2004-12-06 CC MinutesCity of Farmers Branch
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda
City Hall Plaza
13000 William Dodson Parkway
Farmers Branch, Texas
Monday, December 6, 2004
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 the administration were present:
City Manager
Linda Groomer
Assistant City Manager
Mary Jane Stevenson
Assistant City Manager
Greg Vick
City Secretary
Cindee Peters
Assistant to the City Manager
Margaret Somereve
City Attorney
John Boyle
Director of Finance
Charles Cox
Director of Community Services
Michael Spicer
Director of Economic Development
Norma Nichols
Fire Chief
Kyle King
Police Chief
Jim Fawcett
Library Director
Danita Barber
City Engineer
Jerry Murawski
Director of Communications
Tom Bryson
Acting Director of Public Works
Steve Quirk
Director of Equipment Services
Don Moore
Director of Parks and Recreation
Jeff Fuller
Recording Secretary
Suzanne Reynolds
Mayor Phelps called the City Council meeting of December 6, 2004 to order at
7:40 p.m. The meeting was televised.
A.1 INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Councilman Robinson gave the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance.
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A.2 CONSIDER ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS FROM WAL-MART FOR
$2,000 TO THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. Wal-Mart has made a
combined contribution of $2,000 to the Police and Fire Departments on behalf of
their local Farmers Branch store located at 13307 Midway Road. It represents
their appreciation to the Police and Fire Departments for providing their
respective services to the community.
Dee Dee Gonzales, the local Wal-Mart representative, applied for and received
the funds from the Wal-Mart Corporate Offices and wishes to donate the funds
evenly between the Police and Fire Departments. Ms. Gonzales regrets not being
able to be present tonight to make the donation in person.
The donation will be utilized by the Police Department to purchase fitness
equipment. The Fire Department will utilize the funds to purchase a kitchen table
and chairs for Fire Station No. 1.
A motion by Mayor Pro Tom Moses, seconded by Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Bird,
all voting "aye," accepted the $2,000 donation from Wal-Mart, with appropriate
letter.
A.3 CONSIDER ACCEPTING $5,000 DONATION FROM THE TRUST ESTATE
OF WILLIAM R. CHABABA TO THE FARMERS BRANCH MANSKE
LIBRARY AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. William R. Chababa, a long
time resident of Farmers Branch and patron of the Manske Library, designated the
Library as a beneficiary in his estate. Library staff remembers Mr. Chababa as a
cheerful individual who frequented the Library two to three times a week and
always had a kind word for everyone. He often mentioned that he was
appreciative of the services provided by the Library.
The co-trustees of the estate notified the Library on August 6, 2004 that Mr.
Chababa had passed away on June 27th and that the Library was named a
beneficiary of his estate. The Library received the funds on November 18th.
According to the terms of the estate, the $5,000 in funds is unrestricted and may
be disbursed by the Library for any project benefiting the community. They will
be used for future improvements at the Library and the contribution will be noted
with a plaque when the purchase is made.
A motion by Deputy Mayor Pro Tom Bird, seconded by Councilwoman Smith, all
voting "aye," accepted the $5,000 donation from the Trust Estate of William R.
Chababa to the Farmers Branch Manske Library, with appropriate letter.
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A.4 PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARD.
Mayor Phelps stated Abel Isidro was unable to attend the City Council meeting.
A.5 PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARD.
Mayor Phelps presented a 15-year employee service award to Barry Maternowski
of the Engineering Department.
A.6 PRESENTATION OF BOARD APPLICATIONS.
There were no applications presented.
A.7 REPORT ON STUDY SESSION ITEMS.
Mayor Phelps and City Council gave a brief summary of the items discussed in
Study Session prior to the regular meeting.
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 Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Bird,
all voting "aye," added D.2 and D.3 to the Consent Agenda and approved the
Consent Agenda as submitted.
B.1 APPROVED MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF
NOVEMBER 1, 2004.
B.2 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2004-138 APPROVING CHANGE
ORDER NO. 1 TO A CONTRACT WITH TEXAS-STERLING
CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR THE JOSEY LANE
RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT.
D.2 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2004-142 APPROVING A
CONSTRUCTION PROJECT BY THE VALWOOD IMPROVEMENT
AUTHORITY OF DALLAS COUNTY, TEXAS TO BE FINANCED
WITH VALWOOD IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY OF DALLAS
COUNTY, TEXAS UNLIMITED TAX BONDS, SERIES 2004.
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D.3 ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 2803 WHICH AMENDS SECTION 62-
50 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES AND ALLOWS SPECIAL
PERMISSION FOR ADVERTISING FOR A DISTRICT WIDE OR
AREA WIDE SALES EVENT AND OTHER PROMOTIONAL
EVENTS.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH,
TEXAS, AMENDING SECTION 62-50 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH;
ALLOWING FOR GRANTING OF PERMISSION TO
CONDUCT SPECIAL DISTRICT WIDE SALES AND
PROMOTIONAL EVENTS AND; ALLOWING FOR SPECIAL
ADVERTISING OF SAID EVENTS.
C.1 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION.
There was no citizen participation.
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C.2 PUBLIC HEARING: TO CONSIDER RESCINDING ORDINANCE NO. 2750
OF CHAPTER 50, ARTICLE III AND ADOPTING ORDINANCE NO. 2798
RELATIVE TO FARMERS BRANCH YOUTH PROGRAMS' STANDARDS
OF CARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH 1995 SENATE BILL 212 AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. During the 1995 legislative
session, State Legislators enacted Senate Bill 212, exempting certain youth
recreation programs from childcare licensing requirements.
Senate Bill 212 exempts youth recreation programs operated by a municipality
provided the governing body of the municipality annually adopts standards of
care by ordinance after a public hearing. The only changes proposed are
replacing the words "Don Showman Recreation Center" under Section 2J with the
words "Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center" and replacing "Don
Showman Recreation Center located at 14032 Heartside" with "Farmers Branch
Community Recreation Center located at 14050 Heartside" in section 2N. The
only other proposed change is in section 16B(3) and that is to replace the words
"Don Showman Recreation Center" with the words "Community Recreation
Center."
The Parks and Recreation Director recommends rescinding Ordinance No. 2750
and adopting Ordinance No. 2798 relative to Farmers Branch Youth Programs'
Standards of Care in compliance with 1995 Senate Bill 212.
Mayor Phelps opened the public hearing.
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A motion by Mayor Pro Tem Moses, seconded by Councilman Robinson, all
voting "aye," closed the public hearing.
There being no discussion, a motion by Councilman Robinson, seconded by
Councilman Walden, all voting "aye," rescinded Ordinance No. 2750 and adopted
the following captioned Ordinance No. 2798.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS,
RESCINDING ORDINANCE NO. 2750 AND ADOPTING
ORDINANCE NO. 2798 COVERING STANDARDS OF CARE FOR
THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH YOUTH PROGRAMS.
D.1 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2004-136 ACCEPTING A
TEXAS FORESTRY SERVICE NEIGHBORWOODS TREE PLANTING
GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000 TO FUND THE CITY IN THE PARK
TREE PLANTING PROGRAM AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The Texas Forestry Service
oversees the NeighborWoods Tree Planting Grant Program, a partnership program
that has as its goal the planting of trees by community groups. It has been
demonstrated that such community involvement results in community pride and
beautification as well as energy savings and increased property values for the
homeowner.
The Parks and Recreation Department applied for and was awarded a matching
$5,000 grant to fund its City in the Park Tree Planting Program. This program was
initiated as a result of residents' requests during the 2004 community meetings for
a tree-planting program. The grant monies would be matched with in-kind
services provided for by a partnership between Dallas County Master Gardeners,
an Eagle Scout candidate and the Parks Division. Trees, printing and supplies
would be paid for with the grant monies.
City staff, along with the Texas Forestry Service, would identify residential areas
within the City that would benefit from the addition of one or two trees in front
yards. Up to two five-gallon trees would be provided at no cost to the resident.
Planting assistance for the elderly would be offered through one of the partnering
groups, either the Dallas County Master Gardeners or the Boy Scouts. Beginning
in Spring 2005, an estimated 200 trees would be provided including cypress, oak
and elm. If after an evaluation of the program the City decided to repeat the
program next year, an application may be made for 2005 grant funds.
There being no discussion, a motion by Councilwoman Smith, seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Moses, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution No. 2004-136
accepting a Texas Forestry Service NeighborWoods Tree Planting Grant in the
amount of $5,000 to fund the City in the Park Tree Planting Program.
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D.2 CONSENT.
D.3 CONSENT.
DA CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2004-129 AUTHORIZING THE
PURCHASE OF A REPLACEMENT FIRE ENGINE ON THE HOUSTON-
GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS CONTRACT AND
TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The Fire Department's 15-
year-old fire engine is scheduled for replacement in this budget year. The 1989
KME fire engine has increasingly high mileage and has incurred increasing repair
costs and extended down time. There are funds in the Fire Department's 2004-05
fixed assets budget to replace this fire engine.
The Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments Purchasing Cooperative
received bids for a fire engine manufactured by Pierce Manufacturing Company
that satisfies the specifications of the Farmers Branch Fire Department. The
Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments, or HGAC, purchasing
program complies with State purchasing laws, and the City has an interlocal
agreement with them to purchase the fire engine. Since 1993, the Fire
Department has satisfactorily purchased four fire engines and three ambulances
utilizing HGAC contracts.
The total purchase price to be paid to Houston-Galveston Area Council of
Governments for the fire engine is $575,000. This amount includes a $2,000 fee
for Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments.
The new fire engine will be a Quint configuration that satisfies five distinct design
characteristics, which include fire hoses, a water tank, a fire pump, ground ladders
and an aerial ladder. The new fire engine will have a 75-foot aerial ladder. The
engine will be assigned to Fire Station No. 2, and delivery is expected in June
2005.
The radios and other communications equipment on the existing fire engine are in
satisfactory condition and will be transferred to the new fire engine upon delivery.
Approximately $1,200 will be needed to install the equipment. Funds for the
installations will come from the Department's vehicle maintenance account.
The Fire Chief recommends adopting Resolution No. 2004-129 authorizing the
purchase of a 2005 replacement fire engine on the Houston-Galveston Area
Council of Governments Contract in the amount of $575,000.
There being no discussion, a motion by Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Bird, seconded
by Mayor Pro Tern Moses, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution No. 2004-129
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authorizing the purchase of a 2005 fire engine on the Houston-Galveston Area
Council of Governments contract in the amount of $575,000.
D.5 CONSIDER APPOINTMENTS TO THE SCHOOL-COMMUNITY
RELATIONS COMMITTEE, HISTORICAL PRESERVATION AND
RESTORATION BOARD AND THE PLANNING AND ZONING
COMMISSION AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps stated this item would be on the January 10, 2005 City Council
meeting.
D.6 PRESENTATION OF COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND ORGANIZATION
REPORTS.
Councilman Robinson announced that the Senior Center would be having flu
shots on December 16t` starting at 8:30 a.m.
Councilman Walden announced on December 22nd the Christ United Methodist
Church would have a Christmas program and he encouraged all to attend.
Although the program is free donations would be made to United Way
organizations.
Councilwoman Smith reported that she attended the Metrocrest Hospital
Authority meeting on November 18d'. On December 2nd she attended the
Metrocrest Annual Meeting and Dinner.
D.7 CONSIDER COUNCIL TRAVEL REPORTS AND REQUESTS AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
There were no travel reports or requests.
MAYOR PHELPS ANNOUNCED THAT THE ITEMS ON THE AGENDA FOR THE
EXECUTIVE SESSION WERE DISCUSSED IN THE 6:30 P.M. WORK SESSION.
MAYOR PHELPS EXPLAINED THE CITY COUNCIL CONVENED INTO
EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:15 P.M. AND CONCLUDED AT 7:34 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 land acquisitions - Texas Government Code Section 551.072.
Discuss acquisition of Keenan Cemetery.
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Discuss land acquisition of property addressed at 12809 Bee Street located in the
Farmers Branch DART Station Area and take necessary action during the pubic
segment of the meeting.
Mayor Phelps stated staff was present to discuss these items with the City
Council.
E.2 Discuss personnel matters - Texas Government Code Section 551.074.
Discuss Municipal Court Judge.
Mayor Phelps stated 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 called for necessary action on items in Executive Session.
A motion by Councilman Robinson, a second by Councilman Walden, all voting
"aye", adopted Resolution 2004-143 appointing a third alternate Municipal Court
Judge.
F.2 ADJOURNMENT.
A motion by Councilman Bird, a second by Councilwoman Smith, all voting
"aye", adjourned the City Council meeting of December L004 06 p.m.
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Bob Phelps, Mayo Cindee Peters, City Secretary
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