huana)
Mr. George Locus, who lives on the west side of Valwood Circle, stated
that no parking was already on the west side and that if a car is parked on
the east side of the street, only one car can pass. IkIr. Locus spoke
in favor of no parking on the east side. Mr. Locus stated that people
who do not live on the street park on this street. He explained that no one
living in the circle needed the space for parking.
Mayor Grimmer asked if an.yone was present to speak in opposition of the
proposed ordinance. The following spoke.
Mr. Bill Burks, 2873 Valwood Circle, stated if both sides were restricted to
no parking there would be no space for extra cars if needed. He suggested
if both sides were restricted why not restrict the whole cul-de-sac. .
Mr. Arthur Runkel, 2855 Valwood Circle, asked if both sides were restricted to
no parking where would the people park if one of them had social activities.
Mr. Runk~l was opposed to the no narking on both sides.
Mrs. Arthur Runkel stated she drives a school bus in and out of Valwood
Circle and has no trouble getting in or out. She objected to no parking on
both sides.
After some Council discussion, Councilman Linn moved to table the actions
on this proposed ordinance for No Parking on the east side of Valwood
Circle, as requested, in order that the City Administration could study this
situation and come back to the Council with a recommendation. Councilman
Flaherty seconded the motion. Councilmen Linn, Flaherty and Binford
voted "aye" and Councilman Korioth abstained.
ORDINANCE NO. 872 - ORDER CALLING CHARTER AMENDMENT ELECTION.
With the corrections being made as stated in the Approval of the Minutes, and
the word except added after the word mayor in the third line of Section 2. 08
in Amendment No. 6, and, the word charge be changed to discharge in the
second line of Section 9.18 in Amendment No. 16, and, the misspelling of
of preserved be corrected in the second line of SECTION 7, a motion by
Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Flaherty, all voting "aye", passed
the following captioned ordinance:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS
TO CALL FOR A CHARTER ELECTION AND TO SET OUT THE
PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENTS FOR SUBMISSION OF SUCH
MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD FROM 7:00 A. M. TO 7:00 P.M.,
APRIL 3, 1971; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
ORDER PASSED FOR CALLING AN ELECTION OF THREE COUNCILMEN-
PLACE 1, 1-, -and- 5.
After r viewin,,.,~.,the. ord r calling an election for Councilmen Place 1, 3, and 5,
and fatter cofheeamri o pa°crl to the election judges and clerks from $6.00
to $2. 00 per hour, Councilman Linn moved to pass the order calling an election
Page 22 7
for Councilmen Place 1, 3, and 5 on April 3, 1971 to be held at the Central
Fire Station and appointing Wayne Glenn as presiding election judge, and
Phil Hunker as ~Iternate presiditg judge. If Phil Hunker for some reason
cannot serve, Jean Ogletree would then be asked to serve as alternate
presiding judge. Councilman Korioth seconded the motion and all voted
"ave"
ELECTRICAL ENTRANCE PANEL AUTHORIZED
City Manager Paul West explained why a new electrical entrance panel was
need by stating: "The present electrical entrance panel at the City Hall has
a rating of 400 ampers. It was found that the present panel now has a potential
390 ampere load connected, with no provision for over-currents during
starting of compressor .motors, etc. This 390 ampere load existed before
any remodeling work was begun on the City Hall. Additional lighting,
air conditioner compressors, equipment planned for the future and a
reasonable margin for safety will require that an 800 ampere panel be
installed. Quotations have been received from three electrical contractors.
The contractor submitting the lowest quotation is Groves Electrical Service.
The cost for furnishing and installing the required panel is $1, 680. In
addition, new entrance service wires must be run to accomodate the
increased load. The estimated total cost is less than $2, 000. "
After a brief discussion, a motion by Councilman Korioth, a second by
Councilman Linn, all voting "aye", authorized the expenditure for the
electrical panel in the new entrance to the city hall.
ORDINANCE NO. 873 - AMENDING ORDINANCE 870 - PARENTAL
RESPONSIBLE ORDINANCE.
After making changes clarifying the age, a motion by Councilman Binford,
a second by Councilman Korioth, all voting "aye" adopted the following
captioned ordinance:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS
AMENDING SECTION 4 AND 5 OF ORDINANCE NO. 870; THE
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY ORDINANCE, SO THAT IT INCLUDES
IN THE CURFEW, MINORS OF THE AGE OF 12 THROUGH 16 YEARS;
AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
_RESOLUTION OPPOSING HOUSE BILL NO. 189 - UNION DUES CHECK-OFF
Mayor Grimmer read the proposed resolution opposing H. B. 189.
After some discussion and corrections .made, a motion by Councilman Linn,
a second by Councilman Korioth, all voting "aye", passed a resolution opposing
H. B. 189, "Union Dues Check-off" , which permits any city over 10, 000 to
authorize its employees to request and for the the city to honor the request,
for check-off union dues, and provides "No city which makes voluntary
payroll deductions for other purposes may discriminate against its employees
by refusing to make deduction or administrative fees, the city must implement
the policy without discrimination against its employees regarding deductions
Page 228
for membership dues. and, which tends to legislate what a city must
or must not do in regard to the administrative function of deciding what
association's membership dues may or may not be included in the payroll
deductions of the employees of the city.
ADDITIONAL FUNDS APPROPRIATED FOR JUVENILE OFFICER.
Mavor Grimmer explained that Farmers Branch has no juvenile officer at
this time and since adequate administration of the parental responsibility
ordinance increases the need even more, it has been recommended by the
City Administration that the Council appropriate $6,300. 00 from the
unappropriated reserve to pay the cost of a juvenile officer for the balance
of this fiscal year.
City Manager Paul West stated that one of the old patrol cars will be kept
instead of auctioning it off to provide transportation if the Council should
act favorably on this recommendation.
After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Council-
man Korioth, all voting "aye", approved to appropriate $6, 300. 00 from the
unappropriated reserve funds for a juvenile officer.
RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE DRUG STUDY'S REPORT
Mayor Grimmer read a resolution that had been prepared for the Council's
consideration.
Councilman McClung arrived at 9:10 P. M., as discussion was in process on
this topic.
The pros and cons were discussed on the Drug Study's report by the
Council.
After some discussion on the resolution being a starting point by setting
up a Board, Councilman Linn moved to adopt the resolution presented.
Councilman Korioth seconded the motion.
After some discussion on the funding that would be needed, Councilman
Linn withdrew his motion and Councilman Korioth withdrew his second.
Councilman Linn made a motion to approve the resolution by making Section 5
to read, "That no funds have been committed or allocated for the adoption
of this program at this time", and making Section 6 what was Section 5.
Councilman Korioth seconded the motion. The motion carried 4 to I with
Councilmen Linn, Korioth, Flaherty and Binford voting "aye", and
Councilman McClung voting "no".
The resolution is attached to this page for record.
Page 229.
RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Farmers Branch has received
the report of the Drug Study Committee; and
WHEREAS, it is of the opinion of the City Council that the drug abuse problem
is serious in the City of Farmers Branch; and
WHEREAS, the City Council agrees in general with the recommendations
of the Drug Study Committee.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS:
SECTION 1. That the Steering Committee consisting of Al Korioth, W. D. Green,
Tommy Standridge, W. J. Cooper, Newman Smith, and Kenneth Bush
continue to implement their plan.
SECTION 2. That the Steering Committee is hereby instructed to draft an
inter-governmental agreement to implement the truth house and
recreational center phases of the report of the Drug Study Committee.
It is recommended that the draft include but not be limited to,
the following provisions: Overall independent supervisory board
be established for the further implementation and continuing
operation of the truth house and recreational center phases of
the Drug Study Committee's report. This committee is to consist
of two representatives from each governmental agency, one of
which is to be an elected official, the other to be a member of the
agency's administrative staff. Each governmental subdivision is
to have the power to remove its representatives for any cause it
deems necessary at any time.
SECTION 3. The Council recommends that the Steering Committee proceed with-
out delay to take whatever steps are necessary to apply for funding
for the truth house and recreational center phases of the Drug Study
Committee's report.
SECTIONA. That the intramural program should be implemented by the
cooperative effort of the three (3) governmental agencies.
Each agency being responsible for its portion of their program
with the cooperation of the other agencies.
SECTION 5. That no funds have been committed or allocated for the adoption
of this program at this time.
SECTION 6. That the City Council expresses its sincere appreciation to
the dedicated citizens who served on the Drug Study Committee
for their fine work in preparing the Drug Study Committee's
report which we feel has contributed so much to our local
community,
DULY PASSED this the 15 day of February , 1971.
MAJOR FOR E G. GRIMMER
ATTEST:
zty Secretary Ruth Ann Parish
RESOLUTION OPPOSING NENA' PENAL CODE PASSED_
City Attorney George McDonald read a revised resolution opposing the new
penal code.
A motion by Councilman Korioth, a second by Councilman McClung, all
voting "aye", passed the attached resolution opposing the new penal code
that is up before the Legislature.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Paul West gave a report on some of the bills that affects cities
which are up before the Legislature. He presented a resolution opposing
House Bill 189 which has been previously discussed and House Bill 318.
He stated House Bill 318 requires cities to raise the longevity pay of
firemen and policemen from $3 to $5 per.nionth for each year of service.
He explained that the cities should have the authority to decide whether
more money should be spent by that city. After some discussion, a motion
by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Korioth, all voting "aye",
passed the attached resolution opposing to House Bills 189 and 318.
The City Manager gave a very extensive and informative report on the
operations of each department of the city.
OTHER DISCUSSIONS
1. Councilman Linn gave a report on his trip to Austin where he appeared
at the hearing of Senate Bill 77. This bill is proposed to form a Commission
on telephone rates in the State of Texas. Councilman Linn read a statement
that he gave at the hearing. He thanked the Council for letting him have
the opportunity to go to Austin.
2. Mr. Doug Crocker, 13620 Sundown Trail, suggested a warning sign
be put up 200 feet before the new stop sign on Dennis Lane. He suggested
that the sewer .mains be cleaned every six months. He complained of
dogs running loose in the area of his home. He reported profanity words
that were written on the park equipment in Cox Park and suggested this
equipment be painted.
3. Mrs. Doug Crocker reported that a red car and a blue car (she thinks
a corvette) drag race up and down Sundown.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Appointments to Board of Equalization
Upon a motion by Councilman Korioth, a second by Councilman Binford, all
voting "aye", appointed Dick Thomas, Ken Quevreaux, and Charles McKee
to the Board of Equalization for the coming year.
Page 230.
RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Farmers Branch deems
it urgent to voice its vigorous disapproval of the proposed
new penal code which is in the form of a bill which is to be
placed before the State Legislature for its adoption.
WHEREAS, the new penal code will result in severe reduction of the
length of the criminal sentences and will permit the
possibility of a much earlier parole, it is an invitation
to increase criminal activity.
WHEREAS, the proposed penal code might very well increase the
volumn of criminal cases which is already an overburden
upon the present judicial system.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, .TEXAS:
SECTION 1. That the proposed penal code bill is hereby opposed by the
governing body of the City of Farmers Branch and it hereby
makes a plea to the citizens of the City of Farmers Branch
to contact State Legislators to voice their concern.
SECTION 2. That this proposed penal code should be rejected.
SECTION 3. That this resolution is a firm request to the State Legislature
to reject the proposed penal code and to draft a new penal code
to strengther~ rather than weaker the criminal statutes.
DULY PASSED this the 15 day of February , 1971.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED:
MAYOR GEO G Elp . GRIMMER
ATTEST:
a
City Secretary Ruth Ann Parish
RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS
WHEREAS, by reason of house Bill 189, which will require cities to
deduct union dues, and House Bill 318 which will require
cities to raise the longevity pay of firemen and policemen
from $3 to $5 per month for each year of service; and
WHEREAS, the above bills if adopted will dictate to all cities over
10, 000 in population what they must or must not do without
any determination or decision to be made by the cities; the
cities are forced to comply with the above bills if they are
adopted and without any say so in the matter; and
WHEREAS, the House Committee on Urban Affairs will meet at 7:30 P.M.
on Wednesday, February 17, 1971 at the Old Supreme Court
Room, Capitol Building in Austin to consider both of the above
bills which in effect spend the money of the city and dictate
extra work for the cities without their approval;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS:
SECTION 1. That the governing body of the City of Farmers Branch, Texas
detests and opposes the House Bills 189 and 318 because they
both dictate that extra money and extra work must be expended
for purposes that the state deems necessary without any
approval by the city.
SECTION 2. That the House Bills No. 189 and 318 must not be adopted
for reasons stated above and for the reason that only the
Governing Body and the Administration of the City of Farmers
Branch should have the authority to dictate or decide whether
or not more work should be added or whether. more city money.
should be spent for whatever purposes.
DULY PASSED the the day of 1971.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED:
ADJOURNMENT.
Upon a motion by Councilman Korioth, a second by Councilman Binford,
all voting "aye", adjourned the meeting of the City Council of February 15,
1971 at 10:45 P. M. .
Mayo Ge rge i.mmer
City Secretary
Page 231.