2000-07-10 CC MinutesCITY OF FARMERS BRANCH
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 10, 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
Calla Davis
Jim Robbs
Charlie Bird
Paul Walden
The following members of the City Administration were present:
City Manager
Richard L. Escalante
Assistant City Manager
John F. Burke
Assistant to City Manager
Margaret Somereve
Assistant to City Manager
John Roach
City Attorney
John F. Boyle
City Secretary
Cindee Peters
Communication Director
Tom Bryson
Economic Development Director
Norma Nichols
Building Official
Jim Olk
City Engineer
Jerry Murawski
Director of Finance
Charles Cox
Director of Parks & Recreation
Jeff Fuller
Director of Equipment Services
Don Moore
Library Director
Mary Jane Stevenson
Police Chief
Jimmy Fawcett
Fire Chief
Kyle King
Director of Public Works
Mark Pavageaux
Traffic Engineer
Dave Davis
Recording Secretary
Suzanne Reynolds
Mayor Phelps called the City Council
Meeting of July 10, 2000 to order at
7:31 P.M. The meeting was televised.
Volume 84, page 36
A.1 INVOCATION.
Mayor Pro Tern Moses gave the invocation and Councilman Walden led
the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
A.2 PRESENTATION OF BOARD APPLICATIONS.
There were no applications presented.
A.3 REPORT ON STUDY SESSION ITEMS.
Mayor Phelps gave a brief summary of the items discussed in Study
Session prior to the regular meeting.
B. CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING AS CONSENT ITEMS AND TAKE THE
APPROPRIATE ACTION B.1 - B.B.
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, added agenda item D.2 to the Consent Agenda.
A motion by Mayor Pro Tern Moses, seconded by Councilman Robbs, all
voting "aye, approved the Consent Agenda as amended.
B.1 APPROVED MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 27,
2000.
B.2 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2000-102 AMENDING
RESOLUTION NO. 99-104 RELATING TO THE COMPENSATION
OF THE MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGES.
B.3 APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 2529 ADOPTING THE 1997
UNIFORM BUILDING CODE, VOLUMES 1, 2 AND 3,
APPROPRIATE APPENDIX CHAPTERS AND LOCAL
AMENDMENTS.
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AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH,
TEXAS, ADOPTING THE 1997 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM
BUILDING CODE, VOLUMES 1, 2, AND 3; AMENDING
SECTIONS 103, 105, 106, 104.4., 107, 109, 303,307,
310, 403, 504, 904, 906, 1401 AND TABLE 15-A,
ADOPTING APPENDIX CHAPTERS 3, 9, 11, 12, 15, 18,
21, 23, 29, 31, 33, AND 34; REPEALING ORDINANCE
NUMBER 2268 AND 2317; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCE
IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY OF
A FINE NOT TO EXCEED TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS
($2,000.00) FOR EACH OFFENSE; PROVIDING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INJUNCTIVE
RELIEF; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
B.4 APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 2530 ADOPTING THE 1997
UNIFORM FIRE CODE, VOLUME 1 AND 2, APPROPRIATE
APPENDIX CHAPTERS AND LOCAL AMENDMENTS.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH,
TEXAS, AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY
ADOPTING THE PROVISIONS OF THE UNIFORM FIRE
CODE, 1997 EDITION, AS THE FIRE CODE FOR THE CITY
OF FARMERS BRANCH; AMENDING SECTIONS 103.1.4,
105.8, 902.2.2.1, 1001.5.1, 1003.1.2, 1003.2.9,
1007.2.1.1, 1007.2.12.2.1, 1007.3.1, 1102.3.1,
1302.2, 7701.7, 781.3.1.1, 7901.3.2, 7902.2.2.1,
7902.5.12.1, 7902.6.3, 7904.5.4.2.2, 8001.4.5.2,
TABLE 1004-A, APPENDICES I-A SECTION 6.2, I-B
SECTION 6.1, III-SECTION 1, IV-B SECTION 2 OF THE
UNIFORM FIRE CODE; REPEALING ORDINANCE NUMBER
2269; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT
HEREWITH; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
PROVIDING A PENALTY OF FINE NOT TO EXCEED THE
SUM OF TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,000) FOR EACH
OFFENSE; PROVIDING FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
B.5 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2000-110 AWARDING THE BID TO
ACCENT AUDIO/VIDEO, INC. AND VIDEOTEX SYSTEMS FOR
AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
B.6 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2000-1 12 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO PURCHASE A GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
SYSTEM (GIS) NETWORK SERVER, A SENIOR CENTER
NETWORK SERVER AND THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY TO
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INSTALL THE SERVERS FROM ALLSTAR/AMHERST SYSTEMS,
INC., UTILIZING THE STATE OF TEXAS CATALOG PURCHASING
PROCEDURES FOR AUTOMATED INFORMATION SYSTEMS.
B.7 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2000-114 AWARDING THE BID
FOR REPLACEMENT OF HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR
CONDITIONING UNITS FOR THE MANSKE LIBRARY, THE
HISTORICAL PARK, AND THE DON SHOWMAN RECREATION
CENTER TO JOHN COOK & ASSOCIATES, INC.
B.8 ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 2551 AMENDING EXHIBIT "A" OF
ORDINANCE NO. 2450, SAID ORDINANCE HAVING BEEN
APPROVED ON DECEMBER 21, 1998 CREATING TAX
INCREMENT FINANCING REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER ONE,
TO REFLECT CONSISTENCY WITH EXHIBIT "B", A MAP
DEPICTING THE TERRITORY INCLUDED IN THE ZONE;
DIRECTING THAT THIS ORDINANCE BE FILED IN THE DEED
RECORDS OF DALLAS COUNTY, TEXAS AND WITH THE
DALLAS CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT, PROVIDING A
CLAUSE RELATING TO SEVERABILITY AND DECLARING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE NUNC PRO TUNC OF DECEMBER 21, 1998.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING EXHIBIT A OF ORDINANCE
NO. 2450, SAID ORDINANCE HAVING BEEN APPROVED
ON DECEMBER 21, 1998, CREATING TAX INCREMENT
FINANCING REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER ONE, TO
REFLECT CONSISTENCY WITH EXHIBIT B, A MAP
DESCRIBING THE TERRITORY INCLUDED IN THE ZONE;
DIRECTING THAT THIS ORDINANCE BE FILED IN THE
DEED RECORDS OF DALLAS COUNTY, TEXAS AND WITH
THE DALLAS CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT;
PROVIDING A CLAUSE RELATING TO SEVERABILITY AND
DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE NUNC PRO TUNC OF
DECEMBER 21, 1998.
D.2 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2000-113 AWARDING A BID FOR
ADDITIONAL ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION FOR HOLIDAY
LIGHTING AT CITY HALL TO SANDSTROM ELECTRIC.
D.1 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2000-061 AUTHORIZING
THE REDEMPTION OF CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS
COMBINATION ASSESSMENT AND UTILITY REVENUE CERTIFICATES
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OF OBLIGATION, SERIES 1993, MATURING NOVEMBER 1, 2014;
PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. In 1993, the City
issued Certificates of Obligation in the amount of $11.4 million to help
fund sanitary sewer system improvements, including a sewer tunnel, to
expand sewer capacity on the eastside. This project was a joint venture
with the Town of Addison. A public improvement district was created to
fund this project. The district was created by petition of the property
owners on the eastside. At the time the project was developed it was
understood that funds were to be used only for expenses related to
sanitary sewer improvements on the eastside. Repayment for the
Certificates is from annual assessment payments from property owners
within the public improvement district. No single-family residents are
included in the district.
The improvements have been completed $1.6 million under budget.
Interest earnings and payments from property owners who paid off their
assessments early provide an additional $1.7 million in funds for debt
repayment. The excess project funds combined with interest earnings
and early assessment payoffs provide $3,315,000 that can be used for
early retirement of the Certificates. This early retirement will eliminate
four out of sixteen years of debt service payments. The outstanding
balances of current property assessments will be reduced accordingly.
Staff recommends approval of Resolution No. 2000-061 authorizing the
redemption of City of Farmers Branch, Texas Combination Assessment
and Utility System Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 1993,
maturing November 1, 2014 on August 29, 2000.
Mayor Phelps stated on the last page "Certificate for Resolution", item 1
should read: The City Council of said City convened in a regular meeting
on July 10, 2000, at the regular meeting place thereof, and the roll was
called of the duly constituted members of said Council, to-wit: Bob
Phelps, Mayor; Bill Moses, Mayor Pro Tem; Calla Davis, Deputy Mayor
Pro Tem; and Councilmembers Charlie Bird, Jim Robbs, and Paul Walden.
Councilman Walden asked Mr. Cox if the certificates were issued in
1993 and were they 20-year bonds. He asked for clarification on
eliminating four out of sixteen years of debt service.
Charles Cox, Director of Finance, replied that until the improvements
were actually completed the City did not start assessing the property
taxpayers. Until the city started assessing the taxpayer, the City did not
have any money to make the debt service payments. The City issued
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the bonds in a manner to capitalize some interest up front in order not to
have to make debt service payments until later on.
Councilman Walden stated this allows the City to pay off the bonds four
years early.
Mr. Cox replied yes.
Councilwoman Davis asked if the City was planning on sending a letter
to the taxpayers on the East Side explaining the reduced balances of
current property assessments.
Mr. Cox replied yes.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilwoman Davis,
seconded by Councilman Walden, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution
No. 2000-061 authorizing the redemption of City of Farmers Branch,
Texas Combination Assessment and Utility System Revenue Certificates
of Obligation, Series 1993, maturing November 1, 2014 on August 29,
2000 with corrections stated by Mayor Phelps.
D.2 CONSENT.
D.3 CONSIDER APPOINTMENTS TO THE SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD AND
TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The following
members of the Senior Advisory Board have terms that will expire on
August 16, 2000.
Dot Hinckley
Katie Roberts
Don Brockman
Hugh McWhorter
Bob Wade
A motion by Mayor Pro
voting "aye," appointed
Hugh McWhorter, and
another term.
Tern Moses, seconded by Councilman Bird, all
Dot Hinckley, Katie Roberts, Don Brockman,
Bob Wade to the Senior Advisory Board for
D.4 CONSIDER COUNCIL TRAVEL REPORTS AND REQUESTS AND TAKE
THE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Pro Tern Moses gave a brief report on the use of public
transportation and recycling that is done in both Germany and England.
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He stated he was impressed and hoped the City would take some tips
and use these programs more.
Mr. Escalante stated last week he attend the Innovations Group
"Transforming Local Government 2000". He stated he attended the
pre-conference on E-Government, looked at new techniques, and the
Internet as it relates to doing business in improving services to the
citizenry of Farmers Branch. He stated the downside was the use of
the "Softbook" which Council had been interested in.
Mr. Escalante stated there were discussions regarding decision-making
and challenges facing local governments. Overall it was an excellent
conference and he hopes Council can attend next year.
Councilwoman Davis stated an incentive for the people in Europe to use
public transportation is because gasoline is eight dollars a gallon.
D.5 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION.
Ms. Betty Runkel, 2885 Valwood Circle, stated she is glad the City
sponsors the fireworks display at the Historical Park. She stated her
concerns are handicapped parking and the shuttle that transports the
handicapped to the park from the conference center. She stated
handicapped parking was not used for the handicapped and the shuttle
was not available during the fireworks display if someone wanted to
leave the event early. Ms. Runkel stated she wanted to make Council
aware of her concerns.
Mayor Phelps stated either he or the City Manager would meet with her
after the Council meeting.
James W. Smith, 2811 Bay Meadow Circle, stated one of his neighbors
has built an inline skating ramp and he feels it is inappropriate for the
neighborhood.
Mayor Phelps stated someone would be getting in touch with him
regarding this matter.
Mr. John Wells, 13521 Heartside Place, stated he has several
concerns. (1) He feels that there is not enough emphasis placed on
recycling. (2) He stated there is torn fabric on the wall in the Council
Chambers and would like it repaired. (3) He thanked the Council for the
completion of the jogging/walking trail on Josey Lane and Tom Field
Road.
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Mr. Nick Korba, 13210 Shahan, thanked the Council for getting the
sidewalk put in at Fire Station No. 2. Mr. Korba stated there is a cap
on school taxes for seniors over 65 years of age. He asked if there
could be a cap on City taxes for seniors over 65 years of age.
Mayor Phelps stated Charles Cox would speak with him after the
meeting.
MAYOR PHELPS ANNOUNCED THAT THE ITEMS ON THE AGENDA FOR THE
EXECUTIVE SESSION WERE DISCUSSED IN THE 4:30 P.M. WORK SESSION.
MAYOR PHELPS EXPLAINED THE CITY COUNCIL CONVENED INTO
EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:45 P.M. AND CONCLUDED AT 7:07 P.M. FOR
THE 7:30 P.M. GENERAL SESSION. TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER
51 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 a DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITIONS - TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 551.072.
1. DISCUSS PURCHASE, SALE, LEASE, OR EXCHANGE OF PROPERTY
OWNED BY THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH AND PROPERTY OWNED
BY THE CARROLLTON-FARMERS BRANCH INDEPENDENT SCHOOL
DISTRICT FOR SCHOOL SITE LOCATIONS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE
ACTION.
2. DISCUSS SALE OR TRADE OF PROPERTY BOUNDED BY ROSSFORD,
DENTON DRIVE, VALLEY VIEW LANE, AND 13303 DENTON DRIVE
AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
3. DISCUSS PURCHASE OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2425 VALLEY
VIEW LANE AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps explained Staff discussed these items 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.
No action was necessary.
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F.1 ADJOURNMENT.
A motion by Councilman Bird, a second by Councilman Robbs, all
voting "aye", adjourned the City Council meeting of July 10, 2000 at
8:01 P.M.
Mayor
City Secretary
1
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