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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 1982-01-25 Minutes MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, HELD IN THE CITY HALL, 7301 NORTHEAST LOOP 820, JANUARY 25, 1982 - 7:30 P.M. 1. Mayor Faram called the meeting to order January 25, 1982, at 7:30 p.m. 2. Present: Dick Faram Jim Kenna Jim Wood J. C. Hubbard Jim Ramsey Wiley Thomas Dave Freeman Sharyl Groves Mayor Councilmen Councilwoman Staff: Dennis Horvath Jeanette Moore Acting City Manager City Secretary Absent: Rex McEntire Richard Albin City Attorney City Engineer 3. Councilwoman Groves introduced Allyn Fincher, Senior, Fort Worth Christian College, who gave the invocation. CITY ATTORNEY REX McENTIRE NOW PRESENT. 4. Councilwoman Groves moved, seconded by Councilman Hubbard, to approve the ~nutesof the January 11, 1982, regular meeting. Motion carried 5-0; Councilmen Kenna and Wood abstaining due to absence from the meeting. 5. Mrs. Barbara McKinnley, 7213 Karen Drive, appeared before the Council. Mrs. McKinnley stated the citizens present representing the Snow Heights Homeowners Association were identified by white name tags and she would like for the Council to make note of the number present. Mr. Edward Tate, 4620 Cummings Drive East, appeared before the Council. Mr. Tate made the following presentation: CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL INVOCATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 11, 1982 APPROVED PRESENTATION BY SNOW HEIGHTS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION "Tonight I am speaking on behalf of the Snow Heights Homeowners Association. All present here tonight appreciate the Council's patience and indulgence in giving us the opportunity to present a revised proposal that will not only improve Area Six, but the entire city. We hope that you will consider seriously our revised proposal for a neighborhood park on Block lA, Richland Terrace Addition which is approximately three acres. Our proposal will be officially presented to the Council in March 1982, by the Parks and Recreation Board as a part of its five year plan. This decision makes the Area Six citizens very happy. However, we have a problem. On February 8, 1982, the Court is set to hear a case in which the owner of the land block, ,which our park proposal is a part of,_ are suing the residents of Richland Terrace for Deed Restrictions removal so the entire land block can be commercially developed. We do not want this to happen. We want the City to purchase Block lA, and reserve it as a green belt for a future park. We feel our request is very reasonable. Now for our request; Will the Council seriously consider building a three acre park on Block lA, Richland Terrace Addition and deal directly with Mr. George Staples, Attorney for the owners, to purchase this parcel of land officially making it a green belt, that is a park for future development. The owners of the land have indicated to our attorney a great willingness to sell and work with the city on this proposal. Will the Council consider beginning negotiations immediately to attempt to settle on a price before February 8, 1982." Councilwoman Groves asked why the deadline of February 8, 1982. Mr. Tate stated that was the date the Court had set for the hearing on the lifting of the Deed Restrictions. Councilman Wood stated that at the previous presentation by the Homeowners Association, it was mentioned that a price had been set on the property. Mr. Tate stated a price of $15,000.00 an acre had been set. Mr. Tate stated he had talked to his attorney and he advised him the developers of this land were eager to sell. Mr. Mack Garvin, 6908 Little Ranch Road, appeared before the Council. Mr. Garvin stated he was certainly for the Homeowners Association's park program and was not sure about the funds that would buy this property. Mr. Garvin stated there was a serious flooding problem in Morgan Meadows Addition and we need some help up there to stop the flooding of their properties. Mr. Garvin stated they were in a flood plain because of the Windcrest Addition that is north of Morgan Meadows. January 25, 1982 Page 2 January 25, 1982 Page 3 So far that addition had been at a stand-still because of the economic conditions. We need to have the ditches behind Little Ranch Road improved so it could handle the run-off. Mr. Garvin stated that if Bond money was going to be used to help the flooding problem and to help purchase parks, he urged the Council to consider first the safety of his property and the homeowners in Morgan Meadows Addition and secondly the park situation. Mayor Faram asked Mr. Horvath if there were any place other than Bond funds that any such money could come from. Mr. Horvath replied no. Mrs. Dana Tate stated they were told by the last City Manager that there was property that could be sold. Mrs. Tate stated Councilman Freeman had talked to them about it and it was thirty acres owned by the City and the sale of this land was supposed to be used for the park and recreation fund, as they understood it. Mr. Horvath stated the city put that particular piece of property up for bid and was offered $10,000.00 for it and the city rejected the bid. Councilman Freeman stated he was not sure what action the Council was being asked to take since the price of the property was not known and if the owner was really interested in selling. Mrs. Tate stated she felt the city should deal with Mr. Staples instead of the homeowners or their attorney. Councilman Wood asked if there were any unobligated funds in the park and recreation fund. Councilman Freeman stated there were not. Mayor Faram stated he would suggest that the Council authorize the Acting City Manager to contact Mr. Staples on this matter. Mrs. Barbara McKinnley stated she would like to know why the million dollar bond that was voted on for a park could not be sold. Mayor Faram stated because the first four million was committed for Rufe Snow Drive. January 25, 1982 Page 4 Mrs. McKinnley asked if the bonds weren't voted on separately. Mayor Faram stated they were voted separately, but that was a commitment and the city was not in a financial position to sell more than four million dollars without raising taxes. Mayor Faram stated there was a commitment from the Council that if the bonds were approved, the first four million would be used to take care of the traffic problem on Rufe Snow Drive. Mayor Faram stated that when that project was finished and the tax based increased and part of the debt retired, then maybe additional bonds could be sold. Mrs. Tate asked that if the city did consider going ahead and contacting Mr. Staples and got a very low offer, would they consider selling the 30 acres and putting the funds toward the park. Mayor Faram asked if the 30 acres had been designated as a future park. Councilman Freeman stated it was designated as a motorcycle park and had to be discontinued because of complaints from residents near the park. Councilman Kenna asked the City Attorney to check into the February 8th setting for the court case pertaining to this property. City Attorney McEntire stated the chances of the case being heard on February 8th were very slim. Councilman Wood moved, seconded by Councilman Kenna, to authorize the Acting City Manager and one Council member to contact Mr. Staples and see if a reasonable offer could be made. Motion carried 7-0. 6. Mr. J. C. Hartson, 6308 Smithfield Road, appeared before the Council. Mr. Hartson stated he needed to build a new garage and he did not want to brick it. Mr. Hartson stated he wanted to put siding on the garage to match the siding on the house. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST OF J.C. HARTSON FOR VARIANCE TO THE BRICK ORDINANCE APPROVED Councilman Freeman asked Mr. Hartson if he owned both residences shown on the plat. January 25, 1982 Page 5 Mr. Hartson stated there was only one house on the property, but he owned all the lots shown on the plat. Councilman Freeman asked what size the building would be. Mr. Hartson stated it would be 24 x 30. Councilman Wood asked the size of the acreage. Mr. Hartson stated it was approximately three acres. Councilman Kenna moved, seconded by Councilman Wood, to approve Mr. Hartson's request for a variance to the Brick Ordinance. Motion carried 7-0. 7. Councilman Freeman moved, seconded by Councilwoman Groves, to approve Resolution No. 82-5. Motion carried 7-0. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACTING CITY MANAGER TO SIGN PURCHASE VOUCHER IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,850.00 FOR TRAFFIC ENGINEERING PLAN APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 82-5 8. Mayor Faram read the following caption: "A RESOLUTION AND ELECTION ORDER BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, CALLING AN ELECTION TO BE HELD IN SAID CITY ON THE 3RD DAY OF APRIL, 1982, A.D., FOR THE ELECTION OF SEVEN COUNCILMEN (7) AND THE MAYOR OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, SETTING THE TIME, PLACE AND DATE OF SAID ELECTION, ESTABLISHING A DEADLINE FOR CANDIDATES TO FILE, APPOINTING ELECTION JUDGES AND ALTERNATES, PROVIDING THE TIME AND MANNER FOR VOTING ABSENTEE, BOTH IN PERSON AND BY MAIL, DESIGNATING WHO SHALL BE ENTITLED TO VOTE AT SAID ELECTION, AND ADOPTING VOTING MACHINES AS THE METHOD OF VOTING AT SAID ELECTION, AND OTHER PROVISIONS OTHERWISE INCIDENT TO SUCH RESOLUTION." CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION CALLING A REGULAR MUNICIPAL ELECTION FOR APRIL 3, 1982 APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 82-6 Mayor Faram advised the Council that under Section 4, the Judge would be Mrs. Fred Parker and the Alternate Judge, Mrs. Roland Starkey. Councilman Thomas moved, seconded by Councilman Ramsey, to approve Resolution No. 82-6. Motion carried 7-0. January 25, 1982 Page 6 9. Councilman Hubbard stated that due to a possible conflict of interest he wished to be excused from the Council table. Councilman Freeman stated that due to a possible conflict of interest he wished to be excused from the Council table. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE GRANTING A FRANCHISE FOR REFUSE COLLECTION IN THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 937 Mayor Faram excused Councilman Hubbard and Councilman Freeman from the Council table. Mayor Faram stated that Councilman Ramsey had served on a committee appointed to make a study of this item and asked for a report from him at this time. Councilman Ramsey stated that he and Councilwoman Groves were appointed by the Council to review the request of SCA for a renewal of their contract. Councilman Ramsey stated they approached it from two points of view. First of all was the rate increase justified, secondly were they deserving and had they performed satisfactorily to have the contract renewed for another five years. Councilman Ramsey stated he reviewed SCA's books and exhausted all the data. Councilman Ramsey stated SCA's cost had gone up anywhere from 26% to 76%. Councilman Ramsey stated the increases could be justified. Councilman Ramsey stated they also looked at ten or eleven neighboring communities on what they were being charged and what kind of service they were receiving for the charge. Councilman Ramsey stated the way they looked at the type of service was the number of complaints received monthly. Councilman Ramsey stated North Richland Hills was the only community in the area that had both curb-side or backdoor service. Councilman Ramsey stated SCA had requested $4.90 monthly. Councilman Ramsey stated he felt that everyone in the city should realize they did have backdoor service. Councilman Ramsey stated that if action was taken tonight in Bedford and Euless, North Richland Hills would be approximately the second lowest rate in the entire Metroplex and that was looking at eleven cities. Councilman Ramsey stated he felt SCA was justified in their proposed rate increase. January 25, 1982 Page 7 Councilman Ramsey stated they also checked to see if SCA was deserving to have their contract renewed for five years. Councilman Ramsey stated they looked at their assets and they did have the assets, they were a National Company, they were a good company. Councilman Ramsey stated another thing they looked at was where the company was dumping their garbage, they did have their own landfill and were permitted for the next six or seven years. Councilman Ramsey stated that based on how few complaints received and based on the other companies in the area, the committee recommended the contract be renewed for another five years. Councilman Ramsey moved, seconded by Councilman Kenna, to approve Ordinance No. 937, authorize the rate increase from $4.20 to $4.90 a month and renew the contract for five years, to be effective February 1, 1982. Motion carried 5-0. Councilmen Hubbard and Freeman returned to the Council table. 9a. Mayor Faram advised this item was added to the Council agenda on Friday morning. Mayor Faram asked if the item had been posted and the news media notified of the addition. Councilman Hubbard moved, seconded by Councilman Ramsey, to approve payment to Lone Star Gas Company in the amount of $23,975.00 for the lowering of the gas line in Glenview Drive at Booth-Calloway Branch Crossing. CONSIDERATION OF PAYMENT TO LONE STAR GAS COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $23,975.00 FOR LOWERING OF GAS LINE ON GLENVIEW DRIVE AT BOOTH- CALLOWAY BRANCH CROSSING APPROVED City Secretary Moore stated the notice had been posted and the news media notified. Motion carried 7-0. 10. Mayor Faram stated that it was with regret that he had to call this item to the agenda, however before he did Councilman Wood had a statement he wished to make. CONSIDERATION OF COUNCILMAN JIM WOOD'S RESIGNATION APPROVED Councilman Wood read the following letter: It is with deep regret that I tender my resignation as Councilman, Place 3, effective January 25, 1982. I have accepted a permanent position with a San Angelo- based firm that will necessitate our relocating. ATTEST: My family and I consider it a great personal honor to have had the privilege of serving the Citizens of North Richland Hills as a Councilman for the past four years. It is our hope that our efforts, in some small way, have contributed to the betterment of our community. I consider my tenure on the City Council to be one of the most rewarding and educational experiences of my life. It is with considerable reluctance that we leave the Metroplex and the City of North Richland Hills in particular. We take with us many warm memories and a sincere appreciation for your friendship and support over the years. Please express our appreciation to each member of the Council for the many courtesies they have shown to my family and me. We will miss you and wish each of you well. Councilman Hubbard moved, seconded by Councilman Kenna, to accept the resignation of Councilman Jim Wood. Motion carried 6-0. Councilman Hubbard stated that Councilman Wood would be missed by all. Councilman Hubbard stated he felt Councilman Wood had helped the new Council members very much. Mayor Faram presented Councilman Wood with a plaque stating the City's appreciation and the number of years he had served on the Council. Mr. Gary Watson appeared before the Council. Mr. Watson stated that from a citizen's standpoint, Councilman Wood had been a very good Councilman and he wanted to express his appreciation to Councilman Wood and the entire Council. 11. None. 12. Mayor Faram adjourned the meeting of January 25, 1982. ~~. -.JW/W D CK FARAM, MAYOR ¿~, NETTE MOORE, CITY January 25, 1982 Page 8 CITIZEN PRESENTATION ADJOURNMENT