May 22, 2018 Minutes
CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
May 22, 2018
After determining that a quorum was present, the City Council convened in a Work Session on
Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at 12:30 p.m. in the Council Work Session Room at City Hall.
PRESENT: Council Member Hudspeth, Council Member Briggs, Council Member Ryan,
Council Member Gregory, Council Member Meltzer and Mayor Watts.
ABSENT: Council Member Duff
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 May 22, 2018.
Council Member Meltzer noted that he would be recusing himself on Consent Agenda Item I.
3. Work Session Reports
A. ID 18-801 Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction regarding current City
of Denton facilities, including, but not limited to, City Hall, City Hall East, Development
Services and the Service Center, and how to proceed with planning for future needs.
Mark Nelson, Director of Transportation, provided the staff report regarding planning needs for
city facilities. He reviewed the history of the Master Plan; facility issues in terms of existing
facilities; customer service for citizens; and parking at all facilities. He noted five options for
Council consideration.
Kelly Morgan, Nelson+Morgan Architects, reviewed the options available for Council
consideration in terms of pros, cons, design and construction costs. Those options included Option
1 - east of existing City Hall; Option 2 - southeast of existing City Hall; Option 3 - northwest
corner of Bell and McKinney; Option 4 - southwest corner of Bell and McKinney; Option 4b –
which included Option 4 but added a parking garage; and Option 5 - Woodrow Lane.
Council discussion included:
The construction costs in terms of buildout costs versus project costs
Whether the projected FTE numbers were adequate
Concerns that some of the options might take away parking near the current Civic Center
Obstruction of the view of the current buildings
Consider the monitory implications when trying to maintain a "one stop shop" concept
Council Member Briggs stated that she was not in favor of Options 4, 4b and 5. She questioned
the historical impact of wrapping around current building.
Roman McAllen, Historic Preservation Officer, presented information on rules for how the
connection would be made between the buildings. He noted that Options 1 and 2 were similar
depending on how the connection was done. Maintaining the existing structure and maintaining
the integrity should be in keeping with the historical implication of the building.
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May 22, 2018
Page 2
Council Member Briggs noted that she was in favor of Option 1.
Council Member Ryan favored Option 1 with parking garage and a sky bridge.
Mayor Watts indicated that he favored Option 1.
Council Member Hudspeth favored Option 1 with parking structure.
Council Member Gregory noted that he favored more green space in the Downtown area but would
go with Option 1.
Council Member Meltzer favored Option 1.
Tony Puente, Director of Finance, presented the financial-debt service information for the various
options in terms of 20 and 30 year debt as well as the projected tax rate impact for the options.
Council discussed debt capacity; policy for debt service; and effects on the current bond rating.
Nelson continued with a review of the site option strategic plan.
Council discussed:
How to proceed with the options in terms of presenting the project for consideration
Increased development in the downtown area and how it affected the buildings being rented
by the City at this time
Where the funding would come from for the project
Consensus of the Council was to proceed with Option 1 with a RFQ for funding for the preliminary
design.
B. ID 18-817 Receive a report, hold a discussion and give staff direction regarding the Denton
Municipal Electric FY 2018-19 Operating Budget, Capital Improvement Program and
Renewable Resource Plan.
Tony Puente, Director of Finance, presented the staff report regarding the Denton Municipal
Electric operating budget, Capital Improvement Program and Renewable Resource Plan.
Objectives included load forecast, financial assumptions, commercial/residential comparison,
energy cost adjustment, financial forecast, debt, purchased power, Denton Energy Center
proforma, and departmental presentation including the Capital Improvement Program. He
presented information on load forecast customers by class; load forecast megawatt sales and
megawatt peak load; financial assumptions; and Denton Municipal Electric cost containment
Strategies.
George Morrow, General Manager-DME, presented future emphasis for projects in DME;
comparisons of competitive supplier rates for electricity; commercial/residential comparison of
rates; and ECA changes.
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May 22, 2018
Page 3
Council discussed a proposal to maintain separate balances for the DEC from the other funds to
track profits and loss.
Puente continued with the Denton Municipal Electric 5 year forecast. He noted that staff could
provide Council with alternatives to this forecast as noted in Council's concerns to maintain the
DEC in a separate account.
Council discussed the scrubber debt associated with TMPA.
Puente continued with the DME debt as of September 30, 2017.
Morrow presented the Key purchased power assumptions, the DME purchased power forecast
sensitivity analysis, and DEC proforma assumptions. Morrow next presented information
regarding the Denton Municipal Electric position summary, goals and accomplishments, process
improvements, 5 year capital plan, and CIP maps.
Council discussed the goals and accomplishments presented.
Mayor Watts requested an Informal Staff Report regarding a safety report on the DEC project and
the success of the construction of the project.
C. ID 18-853 Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction regarding the City’s
Automated Traffic Signal (Red Light Camera) Enforcement Program including, but not
limited to, contract status and history, intersection selection, yellow light interval pilot
program, red light violations, crash data, program financial overview, and future direction of
the program.
Pritam Deshmukh, Program Engineer, presented the staff report on the Automated Traffic Signal
Enforcement Program. It was noted that traffic signal timing was different from red light cameras.
He presented the results of the yellow light change interval pilot study which added one second of
yellow time at red light camera intersections. He noted the conclusion of the study in terms of
reduction of violations, long term effects, and long term change in driver behavior and consistency
of yellow light timing throughout the city.
Lee Howell, Police Chief, presented program background information on the Redflex system,
selection of the intersections, violation process, financial overview, financial overview in personal
services, and financial overview in terms of the cost of program with Redflex.
Council discussion included:
The constitutionality of the program
The dismissal procedures at the appeal level
Differences between violations assessed by a police officer and the red light camera system
Number of signaled intersections in the city
Consider adding a patrol officer whose job would be to review the red light camera violations
and the cost of that position opposed to the amount of overtime currently paid
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May 22, 2018
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Howell continued with violation and crash data, reasons for dismissal of violations, violation and
crash data city wide, city-wide red light crashes and red light camera red light crashes
Council discussed:
Problems with the notification system
Problems with not having a jury trial if requested
Whether the program was violating people's rights
Conditions if the contract were terminated early
Council Member Briggs indicated that she was not in favor of renewing the contract and to use the
dollars in the fund to do traffic related items.
Council Member Ryan felt more study was needed in adding seconds to the yellow light as this
was a safety issue and not a financial issue. He suggested testing all red light cameras except for
288/Lillian Miller due to the current construction in that location.
Council Member Gregory stated he was in favor of the program as it provided consistent
enforcement.
Council Member Meltzer questioned if Denton could extend the right of a jury trial if so desired.
City Attorney Leal stated yes if Council desired.
Consensus of the Council was to not terminate the contact at this point in time but not renew the
contract. If the program were continued after 2019 look at the possibility of jury trials with
associated policy discussions and to proceed with the testing of the longer yellow light program.
Following the completion of the Work Session, the City Council convened in a Closed Meeting to
consider the specific items listed below under the Closed Meeting section of this agenda.
1. Closed Meeting:
A. ID 18-860 Deliberation regarding Economic Development Negotiations - Texas Government
Code, Section 551.087; Consultation with Attorneys - Texas Government Code, Section
551.071
Receive information from, and discuss, deliberate and provide direction to, staff regarding
the use of a non-disclosure agreement and/or confidentiality agreement to protect the
exchange of certain confidential and/or proprietary information related to Project
Bluebonnet. Consultation with the City’s attorneys about legal issues related to the use of
non-disclosure agreements and/or confidentiality agreements to protect the exchange of
certain confidential and/or proprietary information related to Project Bluebonnet. A public
discussion of these legal issues would conflict with the duty of the City’s attorneys to the
City of Denton and its City Council under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional
Conduct.
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May 22, 2018
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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.
2.PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS
A. ID 18-669 Denton Citizen Forester Graduation
Mayor Watts presented the proclamation for the Denton Citizen Forester Graduation.
B. ID 18-818 Building Safety Month
Mayor Watts presented the proclamation for Building Safety Month.
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
There were no scheduled citizen reports.
C. Additional Citizen Reports
Suzanne Townsdin requested Mayor Watts read a Bike Month proclamation.
Sally Austin read letter regarding bike experiences in Denton.
4.CONSENT AGENDA
Council Member Gregory motioned, Council Member Ryan seconded to approve the Consent
Agenda and accompanying ordinances and resolutions with the exception of Item I which would
be considered individually. On roll call vote, Council Member Hudspeth "aye", Council Member
Briggs "aye", Council Member Ryan "aye", Council Member Gregory "aye", Council Member
Meltzer "aye" and Mayor Watts "aye". Motion carried unanimously.
Approved the minutes listed below
A. ID 18-688 Consider approval of the minutes of April 3, 2018.
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Ordinance No. 18-694
B. ID 18-694 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas, a Texas
home-rule municipal corporation, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract
for background check service with Quick Acquisition LLC., dba Quick Search;
providing for the expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an effective date (RFP
6712 - awarded to Quick Acquisition LLC., dba Quick Search, in the three (3) year
not-to-exceed amount of $114,000).
Ordinance No. 18-787
C. ID 18-787 Consider adoption of an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute
an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement (MOU) on behalf of the City of Denton with
the Texas Department of Public Safety, relating to the enforcement of State Laws on
uniform commercial vehicle weight enforcement within Texas Transportation Code
Chapter 621, Subchapter F; and providing an effective date.
Ordinance No. 18-828
D. ID 18-828 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas, a Texas
home-rule municipal corporation, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract
for electric utility 69kV and 138 kV instrument transformers with Techline, Inc., for
the City of Denton Distribution Center; providing for the expenditure of funds
therefor; and providing an effective date (RFP 6554- awarded to Techline, Inc., in the
three (3) year not-to-exceed amount of $1,000,000).
Ordinance No. 18-830
E. ID 18-830 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas, a Texas
home-rule municipal corporation, authorizing the City Manager to execute a
Professional Services Agreement with TranSystems Corporation, dba TranSystems
Corporation Consultants for design services of the Hickory Creek (East) FM 2181 to
FM 2499 street improvement as set forth in the agreement; providing for the
expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an effective date (RFQ 6590-011-
Professional Services Agreement for design services awarded to TranSystems
Corporation, dba TranSystems Corporation Consultants, in the not-to-exceed amount
of $240,000).
Ordinance No. 18-834
F. ID 18-834 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas approving
a consent to assignment of an Airport Lease between Petersen Hangars, LLC, and
Mark Hicks Transport, LLC and providing an effective date. The Council Airport
Committee recommends approval (3-0).
Ordinance No. 18-835
G. ID 18-835 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas approving
a consent to Collateral Assignment of an Airport Lease Mark Hicks Transport, LLC
and Guaranty Bank; and providing an effective date.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
May 22, 2018
Page 7
Ordinance No. 18-859
H. ID 18-859 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas approving
a City sponsorship for the 2018 North Texas State Fair and Rodeo which will be held
on the North Texas State Fairgrounds in Denton, Texas from August 17, 2018 through
August 25, 2018; providing in-kind services not to exceed $500; the expenditure of
funds in the total amount of $5,000; and providing for an effective date.
Ordinance No. 18-878
I. ID 18-878 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas approving
a City sponsorship in an amount not to exceed $1,000 of in-kind services and
resources for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program on Saturday,
June 16, 2018; and providing an effective date.
Council Member Meltzer recused himself from deliberation/vote on this item.
Council Member Gregory motioned, Council Member Hudspeth seconded to adopt the ordinance.
On roll call vote, Council Member Hudspeth "aye", Council Member Briggs "aye", Council
Member Ryan "aye", Council Member Gregory "aye", and Mayor Watts "aye". Motion carried
unanimously.
Council Member Meltzer returned to the meeting.
5.ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
Ordinance No. 18-749
A. ID 18-749 Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas amending
the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Budget and Annual Program of Services of the City of
Denton to allow for an adjustment to the Electric Fund of $24,000,000 for the purpose
of funding Capital Improvement Projects, and Solid Waste Fund of $774,682 for the
purpose of funding a reimbursement to Electric; declaring a municipal purpose;
providing a severability clause; providing an open meetings clause; and providing for
an effective date.
Tony Puente, Director of Finance, presented the staff report amending the budget for an adjustment
to the Electric Fund to fund Capital Improvement Projects and to the Solid Waste fund for a
reimbursement to the Electric fund. The result would be a reduction in the Certificates of
Obligation that would be issued.
Council Member Hudspeth motioned, Council Member Briggs seconded to adopt the ordinance.
On roll call vote, Council Member Hudspeth "aye", Council Member Briggs "aye", Council
Member Ryan "aye", Council Member Gregory "aye", Council Member Meltzer "aye" and Mayor
Watts "aye". Motion carried unanimously.
Ordinance No. 18-847
B. ID 18-847 Consider adoption of an ordinance considering all matters incident and
related to the issuance, sale and delivery of up to $10,110,000 in principal amount of
"City of Denton Certificates of Obligation, Series 2018" for General Government
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May 22, 2018
Page 8
activities; authorizing the issuance of the Certificates; delegating the authority to
certain City officials to execute certain documents relating to the sale of the
Certificates; approving and authorizing instruments and procedures relating to said
Certificates; enacting other provisions relating to the subject; and providing an
effective date.
Tony Puente, Director of Finance, presented information regarding the sale and issue of the
Certificates of Obligation. This was a parameters ordinance with six months to complete the sale
and would establish the maximum the City would be able to issue. He presented information on
the projects which would be funded.
Council discussed the reasons for the change in assumptions that resulted in the proposed issuance;
Council Member Ryan motioned, Council Member Hudspeth seconded to adopt the ordinance. On
roll call vote, Council Member Hudspeth "aye", Council Member Briggs "aye", Council Member
Ryan "aye", Council Member Gregory "aye", Council Member Meltzer "aye" and Mayor Watts
"aye". Motion carried unanimously.
Ordinance No. 18-848
C. ID 18-848 Consider adoption of an ordinance considering all matters incident and
related to the issuance, sale and delivery of up to $19,750,000 in principal amount of
"City of Denton General Obligation Bonds, Series 2018"; authorizing the issuance of
the Bonds; delegating the authority to certain City officials to execute certain
documents relating to the sale of the Bonds; approving and authorizing instruments
and procedures relating to said Bonds; and enacting other provisions relating to the
subject; and providing an effective date.
Tony Puente, Director of Finance, reviewed the projects to be included in the General Obligation
bonds. He noted that the only difference in what was proposed and what was included was the
Ruddell realignment project that was postponed and would be included in a future bond issuance.
Council Member Ryan motioned, Council Member Hudspeth seconded to adopt the ordinance. .
On roll call vote, Council Member Hudspeth "aye", Council Member Briggs "aye", Council
Member Ryan "aye", Council Member Gregory "aye", Council Member Meltzer "aye" and Mayor
Watts "aye". Motion carried unanimously.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Ordinance No. DCA18-0003a
A. DCA18-0003a Hold a public hearing and consider adoption of an ordinance regarding
a proposed revision to the Denton Development Code; specifically to update parking
requirements in Subchapter 14 Parking Standards related to minimum and maximum
parking space requirements, on-street parking credits, and providing administrative
parking requirement relief; providing for a penalty in the maximum amount of
$2,000.00 for violations thereof; providing a severability clause and an effective date.
(DCA18-0003, Parking, Hayley Zagurski). (The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommends approval)
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Page 9
Mayor Watts opened the public hearing.
Richard Cannone, Interim Planning Director, presented the staff report regarding the proposed
revision to the parking requirements. He reviewed the background information, recommendations,
changes in minimum parking standards in various use categories, current versus recommended
parking for nonresidential. Parking maximums and pervious surfaces parking requirements were
reviewed. Administrative parking reductions standards were noted along with on-street parking
credit. Compact, bicycle and motorcycle space recommendations were presented.
Council discussed how to verify the spaces allocated for the alternate parking spaces.
Cannone continued with considerations for the proposals and recommendation of approval from
the Planning and Zoning Commission and staff.
Council discussed whether there was feedback from stakeholders and the effect of the proposed
requirements on developments.
No one spoke during the public hearing.
The Mayor closed the public hearing.
Council Member Ryan motioned, Council Member Hudspeth seconded to adopt the ordinance. On
roll call vote, Council Member Hudspeth "aye", Council Member Ryan "aye", Council Member
Gregory "aye", and Mayor Watts "aye". Council Member Briggs "nay", and Council Member
Meltzer "nay". Motion carried with a 4-2 vote.
B. ID 18-845 Hold a public hearing inviting citizens to comment on the City of Denton’s
2018 Action Plan for Housing and Community Development.
Barbara Ross, Community Development Division Manager, stated that this public hearing was an
opportunity for citizens to speak on the 2018 Action Plan for Housing and Community
Development. She noted that the City would be receiving more funding that initially thought and
staff had made funding changes to the recommended projects using increased amounts with un-
programmed funds. Both the Community Development Advisory Committee and the Human
Services Advisory Committee had approved the changes
Council discussed the Homeowner’s Assistance Program and the Housing Rehab Program.
The Mayor opened the public hearing.
Michelle Connor spoke in favor.
The Mayor closed the public hearing.
No action was required on this item at this item.
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Page 10
7. 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 an Informal Staff Report regarding the street lighting funding
for University in this budget cycle.
Mayor Watts requested a Work Session on Council appointed ad hoc committees and adherence
to the Open Meetings Act.
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 7:36 p.m.
________________________________
CHRIS WATTS
MAYOR
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS
________________________________
JENNIFER WALTERS
CITY SECRETARY
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS