Minutes June 19, 199040
CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JUNE 19, 1990
The Council convened into the Work Session at 5:15 p.m. in the
Civil Defense Room.
PRESENT:
Mayor Castleberry; Mayor Pro Tem Boyd; Council
Members Ayer, Gorton, and Trent. ~
ABSENT:
Council Members Alexander and Hopkins
1. The Council convened into the Executive Session to
discuss legal matters (considered action in In Re: Flow and
Kelsoe et. al.), real estate, and personnel/board appointments
(held a discussion and considered appointments to all City of
Denton Boards and Commissions).
2. The Council received a presentation and considered the
Fire Department's swimming pool safety program "Just A Few
Seconds".
Glenn Vaughn, Denton Fire Department, stated that they were
using Fire Department manpower and any available outside
manpower to deliver safety flyers regarding pool safety. The
goal of the program was to deliver a flyer to every residence
in the City of Denton. The program would teach adults how to
prevent their children from drowning or their neighbors
children. CPR was again being taught at the fire stations.
Vaughn showed a video tape which focused on ways to raise
public awareness regarding pool safety.
3. The Council discussed and considered an engagement of
auditors to perform an audit for the year ending September 30,
1990.
John McGrane, Executive Director for Finance, stated that there
was a vacancy on the Audit Committee and requested Council
consider a replacement. In the past, the auditors were engaged
for the three year contract with an annual review each year.
Preliminary work would begin in July. He was asking Council if
they had any problems with the current auditors and if not, did
they want to continue with their contract.
Mayor Pro Tem Boyd stated that in addition to the general
audit, the City usually had the auditors look at one additional
item for the same fee. He stated that the City had been able
to negotiate a somewhat lower fee in the second/third year of
the audit than in the first year.
Consensus of the Council was to add Mayor Castleberry to the
Audit Committee and to try to include an extra item in the
audit.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 19, 1990
Page 2
The Council convened into the Regular Session at 7:00 p.m. in
the Council Chambers.
PRESENT:
Mayor Castleberry; Mayor Pro Tem Boyd; Council
Members Ayer, Gorton, and Trent.
ABSENT:
Council Member Alexander and Hopkins
1. The Council received a citizen report from Joel
Dearrington regarding appointments to the City of Denton Boards
and Commissions.
Mr. Dearrington read a statement to Council regarding
appointments to the boards/commissions. He stated that he had
submitted an application to the Airport Board with no response
to date. He felt with his background, he would be a good asset
to the Airport Board. He stated that there was no review of
potential member qualifications and questioned a recent
appointment who had no experience with airports, airplanes,
etc. He asked the Council to look into the appointments on the
Airport Board closely. (See Exhibit A)
The Mayor presented a proclamation for Fred Douglas/Fred Moore
Day.
Consent Agenda
Gorton motioned, Trent seconded to approve the Consent Agenda
as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Bids and Purchase Orders:
1. Bid ~1112 - Traffic Signal Closed Loop System
e
Bid #1115 - Truck Cab Chassis/Derrick Line
Body
3. Bid ~1114 - Cement, Concrete, Lime and
Aggregate
4. P.O. ~96781 - Pitney Bowes - Lease of
Postage Equipment
B. Tax Refunds
Considered approval of a tax refund to
Waterfield Mortgage Co. - ~726.09.
Ce
Plats
Considered approval of a preliminary plat of
Western Hills Business Park; Lot 1, Block
A. (The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommended approval.)
41
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 19, 1990
Page 3
3. 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. (2.A.1. - Bid #1112, 2.A.2. - Bid ~1115, 2.A.3. -
Bid ~1114)
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 90-086
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.
Boyd motioned, Ayer seconded to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, Trent "aye," Gorton "aye,' Ayer 'aye,' Boyd "aye,' and
Mayor Castleberry "aye.' Motion carried unanimously.
B. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
providing for the expenditure of funds for purchases of
materials or equipment which are available from one source in
accordance with the provisions of state law exempting such
purchases from requirements of competitive bids. (2.A.4. -
P.O. #96781)
The following ordinance was considered:.
NO. 90-087
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS
FOR PURCHASES OF MATERIALS OR EQUIPMENT WHICH ARE
AVAILABLE FROM ONLY ONE SOURCE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
PROVISIONS OF STATE LAW EXEMPTING SUCH PURCHASES FROM
REQUIREMENTS OF COMPETITIVE BIDS; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Boyd motioned, Gorton seconded to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, Trent 'aye,' Gorton 'aye," Ayer "aye," BoYd 'aye," and
Mayor Castleberry "aye.' Motion carried unanimously.
C. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
amending Section II of the franchise granted to Lone Star Gas
Company by Ordinance No. 82-56 to provide for an amended
franchise fee to be paid by Lone Star Gas Company for the use
of the public streets. (Second Reading)
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 19, 1990
Page 4
43
The following ordinance was Considered:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION II OF THE FRANCHISE
GRANTED TO LONE STAR GAS COMPANY BY ORDINANCE NO.
82-56 TO PROVIDE FOR AN AMENDED FRANCHISE FEE TO BE
PAID BY LONE STAR GAS COMPANY FOR THE USE OF THE
PUBLIC STREETS.
Ayer motioned, Gorton seconded to adopt the ordinance.
Council Member Trent stated that during the first reading, it
was his understanding that they were attempting to recover a
$15,000 loss. If that was correct, why were they doing a
$50,000 recovery.
City Manager Harrell stated that the reason for looking at the
franchise fee came about when the University of North Texas
changed their methodology for acquiring gas supply. That
change eliminated approximately $15,000 worth of City revenue.
During the review of the gas franchise, it was discovered that
the City's 2% fee was substantially lower than that charged by
most of the cities in the north Texas area. Last year during
the budget discussion, as the Council struggled to balance the
budget, the decision was made to include within the budgeted
City budget for this year, sufficient revenue for a 1% increase
which totalled $50,000. That money was used to balance the
budget.
The Council voted on the motion. On roll vote, Trent 'aye,"
Gorton "aye,' Ayer "aye,' Boyd "aye," and Mayor Castleberry
"aye." Motion carried unanimously.
D. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
abandoning and vacating that portion of Avenue E located
between Eagle Drive and the north bound Service Road of
Interstate Highway 35E as a public street; and reserving a
utility easement therein. (The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommended approval.)
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 90-088
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS, ABANDONING
AND VACATING THAT PORTION OF AVENUE E LOCATED BETWEEN
EAGLE DRIVE AND THE NORTH BOUND SERVICE ROAD OF
INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 35E AS A PUBLIC STREET; RESERVING A
UTILITY EASEMENT THEREIN; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE. '
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 19, 1990
Page 5
Rick Svehla, Deputy City Manager, stated that this was a quit
claim to the University of North Texas for a portion of the
right-of-way. The University gave the City the new
right-of-way for the new curb section of Avenue E. This was
being done so that the City would not have .to maintain the
property.
Boyd motioned, Gorton seconded to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, Trent "aye," Gorton "aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye," and
Mayor Castleberry "aye." Motion carried unanimously.
E. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Coleman
and Associates surveying for field survey data collection
services relating to the construction of pump station and a
forty-two inch (42") water transmission line. (The Public
Utilities Board recommended approval.
Dave Ham, Director of Water/Wastewater, stated that this was
part of the design of the treatment plant at Ray Roberts.
Utility easements and boundary surveys were needed for the raw
water line at a distance of approximately one mile.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 90-089
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
CONTRACT WITH COLEMAN AND ASSOCIATES SURVEYING FOR
FIELD SURVEY AND DATA COLLECTION SERVICES RELATING TO
THE CONSTRUCTION OF PUMP STATION AND A FORTY-TWO INCH
(42") WATER TRANSMISSION LINE; AUTHORIZING THE
EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS THEREFORE; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Gorton motioned, Ayer seconded to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, Trent "aye," Gorton "ayes" Ayer "aye," Boyd ~aye," and
Mayor Castleberry "aye." Motion carried unanimously.
F. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Coleman
and Associates surveying for field survey and data collection
services relating to the construction of pump station and a
thirty-six (36") water transmission line. (The Public
Utilities Board recommended approval.)
Dave Ham, Director of Water/Wastewater, stated that this was
for easement and boundary surveys from the new water plant to
the booster station which was approximately 6 miles.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 19, 1990
Page 6
Council Member Ayer stated that he thought the line was to be
larger than 36".
Ham replied that several size lines had been considered. A 36'
line would be build at this time and when the line was maxed
out in the future, a parallel line would be built using the
same easement.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 90-090
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
CONTRACT WITH COLEMAN AND ASSOCIATES SURVEYING FOR
FIELD SURVEY AND DATA COLLECTION SERVICES RELATING TO
THE CONSTRUCTION OF PUMP STATION AND A THIRTY-SIX
(36') WATER TRANSMISSION LINE; AUTHORIZING THE
EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS THEREFORE; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Ayer motioned, Trent seconded to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, Trent "aye," Gorton 'aye," Ayer "aye,' Boyd 'aye,' and
Mayor Castleberry 'aye.' Motion carried unanimously.
G. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
authorizing the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 2 to the
agreement of February 16, 1988 between the City of Denton and
Freese and Nichols, Inc. relating to professional engineering
services for the design of the Lake Ray Roberts Water Treatment
Plant. (The Public Utilities Board recommended approval.)
Bob Nelson, Executive Director of Utilities, stated that in
February of 1988, the City entered into a contract with Freese
and Nichols for engineering services for two major projects.
One was the water plant on Ray Roberts. The other was for the
tanks and the booster pump station to be placed at the Hartlee
Field Road site. At the time of the agreement, the intention
and scope of the project had been changed due to negotiations
with the neighbors.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 90-091
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE AGREEMENT OF FEBRUARY 16~ 1988
BETWEEN THE CITY OF DENTON AND FREESE AND NICHOLS~
INC. RELATING TO PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR
THE DESIGN OF THE LAKE RAY ROBERTS WATER TREATMENT
PLANT; AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS THEREFORE;
AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 19, 1990
Page 7
Boyd motioned, Ayer seconded to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, Trent "aye," Gorton "aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye," and
Mayor Castleberry "aye." Motion carried unanimously.
H. The Council considered 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 Ken D. Conover.
The following ordinance was considered:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS, APPROVING A
COMPROMISE SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS FOR
PENDING LITIGATION BETWEEN THE CITY OF DENTON AND KEN
D. CONOVER; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Boyd motioned, Gorton seconded to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, Trent "aye," Gorton "aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye," and
Mayor Castleberry "aye." Motion carried unanimously.
The Council considered the supplemental agenda item.
!. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
authorizing a change order to the contract with Jagoe Public
Company and providing for an increase in the contract price.
(Bid #1069)
Rick Svehla, Deputy City Manager, stated that two pieces of
water line on Oak Street had been found to have a problem.
Parts of the line were 3-4" deep and other parts were 1" deep.
There was a potential problem in the areas where the line was
1" deep with heavy traffic damaging the line.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 90-093
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE OF A CHANGE
ORDER TO A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DENTON AND
JAGOE PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION; PROVIDING FOR AN INCREASE
IN THE CONTRACT PRICE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Ayer motioned, Trent seconded to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, Trent "aye," Gorton "aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye," and
Mayor Castleberry "aye." Motion carried unanimously.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 19, 1990
Page 8
4. Resolutions
A. The Council considered approval of a resolution
temporarily closing Interstate 35E frontage road, from its
intersection with Avenue E to its intersection with Bonnie Brae
on July 4, 1990.
The following resolution was considered:
NO. R90-027
A RESOLUTION TEMPORARILY CLOSING INTERSTATE 35-E
FRONTAGE ROAD, FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH AVENUE E TO
ITS INTERSECTION WITH BONNIE BRAE ON JULY 4, 1990; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Ayer motioned, Boyd seconded to approve the resolution. On
roll vote, Trent "aye," Gorton "aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye,"
and Mayor Castleberry "aye." Motion carried unanimously.
B. The Council considered approval of a resolution
temporarily closing Wye Street from its intersection with Cross
Timber to its intersection with Mill Street July 13, 1990.
The following resolution was considered:
NO. R90-028
A RESOLUTION TEMPORARILY CLOSING WYE STREET FRO ITS
INTERSECTION WITH CROSS TIMBER STREET TO ITS
INTERSECTION WITH MILL STREET ON JULY 13, 1990; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Boyd motioned, Gorton seconded to approve the resolution. On
roll vote, Trent "aye," Gorton "aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye,"
and Mayor Castleberry "aye." Motion carried unanimously.
C. The Council considered approval of a resolution
approving an animal control contract between the City of Denton
and the County of Denton.
Nonie Kull, Environmental Health Services Manager, stated that
this was a continuation of a program began in 1986. Under the
agreement, the City shelter made final disposition for animals
brought to the shelter from the unincorporated areas of the
County. Currently, the shelter was processing approximately
850 animals annually for the County which constituted 15% of
the animals sheltered by the City of Denton. The 15%
constituted 40% of the revenue realized by th~ Animal Control
Division annually.
48
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 19, 1990
Page 9
The following resolution was considered:
NO. R90-029
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DENTON AND THE COUNTY OF
DENTON FOR THE IMPOUNDMENT AND DISPOSITION OF DOGS AND
CATS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Ayer motioned, Boyd seconded to approve the resolution. On
roll vote, Trent "aye," Gorton "aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye,"
and Mayor Castleberry "aye." Motion carried unanimously.
D. The Council considered approval of a resolution
postponing the July 3, 1990 Council meeting to July 10, 1990.
The following resolution was considered:
NO. R90-030
A RESOLUTION POSTPONING THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF
JULY 3, 1990 TO JULY 10, 1990: AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Trent motioned, Ayer seconded to approve the resolution. On
roll vote, Trent "aye," Gorton "aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye,"
and Mayor Castleberry "aye." Motion carried unanimously.
E. The Council considered approval of a resolution
approving the funding of water and sewer lines to serve
property to be developed by Camping World, in accordance with
the approved guidelines for funding and selecting development
plan water and sewer lines. (The Planning and Zoning
Commission recommended approval.)
Bob Nelson, Executive Director for Utilities, stated that this
was a request for a contribution for infrastructure assistance
of up to $92,000 for extension of water/sewer lines to the
proposed Camping World retail facility. This was part of a
development in the Western Hills area. The request met
preapproved guidelines.
Council Member Gor~on asked i~ as the llne was extended to the
site, did the City have the capability to recoup portions of
the funds through individuals tying into the line.
Nelson replied no that the property owner of the Western Hills
facility planned to extend Worthington Street all the way
through his property to the Camping World proposed site. The
owner of Western Hills would extend the road and the
water/sewer line from that~ location. At that point, the
extension across the facility would be all the City would be
involved in.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 19, 1990
Page 10
City Manger Harrell stated that as the Public Utility Board
talked about the development plan line as had the Council, it
was envisioned to use the $500,000 to primarily benefit
industrial type prospects that would come to the City. Camping
World was not really an "industry" but there were two
circumstances that encouraged this recommendation. One was
that the old policy was still in effect which did free UPl some
of the $500,000 after six months into the fiscal year. The
other thing was that this type of retail store was much
different than a normal retail store in that it would be
primarily servicing people who were not Denton residents. The
policy encouraged non-Denton people to come to Denton.
Council Member Trent questioned the wording "if approved, will
start construction".
Nelson replied that the developer had made the statement at the
Public Utility Board meeting, that if the City granted the
request, they would be locating in Denton.
Council Member Ayer stated that doing the work would be
contingent on Camping World's final decision to locate on that
property. If for some reason Camping World decided not to come
to Denton, the funds would not be extended.
Nelson replied that was correct.
The following resolution was considered:
NO. R90-031
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FUNDING OF WATER AND SEWER
LINES TO SERVE PROPERTY TO BE DEVELOPED BY CAMPING
WORLD, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE APPROVED GUIDELINES FOR
FUNDING AND SELECTING DEVELOPMENT PLAN WATER AND SEWER
LINES" AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Trent motioned, Gorton seconded to approve the resolution. On
roll vote, Trent "aye," Gorton "aye," Ayer "aye," Boyd "aye,"
and Mayor Castleberry "aye." Motion carried unanimously.
The Council received and discussed a report on 9-1-1.
Rick Svehla, Deputy City Manager, stated that good progress had
been made on numbering residences and the naming of streets.
The next big project would be to deal with streets with similar
names and residences with no numbers. The software and
hardware had been installed with an August 18-19 cut-over
date. "Hot testing" would be done soon where a practice call
would be made to verify that computer working properly.
50
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 19, 1990
Page 11
Council Member Gorton asked if the system were on-line and on
budget without raising the rate.
Svehla replied yes.
City Manager Harrell stated that when the "hot testing" was
done a number was called but not the 9-1-1 number. He stated
that there may be a few streets where there may be duplicate
names and to make the system work properly, those problems
would have to be dealt with. He stated that those changes
would be kept to a minimum and that the property owners would
be contacted.
Miscellaneous matters from the City Manager
Lloyd Harrell, City Manager presented the following items:
A. There would be a special call meeting on June 26
with a 5:15 p.m. start time. Bob Nelson, Executive Director
for Utilities, would present several items until 7:00 p.m. At
that time there would be one formal item to consider followed
by Executive Session.
B. Bob Estes, President-Greater Denton Arts Council, and
several representatives had visited with him regarding
preliminary plans on an option on the old Campus Theater that
the local theater group had secured. They made a request for
dialog with the Council either as a whole or with the two
previous representatives from the Council. The Greater Denton
Arts Council, at a recent meeting, had voted to proceed with an
attempt to acquire the theater and incorporate it into the arts
complex.
Council Member Gorton stated that he would be willing to help
with the Arts Council and thought that Council Member Alexander
would also be willing.
Consensus of the Council was to proceed with Council Members
Gorton and Alexander to work with the Greater Denton Arts
Council on this issue.
7. There was no official action taken on Executive
Session items during the Work Session.
8. New Business
The following items of New Business were suggested by Council
Members for future agendas:
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 19, 1990
Page 12
A. Mayor Pro Tem Boyd presented an additional
petition for support of the C.O.P.S. program and for keeping
Fred Moore Park a neighborhood park. There were now 531
signatures on those petitions.
B. Council Member Gorton thanked Mayor Pro Tem Boyd
for his Letter to the Editor regarding a recent newstory.
9. The Council did not meet in Executive Session during
the Regular Session.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
51
CITY OF DEN~ON~ ~EXAS
BOB CASTLEBERRY, MAYOR/
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS/
/
3275C
EXHIBIT A
THANK YOU MR. MAYOR, COUNCIl_ MEMBERS;
MY NAME IS JOEL DEARRINGTON. I LIVE AT 3708 LYNCHBURS,
DENTON TEXAS.
IN 1987 I RETIRED FROM A 23 YEAR MANAGEMENT CAREER WITH BUICK
MOTOR DIVISION OF GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION.
I NOW HAVE THE 'TIME TO PURSUE ALL. '¥HE THINGS RETIREMENT
PROVIDES. IN MY CASE, ONE ENJOYMENF IS AVIATION. AS A
COMMERCIAL PILOT, FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR, AIRCRAFT OWNER AND
ENT'HUSIAST WITH SOME 15 YEARS EXPERIENCE, I WAG DRAWN TO OUR
MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.
WE HAVE OUR FAMILY AIRPLANE BASED THERE, AND CONTRARY TO
POPULAR BELIEF, ONE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE WELL OFF OR RICH
OWN AN AIRPLANE. OUR AIRPLANE IS YOUR GOLF GAME, DINNER OUT,
AND NEW CARS.
IN THE COURSE OF RENTING SPACe'-, NANGERS, BUYING FUEL,
OBTAINING TNE REQUIRED MAINTENANCE, INSPECTIONS, AND TAXES,
ALL THAT COMES W~TH OWNING AN AIRCRAFT, MY WIFE AND I HAVE
BECOME AWARE OF" ]"HE RATHER NEGATIVE ~IMAGE AND REPUTATION [)UR
AIRPORT H'AS EARNED.~WITHIN ]¥~'~E NORTH TEXAS AVIATION COMMUNITY.
OVER TWO YEARS AGO',"~W-I~H~soM~ 'OF OUR NEW FREEDOMS, I BEGAN
ATTENDING THE AIRPORT BOARD MEETINGS, AT LEAST THOSE MEETINGS
THAT THE PUBLIC IS NOT EXCLUDED FROM. IN TALKING WITH THE
AIRPORT MANAGER, A CITY EMPLOYEE. I BECAME AWARE AND
CONVINCED THAT THE NEGATIVE PERCEPTIONS APPARENT IN THE MINDS
OF MANY WERE, IN FACT, JUSTIFIED.
I ALSO BECAME CONVINCED THAT MY MANAGEMENT BACK GROUND,
COMMON SENSE APPROACH AND AVIATION EXPERIENCE JUST MIGHT
ALLOW ME TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TG OUR AIRPORT AND HELP
CORRECT SOME OF THE DISTRESS THA¥ IS SO OBVIOUS.
TO THIS END AND THROUGH MY MANY DISCUSSIONS WITH YOUR AIRPORT
MANAGER, I COMPLETED AN APPLICATION OFFERING MY TALENTS
AND MY MANY FREE HOURS AS A VOLUNTEER ON YOUR AIRPORT
ADVISORY BOARD. DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS I HAVE ~EPT MY
APPLICATION ACTIVE WITH SEVERAL CALLS TO YOUR CITY
SECRETARY'S OFFICE, AND EACH TIME I RENEWED MY OFFER AND
EFFORTS. WHEN I LAST CHECKED, ONE WEEK AFTER THE MOST RECENT
OPENING BECAME AVAILABLE NO CTS.(ER APPLICATIONS WERE ON FILE
EXCEPT MINE. ONE COULD PRESUME FROM THIS THAT NO ONE-' ELSE WAS
INTERESTED IN THIS NO PAY POSITION.
'TIME HAS PASSED, AND THE COMMUNITY HAS SEEN A GREAT DEAL OF
NEGATIVE COMMENTS APPEAR IN OUR NEWSPAPER REGARDING THE
ATMOSPHERE ON THE AIRPORT~ MIL.LIONS OF DOLLARS HAVE BEEN
SPENT PREPARING FOR THE SOUTH END DEVELOPMENT "BOOM" WHICH
HAS NEVER MATERIALIZED.
CURRENT AIRPORT OCCUPANT'S ARE ALMOST UNANIMOUS IN THEIR
DISTRESS WITH THE AIRPORT ATMOSPHERE AND AT LEAST ONE
INTERESTED, ENTHUSIASTIC , EXPERIENCED, "NO COST" VOLUNTEER
REMAINS UNCHALLENGED IN ~)S DESIRE TO CONTRIBUTE.
CALLS TO THE CIT~ SECRETARY'S OFFICE REVEAL MY APPLICATION
54
AWAITS AN OPENING ON THE BOARD. A LETTER FROM MAYOR STEPHENS
DATED APRIL. 9, 199(') STATES THAT MY APPLICATION HAS BEEN
PULLED FOR REC£INSIDERATION INDICATING T~] ME THAT THF.] POSITION
HAD NOT t~EEN FILLED. TNIS CERTAINLY APPEARS REASONABLE~. BUT,
I NOW FIND THAT AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE PRIOR TO APRIL 9, AND
THAT THE OPENING HAD BEEN FILLED! STRANGE THAT ALL.. THIS
HAPPENED WITHOUT REPLY FROM YOUR VARIOUS OFFICES, NO
INTERVIEW, NO 6]UESTIONS REGARDING MY CONTINUED INTEREST, NO
REVIEW OF QUALIFICATIONS OR DESIRE, NO POLITE DECLINATI[]N OF
MY VOLUNTEER SERVICES, A WEEK AFTER THE AWAITED VACANCY NIl
OTHER APPLICANTS OR VOLUNTEERS WERE INTERESTED ENOUGH TO
COMPLETE AN APPLICATION, "NONE RECEIVED" SAYS YOUR CITY
SECRETARY.
AT MY AGE, REJECTION IS NEITFIER NEW NOR DEVASTATING. BUT I
DID LOOK A BIT DEEPER. I DISCOVERED THE GENTLEMAN RECENTLY
APPOINTED TO THE BOARD DID NO']" HAVE AN APPLICATION ON FILE
AND, THROUGH HIS OWN PUBLIC ADMISSION, STATES THAT HE KN(]WS
NOTHING ABOUT THE OPERATION OF AN AIRPORT, AIRPLANES, OR
AVIATION.
AN EVEN CLOSER LOOK SEEMED AN INTERESTING EXERCISE. JUST
THE OTHER DAY I DROVE TO OUR AIRPORT ON OAK STREET. THAT IS
AN EXPERIENCE IN ITSELF! I DROVE UP AIRPORT ROAD TO THE NEW
CONSTRUCTION TAKING PLACE AT THE NORTH END OF THE FIELD. THIS
CONSTRUCTION~ NEW ROAD, BRIDGES, AND WHAT ALL. WILL LINK
HIGHWAY 380 WITH AIRPORT ROAD. A BRIEF CHAT WITH THE
SUPERVISOR, OR FOREMAN REVEALED HIS PERCEPTION THAT "THIS
ROAD HAS THE VERY HIGHEST PRIORITY"! I'M SURE THAT NEWS WILL
-. COMFORT OAK STREET BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS. 'THE EXERCISE
BECOMES MORE INTERESTING.
A MAN IS APPOINTED TO OUR AIRPORT BOARD THAT STATES DURING A
RECENT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEETING HE WAS UNAWARE OF HIS
SELECTION. A MAN IS APPOINTED TO OUR AIRPORT BOARD WHO DOES
NOT HAVE AN APPLICATION REQUESTING SUCH AN APPOINTMENT. A MAN
IS APPOINTED TO OUR AIRPORT BOARD WHO STATES HE KNOWS NOTHING
ABOUT AVIATION, AIRPLANES, AIRPOR]"S OR EVEN OF HIS
CONSIDERATION FOR APPOINTMENT! WHY THEN THE APPOINTMENT?
WELL, HE DOES OWN A VAST AMOUNT OF REAL ESTATE NORTH OF THE
AIRPORT. HE DOES, IN FACT, OWN A VAST AMOUNT OF PROPERTY TO
SOON BE SERVED BY THE NEW ROAD BEING CONSTRUCTED, A ROAD
LINKING NOWHERE TO NOTHING! NOW ISN'T THIS BECOMING MORE
INTERESTING?
NEGATIVE PERCEPTIONS: YES WE HAVE NEGATIVE PERCEPTIONS. WE
HAVE THIS FOOLISHNESS BEING DISCUSSED IN THE NORTH TEXAS
AVIATION COMMUNITY. WE HAVE BUSINESSES STIFLED,
OBSTRUCTED, INHIBITED AND HARASSED. WE HAVE NEGATIVE PRESS IN
OUR NEWSPAPER. WHY, HOW, WHAT FOR? PERHAPS THOSE QUESTIONS
ARE DISCUSSED AND ANSWERED DURING YOUR "SECRET" AIRPORT BOARD
MEETINGS.
IT S~IOULD BE OBVIOUS THAT THIS PARTICULAR APPOINTMENT NEEDS
INVESTIGATION. IT g~.tOULD B~ OBVIOU~ THAT TH~ ENTIR~
QUESTION OF OUR'MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, IT'S REPUTATION AND
ATMOSPHERE NEEDS LOOKING INTO. IT SHOULD BE OBVIOUS THAT
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SOMEWHERE, SOMEONE IS RESPONSIBLE. IF YOU MR. MAYOR, COUNCIL.
MEMBERS, ARE NOT WELL INFORMED, WHY? WHAT IS GOING ON? HOW
LONG WILL YOU ALLOW THE SITUATION TO REMAIN AS IT APPEARS
TODAY? HOW LONG WILl_ YOU ALLOW THIS PUF.~LIC FACILITY l"O
GENERATE NEGATIVE PERCEPTIONS AMONG IT'S TENANTS, IT'S
CUSTOMERS AND ITS POTEN¥IAL CLIENTS? HOW LONG WILL WE READ
AND HEAR OF THE BIASED BOARD APPOINTMENTS THROUGH OUT OUR
CITY GOVERNMENTS?
I ALSO FEEL STRONGLY THAT THIS APPOIN'T'MENT NEEDS SERIOUS
SCRUTINY BY THE MAYOR AND ENTIRE COUNCIL AS WELL AS THE CITY
ATTORNEY. JUST EXACTLY WHY AND FlOW WAS' THIS APPOINTMENT
MADE?
IT APPEARS TO ME THAT IT IS HARDER TO BECOME AN ACTIVE BOARD
MEMBER THAN IT IS TO GET ELECTED ]'0 YOUR OFFICES!
I KNOW ALL OF YOU KNOW HOW DIFFICULT AND EXPENSIVE THAT IS!
I WOULD BE GLAD TO MEET WITH ANY OF YOU TO DISCUSS THE
AIRPORT FURTHER IF YOU ARE INTERESTED. THIS IS ONLY ONE
BOARD AND ONLY ONE SEAT ON A BOARD I AM REFERRING TO, PERHAPS
YOU SHOULD BE LOOKING AT ALL OF YOUR ADVISORY BOARDS FOR ANY
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.
I KNOW THAT ALL OF YOU HAVE MANY MORE IMPORTANT ISSUES THAN
THIS TO DEAL WITH, BUT IF ALL YOU GET FOR BOARD MEMBERS IS
PEOPLE THAT NAVE BEEN PICKED BY THE HIRED HELP RATHER THAN
THE ELECTED OFFICIALS THEN GOOD GOVERNMENT WILL NEVER RISE
ABOVE ANYTHING BUT AVERAGE WHEN IT SHOULD BE THE EXAMPLE OF
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EXCELLENCE. PLEASE LET ME CLARIFY WHAT I FEEL CONSTITUTES
THE HIRED HELP, THAT IS ANYONE IN THE EMPLOYEE OF THIS CITY
THAT IS NOT ELECTED '¥D OFFICE.
THANK YOU LADIES AND GEhlTL. EMEN FOR YOUR TIME AND PATIENCE,
I AM STILL INTERESTED IN ATTEMPTING TO SERVE THE NEEDS
OF THIS AIRPORT AND CITY.