2000-06-05 CC MinutesCITY OF FARMERS BRANCH
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 5, 2000
COUNCIL CHAMBER
CITY HALL
7:30 P.M.
The following members of the City Council were present:
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tern
Councilmembers
Bob Phelps
Bill Moses
Jim Robbs
Calla Davis
Charlie Bird
Paul Walden
The following members of the City Administration were present:
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Assistant to City Manager
Assistant to City Manager
City Attorney
City Secretary
Communication Director
Economic Development Director
Director of Community Services
Director of Planning
City Engineer
Director of Finance
Director of Parks & Recreation
Director of Equipment Services
Library Director
Police Chief
Fire Chief
Director of Public Works
Traffic Engineer
Recording Secretary
Richard L. Escalante
Linda Groomer
John Burke
Margaret Somereve
John Roach
John Boyle
Cindee Peters
Tom Bryson
Norma Nichols
Michael Spicer
Kaizer Rangwala
Jerry Murawski
Charles Cox
Jeff Fuller
Don Moore
Mary Jane Stevenson
Jimmy Fawcett
Kyle King
Mark Pavageaux
Dave Davis
Suzanne Reynolds
Mayor Phelps called the City Council Meeting of June 5, 2000 to order at
7:30 P.M. The meeting was televised.
Volume 84, page 1
A.1 INVOCATION.
Father Luis Sarna of Mary Immaculate Catholic Church gave the
invocation and Mayor Pro Tern Moses led the pledge of allegiance to
the flag.
A.2 PROCLAIM JEANNE GRUBEN AS AN HONORARY, PERMANENT
CITIZEN OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS.
Mayor Phelps read and presented a proclamation to Jeanne Gruben and
proclaimed her as an honorary permanent citizen of the City of Farmers
Branch Texas.
A.3 PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS.
Mayor Phelps presented a 10-year employee service award to Bryan
Lafleur, Fire Department.
A.4 PRESENTATION OF BOARD APPLICATIONS.
There were no applications presented.
A.5 REPORT ON STUDY SESSION ITEMS.
Mayor Phelps gave a brief summary of the items discussed in Study
Session prior to the regular meeting.
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING AS CONSENT ITEMS AND TAKE THE
APPROPRIATE ACTION B.1 - B.S.
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 Tern Moses, seconded by Councilman Robbs,
all voting "aye," approved the Consent Agenda.
B.1 APPROVED MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 15,
2000.
B.2 APPROVED MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF MAY 16, 2000.
Volume 84, page 2
B.3 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2000-098 APPROVING JOINT
PURCHASING AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF TEXAS
GENERAL SERVICES COMMISSION.
B.4 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2000-095 AWARDING THE BID
FOR CONCRETE PAVEMENT SECTION REPAIRS AT VARIOUS
LOCATIONS TO KEN-DO CONTRACTING.
B.5 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2000-099 AWARDING THE BID
FOR ONE REPLACEMENT 16-FOOT-CUT ROTARY MOWER.
E.1 b DISCUSS PENDING AND CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION - TEXAS
GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 551.
1. CONSULTATION WITH ATTORNEY TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 551.071 RELATIVE TO CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION
WITH THE CARROLLTON/FARMERS BRANCH ISD AND
CONSIDERATION OF POSSIBLE REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION
WITH SAID CARROLLTON/FARMERS BRANCH ISD RELATIVE TO
ACQUISITION OF A SCHOOL SITE IN FARMERS BRANCH,
TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.072.
Mayor Phelps stated this Executive Session item would be heard at this
time.
Mr. John Tepper, President of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD Board
of Trustees, was present on behalf of the Board of Trustees. He stated
in a recent publication of the City's "Branch Review" it was reported
that the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District was not
interested in exchanging district property for City property. He stated
the school district is ready and willing to exchange school property to
obtain an elementary school site that best meets the needs of the
students. Mr. Tepper stated the district asked staff and SHW
Architects to develop scenarios for locating a school in Farmers Branch
based on the willingness to exchange property. He introduced Terry
Hoyle, principal of SHW Architects Firm in Farmers Branch and
distributed packages to the City Council.
Mr. Tepper presented a proposal that would enable the school district
to reduce overcrowding problems in the southern part of the district
and address the City's desire to have a new state-of-the-art elementary
school constructed in Farmers Branch. He stated the district proposes
to trade property for comparable acreage at Farmers Branch Park
located at Dennis Lane adjacent to the new Farmers Branch Senior
Center for construction of a Kindergarten through 5th grade elementary
school. This school site would serve students currently served by
Farmers Branch Elementary, Montgomery and Central Elementary. He
stated the district knows how much the City values its parkland and for
Volume 84, page 3
this site the district would consider trading three school district
properties adjacent to existing City parks. He stated it is the district's
intention to trade comparable amounts of acreage. He exhibited several
drawings of the schools currently under construction. He stated with
design reuse and timely resolution of the site by mid-August 2000, it
would be possible to complete the new school by the end of December
2001. He further stated design reuse would allow dollars to be spent
on bricks and mortar instead of design fees.
Mr. Tepper stated the School Board of Trustees believes this proposal
would meet all the educational requirements as well as locate a school
within the City of Farmers Branch. He stated each member of the
school board of trustees was present in support of the proposal.
Further, he stated that SHW Architects Firm has completed 3,500
school projects nationwide.
Mayor Phelps stated that he was of the opinion that there were three or
four options available and asked if this was the only option being
presented by the board.
Mr. Tepper replied the board met last week with staff and the architect
and discussed several options. He stated that after discussing the
options it became obvious this site was the best option, because it is
not building onto an existing campus, it would be a K-5 elementary
school, and it would utilize an exiting design that will fit well on the site
with more money spent on bricks and mortar than on design. The
school district is presenting this as the best proposal.
Mr. John Boyle, City Attorney, asked Mr. Tepper if the proposal
delineated the properties that the district is proposing to trade for the
City's park property.
Mr. Tepper replied that while not yet platted out, the proposal includes
the property on Valley View Lane where the "Living Material Center" is
located, the property adjacent to Cox Park between Cox Park and
Farmers Branch Elementary, and the property on the north side of
Montgomery Elementary.
Mr. Boyle asked if it would be for a comparable amount of property.
Mr. Tepper replied yes, that it would be.
Councilwoman Davis stated if this solution were to work out, and in the
future Farmers Branch Elementary needed to be expanded, the only
place to expand would be on park land. She asked Mr. Tepper if that
was correct.
Volume 84, page 4
Mr. Tepper replied the intent of the new school was to relieve Farmers
Branch Elementary. If in the transfer of the property, the school district
would have to expand somewhere else; there would be adequate room
at the new school site to expand this school. He also stated there was
other property not adjacent to the city park property in the southern
part of the district where the district could build in the future.
Councilwoman Davis asked where.
Mr. Tepper replied on Fyke Road. This does not deplete the inventory
of available property, and having a full school on an adequate site gives
the district a lot of flexibility on zoning.
Mr. John Wells, 13521 Heartside Place, asked if an elementary school
would be compatible with the Senior Center.
Dr. Annette Griffin, Superintendent of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch
Independent School District, stated that she has seen senior centers
and schools create incredible partnerships throughout the state.
Through mentoring and tutoring this could be a win-win situation for
the children and the seniors.
Mr. Bill Glancy, 3808 Wooded Creek Drive, stated the Farmers Branch
Park site was originally zoned for single-family, and a developer
proposed to rezone it for multi-family dwellings. The citizens adjacent
to the property objected, got a petition together, and petitioned the City
to purchase the property for parkland, which the City did. He asked
Mr. Boyle if there would be some legal ramifications for using the
property for purposes other than a park.
Mr. Boyle stated he recalled the history of the property purchase. He
stated there are certain procedures that the City would have to go
through to convey the property, and those have been looked at.
Councilman Walden asked Mr. Boyle to elaborate on the procedures as
to findings by the Council that are necessary to facilitate this transfer.
Mr. Boyle stated that under state law, any sale of park property
requires an election and competitive bidding. He stated when one
public entity like the City and another one like the school district are
dealing with each other, both have the power of eminent domain.
Some of the requirements for conveyance are not applicable, and do
not require an election or competitive bidding. He stated that under the
Parks and Wildlife Code it is necessary to have a public hearing to
convey the property to another entity. After the public hearing, it is
necessary for the City Council and to conclude that there is no feasible
and prudent alternative. If taking less than the whole, they must make
a determination as to whether the balance has been properly taken care
Volume 84, page 5
of. Under the Texas Local Government Code there is no requirement
for taking competitive bids, but the City must obtain fair market value
for the property pursuant to an appraisal.
Councilman Walden asked Mr. Boyle for clarification that one of the
things the City has to decide is that the district does not have any other
alternative for locating the school. There are no other legal or viable
means at their disposal as a governmental entity to require the proper
land in its place situated in proximity to the children to properly serve
the City's area of the district.
Mr. Boyle replied the statute says that if there is a finding after the
public hearing by the City Council that "there are no feasible and
prudent alternatives," that is the Council's call.
Mr. George Grimmer, 3040 Eric Lane, referred to his letter in the
Metrocrest News. He stated if the athletic facilities are not upset, this
looks like one of the best solutions available. He asked the City Council
and the school board to work together to resolve the problem.
Mr. David Merritt, 2924 Amber Lane, stated he attended the school
board's work session when this plan was being discussed, and it was
determined that this was the only option. He also stated that he thinks
this would upset the athletic fields and the recreation center as well as
the fields at Cox Park, and Montgomery Elementary currently being
used as parks and fields.
Mr. Merritt asked the school board about the funding available for land
acquisition. He recommended that the City and school district explore
other alternatives, and that the school district present the other
alternatives so an agreeable solution can be obtained.
Mr. Tepper responded that with the property exchange, the City would
not have to worry about the future use of the property at Montgomery
Elementary and Cox Park. Also, the Valley View property would be
much more difficult to use for school purposes due to the way the
property was deeded. He also stated that the City would not lose all
the playing fields at the proposed site. He stated that because the
district would be building a K-5 grade school the budgeted money
would allow for a better facility than a K-2 or 3-5 at an existing school.
Further, he stated the district believes this would be the best solution
for the students they are trying to serve. A K-5 at Montgomery and
Farmers Branch Elementary would eliminate fields at those sites.
Councilwoman Davis asked if the students at Vivian Field and
Montgomery Elementary use the playing fields as well as the City.
Volume 84, page 6
Mr. Tepper replied yes and knows the City and school district would
have to enter into a joint use agreement. Improvements underway at
Vivian Field would eliminate some of the need to use the Cox site.
Mayor Phelps commented that the City and school district have always
worked well together using each other's property.
Mr. Escalante asked if the Valley View site did not create additional
legal obstacles, would this site still be a viable alternative.
Mr. Tepper replied it is not as near to where most of the students are.
The Valwood/Josey area would be much more attractive and would not
require moving as many students.
Dr. Griffin stated this has been a difficult decision, and the City and
school district will each have to compromise in order to get a school the
City would be proud of. She stated that this alternative is the district's
best shot to build a school in Farmers Branch. She added that the
district has alternatives but not as good as this one.
Ms. Shirley Call, 2832 Bay Meadow Circle, asked if there was a land
swap, how much would it actually cost to build the school.
Dr. Griffin stated approximately $8 million.
Ms. Call asked what would happen to the remaining $1.5 million, and if
it would it be used to upgrade existing facilities at other schools.
Dr. Griffin stated the bond issue included money to improve Central
Elementary and Farmers Branch Elementary.
Ms. Call asked the school district to publicly state what is meant by
"long-term solution for overcrowding."
Mr. Mark Hyatt, Assistant Superintendent for Support Services, stated
long-range enrollment needs are hard to determine. He stated a new
elementary school in the south would present an opportunity for
renovation at some of the other schools, which would allow additional
capacity. He also felt that the next area to be analyzed would be in the
far eastern part of the district. He stated that 5 to 10 years would be
very handable with this site based on where the growth is. He also
stated there has been a site identified west of 1-35, and with the help of
the City and TIF revenues, the property can be obtained and future
growth in that area can be handled.
Mr. Walden asked Mr. Hyatt what the district envisions the number of
Farmers Branch versus Carrollton children attending the new school on
Volume 84, page 7
the Farmers Branch Park site would be. He asked if the district had any
idea of how the boundaries would go.
Mr. Hyatt stated he is hesitant to commit to boundaries at this early
stage but he believes it would be half Carrollton and half Farmers
Branch students. He stated Central Elementary in Carrollton is the most
overcrowded school in the district, and all of the students are from
Carrollton. He thinks about 250 Carrollton students would be attending
the new school, and the balance of the students would come from
Farmers Branch schools because of the overcrowding at Central
Elementary.
Councilman Walden asked Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Fuller to
speak on the impact of the City's current recreational facilities and
athletic leagues, with what Mr. Tepper has suggested informally Oran
Good Park, offering a little bit of Gussie, and Montgomery Park. He
asked Mr. Fuller from a pure park usage perspective, what he saw as
the impact.
Mr. Fuller stated Farmers Branch Park is a vital part of the neighborhood
and community as a whole. He stated that Farmers Branch Park is
used by Farmers Branch leagues for soccer, football, baseball, adult
leagues practice fields, and serves as a site for the City's hotel-motel
tournaments. He stated the most critical part is the use of the park by
the residents. Lastly, the loss of the 14-acre park land site would
significantly lower the amount of park acreage per capita, as
recommended by the National Recreational Park Association. Mr. Fuller
stated he could not in good conscious recommend displacement of this
park.
Mr. Tepper stated the land swap would be comparable acreage so there
would still be parkland available there. Also, the school's recreational
facilities would be available to citizens at other hours of the day.
Mayor Phelps asked where the difference in acreage would come from.
Mr. Tepper responded it would have to be platted out.
Councilman Walden asked what portion of the 14 acres the footprint of
the building would take up.
Mr. Terry Hoyle, partner SHW Group, 4000 McEwen Road North,
stated that the footprint would be about 6 acres, 8 at the most, but
could be reduced to approximately 6 acres or less on the 14-acre site.
He reviewed his analysis of the proposed site and stated, from a design
standpoint, this was the best alternative for the school.
Volume 84, page 8
Councilman Walden asked Mr. Hoyle what his criteria and his paradigm
had been when looking around Farmers Branch for a site. He asked
whether he considered all sites and improvements, if any, or if he was
strictly constrained to open space.
Mr. Hoyle stated when he drove the City he was looking for the least
impact to people, the least cost for development, the easiest site to
build on, including infrastructure, site work, and safety and traffic
circulation.
Mr. Escalante stated the Council's burden is they have to conclude that
there is no feasible and prudent alternative. He asked Mr. Hoyle if he
had laid out how many football or baseball fields could be on the
remainder of the property. He asked if the safety issue was addressed.
Mr. Hoyle replied the four-foot fence should be replaced with a six-foot
fence and he believes the site is adequately open. He also stated he
does not have a concern with safety.
Mr. Escalante asked if children playing in the back area of the site were
a concern.
Mr. Hoyle replied no, and the six-foot fence would limit access to
children on the fields. He stated the post office and other surrounding
businesses and activities have people coming and going into the area,
and the fields would be used extensively.
Mr. Escalante asked if people from Kroger could see the backfield.
Mr. Hoyle replied he thinks there are always people around.
Ms. Kathleen Matsumura, 3938 Clubway, asked Mr. Hoyle if it would
be possible to produce a virtual reality sketch.
Mr. Hoyle replied yes, there are computer designs or sketches available.
Ms. Matsumura stated she lives in the Dallas Independent School
District and at the school at the corner of Rosser and Calculus, the
fields are always being used for soccer or other sports activities. She
stated this appeared to be a wonderful solution, and the first concern
should be the education of the children, and second should be sports.
Mr. Mark Gregory, 2970 Cameo, stated he had an opportunity to talk
with the school district last week. He stated, as president of
Montgomery Elementary PTA and a soccer coach, he feels this site
would relieve the overcrowding at the school. He also stated that there
is not a great safety concern at this site; this site would be a very good
Volume 84, page 9
solution as long as the acreage exchange between the school district
and the City is equal.
Councilman Walden asked the City Attorney for clarification as to what
the criteria or standard is in order to give up the parkland.
Mr. Boyle stated that under the Parks and Recreation Code, it is
necessary after a public hearing that there is no other prudent and
feasible alternative. Mr. Boyle stated it is Council's judgement call.
Councilman Walden asked Mr. Tepper why the district is coming to the
City to acquire public land acres. He asked about acquiring another site
of 10 acres or 8 acres or 6 acres somewhere else, and arguably a more
optimum site than right here, as opposed to taking the City's park land.
He asked if there was a board policy against this.
Mr. Tepper said the district believes this is the best site regardless of
where it is located. It will serve a student population that needs to be
served. He stated it is the only open land in that area, and the Kroger
land is not feasible within the district budget.
Councilman Walden asked what the district's position would be if there
were 17 houses on this property.
Mr. Tepper stated the district probably would not have a position there;
they would seek property elsewhere.
Councilman Walden asked for clarification, if commercial property is too
expensive, and residential property is sacred ground, then what is left.
Mr. Tepper replied open land.
Mr. Walden commented to Mr. Tepper that what he understood him to
say was that if there were 17 houses on that property, the district
would look somewhere else.
Mr. Tepper replied that is what the board voted on several months ago.
Councilman Walden stated the district is interested because there are
no houses on the property. So, for now, and in the future, his
understanding of the board's policy is the only land that the district
would look at would be open land, which in this case would be
parkland.
Mr. Tepper stated the district has made no policy in that regard.
Councilman Walden asked if it was a de facto policy.
Volume 84, page 10
Mr. Tepper replied no, the school board decided that there is another
alternative, and that is the Burning Tree site. The district is continuing
to pursue this site and the board feels Farmers Branch Park is a better
site than Burning Tree or the site where the 17 houses are.
Ms. Lynn Chaffin, Carrollton-Farmers Branch Board of Trustees, 1708
Paxton, Carrollton, stated the district does not have a policy, not a de
facto policy or a formal policy. The board chose previously not to
condemn homes if there are other alternatives. She stated the benefits
of this site are timing, availability of space, a state-of-the-art school,
and having the school on the ground by 2002. She stated it is the best
use of tax dollars and the best timing for students and citizens of
Farmers Branch.
Mr. Tepper stated the district looked at this alternative because of the
misunderstanding that the district was not willing to exchange property.
This is why the district took a look at this one more time. They have
always recognized this area near Valwood and Josey as being the
optimum area to serve students. It is because the district has land that
is currently used as a park that they are willing to exchange. This is
why they wanted to bring the proposal to the Council.
Mr. Larry Koff, 2707 Leta Mae Circle, stated he understood that the
City does not want to continue losing parkland. Mr. Koff offered an
option that the school district use funds that were earmarked for land
acquisition to purchase and develop another park facility somewhere
else in Farmers Branch.
Councilman Bird asked Mr. Tepper if the district owned the property
where 17 houses are located, would they build a school.
Mr. Tepper replied they still prefer this site.
Councilman Bird asked Mr. Tepper if the district did not have the
Farmers Branch Park site, and they owned the property where the 17
houses are, would they build a school.
Mr. Tepper replied they would consider it, but he could not speak for
the board.
Councilman Bird asked Mr. Tepper if the district had considered
purchasing the 17 homes.
Mr. Tepper replied the board declined purchasing the 17 homes.
Councilman Bird stated he is not talking about eminent domain.
Mr. Tepper reiterated the board declined purchasing the 17 homes.
Volume 84, page 11
Mayor Phelps stated Council would continue meeting in Executive
Session and return after the Executive Session.
C.1 PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER THE REQUEST OF SALTGRASS, INC.
FOR A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW ON-SITE SALES AND
CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WITHIN A QUALIFYING
RESTAURANT TO BE LOCATED AT 4101 LBJ FREEWAY WITHIN THE
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT NUMBER 71 ZONING DISTRICT AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The applicant is
seeking approval of a Specific Use Permit to allow on-site sales and
consumption of alcoholic beverages for a proposed full service
restaurant, Saltgrass Steak House, to be located near the Valley View
Lane and Interstate Highway 635 intersection. A site plan for the
restaurant was approved in March 2000.
The subject property is located in an area of the City that allows for on-
site sales and consumption of alcoholic beverages with a specific use
permit. The request complies with the requirements established in the
City of Farmers Branch Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, which
regulates the on-site sales, and consumption of alcoholic beverages
within the City.
The Planning and Zoning Commission, by unanimous vote, recommends
approval of the petition for a Specific Use Permit, including the
associated building floor plan and alcohol awareness program.
Mayor Phelps opened the public hearing.
Mr. Michael Spicer, Director of Community Services, stated the
representative from Saltgrass Steak House had to catch a 9:30 p.m.
flight back to Houston and no other representative was present.
A motion by Councilman Walden, seconded by Councilwoman Davis, all
voting "aye," closed the public hearing.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilman Bird,
seconded by Councilman Robbs, all voting "aye," adopted the following
captioned Ordinance No. 2547 approving the Specific Use Permit for
Saltgrass, Inc.
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 ALLOW ON-SITE SALES AND CONSUMPTION OF
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WITHIN A QUALIFYING RESTAURANT
Volume 84, page 12
TO BE LOCATED AT 4101 LBJ FREEWAY AND WITHIN THE
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT NUMBER 71 (PD-71) ZONING
DISTRICT; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
PROVIDING FOR 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.2 PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER THE REQUEST OF WILLIAM
DAHLSTROM ON BEHALF OF DALLAS SEMICONDUCTOR TO REZONE
AN APPROXIMATE 40 ACRE TRACT LOCATED GENERALLY EAST OF
MIDWAY ROAD, SOUTH OF BELTWOOD PARKWAY NORTH AND
WEST OF GILLIS ROAD, FROM LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICT
TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT NO. 83 ZONING DISTRICT, INCLUDING
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The applicant is
requesting approval to rezone the subject property to Planned
Development Number 83 zoning district in order to establish
development standards more consistent with the existing campus-like
conditions and development needs of the subject property. The
applicant is proposing to maintain the Light Industrial zoning district, as
provided for in the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, as the base zoning
district for the subject site, with exceptions to building setbacks, signs,
outdoor storage, parking, definition of lot as it pertains to floor area ratio,
height and site plan approval.
The Planning and Zoning Commission, by unanimous vote, recommends
approval of the rezoning petition.
Mayor Phelps opened the public hearing.
Mr. Myron Dornic, 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, stated he was present on
behalf of the applicant, Dallas Semiconductor. He stated he was pleased
to bring this planning case before the Council and believes the project
will benefit the community. Mr. Dornic also stated that Mr. Eric Albright
with Dallas Semiconductor was present to answer any questions.
A motion by Mayor Pro Tern Moses, seconded by Councilwoman Davis,
all voting "aye," closed the public hearing.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Mayor Pro Tern Moses,
seconded by Councilman Bird, all voting "aye," adopted the following
captioned Ordinance No. 2548 approving the proposed rezoning petition.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS,
AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS, AS HERETOFORE
AMENDED; BY CHANGING THE ZONING DISTRICT
Volume 84, page 13
CLASSIFICATION OF AN APPROXIMATE 40-ACRE IRREGULAR
TRACT LOCATED GENERALLY EAST OF MIDWAY ROAD,
SOUTH OF BELTWOOD PARKWAY NORTH AND WEST OF
GILLIS ROAD, FROM LIGHT INDUSTRIAL (LI) ZONING DISTRICT
TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT NO. 83 (PD-83), INCLUDING
ESTABLISHING DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR LIGHT
INDUSTRIAL USES; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE;
PROVIDING FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF; PROVIDING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY OF FINE
NOT TO EXCEED TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,000.00); AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
C.3 PUBLIC HEARING: TO CONSIDER FUNDING PROPOSALS UNDER THE
DALLAS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM AND
TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The City of Farmers
Branch is eligible to receive $123,957 in Community Development Block
Grant funds from Dallas County for the fiscal year beginning October 1,
2000.
Projects that are eligible for Community Development Block Grants are
those projects that promote low-income home ownership, improve or
maintain existing low to moderated income neighborhoods or eliminate
community-threatening conditions.
Dallas County requires a public hearing before the Council can submit a
proposal for the Community Development Block Grant. Funding
proposals for the grant must be submitted to Dallas County by Thursday,
June 22 at 4:00 p.m.
A resolution will be prepared for Council approval subsequent to the
public hearing. The resolution will be presented to Council at the special
City Council meeting on Monday, June 12.
City Staff recommends that a public hearing be held for public input on
the use of Community Development Block grants.
Mayor Phelps opened the public hearing. There was no one present
speaking for or against this item.
A motion by Councilman Bird, seconded by Councilman Robbs, all voting
"aye," closed the public hearing.
D.1 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2000-096 AWARDING THE
BID FOR THE STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECTS TO JRJ PAVING,
INC. AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Volume 84, page 14
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The 1999-2000
Capital Improvement Program Non-Bond Fund Mid-Year amended budget
provides a total of $1,660,000 for the 1996-97 and the 1997-98 Street
Reconstruction Projects. The projects are for the reconstruction of the
following streets:
Dixianna Street
Marietta Drive
Joanna Drive
Shadyridge Lane
Sunglow Lane
Teekskill Place
Richland Avenue
in its entirety
in its entirety
Heartside Place to Old North Rd.
Ridgeoak Way to Morningstar Lane
Ridgeoak Way to Morningstar Lane
Candlewick Lane to Valwood Pkwy.
Bee Street to McClintock Street
The existing asphalt streets will be reconstructed with concrete, along
with new sidewalks and drive approaches. In addition, new water mains
will be constructed on Dixianna Street, Marietta Drive, Shadyridge Lane,
Joanna Drive, Richland Avenue and Teekskill Place.
Fourteen contractors picked up the plans and specifications for this
project. Nine bids were received and opened on May 16, 2000. The
nine bids met specifications. The low bid was received from JRJ Paving,
Inc. in the amount of $1,375,398.90. The contract time is 265 calendar
days for the entire project. JRJ Paving, Inc. has provided adequate
qualifications and references for similar work.
The City Engineer recommends adopting Resolution No. 2000-096
awarding the bid for the Street Reconstruction Project to JRJ Paving,
Inc. in the amount of $1,375,398.90.
There being no discussion, a motion by Councilman Walden, seconded
by Mayor Pro Tern Moses, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution No.
2000-096 awarding the bid for the Street Reconstruction Project to JRJ
Paving, Inc. in the amount of $1,375,398.90.
D.2 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2000-097 AWARDING BIDS
FOR THE ANNUAL SUPPLY OF GASOLINE, DIESEL AND LUBRICANT
SUPPLIES AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. Bid requests for the
annual supply of gasoline and diesel fuels and for lubricant supplies were
sent to twenty-one vendors. Six vendors submitted bids that were
opened on May 17, 2000. The bids received included three bids meeting
specifications for gasoline and diesel, and five bids meeting
specifications for lubricant supplies. Reeder Distributors, Inc. of Ft.
Worth submitted the lowest bid meeting specifications using the Oil Price
Index Service average terminal price for diesel and mid-grade gasoline,
with no markup. The total mandated delivery fees and taxes are
Volume 84, page 15
$46,550.00. The total fuel cost is estimated to be $255,422.00. This
total is subject to change based on daily market fluctuations; however,
the lowest bid markup will remain constant during the term of the
contract.
Dial Lubricants, Inc. of Dallas submitted the lowest bid meeting
specifications received for the annual supply of lubricants for an
estimated amount of $13,078.19.
The total estimated annual cost for all products including fees and taxes
is $268,500.19. The current operating departments' fuel/lubricants
budgets include $291,000.00 for the purchase of gasoline, diesel and
lubricant supplies.
Staff recommends adopting Resolution No. 2000-097 awarding the bid
for the annual supply of gasoline and diesel to Reeder Distributors, Inc.
of Ft. Worth for the estimated amount of $255,422.00, and the bid for
the annual supply of lubricants to Dial Lubricants, Inc. of Dallas for an
estimated amount of $13,078.19.
There being no discussion, a motion by Councilman Robbs, seconded by
Councilman Bird, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution No. 2000-097
awarding the bid for the annual supply of gasoline and diesel to Reeder
Distributors, Inc. of Ft. Worth for the estimated amount of $255,422.00,
and the bid for the annual supply of lubricants to Dial Lubricants, Inc. of
Dallas for an estimated amount of $13,078.19.
D.3 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2000-094 AWARDING THE
BID FOR URETEK PAVEMENT STABILIZATION AT VARIOUS
LOCATIONS TO URETEK USA, INC. AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. In the spring of
1999, Public Works staff discussed a proposal with City Council to
advertise a single source bid to raise settled or depressed pavement
sections as part of the street section repair program. The proposal was
to obtain a bid from Uretek USA, Inc., whom has a patent for pressure
injected polyurethane to raise concrete sections that have settled.
A bid request for the 1999-2000 Uretek Pavement Stabilization contract
was advertised and sent to one vendor. The bid was received and
opened on May 16, 2000. The total bid from Uretek USA, Inc., is
$426,685.00. Funds in the amount of $419,000.00 are available in the
1999-2000 Public Works budget for this contract. Quantities of work
were estimated, and payment will be made on a unit price basis. The
total payment amount will not exceed $419,000.00.
The Director of Public Works recommends adopting Resolution No.
2000-094.
Volume 84, page 16
There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilwoman Davis,
seconded by Councilman Walden, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution
No. 2000-094 awarding the bid for Uretek pavement stabilization at
various locations to Uretek USA, Inc.
D.4 CONSIDER COUNCIL TRAVEL REPORTS AND REQUESTS AND TAKE
THE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Councilwoman Davis stated she received a letter from the Texas
Municipal League asking if she would serve on the Committee on
General Government. She stated the meeting would be for one day,
August 18, 2000, in Austin, Texas.
Councilman Bird asked Councilwoman Davis if she was taking a
position on the Board.
Councilwoman Davis replied, no, it is one of four committees that
Texas Municipal League sponsors.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Mayor Pro Tern Moses,
seconded by Councilman Walden, all voting "aye," approved travel for
Councilwoman Davis to attend a one-day committee meeting on August
18, 2000 in Austin, Texas.
D.5 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION.
Mr. John Wells, 13521 Heartside Place, asked about the contract for
the jogging trail on Rawhide Creek.
Mayor Phelps asked Mr. Wells to speak with Mark Pavageaux.
MAYOR PHELPS ANNOUNCED THAT THE ITEMS ON THE AGENDA FOR THE
EXECUTIVE SESSION WERE DISCUSSED IN THE 4:00 P.M. STUDY SESSION.
MAYOR PHELPS EXPLAINED THE CITY COUNCIL CONVENED INTO
EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:00 P.M. AND RECESSED AT 7:35 P.M. FOR THE
GENERAL SESSION AND RECONVENED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 9:16
P.M. AND CONCLUDED AT 10:00 P.M. FOR THE GENERAL SESSION. 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.01 a DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITIONS - TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 551.072
Volume 84, page 17
1.
DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY BOUNDED BY
HUTTON DRIVE, SENLAC DRIVE, AND ACADEMY LANE.
2.
DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY BOUNDED BY
SENLAC DRIVE, VALLEY VIEW LANE, AND NICHOLSON ROAD.
3.
DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY BOUNDED BY
VALLEY VIEW AND HUTTON DRIVE.
4.
DISCUSS SALE OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY ADJACENT TO
VALLEY VIEW LANE, DAVIS LANE, AND KEENAN BRIDGE
ROAD.
5.
DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY AT 2734
VALWOOD PARKWAY.
6.
DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITION OR SALE OF PROPERTY IN THE
OLD FARMERS BRANCH AREA.
Mayor Phelps explained Staff discussed these items with the City Council.
E.1 b DISCUSS PENDING AND CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION - TEXAS
GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 551
1. CONSULTATION WITH ATTORNEY TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 551.071 RELATIVE TO CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION
WITH THE CARROLLTON/FARMERS BRANCH ISD AND
CONSIDERATION OF POSSIBLE REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION
WITH SAID CARROLLTON/FARMERS BRANCH ISD RELATIVE TO
ACQUISITION OF A SCHOOL SITE IN FARMERS BRANCH,
TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.072.
Mayor Phelps explained Staff discussed this item with the City Council.
E.2 CONSIDER NECESSARY ACTION ON ITEMS DISCUSSED IN THE
EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Mayor Phelps stated the City Council was updated on land acquisition.
Mayor Phelps called for necessary action on executive session items.
A motion by Councilwoman Davis, a second by Councilman Walden, all
voting "aye", authorized the City Manager to execute a purchase
agreement and all related agreements for an amount not to exceed
$35,000 with Realty, L.P. for property located at Valwood Parkway
and Dennis Lane, 2734 Valwood Parkway, and authorized the City
Manager to execute a contract with HBC Engineering to perform site
environmental testing, and to file written reports with the Texas Natural
Resource Conservation Commission for City participation in the
Voluntary Clean-Up Program and the Innocent Owner Program for City
property adjacent to and including 2734 Valwood Parkway for an
amount not to exceed $25,000.
Volume 84, page 18
Councilman Walden stated based on our discussions and our advice
from Counsel; the City very much wants a new state-of-the-art school
in Farmers Branch. We are very glad to hear the district's willingness to
look into that. The dilemma the City Council faces is that the State law
requires the Council to make a finding that there is "no feasible and
prudent alternatives available" before parkland is traded or sold. The
City Council is taking that law and obligation very seriously.
I would like to move that the City Council ask the Mayor to work with
the President of the School Board, Mr. Tepper, to look into detail any
available alternatives that may yet be available so we can make a
finding of fact.
A motion by Councilman Walden, a second by Councilwoman Davis, all
voting "aye", to ask the Mayor to work with the President of the
School Board, Mr. Tepper, to look into detail any available alternatives
that may yet be available so we can make a finding of fact.
F.1 ADJOURNMENT.
A motion by Councilman Bird, a second by Mayor Pro Tern Moses, all
voting "aye", adjourned the City Council meeting of June 5, 2000, at
10: 4 P.
Jayor
City Secretary
Volume 84, page 19