June 02, 2015 MinutesCITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 2, 2015
After determining that a quorum was present, the City Council convened in a Work Session on
Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Work Session Room at City Hall.
PRESENT: Council Member Briggs, Mayor Pro Tern Gregory, Council Member Hawkins,
Council Member Johnson, Council Member Roden, Council Member Wazny, and
Mayor Watts.
ABSENT: None.
1. Citizen Comments on Consent Agenda Items
There were no Comment Cards submitted by citizens for Consent Agenda Items.
2. Requests for clarification of agenda items listed on the agenda for June 2, 2015.
There were no requests for clarification of agenda items by Council.
3. Work Session Reports
A. ID 15 -440 Receive an update from the Denton Parks Foundation regarding the Eureka
2 Playground.
Emerson Vorel, Director of Parks and Recreation, introduced Molly Tampke, Executive Director
of the Parks Foundation.
Ms. Tampke presented an update on the Eureka 2 Park. There currently were two active areas that
the Foundation was working on. One was the marketing area. She presented the information on
the different sites available for information on the update of the Park. The second active area was
fundraising. Many events were scheduled for fundraising which she reviewed. Members were
approaching local businesses for donations and support, working with the schools, developing an
on -line campaign through "Go Fund Me ", and had a major gifts campaign in progress. Currently
the donations amount was approximately $122,000. By the end of the summer the Foundation
would like to be at $375,000. There was a special opportunity for a donation of $10,000 to operate
a backhoe to take down the old playground equipment. The Foundation was also seeking
sponsorships for specific types of equipment, tables, benches, and handprint tiles that were
available for purchase with names imprinted on them. She indicated that timing of the consultant
to come and work on the site and hoped to start building around November 9"
B. ID 15 -461 Receive a report, hold a discussion and give staff direction regarding City
Council committee nominations.
City Secretary Walters reviewed the current Council committee makeup and indicated that several
members had provided preferences for the committees.
Council discussed the committees and the current membership. Based on those discussions, the
membership of the committees was adjusted.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 2, 2015
Page 2
City Secretary Walters indicated that the list of committee memberships would be revised and
available for Council consideration at the regular meeting.
Following the completion of the Work Session, the City Council convened in a Closed Meeting at
2:29 p.m. to consider the specific items listed below under the Closed Meeting section of this
agenda.
1. Closed Meeting:
A. ID 15 -464 Deliberations regarding Real Property - Under Texas Government Code Section
551.072; Consultation with Attorneys - Under Texas Government Code Section 551.071.
Receive information from staff, discuss, deliberate, and provide staff with direction regarding
real estate matters related to the site selection for the DME Hickory substation, presently
located at the intersection of West Hickory and South Bonnie Brae in the City of Denton,
Texas, and concerning certain real property within the immediate vicinity, specifically Lots 1,
2, and 3 of the Oak Street Terrace Addition, and the potential acquisition of real property
interests. Consultation with the City's attorneys regarding legal issues associated with the
condemnation or acquisition of the real property interests where a public discussion of these
legal matters would conflict with the duty of the City's attorneys to the City of Denton and
the Denton City Council under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the
State Bar of Texas, or would jeopardize the City's legal position in any administrative
proceeding or potential litigation. [ID 15 -441, ID 15 -442, and ID 15 -443]
B. ID 15 -445 Consultation with Attorneys - Under Texas Government Code, Section 551.071.
Consult with and provide direction to City's attorneys regarding legal issues and strategies
associated with the current Gas Well Ordinance, and proposed Gas Well Ordinance
amendment, regulation of gas well drilling and production within the City Limits and the
extraterritorial jurisdiction, including: Constitutional limitations, statutory limitations upon
municipal regulatory authority; statutory preemption and vested rights; impacts of federal and
state law and regulations; impacts of gas well drilling upon protected uses and vice - versa;
current and proposed extension to moratorium on drilling and production; other concerns
about municipal regulatory authority or matters relating to enforcement of the Gas Well
Ordinance, both current and proposed; settlement matters concerning gas well drilling in the
City; surface development issues involving surface and mineral estates; and legal matters
associated with a citizen's initiative ordinance and pending litigation styled Jerry Patterson,
Commissioner, Texas General Land Office v. City of Denton Texas, Cause No. D- 1- GN -14-
004628 currently pending in the 53rd District Court of Travis County and Texas Oil and Gas
Association v. City of Denton, Cause No. 14- 09833 -431 currently pending in the 431 st District
Court of Denton County regarding hydraulic fracturing where a public discussion of these
legal matters would conflict with the duty of the City's attorneys under the Texas Disciplinary
Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas.
C. ID 15 -452 Consultation with Attorneys - Under Texas Government Code Section 551.071;
Deliberations regarding Economic Development Negotiations - Under Texas Government
Code Section 551.087; and Deliberations regarding Real Property - Under Texas Government
Code Section 551.072.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 2, 2015
Page 3
Discuss, deliberate, receive information from staff and provide staff with direction pertaining
to legal and economic development issues related to Orison Holdings and economic
development incentives and the acquisition of real property interests in the H. Sisco Survey,
Abstract No. 1184, Denton, Denton County, Texas, generally located in the 600 block of E.
Hickory. This discussion shall include commercial and financial information the City Council
has received from Orison Holdings which the City Council seeks to have locate, stay, or
expand in or near the territory of the city, and with which the City Council is conducting
economic development negotiations; including the offer of financial or other incentive where
the duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of
Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with the provisions of the
Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code.
This item was not considered.
D. ID 15 -453 Consultation with Attorneys - Under Texas Government Code Section 551.071 and
Deliberations regarding Economic Development Negotiations - Under Texas Government
Code Section 551.087.
Receive a report and hold a discussion regarding legal and economic development issues
regarding a proposed economic development incentive agreement for Project Ranger One
(Denton - Tarrant PRW, LLC). This discussion shall include commercial and financial
information the City Council has received from Project Ranger One which the City Council
seeks to have locate, stay, or expand in or near the territory of the city, and with which the
City Council is conducting economic development negotiations; including the offer of
financial or other incentive where the duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the
Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts
with the provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government
Code.
E. ID 15 -460 Consultation with Attorneys - Under Texas Government Code Section 551.071 and
Deliberations regarding Economic Development Negotiations - Under Texas Government
Code Section 551.087.
Discuss, deliberate, receive information from staff and provide staff with direction pertaining
to legal and economic development issues related to a potential economic development project
generally located in the 2000 to 3000 blocks of South Interstate 35 East. This discussion shall
include commercial and financial information the City Council has received from a prospect
which the City Council seeks to have locate, stay, or expand in or near the territory of the city,
and with which the City Council is conducting economic development negotiations; including
the offer of financial or other incentive where the duty of the attorney to the governmental
body under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas
clearly conflicts with the provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the
Texas Government Code.
Regular Meeting of the City of Denton City Council at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City
Hall.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 2, 2015
Page 4
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Council and members of the audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the U. S. and Texas
flags.
2. PROCLAMATIONS /PRESENTATIONS
3. CITIZEN REPORTS
A. ID 15 -407 Isabel Cano regarding benches for bus stops.
Ms. Cano stated that she had been working on getting benches at the bus stops for several reasons.
People were sitting on the ground or were chaining chairs to nearby poles in order to have a place
to sit while waiting for the buses. She asked that benches be placed in the areas of the bus stops.
A bench would not cost as much as a shelter and they would be in place faster than the shelters.
Council Member Roden questioned Ms. Cano where she was in the process and what were the
obstacles she was facing.
Cano stated that she was trying to raise awareness but the State, DCTA and the City did not help.
Council Member Johnson asked if she had spoken with Jim Klein with DCTA.
Cano replied that DCTA was only interested in constructing bus shelters rather than benches.
B. ID 15 -422 Willie Hudspeth regarding Southeast Denton issues.
Mr. Hudspeth was not present at the meeting.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Council Member Hawkins motioned, Council Member Roden seconded to adopt the Consent
Agenda and accompanying ordinances and resolutions. On roll call vote, Council Member Briggs
"aye ", Mayor Pro Tem Gregory "aye ", Council Member Hawkins "aye ", Council Member Johnson
"aye ", Council Member Roden "aye ", Council Member Wazny "aye ", and Mayor Watts it
Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution No. R2015 -016
A. ID 15 -398 Consider approval of a resolution by the City of Denton, Texas, authorizing
the City Manager to sign and submit to the Department of Housing and Urban
Development a 2015 - 2019 Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community
Development including the 2015 Action Plan for Housing and Community Development
with appropriate certifications, as authorized and required by the Housing and
Community Development Act of 1974, as amended and the National Affordable
Housing Act of 1990, as amended; and providing for an effective date.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 2, 2015
Page 5
Approved the noise exception listed below
B. ID 15 -428 Consider a request for an exception to the Noise Ordinance for the purpose
of the fundraiser, Ride for Reid BBQ 2015 Cook -off and Music Concert Benefit, to be
held at the North Texas Fairgrounds beginning June 19, 2015, from 6 p.m. to midnight
and Saturday, June 20, 2015, from noon to midnight. The exception is specifically
requested to increase sound levels from 70 to 75 decibels, and for an extension of hours
from 10 p.m. to midnight. Staff recommends approval.
Ordinance No. 2015 -155
C. ID 15 -429 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton authorizing the
City Manager or his designee to execute a contract through the Buy Board Cooperative
Purchasing Network for the acquisition of two (2) backhoes, one (1) excavator, one (1)
compact excavator, and one (1) roller for the City of Denton Wastewater Collections
Department; and providing an effective date (File 5829- awarded to RDO Equipment
Company in the amount of $604,637.35). The Public Utilities Board recommends
approval (5 -0).
Ordinance No. 2015 -156
D. ID 15 -430 Consider adoption of an ordinance accepting competitive bids by way of an
Interlocal Agreement with The Cooperative Purchasing Network (TCPN) for the
purchase of office furniture for various City of Denton departments; providing for the
expenditure of funds therefore; and providing an effective date (File 5817- awarded to
Office Depot in the three (3) year not -to- exceed amount of $500,000).
Ordinance No. 2015 -157
E. ID 15 -432 Consider adoption of an ordinance accepting competitive proposals and
awarding a public works contract for construction of the Arco Substation Gravity
Retaining Wall; providing for the expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an
effective date (RFP 5716- awarded to Knight Erosion Control, Inc., in the not -to- exceed
amount of $225,922.80). The Public Utilities Board recommends approval (5 -0).
Approved the minutes listed below.
F. ID 15 -436 Consider approval of the minutes of March 2, March 3, March 24, April 6,
April 7 and April 14, 2015.
Ordinance No. 2015 -158
G. A15 -0013 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas amending
Ordinance No. 2015 -063 providing for acceptance of additional eligible non -
annexation agreements for agricultural, wildlife management or timberland use
properties within an area of land adjacent to and abutting the existing city limits of the
City of Denton, Texas, generally identified as DH -3 of approximately 421 acres located
on the south side of Spring Side Road, north, south and west of Corbin Road, West of
I -35 and more specifically identified in Exhibit "A" attached hereto; providing for
severability; and providing for an effective date. (A15 -0013)
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 2, 2015
Page 6
Ordinance No. 2015 -159
H. A15 -0014 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas amending
Ordinance No. 2015 -067 providing for acceptance of eligible non - annexation
agreements for agricultural, wildlife management or timberland use properties within
an area of land adjacent to and abutting the existing city limits of the City of Denton,
Texas, generally identified as PAA1 of approximately 1,171 acres located on the north
side of Tom Cole Road, west of Masch Branch Road, and more specifically identified
in Exhibit "A" attached hereto; providing for severability; and providing for an
effective date. (A15 -0014)
Ordinance No. 2015 -160
L A15 -0015 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas amending
Ordinance No. 2015 -064 providing for acceptance of additional eligible non -
annexation agreements for agricultural, wildlife management or timberland use
properties within an area of land adjacent to and abutting the existing city limits of the
City of Denton, Texas, generally identified as DH -4 of approximately 347 acres located
on the east side of Bonnie Brae Street, west of Fort Worth Drive, east and west of
Vintage Boulevard, and more specifically identified in Exhibit "A" attached hereto;
providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. (A15 -0015)
Ordinance No. 2015 -161
J. A15 -0016 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas amending
Ordinance No. 2015 -069 providing for acceptance of additional eligible non -
annexation agreements for agricultural, wildlife management or timberland use
properties within an area of land adjacent to and abutting the existing city limits of the
City of Denton, Texas, generally identified as PAA -3 of approximately 1,075 acres
located on the south side of Ganzer Road, east and west of Barthold Road, north of FM
1173, West of I -35, and more specifically identified in Exhibit "A" attached hereto;
providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. (A15 -0016)
5. ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION - CONSIDERATION OF THE USE
OF EMINENT DOMAIN TO CONDEMN REAL PROPERTY INTERESTS
Ordinance No. 2015 -162
A. ID 15 -441 Consider adoption of an ordinance finding that a public use and necessity
exists to acquire fee title to a 0.138 -acre tract situated in the E. Pulchalski Survey,
Abstract No. 996, legally described as Lot 2, of Oak Street Terrace Addition, an
addition to the City of Denton, Denton County, Texas ( "Property Interest "), and more
particularly described on Exhibit "A ", for the public use of expansion, construction,
maintenance, operation, and improvement of electrical transmission and distribution
lines, facilities, and structures, including substations and switch stations; authorizing
the city manager, or his designee, to make an initial offer to Serendipity Business
Interests, LLC Property ( "Owner ") to purchase fee title in and to the Property Interest
for the price of Seventy Five Thousand Dollars and no cents ($75,000.00), and other
valuable consideration, as set forth in the contract of sale attached as Exhibit "B ";
authorizing the filing of eminent domain proceedings to acquire the Property Interest
if the final offer is not accepted; authorizing the expenditure of funds; and providing
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 2, 2015
Page 7
an effective date. (Hickory Street DME Substation assemblage tract: Serendipity
Business Interests)
Smith Day, Compliance Manager, presented the details of the proposal. The parcel was part of the
future Hickory Street Substation. The proposed ordinance would find that a public use and
necessity existed to start the eminent domain process. The legal description of the project was
displayed on the overhead screen.
Council Member Johnson made the following motion:
"I move that the City Manager, or his designee, is authorized to (1) make a written final offer to
the Owner, any and all of Owner's successors -in- interest to the Property Interest, or any other
parties who may own any interest in the Property Interest to purchase a 0.138 acre tract located in
the E. Puchalski Survey, Abstract No. 996, City of Denton, Denton County, Texas, and located
generally in the 100 block of N. Bonnie Brae St. (the "Property Interest ") as more particularly
described on Exhibit "A" to the ordinance now under consideration and on the overhead screen
being now displayed to the audience, for the public use for the expansion, construction,
maintenance, operation, and improvement of the City's electric transmission and distribution lines,
facilities, and structures, including substations and switch stations; and (2), if the terms of the
written final offer are not agreed to by the Owner, any and all of Owner's successors -in- interest to
the Property Interest, or any other parties who may own an interests in the Property Interest, to
then use of the power of eminent domain to acquire fee simple title to the Property Interest"
Council Member Roden seconded the motion.
On roll call vote, Mayor Pro Tern Gregory "aye ", Council Member Johnson "aye ", Mayor Watts
"aye ", Council Member Wazny "aye ", Council Member Roden "aye ", and Council Member
Hawkins "aye "; Council Member Briggs "nay ". Motion carried with a 6 -1 vote.
Ordinance No. 2015 -163
B. ID 15 -442 Consider adoption of an ordinance finding that a public use and necessity
exists to acquire fee title to a 0.164 -acre tract situated in the E. Pulchalski Survey,
Abstract No. 996, legally described as Lot 1, of Oak Street Terrace Addition, an
addition to the City of Denton, Denton County, Texas ( "Property Interest "), and more
particularly described on Exhibit "A ", for the public use of expansion, construction,
maintenance, operation, and improvement of electrical transmission and distribution
lines, facilities, and structures, including substations and switch stations; authorizing
the city manager, or his designee, to make a final offer to Neblett Property ( "Owner ")
to purchase fee title in and to the Property Interest for the price of One Hundred Twenty
Two Thousand Dollars and no cents ($122,000.00), and other valuable consideration,
as set forth in the contract of sale attached as Exhibit "B "; authorizing the filing of
eminent domain proceedings to acquire the Property Interest if the final offer is not
accepted; authorizing the expenditure of funds; and providing an effective date.
(Hickory Street DME Substation assemblage tract: Neblett Property)
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 2, 2015
Page 8
Smith Day, Compliance Manager, presented the details of the project which was part of the
Hickory Street Substation. He noted the legal description and public use and necessity for the
project.
Council Member Hawkins made the following motion:
"I move that the City Manager, or his designee, is authorized to (1) make a written final offer to
the Owner, any and all of Owner's successors -in- interest to the Property Interest, or any other
parties who may own any interest in the Property Interest to purchase a 0.164 acre tract located in
the E. Puchalski Survey, Abstract No. 996, City of Denton, Denton County, Texas, and located
generally in the 2300 block of W. Oak St. (the "Property Interest ") as more particularly described
on Exhibit "A" to the ordinance now under consideration and on the overhead screen being now
displayed to the audience, for the public use for the expansion, construction, maintenance,
operation, and improvement of the City's electric transmission and distribution lines, facilities,
and structures, including substations and switch stations; and (2), if the terms of the written final
offer are not agreed to by the Owner, any and all of Owner's successors -in- interest to the Property
Interest, or any other parties who may own an interests in the Property Interest, to then use of the
power of eminent domain to acquire fee simple title to the Property Interest"
Council Member Roden seconded the motion.
On roll call vote, Mayor Pro Tem Gregory "aye ", Council Member Johnson "aye ", Mayor Watts
"aye ", Council Member Wazny "aye ", Council Member Roden "aye ", and Council Member
Hawkins "aye "; Council Member Briggs "nay ". Motion carried with a 6 -1 vote.
Ordinance No. 2015 -164
C. ID 15 -443 Consider adoption of an ordinance finding that a public use and necessity
exists to acquire fee title to a 0.138 -acre tract situated in the E. Pulchalski Survey,
Abstract No. 996, legally described as Lot 3, of Oak Street Terrace Addition, an
addition to the City of Denton, Denton County, Texas ( "Property Interest "), and more
particularly described on Exhibit "A ", for the public use of expansion, construction,
maintenance, operation, and improvement of electrical transmission and distribution
lines, facilities, and structures, including substations and switch stations; authorizing
the city manager, or his designee, to make a final offer to Mankins Property ( "Owner ")
to purchase fee title in and to the Property Interest for the price of Ninety Five
Thousand Dollars and no cents ($95,000.00), and other valuable consideration, as set
forth in the contract of sale attached as Exhibit "B "; authorizing the filing of eminent
domain proceedings to acquire the Property Interest if the final offer is not accepted;
authorizing the expenditure of funds; and providing an effective date. (Hickory Street
DME Substation assemblage tract: Mankins Property)
Smith Day, Compliance Manager, presented the details of the tract for the Hickory Street
Substation. He noted that there was a public use and necessity associated with the proposal and
presented the legal description of the property.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 2, 2015
Page 9
Mayor Pro Tem Gregory made the following motion:
"I move that the City Manager, or his designee, is authorized to (1) make a written final offer to
the Owner, any and all of Owner's successors -in- interest to the Property Interest, or any other
parties who may own any interest in the Property Interest to purchase a 0.138 acre tract located in
the E. Puchalski Survey, Abstract No. 996, City of Denton, Denton County, Texas, and located
generally in the 100 block of N. Bonnie Brae St. (the "Property Interest ") as more particularly
described on Exhibit "A" to the ordinance now under consideration and on the overhead screen
being now displayed to the audience, for the public use for the expansion, construction,
maintenance, operation, and improvement of the City's electric transmission and distribution lines,
facilities, and structures, including substations and switch stations; and (2), if the terms of the
written final offer are not agreed to by the Owner, any and all of Owner's successors -in- interest to
the Property Interest, or any other parties who may own an interests in the Property Interest, to
then use of the power of eminent domain to acquire fee simple title to the Property Interest ".
Council Member Johnson seconded the motion.
On roll call vote, Mayor Pro Tem Gregory "aye ", Council Member Johnson "aye ", Mayor Watts
"aye ", Council Member Wazny "aye ", Council Member Roden "aye ", and Council Member
Hawkins "aye "; Council Member Briggs "nay ". Motion carried with a 6 -1 vote.
6. ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
A. ID 15 -462 Consider appointments to Council Committees.
City Secretary Walters noted that the revised Council Committee matrix was at the Council's seats
for consideration.
Council Member Roden motioned, Council Member Hawkins seconded to approve the
appointments. On roll call vote, Mayor Pro Tem Gregory "aye ", Council Member Johnson "aye ",
Mayor Watts "aye ", Council Member Briggs "aye ", Council Member Wazny "aye ", Council
Member Roden "aye ", and Council Member Hawkins "aye ". Motion carried unanimously.
B. ID 15 -472 Discussion to determine whether to repeal Initiative Ordinance No. 2014-
01, "Prohibition of Hydraulic Fracturing "; and, if necessary, to consider adoption of an
ordinance repealing Initiative Ordinance No. 2014 -01; and providing an immediate
effective date.
Council Member Roden stated that Council would be trying to answer questions at this meeting,
taking questions and determining the best method to answer them.
Council Member Wazny stated that Council would welcome comments from citizens to be part of
decision making process.
Mayor Pro Tem Gregory stated that Council would be interested in hearing ideas /suggestions for
ways the City could be in the best position to fight for local control which was taken away by the
State when HB40 was approved.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 2, 2015
Page 10
Council Member Briggs stated that Council would welcome creative solutions.
Mayor Watts stated that the Council was committed to the best thing for Denton in view of HB40.
Council had heard loud and clear in November what the citizens wanted and Council wanted to
provide information to citizens on how the situation had changed since then.
The following individuals submitted speaker cards:
Adam Briggle, 1315 Dartmouth Place, Denton, 76201 — opposed — advice from their
attorney was for Council to repeal the fracking ordinance.
Council Member Gregory asked if Mr. Briggle could elaborate on the conversations he had with
their attorney. He felt Mr. Briggle had indicated that the attorney recommended repealing the
ordinance.
Briggle stated that was an accurate summation.
Council Member Gregory asked where there might be better success.
Briggle stated that there were a lot of fights being waged across the state and HB40 activated many
cities to action.
Mayor Watts asked Briggle if he had any questions to Council as far as the options and situation.
Briggle stated that people were asking questions about technical aspects such as a way to leave the
ban on the books in an unenforced state.
Council Member Hawkins questioned what it meant personally to Briggle to leave the ordinance
on the books when it was unenforceable.
Briggle stated that it was more than just symbolism. If left on the books and when HB40 was
gone, the ordinance would be there.
Mayor Pro Tem Gregory questioned if there was a way to leave the ban on the books and somehow
deal with the pending litigation with the idea of resolution on the part of the Council; perhaps
recognizing that HB40 made the ban unenforceable.
City Attorney Burgess stated that the Texas legislature would say that the fracturing ban was
preempted by HB40. If left on the books it could affect the two lawsuits in progress. Looking
forward to a resolution of them and some kind of consent decree, there needed to be some kind of
agreement. To date there had not been any agreement in regards to the language of a Consent
Decree.
Ron Seifert, 1400 Morim Drive, Denton - questioned what the City was prepared to do to
follow through with the vote of the people. The City goal should be to get as close as possible to
keeping fracking out of Denton. The authority and power came from the voters in Denton.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 2, 2015
Page 11
Council Member Johnson stated that was what the Council had been doing since the ordinance
passed. Even after finding out that the State had overruled the City, they were still doing
everything possible to enforce the ban within the law.
Council Member Roden suggested noting questions as they were presented and have time after all
of the citizen comments to organize answers to the questions.
Mayor Pro Tem Gregory stated that the oath of office they all took promised to uphold the laws of
the State and the ordinances of City. Now they had an ordinance in conflict with the law of the
State. He was curious to hear suggestions on how deal with regaining more local control given
the realities of HB40
Seifert replied fight fracking in the courts
Cindy Spoon, 2210 Westwood, Denton - table discussion for more time for a decision and
public input.
Council Member Hawkins asked about enacting an ordinance regarding enforcing an ordinance no
longer on the books.
City Attorney Burgess stated that staff was researching that issue.
Jim McKinney, 2019 Crestwood Place, Denton, 76209 - enforce the ban and then challenge
the constitutionality of HB 40; adopt an ordinance using portions of the restrictive ordinances from
Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston and make it more restrictive.
Mayor Pro Tem Gregory asked McKinney if he could pinpoint the provision in the Texas or US
Constitution which made HB40 unconstitutional.
McKinney stated that he did not know that that there was a way to equally enforce the bill without
problems with larger cities.
Mayor Pro Tem Gregory stated that Council was advised as well as DAG that the ban would lose
in Court and questioned how the City would win by losing.
McKinney felt that cities could regulate their zoning especially in terms of health.
Alexandra Ponette, 1600 Highland Park, Denton, 76205 - respect the citizens right to vote,
asked for time and fight was worth fighting for.
Will Weste, 1400 Morim Drive, Denton, 6207 - table consideration at this time; keep the
ordinance on the books.
Amy Taylor, 2026 Sauls Lane, Denton, 76209 — Mayor read her comments as she did not
speak; protect fracking ban and preserve local control
Matthew Fry, 1600 Highland Park, Denton, 76205 — questioned the use of local police to
arrest protestors and felt it should be State police as the State had enacted the ban.
Mayor Pro Tem Gregory asked if he would rather have State police take care of the arrests rather
than local police.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 2, 2015
Page 12
Fry said yes that it would be the worst case scenario but if the State tied their hands then they
needed to take care of it.
Mayor Pro Tem Gregory asked if Fry viewed HB40 as being explicit in preempting municipalities
to ban fracking.
Fry stated that he read it the same way but would like to keep the ordinance on the books and have
another ordinance indicating that it would not be enforced.
Jennifer Hensley, 517 Cardinal, Denton, 76209 — opposed to the proposed repeal of the
fracking ban.
Branden Finley, 806 Denton Street, Denton, 76201 — questioned what the next step was
and the need to fight for local control.
Eugene Hargrove, 2025 Houston Place, Denton, 76201 — felt this was a public trust
obligation issue
Rebecca and Walter Lindrose, 825 Lynhurst Lane, Denton, 76205 — urged the Council to
defend the ban
Michael Briggs, 2311 Houston, Denton — spoke in opposition
Mayor Pro Tem Gregory asked if there were other parts of gas drilling that might be unenforceable
under HB40.
City Attorney Burgess stated that many cities were looking at their ordinances to determine if they
were enforceable as Denton will have to do.
Mayor Pro Tem Gregory asked if there were areas that were more vulnerable than others.
City Attorney Burgess stated that the law was new and everyone was looking at it.
Ed and Carol Soph, 1620 Victoria, Denton, - spoke in opposition
Riley Briggs, 3108 Broken Bow, Denton — spoke in opposition to repealing the ban; he
wanted the ban to stay and Denton to be frack free.
Donna Bloom, 2019 Crestwood Place, Denton - was opposed to repealing the ban.
Mayor Pro Tem Gregory asked Bloom if TxOGA and the Land Commission asked for a summary
judgment, would it be in favor or against Denton.
Bloom stated that she did not deal with that type of law but felt it was overbroad and over stepped.
Mayor Pro Tem Gregory asked what would be won if the legal battle was lost.
Bloom stated that it would win the citizens behind them.
Kelsey Fryman, 701 Fort Worth Drive, Denton, 76201 — spoke in opposition to repealing
the ban.
Kelli Barr, 701 W. Sycamore, Denton, 76201 — spoke in opposition
Kevin Moffitt, 2332 Salado, Denton — was not present but Mayor Watts read his comments
regarding the support of a long term plan to support anti - fracking in Denton.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 2, 2015
Page 13
Paula Collins, 1223 Highland Park Road, Denton — read a letter regarding her opposition
to the proposal
Jodi Ismert, 819 Anna, Denton, 76201 — requested Council table the vote
Jonathan Adams, 2210 Westwood, Denton, 76205 — spoke in opposition to repealing the
ban
Council Member Briggs asked what the effect would be if the ban were removed from the books.
City Attorney Burgess stated that it could be put back on the books in the future through an
initiative process or by action of the Council enacting a ban in the future.
Eric Moll, 2210 Westwood, Denton, 76205 — spoke in opposition
Pauline Raffestin, 2015 Bowling Green, Denton, 76201 — spoke in opposition
Sue Smith, 1819 Crescent, Denton, 76201 — spoke in opposition to repealing the fracking
ban.
Deborah Armintor, 2003 Mistywood, Denton, 76209 — spoke in opposition
Topher Jones, 419 Fulton, Denton, 76201 — spoke in opposition
Mike Sutton3212 Old Orchard, Denton, 76209 — was not present but Mayor Watts noted
that he was in opposition.
Frank Mayhew, 2100 Greenway, Denton, 76207 — spoke in opposition
Sharon Spiess, 7501 Stallion, Denton, 76208 — spoke in opposition
Jonathan Vann, 1803 Wayne, Denton, 76209 — requested to table the discussion for more
time to discuss and get community involvement.
Alison Trapp, 3437 Crisoforo Drive, Denton, 76207 — spoke in opposition
Ashleigh Milam, 1221 West Oak, Denton, 76201 — spoke in opposition
Christopher Fuhrmann, 2924 Longfellow, Denton, 76209 — spoke in opposition
Christine Niblo, 700 N. Austin, Denton, 76201 - was not present but Mayor Watts noted
that she was in opposition.
Rodney Love, 700 N. Austin, Denton, 76201 — spoke in opposition
Tara Linn Hunter, 2210 Westwood, Denton, 76205 — spoke in opposition
Marshall Smith, 2016 Redwood, Denton, 76209 — spoke in opposition
Rachael Sanders, 200 S. Bonnie Brae, Denton, 6201 — spoke in opposition
Sarah Fredericks, 5801 S. Dorchester, Chicago — spoke in opposition
Nicole Chochrek, 1716 Carlton, Denton, 76201 — spoke in opposition
The following individuals submitted Comment Cards in opposition:
Heidi Thiele, 3908 Fawn Drive, Denton, 76208
Justin Lemons, 809 Emery, Denton, 76201
Rachael Sanders, 200 S. Bonnie Brae, Denton, 76201
Michael Hennen, 724 Thomas, Denton, 76201
Sarah Olivares, 2424 W. Oak, Denton, 76201
Holly Garner, 1201 Bolivar, Denton, 76201
Ken Gold, 2512 Natchez Trace, Denton, 76210
Vivian Casper, PO Box 50272, Denton, 76206
Todd Ellis, 3437 Crisoforo, Denton, 76207
Christopher Walker, 805 Emery, Denton, 76201
Sara Nickel, 804 W. Locust, Denton, 76201
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 2, 2015
Page 14
Gillian Murphy, 1905 Whitefish, Denton, 76210
Elizabeth Clinton, 2126 Stella, Denton, 76201
Laura Hernandez, 804 N. Locust, Denton, 76201
Melissa Moffitt, 2332 Salado, Denton, 76209
Dylan Reeves, 6503 Spring Hill, Krum, 76249
Kristin Logue, 6503 Spring Hill, Krum, 76249
Agatha Beins, 1501 Panhandle, Denton, 76201
Stone Curtan, 2015 Bowling Green, Denton, 76207
Jeri Bailey, 620 Pierce, Denton, 76201
Sarah Schulwitz, 1713 Carlton, Denton, 76201
Morgan Larson, 2210 Westwood, Denton, 76205
Jennifer Seman, 501 W. Congress, Denton, 76201
Lisa Bubert, 1606 W. Congress, Denton, 76201
Council discussed the questions that they and the citizens had concerning the proposal.
Questions for discussion included whether the State police could help in the situation of the
protestors, about the value of a second ordinance on the books stating that the current ordinance
would not be enforced, whether the lawsuits would be void if there were not damages, and what
the current ordinance looked like in terms of HB40.
City Attorney Burgess stated that the current ordinance had not taken HB40 into consideration. At
this point, the lawsuits did not address any additional issues and as pleaded was for injunctive
relief.
Council Member Roden questioned what the goal of the Council was. The citizens were asking
what the Council's goal was in regards to gas drilling /fracking in the city of Denton. That would
determine the future drafting of ordinances. There was a need for a significant policy discussion
in the future due to the impact of HB40 on the current ordinance or anticipated changes in
ordinance. Council was struggling to write an ordinance that was commercially reasonable to the
industry.
Mayor Pro Tem Gregory noted that a citizen initiative could be removed by a simple majority vote
of the Council and felt that might need to be reviewed.
Council Member Briggs noted that no one from the gas industry came to the meeting.
Council Member Johnson stated that due to HB40, the conversation had gotten much bigger. There
was now the need to think about others, other issues in terms of fracking such as enforcing
ordinances. The City needed to think about other cities and their rights to enforce their laws.
Council Member Wazny felt that there were three options. The Consent Decree was off the table
because the sides could not agree on the language. A Summary Judgment was frightening as it
could be on multiple levels and the City could lose much of what was in the current ordinance. A
judge could encompass everything and anything as the City was not in control. The third option
was to repeal the ordinance. Adam Briggle and the attorney for DAG recommended repealing the
ordinance. For now HB40 was the law of the land so the City was compromised on what options
were available.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 2, 2015
Page 15
Council Member Briggs felt another option was writing another ordinance; to possibly totally
rewrite the current ordinance due to HB 40.
Mayor Watts stated that he did not want to be constrained by a sense of urgency. He was
uncomfortable bringing the item back in two weeks to have the same discussion all over again. He
felt it was necessary to create a strategy, communicate that strategy and be comfortable with that
strategy. The passage of time might hurt Denton and he was not sure if the course of action had
been defined. He was in favor of taking time to work out the issue and think the process through.
Council Member Briggs motioned to table the item to the June 16th meeting. Mayor Pro Tem
Gregory seconded the motion.
City Attorney Burgess noted that if no action were taken and no motion to postpone, the item
would fail unless the Agenda Committee put it back on a future agenda.
Council Member Johnson stated that if the item were voted on at this meeting and did not pass,
the item would not be continued. It would then give time to flush out needed ideas and when the
time was right repost it to an agenda.
Council Member Hawkins stated that he did not know the ultimate goal and agreed that it might
be best to deny the motion at this meeting. That would provide time to continue to collect data,
look at the legal ramifications and assess it when ready.
City Attorney Burgess stated that if Council took no action, the proposal would fail. Another
option to consider if the Council did not want to take action was to continue it.
Council Member Wazny stated that she was in favor of having the motion withdrawn and have the
proposal not voted on.
Mayor Watts stated that to continue this item to June 16th was mute as in two weeks Council
would be looking for different options. If it was continued there would be the same options as
presented at this meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Gregory stated that the option to explore a different ordinance might find that it
had flaws and a posting to repeal the ordinance might be necessary.
Council Member Roden stated that an issue from the community was that it was posted Thursday
at 5 p.m. which provided only a short time to get engaged in the issue. This would act as a place
holder to avoid any posting that might be different and would provide a level of predictability
Council Member Hawkins questioned what would happen if Council was not ready to act on June
16' and if it would then be continued again.
Council Member Briggs asked about a change in wording.
City Attorney Burgess stated that if the item were continued, it would have the same wording. If
the item failed it would not be continued and then Council could change the wording as listed.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 2, 2015
Page 16
Council Member Briggs withdrew her motion to continue. Mayor Pro Tem Gregory withdrew his
second.
Mayor Watts called for a motion on the item. Hearing no motion, the item failed.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Ordinance No. 2015 -165
A. SD 13 -0003 Hold a public hearing and consider a Special Sign District for the Golden
Triangle Mall. The approximately 69.83 -acre subject property is generally located in
the area bound by South I -35E to the south, San Jacinto Boulevard to the west,
Colorado Boulevard to the north, and South Loop 288 to the east and is located within
a Regional Center Commercial Downtown (RCC -D) zoning district. The Planning and
Zoning Commission recommends approval (7 -0), with conditions.
Aimee Bissett, Interim Director of Planning and Development, stated that this was consideration
of a special sign district for the Golden Triangle Mall. She showed the location map and indicated
that El Fenix, AT &T and Chase Bank were not included in the district. The sign code was
reviewed regarding signs. As written today the Mall could have up to twenty signs. The Special
Sign District request was for a package that had a theme consistent with the recent facade upgrades
and allowed for a sign of greater height and size in exchange for fewer overall ground signs on the
property. The proposal was for six new directional signs and six new entrance signs plus two new
multitenant signs. There would be an entry marker by El Fenix. The proposal met the criteria for
approval. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval.
The Mayor opened the public hearing.
Jim Greenfield, representing the Mall, presented information on the sign district.
Mayor Watts noted that Comment Cards had been received from David Stautz and Matt
Lindemann in support.
The Mayor closed the public hearing.
Council Member Johnson motioned, Council Member Hawkins seconded to adopt the ordinance.
On roll call vote, Mayor Pro Tem Gregory "aye ", Council Member Johnson "aye ", Mayor Watts
"aye ", Council Member Briggs "aye ", Council Member Wazny "aye ", Council Member Roden
"aye ", and Council Member Hawkins "aye ". Motion carried unanimously.
Ordinance No. 2015 -166
B. Z15 -0004 Hold a public hearing and consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of
Denton, Texas, regarding a change in the zoning classification from Regional Center
Residential 2 (RCR -2) zoning district and use classification to a Regional Center
Commercial Neighborhood (RCC -N) zoning district and use classification on
approximately 5.99 acres of land generally located on the west side of I -35 E,
approximately 730 feet south of Lillian B. Miller Parkway in the City of Denton,
Denton County, Texas; adopting an amendment to the City's official zoning map;
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 2, 2015
Page 17
providing for a penalty in the maximum amount of $2,000.00 for violations thereof,
providing a severability clause and an effective date. (Z15- 0004). The Planning and
Zoning Commission recommended approval of this request (7 -0).
Aimee Bissett, Interim Director of Planning and Development, stated that this was a zoning case
for the Southridge Village Shopping Center. She reviewed the location map, zoning map,
proposed and existing zoning, and future land use. The proposal was to allow for indoor
recreational uses with two potential uses as a fitness center and indoor trampoline park. The
criteria for approval which the proposal met and the notification map were reviewed. The Planning
and Zoning Commission and staff recommended approval.
The Mayor opened the public hearing.
No one spoke during the public hearing.
The Mayor closed the public hearing.
Council Member Hawkins motioned, Council Member Briggs seconded to adopt the ordinance.
On roll call vote, Mayor Pro Tem Gregory "aye ", Council Member Johnson "aye ", Mayor Watts
"aye ", Council Member Briggs "aye ", Council Member Wazny "aye ", Council Member Roden
"aye ", and Council Member Hawkins "aye ". Motion carried unanimously.
Ordinance No. 2015 -167
C. 515 -0003 Hold a public hearing and consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of
Denton repealing Ordinance 2013 -328 and approving a Specific Use Permit (SUP) to
allow a Basic Utility, a DME electric substation, on approximately 7.334 acres of land
within a Neighborhood Residential Mixed Use (NRMU) and Neighborhood
Residential Mixed Use 12 (NRMU -12) zoning district classification and use
designation, located on the south side of East McKinney Street, approximately 1,300
feet east of Mack Drive and 450 west of Springtree Street. The Planning and Zoning
Commission recommends approval (7 -0), subject to conditions.
Aimee Bissett, Interim Director of Planning and Development, stated that the Specific Use Permit
would allow for a DME electric substation at the location. She reviewed the location map, zoning
map, background for the property, as well as the site plan. The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommended approval with the condition that a perimeter masonry security wall be constructed
with a minimum height of ten feet.
The Mayor opened the public hearing.
No one spoke during the public hearing.
The Mayor closed the public hearing.
Council Member Roden motioned, Council Member Hawkins seconded to adopt the ordinance.
On roll call vote, Mayor Pro Tem Gregory "aye ", Council Member Johnson "aye ", Mayor Watts
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 2, 2015
Page 18
"aye ", Council Member Briggs "aye ", Council Member Wazny "aye ", Council Member Roden
"aye ", and Council Member Hawkins "aye ". Motion carried unanimously.
Ordinance No. 2015 -168
D. Z15 -0003 Hold a public hearing and consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of
Denton, Texas, regarding a change in the zoning classification from a Regional Center
Commercial Downtown (RCC -D) zoning district and use classification to an
Employment Center Industrial (EC -I) zoning district and use classification on
approximately 6.46 acres of land generally located on the Southeast Corner of
Worthington Drive and Schuyler Street in the City of Denton, Denton County, Texas;
adopting an amendment to the City's official zoning map; providing for a penalty in
the maximum amount of $2,000.00 for violations thereof, providing a severability
clause and an effective date. (Z15 -0003) The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommended approval of this request (7 -0).
Aimee Bissett, Interim Director of Planning and Development, stated that this proposal was for a
medical center addition. She reviewed the location map, future land use map, proposed zoning
map, site photos, criteria for approval, and notification map. The Planning and Zoning Commission
and staff recommended approval.
The Mayor opened the public hearing.
No one spoke during the public hearing.
The Mayor closed the public hearing.
Council Member Johnson motioned, Council Member Roden seconded to adopt the ordinance. On
roll call vote, Mayor Pro Tem Gregory "aye ", Council Member Johnson "aye ", Mayor Watts "aye ",
Council Member Briggs "aye ", Council Member Wazny "aye ", Council Member Roden "aye ", and
Council Member Hawkins "aye ". Motion carried unanimously.
8. CONCLUDING ITEMS
A. Under Section 551.042 of the Texas Open Meetings Act, respond to inquiries from the
City Council or the public with specific factual information or recitation of policy, or
accept a proposal to place the matter on the agenda for an upcoming meeting AND
Under Section 551.0415 of the Texas Open Meetings Act, provide reports about items
of community interest regarding which no action will be taken, to include: expressions
of thanks, congratulations, or condolence; information regarding holiday schedules; an
honorary or salutary recognition of a public official, public employee, or other citizen;
a reminder about an upcoming event organized or sponsored by the governing body;
information regarding a social, ceremonial, or community event organized or
sponsored by an entity other than the governing body that was attended or is scheduled
to be attended by a member of the governing body or an official or employee of the
municipality; or an announcement involving an imminent threat to the public health
and safety of people in the municipality that has arisen after the posting of the agenda.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 2, 2015
Page 19
There were no items suggested by Council.
B. Possible Continuation of Closed Meeting of Closed Meeting topics, above posted
There was no continuation of the Closed Meeting.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:00 a.m.
CHRIS WATTS
MAYOR
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS
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