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Home My WebLink AboutCC 2003-08-25 Minutes MINUTES OF THE PRE-COUNCIL AND REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, HELD IN THE CITY HALL, 7301 NORTHEAST LOOP 820 - AUGUST 25, 2003 PRE-COUNCIL SESSION The City Council of the City of North Richland Hills, Texas met in Pre-Council session on the 25h day of August, 2003 at 5:30 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. JoAnn Johnson David Whitson Timothy J. Welch Staff Members: Larry J. Cunningham Grèg Vick Karen Bostic Paulette Hartman Patricia Hutson Alicia Richardson George Staples John Pitstick Larry Koonce Mike Curtis Jenny Mabry Clay Caruthers Dave Green Patrick Hills Jim Browne Kirk Marcum Vicki Loftice Bill Thornton Call to Order Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilman Councilman Councilman Councilwoman Councilman Councilman 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 Budget Manager Planner Human Resources Director Park and Recreation Director Assistant Chief - Fire Marshal Assistant Park & Recreation Director Assistant Park & Recreation Director Mayor Trevino called the Pre-Council meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 1. Discuss Items from Reqular Auqust 25, 2003 City Council Meetinq None. City Council Minutes August25,2003 Page 2 2. IR 2003-090 Discuss Upcominq Tarrant Appraisal District Board of Director Election City Manager Cunningham explained North Richland Hills is allotted 41 votes out of 5,000 which may be cast collectively or separately for any nominee or nominees to the Tarrant Appraisal District Board of Directors. Council was asked to submit any nominations prior to the October 13 council meeting. An action item will be placed on the October 13 council meeting for Council to approve a resolution for submittal of nominees to Tarrant Appraisal District. 3. I R 2003-088 Discuss Dates for Goal Planninq Sessions Council discussed possible dates for the strategic planning work session. The consensus of the Council was to set the work session for November 11 & 12. 4. IR 2003-087 Athletic Fields Requlation Ordinance No. 2731 Mr. Jim Browne, Park and Recreation Director, advised item was discussed at the July 28 council meeting. Council requested clarification on some of the language to ensure compliance and to ensure the use of the parks would continue to be available to the public. Proposed ordinance addresses the issues raised by Council at the July meeting. The revisions- · clarify restricted use on gated or "game ready" athletic fields · clarify general public use versus structured team practices at Green Valley Park · clarify the penalty section of the ordinance regarding minors · state in the "whereas" section additional language regarding the commitment by the City to protect the City's investment; acknowledges the financial investment by the City's youth associations and encourages public use of city parks. Council was advised the police officers will be asked to use their discretion in applying this ordinance. Council questioned the redistribution of organized use to practice fields at Holiday Lane and Thomas Acres. Council also asked if a plan was in place to educate the teams. Mr. Browne explained they were trying to encourage the youth association teams to move away from neighborhood parks and go to these facilities for practices. They will educate users to use some of the lesser-used facilities. Mr. Browne also advised that they would be communicating with the presidents of the sports associations. Mr. Browne advised that for the first thirty days the police officers can inform people when situations arise. The ordinance is a tool to address situations as they occur. City Council Minutes August 25, 2003 Page 3 5. Parkinq Report for Linda Spurlock Park Mr. Browne advised Council requested Staff in May to track the on street parking along Linda Spurlock Park and report back to Council in three months. Mr. Browne reported that there are 68 curbside parking spaces available along the perimeter of the park. During June, July and August the average number of cars parked during the morning periods was 2.79 and the average number of cars during the afternoon was 2.4 cars. Individual counts range from 0 to 18 at anyone time. Staff also requested Kim Kirby, Park and Recreation Board Member and active resident of the neighborhood, to monitor the parking during the evening hours. Ms. Kirby's observation of the "No Parking" signs was "Absolutely awesome...a 98% improvement....only 1 or 2 violators observed". Mr. Browne advised that because summer is not peak demand, staff will do some further analysis and see what impacts occur when sports season starts. The completion of Kay Granger and Clyde Zellers Neighborhood parks will pull some of the activity off of Linda Spurlock Park. Mr. Browne advised that staff will report back to Council in a few months with additional findings. 6. Adjournment Mayor Trevino announced at 5:49 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 August 25,2003 at 7:00 p.m. 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 City Council Minutes August25,2003 Page 4 Staff: Larry J. Cunningham Greg Vick Karen Bostic Patricia Hutson Alicia Richardson George Staples City Manager Assistant City Manager Managing Director Administrative/Fiscal Services City Secretary Assistant City Secretary Attorney 2. INVOCATION Councilman Metts gave the invocation. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilman Metts led the pledge of allegiance. 4. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS PROCLAMATION - POWER TEAM The recipient of the proclamation was not present. Proclamation presented later in the meeting. YARD OF THE MONTH Mr. John Paraskevas, Keep NRH Beautiful Committee Member and Councilman John Lewis presented the Yard of the Month awards for August. Wayne & Margie Cromer, 6416 Diamond Loch N.; Gene & Ann Muncy, 6724 Cylinda Sue; Olin & Kim Harrington, 6300 Riviera; Kim Leverett, 5128 Nancy; The Hampton's, 8204 Euclid; Stephen P. Randles, 7564 Hightower Dr.; Greg & Tina Clifton, 8912 Amundson; Tom & Barbara Pollock, 6721 North Park Dr.; Lena Finholt, 8509 Grandview. Mr. Paraskevas recognized The Texas SmartScape winner, Richard Wooldridge, 7421 Hightower, and the Business Landscape Winner, Sonic Drive In, Greg Allen, General Manager, 8425 Davis. City Council Minutes August25,2003 Page 5 5. CITIZENS PRESENTATION Mr. John Rogers, 4709 Blaney, advised he had purchased a building at 7125 Grapevine Highway and had encountered a problem with the signage and obtaining a sign permit. Mr. Rogers was requesting City Council's assistance. Mayor Trevino advised Mr. Rogers to contact Mr. Dave Green to discuss the process to appeal to the Sign Review Board. 6. REMOVAL OF ITEM(S) FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA None. 7. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS APPROVED A. MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 11, 2003 COUNCIL MEETING B. GN 2003-101 APPROVE DETENTION/RETENTION STORAGE FACILITY MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT FOR NORTHEAST TARRANT BAPTIST CHURCH, BLOCK 1, LOT 1 C. GN 2003-106 REVISION OF SCHOOL ZONE HOURS FOR FORT WORTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL - ORDINANCE NO. 2734 D. GN 2003-107 RESCHEDULING OF SEPTEMBER 22 CITY COUNCIL MEETING COUNCILMAN LEWIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WHITSON, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. Motion to approve carried 7-0. 8. GN 2003-028 PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED 2003-2004 BUDGET Mayor Trevino opened the public hearing on the proposed 2003-04 budget. Ms. Karen Bostic, Managing Director Administrative/Fiscal Services, presented a Power Point presentation giving a brief overview of the proposed budget. City Council Minutes August 25, 2003 Page 6 Mayor Trevino called for anyone wishing to comment to come forward. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Trevino closed the public hearing. 9. GN 2003-096 ADOPTING THE 2002-2003 REVISED BUDGET AND 2003-2004 BUDGET - ORDINANCE NO. 2732 APPROVED Ms. Karen Bostic, Managing Director Administrative/Fiscal Services, advised the proposed budget had been filed with the City Secretary's office as required by law and all necessary publications and hearings completed in compliance with the Charter and State Law. The budget is based on a 57¢ tax rate. COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE No. 2732 ADOPTING THE 2003- 2004 BUDGET FOR ALL FUNDS AND THE REVISIONS TO THE 2002-2003 BUDGET FOR ALL FUNDS. COUNCILMAN WELCH SECONDED THE MOTION. Motion to approve carried 7-0. 10. GN 2003-097 ADOPTING THE TAX RATE FOR TAX YEAR 2003- ORDINANCE NO. 2733 APPROVED Ms. Karen Bostic advised the notice of effective tax rate was published in the Star Telegram on August 18 in accordance with State law. The proposed 2003-2004 tax rate is 57¢. The proposed rate is broken down into two parts - 32.96¢ for maintenance and operations and 24.04¢ for principal and interest on debt of the City. COUNCILMAN WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE No. 2733 SETTING THE TAX RATE FOR THE 2003-2004 FISCAL YEAR AT 57¢. COUNCILMAN METTS SECONDED THE MOTION. Motion to approve carried 7-0. 11. GN 2003-098 APPROVAL OF 2003 CERTIFIED TAX ROLL- RESOLUTION 2003-065 APPROVED Ms. Karen Bostic advised the certified values for the City are $2,994,525,663 and includes the most current appraisal information, exemptions for disabled veterans, persons over 65, homestead and disabled persons, abatement value losses, freeport inventory value loss and agricultural value losses. The values also include new construction, the minimum value of properties still under protest, and the estimated net taxable values of incomplete properties. City Council Minutes August25,2003 Page 7 COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION No.. 2003-065 AND THE CERTIFIED TAX ROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,994,525,663 FOR THE TAX YEAR 2003. MAYOR PRO TEM TOLBERT SECONDED THE MOTION. Motion to approve carried 7-0. SPECIAL PRESENTATION PROCLAMATION - POWER TEAM Councilwoman Johnson presented to Mr. Paul Paschall, North Pointe Baptist Church, proclamation recognizing the Power Team's commitment to bringing a positive message to the City's youth. 12. GN 2003-100 PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR 2003 LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT BLOCK GRANT APPROVED Mayor Trevino opened the Public Hearing. Police Chief Tom Shockley advised the United States Department of Justice has approved the City's grant application in the amount of $22,535.00. The City's minimum cash match is $2,504.00. Staff is requesting Council approve an additional $10,215.00 above the minimum, to be funded from seized drug funds, to allow for the update and replacement of a new camera security system in the Police Department and City Hall. Mayor Trevino called for anyone wishing to speak for or against to come forward. There being no one wishing to speak Mayor Trevino closed the Public Hearing. COUNCILMAN METTS MOVED TO APPROVE GN 2003-100. COUNCILMAN LEWIS SECONDED THE MOTION. Motion to approve carried 7-0. 13. GN 2003-099 APPROVAL OF INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN NCTCOG AND THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE NORTHEAST TARRANT COUNTY JOB ACCESS PROJECT - RESOLUTION NO. 2003-067 APPROVED City Council Minutes August25,2003 Page 8 Mr. John Pitstick, Economic Development Director, presented a PowerPoint presentation giving an overview of the Northeast Tarrant County Job Access project. The project will provide shuttle service to and from the Trinity Railway Express to nearby employment centers. UICI and Tarrant County College are the first employers in North Richland Hills to participate in the pilot project. Once the project is doing well, the City can expand the shuttle service to other employers in the City. Resolution No. 2003-067 authorizes an interlocal agreement with North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) for participation in the program. The City's obligation for the first year of service is $60,000 and federal funds will match this amount by an additional $60,000 from a $1.5 million grant secured through NCTCOG. Any extension of the agreement or additional funding of the project will be brought back to the Council after the first year of operation has been evaluated. If the pilot program is successful, the City will look to local employers to help fund and continue the program for subsequent years. North Richland Hills is the first city in the metroplex to provide service to major employers. Mr. Van Parker, Tarrant County College, Mr. Sam Phillips, UICI, Michelle Bloomer, Council of Governments, and Carla Foreman, The T, were present to answer questions. Mr. Sam Phillips, UICI, spoke in support of the program. COUNCILMAN WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION No. 2003-067. COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON SECONDED THE MOTION. Motion to approve carried 7-0. 14. GN 2003-102 CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SIGN ORDINANCE - ORDINANCE NO. 2730 APPROVED Mr. Dave Green, Planner, advised changes were proposed to the Sign Ordinance in four areas - 1) non-conforming signs; 2) political signs; 3) weekend advertising signs; and 4) illegal signs. Mr. Green highlighted the proposed changes: Nonconforming Signs · Nonconforming signs that are damaged or destroyed by more than 60% of the replacement cost of a new sign shall be removed upon notice. · Abandoned on-premise business signs shall be removed within 30 days after the one year anniversary that a business ceases to exist. · Abandoned business signs, on leased property, shall be removed within 30 days of the second year anniversary that a business ceases to exist. · Abandoned on-premise signs may not be altered unless to comply with current sign regulations. City Council Minutes August25,2003 Page 9 Political Signs: · Signs are limited to 36 square feet in size, no greater than 8' in height. . No permit is required. · Signs are allowed in all zoning districts on private property (with consent of the owner) · Signs are permitted 30 days prior to a local election, 60 days prior to a state election, and 90 days prior to a national election. All signs are to be removed no later than 7 days following an election. · Signs may be placed on public property or in the public ROW if less than 3' in height, 6' square feet in size and located at least 3' from the edge of the pavement of a major thoroughfare or collector street so long as they are not adjacent to an occupied residence. Weekend Advertising Signs: · Weekend advertising signs shall not be placed on public property or in the public ROW except for placement 3' from the back of the curb or edge of pavement only on streets classified as a major thoroughfare or collector. Illegal Signs: · Any signs erected in the public ROW in violation of the ordinance may be removed by authorization of the City Manager · The Building Official is authorized to impound any temporary sign that is in violation of the ordinance and not abated by the property/sign owner within 24 hours of notice. Councilman Lewis commented that Council had discussed at a previous Pre-Council meeting the desire to address the frequency of sign placement and that he would like to see it addressed along with the other proposed changes. Mr. Green advised the proposed amendments only address the changes required by new legislation and that any additional changes can be brought back to Council at a later date. Councilman Turnage asked for a definition of public property and if a sign could be placed in a city park. There was concern expressed by Council that signs could be placed on public rights-of-ways fronting city facilities. The Attorney advised he would address Council's concerns with an amendment to the ordinance at a later date. COUNCILMAN TURNAGE MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE No. 2730 AND GN 2003·102.. COUNCILMAN LEWIS SECONDED THE MOTION. Motion to approve carried 7-0. City Council Minutes August 25, 2003 Page 10 15. GN 2003-103 APPROVAL OF THE ATHLETIC FIELDS REGULATION- ORDINANCE NO. 2731 APPROVED Mr. Jim Browne, Park and Recreation Director, highlighted the proposed athletic fields regulation ordinance. COUNCILMAN WELCH MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE No. 2731 REGULATING UNAUTHORIZED USE OF ATHLETIC FIELDS. COUNCILMAN LEWIS SECONDED THE MOTION. Motion to approve carried 7-0. 16. PU 2003-038 AWARD OF BID TO J.C. COMMERCIAL IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,712,777 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MULTI-LEVEL INTERACTIVE COMPLEX - RESOLUTION NO. 2003-066 APPROVED Mr. Jim Browne, Park and Recreation Director, explained the project. The project provides for the construction of the Multi-Level Interactive Complex themed as a laboratory for NRH20's mascot, Professor Frogstein. The attraction will provide a variety of activities such as net climbs, interactive water activities and water slides as well as include expanded deck areas, accommodating lounge chairs and shaded picnic tables. Also included in the project is the construction of an additional 195 parking spaces. J.C. Commercial submitted the lowest and most qualified bid in the amount of $2,712,777. Staff's recommendation is to award the bid to J.C. Commercial in the amount of $2,712,777 for the construction of a multi-level interactive complex, parking lot expansion and drainage improvements at NRH20 Family Water Park, appropriately amend the Aquatic Park CIP Budget and approve Resolution No. 2003-066 authorizing the City Manager to execute the contract. COUNCILMAN METTS MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION No. 2003-066. COUNCILMAN TURNAGE SECONDED THE MOTION. Motion to approve carried 7-0. 17. GN 2003-104 CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION OF NAMING COMMITTEE REGARDING CLUBHOUSE AT IRON HORSE GOLF COURSE APPROVED City Council Minutes August25,2003 Page 11 Mayor Pro Tem Tolbert advised the Naming Committee met Thursday evening to discuss the naming of the Clubhouse at Iron Horse Golf Course. The Committee unanimously approved a motion to recommend to Council the naming of Iron Horse Club House to the "C.A. Sanford Clubhouse at Iron Horse". Mayor Trevino asked to suspend the Council Rules for the purpose of inviting others to speak on the proposed naming. Judge Ray Oujesky, NRH Municipal Court, and 4712 Greenway Court, spoke in favor of the Council paying tribute to C.A. Sanford by naming the Clubhouse for him. Mayor Trevino advised he also had a letter from Mr. Charles Yates in support of the renaming. Dr. Bob Griggs, State Representative for North Richland Hills, spoke in support of recognizing Mr. Sanford as an icon in the community. COUNCILMAN METTS MOVED TO ACCEPT THE NAMING BOARD'S RECOMMENDATION TO NAME THE CLUBHOUSE AT IRON HORSE GOLF COURSE THE ItC.A. SANFORD CLUBHOUSE AT IRON HORSE". COUNCILMAN TURNAGE SECONDED THE MOTION. Mayor Pro Tem Tolbert asked Staff to plan a ceremony to honor the naming of the C.A. Sanford Clubhouse. Motion to approve carried 7-0. 18. GN 2003-105 APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO CRIME CONTROL & PREVENTION DISTRICT RULES AND PROCEDURES- RESOLUTION NO. 2003-064 APPROVED City Attorney Staples explained the proposed amendments will streamline and simplify operations. The City Council is appointed as the Board of Directors rather than choosing from among the Council as done in the past. The proposed amendments also automatically choose officers. COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION No. 2003-64. COUNCILMAN WELCH SECONDED THE MOTION. Motion to approve carried 7-0. 19. ACTION ON ANY ITEM DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION LISTED ON PRE- COUNCIL AGENDA No action needed. City Council Minutes August 25, 2003 Page 12 20. INFORMATION AND REPORTS Councilman Whitson made the following announcements: · City Offices will be closed on Monday, September 1 in observance of the Labor Day Holiday. The offices will open again on Tuesday morning at 8:00 a.m. · There will be regular trash service on Labor Day, which is Monday, September 1. Trinity Waste Services has informed the city they will be providing their regular trash service on this holiday. · Sign up now for the fall Citizen's Police Academy. The twelve-week class begins Thursday, August 28, 2003. For further information, call Officer Keith Bauman at 817 -427 -7000. · The Trinity Trash Bash is planned for Saturday, September 13. Volunteers are needed for this community litter cleanup. Keep NRH Beautiful will supply registered volunteers with gloves, trash bags, patches for scouts, lunch and entertainment! Call 817 -427 -6650. Information Auqust 30 Critter Connection North Hills Mall 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Kudos Korner Every Council Meeting, we spotlight our employees for the great things they do. Crime Management Analyst, Diana Mathis, Police Department - A letter was received from the Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division of a neighboring city commending Mathis for providing valuable information and assistance on several cases. If not for Mathis' diligence and superior knowledge of her job, several felons would not have been apprehended. Mathis is a great asset not only to North Richland Hills, but other agencies as well. City Council Minutes August25,2003 Page 13 21. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Trevino adjourned the meeting at 8:~,~~.m. //'/ ,.' .....,,,,, ( f}JÆ ø .. ~ ""~~~~'" ' ,-" ~ /' ?lifC'i) -i(f"'í, ......~ Oscar Trevino - Mayor I\t~~s~ \. ~ -:: r :---A: " ~ ~.. !i , '. . t.;JI ...' . ~ atf'r~. RLišon.,;-"City Secretary '1,. .,