Minutes June 18, 1996426
CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 18, 1996
The Council convened into a Closed Meeting on Tuesday, June 18,
1996 at 5:45 p.m. in the Civil Defense Room of City Hall.
PRESENT: Mayor Miller; Mayor Pro Tem Brock; Council Members
Beasley, Biles, Cott, Krueger, and Young.
ABSENT:
1.
None
The Council considered the following in a Closed Meeting:
A. Legal Matters -- Under TEX. GOV'T CODE Sec. 551.071
1. Joint discussion with Board of Directors of Economic
Development Corporation of Denton, Inc. to deliberate and consider
the appointments to, contemplated litigation, and attorney/client
privileged advice to resolve conflict of interest questions with
regard to the Board of Directors of the Economic Development
Corporation of Denton, Inc.
2. Considered acceptance of a possible assignment on
behalf of a 4B non-profit economic development corporation to be
formed by the city from Bill Methenitis, Trustee; the possible
lease of the assigned property and discussion regarding terms of
the lease relative to the vacant Texas Instruments facility.
B. Real Estate -- Under TEX. GOV'T CODE Sec. 551.072
1. Considered acceptance of a possible assignment on
behalf of a 4B non-profit economic development corporation to be
formed by the City from Bill Methenitis, Trustee; the possible
lease of the assigned property and discussion regarding terms of
the lease relative to the vacant Texas Instruments facility.
2. Discussed the acquisition of property for expansion
for the City's landfill.
Ce
Personnel/Board Appointments -- Under TEX. GOV'T CODE
Sec. 551.074
1. Joint discussion with Board of Directors of Economic
Development Corporation of Denton, Inc. to deliberate and consider
the appointments to, contemplated litigation, and attorney/client
privileged advice to resolve~conflict of interest questions with
regard to the Board of Directors of the Economic Development
Corporation of Denton, Inc.
2. The Council considered and deliberated appointments
to the position of and duties of the Assistant Municipal Judge.
The Council convened into a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 18,
1996 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
PRESENT: Mayor Miller; Mayor Pro Tem Brock; Council Members
Beasley, Biles, Cott, Krueger, and Young.
ABSENT: None
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 18, 1996
Page 2
1. Pledge of Allegiance
The Council and members of the audience recited the Pledge of
Allegiance'to the U. S. and Texas flags.
2. The Council considered approval of the minutes of May 21 and
May 28, 1996.
Beasley motioned, Cott seconded to approve the minutes as
presented. On roll vote, Beasley "aye", Brock "aye", Cott "aye",
Krueger "aye", Young "aye", Biles "aye", and Mayor Miller "aye".
Motion carried unanimously.
3. Resolutions of Appreciation
A. The Council considered approval of a resolution of
appreciation for Mary Jane Pannell.
The following resolution was considered:
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION FOR MARY JANE PANNELL.
Brock motioned, Beasley seconded to approve the resolution. On
roll vote, Beasley "aye", Brock "aye", Cott "aye", Krueger "aye",
Young "aye", Biles "aye",' and Mayor Miller "aye". Motion carried
unanimously.
B. The Council considered approval of a resolution of
appreciation for Jann Sanders.
Ms. Sanders was not present at the meeting.
4. Citizen Reports
A. The Council received a citizen report from Marcia Tester
regarding "Family Connections" - an emergency runaway shelter for
Denton County.
Ms. Tester was not present at the meeting.
B. The Council received a citizen report from Kelli Reny
regarding "Family Connections" - an emergency runaway shelter for
Denton County.
Ms. Reny was not present at the meeting.
C. The Council received a citizen report from Nell Lights
regarding problems with her property in the City.
Ms. Lights was not present at the meeting.
D. The Council received a citizen report from Dessie Goodson
regarding various issues concerning the City.
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City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 18, 1996
Page 3
Ms. Goodson stated that she questioned the need for new police
officers in the City. Code Enforcement was a problem and had not
done anything about the problems which she had presented to the
Department. SPAN was still a problem with issues not being
resolved. She was waiting for a response from the City regarding
her utility bill. She had a higher bill with one person than with
three people in her home. She did not have any leaks and would not
pay this type of bill any longer.
E. The Council received a citizen report from Christine
McAdams regarding paving liens.
Ms. McAdams stated that over 20 years ago her street was paved.
She was not told about it going to be paved and last year she
received a letter for the first time that she owed $2,000 for the
paving lien. She did not have that kind of money to pay such a
lien. She had even sold some of the property to pay taxes as she
had been i11. When she sold that property, nothing was shown about
a paving lien. She asked why it was not brought up when she sold
part of the property. She sent the City information she could find
regarding the purchase of her property and might not have some of
the information she needed for removing the paving lien. She
needed help with this problem.
Mayor Miller indicated that this was an issue which the City had
been dealing with and would ask the City Attorney to investigate
the situation.
Council Member Young stated that he had asked the City Attorney to
research the situation to help her with the lien.
City Attorney Prouty stated that Council wanted to find a way to
legally release some of these liens. The Constitution prohibited
the City from forgiving any debt unless there was a legal way to do
so. The legal way to do that was to establish that the people had
homesteads at the time the lien was assessed. Approximately one
third of the liens were verified as homesteads. Ms. McAdams had
been sent an affidavit and paperwork so that she could prove up
that she had a homestead at the time the lien was assessed. At
this time, she could not verify that she had a homestead. Her deed
was given by Mr. McKinney on October 23, 1969 which was 2 months
after the August 12, 1969 date.
MCAdams stated that over 20 years ago, things were done
differently. Mr. McKinney carried the note for her and she did not
go through a bank. Payment was made to his savings account in the
bank.
City Attorney Prouty stated staff would work with her to help her
try and prove this. The problem was that it had to be established
that she resided and had legal title to the property on the date
that the lien was assessed in order to establish a homestead. At
this time paper work was not received. In order to forgive the
lien, it had to be established that she had a homestead. At this
point in time, that proof was not available.
City of Denton City counCilM~d~s ~
June 18, 1996
Page 4
429
5. Public Hearings
A. The Council held a public hearing and considered adoption
of an ordinance to rezone 2.6662 acresfrom the Single Family 16
(SF-16) zoning district to the Office Conditioned ()Ici) zoning
district. The property was located on the west side of Lillian
Miller, approximately 500 feet south of 1-35E. (The Planning and
Zoning Commission recommended approval, 5-1.)
Frank Robbins, Director for Planning and Development, stated that
there was a long history of zoning cases on this tract, most of
which were office cases which were either denied at the Planning
and Zoning Com~ission or Council level. The Council had backup
information that the 20%rule was in effect. One of those opposed,
Mitch Vexler, verbally withdrew his opposition several minutes
before the start of the meeting so that the super maJorityrule was
not required. There were a number of conditions which would be in
effect.
The Mayor opened the public hearing.
Rob Rayner stated on April 3 they had had a neighborhood meeting
with nine families attending. When this tract was discussed, the
major concerns expressed dealt with operating hours, possible
smell, lights, and a noise factor. He felt that the neighbors were
focusing on general retail and commercial uses but not office uses.
The input from the neighbors indicated that they still did not want
to have the general retail or commercial type of use. The owners
of property were requesting conditional office zoning. Because of
that, the. long hours that a possible restaurant might have was
eliminated, the smell factor was eliminated as a restaurant would
not be there, the lights would bea condition of no direct lighting
to the neighborhood, and the noise factor was reduced with an
office setting. The list of permitted uses for office eliminated
many uses. The property owners wanted to use the property for a
professional/administrative office building. The conditioned
office zoning would allow for flexible zoning for the property. He
asked for approval for the uses and conditions of the zoning.
Council Member Young asked if the property owners were going to
provide access to Lillian Miller from Conway.
Rayner stated that Conway was an easement which had a private road.
Mr. Haywood had the flexibility to use Conway to get out to the
service road or to Lillian Miller. He had discussed this with a
member of First State Bank who indicated that he would be glad to
work with Mr. Haywood to see what his needs were in order to make
this a positive situation for him.
council Member Young asked if he would give access.
Rayner replied yes.
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City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 18, 1996
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Council Member Beasley stated that Rayner mentioned that these
would be offices, typically open from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Would
these offices be dentist, real estate, etc. offices.
Rayner replied that it would be a traditional office concept which
was an 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. office. He could not pinpoint the
hours of operation as some real estate office stayed open later
than 5:00 p.m.
Council Member Beasley stated that people would be coming and going
from these offices all during the day.
Rayner replied with permitted uses.
Council Member Beasley stated that at this particular point in
time, First State Bank did not have a buyer for the property. The
zoning was requested in order to make the property more marketable.
Rayner stated that First State Bank realized through zoning issues,
that certain types of zoning would not be allowed in the area.~
From the past denied zonings and conversations with some of the
neighbors, it was indicated that offices would be acceptable to the
neighbors.
Mitchell Turner stated that in 1985 he was a member of a committee
responsible for developing the Denton Development Plan. He was
familiar of how the document related to this proposal. A major
problem had not yet been mentioned which was the traffic congestion
on Lillian Miller with the current restaurants and offices in the
area. This proposal would add 493 traffic trips per da~_to the
traffic on Lillian Miller. If developed as presently zoned, it
would only add 240 trips per day. Another area which neede~to be
looked at was the density. The corner of I35 and Lillian Miller
was supposed to be medium density but it had been developed to the
point that it was now high density. This area was identified in
the Denton Development Plan as anarea which needed special
attention. The Plan indicated that, given the prominence of the
southeast planning area and the thoroughfare network in that
sector, there were likely to be pressures to locate high to
moderate intensity land uses long Teasley Lane, Lillian Miller
Parkway, Hobson Lane, I35E and between Loop 288 and Lillian Miller.
These pressures were likely to increase as F.M. 2181 was developed
as a primary arterial and extended further south to ultimately
connect with the DFW Airport. Therefore, the policy of the Plan
was to restrict the further intrusion of high and moderate
intensity land uses in this area. strip commercial zoning was also
discussed in the Plan and was discouraged in a low intensity area
such as Southridge. In December of 1985 a similar office zoning
proposal was presented to Council. It was denied by the Council at
that time 7-0 because of the further intrusion on the west side of
Lillian Miller. At that time the Council indicated that the
commercial creep on the west side of Lillian Miller needed to stop
at the Red Lobster. He hoped that Council would listen to the
neighbors.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 18, 1996
Page 6
Council Member Krueger asked when the Denton Development Guide
was published.
Turner replied that it was published in 1988 with no changes since
then.
Ray Stephens stated that the Development Guide had not been changed
for many years. Council had an obligation to follow the Plan
unless it had been changed. The Plan called for a Iow density area
and should be closely monitored to keep the particular zoning in
place. The Plan mandated strict site plan control within 1600 feet
of this particular property. What Hr. Raynor indicated this
evening differed from what had been said previously in response to
Conway Drive. At the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting and at
the neighborhood meeting, it was indicated that Conway Drive would
not have access to Lillian Miller. The property on Conway would be
provided to abutting owners and therefore that road would not open
to Lillian Miller Parkway. He questioned which version was
correct. He felt that the Denton Development Plan should be
followed. If that should be changed at some time from
resid-ntial, th.n h. it should be by u,. of a plann.d
development so that the City and the neighborhood would have a
definite idea on how the development would proceed rather than
leaving it open-ended as it would be now with office-conditioned.
The proposal brought erosion into the neighborhood for non-
residential uses. Currently Lillian Miller, south of the Red
Lobster, was the boundary line for commercial or other types of
non-residential types of uses. He asked for denial of the request
and to follow the Development Plan.
Roland Vela stated that the neighbors were not all in agreement
when they met with Hr. Raynor. They had indicated that if an
office building was going to be built to serve as a buffer between
residential zoning and commercial zoning, it should be zoned as a
planned development. The neighbors were afraid of any types of
conditions when there was the possibility that other structures
might be built. The last time this area was being discussed with
regards to a conditioned use, a proposed office building was
suggested with gardens, sculpted parking areas etc. What was build
was a Jack'in the Box. As long as there was the possibility to
change the plans, the neighbors would have a concern of what would
be there. He would be in favor of the proposal if it was zoned
planned development. Changing the zoning was a betrayal of promises
made to the neighborhood in the past. He was asking the Council to
stop the commercial zoning where it currently was and to protect
the neighborhood. Traffic was also a problem in the area. The
right hand lane of traffic stacked up on Lillian Miller. Several
years ago a traffic study indicated that traffic was already too
heavy in the area. Traffic would be increased with m~r~ recent
developments in the area. He requested that the Council not change
the zoning as it negatively impacted the neighborhood.
B. B. McMenamy stated that traffic problems were a serious problem
in the area. The Planning Staff recommended against the proposal
even though the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended
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city of Denton City council Minutes
June 18, 1996
Page 7
approval. No one had ever tried to sell the property as
residential.
Vera Gershner presented Council with a petition from individuals in
the neighborhood. Those who were concerned were more than just the
few people in the room. The notice of the neighborhood meeting
went out to property owners within 200 feet of the proposal which
were mostly vacant lots. Her perception of the meeting was that
the questions from the group showed their concern for development.
She did not go away with a hostile feeling as Hr. Rayner assured
them that each question would be answered and a copy of all of the
questions and answers would be sent to each person present.
Nothing had ever been received. Intensity had not yet been
mentioned with this proposal and was critical for this location.
Individuals within 1600 feet had a right to be a part of the
process but those individuals had not been notified of this
proposal.
Mayor Miller stated that Speaker Cards had been received in
opposition to the proposal from R. B. Escue and Hr. and Mrs. Jerry
Strader.
Jane Graner stated she was the only homeowner whose property backed
up to the proposed site. She had a great deal of concern regarding
the proposal. Hr. Rayner was trying to compromise on issues with
the neighbors but she felt that there was not enough control over
what could be developed on the site. She still questioned some of
the uses which were allowed. She was also concerned about the
lighting of the proposal. It was probably unrealistic to think
that the property would be sold residential but a planned
development would give more control. The neighbors would feel more
comfortable with a planned development zoning. A planned
development would provide more control and more security of what
would be developed on the property.
Council Member Krueger asked about Graner being the only property
owner which backed up to proposal.
Graner replied correct. The other lots in the area were not sold
and there was a crime problem in the area. She hoped that would
be corrected when other properties were sold as homes.
Vela stated that he lived further from the property than anyone
else which was still very close to the proposed property.
Clint Ballard stated that he was in the process of building in the
area. He had found drug evidence in the area and although the lots
were for sale, they would not sell if there was a change in the
zoning of the adjacent area.
The petitioner was allowed a five minute rebuttal.
Rob Rayner stated that he had also worked on the 1995 Denton
Development Plan. The Plan in 1985 was done because the market in
Denton had grown and changed. That was one of the reasons there
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 18, 1996
Page 8
43
was a brand new Plan Committee. A prior office proposal was very
large and it was felt that the highest and best usage was office
with a smaller square footage. The proposed uses and conditions
would not allow a restaurant as was',allowed in prior zoning
proposals. The land owner of the property which was vacant, Mr.
Vexler, removed his opposition when he heard the proposal with the
conditions and use restrictions. Office conditioned zoning was
best for this tract of land.
The Mayor closed the public hearing.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 96-133
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS, PROVIDING FOR A
CHANGE FROM THE SINGLE FAMILY 16 (SF-16) ZONING DISTRICT
CLASSIFICATION AND USE DESIGNATION TO THE OFFICE CONDITIONED
(O[C]) ZONING DISTRICT CLASSIFICATIONAND USE DESIGNATION FOR
2.6662 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF LILr. IAN
MILLER PARKWAY APPROXIMATELY 500 FEET SOUTH OF 1-35E;
PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY IN THE MAXIMUMAMOUNTOF $2,000.00 FOR
VIOLATIONS THEREOF; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Young motioned, Krueger seconded to adopt the ordinance.
Mayor Pro Tem Brock stated that this property had a long history.
At one point it was envisioned that this property would be a
transition use between high residential and lower intensity
commercial. Garden homes or townhomes in the area had been
suggested. It might be that certain restricted offices would be a
good transition in the area. But this proposal grossly exceeded
the intensity standard allowed. It allowed metal buildings and
inadequate screening. She also felt that the proposal would
contribute considerably to the congestion in the area. The
citizens of Denton just passed a CIP bond issue so that money could
be spent for right-of-way for Loop 288. There was also the issue
that people were important and homeowners made an investment as
businesses did. She felt that the purpose of the zoning was to
make the land marketable for First State Bank so they would not be
responsible for marketing the property. She felt that the zoning
should be restricted to a single story, limited intensity strip
design prohibitions, lighting and signage restrictions. Area
property owners had a right to some kind of guarantees that their
investments would be protected.
Council Member Cott stated that he had heard several times that
planned development was on before and then taken off.
Robbins stated no that the property had always been zoned SF-16 and
not planned development. There had been a number of proposals for
various planned developments but they had been denied.
Council Member Beasley stated that a traffic study done in 1995
indicated 20,898 cars going through in 24 hours on the south side.
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City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 18, 1996
Page 9
In 1993 a traffic study was not done. In 1993, there were 13,000
trips. That was an increase of 7,000 trips between 1993 and 1995
and it was not known what it was today. She asked if there was any
help planned for the traffic.
Robbins replied nothing was planned at this time.
Council MemBer Beasley stated that she would be voting against the
proposal as it was against the Denton Development Plan. She felt
the site would be good for offices or condos but there was a need
for more control on what would go in that area.
Council Member Krueger stated that the CIP bond process included
the acquisition of easements for the extension of Loop 288 which
would ease traffic in the area. He felt that 85% of the traffic
was going down Loop 288 and going on I35. Businesses were not
causing the traffic problems in the area. The Denton Development
Plan was outdated and was currently being reviewed. This was not
the same Council which ten years ago turned down the request on the
zoning of the property. There was only one homeowner which was
adjacent to the property. First State Bank was a good business and
probably had financing on the property in the area. The Bank would.
not do anything to harm Denton. This proposal would not harm
Denton and should be approved. The City could no longer continue
to go on with backyard zoning and could not stop the growth of
Denton. There were adequate restrictions on the proposal which
would control the development of the property.
Council Member Young stated that this property would not provide
residential zoning. Office zoning would be acceptable as there
would not. be much noise, no pollution, and no smells from an
office. It appeared that the neighborhood did not want anything
built on the property. Office zonin~ was good zoning for that
piece of property.
Mayor Pro Tem Brock stated that several speakers agreed that
certain restrictive office developments would be appropriate for
the site. The proposal did not have the kinds of restrictions
which would be most appropriate for this site.
Mayor Miller stated that this land was a transition from a high
density use to a neighborhood. The land was currently zoned SF-16
and the owners of the land were aware that it was zoned SF-16. He
felt that there was not a major dispute as to whether or not to
have office zoning but rather the size of the office, what would
that do to the intensity in the area, potential traffic problems
and where would the building be located on the site. There was no
site plan at this time. Staff had recommended denial while the
Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval. Staff
recommended denial on the basis of the size of the office.
Robbins indicated that staff did not recommend approval of the
conditioned zoning for the site as it was not consistent with the
intensity, site plan and separation of strip commercial development
areas of the Denton Development Plan. Staff felt the site should
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 18, 1996
435
be developed as a planned development.
Mayor Miller stated that there were developers who did not like
planned development. There were times when there were other ways
to go with zoning rather than with a planned development. However,
this area would be good for a planned development. There was a
sense of false security that what would be approved might not be
what was developed even with the conditions placed on the proposal.
When the land was sold, the person who owned the land would be able
to develop the land within that frame work. The City was not
indicating that it did not want office development but this area
needed planned development.
Council Member Biles asked if the intensity area to the east of
Lillian Miller Parkway was a different intensity area from the
proposal.
Robbins replied yes.
Council Member Biles stated that the staff report indicated that
the intensity was 134% over for that project on Lillian Miller
given that the site was in Intensity Area 79. If the site were
across the street, would it be in the intensity allotment.
Robbins replied no that regardless of the Study Area that it was
in, if it was in any low intensity area it would be over the
allocation.
Council Member Biles stated that he was glad that the neighbors
agreed that there probably would not beSF-16 housing in the area.
The neighbors had accepted that this area would be some type of
commercial zoning. Some of the neighbors had stated that a planned
development was acceptable and the use was acceptable but they
wanted to know the specific layout of a proposal. He understood
why the neighbors would want a planned development but felt that
the conditions placed on the proposal were close to that. If the
property was in a different location, there would be a different
intensity area. With all of the conditions of the proposal, he
would be in favor of the issue. The planned development would only
tell where the footprint of the building would be.
On roll vote, Beasley "nay", Brock "nay", Cott "aye", Krueger
"aye", Young "aye", Biles "aye", and Mayor Miller "nay". Motion
carried with a 4-3 vote.
B. The Council held a public hearing to receive input
regarding cable television rates in the City of Denton.
Richard Foster, Public Information Officer, stated that Council had
received a briefing from staff last week on the cable television
issue. A public hearing was scheduled to receive any input from
citizens.
The Mayor opened the public hearing.
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June 18, 1996
Page 11
No one spoke during the public bearing.
The Mayor closed the public hearing.
Council Member Young felt that the rate reduction was a smoke
screen in regards to the rates for remote controls. The company
was phasing out the remotes and only people with remotes were
receiving a reduction.
Foster stated that the company was phasing out rental of remotes
which would provide a i cent reduction. For new customers or those
customers whose remotes did not work, they would have to purchase
their own remote.
6. Consent Agenda
Brock motioned, Krueger seconded to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented. On roll vote, Beasley "aye", Brock "aye", Cott "aye",
Krueger "aye", Young "aye", Biles "nay", and Mayor Miller "aye".
Motion carried with a 6-1 vote.
A. Bids and Purchase Orders:
Bid #1910 - Bell Avenue Sidewalk Repair
P.O. #65548 - Decision Technology, Inc.
P.O. $65777 - IBM
B. Tax Refunds
Dentex Title Company - $551.63
Dentex Title Company - $540.93
7. Consent Agenda Ordinances
The Council considered the Consent Agenda Ordinances 7.A. and 7.B.
Brock motioned, Beasley seconded to adopt the Consent Agenda
ordinances. On roll vote, Beasley "aye", Brock "aye", Cott "aye",
Krueger "aye", Young "aye", Biles "nay", and Mayor Miller "aye".
Motion carried with a 6-1 vote.
A. NO. 96-134
AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING COMPETITIVE BIDS AND PROVIDING FOR THE
AWARD OF CONTRACTS FOR PUBLIC WORKS OR IMPROVEMENTS; PROVIDING
FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS THEREFOR; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (6.A.1. - Bid 91910)
B. NO. 96-135
' 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. (6.A.2. - P.O. $65548,
6.A.3. - P.O. $65777)
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 18, 1996
Page 12
8. Ordinances
A. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance amending
Article V 'entitled "Hotel Occupancy Tax" of the Finance and
Taxation Chapter of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Denton,
Texas by amending Section 10-101 relating to the definitions of
"hotel" and "permanent resident" and adding "Reporting and Payment
Period"; amending Section 10-102 entitled "Levied; A~ount;
Exemptions" by amending Subsections (a) and (b); amending Section
104103 entitled "Collection" by deleting Subsection (b); amending
Section 10-104 entitled "Quarterly Reports" by replacing with
"Reporting and Payment Period"; amending Section 10-109 entitled
"Use of Revenue Derived from Tax" by adding language to ensure
compliance with Section 351.103 of the Tax Code; and by adding
Section 10-110 entitled "Conflict of Laws".
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 96-136
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS AMENDING ARTICLE V
ENTITLED "HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX" OF THE FINANCE AND TAXATION
CHAPTER OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS
BY AMENDING SECTION 10-101 RELATING TO THE DEFINITIONS OF
"HOTEL" AND "PERMANENT RESIDENT" AND ADDING "REPORTING AND
PAYMENT PERIOD"; AMENDING SECTION 10-102 ENTITLED "LEVIED;
AMOUNT; EXEMPTIONS" BY AMENDING SUBSECTIONS (a) AND (b);
AMENDING SECTION 10-103 ENTITLED "COLLECTION" BY DELETING
SUBSECTION (b); AMENDING SECTION 10-104 ENTITLED "QUARTEPJ~Y
REPORTS" BY REPLACING WITH "REPORTING AND PAYMENT PERIOD";
AMENDING SECTION 10-109 ENTITLED "USE OF REVENUEDERIVED FROM
TAX"; BY ADDING LANGUAGE TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION
351.103 OF THE TAX CODE; BY ADDING SECTION 10-110 ENTITLED
"CONFLICT OFLAWS"; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING
A PENALTY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND DECLARING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Beasley motioned, Brock seconded to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, Beasley "aye", Brock "aye", Cott "aye", Krueger "aye", Young
"aye", Biles "aye", and Mayor Miller "aye". Motion carried
unanimously.
The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract between the City
of Denton and Binkley & Barfield, Inc. for engineering services to
prepare construction plans, specifications, details, and special
provisions for Robertson/Bell bypass.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 96-137
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DENTON AND
BINKLEY & BARFIELD, INC.; AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF
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City of Denton City council Minutes
June 18, 1996
Page 13
FUNDS; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Young motioned, Brock seconded to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, Beasley "aye", Brock "aye", Cott "aye", Krueger "aye", Young
"aye", Biles "aye", and Mayor Miller "aye". Motion carried
unanimously.
C. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Binkley &
Barfield, Inc. for engineering services for the replacement of the
existing culvert on Kerley Street.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 96-138
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DENTON AND
BINKLEY & BARFIELD, INC.; AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF
FUNDS; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Young motioned, Brock seconded to adopt the ordinance. On roll
vote, Beasley "aye", Brock "aye", Cott "aye", Krueger "aye", Young
"aye", Biles "aye", and Mayor Miller "aye". Motion carried
unanimously.
D. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance adding
Section 18-13 to Chapter 18 of the Code of Ordinances to prohibit
the operation of skateboards, roller skates, roller blades or other
similar devices on all sidewalks in the area surrounding the City
Square. (The Traffic Safety Commission recommended approval.)
Rick Svehla, Deputy City Manager, stated that one merchant on the
Square had raised a concern about roller blading in the Square
area. The Downtown Advisory Board, the Parking Committee and the
Traffic Safety Commission all recommended to not allow roller
blading in the downtown area. The front streets and back streets
of the Square would be included as well as 500 feet in all
directions from those streets.
Council Member Young asked how many businesses on the Square had
been contacted about this proposed ordinance.
Svehla replied that not all of the businesses had been contacted
directly. The Downtown Advisory Board was used for comments
regarding the proposal.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 96-139
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS, AMENDING SECTION
18-13 TO CHAPTER 18 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
DENTON TO PROHIBIT THE OPERATION OF SKATEBOARDS, ROLLER
SKATES, ROLLER BLADES OR OTHER SIMILAR DEVICES ON ALL
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 18, 1996
Page 14
SIDEWALKS IN THE AREA SURROUNDING THE CITY SQUARE; PROVIDING
A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A REPEALING CLAUSE; PROVIDING
FOR A PENALTY OF TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS
ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Young motioned, Biles seconded to adopt the ordinance.
Council Member Krueger asked who brought up the problem and why.
Svehla replied that Mr. Thomas' had brought up the issue as there
had been several near misses to his patrons.
Council Member Krueger asked how this was going to be patrolled.
Svehla stated that the parking enforcement officers and bicycle
officers would enforce the restrictions.
Council Member Krueger stated that he was opposed to creating a law
which was not controllable. He would not vote against the
ordinance but felt it was not enforceable.
On roll vote, Beasley "aye", Brock "aye", Cott "aye",
"aye", Young "aye", Biles "aye#, and Mayor Miller "aye".
carried unanimously.
Krueqer
Motion
E. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance
designating and establishing a school safety speed zone for
I~aculate Conception Catholic School on both directions of Bolivar
Street from its intersection with Second Street to its intersection
withThird Street; and reducing the maximumprima facie speed limit
for said school safety speed zones to twenty miles per hour during
certain hours. (The Traffic Safety Commission recommended
approval.)
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 96-140
AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING AND ESTABLISHING A SCHOOL SAFETY
SPEED ZONE FOR IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC SCHOOL; REDUCING
THE MAXIMUM PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMIT FOR SAID SCHOOL SAFETY
SPEED ZONES TO TWENTY (20) MILES PER HOUR DURING CERTAIN
HOURS; PROVIDING A PENALTY OF A FINE NOT TO EXCEED TWOHUNDRED
DOLLARS ($200.00); PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING
FOR PUBLICATION; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Y0uhg motioned, Krueger seconded to adopt the ordinance.
Mayor Miller stated that he had received Speaker Cards from Laura
and Tony LaBarbera and Gene and Vicky Herberger in favor of the
ordinance.
On roll vote, Beasley "aye", Brook "aye", Cott "aye#, Krueger
"aye", Young "aye", Biles "aye", and Mayor Miller "aye". Motion
440,"
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 18, 1996
Page 15
carried unanimously.
F. The Counicl considered adoption of an ordinance partially
vacating a certain public utility easement recorded in the Plat
Records of Denton County at Cabinet I, Page 118, as it pertained to
Lot 2R, Block A of the Bell Place Addition.
Frank Robbins, Director of Planning and Development, stated that
this easement was no longer needed. It was originally designed in
a planned development in which there would be multiple building to
use the line. The property was rezoned and the line was no longer
needed.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 96-141
AN ORDINANCE PARTIALLY VACATING A CERTAIN UTILITY EASEMENT
RECORDED IN THE PLAT RECORDS OF DENTON COUNTY, TEXAS AT
CABINET I, PAGE 118, AS IT PERTAINS TO LOT '2R, BLOCK A OF THE
BELL PLACE ADDITION, AND PROVIDING FORAN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Biles motioned, Young seconded to adopt.the ordinance. On roll
vote, Beasley "aye", Brock "aye", Cott "aye", Krueger "aye", Young
"aye", Biles "aye", and Mayor Miller "aye". Motion carried
unanimously.
The Council returned to Items 4.A. and 4.B.
4. Citizen Reports
A. The Council received a citizen report from Marcia Tester
regarding "Family Connections" - an emergency runaway shelter for
Denton County.
B. The Council received a citizen report from Kelli Reny
regarding "Family Connections" - an emergency runaway shelter for
Denton County.
Marcia Tester stated that she was in the process of developing a
runaway shelter in Denton County to provide emergency care for the
homeless and runaway teens. Currently they were looking for sites
and a non-profit status. The shelter was for short term emergency
care. They felt it was important for the community to establish a
curfew to help determine the runaways and homeless children who
needed help. She felt there was a need for this type of service.
Kelly Reny stated that their program had been named as a recipient
for a benefit concert for the Oklahoma bombing victims. They were
looking to get about $1-2 million for this concert as well as
grants and corporation support. The site for the shelter would be
located in Denton County and perhaps in the Fry Street area.
Tester asked for community support for their project and invited
the community to help with the process.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 18, 1996
Page 16
4'4 1
The Council returned to the regular agenda order.
G. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance amending
Section 25-5 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Denton to
eliminate the requirement that persons soliciting charitable
contributions on the public streets or roadways shall not walk on
the main travelled portion of the roadway for the purpose of
soliciting funds.
City Attorney Prouty stated that approximately a year ago the
Council amended the City code to incorporate the Council's
authority under a State statute to authorize charitable
solicitations on the roadway. At that time, the Council placed a
number of restrictions on the solicitations. One of those was that
anyone soliciting for a charity in the public streets could not
walk on the main travelled portion of the roadway. This proposed
ordinance would eliminate that requirement. Due to a recent
Attorney General's opinion requested by the City, the staff felt
that there was a high risk that even the current ordinance could be
held unconstitutional because it did not allow non-charities to
solicit in the roadway.
The following ordinance was considered:
NO. 96-142
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON AMENDING SECTION 25-5
"SOLICITING BUSINESS OR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS" OFTHE CODE
OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF DENTON TO ELIMINATE THE
REQUIREMENT THAT PERSONS SOLICITING CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
IN THE PUBLIC STREETS OR ROADWAYS SHALL NOT WALK ON THE MAIN
TRAVELLED PORTION OFTHE ROADWAY; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH;
PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY OF A FINE NOT TO EXCEED TWO HUNDRED
DOLLARS ($200.00), OR SUCH A FINE AS IS SET BY SECTION
552.007(a) OF THE TEXAS TRANSPORTATION CODE FOR VIOLATIONS;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Young motioned, Cott seconded to adopt the ordinance.
Ken Gold stated that this ordinance would eliminate the portion of
the ordinance which prevented an individual from collecting funds
from the streets. They had been discussing this item for five
years. There was not a problem with this in any other city in
Texas and he would make sure it would work.
Council Member Cott stated that this was a different type of
profession and part of getting paid for the job was the reason
there wa~ thi~ need.
On roll vote, Beasley "aye", Brock "aye", Cott "aye", Krueger
"aye", Young "aye", Biles "aye", and Mayor Miller "aye". Motion
carried unanimously.
442
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 18, 1996
Page 17
9. Resolutions
A. The Council considered approval of a resolution amending
Policy No% 144.01 "Solicitation in City Facilities" of the
Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual of the City of Denton to
provide for solicitation for United Way and the "Fill-The Boot"
campaign by City employees on City time and/or in uniform.
City Attorney Prouty stated that were three alternate resolutions
for Council consideration. The current resolution presented to
Council did not allow charitable solicitation by employees while on
duty unless it was allowed by the City Manager as an exception
which was usually reserved for hardship cases. The first
resolution was the one which the majority of the Council requested
which allowed city employees to solicit charitable contributions
both on or off duty subject to Section 25.5 for only two charities,
United Way or Fill-The-Boot. The second resolution would allow the
same type of solicitation fort hose same two charities except only
in uniform and not in duty. The third resolution was prepared by
the Legal Department because of the concern that by Just limiting
it to only two charities and not having restrictions on the hours
that employees could solicit on duty might create problems. The
first alternative would allow charitable contributions in uniform
only but allow employees to solicit for all charities. The second
alternative would allow solicitation for charitable contributions
both on duty and in uniformfor all charities but would provide for
a limit of no more than 24 total on-duty hours per any calendar
year.
Ken Gold stated that he recommended soliciting on-duty and in
uniform.
Council Member Biles asked how long the campaign lasted.
Gold replied that it was for 8 hours a day for three days at least
once a year.
Mayor Pro Tem Brock asked how the City Manager felt about
solicitation by all city employees for all charities.
City Manager Benavides stated that he did not particularly like it
but it was the only safe thing to do according to the City
Attorney.
Mayor Pro Tem Brock asked for the Fire chief's opinion about fire
fighters soliciting in uniform and on duty.
Ross Chadwick, Fire Chief, stated that he had been involved with
three fire departments and it had been the standard practice in all
of them to Fill-The-Boot in uniform and on duty. Chief Jez and he
had talked about this practice and neither had a problem while on-
duty. Chief Jez was concerned that if a police officer would
solicit charitable contributions with a badge and gun, it might be
perceived as a threat.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 18, 1996
Page 18
443
The following resolution was considered:
NO. R96-026
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF DENTON AMENDING POLICY NO. 114.01
"SOLICITATION IN CITY FACILITIES" OF THE PERSONNEL POLICIES
AND PROCEDURES MANUAL OF THE CITY OF DENTON TO AUTHORIZE
CHARITABLE SOLICITATION BY CITY EMPLOYEES IN UNIFORM AND ON
DUTY FOR SOLICITING CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE UNITED,~WAY AND FOR
THE "FILL-THE-BOOT" CAMPAIGN;AND PROVIDINGANEFFECTIVE DATE.
Biles motioned, Young seconded to approve the resolution with the
following changes: insert the conditions that no City employee
would be allowed to solicit charitable contributions on-duty for
more than 24 hours during one calendar year, no city employee would
be authorized to solicit charitable contributions on-duty when it
interfered with that employee's regular duties or functions, and in
soliciting charitable contributions on-duty, the city employee
would comply with all other applicable sections of the Co~e of
Ordinances of the City and all other citypolicies, procedures and
regulations. He felt it was important to add these conditions as
the Council had a duty to the taxpayers to know that the employees
would not be doing this for a long period of time.
Mayor Miller stated that he was against the motion. He felt that
Council had a responsibility that when employees were getting paid,
they should be on the Job. He had had calls from taxpayers who
supported this up to the point of doing it on city time.
Mayor Pro Tem Brock stated that she would support the option of
soliciting in uniform but not on-duty. She had a concern about
having fire fighters or any City employees doing something other
than what the taxpayers were paying them to do.
Council Member Beasley understood that this was done in many places
while on-duty but felt that taxpayers wanted the fire fighters to
be on-duty.
Council Member Krueger stated that this was not the first time City
employees solicited on duty for contributions. Other employees
solicited for United Way while on-duty.
Mayor Miller stated that the difference between the United Way and
Fill-The-Boot was that the United Way was only for City employees.
Fill-The-Boot was from the public.
On roll vote, Beasley "nay", Brock "nay", Cott "aye",
"aye", Young "aye", Biles "aye", and Mayor Miller "nay".
carried by a 4-3 vote.
Krueger
Motion
A. 'The Council considered the nomination of Juanita Johnson
to the Denton Development Policy Committee.
10. The Council considered nominations/appointments to the City's
Boards and Commissions.
444
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 18, 1996
Page 19
On roll vote, Beasley "aye", Brock "aye", Cott "aye", Krueger
"aye", Young "aye", Biles "aye", and Mayor Miller "aye". Motion
carried unanimously.
B. Nomination to the Keep Denton Beautiful Board.
There was no nomination from Council Member Krueger.
C. The Council received a nomination from the City Manager
to the Civil Service Commission.
city Manager Benavides recommended Dennis Stephens to the Civil
Service Commission.
D. The Council considered nominations to various City
Boards/Commissions.
The Council nominated individuals to the various Boards/Commissions
as indicated in Attachment A.
Council Member Biles indicated that as the Council had still not
addressed the issue concerning the number of board appointments per.
Council Member, he was not prepared to move forward on the item at
this point in time.
11. The Council received an update from Municipal Judge Ramsay
regarding Municipal Court and a recommendation to consider the
appointment of an Assistant Municipal Judge.
Judge Ramsay presented a recommendation regarding the appointment
of three .Assistant Municipal Judges. A committee was formed to
review applicants and to hold interviews with the candidates. The
recommendation was a change in the policy from a 20 hour permanent
part-time position which would remain unfilled. The Job would not
be eliminated but would remain unfilled. At the current time there
was no active back-up for any of the judges in the City and there
was a need for at least one back-up for the Courts. He was
proposing to hire three individuals for Assistant Municipal Court
Judges - David Garcia, Erlene Murphy and Kim Cawley.
Biles motioned, Young seconded to approve these three nominations.
Mayor Miller indicated that an ordinance and contracts would be
drawn up to formalize the appointments.
Judge Ramsay indicated that he could not offer the positions but
needed Council approval to do such.
On roll vote, Beasley "aye", Brock "aye", Cott "aye",
"aye", Young "aye", Biles "aye", and Mayor Miller "aye".
carried unanimously.
Krueger
Motion
12. The Counicl received a report and held a discussion regarding
the proposed 1996-2001 Capital Improvement Program.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 18, 1996
Page 20 ...........
445
Jon Fortune, Chief Finance Officer, stated that the 1996-2001
Capital Improvement Program was unanimously.recommended by the
Planning and Zoning Commission. The Planning and Zoning Commission
included a comment that Council consider increasing funding for
future drainage maintenance. He reviewed the recommendations for
the general government projects as presented in the back-up
materials and in particular the fifth year of the proposal.
Howard Martin, Director of Environmental Operations, presented the
utility projects which were included in the proposed CIP program.
This program had been reviewed by the Publio Utilities Board and
was recommended for approval. He reviewed a s-mmary of the
electric projects, projects for the Water Department, the
wastewater system, solid waste, and fleet services.
13. Vision Update
Mayor Miller stated that the Vision Play Group would be meeting
this week.
14. Miscellaneous matters from the City Manager.
There were no items from the City Manager.
15. There was no official action taken on Closed Meeting Items
discussed earlier.
16. New Business
The following items of New Business were suggested by Council
Members for future agendas:
A. Council Member Biles requested an agenda item to discuss
the number of appointments to each board per council member.
Mayor Miller stated that Council would be considering that issue
during the Planning Session as it was not possible to complete the
process for this year's appointments.
B. Council Member Krueger requested a variance from Section
16-129 and 16-130 of the Code of Ordinance to go back to the
Planning and Zoning Commission for review. This would be for a
variance for WWMotors on Barthold Road.
17. The Council held a continuation of 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
Co
Personnel/Board Appointments -- Under TEX. GOV'T CODE
Sec. 551.074
No formal action was taken during the Closed Meeting.
446
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 18, 1996
Page 21
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
~~.~ WA~?~S
SECRETARY
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS
JAC]~
CITY DENTON, TEXAS
ACC0031A