MINUTES

WATAUGA CITY COUNCIL

REGULAR MEETING

MONDAY, MAY 18, 2009

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 6:35 p.m. and in regular session at 6:47 p.m. with the following members present:

 

            Harry Jeffries              Mayor

Jerry Adams                Mayor Pro Tem

Mark Hutchinson        Council Member

            Ernest P. Koontz         Council Member

            Brandon Krausse        Council Member

            Mike Steele                 Council Member

            Seth Thomas               Council Member

and

            Kerry Lacy                  City Manager

            Mark G. Daniel           City Attorney

            April Hill                     Assistant City Secretary

            Sandra Morgan           Assistant Finance Director

            Johnnie Reagan           Director of Public Works

            Rande Benjamin         Police Chief

            Bill Crawford              Fire/EMS Chief

            Lana Ewell                  Library Director

            Sal Torres                    Director of Parks and Community Services

            Albert Garcia              Fleet and Building Maintenance Manager

with

Council Member Griffin absent. 

 

PRE-COUNCIL

 

REPORTS

 

1.         Monthly Financial Report, Sandra Morgan, Assistant Finance Director

 

Assistant Finance Director Sandra Morgan gave the Financial Report for expenses and revenues for all funds from April 1 through April 30, 2009.

 

2.         Minutes of Various Boards and Commissions

 

These were provided in the packets.

 

DISCUSSION OF CITY COUNCIL AGENDA

 

There was no discussion held.

 

CITIZEN’S OPEN FORUM

 

Elizabeth Blair of 6633 Anne Court presented photos and a signed petition expressing her concerns regarding parking problems, commercial dump truck traffic, trash and runoff of hazardous waste in her neighborhood.

 

Lavonne Nowlin of 6412 Dream Lane read a letter stating that she was displeased with the outcome of her insurance claim against the City of Watauga.  She stated that the claim should not have been denied, and the city should be held accountable for the fall she took when she stepped onto the cover of the water meter in her yard.

 

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

 

None.

 

COUNCIL MEETING

 

CALL TO ORDER

 

Mayor Jeffries called the meeting to order at 6:47 p.m.

 

INVOCATION

 

Council Member Steele gave the invocation.

 

PLEDGE TO THE FLAG AND THE TEXAS FLAG

 

Mayor Jeffries led the pledge to the flags.

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA AS CONSTITUTED IN PRE-COUNCIL MEETING

 

Council Member Koontz moved to approve the agenda as constituted in the pre-council meeting.  Council Member Steele seconded the motion, which passed as follows:

 

AYES:                        Thomas, Steele, Krausse, Koontz, Hutchinson, Adams

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       Griffin

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

1.         Proclamation to Whataburger of Watauga, recipients of the Bronze Medal in the Whatagames Burger Olympics.

 

Mayor Jeffries read the proclamation to Whataburger of Watauga, recipients of the Bronze Medal in the Whatagames Burger Olympics.

 

2.         Presentation of Certificate of Achievement to Watauga Public Library’s Youth Librarian, Linda Evers

 

Mayor Jeffries presented the Certificate of Achievement to Watauga Public Library’s Youth Librarian, Linda Evers.

 

3.                  Proclamation and Presentation in recognition of the 2010 Census

 

Mayor Jeffries presented a Proclamation to Madeline Kelley in recognition of the partnership with the City of Watauga and the U.S. Census Bureau for 2010.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

Council Member Koontz moved to approve the consent agenda.  Council Member Steele seconded the motion, which prevailed as follows:

 

AYES:                        Thomas, Steele, Krausse, Koontz, Hutchinson, Adams

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       Griffin

 

The consent agenda was approved as follows:

 

 1.        Approval of Minutes of the City Council Meeting held April 27, 2009

 

2.         Approval of Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting held May 11, 2009

 

3.         Approval of an Ordinance amending Chapter 4, Article 4.500, Section 4.503 of the City of Watauga Code of Ordinances that requires Occasional or Garage Sale Signs to be two-sided

 

The Ordinance as adopted carries the following caption:

 

CITY OF WATAUGA, TEXAS

ORDINANCE NO. 1409

 

AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATAUGA, TEXAS AMENDING SECTION 4.503 OF CHAPTER 4, ARTICLE 4.500 OF THE CITY OF WATAUGA CODE OF ORDINANCES REGULATING OCCASSIONAL OR GARAGE SALES; PROVIDING THAT ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH ARE REPEALED TO THE EXTENT THAT THE SAME ARE IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE

 

4.         Approval of a Resolution adopting a goal set forth and in accordance with Senate Bill 12 regarding the City of Watauga’s electrical consumption, directing a conservation plan, providing for reporting and designating a contact person

 

The Resolution as adopted carries the following caption:

 

CITY OF WATAUGA, TEXAS

RESOLUTION NO. 09-05-18-03

 

A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATAUGA, TEXAS ADOPTING A GOAL AS SET FORTH AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH SENATE BILL 12 REGARDING THE CITY’S CONSUMPTION OF ELECTRICITY BY CITY FACILITIES; DIRECTING THE CONSERVATION PLAN; PROVIDING FOR REPORTING TO THE STATE ENERGY CONSERVATION OFFICE AND DESIGNATING A CONTACT PERSON; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

1.         Discussion and action on the second and final reading of an Ordinance approving a zoning change from a Local Business District (LB) to Commercial District (C) with a Specific Use Permit to allow a contractor storage or equipment yard at 6301 Whitley Road, Abstract 419, Tract 3A01 of the Smith Drew Survey. Zoning Case 09-01

 

Public Works Director Johnnie Reagan stated that the Architectural Review Commission had approved Zoning Case 09-01 and they recommended final approval from the City Council.

 

Council Member Koontz moved for the approval of an Ordinance approving a zoning change from a Local Business District (LB) to Commercial District (C) with a Specific Use Permit to allow a contractor storage or equipment yard at 6301 Whitley Road, Abstract 419, Tract 3A01 of the Smith Drew Survey. Zoning Case 09-01. Council Member Hutchinson seconded the motion, which prevailed as follows:

 

AYES:                        Thomas, Steele, Krausse, Koontz, Hutchinson, Adams

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       Griffin

 

The Ordinance, as approved on its second and final reading, carries the following caption:

 

CITY OF WATAUGA, TEXAS

ORDINANCE NO. 1410

 

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WATAUGA BY REZONING FROM LOCAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (LB) TO COMMERCIAL DISTRICT WITH A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT AT 6301 WHITLEY ROAD, DESCRIBED AS ABSTRACT 419, AND TRACT 3A01 OF THE SMITH DREW SURVEY; SAID ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT HAVING BEEN PRESENTED AS ZONING CASE 09-01; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

1.         Discussion and action on award of bid for Watauga Road Waterline Improvements to Utility Construction Services of Texas, Inc., the low bidder, in the amount of $161,913.50

 

Public Works Director Johnnie Reagan explained the project to replace the water main along Watauga Road and which accounts it would be paid from.

 

Council Member Koontz moved to approve the award of bid for Watauga Road Waterline Improvements to Utility Construction Services of Texas, Inc., the low bidder, in the amount of $161,913.50. Council Member Steele seconded the motion, which prevailed as follows:

 

AYES:                        Thomas, Steele, Krausse, Koontz, Hutchinson, Adams

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       Griffin

 

2.         Discussion and action on a proposed Ordinance amending Chapter 10, Article 10.500, Section 10.501 of the Watauga Code of Ordinances providing for a definition of travel trailer and adding Section 10.512 establishing regulations for the use of travel trailers in the City of Watauga

 

Public Works Director Johnnie Reagan stated that the purpose of this Ordinance was due to complaints his staff has received regarding people residing in “RV’s” in residential driveways.  He further stated that he recommends City Council approve this Ordinance.

 

After much discussion, Council Member Steele moved to approve the Ordinance, with amendments to paragraph (b).  Mayor Pro Tem Adams seconded the motion, which failed as follows:

 

AYES:                        Steele, Adams

NAYS:            Thomas, Krausse, Koontz, Hutchinson

ABSENT:       Griffin

 

3.         Discussion and action on a proposed Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between the City of Fort Worth and the City of Watauga to establish respective responsibilities related to work performed for the expansion of the Whites Branch Creek Trail so that the Park Vista Trail will connect to the Whites Branch Creek Trail and be a continuing trail connecting the two Cities

 

Council Member Koontz moved for the approval of the proposed Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between the City of Fort Worth and the City of Watauga to establish respective responsibilities related to work performed for the expansion of the Whites Branch Creek Trail so that the Park Vista Trail will connect to the Whites Branch Creek Trail and be a continuing trail connecting the two Cities. Council Member Krausse seconded the motion, which prevailed as follows:

 

AYES:                        Thomas, Steele, Krausse, Koontz, Hutchinson, Adams

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       Griffin

 

4.         Discussion and action on a proposed Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between the City of Haltom City and the City of Watauga to establish respective responsibilities related to work performed for the expansion of the Big Fossil Creek Trail so that the Park Vista Trail will connect to the Big Fossil Creek Trail and be a continuing trail connecting the two Cities

 

Council Member Koontz asked Director of Parks and Community Services, Sal Torres if the funds were available.

 

Director of Parks and Community Services, Sal Torres stated that there were funds available.

 

Council Member Koontz moved for the approval on the proposed Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between the City of Haltom City and the City of Watauga to establish respective responsibilities related to work performed for the expansion of the Big Fossil Creek Trail so that the Park Vista Trail will connect to the Big Fossil Creek Trail and be a continuing trail connecting the two Cities.  Council Member Steele seconded the motion, which passed as follows:

 

AYES:                        Thomas, Steele, Krausse, Koontz, Hutchinson, Adams

NAYS:            None

ABSENT:       Griffin

 

5.         Discussion and action on selection of the Mayor Pro Tem per section 3.06(d) of the City Charter

 

Mayor Pro Tem Adams nominated Council Member Mark Hutchinson to serve as Mayor Pro Tem.

 

Council Member Steele agreed, however he expressed concerns of the newly elected Council Member “being able to handle it.”

 

Council Member Steele nominated himself to serve as Mayor Pro Tem.

 

Vote on the nomination for Council Member Mark Hutchinson to serve as Mayor Pro Tem failed as follows:

 

AYES:                        Thomas, Krausse

NAYS:            Steele, Koontz, Hutchinson

ABSTAIN:     Adams

ABSENT:       Griffin

 

Vote on the nomination for Council Member Mike Steele to serve as Mayor Pro Tem tied as follows:

 

AYES:                        Thomas, Steele

NAYS:            Krausse, Koontz

ABSTAIN:     Hutchinson, Adams

ABSENT:       Griffin

 

Due to the vote on the nomination for Council Member Mike Steele to serve as Mayor Pro Tem resulting in a tie, Mayor Jeffries voted for Council Member Mike Steele to serve as Mayor Pro Tem. The vote prevailed as follows:

 

AYES:                        Thomas, Steele, Jeffries

NAYS:            Krausse, Koontz

ABSTAIN:     Hutchinson, Adams

ABSENT:       Griffin

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Pursuant to the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, Mayor Jeffries will announce that the City Council will convene in executive session (closed session) in the Conference Room, 7105 Whitley Road as follow:

 

The City Council will convene in executive session (closed session) pursuant to the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, Section 551.072 regarding real property:

 

1.         Deliberation regarding real property pursuant to Section 551.072 of the Government Code, Chapter 551 that may include purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property.

 

Mayor Jeffries convened the regular City Council meeting at 7:51 p.m.

 

RECONVENE

 

The City Council will return to open session in the City Council Chamber for possible discussion and action as a result of the executive session as follows:

 

Mayor Jeffries reconvened the regular City Council meeting at 8:39 p.m.

 

Discussion and action as a result of the executive session in regards to deliberation regarding real property.

 

  1. Deliberation regarding real property pursuant to Section 551.072 of the Government Code, Chapter 551 that may include purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property.

 

Council Member Koontz moved to instruct the City Manager to move forward on thepurchase of real property for the purpose of a new fire station.  Council Member Steele seconded the motion, which prevailed as follows:

 

AYES:                        Thomas, Steele, Koontz, Hutchinson

NAYS:            Krausse, Adams

ABSENT:       Griffin

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

With there being no further business, Mayor Jeffries adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.

 

 

APPROVED:   this ________ day of ______________ 2009.

 

SIGNED:         this ________ day of ______________ 2009.

 

 

                                                                                   

 

 

 

 

APPROVED:

 

 

                                                                                                ______________________

                                                                                    Henry J. Jeffries, Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

 

_________________________

Daniela Place, City Secretary