Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2005-01-10 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 - JANUARY 10, 2005 PRE-COUNCIL SESSION The City Council of the City of North Richland Hills, Texas met in Pre-Council session on the 10th day of January, 2005 at 6:25 p.m. in the Pre-Council Room prior to the 7:00 p.m. regular Council meeting. Present: Oscar Trevino David Whitson John Lewis Jo Cox Suzy Compton Nancy Bielik Timothy J. Welch Absent: JoAnn Johnson Staff Members: Larry J. Cunningham Richard Torres Ogden Bo Bass Karen Bostic Patricia Hutson Alicia Richardson George Staples John Pitstick Larry Koonce Mary Edwards Dave Green Drew Corn Call to Order Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilman Councilwoman Councilwoman Councilwoman Councilman Councilwoman City Manager Assistant City Manager Assistant City Manager Managing Director Administrative/Fiscal Services City Secretary Assistant City Secretary City Attorney Director of Development Finance Director Public Information Officer Director of Planning Budget Director Mayor Trevino called the Pre-Council meeting to order at 6:25 p.m. 1. Discuss items from Reqular January 10. 2005 City Council Meetinq Councilwoman Bielik questioned why some final plats are on the regular agenda and others are on the consent agenda. Mr. Cunningham explained that final plats are generally placed on the consent agenda, but that the plats before Council tonight relate to zoning requests, which are also on the agenda. A decision was made to put all the items together. Mr. Cunningham explained that should Council decide not to approve the zoning, they might also not want to approve the related plat. Any plats relating to City Council Minutes January 10, 2005 Page 2 residential replats require public hearings and are therefore also placed on the regular agenda. Councilwoman Cox requested clarification on the square footage requirements for R-1 and R-2 zoning. Mr. Green advised R-2 zoning requires a minimum 9,000 square foot lot and a 2,000 square foot minimum house. R-1 zoning requires a minimum 11,000 square foot lot and a 2,400 square foot house. 2. IR 2005-001 Review Process of Gas Rate Requlatorv Procedures Mr. Staples gave Council a general overview on utility rate regulatory procedures and the city's role in the process. Council was advised there are two items on the regular agenda pertaining to A TMOS request for an interim rate adjustment. Staff will address the items during the regular Council meeting. 3. IR 2005-009 Report on Limitations on Actions and Statements of Members of City Boards & Commissions In response to questions raised during the December Council meeting regarding Board and Commission members ability to participate in public forums and political activities, a general memorandum was prepared by City Attorney Staples to give guidance to the Board and Commission members. Mr. Staples discussed with Council the contents of the memorandum. Council was that advised that with their consensus the information will be distributed to each of the Boards & Commissions by placing an item on each of their agendas to discuss and answer any questions. The consensus of the Council was for Staff to proceed with taking the information to each of the Board and Commissions. Adjournment Mayor Trevino announced at 6:44 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 January 10, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Oscar Trevino David Whitson Mayor Mayor Pro T em City Council Minutes January 10, 2005 Page 3 John Lewis Jo Cox Suzy Compton Nancy Bielik Timothy J. Welch Councilman Councilwoman Councilwoman Councilwoman Councilman Absent: JoAnn Johnson Councilwoman Staff: Larry J. Cunningham Patricia Hutson Alicia Richardson George Staples City Manager City Secretary Assistant City Secretary Attorney 2. INVOCATION Councilwoman Jo Cox gave the invocation. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilwoman Jo Cox led the pledge of allegiance. Mayor Pro Tem Whitson recognized Boy Scout David Michener, Troop 144 4. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS None. 5. CITIZENS PRESENTATION Mrs. Patricia Christopher, 6708 Tabor, spoke on the article in Sunday's newspaper regarding the operation of a recreational vehicle storage business in a residential area. Mayor Trevino asked the City Manager to send a letter to Mrs. Christopher explaining the facts of the case. City Council Minutes January 10, 2005 Page 4 6. REMOVAL OF ITEM(S) FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA None. 7. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS APPROVED A. MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 13, 2004 COUNCIL MEETING B. FP 2004- CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM J & J NRH 100 FLP TO APPROVE THE FINAL PLAT OF FOREST GLENN WEST PHASE II ADDITION (LOCATED IN THE 8000 BLOCK OF SMITHFIELD ROAD - 38.616 ACRES) MAYOR PRO TEM WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. COUNCILMAN LEWIS SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6-0. 8. ZC 2004-09 PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM RICK FIGUEROA FOR A ZONING CHANGE FROM "AG" AGRICULTURE TO "R2" RESIDENTIAL (LOCATED IN THE 8800 BLOCK OF KIRK LANE - 2.996 ACRES) - ORDINANCE NO. 2815 APPROVED Mayor Trevino opened the Public Hearing. The site currently contains a single family residence. The purpose of the request is to rezone and subdivide the tract to develop four single family residences in addition to the applicant's existing residence. The Comprehensive Plan depicts low residential uses for the area and the proposed zoning is consistent with the plan. The Planning & Zoning Commission at their December 16, 2004 meeting recommended approval of the request. Staff recommends approval of the Ordinance. Mr. Rick Figueroa, applicant, presented case and was available to answer questions from Council. Director of Planning Dave Green summarized case and was available to answer questions from Council. Mayor Trevino asked if there was anyone wishing to speak for or against the request. City Council Minutes January 10, 2005 Page 5 Mayor Trevino advised that a letter of opposition received by the Planning and Zoning Commission was included in Council packets. There being no one wishing to speak Mayor Trevino closed the Public Hearing. COUNCILMAN WELCH MOVED TO APPROVE ZC 2004-09, ORDINANCE No 2815. COUNCILWOMAN BIELlK SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6-0 9. ZC 2004-10 PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM MEIKEL D. BOYDSTON FOR A ZONING CHANGE FROM "AG" AGRICULTURE TO "R2" RESIDENTIAL (LOCATED AT 8324 SMITHFIELD ROAD - .751 ACRES)- ORDINANCE NO. 2816 APPROVED Mayor Trevino opened the Public Hearing. The purpose of the request is to rezone and plat tract to building a single family residence. Property is currently unplatted and zoned agricultural. The Comprehensive Plan depicts low density residential uses for the area and the proposed zoning and use are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval at their December 18, 2004 meeting. Staff recommends approval of Ordinance No. 2816. Mr. Mark Long, 6615 Precinct Line Road, engineer for applicant, presented case and was available to answer questions. Director of Planning Dave Green summarized case and was available to answer questions. Mayor Trevino asked for anyone wishing to speak for or against the request to come forward. There being no one wishing to speak Mayor Trevino closed the Public Hearing. COUNCILMAN LEWIS MOVED TO APPROVE ZC 2004-10, ORDINANCE No. 2816. MAYOR PRO TEM WHITSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6-0. City Council Minutes January 10, 2005 Page 6 10. FP 2004-09 CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM MEIKEL D. BOYDSTON TO APPROVE THE FINAL PLAT OF LOT 2, BLOCK 1 BRADFORD ADDITION (LOCATED AT 8324 SMITHFIELD ROAD - .751 ACRES) APPROVED The purpose of the request is to plat the property to allow the applicant to construct a single family house on the site. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the final plat at their December 16, 2004 meeting. Mr. Mark Long, 6615 Precinct Line Road, engineer for the applicant, was present to answer questions from the Council. Director of Planning Dave Green summarized the case and was available to answer questions. MAYOR PRO TEM WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE FP 2004-09. COUNCILWOMAN BIELlK SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6-0. 11. ZC 2004-11 PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM ERNEST HEDGCOTH REPRESENTING ROSALlO MIRANDA FOR A ZONING CHANGE FROM "AG" AGRICULTURE TO "R2" RESIDENTIAL (LOCATED AT 6800 HEWITT STREET -1.009 ACRE)- ORDINANCE NO. 2817 MOVED TO END OF AGENDA 12. FP 2004-08 CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM ROASALlO MIRANDA TO APROVE THE FINAL PLAT OF LOT 1, BLOCK 1 MIRANDA ADDITION (LOCATED AT 6800 HEWITT STREET -1.009 ACRES) MOVED TO END OF AGENDA 13. PW 2005-001 APPROVE MECHANIC'S LIEN CONTRACT FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SIDEWALK AT LOT 1, BLOCK 1, MIRANDA ADDITION (6800 HEWITT STREET) - RESOLUTION NO. 2005-001 MOVED TO END OF AGENDA Representative was not present to present Agenda Items 11, 12, and 13. Items were moved to end of meeting. City Council Minutes January 10, 2005 Page 7 14. RP 2004-10 PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM JIMMY SIMPSON TO APPROVE THE REPLA T OF LOT 8R, BLOCK C HEWITT ESTATES LOCATED IN THE 7700 BLOCK OF FRANKIE B STREET - 0.358 ACRES) APPROVED Mayor Trevino opened the Public Hearing. The purpose of the replat is to combine two existing vacant residential lots into one lot for the purpose of constructing a single family home. The Public Works Department has submitted a letter stating all requirements have been met and recommending plat be forwarded to Council for consideration. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the replat at their December 16, 2004 meeting. Mayor Trevino opened the Public Hearing. Mr. Jimmy Simpson, applicant, was present to present case and answer questions. Director of Planning Dave Green summarized case and answered questions. Mayor Trevino called for anyone wishing to speak in favor or against the request to come forward. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Trevino closed the Public Hearing. MAYOR PRO TEM WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE RP 2004-10. COUNCILWOMAN COMPTON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6-0. 15. GN 2005-001 AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH JET POWERED GROUP FOR THE PREPARATION OF BRANDING AND DESIGN EFFORTS FOR THE SOUTH GRAPEVINE HIGHWAY CORRIDOR - RESOLUTION NO. 2005-002 APPROVED The nature of the request is to approve a contract with Jet Powered Group for the preparation of branding and design efforts for the South Grapevine Highway Corridor. The cities of North Richland Hills and Richland Hills adopted an interlocal agreement in June 2004 to promote jointly the planning and implementation of revitalization efforts for the South Grapevine Highway Corridor. One of the primary priorities was to hire a professional consultant to develop marketing, branding and design concepts for the City Council Minutes January 10, 2005 Page 8 corridor. The joint Oversight Sub-Committee is recommending a contract with the Jet Powered Group. Total contract cost is $75,000 which will be split by both cities. Funds were approved in this year's budget. Richland Hills will also consider the contract at their meeting on January 11. MAYOR PRO TEM WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION No. 2005-002, GN 2005-001. COUNCILMAN LEWIS SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 5-1 ; MAYOR PRO TEM WHITSON, COUNCILWOMEN COMPTON, Cox, AND JOHNSON AND COUNCILMAN LEWIS VOTING FOR AND COUNCILWOMAN BIELlK VOTING AGAINST. 16. GN 2005-002 SUSPENSION OF INTERIM RATE ADJUSTMENT PROPOSED BY ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION- RESOLUTION NO. 2005-003 APPROVED The purpose of the resolution is to suspend implementation of the proposed filing by Atmos Energy to increase its distribution rates, known as a GRIP, effective February 15, 2005. The resolution will also appoint a staff member as the City's representative to a Cities' Steering Committee; authorize intervention in any Railroad Commission or court proceedings related to the GRIP rate increases, and require Atmos Energy Corporation to reimburse the city reasonable costs associated with the city's review of the GRIP rate increase filings or participation in any subsequent proceeding. Managing Director Karen Bostic was available to answer questions from council. COUNCILMAN LEWIS MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION No. 2005-003 AND GN 2005-002. COUNCILMAN WELCH SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6-0. 17. GN 2005-003 AUTHORIZE PARTICIPATION OF INTERVENTION IN RAILROAD COMMISSION GAS UTILITY DOCKET NO. 9530 - RESOLUTION NO. 2005-004 APPROVED Atmos Energy Corporation, formerly known as TXU Gas, made a filing of a gas cost prudence review with the Railroad Commission of Texas on September 24,2004. The filing has been docketed as GUD No. 9530. Resolution No. 2005-004 authorizes intervention filed on behalf of the City of Arlington, appoints a city representative to a Cities' Steering Committee, and requires Atmos Energy Corporation to reimburse the City Council Minutes January 10, 2005 Page 9 city reasonable costs associated with the city's participation in Gas Utility Docket No. 9530 or any subsequent proceeding. COUNCILMAN WELCH MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION No. 2005-004. MAYOR PRO TEM WHITSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6-0. 18. GN 2005-004 CONSIDER APPOINTMENT TO QUAD CITIES DFW FOUNDATION APPROVED Mayor Trevino advised council he would like to nominate Councilman Lewis to the Quad Cities DFW Foundation. Councilman Lewis would replace the vacancy left by former Councilman Metts. MAYOR PRO TEM WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE NOMINATION OF COUNCILMAN LEWIS. COUNCILWOMAN Cox SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6-0. 19. GN 2005-005 CONSIDER APPOINTMENT TO SOUTH GRAPEVINE HIGHWAY CORRIDOR OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE APPROVED Mayor Trevino advised council former Councilman Metts served on the South Grapevine Highway Corridor Oversight Committee with Councilwoman Johnson and at this time council needed to appoint a replacement to the committee. COUNCILMAN LEWIS MOVED TO APPOINT MAYOR PRO TEM WHITSON. COUNCILWOMAN COMPTON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6-0. 20. GN 2005-006 APPOINTMENT TO PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION & CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE - EX OFFICIO POSITION ITEM PULLED FROM AGENDA Mayor Trevino pulled item from agenda. City Council Minutes January 10, 2005 Page 10 21. GN 2005-007 APPOINTMENTS TO WHOLESALE WATER CUSTOMER ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND WHOLESALE WASTEWATER CUSTOMER ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPROVED City Secretary Patricia Hutson advised council it was necessary to make a voting member appointment and alternate appointment to the Wholesale Water Customer Advisory Committee and Wholesale Wastewater Customer Advisory Committee. The terms for both committees expire September 30, 2005. MAYOR PRO TEM WHITSON MOVED TO MAINTAIN TIM WELCH AS VOTING MEMBER AND MIKE CURTIS AS ALTERNATE VOTING MEMBER TO BOTH COMMITTEES. COUNCILMAN LEWIS SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6-0. 11. ZC 2004-11 PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM ERNEST HEDGCOTH REPRESENTING ROSALlO MIRANDA FOR A ZONING CHANGE FROM "AG" AGRICULTURE TO "R2" RESIDENTIAL (LOCATED AT 6800 HEWITT STREET - 1.009 ACRE) - ORDINANCE NO. 2817 APPROVED Mayor Trevino opened the public hearing. The nature of the request is to rezone unplatted property tract to build an addition onto an existing singe family residence. Property is currently zoned "AG" Agricultural which does not permit expansion of the existing residence. Mr. Ernest Hedgcoth, representing applicant, was available to answer questions from council. Director of Planning Dave Green summarized case and was available to answer questions from Council. Mayor Trevino asked for anyone wishing to speak in favor or against request to come forward. Ms. Ginny Parson, 7701 Turner, spoke in favor of request. City Council Minutes January 10, 2005 Page 11 There being no one else wishing to speak Mayor Trevino closed the public hearing. MAYOR PRO TEM WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE No. 2817 AND ZC 2004-11. COUNCILMAN LEWIS SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6-0. 12. FP 2004-08 CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM ROASALlO MIRANDA TO APROVE THE FINAL PLAT OF LOT 1, BLOCK 1 MIRANDA ADDITION (LOCATED AT 6800 HEWITT STREET -1.009 ACRES) APPROVED The purpose for the final plat is required for applicant's request for a building permit to expand his existing home. Mr. Ernest Hedgcoth, representing applicant, was available to answer questions from council. Director of Planning Dave Green summarized case and was available to answer questions from Council. COUNCILMAN LEWIS MOVED TO APPROVE FP 2004-08. COUNCILMAN WELCH SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6-0. 13. PW 2005-001 APPROVE MECHANIC'S LIEN CONTRACT FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SIDEWALK AT LOT 1, BLOCK 1, MIRANDA ADDITION (6800 HEWITT STREET) - RESOLUTION NO. 2005-001 APPROVED Resolution No. 2005-001, an approval of a mechanic's lien, is a result of Mr. Miranda's request for a final plat. In accordance with the Subdivision Ordinance, one of the requirements for platting property requires that sidewalks be constructed at the time the property is developed. In Mr. Miranda's case there were no existing sidewalks adjacent to his property. If there are no existing sidewalks to connect with, the developer has the option of escrowing the funds to the city for the sidewalks. In lieu of escrowing funds, Mr. Miranda has requested to enter into agreement (Mechanic's Lien) with the city to pay for sidewalks at such time when sidewalks are established. City Council Minutes January 10, 2005 Page 12 Council discussed the feasibility of the Mechanic's Lien, possibility of sidewalks not being constructed in affected property owner's neighborhood and the process other cities take to address the installation of sidewalks. MAYOR PRO TEM WHITSON MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION No. 2005-001 AND PW 2005- 001. COUNCILMAN LEWIS SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 5-1; WITH COUNCILMEN LEWIS, WELCH AND MAYOR PRO TEM WHITSON AND COUNCILWOMEN JOHNSON AND BIELlK VOTING FOR AND COUNCILWOMAN Cox VOTING AGAINST. 22. INFORMATION AND REPORTS IR 2005-002 UPDATE OF LOOP 820 CORRIDOR STUDY The purpose of the Informal Report is to update council on the Loop 820 corridor study. The planning study is prepared in anticipation of and in advance of the proposed widening/expansion of Loop 820. The proposed roadway project will have a major impact on the landscape, land uses along the corridor and traffic patterns within the area. The purpose of the study is to prepare for the changes in advance of the actual construction. Assistant City Manager Mr. Torres advised council the City of North Richland Hills would not be acquiring property along Loop 820 as a direct result of the roadway widening. Mr. Torres further advised the project as currently designed involves the acquisition by the State of several land parcels owned by the City. Although the city may have some minimal input on issues that effect local streets, access and development, the City of North Richland Hills will not be able to control details of the project. Mr. Torres informed council the City will not be involved in exercising its right to eminent domain as a direct result of the widening project. Councilwoman Compton made the following announcements. Registration for the Adult Spring Softball and Kickball Leagues begins on January 17. For more information, please contact the Recreation Center at 817-427-6600. The City will host the 5th Annual Growing Great Kids Parenting Seminar at the Recreation Center on Saturday, January 22. The seminar is free. Pre-registration is required. For more information, please call the Recreation Center 817-427-6600. Iron Horse Golf Course is currently booking its pavilion and clubhouse for weddings, receptions, graduation parties, retirement parties and more. Call today to reserve your spot. NRH residents who book an event by January 31 will receive a discounted rental rate. For more information please call 817-485-6666 ext. 24. City Council Minutes January 10, 2005 Page 13 Free high speed wireless internet access, known as Wi-Fi, is now available at the North Richland Hills Public Library. The new service allows library patrons to connect to the Internet using their own laptop computer or a personal digital assistant, such as a Palm Pilot. For more information, call the Library at 817-427-6814. Kudos Korner Every Council Meeting, we spotlight our employees for the great things they do. Kathye McCall, Dan Echols Senior Center A resident sent a letter praising Kathye McCall for being a tireless person who is very kind and caring. She said Kathye is a blessing and a real asset to NRH and the citizens who attend Dan Echols Senior Center. 23. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Trevino adjourned the meeting at 8:28 .' ~"'II'" ,."J>. ......... ~.,,,, .......A...,~... ... ~ ~.....,.. ". ~ ,.~ .... A:i-· .... ~ ~{ "r.., )§) ~cœ.~ " . . ··'J!..+pl~···· ~~ S t Paff*la , "..-,,:on ",~Ity ecre ary 1", ",... 1111/1/111\1\11'