Archives
Bi-Monthly: October 2006
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
RIVER OAKS CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 10, 2006
MEMBERS PRESENT STAFF PRESENT
MAYOR HERMAN EARWOOD CITY SECRETARY LINDA RYAN
COUNCILMEMBER CLINT WILLIAMS POLICE CHIEF DAN CHISHOLM
MAYOR PRO TEM STEVE HOLLAND FIRE CHIEF BILL CREWS
COUNCILMEMBER LEONARD WATSON PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR MARVIN
COUNCILMEMBER R R “BOB” MINTER GREGORY
COUNCILMEMBER JOANN GORDON ASST CITY SECRETARY ANGIE HARRIS
CITY ATTORNEY APRIL VIRNIG (IN BETSY ELAM’S ABSENCE)
CALL TO ORDER AT 7:00 PM BY MAYOR EARWOOD; QUORUM PRESENT
COUNCIL MEMBER GORDON GAVE THE INVOCATION. COUNCIL MEMBER WATSON LED THE PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE UNITED STATES AND TEXAS FLAGS
READING OF PROCLAMATION(S) BY MAYOR (IF ANY):
Mayor Earwood proclaimed October 23-27, 2006 as Red Ribbon Week, supporting a nationwide campaign committed to increasing the awareness among all Americans concerning the dangers of drug abuse and promoting a drug-free America.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND BILLS PAYABLE:
1. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 26, 2006
Council Member Watson moved to approve meeting minutes from September 26, 2006. Motion seconded by Council Member Gordon. All voted “Aye.”
2. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF BILLS PAYABLE FOR PERIOD ENDING OCTOBER 10, 2006
Council Member Minter moved to approve payment of bills for period ending October 10, 2006. Motion seconded by Council Member Watson. All voted “Aye.”
PERSONAL APPEARANCES REQUIRING COUNCIL APPROVAL/ACTION:
3. APPEARANCE BY TARRANT COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH (TCPH) UPDATING COUNCIL ABOUT CURRENT HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES
Associate Director of Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH), Santos Navarrette, along with two of his associates, updated Council Members on available County Health Programs such as WIC (Women, Infants and Children), Testing for Bioterrorism agents, Breast and Cervical Cancer screening and Chronic Disease testing and assistance. TCPH’s main goal is education, evident in Mr. Navarrette’s staff’s distribution of flyers and pamphlets relating to Public Health issues. No further action was taken.
4. APPRECIATION TO EARL WILLIAMS FOR LOGO USED ON THE CITY FLAG
Mayor Earwood explained that Earl Williams, the creator of the City logo used on the newly adopted City of River Oaks Flag, is unable to attend a Council meeting due to his wife’s recent illness. He will present a City Flag to Mr. Williams at his home at a future date. No further action was taken.
5. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY HAROLD NORRIS TO UTILIZE CITY PROPERTY AND PERSONNEL IN THE FILMING OF A LOCAL MOVIE
Harold Norris was not in attendance for this meeting. No further action was taken.
6. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF FISCAL YEAR 2005-2006 COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT AS PRESENTED BY CITY AUDITOR MALCOM WETSEL
City Auditor Malcom Wetsel was unable to attend this meeting. CA Ryan gave Mayor Earwood and Council Members the 2005-2006 Basic Financial Statements and Required Supplemental Information as prepared by Mr. Wetsel with Management Discussion and Analysis provided by CA Ryan. Mr. Wetsel will attend a future meeting for further review of the audit. No further action was taken.
7. CONSIDER ACTION/APPROVAL OF REQUEST BY JUANITA NUNEZ IN REFERENCE TO FENCE INSTALLED AT 1813 LONG IN VIOLATION OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE
Juanita Nunez appeared before Council Members requesting that the fence she has already installed on her property be allowed under the City’s Zoning Ordinance. Currently, the Ordinance only allows 3-foot wood or 4-foot cyclone for front yard fencing; the 3-foot limit and 4-foot cyclone requirements are set for vision purposes for residents and emergency services. PWD Gregory explained that while Ms. Nunez’ fence is theoretically non-compliant with the City’s current Ordinance, in practice, the fence has been well structured and is visually appealing. Ms. Nunez had several neighbors at the meeting in support of the aesthetics of the fence and their feeling that it adds curb appeal to the neighborhood. After reviewing photos of the fence, Council Members agreed that it was well structured and suggested that the current Ordinance was too restrictive; ornamental wrought iron fences, while appealing, would also be non-compliant with the present Code. City Attorney Virnig verified that Council could approve delaying Code Enforcement regarding the fence until amendments could be made to the Zoning Ordinance. She cautioned Ms. Nunez, however, that amending the Ordinance did not guarantee that her fence would be in compliance at that time.
Council Member Williams moved to waive Code Enforcement action/fines for the fence located on 1813 Long for a period of six (6) months, pending Zoning Ordinance Amendments that may allow the current fence to meet Zoning Requirements; once the Zoning Ordinance is amended, fines will cease to be waived and will apply to this property in accordance with Zoning changes. Motion seconded by Council Member Watson. All voted “Aye.”
8. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF REQUEST BY RUBY RODRIGUEZ TO REIMBURSE PLUMBING BILL FOR 1617 YALE STREET
Ms. Rodriguez was unable to attend the Council meeting. PWD Gregory explained that the City had caused the line to collapse at Ms. Rodriguez’ property and had recommended she contact a plumber. Mayor and Council expressed concern that Mike Wren, the Contractor who performed the plumbing repairs for Ms. Rodriguez, had presented an inflated invoice. While the City Council agrees that the City should pay the charges, they requested that PWD Gregory consult with Mr. Wren to insure that charges for plumbing services were reasonable and correct. PWD Gregory will present his finding at the October 24, 2006 Council Meeting. No further action was taken.
ITEMS REQUIRING COUNCIL APPROVAL/ACTION:
9. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF MAYOR’S RECOMMENDATION FOR THE HIRING/TERMINATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Mayor Pro Tem Holland moved to approve the Mayor’s Recommendation for the hiring/termination of Administrative Staff. Motion seconded by Council Member Williams. All voted “Aye.” [No discussion was offered for this Agenda Item. For the record, this action included the termination of Municipal Court Clerk Patricia Thetford and the hiring of Customer Service Clerk Sharon Conyers.]
10. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE NO. 744-06 AMENDING ARTICLE 12.05, “STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING,” BY AMENDING SECTION 12.05.011, “SPECIAL NO PARKING ZONES” OF THE CITY OF RIVER OAKS 2006 CODE OF ORDINANCES BY DESIGNATING THE NORTH SIDE OF 5300 BLACKSTONE FROM STATION 3+38.5 THRU STATION 4+36.5 AND ON THE WEST SIDE OF WINTERS STREET FROM THE INTERSECTION OF BLACKSTONE AND WINTERS NORTH FROM STATION 0+35.5 THRU STATION 2+05.5 AND AS PLOTTED ON “EXHIBIT A” AS A SPECIAL NO PARKING ZONE
Mayor Earwood informed Council Members that this item had been discussed in Staff meeting earlier in the day. Police Chief Chisholm stated that only two homes were being affected by the parking situation, that no complaints had been received at City Hall and wondered if this Ordinance was in need of amending. Council Members instructed PC Chisholm to bring this item back to them for action if warranted. No further action was taken.
11. CONSIDER REQUEST TO EXTEND THE AUGUST 22, 2006 COUNCIL ORDER TO DEMOLISH THE STRUCTURE AT 4413 ALMENA
PWD Gregory explained that all parties had been contacted relative to this property. His understanding is that a contract to purchase the property is pending and the Seller was requesting an extension on behalf of the Buyer to present a plan of action to the City Council. No person(s) was present to plead this cause. PWD Gregory stated that the City Council was not required to extend the demolition of the property; CM Gordon noted that no “good faith” had been presented in favor of extending the demolition deadline.
Council Member Williams moved to deny the request to extend the August 22, 2006 Council Order to demolish the structure at 4413 Almena. Motion seconded by Council Member Watson. All voted “Aye.”
12. CONSIDER APPROVAL AUTHORIZING STAFF TO OBTAIN THE SERVICES OF A THIRD PARTY INSPECTION FIRM AS A BACKUP FOR CONSTRUCTION INSPECTIONS
With Building Inspector Waits’ absence from work, the necessity to seek a third-party Inspection Firm has arisen. Recently, Council Members approved a part-time Plumbing Inspector that can perform “after hours” inspections. Licensed Inspection firms who specialize in Plumbing/Building inspections on an “as needed, contract” basis could perform daytime inspections. The Inspection Firm PWD Gregory had contacted would not require an official contract in order to perform services for the City for an interim time period.
Council Member Williams moved to approve authorizing staff to obtain the services of a third party Inspection Firm as a backup for Construction Inspections “as a last resort” and for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days. Motion seconded by Council Member Minter. All voted “Aye.”
13. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF MAYOR’S RECOMMENDATION TO APPOINT ROYCE SHIELDS AS CHAIRMAN OF ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS (ZBA)
No discussion for this item.
Council Member Williams moved to approve the Mayor’s Recommendation to appoint Royce Shields as Chairman of Zoning Board of Adjustments (ZBA). Motion seconded by Council Member Minter. All voted “Aye.”
CORRESPONDENCE-ANNOUNCEMENTS:
14. MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS MAY MAKE ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENT CORRESPONDENCE AT THIS TIME
STAFF REPORTS (PRESENTED TO COUNCIL AS CORRESPONDENCE – STAFF AVAILABLE FOR DISCUSSION/QUESTIONS)
CM Williams expressed concern that Cable Channel 7 has been inoperable for several weeks. PWD Gregory has been dealing with Charter Communications and has also involved the City’s Computer Technician, Jim Hull, in correcting the routing box problems.
He stated that he had received several calls about electrical wiring problems in the kitchen area of the Community Center and asked PWD Gregory to investigate/correct the electrical system problems.
No further action was taken.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
15. AT THIS TIME, ANY PERSON WITH CITY RELATED BUSINESS MAY SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE TEXAS OPEN MEETINGS ACT, THE CITY COUNCIL MAY NOT DELIBERATE OR TAKE ACTION
Leon Beck, 1805 Long, inquired about putting in curbs on Long Avenue. PWD Gregory has been asked to survey the entire City, much of which needs curbs installed, and can have a plan of action to the City Council for their consideration/approval in November 2006. No further action was taken.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
16. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 551, TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE; THE COUNCIL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION(S) FROM TIME TO TIME ON ANY POSTED AGENDA ITEM TO RECEIVE ADVICE FROM ITS ATTORNEY AS PERMITTED BY LAW DURING THIS MEETING. THE COUNCIL MAY CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING:
- Section 551.071 Pending or contemplated litigation or to seek advice from attorney
- Section 551.072 Discussion regarding possible sale, lease or acquisition of real estate
- Section 551.074 Personnel matters – (1) To deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline or dismissal of a Public Officer or Employee OR to hear a complaint or charge against an Officer or Employee; (2) Termination of Municipal Court Clerk; (3) City Administrator Employment Agreement
- Section 551.076 Deliberation regarding security devices
Council Member Williams moved to convene in Executive Session pursuant to Sections 551.071, 551.072 and 551.074 at 8:06 PM. Motion seconded by Council Member Minter. All voted “Aye.”
RECONVENE:
17. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF ANY ACTION FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Earwood reconvened Regular Meeting at 9:06 PM.
Council Member Williams moved to approve the City Administrator’s Employment Agreement as presented. Motion seconded by Council Member Gordon. All voted Aye.”
ADJOURN:
18. ADJOURN
Council Member Williams moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:07 PM. Motion seconded by Council Member Gordon. All voted “Aye.”
APPROVED:
___________________________________
Herman D. Earwood, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Linda A. Ryan, City Secretary
____________________________________________________________________________________
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
RIVER OAKS CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 24, 2006
MEMBERS PRESENT STAFF PRESENT
MAYOR HERMAN EARWOOD CITY SECRETARY LINDA RYAN
MAYOR PRO TEM STEVE HOLLAND POLICE CHIEF DAN CHISHOLM
COUNCILMEMBER LEONARD WATSON FIRE CHIEF BILL CREWS
COUNCILMEMBER R R “BOB” MINTER PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR MARVIN
COUNCILMEMBER JOANN GORDON GREGORY
CITY ATTORNEY BETSY ELAM LIBRARY DIRECTOR MARY EARWOOD
ABSENT ASST CITY SECRETARY ANGIE HARRIS
COUNCILMEMBER CLINT WILLIAMS (OUT-OF-TOWN CLASS)
CALL TO ORDER AT 7:00 PM BY MAYOR EARWOOD; QUORUM PRESENT
COUNCIL MEMBER GORDON GAVE THE INVOCATION. COUNCIL MEMBER WATSON LED THE PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE UNITED STATES AND TEXAS FLAGS
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND BILLS PAYABLE:
1. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 10, 2006
Council Member Gordon moved to approve meeting minutes from October 10, 2006. Motion seconded by Council Member Watson. All voted “Aye.”
2. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF BILLS PAYABLE FOR PERIOD ENDING OCTOBER 24, 2006
Council Member Minter moved to approve payment of bills for period ending October 24, 2006. Motion seconded by Council Member Gordon. All voted “Aye.”
PERSONAL APPEARANCES/REQUESTS REQUIRING COUNCIL APPROVAL/ACTION:
3. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY LIBRARY PATRON PETE NAJERA TO WAIVE $34.00 OWED FOR LIBRARY FINES
Pete Najera praised Library Staff and services but expressed his concern that he was being charged a $34.00 fine for overdue materials. Library Director Mary Earwood explained Mr. Najera’s fee history over the last several years, stating that a $65.00 fine had been waived in 2005 for unreturned videos. Council Members verified several of the Library’s procedures and determined that some weekend due date fees had also been waived and confirmed that videos are not materials susceptible to renewal. Mr. Najera had been allowed to renew videos on several occasions even though it was against policy. Library Director Earwood felt that the Library staff had been sufficiently lenient with Mr. Najera and recommended denying his request to waive additional fines.
Council Member Gordon moved to deny the request by Library Patron Pete Najera to waive a $34.00 fine. Motion seconded by Council Member Watson. All voted “Aye.” Request Denied.
4. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF FISCAL YEAR 2005-2006 COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT AS PRESENTED BY CITY AUDITOR MALCOM WETSEL
City Auditor Malcom Wetsel presented the 2005-2006 Budget results, noting the second year implementation of GASB 34 reporting requirements. Total assets for the fiscal year increased, largely due to decreases in expenses and increases in property tax revenue. He explained that invested funds are not necessarily restricted and that transfers between investment accounts could be made if the Council desired to do so. Mr. Wetsel expressed concern over the “billed/pumped” ratio in the Water/Sewer Fund, which could be fire hydrant usage and Water Treatment Plant maintenance problems. PWD Gregory confirmed that the Plant had experienced filter and maintenance problems during the report period. Another area of concern was that the Corporation Court account should be reconciled and revenues should be captured at the time of sale. CA Ryan will contact InCode, the Point-of-Sale software provider, to research correcting sales receipt problem areas. Mr. Wetsel commended Council for having acquired a much more competent staff, willing and able to implement internal controls, reconcile monthly reports and analyze information for more efficient accounting practices.
Mayor Pro Tem Holland moved to approve City Auditor Malcom Wetsel’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Fiscal year 2005-2006 as presented. Motion seconded by Council Member Gordon. All voted “Aye.”
5. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY HAROLD NORRIS TO UTILIZE CITY PROPERTY AND PERSONNEL IN THE FILMING OF A LOCAL MOVIE (SECOND REQUEST – MR. NORRIS UNABLE TO ATTEND MEETING OF OCTOBER 10, 2006 WHERE ORIGINAL REQUEST WAS MADE)
Harold Norris apologized to Council for having missed the October 10th meeting; his son had recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq and needed assistance getting settled into his new home. Mr. Norris explained his desire to utilize several River Oaks Police Department employees and portions of the Department’s buildings for the making of a movie he has written and plans to film. City Attorney Elam expressed opinions on liability issues and contract agreements but felt those arrangements were possible. Mayor Earwood suggested that Mr. Norris be responsible for attorney costs, to which Mr. Norris was agreeable. He assured Council that he would film at the discretion and timetable of the Police Department and would not interfere with the ongoing of day-to-day business.
Mayor Pro Tem Holland moved to approve the request by Harold Norris to utilize City Property and Personnel in the filming of a local movie, subject to successful completion of the City’s Attorney-authored contract and Department Head input/approval. Motion seconded by Council Member Watson. All voted “Aye.”
6. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF REQUEST BY RUBY RODRIGUEZ TO REIMBURSE PLUMBING BILL FOR 1617 YALE STREET (SECOND REQUEST)
Ruby Rodriguez and Plumbing Contractor Mike Wren were in attendance. PWD Gregory explained that the City was liable for the plumbing work necessitated on Ms. Rodriguez’ property, that Mr. Wren had performed the work himself and had billed her a fair market value rate of $1,165. Ms. Rodriguez had already paid Mr. Wren for the work and was seeking reimbursement from the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Holland moved to approve reimbursing Ruby Rodriguez, $1,165 for plumbing work done on her property located at 1617 Yale Street. Motion seconded by Council Member Gordon. All voted “Aye.”
7. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY JAIME LEON AND LUCY GARCIA TO DELAY DEMOLITION OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4413 ALMENA – (THIS REQUEST DENIED AT OCTOBER 10, 2006 COUNCIL MEETING – ADDITIONAL REQUEST MADE FOLLOWING A MEETING WITH MAYOR EARWOOD)
Jaime Leon and Lucy Garcia, not in attendance, had contacted City Staff prior to this Council meeting, stating that funding to purchase the property located at 4413 Almena was not approved. Mayor Earwood and Council Members instructed PWD Gregory to proceed with demolition of the property as scheduled. No further action was taken.
8. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A REQUEST FROM CITIZENS SHIRLEY BLOOMFIELD AND SHIRLEY WHEAT REQUESTING A FUTURE WORKSHOP TO DISCUSS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN RIVER OAKS (SECOND REQUEST)
River Oaks Citizens Shirley Bloomfield and Shirley Wheat reminded Council that this was their second request for a workshop to discuss Illegal Immigrant issues within the City, but that no contact had been made to schedule one. Mayor Pro Tem expressed his views that this issue is one that must be approached with caution as small cities, such as River Oaks, have limited funding and that financial peril is risked when undertaking a “cutting edge” issue like this one. The River Oaks governing body would rather fund high quality services such as waste management and a superior water supply to its citizens, versus spending large amounts of money on attorney fees in adopting/defending a stance on such a controversial topic. Council Member Gordon agreed and added that the City needed more jurisprudence before acting on an issue of this magnitude. Council Members commended Mss. Bloomfield and Wheat for their hard work in assimilating the information but failed to see what insight a scheduled workshop would produce. Ms. Wheat said that a workshop might produce ideas that would effect a change in the City that might not require litigation. Both Mss. Bloomfield and Wheat want the City of River Oaks declared an “English Only” speaking City, fearing that over-accommodating Spanish speaking citizens would lead to “a collapse from within.” They have begun circulating a petition among River Oaks citizens, focusing on this “grass roots” effort. Council Members and Staff urged caution when delineating between “illegal” and “Hispanic.” Council Members expressed a willingness to consider this issue again, if Mss. Bloomfield and Wheat can provide sample Ordinances adopted by other cities and approved legal documentation showing a more substantive approach to this matter. No further action was taken.
12. CONSIDER APPROVAL TO AUTHORIZE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A GAS LEASE AGREEMENT WITH TWO ROCK INC FOR CITY PROPERTY AT 5300 BLACKSTONE
Mayor Earwood requested that this item be considered at this point in the meeting, as two representatives from Two Rock, Inc. had been patiently waiting to address Council. Council Members agreed to proceed with Agenda Item 12 at this time.
Mayor Earwood, Staff members and Attorney Bryn Meredith had met with Two Rock Inc. and felt confident that the negotiations were fair. CA Elam endorsed Attorney Meredith’s expertise in this field and stated that he was comfortable with changes requested of Two Rock, Inc. in the contract. A formula for valuing gas/minerals as they are mined/tapped is used when negotiating Gas Lease Agreements; Mr. Meredith, again, is skilled in these matters. The Two Rock, Inc. representatives confirmed that Petroleum Products only were being considered in this Agreement. Mayor Pro Tem Holland had submitted his concerns to Mr. Meredith, who verified the City’s safety and advantage in entering into this Agreement.
Mayor Pro Tem Holland moved to approve authorizing Mayor Earwood to enter into a Gas Lease Agreement with Two Rock, Inc. for City Property located at 5300 Blackstone. Motion seconded by Council Member Gordon. All voted “Aye.”
ITEMS REQUIRING COUNCIL APPROVAL/ACTION:
PUBLIC HEARING:
9. PUBLIC HEARING: REPLAT APPLICATION ON THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS LOTS 2A AND 2A1, FOREST ACRES ADDITION, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 5201 OHIO GARDEN RD AND CURRENTLY OWNED BY ROBERT D. LOYD AND J.W. BARNETT
Mayor Earwood opened the Public Hearing at 9:05 PM and closed the Public Hearing at 9:06 PM at the direction of City Attorney Elam. She explained that two lots had not been properly platted and the procedures available to the City were: Determine if the delinquent taxes on the property are less than three years or more than five years in arrears; determine if tax collection is in the best interest of the City; sale of the property might not yield as much as the taxes owed. CA Elam suggested that the City’s Tax Attorneys research the options and make recommendations to the Council. Mayor Pro Tem expressed a desire to have the City’s Tax Attorneys be more pro-active in the future, seeking properties whose taxes had become delinquent and whose purchase might benefit the City.
ACTION FROM PUBLIC HEARING:
10. ACTION FROM PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF REPLAT APPLICATION ON THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS LOTS 2A AND 2A1, FOREST ACRES ADDITION, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 5201 OHIO GARDEN RD AND CURRENTLY OWNED BY ROBERT D. LOYD AND J.W. BARNETT
Council Member Gordon moved to approve the Replat Application on the property described as Lots 2A and 2A1, Forest Acres Addition, otherwise known as 5201 Ohio Garden Rd and currently owned by Robert D. Loyd and J.W. Barnett. Motion seconded by Council Member Watson. All voted “Aye,” with the exception of Council Member Minter, abstaining. Motion passes.
11. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 605-06 ENTERING INTO A MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT WITH THE TARRANT COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT NO. ONE, PROVIDING FOR SERVICE AGREEMENT CRITERIA AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Mayor Earwood stated that this agreement is renewed each year and recommended doing so at this time.
Motion made and seconded and unanimously passed to approve Resolution No. 605-06 entering into a Mutual Aid Agreement with the Tarrant County Emergency Services District No. One, providing for Service Agreement Criteria and establishing an effective date. *** A brief recess proceeded action of this Agenda Item. City Secretary Ryan and Assistant City Secretary Harris were not in attendance, nor was the tape recorder restarted for this Item. A poll of Staff confirmed the unanimous approval of this Resolution.
13. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF MAYOR’S APPOINTMENT OF NANCY LOVEN AS THE PLACE 3 MEMBER TO THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS (ZBA)
No discussion for this item.
Council Member Gordon moved to approve the Mayor’s Appointment of Nancy Loven to the Place 3 Member position of the Zoning Board of Adjustments (ZBA). Motion seconded by Council Member Minter. All voted “Aye.”
14. CONSIDER APPROVAL TO ACCEPT BID FROM OMB POLICE SUPPLY FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO LOTS OF WEAPONS SEIZED BY THE RIVER OAKS POLICE DEPARTMENT
Police Chief Chisholm stated that OMB Police Supply was highly recommended to him as a reputable vendor and had quoted an amount exceeding his expectations ($8,240) for the two lots of seized weapons. He recommended awarding the bid to OMB.
Council Member Gordon moved to approve accepting a Bid from OMB Police Supply for the purchase of Two Lots of River Oaks Police Department Seized Weapons in the amount of $8,240. Motion seconded by Council Member Watson. All voted “Aye.”
15. CONSIDER APPROVAL TO CONTINUE PER CAPITA SUBSIDY OF $0.00 TO MEDSTAR
No discussion for this item.
Mayor Pro Tem Holland moved to approve continuing a Per Capita Subsidy of $0.00 to Medstar for Emergency Services within the City. Motion seconded by Council Member Watson. All voted “Aye.”
16. CONSIDER APPROVAL TO SCHEDULE CITY EMPLOYEE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2006
No discussion for this item.
Council Member Gordon moved to approve scheduling the City’s Annual Employee Christmas Party for Friday, December 15, 2006. Motion seconded by Council Member Watson. All voted “Aye.”
CORRESPONDENCE-ANNOUNCEMENTS:
17. MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND/OR DEPARTMENT HEADS MAY MAKE ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENT CORRESPONDENCE AT THIS TIME
STAFF REPORTS (PRESENTED TO COUNCIL AS CORRESPONDENCE – STAFF AVAILABLE FOR DISCUSSION/QUESTIONS)
* MAYOR EARWOOD REPORT ON COMMUNITY CENTER EVENTS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IMPROVEMENTS & CHANGES IN THE CITY
Mayor Earwood reported that the Community Center would be the site for a small haunted house and children’s carnival in celebration of Halloween. He also mentioned and Council discussed tentative plans to advertise for and hire several individuals to manage the Community Center events. Council agreed that further information would be needed prior to making a final decision. Construction and remodeling continue throughout the City, remaining a positive step toward the overall progress of the City.
- FIRE DEPARTMENT – Fire Chief Crews reported on a recent fire on Kessler. The fire was contained but considerable damage was done to the home. Fortunately, no casualties or serious injuries resulted from the fire.
- POLICE DEPARTMENT (TO INCLUDE MUNICIPAL COURT ACTIVITY)
- PUBLIC LIBRARY
- PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT [TO INCLUDE CODE COMPLIANCE, INSPECTIONS (NOT AVAILABLE FOR THIS AGENDA), SANITATION AND WATER]
- COMMUNITY CENTER BOARD MINUTES
- PARK BOARD MINUTES
No further action was taken.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
18. AT THIS TIME, ANY PERSON WITH CITY RELATED BUSINESS MAY SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE TEXAS OPEN MEETINGS ACT, THE CITY COUNCIL MAY NOT DELIBERATE OR TAKE ACTION
No further action was taken.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
19. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 551, TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE; THE COUNCIL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION(S) FROM TIME TO TIME ON ANY POSTED AGENDA ITEM TO RECEIVE ADVICE FROM ITS ATTORNEY AS PERMITTED BY LAW DURING THIS MEETING. THE COUNCIL MAY CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING:
- Section 551.071 Pending or contemplated litigation or to seek advice from attorney
- Section 551.072 Discussion regarding possible sale, lease or acquisition of real estate
- Section 551.074 Personnel matters
- Section 551.076 Deliberation regarding security devices
Council Member Gordon moved to convene in Executive Session pursuant to Sections 551.071, 551.072 and 551.074 at 9:54 PM. Motion seconded by Council Member Minter. All voted “Aye.”
RECONVENE:
20. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF ANY ACTION FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Earwood reconvened Regular Meeting at 10:18 PM.
Council Member Gordon moved to approve the City Administrator’s recommendation to increase the salary of the Deputy Court Clerk for assuming additional duties and an increased workload due to the termination of the Court Clerk. Motion seconded by Council Member Watson. All voted Aye.”
ADJOURN:
21. ADJOURN
Council Member Watson moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:23 PM. Motion seconded by Council Member Gordon. All voted “Aye.”
APPROVED:
___________________________________
Herman D. Earwood, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Linda A. Ryan, City Secretary
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