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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2008-09-08 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 8, 2008 WORK SESSION The City Council of the City of North Richland Hills, Texas met in work session on the Stn day of September, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. in the Council Work Room prior to the 7:00 p.m. regular Council meeting. Present: Oscar Trevino Mayor Scott Turnage Mayor Pro Tem, Council Place 6 John Lewis Council, Place 1 Ken Sapp Council, Place 2 Suzy Compton Council Place 3 Tim Barth Council, Place 4 (present at 5:55 p.m.) David Whitson Council, Place 5 Tim Welch Council, Place 7 Staff Members: Larry J. Cunningham City Manager Jared Miller Assistant City Manager Karen Bostic Assistant City Manager Jimmy Perdue Assistant City Manager Mike Curtis Managing Director 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 Director of Planning & Development Larry Koonce Finance Director Vickie Loftice Director of Parks & Recreation Mark Mills Budget Director Andy Jones Fire Chief Patrick Hillis Human Resources Director Craig Hulse Economic Development Director Cameron Rowland Assistant Director Human Resources Eric Wilhite Chief Planner Call to Order Mayor Trevino called the work session to order at 5:45 p.m. A.1 Discuss Items from Regular City Council Meeting City Council Minutes September 8, 2008 Page 2 There were no questions from the Council. A.2 IR 2008-096 Discuss Resolution Submission for the 2008 TML Resolutions Committee Ms. Karen Bostic, Assistant City Manager, advised Council of two resolutions Staff is recommending for submission to the TML Resolutions Committee. The first resolution supports legislation that will allow cities to participate in joint tax increment financing districts. The second resolution is supporting a resolution being submitted by the City of Dish to encourage legislation to confer regulatory authority upon municipalities over intrastate gas utilities to safeguard the interests of the public and the long term economic viability of private property. Council was advised that an action item is on the regular agenda to approve the Resolutions to be submitted to TML for consideration by the TML Resolutions Committee. If approved, the resolutions will be forwarded to TML. Council was also advised any additional resolutions they would like to submit would need to be included in the motion at the regular meeting. A.3 IR 2008-098 Results of Pilot Naturally Slim Program Mr. Patrick Hillis, Director of Human Resources, briefed the Council on a health and wellness pilot program, Naturally Slim, which thirty-three city employees participated in earlier in the year. Councilman Barth present at 5:55 p.m. Mr. Cameron Rowland, Assistant Human Resources Director, presented to Council the aggregate results of the program and discussed the health risks nationwide and the positive results and feedback from those who participated in the Naturally Slim Program. A.4 IR 2008-099 Fire Department Prevention Division Risk Watch Educational Program Fire Chief Andy Jones presented to Council the results of a pilot safety program partnered by the Fire Department and the Birdville Independent School District. The program uses the National Fire Protection Association's Risk Watch child safety curriculum and focused on unintentional injuries. Mullendore Elementary and Smithfield Elementary participated in the program. Positive feedback from the school, parents and students along with a 13 percent increase in post-test scores indicate a successful trial program. The program is being expanded district wide with other cities involved with BISD also participating in the program. Council was advised the Fire Department's Public Safety Expo will be held this year at NRH20 on October 11 and will based on the categories of the Risk Watch Program. City Council Minutes September 8, 2008 Page 3 B.0 EXECUTIVE SESSION - The City Council may enter into closed Executive Session to discuss the following as authorized by Chapter 551, Texas Government Code B.1 Executive Session: Pursuant to the provisions of Section 551.072, Texas Government Code to discuss land acquisition for future rail sites Mayor Trevino announced at 6:15 p.m. that the Council would adjourn to Executive Session pursuant to the provisions of Section 551.072 of the Texas Government Code to discuss land acquisition for future rail sites. C.0 Adjournment Mayor Trevino announced at 6:40 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 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Oscar Trevino Scott Turnage John Lewis Ken Sapp Suzy Compton Tim Barth David Whitson Tim Welch Staff: Larry J. Cunningham Jared Miller Karen Bostic Jimmy Perdue Mike Curtis Mayor Mayor Pro Tem, Council, Place 6 Council, Place 1 Council, Place 2 Council, Place 3 Council, Place 4 Council, Place 5 Council, Place 7 City Manager Assistant City Manager Assistant City Manager Assistant City Manager Managing Director City Council Minutes September 8, 2008 Page 4 Patricia Hutson City Secretary Monica Solko Assistant City Secretary George Staples Attorney A.1 INVOCATION Councilman Barth gave the invocation. A.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilman Barth led the pledge of allegiance. A.3 SPECIAL PRESENTATION(S) AND RECOGNITIONS) No items for this category A.4 CITIZENS PRESENTATION Ms. Michelle Thomas, 151 Sandy Creek Trail, Weatherford, requested Council's assistance in the rezoning of the property at 6333 Smithfield Road. Ms. Thomas advised that she has been working with Planning and Zoning to rezone the property from residential to commercial and has encountered access issues with a neighboring property owner. Ms. Thomas advised the property was not suitable for residential and is best suited for the commercial zoning depicted on the Land Use Plan. Ms. Thomas advised she was unable to resolve the access issues and requested assistance. Mayor Trevino asked Mr. Pitstick to meet with Ms. Thomas and explain the procedures and rules Council is required to follow. Mr. William Michael Clark, 4912 Cummings Drive East, advised of his concern with the 820 access road speed limit being increased to 45 mph with the expansion of 820. Mr. Clark expressed his concern for pedestrians and bicyclists using the access road. Mr. Clark also commented on the upcoming national election and his desire for voters to use their right to vote and be cognizant of those running for office. City Council Minutes September 8, 2008 Page 5 Mayor Trevino asked Mr. Curtis to forward information to Mr. Clark when the City finds out from TxDOT if they will have sidewalks on the frontage roads. 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 AUGUST 26, 2008 CITY COUNCIL MEETING B.2 FP 2008-08 CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM R. T. KOONCE TO APPROVE A FINAL PLAT OF LOT 19, BLOCK 1, FLAMINGO ESTATES ADDITION (LOCATED IN THE 7200 BLOCK OF EDEN ROAD - 1.4143 ACRES) B.3 GN 2008-085 APPROVAL OF CONTRACT WITH DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES FOR ON-LINE COMPUTER SERVICES FOR REMOTE VITAL STATISTIC ACCESS MAYOR PRO TEM TURNAGE MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. COUNCILMAN SAPP SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-Q. PUBLIC HEARINGS C.1 ZC 2008-10 PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM NORTH RICHLAND HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH TO APPROVE A ZONING CHANGE FROM C-1 -COMMERCIAL TO U -INSTITUTIONAL ON FIVE LOTS IN THE PARCHMAN ADDITION (LOCATED BETWEEN PARCHMAN ST. AND VANCE RD. ON BOULEVARD 26) -ORDINANCE NO. 3011 APPROVED Mayor Trevino opened the Public Hearing. City Council Minutes September 8, 2008 Page 6 Mr. Ernest Hedgcoth, with Ernest Hedgcoth Consulting Engineers, representing the applicant presented the request and was available to answer questions from the Council. Mr. Eric Wilhite, Chief Planner, presented the case summary and the recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Commission and Staff. North Richland Hills Baptist is requesting to rezone property owned by the church and currently platted as separate lots. Lots fronting Boulevard 26 are zoned C-1 Commercial and the primary church structure is located on U -Institutional zoned property. The rezoning will bring all of the church's property into consistent zoning of the church's ownership and will allow the church to utilize sign regulations for U - Institutional permitting an electronic changeable message board. Mayor Trevino called for comments from those wishing to speak for or against the request. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Trevino closed the Public Hearing. COUNCILMAN WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE ZC 2008-10, ORDINANCE NO. 3011. COUNCILWOMAN COMPTON SECONDED THE MOTION,. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-O. C.2 SUP 2008-06 PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM CUBELLIS ARCHITECTS/ENGINEERS, REPRESENTING CEC ENTERTAINMENT, TO APPROVE A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR THE EXPANSION TO THE EXISTING CHUCK E. CHEESE'S STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 7935 BOULEVARD 26 - ORDINANCE NO. 3012 APPROVED Mayor Trevino opened the public hearing. Mr. Alan Kelly with Cubellis Architects Engineering Firm, representing CEC Entertainment, presented the request and was available to answer questions from the Council. Mayor Pro Tem Turnage asked Mr. Kelly if he could give Council some assurances that the drainage issues from the parking lot had been corrected. Mr. Kelly explained the improvements that have already been made to the parking lot and advised that with the improvements the drainage was working properly. City Council Minutes September 8, 2008 Page 7 Mr. Eric Wilhite, Chief Planner, summarized the case, addressed the concerns presented during the Planning and Zoning meeting and presented the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. CEC Entertainment received a Special Use Permit to expand the existing facility in December of 2007. Since that time, CEC Entertainment has changed their plans for expansion of the facility requiring a new SUP. The revised request is to expand the building to the south of the existing structure instead of the Boulevard 26 side as originally approved. The amended request includes the same two primary requests as the previously approved special use permit request. The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the request with the stipulation that a spot grade survey of the newly paved parking lot be undertaken to determine if the parking lot is properly graded and the survey be received and approved by staff prior to City Council approval. Mayor Trevino called for comments from those wishing to speak for or against the request. Mr. Marlin Miller, 5109 Susan Lee Lane, stated he understood Chuck E. Cheeses planned to request a permit to serve beer and he thought it was an establishment for children. Mayor Trevino advised the permit was not part of Council's purview tonight. There being no one else wishing to speak Mayor Trevino closed the Public Hearing. MAYOR PRO TEM TURNAGE MOVED TO APPROVE SUP 2008-06, ORDINANCE NO. 3012. COUNCILWOMAN COMPTON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. C.3 SUP 2008-04 PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM ALLEN SAMUELS REALTY, INC. TO APPROVE A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR AN AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIP LOCATED AT 7820 NE LOOP 820 AND 4500 BOOTH GALLOWAY ROAD -ORDINANCE NO. 3013 APPROVED Mayor Trevino opened the Public Hearing. Mr. Herb Cross, CWA Construction, representing Allen Samuels Realty, Inc. presented the item and was available to answer questions from the Council. Eric Wilhite, Chief Planner presented the item. Allen Samuels Reality, Inc. (Allen Samuels Auto Group) is requesting a Special Use Permit (SUP) in order to continue to City Council Minutes September 8, 2008 Page 8 operate this property that serves primarily as a vehicle storage area for the auto dealership. Several years ago the City Council took action to close a portion of Lynn Terrace and Blackman Drive as a city street. Although the streets were never permanently closed, they were barricaded for several months. Even though the barricades have been removed for many years, the streets are officially closed. An ordinance and a replat running concurrently with this SUP on the City Council agenda will vacate the Right of Way (ROW) for these streets officially and the property will become part of a platted lot. Since the auto dealership has essentially been aperating on the property and from current indications will continue to do so by using it primarily for vehicle storage, a SUP is required. At this time the Allen Samuels Group is not expanding the dealership by constructing any new structures or buildings, they are requesting a variance to the requirement of the 15 feet landscape buffer adjacent to the residential property and along the street frontage at this time. At such time in the future when any facility or additional improvements are planned for the site, a revised SUP site plan would be required prior to the development and all development standards at the time would be required to occur unless a variance for such is granted. Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval by a 4-0 vote with the stipulations as identified on the SUP site plan exhibit. 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. COUNCILMAN WELCH MOVED TO APPROVE SUP 2008-04, ORDINANCE NO. 3013 AS INDICATED BY THE SITE PLAN. COUNCILMAN BARTH SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT D.1 GN 2008-093 ABANDON RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR BLACKMAN ROAD AND A PORTION OF LYNN TERRACE AND AUTHORIZE CONVEYANCE TO ALLEN SAMUELS REALITY, INC. -ORDINANCE NO. 3019 APPROVED Mike Curtis, Managing Director presented the item. In 2002, the City agreed to close Blackman Road and Lynn Terrace. At the time, this action was taken as it was to be the first in a succession of events during which the details of the ultimate abandonment of the Right of Way (ROW) would be determined. A replat of the properties owned by Allen Samuels, including this ROW abandonment, was intended to very closely follow the road closures. Now six (6) years later, the Allen Samuels group is ready to replat City Council Minutes September 8, 2008 Page 9 the property and purchase the ROW for both of these streets. In January 2008, Allen Samuels group obtained an appraisal of the Blackman Road and Lynn Terrace ROWs that yielded a value in the amount of $182,000.00. Allen Samuels negotiated an agreement with the Tropical Greenery Company which results in the closure of the existing Tropical Greenery driveway on Lynn Terrace, and a subsequent sale of this driveway to the Allen Samuels group and the abandonment will not remove the utility easements. COUNCILMAN SAPP MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 3019. MAYOR PRO TEM TURNAGE SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. D.2 RP 2008-06 CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM ALLEN SAMUELS REALTY, INC TO APPROVE A REPEAT OF LOT 1, BLOCK C-R, LYNNCREST ADDITION AND A PORTION OF LOT 1-R, BLOCK 1, HELFMAN ADDITION INTO LOT 1-R, BLOCK C-R, LYNNCREST ADDITION (LOCATED AT 7820 NE LOOP 820 AND 4500 BOOTH GALLOWAY ROAD - 10.319 ACRES) APPROVED Eric Wilhite, Chief Planner summarized the item. The applicant, Allen Samuels Reality Inc., is requesting a replat of Lot 1, Block C-R Lynncrest Addition and a portion of Lot 1- R, Block 1, Helfman Addition. The replat will combine lots and create one 10.319 acre lot. At this time Allen Samuels is using the property for vehicle storage serving the auto dealership. This replat will include the abandonment of Blackman Drive and a portion of Lynn Terrace Drive rights-of-way approved in the previous council agenda item (D.1). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval by a 4-0 vote. Mayor Trevino called on Willy Watson with Allen Samuels Dodge Dealership to come forward. Mayor Trevino congratulated Mr. Watson and all the employees at Allen Samuels Dodge Dealership for being named the Dealership of the Year. COUNCILWOMAN COMPTON MOVED 70 APPROVE RP 200$-06. COUNCILMAN BARTH SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-O. D.3 FP 2008-05 CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM DOUG TERRY OF ALAMO VENTURES INC. TO APPROVE A FINAL PLAT OF LOT 4A, City Council Minutes September 8, 2008 Page 10 MCMURRAY ADDITION (LOCATED IN THE 3800 BLOCK OF DAWN DRIVE - 0.231 ACRES) APPROVED Mayor Trevino called on the applicant to come forward. Mr. Ernest Hedgcoth, with Ernest Hedgcoth Consulting Engineers, representing the applicant presented the platting request and the request for a waiver on the lot requirements. Mr. Hedgcoth was available to answer questions from the Council. Eric Wilhite, Chief Planner summarized the item. The applicant, Alamo Ventures Inc., represented by Doug Terry, is proposing to final plat this 0.231 acre tract for development of a single family residence. This property is currently zoned R-3. Typically a lot which is zoned R-3 would be required to have as a minimum a 65 feet width. Because this lot is located within an area that has already been platted and the surrounding lots are not within this applicant's ownership, the property owner can not achieve the 65 feet minimum and is requesting a variance to the lot width. Section 110- 42 of the Subdivision Ordinance allows the applicant to request such a variance based on peculiar physical surroundings as long as the variance will not have an adverse effect on the intent of subdivisions provisions. The lot width being requested for approval of the variance is 63 feet and is the only deviation from the R-3 standards indicated on the plat. The minimum lot area of 7,700 square feet required in the subdivision regulations is being exceeded as the proposed lot is 10,061 square feet. All other standards and set backs will be met. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval by a 4-0 vote. MAYOR PRO TEM TURNAGE MOVED TO APPROVE FP 2008-05. COUNCILMAN WELCH SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. PUBLIC WORKS E.0 No items for this category. GENERAL ITEMS F.1 GN 2008-084 AMEND THE EXISTING GAS FRANCHISE BETWEEN THE CITY AND ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION -ORDINANCE NO. 3014 APPROVED City Council Minutes September 8, 2008 Page 11 Karen Bostic, Assistant City Manager presented the item. Pursuant to a Settlement Agreement negotiated earlier this year between Atmos Energy Corporation, Mid-Tex Division and the Atmos Cities Steering Committee, at a city's request, Atmos will approve the execution of, or amendment to, the city's franchise agreement to increase franchise fee payments. The agreement, which caps the increase at a maximum of five (5) percent of gross revenues for gas sold within city limits, is effective for franchise payments made on May 1, 2008 or the effective date of the amendment changing the franchise agreement, whichever is later. The franchise fee is charged to Atmos for using the public streets, alleys, grounds and rights-of-way within the City for supplying gas to the residents of North Richland Hills. The gas franchise fee is currently 4% which equates to $375,000 - $400,000 in revenue to the General Fund per year. An increase of 1 % to the franchise fee would generate approximately $100,000 more in revenue per year. The increase in the franchise fee would be passed on to Atmos customers as an increase in their monthly bills. The average residential customer's bill would increase by approximately $0.50 to $0.60 cents per month. COUNCILMAN WELCH MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 3014 AND DEDICATING THE ADDITIONAL 1% OF REVENUE FROM THE CHANGE IN THE FRANCHISE FEE TO THE CRIME CONTROL AND PREVENTION DISTRICT FUND EFFECTIVE .JANUARY 1, 2009. COUNCILMAN WHITSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-O. F.2 GN 2008-086 APPROVE RATE TARIFFS WITH ATMOS ENERGY MID-TEX DIVISION THAT REFLECT THE NEGOTIATED RATE CHANGE PURSUANT TO THE RATE REVIEW MECHANISM PROCESS AND APPROVE ATMOS ENERGY MID-TEX DIVISION'S PROOF OF REVENUES, ORDINANCE NO. 3015 APPROVED Karen Bostic, Assistant City Manager summarized the item. On April 14, 2008, Atmos Energy Mid-Tex Division ("Atmos") filed an application with the City to increase natural gas rates pursuant to the Rate Review Mechanism ("RRM") tariff approved by Council February 11, 2008 as part of a Settlement Agreement. Atmos' April RRM filing seeks a $33.5 million rate increase. The Rate Review Mechanism was created as part of a collaborative agreement between Atmos and the Atmos Cities Steering Committee ("ACSC"). The City of North Richland Hills, along with 150 other cities served by Atmos Energy Mid-Tex Division, is a member of the Atmos Cities Steering Committee. Atmos' rate request represents the first filing pursuant to the three-year trial project known as the RRM process. The RRM process allows for a more comprehensive rate review and City Council Minutes September 8, 2008 Page 12 annual adjustment that will function as a substitute for future GRIP filings during the three-year trial period specified by the tariff. Atmos and ACSC agreed to cap changes to expenses and invested capital at no more than five percent (5%). The "true up component" evaluates whether the Company has over or under recovered its earnings for the previous year. An overriding reason for this recommendation is that a contested case proceeding before the Railroad Commission on the Company's current application will take several months and cost ratepayers millions of dollars in rate case expenses that would not likely produce a request more favorable than that to be produced by the settlement. In addition, as part of the negotiations between Atmos and ACSC, it was agreed that the monthly base rate (fixed rate) for Residential customers would be reduced from $10.69 to $7.00 per month with a monthly base rate (fixed rate) decrease for Commercial customers from $20.28 to $13.50 per month. While the base rate is a fixed amount, the tariff associated with the RRM is based on consumption. Reducing the monthly fixed charge and tying the tariff to consumption encourages energy efficiency. Approval of Ordinance No. 3015 would • Approve the negotiated resolution between the Atmos Cities Steering Committee and Atmos Energy Corp., Mid-Tex Division regarding the Atmos' rate review mechanism filing; • Declare the existing rates to be unreasonable; • Adopt tariffs that reflect rate adjustments consistent with the negotiated settlement and finding the rates to be set by the attached tariffs to be iust and reasonable; • Approve Atmos' proof of revenues; • Adopt a savings clause; • Verify the meeting at which the ordinance is approved met the Open Meetings Act requirements; • Declares the effective date as 10/1/08; • Requires delivery of the ordinance to Atmos and ACSC legal counsel. COUNCILMAN EARTH MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO, 3045. MAYOR PRO TEM TURNAGE SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-Q. F.3 GN 2008-087 APPROVE RESOLUTIONS FOR SUBMISSION TO THE 2008 TML RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE APPROVED City Council Minutes September 8, 2008 Page 13 Karen Bostic, Assistant City Manager presented the item. This item is to request approval of Resolutions to be submitted to the TML Resolutions Committee for consideration. The first resolution is support for joint city tax increment financing districts for revitalization of development corridors along city limit boundaries. The second is a resolution supporting the City of Dish resolution to encourage legislation to confer regulatory authority upon municipalities over intra-state gas utilities to safeguard the interests of the public and the long term economic viability of private property. Resolutions are due to TML headquarters no later than September 15, 2008. The city is encouraged to send a representative to the Resolutions Committee meeting being held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 to explain the resolution. A number of items the city is interested in have already been included in TML sub-committee recommendations and therefore do not need to be submitted by us. COUNCILMAN SAPP MOVED TO APPROVE GN 2008-087. COUNCILMAN WELCH SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-O. F.4 GN 2008-088 ADOPTING THE 2007/2008 REVISED BUDGET AND 2008/2009 PROPOSED BUDGET -ORDINANCE NO. 3016 APPROVED Mark Mills, Budget Director presented the item. The proposed budget for 2008/2009 was filed with the City Secretary's office on July 28, 2008. The proposed budget was also available at the NRH Public Library and on the City website. All necessary publications and hearings have been completed in compliance with City Charter requirements, special taxing district rules and procedures, and State Law. The 2008/2009 General Fund budget is based on the 57¢ tax rate which is the existing rate for the current fiscal year. Revisions to the 2007/2008 revenues and expenditures have been made to reflect the most current estimates for the current fiscal year. The Budgeted Operating Expenditures are: 2007/2008 2008/2009 Fund Revised Proposed General Fund $38,062,276 $38,983,678 Debt Service Fund 8,417,960 8,714,906 Parks & Recreation Fund 5,612,974 5,914,550 Crime Control District 4,935,627 4,907,318 Promotional Fund 241,101 228,567 Donations Fund 145,441 230,274 Special Investigation Fund 541,831 627,021 City Council Minutes September 8, 2008 Page 14 Drainage Utility Fund Gas Development Fund Traffic Safety Fund Utility Fund Aquatic Park Fund Golf Course Fund 698,766 608,888 775, 976 24,093,727 4, 665, 326 2,436,014 354,198 0 837,661 25,937,258 4,915,456 2,531,121 The Budgeted Capital Projects Expenditures are: 2008/2009 Fund Proposed Street & Sidewalk Projects $24,681,557 Drainage Projects 1,110,000 Utility Projects 7,215,205 Parks & Recreation Projects 1,893,757 Aquatic Park Projects 2,385,000 Municipal Facility Projects 12,277,980 Major Capital Equipment Program 2,514,828 Economic Development Projects 3,292,920 CIP Personnel-Operating Overhead Costs 605,311 55,976,558 The City of North Richland Hills Crime Control and Prevention District Board of Directors and the City Council have reviewed the 2007/2008 revised budget and the 2008/2009 proposed budget and have recommended approval. Park and Recreation Facilities Development Corporation Board of Directors reviewed the 2008/2009 proposed budget for all funds and have also recommended approval. As required by law, all legal notices were published. Approval of Ordinance No. 3016 would adopt 2007/2008 revised budget and 2008/2009 proposed budget. COUNCILMAN LEWIS MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO 3016 ADOPTING THE 2008/2009 BUDGET FOR ALL FUNDS AND THE REVISIONS TO THE 2007/2008 BUDGET FOR ALL FUNDS. COUNCILMAN WHITSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. F.5 GN 2008-089 RATIFY INCREASE IN PROPERTY TAX REVENUES REFLECTED IN 2008/2009 ADOPTED BUDGET APPROVED Mark Mills, Budget Director presented the item. Per House Bill 3195 from the 80tH Texas Legislative Session, it is necessary to state the increase in property tax revenue no matter the cause; whether the increase is based on increased property values, new City Council Minutes September 8, 2008 Page 15 construction or an increased tax rate. The proposed property tax rate has remained the same but due to new construction and increased values of existing property, proposed property tax revenue for fiscal year 2008/2009 will increase over fiscal year 2007/2008. The new language prescribed by the legislation is as follows: This budget will raise more total property taxes than last year's budget by $1,044,385 or 5.18%, and of that amount $601,306 is tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year. In addition, this legislation requires that the governing body ratify the property tax increase reflected in the adopted budget. The vote to ratify this property tax increase must be in addition to and separate from the vote to adopt the budget or the vote to set the tax rate. COUNCILMAN WELCH MOVED TO RATIFY THE INCREASE IN PROPERTY TAX REVENUES REFLECTED IN THE BUDGET.. COUNCILWOMAN COMPTON SECONDED THE MOTION, MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. F.6 GN 2008-090 ADOPT THE TAX RATE FOR TAX YEAR 2008- ORDINANCE NO. 3017 APPROVED Mark Mills, Budget Director presented the item. The notice of effective tax rate was published in the Star Telegram newspaper on August 7, 2008; the notice of public hearing on the tax increase, on August 13, 2008; and the notice of vote on the tax rate, on August 27, 2008 and September 3, 2008 all in accordance with State law. In addition, the notice of public hearing on the tax increase and the notice of vote on the tax rate were posted on the City's website and carried on Citicable in accordance with State law. The proposed 2008/2009 tax rate for the City of North Richland Hills is 57¢ per $100 of valuation. If approved, this will be the sixteenth year with a 57¢ tax rate. The proposed rate of 57¢ is an increase of 1.233% over the effective tax rate of 56.3058¢. The proposed rate of 57¢ is broken down into two parts as follows: 33.8753¢ for the purposes of maintenance and operations 23.1247¢ for the payment of principal and interest on debt of the City Adoption of Ordinance No. 3017 would set the tax rate for fiscal year 2008/2009 at 57¢ per $100 valuation. City Council Minutes September 8, 2008 Page 16 COUNCILMAN SAPP MOVED THAT PROPERTY TAXES BE INCREASED BY THE ADOPTION OF A TAX RATE OF 57 CENTS PER $100 VALUATION AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 3017. MAYOR PRO TEM TURNAGE SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE GARRIED 7-0. F.7 GN 2008-091 APPROVAL AND RATIFICATION OF 2008 CERTIFIED TAX ROLL- RESOLUTION NO. 2008-051 APPROVED Mark Mills, Budget Director presented the item. Tarrant Appraisal District has provided the City with the 2008 Certified Tax Roll information. This includes the most current appraisal information; exemptions for disabled veterans, persons over 65, homestead and disabled persons; tax ceilings for persons over 65 and disabled persons; abatement value losses; freeport inventory value loss; and agricultural value losses. These values also include new construction, the minimum value of properties still under protest, and the estimated net taxable value of incomplete properties. The certified values for the City of North Richland Hills are $3,759,485,131. This is the amount used to calculate the effective tax rate and property tax revenues for the fiscal year 2008/2009 budget. MAYOR PRO TEM TURNAGE MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2008-051. COUNCILMAN WHITSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. F.8 GN 2008-092 APPROVE AMBULANCE RATE REVISIONS -ORDINANCE NO. 3018 OPPRnVFI~ Larry Koonce, Finance Director summarized the item. The North Richland Hills EMS ambulance service is a high performance system that exceeds the levels of service typically found in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. That assessment is based upon a number of factors including response times, level of EMS skills provided, and the capabilities of our local hospital (North Hills Hospital is a Cycle II Chest Pain Center). The City of North Richland Hills has established base fees for ambulance service in the City for both residents and non-residents. EMS ambulance service fees are set by Council and reviewed and adjusted periodically based on the Consumer Price Index. For the last several years the CPI adjustments have not kept pace with the rising costs of health care in general, and the operating costs for EMS ambulance service specifically. The Fire Department staff has conducted an ambulance fee survey of City Council Minutes September 8, 2008 Page 17 EMS providers in our area. The survey indicates that the City of North Richland Hills's base fees need to be increased to bring them in line with the fees charged for similar EMS ambulance services in our region. Staff is recommending revisions to the ambulance fee structure setting resident base rates to provide 60% cost recovery and non-resident base rates to provide 67% cost recovery. The increase to the resident base rates will be phased in over 4 years. Also being recommended is an increase to the mileage free and the establishment of a $100 treat-no-transport fee. COUCILMAN WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE GN 2QQ8-OS2~ ORDINANCE NO. 3018. COUNCILMAN WELCH SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS G.1 ACTION ON ANY ITEM DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION LISTED ON WORK SESSION AGENDA No action needed. INFORMATION AND REPORTS H.1 ANNOUNCEMENTS Councilman Welch made the following announcements. Award-winning author and Texas Monthly columnist Sarah Bird will be at the North Richland Hills Public Library on Thursday, September 11 to talk about and read from her new novel "How Perfect is That." This special event will begin at 7 p.m. in the Community Room. Copies of her book will be available for sale and signing at the event. For more details, contact the Library Reference Department at 817-427-6814. Keep NRH Beautiful is recruiting volunteers for the Trash Bash on Saturday, October 4. Neighborhood associations, civic groups, scout troops, student associations and businesses are encouraged to participate. For more information, please call 817-427- 6651. In a follow up to our August 11th Meeting, JPS Health Systems reports that there were 3,141 visits to its school-based health clinic in Birdville ISD last year. With a value of City Council Minutes September 8, 2008 Page 18 $105 per visit for service, supplies and medications, that equates to well over $300,000 worth of services provided annually to our community. Kudos Korner - Firefigher/Paramedics Brian Martin, Jeff Peterson & Mark Spillman. A letter was received from a citizen thanking Brian, Jeff and Mark for helping his daughter when she had been involved in a major accident on Boulevard 26 near Tarrant County College. He appreciated their quick response and competent, professional attitude. H.2 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Trevino adjourned the meeting at 8:27 p.m. a~~~1C H Lq.N~iu'4i ~. .n.. ,.pyf 5 ~ATTE~T: N Oscar Trevino -Mayor ,City Secretary