1994-12-19 CC MinutesCITY OF FARMERS BRANCH
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 19, 1994
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
Bill Moses
Bob Phelps
Nancy Hardie
Calla Davis
The following members of the City Administration were present:
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
City Secretary
Communication Director
Economic Development Director
Director of Community Services
Director of Planning
City Engineer
Director of Data Processing
Director of Finance
Director of Parks & Recreation
Police Captain
Fire Chief
City Management Assistant
Director of Equipment Services
Recording Secretary
Richard L. Escalante
Linda Tidwell
John Burke
John Boyle
Ruth Ann Parish
Donna Huerta
Norma Nichols
Tom Scales
Michael Spicer
Jerry Murawski
Kenneth Campbell
Charles Cox
Jeff Fuller
Reece Daniel
Kyle King
David Reedy
Don Moore
Cindee Peters
Mayor Blair called the City Council Meeting of December 19, 1994 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.
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MAYOR BLAIR STATED HE WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A HAPPY
HOLIDAY SEASON. MAYOR BLAIR THANKED ALL THE CITIZENS OF
FARMERS BRANCH FOR THEIR UNDERSTANDING AND PATIENCE WITH
THE CITY COUNCIL OVER THE PAST YEARS. MAYOR BLAIR AND THE
CITY COUNCIL APPLAUDED THE CITIZENS OF FARMERS BRANCH.
A.2 PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS.
Mayor Blair presented a five year employee service award to Barry Maternowski of
the Engineering Department.
Mayor Blair presented a twenty year employee service award to Troy Richards of the
Public Works Department.
A.3 PRESENTATION OF BOARD APPLICATIONS.
Mr. Matt Wenthold presented an application to serve on the Library Board.
Mayor Blair asked Mr. Wenthold to give a brief history of experience.
Mr. Wenthold replied he has lived in the City of Farmers Branch for approximately
two and one-half years, and has a great love of books. He stated he and his family
visits the Library quite frequently, and he is a member of the Friends of the Library.
Councilwoman Davis stated the City Council has in the past moved an alternate up to
the regular Board and appoint a new alternate member. Councilwoman Davis stated
this allowed new members to learn about the board process.
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING AS CONSENT ITEMS AND TAKE THE
APPROPRIATE ACTION B.1 - B.2.
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.
A motion by Mayor Pro Tem Pyle, a second by Councilman Moses, all voting "aye",
added items C.2, D.3, and DA to the consent agenda.
A motion by Mayor Pro Tem Pyle, a second by Councilman Moses, all voting "aye",
approved the following Consent Agenda.
B.1 APPROVED MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER
21, 1994.
B.2 APPROVED MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER
5, 1994.
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C.2 APPROVED REQUEST BY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS
INTERNATIONAL, INC., HUNT RESOURCES, INC., AND MICHAEL
KOESLING, FOR REPLAT APPROVAL OF LOTS 6R AND 7, BLOCK 6
OF VALWOOD PARK, FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS, PHASE II; A 7.39
ACRE TRACT OF LAND LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 700' SOUTH OF
DELEGATE DRIVE ON THE EAST SIDE OF SENLAC DRIVE AND
ZONED PD-22.
D.3 APPROVED REQUEST BY HARTFORD FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY,
A CONNECTICUT CORPORATION, FOR FINAL PLAT APPROVAL OF
LOTS 4A AND 4B OF FARMERS BRANCH OFFICE PARK ADDITION; A
19.67 ACRE TRACT OF LAND LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST
QUADRANT OF DALLAS NORTH TOLLWAY AND IH635 AND ZONED
PD-39.
DA ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 94-160 APPROVING A DEVELOPER'S
CONTRACT WITH HARTFORD FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY FOR
LOTS 4A AND 4B OF FARMERS BRANCH OFFICE PARK ADDITION.
C.1 CITY MANAGER REPORTS.
City Manager Richard Escalante gave an informative update and status report on the
happenings of various city projects.
Mayor Blair stated he would like to extend his appreciation to the Crimewatch
Committee. Mayor Blair explained each year the Crimewatch Committee holds a
very successful Christmas party for disadvantaged children.
Mayor Blair announced that beginning in January a short report will be on the regular
City Council agenda to explain what was discussed in each Study Session.
C.2 CONSENT.
C.3 CONSIDER THE REQUEST OF ARTHUR WEINMAN ARCHITECTS, ON
BEHALF OF FLOORS-A-PLENTY, FOR SITE PLAN APPROVAL OF A RETAIL
SHOWROOM BUILDING LOCATED ON THE WESTBOUND FRONTAGE ROAD
OF THE LBJ FREEWAY APPROXIMATELY 700 FEET WEST OF MIDWAY
ROAD AND WITHIN THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT NO. 68 ZONING
DISTRICT (PD-68) AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. The Floors-A-
Plenty site is the remaining one acre undeveloped pad site located south of the
existing Wal-Mart store along the westbound LBJ frontage road. Neighboring
development includes the Wal-Mart store to the north, a Taco Bell restaurant to the
east and the Radisson Hotel to the west.
Floors-A-Plenty intends to erect a retail showroom approximately 18,000 square feet
in area and 25 feet in height. The proposed building will have a split-faced concrete
masonry exterior, painted tan and off-white. The east and south facades will be
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accented with pyramid-shaped, stucco entry features approximately 36 feet in height
and painted teal. Approximately 12 percent of the site will be landscaped in a manner
complementary to the neighboring development within PD-68 and the Radisson Hotel
to the west. The proposed site plan complies with the development standards of the
PD-68 zoning district.
The Planning and Zoning Commission, by unanimous vote, recommends the site plan
be approved subject to the condition that the proposed screening shrubs along Wal-
Mart's west property line abutting the Radisson Hotel be planted prior to any building
permits being issued.
Mayor Blair asked Mr. Weinman if there would be any problem with the maintenance
of the required shrubs to screen the property.
Mr. Weinman stated there would be no problem maintaining the shrubs. Mr.
Weinman stated approximately $750,000 from construction permits and sales tax
would be brought in from this company.
Mayor Pro Tern Pyle stated the City Council memo makes reference to Resolution
No. 94-163, however Resolution No. 94-164 is suggested for approval.
City Manager Richard Escalante explained the issue before City Council is a new
resolution. Mr. Escalante stated Staff initially asked the applicant to submit written
documentation as to who would maintain the landscaping. Mr. Escalante stated
Resolution No. 94-164 references the proposed site plan including the required
landscaping and contains language concerning the maintenance of the landscaping.
Councilwoman Davis asked why staff required landscaping before construction is
completed.
Mr. Weinman explained the landscaping strip currently exists and is sprinklered and
sodded and is currently maintained by Wal-Mart. Mr. Weinman stated this is a joint
access easement so as a consequence all landscaping is maintained by Wal-Mart. Mr.
Weinman stated he was required to have a letter today and working with staff an
effective compromise was made.
Mr. Escalante explained the landscaping is being required to provide a screening
barrier between construction activities where the loading docks will be located and the
hotel facing that area.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Mayor Pro Tern Pyle, a second by
Councilwoman Davis, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution Number 94-164 approving
the proposed site plan with the condition recommended by the Planning and Zoning
Commission.
D.1 CONSIDER ORDINANCE NUMBER 2157 ESTABLISHING ADDITIONAL
STANDARDS REGULATING THE CONSTRUCTION OF FENCES IN
RESIDENTIAL AREAS AND TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
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Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. The City
currently has very few standards regulating the construction of fences in residential
areas. Fences can currently be constructed of any type of material in rear yards and
only chain link, mesh and wire fences are prohibited in front yards of residential
areas.
Proposed Ordinance Number 2157 establishes additional standards allowing commonly
used materials such as wood planks, chain link, and masonry to be used for fence
construction in rear yards. Wood, ornamental iron and masonry may be used in front
yard fences, but chain link, mesh and wire continues to be prohibited. Rope, string,
and wire products are specifically prohibited materials, as well as wood, plastic and
metal products designed specifically for uses other than fence construction.
City Staff recommends proposed Ordinance Number 2157 be adopted.
Councilwoman Davis asked if item (b) which requires the finished side of a fence to
face outward from the property on which it is constructed, in Ordinance Number 2157
should be eliminated from the contents.
Mayor Blair stated 90% of fences in the City would not conform to the ordinance
because the finished side of the fence is not facing the street.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Pyle, a second by
Councilman Phelps, all voting "aye", adopted the following captioned Ordinance
Number 2157 establishing additional regulations for the construction of fences in
residential areas, and deleting the original item (b) under Section 8-48 and directed
the remaining regulations within Section 8-48 to be renumbered (a) through (e).
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS,
AMENDING ARTICLE III, FENCES, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES
OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS BY ADDING SECTION
8-46 ESTABLISHING THE TYPES OF MATERIALS THAT ARE
ALLOWED TO BE USED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF FENCES IN THE
REAR AND SIDE YARDS OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES, AMENDING
THE TYPES OF MATERIALS PROHIBITED TO BE USED IN THE
CONSTRUCTION OF FENCES IN THE FRONT YARD; 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 PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
D.2 CONSIDER ORDINANCE NUMBER 2160 ESTABLISHING A 90 DAY LIMIT
FOR EXPIRATION OF CERTAIN BUILDING PERMITS IN RESIDENTIAL
AREAS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. Under current
Building Code regulations, a building permit is valid for an unlimited period of time,
unless work is stopped for a six month period of time, the permit then becomes null
and void. The City has recently been requested to establish time limits for the
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construction of fences and accessory buildings due to problems created by lengthy
construction projects in residential areas.
Long term construction of projects such as fences and accessory buildings in
residential areas have occasionally created problems due to unsightly appearances;
drainage issues, and the need for multiple inspections. To help encourage completion
of such projects, proposed Ordinance Number 2160 provides that building permits
issued for the construction of fences and accessory buildings, including underground
structures in residential areas, shall expire within 90 days of the date of issuance.
City Staff recommends proposed Ordinance Number 2160 be adopted.
Mayor Blair explained that this ordinance was prepared because of a resident who has
had an ongoing construction project for over four years. Mayor Blair stated this
ordinance will establish a 90 day limit for completing the project, and if not
completed building inspectors can extend the amount of time.
Mr. Steve Edmiston, 14215 Tanglewood, asked if the project was only half
completed, what action would the City staff take.
Mr. Tom Scales, Director of Community Services, stated the resident can reapply for
a new building permit, pay another permit fee which extends the time for another 45
days. Mr. Scales explained after that time period expires there are only 30 day
extensions.
Mr. Edmiston then stated that in reading the ordinance further he found paragraph (f)
which answered his question; portions of fences and accessory structures not
completed and for which a permit has expired shall be removed and the area
immediately restored to its original condition.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilwoman Hardie, a second by
Councilman Moses, all voting "aye", adopted the following captioned Ordinance
Number 2160 establishing a 90 day limit for expiration of certain building permits in
residential areas.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS,
AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 2012, BY AMENDING SECTION 8,
SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXPIRATION OF BUILDING PERMITS
ISSUED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FENCES AND ACCESSORY
BUILDINGS INCLUDING UNDERGROUND STRUCTURES IN
RESIDENTIAL AREAS WITHIN 90 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THE
BUILDING PERMIT; PROVIDING FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF;
PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; 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.
D.3 CONSENT.
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DA. CONSENT.
D.5 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 94-159A AWARDING THE BID FOR
TOMPIE DYER PARK IMPROVEMENTS TO A-1 INDUSTRIAL LAWN CARE,
INC. AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. Tompie Dyer
Park Improvements and the installation of City Entrance Signs are a Park Bond
project. There is $69,000.00 available for the proposed improvements.
Tompie Dyer Park Improvements include the removal of the fountain and the wrought
iron "Farmers Branch" sign. An automatic irrigation system and plant materials will
be installed to enhance the area.
Bid packets were sent to 12 bidders. Three (3) bids were received all of which met
specifications. The low bid was received from A-1 Industrial Lawn Care, Inc. in the
amount of $29,985.00. A-1 Industrial Lawn Care, Inc. has requested in writing that
their bid be withdrawn because of an error made in compiling their bid proposal.
The second lowest bid was received from Peterman & Associates, Inc. in the amount
of $37,619.40. Both contractors have provided adequate qualifications and references
for similar work.
The remaining funds will be used for the installation of four entrance signs at I-35 &
Valley View, I-635 & Webb Chapel, I-635 & Marsh, I-635 & Midway. The
estimated cost of the entrance signs is $30,000.00.
The City Engineer recommends awarding the bid for Tompie Dyer Park
Improvements to A-1 Industrial Lawn Care in the amount of $29,985.00. Staff's
recommendation is based on the lowest bid received meeting specifications. The City
Council may want to consider A-1 Industrial Lawn Care's request to withdraw their
bid.
Mayor Blair stated in Study Session there was considerable discussion with a
representative from A-1 Industrial Lawn Care. Mayor Blair explained that A-1
Industrial Lawn Care, Inc. would like to withdraw their bid because of an error in the
addition. Mayor Blair felt it is the responsibility of the bidder for any mistakes.
Mr. Patrick DeZeeuw, of A-1 Industrial Lawn Care, stated Councilman Moses had
asked what good is the low bid process if the company does not honor their bid. Mr.
DeZeeuw read a mission statement which explained the company would honor their
bid to the City. Mr. Patrick DeZeeuw stated honor is more important than money
and therefore the bid will stand as is.
Mayor Blair replied he appreciated the fact that Mr. DeZeeuw came forward and will
honor the bid.
Mayor Pro Tem Pyle applauded the way Mr. DeZeeuw ran his business.
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Councilman Moses replied he appreciated A-1 Industrial Lawn Care's attitude.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Pyle, a second by
Councilman Moses, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 94-159A awarding the
bid for Tompie Dyer Park Improvements to A-1 Industrial Lawn Care, Inc. in the
amount of $29,985.00.
D.6 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 94-156 AWARDING BIDS FOR AN
ANNUAL SUPPLY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS FOR THE PARKS
AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. Bid requests for
an annual supply of chemicals and fertilizers for the Parks and Recreation Department
were sent to fourteen vendors. Twelve bids were received, one company chose not to
bid, and another company submitted a bid that was not received by the opening
deadline.
Terra International, the low bidder on item No. 5, humic acid did not meet
specifications. Staff recommends that Greensmiths Inc. be awarded humic acid.
They have the next low bid.
Staff recommends awarding the low bids that meet specifications. The total cost of
low bid items that meet specifications is $61,516.88. There is $75,000.00 budgeted
for an annual supply of chemicals and fertilizers in the 1994-95 budget.
The Director of the Parks and Recreation Department recommends adopting
Resolution No. 94-156 awarding bids for an annual supply of chemicals and fertilizers
for the Parks and Recreation Department in the total amount of $61,516.88. The bids
are from BWI Dallas-Ft. Worth for $1,667.78, Central Garden & Pet Supply for
$1,627.00, Estes Inc. for $13,523.32, Goldkist Inc. for $5,385.00, Greensmith's Inc.
for $1,120.00, Harpool Fertilizer Company for $6,539.80, Lesco for $7,413.09,
Terra International Inc. for $5,790.59, Thompson CMA for $360.00, and Wilbur-
Ellis Company for $18,090.30.
There being no discussion, a motion by Councilwoman Hardie, a second by
Councilman Phelps, all voting "aye", adopt Resolution No. 94-156 awarding bids for
an annual supply of chemicals and fertilizers for the Parks and Recreation Department
in the amount of $61,516.88.
D.7 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 94-161 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENT WITH
DALLAS COUNTY FOR HOUSING REHABILITATION ASSISTANCE AND
TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. The City of
Farmers Branch submitted a funding application to Dallas County to participate in the
County's Community Development Block Grant Program. The City applied for
$300,000 to be used for housing rehabilitation assistance in a targeted area of the
City. Dallas County has recommended and approved the City's funding request for
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housing rehabilitation assistance in the amount of $300,000. The funding will be used
to provide up to $25,000 per house in forgivable loans for rehabilitation of
substandard homes owned and occupied by low to moderate income persons within
the target area.
Dallas County has submitted an implementation agreement between the County and
the City, which sets the responsibilities and duties of the County and the City relative
to the housing rehabilitation assistance program. Resolution No. 94-161 authorizes
the City Manager to enter into the implementation agreement with Dallas County.
The City Management Assistant recommends that Resolution No. 94-161 be adopted
authorizing the City Manager to enter into an implementation agreement with Dallas
County for housing rehabilitation assistance.
Mayor Blair explained the City had applied for this grant many times and has never
received approval. Mayor Blair stated the City of Farmers Branch did not expect to
be approved after submitting the application. Mayor Blair replied the City is looking
forward to this program.
Councilwoman Davis explained that residents have returned over 80 preliminary
homeowner information forms from residents interested in this program.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilwoman Davis, a second by
Councilman Moses, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 94-161 authorizing the
City Manager to enter into an implementation agreement with Dallas County for
housing rehabilitation assistance.
D.8 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 94-133 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO PURCHASE COMPUTERS FROM GATEWAY 2000 UTILIZING
STATE OF TEXAS CATALOG PURCHASE PROCEDURES FOR AUTOMATED
INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair presented the following information for consideration. The Texas
Department of Information Resources was recently authorized by the State Legislature
to receive catalog bids from manufacturers and vendors of computer systems. This
procedure allows the State to certify an entire catalog as meeting competitive bidding
requirements. Purchasing efficiencies result from not having to individually bid out
the tremendous variety of computer hardware offered. This catalog purchasing
procedure is available to local government members of the Texas General Services
Commission, of which the City of Farmers Branch is a member. Local governments
can therefore take advantage of the volume discounts associated with large contracts.
The Data Processing Department developed a multi-year program last year to upgrade
and/or replace the City's desktop computer systems. New word processing,
spreadsheet, graphics, and CD-ROM data base programs now require more powerful
systems to operate effectively. The purpose of the replacement program is to ensure
that current and future desktop computing needs are met and employee productivity
maximized.
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Nineteen desktop computer systems have been identified and budgeted for replacement
during the 1994-95 fiscal year. A minimum configuration standard was developed
based upon a 486DX-66MHz upgradable processor. This configuration is available
through interlocal purchasing with the State of Texas. Prior to recommending
purchases under the State system, staff attempted to verify that the State pricing was
the best pricing for the City. Quotes were requested from vendors and
manufacturers. Eleven responses were received, ten of which met or exceeded the
City's minimum configuration standard. The lowest quote was the State approved
catalog price of $35,850 submitted by Gateway 2000. This quote exceeded the
minimum configuration standard providing for larger hard drives and offering CD-
ROM drives on all systems. Gateway's proposal also includes a three year limited
parts warranty, a one year on-site warranty, a thirty day money back guarantee, and
life time toll-free technical support. Gateway 2000's catalog and pricing have been
certified by the Texas Department Information Resources.
During the year, additional desktop computers may be needed to meet unexpected
needs. An example would be the need for CD-ROM ready computers and
replacement of computers that are not cost effective to repair or upgrade. In addition
to the planned hardware purchases, software and peripheral equipment are needed to
operate the desktop computers. These additional items will be purchased for the best
price offered by the State or other vendors. The effect of operating under the State
catalog purchasing system allows the City to consolidate equipment and some software
purchasing and realize savings previously not available.
The Director of Data Processing recommends that nineteen desktop computers be
purchased in the amount of $35,850 from Gateway 2000 using the State of Texas
catalog purchasing procedures and further authorizing the purchase of additional
computer software and additional equipment from the State or other vendors, if not
available or cost effective under the State system, in a total amount not to exceed the
budgeted funds of $57,300.
Councilwoman Davis asked why the computer for the Assistant City Manager is more
expensive with a cost of $5,000 when other computers are being purchased for less.
City Manager Richard Escalante explained there is $5,000 budgeted for general
equipment and fixed asset purchases, however this computer has a cost of only
$1,750.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilwoman Davis, a second by
Councilman Phelps, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 94-133 authorizing the
City Manager to purchase computers from Gateway 2000 utilizing State of Texas
Catalog Purchase Procedures for Automated Information Systems.
D.9 CONSIDER SETTING MEETING DATES FOR JANUARY AND TAKE THE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair explained he has a conflict with the January 23, 1995, City Council
meeting date. Mayor Blair explained he likes to be at every City Council meeting.
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After some discussion, the City Councilmembers agreed to leave the meeting dates as
January 9, 1995 and January 23, 1995.
D.10 CONSIDER COUNCIL TRAVEL REPORTS AND REQUESTS AND TAKE THE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Councilwoman Davis stated she attended a TML workshop of regional officers in
Austin. Councilwoman Davis explained she found this meeting was very informative
and they are working on legislative issues with the Metroplex Mayors Association.
Mayor Blair stated there is a TML briefing in Austin on February 6, 1994. Mayor
Blair explained this is a City Council meeting night, however the legislative review by
TML is scheduled from 9:00 a. m. until 2:00 p.m.
A motion by Mayor Blair, a second by Mayor Pro Tern Pyle, all voting "aye",
approved travel for any member of the City Council and the City Manager to attend
the TML meeting in Austin, Texas, February 6, 1995.
Mayor Blair explained on March 30, 1995, the Texas Department of Transportation in
Austin. Mayor Blair stated this will be the first opportunity for interested parties to
discuss various road projects.
A motion by Mayor Blair, a second by Councilman Moses, all voting "aye",
approved travel for any member of the City Council and the City Manager to attend
the Texas Department of Transportation meeting in Austin, Texas, March 30, 1995.
D.11 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION.
Mr. Steve Edmiston explained he was very upset over the installation of a new
entrance sign to the City. Mr. Edmiston stated he helped build this sign and the City
of Farmers Branch won a national award for beautification of the City. Mr.
Edmiston felt Tompie Dyer would be shocked to learn the sign will be replaced.
Mayor Blair replied the City Council and City staff looked at rebuilding the sign.
Mayor Blair stated the fountain is not working and to rebuild the sign would be a
monumental task. Mayor Blair stated City staff tried to contact anyone who was
involved with the sign. Mayor Blair explained the City Council looked long and hard
at replacing the sign but felt it was an impossible job.
Mr. Edmiston explained Oran Good put in alot of time and effort on this sign.
Mayor Blair replied the City Council is aware of the history involved.
City Manager Richard Escalante explained the brick wall will remain after repairs are
made, and the Farmers Branch sign will be preserved and stored at a City facility.
MAYOR BLAIR ANNOUNCED THAT THE ITEMS FOR THE EXECUTIVE SESSION
WERE DISCUSSED IN THE STUDY SESSION UNDER EXECUTIVE SESSION, THE
DISCUSSION ON THE ITEMS BEGAN AT 7:10 P.M. AND CONCLUDED AT 7:20
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P.M. MAYOR BLAIR ANNOUNCED THAT THE ACTION ON THE ITEMS
DISCUSSED WERE RECESSED UNTIL THE 7:30 P.M. MEETING. TEXAS
GOVERNMENT CODE, CHAPTER 551 OF THE OPEN MEETING LAW PROVIDES
SUCH ITEMS AS PERSONNEL MATTERS, LAND ACQUISITION, AND PENDING
AND CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION MAY BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE
SESSION.
E. la DISCUSS PERSONNEL MATTERS - TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 551.074
1. DISCUSS APPOINTMENT TO THE LIBRARY BOARD.
2. DISCUSS APPOINTMENTS TO THE ZONING BOARD OF
ADJUSTMENTS AND BUILDING CODE BOARD OF APPEALS.
Mayor Blair and members of the City Council discussed the various appointments to
the Library Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Building Code Board of
Appeals.
E.2 CONSIDER NECESSARY ACTION ON PERSONNEL MATTERS DISCUSSED IN
THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Mayor Blair stated that no action would be necessary at this time on consideration of
appointments to the boards. The items will be considered at the January 9th, 1995
City Council meeting.
Mayor Blair stated that there was discussion of possible litigation as provided under
the Texas Government Code, Chapter 551.072 relating to the bidding process. No
action is necessary.
F.1 ADJOURNMENT.
A motion by Councilwoman Hardie, a second by Councilman Phelps, all voting
"aye", adjourned the City Council meeting of December 19, 1994, at 8:47 P.M..
f
Mayor
City Secretary
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