Courtesy Mygnonne T
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLEN ROSE
SEPTEMBER 21, 2009 - 5:30 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBERS – TOWN HALL
MAYOR PAM MILLER CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AT 5:32 PM WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT, INCLUDING MAYOR PRO-TEM BARBARA MITCHELL AND COUNCIL MEMBERS CHRIS BRYANT, BOB STRICKLIN, ROCKY TERRY AND RICKY VILLA.
COPY OF AGENDA:
1. Consider and possibly approve change order on Riverwalk construction.
2. Discuss and prepare modifications to Ordinance #319 (Revised) regarding uniform exteriors to commercial buildings.
3. Approve or reject proposed modifications to Ordinance #319 (Revised).
4. Discuss and prepare modifications to Sign Ordinance.
5. Approve or reject proposed modifications to Sign Ordinance.
6. Discuss and prepare modifications to Police Department Policies & Procedures.
7. Approve or reject proposed modifications to Police Department Policies & Procedures.
8. Discuss and prepare modifications to Chapter 155 of the Zoning Ordinance, Section 155.44 entitled “Screening Requirements,” Subsection E: “Screening Devices.”
9. Approve or reject proposed modifications to Chapter 155 of the Zoning Ordinance.
10. Executive Session:The City Council of the City of Glen Rose reserves the right to meet in a closed session on any of the following items should the need arise and if applicable, pursuant to authorization by Texas Government Code, Sections 551.071 (consultation with attorney), 551.072 (deliberations about real property), 551.073 (deliberations about gifts and donations), 551.074 (personnel matters), 551.076 (deliberations about security devices), 551.087 (economic development), 418.183 (homeland security).
11. Possible action on Executive Session.
ACTION ON AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Riverwalk Change Order:Mr. Bruce said the $2,500 change order is for a handrail on the boat launch stairs. The $4,200 change order is for stone to fill a 2’ gap between the wall and the actual walkway to go down to the boat dock. Mr. Stricklin moved to approve the change order. Mr. Bryant seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
2. Uniform Building Exteriors “Masonry Ordinance”: After a brief discussion of approved materials and percentage to be masonry products, it was suggested that Dan Sefko be contacted to assist in rewording the ordinance so that it will be in line with the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Sefko’s firm is preparing the Plan, which will be presented to Council for approval on November 24.
3. Action on Masonry Ordinance: Mr. Villa made a motion to move this item to September 28. Ms. Mitchell seconded the motion, which passed 5/0.
4. Sign Ordinance: Council agreed unanimously that sandwich board or “A-frame” signs will be allowed in the Downtown Business Sector. Minimum and maximum sizes and other requirements will be outlined in the reworded ordinance, which Andy Lucas will present for final approval at the Special Meeting on September 28.
5. Action on Sign Ordinance: Mr. Villa moved to make agreed changes to the Sign Ordinance. The motion was seconded by Dr. Terry, and it passed 5/0.
6. Police Department Policies & Procedures: Council agreed to read over the Policies & Procedures and come up with changes at the October 12 meeting.
7. Action on Police Department Policies & Procedures: Ms. Mitchell made a motion to move this item to the October 12 meeting. Dr. Terry seconded the motion, which passed 4/1, with Mr. Stricklin abstaining due to his conviction that a police department is unnecessary.
8. Action on Zoning Ordinance: Mr. Bryant voiced concerns about the section covering screening requirements for commercial garbage containers (dumpsters). Mr. Stricklin suggested that removing the word “metal” from the document should suffice. After a lengthy discussion of the various materials that can be used and how they should be used, Darrell Webb explained that the Inspections Department acts as complaints are received. Three complaints about dumpsters were received within a few days of each other, and three warning citations were issued. However, Mr. Bryant asked Mr. Bruce to withdraw the warnings because changes were going to be made to the ordinance. Mr. Stricklin and Dr. Terry took offense at this action, saying that Mr. Bryant had unilaterally made a decision that should have been made by the Council. Mr. Bryant expressed his feeling that the other Council members should become more actively involved in correcting this and other nuisances. Mr. Stricklin said all such problems should be addressed through the Council and placed on the agenda for discussion. Mr. Bryant said not all things get on the agenda, and Dr. Terry asked, “Why not?”
Mayor Miller asked for any modifications to the ordinance. Mr. Bryant moved to change the ordinance to require “… 3-sided screening, rock or brick, if it faces the road it will have the wooded fence or screen that will obscure the dumpster from highway or streets.” Ms. Busch advised him to word that as a motion to hold a public hearing to amend the Zoning Ordinance in these areas. Mr. Bryant asked which Zoning Ordinance that was, and Ms. Busch replied, “The only one.” She advised him that no changes can be made to the Zoning Ordinance without a public hearing. Mr. Bruce asked if this would apply to dumpsters that are visible from any City street. Mr. Villa said he would think it would apply if the dumpster is in front of the building. Mr. Bruce used Cherokee Rose as an example of a building where the dumpster is going to be visible eventually, because the property is surrounded by City streets. Mr. Villa pointed out that nothing is built behind Cherokee Rose, so whether or not the dumpster is shielded does not matter.
Ms. Mitchell said that we need to be more proactive rather than reactive. We don’t need to wait until a bunch of complaints are received to do something that needs to be done.
Mayor Miller pointed out that Mr. Bryant had a motion on the floor to change the Zoning Ordinance regarding screening requirements. Ms. Thomas re-read the changes that Mr. Bryant had stated. When asked whether to leave shrubs as a viable material, Mr. Bryant said he did not want them, but it would be a Council decision. Other suggestions included brick or rock pillars with wooden slats or doors. Mayor Miller said, “In other words, take out the metal part and leave the rest of it.” She asked Mr. Bryant if that’s what he wanted to do, and he replied, “Yeah.” Ms. Mitchell seconded the motion, which passed 3/2 with Mr. Bryant and Mr. Villa voting against.
9. Executive Session: At 6:50 PM Council adjourned into Executive Session, pursuant to authorization by Texas Government Code, Sections 551.071 (consultation with attorney), 551.072 (deliberations about real property), 551.073 (deliberations about gifts and donations), 551.074 (personnel matters), 551.076 (deliberations about security devices), 551.087 (economic development), 418.183 (homeland security).
Council returned to Regular Session at 7:03 PM.
10. Action on Executive Session: No action was taken.
Upon a motion by Mr. Villa and a second by Mr. Stricklin, Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:04 PM.
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Pam Miller, Mayor Peggy Busch, City Secretary
