CM 1997-03-25 MINUTES OF MARCH 25, 1997
The City Council of the City of Coppell met in Regular Called Session on Tuesday, March 25,
1997 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
Lanny Mayo, Mayor Pro Tern
Norm Alexander, Councilmember
Chuck Sturges, Councilmember (late arrival)
Danny L. Watson, Councilmember
Marsha Tunnell, Councilmember
Ron Robertson, Councilmember
Candy Sheehan, Councilmember
Also present were City Manager Jim Witt, City Secretary Kathleen Roach 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. C.E.D., et al vs. City of Coppell, et al.
B. Section 551.072, Texas Government Code - Deliberation regarding real
property.
1. Deliberations regarding Wagon Wheel Property mineral and
telecommunication rights.
Councilmember Sturges arrived during Executive Session. Mayor Morton convened into
Executive Session at 6:01 p.m. as allowed under the above-stated article. Mayor Morton
adjourned the Executive Session at 7:23 p.m. and opened the Regular Session.
Items 4 and 5 were considered at this time. See Items 4 and 5 for minutes.
WORK SESSION (Open to the Public)
3. Convene Work Session A. Update Council on status of donation to The Family Place.
B. Update Council on status of donation to the Coppell Community
Theater.
C. Discussion of Agenda Items.
REGULAR SESSION (Open to the Public)
4. Invocation.
Mayor Pro Tem Mayo led those present in the Invocation.
5. Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Morton led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
At this time Council adjourned into Work Session to discuss Items 3 A, B, & C, after which
Regular Session reconvened with Item 6.
6. PROCLAMATIONS:
A. Consider approval of a proclamation naming March 1997
HEARTWORM AWARENESS MONTH IN TEXAS, and authorizing
the Mayor to sign.
Mayor Morton read the Proclamation for the record and presented the same to Dr. Bill
Stearman. Councilmember Robertson moved to approve a proclamation naming March 1997
Heartworm Awareness Month in Texas, and authorizing the Mayor to sign. Mayor Pro Tern
Mayo seconded the motion; the motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Mayo and
Councilmembers Alexander, Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Robertson, and Sheehan voting in favor
of the motion.
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7. Report by Coppell Recreation Development Corporation.
Tim I-Iiggins, Chairman of the Coppell Recreation Development Corporation, made a
presentation to Council. The Committee continues to gather information for the Aquatic Center
and work on the site selection process. The critical path item is completion of the draft version
of the Enterprise Plan. Mr. Higgins indicated that three main points came out of the joint work
session with City Council: 1) for the Committee to do thorough research and homework, even
if it takes additional time; 2) the facility needs to generate enough revenue to cover the operation
costs; and 3) the people of Coppell pay for the schools and the YMCA and City taxes and the
best thing should be done for all concerned. The reserve fund should be built up by the end of
the fiscal year.
8. Review and consider approval of the Park and Recreation Board's annual
update of the Five Year Action Plan of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space
Gary Sims, Director of Leisure Services, made a presentation to the Council and indicated that
Bill Markham, Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Board was present to answer any
questions. After discussion, City Manager Jim Witt made a presentation to the Council
concerning the Five Year Action Plan. Mr. Markham expanded on the project at Allen Road.
The concession stand at Andrew Brown Park East was discussed. Additional discussion was had
regarding the lighting of the softball fields at Andrew Brown Park East and Scott Williams,
representing the Softball Association, answered questions. After lengthy discussion, Mayor Pro
Tem Mayo moved to hold this item for review by the Finance Committee for this year's budget,
along with the Parks and Recreation Board, Sports Council and Coppell Recreation Development
Corporation, and bring the item back to Council on April 22, 1997. Councilmember Robertson
seconded the motion; the motion carried 6-1 with Mayor Pro Tern Mayo and Councilmembers
Alexander, Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, and Robertson voting in favor of the motion and
Councilmember Sheehan voting against the motion.
Items 17 and 18 were considered at this time. See Items 17 and 18 for minutes.
9. Citizen's Appearances.
A. R.G. Harrell, 548 Oak Grove, addressed the Council concerning the Doyle Calfey
matter and played for Council an audio tape of a message he had received from
Councilmember Robertson.
B. Roger Turnham, 328 Parkview Place, expressed to Council his concerns regarding the
lighting of the ball fields at Andrew Brown Park East.
C. Craig Sorensen, 348 Parkview Place, advised that he was also against the lighting of the _
ball fields at Andrew Brown Park East.
CONSENT AGENDA
10. Consider approval of the following consent agenda items:
A. Consider approval of minutes: March 11, 1997.
B. Consider approval of a Resolution amending Resolution#010996.3, as
heretofore amended, regarding Residential Garbage Collection Fees.
C. Consider approval of a Resolution amending the written Investment
Policy of the City of Coppell as provided by the Public Funds
Investment Act, Chapter 2256, Texas Government Code; and
authorizing the Mayor to sign.
D. Consider approval of By-Laws for the Coppell Economic Development
Partnership.
E. Consider approval of the purchase of computer hardware for the
Municipal Court in an amount not to exceed $70,000 and authorizing
the Mayor to sign.
Item A was pulled for further consideration.
Items B, C, D, and E --
Mayor Pro Tem Mayo moved to approve Consent Agenda Items B carrying Resolution
032597.1, C carrying Resolution No. 032597.2, D and E. Councilmember Robertson seconded
the motion; the motion carded 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tern Mayo and Councilmembers Alexander,
Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Robertson, and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion.
Item A --
Councilmember Tunnell questioned the wording on Item 27 and remembered that the motion was
for Mr. Chaney to be a technical advisor to be used on an intermittent basis as requested instead
of an intermittent member. Councilmember Tunnell moved to approve Consent Agenda Item
A with the changes as indicated. Councilmember Sheehan seconded the motion; the motion
carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Mayo and Councilmembers Alexander, Sturges, Watson,
Tunnell, Robertson, and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion.
CMO32b'97
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11. PUBLIC HEARING;
Consider the designation of a reinvestment zone, pursuant to Section 312.201
of the Property Redevelopment and Tax Abatement Act. The property to be
considered for Reinvestment Zone designation is that property owned by Derse
Exhibits, Inc. described as part of Lot 5R, Freeport North Addition (11.42
acres) located at the northeast corner of Royal Lane and Creekview Drive.
Mayor Morton advised that Items 11 and 12 would be considered together. 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.
There were none. Councilmember Robertson moved to close the Public Hearing and approve
the designation of a reinvestment zone, pursuant to Section 312.201 of the Property
Redevelopment and Tax Abatement Act. The property to be considered for Reinvestment Zone
designation is that property owned by Derse Exhibits, Inc. described as part of Lot 5R, Freeport
North Addition (11.42 acres) located at the northeast comer of Royal Lane and Creekview
Drive; and to approve Ordinance No. 97791 designating Derse Exhibits, Inc. property as
Reinvestrnent Zone 15, and authorizing the Mayor to sign. Councilmember Sturges seconded
the motion; the motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tern Mayo and Councilmembers Alexander,
Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Robertson, and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion.
12. Consider approval of an Ordinance designating Derse Exhibits, Inc. property
as Reinvestment Zone 15, and authorizing the Mayor to sign.
This item was considered under Item 11. See Item 11 for minutes.
13. PUBLIC HEARING:
Consider approval of amending the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance by
adding a new Section 32A entitled "Wireless Telecommunications Towers and
Antennae."
Mayor Morton advised that Items 13 and 14 would be considered together. 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.
There were none. Mayor Morton inquired as to the height of towers and whether any would
be placed on top of a water tower, whether the ordinance speaks to maintenance and parking,
landscape requirements, the attachment of antennae to buildings, and abandonment.
Councilmember Tunnell inquired as to the enforcement of landscaping on non-S.U.P, uses.
Mayor Pro Tem Mayo inquired as to the establishment of lease fees in the City's fee structure
and if all sites would come to Council for the fee structure negotiation. Questions of the Mayor
and Council were addressed by Mr. Sieb, City Attorney Peter G. Smith and City Manager Jim
Witt. Councilmember Sturges moved to close the Public Hearing and approve Ordinance No.
l~ge S or10
91500-A-151 to add new Section 32A entitled "Wireless Telecommunications Towers and
Antennae," and authorizing the Mayor to sign. Councilmember Tunnell seconded the motion;
the motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tern Mayo and Councilmembers Alexander, Sturges,
Watson, Tunnell, Robertson, and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion.
14. Consider approval of a Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to add new Section
32A entitled "Wireless Telecommunications Towers and Antennae," and
authorizing the Mayor to sign.
This item was considered under Item 13. See Item 13 for minutes.
15. PUBLIC HEARING (CONTINUED)
Consider approval of Case No. S-1122, Southwestern Bell Mobile Systemn
Communications Antenna, a zoning change from LI (Light Industrial) to LI-
S.U.P. (Light Industrial, Special Use Permit), to allow a communications
antenna and an equipment cabinet to be mounted on an existing Park 'N Fly
billboard, located north of 1-635 (LBJ Freeway) and east of Royal Lane.
Gary Sieb, Director of Planning and Community Services, made a presentation to the Council.
The Public Hearing remains open and continuing from the City Council Meeting of March 11,
1997. Mayor Morton asked for those persons wishing to speak regarding this item. Peter
Kavanaugh, representing the Applicant, made a presentation to the Council. After questions of
Council and discussion Councilmember Sheehan moved to approve Case No. S-1122,
Southwestern Bell Mobile Systems Communications Antenna, a zoning change from LI (Light
Industrial) to LI-S.U.P. (Light Industrial, Special Use Permi0, to allow a communications
antenna and an equipment cabinet to be mounted on an existing Park 'N Fly billboard, located
north of 1-635 (LBJ Freeway) and east of Royal Lane. Councilmember Robertson seconded the
motion; the motion carried 6-1 with Mayor Pro Tem Mayo and Councilmembers Alexander,
Sturges, Watson, Robertson, and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion and Councilmember
Tunnell voting against the motion.
16. Consider approval of an ordinance amending Chapter 9 of the Code of
Ordinances, to add Article 9-18, ReLmlafion of Swimming Pools and Spas; and
authorizing the Mayor to sign.
Perri Kitties, Environmental Health Officer, made a presentation to the Council.
Councilmember Robertson discussed the fact that the ordinance did not address any ADA
requirements. City Manager Jim Witt advised the need for this ordinance to be passed without
extensive delay and asked for Perri Kitties to meet with Greg Jones, Chief Building Official, and
Bob Kruse, Fire Chief, to coordinate and bring both ordinances back to the Council at the first -
meeting in April. Mayor Morton asked if residential pools that are used by the YMCA for
swimming lessons would be considered as semi-private. Mr. Witt asked that the question be
addressed when the ordinance is reviewed. Councilmember Robertson moved to table this item
until the first City Council meeting in April. Mayor Pro Tern Mayo seconded the motion; the
motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tern Mayo and Councilmembers Alexander, Sturges,
Watson, Tunnell, Robertson, and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion.
Item 19 was considered at this time. See Item 19 for minutes.
17. Discussion and consideration of conversion of Fire Station #2 to Coppell
Center for the Arts and possible allocation of undesignated funds.
City Manager Jim Witt made a presentation to the Council and recommended that, if the project
is approved, the Coppell Center of the Arts governing body be given the responsibility for
operating the facility and maintaining it on a day-to-day basis. Pete Wilson, representing the
Coppell Community Theatre, made a presentation to the Council. City Manager Jim Witt
recommended that Council designate up to $125,000.00 to match any grants, donations, and
foundation funds that could be secured and that the City Manager be allowed to negotiate an
architectural contract to launch the project and that the Arts Council and Staff report back to the
City Council no later than August 1, 1997 regarding the status of donations. Mayor Pro Tern
Mayo stated he would like to address the outside group user fees and that the City should charge
a standard fee of 10% of the sale from any exhibition where a profit is realized.
Councilmember Tunnell inquired as to whether the arts group would have to raise money in
order to receive money from the City. Mayor Pro Tern Mayo moved to allow the City Manager
to enter into agreements and approve the allocation of $125,000.00 for the project and that the
City Manager report hack to the City Council on August 1, 1997 where the user group fees will
also be considered along with for-profit sales. Councilmember Tunnell seconded the motion;
the motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tern Mayo and Councilmembers Alexander, Sturges,
Watson, Tunnell, Robertson, and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion.
18. Consider approval of awarding bid for the Coppell Town Center Renovation -
Phase H project.
Sheri Moino, Facilities Manager, made a presentation to the Council and introduced Geoff
Spaete, representing Phillips Swager Associates, who recommended the bid on the Town Center
Renovation Phase H be awarded to Hisaw & Associates. Councilmember Alexander advised that
he had been involved in the review of the project. Councilmember Alexander moved to approve
the bid and award a contract to Hisaw & Associates and to instruct Staff and Phillips Swager
Associates to review the contract documents for further value engineering options. Mayor Pro
Tern Mayo seconded the motion; the motion carried 7-0 with Mayor Pro Tern Mayo and
Councilmembers Alexander, Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Robertson, and Sheehan voting in favor
of the motion.
At this time a short recess was held and the meeting resumed with Item 9.
19. Discussion of FY 1997-98 Budget priorities, issues, projects, and concerns.
City Manager Jim Witt made a presentation to the Council advising that the three Neighborhood
Budget Meetings had been held the prior week and that attendance was poor. Mr. Witt asked
Council for any priorities, issues, projects, personnel or general guidance. Mayor Pro Tem
Mayo discussed the highlights of his notes including comments made by Council on the Park
funding issues, the Fairways Drive crossing, the funding for the Arts Center, his feeling that the
North Service Center should be thrown out, the infrastructure improvements on MacArthur
Road, the completion of the Town Center development plan, Denton Tap Road, Wrangler Drive,
and the possibility of two sites for 18-hole golf courses to generate revenue. Councilmember
Watson asked if the purpose of the proposed Service Center renovation was to house the Leisure
Services staff and voiced his belief that the Leisure Services Department should be housed at the
Aquatics Center. Councilmember Sheehan expressed her wish list which included the Coppell
Arts Center, practice fields, D/FW airport noise monitors and consultants, Fairways Drive
crossing, the tennis center, parking lot at Andy Brown Park Fast central, pocket parks and joint
use with the school district on a baseball stadium. Councilmember Sturges expressed his desire
to develop the City's web site, his concerns over the traffic problems at the intersection of
Denton Tap and Spur 553, his staff concerns of having some departments running too lean and
his concerns of the need for more speed control on the interior streets of the City.
Councilmember Robertson inquired as to the Sandy Lake Road bonds and expressed his support
for lower speeds on the interior streets and alleys. Mayor Pro Tern Mayo addressed the issue
of Leisure Services staff being split between two locations. Councilmember Tunnell endorsed
Fairway Drive project but would like to see the cost lower. She considered Wrangler Drive a
priority and addressed traffic safety on Highway 121. She stated she still would like to see a
public affairs position created on staff. Councilmember Watson expressed concern over the
speeding on Sandy Lake Road. Mayor Morton advised that he wished to make certain that
safety issues are covered such as the MDC's in the police cars and infrared helmets. Mayor Pro
Tem Mayo indicated that the MDC's had been approved and the wait was for new technology.
At this time Mayor Morton adjourned into Executive Session.
F~eSer tO
EXECUTIVE SESSION (Closed to the Public)
20. Convene Executive Session
A. Section 551.071, Texas Government Code - Consultation with City
Attorney.
1. D/FW Runway Use Plan.
2. Condemnation of Dart Right-of-Way.
Mayor Morton convened into Executive Session at 10:49 p.m. as allowed under the above-stated
article. Mayor Morton adjourned the Executive Session at 11:22 p.m. and reconvened the
Regular Session.
REGULAR SESSION (Open to the Public)
21. Necessary action resulting from Executive Session.
Mayor Pro Tern Mayo moved to authorize the City Manager to enter into a letter of intent with
Nextel of Texas. Councilmember Robertson seconded the motion; the motion carried 7-0 with
Mayor Pro Tern Mayo and Councilmembers Alexander, Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Robertson,
and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion.
22. City Manager's Report.
There was nothing to report under this item.
23. Mayor's Report.
A. Councilmember Sturges announced that the Supreme Court ruled against cable companies
on adult channels, stating that they must be 100% scrambled or dropped.
B. Councilmember Watson advised that CISD had passed a proclamation recognizing the
week of April 24th through 30th as National Turn Off TV Week and that a similar
proclamation would be coming to Council at the next meeting. However, the school
wished to distribute fliers before the next Council meeting and would like to put on the
fliers that the event was supported by Council. Consensus of Council was to allow the
school to show Council's support of the event.
C. Councilmember Sheehan stated she had attended the CISD School Board meeting and that
plans were presented for the restrooms at Coppell Middle School West. She reported
that Representative Dick Armey would be at Coppell High School on April 3rd to discuss
internet congress. She also expressed a desire to have Representative Armey attend a _
meeting to discuss the airport issues.
D. Mayor Pro Tem Mayo announced that the Special Olympics would be held at the Coppell
High School on May 1st and 2nd.
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned.
Tom Morton, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kathleen Roach, City Secretary
Pa~e 10 ot 10