HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2003-04-28 Minutes
MINUTES OF THE PRE-COUNCIL AND REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICH LAND HILLS,
TEXAS, HELD IN THE CITY HALL, 7301 NORTHEAST
LOOP 820 - APRIL 28, 2003
PRE-COUNCIL SESSION
The City Council of the City of North Richland Hills, Texas met in Pre-Council session
on the 28th day of April, 2003 at 5:45 p.m. in the Pre-Council Room prior to the 7:00
regular Council meeting.
Present: Oscar Trevino
Frank Metts, Jr.
Lyle E. Welch
Scott Turnage
JoAnn Johnson
David Whitson
Joe D. Tolbert
Timothy J. Welch
Staff Members: Larry J. Cunningham
Steve Norwood
Greg Vick
Karen Bostic
Paulette Hartman
Patricia Hutson
Alicia Richardson
George Staples
John Pitstick
Larry Koonce
Mike Curtis
Jenny Mabry
Jim Browne
Call to Order
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
Councilman
Councilman
Councilwoman
Councilman
Councilman
Councilman
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Managing Director Administrative/Fiscal Services
Assistant to City Manager
City Secretary
Assistant City Secretary
City Attorney
Director of Development
Finance Director
Public Works Director
Communications Director
Parks & Recreation Director
Mayor Trevino called the Pre-Council meeting to order at 5:47p.m.
1. Discuss items from Reqular April 28, 2003 City Council Meetinq
Councilman Tolbert advised that he wanted to remove items 6E and 6G from the
consent agenda.
Mayor Trevino expressed his concerns with item number 11 (GN 2003-056) becoming
public record and showing the city's vulnerability.
Mr. Curtis advised council engineers from Freese and Nichols, Inc. will be available at
the regular meeting to discuss how they can proceed with project and keep some of the
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2003
Page 2
pertinent information from being public. Mr. Curtis said that some of the engineers that
have conducted studies say there is a way they can proceed without the risks being
published.
Mayor Pro Tem Metts asked if there would be penalties associated with not completing
project. Mayor Pro Tem Metts would rather have the City complete the project and not
disclose information.
Mr. Cunningham advised council the project needs to be finished by December 2003.
Mayor Trevino commented that he would like staff to explain consent agenda items 6E
and 6G at the regular meeting.
2. IR 2003-039 Discuss Notice of Assessment of liquidated Damaqes to Charter
Communications
Assistant to City Manager Paulette Hartman gave council an update of the assessment
of liquidated damages with Charter Communications. Ms. Hartman said the City
Manager sent a letter to Charter Executives on April 18, 2003 assessing liquidated
damages in the amount of $330,489. Charter has 10 days to request a hearing before
the City Councilor pay the damages. Ms. Hartman advised that other cities also sent
letters to Charter Communications. While other cities have received their responses
North Richland Hills has not received a response, but expect it to arrive within a couple
of days. The responses to the cities are the same in that they are requesting a hearing
before the City Council and also request an informal meeting. Ms. Hartman advised
council that the City has two choices: (1) the council can either hear the matter; or (2)
appoint a hearing officer to hear the matter. Staff is recommending that council appoint
one hearing officer that would represent all of the cities. Should council want to hear
the matter staff suggests setting a public hearing this evening.
Councilman Lyle E. Welch said that he would think that the hearing officer would be the
City Manager.
Ms. Hartman advised council the consortium met last week to see what direction should
be taken. The idea is to have an outside party be the hearing officer who would
represent all the cities. Ms. Hartman informed council that staff would be present at
any hearing or meetings.
Mayor Trevino asked if the consortium has a list of names for the hearing officer.
Ms. Hartman advised that the consortium does not have that information yet, but would
bring forward a list of names should council elect to have a hearing officer represent the
City.
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2003
Page 3
Mr. Cunningham said Charter has the ability to meet with the City Manager. Mr.
Cunningham had said that he would share the City's position. Charter then has the
opportunity to request a hearing before the councilor the hearing officer. Staff
recommends having one hearing officer for the cities since all the issues are the same;
the only difference is the dollar amount. Staff believes it would be more effective to
have one hearing officer.
Councilman Turnage asked who would be the hearing officer. Councilman Turnage
wanted to know if it would be mayors or attorneys.
Mr. Cunningham said that the hearing officer would probably be an attorney.
City Attorney George Staples said that the hearing officer would be a person who has
the expertise in the hearing matter.
The consensus of council was to move forward with a hearing officer.
Ms. Hartman advised council that staff would bring a recommendation for the hearing
officer.
3. IR 2003-041 Leqislative Update
Mr. Vick advised council that Monday, May 12 is the last day for house committees to
report house bill and joint resolutions. Mr. Vick outlined the following legislative items.
HB 1606 - Financial Disclosure
Mr. Vick advised council that letters have been prepared for council signature. Staff is
strongly opposed to HB 1606.
HB 3143 - Streamlined Sales Tax
The bill is in committee and is the biggest concern of staff is if it passes without an
advisory clause some cities can find themselves losing money. Staff is strongly
opposed to this bill. Mr. Vick said that he does anticipate that this bill will move and
pass by some form.
HB 136 - Property Tax Exemption
This bill has financial implications and staff is opposed to this bill.
HB 2340 - Electric Deregulation
Several CAPP board members testified on six bills in Austin in hopes to bring more
competition and customer service to the deregulation electricity. Staff is in support of
this bill. Mr. Vick does not know if this bill will pass.
SB 657 - Tax Increment Funding
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2003
Page 4
Mr. Vick advised council this bill is in serious trouble. In January or the first of February
the government stopped the transfer of the TIF monies from the libraries and kept it in
the State's general fund.
HB 3185 - Transportation
This bill was favorably voted by the House Transportation Committee on April 16th and
has been sent to the Calendars Committee. If passed, this bill will seriously jeopardize
funding for the Northeast Transportation Service. Letters of opposition were sent to
members of the Transportation Committee and to Representative Vickie Truitt.
Representative Bob Griggs has also been made aware of the City's position on this bill.
4. IR 2003-040 Tax Exemption for Orqanizations Enqaqed Primarily in Performinq
Charitable Functions
Ms. Bostic advised council that House Bill 1689 created a local option property tax
exemption for organizations engaged primarily in charitable activities. Under House Bill
1689 individual taxing units must adopt the exemption by vote of the governing body or
by majority vote at an election called by the governing body upon petition by 20 percent
of the qualified voters who voted in the taxing unit's last election. The taxing unit's vote
to adopt the exemption will cover all qualified organizations in its jurisdiction. The City
can not pick and choose among organizations eligible for the exemption. The City has
received a request for the exemption from Smithfield Masonic Lodge #455. Currently
the lodge pays $350 per year to the City in property taxes. Staff tried to determine what
other organizations might potentially file for the exemption and found approximately half
a dozen. Staff is not able to determine exactly how many organizations might qualify
for the exemption and therefore cannot determine the future impact of the exemption.
Staff surveyed neighboring cities and they are not providing this exemption. The two
school districts in North Richland Hills were also surveyed and they are not providing
the exemption. Staff does not recommend that the City grant the exemption, unless
other cities in our area grant the exemption. Ms. Bostic advised council they had three
options: (1) to do nothing at this time; (2) wait to see if other taxing entities in our area
grant the exemption; or (3) place an item on the next council agenda to vote on
adopting the exemption. If the council chooses to do nothing the exemption would not
be available to qualifying organizations. However, this would allow the qualifying
organization to petition for a vote in the next election.
The consensus of council was not to award the exemption to Smithfield Masonic Lodge
#455.
5. IR 2003-043 Update on Games of Texas
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2003
Page 5
Park and Recreation Director Jim Browne showed council the marketing video for the
upcoming 2003 Games of Texas. Mr. Browne also advised council of the press
conference on May 8 and that Games of Texas would be held July 24 - 27.
6. Executive Session
Mayor Trevino announced at 6:30 p.m. that council would recess to executive session
to discuss southern section of North Richland Hills as authorized by Government Code
§551.086.
Adjournment
Mayor Trevino adjourned the Pre-Council meeting at 6:45 p.m.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
1.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Trevino called the meeting to order April 28, 2003 at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Oscar Trevino
Frank Metts, Jr.
Lyle E. Welch
Scott Turnage
JoAnn Johnson
David Whitson
Joe D. Tolbert
Timothy J. Welch
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
Councilman
Councilman
Councilwoman
Councilman
Councilman
Councilman
Staff:
Larry J. Cunningham
Steve Norwood
Greg Vick
Karen Bostic
Patricia Hutson
Alicia Richardson
George Staples
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Managing Director Administrative/Fiscal Services
City Secretary
Assistant City Secretary
Attorney
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2003
Page 6
2.
INVOCATION
Public Information Director Jenny Mabry gave the invocation.
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Ms. Mabry led the pledge of allegiance.
4.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK PROCLAMATION
Councilman Turnage presented a proclamation to Mr. Wagner proclaiming April 27-
May 3 as Natinal Volunteer Week.
RECOGNITION - PRESENTATION OF NRH 2002 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Councilman Turnage recognized Mr. Norman Vanlaningham for his dedication to the
City of North Richland Hills. Mr. Vanlaningham was presented with a plaque for being
selected as North Richland Hills Volunteer of the Year.
CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION - LARRY LALANNIE
Fire Chief Andy Jones presented Larry Lalannie with a certificate of appreciation for his
quick assessment and course of action in aiding a two-year old at Home Depot.
PROCLAMATION - PAWS FOR CAUSE WALK-A-THON
Councilman Turnage presented a proclamation to Animal Control Supervisor Don
Sharp proclaiming May 3 - 10, 2003 as Paws on the Beach Adoptathon and Be Kind to
Animals Week.
5.
REMOVAL OF ITEM(S) FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
Councilman Tolbert removed items 6E and 6G.
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2003
Page 7
6.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
APPROVED
A. MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 14, 2003
B. PS 2003-09 CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM SAM'S REAL ESTATE
BUSINESS TRUST FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE FINAL PLAT OF LOT 3-R,
BLOCK 6, TAPP ADDITION (LOCATED IN THE 6200 BLOCK OF NORTHEAST
LOOP 820 -15.597 ACRES)
C. PS 2003-14 CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM CHRIS BENOY FOR THE
APPROVAL OF THE FINAL PLAT OF LOT 1, BLOCK 1, MILTON PRICE
ADDITION (LOCATED AT 8109 NEWMAN ROAD - .58 ACRES)
D. GN 2003-053 RESCHEDULING MAY 26 COUNCIL MEETING TO MAY 27
E. REMOVED
F. PU 2003-025 AWARD ANNUAL FOOD SUPPLY CONTRACT FOR NRH20 TO
BEN E. KEITH - RESOLUTION NO. 2003-043
G. REMOVED
COUNCILMAN LYLE E. WELCH MOVED. SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WHITSON TO APPROVE THE
REMAINING ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.
Motion to approve carried 7-0.
6E.
PU 2003-024 AWARD OF BID TO SHARROCK ELECTRIC, INC. IN THE AMOUNT
OF $45,333.50 FOR THE LOOP 820 AT INDUSTRIAL PARK BOULEVARD
TRAFFIC SIGNAL
TABLED
Councilman Tolbert believes this item needs to be studied further and after discussion
with the City Manager there did not appear to be a rush for council consideration.
COUNCILMAN TOLBERT MOVED TO TABLE ITEM INDEFINITELY. COUNCILMAN TURNAGE
SECONDED THE MOTION.
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2003
Page 8
Mayor Trevino asked Mr. Cunningham to be sure that council addresses this issue at a
future Pre-Council meeting.
Motion to table carried 7-0.
6G.
PU 2003-026 EXECUTION OF SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT TO THE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH NEWMAN JACKSON BIEBERSTEIN
IN THE AMOUNT OF $90,400 FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD PARK PROJECT -
RESOLUTION NO. 2003-044
APPROVED
Councilman Tolbert advised council he removed item from the consent agenda
because he believed that the public would be interested in hearing item.
Parks and Recreation Director Jim Browne advised item was the execution for
supplemental agreement with Newman Jackson Bierberstein. Staff discussed with
council the potential for ultimate development for this park project. The approved
Master Development Plan includes the neighborhood park amenities playground, trail
pavilion, benches, etc. It will also include a lake, culvert, and trailhead parking in the
park. Staff received comments and feed back from neighbors, members of the council
and park and recreation board. Staff then provided council with a proposal on February
5 to move forward with this phase of the development and concurrently moving forward
with the design of Phase I. The supplemental agreement in the amount of $90,400
includes the following:
1. Design/engineering fees for the culvert extensions, parking and lake in the
amount of $23,000, which represents approximately 7.3% of the construction
cost.
2. Additional costs associated with the USACE, FEMA and TCEQ requirements, in
the amount of $67,400. This work includes the permit processing costs for the
Nationwide 404 permit. TCEQ permit, CLOMR/LOMR processing and all
application and document fees.
Mr. Browne advised council that Britt Logan and Mike Crenshaw of Teague Nail and
Perkins were available to answer questions.
Councilman Tolbert clarified that council is voting on the engineering and for staff to
proceed with the permits.
Mr. Browne confirmed that action tonight is amending the services contract for the
design portion of the neighborhood park.
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2003
Page 9
Councilman Tim Welch asked for clarification that the cost of $67,400 are for the
permits or does the dollar amount include the cost of the sub consultant to prepare the
applications.
Mr. Crenshaw advised council the costs include the permit fee as well as Teague Nail
and Perkins fee for preparing the permits.
COUNCILMAN TOLBERT MOVED TO APPROVE PU 2003..026. COUNCILMAN TIM WELCH
SECONDED THE MOTION.
Motion to approve carried 7-0.
7.
GN 2003-054 CONSIDERATION OF ACTION ON ALL MATTERS PERTAINING TO
THE AWARD AND SALE OF $2,750,000 IN GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND
APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 2702
APPROVED
Mr. Larry Koonce summarized GN 2003-054 and GN 2003-055 for council. Mr. Koonce
advised council that four bids were received and were 75 and 80 basis points better
than what the city did last year. The general obligation sale is almost the end of the
1994 bond authorizations ($1,380,000 for Rufe Snow improvements). Staff is at the
beginning of the 2003 bond election -- $370,000 in street projects, $100,000 design for
Holiday West Channel, $900,000 for fire facility upgrades.
Staff is also selling $2,250,000 for NRH20 multi-level complex and TIF#2 remaining
land purchase and design for the library in the amount of $1 ,450,000.
Mr. Koonce introduced Dave Medanich of First Southwest.
Mr. Medanich advised council the bids were received electronically via the internet. The
winning bid for the general obligation bonds was Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. with an
interest cost of 4.095% and the winning bid for certificates of obligation was Southwest
Securities, Inc. with an interest cost of 4.14%.
Mayor Trevino asked Mr. Curtis to give council a summary of the streets that are under
the 1994 bond election, what the city is doing on the 2003 bond election and where the
Holiday West Channel is located and under what general obligation the channel is
included.
Mr. Curtis advised there are some projects from the 1994 bond program included in the
sale. There are two projects for the 1994 program that involve Rufe Snow Drive
(Glenview to Karen) and another section of Rufe Snow (Mid Cities Boulevard to
Hightower). Although the later is not part of the 1994 bond program, due to federal
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2003
Page 10
grant money received by the city. The 2003 bond program includes the design of
Glenview Drive, sections of Lola, Galway and Flory Street and also includes the Holiday
West Channel improvements. The Holiday West Channel is the reconstruction of the
concrete line channel.
COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON MOVED TO ACCEPT THE BID OF CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKET INC.,
FOR THE PURCHASE OF $2,750,000 CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, GENERAL OBLIGATION
BONDS, SERIES 2003 AT A TRUE COST OF 4.095% AND ADOPT ORDINANCE No. 2702
AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS. COUNCILMAN LYLE E.. WELCH SECONDED THE
MOTION.
Motion to approve carried 7-0.
8.
GN 2003-055 CONSIDERATION OF ACTION ON ALL MATTERS PERTAINING TO
THE AWARD AND SALE OF $3,700,000 IN TAX AND WATERWORKS AND SEWER
SYSTEM REVENUE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION, SERIES 2003 AND
APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 2703
APPROVED
Mayor Trevino advised council this item was summarized with GN 2003-054 and
entertained a motion.
COUNCILMAN TOLBERT MOVED TO ACCEPT THE BID OF SOUTHWEST SECURITIES, INC. FOR THE
PURCHASE OF $3,700,000 CITY OF NORTH RICH LAND HILLS, TEXAS, TAX AND WATERWORKS
AND SEWER SYSTEM (LIMITED PLEDGE) REVENUE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION, SERIES
2003 AT A TRUE INTEREST COST OF 4.14% AND ADOPT ORDINANCE No. 2703 AUTHORIZING
THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION. COUNCILMAN WHITSON SECONDED
THE MOTION.
Motion to approve carried 7-0.
9.
PS 2003-11 CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM REBEL PROPERTIES LLC.
FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE FINAL PLAT OF IRON HORSE ADDITION PHASE II
(LOCATED IN THE 6300 BLOCK OF BROWNING DRIVE - 30.94 ACRES)
APPROVED
Mayor Trevino asked Mr. Cunningham to explain why this item was not placed on the
consent agenda.
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2003
Page 11
Mr. Cunningham advised council there was an issue related to the easements for the
electrical service. Staff originally understood that there were going to be a number of
transformers and other units that would be located in the front of the properties. Staff
felt there could be a way to minimize or reduce the transformers. Staff discussed this
with Oncor and Mr. Wood in hopes of reaching an agreement for the location of the
transformers. Mr. Cunningham advised council staff held off on this item in hopes to
work with Mr. Wood and Oncor to further reduce the amount of transformers located at
the front of the properties. Mr. Cunningham said that staff will work the Planning and
Zoning Commission to see if there are any means, by which the City can modify the
subdivision regulations relating to the placement of transformers in future
developments.
Mr. Mark Wood, applicant, advised council when he originally contacted Oncor
regarding the placement of easements he understood that Oncor provides service at
the least amount of cost to them. If costs (to locate in the boxes in the rear of the
property) exceed a certain amount the developer would need to bear the additional
costs. Mr. Wood said he preferred to have the easements located in the back of the
property. Mr. Wood advised council that there would be eight transformer boxes in the
subdivision. Mr. Wood advised council that a representative from Oncor contacted Mr.
Wood and advised him that Oncor would not locate the boxes to the rear of the
property and that cost was not an issue to Oncor. Mr. Wood believes that Oncor would
comply if the ordinance stipulated the location of the transformers. However, if the
ordinance does not address the location Oncor will continue to locate boxes in the front
of the property. Oncor said they prefer to service the boxes from the front as opposed
to the back yard. Mr. Wood advised council that the eight transformer boxes would not
impact them as originally thought.
Councilman Tim Welch asked if the telephone cable would be located in the back.
Mr. Wood advised council the telephone cable would be located in the rear of the
property.
Mr. Pitstick summarized item advising that the Planning and Zoning Commission voted
for approval of request. A late concern came up and staff has most recently seen a
move to put easements toward the front yard. The current subdivision ordinance states
that a 7 % foot easement is required in the rear yards, but does not specifically specify
about allowing other utilities in the front yard. Staff has a work session scheduled with
the Planning and Zoning Commission to discuss these issues. Staff has traditionally
seen utilities in the rear yards. Staff understands the concerns with safety while
servicing the utilities. Mr. Pitstick and Mr. Curtis have met with the City Attorney to draft
an ordinance to address the placement of utilities within the subdivision ordinance.
Mayor Trevino asked Mr. Pitstick if it would be as simple as changing the ordinance.
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2003
Page 12
Mr. Pitstick said that staff believes it would only take a change in the ordinance, but
staff will sit down with the utility companies to see their needs of placement of utilities.
Staff has concerns of having easements located throughout different locations of the
property, as it would affect the installation of pools among others. Mr. Pitstick advised
council that the easements are exempt from the City's Tree Preservation Ordinance.
Mr. Pitstick said that Oncor has worked with other cities to put the utilities behind front
building lines.
Councilman Tolbert asked if with the approval of the plat tonight is council approving
the location of easements and not the number of boxes located for utilities.
Council gave Steve Johnson of Oncor an opportunity to address council.
Mr. Johnson advised council of Oncor's statewide policy to move transformers to the
front of the properties due to problems of transformers being hidden behind fences,
storage of equipment around or on top of the boxes. Oncor is not able to police what is
happening in property owner's back yard. Mr. Johnson said that due to these factors
they are having a problem with servicing the transformers. Oncor has reviewed moving
the transformers behind the building line, which is acceptable, but have to keep in mind
that the developer who develops the lot is not the developer of the house. Mr. Johnson
said that Oncor has no objection to landscaping around the transformers, but prefer not
to have the landscaping along the front of the transformers.
COUNCILMAN WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE PS 2003-11. COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON
SECONDED THE MOTION.
Motion to approve carried 7-0.
10.
PZ 2003-09 PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT
AMENDMENT TO SECTION 605C RELATING TO PERMITTED BUILDING
MATERIALS FOR REMODELING OF EXISTING NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS -
ORDINANCE NO. 2704
APPROVED
Mayor Trevino opened the public hearing.
Mr. Pitstick advised council that staff is receiving requests to remodel older retail strip
centers. This change will allow those requestors to proceed with remodeling without the
need of requesting a special use permit. The special use permit would require
additional time and monies for the process and approval. The proposed change would
exempt building renovations that do not expand the existing square footage of a non-
residential building, may use alternatives simulated masonry systems as approved by
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2003
Page 13
the building official without a special use permit as long as they offer improved
architectural features (outlined in architectural ordinance) and do not decrease the
percentage of masonry on the newly renovated building. Mr. Pitstick advised council
that the masonry definition (combination of bricks, ceramic block, stone decorative
concrete blocks or masonry materials installed in a craftsman like manner, building
trims and accent areas shall not exceed 15% of the exterior wall area.) would be used.
Staff is saying that any new alternative materials would be stucco fiber reinforced
cement board, reinforced ephis or simulated masonry systems as approved by the
building official. Mr. Pitstick advised council the Planing and Zoning Commission
initiated this item and unanimously recommends approval.
Mayor Trevino asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor of
request to come forward. There being no one wishing to speak Mayor Trevino asked
for anyone wishing to speak in opposition. There being no one wishing to speak Mayor
Trevino closed the public hearing.
COUNCILMAN TIM WELCH MOVED TO APPROVE AMENDING SECTION 605C OF THE ZONING
ORDINANCE FOR THE ALTERNATE SIMULATED MASONRY SYSTEMS FOR NON-SPECIFIC
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING RENOVATIONS ORDINANCE No. 2704. COUNCILMAN TURNAGE
SECONDED THE MOTION.
Motion to approve carried 7-0.
11.
GN 2003-056 APPROVE ENGINEERING AGREEMENT WITH FREESE AND
NICHOLS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $43,000 TO DEVELOP A WATER SYSTEM
VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH EPA REQUIREMENTS -
RESOLUTION NO. 2003-045
APPROVED
Mr. Mike Curtis, Public Works Director, advised council that EPA has mandated that all
owners of water systems that serve a population of 3300 or more must complete a
vulnerability assessment of their water system. The deadline for submittal varies on
population. North Richland Hills deadline is December 31,2003. The Public Works
department did request and receive qualifications from twelve engineering and security
firms. Staff narrowed the firms to the top three - Freese and Nichols, Inc., CH2M Hill
and Malcolm Pirnie. Staff is recommending that council approve Resolution No. 2003-
045 selecting Freese and Nichols, Inc. Mr. Curtis stated that the study will include an
assessment of the system and recommended improvements.
Councilman Lyle E. Welch asked staff if the City would receive any funds from the
government.
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2003
Page 14
Mr. Curtis did not believe that funds will be available.
Councilman Lyle E. Welch asked how this project will be funded.
Mr. Curtis advised council that funding is available in project savings, previously closed
and completed utility projects. Staff recommends awarding the contract and revising
the CIP budget.
Councilman Lyle E. Welch asked about future ramifications of this project. Councilman
Lyle E. Welch wanted to know if water rates would need to be raised in order to pay for
the project.
Mr. Curtis advised council the level of cost is associated with the level of risk that
council wants in order to protect the water system.
Councilman Tim Welch asked if EPA has defined the level of risk that most
communities must adhere to.
Ms. Hanson of Freese and Nichols addressed Councilman Tim Welch's question. EPA
has not given any recommendation on what an acceptable level of risk needed to
protect against. EPA wants communities to develop their own plan, schedule and
recommendation.
COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON MOVED TO PASS AND APPROVE RESOLUTION No. 2003-045.
COUNCILMAN TOLBERT SECONDED THE MOTION.
Motion to approve carried 7-0.
12.
GN 2003-057 APPOINTMENTS TO WHOLESALE WATER CUSTOMER ADVISORY
COMMITTEE AND WHOLESALE WASTEWATER CUSTOMER ADVISORY
COMMITTEE
APPROVED
City Secretary Patricia Hutson advised council they needed to appoint a voting member
and alternate to both boards, term expiring September 30, 2003.
MAYOR PRO TEM METTS MOVED TO APPOINT COUNCILMAN TURNAGE AS VOTING MEMBER AND
MIKE CURTIS AS ALTERNATE TO BOTH BOARDS. COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON SECONDED THE
MOTION.
Motion to approve carried 7-0.
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2003
Page 15
13.
ACTION ON ANY ITEM DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION LISTED ON PRE-
COUNCIL AGENDA
No action required.
14.
A. CITIZENS PRESENTATION
Mr. James Kirby, 3808 Park Oaks Court, expressed his concerns for the safety of
children and citizens at Linda Spurlock Park due to the parking situation on Harmonson.
B. INFORMATION AND REPORTS
Councilwoman Johnson made the following announcements.
Don't forget to vote on Saturday, May 3 for Council Place 1. Polling locations will be
open from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Early votinq ends tomorrow, Tuesday April 29th. For
further information, call 817-427-6060 or log onto our web site at www.nrhtx.com
The annual Pet Walk-a-Thon will be held on Saturday, May 3rd. Residents can bring
their animals to the Animal Adoption and Rescue Center at 9am. Animals that are
seven years of age will be placed in a special drawing since they will be 50 years in
dog/cat years, which is the same age as North Richland Hills! Register at the Animal
Adoption and Rescue Center.
Join us for our annual A Lotta Niqht Music concerts at Green Valley Park on Friday,
May 9. King Creole will be performing classic rock music from 7:00-9:00 p.m. The
concert is free so bring your lawn chairs and blankets for a great evening in the park.
The Library will be hosting the MasterWorks series on Tuesday, May 13th. This free
concert will feature Café Noir, an eclectic instrumental ensemble. The concert begins at
7:00 p.m. NRH Library is located at 6720 NE Loop 820. For further information, call
817-427-6800.
May 10
Critter Connection
North Hills Mall
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2003
Page 16
15.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Trevino adjourned the meeting at 8:28
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