1987-08-17 CC MinutesCITY OF FARMERS BRANCH
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
08/17/87
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
Bob Phelps
John Dunagan
Calla Davis
Dave Blair
Herb Weidinger
The following members of the City Administration were present:
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
City Secretary
Director of Community Services
Director of Public Works
Traffic Engineer
City Engineer
Richard L. Escalante
Steve Carpenter
Gene Carlton
John Boyle
Ruth Ann Parish
Tom Scales
Earl Deland
Larry Cervenka
Jerry Murawski
Mayor Dodd called the City Council Meeting of 08/17/87
to order at 7:32 p.m. The meeting was televised.
A.1 INVOCATION
Councilman Herb Weidinger gave the invocation and led the
Pledge of Allegiance.
A.2 CONSIDER DONATION OF THREE PAIR KNITTING NEEDLES, MADE
IN THE 2ND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY.
Mayor Dodd explained that Mrs. Oran (Inez) Good of 2527
Farmers Branch Lane, Farmers Branch,Texas, wishes to donate
three pair of knitting needles to the Historical Park.
The Parks & Recreation Department recommends that the donation
be accepted.
Vol. 53, Page 2.4.
Jeff Fuller, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation, came
forward to make the presentation.
Councilman Blair moved to accept the donation of the three
pair of knitting needles from Mrs. Oran Good. Councilman
Phelps seconded the motion and all voted "aye".
A.3 CONSIDER DONATION OF A CHAIR, DATED FROM EARLY PART OF
20TH CENTURY.
Mayor Dodd explained that Ms. Juanita Osborne, Osborne's House
Restaurant, 2722 Mount View, Farmers Branch, Texas, wishes
to donate a chair, dated from early part of 20th century, to
the Historical Park.
The Parks & Recreation Department recommends that the donation
be accepted.
Jeff Fuller, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation, came
forward to make the presentation of the Chair dated from the
early part of the 20th Century for Ms. Osborne.
Councilwoman Davis moved to accept the donation of the chair
from Ms. Osborne. Councilman Weidinger seconded the motion
and all voted "aye".
A.4
CONSIDER REQUEST OF THE MASONIC LODGE TO DONATE THE
CORNERSTONE FOR THE NEW CITY HALL AND TAKE THE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Dodd explained that Mark Young will be present to
present the request from the Masonic Lodge.
Mark Young came forward representing the Masonic Lodge on
Demetra Street in Farmers Branch and requesting that a
cornerstone be placed in northeast corner of the new City
Hall. The polished white marble cornerstone will be
inculcated into the design as suggested by Ken Hutchins of F&S
Partners to reflect the Masonic emblem in which a time
capsule will be placed.
J. E. Johnson came forward and spoke briefly about the
tradition of the cornerstone.
Councilman Blair moved to accept the cornerstone to be placed
in the new City Hall from the James A. Smith #395 Masonic
Lodge of Farmers Branch. Councilman Phelps seconded the
motion and all voted "aye".
A.5 PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS
A. 5a
Vol. 53, Page 25.
Mayor Dodd presented Russell Bennett of the Fire Department
with a 5-year employee service award.
A.5b
Mayor Dodd presented Mike Nolen of the Fire Department with a
5-year employee service award.
A. 5c
Mayor Dodd presented Mark Young of the Police Department with
a 5-year employee service award.
A.6 PRESENTATION OF BOARD APPLICATIONS.
Mayor Dodd explained that this item gives applicants an
opportunity to present board applications to the City Council.
No one wished to present the
application at this time.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
City Council with a board
Mayor Dodd introduced Mike Tucker, Chairman of the Board of
the Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Tucker came
forward to honor excellence in city government by calling Tom
Scales to the podium and presenting him with a plaque
expressing the Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce's
appreciation for the excellent job he did while serving as
Acting City Manager.
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING AS CONSENT ITEMS AND TAKE
THE APPROPRIATE ACTION. ITEMS B.1 THROUGH B.4
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.
Councilman Phelps moved to withdraw item B.2 from the Consent
Agenda items. Councilwoman Davis seconded he motion and all
voted "aye".
Councilman Phelps moved to add item C.5 to the Consent Agenda
items. Councilwoman Davis seconded the motion and all voted
"aye".
u
Vol. 53, Page 26.
Councilman Phelps moved to accept the following Consent Agenda
items. Councilwoman Davis seconded the motion and all voted
"aye".
B.1 APPROVED MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 3, 1987.
B.3 APPROVED ACCEPTANCE OF A RETAINING WALL EASEMENT
BY MR. DELBERT BURL DEATON LOCATED AT 2627 VALWOOD
PARKWAY FOR CONTAINMENT OF CHANNEL IMPROVEMENTS
TO COOKS CREEK AT VALWOOD PARKWAY.
B.4 APPROVED THE FILL PERMIT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A
GABION RETAINING WALL ALONG FARMERS BRANCH CREEK
BEHIND 3277 BRINCREST FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROTECTING
THE CREEK BANKS FROM EROSION.
C.5 APPROVED REQUEST BY THE FARMERS BRANCH CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE TO WAIVE TEMPORARY FOOD PERMIT FEE ($10.00)
RELATED TO THE SIDEWALK SALE FOR AUGUST 22, 1987.
B.2 CONSIDER ACCEPTANCE OF A RETAINING WALL EASEMENT
FROM MS. ETHEL M. ELLIS OF 2626 VALWOOD PARKWAY,
CONSIDER MS. ELLIS' REQUEST FOR COMPENSATION,
AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
As part of the Valwood Parkway Improvements Project, a
permanent Retaining Wall Easement must be acquired from Ms.
Ethel M. Ellis' property at 2626 Valwood Parkway. The
easement is to contain channel improvements to Cooks Creek at
Valwood Parkway. The installation of the retaining wall and
bridge structures adjacent to Ms. Ellis' property requires
removing a healthy 24-inch diameter sycamore tree which was
planted by Ms. Ellis approximately 26 years ago. Although the
sycamore tree is within the existing Valwood Parkway street
right-of-way, Ms. Ellis has requested that the City provide
compensation for the Retaining Wall Easement and for the loss
of her tree by providing to her, funds to replant a young tree
in her front yard.
Estimated cost of a 2 to 2 1/2 inch tree, planted and
guaranteed by an independent nursery would be approximately
$350.00. In order to avoid hindering the City's project, Ms.
Ellis executed the required Retaining Wall Easement and hopes
the City of Farmers Branch will consider her request.
Jerry Murawski, City Engineer, came forward to answer
questions from the Council on this item.
Councilman Blair moved to accept the retaining wall easement
from Ms. Ethel M. Ellis of 2626 Valwood Parkway and to grant
Ms. Ellis' request to replace a tree on her property at the
fee of $350.00 to be allocated from the General Fund.
Councilman Dunagan seconded the motion and all voted "aye".
Vol. 53, Page 27.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
Michael Nerlinger, Chairman of the Community and Tourism
Committee for the Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce, came
forward to announce the Sidewalk Sale, Saturday, August 22,
1987. Mr. Nerlinger outlined some of the activities.
EMERGENCY ITEMS ADDED.
COUNCILMAN PHELPS ANNOUNCED that two emergency items had been
added to the regular agenda: Item C.6, a request from the
North Texas Commission; and Item C.7, a change order to the
Valwood Parkway improvement contract.
Councilman Phelps moved to add Items C.6 and C.7 to the
regular agenda. Councilman Weidinger seconded the motion and
all voted "aye".
C.1 CITY MANAGER REPORTS.
City Manager, Richard Escalante, gave an informative report on
the programs, projects and happenings of the various
departments of the City.
Mr. Escalante announced that Debbie Champion has been
appointed Interim Finance Director.
C.2 PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER REQUEST OF ROBERT S. NULL TO
AMEND PLANNED DEVELOPMENT NO. 35 TO PERMIT A MORTUARY
BY SPECIFIC USE PERMIT; AND TO DETERMINE IF A SPECIFIC
USE PERMIT FOR A MORTUARY SHOULD BE GRANTED ON A 0.89
ACRE TRACT OF LAND AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF WILLIAM
DODSON PARKWAY AND VALLEY VIEW LANE, SAID PROPERTY
COMMONLY KNOWN AS 2570 VALLEY VIEW LANE.
Mayor Dodd explained that Robert Null intends to convert the
present Church of Christ structure at the above location into
a mortuary if the PD is amended and the SUP is granted.
The Planning and Zoning Commission, by a 3-1 vote with 1
abstention, recommended that PD-35 be amended to permit a
mortuary by SUP. The Commission continued the request for an
SUP, therefore no action may be taken concerning the SUP.
Mayor Dodd opened the Public Hearing.
Mr. Robert Null came forward to answer questions pertaining to
this item.
Mr. W. W. Baker, 3021 Randy Lane, came forward speaking in
behalf of the proposed funeral home at this location. He is
the pastor of the First Baptist Church across William Dodson
Vol. 53, Page 28.
from the proposed site of the funeral home. His church would
be willing to handle overflow parking for the funeral home
operations.
Mr. Berry Grubbs, 13460 Briarbrook, came forward to express
his opposition to the SUP for the mortuary at the entrance of
the new City Hall and does not feel it meets criteria of the
Comprehensive Plan. He feels that the SUP, if approved,
should be limited to a short period of time to see what
development might take place in the area in the near future as
a result of the Comprehensive Plan.
Mary Sue Rogers, 3470 JanLyn, came forward to express her
opposition to the mortuary being placed at the entrance way of
the new City Hall.
Seeing that no one else wished to speak to this agenda item,
Councilwoman Davis moved to close the Public Hearing.
Councilman Weidinger seconded the motion and all voted "aye".
MAYOR DODD ANNOUNCED that Councilman Phelps excused himself
from the Council Chambers due to a personal reason which has
nothing to do with an agenda item.
Councilman Weidinger called Mr. Null forward and asked what
Mr. Null planned to do to enhance the building and parking lot
at the proposed location of the mortuary.
Mr. Null stated that the parking lot would have to be
completely repaved, the landscaping would be re-worked,
the steeple would be removed and the building would be painted
inside and outside.
Councilman Weidinger stated that he would have a problem
approving a SUP for the mortuary without seeing what the site
plan is going to look like.
Councilman Dunagan stated that the item the Public Hearing was
addressing was whether or not the citizens and Council would
permit a mortuary in this location. Councilman Dunagan stated
he would like to see a really nice looking building and
landscape there.
Councilman Blair said he might be for a mortuary at this
particular location; however, he feels the building would have
to be torn down and a new building built on that property
meeting building codes.
Councilwoman Davis asked Tom Scales, Director of Community
Services, if the present structure on this site complies with
building codes.
Vol. 53, Page 29.
Tom Scales came forward and stated that only on observation it
appears that the church is setting either right on the
property line or just a few feet from the property line.
Councilman Weidinger stated he feels the mortuary is needed
but, whatever is brought in at that corner should be an
enhancement.
Councilman Blair moved to permit a mortuary at the present
location of the Farmers Branch Church of Christ by approval of
a Specific Use Permit in Planned Development 35 by adopting
the following captioned Ordinance No. 1716. Councilman
Weidinger seconded the motion and all voted "aye". Councilman
Phelps was not present for the vote.
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH,
TEXAS, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS, AS
HERETOFORE AMENDED SO AS TO INDICATE A MORTUARY AS
A PERMITTED USE REQUIRING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT IN
THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT 35 ZONING DISTRICT;
PROVIDING A PENALTY OF FINE NOT TO EXCEED THE SUM
OF TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200.00) FOR EACH OFFENSE;
PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR
INJUNCTIVE RELIEF; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY."
MAYOR DODD ANNOUNCED that Councilman Phelps re-entered the
Council Chamber.
C.3 PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER REQUEST OF KURT WALL TO AMEND
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT NO. 24 TO PERMIT MODULAR STORAGE
UNITS BY SPECIFIC USE PERMIT; AND TO DETERMINE IF A
SPECIFIC USE PERMIT SHOULD BE GRANTED FOR MODULAR
STORAGE UNITS ON PROPERTY IN PD 24 LOCATED AT 2306
SPRINGLAKE ROAD.
Mayor Dodd explained that Kurt Wall owns the property at 2306
Springlake Road. It's within the PD-24 zoning district. Mini
warehouses are not allowed. Kurt Wall would like the existing
PD-24 zone to be amended to permit modular storage units by
SUP, and then to permit this use by SUP if the PD is amended.
The Planning and zoning commission, by unanimous vote,
recommends the request for an amendment to PD-24 to permit
modular storage units by SUP be denied.
Mayor Dodd opened the Public Hearing.
Inasmuch as no one was present to represent this item or to
speak on this item, Councilman Weidinger moved to close the
Public Hearing. Councilman Phelps seconded the motion and all
voted "aye".
Vol. 53, Page 30.
Councilman Blair moved as per Planning and Zoning Commission
to deny the request for an amendment to PD-24 to permit
modular storage units. Councilman Weidinger seconded the
motion and all voted "aye".
C.4 PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER REQUEST OF PRIVATE SATELLITE
NETWORK FOR A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT FOR A ROOF MOUNTED
SATELLITE ANTENNA TO BE LOCATED AT 1605 LBJ FREEWAY IN
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT 22 ZONING DISTRICT.
Mayor Dodd explained that Private Satellite Network is
requesting a Specific Use Permit to locate a six foot
diameter, roof mounted antenna on top of the 8 story office
building at 1605 LBJ Freeway. Ordinance 1642 (Satellite
Antenna Regulations) requires a Specific Use Permit be
obtained for roof mounted antennas in excess of 30 inches in
diameter. The antenna will be used by tenants within the
office building.
The Planning and Zoning Commission, by unanimous vote,
recommends the Specific Use Permit be approved.
Mayor Dodd opened the Public Hearing.
Robert Brion, representative of B & H Antenna, 2862 Nagle,
came forward to answer questions on this item.
Seeing that no one came forward to speak on this item,
Councilman Blair moved to close the Public Hearing.
Councilman Dunagan seconded the motion and all voted "aye".
Councilman Blair asked Mr. Brion if this would be on a
building in the Park West Development. Mr. Brion said it
would be in the Park West Development on top of the farthest
east building which is a short building in the development.
When Mr. Brion stated it would be on the front of the building
roof, Councilman Blair asked if the satellite antenna would be
screened in any way. Mr. Brion stated there would be a
screening wall.
Councilwoman Davis asked if the antenna is for IBM and Mr.
Brion stated that the primary use of the antenna will be for
IBM.
Councilman Blair moved to approve the Specific Use Permit to
locate a six foot diameter, roof mounted antenna on top of the
8 story office building at 1605 LBJ Freeway, as recommended by
the Planning and Zoning Commission by adopting the following
captioned Ordinance No. 1715. Councilman Dunagan seconded the
motion and all voted "aye".
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH,
TEXAS, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE
Vol. 53, Page 31.
OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, AS HERETOFORE
AMENDED; SO AS TO GRANT A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT FOR
A SATELLITE ANTENNA DISH TO BE MOUNTED ON THE
ROOFTOP OF THE BUILDING LOCATED AT 1605 IH-635 IN
THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT 22 (PD-22) ZONING
DISTRICT; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY OF FINE NOT TO
EXCEED THE SUM OF ($200.00) DOLLARS FOR EACH
OFFENSE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
PROVIDING FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF; AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY."
C.5 Consent Agenda
1
C.6 CONSIDER REQUEST FROM THE NORTH TEXAS COMMISSION TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE SUPPORT OF THE SUPERCONDUCTING
SUPER COLLIDER (S.S.C.) PROJECT, AND TAKE THE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Dodd explained that The North Texas Commission is
requesting the City to add an addendum to their contract in
the amount of $3,840.00 to participate in the efforts of
bringing the Superconducting Super Collider to North Texas.
The N.T.C. is needing to raise $167,000 for this project.
The participation of $3,840.00 is calculated by the N.T.C. on
the City's pro rata share of the $167,000 based on the esti-
mated population of 24,000.
The Council and audience viewed a film on the Superconducting
Super Collider.
Councilwoman Davis moved
the contract with North
funds for Farmers Branch
Commission in support o
project in the amount of
out of the General Fund.
and all voted "aye".
to approve by signing an addendum to
Texas Commission and appropriate the
to participate with the North Texas
E the Superconducting Super Collider
$3,840.00 and that the amount come
Councilman Blair seconded the motion
Richard Escalante, City Manager, stated that such a project
would create many jobs and would bring in the leading
scientists from around the world. At the present time the
largest superconducting super collider is located in Illinois.
The competition is very tough so it is necessary that the
governments and the business communities join together in a
effort to attract this project to Texas.
Councilwoman Calla Davis said the citizens' support will be
needed when the time comes to vote for such a project to be
brought into Texas.
C.7 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 87-029 APPROVING
CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 TO THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR
Vol. 53, Page 32.
VALWOOD PARKWAY AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Dodd explained that the reconstruction of Valwood
Parkway from I.H.35E to Josey Lane is Project ST-25 of the
Bond Program. The construction contract for the subject
project was awarded to Uvalde Construction Company in the
amount of $1,365,582.03.
During the construction of the sanitary sewer relocation by
the bridge and as provided in Change Order No.1, the existing
12" sewer line in Cooks Creek is deteriorated and overloaded
to the extent that any activity along the line causes
"blowouts". Approximately 465 linear feet of 12" line needs
to be replaced with 21" line. Change Order No. 2 is in the
amount of $ 73,160 and negates Change Order No. 1. Funding
would be from the General Fund.
The City Engineer and the Director of Utilities recommends
adoption of Resolution No. 87-029 to approve Change Order
No. 2.
Jerry Murawski, City Engineer, came forward and explained what
prompted this Change Order No. 2. This change order would
nullify Change Order No. 1 which was brought before the
Council two weeks ago.
Councilman Blair moved to delete Change Order No. 1 in the
amount of $19,960 and approve Change Order No. 2 in the amount
of $73,160 to rehabilitate the sewer line located in Cooks
Creek by adoption of Resolution No. 87-029. Councilman
Weidinger seconded the motion and all voted "aye".
D.1 CONSIDER ORDINANCE NO. 1717 REGULATING DANGEROUS
ANIMALS WITHIN THE CITY AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Dodd explained that a Committee was appointed on July
20, 1987, to study the ways and means of controlling dangerous
animals within the City, and to prepare regulations to protect
citizens from these dangerous animals.
The Committee was present to make its report and recommenda-
tions.
Frank Shor, Chairman of the Committee on Dangerous Animals,
came forward to present the committee's report and
recommendations. Mr. Shor stated he feels the ordinance the
committee submitted to the staff is a very fair ordinance both
for the animal owner and for the citizen who is concerned
about danger.
Mayor Dodd read a letter from the committee stating the
committee was charged with the objective to recommend an
enforceable vicious animal ordinance that is to be approved by
Vol. 53, Page 33.
the City Council. The ordinance is to be presented to the
Council at the August 17 Council meeting. Mayor Dodd
explained that the number one consideration that the committee
was charged with was the prevention of a vicious attack.
Other considerations were (2) place the responsibility of the
animal's actions on the owner or keeper of the animal; (3)
there is to be registration of all animals; (4) a penalty of
noncompliance would be placed upon the owner or keeper, (5)
monitoring of vicious animals, (6) additional requirements
such as confinement, muzzle or leash.
Councilman Dunagan stated he feels pit bull dogs should be
banned from residential neighborhoods. Councilman Dunagan
stated he feels the ordinance should be tightened up the
ordinance and make it a little more functional. He stated he
feels the next time a Citizen's Survey is sent out it should
ask if the citizen would like to see pit bull dogs banned in
the city.
1
L
Mayor Dodd asked Mr. Shor how the ordinance described a
vicious animal. Mr. Shor stated that whether or not an animal
is considered dangerous would be left up to the animal control
officer.
Councilwoman Davis states she feels the ordinance should state
that if a vicious animal complaint is received, the animal
control officer should be able to pick that animal up and
confine it while the process is taking place to consider
whether or not the animal is vicious. She feels the complaint
should be able to be handled by a telephone call and not
necessarily by a written complaint.
Councilman Blair stated it may be possible to use the idea of
having a small board to hear these cases and act as a
go-between to act between the animal control officer and the
court. Possibly a number of the cases could be handled prior
to going to court.
Councilman Weidinger stated he has a real problem with the
idea that an unidentified individual can make a complaint
about someone's dog and the animal control officer can came
over and remove the dog from the owner. He also feels that it
would be too much of a risk to have a few citizens make up a
board that might be held liable if the wrong accusations were
made regarding someone's animal.
Bob David, representing Hutchison, Price, Boyle and Brooks,
came forward and listed the points addressed by the City
Council at the Study Session as follows:
1. The Council expressed a desire to put a provision into the
ordinance that would prevent the owner of the dog from simply
refusing to cooperate with the animal control officer. Mr.
Vol. 53, Page 34.
David stated that it was discussed in the Study Session that
if an animal was found running loose and it was found to be of
a dangerous nature, the animal would not be turned back into
the community but the animal control division would keep the
dog and the due process would be implemented. However, if an
animal control officer found an animal that was obviously
dangerous the animal control officer would have the power to
immediately impound the animal.
C
2. The Council this afternoon felt that it was not necessary
for there to be a sworn complaint, that even an anonymous
complaint could be turned in.
3. Once an animal is found to be dangerous, special enclosure
requirements will have to be imposed upon the owner to keep
the animal at his home. One requirement would be the building
of an enclosure described as a structure with secure sides
imbedded in concrete with a secure top attached to the sides
and shall be no closer than four feet from any property line.
The Council asked today to add something that would make the
closure child proof. If an animal is found running loose and
is deemed dangerous or if an animal is investigated and found
dangerous, that animal is to remain impounded until the
enclosure is in place, providing the animal is ultimately
found to be a dangerous animal by the Animal Control
Authority.
4. The ordinance provided by the committee called for a $10
annual registration fee for an animal found to be a dangerous
animal. It was the consensus of the Council that the fee
should be $25 annual fee rather than $10.
5. The Animal Control Authority as defined by the committee
would be made up of five members, all of whom would be
residents of Farmers Branch and would be appointed by the City
Council. Four of those people would be people knowledgeable
of animals and the fifth would be a veterinarian. It was the
consensus of the Council today at their Study Session that it
could be any five people selected by the City Council, not
necessarily a veterinarian or people knowledgeable of animals.
6. There was a regulation in the original ordinance, up to
the second draft, banning training animals for fighting and
other anti-social behavior. The committee had eliminated that
because it appeared to be duplicative of state statutes. The
Council asked that that be put back in.
7. An earlier draft of the ordinance had also included a
provision making it clear that it was the responsibility of
the animal control officer to enforce this ordinance. The
committee had removed it due to it seeming self-explanatory.
The Council asked that that be put back in. Mr. Shor stated
that the reason the committee dropped that provision was
Vol. 53, Page 35.
because it sounded like only the animal control officer could
pick up a dangerous animal and the committee wanted any police
officer to be able to pick up a dangerous animal.
8. There was a provision in one of the earlier drafts of the
ordinance that spelled out the power of the authority to
impound an animal if the owner was in violation of this
ordinance because it seemed to be redundant as it seemed to be
covered elsewhere in the ordinance.
Councilman Blair stated he does not feel it is the consensus
of the Council to ban any breed of animal by name from the
City of Farmers Branch. He stated he feels the committee did
a very good job defining a dangerous animal and not holding
it to any one breed or banning any animal from the City unless
ultimately deemed dangerous.
Virginia Kobler, 105 South Main, Keller, Texas, came forward
as a member of the committee and expressed her appreciation
for the Council's attempts to work through this problem.
Dr. Delbert A. Walters, 14021 Denton Drive, came forward
speaking as a committee member and asking the Council to
consider all aspects of the vicious animal problem before
making their decision.
Councilman Weidinger again stated that he, along with
Councilman Dunagan, did not see the need of the Animal Control
Authority but rather to leave it in the hands of the Animal
Control Officer. Councilman Weidinger feels there would be a
real problem created in trying to decide who would be
qualified to serve on that authority.
Mayor Dodd stated he feels it is so important to have that
committee or authority there made up of peers of the community
as a friend of the court aspect.
Councilman Dunagan moved that the ordinance not contain an
Animal Control Authority. Councilman Weidinger seconded the
motion with Councilman Weidinger, Councilman Dunagan and
Councilman Phelps voting "aye" and Councilman Blair and
Councilwoman Davis voting "nay". The vote passes 3 to 2.
Councilman Weidinger moved to have the City Attorney draft an
ordinance as per recommendations by the Vicious Animal Control
Committee excluding the provision to have an Animal Control
Authority. Councilwoman Davis seconded the motion and all
voted "aye".
Councilwoman Davis moved to have the City Staff recommend
stricter leash laws in regard to fines for first and second
offense and these recommendations be brought before the
Vol. 53, Page 36.
City Council. Councilman Phelps seconded the motion and all
voted "aye".
MAYOR DODD ANNOUNCED THE CITY COUNCIL WILL BE GOING INTO THE
BUDGET RETREAT and another item which would be discussed is an
ordinance for the total registration of dogs and cats in the
city limits of Farmers Branch to help identify vicious
animals, help determine identification of lost animals, and to
help control epidemics.
Dr. Walters stated that if the Council has an idea that the
veterinarians in town would be the ones to register the
animals, he does not want to do that, speaking as one of the
two veterinarians in town.
Councilman Dunagan stated he is for registration of the
animals telling who the owner is and where the animal lives.
Councilwoman Davis moved to have staff come before the City
Council with recommendations for registration of animals
within the city of Farmers Branch. Councilman Dunagan
seconded the motion and all voted "aye".
D.2 CONSIDER ADOPTING ORDINANCE NO. 1714 THAT AMENDS
ORDINANCE NO. 1710 RELATING TO SEXUALLY ORIENTED
BUSINESSES.
Mayor Dodd explained that the proposed ordinance amendment has
been prepared by the City Attorney.
City Attorney, John Boyle, explained the new amendment and the
need for the amendment and recommended its passage.
Councilman Phelps moved to approve ordinance No. 1714, as
captioned below, as per the City Attorney's recommendation to
amend ordinance No. 1710. Councilman Blair seconded the
motion and all voted "aye".
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH
AMENDING CHAPTER 22.1 OF THE FARMERS BRANCH CODE
OF ORDINANCES RELATING TO SEXUALLY ORIENTED
BUSINESSES; BY AMENDING SECTION 22.1-12 RELATING
TO THE TRANSFER OF LICENSES; BY AMENDING SECTION
22.1-14(e) RELATING TO EXEMPTION FROM LOCATION
RESTRICTIONS; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 22.1-21(a) AND
(c) RELATING TO ENFORCEMENT BY PROVIDING A PENALTY
OF FINE NOT TO EXCEED THE SUM OF TWO THOUSAND
DOLLARS ($2,000.00)FOR THE VIOLATION OF SECTION
22.1-13 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES AND PROVIDING A
PENALTY OF FINE NOT TO EXCEED THE SUM OF FIVE
HUNDRED DOLLARS ($500.00) FOR VIOLATION OF ANY
OTHER SECTION OF CHAPTER 22.1 AND A SEPARATE
OFFENSE SHALL BE DEEMED COMMITTED EACH DAY DURING
Vol. 53, Page 37.
OR ON WHICH A VIOLATION OCCURS OR CONTINUES;
PROVIDING THAT A VIOLATION OF SECTION 22.1-4(a) OR
22.1-13 OF THE CODE SHALL CONSTITUTE A CLASS B
MISDEMEANOR; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING
A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
D.3 CONSIDER ORDINANCE NO. 1718 RELATING TO DEFENSIVE
DRIVING FEES AND TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Dodd explained that enabling legislation passed by the
last legislature authorizes the City to collect a ten dollar
($10.00) non-refundable fee each time a person requests to
take a Defensive Driving Course for the purpose of having the
charge dismissed after the successful completion of the
course. This fee is to recover the costs incurred by the City
to process the request. Legislation to become effective
September 1, 1987.
Municipal Court recommends approval of this ordinance.
Councilman Weidinger moved to approve the below captioned
Ordinance No. 1718 relating to defensive driving course
non-refundable fee of $10.00. Councilwoman Davis seconded the
motion and all voted "aye".
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS AMENDING
CHAPTER 17 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF FARMERS
BRANCH, TEXAS BY ADDING A NEW SECTION 17 1/2-4 RELATING TO
DEFENSIVE DRIVING FEES; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING
A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
D.4 CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO MOBILIZE
CITY FORCES TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE VALLEY VIEW
LANE ALONG LOT 23, BLOCK D, BROOKHAVEN ESTATES NO. 14
ALLOCATE FUNDS. AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Dodd explained that the collapsed dam along Farmers
Branch Creek, owned by Charles W. Strieff has propagated the
erosion along Valley View Lane to the extent that immediate
action is necessary to stop the imminent cave-in of the
street.
Initial notification of the problem, and associated reponsi-
bilities were given to Mr. Strieff on September 22, 1986.
Mr.Strieff, his attorney, his lender and the bankruptcy judge
were notified of our proposed action on August 11, 1987.
The cost to the City is estimated at $27,300. The property
owner will be invoiced for the work performed. Until re-
imbursement is made, supplemental funding must be provided to
the Public Works Department in the amount of $10,000.
Vol. 53, Page 38.
The City Engineer and the Public Works Director, both profes-
sional engineers recommend that corrective action be taken
immediately to protect and preserve Valley View Lane.
Councilman Blair recounted the history behind this item.
Jerry Murawski, City Engineer came forward and stated that he
feels this manner of correcting the problem would be the most
effective.
Councilman Blair moved to authorize the City Manager to
mobilize city forces to protect and preserve Valley View Lane
along Lot 23, Block D. Brookhaven Estates No. 14, and allocate
funds in the amount of $10,000 from the General Fund and
instructed the City Attorney to take actions necessary against
the property owner. Councilman Weidinger seconded the motion
and all voted "aye".
D.5 CONSIDER AWARDING THE BID ON EROSION CONTROL IMPROVE-
MENTS FOR RAWHIDE CREEK IN ORAN GOOD PARK AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Dodd explained that erosion control improvements for
Rawhide Creek in Oran Good Park consists of gabion treatments
from Valley View Lane to Tom Field Road, construction of a dam
and drainage system for proposed parking lots. Six bids were
received on Monday, August 10, 1987. The low bidder was Craig
Oldan, Inc. with a bid of $432,544.60 in 130 calendar days. A
proposal for material testing on this project has been
received from Maxim Engineers, Inc. in the amount of $
978.00. Amount available to this project is $ 599,206.41.
The project is a bond project.
The City Engineer recommends that the bid on erosion control
improvements for Rawhide Creek in Oran Good Park be awarded to
Craig Oldan, Inc. Construction Company for a total of $432,544.60;
and that a testing Services Agreement be executed with Maxim
Engineers Inc. for a total of $978.00.
Councilwoman Davis asked if this company had done business
with the City before.
Jerry Murawski, City Engineer, came forward stating that they
have done work for the City before and they are also going to
be working on the Brookhaven Club Drive drainage improvement
project.
Councilwoman Davis asked Jerry Murawski if any thought had
been given to installing a pump to keep the water level up in
the creek at one end where the creek gets dry. He said they
are looking into the idea.
Vol. 53, Page 39.
Councilman Phelps moved to award the bid on erosion control
improvements for Rawhide Creek in Oran Good Park to Craig
Oldan, Inc. with a bid of $432,544.60 and the amount coming
out of the Bond Funds. Councilman Weidinger seconded the
motion and all voted "aye".
D.6 CONSIDER AWARDING A BID FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR
CITY BUILDINGS AND TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Dodd explained that the City has terminated the services
of the present janitorial company with an effective date of
August 31, 1987. Five bids for a 13 month contract were
received by the City at 13000 Wm. Dodson Parkway prior to
10:00 a.m. on July 31, 1987.
The Building Maintenance Division recommends awarding the bid
to the low bidder, PJ's Office Maintenance in Grand Prairie,
Texas in the amount of $66,895.00 for 13 months. This amount
will be allocated from the General Fund.
The award to PJ's Office Maintenance will result in a
$20,894.00 savings over a 13 month period.
Phyllis Blankenship of PJ's Office Maintenance came forward to
express her desire to do a good job for the City.
Councilman Dunagan moved to award the bid for janitorial
services for the City buildings to PJ's Office Maintenance in
the amount of $66,895.00 for 13 months to be funded out of the
General Fund. Councilwoman Davis seconded the motion and all
voted "aye".
D.7 CONSIDER COUNCIL TRAVEL REQUESTS AND TAKE THE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
1. LEGISLATIVE ISSUES IN AUSTIN.
Mayor Dodd explained that this item is placed on the agenda
for Council discussion and consideration.
There were no travel requests for consideration.
D.8 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION.
No one wished to speak.
E.1 EXECUTIVE SESSION.
a. DISCUSS PERSONNEL MATTERS - ARTICLE 6252-17, SEC. 2(g)
1. DISCUSS APPOINTING DART BOARD REPRESENTATIVE FOR
THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH.
2. DISCUSS APPOINTMENT TO THE LIBRARY BOARD.
THE COUNCIL RECONVENED INTO GENERAL SESSION
Vol. 53, Page 40.
Councilman Weidinger moved to appoint Donna Milton to serve on
the Library Board. Councilman Blair seconded the motion and
all voted "aye".
F.1 ADJOURNMENT.
A motion by Councilman Phelps, a second by Councilman
Weidinger, all voting "aye" adjourned the City Council Meeting
of August 17, 1987 at 10:15 P.M.
r John
City secretary
Vol. 53, Page 41.