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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2008-08-11 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 -AUGUST 11, 2008 WORK SESSION The City Council of the City of North Richland Hills, Texas met in work session on the 11th day of August, 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 Suzy Compton Council Place 3 Tim Barth Council, Place 4 David Whitson Council, Place 5 Staff Members: Larry J. Cunningham City Manager Jared Miller Assistant City Manager Karen Bostic Managing Director Patricia Hutson City Secretary Monica Solko Assistant City Secretary George Staples City Attorney Mary Peters Public Information Officer John Pitstick Director of Planning & Development Larry Koonce Finance Director Mike Curtis Public Works Director Jimmy Perdue Police Chief Andy Jones Fire Chief Craig Hulse Economic Development Director Mark Mills Budget Director Stephanie East Health Supervisor Vickie Loftice Director of Parks and Recreation Joe Pack Parks Capital Project Superintendant Eric Wilhite Chief Planner Steve Brown Library Director Absent: Ken Sapp Council, Place 2 Tim Welch Council, Place 7 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 August 11, 2008 Page 2 Larry J. Cunningham, City Manager advised Council of a problem with the agenda. The software that generated the posted agenda failed to print Section H containing the Information and Reports. However, Section H did print in the agenda packet that was received by Council and posted to the website. Council was advised that Mr. Robert Earley who was scheduled to present the JPS Report during the Information and Reports would instead be submitting a request to speak during Citizens Presentation and Councilman Whitson would submit a citizens presentation request to make the announcements. Council was requested to consider a motion during the regular meeting suspending the Council Rules so that the Citizens Presentation requests pertaining to the JPS Report and the Announcements be moved to the end of the meeting and the three-minute time limit waived. Jared Miller, Assistant City Manager introduced Craig Hulse, the city's new Economic Development Director. A.2 IR 2008-087 Update on Restaurant Health Scores Online Stephanie East, Environmental Health Supervisor presented a PowerPoint presentation updating Council on City Restaurant Health Scores that can now be found on the NRH website. Highlights included: Scores Now Online • Facility name, address, phone number, date of inspection, and score • Updated monthly Inspection Frequency • Approximately 300 food establishments • Scored inspections performed at least 1 - 4 times annually • Frequency based on priority classification • Types of food and population served determines priority Low Priority Facilities • Inspected 1 - 2 times annually • Prepackaged food and drink or food/drinks that require minimum handling • i.e. convenience stores Medium Priority Facilities • Inspected 2 - 3 times annually • Precooked foods and food and drinks that require minimal handling • i.e. sandwich shop, bakery, retail grocery High Priority Facilities City Council Minutes August 11, 2008 Page 3 • Inspected 3 - 4 times annually • Extensively handles food, prepares food from raw state • Serves a highly susceptible population (people with health risks, preschool age- children, older adults) • i.e. full service restaurant, fast food, meat market, hospital and child care kitchens Demerit System • 0 demerits =perfect score • 10 demerits =meets expectations • 15 demerits =satisfactory score • 25 demerits =requires re-inspection • 30 demerits =indicates serious conditions Critical Violations • Higher point violations • Require immediate response and resolution • Food temperature violations, including improper cooking, cooling, holding, or reheating • Incorrect employee practices and hygiene Noncritical Violations • Lower point violations • Less immediate health and safety concern • Building and physical facility conditions • Proof of proper food safety training • Overall score may include a combination of critical and non-critical violations Compliance with Inspection Report • Timeline to comply • Follow-up inspections • Strive to work with businesses and achieve positive, cooperative relationships Scores are a Snapshot • Represent the conditions at time of unscheduled inspection • May be better or worse when inspector is not present • May or may not be a true representation of overall facility conditions Tour of Site • http://www.nrhtx.com/dept ns foodinspection.aspx There were no questions from the Council. City Council Minutes August 11, 2008 Page 4 A.3 IR 2008-088 First Aid and CPR Class Update Andy Jones, Fire Chief updated Council on the importance of CPR. It is common knowledge that after someone stops breathing, or their heart stops beating, they can survive for only four to six minutes before lack of oxygen results in brain damage or death. CPR can buy that person extra time, by artificially circulating oxygenated blood to the brain, until one of the Fire Department ambulances can arrive. The country's #1 killers, heart attacks and accidents, claim a life every 34 seconds in the U.S. By training as many people as possible, the City of North Richland Hills Fire Department is doing its part in making sure that when one of our citizens has a cardiac event, the likelihood of there being someone close by to help is increased. The NRH Fire Department offers CPR classes on a monthly basis, not only to the public but also to all City employees. Each class includes hands on instruction in CPR, plus training on how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The training is American Heart Association approved and participants receive a student manual and an AHA Certification Card. The cost to the general public is only $25.00 and City employees may attend any session free of charge. Classes are held at different times each month in an attempt to accommodate all that might be interested. Classes are scheduled alternating between afternoon, evening and some Saturdays. Classes are held in the Training Room at the North Richland Hills Fire Administration Building at 7202 Dick Fisher Drive. The Fire Department requires a minimum of five students per class. Councilman Lewis questioned if the Fire Department would go to a local business to train. Chief Jones advised that if requested the Fire Department would go to a business to train their employees. A.4 IR 2008-089 Library Events Update Steve Brown, Library Director updated Council on the first 100 days of operations in the new library. The use of the new library has climbed to new levels. • The total number of checkouts out in July was 28.0% higher than in July 2007. • Length of loan periods was extended from a 2 week to 3 week loan period • The RFID system (self check out system) currently 65 - 68% of checkouts are self-service, up from approximately 24% last year. • 1,757 new library cards were issued in June, compared to 760 issued in June 2007. In July there were 1,342 new cards issued compared to 637 the year before. • Librarians responded to 4,087 reference questions in June, compared to 3,104 a year ago, a 31 % increase. • Door counts showed 29,540 visitors in June and 27,414 in July. Door counts would likely be higher if not for the effect of longer loan periods which allow library users to make fewer trips to the library. City Council Minutes August 11, 2008 Page 5 • Summer Reading Club participation also rose, with an estimated 1,768 taking part in the program and reporting that they read for at least 22,340 hours during the eight week program. • Library Program attendance nearly doubled in July, up to 1,230 from 637 the year before. • There were 70,678 web visits to the library's catalog in June, a 60.4% increase from June 2007. In July the total was 66,973. • The Library has begun developing a series of programs for adults in the community. Local author Bobby Ozuna spoke in July. Long-time library volunteer Mary Green presented a quilting program on August 7. Nationally known novelist Sarah Bird is scheduled to speak on September 11, in what we hope will the beginning of a series of presentations by noted authors. • The library sponsors a very active Chess Club, and hosted a regional chess tournament over the past weekend. • One of the most significant programs is the small business counseling offered by S.C.O.R.E., the Service Corps Of Retired Executives. Under the leadership of Councilman John Lewis, S.C.O.R.E. volunteers are working to expand this already successful business assistance program. There were no questions from the Council. A.5 IR 2008-090 Champion Trees in North Richland Hills Vickie Loftice, Director of Parks and Recreation introduced Geoffrey Sherman, Landscape Horticulturalist. Mr. Sherman presented a PowerPoint presentation on Champion Tress found in the City of North Richland Hills. The City of North Richland Hills has identified within its borders one national, five state and ten regional champion trees as defined by the Texas Forest Service's Big Tree Program. Champion Criteria • Height • Circumference at 4.5 ft. above ground • Crown spread X .25 • Total index points • Co-champions within 5 index points NRH Champion Trees • Bald Cypress -Region Champion • Eastern Redcedar -Region Champion • Chinese Persimmon -Region Co-Champion • Chitalpa -Region Champion • Turkish Pine -Region Champion • Golden Raintree -State and Region Champion City Council Minutes August 11, 2008 Page 6 • Chinese Privet -State and Region Champion • Royal Paulownia -State and Region Champion • Chinese Parasol -State and Region Co-Champion • Texas Hercules Club -National, State and Region Champion Web sites for more information Texas Forest Service http://txforestservice.tamu.edu Texas Tree Trails http://www.texastreetrails. org American Forest http://www.americanforests.org NRH residents with champion trees were notified and given a Champion Tree Certificate. There were no questions from the Council. A.6 Adjournment Mayor Trevino announced at 6:28 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 August 11, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Oscar Trevino Suzy Compton John Lewis Tim Barth David Whitson Scott Turnage Staff: Larry J. Cunningham Mayor Mayor Pro Tem, Council Place 3 Council, Place 1 Council, Place 4 Council, Place 5 Council, Place 6 City Manager City Council Minutes August 11, 2008 Page 7 Jared Miller Assistant City Manager Patricia Hutson City Secretary Monica Solko Assistant City Secretary George Staples Attorney Absent: Ken Sapp Council, Place 2 Tim Welch Council, Place 7 A.1 INVOCATION Councilwoman Compton gave the invocation. A.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilwoman Compton led the pledge of allegiance. A.3 SPECIAL PRESENTATION(S) AND RECOGNITIONS) None. A.4 CITIZENS PRESENTATION Mayor Trevino announced that the presenter for the JPS Report was running late and asked that the Citizen's Presentation be moved to the end of the meeting. MAYOR PRO TEM TURNAGE MOVED THAT SECTION 2-67(8} OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES AND THE ORDER OF BUSINESS RULES BE SUSPENDED SO THAT THE PORTION OF THE CITIZEN PRESENTATION PERTAINING TO .JFPS REPORT ON AGTIVIT[ES IN SCHOOLS AND THE ANNOUNCEMENTS BE MOVED TO THE END OF THE MEETING AND THE THREE MINUTE TIME LIMIT BE WAIVED. COUNCILMAN WHITSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 5-O. Mayor Trevino announced that Colton Jordan, Boy Scout Troop #98 from the City of Keller was also present in the audience. City Council Minutes August 11, 2008 Page 8 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 JULY 28, 2008 CITY COUNCIL MEETING B.2 FP 2008-06 CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM CLIFFORD LAND COMPANY, LLC TO APPROVE A FINAL PLAT OF LOTS 1-29, BLOCK A; LOTS 1-4, BLOCK B; AND LOTS 1-4, BLOCK C, BRYNWYCK ADDITION (LOCATED IN THE 8800 BLOCKS OF MARTIN DRIVE AS WELL AS MID- CITIES BOULEVARD - 9.96 ACRES) COUNCILMAN LEWIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. COUNCILMAN BARTH SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 5-O. PUBLIC HEARINGS C.1 ZC 2008-07 PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM R. T. KOONCE TO APPROVE A ZONING CHANGE FROM AG (AGRICULTURAL) TO 1~1- S (SPECIAL SINGLE FAMILY) FOR TRACT 3A3 IN THE D. MOSES SURVEY (LOCATED AT 7244 EDEN RD. - 1.4 ACRES) -ORDINANCE NO. 3007 APPROVED Mayor Trevino opened the public hearing and called for the applicant to come forward. David Meyers representing the applicant came forward. He explained that the request was a simple zoning change and was available to answer any questions the Council might have. Eric Wilhite, Chief Planner, presented the item. The applicant is requesting a zoning change on a 1.4 acre parcel. The proposed rezoning being requested is from AG (Agricultural) to R-1-S (Special Single Family). At this time the applicant has indicated to staff there are no plans currently to construct a new home on the property or modify the existing residential structure. The existing residential structure will remain. This City Council Minutes August 11, 2008 Page 9 zoning as well as the plat that is being processed concurrently will simply bring the property into conformance so if such a time occurs re-development can occur. The Planning and Zoning Commission approved ZC 2008-07 by a vote of 6-0. 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. COUNCILMAN BARTH MOVED TO APPROVE ZC 2008-07, ORDINANCE N'O. 3007. COUNCILWOMAN COMPTON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE GARRIED 5-O. C.2 ZC 2008-09 PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM JON WESTROM TO AMEND AN RI-PD ZONING DISTRICT SITE PLAN TO ALLOW FOR GATED ENTRY AT CRESTWOOD ESTATES ADDITION, LOTS 11 R1-11 R23, BLK. 6 (LOCATED IN THE 8200 BLOCK OF STARNES RD.) -ORDINANCE NO. 3008 APPROVED Mayor Trevino opened the public hearing and called for the applicant to come forward. Barry Walling 1500 Brown Trail in Bedford, came forward. He explained that the request before the Council was to modify or amend the site plan to allow a gated entrance into the subdivision. He was available to answer any questions the Council might have. Eric Wilhite, Chief Planner, presented the item. The applicant, Jon Westrom, of Westrom and Walling Developers is requesting approval of a revision to the originally approved RI-PD site plan approved by Ordinance 2914 on 1-8-2007. During construction of the project the developer decided they would like to gate the subdivision. During the original RI-PD site plan approval, the street was created as a private street to be owned and maintained by the HOA. Because the street is private there is no issue with it being gated as there would be if dedicated as a public street. However, since during the original RI-PD site plan approval the subdivision was not indicated as being gated, a revision to the approved site plan is needed. No other conditions or requirements of the original RI-PD site plan (including fencing, common open spaces, architectural enhancements) approved by ordinance are being changed or amended. This revision will simply allow the development to be gated. The gated feature design has been reviewed by the Development Review Committee. Both the Fire Marshals office, Police and Public Works have reviewed and determined the City Council Minutes August 11, 2008 Page 10 design meets requirements for emergency access and traffic design. The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the amendment by a vote of 6-0. 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. COUNCILMAN LEWIS MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO.3O08. COUNCILWOMAN COMPTON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 5-O. D.0 PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT Items to follow do not require a public hearing. No items for this category. PUBLIC WORKS E.1 PW 2008-020 AWARD A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,000 TO DANNENBAUM ENGINEERING, INC. FOR THE SHADY GROVE ROAD STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (DAVIS TO CLAY HIBBINS) APPROVED Mike Curtis, Public Works Director presented the item. This Capital Improvements Project (CIP) will consist of the design of Shady Grove Road from Davis Boulevard to Clay-Hibbins Road. The estimated cost of the entire project is $1,030,000. The project's design will include the widening of the roadway from the existing 18-feet wide asphalt street to a 40-feet wide concrete collector street in compliance with the City's Master Thoroughfare Plan (a Minor Collector with 2 undivided lanes). The City requested Requests for Proposals in accordance with city policy and proposals were received from 24 firms. The City's selections committee reviewed and evaluated the proposals and is recommending award of the professional services agreement to Dannenbaum Engineering, Inc. MAYOR PRO TEM TURNAGE MOVED TO APPROVE PW 2008-020, COUNCILMAN WHITSON SECONDED THE MOTION. City Council Minutes August 11, 2008 Page 11 MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 5-0. E.2 PW 2008-021 AWARD A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $235,600.00 TO HALFF ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR THE DOUGLAS LANE STREET AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT FROM HIGHTOWER DRIVE TO STARNES ROAD APPROVED Mike Curtis, Public Works Director presented the item. This Capital Improvements Project (CIP) will consist of the design of Douglas Lane from Hightower Drive to Starnes Road. The project's design will include widening the roadway from an existing 18-feet wide asphalt roadway to a 40-feet wide concrete collector street in accordance with the City's Master Thoroughfare Plan. The roadway design will include concrete sidewalks and an underground drainage system. The City requested Requests for Proposals in accordance with city policy and proposals were received from 29 firms. The City's selections committee reviewed and evaluated the proposals and is recommending award of the professional services agreement to Halff Associates, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $235,600. COUNCILMAN BARTN MOVED TO APPROVE PW 2008-021. COUNGILWOMAN GOMPTON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 5-0. GENERAL ITEMS F.1 GN 2008-073 SETTING DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR 2008-2009 CITY BUDGET, PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND CRIME CONTROL AND PREVENTION DISTRICT BUDGETS APPROVED Mark Mills, Budget Director presented the item. It is necessary for City Council to set public hearings on the proposed annual 2008-2009 City Budget, proposed projects and operations of the Park and Recreation Facilities Development Corporation, and the Crime Control and Prevention District budgets. A published notice will be required for each public hearing per the City Charter and State law. Each hearing is set for August 26, 2008 beginning at 6:15 p.m. for the Park and Recreation Facilities Development Corporation, 6:30 p.m. for the Crime Control and Prevention District, and 7:00 p.m. for the proposed annual City Budget. City Council Minutes August 11, 2008 Page 12 COUNCILMAN WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE GN 2008-073 SETTING THE DATE OF THE PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE PARK AND RECREATION FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND THE CRIME CONTROL AND PREVENTION DISTRICT, AND THE ANNUAL CITY BUDGET ON AUGUST 26. MAYOR PRO TEM TURNAGE SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 5-0. F.2 GN 2008-074 SETTING DATES FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS ON PROPOSED TAX RATE AND RECORD VOTE ON PLACING THE TAX RATE ADOPTION ON THE AGENDA OF THE SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 COUNCIL MEETING APPROVED Mark Mills, Budget Director presented the item. In follow up to the 2008-2009 Budget Work Session, it is necessary to begin the notice and public hearing procedures to establish a tax rate for the next fiscal year in accordance with the City Charter and State law. At the Work Session, Council consensus was to set the tax rate at 57¢, which is the same tax rate as the current year. If approved, this will be the 16th consecutive year the tax rate has been 57¢. Per Senate Bill 567 of the 79th Texas Legislative Session, if a municipality imposes a tax rate that exceeds the effective tax rate, the municipality is required to have a record vote to place a proposal to adopt the tax rate on the agenda of a future meeting as an action item. The effective tax rate is 56.3058¢ which is lower than the proposed tax rate of 57¢. The effective tax rate is the rate that would be applied to the July 2008 property tax values that would provide the same amount of revenue as the current tax year. State law further requires that a municipality hold two public hearings if the proposed tax rate exceeds the effective tax rate. The first tax rate public hearing is proposed to be held on August 26, 2008, a regularly scheduled Council Meeting with the second public hearing proposed for a Special Council Meeting on September 2, 2008. State law requires that a tax rate be adopted no sooner than 3 days after the second public hearing and no later than 14 days after the second public hearing. It is proposed that the tax rate be adopted at the September 8, 2008 Council meeting. COUNCILMAN WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE GN 200$-074 TO SET THE REQUIRED HEARINGS FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE TAX RATE. COUNCILMAN LEWIS SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 5-O. City Council Minutes August 11, 2008 Page 13 A.4 CITIZENS PRESENTATION #1 INFORMATION AND REPORTS IR 2008-086 JPS REPORT ON ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS Robert Earley, Interim CEO for JPS Health Network came forward. Mr. Earley thanked Council and citizens for all their support and the opportunity to come and speak on JPS services. JPS Health Network partners with school districts around Tarrant County to provide affordable healthcare to students and their siblings. JPS Health Network partners with Birdville ISD at Carrie F. Thomas Academy elementary school in North Richland Hills. JPS Health Network school-based health centers are geared toward keeping children healthy. The facilities offer health care to students and their siblings. Each visit is five dollars. A nurse practitioner on site provides multiple services to students such as annual physicals, immunizations, treatment for sore throats, colds and other illnesses. The health clinics also help with the management of chronic diseases such as acne, asthma, diabetes, allergies and weight problems. In addition, they provide health education programs on nutrition and exercise. All of the school health clinics, including the one located at Carrie F. Thomas Academy, are open on days when school is in session and offer appointments before and after school. All students attending Birdville ISD schools may use the clinic at Carrie F. Thomas Academy. JPS Health Network believes these school clinics are an integral part of their overall health coverage. Mayor Trevino asked Mr. Earley if he knew if there was an impact on visits to the county hospital? Mr. Earley did not have that information. Mayor Trevino asked the City Manager to provide information during a future council meeting's Information and Reports on the impact JPS school-based Health Centers have on the county hospital. #2 INFORMATION AND REPORTS ANNOUNCEMENTS Councilman Whitson made the following announcements. The City of North Richland Hills will display its Artists at Work employee art exhibit August 15th through August 23rd in the Recreation Center Assembly Room. For more details, please call 817-427-6614. The Companies in Action Volleyball Tournament will be held on Saturday, August 16th, at the NRH Recreation Center. Local businesses interested in competing in this event should call 817-427-6600 for more details. City Council Minutes August 11, 2008 Page 14 The August 25th City Council Meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, August 26th. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. During this meeting, the City Council will conduct a public hearing on the proposed budget and tax rate. The NRH Police Department is accepting applications for the next session of the Citizens Police Academy (CPA). The CPA meets on Thursdays for 12 consecutive weeks from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The next session begins August 28th. For an application or more information, call Officer Bauman at 817-427-7021 or log on to nrhtx.com. Kudos Korner -Officer Rick Drake, Police Department. A homeowner called to thank Officer Drake for checking his residence after locating an open garage door. He stated he was glad to see that the officers patrolling his area are investigating suspicious circumstances. Mayor Trevino adjourned the meeting at 7:46 p.m Oscar Trevino -Mayor ATTEST: Patricia Hutson, City Secretary Lq _,`;~ : r a . n ~: z t ~ r N 7~ h.