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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2007-03-19 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 - MARCH 19, 2007 WORK SESSION The City Council of the City of North Richland Hills, Texas met in work session on the 19th day of March, 2007 at 5:45 p.m. in the Council Work Room prior to the 7:00 p.m. regular Council meeting. Present: Oscar Trevino John Lewis Ken Sapp Suzy Compton Tim Barth David Whitson Scott Turnage Tim Welch Staff Members: Larry J. Cunningham Richard Torres Ogden Bo Bass Karen Bostic Patricia Hutson Monica Solko George Staples Mary Edwards John Pitstick Larry Koonce Mike Curtis Eric Wilhite Drew Corn Vickie Lottice Chris Amarante Greg VanNeiuwenhuize Kirk Marcum Donna Wade Patrick Hillis Bryant Harvey Call to Order Mayor Mayor Pro Tem, Place 1 Council, Place 2 Council, Place 3 Council, Place 4 Council, Place 5 Council, Place 6 Council, Place 7 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 Finance Director Public Works Director Chief Planner Budget Director Parks & Recreation Director Construction Manager Public Works Assistant Director Assistant Fire Chief Auditor/Financial Analyst Human Resources Director Network Services Analyst Mayor Trevino called the work session to order at 5:47p.m. A.1 Discuss Items from Reaular Citv Council Meetina City Council Minutes March 19,2007 Page 2 There were no items discussed. A.2 IR 2007-037 Presentation on a Proposed Professional Services Aqreement to Prepare a Facility Master Plan Richard Torres, Assistant City Manager, presented a PowerPoint presentation. Mr. Torres explained that with the growth of the City, upcoming widening of 820 and the growing needs for some City departments; the City was in need of a new facility master plan. This plan would help ascertain specifically what our needs are today, what they will be in the future, the options we may have for making adjustments to facilities, and what the costs may be for exercising each of those options. Back in January the City advertised request for qualifications. The Beck Group was selected for contract negotiations based on their qualifications. Mr. Torres introduced Mike Murray, Nick Jarke and Bob Kuykendall with The Beck Group. Mr. Murray and Mr. Kuykendall presented a PowerPoint presentation showing pictures and giving a brief summary of projects they were working on or had worked on. These pictures included buildings such as South lake City Hall and Keller Town Hall. Atter their brief summary they were available to answer any questions the council might have. Councilman Turnage asked who they would be working with on a daily basis. Mr. Torres replied they would be working closely with the construction manager, the city manager staff and the affected departments for input on needs and functions of each. A3 I R 2007-033 Status Report on Capital I mprovement Projects Drew Corn, Budget Director, presented a PowerPoint presentation updating the Council on the status of six capital improvement projects. · North Tarrant Parkway (Davis Blvd. to Whitley Rd.) · Rufe Snow Drive (Mid-Cities Blvd. to Hightower Dr.) · Boulevard 26 Intersections (Glenview and Rufe Snow) . NRH20 Mat Racer · Fire Training Facility Expansion and Upgrade . Library The presentation focused on the project expenses, timelines and highlighted any changes and/or adjustments that have occurred since Council was last briefed. There were no questions from the Council. A.4 IR 2007-036 Employee and Community Wellness Initiatives Patrick Hills, Director of Human Resources presented the item. He stated that over the last several years the City had proactively addressed challenges related to our health insurance costs which had included not only changes to the group medical plan but also City Council Minutes March 19,2007 Page 3 an increased emphasis in the area of employee wellness. To assist employees and family members with various work/life issues, the City has implemented several successful wellness initiatives such as: 1. Annual Employee and Retiree Flu Shots 2. Active for Life Wellness Program 3. Annual Employee and Retiree Health and Benefits Fair 4. Weight Watchers At Work Program Kirk Marcum, Assistant Fire Chief spoke briefly on the Fire Department's efforts on health and fitness by implementing such programs as: 1. Health and Fitness Coordinator / Committee 2. Medical evaluations for employees 3. Job Performance Capacity Assessment 4. Peer Fitness Trainers and Fitness Challenge Vickie Loftice, Director of Parks and Recreation also spoke briefly on programs and initiatives that the Park and Recreation Department has implemented. 1. "Get Walking" events offered at various parks and trails 2. Pedometers sold through the Recreation Center to encourage participation 3. Free health screenings provided by local hospitals at the Recreation Center 4. "Step up to Health" booth at elementary schools 5. "Step up to Health" logo on fliers for classes and services A.5 IR 2007-038 Review Pilot Plan for Use of Fields at Cross Timbers Park by the Blue Thunder Semi-Pro Baseball Team Vickie Loftice, Director of Parks and Recreation, presented the item. The Blue Thunder semi-pro baseball team, one of four teams in the newly formed Continental Baseball League, has requested use of the fields and support facilities at Cross Timbers Park for their inaugural season which begins May 25, 2007. Team rosters will be comprised of 20-25 players, many of them former college stars, young pros from independent leagues and professional minor league teams. Curtis Wilkerson, who played five full seasons for the Texas Rangers some 20 years ago, will coach the team. Details for use of the fields are being finalized for the 12 week, 60 game season. Home games are proposed to be played Thursday - Sunday at Cross Timbers Park on the Colt Field and under their proposal the team will incur all costs associated with field preparation, electricity costs, overtime hours and all other direct costs. Rental costs for use of the fields for practices, games and instructional clinics will also apply. Any improvements to the facility will be at the sole expense of Blue Thunder and must be approved by the City. The team will also provide documentation of liability insurance and be required to follow all City ordinances and regulations. The one-year agreement with Blue Thunder for use of Cross Timbers Park will be re-evaluated at the end of the season by the City and Blue Thunder to determine future use of the facility. Council City Council Minutes March 19, 2007 Page 4 raised questions on the cost of electricity, concessions and if other youth would be out of a field. Ms. Loftice stated that the Blue Thunder Team would be paying the electricity costs, any maintenance and after hour calls, and a rental fee for running the concession stands. A donation will also be made to the Youth Association at the end of the season for the use of the concessions. The Blue Thunder Team will be using the Colt field which has been under utilized and the youth will continue to use the two Mustang fields and will not be affected. A.6 Adjournment Mayor Trevino announced at 6:46 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 March 19, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Oscar Trevino John Lewis Ken Sapp Suzy Compton Tim Barth David Whitson Scott Turnage Tim Welch Mayor Mayor Pro Tem, Council Place 1 Council, Place 2 Council, Place 3 Council, Place 4 Council, Place 5 Council, Place 6 Council, Place 7 Staff: Larry J. Cunningham Ogden Bo Bass Richard Torres Patricia Hutson Monica Solko George Staples City Manager Assistant City Manager Assistant City Manager City Secretary Assistant City Secretary Attorney A.1 City Council Minutes March 19, 2007 Page 5 INVOCATION Councilman Whitson gave the invocation. A.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilman Whitson led the pledge of allegiance. A.3 SPECIAL PRESENTATION(S) AND RECOGNITION(S) PROCLAMATION FOR MEALS ON WHEELS - PRESENTED BY COUNCIMAN KEN SAPP Councilman Sapp read the proclamation, proclaiming March 2007 as March for Meals Awareness Month in Tarrant County. A.4 CITIZENS PRESENTATION Richard Cauthon (Rick), 8345 Emerald Circle, president of Emerald Lakes Homeowners Association. He came before Council with two concerns. The first was to express his concern with Mrs. O'Steen's repeated attempts to get the City to fix the retaining wall in their subdivision. He wanted Council to know that Mrs. O'Steen did not represent the HOA and each time that Code Enforcement was called out for code violations, the violations were fixed to code standards. He stated that he wanted to be part of the solution and not the problem. His second concern was the trash issue in the fountain. He had spoken with engineering staff to help capture trash before it gets into yards. He asked if maybe a small boat could be used to retrieve trash. Mr. Bo Bass, Assistant City Manager, stated that Public Works Department was looking into solution for him and would be getting back with him. Richard Boykin, 8345 Emerald Circle, treasurer of the Emerald Lakes Homeowner's Association came forward. He also expressed the same concerns as Mr. Cauthon in regard to Ms. O'Steen's repeated appearances before the council. He added that all maintenance issues are prioritized and addressed in a timely manner. Will Drummond, 4608 Circleview Court West, Senior Class President at Richland High School came forward. He explained to Council that every year Senior's have a party City Council Minutes March 19, 2007 Page 6 that is sponsored by citizens and businesses. He was here to ask if Council would help out by donating any monies for their Senior Class party. A.5 REMOVAL OF ITEM(S) FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA None. B.O APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS APPROVED B.1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 26, 2007 CITY COUNCIL MEETING B.2 PU 2007-007 AUTHORIZE INTER-LOCAL PURCHASING AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF HIGHLAND VILLAGE - RESOLUTION NO. 2007-019 B.3 FP 2006-19 CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM JIM MAKENS OF PARK\WALL L.P., TO APPROVE A FINAL PLAT OF LOT 3, BLOCK 1, GIBSON ADDITION (LOCATED IN THE 8600 BLOCK OF DAVIS BLVD. - 0.94 ACRES). COUNCILMAN WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MAYOR PRO TEM LEWIS SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS C.1 ZC 2006-21 CONTINUE PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM DEAN BAILEY OF RHP REAL ESTATE TO APPROVE A ZONING CHANGE FROM "0-1" OFFICE & "C-2" COMMERCIAL TO "HC" HEAVY COMMERCIAL (LOCATED IN THE 8500 BLOCK OF DAVIS BLVD. -1.77 ACRES). ORDINANCE NO. 2920 (PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED FROM THE FEBRUARY 12, 2007 COUNCIL MEETING). DURING THE CONTINUATION THE APPLICANT SUBMITTED A LETTER AMENDING THE ORIGINAL REQUEST FROM "HC" HEAVY COMMERCIAL TO A NEW REQUEST FOR A "CS" COMMUNITY SERVICES ZONING CLASSIFICATION APPROVED City Council Minutes March 19, 2007 Page 7 Mayor Trevino advised that this was a continuance of the public hearing to the February 12tll Council Meeting and called for the applicant to come forward. Mr. Ottis Lee, Civil Works Engineering, 1992 Bowing Ranch Road, Azle, representing RHP Real Estate came forward. He explained that after review of their former request they were now requesting a zoning change of community services instead of heavy commercial. He was available to answer any questions that Council might have. Eric Wilhite, Chief Planner, presented the item. Again, the owner decided to reduce the zoning request to the less intensive/more restrictive "CS" Community Services designation. The owner is permitted to change a zoning request at this time, without a new case or further public notice, because the request is to a zoning classification that is less intensive and more restrictive than originally sought. In order to create a more developable lot depth, and provide the site with a generally consistent zoning classification, the applicant is requesting a small portion of the "0-1" zoning, as well as all of that area currently zoned "C-2" Commercial, be changed to "CS" Community Services. Mayor Trevino called for anyone wishing to speak in favor of the request to come foward. Sally Minacapelli, 8562 Shadybrook Court, came forward. She stated that she was not against or in favor of the zone change and wanted to thank Mr. Bailey who worked with them on their concerns with the project. Her only concern was for any future SUP's being applied for at this location. She wanted to know if a notification letter would be sent to her and her neighbors if SUP's were applied for. Bo Bass, Assistant City Manager, replied yes, that they would receive notifications of any SUP's being applied for. Steven Vanwie, 8551 Shadybrook Court, came forward. He also did not oppose or support the plan but wanted the City Council to follow the Comprehensive Land Use Plan when approving projects in the City. Mayor Trevino called for anyone wishing to speak in opposition of the request. There being none he closed the public hearing and called for the motion. COUNCILMAN WELCH MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE No. 2920. COUNCILMAN TURNAGE SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. C.2 SUP 2007-01 PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM City Council Minutes March 19,2007 Page 8 ANDREW M. TOTZ TO APPROVE A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A FUNERAL PARLOR AND CREMATORY FOR NORTH HILLS FUNERAL HOME (LOCATED IN THE 8500 BLOCK OF MID-CITIES BLVD. - 2.17 ACRES). ORDINANCE NO. 2923 APPROVED Mayor Trevino opened the public hearing and asked for the applicant to come forward. Andrew Totz, 9304 Pecan Tree Court, came forward. He explained that funeral home was built a year and a half ago and was originally built as a Funeral/Crematory Parlor but the crematory equipment/service was not used. As a new owner he was asking the Council to approve the special use permit to allow him to complete the installation of machinery needed to perform human cremations. He was available to answer any questions the Council might have. Councilman Whitson asked how long he had been in the crematory business. Mr. Totz stated that he owned DFW Crematories and performed this service for 45 different funeral homes in the DFW area. He has 21 years of experience, his partner has 20 years and his manager has 25 years. Councilman Whitson asked what type of emissions would result from this type of service and would new machines be purchased. Mr. Totz replied new machinery would be installed. The machines are state of the art and emissions would be very minimal. The Mayor asked how many cremations he would be performing at this location. Mr. Totz said he would be providing the service for local use only. Eric Wilhite, Chief Planner, presented the item. He stated the applicant was asking to install the machinery for cremation services that the building was originally built for. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval 4-0. Mayor Trevino called for anyone wishing to speak for or against the request to come forward. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Trevino closed the public hearing and called for the motion. COUNCILWOMAN COMPTON MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE No. 2923. COUNCILMAN WHITSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT D.O City Council Minutes March 19, 2007 Page 9 No items for this category. PUBLIC WORKS E.1 PW 2007-006 APPROVE SALE OF FOUR (4) RIGHT-OF-WAY PARCELS TO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE FUTURE BOULEVARD 26 RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT- RESOLUTION NO. 2007-018 APPROVED Greg VanNeiuwenhuize, Public Works Assistant Director, presented the item. He explained that recently the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) had begun acquiring right-of-way (ROW) from properties adjoining Boulevard 26, north of Loop 820, for the upcoming reconstruction of Boulevard 26. Along with acquiring ROW from private property owners, TxDOT would like to obtain ROW from the City at Colorado Boulevard's intersection with Boulevard 26 and along Pearl Drive in the area where Pearl Drive "parallels" Boulevard 26. Specifically, TxDOT is requesting four (4) parcels of City ROW. The purchase for all four parcels would be $3,400. Since all of these parcels are currently City ROW, the only real change to the City is that these parcels would become State ROW. COUNCILMAN SAPP MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION No. 2007-018. COUNCILMAN WELCH SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. GENERAL ITEMS F.1 GN 2007-021 CONSIDERATION OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR THE PREPARATION OF A FACILITY MASTER PLAN - RESOLUTION NO. 2007-020 APPROVED Richard Torres, Assistant City Manager presented the item. At last year's Mid-Year Budget Work Session in June, 2006 a presentation was made by staff to the City Council explaining the need for a study of various City facilities. Some of the current facilities owned and operated by the City will be impacted by the upcoming widening of Loop 820. Other potential facility changes are being driven by growth or expanded service needs. It was suggested by staff at this meeting to seek outside professional City Council Minutes March 19,2007 Page 10 services to help ascertain specifically what our needs are today, what they will be in the future, what are the options we may have for making adjustments to facilities, and what the costs may be for exercising each of those options. The facilities identified as part of the study include: · Recreation Center · Library · Municipal Court · Cable Television Operations · City Hall · Police Department · Neighborhood Services · Emergency Operations Center, and · Animal Adoption and Rescue Center Back in January the City advertised request for qualifications. The Beck Group was selected for contract negotiations based on their qualifications. COUNCILMAN TURNAGE MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION No. 2007-020. COUNCILMAN BARTH SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. F.2 INFORMATION AND REPORTS IR 2007-040 CITY'S RESPONSE TO CITIZEN'S PRESENTATION ON FEBRUARY 26, 2007 CITY COUNCIL MEETING George Staples, City Attorney, presented the item. During the Citizens Presentation of the City Council Meeting of February 26, 2007 a citizen came forward with several questions and Mayor Trevino asked Mr. Staples to respond. Mr. Staples read his letter of response to the City Council answering all questions that were asked by the citizen. F.3 INFORMATION AND REPORTS Councilman Welch made the following announcements. City Council Minutes March 19, 2007 Page 11 Put on your walking shoes or roller blades and join us at the grand opening of the JoAnn Johnson Trail on Saturday, March 31. A dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 11 :30 a.m. on the trail near Blaney Avenue. For more information, please call 817-427-6620. The City of North Richland Hills will host Easter in the Park on Saturday, March 31, from 10 a.m. to noon. at Green Valley Park, 7701 Smithfield Road. The event will include an Easter egg hunt with over 15,000 eggs, a visit by the Easter bunny, bounce houses, train rides, a petting zoo and live entertainment. For more information, please call 817- 427-6600. On Saturday, April 7, residents can get rid of unwanted bulky items during the City's annual Spring Community Cleanup. Items can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and noon at the Tarrant County College-Northeast Campus, 828 Harwood Road, in Parking Lot E. For more information, please call 817-427-6650. Kudos Korner - Staff, Utility Customer Service. A letter was received from a resident thanking the staff of the Utility Customer Service Department for providing decades of exceptional service. The resident said she has lived in NRH for 50 years and for as long as she can remember, when there was any question or problem, the department always responded quickly and in a professional manner. She said other public agencies should take notes and lessons from the staff in this department. F.4 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Trevino adjourned the meeting at 7:55 p.m. !1>''\I\\\\\\\\\I1Ullnlllfl ø-~ \ C H L '1IIIfq" ift~ _Ã ~............../. A .;¡~ I'" ,,\,:.... ....: ~ó ~ «- ..' n .... ~ E 0/ \-;¡;. ~ -- <: ,...... ~ IA.TTESt: J:= J ",0, h :,en if!! ~' .~ "'~~". ~ Patn ~!i~'On, City Secretary