CM 1990-07-10 Minutes of July 10, 1990
The City Council of the city of Coppell met in regular called
session on Tuesday, July 10, 1990 at 6:30 p.m. for Executive
Session and 7:00 p.m. for Open Session in the Council Chambers of
Town Center 255 Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, Texas. The following
members were present:
Mark Wolfe, Mayor
Bill Smothermon, Mayor Pro Tem
Peyton Weaver, Councilman
David Thomas, Councilman
Tom Morton, Councilman
Ron Robertson, Councilman
John A. Nelson, Councilman
Councilman Cowman was not present. 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 the Public)
ES-1 A. Article 6252-17, Section 2 (e) and 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. Kaye Street Drainage
4. Mr. Bar-B-Q
5. Lomas & Nettleton Agreement
6. Huel Weaver Lawsuit
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
2. Riverchase
Council convened in Executive Session at 6:31 p.m. on Tuesday, July
10, 1990 as allowed under the above stated articles and adjourned
into Open Session at 6:56 p.m.
S ON (Open to the Public)
Councilman Nelson gave the invocation. Mayor Wolfe led the Pledge
of Allegiance.
Item 3 Consideration of approval of minutes: June 26, 1990
Following discussion, Councilman Morton moved that the minutes be
approved as submitted. Councilman Robertson seconded the motion;
motion carried 6-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen
Weaver, Thomas, Morton, Robertson and Nelson voting in favor of the
motion.
Item 4 Citizens Appearances
Mayor Wolfe recognized Mrs. vivian Checkley of 812 Howell, who
requested information as to why the City was out of water earlier
in the day. Mrs. Checkley stated that citizens had been told that
the City would not be out of water once the new pump station was
in service. Mayor Wolfe informed Mrs. Checkley and those present
that the City had experienced a problem earlier in the day and, as
soon as possible, a response would be forwarded to her.
Item 5 Presentation and introduction of John Mitchell,
President, Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce, to the City
of Coppell Council and community.
Page 1 of 8
Mr. Tom Parsons, former Chairman of the Board of the Metrocrest
Chamber of Commerce, introduced Mr. John Mitchell, current
President of the Chamber. Mr. Mitchell stated that he is looking
forward to working with the City of Coppell and would like to bring
two items forward tonight for Council's information. Mr. Mitchell
congratulated those persons who had previously participated in the
Leadership Metrocrest Program and encouraged continued
participation and involvement from both Council and citizens of
Coppell. The second item concerned the Metrocrest Chamber of
Commerce trip which is scheduled for September 22 - 28 to Toronto,
Ontario, Canada. The Metrocrest Chamber would like to see the City
participate in this tour in an effort to persuade businesses to
relocate in this area.
Item 6 Discussion and consideration of ratifying a resolution
supporting an economic alliance between the Markham Board
of Trade, York Technology Association and the cities of
the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Wolfe stated that this item is directed with the Metrocrest
Chamber of Commerce tour and that Markham is a suburb of Toronto.
Following further discussion on this item, Councilman Morton moved
that the City of Coppell ratify the resolution between the Markham
Board of Trade, York Technology Association and the cities of the
Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon seconded
the motion; motion carried 6-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and
Councilmen Weaver, Thomas, Morton, Robertson and Nelson voting in
favor of the motion.
Item 7 Discussion and consideration of participating in the
economic development trip to Toronto September 22-28,
1990.
Mayor Wolfe informed the Council that there are a number of
businesses in the Canadian region who are looking to relocate in
the Metrocrest area. Information is requested as to the number of
people participating in this tour. Membership on the tour is
limited. Mayor Wolfe requested an indication from the Council of
those interested in attending. Councilman Morton indicated that
he would be attending as a team leader. Other Council members who
indicated interest were Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilman
Nelson in addition to Mayor Wolfe. It was the consensus of the
Council that the City would participate in this program with
individual Council members paying their own way. Mayor Wolfe
informed the Council that the city would be providing a definite
answer as to to who is going at a later date.
Item 8 Discussion and consideration of adopting an ordinance
creating a steering committee to study the community's
interest and need for a YMCA facility in Coppell.
Councilman Robertson moved that this item be moved to August 28,
1990 meeting. Councilman Morton seconded the motion; motion
carried 6-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver,
Thomas, Morton, Robertson and Nelson voting in favor of the motion.
Item 9 Consideration and approval of allocating funds to assist
in improvements to the baseball field at Coppell
Intermediate School at the request of the Mayor.
Mayor Wolfe recognized Mr. Darrell Contreras who represented the
Coppell Baseball Association and who made the presentation to the
Council. Mr. Contreras stated that the request for participation
by the Council is for the Middle School located off Cowboy Drive
rather than the Intermediate School as indicated in the item
caption. The Coppell Baseball Association is requesting assistance
on the following items: 1) grating and leveling of the drives
around the fields, 2) additional dirt for fields, 3) mowing and
possible watering of the grass outfield, 4) fire ant control, 5)
additional fencing on smaller fields, 6) portable toilets for the
Page 2 of 8
000.'130
far fields, 7) reimbursement to the School District for
electricity used on the number 1 ball field, and 8) bleachers.
A number of parents representing the Coppell Baseball Association
were in attendance in support of this request. Mr. Contreras
indicated that there are three to four weeks left in this season
and they do not expect assistance on all eight items for this year.
However, they are requesting fire ant control immediately, as well
as possible mowing of the fields. When questioned, Mr. Contreras
indicted that the Park Board has not yet been approached for input
and recommendation on this item. During discussion, Mayor Wolfe
recommended that these items be forwarded to the Park Board for
their input for a recommendation to the Council. Councilman Morton
indicated that this type of a project is one that could be used to
request state grant funds. Discussion by Council included the
desire to see some funds allocated from the Mayor and Council
contingency fund. Following further discussion, Councilman Morton
moved that an amount not to exceed $500 from the Mayor and Council
special project account be approved for immediate ant control and
that staff look at the possibility of mowing of the fields.
Councilman Nelson seconded the motion; motion carried 6-0 with
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver, Thomas, Morton,
Robertson and Nelson voting in favor of the motion.
Item 10 A. Submission and final briefing of a City-Wide Storm
Water Management study.
B. Discussion and consideration of approval of City-
Wide Storm Water Management study.
Acting City Engineer Shohre Daneshmand and Engineer Consultant
Walter Skipwith were present to discuss this item with the Council.
Mr. Skipwith delivered a short presentation on the draft of the
city-Wide Storm Water Management study. He indicated that at this
point staff input and addressing of developer complaints are being
received and reviewed. Following discussion on this item,
Councilman Morton moved that action on this item as stated under
Item 10B be tabled to the July 24, 1990 meeting. Councilman
Robertson seconded the motion; motion carried 6-0 with Mayor Pro
Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver, Thomas, Morton, Robertson and
Nelson voting in favor of the motion.
Item 11 A. Reconsideration of adoption of a new city 10go as
recommended by the Economic Development Board.
Councilman Nelson moved that the Council reconsider the adoption
of the City logo. Councilman Morton seconded the motion; motion
carried 6-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver,
Thomas, Morton, Robertson and Nelson voting in favor of the motion.
B. Consideration and adoption of a new city logo
recommended by the Economic Development Board and
selection of colors for the logo.
Mr. Richard Johnson, member of the Economic Development Board and
Chairman of the special committee to develop and present a new
logo, made the presentation to the city Council. Mr. Johnson
informed the Council that the special committee had met with both
the boards of the Coppell Business Association and the Coppell
Chamber of Commerce to receive input on the proposed logo change.
The Board of the Coppell Business Association unanimously endorsed
the logo change and the Coppell Chamber of Commerce endorsed the
logo change on a 12 - 1 vote. Mr. Johnson also indicated 121
surveys were received back as a result of input from the newspaper.
Of those received, 40 were in favor of changing to the new logo,
47 were in favor of keeping the existing logo and 34 were not in
favor of the existing or proposed logo. Mr. Johnson was requesting
that the city Council keep the endorsement of the logo in place
and, should that endorsement be withdrawn, a decision on the logo
be delayed until a statically valid poll could be conducted both
in Coppell and among those living and working outside Coppell.
Page 3 of 8
00O131
Although not a public hearing, Mayor Wolfe asked if there were
citizens present who wished to speak on this proposed item. Those
persons speaking were Mrs. Vicki Heart, President-Elect of the
Coppell Chamber of Commerce, of 432 Parkview Place. Mrs. Heart,
representing the Coppell Chamber of Commerce in the absence of the
President, voiced support of the new logo both personally and as
the Chamber group. Mr. Jay Turner of 747 Blue Jay, President of
the Coppell Business Association, spoke and endorsed the new logo
both personally and as a representative of the CBA Board. Mrs.
Vivian Checkley spoke and voiced her dislike of the proposed new
logo. Dr. Melvin Gross, 152 Cottonwood, citizen and member of the
Planning and Zoning Commission, spoke and indicated his dislike for
the new logo. Mr. Dick Belke, 445 Dillard, spoke and voiced his
dislike of the new logo and his desire to keep the existing logo.
Mr. Michael Cogburn, 124 Heather Glen spoke in favor of the new
logo. During discussion on this item, Mayor Wolfe had all Council
members express their appreciation to the Economic Development
Board for their time and efforts spent on this project. A showing
of hands of citizens and business owners present was taken by Mayor
Wolfe concerning feelings on the old and new logo. citizens and
business owners for and against the new logo and for and against
the existing logo did not vary in great numbers. Council has
received several letters and telephone calls from citizens
expressing displeasure of the new logo. Following discussion on
this item, Councilman Robertson moved that the City deny the
adoption of the new City logo until after the Budget Work Session.
Councilman Weaver seconded the motion; motion carried 4-2 with
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver, Morton and
Robertson voting in favor of the motion and Councilmen Thomas and
Nelson voting against the motion.
Item 12 PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration and approval of an
ordinance amending the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance,
Section 34.5, lB, which regulates the location of
accessory buildings.
Gary Sieb, Planning Director for the City made the presentation to
the Council. Mr. Sieb stated that this amendment is an amendment
to the text of the Zoning Ordinance and that the Planning & Zoning
Commission recommended unanimous approval on June 21, 1990. Mr.
Sieb presented visual slides to the Council in explanation of the
existing and the proposed wording of this amendment, and indicated
that the amendment is for a clarification of the existing ordinance
until a revised Zoning Ordinance can be brought forward. Mayor
Wolfe opened the public hearing and asked for those persons who
wished to speak against the proposed amendment. Mr. Walter
Pettijohn, 525 Oak Grove spoke and asked for reasons why the 20 ft.
setback was in the existing ordinance. Mayor Wolfe then asked for
those persons who wished to speak in favor of the proposed zoning
amendment. There were none. The public hearing was declared
closed. Following discussion, Councilman Nelson moved that
Ordinance No. 297-A-78 be approved. Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon
seconded the motion; motion carried 6-0 with Mayor Pro Tem
Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver, Thomas, Morton, Robertson and
Nelson voting in favor of the motion.
Item 13 Approving an ordinance directing staff, City Financial
Advisors and Bond Council to prepare an official
statement, notice of sale and bid instruments together
with the necessary legal instructions for the sale of the
City of Coppell General Obligation Bonds Series 1990 in
the approximate principal amount of $2,100,000.
Following discussion on this item, Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon moved
that Resolution 071090.1 be approved to allow staff, financial
advisors and bond council to prepare an official statement. Notice
of sale and bid instruments together with the necessary legal
instrpctions for the sale of GO bonds, series 1990 in the
Page 4 of 8
000 32
approximate principal amount of $2.1 million with the $35,000
issuing cost being paid from interest earned off the proceeds of
the bonds. Councilman Thomas seconded the motion; motion carried
6-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver, Thomas,
Morton, Robertson and Nelson voting in favor of the motion.
Item 14 Mayor's Report
The following items were reported under the Mayor's report:
A) Certificates of Appreciation for work and entrance of the city
float for the recent Fourth of July Parade and 100 Year
Celebration for the City were presented to the following
employees and/or spouses: Pat Bond, Linda Grau, Donna and her
husband Don Jenkins, Lynn Romeo, Misty Roper, Sharon and her
husband Steve Taylor and Dorothy Timmons. Employees not
present who will also receive Certificates of Appreciation
were Amy Crowley, Pam DePue and Marsha Hale. Mayor Wolfe
informed the Council that many employees also participated in
this project with a result of the City float receiving the
award for the best theme. Many hours were spent on the job
with employees spending their own funds, in addition to the
City appropriated funds, for construction of the float.
B) Mayor Wolfe indicated that he prepared a statement to read on
various things that happened in the last few days concerning
two restaurants in the City and the City's liquor ordinance.
Staff was directed to place on next Council Agenda for
discussion the liquor issue with a letter or other documents
to be forwarded to the appropriate state officials that the
City does not support the action taken. Also, that a previous
letter sent on City letterhead was not from the Council as a
whole and did not represent the Council as a whole but only
an individual. The comments of the Mayor are as follows:
For the 14 months that I have served this community as Mayor,
I have tried my best to set my priorities and focus my
attention on attempting to maintain peace and tranquility in
this community. We have dealt with several tough and
controversial issues, and yet the professionalism of the
Council and the positive character of our citizens have
enabled us to address each item as it has risen, and treat it
objectively and fairly. There have been a couple of attempts
by councilmen to once again bring up the liquor issue
(revision of ordinance, etc.), but each time I have reasoned
with them, we have found a compromise that works for this
community, and let's settle for the compromise, and continue
to try to heal wounds. The recent roast of a former
councilman that was catered by a local restaurant was once
again an attempt to bring two sides together and find the
common ground.
Little did I know the extent of what was being done behind the
scenes by a small band of people, in an all-out attempt to rid
this community of liquor, even though the overwhelming
majority in Coppell favors liquor in restaurants, etc. The
attack on Riverchase and Gibbs Station is sad, and as the
truth of what all has happened becomes known to the citizens
of this community, the ramifications are going to be
longstanding and divisive. But the attack on Gaspar's is
unforgivable, and I firmly believe that this attack will go
down in the history of this community as a turning point on
this issue. Whether these business establishments have
transgressed or not transgressed is really not the issue at
this point. The greater issue is how this group has
deceivingly maneuvered themselves to bring harm to this
community's business establishments. Due to legal costs and
potential profitability restraints, both restaurants at the
outset may be forced to close.
Page 5 of 8
000133
I am disappointed that a former member of this Council would
use his title as Mayor Pro Tem in a letter to respective
authorities to get greater attention in this matter. My role,
as Mayor, I believe, is to try and reflect the majority wishes
of this community and this Council. It is a role of a middle
man, a mediator. If I ever find that role impossible or too
difficult to fulfill, then I should step down from this
position. In much the same fashion, when the designated
Councilman uses the term Mayor Pro Tem, it should carry the
same demeanor and responsibility, and such a term as MPT
should never be used to promote one's own agenda.
It has been requested by more than one of the Councilmen that
the issue of our present ordinance be put on the next
council's agenda for discussion. I will direct to the City
Manager this request if it meets your approval. We have
searched for common ground, and it is sad that the actions of
a few has brought this issue to the forefront again, and this
time has the possibility of even greater divisiveness.
Each Council member in turn expressed their feelings on these
recent actions. Councilman Morton informed Council and
citizens present that a defense fund has been established for
anyone interested in contributing and indicated they could
contact him for further information.
C. Councilman Thomas stated that he would like to comment that
the recent blood drive for Traci Taylor had been very
successful and feels the support from citizens expressed the
true spirit of the citizens of Coppell.
D. Councilman Robertson stated that he would like to see a letter
written to the Exchange Club for the excellent job they did
on the recent July 4th activities. Mayor Wolfe indicated he
would draft such a letter.
E. Councilman Morton stated he would like to commend the Police
Department on the recent work done by the Police Department
in handling problems with undesirable people in Brown Park.
Item 15 City Council Liaison Reports
A. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE - There was no report at this
time.
B. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - There was no report at this time.
C. COPPELL HISTORIC DISTRICT - Councilman Nelson stated that the
committee has stated proceedings to discuss the road issue at
their meeting the previous night. No recommendation was
forthcoming at this time, however; two landowners were present
and a very productive meeting was held.
D. DALLAS CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT - There was no report at
this time.
E. FINANCE COMMITTEE - Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon reminded Council
that the annual budget will be filed with the City Secretary
on August 3, 1990 with the budget meeting being scheduled for
August 17, 1990. ~'~
F. LIBRARY BOARD - Councilman Weaver indicated that the Library
Board did not have a meeting the previous month due to
vacations of staff and board members.
G. MUD ABSORPTION COMMITTEE Councilman Weaver requested
information on the recent conflict on an annexation ordinance
that was between the Council and the MUD. city Manager Alan
Ratliff stated that this item would be presented on the next
Council agenda as a consent item.
Page 6 of 8
000{.34
H. NCTCOG Councilman Morton stated that he had recently
attended the executive board meeting of the COG Board.
I. PARK BOARD - Councilman Thomas stated that a Park Board
meeting had been held the previous night, that the pavilion
was substantially finished in Brown Park with the construction
of the concession stand in progress. Additionally, Dallas
County Open Space Committee will be in the City the next day
to look at a couple of projects in Coppell.
J. SCHOOL BOARD - Councilman Robertson reported on the recent
summer program activities. He indicated that 60 participants
signed up the first day with 90 signing up the second day.
Councilman Robertson also indicated that the YMCA and the
baseball projects are being further discussed and more
information will be brought forward at a later date.
K. TRANSPORTATION STUDY COMMITTEE - There was no report at this
time.
Councilman Robertson also reported that the Office on Aging is now
serving 154 senior households on the mailing list with 44 cases
reopened. Several follow-up calls and home visits occurred during
the previous quarter. Councilman Weaver also reported on the
Recycling Committee. Mrs. Barb Schmidt has been appointed as the
school liaison to this Committee.
Item 16 Discussion and consideration of authorizing staff to make
reservations for the TML 1990 Annual Conference and
Exhibition in Corpus Christi October 24-27.
Following discussion on this item, Councilman Morton moved that
reservations for the 1990 Annual Conference and Exhibition in
Corpus Christi to be held on October 24 - 27, 1990 be made.
Councilman Thomas seconded the motion;motion carried 6-0 with Mayor
Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver, Thomas, Morton, Robertson
and Nelson voting in favor of the motion.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (Closed to the Public)
ES-1 A. Article 6252-17, Section 2 (e) and 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. Kaye Street Drainage
4. Mr. Bar-B-Q
5. Lomas & Nettleton Agreement
6. Huel Weaver Lawsuit
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
2. Riverchase
Council convened in Executive Session at 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday, July
10, 1990 as allowed under the above stated articles and adjourned
into Open Session at 11:14 p.m.
~ (Open to the Public)
There being no further business to come before the Council, the
meeting was adjourned.
Page 7 of 8
000.1,35
Mark Wolfe, ~yor
ATTEST:
Dorothy Timm~ns, ~lty Secretary
Page 8 of 8