02 Council Minutes (08/13/01)MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL,
August 13, 2001
The City Council of the City of Paris met in regular session Monday, August
13, 2001, 6:00 P.M., Paris Junior College, Applied Technology Building, Room
1016, 2400 Clarksville Street, Paris, Texas. Mayor Michael J. Pfiester called
the meeting to order with the following Council Members present: John F. Bell,
Joe E. McCarthy, Richard Manning, Kevin Gray, John A. Carter, Jr., and
Benny Plata. Also present were City Manager Michael E. Malone, City
Attorney Larry W. Schenk, and City Clerk Mattie Cunningham.
Invocation was given by Robby Russell with the Fellowship Christian Church.
City Manager Malone presented the minutes of the Planning and Zoning
Commission meeting held August 6, 2001, and attached hereto as Exhibit A.
Mayor Pfiester declared the public hearing open to consider the petition of
Kenny Kammer for a change in zoning from a Two-Family Dwelling District
(2F) to a General Retail District (GR) on Lots 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, and part of
Lots 3 and Lot 17, Block I, Warren Addition.
Mayor Pfiester called for proponents to appear, and Mr. Kammer, 6625 Pecan
Place, appeared in behalf of his petition advising that he wanted to purchase
the property for future investment. Mr. Kammer said there is a house that he
would remove. His future plan is to build an Assisted Living Home with thirty-
nine rooms which will be similar to the Sterling House.
Mayor Pfiester called for opponents to appear, none appeared, and the public
hearing was declared closed.
ORDINANCE NO. 2001-046
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS,
PARIS, TEXAS, AMENDING ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 1710 OF THE
CITY OF PARIS, PARIS, TEXAS, AND CHANGING THE BOUNDARIES
ESTABLISHED BY THE ZONING MAP OF SAID CITY; ESTABLISHING
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August 13, 2001
Page 2
A GENERAL RETAIL DISTRICT (GR) ON LOTS 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, AND
PART OF LOTS 3 AND 7, CITY BLOCK I WARREN ADDITION,
REQUESTED BY KENNY KAMMER, AGENT FOR PHILLIP O. NANCE,
OWNER, SO AS TO INCLUDE THEREIN TERRITORY FORMERLY
DESIGNATED AS A TWO-FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT (2F);
DESIGNATING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE GENERAL RETAIL
DISTRICT (GR) SO ESTABLISHED; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY NOT
TO EXCEED $2,000.00; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF
ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE, WAS PRESENTED.
A motion was made by Councilman McCarthy, seconded by Councilman Bell,
for adoption of the ordinance. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
Mayor Pfiester called for consideration of and action on the preliminary Plat of
Oak Creek, Phase 10.
A motion was made by Councilman Bell, seconded by Councilman Carter, for
approval of the Preliminary Plat of Oak Creek, Phase 10, subject to the
requirements of the City Engineer. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
Mayor Pfiester announced that the next item on the agenda was to receive a
presentation from Bucher, Willis & Ratliff, Inc., consultants on the proposed
Comprehensive Zoning and Land Use Plan.
City Manager Malone asked that this item be tabled at this time as the
consultant had not arrived.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Manning, seconded by Councilman
Plata, to table this item. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
Mayor Pfiester called for input from the general public regarding the proposed
Comprehensive Zoning and Land Use Plan, and asked those who wished to
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August 13, 2001
Page 3
speak to come forward.
Pat Murphy, Route 2, Paris, Texas, came forward, advising that he is a Real
Estate Appraiser with offices located at 712 19th S. E. Mr. Murphy told the
City Council that he appeared before the Planning and Zoning Commission at
their meeting in July and has several concerns about the Comprehensive
Zoning and Land Use Plan. He said in reviewing the plan, he found twenty
items which fall into two categories; obvious mistakes such as zoning the Fish
Fry as Institutional, as well as zoning all the land between Highway 195 and
Center Street on the outside of the Loop as Institutional on the map, which
could be corrected. Mr. Murphy said the other items are more problematic as
to what we really think the trends of uses are. He cited the example of lots
along 20th N.E. being designated on the map as residential while the trend has
been towards multi-family, office, and light retail. He pointed out that the same
thing has occurred with Pine Bluff and 17th out to 20th N.E., which has gone
commercial. Also, he noted development along 19thN.W., which is designated
as moderate density residential, when in fact it has been going commercial.
He felt the future of 19th N.W. is going to be commerciaL Mr. Murphy cited
another example around North Collegiate and East Price between Cherry Street
and Lamar, east of 25th Street, which is Wade Park over to Aikin School. He
said this area is in transition at this time with duplexes and multi-family
housing in this area. He pointed out that the city is allowing commercial and
retail to go in this area, and it is probably the future of this area, but it is
marked as moderate density residentiaL Mr. Murphy explained that the reason
that he was present is because the plan should be as realistic as we can see it.
Secondly, Mr. Murphy said that he hoped that the city puts in the record that
this plan is not going to be the law of the land, but it should be a goal that this
is the best concept that we have in 2001.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Manning to refer Mr. Murphy's
concerns to the city's consultant. The motion was seconded by Councilman
McCarthy and carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
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August 13, 2001
Page 4
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Manning, seconded by Councilman
Plata, to table Agenda Item No. 2-D, consider possible action on an ordinance
adopting the Comprehensive Zoning and Land Use Plan. The motion carried
7 ayes, 0 nays.
A motion was made by Councilman Bell, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Manning, to table action on approval of minutes from previous meetings. The
motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
City Manager Malone presented the minutes from the Paris Public Library
Advisory Board, Paris/Lamar County Board of Health, and Airport Advisory
Board with no action being required. City Manager Malone advised that the
minutes from the Paris Economic Development Corporation were not in the
packet and requested that they be tabled.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Manning, seconded by Councilman
Carter, to table action on the minutes of the Paris Economic Development
Corporation. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
Rondie Williams, 725 Sth Street N.W., appeared before the City Council
requesting that Record Park be renamed after Leon Williams, who has served
faithfully on the Paris Independent School District Board, Boy's Club of Paris
Board, and Paris Economic Development Corporation Board as well as on the
boards of other organizations. Mr. Williams advised that he was making this
request on behalf of the United Action Committee, and thanked the City
Council for their consideration in this matter.
It was the consensus of the City Council that Mr. Williams get up a petition in
support of this request and bring it back to he Council.
Steve Dockery, 4140 Brandyn Place, representing the Aquatic Complex of
Paris Group, appeared before the City Council requesting funding to create a
concept drawing for an indoor natatorium at the future Paris Sports Complex.
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August 13, 2001
Page 5
Mr. Dockery said their goal is to build an indoor Aquatic Center within the
confines of the new Sports Complex behind the Civic Center. Mr. Dockery
said there is a$750,000.00 matching indoor facility grant available through the
Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife and his group is now in the process of
raising private funds in order to help the project. He said they were currently
meeting with various pool architects to develop a concept of this facility and
their goal is that the City of Paris will contribute funds to help them acquire
these needed concept drawings. Mr. Dockery advised that it will cost
$7,000.00 for them to acquire these drawings and stressed the need for the
drawings to help with their fund raising efforts. Mr. Dockery estimated the
cost for the pool to be one and one-half million dollars, which would depend
on the size of the pooL Mr. Dockery advised that the City of Greenville is in
the process of building an Aquatic Complex similar to the one they are
proposing and their Economic Development Corporation is working with them
on their pool.
Mayor Pfiester requested that the people in the audience who were present in
support of the Aquatic Complex to stand.
Lisa McAlister, Manager of the City of Paris Aquatic Center, came forward
speaking in favor of the Aquatic Complex. Ms. McAlister pointed out that the
kids from the Boy's Club and PAL use the city's pool. She told the City
Council that schools in Lamar County would use this facility as it could be used
for competitive swimming along with recreational use.
City Manager Malone explained that the city has engaged the services of Mark
Spencer to come up with a plan for the Sports Complex, and that a natatorium
would be included in the planning for the second phase. He said the city has
had meetings with Mr. Spencer and felt that it is appropriate to work with him
and the city staff to select the person to do the drawings. City Manager Malone
said he did not think that there should be several consultants fighting on this
proj ect.
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August 13, 2001
Page 6
Terry Townsend, Director of Public Works for the City of Paris, came forward
telling the City Council that the city could go with that approach and he would
talk with Mr. Spencer. Mr. Townsend felt the one and one-half million dollars
estimated by the Aquatic Complex of Paris group would not be adequate for
this type of pool.
City Manager Malone stated that he hoped that each of the school systems that
plan to have a swimming program would help with the financing of this
complex. He pointed out that the Civic Center was built without debt and is
unable to pay its own way, being subsidized through the hotel-motel tax. City
Manager Malone suggested that this matter be placed in the hands of Mr.
Townsend and allow him to talk with the present consultant and determine who
would be best to do the drawings. City Manager Malone also advised that the
funds for the illustrations would come out of the Certificate of Obligations.
After discussion, a motion was made by Councilman Plata to provide the
funding that is needed to create a concept drawing for an indoor natatorium.
The motion was seconded by Councilman Carter and carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
Mayor Pfiester called for a motion to bring Agenda Item No. 2-13, receive
presentation from Bucher, Willis & Ratliff, Inc., consultant, for the proposed
Comprehensive Zoning and Land Use Plan, from the table. A motion was
made by Mayor Pro Tem Manning, seconded by Councilman Bell to bring the
above item from the table. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
Scott Mickey with the firm of Bucher, Willis & Ratliff, came forward and said
he had received Mr. Murphy's concerns. He stated that the map is a policy
statement in picture form. It articulates the way City Council wants to
encourage future private sector development. It is an effective way to announce
to the public what the council will support in future zoning. The thoroughfare
plan map, that goes with the land use map, will assist in planning for future
streets and maj or roads as plats for development are submitted for council
approval. As an example, Mr. Mickey pointed out the new fire station on Pine
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August 13, 2001
Page 7
Mill Road and the map shows future streets coming off Pine Mill and going
north and south. When future development plats are received this thoroughfare
plan map can be referred to. This is the process of taking a picture, looking for
opportunity, and putting in place the policies as to how you can effectively
work the private sector as growth occurs.
Mr. Mickey said Mr. Murphy's concerns are recommendations for fine tuning
certain land uses. Mr. Mickey said that some of these concerns can be
incorporated in the map and he will explain why some can be and some cannot
be revised. He further indicated that city council needs to have a plan that they
want to announce to the public as future development. Mr. Mickey pointed out
that the concerns are not a maj or rethinking of the entire area. It is a fine
tuning in specific areas and this is an important step. The plan is a result of
public discussion, public meetings and a lot of thought. But the final result is
not etched in stone and the city council can update it.
It was the consensus of the City Council that Mr. Mickey should make the
needed update to the Comprehensive Zoning and Land Use Plan.
City Attorney Schenk announced that the next item on the agenda was an
ordinance to implement a settlement on a proposed gas distribution rate
increase by TXU. He said the City Council previously considered an ordinance
or resolution suspending the implementation of that rate increase until such a
time as a group of cities (Paris included) could review it with the consultant
and approach the Railroad Commission regarding the settlement on this
matter. City Attorney Schenk advised that a settlement has been reached that
significantly decreased the rate proposal by a little less than one-half. He said
more importantly, the impact on the residential and commercial customers is
more than that. On an average the proposed rate increase would have increased
the residential rate by $1. 81 a month. The net increase as proposed under this
settlement will be only $0.41 a month. City Attorney Schenk said the
commercial rate increase would have been $11.56 and the net impact was
$0.05 per month.
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August 13, 2001
Page 8
ORDINANCE NO. 2001-047
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS,
PARIS, TEXAS, FINDING, AFTER REASONABLE NOTICE AND
HEARING, THAT TXU GAS DISTRIBUTION' S RATES AND CHARGES
WITHIN THE CITY SHOULD BE CHANGED; DETERMINING JUST AND
REASONABLE RATES; ADOPTING GENERAL SERVICE RATES,
INCLUDING RATE ADJUSTMENT PROVISIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS
SERVICE CHARGES TO BE CHARGED FOR SALES AND
TRANSPORTATION OF NATURAL GAS TO RESIDENTIAL,
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CUSTOMERS; PROVIDING FOR
RECOVERY OF RATE CASE EXPENSES; PRESERVING REGULATORY
RIGHTS OF THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF CONFLICTING
ORDINANCES; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS
RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE WAS PRESENTED.
A motion was made by Councilman Bell, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Manning, for adoption of the ordinance. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
ORDINANCE NO. 2001-048
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS,
PARIS, TEXAS, AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 1710, THE ZONING
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TO ADD A NEW SECTION 28
THERETO ENTITLED "REGULATION OF WIRELESS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWERS AND FACILITIES"; PROVIDING
DEFINITIONS; PROVIDING FOR PERMITTED LOCATIONS; PROVIDING
FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR A REPEALER; MAKING OTHER
FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE, WAS PRESENTED.
City Attorney Schenk reminded the City Council that at the July 9, 2001,
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August 13, 2001
Page 9
regular City Council meeting he presented a detailed agenda information sheet
setting out various issues for them to consider and resolve related to the
regulation of wireless telecommunications towers and facilities. He said he has
prepared this ordinance based on those changes. The City Attorney said this
ordinance applies to elevated towers only. The purposes that are in the
ordinance are those that Council approved. He said governmental entities are
exempted from coverage of the ordinance. The ordinance would permit towers
as a matter of right in the area of heavy industrial, light industrial and
commercial, and agricultural zoning and prohibit them in all other zoning. The
ordinance limits the tower height to 260 feet and exempts those under 70 feet
and has a setback requirement of 100% of the tower height and a separation
distance of 260 feet. It would also allow lighting only if state or federal law
required the lighting, and signage is permissible on towers if signage was
necessary to identify the tower. All commercial signage would be prohibited.
City Attorney Schenk said the towers should be fenced, and the City Council
has determined that the ordinance should require co-location of towers where
appropriate or possible.
City Attorney Schenk advised that Bobby Walters, the President of Paris Junior
College, was present. PJC is considering erecting a tower and Mr. Walters
wants to explain the proposed tower to Council. City Attorney Schenk
reminded Council that PJC would be exempt from the proposed ordinance.
Bobby Walters told City Council that the tower at Paris Junior College would
be 3 80 feet. This is larger than the towers permitted in the proposed ordinance.
He distributed an executive sheet to the members of Council and referred to
page two. An outside agency from Colorado, at the recommendation of Senator
Bill Ratliff, had studied the educational needs of this part of the state. The
completed study showed several critical issues. One had to do with the study
of electrical and mechanical work. Courses along this line are currently
offered by Paris Junior College. They were started with the help of the Paris
Economic Develop Corporation and the program continues. The program
needs more;students. It is hoped that the courses will keep people in Paris and
City Council Meeting
August 13, 2001
Page 10
in Lamar County. Another aspect shown by the study was the need for video
conferencing. Mr. Walters explained the interacting video with other colleges
such as Greenville, Sulphur Springs, A&M Commerce, Stephen F. Austin
University and Sam Houston State University. The tower will allow
information from these universities to be brought into this community for the
use of schools in East Texas. Since the overall organization includes A&M
Commerce and Northeast Texas in Tyler persons in Paris would have access to
their information also. Paris Junior College would be able to bring information
into our community and provide additional education for people in our
community so they do not have to travel as far to get their degree. Paris has
been asked to be the hub for this part of the state for broadcasting and therefore
the tower needs to be 380 feet tall.
A motion was made by Councilman Bell, seconded by Councilman McCarthy,
for adoption of the ordinance. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
Resolution No. 2001-119, resolving that the 2001-2002 Appraisal Roll, as
certified by the Finance Director of the City of Paris, in his role as Tax
Assessor/Collector for the City of Paris, and as previously certified to the City
of Paris by th Chief Appraiser of the Lamar County Appraisal District, be, and
the same is hereby acknowledged and received as the official 2001-2002
Certified Appraisal Roll for the City of Paris, Paris, Texas, was presented. A
motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Manning, seconded by Councilman
Carter, for approval of the resolution. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
Resolution No. 2001-120, approving the form of the Contract for Public Health
Services, TDH Document No. 7560022067-200203, and authorizing the City
Manager to execute on behalf of the City of Paris, which is the authorized
contracting entity for the performing agency, the Paris-Lamar County Health
Department, the contract for Public Health Services, was presented. A motion
was made by Councilman Plata, seconded by Councilman Carter, for approval
of the resolution. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
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August 13, 2001
Page 11
Resolution No. 2001-121, approving the form of the Contract Change Notice
No. Ol to the Contract for Public Health Services, TDH Document No.
7560022067-2002, and authorizing and directing the City Manager to execute
on behalf of the City of Paris the said Contract Change Notice No. Ol, was
presented. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Manning, seconded by
Councilman McCarthy, for approval of the resolution. The motion carried 7
ayes, 0 nays.
Resolution No. 2001-122, approving the Owner Occupied Rehabilitation
Program Design, TCDP No. 721048, and authorizing and directing the City
Manager to execute on behalf of the City of Paris, the Owner Occupied
Rehabilitation Program Design TCDP No. 721048, was presented. A motion
was made by Councilman Bell, seconded by Councilman McCarthy, for
approval of the resolution. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
Resolution No. 2001-123, accepting the bid of George Spencer Construction
for Option "A" 10-Unit Nested T- Hangar (42' x 12' Openings), including
Concrete Foundation, for the "Cox Field Airport Nested T- Hangar
Construction Proj ect" in the amount of $156,766.00 , and the form of the
agreement with George Spencer Construction is hereby approved, was
presented. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Manning, seconded by
Councilman Bell, for approval of the resolution. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0
nays.
Resolution No. 2001-124, approving and authorizing the execution of the title
and all other documents incident to the transfer of title to a 1972 International
Jet Fuel Truck to J. B. Richey, the Fixed Base Operator at Cox Field Airport,
was presented.
City Attorney Schenk advised the City Council that the Agenda Information
Sheet goes into the background of how and why the city was holding this title.
He said originally it was a performance bond under the Fix Based Operator's
contract. City Attorney Schenk said there is an issue regarding security which
City Council Meeting
August 13, 2001
Page 12
requires City Council action or implementation. The City Attorney indicated
that this matter is regarding money owed on an invoice for a fuel spill, and has
not been paid at this time.
Mr. Jerry Richey came forward telling the City Council that it is their intention
to pay the bill for the fuel spill, but there is the matter of installing a window
on the north side of the Airport Terminal Building. Mr. Richey said they
wanted to get the title in order to sell the old truck, and there is no where in the
current contract stipulating the holding of the title to this truck.
City Manager Malone advised that the matter of the window should be placed
on an agenda for action.
After discussion, a motion was made by Councilman Bell for approval of the
resolution contingent upon the bill being paid for the fuel spill. The motion
was seconded by Councilman Carter and carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
Resolution No. 2001-125, authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute on
behalf of the City of Paris the tax resale deed and any and all documents
necessary to convey the property described as Lot 9, Block 2, Gibbons Park
Addition, being number 634 E. Washington Street to Cleo and Joyce Hayden,
was presented. A motion was made by Councilman Bell, seconded by
Councilman Plata, for approval of the resolution. The motion carried 7 ayes,
0 nays.
Resolution No. 2001-126, authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute on
behalf of the City of Paris the tax resale deed and any and all documents
necessary to convey the property described as Lot 5-A, Block l, N. 7th Park
Addition, located in the 1400 Block off of 7th Street NW to Darin Duane Lane,
was presented. A motion was made by Councilman Bell, seconded by
Councilman Plata, for approval of the resolution. The motion carried 7 ayes,
0 nays.
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August 13, 2001
Page 13
Resolution No. 2001-127, referring a petition to the Planning and Zoning
Commission requesting the abandonment of a fifteen (15) foot alley in Block
1 of the Warren Addition between Bonham Street (U.S. Hwy 82) and Maple
Avenue beginning at 17th Street N. W. west to the east boundary line of City
Block 200; setting a public hearing; making other findings and provisions
related to the subj ect; and providing an effective date, was presented. A motion
was made by Mayor Pro Tem Manning, seconded by Councilman Carter, for
approval of the resolution. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
Resolution No. 2001-128, appointing Cleveland L. Thomas to serve the
unexpired term of Vincent Battle, which ends June 30, 2003, as a member of
the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Paris, was presented. A
motion was made by Councilman Plata, seconded by Councilman McCarthy,
for approval of the resolution. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
Resolution No. 2001-129, approving the form of the Agreement for
Professional Services with Hayter Engineering, for professional
engineering/design services related to the Downtown StreetScape Project,
"Statewide Transportation Program" Grant No. CSJ-0901-29-017, was
presented. A motion was made by Councilman Bell, seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Manning, for approval of the resolution. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0
nays.
Mayor Pfiester announced that the next item on the agenda was a resolution
approving and authorizing the execution of a Lease Agreement with the Red
River Valley Fair Association of the ball park facilities known as Reece Field.
City Manager Malone explained that Reece Field is being utilized for the Teen
League and the Fair Association is utilizing it for parking. He explained that
for the last couple of years, the Parks and Recreation Department has had to
expend considerable funds to redo the infield because of damage done by
parking. He said it should not be used for parking, because it is a baseball
field.
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August 13, 2001
Page 14
Terry Townsend, Director of Public Works, came forward telling the City
Council that for the last two years they have had to go in and redo the mound
and repair the ruts in the infield. Mr. Townsend said they have other cities
playing on that field and the Boys Club has the field leased for several months
of each year for the kids to play on. Mr. Townsend advised that the cost of
maintenance and repair of the field is between $2,500.00 to $3,000.00. It was
Mr. Townsend's recommendation to keep vehicles off the infield.
After discussion, a motion was made by Councilman Bell, seconded by
Councilman Plata, to table action on the resolution until an agreement can be
reached with the Red River Valley Fair Association. The motion carried 7
ayes, 0 nays.
Resolution No. 2001-130, setting a public hearing on the expanded scope of the
Pro Rata Sanitary Sewer Extension for the Cope Addition along Meadowlark
Street, Mockingbird Street, Cope Street, and Pine Mill Road, was presented.
City Attorney Schenk said this was a project previously approved in July of
1999. Since then, it has been engineered and additional engineering done and
the estimated cost has changed. The City Attorney advised that the City
Council will need to call another public hearing and send out notices to all the
affected individuals who would be assessed a portion of the pro rata portion of
the cost of construction.
Reeves Hayter with Hayter Engineering came forward and discussed this
project with the City CounciL Mr. Hayter told the City Council that easements
downstream were still needed. Mr. Hayter advised that this project will do
away with the Sunrise Lift Station. He said the cost estimate has changed. It
was originally $325,000.00 and now it is at $472,000.00 plus the engineering
cost.
A motion was made by Councilman Bell, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Manning, for approval of the resolution. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
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August 13, 2001
Page 15
Mayor Pfiester called for consideration and possible action on direction to city
staff regarding the preparation of a new lease agreement between the City of
Paris and the Archers for Christ for use of properties located at Lake Crook.
City Attorney Schenk explained that the reason this item was placed on the
agenda was because the City Council adopted option two from the report from
the consultant as to the plan the city is to implement for future use of Lake
Crook. The Archers for Christ contract was renewed last year for a single year
and the city told the Archers for Christ that there was a Comprehensive Plan
under preparation for Lake Crook, and until the Comprehensive Plan was
approved by the City Council, things were on hold. City Attorney Schenk said
what is needed now is guidance on what a new lease with the Archers for
Christ should consist of, what property should be included and what time
limits. City Attorney Schenk advised the City Council that they had been
furnished a letter from Terry Townsend on issues that he identified. He also
advised that there is a proposal from the Archers for Christ in regard to the
property that they would like to have and length of time of the lease.
After discussion, Mayor Pfiester appointed a committee consisting of Richard
Manning, Chairman, Councilman Bell and Mayor Pfiester to study this issue
and bring back a recommendation to the City Council.
Mayor Pfiester called for appointing an auditor to conduct the Independent
Annual Audit as required by Section 35 of the Charter of the City of Paris for
the fiscal year ending September 30, 2001.
Gene Anderson, Director of Finance, came forward telling the City Council that
four firms had been sent proposals to conduct the Annual Audit for the City,
but only one proposal was received, that being from McClanahan & Holmes,
PLLC. Mr Anderson said that this firm continues to be the only firm
sufficiently staffed to perform this audit, and it was his recommendation that
their proposal be accepted.
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August 13, 2001
Page 16
After discussion, a motion was made by Councilman Carter, seconded by
Councilman Bell to accept the recommendation of Mr. Anderson. The motion
carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
City Attorney Schenk presented the following petition for rezoning: Jeina
White, Lot 5, City Block 317 from Agricultural District to Agricultural with
Specific Use Permit 25 Daycare Center; Jerome Chapman, Lot l, City Block
227 from Two Family Dwelling District (2F) to Neighborhood Service District;
Jean E. (Brazile) Townsden from a One-Family Dwelling District No. 2 to a
Multiple-Family Dwelling District No. 1.
Mayor Pfiester referred the petitions to the Planning and Zoning Commission
for their study and recommendation at their meeting scheduled for September
4, 2001, and before the City Council September 6, 2001.
City Attorney Schenk presented the City Council a brief on the Homestead
Program and encouraged the City Council to review it. He said he was
bringing this to their attention because this issue will be coming back to the
Council with an ordinance to implement the program. City Attorney Schenk
said this program is a result of a lot of hard work from people and is part of the
clean-up program. The City Attorney said the Homestead Program would
involve properties that have cleared the tax process and have not been
purchased through the redemption process, nor purchased at auction. City
Attorney Schenk said all of the taxing entities would participate in that program
and the properties would be generally located inside the city, would be located
on rights-of-ways and would already have utilities available in front. These
properties would be placed into a special category for this particular program.
As part of that program, the people who meet the criteria would come in and
the taxing entities would create a contract of sale for that property. He said the
person would agree to build a home on that property within a stated period of
time in return for which the taxing entities would provide a special warranty
deed of title to that property. City Attorney Schenk pointed out advantages to
the taxpayers, saying that, if the program worked, the city would see infill
City Council Meeting
August 13, 2001
Page 17
housing on properties that have been selling for a penny or a dime per hundred
dollars worth of tax value and now a new home would be placed on the
property, increasing the tax value of the property. He also pointed out that it
would be a considerable amount of savings to the city because we are presently
mowing and maintaining the property. City Attorney Schenk felt this program
will work. It will have to go before the other taxing entities for their approval.
City Attorney Schenk announced the next item on the agenda was
consideration of and possible action on providing directions to city staff
regarding the following matters related to Cox Field Airport: Private Hangar
Lease Policy; Airport Advisory Board; and T-Hangar Fees.
City Attorney Schenk said that what he needed from the City Council is their
direction in regard to what they wanted to do on the above matters in order to
bring back to the City Council a policy for formal approval such as an
ordinance, if necessary, revising or changing the composition of the Airport
Advisory Board and the fees for the T-hangars.
City Attorney Schenk said he had given the City Council an eight page
information sheet that summarizes all of the issues that have been looked at by
his office and by the Airport Advisory Board. Exhibit One of the summary
sheet summarizes the current long-term leases on the Airport. Exhibit Two is
the current policy for private hangars. Exhibit Three contains the survey results
on the various airports. City Attorney Schenk said what is needed at this point,
is to go through those various items and ask the City Council to give direction
to the long-term policy.
After discussion of the number of inembers that should be on the Airport
Advisory Board, a motion was made by Councilman McCarthy, seconded by
Councilman Plata to extend the members to nine. The motion carried 6 ayes,
1 nay, Mayor Pro Tem Manning voting no.
After discussion of the term of lease agreements of private hangar at Cox Field,
City Council Meeting
August 13, 2001
Page 18
a motion was made by Councilman Bell to accept the recommendation of the
Airport Advisory Board for a 25 year lease, but with no options and have a one
time refusal. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCarthy and carried
6 ayes, 1 nay, Mayor Pro Tem Manning voting no.
City Attorney Schenk said the third issue is the question of the hangar going
through the city's typical building plan review process. He noted, that over the
past few years that has not occurred and the current policy is silent on this
issue. The Board recommended that all hangars go though the city's building
plan review, including permits and fees, but there be standards that are
developed specific to hangars.
After discussion, a motion was made by Councilman McCarthy, seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Manning to accept the recommendation of the Airport
Advisory Board. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
City Attorney Schenk said the next option concerns the living quarters in
hangars and the question is, should future leases allow that. The City Attorney
said the current policy vaguely references some issues such as the use of the
hangar and the income to the airport operation. There is no specific reference
or special consideration given to hangars associated with business or economic
development activity as opposed to personal use. Mr. Schenk said the survey,
more or less tracked that, but none of the cities surveyed indicated that hangars
were used for living quarters. He said the Board's recommendation was that
future leases prohibit tenants from living in the hangar or having full living
quarters in the hangar. The Board recommended that there could be an item
such as a sink, bathroom, or associated facility to allow temporary over-night
stay or perhaps social use of a portion of the hangar. City Attorney Schenk said
that the other part of the recommendation was that airport incentives were
difficult to implement and difficult to define and that it was better left for
incentives to come from the Paris Economic Development Corporation.
After discussion, a motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Manning, seconded
City Council Meeting
August 13, 2001
Page 19
by Councilman Bell, to leave the economic incentives to the Paris Economic
Development Corporation and have no living quarters in hangars other than for
over-night. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
The City Attorney said the next issue was dealing with the specific beginning
and ending date of construction of a private hangar. He advised that the current
policy has no requirements as to how long, once the lease is entered into, the
lessee has to build the hangar. The survey indicated that they do require a
beginning and ending date for construction of a private hangar. The Board's
recommendation was that each lease require the construction of the hangar to
be completed within eighteen months.
A motion was made by Councilman McCarthy, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Manning, to accept the recommendation of the Airport Advisory Board. The
motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
City Attorney Schenk said the next issue was the ground lease payment and he
explained that this involves the lease of the ground on which the improvement
is located. The City Attorney advised that the only compensation that the city
receives is the hangar itself when the lease expires. He said that almost all of
the cities require the payment of ground lease payments for private hangars,
and also indicated from TxDot that future leases should include the
requirement for ground lease payments. City Attorney Schenk told the City
Council that the survey shows the ground lease charge anywhere from a nickle
per square foot per year to being based on the appraised value. He further
advised that the Board recommendation was for a ground lease payment of
$0.12 per square foot per year adjusted every five years from the Consumer
Price Index adjustment, and advised this is for future leases only.
A motion was made by Councilman Bell, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Manning, to accept the recommendation of the Airport Advisory Board. The
motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
City Council Meeting
August 13, 2001
Page 20
City Attorney Schenk told the City Council that the next issue for consideration
was whether the lease should place the burden for taxes, if any taxes are due,
on the hangar tenant. He advised that the current policy is silent on the issue
of who would be responsible for taxes, if any taxes are determined to be due.
The City Attorney advised that other cities said, if there are ever taxes to be
paid, the tenant pays the taxes, and the Board made no recommendation. City
Attorney Schenk advised that it was his recommendation that this needs to be
a provision of the lease.
After discussion, a motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Manning that, in
accordance with the results of the survey, that if there are ever taxes to be paid,
the tenant pays the taxes. The motion was seconded by Councilman Bell and
carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
City Attorney Schenk advised that the next question was on insurance, stating
that the current lease requires $250,000.00 personal injury, $500,000.00 event,
$100,000.00 property damage coverage in each policy. The question is
whether or not more extensive insurance coverage, including fire and casualty
insurance on the actual hangar, should be an obligation of the tenant. He said
at this time there is no requirement that a tenant carry fire and casualty
insurance on the hangar especially for the benefit of the City of Paris. The
Airport Advisory Board recommended that the current requirement of general
liability be continued, and the Board took the position that requiring fire and
casualty insurance of the tenant for the benefit of the city as a co-insured should
not be a requirement of the lease, and further recommended that the city should
be responsible for obtaining its own insurance for this particular purpose. He
said there is a letter in the packet regarding insurance if the city has to opt for
it, but the board took the position that it should be covered by the city.
After discussion, a motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Manning that the
tenant pays their own insurance at replacement value and the city will be
covered with the minimum amount on the hangar for basic fire and casualty
insurance. The motion was seconded by Councilman Carter and carried 7
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August 13, 2001
Page 21
ayes, 0 nays.
City Attorney Schenk announced that the next issue for discussion would be
the current rental charges for T-hangars. At this time, the smaller open
hangars are rented for $49.00 a month, $85.00 a month for smaller closed
hangars, and $100.00 per month for the larger closed hangars. City Attorney
Schenk said the board had recommended that the T-hangar rentals be increased
from $49.00 to $55.00 per month for the open hangars, the smaller closed
hangars from $85.00 to $95.00 per month and from $100.00 per month to
$110.00 a month for the larger closed hangar. City Attorney Schenk said they
did not specifically survey other airports on this because what is available to
the city is in there and a rental table from TxDot on T-hangars is included as
Exhibit 10 of the packet.
After discussion, a motion was made by Councilman Plata to charge $150.00
per month for the large closed hangars, $110.00 per month for the small closed
hangars, and $55.00 per month for the open T-hangar. The motion was
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Manning and carried 6 ayes, 1 nay, Councilman
Bell voting nay.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Councilman Bell,
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Manning, to adjourn the meeting. The motion
carried 7 ayes, 0 nays.
MICHAEL J. PFIESTER, MAYOR
ATTEST:
MATTIE CUNNINGHAM
City Council Meeting
August 13, 2001
Page 22
CITY CLERK