Minutes August 26, 1997CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL M1NUTES
August 26, 1997
After determining that a quorum was present and convening in an open meeting, the City Council
convened in a closed meeting on Tuesday, August 26, 1997 at 5:15 p.m. in the Police Conference
Room of the Denton Municipal Complex.
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:
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, August 26, 1997 at 6:00 p.m. in the
Central Jury Room of the Denton Municipal Complex.
1. The Council held a joint meeting with the Keep Denton Beautiful Board regarding
recommendations for use of the Governor's Community Achievement Award.
Larry Mullens, Chair-Keep Denton Beautiful Board, stated that the City had been awarded the
Governor's Community Achievement Award for a landscape project that had to be designated on
a State right-of-way. The Board did not have a definite site for consideration but had several
proposals. Once the decision was made at the City level for a location, the process would go to
the Highway Department for consideration.
Cecile Carson, Planner III, stated that TxDot provided funding of this type on an annual basis.
Denton was one of nine winners and this was the third time Denton had received this funding.
The award this year was for $60,000. Factors for site selection involved safety, visibility, future
construction, and support network for maintenance. The next step was the development concept
that was done to decide specific elements of the project. The preliminary design stage would be
done by TxDot. As this was not a grant but an outright money gift, no matching funds by the
City were required and the City needed no landscaping design. The final approval stage had to be
approved by TxDot. Once the plan was finally adopted, it would be bid by TxDot and a contract
awarded. TxDot would work with the contractors for construction, have a final inspection with a
maintenance phase included. There were a number of proposed sites with pros and cons for each
site. One proposed site was Avenue D at 1-35E. This site was highly visible, had a potential of
connecting with landscaping being done at UNT and the project design could be similar to a
project done in Richardson that TxDot could use. Cons for this site included the possible
construction of a new bridge or road widening which could eliminate the site and the requirement
of the City by TxDot to assume the maintenance on I-35. Another site was Fort Worth Drive at
1-35 to Collins Street. This site was part of the TxDot road construction project, was visible from
I-35E and Fort Worth Drive, and was included as a priority entrance that needed improvement by
the original Beautification Task Force. The cons for this site included the timing of the road
construction project set to begin in January 1998. An 1-35W entrance marker was another
possible site. Pros for this site included the fact that this was a CIP approved project with strong
citizen commitment. Cons indicated that the marker was not on State right-of-way, TxDot would
require City maintenance of I-35E and the limited use of landscape. A redbud planting, another
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August 26, 1997
Page 2
proposed project, would have a faster implementation since there was less design required but the
locations were limited to 30' from the road or along slopes. An 1-35 wildflowers planting, the last
proposal, had the pros of faster implementation since less design was required and a seasonal
impact. A con for that site was that it would be hard to determine a success factor and was a
seasonal impact.
Mayor Miller stated that there was no recommendation from the Board.
Carson replied no that the Committee had asked for a joint meeting in order to discuss where the
project should be located.
Mayor Pro Tem Brock stated that her first choice would be Avenue D at 1-35E. One side of the
intersection had a very pretty yard and the other side had no landscaping at all and looked very
bad. Some type of work needed to be done in that area as it was one of the main entrances to the
University of North Texas.
Council Member Beasley asked if there was bond money for beautification or for roadwork only.
Rick Svehla, Deputy City Manager, stated that that money was for roadwork only. UNT had
indicated that they would have some money available for landscaping and entrance markers to the
University.
Council Member Beasley asked about landscaping money for Fort Worth Drive.
Svehla stated that there was a small amount of money for landscaping from I-35 to Collins Street.
Most of the right-of-way was narrow and would be hardscaped.
Council Member Beasley stated that she would be in favor of either of the first two projects.
Council Member Kristoferson stated that her preference would be the redbud planting as 1-35 was
so visible for visitors in Denton. Her second choice would be Fort Worth Drive.
Council Member Young indicated that the entrance marker to Dallas Drive needed some work, as
it was hard to see. One area to consider was landscaping Dallas Drive all the way to Bell Avenue.
Council Member Cochran stated that the wildflower planting would be his preference. That
project would cost less with money available for other projects.
Council Member Durrance stated that all of the projects had merit. The entrance marker was
already in the CIP and he would not recommend that project. Initially he was interested in redbud
planting. He suggested finding the project that would visualize the maximum amount for the
dollars available.
Mayor Miller stated that the two previous projects made a difference in the streets. His opinion
was for a more noticeable difference as with the overpass at Avenue D and he would favor that
project.
Mullens stated that there would be a board meeting with a committee set up for Council
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August 26, 1997
Page 3
consideration. The time frame needed to be worked on. Matching funds could be put into the
project along with the award money.
2. The Council received budget presentations, held a discussion and gave staff direction
regarding the hotel occupancy tax funding to various organizations including:
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
Denton
Denton
Denton
Denton
Denton
Denton
Denton
Friends
Black Chamber of Commerce
Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau
County Amphitheater Association
County Historical Museum
Festival Foundation
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Holiday Festival Foundation
of Denton County History, Inc.
Greater Denton Arts Council
North Texas State Fair Association
Scholars Phair Foundation of Texas
Tejas Story Telling Association
A. Denton Black Chamber of Commerce
Curtis Himes stated that Lalor funds were given to different organizations in the community to
help bring in tourism for the City of Denton. The Black Chamber of Commerce was trying to do
that by bringing in outside sources to support Denton's tax base.
Council Member Beasley asked what projects were proposed for tourism.
Himes stated that the Chamber was seeking a national convention in 1998 to come to Denton.
They also had the annual African-American Music and Art Festival.
B. Denton Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau
Jane Jenkins stated that an activity report and marketing plan had been previously reported to
Council. The Bureau's mission statement had been revised with a different direction to work on
enhancing visitor services and promoting tourism activities and providing hospitality training to all
tourism partners. The CVB provided two centers for information - one at the Chamber of
Commerce and one at the Outlet Mall. The Denton brochure had not been reprinted in three
years and needed to be done. Advertising was done to promote Denton. The marquee billboard
was a project of the CVB and was provided free of charge to organizations promoting tourist
events. This procedure would be changing due to the cost of the billboard. The convention
services were severely cut as they would not be going after large conventions but would provide
services to those conventions coming to Denton. The funding which the Convention and Visitors
Bureau received from the City went to the Chamber of Commerce which had a contract with the
City to manage the Bureau. All of the monies were separate. A revised budget for the Bureau
was given to Council at this meeting.
Council Member Young stated that one year the billboard had an advertisement for the Juneteenth
celebration but he had not seen it in recent years. He asked how the decision was made for use of
the billboard.
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August 26, 1997
Page 4
Jenkins stated that applications were made for information to be placed on the billboard but that
often that did not happen. If no applications were made, the Bureau would select a project. First
priority went to applications made for the billboard.
Council Member Young asked if the Bureau helped with the Jazzfest or the Fair.
Jenkins stated that the Bureau had some direct involvement with the Director's time and some
monetary support. The Bureau would be willing to help with any other event that was going on
in Denton.
Council Member Beasley stated that she had seen in hotels, a brochure or magazine that listed all
events which were going on in that particular city. She asked why that was not done in Denton.
Jenkins stated that that was part of a new plan for enhanced services to visitors. The Bureau
would be working on such an item in the near future.
Council Member Beasley asked about the billboard north of Denton and felt that it was not an
efficient use of money.
Mayor Pro Tem Brock asked about the position of"information assistant". She asked what that
person did.
Jenkins stated that that was the person who greeted someone as he came into the building.
Mayor Pro Tem Brock asked if the cost was shared with the Chamber, as some of the duties were
a receptionist for the Chamber.
Jenkins replied no.
C. Denton County Amphitheater Association
Peggy Capps stated that in 1989 a group of individuals coming back from another outdoor theater
production thought Denton would be a great place for its own outdoor theater. After
approximately five years of studying this issue, a site was chosen. The economic impact of such a
production on Denton would be approximately $19 million. This group was working to be the
number one reason for individuals to come to Denton. January 24, 1998 was the target date for a
brochure promoting tourism and the proposed project. The group was also planning to do a
video to market Denton and the drama.
D. Denton County Historical Museum
Norma Gamble stated that the Museum had made a terrific impact on the City for visitors. It was
the one main visitor attraction in Denton.
Council Member Cochran asked about the Museum following the Open Meetings-Open Records
policies.
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August 26, 1997
Page 5
Gamble stated that the Museum's meetings were open to the public and the open records were
followed as they applied to corporate law.
Council Member Cochran asked whether the financial records from the City were open to public.
Gamble stated that a financial audit was given to the City as required by Federal law.
Council Member Young asked how much money the Museum requested this year.
Gamble replied 11.96% as it had requested in the past but had received only 8.09%.
Council Member Young stated that that was $10,000 decrease. He questioned if the Museum
would be able to provide the same amount of service with that amount of decrease.
Gamble stated that the Museum was in the process of raising the additional money to compensate
for the loss of dollars. The Museum had expanded services in the last four years and had
increased hours of operations. The Museum would be publishing a magazine to celebrate its 20th
anniversary that would be placed in all hotel rooms in the City.
Council Member Young stated that he wanted to restore the Museum's funding to the same level,
as there was no justification to cut the funding at this time.
Mayor Miller stated that the Council had already taken action on the funding. This meeting was
only for presenting the organization's budget. The proposed funding was voted on at a previous
meeting. As the Council went through the budget process, a Council Member could make an
amendment as desired.
Council Member Cochran questioned the statement that the Museum had a $10,000 reduction in
funding. He understood that the allocation had been raised, not reduced.
Jon Fortune, Director of Management and Budget, stated that the contract amount for last year
was $66,035. This year the contract amount was $60,308. However, when the carry forward
funding was included in the amount, this year was $69,829 and for next year would be $72,952.
Council Member Cochran stated that the funding was not really being reduced.
Fortune replied correct.
E. Festival Foundation
Carol Short stated that with the City's support, the Festival Foundation was able to grow and
develop into a major regional festival. The Festival had received the National Events and
Business News Award. It had broad support from the community and a large membership that
contributed to its success. Money raised at the Festival went back into the community for arts
facilities. As the festival grew, its needs would also grow. The Foundation appreciated the
support it received from the City.
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August 26, 1997
Page 6
F. Denton Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Pat Alva-Green stated that the Chamber had two activities planned that would profile Denton and
bring in tourism. One activity was a Hispanic concert and another was a bilingual procurement
exposition. Both events were two-day events and the requested funding was for the promotion of
the activities.
G. Denton Holiday Festival Foundation
Peggy Caps stated that the Foundation appreciated the Council's recommendation for funding.
The Foundation would be using the proposed funding to prepare a brochure for the area hotels
listing events for November and December.
H. Friends of Denton County History, Inc.
Barry Vermillion thanked the Council for the proposed funding. The organization had three fund
raising projects that would promote tourism. It did not have an itemized budget, as it had not
done any projects at this point in time. The organization was created to gather money to help
promote the protection of history of Denton County.
I. Greater Denton Arts Council
Herbert Holl stated that the allocation from the City was about 33% of their budget. The funds
were allocated according to three principles -where the money was needed the most and was the
most difficult to raise; where was the easiest to document and track the money in terms of
reporting purposes; and what would be the most beneficial to the public. The funds were placed
in administrative expenses, operating expenses and gallery programs.
Mayor Pro Tem Brock asked if there might be small sums available for grants to help with
individual events for first starters.
Holl stated yes that the grants program was done in terms of what would be bought for the
community - not, in terms of which groups were being supported. The grants program was an
extension of their own mission to provide accessibility to arts through free and low cost programs
to the community.
J. North Texas State Fair Association
Bill Allen stated that Lalor funds were 25% of their budget. There had been a concern expressed
that the Fair was only a once-a-year event but actually the Fair was a year-round operation. The
Association was actively promoting the use of the fairgrounds all year round. It had purchased 11
acres north of the fairgrounds to help with the parking in the neighborhoods. The City's funding
paid for the administrative funds so that the proceeds of the Fair could be used for improvements
at the Fair.
K. Scholars Phair Foundation
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August 26, 1997
Page 7
Donald Cox stated that Texas Youth Phair was one event that the Foundation would be
sponsoring. This activity was now a multi-state event. He presented the activities that were
included in the event that dealt with Black history events.
L. Tejas Story Telling Association
Karen Morgan stated that the Storytelling Festival had grown during the past 12 years.
Participants came from all over the State of Texas and from foreign countries. Over past years
the Association had to struggle for funding and with these funds the event would be able to
continue to grow.
3. The Council received a report, held a discussion and gave staff direction regarding the
1997-98 proposed budget.
Kathy DuBose, Executive Director for Finance, stated that Council had received answers to the
questions it had raised at the last meeting. Tab #11 provided a memorandum regarding utility
transfers. Tab #12 dealt with a question regarding the visualization project and the charge back
included in the proposed budget. Tab #13 presented calculations regarding the hiring of two
workers and associated equipment costs for the Parks Department for the next budget year.
Council Member Kristoferson stated that if the March option were used for the hiring of the Parks
employees, there would be a balance remaining of approximately $5,800. She suggested
allocating that money for library materials.
Kristoferson motioned, Young seconded to allocate $47,128 for the additional Parks positions
and equipment in March and the balance to be allocated to the library. On roll vote, Beasley
"aye", Kristoferson "aye", Cochran "aye", Durrance "aye", Young "aye", Brock "aye", and Mayor
Miller "aye". Motion carried unanimously.
City Manager Benavides stated that he was recommending amending the fee proposed for park
site reservation to only require payment for reservations at South Lakes, North Lakes and the
Civic Center Parks and that the neighborhood parks be at no charge.
Brock motioned, Kristoferson seconded to follow the Manager's suggestion regarding park
reservation fees.
On roll vote, Beasley "aye", Kristoferson "aye", Cochran "aye", Durrance "aye", Young "aye",
Brock "aye", and Mayor Miller "aye". Motion carried unanimously.
Following completion of the Work Session, the Council convened into a Special Called Session.
1. The Council considered approval of a resolution supporting the existing boundary between
Denton County and Tarrant County and supporting Denton County in its dispute with Tarrant
County over approximately 5,500 acres on Denton County's southern-most boundary.
Council Member Young stated that Denton County was asking for the City of Denton to support
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August 26, 1997
Page 8
them in their dispute with Tarrant County over the border line.
Young motioned, Cochran seconded to approve the resolution.
Council Member Beasley stated that this was a legal dispute and the City did not have any bearing
on the outcome. She supported the idea of keeping this land in Denton County.
Council Member Durrance stated that he would be voting against the resolution and asked
Council to do the same. He felt this was bad public policy and was meddling. The issue was in
litigation and was not a matter of public policy. He felt it was a mistake to pass such a resolution
and not try to influence matters and items outside the City.
Mayor Miller stated that he would vote against the resolution because it was a legal matter. He
did not know where line should be. Denton County was trying to settle the matter out of court
and he felt he was not qualified to decide where the line needed to be drawn.
Council Member Young stated that all of the cities in Tarrant County had signed a resolution in
support of Tarrant County. All of the other cities in the County supported Denton County. This
resolution supported Denton County and its stance. There were no recommendations to the
Court, it only supported Denton County.
Mayor Miller stated that the first "WHEREAS" stated that the Denton City Council believed that
the existing boundary between Denton County and Tarrant County was the correct boundary. He
was saying that he did not know that and could not support that.
Council Member Cochran stated that he was only supporting the County Commissioners on this
issue. The document stated that they were citizens of Denton County and were in general support
of Denton County.
Council Member Kristoferson stated that she believed in the good neighbor policy of the two
counties and supported Denton County. This was, however, a matter of law and in negotiation.
The resolutions by other cities may have been done prior to the issue going to court.
On roll vote, Beasley "aye", Kristoferson "nay", Cochran "aye", Durrance "nay", Young "aye",
Brock "nay", and Mayor Miller "nay". Motion failed with a 3-4 vote.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
JACK MILLER, MAYOR
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS
JENNIFER WALTERS
CITY SECRETARY
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS