CM 1992-09-08 MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 8, 1992
The City Council of the City of Coppell met in Regular Called
Session on Tuesday, September 8, 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.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (Closed to the Public)
Item 2ES A. Article 6252-17, Section 2 (f), discussion with
respect to the purchase, exchange, lease, or value
of real property.
1. Wellington Place Apartments (Not on Agenda)
2. Potential Fire Station Site (Not on Agenda)
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.
C. Article 6252-17, Section 2 (g) discussion
concerning personnel.
1. Boards & Commissions Appointments (Item #9)
The City Council convened into Executive Session at 6:04 p.m. as
allowed under the above stated articles. Mayor Wolfe adjourned the
Executive Session at 7:17 p.m. and opened the Work Session.
WORK SESSION (Open to the Public)
Item 3 General Discussion of Agenda Items
REGULAR SESSION (Open to the Public)
Item 4 Reconvene Regular Session
Item 5 Invocation
Councilman Morton led those present in the Invocation.
Item 6 Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Wolfe led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 7 Approval of Minutes: August 14, 1992
August 25, 1992
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon moved to approve the minutes of August 14,
1992 and August 25, 1992 as submitted. Councilman Morton seconded
the motion. The motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon
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and Councilmen Weaver, Thomas, Morton, Mayo, Robertson and Garrison
voting in favor of the motion.
Item 8 Discussion with Daiias County commissioner Jim Jackson
regarding an "Orphan Roads" contract.
Dallas County Commissioner Jim Jackson made a presentation to the
Council about the county keeping up the roads, in unincorporated
areas, that are adjacent to incorporated areas. He is requesting
that Coppell work with the County to provide public safety services
to a section of IH635 (approximately 2 miles) that is not in any
city. Following discussion, the consensus of Council was to appoint
Councilman Thomas to meet with Irving and the County Commissioner,
and report his findings to the Council.
Item 9 Consider appointments to City's Boards and/or
Commissions.
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon moved to appoint the following individuals
to serve a 2-year term, that will expire in October 1994, for the
Planning and Zoning Commission: Ray Hildebrand, George Redford, and
Don Meador. Councilman Weaver 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 Morton moved to reappoint Marca Hiller and Danny Watson
for a 2-year term on the Park Board, ending in October 1994, to
elevate Amy Spicer Smith to a 2-year term to replace William
Coppola, to appoint Charles Markham as an alternate position for a
2-year term. 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.
Councilman Robertson made the motion to reappoint Melinda Surbaugh
and Dale Griffith for another 2-year term, the elevation of Jeanne
Heath to a 2-year term, and a new alternate position for Gene
Pyeatt for a 2-year term for the Library Board. 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.
Councilman Garrison moved to reappoint William Rohloff for a 2-year
term, expiring in 1994, the elevation Ed Spalding from alternate to
a regular board member to a 2-year term, to appoint Bronwyn Brock
as a regular board member to fill an unexpired term, and to appoint
Linda Millegan for a 2-year alternate position and Don Keach for a
1-year alternate position for the Economic and Business Development
Board. Councilman Weaver 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 Mayo moved to reappoint Charles Hyman for a 2-year term,
and appoint Tom Hill and Robert Ohlen for 2-year terms for the Code
Advisory and Appeal Board. 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.
Councilman Robertson moved to reappoint Charles Hyman and John
Thomason for a 2-year term, and to appoint Stephen Brandt and
William McGinnis as alternates for 2 years for Building and
Standards Commission. Councilman Mayo 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 Thomas moved to appoint Carl Thompson, Don Featherston,
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and Ronald Wensel to 2-year terms for the Board of Adjustment, and
appoint Norman Alexander and Gregory Frnka as alternates for a 2-
year term to expire in 1994, and Don Bizzell as an alternate for a
1-year term to expire in 1993. 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 Weaver moved to reappoint Dr. Tom Sherrill to the Animal
Control Appeals Board for a 2-year term. Councilman Thomas 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 Weaver moved to appoint Dorothy McPhail to a 1-year
term, and to appoint William Sundermann as an alternate to serve a
1-year term as the City's representative to the American Red Cross.
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 Morton moved to appoint Kent Moore, William Coppola and
Melinda Reitman to a 2-year term, with Mark Churchill and Daniel
Green to a 1-year term, and to appoint Robert Banks as an alternate
for a 2-year term and Keith Roberson as alternate for a 1-year term
on the Cable Review Board. 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.
Item 10 Discussion and consideration of an ordinance amending
Chapter 18 of the Master Fee Schedule in the Code of
Ordinances and authorizing the Mayor to sign.
Councilman Morton moved to approve Ordinance 92565 amending Chapter
18 of the Master Fee Schedule in the Code of Ordinances and
authorizing the Mayor to sign. 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.
Item 11 Discussion and consideration of an ordinance approving an
amendment to the budget for the city for the Fiscal Year
October 1, 1991 through September 30, 1992, and
authorizing the Mayor to sign.
Councilman Morton moved to approve Ordinance 92566 approving an
amendment to the budget for the City for the Fiscal Year October 1,
1991 through September 30, 1992, and authorizing the Mayor to sign.
Councilman Thomas 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 12 PUBLIC HEARING: To receive citizen input on the City of
Coppell Budget for Fiscal Year 1992-1993.
Owen Weber, 210 Tara Court, Coppell, Texas, stated he was against
both tax increases and services. He also did not believe the Public
Hearing was widely publicized and feels the budget should be
decreased instead of increased.
Ron Cleveland, 608 Phillips, Coppell, Texas, stated he was against
tax increases. He believes the City should find ways to raise
additional revenue and not taxes.
Item 13 PUBLIC HEARING: To consider approval of a zoning change,
Case #PD-129-R, (Parks of Coppell, Tract III), from (TC)
Town Center, to (PD-SF-9) Planned Development Single-
Family-9, located at the southwest corner of Parkway
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Boulevard and Denton Tap Road, at the request of Dan
Dowdey and Associates.
Gary Sieb, Director of Planning and Community Services, made a
presentation to the Council. Following discussion, Councilman
Weaver moved to deny the zoning request without prejudice. Mayor
Pro Tem Smothermon seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-2 with
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver, Thomas, Mayo and
Garrison voting in favor of the motion. Councilmen Morton and
Robertson voting against the motion. Following further discussion,
Councilman Weaver moved to reconsider the motion previously made.
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. Following further discussion, Councilman Weaver moved to
re-open the Public Hearing, leave it open, and continue the case to
the October 13, 1992 meeting. 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.
Item 14 Consider approval of a preliminary plat of Parks of
Coppell - Tract III, located at the southwest corner of
Parkway Boulevard and Denton Tap Road, at the request of
Dan Dowdey and Associates.
Councilman Weaver moved to deny Item 14 as presented. 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.
Item 15 Consider approval of a preliminary plat of Chambers
Addition, located on the north side of Bethel Road,
approximately 1167' east of the centerline of Coppell
Road, at the request of Chambers and Shafer, Inc ....
Gary Sieb, Director of Planning and Community Services, briefed the
Council that this preliminary plat was approved by the Planning and
Zoning Committee on August 20, 1992. Danny Chambers, the applicant,
also made a presentation. He is proposing a day care center at this
property. Councilman Thomas briefed the Council on the concerns of
the Historic Committee, consisting of traffic congestions and the
narrowness of the lot. Following discussion, Councilman Robertson
moved to approve the preliminary plat of the Chambers Addition with
the condition to move the structure further back to allow a larger
turn-around area at the drop-off area to eliminate any stacking up
of traffic. Following further discussion, Councilman Robertson
amended the motion to approve this Item with the building to be set
back at least 75 feet for a circular driveway and adequate parking.
Councilman Garrison seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-2
with Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen Weaver, Mayo,
Robertson, and Garrison voting in favor of the motion. Councilmen
Thomas and Morton voted against the motion.
Item 16 Consider approval of a preliminary plat of Fairways at
Riverchase, located on the east side of Riverchase Drive,
1850' south of Sandy Lake Road, at the request of
Thompson Interests, Inc.
Gary $ieb, Director of Planning and Community Services, made the
presentation to Council and stated these are private streets versus
public streets, and that the City is trying to get some sort of
cohesive hold along Riverchase Drive such as landscaping,
screening, and sidewalks. Melvin Gross, speaking as a Planning and
Zoning Commissioner, also made a presentation to the Council that
the streets will be public but will be maintained by the Homeowners
Association. A guard will be at the gate for security. The
applicant, Mike Daniel, of Nathan Meier Engineers, spoke to the
Council regarding three (3) variances: No alleys along the golf
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course, the cul-de-sac in excess of 600 feet, and the streets to be
public but with controlled access. He indicated a guardhouse will
be unmanned. He also addressed comments made by Gary Sieb. The
gates would be open in the day, but closed at night. Another
applicant, Bill Thompson, with University Park, also addressed the
Council on this item. Nathan Meier responded to the Council's
questions and concerns regarding a private street with a public
access agreement for the streets. Following discussion, Councilman
Robertson moved to approve the preliminary plat of the Fairways at
Riverchase located at the east side of Riverchase Drive
approximately 1850' south of Sandy Lake Road with the thirteen (13)
conditions, and also that the face of the plat that it is clearly
stated that the City of Coppell and any other utility organization
will have twenty-four (24) hour access to the subdivision to
maintain the utility services. Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon added the
easement be submitted to City staff at least two (2) weeks prior to
Council hearing of the final plat so City staff and City Attorney
have time to review. It was also stated that the City should
approve the Homeowners Association agreement. Public access from
dawn to dark was also added. Councilman Robertson agreed to these
three (3) additions. 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. Councilman Weaver voting against the motion.
Item 17 Consideration of any action to be taken in connection
with the Don Jones litigation.
Councilman Morton moved to authorize the Mayor to execute a
proposed settlement agreement which has been executive by Mr. and
Mrs. Jones and that the settlement agreement does not involve any
payment of any City funds, and that a major portion of the
settlement is to be paid by other dependents with a nominal amount
being contributed by the City's insurance carrier. 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.
Item 18 Citizens Appearances
There were no citizens making an appearance before the Council.
Item 19 Mayor's Report
A. It was the consensus of the Council to grant a sign variance
to Wes Burch, owner of Coppell Hardware. This item will be on
the next consent agenda for formal approval.
B. Mayor Wolfe discussed the negative Letters to the Editor of
September 2, 1992. He stated that he met with a couple who
wrote one of the letters and found they had based their letter
on what they read in the newspaper, instead of investigating
the facts themselves. Mayor Wolfe believes that he and the
Council should take the offensive. During the City Council
Liaison Reports, Councilman Thomas expressed his appreciation
to the Mayor for his support on this matter.
C. Councilman Morton stated that he felt the City should put
together a committee regarding absentee landlords and draft a
"Neighborhood Integrity Ordinance", whereas when a home
becomes vacant and the water is turned off, before it can be
turned back on, there must be a code enforcement inspection
done to make sure these homes~are meeting code. The committee
would include Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon, Councilmen Morton and
Robertson, Greg Jones, Chief Building Official as staff
liaison, and a citizen to be appointed at a later date.
D. Councilman Morton stated that NCTCOG does mapping for cities
and he recommended the city look into this. He received
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Carrollton's map of NCTCOG which shows all of the burglaries
in a city. This mapping shows law officers patterns in order
to catch more offenders.
E. Councilman Weaver expressed his concern about parking space at
the new Library. He requested it be put on the City/School
agenda.
F. Mayor Wolfe expressed his concern on the back up of traffic at
the red light at Beltline and MacArthur, and at Sandy Lake and
MacArthur.
G. Mayor Wolfe stated that Beltline east from Dairy Queen starts
with a 30 mph sign which moves up to a 50 mph sign. He
believes there needs to be more of a warning, such as a
special sign to bring the speed change to drivers' attention,
so they will not receive speeding tickets.
H. Mayor Wolfe requested an adjustment for ambulance fees. The
consensus of the Council was to bring it forward.
I. Mayor Wolfe stated that Brad Newman requested permission to do
a Christmas carriage tour with horse-drawn carriages from
December 5-30, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Though Council approval
is not needed, Mayor Wolfe wanted to make the Council aware of
this request.
J. City Manager Alan D. Ratliff expressed his appreciation for
the Mayor's comments and his coming to the defense of the City
Management staff regarding the public attacks made in the
local newspapers.
Item 20 Liaison Reports
Parks Board
Councilman Robertson stated he requested the Park Board to develop
a wish list. He also asked staff to investigate North Richland
Hills regarding their 1/2 cents sales tax for Parks and Recreation
and to see what type of policy they have. He also stated they are
still looking for volunteers for Kid Country.
Carrollton Youth and Family Services
Councilman Morton gave his report on the Carrollton Youth and
Family Services and their funding cuts.
Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition
Councilman Morton spoke of his meeting with the Dallas Regional
Mobility Coalition, which is mainly dealing with DART right now.
NCTCOG
Councilman Morton stated the Resource Conservation Committee (RCC)
discussed strategies on waste minimization, and landfills.
Office On Aging
Councilman Morton stated that the Office on Aging is doing a
tremendous job.
CONSENT AGENDA
Item 21. A. Consideration of a request for a variance to
Section 10-5-2 (C) of the Sign Ordinance which
concerns setbacks for monument signs. The variance
is being requested by Alexander Signs on behalf of
Steven King for Sandy Lake Animal Hospital, 107
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Samuel Blvd.
B. Consideration and approval of a variance to the
Coppell Sign Ordinance allowing Kid Country
Playground Committee signs to be placed near the
future site of the playground.
C. Consideration of a variance from Section 10-8-3 B
of the Sign Ordinance which concerns real estate
signs. The variance is requested by Mr. Gregory
Rich, Vice President, Chaucer Estates Development
Corporation for the Chaucer Estates Subdivision.
D. Consideration of adopting a new subsection to
Ordinance No. 92546, Section 10-8-3 (D), to allow
for temporary development signs to identify new
subdivisions, along with builders' and developers'
phone numbers and new home price information,
prescribing maximum sizes and setbacks; allowing
for a specific percentage of new home permit
issuance for the signs' removal; and authorizing
the Mayor to sign.
E. Consider approval of a final payment, in the amount
of $19,901.61, to Dallas County Public works for
construction of Beltline Road from MacArthur
Boulevard to I35E/Beltline Road East/West Project
#490/403-403.
F. Consider approval of payment to Wilson trophy
company in the amount of $90.32 as requested by
Councilman Ron Robertson.
G. Consideration of acceptance and approval of the
final payment in the amount of $13,666.50 to Gibson
& Associates, Inc. for the Brooks Lane Phase I
drainage Improvements/Hunterwood Subdivision.
H. Discussion and consideration of approval of a
Proclamation proclaiming October 5-11, 1992 "Sexual
Assault Awareness and Prevention Week" and
authorizing the Mayor to sign.
I. Discussion and consideration of postponing the
adoption of ordinances authorizing the issuance of
City of Coppell, Texas Combination Tax and Revenue
Certificates of Obligation, Series 1992, and City
of Coppell, Texas Waterworks and Sewer System
Revenue Bonds, Series 1992 to no later than
September 22, 1992.
J. Consider approval of a final plat of Lakewood
Estates, located at the intersection of MacArthur
Boulevard and Village Parkway, at the request of
L.C. Estates, Ltd.
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon moved to approve items 21 A-J with 21 D
carrying Ordinance #92567. Councilman Morton seconded the motion.
The motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon and Councilmen
Weaver, Thomas, Morton, Mayo Robertson an Garrison voting in favor
of the motion.
Mayor Wolfe adjourned the Open Session at 10:36 p.m. for a five (5)
minute break. At 10:45 p.m. Council went into Executive Session.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (Closed to the Public)
Item 2ES A. Article 6252-17, Section 2 (f), discussion with
respect to the purchase, exchange, lease, or value
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of real property.
1. Wellington Place Apartments (Not on Agenda)
2. Potential Fire Station Site (Not on Agenda)
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.
C. Article 6252-17, Section 2 (g) discussion
concerning personnel.
1. Boards & Commissions Appointments (Item $9)
The City Council convened into Executive Session at 10:46 p.m. as
allowed under the above stated articles. Mayor Wolfe adjourned the
Executive Session at 11:47 p.m. and opened the Regular Session.
There being no further business to come before the Council, the
meeting was adjourned.
Mark Wolfe, ,.Mayor
ATTEST:
Dorothy Timmons, City Secretary
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