2005-05-02 CC MinutesCity of Farmers Branch
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda
City Hall Plaza
13000 William Dodson Parkway
Farmers Branch, Texas
Monday, May 2, 2005
7:30 P.M.
The following members of the City Council were present:
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem
Councilmembers
Bob Phelps
Bill Moses
Charlie Bird
Junie Smith
Ben Robinson
Paul Walden
The following members of administration were present:
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
City Secretary
Assistant to the City Manager
Finance Director
Director of Economic Development
Director of Public Works
Director of Community Services
Director of Parks and Recreation
Police Chief
Fire Chief
Library Director
City Engineer
Director of Communications
Director of Equipment Services
Recording Secretary
Linda Groomer
Mary Jane Stevenson
Greg Vick
John Boyle
Cindee Peters
John Roach
Charles Cox
Norma Nichols
Mark Pavageaux
Michael Spicer
Jeff Fuller
Jimmy Fawcett
Kyle King
Danita Barber
Jerry Murawski
Tom Bryson
Don Moore
Suzanne Reynolds
Mayor Phelps called the City Council meeting of May 2, 2005 to order at 7:30
p.m. The meeting was televised.
A.1 INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Councilman Walden presented the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance.
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A.2 CONSIDER ACCEPTING THE CORENET GLOBAL ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AND ACCOMPLISHMENT AWARD FOR "LEADERSHIP
AND INNOVATION" AND RECOGNIZING THE TEAM RESPONSIBLE FOR
BRINGING THIS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD HOME TO FARMERS BRANCH
AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. For the innovative incentive
package that resulted in the relocation of JPMorgan Investment Services' global
investment service division from New York City to north Texas, the City of
Farmers Branch was recognized April 19th with the prestigious CoreNet Global
Economic Development and Accomplishment Award for "Leadership and
Innovation."
Given in ceremonies at the CoreNet Global Summit in Toronto, the award
recognized the incentive package that included $1.2 million in annual property tax
abatements, $4.6 million in sales tax exemption and more than $932,000 in
training grants. Farmers Branch received one of the only two awards bestowed in
the Leadership and Innovation category. The State of Texas boasted another
award to another Texas city, as the San Antonio Economic Development
Foundation was the recipient of the award in the category of Major
Projects/Deals. The Pearland, Texas Economic Development Corporation was
also a finalist.
Economic Development Director Norma Nichols, Finance Director Charles Cox
and City Attorney John Boyle made the Farmers Branch finalist presentation to a
distinguished panel of judges at Princeton University in March. The Mayor
received the award in ceremonies in Toronto April 19th.
Present at the meeting was former City Manager Richard Escalante who was also
instrumental in assembling the incentive package that helped to bring JPMorgan
from the streets of Manhattan to the Dallas North Tollway here in Farmers
Branch.
According to the website, CoreNet Global is the "world's premier association for
corporate real estate and related professionals" with headquarters in Atlanta,
Georgia, and regional offices in Brussels, Belgium, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Hong
Kong, China, London, England and Sidney, Australia.
The City Council heartily congratulates each and every member of the team that
was responsible for the JPMorgan deal and for bringing this prestigious
international award home to Farmers Branch.
Mayor Phelps presented the CoreNet Global Economic Development and
Accomplishment Award for "Leadership and Innovation" to City Manager Linda
Groomer and to Economic Development Director Norma Nichols, Finance
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Director Charles Cox, City Attorney John Boyle and Vice-Chancellor for
Administrative Services for The University of North Texas Richard Escalante.
A.3 CONSIDER PROCLAIMING MAY AS OLDER AMERICANS' MONTH IN
FARMERS BRANCH AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. May is nationally recognized
as Older Americans' Month. The Parks and Recreation Department and the
Senior Advisory Board request that the City Council proclaim May as Older
Americans' Month in Farmers Branch, which will help make the public aware of
the wide array of programs and activities available in Farmers Branch for senior
citizens. The following highlighted activities will be offered in May at the Senior
Center.
• Band dances at the Senior Center every Monday night except Memorial
Day, May 30th
• May Breakfast, Monday, May 2hhd, 8:15 a.m.
• Senior Citizen Volunteer Recognition Banquet at the Senior Center,
Wednesday, May 4th, 11:00 a.m.
• Birthday celebration and luncheon, Wednesday, May 18th, noon
• May trips on:
May 5th to Sam Pack's Vintage Automobile Collections
May 13th to the Garland Symphony
May 18th to the Modern Museum of Art and
May 26th to Lone Star Park
Mayor Phelps read and presented a proclamation to Katie Roberts, Senior
Advisory Board Chair, representing Farmers Branch senior citizens.
A motion by Mayor Pro Tem Moses, seconded by Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Bird,
all voting "aye," proclaimed May as Older Americans' Month in Farmers Branch.
A.4 CONSIDER PROCLAIMING MAY AS ASIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE
MONTH AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps read and presented a proclamation declaring May as "Asian
American Heritage Month" to Milton Nee, a Farmers Branch resident and
business operator, along with Robert Yang, Rue Liu and Sam Tung of the local
Asian American business community.
A.5 CONSIDER ACCEPTING A $10,000 DONATION FROM THE
CARROLLTON FARMERS BRANCH ROTARY CLUB FOR PLAYGROUND
EQUIPMENT FOR SQUIRE PARK AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The Carrollton Farmers
Branch Rotary Club would like to donate $10,000 to the City of Farmers Branch
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for the purchase of a piece of handicapped accessible playground equipment to be
installed in the Squire Park playground. The Rotary Club is interested in
partnering with the City to provide play opportunities for children of all abilities.
The City is matching funds by providing labor for installation, fall zone material,
a drainage system, and a concrete border.
Rotary's goal is to help provide and install equipment in several parks in the area
for children with special needs so that all children throughout the Metroplex can
enjoy city playgrounds. In that spirit, the Carrollton Farmers Branch Rotary Club
is making a similar donation to the City of Carrollton. Members of the Carrollton
Farmers Branch Rotary Club will assist with the installation of the equipment in
both Farmers Branch and Carrollton. This is the second $10,000 gift from the
organization to the City of Farmers Branch for playground equipment since
February 2004. This year's donation is especially significant because it is the
Club's Centennial Project and demonstrates great dedication to the community in
honor of Rotary's 100x' anniversary.
Regina Edwards, President-Elect of the Carrollton Farmers Branch Rotary Club,
and Park Superintendent Charles Cancellare presented photographs to Council of
the equipment, which will be installed. Ms. Edwards presented to Mayor and City
Council a $10,000 donation from the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club.
A motion by Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Bird, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Moses,
all voting "aye," accepted the $10,000 donation from the Carrollton Farmers
Branch Rotary Club.
A.6 CONSIDER RECOGNITION OF CITY EMPLOYEES' FUNDRAISING
EFFORTS ON BEHALF OF VICTIMS OF THE DECEMBER 2004 TSUNAMI
AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. To help the international
community, the employees at the City of Farmers Branch have collected
$1,100.00 they wish to donate to UNICEF and the American Red Cross for the
Tsunami Relief Fund. Money collected will help with the devastation caused by
the earthquake and tsunami that hit many parts of Asia and East Africa in
December 2004. Both UNICEF and the American Red Cross have been
instrumental in helping survivors reclaim their lives, homes, and villages from the
worst disaster in decades.
During February 7-11, 2005, employees sponsored and participated in various
fund-raising activities to show their generosity and support for the victims of the
tsunami. Activities included sending valentine greetings to friends or co-workers,
buying passes to "dress casual" for one week, and placing change in tsunami
relief donation jars located in various City departments.
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A special "thank you" is extended to all employees of the City of Farmers Branch
for making this effort a success. Appreciation is also extended to the following
employees who assisted with the planning and organization of the fund-raising
events and are present this evening: Baby Raley, Cindy Slate, Becki Olmstead
and Connie Stewart from the Human Resources Department, and Kaizer
Rangwala from the Community Services Department, Kelli Smith, Kimberly
Jolly-Chapman, and Anne Coe from the Parks and Recreation Department and
Rose Ann Baumer from Community Services also assisted in the fund-raising
event.
Mayor Phelps presented a certificate to Baby Raley, Cindy Slate, and Connie
Stewart of the Human Resources Department for the city's employee fund-raising
efforts for the tsunami victims.
Mayor Phelps presented the employees' donations to Nancy Latner with UNICEF
and Linda Liscomb with the American Red Cross.
A.7 CONSIDER RECOGNITION OF THE ASE BLUE SEAL OF EXCELLENCE
PROGRAM TO THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH EQUIPMENT
SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The National Institute of
Automotive Service Excellence better known as ASE has a program to recognize
commitment to excellence called the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence. To qualify,
an entity must be a repair, support or parts business and meet specific criteria.
Required as part of the criteria, at least 75% of the technicians performing
diagnosis and repairs must be certified by ASE. In addition, the organization must
also have at least one technician ASE certified in each area of service offered.
ASE reviews the entity's program status annually to ensure professional
certification credentials remain current.
The Farmers Branch Equipment Services Department has exceeded these criteria
by having 100% of their technicians ASE certified in at least one area. Individual
accomplishments are as follows:
Mayor Phelps presented a plaque to Equipment Services Director Don Moore and
his employees and congratulated them for all their efforts in receiving the
National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence.
1. Terry Kader: Master Automotive Certified and 4 Medium/Heavy Truck
Certifications
2. Kevin Hickey: 5 Medium/Heavy Truck Certifications
3. Abel Isidro: Master Automotive Certified and 4 Medium/Heavy Truck
Certifications
4. Michael Jeanne: 4 Automotive and 2 Medium/Heavy Truck Certifications
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5. John Carnal: Master Automotive Certified, Advance Engine Certification and
7 Medium/Heavy Truck Certifications
6. John Hunter: 6 Automotive Certifications, 1 Medium/Heavy Truck
Certification and 2 Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Certifications
7. Richard Ortiz (Apprentice Technician): 1 Automotive Certification
8. Matt Brown: Master Automotive Certified and Advance Engine Certification
Equipment Services is one of only 14 municipal fleets in the State of Texas to be
currently recognized with the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence.
A.8 PRESENTATION OF BOARD APPLICATIONS.
There were no applications presented.
A.9 REPORT ON STUDY SESSION ITEMS.
Mayor Phelps and City Council gave a brief summary of the items discussed in
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 the consent items is
to speed up discussion for those items that need more time for discussion.
A motion by Mayor Pro Tern Moses, seconded by Councilwoman Smith, all
voting "aye," approved the Consent Agenda as submitted.
B.1 APPROVED OF MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL
4, 2005.
B.2 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2005-064 RATIFYING EMERGENCY
CHANGE ORDER NO.2 TO A CONTRACT WITH HALL ALBERT
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR THE REHABILITATION OF
WATER AND SANITARY SEWER LINES.
B.3 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2005-039 AWARDING THE
CAMELOT LANDFILL GAS FLARE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
TO CHICKASAW ELECTRICAL CORPORATION.
B.4 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2005-065 AWARDING THE BID FOR
JOSEY LANE MEDIAN ENHANCEMENT TO TEXAS
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, INC.
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B.5 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2005-063 AWARDING THE BID FOR
COOKSCREEK PLACE SIDEWALKS TO KEN-DO CONTRACTING,
L.P.
C.1 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION.
John Wells, 13521 Heartside Place, asked for clarification about the May 16th
City Council meeting.
Mayor Phelps stated there would be a City Council meeting on May 16, 2005.
C.2 PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER FUNDING PROPOSALS UNDER THE
DALLAS COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
PROGRAM AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The City of Farmers Branch
is eligible to receive $103,031 in Community Development Block Grant funds
from Dallas County for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2005. Projects that
are eligible for community development block grants are those projects that
promote low-income home ownership, improve or maintain existing low-to-
moderate income neighborhoods or eliminate community-threatening conditions.
Two areas of the City meet qualifications to receive CDBG funds. Projects can
be anywhere in Farmers Branch as long as the low-to-moderate income standard
is met. Examples of eligible projects include water and sewer replacements,
sidewalks, road projects, park rehabilitation and code enforcement projects.
In the past, the City of Farmers Branch has used a significant portion of its grants
to fund the HOME program. Since 1994 the City has received $664,142 through
this program, which was used to repair over twenty homes. However, due to the
Housing and Urban Development Department's regulations on lead-based paint,
the County has discontinued the HOME program. The 2002-2003 funding was
used for playground replacement at Jaycee Park, and the 2003-2004 funding was
used for a pedestrian bridge over Cooks Creek in Jaycee Park. The 2004-2005
project is for sidewalks along Cookscreek Place.
A public hearing conducted by participating entities is required by Dallas County
before the governing body can submit a proposal for the Community
Development Block Grant. The purpose of the public hearing is to allow
residents input on how the funds should be spent. Funding proposals must be
submitted to Dallas County by June 3rd. A resolution for the City's proposal will
be prepared for Council approval at the May 10h meeting.
Staff recommends that a public hearing be held for public input on the use of
Community Development Block Grants.
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Mayor Phelps opened the public hearing.
There being no further comments, a motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Moses,
seconded by Councilman Robinson, all voting "aye," to close the public hearing.
D. I CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2005-057 APPROVING AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH DALLAS COUNTY FOR
ROTOMILLING SERVICES AND USE OF DALLAS COUNTY'S
CONTRACTOR TO RESURFACE SELECTED STREETS AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The 2004-05 Capital
Improvement Program includes $1,544,700.00 for the street resurfacing program
to maintain the annual goal of resurfacing eleven lane miles.
Sections of streets to be resurfaced this year include:
STREETS:
Brisbane Avenue
Cherrydale Lane
Dennis Lane
Eric Lane
Heartside Place
Hollandale Lane
Littlecrest Drive
Longmeade Drive
Maydelle Lane
Primrose Lane
Rawhide Parkway
Springvale Lane
LIMITS:
Myra Lane to Brincrest Drive
Glenside Drive to Belfield Drive
Valley View Lane to Josey Lane
Josey Lane to Webb Chapel Road
Valwood Parkway to Fyke Road
Queens Chapel Road to Webb Chapel Road
Josey Lane to Rawhide Parkway
Dennis Lane to Rawhide Parkway
Josey Lane to Austell Parkway
Veronica Road to Webb Chapel Road
Josey Lane to Webb Chapel Road
West cul-de-sac to Josey Lane
The resurfacing will include rotomilling to remove old asphalt or to provide a
wedge in the concrete gutter in order to maintain drainage continuity along the
street; repairing major concrete cracks in the curbs and pavement, repairing
subgrade, installing manhole and valve risers, laying a new asphalt surface, and
replacing pavement markings and traffic loop detectors. The total cost of this
year's street resurfacing is estimated to be $1,151,004.
As in previous years, it is proposed that the City utilize Dallas County's
equipment and personnel for rotomilling and the County's asphalt paving
contractor to resurface the selected streets. An interlocal agreement with Dallas
County has been negotiated to utilize the County's forces and contractor for the
rotomilling and resurfacing based on unit prices and hourly rates in an amount not
to exceed $512,230. The rotomilling price is estimated at $1.50 per square yard.
The asphalt price is $31.09 per ton plus mileage for a total estimated price of
$31.39 per ton. The resurfacing work will take place this summer.
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Concrete repairs are made prior to resurfacing to maximize the effective life of
the new asphalt surface. The concrete repairs will include repairing broken curbs,
replacing severely cracked concrete panels, and installing barrier free ramps on
the sidewalks at the street intersections.
There being no discussion, a motion by Mayor Pro Tern Moses, seconded by
Councilwoman Smith, all voting "aye," approved an interlocal agreement with the
County of Dallas for rotomilling services and use of Dallas County's contractor to
resurface selected streets in an amount not to exceed $512,230.
D.2 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2005-066 APPROVING THE
TAKEOVER AGREEMENT FOR THE WESTSIDE PUMP STATION WITH
NAS SURETY GROUP AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The construction of a new
pump station with a back-up generator adjacent to the Wicker Avenue Pump
Station is budgeted in the 2004-05 Non-bond Utility Fund budget in the amount
of $2,706,538. The construction of the new facility was awarded to TNG
Services, Inc. on August 18, 2003 in the amount of $2,027,560.00 with a
completion scheduled for February 2005. Two change orders, approved by the
City Council, relative to pumps, motors, and the steel encasement of the piers
increased the total contract amount to $2,065,560.00.
TNG Services, Inc. completed a portion of the project and received progress
payments for that work in the amount of $1,394,708.48. TNG Services, Inc.
subsequently defaulted on the contract by failing to complete the entire project.
NAS Surety Group provided the performance bond for the project and has taken
the responsibility for completing the project. NAS Surety Group has provided a
Takeover Agreement to the City of Farmers Branch wherein NAS Surety Group
will complete the project as the contractor using a subcontractor, Holleman
Construction Company Inc., to perform the work. The City will make progress
payments to NAS Surety Group as the work progresses with the total amount not
to exceed the unpaid balance of the contract.
The Takeover Agreement provides for NAS Surety Group to begin work after the
execution of the Takeover Agreement and to complete the project within 140
calendar days. The Takeover Agreement keeps the existing payment,
performance, and maintenance bonds in effect.
Mayor Pro Tem Moses asked if the only additional expense would be the salary
for the 140 days. City Engineer Murawski replied yes. Mayor Pro Tern Moses
asked if soil was tested prior to the commencement of this work. Mr. Murawski
replied it was tested.
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There being no further discussion, a motion by Mayor Pro Tern Moses, seconded
by Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Bird, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution No. 2005-
066 approving the Takeover Agreement for the Westside Pump Station with NAS
Surety Group for the completion of this project.
D.3 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2005-043 AWARDING THE BID
FOR THE WESTSIDE SANITARY SEWER LIFT STATION TO PATCO
UTILITIES, INC. AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The construction of the
Westside Sanitary Sewer Lift Station, a new sanitary sewer lift station to be
located east of Luna Road and north of the Parkwest Development, is budgeted in
the amount of $1,480,000 in the 2004-05 Capital Improvement Program, Tax
Increment Financing District No. 1 Fund.
On February 8, 2005 five bids were received and opened for the Westside
Sanitary Sewer Lift Station. Four of the five bids received met specifications.
Patco Utilities, Inc. submitted the lowest bid meeting specifications in the amount
of $625,370.75. Patco Utilities, Inc. has provided qualifications and references
for similar work. The contract time is 180 calendar days.
Under the provisions of Development Agreement No. 6 with American Realty
Trust, Inc., approved by the City Council on March 1, 2004, American Realty
Trust, Inc. must advance the funds for the construction of the sanitary sewer lift
station plus ten percent contingencies before the construction bid is awarded. The
City has received $687,907.83 from American Realty Trust, Inc., which satisfies
the requirement.
There being no discussion, a motion by Councilman Walden, seconded
Councilman by Robinson, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution No. 2005-043
awarding the bid for the Westside Sanitary Sewer Lift Station to Patco Utilities,
Inc. in an amount of $625,370.75.
DA CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2005-062 AWARDING BIDS TO
VARIOUS VENDORS FOR CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS FOR THE
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT AND TAKE APPROPRIATE
ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. Bid requests for the annual
supply of chemicals and fertilizers for the Parks and Recreation Department were
advertised and sent to eight vendors. Seven bids were returned and opened on
April 7, 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 from BWI Companies, Inc. for seven
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items; Estes, Inc. for twenty-four items; Excel Garden Products for five items;
Helena Chemical Co. for four items; Lesco, Inc. for four items; and Verdicon for
five items.
Staff recommends awarding to the low bidders that meet specifications for each
item. The total cost of the low bid items meeting specifications is $88,146.13.
There is $95,500 budgeted for the annual supply of chemicals and fertilizers in the
2004-2005 budget.
There being no discussion, a motion by Councilman Robinson, seconded by
Councilman Walden, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution No. 2005-062
awarding bids for an annual supply of chemicals and fertilizers for the Parks and
Recreation Department to BWI Companies, Inc. in the amount of $5,447.02;
Estes, Inc. in the amount of $52,929.81; Excel Garden Products in the amount of
$3,319.90; Helena Chemical Co. in the amount of $2,540.00; Lesco, Inc. in the
amount of $2,892.80; and Verdicon in the amount of $21,016.60 for a total award
of $88,146.13.
D.5 CONSIDER APPOINTMENTS TO THE SCHOOL-COMMUNITY
RELATIONS COMMITTEE, THE COMMUNITY WATCH COMMITTEE,
THE LIBRARY BOARD, THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION,
THE TAX INCREMENT FINANCING REINVESTMENT ZONE NO. 1
BOARD, AND THE ANIMAL SHELTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND
TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps stated the School-Community Relations Committee would be
brought back to the May 16t1i City Council meeting.
A motion by Councilman Robinson, seconded by Councilman Walden, all voting
"aye," appointed Tony Munoz to the School-Community Relations Committee.
A motion by Councilwoman Smith, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Moses, all
voting "aye," reappointed Tommy Counts to the Community Watch Committee.
Mayor Phelps stated the Library Board would be brought back to the May 16th
City Council meeting.
A motion by Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Bird, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Moses,
all voting "aye," appointed Vicki Goode to the Library Board position vacated by
Betsy Armstrong.
Mayor Phelps stated the Planning and Zoning Commission would be brought
back to the May 16th City Council meeting.
A motion by Mayor Pro Tem Moses, seconded by Councilman Robinson, all
voting "aye," reappointed Michael Spicer, John Burke, Linda Groomer, Margaret
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Somereve, Jerry Murawski, Jeff Fuller and Mary Jane Stevenson to the Tax
Increment Financing Reinvestment Zone No. One Board.
Mayor Phelps stated the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee would be brought
back to the May 16th City Council meeting.
D.6 CONSIDER COUNCIL TRAVEL REPORTS AND REQUESTS AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps reported that City Manager Linda Groomer, Economic
Development Director Norma Nichols and he traveled to Toronto to receive the
CoreNet Global Economic Development and Accomplishment Award for
"Leadership and Innovation." Mayor Phelps stated that he and staff are very
proud of this award.
City Manager Linda Groomer echoed Mayor Phelps, stating she was proud to be
part of a team that brought the award back to Farmers Branch. Ms. Groomer said
it is an honor to have JPMorgan as one of the businesses located in Farmers
Branch.
Ms. Groomer reported on the International City Management Association "Best
Practices" Conference she attended last week. Ms. Groomer stated she also
attended a seminar entitled "Going from Good To Great" and after reassessing
what some of the departments at the City are doing, they will be going "From
Great to Greater." Ms. Groomer stated she came back with some good
information and appreciated the opportunity to attend the session.
D.7 PRESENTATION OF COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND ORGANIZATION
REPORTS.
Councilwoman Smith report on the Metrocrest Hospital Authority meeting she
attended on April 19th. Councilwoman Smith also attended the Planning and
Zoning Commissions lecture series on April 25th, featuring Ron Witten as guest
speaker on "Retail Multi-Family Residential Trends."
MAYOR PHELPS ANNOUNCED THAT THE ITEMS ON THE AGENDA FOR THE
EXECUTIVE SESSION WERE DISCUSSED IN THE 4:30 P.M. WORK SESSION.
MAYOR PHELPS EXPLAINED THE CITY COUNCIL CONVENED INTO
EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:15 P.M. AND RECESSED AT 6:33 P.M. AND
RECONVENED AT 6:45 P.M. AND THEN CONCLUDED AT 7:25 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 PENDING AND CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION -TEXAS
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.071.
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Discuss pending litigation relative to Anthony Anderson, et al, vs. City of
Farmers Branch, Texas, Cause No. 0207695.
Discuss pending litigation relative to Christopher Bailey vs. City of Farmers
Branch, Cause No. 03-09177.
Mayor Phelps stated that staff was present to discuss these items with the City
Council.
E.2 DISCUSS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES - TEXAS
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.086
Discuss and deliberate economic development incentives for businesses with
which the City is conducting economic development negotiations.
Mayor Phelps stated that staff was present to discuss this item with Council.
E.3 DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT -
TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.072.
Discuss Farmers Branch Keenan Cemetery.
Discuss the sale, trade or lease of City owned property or acquisition of property
in the Farmers Branch Station Area, Farmers Branch, Texas; deliberate economic
development services agreement.
Mayor Phelps stated staff was present to discuss these items with the City
Council.
F.1 CONSIDER NECESSARY ACTION ON ITEMS DISCUSSED IN THE
EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Mayor Phelps explained that staff updated City Council on the items in executive
session and no action was necessary.
F.2 ADJOURNMENT.
A motion by Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Bird, a second by Councilwoman Smith, all
votin " e," adjourned the City Council meeting of May 2005 at 8:37 p.m.
{
Bob Phelps, Ma or Cindee Peters, City Secretary
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