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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2010-01-25 Special 01/25/2010 3265 STATE OF TEXAS )( CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD )( COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS )( JANUARY 25, 2010 )( MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD CITY COUNCIL THAT WAS HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2010, AT 6:00 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 ANDY RIVERA COUNCILMEMBER MICHAEL BARKER COUNCILMEMBER JIM HILL COUNCILMEMBER LESLIE REID COUNCILMEMBER BILL HOLBERT CITY ATTORNEY BOBBY GERVAIS CITY MANAGER ROGER ROECKER CITY SECRETARY DELORIS MCKENZIE Councilmember Barr was absent from the meeting. Mayor Smith called the meeting to order. � SPECIAL SESSION A discussion was held regarding the adoption of 2006 versus 2009 Building/Fire Codes. Community Development Deputy Director Frank Manigold presented a PowerPoint presentation showing the new 2006 code. New legislation has been adopted which includes permit fee's and fire sprinkler systems are Appendix P which would not have to be adopted with the 2006 Code but may be implemented. The 2003 Code is in compliance with Insurance Services Organization (ISO), the City will need to adopt the 2009 Code in a matter of a couple of years which will make some changes from Appendix P to the Building Planning and Construction Section of the Code. The National Electric Code changes will effect Smoke Alarm requirements, some builders are using the 2008 National Electric Code at this time prior to the City adopting this updated Code, changes are always being made to the Code, verbiage is sometimes clarifying to better administer the Code. Staff stated it may be a benefit for ISO ratings to move forward to adopting the 2009 Code, need to remember the impact in the building circle, can adopt 2009 without the fire sprinkler systems for residential, only one home is known to have a fire sprinkler system in place and that was built by a local fire fighter. Staff will provide area Cities statistics on the codes that are used locally. Council concurred with Staff to move forward with the process to adopt the 2009 International Residential Code and the International Building Code with the exception of the Fire Sprinkler System for Residential Building. The current Fire Code ISO Rating is a 3, the lower the number the better and the Building ISO Rating is a 5, this impacts citizens insurance rates. 7:00 PM—REGULAR SESSION The invocation was given by Deacon Paul Robinson with Mary Queen Catholic Church. Mayor Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and to the State of Texas. ,.�. 01/25/2010 3266 ..., SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS A special presentation of the Five Star Spirit Employee Award for the Fourth Quarter of 2009 was given to Katina Hampton, Deputy Director of Administrative Services-Fiscal Operations. Katina is going on her third year with the City of Friendswood. Prior to her career in the public sector, Katina served in a managerial capacity at several hotels. In March 2007, she was hired as the Budget Manager for the City of Friendswood. As it was the beginning of the budget season, Katina had to "dive in". She quickly learned the software and the City's environment and culture. She gained the confidence and respect of the budget team. While learning her new position, Katina continued her education and goal to receive her Master's Degree. She was awarded her MBA in May 2008. In October 2009, Katina was promoted to Deputy Director of Administrative Services-Fiscal Operations. Her primary responsibilities include budget and utility billing. In November 2009, she reached another personal goal and attained Certified Government Finance Officer's credentials. In addition to her City responsibilities, in January 2010, she agreed to serve the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Government Finance Officer's Association as Treasurer to the organization. The comments received on her nomination reiterate these sentiments: "She is extraordinary in her work and always has a positive attitude. Anytime I need help she is always willing to help and provide her time. It makes my job easier! She is always on top of her job and provides assistance. She is truly an asset to the City". Katina is married and very active with her family and her church. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC Steve Stack, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated his home backs up to property proposed to build a hotel, wanted to go on records as to being opposed to the property being developed � as a three story building looking into residents backyards. This is a safety issue and has concern for the children attending the school adjacent to this area with many other issues, is asking for help and asked the City to continue to research. Mark Tilley, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he is adjacent to this proposed hotel development and has a number of concerns. There is a major safety issue regarding children, home values and privacy with a hotel overlooking into the back of homes. He stated he found out about this project when it appeared in the local newspaper and knows this has been looked at since about 2007 and believes this is being directed through the Economic Development Committee. This should have been publicized to the public in the area for child safety issues like the Laura Smither case. Curt Roberts, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he is President of Boca Rotan Homeowners Association (HOA) and has lived in the area for 18 years. There are concerns concerning property values, crime, safety issues and concerned for the safety of the children walking/riding bicycles to the area school. There are issues of the hotel backing up to residential homes and as HOA President he thought this was an issue. Everyone is wondering about the economic issues and how this hotel could make it in this economy and cited "No Child Left Behind" and hopes he does not see this in national news like a prior case in Friendswood. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMITTEES AND SPECIAL REPORTS President of the Friendswood Historical Society Ann Whitaker gave the Annual Report and thanked Council for the funds that have been budgeted for the many Friendswood Historical Society programs such as the school tours, trunk show depicting artifacts from the turn of the century, historic photographs on display for tour of the museum, milk shed and barber shop, making wheelchair accessible, FIG Festival with the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce, Christmas Tree Lighting, barn raising and also ,...,, developed a web site. Council thanked the Historical Society for their many hours that they donate to this City. 01/25/2010 3267 Chair of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals Ron Dyer gave the Annual Report and stated the board had only two petitions this year and neither was approved. The vision of the committee is to allow citizens to have a place to appeal a decision. The committee is committed to this process and the City Staff is committed to guiding this committee. Mr. Dyer thanked Council for approving special exceptions, this is a direct reflection of the good work from Staff. The Board also serves as appeals for the Fire Code but has not had any appeal. Council thanked the Board and stated to keep up the good work. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT The City Manager Roger Roecker gave a report on the City of Friendswood adding Twitter to their Communication Options. After a bit of testing and research, the City of Friendswood is now ready to start "twittering". Twitter is a website that allows the user to create a username and post status updates in a forum that limits updates to 140 characters. It is designed to be a short, to-the-point communication tool for individuals. However, more and more, corporations and public entities are also using this tool as a messaging service. The City intends to use Twitter as an extension of the GroupBuilder e-mail notifications. That is, messages that go out on GroupBuilder will also be sent via Twitter. The City will be treating this as an experiment, as there are several unknowns about how residents and other followers will interact with the cities via Twitter. For example, since the service will only allow posts of 140 characters or less, the City may find it difficult to answer follow-up questions from residents who, via Twitter, would like clarification on something. However, the City feels that solutions to issues such as these will be found once it becomes more familiar with the use and expectations of the service. Twitter will be managed from the City Manager's office and all City departments will have the opportunity to get ,..... the word out about what is going on at any given time. The City Manager announced that Marge Lowe passed away on Saturday, she was a fine woman and stated the Lowe family has been very active in the community for many years and announced Fire Marshal volunteer Terry McKee passed away and his volunteer spirit will be greatly missed. ACTION ITEMS '`*Councilmember Rivera moved to approve a contract with Friendswood Historical Society for the maintenance and preservation of historical sites in the City and authorizing the Mayor to execute the contract. Seconded by Councilmember Reid. The motion was approved 6-0. *"Councilmember Hill moved to approve Bid No. 2010-02 for the FM 518 Storm Drainage Improvements Project from Willowick to Cowards Creek, authorize the Mayor to execute the contract with SER Construction Partners, Ltd. for$2,428,191.12 and appropriate funds accordingly. Seconded by Councilmember Barker. The motion was approved 6-0. **Councilmember Hill moved to approve a license agreement with Autumn Creek Development, Ltd., related to the use of property within Centennial Park and authorizing the Mayor to execute the agreement. Seconded by Councilmember Holbert. The motion was approved 6-0. *'`Councilmember Rivera moved to approve ratifying and confirming authorizing the Mayor to execute a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program application to procure a generator for the Friendswood Public Library. Seconded by Councilmember Holbert. The motion was approved 6-0. 01/25/2010 3268 ..�, RESOLUTIONS **Counciimember Hill moved to approve Resolution R2010-04 - a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, accepting the dedication from the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, property owners, of drainage easements running along the southwest perimeter of Mary Queen Catholic Church property, located in the general vicinity of the intersection of Stone's Throw and Cedarwood. Seconded by Councilmember Holbert. The motion was approved 6-0. **Councilmember Reid moved to approve Resolution R2010-05 - a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute, and the City Secretary to attest, a Memorandum of Understanding by and between the City and the Harris County Flood Control District for issues relating to the management and distribution of hydrologic models, hydraulic models and supporting data. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved 6-0. **Councilmember Rivera moved to approve Resolution R2010-06 -a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, supporting the "Keep Texas Beautiful Inc." organization and its Affiliate Program; approving the renaming of the City's"Community Appearance Board" to the"Keep Friendswood Beautiful Committee"; approving amended Committee Appointment Policy for the "Keep Friendswood Beautiful Committee"; and approving the committee's participation in the "Keep Texas Beautiful" Affiliate Program. Seconded by Councilmember Reid. The motion was approved 6-0. ORDINANCES � **Councilmember Rivera moved to approve the Second and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2010-01, an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Friendswood, Texas, by amending Chapter 6, "alcoholic beverages," by amending the provisions relating to local permit and license fees to be consistent with State law; 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 Reid. The motion was approved 6-0. ""Councilmember Hill moved to approve the Second and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2010-03, 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 1.0 acre tract of land within the City from Neighborhood Commercial (NC) to Single Family Residential (SFR), such tract also being commonly known as 2302 Old Road, 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 Rivera. The motion was approved 6-0. �., 01/25/2010 3269 � *"Councilmember Reid moved to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. 2010-04, an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Friendswood, Texas, Appendix B "Subdivisions", and being an ordinance providing rules and regulations governing plats and the subdivision of land, by amending Section II, Subsections (b) and (c) to require submission and approval by the appropriate drainage district as a requirement for preliminary and final plat approval by the City; by amending Section III, subsections (a), (g)(1) and (i)(4) to simplify language concerning private streets and to correct inconsistencies and typographical errors in the subdivision general requirements; providing a penalty of an amount not to exceed $2,000 for each day of violation of any provision hereof; and providing for severability. Seconded by Councilmember Holbert. The motion was approved 6-0. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS Mayor Smith stated Councilmember Barr is out this evening taking care of family business. Councilmembers Barker, Holbert and Rivera stated they had no report. Councilmember Hill stated he is a liaison of the Clear Creek and Dickinson Bayou Watershed and is working with the Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District (GCCDD) regarding the watershed. An abandoned sand pit was found in Dickinson Bayou Watershed, this could be used as a detention pond and could pick up 650 detention facilities and met with the Commissioner's Court for use of bond funds for purchasing. The City has very little area in Dickinson Bayou Watershed but would benefit the City for detention, it was well received by the County and may bring back to Council. .�.... Councilmember Reid reported on the Friendswood Youth Committee, it has been up and running since October, the Committee meets on the 2"d Thursday of the Month, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, is working on ideas for youth if anyone is interested. Councilmember Hill commented on the passing of Marge Lowe, has known her for the past 50 years, she was very low key, no one knew behind the scene, she was a grand lady and will be greatly missed. Mayor Smith stated that with the loss of Marge Lowe to please keep the Lowe family in everyone's thoughts and prayers. Marge Lowe was a mother and grandmother and will be sorely missed. Councilmember Rivera thanked Councilmember Barr and the Keep Friendswood Beautiful Committee for going out so quickly for a grant. CONSENT AGENDA **Councilmember Rivera moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented A. Authorize Council to invoke Rule 1(A) of the Rules of Procedure to schedule the regular February 2010 Council meetings for February 1 and February 22 due to the President's Day holiday on February 15. B. Authorize the acceptance of public waterline improvements associated with the 16-inch Water Transmission Line project for the contractor's one-year maintenance period. C. Approve the submission of a Governor's Community Achievement Awards grant application for the Keep Friendswood Beautiful Board, to change Board to Committee and authorize the Mayor to execute it. D. Accept December 2009 Property Tax Report. E. Approve Minutes of January 4 and January 14, 2010 Meetings. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved 6-0. 01/25/2010 3270 � A motion was made and approved to adjourn at 8:17 PM. I �. or id .H. mith Attest: . -�' _ o� F R�Ely�s De oris McKenzie, TRM � � � City Secretary v v * * tP � �4?F OF t�� � �