Loading...
2022-02-01 CC Minutes fFarmers Branch City Hall 1 City of Farmers Branch 13000 Wm Dodson Pkwy Farmers Branch.Texas Meeting Minutes 75234 City Council Tuesday, February 1, 2022 6:00 PM Council Chambers 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 Acting City Manager John Land, Assistant City Manager Benjamin Williamson, City Secretary Staff: Amy Piukana, Assistant City Secretary Argie Ree Potter, City Attorney Peter G. Smith, Director of Finance Sherrelle Evan Jones, Police Chief David Hale, Fire Chief Daniel Latimer, Director of Human Resources Brian Beasley, Director of Public Works Marc Bentley, Director of Sustainability & Health Shane Davis, Director of Planning and Zoning/Economic Development Allison Cook, Director of Fleet & Facilities Kevin Muenchow, and Director of Communications Jeff Brady Mayor Dye called the Study Session meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Mayor Dye called the Study Session meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. A.1 22-060 Discuss regular agenda items Mayor Pro Tern Retana asked clarifying questions about Agenda Item H.5 (firm service agreement with Texas City Services) on recouping taxes. Acting City Manager John Land explained the timeframe of collecting taxes. Director of Finance Sherrelle Evan Jones added the fees are a percentage of what is collected during that period, which is standard practice. Council Member Lynne had a follow up question to Agenda Item H.5 (firm service agreement with Texas City Services) in regards to repeat businesses that the City goes after. Director of Finance Sherrelle Evan Jones explained the findings show it is usually a new businesses or companies that are using a Dallas address but do not physically reside in the city. Once they comply they do not need to be reassessed. Council Member Lynne noted that on Agenda Item H.4 (Residential Demolition/Rebuild) is building a smaller house. Council Member Merritt asked for clarification on Agenda Item H.3 (amending Chapter 86, Utilities "Liquid Waste") stating that we adjusted 5 of the paragraphs and others are untouched. He requested a red line document moving forward. Council Member Merritt followed up on Agenda Item H.5 (firm service agreement with Texas City Services) stating that he would like to see reference material, and the prior resolution. Director of Finance Sherrelle Evan Jones will provide that information. Council Member Merritt explained on Agenda Item H.7 (adopting a Sustainability Plan) there is no financial impact on addressing the plan. However, there will be financial impact from the action plans and that should be noted. Mayor Robert Dye mentioned Agenda Item H.6 (General Election) needs to be updated to the first Saturday in May (Instead of second Saturday in May). The City Secretary stated the Resolution would be updated, accordingly. A.2 22-101 TxDOT IH-35 Expansion and Construction Staging Site Update Dallas District Director Nolan Del Hierro from TxDot provided a presentation on 1-35 Phase 2 Project. The topics included; map of the area, full reconstruction, proposed construction, purpose and need, contractors involved, project timeline, and project website. Mr. Del Hierro -- gave a project update on the storage of LBJ Mayor Robert Dye thanked Mr. Del Hierro for the update and asked if there is a way to improve the issues with dust and what else are they planning. City of Farmers Branch Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes February 1, 2022 Mr. Del Hierro answered that the trucks hauling was the big factor and they will water to keep the material damp. They will also spread out the pile to lower it. Mayor Dye asked about inspections of the silk fencing. Mr. Del Hierro stated that they welcome any city inspections and we can stay in contact, noting TxDot will perform monthly inspections. The City Council discussed dust, the need for watering property maintenance, fence repair, and people"camping out" on the property. Mayor Pro Tern Retana requested a map of all the different TxDot staging sites. She asked about the location of the new pathways for the trucks. Mr. Del Hierro explained that they wouldn't move the pathway but improve the conditions of the pathway. Mayor Pro Tern Cristal Retana requested that trucks not drive through neighborhoods. Council Member Merritt was curious if the same protections will go to the new site once it is split or moved. Mr. Del Hierro assured Council that they would use the same protections. Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Michael Driskill inquired about the details on the watering and how is it different from what has been done in the past. Mr. Del Hierro explained they would increase the frequency of watering and lowering the pile. Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Michael Driskill encouraged them to be mindful of the weather stating that the wind can blow the dust for miles. Bob Stevens Project Director for Lone Star explained that there is a water truck that only waters that site. He explained the contractors that are on site and who they report to and the inspections they perform. A.3 22-097 Discuss Sister City Program Marketing and Special Projects Manager Rachel Johnson gave a presentation on the Sister City Program and gave an update covering the background, map of the sister cities, sister city committee, invitations, Mrs. Johnson asked if this invitation is something council would like to consider. Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Driskill stated that as the liaison, he is glad to see it see this program back. He states that it is a good program and is 100%on board with it coming back. Council Member Merritt asked if there is window of opportunity. Rachel Johnson explained it coincide with the Firefighters Fare in June. Council Member Lynne inquired about the cost. Rachel Johnson explained that round trip is currently $1,100.00 for each person that would like to go, plus the cost of the transportation, the cost of food, and a gift for the 30-year anniversary. Mayor Pro Tem Cristal Retana wanted to know which fund was used to cover cost. Rachel Johnson explained that it comes from the Council Fund. Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Driskill stated there is an Economic component to this program because of everything you learn and discuss best practices with other Cities, and we do live in global community. A.4 22-096 Receive a semi-annual update from the Manske Library Board Assistant City Manager Benjamin Williams introduced the Chairperson of Manske Library Board Jennifer Bower. Chairperson Jennifer Bower gave a presentation covering the bee observation hive, art installation (Mike Stilkey), E Gaming, mobile hotspots, STEM additions, children's area, pickleball, 3D printer & laser cutter, fountains, and the introduction of Ryann Dekat as Interim Library Director. Interim Library Director Ryann Dekat wanted to highlight page 20 in the agenda packet. She thanked Mayor and Council for all the support and asked for any questions. City of Farmers Branch Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes February 1, 2022 --- Mayor Dye welcomed Interim Library Director Ryann Deka to the new position. The City Council discussed the crosswalk plans, the need to collaborate with Arts and Culture and the timeline for the fountain installation. Council Member Terry Lynne suggested touring the Duncanville E-Gaming program. Council Member Lynne asked about the statistics of Library card holders from Farmers Branch or anywhere. He would like to know how many residents of Farmers Branch have a library card and if they are coming to the library. He had a similar question about computer usage. Interim Library Director Ryann Dekat stated she did not have the exact details on hand but would provide this information at a later time. A.5 22-061 Discuss future agenda items Mayor Pro Tem Cristal Retana would like to talk about updating the names on the neighborhood maps, challenging the census numbers since would could lose money in federal funding, parking options for semi-trucks, and have resident's playing a stronger role in the Arts and Culture Board. Council Member Traci Williams would like to reschedule the March 15 meeting to the following week which is the 22. Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Driskill would like to revisit the Renaissance Development Program. Council Member Lynne stated that his items are on the future list. Council Member Merritt would like updates on the Strategic Retreat project and efforts as they come along with better communication and checkpoints. B. EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Dye recessed into closed session at 4:46pm B.1 22-093 Council may convene into closed executive session pursuant to Section 551.072 of the Texas Government Code to deliberate regarding: • Discuss the purchase, exchange, lease, or sale of real property north of Valley View, south of Valwood Parkway, east of Bee Street, and west of Webb Chapel C. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING (6 P.M.) Mayor Dye called the meeting to order at 6pm D. INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council Member Williams led the Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and Pledge to the Texas Flag. E. CEREMONIAL ITEMS E.1 22-066 Celebration of Denise Wallace for nearly nine years of dedicated service to residents of Farmers Branch and the Manske Library Mayor Dye and Library Board Chair Jennifer Bauer recognized Denise Wallace for 9 years of service at the Farmers Branch Manske Library. — E.2 22-067 Presentation of a proclamation to Parish Episcopal Panther's Division I Title Football Team for the third consecutive year Mayor Dye recognized the Parish Episcopal Football team for the third consecutive championship win and declared February 1, Panther Day. City of Farmers Branch Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes February 1, 2022 F. MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER'S REPORT ON ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST Acting City Manager John Land provided a report on matters of community interest. G. CITIZEN COMMENTS • Mr. Gale Parker spoke regarding his concerns with traffic noise, car pollution and street racing in his neighborhood. • Mr. Raymond Flores spoke about his personal development while working for the Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce and upcoming events which are; church safety event and Cedar Creek H. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Retana, seconded by Council Member Williams, that this be accepted. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Mayor Pro Tem Retana, Council Member Williams, Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Driskill, Council Member Lynne and Council Member Merritt H.1 22-070 Consider approval of the January 18, 2022 City Council meeting minutes; and take appropriate action H.2 22-069 Consider excusing the absence of Mayor Pro Tern Cristal Retana from the January 18, 2022 City Council meeting; and take appropriate action H.3 ORD-3720 Consider adopting Ordinance No. 3720 amending Chapter 86, Utilities, Article VI "Liquid Waste" by Section 86-362 amending definitions, amending Section 86-363 to require permit on change of ownership, amending Section 86-364 regarding inspection reports, amending Section 86-365 to add late application fee, and amending Section 86-375 by amending record keeping time; and take appropriate action H.4 R2022-014 Consider approving Resolution No. 2022-014 authorizing the execution of a Residential Demolition/Rebuild Program Incentive Agreement for the owner of the property located at 13815 Birchlawn Drive; and take appropriate action H.5 R2022-017 Consider adopting Resolution No. 2022-017 authorizing the City Manager to enter into a firm services agreement with TexasCityServices LLC for sales and use tax analysis services and take appropriate action. H.6 ORD-3722 Consider adopting Ordinance No. 3722 ordering a General Election to be held on May 7, 2022 for the purpose of electing members of the Farmers Branch City Council for District 1 and District 4, designating polling places, ordering the notice of election, and authorizing the execution of a joint election contract with Dallas County Elections; and take appropriate action H.7 R2022-007 Consider approving Resolution No. 2022-007 adopting a Sustainability Plan for the City of Farmers Branch; and take appropriate action City of Farmers Branch Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes February 1, 2022 —'H.8 22-098 Consider Board and Commission appointment (Historical Preservation and Restoration Board); and take appropriate action (Appointed Elizabeth Villafranca) H.9 22-100 Consider appointing a member to the Redistricting Commission; and take appropriate action (Deborah Bowe, District 4 Alternate) I. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS 1.1 22-074 Receive the First Quarter Fiscal Year 2021-22 Financial Report Director of Finance Sherrelle Evan Jones provided a report on the first quarter fiscal year budget. She provided a general fund results summary from December 2021 to date, enterprise fund results summary from December 2021 to date, hotel/motel fund results summary from December 2021 to date, investment portfolio as of December 31, 2021 and asked for questions. Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Driskill inquired about the increase in the general budget performance and what could be the reason. Ms. Evan Jones explained the variety of reasons for the increase Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Driskill asked if there could be a seasonal increase. Sherrelle Evan Jones explained that the seasonal increase is not found in numbers. Director of Finance Sherrelle Evan Jones announced that Project Promise Phase 4 was launched today. She provided an overview how Project Promise Phase 4 was developed and how-to usage the new software. Council Member Merritt asked if a resident should call the office if they are having problems. Ms. Evans Jones confirmed, but noted if residents receive the"429" error message, the city is aware it is happening so there is no need to call for that problem. Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Michael Driskill followed up about the longest maturity in the portfolio and asked about the coupon for that. Sherrelle Evan Jones answered that it is .35 percent. J. TAKE ANY ACTION NECESSARY AS A RESULT OF THE CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion made by Mayor Pro Tern 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 1, Block 2 of Valwood Park 15th Installment, also known as 1.3905 Sundown Trail, for a purchase price not to exceed the amount discussed in executive session, plus all purchaser's closing and acquisition costs, including title policy premiums, and to sign, or authorize the City's agent to sign, such other agreements, documents, and any amendments thereto, as the City Manager, in consultation with the City Attorney, deems reasonable and necessary with respect to the closing of said transaction. Motion seconded by Council Member Williams. Motion passed by vote 4-1, Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Driskill voting against. Aye; 4 - Mayor Pro Tern Retana, Council Member Williams, Council Member Lynne and Council Member Merritt Nay: 1 - Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Driskill K. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Dye adjourned the • ee '•• at 6:58 p.m. Approved by: Mayor Robert C. Dye Signed by: /►2 Amy-iu ana, Cit Sec -t- City of Farmers Branch Page 5 .... gilmmit ,It .