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1991-09-23 CC MinutesCITY OF FARMERS BRANCH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 23, 1991 COUNCIL CHAMBER CITY HALL 7:30 P.M. The following members of the City Council were present: Mayor Dave Blair Mayor Pro Tem Bill Moses Councilmembers Bob Phelps Jeff Binford Calla Davis Ron Pyle The following members of the City Administration were present: Assistant City Manager Steve Carpenter Assistant City Manager John Burke City Attorney John Boyle City Secretary Ruth Ann Parish Communication Director Donna Huerta Director of Community Services Tom Scales City Engineer Jerry Murawski Director of Finance Doug Vanderslice Director of Parks & Recreation Jeff Fuller Police Chief Jimmy Fawcett Director of Public Works Mark Pavageaux Traffic Engineer Dave Davis Recording Secretary Cindee Peters Mayor Blair called the City Council Meeting of September 23, 1991 to order at 7:30 P.M.. The meeting was televised. Vol. 61, Page 55 A.1 INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Mayor Pro Tem Moses gave the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance to the flag. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS. Mayor Blair stated there were three presentations to be made. Mayor Blair explained that these presentations were not on the regular agenda. Councilman Binford stated he had spoke to Ms. McComb's fourth grade social studies class at McLaughlin Elementary School. Councilman Binford talked to the students regarding taxes and how taxes help cities. Councilman Binford showed the students how taxes can build parks. Councilman Binford stated the students then requested the City of Farmers Branch to build a Wet N' Wild Park. Councilman Binford explained that the students had donated a check in the amount of "Millions and Millions" to the City to help build a Wet N' Wild park. Councilman Binford presented this check to Mayor Blair. Mayor Blair stated the City of Farmers Branch was the host site for the annual Big Ball Tournament. Mayor Blair explained the City had won two years in a row. Mr. Jeff Fuller, Director of Parks and Recreation and Assistant City Manager John Burke presented a trophy to the Coach of the Volleyball team, Mayor Pro Tem Moses. Mayor Pro Tem Moses thanked all players who participated in the Big Ball tournament. Councilman Binford presented a trophy to Councilwoman Calla Davis who sustained an injury to her fingernail in the Big Ball Tournament. Councilman Binford stated the trophy read "Volleyball Purple Heart - Striker Davis". Councilwoman Davis accept the trophy and explained how her injury occurred. A.2 PRESENTATION OF BOARD APPLICATIONS. There were no applications presented. CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING AS CONSENT ITEMS AND TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION B.1. 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 established in order to speed up discussion for those items that need more time for discussion. Vol. 61, Page 56 A motion by Mayor Pro Tem Moses, a second by Councilman Pyle, all voting "aye", placed items C.7, D.1, D.2 and D.3 from the regular agenda on the consent agenda. A motion by Mayor Pro Tem Moses, a second by Councilman Phelps, all voting "aye", approved the consent agenda. B.1 APPROVED THE MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 9, 1991. C.7 AUTHORIZED THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS NOT TO EXCEED A TOTAL OF FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5,000) TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO THE OLD FARMERS BRANCH AREA TASK FORCE. D.1 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 91-135 AWARDING A BID FOR SIX LOCKER/DESK UNITS TO BE USED IN FIRE STATION #2 TO ADKISSON MANUFACTURING COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,390. D.2 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 91-136 APPROVING AN ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH DAL-TECH ENGINEERING FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF QUEENS CHAPEL ROAD AND WINDMILL LANE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $22,000.00. D.3 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 91-137 APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH TRINITY RIVER AUTHORITY FOR COLLECTING AND ANALYZING WASTEWATER SAMPLES FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $8,000 NOR LESS THAN $6,000. C.1 CITY MANAGER REPORTS. Assistant City Manager John Burke gave an informative report on the happenings and status of projects in the departments of the City. C.2 PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER ADOPTING ORDINANCE NO. 1961 THEREBY CHANGING THE NAME OF FLOWER COUNTRY DRIVE TO ACADEMY LANE AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. Gary Dahlander of Bradford Companies is requesting that the City change the name of "Flower Country Drive" to "Academy Lane". The street was previously named Flower Country Drive at the request of a former tenant fronting the street. Academy Lane has been requested because the name is neutral. Vol. 61, Page 57 Both of the abutting property owners have no objection to this proposed name change. The post office has been contacted and has no objection to this name change. The applicant will bear all costs associated with this name change. The City Engineer recommends that this ordinance be adopted, thereby changing the name of "Flower Country Drive" to "Academy Lane". Mayor Blair opened the public hearing and recognized Mr. Jerry Dahlander. Mr. Jerry Dahlander with the Bradford Company stated he would like to request the Council approve the street name change. A motion by Councilman Phelps, a second by Mayor Pro Tem Moses, all voting "aye", closed the public hearing. A motion by Councilwoman Davis, a second by Councilman Pyle, all voting "aye", adopted the following captioned Ordinance No. 1961 approving the street name change from Flower Country Drive to Academy Lane: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS PROVIDING FOR THE CHANGE IN NAME OF FLOWER COUNTRY DRIVE TO ACADEMY LANE IN THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS. C.3 CONSIDER ORDINANCE NO. 1962 AMENDING THE WATER RATE CHARGES AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. The 1991-92 budget includes an overall 4% increase in utility rates. Ordinance No. 1962 would increase water rates in an amount sufficient to effect this 4% increase in utility rates when combined with the proposed sewer rate increase. It also contains changes in the rate structure to reduce the volume discount given to commercial customers that could result in an increase of up to 12% for high-end water users. The new rates will go into effect on October 1, 1991. The total water revenue projected in the 1991-92 budget is $5,243,000. Staff recommends the adoption of Ordinance No. 1962 amending the water rate charges. A motion by Councilman Phelps, a second by Mayor Pro Tem Moses, all voting "aye" adopted the following captioned Ordinance No. 1962: Vol. 61, Page 58 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS, AMENDING SECTION 1 OF ORDINANCE NO. 1841 SETTING FORTH THE MONTHLY RATES OR CHARGES FOR SERVICES FURNISHED BY THE WATER WORKS SYSTEM OF THE CITY FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF RESIDENTIAL DWELLINGS, BUSINESSES OR COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS, OR COMBINATION THEREOF WHEN SUCH COMBINED UNITS ARE TO BE CHARGED SEPARATELY FOR SERVICE; AND PROVIDING THAT ALL PORTIONS OF OTHER ORDINANCES NOT IN CONFLICT WITH THIS ORDINANCE SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. CA CONSIDER ORDINANCE NO. 1963 AMENDING THE SANITARY SEWER RATE CHARGES AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. The 1991-92 budget includes an overall 4 % increase in utility rates. Ordinance No. 1963 would raise sewer rates in an amount sufficient to effect this 4% increase in utility rates when combined with the proposed water rate increase. The increase will go into effect on October 1, 1991. The total sewer revenue projected in the 1991-92 budget is $2,920,000. Staff recommends the adoption of Ordinance No. 1963 amending the sanitary sewer rate charges. A motion by Councilman Pyle, a second by Councilwoman Davis, all voting "aye", adopted the following captioned Ordinance No. 1963: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS, AMENDING SECTION 1 OF ORDINANCE NO. 1842 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. C.5 CONSIDER ORDINANCE NO. 1951 DESIGNATING A NO PARKING ZONE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF MCEWEN ROAD FROM MIDWAY ROAD TO A POINT 700 FEET TO THE EAST AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. On May 20, 1991, Mr. Mark Cox representing Gabbert's, a furniture company located at 13342 Midway Road, formally requested the designation of the south side of McEwen road abutting the Gabbert's property as a NO PARKING ZONE. The reason for this request is that traffic Vol. 61, Page 59 exiting Gabbert's parking lot onto McEwen Road cannot see safely in either direction before pulling into traffic. The Traffic Engineer has determined, based on an investigation of the site, that the prohibition of parking along a portion of Gabbert's frontage on the south side of McEwen Road from its intersection with Midway Road to a point 700 feet east will improve traffic safety and traffic operations. The Traffic Engineer and City Engineer recommend adoption of Ordinance No. 1951 designating a NO PARKING ZONE on the south side of McEwen Road from Midway Road to a point 700 feet east. Councilman Phelps asked if there had been any discussion with Brinkman's Corporation about sharing a parking lot. Mr. Mark Cox with Gabberts came forward. Mr. Cox stated their parking lot is almost always full. Mr. Cox felt this would really not be an alternative. Councilman Binford asked if both Gabbert's and Brinkman's parking lots are full, where will the overflow be able to park. Dave Davis, Traffic Engineer, stated vehicles could park further east where there are several commercial driveways all along McEwen. Mr. Davis stated it was not the City's objective to move one problem to another location. Mayor Blair asked if there were any alternatives for Brinkman's. Mr. Davis stated that Brinkman's had grown beyond what the site will hold. Mr. Davis stated unless Brinkman's could secure parking at another site, employees will park on the streets. Mayor Blair stated he would like the City to work with Brinkman's Corporation to find a way to help this company with parking. Mr. Dave Davis stated he fully intends to work with Brinkman's on this issue and had talked with representatives of Brinkman Corporation as late as 5:30 p.m. this afternoon. Councilwoman Davis asked if parking is allowed on both sides of the street at this time. Mr. Davis stated parking is allowed on both sides. A motion by Mayor Blair, a second by Councilman Binford, all voting "aye", adopted the following captioned Ordinance No. 1951: Vol. 61, Page 60 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS PROHIBITING PARKING ON EASTBOUND MCEWEN ROAD AT MIDWAY ROAD; REPEALING CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A PENALTY; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. C.6 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION #91-142 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH AND THE CITY OF CARROLLTON FOR THE PURCHASE OF NON- RESIDENT USER CARDS FOR CARROLLTON SENIORS WHO PARTICIPATE IN PROGRAMS AT THE FARMERS BRANCH SENIOR ADULT ACTIVITY CENTER. Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. Beginning October 1, 1991, the City of Farmers Branch will initiate a non-resident recreation user's fee of $5 per month for use of its Senior Adult Activity Center. To provide services to its senior citizens, the City of Carrollton agrees to pay the non- resident fee to the City of Farmers Branch. There are approximately 90 Carrollton senior residents who regularly participate in programs at the Farmers Branch Senior Center. At $60 per card, per year, the total would be approximately $5,400. The Director of the Parks and Recreation Department recommends adoption of Resolution 191-142 authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement between the City of Farmers Branch and the City of Carrollton for the purchase of non-resident user cards for Carrollton seniors who participate in programs at the Farmers Branch Senior Adult Activity Center. Mayor Blair stated he had spoke with Carrollton Mayor Gravely and this money has been approved as part of Carrollton's budget for next year. Mayor Blair felt there was no reason not to go forward with this agreement. A motion by Councilman Phelps, a second by Mayor Pro Tem Moses, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution #91-142 authorizing an agreement with the City of Carrollton and the City of Farmers Branch for the purchase of non-resident user cards for Carrollton seniors who participate in programs at the Farmers Branch Senior Adult Activity Center. C.7 CONSENT. D.1 CONSENT. D.2 CONSENT. D.3 CONSENT. 0 Vol. 61, Page 61 D.4 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 91-138 AWARDING THE BID FOR THE HOLIDAY LIGHT STRING PURCHASE TO LECO ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING COMPANY AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. The Holiday Lighting Program is a portion of the City's Christmas activities to celebrate the holiday season. There is approximately $26,000.00 available in the 1990/91 Hotel/Motel Promotion of Tourism/Christmas Activities Fund for the purchase of the light strings for the 1991 holiday season. Seven bid packets were distributed to suppliers. Four bids were received, three of which met specifications. One bid received did not contain the product samples as required by the specifications. The low bid meeting specifications was received from Leco Electric Manufacturing Company in the amount of $16,672.33. The City Engineer recommends that the Holiday Light String Purchase be awarded to Leco Electric Manufacturing Company in the amount of $16,672.33 by adopting Resolution No. 91-138. Councilman Binford asked how the specifications on the lights were bid. Councilman Binford asked if one light went out would the entire string of lights go out. Assistant City Manager John Burke stated they would not all go out at one time. A motion by Councilwoman Davis, a second by Councilman Pyle, all voting "aye adopted Resolution #91-138 awarding the bid to Leco Electric Manufacturing Company for the Holiday Light String in the amount of $16,672.33. D.5 CONSIDER ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 91-139 SUPPORTING THE 1991 DALLAS COUNTY BOND PROGRAM. Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. On September 3, 1991, the Dallas County Commissioners' Court approved an Election Order for a November 5, 1991 bond election. The election order delineates a Bond Program which provides $175 million in County funding for transportation improvements. The Bond Program will provide over $5.2 million to Farmers Branch for the improvement of Midway Road, Alpha Road, Denton and Rossford Drives. The bond program also includes Incident Detection and Response funding which will reduce congestion on City thoroughfares due to major freeway accidents. The Bond Program also includes assistance in obtaining right-of-way for future construction of State Highway 161/190 in western Farmers Branch. Vol. 61, Page 62 The City Engineer and the Traffic Engineer recommend adoption of Resolution No. 91- 139 supporting passage of the Dallas County Bond Program. Mayor Blair stated the previous bond programs had treated Farmers Branch fairly and explained the importance of the programs. Mayor Blair stated his support of these programs. A motion by Councilman Binford, a second by Mayor Pro Tem Moses, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 91-139 supporting the passage of the Dallas County Bond Program. D.6 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 91-140 AWARDING THE BID FOR THE MARSH LANE SIGNAL SYSTEM UPGRADE TO SHARROCK ELECTRIC, INC. AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. Funds for the Marsh Lane Signal System Upgrade are included in the amount of $98,000.00 in the 1990-91 DART Local Assistance Program Budget. This contract will provide for new traffic signal controllers at nine intersections and fire emergency preemption equipment at the four intersections which are not currently equipped. Five (5) contractors picked up bid documents and two (2) submitted bids on September 69 1991. All bids met specifications. The lowest bidder was Sharrock Electric, Inc. with a bid of $89,106.00. Sharrock Electric was employed by the City for several signal improvement projects and is considered qualified for this project. The Traffic Engineer and the City Engineer recommend awarding the contract for the Marsh Lane Signal System Upgrade to Sharrock Electric, Inc. in the total amount of $89,106.00. A motion by Councilman Pyle, a second by Councilwoman Davis, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 91-140 awarding the contract for the Marsh Lane Signal System Upgrade to Sharrock Electric, Inc. in the amount of $89,106.00. D.7 CONSIDER COUNCIL TRAVEL REPORTS AND REQUESTS AND TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Blair asked for any reports or requests. There were none. Vol. 61, Page 63 D.8 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION. Mayor Pro Tem Moses stated that Troop 711 and Farmers Branch Moose Lodge 2277 had adopted Rawhide Park and met on Saturday to paint the playground equipment. Mayor Blair thanked Troop 711 and Moose Lodge 2277 for their participation in the Adopt-A-Park Program. MAYOR BLAIR ANNOUNCED THAT ITEMS FOR THE EXECUTIVE SESSION WERE DISCUSSED IN THE STUDY SESSION. THE DISCUSSION OF THE ITEMS BEGAN AT 5:25 P.M. WITH THE COUNCIL RECONVENING INTO OPEN GENERAL SESSION AT 5:30 P.M. E.1 DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITIONS - ARTICLE 6252-17, SEC. 2(f) 1. DISCUSS MOTOROLA PROPERTY DEDICATION. A status report was presented by the Staff. 1 E.2 CONSIDER NECESSARY ACTION ON LAND ACQUISITION DISCUSSED IN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION. Mayor Blair announced that there had been discussion of possibly obtaining by donation the Motorola Building on Belt Line Road. Motorola has made the decision to continue their operation of the company and the offer is no longer available to the City. F.1 ADJOURNMENT. A motion by Mayor Pro Tem Moses, a second by Councilman Pyle, all voting "aye adjourned the City Council meeting of September 23, 1991, at 8:07 P.M. Mayor City Secretary u Vol. 61, Page 64