2012-05-15 CC MinutesCity of Farmers Branch
City Council Meeting Minutes
City Hall Plaza
13000 William Dodson Parkway
Farmers Branch, Texas
Tuesday, May 15, 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 4:00 p.m. with the following members of
the City Council present:
Mayor
William P. Glancy
Mayor Pro Tern
David Koch
Deputy Mayor Pro Tern
Michelle Holmes
Councilmembers
Ben Robinson
City Attorney
Harold Froehlich
Fire Chief
Tim Scott
The following members of the Administration were present:
City Manager
Gary D. Greer
Assistant City Manager
Shanna Sims - Bradish
Assistant City Manager
Matt Benoit
Assistant to the City Manager
Rachael Johnson
City Attorney
Pete Smith
Fire Chief
Steve Parker
Police Chief
Sid Fuller
Director of Parks and Recreation
Jeff Harting
Director of Public Works
Mark Pavageaux
Director of Economic Development & Tourism
John Land
Communications Director
Tom Bryson
Director of Planning & Zoning
Andy Gillies
Director of Information Services
Mark Samuels
Finance Director
Charles Cox
Historical Park Superintendent
Derrick Birdsall
City Engineer
Randy Walhood
And with a quorum present, the following items were addressed:
STUDY SESSION
A.1 Discuss regular council meeting agenda items.
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Mayor Pro Tern Koch asked for specifics regarding the reduction in cost associated with
the proposed contract and change order relative to Agenda Item CA. Derrick Birdsall,
Historical Park Superintendent, reported on the changes and stated the project would take
approximately ninety (90) days to complete.
Mayor Pro Tem Koch also inquired about Agenda Item D.1. Andy Gillies, Director of
Planning & Zoning provided an update on the proposed Special Use Permit (SUP).
A.2 Discuss an update on the Revitalization Program.
John Land, Director of Economic Development and Tourism gave an overview and
update on the program. Council members discussed getting input from developers and
builders regarding the program and additional revitalization opportunities.
A.3 Discuss creating a Family Advisory Board.
Councilmember Scott stated the increase in number of families moving to Farmers
Branch warrants the need for a Family Advisory Board. The proposed board would seek
events and programs targeted at families. Staff will research and provide a proposal at a
future city council meeting.
A.4 Discuss the City's involvement with Texas Municipal League (TML) and the
National League of Cities.
After a brief discussion by Council staff was directed not to renew the City's membership
with National League of Cities.
A.5 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
meeting agenda).
No items were discussed.
The Study Session meeting concluded at 4:42 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The City Council convened into Executive Session at 4:45 p.m.
F.1 Discuss land acquisitions - Texas Government Code Section 551.072.
Discuss purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property in the following area:
for the area generally bounded by Midway Road, Valwood Parkway and Belt Line
Road, I -635 and Denton Drive.
The City Council concluded Executive Session at 4:51 p.m.
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THE COUNCIL RECONVENES INTO OPEN SESSION
The City Council convened into Regular Session at 4:51 p.m.
G.1 Consider necessary action on items discussed in the Executive Session.
The following motion was made by Councilmember Robinson: Based on the report and
findings of the City Building Official, the structure located on the property known as
12915 Holbrook Drive constitutes a dangerous structure and that the City Manager be
authorized to (1) purchase directly or through authorized representatives Lot 10, Block
A, Farmersdell Addition, an Addition to the City of Farmers Branch, Texas, for an
amount not to exceed $78, 000.00 plus closing costs, (2) to negotiate and sign such
documents as he, in consultation with the City Attorney, deems reasonable and necessary
with respect to acquiring title to said property, and (3) to enter into necessary
agreements related to the demolition of the improvements on said property, said activities
to be funded from funds available in the city budget for such purposes. Motion seconded
by Councilmember Scott; motion passed with all ayes.
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 Robinson gave the Invocation and Councilmember Froehlich led the
Pledge of Allegiance.
B.2 Consider proclaiming May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month.
Mayor Glancy presented a proclamation to Mr. Craig Westerhof in honor of Motorcycle
Safety and Awareness Month.
B.3 Consider proclaiming May as Asian American Heritage Month.
Mayor Glancy presented a proclamation to Ms. Jessica Yang in honor of Asian American
Heritage Month.
B.4 Receive sponsorship check from Waste Management for 2012 Liberty Fest.
Mr. Joe Jaynes, Public Sector Services Manager from Waste Management presented a
sponsorship check to the City in the amount of $25,000.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Koch to accept; motion seconded by Councilmember Scott.
Motion passed with all ayes.
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B.5 Consider Board and Commission appointments and take appropriate action.
Motion by Councilmember Robinson to:
Reappoint Sally Derrick to the Library Board
Appoint Eileen Houston to the Senior Advisory Board
Motion seconded by Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Holmes; motion passed with all ayes.
B.6 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.
Mayor Pro Tern Koch encouraged everyone to attend Liberty Fest. Deputy Mayor Pro
Tern Holmes encouraged service organizations to sponsor a flag in memory of or in
honor of military loved ones.
City Manager Gary Greer presented the City Manager's Report.
B.7 Report on Study Session items.
Councilmember Scott encouraged residents to attend the Study Session meetings. He
also reported on the Revitalization Program and the potential formation of a Family
Advisory Board.
CONSENT AGENDA
CA Consider approval of minutes of City Council meeting of May 1, 2012.
C.2 Consider adopting Resolution No. 2012 -033 denying Atmos Energy Corporation,
Mid -Tex Division's requested rate increase with an effective date of June 11, 2012
and take appropriate action.
Councilmember Robinson provided a brief explanation of the proposed resolution.
C.3 Consider adopting Resolution No. 2012 -035 authorizing the City Manager to enter
into an interlocal agreement with the City of Carrollton, Texas and the Town of
Addison, Texas for the resale of wholesale treated water.
Mayor Pro Tern Koch provided a brief summary of the interlocal agreement.
CA Consider adopting Resolution No. 2012 -036 awarding the bid for the construction of
a General Store in the Farmers Branch Historical Park to Concord Commercial
Services, Inc., and authorizing execution of a change order and take appropriate
action.
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Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Holmes provided a brief explanation of the contract and change
order.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Koch to approve Consent Agenda Items C.1 through C. 4;
motion seconded by Councilmember Scott. Motion passed with all ayes.
PUBLIC SESSION
D.1 Public Hearing: Consider adopting Ordinance No. 3188 for an Interim Specific Use
Permit (2 Years) allowing a Special Event Center (Banquet Hall) located at 13435
Bee Street, Suite 2 and take appropriate action. An associated Site Plan is included
with this request.
Mayor Glancy opened the public hearing. Andy Gillies, Planning and Zoning Director
presented a short summary of the request along with changes from the previous request.
The applicant was present for the meeting. No one from the public wished to speak;
Mayor Glancy closed the public hearing.
Mayor Pro Tem Koch voiced concern regarding inaccuracies stated in a letter sent by the
applicant to neighboring property owners. Councilmember Froehlich stated his concern
regarding the traffic and noise level affecting the neighbors.
Motion by Councilmember Scott to adopt Ordinance No. 3188.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Holmes suggested the use of a licensed police officer at events
with alcohol when there are one hundred (100) or more in attendance.
Councilmember Scott amended his motion to the following: motion to adopt Ordinance
No. 3188, with a provision added requiring one licensed police officer for each one
hundred (100) persons in attendance for any event conducted at the Special Event center
at which alcoholic beverages are served. Motion seconded by Deputy Mayor Pro Tem
Holmes; motion passed with the following vote:
Ayes —Scott, Holmes, and Robinson
Nos — Froehlich and Koch
D.2 Public Hearing: Consider adopting Resolution No. 2012 -032 authorizing the
submission of an application to Dallas County for Fiscal Year 2012 Dallas County
Community Development Block Grant project and take appropriate action.
Mayor Glancy opened the public hearing. Randy Walhood, City Engineer, stated the
project that has been identified for the grant is the reconstruction of approximately 220
feet of Goodwater Street from Richland Avenue to the northern end and sidewalk access
to Squire Park. The estimated cost for the project is approximately $80,950. Farmers
Branch is eligible to receive $86,325 in grant funding. No one from the public wished to
speak; Mayor Glancy closed the public hearing.
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Motion by Councilmember Robinson to adopt Resolution No. 2012 -032; motion seconded
by Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Holmes. Motion passed with all ayes.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
E.1 Discuss and consider possible modifications to the traffic calming devices on Golfing
Green Drive.
Matt Benoit, Assistant City Manager, provided background information regarding the
traffic calming devices. He reported speed studies show a decrease in speeds and traffic
volumes on Golfing Green.
The following individuals spoke:
• Luther Bernstein — the design is not working; some people are afraid to drive
there because of the devices
• Nancy Clair — blew out 2 tires there; would like the City to reimburse her
• Pat Edmiston — would like speed limit reduced and devices removed
• Phil Bauer — light poles are too high; can tell people are slowing down; devices
are not visible enough
• Laura Flanagan — has trouble turning into her drive because of the devices; no
available parking in front of her home now; need to reevaluate the devices
• Diana Holmes — concerned about accidents that may occur since devices were
installed; need to reevaluate the devices
• Sara Jones — concerned about pedestrians having limited area to walk now;
modify the devices
• Amy Jones — concerned about pedestrians having limited area to walk now;
concerned some property owners have lost parking in front of their homes now
• Richard Jones — concerned about accidents that have occurred since devices were
installed; please remove the devices
• John Wells — would like flashing lights or stop signs installed instead of devices;
have more police presence to reduce speed
• Fred Harvey — wanted something done but thinks devices need to be modified
• Colleen Price — has seen a reduction in speed; concerned about accidents that
have occurred since devices were installed
• Milton Price — has seen a reduction in speed; doesn't want them removed but
would like to see devices modified
• Nicholas Mezzour — people are still speeding; no available parking in front of his
home now; lights are too tall
• Jim Kilsheimer — opposes the devices
• Valerie Levy — concerned this will cause rental homes in the neighborhood
• Ella Price — feels it is safer now because there has been a reduction in speed
• Justin Bailey — was against but now sees a reduction in speed; likes the jiggle bars
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Mayor Glancy and members of the City Council thanked everyone for coming to the
meeting to voice their opinion. Based on resident comments, Mayor Pro Tem Koch
stated a change needs to be explored. Councilmember Froehlich suggested a sidewalk be
installed. After some discussion, staff will review possible solutions and present at a
future city council meeting.
G.2 Adjournment.
Motion by Councilmember Scott to adjourn; motion seconded by Deputy Mayor Pro Tem
Holmes. Motion passed with all ayes. The meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m.
d
William P. Glancy, P
ATTEST:
I L -t r
Angela Ke y, City Secretary
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