Min - City Council - 1998 - 08/20 - RegularALLEN CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 20, 1998
Present:
Stephen Terrell, Mayor
Councilmembers•
David Kerr, Mayor Pro Tem
Lonnie Thomas
Doug Gallagher
Susan Bartlemay
Kenneth Fulk
Melissa Owen
City Staff:
Michael Stanger, Acting City Manager
Judy Morrison, City Secretary
DINNER AND PRE -MEETING WORKSHOP
Call to Order and Announce a Ouoriun is Present (Agenda Item I)
With a quorum of the Councilmembers present, dinner and the workshop session of the Allen City
Council was called to order by Mayor Terrell at 6:40 p in on Thursday, August 20, 1998, in the Council
Chambers of the Allen Public Library, Two Allen Civic Plaza, Allen, Texas.
Discuss Current Aaenda (Agenda Item 11)
A Consent Agenda
Item C, "Receive Capital Improvements Program Status Report " Discussion was held
regarding the lune 12, 1999, election date and the CIP calendar.
B. Statutory Agenda
Item A, "Adopt an Ordinance Establishing Certain Departments Repealing Conflicting
Ordinances and Authorizing the City Manager to Assign Work." Discussion was held
regarding the establishment of certain departments and expenditure authority Items not
budgeted will need Council approval.
[ 1i
ALLEN CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 20, 1998
PAGE 2
Item D, "Schedule a Public Hearing on the Proposed Tax Rate for August 31, 1998 " A
question was raised regarding how the tax rate is calculated.
C. Agenda
No discussion was held.
Items of Interest to the Council (Agenda Item III)
A. Preview Future Agendas
The Workshop Session was recessed at 7:30 p.m.
Executive Session (Agenda Item Ih
The Executive Session was not held.
Reconvene and Consider Action on Items Discussed (Agenda Item V)
Durine Executive Session
REGULAR MEETING - 7:35 P.M.
With a quorum of the Councilmembers present, the regular session of the Allen City Council was
reconvened by Mayor Terrell at 7.35 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 1998, in the Council Chambers of the
Allen Public Library, Two Allen Civic Plaza, Allen, Texas.
Public Recoenition
• Citizens' Comments.
(Agenda Item VI)
Mr. Martin Tucker with Troop 837, Allen, Texas, spoke regarding the troop earning a badge for
Citizenship in the Community An eagle project must also be completed. Scouts often become
leaders in society
Mr. Kevin Kerr, 1013 Ashland Court, Allen, Texas, spoke regarding his letter sent earlier
regarding the Comprehensive Plan. He encouraged adherence to the Comprehensive Plan
Mr Gayne Ek, 918 Glen Rose, Allen, Texas, expressed concern regarding EAS charges on his
phone bill.
ALLEN CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 20, 1998
PAGE 3
Consent Aeenda (Agenda Item VII)
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Kerr and a second by Councilmember Owen, the
Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed to approve and adopt all items on the
Consent Agenda as recommended and as follows:
A. Approve Minutes of the July 31, August 1 and 2, 1998, FY 1998-99 Budget Retreat.
B. Approve Minutes of the August 6, 1998, Regular Meeting.
C. Receive Capital Improvements Program Status Report.
Statutory Agenda (Agenda Rem VHI)
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Owen and a second by Councilmember Bartlemay,
the Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed to approve and adopt all items on the
Statutory Agenda as recommended and as follows:
A. Adopt an Ordinance Establishing Certain Departments Repealing Conflicting Ordinances and
Authorizing the City Manager to Assign Work.
Ordinance No. 1623-8-98: An Ordinance of the City of Allen, Collin County, Texas,
Providing for Certain Administrative Departments; Authorizing the City Manager to
Establish and Change Divisions Within Departments and to Assign Their Work; Repealing
Ordinance Nos. 427-1-83 and 1336-5-95; Providing a Severability Clause; and Providing an
Effective Date.
B. Approve a Resolution
Confirming Action
of City
Council on July 16, 1998, to Amend
Executive Limitations
Policy 3 5 with
Respect
to City Manager's Authority Over
Expenditures.
Resolution No. 1624-8-98(R): A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Allen,
Collin County, Texas, Amending the Council's Executive Limitations Policies by
Limiting the City Manager's Authority over Expenditures; and Providing an Effective
Date.
Adopt an Ordinance Confirming Action of City Council on August 6, 1998, to Amend
Floodplam-Planned Development No. 58 on Approximately 148+ Acres of Land Located
North of Exchange Parkway, West of SH 5 and East of the Southern Pacific Railroad as
Requested by LUG Lands, Inc.
H
ALLEN CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 20, 1995
PAGE 4
Ordinance No. 1625-8-98: An Ordinance of the City of Allen, Collin County, Texas,
Amending Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance No. 1425.5-96, as Previously Amended, and
Amending Ordinance No. 1409-3-96 (Planned Development No. 58) by Including the
Attachment of Exhibit "D," Land Use Plan, Exhibit "E," Legal Description, Exhibit "F,"
Concept Plan for Tract 3B, Exhibit "G," Concept Plan For Tract 4, and Exhibit "H," Area
and Use Regulations, on the Following -Described Tracts of Land: Tract 2A-55.4 Acres in
the Henry Weisel Survey, Abstract No. 1026, and the L. K. Pegues Survey, Abstract 702;
Tract 2B-0.7 Acres in the L. K. Pegues Survey, Abstract No. 702; Tract 2C-4.2 Acres in
the L. K. Pegues Survey, Abstract No. 702; Tract 3A-35.5 Acres in the Henry Wetsel
Survey, Abstract No. 1026; Tract 3B-21.6 Acres in the Henry Wetsel Survey, Abstract
No. 1026; Tract 4-20.8 Acres in the Henry Wetsel Survey, Abstract No. 1026; and Tract
5-14 Acres in the Henry Wetsel Survey, Abstract No. 1026, City of Allen, Coffin County,
Texas; Providing for a Penalty of Fine Not to Exceed the Sum of Two Thousand Dollars
($2,000.00) for Each Offense; Providing for a Severability Clause; and Providing for the
Effective Date of Said Ordinance.
D Schedule a Public Hearing on the Proposed Tax Rate for August 31, 1998.
E. Authorize a Contract and Approve a Budget for Sidewalk Construction on Rivercrest
Boulevard and Roaring Springs Drive.
Council authorized the Acting City Manager to execute a contract with Texas Standard
Construction for the amount of $239,966 plus a contingency of $10,034 for a total budget of
$250,000 for the construction of the CDC Sidewalks #1.
The motion carried.
Presentation of Report by Elizabeth Morris, Insight (Agenda Item IX)
Research, Concerning Economic Development
Ms Elizabeth Morris, President and Chief Economist, Insight Research Corporation, presented the
results of the Comparative Analysis of New Development Prototypes, Ten Year Impact Analysis of
Economic, Employment and Tax Benefits, Economic, Employment and Tax Impact and Cost/Benefit
Analyses,
The City has received significant and measurable benefits from the contributions of the AEDC's
economic development program. Not only has the community benefited by experiencing its assistance in
lowering city tax rates, which have decreased by 21% since 1992, but also by experiencing the program's
success as a major force in both a 41% increase in the city's tax base and a 38`70 increase in its employment
base
In support of future land planning decisions, Insight Research Corporation has completed a
comparative analysis of the economic, employment and tax benefits of seven hypothetical types of
development, which might be proposed for a typical twenty -acre tract in Allen, Texas. In addition, the
ALLEN CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 20, 1998 PAGE 5
analysts calculates and compares the resulting net cost -to -benefit relationship associated with each land use by
taking total tax benefits and subtracting the costs of public service for each use. The following table
demonstrates the Ten -Year Cumulative Cost/Benefit Comparisons:
Total Benefit Public Service Cost Net Benefit
HQ/ADM/MIS Office - 200,000 SF $3,564,699 -$1,245,232 $2,319,467
Shopping Center - 200,000 SF $7,536,781 -$915,622 $6,621,159
Traditional Mfg. - 160,000 SF $1,947,028 -$260,071 $1,686,957
High Tech Mfg. - 184,000 SF $4,651,109 -$599,116 $4,051,993
Single Family - $125,000 $1,046,182 -$548,922 $497,260
Single Family - $250,000 $2,072,700 -$590,042 $1,482,658
Multi -Family - Moderate $2,775,399 -$2,212,506 $562,893
Public Hearing to Consider the Recommendation of (Agenda Item 7p
the Sign Control Board to Amend the Sign
Regulations Ordinance
Community Development Director Bill Petty provided an overview regarding the background of the
sign ordinance and the process followed by the Sign Control Board. He reviewed the proposed changes and
discussed the Retail/Commercial Districts including those areas adjacent to US 75 and SH 121. He
presented photos of various signs in Allen and Plano for comparisons.
Mayor Terrell opened the public hearing and asked for anyone speaking either for or against the
requests to do so at this time.
Mr Brian Yost, 1302 Lighthouse Lane, Allen, Texas, stated that his neighborhood's homeowners
group is not opposed to business. Their group looked at various cities' signage and desires the City of Allen
develop with desirable aesthetics. He requested that the entire City should be aesthetically pleasing, not only
the overlay districts. Businesses move to cities because of how it looks. He stated that he finds businesses in
the yellow pages or word of mouth, not by driving down the road He urged the Council to pass a strict
ordinance to keep Allen beautiful.
Mr. Jim Wilson, 610 Rainforest Lane, Allen, Texas, concluded that monument signs are much more
pleasing aesthetically than pole signs. Shapes and textures on monument signs can prove to be a real asset
for Allen.
Ms. Heidi Smalley, 1121 Hampton Drive, Allen, Texas, felt that the sign issue could unite the
community Businesses that are pleasing and provide a good product will ensure repeat customers.
Mr. Gayne Ek, 918 Glen Rose, Allen, Texas, stated that signs help customers locate businesses. A
pole sign among pole signs is clutter. The higher they are, the more visible they are in residential areas.
Ms. Sandy Sanders, 920 Tyler Court, Allen, Texas, expressed applause for the concern of citizens
on this issue. We have a chance to do things right from the ground up. Make it beautiful
ALLEN CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 20, 1998 PAGE 6
Mr John Sprague of the Allen Chamber of Commerce presented a petition with signatures from 65
business owners expressing opposition to the proposed changes. Although aesthetics counts, signs are of
utmost importance to businesses. Unsightly signs are an exception or a variance to the current sign
ordinance. Tax revenue generated by retail businesses alleviates the tax burden for all citizens. The City
should continue using the existing sign ordinance and review exceptions to the current sign ordinance.
Ms. Kathleen Zimmer, 813 Rolling Meadows, Allen, Texas, expressed support for monument signs.
Ms. Michelle Lawhom, 1413 Brandon Court, Allen, Texas, stated that she owns a business without a
pole sign. Service and quality are what keeps repeat customers.
Mr. Tom Foegle, 606 Sabine Court, Allen, Texas, works for a large chain, but does not depend on
signage for repeatability He expressed opposition to pole signs.
Mr. Rudy Rivas, 909 Springbrook, Allen, Texas, focused on the current signs. They need to be
removed when the business changes hands.
Ms. Cindy Lazzara, 1432 Quanah Court, Allen, Texas, noted many small businesses do not have
large signs but that it is the big businesses that have big signs.
Ms. Debbie Cosgrove, 1309 Lighthouse Lane, Allen, Texas, stated that a larger face sign is allowed
in surrounding cities where pole signs are not allowed.
Ms Theresa Glantzberg, 1420 Lighthouse Lane, Allen, Texas, stated that residents would be able to
see monument signs along roadways.
Ms. Cheryl Vocelka, 822 Fawn Valley Drive, Allen, Texas, did not speak but wished to express her
opposition to the sign ordinance She expressed that McDermott Drive is not a residential street and signs
are needed to attract customers.
With no one else speaking either for or against the requests, Mayor Terrell closed the public hearing.
Discussion was held regarding the main issues of pole signs versus monument signs. Council
expressed hope that businesses and citizens would unite on this issue. Several questions were raised
regarding the ordinance and information was requested regarding standards for monument signage. It was
suggested that facing signage be reviewed in the process. Council felt that the proposed City electronic
bulletin board should comply with the Ordinance. It was discussed that Council review sign plans Council
needs greater oversight on that issue.
Discussion was held regarding whether murals that are associated with national chains, such as Joe's
Crab Shack, should be considered as signage.
C
ALLEN CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 20, 1998
PAGE 7
Council questioned whether residents would be willing to pay a little more for products as a result of
the higher costs for maintenance of monument signs.
Council requested that larger monument signs be considered if advertising space is limited. Certain
areas along US 75 and SH 121 will need specific restrictions regarding signage.
Council addressed the following issues regarding Staffs' memo summarizing the proposed changes:
Point I Criteria for monument signs should include design, materials, copy footage, and
incentives for use.
Point 2, 9 The word "Mural" is not defined. In some instances, murals could be allowed.
Point 5 Include the word "Licensed" before the word "engineer's."
Point 9 Allowance if approved by Sign Board for "special exception" in Commercial/Retail
areas.
Point 10 Add "60 days with a one time exception of 60 days with proof of initial order."
Also on page 41, last sentence remove the words "change in ownership" and
"alteration."
Point 11 Delete as stated Staff can approve all signs in compliance with Ordinance. Only
variances will go before the Sign Control Board and Council for approval Sign
plans containing variances would go before Council for approval. Also on page 44,
delete N7
Additional issues to be addressed are: Monument setbacks; Differences in Class 1 and 3;
Consistency, location and obstruction of signs; changing of business ownership.
Any products produced by the Ad Hoc Committee should be made available for Council review prior
to the Committee's final report on September 17
MOTION: Upon a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Kerr and a second by Councilmember Gallagher, the
Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed to table this item and send the proposed
Sign Ordinance to a City Council Ad Hoc Committee for review of the entire Ordinance with
final report and recommendations due to Council prior to or at the September 17 meeting.
The Committee will consist of three Councilmembers, three business leaders and three
residents The motion carried.
Council requested that developers be asked to delay any sign approval until the Committee's final report on
or prior to September 17
Mr. Jeff Nolan, Chairman, Sign Control Board, expressed displeasure that Council seemed to use the Sign
Board as a scapegoat. He requested Council vote on the issue and not take to an ad hoc committee.
E
ALLEN CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 20, 1998 PAGE 8
Policy Agenda (Agenda Item XI)
A. Discussion of Quality of Life Policy- Philosophy/Environmental Scan
• Apartment Design
• Minimum Housing Standards
• Neighborhood Integrity Ordinance
B. Consider a Revitalization Plan for Boards and Commissions.
C. Consider Instructions to the Planning and Zoning Commission Regarding Home Occupations
Policy
Council instructed the Planning and Zoning Commission to develop a policy for consideration
by Council in a timely manner.
I
(Agenda Item XII)
(Agenda Item XIII)
Public Hearing on Tax Rate
Board Appointment Interviews
• TML Annual Conference - October 28-31, 1998
• Setting Public Hearing Dates
Staff will begin setting public hearing dates.
• Setting New Council Meeting Times
Policy Governance will be in beginning and updates can be done by staff memo.
• School Bond Election
Staff will prepare a resolution of support for Council's consideration.
• North Texas Regional Transportation Summit - September 10.11, 1998
• The Oldam Group
Mr Oldani will meet with Council on August 31, 1998, to provide an update on the City
Manager Search.
Governance Self -Evaluation
No discussion was held.
Other Business
A Calendar
August 31, 1998
September 15, 1998
B. Items of Interest
I
(Agenda Item XII)
(Agenda Item XIII)
Public Hearing on Tax Rate
Board Appointment Interviews
• TML Annual Conference - October 28-31, 1998
• Setting Public Hearing Dates
Staff will begin setting public hearing dates.
• Setting New Council Meeting Times
Policy Governance will be in beginning and updates can be done by staff memo.
• School Bond Election
Staff will prepare a resolution of support for Council's consideration.
• North Texas Regional Transportation Summit - September 10.11, 1998
• The Oldam Group
Mr Oldani will meet with Council on August 31, 1998, to provide an update on the City
Manager Search.
ALLEN CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 20, 1995
PAGE 9
(Agenda Item XIV)
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Gallagher and a second by Councilmember
Banlemay, the Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed to adjourn the regular
session of the Allen City Council at 12.15 a.m. on Friday, August 7, 1998 The motion
carried.
These minutes approved on the 20th day of August, 1998.
ATTEST:
Juffy Mo on, CMC, CITY SECRETARY
P,
APPROVED:
Stephen Terrell, MAYOR