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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2016-07-11 Regular I 07/11/16 4585 STATE OF TEXAS )( CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD )( COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS )( JULY 11, 2016 )( MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD CITY COUNCIL THAT WAS HELD ONI MONDAY, JULY 11, 2016, 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 JOHN SCOTT COUNCILMEMBER CARLGUSTAFSON CITY ATTORNEY ARNOLD POLANCO CITY MANAGER ROGER ROECKER DEPUTY CITY SECRETARY MICHELLE PEREZ Councilmember Foreman and City Secretary Melinda Welsh were absent from the meeting. REGULAR SESSION Mayor Holland called the meeting to order. ' The invocation was given by Father Geoffrey Gwynne with Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. Mayor Holland led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and to the State of Texas. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC Laura Higgins, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated she is in favor of the proposed Planned Unit Development (PUD) in Sunmeadow Subdivision, her family has lived in the City of Friendswood since 1993, and was opposed to the first developer that tried to move into the golf course. She further stated Parke Patterson with Parke Patterson Land Development will do what is right for the parcel of land, and wishes part of the parks bond money would have gone for the City to purchase the land. She stated she believes traffic is a big problem on FM 528, Council needs to discuss traffic problems with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and it is only going to get worse in the future. Marilyn Turner, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated she has lived in Sunmeadow Subdivision for 30 years, her property backs up to Chigger Creek, house flooded before she moved in, drainage is a big issue to her, and she is in favor of the proposed Planned Unit Development (PUD). Parke Patterson with Parke Patterson Land Development has expressed that he is going help with drainage problems. She further stated she liked the 47 acres of green space being donated, which is three times the size of Stevenson Park. The proposed PUD will only impact 103 homes in the Sunmeadow Subdivision, and current zoning requirements would impact 263 homes. The infrastructure in Sunmeadow Subdivision is out of date and Mr. Patterson's proposed PUD would help the process of upgrading infrastructure. Mr. Patterson has listened to the residents of the Sunmeadow Subdivision ar' paid attention to all traffic concerns. Adam Hill, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he is in opposition of the Friendswood ' Trail plan. He stated that in the City's Planning and Zoning manual it states in no case shall a Planned Unit Development (PUD) be used for the sole purpose of circumventing the intent of City ordinances or plans, and when the Planning and Zoning Commission gave Council a unanimous decision they violated I 07/11/16 4586 their own guidelines. Vision 2020 was created by intelligent people and the intent was to benefit the City's schools and protect economic development. The determined 80% residential and 20 % commercial is a perfect mix, the proposed plat does not meet this guideline, there is very little commercial, why is this developer being able to violate ordinances, and why is Friendswood Independent School District (FISD) promoting the proposed development. He further stated he could not find where FISD had promoted any residential development in the past, has been told there is fear of an apartment complex being developed, there is not enough room for an apartment complex, does hear the voices of Sunmeadow Subdivision, tract increase will increase property values, drainage issues will be fixed, but it all should be done within City ordinances. The City of Friendswood has the most economically run schools and one of the safest cities due to the Police Department, does not believe that should change for one tract of land. Jerry Pfleeger, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he has lived in Sunmeadow Subdivision since 1979, has witnessed a couple of attempts to develop the golf course, and watched it get voted down. The reason a lot of the residents moved to Sunmeadow,Subdivision was because of the green space and the environment but the last ten years have not been pleasant. There is a developer now that has brought forth a plan, and believes the plan adds real value to the neighborhood. Residents look to Council to make good judgment for what is in the best interest of residents, would like Council to consider the proposed plan, believes it is in the best interest of all the residents of Sunmeadow Subdivision, and that it will add value to the City of Friendswood. The City should make land available for teachers and the elderly so they do not have to live in League City, Alvin, or Pearland because they cannot find a place that is affordable in Friendswood. Jamie Ashby, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated she has lived in Sunmeadow Subdivision for 29 years, thanked Councilmember Rockey for showing support for the residents of Sunmeadow Subdivision by motioning for Council to approve the Planned Unit Development(PUD) at the June Council meeting, and Councilmen Rockey apparently sees the merits of the PUD as opposed to the ' current zoning. The proposed PUD includes 410 homes with no fence-to-fence platting, drainage plan that includes five retention ponds, and 80 acres of green space. Under current zoning there would be 638 homes, some could be multi-family, fence-to-fence platting allowed, only two retention ponds, minimum drainage requirements are met, and minimal green space. Sunmeadow Subdivision is a beautiful, mature neighborhood filled with hardworking people that know their neighbors, share in each other's joys and sorrows. Residents have been uncertain of what the future of their neighborhood would be for the past eight years, and have come to grips that the old golf course would be going away. Approval of the PUD would help soften the blow, and show residents that Council cares about Sunmeadow Subdivision and their quality of life. Faye Roberson, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated she has emails regarding items that would be placed on future Council meeting agendas including items involving the Sunmeadow Subdivision. WORK SESSION Mayor Holland opened the discussion regarding the City of Friendswood General Obligation Refunding Bonds,. Series 2016A. Administrative Services Director Cindy Edge provided Council with backup documents regarding the City's refunding opportunity. John Roebuck with BOSC, Inc., presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding an overview of the City's refunding opportunity. The current market conditions are that interest rates are at an all-time low, and due to lower interest rates the City has an opportunity to refund a portion of its outstanding Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds either as General Obligation or Waterworks and Sewer System, at a lower interest rate and receive interest cost savings. The advantage of refunding Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds as General Obligation debt is that the City has a higher rating on the General Obligation side and the interest rates are lower because General Obligation Bonds sell better in the marketplace, principal time period would be ' matched, and total benefit to the City would be almost $2.1 Million. The second option is to refund the Water and Sewer System Bonds with Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, and total benefit to the City would be almost $1.1 Million. Staff recommends Council approve the ordinance and related 07/11/16 4587-. documents in regards to General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2016A that would allow the Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds to be refunded as General Obligation debt. Discussion took place between the Mayor, Council, and John Roebuck with BOSC, Inc., regarding the only advantage of refunding the Water and Sewer System Bonds with Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds is to keep the bonds on the Water and Sewer side, bonds would be sold as soon as possible with a closing date of September 15, 2016. Mayor Holland opened the discussion regarding the Blackhawk Wastewater Treatment Plant capacity. Assistant City Manager Morad Kabiri stated the Blackhawk Wastewater Treatment Plant is a facility the City shares with other participants, and Staff needs general guidance regarding additional connections The City of Houston has determined it has excess capacity within the plant, the capacity will not address the City's Inflow and Infiltration (1&1) issue, and the City of Houston has made a proposal to sell their excess capacity to other participants at their current wastewater impact fee price. Staff recommends ari initial purchase of 1,000 connections, securing the remaining 3,000 connections over the next five years, and the initial purchase of capacity from the City of Houston would result in a greater percentage of costs for the City for the third clarifier currently under construction. I Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, and Staff regarding that the purchase of the initial 1,000 additional connections would take the City of Friendswood to 55% capacity at the Blackhawk Wastewater, Treatment Plant, and once the remaining 3,000 connections are purchased the City would have an estimated 63% of the capacity. i 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 June Council meeting. He reported on the library expansion project and, ' stated the brick pavers, stone and brick work on the fagade has started. The flooring, new ceiling and painting in the main entrance, foyer, and hallway have been completed. The project is on track to be substantially complete before the August Council meeting. The contractor has been working on the parking lot, underground infrastructure, and piers for the building foundation for the new fire station headquarters. The City Hall re-roof project has been completed and will be presented at the August Council meeting for acceptance. The paving and sidewalks portion of the improvements at the Sportspark have been completed, and will be presented later in the meeting for acceptance by Council.) The fencing project is substantially complete and Staff anticipates the project to be completed before the August Council meeting. There has been a delay in ordering the steel frame for the basketball pavilion at Centennial Park based on the design criteria. Once the steel has been ordered, there will be a projected two month lead time for delivery. A Request for Proposal (RFP) was completed and advertised in June for the Lake Friendswood project. Proposals were received by the City Secretary's office on June 281 2016, and Staff will recommend acceptance of a proposal later in the meeting. The restroom and pavilior component of the overall project will be procured separately by the developer of West Ranch. The Stevenson Park Connecting Trails project has been completed and will be presented for acceptance later in the meeting. In regards to the Downtown Streetscape project, the contractor has installed all of they driveways and sidewalks from Shadwell Lane to the northern City Hall driveway. The northern driveway at City Hall is currently being demolished with reconstruction to start soon. Staff anticipates the project toi be completed by the August Council meeting. The contractor for the Round 1 Street Improvements project has completed concrete on Shadowbend Avenue from Laurel to Friendswood Drive. The section from Laurel to Woodlawn is missing a portion of the curb and should be open soon for traffic. Demolition activity began on Townes Road on June 6, 2016. The Whispering Pines Avenue/Friendswood Link Road is 89% complete. On the Galveston County side, the paving from FM 518 to the bridge has bee completed. The contractor has poured the majority of the additional pavement to FM 518 from the bridge and is currently working on the omitted driveways on the north side of the recently poured concrete. At Water Plant No. 7, the project has been completed, and will be presented at the August Council meeting for acceptance. At Water Plant No. 2, the contractor has completed the pipe supports, and is currently working on the indoor electrical for the control building and fencing. City Staff, the engineer, and contractor have determined a solution at Lift Station No. 3 for the installation of the gravity line from the existing lift station to the line under FM 518. The contractor re-mobilized and is installing a manhole near 07/11/16 4588 Potter's Liquor. The existing gas line for the generator on the existing lift station has been removed and the new lift station is ready to receive flow. At Lift Station No. 18, the contractor has completed a majority of the concrete and is currently working on the control panel. The engineer is in the process of reviewing and approving various submittals including the clarifier submittal at the Blackhawk Wastewater Treatment Plant. The contractor has begun rerouting the backwash piping from the filters. Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, and Staff regarding that several citizens that had originally opposed the trail and bridge system connecting Old City Park and Stevenson Park now support it since the project has been completed and they have seen the finished project. The water line on Townes Road is being replaced with a one and half inch line and splitting it onto two one-inch meters and placing the water line substantially deeper in the ground: Staff is working with Caden Fischer on an Eagle Scout project for the dog park at Old City Park. Mayor Holland opened the discussion regarding Friendswood Trails. Assistant City Manager Morad Kabiri stated at the request of Council the work session was placed on the agenda, an updated land plan has been submitted with a greater number of 90 foot lots that was proposed in the original Planned Unit Development(PUD) application, and the applicant is present at the meeting to answer any questions Council may have related to the proposed project. Parke Patterson with Parke Patterson Land Development addressed Council regarding changes that had been made to the proposed plan since the June Council meeting, have increased the number of 90 foot lots, and the total updated lot count is 424 lots. Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, and Parke 'Patterson with Parke Patterson Land Development regarding Council's thoughts and opinions on the proposed development. Councilmember Rockey believes the development will decrease the density from what could potentially be done with the property, adds a lot of green space, saves trees, tremendous amount of work on where the traffic and , water will flow, have heard from the school district, and he is in support of the proposed development. Councilmember Hill gave a brief history of subdivisions with at least 90 foot lots that have been developed in the City by Friendswood citizens, asked Parke Patterson how he heard about the land to develop, and Mr. Patterson stated he wanted to build in the area and saw the property while driving through the city. Councilmember Hill further stated the proposed development might be good for Sunmeadow Subdivision but is not sure it is good for the City of Friendswood. Councilmember Enochs stated Council has to remember this is a process, Mr. Patterson has taken notes, listened, and made adjustments, development is unique since there are already existing lots, the proposed development should be representative of what is already there, is concerned about traffic on the roadways, and has not seen a study on the impact of traffic. Councilmember Scott stated from his perspective, 90 foot lots can be placed into an existing subdivision, Council has been persistent over the past five years to stick to the ordinance requirement of 90 foot lots, the reason for 90 foot lots in the City of Friendswood is density and appearance, that is why Friendswood's property values are higher than neighboring communities, and appreciates Mr. Patterson's effort and time but is opposed to the proposed development. Mayor Holland opened the discussion regarding school district funding. Friendswood Independent School District (FISD) Superintendent Trish Hanks provided a handout for Council and stated she did meet with the developers of Friendswood Trails, and the school district does have the capacity to take on the estimated additional students. Ms. Hanks began her presentation regarding the school district funding and stated in the 2014-2015 school year a survey was done to determine what parents valued the most about the school district. The results were safety and security, college readiness, and hiring and maintaining quality staff. The district began to look at their compensation plans, did a survey of surrounding districts, and discovered that FISD was significantly lower than some of the surrounding districts. The school board and staff redesigned the compensation plan to be similar to surrounding areas, and raised teacher's salaries to try to stay within the ballpark of surrounding school districts. The school board adopted a tax rate that will be a total tax rate of two cents higher than the current tax rate to ' help support salary increases, 85% of the school board budget is salaries, called bond funds in early to save$16.7 Million, and due to that savings the debt services rate was dropped by seven cents. State law requires if a school board adopts an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) tax rate above $1.04 that the i I 07/11/16 4589 rate must go before the community for a vote. Property values have gone up the last two years, when property values go up the school district collects additional tax money but at the same time loses moneyey from the state, main thing to remember is the driver of funding is based on state funding, as more mon is collected locally the state pays less, and enrollment is a factor. Enrollment for Friendswood Independent School District has only grown by a half of a percent, sometimes 1%, for the last few years! The FISD tax election has been called for September 10, 2016. Jf Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, and Friendswood Independent School District Superintendent Trish Hanks regarding the formula used by the state for school funding per district, and Friendswood Independent School District (FISD) is the lowest revenue school district in the surrounding 50 districts but the highest performing. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Holland asked if anyone would like to speak regarding the Executive Sessions. 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 claims against Olson & Olson, LLP,; arising from settlement of legal action, Section 551.071 — Consultation with Attorney regarding pending litigation (Robert J. Bertrand, et al v. City of Friendswood), Section 551.072 — Deliberation regarding real property (Parkland development; legal advice only regarding potential development of real property located within the City of Friendswood), Section 551.074 — Personnel Matters; to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public offcer on employee (Evaluation of proposed appointees to Type B Economic Development Corporation) and Section 551.087— Deliberation regarding economic development negotiations; to deliberate the offer of al financial or other incentive to a business prospect. ' RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION Council reconvened into Open Session with actions taken later in the meeting regarding Section 551.071 (Robert J. Bertrand, et al v. City of Friendswood) and Section 551.074 (Evaluation of proposed appointees to Type B Economic Development Corporation). ACTION ITEMS "Discussion and possible action regarding consultation with City Attorney regarding pending claims against Olson &Olson, LLP, arising from settlement of legal action died for lack of a motion. "Councilmember Hill moved to approve the ratification of an agreement with the Lewis Brisbois Law Firm to serve as special counsel for election contest. Seconded by Councilmember Rockey. The motion was approved 6-0. SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Deputy City Secretary Michelle Perez administered the Oath of Office to Richard P. Flake for Municipal Court Associate Judge. 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 a 3.665 acre tract of land, Lot 1, Block 1, Cowards Creek Office Park, property located of ' 1100, 1102, 1104, 1106, and 1110 South Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, Galveston County, Texas, to change from Planned Unit Development/Specific Use Permit (PUD/SUP) Ord. No. 2015-30 to Downtown District(DD). 07/11/16 4590 Deputy Director of Community Development/Planner Aubrey Harbin explained the request. 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. Mayor Holland left Council's portion of the Joint Public Hearing open. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC Michael Wood, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he was at the meeting to discuss Agenda Item 14, City Manager's Report, and Jeff Newpher's article on the commercial website SafeWise. In the article it was stated SafeWise used the uniform crime rate to report that the City of Friendswood was one of the safest cities in Texas. The Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Report does not rank jurisdictions, and specifically warns against using the report in this manner, the UCR Report specifically states that the report is demographics driven and does not measure Police Department effectiveness or efficiency, every Texas city in the UCR Report that is the same size and has the same demographics as Friendswood has a similar crime index number. Of these comparable cities, Friendswood has the largest Police Department and their police budget averages an estimated 40% higher than the other cities, and yet the crime index number does not differ. Since the first of the year the City has reported that three different websites using the same UCR Report with three different rankings for Friendswood and should be a red flag as to their worth. The last sentence in the warning issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding the usage of the UCR Report states the FBI cautions, in fact strongly discourages, data users against using rankings to evaluate the effectiveness of their law enforcement agencies. SafeWise has misused the UCR Report in an effort to sell burglar alarms. David Allen, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and thanked all participants that performed in the 1 recital of the Declaration of Independence that Former Councilmember Patrick McGinnis used to recite each Fourth of July. The recent Declaration of Independence recital was created mostly by City Staff and was beautifully done, a lot of the same situations that happened in the Declaration of Independence are happening today. There is a war against police, citizens have to remain calm, support the police in their incredibly difficultjob, watched the recording of the Declaration of Independence and it was beautiful. Millie Periver, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated she had written a Letter to the Editor of the Friendswood Journal and would like to read it to Council. "What a gigantic and foolish waste of taxpayer funds,just because a City can get state money does not mean they have to, the re-landscaping of the medians of FM 518 through the old downtown part of Friendswood is a prime example. The medians have been beautiful for 30 or 35 years. Mr. Hubert Bails ordered the crepe myrtles, he cared for them and watered them until the City provided water to each of the medians before they were permitted to be planted. The high school drafting class drew up the plans. The whole community was involved in this and the medians were planned to be all color coordinated crepe myrtles. Now all that beauty has been destroyed by people that do not even care to find out the history. What a colossal waste of everyone's money and years of growth for the medians. Is this what they call crepe murder? An earlier Community Appearance Board was in charge of planting the original crepe myrtles and she was the chairman of that committee. She has been told that the crepe myrtles that are being ripped out are going to be replaced with crepe myrtles. She is sure those crepe myrtles had a hard time finding a place to live but they were cared for all these years, now that the people that come along if they want to put some crepe myrtles on the side they are going to have to blast through a little bit of old pavement to get those things to grow." COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMITTEES AND SPECIAL REPORTS Community and Economic Development Committee (CEDC) Chair Pauline Moore presented the annual ' report and stated there are nine members of the committee that volunteer their time. Ms. Moore listed the committee members and committee liaisons. The CEDC's mission statement is "The CEDC will actively recruit and retain quality businesses to diversify Friendswood's tax base." The CEDC held 14 meetings in i 07/11/16 4591' 2015 and six so far in 2016. Some of CEDC's accomplishments and recommendations over the past year are that they worked with Staff to implement a process for CEDC to provide its position to Council on downzoning requests from commercial to non-commercial use. This information can now be accessed through the City's Rezoning Report. CEDC hosted the 13rh Annual Broker and Developer Day at Timber Creek Golf Club on October 27, 2015, in collaboration with the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce's Annual Golf tournament. Last year's event was held as a luncheon with a $1,500 sponsorship from CenterPoint Energy's Economic Development Department. Mayor Holland, Friendswood Economic Development Coordinator Karen Capps, and Galveston County Director of Economic Development Bix Rathburn spoke about business opportunities in the City of Friendswood. There were over 50 attendees and 15 stayed after the workshop to play golf and network. In December, CEDC received an overview from Staff regarding current conditions of the Downtown District pertaining to zoning, offsite detention, Neighborhood Empowerment Zone, and the lower threshold and eligibility requirement in order for a business to qualify for the City's municipal grant program. The committee also reviewed and discussed sales tax and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ) as two types of funding mechanisms used byl communities to help pay for public infrastructure and downtown improvements. In January, CEDC gave al negative recommendation in regards to any new ordinances specific to large retail establishments, andj CEDC made a recommendation to support Council adopting an additional 1/8 cent sales tax fors downtown improvements. In February, CEDC unanimously concurred with the proposed changes by the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) pertaining to the City's Permitted Use Table as they relate to the City's Downtown District and the future vision of downtown. Over the course of several months, CEDC discussed data collection for economic development performance metrics and how to communicate them to Council and residents. The committee is also planning the 14th Annual Broker and Developer Day that. will be held at Timber Creek Golf Club on October 27, 2016. The committee would like to invite and encourage Councilmembers to attend the broker event luncheon, and if you play golf, stay and help be a spokesperson for the City by playing golf with guests who may be a real estate broker, developer, or business prospect. The committee appointed three new members, Gary Kay, Lorrie Foreman, andj ' Jennifer Whitley. The committee also looks forward to the grand openings of two municipal grant projects, Townes Square Center and Lifestyle Financial Services. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Roger Roecker reported the City of Friendswood and Friendswood Rotary Club are proud to announce the 2016 Movies in the Park series at Evelyn B. Newman Amphitheater. The movie series will begin July 15, 2016, and runs every Friday through August 19, 2016. Local businesses generously sponsoring each movie night include Dance Expressions, Keep Friendswood Beautiful, HomeTown Bank of Friendswood, Night Light Pediatric Urgent Care, Operation Redemption, and Texas Emergency Care Center. Thanks to the sponsors, all movies will be free, theater seats will be limited, so feel free to bring blankets or lawn chairs to sit on the lawn. Do not forget your picnic dinner and/or snacks. Concessions will be available to purchase. The City Manager reported the Fourth of July Steering Committee and the City of Friendswood just, celebrated its 12151 Annual Fourth of July Celebration. The daylong celebration was packed full of entertainment, food, and fun for the entire family. The theme for the celebration this year was "Honoring Your Local Heroes." The day was kicked off with the Grand Parade that started down Friendswood Drive at 10:00 AM with over 100 parade entries from the City of Friendswood and around the state of Texas. The parade concluded at Stevenson Park where over 50 booths, rides, games, food, live entertainment, and fun for the entire family took place. The evening program at Centennial Park began at 7:30 PM with the ReMax Skydiving Team dropping into the park during the National Anthem. The musical group "Decades" headlined the evening entertainment, and the evening concluded with a fireworks show that lit up the sky that was choreographed to patriotic music. Thousands of Friendswood residents participated in the daytime activities and everyone enjoyed the family event as the community of Friendswood celebrated the country's independence in patriotic style. ' The City Manager reported that the City of Friendswood ranked number ten in SafeWise's Safest Cities in Texas, up from number 14 last year. SafeWise is a home security and safety brand committed to increasing safety education, awareness, and preparedness in American communities. In order to identify 07/11/16 4592 the ten safest cities in Texas, the most recent Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Crime Report statistics from 2014, along with population data were reviewed. Cities were then narrowed down based on the number of reported violent crimes and property crimes that occurred in each city. To further level the playing field, SafeWise calculated the likelihood of these crimes occurring out of 1,000 people in each city. The City Manager thanked the Friendswood Police Department for their excellent work, cooperation, and vigilance of the City of Friendswood residents. The City Manager reported that Niche has ranked the City of Friendswood 11t"in its Best Suburbs to Live in the Houston Metropolitan Area list and 251h in the state of Texas, the City'is proud of the recognition, Friendswood is a great place to live, work, or play. ACTION ITEMS (continued) **Councilmember Scott moved to approve the appointment of Kitten Brizendine, Robin Hall, Leola Hill Hancock, Jay Horecky, Jim Barr, James H. Nye, and Bill Provenzano to the Charter Review Commission to expire January 2017; and appointment of Patrick McGinnis, Rebecca Hillenburg, Paul Marx, Elmer "Bubba" Johnson, Jr., Ron Cox, Arden (Trey) Hill, and Alton Todd to the Friendswood Downtown Economic Development Corporation. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved 6-0. **Councilmember Rockey moved to approve to direct the City Attorney to prepare the Certificate of Formation for the Type B Corporation. Seconded by Councilmember Gustafson. The motion was approved 6-0. **Councilmember Scott moved to approve the disposition of RFP No. 2016-05 for the construction of Lake Friendswood Park amenities and award to Tandem Service, LLC. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved 6-0. ' **Councilmember Rockey moved to nominate Councilmember Jim Hill as Mayor Pro-Tem for 2016-2017. Seconded by Councilmember Gustafson. The motion was approved 6-0. **Councilmember Hill moved to approve a change order for the Whispering Pines Avenue/Friendswood Link Road Project related to the addition of a transition lane. Seconded by Councilmember Rockey. The motion was approved 6-0. **Councilmember Rockey moved to approve a change order for the Whispering Pines Avenue/Friendswood Link Road Project and Timberfield Estates. Seconded by Councilmember Gustafson. The motion was approved 6-0. RESOLUTIONS **Councilmember Hill moved to approve Resolution R2016-14—A resolution of the City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, authorizing and approving the Hazard Mitigation Grant application. Seconded by Councilmember Enochs. The motion was approved 6-0. **Councilmember Rockey moved to approve Resolution R2016-15—A resolution of the City of Friendswood, Texas, Galveston/Harris counties, endorsing the appointment of one (1) new member to the Galveston County United Board of Health. Seconded by Councilmember Scott. The motion was approved 6-0. ORDINANCES **Councilmember Hill moved to approve the Second and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2016-27 — An ' ordinance approving a vacation of a portion of a public right-of-way located within the proposed Arbor Gate at West Ranch Section 3 Subdivision; authorizing the Mayor to execute and the City Secretary to attest a quitclaim deed by and between the City and Autumn Creek Development, Ltd. i 07111/16 4593 Seconded by Councilmember Rocket'. The motion was approved 6-0. Assistant City Manager Morad Kabiri reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission had a positive, recommendation for Agenda Item 22B, First reading of Ordinance No. T2016-31, 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 repeal of Ordinance No. 2001-05 adopted on January 22, 2001, and Ordinance No. 2015-30 adopted oni December 7, 2015; amending the zoning classification from.Planned Unit Development/Specific Use' Permit (PUD/SUP) to Downtown District (DID), all as more specifically provided herein; providing for amendment of the Official Zoning Map. "Councilmember Rockey moved to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. T2016-31 —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 ini the Sarah McKissick League, Abstract Number 151, Galveston County, Friendswood, Texas; providing' for the repeal of Ordinance No. 2001-05 adopted on January 22, 2001, and Ordinance No. 2015-30 adopted on December 7, 2015; amending the zoning classification from Planned Unit DevelopmenUSpecific Use Permit(PUD/SUP) to Downtown District (DD), all as more specifically provided herein; 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 6-0. "Mayor Holland moved to approve the First and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2016-32—An ordinance ' of the City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, consider all matters incident and related to the issuance and sale of"City of Friendswood, Texas, General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2016A", including the adoption of an ordinance authorizing the issuance of such bonds and establishing procedures and delegating authority for the sale and delivery of such bonds. Seconded by Councilmember Rockey. The motion was approved 6-0. *'Councilmember Scott moved to approved the First and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2016-33 — 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 IX" 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 Enochs. The motion was approved 6-0. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS A video was presented with the reading of the Declaration of Independence from the Fourth of July event. CONSENT AGENDA "Councilmember Scott moved to approve all items on the Consent Agenda as presented: A. Authorizing the final acceptance of the Sportspark paving and sidewalk project into the contractor's one-year maintenance period. B. Authorizing the final acceptance of the Stevenson Park Connecting Trails project into the contractor's one-year maintenance period. C. Approving the appointments of City Council Liaisons to Committees, Boards, and Commissions. D. Authorizing the Mayor to sign a letter consenting to American Tower's request to modify AT&T equipment at the tower site at 1606 Whitaker Drive. E. ' Authorizing the disposal of two Police Department vehicles through Houston Auto Auction and in accordance with the Vehicle Replacement Fund. F. Authorizing the Mayor to sign the Harris County Firefighters Association Mutual Aid agreement. G. Authorizing the Mayor to execute a grant acceptance form for FEMA's Emergency Management Performance Grant. H. Authorizing the Mayor to sign an 07/11/16 4594 agreement with Coward's Creek Homeowner's Association for street sign toppers. I. Accepting the May 2016 Property Tax Report. J. Approving Minutes of the June 6 and June 11, 2016, Council Meetings. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved 6-0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:56 PM. Mayor Kevin Holla Attest: •••� FRIE/y�••• Melinda Welsh, TRMC :` ' .00 City Secretary . FOF CE.