1994-02-07 CC MinutesCITY OF FARMERS BRANCH
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 7, 1994
COUNCIL CHAMBER
CITY HALL
7:30 P.M.
The following members of the City Council were present:
Mayor Dave Blair
Mayor Pro Tem Calla Davis
Councilmembers Ron Pyle
Bill Moses
Bob Phelps
Nancy Hardie
The following members of the City Administration were present:
City Manager
Richard L. Escalante
Assistant City Manager
Steve Carpenter
Assistant City Manager
John Burke
City Attorney
John Boyle
City Secretary
Ruth Ann Parish
Communication Director
Donna Huerta
Economic Development Director
Norma Nichols
Director of Planning
Michael Spicer
City Engineer
Jerry Murawski
Traffic Engineer
Dave Davis
Director of Finance
Charles Cox
Director of Parks & Recreation
Jeff Fuller
Library Director
Mary Jane Stevenson
Police Chief
Jimmy Fawcett
Fire Chief
Kyle King
Director of Public Works
Mark Pavageaux
City Management Assistant
David Reedy
Recording Secretary
Cindee Peters
Mayor Blair called the City Council Meeting of February 7, 1994 to order at 7:30 P.M..
The meeting was televised.
Vol. 66, Page 16
A.1 INVOCATION.
Councilman Moses gave the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
A.2 PRESENTATION TO THE CITY FROM THE NORTH DISTRICT CIRCLE 10, BOY
SCOUTS OF AMERICA.
Mr. John Burke presented Mayor Blair the Chairman's Award of the "helping hand"
from the North District Circle 10 Boy Scouts of America for the city's support of the
Boy Scout programs.
A motion by Councilman Phelps, a second by Councilwoman Hardie, all voting "aye",
accepted the award.
A.3 PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS.
Mayor Blair presented a ten year employee service award to J. C. Carver of the Fire
Department.
Mayor Blair presented a fifteen year employee service award to Dalton Chambers of the
Public Works Department.
A.4 PRESENTATION OF BOARD APPLICATIONS.
No one presented an application.
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING AS CONSENT ITEMS AND TAKE THE
APPROPRIATE ACTION B.1.
Mayor Blair stated 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.
A motion by Mayor Pro Tem Davis, a second by Councilman Pyle, all voting "aye",
added item D.2 to the consent agenda items.
A motion by Mayor Pro Tem Davis, a second by Councilman Moses, all voting "aye",
approved the following Consent Agenda items.
B.1 APPROVED MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 24,
1994.
Vol. 66, Page 17
D.2 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 94-015 WHICH PROVIDES TCI
CABLEVISION NOTICE THAT THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH WILL
EXERCISE THE OPTION TO HIRE A CONSULTANT TO EVALUATE THE
PERFORMANCE OF TCI CABLEVISION UNDER THE FRANCHISE
ORDINANCE.
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 PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER THE REQUEST OF JOSE GOMEZ FOR A
SPECIFIC USE PERMIT (SUP) TO ALLOW "AUTO REPAIR" AT 2420 VALWOOD
PARKWAY AND WITHIN THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT NO. 33 (PD-33)
ZONING DISTRICT AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. The proposed site
is a 0.5 acre parcel located at the southwest corner of Valwood Parkway and Distribution
Way. Two existing Specific Use Permits (sups) presently allow used car sales and
display on the property in accordance with a previously approved site plan. Automobile
repairs are permitted only with the approval of a new SUP.
Mr. Gomez proposes to operate an auto repair facility only; there will be no used car
sales. He intends to occupy the existing one story masonry building which is
approximately 1,430 square feet in area and provide landscaping along Valwood Parkway
and Distribution Way. Presently, no landscaping exists on site.
The proposed use is compatible with all abutting uses and the character of the area in
general.
The Planning and Zoning Commission, by unanimous vote, recommends the Specific Use
Permit request to allow auto repair only be approved subject to the following conditions:
1. An irrigation plan be approved by Staff prior to the issuance of any building
permits or any Certificate of Occupancy.
2. All landscaping and irrigation shall be installed in accordance with the approved
site plan within 90 days after occupying the premises. A permanent Certificate
of Occupancy shall not be issued until all site features fully comply with the
approved site plan.
3. All repair activities shall take place exclusively within the building.
4. Paint and body repair work shall be prohibited.
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5. Any vehicles kept on-site during hours in which the facility is not open to the
public shall be stored either indoors or inside the paved and screened vehicle
storage area as shown on the approved site plan.
Mayor Blair opened the public hearing.
Mr. Gomez was present to answer any questions of the City Council.
There being no discussion, a motion by Councilman Phelps, a second by Mayor Pro Tem
Davis, all voting "aye", closed the public hearing.
Mayor Blair asked Mr. Gomez if he agreed with the conditions recommended by the
Planning and Zoning Commission.
Mr. Gomez stated he agreed with the conditions recommended by the Planning and
Zoning Commission.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilman Phelps, a second by
Councilman Pyle, all voting "aye", adopted the following captioned Ordinance No.
2107, approving the Specific Use Permit with conditions recommended by the Planning
and Zoning Commission.
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 AN AUTOMOTIVE GENERAL
REPAIR FACILITY WITHIN THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT NUMBER 33
(PD-33) ZONING DISTRICT AT 2420 VALWOOD PARKWAY; PROVIDING
FOR CONDITIONS OF OPERATION; PROVIDING A PENALTY OF FINE
NOT TO EXCEED THE SUM OF TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,000.00)
FOR EACH OFFENSE; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
PROVIDING FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF; AND DECLARING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
C.3 PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER THE REQUEST OF WORD OF FAITH FOR A
SPECIFIC USE PERMIT (SUP) TO ALLOW "DENOMINATIONAL SCHOOL" AT
12800 HARRY HINES AND WITHIN PLANNED DEVELOPMENT NO. 31 (PD-31)
ZONING DISTRICT AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. The proposed site
is a 0.68 acre lot located at the northeast corner of Carrick Street and the Stemmons
Freeway frontage road. A two-story masonry building having 14,480 square feet of
gross floor area occupies the site. The property formerly housed office and retail uses.
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The applicant intends to convert the existing structure to church classrooms and office
space. No exterior improvements are proposed.
The Planning and Zoning Commission, by unanimous vote, recommends the SUP request
for a denominational school be approved subject to the following conditions:
1. The building facade fronting Stemmons Freeway shall be repaired and all
remnants of previous signage on both stories removed prior to the issuance of a
Certificate of Occupancy.
2. The second floor balcony on the west side of the building shall be repaired where
damaged sheetrock presently exists prior to issuance of a Certificate of
Occupancy.
Mayor Blair opened the public hearing.
Mr. Willis Lang representing Word of Faith was present to answer any questions the
City Council might have.
There being no discussion, a motion by Councilman Pyle, a second by Councilwoman
Hardie, all voting "aye", closed the public hearing.
Mayor Pro Tem Davis asked Mr. Lang if he objected to the rewording of condition
number one recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission to read "The
building facade fronting Stemmons Freeway shall be repaired, all remnants of previous
signage on both stories removed, and the facade refinished such that existing or resulting
blemishes are not visibly apparent from abutting public street right-of-way. "
Mr. Lang stated he had no problem with that condition.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Mayor Pro Tem. Davis, a second by
Councilman Moses, all voting "aye", adopted the following captioned Ordinance No.
2106, approving the Specific Use Permit with the conditions and substitution of condition
number one as mentioned above recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
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 DENOMINATIONAL
SCHOOL IN THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT NUMBER 31 (PD-31)
ZONING DISTRICT LOCATED AT 12800 HARRY HINES; PROVIDING FOR
CONDITIONS OF OPERATION; PROVIDING A PENALTY OF FINE NOT
TO EXCEED THE SUM OF TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,000.00) FOR
EACH OFFENSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Vol. 66, Page 20
CA CONSIDER THE REQUEST OF JOHN E. TAYLOR FOR SITE PLAN APPROVAL
FOR A MOTEL AT 13904 HARRY HINES AND WITHIN THE PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT NUMBER 30 (PD-30) ZONING DISTRICT AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. Mr. Taylor
represents the developer, Mr. Vino Patel, who proposes to erect a two-story, 31 unit
motel on the 0.48 acre lot at 13904 Harry Hines. The site is a vacant parcel between an
industrial plant (Chromalloy EDM) and an automobile paint and body repair business.
The proposed motel would be approximately 9,500 square feet in area and have a brick
and stucco exterior. No restaurant, swimming pool or other recreational amenities are
proposed.
Staff s review of the proposed development included visiting other similar motel facilities
in neighboring cities. Staff has discovered that, in general, these types of motels are
commonly beset with certain problems, namely, an unusually high demand on code
enforcement and the necessity to seek additional assistance from other City departments,
including the Police Department.
Improving the overall appearance, safety, and economic stability of the Stemmons
Corridor has been a high priority of the City's for many years, as evidenced by the
studies, zoning amendments and proposed re-zoning related to the Old Farmers Branch
Area. Staff is concerned that similar problems associated with these motels are likely
to arise here. Should such problems occur, the demand on the code enforcement, Staff
and other City departments, including the Police Department, would appreciably
increase.
Following the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, additional information related
to the demand for police services developments such as these place on the City were
brought to the attention of the Community Services Department.
Consequently, the Staff recommends that Council continue consideration of the request
for site plan approval until March 7, 1994, in order to allow Staff additional time to
conduct research pertinent to this request and future similar development proposals.
The Planning and Zoning Commission, by unanimous vote, recommends the site plan be
approved as submitted. However, the Chairman of the Commission supports Staffs
recommendation on the basis of information received following the Planning and Zoning
Commission meeting.
The Staff recommends Council continue consideration of the request until March 7, 1994.
7
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Vol. 66, Page 21
Mayor Blair stated City Council discussed this item at length in Study Session and Mr.
Patel has agreed to a continuation for further study. Mayor Blair asked Mr. Patel if he
would like this item heard tonight.
Mr. Patel stated this would be a nice motel with a franchise. Mr. Patel stated the motel
would create no addition crime than is already in the area. Mr. Patel explained he felt
the motel will add value to the area. Mr. Patel explained he had no objection to the
continuation of his item until March 7, 1994.
Mr. John Taylor stated the correct address was 13900 Stemmons Freeway and not 13904
Harry Hines.
Mayor Blair explained the City Council would like to investigate this further because four
particular properties in Carrollton and surrounding areas had problems which involved
the police department in these cities. Mayor Blair stated he understood Mr. Patel had
leased this property and did not personally operate the motel in Carrollton. Mayor Blair
explained that Mr. Patel as leasor had some control over the motel leased in Carrollton.
Mr. Taylor stated this was not something new, City staff has had this request since
December 1, 1993. Mr. Taylor stated the motel in Carrollton was a 60 unit building and
the proposed motel would only be a 30 unit motel. Mr. Taylor stated this motel would
not have a bar as the one in Carrollton.
Councilman Phelps asked whether there were any better drawings of the site plan.
Mr. Taylor stated full scale drawings had been submitted to the city.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilman Pyle, a second by
Councilman Moses, all voting "aye", continued consideration of the site plan until
March 7, 1994 as recommended by Staff.
D.1 CONSIDER APPROVAL OF AN ORDER CALLING CITY COUNCIL ELECTION
FOR PLACE 3 AND PLACE 5 ON MAY 7, 1994 AND TAKE THE APPROPRIATE
ACTION.
Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. On May 7, 1994,
an election for City Council Place 3 and Place 5 will be held at the Farmers Branch
Library, 13613 Webb Chapel Road. Place 3 and Place 5 will be for a three (3) year
term.
Early voting will be held in city hall beginning April 18, 1994, and ending May 3, 1994.
The hours for early voting will be 8:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m., Monday through Friday. The
city hall will be open on Saturday, April 30, 1994 for the convenience of the citizens to
vote early.
Vol. 66, Page 22
In the event the Council wishes to enter into a joint election contract with Dallas County,
it will be necessary to amend the election order at a later date.
The City Secretary recommends the issuance of the Election Order.
Mayor Pro Tem Davis asked what it would take to amend the election order.
Mayor Blair stated it would just take amending this order at a later date. Mayor Blair
asked the City Secretary when it would have to be amended.
City Secretary Ruth Ann Parish stated she would find out this information at a meeting
on February 11, 1994.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Davis, a second by
Councilwoman Hardie, all voting "aye", adopted the following captioned Ordinance No.
2108 issuing the Election Order calling for a City Council Election for Place 3 and Place
5 to be held on May 7, 1994.
ORDER CALLING AN ELECTION FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS,
PLACE 3 AND PLACE 5.
D.2 CONSENT.
D.3 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 94-009 AWARDING THE BID FOR
CLEANING AND SEALING OF JOINTS AND CRACKS IN VARIOUS STREETS TO
PRIMATE CONSTRUCTION AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION
Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. The Public Works
Department is involved in a long-range pavement maintenance program. One goal of the
program is to seal joints and cracks in 26 lane miles each year. 26.4 lane miles were
sealed last year at a cost of $98,961.00. The 1993-1994 program will seal 29 lane miles.
To continue the program in 1993-1994, bid requests were mailed to eleven vendors.
Two bid packets were picked up by vendors, bringing the total to thirteen vendors. Five
bids were received and opened on January 21, 1994. Four bids met specifications. The
lowest bid meeting specifications was submitted by Primate Construction in the amount
of $99,705.42. Funds in the amount of $100,000.00 are available in the 1993-1994
Public Works operating budget.
The Director of Public Works recommends adopting Resolution No. 94-009 awarding the
bid for cleaning and sealing of joints and cracks in various streets to Primate
Construction, in the amount of $99,705.42.
Vol. 66, Page 23
There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilwoman Hardie, a second by
Councilman Pyle, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 94-009 awarding the bid for
cleaning and sealing of joints and cracks in various streets to Primate Construction, in
the amount of $99,705.42.
DA CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 94-010 AWARDING THE BID FOR
SIDEWALK REPAIRS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS TO GERRY'S CONCRETE AND
TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. Requests for bids on
the 1993-1994 sidewalk repair contract were mailed to nine vendors. Three bids were
received and opened on January 21, 1994. All three bids received met specifications.
The lowest bid meeting specifications was submitted by Gerry's Concrete for a unit price
of $3.39 per square foot.
Funds in the amount of $75,000.00 are available in the 1993-1994 Public Works
operating budget to finance the work and payment will be made on an actual unit price
basis. The unit price bid for repairs to 4" thick sidewalk is $3.39 per square foot. Staff
recommends that the City award the bid to Gerry's Concrete for a total payment not to
exceed $75,000.00.
The Director of Public Works recommends adopting Resolution No. 94-010 awarding the
bid for sidewalk repairs at various locations to Gerry's Concrete for a total payment not
to exceed $75,000.00.
There being no discussion, a motion by Councilman Phelps, a second by Councilman
Moses, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 94-010 awarding the bid for sidewalk
repairs at various locations to Gerry's Concrete for a total payment not to exceed
$75,000.00.
D.5 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 94-012 AWARDING THE BID FOR
THE PURCHASE OF THE ANNUAL SUPPLY OF PAPER REFUSE SACKS FOR
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION
AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. Bids for the purchase
of the annual supply of paper refuse sacks were mailed to five vendors. The bid
specified sacks constructed of a combination of one-ply recycled and one-ply natural
Kraft paper. Three bids were received and opened on January 28, 1994, and all bids met
specifications. The low bid meeting specifications was submitted by Stone Container
Corporation in the amount of $188,500 for 1,000,000 sacks which will be delivered to
each resident in March and August. The cost of each sack is approximately .19 cents.
Vol. 66, Page 24
Funds in the amount of $211,150 are available in the Public Works operating budget for
this purchase.
The Director of Public Works recommends adopting Resolution No. 94-012 awarding a
bid for the purchase of the annual supply of paper refuse sacks to Stone Container
Corporation in the amount of $188,500.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilman Moses, a second by Mayor
Pro Tem. Davis, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 94-012 awarding a bid for the
purchase of the annual supply of paper refuse sacks to Stone Container Corporation in
the amount of $188,500.
D.6 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 94-005 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE TAX ABATEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, PARK WEST E-2
ASSOCIATES AND SPRINT COMMUNICATIONS, COMPANIES, L.P. AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. The Sprint
Agreement requires approval by three attorney groups; including City; Sprint and
Prentiss properties. To date, we have not been advised that the parties have reached an
agreement.
City Attorney John Boyle will advise the City Council of the appropriate procedures
relative to this item.
Mr. Boyle stated all three attorney groups have just not been able to coordinate their
schedules to approve this tax abatement and development agreement. Mr. Boyle stated
City Council should remove this item until such time as all three attorney groups can
approve this agreement.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilman Pyle, a second by Mayor Pro
Tem Davis, all voting "aye", removed this item until such time as all three attorney
group's can approve this agreement.
D.7 CONSIDER CHANGING THE SECOND CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE OF
FEBRUARY AND TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair explained this item has been placed on the agenda at his request. Mayor
Blair stated Councilman Pyle and himself would not be available for the February 21st
meeting. Mayor Blair suggested changing the Council meeting from Monday the 21st
to Tuesday the 22nd of February.
Vol. 66, Page 25
There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilman Phelps, a second by
Councilman Moses, all voting "aye", approved February 22, 1994 as the second City
Council meeting date for February.
D.8 CONSIDER COUNCIL TRAVEL REPORTS AND REQUESTS AND TAKE THE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair gave a report on a meeting in Austin on January 27, 1994. Mr. Blair stated
this meeting with the Texas Department of Transportation was to request more funds be
made available to the Dallas area for highway projects. Mayor Blair stated this was a
very good meeting.
D.9 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION.
No one came forward.
MAYOR BLAIR ANNOUNCED THAT IT WAS NOT NECESSARY TO GO INTO AN
EXECUTIVE SESSION NOR WAS AN EXECUTIVE SESSION HELD IN THE 4:30 P.M.
STUDY SESSION MEETING.
E.1 DISCUSS PERSONNEL MATTERS
Mayor Blair stated he had contacted the members of the Farmers Branch Historical and
Preservation Board and the Valwood Improvement Authority Board whose terms have
expired. All members desire to be reappointed.
E.2 CONSIDER NECESSARY ACTION ON PERSONNEL MATTERS LISTED ON THE
AGENDA.
A motion by Councilwoman Hardie, a second by Councilman Phelps, all voting "aye",
reappointed the following members to the Farmers Branch Historical and Preservation
Board for a term of two (2) years:
Place 3 Glenna Grimmer
Place 4 Ron Doerler
Place 5 Jackie Deaton
Place 6 Betty Thacker
A motion by Councilman Pyle, a second by Councilman Moses, all voting "aye
reappointed Michael Fitzpatrick to serve Place 3, and Buddy Rees to serve Place 5 on
the Valwood Improvement Authority Board of Directors. Appointments will serve a two
year term.
Vol. 66, Page 26
F.1 ADJOURNMENT.
A motion by Councilwoman Hardie, a second by Mayor Pro Tem Davis, all voting
"aye", adjourned the City Council meeting of February 7, 1994 at 8:24 P.M.
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Mayor
City Secretary
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Vol. 66, Page 27