7:00 PM
JANUARY 2008 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
RED OAK CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2008
I. CALL TO ORDER – The Mayor will call the meeting to order, declare a quorum if present, and declare notices legally posted pursuant to Open Meetings Act.
Mayor Alan Hugley called the meeting to order and declared a quorum present and notices legally posted at 7:00 p.m. Members present were Mayor Pro Tem Eric Smith, Councilmember Ben Goodwyn, Councilmember Scott Lindsey, Councilmember Casey Hargrove and Councilmember Andy Bell.
II. INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Hugley gave the Invocation and led the Council and Citizens in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. CONSENT AGENDA - Consent Items
“All matters listed under Item IV. Consent Agenda, are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will not be a separate discussion of these items. If discussion is desired, that item will be removed from the consent agenda and will be considered separately.”
A. Consider approval of the minutes of the December 10, 2007, Regular City Council Meeting.
B. Consider approval of Change Order No. 1 for Dallas Water Supply Transmission Main – Section 1 S.J. Louis Construction.
C. Consider approval of the Change Order No. 2 for Dallas Water Supply Transmission Main – Section 2 S.J. Louis Construction.
Mayor Pro Tem Smith made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Hargrove to approve Consent Agenda Items A; B; and C. The motion was unanimous.
IV. CITIZENS FORUM
Comments, questions, or presentations for non-agenda items from citizens, but no action may be taken by City Council.
No one spoke.
V. COUNCIL BUSINESS – OPEN SESSION
D. Continue the Public Hearing and consider approval of an Ordinance for a Specific Use Permit for allowing Major Auto Repair in Commercial-1 (C-1) zoning for 401 N. Hwy. 342, being .2968 acres, McKinney & Williams Survey, A-751, City of Red Oak, Ellis County, Texas, located south of Ovilla road and west of Hwy. 342, requested by Lazaro Vargas.
Mayor Hugley continued the Public Hearing. Councilmember Hargrove recused himself due to his business location in close proximity to that of Mr. Vargas. Sylvia Ramirez of 510 Shockley. De Soto, Texas, and Chris Moses of 120 Stainback Ct., Red Oak, Texas, spoke in favor. No one spoke in opposition. Councilmember Goodwyn made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Bell to close the Public Hearing. The motion was unanimous. Staff recommended approval based on the conditions outlined in the Ordinance. Councilmember Lindsey made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Bell to approve Ordinance No. 08-01: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RED OAK, TEXAS, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE AND MAP, AS HERETOFORE AMENDED, BY GRANTING A CHANGE IN ZONING FROM COMMERCIAL-1 (“C-1”) TO COMMERCIAL-1-SPECIFIC USE PERMIT (“C-1-SUP”) TO ALLOW FOR MAJOR AUTO REPAIR ON APPROXIMATELY .2968 ACRES LOCATED SOUTH OF OVILLA ROAD AND WEST OF HIGHWAY 342, IN THE MCKINNEY & WILLIAMS SURVEY, A-751, CITY OF RED OAK, ELLIS COUNTY TEXAS, AND BEING MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 401 N. HIGHWAY 342, RED OAK, ELLIS COUNTY, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR THE APPROVAL OF AN ILLUSTRATION, WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AND INCORPORATED HEREIN AS EXHIBIT “A”; PROVIDING FOR SPECIAL CONDITIONS; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE OF ALL ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS HEREOF; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; with the conditions outlined in the Ordinance with the exception of Item C, which will state “That all parking and landscaping requirements are in accordance with the local ordinances.” The motion carried 4-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Smith, Councilmember Goodwyn, Councilmember Lindsey and Councilmember Bell voting in favor. Councilmember Hargrove abstained from voting.
E. Conduct a Public Hearing and consider approval of an Ordinance renewing the Specific Use Permit for a restaurant and private club, being approximately 1.360 acres in the J.E. Patton Survey, A-839, City of Red Oak, Ellis County, Texas, south of Red Oak and west of Interstate 35, requested by Charles Bertrand.
Mayor Hugley opened the Public Hearing. Charlie Bertrand of 123 Clear Creek, Red Oak, Texas, spoke in favor. No one spoke in opposition. Councilmember Lindsey made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Goodwyn to close the Public Hearing. The motion was unanimous. Staff recommended approving the SUP for an additional six (6) months. Mayor Pro Tem Smith made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Goodwyn to approve Ordinance No. 08-02: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RED OAK, TEXAS, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE AND MAP, AS HERETOFORE AMENDED, BY GRANTING A CHANGE IN ZONING FROM HIGHWAY ORIENTED- (“HO”) TO HIGHWAY ORIENTED-SPECIFIC USE PERMIT (“HO-SUP”) TO ALLOW A RESTAURANT AND PRIVATE CLUB ON APPROXIMATELY 1.360 ACRES LOCATED SOUTH OF RED OAK ROAD AND WEST OF INTERSTATE 35 IN THE J.E. PATTON SURVEY, A-839, CITY OF RED OAK, ELLIS COUNTY TEXAS, AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT A, WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AND INCORPORATED HEREIN; PROVIDING FOR THE APPROVAL OF A SITE PLAN, WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AND INCORPORATED HEREIN AS EXHIBIT “B”; PROVIDING FOR SPECIAL CONDITIONS; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE OF ALL ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS HEREOF; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; with the noted change of Section 2, Item A, which will state “That the establishment shall not derive more than twenty-five (25%) percent of its revenue from the sale of alcohol”. The motion was unanimous.
F. Conduct a Public Hearing for consideration and possible action of an Ordinance regarding a proposed amendment to the definition of “accessory building” under 14.1-2 of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City of Red Oak to include in the definition any subordinate or secondary structure that contains a lavatory and/or kitchen, but no sleeping quarters.
Mayor Hugley opened the Public Hearing. No one spoke in favor or in opposition. Councilmember Goodwyn made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Hargrove to close the Public Hearing. The motion was unanimous. Staff recommended approval. Councilmember Lindsey made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Goodwyn to approve Ordinance No. 08-03: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RED OAK, TEXAS, REPEALING THE PORTION OF COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE ARTICLE 14, SECTION 1, 14.1.2, SPECIFIC DEFINITIONS, NO. 3, WHICH PROVIDES THE DEFINITION OF “ACCESSORY BUILDING,” AND REPLACING IT WITH A DEFINITION THAT INCORPORATES AS AN ACCESSORY BUILDING ANY SUBORDINATE OR SECONDARY STRUCTURE THAT CONTAINS A LAVATORY AND/OR A KITCHEN, BUT NO SLEEPING QUARTERS; PROVIDING A REPEALING CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND A SAVINGS CLAUSE,: PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The motion was unanimous.
G. Conduct a Public Hearing and consider approval of a Specific Use Permit to allow Temporary Outside Retail Sales for approximately 60 days for Metroplex Furniture Show, Inc., 509 S. HI 25 service Road, Lots 1 & 2, Block 1, Hilltop Acres, City of Red Oak, Ellis County, Texas, located north of Ovilla Road and west of Interstate Hwy. 35, requested by Karl Berry.
Mayor Hugley stated that there would not be a Public Hearing and that Council has received a letter from Karl and Susan Berry withdrawing their request for a Specific Use Permit to allow Temporary Outside Retail Sales for Metroplex Furniture Show, Inc. The letter of withdrawal is attached as Exhibit A. No action taken.
H. Discussion and possible action regarding a contract with PoliceReports.US.
Councilmember Goodwyn made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Bell to approve a contract with PoliceReports.US to furnish internet accessibility to ROPD accident reports and authorizing the City Manager to execute. The motion was unanimous.
I. Discussion and possible action regarding an Ordinance amending Appendix A, Fee Schedule, by amending Section 1, Copying Charges for Public Records, by adding a subsection (e) to provide a six dollar ($6.00) fee for an accident/incident report.
Councilmember Hargrove made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Bell to approve Ordinance No. 08-04: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OR ORDINANCES BY AMENDING APPENDIX A, FEE SCHEDULE, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING SECTION 1, COPYING CHARGES FOR PUBLIC RECORDS, BY ADDING A SUBSECTION (e) TO PROVIDE A SIX DOLLAR ($6.00) FEE FOR AN ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORT; PROVIDING A REPEALING CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The motion was unanimous.
Council convened into Executive Session at 7:41 p.m. and reconvened into Open Session at 8:42 p.m.
J. Discussion regarding the Southern Regional Response Group Concept (SRRG).
Chief of Police Craig Rudolph opened the discussion explaining that the SRRG is a concept designed to combine personnel and resources to form a multi-jurisdictional SWAT Team. Councilmember Lindsey asked if there would be any additional costs to the City. Chief Rudolph said that he would check into that and come back to Council at a later date with a proposal. There was no action taken.
K. Discussion regarding interoperable communications.
Chief of Police Craig Rudolph updated the Mayor and Council on the importance of having interoperable communications in order to communicate effectively with other agencies or departments. Chief Rudolph explained that although the City has until 2013 to switch from analog to digital, many cities have already begun to make the transition making it difficult to communicate with those who have updated. Chief Rudolph will continue to move forward in researching the costs associated with making the change and will bring a plan back to Council in the future. There was no action taken.
Item P was presented after Item K; remaining items followed in order after Item P was presented.
L. Discussion regarding an update concerning the City of Red Oak ISO PPC rating.
Fire Chief Eric Thompson updated the Mayor and Council on the City’s current ISO PPC rating of Class 3. Chief Thompson stated that citizens will potentially see a 13% decrease in commercial property insurance premiums and a potential 7% decrease in homeowner premiums. Councilmember Hargrove commended Chief Thompson and the Fire Department for all the hard work they have done. There was no action taken.
M. Discussion and possible action regarding Fire Inspector position.
Fire Chief Eric Thompson updated the Mayor and Council regarding the organization and personnel of the Fire Department. Chief Thompson stated that the Fire Inspector position was established last year and this position is responsible for conducting all fire inspections and pre-plans within the City. This position is also responsible for assisting with all public education, community programs and assistance with Emergency Management. Staff recommends keeping Larry Johnson in this position. Councilmember Hargrove asked how many employees there were per shift. Chief Thompson stated that there are seven employees assigned on duty per shift, with a minimum of six on duty at all times. Councilmember Bell feels that it is very important, as a business owner, to keep Larry Johnson as Fire Inspector in order for local businesses to stay current with all fire inspections. There was no action taken.
N. Discussion and possible action regarding the City of Red Oak Draft Storm Water Management Plan.
City Engineer Gina Garcia and a Nikki Loya from Civic Associates updated the Mayor and Council on the Storm Water Management Plan and answered questions they had. Council will review and return any comments or questions they may have to Scott Albert. The deadline for submittal to TCEQ is February 11, 2008. There was no action taken.
O. Discussion regarding vacancies on various Boards and Committees.
A list of all current and upcoming vacancies was provided to the Mayor and Council. Councilmember Goodwyn recommended Charles Daubitz for the EDC Board. No action taken.
P. Discussion and possible action regarding Fiscal Year End Audit Report for 2007.
Greer Yeldell of Witherspoon, Yeldell & Wilson, CPA, presented the Fiscal Year End Audit Report for 2007 to the Mayor and Council. Councilmember Goodwyn made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Bell to approve the Fiscal Year End Audit Report for 2007. The motion was unanimous.
VI. EXECUTIVE SESSION - Pursuant to the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, the City Council for the City of Red Oak reserves the right to adjourn into Executive Session at any time during the course of this meeting to discuss any of the matters listed above, as authorized by Texas Government Code Sections §551.071 (2) (Consultation with Attorney).
In addition, the City Council will convene in Executive Session pursuant to Section 551.072 (Deliberations about Real Property) for the following:
A. To receive advice concerning the Palmer Action Group; ETAL vs. City of Red Oak, County Ellis Cause No. 69600; and the Ferris annexation east of the City of Red Oak city limits, southeast of Stainback Road, northwest of FM 664 and west of Ferris Road.
B. To receive advice regarding claim filed against the City by Thomas Coppock.
Mayor Hugley convened the Council into Executive Session at 7:41 p.m. and reconvened into Open Session at 8:42 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Smith left the City Council Meeting after the Executive Session ended.
VII. OPEN SESSION
Q. Consideration of approving any action as a result of discussion in Executive Session A.
No action taken.
R. Consideration of approving any action as a result of discussion in Executive Session B.
No action taken.
VIII. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Lindsey made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Goodwyn to adjourn the meeting at 9:32 p.m. The motion was unanimous.
_________________________________
Alan Hugley, Mayor
Attested: ________________________
Scott Albert, City Manager/City Secretary
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
RED OAK CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2008
I. CALL TO ORDER – The Mayor will call the meeting to order, declare a quorum if present, and declare notices legally posted pursuant to Open Meetings Act.
Mayor Alan Hugley called the meeting to order and declared a quorum present and notices legally posted at 7:00 p.m. Members present were Mayor Pro Tem Eric Smith, Councilmember Ben Goodwyn, Councilmember Scott Lindsey, Councilmember Casey Hargrove and Councilmember Andy Bell.
II. INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Hugley gave the Invocation and led the Council and Citizens in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. CONSENT AGENDA - Consent Items
“All matters listed under Item IV. Consent Agenda, are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will not be a separate discussion of these items. If discussion is desired, that item will be removed from the consent agenda and will be considered separately.”
A. Consider approval of the minutes of the December 10, 2007, Regular City Council Meeting.
B. Consider approval of Change Order No. 1 for Dallas Water Supply Transmission Main – Section 1 S.J. Louis Construction.
C. Consider approval of the Change Order No. 2 for Dallas Water Supply Transmission Main – Section 2 S.J. Louis Construction.
Mayor Pro Tem Smith made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Hargrove to approve Consent Agenda Items A; B; and C. The motion was unanimous.
IV. CITIZENS FORUM
Comments, questions, or presentations for non-agenda items from citizens, but no action may be taken by City Council.
No one spoke.
V. COUNCIL BUSINESS – OPEN SESSION
D. Continue the Public Hearing and consider approval of an Ordinance for a Specific Use Permit for allowing Major Auto Repair in Commercial-1 (C-1) zoning for 401 N. Hwy. 342, being .2968 acres, McKinney & Williams Survey, A-751, City of Red Oak, Ellis County, Texas, located south of Ovilla road and west of Hwy. 342, requested by Lazaro Vargas.
Mayor Hugley continued the Public Hearing. Councilmember Hargrove recused himself due to his business location in close proximity to that of Mr. Vargas. Sylvia Ramirez of 510 Shockley. De Soto, Texas, and Chris Moses of 120 Stainback Ct., Red Oak, Texas, spoke in favor. No one spoke in opposition. Councilmember Goodwyn made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Bell to close the Public Hearing. The motion was unanimous. Staff recommended approval based on the conditions outlined in the Ordinance. Councilmember Lindsey made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Bell to approve Ordinance No. 08-01: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RED OAK, TEXAS, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE AND MAP, AS HERETOFORE AMENDED, BY GRANTING A CHANGE IN ZONING FROM COMMERCIAL-1 (“C-1”) TO COMMERCIAL-1-SPECIFIC USE PERMIT (“C-1-SUP”) TO ALLOW FOR MAJOR AUTO REPAIR ON APPROXIMATELY .2968 ACRES LOCATED SOUTH OF OVILLA ROAD AND WEST OF HIGHWAY 342, IN THE MCKINNEY & WILLIAMS SURVEY, A-751, CITY OF RED OAK, ELLIS COUNTY TEXAS, AND BEING MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 401 N. HIGHWAY 342, RED OAK, ELLIS COUNTY, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR THE APPROVAL OF AN ILLUSTRATION, WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AND INCORPORATED HEREIN AS EXHIBIT “A”; PROVIDING FOR SPECIAL CONDITIONS; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE OF ALL ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS HEREOF; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; with the conditions outlined in the Ordinance with the exception of Item C, which will state “That all parking and landscaping requirements are in accordance with the local ordinances.” The motion carried 4-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Smith, Councilmember Goodwyn, Councilmember Lindsey and Councilmember Bell voting in favor. Councilmember Hargrove abstained from voting.
E. Conduct a Public Hearing and consider approval of an Ordinance renewing the Specific Use Permit for a restaurant and private club, being approximately 1.360 acres in the J.E. Patton Survey, A-839, City of Red Oak, Ellis County, Texas, south of Red Oak and west of Interstate 35, requested by Charles Bertrand.
Mayor Hugley opened the Public Hearing. Charlie Bertrand of 123 Clear Creek, Red Oak, Texas, spoke in favor. No one spoke in opposition. Councilmember Lindsey made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Goodwyn to close the Public Hearing. The motion was unanimous. Staff recommended approving the SUP for an additional six (6) months. Mayor Pro Tem Smith made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Goodwyn to approve Ordinance No. 08-02: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RED OAK, TEXAS, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE AND MAP, AS HERETOFORE AMENDED, BY GRANTING A CHANGE IN ZONING FROM HIGHWAY ORIENTED- (“HO”) TO HIGHWAY ORIENTED-SPECIFIC USE PERMIT (“HO-SUP”) TO ALLOW A RESTAURANT AND PRIVATE CLUB ON APPROXIMATELY 1.360 ACRES LOCATED SOUTH OF RED OAK ROAD AND WEST OF INTERSTATE 35 IN THE J.E. PATTON SURVEY, A-839, CITY OF RED OAK, ELLIS COUNTY TEXAS, AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT A, WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AND INCORPORATED HEREIN; PROVIDING FOR THE APPROVAL OF A SITE PLAN, WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AND INCORPORATED HEREIN AS EXHIBIT “B”; PROVIDING FOR SPECIAL CONDITIONS; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE OF ALL ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS HEREOF; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; with the noted change of Section 2, Item A, which will state “That the establishment shall not derive more than twenty-five (25%) percent of its revenue from the sale of alcohol”. The motion was unanimous.
F. Conduct a Public Hearing for consideration and possible action of an Ordinance regarding a proposed amendment to the definition of “accessory building” under 14.1-2 of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City of Red Oak to include in the definition any subordinate or secondary structure that contains a lavatory and/or kitchen, but no sleeping quarters.
Mayor Hugley opened the Public Hearing. No one spoke in favor or in opposition. Councilmember Goodwyn made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Hargrove to close the Public Hearing. The motion was unanimous. Staff recommended approval. Councilmember Lindsey made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Goodwyn to approve Ordinance No. 08-03: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RED OAK, TEXAS, REPEALING THE PORTION OF COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE ARTICLE 14, SECTION 1, 14.1.2, SPECIFIC DEFINITIONS, NO. 3, WHICH PROVIDES THE DEFINITION OF “ACCESSORY BUILDING,” AND REPLACING IT WITH A DEFINITION THAT INCORPORATES AS AN ACCESSORY BUILDING ANY SUBORDINATE OR SECONDARY STRUCTURE THAT CONTAINS A LAVATORY AND/OR A KITCHEN, BUT NO SLEEPING QUARTERS; PROVIDING A REPEALING CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND A SAVINGS CLAUSE,: PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The motion was unanimous.
G. Conduct a Public Hearing and consider approval of a Specific Use Permit to allow Temporary Outside Retail Sales for approximately 60 days for Metroplex Furniture Show, Inc., 509 S. HI 25 service Road, Lots 1 & 2, Block 1, Hilltop Acres, City of Red Oak, Ellis County, Texas, located north of Ovilla Road and west of Interstate Hwy. 35, requested by Karl Berry.
Mayor Hugley stated that there would not be a Public Hearing and that Council has received a letter from Karl and Susan Berry withdrawing their request for a Specific Use Permit to allow Temporary Outside Retail Sales for Metroplex Furniture Show, Inc. The letter of withdrawal is attached as Exhibit A. No action taken.
H. Discussion and possible action regarding a contract with PoliceReports.US.
Councilmember Goodwyn made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Bell to approve a contract with PoliceReports.US to furnish internet accessibility to ROPD accident reports and authorizing the City Manager to execute. The motion was unanimous.
I. Discussion and possible action regarding an Ordinance amending Appendix A, Fee Schedule, by amending Section 1, Copying Charges for Public Records, by adding a subsection (e) to provide a six dollar ($6.00) fee for an accident/incident report.
Councilmember Hargrove made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Bell to approve Ordinance No. 08-04: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OR ORDINANCES BY AMENDING APPENDIX A, FEE SCHEDULE, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING SECTION 1, COPYING CHARGES FOR PUBLIC RECORDS, BY ADDING A SUBSECTION (e) TO PROVIDE A SIX DOLLAR ($6.00) FEE FOR AN ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORT; PROVIDING A REPEALING CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The motion was unanimous.
Council convened into Executive Session at 7:41 p.m. and reconvened into Open Session at 8:42 p.m.
J. Discussion regarding the Southern Regional Response Group Concept (SRRG).
Chief of Police Craig Rudolph opened the discussion explaining that the SRRG is a concept designed to combine personnel and resources to form a multi-jurisdictional SWAT Team. Councilmember Lindsey asked if there would be any additional costs to the City. Chief Rudolph said that he would check into that and come back to Council at a later date with a proposal. There was no action taken.
K. Discussion regarding interoperable communications.
Chief of Police Craig Rudolph updated the Mayor and Council on the importance of having interoperable communications in order to communicate effectively with other agencies or departments. Chief Rudolph explained that although the City has until 2013 to switch from analog to digital, many cities have already begun to make the transition making it difficult to communicate with those who have updated. Chief Rudolph will continue to move forward in researching the costs associated with making the change and will bring a plan back to Council in the future. There was no action taken.
Item P was presented after Item K; remaining items followed in order after Item P was presented.
L. Discussion regarding an update concerning the City of Red Oak ISO PPC rating.
Fire Chief Eric Thompson updated the Mayor and Council on the City’s current ISO PPC rating of Class 3. Chief Thompson stated that citizens will potentially see a 13% decrease in commercial property insurance premiums and a potential 7% decrease in homeowner premiums. Councilmember Hargrove commended Chief Thompson and the Fire Department for all the hard work they have done. There was no action taken.
M. Discussion and possible action regarding Fire Inspector position.
Fire Chief Eric Thompson updated the Mayor and Council regarding the organization and personnel of the Fire Department. Chief Thompson stated that the Fire Inspector position was established last year and this position is responsible for conducting all fire inspections and pre-plans within the City. This position is also responsible for assisting with all public education, community programs and assistance with Emergency Management. Staff recommends keeping Larry Johnson in this position. Councilmember Hargrove asked how many employees there were per shift. Chief Thompson stated that there are seven employees assigned on duty per shift, with a minimum of six on duty at all times. Councilmember Bell feels that it is very important, as a business owner, to keep Larry Johnson as Fire Inspector in order for local businesses to stay current with all fire inspections. There was no action taken.
N. Discussion and possible action regarding the City of Red Oak Draft Storm Water Management Plan.
City Engineer Gina Garcia and a Nikki Loya from Civic Associates updated the Mayor and Council on the Storm Water Management Plan and answered questions they had. Council will review and return any comments or questions they may have to Scott Albert. The deadline for submittal to TCEQ is February 11, 2008. There was no action taken.
O. Discussion regarding vacancies on various Boards and Committees.
A list of all current and upcoming vacancies was provided to the Mayor and Council. Councilmember Goodwyn recommended Charles Daubitz for the EDC Board. No action taken.
P. Discussion and possible action regarding Fiscal Year End Audit Report for 2007.
Greer Yeldell of Witherspoon, Yeldell & Wilson, CPA, presented the Fiscal Year End Audit Report for 2007 to the Mayor and Council. Councilmember Goodwyn made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Bell to approve the Fiscal Year End Audit Report for 2007. The motion was unanimous.
VI. EXECUTIVE SESSION - Pursuant to the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, the City Council for the City of Red Oak reserves the right to adjourn into Executive Session at any time during the course of this meeting to discuss any of the matters listed above, as authorized by Texas Government Code Sections §551.071 (2) (Consultation with Attorney).
In addition, the City Council will convene in Executive Session pursuant to Section 551.072 (Deliberations about Real Property) for the following:
A. To receive advice concerning the Palmer Action Group; ETAL vs. City of Red Oak, County Ellis Cause No. 69600; and the Ferris annexation east of the City of Red Oak city limits, southeast of Stainback Road, northwest of FM 664 and west of Ferris Road.
B. To receive advice regarding claim filed against the City by Thomas Coppock.
Mayor Hugley convened the Council into Executive Session at 7:41 p.m. and reconvened into Open Session at 8:42 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Smith left the City Council Meeting after the Executive Session ended.
VII. OPEN SESSION
Q. Consideration of approving any action as a result of discussion in Executive Session A.
No action taken.
R. Consideration of approving any action as a result of discussion in Executive Session B.
No action taken.
VIII. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Lindsey made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Goodwyn to adjourn the meeting at 9:32 p.m. The motion was unanimous.
_________________________________
Alan Hugley, Mayor
Attested: ________________________
Scott Albert, City Manager/City Secretary
