Weatherford
Weatherford City Council, Sept. 25, 2018: 17 items; public hearing and consider a request for a zoning district change to allow an AG
9 consent items, 8 regular items, 4 public hearings; 8 recorded votes, all unanimous. Written from the minutes.
Consent agenda, approved as one vote (5-0, on the motion of Kevin Cleveland, second by Heidi Wilder): Approved the minutes of the City Council meeting held September 11, 2018. Approved Resolution R2018-16 designating an official newspaper for the City of Weatherford’s legal publications for fiscal year 2018-19 and authorized the City Manager to enter into a one- year agreement with the Weatherford Democrat as the official newspaper of the City. Approved Ordinance 921-2018-36 to amend rural water rates for customers in the Westridge and Southcrest subdivisions located in Parker County. Approved Ordinance 924-2018-39 amending the FY18 Adopted General City Budget. Approved Ordinance 925-2018-40, adopting a municipal fee schedule for FY19. Approved Ordinance 907-2018-22 establishing new speed limit zone on Santa Fe Drive – FM 2552 per Texas Department of Transportation recommendation. Awarded Bid #2018-024 items 1 and 2 to Northeastern Pavers Inc. for annual asphalt material. Items 3, 5, and 6 to Vulcan Materials Inc. and items 4, 7, and 8 to 37 Mining Inc. for aggregate material based on lowest most responsive bid. Approved the continuation of an agreement with Dr. S. Kent Glenn, DVM to provide veterinary services for the Weatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter (WPCAS). Consider authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Gallagher Benefit Services for the continuation of a benefit services agreement. This item was removed from the Consent Agenda. Councilman Cleveland inquired about the services that Gallagher provides to the City. City Manager Sharon Hayes stated that the City is self-insured this year, which is through TML; however, Gallagher still provides a lot of services similar to what Frost did the prior year. Diana Allen, Director of Human Resources, stated that the City initially contracted with Frost but that we did not realize a return on our investment. Gallagher was highly recommended and was approximately $15k cheaper than Frost. Gallagher helped the City become self-insured and for the first time in many years, it appears the City will not have to raise insurance rates. Gallagher has saved the City a lot of money, explore claims monthly, they return dollars to the City on pharmaceuticals, each quarter the City receives rebates that they have negotiated for us, they go out for bid for all of our ancillary, they are going out for bid on our stop-loss. TML acts as a clearinghouse for us; they are no longer our insurer. The City did go out for a different provider in the past. Two bids were submitted, TML and Blue Cross Blue Shield, and TML was cheapest. Assistant City Manager Brad Burnett stated that the City pays a fee to Gallagher each year but they do not make a commission off of the City. Ms. Allen stated that without Gallagher, the Human Resources Department would need an additional employee strictly dedicated to insurance. Ms. Hayes stated that we did not feel like we derived a benefit from Frost. Gallagher was highly recommended to us and staff is very pleased with this company. Due to HIPPA rules, the City does not see claims and does not want to see them; Gallagher sees the claims. The relationship has been positive and Gallagher has provided a lot of services. Gallagher is a known product that performed well and came very highly recommended. Ms. Allen stated that Gallagher does not carry any type of products because they are a benefit services company, not an insurance company. Councilman Cleveland asked staff to consider other brokers/firms because, if their service is as good as or better and the cost is similar or less, it would be a benefit to the City. Mr. Burnett stated that Gallagher has really helped the City get to this point since we have just gotten started in the self-insurance business. Mr. Burnett stated he would not want to change anything at this point, but would suggest possibly reviewing other companies next year. Mr. Burnett stated that the City needs to get through the open enrollment process in January before considering any other broker/insurance. Mr. Cleveland asked that staff consider other companies within the next six months and not wait a full year from now to do so. Gallagher assists with claims processing claim and or problems with claims. Ms. Allen stated that the ‘problem solving’ is a direct relationship between Gallagher and TML so there is no way for Gallagher to get a commission or a kickback. Councilmember Robinson thanked staff for their work to keep coverage as it was without increasing rates and commended staff for doing a good job and seeking this out. Councilmember Tucker concurred with Mr. Robinson. Councilmember Cleveland asked staff to clarify whether or not Gallagher receives any compensation other than the $50k, either directly, or commission, or for the sale of the insurance product. Mr. Burnett stated that, to the best of his knowledge, Gallagher does not receive anything other than the $50k; he will verify this because he is not 100% sure. item. Motion carried 5 - 0. Consider acceptance of the 2nd Quarter Investment Report. This item was removed from the Consent Agenda. On the motion of Heidi Wilder, second by Jeff Robinson, the Council voted unanimously to table this item. Motion carried 5 - 0. Consider adoption of Ordinances 922-2018-37 and 923-2018-38 for establishing Stop, Yield, and No Parking Signs at various street locations within the City. Manny Palacios, Director of Transportation and Public Works, stated that staff had several requests for stops, yields, and no parking signs. Staff inadvertently left an area off of the attached ordinance number 922-2018-37. Mr. Palacios requested the following addition to ordinance number 922-2018-37 which was included in the agenda packet:. No Parking Zone along both sides of the 200 and 300 blocks of West Rentz Street ordinances with the stated addition to ordinance number 922-2018-37. Motion carried 5 - 0. The ordinances are captioned as follows: ORDINANCE 922-2018-37 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE X MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, CHAPTER 4 PARKING REGULATIONS, SECTION 10-4-21 PROHIBITED PARKING OF THE CITY CODE OF WEATHERFORD, TEXAS, BY ADDING THERETO AND DESIGNATING PORTIONS OF CERTAIN STREETS AND AVENUES WHERE THE PARKING OF VEHICLES SHALL BE PROHIBITED DURING CERTAIN PERIODS OF THE DAY; PROVIDING A PENALTY OF FINE NOT TO EXCEED $200.00, PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT WITH THE PROVISIONS HEREOF, PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. ORDINANCE 923-2018-38 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEATHERFORD, TEXAS, AMENDING WEATHERFORD CODE OF ORDINANCES, TITLE X MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, CHAPTER 3 TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICES, SECTION 10-3-12 SPECIFICALLY CONTROLLED STREETS BY ADDING THERETO CERTAIN INTERSECTIONS FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES ON RIGHT-OF-WAYS IN THE CITY OF WEATHERFORD, TEXAS, PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT, AND PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE, ESTABLISHING A PENALTY. Consider authorizing the City Manager to utilize funds exceeding the amount of $50,000 for FY19 contracted legal services with Taylor, Olson, Adkins, Sralla & Elam, LLP (TOASE). Assistant City Manager Brad Burnett presented this item. He asked that Council quantify the request by stating that expenses not exceed $100k. If staff anticipates that expenses will exceed $100k, then staff will make an additional request to the Council at that time. On the motion of Heidi Wilder, second by Jeff Robinson, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the City Manager to utilize funds in excess of $50k but not to exceed $100k for legal services with TOASE. Motion carried 5 - 0.
Hold a PUBLIC HEARING and consider a request for a zoning district change to allow an AG Agriculture to an AG Agriculture with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a Commercial Animal Enterprise on less than 10 acres at a property located at 220 Otto Drive and described as being 4.96 acres, located in the John McCullough Survey, City of Weatherford, Texas. ZCH2018-0018. Craig Farmer, Director of Development and Neighborhood Services, presented this item. He stated that the subject property is adjacent to the Tison Junior High ball fields. The location is accessible from Otto Lane off of Fort Worth Highway and there is a secondary access off of Azle Highway. The request is for a CUP for a dog/pet boarding. The Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) considered the request at their last meeting. The applicant did not have a lot of information to present to the Commission and they voted 5 - 1 to recommend denial. Mr. Farmer stated the applicant has requested her item be tabled to the November 13 City Council meeting so that she can meet with all of the adjacent neighbors and develop a site plan. The General Plan calls for the area to be ‘Suburban Living.’ Staff thought the request was a good interim use; however, the PZC disagreed and wanted the area to be utilized for ‘Suburban Living.’ Mayor Swancy opened the public hearing at 6:52 p.m. As there were no speakers, Mayor Swancy closed [...]
Hold a PUBLIC HEARING and consider a request for a zoning district change to allow a C1 Commercial to a C1 Commercial with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a Recycling and/or Drop Off Kiosk, Bin or Reverse Vending Machine at a property located at 2034 Fort Worth Highway and described as being 0.460 acres, Abstract 535, “Fina” Good Hannibal Survey, City of Weatherford, Texas. ZCH2018-0019. Mr. Farmer presented this item as well. This site is adjacent to The Malt Shop. The applicant requested a drop off/collection box at this site. The Malt Shop has not requested the placement of the donation box but is agreeable to such placement. The location is zoned commercial. Such a box could be placed in this location with a CUP. Historically, these types of collection boxes require constant monitoring and partnerships in order to keep from becoming eyesores. The PZC recommended denial of this request at their last meeting. Mayor Swancy opened the public hearing at 7:07 p.m. As there were no speakers, Mayor Swancy closed the public hearing at 7:07 p.m. On the motion of Curtis Tucker, second by Heidi Wilder, the Council voted unanimously to deny this request. Motion carried 5 - 0.
Discuss and consider the City Council holiday meeting schedule for November and December 2018. After discussion, the Council agreed to meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays in November and to meet only once in December on the 11th. Consider and/or act upon approval of Ordinance 926-2018-41 adopting the City Manager’s Proposed Budget as amended by the City Council for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2018 and ending September 30, 2019. Finance Director Kyle Lester presented this item. He stated that this item is for the adoption of the FY19 budget. The budget was proposed August 14th. A Work Session was held August 28th and the required public hearings were held on August 28th and September 11th. The FY19 budget includes $57.3m over 22 different funds, 35 departments, and includes every City program, except utilities-related functions. Staff requests the Council adopt the budget as presented on August 14th with the following changes which were discussed previously: • Addition of $250k in property tax to capital plans • Addition of new vehicle for Building Inspector - $25k • Addition of Outside Agency Grants o General Fund - $20k o Hotel/Motel Fund - $5k Mr. Lester presented the following General Fund Overview, including changes that had been discussed previously: Council discussed the proposed tax rate. City Manager Sharon Hayes stated that the proposed rate equates to [...]
Consider and/or act upon the first and final ratification of the property tax revenue increase reflected in the Proposed FY19 Weatherford Municipal Annual Budget Mr. Lester presented this item as well. The tax rate discussed, 48.99, was no change in the rate from last year; however, that rate is above the effective rate. Mr. Lester stated that, by state law, Council must first ratify the tax rate increase that is reflected in the budget that has been passed. He noted that this is not the formal adoption of the tax rate but it is a recognition that the rate reflected in the proposed budget would result in a tax increase. Heidi Wilder moved to approve the FY19 Proposed Budget, with a tax rate of $0.4899 per $100 valuation, which will raise more total property taxes than last year’s budget by $535,856, or 5%, and of that amount, $226,803 is tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year. Curtis Tucker seconded the motion. Motion carried 4 - 1.
Jeff Robinson voted in opposition. Consider and/or act upon approval of Ordinance 927-2018-42 adopting the proposed ad valorem tax rate of 48.99 cents per $100 of valuation for the 2018 tax year (2019 fiscal year). Mr. Lester presented this item as well. He stated that the proposed budget was balanced on a tax rate of .4899 which is the same tax rate that the City has in the current fiscal year. Mr. Lester identified additional rates as follows: Mr. Lester stated that the required public hearings were held. Councilwoman Wilder moved that the property tax rate be increased by the adoption of a tax rate of 48.99 cents per $100 valuation which is effectively a 2.3% increase in the tax rate. This includes a rate of 33.43 cents for the operations and maintenance of the General Fund and 15.55 cents in order to service the City's debt. Councilman Tucker seconded the motion. Councilman Cleveland stated that he does not wish to go down to the rollback rate, but that he would like movement in a downward direction. Ms. Wilder stated that the budget is balanced based on this rate and that this rate increases approximately $1.25 per month per average household, but in turn will save a lot of money in interest if the City issues debt for future capital projects. After further discussion, Mayor Swancy called for a vote. Ms. Wilder’s motion carried by a vote of 3 - 2. Councilmembers Robinson [...]
Councilmembers Robinson and Wilder voted in opposition. Discuss and consider award of Bid# 2018-023 and authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract for the construction and stabilization of Black Warrior Creek in the Heritage Park area. Director of Capital Transportation Projects Terry Hughes presented this item. He stated that Black Warrior Creek bisects the Heritage Park area and the soils are highly alluvial and easily eroded. This project is designed to stabilize and stop the erosion with a modular block wall system and a walk bridge. The project is approximately 800 feet long and estimated to cost $2,140,000. The project was advertised in August and bids were opened on September 18, 2018. Six bids were received ranging from a high bid of $2,835,420.96 by Joe Funk Construction to a low bid of $1,587,702.61 by Reytech Services, LLC. Since the bid opening, staff has vetted Reytech to ensure that they and their subcontractors met the established experience requirements. Reytech does meet the requirements and staff and our consultant are comfortable recommending that Council authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Reytech Services, LLC for the construction of the Black Warrior Creek Channel Stabilization project in the amount of $1,587,702.61. On the motion of Jeff Robinson, second by Heidi Wilder, the Council voted unanimously to approve staff's [...]
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: 1) 551.072 Deliberations regarding Real Property: a) deliberation regarding the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property to be acquired for right-of-way, drainage easements, slope easements and temporary construction easements in connection with the B.B. Fielder Road project located south of IH 20 an
Consider action on a Memorandum of Agreement with Wayne & Carolann Hodges concerning a tract of land located in the James A. Yeoman Survey Abstract No 1692, Parker County, Texas and being a part of Lot 2-R and Lot 3-R, Block 2, Westwood Park, and Addition to the City of Weatherford, Texas. This item was covered under Action on Executive Session Items.
Staff report regarding Tract B, Clear Lake Country, Phase II. City Manager Sharon Hayes stated that at the last meeting staff was asked to develop a plan or projection to create a park/bird watching station at the intersection of Clear Lake Road and Lake Forest Drive. The Park Master Plan sets the minimum park size at five acres and this site is much less than that. It is currently being maintained as a green space and we can continue to do that. If Council chooses to continue to maintain this site, staff proposes the following improvements: • Install signage to indicate that it is public property • Designate a parking area and block off the ability to drive past the parking area. • Consider installation of an aeration system to improve water quality Staff will continue to maintain the site at the current level. The estimated cost to add the features listed above is not to exceed $50k. Funding for these improvements are not included in the parks department’s proposed budget and would require an amendment. Council consensus was that the property should remain a greenspace. Discussion included possibly phasing in the improvements so that a budget amendment would not be necessary. Additional speakers included: • Zan Prince, 2200 Lake Country Drive, stated that the greenspace is great as long as it is maintained and policed. She stated that some people access private property from [...]
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, Sept. 25, 2018 (Granicus); Agenda for this meeting (Granicus); Meeting video (Granicus)