HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2018-04-02 Regular 04/02/18 4775
STATE OF TEXAS )(
' CITY OF FRI ENDSWOOD )(
COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS )(
APRIL 02, 2018 )(
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD CITY COUNCIL THAT WAS HELD ON
MONDAY, APRIL 02, 2018,AT 4:30 PM AT FRIENDSWOOD CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 910 Sf
FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE, FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS, WITH THE FOLLOWING PRESENT
CONSTITUTING A QUORUM:
MAYOR PRO-TEM STEVE ROCKEY
COUNCILMEMBER SALLY BRANSON
COUNCILMEMBER JIM HILL
COUNCILMEMBER MIKE FOREMAN
COUNCILMEMBER CARL GUSTAFSON
CITY ATTORNEY MARY KAY FISCHER
CITY MANAGER ROGER ROECKER
CITY SECRETARY MELINDA WELSH
Mayor Kevin Holland and Councilmember John Scott were absent from the meeting.
REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Pro-Tem Rockey called the meeting to order.
i
The invocation was given by Pastor Mike Ross with Friendswood Church of Christ.
' Mayor Pro-Tem Rockey led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and to the State of Texas.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Pro-Tem Rockey moved to Agenda Item 9A, Presentation of the 2017
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Paula Lowe, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with Pattillo Brown & Hill, LLP, presented the 2017
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). Ms. Lowe reviewed the audit process and stated the
results of the audit was an unmodified opinion, report will include ending fund balances, and thanked
Administrative Services Director Katina Hampton and Administrative Services Deputy Director Rhonda
Bloskas for their hard work.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Pro-Tem Rockey moved to Agenda Item 4, Communications from the
Public.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Pro-Tem Rockey asked if anyone would like to speak. No one spoke.
WORK SESSION
Mayor Pro-Tem Rockey opened the discussion regarding garbage collection issues. Assistant City
Manager Morad Kabiri stated Council requested this item be placed on the agenda in regards to a number
of phone calls the city and Councilmembers have received about garbage pickup. Hurricane Harvey
' devasted a large portion of the City of Friendswood and as a result there has been a severe impact to
standard service operation when it comes to garbage pickup. Staff has asked Waste Connections to have
a representative present at the meeting to discuss the issue at hand and see what solutions may exist. Mr.
Kabiri introduced Waste Connections District Manager Abel Moreno. Mr. Moreno presented a presentation
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regarding details on Waste Connections resources. In 2016, Progressive Waste Solutions of Texas merged
with Waste Connections. Hurricane Harvey's impact has increased overall tonnage from 1,300-1,400 tons '
monthly in 2016-2017 to a monthly average of 1,800 tons for 2018. Additional tonnage has maintained
since Hurricane Harvey and has not fallen off. In November 2017, Waste Connections began picking up
storm debris of two bags per household after Staff approached Waste Connections to help since the debris
would be ongoing. Waste Connections has picked up storm debris up until March 2018, Since Hurricane
Harvey, Waste Connections expenses have increased monthly $8,000 to $9,000 for tonnage and
equipment expenses have increased $4,500 for an additional truck and to create an extra route to
accommodate additional pickups. In the first two weeks of March there was double the amount of green
waste than is normally collected, and green waste increase combined with storm debris slows the vehicles
down. Waste Connections has presented Staff with recommended solutions to help with the problem that
include a toll-free phone number to Waste Connections office for residents to receive quotes for storm
debris or construction debris pickup, a two-bag limit, a municipal contract with Waste Connections for
additional homes in need of debris pickup, and roll-off containers. A long-term suggestion would be to
switch to an automated service,several municipalities are looking into switching,would keep the city neater,
the residents would only be allowed to use carts provided by Waste Connections, and only household trash
is allowed inside the container.
Discussion took place between Mayor Pro-Tem Rockey, Council, District Manager Abel Moreno with Waste
Connections, and Staff regarding the additional tonnage picked up, increase in green waste since March,
construction debris getting mixed with trash, complaints from residents for missed days of service and cans
being left in the middle of the road, and a municipal contract. The consensus of Council was to have Staff
bring recommendations back to Council at a future meeting.
Mayor Pro-Tern Rocky opened the discussion regarding the Capital Projects update. Director of Public
Works/City Engineer Patrick Donart presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding the progress made on
Capital Projects since the March Council meeting. He reported on Old City Park, Blackhawk Boulevard ,
Phase II, Pavement Management Study, Lift Station No. 23, Blackhawk Wastewater Treatment Plant,
Mandale Bridge, installation of sidewalks from the Friendswood Activity Center to FM 518, current Texas
Department of Transportation (TxDOT) projects and current Galveston County Consolidated Drainage
District projects throughout the city. Mr. Donart thanked City Manager Roger Roecker for his years of
service to the City of Friendswood.
Mayor Pro-Tem Rockey opened the discussion regarding Stevenson Park security cameras. Parks and
Recreation Director James Toney stated the purpose of the work session is to discuss possible security
measures for Stevenson Park for the area near Shadwell Lane. Staff has diligently worked with several
vendors to determine the best way to achieve security at the park. Cost could range anywhere from$50,000
to several hundred thousand dollars. On the cheaper end a mesh network system could be used that would
bring the signal back to City Hall, or a more expensive measure would be a hard-wired solution. Staff has
worked with the Information Technology Services (IT) Department, and it has been decided that the best
solution would be to go with a hard-wired solution. Staff would like to spend more time to come up with the
best solution and bring in a security consultant in order get the best solution possible. In the meantime,
Staff recommends a temporary solution that could be used for other events and city construction sites. Mr.
Toney showed a picture of a surveillance trailer with the associated equipment and gave details on the
equipment. Estimated cost of the equipment is$71,870.80.
Discussion took place between Mayor Pro-Tern Rockey, Council, and Staff regarding that the surveillance
trailer would be a temporary measure until the city has a hard-wired system and could be utilized at city
construction sites or city events. The proposed camera provides localized coverage,the Police Department
would be heavily involved as far as the security aspect, and IT has taken the lead in doing the technical
analysis as far as operational deployment. A suggestion of using Public, Education, and Government
(PEG) funds to purchase the equipment was discussed. The consensus of Council was for Staff to bring a
proposal back to Council at a future meeting. '
Mayor Pro-Tem Rockey opened the discussion regarding the Galveston County Bond project. Assistant
City Manager Morad Kabiri stated at the March City Council meeting there was a discussion regarding the
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Galveston County Bond program. In November 2017, Galveston County held a bond election regarding,
' four propositions, and one of the propositions pertained to a transportation project for the City of
Friendswood. Council discussed the proposed construction of Friendswood Lakes Boulevard as a four i
lane facility from where the road currently dead ends south of FM 528 to the city's West Ranch connection i
Council asked Staff to visit with property owners abutting the future roadway to discuss options in which
they would be willing to participate with the city and Galveston County to come to a solution that would be
beneficial to all parties. At the March Council meeting, Council also discussed the impact the proposed
roadway would have on traffic in the area, would the proposed route be beneficial in terms of providing,
alternative routes or would there be a negative impact. Staff has commissioned a traffic engineering firm,
to provide an answer in regards to traffic impact. Three property owners have offered full 100 foot right-of
ways for construction of the roadway, and $333,000 a piece with a mechanism for reimbursement of
$133,000 to each property owner upon completion of the project. The city was allocated $3.57 Million from
the county bond election with a dollar for dollar match up to$1 Million in additional funds. Staff did receive,
a cost estimate from a contractor that claimed they could do the project for$4.2 Million.
Discussion took place between Mayor Pro-Tem Rockey, Council, and Staff regarding that the consensus
of Council was for Staff to bring back to Council an interlocal agreement with Galveston County that;
specifies the scope of the project, and to include the property owner rebate contingent upon the final
outcome of the project budget in part of the negotiations.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Pro-Tem Rockey moved to Agenda Item 8, Reception for retiring City;
Manager, Roger Roecker.
SPECIAL RECEPTION
A reception was held for retiring City Manager, Roger Roecker in the foyer of City Hall.
' With concurrence of Council, Mayor Pro-Tem Rockey moved to Agenda Item 6, Closed Executive Session.
CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Pro-Tem Rockey asked if anyone would like to speak regarding the Executive Session. No one
spoke. I
Council convened into Executive Session in accordance with the Texas Government Code, pursuant to
Section 551.074 — Personnel Matters; to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation,;
reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee(Evaluation of City Secretary),-
Section 551.071 —Consultation with City Attorney regarding pending or contemplated litigation with possible
discussion and action related thereto in open session (Audibert v. Zoning Board of Adjustment&Appeals
&City of Friendswood), and Section 551.072—Deliberation regarding real property with possible discussion
and action related thereto in open session. (Potential Public Works and Parks& Recreation Facility).
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 (Evaluation of City Secretary), and Section 551.072 1
Deliberation regarding real property with possible discussion and action related thereto in open session
(Potential Public Works and Parks & Recreation Facility).
ACTION ITEM
' **Councilmember Foreman moved to approve giving the City Secretary a 3.5% salary increase.
Seconded by Councilmember Branson. The motion was approved 5-0.
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With concurrence of Council, Mayor Pro-Tem Rockey moved to Agenda Item 9B, Introduction of Josh
Rogers as the new Deputy Chief of Police. ,
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (continued)
Police Chief Bob Wieners introduced Captain Josh Rogers as the new Deputy Chief of Police. Deputy
Chief Rogers has 21 years of police service and 19 of those years with the City of Friendswood Police
Department. The city has nearly doubled in size over the 19 years and the Police Department has nearly
doubled in size also. Everything the Police Department does is a team effort, and Deputy Chief Rogers
has been at the leading edge of everything the department does including items related to organized
criminal activity or conducting major investigations, and he was instrumental in getting charges filed on
William Reese.
Police Chief Bob Wieners administered the Oath of Office to Deputy Chief of Police Josh Rogers. Deputy
Chief Rogers'wife and son pinned his stars on him.
Deputy Police Chief Josh Rogers stated he appreciated the accomplishments that Police Chief Bob
Wieners pointed out, very much a team effort including city Staff and Council's support. This opportunity
will be challenging like many others throughout his tenure with the city, but it would not be possible without
the work and supportive effort from the Police Department and his family. He tries to make as much as he
can of his time at home, his mother was unable to make it to the meeting due to battling cancer, and his
father is taking care of her. He is very excited about the opportunity to work for a great department and
great city.
Police Chief Bob Wieners announced Deputy Police Chief Luke Loeser will retire in October. Deputy Chief
Loeser will have 39 years of service when he retires, and is a world class police officer and individual.
On behalf of Mayor and Council, Councilmember Branson presented a card and golf club to retiring City '
Manager Roger Roecker in special recognition of his service to the city.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Chris and Liz Shaw, Friendswood residents, addressed Council and stated they are at the meeting in
support of Agenda Item 20, flood mitigation and hiring a grant manager to assist families that were severely
affected by Hurricane Harvey. They had to be evacuated by boat with five children and their home was
substantially damaged. Working to secure an elevation grant to prevent flooding in the future would be a
benefit to the city and families who were affected.
Phil Ratisseau, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he supports Agenda Items 19 and 20,
cleaning debris from the creek and hiring a flood mitigation contractor. He asked Council to ask a lot of
questions of the City Manager so the public can get the information that is not out there. Galveston County
owns part of the creek and Harris County owns part, both counties have to work together to come to an
agreement, some citizens are here to find out about notifications for substantial damage list that they were
not notified about, some cities released that information readily, and the City of Friendswood went to the
Attorney General regarding the information being released.
Michelle Hatmaker, candidate for County Commissioner Precinct 4, addressed Council and stated she is
running against a 20-year established incumbent, is a real estate broker, and has lived in the area most of
her life. Our communities are reeling still from Hurricane Harvey, believes it is time for Precinct 4 to have
a commissioner that is involved, active, and represents the community to its fullest. She believes it is time
to move forward and have a new voice for the community to work towards resolution regarding the creeks
and flooding issues. Billy Enochs was an amazing candidate to campaign with and she is proud to say Mr.
Enochs has endorsed her for this election. County Commissioner Precinct 2, Joe Giusti, and County '
Commissioner Precinct 1, Darrell Apffel, have also endorsed her for this election. The election is May 22,
2018, and she is eager to get started as the next County Commissioner.
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COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMITTEES AND SPECIAL REPORTS
Keep Friendswood Beautiful(KFB)Chair Sherry Goen gave the annual report. Ms. Goen presented a slide
presentation created by Recreation Aide Katy Blanchard regarding the past year for KFB. The past year,
has been an incredible year for KFB. The city is slowly recovering as KFB focuses on beautifying and
keeping Friendswood beautiful. Last September, the Parks and Recreation Department, the Friends of
Downtown Friendswood, along with KFB, sponsored a Hurricane Harvey benefit concert and raised
$10,000 plus for Hurricane Harvey victims. Debris collection and the number of participants for the Annual
Fall Haul-A-Day event were way up this year due to Hurricane Harvey. KFB contacted Keep Texas,
Beautiful (KTB) to assist with clean up supplies, and KTB was amazed at the work being done to restord
the community. The 10th Annual Santa in the Park had record numbers in 2017 with approximately 10,000
in attendance. A new phone app was initiated to help attendees locate booths, find out performance times
and post pictures during the event. Numbers for Santa in the Park surpassed all other major events
occurring in the City of Friendswood during 2017. Social media presence was a big goal for KFB in 2017i
The KFB Public Awareness Committee and the Parks and Recreation Department made sure postings 1
pictures, flyers, and announcements were on social media throughout the year. Postings and pictures,
during and after Hurricane Harvey provided citizens with needed information. A monthly record of social,
media outreach was kept for future direction. The median project on FM 518 and FM 2351 suffered greatly,
in 2017, medians at FM 2351 are slowly coming back and have been cleaned up, FM 518 medians will take
longer, and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has agreed to redo the FM 518 medians due to
the job from the grant award given to KFB was not done correctly in the beginning. KFB has many partners
throughout the community that help with donations, volunteers, and direction. KFB will continue to work on
events, projects, and environmental stewardship under the direction of the Parks and Recreation
Department. KFB recognizes and appreciates the work that the Parks and Recreation Department does to
benefit the community. Ms. Goen thanked Council for their support and the leadership that allows KFB to
reach their goals.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Roger Roecker reported that the Keep Friendswood Beautiful (KFB) Board and the City of
Friendswood are sponsoring the annual Spring Sparkle event for the citizens of Friendswood at Centennial
Park on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Residents will be required to show proof of residency to participate. KFB
Board members have teamed with the City's solid waste services provider, Waste Connections, JSC
Federal Credit Union, Sonic of Friendswood, and Star Service, Inc., to provide the community with a great
clean-up day. Shred-It Document Shredding will also be onsite to accept paper for shredding. Items that
will be accepted include green waste such as tree limbs and grass clippings, appliances, furniture, and
miscellaneous wood, metal, and plastic. No household hazardous waste will be accepted at this location
Residents can also donate garage sale items to Keep Friendswood Beautiful. KFB will be accepting
furniture, household items, bikes that are in good condition, clothing will not be accepted. Garage said
items can be dropped off the moming of the event at Centennial Park. Ail proceeds from the garage sale
will benefit the beautification of city facilities and parks. KFB would also like to encourage residents to bring
animal habitat items that would benefit the wildlife rescuers/rehabbers. They need aquariums, dog and cat
carriers, clean towels/shirts, and shallow crock bowls.
The City Manager reported that the Friendswood Public Library will celebrate National Library Week from
April 8th through April 14, 2018. The Friends of the Library will provide magnifier bookmarks and
Friendswood Library book bags for those who visit the library during that week. Astronaut (and
Councilmember) Mike Foreman, will be at the Friendswood Library for "An Evening with an Astronaut"
' presentation on April 12, 2018, at 6:30 PM. For more information about National Library Week, or anything
related to the Friendswood Public Library, visit the library's website at www.friendswood.lib.tx.us.
The City Manager reported that the annual Youth Fishing Derby event sponsored by the City of
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Friendswood Parks and Recreation Department has been scheduled for Saturday, May 12, 2018, at
Centennial Park Pond for kids ages 16 and under. Over 600 pounds.of adult catfish will be stocked in the '
Centennial Park Pond for participants to catch. There is no pre-registration or fishing licenses required to
participate. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing supplies due to the supply of loaner rods
will be limited. Prizes will be awarded to the largest fish caught in different age groups. For more
information regarding this event, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department.
The City Manager reported that the website"NeighborhoodScout.com" named the City of Friendswood as
the Safest City in the Houston area, the third Safest City in Texas, and the 431d Safest City in America.
Ranking is based on cities with 25,000 or more people, based on the total number of property and violent
crimes per 1,000 residents. Neighborhood Scout's report used the most recent data the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI) classified as"Final, non-preliminary." The website"Niche.com" used a slightly different
criteria when ranking "Safest Suburbs." They recently announced the City of Friendswood as the seventh
Safest Suburb in the Houston area. The city was also recently judged to be the safest city in the greater
Houston area and eighth safest in the State by the National Council for Home Safety and Security. The
recognition is due to the men and women of the city's Police Department, and the city's residents who have
been responsive to the Police Department's instruction "If you see something, say something."
The City Manager reported that Staff received a letter from Galveston County Consolidated Drainage
District (GCCDD) that thank City Council, City Administration, and all city employees for their tremendous
efforts to assists citizens both during and after Hurricane Harvey. GCCDD was proud to work with the city
in the rescue and debris removal process, recently received a check from the city for$46,833.02 for GCCDD
efforts in removing storm debris, and realizes the city has suffered significant losses. GCCDD would like
to contribute the amount equal to the check to the city in order to help with the city's recovery process. Mr.
Roecker thanked GCCDD for their contribution and their help.
Assistant City Manager Morad Kabiri stated that Staff learned the city did not get the Flood Mitigation '
Assistant Grant that the city had applied for through the Texas Water Development Board. There were 44
homes the city sought buyout funds from the federal government and state. Unfortunately, those
homeowners are still in a state of limbo. There is an agenda item later in the meeting to discuss hiring a
Flood Mitigation Grant Specialist, and the city would work closely with that consultant to identify grant
opportunities. The Hazard Mitigation Grant program is the most pressing, potential buyouts will be
evaluated, elevation programs will be evaluated, and mitigation reconstruction. The Hazard Mitigation
Grant is a 75% federal government share and 25% local government share. Unfortunately, the city does
not have the financial resources to cover the local government share. Early in the meeting there was
reference to a Galveston Daily News article related to substantial damage estimates. Shortly after
Hurricane Harvey, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) contractors approached the city on a
pilot program to do substantial damage estimates. FEMA trained contractors went and did an exterior
evaluation of the facilities they felt were damaged during Hurricane Harvey. Their inspection and evaluation
did not include going into the structure. A list was submitted to the city along with a statement that stated
the information was confidential and subject to Federal Privacy Act requirements. The City of Friendswood
honored that statement with the confidentiality requirements and did not release the data when asked by
the Galveston Daily News and Houston Chronicle. The Attorney General has since opted that the Federal
Privacy Act does not apply, and the City of Friendswood released the information with a caveat on the
information that the list itself did not tell the whole picture. FEMA's contractors did an exterior evaluation
of the structures. In order to get a true picture, the owners would have to allow the city inside their homes
to evaluate damage, and some homeowners have begun to fix their homes, and others have not. The
information does not take into account adequate appraisals, and the 50%damage threshold is based off of
Appraisal District CAD information. The determination if a structure is substantially damaged puts the
homeowner in a particular situation where they may or may not have to elevate their structure before it can
be reoccupied. Staff has been individually counseling and working with homeowners that have contacted
the city and that the city has reached out to assist. The article listed 100 plus homes that FEMA determined
were substantially damaged, a number of those homes on the list are not substantially damaged, depends '
on a case by case evaluation. It was unfortunate that the list was published because homeowners have
been put at risk for financial liability that they may or may not be able to foot the bill. The federal government
has not offered funding to assist homeowners in disaster recovery.
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' Discussion took place between Mayor Pro-Tem, Council, and Staff regarding that the City of Nassau Bay
was the only other local community that received funds through the Flood Mitigation Assistant Grant, other,
than the City of Houston. The grant available nationwide was $90 Million, and the City of Friendswood
requested $12 Million in funds. Staff has shared with elected officials, and will continue to share, the city's
displeasure in regards to the disbursement of funds. Staff can provide a list to Council of homes that the
city has been unable to have contact with for Council to make a decision regarding going door-to-door to
make contact.
ACTION ITEMS (continued)
**Councilmember Branson moved to approve the reappointment of Stefanie Karacostas to the Fourth of
July Steering Committee with a term to expire November 2019.
Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved 5-0.
**Councilmember Foreman moved to approve the disposition of RFP No. 2018-02 for city property lawn!
mowing and maintenance services and award to Special Touch Landscaping, Inc.
Seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Rockey. The motion was approved 5-0.
**Councilmember Branson moved to approve the disposition of RFP No. 2018-03 for city buyout property
lawn mowing and award to Cornerstone Maintenance, Inc.
Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved 5-0.
**Councilmember Foreman moved to approve the disposition of Bid No.2018-06 Construction of Blackhawk
Boulevard Phase II Package A with Alternate No. 1, 2, and 3 and award to Joslin Construction Texas, LLCM
Seconded by Councilmember Branson. The motion was approved 5-0.
**Councilmember Foreman moved to approve the disposition of Bid No. 2018-07 Construction of Parking
Lot at Old City Park and award to Matula and Matula Construction, Inc.
Seconded by Councilmember Gustafson.
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Patrick Donart stated the lowest bid came in at$419,000. Staff has
been working with the contractor to negotiate a deductive change order, and cost after the change order is
$299,003, and material testing is included in the appropriations.
***Councilmember Foreman amended the main motion to accept Bid No. 2018-07 Construction of Parking
Lot at Old City Park with change order to reduce contract and award to Matula and Matula Construction!
Inc., and the city to do in-house portion of the parking lot that was removed from the bid.
Seconded by Councilmember Gustafson. The amended main motion was approved 5-0.
**Councilmember Branson moved to approve the disposition of RFP No. 2018-08 for office space
leasing/purchase and award to 15355 Blackhawk, LLC, for the former Food Lion building at 15355
Blackhawk Boulevard.
Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved 5-0.
Assistant City Manager Morad Kabiri stated Council may recall that the Public Works and Parks and
Recreation facility at the end of Deepwood Drive sustained quite a bit of damage during Hurricane Harvey
Staff has worked with the Texas Department of Emergency Management as well as the Federal Emergency
Management Agency(FEMA) since Hurricane Harvey to identify a suitable replacement facility either on a
temporary or long term basis. The Request for Proposal (RFP) went out a few months ago and Staff
received one response back, the old Food Lion building on Blackhawk Boulevard. The facility is roughly
37,000 square feet, and Council has been provided a copy of the executed lease agreement with the
' property owners with the potential to purchase the property in the future. FEMA would cover 90% of the
cost of the lease presumably, it would help the city's operations continue. Currently the departments are
working out of their vehicles, the Activity Building on Morningside Drive, and the Emergency Operations
Center at the Public Safety Building on Whitaker Drive.
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**Councilmember Hill moved to approve an interlocal agreement to partially fund clearing and de-snagging '
efforts along Clear Creek within the city limits of Friendswood, Texas.
Seconded by Councilmember Foreman. The motion was approved 5-0.
Discussion took place between Mayor Pro-Tem, Council, and Staff regarding the need for Council to
address the Harris County Flood Control District to assist with de-snagging the Harris County portion of
Clear Creek.
**Councilmember Hill moved to approve the disposition of RFQ No. 2018-10 for flood mitigation, planning,
and grant management and award to Jeffery S. Ward and Associates.
Seconded by Councilmember Foreman. The motion was approved 5-0.
Discussion took place between Mayor Pro-Tem, Council, and Staff regarding that Staff has received and
reviewed the Request for Qualifications(RFQ)and recommends negotiating a contract with Jeffery S.Ward
and Associates to be the city's Flood Mitigation, Planning, and Grant Management Consultant. There will
be public meetings to address the public comments requirement, and will be publicized through the city's
normal notification systems. The consultant will provide drainage improvement projects as well as look for
grants.
ORDINANCES
**Councilmember Foreman moved to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. T2018-08—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 3.306 acres of land, also known as Reserves F
(1.428 acres) & G (1.878 acres), final plat of Fountains at Friendswood, City of Friendswood, Galveston
County, Texas; amending the zone classification from Community Shopping Center (CSC) to Community '
Shopping Center/Specific Use Permit(CSC/SUP)and granting a Specific Use Permit for NAICS Uses"No.
6231 — Nursing Care Facilities, Skilled Nursing Facilities, No. 623311 — Continuing Care Retirement
Communities (with on-site nursing), and No. 623312 -Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly, without on-
site nursing (assisted living and memory care);" 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 5-0.
Deputy Director of Community Development/City Planner Aubrey Harbin stated the Planning and Zoning
Commission (P&Z) voted on March 15, 2018, and had a positive recommendation for the requested zone
change. Applicant proposed additional information with site amenities plan, was added to the ordinance.
Proposing to add a 5 foot walking trail, benches and trees for privacy and make detention pond an amenity
to residents of the facility and nearby residents.
Louis Tannos, President of Tannos Construction and Development, stated the number of residents
mentioned at the last Council meeting was incorrect. The correct number of residents for the memory care
facility is a full capacity of 60 residents. The other two buildings will be 16 residents for each building.
**Councilmember Foreman moved to approve the First and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2018-11 —An
ordinance amending City of Friendswood, Texas, Ordinance No. 2017-32, passed and approved October
2, 2017, same being an ordinance approving and adopting the City's General Budget for Fiscal Year 2017-
2018 by approving "Budget Amendment VII" to the "Original General Budget of the City of Friendswood,
Texas, for the Fiscal Year 2017-2018"; providing for supplemental appropriation and/or transfer of certain
funds; providing for severability; and providing other matters related to the subject.
Seconded by Councilmember Branson. The motion was approved 5-0.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS '
Councilmember Branson thanked Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District for taking the lead on
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the de-snagging project, was started in the 1960's, and it is mind boggling how many different entities are
' involved in the project. Thanked City Manager Roger Roecker for 29 plus years of service, have been a
blessing to the City of Friendswood, and do not be a stranger. Tonight is opening night for the Houston
Astros, so Go Astros.
Councilmember Hill stated anybody interested-in flooding there was a good article in the Houston Chronicle
about flood maps. Even if the new Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) maps were adopted
they are obsolete already because the dynamics of�the flooding has changed in Houston. The ground
moves, people move, people build, article is well worth your'time. We know where every house in
Friendswood flooded, maybe need a Friendswood Flood Zone map. Councilmember Hill told City Manager
Roger Roecker that he was absolutely the Fight person at the right time and the right place for the city
appreciates everything Mr. Roecker has done, have seen good times and bad times together.
City Manager Roger Roecker stated the article on the front page of the Houston Chronicle yesterday was
an excellent article.
Councilmember Foreman stated the City of Friendswood would not be where it is today without City
Manager Roger Roecker's gentle hand. He thanked Mr. Roecker for taking a new councilmember a couple
of years ago and educating him on how cities operate, and thanked Mr. Roecker for everything he has done
for the city. There is an election coming up on May 5, 2018, eight candidates have filed to run for four
positions at the dais, candidates are working hard on campaigning, please do your research and come out
and vote. Early Voting starts April 23, 2018, and Election Day is May 5, 2018.
Councilmember Gustafson stated it is hard to believe it is time for City Manager Roger Roecker to retire
He stated that he remembers asking Mr. Roecker when he got elected several years ago what it was like
working for seven bosses. Mr. Roecker has done an excellent job, chose to move to Friendswood because
of what Staff had done to make Friendswood the city it is, has impacted thousands of citizen's lives, is a
' comforting presence in meetings, and wished Mr. Roecker the best in the future.
Mayor Pro-Tem Rockey stated there is an old Chinese saying that says, "The best of all leaders are those
that when everything is done the people say it happened naturally." This is the way he has always looked
at City Manager Roger Roecker. Staff loves him, is protective of Staff without being overprotective, and he
will be missed. Please get out and vote in the upcoming election.
City Manager Roger Roecker thanked all of Council and recognizes what a great experience it has been
over the years. No one person accomplishes anything by themselves, and has been blessed to work with
a tremendous Staff. The city is truly blessed to have the employees that serve this community, and have
loved working with them all.
CONSENT AGENDA
**Councilmember Foreman moved to approve all items on the Consent Agenda as presented:A.Approving
an agreement with Friendswood Area Swim Team (FAST) for the use of the Sesquicentennial Swimmind
Pool and authorizing the Mayor to execute the agreement. B. Approving an interlocal agreement througt
the North Texas Council of Governments (NTCOG) for Actuarial Consulting Services and authorize the
Mayor to execute the Master Agreement and Engagement letter with Gabriel, Roeder, Smith & Co. Cl
Accepting the February 2018 Property Tax Report. D. Approving the Minutes of the March 05, 2018
Council Meeting.
Seconded by Councilmember Hill. The motion was approved 5-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 PM.
' May r f n Holland
04/02/18 4784
Attest:
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Melinda Welsh, TRMC '+
City Secretary '*
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