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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 1978-09-11 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, SEPTEMBER 11, 1978 - 7:30 P.M. 1. Mayor Faram called the meeting to order September 11, 1978, at 7:30 p.m. CALL TO ORDER 2. Dick Faram Mayor ROLL CALL Denver Mills Jim Wood John Michener Councilmen Sid Cavanaugh James Cato Lena Mae Reeder Councilwoman Stan Gertz Acting City Manager Jeanette Moore City Secretary Rex McEntire City Attorney Dick Perkins City Engineer Ray Britton Director Public Works Ruth Pinner Director Finance Hamp Scruggs Police Chief Laura Prewitt Librarian Roy Buttroff Tax Assessor/Collèctor Allen Bronstad Director Utilities Jo Ann Wi 11 i ams Board of Adjustment Member Tim Moore Civil Service Member Dr. Norman Ell is Former Councilman George Conant Former Councilman ABSENT: Dave Freeman Councilman 3. The invocation was given by Councilman Michener. INVOCATION 4. Councilman Wood moved, seconded by Councilman Mills, to approve MINUTES-AUGUST 28,197 the minutes of the August 28, 1978 meeting. Motion carried APPROVED 6-0; Councilwoman Reeder abstaining due to absence from the meeting. 5. Mayor Faram read the following letter from former City Manager M. Eo Riddle: RATIFY M. E. (GENE) RIDDLE'S RESIGNATION APPROVED Dear Mayor and Council: Effective this date, (August 29, 1978), I respectfully submit my resignation. It has been my pleasure to serve the City of North Richland Hills as your City Manager and ask that my request?based on personal reasons, be accepted. I wish you and the City Staff God's speed as you continue your work with our growing community. If I may ever be of as~i$tance, please do ~ot hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Gene Riddle September 11, 1978 Page 2 Councilwoman Reeder moved, seconded by Councilman Cavanaugh, to accept the resignation of M. E. (Gene) Riddle. Motion carried 6-0. 6. Mayor Faram stated Mr. Stan Gertz was now acting in this capacity. Mayor Faram advised the Council he would like to have confirmation for Mr. Gertz service as Acting City Manager. Councilman Michener moved, seconded by Councilman Gato, to appoint Mr. Stan Gertz as Acting City Manager. Motion carried 6-0. 7. Mayor Fa ram advi sed the Council he woul d 1 i ke for the ad for the position of City Manager placed in the Texas Town & Cities Magazine, National League of Cities Magazine, Texas City Manager's News Letter, Dallas Morning News and the Fort Worth Star Telegram. . Councilman Cato moved, seconded by Councilman Wood, to authorize the advertisement for City Manager Applications. Motion carried 6-0. 8. Mayor Faram asked Mr. P. R. (Pete) McClesky to please come forward. Mayor Faram, on behalf of the City Council, advised Mr. McCleskey it was his distinct pleasure to be able to award him with a five year certificate for distinguished service to the City. 9. Councilman Jim Wood excused himself from the Council table until after the vote,on this item. Councilman Wood appeared before the Council representing Mr. J. C. Whigham. Councilman Wood stated he was the son~in- law of Mr. Whigham of 5712 Holiday Lane. Councilman Wood stated Mr. Whigham wanted to drill a well for outside watering. Councilman Wood stated Mr. Whigham felt he ~ould hit water at about 25 feet. Mayor Faram stated the Council had been allowing up to 200 feet for wells. Mayor Faram asked Councilman Wood if he was requesting 200 feet also. Councilman Wood replied yes. Councilman Cato asked Councilman Wood if Mr. Whigham was on city sewer or had a septic tank. Councilman Wood stated Mr. Whigham was on city sewer. Councilman Cato asked Councilman Wood if any of the houses in the immediate area were on septic tanks. APPOINTMENT OF ACTI NG CITY MANAGER AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR CITY MANAGER APPLICATIONS APPROVED PRESENTATION OF FIVE YEAR PIN AND CERTIFICATE TO P. R. (PETE) McCLESKEY CITIZEN REQUEST, MR. J. C. WHIGHAM ASKING PERMISSION TO DIG A WATER WELL, MR. JIM WOOD PRESENTING REQUEST APPROVED September 11, 1978 Page 3 Councilman Wood stated he did not think any of the houses on Holiday Lane, or the ones behind it were on a septic tank. Councilman Mills moved, seconded by Councilman Cato, to grant Mr. Whigham permission to drill a well, not to exceed 200 feet. Motion carried 6-0.* *Motion carried 5-0. Councilman Wood returned to the Council table. 10. Councilman Michener moved, seconded by Councilman Wood, to approve PS 78-34 as filed. City Engineer Perkins stated as a matter of information he would like for the Council to be aware Qf the fact that the developer of this property plans to phase the construction. Mr. Perkins stated his letter of comment, although it addresses an area outside of this particular phase, they would like to reserve the right of look at future plans in the second phase at such time the plans are submitted. Mr. Perkins stated the first phase does not have anything to do with off-site sewer or drainage facilities. Mr. Perkins stated these two items have not been settled and he would like to address both of these items in the future. Mr. Perkins stated the sewer and drainage does not apply to the portion of property that is being proposed for phasing in the first phase. Mr. Perkins advised the Council they would be approving for the whole property. Mr. Perkins stated he wanted to reserve the right for comments on final construction plans when they are submitted at a later date. Mr. Perkins stated the motion should include phase one only. Mr. Britton, Director Pulbic Works, stated he would recommend the motion include the restrictions in the letter he had written to the City Manager September 6, 1978, pertaining to this case. Mr. Britton stated the letter would allow construction only in the portion of the plat marked Phase 1 and also places some stipulations on allowing that construction. Mayor Faram asked if in filing this plat, is it still going to be drawn along where the red line was on the plat. Mr. òritton stated the Council would be approving the entire plat, but only allowing construction at this time in what is marked Phase 1., PS 78-34, REQUEST OF MARK POTTER~ UNITIED FINANCIAL MORTAGE CORP. FOR FINAL PLAT OF KINGSWOOD ESTATES SECTION I I APPROVED-PHASE I Councilman Cato asked if Mr. Britton was defining that no building permits will be issued until what ocCurs. Mr. Britton stated building permits would not issued on Phase II until all the City Engineers' comments in the letter of August 17, 1978, are fully complied with. Mr. Britton stated all of the comments pertain to Phase II of the addition, none of them apply to Phase I. September 11, 1978 Page 4 Councilman Michener amended his motion, Councilman Wood amended his second, to state approve PS 78-34, authorizing construction of Phase I at this time, no construction be allowed in phase II until the Engineers' objections, as stated in the letter of August 17, 1978, are complied with. Amended motion carried 6-0. 11. Councilman Wood moved, seconded by Councilman Mills, to approve PS 78-68. Motion carried 6-0. 12. Councilman Mills moved, seconded by Councilman Wood, to approve PS 78-69. Motion carried 6-0. 13. Councilman Michener moved, seconded by Councilwoman Reeder, to approve PS 78-70. Councilman Cato asked if the comments in the Engineers letter had been complied with. Mr. Perkins stated the Director of Public Works had written a letter stating the developer had paid the utility pro rata and the State Department of Highways would soon be submitting a permit for construction of the storm drainage, curb and gutter. Motion to approve carried 6-0. 14. Mr. John Nall, Teague and Nall Consulting Engineer's, appeared before the Council. Mr. Nall stated he represented Mr. Robert Stewart. Mr. Nall stated he would like to comment on the letter from the City Engineer dated August 14, 1978, and the follow-up letter dated August 31, 1978. Mr. Nall advised that in the letter of August 14, 1978, six comments were offered related to Mr. Stewarts request. Mr. Nall stated of the six items, 1 and 5 had been resolved. Mr. Nall stated the letter of August 31, 1978, confirms the resolving of items 1 and 5. Mr. Nall stated items 2, 3, 4, and 6, were the items he would like to speak to. Items 2 and 3 constist of a request for pro rata share of water and sewer, both are existing on Lola Drive along the north property line of this plat. Mr. Nall stated the plat consist of two proposed lots, one is undeveloped and one was developed in 1969. Mr. Nall stated Mr. Stewart's, request was that the pro rata requirements be limited to the und~veloped lot. Mr. Nall stated Mr. Stewart felt the charg~s that were due for the pevelopment of the property and the water and sewer PS 78-68, REQUEST OF PIONEER OIL CO., FOR REPLAT OF LOT A2, PARCHMA ADDITION APPROVED PS 78-69, REQUEST OF SMITHF I ELD CHURCH OF CHRIST FOR REPLAT OF LOTS 1-6, SMITHFIELD ESTATES ADDITION APPROVED PS 78-70, REQUEST OF WM. F. FARHA FOR FINAL PLAT OF LOT 1~ BLOCK 1) NORTH EDGLEY ADDITION APPROVED PS 78-72, REQUEST OF ROBERT P. STEWART FOR FINAL PLAT OF LOTS 1 & 2, BLOCK 50, NOR EAST ADDITION APPROVED September 11, 1978 Page 5 service provided for that property at the time as required by the city were met at that time, therefore, Mr. Stewart repectfully requests that the pro rata charges be limited to 150 feet of frontage which is represented by the lot that has no improvements on it. Mr. Nall stated regarding item 4, the fire protection, his client is in agreement with providing the additional fire hydrant. However, Mr. Stewart's request is that he be responsible for funding the installation of the fire hydrant and the city furnish the material for the hydrant. Mr. Nall stated regarding item 6, Mr. Stewart is in agreement with the latter of the two choices presented in item 6,executing a covenant running with the land to pay for proposed curb, gutter and drainange facilities on Davis Boulevard. Councilman Mills asked Mr. Nall the rationale he used to develop the idea that the city should furnish the materials for the fire hydrant. Mr. Nall replied part of the ralionale would be that the development in lot 2 has been in existance since 1969 and the owner of the property has not sensed any alarm and evidently the city has not sensed any alarm with fire protection and Mr. Stewart feels a compromise is in order. Councilman Cato asked the City Staff to address the pro rata shares and the furnishing of the material for the fire hydrant. City Engineer Perkins stated the comments in his letter were made strictly on the basis of what the Subdivision Ordinance requires. Mr. Perkins stated he saw no reason to depart from the Ordinance. Mr. Perkins stated any developer in the City of North Richland Hills had to comply with certain requirements and one of the requirements is to furnish adequate fire protection. Councilman Cato asked Mr. Britton if there was currently a plat on the developed portion. Mr. Britton replied there was not a plat. Mr. Nall advised the Council he had one more complication he would like to put before the Council. Mr. Nall stated Mr. Stewart was the son of Mr. Robert Stewart who owns the property but resides in Call fornia and in order to get a contractor in to make improvements, possibly saving a week, without the signing of a covenant and the pro rata shares, he was concerned about possibly getting a permit tomorrow, knowing the pro rata shares and the signing of a covenant are being pursued by mail with the owner of the property in California. Mayor Faram asked Mr. Nall if Mr. Stewart was just representing his father and was not the owner of the property. Mr. Nall stated that was correct. September 11, 1978 Page 6 Mr. Nall stated he had,a letter from Mr. Robert Stewart stating that he was in agreement with the Planning and Zoning Commission comments and his son has the authority to act for him. Mayor Faram asked Mr. Nall if Mr. Stewart felt this request would be approved and he had no objections to the convenant. Mr. Nall stated Mr. Stewart had no objections to signing a covenant. Mr. Nall advised the Council Mr. Stewart's tenant needed a decision from the Council. Mayor Faram asked the City Attorney if there would be anything wrong with the Council approving this request, provided the city could red-tag the building at a certain date if the agreements have not been met. City Attorney McEntire asked what type of building was going to be buil t. Mr. Britton stated Mr. Stewart was remodeling a portion of the shopping center for a restaurant. City Att0rney McEntire asked what kind of time frame he was talking about. Mr. Nall replied about 50 days for the remodeling. City Attorney McEntire asked Mr. Nall how long it would take to get the information back from California. Mr. Nall replied about 12 days. City Attorney McEntire advised the Council they could approve the request on the condition that a building permit be issued and Mr. Na'l get the information back to the city within 12 days from this date or red-tag the building. Councilman Mills mo~ed seconded by Councilman Cato, to approve PS 78-72, subject to comments 2, 3, 4, and 6, of the City Engineers letter with the exception that comments 2 and 3 apply only to the 150 feet now previously platted; and subject further to the fact that resolution of these items should be accomplished in 12 days from this date. Mr. Britton asked Mayor Faram if the motion authorized the issuance of a building permit. . Mayor Faram replied it authorized the issuance of a permit. Motion to approve carried 6-0. 15. Mr. Doug Long, Engineer, appeared before the Council to speak on this case. Mr. Long stated he would like to speak on the comments of the City Enqineers letter. Mr. Long advised the Council that in response to items 1 and 2, he did not feel he cpuld certify the plat was not in the flood plane. Mr. Long stated the State had installed the drainage improvements and the Muffin Shop had since been built. Mr. Long stated according to his calculations the concrete lined channel will take the 100 year flood plane. Mr. Long stated the building was one foot above the concrete lining. Mr. Long advised he thought the structure at Grapevine Highway would not take the 100 year flood plane and there would be a back up as a result of the structure. Mr. Long 'stated Mr. Nichols had been in this location for eight years and has not had a problem. Mr. Long stated Mr. Nichols would like to leave the existing building, modernize and expand the building. Mr. Long stated Mr. Nichols was willing to give the City a letter of hold-harmless that he is willing to accept what comes. Mr. Long stated that in regards to item 3, water pro rata, Mr. Nichols has a receipt showing he paid his water tap charge to get the line extended to him at the time it was built. Mr. Long stated the 12 inch line was a Master Plan loop that comes up by Mr. Nichols property, but he is not served by the line. Mr. Long stated Mr. Nichols request was that he not be charged for the line. Mr. Long stated in regards to item 4, the fire hydrant, there is an existing fire hydrant on Grapevine Highway that will come within 500 feet of the property. Mr. Long stated if it was, the desire of the Council Mr. Nichols would comply with the 300 foot'requirement. Mr. Long stated in regards to item 5, the sewer line, Mr. Nichols already has sewer service and has had for some time. Mr. Long stated water and sewer service is existing there now. Mayor Faram asked Mr. Long what observation did he use to calculate the flood plane. Mayor Faram asked Mr. Long how much of the flood plane was developed or if it was calculated on complete development of the upper end. City Engineer Perkins stated the flood plane map as he has now is in preliminary form based on current conditions and does not have anything to do with up stream development. September 11, 1978 Page 7 PS 78-74, REQUEST OF MUFFIN SHOPS INC., FOR FINAL PLAT OF LOT 2~ BLOCK A, RICHLAND TERRACE ADDITION APPROVED September 11~ 1978 Page 8 Mayor Faram asked r'1r. Perkins if he could give a rough idea on how much is developed up stream and if it was conceivable we could get a two foot rise as it develops further. Mr. Perkins stated he would hesitate to say how much rise we might get on futhure develpment. Mr. Perkins stated about 40% to SO% of that water shed was developed. Mr. Perkins stated his main concern was the fact that he now had a flood plane map and in the past it could only be estimated were the flood plane areas were. Mr. Perkins stated even though the map was a preliminary he had been instructed to use it. until further notified. Mr. Perkins advised the Council h~ did not know how much 1 iability the City would be getting into if Mr. Nichols was allowed to plat the way he.was asking to do. . . CITY ATTORNEY McENTIRE LEFT THE MEETING AT THIS TIME. Councilman Michener asked Mr. Perkins if he was asking for a certification on the existing improvements or for future plans. Mr. Perkins replied for future plans. Mr. Perkins advised Mr. Nichols only wanted to expand the existing facilities. Councilman Michener asked if the building would appear as one structure. Mr. Long replied it would appear as one structure~ they were just going to remodel. Mayor Faram asked Mr. Long if his client would be willing to sign a hold-harmless agreement release to the city. Mr. Long stated Mr. Nichols would sign an agreement. Councilman Mills asked if the agreement would hold and run with the land if the building was sold and used for another type of business. Mr. Long stated his client would be willing to make the purchasers aware of the situation. Mayor Faram asked Mr. Long if he would be willing to accept~ if the Council chooses to do so, pass the request subject to excution of a hold-harmless agreement and further provided that our City Attorney says that it is a good agreement. Mr. Long replied yes. Councilman Cato asked if the hold-harmless agreement would be a+t~ched to the plat. Mr. Long stated the agreement could possibly be filed with the plat. September 11, 1978 Page 9 Counc~lman C~to moved to approve PS 78-74, contingent on ~ompllance wlth the Engineers letter, with the exception of ltems 1 and 2, to be covered by a hold-harmless agreement attached to or flagged on the plat. Motion dies for the lack of a second. Councilman Wood moved,. seconded by Councilman Cavanaugh~ to appr?ve PS 78-74, wlth the exception of items 1 and 2, t? requlre a covenant or a hold-harmless agreement with the Clty o~ North Richland Hills, item 3 and 5 to be deleted oth~rwlse to be approved subject to the balance of the ~ EnglneerS letter. Mot~on carried 5-1; Councilmen Mills, Cavanaugh,. Wood, and Mlchener and Councilwoman Reeder voting for; Councllman Cato voting against. . ' 16. Mayor Faram declared the Public Hearing Open on the 1978-79 Budget. PUBLIC HEARING ON 1978-79 BUDGET AND USE OF REVENUE SHARING FUNDS Mrs. Ruth Pinner, Finance Director, presented the following budget amounts by Departments: City Council City Manager Finance Ci ty Secretary Tax Civil Service Legal Municipal Court Public Works Police Fire Library Non-Departmental Sinking Fund C.I.P (General Fund) Ut i 1 i ty $ 25,960.00 $ 36,553.04 $ 136,952.80 $ 30,545.00 $ 55,585.42 $ 11 ,580.00 $ 8~400.00 $ 25,205.00 $ 713~302.64 $ 647,177.40 $ 510,077.50 $ 61,592.12 $ 300,250.00 $ 339,645.57 $ 339,645.57 $2,737,600.00 Mr. Jim Midget, 7401 College Circle South~ appeared before the Council. Mr. 'Midget advised the Council he was seeking information on the budget. Mr. Midget stated he had read the letter from the City Manager and ' in the last paragraph the City Manager 'had stated the financial status of the city is excellent and all obligations are paid and have :we have a surplus. The City Manager failed to list what kind of surplus the city has. Mr. Midget stated he went thru the budget and on page three there was an ordinance and in Section 1 of the ordinance was the amount of the property assessed valuation on which the city is collecting the $1.02. Mr. Midget asked if this was the fair market value and what is the per centage. Mr. Midget stated he knew what the percentage was, but a number of people in North Richland Hills think they are paying 100 percent of their fair market value. Mr. Midget stã~ed these were thin9s that needed to be given to the taxpayers. ~ r. Midget stated that on page five there was revenue from investments and interest 'of ,$60,000, what kind of investments, where the money comes from and what percent of the investment is the city receiving. September 11, 1978 Page 10 Mr. Midget stated that in most Departments there is a dues and membership fee, with the City Council having the largest. Mr. Midget stated he had calculated the total amount of dues and memberships and it came to $65,005; training and travel allowance, the City Council having $12,000. Mr. Midget stated h~ had calculated the travel and training and it came to $25,575.00 for all departments. Mr. Midget stated these are items that he questioned, maybe they are necessary, maybe some could be cut out. Mr. Midget stated that on page 19, Municipal Building and Captital Outlay, what did this consist of. Mr. Midget stated that on page 23 there was also another Capital Outlay in the amount of $30,000.00 for Municipal Building. Mr. Midget stated these were also things he would like to have information on. Mr. Midget stated that on page 28,(and I think this is completely misleading), listed is a-budgèt for the Ambulance-Department of $25,506.74, of which the Capital Outlay, motor vehicles, amounts to $19~363.74. Mr. Midget stated he thought the taxpayers of North Richland Hills were èntitled to know what the amublance service is actually costing, even though it is built into the Fire Department. Mr. Midget stated he felt the Fire Department and Ambulance budget should be broken down. Mr. Midget stated on the last page of the budget he was appalled to learn that these figures only included $240,000.00 for water meters next year. Mr. Midget stated he had lived in North Richland Hills for seven years, the City has had a water problem ever since he had been here and still has a water problem. Mr. Midget stated he looked back and saw that the travel and traing allowance of all Department Heads amounts to 10% of what has been bùdgeted for water mains and that is appalling. Mr. Midget stated he felt the Council owed the citizens of North Richland Hills some kind of exclamation for the questions that have been asked. Mrs. Margaret Daggett appeared before the Council. Mrs. Daggett stated she appreciated the good and hard work that had been done on the budget. Mrs. Daggett stated she had a special request. Mrs. Daggett stated she was aware of the fact that two petitions had been presented to the City for traffic lights at Davis and Lola because of the school children~ Mrs. Daggett stated that on page 32 of the proposed budget signal lights had been budgeted for in two places on the Grapevine Highway. Mrs. Daggett stated a childs life was worth something, everyday people go around the cars that are stopped on Davis waiting for the children to cross. Mrs. Daggett stated she was concerned for the children. Mayor Faram called for others wishing to speak on the budget. There being none~ Mayor Faram called for Mr. Midget to return to the podium for answers to his questions on the budget. . - · September 11, 1978 Page 11 Mr. Midget stated the first question was the carryover of surplus at the end of this year. Councilman Cato asked Mr. Midget if he wanted the uncommited surplus or the surplus that currently exist before the funds are paid out for Davis, Glenview and the Grapevine Highway. Mr. Midget stated the City Manager says you will end the 1978-79 year with all obligations paid and have a surplus at the end of this fiscal year.. Mr. Pinner, Finance Director~ stated a firm figure could not be given on the s~rplus because the Audit has not been completed. Mrs, Pinner stated that at the beginn~ng of;this"budget year the City will have about have about $500,000.00 in surplus in this budget year. Mrs. Pinner stated the City's expenditures have been less than revenues so there will be more surplus to add to the $500,000. Councilman Cato asked if this amount was uncommitted surplus or did it include surplus already committed to Glenview, Grapevine Highway and Davis. Mr. Pinner stated it was uncommitted surplus not taking any of the projects into consideration. Mayor Faram asked if this amount of surplus had been obligated. Mrs. Pinner stated the surplus had been obligated in this budget. Mayor Faram asked Mrs. Pinner how much of the surplus had been obligated. Mrs. Pinner stated most of the surplus had been obligated, but not yet been spent. Mayor Faram advised most of the surplus had been obligated. It has not been spent yet, it will not be spent by the 1st of October. It had to go in the budget as surplus, but the City has to assume the obligations after October 1, 1978, that we are already committed to. Mr. Midget stated that on page 3, he could not interpret the figures in this budget because he did not know the amount of money that was going to be taken in this year. Mr. Midget a~ked how much money would be taken in on the $1:02 per $100.00~aluation on the tax toll. Councilman Cato asked Mr. Midget what figures he was referring to. September 11, 1978 Page 12 Mr. Midget stated he was referring to the General Fund of $2,563,180.92 and the General Obligation Sinking Fund. Mrs. Pinner stated the $2,563,180.92 did not include all the projected income for the year 1978-79. Mr. Midget asked where the money was coming from and how much was the property tax producing. Mrs. Pinner stated the property tax should produce $1,786,479.99 in taxes, of that amount $0.62 of the $1.02 will go to the General Fund, $0.20 will go to the Interest and Sinking Fund and $0.20 will go to General CIP Fund. Mrs. Pinner stated the City bases the budget on 97% collection because history tells us this is a good figure. Mrs. Pinner advised that based on 97% at $0.62 the City should take in $1,053,594.45 in taxes for General Fund purposes. Mr. Midget stated he still did not know the assesed valuation. Mrs. Pinner stated the valuation was $175,148,963. Councilman Cato stated that $0.40 of the $1.02 is committed by a previous Bond Issue. Mr. Midget stated he understood the breakdown. Mr. Midget stated he questioned the amount of money for dues and membership fees, which adds up to $6,505. Mr. Midget stated he was sure many of the dues and memberships were required by ordinance, laws or otherwise. Mr. Midget stated this amount seem to be excessive in relationship to the budget. Mr. Midget stated he was asking the Council to look at these areas before approving the budget and maybe come could be cut back and the funds put over in the services the taxpayers and property owners of North Richland Hills were entitled to. Mayor Faram stated there were certain memberships, dues, training and travel that were desirable. Mayor Faram stated that in the City Managers office there was a catalog full of Government Grants, there are times when it becomes necessary to send someone to find out how to obtain money for grants. Mayor Faram advised that a couple of weeks ago he had to go to Austin and try to get a drainage channel changed so the City could save some money on how the sewer line was going to_be put in. Mayor Faram stated he felt it was important that the personnel of the City were trained. Mayor Faram stated there was quite a bit of training in Police, Fire and emergency medical technical status. September 11, 1978 Page 13 Mr. Midget stated the amounts put in these areas of the budget is excessive compared to what is put into the Water Department. Mayor Faram asked Mr. Midget if he was referring to the current water shortage and the periodic shortages the City has had over the years. Mr. Midget stated he had lost more than $400.00 worth of shrubbery because he had been unable to water. 'Mr. Mi dget stated he felt the Council was obligatédto do something about the water situation so it does not happen again next year. Mr. Midget stated he felt nothing had been done up to now and what is being done is not adequate. Mayor Faram stated he would like to inform-Mr. Midget what has been done on the water situation. Mayor Faram stated the City purchased the water system in 1971, the water system at that time was in bad shape. The City had 2 inch cast iron pipe. It was easier for the City to buy the existing system than it was to parallel the system. The City knew they were buying some problems but, thought it necessary because there were four other Cities that were members of a Corporation and North Richland Hills contributed 70% of the revenues of that Corporation. We had these other Cities voting on water and sewer rates and North Richland Hills did not feel we were getting our share of the funds to update the system. The City had no choice, but we felt we were going to grow, we had no control if we could not get water. We could not develop a City. The City knew there would be problems for several years. The City had to assume Watauga's portion of the system because Watauga was financially unable to assume their part. The City gave Watauga a 35 year contract to treat their citizens the same as North Richland Hills citizens as far as water improvements were concerned and rates that were necessary to obtain the City's part of the system. The City had a Master Plan drawn-up on what could be done with the water. When that plan was drawn-up in 1971 that was suppose to have additional water flowing by the summer of 1977. Mayor Faram stated that during the tenure of the last Council and former Mayor, it was put off. The Bonds were not sold, consequently a contract was not issued as it should have been on the projection. Mayor Faram stated that sometime prior to his taking office a contract \Vas entered into for the completion of a 16 inch line coming into Watagua from a Fort Worth water supply about December 23, 1978. The City had 10,052 customers in June, 1978. Mayor Faram stated he asked the City Engineer for a letter telling the City what could be serviced with the additional', 16 inch line, plus the addition of a 2 million gallon storage tank. The City Engineer advised the City upto 12,500 customers could be served. Mayor Faram advised that the Council had also tried to keep the building permits in line so the City could meet the growth pattern. Mayor Faram stated that on August 1, 1978, the Council had September 11, 1978 Page 14 a meeting with the contractor of the water line and the City Engineer in an attempt to move the completion date up in which the City obligated $22,700.00 to move the completion date up to September 22, 1978. Mayor Faram stated that with additional bonus money for the contractor if the line coul~ be completed before the September 22, 1978 date. Mayor Faram stated the water system stands alone, it supports itself. Mayor Faram advised what the Council had done, right or wrong, was the best judgement we could we could make in allocation those monies available for the sale of water. Mayor Faram stated that in addition to the Bond program the City is working with TRA to bring another water supply. Mayor Faram stated that on August 10, 1978, the City had a meeting with TRA. On the afternoon of August 10, 1978, TRA signed a contract with Tarrant County Water Control for the sale of raw water. TRA is in the process of doubling the capacity of their treatment plant in South Euless. Mayor Faram stated that the City, thru the Mayor's Council, $450,000.00 was granted to North Richland Hills and the other five Cities to accquire right-of-way to put in mains to feed the City from the TRA water supply from the East. Mayor Faram stated the City Engineer has advised the City by 1982 the City will need more than a 16 inch main coming from Watauga for water to the City. Mayor Faram stated the City had been virtually assured that water will be available in 1980, with TRA. Mayor Faram advised he hoped the City never ran into this water problem again. The City has plans and if the plans are implemented by the present Councilor their successors, -the City should nòt have the water problem again. Councilman Cato stated he would like to add that in addition to the $240,000.00 for water mains that show in the Utility budget does not reflect the*$3,00,000.00 Bond issue that was released *$300,000.00 this past April to cover the lines currently coming from Watauga and the necessary improvements to receive the water from TRA when it reaches the City. Mr. Midget stated his wh6le point was to see whether or not adequate planning had been done so the City does not have the same water problem again. . Mayor Faram advised Mr. Midget the City appreciated his interest in the budget. Mr. Midget stated he had spoke against the City going into the ambulance service. Mr. Midget stated he was aware of the fact the City needed the best possible emergency service. Mr. Midget stated he did not feel this budget was giving a true picture of how much the service cost. Mr. Midget stated the Fire Department budget had more than doubled because of the ambulance service. September 11, 1978 Page 15 Mr. Gertz advised Mr. Midget that the Council, as well as he, hope that in November, 1978, when the County goes out for a referendum election for the County, that the County will take over the ambulance service. Mr. Gertz stated the ambulance budget was not set apart to give a false reading. Mr. Gertz stated the personnel that man the ambulance are firefighters. It is set up by itself so if and when the referendum passes the 90-3 budget will be cut and the money will go back ino the General Fund. Mr. Gertz stated the personnel would be hired whether there was ambulance service or not. Mr. Gertz stated the large increase in the personnel in the 1978-79 budget is because the City is going to have to build another Fire Station. Mr. Gertz advised it took six months to train a man to pass the test required by the State and six months to get acquainted with the fire hydrants, fire equipment and the streets. Mr. Midget asked what would happen if the C~unty did not go into the ambulance service. Mr. Gertz stated the City would provide the service. Mr. Midget stated he had a fire at his business and was not there. Mr. Midget stated someone from the Library turned the fire in. Mr. Midget stated he would like to commend the Fire Department on their fast response to the fire. Mr. Midget stated they did a good job and the City did have a good Fire Department. Mayor Faram stated the question of the signal lights on Davis needed to be answered. Mr. Britton stated the signal lights at Davis and Lola were to be funded by the State. Mr. Britton stated three lights were slated to be placed on Davis. One at Lola and Davis, one at Maplewood and Davis and one at Emerald Hills Way. Mayor Faram asked Mr. Britton if he had a time table on when the lights would be put in. Mr. Britton stated about March, 1979. Mayor Faram advised there was a Crossing Guard assisted by a Police Officer presently on Davis to assist the children crossing. Mr. Tim Moore appeared before the Council. Mr. Moore stated that under Capital Outlay in the Public' Works Department there was $30,000.00 listed for Municipal Building. Mr. Moore inquired as to what this was for. Mrs. Pinner stated $9,500.00 is to provide for repair to the City Garage, $30,000.00 is for an dog and auto pound. Mayor Faram called for anyone else wishing to speak on the budget to please come forward. No one appeared to speak. Mayor Faram closed the Public Hearing on the Budget. Councilman Cato moved, seconded by Councilman Wood, to set the next hearing on the budget for September 25, 1978. Motion carried 6-0. Mayor Faram asked Mrs. Pinner to present the proposed use of Revenue Sharing Funds. Mrs. Pinner stated there was $205,934.00 in the proposed budget. Mrs. Pinner stated these funds would be used for the purchase of a Fire Pumper Truck and a Central Fire Station. Mayor Faram opened the Public Hearing on Revenue Sharing Funds and called for anyone present wishing to speak on this item to please come forward. No one appeared. Mayor Faram closed the Public Hearing. Councilman Michener moved, seconded by Councilman Cato to set the next hearing on Revenue Sharing Funds for September 25, 1978. Motion carried 6-0. .:>ept:emoer 11, 1':J/ö Page 16 REVENUE SHARING Mayor Faram called a fifteen minute recess. RECESS Mayor Faram called the meeting back to order. The following were present: All Council members as recorder at the beginning of the meeting. City Manager Stan Gertz, City Secretary Jeanette Moore, Director Finance Ruth Pinner, City Engineer Dick Perkins, and Director of Public Works Ray Britton. 17. Councilman Mills moved, seconded~by Councilman Wood, to postpone items 17 and 18, indefinitely. Motion carried 6-0. 18. CALL BACK TO ORDER CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZATION TO COMMENCE PREPARA- TION OF PLANS ANC SPECIFICATIONS FOR 1978 DISTRIS- TION SYSTEM EXTENSIONS POSTPONED CONSIDERATION OF POSSIBLE REVISIO~ TO THE WATER SYSTEM MASTER PLANS POSTPONED 19. Councilwoman Reeder moved, seconded by Councilman Cavanaugh, to approve payment to P& S Construction in the amount of $1,383.70, for Irish Meandows, Section II, funds to be taken from General Fund Surplus. Motion carried 6-0. 20. Councilman Michener moved, seconded by Councilman Mills, to approve payment to Tank Builders, Inc., Estimate No. One in the amount of $17,341.02. Motion carried 6-0. 21. Councilman Cavanaugh moved, seconded by Councilman Wood, to approve payment to Circle "C" Construction Company in the amount of $40,304.42 for miscellaneous Utility Adjustments (Grapevine Highway). Motion carried 6-0. 22. Councilman Wood moved, seconded by Councilman Michener, to approve payment to Red River Construction Company in the amount of $137,363.18 for the Fort Worth Watauga Supply Line & Distribution System Extensions. Motion carried 6-0. 23. Councilman Wood moved, seconded by Councilman Michener, to approve payment to Red River Construction Company in the amount of $17,414.17 for the Wataufa Drive Booster Pump Station and Metering Control Station. Motion carried 6-0. September 11, 1978 Page 17 CONSIDERATION OF PAYMENT TO P & S CONSTRUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,383.70. THIS AMOUNT DUE UPON COMPLETION OF IRISH MEADOWS ADDITION SECTION II-APPROVED AUTHORIZATION TO PAY ESTIMATE NO. ONE (1) TO TANK BUILDERS, INC IN THE AMOUNT OF $17,341.02 FOR 2.0 MG GROUND STORAGE RESERVIOR - APPROVED AUTHORIZATION TO PAY ESTIMATE NO. ONE (1) TO CIRCLE "C" CONST- RUCTION CO., IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,304.42 FOR MICELLANEOUS UTILITY ADJUSTMENTS (GRAPEVINE HIGHWAY) APPROVED AUTHORIZATION TO PAY ESTIMATE NO. THREE (3) TO RED RIVER CONSTRUCTION CO., IN THE AMOUNT OF $137,363.18 FOR FORT WORTH-WATAGUA SUPPLY LINE & DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM EXTENSIONS APPROVED AUTHORIZATION TO PAY ESTIMATE NO. TWO (2) TO RED RIVER CONS- TION CO., IN THE AMOUNT OF $l7,414.17 FOR THE WATAUGA DRIVE BOOSTER PUMP STATION & METERING CONTROL STATION - APPROVE 24. Mayor Faram adjourned the meeting of September 11~ 1978. September 11, 1978 Page 18 ADJOURNr~ENT ~ick Far-am - Mayor ATTEST: Jeanette Moore - City Secretary