HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2017-05-01 Regular 05/01/17 4671
STATE OF TEXAS )(
CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD )(
COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS )(
MAY 01, 2017 )(
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD CITY COUNCIL THAT WAS HELD ON
MONDAY, MAY 01, 2017, AT 6:00 PM AT FRIENDSWOOD CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 910 S;.
FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE, FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS, WITH THE FOLLOWING PRESEN
CONSTITUTING A QUORUM:
MAYOR KEVIN HOLLAND
MAYOR PRO-TEM JIM HILL
COUNCILMEMBER STEVE ROCKEY
COUNCILMEMBER BILLY ENOCHS
COUNCILMEMBER MIKE FOREMAN
COUNCILMEMBER JOHN SCOTT
COUNCILMEMBER CARL GUSTAFSON
CITY ATTORNEY 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 Mike Cervantes with New Hope Church.
' Mayor Holland led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and to the State of Texas.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Trish Hanks, Superintendent of Friendswood Independent School District (FISD), addressed Council and
thanked them for letting her speak. She reported she will be retiring soon, thanked Council for their
service to the community, and is not easy to be a volunteer. Ms. Hanks handed out a gift to Council, and
thanked them for all that they do for the community and the school district. Council has done many things
to help FISD such as building an AG Barn, has been an advisor, multiple grants, and fixed the field for the
Lacrosse team. Ms. Hanks further stated it is not easy serving the public. Council should not always
agree but they should always respect each other.
Santos Venegas, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he lives in Eagles Point
Subdivision. He found in the City's Comprehensive Plan where it states that the Howard Subdivision
rezone should not get rezoned or there should be some consideration before it is approved. The
Homeowner's Association (HOA) of Eagles Point Subdivision is divided on their stance, everyone has
their individual efforts,and Travis Bryce does not represent the Homeowner's Association.
WORK SESSION
Mayor Holland opened the discussion regarding Capital Projects update. Director of Public Works/City
Engineer Patrick Donart presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding the progress made on Capital
Projects since the April Council meeting. He reported on the Fire Station No. 4 expansion and the
Kenneth Camp Fire Station, Centennial Park basketball pavilion, Old City Park, Round 1 Street
Improvements, Blackhawk Boulevard Phase II and Woodlawn Drive, Lift Station No. 18 and 23, the
Blackhawk Wastewater Treatment Plant, and current Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
projects throughout the City.
Mayor Holland opened the discussion regarding the Design Criteria Manual. Director of Public
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Works/City Engineer Patrick Donart and Deputy Director of Community Development/Planner Aubrey
Harbin presented a PowerPoint Presentation and discussed graphic and design requirements,
wastewater collection system design requirements, water line distribution system design requirements,
street paving design requirements, storm drainage design requirements, site development requirements,
appendices-parking group table, qualified tree list and Downtown District amenities, culvert and driveways
policy, traffic control sign policy, and streetlight policy.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Holland moved to Agenda Item 8A, Presentation of appreciation to
Friendswood High School Media Interns.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Communication Specialist Jeff Newpher stated for the last two semesters he has had the pleasure of
having four Friendswood Independent School District (FISD) students as media interns during Council
meetings. They have not only learned and operated the equipment in Council Chambers but have done
video presentations including the library opening, Santa in the Park, and other events throughout the City,
including the dog park grant program. The interns for the 2016-17 school year were four Friendswood
High School students Josh Hlavenka, Katie Mulloy, Dylan McKim, and Jordan Ritzberger.
Mayor Holland recognized Josh Hlavenka, Katie Mulloy, Dylan McKim, and Jordan Ritzberger with a
token of the City's appreciation for their internship, and thanked them for their service.
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 651.071 —Consultation with Attorney regarding pending litigation (Robert J. Bertrand, et al v. City
of Friendswood), Section 551.071 —Consultation with Attorney regarding pending claims (Olson & Olson,
LLP), Section 551.071 — Consultation with Attorney regarding potential litigation arising from pending
zoning change application (Verizon Wireless), Section 551.074 — Personnel Matters; to deliberate the
appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or
employee, and Section 551.074 — Personnel Matters; to deliberate the appointment, employment,
evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee (City Attorney).
RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
Council reconvened into Open Session with action taken later in the meeting regarding Section
551.074 — Personnel Matters; to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment,
duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee (City Attorney).
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Holland moved to Agenda Item 8B, Presentation of the Texas
Municipal Library Directors Association (TMLDA) 2016 Achievement of Library Excellence Award.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (continued)
Deer Park Public Library Director Rebecca Pool, representing the Texas Municipal Library Directors
Association, presented the Achievement of Library Excellence Award for 2016 to Library Director Mary
Perroni. Ms. Pool stated that out of the 548 public library systems in the State of Texas, only 43 received
the 2016 award. The Friendswood Public Library has demonstrated excellence in all ten areas required
to qualify for the award.
City Manager Roger Roecker presented the Five Star Spirit Award for the first quarter of 2017 to Director
of Public Works/City Engineer Patrick Donart who has been with the City since August 2014. Mr. Donart
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was nominated by a co-worker who stated, "that from day one, he has taken the time to try and get to
know the employees as individuals. He has worked hard to instill a sense of family, he is very open and
accessible to all the employees". They further stated that his efforts have led to improved employee
morale. Mr. Donart has received compliments from other co-workers, citizens, and the Friendswood
Independent School District (FISD) Executive Director applauding the hard work of Mr. Donart and the
Public Works Department. Mr. Donart's actions exemplify the attributes of the Five Star Spirit Award
being Courteous, Competent, Reliable, Professional and Enthusiastic. The City congratulates Mr. Donart
on being the recipient of the Five Star Spirit Award for the first quarter of 2017 and appreciates his service
to the citizens of Friendswood.
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Patrick Donart stated he appreciates the award, thanked his family
for their support, has a great Staff at Public Works, is blessed to have the position he has, started with the
City in August 2014, and is thankful to be with the City of Friendswood.
City Manager Roger Roecker introduced Administrative Services Director Cindy Edge and stated Ms.
Edge would be retiring soon after almost 32 years of service with the City of Friendswood, and thanked
her for the great work she has done over the years. Ms. Edge introduced Paula Lowe, CPA with Pattille
Brown & Hill, LLP, to present the 2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). Ms. Lowe
stated she has worked with Ms. Edge for many years and the City is losing a great employee. An
unmodified opinion is highest that can be rendered and the City's CAFR has this designation.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Holland asked if anyone would like to speak. No one spoke.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMITTEES AND SPECIAL REPORTS
' Keep Friendswood Beautiful (KFB) Chair Sherry Goan gave the annual report. Ms. Goan stated KFB has
initiated a lot of interesting new projects over the past year. The median project on FM 518 and FM 2351
has been completed by Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), has added a nice look for the
downtown area, was a huge undertaking for all concerned, thanked everyone for their patience to see the
project through to the end, and KFB will be eligible for another grant from Keep Texas Beautiful this year,.
In addition to the regular projects KFB does, like the Tree Giveaway, Spring Sparkle and Fall Hain
decorating and photo contests, Santa in the Park, Figgy educational workshops, and several more, this
year KFB will host the "School's Out for Summer" concert event in Stevenson Park on May 12, 20171,
featuring Vocal Trash. KFB also initiated a welcome bag project given to Friendswood newcomers
through the City's Utility Department. The bag has information about City services, recycling programs,
and City events. On May 6, 2017, KFB will host a composting workshop for interested citizens and give
out composting bins. KFB has developed a project with the Friendswood Rotary and Heritage Gardeners
to create monarch butterfly gardens around the City, working in conjunction with a nationally known
monarch butterfly expert to help design a plan. KFB incorporated the Parks and Recreation Board over
the past year and acquired some additional duties. Time and effort were spent this past year overseeing
the dog park project at Old City Park, completion of the new basketball pavilion in Centennial Park,
completion of the new bridge connecting Stevenson Park and Old City Park, and completion of the Lake
Friendswood project. The City of Friendswood has a wonderful park system that is well known
throughout the area. The City and the Council are to be commended for their "park stewardship". The
dedicated Staff of the Parks and Recreation Department is always available to offer guidance and e
helping hand. Ms. Goan thanked Councilmember Scott for his input to the committee as Council liaison
and Commissioner Rhonda Neel with the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) for her service to the
board, and both provide valuable insight for KFB when making decisions and planning events. Thanked
Council for their support and the leadership that allow KFB to reach its goals.
' CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Roger Roecker reported that this year's Spring Sparkle was a huge success. There was
great attendance with 616 cars and trucks coming through the gates. Waste Connections is reported to
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have hauled away almost 34.35 tons of compacted waste and 64.67 tons of roll-off waste. Shred-It
Document Shredding destroyed 12,000 pounds of paper. The garage sale was also a success bringing in
$1,003. All proceeds from the garage sale benefit the beautification of City facilities and parks. Bay Area
Wildlife Rehab picked up animal habitat items that were donated to benefit the injured wild animals that
make their home in Friendswood's green space. Sponsors for the event included the City of
Friendswood, Waste Connections, Clear the Air, JSC Credit Union, and Sonic.
The City Manager reported that on May 29, 2017, a Memorial Day ceremony will be held at the Veteran's
Memorial adjacent to Friendswood City Hall. The ceremony will feature patriotic songs and music, a
tribute to the flags, and special guest speaker, Colonel Terry Virts, with the United States Air Force and
retired NASA Astronaut. All local veterans are invited to attend and come together for a group photo at
the close of the ceremony. For additional information, call the City of Friendswood Parks and Recreation
Department.
The City Manager reported that this year's Mitch & Artha Wright Concerts in the Park Series will begin
on May 5, 2017, and will continue every Friday night during the months of May and June. Concerts will
take place at Stevenson Park in the gazebo. All concerts will begin at 7:00 PM and end at approximately
9:00 PM. The first concert of 2017 will feature the Friendswood High School Jazz Band. On subsequent
evenings, attendees can look forward to Pop, Rock, Funk, Latin, Blues, and Zydeco music. Bring your
blankets, lawn chairs, refreshments, dinner or snacks and be ready to sit back and enjoy an evening of
fun and family entertainment brought to you by the City of Friendswood's Parks and Recreation
Department. Everyone is eligible for give-a-ways and door prizes, vendors will be selling kettle corn, hot
dogs, and snow cones as well. If anyone is interested in being a sponsor or providing a door prize,
please contact the Parks and Recreation Department.
The City Manager reported that each year the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the National
Weather Service and officials from local jurisdictions join together to recognize Hurricane Preparedness '
Week. This year May 7, 2017 through May 13, 2017, has designated as Hurricane Preparedness Week
in Texas. This is an excellent time to remind our residents to be prepared for hurricane season which
begins June 1, 2017. It is important to encourage the general public to make plans for what they will do
before and after a storm, double-check emergency supply kits for themselves, register functional needs
in the State's 211 State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) database, and plan for their
pets. The Friendswood Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has scheduled a water bill mailer to
be sent out to all residents of the City. The mailer contains helpful information for the public regarding
functional needs registry, Code Red registration, flood insurance, and preparing homes and property for
hurricanes. Additional hurricane preparedness materials will be made available at City Hall, the
Friendswood Library, the Chamber of Commerce and the Senior Activity building. The Office of
Emergency Management Staff has been busy with their hurricane preparedness efforts for the 2017
hurricane season. The Emergency Management Coordinator attended the 2017 National Hurricane
Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana in April, and will be attending the 2017 Texas Emergency
Management Conference in San Antonio on May 16, 2017, through May 19, 2017, to receive training in
several specialized areas of disaster preparedness. The OEM will be host the Annual City-Wide
Hurricane Preparedness meeting on May 11, 2017, at the Public Safety Building with contractors, school
districts, service providers, utilities, and other cities, along with Mayor Holland, Councilmembers, and
City Staff to discuss their particular hurricane preparedness plans for the coming season. In addition,
the OEM Staff has, scheduled meetings with functional needs facilities (nursing homes, senior living
facilities, etc.), local businesses, and with the faith-based organizations to discuss their preparedness
plans.and this year's changes with the National Hurricane Center's forecast products. Two Hurricane
Preparedness Meetings have been scheduled for the general public at the Friendswood Public Library.
The first one is scheduled for June 1, 2017, and the second one is scheduled for June 5, 2017.
The City Manager reported that the Keep Friendswood Beautiful (KFB) Facebook Photo Contest is
accepting entries between April 17, 2017, and May 5, 2017. Pictures can either be uploaded to '
Facebook using the hashtag "#Friendswood proud" and "Like"the Keep Friendswood Beautiful Facebook
page, or email your photos to rec(afriendswood.com. Photos will be judged on creativity, quality,
composition, and how well the photo demonstrates the essence and beauty of Friendswood. Winners
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will be announced at the "School's Out for Summer Concert in the Park" on May 12, 2017, at Stevenson
Park.
ACTION ITEMS
**Councilmember Rockey moved to approve a lease/purchase agreement for the replacement of
computer hardware and software.
Seconded by Mayor Holland. The motion was approved unanimously.
**Councilmember Enochs moved to approve the Friendswood Public Library's Long-Range Strategic Plan
as required by the State of Texas for Accreditation.
Seconded by Councilmember Rockey. The motion was approved unanimously.
**Councilmember Hill moved to approve the closure of Mandale Bridge.
Seconded by Mayor Holland.
Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, and Staff regarding that an estimated 200 vehicles use
the bridge per day, mainly school buses, bridge is in need of extensive repairs, would have to be
replaced, and suggestion was made for Staff to contact Texas 'Department of Transportation (TXDOTI)
and Rice Canal company to replace the bridge.
***Mayor Holland amended the main motion to pursue Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and
the Rice Canal company to replace the Mandale Bridge.
The amended main motion was approved unanimously.
RESOLUTIONS
' **Councilmember Scott moved to approve Resolution R2017-13 — A resolution adopting a Capital
Improvement Projects Manual containing a summary of all proposed projects to be acquired during a five
year period, cost estimates, method of financing and a recommended timetable for constructing the
improvements to be undertaken in the City of Friendswood,Texas.
Seconded by Councilmember Foreman.
Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, and Staff regarding the Brittany Bay Boulevard extension
project being placed in the Capital Improvement Projects Manual.
**Mayor Holland moved to table Resolution R2017-13 — A resolution adopting a Capital Improvement
Projects Manual containing a summary of all proposed projects to be acquired during a five year period, cost
estimates, method of financing and a recommended timetable for constructing the improvements to be
undertaken in the City of Friendswood, Texas.
Seconded by Councilmember Gustafson. The motion failed 3-4 with Councilmembers Hill, Rockey, Enochs,
and Scott opposed.
Councilmember Hill called the question on the main motion.
The main motion was approved 5-2 with Mayor Holland and Councilmember Gustafson opposed.
No motion was made on Resolution R2017-14 — A resolution approving and adopting updates/
amendments to the "Design Criteria Manual" for the City of Friendswood, Texas; approving the standards
contained therein for the design, construction and installation of public infrastructure and related facilities
and improvements within the City; and repealing all prior design criteria manuals and repealing other
resolutions or parts of resolutions inconsistent or in conflict herewith.
' Councilmember Scott asked that all ordinances be moved to the June Council meeting due to there being
two readings on each ordinance.
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Assistant City Manager Morad Kabiri stated Staff had not confirmed with the applicant if they could wait.
Sel Thint, applicant for Agenda Item 16B, Ordinance T2017-12 stated he has a contract that will expire in
June.
Councilmember Enochs stated he would abstain from voting on any motions made.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Holland moved to Agenda Item 16B, Ordinance No. T2017-12.
ORDINANCES
**Mayor Holland moved to approve to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. T2017-12 — An
ordinance amending Appendix "C" "Zoning", of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Friendswood,
Texas, Section 3, "provision for Official Zoning Map", rezoning the property generally consisting of 4.6212
acres from Business Park (BP) and Single Family Residential (SFR) to Planned Unit Development(PUD),
said 4.6212 acres of land being part of Lot Two (2-3), in Block One, of Friendswood, a subdivision out of
the Sarah McKissick Survey, Abstract 151, in Galveston County, Texas, City of Friendswood, more fully
described in Exhibit "A", incorporated by reference, with such Planned Unit Development (PUD) to be
governed for all purposes and conditions pursuant to the attached conceptual plan included in Exhibit"B",
all as more specifically provided herein; providing for the 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. (No action taken on 4/3/17)
Seconded by Councilmember Foreman.
Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, and Staff regarding if Council should wait to do first
reading of ordinances listed on the agenda with two readings, until the June Council meeting.
Mayor Holland withdrew his motion to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. T2017-12. '
Councilmember Foreman withdrew his second.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Holland moved to Agenda Item 16A, Ordinance No. T2017-11.
**Mayor Holland moved to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. T2017-11 — An ordinance
approving a vacation of a portion of a public right-of-way abutting the rear of properties located at 101-
105, 301-305, 503-505, 701-705, 901-907, 1103-1105, 1301-1305 and 1501-1503 West Viejo Drive,
Friendswood, Texas; authorizing the Mayor to execute and the City Secretary to attest a quitclaim deed
by and between the city and the owners of said properties. (No action taken on 4/3/17)
Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously.
**Councilmember Foreman moved to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. T2017-12 — An
ordinance amending Appendix "C" "Zoning", of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Friendswood,
Texas, Section 3, "provision for Official Zoning Map", rezoning the property generally consisting of 4.6212
acres from Business Park (BP) and Single Family Residential (SFR) to Planned Unit Development(PUD),
said 4.6212 acres of land being part of Lot Two (2-3), in Block One, of Friendswood, a subdivision out of
the Sarah McKissick Survey, Abstract 151, in Galveston County, Texas, City of Friendswood, more fully
described in Exhibit "A", incorporated by reference, with such Planned Unit Development (PUD) to be
governed for all purposes and conditions pursuant to the attached conceptual plan included in Exhibit"B",
all as more specifically provided herein; providing for the 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. (No action taken on 4/3/17)
Seconded by Mayor Holland. The motion was approved 6-1 with Councilmember Gustafson opposed.
Discussion took place between Mayor and Council regarding the impact on the City's Emergency Medical
Services (EMS) system.
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**Councilmember Scott moved to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. T2017-14 — An ordinance
amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Friendswood, Texas, Appendix C — "Zoning," by
amending the zoning classification for a tract or parcel containing 1.8475 acres of land, being part of
Abstract 151, Page 6, part of Lot 4 (4-1), Block 11, Friendswood Subdivision and adjacent abandoned
Hatcher Lane right-of-way, Galveston County, Texas; amending the zone classification from Single-
Family Residential (SFR) to Downtown District (DD); 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. (No action taken on 4/3/17)
Seconded by Councilmember Gustafson. The motion was approved unanimously.
**Councilmember Rockey moved to approved the First and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2017-16—An
ordinance amending City of Friendswood, Texas, Ordinance No. 2016-41, passed and approved October
3, 2016, same being an ordinance approving and adopting the City's General Budget for Fiscal Year
2016-2017 by approving "Budget Amendment Vill" to the "Original General Budget of the City of
Friendswood, Texas, for the Fiscal Year 2016-2017"; 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 Hill stated he attended a funeral for J.R. May who operated the last fig plant in
Friendswood, was lucky enough to work for him, learned more in the four years he worked for him than
any other time in his life, had a lot of respect for Mr:May, and will miss him.
Councilmember Scott stated this weekend is Election Day so he will miss his son defend his state Bass
Fishing Title, wished his son and his partner all the best, go out and win state again.
' Councilmember Foreman stated he will miss Administrative Services Director Cindy Edge, and thanked
her for service.
Mayor Holland and Councilmembers Rockey, Enochs, and Gustafson stated they had nothing to report.
CONSENT AGENDA
**Councilmember Scott moved to approve all items on the Consent Agenda as presented: A. Authorizing
the Texas Youth Amateur Radio Club to install a single vertical amateur radio repeater antenna on the
Friendswood Water Tower. B. Approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Friendswood
Independent School District (FISD) for use of their facilities for an ongoing City recreation program. C.
Approving an Interlocal Agreement regarding use of Friendswood Independent School District (FISD)
School Buses for July 4t" and Summer Program Bus Service. D. Authorizing the Friendswood Public
Works Department to purchase a 2017 Freightliner Dump Truck. E. Authorizing the disposal of a Police
Department Vehicle through Houston Auto Auction. F. Accepting the March 2017 Property Tax Report.
ACTION ITEMS(continued)
*'Councilmember Foreman moved to authorize the Mayor to negotiate a contract with Mary Kay Fischer
for the City Attorney position for the City's legal services.
Seconded by Councilmember Rockey. The motion was approved unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:37 PM.
1
Mayor KeI
and
Attest:
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Melinda Welsh, TRMC ��'��.•'•
City Secretary U: •.O .
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