HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2014-10-06 Regular 10/06/14 4345
STATE OF TEXAS )(
CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD
COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS )(
OCTOBER 06, 2014 )(
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD CITY COUNCIL THAT WAS HELD ON
MONDAY, OCTOBER 06, 2014, AT 4:30 PM AT FRIENDSWOOD CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS,;
910 S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE, FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS, WITH THE FOLLOWING PRESENT
CONSTITUTING A QUORUM:
MAYOR KEVIN HOLLAND
MAYOR PRO-TEM JIM HILL
COUNCILMEMBER STEVE ROCKEY
COUNCILMEMBER BILLY ENOCHS
COUNCILMEMBER PAT MCGINNIS
COUNCILMEMBER JOHN SCOTT
COUNCILMEMBER CARL GUSTAFSON
CITY ATTORNEY STEVE WEATHERED
CITY MANAGER ROGER ROECKER
CITY SECRETARY MELINDA WELSH
REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Holland called the meeting to order.
The invocation was given by Pastor Robert Copeland with Friendswood Community Church.
' Mayor Holland led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and to the State of Texas.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Holland asked if anyone would like to speak. No one spoke.
WORK SESSION
Mayor Holland opened the discussion regarding an update on capital projects. Director of Public
Works/City Engineer Patrick Donart asked if Council had any questions regarding the update in their
agenda backup documents. No one had any questions. Mr. Donart stated one-way traffic would be done
on the Whispering Pines Avenue/Friendswood Link Road expansion project and gave the reasons, the
school flashers are energized by the power company, until the school flashers can be removed the
contractor is unable to start the two-way traffic construction that Council had previously approved. Staff
has notified the power company and is diligently trying to get the issue resolved.
Mayor Holland opened the discussion regarding the City's proposed annual budget for Fiscal Year 2014,
2015. Administrative Services Director Cindy Edge handed out a list of Decision Packages that were
discussed at the September Council meeting. City Manager Roger Roecker discussed the change on the
list regarding the Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department (FVFD), addition of one full-time Paramedic to
current staffing in place of an Animal Control Clerk if Council approves a tax rate above the Effective Tax
Rate. The FVFD was not present at the meeting to answer questions.
Mayor Holland opened the discussion regarding the Blackhawk Wastewater Treatment Plant. Director of
Public Works/City Engineer Patrick Donart stated Gordon Pederson and Jerald Landis with Gulf Coast
Waste Disposal Authority (GCWDA) are at the meeting tonight to answer questions. There have been a
few issues that have come up regarding the Blackhawk Wastewater Treatment Plant. The treatment
plant was built 40 years ago and the original clarifiers from 38 years ago are still being used. The City of
Friendswood is the largest participant and the other members of GCWDA are the City of Houston,
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Baytown Municipal Utility District (MUD), and MUD 55. Flow capacity is another issue, the Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality(TCEQ) permit is for 7.8 Million gallons per day(MGD) with a peak
of 27 MGD. On September 18, 2104, the peak was exceeded, one of the issues is inflow/infiltration (I&1),
and the City of Friendswood has the largest I&I issue due to the fact that the City is the largest participant
at the treatment plant. Klotz and Associates, engineers for GCWDA performed a study in March to
evaluate the plant, made three recommendations for a solution, Council and Staff have previously
discussed the addition of a third clarifier to allow for rehabilitation of the old clarifiers as needed. The
treatment plant is 40 years old, there are things that have reached their lifetime, are still getting use out of
it, there are operating expenses that the City will need to incur, need to work on I&I issues, matter of how
Council would like to move forward to correct the issues.
Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, Gordon Pederson and Jerald Landis with Gulf Coast
Waste Disposal Authority (GCWDA), and Staff regarding that rainwater sewage system and wastewater
sewage system should be separate, but with a rain occurrence some water can get into the wastewater
sewage system, spikes are plateauing for a longer period of time, has recently.caused violations on the
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) permit with E.coli. The City of Friendswood is
using 52.5% capacity of the treatment plant, majority of water flow from rain to the treatment plant comes
from Friendswood, the City of Houston is using 9% capacity of the plant and did not want to pay for a third
clarifier. The City of Houston did not feel they were causing the inflow/infiltration (1&1) problems, have
threatened to move out of the treatment plant. As the City of Friendswood grows the City will need to
increase its capacity. An additional clarifier will provide for more flexibility and capacity, and currently if
one clarifier goes down the treatment plant is in trouble. Possible situations that are causing I&I problems
were discussed, problems have increased over the last three years, increasing capacity will not address
IM issues, there are many factors causing I&I issues. After the drought there was a lot of water main
breaks, can see the water bubbling above the surface, same thing has happened with the sewer lines but
the water cannot be seen. The rain occurrence that happened two weeks ago was the first time the
treatment plant reached its max, operational-wise the plant was okay with the rain occurrence, exceeded '
the 27.7 Million gallons per day(MGD) peak allowance for half an hour,was a flow violation that has to be
reported to TCEQ, will become part of the plant's history, and at a future review or inspection a fine could
be accessed. Having three clarifiers would allow repairs to be made on the existing two clarifiers, repairs
could take up to 30 days, currently with two clarifiers maintenance cannot be done. Costs presented to
Council is the total costs of the project, design time is estimated to be four to five months, construction
time is estimated to be eight months, and there is not a cheap or quick solution. There are no funds
available from the Water and Sewer Bonds to assist with the funds needed for the project. The majority
of the infiltration could be from leaks in lines, prolonged duration of spikes are concerning, and the City
has concrete, clay, and PVC sewer lines. The suggestion was made for Staff to bring back to Council the
cost of an 1&1 study. The third clarifier would assist with current I&1 issues but a fourth clarifier will be
needed before the City reaches build-out capacity in the future. The costs of diverting the City's capacity
to another City would be significantly more expensive than the expansion of the current facility.
Mayor Holland opened the discussion regarding the half cent local sales tax options. Councilmember
Enochs introduced the work session and gave a brief history, half cent local sales tax option was
discussed at the last Council retreat, asked how much revenue would the additional sales tax bring in for
the City, and what were the options that the revenue could be spent on. City Manager Roger Roecker
stated Staff had included as part of the agenda backup documents a presentation that previously had
been presented to Council on February 6, 2012. The City Manager read over a portion of the past
presentation, sales tax for economic development Option No. 1 - Type A - can be imposed by most
incorporated cities, revenues must be turned over to a development corporation formed to act on behalf
of the city in carrying out programs related to industrial development and the promotion of new and
expanded business enterprises that create or retain primary jobs, sales tax for economic development
Option No. 2 - Type B - can be imposed by any incorporated city, revenues must be turned over to a
development corporation formed to act on behalf of the city in carrying out programs related to a wide
variety of projects including public parks and business development. Street maintenance sales tax
option, all cities are authorized to hold an election to adopt a sales tax to repair and maintain existing city
streets, the tax expires after four years unless a new election is held to reauthorize the tax, the revenue
from this tax can only be used to maintain and repair existing city streets, not for constructing new streets.
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Municipal Development Corporation option allows a city to create a municipal development corporation to
undertake projects to provide job training, early childhood education, after-school programs, scholarships,
literacy promotion and other projects. Voters in the city may authorize adoption of a sales tax to fund
activities of the corporation. Municipal Development District option authorizes cities to hold an election in
all or part of a city, including the extraterritorial jurisdiction, to create a municipal development district and
adopt a sales tax to fund the district. The district could undertake a variety of projects including a
convention center, civic center, auditorium, and other projects. There is a Fire Control and Emergency 1
Services District option, wording in the legislation for this option was strange, the City Manager asked the I
City Attorney to advise if the City of Friendswood would be eligible, and the City Attorney advised the City 1
of Friendswood could,be eligible if Council is interested. The City Manager suggested if Council is
interested in using the Fire Control and Emergency Services District option to have a discussion with the
Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department (FVFD) to discuss their operations, business model in relation
with City Council and the City as a whole. The City of Friendswood already takes advantage of the sales
tax for property tax relief option, this "additional sales tax" can be imposed by most incorporated cities,
revenues are deposited into a city's general revenue fund, and cities adopting this form of local sales tax
must reduce the effective and rollback property tax rates within the city.
Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, and Staff regarding that Council would need to make a
decision by January for a sales tax option to be placed on the May 2015 ballot. The City has a half cent
available in additional sales tax, street maintenance option has a limit of % cent, the fire control and
emergency services district option could help fund the contract the City has with the Friendswood
Volunteer Fire Department. The suggestion was made for a citizen group to be formed, have the group
advise Council on how to proceed with the sales tax issue, and possibly place a sales tax option on the
November 2015 ballot. The estimated total revenue the City would receive from the additional half cent
sales tax would be $1.5 Million. The additional sales tax would impact citizens as well as people from
outside the City of Friendswood, and 40% of sales tax dollars come from people who live outside the City
' of Friendswood. If there was a surplus of sales tax funds the presiding district's board members would
make decisions on how the surplus would be spent. The sales tax funds would be a separate fund from
the City's General Fund, and would be under specific regulations. There is a two cent local sales tax
limitation, currently one and half cent is being used, the county is considered a local government, and
could hold an election to make the additional half cent a county tax. The street maintenance sales tax
option has a sunset clause of four years.
Mayor Holland opened the discussion regarding the Compensation Study for the City of Friendswood.
Administrative Services Director Cindy Edge presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding the
Compensation Study. Ms. Edge gave a brief history, last overhaul of the plan was in 2008, at that time
compensation had slipped below where it needed to be, and it was an investment to get it back to where
it needed to be. Staff asked the consultant to compare the City's plan to the public and private sector to
see how the City's plan compared to where to needed to be. The consultant stated the City's plan was
structured well and have kept up with the market with the annual merit increases, thanked Council for the
annual merit increase, and reminded Council the City does not have a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
or Step Plan. The goals of the Compensation Study was to review the current state of compensation and
market competiveness, current plan structure is good, a market adjustment is recommended for specific
positions, per Staffs request to consultant based the study on 70% of the market. There was a separate
pay plan recommended for commissioned peace officers, designed for recruitment and retention of
incumbents, and based on approximately 75% of the market. Staff will develop a process to determine
adjustment needs due to market update, reclassification needs, and salary compression. Staff will bring
back to Council at the November meeting recommendations on adjustments that need to be made if a
new plan is adopted, positions that will need to be reclassified and will have significant salary savings
from previous budget year to cover the cost of putting the plan into place.
Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, and Staff regarding the different market rate percentages
used in the civil pay plan and the commissioned peace officer plan in order for both plans to remain
competitive in requiting and retaining employees. The savings to personnel will go in and out of Fund
Balance, majority of employees impacted would be mid to lower end of the pay grade, need to take care
of those employees to retain them, are being impacted by other industries. Currently use exclusively
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merit for employees, no cost of living, other cities do Cost of Living Adjustment(COLA). The turnover rate
in the Police Department is not an issue at the senior level but help is needed in patrol, starting pay in the
Friendswood Police Department is $45,000, new employees are brought in at the bottom of the pay plan
and work their way to the top, City of Pearland starting pay is $50,000 and League City starting pay is
$55,000, costs the City around $76,000 to recruit and train an officer, and everyone is currently looking
for officers. The Friendswood Police Department provides school resource officers, do not have jailers,
and still maintains the ratio of 1.5 officers per citizen.
Mayor Holland opened the discussion regarding future Council Planning Retreats. Mayor Holland stated
he placed this item on the agenda, need to schedule a retreat with the Planning and Zoning Commission
(P&Z) and the Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department(FVFD), and Council is waiting to hear back from
the Community and Economic Development Committee (CEDC).
Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, and Staff regarding the different subjects that needed to
be discussed at future Council retreats. The work session regarding the half cent sales tax option has led
to the need for Council to have a discussion with the Community and Economic Development Committee
(CEDC), the Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department/Emergency Services Department (FVDFD/EMS),
and possibly the Police Department. In the discussion with FVFD/EMS, Council would like to discuss the
Fire Department's future plans, the business model for providing future services, and does the current
business model make sense for the City. The consensus of Council was to meet with FVFD/EMS and
CEDC at the next Council retreat. A suggestion was made to meet with CEDC in the morning and then
proceed to meet with FVFD/EMS, would be helpful to have CEDC answer the questions that Council
posed to CEDC at the last retreat prior to Council meeting with FVDFD/EMS. The City Manager stated
he would contact the facilitator to get available dates for an upcoming Council retreat.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Holland moved to Agenda Item 10, City Manager's Report.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT '
City Manager Roger Roecker reported that National Night Out is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, 2014.
This unique crime/drug prevention, community building event is sponsored by the City of Friendswood's
Police Department each year. They offer their services for any neighborhood or Homeowner's
Associations interested in having an officer stop by and speak to their residents. The Police Department
hopes that all neighborhoods will join in this community gathering event. Thus far, 16 subdivisions have
signed up to have an officer attend and speak with their residents.
The City Manager reported that in October of 2003, the City teamed up with the Friendswood Chamber of
Commerce to conduct the first Annual Broker Event on the same day as the Chambers Annual Golf
Tournament. This year's 12th Annual Broker and Developer Day Event and 17th Annual "Swing into Fall"
Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2014, at Timber Creek Golf Club. Each year,
there are about 40 attendees at the workshop, and many participate in the Chamber's afternoon golf
tournament. The event is sponsored by CenterPoint Energy's Economic Development Department. The
Mayor, Chair of the Community and Economic Development Committee, Bay Area Houston Economic
Partnership, and the Economic Development Coordinator will make presentations and interact with the
commercial brokers and developers interested in doing business in the City of Friendswood.
The City Manager reported that the Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department(FVFD)will host their Annual
Open House on Sunday, October 12, 2014, from 1 PM to 5 PM. It will be held at Fire Station No. 1 next
door to City Hall, in front of Stevenson Park on Friendswood Drive. The City contracts with the FVFD to
provide fire and emergency medical services to the citizens of Friendswood. The department responds to
an average of 2,400 calls per year with approximately 90 volunteers operating from four fire stations.
Emergency service is provided with three Mobile Intensive Care capable ambulances, four Emergency
Medical Service first responder vehicles, five engines, one ladder truck and other support vehicles. This
will be a great opportunity for the residents of Friendswood, young and old, to learn about the
Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department and the services they provide to the community. Please join the
fun as the firefighters and paramedics hold educational demonstrations, and provide tours, exhibits, give-
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a-ways, door prizes, free food, and rides on the fire trucks.
The City Manager reported on upcoming Community Services/Parks and Recreation Events. The City of
Friendswood's annual Spookfest Softball Tournament is planned for Saturday, October 18, 2014, at 9:00
AM, at the Friendswood SportsPark on FM 528. The tournament will be a double elimination format with
prizes going to the top three teams, plus a tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP) for each division,
Adult Co-Ed and Men's "D" Divisions. There will also be prizes for wearing a Halloween costume.
Another event the Community Services/Parks and Recreation will hold is the first annual Flap Jack Fun
Run to be held on Saturday, November 1, 2014, 8:00 AM, at Stevenson Park. Formerly known as the
Holiday Hustle, this race is named for the delicious pancake breakfast served immediately following the i
5K race. Staff expects hundreds of runners and walkers to participate in the event. Registration must be 1.
received by October 27, 2014, to receive a free t-shirt. All proceeds will be used for City park)
improvements.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Holland moved to Agenda Item 18, Consent Agenda.
CONSENT AGENDA
"Councilmember Scott moved to approve all items on the Consent Agenda as presented: A. Approving a
banner permit application from Friendswood Independent School District to display a banner for the "FHS
and FISD Lone Star Cup Champions". B. Approving a banner permit application from the Friendswood
Historical Society to display a banner for"Historween, October 23-25, 7-9 p.m. at the old Junior High". C.
Accepting public improvements associated with the FM 2351 and Blackhawk Boulevard Traffic Signal;
project for the contractor's one-year maintenance period. D. Approving excusing the absence of
Councilmember Carl Gustafson from the September 29, 2014, Council Meeting. E. Accepting the August
2014 Property Tax Report.
' Seconded by Councilmember Rockey. The motion was approved 6-0 with Councilmember Gustafson
abstaining.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Holland moved to Agenda Item 6, Closed Executive Session.
CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Holland asked if anyone would like to speak regarding the Executive Session. No one spoke.
Council convened into Executive Session in accordance with the Texas Government Code, pursuant to
Section 551.071 — Consultation with Attorney regarding pending or contemplated litigation (TO-WIT: K.
Hovnanian of Houston II, LLC, v. City of Friendswood) and Section 551.072— Deliberation regarding real
property.
RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
Council reconvened into Open Session with action taken later in the meeting regarding Section 551.071.
City Council's Ice Water Challenge and City Staffs Ice Water Challenge was shown to the audience.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Holland asked if anyone would like to speak. No one spoke.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMITTEES AND SPECIAL REPORTS
Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP) Executive Director Dan Seal gave the annual report
and stated it has been a busy year and a pleasure working with the City of Friendswood. BAHEP is 38-
years old and is as optimistic about the future as ever before. Last year in the annual report, spoke about
the expansion projects that BAHEP was working on, advocacy items, and about a problem BAHEP is
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fighting with the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Act. Current status will be presented during the report.
Business expansions continue to be brisk locally. Two trends BAHEP has seen this year is the huge
investments going into the specialty chemical industry in southeast Houston, and the backfilling of office
space locally by oil, gas, and energy related companies not willing to locate 30 miles west of downtown
out in the energy corridor. On specialty chemical expansions, more than $50 Billion of new projects have
been announced, important for the City of Friendswood due to many of the highly compensated
managers that work in the industries choose to live in Friendswood. Next week BAHEP will support the
City of Friendswood at the 12r"Annual Commercial Broker and Developer Day. In November BAHEP will
team up with Economic Development Coordinator Karen Capps to attend the International Council of
Shopping Center's conference to promote retail opportunities in the City of Friendswood. BAHEP
appreciates the Friendswood City Council's continued strong participation in the annual Citizen's for
Space Exploration trip to Washington D.C. This year was the 23ftl annual visit and Councilmember
Gustafson represented the City of Friendswood in bringing the message to legislators on how important
the future of the space program is to this country and to the City of Friendswood. BAHEP appreciates the
support of all City of Friendswood's Councilmembers that have joined this valuable effort in the past.
BAHEP is currently finalizing their state legislative agendas for the next Texas State Legislative session '
that will begin in January in Austin. BAHEP had major success on Biggert-Waters reform this year. The
City of Friendswood was deeply involved and was potentially negatively impacted. This bill was
horrendous, home insurance rates skyrocketed, home values were set to decrease, and homes were
becoming more difficult to sell. BAHEP sprang into action and started to meet with mayors, county, state
and federal officials to get a plan formulated. In January, BAHEP went to Washington D.C. to make their
case, seemed like an uphill battle, but on March 21, 2014, the President signed H.R. 3370 into law, the
Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, repealing much of what was wrong with the Biggert-Waters
Flood Insurance Act. Almost instantly, the negative uncertainties on the local real estate market were
gone and now the real estate market is back hotter than ever. Thanked Council for passing the important
resolution of support in favor of amending the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Act. It has been a busy
year and BAHEP is proud of their work with the City of Friendswood, has been a great collaboration since '
1988. The City of Friendswood is clearly an excellent place for people to live and work, and BAHEP
looks forward to continuing its successful relationship with the City for many years to come.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Holland moved to Agenda Item 11, Discussion and possible action
regarding reinstating the Appointment Policy for Boards, Committees, and Commissions with
amendments.
ACTION ITEMS
"Councilmember Rockey moved to approve reinstating the Appointment Policy for Boards, Committees,
and Commissions with amendments.
Seconded by Councilmember Scott.
Discussion took place between Mayor, Council; and Staff regarding that state law requires that the Zoning
Board of Adjustment's (ZBOA) members serve a two-year term. Councilmember McGinnis stated he
believed all advisory boards and ad hoc committees should follow the Open Meetings Act (OMA), would
eliminate confusion if all boards notified and advertised the same way, and all boards should post notices
within the 72 hour guidelines. The City Manager stated he believes all committees attempt to follow the
Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA) by posting notices within 72 hours, the danger with including it in the
Appointment Policy is if a mistake is made with posting notices, it would inhibit the board's ability to have
a meeting and would nullify. Councilmember Enochs stated he would prefer to table the topic to another
session, policy was suspended in 2010, was before he became a councilmember, has not had a chance
to discuss with his committees.
***Councilmember Enochs moved to table reinstating the Appointment Policy for Boards, Committees,
and Commissions with amendments.
Seconded by Councilmember Rockey. The motion to table was approved 6-1 with Councilmember
McGinnis opposed.
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City Secretary Melinda Welsh clarified that the Zoning Board of Adjustment's (ZBOA) two-year terms)
were already included in the policy.
**Councilmember Enochs moved to approve the appointment of Natasha McAdoo and Kate Cross and
the reappointment of Todd Mendenhall to the Keep Friendswood Beautiful Committee with terms to
expire November 2017; and the reappointment of Tara Corbett to the Fourth of July Steering Committee
with a term to expire November 2017.
Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously.
**Councilmember Rockey moved to approve a contract with Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership in
the amount of$14,000 for economic development services.
Seconded by Councilmember McGinnis. The motion was approved unanimously.
**Councilmember Scott moved to approve a proposed settlement agreement disposing of all alleged
claims of K. Hovnanian Family of Builders against the City of Friendswood, relating to development of;
Creekwood Estates.
Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously.
RESOLUTION
**Councilmember Rockey moved to approve Resolution R2014-20 -A resolution of the City Council of the
City of Friendswood, Texas, authorizing and approving the 5-year review and updated the City's Hazard
Analysis and Mitigation Plan.
Seconded by Councilmember McGinnis. The motion was approved unanimously.
i
ORDINANCES
' City Attorney Steve Weathered reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission's vote for Agenda
Item 16 A, an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Friendswood, Texas, Appendix
C —"Zoning," by amending the zoning classification for 5000 Watkins Way, a 5.2196 acre tract out of the
Thomas Choate Survey, Abstract No. 12, also being out of Reserve"B" final plat of the Quail Crossing as
recorded under Film Code No. 402131, Harris County, Texas, being the same tract called 5.22 acres in
the name of Blackhawk Apartments II, Ltd., as recorded in H.C.C.F. No. 20100269982, being more
particularly described in Exhibit"A" attached hereto, from "Multi Family Residential— High Density" (MFR-
H) to "Multi Family Residential — High Density— Specific Use Permit" (MFR-H-SUP) to allow NAICS Use
No. 6111, "Elementary and Secondary Schools"; providing for amendment of the 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 was approved on September 08, 2014.
**Councilmember Hill moved to approve the Second and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2014-26 - An
ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Friendswood, Texas, Appendix C —"Zoning,"
by amending the zoning classification for 5000 Watkins Way, a 5.2196 acre tract out of the Thomas
Choate Survey, Abstract No. 12, also being out of Reserve"B" final plat of the Quail Crossing as recorded
under Film Code No. 402131, Harris County, Texas, being the same tract called 5.22 acres in the name
of Blackhawk Apartments II, Ltd., as recorded in H.C.C.F. No. 20100269982, being more particularly
described in Exhibit"A" attached hereto, from "Multi Family Residential— High Density" (MFR-H) to "Multi
Family Residential — High Density — Specific Use Permit" (MFR-H-SUP) to allow NAICS Use No. 6111,
"Elementary and Secondary Schools"; providing for amendment of the 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 Rockey. The motion was approved unanimously.
City Attorney Steve Weathered reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission's vote for Agenda
Item 16 B, an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Friendswood, Texas, Appendix
C, "Zoning", Section 3, "provision for Official Zoning Map", by changing the zoning classification for
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property, generally described as 110 East Willowick Avenue, a tract of land consisting of approximately
.642 acres, being a portion of the southeasterly '/2 of Lot 9, Block 2, in Friendswood, Galveston County,
Texas, a subdivision of part of the J.R. Williams or Sarah McKissick League in Galveston County, Texas,
according to the map of said Friendswood of record in Volume 254, Page 37, County Clerk, Galveston
County, Texas, being more particularly described in Exhibit "Al", attached hereto, from "Downtown
District" (DD) to "Planned Unit Development" (PUD); to allow NAICS Use No. 8134 "Civic and Social
Organization" pursuant to the attached site plan and Exhibit"B'; providing for an amendment of the City's
Official Zoning Map; providing for a penalty in an amount not to exceed $2,000 for each day of violation of
any provision hereof; and providing for severability was approved on September 08, 2014.
**Councilmember Scott moved to approve the Second and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2014-27 - An
ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Friendswood, Texas, Appendix C, "Zoning",
Section 3, "provision for Official Zoning Map", by changing the zoning classification for property, generally
described as 110 East Willowick Avenue, a tract of land consisting of approximately .642 acres, being a
portion of the southeasterly Y2 of Lot 9, Block 2, in Friendswood, Galveston County, Texas, a subdivision
of part of the J.R. Williams or Sarah McKissick League in Galveston County, Texas, according to the map
of said Friendswood of record in Volume 254, Page 37, County Clerk, Galveston County, Texas, being
more particularly described in Exhibit "Al", attached hereto, from "Downtown District" (DID) to "Planned
Unit Development" (PUD); to allow NAICS Use No. 8134 "Civic and Social Organization" pursuant to the
attached site plan and Exhibit"B"; providing for an amendment of the City's Official Zoning Map; providing
for 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 unanimously.
**Councilmember Rockey moved to approve the First and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2014-28 - An
ordinance amending City of Friendswood, Texas, Ordinance No. 2013-37, passed and approved October
7, 2013, same being an ordinance approving and adopting the City's General Budget for Fiscal Year
2013-2014 by approving "Budget Amendment XIII" to the "Original General Budget of the City of '
Friendswood, Texas, for the Fiscal Year 2013-2014"; providing for supplemental appropriation and/or
transfer of certain funds; providing for severability; and providing other matters related to the subject.
Seconded by Councilmember Scott. The motion was approved unanimously.
**Councilmember Rockey moved to approve the First and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2014-29 - An
ordinance approving and adopting the City of Friendswood, Texas, general budget for the Fiscal Year
2014/2015; making appropriations for the City for such fiscal year as reflected in said budget, and making
certain findings and containing certain provisions relating to the subject.
Seconded by Councilmember Gustafson. The motion was approved 5-2 with Councilmember McGinnis
and Scott opposed.
Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, and Staff regarding that due to Truth in Taxation and
State Guide for Local Governments, Council is required to adopt the budget first and then adopt the tax
rate. If the Effective Tax Rate were to be adopted it would be an estimated $348,000 less to the General
Fund, there would have to be a budget amendment to fund the appropriate budget that was approved by
Council. With the proposed budget there would now be 62 Police Officers, puts the City ahead of the
curve, the Police Department has taken on the Warrant Officer position that has been in the Court division
for many years. City of Friendswood Police Chief Bob Wieners explained to Council the request for
additional police officers and the different districts throughout the City. Further discussion was held
regarding what the impact would be to debt service if the flat tax rate was adopted, different options that
could be done to decrease debt service, throughout the year as items come up Council could approve for
items to be funded out of the General Fund if Council chooses to approve each item separately, the
surplus could be used to decrease debt services or pay off bond items. The City Manager suggested if
Council would like to consider any of the Decision Packages to be funded with fund balance the
discussion should take place before Council adopts the tax rate.
Councilmember Scott asked the City Attorney if he could make a motion to adopt the Effective Tax Rate,
and the City Attorney Steve Weathered answered a motion can be made however Councilmember Scott
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would like.
Councilmember Scott moved to adopt the Effective Tax Rate.
Seconded by Councilmember McGinnis. The motion failed 2-5 with Mayor Holland, Councilmembers Hill,
ockey, Enochs, and Gustafson opposed.
Discussion took place between Mayor and Council regarding the tax rate. Councilmember Scott stated
he has proposed the Effective Tax Rate in order to pay off debt, currently there is $2.2 Million above the
amount required by the financial policy available in the above 90-day fund, proposed to fund $117,000 out
of the above 90-day fund for one time Decision Packages, if the flat tax rate is used, citizens will pay
higher taxes, and ahead of the bond issuance it would be frugal of Council to keep the Effective Tax Ratel
as they have the last three budget cycles. Councilmember McGinnis stated he could support the flat taxi
rate if Council could start to pay off debt and get ahead of the bonds. Councilmember Rockey stated hel
supports the flat tax rate, fiscally responsible thing to do with unknowns, trusts management of the Cityi
with Council oversight that the City will continue to be financially responsible. Councilmember Enochs
stated the tax rate is lower than what it was ten years ago, Staff,has proposed no raises, City's credit
rating has gone up, Council and Staff have buckled down and managed finances well, have neglected
things during lean times. Councilmember Hill stated the City gives a 20% homestead exemption and
freezes taxes for seniors, took $175,000 out of the above 90-day fund on this agenda for unexpected
expenses, if want to build a reserve do not need to spend it every meeting, current tax rate is fair, getting
more police officers, and Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department (FVFD) is getting more gear they have
requested for several years. Mayor Holland stated need to look into setting money aside to pay down
debt, thinks Council agrees improvements are needed in areas that have been isolated in the budget, and
have heard resounding that Council would like to set up a plan to focus on paying down debt in the future.
Councilmember McGinnis called the question. The vote to call the question was approved unanimously.
' ***Councilmember Rockey moved to approve the First and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2014-30 - An
ordinance providing for the levy and collection of ad valorem taxes of the City of Friendswood, Texas, for
the tax year commencing October 1, 2014 and ending'September 30, 2015; providing the date on which
such taxes shall be due and payable; providing for penalty and interest on all taxes not timely paid;
providing for severability; and repealing all ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent or in conflict
herewith.
Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved 5-2 with Councilmembers McGinnis and
Scott opposed.
**Councilmember Rockey moved to approve the First and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2014-31 - An
ordinance amending City of Friendswood, Texas, Ordinance No. 2014-29, passed and approved October
6, 2014, same being an ordinance approving and adopting the City's General Budget for Fiscal Year
2014-2015 by approving "Budget Amendment I" to the "Original General Budget of the City of
Friendswood, Texas, for the Fiscal Year 2014-2015"; 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 approved unanimously.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS
Councilmember McGinnis stated he was invited to National Night Out as a councilmember, and thanked
Council for the good discussion and expressing themselves professionally.
Councilmember Hill stated he talked to a board member of Hope Village last week, they have met their
goal and will get their matching money, and is a big deal for them.
' Councilmember Enochs stated the Fourth of July Steering Committee is already working hard for the nextl
event, announced the Library is selling pavers for $100 each to help raise funds for the Library, and
contact Library Director Mary Perroni at Friendswood Library for more information.
I
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Councilmember Rockey stated the Friendswood Historical Society is putting on Historween, has hit some
councilmembers up to participate, is October 23-25, 2014, need volunteers, the first Farmers Market was
October 4, 2014, had 23 vendors, most vendors sold out by 11:00 AM, and vendors were thrilled.
Mayor Holland encouraged any people interested in commercial property in the City of Friendswood to
attend the Annual Broker and Developer Day Event, Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department Open
House is October 12, 2014, from 1 to 5 PM, and the National Night Out event is a good way to get to
know your neighbors.
Councilmember Scott and Gustafson stated they had nothing to report.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:09 PM.
Mayor Kevi H land
Attest:
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Melinda Welsh, TRMC Oo
City Secretary
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