HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2013-02-08 Minutes MINUTES OF THE STRATEGIC VISION /GOALS WORK SESSION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS,
TEXAS, HELD AT TANGLEWOOD RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER,
290 TANGLEWOOD CIRCLE, POTTSBORO, TX -
FEBRUARY 8 -9, 2013
Council Present: Oscar Trevino Mayor
Tito Rodriguez Council, Place 1
Rita Wright Oujesky Council, Place 2
Tom Lombard Mayor Pro Tern, Council, Place 3
Tim Barth Council, Place 4
David Whitson Council, Place 5
Scott Turnage Council, Place 6
Tim Welch Council, Place 7
Staff Present:
Mark Hindman City Manager
Jared Miller Assistant City Manager
Karen Bostic Assistant City Manager
Mike Curtis Managing Director
Vickie Loftice Managing Director
Jimmy Perdue Director of Public Safety
Patricia Hutson City Secretary
Kristin James Assistant to City Manager
Patrick Hillis Human Resources Director
Craig Hulse Economic Development Director
Stan Tinney Fire Chief
Larry Koonce Finance Director
Mark Mills Budget Director
John Pitstick Director of Planning
Kyle Spooner Information Services Director
JoAnn Stout Neighborhood Services Director
Cecilia Barham Library Director
Stacey Udoni Public Works Management Assistant
Clayton Comstock Senior Planner
The City Council met on February 8, 2013 beginning at 10:00 a.m. and concluded on
February 9, 2013 for the purpose of reviewing and setting goals, objectives and
strategies. Mr. Randy Pennington, Pennington Performance Group, was the facilitator
for the work session.
Mayor Trevino called the work session to order on February 8, 2013 at 10:04 a.m. with
council and staff present as recorded. Mayor Trevino and City Manager Hindman gave
opening remarks and each of the council members was given an opportunity for
remarks.
Council Work Session Minutes
February 8 -9, 2012
Page 2
Mr. Pennington gave a brief overview of the planning session and reviewed the agenda
and the objectives. Ground rules were established for the work session. Mr.
Pennington reviewed key messages he collected from the council during his individual
interviews with them prior to the work session. The issues and concerns identified by
the council during their interviews as facing the city now and in the future were
discussed. Mr. Pennington recapped from the last planning session the desired
characteristics of how council wanted the community to look and feel in 2020 and
beyond. The relevance of the characteristics were discussed with council providing
additional input on desired characteristics for the City.
Mayor Trevino recessed the work session at 12:00 p.m. and called the work session
back to order at 1:01 p.m.
The council reviewed the House Rules — Code of Conduct established at a previous
goals work session and discussed ways to maximize two -way communications. Council
reaffirmed the House Rules previously established and felt no modifications were
needed. Council concurred that while some of the rules were not relevant for the
existing council, they needed to remain in writing for future councils to understand
expectations. Opportunities to improve communication were discussed with the
discussion focusing on:
• What staff does to allow council to be successful and what staff could do to
enable council to be more successful or effective.
• What council is doing that allows it to be successful and what could council be
doing to help them to be more successful.
• What council does that allows staff to be successful and what council could do to
enable staff to be more successful.
The following items were identified to improve communications related to council
meetings:
• Adjustments are needed to the speaker volume in the Council Chambers
• Incumbent on developers to sell their projects and not rely on staff to sell their
projects; staff's function is to explain how the project meets city regulations and
provide recommendations from staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission.
• Introduce items such as major ordinance changes at a work session meeting
followed by a second meeting for formal consideration.
• Refer purchase requests to the budget where possible
• Simplify agenda numbers; reference only the agenda item number.
• Be specific with stipulations /decisions when making council motions so that
future council and staff know intent for future.
Mr. Pennington reviewed the City's mission and vision statement. After a brief
discussion, council reconfirmed the mission and vision.
Council Work Session Minutes
February 8 -9, 2012
Page 3
City of North Richland Hills Mission: To ensure an exceptional quality of
life and long -term viability of North Richland Hills through local leadership
and regional corporation.
City of North Richland Hills Vision
The City of Choice
to live, work, and play
A community for
• Quality neighborhoods (sustainable & revitalized)
• Exceptional family living and leisure activities
• Access to great business and job opportunities.
Mr. Pennington reviewed from the 2011 Goals Work Session who the council had
established as the target population to live, work and play. After discussion, the council
reconfirmed the target population.
The Mayor recessed the work session at 2:16 p.m. and called the work session back to
order at 2:35 p.m.
The group discussed the gaps and barriers making it difficult to achieve their vision for
the City. Gaps identified were related to execution, timing, city image, funding and
communication to citizens.
Mr. Pennington reviewed the Goal Implementation Report and the group identified and
discussed the accomplishments they were most proud of achieving.
The Mayor recessed the work session at 4:05 p.m. and called the work session back to
order at 4:28 p.m.
There was a discussion on key issues with council providing direction to staff:
• Transportation participation and funding
• Rail — continue meetings and to provide council with actual costs
• Road — will need to target streets that have been damaged as a result of
the 820 construction.
• Re- development and code enforcement
• Provide targeted mailer /communications to keep people informed
• Provide annual economic and housing development update
• Utilize religious community for assistance with residential revitalization
• Areas for revitalization
• Residential infill development philosophy
• Look at lot size requests on a case -by -case basis
• Provide a map of parcels available
Council Work Session Minutes
February 8 -9, 2012
Page 4
• Economic development plans and priorities
o Level to pursue
• Leadership continuity
o Engage younger generation (boards)
• Prioritize competing areas within city
o Conduct a workshop to determine which areas are priorities for specific
types of uses
• TOD — Iron Horse
• Blvd 26 / City Hall
• Hometown
• Loop 820
• TOD - Smithfield
Council was asked to review the nine goals set at the previous planning work session in
2011 and to determine if the goals are still relevant or need to be modified.
Goal #1: Quality Community Development and Revitalization
Goal #2: Efficient and Effective Transportation Systems
Goal #3: Safety & Security
Goal #4: Financial Stability
Goal #5: Positive City Image
Goal #6: A Sense of Community
Goal #7: Targeted Economic Development
Goal #8: Local and Regional Leadership
Goal #9: Efficient and Effective Delivery of City Services
The consensus was all the goals are still relevant.
Mayor Trevino recessed the work session for the evening at 6:15 p.m. and called the
work session back to order on February 9, 2013 at 8:04 a.m. with council and staff
present as recorded the previous day.
Mr. Pennington reviewed the objectives and action items in the Goal Implementation
Report for relevance. Items were removed that had been completed or were no longer
relevant, modifications were made to some and new items were added.
Goal #1: Quality Community Development and Revitalization
Deletions:
• Develop a traffic flow plan during the realignment of Maplewood in conjunction
with the Loop 820 widening
• Implement the Fossil Creek Watershed Area Revitalization Project
Council Work Session Minutes
February 8 -9, 2012
Page 5
• Continue aesthetic enhancements to the city's ground and elevated water
storage tanks as tanks are rehabilitated
Modifications:
None.
Additions:
• Target commercial areas where infrastructure is being revitalized for increase
compliance and cleanup
• Target residential areas for compliance
• Update the Comprehensive Plan
• Implement new landscape standards for private properties along Loop 820
frontage
• Identify individual neighborhoods as part of the Comprehensive Plan Update
Goal #2: Efficient and Effective Transportation Systems
Deletions:
• Continue with the traffic signal video detection installation program as funding
allows
• Coordinate with "T" and TxDOT for double tracking rail line over Loop 820
Modifications:
• Change "Obtain to "Implement/complete" resolution on Boulevard 26 intersection
improvements and TxDOT approval
• Change "Obtain" to "Implement/complete" resolution on Mid Cities & Davis
Boulevard intersection improvements and TxDOT approval
• Change "Obtain" to "Complete" resolution on Rufe Snow widening north of Mid
Cities and TxDOT approval
• Establish plans, secure funds and obtain NTEMP and TxDOT approvals to add a
2nd Bedford - Euless Exit off -ramp in 2011 — change date to 2015
Additions:
• Work toward opportunities to secure two active commuter rail stations
Goal #3: Safety and Security
Deletions:
• Help facilitate a combined Dispatch Center with several of our Fire and Police
neighbors
• Continue to develop an enhanced multi - departmental strategy for the Beat
Management Program
• Identify a funding source to design and create a Safety Town facility to assist in
public safety education programs
Council Work Session Minutes
February 8 -9, 2012
Page 6
Modifications:
• Inspect and maintain valves and fire hydrants to ensure — add "to ensure proper
operation"
• Maintain and improve if possible the city's current standing in the National Flood
Insurance Program's Community Rating System for residents' flood insurance
premiums — change status from ongoing to accomplished and ongoing
• Conduct a "Shattered Dreams" program at a local High School — change status
from completed to accomplished and ongoing
• Add "police response times" to Maintain response times for Priority #1 calls to
within 5 '/z minutes and Priority #2 calls to within 8 minutes
Additions:
• Evaluate opportunities to expand the use of CERT and VIPS
• Partner with local schools to enhance safety
Mayor Trevino recessed the work session at 9:34 a.m. and called the work session back
to order at 9:45 a.m.
Goal #4: Financial Stability
Deletions:
• Update Facilities, Fleet, Crime Control District (CCD), Parks Development,
NRH020, Self- Insurance and Information Services (IS) long range plans at least
annually
• Apply for grants for community improvement and environmental education
projects
• Apply for grants to help revitalize neighborhoods through the NIP Program
• Apply for grants to offset some costs associated with constructing a new animal
shelter
• Seek grants and alternative funding to help implement Capital Improvement
Project (CIP) Long Range Plan for facilities
Modifications
• Seek upgrade and maintain current high credit rating with Moody's Investors and
Standard & Poor's — remove "seek upgrade"
• Develop a 5 year operating financial plan — change "plan" to "forecast"
• The Police Department will actively pursue grant funding opportunities at the
local, state and federal levels to offset operating costs when appropriate and
obtain needed equipment — remove "The Police Department"
• Develop and update long range CIP plans annually — change to "long range
operational and CIP"
Additions:
Council Work Session Minutes
February 8 -9, 2012
Page 7
• Monitor and maintain transparency
Goal #5: Positive City Image
Deletions:
None
Modifications:
None
Additions:
• Seek youth input on communication strategies
• Explore opportunities to capture the history of NRH
Goal #6: A Sense of Community
Deletions:
• Prepare for the successful completion and opening of NRH Centre
• Complete the Blvd 26 Trail
• Recruit volunteer groups and organizations to assist in specific areas of the
renovation of Adventure World Park
• Complete design and construction of the new Food Services Facility at NRH2O
for a targeted 2012 opening
• Continue to expand the Spanish - language resources of the library
• Participate in the BISD Tech Center Fire Training Program
• Continue to evaluate options for sharing technology with our citizens
• Continue working partnerships with local training institutions and with advanced
educational systems
• Research and develop a police department summer camp for area youth
Modifications:
• Update "Implement way finding signage in central sector of the city by 2012" to
"Implement and expand way finding signage in the City"
• Update "Complete design and construction documents for Little Bear Creek Trail
and Calloway Creek Trail" to "Construct John Barfield Tail and Calloway Creek
Trail"
• Update "Plan for the renovation of Adventure World Park with completion of
engineering and design plans by early 2012" to "Renovation of Adventure World
Park and continue to recruit volunteer groups and organizations to assist in
specific areas of the renovation of Adventure World Park"
• Update "Continue the Sounds of Spring in 2012 and plan on transitioning to the
new Civic Plaza in 2012" to "Continue the Sounds of Spring"
Council Work Session Minutes
February 8 -9, 2012
Page 8
• Update "Examine 2010 Census Data and analyze the impact of changes on
library services for NRH. Incorporate demographic guidance into a revision of
the Library Plan of Service" to "Examine demographic data and analyze..."
o Council requested a presentation at a Council meeting from the Library
Director on library trends - ebooks
Additions:
• Create and implement a strategy for where we hold special events
o Council would like to appoint the Naming Committee to lead a task force
that involves other boards and commissions to look at location for special
events
Goal #7: Targeted Economic Development
No changes.
Goal #8: Local Regional Leadership
Deletions:
None.
Modifications:
• Continue to be active in Regional Transportation Council, Tarrant Regional
Transportation Coalition, Service Transportation Technical Committee, 1 -35
Coalition and Transportation Excellence for 21 Century (TEX -21) — moved to
top of list
Additions:
• Continue and enhance the Citizens Civic Academy
• Continue to be active in National League of Cities Steering Committees
Goal #9: Efficient, effective delivery of City Services
Deletions:
• Invoice and permit all regulated facilities with a maximum ninety (90) day turn
around
• Implement pilot contract landscape services for specific parks and facilities for
efficiencies and cost savings
• Research the possibility of sharing parks equipment with other municipalities to
maximize resources
• Consider options for providing adult softball including the possibility of contracting
out the service, hiring a professional part-time employee, establishing an Adult
Softball Association or partnership with the City of Hurst to offer the program
• Assist with future facility planning, design and construction (departmental goal)
Council Work Session Minutes
February 8 -9, 2012
Page 9
• Continually evaluate the opportunity to increase efficiencies through the use of
technology
• Continue to maintain a score of 4.7 or greater on the "Applicant Satisfaction
Survey" (departmental goal)
• Support implementation of the shared - service Communication and Detention
facility
• Develop strategy with legal counsel on seeking resolution to City owned property
affected by Loop 820 expansion
Modifications:
• Provide a safe, healthy & humane shelter for stray animals — moved from top of
list to middle of list
• Reduce the number of animals euthanized solely for a treatable illness, injury or
lack of space by returning pets to owners and increasing adoptions — moved from
top of list to middle of list
• Remove "current" from "Evaluate the City's ability to provide efficient services
utilizing current technology"
Additions:
None
The following were set as the highest city wide priorities for 2013 -2014:
Highest Priorities:
• Complete the Municipal Complex Facility
• Resolve participation in regional rail
• Cleanup of Boulevard 26
• Economic re- development
• Move forward with conversion of current city facilities
• Completion of Animal Shelter
• Work with ISD's to maintain school safety
The remaining will be continued at their current level of importance.
Mr. Pennington discussed with council how they would like to define success for the
coming year. Council identified as criteria for success —
• Ability to complete or make progress towards achieving objectives
• New businesses and citizen satisfaction survey
• Council satisfaction
Council Work Session Minutes
February 8 -9, 2012
Page 10
Mayor Trevino adjourned the work session on February 9, 2013 at 11:56 a.m.
APP VED:
Oscar Trevino - Mayor
ATTEST:
Patricia Hutson - City Secretary