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1973-11-05 CC MinutesCITY OF FARMERS BRANCH CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING November 5, 1973 Members of the City Council present were: Mayor George G. Grimmer Mayor Pro Tem W. R. Linn Councilmen: Ray Flaherty Bill McClung Bill Binford Councilman Quevreaux was absent due to being out of town on business which the Council recognized as an excused absence. 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 November 5, 1973 to order at 7:30 P.M. . AGENDA ITEM NO. 1. - INVOCATION Mayor Pro Tem Linn gave the invocation. DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. After some consideration, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Binford, all voting "aye", declared an emergency and placed on the Agenda, Item No. 9.A.- CONSIDER REQUEST FOR COMMENTS ON APPLICATION FOR GRANTS BY DALLAS COUNTY TO THE TEXAS CRIMINAL JUSTICE COUNCIL OF THE REGIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFORMATION SYSTEM AND TO CONTINUE MESSAGE SWITCHING SERVICES TO AREA LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, and, Item No. 13.A - CONSIDER AUTHOR- IZING THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR AN UNDERGROUND GASOLENE STORAGE TANK FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2. - APPROVAL OF MINUTES After some discussion, a motion by Councilman McClung, a second by Councilman Flaherty, all voting "aye", approved the minutes as submitted of the City Council meeting of October 15, 1973. Page 756. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3. - MAYOR'S REPORT a. Mayor Grimmer announced t Rat the City Council named the new library the Walter E. Manske Memorial Library of Farmers Branch, in memory of Walt Manske who was a dedicated civic minded citizen of Farmers Branch. Mrs. Manske and her daughters, along with members of the Library Board were present for the announcement. Drawings of the proposed library were displayed and Mayor Grimmer presented one of the drawings to Mrs. Manske. b. Mayor Grimmer gave a report on the resolutions that were passed by members of the Texas Municipal League at their meeting in San Antonio of October 28-30, 1973. There was discussion by the Council on some of these resolutions. c. Mayor Grimmer reported that Dallas County is considering calling an election for a Road Bond Program. He explained that Dallas County proposes to have a road building program about every five years and the last one was a $100,000,000.00 program which did not require a tax rate increase by the County. He stated that Dallas County proposes this program to be in the amount of $ 150, 000, 000.00. $3,000,000.00 is proposed for Sanitary Landfill. $1,000,000.00 is proposed for Open Space. $146,000,000.00 is proposed for Streets, Roads and Bridges. He stated that Farmers Branch has two portions of thoroughfares in the proposed program. They are: Valley View Lane from Templeton Trail to Marsh Lane with estimated cost of $739,000.00, and, Marsh Lane from Brookhaven Club Drive to Belt Line Road (1/2 width) with estimated cost of $ 858,500.00. The total of the projects for Farmers Branch would be $1,597,500.00. Mayor Grimmer told of the City having requested that $1,000,000.00 be included in the bond program for the elevation of the bridge across the Elm Fork on I.H. 635. The figure of $1,300,000.00 is included in the County bond program. He told of the importance to Farmers Branch of having the bridge high enough to get the levees put in in order to protect the western portion of the city. Mayor Grimmer asked for comments on this from the Council. After a brief discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Flaherty, all voting "aye", endorsed the proposed County Bond Program. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4. - PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION FROM THE RED CROSS TO THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH. Mr. Dick Thomason behalf of the Red Cross, presented to Mayor Grimmer and Fire Chief Bob Yager a certificate of recognition to the City of Farmers Branch Fire Department for extraordinary personal action in promotion of community safety to the 100% of personnel training in First Aid,excellent ambulance service,of teaching First Aid courses to the public and presenting First Aid demonstrations and speeches. AGENDA ITEM NO. 5. - PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS. Mayor Grimmer presented five year service awards to Dee Hunter of the Legal Department and to Kenneth Wilks of the Sanitation Division for their employment with the city. Page 757. AGENDA ITEM NO. 6. - CONSIDER REQUEST FOR SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 12715 DENTON DRIVE. REQUESTED BY ALVIN THOMAS. Mr. Thomas requested site plan approval for a ui ding on property located at 12715 Denton Drive. Mr. Thomas plans for the building to be of the same type construction and appearance as his existing building that is located just south of, and adjacent to the subject property. This location is within the PD-5 (C) zone. The site plan indicates the building location and parking areas only. Mr. Thomas proposes that if garbage collection containers are required, they will be kept inside the building and rolled outside for garbage collection. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends that the site plan be approved as submitted. After a brief discussion, a motion by Councilman McClung, a second by Councilman Linn, all voting "aye", approved the request by Mr. Thomas for site plan on the property located at 12715 Denton Drive . AGENDA ITEM NO. 7. - CONSIDER REQUEST FOR REVISED SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE 4500 BLOCK OF JOSEY LANE. REQUESTED BY FILM 'N PHOTO, INC. Mr. Lynn Northcutt, representing Film 'N Photo, Inc., stated that his firm has a lease on some property in the Josey Square Shopping Center parking lot and would like to erect a film processing pick-up and delivery station. He stated that the building would be out of 2' x 4' metal framing with formica and displayed a brochure of sample buildings. There was discussion of having the building of brick. Mr. Northcutt explained that they did not own the property and could not build a stationery building. Mr. Northcutt explained that if they leave their building vacant for a period of five working days their lease is cancelled. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends that the Site Plan be approved with the condition that the building location be moved to the south (1) parking space so that the proposed building will not interfere with traffic flow patterns within the parking lot. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Flaherty, all voting "aye", approved, as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission, the site plan request by Film 'N Photo with the stipulation that the building location be located to the south one parking space. AGENDA ITEM NO. 81. - DISCUSS SPEED LIMIT ON TANGLEWOOD DRIVE FROM BROOKHAVEN CLUB DRIVE TO MARSH LANE. The Council considered Ordinance No. 977 which was brought about from the October 15, 1973 meeting. Ordinance No. 977 provides for a 20 MPH speed limit on Tanglewood Drive from Brookhaven Club Drive to Marsh Lane. Inquires that were sent and returned from property owners along this area concerning the 20 MPH speed zone were reviewed by the Council. There was a discussion concerning the penalty provision in the ordinance. After more discussion, a motion by Councilman McClung, a second by Councilman Linn, all voting "aye", adopted the following captioned Ordinance No. 977: Page 758. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS, ESTABLISHING A SPEED OF TWENTY (20) MILES PER HOUR ON TANGLEWOOD DRIVE, FROM THE CENTERLINE OF BROOK- HAVEN CLUB DRIVE TO MARSH LANE; MAKING IT UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO OPERATE ANY MOTOR VEHICLE ON SAID STREET AT A SPEED GREATER THAN TWENTY (20) MILES PER HOUR; PROVIDING A PENALTY; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. AGENDA ITEM NO. 9. - CONSIDER REQUEST FOR VARIANCE FROM SECTION 8-39 OF THE CITY'S CODE OF ORDINANCES WHICH STATES THAT NO FENCE SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED OR MAINTAINED WITHIN THE REQUIRED FRONT YARD. REQUESTED BY THOMAS RAVELL. PROPERTY IS LOCATED AT 3465 ROC KMART I N . Mr. Thomas Ravel I requested consideration by the Council to allow a variance from Section 8-39 of the City's Code of Ordinances which states that no fence shall be constructed or maintained within the required front yard. Mr. Ravel) wished to remodel his home at 3465 Rockmartin by adding a gable roof over the front porch and enclose the front porch with a five foot stone fence. The fence would extend into the required front yard approximately five feet. Mr. Ravel[ stated that the court yard effect would come around the present porch and would be 8" thick, and the gable would run out from the center of the house covering this. Mrs. Ravell stated that they plan to landscape in and outside the court yard. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Flaherty, a second by Councilman McClung, all voting "aye", granted the request by Mr. Ravell for variance from Section 8-39 of the Code of Ordinances to allow a five foot stone fence extending approximately five feet into the required front yard to be erected. AGENDA ITEM NO. 9.A. - CONSIDER REQUEST FOR COMMENTS ON APPLICA- TION FOR GRANTS BY DALLAS COUNTY TO THE TEXAS CRIMINAL JUSTICE COUNCIL FOR THE REGIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFORMATION SYSTEM AND TO CONTINUE MESSAGE SWITCHING SERVICES TO AREA LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES. City Manager Paul West stated that this request for comments concerns applications for grant funding made by Dallas County. The applications for grant funding is for improving and continuing the operation of the Criminal Justice Communication System. Mr. West stated that the high speed, land line and teletype system ties all the police departments and law enforcement agencies in the County together and into the State and National networks. He stated that this would be of benefit to the city and recommended that the City Council endorse these applications for grant. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Binford, all voting "aye", endorsed the applications for grants submitted by the County, as recommended by the City Manager. Page 759. AGENDA ITEM NO. 10. - RATIFY EXTENDING ASPHALT OVERLAY CONTRACT TO INCLUDE: VALLEY VIEW LANE FROM TEMPLETON TRAIL TO MARSH LANE, DENTON DRIVE FROM RAWHIDE CREEK TO NORTH CITY LIMITS, AND, FARMERS BRANCH LANE FROM DENTON DRIVE TO JOSEY LANE. On October 24t 1973, the City Manager contacted the Council members with regards to the addition of three streets for overlaying at the present time. Authorization was given and plans are being made to overlay Farmers Branch Lane between Josey Lane and Denton Road; Denton Road from Rawhide Creek to the north city limits; and the section of Valley View Lane from Templeton Trail to Marsh Lane. After a brief discussion, a motion by Councilman McClung, a second by Councilman Binford, all voting "aye", approved extending the asphalt overlay contract to include: Valley View Lane from Templeton Trail to Marsh Lane, Denton Drive from Rawhide Creek to North city limits, and, Farmers Branch Lane from Denton Drive to Josey Lane. AGENDA ITEM NO. II . - CONSIDER APPROPRIATING FROM THE UNAPPROPRIATED RESERVE FUNDS $501000.00 TO COVER THE COST OF 1973 OVERLAY PROGRAM. Mayor Grimmer explained that the total 1973 overlay program which has been authorized by the Council is estimated to cost $50,000.00, and an appropriation in this amount is needed to cover this cost. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman McClung, all voting "aye", authorized the appropriation from the unappropriated reserve funds in the amount of $50,000.00 to cover the cost of the 1973 overlay program. AGENDA ITEM NO. 12. - CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES. City Manager Paul West stated that the Administration would like authorization for the advertisement for bids for seven automobiles, three 1/2. ton pick-ups and one I ton crew cab pick-up which are budgeted in the 1973-1974 budget. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman McClung, all voting "aye", authorized the City Administration to advertise for bids for the following listed vehicles: seven automobiles, three 1/2 ton pick-ups and one I ton crew cab pick-up. AGENDA ITEM NO. 13. - CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR AN ENGINE ANALYZER FOR THE GARAGE DIVISION. City Manager Paul West stated that the City Administration requests permission to advertise for bids for an Engine Analyzer, console-type, modular designed specifically for engine diagnosis in the city garage. This equipment would be used to test engine ignition systems and to check fuel pump pressure and volume. It will also check generator and alternator out-put, engine manifold, vaccum pressure and exaust engine levels, and will check emission control equipment. Mr. West stated that it is estimated to cost $ 5,000.00. He stated that this equipment is needed in order to do a proper job in maintaining the city vehicles. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Flaherty, a second by Councilman Linn, all voting "aye", authorized the City Administration to advertise for bids for an Engine Analyzer for the Garage Division. Page 760. AGENDA ITEM NO. 13.A. - CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR AN UNDERGROUND GASOLENE STORAGE TANK FOR THE FIRE DEPART- MENT. City Manager Paul West stated that the City Administration requests authorization to advertise for bids for an 8,000 gallon fiberglas gasolene storage tank for the new fire station on Spring Valley Road. Mr. West explained that this will be used by the Fire and Police Departments and will be key operated pumps. Mr. West explained that the existing tank is not useable. Mr. West stated that this is not a budgeted item and will have to appropriate funds when the contract is awarded. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman McClung, a second by Councilman Linn, all voting "aye", authorized the City Administration to advertise for bids for an underground gasolene storage tank for the Fire Department. AGENDA ITEM NO. 14. - CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR A BOX CULVERT TO BE LOCATED ON JOSEY LANE AT MAYBROO K DRIVE. City Manager Paul West explained that Brookhaven Office Park is presently developing the area south of Maybrook Drive and east of Josey Lane. The section of Maybrook Drive has been completed and accepted to a point east of this location and it is proposed by the Administration to tie this section of Maybrook Drive into Josey Lane in connection with the installation of a structure under Josey Lane of increased flood carrying capacity. The present structure under Josey Lane is inadequate and needs to be up-graded to make it capable of carrying the storm drainage from that area. With the combined effort of the Brookhaven Office Park developers and the City of Farmers Branch, the developer would pay all the cost on his property and the City would pay for all costs in Josey Lane and the existing drainageway where modifications are made on the west side of Josey Lane. Brookhaven Office Park has agreed to place their portion of the construction costs plus 25% over-run allowance into escrow prior to the awarding of any contract for this construction. The cost to the city is estimated to be $120,000.00 and the cost to the developer is estimated to be $ 80,000.00. The payment for this cost would come out of the Roads and Drainage Funds. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman McClung, all voting "aye", authorized the City Administration to advertise for bids for a box culvert to be located on Josey Lane at Maybrook Drive. AGENDA ITEM NO. 15. - EXECUTIVE SESSION a. Appointment to the Library Board After some consideration, a motion by Councilman Flaherty, a second by Councilman Binford, all voting "aye", appointed Ralph W. Bell, Jr. to serve on the Library Board for a term to expire in May, 1974, which position was vacated by Mrs. Betty Enninga. b. Discuss Law Suits There was discussion between the City Council and the City Administration on the letter received from attorneys, Zimmerman, Minick and Zimmerman, concerning the lake behind 14305 and 14304 Olympic Court. Page 761. City Manager Paul West reported that the Administration was given authorization by the Council to make an offer to Carl Montgomery on his property located at Rossford and Carrick Streets for additional right-of-way needed. After the survey was made, it was found that the building projected into the additional area that was required. Mr. West read an agreement that had been prepared between Mr. Montgomery and the city. The agreement if authorized by the City Council will pay $3,046.00 to Mr. Montgomery for removing part of the building, repairing it and will cover his damages to the remainder. This amount of money is to be paid to him at the time the building is removed and repaired. Mr. West stated that in order to execute the agreement authorization is needed from the Council. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Flaherty, a second by Councilman McClung, all voting "aye", authorized the City Administration to execute the agreement with Mr. Montgomery as explained by the City Manager. City Manager Paul West reported that bids were taken recently on a truck which G.M.C. was the only bidder. In ordering the truck, it was found that the dump bed manufacturer had made a mistake and $300.00 more is needed for this purchase. Because of the delivery time and belief of an honest mistake on G.M.C;.'s part, Mr. West recommended that this truck be purchased with the additional $300.00. After some discussion, a motion by Councilman Linn, a second by Councilman Binford, all voting "aye", authorized the City Manager to purchase the truck from G. M. C. with the additional $300. 00 as recommended by the City Manager. AGENDA ITEM NO. 16. - ADJOURNMENT. Upon a motion by Councilman Binford, a second by Councilman Linn, all voting "aye", adjourned the City Council meeting of November 5, 1973 at 8:50 P.M. Z .40 Mayor C-W&rgi G. immer Z,,~ L ' City retary J. W. Wade Page 762.