Weatherford
Weatherford City Council, Jan. 22, 2013: 9 items; Provide staff direction regarding the contract with the Weatherford Economic Development
0 consent items, 9 regular items, 2 public hearings; 5 recorded votes, all unanimous. Written from the minutes.
Provide staff direction regarding the contract with the Weatherford Economic Development Corporation. City Manager Jerry Blaisdell presented this item. The contract will be up for renewal in 2013. Mr. Blaisdell identified concerns that need to be addressed. The revision in 2009 leaves the City with a hybrid organization: the Weatherford Economic Development Authority (WEDA) is neither wholly independent, nor is it wholly a department of the City. The contract is not clear on lines of communication and responsibility. The Director answers to two heads. WEDA was previously organized as an independent Board in and of itself and was created as such to provide independence for our executive director and to provide confidentiality for prospective businesses. Neither of these provisions exist the way WEDA is organized today. All personnel of WEDA are under the direction of the Board and they are also employees of the City. Confidentiality of business prospects is an issue for practical reasons and the best legal advice the City has received thus far is that the way WEDA exists may not afford prospects that protection. The unclear lines of responsibility and communication are unfair to WEDA and to the City Manager‟s Office. Mr. Blaisdell asked the Council to strongly consider two options: 1. To return it to the way it was in 2009 before the revision, which may not rectify the [...]
Mr. Hamilton requested documents be handed out prior to meetings as opposed to at the meeting.
Presentation of Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Janina Jewell, Chief Financial Officer, recognized Sidney Kirk, Cathy Coffman, and Dahlia Wells for their involvement in the City‟s financial reporting. This is the 17th consecutive year in which the City has received this award. The plaque will be displayed at City Hall.
Hold a PUBLIC HEARING and discuss and consider Ordinance 605-2013-54 for a Zoning Change for property currently zoned AG Agricultural to be rezoned C1 Commercial, for property located at 309 ZION HILL ROAD, City of Weatherford, Parker County, Texas. CC 012213 Page 3 of 7 Craig Farmer, Director of Planning and Development, presented this item. The tract is 1.25 acres and fronts on Ric Williamson Memorial Highway, north of Peaster Highway. The comprehensive plan shows the area to be medium density residential. Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval. No comments have been received. Mayor Hooks opened the Public Hearing at 7:13 p.m. As there were no speakers, Mayor Hooks closed the Hearing at 7:13 p.m. On the motion of Jeff Robinson, second by Waymon Hamilton, the Council voted unanimously to approve Ordinance 605-2013-54 approving a zoning change from AG to C1 at 309 Zion Hill Road. Motion carried 5 - 0.
Hold a PUBLIC HEARING and discuss and consider approval of Ordinance 606-2013-55 for a Zoning Change and a Conditional Use Permit for property currently zoned AG Agricultural to be rezoned C1 Commercial and C1 Commercial with a Conditional Use Permit, for property located at 202 NARRY LANE, south of BB Fielder, City of Weatherford, Parker County, Texas. Craig Farmer, Director of Planning and Development, presented this item. Narry Lane is north of the Latter Day Saints Church. The parcel on the tax rolls shows 202 Narry Lane, but that was before BB Fielder Road was built. The request is for 7.5 acres to be rezoned to C1as well as an additional 35 acres south to be rezoned C1 with a Conditional Use Permit. The following conditions are note in the ordinance and shall apply to development within the 35 acre parcel: The proposed warehouse/office/retail use includes improvements or modifications either on-site or within the public rights-of-way to mitigate development-related adverse impacts, including but not limited to: 1. Adequate ingress and egress to the property via new and existing public streets that will direct traffic to appropriately sized routes. 2. Off-street parking and loading areas oriented away from adjacent residential areas. 3. Screening and buffering for adjacent residential areas to minimize the impact of the development. 4. Lighting and signage oriented [...]
Discuss and consider approval of Resolution R2013-02 authorizing the Weatherford Police Department to apply for grant funding offered through the Texas Department of Transportation. Chief Mike Manning asked Council to approve a grant application for continuation of funding for a grant that the City has participated in for several years. These dollars are used for DWI holiday enforcement, and speed and seatbelt enforcement. On the motion of Mayor Pro Tem Craig Swancy, second by Waymon Hamilton, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Police Department to apply for TxDOT grant funding. Motion carried 5 - 0.
Discuss and consider authorizing the city manager to execute a mutual aid agreement between and among the North Central Texas Participating Local Governments and/or Public Sub-Divisions for the purpose to be a party of the Public Works Emergency Response Team (PWERT). Manny Palacios, Director of Transportation and Public Works, presented this item to the Council. Mr. Palacios noted that the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) created the PWERT to assist other cities around the metroplex. Public Works is recognized as an important part in cities‟ efforts following disasters. The initial response and short term recovery time is 36 hours. The agreement calls for communications using the National Incident Management System (NIMS). If requested, assistance is voluntary and the City may decline. No responding City will receive reimbursement during the first 36 hours. Should assistance be needed beyond the initial 36 hours, it would be necessary to develop an individual agreement between the cities. Responding cities are responsible for their personnel and supervision. Approximately 16 cities have committed to PWERT including North Richland Hills and Garland. The NCTCOG will provide tabletop exercises. On the motion of Craig Swancy, second by Mr. Hamilton, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the City Manager to enter into the agreement with the PWERT. Motion [...]
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Monthly Management Report for December. Chad Janicek, Director of Office of Management and Budget, presented this report. In addition to reporting the financials, Mr. Janicek reported on the Animal Shelter‟s transparency efforts and their use of Socrata, the open data analysis system approved by Council for this fiscal year. The system analyzes raw data that the shelter has been providing. Staff hopes to reduce demands for frequently asked questions by making the information readily accessible and easily filtered through Socrata on our Web site. The shelter uses a “dashboard” to track live release rates and can see in real-time the kennels that are full or available. The goal is to fully integrate Socrata with the shelter's software. While building this for the shelter, Mr. Janicek identified ways to use Socrata in other departments. No action was taken or required. Update regarding Storm Water Utility. Terry Hughes, Director of Capital Transportation Projects, presented this update. The first billing cycle will be in February and will go out on the 8th, the 19th, and the 27th. Direct mail notices have already been sent out; staff has received some response regarding the notices. The notice directs readers to the storm water FAQs on the City‟s Web site. Mr. Hughes noted projects on Ricky Lane and in the Live Oak Lane/Hilltop area which will begin in the next few weeks. Another [...]
Compiled from the city secretary's minutes by the Ledger's extractor, in the minutes' own wording, item by item; the Ledger adds no characterization. Read the minutes for the full record.
Sources: City of Weatherford: council minutes, Jan. 22, 2013 (Granicus); Agenda for this meeting (Granicus); Meeting video (Granicus)