Min - City Council - 1999 - 03/16 - Special CalledALLEN CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
MARCH 16, 1999
Present:
Stephen Terrell, Mayor
Councilmembers: Steerine Committee:
David Kerr, Mayor Pro Tem
Jim Wolfe, Chau
Lonnie Thomas (absent)
Jim Waldbauer, Finance
Doug Gallagher (absent)
Bryan Yost, Water and Sewer (absent)
Susan Bartlemay,
Robin Sedlacek, Parks and Recreation
Kenneth Fulk
Steve Matthews, Public Buildings
Melissa Owen
David Bishop, Streets and Drainage
John Ross, Library/Arts
City Staff:
Don Rodenbaugh, Public Safety
Peter H. Vargas, City Manager
Judy Morrison, City Secretary
Peter G. Smith, City Attorney (absent)
Bill Petty, Community Development Director
Sally Leeper, Program Coordinator
Call to Order and Announce a Ouorum is Present
(Agenda Item 1)
With a quomm of the Councilmembers present, the Special Called Meeting of the Allen City Council
was called to order by Mayor Terrell at 7:20 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, 1999, in the cafeteria of Ford
Middle School, 630 Park Place, Allen, Texas.
Welcome and Announce Purpose of Public Hearin (Agenda Item II)
Mayor Terrell welcomed members of the community and thanked them for participating in the Capital
Improvement Program process. An informative overview was provided of the Steering Committee's
recommendations.
Presentation of Certificates to Steerine Committee (Agenda Item HI)
Mayor Terrell presented certificates -of -appreciation to the Steering Committee members and expressed
appreciation to each member for their dedicated service to their community
ALLEN CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
MARCH 16, 1999
PAGE 2
Background Presentation (Agenda Item IV)
Community Development Director Bill Petty provided background information on the 1999 Capital
Improvement Program. He reviewed the 1998 Comprehensive Plan and past Bond Programs within the City
of Allen. Projects have been prioritized based on the "must have," "need to have" and "nice to have"
categories. He discussed the Steering Committee's recommendations based on a zero tax increase, two -cent
tax increase and four -cent tax increase.
Council Public Hearing (Agenda Item V)
Mayor Terrell opened the public hearing and asked for anyone speaking either for or against the
request to do so at this time.
Carl Johnson, 1103 Springfield Lane, Allen, Texas, spoke in support of the four -cent tax increase.
He felt that now is the time to get the needed bond money for projects.
George Chrisman, 902 New Bedford Lane, Allen, Texas, stated that the City's tax rate has decreased
18 cents in the last 6-8 years which shows the growth rate and current management style. He suggested the
tax decreases be used to gather support for this current bond package. He felt our library is below industry
standards and asked Council to explore options other than the second floor due to dust, noise, etc. He asked
that the bond program be re-examined to explore art needs within Allen. He expressed support for the six -
cent tax increase.
Susan Bernard -Peden, 1303 Lombardy Way, Allen, Texas, stated that we need to protect the past and
formulate the future. She asked that consideration be given to a dart rail station. She expressed support for
the proposed train depot and requested median development through a wildflower program. Additional
projects she expressed support for included an activities center and a study of the recycling rebate.
Wayne Aguren, 303 Solano, Allen, Texas, expressed support for a four -cent tax increase and
construction of a new library to meet the long-term needs of the City He suggested Council consider using
the current library for Municipal Court.
Michael Gyger, 1215 Rainforest Lane, Allen, Texas, distributed information with regard to streets and
drainage. He felt the Steering Committee's recommendation did not reflect the Subcommittee suggestions.
He questioned the Committee's recommendation of providing 72% of the projects on the east side of US 75.
He suggested the Exchange Parkway Expansion and Watters Road Expansion be included in the package and
several lower -ranked projects be dropped. Based on his recommendation, 57% of the bond money would be
spent on the east side and 43% spent on the west side of town. These changes would provide an alternative
route to US 75 for west side traffic. This provides a fair and equitable solution to the current east Allen
versus west Allen street funding imbalance.
Mike Ganhn, 1006 Homestead Trail, Allen, Texas, complimented the Steering Committee
recommendation of including the Exchange East project in the bond package. He expressed concern that there
is no money for the development of parks. He asked Council to put streetlights along walkways in parks for
residents who walk in the evenings. It increases security, decreases vandalism and creates ambiance.
ALLEN CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
MARCH 16, 1999
PAGE 3
Donna Drews Vanous, 1414 Flameleaf, Allen, Texas, stated that the library is an investment in the
future of our community She spoke on behalf of the Library Board, stating they felt the library should grow
with Allen.
Kevin Pierce, 604 Sandy Creek, Allen, Texas, spoke in favor of a four -cent tax increase and the
Exchange West project.
Shari Moore, 1021 Michelson Lane, Allen, Texas, expressed disappointment that that new library was
not included in the package. The current library will not meet the needs of the community with future growth
and does not fit within the current complex. She expressed support for a four or six cent tax increase.
Sue Boyette, 513 Riverside Court, Allen, Texas, spoke in favor of a four -cent tax increase for our
future—the children. The library should be a priority She asked Council to also consider the development of
a new soccer complex.
Karl Hurwitz, 1331 Mistywood, Allen, Texas, spoke in support of the package, especially the parks
package, but desires a new library He stated that he would pay whatever tax rate it takes to ensure a quality
community
With no one else speaking, Mayor Terrell closed the public hearing.
Mayor Terrell invited Mr. Gyger to meet with him to further discuss his east/west theory
Council complimented the Steering Committee for their hard work. This is a positive time to live in
the City of Allen.
1999
(Agenda Item VI)
The Allen City Council adjourned the Special Called Meeting at 8.25 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16,
These minutes approved on the 1st day of Aoril, 1999
APPROVED:
ZtT" o i"_'_
Stephen Terrell, MAYOR
ATTEST:
J dy Mo ' on, CMC, CTTY SECRETARY