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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2017-08-07 Regular 08/07/17 47081 STATE OF TEXAS )( CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD )( COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS )( AUGUST 07, 2017 )( MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD CITY COUNCIL THAT WAS HELD ON MONDAY, AUGUST 07, 2017, 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 STEVE ROCKEY COUNCILMEMBER SALLY BRANSON COUNCILMEMBER JIM HILL COUNCILMEMBER MIKE FOREMAN COUNCILMEMBER JOHN SCOTT COUNCILMEMBER CARLGUSTAFSON CITY ATTORNEY MARY KAY FISCHER CITY MANAGER ROGER ROECKER CITY SECRETARY MELINDA WELSH REGULAR SESSION Mayor Holland called the meeting to order. The invocation was given by Pastor David Miller with The Harbor Church. ' Mayor Holland led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and to the State of Texas. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC Kathy Hansen MD, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated she received notice that Council would be considering a contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield for City employees. Starting in 2018, Blue Cross Blue Shield will not have a contract with Memorial Hermann Hospital System or Memorial Hermann physicians. No one has been notified in writing but there have been two meetings with the contracting group and negotiations are not going well. This will affect the whole City, there are three facilities located in the City of Friendswood, and these facilities would be considered out of network for Blue Cross Blue Shield if a contract is not approved. She stated that she wanted Council to be aware of this prior to their vote later in the Council meeting, and asked Council to check on other healthcare provider plans. Councilmember Gustafson stated Dr. Hansen is a primary care physician that practices locally in the Cit of Friendswood. WORK SESSION Mayor Holland opened the discussion regarding the City's proposed Fiscal Year 2017-2018 General Fun Budget. Administrative Services Director Katina Hampton expressed appreciation for the work done b� Staff in the preparation of the budget and Council's guidance. Ms. Hampton presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding Fiscal Year 2018 total revenue of $56.1 Million, Fiscal Year 2018 total expenditures of$56.1 Million, current tax rate of $0.5460, proposed budget tax rate of $0.5200, ongoing and completed 2013 authorized bond projects totaling $24 Million, reviewed historical tax rate, historical total property taxes for various appraised home values, General Fund revenue of$26.1 Million, General ' Fund expenses of $26.6 Million, Fiscal Year 2018 Operational Expenditures (General Fund plus Water and Sewer Fund), reviewed historical population figures, full-time equivalent personnel per capita, government funds expenditures per capita, General Fund Forces at Work total of $213,752, General Fund Decision Packages total of $1,215,185, Water and Sewer Fund revenues of $12.2 Million, Water 08/07/17 4709 and Sewer Fund expenses of $12.5 Million, Water and Sewer Fund Forces at Work and Decision Packages total of $392,465, unfunded Decision Packages, Water and Sewer current and completed projects total of $8.5 Million, and Public Works water and sanitary sewer five-year Capital Improvement Plan. Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, and Staff regarding funds for street repair and maintenance, health insurance increase, tax on telecommunications, proposed tax rate compared to the Effective Tax Rate, pay plan adjustment, savings on 2013 bond projects due to appraisal values being higher than estimated and projects have been done on an expedited time frame. Mayor Holland opened the discussion regarding the proposed carousel project. Brett Banfield, President of Friends of Downtown Friendswood Association (FDFA), addressed Council and stated FDFA is at tonight's meeting to discuss a potential carousel project in Stevenson Park that would be located at the site of the former Fire Station adjacent to City Hall and would consist of an old-fashioned carousel and ancillary park amenities. Mr. Banfield presented a video that showed the conceptual plan of the carousel and Carousel Plaza. Friends of Downtown Friendswood Association representative Sherry Goen presented a brief report on the potential carousel project. The City of Friendswood has a history of providing the best amenities possible. Collaboration between public and private entities is not new to Friendswood, and the proposed project calls for brave visionaries to bring the project to fruition. FDFA requests a memorandum of understanding for exclusive development rights to the fire station site adjacent to Stevenson Park, designated as parkland. The proposed project calls for a carousel, performance stage water feature and other amenities designed to provide a unique recreational opportunity to enhance and celebrate community. The mission of the project is to create a family destination venue with a nostalgic recreational experience that would promote the vitality of downtown Friendswood. The conceptual design presentation was shown to over 300 people throughout the community at meetings that were completed in January 2017. The feedback that FDFA received was positive, and suggestions for consideration were made that would need to be addressed. The FDFA , Advisory Committee has created a business plan for the proposed project, fundraising plans are moving fast, and site determination is the next step in the process. The requested site already has the designation of parkland, the proposed entertainment venue would add amenities to Stevenson Park, is centrally located in the downtown area, and the project coincides with the current trend of revitalizing the Downtown District and bringing in new businesses. The FDFA would like the opportunity to enhance the park amenities thus enhancing the City of Friendswood. Funds generated from the project would benefit the revitalization efforts of downtown Friendswood and benefit Stevenson Park for the purposes of maintaining its beauty along with providing a gathering place for people to visit. FDFA would like to order the carousel later this year with completion in 2020. Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, and Friends of Downtown Friendswood Association (FDFA) members, regarding FDFA has composed a business plan for the proposed project, intent of FDFA is for all operation costs, including maintenance and liability, to be covered by FDFA, parking is not currently in FDFA's budget of $2.5 Million for the project, possible parking problems during peak park usage, carousel parts would contain hand carved, hand painted, hand crafted horses. The consensus of Council was for Staff to draft a memorandum of understanding with FDFA for the proposed carousel project. Mayor Holland opened the discussion regarding Emergency Medical Services Request for Proposal (RFP). City Manager Roger Roecker stated Council directed Staff to develop a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the City's Emergency Medical Services. Fire Marshal Terry Byrd presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding an RFP for Emergency Medical Services (EMS), proposal provisions, proposed scope of services, financial stability of an organization, objectives and plan for implementation and performance, pricing for ambulance rates and ambulances, Medical Director, response time, disaster readiness, exceptions, and options on transfer ambulance service and scope of services and minimum standards. In addition, the RFP would require a plan of support for the City's volunteer fire department ' and provide opportunities for the City's volunteers to participate in an EMS response. Mayor Holland stated the consensus of Council was to send out the Request for Proposal (RFP) once it is 08/07/17 4710; finalized. i Councilmember Gustafson stated he would like the RFP labeled as a budgetary proposal, and Councilmember Branson agreed. i Mayor Holland opened the discussion regarding findings of the Activity Center Feasibility Study. Director of Public Works/City Engineer Patrick Donart introduced Carl and Chad Joiner with Joiner Architects. Mri Donart stated Council directed Staff to bring back a feasibility study on the Friendswood Activity Center; and Joiner Architects was awarded the project in January 2017. Carl Joiner presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Friendswood Activity Center Feasibility Study and stated many hours were spent on activity center evaluations with City Staff, committees and building officials, and existing site aerial image. Floor Plan Scheme 1 was shown with renovations on the current floor plan with the possible addition of a gym. Floor Plan Scheme 2 was shown with construction of a new building with the addition of office space and additional parking, and proposed site plans were shown. Mr. Joiner stated the City cannot go up with the current building due to the foundation. With construction of a new building a two-story facility could be done, and use the old Police Station as parking. After reviewing pricing, new construction would be about the same cost as renovations. Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, and Staff regarding that the Activity Center could remain partially open throughout the process and also discussed possible funding sources. Mayor Holland stated Agenda Item 5E, Capital Project Update would not be presented. With concurrence of Council, Mayor Holland moved to Agenda Item 12A, Discussion and possible action regarding approving appointments/reappointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees. ACTION ITEMS ' `*Councilmember Rockey moved to approve the appointment of Walter Lawson to the Planning and Zoning Commission to fill a.vacancy with a term to expire July 2019. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously. With concurrence of Council, Mayor Holland moved to Agenda Item 6, Special Recognition an Acknowledgements. SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS City Manager Roger Roecker introduced Mike Rodgers, Director of Finance for the City of Webster, who was representing the Gulf Coast Government Finance Officers Association of Texas. Mr. Rodgersl presented the Government Finance Officers Association's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and the outstanding recognition for Operations Guide Special Performance Measures to Administrative Services Director Katina Hampton and her Staff. This is the fourteenth consecutive year for the City to earn the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and the first year to obtain the outstanding recognition for Operations Guide Special Performance Measures. Ms. Hampton thanked the Administrative Services Department Staff and the budget team for their help and support. .Mayor Holland recessed the meeting at 6:45 PM and reconvened at 7:03 PM. With concurrence of Council, Mayor Holland moved to Agenda Item 9, Communications from Committee and Special Reports. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMITTEES AND SPECIAL REPORTS Community and Economic Development Committee (CEDC) Chair Gary Kay presented the annual report. Mr. Kay 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 i iI I 08/07/17 4711 held 11 meetings in 2016 and seven so far in 2017. Some of the CEDC's'accomplishments and recommendations over the past year included Council approving a $25,OOO economic incentive grant for Tannos Construction and Development, LLC., to construct a new 18,477 square foot retail center in downtown Friendswood that is well underway. The CEDC reviewed the committee's goals and discussed updating the Economic Development Policy that was adopted by Council in January 2016, presented a $20,000 economic development municipal grant to Mike Wegner, owner of Lifestyle Financial Advisors, Inc., for construction of a new building at 211 West Edgewood, and presented a $10,000 municipal grant to Craig Carver, owner of Townes Square Center, for construction of a new 9,318 square foot center at 3800 East FM 528 and renovation of an existing 10,384 square foot commercial building at the site. The committee heard presentations from City Staff regarding the downtown area, FM 2351 at Beamer Rd. area (also known as the Panhandle), and the FM 528 area. The overviews were informative for the committee to understand the history, zoning, current conditions, and available properties infrastructure and incentives in order to better establish future goals and plans. CEDC hosted the 141h Annual Broker and Developer Day at Timber Creek Golf Club on October 27, 2016, 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. Brett Banfield spoke about events and efforts of the Friends of Downtown Friendswood Association (FDFA) and Mr. Kay stated he spoke about business opportunities in the City of Friendswood. There were approximately 40 attendees and 10 stayed after the workshop to play golf and network. CEDC supported changes proposed by the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) to the City's Design Criteria Manual that provides more screening and architectural requirements for single retail users occupying 50,000 square feet or larger. CEDC listened to a presentation by the President and Vice President of the FDFA regarding a proposed project in the downtown area. Galveston County representatives gave a demonstration of their new Galveston County website for economic development. The committee adopted goals for the Downtown District, FM 2351, and FM 528 areas that included updating a business recruitment strategy and marketing plan for downtown to include a new City website, revisiting infrastructure needs for the FM 528 area, reviewing the proposed Blackhawk Boulevard extension ' through the panhandle area and Whitcomb property land areas, and considering a hotel feasibility study to attract a high-end boutique hotel to locate in the panhandle area, Clear Creek Community Church property, or Downtown District. CEDC made a favorable recommendation to Council on the Howard Subdivision proposed rezoning request from Office Park District to Community Shopping Center District. Over the next year, CEDC looks forward to reviewing municipal grant applications, proposed ordinance changes, policies, and goals that will assist the City in furthering economic development and making the City of Friendswood an economically viable place to live and work. Friendswood Downtown Economic Development Corporation (FDEDC) President Ron Cox presented the annual report. Mr. Cox introduced the members of FDEDC and stated the Board has met on a monthly basis over the past year. Some accomplishments of the FDEDC over the year are the Board approved its bylaws and certificate of formation, and a staff agreement with the City was approved. Russell Gallahan from the Texas State Comptroller's Office provided FDEDC with an overview of the economic development sales tax, including the background and history of sales tax in Texas, permissible projects for Type B corporations, project approval process, and reporting requirements. A presentation was given to FDEDC about the history of Friendswood's downtown areas including surveys, studies, plans, Downtown District zoning, incentives, neighborhood empowerment zone, properties available, and developments planned. FDEDC also discussed what type of projects would be eligible expenditures. A partial year budget was approved that was adopted by Council, and included projected monthly sales tax revenue from January through September 30, 2017, with projected expenses that included the staff services agreement and professional facilitation services. FDEDC members were given maps with an overview of the downtown area regarding current property for sale, properties recently sold, planned projects under construction, future development opportunities, major taxpayers in the downtown area, and tax exempt properties. The Board toured the downtown area and discussed sites including vacant properties, properties for sale, properties that are being developed, and publicly- owned sites. The board held a half-day planning meeting where a draft mission statement and goals were prepared. A vision and ' mission statement along with an action plan was adopted. The vision statement is "Downtown Friendswood! A family-friendly destination with beautiful streetscapes and unique businesses". FDEDC's mission is to communicate and engage with Friendswood citizens, make well-planned and strategic 08/07/17 4712, 1 recommendations to City Council regarding improvements to the Downtown District, and exercise fiduciary responsibilities to taxpayers. FDEDC will discuss a proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year at their August meeting, which will be forwarded on to City Council for approval. With concurrence of Council, Mayor Holland moved to Agenda Item 7, Joint Public Hearings. JOINT PUBLIC HEARINGS Mayor Holland and Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Rhonda Neel called a Joint Public Hearing to order to receive comments from the public both oral and written, regarding a zone classification change request for 4.372 acres being part of Lot 26 of Voss Subdivision, Howard Subdivision Reserve E (pending recordation) located at 1767 South Friendswood Drive (FM 518 and Leisure Lane), Friendswood,! Galveston County, Texas, to change from Office Park District (OPD) to Community Shopping Center (CSC). Deputy Director of Community Development/City Planner Aubrey Harbin explained the requested property is located in the Community Overlay District and such design requirements would apply) applicable uses are outlined in the Permitted Use Table, water and sewer lines have been extended to serve multiple tracts, along with a detention pond to be utilized by the three owners. A Traffic Impact Analysis is being reviewed by Staff, a zone change application was submitted a few months ago for Reserves E and F, the Planning and Zoning Commission forwarded a positive recommendation to Council, the application was withdrawn prior to Council's consideration, and an application had been submitted in 2010 by a different applicant but was also withdrawn. Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Neel asked if the applicant would like to speak. ' Jim Peterson, partner of Virgata Property Company and applicant/property owner, stated Virgata is the current property owner, property is in front of the detention pond, the detention pond is not included) previous application was withdrawn for several reasons with one being that Virgata did not own either' reserve, have since closed on Reserve E, looking to create a Property Owner's Association with the two neighboring owners to maintain the shared retention pond on Reserve F, interested in making the pond an amenity, and will be discussing options with Keep Friendswood Beautiful later this month. Curren, Office Park District (OPD) zoning will allow the same type of structures as Community Shopping Center) (CSC). The difference between the two zoning districts is the types of business allowed, and current zoning would allow uses such as dry cleaners, banks, health care services, and personal care servicesi The use that is not allowed is restaurants, the corner of FM 518 and FM 528 provides good demand for food services establishment, and an OPD user would be higher density with multi-story buildings while a CSC building would have a smaller footprint with more mobile patrons. David Boone, partner of Virgata Property Company, stated his grandparents moved to Friendswood in the 1950's and he has lived in Friendswood his whole life except for when he went off to college. After withdrawing the previous application, Virgata has worked on setting up easements and obtaining a Traffic) Impact Analysis. The current owner of the retention pond has been addressing drainage issues, would like the pond to be an amenity. Virgata met with Chick-fil-a last week and there is still high interest in the intersection, believes Chick-fil-a's core values are in line with the City of Friendswood's values, financia� contribution from Chick-fil-a would be comparable to the Dixie Farm Road location, last year that locatio averaged $9 Million, $170,000 in sales tax, and $25,000 in property taxes. Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Neel asked if anyone would like to speak in favor of the request. Lila Beverly, owner of Bahama Bucks in Pearland and League City, stated she lives in the City of Friendswood, sees huge value at the intersection of FM 518 and FM 528, Bahama Bucks has the same core values of Chick-fil-a, is a faith-based business, and local employment close to home. ' Skip Evans, Friendswood resident, stated he is in favor of the zone change, as a Community and Economic Development Committee (CEDC) member he is aware that it is not easy to get a business to i 08/07/17 4713 relocate to the City of Friendswood, resident surveys always show that citizens would like additional restaurants, Chick-fil-a will fit well with Friendswood's lifestyle, would provide great training for high school students, there is minimal commercial property left, location is a prime intersection, and Friendswood would benefit greatly from the zone change. James Wiley, Friendswood resident, stated he is in favor of the zone change, would like to see restaurants with green space where young families could take their food to an area like a park, and the City is in need of family gathering spaces. Eron Smith, Friendswood resident, stated he has known the Boone family for 35 years, they are a great family, what would be better as a commercial development for the City of Friendswood than Chick-fil-a. Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Neel asked if anyone would like to speak in opposition of the request. Santos Venegas, Friendswood resident, stated the property is currently zoned Office Park District (OPD) for a reason, cited Texas Local Government Code Chapter 213, and asked Council to do their homework prior to voting. Miriam Sam, Friendswood resident, stated she is opposed to the rezone, an increase in traffic would cause kids to be tardy to school which would ultimately impact school funding, retention pond does not have a fence and the number one cause of death in children under the age of six is drowning, restaurant attendance is declining due to an increase in healthy eating, and asked Council to maintain the current zoning as a buffer for the neighbors and to uphold their commitment to the residents. Jody Kuchta, Friendswood resident, stated she purchased her home knowing the nearby property was zoned Office Park District (OPD), traffic is currently heavy especially during school and church times, ' Chick-fil-a would increase traffic by 110 cars per hour, an alternative would be to close off Leisure Lane, is okay with a Chick-fil-a in the City of Friendswood but not next to her neighborhood. Mike Kuchta, Friendswood resident, stated he does not follow politics until it affects him, has submitted several Freedom of Information Act requests and consulted several attorneys, and asked Council to not make a bad decision. Chris Sam, Friendswood resident, stated Virgata bought the property zoned as Office Park District(OPD), there is not a Chick-fil-a representative present at the meeting, the OPD zoning is a buffer for the heavy traffic on FM 518, and asked Council to keep their commitment to residents. Jenny Wiest, Friendswood resident, stated traffic during school hours causes cars to back up past Leisure Lane, adding 110 cars per hour would cause drivers to look for faster routes and cut-throughs, asked Council to not allow a curb cut onto Leisure Lane if the zone change was approved. Judith Oppenheim, Friendswood resident, stated the Office Park District (OPD) zoning was to provide a buffer, retention pond is an accident waiting to happen, commercial zoning creates additional cars and gridlock, and the zone change would be an encroachment into her quality of life. Cheryl Rollen, Friendswood resident, stated the zone change is not about Chick-fil-a, it is about the City's Comprehensive Plan and Vision 2020, property was rezoned from Community Shopping Center(CSC) to Office Park District (OPD) between 1977 and 1984, is not a coincidence that Eagles Point Subdivision was built in 1979, asked Council not to cater to the developer. Roxanne Gill, Friendswood resident, stated she purchased her house in 1998 with the subject tract being zoned Office Park District (OPD), a zone change would devalue her neighborhood's homes, if traffic ' count increases to 25,000 Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will use eminent domain to widen FM 518, businesses should be spread out and not congested to one area, and asked Council to uphold the current zoning. O8/07/17 4714 David Allen, Friendswood resident, stated the retention pond being owned by someone other than the users was not good, Chick-fil-a is a big business and should step up to take care of the pond, Italian Cypress trees would be good to plant around the pond, noise from air conditioners can be loud, and the builder should provide specifications on how loud they will be. { Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Neel 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. Mayor Holland and Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Rhonda Neel called a Joint Public Hearing to order to receive comments from the public both oral and written, regarding amending Appendix C, Zoning Ordinance of the City of Friendswood Code of Ordinances: a) Section 8. Supplementary District Regulations A. Visibility at intersections in residential districts and B. Fences, Walls and Hedges b) Section 20. Definitions. II. Fence. F Deputy Director of Community Development/City Planner Aubrey Harbin explained the agenda item was the result of a work session item from the September 2016 Council meeting. Current City Code requires a property to be at least two acres in order to allow a fence in the front yard past the front building line! Council asked the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) to add an "or" statement to allow lots with 120-feet of frontage to also have front yard fences. Staff recommends the frontage requirement be 150 feet to be consistent with Single-Family Residential-Estate (SFR-E) zoning. Staff also recommends to remove "hedges" from the section because the City does not issue permits for hedges and it is difficult to police. The P&Z subcommittee has drafted language to prohibit chain-link fences, add an "odd man out" clause, and improve the definition of fence. Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Neel asked if anyone would like to speak in favor of or in ' opposition of the request. No one spoke. Councilmember Scott asked if Council approved the 150-foot lots to have front yard fences would the homeowner on Cowards Creek be accommodated, and Ms. Harbin answered that the homeowner's lot met the 150-foot requirement. Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Neel 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 Cherise Edwards, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated she is at the meeting to speak regarding the Mandale Bridge repairs, thanked Council for allowing her to speak, the bridge is an' evacuation route, elders in the neighborhood feel safer exiting through the back part of the neighborhood and can access FM 2351 without having to go through town. David Allen, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated the symbol used in the redevelopment of the City of Pearland is a pear, Seabrook uses a pelican, City of Friendswood needs a symbol, Saint 'John Hunt is the son of E. Howard Hunt, a CIA spy. The TV show Mission Impossible was based after EI Howard Hunt. At the website www.saintoohnhunt.net, John Hunt videoed his father speaking about the CIA's plot to kill John F. Kennedy, was called the Big Event, and that is treason. Al Gore recently stated the President needs to watch out for the Big Event, is a serious event when members of government are calling to decommission the President, and the President needs an Andrew Jackson level of protection. Steve Bell, representative of Boy Scouts of America, addressed Council and stated the City of Friendswood is in the Northern Star District. Scouts are thriving in Friendswood, has eight years ' experience as a scouting professional, currently serves 1,456 various types of scouts in the area, two of his volunteers are present at the meeting, recently honored Alton Todd with a Golden Eagle Award at their annual breakfast, raised $21,000 at the annual breakfast event, do not receive funds from the national office in Dallas, services provided by Boy Scout average 144 hours for an Eagle Scout project, 08/07/17 4715 recently 1,152 hours were provided to the community of Friendswood by scouts and 720 hours to churches in Friendswood, and looking forward to a successful recruiting season. Margie Leggio, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated she is at the meeting to present a petition to Council from a majority of her neighbors, purpose of the petition is to not repair the Mandale Bridge, to save the cost of repairing the bridge, and to cut down on the amount of traffic on the road. Jessica Albin, representative of Girl Scouts of America, addressed Council and stated she is part of the Girl Scout local area community leadership team, uses Scout House on Spreading Oaks, would love to be part of the discussion on the Activity Center, currently have over 600 girls in the Friendswood scout program, and the scouts do a lot of volunteer work throughout the City. Connie Ratisseau, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and thanked Councilmembers Rockey, Foreman, and Scott for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) town hall meeting held at the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce, 60 people attended, thankful citizens are being included in this important discussion, affects everyone in the community, had a virtual meeting online that a few residents attended, there will be additional meetings on August 20, 2017, at Barcena's Mexican Restaurant and August 21, 2017, at Birraporetti's. Phil Ratisseau, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he is in opposition of the proposed carousel project. The focus group was only 1% of citizens, do not think there is much support outside of the downtown area, what will happen when ridership falls off and money falls off, park currently has a gazebo for concerts, and asked Council to think long and hard in regards to the project. With concurrence of Council, Mayor Holland moved to Agenda Item 10, City Manager''s Report. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Roger Roecker reported that two more City of Friendswood bond-funded projects have ' been completed. In November 2013, voters approved $6.565 Million for the construction of a new fire station next to the Public Safety Building on Whitaker Drive and the expansion of Fire Station No. 4 at 111 Woodlawn Drive. Council previously voted unanimously to name the new facility the "Kenneth M. Camp Fire Station". Mr. Camp served on the first Friendswood City Council and was elected Mayor the following year, and also served as the City's Fire Marshal and Civil Defense Director. Mr. Camp joined the Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department (FVFD) in 1959 and served in numerous roles including Assistant Fire Chief, Fire Captain, EMS Captain, and President, before his retirement from the FVFD in 2006. Kenneth Camp passed away in July 2015. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Kenneth M. Camp Fire Station took place in April 2016. Compared to Fire Station No. 1 (between City Hall and Stevenson Park) the Kenneth M. Camp Fire Station No. 1 was built for FVFD now and decades into the future. The new station has areas designed to withstand severe weather that will allow for more Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff to be sheltered safely. There is also an extra indoor bay at the new station, allowing more Fire Department and EMS vehicles to be parked inside and extending their lifespan. Larger, modern areas allow increased training capacity and resident services. The move from current Fire Station No. 1, at 1000 South Friendswood Drive, is scheduled for August 8, 2017. City Council has designated the property next to City Hall as parkland after it is vacated by FVFD. Regardless of the physical location of Fire Station No. 1, the public should continue to call 911 for emergencies and 281-996-3360 for FVFD non-emergency communications. Mayor Holland recessed the City Council meeting to convene into a meeting of the City of Friendswood Employee Benefit Trust. CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD EMPLOYEE BENEFIT TRUST A meeting of the City of Friendswood Employee Benefit Trust was called to order per the posted agenda. ' **Councilmember Rockey moved to approve all items on the Consent Agenda as presented: A. Consider 08/07/17 4716 action accepting the renewal offer from Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Texas for Employee Medical and Pharmacy Insurance. B. Consider action accepting the renewal offer from Guardian for Employee Dental Insurance. C. Consider action to accept the renewal offer from Guardian for Employee Life/AD&D Insurance. D. Consider action to accept the renewal offer from VSP for Employee Vision Insurance. El Consider action to accept the renewal offer from Lincoln Financial for Employee Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance. F. Consider action to approve contract from Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Texas for ancillary products, Group Long Term Disability. Seconded by Councilmember Foreman. Councilmember Gustafson asked if a representative from Blue Cross Blue Shield was present. Councilmember Rockey made a Point of Order and stated there is no discussion on Consent Agenda items. i Councilmember Gustafson asked to pull Consent Agenda Item A for discussion. I "Councilmember Rockey amended the main motion to approve all items on the Consent Agenda as presented with the exception of Agenda Item A, B. Consider action accepting the renewal offer frorrl Guardian for Employee Dental Insurance. C. Consider action to accept the renewal offer from Guardian for Employee Life/AD&D Insurance. D. Consider action to accept the renewal offer from VSP for Employee Vision Insurance.. E. Consider action to accept the renewal offer from Lincoln Financial for, Employee Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance. F. Consider action to approve contract from Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Texas for ancillary products, Group Long Term Disability. Seconded by Councilmember Foreman. The amended main motion was approved unanimously. ."Councilmember Rockey moved to approve Consent Agenda Item A. Consider action accepting the ' renewal offer from Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Texas for Employee Medical and Pharmacy Insurance. Seconded by Councilmember Foreman. The motion was approved 6-1 with Councilmember Gustafson opposed. Councilmember Gustafson asked if Blue Cross Blue Shield did not currently have a contract with Kelsey Seybold and are they terminating their contract with Memorial Hermann Hospital System at the end of the year. Bob Treacy, Benefits Consultant with Arthur Gallagher and Company, stated as all carriers do Memorial Hermann Hospital System is the next one in line, is a natural phenomenon, and has been going on since the beginning of time. Is part of the chaos to suffer through these moments in time. Memorial Hermann Hospital System is the gold standard, negations could get nasty as they proceed, is a normal process) and he believes they will work it out. Aetna severed their relationship with Kelsey-Seybold, less than 100/ of the membership used Kelsey-Seybold. Councilmember Gustafson asked how far off was the next bidder from Blue Cross Blue Shield, Deputy Director of Administrative Services/Human Resources Bilf Bender answered Aetna and that Aetna would be renegotiating their contract with Memorial Herman Hospital System in six months. Mr. Treacy stated Blue Cross Blue Shield stated they are not going to walk away from it. Mayor Holland adjourned the City of Friendswood Employee Benefit Trust meeting, and reconvened the City Council meeting. RECONVENE THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING ACTION ITEMS (continued) "Councilmember Rockey moved to approve the monthly transfer of funds from the City of Friendswood tO the City of Friendswood Employee Benefit Trust. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously. 08/07/17 4717 With concurrence of Council, Mayor Holland moved to Agenda Item 13, Discussion and possible action regarding approving a Chapter 380 Business Incentive Grant application for economic development. **Councilmember Scott moved to approve a Chapter 380 Business Incentive Grant application for economic development with Familia Nunez Restaurant, Inc., at 2131 West Parkwood Avenue. Seconded by Councilmember Foreman. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Hill moved to approve an agreement with Gulf Coast Water Authority to replace the Mandale Bridge. Seconded by Mayor Holland. Councilmember Scott stated he would like time to review the petition submitted by residents. ***Councilmember Scott moved to table approving an agreement with Gulf Coast Water Authority to replace the Mandale Bridge. Seconded by Mayor Holland. The motion to table was approved 6-1 with Councilmember Hill opposed. Mayor Holland asked Staff to get with the City Attorney regarding the submitted petition and directed the City Attorney to clarify the points of egress for Council. Councilmember Branson stated she would like to hear input from first responders regarding the bridge. **Mayor Holland moved to approve an Interlocal Agreement with the Houston-Galveston Subsidence District to participate in the Water Wise Conservation Program and authorizing the Mayor to execute the agreement. Seconded by Councilmember Foreman. The motion was approved unanimously. RESOLUTIONS ' **Councilmember Scott moved to approve Resolution R2017-18 — A resolution of the City of Friendswood, Texas, hereby designating Sally Branson as representative and Mike Foreman as alternate to the Houston—Galveston Area Council 2017 General Assembly and Board of Directors. Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Rockey moved to approve Resolution R2017-19 — A resolution of the City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, approving the Public Funds Management and Investment Policy. Seconded by Councilmember Foreman. The motion was approved unanimously. ORDINANCES **Councilmember Branson moved to approve the Second and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2017-20 — An ordinance providing for non-substantive revisions in the City, Charter of the City of Friendswood, Texas. ' Seconded by Councilmember Foreman. The motion was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Scott moved to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. T2017-22 —An ordinance amending Appendix A of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Friendswood, Texas, being the City's Sign Ordinance, by amending various sections therein; repealing all ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent or in conflict herewith; and providing for severability. Seconded by Councilmember Branson. The motion was approved unanimously. Deputy Director of Community Development/City Planner Aubrey Harbin reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) voted on each section separately instead of all together for Agenda Item 17C, ' First reading of an ordinance amending Appendix C "Zoning," Section 8, "Supplementary district regulations," Subsection A, "Visibility at intersections in residential districts", Subsection B, "Fences and walls and hedges" and amending Section 20, "Definitions", Subsection I I., "Fence". P&Z's vote for each 08/07/17 4718 item was as follows: Section 8A approved unanimously, Section 8B failed 2-4, P&Z was not in favor of adding the 150 foot option, if Council does adopt P&Z would like the exception to say, "any size residential lot may construct a decorative transparent fence when all adjoining lots having compliance fences", and Section 20, the definition of fence, was approved unanimously. **Councilmember Scott moved to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. T2017-23 — An ordinance amending Appendix C — "Zoning," Section 8, "Supplementary District Regulations," Subsection Al "Visibility at Intersections in Residential Districts" and Subsection B, "Fences and Walls and Hedges" an Section 20, "Definitions", Subsection 1 I, "Fence"; providing a penalty for violation in an amount not td exceed $2,000, or as otherwise provided by law; repealing all ordinances or parts of ordinance inconsistent or in conflict herewith; and providing for severability. Seconded by Councilmember Foreman. The motion was approved 6-1 with Councilmember Branso opposed. Discussion was held between Mayor, Council, Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Rhonda Neel, an Staff regarding that the Planning and Zoning Commission would like Section 88 to include an "Odd ma out"clause if Council approved the 150-foot lot size requirement. Councilmember Scott called the question. **Councilmember Branson moved to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. T2017-24 — An ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Friendswood, Texas, Chapter 74 Taxation, "by adding Article IV, Section 74-53 repealing the application of the exemption from local sales and use taxes on receipts from the sale of telecommunication services within the City of Friendswood, Texas; providin a severability clause; and providing an effective date." Seconded by Councilmember Rockey. The motion was approved 5-2 with Councilmembers Scott an Gustafson opposed. ' Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, and Staff regarding the exemption from local sales an use taxes on receipts from the sale of telecommunication services. Councilmember Scott called•the question. **Councilmember Foreman moved to approve the First and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2017-25—An ordinance amending City of Friendswood, Texas, Ordinance No. 2016-41, passed and approved Octobe{ 3, 2016, same being an ordinance approving and adopting the City's General Budget for Fiscal Year 2016-2017 by approving "Budget Amendment XII" 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 Rockey. The motion was approved unanimously. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS Mayor Holland stated after five years of sitting next to Councilmember Hill he would like to present him with his Mayor Pro-Ter nameplate signed by all the councilmembers: Councilmember Hill stated he missed the last meeting because his brother-in-law passed away, had been a member of his family for 68 years, and he had a tough time the last few months. Councilmember Branson stated she attended the Newly Elected Officials Conference in San Antonio, came away with the definition of the art of government is to satisfy the irritated without irritating the satisfied. ' Councilmember Rockey congratulated Mayor Holland on his third grandbaby being born today and stated he had the pleasure of being in a musical in Friendswood at the Purple Box Theatre, they needed a live dog for their show Annie, and they are using a dog from the Friendswood Animal Shelter, and the Purple 08/07/17 4719 Box Theatre will pay the adoption fee for anyone who would like to adopt the dog. Councilmembers Foreman, Scott, and Gustafson stated they had nothing to report. CONSENT AGENDA **Councilmember Scott moved to approve all items on the Consent Agenda as presented with the exception of Agenda Item E, A. Authorizing Council to invoke Rule 1(A) of the Rules of Procedure to schedule the September City Council meeting for September 11, 2017, due to the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 4, 2017. B. Authorizing the final acceptance of the Centennial Park Basketball Pavilion improvement project into the contractor's one-year maintenance period. C. Authorizing the acceptance of public improvements associated with West Boulevard Phases 2B and 3 into the contractor's one-year maintenance period. D. Authorizing the acceptance of public paving and utility improvements associated with Sierra Section 2, West Ranch, into the contractor's one-year maintenance period. F. Authorizing the Mayor to sign a letter consenting to American Tower's request to modify equipment at the tower site at 1606 Whitaker Drive. G. Accepting the June 2017 Property Tax Report. H. Approving the Minutes of the July 10, 2017, Council Meeting. Seconded by Mayor Holland. The motion was approved unanimously. Councilmember Hill recused himself for a conflict of interest. **Councilmember Foreman moved to approve Consent Agenda Item E. Authorizing the acceptance of public paving and utility improvements associated with Sterling Creek Section 3 into the contractor's one- year maintenance period. Seconded by Councilmember Rockey. The motion was approved 6-0 with Councilmember Hill recusing himself. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 PM. ' Mayor Kev Iland Attest: I Y YyYrtyY 1 4Ai' .•Cy' Melinda Welsh, TRMC U; O City Secretary O •*.9T�OF.TE�'P5 1