Minutes March 1, 19880i
CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MARCH 1, 1988
The Council convened into the Work Session at 5:30 p.m. in the
Civil Defense Room.
PRESENT:
Mayor Pro Tem McAdams; Council Members Alexander,
Ayer, Boyd, Gorton and Hopkins.
ABSENT:
Mayor StePhens-attended out-of-town seminar
1. The Council received an update from the Beautification
Task Force.
Elizabeth Evans, Planning Administrator, reviewed the proposals
and recommendations of the Beautification Task Force. The
proposals included: (1) appoint a standing Beautification
Committee, (2) identify the major entranceways and corridors of
the City, (3) commission an entranceway plan, (4) adopt a
landscape/tree preservation ordinance, (5) support code
enforcement activities, (6) consider free dump days at the
landfill, (7) evaluate the use of trash dumpsters in the City,
(8) consider amendments to the sign ordinance, (9) consider
adoption of a parking lot ordinance, (10) eliminate parking of
vehicles in front yards of residences, (11) use CIP or bond
programs for landscape of all future road improvements,
(12) establish underground electric service, and (13) implement
a wildflower planting schedule.
Council and staff held a lengthy discussion regarding the above
proposals. Consensus of Council was to have staff proceed with
the final development of all the proposals taking into account
the discussion and suggestions made at the work session and
present those proposals to Council.
The Council considered approval of procedures for the
final adoption of the Denton Development Plan.
Harry Persuad, Urban Planner, presented the proposed schedule
of neighborhood meetings to be held at the elementary schools.
Team captains would be responsible for the meetings. Persuad
presented three options for advertising of the meetings:
(1) send a flyer through the schools, post notices in the
neighborhoods, and place notices in the newspaper
(approximately $500), (2) include a mailer with utility bills
(approximately $800), (3) send a separate mailer (approximately'
$3,500).
Consensus of the Council was to proceed with option (1) and to
include the radio stations, cable TV, churches and libraries to
help notify the public.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
March 1, 1988
Page 2
3. The Council held a discussion regardin~ disposal rates
for autos and pick-up trucks at the City's Sanitary Landfill
site.
Mayor Stephens joined the meeting.
Charlie Watkins, Superintendent of Solid Waste, presented the
staff recommendations with regards to auto and pick-up truck
rates at the landfill. He recommended keeping the rates for
autos the same at ~3.00 and recommended a pick-up truck rate of
1o.oo
Consensus of the Council was to proceed with the recommended
rates.
4. The Council was to receive
City-School District swimming pool.
This item was held for later discussion.
a report regarding a
5. The Council was to receive a presentation regarding a
draft solicitation ordinance.
This item was held for later discussion.
6. The Council was to receive a report regarding
contracts of obligations for various vehicles included in the
1987-88 budget.
This item was held for later discussion.
0
The Council did not meet in Executive Session.
The Council convened into the Regular Session at 7:00 p.m. in
the Council Chambers.
PRESENT:
Mayor Stephens; Mayor Pro Tem McAdams; Council
Members Alexander, Ayer, Boyd, Gorton and Hopkins.
ABSENT: None
The Mayor presented a proclamation for "Professional Social
Work Month".
Eileen Short accepted the proclamation.
1. The Council considered approval of the minutes of the
regular session of February 2, 1988, the work session of
February 9, 1988 and the regular session of February 16, 1988.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
March 1, 1988
Page 3
Alexander motion, Hopkins second to approve the minutes as
presented. Motion carried unanimously.
2. The Council considered a request from Doug Gray and
Lori Franzke representing the NTSU Greek System to solicit
funds from City streets.
Lori Franzke, representing the Greeks of North Texas, requested
permission to hold their annual stoplight blitz on selected
City corners. Money raised this year would go to the Denton
Y .M .C .A.
Mayor Stephens stated that the students had been informed about
not going into the streets and staying on the curbs.
Hopkins motion, McAdams second to approve the request. Motion
carried with a 5-2 vote with Ayer and Gorton casting the "nay"
votes.
Mayor Pro Tem McAdams emphasized to the students that the
Council felt very strongly that they were not to go into the
streets. That would be enforced by the Police Department and
if they were found to be in the street, the solicitation would
end.
Doug Gray stated he understood that and that they would also
have monitors out to be sure the students did not go into the
streets.
3. Consent Agenda
Hopkins motion, McAdams second to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented. Motion carried unanimously.
A. Bids and Purchase Orders:
Bid #9828 - 12 yd. Dump Truck
Bid 998'29 - Side Loading Refuse Truck
Bid ~9830 - Panel Furniture Addition
4. Bid #9837 - Tractor & Implements
5. P.O. #82231 - Eli Meyers Pump Service -
~11,900.00
City of Denton City Council Minutes
March 1, 1988
Page 4
B. Plats and Replats
Consider approval of preliminary plat of the
Chamberlain Addition, Lots 1-5, Block A.
Consider approval of preliminary plat of the
Denton High School No. 2 Addition, Lots 1, 2
and 3, Block 1.
Consider approval of preliminary plat of the
Fire Station Addition, Lots 1, Block 1.
C. Tax Refunds
Consider approval of a tax refund for Robert
Hankins - ~1,271.64
Consider approval of a tax refund for
Connell Development - ~526.76
3. Consider approval of a tax refund to Home
Savings of America for Leon Kimes - ~971.09
4. Consider approval of a tax refund to G.L.
Mitchell - ~974.14
4. Ordinances
A. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
accepting competitive bids and providing for the award of
contracts for the purchase of materials, equipment, supplies or
services.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 88-042
AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING COMPETITIVE BIDS AND AWARDING A
CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT,
SUPPLIES OR SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF
FUNDS THEREFORE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
McAdams motion, Hopkins second to adopt the ordinance.
vote, McAdams "aye," Alexander "aye," Hopkins "aye,"
"aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye," and Mayor Stephens
Motion carried unanimously.
On roll
Gorton
"aye."
City of Denton City Council Minutes
March 1, 1988
Page 5
B. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
providing for the expenditure of funds for emergency purchases
of materials, equipment, supplies or services in accordance
with the provisions of state law exempting such purchases from
requirements of competitive bids.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 88-043
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS
FOR EMERGENCY PURCHASES OF MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT,
SUPPLIES OR SERVICES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS
OF STATE LAW EXEMPTING SUCH PURCHASES FROM
REQUIREMENTS OF COMPETITIVE BIDS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Alexander motion, Gorton second to adopt the ordinance. On
roll vote, McAdams "aye," Alexander "aye," Hopkins "aye,"
Gorton "aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye," and Mayor Stephens
"aye." Motion carried unanimously.
C. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
accepting competitive bids and providing for the award of
contracts for public works or improvements; providing for the
expenditure of funds therefor; and providing for an effective
date. (Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center)
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 88-044
AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING COMPETITIVE BIDS AND PROVIDING
FOR THE AWARD OF CONTRACTS FOR PUBLIC WORKS OR
IMPROVEMENTS; PROVIDING FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS
THEREFOR; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Lloyd Harrell, City Manager, presented the background on the
bids for the Center. Eight bids had been received with all the
bids being very close together and a very reasonable bid coming
from the low bidder. The low bid was within ~14,000 of the
budget for the Center. In order to keep the project within
budget, two alternatives were recommended by the architect and
the Park and Recreation Board. These alternatives would not
change the quality of the project. One was to use an
alternative pavement material for the parking lot and
driveway. Asphalt would be used instead of concrete. The
second alternative was to use concrete on the sidewalks instead
of brick pavers. The pavers could possibly be used at a later
date if the budget allowed as could the concrete materials for
parking.
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City of Denton City Council Minutes
March 1, 1988
Page 6
Ayer motion, Boyd second to adopt the ordinance. On roll vote,
McAdams "aye," Alexander "aye," Hopkins "aye," Gorton "aye,"
Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye," and Mayor Stephens "aye." Motion
carried unanimously.
D. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
accepting competitive bids and providing for the award of
contracts for public works or improvements; providing for the
expenditure of funds therefor; and providing for an effective
date. (Westgate Hills North Phase I Street Participation)
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 88-045
AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING COMPETITIVE BIDS AND PROVIDING
FOR THE AWARD OF CONTRACTS FOR PUBLIC WORKS OR
IMPROVEMENTS; PROVIDING FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS
THEREFOR; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Hopkins motion, Alexander second to adopt the ordinance. On
roll vote, McAdams "aye," Alexander "aye," Hopkins "aye,"
Gorton "aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye," and Mayor Stephens
"aye." Motion carried unanimously.
E. The Council considered adoption an ordinance and
service plan annexing approximately 51.3085 acres of land being
part of the J. Clayton Survey, Abstract No. 221; J. Lamar
Survey, Abstract No. 754; and M. McBride Survey, Abstract No.
804. (A-51)
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 88-046
AN ORDINANCE ANNEXING A TRACT OF LAND CONTIGUOUS AND
ADJACENT TO THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS; BEING ALL THAT
LOT, TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND CONSISTING OF
APPROXIMATELY 51.3085 ACRES OF LAND LYING AND BEING
SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF DENTON, STATE OF TEXAS AND
BEING PART OF THE J. CLAYTON SURVEY, ABSTRACT NO. 221,
J. LAMAR SURVEY, ABSTRACT NO. 754, AND M. MCBRIDE
SURVEY, ABSTRACT NO. 804, DENTON COUNTY, TEXAS;
CLASSIFYING THE SAME AS AGRICULTURAL "A" DISTRICT
PROPERTY; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
David Ellison, Assistant to the City Manager, stated that this
was the final ordinance and service plan for a 100' strip to
Lake Ray Roberts.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
March 1, 1988
Page 7
McAdams motion, Hopkins second to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, McAdams "aye," Alexander "aye," Hopkins "aye," Gorton
"aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye," and Mayor Stephens "aye."
Motion carried unanimously.
F. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
of the City of Denton, Texas, providing for one-way traffic
from west to east on Third Street from its intersection with
Locust Street to its intersection with Austin Street; and
providing for a penalty of a fine not to exceed five hundred
dollars (~500.00).
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 88-047
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY-OF DENTON, TEXAS, PROVIDING
FOR ONE-WAY TRAFFIC FROM WEST TO EAST ON THIRD STREET
FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH LOCUST STREET TO ITS
INTERSECTION WITH AUSTIN STREET; PROVIDING FOR A
PENALTY OF A FINE NOT TO EXCEED FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS
($500.00); AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Hopkins motion, Alexander second to adopt the ordinance. On
roll vote, McAdams "aye," Alexander "aye," Hopkins "aye,"
Gorton "aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye," and Mayor Stephens
"aye." Motion carried unanimously.
G. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
prohibiting the parking of vehicles on both sides of Third
Street from its intersection with Locust Street to its
intersection with Austin Street; providing a severability
clause; and providing a penalty not to exceed five hundred
dollars.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 88-048
AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE PARKING OF VEHICLES ON
BOTH SIDES OF THIRD STREET FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH
LOCUST STREET TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH AUSTIN STREET;
PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A PENALTY
NOT TO EXCEED FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS; AND DECLARING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Alexander motion, Hopkins second to adopt the ordinance. On
roll vote, McAdams "aye," Alexander "aye," Hopkins "aye,"
Gorton "aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye," and Mayor Stephens
"aye." Motion carried unanimously.
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City of Denton City Council Minutes
March 1, 1988
Page 8
H. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
of the City of Denton, Texas, providing for one-way traffic
from east to west on Oak Street from its intersection with
Bonnie Brae Street, to a point 456 feet west of Bonnie Brae,
and for one-way traff'ic from west to east on Hickory Street
from a point 456 feet west of Bonnie Brae to its intersection
with Bonnie Brae Street; and providing for a penalty of a fine
not to exceed five hundred dollars (~500.00).
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 88-049
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS, PROVIDING
FOR ONE-WAY TRAFFIC FROM EAST TO WEST ON OAK STREET
FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH BONNIE BRAE STREET, TO A
POINT 456 FEET WEST OF BONNIE BRAE, AND FOR ONE-WAY
TRAFFIC FROM WEST TO EAST ON HICKORY STREET FROM A
POINT 456 FEET WEST OF BONNIE BRAE TO ITS INTERSECTION
WITH BONNIE BRAE STREET; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY OF A
FINE NOT TO EXCEED FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS (~500.00); AND
DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Gorton motion, Ayer second to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, McAdams "aye," Alexander "aye," Hopkins "aye," Gorton
"aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye," and Mayor Stephens "aye."
Motion carried unanimously.
I. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
establishing rates for the use of the City's Sanitary Landfill
site.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 88-050
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON ESTABLISHING RATES
FOR THE USE OF THE CITY'S SANITARY LANDFILL SITE AS
AUTHORIZED BY CHAPTER 12 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF
THE CITY OF DENTON; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
Hopkins motion, McAdams second to adopt the ordinance.
vote, McAdams "aye," Alexander "aye," Hopkins "aye,"
"aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye," and Mayor Stephens
Motion carried unanimously.
On roll
Gorton
"aye."
City of Denton City Council Minutes
March 1, 1988
Page 9
09
J. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
of the City Council of the City of Denton, Texas, making
certain findings relating to and involving the project of the
Texas Municipal Power Agency known as the Comanche Peak Steam
Electric Station and-associated facilities; authorizing the
execution and delivery of a release and covenant not to sue
with respect to said project and the joint ownership agreement
to which said agency is a party; consenting to, approving,
authorizing and ratifying two agreements between said agency
and Texas Utilities Electric Company concerning said project
and joint ownership agreement and the electric power and energy
generated at said project; releasing any claim against said
agency on account of its execution of each of said two
agreements between said agency and Texas Utilities Electric
Company; approving the withdrawal, under certain condition, of
said City's approval of said project; making certain
representations and warranties; agreeing to be bound by, and to
comply with, the notice and other requirements set forth in an
assumption and indemnity agreement executed by Texas Utilities
Electric Company; authorizing the delivery of certain
certificates of the City Secretary; and providing for an
effective date of this ordinance.
The following ordinance was considered:
ORDINANCE NO. 88-051
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DENTON, TEXAS, MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS RELATING TO AND
INVOLVING THE PROJECT OF THE TEXAS MUNICIPAL POWER
AGENCY KNOWN AS THE COMANCHE PEAK STEAM ELECTRIC
STATION AND ASSOCIATED FACILITIES; AUTHORIZING THE
EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A RELEASE AND COVENANT NOT
TO SUE WITH RESPECT TO SAID PROJECT AND THE JOINT
OWNERSHIP AGREEMENT TO WHICH SAID AGENCY IS A PARTY;
CONSENTING TO, APPROVING, AUTHORIZING AND RATIFYING
TWO AGREEMENTS BETWEEN SAID AGENCY AND TEXAS UTILITIES
ELECTRIC COMPANY CONCERNING SAID PROJECT AND JOINT
OWNERSHIP AGREEMENT AND THE ELECTRIC POWER AND ENERGY
GENERATED AT SAID PROJECT; RELEASING ANY CLAIM AGAINST
SAID AGENCY ON ACCOUNT OF ITS EXECUTION OF EACH OF
SAID TWO AGREEMENTS BETWEEN SAID AGENCY AND TEXAS
UTILITIES ELECTRIC COMPANY; APPROVING THE WITHDRAWAL,
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, OF SAID CITY'S APPROVAL OF
SAID PROJECT; MAKING CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND
WARRANTIES; AGREEING TO BE BOUND BY, AND TO COMPLY
WITH, THE NOTICE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN
AN ASSUMPTION AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT EXECUTED BY
TEXAS UTILITIES ELECTRIC COMPANY; AUTHORIZING THE
DELIVERY OF CERTAIN CERTIFICATES OF THE CITY
SECRETARY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS
ORDINANCE.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
March 1, 1988
Page 10
Alexander motion, McAdams second to adopt the ordinance. On
roll vote, McAdams "aye," Alexander "aye," Hopkins "aye,"
Gorton "aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye," and Mayor Stephens
"aye." Motion carried unanimously.
K. The Coun'cil considered adoption of an ordinance
calling and ordering an election to be held in the City of
Denton, Texas, on May 7, 1988, for the purpose of electing
Council Members to the City Council of the City of Denton,
Texas to Places 5 and 6 and electing a Mayor to Place 7;
ordering that the punch card electronic voting system adopted
by Denton County be used in said election; designating voting
places and appointing election officials; providing for
election supplies; providing for notice of said election; and
providing of an effective date.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 88-052
AN ORDINANCE CALLING AND ORDERING AN ELECTION TO BE
HELD IN THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS, ON MAY 7, 1988, FOR
THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING COUNCIL MEMBERS TO THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS TO PLACES 5 AND
6 AND ELECTING A MAYOR TO PLACE 7; ORDERING THAT THE
PUNCH CARD ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEM ADOPTED BY DENTON
COUNTY BE USED IN SAID ELECTION; DESIGNATING VOTING
PLACES AND APPOINTING ELECTION OFFICIALS; PROVIDING
FOR ELECTION SUPPLIES; PROVIDING FOR NOTICE OF SAID
ELECTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Gorton motion, McAdams second to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, McAdams "aye," Alexander "aye," Hopkins "aye," Gorton
"aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye," and Mayor Stephens "aye."
Motion carried unanimously.
5. Resolutions
A. The Council considered approval of a resolution
approving an interlocal agreement between the City of Denton
and the Town of Ponder for the impoundment and disposition of
dogs and cats.
The following resolution was considered:
NO. R88-016
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF DENTON AND THE TOWN OF PONDER FOR THE
IMPOUNDMENT AND DISPOSITION OF DOGS AND CATS; AND
DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
City o£ Denton City Council Minutes
March 1, 1988
Page 11
McAdams motion, Gorton second to approve the resolution. On
roll vote, McAdams "aye," Alexander "aye," Hopkins "aye,"
Gorton "aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye," and Mayor Stephens
"aye." Motion carried unanimously.
B. The Council was to consider approval of a
resolution appointing members to the Main Street Committee.
This item was held for later discussion.
Item 5.D. was moved ahead in the order.
D. The Council considered approval of a resolution
authorizing the transfer of funds from the Utility System Fund
to the Parks and Recreation Department.
The following resolution was considered:
RESOLUTION NO. R88-019
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM
THE UTILITY SYSTEM FUND TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION
DEPARTMENT AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Bob Nelson, Executive Director of Utilities, stated that this
resolution would provide assistance to the Parks Department for
installing a heating system in the Martin Luther King, Jr.
Recreation Center. A five year $12,000 loan would be made from
the Utility Department fund to the Parks Department with
7 1/2 % interest. The Public Utilities Board recommended
approval.
Council Member Hopkins stated that she felt this was a bad
pfecedent to set. She felt another way should be found to fund
the heating system.
Lloyd Harrell, City Manager, reviewed the history of the
request. During the process of putting together the specs for
the Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center, the architect
for the building had specified resistance heating as the type
of heating that would be used in the building. That type of
heating was recommended primarily because it was the lowest
dollar cost option that could be used. Staff spoke to the
architect about providing more efficient heating. The more
efficient heating system would more than likely run over the
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City of Denton City Council Minutes
March 1, 1988
Page 12
budget for the Center. An option suggested rather than go over
budget, was to have the Utility Department front end the cost
for the more efficient heating with the funds to be paid back
over a five year period. Enough money would be saved during
those five years in electric costs to pay back the loan.
Boyd motion, McAdams second to approve the resolution.
vote, McAdams "aye," Alexander "aye," Hopkins "nay,"
"aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye," and Mayor Stephens
Motion carried with a 6-1 vote.
On roll
Gorton
"aye."
The Council returned to the regular agenda order.
C. The Council considered approval of a resolution
recommending the consideration of energy conservation building
standards by the Building Code Board.
The following resolution was considered:
RESOLUTION NO. R88-018
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DENTON, TEXAS; RECOMMENDING THE CONSIDERATION OF
ENERGY CONSERVATION BUILDING STANDARDS BY THE BUILDING
CODE BOARD; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The Council allowed Ms. Isabel Miller to speak to the Council.
Isabel Miller read a statement to the Council dealing with
energy use in buildings. See Exhibit "A".
Council Member Boyd asked Ms. Miller if there were occasions
when resistance heating might be an appropriate choice, such as
a room addition.
Miller replied possibly as a last resort. Expansion of the
existing unit or window heat pumps should be considered first.
Council Member Alexander thanked Ms. Miller for taking the time
to prepare her document and for appearing before the Council
with her ideas.
Council Member Ayer also expressed his appreciation and stated
that these were ideas that the Council needed to give careful
consideration to. The resolution they were about to act on
partially addressed Ms. Miller's item #3. A tree preservation
ordinance was being finalized and he felt that the Council
needed to consider an ordinance that would not allow the use of
resistance heating in new construction.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
March 1, 1988
Page 13
Council Member Boyd stated that he would like the Building Code
Board to not only consider the resolution that the Public
Utility Board recommended but also the specific recommendations
by Ms. Miller including the ruling out of electric resistance
heating.
Mayor Stephens suggested sending a copy of Ms. Miller's
statement along with the resolution to the Building Code Board
or she could present the item herself.
Council Member Hopkins stated that she would like to discuss
the possibility of ruling out resistance heating.
Lloyd Harrell, City Manager, outlined the history of the
resolution. The resolution was first taken to the Utility
Board by the Utility staff as a recommendation that the City
look at the possibility of not allowing future resistance
heating as the primary heating source in new construction.
That initiative was taken by the staff due to two concerns:
(1) conservation of electricity and (2) many apartments used
resistance heating as a primary heating source and each winter,
many residents came to the City offices not understanding why
their heating bill was so much greater than their air
conditioning bill. The reason for that was the extreme
inefficiency of resistance heating and the fact that major
amounts of money had to be spent to fuel that heating source.
That was presented to the Utility Board and they spent several
meetings discussing the item. They heard statements from
residents of apartments and the end result of those meetings,
was that the Utility Board did not feel comfortable coming
forth to the City Council with any recommendation that would
have prohibited resistance heating but, on the other hand, did
feel comfortable endorsing the idea of an energy envelope to
the Council and referred on to the appropriate board. The
administration had not changed its position that some body
should take consideration of the proposal of eliminating
resistance heating from new construction.
Mayor Pro Tem McAdams expressed her appreciation to Ms. Miller
for her concern. She felt that it was important that even if
Ms. Miller were to appear before another board to talk about
the issue, that it would be appropriate to send along her
communication with the Council's endorsement of its
principles. She felt that the Council needed to send a strong
message that it planned to have a different direction about
heating in Denton and that regardless of what some people might
say in opposition, the Council did intend to come up with a
different plan and approach. Whether the Utility Board
determined that they were the appropriate body to make the
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City of Denton City Council Minutes
March 1, 1988
Page 14
recommendation or not, the Council would get the
recommendations and would proceed on them. As with the Martin
Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center, when the City obligated the
tax payer to pay the 'utility bill for the Center, the Council
had to find a way to do that in the least expensive way
possible. A very clear message needed to be sent to the
Building Code Board and to the Utility Board that this was a
serious project on the part of the Council.
Council Member Boyd stated the utility bill savings from a more
energy efficient heating system at the Martin Luther King, Jr.
Recreation Center were not the only savings that would be
realized by the citizens of Denton. Additionally the tax
payers would save in the fact that an additional power plant
would not have to be built. If the City was seriously
interested in keeping utility rates down, then the Council must
insist on energy efficient heating.
McAdams motion, Alexander second to approve the resolution. On
roll vote, McAdams "aye," Alexander "aye," Hopkins "aye,"
Gorton "aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye," and Mayor Stephens
"aye." Motion carried unanimously.
E. The Council considered approval of a resolution
temporarily closing Fry Street between the intersection of Oak
Street and Hickory Street on Sunday, April 17, 1988 with a rain
date of April 24, 1988.
The following resolution was considered:
RESOLUTION NO. R88-020
A RESOLUTION TEMPORARILY CLOSING FRY STREET BETWEEN
THE INTERSECTION OF OAK STREET AND HICKORY STREET ON
SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 1988, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
Steven Nill, President of Delta Lodge, stated that the request
was for the annual Fry Street Fair. This will be the 9th year
of the Fair.
Hopkins motion, MeAdam~ ~eeond to approve the resolution. On
roll vote, McAdams "aye," Alexander "aye," Hopkins "ayev"
Gorton "aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye," and Mayor Stephens
"aye." Motion carried unanimously.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
March 1, 1988
Page 15
Miscellaneous matters from the City Manager
Lloyd Harrell, City Manager, presented the following items:
A. John McGrane had provided the Council with the
January budget recap report.
B. The City of Garland was considering on its agenda
for that evening the hydroelectric amendment and all
indications were that it would pass. The City of Greenville
would probably consider the amendment next week and indications
were that it would pass there as well.
e
No Executive Session was held during the Work Session.
New Business
The following items of New Business were suggested by Council
Members for future agendas:
A. Council Member Gorton asked for a report from the
Fire Inspector and the Fire Chief relative to safety activities
surrounding child care facilities in relation to the City's
responsibilities.
The Council returned to the Work Session items not considered
earlier.
4. The Council considered
City-School District swimming pool.
a report regarding a
Council Member Gorton presented a report on the feasibility of
a joint venture with the School District for an indoor swimming
pool. When the study came back to the Parks Board, the basic
problem was that the pool would not generate enough revenue to
begin retiring a general obligation bond or a revenue bond.
The Committee indicated to the School District that they did
not feel that the Council would support that concept on the
basis that the City would be carrying a debt service that would
not pay for itself. The School District countered with the
concept of the City entering into a long range commitment to
lease the pool for services. That option was still being
explored. Another consideration was a possibility of an
athletic complex adjacent to the new high school site. Staff
was prepared to hold discussions with North Texas State
University and the School District on the feasibility of
creating an athletic complex either immediately on the School
District property or acquiring adjacent property so as to
expand and make the facility an athletic center for the entire
community.
15
16
City of Denton City Council Minutes
March 1, 1988
Page 16
Consensus of the Council was to request the Committee to
explore the possibilities of the athletic complex with the
School District.
5. The Council- received a presentation of a draft
solicitation ordinance.
Debra Drayovitch, City Attorney, presented the two draft
solicitation ordinances. One dealt with soliciting for money
from City streets and one dealt with the actual solicitor
permit.
Consensus of the Council in regards to street solicitation was
to proceed with a formal agenda item with the ordinance being
applicable to all City streets.
After a lengthy discussion involving who would be required to
obtain a permit and what type of identification would be
required, consensus of the Council in regards to the revised
solicitors permit ordinance was to require all persons
soliciting door-to-door to obtain a permit. Council directed
staff to prepare the necessary ordinance for formal approval.
6. The Council received a report regarding contracts of
obligations for various vehicles included in the 1987-88 budget.
John McGrane, Executive Director of Finance, presented the
background information regarding new legislation regarding
lease purchase obligations which allows the City to be the
financing agent.
Consensus of the Council was to proceed with a formal ordinance.
9. The Council convened into the Executive Session to
discuss legal matters (Maverick judgment proceedings and
possible settlement in Sherrill v. City), real estate,
personnel and board appointments (nominations to the Main
Street Committee).
The Council reconvened into open session to take the folloWing
action:
5. Resolutions
B. The Council considered approval of a resolution
appointing members to the Main Street Committee.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
March 1, 1988
Page 17
The following resolution was considered:
RESOLUTION NO. R88-017
A RESOLUTION"APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE MAIN STREET
COMMITTEE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Alexander motion, Boyd second to amend the resolution to
include two at-large representatives on the Committee. On roll
vote, McAdams "aye," Alexander "aye," Hopkins "aye," Gorton
"aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye," and Mayor Stephens "aye."
Motion carried unanimously.
Boyd motion, Alexander second approve the resolution with Jerry
Cott and Alan Cole as at-large representatives and Bob Gorton
as Council representative. On roll vote, McAdams "aye,"
Alexander "aye," Hopkins "aye," Gorton "aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd
"aye," and Mayor Stephens "aye." Motion carried unanimously.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:44
p.m.
17
~Nf~R~A~T~RS
/C;TY SE ETA Y
~ITY OF DENTON, TEXAS
CITY ~D/~ENTON, TEXAS
2879C
18
EXHIBIT "A"
My name is Isabel Miller. I am an architect and a long-time
resident of Denton. For three years I was the member of the state board of
the League of Women Voters dealing with renewable energy; I was on the
Governor's Solar Advisory Commission in 1980, and I was a member of the
executive board of the Texa~ Solar Energy Society for six years.
I am here to discuss energy use in buildings. Most buildings
built in Denton are much less energy-efficient than they could be. This is
partly because they are built to save on initial cost, but more universally
because they are designed without regard for orientation, sun control, or
environment.
Energy use in buildings, disregarding the variations in life
style of the occupants, depends principally on five factors: the quality of
the envelope that is the barrier between inside and outside, mechanical
equipment, orientation, environment, and means of lighting.
The envelope of most new construction is pretty good, with wall
and ceiling insulation, double-pane windows, weatherstrips, etc. Builders and
buyers are reasonably aware of the importance of these things, but cratsmanship
is sometime poor. More insulation, radiation barriers in attics, and tighter
construction could be improvements.
Mechanical-equipment efficiency is paramount. Heating and cooling
equipment should have maximum efficiency requirements. Choice of energy is
also important. Gas heat ahd electric cooling, or heatpump year-round systems,
should be used, never electric-resistance heat except for back-up in heatpumps
or~ emergencies.
Orientation is perhaps the least considered and most painless way
to save energy--it costs nothing but a decision. If you take a conventional
32-foot by 64-foot brick-veneer house, with seven windows on each long side
and two on each end, and turn it to face south or north instead of east or
West, you Save one-half ton of airconditioning. This is because no roof
overhang will control east or west sun, which rises and sets at the horizon,
while a two-to-three-foot overhan~ will prevent south summer sun from striking
wall or windows. In the winter the sun is low and enters and warms the south
rooms, in addition to the east and west ones. One is mistaken if he thinks
inside shutters or draperies shut out the effect of low sun. Once tke sun's
rays pass through glass and hit anything and warm it, the resultant heat is
trapped as in a parked car because the wavelength of the heat cannot pass
back through the glass.
A building's environment affects its energy use. Besides the ob-
vious benefit og deciduous trees which shade in summer and let sun through in
winter, the cooling effect of transpiration from lawns, shrubs, and trees is
beneficial.
In larger buildings, where the ratio~ of w{%i to floor area is great,
major airconditioning loads come from within. Use of daylighting from sky-
lights not only cuts electricity use for lamps, but lessens airconditioning
load.
Isabel Miller
Page Two 19
The first person to suffer hardsh~ in an energy-hog building is
the occupant who has to pay excessive utility bills. But the city also suffers
because of accelerated need for more generating capacity. Because of infla-
tio~ill probably result in a rate increase, and we all suffer.
Therefore, I.urge th~ council to take several simple energy-con-
servation steps.
1. Rule out the use of electric-resistance heating as a basic
whole-house heat source.
2. Enact an energy-conservation ordinance, preferably based on
performance, which would take into account not only envelope and mechanical but
also orientation aspects of a building.
3. Require that 80 percent of all streets in new subdivisions run
east and west if topography allows, so that houses automatically face north or
south, with major glass areas in these directions. Port Arthur has done this.
4. Pass the tree ordinance, complete with proper protection for
preserved trees, so that they are not condemned to delayed deaths.
Of course there would be protests to these measures--there always
are to mandated change. But so long as the people who design or build most of
the housing stock are not the ones who pay the utility bills, the market is go-
lng to be very slow to change bad practices. These are not expensive changes.
They are not additions; the~simply require that informed choices be made about
planning and materials based on long-term consequences. They would require
some study, but they need not be inflexible--there could be trade-offs. And
since the results of these proposals would benefit the entire city, they deserve
consideration in spite of special-interest opposition.