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Home My Public Portal AboutCity Council Minutes 02-27-2023 RICHLAND HILLS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2023 MINUTES Roll Call: Council present Council absent Edward Lopez, Mayor Javier Alvarez, Place 4 Curtis A. Bergthold, Mayor Pro Tern Douglas Knowlton, Place 1 Travis Malone, Place 2 G.W. Estep, Place 5 Staff present Candice Edmondson, City Manager Lindsay Rawlinson, City Secretary James Donovan, City Attorney CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — 6:32 PM 1. Executive Session: Pursuant to the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, Sections 551.071, 551.072, 551.073, 551.074, 551.076, 551.087, 418.183(f) and 418.106(d) & (e). Executive Session may be held, under these exceptions, at any time during the meeting that a need arises for the City Council to seek advice from the City Attorney as to the posted subject matter of this City Council meeting. None. 2. Discuss items listed on tonight's City Council agenda. No action will be taken and each item will be considered during the Regular Session. 7A. Richland Hills Police Department 2022 Racial Profiling Report Police Chief Kimberly Sylvester advised that the Sandra Bland Law requires police agencies in Texas to collect and report data on motor vehicle contacts with the public and present the findings to the governing body on an annual basis. The Department contracts annually with Dr. Alex del Carmen with DC Consulting who analyzes, reviews, conducts quarterly audits throughout the year and prepares the annual racial profiling report. The 2022 report indicated that the Richland Hills Police Department was in compliance with all mandated requirements of the law and there were no reported concerns of the data analyzed that resulted from motor vehicle stops in 2022. City Council Minutes Page 2 of 8 February 27, 2023 7B. Street Improvement Projects City Manager Candice Edmondson provided the street improvement projects update and advised of FY23 Street projects including Dover Lane, Magnolia Park, and Norton Drive. 7C. Richland Crossing and Baker Landing Development Update Assistant to the City Manager Logan Thatcher presented the Richland Crossing and Baker Landing development update regarding townhomes currently in the design and construction phase and advised of minor changes to the site plans. Each developer requested a change to side yard setbacks and allowing the buildings to be detached due to new insurance regulations. City Manager Candice Edmondson, acting as the Zoning Administrator, approved the requested changes. 7D. January Department Reports Assistant to the City Manager Logan Thatcher provided a brief overview of the Code Compliance and Development Services update. City Manager Candice Edmondson presented the Public Works Department update and advised that the department was able to fix 41 potholes in the month of January. Mayor Lopez adjourned the work session at 6:55 p.m. REGULAR SESSION — Mayor Lopez Called to Order — Time 7:00 p.m. INVOCATION AND PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE — Mayor Lopez PRESENTATIONS 1A. Business Spotlight: Darla's Florist Assistant to the City Manager Logan Thatcher introduced Darla Glover who provided a brief overview of her business, Darla's Florist, located at 6904 Boulevard 26 and advised she has been pleased to have her business in Richland Hills for more than 30 years. 1 B. Employee Service Awards City Manager Candice Edmondson announced the employee service awards and expressed congratulations to the following employees on reaching an employment milestone with the City of Richland Hills: 5 Years of Service Human Resources Specialist Karen Evans Property/Evidence & Crime Scene Technician Zoe Hansberger Sergeant Daniel Sawyer City Council Minutes Page 3 of 8 February 27, 2023 1 C. 2022 Achievement of Library Excellence Award Recognition b Mayor Lopez read a proclamation declaring March 1, 2023, as "Richland Hills Public Library Day" in Richland Hills in honor of the Richland Hills Public Library being awarded the 2022 Texas Municipal Library Directors Association Achievement of Library Excellence Award. He presented the proclamation to Library Director Chantele Hancock. Ms. Hancock expressed her appreciation to the City Council for their continued support of the library. 1 D. Citizen Appearances/Public Comments Mayor Lopez read an email submitted by Mary Witt, 7209 Hovenkamp Avenue, Richland Hills, into the record. Mrs. Witt expressed concern regarding increased traffic and speeding along Popplewell. John Skier, 7016 Park Place Drive, Richland Hills, requested that the City Council consider delaying the May 6, 2023 Charter Amendment Election to November to save money and allow residents additional time to review the proposed amendments. Motion: Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Bergthold and seconded by Councilmember Knowlton to move consideration of Agenda Item 5B to before the Consent Agenda. Motion carried 4-0. 5B. Approved professional services agreement with Catalyst Commercial, Inc. for development of Glenview Corridor Master Plan and authorized City Manager to sign agreement City Manager Candice Edmondson presented the item to the City Council and advised that the Richland Hills Development Corporation and City Council approved funding for a master plan for the Glenview Drive corridor during the FY 2023 Budget process. After speaking to several consultants about development along Glenview, staff identified Catalyst Commercial, Inc. as the best firm to provide the master plan services. Catalyst Commercial has conducted more than 500 economic development projects with a focus on building high-impact solutions that can create "complete communities". The firm is also familiar with the City Point project just north of Glenview Drive in North Richland Hills creating synergy between the development goals of both communities. The Richland Hills Development Corporation approved the professional services agreement with Catalyst Commercial, Inc. at their February 27, 2023 meeting held prior to tonight's City Council meeting. Jason Claunch, President, Catalyst Commercial, Inc., 3232 McKinney Avenue, Dallas, Texas, provided a brief overview of his company and their experience with neighboring cities. City Council Minutes Page 4 of 8 February 27, 2023 Motion: Motion was made by Councilmember Knowlton and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bergthold to approve a professional services agreement with Catalyst Commercial, Inc. for development of the Glenview Corridor Master Plan in the amount of $85,000 and authorize City Manager to sign agreement. Motion carried by a vote of 4-0. CONSENT AGENDA 2A. Approved minutes from the February 13, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting 2B. Approved award of bid to Excel 4 Construction, LLC for sewer system improvements in the 2800 to 3000 blocks of Elm Park Drive as part of the 48th Year Community Development Block Grant Program 2C. Approved an order cancelling the May 6, 2023 General Election and declaring unopposed candidates for City Council, Places 1, 3, and 5 be elected in accordance with provisions of Subchapter C of Chapter 2, Texas Election Code Motion: Motion was made by Councilmember Malone and seconded by Councilmember Estep to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried by a vote of 4-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS, MEETINGS, AND OTHER RELATED ITEMS 3. None. ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS AND OTHER RELATED ITEMS 4A. Approved Ordinance 1468-23 amending Chapter 58 "Offenses and Miscellaneous Previsions" of the Richland Hills Code of Ordinances by adding Article VIII "Street Racing and Reckless Driving Exhibitions" to prohibit taking part in, spectating and/or aiding in street racing exhibitions Captain Scott Russell presented the item to the City Council and advised that street racing and takeover events involving reckless driving exhibitions have become more prevalent across the metroplex. During these events, large groups of individuals engage in street racing and will block streets so that vehicles can perform reckless driving stunts. Participants have been known to display and fire guns, shoot paintballs at responding officers and patrol vehicles, throw items, and even jump on top of vehicles. Texas Transportation Code Section 545.401 prohibits a person from driving a vehicle in a willful or disregard for the safety of persons or property. Texas Transportation Code Section 545.420 prohibits a person from participating in a race, vehicle speed competition, or acceleration contest on a public roadway. However, these laws do not provide any criminal penalties for spectators and those promoting these illegal activities. City Council Minutes Page 5 of 8 February 27, 2023 Since January 2022, the Richland Hills Police Department has responded to five separate intersection takeover incidents. This has resulted in one vehicle pursuit and one arrest. In each event, a large crowd was observed by responding officers. Motion: Motion was made by Councilmember Knowlton and seconded by Councilmember Malone to approve Ordinance 1468-23 amending Chapter 58 "Offenses and Miscellaneous Previsions" of the Richland Hills Code of Ordinances by adding Article VIII "Street Racing and Reckless Driving Exhibitions"to prohibit taking part in, spectating and/or aiding in street racing exhibitions. Motion carried by a vote of 4-0. 4B. Approved Resolution 571-23 supporting the passage of legislation during the 88th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature related to funding transportation initiatives in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, enhancing safety of the statewide transportation system, improving air quality and expanding broadband as a mode of transportation City Manager Candice Edmondson presented the item and advised that the City is a member agency of the North Texas Regional Transportation Council (NTRTC) and Regional Transportation Council (RTC.) As a member of RTC, the City of Richland Hills has a vested interest in transportation legislation that will impact the North Texas region and is in support of legislation that will: 1) Allocate funding to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex to allow for the planning and development of new and/or expanded transportation corridors including high-speed rail, commuter rail, freight rail, roadways, and trails; 2) Keep transportation revenue generated in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in the region to be used for local initiative projects and return any previously allocated funds or collected revenue to the appropriate local jurisdiction; 3) Enhance safety of the statewide transportation system for all users including controlling texting while driving, eliminating driving under the influence, lowering excessive speed limits, reducing aggressive driving, reducing the number of fraudulent temporary tags, reducing distracted driving, and improving bicycle and pedestrian safety; 4) Improve air quality; and 5) Expand broadband as a mode of transportation. Approval of this Resolution would document City Council's support of legislation that meets these objectives. Motion: Motion was made by Councilmember Estep and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bergthold to approve Resolution 571-23 supporting the passage of legislation during the 88th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature related to funding transportation initiatives in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, City Council Minutes Page 6 of 8 February 27, 2023 enhancing safety of the statewide transportation system, improving air quality, and expanding broadband as a mode of transportation. Motion carried by a vote of 4-0. CONTRACTS, AGREEMENTS, BID AWARDS AND OTHER RELATED ITEMS 5A. Approved interlocal agreement with Tarrant County for reconstruction of the 1100 block of Norton Drive City Manager Candice Edmondson presented the item to the City Council and advised that the proposed interlocal agreement is for the reconstruction of the 1100 block of Norton Drive from Evergreen Road to Richland Road. The agreement stipulates the county will provide labor and equipment needed to assist the city in completing the project. The city will furnish and pay for actual cost of materials, as well as half of the fuel used by Tarrant County during the construction process. The city also agrees to adjust all utilities, manholes and valve boxes at the project site. Engineering, surveying, and any laboratory testing necessary for the project is also the responsibility of the city. Reconstruction of Norton Drive was approved as an FY 2023 Street Improvements Fund project. Tarrant County anticipates starting reconstruction by June 2023 and estimates the city's portion of the cost to reconstruct Norton Drive will be $67,975.48. Funding is available in the FY 2023 Street Improvements Fund. Motion: Motion was made by Councilmember Malone and seconded by Councilmember Estep to approve interlocal agreement with Tarrant County for reconstruction of the 1100 block of Norton Drive. Motion carried by a vote of 4-0. OTHER ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION 6A. Approved purchase of park amenities from Lea Park & Play, Inc. Director of Parks and Recreation Jason Brown advised that the item being considered is for the purchase of amenities throughout the city's parks system. These amenities will include 14 picnic tables, 15 benches, 22 trash cans, 13 pet waste stations, six grills, four bike racks, and three water fountains with pet dishes. Some of these items will replace older or failing amenities, and some will be new pieces due to the addition of park facilities such as the hike and bike trail, park pavilions and food truck stations at Creek Trail Park. Motion: Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Bergthold and seconded by Councilmember Estep to approve the purchase of park amenities in the amount of $60,287 from Lea Park & Play, Inc. utilizing the BuyBoard cooperative purchase contract #592-19. Motion carried by a vote of 4-0. City Council Minutes Page 7 of 8 February 27, 2023 REPORTS & DISCUSSIONS 7A. Richland Hills Police Department 2022 Racial Profiling Report Item was discussed during the work session. 7B. Street Improvement Projects Item was discussed during the work session. 7C. Richland Crossing and Baker Landing Development Update Item was discussed during the work session. 7D. January Department Reports Item was discussed during the work session. COMMUNITY INTEREST ITEMS 8. Mayor Pro Tern Bergthold advised of several upcoming events: • Thursday, March 9, 2023, o Senior Lunch Bunch and Bingo, The Link, 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.; o Tarrant County Food Pantry, The Link parking lot, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.; • Tuesday, March 14, 2023, Richland Hills Literary Society, Richland Hills Public Library, 6:30 p.m.; • Every Thursday, Coffee Talk, Richland Hills Public Library, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.; • 1st 3rd and 5th Thursday of the month, Storytime at the library, 6:30 p.m.; • 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, Arts and Crafts, 6:30 p.m.; and • Last Thursday of the month, Library Lab, 6:30 p.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION 9. Executive Session: Pursuant to the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, Sec. 551.071, Sec. 551.072, Sec. 551.073, Sec. 551.074, Sec. 551.076, Sec. 551.087 and Sec. 418.0183 (f) and 418.106 (d) & (e) of the Texas Government Code (Texas Disaster Act). 1. Section 551.074: Deliberation regarding Personnel Matters a) City Manager Annual Review Motion: Motion was made by Councilmember Estep and seconded by Councilmember Knowlton to adjourn into Executive Session at 8:05 p.m. Motion carried by a vote of 4-0. Mayor Lopez reconvened into open session at 9:43 p.m. City Council Minutes Page 8 of 8 February 27, 2023 Motion: Motion was made by Councilmember Malone and seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Bergthold to amend the employment contract with the City Manager as discussed in Executive Session. Motion carried by a vote of 4-0. ADJOURNMENT 10. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Bergthold and seconded by Councilmember Knowlton to adjourn. Motion carried by a vote of 4-0. There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Lopez declared the meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. ATTEST: APPROVED: ' '\\\ y -,----7()'\1 _8 ‘nc---,in „7-------- ,... 7 „,,, ndsayw nson, City Secretary Edward Lopez, Mayo \\\\\I 111 I u I I 111,,,/0� \\\\�`�0.AND y/,',/ Li ��•- z...:- 4 4. • ..•.-. ,,,, , , .:t'.... -F-4,....cP /'///////,�� •I ••••'••\\\\`\\\\\\\\\ IIIII IIIIH