HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2001-06-18 Regular 1770
�
, STATE OF TEXAS )(
CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD )(
' COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS )(
JUNE 18, 2001 )(
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD CITY COUNClL THAT WAS HELD ON
MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2001 AT 7:00 P.M. AT FRIENDSWOOD CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 910 S.
FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE, FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS, WITH THE FOLLOWING PRESENT CONSTITUTING A
QUORUM:
MAYOR HAROLD L. WHITAKER
MAYOR PRO TEM LARRY TAYLOR
COUNCILMEMBER KITTEN BRIZENDINE
COUNCILMEMBER JERRY ERICSSON
COUNCILMEMBER TRACY GOZA
COUNCILMEMBER KIM BRIZENDINE
COUNC{LMEMBER MEL MEASELES
CITY ATTORNEY KIM MICKELSON
CITY MANAGER RON COX
CITY SECRETARY DELORIS MCKENZIE
Mayor Whitaker called the meeting to order.
The Invocation was given by Pastor John Wise from Friendswood Community Church
Mayor Whitaker led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and to the State of Texas
Mayor Whitaker and Chair of the Planning Zoning Commission Tom Burke called a Joint Docketed Public
Hearing to order to receive comments from the public, either oral or written regarding a request for a
zone classification change for 3.0322 acres at 1301 West Parkwood (FM 528) from SUP-Drainage
District Office to Business Park (BP).
Mr. AI Lentz, Lentz Engineering, representing Clear Creek Drainage District {CCDD), appeared before
Council and explained the rezoning is over a three-acre tract which is the entire CCDD property, they are
considering enlarging the facility, and stated the zoning change is necessary in order to make renovations
in a timely manner. Discussion continued regarding moving the facility back and rebuilding, selling off
the front portion of the tract, possibly one acre, and expanding. Discussion continued regarding other
properties in this area.
Mr. Carl Horecky, President of CCDD, and Mr. David Kocurek, General Manager of CCDD, were in
attendance in support of this rezoning.
No one spoke in favor or against the rezoning.
Hearing no comments, the Joint Docketed Public Hearing was closed.
Communications from Mayor and Councilmembers.
Councilmember Kitten Brizendine stated that her heart goes out to those that were flooded by Tropical
Storm Alfison, the damage is beyond comprehension, praised the staff for pulling together, commended
Acting Public Works Director Kaz Hamidian for the 2000 Drinking Water Quality Report, reported that
_,____ ,,,._,�.__,.__.,_._.�„ _.._......_
6/ 18/O1 1771
` Time-Warner is now providing the NASA Channel, and reported on attending the Flood Response meeting
that was set up by State Representation Nick Lampson and held at the Junior High.
" Councilmember Ericsson stated that there is a lot of sorrow with over 500 homes flooding in
Friendswood and is thankful that there were no serious injuries, spoke about the good communications in
place to get information out on how to better recover, and information on grants and funding available,
this type of information is being shown on the Mustang Channel, and on the radio at 1650 AM.
Councilmember Ericsson reported that his home flooded, and while cleaning up found a newspaper from
1997 regarding the Clear Creek Project and reported there are a group of residents that have banded
together and plan a meeting on June 30"' at the Activity Building with Congressman Nick Lampson and
reported that Congressman Nick Lampson visited Friendswood and asked about this project and if it
would have saved properties and the answer is yes, it would have, but the project has been slowed down
by environmentalists, reported there appears some restriction on Clear Creek at FM 528 and that he
believes the Clear Creek Project will be finished and certainly regrets it has not been finished in this
length of time.
Councilmember Goza thanked all the volunteers, the Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department(FVFD), the
Police Department(PD), the Emergency Operation Center(EOC)and stated that this was a job weli done.
Councilmember Kim Brizendine reported that he started a disaster relief group which is headquartered
at the Home Town Bank from 8 AM to 7:30 PM this week through Saturday, stated that the group is
averaging about six homes per day providing held with cleaning out, they are going to have to narrow
their scope of work due to houses being determined a priority, and hopes to go back through next week
for clean up services, reported that Randall's located on FM 528 is offering tetanus shots free of charge,
the Red Cross is working here and will deliver meals to homes of flood victims at no cost, reported on
insurance issues and encouraged those flooded to contact their insurance company and urged the
citizens to contact FEMA to expedite the process. Councilmember Brizendine petitioned the citizens of
Friendswood to continue to volunteer, and if they can help any time, please call the Disaster Relief Group
at Hometown Bank, stated that water, Gatorade, and ice are desperately needed, reported that on this
upcoming Saturday, 300 volunteers will be coming in, and the group needs help to serve, clean up, and
donations for food being prepared at the Friends Church.
Councilmember Taylor stated that this has been a trying couple of weeks, and during such times, the
true character comes out in a community and the community is doing a fine job, the volunteers are the
best, stated that the churches and Rotary Club of Friendswood rise to each occasion when there is a
need, reported that there is a lot of clean up to do, stated there has been a lot of apathy in completing
the Clear Creek Project and unfortunately this may energize this effort again, and come up with a
workable solution to this and make some progress, stated his heart goes out to those that have flooded,
the people may have to live in these conditions for months, this will be a long process, and stated that
whatever the citizens can do to help is very much appreciated and thanked all the volunteers from the
bottom of his heart.
Councilmember Measeles commented on the quality of the rescues that took place during the storm, the
emergency people were there in a matter of minutes, commented on Ms. Hopper talking about the Clear
Creek project not being a priority of Galveston County and stated that Galveston County Judge Yarbrough
spoke on the necessity of the creek project last Saturday, a lot of money will be needed to fix the creek
from participating counties, the project needs sponsors to raise the money to do the project, and
everyone has to work hard to see this project come about, and attended the hurricane preparedness
meeting last Saturday in League City. Councilmember Measeles stated this storm is just a wake-up call,
and asked everyone to imagine if this had been a full-blown hurricane, stated we need to be prepared and
have plans in case of another disaster regarding yourself, your family, and your home.
Councilmember Measeles asked the City Manager for a report on the First Call alert to see if there was a
6/ 18/O1 1772
'� need for corrections.
Mayor Whitaker reported he echoed what has been said, and thanked the volunteers, the FVFD, P.D.
` EOC, the city staff, church groups, the volunteer group headed up by Kim Brizendine, and stated all of
these groups show the true spirit of what this is all about, reported the City is in the process of cleaning
up, there has been more than 350 loads of debris taken to the landfill, the City is working hard and
committed to do everything they can do to ease the burden for those going through this, stated our
hearts go out to all of you and realize that this is a difficult time, stated that the City has a plan in place
and feels that it is working, it may not be perfect, but it is working, reported that the shelter housed
about 40 to 50 citizens during the storm but by Sunday evening the people that were there returned to
their homes or other places and the shelter closed. Mayor Whitaker reported the City started the clean
up Monday morning with damage assessment teams already hard at work. The Mayor stated there is
still a 4ong way to go with the clean up, and stated if there is anything that the City can do for anyone, to
let us know.
Communications from Public and Committees.
Mr. Jim Nowlin, #5 Earlham Dr., appeared before Council, and stated that his home has flooded before
and again during this storm, reported the last time his house flooded, it took seven months to put the
house back together and was appearing before Council tonight to address item eight on the agenda
regarding the temporary use of RV's for a 90-day period and asked Council to consider a longer length of
time and to provide individual exceptions and that this consideration would be very beneficial to those
whose houses flooded.
Mr. Carl Horecky, 415 Live Oak, and owner of the proposed rezoning change for 101 Live Oak, provided
written comments regarding the rezoning, and stated he needs four medium density lots to recover the
costs incurred over the past 20 years regarding this property, reported that Planning and Zoning
approved the recommendation, thought the process was a done deal, he was not in town when the
project was tabled, and asked Council for approval of Ordinance 2Q01-12 for this rezoning.
Ms. Jean Bilderback, Vice Chair of the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee, appeared before Council and
stated she is filling in for Chair Ginger Spade, who has been volunteering with the Red Cross for the last
six days. Ms. Bilderback reviewed the activities of the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee in addition to
other Senior events, and stated the Seniors have helped with the flood relief efforts, the Chamber's
Operation Thank you, and thanked Council for their support.
Mayor Whitaker stated that Council appreciates all this committee does, thanked all of the committee
members and stated the City appreciates their indulgence in being displaced due to the Red Cross
operating out of the Activity Center.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT.
City Manager Cox reported on the Citizen Radar Loan Program that has been developed by the Police
Department. This program offers the loan of hand-held radar units to homeowners associations and
private citizens in order to monitor motor vehicle speed in their neighborhoods. This program provides
citizens with the opportunity to take an active role in making their neighborhoods safer and also foster a
closer community/police relationship. Mr. Cox reported on the storm shutters that were recently
installed on the City Hall. The shutters were purchased with funds from the Emergency Management
Grant received from the state, in the amount of$5,700 for City Hall. Other shutters will be purchased for
other buildings as funds become available.
Mr. Cox also reported on 1'ropical Storm Aflison and presented some of the statistics which follow:
Tuesday, June 5, 2001, rained 10.5 inches in 3 hours, 85 homes flooded; Friday night, June 9 through
6J18/Ol 1773
Saturday afternoon, June 10 rained 17 inches; Clear Creek crested at 20.4 feet(the 1979 flood crested
at 19.4 feet) above sea level, normal elevation is 3-5 feet; 25 subdivisions had flooding; 489 homes
flooded; 250 homes lost power; 65 rescue calls were dispatched by PD; 150 persons rescued from
` dispatches by PD; 300 rescued overall according to records of FVFD; 133 persons registered in the
shelter; 40 persons stayed one night in the shelter; hundreds ate meals provided by volunteers; hundreds
of volunteers gave time, money, and materials in the rescues, shelter, church donation locations, home
clean ups, and recovery; members from four churches coordinated the donations of clothing, food,
drinks, cleaning supplies for hundreds of recipients; bank offered to receive and manage monetary
donations and church volunteers are determining the recipients of cash grants; set up the first Red Cross
Service Center in the area; began picking up debris two days following the major flooding using
manpower, trucks, and equipment provided by Galveston County Judge Jim Yarbrough, Clear Creek
Drainage District, and city crews; met with Congressman Nick Lampson and State Senator Mike Jackson
with neighborhood citizens about Clear Creek; Congressman Nick Lampson arranged for and hosted a
meeting between FEMA representatives and citizens.
Mr. Cox also discussed the Ciear Creek Project, the buy-out program, grant funds for hazard mitigation,
the flood program, permits, and the city sirens. Mr. Cox stated that the city is dedicated to be
responsive and to continue to assist the citizens of Friendswood.
Discussion continued regarding"First Call" automated phone calls, the sirens, scams, price gouging,
scavenging, communications, FEMA buy out provision, Substantial Damage Rule and a meeting with
FEMA.
ACTION ITEMS
*'�Councilmember Kitten Brizendine moved to approve action regarding finding and declaring that
temporary occupancy in a travel trailer, as that term is defined in Chapter 50 of the Code of Ordinances,
and Recreational Vehicles or Modular Buildings, is not a permanent residential use when such occupancy
is to provide for sheltering for residents displaced from their homes as a result of the severe flooding that
occurred June 5 through June 10, 2001, for a 90 day period from this Council action.
Seconded by Councilmember Taylor. The motion was approved unanimously.
RESOLUTIONS
�`*Councilmember Kim Brizendine moved to approve Resolution R2001-32; A Resolution of the City of
Friendswood, Texas, Declaring a Local State of Disaster.
Seconded by Councilmember Taylor. The motion was approved unanimously.
ORD{NANCES
X*Councilmember Measeles moved to approve Ordinance No. T2001-12; Second and final reading of an
Ordinance of the City of Friendswood, Texas, An Ordinance amending appendix C of the Friendswood City
Code, said appendix C being the City of Friendswood, Texas, Ordinance No. 84-15, as amended,
originally adopted the 19t'' day of November, 1984, and being the Zoning Ordinance of the City, by
changing the Zoning Classification of a certain 0.4951 acre tract of land from Community Shopping
Center (CSC), to Multi-Family Residential-High Density (MFR-H); said tract being situated in the Perry
and Austin League, Abstract No. 20, Galveston County, being located within the City at 101 Live Oak
Street, and being described by metes and bounds; providing for the amendment of the official Zoning
Map of the City; providing for severability; and providing a penalty of an amount not exceed $2,000 for
each day of violation of any provision hereof.
Seconded by Councilmember Kitten Brizendine. The motion was approved unanimously.
*�`Councilmember Taylor moved to approve Ordinance No. T2001-15; Second and final reading of an
6/ 18/O1 1774
• 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 ciassification of a certain three
' acre parcel of land from Single-Family Residential District (SFR) to Planned Unit Development District
(PUD); granting a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for certain residential uses under certain terms and
conditions, said property being located at 1211 Crawford Street, out of Lot 46 of the Hoidale and
Coffman Subdivision and described by metes and bounds; providing for the amendment of the official
Zoning Map of the City; providing for severability; and providing a penalty of an amount not to exceed
$2,000 for each day of violation of any provision hereof.
Seconded by Councilmember Goza. The motion passed 6-1 with Mayor Whitaker opposed.
**Councilmember Kim Brizendine moved to approve Ordinance E2001-16; First and final reading of an
Ordinance of the City of �riendswood, Texas, requiring registration and licensing of providers of building
and repair services; providing for a fee for such registration and licensing; providing for a penalty in an
amount not to exceed $2,000 per day of violation hereof; declaring an emergency; and providing for
severability.
Seconded by Councilmember Measeles. The motion was approved unanimously.
***Councilmember Taylor moved to amend Ordinance E2001-16 to include that contractors who are
already registered with the City shall only be required to provide proof of insurance as described herein
with minimum limits of $300,000 per occurrence, and are not required to submit a new registration.
Seconded by Councilmember Ericsson. The motion was approved unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA
�*Councilmember Kim Brizendine moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. A. Payment of
Capital Projects. 1. Ground Storage Tank Rehabilitation with payment in the amount of$4,134.25 to
Wayne Smith & Associates for engineering services. To date, 62 percent of the contract has been
expended. 2. Tower Estates Waterline Replacement with payment in the amount of$1,850.00 to Wayne
Smith&Associates for engineering services. To date, 94 percent of the contract has been expended. 3.
16" Melody to Sunset Waterline/8" East Heritage Sanitary Sewer Replace with payment in the amount of
$191,318.40 to Ramos Industries, Inc. for construction services. To date, 42 percent of the contract has
been expended. B. Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign contracts for the Update to the
Comprehensive Plan. 1. Approve contract with University of Texas—Arlington for services. 2. Approve
contract with Dr. Anjomante for services. C. Resolution R2001-29, a resolution of the City of
Friendswood authorizing intervention in TNP's application to establish Price to Beat Fuel Factor filed at
the PUC, Docket No. 24194. D. Approve Contract with G&Z for Public Works Addition. E. Declare an
emergency for immediate repair to storm sewer at Dorado and St. Andrews, Sunmeadow Subdivision,
and authorize expenditure from Fund Balance. F. Property Tax Report for the month of May 2001. G.
Approve the Minutes of May 29 and June 4 Council meeting with corrections.
Seconded by Councilmember Kitten Brizendine. The motion was approved unanimously.
6/ 18/Ol 1775
A motion was made and approved to adjourn at 8:50 PM.
Mayor Harold L. Whitaker
Attest:
Deloris McKenzie, TRMC
City Secretary