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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2012-02-27 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 — FEBRUARY 27, 2012 WORK SESSION The City Council of the City of North Richland Hills, Texas met in work session on the 27 day of February 2012 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Workroom prior to the 7:00 p.m. regular Council meeting. Present: Oscar Trevino Tim Barth Tito Rodriguez Tom Lombard David Whitson Scott Turnage Tim Welch Mayor Mayor Pro Tem, Council, Place 4 (present at 5:32 p.m.) Council, Place 1 Council, Place 3 Council, Place 5 Council, Place 6 Council, Place 7 Staff Members: Mark Hindman Jared Miller Karen Bostic Jimmy Perdue Mike Curtis Vickie Loftice Patricia Hutson Monica Solko George Staples Mary Peters Kristin Weegar John Pitstick Larry Koonce Andy Jones Thomas Powell Craig Hulse Mark Mills Gregory VanNieuwenhuize Jamie Brockway Absent: Ken Sapp Call to Order City Manager Assistant City Manager Assistant City Manager Director of Public Safety Managing Director Managing Director City Secretary Assistant City Secretary City Attorney Public Information Officer Assistant to City Manager Director of Planning & Development Finance Director Fire Chief Fleet Services Director Economic Development Director Budget Director Assistant Public Works Director Purchasing Manager Council, Place 2 Mayor Trevino called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m. City Council Minutes February 27, 2012 Page 2 A.0 Discuss Items from Regular City Council Meeting There were no questions from the Council. A.1 Discuss Federal Legislative Positions Ms. Karen Bostic, Assistant City Manager, presented the item. The purpose of the item is to receive Council consensus of the 2012 Federal Legislative Positions for the City. Council was advised that as in previous years four guiding principles were used to determine positions — local control, predictable and sufficient level of revenue to provide for residents, opposition to unfunded mandates and quality of life. The highest priorities are expected to be transportation, rights of way and community development block grant. Council concurred with the 2012 Federal Legislative Positions for the City. Mayor Pro Tem Barth present at 5:32 p.m. A.2 Community Improvements Program Task Force Report Councilman Whitson, Task Force Chairman, presented a summary of the activities and recommendations of the Community Improvements Program Task Force. The task force was in charge with evaluating city facilities and streets and making recommendations to the Council for future projects. Councilman Whitson recognized the members of the task force. The task force utilized two sub committees — Facilities Sub - committee chaired by Councilman Lombard and the Streets Sub - committee chaired by Councilman Rodriguez. The task force as a whole adopted all rankings of the sub - committees. The Streets Sub - committee evaluated all residential and collector streets and created different street packages for different funding levels. The conclusion of the task force was that now is not the time to take on an extensive street bond project due to the significant traffic impacts associated with the Loop 820 project. The Facilities Sub - committee focused on an in -depth look of the age, condition, size, use and functionality of all city facilities, ranked possible alternative sites for facilities, evaluated facility placement and type in surrounding and similar communities and ultimately created preliminary reconstruction and relocation options that were later refined by the task force. Councilman Lombard presented the task force's discussion and recommendations for city facilities. Councilman Lombard discussed their assessment of the current city facilities and future needs. Councilman Lombard provided a brief summary of key municipal facilities, the Loop 820 expansion project and studies prepared by the city related to the expansion project. The pre -1995 design of the 820 expansion project did not impact city facilities and included a total of 9 lanes within the existing right of way. The current NTE expansion plans involve a significant expansion of right of way for a total of 14 lanes significantly impacting the Recreation Center / Municipal Court and City City Council Minutes February 27, 2012 Page 3 Hall facilities. Impacts to the Recreation Center / Municipal Court include the facilities failing to meet city codes and standards, loss of parking spaces and emergency vehicle access and loss of functionality of the main entrance. Impacts to the City Hall / Police Facilities include the facility being non - compliant with city codes and ordinances, loss of parking and loss of functionality of main entrance. Councilman Lombard discussed the task force's evaluation of sites and preferences. The task force's location preferences are: #1 — locate City Hall, Court and Public Safety facilities at former North Hills Mall site; #2 locate City Hall, Court and Public Safety facilities at current City Hall site (would require the acquisition of the homes in the neighborhood to the east); and #3 locate City Hall and Court at current City Hall site and move Public Safety to the Mid Cities site (city -owned property off of Dick Fisher). Councilman Lombard discussed the task force's evaluation and consideration of cost comparison options, and financial criteria and assumptions. The task force's recommendations to Council are to • defer a street bond program for three to five years, recommendation of a facilities project to construct new facilities • location preferences • all facilities at the old mall site • all facilities at the current city hall site • facilities split at the current city hall site and the Service Center. • Maximum cost - $70 million • Up to 4 cent tax rate increase Recommend the council call a bond election for May 12, 2012 to fund municipal facilities. Mayor Trevino advised Council would address the task force's recommendations during the regular session of Council's March 5 council meeting. Each member of the task force present were given the opportunity to comment. The task force members expressed their support of the open and transparent process that allowed them to evaluate city needs and make their final recommendation of a facilities project to construct new facilities. The Mayor and Council expressed their appreciation to the members for their work and invited them to attend the March 5 Council meeting when council formally considers their recommendation. 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 551.071, Texas Government Code for Consultation with Attorney regarding Pending Litigation - 1) State of Texas v. City of North Richland Hills (No 2011 - 002840 -1)• and 2) State of Texas v. City of North Richland Hills (No. 2011 - 000462 -1) City Council Minutes February 27, 2012 Page 4 B.2 Executive Session: Pursuant to Section 551.072 Texas Government to deliberate the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property in the southeast quadrant of the City Mayor Trevino announced at 6:24 p.m. that the Council would convene into Executive Session as authorized by Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, pursuant to the following sections: 1) Section 551.071 to consult with Attorney regarding pending litigation on 1) State of Texas v. City of North Richland Hills (No. 2011 - 002840 -1); and 2) State of Texas v. City of North Richland Hills (No. 2011 - 000462 -1); and 2) Section 551.072 to deliberate the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property in the southeast quadrant of the City. C.0 Adjournment Mayor Trevino announced at 7:00 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 February 27, 2012 at 7:08 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Oscar Trevino Tim Barth Tito Rodriguez Ken Sapp Tom Lombard David Whitson Scott Turnage Tim Welch Staff: Mark Hindman Jared Miller Karen Bostic Jimmy Perdue Mike Curtis Mayor Mayor Pro Tem, Council, Place 4 Council, Place 1 Council, Place 2 Council, Place 3 Council, Place 5 Council, Place 6 Council, Place 7 City Manager Assistant City Manager Assistant City Manager Director of Public Safety Managing Director City Council Minutes February 27, 2012 Page 5 Vickie Loftice Managing Director Patricia Hutson City Secretary Monica Solko Assistant City Secretary George Staples 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 RECOGNITION(S) - PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING "NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY" TO BENEFIT SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN PRESENTED BY COUNCILMAN SAPP Councilman Sapp presented a proclamation recognizing National Pancake Day to benefit Shriners Hospital for Children to Jeff Ingram with Shriners Hospital Fund Organization. A.4 CITIZENS PRESENTATION Royal Smith, Office Building Sales Manager for CWD (Community Waste Disposal), 2010 California Crossing, Dallas, TX. Mr. Smith advised Council that the contract for waste and recycle services would expire in December and wanted the opportunity to bid for service contract. A.4a CONSIDER ACTION ON RESIGNATION OF KEN SAPP FROM CITY COUNCIL APPROVED Mayor Trevino announced that Councilman Ken Sapp had submitted his resignation from City Council, Place 2 in order to dedicate the time needed to run for Texas State Representative. Councilman Sapp has served on the City Council for 6 years. City Council Minutes February 27, 2012 Page 6 COUNCILMAN TURNAGE MOVED TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION. COUNCILMAN WHITSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6 -1, COUNCILMAN SAPP ABSTAINING. Mr. Ken Sapp stepped down from the Council dais. 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 FEBRUARY 13, 2012 CITY COUNCIL MEETING B.2 PU 2012 -010 AWARD BID 12 -017 FOR THE PURCHASE OF LIGHT DUTY VEHICLES TO HOLIDAY CHEVROLET IN THE AMOUNT OF $276,604 AND CALDWELL COUNTRY CHEVROLET IN THE AMOUNT OF $83,990 COUNCILMAN LOMBARD MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. COUNCILMAN RODRIGUEZ SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6 -0. C.0 PUBLIC HEARINGS CA GN 2012 -014 CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE 38TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM APPROVED Mayor Trevino opened the Public Hearing. Ms. Kristin Weegar, Assistant to the City Manager, presented the item. The City participates in the CDBG program and each year the City must prepare and submit a City Council Minutes February 27, 2012 Page 7 CDBG program outlining the use of the funds in accordance with HUD guidelines. The City is proposing to use the funds for the 38 CDBG program in the following manner: • $224,016 for the design and replacement of 1,400 linear feet of water infrastructure located along the 5100 block of Jennings Drive and 8300 block of Dude Court. The City has submitted application to Tarrant County who administers the program. The City is required to hold a public hearing to receive comments and input from citizens regarding the proposed 38 CDBG program. Following the public hearing, a resolution to approve the program is required. Mayor Trevino called for comments on the 38 year CDBG program. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Trevino closed the public hearing. C.2 GN 2012 -015 APPROVE THE 38TH YEAR (2012/2013) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM - RESOLUTION NO. 2012 -005 (THIS ITEM IS NOT A PUBLIC HEARING BUT IS RELATED TO ITEM C -1) APPROVED Ms. Kristin Weegar, Assistant to the City Manager presented the item. Item is the second part of the CDBG process. Following the public hearing, the City Council is required to take action on the projects to be included in the 38 year CDBG entitlement program. The funds will be used as presented in Agenda Item C.1 above. COUNCILMAN LOMBARD MOVED TO APPROVE GN 2012 -015, RESOLUTION NO. 2012 -005. COUNCILMAN RODRIGUEZ SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6 -0. D.0 PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT Items to follow do not require a public hearing. No items for this category. E.0 PUBLIC WORKS No items for this category. City Council Minutes February 27, 2012 Page 8 F.0 GENERAL ITEMS F.1 GN 2012 -016 APPROVE SUSPENSION OF MARCH 6, 2012 EFFECTIVE DATE OF ATMOS ENERGY CORP., MID -TEX DIVISION'S REQUESTED RATE CHANGE - RESOLUTION NO. 2012 -006 APPROVED Karen Bostic, Assistant City Manager, summarized the item. On or about January 31, 2012, Atmos Mid -Tex filed with the City a Statement of Intent to increase rates within the City. The law provides that a rate request made by a gas utility cannot become effective until at least 35 days following the filing of the application to change rates. Atmos has proposed an effective date of March 6, 2012. The law permits the City to suspend the rate change for 90 days after the date the rate change would otherwise be effective. Approval of Resolution No. 2012 -006 would extend the effective date of Atmos Mid -Tex's proposed rate increase to give the City time to review the rate - filing package. COUNCILMAN WELCH MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2012 -006. COUNCILMAN WHITSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6 -0. F.2 GN 2012 -017 AWARD OF MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH EVERGREEN ALLIANCE GOLF, LIMITED, L.P. FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF IRON HORSE GOLF COURSE APPROVED Vickie Loftice, Managing Director, summarized the item. The management services at Iron Horse Golf Course have been provided contractually since the course opened in 1992. The last management agreement was approved in November 2006 and the term was three years with two one -year options. Although the agreement expired on December 31, 2011 the same terms of the agreement were extended month to month by mutual consent of both parties. Staff needed time to negotiate the terms of a new agreement. A Request for Proposals were requested and four golf management firms responded. A selection committee interviewed two firms, Billy Casper Golf and Evergreen Alliance Golf Limited, LP (Eagle). The selection committee selected Eagle Golf to continue managing the golf course based on past history, performance, and the strong on -site management team. The selection process provided an opportunity to City Council Minutes February 27, 2012 Page 9 measure and compare Eagles' performance standards and overall management to other golf management firms. While Eagle performed well, staff identified opportunities for improvement and have incorporated those changes into the new agreement. COUNCILMAN TURNAGE MOVED TO APPROVE GN 2012 -017 TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH EVERGREEN ALLIANCE GOLF LIMITED, L.P. FOR MANAGEMENT SERVICES AT IRON HORSE GOLF COURSE. COUNCILMAN RODRIGUEZ SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6 -0. Councilman Welch left the Council Meeting at 7:45 p.m. F.3 GN 2012 -018 APPOINTMENT TO PLACE 5 TEEN COURT ADVISORY BOARD APPROVED Councilman Whitson presented the item. The Place 5 position on the Teen Court Advisory Board is vacant. Councilman Whitson recommended the appointment of Robert Housewright. Mr. Housewright's term will expire June 2013. COUNCILMAN WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE GN 2012 -018 APPOINTMENT OF ROBERT HOUSEWRIGHT, PLACE 5 TO THE TEEN COURT ADVISORY BOARD. COUNCILMAN LOMBARD SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 5 -0. F.4 GN 2012 -019 TEXAS GOVERNOR'S OFFICE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAMS COMPETITIVE GRANT - RESOLUTION NO. 2012 -007 APPROVED Jimmy Perdue, Public Safety Director, summarized the item. The Criminal Justice Division of the Texas Governor's Office has notified the Police Department that grant funds have been allocated to assist in funding law enforcement programs in the Council of Government's North Central Region under the 2012 CJD Criminal Justice Programs Competitive Grant #25675 -01. Staff is requesting the City Council to authorize the submission of the grant. If awarded, the Police Department plans to use the funds to purchase a Force Options Simulator. Highly realistic training simulators provide an arena for law enforcement officers to practice critical decision making skills in a sterile environment increasing their ability to make correct decisions in real life encounters. City Council Minutes February 27, 2012 Page 10 COUNCILMAN LOMBARD MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2012 -007. COUNCILMAN WHITSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 5 -0. G.0 EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS GA ACTION ON ANY ITEM DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION LISTED ON WORK SESSION AGENDA No action needed. H.0 INFORMATION AND REPORTS H.1 TELEMETRIC METER READING SYSTEM Mayor Trevino announced that at the February 13 City Council meeting a resident came forward with concerns of a consent agenda item which was the purchase of Badger Water Meters and Telemetric Services. At the time, Mayor Trevino requested Karen Bostic, Assistant City Manager to speak with the resident. The Mayor has asked Ms. Bostic to share the information with the public. Ms. Bostic presented the following report on the Telemetric Meter Reading System. In 1983, the City of North Richland Hills started using a portable hand held electronic system to manually key utility meter readings. After ten years, the city began to see significant growth in the total service area and population. As a result of the growth staff projected that it would require additional personnel to continue to maintain the level of service which would increase personnel costs. At the request of the Mayor and several Council members, staff investigated, recommended and implemented the Telemetric Meter Reading System in June 1993. A telemetric meter reading system consists of a meter box mounted radio transponder which is connected to a wire that is attached to the water meter. It transmits totalized meter readings to a laptop located in the Water Service Worker's truck for mobile meter reading. Prior to implementation of the system, analysis was performed to determine that there would be a benefit of reading meters through this method compared to other City Council Minutes February 27, 2012 Page 11 alternatives (reading manually or using a portable hand held device). By utilizing the Telemetric System the City has realized the following: Reduction in staff from seven to three which in turn reduced salary, insurance, worker's compensation, and vehicle expenses • Increased accuracy rate due to less manual reads • Increased speed in meter reading A telemetric meter reading device differs from a "Smart Meter" in that smart meters transmit meter reading data, consistently, through a fixed network of monitors which allow the readings to be downloaded to a web —based personal computer. Smart Meter technology utilizes a full two -way communication via radio frequency to capture, collect and deliver usage data. Usage of radio frequency reduces the need for mobile or site visits to collect data. In addition remote shut off valves are also available. The telemetric system used by the City provides data only when collected by the computer once a month when the meters are read. It provides the same information that can be collected by visually reading the meter, nothing more. Water meters in general have a life span of ten - twelve years. The life span of the transponder which transmits the readings to the laptop computer maybe less due to battery operation and is subject to extreme heat and cold swings of Texas weather. When the transponder fails it sends an alert to the laptop during the meter reading process of either a tamper, leak, or that the laptop was unable to read it. To combat the meter failure, the City has a ten year change out program in place to replace aging meters. The Ten Year Meter Change Out Program has a goal of 2,000 meter changes annually (conducted by Public Works Utility Division Staff based on field crew availability). In addition, meters are changed at the request of the Utility Customer Service office. Typically, 1,500 -1,700 transponders are changed per year. H.2 ANNOUNCEMENTS Councilman Lombard made the following announcements. NRH2O is now accepting applications for its 2012 summer season. Applicants must be at least 15 years old. For job descriptions, applications and more information, please visit nrh2o.com /jobs. Volunteers from AARP are continuing to assist residents with their tax returns each Monday and Thursday through April 16th at the NRH Public Library. This free service is City Council Minutes February 27, 2012 Page 12 available to taxpayers of all ages. To make an appointment or get more information, please call the Library at 817 - 427 -6814. Kudos Korner - Jase Smith, Matt Fisher and Kevin Bates, Fire Department — A citizen sent a letter thanking Jase, Matt and Kevin for their quick response to his emergency call about chest pains. The citizen said the response time was impressive and he received excellent treatment. Thanks to the efforts of the Fire Department and the North Hills Hospital Cath Team, he was discharged the following day and is well on his way to a full recovery. H.3 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Trevino adjourned the meeting at 7:53 A H Wricia yutson, ff Secretary f�... ...Sb�� �