Loading...
1989-04-17 CC MinutesCITY OF FARMERS BRANCH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 17, 1989 COUNCIL CHAMBER POLICE BUILDING 7:30 P.M. The following members of the City Council were present: Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilmembers: Dave Blair Calla Davis Nancy Hardie Jeff Binford Ron Pyle The following member of the City Council was absent. Councilmember: Bill Moses The following members of the City Administration were present: City Manager Assistant City Manager Assistant City Manager City Attorney City Secretary Economic Development Director Public Information Officer Director of Community Services City Engineer Director of Parks & Recreation Director of Public Works Traffic Engineer Richard L. Escalante Steve Carpenter John Burke John Boyle Ruth Ann Parish Norma Nichols Donna Huerta Tom Scales Jerry Murawski Jeff Fuller Mark Pavageaux Larry Cervenka Mayor Blair called the City Council Meeting of April 17, 1989 to order at 7:30 p.m. The meeting was televised. A.1 INVOCATION Councilman Pyle gave the invocation. Cub Scout Pack 1233 led the pledge of allegiance to the flag. A.2 CONSIDER PROCLAIMING APRIL 26, 1989 AS "MASONIC GRAND MASTER LEONARD P. HARVEY DAY " AND TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Blair recognized Dr. Milton Lowrey, 14334 Tanglewood. Vol. 56, Page 10 Dr. Lowrey was present in behalf of the James A. Smith Lodge #395 located in Farmers Branch. A motion by Councilman Binford, a second by Councilmember Hardie, all voting "aye", proclaimed April 26, 1989 as "Masonic Grand Master Leonard P. Harvey Day" in Farmers Branch. Mayor Blair presented the executed proclamation to Mr. Lowery. MAYOR BLAIR ANNOUNCED THAT A PROCLAMATION WAS SIGNED BEFORE THE MEETING STARTED PROCLAIMING MAY 15, 1989 THROUGH MAY 19, 1989 AS 'NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION WEEK'. A.3 CONSIDER PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF MAY 1-7 AS "DRINKING WATER WEEK" IN THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH. A motion by Councilmember Hardie, a second by Councilman Pyle, all voting "aye", proclaimed the week of May 1-7, 1989 as "Drinking Water Week" as requested by the American Water Works Association and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A.4 CONSIDER ACCEPTANCE OF VARIOUS DONATIONS FOR THE HISTORICAL PARK. Mayor Blair stated that the first quarter of 1989, the following donations have been made to the Historical Park: Mr. Walter Keas of 13436 Onyx, donated a hanging fire extinguisher from the early 1900's. Mrs. Jerry Wilcox, 3342 Dorado Beach, donated a book of paper dolls from the 18501s, Amanda Goes West, and a railroad breakman's lantern. Mrs. Alex Louis, 12020 Bencrest, Dallas, Texas, donated a book published in 1853, Drawing for Young People, and a 1924 photo of the Pleasant Grove School. Mrs. Wilfred Trimble, 3100 Anthony, Sherman, Texas, donated a glass oil lamp from the early 1900's. Mr. & Mrs. Jim Bleckner, 2112 Pueblo, Carrollton, Texas, donated a book from 1883, Our Home. Mrs. Mary Bailey, 6326 Rican Way, Dallas, Texas, made a special cash donation of $20.00. Mr. & Mrs. Truman Watson, 1923 Kent Drive, Arlington, Texas, made a special cash donation of $25.00. A motion by Mayor Pro Tem Davis, a second by Councilmember Hardie, all voting "aye", accepted the donations as read by Vol. 56, Page 11 Mayor Blair and instructed that an appreciation letter be sent for each donation. A.5 PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS Mayor Blair presented Jerry McCutcheon of the Fire Department a 20 year employee service award. Mayor Blair presented Candido Garcia of the Parks and Recreation Department a 10 year employee service award. Mayor Blair presented Warren Martin of the Fire Department a 10 year employee service award. Mayor Blair presented Travis Specht of the Fire Department a 10 year employee service award. A.6 PRESENTATION OF BOARD APPLICATIONS. This item gives applicants an opportunity to present board applications to the City Council. There were no applications presented. B.1 CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING AS CONSENT ITEMS AND TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Blair 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 con- sent items is being established in order to speed up discussion for those items that need more time for discussion. A motion by Councilman Binford, a second by Councilmember Hardie, all voting "aye", added Items D. 4, D.6, D.7 and D.8 to the Consent Agenda. A motion by Councilman Binford, a second by Mayor Pro Tem Davis, all voting "aye", approved the following Consent Agenda Items: B.1 - B.8, D.4, D.6, D.7 and D.8: B.1 APPROVED THE MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 3, 1989. B.2 AUTHORIZED THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR PROTECTIVE FOOTWEAR FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE OPERATING DEPARTMENTS. B.3 AUTHORED THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE METROCREST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR FUNDS AS Vol. 56, Page 12 REQUESTED IN THE 1988-89 BUDGET. I II l._J B.4 APPROVED THE REPLAT OF LOT 2 AND LOT 3, BLOCK 5, VALWOOD PARK FARMERS BRANCH, PHASE II AS REQUESTED BY CENTRE DEVELOPMENT, INC. B.5 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 89-052 WAIVING THE SIDEWALK REQUIREMENTS AT 2602 FARMERS BRANCH LANE AS REQUESTED BY DR. AND MRS. GLENN S. WHEELESS. B.6 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 89-053 AWARDING THE BID FOR OFFICE SUPPLIES TO HURRICAN/C.O.S.T. OFFICE SUPPLY COMPANY IN THE ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF $6,078.94. B.7 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 89-045 APPROVING THE CITY'S PARTICIPATION WITH DALLAS COUNTY IN THE ASPHALT RESURF- ACING OF LUNA ROAD BETWEEN IH635 AND VALLEY VIEW LANE.. B.8 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 89-047 APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH HAYNES, HOLLON AND ASSOCIATES INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH MATERIAL TESTING FOR GUSSIE FIELD WATERWORTH PARK DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS. D.4 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 89-046 AWARDING THE BID FOR NEW OR REPLACEMENT RADIO EQUIPMENT TO MOTOROLA COMMUNICATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,472.00. ~I I D.6 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 89-057 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PURCHASE A REPLACEMENT SEWAGE PUMP FOR HUTTON STREET LIFT STATION FOR THE APPROXIMATE COST OF $5,400.00. D.7 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 89-050 REJECTING THE BID FOR THE PURCHASE OF EMPLOYEE UNIFORMS AND AUTHORIZING THE READVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS. D.8 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 89-055 AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A PROPOSAL FOR CODIFICATION OF ORDINANCES WITH HUTCHISON, BOYLE, BROOKS AND FISHER FOR A FEE NOT TO EXCEED $10,000.00. J C.1 CITY MANAGER REPORTS. City Manager Richard Escalante presented a report of the happenings and status of the various projects of the departments within the city. C.2 PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER REQUEST OF EDWARD D. JONES & CO. FOR A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT FOR A ROOF MOUNTED SATELLITE ANTENNA AT 14455 WEBB CHAPEL ROAD AND WITHIN AN OFFICE ZONING DISTRICT AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Councilman Pyle excused himself from the Council Chambers due Vol. 56, Page 13 to a conflict of interest on this item. The appropriate document was filed with the City Secretary. Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. Edward D. Jones & Co. is requesting approval of a Specific Use Permit for a six foot diameter roof mounted satellite antenna at 14455 Webb Chapel. The proposed location for the antenna is the northwest corner of the existing two story office building. This location is the furtherest from Webb Chapel Road. A Specific Use Permit is required in accordance with Ordinance No. 1750 because the proposed antenna is located within 500 feet of a residential property. Mayor Blair opened the public hearing and recognized Mr. Ken Box. Mr. Box, representing the Edward D. Jones & Company, stated he was available for any questions the Council may have regarding the request. Mayor Blair stated that the Planning and zoning commission, by unanimous vote, recommended the Specific Use Permit for a roof mounted satellite antenna at 14455 Webb Chpel be approved as submitted. There being no other persons wishing to speak on this item, a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Davis, a second by Councilman Binford, all voting "aye", closed the public hearing. After some consideration, a motion by Mayor Pro Tem. Davis, a second by Councilmember Hardie, all voting "aye", adopted the following captioned Ordinance No. 1810: 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 GRANT A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT FOR A ROOF-MOUNTED SATELLITE ANTENNA IN AN OFFICE ZONING DISTRICT; BEING LOT 1 IN BLOCK 1 OF THE MOK ADDITION AND DESIGNATED AS 14455 WEBB CHAPEL ROAD; AUTHORIZING SUCH PROPERTY BE ALLOWED ONE ROOF-MOUNTED SATELLITE ANTENNA; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY OF FINE NOT TO EXCEED THE SUM OF TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,000.00) FOR EACH OFFENSE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Councilman Pyle returned to the Council Chamber. C.3 PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER REQUEST OF PICK-A-POCKET SAND- WICH SHOP FOR A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT FOR A NON DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT WITHOUT OUTSIDE SALES WINDOWS IN THE FARMERS Vol. 56, Page 14 BRANCH SHOPPING CENTER LOCATED AT 12895 JOSEY LANE AND WITHIN THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT NO. 8 (LR-1) ZONING DIS- TRICT AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. The Pick-A-Pocket Sandwich Shop is currently operating in the lease space in the Farmers Branch Shopping Center designated as Suite #225. Pick-A-Pocket is requesting approval to relocate the restaurant to the lease space next to the Department of Public Safety within the same retail building. Mayor Blair stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission, by unanimous vote, recommended the Specific Use permit for a non drive- in restaurant without outside sales window at 12895 Josey Lane be approved as submitted. Mayor Blair opened the public hearing and recognized Mrs. Paula Pool. Mrs. Pool, manager of Pick-A-Pocket Sandwich Shop, stated she was present for any questions the Council may have about the request. There being no other persons wishing to speak on this request, a motion by Councilman Binford, a second by Mayor Pro Tem Davis, all voting "aye", closed the public hearing. After some discussion that the restaurant was moving to another location in the same shopping center, a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Davis, a second by Councilman Pyle, all voting "aye", adopted the following captioned Ordinance No. 1819 approving the request: 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 GRANT A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT FOR A NON DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT WITHOUT OUTSIDE SALES WINDOW AT 236 FARMERS BRANCH SHOPPING CENTER AND WHICH IS LOCATED AT 12895 JOSEY LANE IN THE PD-8 (LR-1) ZONING DISTRICT; PROVIDING FOR CONDITIONS OF OPERATIONS; PROVIDING A PENALTY OF FINE NOT TO EXCEED TWO HUNDRED ($200.00) DOLLARS FOR EACH OFFENSE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. C.4 PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER REQUEST OF HEARING AID EXPRESS FOR A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT FOR A GENERAL BUSINESS SIGN IN AN OFFICE ZONING DISTRICT AT 2877 LBJ FREEWAY AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. Hearing Aid Express is requesting approval of a specific use Vol. 56, Page 15 permit in order to erect a forty-eight square foot general business sign at 2877 LBJ Freeway. The proposed location of the sign is on the vertical panel which now contains the building address and a leasing sign. The Hearing Aid Express sign will replace the leasing sign and is approximately the same size as the leasing sign. In accordance with Section 14-101 (d) of the Comprehensive zoning ordinance, a specific use permit is required for a general business sign in an office zoning district. Mayor Blair stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission, by unanimous vote, recommended the Specific Use Permit for a general business sign at 2877 LBJ Freeway be approved as submitted. Mayor Blair opened the public hearing and recognized Mr. A. W. McGinnis. Mr. McGinnis, representing the Hearing Aid Express, stated he was available to answer questions of Council. There being no other persons wishing to speak on this request, a motion by Councilman Pyle, a second by Councilmember Hardie, all voting "aye", closed the public hearing. After some consideration, a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Davis, a second by Councilmember Hardie, all voting "aye", adopted the following captioned Ordinance No. 1818 approving the request: 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 GRANT A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT FOR A GENERAL BUSINESS SIGN IN AN OFFICE ZONING DISTRICT; BEING LOT 1 IN BLOCK 1 OF THE JACK GAY SUBDIVISION AND DESIGNATED AS 2877 LBJ FREEWAY; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY OF FINE NOT TO EXCEED THE SUM OF TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,000.00) FOR EACH OFFENSE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. C.5 CONSIDER REQUEST TO DISCUSS THE CONDITION OF THE SIDE- WALK IN FRONT OF THE RESIDENCES OF 3008 & 3012 GOLFING GREEN DRIVE AND TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Blair recognized Mrs. Peggy Fournier, 3012 Golfing Green Drive. Mrs. Fournier explained that recently had a new sewer line put in and in the process the city had to remove a large portion of the sidewalk and were told that the city will replace that portion of the sidewalk. The rest of the sidewalk is in poor Vol. 56, Page 16 condition and is crumbling. The sidewalk only goes in front of two houses, hers and 3008 Golfing Green. The other houses along that area do not have a sidewalk. Mr. Fournier requested the sidewalk be removed entirely in front of her house and at 3008 Golfing Green and be filled in with dirt, since it serves no purpose and goes no where. Mr. and Mrs. Dave Rixon of 3008 Golfing Green were present in support of the request. Mayor Blair stated that this item had been discussed at the Study Session and the Comprehensive Plan encourages the installation of sidewalks. Mayor Blair stated that this is a unique situation and lies only in front of the two addresses with no further plans for extension. After some consideration, a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Davis, a second by Councilmember Hardie, all voting "aye", approved the removal of the sidewalks at the addresses of 3008 and 3012 Golfing Green Drive as requested by the two residents. C.6 CONSIDER RESOLUTION NO. 89-054 ADOPTING THE FARMERS BRANCH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Blair stated that the Council reviewed the recommended revisions of the Comprehensive Plan at the Study Session. Mayor Blair asked if there were any comments for anyone that would be on areas other than the area along L.B.J. Freeway? No one indicated a desire to speak. Mayor Blair recognized Mr. Jim Shafer, Executive Director of R.H.D. Hospital. Mr. Shafer spoke concerning the proposed guidelines for development on the R.H.D. Campus and the property adjacent to the L.B.J. Freeway. Mr. Shafer stated he spoke in behalf of the R.H.D. employees, physicians and volunteers and it was their request that further mechanisms for in-depth study be considered prior to finalizing building and development guidelines for the property adjacent to L.B.J. Freeway. Mr. Shafer stated he was in support of the formulation of a committee to study this area. Mayor Blair recognized Mr. Charles Heath, Executive Director of the Hospital Authority. Mr. Heath supported a 60 day study period for the establishing guidelines for development of the property along L.B.J. Freeway. Mayor Blair recognized Mr. Fred Johnson, home owner of 12212 Ridgefair Place. Mr. Johnson presented a petition of 86 residents opposing density of high-rise development along L.B.J. Freeway in the area of Webb Chapel Road west to Josey Lane. Mr. Johnson stated he was not aware of the slope or the committee proposal. Vol. 56, Page 17 Mayor Blair explained that criteria has been submitted for consideration that would limit the height of commercial buildings that is adjacent to residential areas. The criteria provides that any commercial structure which exceeds a height of two stories above the average grade of all abutting residential properties should maintain a 1 foot vertical to 3 foot horizontal slope for a minimum of 1000 feet to any bounding residential property line. Commercial structures along the I-635 corridor, between Josey Lane and Templeton Trail, should maintain a 1 foot vertical to 4 foot horizontal slope for a minimum of 1000 feet to any bounding residential property line. Mayor Blair further explained that there had been discussion of forming a committee of residents and developers to study requirements for development standards of the area along L.B.J. Freeway and make recommendations to the Council. Mr. Johnson responded that the 4:1 slope would be inadequate and suggested a 6:1 or a 8:1 slope requirement. Mr. Johnson stated that residents have already had a negative impact on their homes with the closeness of commercial property to some of the rear entry garages; and, having to have front garbage collection. Mr. Johnson asked the Council to have the committee, if formed, to look at F.A.R. guidelines as well as slope guidelines. Mayor Pro Tem Davis commented that the Comprehensive Plan has been in process for 2 1/2 years with consideration by the Planning and Zoning Commission, the City Staff, Developers and the Council. She suggested that the Council consider adopting the plan with the exclusion of the property located along L.B.J. Freeway that is between the east property line of the Hospital to the west property line of the Red Lobster Restaurant. Also Mayor Pro Tem Davis proposed the establishment of a committee of residents, developers and property owners to study this area for 60 days. Mayor Blair commented that many hours and many considerations have been given to the compiling of the Comprehensive Plan and the Council appreciates all who have worked on getting it to this point. Mayor commented that all residential areas adjoining commercial property has been a concern of the Council. There being no other comments, Mayor Pro Tem Davis made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 89-054 approving the Comprehensive Plan with the addition to Section 2 to read: "That the Farmers Branch Comprehensive Plan of 1989 is hereby adopted by the City Council of the City of Farmers Branch, provided however, that the slope requirement of the Collective Building Form and the floor area ratio (FAR) requirement shall not be approved as they relate to the area north of I-635 and bounded by the east line of the Metro Square Subdivision at its intersection with Villa Creek Drive, north to the drainage channel, east to Josey Lane, north Vol. 56, Page 18 to Maybrook Drive, east to Templeton Trail and then south to I-635. The requirements shall be considered by the City Council within 60 days of the formation of a committee appointed by the City Council to review these matters. Councilman Pyle seconded the motion and all voted "aye". Councilmember Hardie made a motion requesting the submission of names of interested parties to serve on a committee to study development standards for the I-635 corridor that has been in question; that the Committee be established to include 10 residents and 10 business people, that the Committee have a chairman, a staff person and legal assistance, when necessary; that the appointments be made at the May 8th Council meeting; and that the study be submitted to the City Council in 60 days. Councilman Pyle seconded the motion and all voted "aye". D.1 CONSIDER GRANTING HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS ON TAX ROLLS FOR 1989 AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. Article VIII, Section 1-b, of the Texas Constitution, Subsections (e) and (e-1), provide for a twenty percent (20%) maximum exemption on residence homestead in 1989. However, the amount of an exemption authorized pursuant to this subsection may not be less than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000). The current exemptions for the 1988-89 tax year are as follows: 20% general homestead, $60,000 to citizens sixty-five (65) years of age or over, and $60,000 to citizens under disability insurance benefits under Federal Old-Age Survivors, and Disability Insurance. No change in in exemption is proposed for the 1989 tax year. The proposed Ordinance No. 1817 will provide for a twenty percent (200) homestead exemption and a $60,000 exemption to citizens sixty-five (65) years of age and over and $60,000 to citizens on disability insurance benefit under Federal Old-Age Survivors and Disability Insurance. The City Staff recommended the adoption of Ordinance No. 1817. There followed a brief discussion between the members of the City Council and Finance Director Doug Vanderslice relating to the amount of 1988 exemption which was $680,000.00. Mr. Vanderslice stated that he expected about the same amount for this year. A motion by Councilmember Hardie, a second by Mayor Pro Tem Davis, all voting "aye", adopted the following captioned Ordinance No. 1817: Vol. 56, Page 19 Mayor Blair called on Fire Chief Jack Dyer and Fire Marshall Ray Cook to address the question of procedure. Mr. Dyer explained that since Zoecon is in the city limits of Dallas, Dallas would be in charge of handling the fire and Farmers Branch would assist if called upon. Mr. Cook explained about various items that give off gases when caught on fire. Mr. Cook pointed out that the building has a sprinkler system. There followed more discussion of various steps the city has taken to make the Historical Park a safe place. Mayor Blair stated that the city has looked into this for a period of 7 years and will continue to make every effort to keep the park and citizens safe. Mr. Vernon Smith, 2715 Bay Meadows Circle, expressed his concern about fires and sited the incident that happened in India of the fire of gas. Mr. Smith stated he would like to see the Mayor get involved and see what can be done about Zoecon. Ms. Helen Auton with KAPPA presented information on ingredients of pesticides and spoke on the dangers of the chemicals in the pesticides. Mr. Steve Steele, 2842 Ermine Way, stated that he came with Mr. Jackson to the Council about this same problem with Zoecon about 5 years ago. Mr. Steele expressed concern that Zoecon has not given all the information on the chemicals at the plant. MAYOR BLAIR 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. a. DISCUSS PERSONNEL MATTERS - ARTICLE 6252-17, SEC. 2(g) 1. DISCUSS APPOINTMENT TO FILL VACANCY ON THE FARMERS BRANCH HISTORICAL PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION BOARD. A discussion was held for the appointment to the Farmers Branch Historical Preservation and Restoration Board. THE COUNCIL RECONVENED INTO GENERAL SESSION E.2 CONSIDER NECESSARY ACTION ON PERSONNEL MATTERS DISCUSSED IN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION. I ~ i u Vol. 56, Page 23 AN ORDINANCE GRANTING AN EXEMPTION FOR THE TAXABLE YEAR OF 1989 TO BE MARRIED OR UNMARRIED ADULT, INCLUDING ONE LIVING ALONE, FROM AD VALOREM TAXATION OF TWENTY PERCENT (20%) OF THE MARKET VALUE OF RESIDENCE HOMESTEAD, BUT NOT LESS THAN FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5,000.00); GRANTING AN EXEMPTION OF $60,000.00 OF THE ASSESSED VALUATION OF RESIDENCE HOMESTEADS OF PERSONS WHO ARE DISABLED FOR PURPOSES OF FEDERAL OLD AGE, SURVIVORS AND DISABILITY INSURANCE AND OF PERSONS SIXTY-FIVE (65) YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER FOR SAID YEAR; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. D.2 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 89-058 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYEE BENEFITS. Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. In October of 1988, insurance costs increased 15 to 60 percent in various policies. This increase was a continuation of annual insurance cost increases the City has received in recent years. The City Council approved the retaining of Guy Consultants to analyze current benefits and develop new specifications for benefits if needed. Working with City staff and an Employee Insurance Committee, new specifications were developed and a request for prices for employee benefits was sent to various insurance providers. Over 15 proposals for various benefits were received. The plan proposed is a 125 Plan which allows employees to pay for benefits with pre-taxed dollars. Currently the City will pay about $770,000 for employee benefits if it continues to pick up 75 percent of the increase. If approved, the proposed program will cost approximately $850,000 for the 1988-89 budget year. An adjustment in the budget would be requested in the mid-year budget review. The City Staff recommends adopting Resolution No. 89-058 authorizing City Manager to enter into contract for employee benefits. After some consideration, a motion by Councilman Pyle, a second by Councilman Binford, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 89-058 authorizing the City Manager to execute contracts with the following companies for employee benefits: a. Sanus for Major Medical and a Dental Maintenance Organization b. Hartford for Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismember- ment, and Indemnity Dental Insurance. c. Great American Reserve for Short Term Disability and Third Vol. 56, Page 20 Party Administration. d. Southwest Vision Service for vision insurance. D.3 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 89-051 AWARDING A BID FOR REMOVAL OF ASBESTOS CONTAINING BUILDING MATERIALS FROM FIRE STATION NO. 1 TO PALETECH ENVIRONMENTAL INC. AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. Asbestos removal is the first step in the remodeling program for Fire Station No. 1. There is approximately $90,000 provided in the 1988-89 Fire Bond Fund for that remodeling. Three (3) qualified bids were received with low base bid from Paletech Environmental Inc. for $29,400. Paletech Environmental Inc. has provided adequate qualifications and references for similar work. The City Engineer and Maxim Engineers (Project Consultants) recommend that Removal of Asbestos Containing Building Materials be awarded to Paletech Environmental Inc. for $29,400 by adopting Resolution No. 89-051. After some consideration, a motion by Councilman Binford, a second by Mayor Pro Tem Davis, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 89-051 awarding a bid to Paletech Environmental, Inc. for removal of asbestos containing building materials in the amount of $29,400.00 at Fire Station No. 1. D.4 CONSENT ITEM D.5 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 89-049 AWARDING THE BID FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT ALPHA ROAD AND MCEWEN DRIVE AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. Six bids were received on March 30, 1989 for the installation of a traffic signal at Alpha Road at McEwen Drive. The low bidder, Sharrock Electric, Inc. has installed other traffic signals in Farmers Branch and has adequate qualifications and references for similar work. As per an agreement with Centre Development and Brookhaven College, $15,000 is to be paid by the City of Farmers Branch from the 1988-89 Street Bond Fund and the remaining cost, $31,507.75 is to be shared equally by Centre Development and Brookhaven College. The low bid from Sharrock Electric, Inc. is in the amount of $46,507.75. The City Engineer recommends that Resolution No. 89-049 be adopted awarding the bid for installation of a traffic signal at Alpha Road and McEwen Drive to the low bidder, Sharrock Electric, Inc. in the amount of $46,507.75. Vol. 56, Page 21 After some consideration, a motion by Mayor Pro Tem. Davis, a second by Councilman Pyle, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 89-049 awarding the bid for the installation of a traffic signal at Alpha Road at McEwen Drive to Sharrock Electric, Inc. in the amount of $46,507.75. D.6 CONSENT ITEM. D.7 CONSENT ITEM. D.8 CONSENT ITEM. D.9 CONSIDER COUNCIL TRAVEL REPORTS AND REQUESTS AND TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION. This item is placed on the agenda for council discussion and con- sideration. Mayor Blair requested approval to attend the 57th Annual Conference of Mayors in Charleston, South Carolina, June 16-21, 1989. A motion by Mayor Pro Tem Davis, a second by Councilman Binford, all voting "aye", approved the travel request by Mayor Blair to attend the 57th Annual Conference of Mayors in Charleston, South Carolina, June 16-21, 1989. Mayor Pro Tem Davis made a motion to approve the travel for any Councilmember who wished to attend the conference by the National Census Bureau in Galveston, Texas, on April 25 & 26, 1989. Councilman Pyle seconded the motion and all voted "aye". D.10 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION. Mayor Blair recognized the following citizens: Ms. Laura Morello, 3059 Valwood Parkway, presenting a petition of 42 signatures from the Farmers Branch Pre-School PTA, requested that improvements be made at the Farmers Branch swimming pool. Ms. Morello pointed out several areas for improvement, such as: filtering system for the baby pool, restricting baby pool only for babies, gate closing and shade structure for the baby pool area, and opening morning hours. City Manager Richard Escalante stated that he would respond to this at the next Council meeting. Mr. Shane Jackson, 2834 Ermine Way, spoke expressing his concern of the firefighting procedures of the city if Zoecon had a fire. Mr. Jackson also expressed concern of the chemicals in the products of Zoecon. Vol. 56, Page 22 1 r i A motion by Councilman Binford, a second by Councilman Pyle, all voting "aye", appointed Laverne Gilbert to serve an unexpired term on the Farmers Branch Historical Preservation and Restoration Board. The term is to expire January 1, 1991. F.1 ADJOURNMENT. A motion by Councilmember Hardie, a second by Mayor Pro Tem Davis, all voting "aye", adjourned the City Council meeting of April 17, 1989 at 10:11 P.M.. Mayor Dave Blair City Secretary Vol. 56, Page 23A