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.
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Oscar Trevino -Mayor
,City Secretary