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Minutes February 05, 2002CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES February 5, 2002 After determining that a quorum was present, the City Council convened in a Work Session on Tuesday, February 5, 2002 at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Work Session Room at City Hall, 215 E. McKinney Street. PRESENT: Mayor Brock; Mayor Pro Tem Beasley; Council Members Burroughs, Phillips, and Redmon. ABSENT: Council Members Fulton and McNeill 1. The Council received a report, held a discussion, and gave staff direction regarding the sixth-month review of the revisions to Section 20-1 of the Code of Ordinances regulating noise. Lt. Scott Fletcher, Denton Police Department, stated that the original noise ordinance had a provision for a six-month review. Council Member Fulton arrived at the meeting. Fletcher stated that there were two sources for the statistics used for the review. Those statistics came from the CAD system in the Police Department and from Municipal Court data. He reviewed the data as noted in the agenda materials. Council Member McNeill arrived at the meeting. Council requested an update on the statistics for a February to August time frame. 2. The Council requested clarification of consent agenda items listed on the consent agenda for today's City Council regular meeting of February 5, 2002. Mayor Pro Tem Beasley requested a correction of a typographical error to the minutes of January 8, 2002. Council Member McNeill stated that he would probably be pulling Item 21 regarding the adoption of the updated fire code. Council Member Redmon requested that Council allow Carl Williams, representing the NAACP, to speak regarding the noise ordinance update. Mr. Williams stated that there was a concern that the city standards were higher than the state standards. It was felt that the standards may be unfair to young people in the area who listened to cultural music. Following the completion of the Work Session, the Council convened in a Closed Meeting at 5:15 p.m. 1. The Council considered the following in Closed Meeting: City of Denton City Council Minutes February 5, 2002 Page 2 Deliberations regarding real property--Under TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE Section 551.072 and Consultation with the City Attorney--Under TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE Section 551.071. Deliberated the purchase and value of real property, located in the J. Cheek Survey, Abstract No. 227 and the H. Williams Survey, Abstract No. 1417 and being a .568 acre tract and a 0.354 acre tract along Sherman Drive, approximately 3,600 feet south of the intersection of Clear Creek and Sherman Drive, north side of road, within the City and County of Denton, Texas; which acquisition is for a public purpose. (Ray Roberts Water Line) Consultation with the City Attorney--Under TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE Section 551.071. Discussed and considered strategy, status, and possible settlement of litigation with the City's attorneys in litigation styled City of Denton, et al v. TXU Electric Company, et al, Cause No. 009383 currently pending in the 134th District Court of Dallas County, Texas, and discuss legal issues concerning this litigation with the attorneys where to discuss these matters in public would conflict with the duty of the City's attorneys to the City Council under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas. Discussed and considered strategy, status, and legal ramifications of litigation with the City's attorneys in litigation styled Spencer Station Generating Company, LP v. TXU Gas Company, et al., Cause No. 2002- 30001-211 currently pending in the 211th District Court of Denton County, Texas, and a similar proceeding now pending before the Texas Railroad Commission, and discuss legal issues concerning this litigation with the attorneys where to discuss these matters in public would conflict with the duty of the City's attorneys to the City Council under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas. Regular Meeting of the City of Denton City Council on Tuesday, February 5, 2002 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. 1. Pledge of Allegiance The Council and members of the audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the U. S. and Texas flags. PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS 2. Recognition of staff accomplishments. City Manager Conduff recognized various staff members for their accomplishments. City of Denton City Council Minutes February 5, 2002 Page 3 CITIZEN REPORTS 3. Nell Yeldell regarding the Denton Housing Authority and discrimination against the elderly. Ms. Yeldell was not present at the meeting. 4. Dessie Goodson regarding city repairs. Ms. Goodson asked about benches for the bus stops that were suppose to be in place several years ago and still were not installed. She had seen bus riders in wheelchairs sitting outside in the bad weather waiting for the buses. 5. Gerard Hudspeth regarding Council procedure for citizen reports. Mr. Hudspeth was not present at the meeting. 6. Willie Hudspeth regarding Council procedure for citizen reports. Mr. Hudspeth stated that he would be speaking for several meetings regarding the placement of housing in his neighborhood. He felt the Council had not followed staff recommendations for housing placement in the southeast Denton area. 7. Jackie Sasser regarding Denton Housing Authority ex-employee problem. Ms. Sasser was not present at the meeting. 8. Ross Melton regarding Code Enforcement and other issues. Mr. Melton stated that he was still having problems with Code Enforcement and the methods of enforcement. 9. Bob Clifton regarding Teasley Lane from Dallas Drive to Londonderry-specifically five traffic lights. Mr. Clifton stated the markings on Teasley Lane were not adequate for traffic. The traffic lights were not coordinated and it was difficult to get across Teasley Lane from Dallas Drive to Londonderry. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member McNeill requested that Item #21 be pulled in order to allow more discussion with citizens on the provisions of the local amendments. McNeill motioned, Redmon seconded to delay consideration of Item #21 and have staff hold meetings regarding the new code and in particular the amendments to the code. On roll vote, Beasley"ay~', Burroughs"aye', Fulton"aye', McNeill"ay~', Phillips"aye', Redmon"ay~', and Mayor Brock '~g'. Motion carried unanimously. City of Denton City Council Minutes February 5, 2002 Page 4 Burroughs motioned, Beasley seconded to approve the Consent Agenda and accompanying ordinances and resolutions excluding Item #21. On roll vote, Beasley"ayg', Burroughs"ayg', Fulton 'hy~', McNeill"ay~', Phillips"aye', Redmon"ay~', and Mayor Brock"ay~'. Motion carried unanimously. 10. Approved the minutes of January 8, 2002 and January 9, 2002 with a correction as noted in the Work Session discussion. 11 NO. 2002-036 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ALAN PLUMMER ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES RELATED TO THE FINAL DESIGN OF THE COOPER CREEK LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND THE PECAN CREEK INTERCEPTOR SEWER PROJECT; AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS THEREFOR; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 12. NO. 2002-037 AN ORDINANCE ORDERING AN ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS, ON MAY 4, 2002, AND, IF A RUNOFF ELECTION IS REQUIRED, ON JUNE 1, 2002 FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING COUNCIL MEMBERS TO PLACES 5 AND 6 AND ELECTING A MAYOR TO PLACE 7 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS; DESIGNATING VOTING PLACES; APPOINTING ELECTION OFFICIALS; PROVIDING FOR EARLY VOTING; PROVIDING FOR BILINGUAL NOTICE OF THE ELECTION; ORDERING THAT AN ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEM BE USED; MAKING ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR THE CONDUCT THEREOF; PROVIDING AN OPEN MEETINGS CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 13. R2002-003 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, AS DENTON'S AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE, TO FILE A PROJECT APPLICATION WITH THE NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS ('NCTCOG') FOR A REGIONAL SOLID WASTE PROGRAM LOCAL PROJECT; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF DENTON IN ALL MATTERS RELATED TO THE APPLICATION; AND PLEDGING THAT IF A PROJECT IS RECEIVED, THE CITY OF DENTON WILL COMPLY WITH THE PROJECT REQUIREMENTS OF THE NCTCOG, THE TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION AND THE STATE OF TEXAS (MUNICIPAL LITTER ABATEMENT AND WASTE RECEPTACLES - $99,670.20); AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 14. Approved an appointment by the City Manager of a new member to the Civil Service Commission. City of Denton City Council Minutes February 5, 2002 Page 5 15. NO. 2002-038 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN INTERLOCAL COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DENTON AND DENTON COUNTY FOR COMPLETION OF ROAD IMPROVEMENTS FOR HICKORY CREEK ROAD FROM FM 2181 TO RIVERPASS DRIVE; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 16. NO. 2002-039 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE APPLICATION TO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT PROGRAM AND TAKE ALL OTHER ACTIONS NECESSARY TO OBTAIN A GRANT UNDER THE EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT PROGRAM; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 17. Approved a tax refund to DBC Inv. Ltd. in the amount of $671.28. The 2001 property tax was paid twice. 18. Approved a tax refund to James Beaver in the amount of $3,529.85. The homeowner erroneously paid the City of Denton, Denton County, and Denton Independent School District tax to the City of Denton. 19. Approved a tax refund to James Beaver in the amount of $8,873.69. The homeowner erroneously paid the City of Denton, Denton County, and Denton Independent School District tax to the City of Denton. 20. Approved a tax refund to Robert & Linda Wilhite in the amount of $589.31. The 2001 property tax was paid twice. 21. This item was not considered. 22. NO. R2002-004 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A RIGHT-O-WAY USE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS AND GEORGE C. GOEN, JR.; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. PUBLIC HEARINGS 23. The Council held a public hearing to afford the public appropriate notice and participation for the purpose of identifying the future cable related community needs and interests, and reviewing the performance of Charter Communications under the franchise with the City during the current franchise term. The Mayor opened the public hearing. City of Denton City Council Minutes February 5, 2002 Page 6 The following individual spoke during the public hearing: Darlene Mullenweg, 711 West Oak, Denton, 76205 - opposed The hearing was recessed and would be kept open with the possibility of a continuation at a later date. ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION 24. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance approving the Denton Development Code, a comprehensive rewrite of the City of Denton's development regulations in accordance with The Denton Plan, 1999-2020, and pursuant to Ordinance No. 2001-135, as amended; providing for a cumulative clause; providing a severability clause; providing a savings clause; providing for a penalty in the maximum amount of $2,000.00 for violations thereof; and providing for an effective date of February 20, 2002. The following individuals spoke on this issue: David Bynum, 215 Marietta, Denton, 76201-concerned about the process Brandt Davis, 1902 Bell, Denton, 76209 - opposed Joyce Poole, 3021 North Bonnie Brae, Denton 76207 - opposed Norma Lynn Gamble-opposed - had a statement read by the Mayor Gene Gamble, 2201-2205 North Bonnie Brae, Denton, 76207 - opposed Shaureece Park, 418 Marietta, Denton, 76201 - favor Margarete Neale, 1721 West Oak Street, Denton, 76201 - favor Dixie Stevenson, 1920 West Oak, Denton, 76201 - favor Steven Friedson, 2205 West Oak, Denton, 76201-favor with amendment as passed out to Council Bill Dahlstrom, 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, 75202-opposed to proposed zoning on a piece of property Trey Scalf, 1819 West Oak, Denton, 76201 - favor Weldon Davis, 8150 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, 75206 - opposed Steve Kniatt, 1003 Hopkins, Denton, 76205 -opposed Steven Plyler, 1919 Houston Place, Denton, 76201-favor J. B. Haisler, 1200 Cowling Road, Sanger, 76266 - opposed Dorothy and John L. Smith, 3309 North Bonnie Brae, Denton, 76207 - opposed Brian Holman, 1108 N. Locust, Denton, 76201 - opposed The following individuals submitted Comment Cards: Rick Baria, 5138 Edwards, Denton, 76208 - favor Jeff Price, 2281 West Oak, Denton, 76201-opposed William and Sherry Darby, 2208 Crestmeadow, Denton, 76207-opposed Dalton Allen, 111 Lexington Lane, Denton, 76205 - opposed Edwin Fulton, 729 Greenwood, Denton, 76209 - opposed City of Denton City Council Minutes February 5, 2002 Page 7 Doug Powell, Director of Planning and Development, stated that there was one additional policy issue that Council needed to address. That issue dealt with the addition of heavy gauge, corrugated metal to the list of approved building materials. The following ordinance was considered: NO. 2002-040 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE DENTON DEVELOPMENT CODE, A COMPREHENSIVE REWRITE OF THE CITY OF DENTON'S ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DENTON PLAN, 1999-2020, AND PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE NO. 2001-135, AS AMENDED; PROVIDING AN OPEN MEETINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A CUMULATIVE CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY IN THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF $2,000.00 FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF FEBRUARY 20, 2002. Beasley motioned, Burroughs seconded to adopt the ordinance. Council Member McNeill noted an error on page 59. L6 was still listed. He also requested a better definition oP'pedestrian friendly'. Council Member Fulton stated that there were still problems with code and suggested putting in on the May ballot to allow voters to decide on the code. Council Member McNeill offered a friendly amendment to the motion for a mandatory quarterly review of the code for at least the first year after approval. Beasley and Burroughs accepted that friendly amendment and included the changes as suggested by Doug Powell. On roll vote, Beasley"ay~', Burroughs"aye', Fulton"na:¢', McNeill"ay~', Phillips"na:¢', Redmon"na:¢', and Mayor Brock"ayg'. Motion carried with a 4-3 vote. 25. The Council considered adoption of an ordinance amending the schedule of fees contained in Ordinance 2000-098 by adopting a new schedule of fees as authorized by Chapter 34 and Chapter 35 of the Code of Ordinances for the City of Denton, Texas, for filing applications for review, approval, grant or issuance of plats, plans, licenses, certificates, variances or designations required by the subdivision rules and regulations and zoning regulations of the Code of Ordinances; providing for repeal of all ordinances in conflict herewith; providing a severability clause; providing a saving clause; providing for publication; and providing an effective date. Doug Powell, Director of Planning and Development, stated that there would be two new fees in relation to the development code-site plan exception and pre-design conference applied to an application to be made. Council Member Burroughs suggested a better definition for special exception fee. City of Denton City Council Minutes February 5, 2002 Page 8 The following ordinance was considered: NO. 2002-041 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SCHEDULE OF FEES CONTAINED IN ORDINANCE 2000-098 BY ADOPTING A NEW SCHEDULE OF FEES AS AUTHORIZED BY CHAPTER 34 AND CHAPTER 35 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS, FOR FILING APPLICATIONS FOR REVIEW, APPROVAL, GRANT OR ISSUANCE OF PLATS, PLANS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, VARIANCES OR DESIGNATIONS REQUIRED BY THE SUBDIVISION RULES AND REGULATIONS AND ZONING REGULATIONS OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SAVING CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Burroughs motioned, Mayor seconded to adopt the ordinance with the amendment for an expanded definition for the special exception fee category. On roll vote, Beasley"ayg', Burroughs '~g', Fulton"ayg', McNeill "ayg', Phillips"ayg', Redmon"ayg', and Mayor Brock"ayg'. Motion carried unanimously. 26. The Council considered nominations and appointments to the City's Boards and Commissions. Council Member Redmon nominated Will Taylor to the Community Development Advisory Committee. Mayor Pro Tem Beasley nominated Charlotte Billarreal. Voting on these nominations would be at the next regular meeting. 27. New Business The following items of New Business were suggested by Council for future agendas: bus stops. Council Member Burroughs requested a report on status of covered benches at B. Council Member Burroughs suggested inviting other cable companies to serve Denton, if that were possible. C. Council Member Redmon requested information on the status of minorities in the Fire Department including recruitment efforts, etc. 28. Items from the City Manager City of Denton City Council Minutes February 5, 2002 Page 9 City Manager Conduff did not have any items for Council. 29. There was no continuation of Closed Meeting under Sections 551.071-551.086 of the Texas Open Meetings Act. 28. The following was official action on Closed Meeting Item(s) under Sections 551.071- 551.086 of the Texas Open Meetings Act. Mayor Brock left the meeting with a conflict of interest. Burroughs motioned, Redmon seconded to authorize the City Attorney to take all actions necessary to accept the Settlement Agreement by TXU and the Steering Committee Cities in the litigation styled City of Denton, et al. v. TXU Electric Company, et al. On roll vote, Beasley"ay~', Burroughs "aye', Fulton "aye', McNeill "aye', Phillips "aye', and Redmon "aye'. Motion carried unanimously. Burroughs motioned, Fulton seconded to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Beasley to represent the city in the court ordered mediation in the litigation styled Spencer Station Generating Company, L.P.v. TXU Gas Company, et al. On roll vote, Beasley"ay~', Burroughs"aye', Fulton"aye', McNeill "aye', Phillips"ayg', and Redmon"ayg'. Motion carried unanimously. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m. EUL1NE BROCK, MAYOR CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS JENNIFER WALTERS CITY SECRETARY CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS