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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2009-03-09 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 -MARCH 9, 2009 WORK SESSION The City Council of the City of North Richland Hills, Texas met in work session on the 9th day of March, 2009 at 5:45 p.m. in the Council Work Room prior to the 7:00 p.m. regular Council meeting. Present: 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 David Whitson Council, Place 5 Tim Welch Council, Place 7 Staff Members: Larry J. Cunningham City Manager Karen Bostic Assistant City Manager Jimmy Perdue Assistant City Manager Mike Curtis Managing Director Vickie Loftice 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 Chris Swartz NRH2O Manager Frank Perez NRH2O Operations Coordinator Jimmy Cates Public Works Operations Manager Andrew A. Jones Fire Chief Greg VanNeiuwenhuize Public Works Assistant Director Craig Hulse Economic Development Director Jamie Brockway Purchasing Manager Absent: Oscar Trevino Mayor Gall to (~rrlar Mayor Pro Tem Turnage called the work session to order at 5:45 p.m. A.1 Discuss Items from Regular City Council Meeting City Council Minutes March 9, 2009 Page 2 None. A.2 IR 2009-022 Discuss Setting Dates for May Council Meetings Patricia Hutson, City Secretary presented the item. Due to the May 25 Council meeting falling on the Memorial Day Holiday, Council needs to consider moving the meeting to another date. Also, following the May 9 Election Day, Council will need to take care of a couple of election related matters required by law. These election matters are to be completed within the statutory timeframe of May 13 to May 20. Neither of our regularly scheduled May council meetings falls within this timeframe. In light of this and the need to reschedule the second meeting in May, staff is recommending that the May 25 regular meeting be rescheduled to Monday, May 18. If Council is agreeable to May 18, the election related items would be handled at the beginning of the meeting followed by the regular meeting items. An action item will be placed on the next Council agenda to reschedule the meeting if Council is in favor. Council consensus was to move the date to May 18 and to bring the item back for action on the next Council Meeting. A.3 IR 2009-018 Discussion of Ultraviolet (UV) Systems at NRH2O Chris Swartz, NRH2O Manager briefed Council on a particular chlorine resistant protozoan parasite called Cryptosporidium or "Crypto" that invaded the DFW area aquatic industry including NRH2O this past summer. A commonly used system in rendering Cryptosporidium sterile is the use of Ultraviolet Systems (UV). Mr. Swartz introduced Frank Perez, NRH2O Operations Coordinator to explain the engineering part of the system. Mr. Perez explained once Cryptosporidium is rendered sterile, it can no longer reproduce when introduced to a human host. It is during its reproduction cycle that symptoms develop causing gastrointestinal illness. UV systems offer a 3 log (99.9%) inactivation of Cryptosporidium in one pass. In order for UV systems to work at their peak, the pool water must be clear as the system basically works by shining a light on the stream of water passing in front of it. Therefore, proper basic water chemistry, in conjunction with proper filtration is necessary for UV to work most effectively. Staff has evaluated several methods to address the Crypto issue at NRH2O and believe the most effective is the UV system. The cost for UV is expensive, but the cost benefit is better than the other methods. The estimated cost of installing UV at NRH2O is approximately $200,000. Funding is available in the Aquatic Park Capital Projects Budget and the new system can be installed prior to the 2009 Season. The installation of UV at the park will send a strong message to our market and the DFW region that NRH2O is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our current and future guests. After discussion and questions by the Council, the Council was in favor of the UV system and asked that the item be placed on the next Council Meeting for action. City Council Minutes March 9, 2009 Page 3 A.4 IR 2009-024 2009 Bond Sale Mr. Larry Koonce, Finance Director, reviewed the proposed bond sale for 2009. The general obligation (GO) portion of the sale consists of projects totaling $5,695,000 and the proposed certificate of obligation (C.O.) portion of the sale consists of projects and equipment in the amount of $9,705,000 for a total of $15,400,000. The C.O. sale includes funds for the fire quint replacement, utility water and wastewater projects, drainage projects, NRH20 strategic plan projects and TIF 1 expansion projects. The G.O. bonds are all voter approved and follow the bond election plan of 2003. Debt service payments for the C.O.'s will be made from the Aquatic Park Fund, Drainage Utility Fund, Fleet Fund, TIF 1 Taxes and Utility Fund respectively. A Council resolution authorizing the intent to sell C.O.'s is required prior to issuance of the certificates which will be ready for approval on the March 23, 2009 City Council meeting. Staff has carefully looked at these projects and the City's ability to prudently finance and pay for these and have discussed the potential sale with the City's financial advisor, First Southwest. Staff believes that the City of North Richland Hills can adequately and soundly handle the financing of these projects and should be able to receive a good interest rate. There were no questions from Council. 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 Section 551.072, Texas Government Code to deliberate the purchase of real property at: 5009 Cummings Dr. B.2 Executive Session: Pursuant to Section 551.072, Texas Government Code to deliberate the purchase, exchange or value of real property for municipal use - Central and Western Sectors of City Mayor Pro Tem Turnage announced at 6:01 p.m. that the Council would adjourn into Executive Session as authorized by Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, specifically Section 551.072 to deliberate the purchase, exchange or value of real property - at 5009 Cummings Drive and for municipal use -central and western sector of City. C.0 Adjournment Mayor Pro Tem Turnage announced at 6:37 p.m. that the Council would adjourn to the regular Council meeting. City Council Minutes March 9, 2009 Page 4 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING A.0 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Pro Tem Turnage called the meeting to order March 9, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Scott Turnage John Lewis Ken Sapp Suzy Compton Tim Barth David Whitson Tim Welch Staff: Larry J. Cunningham Karen Bostic Jimmy Perdue Mike Curtis Vickie Loftice Patricia Hutson Monica Solko George Staples Absent: Oscar Trevino 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 Managing Director Managing Director City Secretary Assistant City Secretary Attorney Mayor A.1 INVOCATION Councilman Sapp gave the invocation. A.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilman Sapp led the pledge of allegiance. City Council Minutes March 9, 2009 Page 5 Mayor Pro Tem Turnage recognized Ms. Sally Proffitt from Tarrant County College Northeast and students from her Business Leadership course. A.3 SPECIAL PRESENTATION(S) AND RECOGNITIONS) PROCLAMATION -INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENT DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH PRESENTED BY COUNCILMAN WHITSON Councilman Whitson presented a proclamation to the Self-Advocate Leaders of Today Group (S.A.L.T.) on the awareness of intellectual and development disabilities. A.4 SPECIAL PRESENTATION(S) AND RECOGNITIONS) PRESENTATION OF AWARDS TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT BY THE TEXAS RECREATION AND PARK SOCIETY Julie Adkins, Regional Director for the Texas Recreation and Park Society and Recreation Superintendent for the City of Keller presented the North Richland Hills Parks and Recreation Department with the Marketing Award for the City's Green Initiatives Program and the Arts and Humanities Award for the Art in Public Spaces Program. Vickie Loftice, Managing Director presented Adrien Pekurney, Recreation Center Manager with the award of Outstanding Young Professional. A.5 IR 2009-021 SPECIAL PRESENTATION CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2007 Fred Werner, Director of Finance with the City of Grapevine and past President of the Government Finance Officers Association of Texas presented Larry Koonce, Finance Director with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Mr. Koonce commended the Accounting staff for their professional efforts that have made it possible for the City to again receive this prestigious award. A.6 CITIZENS PRESENTATION None. City Council Minutes March 9, 2009 Page 6 A.7 REMOVAL OF ITEM(S) FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA None. B.0 APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS APPROVED B.1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 23, 2009 CITY COUNCIL MEETING B.2 PU 2009-008 APPROVE PURCHASE OF SEWER CAMERA INSPECTION SYSTEM FROM CUES, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $74,989.22 COUNCILMAN LEWIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. COUNCILMAN WHITSON SECONDED THE MOTION, MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS C.1 ZC 2009-01 PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM RICHARD AND SILVIA WOOLDRIDGE FOR A ZONING CHANGE FROM AG AGRICULTURE TO R-1-S SPECIAL SINGLE FAMILY ON TRACT 4609 IN THE CONDRA SURVEY (7421 HIGHTOWER DRIVE.) -ORDINANCE NO. 3042 APPROVED Mayor Pro Tem Turnage opened the public hearing and called on the applicant to come forward. Toby Smith with Somerset Custom Homes, 2825 Exchange Boulevard in Southlake, Texas representing the Wooldridge family came forward. Mr. Smith explained that the Wooldridge family currently resided in a home on the property and were wanting to add additional living space to the home. Because the property was currently zoned agricultural (AG) in order to add to the home the Wooldridge family needed to change the zoning from AG to R-1-S (special single family). He was available to answer any questions Council may have. Eric Wilhite, Chief Planner summarized the item. The applicants, Richard and Silvia Wooldridge, are requesting a zoning change on a 1.961 acre parcel from AG City Council Minutes March 9, 2009 Page 7 (agricultural) to R-1-S (special single family). The intention of the property owners is to add additional living space on to the existing residential structure. Current regulations require that in order to expand an existing dwelling unit located on un-plated property in agricultural zoning they must properly rezone and plat the property. There is an existing storage facility on the back part of the property that is allowed under the proposed R-1- S regulations and will remain. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval by a 6-0 vote. Mayor Pro Tem Turnage called for anyone wishing to speak in favor to come forward. Mayor Pro Tem Turnage called for those opposed to come forward. Being none wishing to speak Mayor Pro Tem Turnage closed the public hearing and called for the motion. COUNCILMAN WELCH MOVED TO APPROVE ZC 2009-01; ORDINANCE NO. 3042. COUNCILWOMAN CCIMPTON SECONDED THE MOTION, MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT Items to follow do not require a public hearing D.1 FP 2009-01 CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM RICHARD AND SILVIA WOOLDRIDGE TO APPROVE A FINAL PLAT OF LOT 1, BLOCK 3, NORTHRIDGE MEADOWS ADDITION (LOCATED AT 7421 HIGHTOWER DRIVE.) APPROVED Mayor Pro Tem Turnage called on the applicant to come forward. Toby Smith with Somerset Custom Homes, 2825 Exchange Boulevard in Southlake, Texas representing the Wooldridge family came forward. Mr. Smith explained this was the next step in the zoning process and was available to answer any questions Council may have. Eric Wilhite, Chief Planner summarized the item. The applicant is proposing to final plat this 1.961 acre tract that is currently occupied with a single family residence and an accessory structure. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval by a 6-0 vote. COUNCILWOMAN COMPTON MOVED TO APPROVE FP 2009-01 THE FINAL PLAT REQUEST. COUNCILMAN WHITSON SECONDED THE MOTION. City Council Minutes March 9, 2009 Page 8 MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-O. PUBLIC WORKS E.0 No items for this category. GENERAL ITEMS F.1 GN 2009-012 APPROVE INVESTMENT STRATEGY AND INVESTMENT POLICY - RESOLUTION NO. 2009-008 APPROVED Mr. Larry Koonce, Director of Finance, presented the item. The Public Funds Investment Act (PFIA) requires the Council to annually review and adopt the City's Investment Strategy and Investment Policy. Mr. Koonce advised that several revisions have been made to the City's policy to maintain compliance with the PFIA, respond to economic conditions and improve and update general procedures. COUNCILMAN WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE GN 2009-012; RESOLUTION NO. 2009-008. COUNCILMAN WELCH SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-O. F.2 GN 2009-013 PRESENTATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2008 AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT APPROVED Mr. Larry Koonce, Finance Director, summarized the results of the 2008 Audited Financial Report advising of year-end results and fund balance data for the various funds. All operating funds ended the year with positive cash balances. Todd Pruitt representing the audit firm, Patillo, Brown and Hill, presented the audit opinion. The independent auditor's opinion on the financial statements is an unqualified opinion or "clean" opinion meaning the report has been audited and in the auditor's opinion, the financial statements are free of any material misstatements and are presented fairly in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. This is the highest opinion that can be issued and he was available to answer any questions the Council may have. City Council Minutes March 9, 2009 Page 9 COUNCILMAN WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE GN 2009-013, COUNCILWOMAN COMPTON 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 Council took action on the following items discussed in Executive Session: B.1 DELIBERATION OF THE PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY AT 5009 CUMMINGS DRIVE Karen Bostic, Assistant City Manager presented the item. Staff recommends Council approve the purchase of property located at 5009 Cummings Drive in the amount of $118,000. COUNCILWOMAN COMPTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE CITY PURCHASE REAL PROPERTY AT 5009 CUMMINGS DRIVE. COUNCILMAN EARTH SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. B.2 DELIBERATION OF THE PURCHASE, EXCHANGE OR VALUE OF REAL PROPERTY FOR MUNICIPAL USE -CENTRAL AND WESTERN SECTORS OF CITY Larry J. Cunningham, City Manager presented the item. Staff is recommending Council authorize the purchase of 10.4 acres of land located at 8917 and 9025 Hawk Avenue for the purpose of municipal facilities. This land is in the amount of $1,750,000. Staff further recommends it be paid from the Gas Development Fund, for Council to amend the 2008/09 Capital Improvement Project Budget in the same amount to accommodate this acquisition, and to approve the Reimbursement Resolution No. 2009-009. COUNCILMAN SAPP MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO PURCHASE 10.4 ACRES OF LAND AT 5917 AND 9025 HAWK AVENUE IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,750,000 TO BE PAID FROM THE GAS DEVELOPMENT FUND; AND TO AMEND THE 2005/O9 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT BUDGET IN THE LIKE AMOUNT; AND APPROVAL OF THE REIMBURSEMENT RESOLUTION NO. ZOOS-009, COUNCILMAN EARTH SECONDED THE MOTION, City Council Minutes March 9, 2009 Page 10 MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. INFORMATION AND REPORTS H.1 IR 2009-025 ISO UPDATE Fire Chief Andrew A. Jones, Jr. presented the Council with an update of the status of the City's ISO Classification. The Insurance Services Office (ISO) conducted a review of North Richland Hills' fire suppression and control resources back on August 20, 2008. The goal of this review was to update the City's Property Protection Classification (PPC). The City of North Richland Hills current PPC rating is a "4" on a scale of one to ten, with a "1" being the highest or best. On February 11, 2009, the City received a letter from the Deputy State Fire Marshal/PPC Oversight Officer approving the ISO recommended PPC for the City of a "2", with an effective date of July 1, 2009. The North Richland Hills citizens and property owners will all benefit from this new PPC rating. H.2 ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Pro Tem Turnage made the following announcements. Join us at the North Richland Hills Public Library at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 19th and learn how to use the Texas Smartscape program to design and care for your landscape. The Texas Smartscape program will provide you with the tools you need just in time for Spring planting. Admission is free and those in attendance can register to win a free rain barrel. For more information, please call the Library at 817-427-6814. The City of North Richland Hills invites local businesses to compete and have fun in the 2009 Companies in Action. The Companies in Action Softball Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, March 21st. For registration information, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 817-427-6600. The North Richland Hills Fire Department is accepting applications for the 2009 Citizens Fire Academy. The Citizens Fire Academy meets on Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for nine consecutive weeks starting on March 26th. This program includes training in CPR and First Aid, which enables residents to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their homes and neighborhoods. Participants also get hands on experience in basic firefighting techniques, technical rescue, hazardous materials and more. To register or get additional information about the Citizens Fire Academy, please call 817-427-6900. City Council Minutes March 9, 2009 Page 11 Kudos Korner -Officer Keith Bauman, Police Department. A card was received from an elementary school teacher thanking Officer Bauman for a great job he did teaching D.A.R.E. at their school. The kids learned a lot and enjoyed his stories, and the teachers appreciate his hard work. H.3 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Pro Tem Turnage adjourned the meeting at 7:56 p.m. u.~- ~N~u~uu~u~a Scott Turnage - ayor Pro Tem ~CH~'~2 y,'~. ~~TE~T: r` z~ 1" ~ r ity Secretary