1996-03-18 CC MinutesCITY OF FARMERS BRANCH
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 18, 1996
COUNCIL CHAMBER
CITY HALL
7:30 P.M.
The following members of the City Council were present:
Mayor Dave Blair
Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Hardie
Councilmembers Ron Pyle
Bill Moses
Bob Phelps
Calla Davis
The following members of the City Administration were present:
City Manager
Richard L. Escalante
Assistant City Manager
Linda Tidwell
Assistant City Manager
John Burke
City Attorney
John Boyle
City Secretary
Cindee Peters
Communication Director
Donna Huerta
Director of Community Services
Tom Scales
City Engineer
Jerry Murawski
Director of Equipment Services
Don Moore
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
Traffic Engineer
Dave Davis
Mayor Blair called the City Council Meeting of March 18, 1996 to order at 7:35
P.M. The meeting was televised.
Vol. 71, Page 67
A.1 INVOCATION.
Councilman Moses gave the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
A.2 PROCLAIM SUPPORT FOR DALLAS COUNTY'S SESQUICENTENNIAL
CELEBRATION AND CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN.
Mayor Blair read the proclamation and proclaimed support for Dallas County's
Sesquicentennial Celebration.
A.3 PRESENTATION OF BOARD APPLICATIONS.
No one presented an application.
A.4 REPORT ON STUDY SESSION ITEMS.
Mayor Blair gave a brief summary of the items discussed in Study Session held prior
to the regular meeting.
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING AS CONSENT ITEMS AND TAKE THE
APPROPRIATE ACTION B.1 - B.3.
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. Hardie, a second by Councilwoman Davis, all voting
"aye", added item D.2 to the consent agenda.
A motion by Mayor Pro Tem Hardie, a second by Councilman Moses, all voting
"aye", approved the following Consent Agenda.
B.1 APPROVED MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 4,
1996.
B.2 APPROVED THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MARCH 7,
1996.
B.3 APPROVED RESOLUTION 96-035 AUTHORIZING DEPOSITORY BANK
SIGNATORIES.
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D.2 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 96-034 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE A LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH HOME
INTERIORS AND GIFTS, INC., FOR OUTDOOR WARNING SYSTEM
SITE.
C.1 CITY MANAGER REPORTS.
City Manager Richard Escalante presented an informative report on the status and
happenings of various projects in the City.
C.2 PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER THE REQUEST OF LONE STAR ENERGY FOR
A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS
(CNG) REFUELING SYSTEM AT 11925 JOSEY LANE AND WITHIN THE
LOCAL RETAIL-2 ZONING DISTRICT AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair gave the following information for consideration. Lone Star Energy
wants to locate a compressed natural gas refueling system at 11925 7osey Lane. The
property is an approximate 0.49 acre lot located west of 7osey Lane between the LB7
Freeway westbound frontage road and Villa Creek Drive. The property is presently
occupied by a tune-up shop owned by Pit Pros. The tune-up shop and proposed
compressed natural gas refueling system will operate concurrently.
The compressed natural gas refueling system includes a dispensing facility and a brick
masonry equipment enclosure three hundred and forty-five (345) square feet in area.
The compressed natural gas equipment enclosure will be placed generally at the
southwest corner of the property.
The dispensing facility will be placed under an existing canopy that is located along
the south side of the existing Pit Pros building and east of the proposed compressed
natural gas equipment enclosure.
In addition to the five (5) percent landscaping that exists on site, a solid screening
hedge of six (6) foot tall red tip photinias will be installed along the west side of the
compressed natural gas equipment enclosure.
A compressed natural gas refueling facility is permitted within Local Retail-2 (LR-2)
zoning district with a specific use permit.
The Planning and Zoning Commission, by unanimous vote, recommends the specific
use permit be approved with the following conditions:
1. A six (6) foot tall screening hedge, comprised of red tip photinias, be installed
along the south side of the compressed natural gas equipment enclosure within
the existing landscaped area.
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2. The dumpster enclosure gate be relocated from the south side of the enclosure
to the north side of the enclosure facing Villa Creek Drive to allow access to
the dumpster.
3. Prior to the issuance of any building permits or before work of any kind
commences relative to the compressed natural gas facility, the Texas Natural
Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) shall approve or state that they
have no objection to the location and design of the compressed natural gas
equipment enclosure and dispensing facility. The owner, in cooperation with
the consultant responsible for the design and operation of the vapor extraction
operation on site, shall prepare a plan for the installation of the compressed
natural gas facility that will not interfere with the vapor extraction system or
operation in any manner, which plan must be reviewed and approved by City
Staff.
Mayor Blair opened the public hearing.
Nicholas Visintainer, representing Lone Star Energy, explained he was here to answer
any questions the City Council might have. Mr. Visintainer stated this facility would
service Dallas County vehicles, City of Farmers Branch and the City of Dallas
vehicles. Mr. Visintainer stated this facility would be open 24 hours a day.
A motion by Councilman Pyle, a second by Councilman Moses, all voting "aye",
closed the public hearing.
Mayor Blair asked Fire Chief Kyle King if staff had checked into all the safety
factors.
Fire Chief Kyle King stated the staff has checked all safety factors.
Mayor Blair asked how many other facilities of this kind are in the Dallas/Fort Worth
metroplex.
Mr. Visintainer stated there were 22 facilities of this kind in the metroplex area.
Mayor Blair asked how many years the longest facility has been in operation.
Mr. Visintainer stated there is a facility that has been in operation for fourteen years.
Mayor Blair asked if there had been any hazards or safety problems with any of these
operations.
Mr. Visintainer replied there had not.
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Councilwoman Davis stated the recommendation by the Planning and Zoning
Commission required the owners plant six foot photinias. Councilwoman Davis asked
if six foot photinias could be purchased at that height.
Mr. Jeff Fuller, Director of Parks and Recreation, explained they are not common but
can be located at that height.
Councilwoman Davis asked if there was a special reason for requiring the six foot
high photinias.
Mr. Tom Scales, Director of Community Services, stated it was the intention of the
Planning and Zoning Commission to require a hedge that would be at least six feet in
height when it matures and that five gallon size plants at time of planting should be
sufficient.
Mayor Blair asked the applicant if he agreed with the conditions recommended by the
Planning and Zoning Commission.
Mr. Visintainer stated he had no problem complying with the recommendations.
A motion by Councilman Phelps, a second by Councilman Pyle, all voting "aye",
adopted the following captioned Ordinance Number 2255 granting a specific use
permit for a compressed natural gas refueling facility at 11925 Josey Lane with the
conditions as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission with the
exception that a screening hedge comprised of a minimum of 5 gallon photinias be
installed instead of the 6 foot photinias.
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 COMPRESSED
NATURAL GAS REFUELING SYSTEM AT 11925 JOSEY LANE AND
WITHIN THE LOCAL RETAIL-2 (LR-2) ZONING DISTRICT,
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 TRAVELERS REALTY
INVESTMENT COMPANY TO AMEND THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
NUMBER 50 (PD-50) ZONING DISTRICT PERMITTED USES AND
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
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Mayor Blair stated this item was continued from the March 4, 1996 City Council
meeting to allow the applicant additional time to review the proposed PD-50 uses and
development standards.
Travelers Realty Investment Company representatives are still reviewing the proposed
development standards and associated developer's contract for PD-50.
The City Staff is requesting this item be continued until the April 1, 1996, City
Council meeting.
A motion by Councilman Pyle, a second by Councilman Moses, all voting "aye",
continued consideration of this item until the April 1, 1996, City Council meeting.
D.1 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 96-014 APPROVING A
DEVELOPER'S CONTRACT WITH TRAVELERS REALTY INVESTMENT
COMPANY FOR PART OF THE CENTREPLACE ADDITION AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair stated this item was continued from the February 5, 1996 City Council
meeting to allow the applicant additional time to review the proposed Developer's
Contract. City staff requests that this item be continued until the April 1, 1996, City
Council meeting.
Staff recommends that consideration of this item be continued until the April 1, 1996
City Council meeting.
A motion by Councilman Pyle, a second by Councilman Moses, all voting "aye",
continued consideration of this item until the April 1, 1996 City Council meeting.
D.2 CONSENT.
D.3 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 96-029 AWARDING A BID FOR
PAVEMENT AND UTILITY CUT REPAIRS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND
TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair gave the following information for consideration. Requests for bids were
sent to eleven contractors, and one was picked up. Five bids were returned and
opened on February 9, 1996. Seven vendors declined to bid for various reasons.
Quantum Contracting Co. submitted the low bid which met all specifications.
Quantities of work were estimated and unit prices were bid for the various types of
pavement repairs. Pavement repairs on major thoroughfares were specifically
identified in the bid package. The utility cut portion will be performed only as
necessary and within budget.
Vol. 71, Page 72
A review of the entire bid proposal shows that prices bid were very competitive. The
total estimated bid from Quantum Contracting Co. is $306,500.00. The 1995-1996
Public Works budget contains $200,000.00 to fund this contract and, if approved, the
contract will be awarded not to exceed $200,000.00.
The Director of Public Works recommends adopting Resolution No. 96-029 awarding
a bid for pavement and utility cut repairs at various locations to Quantum Contracting
Co. for a total cost not to exceed $200,000.00 and authorizing the City Manager to
execute the contract on behalf of the City.
A motion by Mayor Pro Tem Hardie, a second by Councilwoman Davis, all voting
"aye", adopted Resolution No. 96-029 awarding the bid for pavement and utility cut
repairs at various locations to Quantum Contracting Co. for a total cost not to exceed
$200,000.00 and authorizing the City Manager to execute the contract on behalf of
the City.
DA CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 96-036 AWARDING THE BID FOR
ONE 1996 MODEL TWENTY-PASSENGER BUS FOR THE SENIOR CENTER
AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair gave the following information for consideration. Bids for one (1) 1996
model twenty-passenger bus for use by the City's Senior Adult Activity Center were
received by the State's General Services Commission on February 7, 1996 at 3:00
p.m.
Four (4) vendors submitted a total of six (6) bids. The low bid meeting specifications
was submitted by Dallas Bus Sales, Inc., Dallas, Texas, in the amount of $53,074.00.
The City's 1995-96 Capital Improvement Program includes $65,000.00 in DART
Local Assistance Funds designated for the purchase of a bus for the Senior Center.
The Directors of Parks and Recreation and Equipment Services recommend adopting
Resolution No. 96-036 awarding the bid for the purchase of one (1) 1996 model
twenty-passenger bus to Dallas Bus Sales, in the amount of $53,074.00.
Mr. Nick Korba, 13210 Shahan, asked who will drive this vehicle and what is the
liability for the City.
Mayor Blair replied that the City employs staff that possess a commercial drivers
license to operate this type vehicle. Mayor Blair also informed Mr. Korba that the
City carries an overall policy to cover this passenger bus.
Vol. 71, Page 73
A motion by Councilman Moses, a second by Councilman Pyle, all voting "aye",
adopted Resolution No. 96-036 authorizing the City Manager to purchase one (1)
1996 model twenty passenger bus from Dallas Bus Sales, Inc. in the amount of
$53,074.00.
D.5 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 96-033 AWARDING THE BID FOR
THE PURCHASE OF AN AERIAL BUCKET LIFT AND SERVICE BODY TO
FONTAINE TRUCK EQUIPMENT AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair gave the following information for consideration. Requests for bids to
purchase an Aerial Bucket Lift and Service Body for mounting on a one ton truck
currently in the City's fleet were sent to five vendors. Two vendors submitted bids
which were opened on March 1, 1996.
The low bid, meeting specifications, was submitted by Fontaine Truck Equipment for
the amount of $19,500.00.
The 1995-96 Fixed Assets budget for Traffic Engineering includes $18,000.00 for this
purchase. The remaining amount of $1,500.00 needed for this purchase is available
in the City's Fixed Asset Fund.
The Directors of Engineering and Equipment Services recommend adopting
Resolution No. 96-033 awarding the bid for an Aerial Bucket Lift and Service Body
to Fontaine Truck Equipment for the amount of $19,500.00.
A motion by Councilman Phelps, a second by Councilman Moses, all voting "'aye
adopted Resolution No. 96-033 authorizing the City Manager to purchase an Aerial
Bucket Lift and Service Body from Fontaine Truck Equipment for the
amount of $19,500.00.
D.6 CONSIDER ENTERING INTO A JOINT ELECTION CONTRACT WITH THE
COUNTY OF DALLAS FOR THE MAY 4, 1996 CITY COUNCIL ELECTION
AND TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Blair gave the following information for consideration. The joint City-County
election contract for the May 4, 1996 election is being presented for consideration.
The contract provides the same services to the city as in previous years and will also
cover a special election to fill the unexpired term of City Councilmember Place 1.
The Farmers Branch Manske Library will be the only voting place for the city's
election. The city's estimated cost is $1,639.93.
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Early voting will be conducted in city hall on weekdays beginning Monday, April 15,
1996, and continuing through Saturday, April 27, 1996, between 8:00 a. m. and 5:00
p.m.; and Sunday, April 28, between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. The voting on
Monday, April 29, 1996 and Tuesday, April 30, 1996, will be from 7:00 a. m. and
7:00 p.m.
The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District will also be entering into
the joint election contract with the County.
The City Secretary recommends the City Manager be authorized to execute in
substantial form a Joint City-County Election Contract with Dallas County.
A motion by Councilman Pyle, a second by Councilman Moses, all voting "aye",
authorized the execution of a Joint City-County Election Contract for the May 4, 1996
election in substantially the same form as presented.
D.7 CONSIDER COUNCIL TRAVEL REPORTS AND REQUESTS AND TAKE THE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
There were no travel reports or requests.
D.8 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION.
No one came forward.
MAYOR BLAIR ANNOUNCED AT 8:20 P.M. THAT THE ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
FOR 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. TEXAS
GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 551 OF THE OPEN MEETING LAW PROVIDES
THAT SUCH ITEMS AS PERSONNEL MATTERS, LAND ACQUISITION AND
PENDING AND CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION MAY BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED
SESSION.
E. la DISCUSS PERSONNEL MATTERS - TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 551.074
1. DISCUSS SELECTION OF THE WOMAN OF THE YEAR.
2. DISCUSS APPOINTMENT TO THE ANIMAL SHELTER ADVISORY
COMMITTEE.
3. DISCUSS APPOINTMENT TO THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS
AND BUILDING CODE BOARD OF APPEALS.
4. DISCUSS APPOINTMENT TO THE METROCREST HOSPITAL
AUTHORITY.
Vol. 71, Page 75
Mayor Blair and members of the City Council discussed appointments to the various
boards indicated above.
E. lb DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITIONS - TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 551.072
1. DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITION IN OLD FARMERS BRANCH.
The City Staff presented a status report to the City Council relating to the possible
land acquisition in Old Farmers Branch.
E.2 CONSIDER NECESSARY ACTION ON PERSONNEL MATTERS DISCUSSED IN
THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Mayor Blair stated the City Council discussed selections for Woman of the Year and
will bring this back to the City Council along with their resumes.
Mayor Blair announced that appointments to the Zoning Board of Adjustments and
Building Code Board of Appeals, and the Metrocrest Hospital Authority will be
considered after the May City Council election.
E.3 CONSIDER NECESSARY ACTION ON LAND ACQUISITION DISCUSSED IN
THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Mayor Blair reported that Assistant City Manager John Burke presented a status
report and will continue investigation of possible land acquisition in Old Farmers
Branch. No action was necessary on this item.
F.1 ADJOURNMENT.
A motion by Councilman Pyle, a second by Councilwoman Davis, all voting "aye",
adjourned the City Council meeting of March 18, 1995, at 9:00 P.M.
Mayor
re
City Secretary
Vol. 71, Page 76