2012-01-27 CC MinutesFARMERS BRANCH CITY COUNCIL
PLANNING RETREAT MINUTES
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012
FIRE STATION NO. 3
TRAINING ROOM
13303 HUTTON DRIVE, FARMERS BRANCH TX 75234
8:30 A.M.
The following members of the Council were present:
Mayor
William P. Glancy
Mayor Pro Tern
David Koch
Deputy Mayor Pro Tern
Michelle Holmes
Council Members
Tim Scott
City Attorney
Ben Robinson
The following members of the Administration were present:
City Manager
Gary Greer
Assistant City Manager
Matt Benoit
Assistant City Manager
Shanna Sims - Bradish
Assistant to the City Manager
Rachael Johnson
City Attorney
Pete Smith
Finance Director
Charles Cox
Police Chief
Sid Fuller
Fire Chief
Steve Parker
Director of Public Works
Mark Pavageaux
Director of Parks and Recreation
Jeff Harting
Director of Economic Development
John Land
Director of Communications
Tom Bryson
Director of Equipment Services
Stacy Wright
Library Director
Belinda Jacks
Building Official
Jim Olk
Planning Director
Andy Gillies
Director of Environmental Health
Stacy Wright
1. CONVENE OPEN SESSION
Mayor Glancy opened the City Council Planning Retreat at 8:35 a.m.
2. OVERVIEW OF RETREAT PLANS
Assistant to the City Manager Rachael Johnson gave a brief overview of what would be
covered at the planning retreat.
City Manager Gary Greer stated that City Administration produced a video of citizens
expressing their appreciation for the City Council's efforts to benefit the community,
which also included a list of strategic goals accomplished since 2008.
3. REVIEW INFORMATION FROM FIRST QUARTER OF FISCAL YEAR 2012
a. Financial Update
b. Status Report on Council Strategic Goals
c. Report on Key Performance Measures
Finance Director Charles Cox reviewed the financial statements through December 31,
2011 for the General Fund, Utility Fund and Hotel /Motel Fund. He explained that the
City is either meeting or exceeding all of the fund balance targets, although he cautioned
the City Council about meeting revenue estimates for the Utility Fund due to water
conservation measures and Hotel/Motel Fund due to the Sheraton Hotel renovation.
4. PRESENTATION ON TAX INCREMENT FINANCING
City Attorney Pete Smith presented information regarding State laws governing Tax
Increment Financing.
5. DISCUSS MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER GOALS /PROJECT IDEAS
a. Development and Improvement of Communication Strategies
b. Promotion of Economic Development
c. Revitalization of the City
d. Beautification Projects for the City
e. Redevelopment Project for the City
f. City Finances
g. Intergovernmental Relations
h. City Services
Mayor Glancy stated that each member of the City Council would be able to present their
ideas and thoughts and that the City Council would conclude the Retreat by prioritizing
these ideas and providing direction to City Administration.
Councilmember Ben Robinson:
a. Plan for the west side of the Four Corners Plan
b. Branch Crossing Phase II update
c. Strategy for next legislative session
d. Review vehicle replacement strategy
Councilmember Harold Froehlich (not in attendance but submitted ideas /topics discussed
by the members of City Council)
a. Dallas Skillman Rd Project/New TIF District
b. Update on Economic Development
c. Vacant building ordinance update, ordinance for updated building codes in Farmers
Branch
d. Review of current incentives for new construction
e. Change format of City budget presentation to the public
f. Change study session agenda items to include regular formal updates on economic
development, code enforcement issues safety and security, budget items, etc.
g. Discuss new areas for dangerous building program
h. New funding for land purchase and dangerous structures
i. Schedule regular executive sessions to review City Manager performance.
j. Better utilize and focus more on building relationship with CFBISD
k. Revisit the Business Community Board.
1. Discuss rezoning issues in Station Area and more residential development in Luna
Road area
Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Michelle Holmes:
a. Trail system status, funding and implementation
b. TIF District similar to Lake Highlands area that could benefit Farmers Branch
c. Options for maximizing the City's relationship with the Chamber
Councilmember Tim Scott:
a. Swimming pool /water park — priority and progress
b. Installation of ornate street signs
c. Development plans for the West side /Mercer Crossing
d. Providing lease or resources to the American Fallen Soldiers projects to get them to
move to Farmers Branch
e. Options/benefits /obstacles to creating a TIF District to spur redevelopment along the
Josey /Valwood corridors
f. Options /obstacles to spurring redevelopment/improvements in the west quadrants of
the Four Corners
g. Possibility of creating a neighborhood park on Veronica behind Walmart
Manor Pro Tern David Koch
a. Reports from Department Directors
b. Desire for enhanced communication between City staff and the City Council
c. Establishment of an I -35E expansion committee
d. Review and update of master plan for the City's eastside
e. Viability of an indoor or partially enclosed performance venue
f. Options for putting water wells on city property
6. REVIEW ACHIEVED STRATEGIC GOALS
A listing of City Council Strategic Goals that have been completed since 2008 were listed
at the end of the video shown at the beginning of the City Council Retreat.
7. CITY ADMINISTRATION PROPOSED MISSION, CORE VALUES AND GOALS
FOR 2012 -2013
a. Core Value #1—
Public Safety
b. Core Value #2 —
Economic Development
c. Core Value #3 —
Strong and Thriving Commercial and Residential
Neighborhoods
d. Core Value #4 —
Well Maintained Parks and Recreational Opportunities
e. Core Value #5 —
Well Maintained Infrastructure
f. Core Value #6 —
Educated and Experienced Employees
g. Core Value #7 —
Efficient and Fiscally Sound Government
h. Core Value #8 —
Communication Opportunities
i. Core Value #9 —
Responsive and Timely Service
j. Core Value #10
— Quality Services
City Manager Gary Greer provided a brief overview of City staff memos on important
projects and activities during the next year for the City Council's review.
8. DETERMINE CONSENSUS STRATEGIC GOALS PROJECTS
City Manager Gary Greer and City Councilmembers discussed which projects should go
forward in the future when the budget allowed. The following items were identified as
being additional strategic goals for 2012.
Core Value #1 — Public Safety
• Investigate and develop funding source for Public Safety Communications
to include 911 telephone systems, mobile data systems and two -way
public safety radio communication
• Continue the process of evaluating a consolidated dispatch center
• Commence the evaluation process for location of a new Fire Station No. 2
Core Value #2 — Economic Development
• Develop and fund a Fagade Revitalization Program
• Ramp up retention, expansion and development efforts
• Continue to develop the Shops at Branch Crossing area, including
installing appropriate signage
• Seek all viable tools to redevelop under producing areas of town
Core Value #3 — Strong and Thriving Commercial and Residential Neighborhoods
• Establish and maintain systems that effectively and efficiently rehabilitate
problem properties
• Evaluate the need for expanded planning and zoning resources
• Core Value #4 — Well Maintained Parks and Recreational Opportunities
• Explore the possibility of a rose educational center
• Continually improve events for residents and visitors
• Commence and complete the Historical Park General Store project
• Cooperate with other agencies to expand athletic facilities and capabilities,
including exploring the viability of athletic fields at Valley View and Hwy
190
• Explore opportunities for an indoor arena for the community
• Utilize technology to enhance library services
Core Value #5 — Well Maintained Infrastructure
• Update and implement comprehensive infrastructure improvement plans
for streets, sewer and water infrastructure
• Research the viability of installing additional ornamental street signs and
poles and provide an annual funding source
• Determine and complete plan for the Service Center project
• Implement the fixed asset replacement program
• Core Value #6 — Educated and Experienced Employees
o Engage in supervisory /leadership training for management staff
Core Value #7 — Efficient and Fiscally Sound Government
• Continue to adhere to all fiscal policies outline in the City's Financial
Management Policy
• Develop strategic to adequately fund street maintenance, fixed assets and
employee performance incentives in future budget
• Further establish and develop the Community Foundation
• Introduce /support legislative efforts to maintain municipal authority
regarding local government revenue sources and expenditures and provide
more flexibility in city benefit plans
Core Value #8 — Communication Opportunities
• Continue the marketing program including the "Love the Branch"
campaign, a Tour of Homes and efforts to attract new residents and
builders to the area
• Distribute and complete a Citizen Survey
• Research the development of a new city website, new FBTV design and
programming
• Begin the process of updating communications equipment with Public,
Education and Government (PEG) funds
Core Value #10 — Quality Services
• Engage with community partners to explore and implement shared service
delivery
• Pursue opportunities to strengthen relationships with area cities, counties,
school districts and chamber of commerce
City Manager Gary Greer announced that the 2012 City Council Strategic Goals will be
refined and will be discussed at the February 7, 2012 City Council meeting for formal
action.
9. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Discuss Land Acquisitions — Texas Government Code Section 551.072.
Discuss the purchase, sale, lease, exchange or value of real property being: the
area generally bounded by Midway Road, Valwood Parkway and Belt Line Road,
I -635 and Denton Drive.
No executive session was held.
10. ADJOURN
A motion by Councilmember Ben Robinson, a second by Mayor Pro Tern David Koch
voting "aye ", adjourned the City Council meeting of January 27, 2012 at 4:43 p.m.
4 11 - "Z- � - -/
William P. Glancy, Mayor
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- `Shanna N. Sims - Bradish, Interim City Secretary