Loading...
CM 1985-08-13 Minutes of August 13, 1985 The City Council of the City of Coppell met in regular session on Tuesday, August 13, 1985, at 7:00 p.m. in the Coppell High School Administration Building. The following members were present: Lou Duggan, Mayor Bunny Thompson, Mayor Pro Tem (late arrival) Dale Ware, Councilman John Bailey, Councilman Walter PettiJohn, Councilman Bill Smothermon, Councilman Also present were City Secretary Dorothy Timz~ons, City Water Superin- tendent Steve Goram, and City Attorney Larry Jackson. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Lou Duggan. EXECUTIVE SESSION: (Closed to the Public) Item No. 1: Article 6252-17, Section 2 (e) discussion with City Attorney Item No. 2: Article 6252-17, Section 2 (g) discussion concerning personnel The meeting was then closed to the public for an executive session as allowed under the above stated articles. OPEN SESSION Item No. 3: Consider action based on matters discussed in the executive session Mayor Duggan instructed the City staff to implement the department head raises as discussed during the executive session. CITIZENS APPEARANCES Item No. 4: Consideration of citizens who wish to speak to the City Council Mayor Duggan asked if there were citizens present who wished to address the City Council on items that were not listed on the agenda. There were none. REQUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS Item No. $: Presentation and consideration of an ordinance authorizing the issuance of $11,325,000 General Obligation Bonds and discussion of other related matters Mr. Boyd London of First Southwest made the presentation to the Council. Bids were received, opened and presented to the Council. Of the four that were received, Sheerson-American Express with a quote of 9.149744% was the lowest bid. Following verification of the bid, Mr. London recommended that the Council accept this bid. Councilman Smothermon moved that the City accept the lowest bid as recommended by Financial Consultant Boyd London; Councilman PettiJohn seconded and motion carried 4-0. Mr. London then recommended approval of an ordinance, No. 335, approving the sale of the bonds. Following discussion, Councilman Smothermon moved that the above stated ordinance be approved; Councilman Bailey seconded and motion carried 4-0. Item No. 6: Consider request for approval to waive the penalty and interest charges on delinquent taxes of V. C. Jenkins Tax Assessor Debbie Layton made the presentation to the Council. She stated that this case is an extreme hardship case in that Mr. Jenkins is totally disabled and receives a fixed income from Social Security. An effort has been made to pay the taxes; however, the penalty and interest has in some cases been larger than the tax amount and because of the fixed income, it has been impossible for Mr. Jenkins to pay off the entire bill. Discussion was held concerning the waiving of the 15% attorney fees as this fee is forwarded to the delinquent tax attorney firm. Following discussion, Councilman Pettijohn moved that the penalty and interest be waived, excluding delinquent tax attorney fees; Councilman Smothermon seconded and motion carried 4-0. Item No. 7: Consider request from Mr. Jim Jenne for approval for annexation of 15.44 scres of land into the Coppell Municipal Utility District No. 1 Mr. Jim Jenne and Mr. Jerry Hackler made the presentation to the Council. Mr. Jenne stated that he was originally informed that this acreage was included in the MUD and that it was impossible to provide sanitary sewer to ths property without using the MUD lines; therefore, in order to develop the property to its highest and best use, it would require admission to the MUD to provide this service. Following discussion, Councilman PettiJohn moved that the annexation of the 15.44 acres of land into the MUD be approved; Councilman Bailey seconded and motion carried 3-1 with Councilman Ware voting against the motion. PUBLIC HEARINGS Item No. 8: Zoning Application #85-04-30 - request of Michael T. Curtis for a zoning change from "C", Commercial to "C-SUP (Auto Repair Garage)", Commercial with a Specific Use Permit for an Automobile Repair Garage on property located at 932 South Beltline Road Date of Planning and Zoning Hearing July 18, 1985 Recommendation of Planning and Zoning Approval Mr. Michael T. Curtis made the presentation to the Council. He stated that the zoning would allow for office space and renovation of two existing car wash bays to quick lube change bays. Two of the front car wash bays and the drying area would be deleted to allow for additional landscaping and parking. Mayor Duggan declared the public hearing open and asked for those persons who wished to speak for the proposed zoning change. There were none. He then asked for those persons who wished to speak against the proposed zoning change. Again, there were none. Mayor Duggan then declared the public hearing closed. Following discussion by the Council, Councilman Bailey moved that the zoning change be approved with the revisions as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission; Councilman PettiJohn seconded and motion carried 4-0. Item No. 9: Sign Variance #85-07-26 - request of Minyards Food Store for a variance to Section 10-6-2(E) of the sign ordinance Date of Planning and Zoning Hearing August 8, 1985 Recommendation of Planning and Zoning Approval Mr. Bobby Minyard made the presentation to the Council. He stated that the cumulative area of the proposed signs are approximately 52 square feet over what the ordinances allow; therefore, he is requesting a variance in order to install the signs as planned. Mayor Duggan declared the public hearing open and asked for those persons who wished to speak for the proposed variance. There were none. He then asked for those persons who wished to speak against the proposed variance. Again, there were none. Mayor Duggan then declared the public hearing closed. Following discussion, Councilman PettiJohn moved that the variance be approved; Councilman Smothermon seconded and motion carried 4-0. PLATTING ACTIONS Item No. 10: Plat Application #85-05-23 - request of Nikor Commerce Center for preliminary plat approval on property located on Crestside Drive in the Connell Northlake 635 project (Tabled from 7-23-85) Date of Planning and Zoning Hearing June 20, 1985 Recommendation of Planning and Zoning Approval with stipulations Mr. Russell Grimes made the presentation to the Council. He stated that he will deed restrict his property so that the property owner would have to upkeep the screening wall that is proposed at the rear of the property. A 32" parapet wall will hide the air conditioning system on the roof. Following discussion, Councilman Smothermon moved that this plat be approved subject to the filing of the appropriate deed restrictions; Councilman PettiJohn seconded and motion carried 4-0. Item No. 11: Plat Application #85-06-28 - request of Terra Land Development Company for preliminary plat approval of the right-of-way for Riverchase Drive Date of Planning and Zoning Hearing July 18, 1985 Recommendation of Planning and Zoning Approval Mr. Jay Patterson of Terra Land Development Company made the presentation to the Council. Concerns were voiced by the Council concerning the crossing of golf carts on Riverchase Drive. Mr. Patterson stated that heavy automobile traffic is not expected in this area, but if a problem arises, a request will be made to the City for installation, at the developer's expense, of a traffic light at this point. Following discussion, Councilman Pettijohn moved that this plat be approved; Councilman Bailey seconded and motion carried 4-0. Item No. 12: Plat Application #85-06-24 - request of SBS Venture for final plat approval on Villages at Cottonwood Creek, Section III located at the northeast corner of Coppell Road and Thweatt Road Date of Planning and Zoning Hearing July 18, 1985 ~-~ Recommendation of Planning and Zoning Approval Mr. Tony Delbalzo made the presentation to the Council. He stated that this development consists of sixty-four (64) lots on sixteen acres of land and that the development is included in the MUD. Mayor Pro Tem Thompson arrived during discussion on this item. Following discussion, Councilman Bailey moved that this plat be approved subject to payment of fees; Councilman PettiJohn seconded and motion carried 5-0. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Item No. 13: Consider approval of an ordinance designating the Coppell Public Library as a Community Library Librarian Judi Biggerstaff made the presentation to the Council. She stated that one of the benefits of this proposal is that if the City is designated as a Community Library, for a cost of $50.00, the City would he able to obtain $5,300 worth of benefits. This designation would in no way conflict with the City's current contract with Dallas County for library services. Following discussion, Councilman PettiJohn moved that Ordinance No. 333 be approved; Councilman Smothermon seconded and motion carried 5-0. Item No. 14: Consider approval of a resolution reconfirming the appointment of Robert E. Thomas as the City's representative to the -'% Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board I Following discussion on this item, Councilman Smothermon moved that Resolution No. 081385 be approved; Mayor Pro Tem Thompson seconded and motion carried 5-0. Item No. 15: Consider approval of an ordinance adopting updated service credits under the Texas Municipal Retirement (TMRS) Act Tax Assessor Debbie Layton made the presentation to the Council. She stated that approval of this ordinance would allow retirees and benefi- ciaries of retirees of the City to keep pace with inflation. Following discussion on this item, Councilman Bailey moved that Ordinance No. 334 be approved; Councilman Pettijohn seconded and motion carried 5-0. Item No. 16: Consider approval of an amendment to Ordinance No. 314 regulating the installation of traffic control devices Discussion was held by the Council on this item. Because an ordinance was not prepared at this time, it was the consensus of the Council that this item be placed on a future agenda. OTHER BUSINESS Item No. 17: Discussion on amending the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for resolution of mat~ers similiar to problems experienced on Bullock and Howell Streets Mayor Duggan addressed this item and informed those persons present in the audience that this item was not listed as a public hearing; however, following Council discussion, one representative for each side would be allowed to speak. City Attorney Larry Jackson then addressed the Council and presented alternative ways to attempt to solve problems of this nature. Following discussion by the Council, Mr. Tim Mayrath of 832 Howell spoke for those citizens who wished the area to remain under the Commercial zoning classification. Mr. Ron Peters of 804 Howell spoke for those citizens who wished to see the area remain residential and be changed to a Residential zoning classification. Following a lengthy discussion, it was the consensus of the Council that a work session would need to be scheduled in the future to resolve this problem. Item No. 18: Approval of Minutes - July 23, 1985 Councilman Smothermon moved that the minutes be approved as submitted; Councilman Ware seconded and motion carried 5-0. Item No. 19: Approval of Departmental Bills Councilman Smothermon moved that the departmental bills be approved for payment; Mayor Pro Tem Thompson seconded and motion carried 5-0. Item No. 20: Discussion concerning the City's Sign Ordinance Mr. Mark Wolfe of ReMax Realtors spoke to the Council. He stated that there were five main areas of concern from the development community. They are (1) "Open House" signs; (2) "Sold" signs; (3) only two signs per yard being allowed and a clarification as to what is allowed under this category; (4) the posting requirement of signs 15 feet off the roadway or behind sidewalks; and (5) permit fees for the "Open House" and "For Sale" signs. Discussion by the Council provided the following directive for the City staff: The definition of "Sold" for purposes stated in the Sign Ordinance is to mean "at closing" and not when a "contract for sale" has been signed. Additionally, an amendment to the ordinance is to be prepared that would allow three (3) signs (total) per yard and to remove the permit fees required for "Open House" and?For Sale" signs. The two additional areas of concern, the time regulations and placement of "Open House" signs would be addressed in a meeting to be held with Mayor Pro Tem Thompson and representatives of the realtor and developer community. Councilman Ware then moved that Ordinance No. 287-A-9, extending the City's regulations on signs to its extraterritorial Jurisdiction, be approved; Councilman Smothermon seconded and motion carried 5-0. STAFF REQUESTS AND MAYOR'S REPORT Item No. 21: Request from Fire Chief Jackie Mayfield for a budget amendment and approval to purchase an auxilary power generator for the Central Fire Station Fire Chief Jackie Mayfield made the presentation to the Council. He '-~ stated that a generator of the type that is needed can be purchased from Sam's Wholesale Warehouse for $579.99 and it is his recommendation that approval for this purchase and amendment to the Fire Department Budget, Account #506 be given. Following discussion, Councilman Ware moved that the recommendation of the fire chief be approved; Councilman Smothermon seconded and motion carried 5-0. Item No. 22: Request from Fire Chief Jackie Mayfield for a budget amendment and approval to purchase an encoder for the paging system at the Central Fire Station Fire Chief Jackie Mayfield also made this presentation to the Council. His recommendation is that the encoder be purchased from Motorola at a cost of $924.40 and that a budget amendment to the Fire Department Budget, Account #506 be given. Following discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Thompson moved that the recommendation of the fire chief be approved; Councilman Smothermon seconded and motion carried 4-0. Councilman Ware was not present in Council chambers during discussion and vote on this item. Item No. 23: Request from Fire Chief Jackie Mayfield to restructure the Emergency Medical Service fees Fire Chief Jackie Mayfield stated that his recommendation for this item is to charge a fee of $100 to non-residents of Coppell and provide the ~-~ service free to those citizens in Coppell. Following discussion, Councilman Smothermon moved that the recommendation of the fire chief be approved; Councilman PettiJohn seconded and motion carried 5-0. Item No. 24: Request from Fire Chief Jackie Mayfield to develop specifications and advertise for bids for an ambulance as approved in the 1984 Bond Election Following discussion on this item, Councilman Ware moved that the request of Fire Chief Jackie Mayfield to develop specifications and advertise for bids for an ambulance be approved; Councilman Smothermon seconded and motion carried 5-0. Item No. 25: Mayor's Report Mayor Duggan informed the Council of the following items: (1) information on the City's upcoming budget retreat; (2) the progress of the city administrator selection committee; (3) a statue report on the Home Rule Charter Cor~aittee; (4) information on a levy district meeting for those persons interested concerning the land north of DeForest Road; (5) plans for the city secretary to take accrued vacation time; (6) a town forum meeting by Representative Martin Frost on Monday, August 19th; (7) information on complimentary letters to personnel in the Police Department; (8) a report from Councilman Bailey on the status of the'proposed meetings with Lewisville on the Lomas & Nettleton project; (9) an update on the reimbursement of developer impact fees; (10) a request for the establishment of an ordinance governing the placement of satellite dishes; (11) a request for the establishment of an ordinance regulating the operation of child care centers; and (13) the status of the City's purchase of a ten-acre tract for a municipal service center. The meeting was then closed to the public for continuation of the executive session as allowed under the two previously stated articles. Following the executive session, the meeting was declared open to the public. Councilman PettiJohn moved that the following items be approved: (1) the termination of Police Dispatcher Nina Scrima ( a pre- termination hearing was held by the City and Ms. Scrima did not appear); (2) the hiring of Police Dispatcher Donna Lynn Pendleton; (3) the approval of the position for an additional court clerk; (4) the termination of Street Laborer John Trunzler (a pre-termination hearing was held by the City and Mr. Trunzler did not appear); (5) the hiring of Street Laborer Marten Edward Dowdy; (6) the resignation of Utility Serviceman Keith Smith; (7) the hiring of Utility Serviceman Theodore (Ted) Dutt; (8) the hiring of Utility Serviceman Aaron F. Harthcock; (9) the resignation of Street and Parks Superintendent C. B. Rogers; (10) the resignation of Building Official Dean Youngblood; (11) the reclassification of Inspector Dale Jackson to Chief Field Inspector; (12) the reclassification of Street Laborer Per Birdsall to Street Foreman; (13) the reclassification of Water Laborer Carl Bass to Water Foreman; (14) the hiring of Parks Foreman Richard Diano; (15) the approval for hiring of temporary help in City Hall; (16) the approval for implementation of an Administrative Assistant Program; and (17) the hiring of Dub Layton for janitorial services. Councilman Smothermon seconded the motion, which carried 5-0. The meeting was then adjourned. ATTEST: