MINUTES

WATAUGA CITY COUNCIL

REGULAR MEETING

MONDAY, MAY 22, 2006

CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER, 7105 WHITLEY ROAD

6:30 P.M.

The City Council of the City of Watauga, Texas convened in pre-council at 6:30 p.m. and in regular session at 6:41 p.m. on Monday, May 22, 2006 with the following members present:

Henry J. Jeffries Mayor

Ernest P. Koontz Mayor Pro Tem

Richard Helmick Council Member

Mike Steele Council Member

Pete Beierschmitt Council Member

Seth Thomas Council Member

Jerry Adams Council Member

and

Kerry Lacy City Manager

Mark G. Daniel City Attorney

Nancy J. Meadows City Secretary

with

Council Member Lee Griffin absent with prior notice given that he would be absent.

PRE-COUNCIL:

Mayor Jeffries called the pre-council meeting to order.

REPORTS:

City Manager’s Monthly Report:

1. Financial - Janina Jewell, Finance Director

At the request of City Manager Kerry Lacy, Director of Finance Janina Jewell gave the financial report as of April 30, 2006.

2. Minutes of the various city boards

The minutes of the various boards and commissions were included in the packet.

CITIZEN’S OPEN FORUM:

Mr. John Renkenberger of 6048 Ridgecrest Drive spoke in opposition of the ordinance requiring garbage carts to be stored out of sight. He explained that the ordinance was going to be a problem with some of the residents since not everyone has a garage. He spoke of the older residents and the expense of building something to place the carts in. He spoke of the fences being to the back of the house. He explained that it would cause a hardship.

Mrs. Barbara Raso of 6600 Springhill Drive explained that she is against the ordinance on garbage carts because she is not able to move the cart herself and she is the only one there to do it.

Mr. Matt Bennett of 6620 Springhill Drive spoke to encourage the City Council to vote against the ordinance on storing garbage carts out of sight. He commended Council for the improvements they have made over the years with the garbage collection service, with the trash not blowing around as it had in the past. He questioned the objective of the ordinance. He explained that he had walked around the neighborhood and noticed that 70% of the garbage carts were somewhat visible, with some by the side of the house and some behind bushes. He explained that they fit in with the neighborhood and they are hard to notice unless you are looking for them. Mr. Bennett then went over what he considers to be seven issues with storing the garbage carts out of sight. Mr. Bennett voiced his opinion that approval of the ordinance does not enhance the quality of life in Watauga and encouraged council not to approve it.

Mrs. Nora Johnson of 6908 Echo Hill Drive spoke in question of the ordinance regarding the garbage carts and stated that her neighbor is elderly and has multiple sclerosis and has problems with putting the carts away.

PUBLIC COMMENT BY CITY COUNCIL IN RESPONSE TO CITIZEN’S OPEN FORUM:

None.

DISCUSSION OF CITY COUNCIL AGENDA:

There was no discussion of the City Council agenda.

CALL TO ORDER:

Mayor Jeffries called the regular meeting to order.

INVOCATION:

Council Member Steele gave the Invocation.

PLEDGE TO THE FLAG:

TEXAS PLEDGE – “Honor the Texas flag: I pledge allegiance to Thee, Texas, one and indivisible”

Mayor Jeffries led the Pledge to the Flag and the Texas Pledge.

ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE OF ELECTION AND OATH OF OFFICE:

Mayor Jeffries presented the Certificate of Election to Council Member Jerry Adams Place 7.

City Secretary Nancy Meadows administered the Oath of Office to Jerry Adams as Council Member Place 7.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA AS CONSTITUTED IN PRE-COUNCIL MEETING:

Council Member Helmick moved for approval of the agenda as constituted in pre-council meeting. Council Member Koontz seconded the motion, which prevailed by the following vote:

AYES: Thomas, Steele, Helmick, Koontz, Beierschmitt, Adams

NOES: None

ABSENT: Griffin

PRESENTATIONS:

Commendation to Detective Sam Nance for outstanding performance relating to the apprehension of four burglary suspects

Chief Bruce Ure presented a letter of commendation to Detective Sam Nance for outstanding performance relating to the apprehension of four burglary suspects.

Mayor’s Presentation

Due to her retirement, Mayor Jeffries read and presented a proclamation to City Secretary Nancy Meadows in recognition of over 25 years of dedicated service and proclaimed May 31, 2006 as Nancy Meadows Day in the City of Watauga.

Nancy Meadows was very honored and spoke in appreciation of the Proclamation and recognition given by Mayor Jeffries.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Council Member Koontz moved for approval of the Consent Agenda as presented. Council Member Steele seconded the motion, which prevailed by the following vote:

AYES: Thomas, Steele, Helmick, Koontz, Beierschmitt, Adams

NOES: None

ABSENT: Griffin

The Consent Agenda included approval as follows:

1 Approval of minutes of Regular Meeting of April 24, 2006

2 Approval of Mutual Aid Agreement with North Central Texas Services d.b.a. CareFlite to assist in providing additional ambulance service in the City of Watauga

3 Approval to award the annual bid for various types of concrete to Beall Concrete of Euless, Texas for an amount not to exceed $230,020 and authorize Redi-Mix of Haltom City, Texas as a secondary alternative to use in emergency situations

4 Due to purchasing requirements, authorization and approval to expend cumulative amounts of purchases in excess of $25,000 with various vendors: Brodart for library books and media, not to exceed $90,000; Mark G. Daniel for Legal Services, not to exceed $90,000 for Fiscal Year 2006 and $92,000 for Fiscal Year 2007; Martin Eagle Oil for fuel, not to exceed $168,000; Fort Worth Star Telegram for advertisements, not to exceed $36,000; Southwestern Bell/AT&T for telecommunication services, not to exceed $45,000; Reliable Paving for various curb, gutter, and street repairs, not to exceed $152,000; Reynolds Asphalt for asphalt not to exceed $43,000; and Hughes Supply for various water and sewer supplies, not to exceed $35,000, with purchases to come from various accounts in various funds and will not exceed appropriated budget levels

5 Approval of award of bid and authorization to purchase Lawn Care Equipment for tractor, attachments, and ball field groomer to Saginaw Implement Company, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $26,619.00, two zero-turn radius mowers to Lesco in an amount not to exceed $13,698.00, and a front-end mower to Grasshopper in an amount not to exceed $12,720.75

6 Approval of award of bid and authorize purchase of Concrete Work at Indian Springs Park to Texas Improvements of Haslet, Texas in an amount not to exceed $45,411.89 from account 05-520-8549

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

1. Discussion and action on approval of final reading of an Ordinance for a Specific Use Permit for Planning and Zoning Case 06-01: Request for a Specific Use Permit on a General Business District at 5925 Watauga Road to allow outside storage to an existing construction contractor business

Council Member Koontz moved approval of the final reading of an Ordinance for a Specific Use Permit for Planning and Zoning Case 06-01: request for a Specific Use Permit on a General Business District at 5925 Watauga Road to allow outside storage of trailers only to an existing construction contractor business. Council Member Beierschmitt seconded the motion, which prevailed by the following vote:

AYES: Thomas, Steele, Helmick, Koontz, Beierschmitt, Adams

NOES: None

ABSENT: Griffin

The Ordinance as adopted carries the following caption:

CITY OF WATAUGA, TEXAS

ORDINANCE NO. 1274

AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATAUGA, TEXAS PROVIDING FOR THE GRANT OF A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT IN PLANNING AND ZONING CASE 06-01; PURSUANT TO SECTION 14.602 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF WATAUGA, TEXAS CONCERNING SPECIFIC USE AND PERMITS THEREFORE; PROVIDING FOR ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH ARE HEREBY REPEALED TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY ARE IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Discussion and action on an Ordinance amending Chapter 6, Article 6.200, Section 6.203(g) of the City of Watauga Code of Ordinances requiring residents to store garbage carts out of public view, when not placed out for collection

Council Member Adams gave an explanation of his reasons for proposing the ordinance. Council Member Adams stated at the end of his explanation of reasons for proposing the ordinance, a recommendation that Council approve a motion to adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 6, Article 6.200, Section 6.202(g) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Watauga to require waste collection carts be stored so that they are not visible to the public from the street, and that the ordinance become effective sixty (60) days from the date of adoption, with the grace period to allow adequate time to provide means for the required collection cart storage, and that these recommendations may be considered a motion, at the mayor’s discretion.

Council Member Koontz moved to disapprove an Ordinance amending Chapter 6, Article 6.200, Section 6.203(g) of the City of Watauga Code of Ordinance requiring residents to store garbage carts out of public view, when not placed out for collection. Council Member Helmick seconded the motion, which prevailed by the following vote:

AYES: Thomas, Helmick, Koontz, Beierschmitt

NOES: Steele, Adams

ABSENT: Griffin

2. Discussion and action on approval of project plans for the addition to the Watauga Public Library

Council Member Steele moved approval of the project plans for the addition to the Watauga Public Library. Council Member Koontz seconded the motion, which prevailed by the following vote:

AYES: Thomas, Steele, Helmick, Koontz, Beierschmitt, Adams

NOES: None

ABSENT: Griffin

3. Discussion and action to authorize Steele & Freeman, Inc. to begin the bidding process and pricing for the construction project on the addition to the Watauga Public Library, as the Construction Manager at Risk for the City of Watauga

Council Member Helmick made a motion for approval to authorize Steele & Freeman, Inc. to begin the bidding process and pricing for the construction project on the addition to the Watauga Public Library, as the Construction Manager at Risk for the City of Watauga. Council Member Steele seconded the motion, which prevailed by the following vote:

AYES: Thomas, Steele, Helmick, Koontz, Beierschmitt, Adams

NOES: None

ABSENT: Griffin

4. Discussion and action to officially adopt a “City Slogan”

Council Member Adams moved that the City Council appoint the City Manager, Mayor and Finance Director as a committee to review the slogans and present five to the City Council at the June regular meeting. Council Member Steele seconded the motion, which prevailed by the following vote:

AYES: Thomas, Steele, Helmick, Koontz, Beierschmitt, Adams

NOES: None

ABSENT: Griffin

5. Discussion and action on an Ordinance amending Chapter 10, Article 10.100 of the Code of Ordinances regarding subdivision and platting regulations

Council Member Koontz moved for approval of an Ordinance amending Chapter 10, Article 10.100 of the Code of Ordinances regarding subdivision and platting regulations. Council Member Beierschmitt seconded the motion, which prevailed by the following vote:

AYES: Thomas, Steele, Helmick, Koontz, Beierschmitt, Adams

NOES: None

ABSENT: Griffin

The Ordinance as approved on the final reading carries the following caption:

CITY OF WATAUGA, TEXAS

ORDINANCE NO. 1275

AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATAUGA, TEXAS AMENDING CHAPTER 10, ARTICLE 10.100 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF WATAUGA PROMULGATING REGULATIONS FOR SUBDIVISIONS, AND PLATTING; PROVIDING THAT ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH ARE HEREBY REPEALED TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY ARE IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE

6. Discussion and action on approval of Mayor’s appointment of Nancy Gelzinis to Place 3 on the Recreation and Community Services Board

Council Member Adams moved for approval of the Mayor’s appointment of Nancy Gelzinis to Place 3 on the Recreation and Community Services Board. Council Member Steele seconded the motion, which prevailed by the following vote:

AYES: Thomas, Steele, Helmick, Koontz, Beierschmitt, Adams

NOES: None

ABSENT: Griffin

7. Discussion and action on approval of Mayor’s appointment of Nancy Gelzinis to Place 5 on the Charter Review Commission

Council Member Adams moved for approval of the Mayor’s appointment of Nancy Gelzinis to Place 5 on the Charter Review Commission. Council Member Steele seconded the motion, which prevailed by the following vote:

AYES: Thomas, Steele, Helmick, Koontz, Beierschmitt, Adams

NOES: None

ABSENT: Griffin

8. Discussion and action on selection of a Mayor Pro Tem, pursuant to Section 3.06(d) of the Home Rule Charter

Council Member Adams nominated Mike Steele for Mayor Pro Tem.

Council Member Beierschmitt nominated Seth Thomas for Mayor Pro Tem.

Mayor Jeffries asked if there were any further nominations.

Being none, Mayor Jeffries called for a vote on Mike Steele for Mayor Pro Tem.

The vote for Mike Steele as Mayor Pro Tem was as follows:

AYES: Thomas, Steele, Koontz, Adams

NOES: Helmick, Beierschmitt

ABSENT: Griffin

Due to the vote for Mike Steele as Mayor Pro Tem, Mayor Jeffries did not call for a vote on Seth Thomas.

9. Due to the retirement of City Secretary Nancy Meadows, discussion and action on appointment of Kathleen Wedell as Interim City Secretary beginning June 1, 2006

Council Member Koontz moved approval of Kathleen Wedell as Interim City Secretary beginning June 1, 2006. Council Member Steele seconded the motion, which prevailed by the following vote:

AYES: Thomas, Steele, Helmick, Koontz, Beierschmitt, Adams

NOES: None

ABSENT: Griffin

ADJOURNMENT:

With there being no further business to conduct at this time, Mayor Jeffries adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m.

APPROVED: this ______ day of _______ 2006

SIGNED: this ______ day of _______ 2006

APPROVED:

____________________

Henry J. Jeffries, Mayor

ATTEST:

_________________________________

Kathleen Wedell, Interim City Secretary