Loading...
2005-12-19 CC MinutesCity of Farmers Branch City Council Regular Meeting Agenda City Hall Plaza 13000 William Dodson Parkway Farmers Branch, Texas Monday, December 19, 2005 6:30 P.M. The following members of the City Council were present: Mayor Mayor Pro Tern Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Councilmembers Bob Phelps Charlie Bird Ben Robinson Junie Smith Bill Moses Tim O'Hare The following members of the Administration were present: City Manager Assistant City Manager Assistant City Manager Assistant to the City Manager City Attorney City Secretary Finance Director City Engineer Director of Public Works Director of Parks and Recreation Deputy Police Chief Fire Chief Director of Community Services Director of Communications Director of Equipment Services Library Director Recording Secretary Linda Groomer Mary Jane Stevenson Greg Vick John Roach John Boyle Cindee Peters Charles Cox Jerry Murawski Mark Pavageaux Jeff Fuller David Hale Kyle King Michael Spicer Tom Bryson Don Moore Danita Barber Suzanne Reynolds Mayor Phelps called the City Council meeting of December 19, 2005 to order at 6:31 p.m. The meeting was televised. A.1 INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Robinson gave the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance. Volume 96, page 52 A.2 RECOGNITION OF DAVID I. DAVIS, THE CITY'S TRAFFIC ENGINEER, FOR RECEIVING THE 2005 WALLACE EWELL AWARD PRESENTED BY THE INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SOCIETY OF TEXAS. Mayor Phelps presented the following information. Farmers Branch Traffic Engineer Dave Davis was recently recognized at the annual meeting of the Intelligent Transportation Society of Texas. Dave received the prestigious Wallace Ewell Award which is the highest honor bestowed by the organization. The Intelligent Transportation Society of Texas was founded in 1993 to advance the use of research, development, and advanced technology in transportation. Intelligent Transportation Systems, or ITS, provide the tools for skilled transportation professionals to collect, analyze, and archive data about the performance of the system during the hours of peak use. The data is then used to enhance traffic operators' ability to respond to help monitor and manage traffic flow, reduce congestion, provide alternate routes to travelers, enhance productivity, and save lives, time and money. ITS also promotes economical, energy-efficient and environmentally sound surface transportation. Dave has been a member of the Society since it was founded, and has served as an officer in the Society for five of its twelve years. He is the second person to have ever received the Wallace Ewell Award, which was created last year. It recognizes Dave's "outstanding leadership in planning design and deployment of intelligent transportation systems." Among Dave's achievements are his pioneering work to develop an arterial street travel time monitoring system and a unique technology to inform motorists of traffic conditions in Farmers Branch. Dave installed the first of their kind message signs on southbound Marsh Lane that inform motorists of the average speeds eastbound and westbound IH-635. He has also delivered numerous technical presentations, written for national publications and served on technical committees at the local, regional, state and national levels. Mayor Phelps presented the 2005 Wallace Ewell award presented by the Intelligent Transportation Society of Texas to Traffic Engineer Dave Davis. Mayor Phelps presented the 2005 Friends of Rotary Award to City Manager Linda Groomer for the City's support of the club and in the community. A.3 CONSIDER ACCEPTING AN ANONYMOUS GIFT TO THE MANSKE LIBRARY AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Phelps presented the following information. An anonymous donor has donated $4,000 to the Manske Library for improvements to be made to the art gallery area of the Library. Volume 96, page 53 The art gallery is one of the most popular and most frequented areas of the Manske Library, and serves as a welcoming entryway to the entire facility. In the master planning survey that was conducted in 2000, more than 80 percent of the people surveyed reported that they had visited the gallery during the past year. In 2005, the gallery featured 16 exhibits including works in oil, watercolor, ceramics, sculpture, photography, Paper Mache and fiber. Exhibitors included the Farmers Branch Carrollton Art Association, Carrollton Farmers Branch Independent School District, Fiber Artists of Dallas, Dallas Arts Studio, and various other art organizations and private artists in the North Texas area. Exhibits featured works from cultures including Persian civilization, Latin America, Russia and many aspects of American life. The City expresses heartfelt appreciation for this extremely generous gift. Staff proposes to use the gift toward wall coverings or to replace one of the display cases that are in need of replacement. The materials purchased with this donation will help to ensure that the gallery continues to make a positive first impression on all the visitors to the Library and is an area where artists can be proud to display their work. The community will appreciate this gift for years to come. The Library Director recommends accepting the $4,000 donation to be used toward improvements to the Library art gallery. A motion by Mayor Pro Tern Bird, seconded by Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Robinson, all voting "aye," accepted the $4,000 donation to be used toward improvements to the Library art gallery. A.4 PRESENTATION OF BOARD APPLICATIONS. There were no applications presented. A.5 REPORT ON STUDY SESSION ITEMS. There was no Study Session. 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 Tem Bird, seconded by Councilman Moses, all voting "aye," removed Consent Agenda Item B.3 to be heard by Council and accepted Consent Agenda as amended. Volume 96, page 54 B.1 APPROVED MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 5, 2005. B.2 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2005-146 NOMINATING SATCO PRODUCTS OF TEXAS, INC. AS AN ENTERPRISE ZONE PROJECT. B.3 MOVED TO REGULAR AGENDA. B.3 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2005-147 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN HOMECO PURCHASING COMPANY, LTD. AND THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Phelps presented the following information. Homeco Purchasing Company, Ltd. is a Texas Limited Partnership that has been formed to purchase building material from various vendors for resale to MHI Partnership Ltd. The company, MHI, is a home building company operating under the names of McGuyer, Pioneer Homes, Coventry, and Plantation Homes. They currently are located in the Park West office buildings in Farmers Branch. The company is requesting that the City enter into a sales tax incentive agreement with their company. Over the past two years, numerous Texas cities have entered into sales tax grants with a captive retailer, such as a homebuilder. The Texas Comptroller has ruled supporting sourcing of local taxes into a single city after the approval of House Bill 3534. Subject to approval by the City Council, the agreement will commence December 1, 2005. The City's legal counsel has stated that the retroactive date is permissible. The City's Comprehensive Policy Statement on Local Economic Development and Business Incentives, as amended by the City Council in January of 2005 allows for the granting of sales taxes to homebuilders. The Director of Economic Development recommends adopting Resolution No. 2005-147 authorizing the City Manager to execute an economic development incentive agreement between Homeco Purchasing Company Ltd. and the City of Farmers Branch. City Manager Linda Groomer stated the amendment to this agreement is to Section 5.03 with regard to participation percentages and Section 6.05 in regard to an address correction. She stated staff recommends adopting Resolution No. 2005-147 with the amendments of Sections 5.03 and 6.05. Volume 96, page 55 There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilwoman Smith, seconded by Councilman Moses, all voting "aye" approved the amended Resolution No. 2005-147 adopting an economic development incentive agreement between Homeco Purchasing and the City with addition of Section 5.03 with regard to participation percentages and Section 6.05 in regard to an address correction. C.1 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION. John Wells, 13521 Heartside Place, expressed his appreciation to the City Council and congratulated Tom Bryson, Duane Bishop and John Campbell for the 2006 City Calendar. Mr. Wells also stated City Manager Linda Groomer does an excellent job and thanked staff for all their hard work. He wished the Council and staff Happy Holidays. Ms Groomer also thanked the City's Horticulturist Pam Smith for her contributions to the calendar project. Councilwoman Smith stated she took her calendar to her place of business where it met with very positive reviews. D.1 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2005-151 AWARDING THE BID FOR MALLON PARK LAKE IMPROVEMENTS TO GEOTECHNICAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC. AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The 2005-2006 Capital Improvement Program Non-Bond Fund includes $175,238 for Mallon Park lake improvements. The improvements consist of dredging the lake, repairing the retaining wall along the edge of the south island, and installing slope protection beneath the water to protect the retaining walls on the north and south islands from future erosion and undercutting. The improvements that are to be constructed are based on a consensus developed with residents in the vicinity of Mallon Park after two public meetings. Five bids were received and opened on November 17, 2005, with all bids meeting specifications. Geotechnical Environmental Services, Inc. submitted the low bid in the amount of $158,810.30 with a contract time of 90 calendar days. Geotechnical Environmental Services, Inc. has provided positive references and has relevant experience on similar projects. The City Engineer recommends adopting Resolution 2005-151 awarding the bid for Mallon Park lake improvements to Geotechnical Environmental Services, Inc. in the amount of $158,810.30. Volume 96, page 56 There being no discussion, a motion by Councilman O'Hare, seconded by Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Robinson, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution No. 2005-151 awarding the bid for Mallon Park lake improvements to Geotechnical Environmental Services, Inc. in the amount of $158,810.30. D.2 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2005-150 AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A SPECIAL OPERATIONS RESCUE TRUCK FROM PIERCE MANUFACTURING COMPANY THROUGH THE HOUSTON- GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The Farmers Branch Fire Department provides a mass casualty response service for the Dallas County area, which can treat up to 100 patients. DFW Airport is the other Fire Department tasked with Dallas County Mass Casualty response. Since the 9-11 incident in 2001, the Fire Department has expanded services to include Weapons of Mass Destruction, or WMD, response supplies. The additional equipment needed for this response cannot be carried on the current Special Operations Rescue Truck because of lack of storage space. The current truck is a 1991 GMC Bettan truck, which is on the City's Vehicle Replacement Schedule for 2006-07. Staff applied for an Urban Area Security Initiative Grant to replace this truck and received word in January 2005 that a grant in the amount of $256,500 had been approved. On June 13, 2005 City Council authorized the City Manager to sign a Project Implementation Plan to receive these funds. The expected cost for the Special Operations Rescue Truck and the installation of the support equipment is $442,000. Since the grant was $185,500 short of the expected replacement cost, the City budget for fiscal 2005-06 includes funding from both the Grant Fund and the Fire Operations fixed assets budget totaling $442,000. The Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments Purchasing Cooperative received bids for a Special Operations Rescue Truck manufactured by Pierce Manufacturing Company that satisfies the specifications of the Farmers Branch Fire Department. The City has an interlocal agreement with HGAC through which to purchase the truck. The total purchase price to be paid to Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments for the Special Operations Rescue Truck is $398,964. This amount includes a $2,000 fee for Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments. After delivery of the new truck, several support systems will be removed from the old truck and installed in the new truck. Some new equipment will be installed including upgraded radio and communications equipment. The remaining budgeted funds will be used for all of these installations. Volume 96, page 57 The Fire Chief recommends adopting Resolution No. 2005-150 authorizing the purchase of a 2006 Special Operations Rescue Truck on the Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments contract in the amount of $398,964. Councilman Moses asked what would happen to the old truck. Fire Chief Kyle King replied it would be sold on the online auction service. Mayor Phelps asked what the truck is worth. Chief King replied the value is approximately $25,000. There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilman Moses, seconded by Councilwoman Smith, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution No. 2005-150 authorizing the purchase of a 2006 Special Operations Rescue Truck on the Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments contract in the amount of $398,964. D.3 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2005-152 APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT, PARK FURNITURE, AND FALL ZONE MATERIAL FOR MORNINGSTAR PARK FROM THE PLAYWELL GROUP THROUGH THE TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT PURCHASING COOPERATIVE AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The renovation to the Morningstar Park playground is budgeted in the 2005-2006 Non-Bond Capital Improvement Budget. There is $120,000 available for the playground renovations. Morningstar Park is located on Morningstar Lane between Templeton Trail and Ridgeoak Way. The design of the playground renovation is based on the input from residents in the surrounding neighborhood who attended two design charrettes held earlier this year. Residents at a third neighborhood meeting held in October endorsed the design. All of the existing play equipment, except the swings, will be removed and replaced with several new structures in the same area as the existing equipment. New fall zone material and a concrete walk defining the play area will be installed. The walk will connect to the existing sidewalk. The existing pavilion is to be relocated closer to the front of the park area. The Playwell Group, Inc. has provided a quote for the new play equipment, park furniture, and new fall zone materials through the Texas Local Government Purchasing Cooperative, or Buy Board, a cooperative purchasing administration agency for participating local governments throughout Texas. The total quoted price for the equipment, including installation is $111,955.40. Volume 96, page 58 The City Engineer and the Director of Parks and Recreation recommend adopting Resolution No. 2005-152 approving the purchase of playground equipment, park furniture, and fall zone material for Morningstar Park from The Playwell Group through the Texas Local Government Purchasing Cooperative in an amount of $111,955.40. Councilman Moses asked what was the attendance at the meetings. Landscape Architect Traci Jones replied there were 20 persons at the first meeting, 20 at the second meeting and 10 at the third meeting. She stated good input was received from all three meetings. There being no further discussion, a motion by Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Robinson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Bird, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution No. 2005-152 approving the purchase of playground equipment, park furniture, and fall zone material for Morningstar Park from the Playwell Group through the Texas Local Government Purchasing Cooperative in an amount of $111,955.40. DA CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2005-153 AWARDING BIDS TO VARIOUS VENDORS FOR CHEMICALS FOR THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Phelps presented the following information. Bid requests for the annual supply of chemicals for the Parks and Recreation Department were advertised and sent to nine vendors. Eight bids were returned and opened on November 17, 2005. All vendors were notified in the specifications that the quantities were estimates and that the City may purchase adjusted quantities of each product. The lowest bids received meeting specifications were received from seven companies. Staff recommends awarding to the low bidders meeting specifications for each item. The total cost of the low bid items meeting specifications is $77,648.39. There is $95,000.00 budgeted for the annual supply of chemicals in the 2005-06 budget. The Director of the Parks and Recreation Department recommends adopting Resolution No. 2005-153 awarding bids for an annual supply of chemicals for the Parks and Recreation Department to: • Austin Turf & Tractor in the amount of $189.58 • B&G Chemicals in the amount of $429.60 • BWI Companies, Inc. in the amount of $18,707.62 • Estes, Inc. in the amount of $37,051.43 • Excel Garden Products in the amount of $1,722.12 • Lesco, Inc. in the amount of $8,105.20 • UAP Professional Products in the amount of $11,442.84 Volume 96, page 59 The total amount to be awarded is $77,648.39. Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Robinson asked if the chemicals being purchased could be used for the pecan trees along Marsh Lane. Parks and Recreations Director Jeff Fuller replied the drought has affected the trees along Marsh Lane and yes the chemicals purchased can be used on those trees. There being no further discussion, a motion by Mayor Pro Tern Bird, seconded by Councilman Moses, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution No.2005-153 awarding bids for chemicals for the Parks and Recreation Department. D.5 CONSIDER APPOINTMENTS TO THE COMMUNITY WATCH COMMITTEE, HISTORICAL PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION BOARD, AND SCHOOL-COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. A motion by Mayor Pro Tern Bird, seconded by Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Robinson, all voting "aye," reappointed Glenna Grimmer, Ron Doerler, Patsy Mayo, Helen Bridgforth, Marjorie Cutler and Barbara Sisserson-Honnoll to the Historical Preservation and Restoration Board. D.6 CONSIDER COUNCIL TRAVEL REPORTS AND REQUESTS, AND COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND ORGANIZATION REPORTS, AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. There were not travel reports or requests. Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Robinson reported on the Trinity River Authority meeting he attended on December 13th. Councilwoman Smith reported on the Santa and Cookies Program she attended at the Manske Library on December 15a`. Mayor Phelps announced that he would like to thank the Council and staff members for an excellent job day in and day out, making Farmers Branch the "Best Living Place" any where. He stated he would like to wish everyone in Farmers Branch a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. MAYOR PHELPS ANNOUNCED THAT THE ITEMS ON THE AGENDA FOR THE EXECUTIVE SESSION WERE DISCUSSED AFTER THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING. MAYOR PHELPS EXPLAINED THE CITY COUNCIL CONVENED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:15 P.M. AND THEN CONCLUDED AT 7:50 P.M. TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 551 OF THE OPEN MEETING LAW PROVIDES THAT SUCH ITEMS AS PERSONNEL MATTERS, Volume 96, page 60 LAND ACQUISITION AND PENDING AND CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION MAY BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION. E.1 DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITION - TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.072. Discuss land sale, trade or lease of properties in the DART Station Area located in Farmers Branch, Texas. Mayor Phelps stated that City staff was present to discuss this item with the City Council. F.1 CONSIDER NECESSARY ACTION ON ITEMS DISCUSSED IN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION. Mayor Phelps explained that City Council was updated on the executive session item and no action was necessary. F.2 ADJOURNMENT. A motion by Councilman Moses, a second by Councilman O'Hare, all voting "aye", adjourned the City Council meeting of December 19,,2Q01 at 7:50 p.m. Bob Phelps, Mayor Cindee Peters, City Secretary 0 Volume 96, page 61