Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-03-05 - Regular City CouncilMINUTES OF REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING City of Stephenville -City Council TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 1996 - 7:00 P.M. The City Council of the City of Stephenville, Texas, convened in a Regular Business Meeting on March 5, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 354 N. Belknap Street, with the meeting being open to the public and notice of said meeting, giving the date, time, place and subject thereof, having been posted as prescribed by Chapter 551, Government Code, Vernods Texas Codes Annotated, with the following members present, to wit: Mayor Councilmembers: Absent Others Attending I. CALL TO ORDER, Lavinia Lohrmann Barbara Terrell Darrell Brown Joel Hill* Scott Evans John Pollan Billy Bob Hodges Bill Corbin Jim McCray Don Davis, City Administrator Cindy L. Stafford, City Secretary Randy Thomas, City Attorney Mayor Lohrmann called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and declared a quorum present. He PUBLIC HEARINGS Mayor Lohrmann announced the opening of a public hearing for the purpose of rezoning Lots 1 through 6, Block 4, Park Place Addition from B-2 "Secondary and Highway Business District" to B-2/MH "Secondary and Highway Business District/Manufactured Housing District". Speaking in favor of the Rezoning. Betty Menzdorf, owner of subject property, stated that she and her husband have been trying for over a year to have this property in the 700 block of Sloan Street rezoned. She stated to the Council that because of her husband's ill health, they desire to live March 5, 1996 Minutes 306 in Stephenville near their son. Since they own this property, they have purchased a mobile home which they would like to place on the property; however, to do so requires a zoning change. Jerry Menzdorf, son of Betty Menzdorf, told the Council that by his parents living in Stephenville, he is better able to assist them. He offered to the Council his appreciation for its consideration of this matter. Betty Heath, who owns property adjoining the subject property, distributed photographs showing the present condition of the structure which plans to be demolished in order for the Menzdorfs to move their mobile home on this lot. She stated that the lot is best suited for a manufactured home because the lot is so narrow. Speaking inOpposition of the Rezoning: None There was no rebuttal and no discussion by the Council. Mayor Lohrmann closed the Public Hearing. Councilmember Pollan made the motion to adopt Ordinance No. 1996-2 rezoning Lots 1 through 6, Block 4, Park Place Addition from B-2 "Secondary and Highway Business District" to B-2/MH "Secondary and Highway Business District/Manufactured Housing District". Councilmember Brown seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. Mayor Lohrmann announced the opening of a public hearing to consider amending the Zoning Ordinance to provide guidelines for Planned Development Districts. Speaking in Favor: Jeff Blackwell, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, reported that the Plug and Zoning Commission is recommending this amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. He briefly covered the key elements of this provision as follows: 1. It allows land use regulations for a specified area, and it does not take away from the current Zoning Ordinance. It is a new alternative that may be more flexible in specific instances. 2. It includes a "concept plan" which means that, if approved, the developer would submit a full concept of what he intends to do with the specific property. Speaking in ODDOsition: None There was no rebuttal and no discussion by the Council. March 5, 1996 Minutes 307 Mayor Lohrmann closed the Public Hearing. Councilmember Evans moved to adopt Ordinance No. 1996-3 amending the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Stephenville adopted by the City Council on June 4, 1985, establishing criteria for planned development districts within the City of Stephenville, Texas. Councilmember Hodges seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. Mayor Lohrmann announced the opening of a Public Hearing to consider the designation of 44.30 acres, Wm. Motley Survey, A-515, Erath County, Texas, as a reinvestment zone. S eakin in Favor: None SDeaking in Opposition: None City Administrator Don Davis reminded the Council that the Planning and Development Committee considered this item, which follows the procedure which prescribed by state statute in order to go forward with a tax abatement program. The Planning and Development Committee is recommending the approval of this item. Mayor Lohrmann closed the Public Hearing. Councilmember Corbin moved to adopt Ordinance No. 1996-4 approving the designation of 44.30 acres, Wm. Motley Survey, A-515, Erath County, Texas, as a reinvestment zone in the City of Stephenville. Councilmember Brown seconded the motion, which passed by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers Terrell, Brown, Hillin, Evans, Pollan, Corbin, and Mayor Lohrmann. NOES: None. ABSTENTIONS: Councilmember Hodges, having filed an affidavit of conflict of interest with the City Secretary. Mayor Lohrmann announced the opening of a Public Hearing to consider annexing 0.545 acre of the Wm. Motley Survey, A-515, Erath County, Texas. Speaking in Favor: Phil Hutchinson with McCoy's Building Supply Centers. He informed the Council that it was the intention of this company to construct a building supply center on the subject property. The front four acres of this property is inside the city limits, and the rear 0.545 acre is outside the city limits. Annexing this property will simplify the ad valorem tax situation on this property. SDeaking in Opposition: None March 5, 1996 Minutes There was no rebuttal and no discussion by the Council. Mayor Lohrmann closed the Public Hearing. Councilmember Evans moved approval of Ordinance No. 1996-5 annexing 0.545 acre of the Wm. Motley Survey, A-515, Erath County, Texas. Councilmember Hodges seconded the motion, which passed by unanimous vote. III. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL TOURISM REPORT Robert Defer, Executive Director of the Stephenville Chamber of Commerce, presented the Statement of Revenue and Expenditures, the annual budget, and the Tourism Division Scheduled Projects. Defer pointed out that events such as the recent basketball playoffs bring dollars into the community. An estimated 1,700 people came to Stephenville during this five - game playoff. He also listed some major projects that were discussed at the Chamber Retreat: 1) a Stephenville map; 2) a rodeo promotion, which includes an idea for "Rodeo Square", a walk of fame around the courthouse square; and 3) increased publicity throughout the state. He also distributed to the Councilmembers, a final copy of the Chamber informational brochure. IV. PRESENTATION OF GFOA CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING In presenting this award to Mark Kaiser, Director of Finance for the City, Mayor Lohrmann stated that this is the fourteenth year the City of Stephenville has received this award. Don Davis explained that one of the significant attributes of this recognition is that fact that the bond rating agencies consider the GFOA awards in the rating process. V. APPROVAL OF NEW DIRECTORS FOR STEPHENVILLE FOURTH OF JULY FAMILY FUN FAIR COMMITTEE The nominees for directors to the July 4th Family Fun Fair Committee are: Monty and Darla Bedwell, one-year term. Robert and Sonya Segura, three-year term. Tab and Debbie Thompson, three-year term. Kyle and Kerri Everett, three-year term. Steve and Pam Thiemann, three-year term. Mark Cook, three-year term. Tami Arrambide, three-year term. March 5, 1996 Minutes 309 Councilmember Terrell moved approval of these nominees. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Pollan and carried by unanimous vote. vie CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM James Sabonis with First Southwest Company explained that the first resolution to be considered directs the publication of a notice of intent to issue certificates of obligation. This starts the process for the City to issue debt for the 1996 Capital Improvement Program for an amount not to exceed $2 million for (i) the acquisition of Fire Department equipment, including pumper truck, aerial truck, and booster truck, (ii) the acquisition and renovation of a building located at the comer of Washington and Columbia Streets in the City for use as a new City Hall and the acquisition of an adjacent parking lot, (iii) the construction and equipment of a new maintenance service facility in the City, (iv) the renovation of the existing city hall for use as a public safety building and (v) to pay legal, fiscal, and engineering fees in connection with this project. Councilmember Evans moved adoption of Resolution No. 1996-1 directing publication of notice of intention to issue combination tax and revenue certificates of obligation. Councilmember Hodges seconded the motion which passed by unanimous vote. Sabonis explained that the second resolution allows the City to reimburse itself for monies spent from unrestricted cash balances. Councilmember Evans moved adoption of Resolution No. 1996-2 expressing official intent to reimburse costs of various city improvement projects. Councilmember Pollan seconded the motion which passed by unanimous vote. VII. FINANCE COMMITTEE Councilmember Corbin gave this committee report. The auditor's report was reviewed by the committee. No action is required by the Council. VIII0 WATER PLANNING COMMITTEE Councilmember Evans reported that Bill Klempt of LBG-Guyton gave the results of the test well project conducted by the Texas Water Development Board indicated an area favorable for future development of groundwater in the vicinity of Test Well No. 1. It is LBG -Guyton's opinion should be capable of producing 200-3 00 gallons per minute if completed properly. Evans moved that LBG-Guyton's report be accepted. Councilmember Hodges seconded the motion which passed by unanimous vote. Evans stated that after review and evaluation of proposal from firms for the Contract March 5, 1996 Minutes 310 Operation of the Stephenville wastewater Treatment Plant, three companies are being considered. The Committee has conducted interviews of ST Environmental, Professional Services Group, and Operations Management International, Inc. IX. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Councilmember Hodges reported that the Committee considered the application for tax abatement by FMC Corporation. FMC is expanding their facility and equipment to manufacture several new product lines in Stephenville. Councilmember Hodges made the motion to enter into contract with Texas Department of Transportation for repair and replacement of the College Farm Road Bridge, and the City participate in the cost of this replacement in the amount of ten percent of the actual cost. Councilmember Terrell seconded the motion, which passed by unanimous vote. X. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE Councilmember Hillin reported on the following matters discussed at this committee meeting on February 26: Tarleton ROTC request for a variance to the Firearms Ordinance. The committee could not, at this time, grant a variance; therefore councilmembers will be meeting with representatives of Tarleton Administration and Tarleton ROTC to hopefully resolve this issue. Solicitors Ordinance: A request had been made to change the deadline for solicitors to make calls on residences. The committee is recommending no change in this ordinance. Public School Crossings: The committee reviewed a proporal from the Police Department for the repair of existing school crosswalks and the installation of 18 new crosswalks. This matter was sent back to the Police Department for further study. Concealed Handgun Ordinance: The Committee is recommending the adoption of this ordinance. Councilmember Hillin moved to accept Ordinance No. 1996-6 which prohibits the carrying of concealed handguns at public facilities. Councilmember Brown seconded the motion, which passed by unanimous vote. XI. CONSENT AGENDA: Councilmember Evans moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: A. APPROVAL OF TES --Citizen's and Regular Business Meetings, February 6, 1996 March 5, 1996 Minutes 311 B. BID SPECIFICATIONS --Front Mounted Mowing Tractor C. BID RECOMNENDATIONS 1. Office Supplies 2. Janitorial Services 3. Mowing Contracts Councilmember Terrell seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous roll call vote. D. ORDER FOR CITY GENERAL ELECTION ON MAY 411996 Councilmember Hillin moved to approve the Order for City General Election to be held on May 4, 1996. Councilmember Brown seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. E. AMEND BUDGET BY REMOVING THE CAPTAIN' S POSITION AND ADDING AN ADDITIONAL POLICE PATROLMAN' S POSITION Councilmember Evans moved the amend the budget by removing the Captain's position and by adding an additional police patrolman's position. Councilmember Pollan seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. XHO CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT XIII, ADJOURN There being no other business to come before the Council at this time, Mayor Lohrmann adjourned the meeting at 8 : 03 p.m. ATTEST: d � r.0 Cindy tafford'. City Secretary March 5, 1996 Minutes avinia Lohrm Mayor 312