CM 1992-07-28 MINUTES OF JULY 28, 1992
The City Council of the City of Coppell met in Regular Called
Session on Tuesday, July 28, 1992 at 6:00 p.m. in the City 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
Lanny Mayo, Councilman
Ron Robertson, Councilman
Jim Garrison, Councilman
Also present were city Manager Alan D. Ratliff, City Secretary
Dorothy Timmons and City Attorney Lawrence W. Jackson.
REGULAR SESSION (Open to the Public)
Item 1 Call to order
Mayor Wolfe called the meeting to order.
Item 2 Work Session
a. ADA Compliance
b. General Discussion of Agenda Items
Item 3 Invocation
Pastor C.A. McBride of First Assembly of God Church led those
present in the Invocation.
Item 4 Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Wolfe led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Item 5-ES A. Article 6252-17, Section 2 (e), Senate Concurrent
Resolution Number 83, discussion with City Attorney
concerning matter involving privileged
communications between attorney and client.
1. Johnny Thompson
2. Cable Access Programming
3. Status Report of Pending Lawsuits/Claims
The city Council convened into Executive Session at 6:00 p.m as
allowed under the above stated articles. Mayor Wolfe adjourned the
Executive Session at 6:36 p.m. and opened the public session.
REGULAR SESSION (Open to the Public)
Item 6 Approval of Minutes: July 14, 1992
Councilman Morton moved to approve the minutes of July 14, 1992 as
submitted. Councilman Robertson seconded the motion. The motion
carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilman Weaver,
Thomas, Morton, Mayo, Robertson and Garrison voting in favor of the
motion.
Item 7 Citizens Appearances
Kelly and Melissa Williams of 755 Pelican, representing Kid
Country, thanked the Council for their donations to Kid Country.
Johnny Thompson of 1780 E. Beltline, voiced dissatisfaction with
city staff.
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Item 8 Discussion and consideration of approval of a
Proclamation proclaiming "National Night Out" on Tuesday,
August 4, 1992, and providing City Council support and
endorsement for the "5K/1 Mile Fun Run-Walk" on August 1,
1992, to be held in conjunction with the August 4th
National Night Out festivities, and authorizing the Mayor
to sign.
Mickey Neil of 189 Asher Court made a presentation to the Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon moved to approve a Proclamation
proclaiming "National Night Out" on Tuesday, August 4, 1992, and
providing City Council support and endorsement for the "5K/1 Mile
Fun Run-Walk" on August 1, 1992, to be held in conjunction with the
August 4th National Night Out festivities, and authorizing the
Mayor to sign. Councilman Morton seconded the motion. The motion
carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilman Weaver,
Thomas, Morton, Mayo, Robertson and Garrison voting in favor of the
motion.
Item 9 Discussion and consideration of possible solutions to
Barbara Austin's drainage problem at the northeast corner
of Moore and Sandy Lake Road.
Mayor Wolfe preceded the presentations with the procedures Council
follows in work sessions and also stated that it was the intent of
Council to address this issue in the Capital Improvement Projects
work session. Ken Griffin, City Engineer, made a presentation to
the Council concerning previous projects where developers
previously were required to address off-site drainage. Mr. Griffin
stated several options to address this problem; 1) to do nothing
and let the developer of the property take care of the problem; 2)
look at the problem in regards to our Capital Improvement Program
and possibly fund some type of interim solution as discussed in the
last workshop; 3) again, consider the Capital Improvement Program
and commit to funding the entire drainage solution as identified by
the Albert Halff drainage study; or 4) enter into negotiations or
contractual type relationship with the property owners to work
toward an agreement of either financial participation, future liens
on the property, future assessments, escrows, reimbursements or any
type or combination of various types of funding mechanisms to take
care of this problem. Following discussion, Barbara Austin of 632
E. Sandy Lake Road made a presentation to the Council expressing
her feelings that the development to the south, consisting of 81
acres, has increased the flow of water in the drainage way that
crosses her property. It is her opinion that it is not her problem
to fix the drainage problem but rather the City's problem. Mayor
Wolfe suggested holding this item until after the Capital
Improvement Project work sessions. Consensus of Council was to
hold this item until after discussion of the Capital Improvement
Project work session.
See agenda item number 19 for the motion concerning this item.
Item 10 Citizen's appearance by Monica Simmons to request
improvements to Shadowcrest Road and to present a
petition from residents urging immediate action.
Monica Simmons of 456 Shadowcrest presented a petition and photos
to the Council. The petition is dated May 10, 1992, but has not
been presented in waiting for anticipated repairs. Mayor Wolfe
indicated that work should be under way in about three months due
to the bid process and legal requirements. No action was required
by Council at the time.
Item 11 Presentation, discussion, and considerations of a
proposal by Lou Duggan regarding the funding for
children's programs within the City of Coppell.
Lou Duggan, former Mayor of Coppell, residing at 517 Rocky Branch
spoke concerning alternatives to funding for children's programs.
Mr. Duggan proposed a Home Rule Charter amendment to create a
Coppell Children's Fund for children under the age of eighteen
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(18). The fund could only be spent on services such as the new
YMCA effort, Kid Country, City park matching funds, youth
recreation center, playground equipment, swimming pools,
delinquency prevention, youth educational services, counseling,
Students in Government and Library Services. The Children's Fund
would require popular citizens support to be implemented along with
a Charter Amendment to direct Property Tax Revenue into the fund
and possibly be funded by a one cent tax. Information about a
similar program approved by voters in San Francisco last November
was presented to the Council. Mr. Duggan stated that he was not
looking for an answer tonight, but would like for Council to
consider the program.
Item 12 Discussion and consideration of approving an ordinance to
create the Coppell Cable Television Review Board.
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon outlined changes made by the Cable Review
Committee. Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon moved to approve Ordinance
number 92563 creating the Coppell Cable Television Review Board
with the following changes; a) on 2-6-2 paragraph A. the one non-
voting member from Coppell High School will be an ex-officio member
appointed by the School Board, and that all voting members will be
registered voters; b) that the initial terms will be two (2) two-
year and three (3) one-year terms to start the staggered
appointments. Councilman Morton seconded the motion. The motion
carried 5-2 with Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Thomas,
Morton, Mayo, and Robertson voting in favor of the motion and
Councilmen Weaver and Garrison voting against the motion. Council
expressed their thanks to citizen Bill Coppola for his assistance.
Item 13 Discussion and consideration of withdrawing from the
Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce.
Sid Allen, President of Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce, made a
presentation to the Council. Following discussion, Councilman
Robertson moved to withdraw from Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce.
Councilman Thomas seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-1 with
Councilmen Weaver, Thomas, Morton, Mayo, Robertson, and Garrison
voting in favor of the motion and Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon voting
against the motion.
Item 14 Mayor's Report
Councilman Morton brought the Council's attention to the mailing
received from Councilman Bartos, Chairman of the Transportation
Committee of the City of Dallas, regarding the analysis of the
impact of changes to the Wright Amendment. Councilman Morton
requested that Council should continue to pursue to reduce or
repeal the Wright Amendment.
Item 15 Liaison Reports
Economic and Business Development Board
Councilman Morton expressed that the board had a very productive
meeting with Chamber, staff and School Board representatives and
have come up with a method by which the Board and the five members
appointed by the Chamber Board will get together and come up with
a strategic plan for Economic Development for the City. After
approval by the Chamber Board the plan will then be forwarded to
the Economic and Business Development Board. Councilman Morton was
pleased that the Boards had come up with a way to focus efforts in
one direction for one purpose with one strategic plan.
CONSENT AGENDA
Item 16 A. Consideration for approval of proposed Animal
Control Appeal Board Bylaws.
B. Consideration for approval for final payment to
Gregory Equipment Company for the drainage
improvements on Howell and Bullock in the amount of
$42,725.00 and authorizing the Mayor to sign.
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Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon moved to approve Items 16-A and B of the
consent agenda as read. Councilman Morton seconded the motion.
The motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilman
Weaver, Thomas, Morton, Mayo, Robertson and Garrison voting in
favor of the motion.
THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AND RE-CONVENED AT 8:16 IN THE ROTARY
ROOM FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE COUNCIL MEETING
Item 17 Discussion and consideration of determining Capital
Improvement Projects.
A. General Obligation Bonds - issuance of bonds in the
amount of approximately 2.5 million from the 1990
Bond Election; Library and other miscellaneous
projects.
B. Certificates of Obligation - issuance of
Certificates of Obligation in the amount of
$500,000 for Fire Administration Building and other
miscellaneous projects.
C. Water & Sewer Revenue Bonds - issuance of bonds;
approximately $2,000,000 for Grapevine Sewer Trunk
Main and other miscellaneous projects.
Alan D. Ratliff, made opening comments to the Council. Boyd
London, First Southwest Company, and the City's financial advisor,
began the discussion concerning selling of bonds and Certificates
of Obligation and the rating process. Mr. London shared his
concern in two areas he felt both the rating agencies and the
potential bond insurers would have some problems. Those two
concerns are the rise in the City's tax rate and the water & sewer
rate. Mr. London stated that the rating services will expect to
see projections of future tax rates. Additionally, the City needs
to have a 5-year plan adopted by City Council addressing levels of
service and the accompanying tax rate with a breakdown between
Obligation & Maintenance and debt service. The rating services
will also want assurances that the present Council has a clear
understanding of the future direction of the City's tax rate.
Concerning water and sewer rates, Mr. London stated that both the
rating services and bond insurance companies have had a noticeable
change in attitude concerning generation of sufficient net
revenues. These agencies now would like to see a City's net
revenues generate at least 125% of debt service requirements for
the budgeted year. Additionally, with a clearly established trend
of "wet" years, the City must respond by adjusting rates to
generate sufficient monies to provide for some capital improvements
such as line replacement, infiltration and inflow remediation, and
extraordinary maintenance items.
Next, Frank Trando, Finance Director/Deputy City Manager, made a
presentation to the Council and discussed current and proposed tax
rates for Obligation & Maintenance and Interest & Sinking
requirements. He also expressed his concern regarding the needed
rise in the City's tax rate and the water and sewer rates. Mr.
Trando presented information on the history of Coppell's tax rate
from 1983 projected through 1996. The figures for 1983-84 fiscal
year were .27 for Obligation & Maintenance, .04 for Interest &
Sinking with a combined rate of .31. With the proposed sale of
General Obligation and Water and Sewer Revenue Bonds and
Certificates of Obligation, the projected rates are .4951 for
Obligation and Maintenance, .2126 for Interest & Sinking, for a
combined total rate of .8292. Also, for the 94-95 fiscal year, the
City will need to address the Obligation & Maintenance rate for new
library. This figure is not included in the numbers presented to
the Council. The City also anticipates selling bonds for
improvements to Sandy Lake Road in the fiscal year 1994-95.
Council then discussed the General Obligation Bonds approved by
voters in 1990. Ken Griffin, City Engineer, made a presentation to
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the Council regarding the cost of intersection improvements at
Sandy Lake/MacArthur ($850,000), Sandy Lake/Moore ($500,000),
Coppell Road from Plantation to Sandy Lake ($820,000), and Coppell
Road from Plantation to Bethel Road ($950,000). Mr. Griffin stated
that Dallas County has issued a contract to design Sandy Lake Road
from MacArthur intersection headed back towards Carrollton. The
question of their time table matching ours has arisen. The
intersection at MacArthur was designed about two years ago with
DART funds, and the City does have an approved set of plans for
that intersection which do show raising the section west of
MacArthur by two or three feet. Mr. Griffin recommended that the
Council not select any one intersection to discuss developments
until we see the overall vertical alignment of Sandy Lake Road.
Concerning Coppell Road, it will carry a substantial amount of
traffic due to the schools. A situation will probably arise in
regard to traffic on Coppell Road during school traffic hours. To
fund the entire project of Coppell Road is estimated at 1.8 million
dollars, which was not identified during the bond sales, but it
shows up on the thoroughfare plan.
Council then moved to discussion of the Certificates of Obligation.
Frank Trando, Finance Director/Deputy City Manager, discussed this
item with the Council. Mr. Trando informed the Council that this
is not a bond item and the City will have to notify citizens
fourteen (14) days prior to the sale of Certificates of Obligation
to allow citizen input. Mr. Trando recommended doing Certificates
of Obligation for either five (5) years or eleven (11) years
considering what the impact of the tax rating would be. The City
is looking at possibly funding $500,000, $300,000 of which would be
for the Fire Administration Building. Mayor Wolfe requested the
Council to consider selling $300,000 and use the additional
$200,000 for Moore Road improvements. During discussion on staff's
recommended list of purchases with the $200,000, Council asked if
there were any funds left over from the computer bonds issued to
purchase the CAD system for Engineering. Frank Trando, Deputy City
Manager/Finance Director, gave an affirmative response to Council,
but indicated he did not have the exact amount left over from those
bonds. Council suggested that the CAD system be funded from the
1990 Bonds allocated for the computer system rather that the
Certificates of Obligation.
Council then discussed the proposed sale of $2,040,000 in Water &
Sewer Revenue bonds. $250,000 of these bonds are proposed for a
comprehensive inflow and infiltration analysis. Public Works
Director Steve Goram presented information to the Council comparing
privitization versus an in-house approach to the inflow
infiltration problem. It is his recommendation that the City
purchase the needed equipment, supplies, and personnel through the
sale of bonds rather than contracting for the work. It is
anticipated that a savings of $69,000 would be realized by the end
of the second year by going this route. Mr. Goram stated that
after five years of intense inspection, the crew and equipment
would also be used to inspect new construction with the cost being
charged back to the developers.
Following discussion on this item, Council proceeded to the action
items listed on the agenda.
Item 18 Discussion and consideration of a resolution directing
staff to prepare an official statement, notice of sale
and bidding instructions for the issuance of voted and
unissued General Obligation Bonds; Waterworks and Sewer
System Revenue Bonds, and Certificates of Obligation for
the City of Coppell.
Councilman Morton moved to approve Resolution 072892.1 directing
staff to prepare an official statement, notice of sale and bidding
instructions for the issuance of voted and unissued General
Obligation Bonds; Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, and
Certificates of Obligation for the City of Coppell. Mayor Pro Tem
Smothermon seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-1 with Mayor
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Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Thomas, Morton, Mayo, Robertson
and Garrison voting in favor of the motion and Councilman Weaver
voting against the motion.
Item 19 Discussion and consideration of approving a resolution
directing publication of notice of intention to issue
Certificates of Obligation, Series 1992.
Councilman Morton moved to approve Resolution 072892.2 for the
issuance of $500,000 Certificates of Obligation, Series 1992 for a
five (5) year term with $300,000 to be used for the Fire
Administration Building and the balance to be used for improvements
to Sandy Lake/Moore Road intersection with the stipulation that
staff investigate any previous road assessements and any previous
agreements with land owners concerning improvements in this area.
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon seconded the motion. Councilman Thomas
requested that the records show his concern that Council has asked
staff to prepare a listing of proposed expenditure for the
remaining $200,000 of Certificates of Obligation and then did not
consider staff's recommendation. The motion carried 4-3 with Mayor
Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Morton, Mayo and Robertson voting
in favor of the motion and Councilmen Weaver, Thomas and Garrison
voting against the motion.
Item 20 Discussion and consideration of approving a resolution
directing publication of notice of intention to issue
Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Series 1992.
Following discussion of Item 17, Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon moved to
approve resolution 072892.3 for the issuance of $2,000,000
Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Series 1992. Councilman
Morton seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-1 with Mayor Pro
Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Thomas, Morton, Mayo, Robertson and
Garrison voting in favor of the motion and Councilman Weaver voting
against the motion. The remaining $40,000 will come from
unallocated interest and savings from other projects
Item 21 A. Discussion and consideration of calling a Special
Council Meeting for the purpose of selling bonds
September 1, 1992.
B. Discussion and consideration of calling a Budget
Workshop for Fiscal Year 1992-93 on August 14th and
15th, 1992.
Councilman Robertson moved to approve Item 21-A calling a Special
Council Meeting for the purpose of selling bonds for September 1,
1992 at 8:00 p.m. Councilman Morton seconded the motion. The
motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen
Weaver, Thomas, Morton, Mayo, Robertson and Garrison voting in
favor of the motion.
Councilman Robertson moved approve Item 21-B setting the date for
the Budget Workshop for Fiscal Year 1992-93 on August 14th from
1:00 p.m. and to carry on August 15th as needed until completion.
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon seconded the motion. The motion carried
7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver, Thomas,
Morton, Mayo, Robertson and Garrison voting in favor of the motion.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Item 5-ES A. Article 6252-17, Section 2 (e), Senate Concurrent
Resolution Number 83, discussion with City Attorney
concerning matter involving privileged
communications between attorney and client.
1. Johnny Thompson
2. Cable Access Programming
3. Status Report of Pending Lawsuits/Claims
The City Council convened into Executive Session at 10:18 p.m as
allowed under the above stated articles. Mayor Wolfe adjourned the
Executive Session at 11:52 p.m. and opened the public session.
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REGULAR SESSION (Open to the Public)
There being no further business to come before the Council, the
meeting was adjourned.
ATTEST: Mark Wolfe, Mayor
Dorothy Timmons, City Secretary
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