Minutes April 11, 1995459
CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 11, 1995
The Council convened into a Closed Meeting on Tuesday, April 11,
1995 at 5:15 p.m. in the civil Defense Room.
PRESENT: Mayor Castleberry; Mayor Pro Tem Brock; Council Members
Chew, Cott, Perry, Miller and smith.
ABSENT: None
1. The Council considered the following in a Closed Meeting:
A. Legal Matters -- Under TEX. GOV'T CODE Sec. 551.071
1. Considered adoption of an ordinance retaining a law
firm to represent the city in negotiations or
litigation with GTE over its failure to produce
records required by a city audit and failure to
remit delinquent franchise fees.
B. Real Estate -- Under TEX. GOV'T CODE Sec. 551.072
1. Considered exchange of certain property along the
abandoned Dallas line owned by the city of Denton
and Missouri Pacific Railroad Company between
Prairie and Hickory Streets and lease of certain
railroad right-of-way for parking lot purposes.
C. Personnel/Board Appointments -- Under TEX. GOV'T CODE
Sec. 551.074
1. Discussed city Attorney applicants and selection
process.
2. Considered adoption of an ordinance retaining
Katherine Thoms to provide part-time municipal
court prosecutorial services on certain dates
between April 12 - September 29, 1995.
The Council convened into a Work Session on Tuesday, April 11, 1995
at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
PRESENT: Mayor Castleberry; Mayor Pro Tem Brock; Council Members
Chew, Cott, Perry, Miller and smith.
· ABSENT: None
1. The Council received a report and held a discussion regarding
the Strategic Power Supply Assessment.
Jim Harder, Director of Electric Utilities, stated that the process
of developing this assessment had taken almost a year. The first
part of the study was an assessment of the utility operation. The
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assessment had been presented to the Public Utilities Board and the
City Council. The second part of presentation would be an analysis
of the information gathered on how the present system worked and
would make a determination from that information on where to go in
the future.
John Moore, Resource Management International, stated that the
purpose of the assessment was to do a complete focused evaluation
of the City's utility system considering the existing TMPA contract
and alternatives not currently available within the terms of the
TMPA contract. It was also to establish a perspective of Denton's
power costs within today's competitive electric utility market.
The electric utility industry was an ever changing marketplace.
Some of the changes included restructuring, which was creating new
power supply opportunities; market-based pricing versus cost-based
pricing; access to a wider range of power supplies; and pressure on
utilities with long-term high fixed-cost resources. There were two
components of the assessment - a retrospective review which
compared current costs under the TMPA contract with arrangements
excluding a TMPA relationship and a 15 year power supply option
assessment which compared forecasts of 15 year costs of TMPA supply
with other regional power supply. The study included native
generation only, Brazos purchase only, TU wholesale rate purchase
only, native plus Brazos purchase, native plus TU purchase, native
plus local NUG purchase and native plus Gulf Coast NUG purchase.
Findings from the retrospective review found that almost all
options were at a lower cost than the TMPA supply; cost differences
ranged up to 25-30%; and combinations involving native generation
offered the lowest costs. The 15 year power supply option
assessment included the findings that the same options were
available as were in the retrospective review plus a TU competitive
rate and Gibbons Creek with western coal; varying levels of TMPA
debt from the sale of the Gibbons Creek plant; varying levels of
proceeds from the sale of Denton's Spencer plant. Findings from
the 15 year assessment included (1) assuming continuation of
Gibbons Creek/native ownership, TMPA with western coal was the
lowest cost option; (2) only TU with a competitive rate offered
lower cost projections which assumed a longer than 5 year term and
a "native with TU purchase" equivalent to a "TU purchase only" with
the sale of the Spencer plant; and (3) the "TMPA with western coal"
option was typically 20-30% higher than options assuming no TMPA
participation. Conclusions of the strategic assessment included
(1) the TMPA power cost placed Denton at a disadvantage in the
competitive market, (2) future competitive problems could worsen
with increased introduction of market-based pricing, (3) the value
of the Spencer Plant under the TMPA contract was a power cost
liability and without TMPA contract provisions the value was
greater as a generating resource than the value of any sale
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proceeds, (4) future competitive problems, could contribute to TMPA
debt repayment problems, and (5) all actions should be taken to
reduce future power costs within the TMPA arrangement. TMPA
strategic initiatives included modifying the TMPA contract to allow
greater flexibility with native generation, taking immediate steps
to reduce TMPA operation, maintenance and administrative costs and
exploring options for Gibbons Creek which included the conversion
to western coal, contract plant operations, sale opportunities, and
new relationships with power suppliers. The assessment recommended
the following Denton strategic initiatives (1) actively contribute
to TMPA contract revisions by participating in actions being
considered and evaluating the impact of the proposed actions; (2)
actively participate in the assessment of Gibbons Creek options by
insisting on a consideration of a wide range of options such as
fuel supply conversion, contract operating and maintenance
services, and the sale of generation assets; (3) evaluate the
impact of these proposed actions; (4) continue an assessment of
alternatives to improve the Spencer Plant performance and increase
capability by additional detail repowering reviews and
investigating developer participation in repowering; (5) continuing
an evaluation of potential purchase power opportunities developing
in a competitive marketplace; and (6) considering demand-side
options within a revised TMPA framework. The assessment
recommended an approach to the Denton power supply planning which
assumed a greater flexibility in the TMPA contract and developed a
power supply plan considering a revised plan for the Gibbons Creek
unit, additional evaluation of the Spencer unit repowering and
upgrades, revised opportunities with TMPA members and power
purchase opportunities.
Council Member Cott asked what would be the investment cost for the
Spencer Plant in order to use it.
Moore replied that currently the Spencer Plant was very operable.
It would be best to find a higher efficiency in its workings. To
determine what level to repower might cost approximately $20
million to provide 50 megawatts of combined cycle capacity at a
much lower power cost than currently was available.
Council Member Cott asked if this could be done while the City
still had a large debt with TMPA.
Moore replied that that appeared to be.one of the viable options
because it was necessary to be sure to provide cost competitive
power for the community.
Council Member Miller stated that Moore mentioned the up front
payment of debt in order to keep from the large end payment. Was
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that something which could be done unilaterally or did it have to
be followed by all four members of TMPA.
Bob Nelson, Executive Director for Utilities, stated that that was
something which all four members would have to handle and do at the
TMPA structure itself. That would be a major issue which the four
cities would have to work on in the next several months.
Council Member Miller asked if the regulators would allow some of
this to be phased in or would there be an automatic disadvantage to
some of the older utilities.
Moore felt that the process would help phase it in. Regulatory
change took a long time and that should help with the adjustments.
Competition would be introduced but would not be a sudden change.
Council Member Miller asked if there was a state where this had
been deregulated to the point where utilities which had made
investments had suffered at this point.
Moore stated that there had been some deregulation on the
generation side which had placed pressures on the utilities. Some
utilities continued to find a strategy to supply power at perhaps
a higher cost. The most significant shift was the actual merging
or transition of assets in an ownership arrangement.
Council Member Perry asked for the advantages to Denton for native
generation.
Moore replied that the advantage of the Spencer Units was that
there was a fair amount of installed capacity at a very low cost
with a small amount of debt. That capacity should be leveraged
into a more cost effective power supply program. Cogeneration and
repowering was done around the country and was desirable as it did
not cost as much.
2. The Council received a report, held a discussion and gave
staff direction on the acceptance of Mastercard, Visa, and the
Discover Card.
Kathy DuBose, Executive Director for Finance, stated that the City
had credit card proposals from Mastercard, Visa and Discover. The
City started accepting Mastercard and Visa for payments for
municipal court fines and fees, taxes, and utilities in 1989. In
1990 Visa stopped their acceptance by municipalities which required
the payment of a surcharge. In working through the issue with the
Legal Department, it was determined that the City could not pay the
surcharge on behalf of the City's customers as that constituted
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Page 5
providing free service to those customers. The City received an
extension from Visa in order to work through options which allowed
the City to pass though the service charge. The current proposals
incorporated a surcharge which was less than the current surcharge.
The proposal also included telepay to pay through the telephone.
This was considered a customer service enhancement for the citizens
of Denton.
Council Member Cott asked if there was an additional charge to use
the Discover card.
DuBose replied that if a payment were charged on a Discover card,
there would be a 1% surcharge on the payment. For Mastercard and
Visa there would a 2 1/4% surcharge.
Mayor Pro Tem Brock stated that the State law did not allow the
City to pay the surcharge on the customers behalf.
DuBose replied correct.
Mike Bucek, Acting city Attorney, stated that the customers were
now paying the surcharge where before the city was paying that
surcharge.
Brock motioned, Smith seconded to allow the use of the three credit
cards. On roll vote, Brock "aye", Cott "aye", Miller "aye", smith
"aye", Chew "aye", Perry "aye", and Mayor Castleberry "aye".
Motion carried unanimously.
3. The Council received an update on the Denton Together
activities.
Due to a time constraint, this item was considered under
Miscellaneous Matters from the City Manager.
The Council convened into a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, April 11,
1995 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
PRESENT: Mayor Castleberry; Mayor Pro Tem Brock; Council Members
Chew, Perry, Miller and Smith.
ABSENT: Council Member Cott
1. Pledge of Allegiance
The Council and members of the audience recited the Pledge of
Allegiance.
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2. The Council considered approval of the minutes of March 7, 21,
22, and 28, 1995.
Perry motioned, Brock seconded to approve the minutes as presented.
On roll vote, Brock "aye", Miller "aye", Smith "aye", Chew "aye",
Perry "aye", and Mayor Castleberry "aye". Motion carried
unanimously.
3. Citizen Requests
A. The Council considered a request from the REZ Week
Planning Committee for an exception to the noise ordinance for the
use of amplified sound Thursday, April 20, 1995, until 12:30 a.m.
Council Member Cott joined the meeting.
Veronica Rolen, Administrative Assistant, stated that the Cross
Road Campus Ministries requested an exception to the noise
ordinance for April 20th at the intersection of Hickory and Fry
Streets. The organization was also requesting a portion of Avenue
A be closed for the concert. The portion of street to be closed
was 50' of the public street and included 8 parking spaces. The
adjoining property owners had signed a request and there appeared
to be no opposition to the request.
Anthony Mauzy stated that this was a two day Christian concert
series. The concept of the concert was to showcase different
styles of Christian music. He was requesting an extension of the
noise ordinance until 12:30 a.m., but would be willing change it to
midnight if necessary.
Smith motioned, Chew seconded to approve the exception until 12:30
a.m. On roll vote, Brock "aye", Cott "aye", Miller "aye", Smith
"aye", Chew "aye", Perry "aye", and Mayor Castleberry "aye".
Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Castleberry presented the Yard of the Month Awards to:
Henry Shoopman - State Farm Insurance
Ms. Lain Erwin
Wayne Mitchell/Marcia Staff
Steve and Janice Spurgin
Pat Cramer
Mayor Castleberry presented the following proclamations:
Professional Secretaries Week
Fair Housing Month
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National Community Development Block Grant Week
Week of the Young Child
Keep America Beautiful Month and Earth Day
4. citizen Reports
A. The Council received a citizen report from Dessie Goodson
regarding various issues with the city.
Ms. Goodson stated that for the past three years she had spoken to
the Council regarding violations of SPAN. She detailed violations
she noted regarding the SPAN drivers and violations on the route.
She indicated that she would keep reminding SPAN and the Council of
the violations.
B. The Council received a citizen report from Valeree Clegg
regarding parking fines on the Square.
Ms. Clegg stated that when the increased parking fines went into
effect, the Denton Record-Chronicle had quoted her in the paper and
she felt that there were some items which needed to be brought to
the City Council's attention. Shop owners and business owners on
the Square were the primary violators of the parking problem. They
parked on the Square every day and moved their cars every two hours
to avoid the parking limitation. She felt that the solution would
be to install parking meters. Currently violators would not
receive tickets as they moved their cars every two hours. The
meters would make them park somewhere else. Local patrons and out-
of-town patrons suffered the consequences with the higher parking
fines. Parking meters would make shoppers aware that they would be
paying for their parking. High fines gave a message that Denton
was not customer/business friendly. It was difficult to shop all
of the businesses on the Square in two hours. She asked for a
solution to the problem as the high fine was not a solution.
Mayor Castleberry stated that her suggestion would be passed on to
the Downtown Association.
C. The Council received a report from Frenchy Rheault
regarding the lack of accessible transportation for people in
wheelchairs in the City of Denton to outside the City of Denton.
Mr. Rheault stated that this was a serious problem in Denton. If
a handicapped individual was going to or from Denton from the DFW
Airport, there was no one to call to transport that individual. He
had a van with a wheelchair lift but others in the City were not in
that same situation. He cited two examples of individuals in
wheelchairs who were unable to get to Denton because no public
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transportation was available for handicapped individuals. He asked
Council to look into this issue to help with the situation.
Mayor Castleberry asked staff to look into this situation.
D. The Council received a report from Joel Bessire regarding
a change in City ordinance 6.13 - 6.13A to allow residents to keep
pot bellied pigs in the City limits.
Mr. Bessire stated that other cities had addressed this issue with
ordinances. Irving indicated no problems since establishing their
ordinance, Arlington had had no rush for permits, Carrollton had
passed an ordinance in September 1991 with no problems, Garland
currently had a policy in effect which allowed one pig per family
and was in the process of establishing an ordinance to allow pigs
in the city. Lewisville indicated a problem with individuals
giving up the pigs and odor complaints. Lewisville had recently
revamped their animal control ordinance with a citizens task force
and the new ordinance would permit an honest responsible owner to
have pigs in city limits. Possible restrictions for allowing pot
bellied pigs might include no more than 2 pigs per household, pigs
would be kept indoors except for limited times, and an vaccination.
On application fee and the pigs had to meet the standards of the
North American Pot Bellied Pig Association. He had collected 100
signatures on petitions requesting a change in the ordinance. He
asked the Council to reconsider its previous decision and to change
the ordinance. Surrounding communities had done so with little or
no problems.
Karen Cason King stated that she was aware of the swine laws in
most city ordinances. She knew that no one wanted to live next to
a swine operation. She appealed to the Council to change the
ordinance. Pot bellied pigs were not the same as regular swine.
Pot bellied pigs were imported to the United States for the sole
purpose of being pets. They did not meet the definition of
livestock but did meet the definition of pets. Pot bellied pigs
did not howl at night, did not have an odor, and did not dig.
Valorie Tynes stated that she was a veterinarian who provided care
to pot bellied pigs. It was well known that swine were very
intelligent and these animals made good pets. Pot bellied pigs
were small, could be litter trained, and did not transmit disease.
They were not considered an exotic pet and had to see a
veterinarian twice a year due to limited length of vaccinations.
Allowing these animals in the City limits would not cause a large
increase in the numbers such as with dogs and cats. She urged the
Council to amend the ordinance as long as the animals conformed to
the standards of the North American Pot Bellied Association.
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5. Public Hearings
A. The Council held a public hearing and considered adoption
of an ordinance amending Planned Development No. 18, and adopting
a detailed plan. The 21.1566 acre site, known as the Safety-Kleen
Recycling Center, was located on the east side of Cooper Creek
Road, between Mingo Road and University Drive. (The Planning and
Zoning Commission recommended approval 7-0.)
Frank Robbins, Executive Director for Planning and Development,
stated that this was an amendment to a planned development which
was originally adopted in 1974 and had since had a number of
amendments as the business expanded. Two significant changes
included a 100' tall stack to use for distillation on the facility
and a treatment facility on the site. The addition would take all
of the emissions and pipe them into the treatment building before
being released into the atmosphere.
The Mayor opened the public hearing.
Larry Eisenhower stated that he would answer any questions of the
Council. He asked for Council approval of the proposal.
Council Member Miller asked if the improvements would take care of
environmental issues.
Eisenhower stated that one section would install emission controls
and that they had contacted the State for a new air emiSsion
permit.
Joy Powell stated that she had been in opposition to Safety Kleen
for 10 years. Ten years ago it was indicated that scrubbers would
take care of the fumes and at this point they had not been
installed. The chemicals she had to breath were extremely
hazardous. The facility might be beautiful but the smells were
not. She knew that Safety Kleen intended to bring its Oklahoma
plant to Denton which had not been mentioned. Safety Kleen had
installed a railroad spur which was 160 feet from her house. The
noise from the plant kept her awake now and it was hard to imagine
what a railroad spur would do.
Council Member Chew asked if Ms. Powell was aware this proposal
might eliminate some of these problems.
Powell indicated that the scrubber was still not connected after 10
years. A chemical plant had recently exploded in Houston. If this
happened here and the wind was just right, all of Denton would be
destroyed.
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Council Member Chew asked about the scrubbers.
Eisenhower replied that the State typically took six months to
approve a revised air permit. He expected approval in the
October/November time frame and planned to ask the State for
permission to begin construction ahead of time.
Council Member Perry asked if the process removed particulate
matter and eliminated any further hazard or just-cleaned it.
Eisenhower stated that emission would be collected from the total
site. The process would destroy any of the organics with the
scrubber taking out any final chemicals. This process would
eliminate emissions in the 90-95% range.
The Mayor closed the public hearing.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 95-066
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS, AMENDING THE
DETAILED PLAN FOR PLANNED DEVELOPMENT NO. 18 (PD-18) AS SHOWN
IN THE ATTACHED DETAIL PLAN FOR 21.1566 ACRES OF LAND
IDENTIFIED AS LOT lA OF THE MARG-SAM ADDITION SITUATED
THEREIN; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY
IN THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF $2,000 FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Cott motioned, Miller seconded to adopt the ordinance.
Council Member Miller stated that he understood the concern of the
neighbors. This proposal would help improve the situation rather
than detracting from the situation.
On roll vote, Brock "aye", Cott "aye", Miller "aye", Smith "aye",
Chew "aye", Perry "aye", and Mayor Castleberry "aye". Motion
carried unanimously.
6. Consent Agenda
Council Members Miller and Cott the left meeting at 8:15 p.m.
Brock motioned, Chew seconded to approve the Consent Agenda. On
roll voted Brock "aye", Smith "aye", Chew "aye", Perry "aye"~ and
Mayor Castleberry "aye". Motion carried unanimously.
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A. Bids and Purchase Orders:
3.
4.
5.
Bid #1727 - Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
(SCBA)
Bid #1740 - Sale of Fire Trucks
Bid #1741 - Polymere For Water Production
Bid #1745 - Wire and Cable
Bid #1752 - Trailer Mounted Power Rodder & 3 Reel
Trailer
B. Tax Refund
1. Don E. Hickey - $1,309.71
7. Consent Agenda Ordinances
The Council considered Consent Agenda Ordinances 7.A. - 7.B.
Council Member Miller returned to the meeting at 8:17 p.m.
A. NO. 95-067
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. (6.A.1. - Bid #1727,
6.A.3. - Bid #1741, 6.A.4. - Bid #1745, 6.A.5. - Bid #1752)
B. NO. 95-068
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONTRACT PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF
CERTAIN EQUIPMENT OWNED BY THE CITY OF DENTON. (6.A.2. - Bid
#1740)
Perry motioned, Chew seconded to adopt the ordinances. On roll
vote, Brock "aye", Miller "aye", Smith "aye", Chew "aye", Perry
"aye", and Mayor Castleberry "aye". Motion carried unanimously.
Council Member Cott returned to the meeting at 8:18 p.m.
8. Ordinances
A. The Council consider adoption of an ordinance amending
Ordinance No. 95-054 relating to the award of Bid Number 1733 for
the purchase of service bodies and crane to provide for the
purchase of one crane/service body, Bid Item #3. (Bid #1733)
Tom Shaw, Purchasing Agent, stated that the original award was not
in compliance with the specifications of the bid. The award was
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Page 12
for a crane body and not for the standard reinforced body which was
bid. He recommended that the original award be rescinded and to
award the low bid meeting specifications.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 95-069
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 95-054 RELATING TO THE
AWARD OF BID NUMBER 1733 FOR THE PURCHASE OF SERVICE BODIES
AND CRANE TO PROVIDE FOR THE PURCHASE OF ONE CRANE/SERVICE
BODY, BID ITEM #3; PROVIDING FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS
THEREFORE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Brock motioned, Smith seconded to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, Brock "aye", Cott "aye", Miller "aye", Smith "aye", Chew
"aye", Perry "aye", and Mayor Castleberry "aye". Motion carried
unanimously.
B. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
authorizing the Mayor to execute an Amendment No. 1 to agreement
between the City of Denton and Morrison Milling Company for lease
of warehouse space at 601 East Hickory Street.
City Manager Harrell stated that this item had been discussed at
the last work session and extended the lease on the space at the
Denton Municipal Complex for an additional five year period.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 95-070
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE
MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF DENTON AND THE MORRISON MILLING COMPANY FOR LEASE OF
WAREHOUSE SPACE AT 601 EAST HICKORY STREET; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Chew motioned, Perry seconded to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, Brock "aye", Cott "aye", Miller "aye", Smith "aye", Chew
"aye", Perry "aye", and Mayor Castleberry "aye". Motion carried
unanimously.
C. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance repealing
Section 28-63(b) of Chapter 28, Article III of the Code of
Ordinances relating to the required use of metal raceways for
interior electrical work in certain types of structures; providing
that Section 28-61 of Chapter 28, Article III of the Code of
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Ordinances adopting the National Electric Code shall remain in full
force and effect; and providing for publication. (The Electrical
Code Board recommended approval.)
Frank Robbins, Executive Director for Planning, stated that the
proposed ordinance would amend the conduit provision of the
Electrical Code for wiring installation. The local amendment which
had been adopted by Denton was more strict than the National Code
and it was recommended that it be deleted and the National
Electrical Code standards be adopted.
Mayor Pro Tem Brock asked how conditions had changed since the
local amendment was adopted.
Robbins replied that the quality of wiring had improved as had
technology during the years.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 95-071
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS
REPEALING SECTION 28-63 (B) OF CHAPTER 28, ARTICLE III OF THE
CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATING TO THE REQUIRED USE OF METAL
RACEWAYS FOR INTERIOR ELECTRICAL WORK IN CERTAIN TYPES OF
STRUCTURES; PROVIDING THAT SECTION 28-61 OF CHAPTER 28,
ARTICLE III OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES ADOPTING THE NATIONAL
ELECTRIC CODE SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCEAND EFFECT; PROVIDING
FOR PUBLICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Brock motioned, Chew seconded to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, Brock "aye", Cott "aye", Miller "aye", Smith "aye", Chew
"aye", Perry "aye", and Mayor Castleberry "aye". Motion carried
unanimously.
D. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
authorizing the filing of an application with the Department of
Transportation, United States of America, for a grant under the
Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964, as amended.
Council Member Chew left the meeting with potential conflict of
interest.
Joseph Portugal, Assistant to the City Manager, stated that
approval of the o~dinance would authorize the City Manager to aDDlY
and receive Section 9 funds to support public transportation in
Denton.
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Mayor Pro Tem Brock asked if there was any indication of changes in
federal funding.
Portugal replied no and that the National League of cities was
monitoring the situation. There was an expectation that there
might be cuts in Section 9 funds and when this might occur was not
known at this point in time.
Mayor Pro Tem Brock stated that the project would move ahead with
the assumption that the funding would be the same.
Portugal replied correct.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 95-072
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION WITH THE
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, FOR A
GRANT UNDER THE URBAN MASS TRANSPORTATION ACT OF 1964, AS
AMENDED; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Perry motioned, Brock seconded to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, Brock "aye", Cott "aye", Miller "aye", Smith "aye", Perry
"aye", and Mayor Castleberry "aye". Motion carried unanimously.
Council Member Chew returned to the meeting.
E. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance approving
Amendment No. 3 to an agreement between the City of Denton and the
Denton Independent School District relating to holding their
elections jointly in the election districts that can be served by
common polling places.
Jennifer Walters, City Secretary, stated that the DISD had
requested an additional polling location in Corinth so that the
residents in the southern portion of its district would not have to
come all the way to Denton to vote for school district trustees.
The polling loca%ion would be only for those voters residing
outside the City limits but inside the DISD boundaries.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 95-073
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF DENTON AND THE DENTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
RELATING TO HOLDING THEIR ELECTIONS JOINTLY IN THE ELECTION
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DISTRICTS THAT CAN BE SERVED BY COMMON POLLING PLACES; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Perry motioned, Brock seconded to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, Brock "aye", Cott "aye", Miller "aye", Smith "aye", Chew
"aye", Perry "aye", and Mayor Castleberry "aye". Motion carried
unanimously.
F. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance ratifying
the action of the City Manager to executing a Takeover Agreement
between the City of Denton and International Fidelity Insurance
Company relating to completion of the construction of the branch
library.
Mike Bucek, Acting City Attorney, stated that this item related to
the branch library. The City had had trouble with the contractor
and there was much conflict with the subcontractors with a general
deterioration of the quality of the work. Several months ago, the
Council authorized the termination of the contract with the
original contractor. The Insurance Company agreed to take over
and complete the project. He stated that there had been good
documentation of the work which allowed the Insurance Company to
detail, fault of the contractor and allow take over of the work.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 95-074
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS RATIFYING THE ACTION
OF THE CITY MANAGER IN EXECUTING A TAKEOVER AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF DENTON AND INTERNATIONAL FIDELITY INSURANCE
COMPANY RELATING TO COMPLETION OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE
BRANCH LIBRARY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Smith motioned, Brock seconded to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, Brock "aye", Cott "aye", Miller "aye", Smith "aye", Chew
"aye", Perry "aye", and Mayor Castleberry "aye". Motion carried
unanimously.
G. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
authorizing the Mayor to execute an interlocal agreement with the
County of Denton for the reconstruction of West Shady Shores Road.
City Manager Harrell indicated that Council had discussed this item
at an earlier work session.
Council Member Cott felt that there would be a drainage issue here
similar to the one on Ryan Road.
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City of Denton City Council Minutes
April 11, 1995
Page 16
Svehla replied that the drainage structure was in place with this
project and would only be a paving project. This was not an
overall rebuilding project.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 95-075
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN INTERLOCAL
AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF DENTON FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF
WEST SHADY SHORES ROAD; AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURES OF FUNDS
THEREFOR; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Perry motioned, smith seconded to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, Brock "aye", Cott "aye", Miller "aye", smith "aye", Chew
"aye", Perry "aye", and Mayor Castleberry "aye". Motion carried
unanimously.
H. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
authorizing the Mayor to execute a right-of-entry permit between
the City of Denton and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Ft. Worth
District, in order to construct a drainage ditch and maintenance
road and to perform other construction work as necessary in
accordance with the approved plans and specifications for the Ray
Roberts Lake Seepage and Drainage Control Project.
Bob Nelson, Executive Director for Utilities, stated that this
ordinance would grant a construction easement to the Corps of
Engineers to build a drainage channel across City property at the
new Ray Roberts Water Plant. The Corps had seepage problem at the
Lake Ray Roberts Dam and the utility work was needed to correct the
problem.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 95-076
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE
MAYOR TO EXECUTE A RIGHT-OF-ENTRY PERMIT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
DENTON AND THE US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, FT. WORTH DISTRICT,
IN ORDER TO CONSTRUCT A DRAINAGE DITCH AND MAINTENANCE ROAD
AND TO PERFORM OTHER CONSTRUCTION WORK AS NECESSARY IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE
RAY ROBERTS LAKE SEEPAGE AND DRAINAGE CONTROL PROJECT; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Perry motioned, Brock seconded to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, Brock "aye", Cott "aye", Miller "aye", smith "aye", Chew
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City of Denton city Council MinUteS'~
April 11, 1995
Page 17
"aye", Perry "aye", and Mayor Castleberry "aye". Motion carried
unanimous ly.
I. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance amending
Ordinances 86-172, 88-003 and 88-126 by amending the detailed plan
for Planned Development No. 119 (PD-119), located on the northeast
corner of U. S. Highway 380 and Old North Road, with respect to
0.494 acres of the 18.24 acres therein contained, as shown in the
detail plan amendment attached as Exhibit B. (The Planning and
Zoning Commission recommended approval 4-0.)
City Manager Harrell indicated that this was a housekeeping item as
the ordinance caption had not been published in the newspaper as
was required by law. Council had previously approved the case and
this item would again ratify the ordinance for publication
purposes.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 95-077
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS, AMENDING ORDINANCE
86-172, 88-003 AND 88-126 BY AMENDING THE DETAILED PLAN FOR
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT NO. 119 (PD-119), LOCATED ON THE NORTHEAST
CORNER OF U.S. HIGHWAY 380 AND OLD NORTH ROAD, WITH RESPECT TO
0.494 ACRES OF THE 18.24 ACRES THEREIN CONTAINED, AS SHOWN IN
THE DETAIL PLAN AMENDMENT ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT B; PROVIDING A
SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY IN THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT
OF $2,000 FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Brock motioned, Cott seconded to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, Brock "aye", Cott "aye", Miller "aye", Smith "aye", Chew
"aye", Perry "aye", and Mayor Castleberry "aye". Motion carried
unanimously.
J. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance retaining
Katherine Thoms to provide part-time municipal court prosecutorial
services on certain dates between April 12 - September 29, 1995.
Mike Bucek, Acting City Attorney, stated that one of the City's
prosecutors would be out of the office on his honeymoon and the
other prosecutor would be on maternity leave. This individual
would be used for both evening cases and day cases where needed.
The following ordinance was considered:
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City of Denton City Council Minutes
April 11, 1995
Page 18
NO. 95-078
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS RETAINING KATHERINE
THOMS TO PROVIDE PART-TIME MUNICIPAL COURT PROSECUTORIAL
SERVICES ON CERTAIN DATES BETWEEN APRIL 12, 1995 AND SEPTEMBER
29, 1995; AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS THEREFOR; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Perry motioned, Cott seconded to adopt the ordinance. On roll vote,
Brock "aye", Cott "aye", Miller "aye", smith "aye", Chew "aye",
Perry "aye", and Mayor Castleberry "aye". Motion carried
unanimously.
K. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement between the
City of Denton and Missouri Pacific Railroad Company regarding the
exchange of certain property along the abandoned Dallas line
between Prairie and Hickory Streets and the conveyance of a freight
depot and certain railroad right-of-way for public parking and
Rails-To Trails purposes.
Mike Bucek, Acting City Attorney, stated that this item had been
discussed with Council at a number of meetings. With the movement
of the Human Resources Department and the Denton Municipal Complex
there was a need for more parking spaces. The City had been
negotiating with the Railroad to use its surplus property in the
area and to move the old depot located in the area. The
negotiations had been completed and were a benefit to both
organizations.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 95-079
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DENTON AND
MISSOURI PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY REGARDING THE EXCHANGE OF
CERTAIN PROPERTY ALONG THE ABANDONED DALLAS LINE BETWEEN
PRAIRIE AND HICEORY STREETS AND THE CONVEYA/~CE OF A FREIGHT
DEPOT AND CERTAIN RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR PUBLIC PARKING AND
RAILS-TO-TRAILS PURPOSES; AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS
THEREFOR; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Perry motioned, Smith seconded to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, Brock "aye", Cott "aye", Miller "aye", Smith "aye", Chew
"aye", Perry "aye", and Mayor Castleberry "aye". Motion carried
unanimously.
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City of Denton city Council Minutes
April 11, 1995
Page 19
L. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance retaining
a law firm to represent the city in negotiations or litigation with
General Telephone Company of the Southwest ("GTE") over its
failure to produce records required by a city audit and failure to
remit delinquent franchise fees.
Kathy Harless, GTE Regional President, stated that this action
would escalate this issue especially in light of the fact that
Southwestern Bell and several other Texas cities had come to a
tentative agreement with right-of-way issues. Not all of the
details of that agreement were known at this time and she believed
that more time was needed in order for the City of Denton and GTE
to reach an agreement. She again offered a non-binding mediation
to the city. GTE had not hired any outside attorney as they
believed they could settle the matter between the City and GTE.
She asked the Council to table the issue until GTE had the details
of the Southwestern Bell settlement.
Council Member Chew asked how long Harless felt it would be before
those details were known.
Harless replied about 30 days.
Council Member Cott asked Harless if GTE would be willing to waive
any of the monies GTE might owe the City if legislation changed.
Harless asked if Council Member Cott was referring from the past.
Council Member Cott stated from today. If the city waited 30 days
would GTE waive that.
Harless stated that GTE was willing to work with the City and
willing to do what was best for both entities.
Mike Bucek, Acting City Attorney, stated that the question was
whether to retain a lawfirm to assist the city in the negotiations
and if the negotiations failed, that firm would take legal action
on the City's behalf. The City had a certain responsibility to
evaluate the franchise and the Charter provisions and were they
being violated. One of the problems encountered during
negotiations was that the Charter preempted the franchise and
indicated that 2% of the gross revenues~which GTE received in the
City of Denton had to be remitted to the City for franchise fees.
Non-binding arbitration could not be utilized by the City as the
Charter required the City to seek tho~ fundm. If a m~diator
indicated that GTE did owe the money, the mediator had no way to
bind GTE and had no way to comply with the Charter provision.
Denton was one of a few cities which had a Charter provision which
478
City of Denton City Council Minutes
April 11, 1995
Page 20
preempted the franchise. He was not sure why GTE would need an
additional 30 days as the City had been communicating with them for
at least 2 weeks. GTE had indicated that the new franchises of
Southwestern Bell cities would be a lump sum figure franchise and
would not be a percentage of gross receipts. Talking with
Southwestern Bell would not help as the Charter provision prevented
the City from entering into such a franchise. It was known that the
settlement with Southwestern Bell and the 57 cities was in excess
of $25 million. It was also known that the City proceeded knowing
about that case and knowing that it might be entitled to 2% gross
receipts on which GTE had not paid. The City had been requesting
records and the Council had passed two resolutions informing GTE of
its failure to allow the City access to records in order to perform
an audit. This was a breach of the City's Charter and a breach of
the franchise. Ever since the Council had passed those two
resolutions, the City had not received one additional document
relating to that audit from GTE. The issue with the Southwestern
case was that when a long distance carrier such as MCI or ATT paid
GTE money to use the local exchange lines, that was compensation
which should be figured into the gross receipts. GTE had failed to
admit to that. Southwestern Bell differed in that position and
eventually settled the case. The City's Charter provisions had to
be complied with. Whenever there was the possibility of a shortage
of funds being paid to the City by anyone who had a contract with
the city, the city would take them to task. The city's figures
indicated that approximately $4-5 million in delinquent franchise
fees were due to the City. Under the State constitution, the city
could not give a gift to anyone the City had a contract with. The
City could only comply with the contract or had to get something
for the money which was being waived. In this situation, there was
$4-5 million that if the City had received, would be in the general
fund which could be used to underwrite projects. The failure to do
so resulted in the taxpayers having to pay higher taxes for the
reason that GTE had not properly paid the funds due to the City.
The ordinance indicated that the blanks for the name of the lawfirm
would be Casstevens and Casstevens if so desired by the Council.
Between this date and noon of April 25, if GTE failed to produce
records or remit delinquent fees, Casstevens and Casstevens would
concern of the Council that funds which GTE failed to pay was a
decision made by GTE. Their failure to pay should result in their
stockholders equity being reduced or through some source other than
the ratepayer in Denton. Presently GTE had a tariff which
indicated that any delinquent fees assessed to them would be
charged to the ratepayers. Based on that, the Council would be
authorizing Casstevens and Casstevens to file an appropriate plea
to the Public Utility Commission to have that automatic pass
through voided. The ordinance also stated that as Casstevens and
479
City of Denton City Council MinUtes
April 11, 1995
Page 21
Casstevens went to the Public Utilities Commission with these
issues, they should ask the Public Utilities Commission to consider
the pass throughs. There was a need to look at the conditions
which the monopoly GTE was using to determine whether there should
be a pass through. Those three items were: if the monopoly had
excess profits, if there were legal prohibitions against
retroactive rate making, and if there was an issue of allocation of
cost among classes of users. If people were not using long
distance service in Denton, why should they be subject to a pass
through. The pass through needed to be allocated to the user of
the service. The ordinance retained the firm of Casstevens and
Casstevens to proceed on those two points. Section five would
note the date of April 5 for the bid date of Casstevens and
Casstevens.
Council Member Perry felt that there was a consideration of
honoring the contract between the city and GTE. The City had done
so but not GTE. He felt that it was reasonable for City, after
such a long period of time, to move on to other means to obtain the
records.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 95-080
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS RETAINING A LAW FIRM
TO REPRESENT THE CITY IN NEGOTIATIONS OR LITIGATION WITH
GENERAL TELEPHONE COMPANY OF THE SOUTHWEST ("GTE") OVER ITS
FAILURE TO PRODUCE RECORDS REQUIRED BY A CITY AUDIT AND
FAILURE TO REMIT DELINQUENT FRANCHISE FEES; AUTHORIZING THE
EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS THEREFOR; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
Perry motioned, Smith seconded to adopt the ordinance.
Council Member Miller stated that there was no question that there
was a dispute between the City and GTE. He did not defend the
actions of GTE but did not feel that the City had exhausted all of
the negotiation process. Writing letters was not negotiation and
he felt there should have been more negotiations on both sides. He
was concerned about the process and not being able to meet face to
face regarding the issue. The proposed process was not appropriate
at this time and felt it made sense to defer the process for
another 30-40 days instructing staff to participate in personal
negotiations. If an impasse was then reached, proceed with the
ordinance. It was easy to take the action but, once started might
be hard to stop. He felt that not enough had been done to take
this action at this time.
480
City of Denton City Council Minutes
April 11, 1995
Page 22
Council Member Cott agreed that writing letters was not the
appropriate way to proceed. He recommend delaying the ordinance.
Mike Bucek, Acting city Attorney, stated that one problem was that
parties could not agree unless the legislation provided for such a
waiver. The problem was that the Legislature was in session and an
amendment might be made to the Public Utilities Act to waive
delinquent fees owed by GTE or Southwestern Bell to cities. There
was no direction to file suit for two weeks. If the firm was able
to work out the issue within that time frame, the door for
negotiation would not be closed.
Mayor Castleberry stated that the City had been going over this
with GTE for a long time. GTE had not been responsive and kept
indicating a mediator. He saw no reason not to pass the ordinance.
On roll vote, Brock "aye", Cott "nay", Miller "nay", Smith "aye",
Chew "nay", Perry "aye", and Mayor Castleberry "aye". Motion
carried with a 4-3 vote.
9. The Council considered an appointment to the Denton County Ray
Roberts Lake Planning and Zoning Commission.
City Manager Harrell stated that the State statute specified the
Mayor to serve as a member of the Denton County Ray Roberts Lake
Planning and Zoning Commission. The Mayor's term had expired and
a motion was needed by the Council to reappoint the Mayor to the
Commission.
Smith motioned, Brock seconded to appoint the Mayor to the Denton
County Ray Roberts Lake Planning and Zoning Commission. On roll
vote, Brock "aye", Cott "aye", Miller "aye", Smith "aye", Chew
"aye", Perry "aye", and Mayor Castleberry "aye". Motion carried
unanimously.
10. The Council considered a nomination to the North Central Texas
Council of Government's 1995-96 Executive Board.
City Manager Harrell stated that Council Member Miller was
current representative to the NCTCOG Executive Board. The term of
office on the Board was normally two years. It was recommended
that Council Member Miller be renominated to the Board.
Perry motioned, Brock seconded to nominate Jack Miller to the North
Central Texas Council of Government's Executive Board. On roll
vote, Brock "aye", Cott "aye", Miller "aye", Smith "aye", Chew
"aye", Perry "aye", and Mayor Castleberry "aye". Motion carried
unanimously.
481
City of Denton City Council MinUt~es' ~ '~ ~'
April 11, 1995
Page 23
11. The Council considered a nomination to the Cable T.V. Advisory
Board.
Council Member Miller nominated Mark Burroughs.
12. The Council reconsidered the motion not to amend the animal
control ordinance pertaining to pot bellied pigs in the Denton city
limits.
City Manager Harrell stated that at the last study session of the
Council, Council Member Cott, after discussion, made a motion to
not to amend the animal control ordinance relating to pot bellied
pigs. That motion passed on 6-1 vote. In accordance with the
Council's rules, one of the Council Members who voted on the
prevailing side had to ask that this item be reconsidered. Mayor
Pro Tem Brock, a member of the prevailing side, could make a motion
to reconsider Council Member Cott's original motion. If such a
motion was made, seconded and approved, it would be back on the
floor as the original motion to not amend the ordinance. That
motion would be available for discussion.
Council Member Chew indicated that Section 7.11 of the Council's
rules indicated that a reconsideration would be at the "next
meeting".
Mike Bucek, Acting City Attorney, indicated that this was the first
official meeting as the last meeting was a work session.
Council Member Perry asked if a work session was an official
meeting of the Council. The Council's rules stated that a motion
to reconsider could be made not later than the next official
meeting.
Bucek stated that the City's Charter indicated that the Council
would meet the first and' third Tuesday of the month which were
interpreted to be the Council's official meetings. The Council's
new rules had not looked at that issue.
Council Member Perry felt that there was a need to suspend the
rules to be procedurally correct.
Perry motioned, Brock seconded to suspend the rules to reconsider
the motion. On roll vote, Brock "aye", Cott "nay", Miller "aye",
smith "aye", Chew "aye", Perry "aye", and Mayor Castleberry "nay".
Motion carried with a 5-2 vote.
Brock motioned, Miller seconded to reconsider the motion to not
amend the animal control ordinance.
482
City of Denton City Council Minutes
April 11, 1995
Page 24
Mayor Pro Tem Brock felt that it was wrong calling pot bellied pigs
swine or livestock. She previously had a concern that amending the
ordinance might open the door to different kinds of animals being
requested to be allowed in the city. There were two issues in
determining whether people had the freedom to keep certain animals
as pets. One was danger to other citizens and the second was a
nuisance. Dogs and cats created nuisances for neighbors. She felt
there would be no danger with these animals and there might be
fewer nuisances than with dogs and cats. She thought that the
Council needed to be more open to the issue and requested Council
reconsider the motion.
Council Member Miller stated that he would vote for the
reconsideration for three reasons. One was that the issue was
considered at a work session at the request of Council due to a
citizen report. Council asked staff to contact other cities to
determine procedures. Most of the area cities had ordinances
allowing pot bellied pigs which seemed to work well. He felt there
was a need to go to the next step and request staff to prepare a
well drafted ordinance. This action would not approve pot bellied
pigs in Denton but would allow an ordinance to be considered.
Council Member Cott stated that Denton was one of the few
communities in Denton County which would grow into a big city and
cities did not have that kind of animal on its streets.
Mayor Castleberry stated that pigs grew into hogs and were called
swine.
Mayor Pro Tem Brock stated that an ordinance could put restrictions
on the animals. Ordinances in other cities restricted the size of
the pigs and had a registration fee for the animals.
Council Member Perry stated that pigs could make a fine pet but he
was not willing to open the door and not willing to vote for
keeping pot bellied swine in the City limits.
Council Member Miller stated that larger cities allowed these
animals and had controls to limit those anlmal~. The Council would
not be passing an ordinance at this point but he was just asking to
have an ordinance to consider.
Mayor Castleberry stated that a motion and second had been made to
reconsider the motion not to amend the animal control ordinance.
On roll vote, Brock "aye", Cott "nay", Miller "aye", Smith "nay",
Chew "nay", Perry "nay", and Mayor Castleberry "nay". Motion
failed with a 2-5 vote.
483
City of Denton City Council Minutes
April 11, 1995.
Page 25
13. vision Update
Council Member Miller stated that a report would be given to the
cabinet at its next meeting from the "work" group. There was still
an opportunity for citizens to participate in the Vision process.
14. Miscellaneous matters from the City Manager.
The Council returned to the Work Session Item.
3. The Council received an update on the Denton Together
activities.
Joseph Portugal, Assistant to the City Manager, stated that clean-
up, fix-up activities had been done by the students from UNT and
TWU. Landscaping had been done at an area residence plus several
adopt-a-spot locations. The railroad bridge over Robinson had been
painted and an area church would monitor it for any new graffiti.
Musical entertainment was provided to area nursing and retirement
homes. The civic Leadership Day was a success with a joint meeting
of the student leadership of the two universities. A Just for Kids
field day was held for area youth. He felt the activities had been
a positive success for Denton and the two universities.
Lloyd Harrell, city Manager, presented the following items:
A. The Council received a report concerning the latest
honorees added to the Wall of Honor.
City Manager Harrell indicated that another quarter had been
completed for the Wall of Honor. Sixteen new letters had been
added to the Wall and would remain displayed for the next three
months. This program continued to be well received by the
employees and spoke well of City employees.
B. The next meeting of the TMPA Board of Directors would be
April 20th with a van leaving for Gibbons Creek early that morning.
Most of the cities, through their appropriate bodies with staff
input, had concluded that the switch to western coal made sense.
The Garland city Council had sent instructions for their two board
members to abstain from a vote on a motion to change to western
coal. The other three cities felt that the switch over should
proceed. He had sent a communication regarding the percentage
share of the Gibbons Creek cost to be assumed by each member to the
other three city mangers after briefing the Council. He had not
heard any response to that letter which was directed to Greenville.
Today Greenville responded to the letter which rejected the
suggested 9.9% share for Greenville and suggested an allocation of
484
City of Denton City Council Minutes
April 11, 1995
Page 26
9.5%. After Denton sent the Greenville communication to the other
cities, the other cities looked at the allocation of percentages.
Denton had been told that at the Planning and Operating Committee
meeting, the Garland City Council had sent specific instructions
that they did not want an amendment passed which fixed the
percentage of cost for each city. They wanted a floating percentage
based on fixed energy load. This would hurt Greenville rather than
the compromise fixed percentage. He understood that the City of
Bryan would be supportive of that fixed energy load. He had
instructed Bob Nelson to press for that same percentage at the
Planning and Operating Committee meeting. He felt that two
recommendations would come from the Planning and Operating
Committee meeting. The first would be the proposed power sales
contract amendment which contained the division of responsibilities
for Gibbons Creek based on net energy load. That would be a
floating number to be fixed each year based on the previous year's
net energy load. The second recommendation from the Committee
would be that the TMPA Board immediately take up the question of
allocating costs to the various cities under the current contract
and that that be changed to a net energy load number. It appeared
that Greenville could kill the amendment as the amendment needed an
agreement of all of the cities to pass. It also appeared that a
recommendation would be made to the Board that the allocation and
cost be changed to the fixed energy load of 11.05% for Greenville.
15. There was no official action taken on Closed Meeting Items
discussed during the Work Session Closed Meeting.
16. New Business
The following items of New Business were suggested by Council
Members for future agendas:
A. Council Member Chew requested staff to research
wheelchair accessibility to Denton through SPAN.
B. Council Member Smith asked for a discussion on a work
session relating to the number of horses allowed per acre in the
City limits.
C. Mayor Pro Tem Brock asked for a work session relating to
the parking problem on the Square.
D. Council Member Miller asked that the City's policy for
street sweeping be looked at in terms of process and equipment
failure.
485
City of Denton City Council Minutes
April 11, 1995
Page 27
E. Council Member Miller stated that the Council had
approved a logo for the City but there were inconsistencies in the
design such as the letterhead differing from business cards, etc.
F. Council Member Miller suggested having a city-wide forum'
once or twice a year.
G. Council Member Miller stated that he would be testifying
before the Texas Senate Natural Resources Committee regarding a
bill which would allow tipping fees to be returned to the local
communities.
H. Mayor Castleberry stated that he had been asked to serve
on the National League of cities Planning Committee for the
upcoming November meeting in 1995. He asked the Council if they
had any ideas for speakers, work sessions, etc.
17. The Council returned to the Closed Meeting to discuss the
following:
A. Legal Matters -- Under TEX. GOV'T CODE Sec. 551.071
B. Real Estate -- Under TEX. GOV'T CODE Sec. 551.072
Personnel/Board Appointments -- Under TEX. GOV'T CODE
Sec. 551.074
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Y O~ DENTON, TEXAS
CITY OF DENTON, TE7
ACC00269