Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2015-11-02 Regular 11/02/15 4486 STATE OF TEXAS ' CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD )( COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS )( NOVEMBER 02, 2015 )( MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD CITY COUNCIL THAT WAS HELD ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 02, 2015, AT 5:00 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 CITYATTORNEY ARNOLD POLANCO CITY MANAGER ROGER ROECKER CITY SECRETARY MELINDA WELSH REGULAR SESSION Mayor Holland called the meeting to order. The invocation was given by Pastor Ralph Hobratschk with Hope Lutheran Church. ' Mayor Holland led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and to the State of Texas. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC Brett Banfield, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he is a representative of the Friends of Downtown Friendswood Association. The development and. redevelopment of the City of Friendswood's downtown area is quickly coming to a significant crossroad. Much of the undesirables are now gone such as the pawn shop, old gas station, car wash, and many of the.older run-down buildings have been removed. At this moment, there is a fresh start to recreate the downtown area, that is identifiable as a downtown area, and a desirable destination not only for visitors but also for Friendswood citizens. To achieve this, special criteria needs to be established, will help attract the right kind of business, create the atmosphere of nice restaurants, one-of-a-kind shops as well as mom-and-pop businesses. Establishing new requirements and defending those requirements down the road could be a challenge but that is what it will take to create a downtown area that the citizens of Friendswood could be proud of. It has been said many times to let free market take care of it, that is true free market will take care of downtown but the City has to be careful, there is nothing wrong with leading free market, or guiding free market, as many cities in the state do. City leaders should set the guideline for the specific area, the City of Tomball has made remarkable improvements, and the key point was private investment followed public investment. Mr. Banfield shared an experience he had with a property in the City of Alvin, there are no zoning requirements to build in the City of Alvin, and beautification of the City is done through ordinances. He is passionate about the City of Friendswood's downtown area because 15.years ago he tried to refinance one of his properties in the downtown area, came very close to losing the loan, the lender came to look at the property, stated he would not do the loan due to the fact the area looked like a low income area which shocked him, showed the lender other areas of the City of Friendswood, lender gave him the loan, and that moment has stuck with him. This embarrassed him not only as a ' business owner but as a Friendswood resident that has lived here for 47 years. The Friends of Downtown Friendswood Association has grown from an eight person steering committee to over 125 members currently and over 2,000 followers on Facebook, very broad base supporters, everyone would like the downtown area fixed up, Council will get the support of citizens, encourages Council to take a 11/02/15 4487 hard look at the design criteria for the downtown area. Jerry Ericsson, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he spent nine years on City Council , and also has a military background, Friendswood is not a rich city but there is a lot of well-to-do people that live in the City, population continues to grow, costs of running the City continues to rise, some people purchase expensive homes and pay taxes that on average cover the cost of the services provided by the city, others maybe buy expensive homes which helps covers the cost of other people, most cities rely on commercial development to keep up with the cost of services provided by the City, accepted ratio is 73% residential and 27% commercial, 15 years ago Council decided that the City of Friendswood would strive for 80% residential and 20% commercial. The City is currently surviving on the delta of new growth, is landlocked, cannot annex additional land, Council must look long term and plan for future liability especially after buildout growth virtually stops and the delta stops, need to develop the remaining portion of the City in a way that will benefit Friendswood the best, will require time, energy, and money. The downtown area needs to visually reflect and show the pride citizens have for the City and attract people along with businesses to the downtown area. He stated he believes that eliminating certain permitted uses, encouraging other uses, and grandfathering some existing businesses will help the downtown area become what citizens would like it to be. Harold Whitaker, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he spoke to Council previously regarding not cutting tax rates so significantly in order to save some funds for future projects and potentially having funds to invest in the downtown area. He thanked Mayor and Council for their consideration, the community appreciates the work and effort that Council has done and the major investment made in the downtown area, have completed a major portion of the drainage work needed in downtown which not only eliminates the need for detention ponds downtown but also allows for greater utilization of the land for downtown lots, are beginning to see the benefits of that investment, have also waived development fees and impact fees to help businesses that want to start up, have reduced regulatory requirements so that property owners can have greater use of their land, also allowed greater ' heights on vertical construction which allows for increase of utilization of land. Council has continued to support Keep Friendswood Beautiful and their efforts to maintain and improve the medians not only in the downtown area but in the entryways to the City as well. The City currently plans to have pavers installed at Stevenson Park, City Hall, and the Library. Council has made a tremendous investment and the development process has been streamlined to make it easier for developers to go through the process. Mr. Whitaker asked Council to eliminate certain businesses from the Permitted Use Table in regards to the downtown area such as gas stations, automobile repair businesses, equipment rentals, auto washers, storage units, large warehouses, and for current businesses to be grandfathered. Other cities across the nation have implemented criteria in restricted areas, have been highly successful, increased values, and attracted new businesses. WORK SESSION Mayor Holland opened the discussion regarding an update on Capital Projects. Director of Public Works/City Engineer Patrick Donart presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding the progress made on Capital Projects since the October Council meeting. Ardent Construction has completed a portion of the demolition on the interior of the library, reconstructed the bathrooms, and decommissioned the generator on the library expansion project. The new parking lot opened in August and the existing parking lot is blocked off for proposed improvements, sections of the new parking lot are being evaluated due to a rain event that occurred while placing the concrete. The underground storm sewer that services the parking lot has been completed and was tested during the October rains. The pier footings and grade beams have been completed in the children's section, the meeting room is currently being sheetrocked and finished, grade beams and slab have been installed on the front portion of the expansion pier footings, and project completion is estimated for spring of 2016. The Development Review Committee (DRC), made up of City Staff from several departments, continue to work with the architect on the schematic plans for Fire Station No. 4 expansion and the new fire station headquarters at the Public ' Safety Building. The DRC will continue to meet as the full construction plans are currently 96% developed. Durotech, Inc., has begun the bid process with bids due November 19, 2015. Staff and the Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department will meet with Friendswood Lakes Homeowner's Association on 11/02/15 4488 ' November 10, 2015, to seek input from nearby residents on the new facility adjacent to their ' neighborhood. The construction process has begun for the improvements at the Sportspark. The water line and fire hydrant have been installed, the concession stand has been demolished, and the fields are being graded. The new concession stands are in production with a delivery date sometime in late November or early December. The lighting contractor has installed all the poles and the majority of the lighting fixtures but at this point the wiring for the lights has not been started. Mr. Donart showed a video, created by Parks Superintendent Gary Williams, of the progress being made at the Sportspark. Staff is aiming for a February 2016 completion date for the Sportspark improvements. Architectural and civil design activities are well underway for the basketball pavilion at Centennial Park. Staff has reviewed and returned the 90%submittal plans and final drawings are expected in mid-October. Staff will meet with the architect for Lake Friendswood to discuss goals, design plans are projected to be completed by the end of 2015 with construction anticipated to begin in early 2016. Construction of Friendswood Development's portion of the project is expected to begin before the end of calendar year 2015. Modeling efforts and final design plans are nearing completion for the bridge crossing Cowards Creek to connect Stevenson, Park and Old City Park.. The City, Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District (GCCDD), and consultants are reviewing ways to enhance the trail system, address Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA) concerns, and minimize the environmental impact. The City has completed the acquisition of a nearby property to optimize the trail system alignment to and from the bridge. A variance has been received from GCCDD for the rise and the remaining items will be on GCCDD's November 10, 20151 agenda for approval. Staff is reviewing a proposed layout of the master plan for Old City Park that includes a dog park, restrooms, playground equipment and preliminary.parking layout. The consultant Cobb, Fendley and Associates, Inc., along with City Staff are currently evaluating bids for the Round 1 Street Improvements project, and will present a recommendation to Council at the December Council meeting. The Whispering Pines Avenue/ Friendswood Link Road project is 75% complete. On the Galveston County side, the first and second portions of the paving at FM 518 have been completed. The intersection of Verdun Lane has been completed and portions of the eastbound lanes have been ' installed. The next sequence of construction will be the paving of the intersection at Arbre Lane and connecting the unpaved eastbound lanes. The Harris County side has been opened from Wedgewood Elementary to Blackhawk Boulevard. The reservoirs, pumps, and control room have been installed at Water Plant No. 7, and the reservoir is complete at Water Plant No. 2. The contractor was working on the pump house foundation for Water Plant No. 2, significant concerns were brought forth by the City and the engineering consultant regarding the foundation. The contractor, engineer, and City Staff have reached an agreement regarding City approval of the slab and have implemented the solution, and construction has resumed at Water Plant No. 2. The anticipated project completion date was summer 2015 but this completion date will most likely not be met and a revised schedule has been requested to address the new timelines post foundation remedy. An initial trail system has been cut out at 1776 Park and the remaining sections will be scheduled to be constructed in the near future. A canoe portage has been discussed. Staff is evaluating options related to the canoe portage both appropriate applications as well as identifying "put in" and "take out" points along the creek. Design plans for construction of a thi6 clarifier are nearing completion at the Blackhawk Wastewater Treatment Plant. The facility is operated by Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority and capacity is shared amongst the City of Friendswood, Harris County MUD 55, Baybrook MUD 1, and the City of Houston. Despite prior agreements amongst the participants to enter into a supplemental agreement for construction of the third clarifier, Baybrook MUD 1 and the City of Houston have raised concerns with the cost allocations/financial impacts of the project post-installation. Staff is working through the concerns and anticipates presenting Council with an agreement at the December Council meeting. Mayor Holland opened the discussion regarding Keep Friendswood Beautiful and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Parks and Recreation Director James Toney explained that Keep Friendswood Beautiful (KFB) and the Parks and Recreation Board would like to merge together in order to better serve the community. Members of KFB and the Parks and Recreation Board are present at the meeting and later in the agenda there is an action item to merge the two committees into one. There ' would need to be changes made to the bylaws of KFB, six subcommittees would need to be created with one being a Parks Subcommittee, a draft of the bylaw changes and creation of subcommittees was provided to Council. 11/02/15 4489 Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, and Staff regarding what the merged Keep Friendswood Beautiful (KFB) committee would consist of which would be the current twelve KFB members and four of ' the current Parks and Recreation Board members, not all Parks and Recreation members have committed to become KFB members, some members would like to be volunteer members only. The newly merged committee would not be involved with youth sports, Staff would meet with directors from youth sports organizations throughout the year to discuss any problems. The merger of the two committees would provide a unified group, could apply for additional grants, and would allow KFB to branch out into other areas. The Executive Subcommittee would review and oversee KFB goals, funding opportunities, board governance and structure, documentation/reporting, partnerships, new board members/volunteers, and strategic planning. The Education Subcommittee would partner with Friendswood Independent School District, Friendswood residents, and volunteers by educating and raising awareness regarding litter, waste handling practices, recycling, composting, and other key environmental issues. The Environmental Subcommittee would involve the entire community in projects that are designed to educate people and change their attitudes about the problems of littering, conserving resources, and "green" initiatives. The Beautification Subcommittee would promote programs, projects, and actions that would improve and enhance the appearance of the City Friendswood. The Parks Subcommittee would promote the use of the City's parks and investigate ways to beautify and increase usage. The Public Awareness Subcommittee would partner with the City of Friendswood Parks and Recreation Department to increase public awareness of current and future KFB initiatives and events through appearances, signage, marketing, and social media. All members of the subcommittees would be members of KFB, subcommittees would report back to KFB with recommendations, and Staff along with the Council liaison would provide support for all committees and subcommittees. Mayor Holland recessed the meeting at 6:00 PM and reconvened the meeting at 6:06 PM. Mayor Holland opened discussion between Council, Staff, and the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding updating the Permitted Use Table and Design Criteria Manual related to the Downtown District. ' Planning and Zoning Commission Chair David O'Farrell opened the Planning and Zoning Commission's portion of the Joint Work Session. Planning Manager Nick Haby stated the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) met and came up with proposed changes to the Permitted Use Table and the Design Criteria Manual in regards to the Downtown District, proposed changes were provided to Council in backup documents, explained proposed changes, P&Z recommended prohibiting gasoline stations and rental/leasing services currently allowed in the Downtown District, prohibiting warehouse/storage businesses and automotive repair and maintenance businesses that are currently allowed with a Specific Use Permit, any existing business listed under the proposed changes would receive an existing non- confirming status, existing business would not be allowed to expand or a new building could not be constructed after any disaster destroyed 50% of the existing building, and P&Z is asking for direction from Council on how to proceed. Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Staff regarding the existing businesses that would receive an existing non-confirming status. If there was a disaster, an insurance company would only pay an owner to rebuild on the same site, proposed change would not allow the owner to rebuild at the same location, if usage is prohibited from Downtown District an applicant could come before Council to request a rezone from the Downtown District, existing non-conforming could be protected in a proposed ordinance, suggestion was made to narrow the rental/leasing services to prohibiting industrial equipment, and consensus of Council was to narrow the rental/leasing usage, protect,the existing business owners, and the design criteria is self-explanatory and does not need to require one vendor as the supplier. Planning and Zoning Commission Chair O'Farrell adjourned the Planning and Zoning Commission's portion of the Joint Work Session. Mayor Holland opened the discussion regarding considering the schedule of events and plan of finance ' for the City's series 2016 Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds and series 2016 General Obligation Permanent Improvement and Refunding Bonds. Administrative Services Director Cindy Edge 11/02/15 44901 provided Council with a handout and Financial Advisor John Roebuck with BOSC, Inc., presented a ' PowerPoint presentation regarding the schedule of events for City's series 2016 Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds and series 2016 General Obligation Permanent Improvement and Refunding Bonds. Mr. Roebuck stated it is a great time to sell bonds due to the current market, coming before Council now because rates are so low and can generate savings, looking at issuing $5.66 Million for Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, have an opportunity to refund a portion of outstanding Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds as General Obligation debt, lower interest rate and receive interest cost savings, would save $1.6 Million in interest cost savings, opportunity to refund some bonds to General Obligation Bonds, does include the cost of issuance, and purely being done for an interest cost savings of$1.6 Million. Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, John Roebuck with BOSC, Inc., and Staff regarding debt. retirement rate, issuance costs, financing options for Blackhawk Wastewater Treatment Plant third clarifier, possibly more advantageous for the City to issue its own debt for the third clarifier, impact on the .annual debt service if retirement rate is shortened, the shorter the time period the more principal and interest paid over the designated time period, impact on tax rate and Water and Sewer rate related to' debit retirement rate, and consensus of Council was to reevaluate the issue at the December Council meeting. 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 contemplated litigation arising from settlement of legal action. (Wight Realty Interests, Ltd. v. City of Friendswood) ' RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION Council reconvened into Open Session with no action taken later in the meeting. SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS City Manager Roger Roecker presented the Five Star Spirit Award for the third quarter of 2015 to Corporal Jason Galaviz, who has been with the City's Police Department since August 2005, and Patrolman James Price, who has been with the City's Police Department since February 2012. Mr. Galaviz and Mr. Price were nominated after they stopped to assist a motorist and change her tire after she ran over debris that was dropped in the roadway. In a situation where they could have cleared the disabled vehicle and moved on, they stayed to help her and that allowed her to leave and get the necessary repairs. The Five Star Spirit Award is awarded each quarter to an employee who has exhibited the five characteristics on which the award is based — Courteous, Competent, Reliable, Professional, and Enthusiastic. l JOINT PUBLIC HEARING Mayor Holland and Planning and Zoning Commission Chair David O' Farrell called a Joint Public Hearing to order to review comments from the public, both oral and written, regarding a zone classification change request for 3.665 acres known as Lot 1, Block 1 of the Cowards Creek Office Park, property located at 1100, 1102, 1104, 1106, and 1110 South Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, Galveston County Texas, to change from, Planned Unit Development-Specific Use Permit (PUD-SUP) Ordinance No. 2001-05 to la revised Planned Unit Development—Specific Use Permit (PUD-SUP) to allow NAICS Use No. 8121 Personal Care Services, NAICS Use No. 8129 Other Personal Services, and NAICS Use No. 8139 ' Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations. City Planner Aubrey Harbin gave a history and discussed the request. 11/02/15 4491 Planning and Zoning Commission Chair O'Farrell asked if anyone would like to speak in favor of or in opposition of the request. No one spoke. ' Planning and Zoning Commission Chair O'Farrell adjourned the Planning and Zoning Commission's portion of the Joint Public Hearing to continue their meeting in the Executive Conference Room. Mayor Holland left the Council's portion of the Joint Public Hearing open. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC Jerry Ericsson, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated there have been many agenda items referring to Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP), for many years he was a great proponent of BAHEP, was formerly called Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation, in fact he went on the Keep It Sold Mission to Washington, D.C., representing the City of Friendswood and once as a private individual. The organization used to be very supportive of the City of Friendswood but recently it seemed as though they were arguing against the City on the Whitcomb property, recently attended a meeting and one of BAHEP's board members stated it was like a chess game and BAHEP was four moves ahead of the City and the City did not even know it, does not think the City should give money to BAHEP, and requests that the City does not fund BAHEP. Bob Mitchell, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP) President, addressed Council and stated he would like to speak on the importance the City of Friendswood brings to Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP) as a Regional City, and the hard work that BAHEP does for the City and region as a whole, listened to Council's concerns at the last meeting, made some adjustments to the contract, and BAHEP hopes that Council will consider the amendments, and BAHEP looks forward to continuing the more than 17 year relationship that it has had with the City. Dr. Sam Brody, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he is here to speak as an expert ' and a concerned resident in support of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP), is an organization that he knows well in his capacity of a Professor at Texas ABM, Director of the Statewide Research Center, and the head of a major science foundation project. Has been in partnership with BAHEP for several years, has been a huge help in understanding and articulate floodless production and flood vulnerability in this community and in neighboring communities. The City of Friendswood is one of the most flood vulnerable areas in the United States, believes BAHEP has helped the community become safer and more economically viable, does not know the personal politics, encourages Council to continue to support BAHEP, as a resident he does not want his tax dollars to go anywhere else, he has worked with this organization for several years. Arturo Machuca, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he is an Aviation Executive at Ellington Airport, has also had the opportunity to work with Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP) for several years, has found the work that BAHEP has done to be very productive and of great value to his work and to Ellington Airport. BAHEP has been instrumental in several big projects that were achieved because they had been supporting the projects. BAHEP has played a critical role in helping to maintain and grow the military presence at Ellington for which not just Ellington but the entire region benefits. BAHEP's efforts were crucial back in 2006 to prevent Ellington from being closed, and BAHEP will be an important member in helping us to prevent future breaks or closing of the base. He stated that he would strongly recommend Council continue the agreement with BAHEP and uphold its longstanding relationship with BAHEP, as a citizen he believes that this region is better with BAHEP and the City of Friendswood is better off with its contract with BAHEP. Michael Cornett, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he is president of Texas Citizens Bank, his affiliation with the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP) goes back to the Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation days in the early 1990's, served as a board member and also on the executive committee at various times. Has seen BAHEP tackle some very sensitive issues ' over the years, have had a profound impact on immediate areas as well as the region. Through their relentless ability to maneuver through party lines BAHEP brings people together, have kept and created jobs in the City of Friendswood and in this region. Staff employed at BAHEP are very energetic, can-do 11/02/15 4492 people, have a lot of wealth and talent, have the ability to pull corporate leaders together and politicians inl order to get things heard for the region, very honorable people, want what is best for the City of Friendswood and other cities in the region. As a resident of Friendswood some of his concerns are maintaining quality of life and keeping taxes down, there is not anyone more qualified then BAHEP in his opinion to help address these issues, and believes BAHEP is a real bargain. Diana Taylor, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated she works for Moody National Bank, has had the opportunity to work with Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP) for quite a while and currently serves on two of their committees, one of them being the Health Care Committee, and the growing health care industry is important to the City and the region. She has personally seen the value that BAHEP brings to make this region competitive and bringing the health care industry and others to this area. She feels BAHEP is good for her banks business and strongly encourages Council to maintairi a relationship with BAHEP. Mark Conrad, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he owns Express Employment in Friendswood, moved to Friendswood 15 years ago because of a corporate relocation, in 2004 decided to open his own business, since opening his business he has placed at least 1,000 people in area companies for full time jobs, and placed around 11,000 people in contract positions. He has a regional based business that supports the Houston Bay Area and Galveston County Region. Before opening hig business he contacted Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP), needed data and market information on employees, has been doing business with BAHEP for the last ten years as a member, support provided by BAHEP has been key in his business over the years, has continued to invest in the organization, has been a board member, has been on the executive committee, was asked to start the Small Business Committee for BAHEP, since 2006 has been Chairman of the Small Business Committee, and hopes Council will continue to support BAHEP. Brent Cockerham, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he is the area President for ' Branch Banking and Trust, moved to the City of Friendswood about two and half years ago to bring his bank to the greater Houston area, great area to live and raise children, knows his family is safe, maintaining a good business environment is crucial and vital to the success of business, all this is done by governmental bodies, chambers, and organizations like Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP), here to link all the connections to jobs and economic growth, all 14 cities benefit together, appreciates the City's 17 year relationship with BAHEP, and asks that Council continue the relationship. With concurrence of Council, Mayor Holland moved to Agenda Item 12, City Manager's Report. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Roger Rocker reported that in conjunction with America Recycle Day, the City and Keep Friendswood Beautiful (KFB) are holding the Annual Fall Haul-A-Day, cleanup garage sale event on Saturday, November 14, 2015, at Centennial Park. This is not an area-wide event, but is presented for the benefit of the citizens of Friendswood. Free paper shredding is once again being sponsored by Copy Dr.. from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM or until the truck is full. There is a 200 pound limit of paper per vehicle. Only non-hazardous items will be accepted. Residents can donate garage sale items to KFB. Garage sale items can be dropped off the morning of the event at Centennial Park. All proceeds from the garage sale will benefit the beautification of City facilities and parks. KFB would like to encourage residents (o bring items that would benefit the wildlife rehabbers in Friendswood. They need aquariums (do not have to hold water), dog and cat kennel carriers, clean rags (towels/shirts), and shallow crock bowls. These volunteers take care of the many injured wild animals that make their home in Friendswood's green space. Hazardous waste will not be accepted. The City Manager reported that Wednesday, November 4, 2015, the Friendswood Senior Citizens Program, VFW Post 7109 and Ladies Auxiliary, AT&T Pioneers, and H-E-B will be sponsoring the Sixth Annual Veterans Day Luncheon. The event will be held at the Activity Building at 416 Morningside. Highlights will include veterans speaking about their military service, patriotic songs, prayers for those who have served to protect us, and several tables of military memorabilia will be on display. There is no 11/02/15 4493 charge and all are welcome to attend. The City Manager reported that the City of Friendswood has been awarded the 2015 Urban Area Security Initiative grant that the Fire Marshal's Office (FMO) applied for earlier this year. The request was submitted for radio equipment upgrades in the amount of $51,000. FMO plans to purchase hand-held and vehicle radios for the Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department fire division this budget year with the grant funds. The grant funding available for this project is from the unspent regional funds from fiscal year 2015 Homeland Security Grant Program. The total amount of the project is $50,412. This is a reimbursement grant and no matching funds are required. At a future Council meeting, Staff will present a request to appropriate funds from the general fund balance to be replenished when the grant funds are received. The City Manager reported that the Police Department's Victim of Crime Act application for grant funding has been awarded, was approved for 25 months instead of the typical one-year period. The grant period is September 1, 2015, to September 30, 2017. This is a Federal pass-through grant administered by the Criminal Justice Division of the Governor's Office and is awarded to provide funds from the Crime Victim Fund to enhance crime victim services in the State. This will be the 17th year for the grant award which has been successfully managed programmatically by the Police Department and financially by Administrative Services. The City Manager reported that the Library still has brick pavers available for purchase. All bricks will be placed randomly throughout designated areas in either the new main courtyard or children's courtyard. The pavers are 4" x 8" in size. Citizens that purchase a new paver will be able to choose the installation area and specify the personalized message to be engraved on the paver. The cost of a paver is $100, the donation is tax deductible, and all proceeds benefit the Friendswood Public Library. To purchase a paver or for more information please visit the library's website. With concurrence of Council, Mayor Holland moved to Agenda Item 11, Communications from ' Committees and Special Reports. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMITTEES AND SPECIAL REPORTS Friendswood Historical Society President Ann Whitaker gave the annual report. The Historical Society continues to make it their mission to preserve and share the history and heritage of the City of Friendswood, have completed some of the projects that were on their agenda and added new ones. This year two Girl Scouts that belong to.Friendswood troops completed their projects and earned their Gold Star Award from the Girl Scout Council. They both did projects that pertained to the preserving and promoting of the history of the City of Friendswood. One scout had a travelling collage of pictures of the City and the other scout devised a program to use high school students to open the Perry House and serve as docents each Saturday. This year the Historical Society was able to repair the brick walk at the Frank J. Brown Museum, repair and replace some of the siding at the Perry House, install light emitting diode (LED) lights in the artifact room, the academy room and in the barn at the Frank J. Brown Museum. An irrigation system will be installed at°the Frank J. Brown Museum in order to better maintain the grounds. The museum grounds are used for many events so keeping the grounds in good shape is important. .Photographers find that both museum grounds are great for special picture taking, families often gather for family photos. The Brown Museum grounds served over the past year as a setting for a couple of long-time residents celebrating their 30th anniversary who were married there at the museum. There are pictures of Frank J. Brown, his parents, and Mary Jane Allen Brown and her parents that need to be framed along with other pictures that are being cleaned up and brass plates attached for identification. When this project is finished, all the pictures will be displayed in the parlor of the Brown Museum. The annual Historween event continues to be successful,just completed the 5th annual event, student and adult volunteers make it a great event, and proceeds from the Historween event go to the respective clubs of the students who participated. The annual Christmas tree lighting will be held December 1, 2015, at the Frank J. Brown Museum, a community event to start the Christmas season, will have a youth choir for entertainment, gingerbread and wassail will be served. Mrs. Whitaker thanked the City for their support, and stated without'the financial support of the City, the Historical Society's work to i 11/02/15 4494 maintain the museums for future generations would not be possible. ' With concurrence of Council, Mayor Holland moved to Agenda Item 13, discussion and possible action regarding early termination of a contract with Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership for economic development services. ACTION ITEMS **Councilmember Rockey moved to remove from the table the early termination of a contract with Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership for economic development services. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion to remove from the table was approved 4-3 with Councilmembers Enochs, McGinnis, and Scott opposed. **Mayor Holland moved to deny the early termination of a contract with Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership for economic development services. Seconded by Councilmember Rockey. The motion was approved 5-2 with Councilmembers Hill and Gustafson opposed. Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, and Staff regarding the economic development services contract with Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP), clarification was given on the motion, if motion to deny fails Council can then address the proposed amendments to the BAHEP contract in the next agenda item, BAHEP has listened to Council and brought proposed amendments to contract, and BAHEP is an organization that looks at the bigger picture of economic development. **Councilmember Rockey moved to approve amendments to the existing agreement with Bay Are Houston Economic Partnership for economic development services. ' Seconded by Councilmember Scott. The motion was approved 5-2 with Councilmembers Hill and Gustafson opposed. Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP) representatives, and the City Attorney regarding proposed amendments to the economic development contract, new leads that would be a good fit for the City of Friendswood based on the City's business model and zoning, BAHEP is a regional organization, and cannot make exclusive leads. *** Councilmember Hill moved to amend the main motion to amend the contract to include that Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership will bring one business to the City of Friendswood in the coming year. I Seconded by Mayor Holland. The amendment to the main motion failed 3-4 with Councilmembers Rockey, Enochs, McGinnis, and Scott opposed. Discussion took place between Mayor Holland, Council, and the City Attorney regarding that Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP) is a regional organization, the City's Community and Economic Development Committee and Chamber of Commerce are responsible to guarantee a lead from BAHEP develops in the City of Friendswood, clarification was given on timing terms of the contract, and a suggestion was made to BAHEP to bring all leads before Council for better understanding. Councilmember Scott called the question on the amended motion. The vote to call the question was approved unanimously. Further discussion took place between Mayor and Council regarding the main motion, suggestion was made to table the motion and create a subcommittee to discuss the proposed amendments to the contract. ****Councilmember Gustafson motion to table until the December Council meeting died for lack of a ' second. Councilmember Scott called the question on the main motion. The vote to call the question was I I 11/02/15 4495 approved 5-1 with Councilmember Gustafson opposed. **Councilmember Scott 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 and approve the budget amount of$15,000. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Rockey moved to approve amending the Appointment Policy for Boards, Committees, and Commissions. (Combining the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board with Keep Friendswood Beautiful) Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Scott moved to approve appointments to Keep Friendswood Beautiful. (Appointing members of Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to Keep Friendswood Beautiful) Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Rockey moved to approve the appointment of Mona Palmer as an alternate member to the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee with a term to expire November 2016, and change the status of alternate member Nancy Mastrofrancesco to regular member to fill a vacancy with a term to expire November 2018. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously. RESOLUTIONS **Councilmember Hill moved to approve Resolution R2015-24 — A resolution of the City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, Galveston/Harris Counties casting 129 votes for electing Scott Brast to the Galveston Central Appraisal District Board of Directors for 2016-2017. Seconded by Councilmember Gustafson. The motion was approved unanimously. ' **Councilmember McGinnis moved to approve Resolution R2015-25—A resolution of the City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, Galveston/Harris Counties casting its ballot for the election of Ed Heathcott to the Board of Directors of the Harris County Appraisal District for 2016-2017. Seconded by Councilmember Rockey. The motion was approved unanimously. ORDINANCES **Councilmember Scott moved to approve the Second and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2015-26—An ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Friendswood, Texas, Appendix C —"Zoning," by amending the zoning classification for 402 East Edgewood Drive, being part of Lot 21 (21-2) of the Hoidale and Coffman Subdivision, Abstract 20, Galveston County, Friendswood, Texas; providing for the granting of an amendment to the Specific Use Permit (SUP) approved by Ordinance No. 2004-01 on February 2, 2004, which SUP was further amended by Ordinance No. 2013-13 on May 6, 2013, to add new additional permitted uses of the property for NAICS Use No. 442 "Furniture and Home Furnishings," NAICS Use No. 446 "Health and Personal Care Stores," and NAICS Use No. 448 "Clothing and Clothing Accessory Stores," but otherwise subject to the prior regulations, restrictions, and conditions of Ordinance No. 95-3, adopted on March 6, 1995, establishing the Planned Unit Development(PUD) for the use of the subject property; 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 Hill. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Scott moved to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. T2015-29 —An ordinance amending Appendix B, Section IV of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Friendswood, Texas. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously. ' Assistant City Manager Morad Kabiri reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission's vote for Agenda Item 20C, First reading of Ordinance No. T2015-30, an ordinance amending the Code of 11/02/15 4496 Ordinances of the City of Friendswood, Texas, Appendix C — "Zoning," by amending the zoning ' classification for 1100-1110 South Friendswood Drive, being a tract or parcel containing 3.665 acres known as Lot 1, Block 1 of the final plat of Cowards Creek Office Park, situated in the Sarah McKissick League, Abstract Number 151, Galveston County, Friendswood, Texas; providing for the granting of an amendment to the Specific Use Permit (SUP) approved by Ordinance No. 2001-05 on January 22, 2001, to add new additional permitted uses of the property for NAICS Use No. 8121 "Personal Care Services," NAICS Use No. 8129 "Other Personal Services," and NAICS Use No. 8139 "Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations," assigning NAICS Use numbers to uses permitted under Ordinance No. 2001-05, but otherwise subject to the prior regulations, restrictions, and conditions of Ordinance No. 2001-05, establishing the Planned Unit Development (PUD) for the use of the subject property; providing for amendment of the Official Zoning Map was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Scott moved to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. T2015-30 —An ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Friendswood, Texas, Appendix C — "Zoning," by amending the zoning classification for 1100-1110 South Friendswood Drive, being a tract or parcel containing 3.665 acres known as Lot 1, Block 1 of the final plat of Cowards Creek Office Park, situated in the Sarah McKissick League, Abstract Number 151, Galveston County, Friendswood, Texas; providing for the granting of an amendment to the Specific Use Permit (SUP) approved by Ordinance No. 2001-05 on January 22, 2001, to add new additional permitted uses of the property for NAICS Use No. 8121 "Personal Care Services," NAICS Use No. 8129 "Other Personal Services," and NAICS Use No. 8139 "Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations," assigning NAICS Use numbers to uses permitted under Ordinance No. 2001-05, but otherwise subject to the prior regulations, restrictions, and conditions of Ordinance No. 2001-05, establishing the Planned Unit Development (PUD) for the use of the subject property; 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 McGinnis. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Enochs moved to approve the First and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2015-31 —An ordinance amending City of Friendswood, Texas, Ordinance No. 2015-27, passed and approved October 5, 2015, same being an ordinance approving and adopting the City's General Budget for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 by approving "Budget Amendment 1" to the "Original General Budget of the City of Friendswood, Texas, for the Fiscal Year 2015-2016"; providing.for supplemental appropriation and/or transfer of certain funds; providing for severability; and providing other matters related to the subject. Seconded by Councilmember Rockey. The motion was approved unanimously. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS Councilmember McGinnis stated he had the honor to meet with Boy Scout Troop 442 since the last Council meeting to teach them about city government and civics, invited them to attend this meeting, acknowledged the troop, their leaders, and parents, and was an enjoyment to see the excitement on all their faces when learning about city government. Councilmember Scott stated the Police Department's response during the recent storm was phenomenal, and his street was one of the streets affected. When he goes home there are off duty Police Officers standing at the end of the street verifying everyone entering the street has a reason to be there. The Police Department does a tremendous job all the','time and does not always get recognized for it. Thanked the Police Department,.Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services for all they do for the community. Councilmember Gustafson stated his thoughts and"prayers are with the families that were affected by the storms that hit Saturday, was fortunate enough to participate in.Historween for the second year in a row, ' his family had a great time at the event, happy to hear the1 event was as successful as it was, and the holiday season is approaching everyone stay safe. Councilmember Enochs stated Texas New Mexico Power Company did an awesome job after the recent 11/02/15 4497 storm, within eight hours had the poles and lines that were crossing the road back up and working, asked the City Manager to look into why none of the alarms went off. ' City Manager Roger Rocker stated the alarms were primarily put in place for pipeline explosions, was discussed about whether to sound the alarm, is not a tornado warning system, decision was made not to sound them, people have to know what to do, tend to call 911 which is not good for dispatchers, are also there for you to shelter in place, there were no injuries in this event, that is a blessing and the most important thing. Councilmember Rockey thanked Councilmember Gustafson for participating in Historween, did a great job playing one of the three dead husbands of Elma Smith, event was a lot fun, avoided the rain, and people learned a lot about the history of Friendswood. Mayor Holland thanked the Police Department, Volunteer Fire Department, and Emergency Medical Services, took his own tour of the City after the recent storm, was very impressed, toured the City again yesterday with the Assistant City Manager and Councilmember Hill and saw marked improvement. Veteran's Day is November 11, 2015, and reminded everyone to thank their veterans. Councilmember Hill stated he had nothing to report. CONSENT AGENDA "Councilmember Scott moved to approve all items on the Consent Agenda as presented: A. Acceptance of grant funding from the Urban Area Security Initiative to help in purchasing handheld radios for the Fire Department and consolette for the Police Dispatch Center. B. Ratify the Mayor's signature on an amendment to the contract with the General Land Office to use the remaining Round 1 Disaster Recovery Funds for an expansion of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) installation project. C. Approving an agreement between Progressive Commercial Aquatics, Inc., and City of Friendswood to ' complete the resurfacing of Sesquicentennial Pool. D. Ratify the Mayor's signature on a letter consenting to American Tower's request to modify AT&T equipment at the tower site at 1606 Whitaker Drive. E. Accepting the September 2015 Property Tax Report. F. Approving Minutes of the September 14, September 28, October 01, and October 05, 2015, Council Meetings. Seconded by Councilmember Rockey. The motion was approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM. Mayor Kevin nd Attest: \\�J • pRIEN •• . o s�• Melinda Welsh, TRMC gyp'; City Secretary •..q�F OF��.�P: