Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2007-07-02 Special 07/2/2007 2727 STATE OF TEXAS )( CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD )( COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS )( J U LY 2, 2007 )( MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD CITY COUNCIL THAT WAS HELD ON MONDAY, JULY 2, 2007, AT 5:30 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 LESLIE REID COUNCILMEMBER ANDY RIVERA CITY MANAGER BO MCDANIEL CITY SECRETARY DELORIS MCKENZIE Mayor Smith called the meeting to order. SPECIAL SESSION A discussion was held regarding the status of West Ranch Development and Phase II south of FM 518. John Hammond with Friendswood Development provided an update of the progress of West Ranch. A Planned Unit Development (PUD) for 765 acres located north of FM 518, provided a view of the overall land plan. The development is complete on the first three sections of West Ranch and construction is underway on the next two sections. Home values have exceeded the values estimated in the Management District feasibility studies, south of FM 518 is actually the Slone Subdivision and will require a re-plat. Phase II is composed of 540 acres and the first eight preliminary plats for West Ranch south of FM 518 have been submitted to the City for review, reviewed the proposed parks and amenities construction on the first phase of West Boulevard south of FM 518 will begin later this year and will be completed by spring 2008. Council asked about exploring the idea to add bike lanes on West Road and Brittney Bay to provide for bicycle traffic. Mr. Hammond stated the bike lanes have not been looked into at this time but is not too late to work this in if there is a consensus of Council. Councilmember Peden stated the bike lane should not cost the developer or the City a lot of money, it is usually 4 ft. wide on the sides of the street and it would also benefit runners as well. There are some other materials that may be more environmental friendly. The sidewalk setback has been addressed with builders and is working to correct some areas. The City Manager stated that it was not a good idea to plant trees close to streets and expressed concerns with the developer stating it is a development plan to have street trees. The City Manager advised there may be some process issues and may need to bring this back to Council. Mayor Smith asked about the school site located at West Boulevard and Brittney Bay and requested it to be looked at and would prefer to leave this site for commercial. Mr. Hammond stated the location has not been determined and is planning on meeting with the Parks and Recreation Board to discuss the proposed park amenities. 07/2/2007 2728 A discussion was held with the City Manager regarding Phase II of the Clear Creek Floodway remapping. Zafar Iqbal, City Engineer, provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the project and the scope of the study and its findings. The scope and costs of the revised Phase II was discussed in an effort to restudy 1,200 stream miles in 22 Harris County watersheds. The Tropical Storm Allison Recovery Project (TSARO) was initiated jointly by Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Clear Creek watershed hydrology, hydraulics, and floodplain mapping were updated as a part of this study. There is a significant benefit of 73,723 acres in reduced floodway area that could be achieved by optimizing the TSARP floodway of Clear Creek. Of those 73,723 acres, around 26.7 acres are within The Forest subdivision. The remaining 47,023 acres are within industrial commercial area. The proposal for Phase II is for optimizing the mapped TSARP zones along Clear Creek within the City of Friendswood in Harris County between Dixie Farm Road and FM 2351. The revised floodway zones will be submitted to FEMA as a Physical Map Revision (PMR). The City has paid $15,000 for Phase I of the study and the proposed total cost for Phase II is $68,315. In the Phase I report of the study the consultant did not take into account the Brio Site, a closed National Superfund site, located on Dixie Farm Road in Friendswood city limits which will eliminate approximately 40% of the benefit of the acreage in reduced floodway in industrial/commercial area, around 26.7 acres in reduced floodway is residential areas which are already developed and have elevation certificates. The City has already spent $15,000 on Phase I. Based upon available information the Staff does not recommend the City to continue with Phase II of the study. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION Council convened into Executive Session in Accordance with the Texas Government Code, pursuant to 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 John Wise with Friendswood Community Church. Mayor Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and to the State of Texas. Mayor Smith and other members of Council wore Astros t-shirts in honor of Craig Biggio's 3000th hit. 07/2/2007 2729 COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC Bea Morris, Friendswood resident, requested to speak regarding the FM 2351 Drainage Project and thanked those members of Council that attended the recent open house regarding the Coward Creek Watershed Study. Ms. Morris stated she was concerned with the Dannenbaum study and presented 6 points for Council to consider and stated the City needs to make a decision on how to proceed with this project. Photographs were taken after the rain that was received earlier during the day and it was not a hurricane situation, some ditches needed grading and asked who is responsible for the ditches, it has been a problem for over 30 years. Council asked the City to contact the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) regarding the silting up of the ditches to provide for greater drainage flow and Ms. Morris was urged to attend the next Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District (GCCDD) meeting. City Manager Bo McDaniel stated he will look into the issue with the ditches and Staff is looking into easement issues as well. The City is continuing to discuss funding with TxDOT for this project, 80% of this watershed is not in the City and are looking at the impact this has to the City and also looking at how to resolve this project. The City's goal is to complete drainage projects that are on the books and the City is making progress in this process and suggested checking with Brazoria County with drainage on County Road 129 where there was a bond issue. Kenneth Truman, Friendswood resident in Clover Acres Subdivision, asked if TxDOT is proposing to work on FM 2351 from FM 518 to Brazoria County. Mayor Smith explained that the City Manager stated federal funds are drying up. Councilmember Hill stated that FM 2351 is on TxDOT and has FM 2351 on the long range plan. Janel Yarberry, Friendswood resident, stated she hopes Council will keep this drainage project as a priority because it has not been a priority for 30 years. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Bo McDaniel reported on the Capital Projects status report and gave an update on the Glenshannon Drainage Project. Staff has completed the application for the permit with the US Army Corps of Engineers and it is ready to be submitted as soon as the official closing on the property is complete, understand from the attorneys the closing is set for the first week in July. This permit has a 45 day review period. 07/2/2007 2730 City Manager Bo McDaniel reported on The Gathering and the Fourth of July Celebration. The Quakers of this City held a Bar-B-Q on the evening of Tuesday, July 3 from the first year of their settlement known as "The Gathering". This custom has been continued all these years by a core group called The Gathering Committee. The Gathering is held in honor of all people who serve the citizens of Friendswood, including City employees, Fire and EMS personnel, the Mayor and City Council, and the many volunteers who serve on numerous boards, committees, and commissions. The July 3 event is held in Old City Park each year, where the volunteers gather to enjoy fellowship and barbeque with all the trimmings. Friendswood is proud to continue to celebrate this great tradition, and the success of this event is not possible without the generous contributions from sponsors that include local businesses and benefactors and, of course, The Gathering Committee. Different volunteers have served on this committee over the years, but this year we want to recognize Evelyn Newman, Scott Gordon, Benny Baker and Pauletta Jeter for their work. On behalf of the City employees, would like to thank all of the sponsors and The Gathering Committee for continuing this great tradition and recognizing the City employees and volunteers. The City of Friendswood will once again host the celebration of our nation's birth and heritage on Wednesday July 4. This year's theme is "Red, White and You, a Family Fourth of July". This is the 112t" consecutive year the City has celebrated the Fourth of July with a parade. Over 100 entries are expected including high school bands, horses, classic cars, bicycles, and fire trucks. The parade will end at Stevenson Park where rides, games, food, live entertainment and fun will be happening. Over 50 booths will be open until approximately 3:30 p.m. It is estimated that approximately 4,000 people will be transported to and from Centennial Park for the evening program, which begins at 7:30 p.m. Many people walk over from surrounding neighborhoods bringing the overall estimated attendance to approximately 6,500 people. We appreciate the work of the Fourth of July Steering Committee, Community Service Director James Toney and the staff of Community Services for the exceptional work they do on this celebration. City Manager Bo McDaniel reported on the status report for the Friendswood Link Road contract. At the April 16 meeting, Council authorized the execution of the interagency agreement between the City of Friendswood and Harris County for design and construction of the first phase of Friendswood Link Road. Staff just received the executed copy of the agreement back from Harris County, setting the next phase of the project in motion. Harris County should be starting construction on the road early next year. Please note funding for this project is to be determined as bond authorization is sufficient to cover the initial phase, but we need to finalize the scope of this and other projects (Brittany Bay) before bonds are sold. A reimbursement resolution is in place which supports the contractual encumbrance. City Manager Bo McDaniel gave recognition and appreciation to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Representatives of TxDOT met with City Council members and Staff regarding TxDOT facility issues located within the city limits of Friendswood. One of those issues addressed a drainage problem on FM 518 in front of the cemetery next to the Friends Church. The City asked TxDOT to review the facilities to confirm if improvements in the infrastructure could be made. Staff speculated that it appeared that the inlets were inadequate for the drainage demand and the underground TxDOT storm sewers may not be fully utilized as a result. TxDOT was very prompt in their response and has already completed the improvements to enlarge the storm inlet at this site. On behalf of the City of Friendswood, we wanted to acknowledge and record our appreciation and thanks for a swift and significant improvement to this drainage aggravation. City Manager Bo McDaniel reported on mosquito control. Spraying funds for Harris County mosquito control would require some additional funding estimated to be $5,000. Harris County does not spray as Galveston County does and it would need to be included in next year's budget. A plan needs to be developed like the City of Baytown has in place and also look at the chemicals used to be more friendly to people. Councilmember LeCour requested a report on the mosquito control measures the City has in place. Currently we know of no "official" City mosquito control policy other than our existing agreements/practice with Harris and Galveston Counties. 07/2/2007 2731 City Manager Bo McDaniel reported on the new Public Safety Building. The ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremonies for the new Public Safety Building have been recorded and it will be placed on the City's PEG channel for viewing. Staff has prepared a walking tour of the facilities which will also be placed on the PEG channel for those citizens who were unable to attend the opening ceremonies. Mayor Smith corrected himself and said he had failed to recognize past City Manager Ron Cox who was involved in the planning of the new Public Safety Building. ACTION ITEMS NO action was taken regarding funding for Phase II of the Clear Creek Floodway remapping and Staff was directed to contact those that may be affected to let them know that they may wish to pursue other options. **Councilmember Ewing moved to approve amendments to the policy for appointments to Boards, Committees and Commissions to provide that the Mayor shall make recommendations for appointments with the concurrence of Council. Seconded by Councilmember Rivera. ***Councilmember Peden moved to amend the main motion to add to the policy to provide that each appointment will be voted on separately. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously. ****The main motion, as amended, was approved 6-1 with Councilmember LeCour opposed. **Councilmember Peden moved to approve amending the City Code, Section 2-69: Creating Planning and Zoning Commission, to provide for alternate positions on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. ***Councilmember Reid moved to table amending the City Code, Section 2-69: Creating Planning and Zoning Commission, to provide for alternate positions on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Seconded by Councilmember Peden. The motion to table failed 3-4 with Councilmember Ewing, Councilmember LeCour, Councilmember Hill and Councilmember Rivera opposed. ****The main motion was approved 6-1 with Councilmember Reid opposed. **Councilmember Rivera moved to approve the Mayor's recommendation to appoint Hassan Moghaddam to fill a vacancy of an unexpired position on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Seconded by Councilmember Ewing. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Ewing moved to approve the scope and authorization for request for proposals to conduct a Personnel Pay Plan study. Seconded by Councilmember Reid. ***Councilmember LeCour moved to table the scope and authorization for request for proposals to conduct a Personnel Pay Plan study. Seconded by Councilmember Peden. The motion to table failed 2-5 with Mayor Smith and Councilmembers Ewing, Hill, Rivera and Reid opposed. ****The main motion was approved 5-2 with Councilmembers LeCour and Peden opposed. 07/2/2007 2732 **Councilmember Peden moved to approve amendments to the Tax Collection Services agreement. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Hill moved to approve accepting and authorizing the Mayor to execute a proposal for engineering services to design and include the Greenbriar Drive area within the existing Glenshannon Drainage Project. Seconded by Councilmember Rivera. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Peden moved to approve authorizing the purchase of 4.2 acre-ft. of regional detention from the Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District for the Glenshannon Drainage Project. Seconded by Councilmember Ewing. ***Councilmember LeCour moved to amend the motion to approve subject to Staff review to see if mitigation could be less than the proposed 4.2 acre ft. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously. ****The main motion, as amended, was approved unanimously. RESOLUTION **Councilmember Ewing moved to approve Resolution R2007-26 - A Resolution of the City of Friendswood, Texas, Galveston/Harris Counties, endorsing the reappointment of(6) six members and (1) one appointment of a new member to a thirteen member board to the Galveston County United Board of Health. Seconded by Councilmember LeCour. ***Councilmember Peden made a motion to amend to consider the new appointment of Paulette Roberson separately from re-appointments. Seconded by Councilmember Ewing. The motion was approved unanimously. ****The main motion for reappointments was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Reid moved to approve the new appointment of Paulette Roberson to the Galveston County United Board of Health. Seconded by Councilmember LeCour. The motion was approved 5-2 with Councilmember Reid and Councilmember Peden opposed. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS Councilmember LeCour suggested naming the new Public Safety Building after Arden Hill, Jr., and read a portion of a letter written to God by Mr. Hill's mother, Winnie Hill dated April 27, 1962, regarding Arden being elected as City Marshal at 24 years of age and prayed for God to watch over her son, Arden Hill Jr., Councilmember LeCour asked Council to consider and to recognize the volunteer spirit that was given to Friendswood and will be placed on the next agenda for Council to consider. Councilmember Rivera asked for a special committee to decide on the naming of the new Public Safety Building (PSB) with input from citizens and possibly name the building on the one year anniversary of the new PSB. 07/2/2007 2733 Councilmember Ewing thanked everyone for the healthy discussion that was held tonight and thinks this is healthy and appreciated the diverse viewpoints, showed appreciation to the citizens for alerting Council about the severe problems with the drainage on FM 2351, stated she has learned a lot in the last few days about Arden Hill and have heard only the highest regards and looks forward to hearing more, would suggest looking at the policy for facility naming and thanked everyone for the hard work on the opening of the new Public Safety Building. The building is state-of-the-art and encouraged people to look at the facility that will help keep citizens safe and it has their own courthouse. Builders Without Borders will be going to Kansas to help with flooding victims and if there are any citizens that would like to go and help, please contact her. Councilmember Hill stated he was pleased to attend the opening of the Public Safety Building (PSB) and recognized Captain Jimmy Holland who put his heart and soul into the building of the new PSB. Councilmember Reid congratulated Clear Creek Independent School District Superintendent Sandra Mossman who won TEA Superintendent of the Year and congratulated Chief Wieners and Fire Marshal Terry Byrd on the opening of the new PSB building, attended the meeting of the Houston-Galveston Area Council, is newly elected and learned she has a lot to learn, thoughts and prayers are with City employee Gary Williams as he recovers from injuries sustained in an accident, challenged the other Councilmembers to complete the City tour and received a new bag from the City Manager and thanks to all of Staff that helped and special thanks to Kaz Hamidian, Public Works Director, for the City's beautiful water and would also like to express appreciation to Councilmember LeCour for bringing forth Arden Hill's name forward for naming of the new Public Safety Building, has heard a lot of good things about him. Councilmember Peden stated he also enjoyed reading about Arden Hill and appreciated the debate this evening, but stated he likes it better when he is on the winning side, congratulated the Public Safety Divisions on their new building and hopes everyone would watch the video, it is a phenomenal building and hopes everyone enjoys the 4t" of July week, has attended several functions and owes a lot to the founding fathers, and asked to pray for his employee Michelle Garcia, who is a Marine going to Fallujah. This is a great time to celebrate our country and would like to encourage everyone to come out and celebrate the 4t" of July and stated he is glad to be an American, Texan and Friendswoodian. Councilmember Rivera stated he is a 26 year military veteran and if he got called back tomorrow he would go and expressed the same sentiments as Councilmember Peden. Mayor Smith requested prayer for his mother-in-law who is going back to Iraq in a civilian capacity, her going is personally affecting his family, expressed some of the same sentiments about the Public Safety facility and sentiments about 4t" of July and America and showing patriotism and pride. CONSENT AGENDA **Councilmember Hill moved to remove Item A - Authorize the Mayor to execute an economic development agreement with EC Friendswood, L.P., regarding development of a medical office facility to be located at Winding Way because it is over $15,000 and should have been on as consideration and possible action. Seconded by Councilmember Rivera. The motion was approved unanimously. ***Councilmember Peden moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented with the exception of Item A - Authorize the Mayor to execute an economic development agreement with EC Friendswood, L.P., regarding development of a medical office facility to be located at Winding Way. B. Authorize acceptance of Monte Bello Subdivision for streets, drainage and utilities for the contractor's one-year maintenance period. C. Approve Minutes of the June 16 and June 18, 2007 Meetings. Seconded by Councilmember Rivera. The motion was approved unanimously. 07/2/2007 2734 **"*Councilmember Peden moved to suspend the rules regarding agenda items being over $15,000 and on the Consent Agenda. Seconded by Councilmember Ewing. The motion was approved unanimously. *****Councilmember LeCour moved to approve Item A - Authorize the Mayor to execute an economic development agreement with EC Friendswood, L.P., regarding development of a medical office facility to be located at Winding Way Seconded by Councilmember Rivera. The motion was approved unanimously. A motion was made and approved to adjourn at 10:00 PM. , � avid J.H. Smith Attest: � ,� F R�ElyO � �O rP� Y �O D oris McKenzie, T M �f p City Secretary * * a ��rE � �+�