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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2008-04-14 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 -APRIL 14, 2008 WORK SESSION The City Council of the City of North Richland Hills, Texas met in work session on the 14th day of April, 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 Suzy Compton Mayor Pro Tem, Council Place 3 John Lewis Council, Place 1 Ken Sapp Council, Place 2 Tim Barth Council, Place 4 David Whitson Council, Place 5 Scott Turnage Council, Place 6 Tim Welch Council, Place 7 Staff Members: Larry J. Cunningham City Manager Ogden Bo Bass Assistant City Manager Jared Miller Assistant City Manager 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 Mike Curtis Public Works Director Eric Wilhite Chief Planner Vickie Loftice Parks and Recreation Director Andy Jones Fire Chief Kirk Marcum Assistant Chief -Fire Marshal Jo Ann Stout Neighborhood Services Director Dave Pendley Building Official Jamie Brockway Purchasing Manager Absent Karen Bostic Managing Director 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 April 14, 2008 Page 2 There were no items discussed. A.2 IR 2008-045 Iron Horse Golf Course Master Drainage Plan Update Mr. Jared Miller, Assistant City Manager, presented a PowerPoint presentation reviewing previous improvements to the golf course. Some erosion improvements were made in the late 1990s and in 1999 the Drainage Master Plan identified high priority and low priority projects. The high priority projects were completed in 2002. The improvements included two slope projection projects and three bridge projects along Big Fossil Creek and Singing Hills Creek where erosion had negatively affected the appearance and playability of the golf course. During the past several years some of the low priority projects have become high priority and after the June 2007 floods, two areas were identified as needing emergency improvements. The current Golf Course Drainage Improvement project consists of making two emergency improvements and updating the 1999 Master Drainage Plan. The two emergency improvement projects are located at Hole 10 and Hole 7. The project design is completed, the bid documents are being prepared and the project completion date is September 2008. Mr. Richard DeOtte, DeOtte Engineering, reviewed with Council the methodology for the 1999 Master Plan and update to the plan. Mr. DeOtte presented to Council some of the new high priority projects that were identified during the update of the Master Plan. Council briefly discussed the needed improvements. A.3 IR 2008-042 Update of 2006 International Building and Fire Codes, 2005 National Electrical Code A PowerPoint presentation was presented highlighting upcoming changes for Council approval to the 2006 International Building Code, the 2005 National Electrical Code and the 2008 International Fire Code. Mr. Pendley, Building Official, reviewed some of the proposed amendments to the Building and Electrical Code and Mr. Marcum, Assistant Fire Chief, reviewed some of the proposed amendments to the Fire Code. The purpose of the updates is to remain current on latest technologies and construction methods. In addition, there are state mandates requiring the update of the building code and other surrounding communities are also moving towards the adoption of the 2006 International Codes. The updates also improve the City's Insurance Services Organization (ISO) rating. ISO ratings range from 1 (best) to 10 (poorest) and directly influence the rate that building owners are charged for property insurance as well as influence the city's floodplain program rating. The City's Inspection Division's ISO rating for residential was recently lowered from 5 to 4 and the commercial rating was lowered from 5 to 3. The adoption of these Codes will help the City gain even more positive ratings. Staff will be meeting with the Technical Review Committee (Construction Board of Appeals) for their approval and recommendations prior to Council adopting the Codes. Staff anticipates that the adoption of the Codes will be brought to Council for approval at either the April 28 or the May 12 Council meeting. City Council Minutes April 14, 2008 Page 3 Staff also plans to bring the 2006 versions of the International Residential Code, International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code and the Energy Conservation Code to Council for adoption later this spring. Council concurred with Staff moving forward with the proposed updates to the codes. A.4 IR 2008-023 Neighborhood Services Year End Report Ms. JoAnn Stout, Neighborhood Services Director, preserited a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the Year End Report for the department. In response to Council's goals in 2003 to focus on redevelopment and revitalization of residential neighborhoods, the Neighborhood Services Department implemented several new programs to meet Council's goals. The Neighborhood Initiative Program implemented in 2004 helps seniors, single parents and individuals with disabilities with home repairs. The Neighborhood LOOKS program implemented in 2006 educates citizens on code violations and focuses on targeted areas to abate nuisance violations. The Community Action Team "CAT" program implemented in 2008 will identify and focus on targeted areas to abate substandard housing conditions. Two high grass control individuals are in the process of being hired, which will allow the Code Officers to focus on addressing nuisance violations and substandard housing in the targeted areas. Within the past four years, Code Enforcement has increased its quantity and quality of inspections by over 300%, Consumer Health has increased their inspections by over 200% and less than 1 % of all code violations have resulted in a citation being issued. 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 Pursuant to the provisions of Section 551.072, Texas Government Code to deliberate the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property: mineral leases of City property Mayor Trevino announced at 6:25 p.m. that the Council would adjourn to Executive Session pursuant to the provisions of Section 551.072, Texas Government Code to deliberate the lease of municipal real property for mineral development. C.0 AdLurnment Mayor Trevino announced at 6:37 p.m. that the Council would adjourn to the regular Council meeting. City Council Minutes April 14, 2008 Page 4 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING A.0 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Trevino called the meeting to order April 14, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Oscar Trevino Suzy Compton John Lewis Ken Sapp Tim Barth David Whitson Scott Turnage Tim Welch Mayor Mayor Pro Tem, Council, Place 1 Council, Place 2 Council, Place 4 Council, Place 5 Council, Place 6 Council, Place 7 Council Place 3 Staff: Larry J. Cunningham Ogden Bo Bass Patricia Hutson Monica Solko George Staples City Manager Assistant City Manager City Secretary Assistant City Secretary Attorney A.1 INVOCATION Councilman Whitson gave the invocation. A.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilman Whitson led the pledge of allegiance. A.3 SPECIAL PRESENTATION(S) AND RECOGNITIONS) Presentation of "Child Abuse Prevention Month" Proclamation presented by Councilman Sapp City Council Minutes April 14, 2008 Page 5 Councilman Sapp presented a proclamation to Nancy Hagan, Executive Director of Alliance for Children, proclaiming the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. A.4 CITIZENS PRESENTATION None. 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 MARCH 17, 2008 CITY COUNCIL MEETING B.2 FP 2007-20 CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM COMPASS REALTY TO APPROVE A FINAL PLAT OF LOTS 1-7, BLOCK 1, WILDWOOD BUSINESS PARK ADDITION (LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF MID CITIES BOULEVARD AND CARDINAL LANE - 2.77 ACRES) 6.3 PU 2008-009 AWARD BID #08-014 TO SKY CONSTRUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $63,388.00 FOR THE GATE AND FENCE REPLACEMENT PROJECT. 6.4 PU 2008-010 AWARD OF BID # 08-022 TO COLE CONSTRUCTION, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $56,775 FOR THE J. B. SANDLIN PARK IRRIGATION IMPROVEMENTS. COUNCILMAN TURNAGE MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. COUNCILMAN WHITSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-O. City Council Minutes April 14, 2008 Page 6 PUBLIC HEARINGS C.1 ZC 2008-01 PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM BARRETT AND JENNIFER BLACKBURN TO APPROVE A ZONING CHANGE OF TRACT 14f, ABSTRACT NO. 1266 FROM "AG" AGRICULTURAL TO "R-1" SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (LOCATED AT 7525 KIRK ROAD - 0.921 ACRES) -ORDINANCE NO. 2987 APPROVED Mayor Trevino opened the public hearing and called for the applicant to come forward. Roger Hart, 134 Sheffield Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76134 with Area Surveying came forward representing the applicants. The applicants would like to demolish the existing home in order to build a new home. The lot is zoned agricultural and applicants would like to change zoning to residential. Eric Wilhite, Chief Planner, presented the item. The applicants, Barrett and Jennifer Blackburn are requesting approval of a zoning change fora 0.921 acre tract of property located on Kirk Road. The property currently occupied by an older wood framed house which the applicant indicates will be removed. By zoning the property to "R-1" Single Family, the applicants intend to construct a new single family residence. The subject property is also in the review process for plat approval. Both of these efforts will bring the property into conformance with residential land use regulations. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning request by a vote of 7-0 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 SAPP MOVED TO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION AND TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 2987. COUNCILMAN WELCH SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-O. City Council Minutes April 14, 2008 Page 7 PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT D.1 FP 2007-19 CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM JOHNSON DIVERSIFIED ENTERPRISES, INC. TO APPROVE A FINAL PLAT CONTAINING 96 LOTS, WEST HIGHTOWER PLACE ADDITION AND TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2008-020 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT. (LOCATED IN THE 6700 BLOCK OF HIGHTOWER DRIVE - 22.34 ACRES) APPROVED Eric Wilhite, Chief Planner, presented the item. The applicant, Ben Johnson of Johnson Diversified Enterprises, Inc., is requesting approval of a final plat for this R-PD (Residential Planned Development). The site contains 22.34 acres located near the southeast intersection of Rufe Snow Drive and Hightower Drive. This request is for platting of the 96 lot residential development that was approved for R-PD zoning recently. The proposed plat includes the 96 single-family lots and 5 primary common open space lots as specifically approved in the site plan design guidelines established in the residential planned development regulations. The drainage from West Hightower Place is proposed to enter into an adjoining off-site drainage channel that will be incorporated into the future Graham Ranch, Phase III, Addition and connect into the existing channel within the Graham Ranch, Phase I, Addition. This drainage channel is divided into two sections: a north channel and a south channel. The south channel is proposed to be the same as the existing channel within the Graham Ranch, Phase I, Addition. This south channel will have a concrete pilot channel, landscaping, irrigation and sidewalks long the top of the bank in accordance with the City's design criteria. The north channel is proposed as an earthen channel without the amenities included as part of the south channel; the amenities will be added with the development of the future Graham Ranch, Phase III, Addition. In order for the West Hightower Place drainage to enter the off-site drainage channel, an agreement executed by all affected property owners and the City needs to be executed. These affected property owners are Graham Ranch Partners, LTD, Johnson Diversified Enterprises, Inc. and Billy & Ernestine Graham. The agreement defines the roles and responsibilities of each party in the construction and maintenance of both the north and south channels. This development and maintenance agreement defines the responsibilities of each party; the key responsibilities of each party are: • Graham Ranch Partners, Ltd. -Agrees to amend the current watercourse maintenance agreement (approved by City Council on September 26, 2005 for the development of Graham Ranch, Phases I & II) to include maintenance responsibilities for the south channel. The revised watercourse maintenance City Council Minutes April 14, 2008 Page 8 agreement will be brought to a future City Council meeting after the appropriate drainage easement has been dedicated to the City of North Richland Hills. • Johnson Diversified Enterprises, Inc. -Agrees to construct the north and south channels in accordance with City approved construction plans. • Billy & Ernestine Graham -Agree to dedicate a public drainage easement for each section of channel upon completion of the channel improvements and acceptance of such improvements by the City of North Richland Hills. Additionally, the Grahams agree to maintain the north channel. • City of North Richland Hills -Agrees to review construction plans for the proposed channels. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of final plat by a vote of 7-0. Mayor Trevino called Ben Johnson the developer to come forward to discuss drainage issues that had been brought before Council by area neighbors during the platting process of this project. Ben Johnson, 1712 Oak Knoll, Colleyville came forward. He stated that the drainage issues brought by area neighbors had been addressed. COUNGILMAN WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE FP 2007-019 AND RESOLUTION NO. 2008-020. MAYOR PRO TEM COMPTON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-O. PUBLIC WORKS E.1 PW 2008-010 APPROVE ENGINEERING AGREEMENT WITH NEEL-SCHAFFER FOR THE DESIGN OF THREE TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHT PROJECTS FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $74,300 -RESOLUTION NO. 2008-022 APPROVED Mike Curtis, Public Works Director, presented the item. An engineering agreement for the design of three traffic signal lights located at the intersections of Precinct Line Road/Amundson Drive, Precinct Line Road/Rumfield Road, and Davis Boulevard/Bursey Road is proposed for Council consideration. All three intersections were approved for traffic signal lights in the 2007/08 CIP Budget. This portion of the project will consist of the design of the new traffic signals. Requests for qualifications were mailed to over 20 engineering firms. Five firms submitted qualifications for consideration. A review committee reviewed the qualifications of the firms and ranked City Council Minutes April 14, 2008 Page 9 them based on qualifications, such as similar projects and the experience of the project team. After conducting interviews with the top three firms, Neel-Schaffer demonstrated by their qualifications that they have the experience and a thorough understanding of the design work needed for the three traffic signal lights. Their work load and ability to meet the City's schedules were also clearly shown. Nell-Schaffer has worked with the City previously on similar projects, most recently with the Chapman Road/Holiday Lane/Meadow Road intersections. Since the new traffic signals are located on Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) rights-of-way, the construction plans will need to be approved by TxDOT. This process will add to the overall design duration. The engineer with Neel-Shaffer has indicated that he plans to have the design submitted to TxDOT within 30 to 60 days after approval of the engineering agreement by the city. COUNCILMAN WELCH MOVED TO APPROVE PW 2008-010 AND RESOLUTION NO. 2008-022. COUNCILMAN TURNAGE SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-O. E.2 PW 2008-011 APPROVE ENGINEERING AGREEMENT WITH LEE ENGINEERING FOR THE SIGNAL TIMING SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT FOR MID-CITIES BOULEVARD AND BOULEVARD 26 IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $80,000 - RESOLUTION NO. 2008-021 APPROVED Mike Curtis, Public Works Director, presented the item. An engineering agreement for the design of signal timing plans along the Boulevard 26 and Mid-Cities Boulevard corridors is being proposed for Council consideration. This project was approved in the 2007/08 CIP Budget. The project will involve the optimization of signal timing plans at 23 intersections on the Mid-Cities Boulevard and Boulevard 26. The intent of the project is to develop, implement, and fine-tune optimized signal timing plans to provide for progression of traffic during the peak hours of the day. The justification for the project is due to the significant changes that have taken place in traffic patterns since the completion of the 2005 timing plans. Updated timing plans will decrease motorist delays, fuel consumption and traffic congestion. Requests for qualifications were mailed to over 20 engineering firms. Four firms submitted qualifications for consideration. A review committee reviewed the qualifications of the firms and ranked them based on qualifications, such as similar projects and experience of the project team. Lee Engineering was selected for the project. They demonstrated that they have the knowledge and experience for designing like projects. Lee's staff has completed numerous signal timing plan projects on roadways in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Their Statement of Qualifications showed their project-relevant experience and their City Council Minutes April 14, 2008 Page 10 ability to meet the requirements of this project. Lee Engineering has also designed seven signalized intersections in the City. COUNCILMAN LEWIS MOPED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2008-021. COUNCILMAN BARTH SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. GENERAL ITEMS F.1 GN 2008-025 AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH BARBARA GRYGUTIS IN THE AMOUNT OF $149,000 FOR A PUBLIC ART COMMISSION AND INSTALLATION FOR THE GRAND AVENUE PARK PLAZA - RESOLUTION NO. 2008-018 APPROVED Mayor Trevino announced that the item being discussed is an enhancement to the new library park plaza and the grand opening for the new NRH Public Library is Saturday, April 19th and everyone is invited to join in the ribbon cutting. Mayor Trevino called on Vickie Loftice to come forward and present the item. Vickie Loftice, Parks and Recreation Director, presented the item. The approved 2007/08 Capital Improvement Program includes funding for public art within the Grand Ave Park Plaza. The park plaza is currently under design with construction expected to begin this October. The public art commission will be an important feature within the park plaza signifying arrival into the HomeTown NRH commercial and residential subdivision. For the past few months, staff has researched potential artists that have produced outdoor public art within an urban mixed use development. After reviewing several potential artists with qualifications and experience related to the above criteria, staff is recommending Barbara Grygutis for the public art commission. Barbara has a history of designing large scale, site-specific public art that is thematically based with strong visual statements about the communities for which the public art was created. Within the sculptural elements of her designs the viewer will notice interplay between art and nature. MAYOR PRO TEM COMPTON MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2008-018.. COUNCILMAN WHITSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-O. City Council Minutes April 14, 2008 Page 11 F.2 GN 2008-027 APPOINTMENT TO TEEN COURT ADVISORY BOARD -PLACE 7 APPROVED Patricia Hutson, City Secretary presented the item. The Place 7 position on the Teen Court Advisory Board is currently vacant. Councilman Welch is recommending the appointment of Anita Jones to fill the vacancy with the term expiring June 30, 2009. COUNCILMAN WELCH MOPED TO APPOINT ANITA JOHNSON TO PLACE 7 ON THE TEEN COURT ADVISORY BOARD. COUNCILMAN SAPP SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. G.1 ACTION ON ANY ITEM DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION LISTED ON WORK SESSION AGENDA 1) TO CONSIDER AND ACT UPON MINERAL LEASES OF CITY PROPERTY - RESOLUTION NO. 2008-023 Bo Bass, Assistant City Manager, presented the item. Chesapeake Energy Corporation has approached the City with interest in leasing property around Walker Creek in central North Richland Hills. Mineral lease terms include bonus of $10,000 per acre (40 acres - $408,880), a 2 year term and 25% royalties. No surface drilling is part of this proposed lease. COUNCILMAN WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION No. 200$-023. COUNCILMAN LEWIS SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. H.1 INFORMATION AND REPORTS Councilman Turnage made the following announcements. Join us at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 19th for the grand opening of the new North Richland Hills Public Library. There will be dedication speeches and a ribbon cutting, followed by tours of the new facility. The new library is located at 9015 Grand Avenue. For more information, please call 817-427-6800. City Council Minutes April 14, 2008 Page 12 The Sounds of Spring Concert Series continues every Friday night through May 9th at NRH2O. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the concerts begin at 7 p.m. Admission is FREE. Remember to bring blankets and lawn chairs. For more information, call 817-427-6600 or visit www.soundsnrh.com. Don't forget to register your team for Companies in Action presented by Health Markets. The Companies in Action bowling competition is scheduled April 19th and a 5K Fun Run will be held May 10th. For more information, please call 817-427-6600. Kudos Korner -Officer Travis Peck, Police Department. A resident recently called to commend Officer Peck for his assistance with, and swift resolution of, an issue at his home. The resident said Officer Peck was the most professional officer he has dealt with in Tarrant County and he is sure to rise through the ranks very quickly due to his work ethic and high standard of performance. H.2 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Trevino adjourned the meeting at 7:39 p.m. ~~~ ti _ ~~ n o~ ~~ ?t ATTEST: j~ revino -Mayor City Secretary