Loading...
CM 1996-01-09 MINUTES OF JANUARY 9, 1996 The City Council of the City of Coppell met in Regular Called Session on Tuesday, January 9, 1996 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of Town Center, 255 Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, Texas. The following members were present: Tom Morton, Mayor Ron Robertson, Mayor Pro Tem Norm Alexander, Councilmember Chuck Sturges, Councilmember Danny L. Watson, Councilmember Marsha Tunnell, Councilmember Lanny Mayo, Councilmember Candy Sheehan,' Councilmember Also present were City Manager Jim Witt, City Secretary Linda Grau and City Attorney Peter G. Smith. REGULAR SESSION (Open to the Public) 1. Call to order. Mayor Morton called the meeting to order and adjourned into Executive Session. EXECUTIVE SESSION (Closed to the Public) 2. Convene Executive Session A. Section 551.071, Texas Government Code - Consultation with City Attorney. 1. CED, et al vs. City of Coppell, et al. 2. Special Use Permit requirements as they relate to signage. a. C.J.'s Clubhouse and Grill. B. Section 551.072, Texas Government Code - Deliberation regarding real property. 1. Public Works and Park site. Mayor Morton convened into Executive Session at 6:14 p.m. as allowed under the above-stated article. Mayor Morion adjourned the Executive Session at 6:53 p.m. and opened the Work Session. CM010996 Page 1 of 13 WORK SESSION (Open to the Public) 3. Convene Work Session A. Roadway Impact Fees. B. Standing Seam Metal Roof Report. C. Discussion of Agenda Items. REGULAR SESSION (Open to the Public) 4. Reconvene Regular Session. 5. Invocation. Mayor Morton led those present in the Invocation. 6. Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Morton led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. 7. Citizen's Appearances. A. Report by Riverchase Homeowners' Association on efforts to become part of Coppell Independent School District and a request for community support. A. Andy Wagner, 601 Wellington, made a presentation to the Council regarding the unification of the City under one school system. B. Tom Samson, 1307 Barrington Drive, discussed the school boundary issue. C. Randy Ryskamp, 1335 Westchester Drive, also spoke in support of becoming part of Coppell School District. D. Bennett Ratliff, 504 Sora Lane, Chair of the Half Cent Advisory Committee, reported to Council on the status of the committee. Four meetings have been held and three public hearings are scheduled for January 11, 6:30 p.m. at Town Center Elementary School; January 25, 6:30 p.m. at Town Center in Council Chambers and February 6, 6:30 p.m. at W. T. Cozby Public Library. CM010996 Page 2 of 13 Mayor Pro Tem Robertson inquired as to what the City could do to show support for the Riverchase citizens in the school issue. Andy Wagner advised that each school district will hold a formal hearing. Mr. Wagner clarified that the issue was being brought by the residents of southeast Coppell and not the Riverchase Homeowners' Association. Mayor Morton suggested that the situation be monitored and that the school liaisons report on any happenings. CONSENT AGENDA 8. Consider approval of the following consent agenda items: A. Consider approval of minutes: December 12, 1995 B. Consider approval of a resolution supporting the vertical expansion of the DFW Recycling and Disposable Facility; and authorizing the Mayor to sign. C. Consider approval making final payment to Rodman Excavation, Inc. for work performed to Andrew Brown Jr. Community Park East, in the amount of $53,649.50. ~-- D. Discussion and consideration of approval of an Ordinance amending Chapter 17 of the Code of Ordinances to delay the imposition, assessment and collection of Roadway Impact Fees and authorizing the Mayor to sign. E. Consider approval of a Resolution amending a program to promote Economic Development pursuant to Chapter 380 of the Texas Local Government Code, as amended. F. Consider approval of an Ordinance amending the budget for the Fiscal Year October 1, 1995 through September 30, 1996; and authorizing the Mayor to sign. G. (A) Consider approval of an Ordinance amending Section 18 of the Code of Ordinances to provide that various fees of the City shall be established by resolution of the City Council; and authorizing the Mayor to sign. (B) Consider approval of a Resolution of the City Council establishing various fees; and authorizing the Mayor to sign. CM010996 Page 3 of 13 H. Consider approval of a contract with Halff and Associates Inc. for FEMA map revisions for Andrew Brown Park West, the DeForest Service Center and the existing Fire Station #1 (future Senior Citizens Center); and authorizing the Mayor to sign. I. Consider approval of an Ordinance with special conditions for Case No. S-1098R, Lakeside Village, Phase II, to change the zoning from C (Commercial) and C-S.U.P. (Commercial, Special Use Permit) to C- S.U.P. (Commercial, Special Use Permit) for a grocery store, including a bank and a food court for restaurant use for property located at the northwest corner of Sandy Lake Road and MacArthur Boulevard; and authorizing the Mayor to sign. J. Consider approval of an Ordinance with special conditions for Case No. PD-120R, Waterside Estates, Phase II, to change the zoning from PD- SF-9 (Planned Development, Single Family-9) to PD-SF-9 (Planned Development, Single Family-9) to amend the conditions pertaining to building height for property located near the northwest corner of Parkway Boulevard and MacArthur Boulevard; and authorizing the Mayor to sign. K. Consider approval of an Ordinance for Case No. ZC-586(CH), to change the zoning from 2F-9 (Two Family Residential) to SF-9 (Single Family-9) in the Northlake Woodlands Addition, Section Six excepting of Lots 1-10, Block 11, and the Phillips Addition I, II & III, located approximately 410 feet east of the intersection of Bethel School Road and Denton Tap Road; and authorizing the Mayor to sign. L. Consider approval of an Ordinance for Case No. ZC-585(CH), to change the zoning from 2F-9 (Two Family Residential) to SF-7 (Single Family-7) in the Braewood West Addition, on property located approximately 550 feet east of the intersection of Sandy Lake Road and Denton Tap Road; and authorizing the Mayor to sign. M. Consider approval of Austin Place, Final Plat, to allow the development of a residential subdivision, located on the east side of Moore Road, approximately 250 feet north of Sandy Lake Road. N. Consider approval of a request for a variance from Article 9-7-1 D of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Coppell for standing seam metal roof, as requested by Frank Stitch. CM010996 Page 4 of 13 _ O. Consider approval of awarding Bid #Q-1195-03 for the purchase of water meters in the following manner: Master Meter - Spec #0100 all sizes; ABB Kent Meters - Spec #0200 and #0300 all sizes; Metro Valve and Pipe - Spec #0400 and #0500 all sizes; Badger Meter - Spec #0600 all sizes in a total amount not to exceed $86,000.00. P. Consider approval of awarding Bid #Q-1195-02 to North Texas Municipal Construction Company, Inc. of Dallas, Texas in the amount of $933,000.00 for the Village Parkway Pump Station Improvements project; and authorizing the Mayor to sign. Q. Consider approval of a request from Vari-Lite, Inc. to waive the screening requirement required in Section 33 of the City of Coppell Zoning Ordinance related to loading area. Items D, F and M were pulled for further consideration. Items A, B, C, E, G, H, I, J, K, L, N, O, P and Q -- Mayor Pro Tem Robertson moved to approve Consent Agenda Items 8 A, B carrying Resolution No. 010996.1, C, E carrying Resolution No. 010996.2, G carrying Ordinance No. 96737 and Resolution No. 010996.3, H, I carrying Ordinance No. 91500-A-109, J carrying Ordinance No. 91500-A-110, K carrying Ordinance No. 91500-A-111, L carrying Ordinance No. 91500-A-112, N, O, P and Q. Councilmember Mayo seconded the motion; the motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tern Robertson and Councilmembers Alexander, Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Mayo, and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion. Item D -- City Manager Jim Witt made a presentation to the Council. Councilmember Mayo moved to approve Consent Agenda Item 8 D carrying Ordinance No. 96735. Councilmember Sheehan seconded the motion; the motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Robertson and CounCilmembers Alexander, Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Mayo, and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion. Item F -- Mayor Pro Tem Robertson made a presentation to the Council. Mayor Pro Tem Robertson moved to approve Consent Agenda Item 8 F carrying Ordinance 96736. Councilmember Sheehan seconded the motion; the motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Robertson and Councilmembers Alexander, Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Mayo, and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion. CM010996 Page 5 of 13 Item M -- Gary Sieb, Director of Planning and Community Services, made a presentation to the Council. Mayor Pro Tem Robertson moved to approve Consent Agenda Item 8 M. Councilmember Mayo seconded the motion; the motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Robertson and Councilmembers Alexander, Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Mayo, and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion. 9. A. Consideration and approval to accept the resignation of Library Board Member Donna Still. B. Consideration to appoint an applicant to fill the vacancy on the Library Board. A. Councilmember Tunnell moved to accept the resignation of Library Board Member Donna Still. Councilmember Sheehan seconded the motion; the motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Robertson and Councilmembers Alexander, Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Mayo, and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion. B. Councilmember Tunnell moved to appoint Alternate Sheila Busby to fill the unexpired term of Donna Still on the Library Board and to fill the vacated alternate position at a later date. Councilmember Sheehan seconded the motion; the motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tern Robertson and Councilmembers Alexander, Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Mayo, and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion. 10. PUBLIC HEARING: Consider approval of amending the designation of the Vari-Lite, Inc., Tax Abatement area as a reinvestment zone pursuant to Section 312.201 of the Property Redevelopment and Tax Abatement Act. The property to be considered for Reinvestment Zone redesignation is that property owned collectively by Vari-Lite, Inc. described as Abstract 56, part of Tract 6.1 (32.8332 acres), located at the northwest corner of Belt Line Road and Lakeshore Drive. Gary Sieb, Director of Planning and Community Service, made a presentation to the Council. Mayor Morton opened the Public Hearing and asked for those persons wishing to speak regarding this proposal. There were none. Mayor Pro Tem Robertson moved to close the Public Hearing and approve Ordinance No. 96738 amending the designation of the Vari-Lite, Inc. Tax Abatement area as Reinvestment Zone No. 7; pursuant to Section 312.201 of the Property Redevelopment and Tax Abatement Act, said area being the property owned collectively by Vari-Lite, Inc., described as Abstract 56, part of Track 6.1 (32.8332 acres), located at the northwest comer of Belt Line Road and Lakeshore Drive in the City of Coppell, CM010996 Page 6 of 13 and authorizing the Mayor to sign. Councilmember Tunnell seconded the motion; the motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Robertson and Councilmembers Alexander, Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Mayo, and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion. 11. Consider approval of an Ordinance amending the designation of the Vari-Lite, Inc. Tax Abatement area as Reinvestment Zone No. 7; pursuant to Section 312.201 of the Property Redevelopment and Tax Abatement Act, said area being the property owned collectively by Vari-Lite, Inc., described as Abstract 56, part of Track 6.1 (32.8332 acres), located at the northwest corner of Belt Line Road and Lakeshore Drive in the City of Coppell; and authorizing the Mayor to sign. This item was considered under Item 10. See Item 10 for minutes. 12. Consider approval to award Bid Q-1095-01 in the bid amount of $2,191,000.00 plus $1,916.00 in alternates for a total of $2,192,916.00 to Mid-South Contractors for the construction of an approximately 21,865 square foot Criminal Justice Center. -- David Miller, Police Chief, made a presentation to the Council stating that PSA was the architectural firm designing the building and that Mid-South Contractors would construct the building, which will be completed 300 days from bid approval. Mayor Morton inquired as to whether the building would contain a kennel for Ashley and was assured that it would. Frances Moore, Director of Municipal Court, made a presentation regarding the interior contents of the new building pertaining the the Court. Chief Miller advised Council regarding the facilities relating to the Police Department portion of the building. Mayor Pro Tern Robertson moved to approve Bid Q-1095-01 in the bid amount of $2,191,000.00 plus $1,916.00 in alternates for a total of $2,192,916.00 to Mid-South Contractors for the construction of an approximately 21,865 square foot Criminal Justice Center. Councilmember Mayo seconded the motion; the motion carded 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Robertson and Councilmembers Alexander, Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Mayo, and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion. 13. CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC HEARING: Consider approval of Case No. PD-131R, The Estates of Cambridge Manor, zoning change from PD-SF-12 (Planned Development, Single Family-12) to PD-SF-12 (Planned Development, Single Family-12), to amend the conditions of the Planned Development as they apply to certain corner lots to permit enclosure of side yards with fences no closer than 5' to a street right-of-way, located along the north side of DeForest Road; approximately 1,600' east of MacArthur Boulevard. CM010996 Page 7 of 13 Gary Sieb, Director of Planning and Community Service, made a presentation to the Council stating that the Applicant was agreeable to dropping ten of the lots for which a reduced side yard was requested in exchange for a 5-foot side yard on Lots 1 and 7. Mr. Sieb advised that because the Planning Commission did not grant a 5-foot side yard on Lot 7, a 3/4 vote would be needed from Council for approval. This Public Hearing remained open from the December 12, 1995 Council Meeting. Mayor Morton asked for those persons wishing to speak regarding this proposal. Mark Oosthuizen, 829 Kings Canyon Court, indicated that his lot was LOt 7 and requested approval of the 5-foot side yard. Mayor Pro Tem Robertson moved to close the Public Heating and approve Case No. PD-131R, The Estates of Cambridge Manor, zoning change from PD-SF-12 (Planned Development, Single Family-12) to PD-SF-12 (Planned Development, Single Family-12), to amend the conditions of the Planned Development as they apply to certain comer lots to permit enclosure of side yards with fences no closer than 5' to a street right-of-way, located along the north side of DeForest Road; approximately 1,600' east of MacArthur Boulevard with the following conditions: 1) on LOt 1, Block E, and LOt 7, Block A, the side yard fences may be moved to within 5 feet of Prince Edward Lane right-of-way; and 2) the sideyard fence on Lot 7, Block B, may be built within 5 feet of the Castle Creek Drive right-of-way. Councilmember Mayo seconded the motion; the motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Robertson and Councilmembers Alexander, Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Mayo, and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion. 14. PUBLIC HEARING: Consider approval of Case No. S-1101, Park 'N Fly, Temporary Batch Plant, zoning change from LI (Light Industrial) to LI-S.U.P. (Light Industrial, Special Use Permit), to allow the location of a temporary concrete batch plant on the Park 'N Fly site, located along the northeast corner of Royal Lane and Gateway Boulevard. Gary Sieb, Director of Planning and Community Service, made a presentation to the Council. Mayor Morton stated he would like to see an amendment come through on the ordinances to allow 90 days. Mayor Pro Tem Robertson moved to open the Public Hearings on Items 14 and 15 and if no opposition to close the Public Heatings on Items 14 and 15 and approve Case No. S-1101, Park 'N Fly, Temporary Batch Plant, zoning change from LI (Light Industrial) to LI- S.U.P. (Light Industrial, Special Use Permit), to allow the location of a temporary concrete batch plant on the Park 'N Fly site, located along the northeast comer of Royal Lane and Gateway Boulevard and approve Case No. S-1100, Copper Stone Addition, Temporary Batch Plant, zoning change from SF- 12 (Single-Family- 12) to SF- 12-S.U.P. (Single Family- 12, Special Use Permit), to allow the location of a temporary concrete batch plant on the Copper Stone subdivision, located west of the intersection of Parkway Boulevard and Cowboy Drive; for a 90- day period on both sites. Councilmember Sheehan seconded the motion; the motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tern Robertson and Councilmembers Alexander, Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Mayo, and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion. CM010996 Page 8 of 13 15. PUBLIC HEARING: Consider approval of Case No. S-1100, Copper Stone Addition, Temporary Batch Plant, zoning change from SF-12 (Single-Family-12) to SF-12-S.U.P. (Single Family-12, Special Use Permit), to allow the location of a temporary concrete batch plant for 60 days on the Copper Stone subdivision, located west of the intersection of Parkway Boulevard and Cowboy Drive. This item was considered under Item 14. See Item 14 for minutes. 16. PUBLIC HEARING: Consider approval of Northlake 635 Business Park, Replat of Lot 1, Block 1, to further divide Block 1 and to record the easements on the property that will allow the development of 212,000 square foot regional distribution facility and a 50,000 square foot outlet center, located on the southwest corner of Beltline Road and Lakeshore Drive. Gary Sieb, Director of Planning and Community Services, made a presentation to the Council. Mayor Morton opened the Public Hearing and asked for those persons wishing to speak regarding this proposal. Felix deGolian, representing Haverty Furniture Company, Applicant, addressed the Council. Mayor Pro Tem Robertson moved to close the Public Hearing and approve Northlake 635 Business Park, Replat of Lot 1, Block 1, to further divide Block 1 and to record the easements on the property that will allow the development of 212,000 square foot regional distribution facility and a 50,000 square foot outlet center, located on the southwest comer of Beltline Road and Lakeshore Drive with the following conditions: 1) provide planter islands for every 15 "pup" parking spaces and each island shall contain at least 1 tree; 2) landscape plan must be sealed by either a licensed landscape architect or a bonafide nurseryman and the irrigation plan must be sealed by a licensed landscape irrigator; 3) parking variance is granted by the Board of Adjustment; 4) show the proposed left turn on Beltline Road. Need 100' transition and 100' storage; and 5) the monument sign shall be externally lit, as volunteered by the applicant. Councilmember Alexander seconded the motion; the motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Robertson and Councilmembers Alexander, Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Mayo, and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion. 17. Consider approval of Northlake 635 Business Park, Lot 2, Block A, Preliminary Plat, to allow the development of a 235,000 square foot office/warehouse/distribution facility on a 32.8 acres site, located at the northwest corner of Belt Line Road and Lakeshore Drive. Gary Sieb, Director of Planning and Community Service, made a presentation to the Council. Bruce Heller, representing the Applicant, made a presentation to the Council. Mayor Pro Tern Robertson moved to approve Northlake 635 Business Park, Lot 2, Block A, Preliminary Plat, CM010996 Page 9 of 13 to allow the development of a 235,000 square foot office/warehouse/distribution facility on a 32.8 acre site, located at the northwest comer of Belt Line Road and Lakeshore Drive with the following conditions: 1) an approval signature block be placed on the face of the preliminary plat; 2) a variance be sought for the hedge screening of the loading dock; 3) provide information regarding how the drainage ditch adjacent to Beltline will be addressed; and that the final plat be sent to the Planning and Zoning Commission for approval. Councilmember Sturges seconded the motion; the motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tern Robertson and Councilmembers Alexander, Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Mayo, and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion. 18. PUBLIC HEARING: Consider approval of Case No. ZC-588, Riverchase, zoning change from O (Office) to LI (Light Industrial), on 4.4383 acres of property located on the east side of MacArthur Blvd., north of and adjacent to TU easement, approximately 1,249 feet north of Riverchase Drive. Gary Sieb, Director of Planning and Community Service, made a presentation to the Council, advising that the Planning Commission had denied this item and would therefore require a 3/4 vote of Council to approve the zoning change. Mayor Morton opened the Public Hearing and asked for those persons wishing to speak regarding this proposal. Jerry Ragsdale, Applicant, made a presentation to the Council. Mayor Pro Tern Robertson moved to close the Public Hearing and approve Case No. ZC-588, Riverchase, zoning change from O (Office) to LI (Light Industrial), on 4.4383 acres of property located on the east side of MacArthur Blvd., north of and adjacent to TU easement, approximately 1,249 feet north of Riverchase Drive with the Deed Restrictions attached and adopting a change to Sections 2 and 4 of the Deed Restrictions changing the words City Manager to City Council. Councilmember Watson seconded the motion; the motion carried 6-1 with Mayor Pro Tem Robertson and Councilmembers Alexander, Sturges, Watson, Mayo, and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion and Councilmember Tunnell voting against the motion. 19. PUBLIC HEARING: Consider approval of Case No. S-1102, Colonial Self Storage, zoning change from LI-S.U.P. and C (Light Industrial, Special Use Permit and Commercial) to LI-S.U.P and C-S.U.P. (Light Industrial, Special Use Permit and Commercial, Special Use Permit), to allow the expansion of the existing self- storage facility, located on the east side of Denton Tap Road, south of the St. Louis & Southwestern Railroad. Gary Sieb, Director of Planning and Community Service, made a presentation to the Council. Mayor Morton opened the Public Hearing and asked for those persons wishing to speak regarding this proposal. Brian Chandlor, representing the Applicant, made a presentation to the Council and distributed to Council pictures of proposed signs. Mayor Pro Tem Robertson moved to close the Public Hearing and approve Case No. S-1102, Colonial Self Storage, zoning CM010996 Page 10 of 13 change from LI-S.U.P. and C (Light Industrial, Special Use Permit and Commercial) to LI- S.U.P and C-S.U.P. (Light Industrial, Special Use Permit and Commercial, Special Use Permit), to allow the expansion of the existing self-storage facility, located on the east side of Denton Tap Road, south of the St. Louis & Southwestern Railroad with the following conditions: 1) elevations and building materials as shown on submission documents with no attached signs and with face brick of commercial grade no lighter than Boral 3205 Doeskin and no darker than Boral 3605 Red Brown, with the exception of accent bands which may be lighter or darker; 2) redesign of the plastic inserts on existing attached signs to coordinate with the color of existing and proposed building materials, with each plastic insert the same and elimination of the reader board; 3) monument sign redesigned to eliminate backlit plastic and reader board; 4) preparation of a landscape plan which will greatly enhance the streetscape and which will provide more visual interest; 5) placement of brick pavers in new driveway to align with sidewalk; 6) sidewalk across the full frontage of the existing site as well as the expansion site; 7) the signage to be as was presented Council at this meeting provided any signage must meet the current sign ordinance. Councilmember Mayo seconded the motion; the motion carded 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tern Robertson and Councilmembers Alexander, Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Mayo, and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion. 20. PUBLIC HEARING: Consider approval of amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to incorporate an amended Sign Ordinance as Section 29. Gary Sieb, Director of Planning and Community Service, made a presentation to the Council and discussed the Sign Committee which was formed in October of 1995 at the request of Council and the proposed Sign Code. Mr. Sieb stated the six parts to the proposed code were as follows: 1) that the sign code be made a part of the zoning ordinance; 2) that the height of monument signs be a maximum of 4 feet on any site that is 2 acres or less, a maximum of 6 feet on any site greater than 2 acres; 3) the size of monument signs be a maximum of 40 square feet for sites less than 2 acres, 60 square feet maximum on sites greater than 2 acres; 4) no reader boards, no plastic cans nor backlit plastic signs; 5) neon is to be replaced with luminous gas; and 6) the maximum window signage on a facade be limited to 10 percent of the window area. Mayor Morton opened the Public Hearing. Mayor Pro Tern Robertson moved to hold the Public Heating open until January 23, 1996. Councilmember Tunnell seconded the motion; the motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tern Robertson and Councilmembers Alexander, Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Mayo, and gheehan voting in favor of the motion. 21. Necessary action resulting from Executive Session. There was no action taken under this item. CM010996 Page 11 of 13 22. City Manager's Report. A. Renaming Service Center. A. City Manager Jim Witt advised that the renewal of the franchise agreement with Lone Star Gas would come before Council on January 23, 1996. B. City Manager Jim Witt announced that he had received a petition requesting that the service center on DeForest be renamed the Jackie White Municipal Service Center. Consensus of Council was to bring this item back as an agenda item after notifying the family. C. City Manager Jim Witt stated that open record requests had been received asking for investigation regarding bills paid to Friedman & Associates. Mr. Witt asked Council if there was any interest in reaffirming, with an independent auditor, any findings made by City staff. Consensus of Council was that there was no interest. 23. Mayor's Report. A. Mayor Morton announced that a ribbon cutting would be held for FM 2499 flyovers on Friday, January 12, 1996 at 2:00 p.m. B. Mayor Morton advised that he had received a letter from Rick Martin commending the Make A Child Smile program and the eye care his son received. C. Mayor Morton discussed the numbers of Open Records Requests received by the City. Mayor Morton requested to see the number of hours spent by staff to process the Open Records Requests. City Manager Jim Witt advised that the City Secretary's Office would provide quarterly reports to Council regarding Open Records Requests. D. Mayor Morton stated there was a letter in the packets from a citizen who had received a suspicious package on her porch and commended the handling of the situation by the City Police Department and Fire Department. E. Mayor Morton read letters expressing thanks to Captain Nix and Captain Goolsby. 24. Liaison Reports. Councilmember Tunnell advised that she had worked with David Miller, Police Chief, on a grant to the Criminal Justice Committee VOCA and will have some word by March on the grant. Councilmember Tunnell stated there is a pig in Funfest, but it looks like a cat. CM010996 Page 12 of 13 Mayor Pro Tem Robertson announced that the Finance Committee had met with the auditors and they would be present at the next regular Council meeting where a more in depth report would be available on the budget and fund balance. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned. Tom Morton, Mayor ATTEST: Linda Grau, City Secretary CM010996 Page 13 of 13