2006-02-06 CC MinutesJ
City of Farmers Branch
City Council Special Meeting
Agenda
City Hall Plaza
Council Chamber
13000 William Dodson Parkway
Farmers Branch, Texas
Monday, April 17, 2006
1:30 P.M.
A.1 CALL TO ORDER.
Mayor Phelps called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
A.2 THE CITY COUNCIL CONVENED IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT 1:30
P.M. TO CONDUCT A WORK SESSION TO DISCUSS AND REVIEW THE
FOLLOWING: THE CITY'S FINANCIAL STATUS, REVENUES,
EXPENDITURES, PROJECTS, BALANCES, FINANCIAL TRENDS,
CAPITAL PROJECTS, FIXED ASSETS, BUDGET GOALS AND
OBJECTIVES AND OTHER ISSUES RELATED TO THE 2005-06 MID-YEAR
BUDGET, FUTURE CITY BUDGETS, AND LONG RANGE PLANNING
ACTIVITIES.
City Manager Linda Groomer introduced the 2005-06 mid-year budget. City staff
gave presentations on projects, financial trends, goals and objectives and long
range planning.
Charles Cox, Director of Finance, gave a financial overview including topics on
the general fund, water and sewer funds, hotel/motel fund, fixed assets, animal
shelter repairs and Fire Station No. 3. The proposed mid-year budget reflects a
$227,581 addition to General Fund balance due primarily to improved sales tax
revenues and a $738,700 addition to the Water & Sewer Fund balance primarily
due to increased water consumption. Mr. Cox also indicated that electricity and
fuel costs continue to increase.
Environmental Health Manager Stacy Wright reported on improvements to
animal shelter proposed to be added to the mid-year budget, along with
improvements that would be recommended for the 2006-07 fiscal year budget.
Brian Dickerson, Human Resources Director, gave an overview of the recruiting
process for police officers and fire fighters and the recommended proposal for
utilizing Internet recruiting tools. Mr. Dickerson also presented recommended
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proposals for restructuring retiree health care benefits in the upcoming fiscal year
in response to the actuarial study related to GASB 45 accounting standards.
Mark Pavageaux, Director of Public Works, reported on the water rate of flow
controller and a proposal to conduct an engineering study on the City's water
system. He also discussed landfill issues, along with newly implemented cost-
savings measures for the solid waste division, changes in truck configurations,
and collection challenges related to difficulties with alley pickup service. He
reported that staff is exploring possible plans for moving waste pickup service to
curbside pickup for residential neighborhoods where alleys are becoming
increasingly difficult to access with current truck models, configurations, and
turning radii.
E.0 CONDUCT EXECUTIVE SESSION.
The budget work session recessed at 3:32 p.m. and reconvened in the Study
Session Room 3:45 p.m.
Mayor Phelps announced that the items on the agenda for the executive session
would be discussed. The meeting convened into executive session at 3:47 p.m.
and concluded at 4:29 p.m. The meeting reconvened into general session after the
items had been discussed in the executive session to consider any necessary
action. 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.I 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 stated there were no items to discuss on economic development
incentives.
E.2 DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITIONS - TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 551.072.
Discuss application to create a Local Government Corporation pursuant to
Chapter 431.101 et seq. and Chapter 394 of the Texas Local Government Code to
accomplish governmental purposes as authorized.
Discuss land sale, purchase, trade or lease of Camelot Landfill.
Discuss land sale, purchase, trade or lease of properties in the DART Station Area
located in Farmers Branch, Texas.
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Mayor Phelps stated that City Council was updated on items concerning land
acquisitions.
F.1 CONSIDER NECESSARY ACTION ON ITEMS DISCUSSED IN THE
EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Mayor Phelps called for necessary action on items discussed in Executive
Session.
A motion by Councilman Robinson, a second by Councilwoman Smith, all voting
"aye", adopted Resolution 2006-048, authorizing the formation of a Local
Government Corporation pursuant to an application submitted by three residents
of the City in accordance with Chapter 431 of the Texas Transportation Code and
Chapter 394 of the Texas Local Government Code; approving the Articles of
Incorporation and By-Laws; authorizing the filing of the Articles of
Incorporation; appointing the initial directors; authorizing the City Manager to
take all actions necessary to carry out the provisions of this resolution; providing
for a severability clause; and declaring an effective date.
A.3 CONDUCT WORK SESSION TO DISCUSS REDEVELOPMENT ISSUES.
City Manager Linda Groomer led a work session with City Council on the topic
of redevelopment. She discussed the broad scope that encompasses
redevelopment and discussed the Council's and staff s shared vision and goals for
keeping the City vibrant and viable. She discussed development and
redevelopment plans for the east and west sides of the City, and the business
community that provides funding for the entire City. She discussed the attributes
of the neighborhood that resulted in Branch Crossing being selected as the first
redevelopment neighborhood and the City's identified initial involvement to jump
start the program. She discussed the DART Station Area redevelopment plans,
and recent discussions with and feedback from developers.
The City Manager discussed other recent developments within the central area of
the City, and discussed the Four Corners Valley View/Josey retail area and
associated challenges. She stated that a successful comprehensive redevelopment
program must also address existing neighborhood revitalization and a
comprehensive and proactive code enforcement program.
Building Official Jim Olk presented new code enforcement initiatives that
included:
• Redirected focus on Central City and neighborhoods with repeat
violations
• Hand-held ticket writers
• Shared patrol
• Renewal of the Community Watch Committee
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• Expanded "Be a Good Neighbor" education program
• "Tool Chest" loan program
Mr. Olk also presented a draft ordinance on limiting vehicle parking, which the
Council asked to be placed on the May 1 Council agenda. Council also requested
a time line for implementation of the code enforcement initiatives.
The City Manager and Council discussed ideas for improving the City's image,
changing the logo, and marketing the City and the redevelopment neighborhoods.
The City Manager also presented ideas for financing redevelopment efforts that
have been used by other cities.
Following the presentation, Council discussed other ideas for redevelopment
initiatives. Councilman Robinson suggested the creation of a new advisory
group, organized in the fashion of the Housing Finance Corporation, made up of
persons with expertise in real estate, development and other areas, with a targeted
approach to come up with ideas for attracting development, both residential and
retail.
Councilman O'Hare suggested that by focusing on new home development and
improving the City's image, the other issues would be addressed as part of this.
He suggested numerous items that might be explored for image improvement.
Councilwoman Smith suggested charettes with realtors, and including
representatives of the Hispanic community. Councilman Bird discussed not
overlooking existing neighborhoods and residents, and supported the idea of
community activities and events to bring attention to the City.
Todd Bonneau discussed his development experience in Farmers Branch versus
east Dallas. He stated buyers like Farmers Branch when they get here, but
suggested the City needed a separate identify to bring them here. He discussed
the City's past involvement in advertising the redevelopment area and possible
targeted advertising that could be beneficial. He stated that upgrading the city's
housing stock would address the majority of the city's problems.
Calla Davis suggested that addressing existing codes and a strong approach to
cleaning up the parking lots and sidewalks, including power washing and cleaning
up windows, at the Four Corners would make a significant impact in the
appearance of this retail area. She stated the commercial properties need to be
responsible.
Jim Smith also supported festivals and special events, and suggested approaching
the Shakespeare festival to come to Farmers Branch.
The City Council concluded the work session with the following priorities to be
addressed:
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1. Develop criteria and mission for a Redevelopment Task Force and
Neighborhood Improvement Committee; identify potential members
2. Meet with realtors and builders to discuss infill housing
3. Implement new Code Enforcement initiatives and present a timeline for
implementation
4. Explore image and marketing plan options with marketing companies
5. Prepare scope of services and obtain cost estimates for special study for
Four Corners Retail Area; meet with property owners
6. Explore financing options
F.2 ADJOURNMENT
A motion by Councilman Moses, a second by Councilwoman Smith, all voting
"aye", adjourned the City Council meeting of April 17, 2006 at 6:47 p.m.
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Bob Phelps, Mayor Cindee Peters, City Secretary
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