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