Minutes November 21, 1989CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
NOVEMBER 21, 1989
The Council convened into the Work Session at 5:15 p.m. in the
Civil Defense Room.
PRESENT: Mayor Stephens; Mayor Pro Tem Ayer; Council
Members Alexander, Boyd, Gorton, Hopkins and
McAdams.
ABSENT: None
1. Several Council Members participated in a tour of
proposed Capital Improvement Projects.
5:15 p.m.
1. The Council convened into Executive Session to discuss
legal matters (considered action in Denton County vs. City and
In Re: Flow), real estate, and personnel/board appointments
(considered appointments to the Animal Shelter Advisory
Committee and Building Code Board and considered an appointment
to the Civil Service Commission,)
2. The Council held a discussion with the Human Services
Committee concerning recently completed needs assessment,
transportation issue, and budget process for next year.
Dorothy Damico, Chair-Human Services Committee, presented a
needs assessment report. (See Exhibit A) She stated that
residents who did not have their basic needs met were not
productive members of the community. The Committee f~lt it was
less costly to meet basic human needs than to deal with crisis
proportions. The Committee asked if the citizens in the
community wanted basic human needs met with tax dollars.
Council Member Gorton asked if there was a way to coordinate
services provided to individuals.
Damico replied that a computer system was being initiated to
track individuals. She stated that the Committee felt a set
budget figure would be more desirable to determine allocations.
Council Member McAdams asked about subject referral versus
tracking of individuals. An expansion of the existing
information and referral system was needed. She felt that
perhaps the Human Services Committee could pursue that idea.
Consensus of the Council was to proceed with Items 1-3 and
bring back specific recommendations.
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3. The Council held a discussion regarding the role of
the City of Denton in providing commercial/industrial solid
waste collection services.,
Mayor Stephens stated that Jerry Cott, Government Relations
Committee-Chamber of Commerce, indicated to him that the
Committee would study the issue and would give a recommendation
to the Council.
Lloyd Harrell, City Manager, stated that approximately a year
ago, a citizens committee had been appointed to look at the
question o[ solid waste disposal and to look at the involvement
o[ the City in the collection of solid waste. The Committee
recommended to continue with the landfill operation and the
City provide for more landfill space. Residential collection
was adequate and the City should continue with it. The
Committee recommended that the City become the exclusive
operator for solid waste collection. A public hearing was held
October 17 on the issue. The staff was needing general
directions to proceed for formal presentations to Council.
Harrell then presented alternatives for solid waste services.
(See Exhibit B).
Council Member Cotton suggested combining alternatives two and
three. An interim franchise fee to those who operate within
the City of Denton to lessen a rate increase plus a potential
option #3 to maintain room for everyone to be in the market as
long as they were equal competitors. He had a concern to
retire the debt service on the current landfill and not impact
the residential customer. He felt a 5% franchise fee might not
be enough.
City Manager Harrell stated that if the Committee
recommendation were selected, the City would need more landfill
space. If the City were to no longer provide solid waste
disposal services, more landfill space would not be needed.
Council Member McAdams stated that she would like to start with
a [ranchise fee to buy some time for the City. A 5% fee might
not be an adequate amount but the fee would provide time to
look at alternatives. People wanted a choice.
Council Member Hopkins felt more information was needed
regarding the landfill if the City kept the residential service
and not the commercial. More information was needed regarding
a new landfill including a time frame and approximate cost.
Council Member Alexander suggested looking at alternative ~3
but not rule the City of the the business. He felt the City
needed to go ahead with the franchise fee. The city should
regulate the rates if it no longer provided the service.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
November 21, 1989
Page 3
Mayor Pro Tem Ayer felt that the City should regulate the rates
and should impose a franchise fee of more than 5%.
Mayor Stephens expressed the need for more information.
Consensus of the Council was to have staff provide more
information for alternatives ~2 and ~3.
4. The Council was to receive and discuss
recommendation on the purchase of a new telephone system.
This item was not discussed during the Work Session.
5. The Council was to hold a discussion regarding the
Freeport Amendment.
This item was not discussed during the Work Session.
6. The Council was to hold a discussion regarding the
e~fect on the City of Denton resulting from Denton County's
proposed adjustments to its 1989-90 budget.
This item was not discussed during the Work Session.
The Council then convened into the Regular Session at 7:00 p.m.
in the Council Chambers.
PRESENT: Mayor Stephens; Mayor Pro Tem Ayer; Council
Members Alexander, Boyd, Gorton, Hopkins and
McAdams.
ABSENT: None
The Mayor presented a proclamation for "National Home Care
Week".
Item ~4 from the Work Session was considered.
4. The Council received and discussed a recommendation on
the purchase of a new telephone system.
Gary Collins, Director of Data Processing, stated that four
vendors had bid on the system - GTE, AT&T, Southwestern Bell,
and Rohm Corporation. He reviewed the needs of the current
phone system. Staff was recommending that City staff install
the ~iber optic system. GTE was the low bidder and staff was
recommending finalizing a contract with GTE.
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Page 4
Council Member Alexander asked what were the advantages of
having City personnel install the fiber optics.
Collins replied that more buildings could be connected for the
new GI$ system and the radio system. An expanded area could be
achieved ~or a lower price.
Mayor Pro Tem Ayer asked if the proposed general information
answering system was part of the original proposal.
Collins replied that it was a development outside of the
telephone system. It was felt that it would off-load general
information calls that the various department received.
Mayor Pro Tem Ayer asked for an estimated cost for that system.
Collins replied $21,000 for the recorded messages, installation
of the system and changes for messages that needed to be
continually updated.
Mayor Pro Tem Ayer stated that he had some reservations if the
City could afford that kind of project.
City Manager Harrell stated that this needed much more
information before it was formally brought to Council. The
recommendation before Council did not include the information
system.
Council Member McAdams was not sure the City needed such a
system. As the present system was leased, GTE took care of the
maintenance. Were there built in costs for maintenance for the
system.
Collins replied that approximately $96,000 a year would be
reduced [rom the current phone bill. This would be the cost of
the switches and instruments currently leased from GTE. The
first year maintenance would be included in the dollar amount.
Alexander motioned, Cotton seconded to proceed with formalizing
the contract. Motion carried unanimously.
The Council returned to the regular agenda order.
1. The Council considered approval of the minutes of the
Regular Session of September 5, 1989, the Work Session of
September lZ, 1989, the Regular Session of October 3, 1989 and
the Special Called Session of October 10, 1989.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
November 21, 1989
Page 5
McAdams motioned, Gorton seconded to approve the minutes as
presented. Motion carried with a 6-0 vote with Hopkins
abstaining due to not being present at several meetings.
Public Hearings
A. The Council held a public hearing and considered
adoption of an ordinance amending Appendix A, Subdivision and
Land Development, of the Code of Ordinance to exempt certain
provisions of these regulations from applying to development
along certain airports with historical significance (The
Planning and Zoning Commission recommended exemption of
sidewalk provisions).
The Mayor opened the public hearing.
W. D. Hill stated that the City could issue waviers to
compliances with ordinances within the city limits for special
conditions. The State legislature recently gave cities the
same authority in the ETJ. They felt that they must have the
opportunity to restore Hartlee Airfield as historically correct
as possible. The proposed bracket ordinance provided them with
that opportunity. He stated that the development would be a
credit to the City of Denton, would meet the requirements of
the location, serve the purpose needed and bring construction
and new business into the area.
Council Member McAdams asked how the area would be serviced by
emergency vehicles.
Hill replied that he had spoken with the Fire Marshall and the
Fire Chief who both had viewed the airfield. They had made
suggestions which Hill stated he would comply with. The main
concern was that the trucks would not get stuck in mud during
bad weather and provide some form of turnaround at the end so
as not to have to back out of the development.
Robert Smith thanked the Council for its continued support of
the project.
Troy Stempston stated that this was a unique opportunity at
Hartlee Field and appreciated the support of the Council.
Buddy Cole, County Commissioner for Precinct One presented
letters of support for the proposed project. (Letters are
included in the agenda back-up materials). He asked for full
support for the project.
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November 21, 1989
Page 6
Mike Cochran, Chair-Historic Landmark Commission, stated that
the Commission was in favor of the project. The Commission
felt that there could be a number of economic, cultural and
historic benefits from the project. He asked the Council to
have a favorable consideration of the project.
Mayor Stephens stated that the Council had some questions
concerning paved streets and paved sidewalks regarding National
Register designation.
Cochran stated that he had spoken with the National Register
office in Fort Worth and Austin and without actually seeing the
project, they could not give a definitive answer. However, it
was possible that paved streets and sidewalks could jeopordize
the project. A precedent would not be set within the City
because there probably would not be another historical airport
in the City. This was a one of a kind situation.
No one spoke in opposition.
The Mayor closed the public hearing.
Lloyd Harrell, City Manager, stated that the ordinance had been
redrafted per Council direction so that for this particular
development, the streets, sidewalk and on-site drainage
requirements of the current Subdivision Regulations would be
removed. Off-site drainage improvements might be required.
Council Member Gorton asked how the City could guarantee the
improvements agreed to by Mr. Hill at the suggestion of the
Fire Chief and Fire Marshall.
City Manager Harrell replied that the ordinance removed the
on-site street requirements from the platting process. That
meant that the City staff officially would not be involved in
the review of that and in assuring that adequate access would
be provided. Not to say that it would not be done, but legally
the City would not be able to enforce the suggestions.
Mayor Pro Tem Ayer asked about clear zones for the north and
south end of the runway.
Rick Svehla, Deputy City Manager, stated that the concerns had
been raised by the Airport Board. Their concern was that there
were no clear zones shown, Because it was a private airport,
the FAA might not have any requirements for that. The Airport
Board was looking long range.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
November 21, 1989
Page 7
Mayor Pro Tem Ayer felt that it was the 'Council's
responsibility to look at the 10ng range also. He pointed out
that there may be a potential fiscal responsibility for the
City in'the future for sidewalks, streets and drainage if the
development were taken into the City limits. That
responsibility should really be the responsibility of the
developer. He felt that the idea of a historic airport was
great but did worry about the long range future. He remained
unconvenced that there was any threat to the historic
designation by putting paved streets and sidewalks. He felt
that as many standard regulations needed to be imposed as was
possible. He was concerned about the long range effects of the
development.
City Manager Harrelt replied that state law did give cities the
authority to impose subdivision regulations in the ETJ for that
exact purpose. It was an assurance that adequate streets,
sidewalks, drainage, etc. were in place for a development that
later would be annexed into a city. In this situation, the
applicant argued that it was a unique development that probably
would not require the City to come back at some later date and
spend general public money to install the improved streets,
sidewalks and drainage.
Council Membe~ Boyd asked how assessments were made if at a
later date residents of the development wanted improvements
made.
City Manager Harrell replied that that was done at a later date
when the improvement was proposed. The Council, at that point
in time, by whatever state law existed, would institute an
assessment district to assess those property owners for the
improvements that were going to be made.
Council Member Boyd stated that a proposed thoroughfare went
through the middle of the proposed development.
Frank Robbins, Executive Director for Planning, stated that the
Thoroughfare Plan of the Development Plan showed a secondary
arterial to be built in the future which would traverse the
property.
Council Member Alexander asked if there were any way to approve
the ordinance as presented but acquire in the process some
written assurance that would be enforceable that would require
the access for fire equipment be maintained.
City Attorney Drayovitch replied that the best way to insure
compliance would be to take that portion out of the ordinance
and put in those requirements that had to be met.
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November 21, 1989
Page 8
John Cook, Fire Chief, stated that the City did have some
jurisdiction in the area through contractual agreements with
the County of Denton for emergency medical services and an
automatic aid agreement with the Mayhill-Cooper Creek Fire
Department. The current road was an all-weather road and dead
ended in the proposed development. He would like to see a
circle around the property or a wide cul-de-sac. Mr. Hill
agreed with that. He also had a concern about the runway and
how compacted it was to be able to support emergency trucks.
He did not know how all-weather the runway was.
Council Member Alexander stated that he was concerned about the
historic nature of the development. He agreed that it probably
could be a historic site and still have paved roads. The
airfield in 1936-1945 probably did not have paved roads. The
arguement that helped him to agree to the idea of not having
required paved roads was an effort to go back and recreate the
aura of that period.
Council Member McAdams stated that she was comfortable with not
.requiring sidewalks but was not comfortable with not requiring
drainage. With street assessments, the City paid one third of
the .cost and with drainage improvements, the City paid all of
the cost. She felt that Council had a responsibility to
require certain kinds of improvements. Many promises had been
made in good faith in the past which were not fulfilled.
Mayor Stephens stated that the Council had been assured at the
last meeting that the road would be an all-weather road. Could
the ordinance be contingent upon the road being an all-weather
road.
City Attorney Drayovitch stated that that would require some
research as the Council could not condition a zoning ordinance
upon contractual promises other than a planned development.
That was a subdivision regulation and she was not sure that it
could be conditioned upon certain conditional promises from a
developer and was not sure how compliance would be enforced.
Hopkins motioned, McAdams seconded to postpone action on the
ordinance until the first meeting in December with a request
that staff research whether a bracket law would allow a
contingency for access for emergency vehicles and drainage to
protect the improvements. On roll vote, McAdams "aye,"
Alexander "aye," Hopkins "aye," Gorton "aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd
"nay," and Mayor Stephens "aye." Motion carried with a 6-1
vote.
The Council recessed for a reception for Youth in Government
participants.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
November 21, 1989
Page 9
B. The Council held a public hearing and Considered
approval of a resolution adopting a 1989-1994 Capital
Improvement Plan and a 1994-1999 General Government Capital
Improvement Schedule. (The Planning and Zoning Commission and
the Public Utilities Board recommended approval).
The Mayor opened the public hearing.
No one spoke in favor.
No one spoke in opposition.
The Mayor closed the public hearing.
The following resolution was considered:
RESOLUTION NO. R89-072
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
PROPOSED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
McAdams motioned, Boyd seconded 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.
Consent Agenda
McAdams motioned, Hopkins seconded to approve the Consent
Agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
A. Bids and Purchase Orders:
1. RFP ~104A - IBM
2. RFP #1027 - Wang Equipment Maintenance
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.
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November 21, 1989
Page 10
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 89-168
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.
Gorton motioned, McAdams seconded 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.
B. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
amending Chapter 8 (Municipal Court) of the Code of the City of
Denton, Texas, by repeal of the existing "Court" chapter and by
adoption of a new "Municipal Court" chapter: providing for a
maximum penalty of $200.00 therefore, for violation of Section
8-34 thereof; and providing for publication.
John McGrane, Executive Director for Finance, stated that the
ordinance was in preparation for codification. One of the
primary additions of the ordinance would allow building
inspectors and code enforcement officers to issue warrants for
violations.
Hopkins motioned, McAdams seconded to adopt the ordinance.
Mayor Stephens suggested inserting "in consultation with the
Presiding Judge and City Attorney" on page 2, Section 8-13,
subsection B. He also questioned the wording of "presiding
judge" as opposed to the wording in the Charter of "municipal
court judge".
After discussion by the Council, it was determined that a
change in wording from the wording in the Charter might hamper
the workings of the Court.
Hopkins withdrew her original motion and McAdams withdrew her
original second.
Hopkins motioned, McAdams seconded to postpone action on the
ordinance with direction for staff to rewrite the ordinance to
be consistent with the City Charter. On roll vote, McAdams
"aye," Alexander "aye," Hopkins "aye," Gorton "aye," Ayer
"aye," Boyd "aye," and Mayor Stephens "aye." Motion carried
unanimously.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
November 21, 1989
Page 11
C. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
of the City of Denton, Texas amending Chapter 10 (Fire
Prevention) of the Code of Ordinances by the addition of
Section 10-5 thereto; establishing that any party responsible
for a hazardous material spill affecting property within the
City shall be liable for all clean-up costs incurred by the
City; and providing a severability clause.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 89-169
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS AMENDING
CHAPTER 10 (FIRE PREVENTION) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES
BY THE ADDITION OF SECTION 10-5 THERETO; ESTABLISHING
THAT ANY PARTY RESPONSIBLE FOR A HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
SPILL AFFECTING PROPERTY WITHIN THE CITY SHALL BE
LIABLE FOR ALL CLEAN-UP COSTS INCURRED BY THE CITY;
PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE: AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Ayer motioned, Gorton seconded 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."
D. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
of the City of Denton retaining the lawfirm of Henderson Bryant
& Wolfe to represent the City of Denton in litigation pending
against the City.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 89-170
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON RETAINING THE
LAWFIRM OF HENDERSON BRYNAT & WOLFE TO REPRESENT THE
CITY OF DENTON IN LITIGATION PENDING AGAINST THE CITY:
AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
McAdams motioned, Alexander seconded to strike out "In Re: Flow
Regional Medical Center, Inc., a Texas non-profit corporation,
a.k.a. Flow Memorial Hospital" 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 was to consider adoption of an
ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas, approving a settlement
and release of all claims, for pending litigation between the
city of Denton and Bv~ry Jack Bowling, Jr. et. al.
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November 21, 1989
Page 12
The item was pulled by staff.
5. Resolutions
A. The Council considered approval of a resolution
authorizing the City Manager to execute certain airport leases
for pad sites for t-hangers at the Denton Municipal Airport
under certain circumstances; and repealing Resolution R89-069.
City Manager Harrell stated that the F.A.A. had requested some
minor wording changes in the contract and the resolution
reflected those changes.
The following resolution was considered:
RESOLUTION NO. R89-073
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
CERTAIN AIRPORT LEASES FOR PAD SITES FOR T-HANGARS AT
THE DENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT UNDER CERTAIN
CIRCUMSTANCES; REPEALING RESOLUTION R89-069; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
McAdams motioned, Alexander seconded 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 considered approval of a
nominating Jim Alexander to the North Texas
Government's Regional Transportation Council.
resolution
Council of
The following resolution was considered:
RESOLUTION NO. R89-074
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING AN OFFICIAL VOTING
REPRESENTATIVE TO THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL
OF THE NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
McAdams motioned, Gorton seconded 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.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
November 21, 1989
Page 13
6. The Council considered directing staff concerning
access related to the Eagle Point Subdivision, specifically
involving South Locust and Myrtle Streets.
Lloyd Harrell, 'City Manager, stated staff was requesting
direction on how to handle the final development plat as it
would be processed through the City. There were two options
available. The first would close South Locust and Myrtle
Streets and the second would leave those two particular streets
open with a bull-head built for South Locust at Eagle to
eliminate or delay signalization until the entire area was
reconfigured. Construction would match completion of Eagle
Point-Phase I. Option two would require a long range
commitment to watch the area and might require additional CIP
funding in the future to take care of traffic problems that
might be generated. With either choice, the portion of Myrtle
between Daugherty and South Locust would be closed for safety
reasons.
.McAdams motioned, Alexander seconded to proceed with Option ~2
both a. and b. and to close the portion of Myrtle between
Daugherty and South Locust. Motion carried unanimously.
Miscellaneous matters from the City Manager.
Lloyd Harrell, City Manager, suggested returning to the two
Work Session items not discussed during the Work Session.
5. The Council held a discussion regarding the Freeport
Amendment.
John McGrane, Executive Director for Finance, reviewed the
provisions of the Freeport Amendment. It had been estimated by
the Denton Central Appraisal District that approximately $68
million would come off the City of Denton rolls if. no action
were taken by the Council. Under the current tax rate of
$.6183, that would be a loss of tax revenues of approximately
$420,000. He stated that staff required direction on how the
Council wished to proceed with the exemption.
Consensus of the Council was to proceed with an ordinance to
collect the tax in 1990 and hold a public hearing prior to
making a final decision on the exemption.
6. The Council held a discussion regarding the effect on
the City of Denton resulting from Denton County's proposed
adjustments to its 1989-90 budget.
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November 21, 1989
Page 14
Mark McDaniel, Budget Analyst, stated that the county had
decided to make an across the board cut of 5% for all
expenditures. This was a preliminary plan and the County held
the right to adjust the 5% reduction in the event particular
operations found it impossible to reduce expenditures. These
cuts would affect the County contributions to the City for
library and ambulance services.
The Council returned to the regular agenda order.
8, There was no official action taken during the Work
Session Executive Session.
9. New Business
The following items of New Business were suggested by Council
Members for future agendas:
A. Council Member McAdams requested a review of the
health insurance program for City employees.
B. Council Member McAdams wished a farewell from the
Council to Roger Nelson, Administrative Assistant in the City
Manager's Office.
C. Mayor Stephens presented a TMPA update by the
financial officer of TMPA.
D. Mayor Stephens stated that he and John McGrane
had visited with representatives from Moody's. The
representatives were impressed with the progress made by the
City and felt that visit was favorable for the City.
10. The Council did not meet in Executive Session during
the Regular Session.
With no further business, the Council adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
C~]~TY SECRETARY
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS
3205C
EXHIBIT "A"
'F~EPORT TO CITY COUNCIL ON NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
287
INTRODUCTION
To keep City Council aware oF the level oF basic human need
in the community, the Human Services Committee conducted a Needs
Assessment Survey during the Spring oF 198~. The committee, with
the assistance oF Richard Enos, a member oF the Human Services
Committee and a member oF the social work Faculty oF the
University oF North Texas, devised a survey questionnaire based
on the key informant method oF data gathering. The committee
identified 27~ key informants in Denton~ comprising leaders in
civic, service, religious, social ~ork, business, medical~
educational, and chamitable areas oF the community. The list
included spokespersons For the minority communities and
representatives oF a broad economic spectrum. It also included
key individuals ~ho happen neither to require nor provide
services but who have occasion to refer others to needed human
services.
Several members o~ Leadership Denton's 1988-89 class
conducted personal interviews oF a randomly chosen sample group
oF the key informants to test the suitability oF the survey
instrument. Following the test interviews, the committee mailed
the survey to the remaining key informants. OF the
· questionnaires sent out, 122 ~ere returned, a return of 45
percent Nhich ~as more than ~as needed to render the results
statistically reliable. Dr, Ethelyn Davis, Formerly a member
the Human Services Committee, compiled the raw data For the
committee. (See Addendum A.) Many of the questionnaires
contained handNritten verba! replies that provided additional
valuable information ~hich is not included with the raw data
presented in the attached results.
The Human Services Committee extends its thanks and
appreciation to Dr. Davis, Dr. Enos, and to the Leadership Denton
members NhO assisted in the survey--Sherrie Etheredge, Nelda
Evarts, ~manda Hulcher, Thomas Judd, Sandra Kristoferson, Richard
Norton, Jean Ellen Rogers, Bill Watson, Mike Wideer, and Virginia
Williams--, and to the key informants who provided us with
valuable and otherwise inaccessible information.
288
KEY INFORMANTS
The informants who responded, all anonymously~ to the survey
identified themselves as 47 ~ho were associated with specific
human services-related agencies, offices,, or programs; 50 who
~e~e associated with the educational systems as teachers,
administrators, or counselors~ and 45 who had other connections
with the issues of human services. One hundred listed themselves
as ~hite, 12 ae Hispanic~ 9 as black, and I chose not to
indicate.
SUMI'LeI:~Y OF M/~]OR PERCEIVED NEEDS
Overwhelmingly, the respondents indicated that the foremost
area of need in Denton is health care. Out of a list of twenty-
fou~ problems, "Inadequate health/medical ca~e' was selected as
one o~ the three most serious problems in Denton by more than one
half ¢~4) of the respondents. When asked to indicate in their
o~n ~o~ds the areas of greatest need~ again more than half listed
some form of health care or medical related issue.
Following after health care, but still receiving significant
mention, ~ere lack of affordable housing, substance abuse~ lack
of public transportation~ insufficient child day care~ child
abuse, family violence, lack of facilities for homeless or
transient persons, and unemployment.
Respondents mentioned lack of public transportation both as
a human services need in its o~n right and as one of the problems
connected with the effective delivery of existing services.
O~he~ a~eas related to the delivery of services that respondents
mentioned frequently ~ere an inadequate~ o~ at least
insufficiently advertised, information and referral structure~
the lack of a communications network among services providers~
and the lack c~ a mechanism to keep track of clients who appeal
to mote than one agency within the system.
~DDITION~.. AREAS OF
Respondents commented on three other points often enough to
give a clear indication of general agreement:
1) Respondents stressed the importance of making efforts to
meet the special needs of persons whose first language is Spanish
by using Spanish whenever possible in ~ritten or spoken
communication with them and by initiating outreach programs to
them.
289
2) Respondents consistently gave overall approval to the
quality of the existing human services and gave high praise to
the people ~ho ~rk to provide them, mentioning overwork, stress,
and insufficient pay as problems facing persons ~ho ~ork in
social services fields.
~) Respondents gave unsolicited praise to the City of Denton?
commenting that Denton is a good place to live and that Denton is
to be commended for the level of concern for human services that
it already has.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Because the Human Services Committee is charged not'only
with keeping the City council a~are of Human Services needs but
also with making recommendations to the Council to address those
needs, the Committee at its June 8, 1~8~ meeting discussed the
results o~ the Needs Assessment Survey and makes the following
recommendations to City Council:
1. Hr_Al. TH CAF~E
The Human Services Committee recommends that city counci!
take the following actions which ~ill help the citizens assume
their responsibilities in the area of health care:
a) that council state its ~illingness to provide financial
support to nonprofit agencies engaged in primary health
ca~e, especially in the form of giving matching funds~
b) that council make a commitment to designate funds and
staff time, as soon as possible, to assess, analyze, and
propose a plan for the citizens of Denton to assume
responsibility ~or a primary health care program in the
city; and
c) that council designate persons to seek outside funding
for primary health care.
(See ~ddendum B. )
The Human Services Committee recommends that the city
continue to support and, ~here possible, expand its e~C~orts in
all areas providing housing ~or iow income residents. These
include existing city programs ~or housing rehabilitation,
existing city support to nonprofit agencies helping in housing
areas, continued e~forts at encouraging io~ cost home
construction, and investigation into the ~easibility of shelter
arrangements ~or the homeless.
29O
DELIVERY OF SERVICES
The Human Services Committee recommends that City Council
appoint several citizens who~ with staf~ support, will contact
leaders of groups involved in in{ormation and referral,
net~x~rking, and client tracking~ to help them to work more
closely ~i~h one another and to determine whether or not there is
a way within the city structure to assist them.
(See addendum C.)
4. TRANSPORTATION
The Human Services Committee recommends that the city
planning department, ~orking with the Director o~ SPAN, continue
efforts to form the nucleus o~ a public transportation network
for Denton and that as soon as possible transportation be made a
separate area in the city budget.
The City Council o~ the City of Denton in 1~7~ did not vote
to make tax dollars available to human service agencies primarily
out o~ a humanitarian impulse to relieve human suffering, as
noble as that sentiment may be, but rather, out of a conviction
that citizens ~hose basic human needs are not met cannot be
expected to become productive~ contributing members of the
community. More than Iikely, individuals whose basic needs are
not met will become costly burdens for taxpayers. As a result,
supporting basic human services agencies protects the quality of
li~e of all citizens when it improves the quality o~ life o~ the
~e~ ~hose lives are touched by special problems.
EXHIBIT "B" - Staff Analysis
ALTERI%ATIVES FOR PROVISION OF
COMMFRCIAL/INDUSTRIAL SOLID WASTE SERVICES
291
City becomes the exclusive corrmercial/industrial solid waste
service provider. [SWAC recommendation}
ADVANTAGES
o No rate increase For exist-
ing customers.
o Break even Financially
FY 89-90.
o Retire landfill debt at
closure.
o Revenues exceed expenditures
after FY 89-90.
Minimize rate increase
needed to cc~n~ly with
EPA regulatlons and to
Fund new 1andF111.
o Easy to reverse decision.
DISADVANTAGES
o Terminate private contracts.
o Rate increase For sc~re new
customers.
o Criticism For Future rate
increases.
o Concern over loss of
competition.
Continue to have "open" commercial/industrial solid waste col-
lectlon.
Enter Into Franchise agreements with private haulers in which
the City reserves the right to direct the waste stream and
charges the haulers a Franchise Fee based upon gross receipts.
A 5% Franchise Fee would generate approximately $35,000 per
year or $26,250 For the remainder of FY 89-90, which would be
1W1/111589019/1
292-
directed to the solid waste fund and increase City rates as
follows effective January 1, 1990:
Residential
Du~pster
Roll-off
$.15 per month (1.6%)
5.06 per yard (3.9%)
5.40 per yard (7.6%)
Be
If a Franchise fee is not charged to private haulers or
directed to general fund, rates would need to be increased as
follows:
Residential
Dt[npster
Roll-off
5.20 per month (2.2%)
$.08 per yard (5.3%)
5.53 per yard (10%)
ADVANTAGES
o Allows competition.
o Break even for FY 89-90.
DISADVANTAGES
Erosion of City customer base
still a concern.
Potential decreasing customer
base w111 result in increased
residentlal and 1andf111
rates.
Rate increase needed to
comply with EPA regulations
could be more substantial.
Rate increase needed to fund
debt service on new landfill
could be more substantlal,
1W1/111589019/2
Direct the staff to prepare t~o bid specifications, one exclusive
and another For non-exclusive services, for the saJe of the City
ccrrmercial/industrlal solid waste system. If this option is
chosen, an interim City rate increase is needed:
Residential
Dunpster
Roll-off
$.20 per month C2.2%)
$.08 per yard C5.~%)
$.53 per yard C10%)
ADVANTAGES
Able to obtain more in-
formation, such as:
- Rates.
- Feasibility of more
than one service
provider.
DISADVANTAGES
o Require rate increase in the
interim.
o Require about 5 months to
prepare specifications and
receive bids.
o interim rate increase may
drive customers away.
293
lWl/111589019/~
294
Should the City become the exclusive service provider, cost and revenue
is estimated as follows for each of the first three (3) years of provid-
ing all services.
Shortfall
Equipment and Personnel
Disposal
Balance of Revenues
Cost
$111,245
259,335
212~500
$583,080
Revenue
$682,636
$ 99,556
After the First three (3) years, the new containers ~)uld be paid off.
Cost and revenues are estimated as follows:
Shortfall
Equipment and Personnel
Disposal
Cost
$111,245
159,335
212~500
$483,080
Revenue
$682,636
Balance Of Revenues
$199,556
lWl/111589019/5
295
If: the City ConTnercial solid waste collection system is sold and an
excluslve ~:ranchise is granted~ it ls estimated that Eunds ~rcm the sale
would be suf:~:lcient to retire the landf111 debt upon closure o~'the
f:aci I lty. However~ only approximately $232~000 per year would be
available ~or debt service Eot a new Eacillty. Debt service f:or a new
Facility is expected to cost approximately $500~000 per year. The
additional f:unds needed to f:tl3d the debt service would require a rate
increase at the disposal ~:acllity o~: approximately $.82 per cubic yard
which would be passed along to the customers of: the hauler, This would
also require a rate increase o¢ approximately $.~,1 per month to ail
resldentla! custcmers. The rate increase needed may exceed this amount,
1¢ cash and contract customers who are not required to use the City
land¢l]l go elsewhere.
lwl/111589019/6