HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-12-03 - Regular City CouncilMINUTES OF GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING
City of Stephenville - City Council
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1996 - 7:00 P.M.
The City Council of the City of Stephenville, Texas, convened on December 3, 1996, at 7:00
p.m., in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 354 N. Belknap Street, for the purpose of a General
Business Meeting, 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, Vernon's Texas Codes Annotated, with the following members present, to wit:
Mayor Pro-Tem
Councilmembers
Absent
Others Attending:
L CALL TO ORDER
Bill Corbin
Jerry B . Madkins
Barbara Terrell
Marshall Shelton
Joel Hill*
Scott Evans
K. H. Conatser
Billy Bob Hodges
John Pollan
Don Davis, City Administrator
Cindy L. Stafford, City Secretary
Randy Thomas, City Attorney
Mayor Pro-Tem Corbin called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and declared a
quorum present. He mentioned that Mayor Pollan was out of the country on
vacation.
II. PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION and ANNEXATION
COMMITTEE
Jeff Blackwell, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, commended the
Annexation Committee for their outstanding efforts on this project. He told the
Council that the preliminary plan was submitted to the Planning and Zoning
Commission by the Annexation Committee in October and was approved by the P&Z
in November. He then introduced Alan Nix, C of the Annexation Committee.
Regular Business Meeting -- December 3, 1996
Alan Nix reminded them that the Annexation Committee was appointed by the Council and
began work in May of this year. The committee reviewed the City of Stephenville
Comprehensive Plan 1990-2010, general annexation guidelines, state laws governing
annexation, and basic criteria relative to annexation by Home Rule cities.
The Committee divided the City into four quadrants and evaluated areas surrounding
Stephenville to be considered for annexation. As the Committee reviewed each quadrant, it
analyzed each area based on the four major components of the Comprehensive Plan: 1) the
future land use for the area; 2) existing and proposed thoroughfares within the area; 3)
utilities, including water system and wastewater system availability, solid waste management,
and stormwater drainage; and 4) the Capital Improvements Plan as it relates to capital
improvements to be made within the areas being considered for annexation.
A review of the northeast and southeast quadrants of the City found utility extension to be
a hindrance to growth and annexation. Extension of water and sanitary sewer mains to this
area would be costly, due to the distance of sanitary sewer line extension needed to service
these areas, and the underlying rock formations (which would add significantly to the cost of
the utility extension). These areas have also experienced no significant growth in the last
decade. The Committee does recommend annexing the two sections of airport runway.
The southwest quadrant of the City provides adequate water and sanitary sewer mains to
allow for growth and development of this area at nominal expense. The City's 1,000,000
gallon ground storage tank is located in this quadrant and the 750,000 gallon elevated storage
tank, located in the northwest quadrant, will provide an adequate water supply and fire
protection. This area is experiencing commercial and industrial growth.
The northwest quadrant of the City presents some unique problems regarding annexation.
There has been significant growth in this area over the past decade without the benefit of
strategic planning for this growth. Due to the existing development and the lack of planning
for infrastructure in this area, annexation of this area would place a significant burden on the
City with regard to necessary infrastructure improvements. There is one area adjacent to the
North Bosque River which could provide for residential growth, due to its proximity to Golf
Country Estates and River North Subdivisions. Extension of utilities and rights -of -way from
these two subdivisions will provide an area for residential development.
The Committee, following the evaluation of each quadrant, recommends a two tiered plan for
annexation. Plan A, which is recommended for implementation at this time, consists of 1,192
acres with areas being annexed to the north, south, and west of the City. Plan B, which may
be implemented in the future, is a multi -phase plan with areas to be annexed in the south and
north of the City. Plan B can be implemented in phases depending on growth occurring in
the areas annexed in Plan A.
The Committee feels these areas proposed for annexation meet the basic criteria necessary
for annexation and are located in areas which have readily accessible water and sanitary sewer
Regular Business Meeting -- December 3, 1996
lines, as well as being located adjacent to major thoroughfares within the City. These areas
also allow for a combination of both residential and commercial development within our City.
Members of the Annexation Committee present at the meeting were David Tomlinson, Dottie
Corbin, and Marc McEndree. Other members are Joe Bob Huddleston, Carolyn Moore,
James Wood, Ron Burk, and Danny Hodges.
Councilmember Hillin raised the question why none of the developments [Heritage Hills and
Peacock Addition] presently outside the city limits were not included in the Annexation
Committee's proposal. Chairman Nix explained that because these lands were not developed
in accordance with the City's Subdivision Ordinance, the City would be required to make the
necessary improvements which would bring them in line with the ordinance. Doing this
would be too costly for the City.
Councilmember Conatser asked about the time -frame in which the City is required to provide
the services. Nix stated that he thought the City would have to begin within two and one-half
years and have the project virtually finished in four and one-half years. Nix also told the
Council that the Annexation Committee has not made any estimations on the cost of
providing services to annexed land.
City Administrator made further explanation of the annexation process. He explained that the
law provides that before public hearings can be held and final action can be taken on any
proposed annexation, the Council has to employ a registered engineer to develop a "service
plan" for the area proposed to be annexed. The service plan includes utility extensions and
what would be necessary for all of the infrastructure within the proposed area. It is not
necessary for the city to extend all of those services (i.e., vacant property).
In answer to Councilmember Terrell's questions, Chairman Nix explained that only Plan A
is being recommended at this time. He stated that there are restraints on the amount of land
that can be annexed at one time. Plan A falls within those guidelines.
Councilmember Shelton asked what the effect will be if development is made outside the city
limits and does not conform to the City's Subdivision Ordinance. City Administrator Davis
explained that the Subdivision Ordinance provides that any development within the one -mile
extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) must comply with the Subdivision Ordinance. Davis
explained the reason why some of the developments presently within this one -mile ETJ do not
comply with the ordinance is because several years ago, the developers were given variances
to the ordinance. Betty Chew, Director of Community Development, also explained that
prior to the mid 1980's, the City was not exercise its power or control with the Subdivision
Ordinance in the ETJ. Chairman Nix added that annexed land will have the zoning
designation of R-1.
Regular Business Meeting -- December 3, 1996
Councilmember Evans made the motion to accept the recommendations of the
Annexation Committee and the Planning and Zoning Commission to employ an
engineer to develop a service plan for the proposed annexation plan. Councilmember
Hodges seconded the motion, which passed by unanimous vote.
III. PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD REPORT
Mayor Pro-Tem Corbin commended this board for their hard work. Members of the
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board present at the meeting were Connie Birdsong
and Bee Bentley. The other members are Steve Gunn, Chairman, Annette Bradberry,
Harold Campbell, Larry Mayfield, and Sam Taylor.
City Administrator Davis explained that Ronnie Isham, Director of Community
Services, was not able to be at the meeting due to his sister's death. Therefore, Davis
made this report concerning the development of the City Park.
Davis pointed out that there is a tract of land adjacent to the City Park that has been
under consideration for several years. The board has determined that this tract is an
integral part of the park development . The board is recommending that the City
pursue the acquisition of land on Graham Street.
Davis outlined the list of improvements being recommended by the board. He
explained that the maximum grant allowed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department is $1 million (50/50 match by TPWD and City), which set the parameters
under which the board was working on the development of Phase I of the City Park.
The improvements being proposed are as follows:
Construction of two ball diamonds
Amphitheater
Bosque River water features
(including low water dam, correcting erosion)
Picnic Units
Playground
Multiuse courts
Demolition of two existing diamonds
Construction of park road and parking lots
Consulting, Engineering, and miscellaneous fees
Total
$ 285,000
100, 000
200, 000
85000
50,000
3 0, 000
5, 000
200, 000
122.000
$1, 000, 000
The third item of business from the Parks and Recreation Board concerned the
approval of a Co-operative Agreement between the City of Stephenville and the
Stephenville Independent School District. Davis explained that this agreement
actually formalizes some arrangements that we have had with the school district for
several years pertaining to the use of each parties' facilities.
Regular Business Meeting -- December 3, 1996
Councilmember Evans made a motion to accept the recommendations from the Parks
and Recreation Advisory Board and to refer to the Finance Committee the matters of
purchasing the Walker property and the cost estimates for development of Phase I of
the City Park. Councilmember Shelton seconded the motion which passed by
unanimous vote.
Councilmember Evans made a motion to adopt Resolution 1996-12 authorizing the
Mayor Pro-Tem to execute an agreement between the City of Stephenville and the
Stephenville Independent School District. Councilmember Terrell seconded the
motion which passed by unanimous vote.
IV. WATER PLANNING COMMITTEE REPORT
Councilmember Evans introduced Sanford LaHue from Schrickel, Rollins and
Associates who briefed the Council on the Methodist Branch and Clifton Heights
Sanitary Sewer Line Projects. He informed the Council that the base bid includes the
construction of approximately 5,500 feet of sanitary sewer line, and the estimated cost
for the Methodist Branch is $451,196. The Clifton Heights phase includes
approximately 3,700 feet of six-inch sewer line replacement at an estimated cost of
$199, 3 02 .
Councilmember Evans made a motion to approve the plans and specifications for the
Methodist Branch and Clifton Heights Sanitary Sewer Line Projects. Councilmember
Hillin seconded the motion which passed by unanimous vote.
Councilmember Evans reminded the Council that $10,000 was approved in the 1996-
97 budget for the evaluation of the existing high service pump facilities to determine
what effects the creation of two pressure zones within the water system had on the
existing high service pump facilities and to upgrade some of the high service pumps.
Evans made a motion to approve the request for proposal for evaluation of existing
high service pump facilities. Councilmember Terrell seconded the motion which
passed by unanimous vote.
The third item of business concerned the annual inspection of the City's ground and
elevated water storage facilities that is required by the Texas Natural Resource
Conservation Commission. The inspection will include recommendations regarding
any improvements that may be needed to comply with TNRCC regulations.
Councilmember Evans made a motion to approve the request for proposal for the
inspection of water storage facilities. Councilmember Hillin seconded the motion
which passed by unanimous vote.
Regular Business Meeting -- December 3, 1996
v. NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT
Councilmember Terrell first acknowledged the work of the Annexation Committee
and the Parks and Recreation Board. She stated that these are good examples of how the committees
work, using citizen input.
Terrell then read the following appointments to the various boards which have been recommended
by the Nominations Committee, each for a two-year term beginning on January 1, 1997:
Planning and Zoning
Commission
Place 1
Beth Leschper
Place 3
Glen Moody
Place 5
Allan Butcher
Place 7
Place 9
Building Board
Place 1
Place 3
Place 5
Electrical Board
Place 1
Place 3
Place 5
Harvey Haynes
Mike Trice
David Jaquess
Danny Phillips
Bill Cogburn
Johnny Davis
Richard McDonald
Jon Bragg
Dangerous Buildings Abatement Board
Place 1 Brad Chilton
Place 3 Bob Kimball
Place 5 Alvin Essenburg
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board*
Bee Bentley
Sam E. Taylor, 11
Board of Adjustment
Place 1 Robert Fain
Place 3 Vernon Sweeney
Place 5 Carroll Cawyer
Alternate 1: Bea Marin
Mechanical Board
Place 1 Bobby Mangrum
Place 3 Gary Lawson
Place S George Frazor
Plumbing Board
Place 1 Larry Hammett
Place 3 J. D. Walker
Place 5 Bobby Mangrum
Place 7 Dan Rivers
Airport Advisory Board
Place 1
Robert McBride
Place 3
Charles Roe
Place 5
Curry Nelms
Place 7
Dwayne Snider
Councilmember Terrell made a motion to accept the above nominations. Councilmember Conatser
seconded the motion which was passed by unanimous vote.
Terrell reported that this committee also considered an appointment to the Erath County Appraisal
District Board of Directors. Terrell made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Shelton to appoint
John Pollan to the Erath County Appraisal District Board of Directors. The motion carried by
unanimous vote.
Regular Business Meeting — December 3, 1996
V. CONSIDER THE APPROVAL OF THE INSTALLATION OF THE WOLFE
NURSERY SIGN
Mayor Pro-Tem Corbin opened this subject for discussion and stated that the
recommendation for the placement of the sign is in the median at the intersection of US
377/67 and Wolfe Nursery Road. City Administrator Davis reported that the sign is larger
than some realized (25 feet tall) and will require a secure pole and foundation. He explained
that Day/Night Signs has submitted a bid in the amount of $2,100 which includes drilling a
36 inch diameter hole and set the pole in concrete within that hole. The sign would be at least
ten feet off the ground to allow for sight clearance.
Councilmember Evans asked who determines the place for the sign, and Davis answered that
it would be the Council's decision. Davis explained that the Council would need to decide
if this project is to be pursued, and if so, where would the sign be located. Davis stated that
the proposed agreement allows for the City and Hugh Wolfe to agree upon the site.
Councilmember in expressed concern over the necessary requirements being met in
erecting this sign, especially satisfying Texas Department of Transportation's requirements,
determining a site, and specifying costs to be assumed by the City. in moved to table this
matter until we get more information. in stated that he would like to give each
Councilmember the opportunity to inspect the sign and location. Councilmember Evans
seconded the motion.
Evans expressed some of the same concerns about this project. In answer to Councilmember
Hodges question, Davis informed the Council that there is no proposal for this sign to be
lighted, thus raising another concern about the proposed agreement. Hodges said that this
could be a hazard if placed in the median and not lighted.
Councilmember Madkins asked, since he is a new member on the Council, if it had been
determined that the Council does want the sign. He was informed that the Council had never
formally acted on this matter. Madkins suggested that the Council be polled to determine
if the councilmembers want to accept the sign.
Vote was taken on Hillin's motion, which vote is as follows:
Yea: Councilmembers Madkins, ' Terrell, Shelton, Hillin, Evans, Hodges, and Mayor Pro-
Tem Corbin.
NaX: Councilmember Conatser.
The Council was polled to answer the question, "Are you in favor or opposed to accepting
the Wolfe Nursery sign?" Councilmembers comments are as follows:
Regular Business Meeting -- December 3, 1996
Hodges: In favor of accepting the sign based on what we find out concerning the
maintenance of the sign.
Conatser: In favor of accepting the sign, finding a suitable location for it, and preserving
apiece of Stephenville history.
Evans: Recognizing that many of his constituents would like to see the sign preserved,
he is agreeable to accepting it. He doesn't want to spend taxpayer dollars to
maintain the sign or to illumine it. He does not think it should be placed in the
median of Wolfe Nursery Road. He believes it would be a hazard in that
location. He wants to know "exactly what we're gettin' into". He said that
this matter has been before the Council two times now and Councilmembers
have had the same concerns both times.
Corbin: In agreement with what has been said thus far.
Hillin: In agreement with other councilmembers.
Shelton: If the conditions are met that have been mentioned, he would be in agreement.
Terrell: The sign is a piece of history and we need to preserve it. She doesn't know
"where" the best location is, however. She suggested that the Museum
grounds might be a good location.
Madkins: Agreeable to having the sign.
Councilmember Conatser requested that Item "C.1. Vehicles" be removed from the Consent Agenda.
Councilmember Evans made the motion to accept the Consent Agenda as follows, with the exception
of Item "C.1. Vehicles". Councilmember Madkins seconded the motion, which passed by unanimous
roll call vote.
VIE. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of Minutes
1. Citizen's Discussion on November 5, 1996
2. Regular Business Meeting on November 5, 1996
B. Approval of Improvements to One Garden Place
C. Bid Awards
Regular Business Meeting -- December 3, 1996
m
1. Vehicles
2. Computers
3. Street Signs
D. Bid Specifications --Street Repair Materials
Councilmember Conatser stated that he had no problem with the police vehicles, but he
questioned the expenditure for a vehicle for the code enforcement officer. Conatser made a
motion to approve the purchase of all vehicles except for the purchase of the code
enforcement officer vehicle. Councilmember Madkins seconded the motion.
Councilmember Shelton inquired of City Administrator Davis for any research or evaluation
that may have been done when considering the 4x2 sport utility vehicle. Davis stated that this
matter was looked at prior to budget. In response to the issue of using the used police
vehicle, Davis explained that it would not even run. He explained that when this department
was created two years ago, the used police vehicle was assigned to that department because
we want to make sure the department operated effectively and efficiently. Upon evaluating
that department, it appears it is an effective operation and we need to have a new vehicle
assigned to the department. Experience has proved that running the old cars is not cost
effective. The 4x2 sport utility vehicle is very practical for the operation of the code
enforcement department. Some of the features which make it more suitable than a pickup are:
1) protected area for hauling equipment, 2) better gas mileage, 3) more passenger room, 4)
sturdier build for driving to construction sites. Factoring in the gas savings over the life of
the vehicle, the modifications that would need to be made to a pickup, and the difference in
the trade-in value, the sport utility vehicle is more preferable.
Vote on the motion was then taken. The motion passed by the following vote:
Yea: Councilmembers Conatser, Hillin, Shelton, Madkins, and Mayor Pro -Tern Corbin.
NaX: Councilmembers Hodges, Evans, Terrell
VIII. CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
City Administrator Don Davis introduced Jennifer Wright, administrative intern from Tarleton
State University. Davis reminded the Council that we have made arrangements with Tarleton
to provide us with an administrative intern during this school year. The city has used interns
in the Police Department and the Recreation Department.
IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION At 8:31 p.m., Mayor Pollan recessed the open
portion of this meeting, and the Council went into executive session in
compliance with the provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Law, Subchapter
D. Closed Meeting, §551.071(l)(A), Government Code, Vernon's Texas
Regular Business Meeting -- December 3, 1996
accordance with the authority contained therein concerning Consultation with
Attorney regarding pending or contemplated litigation.
A. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, et al v. Texas Water Commission, et al;
Cause No. 432,066; In the 98th Judicial District Court, Travis County, Texas
B. Bob LeFevre and Weldon Wilson v. City of Stephenville
C. City of Stephenville v. C. D. Youngblood (condemnation)
D. City of Stephenville v. Cecil Ford (condemnation)
Mayor Pollan recessed the Executive Session at 8:48 p.m. and called the Council back
into open session.
X. ACTION TAKEN ON MATTERS DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION
No action was taken by the Council on matters discussed in Executive Session.
X. ADJOURN
There being no further business, Mayor Pollan adjourned the meeting at 8:49 p.m.
John ollan, Mayor
%ST:
Cindy L.?iFord, City etary
Regular Business Meeting -- December 3, 1996