2006-10-16 CC Minutes
City of Farmers Branch
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda
City Hall Plaza
13000 William Dodson Parkway
Farmers Branch, Texas
Monday, October 16, 2006
6:30 p.m.
The following members of the City Council were present:
Mayor Bob Phelps
Mayor Pro Tern Ben Robinson
Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Tim O'Hare
Councilmembers Charlie Bird
Bill Moses
Jim Smith
The following members of the Administration were present:
City Manager Linda Groomer
Assistant City Manager Mary Jane Stevenson
Assistant City Manager Greg Vick
City Attorney Matthew Boyle
City Secretary Cindee Peters
Finance Director Charles Cox
Director of Economic Development Norma Nichols
City Engineer Jerry Murawski
Director of Public Works Mark Pavageaux
Director of Parks and Recreation Jeff Fuller
Library Director Danita Barber
Deputy Police Chief David Hale
Fire Chief Kyle King
Director of Community Services Michael Spicer
Director of Communications Tom Bryson
Director of Equipment Services Don Moore
Recording Secretary Suzanne Reynolds
Mayor Phelps called the City Council meeting of October 16, 2006 to order at
6:32 p.m. The meeting was televised.
A.1 INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Mayor Phelps presented the invocation and the pledge of allegiance.
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A.2 RECOGNITION OF KEVIN HICKEY OF EQUIPMENT SERVICES FOR THE
CCG FASTER SYSTEMS HERO AWARD.
Mayor Phelps presented Equipment Services Foreman/Technician Kevin Hickey
with the Faster Hero Award, which he received during the Faster Fleet
professionals annual meeting in Norfolk, Virginia on October 3.
A.3 PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARD - MIKE CAMPBELL OF THE FIRE
DEPARTMENT - 5 YEARS.
Mayor Phelps presented a 5-year employee service award to Mike Campbell of
the Farmers Branch Fire Department.
A.4 PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARD - AUDIE POPE OF THE FIRE
DEPARTMENT - 25 YEARS.
Mayor Phelps presented a 25-year employee service award to Audie Pope of the
Farmers Branch Fire Department.
A.5 PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARD - RONNIE INMAN OF THE FIRE
DEPARTMENT - 25 YEARS.
Mayor Phelps presented a 25-year employee service award to Ronnie Inman of
the Farmers Branch Fire Department.
A.6 PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARD - NORMAN REYNOLDS OF THE
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT - RETIREMENT RECOGNITION.
Mayor Phelps presented a 30-year employee service award to Norman Reynolds
of the Human Resources Department, and congratulated him on his upcoming
retirement.
A.7 PRESENTATION OF BOARD APPLICATIONS.
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.
City Engineer Jerry Murawski gave a presentation on proposed infrastructure
projects on the west side, including those within the Tax Increment Financing
District No. 1, the development plan for the west side, and the pending new public
improvement district to finance future capital improvements.
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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 Robinson, seconded by Deputy Mayor Pro Tern
O'Hare, all voting "aye," adopted the Consent Agenda as submitted.
B.1 APPROVED MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER
2, 2006.
B.2 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2006-111 ACCEPTING FOUR
MONUMENT SIGN EASEMENTS FROM THREE WEST SIDE
PROPERTY OWNERS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF FOUR
MERCER CROSSING DEVELOPMENT SIGNS.
B.3 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2006-100 APPROVING THE MERCER
CROSSING LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT FOR
IMPROVEMENTS ON THE CITY'S WEST SIDE.
B.4 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2006-107 APPROVING AN
AMENDMENT TO DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT NO.4 WITH
AMERICAN REALTY TRUST, INC. AND INCOME OPPORTUNITY
REALTY INVESTORS, INC. FOR SUMP AND LAKE
IMPROVEMENTS NORTH OF IH-635.
B.5 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2006-108 APPROVING AN
AMENDMENT TO DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT NO. 8 WITH
AMERICAN REALTY TRUST, INC., INCOME OPPORTUNITY
REALTY INVESTORS, INC., AND TRANSCONTINENTAL REALTY
INVESTORS, INC. FOR CONSTRUCTION OF MERCER PARKWAY
FROM 300 FEET EAST OF LUNA ROAD TO I1-1-35,
KNIGHTSBRIDGE ROAD, BOND STREET, AND THE EAST LIFT
STATION.
B.6 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2006-109 APPROVING
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT NO. 9 WITH TRANSCONTINENTAL
REALTY INVESTORS, INC. FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A LAKE
SOUTH OF IH-635.
B.7 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2006-106 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF
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UNDERSTANDING AGREEMENT WITH DALLAS COUNTY AND
OTHER PARTICIPATING CITIES FOR BIOTERRORISM OR
HEALTH EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE.
B.8 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2006-113 AMENDING THE CITY'S
COMPREHENSIVE POLICY STATEMENT ON LOCAL ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AND BUSINESS INCENTIVES PURSUANT TO
CHAPTER 380, TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE.
B.9 CONTINUED ORDINANCE NO. 2880 APPROVING THE REQUEST
FROM METROPCS FOR A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO COLLOCATE
A SIX-PANEL CELLULAR ANTENNA SYSTEM ON THE FARMERS
BRANCH WATER TOWER LOCATED ON APPROXIMATELY 6.01
ACRES AT 3725 VALLEY VIEW LANE, GENERALLY LOCATED
ON THE NORTH SIDE OF VALLEY VIEW LANE AND EAST OF
MARSH LANE WITHIN THE ONE FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT-
2 ZONING DISTRICT.
C.1 PUBLIC COMMENTS.
Judi Hacker, 2972 Maydelle, spoke in support of a new Animal Shelter in
Farmers Branch.
Larry Lenzen, 12461 Wood Manor Circle, spoke in support of the economic
revitalization and redevelopment in Farmers Branch, and stated he would like to
see people stop in Farmers Branch for a reason not just pass through. He also
spoke supporting proposals regarding illegal immigation.
Jamie Jewell, 2771 Bay Meadow Circle, stated she supports the Council for their
hard work. She delivered envelopes to the Mayor, Council and City Manager
with a questionnaire. Ms. Jewell stated she would like to read the Council's
answer to these questions at the next Council meeting as a public service.
Sue Bucy, 2726 Golfing Green Drive, spoke supporting the Farmers Branch Fire
Deparment for their immediate response. Ms. Bucy also spoke supporting
proposals regarding illegal immigration and has concerns regarding parking in
front driveways and streets.
Robin Bernier, 13830 Heartside Place, spoke supporting proposals regarding
illegal immigration.
Tom Bohmier, 14506 Oakmont, spoke supporting a new animal shelter, proposals
regarding illegal immigration, and revitalization and redevelopment.
Joe Reynolds, 12117 Brisbane Ave, spoke supporting proposals regarding illegal
immigration.
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D.1 CONSIDER ADOPTING ORDINANCE NO. 2888 AUTHORIZING THE
DEFEASANCE OF AND CALLING FOR REDEMPTION OF CERTAIN OF
THE OUTSTANDING CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS
COMBINATION TAX AND REVENUE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION,
SERIES 2004A; APPROVING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF AN
ESCROW AGREEMENT; AND, ENACTING OTHER PROVISIONS
RELATING TO THE SUBJECT AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. During the budget workshop
on August 21St, staff presented a plan to provide for an early pay-off of
Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2004A debt
using Hotel/Motel Fund balances. This tax-exempt debt is scheduled to finally
mature in the year 2028 and was used to finance the conference portion of the Dr
Pepper StarCenter. As of October Ist, the remaining principal balance totals
$945,000.
The first date that the certificates can legally be called for payoff is November 1,
2009. Defeasing the certificates provides an opportunity for the City to deposit
principal and interest payments with an escrow agent who will then make
principal and interest payments until 2009 and then fully payoff the principal
balance at that time, thus providing for an interest savings. Once the certificates
have been defeased, the debt is removed from the City's balance sheet.
Bond counsel will provide a completed bond ordinance with final defeasance
pricing prior to the City Council meeting tonight.
Finance Director Charles Cox recommended to the Council that the combination
tax and revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2004A bonds be effectively
paid off twenty years early, saving the City approximately $520,000 in interest.
Mr. Cox mentioned that the Certificates paid for the conference center portion of
the Dr Pepper StarCenter and that lower than anticipated construction costs and
improved hotel occupancy tax revenues provided an opportunity to fund this early
payoff. Mr. Cox stated that Marti Liljekvist from First Southwest and Julie
Partain from Vinson & Elkins, LLP the City's financial advisory firm and bond
counsel are present to answer any questions the Council may have.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Mayor Pro Tern Robinson,
seconded by Councilman Bird, all voting "aye," adopted the following captioned
Ordinance No. 2888 authorizing the defeasance of City of Farmers Branch, Texas
Certificates of Obligation, Series 2004A.
A ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS
AUTHORIZING THE DEFEASANCE OF AND CALLING FOR
REDEMPTION OF CERTAIN OF THE OUTSTANDING CITY OF
FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS COMBINATION TAX AND REVENUE
CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION, SERIES 2004A; APPROVING
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THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF AN ESCROW AGREEMENT;
AND ENACTING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE
SUBJECT
D.2 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2006-114 AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO PURCHASE A REPLACEMENT 28-PASSENGER BUS
FROM LASSETER BUS & MOBILITY FOR THE SENIOR CENTER AND
TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The 2006-2007 fixed assets
budget includes $86,000.00 for the purchase of one replacement, 28-passenger
activity bus for the Senior Center. Staff met with the Senior Center Advisory
Board to discuss and prioritize vehicle needs. Staff prepared vehicle specifications
including Senior Advisory Board input and sent bid requests to 18 vendors. Bids
were opened on October 3, 2006.
Bids were received from two vendors, each bidding on a 2006 model chassis and
a 2007 model chassis. Two bids meeting specifications were received from local
vendor, Lasseter Bus & Mobility. The bids were for a 2006 model International
chassis with E1Dorado National body with select options for $105,483 and a 2007
model International chassis with the same body and options for $111,378. Both
bids exceeded the amount budgeted for this replacement vehicle.
Additional funds needed for this purchase are available in the 2006-2007 fixed
asset equipment replacement fund balance.
Mayor Phelps stated the difference in price for a 2006 model International chassis
and the 2007 model International chassis is due to emission standards.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilman Smith, seconded by
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem O'Hare, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution No. 2006-
114 awarding the bid for one 2006 model International chassis with E1Dorado
National Body, 28-passenger activity bus to Lasseter Bus & Mobility in the total
amount of $105,483; in the event that a 2006 model International chassis is no
longer available at time of order placement, the bid is awarded to purchase a 2007
model International chassis for an amount not to exceed $111,378.
D.3 CONSIDER APPOINTMENTS TO THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
AND BUILDING CODE BOARD OF APPEALS, METROCREST HOSPITAL
AUTHORITY, VALWOOD IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY, AND THE
COMMUNITY WATCH COMMITTEE AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
A motion by Deputy Mayor Pro Tem O'Hare, seconded by Councilman Smith, all
voting "aye," reappointed RL Lemke to the Valwood Improvement Authority.
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A motion by Mayor Pro Tem Robinson, seconded Councilman Bird, all voting
"aye," appointed Matt Burton and Monica Low to the Community Watch
Committee.
DA CONSIDER COUNCIL TRAVEL REPORTS AND REQUESTS, AND
COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND ORGANIZATION REPORTS, AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
A motion by Councilman Smith, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Robinson, all
voting "aye," approved travel for the City's Municipal Court Judges to attend
Certification classes in Richardson, Texas.
MAYOR PHELPS ANNOUNCED THAT THE ITEMS ON THE AGENDA FOR THE
EXECUTIVE SESSION WERE DISCUSSED AFTER THE REGULAR CITY
COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MEETING. MAYOR PHELPS EXPLAINED THE
CITY COUNCIL CONVENED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:03 P.M. AND
RECESSED AT 6:20 P.M. FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:30
P.M., RECONVENED AFTER THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 7:57
P.M. AND CONCLUDED AT 8:55 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 staff was present to discuss this item with the City
Council.
Discuss sale, lease, or trade of property at the northwest corner of Keenan Bridge
Road and Davis Lane.
Mayor Phelps explained that staff was present to discuss this item with the City
Council.
Discuss economic development incentives for properties within the
redevelopment areas.
Mayor Phelps explained that staff was present to discuss this item with the City
Council.
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E.2 DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITIONS - TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 551.072.
Discuss Keenan Cemetery acquisition.
Mayor Phelps explained that the City Attorney was present to discuss this item
with the City Council.
Discuss land sale, purchase, trade or lease of properties at 500 Huffines Road.
Mayor Phelps explained that staff was present to discuss this item with the City
Council.
Discuss land sale, purchase, trade or lease of property at Camelot Landfill.
Mayor Phelps explained that staff was present to discuss this item with the City
Council.
E.3 DISCUSS PENDING AND CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION - TEXAS
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.071.
Discuss potential settlement with Wellmark.
Mayor Phelps explained that staff was present to discuss this item with the City
Council.
EA DISCUSS PERSONNEL MATTERS - TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 551.074.
Discuss city manager evaluation.
Mayor Phelps stated the City Council discussed the city manager's evaluation.
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 Robinson, a second by Councilman Smith, all
voting "aye," adopted Resolution No. 2006-112 authorizing the city manager to
enter into a 20 year lease with Club Soccer, Inc. to develop, operate and maintain
a soccer facility on City property.
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F.2 ADJOURNMENT.
A motion by Councilman Bird, seconded by Councilman Moses, all voting "aye,"
adjourned the City Council meeting of October 16, 2006 at 8: m.
r,7~ X411-4t. Bob Phelps, Mayor Cindee Peters, City Secretary
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