CM 1986-02-03 Minutes of February 3, 1986
The City Council of the City of Coppell met in a special called session
on Monday, February 3, 1986 at 7:30 p.m. in the Coppell High School
Administration Building. The following members were present:
Lou Duggan, Mayor
Bunny Thompson, Mayor Pro Tem
Dale Ware, Councilman
John Bailey, Councilman
Bill Smothermon, Councilman
Walter Pettijohn, Councilman
Also present were City Attorney Larry Jackson, City Engineer Ed Powell,
Wayne Ginn, Consultant Engineer for the City of Coppell and Linde Grau,
Secretary.
City Manager Frank A. Proctor, Jr. arrived late after addressing the
Coppell Lion's Club.
The meeting was called to order and everyone asked to stand while
Councilman Bailey gave the invocation.
The Mayor reminded the citizens and council that the council meeting
will adjourn at 12 a.m. and because of this fact Mayor Duggan waived
Item No. 1 Mayor's Report and Item 2 - Citizen's Appearances to enable
all parties involved in Item 3, to have a chance to express their
opinions, feelings and concerns concerning the relocation of Beltline
Road and resolving this issue.
OTHER BUSINESS
Item 3: Work session discussion and consideration of Beltline Road East.
Mayor Lou Duggan asked for those persons representing the proponents of
the realignment of Beltline Road. Mr. Jay Terry stated that his
impression was that the council meeting was called to receive the
recommendation of the county. Mr. Bryan was asked to speak on the issue
by Mayor Duggan. Mr. Bryan expressed that he was present to make a
recommendation to the Mayor and Councilmembers that the city authorize
the county to proceed with preliminary engineering and referred to the
report presented to the councilmembers from Albert H. Halff Associates,
Inc. Consulting Engineers and Scientists. Mr. Bryan stated that they
have had several meetings with engineers from Terra and preliminary
informal discussions with the Corp of Engineering and felt that the
proposal had merit and asked for authorization to prepare detailed
preliminary plans from designs and field surveys, etc. Mr. Bryan also
asked for authorization to proceed with securing approval from the
Cities of Coppell, Carrollton and Dallas along with the Corp of
Engineers and FEMA. Based on their review and approval Mr. Bryan will
prepare detailed cost estimates and present them to the city for their
approval. Mr. Bryan felt that this is a sound proposal and was studied
by Halff & Associates, Inc. The benefits from the proposed realignment
would be a safer intersection crossing on MacArthur and Luna Roads,
reduction in cost, efficient movement of traffic during construction and
a reduction in construction time.
Mr. Jay Terry spoke in favor of realignment of Beltline Road. He feels
that the experts at the county level gave a full evaluation of
engineering problems. Mr. Bryan was instructed to study the pros and
cons of the realignment and present the County's recommendation to the
council at this council meeting. Mr. Terry felt that Mr. Bryan did
present his recommendation before the council and felt the council
should decide on the basis of the public issues involved and not as a
benefit or detriment to developers, but as a consideration of the
public. He again reminded the council the consideration of comparative
cost. The cost figures would be a savings of 1.2 million dollars for
Carrollton. Mr. Bryan would present the figures for cost savings in the
Coppell area when the interlocal agreement is entered into as well as
what the comparative figures will be to improve present Beltline or to
move it along the southern realignment. He stated that the southern
alignment could be completed in half the time. In its present location
only one side can be developed at a time because of the railroad on the
north development of the south. Two southern intersections would
increase the city's tax base; whereas, the realignment would increase
the tax base because of development on both sides of Beltline and all
four corners at intersections. Mr. Terry was speaking on behalf of
Crow-Billingsley.
Doug Spiker, representative of Triland Development, felt the city is not
going to lose the improvements at the intersection of MacArthur and
Beltline Road as stated by Riverchase, but they would become the
responsibility and cost of Triland Development and would include the two
railroad crossings as well as the donatation of the right-of-way to
Fairway Drive from Beltline Road in Riverchase. Speaking on behalf of
Triland Development, Mr. Spiker stated that Triland supports the concept
and engineering reports for the realignment of Beltline Road because it
would be a better road for Coppell and its citizens. The unit price
would be less, and it would take less time to build than on the existing
road.
Mayor Duggan then asked for persons wishing to speak against the
proposed realignment.
Mr. Jay Patterson from Terra and representing the Riverchase project
stated that the Riverchase Development relies on the present location of
,--- Beltline Road and feels very strongly that the realignment of Beltline
would hurt Riverchase. He also stated that he feels that the road in its
present location is safer and moving the road would add hazards that
were not there before. It would be more expensive to move,
approximately three to eight million dollars if built properly, so as to
not flood Riverchase. Because of applying for permits from FEMA and the
Corp of Engineers, it would take approximately 1-1/2 years or more
longer to build. Mr. Patterson introduced Nathan D. Maisr, General
Engineer for Riverchase, and Dr. Leonard West, Traffic Engineer and
presented councilmembers with their resumes. Mr. Patterson also stated
that the tax base had a negligent effect on Coppell because the
realignment would take Beltline out of Coppell and into Irving and
Dallas County.
Mr. Nathan D. Maier referred to reports issued to Council. Me stated
that the reports state that it is safer to build Beltltne Road in
existing alignment, it is cheaper to build Beltline Road in existing
alignment, and it would not take longer to build Beltline Road in its
present alignment. Mr. Nathan Maier presented a slide presentation to
the councilmembers and citizens. He stated that it is always safer to
have a straight road than a curvilinear road. It is safer to construct
improvements on the existing Beltline because of unlimited vision. To
the south there is a bridge railing obstructing vision and prior to
coming on to the bridge there is a levy which rises and obstructs
vision. He felt it is safer to consolidate the hazards at the
intersection with proper signalization of the railroad in its existing
alignment instead of moving the hazards five hundred to six hundred feet
apart. Mr. Maier stated there were clear visual obstructions to traffic
at the intersection of Mockingbird and Beltline Road because the
proposed move of Beltline would be dangerously close to transmission
towers and the lines are dangerously low. The lines from the towers are
only 23 feet from the ground at the intersection as opposed to the 44-
foot clearance at the D.P. & L. crossing on existing Beltline Road.
D.P. & L. would like a minimum of 30 feet of clearance from the wires.
He also stated that it would be impossible to lower the road an
additional 7 feet because of the flood plain. The intersection of
Beltline and Moore Road would go through the middle of an existing D.P.
and L. tower. He also stated that it is safer and cheaper to
reconstruct Beltline Road He stated that it would cost an additional
three million dollars to construct Beltline road in the relocated
alignment according to the bridge sizes presented by the County's
Engineer. If adequate bridges span the waterways downstream it could '-~
cost an additional eight million dollars to construct Beltline Road in
its relocated alignment. He felt the roadway could be constructed in the
existing 120 foot right-of-way which is present in Coppell. He stated
that it would take more time to construct the realignment of Beltline
Road because of additional time to acquire the psrmfts from the City of
Dallas. The Elm Fork channel would be an excavated channel removing the
trees and foliage. He stated that when called upon, the Corp of
Engineers stated that they had no Jurisdiction on this project but did
say they did not approve the plans. Mr. Maier presented charts and
graphs to the council showing the plans for the construction of the road
and bridges. He stated that constructing Beltline in its existing
alignment would be beneficial to future expandability.
Mr. Jay Patterson stated to the mayor and councilmembers that Mr. Bryan
is the Director of Public Works for the county, but felt he had no
authorization from the county to approve this project. The
commissioners from the Commissioners Court are awaiting the decision of
the City. Mr. W.L. Gordon was recognized and does not support
relocation. Dimension Development Company have indicated they do not
want the relocation and referred to letter sent to Commissioner Jim
Jackson. Mr. Patterson asked the council to vote to go ahead with the
Beltline and MacArthur intersection, and asked that the council turn
down the proposal of relocation.
Mayor Duggan read a letter that was presented to the councilmembers '-~
which read as follows: "I'm sorry that I was not able to reach you by
telephone today, but the timing of this letter was such that our
position needed to be resolved prior to Mr. Bryan's planned presentation
to the Cities of Coppell and Carrollton. We find that we can no longer
remain neutral on the alignment issue and must withdraw our previous
tentative offer to dedicate right-of-way for the proposed realignment.
Furthermore, we must respectfully request that this critical project not
be delayed any longer and that full design be commenced for the roadway
along its entire current alignment." This letter was addressed to
Commissioner Jim Jackson from Dimension Development Co. and signed by
Robert G. Wachter, Vice President/Land.
Mr. John Thompson made a presentation before the councilmembers stating
that the move of Beltline Road would definitely cost more. Re also
stated that it is not safer because of traffic signals interfering with
the railroad crossing. It is not safer because of T.P. & L. lines. The
realignment will bring the road closer to the present butane tanks in
Carrollton which are highly explosive. The Texas Water Authority would
have to approve the levy and his property and driveway will still be
susceptible to flooding. Mr. Thompson stated that he felt the County is
wrong and is only moving Beltline for the "almighty dollar".
Mr. Andrew Rodgers, owner of property on the west side of Mr. Thompson's
land addressed the council and stated that he is in favor of improving ~'~
Beltline Road and leaving it in its present location.
Mr. Rick Mann addressed the council and asked if the city should ask Mr.
Powell, City Engineer and Mr. Wayne Ginn, Consulting Engineers for the
City of Coppell what they recommend? Did the County Commissioners give
their go ahead? Who is going to pay for the extension of Mockingbird
Lane? Will the improvement of the present alignment of Beltline Road be
faster going through the approval stages as opposed to realignment, and
that the council should be applauded for going ahead with this proposal.
Mayor Dug§an then asked for those persons wishing to speak once again in
favor of the proposed realignment.
Mr. Jay Terry stated that this issue was presented to the Dallas County
to settle the engineering issues. The technical issues have been
presented concerning cost, time, safety and traffic, and he felt that
the realignment is the way to go.
Mr. Bryan stated that the Commissioners Court has taken no formal
position or approval.
Doug Spiker from Triland addressed the council and admitted that Triland
would re-claim approximately 15 acres. He also addressed the
obligations of improvement at the intersection of MacArthur and Beltline
Road and the entrance into Coppell from the east. He stated his company
would be giving up acreage to do this. He stated that as far as time for
permits and approval, it is only the opinion of both sides, and that
there is no reason why the roadway can't be built on the present
alignment; however he finds it hard to believe it can be built as easily
as stated and feels it will have additional costs and problems. The
council will have to decide what will be in the best interest for the
citizens of Coppell.
Mr. Tim House, affiliated with Triland and a resident of Coppell, stated
that he drives on Beltline Road two times a day. If the Council has an
alternative that costs less to please support that, if they have an
alternative that is safer, please support that, or if they have an
alternative more convenient during construction, please support that.
Mr. John Thompson asked why is Triland fighting this move and addressed
this issue.
Mr. Tom Hainze of W.L. Gordon Company from Carrollton stated he is
anxious for Coppell and Carrollton to move ahead on this project and
make a decision.
Mr. Jose Novoa, President of Albert H. Halff Associates, Inc. stated
that his engineers have taken time and care in their report titled,
"Alignment Study of Beltline Road from Coppell City Limits to IH-35E
Project ~490-402" and presented it to the councilmembers with their
recommendation to move Beltline Road.
Mayor Duggan then stated that this issue should be taken out of the
engineering perspective. The issue involves public safety and
political process and making the best decision for the City of Coppell.
Mayor Duggan then asked the councilmembers for their questions.
Councilman Ware asked Jay Turner, as a citizen of Coppell, his opinion.
Mr. Turner agreed with the issue that Nathan Maier addressed concerning
consolidation of hazards. With consolidation, people would be more
aware of the railroad crossing and intersection on the present alignment
of Beltline Road.
Councilman Pettijohn asked if there were any records concerning
consolidation of hazards and railroad crossings. Dr. Leonard West, who
has a Ph.D. in Traffic Engineering, addressed the council and stated his
opinion is that people will obey traffic signals, which makes a
consolidation of hazards a safer intersection. Councilman PettiJohn
referred to the report from R.E. Thompson & Co., Property Tax
Consultants, concerning tax base. Mr. Ron Thompson addressed the issue
and stated that Coppell would break even if the move of Beltline was
approved. Councilman PettiJohn addressed the issue of patrolling of
Police and Fire Departments concerning Beltline Road. It was stated
that the City of Irving will be approched as to the dis-annexation of
property and annexation of this property into the City of Coppell.
Dallas County will also be approched for dis-annexation of property and
annexation of this property into the City of Coppell. This is still
speculation. Councilman PettiJohn addressed the issue of how much
preparation would have to go into the road base. Mr. Jose Novoa
referred to the Halff Associates, Inc. report presented to the council ~'~
concerning the road base. Mr. Nathan Maier disagreed with that report.
Councilman Smothermon asked what would happen with the right-of-way
where the current road lies. The railroad would get half the right-of-
way and the other half would be exchanged. Councilman Smothermon posed
the question of what will happen to the property owners north of
Beltline Road and was informed by Mr. Doug Spiker that they will be
guaranteed access to the new Beltline Road. He also addressed the issue
of City's control along Beltline Road. Councilman Smithermon felt that
the City will lose control if Beltline is moved into the county limits
of Dallas County and the City of Irving and the City of Carrollton.
Councilman Smothermon asked both sides "Why should the road be moved!"
It was stated that the County made this proposal and suggested this move.
Mr. Henry Billingsley addressed the council. He felt he will benefit
from the move but the city will also benefit. He stated that if
Beltline was left in its present location the best use for the property
he owns now would be warehouses. If the roadway was moved to the new
location his property would warrant service centers and office buildings
which would be a better tax base for the city.
Councilman Smothermon asked Mr. Jay Patterson from Terra and the
Riverchase Development how he felt about the move. Mr. Patterson felt
that the most interest to the Riverchase property was along Beltline
Line Road and felt the realignment of Beltline Road would hurt the
Riverchase project.
Mayor Pro Tem Thompson asked Mr. Bryan about the statement that he does
not have the support of the county. Mr. Bryan was representing the
Commissioner's recommendation. Mayor Pro Tem Thompson asked for Wayne
Ginn's recommendation as to what would be best for the City of Coppell.
Mr. Ginn stated that he would have to study this proposal and could not
make a recommendation on behalf of the city. The question was raised
about the distance of the railroad to the widened Beltline Road and if
either alignment would take time for permits and approvals. Mayor Pro
Tem Thompson also stated that she felt that development on both sides of
realignment of Beltline Road would benefit Coppell as it has benefitted
other cities in Dallas. Mayor Pro Tem Thompson stated that it is her
interest to benefit the City of Coppell and it is a county road, a
county bond and the county's recommendation.
Councilman Ware asked for statistics on hazards of railroad crossings.
Councilman Ware also questioned Mr. Jay Patterson on the report from
R.E. Thompson & Company, Property Tax Consultants. It was stated that
this report was from the Dallas County Appraisal District. It was
stated the appraisal estimate was based on present zoning and out of the
flood plain district. Councilman Ware stated that he is not willing to
realign Beltline Road and give up the gateway to Coppell to the City of
Irving and Dallas.
Councilman Bailey stated that the bond proposal of 4.2 million dollars
is designated to build Beltline road that if they run out of money, who
would pay for its completion, and who would pay for the extension of
access roads onto Beltline and the bridge at Mockingbird Lane.
Councilman Bailey asked if there would be soil problems with the
realignment and asked if D.P.. & L. has been contacted. Mr. Jay
Patterson stated that he had contacted Mr. Walter Frazer with D. P. & L.
who indicated that they had not been contacted.
Mayor Duggan then stated to the councilmembers that before they vote for
or against the re-alignment of Beltline Road to base contingency on
1. Access to property owners to Beltltne Road and out of the
flood plain.
2. Open discussions with Dallas to dis-annex land and annex into
the City of Coppell.
3. Open discussions with Irving to dis-annex land and annex into
the City of Coppell.
4. Extensions of MacArthur Blvd., Mockingbird Lane,
Ledbetter, Fairway, and Mr. Thompson's driveway to the
realigned Beltline Road.
Mayor Duggan then asked for a motion from the councilmembers. Walter
PettiJohn moved that the council not support the realignment of Beltline
Road. Motion was seconded by Councilman Smothermon and motion was
rejected 2-3 with Mayor Pro Tem Thompson, Councilman Ware and Councilman
Bailey voting against the motion and Council Smothermon and PettiJohn
voting in favor of the motion. Mayor Pro Tem Thompson then moved to
support the preliminary reports for the realignment of Beltline Road
with the contingency that the property on the north side of the railroad
be taken out of the flood plain, with the approval of D.P. & L., Dallas
County's approval of dis-annexing land and annexing into the City of
Coppell, the City of Irving dis-annexing land and annexing into the City
of Coppell, engineering cost estimate participation agreement, that
Mockingbird, MacArthur Blvd., Ledbetter, Fairway, Moore and the access
roads connecting to the realigned road would be paid for by developers
and taken out of the flood plain. Motion was seconded by Councilman
Ware and motion carried 3-2 with Mayor Pro Tem Thompson, Councilman Ware
and Councilman Bailey voting for the proposal and Councilman Smothermon
and Councilman PettiJohn voting against.
Item 4: Discussion and consideration of goals and direction for the
Economic Development Board and approval of a budget amendment to finance
a study to determine hotel facility needs for Coppell.
Presentation was made to the councilmembers by Jim Cowman, Chairman of
the Economic Development Board. Mr. Cowman asked to table this item to
enable the councilmembers to read the packets presented to them from
Laventhol & Horwath, Certified Public Accountants and asked for a
scheduled work session concerning hotel, restaurants and commercial
development which would stimulate the growth of Coppell. Mayor Duggan
stated that he will schedule a work session.
Item 5: Discussion and review of Home Rule Charter procedures.
Item 5 was withdrawn by Mayor Duggan.
Councilman Smothermon motioned to adjourn meeting, motion was seconded
by Mayor Pro Tem Thompson. Motion carried 5-0.
-./hou~ Dh~g~n,-Mayot~
ATTEST:
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