2019-05-21 CC Minutes City of Farmers Branch Farmers Branch City Hall
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13000 Wm Dodson Pkwy
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75234
FARMERS Meeting Minutes
BRAN CI I
City Council
Tuesday, May 21,2019 6:00 PM Council Chambers
Study Session Meeting to be held at 3:00 p.m. in the Study Session Room with a
Dinner Break at 5:00 p.m.
Presiding: 1 - Mayor Robert Dye
Present: 5- Mayor Pro Tern John Norwood, Council Member Mike Bomgardner, Council
Member Bronson Blackson, Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Terry Lynne and Director
of Economic Development Amy Piukana City Secretary
Staff: - City Manager Charles Cox, Deputy City Manager John Land, City Attorney
Peter G. Smith, Director of Economic Development Allison Cook, Director of
Human Resources Brian Beasley, Director of Library Denise Wallace, Building
Official Hugh Pender, Director of Fleet & Facilities Kevin Muenchow, Director
of Public Works Marc Bentley, Director of Information Services Mark Samuels,
Director of Sustainability & Health Shane Davis, Director of Economic
Development Benjamin Williamson, Fire Chief Steve Parker, Director of
Planning & Zoning AICP Tina M. Firgens, Director of Communications Tom
Bryson and Police Chief David Hale
A. CALL TO ORDER - STUDY SESSION (3 P.M.)
A.1 19-223 Discuss regular City Council meeting agenda items
Mayor Dye explained Agenda Item 1.2, (adopting a Water Conservation Plan) is a
proactive measure to be more sustainable.
Mayor Pro Tern Norwood suggested pulling it off consent to allow for any necessary
amendments. He asked for clarification on Agenda Item J.1 (Child Care Facility), if this
qualifies for the Centurion American performance metrics for PD-99.
Director of Planning Tina Firgens replied stating this will not be counted towards the
Centurion American required metrics.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Bomgardner discussed Agenda Item K.1 (Mayor Pro Tern and
Deputy Mayor Pro Tern) stating he withdraws his name from the list and asked if anyone
wishes to serve as Deputy Mayor Pro Tem.
Council Member Blackson recommended Council Member Lynne be considered for the
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem position. Council Member Lynne stated he would accept this
position Mayor Dye noted this would be an action item during the regular meeting
Council Member Lynne asked for clarification on Agenda Item 1.3, (Generator
Replacement)in regards to the salvage value.
Director of Fleet and Facilities Kevin Muenchow replied stating the City received a
salvage value of$10,000-12,000 which reduces the net expenditure.
Council Member Retana stated the population numbers need to be updated to reflect
new growth and development with the water conservation plan.
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City Council Meeting Minutes May 21, 2019
A.2 19-231 Discuss the City's electricity contract and future renewable energy
options
Public Works Project Manager John Roach introduced Marilyn J. Fox, President of Fox,
Smolen & Associates, who briefed City Council regarding the City's electricity contract
and future renewable energy options.
The City Council discussed broker service costs, program benefits, purchase power,
rates, volume purchasing, solar energy, and the contract end date(December 2020).
A.3 19-234 Receive a report regarding solar energy feasibility for City facilities
Katy Evans provided the City Council with a solar feasibility update She reviewed
electricity costs, distribution service provider pricing, solar benefits and infrastructure,
request for qualifications and scope of service, and goals of the feasibility study.
City Council discussed cost,funding, budget timing, and tax credits.
Mayor Pro Tern Norwood requested a solar energy feasibility action item be added to the
next City Council meeting.
A.4 19-181 Receive a biannual update from the Manske Library Board
Library Board Chair Jennifer Bauer provided the City Council with a biannual update of
new and summer programs at the Library
A.5 19-235 Receive a report on brush and bulky collection operations, outreach
efforts, and enforcement activities
Director of Sustainability and Public Health Shane Davis provided a report.
The City Council discussed bulk, pickup schedules, special requests, citations, and
communication measures.
Council Member Retana asked that areas of citations be tracked to ensure proper
communication has been provided. She suggested having a Spanish version of the
magnets to assist with language translation to help residents better understand trash
pickup dates.
Ms. Evans explained the City currently utilizes door hangers in both English and Spanish
to help with community outreach.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Bomgardner asked if the mulching program had started.
Mr. Davis replied stating the current program allows data to be collected, which will be
used to negotiate for mulching
Council Member Lynne stated better education is necessary and suggested since the
City owns the landfill, to require other cities to separate bulk and brush similar to our
process. He suggested the City invest in mulching equipment to recoup funds on
mulching
Mayor Pro Tem Norwood suggested better communication and assistance with common
areas.
Mr Davis noted he is working with Code Enforcement and the Police Department to
monitor and assist with common areas. He further stated the contract was amended to
allow pickup of one extra item per household. (For example a scooter) Mr Davis
noted the program began 3 months ago, and it takes time to change behavior
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City Council Meeting Minutes May 21,2019
Council Member Lynne stated more education is necessary prior to issuing citations.
Council Member Retana suggested monitoring specific areas to find out why they are not
in compliance and to ensure they are understanding all communications.
Mayor Dye suggested signs be added to help remind residents it's bulk week which
would assist with community education
A.6 19-238 Receive a report regarding the use of a veteran volunteer group at
the Animal Adoption Center
Animal Shelter Manager Miguel Guana briefed City Council regarding the program. He
explained this is a partnership program with (City of Dallas) to allow veterans suffering
with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to work with animals help volunteer at the
Animal Shelter.
Cristal Retana thanked staff for bringing this program forward, stating the program could
be expanded to other therapy programs.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Bomgardner stated he supports the program, however; cautioned
the City to consider vetting applicants and backgrounds for aggressive behavior and City
liability.
A.7 19-224 Discuss agenda items for future City Council meetings
Mayor Dye suggested a subcommittee, which would include the Mayor and Council
Member Lynne to assist with interviews for the new Farmers Branch Chamber President.
Council Member Retana requested a list of City communications to ensure materials are
translated in Spanish to help assist with better community outreach She also suggested
creating a Council Legislative Adhoc Committee
Council Member Lynne requested an update on smart poles at the Grove, and noted he
recently met with NTTA requesting guardrail extensions be added to deter illegal dumping
at the Nature Preserve. Council Member Lynne requested a report on the revenue
impact of removal of red light cameras. He recommended the City call a Special
Meeting to tour the creek area and invite homeowners and residents to attend and
provide feedback.
Mayor Pro Tern Norwood suggested calling an emergency meeting on Storm Water
management to allow deliberations and a tour of the site. He also requested a west side
status update on commercial development and number of permits pulled.
A.8 19-233 Break for a reception downstairs at 5:30 p.m. welcoming Council
Member Lynne, District 4 for a second term and Council Member
Retana, District 1
B. EXECUTIVE SESSION
B.1 19-139 Council may convene into a closed executive session pursuant to
Section 551.072 of the Texas Government Code:
Discuss the purchase, exchange, lease, or sale of real property
located north of Valley View, south of Valwood Parkway, east of 135,
and west of Josey in Farmers Branch, TX
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The City Council recessed for a break at 4:49 p m and reconvened into closed executive
session at 5.03 p.m. The City Council adjourned from closed executive session at 5:06
p m and the Mayor adjourned the Study Session meeting at 5.06 p.m
C. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING (6 P.M.)
Mayor Dye called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m
D. INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The invocation was provided and Mayor Dye led the Pledge of Allegiance and Pledge to
the Texas flag
E. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
E.1 19-211 Presentation of the Oath of Office and Certificate of Election to
Council Members Cristal Retana District 1 and Terry Lynne District 4
Police Chief David Hale provided the Oath of Office to Council Member Lynne and Judge
Clay Jenkins provided the Oath of Office to newly elected Council Member Cristal
Retana.
E.2 19-222 Consider accepting a donation for The Branch Connection from the
Farmers Branch Woman's Club and take appropriate action
Mayor Dye recognized the Farmer's Branch Women's Club for their donation in the
amount of$2,000 for the Branch Connection.
Mayor Dye made a motion to approve and accept a donation in the amount of$2,000 for
the Branch Connection. Motion seconded by Council Member Lynne. Motion approved
unanimously.
F. REPORT ON STUDY SESSION ITEMS
Council Member Blackson provided a report on Study Session items.
C MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER'S REPORT ON ITEMS OF COMMUNITY
INTEREST
City Manager Charles Cox provided a report on items of Community Interest.
H. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Jose Perez spoke congratulating newly elected Cristal Retana for winning District 1. He
requested better community outreach with the Hispanic Community and the Police
Department, as well as better policies, affordability for working class, equity and equality
and requested a future bilingual Town Hall.
I. CONSENT AGENDA
1.1 19-236 Consider approving minutes from the May 7, 2019 and May 9, 2019
City Council meeting(s); and take appropriate action
1.2 R2019-38 Consider approving Resolution No. 2019-038 adopting the City's
Water Conservation Plan; and take appropriate action
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May 21, 2019City Council Meeting Minutes
R2019-67I.3 Consider adopting Resolution No. 2019-67 authorizing the City
Manager to approve the purchase of a replacement generator for the
Justice Center in the total amount of $83,978 from Loftin Equipment
Company through the HGAC Contract; and take appropriate action
R2019-69I.4 Consider approving Resolution No. 2019-069 for a Detailed Site Plan
for a parking lot expansion for an existing office building on a
13.6-acre lot located at 1801 Valley View Lane; and take appropriate
action
Motion made by Council Member Blackson to approve Consent items I.1 through I.4, as
presented. Motion seconded by Council Member Lynne. Motion approved
unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGSJ.
R2019-60J.1 Conduct a public hearing and consider approving Resolution No.
2019-060 for a Detailed Site Plan including Special Exceptions for
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a retail service use (child care facility) on a 1.702-acre tract located
at 1400 Valley View Lane; and take appropriate action
Lead Planner Jennifer Paz briefed City Council regarding this item. Ms. Paz explained
theapplicant is proposing a childcare facility on the subject property with outdoor
playgrounds. She noted the applicant is proposing four (4) special exceptions. Special
Exception #1 -Surface Parking located behind the front façade, Special Exception
#2 -Building placement from required front setback, Special Exception #3 -Roof
pitch, Special Exception #4 -Building fenestration.
Mayor Dye opened the Public Hearing. There was no one present that wished to speak.
Council Member Blackson asked if this is inside PD-99, and if it counts toward the
developers goals. Ms. Firgens stated it is located within PD-99, but does not count
towards the Developer’s percentage requirement.
Applicant’s Jovan and Byron Wells provided a presentation on the new proposed
Mindspark Montessori School at Mercer Crossing. Architect Adrienne Millena spoke
stating this site was chosen due to the development in the area.
Mayor Pro Tem Norwood asked if thesecurityfencing is separate due to segregated
areas with thechildren.
Ms. Wells explained this is due to safety, security,and grouping children together in age
groups.
Council Member Lynne asked how many studentsthe school would have.
Ms. Wells repliedstating 150 students.
After discussion, motion made by Council Member Blackson to close the public hearing
and approve Resolution No. 2019-69, as presented. Motion seconded by Council
MemberRetana. Motion approved unanimously.
City Council Meeting Minutes May 21,2019
K. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
K.1 19-214 Elect Mayor Pro Tern and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem; and take
appropriate action —
Motion made by Council Member to nominate John Norwood as Mayor Pro Tem and
Terry Lynne as Deputy Mayor Pro Tem. Motion seconded by Deputy Mayor Pro Tem
Bomgardner. Motion approved unanimously.
K.2 R2019-64 Consider approving Resolution No. 2019-64 award a Bid to Advance
One Development in the amount of$962,828 for the construction of
Phase E of the landfill gas collection system at Camelot Landfill; and
take appropriate action
Director of Sustainability and Public Health Shane Davis briefed City Council regarding
this item
After discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Bomgardner to approve
Resolution No. 2019-64 Motion seconded by Council Member Blackson. Motion was
approved unanimously.
L. TAKE ANY ACTION NECESSARY AS A RESULT OF THE CLOSED EXECUTIVE
SESSION
Motion made by Council Member Retana that the City Manager be authorized to take
such action on behalf of the City as may be reasonable and necessary to purchase, or
authorize the purchase of Lot 9, Block T of Valwood Park, 3rd Installment, also known as
2629 Squire Place,for a purchase price not to exceed $155,000.00 plus standard closing
and acquisition costs and to sign, or authorize the City's agent to sign, such other
agreements, documents, and any amendments thereto, as the City Manager in _..=1
consultation with the City Attorney deems reasonable and necessary with respect to the
closing of said transaction Motion seconded by Council Member Blackson. Motion was
approved unanimously.
M. ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Mayor Dye to adjourn the meeting at 7.21 p m Motion seconded by
Council Member Lynne. Motion approved by unanimously.
1
Signed by: • ,
Ro•- C Dye, Mayor ispb,
Attest: i
Amy M Piukana R C, CMC
City Secretary
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