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Home My WebLink AboutCC Minutes 2008-12-01 Special 12/01/2008 3042 ._._ STATE OF TEXAS )( CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD )( COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS )( DECEMBER 01, 2008 )( MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD CITY COUNCIL THAT WAS HELD ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 01, 2008, AT 6:30 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 COUNCILMEMBER MICHAEL BARKER(arrived at 7:00 PM) COUNCILMEMBER JIM BARR (arrived at 7:00 PM) COUNCILMEMBER JIM HILL COUNCILMEMBER LESLIE REID COUNCILMEMBER BILL HOLBERT CITY ATTORNEY BOBBY GERVAIS ACTING CITY MANAGER ROGER ROECKER DEPUTY CITY SECRETARY MELINDA WELSH (left at 7:00 PM) CITY SECRETARY DELORIS MCKENZIE (arrived at 7:00 PM) Mayor Pro-Tem Rivera was absent from the meeting. Mayor Smith called the meeting to order. """ SPECIAL SESSION A discussion was held regarding the FM 518 Access Management Study implementation. Community Development Interim Director Morad Kabiri stated a study was done and the results were that traffic medians cause fewer accidents. Councilmember Hill stated when the City of Pearland added medians it caused lots of problems and stated he did a petition many years ago to not put medians in around Chigger Creek on FM 518, in Friendswood the left turn lanes on FM 2351 should be made larger, put a cut in at Hunter's Creek, Leisure Lane has a u-turn but most people have large cars so it is hard to turn. Mr. Kabiri stated 52,000 vehicles per day go down our roads according to the traffic study with a significant decrease in accidents when they install medians, u-turns are tricky, there is a reduction in conflict when you funnel to a particular spot. Councilmember Hill asked if Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will build whether we want them to or not and Mr. Kabiri stated no TxDOT would not. Councilmember Reid asked how it improves safety and Mr. Kabiri stated people can make a u-turn anywhere on the road now and with raised medians it would funnel them to a certain area, at the moment vehicles are trying to make left turn lanes and vehicles are coming off side lanes, FM 518 has medians except for the Chigger Creek area and stated past Hunter's Creek there are no medians. Mayor Smith stated FM 2351 is a heavily traveled area and adding medians would cause problems for people that live there. Councilmember Holbert asked if TxDOT fill the medians with dirt does the City have to maintain and landscape it. Mr. Kabiri stated concrete would be easier to maintain but depends on if the concern is beautification then the City might want to do landscape. Mayor Smith stated the City could put in crepe myrtles in median and nothing to impede line-of-sight. Councilmember Hill asked how TxDOT would determine where to put a left turn lane and Mr. Kabiri stated the location of the median openings and turn lanes depend on where development may take place later, it is subject to change when property is developed, would work with developer and TxDOT. Mayor Smith stated he would want to warrant a phone call or a meeting with West Ranch developers to give their input. Mr. Kabiri stated it was a good � idea to meet with affected property owners in that area also. Councilmember Holbert asked if money is a one time grant and Mr. Kabiri stated the City can only use the grant money for this project and no other. Councilmember Holbert asked if the City could use extra money for landscaping and Mr. Kabiri stated the 12/01/2008 3043 � City cannot, only concrete and dirt. Community Service Director James Toney stated he attended the meeting with TxDOT also and TxDOT stated they could put irrigation in with the money left over. Councilmember Reid asked if inedians do help with reducing traffic accidents and Mr. Kabiri stated studies indicate that is the case. Councilmember Hill stated he cannot get his tractors and big vehicles into his drive safely if there are medians and he has to do a u-turn just to get in. Councilmember Reid asked for safety data that states medians are safer and Mr. Kabiri stated he would provide that information. Mayor Smith stated they would put it on the next agenda. 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. 7:00 PM—REGULAR SESSION The invocation was given by Pastor Dan Loaiza with Calvary Chapel. Mayor Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and to the State of Texas. SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS A special presentation was given for the Five Star Spirit Employee Award for the Third Quarter of 2008 to Kimberly Zrubek, Library Information Technologist at the Friendswood Public Library. �"" COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC The Friendswood Heritage Gardeners spoke regarding the Blue Star Memorial Highway Plaque and stated the Friendswood Heritage Gardeners organized and purchased the plaque that recognizes families with a family member in the Military, the plaque has been received to be placed in Stevenson Park to be seen along FM 518 for the public to remember and is ready to be installed, would like to plan a dedication service after the plaque has been installed. Bobbie Jones, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated there was heavy traffic on FM 528, it is hard to get out of Forest Bend subdivision and is time for a traffic signal at the intersection of Townes Road and FM 528 and it is very dangerous. Fred Krch, Friendswood resident since 1960, addressed Council and read a Proclamation that was given to him by a previous Mayor regarding the Constitution of the Bill of Rights, Mr. Krch suggested hanging a banner declaring Lest we forget the Bill of Rights and what it means to us on December 15, 2008, as an annual Bill of Rights day. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMITTEES AND SPECIAL REPORTS No communications or special reports were given by any Committees. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT The Acting City Manager had no report. .�. 12/01/2008 3044 � ACTION ITEMS *'`Councilmember Reid moved to approve permitting the San Joaquin Homeowner's Association to install a community monument sign within the City's right-of-way. Seconded by Councilmember Holbert. The motion was approved 5-0. "*Councilmember Barr moved to approve the disposition of the alternate bid for Bid No. 2008-07 for the lighting of the City Hall Additional Parking Lot Expansion and authorization for appropriations of funds. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved 5-0. RESOLUTIONS **Councilmember Hill moved to approve the following 6 resolutions as follow: Resolution R2008-92 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, determining that an easement is needed for construction and maintenance of utilities as part of the 16-inch Water Transmission Line Project; approving the purchase of said easement from Zane L. and Mary K. Lantz, property owners. Resolution R2008-93 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, determining that an easement is needed for construction and maintenance of utilities as part of the 16-inch Water Transmission Line Project; approving the purchase of said easement from William S. and Constance J. O'Keefe, property owners. Resolution R2008-94 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, determining that an easement is needed for construction and maintenance of utilities as part of the 16-inch Water " Transmission Line Project; approving the purchase of said easement from Larry Moore, property owner. Resolution R2008-95 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, determining that an easement is needed for construction and maintenance of utilities as part of the 16-inch Water Transmission Line Project; approving the purchase of said easement from Roberta A. and Claude M. . Marlow, Jr., property owners. Resolution R2008-97 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, determining that an easement is needed for construction and maintenance of utilities as part of the 16-inch Water Transmission Line Project; approving the purchase of said easement from George E. and Nona J. Herrera, property owners. Resolution R2008-98 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, determining that an easement is needed for construction and maintenance of utilities as part of the 16-inch Water Transmission Line Project; approving the purchase of said easement from Ronald M. and Rosemary C. Dyer, property owners. Seconded by Councilmember Barr. The motion was approved 5-0. No action was taken at this time on Resolution R2008-96 -A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, determining that an easement is needed for construction and maintenance of utilities as part of the 16-inch Water Transmission Line Project; approving the purchase of said easement from Kenneth T. and Michelle L. Ham, property owners. ,.�. 12/01/2008 3045 .,� ORDINANCES *'`Councilmember Reid moved to approve the second and finai reading of Ordinance T2008-42, 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 12.260 acre tract located at 1700 W. Parkwood (FM 528) from Singie Family Residential (SFR) to Single Family Residential- Specific Use Permit (SFR-SUP), such tract located in the City of Friendswood, Galveston County, Texas; providing for the amendment of the City's Official Zoning Map; 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 5-0. **Councilmember Holbert moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance T2008-43, An Ordinance electing for the City to make current service and prior service contributions to the City's account in the Municipal Accumulation Fund of the Texas Municipal Retirement System at the actuarially determined rate of total employee compensation. Seconded by Councilmember Reid. The motion was approved 5-0. "*Councilmember Barr moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance T2008-44, An Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Friendswood, Texas, by amending Chapter 54, Section 54-192 "Exemptions," pertaining to the prohibition of sex offenders residing within 2,000 feet of a School or Child Care facility; making certain findings; providing a penalty of an amount not to exceed $500 for violation of any provision hereof; repealing all ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent or in conflict herewith; and providing for severability. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved 5-0. � *'`Councilmember Reid moved to approve the first and final reading of Ordinance T2008-45, An Ordinance amending City of Friendswood, Texas, Ordinance No. 2007-15, passed and approved September 17, 2007, same being an ordinance approving and adopting the City's General Budget for Fiscal Year 2007-2008, by approving "Budget Amendment III" to the "Original General Budget of the City of Friendswood, Texas, for the Fiscal Year 2007-2008"; providing for supplemental appropriation and/or transfer of certain funds; providing for severability; and providing other matters related to the subject. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approve 5-0. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS Councilmember Barr reported on the Parks Master Plan and stated the Parks and Recreation Board are working on the Parks Master Plan, which has not been updated in a long time, this will save the City thousands of dollars by the Parks and Recreation Board doing the study internally, this is exciting for the City of Friendswood and moves this project forward with a Public Hearing being held and stated "Go Mustangs"for playing in the football playoffs. Councilmember Hill reported that the parkland donated from Friendswood Development at West Ranch is almost complete. The Acting City Manager thanked Councilmember Hill for doing the dirt work at this site. Councilmember Reid congratulated the Friendswood Mustangs and wished them luck on the next game on Saturday. Announced there will be a ribbon cutting for Fire Station No. 4 on Thursday at 2:00 PM and dedication of naming the Public Safety Building (PSB) as the Arden C. Hill Junior building as the first Police Officer for the City. '""" 12/01/2008 3046 � Councilmember Holbert had no report. Mayor Smith reported on the Brown House Tree Lighting tomorrow night and stated he hoped everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and Holiday. CONSENT AGENDA *'`Councilmember Reid moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented A. Accept the public improvements associated with the Clover Acres Drainage Project for the contractor's one-year maintenance period. B. Accept the public improvements associated with the Clover Acres Drainage Project for the contractor's one-year maintenance period. C. Authorize Council to invoke Rule 1(A) of the Rules of Procedure to schedule the regular January Council meetings for 2009, due to Martin Luther King, Jr's Birthday. D. Accept October 2008 Property Tax Report. E. Approve Minutes of November 14, 2008 Meeting. Seconded by Councilmember Holbert. The motion was approved 5-0. Mayor Smith reported that the January meetings are still being set at this time, bu# looking at January 12 and 26th, 2009. 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 re-convened into Regular Session at 8:45 PM with no action taken later in the meeting. RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION A motion was made and approved to adjourn at 8:46PM. Mayor David .H. Smith Attest: � � De oris McKenzie, TRM City Secretary �� FR�ENO� � �O u ° v .� * ,�„ �,�!'a