HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2020-04-06 Regular 04/06/20 5075
STATE OF TEXAS
CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD
COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS
APRIL 6, 2020
7 PM — REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD CITY COUNCIL THAT WAS
HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2020, AT 07:00 PM AT FRIENDSWOOD CITY HALL COUNCIL
CHAMBERS, 910 S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE, FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS, WITH THE
FOLLOWING PRESENT CONSTITUTING A QUORUM:
MAYOR MIKE FOREMAN
MAYOR PRO-TEM SALLY BRANSON
COUNCILMEMBER STEVE ROCKEY
COUNCILMEMBER TRISH HANKS (VIDEOCONFERENCE)
COUNCILMEMBER ROBERT J. GRIFFON
COUNCILMEMBER JOHN SCOTT
COUNCILMEMBER BRENT ERENWERT
CITY MANAGER MORAD KABIRI
CITY SECRETARY MELINDA WELSH
' City Attorney Mary Kay Fischer was absent from the meeting.
1. Call to order
Mayor Foreman called the meeting to order.
2. Invocation
The invocation was given by Councilmember Griffon.
3. Pledge of Allegiance— United States and Texas
(HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG; I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THEE,TEXAS, ONE STATE UNDER GOD, ONE
AND INDIVISIBLE)
Councilmember Griffon led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and to the State of Texas.
4. Communications from the Public
Communications from the Public (To comply with provisions of the Open Meetings Act,the City
Council may not deliberate on items discussed under this agenda item.The Council may refer this
' item to the City Manager or direct this item to be placed on the next regular Council agenda. Out of
respect for those speaking during public comment, please refrain from any outbursts or interjections
to include, but not limited to, applause and/or disparaging noises from the audience. Doing so
discourages others from voicing their thoughts and opinions, and disrupts the meeting. Furthermore,
any personnel complaints against a City employee aside from the City Manager, City Secretary, City
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Attorney or Municipal Judge cannot be discussed under this section. Please contact the City
Manager's office for concerns involving a City employee.)
Larry Wilkinson, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he lives in Eagles Point '
Subdivision, not speaking on behalf of neighbors or Homeowner's Association (HOA), speaking on
proposed curb cut and ingress/egress at Virgata Commons. Former Mayor Holland made a
comment in a public meeting that curb cut and ingress/egress would not be installed on Leisure
Lane, was a trade for the neighborhood's agreement. .Mr. Wilkinson reported he attended a
meeting with the City Manager who later stated Mayor Holland should not have made that
commitment. An HOA officer recently had a meeting with the current Mayor and City Manager and
was told there is nothing that can be done. There is something that can be done, the city should
deny the permit, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has come to the table about
installing a light facility, have TxDOT build their project, reevaluate the traffic study at that time, and
defer curb cut and ingress/egress project until TxDOT project is complete.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Foreman moved to Agenda Item 7, Special Recognition and
Acknowledgements.
5. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. Communications from the Public regarding Executive Session topics.
Mayor Foreman asked if anyone would like to speak regarding the Executive Session. No one '
spoke.
B. Council may convene into Executive Session in accordance with Texas Government Code,
pursuant to Section 551.072: Deliberation regarding the purchase, exchange, lease or value
of real property with possible discussion and action related thereto in open session.
Council convened into Executive Session in accordance with Texas Government Code, pursuant to
Section 551.072— Deliberation regarding the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property.
6. RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
Council reconvened into Open Session with no action taken later in the meeting.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Foreman moved to Agenda Item 17, Adjournment.
7. Special Recognition and Acknowledgements '
A. Presentation of the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association's (TMLDA) 2019
Achievement of Library Excellence Award
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City Manager Morad Kabiri stated Staff requested that no one come to present the Achievem nt of
Library Excellence Award for 2019 at tonight's meeting due to the ongoing pandemic. The
Friendswood Public Library has received the award for multiple years. The City Manager
commended Library Director Matt Riley and his staff for a job well done.
8. Public Hearing
To receive comments from the public, both oral and written, regarding:
A. Request to vacate a 0.1738 acre (7,569 SQ) portion of a 60' right-of-way of East Heritage
Drive, being a portion of land out of Lot 1, in Block 2, of Friendswood Subdivision, a
subdivision according to the map or plat thereof recorded under Volume 254, Page 37 of the
Galveston County Plat Records Friendswood, Galveston County, Texas.
Mayor Foreman called a Public Hearing to order to receive comments from the public both or and
written, regarding a request to vacate a 0.1738 acre (7,569 SQ) portion of a 60' right-of-way of East
Heritage Drive, being a portion of land out of Lot 1, in Block 2, of Friendswood Subdivision, a
subdivision according to the map or plat thereof recorded under Volume 254, Page 37 of the I
Galveston County Plat Records Friendswood, Galveston County, Texas.
Community Development Director/City Planner Aubrey Harbin explained the request and stated the
Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) had a unanimous positive recommendation.
Councilmember Rockey asked if there was any language in the request that would prevent the
church from building on the property later since currently they plan on leaving it as green spate.
Ms. Harbin answered P&Z is currently processing a Specific Use Permit for the church, will cpme
before Council in the next few months, includes a site plan on how the property will be developed
and the green space. If there are any changes to the site plan the church would have to come back
to P&Z and Council to amend the site plan.
Councilmember Griffon stated based on the survey, it appears it would be hard to do anything with
the property.
Mayor Foreman asked if anyone would like to speak in favor or in opposition of the request. No one
spoke.
Hearing no comments from the public, Mayor Foreman closed this portion of the Public Hearing.
9. Communications from the Public
' Communications from the Public (To comply with provisions of the Open Meetings Act, the City
Council may not deliberate on items discussed under this agenda item. The Council may refer this
item to the City Manager or direct this item to be placed on the next regular Council agenda. Out of
respect for those speaking during public comment, please refrain from any outbursts or interjections
to include, but not limited to, applause and/or disparaging noises from the audience. Doing so
discourages others from voicing their thoughts and opinions, and disrupts the meeting. Furthermore,
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any personnel complaints against a City employee aside from the City Manager, City Secretary, City
Attorney or Municipal Judge cannot be discussed under this section. Please contact the City
Manager's office for concerns involving a City employee.)
Mayor Foreman asked if anyone would like to speak. No one spoke.
10. City Manager's Report
A. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
City Manager Morad Kabiri reported that as a result of the Coronavirus, Staff has implemented the
city's Continuity of Operations and Pandemic Plans which include ensuring that vital services
continue, service models have been adjusted, disinfecting efforts have been ramped up for
employee workspaces and vehicles, telecommuting options have been enacted for employees
where possible, use of Personal Protective Equipment's (PPE) has been enacted for first responder
activities that engage the public, and currently working on securing-hotel resources for
employees/first responders.that may need to be quarantined. As an external response Staff is
following state and county executive orders which include measures to encourage social distancing
throughout the community with Police Department and Parks and Recreation Department staff,
Code Enforcement to contact potential violators by phone to seek compliance with state orders
.(complaint driven), communication efforts have been ramped up thorough social media, city website
and email communications, a survey has been conducted with the business community to identify
issues they are facing, and Staff is working with those business owners to get them connected with '
the right channels to assist them. Costs concerns associated with the Coronavirus have been
minimal to date, mainly disinfectant and PPEs related, instructed reprogramming of money in base
budget to address current/on-going needs, duration of pandemic and resources, hurricane season,
and an anticipated loss of sales tax revenue next fiscal year.
Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, and City Manager Morad Kabiri regarding the city's
supply of Personal Protective Equipment's (PPE), recovery task force working to assist local
businesses, recovery efforts for businesses and schools will be a function of the state and counties,
sales tax revenue reductions could impact the city's ability to fund new programs, currently not
anticipating any reduction in Staff, and the current status of the 90-day reserve fund.
B. Canceled Events
The City Manager reported that in relation to the Coronavirus there have been a few cancellations
related to city events that include Spring Sparkle, Library Week, and the Youth Fishing Derby which
have been postponed for now.
C. Texas Department of Transportation Traffic Signals
The City Manager reported that traffic signals along all Farm-to-Market roads within the City of '
Friendswood are owned and operated by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Any
modifications or additions to the existing system requires TxDOT support and buy-in. Over the last
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few years, congestion has continued to grow in and around the intersection of FM 518 and FM 528.
Due to traffic at the intersection, more and more vehicles have opted to traverse East Winding Way
and Leisure Lane. Coupled with the recent commercial growth nearby, concerns have been raised
for an intervention. Staff is in communication with the head of TxDOT's Houston District Office to
expedite the installation of a traffic signal at FM 518 and Leisure Lane. An offer to financially
partner with TxDOT on the signal has also been made.
D. Hurricane Harvey Update
The City Manager reported that Staff continues to close on thirteen properties remaining in the
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program buyout program. Staff recently received word that Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has obligated funding for the Texas Water Development
Board Flood Mitigation Assistance grant project to acquire four Severe Repetitive Loss Propel ies
along Clear Creek and Cowards Creek. One of the four properties in the program has been closed
on, negations are reaching a conclusion on another, and one property has been disqualified based
on repairs made. Conditional approvals have been granted from the Community Development
Block Grant— Disaster Recovery Program for both the Blackhawk Facility and the Forest Bend flood
mitigation project. Staff is working toward the procurement of professional services architectural,
engineering, and environmental activities associated with these projects once Harris County
Commissioners Court authorizes the city to proceed. Applications through the Texas General Land
Office on property acquisition/critical infrastructure are still awaiting approval. Staff has solicited the
' assistance of State Senator Larry Taylor and Representatives Greg Bonnen and Dennis Paul.
United States Congressmen Pete Olson and Randy Weber have been contacted to enlist help with
FEMA on all projects and initiatives. Some progress has been made but with the rise of COVID-19,
Staff anticipates delays in finalizing these efforts.
E. Safe City Designations
The City Manager reported that the City of Friendswood has ranked on two safest cities lists or
Texas. National Council for Home Safety and Security ranked Friendswood as 15th in Texas, and
SafeWise ranked Friendswood as 24th in Texas. Both organizations used similar methodoloc y to
determine their rankings. In order to identify the safest cities in Texas, the most recent Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Crime Report statistics and population data are used. The City
Manager asked residents to take a moment to recognize the Friendswood Police Department as
they continue to serve the community and make Friendswood one of the safest cities in Texas.
The City Manager reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission is currently working on
reviewing the city's tree ordinance and will bring an agenda item to Council in the future.
I
11. Communications from Committees and Special Reports
A. Annual Report from Keep Friendswood Beautiful
Mayor Foreman stated a member of Keep Friendswood Beautiful was not present at the meeting to
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give the annual report. The Keep Friendswood Beautiful annual report can be found in the agenda
packet.
B. Presentation of City Bonds by John Robuck with BOK Financial
John Robuck with BOK Financial Securities, Inc., the city's financial advisor, presented a schedule
events presentation that outlines the General Obligation Improvement and Refunding Bonds Series
2020, approximately $10,085,000. He gave an overview of the current bond market— Bond Buyer
Index, market has been volatile and following traditional standards, and is a good environment to
sell bonds. Discussed proposed bond to be refunded, estimated debt service and savings
(refunding portion), estimated debt service requirement (new money portion), and tentative
schedule of events.
12. Discussion and Possible Action
A. Discussion and possible action regarding the designation of the Local Rabies Control
Authority and Director of Animal Control.
**Councilmember Scott moved to approve the designation of Captain Douglas Lauersdorf as the
Local Rabies Control Authority and Director of Animal Control.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously. '
B. Discussion and possible action regarding the designation of the City's Animal Shelter
Advisory Committee Member.
**Councilmember Griffon moved to approve the designation of Captain Douglas Lauersdorf as the
city's Animal Shelter Advisory Committee member.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
C. Discussion and possible action regarding appointments and reappointments to the following
committees, boards and commissions:
Keep Friendswood Beautiful —Appoint Stephanie Reddick as an alternate member to a
three-year term expiring November 2022.
**Councilmember Griffon moved to approve the appointment of Stephanie Reddick as an alternate
member to Keep Friendswood Beautiful with a term to expire November 2022.
The motion was seconded and approved 6-0 with Councilmember Hanks abstaining.
D. Discussion and possible action regarding an interlocal agreement with the Harris County '
Flood Control District for the operation and maintenance of a weather station located at
1600 Whitaker and other weather related devices agreed on by both parties located in
Galveston County.
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**Councilmember Griffon moved to approve an interlocal agreement with the Harris County Flood
Control District for the operation and maintenance of a weather station located at 1600 Whitaker
and other weather related devices agreed on by both parties located in Galveston County.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously. '
E. Discussion and possible action regarding an agreement between the City of Friendswood
and Harris County for the Forest Bend Detention Pond Project.
**Councilmember Scott moved to approve an agreement between the City of Friendswood and
Harris County for the Forest Bend Detention Pond Project.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
13. Resolutions
Consideration and possible action regarding the following:
A. Resolution No. R2020-09: A resolution of the City Council of the City of Friendswood,
Texas, approving a contractual agreement for dispatching services between the Forest
Bend Fire Department and City of Friendswood; authorizing the Mayor to execute, and the
City Secretary to attest, the agreement.
' **Councilmember Scott moved to approve Resolution No. R2020-09—A resolution of the City
Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, approving a contractual agreement for dispatching
services between the Forest Bend Fire Department and City of Friendswood; authorizing the Mayor
to execute, and the City Secretary to attest, the agreement.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
B. Resolution No. R2020-10: A resolution of the City of Friendswood, Texas, Galveston/ arris
Counties, approving the appointment of a representative to the Public Power Pool.
**Councilmember Griffon moved to approve Resolution No. R2020-10 —A resolution of the City of
Friendswood, Texas, Galveston/Harris counties, approving appointment of Administrative Services
Director Katina Hampton as a representative to the Public Power Pool.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
C. Resolution No. R2020-11: A resolution of the City of Friendswood, Texas, Galveston/ arris
Counties, approving a change in the Capital Lease Agreement Project and equipment
description.
**Councilmember Rockey moved to approve Resolution No. R2020-11 —A resolution of the City of
' Friendswood, Texas, Galveston/Harris Counties, approving a change in the Capital Lease
Agreement Project and equipment description.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
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D. Resolution No. R2020-12: A resolution by the City of Friendswood, Texas, suspending the
May 4, 2020, effective date of the proposal by CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp., d/b/a
CenterPoint Energy Entex and CenterPoint Energy Texas Gas—Texas Coast Division to
implement interim grip rate adjustments for gas utility investment in 2018 and requiring
delivery of this resolution to the company and legal counsel.
**Councilmember Griffon moved to approve Resolution No. R2020-12 —A resolution by the City of
Friendswood, Texas suspending the May 4, 2020, effective date of the proposal by CenterPoint
Energy Resources Corp., d/b/a CenterPoint Energy Entex and CenterPoint Energy Texas Gas —
Texas Coast Division to implement interim grip rate adjustments for gas utility investment in 2018
and requiring delivery of this resolution to the company and legal counsel.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
14. Ordinances
Consideration and possible action regarding the following:
A. Ordinance No. T2020-10: Second and Final reading of an ordinance amending the Code of
Ordinances, Chapter 54, Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions, Article III., Protection of
Citizens, Employees, Municipal Property by amending Section 54-48 entitled 'Interfering
with City Officers and Employees"; providing a penalty of an amount not to exceed $500.00
for each violation; repealing all other ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent or in '
conflict herewith; providing for severability; publication and an effective date.
**Councilmember Branson moved to approve the Second and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2020-
10 —An ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 54, Offenses and Miscellaneous
Provisions, Article III., Protection of Citizens, Employees, Municipal Property by amending Section
54-48 entitled 'Interfering with City Officers and Employees'; providing a penalty of an amount not
to exceed $500.00 for each violation; repealing all other ordinances or parts of ordinances
inconsistent or in conflict herewith; providing for severability; publication and an effective date.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
B. Ordinance No. T2020-11: Second and Final reading of an ordinance amending the Code of
Ordinances, Chapter 14, Building and Building Regulations, Article Vill., Swimming Pools by
amending Section 14-356 entitled 'Barrier Requirements'; providing a penalty of an amount
not to exceed $2,000.00 for each violation; repealing all other ordinances or parts of
ordinances inconsistent or in conflict herewith; providing for severability; publication and an
effective date.
**Councilmember Branson moved to approve the Second and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2020-
11 —An ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14, Building and Building
Regulations, Article Vill., Swimming Pools by amending Section 14-356 entitled "Barrier '
Requirements"; providing a penalty of an amount not to exceed $2,000.00 for each violation;
repealing all other ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent or in conflict herewith; providing
for severability; publication and an effective date.
The motion was seconded and approved 5-2 with Councilmembers Griffon and Scott opposed.
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C. Ordinance No. T2020-12: Second and Final reading of an ordinance amending the Code of
Ordinances, Chapter 82, Traffic and Vehicles, Article Il., Fire lanes by amending Sections
82-62 through 82-71 regarding Fire Lane Requirements, Enforcement and Penalties for
violation of division; providing a penalty of an amount not to exceed $2,000.00 for each
violation; repealing all other ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent or in conflict
herewith; providing for severability; publication and an effective date.
**Councilmember Branson moved to approve the Second and Final reading of Ordinance No, 2020-
12 —An ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 82, Traffic and Vehicles, Article II.,
Fire lanes by amending Sections 82-62 through 82-71 regarding Fire Lane Requirements,
Enforcement and Penalties for violation of division; providing a penalty of an amount not to exceed
$2,000.00 for each violation; repealing all other ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent or in
conflict herewith; providing for severability; publication and an effective date.
The motion was seconded and approved 5-2 with Councilmembers Griffon and Scott opposed.
D. Ordinance No. T2020-13: First reading of an ordinance of the City of Friendswood, Texas,
granting an electrical franchise to CenterPoint Energy pursuant to Texas Utilities Code?
§§ 33.008, 181.042, and 181.043; stating a purpose; providing for a term of 30 years;
providing for the location of facilities; providing for repair of excavations and obstructions;
providing for indemnity to the City of Friendswood providing for street rental; repealing Ithe
' former franchise, which is Ordinance No. 84-16A of the City of Friendswood; providing a
severability clause; providing an open meetings clause; providing for publication and an
effective date.
**Councilmember Hanks moved to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. T2020-13 —An
ordinance of the City of Friendswood, Texas, granting an electrical franchise to CenterPoint Energy
pursuant to Texas Utilities Code §§ 33.008, 181.042, and 181:043; stating a purpose; providing for
a term of 30 years; providing for the location of facilities; providing for repair of excavations and
obstructions; providing for indemnity to the City of Friendswood providing for street rental; repealing
the former franchise, which is Ordinance No. 84-16A of the City of Friendswood; providing a
severability clause; providing an open meetings clause; providing for publication and an effective
date.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
E. Ordinance No. T2020-14: Second and Final reading of an ordinance amending the Code of
Ordinances, Chapter 14, Buildings and Building Regulations, Article Il., Building Code 6y
amending Sections 14-25 through 14-28 regarding trash on construction sites, site dra;nage,
restoration of property to original condition and housekeeping practices on construction
sites; providing a penalty of an amount not to exceed $2,000.00 for each violation; repealing
all other ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent or in conflict herewith; providing for
severability; publication and an effective date.
**Councilmember Branson moved to approve the Second and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2020-
14—An ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14, Buildings and Building
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Reg ulations,.Article II., Building Code by amending Sections 14-25 through 14-28 regarding trash
on construction sites, site drainage, restoration of property to original condition and housekeeping
practices on construction sites; providing a penalty of an amount not to exceed $2,000.00 for each
violation; repealing all other ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent or in conflict herewith;
providing for severability; publication and an effective date.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
F. Ordinance No. T2020-16: Second and Final reading of an ordinance amending Appendix C
"Zoning Ordinance," "Section 10. Board of Adjustment-Establishment and Procedure,"
"Section 11. Same-Powers and Duties," "Section 12. Appeals from the Board of
Adjustment," and "Section 20. Definitions-Variance"; providing a penalty for violation in an
amount not to exceed $2,000.00, or as otherwise provided by law; repealing all ordinances
or parts of ordinances inconsistent or in conflict herewith; and providing for severability.
**Councilmember Rockey moved to approve the Second and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2020-
16 —An ordinance amending Appendix C "Zoning Ordinance," "Section 10. Board of Adjustment-
Establishment and Procedure," "Section 11. Same-Powers and Duties,"'Section 12. Appeals from
the Board of Adjustment," and "Section 20. Definitions-Variance"; providing a penalty for violation in
an amount not to exceed $2,000, or as otherwise provided by law; repealing all ordinances or parts
of ordinances inconsistent or in conflict herewith; and providing for severability.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously. '
G. Ordinance No. T2020-17: Second and Final reading of an ordinance amending Appendix C
"Zoning Ordinance," Section 7. "Schedule of District Regulations," Subsection 7.P.6.,
"Permitted Use Table," amending the following NAICS Uses: No. 447 Gasoline Stations, No.
511 Publishing Industries, and No. 713940 Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers;
providing a penalty for violation in an amount not to exceed $2,000.00, or as otherwise
provided by law; repealing all ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent or in conflict
herewith; and providing for severability.
**Councilmember Branson moved to approve the Second and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2020-
17—An ordinance amending Appendix C "Zoning Ordinance," Section 7. "Schedule of District
Regulations," Subsection 7.P.6., 'Permitted Use Table," amending the following NAICS Uses: No.
447 Gasoline Stations, No. 511 Publishing Industries, and No. 713940 Fitness and Recreational
Sports Centers; providing a penalty for violation in an amount not to exceed $2,000, or as otherwise
provided by law; repealing all ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent or in conflict herewith;
and providing for severability.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
H. Ordinance No. T2020-19: First reading of an ordinance approving a request to vacate a '
.1738 acre portion of a 60-foot public right-of-way, also known as East Heritage Drive;
authorizing the Mayor to execute and the City Secretary to attest a Quitclaim Deed by and
between the City and First Baptist Church of Friendswood.
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**Councilmember Scott moved to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. T2020-19 —An
' ordinance approving a request to vacate a .1738 acre portion of a 60-foot public right-of-way,'also
known as East Heritage Drive; authorizing the Mayor to execute and the City Secretary to attest a
Quitclaim Deed by and between the City and First Baptist Church of Friendswood.
The motion was seconded and approved 6-1 with Councilmember Rockey opposed.
I. Ordinance No. T2020-20: First and Final reading of an ordinance amending City of
Friendswood, Texas, Ordinance No. 2019-38, passed and approved October 7, 2019, same
being an ordinance approving and adopting the City's General Budget for Fiscal Year 2019-
2020 by approving "Budget Amendment V" to the "Original General Budget of the City of
Friendswood, Texas, for the Fiscal Year 2019-2020"; providing for supplemental
appropriation and/or transfer of certain funds; providing for severability; and providing other
matters related to the subject.
**Councilmember Scott moved to approve the First and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2020-20 —
An ordinance amending City of Friendswood, Texas, Ordinance No. 2019-38, passed and approved
October 7, 2019, same being an ordinance approving and adopting the City's General Budget for
Fiscal Year 2019-2020 by approving "Budget Amendment V" to the "Original General Budget of the
City of Friendswood, Texas, for the Fiscal Year 2019-2020"; providing for supplemental
appropriation and/or transfer of certain funds; providing for severability; and providing other matters
' related to the subject.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
J. Ordinance No. T2020-21: First and Final reading of an ordinance of the City Council of the
City of Friendswood, Texas, postponing the Special Election scheduled to be held on
Saturday, May 02, 2020, for the purpose of reauthorizing the local sales and use tax at the
rate of three-eighths (3/8) of one percent (1%) to continue providing revenue for
maintenance and repair of municipal streets, to a later date; providing for severability; and
repealing all ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent or in conflict herewith.
**Councilmember Griffon moved to approve the First and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2020-21 —
An ordinance of the City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, postponing the Special Election
scheduled to be held on Saturday, May 02, 2020, for the purpose of reauthorizing the local s les
and use tax at the rate of three-eighths (3/8) of one percent (1%) to continue providing revenue for
maintenance and repair of municipal streets, to a later date; providing for severability; and repealing
all ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent or in conflict herewith.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
16. Communications from the Mayor and Councilmembers
' Mayor Foreman thanked city Staff for the jobs they are doing during the Coronavirus. There has
been little or no difference in city operations due to the great leadership provided by Staff, thanked
Council for being very engaged throughout the dilemma and working diligently behind the scenes,
thanked Friendswood residents and business owners, following social distancing guidelines, and
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staying home and spending a lot of time with family. Mayor Foreman encouraged people to
continue following the guidelines, wash your hands, stay six-feet away from people, do not touch '
your face, do not touch door knobs, and keep a little more situational awareness in regard to what
you touch to help not spread the virus. All efforts are working, doctors and scientists are reporting
that the curve is bending downward, lucky Texas has not had a large outbreak, and continue to stay
the course.
Councilmember Erenwert stated he echoes what Mayor Foreman stated regarding city Staff, the city
is a business, and there is no manual for the current situation, and some things change by the
hour. The city has done a good job keeping everyone informed and keeping the city moving, has
noticed more residents walking and riding their bikes, and thanked city Staff, Police Department and
Fire Department for their hard work. He believes a lot of good things will come out of this situation
and everyone will be stronger.
Councilmember Griffon stated he would like to applaud the city for the restraint that has been used
during the pandemic, kept the city's Continuity of Operations Plan, everyone should exercise
personal responsibility, and some good antiviral therapeutics are needed to assure hospitals are not
overwhelmed. Thanked all companies and people who are part of the supply chain at local grocery
stores and gas stations, these are the people who are keeping Friendswood running and fed.
Thanked residents for doing a wonderful job on handling the current situation.
Councilmember Hanks thanked City Manager Morad Kabiri and city Staff, impressed with the city's
Emergency Operations Center, plans they have in place and how well the plans are executed. She
is currently suffering from allergies and thought it would be best to participate through
videoconference, technology is great, and just one more thing the city is doing to help.
Councilmember Branson stated Staff has done a fantastic job, appreciates the update reports
coming on a regular basis, is proud of Friendswood and the job Friendswood is doing, and
congratulated the library on their award. The Friendswood Rotary, Friendswood Baseball and the
city have joined forces to help serve meals to students who are on the free/reduced lunch program.
There are some senior citizens who are in need of a little assistance with their food. As of today,
she will be working with Southeast Memorial Hospital to provide meals at least once a week for
those working at the hospital. Thanked the citizen groups that have stepped up to help, and the
City of Friendswood always shines during difficult times.
Councilmember Rockey stated everyone that can should try to help local businesses that are doing
takeout and/or drop-off services. People should pay attention to the data available, amazing what
can be heard on the media, can create a tremendous amount of anxiety, do not be a huge
consumer of news right now, they are in the business of making things look really bad.
Councilmember Scott stated he had nothing to report.
16. Consent Agenda '
Consideration and possible action regarding the following:
A. Approving an agreement with Friendswood Area Swim Team (FAST) for the use of the
Sesquicentennial Swimming Pool and authorizing the Mayor to execute the agreement
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B. Ratifying the City Manager's signature on an agreement for American Tower, on behalf of T-
Mobile, to make modifications to the telecommunications tower located at the Public Safety
Building, 1600 Whitaker Drive
C. Accepting the February 2020 Property Tax Report
D. Approving a one year extension of a contract with Crowder Gulf for debris management
services
E. Approving a one year extension of a contract with DRC Emergency Services for debris
management services
F. Authorizing the acceptance of the Clear Creek Community Church public improvements and
initiate the contractor's one-year maintenance period
G. Approving the minutes of the March 2, 2020, Council Meeting
** Councilmember Scott 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 Swimming Pool and authorizing the Mayor to execute the agreement. B. Ratifying
the City Manager's signature on an agreement for American Tower, on behalf of T-Mobile, to make
modifications to the telecommunications tower located at the Public Safety Building, 1600 Whitaker
Drive. C. Accepting the February 2020 Property Tax Report. D. Approving a one year extension of
' a contract with Crowder Gulf for debris management services. E. Approving a one year extension
of a contract with DRC Emergency Services for debris management services. F. Authorizing the
acceptance of the Clear Creek Community Church public improvements and initiate the contractor's
one-year maintenance period. G. Approving the minutes of the March 2, 2020, Council Meeting.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Foreman moved to Agenda Item 5, Closed Executive Session.
17. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:29 PM.
r
Mayor ike Fore an
Attest:
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Melinda Welsh, TRMC 0:
City Secretary ;NjA : *:
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