1990-10-01 CC MinutesCITY OF FARMERS BRANCH
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 1, 1990
COUNCIL CHAMBER
CITY HALL
7:30 P.M.
The following members of the City Council were present:
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
Councilmembers
Dave Blair
Ron Pyle
Bob Phelps
Jeff Binford
Calla Davis
Bill Moses
The following members of the City Administration were present:
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
City Secretary
City Management Assistant
Communication Director
Economic Development Director
Director of Community Services
City Engineer
Director of Finance
Director of Parks & Recreation
Acting Police Chief
Director of Public Works
Traffic Engineer
Richard L. Escalante
Steve Carpenter
John Burke
John Boyle
Ruth Ann Parish
David Reedy
Donna Huerta
Norma Nichols
Tom Scales
Jerry Murawski
Doug Vanderslice
Jeff Fuller
Jimmy Fawcett
Mark Pavageaux
Dave Davis
Mayor Blair called the City Council Meeting of October 1,
1990 to order at 7:30 P.M.. The meeting was televised.
A.1 INVOCATION.
Councilman Moses gave the invocation and led the pledge of
allegiance to the flag.
A.2 CONSIDER ACCEPTING A BRONZE PLAQUE FROM THE DAUGHTERS
OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE
CENTENNIAL OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FIRST PETERS COLONY
Vol. 59, Page 53
HEADQUARTERS, LOCATED IN FARMERS BRANCH.
Ms. Betsy Wilcox, representative from the Peters Colony Chapter
of the Daughters of the American Revolution, presented to Mayor
Blair and the members of the City Council a facsimile of a
bronze plaque to be placed at the Historical Park in the
proximity of the Log Culture Area. The plaque commemorates the
centennial of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the
founding of the first Peters Colony Headquarters located in
Farmers Branch.
Mayor Blair expressed appreciation to Ms. Wilcox for the
presentation of the plaque.
Later in the agenda Mayor Blair came back to this item and
requested the Council's acceptance.
A motion by Councilwoman Davis, a second by Councilman Moses,
all voting "aye", accepted the plaque from the Daughters of the
American Revolution commemorating the centennial of the
Daughters of the American Revolution and the establishment of
the first Peters Colony Headquarters located in Farmers Branch.
MAYOR BLAIR PRESENTED A PLAQUE TO CITY MANAGER RICHARD
ESCALANTE THAT MAYOR ANTHONY ROMAN OF MARKHAM, CANADA, THAT HAD
BEEN PRESENTED TO THE CITY WHILE ATTENDING THE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT TRIP TO CANADA. The inscription on the plaque
stated "In recognition of an economic alliance between the
Markham Board of Trade and York Technology Association of
Markham, Ontario, Canada and the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce
of Addison, Carrollton, Coppell, Farmers Branch, Texas,
U.S.A.", and signed by Mayor Roman on behalf of his Council.
Later in the agenda Mayor Blair came back to this item and
requested the Council's acceptance.
A motion by Mayor Pro Tem Pyle, a second by Councilman Binford,
all voting "aye", accepted the plaque given to Mayor Blair by
Mayor Roman of Markham, Canada.
MAYOR BLAIR READ A LETTER AND PRESENTED A CERTIFICATE THAT HAD
BEEN PRESENTED TO HIM FROM H. D. BRADFORD, PRESIDENT OF THE
HELLA TEMPLE SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CRIPPLED CHILDREN. The
Certificate was given to Mayor Blair in honor of a proclamation
that had been issued in support of the Shriners work for
crippled and burned children.
MAYOR BLAIR ANNOUNCED THAT THE DALLAS 1990 KICK-OFF OF THE RED
RIBBON CAMPAIGN OF THE DRUG FREE PROGRAM WOULD BE ON OCTOBER
9, 1990.
A.3 PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS
Vol. 59, Page 54
Mayor Blair presented employee service awards to the following:
Sally Austin of the Communications Division - 10 Year
Award.
Danny Bobo of the Utility Division of Public Works
Department - 5 Year Award
Fred McDonald of the Utility Division of Public Works
Department - 5 Year Award
Kim Mays of the Finance Department - 5 Year Award
A.4 PRESENTATION OF BOARD APPLICATIONS.
There were no board applications presented.
5.1 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
consent items is being established in order to speed up
discussion for those items that need more time for
discussion.
A motion by Mayor Pro Tem Pyle, a second by Councilman Phelps,
all voting "aye", added Items D.3 and D.4 to the consent
items.
A motion by Mayor Pro Tem Pyle, a second by Councilman Phelps,
all voting "aye", approved the following consent items B.1,
B.2, D.3 and D.4.
B.1. APPROVED THE MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER
17, 1990.
B.2 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 90-151 ACCEPTING A
PETITION AND ALLEY EASEMENT DOCUMENTS FOR THE PAVING
AND IMPROVEMENT OF A 15-FOOT WIDE UTILITY EASEMENT
BETWEEN JANWOOD LANE AND AMBER LANE FROM WEBB CHAPEL
ROAD TO AND INCLUDING THE "T" EAST OF LILLARD LANE
AND CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE PREPARATION OF PLANS,
SPECIFICATIONS, AND ESTIMATES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF
SAID ALLEY IMPROVEMENTS.
D.3 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 90-152 APPROVING AN
ENGINEERING AGREEMENT WITH FREEMAN-MILLICAN, INC.
FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE WICKER
STREET WATER TAP AND METER FOR AN AMOUNT OF
$13,400.00.
Vol. 59, Page 55
D.4 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 90-153 APPROVING CHANGE
ORDER NO. 2 RELATIVE TO A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
WITH SHARROCK, INC. FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLATION
IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,760.00, FOR REPLACEMENT OF A
TRAFFIC SIGNAL CONTROLLER AND CABINET DAMAGED IN A
VEHICULAR ACCIDENT AT THE INTERSECTION OF SPRING
VALLEY AND WELCH ROADS.
C.1. CITY MANAGER REPORTS.
City Manager Richard Escalante gave an informative report on
the happenings and status of projects in the departments of the
city.
C.2 CONSIDER GRANTING A TAXICAB FRANCHISE TO MIDWAY TAXI
SERVICE AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair presented the following information for
consideration. City ordinances require a franchise to operate a
taxicab service in Farmers Branch. Mr. Stephen Nezianya is
seeking a taxicab franchise to operate "Midway Taxi Service"
within the City. Five taxicabs will be put in operation
initially if the franchise as granted.
Mr. Nezianya has submitted the information required for
approval of a franchise in accordance with Ordinance No. 1401
(Taxicab Regulations).
The City Staff recommends the taxicab franchise be granted.
Mayor Blair recognized Mr. Stephen Nezianya of Midway Taxi
Service. Mr. Nezianya stated that he was present to answer any
questions on his request.
Councilman Moses asked whether or not a place for his business
had been selection? Mr. Nezianya responded that no decision
had been made for his headquarters. Mr. Nezianya stated that
he would like to have a franchise in Farmers Branch and to
locate his headquarters in the city if he can find a good
location.
Councilman Moses stated that he would like to see the Taxi
Service located in Farmers Branch if the.company had a Farmers
Branch franchise.
Mayor Blair asked Mr. Nezianya if he was going to operate in
Carrollton. Mr. Nezianya responded that he would be and that a
franchise was not a requirement in Carrollton if he had one in
Farmers Branch. Mayor Blair agreed with Councilman Moses and
also encouraged Mr. Nezianya to locate his business in Farmers
Branch if a Farmers Branch franchise was granted.
Vol. 59, Page 56
Councilman Binford asked Mr. Nezianya if he was on any time
restriction for his business. Mr. Nezianya stated that he
would like to start operation sometime in December or January.
There being no other comments or questions, Councilman Phelps
made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 1911 granting a
franchise to Midway Taxi Service in Farmers Branch. Mayor Pro
Tem Pyle seconded the motion.
Councilman Moses requested to add to the ordinance that the
business would be located in Farmers Branch. City Attorney
John Boyle responded that this could be a requirement in the
ordinance if so desired by the Council.
Mr. Nezianya stated that he does not object to the requirement.
Councilman Phelps made an amended motion adopting the following
captioned Ordinance No. 1911 with the amendment to the
ordinance to include a requirement that the headquarters of
Midway Taxi Service shall be located in Farmers Branch, and
amend Section 9 to limit the liability insurance to $100,000.00
to $300,000.00 instead of the $10,000.00 to $20,000.00.
Mayor Pro Tem. Pyle seconded the amended motion. The motion
carried unanimously.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS
GRANTING A FRANCHISE TO THE HEREINAFTER NAMED GRANTEE FOR THE
PRIVILEGE OF OPERATING TAXICABS ON THE STREET, ALLEYWAYS AND
HIGHWAYS OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS, FOR THE PURPOSE
OF TRANSPORTING PASSENGERS FOR HIRE UPON THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS HEREINAFTER MENTIONED; PROVIDING FOR A REGULATIONS
OF SAID SERVICE; PROVIDING FOR THE TERMINATION OF THE GRANT;
PROVIDING FOR PUBLIC LIABILITY SECURITY; PROVIDING FOR
SUPERVISION BY THE CITY COUNCIL; PROVIDING A PENALTY NOT TO
EXCEED TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200.00) FOR EACH OFFENSE; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
C.3 DISCUSS RESOLUTION PROPOSALS TO THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF
CITIES RESOLUTION COMMITTEE.
Mayor Blair presented the following information for
consideration. The deadline for submitting proposed
resolutions to the National League of Cities is October 12,
1990. At the September 17, 1990 Council.meeting, the City
Council indicated a resolution supporting legislation that
would provide consumer protection in the cable industry should
be prepared. This resolution would be sent to the National
League of Cities for proposed adoption.
Mayor Blair read the proposed resolution.
Vol. 59, Page 57
Councilwoman Davis requested Assistant City Manager Steve
Carpenter to give an update report on cable legislation.
Mr. Carpenter presented a report relative to House Bill No.
5267 which had passed and on a companion Senate Bill No. 1880
that is still under study for revisions. Mr. Carpenter
reported that Dallas County area Representatives Ralph Hall,
John Bryant, Jack Hills and Joe Barton were on a House
Subcommittee reviewing the Cable Communications Act and that he
would encourage citizens to get in touch with them to express
their views. Mr. Carpenter also suggested to contact
Congressman Steve Bartlett and U. S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen.
Mr. Carpenter reported of sending previously over one hundred
(100) letters to various officials: city, state and federal, to
let them know of the City's concern about the regulation of the
cable industry.
The Mayor and members of the Council made statement encouraging
citizens to write to their congressmen and letting them know
of their feelings on cable regulations as to quality, service,
etc.
After some discussion as to an added section to the proposed
resolution as read by City Manager Richard Escalante, a motion
by Councilman Binford, approved the resolution to the National
League of Cities for action concerning cable communication
Industry regulations with the additional whereas reading,
"restoring authority to cities to regulate the cable industry
will relieve the Federal Government of the cost of
regulation". Councilwoman Davis seconded the motion.
After further discussion, Councilman Binford revised the motion
to approve the resolution with the additional whereas and
authorized the Mayor to revise such resolution as subsequent
action may warrant and to present such proposed resolution to
the National League of Cities. Councilwoman Davis seconded the
revised motion. The motion carried unanimously.
D.1 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 90-131 AUTHORIZING
EXECUTION OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH
JAMES CRAWFORD FOR INTERIOR RESTORATION OF THE
MULTIPURPOSE BUILDING IN THE HISTORICAL PARK AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair presented the following information for
consideration. The Multipurpose Building is included in the
Historical Park Master Plan. Upon completion, the Multipurpose
Building will be used as a public restroom and electrical
distribution building.
Vol. 59, Page 58
A Professional Service Agreement has been negotiated with James
Crawford for the restoration of the Multipurpose Building. The
Professional Service fee for the interior restoration of the
Multipurpose Building is $6,598, interior restoration cost is
estimated at $65,987, with a total not to exceed $72,585. The
1990-91 CIP budget for this project is $80,000. The Staff
anticipates construction to begin October 4, 1990, with an
anticipated completion date of February 4, 1991.
The Historical Preservation and Restoration Board and the
Director of the Parks and Recreation Department recommends the
adoption of Resolution 90-131 authorizing execution of a
Professional Service Agreement with James Crawford for the
interior restoration of the Multipurpose building in the
Historical park, in an amount not to exceed $72,585.00.
After some consideration, a motion by Councilman Moses, a
second by Councilman Binford, all voting "aye", adopted
Resolution No. 90-131 authorizing execution of a Professional
Service Agreement with James Crawford, for the interior
restoration of the Multipurpose Building in the Historical
Park, in the amount not to exceed $72,585.00.
D.2 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 90-132 AUTHORIZING
EXECUTION OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH
JAMES CRAWFORD FOR RESTORATION OF THE SCHOOL BUILDING IN
THE HISTORICAL PARK AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair presented the following information for
consideration. The School Building is included in the
Historical Park Master Plan. Upon completion, the School
Building will be used for educational exhibits.
A professional Service Agreement has been negotiated with James
Crawford for the restoration of the School Building. The
Professional Service fee for the school restoration is $7,426,
restoration cost for the school is estimated at $74,264 for a
total not to exceed $81,690. The Historical Park 1990-1991 CIP
Budget contains $85,000 for the restoration of the School
Building and the Professional Service fee. The Staff
anticipates construction to begin October 4, 1990, with an
anticipated completion of February 4, 1991.
The Historical Preservation and Restoration Board and the
Director of the Parks and Recreation Department, recommend
adopting Resolution No. 90-132 authorizing execution of a
Professional Service Agreement with James Crawford for the
restoration of the School Building in the Historical park, in
an amount not to exceed $81,690.
Vol. 59, Page 59
After some consideration, a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Pyle, a
second by Councilman Phelps, all voting "aye", adopted
Resolution No. 90-132 authorizing execution of a Professional
Service Agreement with James Crawford for the restoration of
the school building in the Historical Park, in an amount not to
exceed $81,690.
1
D.3 CONSENT ITEM.
D.4 CONSENT ITEM.
D.5 CONSIDER RESOLUTION NO.90-157 AUTHORIZING CITY MANAGER
TO EXECUTE AN AGENCY SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH ARTLEY
OWEN GARRITSON, A DIVISION OF OWEN GARRITSON, INC. TO
PROVIDE FOR THE PREPARATION AND PLACING OF THE CITY'S
HOTEL ADVERTISING PROGRAM.
Mayor Blair presented the following information for
consideration. The City Council approved a $250,000 hotel
advertising budget for the 1990-91 budget year. The Farmers
Branch hotel managers requested that the city hire an
advertising firm for a unified approach for the creativity and
placement of advertising and marketing materials.
A Request for Proposal was prepared in August and forwarded to
eight Dallas area advertising firms. Four firms responded with
a proposal and a presentation period was designated.
A Selection Committee made up of the Director of Economic
Development, and a representative of four of the seven Farmers
Bramch hotels. The Committee selected the firm of Artley Owen
Garritson on Thursday, September 13, 1990.
The agency of Artley Owen Garritson has had considerable
experience in working with attractions and the hotel industry.
They have agreed to submit requests for materials in a timely
fashion and will consider the city account as one that will
receive priority.
The Agency has agreed to charge a basic compensation fee of
$2,812.50 per month. All other costs procedural guidelines are
delineated on the Agreement.
The Staff recommends the City Council approve the resolution
authorizing the City Manager to execute the Agency Agreement
with Artley Owen Garritson.
After some consideration, a motion by Councilwoman Davis, a
second by Councilman Moses, all voting "aye", adopted
Resolution No. 90-157 authorizing the execution of an Agency
Service Agreement with Artley Owen Garritson for the
Vol. 59, page 60
preparation and placing of the hotel advertising program, in
the amount of $2,812.50 per month or $33,750.00 per year.
D.6 CONSIDER ORDINANCE NO. 1912 AMENDING THE SANITARY SEWER
RATE CHARGES AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair presented the following information for
consideration. The adopted 1990-91 budget includes an overall
4% increase in utility rates, all of which is to be applied to
sewer rates. As a result of the settlement of the water rate
dispute with the City of Dallas there is no need for a water
rate increase. A sewer rate increase is necessary, however,
due to a 44% increase in sewage disposal cost from the Trinity
River Authority.
Ordinance No. 1912 submitted for consideration would raise
sewer rates to a level necessary to effect an overall 4%
increase in utility rates. The increase will go into effect on
October 2, 1990. The total sewer revenue projected in the
1990-91 budget is $2,962,600.
The City Staff recommends Ordinance No. 1912 be adopted.
After some consideration, a motion by Councilwoman Davis, a
second by Mayor Pro Tem Pyle, all voting "aye", adopted the
following captioned Ordinance No. 1912:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS,
AMENDING SECTION 1 OF ORDINANCE NO. 1942 SETTING
FORTH THE MONTHLY RATES OR CHARGES FOR SERVICES
FURNISHED BY THE SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM: PROVIDING
THAT ALL PORTIONS OF OTHER ORDINANCES NOT IN CONFLICT
WITH THIS ORDINANCE SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND
EFFECT: AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
D.7 CONSIDER COUNCIL TRAVEL REPORTS AND REQUESTS AND TAKE
THE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
City Manager Richard Escalante presented a report of his
attending the ICMA held in Ft. Worth, September 22-26, 1990/
Mr. Escalante requested permission to travel to Houston on
Tuesday, October 2, 1990, to view a tunnel operation.
Councilwoman Davis presented a report of attending a hearing on
September 20,1990, in Austin before the Texas Water Development
Board relating to the funding for a study of the Trinity River.
Mayor Blair presented a report of going on the Metrocrest
Chamber of Commerce Economic Development trip to Canada,
September 22=28, 1990.
Vol. 59, Page 61
There being no other reports, a motion by Councilman Binford, a
second by Councilman Moses, all voting "aye", approved City
Manager Richard Escalante to travel to Houston to examine a
similar sewer intercepter project on October 2, 1990.
A.2 & A.3 MAYOR BLAIR CALLED FOR MOTIONS OF ACCEPTANCE.
(SEE MOTIONS IN ITEMS A.2 & A.3.)
D.8 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION.
There was no one wishing to speak.
MAYOR BLAIR ANNOUNCED 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 IN THE STUDY
SESSION CHAMBERS 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 POLICE CHIEF POSITION.
2. DISCUSS APPOINTMENTS TO THE INDUSTRIAL
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
3. DISCUSS APPOINTMENTS TO THE PARKS AND
RECREATION BOARD.
A discussion was held relating to the Police Chief position.
A discussion was held relating to appointments to the
Industrial Development Corporation Board of Directors and the
Parks and Recreation Board.
b. DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITION - ARTICLE 6252-17. SEC. 2(f)
1. DISCUSS POSSIBLE LAND ACQUISITION.
No discussion was necessary.
THE COUNCIL RECONVENED INTO GENERAL SESSION.
E.2 CONSIDER NECESSARY ACTION ON PERSONNEL MATTERS DISCUSSED
IN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Vol. 59, Page 62
Mayor Blair stated that City Manager Richard Escalante and his
staff presented a report to the Council relative to the Police
Chief position. A motion by Councilwoman Davis, a second by
Councilman Phelps, all voting "aye", authorized the City
Manager to enter into a contract with Jensen Oldani in search
for the Police Chief position in the amount not to exceed
$12,000.00 plus travel expense.
Councilman Moses commented on the selection process of
in-house versus retaining a search firm.
Mayor Blair stated that in regards to the appointments
discussed in the Executive Session they would be postponed
until he had had a change to visit with the board members whose
term had expired.
E.3 CONSIDER NECESSARY ACTION ON LAND ACQUISITION DISCUSSED
IN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.
No action necessary.
F.1 ADJOURNMENT.
A motion by Councilman Binford, a second by Councilwoman Davis,
all voting "aye", adjourned the City Council meeting of October
1, 1990, at 9:33 P.M.
Mayor David D.
City Secretary
41air, Jr.
n
L
Vol. 59, Page 63