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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-08-05 - Regular City CouncilMINUTES OF REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING City of Stephenville - City Council Tuesday, August 5, 2014, 5:30 P.M. The City Council of the City of Stephenville, Texas, convened on August 5, 2014, at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 298 West Washington Street, for the purpose of a Regular 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 Jerry K. Weldon II Mayor Pro -Tem Russ McDanel Council members Casey Hogan Boyd Waggoner Doug Svien Brady Pendleton Sherry Zachery Jerry Warren Absent Alan Nix Others Attending Mark A. Kaiser, City Administrator Randy Thomas, City Attorney Cindy L. Stafford, City Secretary I. Call to Order. The meeting of the Stephenville City Council was called to order at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2014, by Mayor Weldon. Mayor Weldon introduced Landon Reeves and acknowledged his heroic actions in response to an incident involving a three-year old at Splashville. Weldon called on Recreation Superintendent Brenda Haggard to give details. Haggard reported that all Splashville lifeguards go through extensive Red Cross Life Guard training and are required to attend several trainings a month throughout the season to help them react to situations they face daily. On Sunday, July 27, a three-year old swimmer jumped in the four -foot water and was unable to swim. Reeves recognized the problem, activated the emergency whistle signal, and began CPR on the boy. The other guards activated the Emergency Activation Plan, and all employees worked to complete their assigned duties. EMS was contacted, the pool was cleared, and the swimmer was transported to the ER. The boy made a complete recovery. Haggard added that this was the first time the EAP had been activated since Splashville opened, and all of the guards responded successfully. Splashville averages 350 swimmers a day. Haggard said they work very hard to have the best trained staff on deck at all times. Haggard closed by saying, "I am very proud of all the guards at Regular Business Meeting August 5, 2014 Stephenville City Council Splashville on how they responded to this incident and how hard they work to keep everyone safe and happy." Landon Reeves was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for his actions. II. Citizens' General Discussion. Melvin Goetz, 620 CR 454, Stephenville, Texas, said that he has submitted an application for a taxi service in Stephenville and will be working with city staff concerning this process. Rhine Galley, a local builder, said that he has concerns with the city permitting process and fees as they relate to a construction project he is planning for a multi -family dwelling. Rick Hale, local contractor and president of the Builder's Association, asked that the council review the proposed new fees for plan review, site development, water tap charges, etc. at the budget work sessions scheduled for next week. 111. Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council Annual Report and Budget Presentation—Julie Crouch, Executive Director Julie Crouch, on behalf of the CTFAC Board of Directors, thanked the City Council for its continued support. Crouch reported that CTFAC sponsors 15 to 20 art -related events throughout the year, which include ballet, concerts, theater productions, bi-monthly art exhibits and receptions. CTFAC also sponsors summer art and theater camps for children, as well as youth art exhibits. Crouch listed some of the highlights from last year: • Free performance of Ballet Austin's "Peter and the Wolf' to over 1,200 school- age children. This performance was presented in memory of CTFAC founder Connie Birdsong. • Free classical concert through the Piatigorsky Foundation featuring internationally acclaimed pianist, Richard Dowling and Mexican tenor, Rodrigo Garciarroyo. • Paint the Town events offering adult and children's classes each month. • Accessible Arts Clubhouse program partnering with Stephenville ISD music therapist, Cathy Knoll Crouch invited each council member to join the CTFAC and participate in its activities. She said, "It is an investment in your cultural community and will leave a lasting cultural legacy for the inspiration, enjoyment and education of all our citizens. MOTION by Russ McDanel, second by Brady Pendleton, to accept the report and approve the annual CTFAC budget. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. Regular Business Meeting August 5, 2014 Stephenville City Council IV. PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION A. PUBLIC HEARING to consider request to rezone from B-1 "Neighborhood Business District" to B-3 "Central Business District", Lot 18, Block 63, City Addition, located at 252 East Tarleton Street Mayor Weldon opened the public hearing. Betty Chew, Director of Community Development, presented the staff report stating that the owner of the property has requested rezoning to facilitate the development of this property for residential purposes. Chew answered questions from council members. Speaking in Favor of Rezoning: Stephen McKethan, 299 South Columbia, Stephenville, attorney for the property owner spoke on his behalf. McKethan answered questions from council members concerning the condition of the structures on the property, specifically the Cornelia Graves school building. He explained that the owners plan to keep the rock structure at the corner of Tarleton and Floral Streets and construct some type of residential dwelling(s) on the northern part of the property. Speaking in Opposition of Rezoning: Cathey Hartmann, 3449 CR 149, Bluff Dale, Texas, Chairman of the Erath County Historical Commission, said that she does not have a plan for restoring the old school house building but she supports anyone who does have a plan. She said that she hopes both buildings on this property can be saved for historical purposes. Marla Bush, 953 Floral Street, Stephenville, addressed concerns that asbestos and lead may be present in the school house and asked about oversight of demolition. Mark Kaiser answered that property owners would have to comply with all regulations pertaining to the demolition of the property. Bush said that she has made offers to purchase the property in the past and asked the council to table this matter to allow time to find a prospective buyer. Thetis Edwards, Floral Street, Stephenville, lives across the street from subject property and owns other properties on Floral Street. She said that, while she understands from an owner's prospective what the property owner is trying to do, she does not like it. She said that the Cornelia Graves School is history to herself, her family, and the entire African American community in Stephenville. Holly Lamb, 911 West Vanderbilt Street, Stephenville, said that she is disappointed that the City of Stephenville has not bought this piece of property to protect its historical significance. Melvin Goetz, 620 CR 454, Stephenville, expressed concern about the location of the property because of its location near the Bosque River and possible flooding issues. Regular Business Meeting August 5, 2014 Stephenville City Council Betty Grant, 950 Vanderbilt, Stephenville, said that she and her husband, Dr. 0. A. Grant, once owned and operated a business in the rock building on the southern portion of subject property. Grant said, "Life happened and it happened in Stephenville and most of the people in Stephenville are completely unaware of what the situation was in that school, and we need to acknowledge it and we need to honor the people who went through what they went through in that building, and I think it's important that we save it.,, Justin Landers, 415 East Tarleton, Stephenville, said that he grew up in this community and the Cornelia Graves School means so much to the African American people who live here. Sherri Knight, 330 East McNeill, Stephenville, serves on the Board of Directors for the Stephenville Historical House Museum. Because of her work with the museum, she is aware of how many historical houses and buildings in Stephenville have been torn down. She said she doesn't think previous councils have been concerned with historical preservation. Knight said, "I beg you to be the council that's different." Susan Gay Neblett Dorsett, 326 East Long (101 year-old house), Stephenville, said that she has memories of this property from her youth. She said that "she is tired of driving friends around town showing them where things used to be". She said that she's tired of "things being gone" and asked the council to be the one that says "No" to demolishing historical buildings. Linda Brown, 586 North Clinton, Stephenville, taught history at Stephenville High School for 25 years. Brown took some of her students to visit the Cornelia Graves School, and spoke of the difference it made between teaching from a book and being in the actual location where history took place. She said, "This is a living, historical, teaching moment, and I believe we need to cherish and honor it." Mayor Weldon closed the public hearing. B. Consider Adopting Ordinance No. 2014-18 rezoning from B-1 "Neighborhood Business District" to B-3 "Central Business District", lot 18, Block 63, City Addition, located at 252 East Tarleton Street MOTION by Boyd Waggoner, second by Russ McDanel, to table this matter. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. Mayor Weldon said that he has been in discussion with Dr. Baker at Tarleton State University about conducting a survey and cataloging historical property in Stephenville. Additionally, the mayor said that we need a Central Business District Development Plan to define what the heart of Stephenville—Lillian Street to Bosque River and Frey Street to City Park --will look like in the future. Regular Business Meeting August 5, 2014 Stephenville City Council V. Standing City Council Committees A. Consider Amending the Names) and Duties of Committee(s) MOTION by Casey Hogan, second by Brady Pendleton, to approve the committee structure as set out below. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. Finance Committee: Investment policies, expenditures of Child Safety Fund and Hotel/Motel Tax, liaison with Central Appraisal District, review audit, other policy matters within the Finance Division. Community Services Committee: Library, senior citizen center, airport, cemetery, parks, recreation and related matters. Personnel Committee: Personnel policies, salaries and benefits, classification and job descriptions, health insurance, worker's compensation, and related matters. Planning and Development Committee: Liaison with Planning and Zoning Commission and trade boards, code enforcement, sale or acquisition of city property, traffic, and related matters. Public Health and Safety Committee: Policies relating to emergency medical service and emergency preparedness, review of ordinances pertinent to health and safety, and other public safety policy matters. Nominations Committee: Recommend to full council names of citizens to serve on advisory boards and commission. Consider legislative matters. Public Works Committee: Policies and issues relating to ground and surface water supply, water conservation, distribution planning, wastewater treatment and collection improvements, landfill policies, gate fees, long-range planning for future landfill, recycling, composting, streets, drainage; and related matters. B. Consider Amending Appointments to the Planning and Development Committee MOTION by Casey Hogan, second by Brady Pendleton, to approve the committee assignments as set out below. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. Finance Committee: Doug Svien, Chairman; Boyd Waggoner, Sherry Zachery. Community Services Committee: Brady Pendleton, Chairman; Doug Svien, Boyd Waggoner, Alan Nix. Personnel Committee: Casey Hogan, Chairman; Doug Svien, Alan Nix. Regular Business Meeting August 5, 2014 Stephenville City Council Planning and Development Committee: Jerry Warren, Chairman; Casey Hogan, Boyd Waggoner, Russ McDanel. Public Health and Safety Committee: Russ McDanel, Chairman; Brady Pendleton, Jerry Warren. Nominations Committee: Sherry Zachery, Chairperson; Casey Hogan, Russ McDanel, Jerry Warren. Public Works Committee: Alan Nix, Chairman; Boyd Waggoner, Sherry Zachery, Brady Pendleton, VI. Contracts for Land Acquisition and Appraisal Services for BRT2 Milton "Woodrow' Horner, 210 Rowland, Stephenville, said that he is not against the Bosque River Trail but that he is against the city not having a balanced budget. He said that the council should not incur additional costs such as fees for these contracts. Doug Svien responded to Horner's concerns by saying that in order to grow the economy and help make Stephenville an attractive choice for future residents, projects such as the Bosque River Trail provide those opportunities. MOTION by Russ McDanel, second by Casey Hogan, to approve the contracts listed below as A., B., and C. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. A. Consider Approving Contract with The Mark Campbell Company for Appraisal Services Associated with the Bosque River Trail B. Consider Approving Contract with ML&M Realty Advisors, LLC for Appraisal Review Services Associated with the Bosque River Trail C. Consider Approving Contract with HDR Engineering, Inc. for Real Estate Acquisition Services VII. Consider Approving Contract with Freese and Nichols, Inc. for Development Review Services Kelly Dillard with Freese and Nichols, explained that development review services is the way to be certain that the character and quality that you are getting in the development that you want to come to Stephenville matches the vision that you have for your community as you move forward. Freese and Nichols will work closely with developers and city staff for a successful outcome. Regular Business Meeting August 5, 2014 Stephenville City Council Mayor Weldon commented that we need to facilitate a meeting with Freese and Nichols and local builders and developers. MOTION by Russ McDaniel, second by Brady Pendleton, to approve this contract with Freese and Nichols, Inc. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. VIII. CONSENT AGENDA Russ McDanel asked that Item D. be removed from the consent agenda. MOTION by Brady Pendleton, second by Sherry Zachery, to approve Items A., B., and C. of the Consent Agenda. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. A. Approve Minutes of July 1, 2014 Regular Council Meeting B. Approve First Amendment to the Contract with City of Fort Worth for Household Hazardous Waste Program C. Garfield Elevated Water Tower Rehabilitation Project Acceptance D. Shade Structures for Optimist Jaycee Park Russ McDanel expressed concern that the cost of the shade structure is $15,793.00, and the installation is $27,443.88. Mark Kaiser explained that these costs are in line with other shade projects the city has installed. MOTION by Russ McDanel, second by Jerry Warren, to table the matter and refer it to the proper council committee. Ayes: Council members Waggoner, McDanel, Zachery, and Warren. Noes: Council members Hogan, Svien, and Pendleton. IX. Comments by City Administrator • Household Hazardous Waste event is August 16, 9am to fpm. • Council will tour new residence facilities at Tarleton on August 18, 11am to fpm. • Technical boards will be meeting to discuss international building codes. • Environmental review of the property has been initiated for the airport runway project with Texas Department of Transportation Mark Kaiser expressed deep concern for Stephenville Firefighter Lt. Mickey Belew and his family as Mickey fights for his life against cancer. Kaiser called for prayers on their behalf. Regular Business Meeting August 5, 2014 Stephenville City Council X. Comments by Council members Mayor Weldon congratulated Casey Hogan, recipient of the Lone Star Conference Jake Trussell Award as outstanding broadcaster of the year. Brady Pendleton asked for community support of the second annual Handsome Hunk charity event benefiting Erath County Meals on Wheels. Pendleton and Casey Hogan will emcee the affair. Sherry Zachery requested that the city's bidding and purchasing procedures be placed on the next council agenda. Mayor Weldon thanked Code Enforcement Officer, Jimmy Finney, for operating the camera. He also invited everyone to a retirement party for Betty Chew on August 15. XI. EXECUTIVE SESSION. At 8:48 p.m., Mayor Weldon recessed the open portion of the meeting, and council went into executive session in compliance with the provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Law, Subchapter D, Government Code, Vernon's Texas Codes, Annotated, in accordance with Sec. 551.071 Consultation with Attorney—Bond No. ASB535572, Statutory Performance Bond; Prime Construction Company, Principal and American Safety Casualty Insurance Company, Surety, to City of Stephenville, Obligee Council reconvened in open session at 9:04 p.m. XII. Action Taken on Matter Discussed in Executive Session (if necessary) No action was taken. XIII. Adjourn MOTION by Casey Hogan, second by Boyd Waggoner, to adjourn the meeting. MOTION CARRIED at 9:04 p.m. Jer K. \ Idon II, Mayor ATTEST: Cindy L. Stat' drd, Ci y Sec ry Regular Business Meeting August 5, 2014 Stephenville City Council