2000-05-16 CC MinutesCITY OF FARMERS BRANCH
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 16, 2000
DODSON HOUSE
2540 FARMERS BRANCH LANE
FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS
6:00 P.M.
The following members of the City Council were present:
Mayor
Councilmembers:
Bob Phelps
Charlie Bird
Jim Robbs
Calla Davis
Bill Moses
Paul Walden
The following members of City Staff were present:
City Manager
Richard L. Escalante
Assistant City Manager
Linda Groomer
Director of Parks & Recreation
Jeff Fuller
Assistant Director
Jeff Harting
Historical Park Supt.
Derrick Birdsall
Project Manager
David Nighswonger
City Secretary
Cindee Peters
The following members of the Historical Preservation and Restoration Board
were present:
Chairman
Ron Doerler
Dean Nichols
Laverne Gilbert
Glenna Grimmer
Betty Thacker
Jerry Wilcox
Judy Cargill
Patsy Mayo
Mayor Phelps opened the meeting at 6:14 p.m.
DISCUSS ACTIVITIES AT THE HISTORICAL PARK. PARKING LOT. FLOOD
PLAIN ISSUES. PROPOSED MASTER PLAN. MUSEUM EDUCATOR
POSITION, USE OF HOTEL-MOTEL FUNDS. CONFERENCE CENTER. AND
BUDGET.
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Mayor Phelps stated this is a joint meeting between the City Council and the
Historical Preservation and Restoration Board to discuss the Farmers Branch
Historical Park. Mayor Phelps explained that the entire City Council
appreciates the dedication of each member of the Historical Preservation and
Restoration Board.
Mr. Derrick Birdsall, Historical Park Superintendent, gave a brief overview of
the master plan for the Historical Park, what the Historical Preservation and
Restoration Board proposes in the future, and showed the locations for
proposed future buildings. Mr. Birdsall also presented flood plain issues in
the Historical Park, maintenance concerns, and interpretation issues on the
proposed Indian Cultural Center.
Mayor Pro Tern Moses asked if the previous erosion near sewer lines had
been corrected.
City Manager Richard Escalante stated the erosion problems caused by the
sewer line had been corrected. Mr. Escalante explained during the outdoor
tour of the Historical Park he would point out the improvements.
Mr. David Nighswonger, Project Manager, gave a brief report concerning the
proposed flood plain study. Mr. Nighswonger also stated that during the
outdoor tour he would point out the flood plain in relationship to the
proposed options for the proposed parking improvements.
At this time, members of the City Council and members of the Historical
Preservation and Restoration took an outdoor tour of the Historical Park.
The City Council and Historical Preservation and Restoration Board were
shown the location of the proposed parking improvements and the various
sites of proposed future buildings. Mr. Nighswonger also explained options
for building these structures in the flood plain.
After the tour, Mayor Phelps explained he personally preferred Option 2 for
the parking improvements which would provide a total of 63 parking spaces.
Councilman Bird also stated he preferred Option 2 for the parking
improvements.
Board member Glenna Grimmer felt there was a need for paved parking. Ms.
Grimmer explained a bride should not have to walk over the grass areas to
reach the church.
There followed discussion concerning parking at the new conference center.
Mayor Pro Tern Moses explained that big events parking should be located at
Volume 82, page 125
the conference center and the visitors bused over to the Historical Park.
Mr. Birdsall then discussed the proposed educator position, explaining how
this position would interact with the public at the Historical Park. Mr.
Birdsall also explained in the future they would like to request part-time
guides who would handle the technical aspects in the Historical Park such as
demonstration on spinning, weaving and cooking over an open hearth.
Mr. Escalante stated he felt comfortable with these new positions to add the
programs the City needs to generate room nights for the area hotels. Mr.
Escalante also addressed the Christmas Lighting Program which in future
years may be directed more towards a family-oriented event rather than a
drive-through event.
Chairman Ron Doerler stated if the Historical Park was to receive MAP
accreditation it would have to employ a historical educator.
Councilman Robbs stated he would like to see the Historical Park attract
other visitors than just local residents.
Mr. Birdsall gave a brief explanation of all the groups that could be attracted
to the Historical Park if there were perhaps hands-on programs such as
blacksmithing, farming, and candle-making demonstrations. Mr. Birdsall felt
that the City has the buildings, but needs to make the buildings come to life.
Board member Laverne Gilbert explained in the museum report it stated the
City funds the Historical Park through the hotel/motel funds, and the report
suggested sources other than just the hotel/motel funds be use for funding
different programs.
Councilwoman Davis stated the Historical Park could create a Friends of the
Historical Park like the Library to obtain more money to fund programs.
Board member Glenna Grimmer stated most parks like this receive no funding
from a city, and only receive funds by holding bake sales and various other
activities.
To summarize, City Manager Richard Escalante stated that for the upcoming
budget process the City Council expressed their support of Option 2 for the
parking improvements, to fund an educator position if funds are available,
and the City Council would look at future Christmas activities.
Mayor Phelps thanked the members of the Historical Preservation and
Restoration Board for taking time to have this meeting.
Volume 82, page 126
ADJOURNMENT.
A motion by Councilman Bird, a second by Councilwoman Davis, all voting
"aye", adjourned the special meeting of May 16, 2000 at 7:55 p.m.
ayor Bob Ips
City Secretary
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