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1996-11-04 CC MinutesCITY OF FARMERS BRANCH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 4, 1996 COUNCIL CHAMBER CITY HALL 7:30 P.M. The following members of the City Council were present: Mayor Mayor Pro Tern Councilmembers Bob Phelps Bill Moses Calla Davis Ron Pyle Charlie Bird Berry Grubbs The following members of the City Administration were present: City Manager Assistant City Manager City Attorney City Secretary Communication Director Economic Development Director Director of Community Services Director of Equipment Services Director of Planning City Engineer Director of Finance Director of Parks & Recreation Library Director Police Chief Fire Chief Director of Public Works Assistant to the City Manager Traffic Engineer Recording Secretary Richard L. Escalante Linda Tidwell-Groomer Stan Lowry Cindee Peters Donna Huerta Norma Nichols Tom Scales Don Moore Michael Spicer Jerry Murawski Charles Cox Jeff Fuller Mary Jane Stevenson Jimmy Fawcett Kyle King Mark Pavageaux Margaret Somereve Dave Davis Suzanne Reynolds The following member of City Administration was absent: Assistant City Manager John Burke Volume 73, page 1 Mayor Phelps called the City Council Meeting of November 4, 1996 to order at 7:30 P.M. The meeting was televised. A.1 INVOCATION. Reverend John Ketchersid Associate Pastor, Farmers Branch Church of Christ gave the invocation and Student Mayor Pro Tern Carpenter led the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Mayor Phelps introduced three members of Boy Scout Troop #838 from St. Rita's. Mayor Phelps stated the scouts will be earning a Communications badge. Ms. Ela Sizemore from TCI Cablevision stated a Ribbon Cutting was held today for their new facility located at 14079 Senlac Drive and she introduced Dino the Dinosaur. Ms. Sizemore also invited the Council to visit their new facility at 14079 Senlac Drive. A.2 INTRODUCE STUDENT GOVERNMENT DAY PARTICIPANTS AND PROCLAIM NOVEMBER 4-8, 1996 AS R. L. TURNER WEEK IN FARMERS BRANCH. Mayor Phelps gave the following information for consideration. Monday, November 4, 1996, is the 10th Annual R. L. Turner High School Student Government Day at the City of Farmers Branch. Twenty-one students from the high school are serving as counterparts to the Mayor, City Council, City Manager and Department Heads. These students will actually "run" the City for a day. The City has placed a banner across Josey Lane this week to inform citizens of R. L. Turner Week, and the Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce will host its regular monthly meeting at the high school on Friday, November 8th at 7:15 a.m. as a breakfast and tour of the school. The week will end with the R. L. Turner vs. Newman Smith football game at Standridge Stadium. Mayor Phelps presented Ms. Linda Taylor, School Board President and Ms. Sheila Maher, Principal of R. L. Turner High School with a proclamation proclaiming the week of November 4 - 8, 1996 as "R. L. Turner High School Week" in Farmers Branch. Mayor Phelps presented a certificate of participation to the following students. Mayor Kelly Cox Mayor Pro Tern Place 4 Wade Carpenter Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Place 3 Clarissa Geffon Councilmember Place 1 Melissa Fuller Volume 73, page 2 Councilmember Place 2 Councilmember Place 5 City Manager Assistant City Manager Parks & Recreation Dir. Library Director Public Works Director Police Chief Fire Chief Director of Engineering Equipment Services Dir. Community Services Dir. Personnel Director City Attorney Economic Development Director Brian Murawski Scott Doughtery Paul Cramer Larry Springer Theresa Van Noy Mary Grygar Rebecca Pruitt Terry McCurry Vanessa Van Noy May Nguyen Adam Aguirre Salvador Parada Jennifer Robertson Marshall Hilliard Hanzi Yang A.3 PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS. Student Mayor Cox presented a five year employee service award to Herb Watson of the Police Department. Student Mayor Cox presented a twenty year employee service award to Karel Tabor of the Library. A.4 PRESENTATION OF BOARD APPLICATIONS. There were no applications presented. A.5 REPORT ON STUDY SESSION ITEMS. Student Mayor Cox 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. Student Mayor Cox 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. Volume 73, page 3 A motion by Student Mayor Pro Tern Wade, a second by Student Councilman Doughtery, all voting "aye", approved the Consent Agenda. A motion by Mayor Pro Tern Moses, a second by Councilwoman Davis, all voting "aye", approved the following Consent Agenda. B.1 APPROVED MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 21, 1996. B.2 AUTHORIZED THE EXECUTION OF AGREEMENTS WITH THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS FOR FUNDING AS PROVIDED IN THE 1996-1997 BUDGET. A. SENIOR ADULT SERVICES B. CHAMBER SYMPHONY OF THE METROCREST C. DALLAS/FT. WORTH REGIONAL FILM COMMISSION D. METROCREST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE E. METROCREST SOCIAL SERVICE CENTER F. NORTHWEST FAMILY OUTREACH G. BROOKHAVEN, COLLEGE H. FARMERS BRANCH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE B.3 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 96-155 APPROVING A CHANGE ORDER TO A CONTRACT WITH LARRY H. JACKSON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. RELATIVE TO GABION REPAIR ALONG RAWHIDE CREEK BETWEEN TOM FIELD DRIVE AND LONGMEADE DRIVE. C.1 CITY MANAGER REPORTS. Student City Manager Cramer presented an informative report on the status and happenings of various projects in the City. C.2 PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER A REQUEST BY THE FARMERS BRANCH CHURCH OF CHRIST TO CONSIDER AMENDING ITS EXISTING SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW ADDITIONAL PARKING AND A PLAYGROUND AREA AT 3035 VALLEY VIEW LANE, AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF VALLEY VIEW LANE AND WEBB CHAPEL ROAD, WITHIN THE ONE FAMILY RESIDENCE-4 (R-4) ZONING DISTRICT AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Student Mayor Cox presented the following information. At the request of the applicant, the Planning and Zoning Commission continued the public hearing for this item to November 25, 1996. The applicant needs additional time to prepare an alternative proposal that better addresses concerns voiced by neighboring property Volume 73, page 4 owners. In accordance with the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, the City Council must receive a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission before action may be taken on any proposed zoning amendment. Therefore, no action may be taken by the City Council at this time. Staff recommends the public hearing be continued to the December 2, 1996 City Council meeting. A motion by Student Councilmember Doughtery, a second by Student Mayor Pro Tem Carpenter, all voting "aye", continued the public hearing to December 2, 1996. A motion by Councilmember Bird, a second by Councilmember Grubbs, all voting "aye", to continue the public hearing to the December 2, 1996 City Council meeting. D.1 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 96-152 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH SYSCO FOOD SERVICE OF DALLAS, INC. ADDRESSING REMEDIATION OF CONTAMINATION WITHIN CITY RIGHT OF WAY AT GILLIS ROAD AND LANGLAND STREET, AND REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A PORTION OF THE GILLIS ROAD SANITARY SEWER MAIN AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Student Mayor Cox presented the following information. In January 1995 a fuel spill was discovered on the property owned by Sysco Food Service of Dallas, Inc., at 14330 Gillis Road. Since that time, the City has been working with Sysco Foods toward cleanup of the City's right of way at Gillis Road and Langland Street. The City is now prepared to award the bid for the installation of a new sanitary sewer line in Gillis Road between Spring Valley Road and Beltwood Parkway. A portion of the line will be installed in a geological strata below the contaminated material in the street right of way. Sysco has agreed to remediate the contamination in the City's right of way, and to reimburse the City for the extraordinary expenses necessary to install the sanitary sewer line near the contaminated soil. An agreement between the City and Sysco has been prepared which outlines Sysco's obligations and includes a work plan for cleanup of the site. In addition, the agreement requires Sysco to provide letters of credit the City may draw against to complete the remediation or repair of the street, if either should become necessary. In addition to Sysco's direct expenses related to the cleanup, estimated reimbursement to the City by Sysco for extraordinary costs for the installation of the sanitary sewer line is $123,681.98, based on bids received for construction and contracts for design, environmental investigation, and materials testing. Volume 73, page 5 City staff recommends adoption of Resolution No. 96-152 authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Sysco Food Service of Dallas, Inc., for remediation of contamination within the City right-of-way at Gillis Road and Langland Street and outlining Sysco's obligation for extraordinary costs to the City associated with the installation of a portion of the Gillis Road sanitary sewer line. Student City Manager Cramer stated he received a revised letter of credit and submitted it to the City Council. Student City Manager Cramer also asked the Student City Attorney Hilliard if he had reviewed the revised letter of credit. Student City Attorney replied he had reviewed the revised letter of credit. Student Councilmember Murawski asked Student City Engineer Nguyen if the TNRCC had approved the change in the remediation plan. Student City Engineer Nguyen stated that was correct to the best of her knowledge. Student Councilmember Fuller asked Student Councilmember Murawski for his professional opinion on this matter. Student Councilmember Murawski stated he has reviewed the documentation and it meets with his approval. Student Assistant City Manager Springer stated the letter of credit specific to the street repair has had three changes; (1) date moved from November to May, 1997; (2) phrase with respect to "repair of Gillis Road" has been added two places on Item 3. A motion by Student Councilmember Geffon, a second by Student Councilmember Doughtery, all voting "aye", accepted changes to the letter of credit, and adopted Resolution No. 96-152 authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Sysco Food Service of Dallas, Inc., for remediation of contamination within the City right-of-way at Gillis Road and Langland Street and outlining Sysco's obligation for extraordinary costs to the City associated with the installation of a portion of the Gillis Road sanitary sewer line. A motion by Councilmember Pyle, a second by Councilmember Bird, all voting "aye", accepted changes to the letter of credit, and adopted Resolution No. 96-152 authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Sysco Food Service of Dallas, Inc., for remediation of contamination within the City right-of-way at Gillis Road and Langland Street and outlining Sysco's obligation for extraordinary costs to the City associated with the installation of a portion of the Gillis Road sanitary sewer line. D.2 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 96-150 AWARDING THE BID FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE GILLIS ROAD SANITARY SEWER LINE TO JOHN Volume 73, page 6 BURNS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Student Mayor Cox presented the following information. The design and construction of the Gillis Road Sanitary Sewer is budgeted in the 1996-97 Capital Improvement Program in the amount of $550,000. Eleven bids were received and opened on October 1, 1996. All bids met specifications, the lowest bidder was John Burns Construction Company submitting a bid of $472,041.00 with a contract time of 90 calendar days. John Burns Construction Company has provided adequate qualifications and reference for similar work. With the award of this bid, the approval of an environmental and materials testing agreement which is another item on this Council agenda, and previous expenditures for design, environmental testing and geotechnical investigation, the total project cost is $533,800. Approximately $113,691.98 of the project cost will be reimbursed by Sysco Food Services of Dallas, Inc. to compensate the City for additional project costs associated with contamination of City right-of-way. An agreement with Sysco that includes the reimbursement is another item on this Council Agenda. The City Engineer recommends adopting Resolution No. 96-150 awarding the bid for construction of the Gillis Road Sanitary Sewer to John Burns Construction Company. A motion by Student Mayor Pro Tern Carpenter, a second by Student Councilmember Murawski all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 96-150 awarding the bid for construction of the Gillis Road Sanitary Sewer to John Bums Construction Company. A motion by Mayor Pro Tern Moses, a second by Councilmember Grubbs, all voting "aye", to adopt Resolution No. 96-150 awarding the bid for construction of the Gillis Road Sanitary Sewer to John Burns Construction Company. D.3 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 96-148 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH ATEC ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR CONSTRUCTION RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL AND MATERIALS TESTING SERVICES DURING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SANITARY SEWER LINE ALONG GILLIS ROAD AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Student Mayor Cox presented the following information. The design and construction of the Gillis Road Sanitary Sewer is budgeted in the 1996-97 Capital Improvement Program in the amount of $550,000. An agreement with ATEC Associates, Inc. is proposed for the environmental testing and materials testing that is needed during construction. ATEC Associates, Inc. will provide their services in an amount not to exceed $8,020. Volume 73, page 7 Award of the construction bid and an agreement with Sysco are related items on this Council Agenda. The City Engineer recommends adopting Resolution No. 96-148 approving an agreement with ATEC Associates, Inc. for construction related environmental and materials testing services during the construction of the sanitary sewer along Gillis Road. A motion by Student Councilmember Geffon, a second by Student Councilmember Doughtery, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 96-148 approving an agreement with ATEC Associates, Inc. for construction related environmental and materials testing services during the construction of the sanitary sewer along Gillis Road. A motion by Councilmember Davis, a second by Mayor Pro Tem Moses, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 96-148 approving an agreement with ATEC Associates, Inc. for construction related environmental and materials testing services during the construction of the sanitary sewer along Gillis Road. DA CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 96-153 AWARDING A BID FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE ANNUAL SUPPLY OF READY-MIX CONCRETE AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Student Mayor Cox presented the following information. Bid requests for the purchase of the annual supply of ready-mix concrete were sent to five vendors. Four bids were received and opened on October 24, 1996 and all bids met specifications. Pioneer concrete submitted the lowest bid for regular and high strength concrete picked up or delivered, ranging in price from $48 to $66 per cubic yard. Funds in the amount of $116,300 are available in the 1996-1997 Public Works budget for concrete street maintenance and $64,750 of that amount is identified for the purchase of ready- mix concrete. All bids were based on estimated quantities since needs for the material fluctuate each year. The Director of Public Works recommends adopting Resolution No. 96-153 awarding a bid for the purchase of the annual supply of ready-mix concrete to Pioneer Concrete with a total amount not to exceed $64,750. A motion by Student Councilmember Doughtery, a second by Student Councilmember Murawski, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 96-153 awarding a bid for the purchase of the annual supply of ready-mix concrete to Pioneer Concrete with a total amount not to exceed $64,750.00. A motion by Councilmember Grubbs, a second by Councilmember Pyle, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 96-153 awarding a bid for the purchase of the annual Volume 73, page 8 supply of ready-mix concrete to Pioneer Concrete with a total amount not to exceed $64,750.00. D.5 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 96-145 AWARDING THE BID FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL PARKING AREA AT THE SENLAC SERVICE CENTER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION Student Mayor Cox presented the following information. Bid requests to continue the phased paving of the equipment parking area at Senlac Service Center were sent to twenty-one concrete contractors. Seven bids were returned and opened on September 27, 1996. Resource Construction Company of Dallas submitted the low bid, meeting specifications, based on a cost of $2.365 per square foot. This bid would allow the paving of 15,300 square foot of parking area at the Senlac Service Center for a total of $36,184.50. The 1995-96 Equipment Services Department Capital Improvement Program budget included $25,000 for additional parking at the Senlac Service Center. These funds were carried forward to the 1996-97 CIP budget. The 1996-97 CIP budget also includes an additional $25,000 for paving at the Senlac Service Center for total funding of $50,000. The Director of Equipment Services recommends adopting Resolution No. 96-145 awarding the bid for the construction of additional parking area at the Senlac Service Center to Resource Construction Company of Dallas for a total cost of $36,184.50. Student Councilmember Geffon asked Student Equipment Services Director Aguirre what will the parking lot be used for. Student Equipment Services Director Aguirre stated it would be used for parking and storage of City equipment. Student Councilmember Geffon asked Student Equipment Services Director Aguirre if some of the City equipment was currently being parked on gravel. Student Equipment Services Director Aguirre replied yes it was. Student Mayor Pro Tern Carpenter asked if the Public Works Department could do the job at a cheaper rate. Student Equipment Services Director Aguirre stated the Public Works Department schedule would not permit them to do so at this time. Student City Manager Cramer asked if the Public Works Director would answer the question. n Volume 73, page 9 Student Public Works Director Pruitt stated Public Works could do the job for $3 per square foot and Resource Construction Company could do the job for $2.36. Student Mayor Pro Tern Carpenter asked if there was a security problem at this location. Student Chief of Police McCurry stated there is no security problem at this location. A motion by Student Councilmember Fuller, a second by Student Councilmember Murawski, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 96-145 awarding the bid for the construction of additional parking area at the Senlac Service Center to Resource Construction Company of Dallas for a total cost of $36,184.50. A motion by Councilmember Bird, a second by Councilmember Davis, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 96-145 awarding the bid for the construction of additional parking area at the Senlac Service Center to Resource Construction Company of Dallas for a total cost of $36,184.50. D.6 CONSIDER SHORTENING THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL CYCLE ON TOM FIELD ROAD AT VALLEY VIEW LANE. Student Mayor Cox presented the following information. This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of the R. L. Turner Student Government Day participants. Student Councilwoman Fuller asked Traffic Engineer Davis a few questions on this issue. Student Councilmember Fuller stated in the mornings crossing Valley View Lane, the signal is too long, and what is the customary time. Mr. Davis asked Student Councilmember Fuller what hour of the morning she was at the intersection. Student Councilmember Fuller replied approximately 6:50 a.m. Mr. Davis replied the morning peak period which begins shortly after 6:50 a.m., the signal cycle is 120 seconds or 2 minutes. Mr. Davis also stated between rush hours the signal cycle is 90 seconds. Student Councilmember Fuller asked Mr. Davis if anyone else had complained on this issue. Mr. Davis replied occasionally. Volume 73, page 10 Student Councilmember Doughtery asked Student City Engineer Nguyen if there are any possible solutions or anyway to make it more convenient. Student City Engineer Nguyen replied there is not a solution at this time. Student Councilmember Geffon asked Mr. Davis if it would be possible to shorten the light so people could get to work on time. Mr. Davis gave a brief history of the traffic signal. Mr. Davis stated the traffic signal was installed in 1989 because there is a sight distance problem at the intersection. Mr. Davis stated the cycle length at that signal is exactly the same as the cycle length at all other intersections on Valley View Lane. Mr. Davis stated while it would be possible to shorten the cycle length at Tom Field, to do so would mean the intersection would put the signal out of synchronization with the other intersections. Student Councilmember Doughtery asked Mr. Davis if there was a weight sensor at the light. Mr. Davis replied there is a weight detector approaching the signal. Mr. Davis also stated the signal will only turn green for traffic on Tom Field if there is a car on Tom Field. D.7 CONSIDER MAKING THE JOSEY LANE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT A HIGHER PRIORITY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT TO ENHANCE THE APPEARANCE OF THE AREA NEAR R. L. TURNER HIGH SCHOOL. Student Mayor Cox presented the following information. This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of the R. L. Turner Student Government Day participants. City Engineer Jerry Murawski gave an explanation of how streets are selected and prioritize for reconstruction. Mr. Murawski also listed specific streets that were budgeted for reconstruction which included Josey Lane north of Valwood Parkway. Student Councilmember Carpenter asked Mr. Murawski how long the process would take for design of Josey Lane north of Valwood. Mr. Murawski stated the process takes several steps. Mr. Murawski stated the first step is the design process, and with residential input, takes approximately one year. Mr. Murawski stated the actual time for construction is approximately 18 months. Volume 73, page 11 Student Councilmember Carpenter asked Mr. Murawski if it would be the year 2001 before this project is completed. Mr. Murawski replied that was correct. Student Councilmember Carpenter stated the streets toured today were not as bad as Josey Lane. Student Councilmember Carpenter also stated Josey Lane should have been a high priority, and asked how other streets got ahead of the Josey Lane project. Mr. Murawski stated there is a list of criteria to prioritize streets. Mr. Murawski stated drainage, age of street, and infrastructure are considered when prioritizing for repairs. Mr. Murawski stated the project is expensive at an estimated cost of $3,500,000. Mr. Murawski stated partial funding of the project in the amount of $2,000,000 is available in the DART Local Assistance Program if the project is constructed in fiscal year 1999-2000. Mr. Murawski stated the City has programmed the project for Fiscal Year 1999-2000. Student Mayor Cox asked Mr. Murawski if a stretch of Brookhaven Club Drive was scheduled for reconstruction. Mr. Murawski replied there is a section between Golfing Green and Webb Chapel that is asphalt and will be reconstructed. Mr. Murawski stated the Josey Lane reconstruction project is important and will be a tremendous benefit to the traveling public, citizens of Farmers Branch, and a gateway from the south to R. L. Turner High School. Student Councilmember Geffon asked what kind of landscaping is proposed near R. L Turner High School. Student Councilmember Geffon stated this is a gateway to the city. Mr. Murawski stated it has not been designed, and could not make any recommendations at this time. Mr. Murawski suggested that Parks & Recreation Director Mr. Fuller might have some insight. Student Parks and Recreation Director Van Noy stated it has not been designed yet but it will probably be landscaped similar to Valwood Parkway and Josey Lane. Student Councilmember Murawski asked Mr. Murawski if the school would be contacted when this project begins. Mr. Murawski replied the school would be contacted. Volume 73, page 12 D.8 CONSIDER OBTAINING THE PROPERTY AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF FYKE AND JOSEY LANE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PARK TO ENHANCE THE APPEARANCE OF THE AREA NEAR R. L. TURNER HIGH SCHOOL. Student Mayor Cox presented the following information. This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of the R. L. Turner Student Government Day participants. Student Mayor Pro Tern Carpenter stated the property that sits across the street from R. L. Turner High School is a bad reflection on the school and community. Student Mayor Pro Tern Carpenter also stated he would like to have a feasibility study done to determine the possibility of turning the area into a public park. Student Mayor Pro Tem Carpenter stated he would like to include students and staff from R. L. Turner and the City Council. Student Mayor Pro Tern Carpenter suggested buying the property, making it into a public park, and have corporate sponsors pay for the upkeep. Student Councilmember Fuller stated in regards to construction of a park on Fyke and Josey, she would like to hear from Mr. Fuller on the pros and cons of this request. Student Parks and Recreation Director Van Noy stated there are four reasons for not obtaining property for a park: (1) legislation would prohibit the City from controlling smoking or loitering in a public park; (2) may provide more opportunities for bad things to happen than on private property; (3) if the property belonged to the school, the school could control tobacco use and hours of operation; (4) concealed weapons in a park could not be prohibited under State law. Student Mayor Cox stated the City has looked into purchasing this property for a Boys/Girls Club. Student Mayor Cox stated the owner has not very receptive. Student City Manager Cramer stated it would not necessarily have to be a park. Student Mayor Cox stated it would not have to be an expensively landscaped park, but could even be an open field. Student Councilmember Fuller suggested it could be a soccer field. Student Councilmember Geffon recommends the Council follow up on this project and work with Turner High School students to make it possible. Student Community Services Director Parada stated staff is trying to get the school to Volume 73, page 13 work with property owners and restaurants in the area to make the property more presentable. Community Services Director Tom Scales stated the school and the City need to encourage new businesses to occupy the vacant Tom Thumb building. Student Councilmember Doughtery stated if the property was given to the school, then the school could control tobacco use, hours of operation, and concealed weapons. Student Councilmember Doughtery asked opinions of the City Engineer and the Police Chief on what they think of the idea. Mr. Scales stated a park would be a fine idea, but questioned if this would be the best location for a park. Student Mayor Cox stated the students chose this site because of its location near R.L. Turner High. Student City Manager Cramer stated if enhancement of the area around R. L. Turner was made, more families may locate to the area. Student City Attorney Hilliard stated if the City were to obtain the property it could not be given to the school without an election. Student City Attorney Hilliard asked Mr. Fuller what the cost would be to renovate the building. Mr. Fuller stated staff could not give an estimate without looking at the building. Mr. Fuller stated the City is not opposed to putting a park in the area, but after it becomes a park, it is difficult to legislate use of the park. Mr. Fuller stated it may cause more problems than now. City Manager Richard Escalante commented these last two items, public improvements and private improvements, have a dramatic impact on people's perception of the school. Mr. Escalante stated the students have raised questions for serious consideration for alternative uses for the old Tom Thumb site and what impact that facility has on R. L. Turner. Mr. Escalante stated there have been numerous proposals for the Mr. K site including a school store. Mr. Escalante stated he had considered having police officers at this location and the building could be used by the crossing guards for shelter. Mr. Escalante stated he did not know what final recommendations they would give to the Council, but the seed has been planted to start looking for alternative uses for the Volume 73, page 14 site. Student Councilmember Doughtery stated this area is a gateway to Farmers Branch and would like to ask for a feasibility study of the area. Student Councilmember Doughtery stated when the feasibility study is completed, that it be presented to the City Council and the school district along with include input from present and future R. L. Turner students. Mr. Escalante stated there is no formal action to be taken at this time. Mr. Escalante stated the ideas expressed by the students are excellent and they have challenged the City staff. Mr. Escalante stated the staff will be looking at the site and opportunities for partnership with the school. Mayor Phelps stated he feels the students have put a lot of thought into the ideas they presented to the Council and this is something that needs to be looked into and followed up on. Mayor Phelps also stated the area could be revitalized whether it is by commercial uses or a park. Mayor Phelps stated he did not know if the City could purchase the property with tax dollars or if it could legally be donated to the school. Mayor Phelps stated the City's legal staff would have to look into. Mayor Phelps also stated this item will be followed up on and R. L. Turner students will be advised. Councilmember Davis suggested when the City starts working on this project the City needs to include staff and students of R. L. Turner. Councilmember Davis also stated the School Board needs to be contacted and kept informed of this project. Councilmember Davis also challenged the Student Council to work with their peers about continuing this project Student Councilmember Doughtery stated the City is committed in helping boost the school's image. Student Councilmember Doughtery also thanked the City Council and all members of the community who are involved in boosting the image of R. L. Turner High School. , D.9 CONSIDER COUNCIL TRAVEL REPORTS AND REQUESTS AND TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION. There were no travel reports or requests. D.10 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION. Mr. Terry Koffman, 2952 Cameo Lane, stated he attended R. L. Turner, and believes Volume 73, page 15 the area across the street from R. L. Turner needs improvement. Mr. Koffman also stated if the area is turned into a park, he hopes there would be more security. Mrs. JoAnn Getter, 3535 Pine Tree Circle, stated she and her husband have been residents of Farmers Branch for 32 years. Mrs. Getter stated she is upset with TCI Cablevision because without prior notice TCI removed the Travel Channel from Farmers Branch Cable. Mrs. Getter stated she submitted a petition to Councilmember Bird who presented it to the City Council. Mrs. Getter stated because of TCI's action she believes fraud might have been committed and looks to the Council for action. Mrs. Getter hoped the Council would take a stand for the residents. Mrs. Getter stated she does not like having channels removed that were promised to her. Mrs. Getter stated TCI will be taking a telephone survey and encourages the citizens of Farmers Branch to request the Travel Channel. Mrs. Getter completed her statement with a letter she read from the Dallas Morning News by Mike Miller. Mr. John Oechsner, 2450 Valley View, presented a study addressed to the Mayor and read part of the cover letter. Mr. Oechsner stated he believes that Old Farmers Branch should be revitalized like the area at Knox and Cole in Dallas. Mr. Oechsner stated he had pictures to show the Council. Mr. Valentine, a Farmers Branch resident, presented three traffic concerns for Council's consideration: (1) the increasing number of large trucks our residential streets; (2) speeding, especially DART buses; and (3) traffic control with surveillance cameras. MAYOR PHELPS ANNOUNCED THAT THE ITEMS ON THE AGENDA FOR THE EXECUTIVE SESSION WERE DISCUSSED IN THE 4:30 P.M. STUDY SESSION. MAYOR PHELPS EXPLAINED THE CITY COUNCIL RECESSED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AND THEN RECONVENED INTO GENERAL SESSION. THE DISCUSSION BEGAN AT 6:10 P.M. AND CONCLUDED AT 6:30 P.M. 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 APPOINTMENTS TO THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AND BUILDING CODE BOARD OF APPEALS. 2. DISCUSS APPOINTMENT TO THE METROCREST HOSPITAL Volume 73, page 16 AUTHORITY. 3. DISCUSS APPOINTMENT TO THE VALWOOD IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY. Mayor Phelps and members of the City Council discussed appointments to the various boards as indicated above. E.lb DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITIONS - TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.072 1. DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITION AT 13333 MIDWAY ROAD, 13465 MIDWAY ROAD, AND 4100 ALPHA ROAD. 2. DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITION IN OLD FARMERS BRANCH. City Engineer Jerry Murawski gave a report on possible land acquisition at several sites. E.2 CONSIDER NECESSARY ACTION ON PERSONNEL MATTERS DISCUSSED IN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION. Mayor Phelps called for necessary action on personnel matters. A motion by Councilman Bird, a second by Mayor Pro Tem Moses, all voting "aye", reappointed David Stack to serve a two year term to expire December 1, 1998, moved Herbert Hooker to Alternate Place 1 to expire December 1, 1997, and moved Tim Ketchersid to Place 2 to expire December 1, 1998 on the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Building Code Board of Appeals to expire December 1, 1998. A motion by Councilman Grubbs, a second by Councilman Pyle, all voting "aye reappointed Jeff Binford to the Metrocrest Hospital Authority to serve a two year term to expire December, 1998. Mayor Phelps reported there is a vacancy on the Valwood Improvement Authority due to Randy Winski resigning from the board. Mayor Phelps reported this item has been postponed until the November 18, 1996 City Council meeting. E.3 CONSIDER NECESSARY ACTION ON LAND ACQUISITION DISCUSSED IN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION. Mayor Phelps reported that City Council authorized City staff to continue negotiations for possible land acquisition at 13333 Midway Road, 13465 Midway Road, 4100 Alpha Road and in Old Farmers Branch. No action was necessary. Volume 73, page 17 F.1 ADJOURNMENT. A motion by Councilman Grubbs, a second by Councilman Pyle, all voting "aye adjourned the City Council meeting of November 4, 1996 at 9:45 p.m. Mayor City Secretary 7-7 ILII Volume 73, page 18