2019-06-18 CC Minutes City of Farmers Branch Farmers Branch City Hall
13000 Wm Dodson Pkwy
Farmers Branch,Texas
75234
FA, ERS Meeting Minutes
H
City Council
Tuesday,June 18, 2019 6:00 PM Council Chambers
Presiding: 1 - Mayor Robert Dye
Present: 5- Mayor Pro Tern John Norwood, Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Terry Lynne, Council
Member Mike Bomgardner, Council Member Cristal Retana and Council
Member Bronson Blackson
Staff: 18-City Manager Charles Cox, Deputy City Manager John Land, Assistant City
Manager Ben Williamson, City Secretary Amy Piukana, 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, Fire Chief Steve Parker, Director of
Planning &Zoning Tina M Firgens, Director of Communications Tom Bryson
and Police Chief David Hale
A. CALL TO ORDER - STUDY SESSION (3 P.M.)
Mayor Dye called the Study Session meeting to order at 3 p m.
A.1 19-269 Discuss regular City Council meeting agenda items
Council Member Blackson asked for clarification on Agenda Item 1.1, Ordinance No 3573
in regards to traffic flow. He expressed concerns with 18-wheeler trucks entering
westbound onto Valley View He also requested more discussion on the developer's
contribution for Keenan Bridge Road and storage location information on Agenda Item 1.2
(SUP Office/Warehouse).
He asked for more discussion on Agenda Item 1.2, Ordinance No. 3574 (SUP
Office/Warehouse) in regards to storage and locations
Ms. Firgens explained materials are currently being stored at this location, she noted
there are two different designated outdoor storage areas She explained the City would
be required to enforce truck turns at this location or signage could be added She
cautioned this could be an issue for Fire access
A.2 19-265 Receive Parks and Recreation Board Tri-Annual Report
Parks and Recreation Chair Jan Wooldridge provided a triannual report for the Parks and
Recreation Board.
Council Member Bomgardner thanked the Parks and Recreation Board for adjusting to all
the City Council changes
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City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2019
A.3 19-291 Discuss proposed changes to the CADG Mercer Crossing Holdings
LLC development agreement including development performance
obligations
Director of Planning and Zoning Tina Firgens introduced Developer Merhdad Moayedi
with Centurion American who is requesting to modify the development agreement in
order to delay certain development performance obligations to be completed before
issuance of the 451st and 600th single-family residential permits instead of before the
301st permit issuance, as well as not construct a full service hotel on the Boardwalk tract
(south of LBJ Freeway) nor the 25,000 square feet of retail/restaurant uses at the
southeast corner of Valley View Lane and Luna Road.
Mr Moayedi provided a presentation to the City Council and reviewed the following
potential concepts,which included restaurants with over 13,072 square feet.
Council Member Bomgardner asked if lighting with a fountain feature would be included
and a trail connection or bridge for access.
Mr. Moayedi explained he plans to add a lighted fountain to the lake area to help make it
a destination area.
After discussion, City Council recommended the lake depth be a minimum 4-foot, with
aeration and a lighted fountain and trail easement provided to the City
A.4 19-264 Discuss the Smart City Pilot Project
Assistant City Manager Ben Williamson briefed City Council regarding the Smart City
Pilot project.
The City Council discussed program cost, design, pole ownership, co-location,
partnership, LED lighting and replacement costs.
Mr. Williamson explained the cost of the project to date is $49,882 with only removal of
the NEPSA poles remaining. He noted the project would be completed under the
$65,000 not to exceed amount approved by City Council
A.5 19-274 Discuss the City's fence ordinance as it relates to subdivision
fences
Director of Community Services Hugh Pender briefed City Council regarding this item
Mr. Pender explained Valley View Park HOA has approached the City regarding several
areas that the current subdivision fence does not provide appropriate privacy, protection
barrier, noise reduction and glare issues. He explained the HOA has approved a standard
design to address these unique situations on a property-by-property basis, however the
City's current fence ordinance will not permit these items to be installed. Creating the
concept of a secondary subdivision fence definition and associated regulations has been
proposed.
Council Member Blackson stated he is opposed to amending the fending ordinance
Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Lynne explained not all screening walls provide adequate privacy.
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City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2019
Council Member Bomgardner suggested residents add more landscaping and trees to
help with additional screening to an existing wall
Resident Mr Gonzales (Landscape Architect) spoke regarding wall height, noting on the
Marsh side the road goes above the top of the wall, the wall has erosion issues, and
homeowners have visible traffic and lights
Resident Ms. Silver spoke expressing concerns with the safety of screening walls around
her home She asked City Council to consider allowing her to have an 8 ft. screening
wall
Resident Chuck Zubarik spoke stating he resides in Valley View Park Estates and does
not support extending height of screening wall fences and feels this could devalue
property values
Mayor Dye requested to table this discussion to the next City Council meeting to allow
more time to evaluate
A.6 19-275 Discuss changes to the permit fee structure due to recent action of
the State Legislature
Director of Community Services Hugh Pender briefed City Council regarding this item
Mr Pender explained the City has established and continuously used a value of
construction-based permit fee structure in excess of twenty years. He explained on May
21st of this year the 86th State Legislature passed H.B. 852 which went into effect
immediately without a grace period. He further stated H.B 852 refers only to residential
dwellings and now prohibits City's from asking for, (1)the value of the dwelling and/or (2)
the cost of construction for the purpose of determining a permit or inspection fee. Mr
Pender explained the following is staffs proposal
- New residential construction= $1.20/sf
- Remodel/renovated construction = $0.60/sf
- New MEP associated with residential construction=$0 15/sf
-Remodel/renovated MEP associated with residential construction = $0 10/sf
The City Council discussed demo rebuild discounts on permits, recouping costs and
legislative challenges
A.7 19-284 Receive a report on Legislative Updates
City Manager Charles Cox provided a legislative update
A.8 19-270 Discuss agenda items for future City Council meetings
Council Member Retana requested a future agenda item to review the status of the new
permit fee structure and to identify where permits are coming from and the costs.
Council Member Bomgardner requested an update on closed executive meetings in
regards to confidential information and disclosure consequences
Council Member Blackson requested the July 16, 2019 City Council meeting be moved to
July 23, 2019 The City Council agreed unanimously to move the meeting to July 23,
2019
B. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING (6 P.M.)
Mayor Dye called the regular meeting to order at 6 p m
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City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2019
C. INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Dye led the pledge of allegiance and pledge to the Texas Flag.
D. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
D.1 19-242 Recognition of Linda Gaucin for 15 years of dedicated service to the
City of Farmers Branch
Mayor Dye recognized Linda Gaucin for 15 years of service to the City of Farmers
Branch
D.2 19-280 Recognition of Ben Solis for 15 years of dedicated service to the
City of Farmers Branch
Mayor Dye recognized Ben Solis for 15 years of service to the City of Farmers Branch.
D.3 19-281 Recognition of Jose Torres for 15 years of dedicated service to the
City of Farmers Branch
Mayor Dye recognized Jose Torres for 15 years of service to the City of Farmers Branch.
D.4 19-286 Recognition of Jose Ramirez for 15 years of dedicated service to the
City of Farmers Branch
Mayor Dye recognized Jose Ramirez for 15 years of service to the City of Farmers
Branch.
D.5 19-272 Presentation honoring Jeff Harting for 34 years of dedicated service
to the City of Farmers Branch
Mayor Dye recognized Director of Parks and Recreation Jeff Harting for 34 years of
service to the City of Farmers Branch and wished him well on his retirement.
D.6 19-232 Presentation of the Farmers Branch Fire Department's 2019 Fire &
Life Safety Excellence Award
Fire Chief Steve Parker presented the 2019 Life and Safety Excellence Award to Freddie
Arthur in his commitment for the protection of life and property and providing a safe work
environment at Centura Tower
D.7 19-289 Recognition of the Vivian Field Soccer Team for winning the 2019
District Championship
Mayor Dye recognized Vivian Field's 8th grade soccer teams with the Mayor's
Certificate of Excellence The following students received recognition. (Boys)
Arzola, Roberto, Badillo-Castillo, Cristofer; Cardova, Rommel; Castano, Javier;
Castro, Alejandro, Flores, Javier; Guerrero, Joseph; Jimenez, Diego, Jimenez, Kevin;
Luna, Andrew; Mejia, Anthony; Melchor, Jesus, Oreliana, David, Orellana, Kevin,
Ortiz, Giovanni; Ortiz, Jeffrey; Ortiz, Joshua, Pacheco, Justin, Perez, Emilio; Poloma,
Kevin, Ramirez, Alex; Reyes, Sergio; Rivera, Herman, Toledo, Axel; Villarreal, Aaron;
and (Girls) Delgado, Nayeli, Devore, Kylee, Escher, Naheed, Hall, Justice,
Hernandez, Vanessa; Jones, Janis, Maldonado, Alexis, Maradiaga, Ellsee, Martinez,
Elena, Marrier, Sianna, Olguin, Natalia, Perez, Ashley; Perez, Jennifer; Pruneda,
Andrea, Puga, Juana, Ramirez, Destiny; Serrano, Crystal; Stepaniak, Catherine,
Taylor, Sayer; Velasquez,Alexa, Veliz, Ximena, and Zavala, Camila
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City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2019
— E. REPORT ON STUDY SESSION ITEMS
Mayor Pro Tern Norwood provided a report on Study Session items
F. MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER'S REPORT ON ITEMS OF COMMUNITY
INTEREST
Mayor Dye and City Manager Charles Cox provided a report on items of community
interest.
G. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Resident Jose Perez spoke expressing concerns with the recent Police shooting.
H. CONSENT AGENDA
H.1 19-273 Consider approving minutes from the June 4, 2019 and June 12,
2019 City Council meeting(s); and take appropriate action
H.2 R2019-79 Consider approving Resolution No. 2019-79 awarding unit price bids
for the annual purchase of chemicals and fertilizers for the Parks
and Recreation Department; and take appropriate action
H.3 ORD-3576 Consider adopting Ordinance No. 3576 amending Chapter 22
Buildings and Building regulations, Article II, Section 22-54 Final
Calculation and Payment of Required Construction Costs and Fees
by amending the calculation of residential building permit fees; and
take appropriate action
H.4 ORD-3577 Consider adopting Ordinance No. 3577 amending Appendix A, Fee
Schedule by amending Chapter 22 Buildings and Building
Regulations, Article II, Section 22-51, 22-52, and 22-58; and take
appropriate action
Motion made by Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Lynne to approve Consent Items H 1 through
H 4, as presented Motion seconded by Council Member Blackson Motion approved
unanimously.
I. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1.1 ORD-3573 Conduct a public hearing and consider adopting Ordinance No. 3573
for a Specific Use Permit and associated Detailed Site Plan with
Special Exceptions for an office/warehouse building on an
approximately 8.4-acre tract located on the north side of Valley View
Lane and on the south side of Keenan Bridge Road, approximately
500 feet east of Luna Road; and take appropriate action
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City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2019
Director of Development Tina Firgens briefed City Council regarding this item Ms
Firgens explained the applicant is proposing to construct a warehouse with the following
Special Exceptions
Special Exception#1-II.B.5-Parking
The office area is required to have a minimum of 16 parking spaces and the warehouse is
required a minimum of 155 parking spaces, with a minimum total of 171 spaces The
applicant is seeking approval of 168 parking spaces. She explained Three parking
spaces are 1 7% of the total 171 parking spaces required. Additionally, the applicant
would likely have to remove additional trees and encroach the required parking setback
in order to accommodate the three spaces
Special Exception#2-II.E. Street Types- West Side:Edge Two Streets
The applicant is proposing to continue a 5-foot sidewalk from the existing sidewalk to the
west and have all street trees located behind the sidewalk. The property to the west is
developed and is located in Planned Development District No 77 (PD-77), which does
not require a similar street design as required by PD-88 for this property Additionally, the
subject property has a large quantity of existing and mature Bald Cypress trees, which
are proposed to be preserved along Valley View Lane to allow for the intent of the street
tree design to remain.
Special Exception#3-III.C. -Building Envelope Standards for Workplace Sites
The PD-88 zoning requires properties within in the Commerce District and with frontage
along Valley View Lane to comply with the Building Envelope Standards prescribed by the
code only to a lot depth of 100 feet. The portions of the property beyond the 100 foot
depth threshold are required to comply with the development standards set forth in the
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) for the Light Industrial (LI) zoning district. The
Building Envelope Standards in PD-88 include requirements for building height, siting,
architectural elements and use. The applicant is seeking approval of a special exception
to the Building Envelope Standards in order to allow for the site layout as shown with a
building setback approximately 80 to 173 feet, instead of the 5-foot required building line
measured from the right-of-way line. Allowing the 80-foot plus building setback permits
the applicant to preserve a number of the existing tress along Valley View Lane Staff
believes that the requested special exception is appropriate
Special Exception#4 V.C. Roofs and Parapets
PD 88 zoning requires parapet roofs that are clearly visible from the street space have a
cornice projecting horizontally between 6 and 12 inches beyond the building wall. The
applicant is seeking approval of a special exception in order to allow the proposed
building to be constructed with a traditional parapet roof with no cornice Staff believes
that the requested special exception is appropriate due to the use and corresponding
building design that is proposed
Special Exception#5- V.E. - Windows and Doors
PD-88 zoning requires that openings/windows visible from the street-space, in this case
Valley View Lane, not have a horizontal dimension that exceeds the vertical dimension.
The applicant is seeking approval of a special exception to allow for the horizontal
dimension of an opening to exceed the vertical dimension Staff believes that the
requested special exception is appropriate due to the use and corresponding building
design that is proposed.
The City Council discussed space, screening and escrow funds for Keenan Bridge Road
Council Member Blackson expressed concerns with the turn lane (curb cut) and traffic
flow.
Mr Ed Kepplen representing the Developer provided a presentation to the City Council
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City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2019
Mayor Dye opened the public hearing. There was no one present to speak.
Mayor Dye made a motion to close the public hearing. Motion seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Norwood. The motion approved unanimously
Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Lynne made a motion to approve Ordinance No 3573, as
presented Motion seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Norwood. Motion failed by vote of 3-2
(Council Member Blackson, Retana, and Bomgardner voting against.)
Council Member Blackson requested the Developer remove the curb cut.
After discussion, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Lynne made a motion to approve Ordinance No
3573, as presented. Motion seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Norwood Motion approved
by vote of 4-1, (Council Member Blackson voting against.)
1.2 ORD-3574 Conduct a public hearing and consider adopting Ordinance No. 3574
for a Specific Use Permit and associated Detailed Site Plan for
outdoor storage on a 6.9-acre lot located at 2020 Valley View Lane;
and take appropriate action
Lead Planner Jenifer Paz briefed City Council regarding this item Ms. Paz explained
the applicant is proposing two outdoor storage areas totaling 19,985 square feet, which
will store granite slabs and other similar products. She explained the proposed outdoor
storage to the south of the site is 16,137 SF that will require the removal of 53 existing
parking spaces. The outdoor storage area would be screened by an 8-foot tall masonry
CMU wall, to match the existing building exterior color. Two 20-foot wide metal gates are
proposed along the north side of the wall to allow for access into the enclosed outdoor
storage area. The wall setback would be approximately 50 feet from the eastern property
line that has frontage to Senlac Drive, and approximately 176 feet from the western
property line fronting Hutton Drive.
Applicant Peng Dang was present to answer any questions.
After discussion, Mayor Dye opened the public hearing. There were no citizens that
wished to speak.
Council Member Blackson made a motion to close the Public Hearing and adopt
Ordinance No. 3574, as presented. Motion seconded by Council Member Bomgardner
Motion approved unanimously.
1.3 19 PL-04 Conduct a public hearing and consider a request from Valwood
Industrial Holdings, LLC. for the final plat approval of Senlac
Industrial Addition, Lot 1, Block A located at 13330 Senlac Drive; and
take appropriate action
Director of Planning and Zoning Tina Firgens briefed City Council regarding this item
Ms Firgens explained the proposed final plat of Senlac Industrial Addition, will replat Lot
2, Third Revised Lasting Products Addition to create a single lot known as Lot 1, Block A
and dedicate easements necessary for the development of the lot. This plat is consistent
with the approved detailed site plan.
Mayor Dye opened the public hearing. There were no citizens that wished to speak.
Mayor Pro Tem Norwood made a motion to close the public hearing and approve the final
plat, as presented Motion seconded by Council Member Retana. Motion approved
unanimously
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City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2019
J. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
J.1 19-268 Discussion of improvements and maintenance related to Farmers
Branch creeks; and take appropriate action
Mayor Dye took a five-minute recess at 8 31 p m announcing Mayor Pro Tern Norwood
has recused himself from discussion of the Farmers Branch Creek item due to a conflict
of interest.
Mayor Dye called the meeting back to order at 819 p.m.
The following residents wished to speak:
• Anthony Lewis spoke expressing concerns of the stabilization to the Farmers
Branch Creek banks, bag walls and safety concerns.
• Dan Heard spoke expressing concerns regarding creek stabilization, safety
concerns, erosion, flooding, property damage and requested the dams be
replaced
• Resident Gail Cope spoke expressing concerns with Farmers Branch Creek in
regards to flooding, aesthetics, erosion, rift raft, dam failure, and the sewer line
location She suggested City Council think outside the box and include hike
bike trails
• Pamela Gamble spoke expressing concerns with Farmers Branch Creek
flooding, retaining wall failure, and retaining wall failure Arla Rosenthal spoke
expressing concerns of Farmers Branch Creek damage, safety, tree debris,
flooding and erosion.
• Ross Bumpass spoke expressing concerns with creek erosion, flooding,
drainage and runoff from upstream. He suggested the City create a drainage
plan
• Tina Bennett Burton expressed concerns with safety, concrete dam failure, trees
falling, erosion and property loss. She suggested since the City owns a portion
of the creek they should be liable for repairs.
• Ed Bonneau expressed concerns with erosion, flooding and requested the City
assist with funding to make repairs. He thanked City Staff for their assistance
with emergency repairs to the creek.
• Rick Johnson explained this is private property and questioned how the City
could fund He suggested relocating sewer lines and a solution for the entire
creek. He explained reduction of water flow is key.
Council Member Retana suggested the City move forward to obtain a citywide drainage
plan and obtain a second opinion
Council Member Bomgardner recommended hiring a consultant to review and provide
feedback. He explained development over the past 50 years has affected Farmers
Branch Creek. He explained in the past, the City did not have a drainage plan in place
City Manager Charles Cox explained Freese and Nichols provided a comprehensive plan
a year ago which provided 21 recommendations. He further stated the Council reviewed
these items at a retreat and implemented a two-year plan to remediate. He explained
with the excessive rainfall in the metroplex and multiple dam failures, properties have
been impacted severely He stated we need to review steps to assist with emergency
needs. He explained at the last Council meeting staff provided three options with a
timetable
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City Council June 18,2019
Mayor Dye explained the City has been dealing with Farmers Branch Creek issues for
over two years He explained the City needs a drainage plan, conversations with
Addison about the issue and recommended ear marking $6 million dollars for
improvements. He recommended Option B, since multiple homes would benefit. He
explained the City needs to leverage storm water funds and suggested creating a PID or
Creek Owner's Association to provide funds to allow maintenance of the creek in the
future
Council Member Lynne agreed that conversations with Addison would be beneficial and
requested negative emails halt. He explained the City has been assisting with
emergency repairs and approved funds for emergency repairs. He explained he
supports obtaining a second opinion by an engineer He expressed concerns with the
entire creek, noting he has not heard any information about public/private partnership
programs. He explained permanent easements are necessary, and stated he supports
creating a PID district.
City Manager Charles Cox explained the City is moving forward with obtaining a second
opinion.
Council Member Bomgardner suggested reviewing both dams to consider dam sizes
needed to address upstream issues.
After discussion, the City Council agreed to hold a Special meeting to discuss long-term
options
City Manager Charles Cox stated he would schedule another meeting to discuss options,
noting he will move forward with review of the dams, identify size so we can notify the
CORE with our plan. He further stated he will review PID options, a maintenance plan,
and explore bag wall programs
J.2 R2019-80 Consider approving Resolution No. 2019-80 authorizing Economic
Development Incentives pursuant to the Commercial Facade Grant
Program for 4200-4288 and 4300-4488 Spring Valley Rd.; and take
appropriate action
Director of Economic Development Allison Cook briefed City Council regarding this item.
She explained LCG Spring Valley, LLC purchased 12.9 acres along Spring Valley Road.
The existing Spring Valley office park was built in 1975 with multiple one-story office
buildings. The new owner planned to remodel the entire office park and rebrand with
signage and updated marketing Some of the repairs have been underway and many are
pending The ownership was unaware the grant needed to be completed before
renovations began Therefore, they are submitting the pending costs. Ms. Cook
explained this is the largest facade grant application to date due to the acreage and building
footprint. Pending costs total $267,842 with 20% at $53,568. The completed renovation
costs are $283,908, for an overall total of $551,750 Staff is recommending 20% of
pending costs for the grant, capped at the$50,000 per grant.
Motion made by Council Member Bomgardner to approve Resolution No 2019 80, as
presented Motion seconded by Council Member Retana. Motion approved unanimously
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City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2019
J.3 19-290 Consider Board and Commission appointments; and take
appropriate action (Historical Preservation & Restoration Board)
Mayor Dye explained due to a vacancy on the Historical Preservation and Restoration
Board, Kay Lynn Lyon would like to be considered for a regular seat and an alternate
vacancy needs to be filled.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Lynne suggested Melissa Dours be considered for the alternate
seat.
After discussion, Mayor Dye motioned to appoint Kay Lynn Lyons as a regular member
and Melissa Dours as an alternate board member for the Historical Preservation and
Restoration Board. Motion seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Norwood
Motion approved unanimously
J.4 19-271 Receive an Update Regarding the 2019 Resident Satisfaction Survey
Mayor Dye tabled this item to allow the City Council to discuss this item at the August
retreat.
K. TAKE ANY ACTION NECESSARY AS A RESULT OF THE CLOSED EXECUTIVE
SESSION
No action taken.
L. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Norwood to adjourn the meeting at 1050 p m. Motion
seconded by Mayor Dye Motion passed unanimously
Signed by:
John Norwood, Mayor Pro Tern
Attest: ,// / ,AvAA
my M. Piuk• a, RMC, CM
City Secre �
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