HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2020-05-04 Regular i
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STATE OF TEXAS
CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD
COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS
MAY 4, 2020
6:30 PM — REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD CITY COUNCIL THAT WAS
HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 4, 2020, AT 06:30 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
COUNCILMEMBER ROBERT J. GRIFFON
COUNCILMEMBER JOHN SCOTT
COUNCILMEMBER BRENT ERENWERT
CITY ATTORNEY MARY KAY FISCHER
CITY MANAGER MORAD KABIRI
CITY SECRETARY MELINDA WELSH
' 1. Call to order
Mayor Foreman called the meeting to order.
2. Invocation
The invocation was given by Councilmember Brent Erenwert.
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)
Mayor Foreman 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,
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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 Attorney or Municipal Judge cannot be discussed under this section.
Please contact the City Manager's office for concerns involving a City employee.)
Brady Mora, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he is before Council to discuss
oak trees in the downtown area; a tree ordinance is needed, are a treasure worth saving, supports
new development but draws the line at removing trees.
David Allen, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he placed copies of a handout
entitled #Plandemic for Council on the back desk and stated Dr. Anthony Fauci has been head of
the Allergy and Infectious Diseases branch of the National Institute of Health since 1984, currently
Dr. Fauci is advising President Trump on the coronavirus, gave a brief history on the virus in
Wuhan China and possible treatments. Mr. Allen further discussed his concern for 5G cellular
service, between 30 and 300 gigahertz, billions of cycles a second, antennas up and down streets
on light poles, deleterious to our health, is a weapons system, and the City of Friendswood should
outlaw.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Foreman moved to Agenda Item 11 E, Ordinance No. T2020-
24. '
5. WORK SESSION
A. Capital Improvement Projects Update
Mayor Foreman opened the discussion regarding Capital Improvement Projects. Director of
Engineering/City Engineer Jildardo Arias presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding progress
made on Capital Improvement Projects since February 2020. He reported on the 2018-2019
street maintenance program, 2019-2020 street maintenance program, Blackhawk Boulevard
Phase II, Friendswood Lakes Boulevard, Lift Station No. 23, new infrastructure projects, current
Harris County projects, and current Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) projects.
6. Public Hearing
To receive comments from the public, both oral and written, regarding:
A. Zone classification change request to assign Single Family Residential (SFR) as the
zoning district for .1738 acres of vacated right-of-way (request in process); and to allow a
Specific Use Permit (SUP) for NAICS Use No. 8131 Religious Organizations as an overlay
on the following properties: 111 East Heritage Drive —2.983 acres, Lot 1, Block 1 Final Plat '
of First Baptist Church of Friendswood, City of Friendswood, Galveston County, Texas;
209 South Friendswood Drive — 1.0528 acres being a portion of Lot 2, Block 2 of the
Friendswood Subdivision recorded in Plat Record 7, Map No. 20 of the Galveston County
Map Records, situated in the Sarah McKissick League, Abstract Number 151, City of
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Friendswood, Galveston County, Texas; 201 East Heritage Drive — .4223 acres of land
being all of that certain called Lot 1 of Harper Subdivision, an unrecorded subdivision the
Sarah McKissick Survey, Abstract No. 151, City of Friendswood, Galveston County, Texas;
204 and 206 East Heritage Drive— .8151 acres of land, being all of that certain called
.8151 acre tract of land, conveyed by deed recorded under Galveston County Clerk's File
No. 2007037162, City of Friendswood, Galveston County, Texas; 208 East Heritage
Drive — .8913 acres of land being all of that certain called .9117 acre tract of land,
conveyed by deed recorded under Galveston County Clerk's File No. 2007037164, City of
Friendswood, Galveston County, Texas; Right-of-Way— .1738 acres out of Lot 1, Block 2
of Friendswood Subdivision, a subdivision according to the map or plat thereof recorded
under Volume 254, Page 37, also known as an unrecorded portion of East Heritage Dive,
City of Friendswood, Galveston County, Texas (pending request to vacate); and to repllace
the Specific Use Permit on the property located at 202 East Heritage Drive, 2.98 acres —
Single Family Residential/Specific Use Permit (SFR/SUP 2001-09) for Family Life Center.
Mayor Foreman called a Public Hearing to order to receive comments from the public both otal
and written, regarding a zone classification change request to assign Single Family Residential
(SFR) as the zoning district for .1738 acres of vacated right-of-way (request in process); and Ito
allow a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for NAICS Use No. 8131 Religious Organizations as an overlay
on the following properties: 111 East Heritage Drive—2.983 acres, Lot 1, Block 1 Final Plat of First
Baptist Church of Friendswood, City of Friendswood, Galveston County, Texas; 209 South
' Friendswood Drive— 1.0528 acres being a portion of Lot 2, Block 2 of the Friendswood
Subdivision recorded in Plat Record 7, Map No. 20 of the Galveston County Map Records,
situated in the Sarah McKissick League, Abstract Number 151, City of Friendswood, Galveston
County, Texas; 201 East Heritage Drive— .4223 acres of land being all of that certain called Lot 1
of Harper Subdivision, an unrecorded subdivision the Sarah McKissick Survey, Abstract No. 1151,
City of Friendswood, Galveston County, Texas; 204 and 206 East Heritage Drive — .8151 ac ies of
land, being all of that certain called .8151 acre tract of land, conveyed by deed recorded under
Galveston County Clerk's File No. 2007037162, City of Friendswood, Galveston County, Teas;
208 East Heritage Drive — .8913 acres of land being all of that certain called .9117 acre tract of
land, conveyed by deed recorded under Galveston County Clerk's File No. 2007037164, City of
Friendswood, Galveston County, Texas; Right-of-Way— .1738 acres out of Lot 1, Block 2 of
Friendswood Subdivision, a subdivision according to the map or plat thereof recorded under
Volume 254, Page 37, also known as an unrecorded portion of East Heritage Drive, City of
Friendswood, Galveston County, Texas (pending request to vacate); and to replace the Specific
Use Permit on the property located at 202 East Heritage Drive, 2.98 acres — Single Family
Residential/Specific Use Permit (SFR/SUP 2001-09) for Family Life Center.
Community Development Director/City Planner Aubrey Harbin stated the request is for the First
Baptist Church of Friendswood campus, have acquired additional pieces of property, currently has
a variety of underlying zoning districts, all allow the religious organization use with a Specific Use
Permit overlay, and would allow the church to expand and build on their long-term master plan for
their campus. The Planning and Zoning Commission's (P&Z) recommendation was 4-2 in favor of
the request with conditions to include maximum height of 70 foot to all structures as specified by
Downtown District zoning regulations, and the alternate landscape plan calculations as approved
and presented in the landscape plan.
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Councilmember Scott asked if the height restrictions for the Downtown District were previously
based on the ability of fire trucks to extinguish fires.
City Manager Morad Kabiri answered yes, but in 2008 or 2009 the height requirement was
changed to 70 feet initially to encourage mixed-use development in the Downtown District.
Ms. Harbin expanded on the Planning & Zoning Commission's (P&Z) recommendation and stated
P&Z has allowed from time to time other structures to go beyond the height limits when there were
technical requirements necessitating additional height. The primary rationale for adhering to the
Downtown District maximum requirement for this request was that there was not technical
reasoning requiring an exemption, and a strong concern for setting a precedent for future
structures in the Downtown District.
Mayor Foreman asked if anyone would like to speak in favor of the request.
Stephanie Cobb, representative from Ziegler Cooper Architects, speaking on behalf of First Baptist
Church of Friendswood, is assisting the church through the Specific Use Permit process and
improvements to their campus, is a long-range plan, trying to renovate a lot of exterior finishes to
unify the campus, six phase plan over 20 years, phase one only includes the parking area to help
support phase two which is a new Welcome Center, knew of the 70 foot restriction, thought there
would be an exception for the belfry tower, is an unoccupied tower, showed pictures of the
rendering model of the tower, and showed rendering of improvements that will be made to the
King's Kids building. '
Omar Peck, Friendswood resident, stated pictures speak for themselves, is an attractive fagade,
will improve the looks of FM 518, will encourage people to come, have worked hard on the plan
and spent many months on the design, looked at benefits to the City of Friendswood, have a large
congregation, plan to grow God's kingdom on earth and heaven, precedence has been set with
other buildings, and asks Council to strongly consider approving the Specific Use Permit with the
tower at 90 feet including the cross.
Phil Ratisseau, Friendswood resident, stated he supports the request but one contingent he has is
not to set a precedent to take money off the tax rolls and give it to somebody for$0.
David Lorenz, Pastor at First Baptist Church Friendswood, stated the church has paid taxes for the
last two years for the Kings Kids property, was recently removed from tax rolls, pays taxes on
Dunn Brothers Coffee, contributes the best they can to give ongoing support of the community,
suggested a new ordinance instead of haggling over a couple of feet and making exception after
exception, tower will not be obtrusive or overpowering, encourages Council to approve the
request, and create a new ordinance for consistency.
Mayor Foreman stated he loves having the Baptist Church in the community, brings a lot to the
community. '
David Allen, Friendswood resident, stated he was an election judge in 2008 at the First Baptist
Church location, people were always friendly, fun events to bring children to, has a nice facility,
and a worthy place.
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Connie Ratisseau, Friendswood resident, stated Texas is known for beautiful towns and chufches,
City of Friendswood is built on faith, family and education, and why not let the tower be raised that
high to be seen.
Mayor Foreman asked if anyone would like to speak in opposition of the request. No one spoke.
Hearing no further comments from the public, Mayor Foreman closed this portion of the Public
Hearing.
7. 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. Tf1e
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 Attorney or Municipal Judge cannot be discussed under this section.
Please contact the City Manager's office for concerns involving a City employee.)
' Phil Ratisseau, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated he hopes Council
remembers to use the data provided to guide decisions to keep water out of the maximum number
of homes with upcoming drainage bond projects.
.David Allen, Friendswood resident, addressed Council and stated there is a diamond grid wt ere
he works, honeycomb shape made of recycled plastic, lay it on the ground to give oxygen to roots,
changing soil level is what kills trees, could save money and trees, and product is from an
Australian company with a factory in the United States.
8. City Manager's Report
A. Hurricane Harvey Update
City Manager Morad Kabiri reported that Staff continues to close on thirteen properties remaining
in the Hazard Mitigation Grant program. Staff will present a proposal for demolition services
associated with the buyouts at the June Council meeting. 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 Properties along Clear Creek and Cowards Creek. One of the four properties in the program
' has been closed on, negotiations 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 of architectural, engineering, and environmental activities associated with
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these projects once Harris County Commissioners Court authorizes the city to proceed. The city's
application through the Texas General Land Office on property acquisition/critical infrastructure
has been approved and moved to the contracting phase of the program. The projects include two
acquisition projects (Frenchman's Creek and Deepwood) and infrastructure projects (Deepwood
flood control and utility line burial underneath Clear Creek). 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. The city did receive notice of additional funds being obligated to cover
up to 75% of the local share requirements for the original 90/10 reimbursements.
B. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Update
The City Manager reported that the City of Friendswood has fared fairly well throughout the
Coronavirus but there is still a long way ahead. The City of Friendswood currently has roughly 21
active cases, Harris County data is not updated routinely as far as recovery
numbers. Councilmember Rockey has been providing some graphs from the data points on his
social media account. Galveston County itself is doing fairly well, originally was projected that the
number of cases would increase dramatically as testing improved, more per capita have been
tested than anywhere else has, and an opposite trend is being seen.
Councilmember Rockey explained the Galveston County Testing and Percentage Testing Positive
chart shown. Starting about three weeks ago, Galveston County picked up the pace on testing,
over 5% of the county has now been tested, a lot of data to look at, should give credit to the county '
and those in leadership positions in the county, have some advantages in Galveston County,
University of Texas Medical Branch has assisted on a lot of testing, there is a level four infectious
disease facility in Galveston County, can receive a test for free without symptoms, and forget the
politics but we must give credit to the county commissioners and health department.
The City Manager continued the report stating two more testing facilities would be opening this
week, closest one to the City of Friendswood will be in League City at Creekside Intermediate
School, and insurance is required. The city is still operating in a modified services model, a
number of facilities are currently closed to the public, 99.99% of services are available by phone or
over the internet, disinfecting efforts have been ramped up throughout City Hall and other public
facilities, and some telecommuting options have been enacted. Externally, Staff is still engaging
people but making sure it is done with precaution. The animal control facility has opened back up
to the public this week with some protocols in place for the safety of Staff and the public.
Information continues to be pushed on social media and other avenues. The Mayor's economic
recovery team has met a number of times virtually and they are continually monitoring federal
programs as well as state and local programs. Concerts in the Park events have been canceled
and Staff is currently evaluating Memorial Day event and Summer Day Camp programs. The
Fourth of July celebration will not be canceled, do not know exactly what it will look like but there
will be a celebration of some sort.
9. Communications from Committees and Special Reports
A. Annual report from the 4th of July Steering Committee
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Fourth of July Steering Committee Vice Chair Barbara Blanchard was not in attendance to present
the committee's annual report. City Manager Morad Kabiri stated the report is in Council's agenda
backup material and the committee is working on alternatives right now.
10. Resolution
Consideration and possible action regarding the following:
A. Resolution No. R2020-13: A resolution of the City of Friendswood, Texas, finding that
Texas-New Mexico Power company's application for a distribution cost recovery factor to
increase distribution rates within the city should be denied; authorizing participation with
TNMP cities; authorizing the hiring of legal counsel and consulting services; finding that the
city's reasonable rate case expenses shall be reimbursed by the company; finding that the
meeting at which this resolution is passed is open to the public as required by law;
requiring notice of this resolution to the company and legal counsel.
**Councilmember Scott moved to approve Resolution No. R2020-13 —A resolution of the City of
Friendswood, Texas, finding that Texas-New Mexico Power company's application for a
distribution cost recovery factor to increase distribution rates within the city should be denied;
authorizing participation with TNMP cities; authorizing the hiring of legal counsel and consulting
services; finding that the city's reasonable rate case expenses shall be reimbursed by the
' company; finding that the meeting at which this resolution is passed is open to the public as
required bylaw; requiring notice of this resolution to the company and legal counsel.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
11. Ordinances
Consideration and possible action regarding the following:
A. Ordinance No. T2020-13: Second and Final reading of an ordinance of the City of
Friendswood, Texas, granting an electrical franchise to CenterPoint Energy pursuant t0
Texas Utilities Code §§ 33.008, 181.042, and 181.043; stating a purpose; providing foIr 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.
**Councilmember Griffon moved to approve the Second and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2020-
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.
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B. Ordinance No. T2020-19: Second and Final 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.
**Councilmember Scott moved to approve the Second and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2020-
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.
C. Ordinance No. T2020-22: 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 VI" 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 Griffon moved to approve the First and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2020-22
—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 VI" 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. i
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
D. Ordinance No. T2020-23: First and Final reading of an ordinance of the City Council of the
City of Friendswood, Texas, amending the calling for the holding of a Special Election to
be held on July 14, 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; and making other provisions related to the
subject.
**Councilmember Hanks moved to approve the First and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2020-23
—An ordinance of the City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, amending the calling for the
holding of a Special Election to be held on July 14, 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; and making other provisions related to
the subject.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously. '
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Foreman moved to Agenda Item 11 F, Ordinance No. T2020-
25.
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E. Ordinance No. T2020-24: First and Final reading of an ordinance authorizing the issuance
and sale of City of Friendswood, Texas, General Obligation Permanent Improvement and
Refunding Bonds, Series 2020; levying an annual Ad Valorem tax for the payment of said
bonds; approving an official statement; calling certain outstanding obligations for
redemption prior to maturity; approving engagement of bond counsel; and enacting other
provisions relating to the subject.
**Councilmember Scott moved to approve the First and Final reading of Ordinance No. 2020-24—
An ordinance authorizing the issuance and sale of City of Friendswood, Texas, General Obligation
Permanent Improvement and Refunding Bonds, Series 2020; levying an annual Ad Valorem tax
for the payment of said bonds; approving an official statement; calling certain outstanding
obligations for redemption prior to maturity; approving engagement of bond counsel; and enacting
other provisions relating to the subject.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
John Robuck with BOK Financial Securities, Inc., the city's financial advisor, presented a scf�edule
of events presentation that outlines the General Obligation Improvement and Refunding Bonds
Series 2020, approximately $10,465,000. He gave an overview of the current bond market Bond
Buyer Index, market is volatile, gone to 2.56%, was 31 basis points off all time low. Discussed
final sources and uses of funds, bond to be refunded, debt service and savings (refunding portion),
debt service requirement (new money portion), and the schedule of events with a closing date of
June 4, 2020.
With concurrence of Council, Mayor Foreman moved to Agenda Item 5A, Capital Improvement
Projects update.
F. Ordinance No. T2020-25: First reading of an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances
of the City of Friendswood, Texas, Appendix C — "Zoning," by amending the zoning
classification to assign Single Family Residential (SFR) as the zoning district for .1738
acres of vacated right-of-way; and to allow a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for NAICS Use No.
8131 Religious Organizations as an overlay on the following properties: .1738 acres of
vacated right-of-way— Single Family Residential (SFR); 111 East Heritage Drive, 2.983
acres - Downtown District (DD); 209 South Friendswood Drive, 1.0528 acres — Downtown
District (DD); 201 East Heritage Drive, .4223 acres — Multi-Family Residential-Low Density
(MFR-L); 204 and 206 East Heritage Drive, .8151 acres — Single Family Residential (SFR);
208 East Heritage Drive, .8913 acres — Single Family Residential (SFR), and to replace the
Specific Use Permit on the property located at 202 East Heritage Drive, 2.98 acres — Single
Family Residential/Specific Use Permit (SFR/SUP 2001-09) for Family Life Center;
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.
**Councilmember Griffon moved to approve the First reading of Ordinance No. T2020-25—An
ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Friendswood, Texas, Appendix C —
"Zoning," by amending the zoning classification to assign Single Family Residential (SFR) as the
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zoning district for .1738 acres of vacated right-of-way; and to allow a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for
NAICS Use No. 8131 Religious Organizations as an overlay on the following properties: .1738
acres of vacated right-of-way—Single Family Residential (SFR); 111 East Heritage Drive, 2.983
acres - Downtown District (DD); 209 South Friendswood Drive, 1.0528 acres — Downtown District
(DD); 201 East Heritage.Drive, .4223 acres — Multi-Family Residential-Low Density (MFR-L); 204
and 206 East Heritage Drive, .8151 acres — Single Family Residential (SFR); 208 East Heritage
Drive, .8913 acres— Single Family Residential (SFR), and to replace the Specific Use Permit on
the property located at 202 East Heritage Drive, 2.98 acres — Single Family Residential/Specific
Use Permit (SFR/SUP 2001-09) for Family Life Center; 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.
The motion was seconded.
Discussion took place between Mayor, Council, Stephanie Cobb, representative from Ziegler
Cooper Architects, David Lorenz, Pastor at First Baptist Church of Friendswood, and Staff
regarding the Specific Use Permit (SUP), request to put all the church's property under an SUP
making the zoning all equal, all Downtown District height regulations, Planning and Zoning
Commission should review current ordinance regarding height.
***Councilmember Griffon amended the motion to approve plans as presented with the steeple
and cross at 90 feet 10 inches.
The motion was seconded. The amended motion failed 1-6 with Mayor Foreman and
Councilmembers Rockey, Branson, Hanks, Scott, and Erenwert opposed. '
****Councilmember Hanks amended the motion to approve the ordinance without restriction on
height and default to the city's current ordinances regarding height.
The motion was seconded. The amended motion was approve 6-1 with Councilmember Griffon
opposed.
Stephanie Cobb, representative from Ziegler Cooper Architects, explained the project phase
timeline, and an approval of the Specific Use Permit is needed to start Phase 1a improvement
project of parking at 209 South Friendswood Drive.
The amended main motion was approved 6-1 with Councilmember Griffon opposed.
**Councilmember Rockey moved to authorize the Planning and Zoning Commission to review the
city's Zoning Ordinance regarding height in the Downtown District.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
12. Presentation of Certificates of Election
A. Present the Certificates of Election for City Council Position No. 2 and Position No. 5
Mayor Foreman presented the Certificates of Election to Sally Branson and John Scott.
13. Oaths of Office
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A. The Honorable Judge Jim Woltz will administer the Oath of Office for Council Position No.
2 and Position No. 5
The honorable Judge Jim Woltz administered the Oath of Office to Sally Branson for City Council
Position No. 2.
The honorable Judge Jim Woltz administered the Oath of Office to John Scott for City Council
Position No. 5.
14. Communications from the Mayor and Councilmembers
Councilmember Scott stated he found something on social media he thought was fitting, fear does
not stop death, it stops life, worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles, it takes away today's
peace. He believes as a society we have allowed fear to run us all into a sheltered corner, lnd
wishes we were less fearful. I
Councilmember Griffon stated he recently gave blood at First Baptist Church of Friendswood in
their Life Center, they have a blood drive often, publicized by the Chamber of Commerce, and
even though we are in a pandemic, there is still a need for blood donations.
Councilmember Hanks stated the Planning and Zoning Commission does a fantastic job, and
' thanked City Manager Morad Kabiri for his leadership during the pandemic.
Councilmember Branson thanked the city for how everyone has handled the pandemic in such a
calm manner, and appreciates that the city's numbers have remained low.
Councilmember Rockey stated he liked Councilmember Scott's quote, we will all get througf�this
pandemic, keep an eye on the data, and hopes leadership does the right things to keep the city
safe.
Councilmember Griffon stated he supports the Planning and Zoning Commission but does not
always agree with their recommendations.
Mayor Foreman stated he applauds the city's directors for making things happen in the city and
keeping services going, Parks and Recreation Director James Toney, Fire Marshal Brian
Mansfield, Community Development Director/City Planner Aubrey Harbin, Administrative Services
Director Katina Hampton, Director of Engineering/City Engineer Jildardo Arias, Public Information
Officer Jeff Newpher, Public Works Director Rene Ibarra, City Attorney Mary Kay Fischer, City
Secretary Melinda Welsh, Assistant City Manager Steven Rhea, and City Manager Morad Kabiri.
15. Consent Agenda
Consideration and possible action regarding the following:
A. Approving a license agreement with First Baptist Church of Friendswood for existing
parking spaces that are located in the right-of-way. The parking spaces will also be
designated as shared parking per the Downtown District zoning regulations
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B. Approving the disposal of a Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department fire truck through
private sale to City of Huntington Volunteer Fire Department
C. Ratify the City Manager's signature on an agreement with Crown Castle to add equipment
to the telecommunications tower located at 109 East Willowick
D. Authorizing the acceptance of a waterline for the proposed Lundy Lane Estates subdivision
and initiate the contractor's one-year maintenance period
E. Approving the capital equipment lease funded purchases of a Tool CAT loader for the
Parks and Recreation Department, a Vacuum/Jet Combination Sewer Truck and a Street
Sweeper &Vacuum Unit for the Public Works Department
F. Approve the rejection of all bids for RFP No. 2020-03 for Demolition and Removal Services
G. Approving the minutes of the April 6, 2020, Council Meeting
H. Accepting the March 2020 Tax Report
**Councilmember Scott moved to approve all items on the Consent Agenda as presented: A.
Approving a license agreement with First Baptist Church of Friendswood for existing parking
spaces that are located in the right-of-way. The parking spaces will also be designated as shared
parking per the Downtown District zoning regulations. B. Approving the disposal of a Friendswood
Volunteer Fire Department fire truck through private sale to City of Huntington Volunteer Fire '
Department. C. Ratify the City Manager's signature on an agreement with Crown Castle to add
equipment to the telecommunications tower located at 109 East Willowick. D. Authorizing the
acceptance of a waterline for the proposed Lundy Lane Estates subdivision and initiate the
contractor's one-year maintenance period. E. Approving the capital equipment lease funded
purchases of a Tool CAT loader for the Parks and Recreation Department, a Vacuum/Jet
Combination Sewer Truck and a Street Sweeper&Vacuum Unit for the Public Works
Department. F. Approve the rejection of all bids for RFP No. 2020-03 for Demolition and Removal
Services. G. Approving the minutes of the April 6, 2020, Council Meeting. H. Accepting the March
2020 Tax Report.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
16. 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 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 with possible discussion and action related thereto in open session.
(Evaluation of the City Secretary)
05/04/20 5100
Council convened into Executive Session in accordance with 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 the City
Secretary).
17. 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 the City
Secretary).
A. Consideration and possible action regarding the annual review of the City Secretary
**Councilmember Hanks moved to approve giving the City Secretary a 2.5% salary increase.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
18. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:01 PM.
Mayor ce Forem n
Attest:
FRI
Melinda Welsh, TRMC :U1.0
City Secretary ;*
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