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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 1978-09-25 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, SEPTEMBER 25, 1978 - 7:30 P.M. 1. Mayor Faram called the meeting to order September 25, 1978, at CALL TO ORDER 7:30 p.m. 2. Present Dick Faram Mayor ROLL CALL Denver Mill s Jim Wood Councilmen James F. Cato Dave Freeman Lena Mae Reeder Councilwoman Stan Gertz Acting City Manager Jeanette Moore City Secretary Ruth Pinner Director Finance Ray Britton Director Public Works Allen Bronstad Director Utilities Dick Perkins City Engineer Jo Ann Wi 11 i ams Board of Adjustment Member " ABSENT: John Michener Councilman Sid Cavanaugh Councilman Rex McEntire City Attorney 3. The invocation was given by Mayor Faram. INVOCATION Mayor Faram advised the Council he would like to depart from the agenda and ask Mr. Bronstad for a report. Mr. ~ronstad appeared before the Council and advised the Council he had a favorable report to make on the 12, 16, and 24 inch water lines. Mr. Bronstad stated the testing on the lines were made today. Tuesday he would be taking water samples on the 16 and 12 inch main. The City of Fort Worth would began to chlorinate the 24 inch line Tuesday. Mr. Bronstad stated he thought it would take a day and a half to two days to chlorinate the line, another 24 hours for the water to be chlorinated in the line and then the line would be flushed. Mr. Bronstad stated he hoped to have a good sample by Friday. Mayor Faram asked Mr. Br"!nstad if he meant that sometime next week the Council may be able to rescind the Ordinance that"had been in effect since June on water rationing. Mr. Bronstad replied that was correct. September 25, 1978 Page 2 4. Councilman Mills moved, seconded by Councilman Wood to approve the minutes of the September 11, 1978, meeting. Councilman Wood stated that on page 3, the vote should be 5-0. Councilwoman Reeder stated that on page 14, the amount of the Bond Issuse should be $3,000,000. Mayor Faram asked that North be added on page 13. APPROVAL OF MINUTES APPROVED AS CORRECTED Motion to approve as corrected carried 4-0; Councilman Freeman abstaining due to absence from the September 11, 1978, meeting. 4a. Mayor Faram stated the Public Hearing on the 1978-79 budget had . ITEM ADDED been left off the agenda and called for a motion to add this item PUBLIC HEARING ON to the agenda. THE 1978-79 BUDGET Councilman Mills moved, seconded by Councilman Wood, to add 4a, Public Hearing on the 1978-79 budget to the agenda. Motiön carried 5-0. Mayor Faram declared the Public Hearing on the 1978-78 budget open and called for anyone wishing to speak to please come forward. Mr. Jim Midget, 7401 College Circle appeared before the Council. Mr. Midget stated he had appeared at the last Public Hearing on the budget and some questionable information at that time. Mr. Midget stated he was appearing as President of the Northeast Tarrant County Taypayers Association. Mr. Midget stated the citizens and the taxpayers of North Richland Hills had observed a continuous turnover of city employees. Mr. Midget stated this not only disturbed him but was very costly both in time, möney and quality of service. Mr. Midget stated this practice robbed the citizens of qualified and experienced personnel. Mr. Midget stated he had personally conducted a limited survey of surrounding cities to determine how competiti:ve North Richland Hills was in starting salary. Mr. Midget stated a lot of time was spent training employees and then they go to other cities for more money. Mr. Midget stated two examples were a rookie policeman in North Richland Hills starting salary was·$793.00 a month and after six months $833. Richland Hills starting salary is $847.00 a month and after six months $1,007.00 a month. North Richland Hills Public Works Maintenance worker starting salary is $520.00 a month compared to Richland Hills $740.00 a month. Mr. Midget stated he felt this was to much of a difference. Mr. Midget stated the taxpayers feel this is far out of line to attract good personnel and qualified people: That places an unfair burden on the taxpayers to continously train employees and have them leave for better paying jobs. Employees who are happy in their jobs and feel they are treated equally and fairly do a much better job. Mr. Midget stated the taxpayers of North Richland Hills respectfully request the City Council to take $140,000.00 from surplus of $300,770.00 and anofher $10,000.00 of the budgeted $17,000.00 for Council expentures, appoint a committee to make a complete salary survey with surrounding cities and use this $150,000.00 and give: all employees below the level of department heads, an increase in salary that is more competitive with surrounding cities September 25, 1978 Page 3 CITY ATTORNEY REX McENTIRE NOW PRESENT. Mayor Faram asked Mr. Miget if he was familiar with the part of the Charter that grants employees a cost of living raise. Mr. Midget replied he was not familiar with the Charter provision. Mr. Midget stated he was only using the beginning rates of Hurst and Richland Hills, their beginning rate is much greater that North Richland Hills. Mr. Midget stated he felt that with the surplus the city had this past year and the projected surplus this next that the city could afford to give the employees more money so they wi 11 do a better job and will stay with the ci ty and not be looking some place else after six months or a years training. Mayor Faram advised Mr. Midget he concurred with hli'm, but the Council was tied to a Charter provision of giving a cost of living raise is to that of the National Cost of Living Index, and an employee who has been with the city three years would automatically become 22% higher than the figure. Mayor Faram stated this past year the Council put a 7.4% cost of living into that figure. Mr. Midget asked how this compared with the inflation rate in the last three years. Mayor Faram stated the 7.4% was suppose to be exact with the inflation rate. Mayor Faram asked Mr. Midget if the citi~s he had compared North Richland Hills with were tied to a cost of living increase for their employees. Mr. Midget stated his basic interest was why North Richland Hills was having such a big turnover. Mr. Midget stated he was a business man in North Richland Hills and he sees a continuous turnover in some areas because these are people on the street and he hardly sees the same' person two or three times. Mr. Midget stated that in comparing the beginning rates of North Richland Hills with the cities he had surveyed, North Richland Hills was out of line. Mr. Midget stated there might be a provision in the Charter that has to be changed, whatever it takes to change it needs to be done. Mayor Faram stated that in the Police Department the Council had setup three different scales. The scales so the city could get trained officers. Mayor Faram stated the Council was trying to bring the salaries in line so the city is not in the training pattern all the time. Mayor Faram stated Mrs. Pinner ~ould give the precise figures on what a trained officer cost the city. Mrs. Pinner stated the starting salary for a rookie policeman was $900.00 a month, after Six months $945. For certified officers the starting salary was $925.00 and after six months $975. September 25, 1978 Page 4 Mr. Midget stated Hurst starts their rookie policemen at $903.00 a month and after six months a subtantial increase. Mr. Midget stated he did not ask what the salary was after six months. Mr. Midget stated a rookie policeman could 'start at $93.00 more at month at Hurst than at North Richland Hills and after 6 months get more and at North Richland Hills only $45.00 more a month. Councilman Cato asked Mr. Midget if he was acquainted with the North Richland Hills Civil Service Commission. Mr,,!Midget stated he knew the city had a Civil Service Conmission. Councilman Cato advised the Commission was a three mane civilian' . committee. Councilman Cato advised Mr. Midget that the Civil Service Commission makes a survey each year on salaries. Councilman Cato stated that in this budget the Commission recommended a salary for police officer of $900.00 a month and in six months $945.00, not including the automatic cost of living raise and longevity that comes in October for the people already employed in the city. Councilman Cato stated in several areas the Civil Service Commission recommendations were approved by the Council. Councilman Cato advised Mr. Midget he was not looking at the salaries that were in the proposed budget. Mr. Midget stated he realized he did not have the correct figures. He had called Ci ty Hall and was advi sed he coul d not get the projected figure. The Council had not acted on. the salaries yet. Mr. Midgét stated when 'he cailed thé other cities he' did not'ask what the projected salaries would be, he was talking about the salaries in this current year. Councilman Cato stated in the proposed budget for the Police Deptartment shows the recommendations of the Civil Service Commission to be ª.starting salary for untrained, uncertified police officers to be $900.00 for his temporary ,time while he is on duty for six months ,when' he becomes a permanent member of the Police Department the salary is automaticly raised to $945. Councilman Cato stated that built into the hiring salary is:theability of of the Department Head to offer more money to a man who is already trained when he comes to the city. Councilman Cato stated these were strickly the minimum salaries to offer a new person hired off the street untrained. Mr. Midget stated that would be fine if the salary was in line with the surrounding cities. Councilman Cato stated that to his knowledge the salaries were in line. Councilman Cato stated that where North Richland Hills differed from neighbor1ng cities was that the Charter provision required an automatic cost of living increase to the people already employed by the city of an amount equal to that reported by the Federal Government in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Councilman Cato stated the past year the cost of living was 7.4%. The 7.4% is automatically passed on to the present employees, bLtt does not r'eftlect ,in the new hire salary. September 25, 1978 Page 5 Mr. Midget asked if the proposed budget included raises for all departments. Councilman Cato stated all city personnel would automatically get the cost living raise, plus 1% longevity and the starting sálaries in most of the Civil Service classifications have been upgraded. Mr. Midget asked about the personnel that were not in the Civil Service classification. Councilman Cato stated the only perople that were not in the Civil Service classification were Department Heads and the City Staff. Mr. Midget stated the salaries in Public Works was very low. Mr. Britton advised Mr. Midget that the lowest salaried worker in Public Works is a maintenance 1, or the custodian. Nr. Britton stated the current salary for custodian is $570.00 a month. That salary has been upgraded to start at $675.00 and after six months $710.00 a month. Mr. Midget stated he was given the figure of $520.00 a month. Mr. Britton stated the figure given Mr. Midget was what the sa lary was two years ago. Councilman Freeman stated he would like to give Mr. Midget some background on what the Council did on this proposed budget. Councilman Freeman stated the Council realized in mid-year of last year, there were some problems on salaries in particular areas. Councilman Freeman stated the Council spent two days working on current salaries trying to highlight the areas having turnover problems and where the Council could fuse some' money into those areas to solve the problem. Councilman Freeman stated the budget session on salaries was suppose to be two hours, but it lasted two days. Councilman Freeman stated he thought the problem had been solved. Mr. Midget stated he had spent 17 years as a Personnel Director and interested~in these particular areas of the budget. Councilman Cato asked Mrs. Pinner if she could tell what percent of the General Fund in the budget went for salaries, exculding the Utility Department. Mrs. Pinner stated she .did not have the Utility Department broken out. About 32% of the ~udget was salaries. Mr. Midget stated he felt 32% was very low for salaries. .. September 25, 1978 Page 6 Mayor Faram stated he had a request from Mr. Maise to speak on the budget. Mr. Maise stated Mr. Midget had covered his questions. Mayor Faram declared the Public Hearing on the proposed 1978-79 budget closed. 5. Councilman Cato moved, seconded by Councilman Freeman to approve Ordinance No. 713, adopting and approving the 1978-79 budget. Motion carried 5-0 6. Councilman Mills moved, seconded by Councilman Wood, to approve Ordinance No. 714, Ordinance providing for the levy and collection of Ad Valorem Tax on the first day of January, :,1978. Mayor Faram read the following caption of Ordinance No. 714. AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF AN AD VALQREM TAX ON PROPERTY SITUATED WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, ON THE 1ST DAY OF JANUARY, 1978, EXCEPT SUCH PROPERTY AS MAY BE EXEMPT FROM TAXATION BY THE CONSTITUTION AND THE STATUTES OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, ESTABLISHING A DELINQUENT DATE; AND SETTING THE RATE OF PENALTY AND INTEREST AND PRESCRIBING ATTORNEY~S FEES TO BE COLLECTED ON DELINQUENT TAXES; DECLARING A FIRST, PRIOR AND SUPERIOR LIEN ON ALL REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY AS OF JANUARY 1ST, 1978, TO SECURE PAYMENT; ORDINING OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT AND DECLARING AN EFFECT DATE. Mayor Faram stated that with the consent of the Council he would depart from the rules and let Mr. Midget speak on this item. Mr. Jim Midget, 7401 College Circle South, appeared before the Council an'd pres2nted the following Resolution to the Council. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE ADOPTING AND APPROVING THE 1978-79 BUDGET ORDINANCE NO. 713 APPROVED CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF AD VALOREM TAX ON THE 1ST DAY OF JANUARYs 1978- ORDINANCE 714, APPROVED WHEREAS: The Tax Payers Association Members of North Richland Hills, being members of the North East Tarrant County Chapter, affiliated with the Tax Payers Association of Tarrant County, held a meeting on September .21, 1978 and did discuss the proposed tax rate of the City of North Richland Hills for the year beginning October 1, 1978 and WHEREAS: Re-evalution of property and new construction will add on an estimated $2,700,000 at Fair Market Value to the tax rolls, and WHEREAS: New retail stores will produce dn estimated additional revenue of $150,000 from city sales tax, and September 25, 1978 Page 7 WHEREAS: . The Municipal Telephone Tax will produce an additional $90,000 from North Richland Hills residents, which increases the tax rate by 5.2¢ per hundred' to the tax payers of North Richland Hills, and WHEREAS: The $1.02 per hundred on assessed valuation produced a surplus of an estimated $500,000 this year~ based on figures furnished by the City Staff at the September 11th meeting, and WHEREAS: The surplus for the 78-79 year will most likely exceed $47,000. Therefore be it resolved that the members of the City Council of North Richland Hills reduce the tax rate for the year 78-79 to not more than $0.92 per hundred caluation based on 55% ratio of assessment. Based on figures quoted by the City Staff at the September 11, 1978, meeting, on property assessed valuation, results in 1¢ producing $17,423.00 in revenue for the city surplus of at least $300,770.00 for emergencies. Approved for presentation to the City Council of North Richland Hills this 21st day of September, 1978. ATTEST: James E. Midget President-Tax Payers Assiciation North East Tarrant County .Mrs. Pinner advised Mr. Midget the $500~000.00 quoted was lasted years surplus before budgeted expentures,.which amount to $300,075.00, the surplus was not accumulated in one year, it was accumulated a number of years. Councilman Cato stated the $500,000.00 is nöt an uncommitted surplus. It is funds that primarily is to be used for the repair of Glenview Drive, Highway 121 and Davis Boulevard. Councilman Cato stated the funds are already committeed, but must be re-committed each time the budget is passed. ,~ Mr. Midget stated he duscussed at the last meeting, the City Managers' letter on the proposed budget, the last paragraph stated, lithe city financial status of the city is excellent. We will end the 1977-78 year with all obligations paid and have a surplus to help pay for several capital improvement projects. II Mr. Midget stated he asked the question of what the surplus was and all figures were discussed anywhere from $300,000.00 to as much ßS $700,000.00 as a surplus this year. ~1r. Midget stated no one at the last· meeting 'could project whether this was committed surplus or uncommittedt that is the reason I used the figure of $500,000. as a probable surplus from last years budget. September 25, 1978 Page 8 Councilman Cato advised Mr. Midget he could understand his misunderstanding at the last meeting. Councilman Cato stated he felt that Mr. Midget was operating under misapprehension at the last meeting. Councilman Cato stated the $500,000.00 is a known figure, it is a figure the city has counted on over the past four or five years and has already been committed to contracts with the State of Texas to rebuild the three streets in question, so it does not represent an uncommitted amount of surplus. Mr. Midget stated the proposed budget does not reflect the surplus under the budget where the streets are. Mr. Midget stated the actual figure carried forward as a surplus in this budget, on page 32, General Fund Surplus is $373,000.. Mr. Midget stated no one fo~nd the figure at the last meeting and on one explained it to him. Councilman Cato stated Mrs. Pinner had mentioned the fact that the surplus for this year, the one we are currently under, would not be' known until the audit is completed, which will be December 1, 1978. Councilman Cato stated the Council would know what the surplus would be for this year if there was indeed any for 1977-78. Mr. Midget stated the City was an entity that is operating as a non-profit organization and he felt the taypayer5 were entitled to some consideration for tax deduction, rather than to continue carrying' the same amount'of'tax mon~y and having surplus carried over from year to year and using the figure of $500,000. Mr. Midget stated he did know for what period of time.,Ttiii.was never made clear. Mr. Midget stated he would assume that each year you would close the budget out and do away with the surplus either by incorporating it into the next surplus budget or you find ways to spend it. Mr. Midget stated he had used the $500,000.00 figure to arrive at an anticipated surplus this year, at a $1.02 per 100.00, or reducing the tax to $0.92 would produce $300:060.00 for surplus. Mr. Midget stated the city also had sales tax from Sanger Harris and other stores that would be opening before the end:of the next fiscaT year. Mr. Midget stated with the franchise tax the Telephone Company is charging, now passed on to the tax payer, when you add this to the property tax rolls it actually figures out to a 5.2% increase for the taxpayers on the actual tax roll. City Attorney McEntire advised Mr. Midget the Telephone Franchise tax had been on the tel~phone bill for years, ever since there had been a city. This is simply the tax they were1able, at the September 25, 1978 Page 9 last Legislate session, to get the Public Utilities Commission to allow them to break down the taxion the telephone bill. Mr. McEntire stated it was a franchise tax that has been collected for years. It is already computed into the budget. Mr. Midget stated last year the Telephone Company paid North Richland Hills $79,144.00 and projecting the increase in the number of phones coming into the city in this next year, he calculated the figure to amount to about $90,000. Mr. McEntire advised Mr. Midget the 5.5% on the phone bills had been there for years. It had never been put on there as tax. Mr. Midget stated it always came out of the corporate profits of the Telephone Company until now and now it is passed on to the taxpayer. Mr. McEntire stated the tax had always been charged on the telephone bill. Mr. Midget stated the tax stillcame oœf their profits the Public Utilities Commission gave them permission to charge the tax thru like the Electric Company and Gas Company does on their fuel adjustment charges. Mr. Midget stated the figures he had used were based on the figures given at the last meeting. These figures are the ones used in the Resolution. Councilman Cato stated that on the $0.10 tax decrease, the current rate is made up of $0.62 for General Fund, $0.40 committed by voter approval for bonds. So $0.40 carries on regardless. Councilman Cato stated when you talk about reducing taxes, you are talking in the terms of $0.62. Councilman Cato stated the $0.62 is the only thing the Council has control over. Mr. Midget advised the Council should pick some figure that is fair and equal and representive of what the taxpayers should have. Mayor Faram advised Mr. Midget that a lot of hard work had gone into putting the budget together. Mayor Faram stated the Council had spent from 8:00 a. m., on Saturday morning until midnight that night and a session at 8:00 a.m., Sunday morning until 6:00 p.m. that night. Mayor Faram stated the projections were already made in the budget. Mayor faram advised Mr.: Midget that to reduce the tax rate would be unsound business. The Council wants to get along on the lowest tax dollar it can. Mayor Faram stated Mr. Midget wanted higher paid employees. The Council does too, and the Council has worked hard at both ends trying to balance the budget working with the amount of money available. Mayor Faram stated September 25, 1978 Page 10 he did not know how the Council could make a reduction based on the $150~000.00, and in fact on page 11 of the minutes of the last meeting it plainly states that Mrs. Pinner stated most of the surplus was committed but had not been spent. Mayor Faram advised Mr. Midget the surplus was discussed at the last meeting. Mr. Midget stated that was correct, except the fact no one was for certain the surplus was committed or uncommitted and he went on the assumpation it was uncommitted. Mayor Faram advised Mr. Midget it was plainly stated in the last meeting that Mr. Pinner that the surplus was committed. Mr. Midget stated had he had enough information before the last meeting, he would no have had to come at the last minute asking these questions. Mr. Midget stated because he came especially prepared to the last meeting to present the resolution: he had presented tonight since he' could not _ . get satisfactory answers and satisfactory figures on what the city had and did not have. Mr. Midget stated when he was asking what the taxable assessed valuation of the property rolls were and how much income this was to produce after a period of time the city came up with some figures. Mr. Midget stated he wanted to check these figures out because he did not like to jump into something that is completely foreign to him. Mr. Midget stated ,he wanted to have the facts before he presente~ them. Mr. Midget stated the Council was the final judge and he would accept whatever they did. Mr. Midget stated he just wanted the Council to know how the Association felt about the budget. Mayor Faram stated the Council was trying to work the best they could with the tax assessment. Mayor Faram stated he would like to compliment the Taxpayers Association. Mayor Faram stated he wished the Taxpayers Association would work on some of the Federal Government things that come before the city and_ tell us what we can do and can not do~ You have to play the game their way or they wont send any of our tax dollars back. Mayor Faram stated every dollar hére is accounted for We have departments that compete to give money away and yet the city has to play by their rules at the national level. Mr. Midget stated he had formed the Organization in July, 1978. Mr. Midget stated he knew that in the first two to three years there would be very li~tle accomplished. Mr. Midget stated this was a non-partisan- organization. Mr. Midget stated he could assure the Council that the organization would be very vocal when it comes time to electing representatives who are going to represent the people. Mr. Midget stated he was not just talking about the local level but the State and Federal level also. Mr. Midget stated the organization was going to have people in Congress who will represent the people. Mr. Midget stated the organization was growing by the thousands every month. Mr. Midget stated when he first started the September 25~ 1978 Page 11 Association he had a group of ten people. Mr. Midget stated there was now more than 500 members in this Chapter. Mr. Midget stated everyone is taxed to death and not getting their money's worth in all levels. Mr. Midget stated he was going to continue this operation until such time a reasonable tax base from the national level as well as the local level is established. Mayor Faram advised Mr. Midget he shared his concern. Mayor Faram stated there were at least two people on the Council now that were on the Council when the tax rate was reduced $0.13. Mayor Faram stated that when the Council felt a good sound fiscal government could be run the tax rate was reduced. Mayor Faram stated there were some tremdous problems facing the city. Mayor Faram stated he hoped one of these problems, water, would be solved this week. Mayor Faram stated the city also had throughfare problems. Mr. Midget stated the city was about five years late on the throughfare problems. Mayor Faram advised Mr. Midget had stated the city was five years behind on the throughfare and had asked the Council to cut the budget down to where we could not work with it. Mayor Faram stated the City has to have someting to work with and we are trying to work out something so the city does not have these problems five years to late. Mr. Midget stated that if the money had been put in this budget, the Association would not have asked for a tax reduction. Mr. Midget stated he had projected the $400,760.00 in the surplus for next year based on the $500,000.00 in surplus last year. Mr. Midget stated he knew the city had problems and know ßnd knows 10U can not any tñin9 without money._ Mr. Midget stated he wanted_ the money spent wisely and wants fair value for what ever is paid. . Councilman Cato advised Mr. Midget that it would be fool hearty to make a hard judgement decision ~ithout getting in on planning stages. Councilman Cato stated he realized that Mr. Midget's Organization did not get started in time to get in on the planning stages of the budget. Councilman Cato advised Mr. Midget he would recommend that he appoint one member of the organization to sit in on the planning sessÌ'on of the budget next year. Mr. Midget replied he would be happy to do that. The more information the organization has the better they can work with the city. September 25, 1978 Page 12 Councilman Cato stated the Council has no objection to an individual but the planning session could not be opened to the entire public because of the prohibited nature of the figures being talked about. Councilman Cato advised that the Council would need to know that the organization was intending to send someone. Mr. Midget stated there were some CPA'S in the organization that are very anxious to get in these areas and see if there are any irregularties. Councilman Cato stated there was one thing Mr. Midget needed to be aware of and that was the Courts are currently in the process of considering forcing all the taxing entities to add all personal property to the tax list. Councilman Cato stated at this time it was in conflict with the Texas Constitution, which has some conflicting verbage in itself. Councilman Cato stated the cities would have to do what the Courts tell them to. Mr. Midget stated his organization was aware this was happening and is in the process of getting support to repeal that portion of the Constitution, of Texas. Councilman Cato stated another thing confronting the city, and the city has not found an outlet for, is the re-evaluation of property to market calue each year. Councilman Cato stated the problem that is presented to us is that the 1,000 square foot home of ten years aga was purchased for approximately one-third of what the 1,000 square foot home of today is purchased for. If you do not re-evaluate the market value on an annual basis, or at least some regular basis then the newcomers pay an un-proportionate share of the taxes. If you do, then those that own homes object to the re-eval uaUon each year or each three years. Counci lman Cato stated the problems the city undergoes in having to re-evaluatë: on a three or four year cycle is we do not have the personnel to do it each year. Councilman Cato stated that presumably the market value at the end òf four years would be the same whether it were re-assessed each year or only once every four years. It is much more stàggering when you qnly get it once every four years. Even though the total monies paid in is less because you are opera~ing with a four year old evaluation up~ntil 'the time of the re-evaluation Councilman Cato stated this was hard to explain to citizens who have their homes taxed by two entities, the city and the school district, who are on three to four years re-evaluati.on cycles. Councilman Cato stated the city had no control over this if the city is to have a tax roll that is not discriminatory in the eyes of the Court. Mr. Midget stated he hOoped the Association could help the city with this problem in January, 1979, because this is another area the Association is working on with the Texas Legislature. Mayor Faram asked Mr. Midget if based on the $0.62 for General Fund, did he feel the city could be operated on $0.32, which is what it would amount to. Mr. Midget stated he did not feel the city could operate on $0.32. Mayor Faram asked Mr. Midget if he was saying he really did not go along with the resolution he had presented. Mr. Midget stated he was getting the $0.92 based on $1.02 total. Mr. Midget stated his original proposal was to ask for a cut in taxes equal to that the Telephone Company has passed on to the people. Motion to approve Ordinance No. 714, carried 5-0. 7. Mayor Faram read the following resolution. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE City Council of the City of North Richland Hills, Texas, that pursuant to Ordinace No. 676, there shall be exempt from City Ad Valorem Taxes for the year 1978-79 the sum of Seven Thousand ($7,000.00) Dollars from the assessed value of any exclusively ,residence homestead within the City occupied by an owner sixty-five (65) years of age or older, as of January 1, of such year, provided the terms and conditions set forth in said Ordinance are fully complied with. Councilman Freeman moved, seconded by Councilman Cato, to approve Resolution No. 78-14. Councilman Cato stated the city currently had a $5,000.00 exemption and the Council was raising it to $7,000.00 and it i~ reflected in the 1978-79 budget. Motion to approve carried 5-0. . 8. Councilman Cato moved, seconded by Councilman Mills, to approve Ordinance No. 715. Councilman Cate asked if the chart would show a breakdown of each Department and would the chart be attached to the Ordinance as Exhibit A. Acting City Manager Gertz stated it would be a part of the Ordinance. September 25, 1978 Page 13 Councilman Mills state~ that at the budget worksession the Council had approved the hiring of 12 new people in the Fire Department which would make a total of 36 people and the chart only showed 30 people. Councilman Mills stated this did not agree with what he understood at the budget worksession. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION PURSANT TO ORDINANCE 676, EXEMPTING $7,000.00 ASSESSED VALUE ON HOMESTEAD PROPERTY OWNED BY PEOPLE OVER 65 YEARS OF AGE APPROVED-RESOLTUION NUMBER 78-14 CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE APPROVING THE PERSONNEL CLASSI FICATION CHART-APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 715 September 25, 1978 Page 14 Mrs. Pinner advised the Council 12 new people were approved, but not to be hired until ~pril, 1979, and would not show on the chart until such time they were hired. . Councilman Mills asked if the same arrangement was made for the people under the Parks and Recreation Department. Mrs. Pinner stated the same arrangement was made on the Parks and Recreation Department. Councilman Mills stated the Parks and Recreation were shown on the chart. Councilman Cato stated he would recommend the chart show the composition of the Department as approved by the Council and the mechanics of hiring be carried out as approved by the Council. Mayor Faram stated the Acting City Manager had informed him the new people to be hired by the Fire Department were left off the chart by mistake. Mr. Britton stated that on the original Public Works Department chart the posi ti on of Recreati oñ(! Di rector is shown as not being under Civil Service. Mr. Britton stated it was his understanding this position was to be a classified position for the coming year. Councilman Cato stated the position was shown as a full time employee on the chart. Mr. Britton stated it was a proposed full time position, although he had been instructed to fund it only part time. Councilman Cato stated part-time employees do not fall under Civil Service. Councilman Mills stated it was his understanding there was to be a full time Parks and Recreation Director and would be brought on at mid year. Councilman Cato stated there was already a Recreation Director employed part time. Councilman Mills stated this position was supposed to be for a full time Park Superintenden4 not a Director. Mr. Britton stated he w~s talking about a Recreation Leader, not a Superintendent. Mr. Britton stated it was his understanding that the position was authorized as full time, should it become necessary, sometime during the year, which would make it:a Civil Service position. September 25, 1978 Page 15 Councilman Mills stated his worksheet and notes from the budget worksession show a Director to be hired March 1, 1979, as a full time person, but would only be there for a half year. Mr. Britton stated the position was approved in the budget worksession as a full time position and that is question he needed clarified so he can write a Civil Service job description for the position. Mayor Faram stated it was his understanding the position was approved for April 1, 1979. Mr. Britton stated he understood the Superintendent position, that was not his question. Mr. Britton stated his question was on the Recreation Director, the person who is presently employed part time, but was supposed to be employed on a full time basis in the coming budget year. Mr. Britton stated it was his understanding the authorization was granted, but the person would not be employed on a full time basis until such time as either a Department Head, a Director of Parks and Recreation, or a Superintendent was hired. Mayor Faram stated that was not his understanding. Councilman Mills stated his notes on the Recreation Leader showed it as a part time worker and not permanently hired. Mayor Faram stated the Council would take a fifteen minute recess. RECESS Mayor Faram called the meeting back to order. BACK TO ORDER All Councilpersons were present as recorded at the begininng of the meeting. All staff members were present as recorded at the beginning of the meeting except Allen Bronstãd, Utility' Director. Also"preseñt were: Karla Ragge, Fort Star Telegram and Mary Jo Shaunty, Planning and Zoning Commission. Mrs. Pinner advised the Council a Park and Recreation Director had been budgeted at $875.00 a month for six months, starting April 1, 1979, for a total of $5,250. A Recreation Leader at 20 hours a week at $4.29 and hour for a total of $4,510.80 a year. Councilman Wood stated it was his understanding when the Council was working on the Park and Recreation budget, the decision on what chain of command this person would be in would be set in the future, not on the chart effective October 1, 1978. Councilman Wood stated his understanding was the city was going to try and hire a professionally experienced Park Director and at that time the Council would decide where the person would be put in the chain of command. This chart shows the Director under Public Works. Councilman Wood stated he personally could not approve the Director under the Public Works Department. Mayor Faram asked Councilman Wood if he would like to make a substitute motion approving the Classification Chart subject to restructure of the Park Di.rector. Councilman Wood made a substitute motion, seconded by Councilman Mills, to approve the Classification Chart, Ordinance No. 715, subject to final disposition of the Park Division to be decided by the Council in April of the coming budget year. 9. Motion to approve carried 5-0. Councilman Freeman moved, seconded by Councilman Wood, to approve specifications as submitted and authorization to recèive bids for one truck cab and chassis and for one truck cab and chassis with platform body. Councilman Cato asked Mr. Britton if the specifications for the trucks were written so more tha one company could bid. Mr. Britton replied any company could meet the specifications. Motion carried 5-0. 10. Councilman Mills moved, seconded by Councilman Cato to approve specifications for six 1979 four-door sedans and authorization to receive bids. Councilman Cato stated he did not have all the information pertaining to the specifications and bids. After discussion, Councilman Cato moved, seconded by Councilman Freeman, to postpone this item until the October 9, 1978, meeting. Motion carried 5-0. 11. Mayor Faram opened the Public Hearing on PZ 78-3Q and called for anyone present wishing to speak on this case to please come forward. Mr. John McNary appeared before the Council to represent Mr. Crump. Mr. McNary advised the Council Mr. Crump was asking for the'~roperty to be rezoned IF-g. Mr. NcNary stated he was here to answer any questions the Council might have. Councilman Mills asked if Mr. McNary knew the status of the law suit pending on the property. Mr. McNary stated he assumed the suit was settled since the property was for sale subject to re-zoning. City Attorney McEntire stated the suit had not been settled. September 25, 1978 Page 16 APPROVAL OF SPECIF- ICATIONS AND BIDDING ON ONE (1) TRUCK CAB AND CHASSIS AND FOR ONE (I)TRUCK CAB AND CHASS IS WITH FLATFOR~I BODY - APPROVED APPROVAL OF SPECIFI- CATIONS AND BIDDING FOR SIX (6) FOURDOOR 1979 SEDANS TABLED PUBLIC HEARING ON PZ 78~30, REQUEST OF J. M. CRUMP, TO REZONE FROM NEIGHBOR- HOOD RETAIL-SPECIICE USE TO A PROPOSED IF:.;,9 ONE FA~IIL Y DEWELLING Councilman Mills d~ked if the city's liability would be in question if the property were re-zoned. City Attorney McEntire stated the barn had'been torn down and the property was no longer in violation. Mayor Faram asked if the zoning on lot 6 had been changed. Mrs. Williams stated the zoning had been changed to residential. Councilman Mills asked if lots 4 and 6 had the same IF-9 zoning. Mr. McNary stated lots 4 and 6 had the same zoning. Mayor Faram called for anyone present wishing to speak against this case to please come forward. There was no one to speak against this case. Mayor Faram closed the Public Hearing. 12. Councilman Mills moved, seconded by Councilman Wood,. to approve PZ 78-30, Ordinance No. 716. Motion carried 5-0. ~~__ 13. ~1ayor Faram opened the Public Hearing and called for anyone present wishing to speak for this case to please come forward. Mr. Mel Williams, Attorney, appeared before the Council to represent Riéhland Plaza Limited Partnership. Mr. Williams advised the Council Tandy Corporation was presently leasing 100,000 square feet in the Center. Starting October 1, 1978, they will take an additional 26,000 square feet which will be' the entire 126,000 square feet. Mr. lÞ!illiams,stated Tandy had a five year lease with a five year. option. Mr. Williams stated . Tandy wanted to use the building to assemble electronic components and~basically the same use as the previous tenants, Motorola. Mr. Williams stated Tandys current payroll is between Four and Five M111ion dollars a year. Mayor Faram called for anyone present wishing to speak aganist this case to please come forward. Mayor Faram called for ånyone present wishing to speak against this request to please come forward. No one spoke against this case. Mayor Faram clûsed the Public Hearing. September 25, 1978 Page 17 CONSIDERATION AND AND APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE NO. 716 APPROVED PUBLIC HEARING ON PZ 78-31, REQUEST OF STANLEY ROBIN, RICHLAND PLAZA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP TO REZONE TWO BUILDINGS LOCATED IN RICHLAND PLAZA SHOPPI~ CENTER FROM COMMERCIAL TO INDUSTRIAL September 25, 1978 Page 18 14. Councilman Mills asked if this zoning could be to one tenant. City Attorney McEntire stated the zoning could be limited on the standpoint of time. Councilman Cato stated the only uses to which the property could be put under industrial zoning that could not be put under commercial zoning are light manufacturing processes, asphalt paving batching plant, concrete batching plant and any manufacturing, industrial or storage process,any manúfacturing industriál or storage process not prohibited by law except those specifically mentioned in Articlê 6. Councilman Cato stated his concern was the storage not prohibited by law. Councilman Cato stated there were only about five items that was allowed in commercial zoning that could not be allowed in industrial zoning. Councilman Mills stated the Planning and Zoning minutes stated the zoning on the building had expired. The last tenant had Specific Use attached to the zoning. Councilman Mills asked the same type of zoning could not be given to Tandy. Mayor Faram stated with the Councils permission he would depart from the rules and let Mr. Williams speak. Mr. Williams appeared before the Council. Mr. Williams stated Tandy was åsking for the buildingonly"to be re~zoned, not the parking lot or any additional buildings. Mr. Williams stated the reason Tandy was asking for the zoning was because every time a tenant moved out the building has to be re-zoned. City.Attorney McEntire asked Mr. Williams if Tandy would object to a time limit being placed on the buildings. Mr. Williams stated he did not know. Mayor Faram asked Mr. Williams if he would object to postponing this request until something could be worked out with Tandy. Mayor Faram stated the Council was trying to keep undesirables out of the center. Councilman Cato moved, seconded by Councilman Wood, to postpone PZ 78-31 until the October 9, 1978, Council meeting. Motion carried 5-0. CONSIDERATION OF AND APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE PZ 78-31 POSTPONED September 25, 1978 Page 19 15. Mayor Faram advised the Council the City Attorney CONSIDERATION OF had a new recommendation on Texas Electric Service ORDINANCE CONCERNING Company rate request. RATE SCHEDULES TO BE CHARGED BY TEXAS City Attorney McEntire stated the Council had ordinance ELECTRIC SERVICE no. 717 before them and also had, since May 30, 1978, COMPANY- APPROVED the rate package of Texas Electric Service Company for ORDINANCE NO. 717 an application in connection with the rate increase. City Attorney McEntire stated he had previously thought he would go ahead and make a recommendation in connection with the Texas Electric report, which would be a 6.7 increase. At that time no one knew what would happen in the Routal rate request from the Fort Worth hearing in Austin. M~. McEntire stated there had been some newspaper talk that came out today about the hearing, which mayor may not be accurate, with respect to what the actual rate will be. There has been an examiners recommendation. They normally follow the hearings pretty closely. Mr. McEntire stated he had checked with Texas Electric in connection with what action would be taken concerning the proposed 6.7 increase and the answer was they will appeal. Mr. McEntire stated the proposed ordinance proposes that the rates, tariffs and charges of Texas Electric Service Company for electric power and energy sold within the City be set the same as they are now and the same as were in effect immediately prior to the filing of May 30, 1978. Such Schedule of Rates,as are approved in accordance herewith, are those under which said Company shall be authorized to render electric service and to collect charges from its customers for the sale ôf e1ectric power and energy within the coroprate 1imTts of the City until such ,time as said Rate Schedules may be changed, modified, amended or withdrawn, with the approval of the City Council. Mr. McEntire stated there was a chance that this section of the ordinance might be held to be in conflict if the case got to the Public Utility Commission, which would be on appeal. Mr. McEntire stated the other sections of the ordinance governs so that we may find ourselves in the position to be able to act on the matter possibly even next month when the actual rate increase proposed by the Public Utility Commission for the Fort Worth and Routal case is actually issued.. Mr. McEntire stated he recommended the Council pass ordinance 717, which grants no rate increase. Mayor Faram stated Mr. R. L. Fain, Texas Electric Representive, was present and asked if he would like to speak on the matter. Mr. R. L. Fai n'''advi sed the Counci 1 that whatever was approved by the Council would be appealed by Texas Electric. Councilman Mills moved, seconded by Councilman Cato, to approve ordinance 717, that grants no rate increase to Texas Electric. Motion carried 5-0. 16. Mayor Faram asked Dick Perkins to make t/1is presentation this item. Mr. Perkins stated he thought the Council älready had an idea in mind as to what they wanted to do on Rufe Snow. Mr. Perkins stated he was not prepared to make any kind of a recommendation. Mr. Perkins stated he was leary of the type of section that was talked about between the Rail Road and Loop 820. Mr. Perkins stated the proposal, so that 120 feet of right-of-way from Loop 820 narth to the Rail Road; from the Rail Road to Watauga Road, accquire 100 feet of right-of-way and from Watauga Road north to Bursey Road, 80 feet of right-of-way for the construction of a major throughfare. Mr. Perkins stated the portion from Loop 820 to the Rail Road was to be a boulevard type section with a grass or asphalt type median9 ~th~ee lanes on either side for a total of 6 lànes. The portion rfrori1;~the Rail Road to Watauga Road, being six lanes undivided, three lanes moving north and three lanes moving south, 73 feet wide from curb to curb. The portion from Watauga Road north to Bursey Road 61 feet curb to curb, with five 'lanes, two north, two south and one as a left turn lane. Mr. Perkins stated this basically differs from the original. of being 61 feet wide from curb to curb continously from Loop 820 north to Bursey Road. Councilman Freeman asked Mr. Perkins if the had checked to see if there was right-of-way at Rufe Snow and Hatauga Road. Mr. Perkins stated right-of-way would have to be accquired off the proposed Stop and Go or partically off the Telephone Compåny. Councilman Freeman stated he thought it was a little late to accquire right-of-way from Stop and Go. Mr. Pekins stated Stop and Go was already platted, the city would have to go back and get them to dedicate additional right-of-way. ·~Mr. Perkins stated they were dedicated to give 80 feet of right-of-way. Mr. Pekins stated the plan as he unders tood, was to accqui re all the ri ght-of-way ,'from Watauga. Mayor Faram stated he recommended following the plans the City Engineer had recommended. Counci 1 man Freeman moved, seconded by Councilwoman Reeder, to make a modification in the Master Throughfare Plan for Rufe Snow Drive, starting at Loop 820 going north, right-of-way to be 120 feet feet wide and a boulevard type street, proceeding September 25, 1978 Page 20 CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED MODIFICATION OF THE MASTER THOROUGHFARE PLAN (RUFE SNOW) APPROVE to the Rail Road at which point the right-of-way will narrow to 100 feet wide, the street will become a six lane undivided lane, proceeding to Watauga.Road at which point the street will become 80 feet of right-of-way, five lane undivided street with a left turn lane in the middle; proceeding north to Bursey Road and futher move that it be investigated· of possibly obtaining some of the right-of-way from Watauga. Motion carried 5-0. 17. Councilman Mills moved, seconded by Councilman Freeman, to approve Ordinance No. 718, vacating the right-of-way for Sunny Lane. Mòtion carried 5-0. 18. Councilman Mills moved, seconded by Councilwoman Reeder, to approve Ordinance No. 719, vacating the easement and right-of-way behind arid east of Northridge Village Apartments. Motion carried 5-0. 19. Councilman Mills moved, seconded by Councilwoman Reeder, to authorize payment to Layne-Western Company in the amount of $14,024.22. Motion carried 5-0. 20. Councilman Mills moved, seconded by Councilman Freeman, to approve signing a contract for Air Tempering Maintenance. Councilman Freeman asked if bids were taken on the contract. Mr. Britton replied ~o ~ids were taken. Councilman Freeman asked if the contract covered labor. Mr. Britton stated it covered all cost except overtime. Councilman Cato asked where the money would come from to pay for the contract. Mr. Britton stated $6,216.00 was budgeted under account 60-9-3603, for the contract. Councilman Cato asked Mr. Britton if this was the only company he had gotten a price from. Mr Britton stated he had contacted three companies and A-Briggs was the only one that offered full service. September 25, 1978 Page 21 CONSIDERATION OF OF ORDINANCE TO VACATE THE R.O.W FOR SUNNY LANE IN LYNNCREST ADDITION APPROVED-ORDINANCE 7IE CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE TO VACATE EASEMENT AND RIGHT- OF-WAY BEHIND AND EAST OF NORTHRIDGE VILLAGE APARTMENTS ORDINANCE 719, APPROVED AUTHORIZATION TO PAY LAYNE-WESTERN CO., INC., FOR REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT OF SUBMERSIBLE MOTORS APPROVED Councilman Mills asked if the contract covered the old City Hall. Mr. Britton replied the contract covered the old city hall. Councilman Freeman asked Mr. Britton if the Company was aware of the problems with the air conditioners. Mr. Britton replied they were aware of the problems at the present City Hall and the old City Hall. Mayor Faram asked if the contract covered window units. Mr. Britton stated the contract did not cover window units. Motion to approve the contract carried 4-1; Councilmen Mills, Freeman, Wood, and Councilwoman Reeder voting for; Councilman Cato voting against. 21. Councilman Wood moved, seconded by Councilman Mills, to approve Resolution No. 15, authorizing a contract to be signed for traffic signal maintenance. Councilman Cato asked Mr. Britton if bids had been taken on the item. Mr. Britton stated bids had not been taken iri four years. Councilman Cato asked if there was a reason for not taking bids and staying with the same company. Mr. Britton stated the compnay provided good service and maintains the system well. Motion to approve carried 5-0., 22. Councilwoman Reeder moved, seconded by Councilman Wood, to approve payment to Traffic Control Company in the amòun t of $3,216.00 as fu 11 paymen t. Motion carried·~-O. 23. Councilman Mills moved; seconded by Councilwoman Reeder, to authorize rénewal of the present Janitorial contract for the Municipal Complex. Councilman Cato asked if bids were taken on this cCJntract. Mr. Britton stated bids had been taken one time, the contract was on a renewal basis. September 25, 1978 Page 22 CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION TO AÚTHORIZE A CONTRACT FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAINTENANCE APPROVED-RESOLUTION NO. 78-15 AUTHORIZATION TO PAY TRAFFIC SIGNAL CONTROL COMPANY $3,216.00 AS FULL AND FINAL PAYMENT FOR CONTROLLER AT GRAPEVINE HIGHWAYj LOOP 820 INTERSECTIONS APPROVED CONS I DERA TI ON OF AUT·· HORIZATION TO RENEW OUR PRESENT JANITORIAl CONTRACT FOR THE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX FOR THE PERrCD OCTOBER 1, 1:978, THI\:JUGH SEPT- EMBER 30, 19ï9 APPROVED CITY ATTORNEY MCENTIRE LEFT THE MEETING. AT THIS TIME. Motion to approve carried 3-2; Councilmen Mills, Freeman, and Wood, voting for. Councilman Cato and Councilwoman Reeder voting against. 24. Councilwoman Reed moved, seconded by Councilman Freeman, to authorize adding one weekly janitorial service for the Recreation Center to existing contract. Councilman Freeman asked what the cost would be to add the Recreation Center to the Còntract. Mr. Britton stated it would cost $200.00 more to add the Recreation Center. Councilman Mills stated he felt $200.00 was too much compared to the amåunt of work involved. Mayor Faram stated some of the off duty firemen or Police Association might want to clean the Reêfeation Center. Mr. Britton stàted the problem with getting the firemen and policemen-was the city did not have the necessary equipment. Mayor Faram stated he would like to postpone this item until someone could check with the firemen and policemen. Councilman Mills moved, seconded by Councilwoman Reeder, to postpone this item until October 9, 1978. Motion carried 5-0. 25. Mayor Faram adjourned the meeting of September 25~ 1978. September 25, 1978 Page 23 CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZATION TO ADD ONCE WEEKLY JANITORIAL SERVICE FOR THE RECREATION CENTER TO OUR EXISTIN( CONTRACT POSTPONED ADJOURNt~ENT ATTEST: Dick Faram - Mayor Jeanette Moore - City Secretary