Minutes June 10, 1997 CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 10, 1997
After determining that a quorum was present and convening in an
open meeting, the City of Denton City Council convened in a closed
meeting on Tuesday, June 10, 1997 at 5:30 p.m. in the Civil Defense
Room of City Hall.
PRESENT: Mayor Miller; Mayor Pro Tem Brock; Council Members
Beasley, Kristoferson, Cochran, Durrance, and Young.
ABSENT: None
1. The Council considered the following in Closed Meeting:
A. Conference with Employees -- Under TEX. GOV'T CODE Sec.
551.075. The Council received information from employees
or questioned employees during a staff conference or
briefing, but did not deliberate during the conference.
The Council convened into a Work Session on Tuesday, June 10, 1997
at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of city Hall.
PRESENT: Mayor Miller; Mayor Pro Tem Brock; Council Members
Beasley, Kristoferson, Cochran, Durrance, and Young.
ABSENT: None
Mayor Miller presented a proclamation for "Harlan Jefferson Day".
1. The Council held a discussion regarding delinquent tax
collection services and gave staff direction.
Jon Fortune, chief Finance Officer, stated that staff was seeking
direction on which firm the Council would like staff to negotiate
a contract with for the collection of delinquent taxes.
Young motioned, Kristoferson seconded to retain the firm of Hayes,
Coffey, Berry, McCreary, Veselka and Bragg as the City's delinquent
tax collectors.
Council Member Kristoferson felt that the current firm had exceeded
performance expectations by both percentage results and time
factors.
Council Member Young felt that the current firm had set a standard
for tax collection this year. No other firm could match what they
had done. They were a local firm, were more efficient and
collected the taxes faster. This firm was more economical and had
a Staff which worked in Denton. The firm had done an outstanding
job and had a good working relationship with the citizens in
Denton.
On roll vote, Beasley "nay", Kristoferson "aye", Cochran "nay",
Durrance "nay", Young "aye", Brock "nay~ and Mayor Miller "nay".
Motion failed with a 2-5 vote.
Durrance motioned, Cochran seconded to direct staff to prepare a
contract with the firm of Blair, Goggan, Sampson & Meeks and
Mike Gregory.
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city of Denton city council Minutes
June 10, 1997
Page 2
council Member Durrance stated that each firm had presented an
indepth presentation at the prior council meeting- There were
several criteria to review for this contract. All the firms were
qualified and were well staffed. The historical perspective of the
past performance of the firms was a great consideration, council
was given numerous facts and figures regarding each firm. Each
firm made claim to being a local firm. He felt it was important to
review the aspect of what a firm was doing prior to litigation and
also during and after litigation. Quality must be viewed in light
of areas that would be applied. The scope of service needed to be
considered to contact and locate a particular area, individuals,
owners, or trace those individuals where ne~es~ar~^~h~e firms
which
presented many figures at ua~e ......1 s
discussed percentages and success percentages- All three firms had
impressive figures. This was a specialized area of the law which
required a special need to be familiar with the special
circumstances of the law. He felt it was significant to look at
the percentage of collection rates after turnover. Those rates
were significant in determining the capability of the firms. His
motion was based on a performance basis.
Mayor Miller stated that he would be voting against the motion.
This was his third time to consider a firm for the collection of
ad been brought up before about a
delinquent taxes. The issue h _ f ears, the city h~d a
= ~ocal firm. After ~ number ? .Y ..... ~=tion with an
firm being
firm which ~a~ to~ally a local firm and not in
outside firm. He tried to judge the firms based on local practice.
He was convinced that a good choice for a firm would be sawko &
Burroughs-
Miller motioned an amendment to include a cancellation clause with
30 days notice.
city Attorney Prouty stated that there was such a clause currently
in contract which was mutual for either side.
Young seconded the amendment to the motion.
Mayor Miller withdrew .his amendment if such a clause was already
in the contract.
On roll vote, Beasley "aye", Kristoferson "aye", Cochran ,'aye",
Durrance "aye", Young "nay", Brock "aye" and Mayor Miller "nay".
Motion carried with a 5-2 vote.
' cussion and gave staff direction
2. The council held. ? dis_ '~v Denton's 1997 Action
regarding possible revisions to the C~-= of .
Plan for housing and community development and the Human Services
committee recommendations.
This item was not considered.
3. The council received a report, held a discussion and gave
staff direction regarding an early warning system.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 10, 1997
Page 3
Ross Chadwick, Fire chief, stated that common goals of a warning
system would be to save lives, limit further casualties, and
reassure and care for the public, citizen expectations of a
warning system were to alert citizens in advance of a disaster and
properly keep them informed of the situation. Key elements of a
warning system included detecting the problem, evaluating the
threat, deciding what to do, acting on that decision, and putting
the warning in place. The warning was effective if those hearing
it understood it and were willing to respond with action. A
disaster warning must be specific about the danger, about what to
do, about who was being warned, be issued by all possible sources,
and be based on previous education. Current capabilities in Denton
included the National Warning System, the Texas Warning System, the
Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications, the National Weather
Service, Skywarn, the Emergency Alerting System, cable television
override, and a telephone/pager system. Additional possibilities
included sirens, a telephone system network, future extensions of
the emergency altering systems or others. A consensus of the
cities which had early warning systems was that their systems were
necessary for public safety but were ineffective in and of
themselves. In addition to the sirens, there needed to be public
education, a cable television override and an AM radio system. In
most cities, the line of succession of the emergency management
plan was followed. Smaller cities relied on their dispatch center
to get out the warning. Physical activation usually was through a
dispatcher. Ail levels of the intergovernmental system must
cooperate to determine how the warning system would be funded,
implemented, administered, maintained and evaluated. The Denton
State School, the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's
University each had a siren system. Staff had three specific
recommendations. One was the purchase of a system at a cost of
$400,000 for 21 sirens.
Council Member Cochran asked about the types of events for using
sirens.
Chadwick stated they would be used when the National Weather
Service issued a tornado warning.
Council Member Cochran asked if they would only be for tornados.
Ross stated that they could be used for a chemical spill and only
certain sirens in the immediat~ neighborhood would be used.
Council Member Cochran asked about the number of instances of this
type the City had in the last five years which would warrant such
a system.
Chadwick replied approximately two per year.
Council Member Cochran asked for the price of the total system.
Chadwick stated that the education section would add another $10-
20,000 per year. The second staff recommendation was to seek
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 10, 1997
Page 4
77
community partnerships with FEMA, private corporations, DISD, UNT,
TWU, the State School, Denton County, neighborhood associations,
the hospitals and large nursing homes.
Council Member Young asked if there were plans for shelters for
people to go to.
Chadwick stated that usually recreation centers and school sites
were designated as shelter sites.
Mayor Pro Tem Brock stated that several years ago there was a jail
break from the county jail. There was a concern in the
neighborhood that they were not alerted to the jailbreak. She
asked if such a system could be used for that type of a warning.
Chadwick replied yes that it could be used for any type of
emergency. The third staff recommendation was to phase this
project in over a three-year period as part of the CIP program.
Mayor Miller felt that the AM radio station should be the first
thing to do as many disasters happened during waking hours. It
would provide immediate coverage during a 24-hour time period. For
a limited investment, it would provide better coverage than what
the city had now.
Council Member Beasley asked where in the CIP this would be placed.
Chadwick stated that he was not sure of what process would be
used-whether to make changes to the current CIP or place it in the
next CIP.
Kathy DuBose, Executive Director for Finance, stated that several
funding methods could be used through the CIP such as issuing
certificates of obligation or using surplus or one-time funding.
Council Member Durrance suggested looking for additional ways to
phase in the system. He felt that the AM radio station might be
the first step. Sometimes the sirens were good and sometimes they
were difficult to hear. He suggested thinking about a combination
of systems. He requested a cost breakdown on the cost
implementation of each one of the systems.
COuncil Member Young felt that a siren system was something which
was needed now. He did not feel any further research was necessary
on the issue. He recommended starting on a plan right now as the
sooner one was put together would be better. Citizens felt such a
system was needed.
Council Member Kristoferson felt that this looked like an excellent
plan. She was concerned about the implementation and funding of
the system.
DuBose stated that any addition to the CIP at this time would
require additional funding. The voters approved a five-year plan
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 10, 1997
Page 4
77
community partnerships with FEMA, private corporations, DISD, UNT,
TWU, the State School, Denton County, neighborhood associations,
the hospitals and large nursing homes.
Council Member Young asked if there were plans for shelters for
people to go to.
Chadwick stated that usually recreation centers and school sites
were designated as shelter sites.
Mayor Pro Tem Brock stated that several years ago there was a jail
break from the county jail. There was a concern in the
neighborhood that they were not alerted to the jailbreak. She
asked if such a system could be used for that type of a warning.
Chadwick replied yes that it could be used for any type of
emergency. The third staff recommendation was to phase this
project in over a three-year period as part of the CIP program.
Mayor Miller felt that the AM radio station should be the first
thing to do as many disasters happened during waking hours. It
would provide immediate coverage during a 24-hour time period. For
a limited investment, it would provide better coverage than what
the City had now.
Council Member Beasley asked where in the CIP this would be placed.
Chadwick stated that he was not sure of what process would be
used-whether to make changes to the current CIP or place it in the
next CIP.
Kathy DuBose, Executive Director for Finance, stated that several
funding methods could be used through the CIP such as issuing
certificates of obligation or using surplus or one-time funding.
Council Member Durrance suggested looking for additional ways to
phase in the system. He felt that the AM radio station might be
the first step. Sometimes the sirens were good and sometimes they
were difficult to hear. He suggested thinking about a combination
of systems. He requested a cost breakdown on the cost
implementation of each one of the systems.
Council Member Young felt that a siren system was something which
was needed now. He did not feel any further research was necessary
on the issue. He recommended starting on a plan right now as the
sooner one was put together would be better, citizens felt such a
system was needed.
Council Member Kristoferson felt that this looked like an excellent
plan. She was concerned about the implementation and funding of
the system.
DuBose stated that any addition to the CIP at this time would
require additional funding. The voters approved a five-year plan
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city of Denton city council Minutes
June 10, 1997
Page 5
and the city was in the secon
proposal had been sent to the planning and zoning If
was coming to council in the near future regarding the CIP.
council wanted to begin right away, the project could go to the
oversight committee for a recommendation- certificates of
obligation could be issued without voter approval.
council Member Beasley felt that there was a need to proceed but to
also continue to look for ways to fund the system.
to get other entities to
Pro Tem Brock felt there was a n~ed There was a need to do
May~-~-~te so as to have a partnership, sources of
par~l~a
everything to bring the cost down and find other
funding.
council Member Cochran expressed a concern about the high cost of
the system. He felt the voters needed to make a decision regarding
the system and he would encourage such a vote.
Mayor Miller felt there was a need to proceed on investigating the
cost of a system. There might be other types of disasters which
the system could be used for. He felt the city could proceed with
could work on a cost of
some immediate alternatives and
implementing an educational system.
Member Young felt that the education system should be
council ursue as quickly as possible a siren
started now but to a~so P ..... than just for a tornado.
system, sirens would De useu
council Member Beasley stated that she was interested in proceeding
with the project and to get specific facts on the prices of the
sirens and information on other options.
4. The council received a report, held a discussion and gave
staff direction regarding proposed changes in the truck route
ordinance.
Rick svehla, Deputy city Manager, stated that this proposal was to
use the northern route of Loop 288 for a truck route. Former
ouncils had considered this issue and expressed two concerns
was the installation of a sound
C ....... tation. The first ..... :-- and the second was
before lmp~m=~ - ~^ ~own North SuD~lVlSlU~
wall on Loop 288 near u~= ~ and Loop 288 which was an at grade
a traffic signal at Kings Row
crossing. The wall had been completed and the signal was installed
in early March. The issue was taken back to the Traffic Safety
commission in May which felt that the two issues had been addressed
and recommended the proposal to council.
council Member Durrance expressed concern about the other end of
were several ramps there and he was
the Loop by 1-35. There as a truck route, a truck would have to
concerned if this was used
go over the overpass making a hairpin curve onto the service road
to enter 1-35. He asked if there were plans as to how that might
feed into 1-35 as a continuous ramp.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 10, 1997
Page 6
79
Svehla stated that there were no plans at this point in time. The
road was fully capable for taking the trucks and would require a
slower speed from the frontage road.
Council Member Durrance stated that he would be in support of this
proposal as it would eliminate the traffic on university. He
suggested looking into the possibility to find other funding for a
free flow on-off ramp in the area.
Svehla stated that the City could discuss that with TXDOT but felt
that TXDOT would build the ramp if the City would provide the
funding which could be as much as several hundred thousand dollars.
Council Member Cochran asked how many trucks would be diverted onto
the Loop.
Svehla stated that part of that issue would be enforcement. If a
truck had a delivery on University, it would be allowed on the
street. The last truck traffic count was 18% of the traffic in the
area. Most highways had 5% truck traffic. Because university was
a major route to the quarries in the west, there was more truck
traffic on University.
Council Member Cochran stated that noise
concerns. Loop 288 was proposed to be a
functioning in that capacity.
and safety were also
by-pass and was not
Council Member Young felt that it was a good idea to divert truck
traffic off University Drive. The sand and gravel truck could
still get around the City on 1-35 and Loop 288.
Council Member Kristoferson asked about the turning radius of the
trucks. She asked if there was a good turning radius for the
trucks either getting on or off the Loop or back onto the highway.
Svehla replied that going east was an easy turn. Going west to the
Loop was a large radius. Within the next year to year-and-a-half,
the State would begin working on Highway 380 from Loop 288 east to
Highway 377. The lanes under the bridge at Loop 288 would be wider
for easier turns.
Council Member Beasley asked about the process if this proposal was
accepted.
Svehla stated that the City would have to talk with TXDOT for
approval for the rerouting of the trucks as Highway 380 was a U.S.
Highway. This should be much of a problem but might take some
time.
Consensus of the Council was to proceed as proposed.
Svehla stated that staff would visit with TXDOT before returning to
Council for formal consideration.
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City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 10, 1997
Page 7
5. The Council received a report, held a discussion and gave
staff direction regarding the Urban Forest Management Plan.
Cecile Carson, Community Improvement Coordinator, stated that staff
had been working on this project for over four years. The project
started as a grant from the Texas Forest Service to do an inventory
of street trees. There were 6,224 trees within 12 feet of the curb
on primary and secondary arterials and collector streets. There
was a need for some type of plan which would help with the
maintenance of the trees, who would be responsible for the trees,
how would new trees be added, etc. A grant from the Texas Forest
Service in 1995 organized an urban tree management plan. The plan
was divided into five categories which represented the foundation
of how to deal with the urban forest. Topic areas related to
safety, health, attractiveness, diversity and education. Various
City departments, which were responsible for tree maintenance, were
contacted to help identify primary and secondary contracts for
dealing with each item. The reco~nendation included funding
options for these various aspects. The Tree Board had prioritized
three of the four items to work on through private funding.
Council Member Kristoferson asked how responsive the developers
were to the Building With Trees Seminar.
Carson stated that there was better representation from the
university of North Texas than from the development community.
Three developers were present along with an arborist.
Council Member Durrance stated that there was a voluntary program
by some citizens through utility billing.
Carson replied correct.
Council Member Durrance asked if the results were positive.
Carson stated that research found 50 cities surveyed had a
voluntary program.
Mayor Miller stated that there were three recommendations to
consider.
Carson stated that the Tree Board had prioritized some of the
projects. Those included a Red Bud Trail which was approved in
concept by Council last May, a tree hot line program and
information on the Shade Keepers Program.
Mayor Miller asked if that included seeking possible funding from
the Public Utilities Board.
Carson stated that, if directed by Council, they would like to
pursue that avenue of funding.
Mayor Pro Tem Brock stated that the funding issue was very
important. It was also important to take care of the trees once
City of Denton city Council Minutes
June 10, 1997
Page 8
81
they were planted so that funding for maintenance was important.
The Public Utilities Board consideration would be a very first
step.
Council Member Kristoferson asked if there was a consensus on the
Tree Board for the amount of funding.
Carson stated that at the May 13th meeting of the Keep Denton
Beautiful Board, a recommendation was made for $.10 for a monthly
amount not to exceed $.25. The Tree Board was looking for $.25
with one no vote and one abstention when voting for $.25.
Council Member Beasley stated that this would be a voluntary
program for billing to utility bills.
Carson replied correct.
Beasley motioned, Brock seconded to approve the Urban Forest
Management Plan and the funding issues associated with the plan.
Council Member Young felt that $.10 was not enough. He felt it
should be at least $.25 and not more than $.50.
Council Member Kristoferson stated that the numbers supported the
$.10 for the fee.
On roll vote, Beasley "aye", Kristoferson "aye", Cochran "aye",
Durrance "aye", Young "aye", Brock "aye" and Mayor Miller "aye".
Motion carried unanimously.
6. The Council received a report regarding a renovation update
for city Hall.
Rick Svehla, Deputy city Manager, stated that the renovation work
would redesign the building to be more the way the building was
designed. New furniture would be purchased which would be
compatible with the design of the building. There would be new
audio visual equipment for the Council Chambers. June 17th would
be the last city Council meeting at city Hall with the completion
of the construction estimated to be .August 30th. September 23rd
would be the dedication of the building. The temporary City
Council meeting location from July 1st through August 26th would be
at the Denton Municipal Complex. The Executive Session would be in
the Police Conference Room and the work sessions and regular
sessions would be in the Central Jury Room. It would be possible
to have live television coverage of these meetings. The Planning
and zoning Commission would also be meeting at the Denton Municipal
Complex. The dedication of the renovations would be on September
23rd from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at City Hall. Project II involved the
renovation of the Denton Municipal Complex in the areas of the
vision Room and the west wing of City Hall. Those renovations
would include bringing city Hall up to building code and ADA
compliance, Customer Service and the Tax Department would move to
%he DMC, all staff from the basement would move upstairs to the
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city of Denton city Council Minutes
June 10, 1997
Page 9
west wing, new furniture would be provided along with a continuance
to strive to meet the 1992 space study/plan goals. The Council
would be considering contracts in the near future for some of these
projects.
Council Member Beasley asked about CIP funding.
Svehla replied that major portions were CIP but there were also
matching utility funds and/or certificates of obligation and
operating funds. The type of funding depended on the particular
part of the project.
7. The Council received a report, held a discussion and gave
staff direction regarding the results of the 1997-98 supplemental
budget priorities questionnaire.
Kathy DuBose, Executive Director for Finance, stated that the
results of the questionnaire now included the new Council Members'
priorities. All responses were compiled with aggregate scores.
One ranking was by effort in which each service area was ranked as
to reduce current effort, keep current effort, or substantially
increase an effort. Another ranking was a priority ranking by
effort and as reflected in the responses by priority. These
rankings were used for budget preparation to develop the budget for
Council consideration.
Mayor Pro Tem Brock stated that there was much misunderstanding
over the years regarding the priority section. She understood that
it was not a priority of what to do but a priority of what was
important which the City did. The service the city did might be
high but the Council not want to increase the effort.
Council Member Young asked if the individual comments were used.
Dubose stated that they were reviewed when preparing the budget.
Following the completion of the Work Session, the Council convened
into a Special Called Meeting in the Council Chambers of city Hall.
1. The Council considered approval of a resolution amending the
Investment Policy for the funds of the City of Denton and
designating the Internal Auditor as an Investment Officer.
Harlan Jefferson, Director of Fiscal Operations, stated that the
Public Funds Investment Act required that one or more investment
officers be designated. Currently the Executive Director of
Finance and the Director of Fiscal Operations were designated by
the City. It was suggested that the Internal Auditor be designated
as such due to his acceptance of another position. A resolution
would have to be passed designating the Internal Auditor as an
Investment officer and a resolution to amend the investment policy
to remove her responsibilities to review the monthly reports.
There were also a few other changes to the policy recommended by
the Investment Committee and noted in the back-up materials.
city of Denton City Council Minutes
June 10, 1997
Page 10
83
Council Member Young asked who the Internal Auditor reported to.
Jefferson replied that she reported to the Executive Director of
Finance.
Council Member Young felt that since this position was the Internal
Auditor, she should report to the City Manager.
Jefferson stated that in terms of investments, it would not make a
difference.
Council Member Young felt that the position should report to the
City Manager as there might be a conflict there.
The following resolution was considered:
NO. R97-026
A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE INVESTMENT POLICY FOR FUNDS FOR
THE CITY OF DENTON; DESIGNATING THE INTERNAL AUDITOR AS
AN INVESTMENT OFFICER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Durrance motioned, Beasley seconded to approve the resolution. On
roll vote, Beasley "aye", Kristoferson "aye", Cochran "aye",
Durrance "aye", Young "aye", Brock "aye" and Mayor Miller "aye".
Motion carried unanimously.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS
ACC00394
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