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1971-11-01 CC MinutesCITY OF FARMERS BRANCH CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING November 1, 1971 All members of the City Council were present: Mayor George G. Grimmer Mayor Pro Tem W. R. Linn Councilmen: Ray Flaherty Bill McClung Al Korioth Bill Binford Members of the City Administration present were: City Manager Paul M. West City Attorney George McDonald City Secretary J. W. Wade Secretary Ruth Ann Parish Mayor Grimmer called the City Council meeting of November 1, 1971 to order at 7:30 P.M.. Rev. Harvey Barber, pastor of the First Baptist Church gave the invocation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Upon a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman McClung, all voting "aye", approved the minutes of the City Council meeting of October 18, 1971 after the following corrections were made: (1) In 6th paragraph, second line of page 323 the word build be changed to building; (2) On page 324 in paragraphs 6 and 7 the name Lathem be changed to Latham, and, (3) On page 324, paragraph 6 let the last sentence be changed to the following two sentences: 'He stated he was glad the Commission overruled him since he was the one that voted for the request. He stated - this is not for Farmers Branch.' PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION. Mayor Grimmer presented certificates of appreciation to Peggy Fournier and Chuck McClain for their services of serving on the Parks and Recreation Board. Mrs. Fournier was not present. PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARD Mayor Grimmer presented a service award to Billy Ray Garrison of the Fire Department for five (5) years of employment with the city. THE ITEM TO CONSIDER REQUEST FOR SITE PLAN APPROVAL ON PROPERTY LOCATED BETWEEN WEBBS CHAPEL ROAD AND MARSH LANE WAS CANCELLED BY OAKBROOK LTD. Page 340. REQUEST FOR CIVIC AND PHILANTHROPIC USE BY ASSOCIATED SPORTS Mrs. J. A. Stevens, 2541 Brandywine, representing the Associated Sports made the following request: "The Associated Sports would like the approval and endorsement of the City Council of the City of Farmers Branch to place a concession stand at any field on which Associated Sports would be involved in league sports. It would be deeply appreciated because all the money from concession stand goes to the support of all sports. We would like at this time to thank Mr. John Burke and Mr. Troy Fletcher of the Park Department and also, thank the Police Department for their consideration. " There was a discussion by the Council since the request made by Mrs. Stevens was for any field instead of just one field as was on the agenda. The Council had receive information that the request was for the concession stand to be at Cox Park. After some discussion, the Council agreed that a request for the concesssion stand be made each time there was a desire to change the location of the stand. Mrs. Stevens agreed this would be satisfactory with Associated Sports. Mrs. Stevens requested permission to have the concession stand at Cox Park. It was brought out by the City Manager that the Administration feels it would be agreeable for the stand to be located on Cox Park if the wheels are removed, the building be set on blocks, and the building be required to meet the Electrical Code. After some discussion on setting a time limit on how long the stand should remain at Cox Park, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman McClung, all voting "aye", adopted the attached resolution. SCHOOL CROSSING AT PEBBLE BEACH AND SOUTHERN PINES DISCUSSED. City Manager Paul West stated there had been several requests from parents whose children come down Southern Pines and cross Pebble Beach to install 4 way stop signs at Pebble Beach and Southern Pines. He stated the people complained that vehicles coming down Pebble Beach will not stop at the pedistrian cross walk unless the children are out in the cross walk. Mr. West stated the Administration recommends using the same type of timed flashing signals now used in various school zones with the following modifi- cation; that the lights be at the intersection be red instead of ,yellow, and that during school hours when the signs flip the flashing red lights say "Stop", and during non school hours when red lights are off , the signs flip back to say "Stop for Pedestrian in Crosswalk". Mr. West stated this would provide for the crossing of the children and would not hender the traffic during the time when the children are not going to and from school. Mr. West stated the estimated cost of each sign would be approximately $400. 00. There would be 2 flashing lights needed on Pebble Beach leaving the stop signs on Southern Pines. After some discussion, Councilman Flaherty moved that the Public Works Department be authorized to install the same type of timed flashing signals, Page 341. RESOLUTION NO. 71-083 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS: SECTION 1. That the civic and philanthropic use of a temporary concession stand shall be permitted at Cox Park in the city during associated sports events until December 30, 1971. SECTION 2. The above section and permission is conditioned upon the following: (a) wheels being removed and the stand placed on blocks, (b) that before electrical power is supplied to the building, all requirements of the electrical code must be met, and (c) that all other codes and ordinances of the city must be complied with and followed. DULY ADOPTED BY the City Council of the City of Farmers Branch, Texas, this the lst day of November , 1971. APPROVED: Mayor ATTEST : Cit,Secretary r l~ APPROVED AS TO FORM: 41 City 'Attorney now used for school zones, at Pebble Beach and Southern Pines with the modifications indicated by the City Manager. Councilman Binford seconded the motion and all voted "aye". BID AWARDED FOR A FIVE GANG MOWING TRACTOR. City Manager Paul West explained that there was only one bid for the five gang mowing tractor which was believed to be a fair price and recommended the bid be awarded to Colonial Motor Company in the amount of $4,187. 26. John Burke, Park and Recreation Director, described the mower and its capabilities. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman McClung, a second by Council- man Flaherty, all voting "aye", accepted the bid from Colonial Motor Company in the amount of $4,187. 26 for a five gang mowing tractor. BID AWARDED FOR A TURF TRACTOR. City Manager Paul West stated the Administration recommends the low bid of $2, 790.18 be awarded to Riverview Equipment Company for a turf tractor. The John Deere tractor met the specifications with a few exceptions. Councilman McClung stated he thought the City would set a bad precedent if the City accepted a low bid when it did not meet the specifications. He stated he thought the bids should either be rejected and rebid with revised specifications where the bid would be fair to all companies, or, accept the low bid that meets the specifications. After the City Manager Paul West checked with John Burke, Park and Recreation Director, to see if the next low bidder met the specifications which Mr. Burke stated it did, Mr West recommended the Council to accept the bid of Ben Griffin. After some discussion, Councilman McClung made a motion to accept the bid of Ben Griffin in the amount of $3, 014. 00 for a turf tractor.. Councilman Flaherty seconded the motion and all voted "aye". COLOR FOR STREET NAME SIGNS DISCUSSED. Mayor Grimmer explained the City was in need of replacing some street name signs and have replaced some of the signs with the green background with white letters. He stated it was suggested that the Council might want to change the color of the sign in order to designate the City by a different color. Mayor Grimmer named some cities which are using a different color that distinguishes them from the other cities. City Manager Paul West displayed some sample signs with different colors. Mr. West stated the red sign shows up at night and would be a distinguished color for the city. Page 342. After being asked how the signs would be replaced and the cost of replacing the signs, Mr. West stated the city could do either of two things. 1. In the normal procedure of replacing signs the city could replace the old black and white metal signs with a colored sign at no increased cost. 2. The city could go back and replace the green and white signs which would be an additional estimated cost of $1,800.00. There was a discussion that funds could be appropriated to speed up the program. After some discussion, the City Manager stated there was $1, 000. 00 in this year's budget for signs and there is a $1, 200. 00 order that was placed last fiscal year that is being held up upon the City's request pending the decision by the Council on the color. After some discussion, Councilman Binford made a motion to adopt the color red as the color for the city's future street signs. After some discussion, Councilman Linn seconded the motion. The motion carried 4 to I with Council- men Binford, Linn, McClung, and Korioth voting "aye", and with Councilman Flaherty voting "nay". Councilman Korioth made a motion to authorize the City Manager to began on a program of replacing the existing signs that need replacing with the new color red. After some discussion on changing out the green and white signs on the major thoroughfares only with an estimated cost of $900.00, Councilman Korioth withdrew his motion. Councilman Korioth made a motion to authorize the City Manager to began on a program of replacing the signs on the major thoroughfares to the color red. Councilman Binford seconded the motion. After clarifying the motion, the motion carried 3 to 2 with Councilmen Korioth, Binford and Linn voting "aye", and Councilmen Flaherty and McClung voting "nay". BICYCLES TRAILS DISCUSSED. John Burke, Park and Recreation Director, gave a report on some suggested bicycle routes. Mr. Burke displayed a sign saying "Bike Route" that would be put up designating the bike routes throughout the city. Mr. Burke suggested the program start with bicycle route no. 1 as designated on the map showing the proposed routes. He stated route no. 1 starts at Rawhide Park scattering through the city, through other parks, through neighborhoods and back to Rawhide Park. He stated he planned to corporate several programs into this bicycle route program such as bike clubs, exercise, and getting to know your city and parks. Mr. Burke stated he hoped to began the first half of the program this month. It was discussed that the bikes would use the street at this time but eventually would have paths. City Manager Paul West stated the Administration was asking, authorization Page 343. to proceed with bicycle route no. 1 to see if it would be accepted by the public and would be used. It was discussed that approximately 55 signs would be used in route no. 1 for approximately $480.00 using some existing materials. After some discussion, Councilman Flaherty made a motion that the City Administration be authorized to put into effect the proposed bicycle route no. 1. Councilman McClung seconded the motion and all voted "aye", MARK YWA.IN ALIGNMENT DISCUSSED. City Manager Paul West stated the alignment of Mark Twain Drive was brought to the Council at the request of the Park and Recreation Board. He stated both the Park Department and Public Works Department have studied this and the administration recommends that Mark Twain terminate into a cul-de-sac at Jaycee Park rather than extending across the corner of the park as was planned in the past. Mr. West stated this would prevent through traffic and parking problems on Mark Twain during ball games at Jaycee Park. Mr. West stated a dirt road does exist which people uses. The access to the park and parking at the park was discussed. A paved parking lot for the park was discussed. There was a discussion of eliminating the cul-de-sac. After more discussion, Councilman Linn moved to table this consideration until the next Council meeting, and that the Administration continue their study and suggestions on the alignment of Mark Twain. Councilman Flaherty said he would like to see a map showing the street through the park. After some discussion, Councilman Flaherty seconded the motion. Councilman Korioth stated he would like to see incorporated in the motion that the Council be given the cost of an asphalt paved parking lot on the park. Councilman Linn consented that this be incorporated in his motion for the Administration to include it in their study. Mayor Grimmer called for a vote on the .motion. All voted "aye". OPERATION CLAMP DOWN. City Manager Paul West explained that since problems of excessive speeding on residential streets had been reported he had asked Chief Roger Robbins to come up with a plan to combat these problems. He stated Chief Robbins has a plan and asked him to explain the plan to the Council. Page 344. Chief Robbins explained the plan as follows: "Operation 'Clamp-Down' is an Enforcement Program designed to alleviate those residential speeding problems which are of an unusual severe and continuing nature, rather than an occasional situation. The program is a concentration of police patrolling, using radar and vascar equipped vehicles and the use of Drivers License Check Stations, in those areas where citizen complaints indicate a higher than normal report of speeding and hot-rodding. Areas for heavier police patrol are assigned on the basis of high incident violations, whether it is burglary and theft or speeding. The importance of reporting offenses to the police is a must if the Department is to effectively make these assignments. Persons feel that reporting a speeder does little good as the speeder is out of the area before the police arrive, but the reports are necessary for the Patrol Divisions evaluations to determine the need for closer patrolling in such an area, and the assignment of that Area Officer to spend more time patrolling there. The program will consist of taking our additional patrol vehicle from another area of the City during this period of patrol saturation and the units will remain in that area during those periods of heavy traffic, or during those times that speeding is reported to be most likely. We have noted that many drivers who receive speeding summons are also cited for No Drivers License, and we will now be using portable signs to conduct Drivers License Check Stations in those high incident areas. It is important to measure the results of such a program and the best measure is to note any decrease in speeding or the complaints of such, from those citizens being in the area. No reports of speeding will indicate that the problem is no longer a serious one. We have been conducting a closely patrolled program on Heartside and have given some relief to those citizens. The Department cannot, of course, conduct more than one such program at a time because of limited personnel and equipment and cannot permanently assign to one area this operation, because of other responsibilities and requirements." Mr. West stated this was to inform the Council of the plan and see if the Council had any objections. The Council commended the Administration and the Police Department on the plan and expressed desire that the press give full support in publicity of the plan. UTILITIES RELOCATIONS ON I. H. 35E. City Manager Paul West explained that this was discussed at one time but the city was not authorized to advertise for bids on the I. H. 35E utilities relocations in connection with the widening of I. H. 35E by the Texas High- way Department. Mr. West stated the city errored by advertising in the paper before bringing it to the Council but if the Council disapproved the plans, the plans can be cancelled. He stated these were necessary utilities Page 345. adjustments and would be paid for by the State except where the city is increasing the size of a sewer line from 27" to 30". He stated the city would have to pay for the increase in the sewer line. Director of Public Works Roy Patton displayed and explained the plans. There was a discussion on the size of the sewer lines. After some discussion, Mr. West stated the money would be from the Water and Sewer Bond Funds which the city would be reimbursed by the State except the approximate amount of $2,400. 00 for the increase sewer line. After more discussion, Councilman Linn made a motion to approve the plans and specifications, and authorized the Public Works Department to advertise for bids for relocation of utilities on I. H. 35E in connection with the widening of I. H. 35E by the Texas Highway Department. Councilman Flaherty seconded the motion and all voted "aye". ITEMS 14 and 15 ON THE AGENDA. CONCERNING ORDINANCES ON ABANDONED OR JUNKED VEHICLES WERE STRICKENED FROM THE AGENDA. SIGNA.LIZA.TION OF BROOKHAVEN CLUB DRIVE AND MARSH LANE DISCUSSED. Director of Public Works Roy Patton explained that the Public Works Depart- ment would like to install a traffic signal at the intersection of Brookhaven Drive and Marsh Lane. He stated the signals would be located half in Farmers Branch and half in Addison. After explaining the alignment of the city limit line at the intersection, Mr. Patton proposed the City of Farmers Branch pay 3/4 of the cost of the signal and the City of Addison pay 1/4 of the cost. There was a discussion on the possibilities of re-aligning the city limits line on Marsh Lane. It was discussed that Addison should be approached to pay one-half the cost rather than one-fourth as proposed. The alignment of the intersection of Belt Line and Marsh Lane was discussed. Installation of four-way stop signs were discussed. Mr. West stated he would like to see the City of Addison disannex the approximate 20' strip of land that is in Addison south of Brookhaven Club Drive east of Marsh Lane, He stated this denies access from Brookhaven Club Drive to the Beck Property in the City of Farmers Branch. After more discussion, Councilman Linn made a motion to authorize the City Administration to work with the City of Addison to see what could be worked out on the intersection of Marsh Lane and Brookhaven Club Drive. Council- man McClung seconded the motion. Page 346. Mr. West asked the Council to authorize the Administration to advertise for bids for the materials for this intersection. He stated that hopefully by the time we have the bids things will be resolved and if not, the bids can be rejected. After some discussion, the motion carried 4 to 1 with Councilmen Linn, McClung, Flaherty and Binford voting "aye", and Councilman Korioth voting "nay". Upon a motion by Councilman McClung, a second by Councilman Flaherty, all voting "aye", authorized the City Administration to advertise for bids for the equipment for signalization at the intersection of Marsh Lane and Brookhaven Club Drive. COST OF TESTING IN SPRING VALLEY ROA.D PAVING DISCUSSED. City Manager Paul West stated that the city entered into an agreement with the County of Dallas on sharing the cost of the paving on Spring Valley Road which covered the construction cost and land acquisition cost. He stated in this agreement the County of Dallas would provide the engineering work which would not be figured as part of the cost to be shared on 50-50 basis. Mr. West stated the County has come to the City asking the City to pay one-half of the cost of the testing on Spring Valley Road. The use of private laboratories making the test rather than the City doing the testing was discussed. Councilman McClung asked if the City was staying within the authorized amount of $120, 000. 00 for the improvements of Spring Valley Road? Mr, West stated bids had not been taken but believed the City was within the authorized amount. Councilman McClung asked that a report of the expenditures on Spring Valley Road be given at the next meeting or on the next City Manager's report. After some discussion, Councilman Flaherty moved the City Manager be authorized to join with the County of Dallas in the use of Southwestern Laboratories as an independent testing laboratory for quality control of paving materials on Spring Valley Road in one-half of the cost of the testing in the approximate amount of $3, 300. 00. Councilman Binford seconded the motion. After some discussion of additional costs that comes up on projects, all voted "aye". AFTER SOME DISCUSSION, COUNCILMAN KORIOTH MADE A MOTION TO ELIMINATE THE CITY MANAGER'S REPORT. THE MOTION DIED FOR THE LA.CK OF A. SECOND. Page 347. CITY MANAGER REPORTS: City Manager Paul West gave a report on projects of the various departments of the city and brought the Council up to date on the construction of various developments in the city. EXECUTIVE SESSION. After some discussion of a report on absenteeism of various Advisory Board members, Councilman Linn made a motion to request the resignation of Mr. Dick Cope due to the number of absences in August, September and October which exceeds the policy regarding absentees of board members. (Mr. Cope is on the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Building Board of Appeals.) Councilman Korioth seconded the motion. After some discussion, Councilman Korioth withdrew his sec6nd,to the motion. Councilman McClung seconded Councilman Linn's motion. The motion carried 4 to 1 with Councilman Linn, McClung, Flaherty and Binford voting "aye", and with Councilman Korioth voting "nay". Council- man Korioth opposed only of the action taken to declare the place vacant. ADJOURNMENT. Upon a motion by Councilman McClung, a second by Councilman Linn, all voting "aye", adjourned the City Council meeting of November 1, 1971 at 9:58 P.M.. Mayor org immer City Se etary J. W. Wade Page 348.