HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2007-11-05 Special 10/15/2007 2816
STATE OF TEXAS )(
CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD )(
COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS )(
NOVEMBER 05, 2007 )(
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD CITY COUNCIL THAT WAS HELD ON
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 05, 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 (arrived at 5:15 PM)
COUNCILMEMBER LAURA EWING
COUNCILMEMBER JOHN LECOUR
COUNCILMEMBER JIM HILL
COUNCILMEMBER LESLIE REID
COUNCILMEMBER ANDY RIVERA
CITY ATTORNEY JOHN OLSON
CITY MANAGER BO MCDANIEL
CITY SECRETARY DELORIS MCKENZIE
Mayor Smith called the meeting to order.
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 and Section 551.072 — Deliberation
regarding Real Property.
Council recessed the Executive Session until later in the meeting.
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 Mike Ross with Friendswood Church of Christ.
Mayor Smith led the Pledge of allegiance to the United States and to the State of Texas.
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
City Manger Bo McDaniel presented the Five Star Spirit Employee Award for the third quarter of 2007 to
David Gonzales, Police Officer in the Friendswood Police Department. Officer Gonzales has served the
City of Friendswood since being hired in July of 2000 as a Peace Officer I. In 2004 Officer Gonzales was
promoted to Peace Officer II. Officer Gonzales received a nomination from a citizen praising him for the
professional, courteous, and competent way in which he represents the City and the police department.
While off duty Officer Gonzales was also complimented by an Alvin resident during an occurrence in
which a citizen was pleasantly "shocked and surprised" at the way Officer Gonzales went above and
beyond the call of duty. The City appreciates the time and effort that Officer Gonzales has given the City,
and congratulate him on being the recipient of the Five Star Spirit Award for the third quarter of 2007.
Officer Gonzales received a standing ovation from those in attendance at the Council Meeting.
Mayor Smith presented a proclamation to Mike Wegner President of the Friendswood Independent
School District(FISD) Education Foundation for FISD Education Foundation (FISDEF)Week.
SPECIAL SESSION
A discussion was held with Mayor, Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding proposed
changes to the Downtown District Zoning Ordinance. Councilmember Peden asked for legal interpretation
of authority of the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding discretion and binding authority. The City
Attorney stated the Planning and Zoning Commission does not have discretion, look at different
requirement that would provide documentation as to what is approved. Discussion was held regarding
height definition, Staff requested clear, universal definition for purpose of ineasuring heights, the purpose
of revision is to give something for Staff to work with. Discussion was held regarding the application of
requirements for sidewalks and application to the Downtown District, use of discretion uniformly and the
Planning and Zoning Commission urged Council to look at Banfield properties as an example for varying
widths of sidewalk.
JOINT DOCKETED PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Smith and Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission Jim Gibson called a Joint Docketed
Public Hearing to order to receive comments from the public, either oral or written, regarding the Zone
Classification change for a tract of land containing 2.121 acres, Tract 1, zoned Industrial (I), and .215
acres, Tract 2, zoned Community Shopping Center (CSC), a total of 2.336 acres out of a 4.2966 acre
tract, out of and a part of Division B, Lot 64, Hoidale-Coffman Addition, property located at FM 2351,
between Hope Village Road and Beamer Road, Harris County, TX, change to Light Industrial (LI)
Mike Wallace, property owner, stated he would want to keep the front of the property retail and the rear of
the property industrial but with more restrictive zoning for warehousing.
No one spoke in opposition of the request.
Mayor Smith and Planning and Zoning Commissioner Jim Gibson closed this Joint Docketed Public
Hearing.
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COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Natasha Cox and Tierni Sager, Friendswood Independent School District (FISD) teachers requested to
speak regarding commercial recycling and requested that recycling at schools be done by the waste
hauling company. The schools are considered commercial and requested to be added to the residential
pickup, spoke with the representative from IESI and stated IESI could try a trial basis and advised FISD
has a large quantity of plastic recycling material.
Dan Illerich, Friendswood resident, spoke about tax bill statements, has received school tax bills and has
not received a tax bill from the County, went to the League City annex to pick up tax bill and heard the
same story as last year, why are the bills not received as of October 1 and would like Council to invite the
County Tax Assessor to come and explain why the tax bills are late.
Bill Brower, Friendswood resident, stated he represents EI Dorado and Lundy Lane neighbors and asked
about bringing City sewer to this area, was told it was on the 5 year plan, Staff has been very helpful, is
on the 5 year plan, cost has been developed, there is an environmental issue with sewage, there are
approximately 45 homes in this area and development in this area, believes this is the only area that does
not have sewer service, is the 5 year plan viable for this area and asking for clarity on this option.
Mayor Smith stated Council is working to develop priorities in the next 6 months, would address that at
this time to continue working with Staff or have a Councilmember move this up on the priority order,
asked to pay attention to Council agendas.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMITTEES AND SPECIAL REPORTS
Greg Crinion, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, gave the annual report and stated new
membership is growing, there are currently over 600 members, Chamber Directory, numerous special
events, local scholarship program, appreciated the joint partnership with the City and City employees,
distributing information, introduced Staff and new Staff inembers, working on bigger and better FIG
Festival and Chairman for next year will be William Rearick with Moody National Bank.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Bo McDaniel reported on Community Development Department Staffing. Over the past
year, this department has experienced Staff vacancies in key positions such as Community Development
Director, Staff Engineer, and City Planner. The City is fortunate to meet temporary requirements with
Staff reassignments and cross position utilization. The City has hired a Deputy Director of Community
Development (Zafar Iqbal's prior position) to assist with engineering and CIP processing, and Community
Development restructuring as will be needed and determined. The City has successfully recruited Morad
"Mo" Kabiri, who currently serves as the Development Manager for the City of Missouri City. "Mo" and his
wife Laura reside in Rosharon and are the proud parents of twin boys who are still in diapers. The City is
pleased to recruit a qualified, experienced and obviously parentally motivated candidate to assist in
guiding the future of the Community Development Department.
The City Manager reported on the Monthly Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Report.
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The City Manager reported on the Microsoft Project Management Software. As previously committed?
Staff was asked to explore using technology as suggested by Councilmember LeCour to provide value
and impact to CIP reporting and results oriented process. The City may face some challenges in totally
utilizing this technology. However, it is worth developing to find that degree of benefit worthwhile to bring
value worth the investment. If Council will allow Staff the time to refine the use of this technology, Staff is
optimistic that improved reporting and favorable results will be worth the effort. Council is requested to
provide feedback on this as to whether or not this effort is meeting Council and the public needs.
The City Manager reported on the market study for Hotel-Conference Center. Council was briefed on the
status of the study. Economic Development Coordinator Karen Capps provided a status report and
offered options for a possible path forward as suits Council's needs.
ACTION ITEMS
**Councilmember Hill moved to approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a contract renewal with IESI
for solid waste collection, recycling and green waste recycling services.
Seconded by Councilmember Reid. The motion was approved unanimously.
Gus Dugas, IESI District Manager, stated IESI can put containers at FISD Schools and at City Hall for
office recycling and will set up days for pick up as part of the contract. Special events for recycling will be
held, I ESI will provide collection containers along with liners and may include schools from Clear Creek
Independent School District at a later time, will continue to support the Fall and Spring HauI-A-Day,
hopefully move to Centennial Park to have adequate room for all equipment and support the volume of
cars, look at paper bags for yard clippings, clear bags are acceptable at landfill and bags are available at
Home Depot, two pickup times for garbage pickup, green waste pickup is Monday, Tuesday and
Wednesday. Thursday, Friday and Saturday is picked up with garbage, recycling is not picked up except
on recycling days.
**Councilmember Rivera moved to approve Option 2 on the purchase of a multi-camera system and
operator for the City Council meeting broadcasts.
Seconded by Councilmember Reid. The motion was approved unanimously.
**Councilmember Ewing moved to approve a contract with Freese & Nichols for consulting services in
reviewing the City of Friendswood's Comprehensive Plan and authorize the Mayor to execute the contract
with revisions per City Attorney recommendations and budget amendment to fund this contract.
Seconded by Councilmember Rivera. The motion was approved 4-3 with Councilmembers Peden,
LeCour, and Hill opposed.
A lengthy conversation was held by Council as to the merits of entering into this contract.
**Councilmember Peden moved to appoint the Mayor's recommendation of Stephen Sweeney to the
West Ranch Management District Board to fill a vacancy with a term expiring June 2009.
Seconded by Councilmember Rivera. The motion was approved unanimously.
**Councilmember Peden moved to approve using name and title in response to a news representation
about the City of Friendswood's Chapter 380 Grant Award.
Seconded by Councilmember Ewing. The motion was approved 5-2 with Councilmembers Ewing and
Rivera opposed.
10/15/2007 2820
Tom Jacobs, editor of the Journal Newspaper, stated no malice was intended, in hindsight sees how use
of the word kick back was misconstrued and the feelings that were hurt by the news article and
apologized for the wording used.
RESOLUTIONS
**Councilmember Ewing moved to approve Resolution R2007-34—a Resolution of the City Council of the
City of Friendswood, Texas, Galveston/Harris Counties casting its ballot for the election of a person to the
Board of Directors of the Harris County Appraisal District for 2008/2009.
Seconded by Councilmember Rivera.
***Councilmember Ewing moved to approve Ed Heathcott for the election of a person to the Board of
Directors of the Harris County Appraisal District for 2008/2009.
Seconded by Councilmember Rivera. The motion failed 3-4 with Councilmembers LeCour, Hill, Reid,
and Peden opposed.
****Councilmember Peden moved to approve Richard (Dick) Yehle for the election of a person to the
Board of Directors of the Harris County Appraisal District for 2008/2009.
Seconded by Councilmember Rivera. The motion was approved unanimously.
**Councilmember Peden moved to approve Resolution R2007-35 — a Resolution of the City of
Friendswood, Texas, Galveston/Harris Counties casting 102 votes for electing person(s) to the Galveston
Central Appraisal District Board of Directors for 2008/2009 and cast all 102 votes for Victor Pierson.
Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously.
**Councilmember Peden moved to approve Resolution R2007-36 — a Resolution of the City of
Friendswood, Texas, hereby designating Councilmember Andy Rivera as Representative and
Councilmember Leslie Reid as Alternate to the Houston — Galveston Area Council 2008 General
Assembly and Board of Directors.
Seconded by Councilmember Ewing. The motion was approved unanimously.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS
Mayor Smith reported that he attended the Builder Developer Luncheon and the Fifth Annual Broker-
Developer Event and thanked Staff for both of these events.
Councilmember Rivera reported his thanks as well for the events and thanked Friendswood Chamber of
Commerce for their teamwork for hosting the annual golf tournament in conjunction with the Broker-
Developer event.
Councilmember Peden, Reid and LeCour had no reports.
Councilmember Ewing stated she was excited about the new fire station groundbreaking and also gave
thanks to Staff for the events held.
**Councilmember Peden made a motion to amend the Consent Agenda rule to remove dollar amount cap
from Consent Agenda.
Seconded by Councilmember Rivera. The motion was approved unanimously.
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CONSENT AGENDA
•*Councilmember Ewing moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented A. Approve renewal of
contract with Chamber of Commerce for economic development services. B. Authorize acceptance of the
2007 Homeland Security Grant and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement. C. Accept utility
easement for South Friendswood Force Main project and authorize the Mayor to execute the document
on behalf of the City. D. Approve Banner Permit Application for Friendswood Independent School Djstrict
to celebrate Education Foundation Week. E. Approve Minutes of October 1 and October 15, 2007
Meetings.
Seconded by Councilmember Peden. The motion was approved unanimously.
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 and Section 551.072 — Deliberation
regarding Real Property.
Council convened into Regular Session with no action taken later in the meeting.
RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
A motion was made and approved to adjourn at 11:26 PM.
Mayor David J.H. Smith
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