CM 1997-04-22 MINUTES OF APRIL 22, 1997
The City Council of the City of Coppell met in Regular Called Session on Tuesday, April 22,
1997 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of Town Center, 255 Parkway Boulevard,
Coppell, 'Iexas. The following members were present:
Tom Morton, Mayor
Lanny Mayo, Mayor Pro Tem
Chuck Sturges, Councilmember
Danny L. Watson, Councilmember (late arrival)
Marsha Tunnell, Councilmember
Ron Robertson, Councilmember
Candy Sheehan, Councilmember
Councilmember Alexander was absent from the meeting. Also present were City Manager Jim
Witt, Deputy City Secretary Libby Ball 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. D/FW Runway Use Plan.
2. Cantrell vs. City of Coppell, et al.
Mayor Morton convened into Executive Session at 6:12 p.m. as allowed under the above-stated
article. Mayor Morton adjourned the Executive Session at 6:24 p.m. and opened the Work
Session.
WORK SESSION (Open to the Public)
3. Convene Work Session
A. Discussion of Parks 5-Year Master Plan.
B. Discussion of Agenda Items.
Councilmember Watson arrived during Work Session.
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.
6. PROCLAMATIONS:
A. Consider approval of a proclamation awarding Mr. Steve Pope Civilian
of the Year award and authorizing the Mayor to sign.
B. Consider approval of proclamation naming April 23, 1997 National
Professional Secretary/Office Professional's Day, and authorizing the
Mayor to sign.
C. Consider approval of a Proclamation naming the week of May 4
through May 10, 1997 as Municipal Clerk's Week, and authorizing the
Mayor to sign.
D. Consideration and approval of a proclamation naming the week of May
4, 1997 as Water Utilities Awareness Week in the City of Coppell and
authorizing the Mayor to sign.
A. Mayor Morton read the Proclamation for the record and was joined by Robert Kruse,
Fire Chief, in presenting the Proclamation and a Citizens Award Plaque to Steve Pope.
Mayor Pro Tem Mayo moved to approve a proclamation awarding Mr. Steve Pope
Civilian of the Year award and authorizing the Mayor to sign. Councilmember Tunnell
seconded the motion; the motion carried 6-0 with Mayor Pro Tern Mayo and
Councilmembers Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Robertson, and Sheehan voting in favor of
the motion.
B. Mayor Morton read the Proclamation for the record and presented the same to Barbara
Jahoda, Administrative Secretary to the Planning Department, who accepted on behaff
of all the Secretaries and Office Professionals of the City of Coppell. Mayor Pro Tern
Mayo moved to approve a proclamation naming April 23, 1997 National Professional
Pqe2 er ~0
Secretary/Office Professional's Day, and authorizing the Mayor to sign. Councilmember
Tunnell seconded the motion; the motion carried 6~0 with Mayor Pro Tern Mayo and
Councilmembers Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Robertson, and Sheehan voting in favor of
the motion.
C. Mayor Morton read the Proclamation for the record and presented the same to Libby
Ball, Deputy City Secretary, who accepted on behalf of the City Secretary Department.
Mayor Pro Tern Mayo moved to approve a Proclamation naming the week of May 4
through May 10, 1997 as Municipal Clerk's Week, and authorizing the Mayor to sign.
Councilmember Tunnell seconded the motion; the motion carried 6-0 with Mayor Pro
Tern Mayo and Councilmembers Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Robertson, and Sheehan
voting in favor of the motion.
D. Mayor Morton read the Proclamation for the record and presented the same to Ken
Griffin, Assistant City Manager/City Engineer, who accepted the same on behalf of the
Water Utilities Department. Mayor Pro Tern Mayo moved to approve a proclamation
naming the week of May 4, 1997 as Water Utilities Awareness Week in the City of
Coppell and authorizing the Mayor to sign. Councilmember Tunnell seconded the
motion; the motion carried 6-0 with Mayor Pro Tern Mayo and Councilmembers Sturges,
Watson, Tunnell, Robertson, and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion.
7. Report by Coppell Recreation Development Corporation.
Beth Bargar, 719 Clayton Circle, representing the Coppell Recreation Development Corporation,
made a presentation to the Council regarding the progress of the Corporation. The site selection
process has been narrowed to two possible locations: 1) Andy Brown East adjacent to Kid
Country, and 2) MacArthur Road adjacent to the new fire station. Two outstanding items need
to be obtained before the Corporation makes a recommendation: 1) geotechnical survey, and
2) public hearing to be held possibly in May. The architect has been working on the Enterprise
Plan which will provide information regarding various pool concepts and associated operating
costs and revenues. The Corporation hopes to be ready to present a plan within the next few
weeks. The Corporation has been meeting with potential outside users of the facility, including
Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District, Coppell Independent School District and the Coppell
YMCA.
8. Report by Telecommunications Board on City of Coppell home pole on
Internet.
Steve Goram, Director of Information & Customer Services, introduced Peggy Quinn,
Chairperson of the Telecommunication Board, who made a presentation to the Council
concerning the web page for the City of Coppell on the Internet and thanked all those person~
who worked on the project. The address for the Coppell Home Page is www.ci.coppell.tx.us/
9. Citizen's Appearances.
A. Jean Roscovius, 116 Raven Lane, indicated her support for lighting at Andy Brown East.
B. Larry Harbin, 537 Lea Valley, spoke in support of the lighting at Andy Brown
C. Andrew Denes, 353 Pepperwood, expressed his support for the lighting at Andy Brown
East.
D. Patrick Murphy, 332 Park View Place, spoke against the lighting at Andy Brown East.
E. Jill Blanton, 846 Meadowglen Circle, indicated to Council that there were Coppell
citizens who favor the bicycle helmet ordinance.
F. R.G. Harrell, 548 Oak Grove, wanted to offer his round of applause for Kathleen
Roach, City Secretary.
O. Natalie Radford, 320 Parkview Place, spoke against the lighting of Andy Brown East.
H. Mary Tumham, 328 Parkview Place, also spoke against the lighting of Andy Brown
East.
I. Carol Tuohy, 336 Crooked Tree Court, indicated she was against the lighting at Andy
Brown Fast.
J. Dale Slechta, 817 Red Cedar Way, would like to have the bicycle helmet ordinance
repealed.
K. Jeff Elseman, 149 Lansdowne, expressed his support for the lighting of Andy Brown
East.
Mayor Morton announced that one more speaker would be allowed and the 20-minut~ limit
would be depleted. Councilmember Sturges moved to suspend the rules and allow the remaining
speakers to address the Council. Councflmember Sheehan seconded the motion; tbe motion
carried 6-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Mayo and Councflmembers Sturges, Watson, Tunnell,
Rol rtson, and Sh ehan voting in favor of thc motion.
L. Joy Beless, 317 Quiet Valley, spoke against the lighting of Andy Brown East.
M. David McCallum, 316 Parkview Place, also spoke against the lighting of Andy Brown
East.
N. Terry Norris, 128 Highland Meadow, expressed his support for the lighting of Andy
Brown East.
._ O. A.J. Vaccaro, 202 Willingham Drive, invited everyone to attend Pigfest to be held at
Andy Brown West on April 25-27.
CONSENT AGENDA
10. Consider approval of the following consent agenda items:
A. Consider approval of minutes: April 8, 1997.
B. Consider approval of an Ordinance for Case No. S-1122, Southwestern
Bell Mobile Systems Communications Antenna, 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, and authorizing the Mayor to
C. Consider approval of an Ordinance for Case No. S-1123, Southwestern
BeU Mobile Systems Cc mmunicflfiolls Antemla, zouiilg change from LI
(Light Industrial) to LI-S.U.P. (Light Industrial, Special Use Permit),
to allow a communications antenna to be mounted on an existing TS'-
high AT&T monopole and the construction of an equipment cabinet on
a 3,600 scpmre foot site, located within the Shake and Shingle Addition,
approximately 3S0' east of North Lake Drive and north of Beltline
Road, and authorizing the Mayor to sign.
D. Consider approval of an Ordinance for Case No. ZC-S92, Coppell
Middle School North Addition, zoning change from MF-2, HC, C and
LI (Multi-Family 2, Highway Commercial, Commerelal and Light
Industrial) to SF-7 (Single Family-7), to allow the development of a
middle school and an elementary school on a 26.57 acre tract of land,
located north of Denton Creek and south of S.H. 121 Bypass (also
known as Vista Ridge Boulevard), and authorizing the Mayor to sign.
E. Consider approval of an Ordinance for Case No. PD-1STR, Valley
Ranch Plaza, mending the Site Plan for property zoned PD-C (Phnned
Development-Commercial), to allow an outdoor eating and playground
area on property located at the southwest corner of Beltline Road and
MacArthur Boulevard, and authorizing the Mayor to sign.
PqeSerZ0
F. Consider approval of an Ordinance for Case No. PD-158RR, Grand
Car Wash and Detail, a zoning change from R (Retail) to PD-C
(Planned Development-Commercial), to allow the operation of a car
wash, oil change, automobile detail services and gasoline sales on 3.017
acres of property located at the southeast corner of Riverchase Drive
and Mac. Arthur Boulevard, and authorizing the Mayor to sign.
G. Consider approval of an Ordinance for Case No. PD-159, Asbury
Manor, zoning change from SF-7 and MF-2 (Single Family-7 and Multi
Family-2) to PD-SF-7 (Planned Development, Single Family-7), to allow
the development of a 46-1ot single-family residential subdivision on
12.694 acres of property located along the east side of Coppell Road,
approximately 540' north of Parkway Boulevard, and authorizing the
Mayor to sign.
H. Consider approval of a Resolution urging: (1) the FCC to implement
the recommendations from the Public Safety Wireless Advisory
Commission; (2) the President, Congress, and FCC to reserve 25
megahertz of broadcast channels for exclusive use of state and local
governments; and (3) the FCC to act on a long-term plan to meet public
safety needs.
Items B and E were pulled for further consideration.
Items A, C, D, F, G and H -
Mayor Pro Tem Mayo moved to approve Consent Agenda Items A, C carrying Ordinance No.
91500-A-153, D carrying Ordinance No. 91500-A-154, F carrying Ordinance No. 91500-A-156,
G carrying Ordinance No. 91500-A-157 and H carrying Resolution No. 042297.1.
Councilmember Sheehan seconded the motion; the motion carried 6-0 with Mayor Pro Tem
Mayo and Councilmembers Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Robertson, and Sheehan voting in favor
of the motion.
Item B --
Councilmember Robertson moved to approve Consent Agenda Item B carrying Ordinance No.
91500-A-152. Mayor Pro Tem Mayo seconded the motion; the motion carried 5-1 with Mayor
Pro Tem Mayo and Councilmembers Sturges, Watson, Robertson, and Sheehan voting in favor
of the motion and Councilmember Tunnell voting against the motion.
Item E --
Mayor Pro Tern Mayo moved to approve Consent Agenda Item E carrying Ordinance No.
91500-A-155. Councilmember Robertson seconded the motion; the motion carried 5-1 with
Mayor Pro Tem Mayo and Councilmembers Sturges, Watson, Robertson, and Sheehan voting
in favor of the motion and Councilmember Tunnell voting against the motion.
11. Consider appointment of Coppell Woman of the Year for 1997.
Dr. Thomas Sherrill, on behalf of the Coppell Woman of the Year Selection Committee, made
a presentation to the Council and recommended that Jeanne Heath be named Coppell Woman
of the Year. Councilmember Robertson moved to name Jeanne Heath as Coppell Woman of the
Year. Councilmember Sheehan seconded the motion; the motion carried 6-0 with Mayor Pro
Tem Mayo and Councilmembers Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Robertson, and Sheehan voting in
favor of the motion. Mayor Morton asked that all past Coppell Women of the Year stand and
be recognized.
At this time a short recess was held.
12. Presentation to the City Council regarding Coppell's Bicycle Helmet
Ordinance by the Repeal Helmet Ordinance Committee.
Vicki McBride, 837 Falcon Lane, founder of the Repeal Helmet Ordinance Committee,
addressed the Council on the issues which warrant the repeal of the bicycle helmet ordinance.
Charles Cotton, 704 Dove Circle, made a presentation to Council on his desire to have the
bicycle helmet ordinance repealed. Mayor Morton advised the committee that the best way to
approach their goal would be to come through the Initiative and Referendum Section of the
Home Rule Charter. Mr. Cotton advised that they just wanted to approach the Council with the
public support and ask the Council to reconsider the ordinance.
13. Review and consider approval of the Leisure Services Department's update of
Priorities for the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan.
Gary Sims, Director of Leisure Services, made a presentation to Council. Mayor Pro Tem
Mayo moved to approve the Leisure Services Department's update of Priorities for the Parks,
Recreation and Open Space Master Plan with the amendment that Carter-Crowley be idenfifiod
as a lease property. Councilmember Sheehan seconded the motion; the motion carried 6-0 with
Mayor Pro Tern Mayo and Councilmembers Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, Robertson, and Sheehan
voting in favor of the motion.
Pa~ 7 d 10
14. 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
Masterplan.
Gary Sims, Director of Leisure Services, made a presentation to Council. Councilmember
Robertson asked that the question be divided and that the ABE 4 Plex Lighting be voted on as
a separate item. Mayor Pro Tem Mayo moved to approve the Park and Recreation Board's
annual update of the Five Year Action Plan of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space
Masterplan, except for the ABE 4 Plex Lighting item. Councilmember Sturges seconded the
motion; the motion carded 6-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Mayo and Councilmembers Sturges,
Watson, Tunnell, Robertson, and Sheehan voting in favor of the motion. Mayor Pro Tern
Mayo moved to approve the ABE 4 Plex Lighting item for the Park and Recreation Board's
annual update of the Five Year Action Plan of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space
Masterplan. Councilmember Watson seconded the motion; the motion carried 5-1 with Mayor
Pro Tern Mayo and Councilmembers Sturges, Watson, Tunnell, and Sheehan voting in favor of
the motion and Councilmember Robertson voting against the motion.
15. Presentation by Tom Ives of Total Customer Solutions on privatization of
meter reading.
City Manager Jim Witt introduced Tom Ives of Total Customer Solutions who made
presentation to Council and advised that Total Customer Solutions is a part of Texas Utilities and
that they currently read the Coppell meters for Texas Utilities Electric.
16. Presentation by citizen R. G. Harrell regarding Citilzens' Advocate March 8,
1996 article, "Anatomy of Citizen's Complaint."
Mayor Morton advised that this item would be limited to one hour and there would be no
personal attacks made against any individual, corporation, mayor or City employees. R.G.
Harrell advised that the purpose of this agenda item was to request the Council to investigate the
allegations contained in the Citizens' Advocate news articles, "Anatomy of Citizen's Complaint"
dated March 8, 1996 and January 17, 1997. Mr. HarreH read to the Council various newspaper
articles and statements of Jean Murph.
17. Necessary action resulting from Executive Session.
There was no action necessary under this item.
18. City Manager's Report.
A. Legislative update.
A. City Manager Jim Witt advised that there were several bills before the current
legislature:
1. H.B. 1802 to raise fees on local utility users;
2. Additional funding of Court fees for money to go to the State to support Criminal
Justice Programs;
3. H.B. 1395 to restrict the City's ability to control land use;
4. Sales tax bill.
19. Mayor's Report.
A. Superintendent Selection Process for CFBISD.
B. Special called meeting to canvass election results.
A. Mayor Morton advised that Council had been asked to select an individual to serve on
the Selection Committee for a new superintendent for the Carrollton-Farmers Branch
Independent School District. Councilmember Sheehan volunteered to serve on the
Committee.
B. Mayor Morton advised that a special meeting would need to be called in May to canvass
the results of the Municipal Election because the first regular meeting does not fall wi~in
the required time period to canvass. The meeting will be held on May 6, 1997 at 6:00
p.m.
C. Councilmember Sturges advised that Paragon Cable was still experiencing bleedovers
from the porno stations to the regular stations.
Mayor Morton stated he had nothing further to report under Mayor's Report but stated he would
like to make the following comment:
'As the Mayor of Coppell, I think we are all committed to open government.
We encourage also -- we encourage citizens if they are not satisfied with the
response they receive from City Staff or Council regarding any issue they bring
forward, to take their concerns to the appropriate State or Regional agency or
authorities. As Mayor, I support the Staff of this City in its continuing efforts
to provide the highest quality service to our citizens and other clientele and I
realize that decisions made by both this Council and Staff sometimes face
opposition from among citizens and individuals and groups in the community.
These decisions, though are not the basis for initiating investigations or
examinations. They will not have a long-term constructive impact on our ability
to serve our citizens. We should continue to be cognizant of our decision making
as elected officials and the efforts of Staff and continue to work with all of our
citizens in making Coppell a better place to live and work. "
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned.
Tom Morton, Mayor
ATTEST:
Libby Ba,/Deputy City Secretary