CM 1992-08-11 ~INUTES OF ~UGUST 11, 1992
The City Council of the City of Coppell met in Regular Called
Session on Tuesday, August 11, 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).
1. Call to Order
Mayor Wolfe called the meeting to order.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (Closed to the Public)
Item 2-ES A. Article 6252-17, Section 2(f), discussion with
respect to the purchase, exchange, lease, or
value of real property.
1. Wellington Place Apartments
B. 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. Escrow Agreement with Frank Bamburg
2. R.E. Harrington/Haynes & Boone
3. Briefing by Betty Springer on Attorney
General's Opinion 7/31/92
4.Longbranch (Not on Agenda)
5.Open Records Act - Kwast Letter 8/4/92
6.Status Report of Pending Lawsuits/Claims
The City Council convened into Executive Session at 6:01 p.m. as
allowed under the above stated articles. Mayor Wolfe adjourned the
Executive Session at 7:01 p.m. and opened the public session.
WORK SESSION (Open to the Public)
3. Work Session:
a. Boundary Area or Orphan Roads
b. Off-site Drainage Policy
c. General Discussion of Agenda Items
REGULAR SESSION (Open to the Public)
_ 4. Reconvene Regular Session
5. Invocation
Rev. Rob Smith, Pastor, Church of the Apostles Episcopal, led
those present in the Invocation.
6. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Wolfe led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
CM081192
Page 1 of 7
7. Approval of Minutes: July 22, 1992
July 28, 1992
Councilman Morton moved to approve the minutes of July 22, 1992 as
submitted and July 28, 1992 with revisions. Mayor Pro Tem
Smothermon seconded the motion. The motion carried 7-0 and Mayor
Pro Tem Smothermon, Councilmen Weaver, Thomas, Morton, Mayo,
Robertson and Garrison voting in favor of the motion.
8. Citizens Appearances
A1 Godwin spoke about the section of Coppell Road from the
intersection of Ruby and Plantation north to the intersection of
Sandy Lake and Thweatt, right in front of the Wilson Elementary
School. Children crossing the street to get to the bus will face
certain dangers: the school has no school zone signs, no warning
signs or restricted speed limit signs. He asked that sidewalks be
installed for the children to safely get to the bus.
Oscar Jones, 213 Park Meadow, Coppell, Texas, requested 10 more
days to be granted concerning the dog barking incident.
9. Consideration of a resolution to reconsider the Council's
resolution directing publication of notice of intention to
issue Certificates of Obligation, Series 1992.
Following discussion, Councilman Morton moved to reconsider this
item, and Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon seconded the motion. The motion
carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon, Councilmen Weaver,
Thomas, Morton, Mayo, Robertson, and Garrison in favor of the
motion.
Following further discussion of several motions, which died for
lack of a second, Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon moved to leave the
resolution as approved at the July 28, 1992 meeting. Councilman _
Robertson seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-3 with Mayor
Pro Tem Smothermon, Councilmen Morton, Robertson, and Garrison
voting in favor of the motion, with Councilmen Weaver, Thomas, and
Mayo voting against the motion.
10. Discussion and consideration for directing staff to prepare an
official statement, notice of sale, and negotiation and
instructions for the issuance for refunding $8,495,000 of
General Obligation Bonds.
Frank Trando, Deputy City Manager/Finance Director, made a
presentation to the Council and advised Council that by this
refunding, Council will save the City approximately $411,000 in
interest payments. Following further discussion, Councilman Morton
moved to approve the preparation of the official statement, notice
of sale, and negotiation and instructions for the issuance for
refunding $8,495,000 of General Obligation Bonds. Mayor Pro Tem
Smothermon seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro
Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver, Thomas, Morton, Mayo,
Robertson, and Garrison voting in favor of the motion.
11. Citizen's Appearance by Frank Bamburg to discuss fees assessed
to Sand Point Estates Addition.
Frank Bamburg, 743 Kings Lane, Desoto, Texas, protested the payment
of the escrow amount. He did not believe the property should be
assessed for anymore than it is enhanced, and he did not believe
the road enhances the subdivision. However he plans to pay the
required funds in order to continue development of the subdivision.
Steve Lawton, 633 Raven, Coppell, Texas, objected to what he feels
is an "assessment" to this property.
CM081192
Page 2 of 7
Clarke Watkins, 400 Greentree, Coppell, Texas, objected to the
"assessment" on escrow of funds for this development.
Johnny Thompson, P. O. Box 1236, Coppell, Texas, spoke regarding
the Sand Point Estates Addition. He spoke of widening Sandy Lake
Road with a cul-de-sac at the end, at the cost of the developer.
12. Consideration of approving an escrow agreement with Frank
Bamburg for Sandy Lake Improvement, for Sand Point Estates, in
the Amount of $64,801.42 and authorizing the Mayor to sign.
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon moved to reject the amended escrow
agreement as presented, and reiterate the Council's position and
only the standard escrow agreement used is acceptable in that such
matter was disclosed at final platting and was agreed to by all
parties concerned. Councilman Morton seconded the motion. The
motion carried 6-1 with Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen
Thomas, Morton, Mayo, and Garrison voting in favor of the motion,
and Councilman Robertson voting against the motion.
13. PUBLIC HEARING: To consider approval of a zoning change, Case
#ZC-542, from (R) Retail, to (FS-9) Single-Family-9, located
at 264 W.Bethel Road, at the request of Wendy Webster.
Councilman Morton moved to deny without prejudice zoning change
Case #ZC-542, from (R) Retail, to (FS-9) Single-Family-9, located
at 264 W.Bethel Road. 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.
14. Consideration of a variance for Section 10-8-3 B of the Sign
Ordinance which concerns real estate signs. The variance is
requested by Jerry Ragsdale, Senior Vice President, Republic
Property Group, Inc., for Riverchase Estates.
Greg Jones, Acting Chief Building Official, spoke regarding Jerry
Ragsdale's request for approving temporary development sign which
identifies the builders and Riverchase Estates subdivision. He said
it is a typical subdivision sign individuals see when a major
development comes in. Discussion followed considering amending the
sign ordinance so that these requests will cease coming through.
Councilman Robertson suggested that once the subdivision reached a
certain stage of development, the signs will come down. The rule of
thumb now is 75% of lots sold represents this point.
Following discussion, Councilman Morton moved to approve a variance
from Section 10-8-3 B of the sign ordinance which concerns real
estate signs by Jerry Ragsdale, Senior Vice President, Republic
Property Group, Inc., for Riverchase Estates, and that the sign
must be taken down when 75% of the building permits are issued.
Councilman Robertson 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.
15. Consideration of a variance from Section 10-6-2-A (1) of the
Sign Ordinance which concerns model home signs. This variance
_ is requested by Ms. Brenda Elliot of Texas Advertising for
David Weekly Homes in Wynn Page Estates.
Greg Jones, Acting Chief Building Official, made the presentation
to the Council. Following discussion, Council Robertson moved to
approve a variance from Section 10-6-2-A (1) of the Sign Ordinance
which concerns model home signs requested by Ms. Brenda Elliot of
Texas Advertising for David Weekly Homes in Wynn Page Estates.
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon seconded the motion. The motion carried 7-
0 with Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver, Thomas,
CM081192
Page 3 of 7
Morton, Mayo, Robertson, and Garrison voting in favor of the
motion.
16. Presentation by City Attorney and discussion and consideration
of directing staff to prepare the necessary paperwork for
calling a referendum election to consider institution of a 1/2
cent sales tax for making park improvements, constructing park
facilities and other purposes as may be provided by law.
Lawrence W. Jackson, City Attorney, made a presentation to the
Council concerning Parks and Recreation under the Irving Bill and
Economic and Development under the Coppell Bill. Following
discussion, motions being made and withdrawn, Councilman Robertson
moved to approve the three-member study committee appointed by the
Mayor to review up to a 1/2 cent sales tax for a Parks and
Recreation, and Library, and up to a 1/2 cent sales tax for
Economic Development, to present their findings at the last City
Council Meeting in October, for a possible election being called
for January or May. Mayor Wolfe appointed the following Councilmen:
Councilman Morton, Economic and Development Committee, Councilman
Robertson, Parks and Recreation, and Library, and Councilman Thomas
as a neutral person. Councilman Weaver seconded the motion. Motion
carried 6-1 with Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver,
Thomas, Mayo, Robertson, and Garrison voting in favor of the
motion, and Councilmen Morton voting against the motion.
17. Mayor's Report
1. Friday, August 14, 1992, is the deadline for citizens
applying for a position with one of the City's boards
and/or commissions.
2. The Woman of the Year Banquet is scheduled for September
3, 1992. Eleven seats will be available at the table,
including one for Martha Jo Cozby as the former Woman of
the Year. Eleven persons can be at a table, instead of
the originally scheduled 10, at an additional $30.00.
This was done last year. The Mayor received a consensus
from Council to approve the $30.00 cost for the extra
ticket.
3. Mayor Wolfe reminded City Council of the Budget Meeting
at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 1992.
4. Mayor Wolfe reminded City Council of the Roast for former
Councilmen Cowman and Nelson on August 21, 1992 at Sneaky
Pete's in Lewisville.
5. Regarding Paragon Cable, Mayor Wolfe stated they will not
bring in HSC due to a low interest by the citizens in
this program. He further stated that he felt the survey
was considered biased and he was curious as to how
Paragon Cable came up with the figures.
6. Mayor Wolfe advised Council that Mr. Oscar Jone's dog is
considered a vicious animal by the City's Animal Control
officer. Animal Control's opinion is that the dog should
be removed from the City. Confused that they only had ten
days to appeal this decision, they came in after the
deadline and asked for an appeal. They would like the
Mayor and Council to waive the 10 days for them to have
a hearing. It was the consensus of Council to grant the
waiver to Mr. Jones.
7. Mayor Wolfe distributed information to Council concerning
an article in the Las Colinas People newspaper, August 6,
1992, regarding DFW.
CM081192
Page 4 of 7
8. Mayor Wolfe suggested moving the City Council Meetings to
an earlier time, or three times a month instead of two.
It was then announced that they must have an ordinance
for the time to change. It was the consensus of the
Council to have staff submit a revised ordinance at the
next City Council meeting of August 25, 1992 moving the
meeting time from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.. It was also
discussed that those persons wishing to speak should do
so within the 10 minute time frame.
9. Councilman Morton said the TML Legislative Committee has
had several meetings. Introduction and passage of
legislation in the next session will include several
items concerning personnel. (A copy of Legislation being
considered is on file in the City Secretary Department.)
Councilman Morton also spoke to Tom Casaday from Trinity
Medical Center, and they will install their own poison
information center. Mr. Casaday is buying the software to
be updated regularly. He will install and operate
Micromedics, which will be operational in 60 days. This
will be in the Emergency Room of Trinity Medical Center
and will be available to all Coppell residents 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week.
10. David Thomas stated that at the last Economic Development
meeting, dues to belong to the North Texas Commission
were cut from the Board's budget and he would like to
further discuss this item at the budget meeting on August
14, 1992 to decide if the City should belong to the North
Texas Commission.
11. It was discussed that at the Budget Meeting on August 14,
1992, building permit fees for residential property
should be brought up and considered.
18. Liaison Reports
1. Library Board - Councilman Garrison stated that the Board
looked at the elevation they want to go with. They met
with Friends of the Library and will be placing the plans
in City Hall in the atrium for citizens inspection. A
meeting is scheduled where citizens input regarding the
plans will be heard. He attended the North Texas Council
of Governments and the new directory is now available.
2. Park Board - Councilman Mayo said the Park Board met and
discussed what was taking place in the parks, such as
reseeding and mulching. Also discussed was the need for
volunteers for Kid Country in October. Construction week
is October 20-26th. Development of Grapevine Springs Park
will be moved to later this year or early next year.
3. Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon stated that the Red Ribbon
Committee will have ribbons at football games, and will
celebrate Red Ribbon Week to help construct Kid Country.
4. Economic Business Development Board - Councilman Morton
stated the Board spent their time revising their budget
based uDon some of the information out of the Finance
Committee. A budget will be coming forward for less than
what they initially thought, yet slightly more than
authorized. They turned down several requests for
advertising space, and they will bring forward at their
next meeting an invoice from the Coppell Chamber for some
monies that were allocated for last year.
5. Finance Committee - Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon stated that
CM081192
Page 5 of 7
the Finance Committee proposed that the water and sewer
bonds be issued for 16 years rather than 20 years, which
would result in savings to the City.
Consent Agenda
19. A. Consideration and approval of awarding Bid No. Q-0792-02
for "physical fitness equipment" to Diamond
Fitness/Medical in the total amount of $5,068.00.
B. Consideration to award bid for concrete pavement repairs
on Bethel School Road to B. J.Scott Construction, Inc.
for a total not to exceed $15,294.00.
C. Consideration of awarding a bid from Tony Crawford
Construction to provide Phase One development of Andrew
Brown Jr. Community Park, west of Denton Tap Road, in the
amount of $258,689.
D. Consideration and approval of a final plat of Waters Edge
Addition, located 664' north of Sandy Lake Road, along
with the west side of MacArthur Boulevard, at the request
of Matthews Southwest Investments.
E. Consideration and approval of a final plat of Riverchase,
located at the intersection of Beltline Road and
MacArthur Boulevard, at the request of Republic Property
Group.
F. Consideration and approval of the certification of the
1992 anticipated collection rate for the period of July
1, 1992 anticipated collection rate through June 30,
1993, and the amount of excess debt collections during
the period of July 1, 1991 through June 30, 1992.
G. Consideration and approval of a contract with Haynes &
Boone for Consulting Services in the area of personnel
administration up to the amount of $4,700 and authorizing
the City Manager to sign.
H. Consideration of approving a variance to the Subdivision
Ordinance for the use of 5" thick concrete paving the
Andrew Brown Jr. Community Park, as requested by staff.
I. Consideration of approving a variance to the Subdivision
Ordinance Appendix A-I-D-l-1 (Page 21 entitled Parking
Lots) to allow 5" thick concrete pavement in the parking
lot area of the Sandy Lake Animal Hospital instead of 6"
thick concrete pavement.
Councilman Robertson moved to approve Consent Agenda Items 19 A, B,
F, H, and I as submitted. 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.
Consent Items 19 C, D, E, and G were pulled by Council and staff
from the agenda to be discussed separately.
Item 19/C. Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon moved to approve the
substitution of "west" to "east" as a correction to
the agenda item awarding a bid from Tony Crawford
Construction to provide Phase One development of
Andrew Brown Jr. Community Park, east of Denton Tap
Road, in the amount of $258,689. Councilman Weaver
seconded the motion and the motion carried 7-0 with
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver,
Thomas, Morton, Mayo, Robertson, and Garrison
CM081192
Page 6 of 7
voting in favor of the motion.
Item 19/D. Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon moved to approve a final
plat of Waters Edge Addition, located 664' north of
Sandy Lake Road, along with the west side of
MacArthur Boulevard, at the request of Matthews
Southwest Investments. Councilman Mayo 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.
Item 19/E. Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon moved to approve a final
plat of Riverchase, located at the intersection of
Beltline Road and MacArthur Boulevard, at the
request of Republic Property Group, with the
proviso that the Golf Easement Letter be provided
to the homes that back up to the golf course, and
they acknowledge it by signature at the time of
earnest money contract is initiated. 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.
Item 19/G. Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon moved to approve a
contract with Haynes & Boone for Consulting
Services in the area of personnel administration up
to the amount of $4,700 and authorizing the City
Manager to sign, with the stipulation that the
changes in the contract be worked out between the
City Manager and Haynes and Boone. Councilman
Morton seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-3
with Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen
Thomas, Morton, and Garrison voting in favor of the
motion. Councilmen Weaver, Mayo and Robertson voted
against the motion.
There being no further business coming before the Council, the
meeting was adjourned.
Mark Wolfe, Mayor
Dorothy Timmons, City Secretary
CM081192
Page 7 of 7