02-24-1998 (City Council) Minutes MINUTES
Wylie City Council Meeting
February 24, 1998
Call to Order
Mayor Jim Swartz called the City Council Meeting to order, February 25, 1998 at 7:00 p.m.
with the following Councilmembers present: Wanda Sparks, J.C. Worley, John Mondy,
Joel Scott. Reta Allen and Cleo Adams were absent. Staff members present were: Mindy
Manson, Assistant to the City Manager; Brady Snellgrove, Finance Director; Greg
MacLean, Consulting City Engineer; Jack Jones, Public Works Superintendent; Mike
Phillips, Building Inspector; Tobin Maples, Planner; Chief of Police Jeff Butters, and
Barbara Salinas, City Secretary.
Oath of Office
Mayor Swartz asked Chief Jeff Butter to come forward. The Mayor then administered the
Oath of Office to Chief Jeff Butters.
Action Items
Approval of a Resolution to Consider Amending the City Charter According to the
Charter Review Committee's Recommendations and Submit the Proposed Changes
to the Voters of the City of Wylie on the May 2, 1998 Municipal General Election.
Ms. Mindy Manson gave a presentation of the recommended changes to the Charter. Ms.
Manson gave in greater detail, explanation of two of the most substantial changes. The
first, recommended changes to Council Terms of Office from (2) two years to three (3)
years and the recommended changes to the Petition for Initiative, Recall or Referendum,
changing the required number of qualified voters from 25% to 15%, and changes to the
time frame from 30 to 45 days following the filing of the affidavit by petitioners committee,
as recommended by the Charter Review Committee.
Mayor Pro Tem John Mondy expressed concerns as to the number of propositions and the
time it will take voters to read through the ballot. Ms. Manson explained that the ballot
language will be simplified from what was presented to Council and that City Attorney
Richard Abernathy was working on the format for the ballot language, and will finalize
pending council action this evening.
Councilman Scott had question as to how the citizens were to be educated on the issues
of the Charter Amendment Election. Ms. Manson stated that City Staff did plan to execute
a mass mailing to all postal patrons, and that by law, it was required that we publish in the
official newspaper, the Wylie News.
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February 24,1998
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Mayor Pro Tern John Mondy questioned how the mail out would be conducted. Finance
Director, Brady Snellgrove, stated that we could use the Utility Billing listing to ensure that
we do not miss residents of apartments.
Mayor Pro Tern John Mondy asked what involvement the Charter Review Committee would
have in this process. Mr. Merrill Young, spokesperson for the Charter Review Committee,
was present at the meeting, and stated that the Charter Review Committee would not be
active, however, if they were asked for information they would be glad to respond.
Councilman Scott concluded the discussion with his expressed concerns about educating
and publicizing as much as possible prior to the election utilizing tools such as the Wylie
News, the City of Wylie Quarterly Newsletter and door to door flyers.
A Motion was made by Councilman Scott to Approve the Resolution to consider amending
the City Charter According to the Charter Review Committee's Recommendations and
Submit the Proposed Changes to the Voters of the City of Wylie on the May 2, 1998
Municipal Election. The motion was seconded by Councilman Worley. A vote was taken
and the motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO 98-7(R) OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WYLIE, COLLIN
COUNTY,TEXAS,TO CONSIDER AMENDING THE CITY CHARTER ACCORDING TO THECHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUBMIT PROPOSED
CHANGES TO THE VOTERS OF THE CITY OF WYLIE ON THE MAY 2, 1997 MUNICIPAL
ELECTION.
Consider and Act Upon Approval of an Ordinance of the City of Wylie, Texas,
Ordering an Election to be held Concurrently with the General Election on the 2nd
day of May for the Purpose of Submitting to the Qualified Voters of the City of Wylie,
Texas, Certain Proposed Amendments to the Existing Charter.
The Ordinance caption was read into the record.
Councilman Scott made a motion to approve the Ordinance Ordering an Election to be
held Concurrently with the General Election on the 2nd day of May for the Purpose of
Submitting to the Qualified Voters of the City of Wylie, Texas, Certain Proposed
Amendments to the Existing Charter. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tern John
Mondy. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously.
ORDINANCE NO.98-8 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WYLIE,COLLIN COUNTY,
TEXAS ORDERING AN ELECTION TO BE HELD CONCURRENTLY WITH THE GENERAL
ELECTION ON THE SECOND DAY OF MAY,1998,FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUBMITTING TO
THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY OF WYLIE, TEXAS CERTAIN PROPOSED
AMENDMENTS TO THE EXISTING CITY CHARTER; DESIGNATING LOCATION OF POLLING
PLACES ORDERING NOTICES OF ELECTION TO BE GIVEN AS PRESCRIBED BY LAW IN
CONNECTION WITH SUCH ELECTION.
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February 24,1998
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Consider and Act Upon Approving a Replacement to the Parks and Recreation Board
for the Unexpired Term Ending July of 1998.
Ms. Mindy Manson advised Council of the resignation of Ms. Tena Sorrels of the Park and
Recreation Board.
Councilman Scott made a motion to nominate and appoint Ms. Deborah Krom to fill the
unexpired term Parks and Recreation Board with said term ending in July of 1998. Mayor
Pro Tern John Mondy seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed
unanimously.
Councilman Scott asked that the city staff solicit for additional applicants to Boards and
Commissions before this years appointments in June. Mayor Pro Tern John Mondy stated
that Ms. Krom was among those applicants who were interviewed in June of 1997.
Staff Reports
Ms. Manson reported that Mr. Terry Mays, TxDOT, was contacted and asked to be present
at the Council Meeting of March 10 for an update of the status of State Highway 78. Ms.
Manson stated that Mr. Collins had met with Mr. Mays and the representatives from the
Right-of-Way Division of TxDOT and feels that we are making good progress. TxDOT is
to contact city staff and advise as to when they will be meeting with the four (4) property
owners.
Ms. Manson also directed Council's attention to the new visual aids in the Chambers. The
camera at the center of the elevated platform is positioned so that when a presentation is
made to the council bench, the audience will be able to follow along by viewing the
television set to the left of the public seating area.
Mr. Snellgrove reported that the audit was nearly complete and the Comprehensive Annual
Financial Report would be presented to Council next month.
Mr. Greg MacLean had no report, but was available for any questions from Council.
Councilman Worley expressed concerns regarding the Kreymer Lane entrance particularly
the divided lane entrance and the danger and confusion it causes to motorists.
Councilman Worley also asked for a time frame for completion. Mr. MacLean stated that
part of the delay is due in part to a GTE pole they are in the process of moving, and the
wet weather. With regard to the danger imposed, there are some barriers with lights, but
some without. Councilman Worley is concerned that motorists are missing the entrance.
Mayor Pro Tem John Mondy asked if there was a light pole at that entrance. It was
determined that there was not, but Mr. MacLean suggested a temporary light pole and
suggested that TU electric be contacted.
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February 24,1998
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Mayor Pro Tern John Mondy inquired as to the collections of assessments to the property
owners on Kreymer Lane. Mr. Snellgrove stated that no collections have been received
and that they would not assess until the project was completed.
Mayor Pro Tern John Mondy raised concerns about the six(6) and under soccer fields with
regard to standing water. Mr. MacLean stated that they have done some surveying in that
area with regard to drainage. He stated that it would depend on the timing and availability
of material to correct, unless funding was available.
Councilman Scott inquired about the utilities on Alanis. Mr. MacLean stated that the city
installed the water main on the north side of the landfill and that there was no relocation
necessary for road work to be done similar to the two lanes on McCreary.
Mayor Pro Tern John Mondy asked whether the recent rains had caused an influx at North
Texas. Mr. MacLean responded that we had not received significant rains to cause high
peaks typical of those caused by high intensity storms.
Mr. Phillips reported that the 30 day notice for compliance issued to the business at 3010
FM544 would expire on Friday, February 27. Mr. Phillips stated that he would inspect on
Friday afternoon and would pull the Certificate of Occupancy if he is not in compliance in
accordance with the written requirements set forth previously. Mr. Phillips also explained
the process for reapplication. Councilman Worley requested a memorandum from city staff
indicating the action taken on Friday by Mr. Phillips.
Mr. Phillips also reported that the contractor at the Community Center would be working
this weekend to remove and replace the concrete beginning with the ramp to the beginning
of the stairs and all of the area between the brick at the front doors. City staff has not
scheduled events for Friday and Saturday, and the Seniors have been notified that
construction will begin following their noon meal on Friday afternoon. Mr. Phillips stated
that he would supervise the work on Friday and Saturday.
Mayor Swartz stated that he would like to take this time to make a statement. Mayor
Swartz stated that after ten years of service he would not be running for Mayor in the
upcoming election. He further stated that he has enjoyed serving on and with the City
Council. In closing he added that his wish was that the citizens would offer their
appreciation and support to Council.
Citizens Participation
There was no Citizen Participation.
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February 24,1998
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Worksession
Discussion of Back Flow Prevention Program
Mr. Charles Ansley of MacArthur Gauge made a presentation regarding Back Flow
Prevention. In January 1996 the TNRCC made it mandatory that cities begin
implementation of preventative programs. Mr. Ansley stated that though it is mandatory,
we would not see fines imposed if cities were making an initial attempt to implement a
program. Mr. Ansley gave information on the dangers, preventive measures, education,
and process of implementation, for a successful Program in the City of Wylie. Included
in his information packet were cost estimates depending on the level of participation the
City of Wylie would chose to implement.
Mayor Pro Tem John Mondy suggested that we may want to initiate a process by compiling
a list of other area cities who have implemented Prevention Programs and comparing our
options.
Discussion of Water and Miscellaneous Street Projects.
Mr. Jack Jones and Mr. Greg MacLean gave a presentation of the Miscellaneous street
projects from the 1995 Bond Program listing costs comparisons of specific street
improvements and totals. After further discussion, Council agreed that city staff should
proceed with the submittal of the work order necessary to complete the projects and bring
forward to Council as Action items.
Mr. Jones and Mr. MacLean proceeded with the 1995 Water Projects portion of the
presentation. The projects were prioritized on two separate charts; those projects that
were to be constructed by City of Wylie work force, and the remainder which will be
publicly bid. After further discussion, Council agreed that city staff should proceed with
submittal of the work order necessary to complete the projects and bring forward to Council
as Action items.
Executive Session
Held Executive Session under Chapter 551., Subsection D, Section 551.072 of the Texas
Government Code, deliberation regarding real property; Location of future public safety
facilities and acquisition for future city related facilities.
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February 24,1998
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Reconvene into Open Session
and Take Any Action as a Result of the Executive Session.
Councilmember Scott made a motion to authorize the City Manager to negotiate the
purchase of 7.5 acres of real property known as the Jones Tract located on FM 1378
approximately 350' North of the FM1378/Brown Street Intersection; and authorizing city
staff to go out for bids for the construction of a public safety facilities. Seconded by
Councilwoman Sparks. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously.
Councilmember Worley made a motion to authorize the City Manager to purchase lots 7,
8, and 9, located in the 100 block of South Jackson Street for an amount not to exceed
$65,000 with $28,000 down and the balance due in four (4) equal payments over a period
of five (5) years. Seconded by Councilmember Scott. A vote was taken and the motion
passed unanimously.
Councilmemeber Worley made a motion to authorize the City Manager to purchase lots
5 and one half of lot 4 located in the Northwest corner of the Oak and Jackson Street
intersection at an amount not to exceed $51,000 with two equal payments over a period
of two budget years. Seconded by Councilmember Scott. A vote was taken and the
motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment
As there was no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned.
m Swartz, Mayor
Attest:
SEAL
rbara A. Sa ' as, City Secretary '°rya k rE F``
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February 24,1998
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