Weatherford
Weatherford City Council, Aug. 8, 2017: 21 items, 3 split votes; Presentation of the FY17 3rd Quarter Financial Report and the City Manager’s Proposed
12 consent items, 9 regular items, 2 public hearings, 1 executive-session topic; 10 recorded votes. Written from the minutes.
Presentation of the FY17 3rd Quarter Financial Report and the City Manager’s Proposed Budget for FY18. City Manager Sharon Hayes stated that the budget process began in April. She spoke briefly about budgetary priorities and noted that property appraisals have increased. Kyle Lester, Assistant Director of Finance, presented the quarterly report for the third quarter. No action was required or taken on this report. Mr. Lester then presented the City Manager’s Proposed General Budget document for FY18 (Fiscal Year 2017-18). The document contains a total of $50.2m within 21 funds and incorporates all city programs and services except water, wastewater, and electric services, which are represented in a separate budget document. Mr. Lester’s presentation focused primarily on the General Fund. The proposed budget continues the momentum gained in FY17. Due to this year’s gains in sales tax, staff proposes to keep retiree funding on its planned trajectory while maintaining the 120 days fund balance purely for stabilization reserve. This budget also continues the vehicle and major equipment rotation funding, adding six vehicles and equipment from Parks, Police, Fire, and Public Works to this rotation. Other major focuses in this budget include a compensation plan that is a placeholder until staff receives the results of the current classification and compensation study; the addition of [...]
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 meeting held July 25, 2017. Authorized the City Manager to execute a contract with Burns and McDonnell to perform the Solid Waste and Recycling Cost of Service and Rate Design study. Approved Ordinance 852-2017-36 amending Title X Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Chapter 18 Wrecker Regulations, specifically 10-18-21. Approved Ordinance 851-2017-35 releasing and abandoning a portion of a blanket utility and right-of-way easement recorded in Book 1849, Page 692 and Book 2648, Page 1261, Deed Records, Parker County, Texas in exchange for defined easements. Awarded Bank Depository contract to First Financial Bank, N.A., located in Weatherford, beginning November 1, 2017 and ending October 31, 2020. The contract may be extended for two (2) additional one-year periods under the same terms and conditions. Appointed Kwin Smith from alternate member to regular member on the Zoning Board of Adjustments; appointed Dr. Kathryn Garofalo to the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee replacing Dr. Kent Glenn; appointed Faye Maxwell to the vacant citizen at large position on Animal Shelter Advisory Committee; and appointed Liza Walters to the vacant alternate seat on the Building & Standards Commission. Consider approval of Resolution R2017-17 setting two public hearings on the proposed involuntary annexation of land generally described as being approximately 1117.15 acres of land more or less and being wholly or partially located in the W. Beckwith Survey, Abstract 41, the James Shadle Survey, Abstract 1279, the R. J. Parish Survey, Abstract 1868, the J. G. Easley Survey, Abstract 430, the S. Trimble Survey, Abstract 1298, the T & P RR Co. Survey, Abstract 1346, the T & P RR Co. Survey, Abstract 1448, the J. M. Jones Survey, Abstract 744, the O. p. Galloway Survey, Abstract 2906, the H. M. Wolfenberger Survey, Abstract 1685, the C.M. Wolfenberger Survey, Abstract 1683 and the T & P RR Co. Survey, Abstract 1351, the W. H. Parker Survey, Abstract 2162, Parker County, Texas and being more fully described by metes and bounds in the attached Exhibit A and map in Exhibit B. This item was removed from the consent agenda for separate consideration. City Manager Sharon Hayes stated that, if this resolution is approved, then two public hearings will be set for September 12th and 14th. The following spoke in opposition of the proposed annexations of property generally located along FM920, Zion Hill Road, and Zion Hill Loop:. Courtney Butler, 127 East Aycock Court. Connie Cerveny, 2503 Zion Hill Loop. Helen Hearnsberger, 1851 Zion Hill Loop. Randal Peck, 112 Jamar Drive. R.D. Witt, 2750 Zion Hill Loop. Travis Unger, 201 Dove Hill Lane move forward with the public hearings. Motion carried 4 - 1. Mayor Craig Swancy voted in opposition. Consider approval of Resolution R2017-18 setting two public hearings on the proposed involuntary annexation of land generally described as being approximately 216.57 acres of land more or less and being wholly or partially located in the C.M. Wolfenberger Survey, Abstract 1683 and the T & P RR Co. Survey, Abstract 1351, the W.H. Parker Survey, Abstract 2162, the T & P RR Co. Survey, Abstract 1456, the J.H. Sewell Survey, Abstract 1212, the S. Wolfenberger Survey, Abstract 1688, and the W. Adams survey, Abstract 9, Parker County, Texas and being more fully described by metes and bounds in the attached Exhibit A and map in Exhibit B. This item was also removed from the consent agenda. Ms. Hayes stated this is the second proposed annexation at this time and it encompasses approximately 217 acres. Approval of the resolution sets the public hearings. On the motion of Heidi Wilder, second by Jeff Robinson, the Council voted to approve the resolution and set the public hearings. Motion carried 4 - 1. Mayor Craig Swancy voted in opposition.
Consider approval of a Zoning Change request for property zoned C1 Commercial to be rezoned C1 Commercial with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a Used-Auto Dealer, located at 808 Fort Worth Highway, Weatherford, Texas. ZCH2017-0012 Stan Hamrick, City Planner, presented this item. This item was tabled previously while awaiting the final General Plan document. That document is not expected until early September. The applicant is okay with continuing this hearing until the September 26, 2017 meeting. On the motion of Kevin Cleveland, second by Heidi Wilder, the Council voted unanimously to remove the item from the table. Motion carried 5 - 0.
On the motion of Jeff Robinson, second by Heidi Wilder, the Council voted unanimously to continue the item until the September 26, 2017 meeting. Motion carried 5 - 0.
Vote to Propose the City of Weatherford Property Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2018. Kyle Lester, Assistant Director of Finance, presented this item. to propose a tax rate of 49.92 cents per $100 of valuation for the fiscal year 2018 budget. For FY17, the City of Weatherford’s ad valorem tax rate is $0.5116 per $100 of assessed property value. This includes $0.34 per $100 for operations and maintenance (O&M), and $0.1716 for interest and sinking (I&S). Certified Appraised Values for the upcoming fiscal year indicate that the effective tax rate is $0.4605267, meaning that it would require a lower tax rate to generate the same amount of property tax revenue on properties that exist on the tax rolls for both years. State law requires the city to hold two public hearings before adopting a tax rate that exceeds the effective tax rate. Before proceeding with the required public hearings, the governing body must hold a record vote to propose a specific tax rate. A summary of the options available and their effect on the budget will be presented to Council with the FY18 Proposed Budget on August 8. The only requirement is that an exact tax rate be proposed and voted on by City Council. This vote does not obligate the City Council to approve the tax rate that is proposed. It does, however, functionally set a cap on the rate that can ultimately be adopted. Council cannot adopt a rate higher [...]
Consider approval of Ordinance 850-2017-34 a request for a Zoning Change for property zoned AG Agricultural to be rezoned RE Residential Estate for property located at 1609 Old Dicey Road, more generally described as being an approximately 21.13 acre tract, in the Desiderio de la Cruz Survey, Abstract No. 223, City of Weatherford, Parker County, Texas. ZCH2017-0013 Mr. Hamrick presented this item as well. On the motion of Jeff Robinson, second by Heidi Wilder, the Council voted unanimously to remove this item from the table. Motion carried 5 - 0.
The following spoke on this item: • Ottis Lee, Baird Hampton Brown Engineers, stated that the property is approximately 21 acres bordered by one-acre lots on one side which is in the county, and by one-plus acre lots on the other side. The applicant is offering a PD planned development, which is RE based, with the following caveats: 20k minimum lot size, 2,200 square feet minimum home size, and a minimum of 10 percent green space. The developer will conserve or save as many trees as possible. Trees are very valuable to developers and buyers want to see trees. The developer plans to work around trees with each home. The number of proposed lots was and still is 28. • Tommy Brown, POB 194, voiced concern about soil erosion issues. • Sheila McBride, 105 North La Colina, stated that the developer did not meet with anyone she has talked to, that she would like to know which residents were included, and that a compromise on the lot size would be three-fourths of an acre, not one-half of an acre. • Philip Burgess, 117 North La Colina, thanked the Council for their encouraging discussion over this matter. • Mariney Shackelford, 307 Meadow Brook Court, Springtown, the property owner, asked the Council to approve this item as it meets all the city’s guidelines and plans. • Mr. Hamrick stated that the largest lot: is 35k square feet and two are approximately 32k square feet. The detention [...]
Heidi Wilder voted in opposition. Consider approval of a Final Plat for North Ridge Estates, located at 3400 FM 920 and being an approximate 65.43 acre tract situated in the T & P.R.R. Co. Survey A-1346, City of Weatherford, Parker County, Texas. SBD2017-0031 Mr. Hamrick presented this item as well. This project lies just outside the city limits in the city’s ETJ. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the final plat with the following corrections: • That the dedication along FM 920 be changed from ‘right-of-way’ easement to ‘right-of-way dedication’. • That the centerline of FM 920 be noted on the plat. • That the term ‘building line’ be changed to ‘building setback line’. • That any reference to the term ‘preliminary’ be removed before the plat is filed. On the motion of Kevin Cleveland, second by Jeff Robinson, the Council voted unanimously to approve the final plat with the corrections requested by the Planning & Zoning Commission. Motion carried 5 - 0.
Consider approval of a Replat for Lots 1-4, Block 1, Weatherford Town Center, located at the northwest corner of IH-20 and Tin Top Road. SBD2017-0032 Mr. Hamrick presented this item as well. This property is located near the new Hobby Lobby and Academy stores. This would normally be considered a minor plat which does not have to come before the City Council; however, since the subject property is located in an area of new development and in the city’s Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, staff has chosen to bring it forward to the Council for informational purposes. On the motion of Jeff Robinson, second by Heidi Wilder, the Council voted unanimously to approve this replat. Motion carried 5 - 0.
Update regarding branding, logo, and website. City Manager Sharon Hayes presented this item. Marketing Alliance has been working with staff to develop a new website and brand for the economic development program. They are also working on the city's brand. Some of the economic development updates will be brought forward at the next August meeting. City branding and logo efforts will be rolled out at the first meeting in September. Update regarding bills filed and legislation of interest to the City of Weatherford. Ms. Hayes gave a brief review of some of the major legislation being discussed in this 30-day special session of the legislature. Staff and council representatives testified in various hearings in Austin. Copies of letters of support or opposition have been provided to the Council. Hopefully the session will be over by the next City Council meeting and staff can give a more definitive overview.
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 551.074 – Personnel Matters – to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee: City Manager’s Evaluation.
Executive session topics, as posted: the authority contained in: Section 551.074 – Personnel Matters – to deliberate the appointment,.
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, Aug. 8, 2017 (Granicus); Agenda for this meeting (Granicus); Meeting video (Granicus)