2022-01-26 CC Minutes Strategic Plan Cit of Farmers Branch Farmers Branch City Hall
Y 13000 Wm Dodson Pkwy
•,4 Farmers Branch,Texas
75234
k, Meeting Minutes
I
City Council
Wednesday, January 26, 2022 9:00 AM Fire Station No. 2
4060 Valley View Lane
Farmers Branch, TX 75234
City Council Strategic Plan - Special Called Meeting
Present: 6- Mayor Robert Dye, Mayor Pro Tern Cristal Retana, Council Member Traci Williams,
Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Michael Driskill, Council Member Terry Lynne and Council
Member David Merritt
A.CALL TO ORDER - 9 A.M.
A.1 22-031 Introduction
Mayor Dye and City Manager Charles Cox provided an introduction noting today's feedback
assists with future budget preparation.
_ A.2 22-033 Discuss Resident Survey Response and Action Plan
Deputy City Manager John Land provided a review of the Citizen Survey. He reviewed the
data (random sampling 2,700 mailed invitations with 273 participants, open participation of
354 responses), with a total of 627. Mr. Land reviewed District representation numbers of
participation, reviewed 10 community facets (safety, mobility, community design, inclusivity,
health and wellness, economy, utilities, parks, natural environment, education and art and
culture). The following theme was identified, Residents experience a high quality of life and
feel safe in their community'; Residents approve of the transportation system in Farmers
Branch; Support for arts and culture in Farmers Branch is strong; Economy is a priority for
residents; Parks and Recreation is a bright spot in Farmers Branch; K-12 Education may
be an area of opportunity.
Mr. Land reviewed the Top 3 Action Items from the Survey:(1) Invest around District 1; (2)
Double Down on Public Safety; and (3) Connect the Westside.
The City Council discussed old District 1 versus the new District 1 (with new developments
and increased population), ways to engage residents in District 1, safety, language
barriers, communication and connectivity.
Mr. Land explained City Staff is working on developing a newsletter template which could
be shared with City Council and utilized to streamline City Council information to their
constituents.
The City Council discussed social media outreach, realtor information, metrics and
CFBISD ratings.
Mayor Pro Tern Retana recommended adding an email with all zoning notices. She stated
more tangible information in Spanish is necessary.
Mayor Dye suggested more collaboration with Schools, such as meeting with Librarians to
ensure we collaborate on books necessary for school projects are available.
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City Council Meeting Minutes January 26, 2022
Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Driskill and Council Member Merritt suggested more innovative
ways to reach residents. Council Member Merritt noted Oakbrook residents do not receive
water bill inserts. Meeting with property managers are necessary to ensure information is ._ir
distributed to everyone.
A.3 22-032 Discuss Critical Business Outcomes
Deputy City Manager John Land briefed City Council regarding Critical Business Outcomes.
He first reviewed the City's Mission Statement - To build a vibrant dynamic community that
consistently seeks to improve the quality of life for our residents, and our Vision
Statement - to be a city of the future with a vibrant and diverse economy that supports
beautiful parks, great amenities, and friendly neighborhoods.
Mr. Land reviewed the following Critical Business Outcomes.
CBO1 -Ensure strategic planning alignment to current status of City and mission/vision
CBO2- Improve options for responsible and diverse housing
CBO3- Identify and implement a solution for managing drainage and retention
CBO4-Plan for, build, and maintain high quality public assets
CBO5-Support the evolution of the arts and culture in Farmers Branch
CBO6-Strategically identify and acquire property to further the goals of the City
CBO7- Execute sustainability initiatives
CB08- Implement recommendations from the IH-35 corridor study
CB09- Improve overall and targeted community engagement
Council Member Lynne suggested adjusting incentives for CB02, and suggested a report on
savings list to provide to residents on CB07.
Mayor Pro Tern Retana suggested more Council involvement with Farmers Branch Night
Out, similar to a Town Hall. She suggested more regional relationships with Art and Culture
and other cultural centers, and leveraging Boards and Commissions to get information out. _
Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Driskill suggested being innovative on ways to reach everyone in all
formats. (paper, digital, etc..)
Council Member Williams suggested utilizing the strategic plan handouts when attending
National Night Out to help educate constituents.
Council Member Merritt suggested an easy to read graphic which tells the story. He also
suggested expanding the hours of the Night Out events to allow enough time to meet with
hosts prior to the events, to provide handouts and materials.
A.4 22-034 Discuss City Performance Measures & Objectives
Assistant City Manager Ben Williamson briefed City Council regarding City Performance
Measures. He reviewed the seven principles: 1) Results focus permeates strategies,
processes, organizational culture and decisions; 2) information, measures, goals, priorities,
and activities are relevant to the priorities and well-being of the government and the
community; 3) Information related to performance decisions, regulations, and processes is
transparent - easy to access, use and understand; 4) Goals, programs, activities, and
resources are aligned with priorities and desired results; 5) Decisions and processes are
driven by timely, accurate, and meaningful data; 6) Practices are sustainable over time and
across organizational changes; 7) Performance management transforms the organization,
its management, and the policy making process. Mr. Williamson reviewed the definition of
performance management by the ICMA and noted the City has been awarded the
Excellence distinction since 2019 to present.
The City Council discussed key metrics, frequently asked questions for distribution to
residents, utilizing tables to tell the story (instead of pie charts of data), utilizing integration
and automation software, and measure comparisons at our level and national levels.
The City Council recessed at 11:15 a.m. and reconvened at 12:15 p.m.
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A.5 22-035 Discuss the Capital Improvement Program (Smart Cities)
City Manager Charles Cox noted the CIP budget of $23 million has been 80% pay as you
go. (No debt issuance)
Director of Public Works Marc Bentley briefed City Council regarding CIP Projects. He noted
the CIP Program consists of Storm Water (Creeks) such as Rawhide Creek, Cooks Creek,
Farmers Branch Creek, Streets (Bond Program), Utility (Water & Sanitary Sewer). Mr.
Bentley reviewed the Farmers Branch Watershed study and CIP Project Ranking data. He
reviewed the street program noting the following streets are either completed or under
construction: Valley View at Bee Street, Eunis Street, Morningstar Lane, Dennis Lane,
Brandywine Drive, Bevann Drive, and Hearthstone. Mr. Bentley reviewed the following
Street Program with Bond & Revitalization: 2021 -2022 - Projected $4.5M
Streets Projected or Under Construction:
• Keyport Dr.
• Stardust Dr.
• Oxfordshire Ln
• Joanna Dr. - Dennis to Heartside
• Portlock Dr
• Myra Lane
• Moonriver Ln
• Additional Streets from priority list
• Mr. Bentley reviewed future street improvements.
• Valley View- Denton Dr. to Dennis Ln. (Complete Street)
• Projected Cost$5.6M
• NCTCOG Funding COVID-19 Infrastructure
• 2023-2026 TIP Development Process
• Denton Dr-South City Limits to Rossford(Complete Street)
• Projected Cost$2.3M
• NCTCOG Funding COVID-19 Infrastructure
Construction Time Frame 2024
Mr. Bentley provided an overview of the Utility Replacements and Improvements with the
following:
2020-2021 - Projected$3.1M (Budget$2.5M + Dallas County CDBG $577K)
acts
• Bee St& Springdale Sewer Line (CDBG)
• Dennis Ln Sewer Line (CDBG)
• Lineville, Bevann & Keyport Water Line
• FBOP Lift Station Rehab (Design)
• 2021 -2022 - Projected$6.5M (Budget$3.3M+ CDBG $350K+$2.8M Rollover=
$6.5M)
• Projects
• Brisbane/Brincrest Water Line
• Hollandale Water Line (CDBG)
• 2022 Water Line Improvements Groups A& B
• FBOP Lift Station Rehab (Const.)
• Mr. Bentley reviewed the Inflow and Infiltration reduction:
• 2020-2021 Projected $3.1M (Budget$3.3M)
• Projects
• Rawhide Creek Sanitary Sewer Ph 3
• Manhole Rehab
• Myra & Medical Pkwy Sewer Line
• 2021 -2022 Projected $4.9M (Budget$3.3M +$1.6M Rollover)
• Projects
• FB Creek Sewer Rehab
• Manhole Rehab
• 2022 Sanitary Sewer Improvements
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City Council Meeting Minutes January 26, 2022
Mr. Bentley reviewed the Inflow and Infiltration reduction:
2020-2021 Projected $3.1 M (Budget$3.3M)
Projects
• Rawhide Creek Sanitary Sewer Ph 3
• Manhole Rehab
• Myra & Medical Pkwy Sewer Line
• 2021 -2022 Projected $4.9M (Budget$3.3M + $1.6M Rollover)
Projects
• FB Creek Sewer Rehab
• Manhole Rehab
• 2022 Sanitary Sewer Improvements
The City Council discussed smart meter replacement cycle, accelerated funding,
Mr. Bentley noted the CDBG Program has a two-year cycle. He reviewed smart city
initiatives and smart meters, noting the City is looking at an Advanced Metering
Infrastructure System, with 20-year battery life. Mr. Bentley explained the annual hosting
and maintenance fee is$25,000, reviewed meter cost, time frame and accelerated funding.
Fleet and Facilities Director Kevin Muenchow provided an overview of Facility Renovation
Updates with the Library, Senlac Support Center, Justice Center, and Recreation Center Ph.
2 and Ph. 3.
A.6 22-036 Discuss future park projects
Director of Parks and Recreation Michael Mashburn briefed City Council regarding this item.
Mr. Mashburn reviewed the Joh F. Burke Nature Preserve Master Plan, Project Overview
(Entry, trails, pond boardwalk, amphitheater classroom, wildlife viewing, and river overlook).
Mr. Mashburn noted the construction bidding closes January 25, with construction beginning
in July 2022 with an anticipated completion date of 2022 year end with a $1.5 million-dollar
budget.
The City Council discussed parking renovation needs at the front entrance, bond funding,
County funding availability, Autobahn Classrooms, public safety for pedestrians in the
Mercer area,water craft accessibility, flooding, drainage, and illegal dumping.
Mr. Mashburn noted the city is looking into restroom facilities with an estimated budget
projection of$100,000.
Mayor Dye suggested freeing up underutilized parks such as JC Park to allow for free play.
and looking at upgrades to the park area near Branch Connection, and renovations of the
Natatorium, and DART station garage, utilize TIF funding and make connectivity key. He
noted Squire Park is another opportunity. Mayor Pro Tern Retana noted Squire Park is
priority on her list. She requested more amenities on the West Side and extended bike
lanes.
The City Manager explained the City spends monies on park maintenance and
programming and many times they are utilized by non-residents bringing in field
tournaments. He asked the Council if a philosophy change is necessary.
The City Council agreed that a balance (between residents and non-resident amenities) is
necessary.
The City Council recessed at 2:24 p.m. and reconvened at 2:49 p.m.
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A.7 22-038 Discussion regarding Comprehensive Plan Prioritization
Deputy Director Surupa Sen briefed City Council regarding the Comprehensive Plan. She
reviewed key components of the Study: Community Profile; Inventory of Existing Conditions;
Resident/Stakeholder Engagement Strategy; Establish Vision and Goals; Future Land Use
Plan; Mobility/Transportation; Economic Development/Redevelopment Strategy;
Implementation Strategy and reviewed the projected schedule.
City Staff has requested additional funding for a robust public engagement, and Ms. Sen
noted the current budget allocation is $270,000.
The City Council discussed the need to separate into two parts. (One-part consultant and
the second part engagement)The City Council all agreed that a robust outreach plan is
necessary.
Ms. Sen explained once she receives the bid proposals, she will provide City Council with
an update.
A.8 22-039 Questions/Wrap Up
In summary, Council Member Lynne suggested taking an aggressive approach on
neighborhood revitalization, and suggested adjusting market standards. He requested
boats, rv's and campers be discussed with a City site for storage. He asked that on street
parking be addressed.
Mayor Pro Tern Retana suggested investing in communications and being strategic with
neighborhoods within the city. She suggested partnerships locally and regionally and to
looking into State and Federal grant funds. She would like to see safety and walkability
addressed and ensuring commercial properties and residential properties are buffered
appropriately. She suggested having policy and innovative ways to reach residents such as
email links on Planning and Zoning notifications.
Council Member Williams stated she is excited to see the Comprehensive Plan and would
like to see increased walkability and better connectivity. She noted the theme is
collaboration and engaging residents and businesses.
Council Member Merritt stated he would like to focus on communication with residents, our
website, packaging information similar to our City Manager reports with a consistent
message on providing details and telling a story. He supports the comprehensive plan and
agrees on street parking needs to be addressed.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Driskill agrees with the strategic plan and stated he would like to
work on communication both internally and externally, to be able to provide outreach in
multiple ways. He suggested looking into multi-generational housing such as duplexes or
two story to allow for more density. He further stated Sustainability touches everyone in
every department. He supports being more sustainable.
The consensus from Council was to move CBO3 (drainage and retention) into CBO4 (high
quality assets).
City Manager Charles Cox stated a consistent theme of better resident communication has
been discussed, and he asked what is the metric or the mark of success for better
communication.
The City Council agreed to identify a communication metric and will provide this to the City
Manager at a future date.
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City Council Meeting Minutes January 26, 2022
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 3:58 p.m.
Signed b
9 Y
Mayor Robert C. Dye
Attested by /—
Amy
Amy M. Piuka -, ity Secre ary
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