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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2006-07-24 Minutes MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, HELD IN THE CITY HALL, 7301 NORTHEAST LOOP 820 - JULY 24, 2006 WORK SESSION The City Council of the City of North Richland Hills, Texas met in work session on the 24th day of July, 2006 at 6:15 p.m. in the Pre-Council Room prior to the 7:00 regular Council meeting. Present: Oscar Trevino Suzy Compton David Whitson Scott Turnage Tim Barth Tim Welch Staff Members: Larry J. Cunningham Richard Torres Ogden Bo Bass Karen Bostic Patricia Hutson Monica Solko George Staples Mary Edwards John Pitstick Eric Wilhite Larry Koonce Mike Curtis John Lynn Mike Rawson Thomas Powell Vickie Lottice Debbie Durko Jo Ann Stout Richard Abernethy Absent: John Lewis Ken Sapp Call to Order Mayor Councilwoman Councilman Councilman Councilman Councilman City Manager Assistant City Manager Assistant City Manager Managing Director Administrative/Fiscal Services City Secretary Assistant City Secretary City Attorney Public Information Officer Director of Planning & Development Chief Planner Finance Director Public Works Director Assistant Police Chief - Admin. Assistant Fire Chief - Operations Support Services Director Parks & Recreation Director Court Administrator Neighborhood Services Director Asst. to the City Manager Mayor Pro Tem Councilman Mayor Trevino called the work session to order at 6:16 p.m. A.O Discuss Items from Reaular City Council Meetina City Council Minutes July 24, 2006 Page 2 Mayor Trevino asked if there were any questions or need of clarification on any agenda item. Being none, the Mayor commented that he wanted to commend the City Manager and staff at the City, along with the police department and fire department for the rating received in Money Magazine. Larry Cunningham, City Manager, stated it was team effort from council and staff. B.1 IR 2006-075 Litter NOT & Neiqhborhood LOOKS Program Jo Ann Stout, Director of Neighborhood Services, presented a PowerPoint presentation explaining that the Neighborhood Services Department was committed to enhancing neighborhoods, assisting individuals in need, and gaining citizen support in maintaining a clean and healthy environment. The department took several current programs and combined them into one program called P.E.A.C.E. (Public Participation, Education and Assistance for a Cleaner Environment) with the addition of two new programs. The current programs include: The Neighborhood Initiative Program, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Adopt-a-Spot, and the two new programs are the Litter NOT Program and Neighborhood LOOKS Program. The Neighborhood LOOKS Program will allow the City to partner with citizens and local businesses to make a better environment to live in. Neighborhood Services Department will hold workshops to educate the citizens and businesses on "common code violations", the required notification process for ensuring due process and other mandated requirements for collecting evidence and violation verifications. They are hoping to gain enough support to identify "block captains" to monitor and report violations throughout the year. The Litter NOT Program will identify public and private areas within our community where litter repeatedly accumulates and becomes an eye sore. Keep NRH Beautiful will solicit community involvement and identify and monitor these areas to ensure that these areas are maintained litter free by volunteers. B.2 I R 2006-083 Demonstration of AutoCITE Handheld Ticket Writer Officer Rodney McCrory of the Police Department, demonstrated the new handheld ticket writer. This year Council authorized the replacement and upgrade of the original AutoCITE units. In June, the Police Department became the first police department in the country to begin using the upgraded version of the AutoCITE. The new smaller, lighter units have the same citation writing ability, but they also have enhanced technology that allows the officers to perform their jobs more efficiently and effectively. The new units have color displays which provide enhanced viewing eliminating glare for less data entry errors; have built in digital cameras that can be used for work accidents and to identify violators who are without proper identification; it also includes a bar code reader which can read out-of-state driver's licenses and voice recorders which can be utilized to record specific statements made by a violator during the stop. He explained at the end of the day the ticket writers are placed on a port, downloaded and sent over to Municipal Court for processing. The pictures and voice recordings will be printed attached to the citation. This will ensure those violators without identification from stating they were not driving at the time of the incident. City Council Minutes July 24, 2006 Page 3 B.3 IR 2006-084 Vehicle Exhaust Extraction Systems for Fire Stations # 2 & 3 Mike Rawson, Assistant Fire Chief of Operations, presented a PowerPoint presentation briefing the City Council on Vehicle Exhaust Extraction System for Fire Stations #2 and #3. He explained that diesel exhaust fumes have been shown to contain carcinogens in both gaseous and particulate forms. The exhaust extraction system removes the harmful diesel fumes using source capture hoses attached to the vehicle's exhaust pipe. The Fire Department applied for a 2005 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (FIRE Act Grant) for firefighter health and safety initiatives. The grant request was approved in the amount of $124,002. The City's share of the project cost is $31,000. In accordance with the grant requirements, the project must be completed by October 20, 2006. The Fire Department has identified residual monies remaining in another Public Safety project that can be used to fund the City's share of the exhaust extraction system project. C.O Adjournment Mayor Trevino announced at 6:47 p.m. that the Council would adjourn to the regular Council meeting. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING A.O. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Trevino called the meeting to order July 24,2006 at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Oscar Trevino Suzy Compton Tim Barth David Whitson Scott Turnage Tim Welch Mayor Councilwoman Councilman Councilman Councilman Councilman Staff: Larry J. Cunningham Ogden Bo Bass Richard Torres Patricia Hutson City Manager Assistant City Manager Assistant City Manager City Secretary City Council Minutes July 24, 2006 Page 4 Monica Solko George Staples Assistant City Secretary Attorney Absent: John Lewis Ken Sapp Mayor Pro Tem Councilman A.1 INVOCATION Councilman Barth gave the invocation. A.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilman Barth led the pledge of allegiance. A.3 SPECIAL PRESENT A TION{S) AND RECOGNITION{S) Ms. Kathy Luppy, Keep NRH Beautiful Commission Member and Councilman Turnage recognized the July Yard of the Month recipients: Dewitt Smith, 4029 Diamond Loch East, Charles R. Craft, 6725 Victoria Avenue, Ben & Shirl Benton, 6348 Meadow Lakes Drive, Dianna Isaccs, 7608 Palomar, Jeff & Janet DeHoogh, 6116 Roaring Springs Dr.. Marta Benavides, 7125 Cook Circle, Vance and Sandy Pennington, 7905 Country Oak Drive, Gary and Jo Davis, 7501 Brockwood, Marty & Linda Winn, 7604 Oak Knoll. The recipient of the Business Landscape award was Wells Fargo, Jeff Nickerson, Manager, 6700 Iron Horse Boulevard A.4 CITIZENS PRESENTATION Ms. Laverne O'Steen, 8429 Emerald Circle, presented pictures of a failing retaining wall and a section of loose wrought iron fencing on the retaining wall in the Emerald Lakes area and commented this was her 1 ih citizen presentation on the subject matter. Ms. O'Steen commented on concerns associated with the Emerald Lakes. A.5 REMOVAL OF ITEM{S) FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA Councilman Welch removed item B-4 from the Consent Agenda. City Council Minutes July 24, 2006 Page 5 B.O APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS APPROVED B1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JUNE 15,2006 COUNCIL WORK SESSION. B2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 10, 2006 CITY COUNCIL MEETING. B3. GN 2006-063 APPROVE CONTRACT WITH TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES FOR ON-LINE COMPUTER SERVICES FOR REMOTE VITAL STATISTIC ACCESS B4. REMOVED B5. PU 2006-051 AWARD BID FOR THE 2006 PUMP STATIONS ELECTRICAL MODIFICATIONS PROJECT TO C&M ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $57,896 B6. PU 2006-049 AUTHORIZE CONTRACT EXTENSION FOR AQUATIC CHEMICAL SUPPLIES TO D.C.C. INC. - RESOLUTION NO. 2006-057 B7. PW 2006-025 APPROVE AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH TARRANT COUNTY FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF NORTH TARRANT PARKWAY MAINTENANCE - RESOLUTION NO. 2006-063. COUNCILMAN WELCH MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. COUNCILMAN TURNAGE SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 5-0. B.4 PW 2006-027 APPROVE CITY-DEVELOPER AGREEMENT WITH PHIFER/HOGAN REAL TV LLP FOR IMPACT FEE REIMBURSEMENT FOR AN 8-INCH WATER MAIN LOCATED IN THE COUNTRY PLACE ESTATES ADDITION - RESOLUTION NO. 2006-064 APPROVED Councilman Welch advised he was the engineer of record for the project and would abstain from discussion and voting. City Council Minutes July 24, 2006 Page 6 An affidavit of disqualification has been completed by Councilman Welch and filed with the City Secretary stating the nature of the interest was professional engineer of record. COUNCILMAN WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION No. 2006-064. COUNCILWOMAN COMPTON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 4-0; COUNCILMAN WELCH ABSTAINING. PUBLIC HEARINGS C.1 GN 2006-064 PUBLIC HEARING AND ACTION ON ORDINANCE NO. 2895 AMENDING SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE AND ZONING ORDINANCE PROVISIONS ON BUILDING PERMITS FOR UNPLATTED PROPERTY, REGULATIONS FOR THE AG AND R-1-S DISTRICTS, SETBACKS IN THE OC, 0-1, NS, CS AND HC DISTRICTS AND HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS IN R-1, R-1-S, R-2 AND R-3 DISTRICTS. APPROVED Mayor Trevino opened the public hearing. John Pitstick, Director of Planning and Development, gave a summary of the text revision made to the Ordinance. The Planning and Zoning Commission have been working on cleaning up the Subdivision and Zoning Ordinance and the following minor changes are the result of their hard work. These changes include the subdivision provisions concerning building permits on unplatted property; revising the definition for farm, ranch, garden or orchard; prohibiting dwellings in AG districts and requiring a special use permit for accessory buildings in the AG district; establishing a maximum lot coverage for accessory buildings in AG and R-1-S districts; changing the maximum height of structures in R-1, R-1-S, R-2 and R-3 districts; eliminating the requirement for certain oversize side building setbacks in the OC, 0-1, NS, CS and HC districts except where such districts abut areas designated on the Comprehensive Plan for residential use. Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed and approved the Ordinance with one change to Table 4-2, footnote 7 to read "lots which have structures exceeding 38 feet in height are required to have a minimum of twenty (20) feet on both side yards". The following revisions are driven directly by property owners of Agricultural property who want to restrict uses to prohibit major agricultural activities by commercial businesses. Mayor Trevino called for anyone wishing to speak in favor of the changes to come forward. Ken Jendel, 8017 Valley Drive, came forward. He stated at one time a gentleman out of California who owned several commercial grocery stores put a contract on a house directly behind him. The intent of the gentleman was to build two 5,000 sf. greenhouses City Council Minutes July 24, 2006 Page 7 with lights that would run 24 hours a day 7 days week. At that time, he came to the City looking for help with the situation. He spoke with the Chief Planner in Planning and Inspections Department and also spoke with the Mayor. The situation was resolved. He thanked everyone for their hard work and clarification on the Ordinance. Mayor Trevino called for anyone wishing to speak against the changes to come forward. Being none, Mayor Trevino closed the public hearing and called for the motion. COUNCILMAN WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE No. 2895 WITH THE CHANGE REQUESTED BY P&Z COMMISSION ON TABLE 4-2, FOOTNOTE 7 TO READ "LOTS WHICH HAVE STRUCTURES EXCEEDING 38 FEET IN HEIGHT ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A MINIMUM OF TWENTY (20) FEET ON BOTH SIDE YARDS". COUNCILMAN BARTH SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 5-0. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT NO ITEMS FOR THIS CATEGORY. NONE. PUBLIC WORKS E.1 PW 2006-021 APPROVE A REVISED LOCAL PROJECT ADVANCE FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS AT THE INTERSECTION OF DAVIS BOULEVARD (FM 1938) AND MID-CITIES BOULEVARD - RESOLUTION NO. 2006-059 APPROVED Mike Curtis, Director of Public Works, summarized the item. This item and the next two items E.2, and E.3 were all previously approved by City Council and were coming before them for the similar reasons. On April 24, 2006, the City Council approved a Local Project Advance Funding Agreement (LPAFA) with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for improving the intersection of Davis Boulevard (FM 1938) and Mid-Cities Boulevard. TxDOT recently notified the City that previously incorrect versions of the agreement were inadvertently sent to the City. The flaws have been corrected and the new agreements are ready for execution. COUNCILMAN TURNAGE MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION No. 2006-059. COUNCILWOMAN COMPTON SECONDED THE MOTION. City Council Minutes July 24, 2006 Page 8 MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 5-0. E.2 PW 2006-022 APPROVE A REVISED LOCAL PROJECT ADVANCE FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF RUFE SNOW DRIVE FROM 100 FEET NORTH OF HIGHTOWER DRIVE TO MID-CITIES BOULEVARD - RESOLUTION NO. 2006-060 APPROVED Mike Curtis, Director of Public Works, stated as with the previous item TxDOT recently notified the City that incorrect versions of these documents (the LPAFA) were inadvertently sent. City Council had approved the Local Project Advance Funding Agreement (LPAFA) with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for the reconstruction of Rufe Snow Drive from Hightower Drive to Mid-Cities Boulevard on April 24, 2006. TxDOT has corrected the agreement with only one substantial change in the first "Whereas clause" which now indicates that a Master Agreement between the City and the State is on file with the state. This agreement is ready for execution. COUNCILMAN WELCH MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION No. 2006-060. COUNCILMAN TURNAGE SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 5-0. E.3 PW 2006-023 APPROVE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE EXPANSION AND RE- STRIPING OF DAVIS BOULEVARD (FM 1938) FROM 5 TO 7 LANES FROM EMERALD HILLS WAY TO STARNES ROAD - RESOLUTION NO. 2006-061 APPROVED Mike Curtis, Director of Public Works, presented the item. As with the previous two items, on April 24, 2006, the City Council approved a Local Project Advance Funding Agreement (LPAFA) with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for the expansion and re-striping of Davis Boulevard from 5 to 7 lanes from Emerald Hills Way to Starnes Road. Recently, TxDOT notified staff that due to certain peculiarities of this project, this project would not need a LPAFA and could proceed using TxDOT's Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Since TxDOT staff made the error, the State would allow the City to continue with the approved LPAFA or approve the MOU. Proceeding with an MOU on this project, instead of a LPAFA is advantageous to the City for various reasons. The City would not have to pay any funds up front, pay for any City Council Minutes July 24, 2006 Page 9 of TxDOT's inspection fees, conduct any environmental assessments, or pay any amount towards construction if the City elects to go with the MOU. Staff is requesting approval for the MOU. COUNCILMAN TURNAGE MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION No. 2006-061. COUNCILMAN WHITSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 5-0. GENERAL ITEMS F.1 PU 2006-050 AWARD BID TO YAMAHA GOLF CAR COMPANY FOR THE LEASE OF GOLF CARS FOR IRON HORSE GOLF COURSE - RESOLUTION NO. 2006-058 APPROVED Larry Koonce, Director of Finance, presented the item. As part of the planning and program of services for Fiscal Year 2005-2006, the Golf Course is replacing the golf car fleet. The current fleet is at the end of a 48-month lease. The plan is to have new cars in service when the Golf Course re-opens in September at the same time the greens replacement project is completed. Due to constant wear and tear on golf cars, the 36- month lease is preferable to the 48-month lease. The city plans to return the cars to the selected vendor at the end of the lease period, at which time a new fleet would then be obtained for an additional lease period. The City solicited bids for 88 golf cars, 2 utility vehicles and a shuttle vehicle. Yamaha Golf Car Company's bid meets specifications and is the low bid for a 36-month lease. Yamaha will also guarantee the buy-back of the cars at the end of the lease period. They have also indicated the delivery date of September 1 st, as stated in the bid. COUNCILWOMAN COMPTON MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION No. 2006-058. COUNCILMAN WHITSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 5-0. F2. GN 2006-066 CONSIDERATION OF RETAINING THE OFFICIAL NAME OF NORICH PARK - RESOLUTION NO. 2006-065 APPROVED City Council Minutes July 24, 2006 Page 10 Richard Torres, Assistant City Manager, presented the item. The Naming Board convened on July 10, 2006 to consider issues related to making recommendations for the naming of various parks. Currently Norich Park has been under major renovations with new play equipment, a walking trail, parking and a new park theme of dinosaurs. Because of the new appearance, it was thought that it would be appropriate to consider a new name similar to the policy for naming new parks within the community. After considerable discussion about the potential for renaming Norich Park, it was discussed that the name "Norich" was derived through a city-wide contest in 1973. Due to the extensive and high profile naming contest that was held, it was thought that it might be appropriate to retain this name and not make any changes. Councilwoman Compton, Chair of the Naming Board, added that because of the history and the way the name of the park came about the committee felt that the name should stay as is. COUNCILWOMAN COMPTON MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION No. 2006-065. COUNCILMAN WELCH SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 5-0. F3. GN 2006-067 CONSIDERATION OF DESIGNATING AN OFFICIAL NAME FOR GOODE PLACE NEIGHBORHOOD PARK - RESOLUTION NO. 2006-066 APPROVED Richard Torres, Assistant City Manager, presented the item. The Naming Board convened on July 10, 2006 to consider issues related to making recommendations for the naming of various parks. Goode Place Neighborhood Park is an unofficial name that has been used for several years on a future neighborhood park site. The park is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. A variety of names were considered from a list of early founders or citizens who have contributed to the development of our city through their leadership, economic development or social significance. By a unanimous vote of the Naming board, the recommendation is for the Goode Place Neighborhood Park to be officially changed to "Ace" Park in recognition of the early contributions made by Mr. Kenneth "Ace" Nace to the City of North Richland Hills. Ace Nace was the third Mayor of the City of North Richland Hills from 1957-1958. During his term he hired the first City Secretary for the City. He had previously served on the citizen's committee that initiated the movement to incorporate the town. In the late 1990's he served on the Historical Committee which assisted a historian in writing "The History of North Richland Hills" published in 1998. In his private life Ace was an American Airlines pilot from 1940 to 1978 and logged more City Council Minutes July 24, 2006 Page 11 than 4 million air miles during his career. He also owned two local gas stations. Ace passed away in May 2001 at the age of 83. Councilwoman Compton, Chair of the Naming Board, added that the board really enjoyed discussing the naming of this particular park. The board felt that by naming the park "Ace" Park it would give the citizens an opportunity to find out who this person was and how important he was to our city. The park name was kept short because Ace was the name that Mr. Kenneth "Ace" Nace went by. There will also be a plaque located close to the signage giving the history of who Mr. Kenneth "Ace" Nace was and what he did for the community. COUNCILWOMAN COMPTON MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION No. 2006-066. COUNCILMAN WHITSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 5-0. F4. GN 2006-065 CONTRACT AUTHORIZING PASS-THROUGH STATE GRANT AGREEMENT FOR THE NORTHEAST TRANSPORTATION SERVICE - RESOLUTION NO. 2006-056 APPROVED Richard Abernethy, Assistant to the City Manager, presented the item. A contract proposal between the City of North Richland Hills and the Texas Department of Transportation has been received providing for the continuation of State funding for the Northeast Transportation Service (NETS). The City is acting as a pass-through conduit for the grant funds. No City funding is required to administer the contract. The NETS program provides on-call transportation service to the elderly and disabled in seven Northeast Tarrant County Cities including Bedford, Euless, Grapevine, Keller, Haltom- City, Hurst and North Richland Hills. The primary focus of the service is to provide transportation to places of employment and medical appointments. The contract for the grant agreement becomes effective September 1, 2006 and expires August 31, 2007. This contract requires no local match and will not effect the City's budgeted participation in the NETS program. The actual amount North Richland Hills will receive will not be finalized until the beginning August. However, the Texas Department of Transportation still requires us to approve and submit the state grant agreement to them no later than August 1, 2006. Last year the City received $116,134.00 from the Texas Department of Transportation and staff is hopeful the City will receive a similar amount for the coming year. City Council Minutes July 24, 2006 Page 12 COUNCILMAN WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION No. 2006-056. COUNCILMAN BARTH SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 5-0. F5. INFORMATION AND REPORTS - COUNCILWOMAN COMPTON Councilwoman Compton made the following announcements. The NRH Recreation Center will hold an open house on Saturday, July 29th, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 :30 p.m. Visitors can register for fall recreation programs, meet instructors and see class demonstrations. For more information, please call the Recreation Center at 817 -427 -6600. The Missoula Children's Theatre is scheduled to perform the "The Jungle Book" at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 29th, in the North Richland Hills Recreation Center. Admission is free. For more information, please call 817-427-6600. Residents are invited to meet the North Richland Hills Police Department on Saturday, August 5th, in the Wal-Mart parking lot at 9101 North Tarrant Parkway. Informational booths, vehicles, and equipment will be on display from 9 a.m. until noon. For more information, please call 817-427-7000. Kudos Korner - Paul Coutant, Parks Department -A North Richland Hills resident sent an e-mail thanking Paul for going above and beyond the call of duty when her son threw his glasses into the pond at Green Valley Park. Without hesitation, Paul went into the water to search for the glasses and after several dives they were found. The resident said it is heart warming to know that we have such caring employees on staff. She also added that recently in Money Magazine the City of North Richland Hills was listed in the top 100 cities (number 62) in the country in which people wanted to live, work and play. She stated she was very proud for the recognition. The Mayor added that he wanted to thank the staff of the City of North Richland Hills for all they do for the city and for making it possible to be in top 100 places to live. F.6. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Trevino adjourned the meeting at 8:07 p.m. City Council Minutes Ju 24, 2006 e 13