Weatherford
Weatherford City Council, March 28, 2017: 10 items; Presentation regarding children's advocacy center
3 consent items, 7 regular items, 1 public hearing, 2 executive-session topics; 5 recorded votes, all unanimous. Written from the minutes.
Presentation regarding children's advocacy center. Jeff Swain, Parker County District Attorney's Office, spoke about the progress towards the development of a children's advocacy center (CAC) for Parker County. The CAC is a one-stop-shop to try to maximize the outcomes for child abuse victims, both in terms of the case and the child. The three primary components are the forensic interview; the multi-disciplinary coordination/collaboration between law enforcement, Child Protective Services, medical staff, and prosecution; and the coordination of counseling/therapy/medical intervention as may be needed for the victim and the victim's family. The CAC is a proven model with over 70 throughout the state in the past 29 years. Mr. Swain noted that Parker County is the largest county in the state that does not have a CAC. The ultimate goal is 'better cases, better kids.' He spoke about the advantages to having a CAC in Parker County, and the barriers/limitations placed upon the victims, the cases, and the participating entities when traveling to Tarrant, Hood, or Palo Pinto counties for services. Memorandums of understanding from participating entities throughout the county are in place. During the first two years, large grants from the CAC of Texas can fund the program. The team anticipates opening on September 1, 2017. The CAC is awaiting approval of their non-profit status in early [...]
Consent agenda, approved as one vote (5-0, on the motion of Dale Fleeger, second by Heidi Wilder): Approved the minutes of the City Council meetings held March 14, 2017 and March 21, 2017. Awarded Bid#2017-008 for asphalt paving on various City streets to Weldon C. and Bill Jordan Construction, Inc. based on lowest most responsive overall bid. Appointed Dr. Kent Glenn to the vacant veterinarian seat on the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee. Consider and/or act upon award of Bid #2017-007 Contract for Mowing to WCD Enterprises, LLC. based on lowest and most responsive overall bid that complied with requirements. This item was removed from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. Shannon Goodman, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Special Events, presented this item. Staff advertised for bids and two were received; one company bid $99,000 and the other bid $32,000. After staff review, it was determined that the $32,000 bid from WCD Enterprises, LLC. met all the City's standards. Because the bid was less than expected, staff has been able to add three more properties to the project, without exceeding the dollars that have been budgeted for this line item. The contract is not to exceed $80,000. Dave Stewart, 401 Little Reba Ranch Road, asked how the competitor’s bid was much less than his own. Mr. Goodman explained that larger companies around the country are bidding projects low to get their foot in the door in hopes of gaining a three to five-year contract. During the first year, the companies determine their actual cost for the job and will then give subsequent bids for an amount closer to their actual cost of service. Staff contacted references for WCD and all gave high marks. this item. Motion carried 5 - 0.
Hold a PUBLIC HEARING regarding the voluntary annexation of “Hidden Lake Estates” a 17.696 acres tract of land out of the R. Inman survey, abstract no. 726, Parker County, Texas; being all that certain tract of land conveyed to Stice and recorded in volume 1860, page 726, real records, Parker County, Texas. Director of Planning and Development Craig Farmer presented this item. Council recently approved a planned development zoning case for townhomes contingent upon annexation. Mayor Swancy opened the Public Hearing at 6:59 p.m. As there were no speakers, Mayor Swancy closed the Hearing at 6:59 p.m. Hold a PUBLIC HEARING on the proposed voluntary annexation of “1850 Mineral Wells Highway” generally described as 12.30 acres of land in the George Staggs Survey, Abstract 1196, and the A. J. Ball Survey, Abstract 2288, Parker County Texas. Mr. Farmer presented this item as well. Public Transit Services requested annexation into the City. The City is also annexing the roadway which connects the City to the subject property. Mayor Swancy opened the Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m. Seeing no speakers, Mayor Swancy closed the Hearing at 7:00 p.m. Commented [MN1]: I used this language this time because the normal language made only the p.m. push to the next line.
Consider a Final Plat and waiver to screening requirements for the Lakeway Estates, Phase II, Section I an addition to the City of Weatherford, being an approximate 38.648 acre Tract of land situated in the J.H. Stone Survey, Abstract No. 2685 and the T. & P. R.R. Co. Survey, Abstract No. 1514, City of Weatherford, Parker County, Texas. SBD2017-0011 Mr. Farmer presented this request for a Final Plat and waiver to screening requirements. This phase is located west of Lake Weatherford and north of Lakeway Drive. The phase being platted does have two ways in/out connecting directly to the existing Lakeway Drive. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval unanimously, subject to a number of conditions which are fairly minor. In order to expedite the plat, staff recommended approval subject to several conditions all of which can be met before the plat will be filed. On the motion of Heidi Wilder, second by Jeff Robinson, the Council voted unanimously to approve the Final Plat subject to the conditions stated and including the waiver to the fencing requirement on West Lake due to topography. Motion carried 5 - 0.
Consider and/or act upon approval of a Resolution R2017-13 authorizing City Manager to approve a contract extension with BBVA Compass. Sidney Kirk, Assistant Director of Finance, requested approval of this resolution allowing the City Manager to extend the current contract with BBVA Compass from June 30, 2017 until October 31, 2017. Extension of this contract will allow staff the time to conduct a depository bank solicitation process. On the motion of Heidi Wilder, second by Dale Fleeger, the Council voted unanimously to approve this item. Motion carried 5 - 0.
Consider approval of an amendment to the engineering contract for Holland Lake Dam and Holland Lake Creek channel improvements. Terry Hughes, Director of Capital Transportation, presented this item. He stated that Freese and Nichols is completing the design for the Holland Lake Creek channel improvements and the Holland Lake Dam Emergency Spillway design. The amended contract is for additional geotechnical services, soil nail design, spillway modeling, eminent domain support, and additional construction phase services. The total amendment is $189,508 and funds are available in the storm water utility. On the motion of Heidi Wilder, second by Kevin Cleveland, the Council voted unanimously to approve this item. Motion carried 5 - 0.
Staff report regarding the Holland Lake Dam and Black Warrior Creek. Mr. Hughes presented this report. He spoke about the Holland Lake Dam Emergency Spillway. He stated this has been brought to the City's attention following a breach analysis report from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The City must install an auxiliary spillway for relief. Freese and Nichols was hired to begin this process. The first design was too industrial for a structure that will tie into the City's parks and trails system. Staff has met with Freese and Nichols to find a material and design that has more aesthetic appeal. The model shows a tiered structure with a series of plunge basins made of a concrete product that is formed and shaped into a natural rock look. It is all formed concrete, not gunite, that is reinforced with structural steel and will maintain its integrity for many years. Mr. Hughes noted that this type of product has a more natural, organic feel than a concrete ditch. The cost is approximately $300,000 more than the initial, industrial, option. This improvement will be funded with storm water utility funds.
Future agenda items: Update on the progress of the BB Fielder, Dennis Road, and South Bowie
Budget work session including discussion regarding the classification and compensation study. Kyle Lester, Assistant Director of Finance, presented this item. He provided preliminary expectations for the current fiscal year (FY). He stressed the word preliminary stating that preliminary figures indicate that the City could have a total operational capacity of $700,000 to $800,000 from a combination of adjusting the sales tax baseline, assessed value increases, and other revenue performance. Mr. Lester reviewed previous priorities and initiatives, and the method by which Council and staff have begun to address them over the past several FYs. The same method can be applied to the classification study. Staff is aware that a problem exists in the City's pay structure and job classifications. Over the past few years, staff have pieced together ways to address the issue, usually with a cost of living adjustment and sometimes with restructuring in Public Safety departments. These options have been a patchwork way of trying to solve an issue that staff has not fully grasped. The classification study will quantify the problem so that staff can begin addressing it. Council approval is not required since the cost is under $50k. After much discussion, the consensus was for Ms. Hayes to move forward with the study.
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: A. Section 551.071 Consultation with Attorney - to consult with City Attorney on legal matters concerning the lawsuit styled City of Weatherford, Texas v. The County of Parker County, Texas and Town of Brock, Texas; Cause No. CV-17-0041 in the 415th District Court, Parker County, Texas, including proposed settle
Executive session topics, as posted: A. Section 551.071 Consultation with Attorney - to consult with City Attorney on legal matters; B. Section 551.087 Economic Development Negotiations: Cake Smart, LLC..
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, March 28, 2017 (Granicus); Agenda for this meeting (Granicus); Meeting video (Granicus)