HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2007-03-19 Special 03/19/2007 2666
STATE OF TEXAS )(
CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD )(
COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS )(
MARCH 19, 2007 )(
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD CITY COUNCIL THAT WAS HELD ON
MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007, AT 5:00 PM AND A REGULAR MEETING AT 7:00 PM AT
FRIENDSWOOD CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 910 S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE, FRIENDSWOOD,
TEXAS, WITH THE FOLLOWING PRESENT CONSTITUTING A QUORUM:
MAYOR DAVID SMITH
MAYOR PRO-TEM CHRIS PEDEN
COUNCILMEMBER LAURA EWING
COUNCILMEMBER JOHN LECOUR
COUNCILMEMBER JIM HILL
COUNCILMEMBER JAY HORECKY
COUNCILMEMBER MEL MEASELES
CITY ATTORNEY JOHN OLSON
CITY MANAGER BO MCDANIEL
CITY SECRETARY DELORIS MCKENZIE
Mayor Smith called the meeting to order.
5:00 PM—SPECIAL SESSION
Discussion was held regarding proposed amendments to the City Charter.
Councilmember LeCour stated he is proposing a property tax cap of 5% plus new growth, if the City
needs additional funds, it can go to the voters. Councilmember Peden stated elections held every May
and, in a sense is a Revenue Cap, the only issue he has with a cap, budget has to be approved by
October 1 St and then special elections would have to be held outside of the May regular election, and may
be in violation of the Charter if the proposed Charter amendment regarding election passes.
Councilmember LeCour stated he disagrees that every May election is, in a sense, a Revenue Cap, it
would depend on who was elected. Councilmember Peden stated in general terms, voters made
changes on Council, a self-imposed revenue cap. Councilmember LeCour stated voters have lost faith in
their communities, seeing less people voting due to apathy, when people get comfortable with
government, they vote less, see it as consumer protection, think citizens, no matter which side, lost faith
in their government that determined the outcome of the last two elections, feels that this is a check for the
citizens, when we need to go above that cap and have approved in May and would affect the next Budget
year, think would be enough buffer with the new growth. Councilmember Hill stated without a cap, it may
inspire those to get out and re-elect those that serve on Council that has protected, without cap would
build trust with elected officials. Mayor Smith made comments about the politics of the election, we saw a
tax reform election, people saw that they could affect at this local level, cannot do that on the State and
Federal level, does not think that this Council has found any glaring examples of mismanagement, some
things can always be tweaked, think it was the big picture, think already has checks and balances in
place. City Manager Bo McDaniel stated if the City sets the tax rate at a 10% increase, it would trigger an
automatic rollback election. Councilmember Peden stated he believes that law has changed to 8% now
without going to the voters. Mayor Smith asked Council to look at the big picture, thinking about the
timing of this matter, the City is still in that developing mode, feels a little trepidation with talking about
limiting future Council's ability to fund, think after build out or on a educated determination when a cap
would be appropriate, would be more comfortable in looking at this possibility at a later time to look at
impact. Councilmember Measeles stated he agrees with the Mayor Smith, still in growth mode, does not
know what the consequences would be due to growth mode. Councilmember Ewing asked if 8% is
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composed of all tax. City Attorney John Olson stated does take out growth, does not think with growth
and emergency and if had to wait to May for permission, does not think it would be prudent, and stated
the City could hold an election on any uniform election date. Councilmember Horecky stated there are
measures in place to generate revenue in an emergency, such as short-term obligations. Councilmember
Hill stated the City may need a tax increase to pay for it. Councilmember Ewing stated goes back to
safety factor, need revenues for an emergency. Councilmember Peden stated his concerns were
answered adequately, if in growth mode, if need funds, explain to voters need and either the voters will
believe it or not, does not think in any way inhibit in any way, gives flexibility, my concern is going to
cause additional work, have to anticipate tax increase above 5%, would have to know by May what is
needed in advance, provides an incentive to stay engaged and for Council to plan ahead, make more
responsive, not voting whether or not to have a cap voting whether or not to allow voters to vote. Mayor
Smith asked what the difference is between 8 or 5%, Council has authority discretionary spending up to
5%, what is the difference of 3%, is it worth it $300,000? Councilmember Peden stated he clearly
believes this is what the voters would decide, not saying agrees or disagrees. Councilmember LeCour
stated if it is a small amount why not put on ballot. Councilmember Hill stated if convention center loses a
million in revenue, asked how the City would fund it, just thinks this is a problem the City does not have.
Mayor Smith stated the extra $300,000 would have paid for the Sunmeadow drainage project.
Councilmember Peden stated put the numbers in context, reserve is about $4 plus in reserve, no rule
says has to be replaced if spent, could replenish over time with a 5% tax rate, if need more, then take it to
the voters, does not see would hamper doing business, if it does, take it to the voters. Councilmember
Ewing stated that is less than $25.00 household increase, asked why the City should do this.
Councilmember LeCour stated he wanted 2.5% but compromised to 5%, heard a compelling argument for
emergency, if have something happened, asked how tax rate would be adjusted at that time, could not do
it, has to wait for tax year, would have to act immediately, property tax is not the solution, let us do it and
see how it works, if it is not a lot, let us do it. Councilmember Ewing stated could be a 5-year test with the
Charter amendments, thinks with the election it is an annual test. Mayor Smith asked for a consensus of
Council. Councilmember LeCour stated he is in favor of a 5% cap plus new growth. Councilmember
Peden stated he is in favor. Councilmember Ewing stated she is not in favor. Councilmember Measeles
stated he is not in favor. Mayor Smith stated he is not in favor. Councilmember Hill stated he is not in
favor. Councilmember Horecky stated he does not know, can do it now up to 8%, political position now,
limited to what is decided right here, would be the will of Council. Councilmember LeCour stated
politicians will say anything to get elected, does not know what will happen in next 5/6 years, tired of
politicians saying they are fiscally conservative, getting tired of it, likes going to other towns to say
Friendswood is fiscally conservative, the City is a shining example of being conservative, Friendswood is
unique. Mayor Smith stated he thinks the citizens are conservative and will maintain that future Councils
will be conservative, the next subject is having an external auditor, under the management of the City
Council, greater control, the other side of argument is that Charter already allows for investigations.
Councilmember Peden stated his opinion of the wording of the current Charter appears more judicial in
nature, thinks that this proposal is looking at individual project, department, not investigation or
malfeasance, opportunity or ability to do audit of departments, functions, projects and does not believe
that gives the Council the ability to do that. Mayor Smith stated he does not disagree, appears to be
judicial but believes Council has authority to look into anything, does not disagree with language as the
current Charter has. Councilmember Horecky stated he tends to agree with Mayor Smith, maybe what
the City needs to do, change the wording in the current Charter, not wanting to hire an auditor, think can
be worded in such a way that it would be onerous, does not have a problem with the City Manager or the
Departments, if problem in department, have ability to look at without appearing to be under scrutiny,
looking for a performance audit, instead of hiring a auditor, re-work so that it is does not appear judicial.
Councilmember Horecky stated the current policy is that has to be a consensus of Council for the City
Manager to provide information, believes the voice of the minority should not be eliminated, work on
Charter wording and on the current policy, maybe changing Charter wording to more of a fact finding and
not judicial. Mayor Smith stated he does not believe that section needs to be changed, probably in a
different place or in addition to the existing wording. Councilmember LeCour stated a full-time position
without the change to the Charter, would report to the City Manager, in generic, would be in Council's
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power to hire outside consultant for anything. Councilmember Ewing stated if is more than two hours of
work, need a consensus of Council to pull together information, consider how this would affect Staff.
Mayor Smith suggested taking this subject up as policy at a later time. Councilmembers Ewing, Horecky,
Peden and Measeles agreed the City does not need an auditor. Councilmember LeCour asked if there is
a concern that a minority of Council cannot get information, could it be withheld by the majority. Mayor
Smith stated this is not part of the subject matter and will be discussed later.
There were no other concerns for the Charter amendments brought forward.
CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION
Council convened into Executive Session in Accordance with the Texas Government Code, pursuant to
Section 551.072— Deliberation regarding Real Property and Section 551.071 —Consultation with Attorney
concerning pending or contemplated litigation; a settlement offer; or a matter in which the duty of the
Attorney requires it.
Council convened into Regular Session at 7:00 pm with no action taken later in the meeting.
RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
7:00 PM— REGULAR SESSION
The invocation was given by Pastor Ralph Hobratschk with Hope Lutheran Church.
Mayor Smith led the Pledge of allegiance to the United States and to the State of Texas.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
City Manager Bo McDaniel Presented the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award to Administrative
Services Director Roger Roecker and Accounting and Utility Billing Supervisor Cindy Edge and Staff, and
thanked them on behalf of the City. Mr. Roecker paid special appreciation to Cindy Edge, stated this
award is a great testimony for a great job. This is the fourth year the City has been given this award.
Mayor Smith recognized Boy Scout Troops 452 and 1829 from Mary Queen Catholic Church, recognized
Zachary James Velky who achieved his Eagle Scout, and recognized these young men as future leaders.
JOINT DOCKETED PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Smith and Acting Planning and Zoning Chairman Kevin Holland called a Joint Docketed Public
Hearing to order, to receive comments from the public, either oral or written, regarding a Zone
Classification change for a tract of land containing 5.293 acres, being in the Mary Sloan Survey, A-184,
property located on FM 528 adjacent to Sunmeadow Subdivision, south of Country Club Drive, Galveston
County, TX, from Neighborhood Commercial (NC) and Multi-Family Residential - Medium (MFR-M) to
Community Shopping Center(CSC), and a Zone Classification change for a tract of land containing 9.071
acres, being in the Mary Sloan Survey, A-184, property located on FM 528 adjacent to Sunmeadow
Subdivision, between Cypress Point Drive and Sunmeadow Boulevard, Galveston County, TX, from
Single Family Residential (SFR) to Community Shopping Center(CSC), and a Zone Classification change
for a tract of land containing 17.847 acres, being in the Mary Sloan Survey, A-184, property located
northwest of FM 528 adjacent to Sunmeadow Subdivision, at the end of Country Club Drive, Galveston
County, TX, from Single Family Residential (SFR) to Multi-Family Residential - Medium (MFR-M), and a
Zone Classification change for a tract of land containing 39.384 acres, being in the A.H. Jackson Survey,
A-128, property located at 1700 FM 528, near Friendswood Lakes Boulevard, Galveston County, TX,
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from Single Family Residential (SFR) to Community Shopping Center(CSC) (Manning Estate).
Brett Nichols, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he works for Millennium
Development, spoke in favor of the zoning change.
Byra Richardson, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and asked for clarification of what is being
planned, conceptual plan shows part of property being included, has not given or sold property, wants to
know why this property is shown in plan, concern with drainage, concern with 60 ft. county easement that
seems to have gone away with this plan.
Jaclyn Burket, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated she is the President of the
Sunmeadow Homeowners Association and spoke on behalf of the board, concerned with green space, do
not want any zoning to impact any market value of home sites, this is her main concern, has tried to work
with Millennium Development as Council has asked, does not think there is a comprise, think is only
solution, why does the ratio have to be 80/20 to develop Municipal Management District(MMD).
Charles Miller, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated his home is on the 17t" fairway, is
opposed to proposed rezoning, thinks changing the 17t" fairway into a strip center would drastically
reduce the market value of his property, asked the City to include in deliberation, asked if the City really
needed more strip centers when so many vacant centers, has seen 21 shops that are vacant, sees no
activity, seeing a activity golf course would be a whole lot more attractive.
Chris Leslie, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he understands why the rezoning is
being proposed, talked to the Chamber of Commerce, asked if anyone knows how much commercial
property there is in Friendswood and how much is being utilized, and then talked to the City, and was told
486 acres zoned as commercial, does not know how much is being utilized, information does not exist,
maybe the City needs to get its hands around this before moving forward with this.
Jean Hinckley, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated she lives next to 17t" green, has
never flooded, last three rains her yard has been flooding more and more, with loss of fairway, does not
want to flood.
Faye Roberson, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated she is concerned regarding #4
hole, holding water now during rain, #4 hole is not a part of rezoning, opposed proposed zoning, no plan
for this project, totally against it and neighbors would affect and a shame that after all of these years not
any closer to a plat, has been working with this agent for several years, the owner was here Jan, 2006
and was asked for a plan then and he said no not until he has a Municipal Utility District (MUD).
Jeri Jobe, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated she is the Sunmeadow Town Homes
Secretary, 17t" hole, does not have a need for commercial, would not oppose residential, would not like
just any business come in, patrons could be a problem, would like to see 17t" hole be donated as a City
park, could have walking path, possibly look at smaller homes, some would like to see a smaller home or
town homes, more affordable, may be a good use of that land, concern with drainage, why wanting to
develop this as a MUD.
Ed Sherrill, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he appreciates the mail out from the City
with zoning report, concerned with size of development, asked if all of this has to be rezoned commercial
before development plan be put together, could understand if that is the case, what if plan never comes to
maturity, if does not, if rezoned can begin developing commercial, concerned with transportation issues,
in Windsong just want to be left alone.
Dan Kidwell, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he has an issue with drainage, only
have well and septic in his subdivision, asked where all of that water is going to go, stated there is no City
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sewer where he is, additional stop lights on FM 528 and traffic, asked how the developer will take care of
this, knows the City will take care of this, asked how will the country club get started, concerned with
drainage, trying to connect through neighborhood and does not see that working.
Tommy Blake, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated looks like 60 ft. irrigation has been
bought next to #3, #4 & #5 and wants to know who to and why he was not allowed to buy, been here 25
years been flooded twice, knows about flooding, opposed to cutting through Windsong Subdivision,
opposed against the development.
Lisa Ferinsky, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and thanked those that have spoken about 17t"
hole, it was the neighborly thing to do, live on 17t" home and appreciates, concerned with traffic, to put
commercial at this location will increase traffic, what type of establishment next of Windsong Elementary,
safety is a issue, worried about drainage and property value, only two entrances into the subdivision
would change the makeup of the subdivision by opening it up, more about people than commercial, build
up the commercial that we have that we are not using at this point.
AI Kelly, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he is against item B, Millennium
Development rezoning, completely and opposed to C and D rezonings, and agrees with the neighbors on
the 17 hole and their property value, part of golf course under preliminary plan, get golf course rezoned
or green space and zoned away from residential, thought there was a preliminary agreement to zone golf
course as green space, now is not the time to rezone as commercial, rezoning as Multi-Family
Residential-Medium (MFR-M), right now is not the time to do this, D, same concern as others rezoning 40
acres as commercial thought some was to be zoned residential and has concerns about that.
Scott Robertson, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he is concerned with old country
club property, concerned with commercial coming in there, concerned with property value, other
commercial establishments not a lot of capacity, does not like a right thing to do, will see increase in
crime, seems a better use of that land than commercial.
Randy Dean, Friendswood resident for 24 years, addressed Council and stated he feels caught between
the City and the developer, thinks citizens of Sunmeadow will lose, does not believe need another strip
center, keep 17t" hole out of zoning, keep retained, end of Country Club Drive, from Single-Family
Residential (SFR) to Multi-Family Residential (MFR), does not understand, Manning property wants to
rezone most of this as commercial, feel sure there is a big plan, just has not it, can there be rezoning
according to a plan, if plan fails, can rezoning revert back to what it was, can property is not developed
revert back.
Dan Kidwell addressed Council and stated there is a huge high pressure gas pipeline behind Windsong
Subdivision, does not want to forget about that, feel sure cannot encroach that pipeline, runs parallel to
FM 528 and runs to the Manning property, sure all of this will come up.
Acting Planning and Zoning Chairman Kevin Holland asked Mr. Nichols to respond to some questions
that were raised. Why he was rezoning before submitting a plat? Mr. Nichols responded that it needs to
be rezoned first before he could develop plat. Concerns about drainage issues and drainage easements?
Mr. Nichols stated once the land is rezoned, a drainage engineer will do a drainage study. Asked about
long-term zoning history of area and 80/20 issues and additional strip centers. Mr. Nichols stated in most
of rezoning, with FM 528 and Brittany Bay that is a natural high-traffic area and likely for commercial.
Asked about other areas that seem like the best area for commercial, most of homes in Windsor back up
to Multi-Family Residential and asked about the 17t" hole. Mr. Nichols stated the plan has always been to
change this to commercial, stated trying to make property contiguous, stated the 17t" hole is not zoned
green space today it is zoned SFR, Mr. Nichols stated questions were asked about drainage easements,
the drainage lines were laid out by surveyor when property was purchased, Volymer ditch was never
conveyed to Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District(GCCDD) and was part of purchase and all
03/19/2007 2671
of the property being requested for rezoning was part of the purchase.
Mona Miller, Development Coordinator, explained nine units per acre are allowed in MFR-M, stated she is
not aware of any zoning that reverts back, except either by specific use that reverts after two years of no
activity or Planned Unit Development(PUD), can negotiate how to be laid out, no zoning reverts.
Hearing no further comments, Mayor Smith and Acting Planning and Zoning Chairman Holland closed
this Joint Docketed Public Hearing.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Fred Krch requested to speak regarding Lake Friendswood, addressed Council and stated he is a long-
term resident, asked what was Council's honest plan and timetable to develop this asset that the City has
had for 14 years, beautiful piece and could be developed beyond any other park.
Councilmember Hill stated Council has discussed the lake, does not own all of the lake, access is a huge
problem very expensive to build a road, follow every avenue to make this work, very difficult situation.
Fred Krch stated he thinks everyone is creating more problems than what it is, people build on lake
property all of the time, could build road inexpensively.
Councilmember LeCour stated the lake has been talked about and infrastructure was discussed, he
thought could make changes relatively easy and inexpensive, the City is concerned by re-bar in the lake,
was told about concern with swimming, does not know about liability, thinks make accessible to the
public.
Fred Krch stated there are obstacles and hazards in all waterways, that area that is supposedly unsafe,
can be marked with signage, it is just a crutch that someone ones to use that does not want to develop,
can be handled inexpensively.
Councilmember LeCour stated he agrees there is a way to allow and can use signage, think there is
funds in the planning funds.
Fred Krch stated if Council wants to see a sandpit developed, go to Pasadena where the City developed
a beautiful place.
Councilmember LeCour stated he remembers that the only way to access the lake is through the Rancho
Viejo and doubt that they will want that traffic, when Brittany Bay is opened up, it will showcase this
property, was advised that there is currently an unpaved road into the area.
Mayor Smith reminded Council that discussions were held in Executive Session and asked Council to be
carefu I.
Councilmember Ewing stated she is absolutely in support of this, there is some discussion being held with
Galveston County regarding a park in this part of the county, some issues that have to be addressed.
Fred Krch asked why Council was keeping this secret, why Council was keeping it in Executive Session.
Councilmember Horecky stated there are some safety issue, are there some liabilities, absolutely, some
will not read signs, does want to develop lake, cost for compliance, know would be great thing,
regulations that are bound by before making it accessible to the public.
Fred Krch stated there are people using that lake now, no different than the pond at Centennial Park, and
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stated the City is liable for all of the waterways within the City.
Mayor Smith stated there is a difference between legal and moral liability.
Fred Krch stated when Council talks about safety, you are talking about people.
Councilmember Peden stated there have been several discussions, the consensus of most of Council is
to develop, stated he does not want to partner with county, when Brittany Bay comes in, it will be right by
the lake, it will be cost effective, and does not believe give up any ownership.
Fred Krch stated as far as cost savings, the City could have bought the five acres from the owner of a
portion of the lake years ago.
Councilmember Measeles stated he does not know of any Councilmember more than him that wants this
to be a park, it was stopped due to lawsuit, has visions of being similar to lakes in Brazos Bend Park,
understands this is a great lake to fish in, believes there is a way to get around re-bar, believed Mr. Krch
was going to look into way to identify where the re-bar is located, no prior Council has agreed to dedicate
funds to develop the lake as a park.
Fred Krch stated he has submitted bids to City to survey for re-bar in the amount of $3,600, a very
sophisticated way to view the re-bar, by has not heard back from the City.
Mayor Smith stated he would like to see the park developed but only when this Council deems it is the
right time to develop and in line with relation to other projects that are planned, and must be in
conjunction with budgeting, allow Council to make prudent plans for that, does not have all the
information needed, got to ask for patience to allow for planning, development costs money and a matter
of prioritizing priorities, appreciate what is wanted to open up but must be done in a timely fashion.
Fred Krch stated there was an excess of$1 million dollars that was spent, stated do not tell him there is
not money to develop this park, the City has been sitting on this for 14 years, stated he is 85 years old
does not have 14 more years to wait, asked to put information in Focus on Friendswood, citizens have
the right to know what the City is contemplating, move discussion out of Executive Session, stated this is
not an issue for Executive Session.
Raul Cruz, Pearland resident, addressed Council and stated he is the Friendswood Independent School
District (FISD) Transportation Director, stated he is opposed to the Ordinance changing the length of the
cul-de-sac, and stated children would have to walk farther.
Mayor Smith thanked Mr. Cruz for his comments, but stated the Public Hearing was closed and Council
could not receive additional comments.
Bill Raley, Pearland resident, addressed Council and stated he is building in Friendswood, adjacent to
510 Providence Drive buy-out property, asking Council to allow time for him to contact the landowner
adjacent to the property that has application for the buy-property to ask if would share, possibly a garden
front, asked if the City could allow this. City Attorney John Olson advised Council could consider allowing
shared use of this property.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMITTEES AND SPECIAL REPORTS
No report was given from Community Appearance Board Chair Patty Steinke at this meeting due to a
death in Ms. Steinke's family.
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CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Bo McDaniel reported on the Chamber of Commerce's request for advertising the FIG
Festival on the City's Website and PEG Channel. The Chamber of Commerce asks that the City
advertise the April 21 FIG Festival on the PEG Channel and the website. However, a determination is
needed by Council that such a request is consistent with Council's policy. See the attached policy where
it states: "Content to be broadcast on the PEG channel shall be exclusively limited to municipal business
of the City of Friendswood." Should Council direct that we accommodate the request of the Chamber,
Staff will proceed accordingly and draft a policy revision for approval by consensus at the next regular
Council meeting, including ratification of the City Manager's action to advertise before the official policy is
revised.
ACTION ITEMS
**Councilmember Peden moved to table Consent Agenda Item D. Approve a license agreement for a
buy-out property at 510 Providence Drive.
Seconded by Councilmember Measeles. The motion to table was approved unanimously.
Councilmember Peden stated it was the consensus of Council to direct the City Manager to direct Staff to
help with getting the phone number of Mr. Johnson, the landowner adjacent to the property of Mr. Raley.
**Councilmember Peden moved to approve appropriating funds to support the Chamber's 2007 FIG
Festival.
Seconded by Councilmember Ewing. The motion was approved 5-2 with Councilmembers Horecky and
Hill opposed.
**Councilmember Peden moved to authorize the City Attorney to draft a resolution regarding Texas
Municipal League's language in an article about Americans for Prosperity.
Seconded by Councilmember LeCour. The motion was approved unanimously.
Councilmember Measeles stated there is a Texas Municipal League (TML) Region 14 meeting coming up
next month, would be an opportunity to express feelings regarding this article, as far as bringing forward
may be a good opportunity to be a part of the solution not a part of the problem.
Councilmember Peden read the article to the public, stated he thinks it would be appropriate to suggest
an apology be given to the TML membership.
**Councilmember Measeles moved to approve an agreement with PKF Consulting Houston to conduct a
feasibility study for a hotel/conference center.
Seconded by Councilmember Ewing.
***Councilmember Horecky moved to table approving an agreement with PKF Consulting Houston to
conduct a feasibility study for a hotel/conference center.
Seconded by Councilmember Peden. The motion to table failed 3-4 with Mayor Smith, and
Councilmembers Ewing, LeCour& Measeles opposed.
****The main motion was approved 4-3 with Councilmembers LeCour, Hill, and Horecky opposed.
**Councilmember Peden moved to approve sending no comment as the City's response for public
comment to Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs regarding an application to secure
housing tax credits for a proposed senior Multi-Family Residential development on FM 528 fronting
Friendswood Lakes Subdivision.
Seconded by Councilmember LeCour.
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Mayor Smith suggested holding a public hearing to receive public comments prior to submitting comment
to the State.
City Attorney John Olson stated he does not believe it would be unlawful to hold a public hearing to gain
input from the public to formulate comments to the State.
***Councilmember Hill moved to amend the main motion to call for a public hearing.
Seconded by Councilmember Horecky. The motion to amend was approved unanimously.
****The main motion, as amended, was approved unanimously.
**Councilmember LeCour moved to hold a workshop regarding drafting a Memorial Policy for public
recognition of citizen service.
Seconded by Councilmember Horecky. The motion was approved unanimously.
**Councilmember LeCour moved to revise the Design Criteria Manual to approve using pavers as
approved material.
Seconded by Councilmember Horecky.
***Councilmember Hill moved to amend the main motion to reflect that pavers must be installed over 6
inch of concrete with re-bar.
Seconded by Mayor Smith. The motion to amend was approved unanimously.
****Councilmember Ewing moved to table revising the Design Criteria Manual to approve using pavers as
approved material.
Seconded by Councilmember Measeles. The motion to table was approved 5-2 with Councilmembers
LeCour and Hill opposed.
**Councilmember Horecky moved to approve an interlocal agreement with the Galveston County
Consolidated Drainage District for the review and approval of plats and proposed drainage plans for new
subdivisions.
Seconded by Councilmember Peden. The motion was approved unanimously.
RESOLUTIONS
**Councilmember Horecky moved to approve Resolution R2007-10 — a Resolution of the City of
Friendswood, Texas, authorizing aerial spraying over Friendswood by the Galveston County Mosquito
Control District for the county-wide mosquito control program and asked the City Manager to advise what
the needs are in Harris County.
Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously.
**Councilmember Horecky moved to approve Resolution R2007-11 — a Resolution of the City Council of
the City of Friendswood, Texas, designating the Mayor as the City's representative in seeking eligible
grant funds under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Fund for Fiscal Year 2008; and authorizing the
submission of such grant application to the Criminal Justice Division of the Office of Governor.
Seconded by Councilmember Measeles. The motion was approved unanimously.
**No motion was made to approve Resolution R2007-12 — a Resolution amending City of Friendswood
Resolution No. R2007-09, passed and approved the 5th day of March, 2007, which Resolution provides
for the holding of a Special Election for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters of the City certain
proposed amendments to the existing Charter of the City, by including certain additional proposed
amendments to the ballot of such election. No other Charter amendments were identified.
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**Councilmember Measeles moved to approve Resolution R2007-13 — a Resolution adopting a Capital
Improvement Program containing a summary of all proposed programs to be acquired during a five year
period, cost estimates, method of financing and a recommended time table for constructing the
improvements to be undertaken in the City of Friendswood, Texas pursuant to the authority contained in
Amendment No. 11 of the Charter.
Seconded by Councilmember Hill.
***Councilmember Peden moved to table Resolution R2007-13.
Seconded by Councilmember Ewing. The motion to table was approved unanimously.
ORDINANCES
**Councilmember Horecky moved to approve the First and final reading of Ordinance No. 2007-02, an
Ordinance known as "Budget Amendment I", amending City of Friendswood, Texas, Ordinance No. 2006-
24, passed and approved September 25, 2006 and being an ordinance approving and adopting the City's
General Budget for Fiscal Year 2006-2007; providing amendments to such budget; and providing other
matters related to the subject.
Seconded by Councilmember Peden. The motion was approved unanimously.
**Councilmember Peden moved to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. 2007-03, an Ordinance
amending City of Friendswood, Texas, Ordinance No. 2006-28, same being an amendment to Appendix
C (Zoning Ordinance) of the Code of Ordinances of the City, said Ordinance No. 2006-28 changing the
zoning classification of a 0.8953 acre tract of land located at 301 Laurel Lane from Original Business
District (OBD) to Planned Unit Development District and granting a Specific Use Permit to authorize use
of property within said PUD for Office Park Uses; providing for an amendment of the site plan for such
Planned Unit Development to allow an additional building; providing a penalty in an amount not to exceed
$2,000 for each day of violation of any provision hereof; and providing for severability.
Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously.
**Councilmember Peden moved to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. 2007-04, 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 deleting Subparagraph B of Paragraph 3 of Subsection Q of Section 7
thereof and substituting therefor a new Subparagraph B; providing that the height limitations for buildings
and structures within a Planned Unit Development District shall be as set forth in the ordinance
authorizing the Planned Unit Development; providing a penalty of an amount not to exceed $2,000 for
each day of violation of any provision hereof; and providing for severability.
Seconded by Councilmember Measeles. The motion was approved unanimously.
**Councilmember Peden moved to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. 2007-05, an Ordinance
amending City of Friendswood, Texas, Ordinance No. 2000-01, as amended, originally adopted the 17th
day of December, 2000, being Appendix B of the Friendswood City Code, and being an ordinance
providing rules and regulations governing plats and the subdivision of land, by adding and revising certain
definitions in Subsection E of Section I thereof, by changing the maximum length permitted for cul-de-sac
streets contained in Paragraph 1 of Subsection G of Section III to 750 feet, and by revising Subsection H
of Section III to establish a method of ineasuring block lengths and to eliminate a minimum length for cul-
de-sac streets; providing a penalty of an amount not to exceed $2,000 for each day of violation of any
provision hereof; and providing for severability.
Seconded by Councilmember Hill.
Mayor Smith asked for additional time to gain additional information regarding FISD's concern regarding
length of cul-de-sac and the distance students would have to walk to catch the bus.
03/19/2007 2676
***Mayor Smith moved to table the First reading of Ordinance No. 2007-05.
Seconded by Gouncilmember LeCour. The motion to tabfe was approved unanimously.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS
Mayor Smith and Councilmembers LeCour, Hill, Horecky, Peden, and Measeles stated they had no
reports.
Councilmember Ewing announced that Karen Crofton is the new Director of the Friendswood Senior
Center, announced the Seniors will hold their annual spaghetti fundraiser this Wednesday and urged
everyone to attend, stated there are new programs being offered for the Seniors, announced that Spring
Sparkle will be held on April 215t, Westwood Elementary will be honored as Texas School of Character
and stated Wedgewood is the only school in Texas to receive this distinction.
CONSENT AGENDA
**Councilmember Peden moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, with the exception of
Items E8�F: A. Approve agreement with City and Breath Alcohol Testing Technical Supervisory, Inc., for
intoxilyzer services and authorize the Mayor to execute. B. Approve agreement with Harris County
Sheriff's Department for Automated Fingerprint Identification System (A�{S} access and authorize the
Mayor to execute. C. Accept infrastructure for Northfield Estates Subdivision for the contractor's one-year
maintenance period.
Seconded by Councilmember LeCour. The motion was approved unanimously.
"**Councilmember Peden moved to table Items E-F: E. Accept Property Tax Report. F. Approve
Minutes of February 9, February 10, February 19, and March 1, 2007 Meetings.
Seconded by Councilmember Ewing. The motion to table was approved unanimously.
, A motion was made and approved to adjourn at 10:50 PM.
Mayor David J.H. S h
Attest:
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D loris McKenzie, TR C
City Secretary * *
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