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1974-03-18 CC MinutesCITY OF FARMERS BRANCH CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING March 18, 1974 J Members of the City Council present were: Mayor George G. Grimmer Mayor Pro-Tem W. R. Linn Councilmen: Ray Flaherty Bill McClung Bill Binford Member of the City Council absent was: Councilman Ken Quevreaux The City Council recognized and excused the absence of Councilman Quevreaux because of being out of town on business. Members of the City Administration present were: City Manager Paul M. West City Attorney Doug McCallon City Secretary J. W. Wade Director of Staff Services Glenn Moore Secretary Ruth Ann Parish Mayor Grimmer called the City Council meeting of March 18, 1974, to order at 7:30 P.M.. AGENDA ITEM NO. 1 - INVOCATION Mr. Glenn Moore gave the invocation. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2. - APPROVAL OF MINUTES - March 4, 1974 Upon a motion by Councilman McClung, a second by Councilman Flaherty, all voting "aye", approved the minutes of the City Council meeting of March 4, 1974 with the following correction: page 819, under Agenda Item No. 2, let the correction for the minutes of February 18, 1974 on page 814 under Agenda Item No. 10 read, "Mr. John Helms, 13547 Rawhide, speaking as an owner, and the engineer Roger Herod, Jr., discussed the proposed plans for the Executive Square Development on property located south of Farmers Branch Lane and east of Denton Road." AGENDA ITEM NO. 3. - HEAR REPORT ON THE 8TH ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL CITY CONFERENCE BY' MAYOR PR -T R.' LINN. Mayor Pro-Tem W. R. Linn gave a brief report on the 8th Annual Con- gressional City Conference, sponsored by the National League of Cities and the U. S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D. C. held on March 3, 4, 5, 1974, which he attended. Page 823. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4. - PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION. Mayor Grimmer presented the Certificate of Appreciation to Tom Madden, for having served on the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Building Code Board of Appeals. AGENDA ITEM NO. 5. - PRESENTATION TO CITY COUNCIL. REQUESTED BY JOHN HELMS. At the request of John Helms, this item was postponed until the next City Council meeting. AGENDA ITEM NO. 6. - DISCUSS BEAUTIFICATION OF KERR PARK, REQUESTED BY DOUGLAS -BI LY, -4 011 KERR COURT. Mr. Douglas Bily stated he was speaking as a homeowner and a re- presentative of 34 homeowners in the Kerr Park area. He stated that the homeowners would like to donate to the City money and plants for the beautification of the area around Kerr Park. Mr. Bily stated that they proposed to plant hedges of Japanese Ligustrum on the south side of Valley View Lane between the intersection of Kerr Trail (east) and the alley behind Rosser Road; between the homes and the London Square Apartments, and around three sides of Kerr Park. Mr. Bily stated that the cost of the improvements to the area as they plan will cost fifteen hundred dollars to two thousand dollars, and this would be donated by the homeowners. Mr. Bily stated he has been working with the Park Department on the proposed plans for the beautification of the Kerr Park area. Mr. Bily did request that plans for the park which have been planned by the city be continued in Kerr Park. The Council commended Mr. Bily and the other homeowners for their gesture for beautification in their neighborhood. There was discussion of the City forces doing the work in the area in question. There was discussion of the master plan of Kerr Park, calling for the City to install a hedge around the park. After more discussion, a motion by Councilman Binford, a second by Councilman Flaherty, all voting "aye", accepted the donation of plants and monies for the beautification of Kerr Park as presented by Douglas Bily. AGENDA ITEM NO. 7. - DISCUSS POSSIBILITIES OF USING OLD LIBRARY BUILDING FOR COMMUNITY MEETING ROOM. REQUESTED BY MRS'. PAT BROWN OF THE CIVIC LEAGUE. Mrs. Pat Brown o the Civic League requested the City Council give some thought of using the old library building for a civic and com- munity meeting room. She told of the interests and monies that have been put aside by the Civic League for such a meeting room. She stated that other clubs and organizations have expressed interest in having a community meeting room in our city. Page 824. 1 1 1 The following spoke in favor of the request for a community meeting room: Mrs. Mary Phelps, speaking as a resident and member of the Farmers Branch Toastmistress Club stated that she was in very much favor of having a civic meeting room in Farmers Branch. Mr. Harold Hammer, a Jaycee member, stated that the Jaycees supported Mrs. Brown of the Civic League in the request that the old library building be used for a civic and community meeting room. Mr. John Dodd stated that being interested in the community, he would like to see a meeting room provided. Mrs. Pauline Dennis, member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, spoke in favor of having a civic community meeting room. A lady representing the president of the Farmers Branch Woman's Club stated that they are interested in having a community meeting room. Mrs. Pat Edminston, a resident, member of the Farmers Branch Woman's Club and the Farmers Branch Garden Club, stated that there is a great need for a meeting room in Farmers Branch and the clubs that she is a member of are interested in having such a room. Mayor Grimmer stated that the Bi-Centennial Committee expressed a desire of having a meeting room in Farmers Branch. After more discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman McClung, all voting "aye", appointed the Mayor and City Manager as the prime members of a study committee, to study the utilization of the old library building as a community center. MAYOR GRIMMER RECOGNIZED BOY SCOUTS FROM TROOPS 713 AND 836 THAT WERE IN ATTENDANCE. AGENDA ITEM NO. 8. - PUBLIC HEARING: TO CONSIDER WHETHER A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT SHOULD BE ISSUED FOR A PLANNED COMMUNIT DEVELOPMENT IN AN R-6 ZONING. REQUESTED BY IRVIN MCKINNON. TH PROPERTY IS AN APPROXIMATE 9.742 ACRE TRACT OF LAND LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF FORD ROAD AND FARMERS BRANCH LANE. Mr. Robert Troy, an architect and a representative for Irvin McKinnon, requested that the Public Hearing be postponed until the third Monday night in April. He stated that they would like to have more time to consider the things that were discussed at the Public Hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission. After more discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, and a second by Councilman Flaherty, all voting "aye", granted the request of Robert Troy, representing Irvin McKinnon, to continue the Public Hearing until the third meeting in April which will be April 15, 1974. Page 825. It was discussed that the city would re-advertise and mail letters to the property owners required, advising them of the continuation of the public hearing for zone change to be on April 15, 1974. AGENDA ITEM NO. 9. - CONSIDER REQUEST FOR CIVIC AND PHILANTHROPIC USE TO ALLOW 'CONCESSION 'STANDS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE CITY PARKS. REQUESTED BY MRS'. LINDA OTT OF THE ASSOCIATED SPORTS ORGANIZATION. Mrs. Linda Ott, President of the Woman's Auxiliary of Associated Sports, requested permission for the Associated Sports to operate concession stands at four locations during the coming baseball season. One stand would be located at each of the following locations: Cabell School; Don Showman Park; Jaycee Park; and Cox Park. The concession stands would be erected for the period beginning April 1, 1974 through August 1, 1974. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Binford, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution Number 74-007 which grants the request for the concession stands as presented by Mrs. Ott, subject to the city receiving a letter from the Dallas Independent School District granting permission for this use on their property at Cabell School, and that all building codes, electrical codes and health codes of the City of Farmers Branch be in compliance. AGENDA ITEM NO. 10. - CONSIDER REQUEST FOR RATE INCREASE BY THE GREEN CAB SERVICE. REQUESTED BY JOHN KNOUSE, REPRESENTING GREEN CAB SERVICE. Mr. John Knouse, an attorney in Dallas and representing Green Cab Service, requested consideration of a rate increase for Green Cab Company to operate cab service in Farmers Branch. Mr. Knouse stated that the application for a taxi cab rate increase essentially corresponds with the rate increases recently granted by the City Council of the City of Irving, the City of Grand Prairie, the City of Garland, the City of Fort Worth, the City of Dallas. He stated that the rate now charged for the service is forty-five cents for the first 1/5 mile, then ten cents for each additional 1/5 mile. The proposed rates are seventy-five cents for the first 1/4 mile, twenty cents for each 1/3 mile thereafter, twenty-five cents for each additional passenger carried except if such passenger be a minor or not more than 12 years of age, six dollars per hour for waiting time, excluding traffic delays, and six dollars per hour for special trips. Mr. Knouse gave financial data on the operation of the Green Cab Company. Mr. Knouse stated that in order to continue to give Farmers Branch good cab service, the rate increase is needed. Mr. Pee Wee Carr, owner of Green Cab Company, gave the locations available for cab service in this area. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman McClung, all voting "aye", adopted Ordinance Number 1000: Page 826. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS, FIXING RATES TO BE CHARGED BY TAXICABS OPERATED WITHIN THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. AGENDA ITEM NO. 11 - CONSIDER REQUEST FOR VARIANCE FROM THE FENCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF FARMERS . 1XL l( v L U 1 L 1J LJ J. VV . L . 1 1~1 L L1'lt]1V , L / / L 11 V L LCSlV LCf.111, . 1 mrs. w. L. Friedman, 2772 Hollandale, requested permission to erect a split rail fence approximately 2' 8" high in their front yard. She stated that the purpose of the fence would be for beautification, landscaping and property improvement. She stated that the fence would be erected from their existing house line from the side yard line on both sides, down the front to 3' of the sidewalk. Mr. Harold Hammer stated that he lived one street over from this address and that he had no objections to the request for the fence within the front yard. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Flaherty, a second by Councilman Binford, all voting "aye", granted the request for the variance from Section 8-39 of the City's Code of Ordinances to allow a fence in the required front yard of 2772 Hollandale. AGENDA ITEM NO. 12. - CONSIDER REQUEST BY LETTER FROM HARRY J. VAUGHN, 12800 WEBB CHA'PE'L ROAD, FOR VARIANCE FROM THE FENCE ~sictiiv cn . Mayor Grimmer gave the following information: Mr. Vaughn recently constructed a decorative fence along his driveway on his front property line. The fence was constructed within the required front yard in front of the established building line. Section 8-39 of the City's Code of Ordinances prohibits fences from being erected within the required front yard and in front of the building line. Mr. Vaughn was unaware that a permit was required for the fence, and unaware of the front yard restriction. Mr. Vaughn is requesting that a variance be granted to allow him to maintain the fence that he has constructed in the required front yard. Mr. Vaughn was not present at the meeting. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Flaherty, a second by Councilman Linn, all voting "aye", granted a variance to Mr. Vaughn from Section 8-39 of the City's Code of Ordinances which prohibits fences from being erected within the required front yard. AGENDA ITEM NO. 13. - CONSIDER BIDS FOR 750 G.P.M. PUMPER FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT. City Manger Paul West explained that the proposed fire truck pumper is to replace a 1953 model reserve pumper. The new pumper would be placed in service and the 1959 pumper would be placed in reserve. Page 827. He stated that bid requests were mailed to five fire equipment manufacturers. He stated that the city only received one bid. The bid was from Ward LaFrance Truck Corporation for the amount of $57,585.00, with delivery in 360 working days. He stated that the funds would be included in the 1974-75 budget. Mr. West stated that the last pumper purchased in 1969 cost $38,765.00. There was discussion in comparing the cost that was bid and the cost that was paid in 1969. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Binford, all voting "aye", awarded the contract to Ward LaFrance Truck Corporation for $57,585.00 for the purchase of a 750 G.P.M. pumper for the fire department. AGENDA ITEM NO. 14. - CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN LEASE AGREEMENTS FOR PROPERTIES TO BE USED FOR ATHLE'T'IC FIELDS. Mayor Grimmer stated that the following locations of properties are needed in order to provide practice fields for local youth baseball and softball fields: (1) Pete Allen and AMS interests located on Branchview Lane of about 7.5 acres; (2) Valwood-Crowell Limited, located on Josey Lane behind Valwood Shopping Center for approximately 4.8 acres; (3) Jim Crowell, located along Dennis Road behind Valwood Shopping Center for approximately 16.55 acres; (4) Branch Properties, located in the northeast corner of Valley View Lane and Branchview Lane for approximately 8 acres; and (5) Cullum Development Company, located on Hollandale Lane east of Josey Lane behind Josey Skateland. Mayor Grimmer stated that the leasing of these properties is necessary due to the loss of other private property now under development. There was discussion that the lease agreements for these properties were on an annual basis. After more discussion, a motion by Councilman McClung, a second by Councilman Flaherty, all voting "aye", authorized the City Manager to execute land lease agreements for the City of Farmers Branch for the locations described above. AGENDA ITEM NO. 15 - CONSIDER ACCEPTING DRAINAGE EASEMENT FROM BROOKHAVEN OFFICE PARK, II. City Manager Paul West gave the following information; Brookhaven Office Park has in their plans, a parking area between the concrete line channel adjacent to Maybrook Drive and the south end of Treeview Lane. The drainage easement presented is for inlets and storm sewer pipe to carry the water from the south end of Treeview lane across the parking area and into the line channel. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Binford, a second by Councilman Flaherty, all voting "aye", accepted the drainage ease- ment from Brookhaven Office Park, II. Page 828. AGENDA ITEM NO. 16. - CONSIDER AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR MICROFILM EQUIPMENT FOR THE ENGINEERING DIVISION. City Manager Paul West gave the following in ormation: In order to conserve space and protect the building and engineering plans and drawings that are and will be filed, it is necessary to purchase microfilm equipment in order to record these large documents. Mr. West stated that the documents are now stored in the attic at the shop. Mr. West stated it was the recommendation of the city Administration that the Council authorize the City Manager to advertise for bids for engineering microfilm equipment. After some discussion on the economics of having the documents microfilmed, a motion by Councilman McClung, a second by Councilman Flaherty, all voting "aye", authorized the City Manager to advertise for bids for microfilm equipment for the engineering division. AGENDA ITEM NO. 17. - CITY MANAGER REPORTS City Manager Paul M. West gave a report on the various projects and happenings in the various departments within the city. OTHER COMMENTS. Mr. Harold Hammer inquired about the erosion problem in Jaycee Park. Boy Scout member Greg Black of Troop 836 recommended that a nature area be planned for Farmers Branch. There was discussion of the nature area that is now located in Gussie Field Park. Mr. John Dodd spoke in concern of getting the nature area in Gussie Field Park cleaned up and maintained. MAYOR GRIMMER ANNOUNCED THAT ITEMS ON THE AGENDA FOR THE GENERAL SESSION HAVE BEEN CONCLUDED, AND THERE IS AN I'TE'M FOR DISCUSSION IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. Mayor Grimmer explained that in Article 6252-17, Section (g) of the open meeting law that went into effect on January 1, 1974, certain conditions as personnel matters are provided for discussion in closed sessions. The Council will open back into general session if action is needed to be taken on items of discussion in executive session. AGENDA ITEM NO. 18. - EXECUTIVE SESSION a. Discuss Personnel Matters - Article The Council discussed appointments to Zoning Board of Adjustment and Building There was discussion of the attendance of the Planning and Zoning Commission. 6252-17, Section 2 (g) various positions on the Code Board of Appeals. of members for the meetings Page 829. THE MEETING WAS OPENED BACK INTO GENERAL SESSION. Councilman McClung made a motion to appoint Ray Thacker to place four for a term to expire December 1, 1974 and Robert Hoch to the position of Alternate place two for a term to expire December 1, 1975, to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Building Code Board of Appeals. Councilman Linn seconded the motion. All voted "aye". AGENDA ITEM NO. 19. - ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion by Councilman Binford, a second by Councilman Linn, all voting "aye", adjourned the City Council meeting of March 18, 1974 at 9:25 P.M.. Mayo Ge4?-geqG Timmer City S etary J. W. Wade Page 830.