Item 4Alug CITY OF
SOUTHLAK,E
TEXAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES: May 15, 2012
LOCATION 1400 Main Street, Southlake, Texas 76092
City Council Chambers
CITY COUNCIL PRESENT Mayor John Terrell, Mayor Pro Tem Brandon Bledsoe,
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Pamela Muller and Councilmembers Carolyn Morris, and Martin
Schelling.
CITY COUNCIL ABSENT Council members Jeff Wang and Al Zito.
STAFF PRESENT City Manager Shana Yelverton, Assistant City Manager Ben
Thatcher, Assistant City Manager /Director of Public Safety Jim Blagg, Communication
and Website Manager Pilar Schank, Director of Community Services Chris Tribble,
Director of Economic Development Greg Last, Director of Finance Sharen Jackson, Fire
Chief Mike Starr, Director of Human Resources Stacey Black, Director of Planning and
Development Services Ken Baker, Police Chief Steve Mylett, Director of Public Works
Bob Price, City Attorney E. Allen Taylor and City Secretary Alicia Richardson.
WORK SESSION
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Work Session was called to order by Mayor Terrell at 4:08 p.m.
2. INVOCATION
Mr. Nino Elliot with The Hills Church of Christ gave the invocation. Mayor Terrell led the
pledge of allegiance.
3. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Assistant City Manager Ben Thatcher provided Council with an overview of strategy
initiatives implemented by staff to support Council's desire to implement a boards and
commissions management plan. The plan includes application and selection; training
and expectations; board member welcome packet; board member manual to include
code of conduct and policy guidelines; and online training portal. Staff asked Council
for direction regarding: (1) appointments— staggered or annual; (2) City review process;
and (3) annual board reporting process.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES, May 15, 2012
Page 1 of 11
Council directed staff to implement bi- annual appointments versus annual
appointments. Council expressed the importance of organizing the process to allow
time to review and narrow applications and interview prospective candidates. Pursuant
to discussion, the revised process would begin with the second grouping of
appointments. Council also discussed the marketing plan and importance of educating
the public of volunteer opportunities. Council discussed creating a survey or reporting
mechanism to capture feedback from each Council- appointed board, commission and
committee. The consensus of Council was to meet with various boards once a year.
4. WATER CONSERVATION AND RESTRICTION ENFORCEMENT
Public Works Director Bob Price and Planning and Development Services Ken Baker
provided Council with an update on the City's action regarding water conservation and
restriction enforcement. Mr. Baker reviewed staff's recommendation to notify residents
of first and final warnings. If Council approves, staff will focus on educating public of the
new process by means of the newspaper and city communication tools— Facebook,
Twitter, website, e -mail target blast.
Council discussed signage for properties utilizing water wells and the recommended
signs proposed by staff that would be placed in yards to notify residents of first and final
warnings.
Council had no objection to staff's recommendations.
5. STRATEGIC FOCUS DISCUSSION:
A. MOBILITY – VEHICULAR AND MOBILITY
B. INFRASTRUCTURE
C. QUALITY DEVELOPMENT
D. VOLUNTEERISM
E. PARTNERSHIPS – COMMUNITY
F. HIGH PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
G. SAFETY & SECURITY
H. CITY VALUES
In response to a question from Council member Morris, Public Works Director Bob Price
provided an update on the FM 1709 /Southlake Boulevard construction.
City Manager Shana Yelverton informed Council that staff would provide a
comprehensive traffic presentation at the June City Council retreat.
6. DISCUSS ALL ITEMS ON TONIGHT'S MEETING AGENDA. NO ACTION WILL
BE TAKEN AND EACH ITEM WILL BE CONSIDERED DURING THE
REGULAR SESSION.
Mayor Terrell read the consent agenda items.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES, May 15, 2012
Page 2 of 11
REGULAR SESSION
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Session of the City Council was called to order by Mayor John Terrell at
6:20 p.m.
2A. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor John Terrell announced that City Council would be going into Executive Session
pursuant to the Texas Government Code, Section 551.071, consultation with the city
attorney; Section 551.072, deliberation regarding real property; Section 551.074,
deliberation regarding personnel; and Section 551.087, deliberation regarding economic
development negotiations. City Council adjourned for Executive Session at 6:20 p.m.
Executive Session began at 6:21 p.m. and concluded at 7:05 p.m.
2B. RECONVENE
Mayor John Terrell reconvened the regular meeting at 7:08 p.m.
3. REPORTS
A. Mayor's Report —
Mayor Terrell announced the upcoming meetings and events.
1. Proclamation — Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month
Mayor Terrell recognized members of the Patriot Motorcycle Club and read a
proclamation recognizing the month of May as motorcycle safety awareness month.
2. Recognition — Carroll students accepted to military academy
Mayor Terrell recognized Carroll students Austin McCasin and Thomas Stanford for
being accepted into military academies.
3. REPORTS
B. City Manager's Report —
1. Presentation of Texas ASLA Merit Award for Bicentennial Park Phase I
Mr. James Williams of Schrickel, Rollins and Associates presented the Texas ASLA
Merit Award for Bicentennial Park Phase I. Community Services Director Chris Tribble
and City Council accepted the award.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES, May 15, 2012
Page 3 of 11
4. CONSENT AGENDA (Items 4A -J) Consent Agenda items are considered to be
routine by the City Council and are enacted with one motion. Mayor Terrell read
the Consent Agenda items into the record.
4A. APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE MAY 1, 2012 CITY COUNCIL
MEETING.
4B. APPROVE PURCHASE OF REPLACEMENT FUEL STORAGE TANKS AND
RELATED FUELING EQUIPMENT UTILIZING A DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT (ARRA) GRANT
FACILITATED THROUGH THE NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COUNCIL OF
GOVERNMENTS (NCTCOG) IN THE AMOUNT OF $142,000 FROM STOVALL
ELECTRIC.
4C. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE ENGINEERING AGREEMENT WITH
TRANSYSTEMS, INC. FOR FM 1938 PHASE 2 LANDSCAPING DESIGN IN
THE AMOUNT OF $67,833.
4D. APPROVE NAMING OF WESTWOOD CONNECTOR AS WOOD WAY.
Council approved naming the Westwood Connector as Southwood.
4E. APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF 21 MOBILE RADIOS FROM MOTOROLA
SOLUTIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $64,176.
4F. APPROVE A CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $853,324 WITH MOTOROLA
FOR THE UPGRADE OF THE NETCO RADIO SYSTEM AND APPROVE A
$170,560 NETCOM DISPATCH CONSOLE UPGRADE EXPENSE WITH THE
CITY OF KELLER.
4G. RESOLUTION NO. 12 -028, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION
OF NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ISSUE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION,
SERIES 2012 FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
4H. ORDINANCE NO. 1033, 1 ST READING, ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO
ESTABLISH PARKING RESTRICTION ON THE EAST SIDE OF BREEZEWAY
AND UNION CHURCH BETWEEN THE 2200 AND 3100 BLOCKS OF UNION
CHURCH.
41. ORDINANCE NO. 1032, 1ST READING, WATER SYSTEM MASTER PLAN, A
COMPONENT OF THE SOUTHLAKE 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. (IF
APPROVED, THE PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 5, 2012).
4J. ORDINANCE NO. 480 -619 (ZAl2 -007), 1 ST READING, ZONING CHANGE AND
SITE PLAN FOR NOLEN OFFICE PARK ON PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS
TRACT 11A, THOMAS EASTER SURVEY, ABSTRACT NO. 474,
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES, May 15, 2012
Page 4 of 11
SOUTHLAKE, TARRANT COUNTY, TEXAS AND LOCATED AT 300 S.
NOLEN DR., SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS. CURRENT ZONING: AG
AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT. REQUESTED ZONING: S -P -1 DETAILED SITE
PLAN DISTRICT. SPIN NEIGHBORHOOD #8. ON MAY 3, 2012, THE
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION TABLED THIS ITEM TO THEIR MAY
17, 2012 MEETING. STAFF RECOMMENDS TABLING THIS ITEM TO THE
JUNE 5, 2012 CITY COUNCIL MEETING. (THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS
PUBLISHED FOR JUNE 5, 2012. IF APPROVED AT THE FIRST READING
ON JUNE 5, 2012, THE PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 19,
2012.)
A motion was made to approve the consent agenda, including the change in name for
the Westwood Connector to Southwood.
Motion:
Bledsoe
Second:
Morris
Ayes:
Bledsoe, Morris, Muller, Schelling, Terrell
Nays:
None
Absent:
Zito, Wang
Approved:
5 -0
REGULAR AGENDA:
5. PUBLIC FORUM
Mayor Terrell opened the public forum and asked for anyone wishing to speak to come
forward.
There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Terrell closed the public forum.
6. ORDINANCES, SECOND READINGS, PUBLIC HEARINGS, AND RELATED
ITEMS:
6A. ORDINANCE NO. 480 -187C (ZAl2 -034), 2 ND READING, ZONING CHANGE
AND SITE PLAN FOR 280 SPORTS ON PROPERTY BEING DESCRIBED AS
LOT 2R, BLOCK B, COMMERCE BUSINESS PARK, AN ADDITION TO THE
CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TARRANT COUNTY, TEXAS, AND BEING LOCATED
AT 280 COMMERCE STREET, SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS. CURRENT ZONING: S-
P-1 DETAILED SITE PLAN DISTRICT. REQUESTED ZONING: S -P -1
DETAILED SITE PLAN DISTRICT. SPIN NEIGHBORHOOD #8. PUBLIC
HEARING
OPPPDX /FI)
Council did not require a presentation from staff.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES, May 15, 2012
Page 5 of 11
Mayor Terrell opened the public hearing and asked for anyone wishing to speak on the
item to come forward. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Terrell closed the
public hearing.
A motion was made to approve Ordinance 480 -187C (ZAl2 -034), zoning change and
site plan for 280 Sports; pursuant to staff report dated April 25, 2012, and noting the
7,500 square foot office 0-1 use limitation.
Motion:
Bledsoe
Second:
Morris
Ayes:
Bledsoe, Morris, Muller, Schelling, Terrell
Nays:
None
Absent:
Zito, Wang
Approved:
5 -0
In accordance with Section 4.21 of the City Charter, the caption for this item is listed as
follows:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 480, AS AMENDED, THE
COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS;
GRANTING A ZONING CHANGE ON A CERTAIN TRACT OR TRACTS OF LAND
WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS BEING LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS LOT
2R, BLOCK B, COMMERCE BUSINESS PARK, BEING APPROXIMATELY 4.15
ACRES, AND MORE FULLY AND COMPLETELY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A" FROM
"S -P -1" DETAILED SITE PLAN DISTRICT WITH 14' LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
USES TO INCLUDE RETAIL FURNITURE SALES (AS CURRENTLY EXISTS),
INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT USES, PRE - SCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN USES, TO
"S -P -1" DETAILED SITE PLAN DISTRICT WITH 14' LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
USES TO INCLUDE RETAIL FURNITURE SALES (AS CURRENTLY EXISTS),
INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT USES, PRE - SCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN USES AND
"04" OFFICE DISTRICT USES AS DEPICTED ON THE APPROVED SITE PLAN
ATTACHED HERETO AND INCORPORATED HEREIN AS EXHIBIT "B ", SUBJECT TO
THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS ORDINANCE; CORRECTING
THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP; PRESERVING ALL OTHER PORTIONS OF THE
ZONING ORDINANCE; DETERMINING THAT THE PUBLIC INTEREST, MORALS
AND GENERAL WELFARE DEMAND THE ZONING CHANGES AND AMENDMENTS
HEREIN MADE; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE OF
ALL ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A
PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS HEREOF; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE;
PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER; AND PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
6B. ORDINANCE NO. 480 -338D (ZAl2 -035), 2 ND READING, ZONING CHANGE
AND SITE PLAN FOR THE CARROLL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ON PROPERTY BEING DESCRIBED AS LOT 1,
BLOCK 1, CARROLL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ADDITION, AN ADDITION TO
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES, May 15, 2012
Page 6 of 11
THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TARRANT COUNTY, TEXAS AND BEING
LOCATED AT 1501 W. SOUTHLAKE BLVD., SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS.
CURRENT ZONING: S -P -1 DETAILED SITE PLAN DISTRICT. REQUESTED
ZONING: S -P -1 DETAILED SITE PLAN DISTRICT. SPIN NEIGHBORHOOD
#10. PUBLIC HEARING
APPROVED
Council did not require a presentation from staff.
Mayor Terrell opened the public hearing and asked for anyone wishing to speak on the
item to come forward.
Ms. Lisa Vassios, 1410 Park Place, commented that she is speaking on behalf of the
neighbors of Park Place community. The neighbors were approached by Derek Citty of
Carroll Independent School District (CISD) in July 2011. Mr. Citty informed the
neighbors of CISD's proposal to demolish, replace and relocate existing property fences
that border the northern boundary of Carroll Senior High School. Ms. Vassios informed
Council several homeowner meetings were held and the consensus was to respectfully
decline CISD's offer. Ms. Vassios is requesting the Council and CISD Board of
Trustees approve removal of the site provision and not allow a new fence to be built
along the existing homeowner fences. Ms. Vassios also requested that the neighbors of
Park Place community continue to be included in any further correspondence regarding
this matter.
There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Terrell closed the public hearing.
A motion was made to approve Ordinance No 480 -338D (ZAl2 -035), zoning change
and site plan for the Carroll Independent School District Senior High School; pursuant to
site plan review summary No. 2, dated May 8, 2012, and removing the fence
requirement in previous site plan approval.
Motion:
Bledsoe
Second:
Morris
Ayes:
Bledsoe, Morris, Muller, Schelling, Terrell
Nays:
None
Absent:
Zito, Wang
Approved:
5 -0
In accordance with Section 4.21 of the City Charter, the caption for this item is listed as
follows:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 480, AS AMENDED, THE
COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS;
GRANTING A ZONING CHANGE ON A CERTAIN TRACT OR TRACTS OF LAND
WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS BEING LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS LOT
1, BLOCK 1, CARROLL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ADDITION, AN ADDITION TO THE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES, May 15, 2012
Page 7 of 11
CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TARRANT COUNTY, TEXAS, BEING APPROXIMATELY
55.03 ACRES, AND MORE FULLY AND COMPLETELY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A"
FROM "S -P -1" DETAILED SITE PLAN DISTRICT WITH "CS" COMMUNITY SERVICE
DISTRICT USES TO "S -P -1" DETAILED SITE PLAN DISTRICT WITH "CS"
COMMUNITY SERVICE DISTRICT USES AS DEPICTED ON THE APPROVED SITE
PLAN ATTACHED HERETO AND INCORPORATED HEREIN AS EXHIBIT "B ",
SUBJECT TO THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS ORDINANCE;
CORRECTING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP; PRESERVING ALL OTHER PORTIONS
OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE; DETERMINING THAT THE PUBLIC INTEREST,
MORALS AND GENERAL WELFARE DEMAND THE ZONING CHANGES AND
AMENDMENTS HEREIN MADE; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE
CUMULATIVE OF ALL ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS HEREOF; PROVIDING A SAVINGS
CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
6C. ORDINANCE NO. 693 -C 2 ND READING, APPROVE AN ORDINANCE TO
AMEND THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE LIGHTING ORDINANCE NO. 693- B.
PUBLIC HEARING
APPROVED
Planning and Development Services Director Ken Baker presented item and was
available to answer questions from Council.
Mayor Terrell opened the public hearing and asked for anyone wishing to speak on the
item to come forward.
Mr. Mark Shepard, Pflugerville, Texas informed Council he was present to answer any
questions related to light emitting diode (LED). Council had no questions for Mr.
Shepard.
There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Terrell closed the public hearing.
A motion was made to approve Ordinance No. 693 -C.
Motion:
Bledsoe
Second:
Morris
Ayes:
Bledsoe, Morris, Muller, Schelling, Terrell
Nays:
None
Absent:
Zito, Wang
Approved:
5 -0
In accordance with Section 4.21 of the City Charter, the caption for this item is listed as
follows:
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES, May 15, 2012
Page 8 of 11
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING REQUIREMENTS FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING;
ESTABLISHING ILLUMINATION STANDARDS; ESTABLISHING LUMINANCE LIMITS;
PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE OF CERTAIN
ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS; PROVIDING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR
PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
6D. APPROVAL OF AMENDED FISCAL YEAR 2012 CRIME CONTROL AND
PREVENTION DISTRICT ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET AND MULTI -YEAR
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. PUBLIC HEARING
APPROVED
Assistant City Manager /Director of Public Safety Jim Blagg and Fire Chief Mike Starr
presented item for Council.
Mayor Terrell opened the public hearing and asked for anyone wishing to speak on the
item to come forward.
Mr. Jeff Smith, 2601 Summit Ridge Drive, clarified the Department of Public Safety
(DPS) North Training Facility would not include the fire tower. Mayor Terrell confirmed
the fire tower would not be part of this construction.
There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Terrell closed the public hearing.
A motion was made to approve the amended Fiscal Year 2012 Crime Control and
Prevention District annual operating budget and multi -year capital improvement
program.
Motion:
Bledsoe
Second:
Morris
Ayes:
Bledsoe, Morris, Muller, Schelling, Terrell
Nays:
None
Absent:
Zito, Wang
Approved:
5 -0
6E. APPROVE GUARANTEED MAXIMUM PRICE IN THE AMOUNT OF
$13,315,693 WITH LEE LEWIS CONSTRUCTION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION
OF THE DEPARTMENT PUBLIC SAFETY NORTH TRAINING FACILITY.
APPROVED
Assistant City Manager /Director of Public Safety Jim Blagg presented item and was
available to answer questions from Council.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES, May 15, 2012
Page 9 of 11
A motion was made to approve the guaranteed maximum price in the amount of
$13,315,693 with Lee Lewis Construction for the construction of the Department of
Public Safety (DPS) North Training Facility.
Motion:
Bledsoe
Second:
Morris
Ayes:
Bledsoe, Morris, Muller, Schelling, Terrell
Nays:
None
Absent:
Zito, Wang
Approved:
5 -0
6F. ORDINANCE NO. 598 -E, 2ND READING, APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 598 -E
AND RELATED EXHIBITS, REVISING ASPECTS OF THE SOUTHLAKE
PROGRAM FOR THE INVOLVEMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS (SPIN) CODE
OF CONDUCT AND REPLACING ORDINANCE NO. 598 -D. PUBLIC HEARING
APPROVED
Assistant to City Manager Alison Ortowski summarized item and was available to
answer questions from Council.
Mayor Terrell opened the public hearing and asked for anyone wishing to speak on the
item to come forward. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Terrell closed the
public hearing.
A motion was made to approve Ordinance No. 598 -E.
Motion:
Bledsoe
Second:
Morris
Ayes:
Bledsoe, Morris, Muller, Schelling, Terrell
Nays:
None
Absent:
Zito, Wang
Approved:
5 -0
In accordance with Section 4.21 of the City Charter, the caption for this item is listed as
follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE ESTABLISHING THE SOUTHLAKE
PROGRAM FOR THE INVOLVEMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS (SPIN); PROVIDING
FOR APPOINTMENTS TO A SPIN STANDING COMMITTEE AND SPECIFYING
FUNCTION; PROVIDING FOR REPEALER CLAUSE; FINDING AND DETERMINING
THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS ORDINANCE IS PASSED IS OPEN TO THE
PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
6G. CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION FROM THE SPIN STANDING COMMITTEE
REGARDING CODE OF CONDUCT COMPLAINT.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES, May 15, 2012
Page 10 of 11
City Attorney Allen Taylor summarized the item.
Mayor Terrell read comments into the record. The written comments are attached to
the minutes.
7. ORDINANCES, FIRST READINGS, AND RELATED ITEMS: (THERE ARE NO
ITEMS ON THIS AGENDA.)
8. RESOLUTIONS: (THERE ARE NO ITEMS ON THIS AGENDA.)
9. OTHER ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION:
9A. CONSIDER SV12 -005, VARIANCE TO SIGN ORDINANCE NO. 704, AS
AMENDED, FOR BOTTLECAP ALLEY LOCATED AT 2150 E. S.H. 114.
ADDDf%X10r1
Planning and Development Services Director Ken Baker summarized item and was
available to answer questions from Council.
A motion was made to approve SV12 -005, variance to Sign Ordinance No. 704, as
amended.
Motion:
Bledsoe
Second:
Morris
Ayes:
Bledsoe, Morris, Muller, Schelling, Terrell
Nays:
None
Absent:
Zito, Wang
Approved:
5 -0
10. OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: (THERE ARE NO ITEMS ON THIS
AGENDA.)
11. MEETING ADJOURNED.
Mayor Terrell adjourned the meeting at 8:24 p.m.
*An audio recording of this meeting will be permanently retained in the City Secretary's
Office.
John C. Terrell
Mayor
ATTEST:
Alicia Richardson
City Secretary
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES, May 15, 2012
Page 11 of 11
The next item on the agenda is item 6G: Consider recommendation
from the SPIN Standing Committee regarding Code of Conduct
complaint.
The SPIN Standing Committee recently referred a complaint to the City
Council involving allegations of Code of Conduct violations by one of its
members, Pattie Minder. The complaints came from residents in her
neighborhood who raised concerns about how Ms. Minder's efforts as a
SPIN representative were compromised by her personal feelings and
activities.
Council has reviewed all of the complaint materials, including written
documents, taped interviews and meeting tapes, to ensure a complete
understanding of the complaint, as well as Ms. Minder's perspective of the
issues. Additionally, we have considered the recommendation of the SPIN
Standing Committee.
Before I discuss our conclusions on this matter, I want to point out that
many of my Council colleagues were, at one time, SPIN representatives.
This Council has a strong understanding of the program and the work of
the representatives. They also know how this unique program was
developed and has evolved over the 19 years of its existence. Their
experience has been an invaluable resource during this process.
Fundamentally, SPIN representatives must meet the communication needs
of their SPIN areas. When questions are raised about a representative's
ability or willingness to satisfy this requirement, it is incumbent upon the
representative to make the adjustments. SPIN exists to facilitate
communication between residents and the City. This duty is a critical
aspect of the program, but it is sometimes "easier said than done."
As we evaluated the complaint, we reflected on the creation of the
program's structure. It was intended to allow the representatives to enjoy
their full citizenship rights – including their rights to a political opinion --
withintha-community T-he view_ was that SPIN _r_eps— ouLcLserve as a
neutral communicator within their neighborhoods, without having to
sacrifice their citizenship rights. The structure provides general guidance,
but requires the representative to find the correct balance. We believe that
the vagueness of the structure invites error since the program essentially
relies on the enthusiasm of volunteers who will naturally gravitate toward
involvement and advocacy, but doesn't go far enough to provide specific
direction.
We believe that, as the City Council, we have to assume our share of the
responsibility for some of the challenges we are now facing.
We all believe that work is now needed to provide a stronger framework for
the program. We need to specifically direct our SPIN representatives
regarding acceptable and unacceptable performance.
We are directing staff to work with the City Council and the SPIN Standing
Committee to update the program framework, more clearly define the
expectations of a SPIN representative, and require SPIN representatives to
meet the revised standards to ensure that the needs of the neighborhood
are met ... even when doing so requires the representative to put their SPIN
role ahead of their personal goals and opinions.
Through the course of the review, we have recognized that certain actions
by Ms. Minder did not represent the City in the best way possible. But we
are unwilling to be punitive in this case because as City leaders we need to
provide a clearer path for these citizen volunteers.
The City Council has determined that we will not remove Ms. Minder from
her position as a SPIN member, but will set a stronger, more specific
standard going forward so that everyone that participates in the program
has a full understanding of the expectations.
Created in 1993, SPIN will soon reach its 20 anniversary. It is time to
review all aspects of the program and determine how it and the Standing
Committee should function going forward to ensure continued success.
We want to sincerely thank everyone involved in this process and we look
forward to continuing the discussion so that SPIN remains a relevant and
effective communication tool.
Unless there are any other comments, we will move to the next item.