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Minutes December 10, 1991CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1991 The City Council convened into the Planning Seminar Update at 4:05 p.m. in the Civil Defense Room. Present: Mayor Castleberry; Mayor Pro Tem Hopkins; Council Members Alexander, Chew, Perry, Smith and Trent. The City Council received reports from the City's Executive Staff on activities for the next six months. The Council received a report from Frank Robbins, Executive Director of Planning and Development, on departmental activities occurring in the next six months (December through May). The Council received a report from Betty McKean, Executive Director of Municipal Services/Economic Development, on departmental activities occurring in the next six months (December through May). Ce The Council received a report from John McGrane, Executive Director of Finance, on departmental activities occurring in the next six months (December through May). De The Council received a report from R. E. Nelson, Executive Director of Utilities, on departmental activities occurring in the next six months (December through May). The Council received a report from Rick Svehla, Deputy City Manager, on departmental activities occurring in the next six months (December through May). The City Council received a report and held a discussion regarding ongoing capital improvement projects. Deputy City Manager Rick Svehla reported on the status of ongoing capital improvement projects. The City Council received a report and held a discussion regarding a proposed schedule to complete the approved CIP and discuss future bond proposals. City Manager Lloyd Harrell presented the status of the city's bond program and reviewed potential alternatives for funding future CIP improvements. A memorandum on 1992 CIP funding issues was presented to the Council. The City Council recessed at 6:10 p.m. and reconvened at 6:43 p.m. in the City Managers Conference Room. City of Denton City Council Minutes December 10, 1991 Page 2 The City Council received a report and held a discussion regarding the status of City Council Goals for 1991. City Manager Lloyd Harrell provided a summary of the status of the 1991 Council goals. Councilmember John Trent asked how much Community Development Block Grant funding had been spent on demolition activities. Councilmember Harold Perry requested a cost-benefit analysis of the city's economic development efforts, including an analysis by the city's new internal auditor. Councilmember Jane Hopkins stated a need for the City Council to consider the appointment of a citizens charter revision commission. At a minimum, she suggested that the item be placed on a future agenda in order to decide one way or another. Councilmember Perry stated that he did not think a committee was necessary since major charter changes were unnecessary. Councilmember Trent commented that it would be up to the citizens committee to decide whether changes were needed. Councilmember Alexander added that no issues in the Charter needed changing other than those items that conflicted with state or federal law and the 6% payback provision. Councilmember Chew also stated that a revision committee was not needed. Mayor Castleberry remarked that the Charter needed to be look at after ten years. Councilmember Smith suggested that a list of housekeeping items and other issues be compiled for the Council to review at a future date. The Council decided to discuss the matter at a future worksession in February or March in order to give themselves an opportunity to give the City Manager feedback by February 1. The City Manager also suggested that the Council review the Model Cities Charter for ideas. The Council requested that copies of the model charter be provide to them after Jan 1. The Council received a report and held a discussion on possible city code of ethics. City Manager Lloyd Harrell introduced the item and presented samples of code of ethics from various cities. Councilmember Smith favored the Plano ordinance stipulating no city contracts with past councilmembers for a period of time. Mayor Castleberry asked for consensus. Consensus was given. Councllmember Perry asked if a motion was in order and moved to formally r~quest City staff to draft an ordinance prohibiting Councilmembers leaving the Council from entering into a City of Denton City Council Minutes December 10, 1991 Page 3 contract for goods or services with the City of Denton for one year. Councilmember Mark Chew second the motion. The motion passed unanimously, seven to zero. The Council received a report and held a discussion on procedures for citizens speaking at public hearings. City Manager Lloyd Harrell introduced the item and presented a sample of a "Request to Speak Form" that is used by the County of Denton to identify and present individuals who wished to speak at public hearings. Councilmembers stated that using the cards may make addressing the Council a more orderly process. The Mayor asked whether the cards would be ordered as presented to the City Secretary and staff. The City Manager stated that other communities ordered the cards on a first come, first speak basis. Councilmembers agreed on the format. The City Council gave their, consensus to the use of a request-to-speak card. The Council received a report and held a discussion regarding student involvement in local government. City Manager Lloyd Harrell introduced the item and presented a summary of information collected by staff showing the involvement of students in the local city government of Texas cities with universities. Councilmembers discussed options ranging from an ex- officio position to a Council-appointed committee on student affairs. Concern was expressed over giving students a greater voice in the community than other citizens. Concern was also expressed over placing an ex- officio member on the council without having that individual elected by the citizens of Denton. The City Council agreed to meet in the future with student leaders from both the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University to review and discuss issues of interest and importance to the student population. There being no further agenda items, the City Council adjourned. Bob Castleberry, May~r City of Denton, Tex~s