2017-08-29 CC MinutesCity Council
Minutes August 29 2017
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City of Farmers Branch
City Council Minutes
2 p.m. Study Session
FARN4ERS
6 p.m. Regular Meeting
B Ar.11.t
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Farmers Branch City Hall
13000 William Dodson Pkwy Council Chambers
Farmers Branch,TX 75234
Presiding: 1 - Mayor Robert C. Dye
Present: 4- Mayor Pro Tern John Norwood, Deputy Mayor
Pro Tern Mike Bomgardner, Council Member
Ana Reyes, Council Member Terry Lynne
Offsite via Skype: 1 - Council Member Bronson Blackson
(Present - Study Session) (Absent — Meeting)
Staff: - Charles Cox, City Manager; John Land, Deputy
City Manager; Amy Piukana, City Secretary; Pete
Smith, City Attorney; Benjamin Williamson,
Assistant to the City Manager; Tom Bryson,
Communications Director; David Hale, Police
Chief; Andy Gillies, Community Services
Director; Marc Bentley, Public Works Director;
Steve Parker, Fire Chief; Brian Beasley, Human
Resources Director; Sherrelle Evans - Jones,
Finance Director; Allison Cook, Economic
Development Director, Kevin Muenchow Fleet
and Facilities Director; Shane Davis,
Sustainability & Public Health Director
A. STUDY SESSION
Mayor Dye called the Study Session meeting to order at 3:01 p.m.
A.1 TMP -2299 Discuss the City Manager's balanced budget and organizational
funding requests related to the adoption of the Farmers Branch
2017 -18 fiscal year budget.
Finance Director Sherrelle Evans -Jones briefed City Council regarding this item. She
reviewed key budget dates and background information on Emergicon (Third Party Billing
Agent); noting Farmers Branch Ambulance Transport rates were last adjusted in 2011.
The cost for services has increased 25 %. She noted a proposed Ordinance will be
considered at the September 12th Council meeting to increase EMS rates that compare to
other neighboring Cities. These rate increases will result in an additional $30,000 of
revenue, which has been included in the 2017 -18 budget. She stated insurance carriers
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City Council Minutes August 29, 2017
pay the majority of fees.
Ms. Evans -Jones also reviewed net income /loss trends of City Facilities and net loss trends
of Farmers Branch Amenities.
Council Member Bomgardner discussed Carrolton and Richardson's budgets in
comparison to Farmers Branch amenities. He expressed concerns with our population
being small and having a bigger net loss. He suggested looking into privatization of the
swim park.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Bomgardner suggested increasing fees to offset costs for the
Aquatics Center.
Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Harting stated the City has cut costs by utilizing Charter
buses, noting in the past the Council's philosophy was to not charge.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Bomgardner asked that we charge enough to cover costs and
stated the City needs to invest in infrastructure.
Council Member Lynne stated the City could cut amenities to save costs.
Resident Elaine Story spoke stating she prefers to keep tax rates the same. She
expressed concerns with land value increases.
Council Member Reyes asked Ms. Story if in her opinion, a rate increase would limit
participation. Ms. Story stated in her opinion, this would not affect attendance.
Council Member Blackson suggested keeping in line with other cities and charging for
membership.
Mr. Harting explained the rates are based on local fitness facility rates. He stated we
currently charge $19 a month for membership. He cautioned if we increase cost, we could
lose memberships. He further stated the auditor recommended lowering rates to the frog
pond to increase participants. He stated this has helped with attendance.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Bomgardner asked what charges Carrollton residents pay for use
of our facilities. Mr. Harting explained Carrollton utilizes our facilities and they charge our
residents the same as a Carrolton resident.
Council Member Lynne discussed the percentage of the budget devoted to amenities.
Mayor Pro Tern Norwood stated we need to establish a percentage to spend on amenities
and figure out the plan. He recommended tasking the Parks and Recreation Board with
reviewing ways to increase revenue and cut costs with amenities in their jurisdiction.
Deputy City Manager John Land spoke stating the Parks and Recreation Staff can assist
with review of services. He noted we have an award winning Parks and Recreation
Department.
Police Chief David Hale briefed City Council regarding future growth projections. He
reviewed the following statistics: Existing multi - family units: 6004; Existing single family:
11,549; Projected By 2018 will be 1,534 new apartments (26% increase), with 2 new hotels
City Council Minutes August 29 2017
and 144 new homes. He indicated within the (5 Yrs.) 5,567 additional apartments totaling
7101 new (118% increase). He further stated 5 new hotels and 600 additional single family
for a total of 744 new homes for an estimated 12,293 total single - family homes.
Chief Hale provided Council with a presentation of a beat map; he noted we currently have
six (6) beats with a proposal of seven (7) beats. He stated the Police Department received
35,578 over three years' worth of calls. He stated with Development of the west area, and
the density, calls will increase. He reviewed the types of calls, time spent on calls, and
response times. He provided a summary of staffing recommendations noting three (3) new
sworn Patrol Officers with one (1) Training Division Officer have been requested in the
proposed budget. This allows for day staffing.
Council Member Lynne stated the performance metrics indicate we are meeting response
times with fewer officers and expressed concerns with hiring additional officers prior to the
development of the west side.
Chief Hale replied stating we currently meet the minimum staffing levels, and noted many
have had to work overtime.
Mayor Dye expressed concerns with having enough officers to assist with new multi family
development, noting we could see an increase of calls.
Deputy City Manager John Land stated 1,000 additional apartment units are expected to
be built in 2018.
The Human Resources Director Brian Beasley cautioned City Council that requiring Police
Officers to work overtime could result in employee burn out.
The City Council discussed recruitment time, police vehicles, and funding.
Council Member Lynne suggested prioritizing Police calls.
Chief Hale replied stating the Patrol Supervisor prioritizes the calls.
Council Member Reyes opposed relaxing Police response times.
Council Member Blackson explained his preference is to add one officer now and another
one at mid budget year.
Chief Hale stated he could not add a Beat 7 with one new Officer, it would require two.
After discussion, Council agreed to move forward with the two officers requested.
Council Member Reyes asked if the Farmers Branch Chamber has considered alternate
ways of funding.
Farmers Branch Chamber President Ms. Nanette Foght, spoke stating she plans to
increase membership fees to offset costs. She stated the Farmers Branch Chamber needs
time to plan and make accommodations if the City plans to reduce funding any further.
After discussion, Council agreed to move forward with the nonprofit funding request as
presented.
City Council Minutes August 29, 2017
Mayor Dye recessed the Study Session meeting at 5:55 p.m.
Mayor Dye called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
Mayor Dye wished to express his appreciation to the following Firefighters that are
assisting with the Hurricane Harvey Disaster and who were recently been deployed with
the National Guard: Detention Officer Andrew Heike; Captain Mike Campbell; Driver Chad
Brown; Firefighter Kory Boyer; Firefighter Adam Burks; and Driver Terry Evans.
B. INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Dye provided the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance and Pledge to the
Texas Flag.
C. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Resident Elaine Story spoke expressing concerns regarding the increase of her land
value provided by Dallas County Appraisal District. (DCAD)
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS
DA TMP -2303 Conduct a public hearing to consider adopting a maximum
property tax rate of $0.602267 on September 12, 2017; and take
appropriate action.
Mr. Cox explained today is a public hearing to consider the property tax rate.
Mayor Dye opened the public hearing.
Ms. Elaine Story spoke expressing concerns regarding the increase in her land value
provided by DCAD.
Mr. Cox replied explaining you can oppose the land value through DCAD.
There being no one else that wished to speak, a motion was made by Council Member
Lynne to close the public hearing. Motion seconded by Deputy Mayor Pro Tern
Bomgardner. Motion prevailed by the following vote:
Aye: 4- Mayor Pro Tern Norwood, Deputy Mayor Pro
Tern Bomgardner, Council Member Reyes,
Council Member Lynne
D.2 TMP -2309 Conduct a public hearing on the proposed 2017 -18 Operating and
Capital Improvement Program Budget in accordance with Article
IV of the City Charter; and take appropriate action.
Mayor Dye opened the public hearing. There being no one present that wished to speak,
a motion was made by Council Member Lynne to close the public hearing and set the
meeting to September 12, 2017 adopt the proposed 2017 -18 Operating and Capital
Improvement Program Budget in accordance with Article IV of the City Charter. Motion
seconded by Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Bomgardner. Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Bomgardner
noted the study session is available online. Motion prevailed by the following vote:
City Council Minutes August 29 2017
Aye: 4- Mayor Pro Tem Norwood, Deputy Mayor Pro
Tem Bomgardner, Council Member Reyes,
Council Member Lynne
Mayor Dye recessed the meeting at 6:18 p.m. to reconvene in to Study Session.
The Study Session meeting was called to order at 6:27 p.m.
Parks Manager Meredith Dowdy briefed City Council regarding the FY 17/18 Event Costs.
The City Council discussed event fees, participation, parade of lights event, neighborhood
caroling and partnership with Firehouse Theatre.
Mr. Cox explained an update regarding City events would be provided at the September
26, 2017 City Council meeting.
Mayor Dye recessed into closed executive session at 6:45 p.m.
E. EXECUTIVE SESSION
EA ORD -3457 Council may convene into a closed executive session pursuant
to Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code to deliberate
regarding:
• Consultation with City Attorney regarding application
for amended permit to expand Camelot Landfill (Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality MSW Permit
Application NO. 13128)
Council may convene into a closed executive session pursuant
to Section 551.072 of the Texas Government Code to deliberate
regarding:
• Discuss the purchase, exchange, lease, or sale of
property located at approximately 500 Huff ines Road,
Lewisville, Texas.
Mayor Dye reconvened into open session at 7:15 p.m.
F. TAKE ANY ACTION NECESSARY AS A RESULT OF THE CLOSED
EXECUTIVE SESSION.
In connection with the settlement of contests to the City's application for Permit No. 1312B
to authorize the expansion and continued development and operation of City's Camelot
Landfill, I Mayor Pro Tem Norwood move that the City Manager be authorized to negotiate
and execute contracts and such other documents that are reasonable and necessary for
such settlements, and to ratify the actions taken by the City Manager in connection with
such matters. Motion seconded by Council Member Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Bomgardner.
Motion prevailed by the following vote:
Aye: 4- Mayor Pro Tem Norwood, Deputy Mayor Pro
Tem Bomgardner, Council Member Reyes,
Council Member Lynne
City Council Minutes August 29, 2017
Council Member Lynne made a motion that the City Manager be authorized to negotiate
and execute a contract and such other documents that are reasonable and necessary to
sell to the Farmers Branch Local Government Corporation the real property located at 500
Huffines Road, legally described as being part of the R. Barksdale Survey, Abstract No.
46. Lewisville, Texas Denton County, Texas for a sales price of $1,675,000 said sale
subject to a requirement that the property be resold to Balcones Resources or an affiliated
company, and assigns. Motion seconded by Council Member Reyes. Motion prevailed
by the following vote:
Aye: 4- Mayor Pro Tern Norwood, Deputy Mayor Pro
Tern Bomgardner, Council Member Reyes,
Council Member Lynne
G. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tern Norwood made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by
Council Member Lynne. Motion prevailed by the following vote:
Aye: 4- Mayor Pro Tern Norwood, Deputy Mayor Pro
Tern Bomgardner, Council Member Reyes,
Council Member Lynne
The meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m.
SIGNED:
Mayor
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ATTEST:
City Secretary