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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2004-04-26 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 - APRIL 26, 2004 PRE-COUNCIL SESSION The City Council of the City of North Richland Hills, Texas met in Pre-Council session on the 26th day of April, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. in the Pre-Council Room prior to the 7:00 p.m. regular Council meeting. Present: Oscar Trevino John Lewis Scott Turnage JoAnn Johnson David Whitson Timothy J. Welch Absent: Joe D. Tolbert Frank Metts, Jr. Staff Members: Larry J. Cunningham Richard Torres Ogden Bo Bass Karen Bostic Paulette Hartman Patricia Hutson George Staples John Pitstick Larry Koonce Mike Curtis Jenny Mabry Thomas Powell JoAnn Stout Jim Browne Andy Jones Dave Green Chris Swartz Call to Order Mayor Councilman Councilman Councilwoman Councilman Councilman Mayor Pro Tem Councilman City Manager Assistant City Manager Assistant City Manager Managing Director Administrative/Fiscal Services Assistant to City Manager City Secretary City Attorney Director of Development Finance Director Public Works Director Communications Director Director of Building Services Neighborhood Services Director Parks & Recreation Director Fire Chief Zoning Administrator Aquatic Manager Mayor Trevino called the Pre-Council meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 1. Discuss Items from ReQular April 26,2004 City Council MeetinQ None. City Council Minutes April 26, 2004 Page 2 2. IR 2004-040 Discussion of Alternate Routes/Options for Motorists AccessinQ Rufe Snow Drive (south of Loop 820) Mike Curtis, Public Works Director, presented a PowerPoint presentation showing options to facilitate traffic flow into and out of the subdivisions adjacent to Rufe Snow (south of Loop 820) during the construction project. At the request of Council, staff looked at how current and proposed construction projects will impact the access along Rufe Snow. Mr. Curtis advised that Staff looked at different options for the section of Rufe Snow from 820 to Glenview. The residential area east of Rufe Snow has several access points to Loop 820 and Grapevine Highway and options for motorists to seek alternate routes. Council was advised that some of the side streets will be temporarily closed and detour signs around the neighborhood will be put up any time a side street will be closed off to Rufe Snow. Mr. Curtis advised that the primary issue on the west side of Rufe Snow was the traffic light at Meadowlakes. Council previously asked Staff to consider whether it would be beneficial to not allow left turns from Meadowlakes onto Rufe Snow. Mr. Curtis advised that left turns at this location is only an issue during three hours in the afternoons and preventing left turns for the remainder of the time might cause more traffic congestion. Staff looked at other options and is recommending two options - 1) work with TXDOT to improve the timing at the bridge and coordinate with the city's timing for Meadowlakes and Rufe Snow and 2) propose alternate routes for motorists that use Meadowlakes to access Rufe Snow. Mr. Brian Shamberger, Kimley-Horn and Associates, the City's traffic consultant, presented a simulation of traffic flow with synchronization of traffic signals. Mr. Shamberger explained how the synchronization would create a more consistent traffic flow. Mr. Curtis explained how signs would be used to encourage people to use alternate routes to Loop 820. Mr. Curtis advised streets such as Carston Court with no outlet other Rufe Snow and those homes facing Rufe Snow would always have access to their homes. 3. Executive Session Mayor Trevino announced at 6:18 p.m. that the Council would adjourn to Executive Session as authorized by the Texas Government Code for the following items: a) deliberation regarding economic development as authorized by §551.087 - South Grapevine Highway Corridor Area and b) deliberation regarding real property as authorized by §551.072 and consultation with Attorney on contemplated litigation as authorized by §551.071 - Mid Cities area. 4. Adjournment Mayor Trevino announced at 6:36 p.m. that the Council would adjourn to the regular Council meeting. City Council Minutes April 26, 2004 Page 3 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Trevino called the meeting to order April 26, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Oscar Trevino John Lewis Scott Turnage Frank Metts, Jr. JoAnn Johnson David Whitson Timothy J. Welch Mayor Councilman Councilman Councilman Councilwoman Councilman Councilman Absent: Joe D. Tolbert Mayor Pro T em Staff: Larry J. Cunningham Patricia Hutson George Staples City Manager City Secretary Attorney 2. INVOCA TION Students from Richland High School gave the invocation. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Students from Richland High School led in the pledge of allegiance. 4. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS None. City Council Minutes April 26, 2004 Page 4 5. CITIZENS PRESENTATION Mayor Trevino advised the City Secretary has received several requests to speak about item 17 on the agenda. Mayor Trevino informed the public this item is a report to the City Council by the Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman. The purpose of the report is to update the council on the progress and process being used to evaluate the recreational vehicle ordinance (Ordinance No. 2753). Mayor Trevino informed the public that citizens will not be allowed to speak on the issue, because it is an item on the agenda and not scheduled as a public hearing. Mayor Trevino encouraged those citizens wishing to speak on the recreational vehicle ordinance to attend the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on May 6, 2004. Mayor Trevino advised council they would not be allowed to ask questions on the progress of the ordinance. The Planning and Zoning Commission is holding a forum during the first meeting of the month to hear citizen comments. There were no citizens presentations. 6. REMOVAL OF ITEM(S) FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA Councilman Whitson removed item 7C from the consent agenda. 7. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS APPROVED A. MINUTES OF THE APRIL 12, 2004 COUNCIL MEETING B. GN 2004-036 AUTHORIZATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CITY OF HURST CONTRACT FOR THE ANNUAL SLURRY SEAL APPLICATION PROGRAM C. REMOVED D. PU 2004-020 AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF MOBILE VIDEO SYSTEM FROM KUSTOM SIGNALS IN THE AMOUNT OF $49,363 E. PU 2004-021 AWARD ANNUAL CONTRACT FOR MISCELLANEOUS CONCRETE IMPROVEMENTS - RESOLUTION NO. 2004-031 City Council Minutes April 26, 2004 Page 5 F. PU 2004-002 AWARD OF BID FOR THE GLENVIEW DRIVE AT DAWN DRIVE TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLATION TO SHARROCK ELECTRIC, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $54,114.80 COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE REMAINING CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS. COUNCILMAN LEWIS SECONDED THE MOTION. Motion to approve carried 6-0. 7C. PU 2004-019 AWARD 2004 FOOD SUPPLY CONTRACT FOR NRH20 TO BEN E. KEITH FOODS - RESOLUTION NO. 2004-030 APPROVED Councilman Whitson asked staff to provide additional background on new vendor. Aquatic Manager Chris Swartz advised council NRH20 has used Ben E. Keith Foods in the past and staff is recommending to continue using Ben E. Keith Foods. COUNCILMAN WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE PU 2004-019 AWARDING THE FOOD CONTRACT FOR NRH20 TO BEN E. KEITH. COUNCILMAN TURNAGE SECONDED THE MOTION. Motion to approve carried 6-0. 8. GN 2004-029 CONSIDER ALL MATTERS INCIDENT AND RELATED TO THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF $685,000 "CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, TAX AND WATERWORKS AND SEWER SYSTEM SURPLUS REVENUE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION, SERIES 2004", AND APPROVE ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION - ORDINANCE NO. 2782 APPROVED Finance Director Larry Koonce presented the results of the bids that were taken for the Certificates of Obligations. Mr. Koonce informed council David Medanich with First Southwest would summarize the highlights of the sale. Mr. Koonce advised a portion of the funding is for the rehabilitation and repainting of the Booth Calloway water storage tank ($560,000) and the remaining $125,000 is for the golf course pavilion. Mr. Koonce advised the savings from the refunding that was completed April 1 ih will offset the certificate of obligation debt for the tank rehabilitation. Mr. Koonce advised the golf course pavilion will allow Iron Horse to host more tournaments and generate approximately $85,000 in annual revenues. The debt service for the pavilion will be $11,000 per year for the next 15 years. Mr. Koonce advised the debt payments would City Council Minutes April 26, 2004 Page 6 be made from the water/sewer fund and the golf course fund and not from the property tax debt service fund. Mr. Koonce advised council the issuance of these certificates of obligations would not affect the property tax rate. Mr. Medanich advised council bids were taken on $685,000 of certificates of obligations and all bids were submitted electronically. Mr. Medanich reiterated that the City retained their AA3 and AA- ratings for the general obligations bonds and the bonds were sold on that basis. The City received two bids from UBS Financial Services for 4.04% and Bernardi Securities for 4.176%. Mr. Medanich advised council this is the lowest rate the City has paid on bonds. Mr. Medanich advised council a recommendation has been prepared by the City's bond counsel Fulbright and Jaworski. COUNCILMAN WHITSON MOVED TO ACCEPT THE BID OF UBS FINANCIAL SERVICES INCORPORATED FOR THE PURCHASE OF $685,000 CITY OF NORTH RICH LAND HILLS, TEXAS, TAX AND WATERWORKS AND SEWER SYSTEM SURPLUS REVENUE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION, SERIES 2004 AT A TRUE INTEREST COST RATE OF 4.040313% AND ADOPT ORDINANCE 2782 AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION. COUNCILMAN WELCH SECONDED THE MOTION. Motion to approve carried 6-0. 9. SRB 2004-01 PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A SIGN VARIANCE REQUEST BY AWAD ESKANDER ON BEHALF OF ABDUL HAMEED OF HORIZON FOOD MART FROM ORDINANCE NO. 2640, SIGN REGULATIONS, AT 7604 GRAPEVINE HIGHWAY DENIED Mayor Trevino advised the public that the council would convene as the Sign Review Board for items 9 and 10. Mayor Trevino opened the public hearing. Awad Eskander, on behalf of applicant, was available to answer questions from council. Zoning Administrator Dave Green advised council the current sign is a double pole design, which is approximately 38+ feet in height. Mr. Green advised pole signs are not permitted under the current ordinance unless they are located within the freeway business district overlay. The district is within 200 feet and runs parallel with Loop 820 and State Highway 121. The applicant's pole sign is located on the southern end of his property. Staff has measured on scale maps that the pole sign is approximately 1,000 feet from Loop 820 right of way. Mr. Green advised applicant has a legal non- conforming pole sign. The sign was legal at the time it was permitted, however under the current ordinance the City no longer allows this type of sign. The applicant is City Council Minutes April 26, 2004 Page 7 allowed to maintain the sign, but not allowed to alter the sign. The City Attorney has determined that the re-facing of a non-conforming sign is an alteration to the sign. A sign review committee comprised of city staff has reviewed the request and can not support the request for two reasons: (1) there has been a distinct trend to not support this type of pole signs; and (2) there must be something unique with property and with the sign itself for the basis of a variance. The sign review committee could not find a basis for this sign having a unique situation to warrant the granting of a variance. Mr. Green advised staffs recommendation is not to support the request. Mayor Trevino asked if staff has talked to Mr. Hameed or Mr. Eskander to advise them of funds available to help with the transition of a pole sign to a monument sign. Mr. Green advised the City has funds set aside in this year's budget to financially assist owners willing to remove their pole signs and believed that Mr. Hameed was approached with this alternative. City Manager Larry J. Cunningham advised the applicant was approached but he respectfully declined to participate. Mayor Trevino asked for those wishing to comment in favor of request to come forward. Patricia Christopher, 6708 Tabor Street, spoke in favor of request. Mayor Trevino asked for those wishing to speak in opposition to come forward. There being no one else wishing to speak Mayor Trevino closed the public hearing. COUNCILMAN WHITSON MOVED TO DENY REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE FOR A SIGN AT THE HORIZON FOOD MART AT 7604 GRAPEVINE HIGHWAY. COUNCILMAN LEWIS SECONDED THE MOTION. Motion to deny carried 6-0. 10. SRB 2004-02 PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A SIGN VARIANCE REQUEST BY TARGET CORPORATION FROM ORDINANCE NO. 2640, SIGN REGULATIONS, AT 8532 DAVIS BLVD APPROVED Mayor Trevino opened the public hearing. Melanie Hancock, applicant, summarized request and was available to answer council questions. City Council Minutes April 26, 2004 Page 8 Mr. Green advised council the proposed variance is for a wall sign. Mr. Green advised each commercial business is allowed to have a maximum of two wall signs. The wall signs are only permitted on the side of a building that have a public street frontage or a public entrance. Mr. Green advised Target's location (Precinct Line Road) hinders their signage visibility as allowed by ordinance. Target is proposing to relocate the wall sign that is on the east side of the building (facing Precinct Line Road) to the south side of the building near the east corner. Mr. Green advised the sign review committee has reviewed this request and staff feels they can support the request due to the unique situation involving signage on the east wall and its lack of visibility as opposed to sign age placed on the south wall. Mr. Green informed council applicant has mentioned in lieu of allowed signage on the east side of building they be allowed to place signage on the back of the building and forego ever placing a sign on the store front entrance. Councilman Whitson asked staff if Target's elevation will be higher than that of the shopping center being constructed south of Target. Mr. Green advised council he was not aware if the elevation will be higher. Mr. Green said the shopping strip is located to the west of the Target building and the buildings are in two very distinct locations. Councilman Whitson clarified applicant is willing to forego signage on the east elevation if variance is requested by council. Councilman Whitson asked what protection the City might have if applicant decides to erect a wall sign at a later time since a second wall sign is allowed by ordinance. Mr. Green advised there is a limit of two signs per city ordinance and he views an additional sign as a third sign which would require applicant to apply for a variance. City Attorney George Staples advised council they could condition a variance as part of their motion. Councilman Welch said the proposed sign for rear elevation is 145 square feet. If the same sign was to be put on the east side of the building would the sign be able to be larger. Mr. Green advised he was not certain if their intent is to have a larger sign on the east side. According to staff's review the sign that is being proposed on the rear wall meets all current codes. Mayor Trevino asked if there was anyone wishing to comment on this request. There being no one wishing to speak Mayor Trevino closed the public hearing. COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON MOVED TO APPROVE SRB 2004-02. COUNCILMAN WHITSON SECONDED THE MOTION. City Council Minutes April 26, 2004 Page 9 Motion to approve carried 6-0. The variance was approved with the understanding that the wall sign on the south side will substitute for the sign on east side of building (Precinct Line Road side) and no other signs will be permitted in accordance with Sign Ordinance. 11. GN 2004-030 APPROVE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE CITIES OF KELLER AND WATAUGA FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT RUFE SNOW DRIVE AND BURSEY ROAD - RESOLUTION NO. 2004-032 APPROVED Public Works Director Mike Curtis advised the traffic signal at Rufe Snow and Bursey Road is located within the boundaries of three different cities (North Richland Hills, Keller, and Watauga). The interlocal agreement outlines the responsibility of each city. The agreement provides that each city will pay one-third of the actual design and construction cost of the signal and the cities of North Richland Hills and Keller will each pay one-half of the operations and maintenance of the signal. Councilman Turnage questioned why all three cities were not sharing the cost of the operation and maintenance. Mr. Curtis explained the cities agreed to spread the design and construction equally. However, because it was felt that the majority of the traffic will be generated from Keller and North Richland Hills the two cities agreed to pay for the operation and maintenance. COUNCILMAN METTS MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION No. 2004-032. COUNCILMAN LEWIS SECONDED THE MOTION. Motion to approve carried 6-0. 12. GN 2004-031 CONSIDER CHANGE ORDER NO.1 FOR CONSTRUCTION OF FIRE STATION NO.1 AND 2003/04 CIP BUDGET REVISION APPROVED Support Services Director Thomas Powell summarized the item for Council. Harrison Quality Construction was awarded the contract for the construction of new Fire Stations NO.1 and 4 at the March 22 council meeting. At that time Council was advised that Staff would return at a later date with a change order for relocating Station No.1 from 8200 Shadywood Lane to 8001 Shadywood Lane. Harrison Construction submitted City Council Minutes April 26, 2004 Page 10 costs for Change Order in the amount of $115,929. Approximately $53,000 in engineering and architectural fees was required in conjunction to the construction cost for the relocation. Total cost for relocating Station NO.1 is $168,929. COUNCILMAN WELCH MOVED TO APPROVE GN 2004-031, APPROVING CHANGE ORDER FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FIRE STATION NO.1 (CONSTRUCTION FEES - $115,929 AND VARIOUS ENGINEERING/ARCHITECTURAL FEES - $53,000) AND APPROVE 2003/04 CIP BUDGET AMENDMENT ($168,929). COUNCILMAN WHITSON SECONDED THE MOTION. Motion to approve carried 6-0. 13. GN 2004-032 CONSIDER 30TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING - RESOLUTION NO. 2004-027 APPROVED Ms. Paulette Hartman, Assistant to City Manager advised the public hearing was held on April 12, 2004. Item before Council is to take action on projects to be included in the 30th year CDBG entitlement program. The proposed program includes the following projects: $90,000 for housing rehabilitation, $30,000 for Northeast Transportation Services, $284,000 for the reconstruction of Janie Drive from Charles to Rufe Snow and $180,000 for the reconstruction of Jerrell Drive from Charles to Rogene. Funds for these projects are from the City's CDBG entitlement funds plus funds remaining from prior year projects. COUNCILMAN LEWIS MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION No. 2004-27. COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON SECONDED THE MOTION. Motion to approve carried 6-0. 14. GN 2004-033 CONSIDERATION AND/OR ACTION ON THE ADOPTION OF SOUTH GRAPEVINE HIGHWAY CORRIDOR STRATEGY APPROVED Mr. John Pitstick, Director of Development, and Mr. Bill Cunningham, The Leland Group, summarized the final report and executive summary of the South Grapevine Highway Corridor Strategy. The cities of Richland Hills and North Richland Hills contracted with the Leland Group and HNTB to develop a strategic plan to revitalize South Grapevine Highway, Glenview Drive and Rufe Snow Drive south of Loop 820. A series of meetings was held over the past year including four public hearings with major landowners and businesses in the area to identify future plans and develop concept plans for future activity centers. The two city councils met together in a joint public work session to set joint priorities for moving forward with specific actions. Staff is recommending that Council adopt the South Grapevine Highway Corridor Strategy. City Council Minutes April 26, 2004 Page 11 The Richland Hills City Council will be acting on this item at their meeting on April 27, 2004. COUNCILMAN TURNAGE MOVED TO APPROVE GN 2004-033. COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON SECONDED THE MOTION. Motion to approve carried 6-0. 15. GN 2004-034 APPROVAL OF INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH CITY OF RICHLAND HILLS FOR IMPLEMENTATION EFFORTS FOR THE REVITALIZATION OF THE SOUTH GRAPEVINE HIGHWAY, SOUTH RUFE SNOW AND GLENVIEW CORRIDORS APPROVED Mr. John Pitstick, Director of Development, advised that this item is in conjunction with Item 14. The interlocal agreement sets up an initial Joint Oversight Committee consisting of two council members from each city and one at-large businessman. A staff technical committee will provide technical and background assistance to the Oversight Committee. The agreement establishes primary implementation efforts previously identified by both Councils. The agreement encourages commitment to the implementation of the South Grapevine Highway Corridors Strategy and the two city councils pledge to encourage on-going leadership, simultaneous projects, seek out multiple shareholders, remove barriers and have on-going communications. COUNCILMAN WELCH MOVED TO APPROVE GN 2004-034. COUNCILMAN TURNAGE SECONDED THE MOTION. Motion to approve carried 6-0. 16. ACTION ON ANY ITEM DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION LISTED ON PRE- COUNCIL AGENDA None. 17. INFORMATION AND REPORTS PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION STATUS REPORT ON RECREATIONAL VEHICLES Mr. Don Bowen, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, gave a brief update of the Planning & Zoning Commission's efforts to receive public input and the City Council Minutes April 26, 2004 Page 12 process being used to evaluate and review the Recreational Vehicle Ordinance. Mr. Bowen made the following comments: · On January 26th, the City Council sent the RV Ordinance No. 2753 to the Planning & Zoning Commission for further review and discussion. · On February 5th, the Commission met and discussed rules and procedures for public discussion. The Commission decided to hold public hearings on the first Thursday of each month for the purpose of taking citizen input. . On March 4th and April 1st, the Commission received input from Staff, City Attorney and seventeen citizens. · For the May 6th meeting, the Commission is scheduled to receive input from the Neighborhood Services Director JoAnn Stout, and continue receiving input from citizens. · The Commission will continue this format of holding public hearings on the first Thursday of the month until the Commission is satisfied that all the issues have been thoroughly discussed. The Commission will then prepare a recommendation to be forwarded to the City Council for consideration. Mr. Bowen advised City Staff has received a number of inquiries regarding the recreational vehicle ordinance and he introduced Ms. JoAnn Stout, Neighborhood Services Director, to address some misconceptions. Neighborhood Services Director JoAnn Stout provided answers to frequently asked questions received by staff within the past several weeks. Mr. Bowen advised that the Planning & Zoning Commission would continue to hold meetings on the first Thursday of every month and will continue to work diligently to bring a recommendation to the Council. INFORMATION AND REPORTS Councilman Whitson made the following announcements. Early voting for the City Council election begins on Wednesday, April 28th. Registered voters can vote at City Hall or at the Tarrant County Early Voting Center. Call the City Secretary for more information. King Creole will be playing classic party rock music at The Lotta Night Music Concert Series on Friday, April 30. This free concert begins at 7pm at Green Valley Park. Call the Recreation Center for more information. Registration begins at the Recreation Center for Summer Classes on May 1. Come by or call the Rec Center today to learn more about the classes being offered. May6 National Day of Prayer City Council Minutes April 26, 2004 Page 13 May8 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. Verenis Olivo, Parks and Recreation Department - A call was received from a Daddy/Daughter Dance participant thanking Olivo for going out of her way to look for tickets, which he had just purchased, that were lost between the building and his home. The participant scoured his car with no luck. Olivo searched the parking lot in extremely bitter cold and wind. Later the tickets were located in the participant's vehicle. The man said Olivo was friendly, kind and helpful and went out of her way to assist him. 18. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Trevino adjourned the meeting at 8: ATTEST: Gt1QZI6rd-~ Patricia Hutson - City Secretary ....;(~~~..",...OI: i§).." .., ". ~ ~ 'n '.'- ~~.- . '''-" fð-/ \.\ :;: r ~.:- - . . .. ~.,...\ ~¡-4Æ ~~\ h.. ~ -;. v..·.. .... .,!' ~ ..... ..... ........ ~.I: ...~..... "l\ ~/. ... " '/'111 \\\"" !"". ..,.",