CM 1993-03-23 MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 1993
The City Council of the City of Coppell met in Regular Called Session on Tuesday,
March 23, 1993 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 Peter G. Smith.
REGULAR SESSION (Open to the Public)
1. Call to Order
Mayor Wolfe called the meeting to order. Mayor Wolfe adjourned the Regular Session and
opened the Executive Session.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (Closed to the Public)
2. Convene Executive Session
(Items marked with (*) are not scheduled for "Regular Session" discussion or
consideration.)
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.* D/FW Negotiations
2.* Scott L. Baird et al vs. City of Coppell et al.
B. Article 6252-17, Section 2 (g) discussion concerning personnel.
1.* City Manager's Evaluation
Mayor Wolfe convened into Executive Session at 6:00 p.m. as allowed under the above
stated article. Mayor Wolfe adjourned the Executive Session at 6:25 p.m. and opened the
Work Session.
WORK SESSION (Open to the Public)
3. Convene Work Session A. Discussion of the Ring Road Concept Around Town Center
B. Neighborhood Integrity Ordinance
Co Discussion of Agenda Items
REGULAR SESSION (Open to the Public)
4. Reconvene Regular Session
5. Invocation
Councilman Mayo led those present in the invocation.
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6. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Wolfe led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. Consider approval of minutes: March 2, 1993
March 4, 1993
March 9, 1993
Councilman Morton moved to approve the minutes of March 2, 1993, March 4, 1993 and
March 9, 1993 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 Agenda was considered at this time. See Item 15 for minutes.
8. Discussion and consideration of scheduling a special called City Council meeting to
canvass the returns of the May 1, 1993 Municipal Officers' Election.
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon moved to call a special meeting on May 4, 1993 at 6:00 p.m.
for the purpose of canvassing the election of May 1, 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.
9. Discussion and consideration of an ordinance authorizing the issuance of General
Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 1993 in the aggregate principal amount of
$8,455,000, approving an official statement, authorizing the execution of a purchase
contract, and making provisions for the security thereof, and ordaining other
matters relating to the subject.
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon stated that the refinancing of the bonds will save the City
over $35,000 per year in annual debt service and the City also retained an A Rating and
a BBB + Rating in the process. Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon moved to approve Ordinance
No. 93595 authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 1993 in
the aggregate principal amount of $8,485,000, approving an official statement, authorizing
the execution of a purchase contract, and making provisions for the security thereof, and
ordaining other matters relating to the subject. 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.
10. Consideration and approval to fund the purchase and installation of a recognition
plaque at the Kid Country Playground site in Andrew Brown Jr. Community Park
in the amount of $1,655.
Councilman Robertson requested that future plaques purchased by the City be purchased
from local businesses if possible. Alan Johnson, Acting Finance Director, asked the Council
for direction as to whether this item was to be funded from the Council Contingency Fund
or the Park Special Revenue Fund. Council requested funding from the Park Special
Revenue Fund. Councilman Morton moved to approve to fund the purchase and
installation of a recognition plaque at the Kid Country Playground site in Andrew Brown
Jr. Community Park in the amount of $1,655. 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.
11. Consideration and approval of an ordinance abandoning unused utility easements
located in the Waterside Estates, Phase I Addition, Lot 6, Block B, also known as
136 Spyglass Drive, at the request of David Weekly Homes, and authorizing the
Mayor to sign.
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Council directed staff to bring forward all remaining easements in Waterside I to abandon.
Councilman Morton moved to approve Ordinance No. 93596 abandoning unused utility
easements located in the Waterside Estates, Phase I Addition, Lot 6, Block B, also known
as 136 Spyglass Drive, at the request of David Weekly Homes. 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.
12. Citizen's Appearance
Mayor Wolfe asked for those persons wishing to address the Council. Speaking were:
A. Harris Johnson, 131 Park Valley Court, inquired about the zoning violation by
E. F. Hitchcock at Sandy Lake and Lodge regarding an abandoned housetrailer on
the property. Mr. Johnson stated that a complaint was filed in June and wished to
know the status of the complaint and the City's intention to enforce the violation.
B. Ken Randolph, 128 Park Valley Court, expressed concern regarding the house that
was moved and parked at Lodge and Sandy Lake.
C. Steve Mogensen, 406 Park Valley Drive, appeared on the same concern as Mr.
Randolph.
D. Johnny Thompson, 1780 E. Beltline, addressed the Council regarding his name
being longstanding on the agenda and asked that a case number or reference be
included.
Items 18 and 19 were discussed at this time. See Items 18 and 19 for minutes.
13. Mayor's Report.
A. Greg Jones, Chief Building Official, stated, in response to several citizens'
appearances, that Mr. Hitchcock was in violation of ordinance by.moving the home
to Sandy Lake and Lodge and was told to remove the home. Mr. Hitchcock did not
remove the home and was cited for violation. Currently the Zoning Ordinance is
being modified to cover nonconforming use. Peter G. Smith, City Attorney, stated
that his office would be drafting an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance and also
is looking into the matter of moving houses and requiring that they meet code
requirements.
B. Mayor Wolfe discussed some concerns he had received regarding the landscaping of
Bethel Cemetery. Mayor Wolfe stated that some members on the board wished to
install buffalo grass and not sprinkler and mulch. Councilmen Thomas and Mayo
were requested to confer with the board regarding the matter.
C. Mayor Wolfe stated that there will be an airport hearing on Wednesday, March 24,
1993 before the Black Caucus. Councilman Morton stated he would be going to
Austin to attend°
D. Mayor Wolfe announced that the Kid Country dedication will be held April 18, 1993
at 2:00 p.m.
E. Mayor Wolfe announced that the Second Annual City Employee Banquet will be
held on April 24, 1993, 6:00 p.m. at the Marriott D/FW.
F. Alan D. Ratliff, City Manger, addressed the Council regarding his six years of
service and the many changes which have occurred in the City of Coppell during
that time. Mr. Ratliff resigned his position as City Manger of the City of Coppell
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due to personal and family reasons. See attached letter dated March 23, 1993.
Mayor Wolfe reflected on some of the accomplishments achieved by Mr. Ratliff
during his tenure with the City of Coppell.
14. Liaison Reports
There were no liaison reports to be discussed.
CONSENT AGENDA
15. A. Consideration of an ordinance of the City of Coppell, Texas approving an
amendment to the budget for the City for the fiscal year October 1, 1992
through September 30, 1993 in the amount of $32,300.00 for the General
Fund and authorizing the Mayor to sign.
B. Discussion and consideration of approval of a Proclamation proclaiming April
1993, "Sexual Assault Awareness Month" and authorizing the Mayor to sign.
C. Consideration and approval to cancel bid Q-1092-01, Sale of Water Well
Equipment. No bids were received by closing date and time.
D. Consideration and approval for awarding of bid for supply of uniforms. All
contracts to be awarded for a one year contract with the option to extend for
an additional one year. Uniforms will be ordered by departments as required
during the term of the contract and will not exceed the budgeted amount
approved for uniforms per department. The purchase of the uniforms would
be as follows: Police Department from Cannon Uniforms of Garland, Texas;
Fire Department, part 1, items 1-9, and part 2, item 3, from Cannon
Uniforms of Garland, Texas; Fire Department, part 2, items 1 and 2 from
Casco Uniforms of Ft. Worth; Public Works from Ladd Uniform~ of Ft.
Worth; Environmental Health Department from Casco Uniforms of
Ft. Worth.
E. Consider approval of a contract with Dallas County for the rental of 10
votomatics, 1 PBC and 5 ballot cans to conduct the May 1, 1993 Municipal
Officers' Election and authorizing the Mayor to sign.
Item C was pulled for further discussion.
Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon moved to approve Items 15 A carrying Ordinance No. 93597,
B, D and E. 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.
Item 15/C - Councilman Mayo commented on Item C as to how many times this sale had
been advertised. Alan D. Ratlfff, City Manager, stated that advertising had been done
twice and no bids were received either time. The current plan is to place it in the City
auction. Mayor Pro Tem Smothermon moved to cancel bid Q-1092-01, Sale of Water Well
Equipment. 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.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (Closed to the Public)
(Items marked with (*) are not scheduled for "Regular Session" discussion or
consideration.)
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16. 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.* City of Coppell vs. Johnny J.E. Thompson et al.
Mayor Wolfe convened into Executive Session at 8:07 p.m. as allowed under the above-
stated article. Mayor Wolfe adjourned the Executive Session at 9:30 p.m. and opened the
Regular Session.
REGULAR SESSION (Open to the Public)
17. Reconvene Regular Session
18. Consider termination of special counsel to the Police Department.
Item was considered at Council Meeting of March 22, 1993; therefore, no action was
required.
19. Potential action resulting from Executive Session.
Councilman Morton moved to approve the General Settlement Release and Waiver
Agreement in the case of Scott L. Baird et al vs. City of Coppeil et al subject to Plaintiff's
approval of the settlement agreement, without alteration or changes and authorize the
passage of any resolution necessary to amend the City's budget to fund the City's portion
of the settlement. 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.
There being no further business to come before the City Council, 'the meeting was
adjourned.
MarkWolfe, Mayor
ATTEST:
Dorothy Timmons, City Secretary
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March 23, 1993
Mayor and City Council
City of Coppell
Coppell, Texas
Re: Resignation
In consideration of all things and in recognition of the many demands of the position of City
Manager. it has become apparent that it is in everyone's best interest that I tender my notice of
resignation. As we have discussed, I would like to turn over the day-to-day responsibilities of
my position by no later than March 27, 1993, but with the understanding that I will be available
to further assist in the transition of the management of the city and its responsibilities on an on-
call basis until my accrued leave benefits and other monetary considerations are exhausted. The
estimated date of the expiration of my salary and service to this community will be no earlier
than Jul3, 1, 1993.
I wish each of you, as the elected officials of this great community, the very best as you face
the challenges of the future.
Sincerely, f /
, til ....
/,. ~
Alan D. Ratliff .- .'
City Manager /