2007-07-16 CC MinutesCity of Farmers Branch
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda
City Hall Plaza
13000 William Dodson Parkway
Farmers Branch, Texas
Monday, July 16, 2007
6:30 p.m.
The following members of the City Council were present:
Mayor
Bob Phelps
Mayor Pro Tem.
Tim O'Hare
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem
Ben Robinson
Councilmembers
Jim Smith
David Koch
Tim Scott
The following members of the Administration were present:
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Assistant to the City Manager
Director of Economic Development
City Secretary
City Attorney
City Engineer
Director of Community Services
Finance Director
Director of Public Works
Director of Parks and Recreation
Library Director
Police Chief
Fire Chief
Director of Communications
Recording Secretary
Gary D. Greer
Mary Jane Stevenson
Greg Vick
John Roach
Norma Nichols Reed
Cindee Peters
John Boyle
Jerry Murawski
Michael Spicer
Charles Cox
Mark Pavageaux
Jeff Fuller
Danita Barber
Sid Fuller
Kyle King
Tom Bryson
Suzanne Reynolds
Mayor Phelps called the City Council meeting of July 16, 2007 to order at 6:32 p.m. The
meeting was televised.
A.1 INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Mayor Pro Tem O'Hare gave the invocation and Councilman Koch led the Pledge
of Allegiance.
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A.2 CONSIDER ACCEPTING DONATION FROM THE FARMERS BRANCH
ROTARY CLUB IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,500 FOR THE YOUTH
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The Farmers Branch Rotary
Club would like to donate $2,500 to the City of Farmers Branch to be used for the
City's Youth Scholarship Program. The Rotary Club raised the funds through its
annual golf tournament, which was held on April 30.
The City implemented the Youth Scholarship Program in 1992 to help children
participate in recreation activities in which they otherwise would not be able to
participate. Funding for the program is provided from civic organizations,
businesses, and individual donors. The program assists young people in acquiring
required supplies and equipment to participate in activities such as baseball,
soccer, football, cheerleading, band, and Boy and Girl Scouts.
The Farmers Branch Rotary Club has donated more than $10,000 to the Farmers
Branch Youth Scholarship Program in the last six years.
Chairman of the Golf Committee Jim Barrett and members of the Farmers Branch
Rotary Club presented a $2,500 donation to the City of Farmers Branch for the
Youth Scholarship Program.
A motion by Councilman Smith, seconded Councilman Koch, all voting "aye,"
accepted the $2,500 donation from the Farmers Branch Rotary Club.
A.3 PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES TO CITY EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE
VOLUNTEERED FOR ACTIVITIES IN THE CARROLLTON-FARMERS
BRANCH ISD, IN CONJUNCTION WITH COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS
DALLAS, INC.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The City encourages
employees to volunteer in the City's mentoring program that works through
Communities In Schools Dallas, Inc., or CIS. CIS offices on the campuses of all
Farmers Branch elementary schools and at Vivian Field Middle School, and is a
stay-in-school crisis prevention and intervention program for students in grades
Pre-K through 12. These employees value the City and their roles, and can
transfer feelings of belonging and optimism about the community to students with
whom they work.
These remarkable employees take the time to care about the kids in our great City.
Some of the activities these employees helped make possible in the 2006-2007
school year were: mentoring, tutoring, judging spelling bees and science fairs,
donating money for various causes and having fund raisers.
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Mayor Phelps presented the following employees with a certificate for their
volunteer efforts: Traci Leach, Pam Smith, Linda Klark, Meredith Dowdy,
Robert Carrera, Elaine Nienkamp, Traci Jones and Melody Drake.
A.4 PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARD - OFFICER RICHARD BURTON -
POLICE DEPARTMENT - 5 YEARS.
Mayor Phelps stated Officer Richard Burton was not in attendance.
A.5 PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARD - OFFICER STEPHEN GRIGG -
POLICE DEPARTMENT - 10 YEARS.
Mayor Phelps stated Officer Stephen Grigg was not in attendance.
A.6 PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARD - SGT. MIKE HAIRSTON - POLICE
DEPARTMENT - 15 YEARS.
Mayor Phelps presented a fifteen-year employee service award to Mike Hairston
with the Farmers Branch Police Department.
A.7 PRESENTATION OF BOARD APPLICATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS TO
THE COMMUNITY WATCH COMMITTEE, AND TAKE APPROPRIATE
ACTION.
There were no applications presented.
A.8 REPORT ON STUDY SESSION ITEMS.
Mayor Phelps and the City Council gave a brief summary of the items discussed
in Study Session.
B.0 CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING AS CONSENT ITEMS AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps stated consent items are items that are to be considered 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 consent items is to
speed up discussion for those items that need more time for discussion.
A motion by Mayor Pro Tern O'Hare, seconded by Councilman Koch, all voting
"aye," moved Agenda Item B.6 to Regular Agenda item C.O.
A motion by Mayor Pro Tern O'Hare, seconded by Councilman Scott, all voting
"aye," approved the Consent Agenda as amended.
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B.1 APPROVED MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 18,
2007 AND THE MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
OF JUNE 19, 2007.
B.2 ACCEPTED DONATION FROM THE NORTH TEXAS TOLLWAY
AUTHORITY IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000 FOR THE 2007
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY.
B.3 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2007-094 AMENDING THE
CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING AND CONSULTING SERVICES
WITH WEAVER BOOS CONSULTANTS, LLC-SOUTHWEST TO
DESIGN, PERMIT, AND PERFORM CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE
LANDFILL GAS COLLECTION SYSTEM AT CAMELOT LANDFILL.
B.4 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2007-083 RELEASING THE
PROPERTY ADDRESSED AS 4901 ALPHA ROAD FROM
OBLIGATIONS AND ENCUMBRANCES OF PREVIOUS
DEVELOPER'S CONTRACT AND AMENDMENTS.
B.5 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2007-091 AMENDING THE CHAPTER
380 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY OF THE TEXAS LOCAL
GOVERNMENT CODE.
B.6 MOVED TO REGULAR AGENDA, ITEM C.O.
B.7 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2007-004 AWARDING THE BID FOR
FOUR MERCER CROSSING DEVELOPMENT SIGNS TO ERWS,
INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $325,000.
B.8 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2007-005 AWARDING THE BID FOR
LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION IMPROVEMENTS TO MERCER
PARKWAY FROM VALLEY VIEW LANE TO LUNA ROAD TO
AMERICAN LANDSCAPE SYSTEMS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF
$223,293.65.
B.9 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2007-095 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO PURCHASE A REPLACEMENT REFUSE TRUCK IN
THE AMOUNT OF $185,453 FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS SOLID
WASTE DIVISION.
C.0 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2007-090 NOMINATING
INTREPID USA, INC. AS AN ENTERPRISE ZONE PROJECT AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
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Mayor Phelps presented the following information. Intrepid USA, Inc. has
relocated their corporate headquarters to Granite Tower, 4055 Valley View Lane,
Suite 500. The company is a national home health care company with agencies
currently in 23 states. Intrepid USA, Inc. relocated six employees to the site and
will initially hire an additional 129. Additional personnel will be required due to
the expected growth of the company in the coming years.
The City of Farmers Branch can nominate two companies for a State Enterprise
Zone project designation per biennium. If the City Council approves the
nomination, an application will be submitted to the Office of the Governor
Economic Development and Tourism division prior to the September 1, 2007
deadline. Intrepid USA, Inc. will be notified within six weeks as to their
approval.
If approved as a State Enterprise Zone, a company can become eligible for state
sales tax rebates of up to $1,250,000 over a five-year period on eligible items such
as building materials and office equipment. In addition, they can receive tax
credits on their state franchise tax. If Intrepid USA, Inc. expands according to
their projections and meets all the requirements of the program; they have the
potential of receiving approximately $337,500 over a five-year period. The
refund is based on $2,500 for each new job they create within the State of Texas.
City Administration recommends adopting Resolution No. 2007-090 nominating
Intrepid USA, Inc. as an Enterprise Zone project.
Bill Simpson, CEO for Intrepid, was present and gave the Mayor and City
Council a synopsis of Intrepid USA, Inc.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Mayor Pro Tem O'Hare, seconded
by Councilman Scott, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution No. 2007-090
nominating Intrepid USA, Inc. as an Enterprise Zone project.
C.1 CITIZEN REQUESTED AGENDA ITEM: ELAINE LUTTRELL OF 13439
GLENSIDE DRIVE WOULD LIKE TO THANK SEVERAL CITY
EMPLOYEES, DISCUSS WITH THE CITY COUNCIL THE POSSIBILITY OF
THE JUSTICE OF THE PEACE COURT COMING BACK TO FARMERS
BRANCH, STATUS OF LITIGATION CONCERNING ORDINANCE NO.
2903, AND DISCUSS RULES FOR CODE ENFORCEMENT ON CARS,
TRASH, GRASS, AND OBJECTS IN THE FRONT YARD.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. This item has been put on the
agenda at the request of Elaine Luttrell to discuss several topics with the City
Council
Elaine Luttrell, 13439 Glenside Drive, presented the Mayor and City Council with
the following suggestions. She asked City Council to consider the possibility of
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having the Justice of the Peace Court return to Farmers Branch and widely
advertising the rules for code enforcement regarding cars, trash, grass and objects
in the front yard. She also asked for information regarding the Ordinance No.
2903 litigation.
There followed a lengthy discussion wherein Ms. Luttrell was informed that the
Dallas County Court of Commissioners makes decisions regarding County
buildings such as the former site of the Justice of the Peace. Court. Councilman
Scott stated that the Council and staff cannot give detailed responses to ongoing
litigation. The City advertises Code Enforcement rules through the "Branch
Mail" and on garbage sacks but will investigate other avenues for disseminating
that information.
C.2 CITIZEN REQUESTED AGENDA ITEM: JIM MANNING OF 3712
CLUBWAY LANE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS WITH THE CITY COUNCIL
THE POSSIBILITY OF DEVELOPING A CITY PROGRAM TO HELP
WELCOME NEWCOMERS AND IMMIGRANTS (LEGAL OR ILLEGAL),
MAINTAIN AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN FARMERS BRANCH, INCREASE
THE OVER 65 TAX EXEMPTION, INCREASE THE HOMESTEAD
EXEMPTION, FULL TRANSPARENCY OF ALL COUNCIL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING "EXECUTIVE SESSIONS."
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. This item has been put on the
agenda at the request of Jim Manning to discuss several topics with the City
Council
Jim Manning, 3712 Clubway, asked the City Council to consider the following:
develop a City program to help welcome newcomers and immigrants (legal or
illegal); maintain affordable housing in Farmers Branch; increase the over 65 tax
exemption and the homestead exemption; and, keep City government transparent.
There followed a lengthy discussion, during which Mr. Manning was informed
that, according to State Law, the homestead exemption is capped at 20 percent.
Mayor Phelps stated for the over 65 tax exemptions, there are different amounts.
City Manager Gary Greer informed Mr. Manning that the City would always
follow State laws regarding transparency in government. He stated the City posts
agendas and other pertinent information under State law as required. He stated
Council was considering Resolution No. 2007-088 on this agenda, changing
meetings dates to Tuesday to accommodate the City Council and the residents
who are interested in obtaining information that will be on the Council Agenda.
Mr. Greer also stated that minutes of the Council meeting could not be posted on
the Internet until they are approved by the City Council. After approval, the
minutes would be posted the following day.
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Linda Subject, 2949 Primrose Lane, stated she feels that neighbors usually
welcome newcomers to the neighborhoods. She also stated 68% of the residents
voted for Ordinance No. 2903 regarding illegal immigration in May.
C.3 PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER ADOPTING ORDINANCE NO. 2920
APPROVING THE REQUEST OF DOWDEY, ANDERSON & ASSOCIATES,
ON BEHALF OF ALPHA ROAD PARTNERS, TO AMEND A SPECIFIC USE
PERMIT AS IT PERTAINS TO THE FACADES OF FRONT-LOADED
GARAGE TOWN HOMES LOCATED AT 4100 SIGMA ROAD, AT THE
NORTHWEST CORNER OF SIGMA AND ALPHA ROADS AND WITHIN
THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT 64 ZONING DISTRICT AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. In February 2006, the City
Council approved a specific use permit for this town home development
comprising 184 dwellings. The scope of the specific use permit approval included
detailed site plan documents addressing virtually all physical aspects of the
development such as street and lot layout, number and type of units, landscaping
features, and exterior building elevations including the types of cladding and
accent materials to be used.
As construction on the site progressed, the applicant decided to significantly
change the elevations of the 46 front-loaded garage town homes. Because these
changes constitute an amendment of the specific use permit ordinance, only the
City Council can approve them. The most significant of the proposed changes
concern the rear elevations and include raising the eave line from predominantly
two-story to three-story, eliminating gables and dormers, and reconfiguring
window placement. All other elements of the original plan remain unchanged.
The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommends approval of the
proposed specific use permit amendment and the associated site plan exhibits.
Mayor Phelps opened the public hearing. There were no public comments.
A motion by Councilman Smith, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem O'Hare, all voting
"aye," closed the public hearing.
There being no discussion, a motion by Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Robinson,
seconded by Councilman Smith, all voting "aye," adopted the following captioned
Ordinance No. 2920 approving the proposed specific use permit.
ORDINANCE NUMBER 2920
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH,
TEXAS, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH,
TEXAS, BY GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT
AMENDMENT TO A RESIDENTIAL TOWNHOME
DEVELOPMENT LOCATED AT 4100 SIGMA ROAD AND
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WITHIN THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT NUMBER 64 (PD-
64) ZONING DISTRICT; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; PROVIDING A PENALTY OF FINE NOT TO
EXCEED THE SUM OF TWO THOUSAND ($2,000.00)
DOLLARS; PROVIDING FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
CA PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE
FINAL PLAT OF RICHLAND/BEE ADDITION BEING A REPLAT OF
TRACT 20, NORTH DALLAS TRUCK FARMS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE
ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The proposed Richland/Bee
Addition is a 0.998-acre site consisting of a church building and vacant land
located at 2423 Richland Avenue. The owners of the property, David and Gale
Riddle and the Second Chance Baptist Church, have requested the replat of Tract
20 of the North Dallas Truck Farms addition to subdivide one existing lot into two
lots and to dedicate a utility easement and rights-of-way.
The proposed Final Plat of Richland/Bee Addition creates Lot 1, which is 0.483
acres of vacant land, and Lot 2, which is 0.473 acres containing an existing
church building. A future office/warehouse facility for Riddle Electric is
proposed on Lot 1. The plat dedicates a 7.5-foot utility easement, a 15-foot
corner street easement, and seven feet of right-of-way adjacent to Richland
Avenue and two feet of right-of-way adjacent to Bee Street.
The Final Plat of Richland/Bee Addition is consistent with the Texas Local
Government Code and with City requirements for a final plat and an
administratively approved site plan.
The Texas Local Government Code requires that a public hearing be conducted
for all replats that do not vacate a preceding plat. Written notifications are not
required.
The Planning & Zoning Commission recommends approval of the proposed Final
Plat of Richland/Bee Addition.
Mayor Phelps opened the public hearing. There were no public comments.
There being no discussion, a motion by Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Robinson,
seconded by Councilman Koch, all voting "aye," approved the proposed Final
Plat of Richland/Bee Addition.
D.1 CONSIDER ADOPTING ORDINANCE NO. 2922 AMENDING CITY CODE
SECTION 46-1 OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH CODE OF
ORDINANCES; MAKING IT A CITY ORDINANCE VIOLATION TO
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DISPLAY A FACSIMILE FIREARM IN A PUBLIC PLACE IN A MANNER
THAT WILL CAUSE ALARM AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The Farmers Branch Police
Department as well as police departments around the country have seen an
increase in the number of incidents where individuals display a facsimile or toy
firearm in a manner that alarms the public and often causes a police response with
near tragic results. In fact, on June 22, 2007 a young teen that was brandishing a
facsimile firearm was shot and killed by police officers in West Memphis,
Arkansas. Manufacturers are designing and selling facsimile firearms that are
nearly identical to real weapons and can only be determined to be toys upon close
inspection.
Gang members have been known to carry facsimile firearms to intimidate the
public or rival gang members. Currently when this occurs, police officers are
limited in taking action because there are no state laws or City ordinances that
address facsimile firearms. The proposed ordinance would make it an offense to
display a facsimile firearm in a manner that would alarm the public and thereby
give officers a tool to use in dealing with these situations.
City Administration recommends adopting Ordinance No. 2922 making it an
offense to display a facsimile firearm in a manner that would alarm the public.
Police Chief Sid Fuller showed the audience examples of guns that proposed
Ordinance No. 2922 targets.
Mike Del Valle, 3161 Whitemarsh, asked for clarification on the statement "in a
manner that would cause alarm.
Councilman Koch asked for clarification on the definition of a "public place."
Chief Fuller stated a public place is where a substantial portion of the public has
access. He stated it depends on the circumstances involved in a particular
incident as to whether or not an action has "caused alarm." The responding
officer will make that determination and will use discretion as to whether or not
action is taken.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Robinson asked if Dallas had enacted a similar
ordinance. Chief Fuller replied that Dallas and Carrollton enacted a similar
ordinance.
Jan Garb, 2973 N. Sunbeck Circle, asked if there are any laws for the
manufacturing of these types of guns. Councilman Scott replied the only
requirement for the manufacture is to put an orange tip on the barrel and that
indicates that it is a child's toy.
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Elaine Luttrell, 13439 Glenside Drive, expressed her concerns regarding the
length of time it takes for a police officer to answer a call once it is called in.
Mayor Phelps stated if someone was walking down the street with a gun tucked in
his waist and it was called in, it would not take the Police Department 15 minutes
to answer a call.
Ms. Luttrell stated her experience has been different when she calls the Police
Department. City Manager Gary Greer stated the comments were out of order
and he knows the Police Department does their job in a professional manner.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilman Smith, seconded by
Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Robinson, all voting "aye," adopted the following
captioned Ordinance No. 2922 amending City Code section 46-1.
ORDINANCE NO. 2922
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS
AMENDING SECTION 46-1 OF THE FARMERS BRANCH CITY
CODE RELATING TO FIREARMS AND FACSIMILE FIREARMS;
PROVIDING THAT A CULPABLE MENTAL STATE IS NOT
REQUIRED FOR COMMITTING AN OFFENSE THEREUNDER;
PROVIDING FOR DEFENSES; AND PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY,
SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
D.2 CONSIDER ADOPTING ORDINANCE NO. 2923 SUSPENDING THE JULY
30, 2007 EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE GAS RELIABILITY
INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT (GRIP) RATE ADJUSTMENT PROPOSAL
BY ATMOS ENERGY CORP, MID-TEX DIVISION AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The Gas Reliability
Infrastructure Program (GRIP) was originally enacted by the Texas Legislature in
2003 to allow a gas utility an interim adjustment to recover the capital investment
in the gas system without filing a full rate case with the City. Once the GRIP
surcharge is in place, it is updated annually until the next general rate case. The
GRIP legislation was passed with the belief that the GRIP revenues would
encourage increased investment in distribution pipe. The City of Farmers Branch
has original jurisdiction over gas utility rates within the city limits under the Gas
Utility Regulatory Act.
Since 2004 Atmos Energy Corporation, the gas utility company for the City, has
filed three GRIP filings. The current filing is the fourth in the same number of
years. The City Council has denied all of them; however, the Railroad
Commission found in favor of GRIP filings thereby overturning the City's
decision. The total monthly surcharge is $1.10 for residential customers and
$3.68 for commercial customers.
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Atmos filed a GRIP filing on May 31, 2007 asking for a 59-cent surcharge to be
added to the previous $1.10. The City is a member of the Atmos Cities Steering
Committee, which is a group of cities working together on natural gas issues. The
Steering Committee is recommending that member cities suspend the effective
date to allow more time to review all of the costs that Atmos is requesting. After
review of the Company's 2003 and 2004 filing, the Steering Committee's counsel
found that the Company's proposals were unjustified, unreasonable and are not in
compliance with the GRIP statute either in fact or in law. Further, the Committee
found that information provided by the Company in response to the Steering
Committee's requests for information indicated that the Company actually
decreased per-customer investment in infrastructure.
Ordinance No. 2923 will suspend the July 30, 2007 effective date for 45 days to
allow the Steering Committee an opportunity to review the filing and make
recommendations.
City Administration recommends adopting Ordinance No. 2923 suspending the
effective date of the GRIP filing by ATMOS Energy.
There being no discussion, a motion by Mayor Pro Tern O'Hare, seconded by
Councilman Koch, all voting "aye," adopted the following captioned Ordinance
No. 2923 suspending the July 30, 2007 effective date of the Gas Reliability
Infrastructure project (GRIP) rate adjustment proposal.
ORDINANCE NO. 2923
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS
SUSPENDING THE JULY 30, 2007, EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE
PROPOSAL BY ATMOS ENERGY CORP., MID-TEX DIVISION TO
IMPLEMENT INTERIM GRIP RATE ADJUSTMENTS FOR GAS
UTILITY INVESTMENT IN 2006; AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION
WITH THE ATMOS CITIES STEERING COMMITTEE ("ACSC") IN A
REVIEW AND INQUIRY INTO THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE FILING
AND THE BASIS OF THE PROPOSED RATE ADJUSTMENTS;
AUTHORIZING INTERVENTION IN ADMINISTRATIVE AND
COURT PROCEEDINGS INVOLVING THE PROPOSED GRIP RATE
ADJUSTMENTS; REQUIRING REIMBURSEMENT OF
REASONABLE LEGAL AND CONSULTANT EXPENSES; AND
REQUIRING DELIVERY OF THIS ORDINANCE TO THE COMPANY
AND LEGAL COUNSEL.
D.3 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2007-097 SETTING FUTURE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DAYS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The Farmers Branch City
Council would like to change the City Council meeting nights from the first and
third Monday of each month to the first and third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The City
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Council meetings were originally held on Tuesdays beginning June 11, 1946 to
April 24, 1956. It was not until May 7, 1956 that the City Council meetings were
moved to the first and third Mondays.
The current City Council, at a recent retreat, discussed the possibility of moving
the meeting days to Tuesday.
If the City Council would like to proceed and move the meeting days to Tuesday,
it is recommended that Resolution No. 2007-097 be adopted.
There being no discussion, a motion by Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Robinson,
seconded by Mayor Pro Tern O'Hare, all voting "aye," approved Resolution No.
2007-097 moving Council meeting days to Tuesday beginning August 21, 2007 at
6:30 p.m.
DA CONSIDER COUNCIL TRAVEL REPORTS AND REQUESTS, AND
COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND ORGANIZATION REPORTS, AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Councilman Scott stated he was given a tour of the Justice Center.
There were no travel reports, requests, Council committee or organizational
reports.
MAYOR PHELPS ANNOUNCED THAT THE ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
FOR THE EXECUTIVE SESSION WERE DISCUSSED IN THE 4:00 P.M.
WORK SESSION. MAYOR PHELPS EXPLAINED THE CITY COUNCIL
CONVENED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M. AND THEN
CONCLUDED AT 6:17 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.1 DISCUSS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES - TEXAS
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.087.
Discuss economic development incentives for businesses with which the City is
conducting economic development negotiations.
Mayor Phelps explained that City staff was present to discuss this item with the
City Council.
E.2 DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITIONS - TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 551.072.
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Discuss area of Valley View and Webb Chapel.
Mayor Phelps explained City staff was present to discuss this item with the City
Council.
E.3 DISCUSS PENDING AND CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION - TEXAS
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.071.
Ramos v. City of Farmers Branch
Barrietos, et al., v. Farmers Branch
Villas at Parkside Partners, et.al., v. Farmers Branch
Alfredo Vasquez, et.al., v. Farmers Branch
Valentine Reyes, et.al., v. City of Farmers Branch
Mayor Phelps explained this would be discussed in the special City Council
meeting on July 18, 2007.
F.1 CONSIDER NECESSARY ACTION ON ITEMS DISCUSSED IN THE
EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Mayor Phelps called for necessary action on items in Executive Session.
A motion by Mayor Pro Tem O'Hare, a second from Councilman Scott, all voting
"aye," adopted Resolution No. 2007-092 authorizing the City Manager to execute
an agreement with Tusa Expo Holdings, Inc. for sales tax incentives.
A motion by Councilman Scott, a second by Councilman Koch, all voting "aye,"
adopted Resolution No. 2007-100 authorizing the purchase of property addressed
as 3062 Valley View Lane from the owner for $160,000 plus closing costs, and to
authorize the City Manager or his designee to accept the assignment of a real
estate sales contract, to purchase the property and to execute all necessary
documents for acquiring the property.
F.2 ADJOURNMENT.
A motion by Councilman Smith, a second by Councilman Scott, all voting "aye,"
adjourned the City Council meeting of July 16, 2007 at 8:05 p.m.
Z ~ 14
Bob Phelps, Mayor
1
Cindee Peters, City Secretary
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