June 07, 2016 Minutes
CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 7, 2016
After determining that a quorum was present, the City Council convened in a Work Session on
Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Work Session Room at City Hall.
Members of the Public Utilities Board of the City of Denton attended and participated in Work
Session Item 3A and Closed Meeting item 1A.
PRESENT: Council Member Hawkins, Council Member Briggs, Council Member Wazny,
Mayor Watts, Mayor Pro Tem Roden, Council Member Gregory, and Council
Member Bagheri.
ABSENT: None.
1. Citizen Comments on Consent Agenda Items
There were no citizen comments on Consent Agenda Items.
2. Requests for clarification of agenda items listed on the agenda for June 7, 2016.
City Manager Campbell stated that a written request from the developer for 7C had been received
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to open and then continue the item to the June 21 meeting. If there were speakers on that item,
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they could be allowed to speak and then continue the Public Hearing to June 21.
Mayor Pro Tem Roden asked about Individual Item C, nominations to the Zoning Board of
Adjustment. He questioned if the practice was to automatically move an alternate member up to
a regular position.
City Attorney Burgess stated that as a matter of practice, there was an attempt to move alternates
to regular positions. However, these were nominations by individual council members with the
approved of the whole Council. It was not mandatory but had been the practice in the past.
Mayor Watts asked about Consent Agenda Item E, the TMPA joint operating agreement. There
had been a draft at the TMPA Board and he questioned how much expenses had been incurred so
far and why was it anticipate that more money would be needed.
City Attorney Burgess stated that the outstanding bill had not yet been paid. This request would
cover the finishing touches on the project.
3. Work Session Reports
A. ID 16-641 Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction regarding the study
and analysis by Brattle Group, Inc. of the Renewable Denton Plan and activities related to
the future power supply for Denton.
City Manager Campbell stated that this item had also been posted for Closed Session if needed.
He presented background information on the Denton Renewable Plan detailing the direction of the
Plan, public meetings and scope of the work for the Brattle Group. The Council had received an
Executive Summary of the report with the final report to be completed by the end of the week.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 7, 2016
Page 2
Ira Shavel, Brattle Group, reviewed the scope of the project which included analysis of the RDP,
alternative options and an independent economic feasibility assessment of the RDP. He detailed
the information concerning the RDP consisting of renewable purchase power agreements and the
Denton Energy Center.
Council discussed a qualified scheduling entity, an energy management operation, how to
benchmark savings moving forward, definitions of ancillary services, length of contracts, and
number of units needed.
Shavel continued with the analysis of the RDP. He stated that the analysis compared three
potential power supply strategies and used two different scenarios for future power prices. The
analysis confirmed that the RDP DEC strategy was the most cost effective option among the three
strategies. The conclusion was that the RDP should lower customer costs, reduce fossil fuel
consumption and reduce air emissions compared to the status quo. Twelve units were the best size
for DEC from both the operational and economic perspectives and the Study recommended the
plan as proposed. He noted the timing was ripe for this project due to the economy to proceed
with the facility.
Council convened in Closed Meeting at 3:20 p.m. to consider the following:
A. ID 16-645 Deliberations Regarding Certain Public Power Utilities: Competitive
Matters - Under Texas Government Code Section 551.086. Receive a presentation
from Brattle Group, Inc regarding the Renewable Denton Plan, including public
power competitive and financial matters pertaining to plans, strategies, opportunities,
and developments for generation improvements to the DME system; discuss and
deliberate strategies regarding same; discuss and deliberate opportunities and
strategies for the City to acquire purchased power and enter into agreements regarding
the same, in order to meet its future energy needs. Discuss, deliberate and provide
Staff with direction.
Council reconvened in Open Session at 4:30 p.m. and continued discussion of Work Session 3A.
Council discussed air emissions and air quality.
Mayor Pro Tem Roden asked if staff was ready to move forward with the proposal.
City Manager Campbell stated that an additional Work Session could be scheduled if needed on
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June 14 plus a Closed Meeting with a recommendation on June 21 or consideration of Notice of
Intent to move forward.
Consensus of the Council was to move forward with the Renewable Plan, determine what funding
mechanism was going to be used; or modify the RDP plan into another format; maintenance of the
units; and the wording on a resolution concerning renewables.
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June 7, 2016
Page 3
B. ID 16-677 Receive a report, hold a discussion and give staff direction regarding the
amendment of Chapter 18, Section 18-38, of the Code of Ordinances, Use of Wireless
Communication Devices While Driving.
Lee Howell, Police Chief, presented the proposal to prohibit all wireless communication devices
in the City in any location. He reviewed background information on how the issue got to this point
and provided information on wireless device crash factors.
Council discussed the difficulty of talking on the phone vs texting and the burden of proof,
ticketing for crashes was not always possible, enforcement of this specific issue as opposed to
other distractions in a car, and the need to provide for specific areas in the city prohibiting wireless
devices rather than city-wide. Council requested data from other cities that had bans and how
effective they were.
Following the completion of the Work Session, the City Council convened in a Closed Meeting at
5:45 p.m. to consider the specific items listed below under the Closed Meeting section of this
agenda.
1. Closed Meeting:
B. ID 16-639 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 and discuss, deliberate, and provide staff with
direction regarding the potential acquisition of real property interests related to the
location and siting of electric transmission lines in an area bounded by Fort Worth
Drive and Elm St. (western boundary), Robertson Street (northern boundary), the
DART/D.C.T.A rail corridor (eastern boundary), Inman St. with an easterly
projection to Spencer Rd. (southern boundary) and being located within the W.
Loving Survey, Abstract No. 759; the H. Sisco Survey, Abstract No. 1184; the S.
Hiram Survey, Abstract No. 616; the W. Teague Survey, Abstract No. 1266; the M.
Austin Survey, Abstract No. 4; the J. Taft Survey, Abstract No. 1256; the R. Hopkins,
Abstract No. 1694; and the A. Hill Survey, Abstract 623, lying within the City of
Denton, Denton County, Texas. Consultation with the City’s attorneys regarding
legal issues associated with the acquisition of the real property interests described
above where a discussion of these legal matters in an open meeting 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, or where discussions had, deliberation, and
direction given, by the Denton City Council in an open meeting would have a
detrimental effect on the position of the governmental body in negotiations with a
third party. \[Spencer to Locust Transmission Route\]
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June 7, 2016
Page 4
C. ID 16-657 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 and discuss, deliberate, and provide staff with
direction regarding the potential acquisition of real property interests located between
Western Blvd. and Lot 1, Block 1, of the R D Wells Interchange Addition, an Addition
to the City of Denton, Denton County, Texas according to plat recorded at Page 169,
Cabinet Y, Plat Records of Denton County, Texas; discussions had, deliberation, and
direction given, by the Denton City Council in an open meeting would have a
detrimental effect on the position of the governmental body in negotiations with a
third party. Consultation with the City’s attorneys regarding legal issues associated
with the acquisition of the real property interests described above; discussion of these
legal matters in an open meeting 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. \[Easement
related to the R.D. Wells Substation\]
D. ID 16-668 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
pertaining to the potential acquisition of real property interests in the Hiram Sisco
Survey, Abstract No. 1184, Denton County, Texas, and generally located in area
bounded to the north by East Hickory Street; to the south by East Prairie Street; to the
west by South Bell Avenue; and to the east by the Pecan Creek tributary, City of
Denton, Texas. Consultation with the City’s attorneys regarding legal issues
associated with the potential acquisition or condemnation of the real property interests
described above 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. (Downtown Denton property tracts) \[no action item\]
Council Member Hawkins left the meeting.
Regular Meeting of the City of Denton City Council 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.
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June 7, 2016
Page 5
2.PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS
A. ID 16-608 Presentation to retiring Police Department officer, Virginia Nichols, from
the Children’s Advocacy Center.
Dan Leal, Children's Advocacy Center, made the presentation to Virginia Nichols.
B. ID 16-638 Colonel Wesley C. Reed Day
Mayor Watts presented the proclamation for Colonel Wesley C. Reed Day.
C. ID 16-689 Youth Peace Day International
Mayor Watts presented the proclamation for Youth Peace Day International.
Mayor Watts announced that Public Hearing 7C had been continued to the June 21st meeting. The
public hearing would be opened and citizens would be allowed to speak.
3. PRESENTATION FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
A. Review of procedures for addressing the City Council. B. Receive Scheduled Citizen
Reports from Members of the Public.
1. ID 16-662 Ed Soph regarding residential electric rates.
Mr. Soph did not make his citizen report.
2. ID 16-663 Larry Beck presenting citizen letters opposing the proposed gas plants.
Mr. Beck spoke on the Brattle Group study presented at the Work Session. He submitted citizen
letters opposing the proposed gas plants.
3. ID 16-669 Max Folmar regarding traffic conditions in the City and Customer Service
billing procedures.
Mr. Folmar spoke on practices by Customer Service and notices regarding rate changes. He
suggested including them in billing statements for those customers who do not take the local paper
or use the Internet. He also suggested a category of customers for retired/disabled with a fixed due
date.
C. Additional Citizen Reports
1.Ken Gold spoke on the RDP and having citizens vote on the plan.
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June 7, 2016
Page 6
4.CONSENT AGENDA
Council Member Gregory motioned, Mayor Pro Tem Roden seconded to adopt the Consent
Agenda and accompanying ordinances and resolutions. On roll call vote, Council Member Briggs
"aye", Council Member Wazny "aye", Mayor Watts "aye", Mayor Pro Tem Roden "aye", Council
Member Gregory "aye", and Council Member Bagheri "aye". Motion carried unanimously.
Approved the minutes listed below.
A. ID 16-623 Consider approval of the minutes of March 1, March 3, March 22, March
28 Forum, April 4, April 4 Forum, April 5, April 6 Forum, April 12, April 21 Forum,
April 23 Forum, April 25 Forum, and April 26, 2016.
Resolution No. R2016-013
B. ID 16-628 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 2016 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.
Ordinance No. 2016-150
C. ID 16-664 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton authorizing an
agreement between the City of Denton, Texas and Denton County Friends of the
Family for the purpose of shelter and outreach services; providing for the expenditure
of funds therefor; and providing for an effective date. ($400)
Ordinance No. 2016-151
D. ID 16-670 Consider adoption of an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute
a Cooperative Purchasing Program Agreement with the City of Watauga, Texas under
Section 271.102 of the Local Government Code, to authorize City of Denton contracts
for the purchase of various goods and services; authorizing the expenditure of funds
therefor; and declaring an effective date (File 6141-Cooperative Purchasing Program
Agreement with the City of Watauga).
Ordinance No. 2016-152
E. ID 16-671 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas
authorizing the City Manager to execute a Second Supplement to a Professional
Services Agreement by and between the City of Denton, Texas and the law firm of
Cole Schotz, P.C., Dallas, Texas for legal services relating to transactional and
regulatory work pertaining to the Texas Municipal Power Agency; providing for
additional expenditure authority of not-to-exceed $150,000; providing an effective
date. (File 5380 in the additional amount not-to-exceed $150,000, aggregating a total
not-to-exceed $399,500). The Public Utilities Board recommends approval (7-0).
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 7, 2016
Page 7
Ordinance No. 2016-153
F. ID 16-672 Consider adoption of an ordinance accepting competitive proposals and
awarding a contract for Landscape and Sod Replacement Services for various City
departments; providing for the expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an
effective date (RFP 6098-awarded to Classic Landscapes, Inc. in the three (3) year
not-to-exceed amount of $500,000).
Ordinance No. 2016-154
G. ID 16-673 Consider adoption of an ordinance accepting competitive proposals and
awarding a contract for plumbing services for City of Denton; providing for the
expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an effective date (RFP 6004-awarded to
CBS Mechanical Services, Inc. in a three (3) year amount not to exceed $450,000).
Ordinance No. 2016-155
H. ID 16-676 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City Council of the City of
Denton, Texas, authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services
Agreement for architectural design services for the design of the City of Denton
Regional Public Safety Training Facility Project outside training facility additions
including a burn tower, outdoor training classroom, concrete pads for the Flash
Chamber, Class A burn props and a propane tank to be located at 4201 Vintage
Parkway; providing for the expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an effective
date (File 6140 awarded to Pierce Goodwin Alexander and Linville, Inc. dba PGAL
in the not-to-exceed amount of $192,060).
Ordinance No. 2016-156
I. ID 16-681 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas approving
a second amendment to a Non-Annexation Agreement between the City of Denton,
Jean Ann Baker and Ryan Capital Partners, Ltd.; and providing an effective date.
Ordinance No. 2016-157
J. ID 16-697 Consider adoption of an ordinance approving an agreement between the
City of Denton and Dallas MTA, L.P. d/b/a Verizon Wireless regarding an in building
wireless installation at 608 E. Hickory St., Suite 128 ("Rail Yard Business Incubator
Project"); and providing an effective date.
5.ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION - CONSIDERATION OF THE USE
OF EMINENT DOMAIN TO CONDEMN REAL PROPERTY INTERESTS
6.ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
Ordinance No. 2016-158
A. ID 16-472 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas, on second
reading to involuntarily annex approximately 2.1021 acres of land, contained in one
(1) of the fifteen (15) annexation areas, specifically land located within DH14;
providing for a penalty in the maximum amount of $2000.00 for violations thereof,
severability and an effective date.
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June 7, 2016
Page 8
Aimee Bissett, Director of Development Services, presented background information on the
ordinance. This was a second reading of the ordinance for involuntary annexation. The property
was being annexed as it was an isolated tract completely surrounded by the City. She read the
ordinance caption into the record.
Mayor Pro Tem Roden motioned, Council Member Gregory seconded to adopt the ordinance. On
roll call vote, Council Member Briggs "aye", Council Member Wazny "aye", Mayor Watts "aye",
Mayor Pro Tem Roden "aye", Council Member Gregory "aye", and Council Member Bagheri
"aye". Motion carried unanimously.
Ordinance No. 2016-159
B. ID 16-675 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas, on second
reading to involuntarily annex approximately 712 acres of land, contained in one (1)
of the fifteen (15) annexation areas, specifically land located within PAA4; providing
for a penalty in the maximum amount of $2000.00 for violations thereof, severability
and an effective date.
Aimee Bissett, Director of Development Services, presented the background information on the
second reading of the annexation ordinance. A non-annexation agreement was offered to the
property owner but the owner did not sign the agreement. She read the ordinance caption into the
record.
Council Member Gregory motioned, Mayor Pro Tem Roden seconded to adopt the ordinance. On
roll call vote, Council Member Briggs "aye", Council Member Wazny "aye", Mayor Watts "aye",
Mayor Pro Tem Roden "aye", Council Member Gregory "aye" and Council Member Bagheri
"nay". Motion carried with a 5-1 vote.
C. ID 16-688 Consider nominations/appointments to the City’s Boards and
Commissions: Parks, Recreation and Beautification Board; Public Art Committee;
and Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Council Member Bagheri nominated Ed Steele for the Public Art Committee. Council Member
Wazny nominated David Higgins for the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Willie Hudspeth spoke regarding the appointments. He felt diversity was needed on the
boards/commissions.
Mayor Pro Tem Roden motioned, Council Member Wazny seconded to approve the nominations.
On roll call vote, Council Member Briggs "aye", Council Member Wazny "aye", Mayor Watts
"aye", Mayor Pro Tem Roden "aye", Council Member Gregory "aye", and Council Member
Bagheri "aye". Motion carried unanimously.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Ordinance No. 2016-160
A. ID 16-429 Hold a public hearing and consider adoption of an ordinance granting
approval, in accordance with Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, of the
City of Denton City Council Minutes
June 7, 2016
Page 9
non-park use of a part of North Lakes Park for the purpose of installing and
maintaining an electric transmission, distribution, and communication line for the
City’s Electric Utility Infrastructure Upgrade Project; providing for a notice by the
City of Denton, Texas of non-park use for installation and maintenance of electric
transmission, distribution, and communication line and reservation of easement in the
event of sale of park; and providing an effective date. The Parks, Recreation and
Beautification Board recommends approval (5-0).
The Mayor opened the public hearing.
Jim Mays, Superintendent of Planning and Construction, presented the details of the ordinance
which would grant approval of a non-park use of a part of North Lakes Park. The purpose would
be for installing and maintaining an electric transmission, distribution, and communication line for
the Electric Utility Infrastructure Update Project. Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code
required the public hearing.
Willie Hudspeth spoke in opposition.
The Mayor closed the public hearing.
Mayor Pro Tem Roden motioned, Council Member Bagheri seconded to adopt the ordinance. On
roll call vote, Council Member Briggs "aye", Council Member Wazny "aye", Mayor Watts "aye",
Mayor Pro Tem Roden "aye", Council Member Gregory "aye", and Council Member Bagheri
"aye". Motion carried unanimously.
Ordinance No. 2016-161
B. ID 16-650 Hold a public hearing and consider adoption of an ordinance granting
approval, in accordance with Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, of the
non-park use of a part of Northpointe Park for the purpose of installing and
maintaining an electric transmission, distribution, and communication line for the
City’s Electric Utility Infrastructure Upgrade Project; providing for a notice by the
City of Denton, Texas of non-park use for installation and maintenance of electrical
transmission, distribution, and communication line and reservation of easement in the
event of sale of park; and providing an effective date. The Parks, Recreation and
Beautification Board recommends approval (5-0).
The Mayor opened the public hearing.
Jim Mays, Superintendent of Planning and Construction, presented the details of the ordinance
which would grant approval of a non-park use of a part of North Lakes Park. The purpose would
be for installing and maintaining an electric transmission, distribution, and communication line for
the Electric Utility Infrastructure Update Project. Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code
required the public hearing.
Willie Hudspeth spoke in opposition.
The Mayor closed the public hearing.
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June 7, 2016
Page 10
Council Member Wazny motioned, Council Member Briggs seconded to adopt the ordinance. On
roll call vote, Council Member Briggs "aye", Council Member Wazny "aye", Mayor Watts "aye",
Mayor Pro Tem Roden "aye", Council Member Gregory "aye", and Council Member Bagheri
"aye". Motion carried unanimously.
C. Z16-0003a Hold a public hearing and consider adoption of an ordinance of the City
of Denton, Texas, regarding a rezoning request from Neighborhood Residential 3
District (NR-3) to Neighborhood Residential 6 District (NR-6) on approximately 0.6
acres, located on the northeast corner of North Bell Avenue and East Windsor Drive;
and providing for a penalty in the maximum amount of $2,000.00 for violations
thereof; providing a severability clause and an effective date. The Planning and
Zoning Commission recommends approval 4-2. (Z16-0003).
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The Mayor opened the public hearing and noted that the item would be moved to the June 21
meeting.
No one spoke during the public hearing.
Council Member Gregory motioned, Council Member Wazny seconded to postpone the item to
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the June 21 meeting. On roll call vote, Council Member Briggs "aye", Council Member Wazny
"aye", Mayor Watts "aye", Mayor Pro Tem Roden "aye", Council Member Gregory "aye", and
Council Member Bagheri "aye". Motion carried unanimously.
8. PRESENTATION FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
A. Review of procedures for addressing the City Council. B. Receive Scheduled Citizen
Reports from Members of the Public.
1. ID 16-661 William Jones regarding trespassing by Code Enforcement and
Environmental Services personnel.
Mr. Jones presented a photo of their trailer that was torn down and requested consideration from
Council.
2. ID 16-629 Willie Hudspeth regarding the lack of hiring black firefighters, the
ethics ordinance, and the hiring of a city auditor.
Mr. Hudspeth spoke against speakers at the end of the council meetings and the lack of hiring of
African American firefighters.
9. 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
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June 7, 2016
Page 11
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
Council Member Gregory requested an Informal Staff Report regarding hiring requirements for
the Fire Department and when changes went into effect.
Council Member Gregory asked about amending the procedures for speaking at the meetings with
no presentations at the end of meetings and no open mic segments.
Council Member Briggs asked about the regulations for speaking at the end of meetings.
Council Member Briggs requested a report on economic development incentives to local small
businesses.
Council Member Wazny questioned when the compensation study would be forwarded to Council.
Council Member Wazny requested that the ethics ordinance be placed back on an agenda.
Council Member Wazny requested consideration of a property tax freeze for individuals over 65.
Mayor Watts requested Customer Service contact Mr. Folmar regarding the due date on his bill
and report on due date changes.
B. Possible Continuation of Closed Meeting topics, above posted.
There was no continuation of the Closed Meeting.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
____________________________________
CHRIS WATTS
MAYOR
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS
____________________________________
JENNIFER WALTERS
CITY SECRETARY
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS