2012-04-17 CC MinutesCity of Farmers Branch
City Council Meeting Minutes
City Hall Plaza
13000 William Dodson Parkway
Farmers Branch, Texas
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Study Session 4:00 P.M. Study Session Room
Regular Meeting 6:00 P.M. City Council Chambers
Study Session was called to order by Mayor Glancy at 4:02 p.m. with the following members of
the City Council present:
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tern
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem
Councilmembers
William P. Glancy
David Koch (arrived at 4:03 p.m.)
Michelle Holmes
Ben Robinson
Harold Froehlich
Tim Scott
The following members of the Administration were present:
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Assistant to the City Manager
City Attorney
Fire Chief
Police Chief
Director of Parks and Recreation
Director of Public Works
Director of Equipment Services
Director of Economic Development & Tourism
Communications Director
Building Official
Director of Planning & Zoning
Director of Information Services
Director of Environmental Health
Gary D. Greer
Shanna Sims - Bradish
Matt Benoit
Rachael Johnson
Pete Smith
Steve Parker
Sid Fuller
Jeff Harting
Mark Pavageaux
Kevin Muenchow
John Land
Tom Bryson
Jim Olk
Andy Gillies
Mark Samuels
Stacy Wright
And with a quorum present, the following items were addressed:
STUDY SESSION
A.1 Discuss regular council meeting agenda items.
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Councilmember Scott asked for Agenda Item E.3 to be discussed regarding a request to
allow chickens in the City. Staff reported they were banned in 2004 as a response to the
City's increasingly urban environment and concerns regarding livestock impairing
property values. Discussion involved permitting options, limiting ownership to 3 -5 hens,
and housing for the hens.
Mayor Glancy asked what the funding requested in Agenda Item C.2 covered. Rachael
Johnson, Assistant to the City Manager, stated the funds would be used to provide
services for the second phase of the "Love the Branch" marketing campaign. Mayor
Glancy requested an item relating to the marketing campaign be included in the City's
next survey to determine the effectiveness of the campaign in relation to new residents.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Holmes asked for more details relating to Agenda Item C.3.
Mark Pavageaux, Director of Public Works, provided details on the Mustang Trails and
Rockmartin Erosion Control Improvement projects.
A.2 Discuss an update on code enforcement and multi - family inspection program.
The City's Building Official, Jim Olk, reported on code enforcement activity. He
presented the top ten (10) violations and stated the number of complaints received is
down. Jim also provided an update on multi - family and single family rental license and
inspection programs. He then reviewed the online complaint process, how to check the
status of a complaint, and how to check the status of a building permit.
A.3 Discussion of items to be placed on a future City Council meeting agenda (discussion
is limited to determination of whether to place an item on a future City Council
meting agenda).
Items discussed for future meetings included:
• Recognition of Farmers Branch high school graduates receiving scholarships
• Recognition of Katie Roberts for receiving the Community Builders Award
The Study Session meeting concluded at 5:12 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
The Regular Meeting was called to order by Mayor Glancy at 6:00 p.m.
B.1 Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
Councilmember Froehlich gave the Invocation and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Holmes led
the Pledge of Allegiance.
B.2 Recognize Daisy Troop 7258 for their Community Service at the Farmers Branch
Historical Park.
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Mayor Glancy presented a certificate of appreciation to Daisy Troop 7258 for their
commitment to taking care of Mary's Garden in the Farmers Branch Historical Park.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Holmes thanked members of Daisy Troop 7258 and their parents
for giving back to the community.
B.3 Presentation of Certified Tourism Ambassador program certificates to resident
participants and staff.
John Land, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, stated the nationwide
certification program serves to increase tourism by training front -line hospitality
employees and volunteers. Thirteen residents and staff recently completed the program:
Anne Acuna, Bill Binford, Margie Binford, Charles Bird, Connie Brown, Richard Brown,
Tamara Gleghorn, Bruce Crozier, James Goode, Vickie Goode, Amanda Johnson, Ruth
Ann Parish, and Jan Wooldridge.
Mayor Glancy also recognized area high school students that participated in the Farmers
Branch Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program.
B.4 Consider Board and Commission Appointments and take appropriate action.
No action was taken on this item.
B.5 Report on items of Community Interest. Pursuant to Section 551.0415 of the Texas
Government Code the City Council may report on the following items: 1.)
expression of thanks, congratulations or condolences, 2.) information about holiday
schedules, 3.) recognition of individuals, 4.) reminders about upcoming city events,
5.) information about community events and 6.) announcements involving an
imminent threat to public health and safety.
Councilmember Scott reported the Firehouse Community Theater will be operating at the
old fire station #1. A group of volunteers, including Mayor Glancy and Deputy Mayor
Pro Tern Holmes, worked on Saturday, April 14 to begin clean up of the facility.
Additional clean up days will be held on the following two (2) Saturdays beginning at
9:00 a.m. if anyone is interested in helping.
Mayor Pro Tern Koch reported the Dallas International Girls Cup was held on April 4 -8
at the new Ross Stewart Soccer Complex and Cox Soccer Complex in Farmers Branch.
Eighty -two (82) teams participated from all around the world.
The City Manager presented the City Manager's Report.
Councilmember Scott announced Liberty Fest, which will be held on May 25 -26 and will
feature a car, truck & motorcycle show, an outdoor expo, Scott firefighter combat
challenge, a presentation by the American Fallen Soldiers Project, and concerts by Styx
and Gin Blossoms.
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B.6 Report on Study Session items.
Councilmember Scott reported on highlights from the code enforcement update and
reported the number of violations is down from last year. He stated the number one code
enforcement violation is for high weeds and grass. Councilmember Scott stated his
appreciation to staff and citizens for their efforts regarding violations.
Mayor Glanced reminded everyone the Study Session meetings are held on the I" and 3rd
Tuesdays before the regular City Council meetings. Study Session starts at 4:00 p.m. and
is open to the public.
CONSENT AGENDA
C.1 Consider approval of minutes of the City Council meeting held on April 3, 2012.
C.2 Consider adopting Resolution No. 2012 -025 authorizing the City Manager to
execute an Agreement with The Miller Agency for marketing services in an amount
not to exceed $100,000 and take appropriate action.
C.3 Consider adopting Resolution No. 2012 -026 awarding the bid for the Mustang
Trails and Rockmartin Erosion Control Improvements to Environmental Safety
Service, Inc. in an amount of $568,315.00 and take appropriate action.
CA Consider adopting Resolution No. 2012 -027 awarding the bid for the reconstruction
of Albemarle Drive between Collinwood Drive and Rugby Lane to Overland
Services, Inc. in an amount of $138,742.00 and take appropriate action.
C.5 Consider adopting Resolution Nor 2012 -028 authorizing the City Manager to
approve the purchase of three replacement utility trucks for the Parks and
Recreation Department and one replacement utility truck for the Public Works
Utilities Division in the total amount of $159,033 and take appropriate action.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Koch to approve Consent Agenda Items C.1 through C.5;
motion seconded by Councilmember Froehlich. Motion passed with all ayes.
No items.
PUBLIC SESSION
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
EA Receive an update on Manske Library operations.
Library Director, Belinda Jacks, reported on the partnering of Library Systems &
Services, Inc. (LSSI) and the City for Library services. She stated a citizen survey was
completed last fall to assist in determining the types of collections & services sought by
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the public. This information was used to develop a service plan, which included more
printed materials, more music availability, various new classes being offered, additional
programs for adults & children, and aesthetic changes to the Library. Self check
technology and expanded hours are also being investigated. Belinda introduced the
following Library Board members: Ruth Ann Parish, Vickie Goode, Pat Edmiston, and
Bruce Crozier.
Councilmember Froehlich asked about accreditation for the Library. Belinda reported the
Library does meet accreditation standards set forth by the Texas Library Association and
the Texas State Library & Archives Commission.
E.2 Receive overview of activities planned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Manske
Library.
Assistant City Manager Shanna Sims - Bradish provided an overview of the activities
planned for the 50th anniversary celebration of Manske Library, which include a tile wall
project, a city -wide reading project highlighting books from the bestseller list of 1962,
issuing gold library cards, movie nights featuring movies popular during 1962, an adult &
children's carnival, the opening of a time capsule from 1976, and the creation of a new
time capsule.
E.3 Discuss a request from Ms. Jamie Reed to allow chickens in the City of Farmers
Branch and take appropriate action.
Stacy Wright, Director of Environmental Health, stated Ms. Jamie Reed requested the
City Council consider allowing chickens for the harvesting of organic eggs. He also
reported in 2004 the City Council banned livestock and fowl within the City and provided
for a grandfather clause option for existing livestock and fowl owners.
Ms. Reed presented the health benefits of organic eggs, the use of chickens for pest
control and their fertilizer, and their low noise level. She also presented an example of
chicken coups. Ms. Yvette Kaplinsky and Pat Edmiston spoke in favor of allowing 3 -5
hens. Councilmembers discussed regulation of chicken coups, number of hens if
allowed, history of the ban in 2004, and the urban resurgence of harvesting organic eggs.
Motion by Councilmember Scott directing staff to research the issue and to report at a
future City Council meeting; motion seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Koch. Motion passed
with the following vote:
Ayes — Scott, Holmes, Koch
Nos —Froehlich, Robinson
No items.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
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GA Adjournment.
Motion by Councilmember Scott to adjourn; motion seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Koch.
Motion passed with all ayes. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
William P. Glancy,
ATTEST:
Angela K&fy, City Secretary
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