2003-10-13 CC MinutesCity of Farmers Branch
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda
City Hall Plaza
13000 William Dodson Parkway
Farmers Branch, Texas
Monday, October 13, 2003
7:30 P.M.
The following members of the City Council were present:
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tern
Deputy Mayor Pro Tern
Councilmembers
Bob Phelps
Paul Walden
Bill Moses
Charlie Bird
Ben Robinson
Junie Smith
The following members of Administration were present:
Interim City Manager
John Burke
Assistant City Manager
Linda Groomer
City Secretary
Cindee Peters
Assistant to the City Manager
Margaret Somereve
Assistant to the City Manager
John Roach
City Attorney
Mathew Boyle
Fire Chief
Kyle King
Police Chief
Jim Fawcett
Library Director
Mary Jane Stevenson
Director of Communications
Tom Bryson
Director of Public Works
Mark Pavageaux
Director of Community Services
Michael Spicer
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 October 13, 2003 to order at
7:30 p.m. The meeting was televised.
A.1 INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Reverend Reggie Mayo gave the invocation and Mayor Phelps presented the
pledge of allegiance.
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A.2 PRESENTATION OF AWARDS FOR FIRE PREVENTION POSTER
CONTEST.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The Mayor and Fire
Department staff presented awards to winners in the Eighth Annual Fire
Prevention Poster Contest. All third grade students from Cabell Elementary,
Farmers Branch Elementary, Janie Stark Elementary, Dave Blair Intermediate,
Parish Episcopal School and Mary Immaculate School were invited to participate.
A.3 PRESENTATION BY CARROLLTON-FARMERS BRANCH INDEPENDENT
SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES CONCERNING THE BOND
REFERENDUM ON OCTOBER 25, 2003.
Mr. John Tepper, President of the Board of Trustees for the Carrollton-Farmers
Branch Independent School District, gave a presentation on the upcoming school
bond election on October 25, 2003.
Councilman Bird asked for clarification on the statement about an elementary
school in Farmers Branch. He asked if it was "most likely" or "will be built" on
Fyke Road. Mr. Tepper replied the school would be built barring unforeseen
situations.
Councilman Bird asked if it would be more feasible to tear down Janie Stark
Elementary and build a new school. Mr. Tepper replied it cannot be determined
at this time without the design/construction information. Councilman Bird asked
if it would be considered. Mr. Tepper replied it would be considered.
A.4 PRESENTATION OF SPORTS HALL OF FAME AWARD.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. At the recommendation of the
Farmers Branch Sports Council and the Parks and Recreation Board, the Farmers
Branch Sports Hall of Fame Award was created in 1998. Named to the Hall of
Fame are individuals involved in the city athletic leagues that have served
unselfishly by volunteering their time and efforts to assist local youth.
Mayor Phelps and staff members presented a plaque to Truett Ball, President of
the Girls Softball League, to be named to the Hall of Fame for 2003 by the
Carrollton Farmers Branch Girls Softball League.
A.5 RECOGNITION OF THE AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION - TEXAS
CHAPTER, AWARDS FOR THE CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR
PLANNING EXCELLENCE AND THE CURRENT PLANNING AWARD FOR
"STREAMLINING THE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCESS."
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Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The Texas Chapter of the
American Planning Association has recognized the Farmers Branch Planning
Division with two awards, presented at their 2003 annual conference this month.
Mayor Phelps presented the first award to Kaizer Rangwala, Planning Director,
for the 2003 Certificate of Achievement for Planning Excellence, which
recognizes professional planning standards within the Planning Division. Mayor
Phelps presented the second award to Michael Spicer, Director of Community
Services, for the Current Planning Award for "Streamlining the Development
Review Process." The Current Planning Award is given to an outstanding
program or process directed to the implementation of the plan.
Mayor Phelps thanked the members of the Planning and Zoning Commission and
staff in this recognition and achievement.
A.6 PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARD.
Mayor Phelps presented a five-year employee service award to Ron Morrison of
the Fire Department.
A.7 PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARD.
Mayor Phelps presented a five-year employee service award to Paul Marcum of
the Manske Library.
A.8 PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARD.
Mayor Phelps presented a twenty-year employee service award to Randy
Millaway of the Public Works Department.
A.9 RECOGNITION OF LINDA GROOMER, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER, IN
RECEIVING INTERNATIONAL CITY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION 30
YEAR SERVICE AWARD.
Mayor Phelps presented a plaque to Assistant City Manager Linda Groomer to
recognize her 30 years of local government service in ICMA. ICMA's mission is
to create excellence in local government by developing and fostering professional
local government management.
John Wells a Farmers Branch resident for many years congratulated Ms. Groomer
for her work with employees.
A.10 PRESENTATION OF TEXAS RECREATION AND PARK SOCIETY REGION
2 AND 3 DIRECTORS' TROPHY.
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Mayor Pro Tem Paul Walden presented a golf trophy to Mayor Bob Phelps, which
will stay in possession of Farmers Branch for one year and then be awarded to
next year's champion.
The Texas Recreation and Park Society Region 2 and 3 Scholarship Golf
Tournament was held Friday, September 26, 2003. More than 30 cities and 152
golfers participated in the event. The Farmers Branch team of Mayor Pro-Tem
Paul Walden, Chris Goodspeed, Stacy Wright and Jeff Fuller shot 15 under par 56
to win the Directors' Trophy and posted the lowest overall score in the
tournament.
A.11 PRESENTATION OF BOARD APPLICATIONS.
There were no applications presented.
A.12 REPORT ON STUDY SESSION ITEMS.
Mayor Phelps and the 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 THE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps stated consent items are items that are to be considered and action
taken 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 established in order to speed up discussion for those items that need more
time for discussion.
A motion by Mayor Pro Tem Walden, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Moses, all
voting "aye," approved the Consent Agenda as submitted.
B.1 APPROVED MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF
SEPTEMBER 22, 2003.
B.2 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2003-126 ACCEPTING A
TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT AT JANIE STARK
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DONATED BY THE CARROLLTON-
FARMERS BRANCH INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT TO
FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF SANITARY SEWER
PROTECTION PROJECT ALONG THE BANK OF FARMERS
BRANCH CREEK NEAR VERONICA CIRCLE.
B.3 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2003-119 AUTHORIZING THE
INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
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THE COMMERCIAL LEASE AGREEMENT WITH CHAMPION
TRAILER ACQUISITION COMPANY, LLC.
B.4 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2003-112 APPROVING
SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT NO. 1 TO THE CONGESTION
MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT
FOR THE FURNISHING AND INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC
SIGNALS BY A MUNICIPALITY WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION.
B.5 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2003-138 AUTHORIZING
CONTINUATION OF THE HEALTH SERVICES AGREEMENT
BETWEEN DALLAS COUNTY AND THE CITY OF FARMERS
BRANCH.
B.6 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2003-128 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO PURCHASE COMPUTER NETWORK
COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT FROM NEXTIRAONE AND
COMPUTERS AND PRINTERS FROM DELL INC. FOR THE NEW
RECREATION CENTER UTILIZING THE STATE OF TEXAS
CATALOG PURCHASING PROCEDURES FOR AUTOMATED
INFORMATION SYSTEMS.
B.7 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2003-133 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO PURCHASE RECREATION AND BUILDING USE
SOFTWARE FOR THE NEW RECREATION CENTER FROM CLASS
SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS UTILIZING THE STATE OF TEXAS
CATALOG PURCHASING PROCEDURES FOR AUTOMATED
INFORMATION SYSTEMS.
B.8 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2003-134 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO PURCHASE A TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM
FOR THE NEW RECREATION CENTER FROM NEXTIRAONE
UTILIZING THE STATE OF TEXAS CATALOG PURCHASING
PROCEDURES FOR AUTOMATED INFORMATION SYSTEMS.
B.9 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2003-118 APPROVING CHANGE
ORDER NUMBER 1 TO GALLAGHER CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT SERVICES RELATIVE TO CONSTRUCTION OF
THE NEW RECREATION CENTER.
B.10 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2003-095 AWARDING THE BID FOR
HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC)
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE SERVICES TO DBI AIR
CONDITIONING SERVICES.
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C.1 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION.
There was no citizen participation.
C.2 PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER THE REQUEST FROM BILL BAUMAN ON
BEHALF OF FIBERTOWER/AT&T WIRELESS FOR A SPECIFIC USE
PERMIT TO LEGALLY ESTABLISH THE EXISTING 78-FOOT TALL
MONOPOLE TOWER AND ANTENNA SYSTEMS, AND TO ALLOW
COLLOCATION OF TWO MICROWAVE DISH ANTENNAS ON THE
TOWER, ON A 0.99-ACRE TRACT LOCATED AT 14944 VENTURE DRIVE
WITHIN THE LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICT, AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The subject monopole
antenna tower is located at the rear of the Brookhaven College Medical Services
Training Facility at 14944 Venture Drive. The monopole tower currently
supports two existing antenna systems, for AT&T and Cingular Wireless, and
their associated equipment buildings are located at the base of the tower.
The proposed specific use permit request is twofold:
(1) To legally establish the existing monopole tower and antenna systems; and
(2) To allow two proposed microwave dish antennas on the exiting tower and
their associated equipment cabinet at the tower's base.
The City's Specific Use Permit requirement for monopoles was enacted after the
existing monopole and antenna systems were erected. Therefore, this proposal
includes legally establishing the existing improvements through the Specific Use
Permit process.
The subject property is currently non-conforming with respect to landscaping and
vehicular screening between the street and the front of the existing building. The
applicant is proposing to address the non-conformities by providing five trees in
the right-of-way, additional ground cover adjacent to the right of way, and
realigning vehicular parking in front of the building; no parking will be lost as a
result of the modified realignment.
The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommends approval of the
requested Specific Use Permit and associated site plan with the following
condition:
1. The owner(s) of the monopole, the two existing antenna systems mounted on
the monopole, and the two proposed microwave dish antennas shall remove
their respective antenna systems and all appurtenances including the
monopole and any associated equipment buildings or cabinets within ninety
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(90) days subsequent to such time that the antennas and/or monopole become
obsolete and/or the use is abandoned.
Mayor Phelps opened the public hearing.
Bill Bauman with AT&T, 5601 Legacy, was available to answer questions of the
Council. He stated in the site plan, landscaping and irrigation would be provided
per the City's requirement.
A motion by Mayor Pro Tern Walden, seconded by Councilwoman Smith, all
voting, "aye," closed the public hearing.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilman Bird, seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Walden, all voting "aye," approved the following captioned
specific use permit Ordnance No. 2743, and to include landscaping and automatic
irrigation system.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH,
TEXAS, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH,
TEXAS, BY GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO
LEGALLY ESTABLISH THE EXISTING 78-FOOT TALL
MONOPOLE TOWER AND ANTENNA SYSTEMS AND TO
ALLOW COLLOCATION OF TWO MICROWAVE DISH
ANTENNAS ON THE EXISTING TOWER, LOCATED ON A
.99 ACRE TRACT AT 14944 VENTURE DRIVE, WITHIN THE
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL (LI) ZONING DISTRICT; PROVIDING
FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A PENALTY
OF FINE NOT TO EXCEED THE SUM OF TWO THOUSAND
($2,000.00) DOLLARS; PROVIDING FOR INJUNCTIVE
RELIEF; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
C.3 PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE FARMERS BRANCH
WEST SIDE PLAN AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The West Side of Farmers
Branch has locational advantages and is eminently accessible from a network of
freeways that frame the area. The growth projections in the metroplex indicate
that this part of Farmers Branch as situated in the Greater Dallas region is ripe for
development. The Plan will guide growth and development of the West Side of
Farmers Branch.
The West Side Plan builds on previous efforts that established the Tax Increment
Financing District Plan in 1999 for approximate 800 acres on the West Side, and
refines them into concepts, strategies, and policies that will serve the City for
decades to come.
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The Plan is a product of several years of public discussions, study, and substantial
review by the Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council, and various City
Boards.
A hard copy of the West Side Plan was distributed to the Council, and a copy of
the Plan is available at the Farmers Branch Manske Library. The West Side Plan
can also be accessed on the City's website at www.farmersbranch.info/planning.
The Planning and Zoning Commission, by unanimous vote, recommends approval
of the West Side Plan. The Parks and Recreation Board has also issued a
unanimous endorsement of the West Side Plan.
Mayor Phelps opened the public hearing.
R.L. Lemke, 1800 Valley View Lane, stated he is pleased to see the West Side
Plan being reviewed and considered for adoption by the City Council.
A motion by Councilman Bird, seconded by Councilman Robinson, all voting
"aye," closed the public hearing.
Kaizer Rangwala, Director of Planning, gave a brief presentation on the five
themes in the West Side Plan. Themes included: Regional Opportunities, Open
Space and Environment, Sustainable Neighborhoods, Planning for People and
Strengthening Identity. Mr. Rangwala stated the planning staff respectfully
requests the adoption of the West Side Plan.
Mayor Phelps thanked the Planning and Zoning Division for their many hours of
dedicated to this project. Mayor Phelps also thanked R.L. Lemke and his
company for their willingness to make this a new area and showplace.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Mayor Pro Tem. Walden, seconded
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem. Moses, all voting "aye," approved Resolution 2003-131
adopting the West Side Plan.
D.1 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2003-130 AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THOMAS &
BONNEAU, INC. FOR THE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AND NEW HOME
CONSTRUCTION IN BRANCH CROSSING AND TAKE APPROPRIATE
ACTION.
Mayor Phelps withdrew from the discussion on this item due to a possible conflict
of interest.
Mayor Pro Tem. Walden presented the following information. The City of
Farmers Branch initiated the Neighborhood Renaissance Program in 1997. The
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first neighborhood to be addressed under the program is Branch Crossing, an area
east of City Hall bounded by Tom Field Road, Farmers Branch Lane, Valley
View Lane and Rawhide Creek. In order to provide a catalyst to encourage
residential builders to develop new residences in this area, as well as to encourage
renovations and property improvements, the City purchased certain lots and has
offered those lots to residential builders.
As part of its Neighborhood Renaissance Program, the City issued a request for
proposals for the construction of a new single-family home in Branch Crossing on
a City-owned lot at 2655 Mount View Drive.
Three proposals were submitted by the August 14, 2003 deadline. One proposal
was subsequently withdrawn from consideration by the submitting party. City
staff carefully reviewed the two remaining proposals; and after their review of the
proposals, City Council directed City staff to negotiate an agreement with Thomas
& Bonneau, Inc. The agreement would convey the property at 2655 Mount View
Drive to Thomas & Bonneau, Inc., and provide for the construction of a new
single-family home on the lot meeting the development standards approved for
Branch Crossing. The new home would be a minimum of 2,300 square feet in
size. In addition, as part of the agreement, Thomas & Bonneau Inc. will build a
second new home at 12947 Epps Field Road. The property at 12947 Epps Field is
currently owned by Thomas & Bonneau.
There being no discussion, a motion by Councilman Bird, seconded by Deputy
Mayor Pro Tem Moses, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution No. 2003-130
authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Thomas & Bonneau,
Inc., for the sale of real property and the construction of new homes in Branch
Crossing.
D.2 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2003-071 APPROVING AN
AGREEMENT WITH GSWW, INC. FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR
THE RECONSTRUCTION OF LONGMEADE DRIVE FROM WEBB CHAPEL
ROAD EAST TO GOLFING GREEN DRIVE AND TAKE APPROPRIATE
ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The 2002-2003 Non-Bond
Capital Improvement Program budget provides $1,600,000 for the reconstruction
of Longmeade Drive from Webb Chapel Road east to Golfing Green Drive.
Longmeade Drive, an existing concrete street in poor condition, is proposed to be
reconstructed with concrete. The reconstruction will include improving the storm
sewer system, replacing drive approaches, sidewalks, water lines, and sanitary
sewer lines.
The majority of Longmeade Drive presently drains across the surface of an
existing drainage easement east of Castleton Drive. There has been a history of
problems with the surface drainage, which includes blockages and prolonged
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ponding. The improved storm sewer system will include installation of a storm
sewer pipe in the existing drainage easement where the storm water presently
flows overland. The storm sewer pipe will have an energy dissipater and flow
restrictor to insure that the flow through the storm sewer pipe does not exceed the
present overland flow into Farmers Branch Creek.
An engineering services agreement has been negotiated with GSWW, Inc. for
design of the improvements to Longmeade Drive, in an amount not to exceed
$109,328. This amount is within the fee range for similar projects. GSWW, Inc.
was selected based upon their experience in designing street reconstruction and
utility improvements throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. GSWW, Inc.
has performed satisfactorily for the City on other street reconstruction projects.
The design will be completed in approximately 308 calendar days. It is
anticipated that construction will begin in summer 2004 and be completed in fall
2005. Neighborhood meetings will be held prior to start of construction.
There being no discussion, a motion by Councilman Robinson, seconded by
Councilwoman Smith, all voting "aye" adopted Resolution No. 2003-071
approving an agreement for engineering services with GSWW, Inc. for the
reconstruction of Longmeade Drive from Webb Chapel Road east to Golfing
Green Drive in an amount not to exceed $109,328.
D.3 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2003-137 APPROVING AN
ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CARTER AND BURGESS,
INC. RELATIVE TO SUMP AND LAKE IMPROVEMENTS NORTH OF I-635
AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The construction of sump and
lake improvements north of I-635 is the fourth improvement proposed within Tax
Increment Financing Reinvestment Zone No. 1. Development Agreement No. 4,
approved by the City Council on September 22, 2003, provides the conditions for
which American Realty Trust, Inc. and Income Opportunity Realty Investors,
Inc., the collective developer of the property adjacent to the sumps and lake north
of I-635, will advance funds for the design and construction of the improvements
and receive reimbursement from TIF revenues for the actual funds advanced in an
amount not to exceed $3,000,000 plus interest.
A portion of TIF No. 1 is located north of I-635 and is protected from flooding
from the Elm Fork of the Trinity River and adjacent creeks by levees. There is a
sump system, consisting of a large lake and channels, which collects storm water
that falls within the land protected by the levees and conveys the water to the river
via either gates or pumps. The sump system needs to be enlarged to accommodate
increased runoff from new development. The proposed improvements will include
edge and bank treatments to the lake, creating an amenity for the development.
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The sump and lake improvements are proposed in three phases. The first phase is
the hydrologic and hydraulic analysis to determine the amount of additional sump
storage that is needed and to develop alternative configurations and bank
treatments, such as grass slopes, vertical walls, and terraced walls. The second
phase is design of the alternative selected. The final phase is construction.
The firm of Carter and Burgess, Inc. has been selected to perform the first phase,
consisting of the hydrologic and hydraulic analysis and development of
alternative configurations and bank treatments for the sump and lake
improvements. The engineering services will include surveying, preliminary
design of the streets, which is important to insure that the proposed lake
improvements will not conflict with the streets. The firm has been involved in the
infrastructure planning associated with development on the west side of Farmers
Branch and has satisfactorily completed design of other projects for the City in
the past. The firm is familiar with drainage criteria applicable to the Valwood
Improvement Authority.
An engineering services agreement has been prepared with Carter and Burgess,
Inc. for the engineering services for an amount not to exceed $118,240 with a
time of 180 calendar days. The fee is consistent with the fees for similar projects.
Development Agreement No. 4 provides that the developer will advance the funds
for the engineering services prior to the City approving the agreement. The City
has received $118,240 for engineering services relative to the sump and lake
improvements from American Realty Trust, Inc., and Income Opportunity Realty
Investors, Inc.
There being no discussion, a motion by Councilwoman Smith, seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Walden, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution No. 2003-137
approving an engineering services agreement with Carter and Burgess, Inc.
relative to sump and lake improvements north of I-635 in an amount not to exceed
$118,240.
D.4 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2003-127 AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO PURCHASE AN IBM AS400 COMPUTER SYSTEM
FOR CITY-WIDE USE FROM HTE VAR UTILIZING THE STATE OF
TEXAS CATALOG PURCHASING PROCEDURES FOR AUTOMATED
INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The City of Farmers Branch
currently utilizes an IBM AS400 computer system to serve diverse functions for
every department. The current system was last upgraded seven years ago and has
served the City well. However, advanced software and networking needs require a
more powerful computer system with greater processing speed and storage
capacity.
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State contract quotes for a new IBM AS400 computer system were received from
five vendors with the lowest quote of $96,957.85 submitted by HTE VAR. Funds
in the amount of $100,000.00 are budgeted in the 2003-04 Fixed Asset Fund.
HTE VAR has been certified by the Texas Building and Procurement
Commission as a qualified vendor for Catalog Information Systems Vendor
(CISV) purchases.
The Information Services Director recommends the purchase of the new IBM
AS400 computer system from HTE VAR for $96,957.85 using the State of Texas
catalog purchasing procedures.
There being no discussion, a motion by Councilman Robinson, seconded by
Councilman Bird, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution No. 2003-127, authorizing
the city manager to purchase an IBM AS400 computer system for city-wide use
from HTE VAR utilizing the state of Texas catalog purchasing procedures for
automated information systems
D.5 CONSIDER A MOTION RELATED TO THE CARROLLTON-FARMERS
BRANCH INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT CONCERNING THE
PROPOSED BOND ISSUE AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The Board of Trustees of the
Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District has called a school bond
referendum election for Saturday, October 25, 2003. The bond referendum is for
$300,165,000. Various facility improvements, renovations and technology
upgrades are scheduled for schools attended by Farmers Branch youth.
Robert Hernandez, Chair of the School/Community Relations Committee gave a
report on the Committee's recommendations, which include:
• The school board recognizes the seriousness and importance to attract and
maintain existing industrial commercial businesses (the commercial tax base
that can help support this $300.1 million bond) by passing a Triple Freeport Tax
Exemption.
• The school board will appoint an appropriate representative citizens oversight
committee to insure that activities are carried out as proposed.
• The school district should hire multiple architects and managers to provide for
simultaneous construction and repair.
• Any improvements to Ranchview High School be considered low priority, be
qualified by specific and real demographic information.
• High priority be given to improvements at Janie Stark Elementary.
• High priority be given to both Pre-K Centers and a new southern elementary
school proposed at Fyke and Webb Chapel.
L
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Mr. Hernandez stated the School/Community Relations Committee would support
the school bond election if the School Board would consider the above-mentioned
recommendations.
Yvette Kaplinsky, 13650 Littlecrest, stated she was on the bond committee for the
Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District and she would encourage
the City Council to refrain from endorsing this $300,165,000 school bond
referendum package and have the bond package brought back in 2004 with a
more realistic number. Ms. Kaplinsky read a statement outlining her objections to
passage of the bond referendum.
Mr. John Tepper, President of the Board of Trustees for the Carrollton-Farmers
Branch Independent School District, replied to several of Ms. Kaplinsky
objections that were brought up in her statement.
Mayor Phelps asked Mr. Tepper if he had any objections to the six
recommendations made by the School/Community Relations Committee. Mr.
Tepper replied there was a school board meeting and the business community was
presented with a draft agreement concerning the Triple Freeport Exemption for
the business community to gather support and get back with the school board. He
stated this had been scheduled for the October 30th School Board meeting. Mr.
Tepper stated he did not have any problems with the recommendations but he is
only one vote.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Moses asked Mr. Tepper if he had a feel for how the
other committee members feel about the School/Community Relations Committee
recommendations. Mr. Tepper stated the school board would be taking a look at
the recommendations and that all the recommendations will be given
consideration by the school board.
Mayor Pro Tem Walden asked if all the improvements for the 1998 bond have
been completed. Mr. Tepper replied every major project is complete except for
one on the west side. Mayor Pro Tem Walden asked what is the time frame for
completion of the 2003 bond referendum. Mr. Tepper replied it would be a six to
eight year program.
Councilman Bird asked if there is a timetable for when the projects would be
started. Mr. Tepper replied there is no project timetable.
Mayor Pro Tem Walden asked what is the duration of the bonds. Mr. Tepper
replied there are three different levels of bond durations, taking into consideration
the useful life of the various types of projects and equipment.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Walden, seconded
by Councilman Bird, all voting "aye," supported the Carrollton-Farmers Branch
Independent School District school bond referendum election for Saturday,
Volume 82, page 48
October 25, 2003, including the recommendations from the School/Community
Relations Committee.
D.6 CONSIDER APPOINTMENTS TO THE HISTORICAL PRESERVATION
AND RESTORATION BOARD, THE ANIMAL SHELTER ADVISORY
BOARD, AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
A motion by Councilwoman Smith, seconded by Councilman Robinson, all
voting "aye," appointed Joe Tilger, Environmental Inspector, to the Animal
Shelter Advisory Committee.
D.7 CONSIDER COUNCIL TRAVEL REPORTS AND REQUESTS AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
There was no travel reports or requests.
D.8 PRESENTATION OF COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND ORGANIZATION
REPORTS.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Moses stated he attended the Senior Advisory Board
meeting on October 9th. He attended a meeting at Chapel Hill Baptist Church for
Mayor Phelps. He also stated Senior Advisory Board members will be
volunteers for the Veterans Day celebration, which will be held at the Senior
Center on November 11th
Mayor Pro Tem. Walden stated he sat in on a meeting for Mayor Phelps at the
Metrocrest Chamber Leadership Class held at Addison City Hall.
Councilwoman Smith stated on September 30th she attended the Community
Watch meeting. On October 4th at Kerr Park she attended an organizational
meeting for the area.
Mayor Phelps stated on September 24th at 7:30 a.m. he attended the Farmers
Branch Chamber Branch Out meeting. At 9 a.m. he attended a meeting with
representatives from Kay Bailey Hutchison's office. At 11:45 a.m. he attended
the Metrocrest Chamber luncheon, and at 6:30 p.m. he attended a DART meeting
at City Hall. On September 25th he attended the Council of Governments
Executive Board Meeting in Arlington. On September 29th at 7 p.m. he attended
the German Students Reception held at City Hall. On September 30th at 7:30 a.m.
he met with and welcomed the Texas Veterans Commission Statewide
Convention at the Holiday Inn Select in Farmers Branch. At 3:30 p.m. Mayor
Phelps met with Fire Chief King and Wendi Kimpton to judge fire posters; at 7:30
p.m. he met with the Community Watch committee at the Police Department. On
October 1" the attended the Farmers Branch Chamber Branch Out meeting. On
October 3rd at 10 a.m. he met with Assistant City Manager Linda Groomer
regarding a citizen complaint, at 11:30 a.m. he attended the Dallas Regional
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Mobility Coalition, and at 3:30 p.m. he met with Assistant City Manager Linda
Groomer at the Police Department regarding the citizen complaint. On October
4th he attended the Community Watch Program at Kerr Park. On October 10th he
attended the Farmers Branch Chamber luncheon, which included an update on the
West Side Plan. On October 11th he attended the Craft Fair held at the Senior
Center.
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 5:56 P.M. AND THEN CONCLUDED AT 6:45 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 the sale, trade or lease of City-owned real property bounded by Golfing
Green Drive and Josey Lane, and City-owned property at 13200 Nestle Street,
Farmers Branch, Texas.
Discuss sale or trade or leases of City owned property or acquisition of property
located in the area known as Old Farmers Branch.
Mayor Phelps stated that staff was present to discuss this item with the City
Council.
E.2 Discuss personnel matter - Texas Government Code Section 551.074.
Discuss City Manager employment agreement and hiring process.
Mayor Phelps stated that staff was present to discuss this item with Council.
F.1 Consider necessary action on items discussed in the Executive Session.
Mayor Phelps explained staff updated the City Council on items in Executive
Session and no action was necessary.
F.2 Adjournment.
A motion by Mayor Pro Tem Walden, seconded by Councilman Robinson, all
voting "aye", adjourned the City Council meeting of October 13, 2003 at 9:34
p.m.
Volume 82, page 50
~J
C'
Bob Phelps, Mayor
lt ill U11
Cindee Peters, City Secretary
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