CM 1990-09-11 Minutes September 11, 1990
The City Council of the City of Coppell met in regular called
session on Tuesday, September 11, 1990 at 6:30 p.m. for Executive
Session and 7:00 p.m. for Open Session in the Council Chamber of
Town Center 255 Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, Texas. The following
members were present:
Mark Wolfe, Mayor
Bill Smothermon, Mayor Pro Tem
Peyton Weaver, Councilman
Tom Morton, Councilman
Jim Cowman, Councilman
Ron Robertson, Councilman
John A. Nelson, Councilman
Councilman David Thomas 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. Lomas & Nettleton Agreement
5. 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. MacArthur Boulevard Right of Way
3. Agreement road participation
4. Coppell Skaggs Drainage
C. Article 6252-17, Section 2 (g) discussion concerning
personnel
1. Board and Commissions appointments
The City Council convened in Executive Session at 6:34 p.m. on
Tuesday, September 11, 1990 as allowed under the above stated
articles. Mayor Wolfe adjourned into Open Session at 7:00 p.m.
REGULAR SESSION (Open to the Public)
Mayor Wolfe asked all present to stand while Councilman Morton led
the Invocation. Following the Invocation, Mayor Wolfe led those
present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 3 Consideration of Approval of Minutes: August 28, 1990
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon moved that the minutes be approved as
submitted. Councilman Morton seconded. Motion carried 6-0 with
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver, Morton, Cowman,
Robertson, and Nelson voting in favor of the motion.
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Item 4 citizen Appearances
There were no citizens who wished to speak at this time.
Item 5 Discussion and consideration of appointments to the City's Board and Commissions.
The following motions were made to appoint the various Board and
Commission Members: Councilman Cowman moved that Mr. Edward Sircy
be appointed for a one year term as the American Red Cross
Representative. Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon seconded. The motion
carried 6-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver,
Morton, Cowman, Robertson and Nelson voting in favor of the motion.
Councilman Robertson moved that Mr. Thomas Sherrill be appointed
to a two year term on the Animal Control Appeal Board. Councilman
Morton seconded. The motion carried 6-0 with Mayor Pro Tem
Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver, Morton, cowman, Robertson and
Nelson voting in favor of the motion. Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon
moved that Mr. Carl Thompson and Mr. Don B. Featherson be appointed
to two year terms as regular members of the Board of Adjustments,
that Mr. Ronald Wensel be appointed to a one year term as a regular
member of the Board of Adjustments, that Mr. Terry Long and Mr.
Ronald Pankey be appointed to two terms as alternate members and
Mr. Keith J. Roberson be appointed to a one year term as an
Alternante member of the Board of Adjustment. Councilman Weaver
seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0 with Mayor Pro Tem
Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver, Morton, Cowman, Robertson and
Nelson voting in favor of the motion. Councilman Weaver moved that
Mr. Charles Hyman be appointed as an Electrical Contractor, Mr.
Bryce Penland be appointed as a General Contractor and Mr. Gregory
Smith be appointed as a Mechanical Contractor, all for two year
terms, to the Code Advisory and Appeal Board and, additionally,
that Mr. John Thomason and Mr. Bryce Penland be appointed as
regular members and Mr. Charles Hyman and Mr. Gregory Smith be
appointed as alternate members to the Building and Standard Board.
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon seconded. The motion carried 6-0 with
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver, Morton, Cowman,
Robertson and Nelson voting in favor of the motion. Councilman
Morton moved that Mrs. Barbara Austin and Mr. William Rohloff be
appointed to two year terms to the Economic and Development Board.
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon seconded. The motion carried 6-0 with
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver, Morton, Cowman,
Robertson and Nelson voting in favor of the motion. Councilman
Nelson moved that Mrs. Erin French, Mrs. Donna Marchant and Mrs.
Melinda Surbaugh be appointed to two year terms to the Library
Board. Councilman Robertson seconded. The motion carried 6-0 with
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver, Morton, Cowman,
Robertson and Nelson voting in favor of the motion. Councilman
Cowman moved that Mr. Michael H. Cooper, Mr. Jay Shirley and Mrs.
Marca Hiller be appointed to two year terms to the Park Board.
Councilman Morton seconded. The motion carried 6-0 with Mayor Pro
Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver, Morton, Cowman, Robertson and
Nelson voting in favor of the motion. Councilman Robertson moved
that Mr. Joe Munsch, Mr. George Redford and Mr. Charles Cotten be
appointed to two year terms to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Councilman Weaver seconded. The motion carried 6-0 with Mayor Pro
Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver, Morton, Cowman, Robertson and
Nelson voting in favor of the motion.
Item 6 PUBLIC HEARING: To hear citizen input concerning the
Fiscal Year 1990-91 Operating Budget.
The Deputy city Manager/Finance Director Frank Trando made the
presentation to the Council. Mr. Trando stated that the public
hearing on the budget is being held this evening with final
adoption coming at the next city Council meeting. Mayor Wolfe then
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declared the Public Hearing open and asked for those persons who
wished to speak for the proposed budget. There were none. Mayor
Wolfe than asked for those p~!~(~Wh~ wished to speak against the
proposed budget. Those persons speaking were Mrs. Barbara George
representing the Lakes of Coppell Homeowners Association. Mrs.
George indicated their disappointment at funds not being included
in the budget for maintenance of medians in the Lakes of Coppell.
The Public Hearing was then declared closed. No action was
required on this item.
Item 7 PUBLIC HEARING: To discuss consideration of setting the
tax rate for Fiscal Year 1990-91 at $.0635 per $100.00.
The Deputy City Manager/Finance Director Frank Trando made the
presentation to the Council. Mr. Trando indicated to the Council
that the tax rate is being proposed to be set at $.0635 per
$100.00 valuation. Again, this item tonight is a Public Hearing
open for citizen input with final adoption of the tax rate coming
at the next City Council meeting. Mayor Wolfe declared the Public
Hearing open and asked for the persons who wished to speak for the
proposed tax rate. There were none. He then asked if there were
persons who wished to speak against the proposed tax rate. Again,
there were none. The Public Hearing was declared closed. No
action was required on this item.
Item 8 Discussion and consideration of adopting an ordinance
granting the Texas Utilities Electric Company an electric
light, heat and power franchise and repealing all
previous ordinances of the city of Coppell, Texas,
granting a franchise for such purpose.
The City Manager Alan D. Ratliff made the introduction to the
Council and stated that this request is for the renewal of an
existing agreement. Staff does not recommend renewal because of
the parity issue, the franchise percentage amount paid to all
customer cities. Mr. Tom Parsons, representing TU Electric, was
also present to discuss this item with the Council. Mr. Parsons
indicated that the existing franchise was approved in 1956 and that
State Law only requires a 2% gross receipt franchise; however,
Texas Utilities began paying 3% in 1974 to all customer cities.
The City of Dallas, who presently received a 4% franchise tax, was
served by Dallas Power and Light during the previous years with a
separate agreement being established designating the 4% amount.
The current franchise agreement with Dallas expires in December,
1991. It is TU's intention to reduce that franchise amount to 3%
once the franchise expires; however, should that fee not be used,
the amount allocated to Dallas would also be paid to all other
customer cities. Following lengthy discussion on this item,
Councilman Morton moved that this item be postponed for 30 days to
the October 9 City Council meeting. Councilman Nelson seconded.
The vote was tied 3-3 with Councilmen Weaver, Morton and Nelson
voting in favor of the motion and Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and
Councilmen cowman and Robertson voting against the motion. The
motion carried 4-3 with Mayor Wolfe breaking the tie by voting in
favor of the motion.
Item 9 Discussion and consideration of naming the Anderson Road
Pocket Park in accordance to Ordinance 89-455 Naming Park
Lands and Facilities.
Following discussion on this item, Councilman Morton moved that the
park located off of Anderson Road in the Hunterwood subdivision be
named Hunterwood Park. Councilman Robertson seconded. The motion
carried 6-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon, Councilmen Weaver,
Morton, Cowman, Robertson and Nelson voting in favor of the motion.
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600169
Item 10 Status Report on Coppel!/Skaggs Drainage Improvement
Project and consideration ~f directing Staff to initiate
condemnation proceedings to secure necessary drainage
easements for construction.
Acting City Engineer Shohre Daneshmand made the presentation to the
Council. Ms. Daneshmand indicated that Staff is appearing before
Council for authorization to proceed with acquiring the necessary
dedication and easements for this drainage project. Mr. James --~
Dunn, 162 Shadydale, Coppell, Texas, spoke and requested if the
easements would be required on the property just to the west of the
Skaggs drainage area or would it be located to the east of their
property. Staff indicated that all drainage easements would be on
the Skaggs property. Time frame for completion of this drainage
project is approximately 90 days. Following discussion, Mayor Pro
Tem Smothermon moved that Staff be authorized to proceed with all
means, up to and including condemnation, necessary to obtain
easements for this drainage project. Councilman Morton seconded
the motion. The motion carried 6-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon,
Councilmen Weaver, Morton, Cowman, Robertson and Nelson voting in
favor of the motion.
Item 11 Presentation of report to the City Council regarding
Texas Waste Management's request for a 4% increase in
rates for solid waste collection in reaction to increases
in fuel prices.
Public Works Director Steve Goram requested to Council that this
item be postponed to the October 9, 1990 meeting, as it is not
ready at the present time. Councilman Morton then moved that the
item be postponed to the October 9, 1990 Council meeting.
Councilman Nelson seconded. The motion carried 6-0 with Mayor Pro
Tem Smothermon, Councilmen Weaver, Morton, Cowman, Robertson and
Nelson voting in favor of the motion. ~-~
Item 12 PUBLIC HEARING: To consider approval of a zoning
change from (C) Commercial to (C-S.U.P.) Commercial
Special Use permit, Case #S-1049, for the operation of
a grocery store, located approximately 488 feet west of
Samuel Boulevard and Sandy Lake Road, at the request of
Food Lion, represented by Mr. Rice Williams.
Director of Planning & Community Services, Gary Sieb, made the
presentation to the Council. Mr. Sieb indicated that the Planning
and Zoning Commission recommended unanimous approval of this zoning
change. Mr. Sieb indicated that the applicant has addressed
typical concerns of building location, signage, landscaping, facade
design as well as other site-specific items. Landscaping standards
mandated by city ordinance are minimum standards. If the special
use is granted, a more extensive landscape treatment would be
recommended. Mr. Sieb indicated that the Staff does feel that,
although the use is appropriate for Coppell, Staff's feeling is
that the location is not, since there is already a vacant site just
across Samuel Boulevard to the East. While it has been stated that
this site, Georgetown, is structurally unsound, Staff cannot verify
this statement. The applicant has indicated that the design of the
Georgetown Center does not lend itself to their existing design.
Mr. Rice Williams, representing Food Lion, was also present to ~
discuss this item with the Council. Mayor Wolfe declared the
Public Hearinq oDen and asked for those Dersons who wished to speak
against the proposed zoning change. There were none. Mayor Wolfe
then asked for those persons who wished to speak in favor of the
proposed zoning change. Those persons speaking were Mr. Neal
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Surbaugh, Mr. Mike Allen, Mr. D. Robinson and Mr. David Doucette.
The public hearing was then declared closed. Following discussion
on this item, Councilman Robe~t~6~ed that the zoning change be
approved with the temporary drive that is to be constructed from
the grocery store East to Samuel Boulevard be of such a
construction as to support fire apparatus and/or other heavy
vehicular traffic. Councilman Nelson seconded. The motion carried
4-2, with Councilmen Morton, Cowman, Robertson and Nelson voting
in favor of the motion and Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilman
Weaver voting against the motion.
Item 13 Consider approval of a preliminary plat for the Coppell
Church of Christ, located approximately 443 feet north
of the northwest corner of Sandy Lake Road and Samuel
Boulevard, at the request of Coppell Church of Christ,
Joe Fitch, Trustee.
Director of Planning & Community Services, Gary Sieb, made this
presentation to the Council. Mr. Gary Adams, representing the
Coppell Church of Christ was also present to discuss this item with
the Council. The Planning & Zoning Commission has recommended, by
unanimous approval, this plan. Parking spaces required by city
ordinance are exceeded by four spaces. The property is already
zoned to allow for a church on the site. Drainage from the
adjoining site through the church to the east was discussed by
Council. Following discussion on this item, Councilman Morton
moved that the preliminary plat for the Coppell Church of Christ
by approved with the stipulation that all drainage problems be
addressed and resolved to the satisfaction of City Staff and City
Council. Councilman Weaver seconded. The motion carried 6-0 with
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver, Morton, cowman,
Robertson and Nelson voting in favor of the motion.
Item 14 Discussion and consideration of a proposal which would
amend the subdivision ordinance and allow the City of
Coppell to enter into a contract with the developer of
property to secure their paving easement and/or
commitment by establishment of a lien against their
property in lieu of escrowing funds.
city Manager Alan D. Ratliff made a presentation to the Council.
Mr. Ratliff indicated that City Staff have been working with an
economic development prospect who is requesting relief from escrow
funds required for requirements of major roadways adjacent to his
development. The prospective client did not want to tie up funds
since it will most likely be several years before the roadway is
constructed. Staff is looking for Council direction prior to
proceeding. City Attorney representative, Bruce Stockard,
indicated to Council that they could add language to the agreement
to do an assessment program as an option. It was the consensus of
the Council to proceed with this project and come forward for final
consideration. No other action was required.
Item 15 Mayor's Report
Mayor Wolfe reported on the following items:
A) A report on the airport expansion project has been scheduled
for the September 18, 1990 City Council meeting.
B) The hearing on the DFW Airport expansion has been set for
September 24, 1990 at the Grapevine Convention Center.
c) The economic trip to Toronto will be September 22, 1990
through Septem]~er 28, 1990.
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.... 1300171
D) Councilman Nelson stated that Mrs. Lindy Thomas, Chairwoman
of the Historic Committee is requesting Council's feelings on
the widening of Bethel Road through what will be the historic
district. Discussion has been held previously concerning
either a two lane or a four lane roadway. It was the
consensus of Council that they would rely heavily on traffic
reports for the number of lanes to be ultimately developed;
however, it is anticipated that two lanes would be built at
this point, with right of way available for four lanes should
it be needed. This item was tabled at a previous meeting.
Director of Public Works, Steve Goram, indicated that he would
bring the two areas that were discussed back for Council
review.
E) Mayor Wolfe informed Council that the installation of the
traffic light at Denton Tap and Bethel Road will be coming
before the Council at the October 9, 1990 City Council
meeting.
F) Mayor Wolfe also informed Council that the property owner at
the corner of Bethel School and Moore Road has had a change
of mind as far as cooperating with the City in the moving of
the fence at this location.
G) Mayor Wolfe read a letter to the City Council from Mr. Bruce
Stockard of the City Attorney's office concerning Robert's
Rules of Orders and tabling of items. It is the
recommendation of City Attorney's office that a motion to
table should not be accompanied by a specific date. If a date
is used, the motion should be to postpone that item. Mayor
Wolfe requested that Council adhere to these recommendations
in future motions.
H) Councilman Robertson requested a status report on the
entrance/exit at the Skaggs Shopping Center at the north end
of the Skaggs Shopping Center where the Goodyear Store is
located.
I) Councilman Morton requested that Staff look at the
intersection of Denton Tap and Sandy Lake Road for possible
safety reasons. Earlier in the day, Councilman Morton stated
that two accidents had occurred both north-bound, one north
of the intersection and one south of the intersection.
J) Councilman Weaver expressed concern about there being adequate
time for the council to study the airport expansion report and
having adequate hearing due to the length of the upcoming
agenda.
K) Councilman Weaver expressed appreciation for the excellent
reception held the previous evening for the Board and
Commission members and asked that Staff be so advised.
Item 16 City Council Liaison Reports
A) ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE - There was no report at this
time.
B) CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Mayor Wolfe reported for Councilman
Cowman that the next Chamber of Commerce meeting on September
19, 1990 will be a tour through the Bulk Mail Facility.
c) COPPELL HISTORIC DISTRICT - There was no report at this time.
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D) DCAD - There was no report at this time.
E) FINANCE COMMITTEE - counoilman Smothermon informed Council
that an annual budget is now being finalized and that the
Private Club Ordinance Committee will be meeting the following
Wednesday in anticipation of a Public Hearing and report in
October.
F) LIBRARY BOARD - Councilman Weaver indicated that the Library
Board did meet the previous week and that consideration was
being given for the Board to attain additional funding.
G) METROCREST RED RIBBON COMMITTEE - Councilman cowman indicated
that the Red Ribbon Committee would be meeting the following
Wednesday and asked that Staff have a representative present
due to his being unable to attend.
H) MUD ABSORPTION COMMITTEE - Councilman Nelson indicated that
the MUD Board had met and annexed the Lake Park Project and
that no action had been taken on Project agreements.
I) NCTCOG - There was no report at this time.
J) PARK BOARD - Councilman Robertson indicated that the YMCA
Committee would be meeting the coming Wednesday.
K) RECYCLING COMMITTEE - Councilman Weaver stated that the
Recycling Committee is in the process of doing a telephone
survey with the intention of presenting an item at the first
meeting in October to the city Council.
L) SCHOOL BOARD - There was no report at this time.
M) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD - Councilman Morton stated that
the Economic Development Board had met the previous week.
This Board is getting ready to do a community profile in the
near future. Councilman Morton also indicated he would like
for Council to look at increased funding for this Committee
at the mid year budget.
Consent Agenda
Item 17 A. Consideration and approval of the proposed
Lewisville Agreed Judgment.
B. Discussion and consideration of approving a policy
for criteria for school zone traffic control and
directing staff to prepare an ordinance for Council
consideration.
C. Consideration of rejecting all bids for purchase of
On-Line-Interactive Police Computer System.
D. Consideration of awarding of bid for sale of
proposed City Logo for sum of $210.00.
E. Consideration of rejecting all bids received for
purchase of Fire Fighter Boots.
Councilman Morton moved that the Consent Agenda be approved.
Councilman Nelson seconded. The motion carried 6-0 with Mayor Pro
Tem Smothermon, Councilmen Weaver, Morton, Cowman, Robertson and
Nelson voting for the motion.
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6001 73
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. Lomas & Nettleton Agreement
5. 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. MacArthur Boulevard Right of Way
3. Agreement road participation
4. Coppell Skaggs Drainage
C. Article 6252-17, Section 2 (g) discussion concerning
personnel
1. Board and Commissions appointments
The Council convened into Executive Session at 9:12 p.m. on
Tuesday, September 11, 1990 as allowed under the above stated
articles. Mayor Wolfe adjourned the Executive Session and opened
the public session at 10:01 p.m.
There being no further business to come before the Council, the
meeting was adjourned.
Mark Wolfe, M~r
ATTEST:
~n~, City Secretary