Weatherford
Weatherford City Council, April 14, 2015: 6 items; Presentation of Citizen Certificate of Appreciation to Miss Haley Ross
0 consent items, 6 regular items, 1 public hearing, 1 executive-session topic; 6 recorded votes, all unanimous. Written from the minutes.
Presentation of Citizen Certificate of Appreciation to Miss Haley Ross. Mayor Pro Tem Craig Swancy presented the certificate of appreciation to Miss Ross for her actions in locating a missing five year old girl. Mayor Pro Tem Swancy issued the following proclamations: Proclamation naming April 14, 2015 as Linda Tingle Day. Proclamation naming April 12-18, 2015 as Volunteer Week. Proclamation naming April 22, 2015 as Earth Day. Proclamation naming April 25, 2015 as Arbor Day.
Hold a PUBLIC HEARING and consider approval of Ordinance 722-2015-11 for a Zoning Change for property zoned AG Agricultural to be rezoned RE Residential Estate, located in the Southeast corner of North Oakridge Drive and Sonora Canyon Road, more generally described as CC041415 Page 1 of 4 being a portion of Tract 9, Block 1, North Oakridge Acres, an addition to the City of Weatherford, Parker County, Texas. ZCH2015-0001 Craig Farmer, Director of Planning and Development, presented this item. He provided information detailing the location stating the applicant anticipates eight lots fronting on Sonora Canyon. The drainage and traffic studies have not been completed; those will occur during the platting phase. The City Council continued this Public Hearing during their regular meeting held March 24, 2015. Mr. Farmer noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval by a vote of 4-1 during their meeting on March 25. Mayor Pro Tem Craig Swancy opened the Public Hearing at 6:58 p.m. Sam Phelps, developer, stated they anticipate eight lots, each approximately 6/10 of an acre. As there were no other speakers, Mayor Pro Tem Swancy closed the Public Hearing at 6:59 p.m. On the motion of Jeff Robinson, second by Heidi Wilder, the Council voted unanimously to approve Ordinance 722-2015-11. Motion carried 4 - 0.
Discuss and consider approval of Resolution R2015-12 regarding the City's log cabins and the Doss Heritage and Culture Center's (DHCC) proposed log cabin village. City Manager Jerry Blaisdell presented this item. He stated that for many years, the City has discussed the preservation and the maintenance of the log cabins at Holland Lake. The DHCC has been working diligently to create a log cabin village. In the past, the City has contributed hotel occupancy tax (HOT) funds to assist with the completion of site work. During this time, the City committed informally that the cabins at Holland Lake would become part of the DHCC village and that the titles would be transferred to the Center. This resolution formalizes that commitment. Mr. Dean Hungate with the DHCC spoke briefly about this item. Ms. Wilder requested that the following statement be stricken from the proposed resolution: "3. The Weatherford City Council will consider assistance for the operation and maintenance of the DHCC Log Cabin Village of Parker County when allocating future hotel/motel tax funds." Removing the statement does not prevent the DHCC from making HOT fund requests in the future but does remove the appearance that the Council is obligated to consider and or fund future requests from the DHCC. Bobbie Narramore, 209 West First Street, asked that the Council not offer financial assistance beyond HOT funds [...]
Consider and/or act upon approval of Ordinance 723-2015-12 adopting an optional employee buyback ordinance. City Manager Jerry Blaisdell stated that staff recommends tabling this item until additional information can be gathered to sufficiently present this item in its entirety. On the motion of Heidi Wilder, second by Jeff Robinson, the Council voted unanimously to table this item. Motion carried 4 - 0.
Discuss and consider appointments to the Zoning Board of Adjustments. On the motion of Waymon Hamilton, second by Heidi Wilder, the Council voted unanimously to appoint Kevin Cleveland to the Zoning Board of Adjustments. Motion carried 4 - 0.
Update regarding the City's curbside recycling program. Steve Bates, Director of Municipal and Community Services, provided details about the City's voluntary recycling program. He stated that he recently researched additional materials recovery facilities (MRFs) after learning the City's vendor would begin charging the City. After meeting with other vendors, it was determined that Republic Services would provide the best service for the City. Republic will not charge the City unless a load is contaminated. The City will not receive rebates. With this change in vendor, the City is now able to accept glass. Mr. Bates stated that the City has 1,433 curbside recycling customers. He is working with public relations to expand the program. Since inception of the curbside program, the City has not delivered a contaminated load to the MRF. Mr. Hamilton inquired about the City's loss or expense. Mr. Bates discussed the three stationary drop-off locations that the City maintained prior to beginning the curbside program. Those trailers were frequently contaminated with household garbage and other non-recyclable materials. It does cost the City money for the truck, the driver and the employee on the back of the truck; however, the current process provides an improved service to the citizens. The program is voluntary and staff is pleased with participation thus far, but is hoping to expand [...]
Future agenda items: Ms. Wilder requested a work session regarding the upcoming liability of retirement and other known liabilities. Mr. Hamilton suggested the Council consider vacant lots around the City and working with Habitat for Humanity to help place more families in homes. He mentioned the area around the Mount Pleasant Schoolhouse to create a neighborhood in that area, which might help to prevent some of the vandalism that has been apparent in the past.
Action on executive session items: To take action, if necessary, pursuant to Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, VTCS, (Open Meetings Law): In accordance with the authority contained in: Section 551.087 - Deliberations regarding economic development negotiations: * Roger Williams CDJ, Inc.; and * PX3 Sports Science The Council took no action on either item.
Executive session topics, as posted: with the authority contained in: Section 551.087 - Deliberations regarding economic development.
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, April 14, 2015 (Granicus); Agenda for this meeting (Granicus); Meeting video (Granicus)