1998-02-02 CC MinutesCITY OF FARMERS BRANCH
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 2, 1998
COUNCIL CHAMBER
CITY HALL
7:30 P.M.
The following members of the City Council were present:
Mayor Bob Phelps
Mayor Pro Tern Calla Davis
Councilmembers Charlie Bird
Berry Grubbs
Bill Moses
James Robbs
The following members of the City Administration were present:
City Manager
Richard L. Escalante
Assistant City Manager
Linda Groomer
Assistant City Manager
John F. Burke
City Attorney
John Boyle
City Secretary
Cindee Peters
Communication Director
Donna Huerta
Economic Development Director
Norma Nichols
Director of Community Services
Tom Scales
Director of Planning
Michael Spicer
City Engineer
Jerry Murawski
Director of Equipment Services
Don Moore
Director of Finance
Charles Cox
Director of Parks & Recreation
Jeff Fuller
Library Director
Mary Jane Stevenson
Police Chief
Jimmy Fawcett
Fire Chief
Kyle King
Director of Public Works
Mark Pavageaux
Assistant to the City Manager
Margaret Somereve
Traffic Engineer
Dave Davis
Recording Secretary
Suzanne Reynolds
Mayor Phelps called the City Council Meeting of February 2, 1998 to
order at 7:37 P.M. The meeting was televised.
A.1 INVOCATION.
Mayor Phelps introduced Boy Scout Troop No. 713 Circle 10 from
Carrollton/Farmers Branch and Boy Scout Troop No. 577 Circle 10 from
Dallas. Mayor Phelps stated the Boy Scouts were present to earn their
achievement badge for service in the community.
Volume 77, page 22
Councilman Moses gave the invocation and the Boy Scouts led the
pledge of allegiance to the flag.
A.2 CONSIDER ACCEPTANCE OF DONATION FROM HOME INTERIORS &
GIFTS, INC. FOR $2000 TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. Home Interiors &
Gifts, Inc. has made a contribution of $2,000 to the Police Department
on behalf of their shareholders, associates and employees. It represents
Home Interiors & Gifts, Inc. support and appreciation to the Police
Department for service to the community. The donation will be used to
purchase equipment which will be placed in the exercise room of the new
Justice Center.
The Chief of Police recommends accepting the $2,000 donation from
Home Interiors & Gifts, Inc. to be used to purchase equipment for the
exercise room in the new Justice Center.
A motion by Councilman Moses, seconded by Councilman Robbs, all
voting "aye," accepted the $2,000 donation from Home Interiors & Gifts
to be used to purchase equipment for the exercise room in the new
Justice Center and with appropriate thank you letter to be sent.
A.3 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 98-019 ACCEPTING GRANT
IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,055 FROM THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
INFRASTRUCTURE FUND BOARD TO ENHANCE INTERNET
CONNECTIVITY AT THE MANSKE LIBRARY AND TAKE APPROPRIATE
ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The Farmers Branch
Manske Library has been awarded a grant in the amount of $39,055
from the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board. The purpose of
the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund is to help develop the
telecommunications framework comprising the Internet that connects
public libraries, schools, colleges, universities and health delivery systems
in Texas. The funds are derived from annual assessments from
telecommunications utilities and commercial mobile service providers.
The City Council approved funds in the amount of $62,500 in the 1997-
98 operating budget to install a Local Area Network that would increase
Internet access at the Library. Grant monies would be used to expand
Internet access further and will allow the installation of the Library's
online catalog on the Internet. This would permit access to the collection
by individuals with Internet capabilities on their personal computers
including students in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School
District.
The Library Director recommends accepting the grant in the amount of
$39,055 from the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board to
enhance Internet connectivity at the Manske Library.
Volume 77, page 23
A motion by Councilman Robbs, seconded by Councilman Bird, adopted
Resolution No. 98-019 accepting the grant from the Telecommunications
Infrastructure Fund with the appropriate thank you letter to be sent.
A.4 PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS.
Mayor Phelps presented a fifteen year employee service award to Lee
Robinson of the Public Works Department.
A.5 PRESENTATION OF BOARD APPLICATIONS.
There were no applications presented.
A.6 REPORT ON STUDY SESSION ITEMS.
Mayor Phelps gave a brief summary of the items discussed in Study
Session held prior to the regular meeting.
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING AS CONSENT ITEMS AND TAKE THE
APPROPRIATE ACTION B.1 - B.2.
Mayor Phelps stated under the title of 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 Davis, seconded by Councilman Robbs, all
voting "aye," added item D.5 to the Consent Agenda.
A motion by Mayor Pro Tern Davis, seconded by Councilman Bird, all
voting "aye," approved the following items on the Consent Agenda.
B.1 APPROVED MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF
JANUARY 19, 1998.
B.2 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 98-021 REQUESTING THAT
DALLAS COUNTY ALLOW THE ADDITION OF CENSUS TRACT
137.01 BLOCKS 2 AND 3 TO BE INCLUDED IN THE CITY OF
FARMERS BRANCH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT TARGET AREA FOR THE 1998 CODE ENFORCEMENT
PROJECT.
D.5 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 98-009 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR A TELE-
COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT.
Mayor Phelps read the Consent Agenda items to the home audience and
home viewers.
C.1 CITY MANAGER REPORTS.
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City Manager Richard Escalante presented an informative report on the
status of various projects and activities in the City.
Mayor Phelps read a proclamation proclaiming February 8 - 14, 1998 as
"National Child Passenger Safety Week," in Farmers Branch, Texas.
C.2 PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER THE REQUEST OF MJS RESOURCES,
INC., TO AMEND THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT NO. 41 AND
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT NO. 65 ZONING DISTRICTS AND APPROVE
AN ASSOCIATED CONCEPT PLAN FOR THE CENTURA II OFFICE
DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 13900 AND
14175 DALLAS PARKWAY AND 14098 INWOOD ROAD AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The zoning request
includes three tracts of land comprising 6.41 acres, generally located
between Inwood Road and North Dallas Parkway south of Spring Valley
Road. The Brook Mays music superstore which fronts North Dallas
Parkway, occupies 0.89 acres of the request site. The remaining 5.52
acres to the south and west, are undeveloped. Existing zoning includes
PD-41 and PD-65, two separate high density office zoning districts that,
together, would allow a maximum of 761,700 square feet of
development.
The proposed zoning amendment and concept plan would consolidate
PD-41 and PD-65 into a single high density office zoning district
allowing up to 1.1 million square feet of development. The proposed
concept plan includes an 18-story office building, a 22-story hotel and
conference center and a 4-lane roadway linking North Dallas Parkway
with Inwood Road. The proposed zoning and concept plan are generally
consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, existing development in the
area and surrounding zoning.
The Planning and Zoning Commission, by unanimous vote, recommends
the proposed zoning amendment and concept plan be approved.
Mayor Phelps opened the public hearing.
Mr. Mark Small, MJS Resources, Inc., 13911 North Dallas Parkway. Mr,
Small thanked the Council for allowing MJS Resources to present Phase
II of the proposed project. Mr. Small stated he would be available to
answer any questions the Council may have.
A motion by Councilman Moses, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Davis, all
voting "aye," closed the public hearing.
Mr. Escalante stated the planning staff would be available to answer
any questions the Council may have. He also stated during the Study
Session the drainage issue was discussed, and staff has prepared a
proposed amendment (Section N) to the ordinance which addresses
drainage the Council may want to consider.
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Mayor Pro Tem Davis asked Mr. Small if he had a concept plan or
rendering of the proposed project.
Mr. Small presented a photograph and a rendering to the Council and
gave a description of the proposed project.
Mayor Phelps asked Mr. Small if he was familiar with proposed Section
N.
Mr. Small stated he has reviewed "Section N" with the planning
department. He stated he would be able to quantify the impact of run
off from their site when going through the planning process. There will
also be more landscaping on this site then on the Centura I site.
Councilman Bird asked that the traffic impact caused by this
development be addressed.
Mr. Dave Davis, Traffic Engineer, stated Mr. Small had a traffic study
done by DeShazo, Tang and Associates, Inc. that considered the impact
of the development on traffic at the intersections near the development.
Mr. Davis stated with the improvements the City has planned, and the
improvements the developer will provide on Inwood, the development is
not expected to have significant impact on the current level of service
at any of the nearby intersections except for one.
Mr. Davis stated the focus of concern was the impact at the
intersection of Alpha Road, Inwood Road, and southbound Dallas
Parkway, which is a five legged intersection. He stated the City has
worked with the developer and the City of Dallas to look for ways to
mitigate the impact of traffic at that intersection. Mr. Davis stated
there was no feasible solution.
Mr. Davis stated what he is recommending is to continue to work with
the development and business communities and to renew the City's
efforts to look at all ways of handling traffic through the use of transit,
ride sharing, and other ways.
Councilman Bird asked if hotel traffic was a different type traffic.
Mr. Davis stated the hotel is compatible in size to the office building,
but does not generate as much traffic as an office building. He stated
even if there was nothing built on that site, there will still be problems
with some of the intersections on the east side of town due to growth
and development in areas adjacent to Farmers Branch. He also stated
the Planning and Zoning Commission were interested in this issue.
Councilman Bird thanked Mr. Davis for the infcrmation on the traffic.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Mayor Pro Tern Davis,
seconded by Councilman Robbs, all voting "aye," adopted the following
captioned Ordinance No. 2371 with the addition of Section N which
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consolidates PD-41 and PD-65 establishing a new Planned Development
zoning district and approving an associated concept plan
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
CLASSIFICATION OF THREE TRACTS OF LAND ADDRESSED AS
14175 NORTH DALLAS PARKWAY, 13900 NORTH DALLAS
PARKWAY AND 14098 INWOOD ROAD AND GENERALLY
LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SPRING VALLEY
ROAD AND INWOOD ROAD AND EXTENDING EAST TO DALLAS
NORTH PARKWAY, FROM PLANNED DEVELOPMENT ZONING
DISTRICT NO. 41 (PD-41) AND PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
ZONING DISTRICT NO. 65 (PD-65) TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
NO. 76 (PD-76) ALLOWING HIGH DENSITY OFFICE
DEVELOPMENT AND ANCILLARY USES; ESTABLISHING
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR THE PD-76 ZONING
DISTRICT; APPROVING AN ASSOCIATED CONCEPT PLAN;
PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUS; PROVIDING FOR INJUNCTIVE
RELIEF; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR A
PENALTY OF FINE NOT TO EXCEED THE SUM OF TWO
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,000.00) FOR EACH OFFENSE; AND
PROVIDED AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Phelps asked the Boy Scouts to introduced themselves.
Mr. John Tanahill, Scout Troop 577, stated his troop is sponsored by
St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Dallas.
C.3 PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER THE REQUEST OF MS. KAYSEA
HENDRICKS FOR A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT FOR A TATTOO STUDIO
(PERMANENT COSMETIC BUSINESS) AT 14200 MIDWAY ROAD,
SUITE 107 AND WITHIN THE LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICT
AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The proposed
location is a 500 square foot office suite within the one story multi-
tenant office building addressed as 14200 Midway Road. The building is
located on the east side of Midway Road approximately 960 feet north of
Spring Valley Road.
The applicant intends to limit operations to a form of tattooing commonly
known as "permanent cosmetics". Permanent cosmetics is typically
used to enhance facial features and to conceal the otherwise visible
effects of surgical procedures. Like the more common form of tattooing,
the application of permanent cosmetics makes use of a needle or similar
instrument to insert pigment under the skin.
In February, 1994, the Texas Department of Health established
comprehensive regulations pertaining to tattoo studios, their licensing
and operations. In November, 1997 the City Council approved Ordinance
No. 2358 which established definitions and locational restrictions for
Volume 77, page 27
tattoo studios. Neither the State nor the City of Farmers Branch
regulates "permanent cosmetics" any differently than other forms of
tattooing.
The proposed tattoo studio use and location satisfy the requirements of
City Ordinance No. 2358.
The Planning and Zoning Commission, by unanimous vote, recommends
approval of the Specific Use Permit for a tattoo studio at 14200 Midway
Road, Suite 107 subject to the following conditions:
1. Tattooing performed on the premises shall be limited to permanent
cosmetics exclusively, generally including, but not limited to, eye
liner, lip liner and lip coloring.
2. Signage for the business shall be limited to a 10" by 13" sign
posted at the suite entrance that reads "Kaysea's Permanent
Cosmetics" and listings in the building directories.
3. The tattoo studio shall, at all times, maintain full compliance with
all requirements of Texas State Law relative to such uses.
Mayor Phelps opened the public hearing.
Mr. Clay Hendricks, 303 London Lane of Duncanville, stated he and his
wife have been working with the Planning and Zoning Commission, and
the City Council since November. He feels he has provided the City
with information and stated he would comply with the City's conditions
and the State's requirements. Mr. Hendricks stated he has turned in
the specific use permit and hopes the Council will allow him to have
this business.
A motion by Councilman Bird, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Davis, all
voting "aye," closed the public hearing.
Councilman Bird asked if tattooing of designs, names, symbols or
numbers would be performed at the Hendricks proposed business.
Mr. Hendricks replied tattooing at their shop will consist of cosmetic
tattooing which includes eyeliner, lip liner, and lip coloring and would
not have designs, names, symbols or numbers.
Mayor Phelps asked Mr. Hendricks if he is familiar with the three
conditions recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Mr. Hendricks replied he is familiar with the conditions.
Mr. Escalante stated the issue of what is cosmetic tattooing is not well
defined. He stated in order to facilitate this operation and avoid the
difficulties that can occur with other types of tattooing, he stated
signage is the key. It clearly defines what this service is versus other
kinds of tattoo requests the City may receive under this ordinance.
Volume 77, page 28
Mr. Escalante stated a definition has been included in the specific use
permit. It is general in nature, but the City has attempted to address
some of the concerns relative to this type of business through the
restrictions of signage.
Mayor Pro Tern Davis asked Mr. Hendricks if there would be tattoo
removal.
Mr. Hendricks replied no, the business just applies cosmetic tattooing.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilman Moses,
seconded by Councilman Grubbs, all voting "aye, "-approved the
following captioned Ordinance No. 2372 and the Specific Use Permit for
a tattoo studio at 14200 Midway Road, Suite 107 with three conditions
recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS,
AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS, AS HERETOFORE
AMENDED, SO AS TO GRANT A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT FOR A
TATTOO STUDIO AT 14200 MIDWAY ROAD, SUITE 107,
LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF MIDWAY ROAD
APPROXIMATELY 960 FEET NORTH OF SPRING VALLEY ROAD
AND WITHIN THE LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICT;
PROVIDING 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 AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
C.4 DISCUSSION BY PATSY LEINS AND HILL NORVELL CONCERNING A
RESIDENTIAL UTILITY BILL.
Ms. Patsy Leins and Mr. Hill Norvell, 3518 Brookline Lane, came before
the Council to appeal their October 13, 1997 water bill of $526 for the
use of 201,000 gallons of water. They made a short presentation which
chronicled the events leading to their appeal of the amount of the bill and
asked the Council to waive or reduce the amount.
Ms. Leins also recommended the adjustment procedure for routine
matters be changed. She suggested the adjustment be based on the "per
gallon" amount charged by the City of Dallas to Farmers Branch when an
excessive bill or use occurs without the homeowner's knowledge.
Mr. Pavageaux, Public Works Director, stated the water meter was
tested twice and there were no malfunctions. He also stated the meter
has been replaced.
Mr. John Boyle, City Attorney, stated in order to adjust the bill, the
Council would have to amend the ordinance.
Mayor Phelps asked the Council if they felt an adjustment should be
made on Ms. Leins and Mr. Norvell's water bill.
Volume 77, page 29
The City Council made no motion to adjustment this water bill.
Mayor Phelps stated that Mr. Norvell could get with the Finance Director
Mr. Cox to implement a payment plan on the water bill.
Mr. Norvell thanked the Council for allowing him to be able to pay the
$526 over an extended period of time. He also asked if something could
be done in case this happens again.
Mayor Phelps stated the City will look into this matter and staff would
survey other cities to see what their policy is in regards to similar
matters.
D.1 CONSIDER ORDINANCE NO. 2370 ISSUING THE ELECTION ORDER
CALLING FOR A CITY COUNCIL ELECTION FOR PLACE 1 AND PLACE 4
ON MAY 2, 1998 AND TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. On May 2, 1998 an
election for City Council Place 1 and Place 4 will be held at the Farmers
Branch Manske Library, 13613 Webb Chapel Road. Place 1 and Place 4
will serve a three year term.
Early voting will be held in city hall beginning April 15, 1998 and ending
April 28, 1998. The hours for early voting will be 8:00 a.m. to 5:00
p.m., Monday through Friday. The city hall will be open on Saturday,
April 25, 1998 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 26, 1998
from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the convenience of the citizens to vote
early.
In the event the Council wishes to enter into a joint election contract
with Dallas County, it will be necessary to amend the election order at a
later date.
Dallas County has a meeting scheduled with cities to discuss the election
contract on February 5, 1998. Dates for a runoff election will be
discussed at that meeting. At a subsequent meeting City Council can
establish a runoff date.
The City Secretary recommends the issuance of the Election Order by
adopting Ordinance No. 2370.
There being no discussion, a motion by Councilman Bird, seconded by
Mayor Pro Tern Davis, all voting "aye," adopted the following captioned
Ordinance 2370 issuing the Election Order calling for a City Council
Election for Place 1 and Place 4 to be held on May 2, 1998.
ORDER CALLING AN ELECTION FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS,
PLACE 1 AND PLACE 4.
D.2 CONSIDER ADOPTING ORDINANCE NO. 2373 APPROVING RETAIL
BASE RATE REDUCTIONS FOR TEXAS UTILITIES ELECTRIC COMPANY
AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Volume 77, page 30
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. TU Electric filed a
Petition and Statement of Intent to implement base rate reductions for
retail electric service in Farmers Branch.
The Petition states that TU will lower the base cost of electricity for
residential customers by 4 percent in 1998 effective January 1, 1998
and an additional 1.4 percent in 1999. Small and medium-sized
businesses would see rates drop 2 percent and all other customers could
get a 1 percent rate decrease for 1998.
Ordinance No. 2373 approves the rate reductions for the retail electric
service customers in Farmers Branch. It also authorizes an intervention
in the PUC proceeding. The City will intervene through a Steering
Committee of cities served by TU Electric. The purpose of the
intervention will be to advocate any and all appropriate rate relief and
oppose any provision that are found to be contrary to sound regulatory
and public policy.
Staff recommends adopting Ordinance No. 2373 which approves the
retail base rate reductions for Texas Utilities Electric Company, providing
an effective date and approving a most favored nation provision.
Mrs. Jean Hooker, Manager, TU Electric, 14400 Josey Lane, stated she
was present to discuss the rate decrease. She stated TU Electric will
lower the base cost for residential customers by 4 percent in 1998 and
an additional 1.4 percent in 1999.
Mrs. Hooker stated TU Electric feels these rates are fair to the
customers, shareholders and all concerned. She also stated it will lower
customer cost and provide regulatory certainty for two years and caps
rates.
Mrs. Hooker stated she would like to recommend the Council approve the
retail base rate reduction plan for Texas Utilities Electric Company.
Mayor Phelps asked Mrs. Hooker when this would reflect on citizen's
bills.
Mrs. Hooker replied it is in effect currently and residents would see a
reduction in their bill by the end of the month.
Councilman Bird asked if it was already in effect.
Mrs. Hooker replied it went into effect January 1, 1998.
Councilman Bird asked Mrs. Hooker what if the Council does not approve
the reduction.
Mrs. Hooker replied it became effective on the interim rate, and
continues after 90 days if the Council approves.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilman Grubbs,
seconded by Councilman Robbs, all voting, "aye," adopted the following
Volume 77, page 31
captioned Ordinance No. 2373 which approves the retail base rate
reductions for Texas Utilities Electric Company, providing an effective
date and approving a most favored nation provision
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING RETAIL BASE RATE REDUCTIONS
FOR TEXAS UTILITIES ELECTRIC COMPANY, PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE, APPROVING A MOST FAVORED NATION
PROVISION, FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING
AT WHICH THIS ORDINANCE IS PASSED IS OPEN TO THE
PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
D.3 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 98-013 AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH GALLAGHER
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY RELATIVE TO CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE NEW SENIOR CENTER AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. There is $2,200,000
allocated for a new Senior Center in the Capital Improvements Program.
To date a Master Plan has been completed and approved by Council, and
the Architect is presently working on the detail design and the
compilation of plans and specifications.
During the January 5, 1998 Study Session, staff recommended to
Council that a Construction Manager rather than a General Contractor be
contracted to oversee the construction of the new Senior Center.
Council agreed and directed staff to return with a construction
management recommendation and contract for review.
Staff sent Requests for Qualifications to seventeen construction
management firms. Seven submittals were received. Representatives
from four firms were interviewed. Staff recommends that Gallagher
Construction Company be contracted for construction management
services at a not to exceed amount of $255,000 for the Senior Center
project.
The Director of the Parks and Recreation Department recommends
adopting Resolution No. 98-013 authorizing the City Manager to execute
a contract with Gallagher Construction Company relative to construction
management services for the new Senior Center.
Mayor Pro Tern Davis asked if this fee was in the normal realm of what
other cities are charged for a construction manager.
Mr. Escalante replied it was within the range of what other cities are
charged. He stated school districts have used construction managers for
a long time and the City has checked with the cities of Rowlett and
Grapevine. He stated this is relatively new for cities and the cost of
construction management services varies based on a project cost.
Mr. Escalante stated the City is not looking for the low bid, but a quality
construction manager that will work with the City on value engineering
and securing specialty subcontractors. The City needs a construction
Volume 77, page 32
manager who gives the City a cost effective building that will move
forward smoothly through professional construction management
services.
Mayor Phelps stated the construction manager will be working for the
City of Farmers Branch. If the City hires a contractor, he would be
working for himself. Mayor Phelps stated the cost would be off set by
an improved process since the construction manager would be working
for the City.
Mr. Escalante reviewed the positive aspects of the City employing a
construction manager.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilman Moses,
seconded by Councilman Bird, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution No.
98-013 authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with
Gallagher Construction Company relative to construction management
services for the new Senior Center.
D.4 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 98-016 AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH LEEDS CLARK FOR REPAIR, PREPARATION AND
PAINTING OF EXTERIOR OF THE 1891 CHURCH AND 1900 SCHOOL
HOUSE IN THE HISTORICAL PARK AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The 1891 Church
was relocated to the Historical Park in 1985 from Renner, Texas and was
restored in 1988. The 1900 Farmers Branch School House, built around
1900 near the intersection of Valley View and Dennis Lanes, was
relocated to the Historical Park in 1985. The School was restored in
1991.
Both the Church and School are in need of exterior repair and painting.
The type of restoration work needed for historic buildings requires
specialized treatment to maintain both their historical integrity and to
insure the durability of the work completed. Leeds Clark, restoration
consultant, is one of a few skilled professional historic restoration firms
recommended by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Leeds
Clark has submitted a proposal to perform the necessary work on the
Church and School for a total of $56,806.
Staff recommends proceeding with repairs and painting as outlined by
Leeds Clark for an amount not to exceed $56,806. Funds in the amount
of $59,000 are available for contract painting projects in the 1997-98
Historical Park Building Maintenance Account.
The Director of the Parks and Recreation Department recommends
adopting Resolution No. 98-016 authorizing the City Manager to execute
a Professional Services Agreement with Leeds Clark for the repair,
preparation and painting of the Church and School in an amount not to
exceed $56,806.
Volume 77, page 33
1
There being no discussion, a motion by Councilman Grubbs, seconded by
Councilman Robbs, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution No. 98-016
authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services
Agreement with Leeds Clark for the repair, preparation and painting of
the Church and School in an amount not to exceed $56,806.
D.5 CONSENT.
D.6 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 98-018 AUTHORIZING THE
PURCHASE OF TEN PORTABLE RADIOS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Mayor Phelps presented the following information. A total of
$34,200.00 is budgeted in the 1997/98 fixed asset fund for the
purchase of ten(10) portable radios. These radios are needed to replace
older radios that are reaching the end of their service life.
Radio Communications for the Fire Department are provided by contract
through the City of Carrollton's Motorola Smartnet, 800 MHz trunked
radio system. The main radio system is owned and maintained by the
City of Carrollton. The Farmers Branch Fire Department must purchase
the portable and mobile radios that interface with the system.
1
Motorola Factory Direct Sales is the sole source for the purchase of the
Smartnet portable radios that are needed by the Fire Department.
Motorola Factory Direct Sales has quoted a total price of $34,300.00 to
provide ten(10) portable radios. The additional $100.00 will be taken
from the fixed asset fund.
Councilman Moses asked what is done with the old radios.
Fire Chief King stated the old radios will still be maintained and used for
special events as long as they are serviceable.
There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilman Moses,
seconded by Councilman Bird, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution No.
98-018 authorizing the purchase of ten(10) portable radios from
Motorola Factory Direct Sales in the amount of $34,300.00.
D.7 CONSIDER COUNCIL TRAVEL REPORTS AND REQUESTS AND TAKE
THE APPROPRIATE ACTION
Mr. Escalante stated he would be attending a Board Meeting with the
Texas City Management Association at the end of the week.
Mayor Pro Tern Davis stated she has been asked to serve as a member
of the TML Legislative Policy Committee on Public Safety. She stated
this would require two or three trips to Austin.
Mayor Phelps asked the dates of the meetings.
Volume 77, page 34
Mayor Pro Tern Davis replied Friday, March 27, and if she is appointed
to a subcommittee the dates would be mid June or July and October,
1998.
A motion by Councilman Moses, seconded by councilman Bird, all
voting "aye," approved travel for Mayor Pro Tern Davis to Austin to
serve on the TML Legislative Policy Committee on Public Safety.
D.8 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
No one came forward.
MAYOR PHELPS ANNOUNCED THAT THE ITEMS ON THE AGENDA FOR THE
EXECUTIVE SESSION WERE DISCUSSED IN THE 4:30 P.M. STUDY SESSION.
MAYOR PHELPS EXPLAINED THE CITY COUNCIL CONVENED INTO
EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:40 P.M. AND CONCLUDED AT 7:30 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.1 a DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITIONS - TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE -
SECTION 551.072
1. DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2435
VALLEY VIEW LANE.
2. DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITION IN AN AREA BOUNDED BY TOM
FIELD, EPPS FIELD AND DANNY LANE.
3. DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY LOCATED IN OLD
FARMERS BRANCH.
Mayor Phelps and members of the City Council discussed possible land
acquisitions.
E.1 b RECEIVE STAFF REPORT ON THE PROCEDURES USED IN POLICE
INVESTIGATIONS - TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE - SECTION 551.075
Mayor Phelps stated staff gave a report on the procedures used in police
investigations.
E.2 CONSIDER NECESSARY ACTION ON LAND ACQUISITION DISCUSSED
IN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Mayor Phelps called for necessary on land acquisition.
Volume 77, page 35
A motion by Councilman Grubbs, a second by Councilman Robbs, all
voting "aye", approved the deposit of $60,000 into the Dallas County
court registry or in lieu authorized the City Manager to extend a $60,000
offer to the property owners to acquire the property addressed as 2435
Valley View Lane.
A motion by Deputy Mayor Pro Tern Bird, a second by Councilman
Moses, all voting "aye", authorized City staff to proceed with the
purchase of the property addressed as 12928 Epps Field Road, and the
property addressed as 12934 Epps Field Road for a purchase price not to
exceed 5% of the appraised value.
Mayor Phelps reported City Manager Richard Escalante gave an update on
possible land acquisition located in Old Farmers Branch.
E.3 CONSIDER STAFF REPORT ON THE PROCEDURES USED IN POLICE
INVESTIGATIONS.
Mayor Phelps reported Police Chief Jimmy Fawcett gave a report on the
procedures used in police investigations.
F.1 ADJOURNMENT.
A motion by Councilman Grubbs, a second by Councilman Moses, all
voting "aye", adjourned the City Council meeting of February 2, 1998,
at 9:21 p.m.
Mayor
City Secretary
Volume 77, page 36