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1972-07-17 CC MinutesCITY OF FARMERS BRANCH CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING July 17, 1972 Members of the City Council present were: Mayor George G. Grimmer Mayor Pro Tem W. R. Linn Councilmen: Ray Flaherty Bill McClung KQn Quevreaux Councilman Binford was absent because he was out of town on business which was recognized as an excused absence. Members of the Administration present were: City Manager Paul M. West City Attorney George M. McDonald City Secretary J. W. Wade Director of Public Works Roy Patton Director of Parks and Recreation John Burke Police Chief Roger Robbins Manager of Staff Services Glenn Moore Secretary Ruth Ann Parish Mayor Grimmer called the City Council meeting of July 17, 1972 to order at 7:30 P. M.. Glenn Moore gave the invocation. DECLARING AN EMERGENCY FOR AGENDA ITEM. Upon a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Flaherty, all voting "aye", declared an emergency and placed as Agenda Item No. 5A to "Consider A Request For The Erection Of A Special Event Sign, Requested by Coca-Cola Bottling Company. " APPROVAL OF MINUTES Upon a motion by Councilman Flaherty, a second by Councilman Linn, all voting "aye", approved the minutes as written of the June 19, 1972 City Council meeting. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3 - PRESENTATION OF 5 YEAR SERVICE AWARD TO ARLIE BOWLING - WAS DELETED AT THIS TIME. Page 476. REQUEST FOR ADDITION OF LEFT TURN LANES IN MEDIAN ON SPRING VALLEY ROAD. Mr. Cameron Beckwith, president of Texas Color Printing which was formally the W. R. Bean Company located on Spring Valley Road, made a request for an additional left turn lane in the median of Spring Valley Road. Mr. Beckwith stated he discovered that the median strip being installed blocked his driveway. He stated that his company would be unable to get a 40' trailer truck into their driveway without running over the parking strip. He stated that vehicles had to make a U-turn in order to get to their property. Mr. Beckwith told of the nature of their business and stated that they depended upon the shipping and receiving of goods by truck. He stated that Spring Valley Road is the major road used to get to their company and without a median cut to get cars and trucks in and out of their driveway, they were in trouble. Mr. Beckwith stated that in the material supplied to the Council by the Engineering Department it points out that the company could construct a new driveway. He stated that a new driveway would not help them. He said a new driveway would create traffic using the drive through the dock area which would be unsafe and not feasible. He stated that all trucks coming through that drive would have to come in on the wrong side and would cause blind side parking and that would be a problem. Mr. Beckwith requested again that a proper and necessary break be put in the median across from their present driveway. There was a discussion on the type of vehicles and amount of vehicles that would be going into and coming out of the property. There was a discussion of using Welch Road and other routes rather than Spring Valley Road from Inwood Road to get to the property. City Manager Paul West explained the traffic circulation pattern for the area using the present and proposed paved streets. There was a discussion that if a left turn lane be constructed as requested, the lane would be too short to fully protect a semi-trailer making a left turn. It was discussed that by having this inside lane partially blocked by the rear end of a semi- trailer could prove to be more hazardous under some traffic conditions than even complete blocking of the lane would be. The three sketches that had been presented to the Council were discussed. Sketch #1 showed the present plans for the medians and median openings on Spring Valley Road between Welch Road and Inwood Road. Sketch #2 showed the medians and median openings with a median opening as requested by Mr. Beckwith. Sketch #3 showed the present medians and median openings with a suggestion of a new driveway on the property of Mr. Beckwith. Page 477. There was a discussion of the narrowness of the present driveway into the property of Mr. Beckwith. After more discussion, a motion by Councilman McClung, a second by Councilman Flaherty, all voting "aye", denied the request of Mr. Beckwith. REQUEST FOR EXCEPTION TO THE SIGN ORDINANCE BY CHRIST METHODIST CHURCH, 2807 VALWOOD PARKWAY. Miss Lori Holt from Christ Methodist Church located at 2807 Valwood Park- way stated the Senior M. Y. F. Class was having a carnival July 29, 1972. She requested an exception to the Sign Ordinance to allow them to erect two 3' x 6' cardboard signs advertising their carnival. She requested the signs be put up for one week, from July 22 to July 29, 1972. "Senior M. Y. F. - Fun Carnival - July 29 - Friday Night" would be printed on the signs. The Church would like to locate the signs on Valwood Parkway side of the building; one on the corner of Valwood Parkway and Dennis Lane approximately 10' from the corner of the building, and, the other sign approximately 200' to the east about 10' from the building. The cardboard signs would be attached to wooden poles or two-by-fours and implanted in the ground. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman McClung, a second by Councilman Flaherty, all voting "aye", approved the erection of two special event signs as requested by Miss Lori Holt from Christ Methodist Church. REQUEST FOR SPECIAL EVENT SIGN BY COCA-COLA BOTTLING COMPANY. City Manager Paul West stated that he had received by telephone from the Coca-Cola Bottling Company a request to erect a 8' x 61, A-frame, portable sign at the northeast corner of Golfing Green Drive and Brookhaven Club Drive. The Coca-Cola Bottling Company is planning a one-day Golf Tournament for the area coaches and principals on Monday, July 24, 1972, at the Brook- haven Country Club. Coca-Cola Bottling Company would like to erect a temporary directory and welcome sign on July 24, 1972 from 7:00 A. M. until 3:00 P.M.. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Flaherty, a second by Councilman Linn, granted the request of Coca-Cola Bottling Company to erect a special event sign on July 24, 1972 at the location of the northeast corner of Golfing Green Drive and Brookhaven Club Drive. The motion carried 3 to 1, with Councilmen Flaherty, Linn and McClung voting "aye" and with Councilman Quevreaux voting "nay". PRELIMINARY PLANS AND AUTHORIZATION TO PROCEED WITH THE PREPARATION OF CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS FOR ENLARGEMENT OF RECREATION BUILDING. Mr. James Pratt of Pratt, Box and Henderson, an architectual firm who is helping with the design of new recreation facilities, displayed drawings and Page 478. explained what had been proposed to be added and altered to the present recreation center building. The plans included a new competitive gym- nasium, equipment checkout and information center, two open areas for table games, a concession area, new restroo.m facilities, new storage areas, and one of the downstairs offices moved upstairs to make room for a new classroom downstairs, making a total of four offices upstairs. Mr. Pratt stated that the estimated cost for the new construction as shown on the drawings presented would be $255, 000. 00 with a 10% contingency for remodeling. Director of Parks and Recreation John Burke and Mr. Pratt gave the various uses of the proposed facilities. Mr. Pratt explained the type of construction the addition would be. Mr. Burke and Mr. Pratt explained how additional facilities could be added later. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Quevreaux, a second by Councilman Linn, all voting "aye", approved the preliminary plans and authorized the Administration to proceed with the preparation of the construction drawings and specifications for the enlargement of the Recreation building. OPEN SPACE DISCUSSED. Director of Parks and Recreation John Burke gave a report on the Open Space Plan Report by the North Central Texas Council of Governments. Mr. Burke stated that the main purpose of this plan is to establish the initial framework necessary to effectuate an on-going regional open space planning process. He stated that the goal of the plan is the seeking of local and state legislation to set aside marginal land in urban areas for open space and recreational purposes. Some of the information which concerns the City of Farmers Branch that Mr. Burke gave in his report is as follows: The Open Space Plan Report shows that standards have been set in this region which is 27. 5 acres per 1000 persons. The City has 33. 59 acres per 1000 persons. The Report shows Farmers Branch having 65 acres of open space lane. The City has 182. 45 acres of available open space land. The Report shows Farmers Branch having 25 acres of private and semi-public land for open space. The City has 686.16 acres of private and semi-public land for open space. The Report shows Farmers Branch having 2. 36 acres per 1000 persons in public open space. The City has 6. 63 acres per 1000 persons in public open space. The Report shows Farmers Branch having 446. 35 acres deficiency for population of 27, 492. The City figures 328. 90 acres deficiency for the population of 27, 492. Slides were shown of open space areas in Farmers Branch. There was a discussion of the figures shown in the Report as to the figures established by the Parks and Recreation Department on the open space land in Farmers Branch. Page 479. There was a discussion on the Springer Plan, the Modified Springer Plan and the North Central Texas Council of Governments Plan for open space along the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. It was discussed that there would be $1, 413, 000. 00 a year potential loss of revenue and $4, 710, 000. 00 land acquisition cost to the City of Farmers Branch if the C.O.G. Plan is adopted. After more discussion, Councilman Quevreaux made the motion that the Administration prepare a resolution or letter advising the Council of Govern- ments that the City of Farmers Branch is considerably above the standards prescribed for the Open Space Program; the City of Farmers Branch cannot at any time suffer potential loss of $1, 500, 000. 00 in our best estimate as of today; and, the tax payers of Farmers Branch are better able to determine the acquisition cost of land rather than a bureaucratic organization. Councilman Flaherty seconded the motion and all voted "aye WATER LINE EASEMENT ACCEPTED FROM CAROUSEL MOTEL, INC. Director of Public Works Roy Patton explained that Carousel Motel, Inc. had dedicated a water line easement which is needed to extend a water line up in- to the Ramada Inn property in order to provide fire protection. The property is located on the west service road of I. H. 35E, north of the intersection of the service road and Valley View Lane. Mr. Patton stated that the water line would be installed at the expense of the motel. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman McClung, a second by Councilman Linn, all voting "aye", accepted the dedication of a water line easement from Carousel Motel, Inc. PURCHASE OF BULLDOZER FOR THE SANITARY LANDFILL City Manager Paul West explained that the present tractor being used on the sanitary landfill had had a major mechanical breakdown which prevents its continued use for the required work. The estimated cost for repairing this tractor is $15, 000. 00. He stated that while the tractor is being repaired the city would have to pay approximately $1, 000. 00 to rent a replacement. He stated that the tractor was needed and requested the Council to declare an emergency for the purchase of a new one. Mr. West also asked the Council to waive the formality that is required for the advertisement for bids, if they authorized the purchase of the tractor. Mr. West stated that possible suppliers were notified. Two bids were received. Mr. West stated that in the bid it was specified that a tractor be furnished to be used at the land- fill with no additional charge until such time they deliver the one they bid upon. After some discussion on the specifications, a motion by Councilman McClung, a second by Councilman Quevreaux, all voting "aye", declared an emergency in the preservation of the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City of Farmers Branch to purchase a tractor-loader with a landfill bucket from Darr Equipment Company for a net cost of $39, 490. 00; and authorized the appropriation of funds for this expenditure. Page 480. CITY MANAGER AUTHORIZED TO SIGN AN EXTENSION AGREEMENT FOR THE WATER CONTRACT WITH THE CITY OF DALLAS. City Manager Paul West presented a resolution for adoption that would authorize him to sign a 6 month extension agreement for the water contract with the City of Dallas. Mr. West stated that the agreement had been prepared by the Administration which extends the present contract for 6 months with no new conditions included. The agreement sent by the City of Dallas was discussed. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman McClung, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 72-032 which authorizes the City Manager to sign an extension agreement for the contract with the City of Dallas. RESOLUTION ADOPTED ACCEPTING THE WORK ON SIGMA ROAD PAVING. Director of Public Works Roy Patton stated that the construction of the portion of Sigma Road, being a strip east of Neutron Road and west of Beta Drive, has been completed and is in compliance with the plans and specifications. Mr. Patton stated that this portion is now opened to traffic. He requested the Council to adopt the resolution accepting the work on Sigma Road. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Quevreaux, a second by Councilman Flaherty, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 72-029 which accepts the work on Sigma Road. RESOLUTION ADOPTED ACCEPTING THE WORK ON SQUIRE PLACE. Director of Public Works Roy Patton stated that the construction of the portion of Squire Place from Denton Drive west to the east I. H. 35E service road, has been completed and is in compliance with the plans and specifications. He stated that Squire Place is not opened to traffic because M. K. T. Railroad Company has a spur tract going across Squire Place and the Railroad Company has had to order a special switch for the crossing. Delivery of the switch is expected in approximately 60 days. He stated that this was not a portion of the contract and that all portions of the contract are completed. Mr. Patton requested the Council to adopt the resolution accepting the work on Squire Place. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Flaherty, a second by Councilman Linn, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 72-030 which accepts the work on Squire Place. RESOLUTION ADOPTED INITIATING THE PAVING PROJECT ON MARSH LANE FROM L. B. J. TO VALLEY VIEW LANE, AND APPROVING PLANS, AUTHORIZATION FOR ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS AND PREPARATION OF ROLLS AND ESTIMATES. Director of Public Works Roy Patton stated that the resolution being presented initiated the paving assessment project for the widening of Marsh Lane from L. B. J. to Valley View Lane. He stated that abutting property owners would be assessed according to the standard city policy. He explained the type of Page 481. construction of the project. He stated that the total cost of the project is estimated to be $226, 500. 00 of which, $27, 500. 00 would be recovered by assessment, leaving a total of an estimated $199, 000. 00 as the total cost to the City. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Council- man McClung, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 72-031 which initiates the paving assessment project on Marsh Lane from L. B. J. to Valley View Lane. REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM. Police Chief Roger Robbins stated that the North Central Texas Council Of Governments is proposing to establish a region wide radio communication network between the law enforcement agencies within their region. He stated that the City had been requested from C. O. G., if the City wanted to participate, to pass a resolution authorizing the N. C. T. C. O. G. to solicit bids on behalf of the city in connection with the Criminal Justice Grant for participation in a Regional Law Enforcement Communications System. Chief Robbins stated that this would consist of purchasing radio equipment the individual departments determined that they needed to have an effective communication system with the surrounding law enforcement agencies. He stated that the Federal Government would pay 75% of the cost and the City of Farmers would be required to pay 25% of the cost of the city's equipment. Chief Robbins stated the city's estimated cost would be $2, 000. 00. Chief Robbins told of the need for this communication with other cities and other law enforcement agencies. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Flaherty, a second by Councilman Linn, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 72-028 which authorizes the North Central Texas Council of Governments to solicit bids on behalf of the City in connection with the Criminal Justice Grant for participation in Regional Law Enforcement Communications system. APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR FOR 1972-1973 FISCAL YEAR. City Manager Paul West stated that Smith, Baines and Company had been the auditors of the city for the past two consecutive ,years. He stated that they are recognized as capable municipal auditors in this area and he recommended that they be appointed for the fiscal year 1972-1973. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman McClung, a second by Councilman Quevreaux, all voting "aye", appointed Smith, Baines and Company as the auditors for the fiscal year 1972-1973. 1 Page 482. AUTHORIZATION FOR ADVERTISEMENT OF BIDS FOR MUNICIPAL DEPOSITORY FOR CITY FUNDS. City Manager Paul West stated that since the city now has two banks within the city limits, it is a legal requirement that the city take bids to determine which bank will act as the Municipal Depository. He requested permission to advertise for bids. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Council- man Flaherty, all voting "aye", authorized the advertisement of bids for the Municipal Depository for the city funds. TEMPORARY BATCHING PLANT AUTHORIZED. By letter to the City, Uvalde Construction Company requested permission to erect and maintain a temporary batching plant and lime slurry tank on a vacant tract of land located on the north side of Oakbrook Parkway, 900 feet east of Webb Chapel Road, in Oakbrook on Brookhaven Development. The plant will be removed within 90 days after passage of the resolution. The City has received a letter from the property owner giving his consent to used the land. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Council- man McClung, adopted Resolution No. 72-027 authorizing the temporary batching plant requested by Uvalde Construction Company. The motion carried 3 to 1, with Councilmen Linn, McClung and Flaherty voting "aye", and with Councilman Quevreaux voting "nay". REQUEST BY JAMES BIDDLE AND COMPANY FOR VARIANCE FROM SUBDIVISION AND FENCE ORDINANCE IN PD 12 & 13. Mr. James B. Biddle requested a variance from the fence ordinance to allow the installation of a 3' high split rail fence on the city's right of way in the P. D. 12 & 13 development located along Oakbrook Parkway and Webb Chapel Road. Mr. Biddle also requested a variance from the subdivision ordinance which requires sidewalks on city right of way. Oakbrook is proposing to build a 4' wide sidewalk that would wind around 3' high landscaped knolls on and off city right of way. Mr. Biddle stated that they would maintain the fence and sidewalk. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman McClung, a second by Councilman Quevreaux, all voting "aye", approved the request made by Mr. Biddle with the stipulation that proper documents be drawn to protect the citizens for public use. l Page 483. EXECUTIVE SESSION There was a discussion of employing Mr. Frank Booth to help the City in negotiating the water contract with the City of Dallas, and if needed, to represent the City before the Water Rights Commission. The letter from Mr. Booth describing his charge if retained by the City is attached, After .more discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Council- man Flaherty, all voting "aye", authorized the employment of Mr. Frank Booth to represent the City of Farmers Branch at the rate as described in his letter of July 3, 1972. Appointment to Zoning Board of Adjustment Tabled. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Quevreaux, all voting "aye", tabled the appointment of a member to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Land Acquisition Lot 16A and 16B of the Brookhollow Estates was discussed as being needed for right of way purposes for the widening of Valley View Lane. Lot 16A, a 0. 553 acre tract, can be purchased for $5, 000. 00; and, Lot 16B, a 1. 8 acre tract, can be purchased for $22, 500. 00. City Manager Paul West stated that if the city purchased these two lots the money would come from the Street Bond Fund. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Council- man McClung, authorized the City Administration to negotiate with Mr. M. A. Wilson for the purchase of Lot 16A in- Brookhollow Estates but not to exceed the amount of $5, 000. 00; and, to negotiate with Redden Realty for the purchase of Lot 16B in Brookhollow Estates but not to exceed the amount of $22,500.00. The motion carried 3 to 1, with Councilmen Linn, McClung and Flaherty voting "aye", and with Councilman Quevreaux voting "nay". Councilman Quevreaux stated he was for the purchase of Lot 16A but against the purchase of Lot 16B. Other Discussions. Sidewalks on F,yke Road was discussed briefly. ADJOURNMENT. Upon a motion by Councilman Quevreaux, a second by Councilman McClung, all voting "aye", adjourned the City Council meeting of July 17, 1972 at 10:20 P.M. . Mayor G orge G. ri gine City Secretaf J. W. Wade Page 484.