1986-09-25 CC MinutesCITY OF FARMERS BRANCH
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
08/25/86
COUNCIL CHAMBER
POLICE BUILDING
7:30 P.M.
The following members of the City Council were present:
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
Councilmembers
John D. Dodd
John Dunagan
David Blair
Carol Dingman
Bob C. Phelps
Herb Weidinger
The following members of the City Administration were present:
City manager
Paul M. West
Assistant City Manager
Steve Carpenter
Assistant City Manager
Gene Carlton
City Attorney
John Boyle
City Secretary
Randall Mahaffey
Director of Community Services
Tom Scales
Director of Public Works
Earl Deland
Director of Parks and Recreation
John Burke
Assistant City Engineer
Mark Pavageaux
Traffic Engineer
Larry Cervenka
Secretary
Ruth Ann Parish
Mayor Dodd called the City Council Meeting of 08/25/86
to order at 7:32 p.m. The meeting was televised.
A.1 INVOCATION
Councilmember Phelps gave the invocation and led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Mayor Dodd stated that in the interest of time Agenda Item's No.
A.2 through A.5 would be considered together.
A.2 CONSIDER DONATION OF PLASTIC BOXES BY SHIRLEY BECK FOR
THE SENIOR ADULT ACTIVITY CENTER.
Vol. 49, Page 85
Mr. John Burke, Director of Parks a
stated that Shirley Beck would like
boxes to the Senior Adult Activity
will be used to store small items i
needles, pins, and kitchen items.
items will be used in arts and Graf
adults will be participating. The
$100.00.
nd Recreation was present and
to donate 200 small plastic
Center each month. The boxes
n the Senior Center, such as
In addition to storage, the
is projects in which the senior
estimated value of the boxes is
A.3 CONSIDER ACCEPTANCE OF DONATION FROM MR. & MRS.
RICHARD C. MANKE FOR ANTIQUE RAILROAD BAGGAGE CART AND
SIGNAL LAMP FOR THE HISTORICAL PARK.
Mr. John Burke Director of Parks and Recreation stated that Mr.
and Mrs. Richard C. Manke would like to donate an antique railroad
baggage cart and signal lamp to the Historical Park. The estimated
value of the cart is $500 and $20 for the lamp.
A.4 CONSIDER ACCEPTANCE OF DONATION FROM JERRY S. WILCOX
FOR CHILD'S CA. 1911 NOTEBOOK.
Mr. John Burke stated that Jerry S. Wilcox would like to donate a
child's ca. 1911 notebook to the Historical Park. The notebook,
made of paper, was used as a scrapbook, and is worth approximately
$5.00.
A.5 CONSIDER ACCEPTANCE OF DONATION FROM GLENNA GRIMMER
FOR A 1930/401S TABLE.
Mr. John Burke stated that Glenna Grimmer would like to donate a
chrome and black table to the Historical Park. The table was built
in the 1930's or 1940's and is worth approximately $50.00.
A motion by Councilmember Dunagan, a second by Councilmember
Dingman, all voting "aye", accepted the donations from: Shirley
Beck for 200 plastic containers to store small objects for use by
the Senior Adult Activity Center; and Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Manke
for an antique railroad baggage cart and signal lamp for use by the
Historical Park; and Jerry S. Wilcox for Child's Ca. 1911 notebook,
for use by the Historical Park; and Glenna Grimmer for a 1930/40's
table to be used by the Historical Park.
Mayor Dodd stated that the appropriate thank you notes for all of
the donations would be sent to the donors.
A.6 PRESENTATION OF BOARD APPLICATIONS.
Mayor Dodd stated that this item gives applicants an opportunity to
present board applications to the City Council.
No one was present to present Board Applications.
Vol. 49, Page 86
Councilmember Weidinger stated that he is a liaison to the Farmers
Branch Hospital Authority Board and presented a copy of a letter
that was sent from, "The Governor's Commission of Woman", to a
distinguished Farmers Branch Citizen and member of the Farmers
Branch Hospital Authority Board, (Ms. Sue Goodwin, 2740 Farmers
Branch Lane). Councilmember Weidinger stated that Ms. Goodwin was
nominated to the Hall of Fame, for Public Service on the Hospital
Board, and although she was not chosen, Ms. Goodwin will be
recognized by Governor Mark White, during the Hall of Fame
function, Thursday, September 18th, 1986, and that Ms. Goodwin's
name will be included in the program.
Mayor Dodd and Councilmember Weidinger commended Ms. Sue Goodwin
for the many contributions to Farmers Branch.
B.1 CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING AS CONSENT'JITEMS
AND TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Dodd explained that under the title of consent items are
items that are to be considered and action taken that may not need
discussion individually. Any member of the City Council or the
audience may request to withdraw any item from the consent items
and place the item before the Council for full discussion. The
concept for the consent items is being established in order to
speed up discussion for those items that need more time for
discussion.
Councilmember Phelps stated that the Minutes of August 18, 1986,
Volume 49, page 70, the third paragraph from the bottom should be
amended to read: "Dr. Percy Pentecost stated that a 300-foot
buffer zone is required and is consistent with the State Statues.
Dr. Pentecost explained that if any part of the ordinance is
declared unconstitutional or not in compliance with the State
Statues that the whole ordinance will not become null and void."
Councilmember Dingman referenced the minutes of August 18th, 1986,
Agenda Item No. D.2, "Consider entering into a contract between the
City of Farmers Branch and Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, and
the charging of a $.25 fee per access line for the implementation
of enhanced 911 Emergency Telephone Service.", (Located in Volume
49, Pages 79 and 80.) Councilmember Dingman stated that the minutes
are correct in that the actual implementation of the 911 service or
the $.25 fee has not been approved or enacted at this present time.
Councilmember Dingman explained that the 911 Emergency Telephone
Service would not go into effect until such time that public
hearings could be held and for at least a period of 18 months to
two years for the service to be initiated prior to charging a $.25
fee.
A motion by Councilmember Dunagan, a second by Councilmember Blair,
all voting "aye", approved the following Consent Agenda Items, with
the amendment to the minutes of 08-18-86 as stated by Councilmember
Phelps.
Vol. 49, Page 87
B.1 APPROVED THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 18, 1986 MEETING.
B.2 AUTHORIZED THE EXECUTION OF CHANGE ORDER #3 FOR THE FYKE
ROAD PROJECT FOR THE MCLAUGHLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LEFT
TURN LANE LOCATED IMMEDIATELY NORTH OF THE FYKE ROAD
INTERSECTION ON WEBB CHAPEL ROAD AS PART OF THE CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,946.31.
B.3 ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 1648 AMENDING THE CITY
OF FARMERS BRANCH ZONING ORDINANCE BY AMENDING THE
ALLOWABLE SITE COVERAGE ON A TRACT OF LAND LOCATED
WITHIN PLANNED DEVELOPMENT 25 ZONING DISTRICT AS
CAPTIONED BELOW:
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS
BRANCH, TEXAS, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE
ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS
BRANCH, TEXAS, AS HERETOFORE AMENDED; BY
AMENDING THE ALLOWED SITE COVERAGE FOR
WAREHOUSE AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL USES ON A
TRACT OF LAND LOCATED WITHIN PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT TWENTY-FIVE (PD-25) ZONING
DISTRICT; ESTABLISHING A PENALTY OF FINE
NOT TO EXCEED THE SUM OF TOW HUNDRED
($200.00) DOLLARS FOR EACH OFFENSE;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR
INJUNCTIVE RELIEF AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY."
B.4 ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 1649 AMENDING THE CITY OF
FARMERS BRANCH ZONING ORDINANCE BY AMENDING ORDINANCE
NO. 1532 WHICH ESTABLISHED THE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
FOR PLANNED DEVELOPMENT 53 ZONING DISTRICT AS CAPTIONED
BELOW:
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS
BRANCH, TEXAS, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE
ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS
BRANCH, TEXAS, AS HERETOFORE AMENDED: BY
AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 1532 WHICH
ESTABLISHES THE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NUMBER 53, BY
AMENDING SECTION I, PARAGRAPH F1 TO
ESTABLISH PARKING RATIOS FOR OFFICE USES OF
1 SPACE FOR EACH 333 SQUARE FEET OF GROSS
FLOOR AREA AND AN ALLOWANCE FOR SMALL CAR
PARKING, AND BY AMENDING THE CONCEPT PLAN
FOR PD-53; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE;
PROVIDING FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF; PROVIDING
A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A PENALTY
OF FINE NOT TO EXCEED THE SUM OF TWO
Vol. 49, Page 88
HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200.00) FOR EACH OFFENSE;
AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
B.5 ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 1650 AMENDING THE CITY OF
CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH ZONING ORDINANCE BY AMENDING
THE ZONING DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION OF A 6.099 ACRE
TRACT OF LAND LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST QUADRANT OF
LBJ FREEWAY AND LUNA ROAD FROM THE CURRENT ZONING
DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION OF PD-22 (LI) TO A PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NUMBER 62 AS CAPTIONED BELOW:
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS
BRANCH, TEXAS, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE
ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS
BRANCH, TEXAS, AS HERETOFORE AMENDED; BY
AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION
OF THE 6.099 ACRE TRACT OF LAND LOCATED AT
THE SOUTHEAST QUADRANT OF LBJ FREEWAY AND
LUNA ROAD FROM THE CURRENT ZONING DISTRICT
CLASSIFICATION OF PD-22 (LI) TO A PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NUMBER 62 (PD-62)
ALLOWING MIXED OFFICE USE, HOTEL, AND
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS; ESTABLISHING
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR PD ZONING
DISTRICT NUMBER 62; PROVIDING A SAVINGS
CLAUSE; PROVIDING INJUNCTIVE RELIEF;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR A
PENALTY OF FINE NOT TO EXCEED TWO HUNDRED
($200.00) DOLLARS; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE."
C.1 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT.
City Manager, Paul West gave an informative report on the programs,
projects and happenings of the various departments of the City.
C.2 CONSIDER PRES
BRANCH COMPRE
ATION OF THE FINAL DRAFT OF THE FARMERS
SIVE PLAN PREPARED BY SEDWAY-000KE
ND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Dodd stated that in December of 1984, the City Council
authorized Sedway-Cooke and Associates to prepare a Comprehensive
Plan for the City of Farmers Branch. Sedway-Cooke and Associates
have prepared a draft copy of the Comprehensive Plan for
presentation to the City Council.
Mr. Tom Cooke, Sedway-Cooke and Associates, was present and stated
that the consideration of the Final Draft of the Comprehensive Plan
is a crucial step in that it will be used in future Public Hearings
which will lead to the redrafting of the Comprehensive Plan, then
to the finalization of the Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of the
plan is to provide the community with a plan to determine the
future of the City and to eliminate the element of chance. The
Vol. 49, Page 89
Comprehensive Plan is a mechanism establishing a vision and a
program to bring the vision into reality. Mr. Cooke explained that
the Comprehensive Plan is composed of six elements:
1. Community Goals.
2. Land Use.
3. Transportation Systems.
4. Public Services.
5. City Design.
6. Implementation of Plan.
Mr. Cooke explained that the implementation of the Comprehensive
Plan will address potential development, improvements, functional
applications, future demands, City standards, regulations,
administrative procedural changes, creative financing, etc. Mr.
Cooke presented a slide show and described each of the above
referenced elements of the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Cooke stated
that this is not a rigid document, the Comprehensive Plan needs to
be reviewed annually and updated accordingly.
Mayor Dodd stated that the City Council has set up a Study Session
in order to study the Final Draft of the Comprehensive Plan and to
come up with a procedure to schedule the Planning and Zoning Board
to review and comment on and to arrange for the appropriate Public
Hearings. The Final Draft of the Comprehensive Plan will be
located in the Library for Citizens to review and study.
Mayor Dodd explained that the Comprehensive Plan will be reviewed
once a year and will be analyzed and reviewed in great depth every
five years to keep the document current with the changing times.
C.3 DISCUSS TAKING POSITION ON THE PROPOSED DART SYSTEM AND
TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Councilmember Dingman read the proposed position of the Mayor and
the City Council, in regards to the proposed DART System, as
captioned below:
"The Farmers Branch Mayor and City Council will support a rail
plan that addresses the following four criteria. They are
listed in priority order:
I. A the Rail Plan must be a regional plan that
reflects the final 1983 service plan as much as
possible.
II. This regional
system
must be
financially
feasible. The
phasing
of lines and
the staging
Vol. 49, Page 90
of lines within that phasing, should reflect the
most cost effective sequence based on a line's
construction cost and ridership. The Board
should establish a cap on the peak debt
significantly under what the Board feels it can
carry. A responsible financial plan should also
provide prudent planning for cost overruns.
In connection with the rail plan, DART must adopt
the most cost effective technology for the
system. At this time, that appears to be light
rail as opposed to pre-metro.
III. An effective suburban bus system must be part
of the overall DART plan. Any financial plan to
build rail must leave enough money to provide a
flexible approach to newly established suburban
service.
The bus system is an essential part of the
transportation planning in our city, and we
cannot support DART without it.
IV. The Garland, Central Expressway, and Stemmons
stations on LBJ should all be included in the
same phase of construction. This will enable the
H.O.V. lanes or rail lines on LBJ Freeway to be
more effective from an operational standpoint by
providing an east/west link to the north/south
rail lines.
The Stemmons/LBJ rail station would also be a
logical terminal point for regular bus service to
DFW Airport, therefore providing a bus/rail link
from the airport to downtown by 1999.
Farmers Branch has supported DART in the past. Our citizens
have voted for DART not once but twice. They have also
provided $1 million of bond money to help build a DART station
in our city.
We continue to support DART now during its present
deliberations, and are willing to work with the DART Board to
adopt and build a financially strong regional transportation
system."
Mayor Dodd stated that he would read the above position to the DART
Board at the up and coming meeting on Thursday night should the
motion be adopted.
A motion by Councilmember Blair, a second by Councilmember Dingman,
all voting "aye", directed the above captioned position of the
Mayor and the City Council, on the Proposed DART System be
Vol. 49, Page 91
presented to the DART Board, in the Thursday, August 28th, 1986,
DART Board Meeting.
Mayor Dodd stated that he would also send a copy of the Mayor's and
City Council's position on the proposed DART System to other area
Mayors.
C.4 DISCUSS CONDITIONS ALONG FARMERS BRANCH CREEK AND TAKE
THE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Dodd stated that this has been placed on the agenda at the
request of Mrs. Mary Ludwick, Vernon Smith and Jack Shirley.
Mr. Vernon Smith, 2715 Bay Meadow Circle, presented several slides,
dated August 3rd, 1986, of the problem areas of the Farmers Branch
Creek which covered accumulations of debris and silt, a damaged
bridge, fallen golf turf and demolished dams. Mr. Smith explained
the events leading up to the deterioration of the Farmers Branch
Creek and stated that the Engineering Department did not issue
permits for the correction of the above stated problems and that
the City Council did not take any time or action, that he was aware
of, on the Gazebo Entrance at Number's 14 and 15.
Mr. Jack Shirley, 2705 Bay Meadow Circle, Acting President of the
Farmington Park Lake Association, was present, representing
twenty-two property owners whose property backs up to the Farmers
Branch Creek. Mr. Shirley presented photos of the Farmers Branch
Creek, prior to the destruction. On March 22, 1985, The Texas
Department of Water Resources sent a chronological list of dates
and events to the Farmington Branch Lake Association. On August
22, 1985, both dams were classified as having a low hazard
potential to downstream property and possible loss of life. It was
noted that this classification could change if further development
occurred downstream along Farmers Branch.
Mr. Shirley stated that according to the Texas Department of Water
Resources; on October 16th, 1985, Mr. Moon informed the Texas
Department of Water Resources that the on-channel dams on this
particular lake that gave away and dumped all this silt, were being
maintained by the City of Farmers Branch. Mr. Shirley questioned,
"What is the City of Farmers Branch going to do about the lake that
is filled up with silt?"
Mayor Dodd requested documentation of the above information as
stated by Mr. Jack Shirley.
Ms. Sue Goodwin, 2740 Farmers Branch Lane, was present and
requested the help of the City of Farmers Branch in cleaning the
Lake. Ms. Goodwin questioned whether a waiver could be established
to allow the City to come in and clean private property?
City Attorney, John Boyle stated that the City can expend funds for
public projects or to protect public property and/or in the event
Vol. 49, Page 92
that there is a situation where the public water cannot enter an
area or leave an area, and if there is a determination that public
waters have caused a problem, then even without an easement the
City could obtain rights from property owners and then would be
correcting a public problem. The City does not have the ability to
improve and enhance private property with public funds.
Mr. Jerry Squyres, 3552 Golfing Green, representing 21 creek-line
owners, between lot number 5 and lot number 23 and Golfing Green
Estates No. 14, stated that homeowners paid a premium for the homes
in these areas (because of the nice trees, water and fish) and in
September 1985, a cavity washout under the concrete dam was
noticed. In November 1985, Mr. Squyres made a request to the City
for an estimate to repair the dam. December 16, 1985, Mr. Squyres
appeared before the Study Session of the City Council and three
options were submitted to the City as follows, Option No. 1. Do
nothing to the Dam. 2. Force lot owner to repair the dam. 3. The
City would repair the dam in the amount of $12,000.00. Mr. Squyres
stated that the lot owners offered to pay the City $12,000.00 to
repair the dam.
Mr. Squyres questioned the Council:
1. Why didn't the Council accept the $12,000.00 from
the citizens and repair the dam?
2. Why haven't you
dam, as recommei
on December 16,
3. Why did you do
the recommended
Mr. Squyres stated that
meeting the City dumped
along Valley View Lane.
forced the owner to repair the
zded at the Study Session Meeting
1985?
nothing when that wasn't one of
options?
within thirty days of the December 16th,
tons of dirt into the Farmers Branch Creek
4. Why are we digging dirt out of Mallon Park and
taking it upstream and dumping it into the
creek.
Mr. Squyres stated that the silt which the citizens are
complaining about is not as much from the silt of the lake as much
as it is to the dirt that the City dumped into the stream in an
effort to keep Valley View from falling into the river. The water
shed around Addison is causing more water in Farmers Branch Creek
than ever before. The dam at lot number 5 is eroded and soon will
break like the dam at lot number 23. Mr. Squyres stated that the
problems are serious and will only get worse. Mr. Squyres proposed
a Bond Election to correct the problems of Farmers Branch Creek.
Mr. Squyres requested the amount of money already spent and how
much dirt was dumped into the creek.
Vol. 49, Page 93
Assistant City Manager, Steve Carpenter, was present and stated
that the City did go into that area and worked from October 1985 to
January 1986, putting in approximately 1,500 cubic yards of dirt,
from the old Landfill which was stockpiled, with a total cost for
labor and equipment in the approximate amount of $19,500.00.
Mr. Shirley stated that there is only about three to four feet left
before Valley View Lane will physically be in the creek.
Ms. Romona Upfield, 13542 Braemar Drive, was present and stated
that the amount of debris coming down the creek is tremendous, and
questioned, "What recourses do the citizens have and whose
obligation is it?"
Mr. Tom Scales, Director of Community Services, was present and
stated that the City is responsible for three areas of pollution in
the City creeks as follows:
1. Litter type pollution.
2. Chemical spill pollution.
3. Testing and monitoring of water ways within the
city.
Mr. Scales stated that the City does furnish annually a copy of the
testing and monitoring of the City waterways to the State. The
City does respond to complaints on trash and litter in the creeks,
and at this time, we do not have a program where the creek is
monitored daily or weekly. The City does have a list of 28 notices
which were given to companies within the City of Farmers Branch,
not because of complaints, but where the City was able to determine
the Company that placed debris in the creek, and the company was
forced to remove the debris. The City has responded to several
chemical spills (from paint, lime, oil etc.). Usually the City was
unable to determine the responsibility, therefore the City has
cleaned the chemical spills.
City Attorney, John Boyle stated that there is a matter of the
"burden of proof", in establishing who did it and there are three
routes in which a business, an individual, or a municipality, can
file a complaint: 1. The City Offices. 2. The Municipal Court, or
3. The District Court.
Ms. Upfield questioned the amount of designated funds for drainage
control and how much had been spent?
City Manager, Paul West stated that the drainage control funds are
designated for City owned creeks.
Mr. C.M. Dorries, 3062 Selma, stated that most of the problem is
directly related to a particular builder and his redoing the dam
and rerouting the creek and questioned why there is not any legal
Vol. 49, Page 94
action being taken against the builder and why the City is being
held responsible.
City Attorney, John Boyle stated that there were two dams that
were focused on over a year ago: 1. The Concrete Dam, which was
legally the responsibility of the property owner under the
developers contract and the sub-division plat. City Attorney John
Boyle explained that there was nothing done by the property owner
and subsequently the dam did erode and is one of the major causes
of the current problem. 2. The earth dam, which broke and released
all that water, was just recently acquired by a Savings and Loan
Company and no action was taken prior to that time. Mr. Boyle
further stated that the earth dam is also on private property,
and as a result of the action and failure to maintain that dam, the
Citizens and the City may be able to establish proof that the
Savings and Loan Company had negligence on their part which
resulted in the damages.
City Attorney, John Boyle stated that the City did not have the
ability or the ordinances to require or enforce the property owner
to repair that dam. It came to the attention that the City is the
overseers of Flood Plain Management, but that dam had been build
prior to the sub-division, and is not under a permitted situation
from the State and the City could not require him to build it back,
but if there were damages as a result of that dam and the
establishment of negligence on his part, then he could be liable
and responsible for the third parties who were damaged, as a
result. Under Ordinance No. 1172, as pointed out, it is the
Property Owners responsibilities.
Assistant City Engineer, Mark Pavageaux, stated that in researching
the files, that the dam was originally breached in 1983, and at
that time the City was notified (which was only out of courtesy of
the Property Owner).
Mr. Pavageaux further stated and could only assume, that The Texas
Water Commission should have been notified by the property owner,
to enable the breaching to be monitored, (The Texas Water
Commission was not notified). Mr. Pavageaux explained that the
replacement of the breaching in the dam occurred in 1985, upon the
replacement, the spillway was adjusted, removed and lined with
paving blocks, and in August 1986, due to heavy rains and the
impoundment of the lake, the dam fell, the water in the lake was
released, and paving blocks were washed away.
Mayor Dodd stated that currently there is a problem in
communications with the Texas Water Commission. Mayor Dodd
requested that the City Staff keep the Texas Water Commission
informed even though it is not legally the responsibility of the
city.
Mr. Jack
Shirley
questioned
whether the
City knew water was being
diverted
into the
lake from
the Farmers
Branch Creek.
Vol. 49, Page 95
Mayor Dodd stated that Citizens contacted the City when the creek
was going dry, which by that time the damage had been done.
Mayor Dodd stated that when Mr. Jerry Squyres contacted the City,
stating that the dam was going to go, the City immediately notified
property owners of the potential problem by letter.
Ms. Mary Ludwick, 12240 Veronica, was present and questioned why
the City turned down the $12,000.00 from the Citizens to repair the
dam? Ms. Ludwick read a letter dated June 1980 , from John
Porterfield, City Engineer, to City Manager, Paul West;
referencing: "Removal of Dams on the Old George Estate"; which
stated that; "If either the developer or the Home Owners
Association fails to properly maintain the flood way easement, the
City does have the right to maintain the floodway easement, then to
charge the Developer or the Home Owners Association for the cost
incurred by the City."
Councilmember Blair stated that the Council really did not have the
option of accepting the $12,000.00 from the citizens to repair the
dam because of the private property issue and that the option to
accept the money from the Citizens came from Mr. Shirley and not
the Council.
City Manager, Paul West stated that the purpose of the floodway
easement is to maintain the easement so that it can carry the
floods, and the City would have the ability to remove obstructions.
Assistant City Engineer, Mark Pavageaux, stated that the Valley
View dam is located within the floodway easement. Mr. Pavageaux
explained that there is a difference between a floodway drainage
and a floodway easement that delineates a floodway. (A matter of
interpretation).
City Attorney, John Boyle stated that a floodway easement in this
situation puts the responsibility upon the private home owner.
Councilmember Dingman referenced the Creek Erosion Study, developed
by the City Engineering Department in February 1985, itemized under
the "Maintenance Responsibility Section" which defines the drainage
easement and the floodway easement as follows:
1. Drainage Easement: This type of easement is for
the sole purpose of draining water from a given
area by either surface run-off or an underground
drainage system. In this type of easement the
City has the responsibility to see that all
drainage is properly and adequately handled
through the drainage easement.
2. Floodway Easement: A floodway easement is for
the purpose of delineating the limits of the 100
Vol. 49, Page 96
year flood plain and within the 100 year flood
plain there can be no fences, buildings,
landscaping, or other obstructions build, placed
or planted. The city has no maintenance
responsibilities for erosion in this type of
easement. The only other area that the City has
maintenance responsibilities adjacent to these
creeks, is when the property belongs to the City.
Ms. Mary Ludwick, further stated that her property is located
within the boundaries to be taken care of by the City.
Ms. Ludwick requested that the Sedway Cooke plan look into the long
term plans to address erosion along the creek, and that the City
also investigate and determine what can be done to control the
erosion along the creek, and that the City also come up with a
Master Plan, so that the City can do their part along the
public-ways and to let the homeowners know exactly what they can do
along their private property to prevent further erosion. Ms.
Ludwick also requested a time limit be set on all of her requests.
Mr. Tom Cooke, Sedway Cooke Inc., was present and stated that
Sedway Cooke is recommending a comprehensive stream wide analysis,
which involves looking not only at the creek areas within the City,
but also looking at the whole water shed and putting together a
whole series of mechanisms to begin to solve the problem. Mr.
Cooke stated that the erosion control devices being installed are
not addressing the entire problem and that a hydraulic study which
would take approximately four to six months needs to be done.
Mr. Bill Craft, 12246 Veronica, was present and stated that there
is a severe problem with debris coming down the creek. Mr. Craft
questioned how the City is going to help the property owners to
resolve this problem.
Mr. Don Lowan, 12214 Veronica Circle, stated that most of the
people on his side of the creek do not own the property, but that
the property owners on the opposite side of the creek own the
property. Mr. Lowan explained that property owners are losing
their property to the creek with no recourse because they do not
own any part of the creek itself.
Mr. Peter Franklin, 3120 Brookhallow, stated that he has owned the
property since 1983, and that within the last year has lost trees
and accumulated lots of debris. Mr. Franklin suggested that
because the problem seems to stem from heavy construction upstream
that the City issue no more building permits until the problem is
solved.
Mayor Dodd suggested that more care and concern in monitoring,
inspecting and red-tagging the construction areas should be taken.
Vol. 49, Page 97
Mr. Preston Lybrand, 2634 Farmers Branch Lane, suggested that the
property directly south of his property could belong to the City.
Mr. Lybrand stated that there is quite a bit of trash accumulated
in this area.
Ms. Gail Gatcomb, 2638 Farmers Branch Lane, was present and stated
that over the past two years there has been several changes in the
Farmers Branch Creek. Ms. Gatcomb stated that the City should
have cleaned up the sewage pipe in the creek. Ms. Gatcomb
requested that the City remove pieces of pipe from the creek behind
her house. Ms. Gatcomb further requested additional inspections of
the Farmers Branch Creek, in conjunction with controlled
construction, New City Policy changes, removal of trees from center
of the creek, restoration of the concrete dam and a more active
roll by the City in the Farmers Branch Creek problems.
Councilmember Dingman referenced the Sedway Cooke Comprehensive
Plan and stated that the whole water shed system needs to be looked
at and that spot repairing, such as replacing this dam, as in the
past, can cause additional problems.
Mr. Jack Vanderslice, 3273 Brincrest, was present and stated that
permits should be issued with conditions such as mandatory holding
ponds. Mr. Vanderslice stated that he agrees that all building
permits should be halted until the problems are corrected. Mr.
Vanderslice further stated that he felt that the City is liable for
all of the erosion damage caused by construction because the City
issued the building permits in the first place.
City Attorney, John Boyle stated that the issuing of building
permits and the approval of sub-division plats, in his opinion,
does not incur liability.
Mr. Jim Badgett, 12348 Veronica Lane, was present and stated that
there has been quite a problem with a bridge behind his home, the
bridge creates swirling and undercutting. In 1983 Mr. Badgett
stated that 14 trees were cutout of his back yard by the City,
nine of the trees were on the creek bank and five were in his back
yard. Neighbors directly behind his home doing erosion control are
creating more erosion on his side of the creek.
Mr. Richard Castro, 13204 Woodhaven Drive, was present and stated
that the ultimate solution to the erosion problem is in the
Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Castro requested permission to install a
temporary concrete embankment to halt further erosion on his
property.
City Attorney, John Boyle stated that Mr. Castro could be held
liable for causing upstream or downstream damage because of the
installation of a proposed temporary concrete embankment.
Councilmember Dingman stated that the City has used temporary
concrete embankment on its property and that it would be a good
Vol. 49, Page 98
idea to let the individual property owners also use temporary
measures to halt further erosion without interruption from the
city.
Councilmember Dunagan stated that the City should instruct the
property owners on how and what they can do to stop further erosion
without disrupting or causing further erosion.
Councilmember Weidinger stated that there are four problems that
need to be addressed:
1. The damages public property does moving on to
private property and the concern of the erosion
problems on Mallon Park, do we remove the silt
first and is it the City's silt and should the
City remove the silt. Are we going to do the
work prior to removing the silt, it behooves the
City to remove the silt first.
2. What kind of action can the City take as far as
private action on what people can do to help
their property if they want to pay for it.
3. What are we going to do and how can we proceed to
get the dams replaced, this should be the first
thing done.
4. The City needs to look at the trash situation as
far as what the City can do upstream.
Mayor Dodd suggested that the staff to come back to the Council
with suggestions that would aid the citizens, for temporary
structures to control erosion on private property with private
money.
Mayor Dodd suggested that the City Staff work with Mr. Castro and
his submitted building permit in allowing some type of relief in
temporary erosion control.
There was discussion of the City Staff setting up a procedure to
monitor construction sites and to visit with the City of Addison
regarding the trash that is put into the creeks. The monitoring
should be ongoing to include reviews and inspections.
Mayor Dodd questioned the legal follow-up on the rebuilding of the
dams.
City Attorney, John Boyle stated that the Texas Water Commission
will have to issue a permit to reconstruct the dams. The City can
take the position of being opposed or agreeing to rebuilding the
dams and submit its opinion to the Texas Water Commission.
Vol. 49, Page 99
Councilmember Blair stated that this item needs to be put on the
Executive Session on the next City Council Meeting because it
encompasses legal action and land purchase.
D.1 CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
CONTRACT WITH F & S PARTNERS, INC. FOR THE
DESIGN OF A NEW CITY HALL AND TAKE THE APPROPRIATE
ACTION.
Mayor Dodd stated that in order to begin the planning and design
aspects of the new City Hall, it is necessary to execute a contract
with F & S Partners Inc. for Architectural Services.
Mayor Dodd explained that the office of the City Manager recommends
approval to execute a contract with F & S Partners, Inc. and
appropriate from designated Bond Funds the following:
BASIC SERVICES .............$460,000.00
REIMBURSABLES 50,000.00
TOTAL ......................$510,000.00
After some discussion, a motion by Councilmember Blair, a second by
Councilmember Dunagan, all voting "aye", authorized the City
Manager to execute a contract with F & S Partners, Inc. for the
design of a new City Hall in the amount of $510,000.00.
D.2 CONSIDER MAKING COMMENTS TO THE TEXAS AIR CONTROL BOARD
REGARDING PERMIT APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY TEXAS COLOR,
INC. AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Dodd stated that the Texas Air Control Board is requesting
that the City make comments regarding an application for a permit
by Texas Color, Inc. located at 4800 Spring Valley Road to modify
its facility. Texas Color, Inc. has applied for a permit from the
Texas Air Control Board to replace a printing press containing no
air pollution control devices with a modern press which has air
pollution control devices. This modification will reduce
atmospheric emissions from the facility.
Councilmember Weidinger stated that the Texas Color Company
presently operates three printing presses, two which have air
pollution control devices and a third which is currently being
changed out. The Texas Color Company is requesting the banking of
the 20 pound reduction in emission levels to be available for
future installation of more printing presses.
After much discussion, a motion by Councilmember Weidinger, a
second by Councilmember Phelps, all voting "aye", directed the City
Staff to notify the Texas Air Control Board that the City concurs
with the replacing of the current printing press to the new more
efficient printing press, with air pollution control devices, and
opposes the banking of the 20 pound reduction in emission levels
Vol. 49, Page 100
for future press installations, thereby requiring the company to
comply with the 95% pollution control efficiency.
D.3 CONSIDER ORDINANCE NO. 1643 FOR THE ADMINISTRATION
OF THE ANNUAL OVERLAY PROGRAM AND TAKE APPROPRIATE
ACTION.
Mayor Dodd stated that the Hot-Mix Overlay Program is designed to
rehabilitate asphalt pavements and extend the useful service life
of concrete pavements.
Mayor Dodd stated that the proposed ordinance is intended to
provide guidelines for the administration of this program and to
provide an alternative to an asphalt overlay in areas where
residents do not favor the resurfacing of their street with
asphalt.
A motion by Councilmember Dunagan, a second by Councilmember
Dingman, all voting "aye", adopted Ordinance No. 1643 to provide
guidelines for the administration of the "Alternative to Asphalt
Overlay Program" in areas where residents do not favor the
resurfacing of their streets with asphalt as captioned below:
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS
BRANCH, TEXAS ESTABLISHING A PROCEDURE FOR
THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE ASPHALT OVERLAY
PROGRAM WITH A PROVISION FOR ALTERNATIVE
TOTAL STREET RECONSTRUCTION."
D.4 CONSIDER AUTHORIZING FINAL PAYMENT TO TEXAS FIXTURE,
INC. ON THE SENIOR ADULT ACTIVITY CENTER AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Dodd stated that the Texas Fixture, Inc., the contractor for
the Senior Adult Activity Center, has submitted for final payment
on the project.
After some discussion, a motion by Councilmember Blair, a second by
Councilmember Weidinger, all voting "aye", tabled the consideration
of authorizing final payment to Texas Fixture, Inc. on the Senior
Adult Activity Center until September 8th, 1986, for further study
by the City's Legal Department and to protect the City's legal
position.
D.5 CONSIDER AWARDING BID FOR ELECTRONIC SURVEY EQUIPMENT
AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Dodd stated that bids were opened for electronic survey
equipment on August 13, 1986. Three bids were received. The low
bid was $19,190.00 from Midwest Surveyors Service. The Engineering
Department has funds available for the purchase of this equipment
in the amount of $25,000.00.
Vol. 49, Page 101
Mayor Dodd stated that the Engineering Department recommends that
the bid for the electronic survey equipment be awarded to Midwest
surveyors service in the amount of $19,190.00.
A motion by Councilmember Weidinger, a second by Councilmember
Phelps, all voting "aye", awarded the bid for the electronic survey
equipment to Midwest Surveyors Service in the amount of $19,190.00,
from designated funds in the Engineering Department.
D.6 DISCUSS COUNCIL TRAVEL REQUESTS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE
ACTION.
Mayor Dodd stated that this item is placed on each agenda to give
the Council members the opportunity to present requests.
There were no travel requests by the Mayor or Councilmembers at
this time.
D.7 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION.
Jerry Chapman, 13208 Woodhaven Drive, was present and stated that
one solution to the erosion problem on the Farmers Branch Creek
would be for all of the property owners to donate their property on
the creek to the City of Farmers Branch.
MAYOR DODD ANNOUNCES THAT THE ITEMS ON THE AGENDA OR THE GENERAL
SESSION HAVE BEEN CONCLUDED. AFTER A SHORT RECESS, THE MEETING
WILL RECONVENE FOR ITEMS IN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION. THE MEETING
WILL RECONVENE INTO GENERAL SESSION AFTER THE ITEMS HAVE BEEN
DISCUSSED IN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION. ARTICLE 6252-17, SECTION 2
OF THE OPEN MEETING LAW PROVIDES THAT SUCH ITEMS AS PERSONAL
MATTERS, LAND ACQUISITION AND PENDING AND CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION
MAY BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION.
E.1 EXECUTIVE SESSION.
C. Discuss Pending and Contemplated Litigation - Article
6252-17 Sec. 2(e)
A. CONSIDER AND REVIEW CITY'S CLAIM FOR REIMBURSEMENT
OF EXPENSES RELATING TO ZOECON.
1. There was no discussion on this item.
B. REVIEW AND DISCUSS THE WALKER VS CITY OF FARMERS
BRANCH CASE.
1. City Attorney, John Boyle gave a report on
the case.
C. DISCUSS PERSONNEL MATTERS - ARTICLE 6252-17,
SEC. 2(g).
Vol. 49, Page 102
1. Discuss Appointment of a Representative to the
Steering Committee of the Trinity River Planning
Process as Conducted by the Corps of Engineers
and the North Central Texas Council of
Governments.
D. DISCUSS APPOINTMENT OF AN ASSOCIATE MUNICIPAL COURT
JUDGE.
E.4 CONSIDER NECESSARY ACTION IN PENDING AND CONTEMPLATED
LITIGATION DISCUSSED IN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.
A motion by Councilmember Blair, a second by Councilmember
Weidinger, all voting "aye", appointed Councilmember John Dunagan
as the City's official to serve on the Trinity River Corridor
Interjurisdictional Management Program Steering Committee.
A motion by Councilmember Weidinger, a second by Councilmember
Phelps, all voting "aye", appointed J. Scott Perry as an Associate
Municipal Court Judge who is to serve as the Court Judge upon the
absence of Judge Arthur Skibill.
THE COUNCIL RECONVENED INTO GENERAL SESSION
F.1 ADJOURNMENT.
A motion by Councilmember Weidinger, a second by Councilmember
Blair, all voting "aye", adjourned the City Council Meeting at
11:34 iP, I.
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City Secretary'
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Vol. 49, Page 103