January 10, 2017 Minutes P.M.
CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
January 10, 2017
After determining that a quorum was present, the City Council convened in a Work Session on
Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Work Session Room at City Hall.
PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tem Roden, Council Member Wazny, Council Member Briggs, Council
Member Hawkins, Council Member Gregory, Council Member Bagheri, and Mayor
Watts.
ABSENT: None.
Mayor Watts announced that Council would be returning to the morning Closed Meeting session
after the Closed Meeting Session on this agenda was completed.
1. Citizen Comments on Consent Agenda Items
Willie Hudspeth spoke regarding the number of items on the Consent Agenda. He requested
Council discuss why there were no African American firefighters.
2. Requests for clarification of agenda items listed on the agenda for January 10, 2017.
Staff responded to Council requests for clarification of the following items:
Council Member Gregory Consent Agenda Items H, L, M, S, T and U.
Mayor Watts - Closed Session Item B regarding the posting of the item
Mayor Watts - Consent Agenda Item K
3. Work Session Reports
Item C was considered first.
C. ID 17-063 Receive a report, hold a discussion and provide direction relating to the proposed
public works contract in the amount of $4,814,000 for the construction of Fire Station 4 to
be located at the corner of Sherman Drive and Kings Row. (RFP 6262 - awarded to Ratliff
Constructors, LP in the amount of $4,814,000).
Mayor Watts expressed his objection again to the process but indicated that he did not want to put
Council and staff through an additional discussion. He did not need the information on the process.
Mayor Pro Tem Roden stated that he would hate to miss the policy implications for future
discussion and suggested holding a work session discussion at a later date.
Council discussed the report provided by the Assistant Fire Chief regarding the building costs, a
policy discussion regarding savings of costs in the future, a discussion on the number of bids
received, and involving the Council more in the costs of these types of projects;
Council returned to the agenda order.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
January 10, 2017
Page 2
A. ID 16-1615 Receive a report; hold a discussion, and give staff direction regarding the
limitation of municipal taxes on homesteads of disabled and elderly (tax freeze).
Chuck Springer, Director of Finance, presented the details of the items. He reviewed the 2016 tax
year exemptions, homestead exemption components; information on the over 65 and disabled
person tax limitations, exemption breakdown for 2016; average value of properties receiving over-
65 exemption; and tax limitation estimated impact.
Council discussed who regulated the homestead exemption amount and whether there were
examples of other cities with a tax freeze that changed their homestead exemption amount; the fact
that the freeze could not be adjusted for income; the value of a home as it was regulated by the
State; the need to understand the long term consequences of such a freeze; that under current state
law the freeze could not be removed once enacted; and growth would make up some of the
reduction in taxes but not enough over the years.
Council directed staff to provide information regarding the proposal on the website.
B. ID 17-005 Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction regarding the Texas
Department of Housing & Community Affairs Tax Credit Program.
Ron Menguita, Long Range Planning Administrator, presented the details on the State tax credit
program. He detailed the provisions of the program in terms of definition and the amount of tax
credit. Three projects had been brought before staff for a tax credit consideration which he detailed
to Council. Options were to approve a resolution of support or take no action for the 9%, the 4%
would be with an approval of a resolution of no objection or no action.
Council discussed qualifications for the consideration of the resolutions; that the developments
must still go through the normal development process; most of these developments were in District
One and was that healthy for development and planning for that area; hold a future work session
on these types of developments as connected with the Denton Housing Authority for workforce
and homeless housing.
Consensus of the Council was to hold a work session before providing direction on support or non-
support of these types of developments. Any decisions would not be made until after the Work
Session presentation by the Denton Housing Authority and a policy discussion on these types of
developments.
Following the completion of the Work Session, the City Council convened in a Closed Meeting to
consider specific items listed below under the Closed Meeting section of this agenda.
1. Closed Meeting:
Before the start of the Closed Meeting, Mayor Watts requested the City Attorney discuss who
could be present during the Closed Meeting discussions.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
January 10, 2017
Page 3
City Attorney Burgess stated that the Closed Meeting belonged to the Council and other than
during Attorney Consultation, Council could determine who could be in the meeting. The subject
matter of the item also helped determine who would be present.
A. ID 16-1480 Deliberations Regarding Certain Public Power Utilities: Competitive Matters -
Under Texas Government Code Section 551.086; Consultation with Attorneys - Under Texas
Government Code, Section 551.071.
Receive a presentation from staff regarding public power competitive and financial matters
pertaining to plans, strategies, opportunities, and developments for generation improvements
to the City’s electric system; discuss and deliberate strategies regarding same; discuss
ancillary operational matters related to the Denton Energy Center including, but not limited
to Information Technology, fiber optic network, water service loop, and wastewater line.
Discuss, deliberate and provide staff with direction. Consultation with the City’s attorneys
regarding legal issues associated with the above matters 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.
B. ID 16-1577 Deliberations Regarding Certain Public Power Utilities: Competitive Matters -
Under Texas Government Code Section 551.086; Consultation with Attorneys - Under Texas
Government Code, Section 551.071.
Receive a presentation from staff regarding public power competitive and financial matters
pertaining to plans, strategies, opportunities, and developments for generation improvements
to the City’s electric system; discuss and deliberate strategies regarding same; discuss and
deliberate opportunities and strategies for the City to amend the scope of work component in
an existing contract that provides engineering, procurement, and construction ("EPC")
services for the Denton Energy Center. Take final action on a modification of the scope of
work portion of the EPC agreement with Burns and McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc.
Consultation with the City’s attorneys regarding legal issues associated with the above
matters 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.
Council Member Gregory motioned, Council Member Hawkins seconded to adopt Ordinance No.
2017-001 in Closed Session. On roll call vote, Mayor Pro Tem Roden "aye", Council Member
Wazny "aye", Council Member Briggs "nay, Council Member Hawkins "aye", Council Member
Gregory "aye", Council Member Bagheri "aye", and Mayor Watts "aye". Motion carried with a 6-
1 vote.
C. ID 16-1610 Deliberations Regarding Certain Public Power Utilities: Competitive Matters -
Under Texas Government Code Section 551.086; Consultation with Attorneys - Under Texas
Government Code, Section 551.071.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
January 10, 2017
Page 4
Receive a presentation from staff regarding public power competitive and financial matters
pertaining to purchased power pricing and other public power information that is contained
in the proposed amendment to the Power Purchase Agreement by and between the City of
Denton, Texas, who is selling power and electric energy services to the Texas Woman’s
University, Denton, Texas; discuss and deliberate strategies regarding same; take final action
on a proposed amendment to the Power Purchase Agreement with Texas Woman’s
University. Consultation with the City’s attorneys regarding legal issues associated with the
above matters 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.
D. ID 17-030 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 in the R. Beaumont
Survey, Abstract No. 31, in the City of Denton, Denton County, Texas; where discussion
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. \[Hickory to Bonnie Brae Transmission Line\]
E. ID 17-036 Deliberations regarding Real Property - Under Texas Government Code, Section
551.072; and Consultation with Attorneys - Under Texas Government Code, Section
551.071.
Discuss, deliberate and receive information from staff and provide staff with direction
pertaining to the potential purchase of certain real property interests out of the Alexander
Hill Survey, Abstract No. 623, in Denton County, Texas, and generally located in the 1000
block of Fort Worth Drive, 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. (Fort Worth Drive Utility Relocations Project - PKR Properties, LP - Parcel 3E)
F. ID 17-051 Deliberations Regarding Certain Public Power Utilities: Competitive Matters -
Under Texas Government Code, Section 551.086; Consultation with Attorneys - Under
Texas Government Code, Section 551.071.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
January 10, 2017
Page 5
Receive a briefing and information pertaining to certain competitive public power and
financial issues regarding Texas Municipal Power Agency ("TMPA") on matters including,
without limitation: present and future plant operations issues, plant and system expenses,
maintenance issues, performance issues, financial issues, reliability issues, planning issues,
and any related issues concerning the City’s interest in, and its business relationship with the
Texas Municipal Power Agency; and discuss, deliberate, and provide Staff with direction
regarding such matters. Consultation with the City’s attorneys regarding legal issues
associated with the above matters 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.
G. ID 17-064 Deliberations Regarding Certain Public Power Utilities: Competitive Matters -
Under Texas Government Code, Section 551.086; and Consultation with Attorneys - Under
Texas Government Code, Section 551.071.
Receive a briefing and information from Denton Municipal Electric ("DME") staff regarding
certain public power competitive, financial and commercial information relating to
transmission cost of service rate setting. Consultation with the City’s attorneys regarding
legal issues where 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 potential litigation. Discuss, deliberate, and provide staff
with direction.
Special Called 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.
2.PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS
A. ID 16-1589 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Mayor Watts presented the proclamation for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
B. ID 17-054 Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
Mayor Watts presented the proclamation for Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.
C. ID 17-043 Human Trafficking Awareness Day
City of Denton City Council Minutes
January 10, 2017
Page 6
Mayor Watts presented the proclamation for Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
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 17-055 Peg Carter regarding the maintenance of the Jim Carter Memorial Park.
Ms. Carter presented information on the lack of maintenance of the Jim Carter Memorial Park.
C. Additional Citizen Reports
1.Willie Hudspeth spoke on the lack of African American fire fighters.
4.CONSENT AGENDA
Council Member Hawkins motioned, Council Member Wazny seconded to approve the Consent
Agenda and accompanying ordinances and resolutions. On roll call vote, Mayor Pro Tem Roden
"aye", Council Member Wazny "aye", Council Member Briggs "aye", Council Member Hawkins
"aye", Council Member Gregory "aye", Council Member Bagheri "aye", and Mayor Watts "aye".
Motion carried unanimously.
Ordinance No. 2017-002
A. ID 16-1614 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas ratifying
the action of the City Manager’s execution of an interlocal agreement dated on or about
December 8, 2016, by and between the City of Denton and the North Central Texas
Council of Governments, for the purpose of consultant assistance to produce
statistically valid survey results regarding public opinion on bicycling and bicycle
infrastructure in the north Texas region; and providing for an effective date.
Ordinance No. 2017-003
B. ID 16-1617 Consider adoption of an ordinance amending Chapter 18 of the Code of
Ordinances to revise the school safety speed zone for Denton High School along
Fulton Street; providing a penalty of a fine not to exceed two hundred dollars
($200.00); providing a severability clause, providing for publication; and declaring
an effective date. The Traffic Safety Commission recommends approval (5-0).
Ordinance No. 2017-004
C. ID 17-001 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton authorizing an
agreement between the City of Denton, Texas and United Way of Denton County, for
expenses related to Lil d NYE; providing for the expenditure of funds therefor; and
providing for an effective date. ($1,350)
City of Denton City Council Minutes
January 10, 2017
Page 7
Ordinance No. 2017-005
D. ID 17-002 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton authorizing an
agreement between the City of Denton, Texas and Fred Moore Day Nursery School,
Inc. for the purpose of the 8th Annual Gospel Brunch; providing for the expenditure
of funds therefor; and providing for an effective date. ($500)
Ordinance No. 2017-006
E. ID 17-004 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas approving
an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Denton and the University of North
Texas (UNT) for planned enhancements to be facilitated through the Texas
Department of Transportation related to the expansion of Interstate 35E, providing
for a fixed contribution by UNT in the amount of $303,914 and a fixed contribution
in the amount of $396,372 by the City of Denton for a total of $700,286, to construct
aesthetic upgrades to North Texas Boulevard to include bent cap logos, bridge
identification logos, medallion signs, landscaping, decorative sidewalks, crosswalks
and lighting, authorizing the expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an effective
date.
Ordinance No. 2017-007
F. ID 17-003 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas approving
a Local Project Advance Funding Agreement between the City of Denton and the
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for planned enhancements related to
the expansion of Interstate 35E, providing for a fixed contribution in the amount of
$700,286.00 to construct aesthetic upgrades to North Texas Boulevard to include bent
cap logos, bridge identification logos, medallion signs, landscaping, decorative
sidewalks, crosswalks and lighting, authorizing the expenditure of funds therefore,
and providing an effective date.
Ordinance No. 2017-008
G. ID 17-006 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas providing
for, authorizing, and approving the purchase of three (3) side load and three (3) front
load refuse bodies for City of Denton Solid Waste Department, which are available
from only one source and in accordance with Chapter 252.022 of the Texas Local
Government Code such purchases are exempt from the requirements of competitive
bidding; and providing an effective date (File 6334-awarded to BTE Body Company
Inc. in the amount of $851,692.55).
Ordinance No. 2017-009
H. ID 17-007 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) excavators, one (1)
dozer and one (1) track loader for the City of Denton Solid Waste Department; and
providing an effective date (File 6336-awarded to Kirby Smith Machinery, Inc. in the
amount of $1,342,955 and Holt Caterpillar in the amount of $547,757.98).
City of Denton City Council Minutes
January 10, 2017
Page 8
Ordinance No. 2017-010
I. ID 17-008 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas
authorizing the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement for
detailed design and engineering services with Graham Associates, Inc. relating to the
widening of and improvement of Bonnie Brae Road from Interstate Highway 35 East
to North of Scripture Road in an amount not to exceed $900,256.25; providing for the
expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an effective date (File 6285-awarded to
Graham Associates, Inc. in an amount not-to-exceed $900,256.25).
Ordinance No. 2017-011
J. ID 17-009 Consider adoption of an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute
a professional services agreement for detailed design and engineering services
relating to the North Texas Boulevard at Interstate Highway 35 East Roundabout
Project; providing for the expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an effective
date (File 6286-awarded to Graham Associates, Inc. in an amount not-to-exceed
$309,704.55).
Ordinance No. 2017-012
K. ID 17-010 Consider adoption of an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute
a professional services agreement for legal services related to the permitting of the
proposed expansion of the City’s landfill and for general environmental legal
services; providing for the expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an effective
date (File 6288-awarded to Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend, P.C., in an
amount not-to-exceed $715,000). The Public Utilities Board recommends approval
(6-0).
Ordinance No. 2017-013
L. ID 17-011 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas authorizing
the approval of a third amendment to a Professional Services Agreement for
engineering and design services relating to the Mayhill Road Widening and
Improvements project, by and between Freese and Nichols, Inc. and the City of
Denton, Texas; providing for the expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an
effective date (File 4511-providing for an additional expenditure amount not-to-
exceed $602,590, with the total contract amount not-to-exceed $5,643,332).
Ordinance No. 2017-014
M. ID 17-013 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas providing
for, authorizing, and approving a sixty (60) day pilot program for the installation and
operation of Routeware fleet management software (to be integrated with the
current Paradigm management software) on ten (10) refuse trucks, which is available
from only one source and in accordance with Chapter 252.022 of the Texas Local
Government Code such purchases are exempt from the requirements of competitive
bidding; and providing an effective date (File 6329 awarded to Routeware in the
amount of $39,900 and Paradigm Software, LLC in the amount of $26,200 for a total
not-to-exceed amount of $66,100). The Public Utilities Board recommends approval
(6-0).
City of Denton City Council Minutes
January 10, 2017
Page 9
Ordinance No. 2017-015
N. ID 17-014 Consider adoption of an ordinance accepting competitive proposals and
awarding a contract to recycle electronic materials such as cell phones, laptops,
tablets, desktop personal computers, televisions, monitors, printers, copiers, etc.;
providing for the expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an effective date (RFP
6180-awarded to Universal Recycling Technologies, LLC in the three (3) year not-
to-exceed amount of $120,000). The Public Utilities Board recommends approval (6-
0).
Ordinance No. 2017-016
O. ID 17-016 Consider adoption of an ordinance accepting competitive proposals and
awarding a contract for the supply of reinforced concrete pipe and concrete box
culverts; providing for the expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an effective
date (RFP 6150-awarded to Forterra Pipe & Precast, LLC in the three (3) year not-to-
exceed amount of $2,000,000).
Ordinance No. 2017-017
P. ID 17-017 Consider adoption of an ordinance accepting competitive proposals and
awarding a contract for Employment Physicals, and Drug and Alcohol Testing
Services for the City of Denton; and providing an effective date (RFP 6205-awarded
to Primary Health Inc. dba CareNow in the three (3) year not-to-exceed amount of
$207,000).
Ordinance No. 2017-018
Q. ID 17-019 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas prohibiting
parking on opposite sides of Underwood Street from Avenue B to Collier Street;
providing a repealer clause, providing a savings clause; providing for a penalty not to
exceed $500 for violations of this ordinance, providing that violations of this
ordinance shall be governed by Chapter 18 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of
Denton, and providing for an effective date. The Traffic Safety Commission
recommends Option 1(6-0).
Ordinance No. 2017-019
R. ID 17-031 Consider adoption of an ordinance authorizing the City Manager of the
City of Denton, Texas ("City") to execute, for and on behalf of the City, an Easement
Purchase agreement ("Agreement"), as attached to the Ordinance and made a part
thereof as Exhibit "A", for the purchase price of One Hundred Eighteen Thousand
One Hundred Fifteen Dollars and No Cents ($118,115.00), and other consideration,
as prescribed in the Agreement by and between the City and PKR Properties, LP
providing for the granting to the City of (i) a water and sanitary sewer easement,
encumbering a 0.2614 acre tract of land being more particularly described in the
Water and Sanitary Sewer Easement, being attached to and made a part of the
Agreement; and (ii) a temporary construction easement, encumbering 0.1056 acre of
land, being more particularly described in the Temporary Construction Easement,
being attached to and made a part of the Agreement; all tracts of real property being
in the William Daniel Survey, Abstract No. 378, generally located in the 1000 block
of Fort Worth Drive; authorizing the expenditure of funds, providing a savings clause;
City of Denton City Council Minutes
January 10, 2017
Page 10
and providing an effective date. (Fort Worth Drive Utility Relocations Project - Parcel
3E)
Ordinance No. 2017-020
S. ID 17-032 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas providing
for, authorizing, and approving the purchase of one (1) compressed natural gas rear
loader refuse body for the Solid Waste Department, which is available from only one
source and in accordance with Chapter 252.022 of the Texas Local Government Code
such purchases are exempt from the requirements of competitive bidding; and
providing an effective date (File 6335 awarded to McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing
Co. in the amount of $77,935).
Ordinance No. 2017-021
T. ID 17-052 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas providing
for, authorizing, and approving the purchase of precast concrete Alphabloc materials
for the City of Denton Solid Waste and Recycling Department’s Building Materials
Recovery Processing Facility which are available from only one source and in
accordance with Chapter 252.022 of the Texas Local Government Code such
purchases are exempt from the requirements of competitive bidding; and providing
an effective date (File 6106 awarded to Tricon Precast Limited in the three (3) year
not-to-exceed amount of $300,000).
Ordinance No. 2017-022
U. ID 17-053 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas providing
for, authorizing, and approving the purchase of mega-block wall systems for
additional phases of the City of Denton landfill screening wall, which are available
from only one source and in accordance with Chapter 252.022 of the Texas Local
Government Code such purchases are exempt from the requirements of competitive
bidding; and providing an effective date (File 6331 awarded to Stone Strong of Texas
in the three (3) year not-to-exceed amount of $900,000).
5.ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION - CONSIDERATION OF THE USE
OF EMINENT DOMAIN TO CONDEMN REAL PROPERTY INTERESTS
A. ID 16-1624 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton finding that a
public use and necessity exists to acquire an easement for 0.075 acre tract of land
situated in the R. Beaumont Survey, Abstract No. 31, City of Denton, Denton County,
Texas, and of the Real Property Records of Denton County, Texas ("Property
Interests"), for the public use of, expansion, construction, maintenance, and operation
of an electric transmission lines, ancillary facilities and structures, including drainage
and access; authorizing the City Manager, acting City Manager, or his designee, to
make initial and final offers to execute an easement, between the City of Denton,
Texas ("City"), as grantee, and Gregory Paul Rowlett ("Owner"), as grantor, to
acquire the Property Interests for the total purchase price of $23,744.00, and other
consideration; authorizing the filing of eminent domain proceedings to acquire the
City of Denton City Council Minutes
January 10, 2017
Page 11
Property Interests if the final offer is not accepted; authorizing the expenditure of
funds; and providing an effective date. \[Hickory to Bonnie Brae Transmission Line\]
This item was not considered.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. ID 17-056 Hold a public hearing pursuant to the procedural requirements of Sec. 4.07
of the Denton City Charter regarding the certified petition concerning a tax freeze for
persons who are disabled and persons who are sixty-five (65) years of age or older,
who receive a homestead exemption on the property subject to the tax
ceiling/limitation.
City Attorney Burgess presented information for both Items 6A and 7A regarding the submission
and certification of a tax freeze petition for seniors and the disabled. She explained that the City
Council was required by State statute to call an election.
7.ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
Ordinance No. 2017-023
A. ID 17-024 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton calling a special
election for May 6, 2017 in order to submit to the voters of the City of Denton a
proposition regarding the adoption of a ceiling or limitation on the City’s Ad Valorem
Tax Levy, applying to persons who are disabled and persons who are sixty-five (65)
years of age or older, who receive a homestead exemption on the property subject to
the tax ceiling/limitation; making provisions for conducting the election and
addressing other matters related to the special election; providing a severability
clause; providing an open meetings clause; and providing an effective date.
The following individuals submitted Speaker Cards either for the above Public Hearing or for this
item:
Michael Hennen – opposed
Don Duff – support
Willie Hudspeth – opposed
Alfred Sanchez – opposed
Larry Wilson - opposed
Elma Walker – support
Bruce Walker – support
Deb Armintor – opposed
Shirley Johnson – support
Shirley Martin – support
Gary Paske– support
Prudence Sanchez – opposed
Paul Meltzer – opposed
City of Denton City Council Minutes
January 10, 2017
Page 12
Council Member Wazny motioned, Council Member Gregory seconded to adopt the ordinance.
On roll call vote, Mayor Pro Tem Roden "aye", Council Member Wazny "aye", Council Member
Briggs "aye", Council Member Hawkins "aye", Council Member Gregory "aye", Council Member
Bagheri "aye", and Mayor Watts "aye". Motion carried unanimously.
B. ID 16-1621 Consider nominations/appointments to the City’s Boards and
Commissions: Airport Advisory Board; Parks, Recreation and Beautification Board;
and Zoning Board of Adjustment.
The following nominations were made by Council:
Airport Advisory Board – Mayor Watts nominated Bob Tickner.
Parks, Recreation and Beautification Board – Council Member Gregory nominated Johanna
McDaniel.
Council Member Gregory motioned, Council Member Wazny seconded to approve the
nominations. On roll call vote, Mayor Pro Tem Roden "aye", Council Member Wazny "aye",
Council Member Briggs "aye", Council Member Hawkins "aye", Council Member Gregory "aye",
Council Member Bagheri "aye", and Mayor Watts "aye". Motion carried unanimously.
Ordinance No. 2017-024
C. ID 17-049 Consider adoption of an ordinance accepting competitive proposals and
awarding a public works contract for the construction of the Fire Station 4 to be
located at the corner of Sherman Drive and Kings Row, Denton, Texas; providing for
the expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an effective date (RFP 6262-awarded
to Ratliff Constructors, LP in the amount of $4,814,000).
Willie Hudspeth spoke regarding the lack of African American firefighters along with the cost of
the proposed fire station.
Mayor Pro Tem Roden motioned, Council Member Wazny seconded to adopt the ordinance. On
roll call vote, Mayor Pro Tem Roden "aye", Council Member Wazny "aye", Council Member
Briggs "aye", Council Member Hawkins "aye", Council Member Gregory "aye", Council Member
Bagheri "aye", and Mayor Watts "nay". Motion carried with a 6-1 vote.
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
City of Denton City Council Minutes
January 10, 2017
Page 13
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 Wazny requested a Work Session on Closed Meetings, specifically subject
matter, procedures and people in attendance.
Council Member Wazny requested a discussion on the City Attorney vacancy in terms of selection
of an interim city attorney, and on procedures for filling the position.
Council Member Hawkins noted that there were lights out around Unicorn Lake.
Council Member Briggs requested a staff report on the history of diversity of public safety
positions.
Council Member Briggs requested a Work Session on a current livable wage.
Council Member Bagheri requested evaluation criteria for the delinquent tax collection contract.
Mayor Watts requested a Work Session regarding the Denton Housing Authority and partnerships
with developers for transitional housing and workforce housing.
Mayor Watts requested information on a settlement statement on the Brinker Substation.
Mayor Watts requested a Work Session on the construction process for city facilities.
Mayor Watts requested an update from the Development Code Review Committee.
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.
_______________________________
CHRIS WATTS
MAYOR
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS
_______________________________
JENNIFER WALTERS
CITY SECRETARY
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS