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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2003-06-23 Minutes MINUTES OF THE PRE-COUNCIL AND REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, HELD IN CITY HALL, 7301 NORTHEAST LOOP 820 - JUNE 23, 2003 PRE-COUNCIL SESSION The City Council of the City of North Richland Hills, Texas met in Pre-Council session on the 23rd day of June, 2003 at 5:45 p.m. in the Pre-Council Room prior to the 7:00 p.m. regular Council meeting. Present: Oscar Trevino Joe D. Tolbert John Lewis Scott Turnage Frank Metts, Jr. David Whitson Timothy J. Welch Absent: JoAnn Johnson Staff Members: Larry J. Cunningham Greg Vick Karen Bostic Paulette Hartman Patricia Hutson Alicia Richardson George Staples John Pitstick Larry Koonce Mike Curtis Clay Caruthers Vickie Loftice Jim Browne Bill Thornton Call to Order Mayor Mayor Pro T em Councilman Councilman Councilman Councilman Councilman Councilwoman 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 Budget Manager Assistant Director Parks and Recreation Parks and Recreation Director Assistant Director Parks and Recreation Mayor Trevino called the Pre-Council meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. 1. Discuss items from ReQular June 23, 2003 City Council Meetinq None. 2. IR 2003-066 Discuss Placement of Citizens Presentations on Council Aqenda City Council Minutes June 23,2003 Page 2 Councilman Tim Welch stated he would like to see the Citizens' Presentation moved to the beginning of the agenda right after the Special Presentation. Councilman Tim Welch suggested a total time of 15 minutes for Citizens' Presentation and if there is a large number of citizens wishing to speak the remainder will be heard after city business. Councilman Lewis commented that he heard remarks from citizens regarding accessibility to the Mayor and Council members and believes it would be citizen friendly if the citizens' presentation is located at the beginning of the council meeting. Mayor Trevino mentioned that he agrees with Councilman Welch regarding the citizens' presentation, but would like to allow a total of 20 minutes with each person limited to two minutes. If everyone can not be accommodated within the 20 minutes, additional comments can be heard at the end of the meeting. In addition to the timeframe, citizens need to be mindful that their comment(s) would not be deliberated or action taken by council since the item is not listed on the agenda. Comments on previous items heard by Planning and Zoning Commission, but not acted upon by Council would not be heard. No pro or con comments will be allowed on upcoming agenda items. Mr. Cunningham said that he would draft something to present to council at the next council meeting. Council was advised that the Rules of Procedure will need to be amended. Council was also asked to review the Rules of Procedure and forward any other suggested changes to the City Manager. 3. IR 2003-065 Discuss Informational/Procedural Brochures for Council Chambers Councilman Lewis advised council that he attended a council meeting in Keller and noticed they have brochures for the public that provides both information and procedures to address the council. Councilman Lewis believes that a brochure like the City of Keller would be beneficial for the citizens of North Richland Hills. The request to speak form being used by North Richland Hills does not adequately educate the citizens on addressing public hearings and citizen presentations. Mayor Trevino advised that he likes the form currently being used because it aids the City Secretary in obtaining proper information on the citizen speaking before council. The current form is produced in duplicate, which will ensure that the city secretary gets information needed for the official records. Councilman Lewis also mentioned that he would like to see the brochures placed throughout the council chambers. Councilman Lewis thinks this will help the citizens in locating the brochures as opposed to their current location. Councilman Tim Welch would like staff to gather ideas from other cities. City Council Minutes June 23, 2003 Page 3 Staff will develop a brochure that will give the citizens a better understanding of the council meeting. 4. IR 2003-067 Review Enhancements to Neiqhborhood Parks Ms. Vickie Loftice, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation, advised council the artists would be presenting their pieces to council for consideration. Ms. Loftice introduced Carol Wilder and Charlotte Lindsey artists for the Kay Granger at Mullendore Elementary site and artist David Hickman for the Clyde Zellers Park site. The artists provided council with a small scale rendering of their proposed piece to be placed at the site. Council consensus was to move forward with both designs. 5. IR 2003-069 Parks Maintenance Standards Mr. Jim Browne, Director of Parks and Recreation, introduced park superintendent Gary Bechthold. Mr. Bechthold presented council with a powerpoint presentation outlining North Richland Hills maintenance man-hour workbook and standards. 6. Executive Session Mayor Trevino announced at 6:39 p.m. that Council would adjourn to Executive Session to discuss land acquisition located in the area of Davis Boulevard and Green Valley Drive and deliberation regarding economic development - South Grapevine Corridor Area as authorized Government Code §551.072 and 551.087 Adjournment Mayor Trevino announced at 6:56 p.m. that the Council would adjourn to the regular Council meeting. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Trevino called the meeting to order June 23,2003 at 7:02 p.m. City Council Minutes June 23, 2003 Page 4 ROLL CALL Present: Oscar Trevino Joe D. Tolbert John Lewis Scott Turnage Frank Metts, Jr. JoAnn Johnson David Whitson Timothy J. Welch Mayor Mayor Pro T em Councilman Councilman Councilman Councilwoman Councilman Councilman Staff: Larry J. Cunningham Greg Vick Patricia Hutson Alicia Richardson George Staples City Manager Assistant City Manager City Secretary Assistant City Secretary Attorney 2. INVOCATION Councilman Whitson gave the invocation. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilman Whitson led the pledge. 4. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS CAROLYN RIEHL - YELLOW ROSE OF TEXAS AWARD PRESENTED BY JIM BROWNE Park and Recreation Director Jim Browne introduced Carolyn Riehl. Ms. Riehl received the Yellow Rose of Texas award at a previous engagement from Representative Bob Griggs on behalf of Governor Rick Perry. Mr. Browne and Mayor Trevino recognized Ms. Riehl for her achievements. 50TH ANNIVERSARY UPDATE - CELEBRATION COMMITTEE City Council Minutes June 23, 2003 Page 5 Former Mayor Tommy Brown updated council and the public on the upcoming Family Fourth event being held at Birdville Fine Arts Athletic Complex. YARD OF THE MONTH Councilman Turnage and Keep NRH Beautiful member Scott Wood presented certificates to the following recipients: 6609 Tabor St., Link & Marsha Pendley; 4928 Harrell, Chris Oats and Chuck Cannon; 6300 Skylark Circle, Denise and Charles Niziolek; 7304 Falcon Ct., Richard & Laura Humphries; 5520 Finian Ln., Leilani White; 6700 Bartay Drive, Mattie Needs; 8329 Thornbird, Dan & Shirley Neece; 7904 Bridlewood Dr., Rick & Kerri Benson; 7617 Oak Knoll Dr., Nick & Cathy Kougias; Texas SmartScape Winner 7320 Briley, Joe & Whitney Bevil; and Business Landscape Winner Liberty Bank, 5801 Davis Boulevard. 5. REMOVAL OF ITEM(S) FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA None. 6. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS APPROVED A. MINUTES OF THE JUNE 09, 2003 COUNCIL MEETING COUNCILMAN TIM WELCH MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN METTS TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. Motion to approve carried 7-0. 7. GN 2003-069 SUSPENDING THE PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE PROPOSED RATE CHANGES OF TXU GAS - RESOLUTION NO. 2003-053 APPROVED Assistant City Manager Greg Vick advised TXU Gas filed a statewide increase throughout the areas covered in Texas. North Richland Hills residents will see a 6% increase and a commercial customer will see a 1 % increase. Staff has prepared a resolution for council consideration. The resolution suspends the TXU gas rate increase and authorizes participation with other cities in the rate filing. City Council Minutes June 23, 2003 Page 6 COUNCILMAN METTS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN TURNAGE TO APPROVE GN 2003- 069. Motion to approve carried 7-0. 8. GN 2003-071 PROVIDING FOR EX OFFICIO MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING & ZONING AND CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSIONS - ORDINANCE NO. 2714 APPROVED City Manager Larry Cunningham advised council Ordinance No. 2714 provides for the appointment of non-voting ex officio members to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Civil Service Commission. The persons appointed to these positions would not be able to participate in the meetings, but they can sit in and listen to the meetings and discussions. The City Charter states the number of Civil Service Commission and Planning and Zoning Commission members. In a recent review of the boards and commissions the City Attorney observed that the City needs to be in line with the Charter in terms of the number of commission members. The recommendation is to appoint one ex-officio member to the Planning & Zoning Commission and two members to the Civil Service Commission. The ex-officio members could be potential candidates for future appointments to these boards. Council discussed that ex-officio members would not be guaranteed an appointment to membership on one of the two boards and discussed adding verbiage to the ordinance clarifying they would not necessarily be appointed. COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE No. 2714, GN 2003.-071 WITH THE ADDITION OF THE FOLLOWING TEXT "WHO WILL NOT NECESSARILY EVER BE APPOINTED TO THE COMMISSION" INSERTED AFTER "THE MAYOR MAY APPOINT ONE EX OFFICIO MEMBER TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION". COUNCILMAN LEWIS SECONDED THE MOTION. Motion to approve carried 7-0. Mayor Trevino advised council that item number 10 would be heard next. 10. PU 2003-032 CONTRACT WITH TARRANT COUNTY FOR COLLECTION OF CITY PROPERTY TAXES - RESOLUTION NO. 2003-052 APPROVED Budget Manager Clay Caruthers advised that Tarrant County has been collecting property taxes for the City of North Richland Hills since October 1993. Tarrant County City Council Minutes June 23, 2003 Page 7 has submitted a contract for the upcoming tax year's collection services. Staff is recommending that council approve Resolution No. 2003-052. COUNCILMAN LEWIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON TO APPROVE PU 2003- 032. Motion to approve carried 7-0. 9. PW 2003-007 APPROVE SCOPE AND/OR PROJECT CHANGES FOR THE RUFE SNOW PROJECT (RIDGETOP ROAD TO HIGH LAWN TERRACE) APPROVED Public Works Director Mike Curtis advised council funding for this project consists of Federal and State funds and funds from North Richland Hills and Watauga. In 1999 the city entered into agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), which outlined certain stipulations of the grant. One key stipulation was that the street would be designed and constructed to TxDOT paving standards and not that of the city. An estimate recently prepared indicates the city's cost is $3,998,667.30 opposed to the $2,678,596 originally estimated by the city's consultant. Staff from both cities met with the engineering consultant to discuss possible solutions, but due to TxDOT's letting schedule staff is limited on options. Mr. Curtis advised council of four options. · find the additional funds and build the project as planned · build to TxDOT criteria for the pavement and not include street lights and decorative retaining walls. The funds saved from the street lights and retaining walls would allow staff to construct more of the road (Willow View to between Starnes & Greendale) · redesign street to city standards (8" concrete and 8" lime treated subgrade) utilizing funds allocated for project - this option would not complete the whole project; construction would end at Green Acres/Fair Meadows · revise to reduce the length TxDOT project to Green Acres and Fair Meadows- revised project would reduce % of decorative retaining walls, removal of all decorative lighting and illumination and reduction of a portion of storm drainage and utility adjustments Council discussed the importance of Rufe Snow being constructed to TxDOT standards. Council directed staff to locate funds to continue with the project and follow with TxDOT's letting schedule. City Council Minutes June 23, 2003 Page 8 COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON MOVED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH ORIGINAL TxDOT PLANS WITH FUNDING TO BE PROVIDED BY THE CITY AND STAFF TO WORK WITH WATAUGA'S STAFF FOR THEIR ADDITIONAL FUNDS. COUNCILMAN TIM WELCH SECONDED THE MOTION. Motion to approve carried 7-0. 11. PU 2003-033 ACTION ON ANY ITEM DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION LISTED ON PRE-COUNCIL AGENDA LAND ACQUISITION - LOCATED IN THE AREA OF DAVIS BOULEVARD AND GREEN VALLEY DRIVE - RESOLUTION NO. 2003-054 APPROVED MrVick advised council Resolution No. 2003-054 authorizes City Manager to sign documents to purchase the land located in the area of Davis Boulevard and Green Valley Drive. COUNCILMAN METTS MOVED TO APPROVE PU 2003-033. COUNCILMAN TURNAGE SECONDED BY THE MOTION. Motion to approve carried 7-0. 12. A. CITIZENS PRESENTATION Mr. Ken Sapp, 8312 Thornway Court addressed the council on speeding and safety of neighborhood streets. Mr. Sapp's neighborhood association would like the speed limit in the neighborhood to be reduced to 25m ph and speed limit on park area similar to that in school zones. The association feels a visual and sensual barrier needs to be created to remind people to reduce speed. B. INFORMATION AND REPORTS Councilman Whitson left the meeting at 8:55 p.m. IR 2003-068 STORMWATER PERMIT, PHASE II; UPDATE Mr. Curtis presented council with a powerpoint presentation outlining a draft of the Storm Water Management Program. Councilman Lewis made the following announcements. City Council Minutes June 23,2003 Page 9 Join us for Family Fourth on July 4 beginning at 6:00 p.m. We will have fun entertainment for the whole family including Children's Entertainer Eddie Coker, the Dog and Disc Show, and the talented musical group, Emerald City. We will also have interactive games, bounce houses and other children's activities. The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks show. This event is being held at Birdville Fine Arts/Athletic Complex. You can log onto our web site at www.nrhtx.com to learn more details. The Missoula Children's Theatre will be held on July 14-19. Every child who signs up will be a part of the production, Treasure Island. In five days, students learn dialogue, choreography, theatre craft, and music. Children must be six years of age or older. The class is held every day from 9:00 a.m. - 1 :30 p.m. To sign your child up for this great week, call Stacy Smith at 817-427-6620. We need volunteers for the Games of Texas, which is a competition among Texas' Olympic hopefuls and recreational athletes. Participants range in age from four to eighty-four! The events include over 18 sports including baseball, bowling, golf, tennis and much more! This is a very prestigious event that North Richland Hills is proud to be a participating member. If you would like to volunteer for this event, call our Recreation Center at 817-427-6623 or email SharonDavisatsdavis@nrhtx.com. June 27 Dive In Movie NRH20 Water Park 9:00 p.m. July 5 Critter Connection North Hills Mall 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Kudos Korner Every Council Meeting, we spotlight one of our employees for the great things they do. Sharon Swab, Utility Cashier, Finance Department - A note was received from a NRH resident thanking Swab for being courteous and helpful when he questioned an extremely high utility bill. Swab had instructed the resident to check for a leak, paying close attention to the slab. Upon closer inspection the resident discovered the leak, which had been there for some time. City Council Minutes June 23, 2003 Page 10 13. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Trevino adjourned the meeting at 9:03 p.m. o~