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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2007-09-24 MinutesMINUTES 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 - SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 WORK SESSION The City Council of the City of North Richland Hills, Texas met in work session on the 24th day of September, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Work Room prior to the 7:00 p.m. regular Council meeting. Present: Oscar Trevino Mayor Suzy Compton Mayor Pro Tem, Council Place 3 John Lewis Council, Place 1 Ken Sapp Council, Place 2 Tim Barth Council, Place 4 David Whitson Council, Place 5 Scott Turnage Council, Place 6 Tim Welch Council, Place 7 Staff Members: Larry J. Cunningham City Manager Jim Starr Interim Assistant City Manager Ogden Bo Bass Assistant City Manager Karen Bostic Managing Director Administrative/Fiscal Services Patricia Hutson City Secretary Monica Solko Assistant City Secretary George Staples City Attorney Mary Peters Public Information Officer Elizabeth Reining Assistant to City Manager John Pitstick Planning & Development Director Larry Koonce Finance Director Mike Curtis Public Works Director Jimmy Perdue Police Chief Andy Jones Fire Chief Eric Wilhite Chief Planner Vickie Loftice Parks & Recreation Director Sharon Davis Parks & Recreation Assistant Director Thad Chambers Economic Development Director Kirk Marcum Assistant Fire Chief Jennipher Castellanos Budget Analyst Call to Order Mayor Trevino called the work session to order at 6:00 p.m. City Council Minutes September 24, 2007 Page 2 A.0 Discuss Items from Reqular Citv Council Meeting There were no items discussed. A.2 IR 2007-109 Police Deqartment Public Service Announcement Jimmy Perdue, Police Chief presented a DVD video on community involvement. The Police Department continually strives to build a partnership with the community. One innovative initiative by the Police Department is the broadcast of a public service announcement (PSA), titled "Wouldn't It Be Great." This PSA utilizes the concept of neighbor helping neighbor and promotes the awareness of many different types of crime prevention strategies designed to make our community a safer place. Viewers are also encouraged to visit the Police Department's website as another important tool designed to provide communication with our citizens, business and visitors. Citicable will broadcast the PSA on Charter Cable Channel 27 as well as other venues throughout the City including the District Community Meetings. The "Wouldn't It Be Great" PSA will focus on educating our citizenry on how the Police Department and the citizens working together can help make the City of North Richland Hills an even safer place to live, work, and play. There were no questions from the Council. A.3 IR 2007-111 Tarrant Appraisal District Board of Directors - Upcominq Election Karen Bostic presented the item. John R. Marshall, Executive Director, Chief Appraiser of the Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD) has informed all affected taxing entities that the terms of service (two years) of the five member Board of Directors will expire December 31, 2007 and it is time to begin the process of conducting an election of the board. Each eligible taxing unit is allotted its share of 5,000 votes based on the 2006 adjusted tax levy imposed by the taxing entity. The City of North Richland Hills has been allocated 45 votes which may be cast collectively or separately for any nominee or nominees. Entities may nominate one candidate for each of the five positions to be filled, but are not required to make any nominations. After brief discussion and questions by the Council, the consensus was to wait and see who was nominated and cast votes from the nominated list. A.4 IR 2007-110 Update on Drillinq Activities at Graham Ranch Bo Bass, Assistant City Manager explained that on Monday, October 8'h Metroplex Barnett Shale Incorporated will begin fracturing Graham Ranch #1. Mr. Bass introduced Rob Shultz, Land Coordinator for Metroplex Barnett Shale. Mr. Shultz explained the excitement of the project and introduced Steve Smith. Mr. Smith explained that fracturing makes small cracks in the rock to help the gas flow into the wellbore. Once the fracturing is complete, production at the site will begin. To prepare for this City Council Minutes September 24, 2007 Page 3 fracturing, truck traffic carrying needed equipment will increase to and from the drill site. The traffic will increase the week prior to October 8th and last for five to six days. Trucks will also be accessing the site the weekend prior to October 8th. The trucks will follow city ordinances and only transport between 7 am and 7 pm on Saturday. The trucks will be cleaned prior to leaving the site to reduce debris on Hightower Drive. The fracturing will take five to six days to complete. After that, production at Graham Ranch #1 will begin. At the beginning of production some flaring will occur. The flaring will be directed to the ground, and into the fresh water tank/pond, will not be harmful to nearby residents. Metroplex Barnett Shale Incorporated will be contacting those residents before production begins to inform them about the production process. Mr. Smith presented Council with a video of production which can be seen on the city website www.nrhtx.com. He also presented a PowerPoint presentation with pictures of previously completed drilling sites in other cities. Council was invited to visit the well site on October 10th at 10:00 a.m. for a demonstration of the well and fracturing operations. There were no questions from the Council. A.5 Executive Session: Deliberation Reaardinq Economic Development Neqotiations as Authorized bv Section 551.087 - 6625 Iron Horse Boulevard Mayor Trevino announced at 6:35 p.m. that the Council would adjourn into Executive Session as authorized by Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, specifically Section 551.087 deliberation regarding Economic Development negotiations. A.6 Adiournment Mayor Trevino announced at 6:53 p.m. that the Council would adjourn to the regular Council meeting. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING A.0 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Trevino called the meeting to order September 24, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Oscar Trevino Mayor City Council Minutes September 24, 2007 Page 4 Suzy Compton John Lewis Ken Sapp Tim Barth David Whitson Scott Turnage Tim Welch Staff: Larry J. Cunningham Ogden Bo Bass Patricia Hutson Monica Solko George Staples Mayor Pro Tem, Council Place 3 Council, Place 1 Council, Place 2 Council, Place 4 Council, Place 5 Council, Place 6 Council, Place 7 City Manager Assistant City Manager City.Secretary Assistant City Secretary Attorney A.1 INVOCATION Councilman Turnage gave the invocation. A.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilman Turnage led the pledge of allegiance. A.3 SPECIAL PRESENTATION(S) AND RECOGNITION(S) None. A.4 CITIZENS PRESENTATION Laverne O'Steen, 8429 Emerald Circle, showed a picture of a cracking brick column and spoke on issues related to Block 1, Lot 40 Emerald Lakes Drainage Easement. Mayor asked Bo Bass, Assistant City Manager about the structure. Mr. Bass commented that the structure shown was sound and with any concrete as time passes it would crack. City Council Minutes September 24, 2007 Page 5 A.5 REMOVAL OF ITEM(S) FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA None. B.0 APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS APPROVED B.1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 10, 2007 CITY COUNCIL MEETING B.2 GN 2007-083 APPROVE CANCELLATION OF NOVEMBER 26, 2007 AND DECEMBER 24, 2007 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS B.3 PU 2007-045 AWARD BID FOR THE PUBLICATION OF THE "DISCOVER" PARKS AND RECREATION BROCHURE TO MAC DIRECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $33,994.20 B.4 PU 2007-046 AUTHORIZATION TO REJECT BIDS FOR THE HARWOOD ROAD ENTRY SIGN B.5 GN 2007-085 AMEND ARTICLE II, SECTION 22-31 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES - EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION - ORDINANCE NO. 2952 B.6 PU 2007-044 AUTHORIZE CONTRACT RENEWAL WITH HARD KOUNTRY CONCRETE AS PRIMARY CONTRACTOR AND PATCO UTILITIES, INC. AS SECONDARY CONTRACTOR FOR THE MISCELLANEOUS CONCRETE IMPROVEMENTS - RESOLUTION NO. 2007-054 COUNCILMAN LEWIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. COUNCILMAN TURNAGE SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-O. PUBLIC HEARINGS C.1 No items for this category. City Council Minutes September 24, 2007 Page 6 PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT D.1 Items to follow do not require a public hearing. No items for this category. PUBLIC WORKS E.1 PW 2007-016 APPROVE A DESIGNATED NO PARKING ZONE FOR THE EAST SIDE OF VANCE RD. FROM BOULEVARD 26 TO GLENVIEW DR., DAILY, FROM 8:OOAM TO 8:OOPM - ORDINANCE NO. 2951 APPROVED Mike Curtis, Public Works Director presented the item. The Public Works Department has been working with North Richland Hills Baptist Church and a business owner in the Liberty Bank building concerning parking and traffic issues on Vance Road. Several concerns have been brought forward to the department. • Pedestrians or visitors to the church building park in the bank parking lot on the east side of Vance Road. When cars are parked on the east side of Vance Road, visibility for pedestrians is limited as they walk between the parked cars to visit the church on the west side of Vance Road. • Vehicles are often left parked and unattended near the driveways for the bank building. Their parking near the driveways prevents a clear line of site for the motorists exiting the bank parking lot onto Vance Road. Motorists have difficulty seeing approaching traffic on Vance Road. Traffic flow and emergency access can be impacted by having vehicles parked on both sides of Vance Road. Vance Road will accommodate three lanes of traffic. Parking on both sides of the roadway allow for only one through lane of traffic, which can sometimes present problems for approaching traffic in opposite directions. Emergency access can also be impacted with only one through lane available. Public Works has investigated each concern and found that parking on both sides of Vance Road during the daily hours of 8:OOam to 8:OOpm does create concerns for traffic City Council Minutes September 24, 2007 Page 7 flow and pedestrian safety. Recommendation that a No Parking Zone be established on the east side of Vance Road from Boulevard 26 to Glenview Drive, preventing street parking during the hours of 8:OOam to 8:OOpm on a daily basis. This No Parking Zone will enhance the safety of pedestrians and motorists who visit the church and the bank property. COUNCILMAN SAPP MOVED TO APPROVE PW 2007-016 AND ORDINANCE NO. 2951. COUNCILMAN WHITSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-O. GENERALITEMS F.1 GN 2007-082 AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH LA TERRA STUDIO, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,800 FOR PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES RELATED TO THE LIBRARY PARK PLAZA PROJECT - RESOLUTION NO. 2007-055 APPROVED Vickie Loftice, Parks and Recreation Director presented the item. The approved Capital Improvement Program includes funding for services of a Texas Registered Landscape Architect for design and construction administration services related to the development of an open green space located directly south of the new public library on Grand Avenue. Request for Qualifications (RFQ) were sought for services to include the preparation of construction documents based on a conceptual master plan developed by City staff and construction administration related to the project. The requests were sent out to various landscape architectural firms that specialize in this type of work. Six proposals were received and after a thorough evaluation, a decision was made to negotiate a contract with la terra studio, inc. A contract has been negotiated in the amount of $26,800 which includes $800 to cover reimbursable expenses. The current year capital budget includes $30,000 for design services and construction administration with a total budget of $300,000 for the project. The Professional Services Contract includes the development of construction documents based upon a conceptual master plan created by City staff and construction administration services for the project. COUNCILMAN WELCH MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2007-055. COUNCILMAN BARTH SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-O. City Council Minutes September 24, 2007 Page 8 F.2 PU 2007-043 AUTHORIZE PAYMENT TO MOTOROLA FOR RADIO MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT - RESOLUTION NO. 2007-053 APPROVED Jimmy Perdue, Police Chief presented the item. The annual maintenance agreement for all Motorola radios and related equipment is now due in the amount of $352,430.88. The City of North Richland Hills has shared the maintenance costs included in this agreement with the Cities of Bedford, Euless, Keller, Haltom City, Southlake, Colleyville, Grapevine, Richland Hills and Tarrant County for the past twenty (20) years. The City of North Richland Hills pays the amount in full and then is reimbursed $320,194.87 by the other entities for their share of the radio maintenance. An Interlocal Agreement is in place to facilitate this. The cities additionally receive a discount rate of 3.78% when the contract is paid in an annual lump-sum payment. This year's annual lump-sum discount from Motorola reflects savings of $13,875.60. Finance has perFormed a cost benefit analysis verifying that this is the best payment option. Currently, there are 3,231 radios and 31 radio consoles covered by this contract along with some additional miscellaneous equipment. The Interlocal Agreements that were written to accommodate this contract were implemented so as to provide bulk discounting, thereby alleviating some of the costs on a per agency basis. The contract allows for the repair of our radio equipment, replacement of portable antennas if lost or damaged, replacement batteries for portables and other such items of benefit to the agencies represented. COUNCILMAN TURNAGE MOVED TO APPROVE PU 2007-043 AND RESOLUTION NO. 2007-053. MAYOR PRO TEM COMPTON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-O. F.3 GN 2007-084 CONSIDER AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 104 GAS WELL DRILLING AND PRODUCTION - ORDINANCE NO. 2953 APPROVED John Pitstick, Planning and Development Director presented the item. After reviewing the Gas Well Drilling and Production Ordinance an additional change was considered to the well setback section that would restrict drilling within one thousand five hundred feet (1,500') of any freeway or principal arterial roadways within the city. This change will require gas wells to be placed further back from major roadways and will encourage the City Council Minutes September 24, 2007 Page 9 efficient development of property without encumbering prime properties with long term gas well sites. This will also help with the potential blockage of primary arterials caused by unforeseen emergencies involving gas well drilling or production. The proposed setback can be reduced to a minimum of 300 feet with an appeal and approval of the Gas Board of Appeals. This change will allow scrutiny of gas well sites near major roadways within our community and help assure the viability and potential development of prime properties as well as protection of transportation routes within North Richland Hills. COUNCILMAN WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE GN 2007-084 AND ORDINANCE NO. 2953. COUNCILMAN TURNAGE SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-O. F.4 GN 2007-087 APPROVE INTERLOCAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH THE NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS FOR OPERATION OF COMMUTER RAIL SERVICE (TRINITY RAIL EXPRESS) APPROVED Elizabeth Reining, Assistant to the City Manager presented the item. A renewal of the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) for the operation of the Trinity Rail Express (TRE) is being presented to all of the mid-cities that do not fund the TRE through sales tax. The cities being asked to execute this agreement are Arlington, Bedford, Colleyville, Euless, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Haltom City, Hurst, and North Richland Hills. NCTCOG will be executing separate agreements with each of the above participating cities. The current Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with all the mid-cities expires September 30, 2007. The NCTCOG is requesting a 10% increase for each city's contribution in the next contract period, for FY 2008, FY 2009 and FY 2010. This increase would raise the City's contribution from $67,946 a year to $74,741 a year. Originally, the NCTCOG requested a contract increase of 14.6% based on increase ridership levels from the mid-cities. But, at a July 30, 2007 meeting city representatives successfully lobbied the NCTCOG to use the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase instead of increased ridership levels. The purpose of this agreement is to allow those cities that do not fund the TRE through sales tax to assist with ongoing operation and maintenance (O&M) costs through this agreement. Each city's share of the O&M costs is based on a ridership survey taken in 2005 and increased based on the CPI. COUNCILMAN WELCH MOVED TO APPROVE GN 2007-087. MAYOR PRO TEM COMPTON SECONDED THE MOTION. City Council Minutes September 24, 2007 Page 10 MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-O. F.5 GN 2007-086 APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN TO REINVESTMENT ZONE NO. 1 AND CHAIRMAN TO REINVESTMENT ZONE NO. 2 APPROVED Patricia Hutson, City Secretary presented the item. In accordance with the Bylaws for Reinvestment Zone Number One and Reinvestment Zone Number Two, the City Council is to appoint the Chairman to both boards on an annual basis. Mayor Trevino was appointed last October as Chairman to both boards. COUNCILMAN WHITSON MOVED TO APPOINT MAYOR TREVINO AS CHAIRMAN FOR BOTH REINVESTMENT ZONES NO. 1 AND NO. 2. COUNCILMAN TURNAGE SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-O. F.6 ACTION ON ANY ITEM DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION LISTED ON WORK SESSION AGENDA Council took action on the following item discussed in Executive Session: Deliberation Regarding Economic Development Negotiations as Authorized by Section 551.087 - 6625 Iron Horse Boulevard COUNCILMAN LEWIS MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2007-056. COUNCILMAN SAPP SECONDED THE MOTION. Mayor Pro Tem Compton stated Resolution No. 2007-056 provides that the City Manager is hereby authorized to execute an Economic Development Incentive Agreement with Fitz Manufacturing, LLC conditioned and as approved by the city's attorney, granting a rebate equal to one half of the city business personal property ad valorem taxes paid by the grantee to the City annually beginning January 1, 2008 for a period of 5(five) consecutive years subject to a commitment by the grantee to relocate to a site in North Richland Hills and, for the term of the grant, to employ at least 120 persons at such site and to maintain business personal property at such site of a value of at least $2,000,000.00. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-O. City Council Minutes September 24, 2007 Page 11 F.7 INFORMATION AND REPORTS IR 2007-112 UPDATE ON GAS DRILLING AT GRAHAM RANCH Bo Bass, Assistant City Manager introduced Rob Shultz and Steve Smith with Metroplex Barnett Shale, Inc. Mr. Smith updated the Council on the steps that would be taking place for the first oil and gas drilling site in the City of North Richland Hills. Mr. Smith explained that fracturing would be the first to take place. Fracturing makes small cracks in the rock to help the gas flow into the wellbore. Once the fracturing is complete, production at the site will begin. To prepare for this fracturing, truck traffic carrying needed equipment will increase to and from the drill site. The traffic will increase the week prior and last for five to six days. Trucks will also be accessing the site the prior weekend and will follow city ordinances. The trucks will be cleaned prior to leaving the site to reduce debris on Hightower Drive. The fracturing will take five to six days to complete. After that, production at Graham Ranch #1 will begin. At the beginning of production some flaring will occur. The flaring will be directed to the ground and into the fresh water tank/pond, this will not be harmful to nearby residents. Metroplex Barnett Shale Inc. will be contacting those residents before production begins to inform them about the production process. Mr. Smith presented Council with a video of gas production which can also be seen on the city website www.nrhtx.com. He also presented Council with a PowerPoint presentation with pictures of previously completed drilling sites in other cities. F.8 INFORMATION AND REPORTS Councilman Lewis made the following announcements. The North Richland Hills Public Library will hold its annual Book Sale on Saturday, September 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Hardcover books will be sold for $1, while paperbacks will be priced at 25 cents each. The library is located at 6720 NE Loop 820. For more information, please call 817-427-6814. Get to know your North Richland Hills Fire and Police Departments. Attend the NRH Public Safety Expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 6, at the Fire Administration Facility, 7202 Dick Fisher Drive. There will be safety demonstrations and information booths for all ages to enjoy. For more details, call 817-427-6900. North Richland Hills is proud to present the Autumn Night Music concert series. On Saturday, October 6, Me and My Monkey, a Beatles tribute band, will perform. On City Council Minutes September 24, 2007 Page 12 Saturday, October 13, the Studio 54 Band will perform. Admission is free. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. at Kay Granger Park at Mullendore Elementary. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Please consider walking to the park, as parking is limited. For more information, call 817-427-6620. Kudos Korner - Terry Wreay, Steven Lopez, and Tyler Boswell, Public Works Department Street Division. A resident called to express appreciation for the prompt response given after he reported a pothole on Smithfield Road. He said the pothole was fixed the same day. He appreciated these employees for their speedy effort and attention to detail in area of town that is heavily traveled. He said it is nice to know the City has excellent services. F.9 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Trevino adjourned the meeting at 8:03 Oscar Trevino - Mayor ATTEST: ~~~~ ~G'lG~ ~,~:~:~~ Patricia Hutson, City Secretary