HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2000-04-28 Minutes
MINUTES OF THE GOAL SETTING WORK SESSION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS,
TEXAS, HELD AT THE HILTON DFW LAKES EXECUTIVE
CONFERENCE CENTER, 1800 HIGHWAY 26 EAST, GRAPEVINE,
TEXAS, APRIL 28-29, 2000
Present:
Charles Scoma
JoAnn Johnson
Lyle E. Welch
Russell Mitchell
1. Oscar Trevino, Jr.
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
Council, Place 1
Council, Place 2
Council, Place 7
Others Present:
Joe D. Tolbert
Council Elect, Place 6
Staff:
Larry J. Cunningham
Randy Shiflet
Steve Norwood
Greg Vick
Patricia Hutson
Paulette Hartman
City Manager
Deputy City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Managing Director Community Svs.
City Secretary
Asst. to City Manager
Absent:
Frank Metts, Jr.
Don Phifer
Matt Milano, Ph.D.
Council, Place 3
Council, Place 5
Council, Place 6
The City Council met April 28 beginning at 5:00 p.m. and concluded at 4:05 p.m. on April 29,
2000 for the purpose of reviewing and setting goals and priorities for 2000-2001. Mr. Lyle
Sumek, Lyle Sumek and Associates, Inc., was the facilitator for the work session.
Mr. Sumek discussed with the Council the outcomes and objectives of the work session, and
how to be effective city leaders. The Council was asked to identify what had been
accomplished to achieve the goals set by Council in 1999 and how the citizens were impacted.
The City Council identified for each goal the following accomplishments and their impact on the
citizens:
Goal: Safety & Security
1. Increased Number of Police Officers
· Improved response time
· Reduced accident rate through increased visibility
· Arrest rates increased
· Burglary rate down
2. Pay Play Upgrade
· Better quality police officers and firefighters
Council Work Session Minutes
April 28-29, 2000
Page 2
· Improved morale
3. Upgrade EMS (2 units)
· More reliable services
· Quicker response time
· Better equipment resulting in better service
· People see units (visibility)
· Improved morale
4. Additional School Resource Officers
· Increased Officer visibility in schools
· Safer schools
· Partnership city and schools
5. Reinstated Fire Inspection Program
· Safer business establishments
· Reduced number of business fires
· Public education, interaction, awareness
· Proactive, preventive approach
6. Teen Curfew: Reauthorized
· Reduced juvenile victimization
· Reduced juvenile crime activities
· Increased number of volunteers at Teen Court
7. Established own Drug Task Force
· Reduced drug related activities
· Increased investigations within City
8. Established 1st "Citizen Fire Academy"
· Greater citizen awareness and involvement
· Public education
· Enhanced visibility of Fire Department
9. Planning for Crime Control District
· Preparation for Election
· Enhanced community safety
Goal: Quality Development
1. Higher Standards in Ordinances - Exterior appearance, tree preservation, landscaping,
signs, subdivisions, parkland dedication
· higher property values
· pride of ownership
· defining our community character
Council Work Session Minutes
April 28-29, 2000
Page 3
· higher value of homes
2. Economic Development: New businesses diversifying economy - North Hills Mall, Town
Center, Fury Mall, Wal Mart, Hobby Lobby, Richland Center, Richland Plaza, Blue Line, H
& M Foods, Sams, Home Depot - Expo.
· Revenues for City
· Diversify; strengthening economy
· Job opportunities for citizens, youth
· Steady tax rate
· Able to shop in community
Goal: Quality Redevelopment & Reinvestment
1. Citizen Ad Hoc Code Enforcement
· Greater citizen awareness
· Interest in improvements
· Increased code enforcement
· Improved quality of buildings/homes
· Increased building safety
· Improved appearance of community
2. Richland Plaza - Drainage (TIF)
· Prepared for economic development
· Cooperation with other taxing entities
· Eliminated "eye sore' - looks better
· Private reinvestment in Mall
· Improved tax base
3. Richland Pointe Mall
· Improved economy
· More job opportunities
· Use of vacant building
4. Improved Codes: Sign, Landscaping, Development Standards
· Better community appearance
· Better image
· Enhanced property values
5. Initiated Land Use Comprehensive Plan
· In progress
· Potential better development
· Defined direction for North Richland Hills
6. Older Park Development - Spurlock Park, Trails
· Stabilizing neighborhoods
· Enhanced property values
Council Work Session Minutes
April 28-29, 2000
Page 4
· Quality asset available to citizens
Goal: Financially Responsible City Government
1. Balanced budget - Built reserves
· Future financial stability
· Saved interest
· "Pay as you Go" on CIP projects
· Maintained quality services
· Citizens feeling value of tax dollar (value = quality/costs)
2. Upgraded Bond Rating
· Saved interests costs
· Ability to do more projects
· More attractive to business investors in community
· Reputation: sound city finances
3. Maintaining Tax Rate
· More attractive to commercial developers and homebuyers
· More disposable individual income
· Demonstrated sound financial management and stability
· Predictability to taxpayers
4. Quality of Staff
· Retained and attracted quality staff due to good financial management
· Maintained competitive pay system
5. Quality Services
· Economic attraction of citizens and businesses
· Better quality of life
· Pride in North Richland Hills
6. Municipal Court Fines over Internet
· Ease for customers
· Better collection
· Used technology
7. Completed Fee/Cost of Service Study
· Helped finance with taxes
· Stabilized taxes
8. Upgraded Technology
· Better services
· More cost effective services
Council Work Session Minutes
April 28-29, 2000
Page 5
Goal: Quality of Life Amenities for the Community
1. Opened Restroom at Linda Spurlock Park
· Increased park uses
· Increased sense of safety
· Enhanced neighborhood
· A place to "Go"
2. Adopted Parks/Open Space Plan
· More neighborhood parkland
· $900,000 in C.O. bonds
· Helped bond rating
3. Hired Cultural Arts Program Director
· More special events
· Increased family oriented activities
4. Adopted Parkland Dedication Ordinance
· More family parks
· Increased opportunities for family activities
· Increased property values
· Citizens ease of access
5. Opened North Electric Trail
· Expanded recreational opportunities and choices
· Used for transportation
· Enhance citizen fitness'
· Beautification of right-of-way
· Reduced pollution
6. Adopted Tree Preservation Ordinance
· Increased property values
· More trees
· More attractive city
7. Library Computer System: State of the Art
· Better services
· Timely services
· Opportunities for citizens to enjoy Library
8. Citicable Improvements
· Improved picture quality through better equipment
· Expanded programming
9. Town Center: TIF Public Facilities (Library, Town Center, Performing Arts Center)
· Economic Impact - attracting people
· Develop Fine Arts Program
· Quality of life
. Cooperative venture with other entities
· Benefit to education center = enhancing city
Goal: Effective Transportation System
1. Complete Street Improvements - Overlays & Reconstructions
· Improved appearance
· Improved Property values
· Better quality streets - smoother ride
· Safer streets
2. Approved Trinity Railway Contract
· Less congestion
· Less pollution
· Less Pavement/road
3. Clean Air Vehicles
· Better quality air
· Enhance health of citizens
· Less pollution
4. Planning Business Shuttle Service
· Less pollution & congestion
· Less traffic
· Creates jobs
· Better quality work force
5. R.O.W. Acquisition: Rufe Snow
· Potential to improve traffic flow
· Reduce pollution
· Reduce traffic congestion
6. Planning North Tarrant Parkway
· Less congestion
7. Highway Projects (funding)
· Improve citizen mobility
· Better road
· Less congestion
8. Tarrant County Trail System Funding ($1.7 million)
· Expanded trail system
· Citizen opportunities
Council Work Session Minutes
April 28-29, 2000
Page 6
Council Work Session Minutes
April 28-29, 2000
Page 7
9. Cottonbelt Planning Study Funded
· Alternative transportation mode
· Enhance citizen mobility
· Cooperative efforts
10. 820 Expansion Funded
· Improve citizen mobility
· Access to County/Metroplex
11. Mayor's NLC Transportation Committee
· National presence
. Information and power for North Richland Hills
· National visibility
The Council discussed and identified what the goals meant to the citizens and identified the
challenges and gaps associated with each of the goals.
Goal: Safety & Security
Means to a Citizen: Citizens feeling safe - in community, any place, at home, at school;
Visible police presence in community; Timely response to emergency situations; Well
trained workforce - adequate staffing for growth; Preventative approach - working with
citizens.
Gap Analysis: Crime Control District - reapproval; Fire station location; Additional
ambulance; Greater school participation in SRO program; Traffic control and response
time with construction on major roads, Increased traffic congestion; Widening of North
Tarrant Parkway and Davis - due to Wal-Mart congestion; Response to growth-
adequate staffing for police and fire; Council security and procedures - establish
emergency procedures; Emergency preparedness - need plans for crowd control.
Goal: Quality Development
Means to Citizen: Protect values of homes and commercial; Attractive, aesthetically
pleasing community; Quality city facilities and infrastructure; Strong local economy -
attracting quality businesses; Protecting the character of North Richland Hills - through
our standards; Attracting quality businesses - well planned development.
Gap Analvsis: Comprehensive Land Use Plan: completion; Ordinances - evaluation
and fine tuning; Staffing to support development - Wal-Mart, Town Center, North Hills
Mall, etc; Redevelopment strategy: specific area, specific actions; Facilities
(Recreation/Library) - old and new; RV Site on Grapevine Highway; What ifs - North
Hills Mall and Town Center don't develop; Education of Citizens; Economy downturn-
financial strategy; Commercial corridor overlay plan.
Council Work Session Minutes
April 28-29, 2000
Page 8
Goal: Financially Responsible City Government
Means to Citizen: Citizens feeling value for tax dollars (value = quality/costs); Cost
effective delivery of city services; Adequate reserves for economic downturn, "rainy"
day; Saving dollars through strong bond rating, pay as you go; Predictable &
competitive tax rate.
Gap Analvsis: Review: Investment Program; Long term finance plan; Capital projects -
review update; Analysis - management and department operations and cost
effectiveness; Outsourcing vs. city providing lease vs. purchase; Self insurance -
adequate reserve level; Civil service requirements - benefits and costs evaluation;
Grant applications; Energy use in buildings - review and audit.
Goal: Quality Redevelopment and Reinvestment
Means to Citizen: Reduced blight, improve appearance on corridors, in neighborhoods;
Better use of vacant buildings; Expanding local economy - places to shop, job
opportunities for youth; Protecting and enhancing property values; Property owners
taking pride in buildings and homes; Communication with School District
Gap Analysis: Formal redevelopment plan - adoption; Specialized code development;
More creative codes - construction materials, Credits for creative designs; Capital
infrastructure plan - review/update; Incentives for redevelopment - private and public;
Economic development in older areas; Beautification improvements; Improvement plans
- corridors in older areas; Utility replacement plan.
Goal: Quality of Life Amenities for the Community
Means to Citizen: Easily accessible facilities- parks, trails, library; Range of leisure time
choices - things to do for all generations; Quality parks, attractive trails - inviting to our
citizens for use; Family orientated activities - families doing things together; Enhanced
sense of neighborhood, community pride.
Gap Analvsis: Parkland and open space - issue bonds, Acquire land; Cultural arts-
funding events, planning additional events; Parkland dedication - implementation;
Complete TIF and Developer agreement - Recreation Center, Library, Performing Arts
Center); Library and Recreation Center - Staffing; Engineering Trail and Town Center;
NRH20 expansion; Historic preservation.
Goal: Effective Transportation System
Means to Citizen: Able to move around the community in less time -less congestion;
Quality and safe streets and road; Choices: transportation mode; Enhanced
environmental quality - better air, less pollution; Protecting property values in our
community; Alternative transportation systems for senior citizens and disabled.
Council Work Session Minutes
April 28-29, 2000
Page 9
Gap Analysis: Overlay program - continuation; Public education - Trinity Railway;
Refueling Station cost; Clean Air Vehicle Program continuation - public understanding
of air pollution and consequences; Business shuttle - expand business participation;
Rufe Snow Project - work with TXDOT, property acquisition; North Tarrant Parkway -
engineering, design, funding; Loop 820 - impact analysis, timing; Highway 26; Cotton
Belt Study - Hike/bike trail; Regional transportation.
The Council discussed Targets for Action for 2000-2001 and ranked the targets to set
the top and high priorities. The top priorities set by Council are summarized as follows:
1) Land Use Plan Revision / Zoning Ordinance
· Complete Plan (Draft)
· Develop Process for Public Involvement (Discuss with Council)
· Review and Refine Plan
· Decision: Plan Adoption
· Review, Evaluation, Fine Tune Ordinances
· Develop ordinance: Time Dating Plats
· Initiate Interim Zoning Classification
2) Redevelopment Strategy and Action Plan
· Develop Redevelopment Plan - Specific Areas, Specific Action, Comprehensive
Approach to Neighborhood
a. Identify area
b. Define problems
c. Develop action
· Evaluate and Enhance Comprehensive Neighborhood Code Enforcement-
Goals, City's Role, Actions
· Develop Incentive Program
3) Crime Control District
· Continue Planning and Preparation
· Complete Plan
· Develop Community Education Action Plan
· Conduct Successful Election 2001
The high priorities set by Council are summarized as follows:
1) Transportation Policy and Action Plan
· Complete Thoroughfare Plan: Update
· Develop City Position on Regional Transportation Issue
· Decision: Clean Air Initiatives
a. speed limits
b. ozone days
· Support Workforce Transportation (Business Shuttle)
Council Work Session Minutes
April 28-29, 2000
Page 10
2) Capital Planning: Infrastructure, Facilities, Maintenance
. Review Existing Capital Planning (Infrastructure, facilities, maintenance)
· Refine Project List
· Decision: Next Year Priorities
3) Financial Policies and Plan
· Review and Evaluate Debt Policy and Level
· Review and Evaluate Reserves Policy and Level
· Develop 5-year Financial Plan: Revenues and Expenditures
· Review and Evaluate Investment Policy and Program
. Review and Evaluate Self Insurance Program - Reserve level, Best for
Employees
4) Grapevine Highway Upgrade
· Complete Study by COGlTxDOT: Environmental Impact, Appearance, Costs,
Overall Design
· Pursue Name Change/Consistency
· Study Widening South of 820
5) Historic Preservation Policy and Plan (Smithfield)
· Define Goals, Area(s), Policy Framework
· Develop Plan and Program Activities
Medium priorities set by Council are summarized as follows:
1) Charter Revision
· Focus Specific Areas to be Addressed - Length of Terms, Civil Service
· Initiate Process - Charter Review
· Complete Review
· Decision: Next Steps Timing
2) 820: Evaluation and Direction
· Design Process for Evaluating Impacts of 820 Expansion on City Facilities,
Neighborhoods, Traffic Flow, Types on Business
· Evaluate Impact on City Facilities
· Determine Future Vision for Area.
Other targets discussed but eliminated during the ranking of the top, high and medium
priorities were: a) Staffing and Service Plan; b) Town Center - Direction; c) NRH20 Expansion;
d) Compensation - Evaluation; e) Architectural Review Board: Direction; f) Rufe Snow Project;
g) Development Footprint (Commercial Overlay); h) Staff Evaluation and Action Plan;
i) Development Process: Evaluation and Refinement; j) North Hills Mall; k) Cost Effectiveness
of Services: Evaluation & Plan; I) Business promotion: Actions.
The Council discussed the Council operations and suggested refinements. The following
items were discussed:
Council Work Session Minutes
April 28-29, 2000
Page 11
1) Information and Presentations Made to Council - The Council discussed how they liked to
receive information. They agreed that they prefer the following: 1) Visual group - prefer
short, "crisp" presentations with visuals that support comments; 2) Status/progress reports
- like to receive status reports on major projects - financial, construction, development, etc.
- to help them understand and monitor the progress of projects; 3) Options - like realistic
options for consideration, including the pros and cons; want the understanding that more
than one option has been considered by staff and enables Council to consider alternatives;
4) Presentations - prefer overviews, highlights of significant points, don't repeat information
in cover sheets, but give an overview; don't repeat what has already been presented in
previous meetings, but only a short review if needed; prefer short, good visuals that are
easy to understand and view.
2) Code of Conduct - This was discussed at last year's Goal's Work Session. No additional
discussion needed.
3) Consistency - Staff was asked to place an item on a future agenda to rescind Resolution
No. 99-10. The Council discussed the need to stay consistent in discussion of items during
council meetings and to stay focused on the issue. To assist Council, staff needs to clarify
parameters and actions to be taken on cover sheets. The Council suggested printing an
information sheet to be placed in their Agenda books that define issues associated with
platting, zoning and site plan reviews. The Council also requested that the City Attorney
take an active role in bringing them back into focus when they digress from the
issue/subject.
4) Majority Rules - The Council discussed the need to continue to recognize that the majority
decides.
5) Boards and Commissions - There was discussion on involving new people on the City's
boards and commissions. Staff will continue to forward to Council a list of citizens who
apply for positions on one of the boards/commissions. Additionally, Council requested that
articles and announcements be sent out to recruit new applicants. The Council also
discussed holding a public seminar to inform the citizens of the various boards and
commissions. The City Manager and staff are currently working on this project and will be
bringing a recommendation forward to the Council in the future.
6) Meeting Preparation - The Council discussed the importance of coming prepared to the
Council meetings and studying material provided prior to the meeting.
7) Representing City - The Council was reminded of the importance of all the Council to
represent the City by attending ribbon cuttings, special events, etc.
8) Communications and Information Sharing - Council was reminded to keep each other
informed. It was suggested that a refresher course be offered on the use of laptops. While
some Council members prefer electronic information, staff should keep in mind that some
Council Members prefer information by fax. The Council advised that they would like to be
more aware of potential businesses locating in City.
9) Public Comments/Agenda - Discussion on reviewing procedures for Council to receive
citizen input during open meetings and implementing additional procedures that will further
provide for the orderly, equitable and effective conduct of the affairs of the City.
1 O)Other items - Review procedures for security and contingency plans in emergency
situations. Council discussed celebrating successes and recognizing city employees. The
Council discussed recognizing an employee each quarter.
Council Work Session Minutes
April 28-29, 2000
Page 12
The Council discussed actions for staff. Suggestions from the Council were 1) Staff should
provide Council with their best professional recommendation on items being brought before the
Council; 2) Attorney or other staff members should maintain professionalism and provide
Council with facts and merits of case with no personal position on the matter.
The work session adjourned on April 29,2000 at 4:05 p.m.
APPROVED:
ATTEST:
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~~cia Hutson - City Secretary