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1998-03-02 CC MinutesCITY OF FARMERS BRANCH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MARCH 2, 1998 COUNCIL CHAMBER CITY HALL 7:30 P.M. The following members of the City Council were present: Mayor Mayor Pro Tern Councilmembers Bob Phelps Calla Davis Charlie Bird Bill Moses James Robbs The following members of the City Council were absent: Berry Grubbs The following members of the City Administration were present: City Manager Assistant City Manager Assistant City Manager City Attorney City Secretary Communication Director Economic Development Director Director of Community Services Director of Planning City Engineer Director of Equipment Services Director of Finance Director of Parks & Recreation Library Director Police Chief Fire Chief Director of Public Works Assistant to the City Manager Traffic Engineer Recording Secretary Richard L. Escalante Linda Groomer John F. Burke John Boyle Cindee Peters Donna Huerta Norma Nichols Tom Scales Michael Spicer Jerry Murawski Don Moore Charles Cox Jeff Fuller Mary Jane Stevenson Jimmy Fawcett Kyle King Mark Pavageaux Margaret Somereve Dave Davis Suzanne Reynolds Mayor Phelps called the City Council Meeting of March 2, 1998 to order at 7:32 P.M. The meeting was televised. A.1 INVOCATION. Mr. Ed Bonneau, resident of Farmers Branch, gave the invocation and Councilman Bird led the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Volume 77, page 42 A.2 CONSIDER PROCLAIMING MARCH 1 - 7, 1998 AS SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK IN FARMERS BRANCH. Mayor Phelps read the proclamation and proclaimed March 1 - 7, 1998 as "Severe Weather Awareness Week" in Farmers Branch, Texas. A.3 REPORT ON STATUS OF CARROLLTON-FARMERS BRANCH BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB. Mayor Phelps presented the following information. This item was placed on the agenda at the request of Councilman Jim Robbs. Newly elected Carrollton-Farmers Branch Boys and Girls Club Chairman, Stan Hampton, would like to provide Council with a verbal report on the Club. Mr. Hampton gave a presentation on the future status and plans of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Boys and Girls Club. He also thanked the Mayor and Council for their support and their dependability. Mayor Phelps stated the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Boys and Girls Club is a good organization and knows it will be the best. A.4 PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS. Mayor Phelps presented a fifteen year employee service award to Matt Gonzalez of the Public Works Department. Mayor Phelps presented a twenty year employee service award to Alvin Black of Community Services. 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.11. 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. Volume 77, page 43 A motion by Mayor Pro Tern Davis, seconded by Councilman Bird, all voting "aye," added item D.3 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 FEBRUARY 2, 1998. B.2 APPROVED MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETINGS OF FEBRUARY 19, 1998 AND FEBRUARY 23, 1998. B.3 APPROVED THE REQUEST BY D.W.J. PRINTING ENTERPRISES FOR FINAL PLAT APPROVAL OF BUCHANAN PRINTING ADDITION. B.4 APPROVED THE REQUEST BY FORUM-N.G.M, INC. AND MASSAD REALTY COMPANY FOR FINAL PLAT APPROVAL OF VILLAGE B.5 APPROVED THE REQUEST OF QUEBECOR PRINTING DALLAS L.P. FOR FINAL PLAT APPROVAL OF QUEBECOR ADDITION. B.6 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 98-026 APPROVING A DEVELOPER'S CONTRACT WITH QUEBECOR PRINTING DALLAS L.P. FOR QUEBECOR ADDITION. B.7 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 98-033 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH RON HOBBS ARCHITECTS FOR ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES RELATIVE TO THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF JAYCEE PARK RESTROOM/CONCESSION BUILDING, WARM-UP AREA, AND PARKING LOT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $19,000. B.8 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 98-027 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO AWARD BIDS FOR PURCHASE OF SMALL EQUIPMENT, A PULL BEHIND AERIFIER, AND A TOPDRESSER FOR THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT. . B.9 ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 2375 AMENDING CHAPTER 6, ARTICLE IV, SECTION 6-68 OF THE FARMERS BRANCH CODE OF ORDINANCES ENTITLED MAINTENANCE, IDENTIFICATION AND INSURANCE FOR DANGEROUS ANIMALS. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS, AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY AMENDING ARTICLE IV, SECTION 6-68 ENTITLED MAINTENANCE, IDENTIFICATION AND INSURANCE, AND BY PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE. Volume 77, page 44 B.10 ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 2374 GRANTING A LICENSE TO DALLAS SEMICONDUCTOR TO INSTALL AND OPERATE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND DATA COMMUNICATION CABLE WITHIN STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY. AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A LICENSE TO CONSTRUCT, INSTALL, OPERATE AND MAINTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS/DATA CABLE WITHIN A DEDICATED PUBLIC STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY TO DALLAS SEMICONDUCTOR; PROVIDING RESTRICTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS; PROVIDING AN ANNUAL FEE; PROVIDING FOR REVOCATION AND TERMINATION; PROVIDING FOR A HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT AND INSURANCE; PROVIDING FOR WRITTEN ACCEPTANCE BY THE LICENSEE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. B.1 1 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 98-023 APPROVING STREETS FOR INCLUSION IN THE STREET RESURFACING PROGRAM. D.3 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 98-020 AWARDING THE BIDS FOR WATER METERS AND STRAINERS FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS UTILITY DIVISION. Mayor Phelps read the Consent Agenda items to the home audience and home viewers. C.1 CITY MANAGER REPORTS. City Manager Richard Escalante presented an informative report on the status of various projects and activities in the City. C.2 CONSIDER ADOPTING ORDINANCE NO. 2377 IMPOSING A MORATORIUM ON ALL ZONING AMENDMENTS, SPECIFIC USE PERMITS, SITE PLAN APPROVALS, AND BUILDING PERMITS RELATIVE TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF STORAGE OR SALES WAREHOUSES AND DISTRIBUTION CENTERS NOT ALREADY EXISTING OR APPROVED WITHIN THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 24, PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 50, PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 61, PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 72, CERTAIN PARTS OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 70 AND CERTAIN PARTS OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 22, TAKING EFFECT MARCH 3, 1998 AND REMAINING IN EFFECT THROUGH JULY 6, 1998 AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Phelps presented the following information. Storage or sales warehouses and distribution centers are presently allowed as primary land uses by right in the PD-22, PD-24, PD-50, PD-61, PD-72 zoning districts and in the Freeway Sub-district of the PD-70 zoning district. These zoning districts encompass the majority of the land area Volume 77, page 45 comprising the west side of Farmers Branch and include key frontage areas on the Stemmons Freeway. Several of these districts include hundreds of acres of vacant land that likely could be developed with higher and better uses than warehousing of distribution centers. In fact, much of this undeveloped land is well suited for development of Class A office space and related uses. However, as allowable uses, storage or sales warehouses and distribution centers can be located on any property within the above referenced zoning districts subject to site plan review only. As a ministerial act, site plan review serves only to verify compliance with zoning standards and cannot be used as a means to consider the appropriateness of locations that may be developed for storage or sales warehouse uses or distribution center uses. The proposed moratorium would prevent the construction of any new storage or sales warehouse uses and distribution center uses that have not already been approved within the specified zoning districts while Staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission develop recommended regulations for City Council consideration. Mr. Escalante stated the Council heard a presentation on the City's 2010 project relative to the west side of Farmers Branch at the February 23, 1998 Special City Council meeting. He stated there are significant areas on the west side of Farmers Branch that have not been developed. This moratorium would give the Council and the public an opportunity to provide input to determine how these areas would be developed. Mr. Escalante stated a moratorium is being proposed that would allow an evaluation process to begin of various potential uses of the undeveloped property. Mr. Escalante stated if the ordinance is adopted, the City will be looking into what standards should be placed on warehouses. He also stated all property owners would be notified and the staff would come back to the Council in 30 days and report to the Council the property owners comments and views on the moratorium and warehouse development within this area. Mr. Escalante stated the undeveloped area is approximately the size of the entire commercial area on the east side of Farmers Branch. He believes there will be development on the west side within the next few years. Mayor Phelps stated a big portion of the area will develop soon. Mayor Phelps reiterated the landowners on the west side will be notified, there will be public hearings before any zoning is changed, and if the ordinance is passed there will be a four month moratorium. Mayor Pro Tern Davis stated she has concerns with limiting the uses of Volume 77, page 46 property without notifying property owners that have owned property for many years. Mayor Pro Tern Davis stated property owners should have input on the uses for the property and input into what types of development will be allowed. Mr. Escalante stated in reference to Mayor Pro Tem Davis' concerns on this item, if passed, will be brought back to the Council in 30 days. It will give staff time to contact property owners and bring this back to Council with the development community and property owners views. Mr. Escalante stated if there is any opposition to this item it will be reported to Council, so a decision can be made to continue the moratorium or to take some other interim action. Mayor Phelps stated the ordinance could be rescinded at that time. There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilman Robbs, seconded by Councilman Moses, all voting "aye," adopted the following captioned Ordinance No. 2377. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS, IMPOSING A MORTORIUM ON ALL ZONING AMENDMENTS, SPECIFIC USE PERMITS, SITE PLAN APPROVALS, AND BUILDING PERMITS RELATIVE TO THE CONSTRUCTIN OF STORAGE OR SALES WAREHOUSES AND DISTRICUTION CENTERS, NOT ALREADY EXISTING OR APPROVED, WITHIN THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT ZONING DISTRICT NO. 24 (PD-24), PLANNED DEVELOPMENT ZONING DISTRICT NO. 50(PD-50), PLANNED DEVELOPMENT ZONING DISTRICT NO. 61 (PD-61) PLANNED DEVELOPMENT ZONING DISTRICT NO. 72 (PD-72), CERTAIN PARTS OF THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT ZONING DISTRICT NO. 22 (PD-22) AND CERTAIN PARTS OF THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT ZONING DISTRICT NO. 70 (PD-70); TAKING EFFECT ON MARCH 3, 1998 AND REMAINING IN EFFECT THROUGH JULY 6, 1998. D.1 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 98-030 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH NATHAN D. MAIER CONSULTING ENGINEERS FOR THE EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION STUDY OF FARMERS BRANCH CREEK AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Phelps presented the following information. On November 17, 1997 staff was requested by Council to develop the objectives for a study to investigate the erosion and sedimentation along Farmers Branch Creek. Staff presented to Council on December 15, 1997 four main objectives for the study of the creek: 1. Determine the causes of erosion and sedimentation on public and private property along the creek from Denton Drive to the east side of the Wooded Creek Subdivision, which is located just east of Marsh Lane. 2. Determine the effect of development within the watershed since Volume 77, page 47 1986 on erosion and sedimentation. 3. Determine the effect of future development of large undeveloped tracts within the watershed on erosion and sedimentation. 4. Identify and discuss various methods to prevent erosion and sedimentation. Nathan D. Maier Consulting Engineers has been selected to perform the Erosion and Sedimentation Study of Farmers Branch Creek. Nathan D. Maier is proposing to perform the study for a Lump Sum Fee of $115,000. The scope of services was developed with input from representatives from the Farmers Branch Creek homeowners. The study is estimated to take 8 months to complete from the date of the Notice to Proceed. The study includes tasks to address all four of the previously mentioned objectives. However, the consultant has informed the City that the impact of development since 1986 on erosion and sedimentation cannot be accurately determined because the necessary historical data does not exist, such as the topography, vegetation, soil type, and flow in the creek. The study will be able to analyze the effect of development since 1986 on the amount of water flowing to the creek during theoretical design storms. The City Engineer recommends adopting Resolution No. 98-030 approving an agreement with Nathan D. Maier Consulting Engineers for the Erosion and Sedimentation Study of Farmers Branch Creek. Mr. Ross Bumphus, 13407 Veronica Circle, stated the creek has experienced a lot of erosion and sedimentation and feels this is the first step in taking care of the problem. Mr. Bumphus thanked the Council and stated the homeowners appreciated all the opportunities they had to meet with Mr. Escalante and staff. Mr. David Nighswonger, Project Manager, stated Mr. Bill Wallace and Dr. Peter Allen were two key people on the team that would be performing the study. Mr. Nighswonger explained the process in selecting Nathan Maier Consulting Engineers. He stated in December 1997, the four objectives were decided upon after consulting with homeowners and the Council. The City sent out nine requests for qualifications from engineering consulting firms. There were seven responses received and three firms were selected for interview. He stated Nathan D. Maier Consulting Engineers was selected because of (1) strong reputation and ability in hydraulic and hydrologic; (2) previous studies done for the City of Carrollton (erosion and sedimentation) and Valwood Improvement District; and (3) Dr. Peter Allen. Dr. Allen brings with him a wealth of knowledge, is a professor of geology at Baylor University, performs studies in erosion and sedimentation, and continues to do ongoing research in these two areas. Volume 77, page 48 Mr. Nighswonger stated he feels the City will receive a good study out of this design team. Mr. Bill Wallace of Nathan D. Maier gave a presentation on the seven tasks which included (1) review existing conditions; (2) field data; (3) hydrologic/hydraulic analyses; (4) erosion and sedimentation evaluation; (5) alternative analysis; (6) matrix evaluation; and (7) report phase. Mr. Wallace stated he would be available to answer any questions. Councilman Bird stated the study will cost twice as much as anticipated and he does not have a problem with that amount because of Nathan D. Maier Consulting Engineers credentials and the results his firm is expected to give the City. Councilman Bird asked when the creek will be walked, and if Nathan Maier Consulting Engineers will have a problem if selected homeowners walk the creek with their staff? Mr. Wallace replied he does not have a problem with this request but would not want a party of 20 to 30 people. He stated if one or two people wanted to walk the creek and provide a historical prospective, he thinks it would be beneficial. Councilman Bird asked if it would take eight months to complete the study. Mr. Wallace replied he believes it will take eight months. Councilman Bird asked if the study would take longer than eight months. Mr. Wallace replied there is a possibility but they will work hard not to let it happen. Councilman Bird asked if Council approves this study when will they begin. Mr. Wallace replied when Nathan D. Maier Consulting Engineers receives notice to proceed. Mr. William Glancy, 3808 Wooded Creek Drive, stated there was an in depth study conducted on the creek in the early 1980s and he would like to see this report available to the engineers. Mr. Jerry Murawski, City Engineer, stated he has a copy of the 1982 study along with a more in depth study done in 1987. He stated those studies were done for flooding to get the City in compliance with the National Flood Insurance program. Mr. Murawski stated the focus on this study is not flooding, its focus is Volume 77, page 49 on sedimentation and erosion. Mayor Phelps asked if the study was available and could Nathan D. Maier Consulting Engineers use it. Mr. Murawski replied yes. Mayor Pro Tern Davis stated when this project started she thought it would cost the City around $60,000 and now they are expanding the scope. She stated as she looks out into the audience she understands why citizens form city government. She feels that an individual cannot do this project alone but as a group it will get done. She also feels if the homeowners and the city work together they can come up with a solution. Mayor Phelps stated this will be an extensive study and hopefully will show solutions that can work and take care of the problems. Mayor Phelps thanked the audience for their attendance this evening. Mayor Pro Tern Davis stated there are many people who want a good study done and the city expects the very best. There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilman Moses, seconded by Councilman Robbs, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution No. 98-030 approving an agreement with Nathan D. Maier Consulting Engineers for the erosion and sedimentation study of Farmers Branch Creek for a lump sum fee of $115,000. Mayor Phelps announced that Councilman Gruobs was not in attendance. D.2 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 98-028 AWARDING THE BID FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF HOLBROOK DRIVE, HARRISBURG CIRCLE, WILMINGTON DRIVE, MOUNTVIEW DRIVE AND LINEVILLE DRIVE TO SYB CONSTRUCTION, INC. AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Phelps presented the following information. The reconstruction of Holbrook Drive, Harrisburg Circle, Wilmington Drive south of Valley View Lane, Mountview Drive east of Tom Field Road and Lineville Drive is budgeted in the 1997-98 Capital Improvement Program in the amount of $2,122,731. The proposed include replacement of the existing asphalt streets with concrete, construction of new sidewalks and driveway approaches, and replacement of water lines and sanitary sewer lines. Eight bids were received and opened on February 10, 1998. All bids met specifications. The low bid was received from SYB Construction, Inc. in the amount of $1,437,719. The contract time is 365 calendar days. SYB Construction, Inc.has provided adequate qualifications and references for similar work. Volume 77, page 50 The design of the project has cost $117,640. Materials testing is estimated at $20,000. A balance of $1,985,091 is available for construction. At a later date City staff will present the concept for entrance features at the Mountview Drive-Tom Field Drive intersection and the Lineville Drive-Farmers Branch Shopping Center entrance. The concepts will be consistent with the RTKL presentation concerning redevelopment of February 23, 1998. The City Engineer recommends adopting Resolution No. 98-028 awarding the bid for the reconstruction of Holbrook Drive, Harrisburg Circle, Wilmington Drive south of Valley View Lane, Mountview Drive east of Tom Field Road and Lineville Drive to SYB Construction, Inc. in the amount of $1,437,719. Mayor Pro Tern Davis asked if all the streets would have sidewalks. Mr. David Omdahl, Project Engineer, replied there is an area on the southside of Mountview that will not have sidewalks because the residents had requested not to have sidewalks. There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilman Bird, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Davis, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution No. 98-028 awarding the bid for the reconstruction of Holbrook Drive, Harrisburg Circle, Wilmington Drive south of Valley View Lane, Mountview Drive east of Tom Field Road and Lineville Drive to SYB Construction, Inc. in the amount of $1,437,719. D.3 CONSENT. D.4 CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 98-022 AWARDING THE BID FOR THE PURCHASE OF A SUPPLY OF AGGREGATE MATERIALS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Phelps presented the following information. Requests for bids for the 1997-1998 supply of Aggregate Materials were mailed to seven vendors. Six bids were received and opened on January 27, 1998. The bid consisted of sandy loam, three different types of crushed limestone and lightweight sanding aggregate. The lowest bids received meeting specifications were from Shar Trucking, Marock Industries, Inc., Big City Crushed Concrete and TXI. Funds in the amount of $52,500.00 are available in the 1997-1998 Public Works budget to purchase these items. The Director of Public Works recommends that the 1997-1998 supply of aggregate materials be awarded to the lowest bidders meeting specifications for each item, Shar Trucking, Marock Industries, Inc., Big City Crushed Concrete and TXI. for a total payment not to exceed $52,500.00. Volume 77, page 51 There being no discussion, a motion by Councilman Robbs, seconded by Councilman Moses, all voting "aye", adopted Resolution No. 98-022 awarding the bids for the 1997-1998 supply of aggregate materials for a total payment not to exceed $52,500.00. D.5 CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 98-024 AWARDING FOR AN UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM AND EMERGENCY STANDBY GENERATING SYSTEM FOR THE FARMERS BRANCH JUSTICE CENTER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Phelps presented the following information. Bids from six vendors for the purchase of an uninterruptible power supply system and an emergency standby generating system for the Farmers Branch Justice Center were opened on February 9, 1998. The low bid meeting specifications for the uninterruptible power supply system was received from Tech Plan, Inc. in the amount of $38,238.60. The low bid for the emergency standby generating system was received from Waukesha-Pearce Industries, Inc. in the amount of $41,200.00; however, the system did not meet specifications. Stewart & Stevenson Services, Inc. submitted the next low bid in the amount of $43,273.00. Staff recommends awarding the bid for the uninterruptible power supply system to Tech Plan, Inc., in the amount of $38,238.60, and the bid for the emergency standby generating system to Stewart & Stevenson Services, Inc. in the amount of $43,273.00 for a total of $81,511.60. There is $80,000.00 budgeted for the uninterruptible power supply system and the emergency standby generating system in the Capital Improvements Fund budget for the Justice Center. The additional funds in the amount of $1,511.60 are available in tha Justice Center contingency fund budget for this project. Mayor Phelps explained the City Council learned what an uninterruptible power supply system is. There being no further discussion, a motion by Councilman Moses, seconded by Councilman Bird, all voting "aye," adopted Resolution No. 98-024 awarding the bid for the purchase of an uninterruptible power supply system to Tech Plan, Inc., in the amount of $38,238.60, and the bid for the emergency standby generating system to Stewart & Stevenson Services, Inc. in the amount of $43,273.00 for a total bid of $81,511.60. D.6 CONSIDER COUNCIL TRAVEL REPORTS AND REQUESTS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. Mayor Phelps discussed the February 11 - 16, 1998 Farmers Branch Sister City trip to Garbsen, Germany. He stated he and other officials from the City attended a dedication of Garbsen, Germany's new city Volume 77, page 52 hall. Mayor Phelps stated they toured the school system, a new shopping center, retail stores, senior centers, and took walking tours of new residential areas. Mayor Phelps stated the state of lower Saxony was preparing for Expo 2000 with possibly 44 million in attendance. Mayor Phelps stated the German officials were appreciative that Farmers Branch officials attended their city hall dedication. Mayor Phelps stated it was a very interesting and educational trip and he appreciates the opportunity to attend. Councilman Moses also stated once they arrived in Germany they immediately started with official business. Councilman Moses stated he visited a senior center which was built with lotto money and visited with other cities that were represented. He also got to visit with boy scouts after church on Sunday. Councilman Moses stated in discussion with officials from other countries it makes you feel fortunate to live in the United States because of other countries high unemployment and problems with infrastructure. Councilman Robbs stated they visited with officials in Hannover over some of the local Hannover problems. He stated they had a very educational meeting, and came back with a lot of ideas and experience. Mr. Escalante stated he attended a meeting in Austin for the Texas City Management Association Board. He stated he will be finishing his two year term on the Board in June and will need to attend one more meeting. Mr. Escalante stated he also travel to Germany with the Council. He stated they met with youths in the scouting programs and religious leaders about potential exchanges. He feels with our global economy it is important to have exchanges with other countries. He also provided scouting officials with e-mail addresses. There was then discussion concerning an exchange of a band group to perform in Farmers Branch and stay with Farmers Branch families. Mr. Escalante stated the Council would meet on this later in the week. Mr. Escalante stated he visited the site where the CeBIT Fair trade show is held in Hannover. He explained that Norma Nichols, Director of Economic Development, would be attending CeBIT later this month. He stated she will be attending with officials from R.F. Monolithics and Dallas SemiConductor. Mr. Escalante stated he has requested that Mrs. Nichols inquire about what business, cultural or tourism opportunities will be available during Expo 2000 to be held in the Hannover, Germany. Mayor Pro Tern Davis explained the CeBIT Fair has many buildings the size of the Dallas Convention Center. She stated CeBIT is an information/ communications fair and is filled with businesses from Volume 77, page 53 around the world. Mrs. Norma Nichols, Director of Economic Development, stated the CeBIT buildings are approximately seven million square feet. Mrs. Nichols stated this will be the third year for both Dallas SemiConductor and R.F. Monolithics to participate in the fair. Mrs. Nichols stated both companies have been very successful in marketing their products at the CeBIT Fair. She also stated the City hopes to incubate additional companies next year. D.7 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION. Mr. William Glancy, 3808 Wooded Creek Drive, stated he feels the Study Session should be broadcast in the evening for residents that are unable to attend the afternoon Study Session meetings. Mr. Glancy also expressed his concern with the fees the City charges residents. He especially feels the fees for the background check in connection with the Brady Bill for the licensing of handguns is not necessary. Mayor Phelps stated the Council cannot take any action but staff will respond to his concerns. Mr. Frank Benenate, 2975 Selma Lane, stated Southwestern Bell Telephone Company had left wire on the ground in the alley behind his house. He stated when he mows it could be very dangerous. He also stated there were other utility companies that leave scrap material behind. He feels something needs to be done about this before someone gets hurt. Mayor Phelps stated the City will contact the utility companies and caution them on this matter. 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 6:53 P.M. AND CONCLUDED AT 7:21 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 PERSONNEL MATTERS -TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE - SECTION 551.074 1. DISCUSS NAMING WOMAN OF THE YEAR. 2. DISCUSS MEMBERSHIP AND/OR APPOINTMENTS TO THE EDUCATIONAL TASK FORCE. Volume 77, page 54 J Mayor Phelps and members of the City Council discussed personnel matters. E.1 a DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITIONS - TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE - SECTION 551.072 1. DISCUSS LAND ACQUISITION OF FIVE ACRE TRACT IN AN AREA BOUNDED BY JOSEY LANE, FYKE ROAD AND ROLLINGDALE. Mayor Phelps and members of the City Council discussed possible land acquisition. E.2 CONSIDER NECESSARY ACTION ON PERSONNEL MATTERS DISCUSSED IN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION. Mayor Phelps reported the City Manager gave an update on membership of the Educational Task Force. No action is necessary. 1 E.3 CONSIDER NECESSARY ACTION ON LAND ACQUISITION DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. Mayor Phelps reported the City Manager gave an update on possible land acquisition of a five acre tract in an area bounded by Josey Lane, Fyke Road and Rollingdale. No action was necessary. F.1 ADJOURNMENT. A motion by Councilman Bird, a second by Councilman Robbs, all voting "aye", adjourned the City Council meeting of March 2, 1998, at 8:58 p.m. Mayor 1 t 6 ^ ~ /w 1 o~f City Secretary C Volume 77, page 55