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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2005-05-02 Regular 05/02/05 2306 STATE OF TEXAS )( CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD )( COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS )( MAY 02, 2005 )( MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD CITY COUNCIL THAT WAS HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 2,2005,AT 4:00 PM AT FRIENDSWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY,416 S.FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE, FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS, AND 7:00 PM AT FRIENDSWOOD CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 910 S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE, FRIENDSWOOD,TEXAS,WITH THE FOLLOWING PRESENT CONSTITUTING A QUORUM: MAYOR KIMBALL BRIZENDINE MAYOR PRO-TEM JERRY ERICSSON COUNCILMEMBER LAURA EWING COUNCILMEMBER TRACY GOZA COUNCILMEMBER DAVID SMITH COUNCILMEMBER SHANNON KIMMEL COUNCILMEMBER MEL MEASELES CITY ATTORNEY LOREN SMITH CITY MANAGER RON COX CITY SECRETARY DELORIS MCKENZIE Mayor Brizendine called the meeting to order. 4:00 PM—WORK SESSION—FRIENDSWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY A Joint Work Session with Planning and Zoning took place regarding amendments to the Tree Preservation Ordinance. City Planner Diana Steelquist provided history of the Tree Preservation Ordinance(TPO),reviewed the TPO Oversight Sub-Committee Mission Statement, reviewed elements of the first TPO and 2005 revised element, and reviewed "How It Will Work". She stated everyone has to have a tree survey site plan, development permits cannot be approved without a survey, and meeting other provisions, reviewed Heritage Tree issue and discussed development of a Heritage Tree Ordinance. Other TPO Oversight Sub-Committee recommendations were reviewed such as updating the Qualified Tree List for the Design Criteria Manual and updating the Zoning Ordinance to be consistent for penalties. A question and answer session took place between Council, Staff, and Planning and Zoning Commission regarding two-year follow-up guidelines,is two years enough time for review,costs for surveys vary depending on acreage and number of trees, does not address residential tree trimming, incentives—less development review time possible, possibly reduced permit fees, review will be concurrent with development plans and certification from the developer,a part of the Super Sub-Committee is working on the Heritage Tree Ordinance along with the Historical and Community Appearance Board Committee with other municipalities'ordinances on tree preservation reviewed,the Sub-committee did review Pearland and League City's and some portions of their ordinances are included,Staff feels it is enforceable and will not require additional staffing,storm damaged trees will be handled depending on safety and other circumstances will be the determination of the Building Official, no changes to requirements to diseased or insect infested trees, tallow trees are addressed in Ordinance if over 12 inches, must mitigate, residential trees must be in place at time of Certificate of Occupancy, developer/owner must sign the tree certification, a recommendation from the Tree Preservation Oversight Super Sub-committee (TPOSSC) will go to the Planning and Zoning Commission and then a recommendation will be forthcoming to Council from the Planning and Zoning Commission. Council's expectation would be for the Planning and Zoning Commission representative on the TPOSSC to carry the information exchange from this meeting to the Planning and Zoning Commission members. Council thanked the TPOSSC for their dedication and hard work to this subject. 05/02/05 2307 Community Development Deputy Director Dan Johnson addressed what is a Master Plan, presented background on a conceptual plan, Planned Urban Development/Specific Use Permit, City does not have a Master Plan. A number of things will need to be done if a Master Plan is adopted as a number of cities have done, Planned Urban Development/Specific Use Permit versus Master Plan,what is next step,does Council want Planning and Zoning Commission to reconsider and bring forth a recommendation requiring master plans for all phased developments that are not addressed in a Planned Urban Development/Specific Use Permit,the City can always update their Master Plans. It would provide clarity, can include Master Drainage Plan, and would provide for development in phases. City Manager Ron Cox, stated that the developer of The Lakes of Friendswood Subdivision,Mitch Mitchell, brought forward a Master Plan for the development of the subdivision in 1999. The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the Master Plan and development ensued by phases. Sometime during the process, Mr. Mitchell was not able to continue the phasing, and the development of the subdivision according to the Master Plan has stopped. In an effort to influence the continuation of the subdivision according to the original plan,a nonbonding mediation session was facilitated between the owner, Mr.George Bofysil,Mr.Mitch Mitchell,a prospective developer pon Barras,and the City of Friendswood. That session unfortunately ended in a stalemate and no agreement was made. In the meantime,several things have occurred. Don Barras is seeking to develop a portion of the original tract,and it may or may not be developed according to the original master plan, Mr. George Bofysil has passed away and the original developer, Mr. Mitchell, has turned the homeowners association over to the homeowners and they have now elected officers. Recently,Mayor Brizendine, Director of Community Development and Public Works Mike Hodge and I metwith the newly elected officers of the Lakes of Friendswood Homeowners Association. At that meeting, the Homeowner Association's need for additional homes in the association,the unsuccessful mediation,and their desire to meet directly with the property owner was discussed. I agreed to assist them in that effort and we are setting up that meeting between Staff, the Homeowners Association leadership and the Bofysils. In 2002 Councilmember Goza recommended that the City of Friendswood adopt an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance that would formalize the process and approval of residential Master Plans. It is his viewthat a zoning ordinance provision would be helpful in preventing this problem,where one developer starts a project and later developers may or may not follow the originally developed plan,to the detriment of the remaining homeowners. The City now has a similar procedure in place for churches and schools. Council did discussthis issue with the Planning and Zoning Commission on October 14, 2002. Administrative Services Director Roger Roecker presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Optional Tax Freeze for Over 65 and Disabled. Section 11.261 of the Texas Tax Code states that legislation established a limitation on the total amount of taxes ... on the residence homestead of a disabled individual or an individual 65 years of age or older under Section 1-b(h),Article VIII,Texas Constitution,once the limitation is established, it becomes permanent. Section 11.261(g) -Texas Tax Code, portable within bounds of taxing jurisdiction, if homeowner moves, the new property's value is assessed at the same percentage of previous home. An example is that the homeowner is taxed at 63%of home value and moves,they will pay taxes based on 63%of new home value. Section 11.261(i)-Texas Tax Code,if homeowner dies and is survived by a spouse who is at least 55 years of age and otherwise would not qualify for this limitation,the property's value remains frozen as long as they live in the home. Mr. Roecker further gave the estimated property tax loss to the City if the tax levy was frozen for seniors and the financial impact if the City gave over 65 and disabled exemptions which would result in a $2.376 million tax reduction and homesteads receiving the over 65 and disabled exemptions: Property Tax Exemptions Result in a$2.376 Million tax Reduction-Homestead Exemption in 2003 were 8,840 with a value of $301 million and levy of$1.9 million,2004 were 9,181 +34= 13.9%with a value of$328 million and levy of $2.1 million. Over 65 and Disabled Exemption in 2003 were 1,525 with a value of$38 million and levy of$242,000, 2004 were 1,695 +170 = 1.1% with a value of$42 million and levy of$269,000. Disabled Veterans Exemption in 2003 were 133 with a value of$1.15 million and levy of$7,400,2004 were 140+17= 12.8%with a value of$1.32 million and levy of$8.400. The percentage of homesteads receiving the Over 65& Disabled Exemptions are as follows: 9,181 Homestead Exemptions Granted, 1,695 Over 65 and Disabled Exemptions Granted, 18.5%of Single-Family Homeowners eligible for Homestead Exemption receive Over65 05/02/05 2308 and Disabled Exemptions. Council stated that property owners must file for exemption and asked is there anything else that can be done for seniors to help, possibly discounted water? Council needs to review options and make a decision at some time, has seen some homeowners forced to sell home,does not happen often, but does happen. Council needs to see what they can do to offset the hardship. 7:00 PM—REGULAR SESSION—FRIENDSWOOD CITY HALL The invocation was given by Pastor Mike McAlister from Friendswood Church of Christ. Mayor Brizendine led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and to the State of Texas. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMITTEES AND SPECIAL REPORTS Community Appearance Board Chair Judy Kimball recognized members ofthe CommunityAppearance Board (CAB), recognized Councilmember Laura Ewing and Community Services Director Jon Branson, presented yearly report on projects and activities. Ms. Kimball also recognized CAB member Madonna Crame, who headed up the Adopt-A-Spot Program along with representatives from the Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts and announced Ms.Crame will be leaving CAB this summer. Ms. Kimball presented a lengthy report outlining the CAB activities and accomplishments. The DARE Essay winner, Mary Lovell, was introduced by DARE Officer Renita Glaze who read the winning essay. There were over 600 essays submitted. The Mayor presented Miss Lovell with a Certificate of Recognition and an official City pin. SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Mayor Pro-Tem Jerry Ericsson presented a proclamation and official City pin to the Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Friendswood Class III. City Manager Ron Cox presented a proclamation recognizing Ann Descant, retiring Westwood Elementary School Crossing Guard,along with an official City pen of spalted pecan from a tree in Friendswood and her 25 year City employee pin honoring her for her 26 years with the City of Friendswood, in honor of her retirement form the City and from Westwood Elementary as Crossing Guard. Mayor Brizendine read the proclamation recognizing EMS Week and Trauma Awareness Month. Councilmember Measeles presented the proclamation recognizing Municipal Clerks/City Secretary's Weekto City Secretary Deloris McKenzie. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC James Hill,2404 Friendswood Drive,addressed Council and stated he would like to express concernswith the West Ranch proposal and the proposal for eminent domain, has met with State Representative Larry Taylor and heard that the City supported the legislation that will give this authority,very disappointed with the City for not representing the citizens with the West Management District. The Mayor stated a meeting will be set up to discuss this matter. Michael Sharp, 200 Shooting Star, addressed Council and stated he has lived in Friendswood 17 years, is opposed to West Ranch proposal for eminent domain,contacted State Representative Larry Taylor and State Senator Mike Jackson who are carrying legislation, appalled that they lived in the area and had not signed off on,feels there is deception, most egregious legislation he has ever read,stated that it offends him, legislator's 05/02/05 2309 were so upset regarding proposed legislation regarding eminent domain that they removed language from the West Management District legislation, never dreamed he would have to come before Council to protect his homes,and stated to Council if any of you are a part of this deception,shame on you,if you have supported this bill to remove us from our home, shame on you,you are the people who are supposed to protect us. Trish Sharp, 1200 Shooting Star,addressed Council and stated this is the firsttime she found out how important politicians are,found out have to worry,State Representative Larry Taylor is a good person, helped to save her home and applauds him,asked Council to search their hearts to see if you had any part in this deception to take homes. John LeCour, 110 Canal Drive,addressed Council and stated he was here to speak regarding the Tax Freeze for over 65 and disabled,works with elderly and has elderly parents,and stated seniors have financial fears with two different fears, losing their families and their homes and hopes that Council would support the tax freeze. Mrs. Carrie Hunnicutt, 1804 San Jose, addressed Council and stated she is here tonight to tell them how truly disappointed she is in the City...a City, she stated, that felt it necessary to treat her family the way they have been treated over the last six weeks. I came here a month ago begging for this Council to step in and keep the Community Development Department from making me tear down my children's clubhouse. There is a huge public outcry against Friendswood right now. And some of you might think I started this, but we all know it has been going on a long while. This is just one more reason for people to dislike our City. This was a very sad weekend for my family because we were forced to take down our clubhouse. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Ron Cox reported on the Neighborhood Network Report. Staff,with the assistance ofthe Council Liaison David Smith, held its first Neighborhood Network Nite on Monday,April 25,2005. This program is an extension of the successful effort to communicate regularly with various homeowners associations and groups around the City. The communication to date has been to meet at homeowners association meetings providing staff expertise in areas where the association members have concerns. We have conducted presentations on neighborhood watch programs,code enforcement,zoning, permitting,police activities,etc.This latest effortwas an opportunity to meet with the leadership of the various Homeowners Associations (HOA). We invited the officers of all the known HOA's to a meeting at Windsong Intermediate School. We had six homeowners associations represented, and about 25 people attended. We believe this is a good first effort. We will send each of the attendees a questionnaire asking them for their comments on the content and what other subjects they would like to address, in an effort to be more responsive to the citizens through this venue. ACTION ITEMS **Councilmember Ewing moved to approve authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with the Dickinson Bayou Watershed Steering Committee to address regional drainage issues. Seconded by Councilmember Measeles. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Goza moved to approve preparing a proposed policy authorizing live media broadcasts. Seconded by Councilmember Kimmel. **Councilmember Kimmel recommended to table this issue and workshop at a later date. Seconded by Councilmember Measeles. The motion was approved unanimously. 05/02/05 2310 ORDINANCES **Councilmember Smith moved to approve the Second and Final reading of Ordinance No. T2005-12, An Ordinance of the City of Friendswood,Texas,altering the prima facie speed limits established forvehicles under the provisions of § 545.356, Texas Transportation Code, upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation, upon FM 528 from the south limit of the City to the centerline of Sun Meadow the prima facie speed shall be 55 miles per hour, along FM 528 from the centerline of Sun Meadow to the Galveston/Harris County line the prima facie speed shall be 45 miles per hour,and along FM 528 a school zone 475 feet south of San Joaquin to the centerline of Desota wherein the prima facie speed shall be 30 miles per hour when flashing, all within the corporate limits of the City of Friendswood, as set out in this ordinance; providing for severability; and providing a penalty of a fine not to exceed $200 for the violation of this ordinance. Seconded by Councilmember Measeles. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Smith moved to approve the Second and Final reading of Ordinance No. T2005-14, An Ordinance amending Appendix C of the Friendswood City Code,said Appendix C being City of Friendswood, Texas, Ordinance No. 84-15, as amended, originally adopted the 19th day of November 1984, and being the Zoning Ordinance of the City, by changing the zoning classification of a certain 9.8718 acre tract of land from Single-Family Residential (SFR)and Community Shopping Center(CSC)to Planned Unit Development(PUD), such tract being located at 511 North Friendswood Drive,out of Lot five(5), Hoidale and Coffman Subdivision Galveston County,Texas,and within the city limits of the City; providing for the amendment of the City's official zoning map; providing for severability;and providing a penalty in an amount not to exceed$2,000 for each day of violation of any provision hereof. Seconded by Councilmember Goza. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Goza moved to approve the Second and Final reading of Ordinance No. T2005-15, An Ordinance amending Appendix C of the Friendswood City Code,said Appendix C being City of Friendswood, Texas, Ordinance No. 84-15, as amended, originally adopted the 19th day of November 1984, and being the Zoning Ordinance of the City, by granting a Specific Use Permit(SUP)for construction and use of buildings and facilities office and townhouse purposes to be located on a 9.8718 acre tract of land out of Lot 5 of the Hoidale and Coffman Subdivision,Galveston,County,Texas,commonly known as 511 N. Friendswood Drive within the City; providing a penalty of an amount not to exceed$2000 for each day of violation of any provision hereof;and providing for severability. Seconded by Councilmember Ericsson. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Ericsson moved to approve the Second and Final reading of Ordinance No.T2005-16,An Ordinance of the City of Friendswood,Texas,altering the prima facie speed limits established forvehicles under the provisions of § 545.356, Texas Transportation Code, upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation, upon certain streets and highways, of parts thereof, within the corporate limits of the City of Friendswood,as set out in this ordinance; providing a penalty of a fine not to exceed$200 forthe violation of this ordinance; and providing for severability. Seconded by Councilmember Smith. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Ewing moved to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. T2005-17, An Ordinance amending Appendix C of the Friendswood City Code, said Appendix C being City of Friendswood, Texas, Ordinance No. 84-15, as amended, originally adopted the 19th day of November 1984, and being the Zoning Ordinance of the City, by changing the zoning classification of a certain tract of land totaling 45.8921 acres from Single-Family Residential (SFR)to Planned Unit Development(PUD),such tract being known as Lots 1 through 29, Block 1, Lots 1 through 24, Block 2,and Reserves A through G, Hunters Creek Estates Subdivision,in the City of Friendswood, Galveston County, Texas,within the city limits of the City and by granting a Specific Use Permit(SUP) for use of said property as a Private Street—Gated Community; providing for the amendment of the City's official zoning map; providing for severability; and providing a penalty in an amount not to exceed $2,000 for each day of violation of any provision hereof. Seconded by Councilmember Ericsson. The motion was approved unanimously. 05/02/05 2311 COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS Councilmember Measeles reported he attended the Houston/Galveston Mayors' and Councilmembers' Association meeting where the topic was 9-1-1 Emergency Network and the Reverse Network, and May 11 meeting's topic will be on Hurricane Evacuation Plans. Councilmember Kimmel reported that he would like to take this time that he is granted to thank all the supporters that he has had for the last three years that he has been on Council. I want to say itwas an honorto serve the citizens of Friendswood. I personally decided that I would not re-run for this seat for several reasons. One is with my busy travel schedules with myjob, I would not be able to serve the citizens of Friendswood, in the way you so deserve. Another reason that I decided not to serve is that I view public service like jury duty. A person should get in,do your time of service,and then get out. If called again,then serve again. The last and most important reason that I decided not to run, is that a couple of very qualified candidates stepped up and decided to run for this seat. That comforts me to know that someone who cares about Friendswood wanted to step up and serve the City of Friendswood. I want to thank the Council I serve with. I want to thank you individually for your time and service. I was watching an interview with the president the other night, and I noticed how much he has aged in the last four years. Public service is no easy job, and it takes its toll on all who are crazy enough to serve. Therefore, I want to thank you again, my fellow Councilmembers, for your service and your dedication. I additionally want to thank all the candidates for their efforts and I wish you all well in your future endeavors. I make a point of thanking my fellow Councilmembers, because like I said,this is no easy job. I do sincerely mean it when I say thank you for your service. Because I thank them for their service, does not mean I've always agreed with your agendas. I leave this Council knowing that I have always tried to vote for less government. Government is too intrusive and too expensive these days. I came here trying to turn the clock back on government growing out of control,and I leave here knowing this Council will continue to try to tackle this endeavor. I ran for this Council seat with great respect for our City leaders at the time. I looked up at these individuals and respected them. I leave this seat with that same respect, even thought I don't always agree with some of your positions. Being a city leader,is serving the people. Our city is very conservative,and demands less government and lower taxes. I have always kept this in mind in serving you. I believe our city government should be open and more responsive to the people. I leave here with my head high knowing that I have always voted for less government and less spending. It is bittersweet leaving this seat because I feel that we can serve the citizens better than we have here in the last few years. I believe we should amend the rules of this Council, and open up our meetings. We as the Council have the choice to open the process for more intimate dialogue with the public. By changing the Rules and Procedures, a citizen can come and ask public questions and be assured to get public answers, not a letter from an appointed City official. An answer right then and there from an elected official,is much more comforting to the public. There is an occasional item by law that the Councilmembers cannot answer,from time to time. But overall,we can open this process up a lot more than we choose to now. I recently attended a Galveston County Commissioners Court meeting,and the way they dialogue with the public is very effective and open to all. Therefore, I call on this Council and future Councils to open this process up,amend the Rules and Procedures portion and the ways we conduct our City Council meetings. Being truly responsive and accountable in more efficient, transparent way and openly dialoguing with concerned citizens at open meetings is what I and this Council should strive for. When asked a question, answer it then if possible, and give the citizen the self-satisfaction knowing that you care and will discuss the question and concern now and not later. Another way of becoming more open to the public is by televising our Council meetings. We own a television station, so therefore, lets install the much needed equipment and televise these meetings so our citizens can have the luxury of seeing what goes on at a City Council meeting from the convenience of their own home. I want to thank everyone once again, and I ask all citizens to go out and vote in this upcoming City election election. It is very important that we all become involved in our City's decision-making process. The only way to change your city for the better is to get involved and vote in every election. I ask all to go to the polls, know your candidates,and vote who you thinkwill be able to make tough decisions, and vote for that person. Once again, I thank you all for allowing me to serve you in the City of Friendswood. 05/02/05 2312 Councilmember Smith reported he attended the Neighborhood Network Meeting, he announced if no one is on the list,just call and ask to be added to the list,also attended the girl's softball last meeting and congratulated Councilmembers Kimmel and Ericsson for their service on Council. Councilmember Goza reported his tax appraisal went up over 10%,something needs to be done about this as proposed last week, and asked for a workshop. Councilmember Ericsson commented to Councilmember Kimmel,it is a lot harder than we think when we first started,did not come prepared to make a speech I have, last week, I have summarized, last time we met,sort of summarized a few things and I am gong to summarize a few more things. One of the things I first ran on was better communication. I know it is frustrating when we cannot communicate better. The dialogue is pretty constrained by state laws and there ought to be a way to do better on that. I think the new position that Councilmember Smith fills with the liaison with the homeowners association does that. Perhaps more workshops, perhaps more town meetings. It seems like we used to have more town meetings at some point. I need to commend the Mayor as we get into issues,and controversy develops,and opposing opinions become more evident that the phrases used a lot let us slow things down,talk about it more. We strive to do that. Like any organization's communication,this is always something that needs further improvement. I like you and like everybody up here and everybody before us, and probably everybody after us run on lower taxes. It is something we campaign for. Lower property taxes is something that we all want,we all strive for. I think fiscal prudence is kind of balancing in there some place. When I started, the water funds commingled with the general. There has always been surplus over the years in the water fund, and I guess there was probably a pretty significant shortage in the general fund because the water fund was supplementing the general fund. We segregated those accounts,and we have,for accountability,for visibility. We built reserves in the water fund for the need to buy more water. And that is one way to go forward with that. We built reserves in the general fund. We got lower rates on the recent bond issue,and have reserves that met those emergency needs. While our population has gone from 23,000 to 35,000, our annual budget has gone from 16.5 million to 24 million. We have gone from probably a little less than 7,000 homes, to nearly 9,500 homes. Our property tax revenues have gone up at least two figures and keep getting tossed around. Yes,they have gone up, perhaps 37%, but that is with that extra 2,000 or 2,500 homes added to the rolls. I think on average it has gone up about 18%on existing homes,speaking with inflation. The effects of doing that would be the same as 2 of 3 or 4 or 5 percent increase on homeowners. I think it is far wiser,if we need to raise taxes,to spread a 1% raise across the all the land speculators, landlords,and businesses and all others. One of the things we do,like Councilmember Goza was talking, keep the cost down as to efficiency. We have fewer employees,we have I think 1.4 police officers per thousand residents. That is the lowest around,and we ought to stay there. Anyone can come in and lower the budget, lower the outlook of dollars. But I think we need to look for a plan of discipline,a level to be on that doing that does not cause expenses down the road. Remember,we extended the life on our police cars there for a while. We discovered that the cost of maintaining those cars went up and the resale value of those cars went down. We got ourselves kind of behind the mark where we were leasing cars there for a while until we got back up where we were self-financing on those. So, let us be careful that we stay disciplined as we try to keep our taxes down. Friendswood is a unique situation because our demographics are unique. The City is land locked. We are going to get at a point at some time in the future, if we do not conduct ourselves properly,we are going to end up like the City of Nederland. Our city fathers some years ago did not see a build out coming and they allowed things to happen which caused the burden on taxes to be on fewer and fewer people,the tax rate's gone up and they got to a position where they could not sell their homes. So lets continue to manage our inflows and outflows of dollars in a prudent manner, and a disciplined manner. Thank you for allowing me to serve. 05/02/05 2313 Councilmember Ewing reported there was a small but dynamic crew representing Friendswood at Relay for Life, raised$1,200,the Friendswood Interact Group participated and raised over$3,400 and participated in the Walk for Life. She attended the Harris County Mayor and CouncilmemberAssociation and heard about 9-1-1, attended the Chamber of Commerce Car Show and it was well represented by Friendswood residents, Community Appearance Board and Heritage Gardners. She also attended Senior Friendswood Independent School District and Clear Brook High School Chamber luncheon honoring top ten students, announced Friendswood Independent School District Project Prom will be held in two weeks, is honored in serving with Councilmembers Ericsson and Kimmel, did not always agree with Councilmember Kimmel's views, but we always tried to work through things. It will be very different not sitting next to Councilmember Ericsson, appreciates living in City of Friendswood and the number of projects that have been ongoing and have added unbelievable amount of time to the day-to-day operation and recognized City staff led by City Manager Ron Cox. Mayor Brizendine reported he would like to thank all of you for your comments. It is amazing what people remember about talks that the Mayor gives. You remember what an advanced student I was,and duly noted in a public forum. I will always remember the great passion that Councilmember Kimmel brought to this Council for three years. We were, and continue to be I think, a very courageous Council. We took on a lot of mean issues and tough deliberations and Shannon was always in the midst of them. Councilmember Kimmel, I would just say that your talk tonight was a real class act, and regardless of where we are on issues and everything,this idea of focus on the issue and not on the person is something that this whole community could live by. It is kind of a premise this Council agreed on for years, that we would not focus on people,we would focus on the issues to the best of our ability. Sometimes we have crossed that line, but we were quick to correct it and apologize to each other and as Council need to better communicate. It has been a privilege to serve with Councilmembers Ericsson and Kimmel and appreciate their service to this community. The Mayor reminded Council of the Joint Public Hearing meeting on Thursday and reported he attended many of the same meetings as others. CONSENT AGENDA ""Councilmember Goza moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. A. Authorize Interlocal Agreement with Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District for a water conservation program in conjunction with Friendswood Independent School District and Clear Creek Independent School District. B. Authorize acceptance of streets, drainage, and utilities for the Friendswood Cove Subdivision for the contractor's one- year maintenance period. C. Report of Capital Projects Payments. D. Approve Minutes of April 18, 2005, Regular Meeting. Seconded by Councilmember Ericsson. The motion was approved unanimously. A motion was ma � d to adjourn at 8:40 PM. ��� `��' O V p e' � . * �, r �p � Mayor Kimball W. Brizendine Attest: �4rF � .��+ c �� D loris McKenzie, TRMC City Secretary