HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2003-09-08 Regular 09/08/03 2058
STATE OF TEXAS )(
CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD )(
COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS )(
SEPTEMBER 8, 2003 )(
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD CITY COUNCIL THAT WAS HELD ON
MONDAY, S�PTEMBER 8,2003 AT 6:00 PM AT FRIEND9�/VOOD CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS,910
S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE, FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS, WITH THE FOLLOWING PRESENT
CONSTITUTING A QUORUM:
MAYOR KIM BRfZENDINE
MAYOR PRO-TEM JERRY ERICSSON
COUNCILMEMBER LAURA EWING
COUNCILMEMBER TRACY GOZA
COUNCILMEMBER DAVID J. H. SMITH
COUNCILMEMBER SHANNON KIMMEL
COUNCILMEMBER MEL MEASELES
CITY ATTORNEY LOREN SMITH (arr. at 7:10 pm)
CITY MANAGER RON COX
ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY KARLA FOSTER (left at 7:10 pm)
RECORDS SPEGIALIST MELINDA K. WELSH (arr. at 7:10 pm)
Mayor Brizendine called the meeting to order.
SPECIAL SESSION —UPSTAIRS CONFERENCE ROOM
Discussion was held regarding the Main Street Enhancement Plan. Mayor Brizendine introduced Alton Todd,
Chair of the Main Street.lmplementation Task Force,who explained the Main Street Enhancement Plan study
and the reason for the study, $120,000 has been put towards Main Street, is a very positive reaction from the
community, there are people who disagree but most agree,can go forward with Main Street for Friendswood
--- or it will develop either on its own inertia or have some influence on how it takes pface. The three major
issues are waste of taxpayers dollars, if nothing is done it will take on it's own personality and. possibly
decrease the value of the property in Friendswood,the people it directly affects are very positive about it,then
there is a wet/dry issue, feels the wet/dry issue is not a Main Street issue but feels it is an issue by itself. The
Task Force's main issue is to make this good for all citizens and not just people who may want to eat out or
who may want this to be a 6th Street, thinks it would be a disservice to turn Main Street into a wetldry issue,
City Council needs to do what they think is the best thing for the community, if they want to provide more
opportunities for the citizens of Friendswood, if the answer is yes then you would want to support this.
A question and answer session with further discussion took place between the Mayor, Council and
representatives from the Main Street Implementation Task Force including reasons for an increase in property
value, commercial value would provide opportunities to the entire city, the better the business the higher the
value of the property, the goal is to bring in a class developer versus letting it develop on iYs own because the
type of developer will determine if the property values increase or decrease,want to try and influence the type
of businesses that come into the area and the timeline that they come in, the biggest issue when this first
began was the functionality and the measurability of the businesses that come in, can we assure that the right
kind of business comes in, no but we can spend a lot of time to make sure to the best of our ability that the
right kind of business comes in, cannot promise high property value but also cannot promise that what is there
will increase if nothing is done,there is hardly any developable property available in Friendswood, influence is
the most power they have towards this Main Street goal, they are not really going to be the final say, FM2351
09/08/03 � 2059
was the hot spot in town until FM528 came in, redevelopment itself proves that,what Aiton Todd did with the
Brown property proves that redevelopment does make property increase, members of Council stated they are
very much for this project but asks questions to be informed for the public, is the$200,000 just for Main Street,
no, but it will allow them to find out exactly what they can do and.how far they can go, there are a lot of things
that a developer will not want to do until they know that there is a good plan such as zoning, drainage and
detention already set-up, they are focusing on the Town Center because it will have the most commercial __,
devefopment, this needs to be attractive but nof so large fhat it sends people away,wil(there be zoning issues,
part of what will come out of the plan will be a zoning plan which is done just for this issue, and is trying to get
the zoning straight now, the plan talks about zoning in the Main Street area without a Planned Unit
Deveiopment or Specific Use Permit and the relevance of the old district as it applies to this area, it is not
mandatory that wet/dry pass then it is relevant, Louis May said this at a meeting, Council will need to be ready
to face these issues, it is an important issue for peopie who want to develop restaurants in fhe new area,there
are very few gasoline stores because they cannot sell beer or alcohol in that area, wet/dry is not really an
issue, sees areas where they do sell alcohol even though it is dry, because it is becoming easier to sell even in
dry areas, the old report for Main Street says Friendswood it not an easy place for commercial to develop,
feels there are some hard issues regarding zoning and wet/dry, is concerned when it comes time to make the
hard decisions will we be able to deal with naysayers, was hoping to hear what all of Council feels about that,
does not feel wet/dry is a"deal killer" but it could slow things down if it does not pass, it is important for Council
to talk about the wet/dry issue and make sure they are together on this and go look in other areas and see
how they have it, to clarify from a process standpoint $200,000 is spent and study in detail what needs to
happen for a developer to come in and do this, do the initial investment like a smaller developer, lay it out and
answer all questions and have it ready for the developer and can show it to the developer and say we have it
ready now all you have to do is invest it, the right developer will have to be someone who takes a step out in
faith and wait for a return on their money, knowing that going in, need to try.and minimize the risks at the
beginning for a developer, need to buiid antl hold developers then build and sell developers,wifl need support
through the City for zoning and such to help this process, that is one of the goals,to devise a method for those
issues, the build and hold type is not going to want to take risks, so there will be issues like zoning and all
together ahead of time. Need to be up-front with Council, this study could come back and say this is not a
feasible plan even after spending this$200,000 but thinks what is relevant is what has been said today,hopes
this will create a"together"downtown area and the public seems to want this, most developers will notwant to
invest in this area because we do not really have a downtown, two things going on in Pearland right now is
Nano Tech which is a development site off of SH288 not far from Brittany Bay, NASCAR is clearing a few _.__,
hundred acres, and will be seeing many more people come into our area, is very concerned about leaving this
process without having any say on what happens, it is important to have influence over this project, is there
something out there thaf is known about this project that would be definite. Main Street Task Force, after
consulting with Mr. May, believes it is a go, but there is always an unknown, if Council votes no to the
$200,000 then the project would be over, is for this but has many questions and needs to give good answers
to the citizens, what is after and when does digging start, after they close on the transaction and have
contracts on all the property and then you can dig, but first City Councit needs to have a development plan
. ahead of time, need to be aware that there are also some hard items to come up against and are not going to
be real popular among all of the committees within the City such.as open areas and trees, it is just important
to just keep everyone informed about what will be done, there is the fact that everything is going up and not
out and ►eaving a lot of greenery, there is a lot of Community Appearance Board support, will they favor
parking in the back of these places, yes, as long as there are some open spaces and green spaces, does not
perceive that there will be only one group handling this, but many working in the same direction, are looking for
experts who have done this before, this can be a very painful process,this process will define exactly what can
happen and what changes will need to be made and some may be very painful especially with the zoning of
commercial and single family housing in the same area and how this will work,with recommendations being
made, but at some point Council will have to make difficult decisions and is Council ready to make these
decisions, this plan may take time and we have to be prepared for that and the pain it can cause, this is the
09/08/03 2060
end of the Main Street Task Force since they have given their recommendation and now Council has to decide
where to go from here. Mayor thanked Alton Todd, Bill Finger and Karen Capps for all of their hard work and
dedication to this project and has enjoyed working with the group. Council thanked Councilmember Goza for
bringing everyone together, and for the wisdom that everyone shared, which is appreciated. Asked is it
; _ possible to keep this committee together for the future, is moving toward the Main Street Steering Committee
to oversee the projects that are coming up, have talked with each of the current members who have agreed to
serve in different positions, and there will be a change in roles. Asked what are the 5 sub-components'that
should be known and the answer is Land Availability, Land Mix,Acquisition and Development Mechanism,and
Communication.
The Mayor adjourned this portion of the meeting at 7:06 PM. .
REGULAR SESSION—COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Mayor Brizendine called the meeting to order at 7:13 PM.
The Invocation was given by Pastor Mike McAlister from Friendswood Church of Christ.
Mayor Brizendine led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and to the State of 7exas.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR AND GOUNCILMEMBERS
Councilmember Measeles, Councilmember Kimmel and Councilmember Goza had no report,
Councilmember Smith reported he wiil attend several upcoming Homeowner's Association (HOA) meetings
and invited other Councilmembers to attend. The meetings are with the Imperial Gardens HOA on September
23 at 7:00 pm at the Friendswood Library, Annalea HOA on September 18 at 7:00 pm at the Senior Citizen's
Activity Building, and the Forest Bend HOA on October 8 at 7:00 pm at the Forest Bend Civic Building.
Councilmember Ericsson reported that the Galveston County Mayor&Council's meeting is this Wednesday
___. and if the vote goes well he will be elected President of this organization,the Houston-Galveston Area Council
meeting is upcoming, the two-year anniversary of 9/11 is coming up and feels like the War on Terrorism is
doing well, thanks to the military for what they have done to keep us safe. El.ection Day is next Saturday with
several amendments io the constituiion and encouraged everyone to go and vote.
Councilmember Ewing reported she and Counciimember Ericsson attended the Harris County Mayor &
Council's meeting on August 21, she attended the Community Appearance Board meeting on August 26, the
Friendswood Public Library Open House on August 27, reported that October 25 is Fall HauI-A-Day, and on
September 10 goes and talks about the Declaration of Independence at Westwood Elementary on their
announcement because they will be celebrating freedom this week.
Mayor Brizendine reported.he attended several meetings and reminded Council that State Representative
Larry Taylor will be having a Golf Tournament fundraising event tomorrow at Timber Creek at 11:30 am to get
ready for next election.
The Mayor presented a proclama;ien to the Friendswood Historical Society proclaiming Friendswood's
Heritage Day Celebration to be held on September 20, 2003. The proclamation was presented to Evelyn
Newrnan and other Historical Society members present. The Mayor reported the upcoming celebration would
bring in antique cars, an antiques appraiser, good food, tours of the museum, petting zoo, quilt auction, etc.
and encourages everyone to attend and learn more about their community,
09/08/03 2061
Counciimember Ewing stated this would be a good opportunity for children to learn local history.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mr. Peter Dittmer, 2856 Martina Drive, in Windsor Estates appeared before Council and spoke regarding the _.__
City's Utility Billing administrative fee. He stated he was in California all summer, his water bill was high and
received a 10% penalty for late payment, the City's bill is too difficult to figure out what the fees are and what
they mean, and is too hard to decipher bills and termination notice.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM GOMMITTEES AND SPECIAL REPORTS
Jon Branson, Director of Community Services, briefly described the beautification award, stated four
businesses in the past year have won and is there to present plaques to Jeter Funeral Home,
McDonalds@FM528 & FM518, Huntington Woods Apartments, Wendy's @ FM2351, this is awarded by the
' Community Appearance Board on a quarterly basis, and if anyone has a business they want to recommend
contact a Community Appearance Board representative or the Community Services Department.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Terry Byrd, Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Coordinator, recently received the announcement that the
City of Friendswood has been named a"StormReady" city. The National Weather Service (NWS) provides
this designation to communities that meet their standards for preparation for storms that might hit the City.
This designation is based on the City's preparedness in identification,early warning,and response to storms in
the area. Terry Byrd and his Staff worked closely with representatives of tlie NWS in their League City office
to complete the application and meet the requirements for this designation. It is our understanding this is the
first designation in this NWS region and that there are about 30 of these designations around the State of
Texas. Once again, the City's Staff excels in providing levefs of service that meet high standards of quality
and preparedness. .
The National Weather service will be at the next Council meeting to make the official designation and the City
will be able to put signs up at the entrance to the City that indicates it is a StormReady City. .__.
ACTION ITEMS
Councilmember Goza left the Council Chambers at this time due to a conflict of interest.
`'`Councilmember Measetes moved to approve action regarding approval of authorization for interlocal
Agreement with the City of League City to lease capacity in the Blackhawk Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Seconded by Councilmember Ericsson. The motion was approved 6-0. '
Councilmember Goza returned to the Council Chambers at this time. �
ORDINANCES
"`*Councilmember Smith moved to remove from the table Ordinance No. 72003-1'I.
Seconded by Councilmember Ericsson. The motion was approved unanimousiy.
**Councilmember Smith moved to approve the Second and Final reading of Ordinance No. T2003-11, an
Ordinance amending Appendix C of the Friendswood City Code, said Appendix C being City of Friendswood,
� 09/08/03 2062
Texas, Ordinance No. 84-1.5, as amended, originally adopted the 19ih day of November 1984, and being the
Zoning Ordinance of the City, by changing the Zoning Ciassification of a certain 2.04 acre tract of land from
Single Family Residential (SFR) to Planned Unit Development District(PUD);said 2.04 acre tract loc.ated at
No. 8 Queen's Lane within the City, and by granting a Specific Use Permit authorizing the use of said PUD for
_.. "Single Family Residential Dwelling" purposes; 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 Kimmel. The motion was approved unanimously.
''*Councilmember Goza moved to approve the First and Final reading of Ordinance No. T2003-16, an
Ordinance of the City of Friendswood, Texas providing for the approval of the Agreement dated, August 18,
2003, between the State of Texas and the City ef Friendswood, Texas, for the installation, constr�ction,
existence, use, operation and maintenance of highway traffic signals and lighting at the locations shown on
Exhibit"A", attached hereto and made a part hereof, in the City of Friendswood; providing for the execution of
said Agreement; declaring an emergency; providing for severability; and repealing all ordinances in conflict
herewith.
Seconded by Councilmember Ericsson. The motion was approved unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA
�*Gouncilmember Goza moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. A. Payment of Capital Projects
1. Sunmeadow Drainage Improvements with payment in the amount of$59,852.40 to Claunch&Miller, Inc.,
for engineering services. To date, 35 percent of the contract has been expended. 2. Longwood Park Utility
Improvements with payment in the amount of$2,840.75 and $422.19 to SCL Engineering for engineering
services. To date, 97 percent of the contract has been expended. 3. Sanitary Sewer Force Main Redirect for
Forest Bend and Wedgewood Village with payment in the amount of $15,397.50 to SCL Engineering for
engineering services. To date, 84 percent of the contract has been expended. Total payments .were
$78,512.84. B. Approve Disposition of Bid No. 2003-10 for Gravity.Sanitary Sewer for San Joaquin Estates.
C. Approve Banner Permit Applications. 1. Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department. 2. Community
Appearance Board. 3. Friendswood Historical Society. D. Approve Minutes of August 11 and 18, 2003,
___. Meetings.
Seconded by Councilmember Smith. The motion was approued unanimously.
A motion was made and approved to adjourn at 7:50 PM.
�
��'^ ' �.
-�r�..:.. �-�A � )
Mayor Kimball W. Brizendir�e
Attest:
/` - " �2�'�� :�i'� ,.
De oris McKenzie, TR C
City Secretary