CM 1990-04-24 Minutes of April 24, 1990
The City Council of the City of Coppell met in regular called
session at 6:30 p.m. for executive session and 7:00 p.m. for open
session on Tuesday, April 24, 1990 in the Council Chambers of Town
Center, 255 Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, Texas. The following
members were present:
Mark Wolfe, Mayor
Dean Wilkerson, Mayor Pro Tem
David Thomas, Councilman
Tom Morton, Councilman (late arrival)
Bill Smothermon, Councilman
Jim Cowman, Councilman
Ron Robertson, Councilman
John A. Nelson, Councilman
Also present were City Manager Alan D. Ratliff, City Secretary
Dorothy Timmons and City Attorney Lawrence W. Jackson.
Mayor Wolfe called the meeting to order.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (Closed to th~ Public)
ES-1 A. Article 6252-17, Senate Concurrent Resolution Number 83,
discussion with City Attorney concerning matter involving
privileged communications between attorney and client.
1. Coppell/Grapevine boundary dispute
2. Johnny Thompson annexation question
3. Albert Halff agreement
4. Denton Tap Meadowcreek Intersection
B. Article 6252-17, Section 2 (f), discussion with respect
to the purchase, exchange, lease of real property and
City liability
1. Status report on Library Site Acquisition
C. Article 6252-17, Section 2 (g), discussion concerning
personnel
1. Discussion of City Managers performance evaluation
and compensation
The Council convened at 6:35 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24, 1990, as
allowed and recited under the above stated articles. Mayor Wolfe
adjourned the Executive Session at 6:59 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24,
1990 and opened the public session.
Councilman Morton arrived during the Executive Session.
REGULAR SESSION (OPen to the Public)
Mayor Wolfe asked everyong to stand while Mayor Pro Tem Wilkerson
gave the invocation. Following the invocation, Mayor Wolfe led
those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 3. Consideration of Approval of Minutes: April 10, 1990
Following discussion, Councilman Robertson moved that the minutes
be approved as submitted. Councilman Thomas seconded the motion;
motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Wilkerson and Councilmen
Thomas, Morton, Smothermon, Cowman, Robertson and Nelson voting in
favor of the motion.
Item 4. Mayor's Report
The following items were included in the Mayor's report:
A. Mayor Wolfe extended thanks to Mayor Pro Tem Dean
Wilkerson for overseeing the council meeting and other
matters while he was out of town.
Page 1 of 8
OOO071
B. Mayor Wolfe informed Council and citizens present that
Items 10, 11 and 12 had been pulled from tonight's agenda
because the escrow requirements from the city had been
met.
C. Mayor Wolfe then informed the Council of a letter
received from the school district stating that the best
date for a joint City Council/School Board meeting would
be the latter part of June.
D. Mayor Wolfe provided Council members with a draft letter
concerning the upcoming election and the polling place
for the City election being moved to Town Center. The
two possibilities of informing citizens were through a
mass mailing to all citizens or a letter to the editor
type publication. It was the consensus of the Council
to request that these letters be published in a letter
to the editors of the three City newspapers.
E. Mayor Wolfe informed the Council that he had received
information on banner signs that could be installed on
light polls that depicted the words "100 Year
Anniversary". The cost of these banners is $65 per
banner. It was the consensus of the Council for this
item to come forward at the next Council meeting to see
what the cost would be of purchasing some of these
banners.
F. Mayor Wolfe informed Council and citizens present that
the Noise Monitor Report from the D/FW Airport would be
available on Wednesday, April 25, 1990 and that the
Environmental Impact study (EIS) is stated to be
available in the middle of May.
G. Mayor Wolfe spoke this past Sunday at the new Lutheran
Church in the City. Mayor Wolfe commented that several
years ago, the city had five or six churches, and at this
point, there are fourteen.
H. Councilman Morton provided information from the City of
Markhum, Ontario, Canada that was received on the recent
tour for the Twinning Project. Councilman Morton and
Assistant City Manager Vivyon Bowman participated as
representatives of the City in this tour. The
information provided to the City Manager will be filed
as a permanent part of the records of the city.
I. Councilman Morton requested a status report on the
abandoned buildings, including an old grain mill,
abandoned vehicles and concrete batch plants on South
Belt Line Road.
J. Councilman Morton requested a status report on the
striping of Belt Line Road East.
K. Councilman Morton stated a complaint about the railroad
crossing at Belt Line East.
L. Councilman Morton stated a complaint about the cars
parking at Northlake between the curb and the railing on
the east side on the grass.
M. Councilman Morton stated a complaint about the building
debris in Shadowridge.
N. Councilman Cowman provided the Council with a status
report on the recent TU Electric rate increase request.
Councilman Cowman indicated that the staff at the Public
Utility Commission (PUC) has reco-mended a rate of return
that is higher than the TU request. It is Councilman
Page 2 of 8
.00,3072
Cowman's recommendation that this item be suspended, if
possible, until the PUC makes its formal recommendation.
This item will appear on the May 8, 1990 agenda for
Council consideration. Additionally, Councilman Cowman
indicated that the City may want to begin negotiations
for a new franchise agreement with TU Electric which is
set to expire next year.
O. Councilman Robertson provided Council with a status
report on the Westside Thoroughfare Study Group and
indicated that this group will be scheduling a public
hearing and bringing forward information to the Council
within the next month.
P. Councilman Nelson requested a status report on the water
storage and crosstown waterlines for the May 8, 1990 City
Council meeting.
Q. Councilman Wilkerson requested a status report on
recycling in the City. It was indicated that this item
is to be discussed during the joint City Council/School
Board meeting.
Item 5. Citizens Appearances
The following citizens were recognized by Mayor Wolfe:
Mrs. Vivyon Checkley of 812 Howell Drive urged the Council to
continue with the goals and objectives of Earth Day by using wild
flowers and other natural resource plants in the medians along the
streets of Coppell. Mrs. Checkley also indicated her feelings that
the funds recently allocated to the Historical Cemetery Association
were out of line.
Mr. Walter Pettijohn of 525 Oak Grove Street was recognized and
indicated that it was his understanding that an item would be on
this evenings agenda concerning the Johnny Thompson matter. Mayor
Wolfe indicated that the item was listed as discussion in Executive
Session; however, there were no open session items to be discussed
at this time.
Item 6. City Council Liaison Reports
A. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE - There was no report at this
time.
B. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - Councilman Cowman informed the Council
and the citizens present that the first formal meeting of the
Coppell Chamber of Commerce would be held on Wednesday, May
16, 1990 at Town Center. Councilman Cowman urged
representatives of businesses as well as other leaders of the
City to attend this first formal meeting.
C. COPPELL HISTORIC DISTRICT Councilman Nelson informed the
Council that the Historic Committee had met the previous
Saturday and were in the process of regrouping following
denial of historical funds in the recent bond program.
Councilman Nelson indicated that of the $500 allocated for
historical use last year, $75 was used. Approximately $1,000
was allocated this year for a specific purpose; however, the
committee is requesting use of approximately $100 for the cost
of a booth and hand-out items at the uDcominq Founders Day on
April 28, 1990. It was the consensus of the Council to
approve an expenditure of up to $100. Mayor Wolfe informed
the Council that Planning Coordinator Gary Sieb will be the
staff liaison to this committee as of the first of June.
D. DALT~S CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT - There was no report at
this time.
Page 3 of 8
'000073
E. FINANCE COMMITTEE - There was no report at this time.
F. LIBRARY BOARD ~ There was no report at this time.
G. MUD ABSORPTION COMMITTEE - There was no report at this time.
H. NCTCOG - There was no report at this time.
I. PARK BOARD - There was no report at this time.
J. SCHOOL BOARD - There was no report at this time.
K. TRANSPORTATION STUDY COMMITTEE - There was no report at this
time.
L. METROCREST RED RIBBON COMMITTEE - Councilman Cowman stated
that this item will be discussed later in the agenda.
M. Councilman Nelson informed the Council that he had attended
the recent D/FW hearing on procedures for landings and take-
offs at the request of Mayor Wolfe. The procedures for
Coppell have not changed.
Item 7. Report on the Metrocrest Red Ribbon Committee by officer
Jerry Kelley concerning drug abuse awareness.
Patrol Officer Jerry Kelley from the Police Department made the
presentation to the Council on this item. officer Kelley stated
that the Red Ribbon Campaign was initiated last year by the Texas
Department of Public Safety in Austin as a result of a death of a
narcotics agent. It is designated as the third week in October
in memory of this officer and as a symbol that the people wearing
red ribbons are drug free. Councilman Cowman, as Council liaison
to this Committee, has requested that funding be provided in the
upcoming mid-year budget review. It was requested by Councilman
Nelson that a presentation on this project be held at the upcoming
joint city Council/School Board meeting to be held in June.
Councilman Cowman stated that he would like to see this item
brought forward to the Council on a regular basis until the goals
and objectives of the group are met. There was no action required
on this item.
Item 8. A. Consideration of adopting guidelines and requesting
nominations for Coppell Woman of the Year for
Women's Charity Organization of the Metrocrest.
B. Consider purchasing table(s) in the amount of $300
each in honor of the 1990 Coppell Woman of the Year
recipient and held on Friday, September 14, at the
Grand Kempinski Hotel benefitting a Metrocrest Non
Profit Organization.
Mrs. Regina Johnson, the 1989 Woman of the year for Coppell, was
present to discuss this item with the Council. Mrs. Johnson
indicated that the recognition luncheon honoring the 1990 Coppell
Woman of the Year is to be held on Friday, September 14, 1990 at
the Grand Kempinski Hotel. Coppell has traditionally purchased a
table for City representatives and/or other city guests. Cost of
the table is $300. Following discussion on this item, Councilman
Morton moved that the City adopt the guidelines for the designation
for the 1990 Coppell Woman of the Year and request nominations from
the various City organizations. Councilman Sm0therm0n sec0ndedthe
motion; motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Wilkerson and
Councilmen Thomas, Morton, Smothermon, Cowman, Robertson and Nelson
voting in favor of the motion. Councilman Smothermon then moved
that the City purchase one table in the amount of $300 for
representatives to be present at the luncheon honoring the 1990
Coppell Woman of the Year. Councilman Morton seconded the motion;
motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Wilkerson and Councilmen
Thomas, Morton, Smothermon, Cowman, Robertson and Nelson voting in
favor of the motion.
Page 4 of 8
00 0 4
Item 9. Consideration of a proclamation deolaring May 6-12, 1990,
as National Pet Awareness Week establishing five (5)
clinics for low cost rabies shots on May 12, 1990 and
waiving, for one day, the city pet registration fee.
Following discussion on this item, Councilman Morton moved that a
proclamation declaring May 6-12 as National Pet Awareness Week and
waiving, for one day, the City pet registration fee, be approved.
Councilman Robertson seconded the motion; motion carried 7-0 with
Mayor Pro Tem Wilkerson and Councilmen Thomas, Morton, Smothermon,
Cowman, Robertson and Nelson voting in favor of the motion.
Item 10. Consideration of a request from Tom Sherrill, D.V.M. to
allow work to begin at the Valley Ranch Centre prior to
the completion of landscape work or the escrowing of
funds as required by Section 33.3.1 of the City's Zoning
Ordinance, Dr. Sherrill is requesting the city to waive
the escrow requirement for a period of 60 days.
Item 11. Consideration of a request from Wayne Scott, D.D.S. to
allow work to begin at the Valley Ranch Centre prior to
the completion of landscape work or escrowing of funds
as required by Section 33.3.1 of the City's Zoning
Ordinance. Dr. Scott is requesting the city waive the
escrow requirement for a period of 60 days.
Item 12. Consideration of a request from Peter Balis to allow work
to begin at the Valley Ranch Centre prior to the
completion of landscape work or the escrowing of funds
as required by Section 33.3.1 of the City's Zoning
Ordinance. Mr. Balis is requesting the City to waive the
escrow requirement for a period of 60 days.
The above Items 10, 11 and 12 were removed from the agenda because
the escrow requirements from the City had been met.
Item 13. Discussion, consideration of approval of a variance from
Sections 10-5-3 B 1 which concerns signs and thedistance
they can project from a wall and the effective area of
attached signs. These variances are requested by Jay
Khorrami on behalf of Coppell Deli and Grocery located
at 449 W. Bethel Road.
Chief Building Official Dale Jackson made the presentation to the
Council. The requested sign projects three feet from the building
surface as apposed to the allowed 18 inches. Additionally, the
size of the sign is 47.20 square feet versus a maximum of 28 square
feet allowed by the ordinance. Mr. Jay Khorrami of Coppell Deli
and Grocery was present to discuss this item with the Council.
Following discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Wilkerson moved that the
variance request be approved. Councilman Morton seconded the
motion; motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Wilkerson and
Councilmen Thomas, Morton, Smothermon, Cowman, Robertson and Nelson
voting in favor of the motion.
Item 14. Consideration of approval of a request from Jim Livernois
to remove the visibility triangle indicated on the plat
for lot 44, block D, of Shadowridge 4th Increment
subdivision.
Following discussion on this item, Councilman Nelson moved that the
visibility triangle on lot 44, block D, of Shado~rridge 4th
Increment subdivision be removed. Councilman Morton seconded the
motion; motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Wilkerson and
Councilmen Thomas, Morton, Smothermon, Cowman, Robertson and Nelson
voting in favor of the motion.
Item 15. Consideration of Drainage Improvement options proposed
by Connell Development Co., along the west side of
Connell Skaggs Addition (Woodside Village), from Sandy
Page 5 of 8
~ .~ ~ rl~t~
Lake Road to the southeast corner of Coppell High School
where existing culvert ends.
Acting City Engineer Shohre Daneshmand made the presentation to th~
Council. Also present to discuss this item was Mr. Jim Cok~
representing Connell Development. Mr. Coke stated that, since the
original agreement in 1986, there have been changes in trench
safety laws which, in effect, drastically change the cost of
installing a box culvert. Rather than the estimated $345,000 for
this project, it is anticipated that $728,000 would be required.
However, Mr. Coke indicated that another alternative that would
meet the trench safety requirements and decrease the cost of the
installation of the box culverts to approximately $400,000, is
through the use of a "trench box". Mr. Coke indicated that they
would be willing to participate up to the $345,000 with the City
or others providing the remaining funds. The time frame for
completion of this project would be approximately three months.
Councilman Robertson provided an additional alternative with the
use of a new method called a "blow form" that he felt would also
greatly reduce the cost of the installation of the box culvert.
Citizens present who asked to speak were Mr. L.H. Davis of 100
North Shadydale and Ms. Pauline Jenkins of 132 North Shadydale.
Both citizens expressed their concern with the damage and drainage
that was coming onto their property. It was also indicated to the
Council that an existing ditch that was present prior to the
development of the Connell development had been graded over,
thereby preventing proper drainage. Staff was requested to
evaluate this situation. Following further discussion on this
item, Councilman Smothermon moved that this item be tabled to the
May 8, 1990 city Council meeting and that information concerning
cost of both the "blow form" and the "trench box" methods be
evaluated. Councilman Morton additionally moved that the situation
on the ditch at Shadydale be reviewed by Staff. Councilman Nelson
seconded the motion; motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem
Wilkerson and Councilmen Thomas, Morton, Smothermon, Cowman,
Robertson and Nelson voting in favor of the motion.
Item 16. Presentation by Wayne Ginn, Inc. concerning the median
opening just to the north of Grapevine Creek bridge on
Denton Tap Road and speed study for Denton Tap Roads and
South Beltline Road.
Consulting Engineer Wayne Ginn made the presentation to the
Council. Mr. Ginn indicated that his firm had employed the firms
of both Barton-Aschman and DeShazo, Starek & Tang as additional
consultants to study this intersection and have provided the
following recommendations that will enhance the safe operation of
the intersection: 1) remove the metal beam guardrail, 2) pursue
having TU Electric relocate the power pole at the northeast end at
the east bridge, 3) place "Intersection Ahead" signs for
southbound traffic prior to the Meadowcreek intersection, 4)
provide striping as recommended by DeShazo, Starek & Tang, 5)
review the parking situation at the medical building on Meadowcreek
and 6) lower the speed limit on Denton Tap Road to 40 miles per
hour. Mr. Ginn indicated that he did feel that the barricades
could be removed at this point and that the speed limit of 45 miles
per hour is a safe speed. Questions raised during discussion on
this item concerned that the consulting engineers look at the
entrance onto Denton Tap from the Goodyear location, that City
Staff conducting a study to consider lowering the speed limit on
Denton Tap and installation of a traffic signal light at the Bethel
School Road and Denton Tap intersections. Following discussion of
this item, Councilman Morton moved that the City authorize the
removal of the barriers at the Denton Tap and Meadowcreek
intersection subject to approval by the City Attorney that the
letters received from the consulting engineers were adequate in
nature to protect the City and that this intersection be monitored
for a 90 day time period. Councilman Smothermon seconded the
motion; motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Wilkerson and
Councilmen Thomas, Morton, Smothermon, Cowman, Robertson and Nelson
voting in favor of the motion.
Page 6 of 8
Item 17. Consideration of rejecting the combined Request for
Proposal #0047 for Hill Drive alley and Oak Trail
drainage improvements, and the Request for Proposal for
Oak Trail drainage improvements as advertised.
Following discussion on this item, Councilman Morton moved that the
combined bids for Proposal #0047 be denied. Councilman Smothermon
seconded the motion; motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem
Wilkerson and Councilmen Thomas, Morton, Smothermon, Cowman,
Robertson and Nelson voting in favor of the motion.
Item 18. Consideration of awarding and approving a contract for
Hill Drive alley drainage improvements to SYB
Construction Company, the lowest qualified bid received,
for an amount not to exceed $33,290.35, and authorizing
the Mayor to sign after the contract is fully executed
by the contractor and reviewed by staff.
Following discussion on this item, Councilman Morton moved that a
bid in the amount of $33,290.35 be awarded to SYB Construction
Company and authorized the Mayor to sign. Councilman Nelson
seconded the motion; motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem
Wilkerson and Councilmen Thomas, Morton, Smothermon, Cowman,
Robertson and Nelson voting in favor of the motion.
Item 19. Consideration of approving the Letter of Agreement with
the NCTCOG; 1988-1990 Coordinated Work Program, Common
Vision for Trinity River Corridor; and approval of funds
for NCTCOG's assistance to continue the Collective
Regional Study in the amount of $3,425.00 for FY 88-89;
and $3,560.00 for FY 89-90, and authorizing the mayor to
sign.
Mr. John Promis, representing the North Central Texas Council of
Governments (NCTCOG), was present to discuss this item with the
Council. Following discussion, Councilman Morton moved that the
letter of agreement for the 1988-1990 Coordinated Work Program be
approved as stated in the caption. Councilman Robertson seconded
the motion; motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Wilkerson and
Councilmen Thomas, Morton, Smothermon, Cowman, Robertson and Nelson
voting in favor of the motion.
CONSENT AGENDA
Item 20. A. Consideration and discussion of resignation of
Robert M. Scott from the Planning and Zoning
Commission, effective May 1, 1990
B. Consideration and discussion of resignation of Jimmy
Hensel from the Code Advisory and Appeals Board and
the Building and Standards Commission.
C. Consideration and approval of establishing June 12,
1990 as the date for Public Hearing to consider a
capital improvements plan and the adoption of Impact
Fees.
Councilman Morton moved that the consent agenda be approved with
Item 20C carrying Resolution ~042490.1. Councilman Thomes seconded
the motion; motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Wilkerson and
Councilmen Thomas, Morton, Smothermon, Cowman, Robertson and Nelson
voting in favor of the motion.
EXECUTIVE SESSION ~Closed to the Public)
ES-1 A. Article 6252-17, Senate Concurrent Resolution N~mher 83,
discussion with City Attorney concerning matter involving
privileged communications between attorney and client.
Page 7 of 8
1. Coppell/Grapevine boundary dispute
2. Johnny Thompson annexation question
3. Albert Halff agreement
4. Denton Tap Meadowcreek Intersection
B. Article 6252-17, Section 2 (f), discussion with respect
to the purchase, exchange, lease of real property and
City liability
1. Status report on Library Site Acquisition
C. Article 6252-17, Section 2 (g), discussion concerning
personnel
1. Discussion of city Managers performance evaluation
and compensation
Council convened back into Executive Session at 8:32 p.m. on April
24, 1990 as allowed under the above stated articles. Mayor Wolfe
adjourned the Executive Session at 9:31 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24,
1990.
REGULAR SESSION (Open to the Public~
There being no further business to come before the Council, the
meeting was adjourned.
ATTEST:
Doro~thy ~im~n,~City Secretary
Page 8 of 8