HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2023-08-14 Minutes MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS
HELD IN THE CITY HALL 4301 CITY POINT DRIVE
AUGUST 14, 2023
WORK SESSION
The City Council of the City of North Richland Hills, Texas met in work session on the
14th day of August at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Workroom prior to the 7:00 p.m. regular
Council meeting.
Present: Oscar Trevino Mayor
Tito Rodriguez Place 1
Rita Wright Oujesky Place 2
Suzy Compton Place 3
Mason Orr Place 4 (present at 5:36 p.m.)
Blake Vaughn Associate Mayor Pro Tern, Place 5
Scott Turnage Deputy Mayor Pro Tern, Place 6
Kelvin Deupree Mayor Pro Tern, Place 7
Staff Members: Paulette Hartman Deputy City Manager
Karen Manila Assistant City Manager
Caroline Waggoner Assistant City Manager
Alicia Richardson City Secretary/Chief Governance Officer
Maleshia B. McGinnis City Attorney
Staff Absent: Mark Hindman City Manager
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Trevino called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
1. DISCUSS ITEMS FROM REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
Associate Mayor Pro Tern Vaughn inquired about the budget work session minutes.
City Secretary/Chief Governance Officer Alicia Richardson informed City Council the
minutes will be on the September 11, 2023 agenda.
2. DISCUSS REQUEST TO CONSIDER SCHEDULING TOWN HALL MEETINGS
AS A FORM OF CITIZEN INPUT.
Mayor Trevino informed City Council that Associate Mayor Pro Tern Vaughn asked for
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this item to be placed on work session.
Associate Mayor Pro Tern Vaughn said that during his campaign he visited with citizens
who shared their views about the city. Citizens in the southern portion of the city felt
excluded with the emphasis of development in the northern part of the city. He shared
that citizens felt it was futile to bring their concerns/requests to the City Council. He
believes that citizens may be more inclined to approach elected officials if provided a
less formal method (town hall meetings). The town hall meetings could be held at various
areas of the city and attended by the mayor and one council member to provide updates
about the city.
City Council discussed utilizing the city's social media platforms, website and printed
material to share information with the entire community and receive comments from the
public; the ability for the public to express concerns to their elected officials through
phone, email, and in-person meetings if they prefer a less formal method than City
Council meetings; the importance of providing factual and accurate information to
citizens when responding to concerns; the best way to educate the public about a
program, concern, or legislation is to communicate the information to the entire
community versus town hall meetings; and how the city engages citizen interaction with
the citizen survey.
Associate Mayor Pro Tem Vaughn commented that he organized his own town hall
meeting because there was no interest to conduct such meetings. The meetings could
provide a forum to discuss specific subject matters. He disagrees with the city's process
of staff responding to citizen concerns and [blind] copying the City Council. He also
disagrees with the advice provided by legal counsel regarding the Open Meetings Act
with respect to the citizen responses.
Mayor Trevino stated that the agenda was not posted to discuss the Open Meetings Act.
He asked City Attorney Maleshia McGinnis to follow up on the comment regarding the
city's policy and the Open Meetings Act. Mayor Trevino confirmed that the majority of
City Council did not want to move forward with town hall meetings.
3. PRESENTATION TO PROVIDE A DESIGN PROGRESS UPDATE FOR THE
NRH2O GREEN EXTREME REPLACEMENT ATTRACTION.
City Council received a design progress update for the Green Extreme replacement from
NRH2O General Park Manager Frank Perez.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
1. SECTION 551.087: DELIBERATION REGARDING ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT NEGOTIATIONS - 7656 BOULEVARD 26
August 14, 2023
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Mayor Trevino announced that City Council would conduct Executive Session following
the announcements during the regular City Council meeting.
Mayor Trevino adjourned work session at 6:00 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
A. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Trevino called the meeting to order August 14, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Oscar Trevino Mayor
Tito Rodriguez Place 1
Rita Wright Oujesky Place 2
Suzy Compton Place 3
Mason Orr Place 4
Blake Vaughn Associate Mayor Pro Tern, Place 5
Scott Turnage Deputy Mayor Pro Tern, Place 6
Kelvin Deupree Mayor Pro Tern, Place 7
Staff Members: Paulette Hartman Deputy City Manager
Alicia Richardson City Secretary/Chief Governance Officer
Maleshia B. McGinnis City Attorney
Staff Absent: Mark Hindman City Manager
A.1 INVOCATION
Council member Turnage gave the invocation.
A.2 PLEDGE
Council member Turnage led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and Texas
flags.
A.3 SPECIAL PRESENTATION(S) AND RECOGNITION(S)
There were no items for this category.
A.4 CITIZENS PRESENTATION
Mr. Matt Reed, 5145 Gentling Place, North Richland Hills, commented about his concern
with crime in the city, decreasing affordability of homes, and quality of life.
Ms. Melanie Rose Eischeid, 6021 Parker Boulevard, Apartment 2302, North Richland
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Hills, spoke in support of backyard chickens.
Ms. Pamela Smith, 7621 North Forty Road, spoke in support and the health benefits of
backyard chickens compared to commercial chickens.
A.5 PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no requests to speak from the public.
A.6 REMOVAL OF ITEM(S) FROM CONSENT AGENDA
No items were removed from the consent agenda.
B. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
APPROVED
Associate Mayor Pro Tern Vaughn inquired about the process of preparing the minutes
and when they should be approved.
City Secretary/Chief Governance Officer Alicia Richardson stated that minutes of the
regular City Council meetings are prepared and placed on the next regular scheduled
City Council agenda for consideration and approval. The work session minutes of the
budget are prepared from notes taken at the meeting. The budget work session minutes
are delayed due to competing priorities of the office.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER RODRIGUEZ, SECONDED BY
COUNCIL MEMBER WRIGHT OUJESKY TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA.
MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0.
B.1 APPROVE MINUTES OF THE JULY 24, 2023 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING.
B.2 APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH ITERIS INC., FOR CUMULATIVE
PURCHASES FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL EQUIPMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$245,775 USING BUYBOARD CONTRACT #695-23 AND DIRECT
PURCHASES FROM ITERIS INC., FOR SOLE SOURCE PRODUCTS.
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B.3 APPROVE ADDITIONAL PURCHASES FOR AUDIO VISUAL HARDWARE AND
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
FROM DESIGNS THAT COMPUTE DBA VISIONALITY FOR $73,601.68
UTILIZING THE INTERLOCAL PURCHASING SYSTEM (TIPS) COOPERATIVE
CONTRACT NO. 200904 FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$326,380.18.
B.4 AUTHORIZE AN INCREASE IN THE AGREEMENT WITH RED RIVER
TECHNOLOGY, LLC, FOR THE PURCHASE OF NETWORK EQUIPMENT
FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IT2301 IN THE AMOUNT OF
$156,518 UTILIZING DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION RESOURCES
COOPERATIVE CONTRACT DIR-TSO-4167 FOR A CUMULATIVE AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED $795,016 FOR THE CURRENT BUDGET YEAR.
B.5 AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL FROM W.
DOUGLASS DISTRIBUTING, LTD., DBA JACK RAY OIL CO., USING
TARRANT COUNTY ANNUAL CONTRACT NO. 2023-070 IN AN AMOUNT NOT
TO EXCEED $850,000.00 ANNUALLY.
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS
C.1 ZC23-0067, ORDINANCE NO. 3800, PUBLIC HEARING AND
CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM JOEL MALDONADO FOR A
ZONING CHANGE FROM AG (AGRICULTURAL) TO R-2 (SINGLE FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL) AT 8424 FRANKLIN COURT, BEING 0.23 ACRES DESCRIBED
AS LOT 17, THOMAS PECK SUBDIVISION.
APPROVED
Mayor Trevino opened the public hearing and called on Director of Planning Clayton
Comstock to introduce the item.
Mr. Comstock informed City Council the applicant is requesting a zoning change of R-2,
single-family residential, for 0.23 acres located at 8424 Franklin Court. The area is
designated on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan as low density residential and the
current zoning is agricultural. Mr. Comstock provided site photos of the property.
Applicant representative Joel Maldonado, 3616 Greenway Drive, Bedford, TX informed
City Council he is requesting a zoning change to allow the construction of a primary
residence for his family.
Mr. Comstock presented staffs report. The Planning and Zoning Commission, at their
August 3, 2023 meeting, recommended approval with a vote of 6-0.
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Mayor Trevino asked the City Secretary to call on those who completed a public meeting
appearance form to speak during the public hearing. There being no forms submitted,
Mayor Trevino asked if there was anyone in the audience wishing to speak for or against
the item to come forward. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Trevino closed
the public hearing.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM DEUPREE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER ORR TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 3800.
MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0.
C.2 ZC23-0070, ORDINANCE NO. 3801, PUBLIC HEARING AND
CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM TINA TRAN FOR A ZONING
CHANGE FROM C-1 (COMMERCIAL) TO R-2 (SINGLE FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL) AT 5033 WYOMING TRAIL, BEING 0.64 ACRES DESCRIBED
AS LOTS 1A AND 2, BLOCK N, RICHLAND OAKS SUBDIVISION
APPROVED
Mayor Trevino opened the public hearing and called on Director of Planning Clayton
Comstock to introduce the item.
Mr. Comstock informed City Council the applicant is requesting a zoning change for 0.64
acres located at 5033 VVyoming Trail. The area is designated on the Comprehensive
Land Use Plan as low density residential and the current zoning is C-1, commercial. Mr.
Comstock provided site photos of the property.
Applicant representative Tina Tran presented the request for the zoning change. If
approved, the applicant will construct three single-family homes with a minimum of 2,000
square feet and maximum of 2,500 square feet.
Mr. Comstock presented staffs report. The Planning and Zoning Commission, at their
July 20, 2023 meeting, recommended approval with a vote of 7-0.
Mayor Trevino asked the City Secretary to call on those who completed a public meeting
appearance form to speak during the public hearing. There being no forms submitted,
Mayor Trevino asked if there was anyone in the audience wishing to speak for or against
the item to come forward. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Trevino closed
the public hearing.
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A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WRIGHT OUJESKY, SECONDED BY
COUNCIL MEMBER COMPTON TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 3801.
MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0.
C.3 ZC23-0072, ORDINANCE NO. 3802, PUBLIC HEARING AND
CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM RICK FIGUEROA FOR A SPECIAL
DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR A TRANSITIONAL PARKING LOT AT 6412 DAVIS
BOULEVARD, BEING 6.93 ACRES DESCRIBED AS TRACTS 2A2, 2A2F, 2C1,
2C1D, AND 2C1D1, JOHN H. BARLOUGH SURVEY, ABSTRACT 130.
APPROVED
Mayor Trevino opened the public hearing and called on Director of Planning Clayton
Comstock to introduce the item.
Mr. Comstock informed City Council the applicant is requesting a special development
plan for a transitional parking lot for 6.93 acres located at 6412 Davis Boulevard. The
area is designated on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and is currently zoned transit
oriented development. Mr. Comstock provided site photos of the property. In March 2023,
the City Council considered and denied a similar request for a transitional parking lot due
to the absence of a concept plan for the remainder of the property.
Applicant representative Rick Figueroa, 8800 Kirk Lane, advised that he worked with staff
and agreed on a solution for a concept plan. In March, City Council expressed their
concern with the request not providing a comprehensive plan for the remaining property.
The proposed concept plan illustrates the placement of buildings, TOD design standards
(street and landscaping) along the main street, parking, and easements. He commented
that the concept plan is about 90% of what they propose for the parcel. The first phase of
the special development plan includes 91 parking spaces. He is seeking City Council's
approval to provide a temporary parking lot located at the northwestern corner of the
property while he constructs the permanent parking lot. The temporary parking will be
constructed of crushed concrete base and pedestrian barriers. The proposed parking
spaces will be sufficient for the special development plan and the property located
immediately to the north.
Mayor Trevino asked Mr. Figueroa how long he anticipates that he will need the
temporary parking lot (30, 60, or 90 days). The City Council needs to include a deadline
for completion of the parking lot.
Mr. Figueroa commented that he would should be able to get the permanent parking lot
completed in 90 days.
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City Council and applicant discussed pedestrian access, vehicular and pedestrian
connection to the property located to the north, drainage channel easement for the
required connection to the north, number of parking spaces, the location of the
temporary parking lot eventually the becoming a building (Phase II), and timing to
construct the bridge connection.
Associate Mayor Pro Tern Vaughn left the meeting at 7:43 p.m.
Mr. Comstock provided an overview of the special development plan from 2014 to
present.
Associate Mayor Pro Tern Vaughn returned to the meeting at 7:44 p.m.
Mr. Comstock informed City Council that Jeff Kutak with Smurfit Kappa is present to
address the easement for the earthen channel. The applicant's concept plan provides
three blocks; connection to the property to the east with intention to build single-family
homes; parking for existing businesses on property to the north and for future businesses
on subject lot; complies with transit oriented development code; new parking area to
provide 94 parking spaces; the proposed temporary parking will be constructed of rock
base; existing drive aisle; and gas pipeline valve station. The Development Review
Committee provided the following recommendations.
1. No temporary unpaved parking on the property except for equipment and activities
related to parking lot construction.
2. The parking lot must support a minimum total of 149 parking spaces between both
properties.
3. A vehicular and pedestrian connection must be made to the property to the north. All
connections must be located within an access to cross the drainage channel. The
easements must be executed and recorded in Tarrant County public records prior to the
issuance of paving permits. All plans to span the drainage channel must be approved by
the City Engineer.
4. The paving improvements must be completed within nine (9) months of the effective
date of City Council's approval of the Special Development Plan.
5. Within six (6) months of final inspection of the paving improvements, parking lot
lighting, landscaping, and irrigation must be provided.
6. The entry drive aisle and parking lot must integrate features of a TOD General Street.
These include minimum six-foot wide sidewalks, parking lot setbacks, and street trees.
The drive aisle improvements must connect to Davis Boulevard. A minimum five-foot wide
sidewalk must be provided along Davis Boulevard between the drive aisle and the north
property line.
The Planning and Zoning Commission, at their August 3, 2023 meeting, recommended
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approval to include the Development Review Committee comments, excluding number 1
with a vote of 4-1-1.
City Council, applicant, and staff discussed the utility poles located adjacent to Davis
Boulevard, the number of months for the applicant to complete the permanent parking lot,
number of temporary parking spots, and number of parking spots currently provided for
the property located to the north.
Mayor Trevino asked the City Secretary to call on those who completed a public meeting
appearance form to speak during the public hearing. The following people spoke in
support: Ms. Michelle Keyworth, 9040 Creede Trail, Fort Worth, TX, and Ms. Debbie
Turnage, 7105 Douglas Lane.
Associate Mayor Pro Tern Vaughn inquired about the necessity of the city to require the
additional costs (landscaping and lighting) when the applicant only seeks a temporary
parking lot.
Council members Orr, Wright Oujeksy, Rodriguez and Compton thanked Mr. Figueroa
for the improved development plan.
Mayor Trevino commented that Mr. Figueroa came forward with a concept plan for the
parcel as requested by City Council. The special development plan not only addresses
the parking; it ensures that the property is not piece-mealed. Mayor Trevino asked Mr.
Figueroa if he had concerns with the TOD requirements. Mr. Figueroa did not have any
concerns.
There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Trevino closed the public hearing.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM DEUPREE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER RODRIGUEZ TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 3802, SUBJECT TO THE
TEMPORARY PARKING BEING NO GREATER THAN 180 DAYS FROM TODAY'S
DATE.
MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0.
C.4 CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 3803,
APPROVING THE ANNUAL SERVICE PLAN UPDATE TO THE SERVICE AND
ASSESSMENT PLAN, INCLUDING THE ASSESSMENT ROLLS, FOR THE
CITY POINT PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT.
APPROVED
Mayor Trevino opened the public hearing and called on Director of Economic
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Development Craig Hulse to present the item.
Mr. Hulse informed City Council the item before them this evening is to approve the 2023
Annual Service Plan Update to the Service and Assessment Plan to include the
Assessment Rolls for the City Point Public Improvement District. In 2019, City Council
approved the creation of the City Point Public Improvement District (PID), associated
Service and Assessment Plan, and levied assessments against properties within
Improvement Zones A & B. The City Point development is in year three of a six-year
project. The master planned development includes a 200+ million mixed-use project, 376
single-family homes, 352 multi-family units, and 60,000 square feet of commercial on
City Point Drive. The City Point Public Improvement District includes a 60-acre special
district that fronts the cost of public infrastructure (9.2 million) and levies an annual
assessment on property owners to cover the cost. The PID has a 30-year lifespan that
ends in 2050 and requires an annual adoption of the service and assessment plan.
Mr. Kirk McDaniel with P3 Works stated that they serve as the city's PID administrator.
Pursuant to Chapter 372 of the Texas Local Government Code, the Service and
Assessment Plan is required to be updated annually and approved by the governing
body.
Mayor Trevino asked the City Secretary to call on those who completed a public meeting
appearance form to speak during the public hearing. There being no forms submitted,
Mayor Trevino asked if there was anyone in the audience wishing to speak on the item to
come forward. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Trevino closed the public
hearing.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY ASSOCIATE MAYOR PRO TEM VAUGHN, SECONDED BY
MAYOR PRO TEM DEUPREE TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 3803, APPROVING THE
ANNUAL SERVICE PLAN UPDATE TO THE SERVICE AND ASSESSMENT PLAN,
INCLUDING THE ASSESSMENT ROLLS, FOR THE CITY POINT PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT.
MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0.
C.5 CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDER ORDINANCE NO. 3804,
ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2022/2023 REVISED OPERATING BUDGET
AND AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2022/2023 CAPITAL PROJECTS
BUDGET
APPROVED
Mayor Trevino opened the public hearing and called on Director of Budget and Research
Trudy Lewis to present the item.
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Ms. Lewis provided an overview of the Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Revised Operating Budget.
The notable changes are due to the annual encumbrance roll which allows purchases
authorized in Fiscal Year 2022 to occur in Fiscal Year 2023; increases in sales tax to the
General Fund, Park Fund, and Crime Control District Fund; significant increases in
interest earnings across all funds; and additions to base by fund for the current year as
previously discussed with City Council at their August 4 budget retreat are also included.
Ms. Lewis also provided an overview of the Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Revised Capital
Budget. The Capital Budget has a total of 18 existing street projects with revisions totaling
$1,000,570 and nine (9) existing drainage projects with revisions totaling a net savings of
$32,933. In total, the Capital Improvements Project Budget has increased by $7,852,942
during the fiscal year.
Mayor Trevino asked the City Secretary to call on those who completed a public meeting
appearance form to speak during the public hearing. There being no forms submitted,
Mayor Trevino asked if there was anyone in the audience wishing to speak on the item to
come forward. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Trevino closed the public
hearing.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY DEPUTY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNAGE, SECONDED BY
COUNCIL MEMBER WRIGHT OUJESKY TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 3804,
ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2022/2023 REVISED OPERATING BUDGET AND
AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2022/2023 CAPITAL PROJECTS BUDGET.
MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0.
D. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
There were no items for this category.
E. PUBLIC WORKS
There were no items for this category.
F. GENERAL ITEMS
F.1 ACTION SETTING THE PROPOSED TAX RATE AND SETTING SEPTEMBER
7, 2023 AS THE DATE FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE PROPOSED
TAX RATE AND PLACE ADOPTION OF THE TAX RATE AS AN ACTION ITEM
ON THE SEPTEMBER 11, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
APPROVED
Director of Budget and Research Trudy Lewis informed City Council the item before
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Page 11 of 14
them this evening is to present the proposed property tax rate for 2023, to set the public
hearing date for input regarding the tax rate, and to set the date for a vote on the
adoption of the property tax rate. State law prescribes for the calculation, presentation,
proposal, and adoption of the property tax rate. The order and timing of the steps
includes (1) receipt of the Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD) Certified Roll; (2) Preliminary
Tax Rate calculated and presented with proposed budget; (3) Certified Roll presented to
City Council; (4) calculation and certification of the Truth-In-Taxation worksheet (No New
Revenue Rate and Voter Approval Rate); and (5) the proposed property tax rate for the
next fiscal year is compared to the Voter Approval Rate and the No New Revenue Rate.
The three rates are required to be presented as part of the city's public notice regarding
the tax rate and public hearing.
Ms. Lewis commented that the Certified Roll was included in the Executive Summary
provided to City Council on July 28 and presented at the Budget Work Session on
August 4, 2023. Ms. Lewis stated that the Truth-In-Taxation worksheet is included as an
attachment for this item in the agenda packet. Based on the certified value of properties
in the city, the Voter Approval Rate is 49.8348 cents. The No New Revenue Tax Rate for
Tax Year 2023 is 48.9389 cents per $100 of assessed value. The Proposed Property Tax
Rate presented to the City Council and included in the current proposed budget for
Fiscal Year 2023/2024 is 49.8155 cents per $100 of assessed value. This is a reduction
of 4.9817 cents or -9% from the current adopted rate. Ms. Lewis shared that if approved,
this rate would be the lowest rate the city has adopted in 35 years. The City has adopted
a rate that has decreased as the property values in North Richland Hills have increased.
Ms. Lewis stated that state law requires the City Council set a date for the tax rate public
hearing. The notice will be posted on the city's website, published in the Fort Worth Star
Telegram, located on Tarrant Tax Info.com, posted on the city's social media platforms,
included in the city's printed and electronic newsletters, and posted on Citicable. Staff
recommends City Council set September 7 at 7:00 p.m. for the tax rate public hearing.
The public may speak at the public hearing or submit their written comments through the
city's website, direct emails to the city, or on the city's social media platforms. Staff also
recommends City Council set September 11 as the date for a vote on the adoption of the
property tax rate. Ms. Lewis provided a comparison of the 2022 adopted tax rate and the
proposed 2023 tax rate. Once the proposed rate is set, the adopted tax rate cannot
exceed the proposed rate, but it could be adopted at a lower rate.
In response to Associate Mayor Pro Tern Vaughn's questions, Ms. Lewis informed City
Council that state law (Tax Code) requires specific language in the notice of public
hearing to include a template, and requires homestead taxable values to be used in the
template. The city does not have the option to change information that is provided in the
notice. Ms. Lewis shared that as the value of property has increased, the city has
decreased the property tax rate and increased homestead exemptions.
August 14, 2023
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Council and staff discussed previous property tax years; debt reduction; increase in
population (14%) and the demand on services; the addition of 27 positions over the past
10 years; number of full-time employees in the General Fund (excludes NRH2O, Crime
Control Prevention District or Park and Recreation Facilities Development Fund);
information provided at the budget work session; justification for the proposed property
tax rate, zero-based budget; citizen surveys and how it relates to departmental requests;
rental properties (non-homestead properties); and the development of the city manager's
proposed budget.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER WRIGHT OUJESKY, SECONDED BY
COUNCIL MEMBER RODRIGUEZ TO APPROVE TO SET THE PROPOSED TAX RATE OF
49.8155 CENTS PER $100 OF VALUATION, SET SEPTEMBER 7, 2023 AS THE DATE
FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE PROPOSED TAX RATE AND PLACE ADOPTION
OF THE TAX RATE AS AN ACTION ITEM ON THE SEPTEMBER 11, 2023 CITY COUNCIL
MEETING AGENDA.
MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6-1, WITH ASSOCIATE MAYOR PRO TEM VAUGHN
VOTING AGAINST.
G. EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS - CITY COUNCIL MAY TAKE ACTION ON ANY
ITEM DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION LISTED ON WORK SESSION
AGENDA
H. INFORMATION AND REPORTS
H.1 ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council member Orr made the following announcements.
Registration is open for the Citizens Police Academy. The academy will take place on
Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon, starting August 31, 2023 and continuing through
November 16,2023. There is no cost to participate. You can get more information and
sign up online at www.nrhtx.com/CPA.
Throughout the month of August, the NRH Animal Adoption & Rescue Center is waiving
pet adoption fees in support of the national "Clear the Shelters" campaign. A wide variety
of dogs and cats are available for adoption. Stop by the shelter or visit their website for
more information.
Kudos Korner - Emergency Management Coordinator Raelyn Darnell, Fire Chief Stan
Tinney, Police Chief Mike Young and Staff - The City received a letter from the Birdville
Superintendent and Board President thanking the city staff who planned and participated
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in a recent mass casualty training exercise at Richland High School. "The drill was
executed with utmost professionalism, and we commend you for your foresight in
planning for a situation we all hope will never occur in our community," the letter said.
"We extend our heartfelt appreciation to your respective teams for their dedication and
commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our schools."
Mayor Trevino announced at 9:04 p.m. that City Council would convene into Executive
Session as authorized by Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, specifically Section
551.087: Deliberation regarding Economic Development negotiations - 7656 Boulevard
26.
Mayor Trevino recessed the meeting at 9:04 p.m.
Mayor Trevino reconvened the meeting at 9:23 p.m.
Mayor Trevino announced there was no action necessary as the result of Executive
Session.
I. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Trevino adjourned the meeting at 9:23 p.m.
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City Secretary/Chief Governance Officer
August 14, 2023
City Council Meeting Minutes
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