May 09, 2017 minutes
CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
May 9, 2017
After determining that a quorum was present, the City Council convened in a Work Session on
Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at 2:00 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, and Mayor Watts.
ABSENT: Council Member Bagheri
1. Citizen Comments on Consent Agenda Items
Mayor Watts noted that Comment Cards in opposition to Consent Agenda Item 1B had been
submitted by Buddy Dobson and Mrs. Buddy Dobson.
Willie Hudspeth spoke regarding the reasons for his topics of discussion during the agenda item
for Consent Agenda items. He also spoke on Consent Agenda Item 1C.
Susie Autry spoke regarding Consent Agenda Item 1B and the process for determining the location
of the site.
Council Member Bagheri arrived at the meeting.
Mayor Watts requested clarification of Consent Agenda Item 1B in terms of Council discussion.
Council Member Briggs requested Consent Agenda Item 1B be pulled for individual consideration.
2. Work Session Reports
A. ID 17-587 Receive a report, hold a discussion, and provide staff direction regarding Shiloh
Village and the concept of community housing (co-housing).
Pat Smith presented details regarding Shiloh Village and the concept of shared living spaces. He
reviewed the vision and mission of the project. The process of developing the project and the
proposed governance structure were presented. The proposed layout of the project was noted as
well at the next steps in the process.
Ron Menguita, Long Range Planning Administrator, provided background information on the
project and the co-housing concept. Options for consideration were provided to Council. Staff
was recommending an Overlay District in order to allow the project to move forward and reviewed
the details of an overlay district.
Council discussed whether the proposal as presented related to tiny houses in other areas of the
city; would an overlay district provide protection for long range management issues; types of
infrastructure that would be required for the units and the main units in the project; and whether
this was a premature request for Council direction at this time due to new council members coming
to Council in the near future and the need to have community input on such a proposal.
Consensus of the Council was to move forward with community engagement both with adjacent
neighborhoods and city-wide plus consider the sustainability of the project through the years.
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May 9, 2017
Page 2
B. ID 17-589 Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction regarding
redevelopment of the property at 101 S. Locust Street (Wells Fargo Building).
Caroline Booth, Director of Economic Development, presented the background information on the
proposed redevelopment of the Wells Fargo Building. Three scenarios for redevelopment were
reviewed. Revenue comparisons for the building only, actual site and large site option were
presented.
Council discussed that the number of proposed public parking spaces was not acceptable; updating
the Wells Fargo building and providing a hotel in the downtown area would be welcomed;
continued discussion was needed regarding parking in the area whether free or paid parking;
include in the discussion the applicability of the Downtown TIF; and include the Historic
Preservation Officer in the discussions of project.
Consensus of the Council was to continue with the discussion of the project.
Following the completion of the Work Session, the City Council convened in a Closed Meeting to
consider the specific item listed below under the Closed Meeting section of this agenda.
1. Closed Meeting:
A. ID 17-621 Consultation with Attorneys - Under Texas Government Code Section
551.071 regarding legal issues.
Consultation, discussion and deliberation regarding legal matters associated with the
City’s legal and contractual relationship with the Denton Housing Authority
including, but not limited to, Ojala Holdings and the Denton Housing Authority’s
requests for resolutions showing "no objections" on two 4% Housing Tax Credit
housing developments, where 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.
Following the completion of the Closed Meeting, the City Council convened in a Special Called
Meeting.
1.CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Watts noted that Item B would be pulled for separate consideration.
Council Member Gregory motioned, Mayor Pro Tem Roden seconded to approve the Consent
Agenda and accompanying ordinances and resolutions with the exception of Item B which was
pulled for separate consideration. 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.
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May 9, 2017
Page 3
Ordinance No. 2017-140
A. ID 17-167 Consider adoption of an ordinance approving an Advanced Costs
Reimbursement Agreement between Epic Development, Inc., Columbia Medical
Center of Denton Subsidiary, L.P., and the City of Denton regarding reimbursement
to the City for removal of unauthorized obstructions from a transmission line
easement; and providing effective date. The Public Utilities Board recommends
approval (6-0).
Ordinance No. 2017-141
C. ID 17-603 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton authorizing an
agreement between the City of Denton, Texas, and the Day of the Dead Festival;
providing for the expenditure of funds; and providing for an effective date.
Ordinance No. 2017-142
D. ID 17-618 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas,
concurring with the City Manager’s reorganization of the City of Denton’s
administrative departments and divisions; and providing an effective date.
Council considered the item pulled for separate consideration.
Resolution No. R2017-018
B. ID 17-585 Consider approval of a resolution of the City Council of the City of Denton,
Texas, regarding the proposed site for the construction, expansion, and use of an
electric power transmission/distribution substation generally located in the northeast
corner of East Sherman Drive and Hartlee Field Road, in the extraterritorial
jurisdiction of the City of Denton, Denton County, Texas, and part of Denton
Municipal Electric’s service territory; and providing an effective date. \[Hartlee Field
Substation\]
Council Member Briggs questioned the amount of screening around the substation.
Phil Williams, General Manager-DME, stated that staff would look at moving the station down
more on the site and include additional greenery around it.
Council Member Hawkins motioned, Council Member Gregory seconded to approve the
resolution. 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.
2.ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
Ordinance No. 2017-143
A. ID 17-579 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas amending
the Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Budget and Annual Program of Services of the City of
Denton to allow for adjustments to the General Fund of three hundred seventy-five
thousand dollars ($375,000) for the purpose of funding fencing at City Cemeteries,
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Downtown Reinvestment Fund of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) for the purpose
of funding additional grant applications, the Library Donation Fund of twenty
thousand dollars ($20,000) for the purpose of funding the purchase of replacement
furniture, equipment and supplies; declaring a municipal purpose; providing a
severability clause, an open meetings clause and effective date.
Chuck Springer, Director of Finance, stated that the amendment included three items. One was
for funding the fencing at the cemeteries, one for funding two Downtown Reinvestment Grant
Fund projects and one for funding the Library Donation Fund for replacement furniture, equipment
and supplies.
Council Member Gregory 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 “aye”. Motion carried unanimously.
Ordinance No. 2017-144
B. ID 17-575 Consider adoption of an ordinance approving a grant application from John
Withers, representing Withhick, LLC, from the Downtown Reinvestment Grant
Program not to exceed $25,000; and providing for an effective date. The Economic
Development Partnership Board recommends approval (7-0).
Mayor Pro Tem Roden motioned, Council Member Hawkins 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 "nay" and Mayor Watts “aye”. Motion carried with a 6-1 vote.
C. ID 17-576 Consider adoption of an ordinance approving a grant application from Tim
Beaty, representing 421 E. Oak, from the Downtown Reinvestment Grant Program
not to exceed $25,000; and providing for an effective date. The Economic
Development Partnership Board recommends approval (7-0).
Mayor Pro Tem Roden motioned, Council Member Hawkins 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 "nay" and Mayor Watts “aye”. Motion carried with a 6-1 vote.
D. ID 17-611 Consider approval of a resolution of the City of Denton, Texas evidencing
no objection to the proposed new construction of The Standard at MedPark Station,
L.P.; and authorizing such other actions necessary or convenient to carry out this
resolution; and providing for an effective date.
Sarah Kuechler, Assistant to the City Manager, presented background information on the proposal
along with the tax implications.
Speaker Cards were submitted by the following:
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Dr. Kathryn Stream spoke in support
Sheryl English spoke in support
Council discussed whether the new facility would be able to house all of the residents from
Heritage Oaks.
Council Member Gregory motioned, Council Member Briggs seconded to approve the resolution.
Mayor Watts noted that he would be voting against the resolution because it would divert tax
money from the City to another organization. He was concerned about having to do both projects
or do nothing; having to do a joint agreement or nothing and that it had to be done today.
Council Member Hawkins stated that he had the same concerns and would be voting no for both
projects as he not comfortable with the projects not being on the tax rolls.
Mayor Pro Tem Roden stated he was in favor of the motion because Denton had a housing issue.
While this was not an ideal situation the housing was needed.
Council Member Wazny stated that the proposal would remove the properties from the property
tax rolls forever due to the joint agreement with the Denton Housing Authority. She noted that a
prior developer agreed to pay property taxes. She would be voting no due to no property taxes for
the development.
Council Member Bagheri stated that she would be voting no.
On roll call vote to approve the resolution, Mayor Pro Tem Roden "aye", Council Member Wazny
"nay", Council Member Briggs "aye", Council Member Hawkins "nay", Council Member Gregory
"aye", Council Member Bagheri "nay" and Mayor Watts “nay”. Motion failed with a 3-4 vote.
Resolution No. R2017-019
E. ID 17-612 Consider approval of a resolution of the City of Denton, Texas evidencing
no objection to the proposed new construction of The Hudson at MedPark Station,
L.P.; and authorizing such other actions necessary or convenient to carry out this
resolution; and providing for an effective date.
A Speaker Card was submitted by Dr. Kathryn Stream in support of the resolution.
Council Member Gregory motioned, Council Member Briggs seconded to approve the resolution.
On roll call vote Mayor Pro Tem Roden "aye", Council Member Wazny "nay", Council Member
Briggs "aye", Council Member Hawkins "nay", Council Member Gregory "aye", Council Member
Bagheri "nay" and Mayor Watts “aye”. Motion passed with a 4-3 vote.
Ordinance No. 2017-146
F. ID 17-624 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the city of Denton, Texas amending
certain provisions of chapter 1 and chapter 17 of the Denton code of ordinances, the
Denton property maintenance code, including sections 1-11, 17-2, 17-37, 17-42, 17-
112, 17-121, and 17-124 and adding section 17-3 to provide for code enforcement
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officer authority; providing for a severability clause, savings clause, and an effective
date.
Laura Behrens, Fire Marshal, stated that during prior discussions in December it was noted that
Community Improvement Services would become a part of the Fire Department. This ordinance
would ratify the authority for Community Improvement Services to carry out their assigned duties.
Council Member Hawkins 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 “aye”. Motion carried unanimously.
3. 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.
Council Member Gregory requested revisions to speakers at the Work Session items. After the
speaker states his/her name, he/she should indicated which agenda he/she was addressing and
clearly state whether for or against the item.
Council Member Bagheri requested information on adding the voting record for council members
to the website.
Council Member Wazny requested an emergency meeting in order to address additional early
voting locations for the runoff election.
City Attorney Leal stated that the Open Meeting Act allowed for emergency meeting under certain
conditions and this was not one of those allowed conditions.
Mayor Watts noted that no discussion could take place at this meeting as it had not been posted.
th
Council Member Wazny requested an item be added to the June 6 meeting to discuss hiring a
search firm for a new City Attorney.
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Mayor Watts requested a discussion on the Downtown TIF.
Mayor Watts requested a Work Session with Chief Howell on how the homeless were policed.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:05 p.m.
________________________________
CHRIS WATTS
MAYOR
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS
________________________________
JENNIFER WALTERS
CITY SECRETARY
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS