Living in the Rockwall Zoo

Blessed is the peacemaker? Criminals look out! (And the innocent as well...)

2012-01-30T11:22:00.002-06:00

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/fl-neighborhood-crime-surveillance-20120126,0,5814428.story

Police roll out video surveillance truck called The Peacemaker

By Ihosvani Rodriguez, Sun Sentinel

8:13 p.m. EST, January 27, 2012

FORT LAUDERDALE—

Tania Ouaknine is convinced the police are watching her.

She's not paranoid — it says as much on the red sign painted along the side on the hulking armored truck that's been parked in front of her eight-room Parisian Motel for several days.

"Warning: You are under video surveillance," reads the bold message on the side of the truck.

From the front bumper of the menacing vehicle, another sign taunts: "Whatcha gonna do when we come for you?"

The truck is a new weapon for the Fort Lauderdale Police Department in the fight against drugs and neighborhood nuisances, and it looks like a Winnebago on steroids. They call it "The Peacemaker," and it may be a first in South Florida.

Mixing high tech with simplicity, the in-your-face strategy is straightforward: load an out-of-service armored truck with some of the latest surveillance equipment available and decorate it with police emblems. Then, simply leave it parked in front of trouble spots.

"Make no mistakes about it," said Detective Travis Mandell. "We want people to know that we are watching the bad guys."

In August, police got the first of their two Peacemakers after paying the Brinks company $10 for a discontinued armored bank truck. They retrofitted the vehicle with cameras that can stream live video back to headquarters. With its cameras hoisted on each bullet-proof window, the truck can gather panoramic footage for up to 700 hours.

Last month the department added a second truck to its arsenal, converting a former SWAT vehicle into the second Peacemaker. Police park the unmanned trucks in front of the homes of suspected drug dealers and at crime-plagued street corners.

On a recent afternoon, a Peacemaker had at least one of its eight cameras trained on Ouaknine's one-story establishment.

"They say I am running a whorehouse," said the 60-year-old innkeeper. "I run a motel. The only thing that I don't have is the five stars."

Police wouldn't say why they parked the Peacemaker last week in an abandoned lot directly across Ouaknine's Parisian Motel in the 500 block of Northwest 23rd Avenue.

Police and city records show Ouaknine and her motel had been the subject of an undercover operation targeting prostitution starting in September. Ouaknine was arrested on Oct. 28 on three counts of renting rooms to prostitutes for $20 an hour. Her case is pending.

The city's nuisance abatement board sent her a warning letter and summoned her to appear for a hearing in February based on the investigation. It's the second time since 2008 that the board has targeted the motel, city records show.

She says she's doing nothing illegal.

"They've tried everything to shut me down and have failed," she said. "Now they bring this truck to intimidate me and my customers."

Some neighbors surrounding the Parisian Motel say the truck is another form of constant police harassment.

On a recent afternoon, Leo Cooper watched as two undercover street-crime officers jumped out of an unmarked Ford Crown Victoria just yards from the Peacemaker. They began questioning a group of men gathered at the corner. Within minutes, one of the men ran away. A second man was charged with loitering.

"This is what happens here every day. We can't sit outside without being harassed," said Cooper, 27. "Now we have that truck. Most of us are not doing anything wrong. We can't be outside?"

The police department has met the allegations of harassment with skepticism.

"People who are abiding by the law should have no problems with this," said Mandell. "People may feel that their privacy is being infringed on, but when you think about it, every day you walk down the street you are being watched by 20 to 30 cameras from private businesses and homes."

The feedback is much different in a neighborhood less than a mile east of the motel, close to where Sistrunk Boulevard is undergoing a major refurbishing project. In December, residents rallied at city meetings to get more police presence after a rash of daytime home burglaries, including one on New Year's Day, said Anthony Lucicero, a neighborhood leader.

"We had all sorts of people walking up and down this street at all hours," he said. "Prostitutes, junkies, everyone."

In early January, police parked the Peacemaker at an empty lot on Northwest Fifth Court between 10th and 11th avenues. Neighbors say it's already making a difference.

"Before the truck, we were afraid to go to work knowing your house might be robbed in the middle of the afternoon," said Lucicero's neighbor, Tangerine Davis. "Now we go to work in peace."

Their biggest worry now, they say, is what happens when the Peacemaker drives away and the police are no longer watching.

"I wish they had another one out here," Lucicero said. "I have an empty lot right there they can use."

A check with the region's major law enforcement agencies indicate Fort Lauderdale's Peacemakers may be the first in South Florida, but not the first in the nation. News reports show that agencies in Green Bay, Wis., Lafayette, La. and St. Louis, Mo., have been using them for at least a year.

"We are definitely not doing something like that right now," said Deputy Eric Davis, a spokesman for the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. "I would love to see this for myself. Sounds pretty novel."

irodriguez@tribune.com or 954-356-4605

Norwegian Preachers! Or something.

2012-01-24T12:31:00.001-06:00

http://www.wistv.com/story/16574309/sc-mayor-pulled-over-then-pulls-trooper-over

SC mayor pulled over, then pulls trooper over

Jim Preacher

NORWAY, SC (AP) - The South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division is investigating the mayor of Norway's claim that he was legally empowered to pull over a state trooper after the trooper had pulled him over for speeding.

The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg reports that Norway Mayor Jim Preacher was stopped for speeding on Wednesday. After the traffic stop, Norway turned on the blue lights and siren in his vehicle and pulled the trooper over.

Norway acknowledges he was speeding, but says he was acting in his capacity as the town's chief constable.

The state Department of Public Safety has asked SLED to look into whether Norway's mayor does have powers of law enforcement.

The town council disbanded the Norway Police Department last year.

With all other problems solved...

2011-12-20T07:50:00.001-06:00

http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/trash-can-tickets-in-queens-20111219-lgf

Trash Can Tickets In Queens

MYFOXNY.COM - A Queens man is very upset after trying to put his trash out for collection and ending up with a ticket.

He, and others, are getting snared in an enforcement of a law that few people even know exists.

The scrooge award goes to the New York City Sanitation Department for the $100 tickets.

Raymond Janson says he received the $100 fine for putting his garbage cans at the curb 30 minutes early.

"I can't say how incensed I am over this," Janson says. "Not only at the excessive amount, but the nature of the summons."

The Failure to Store Receptacle summons from the agent stated: "I did observe three 30 gallon plastic can(s) placed out on the public sidewalk on a non-collection day."

Janson says, "We've lived here 30 years and always put the garbage out Monday and Thursday for Tuesday and Friday pickup."

It is legal to put out the trash cans the day before pick-up but the time of the day matters. City sanitation rules say the cans can be put out no earlier than 4:00 p.m. from October 1st to April 1st.

Janson's ticket was written at 3:27 p.m.

"What, do they sit down the block waiting so they can go catch all of those criminals?" Janson asked.

He wasn't aware of the city ordinance and was upset that he didn't get a warning. He plans to fight his ticket.

"I know the city is looking for money but this is ridiculous," Jansen says. "With all of the things wrong with this city, this is what we crack down on! Hard working, law abiding, tax paying citizens putting out their garbage 39 minutes early!"

Fox 5 News has learned that a number of other Queens residents have also received $100 tickets for putting out the trash too early. A state senator is investigating the actions of the Sanitation Department.

A department spokesman told Fox 5 News that the law is intended to keep trash cans from blocking the sidewalks.

Last week, an elderly Brooklyn woman was ticketed for not having a lid on her trash cans. The woman says she doesn't even own trash cans and her son takes her trash from her home. She is fighting the $300 ticket.

This is good, right?

2011-12-16T13:32:00.000-06:00

http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=244362

90-year-old jailed over unsightly property

GAINESVILLE - A 90-year-old Hall County woman is serving a 30-day jail sentence after what county officials say has been a 20-year battle to get her to clean up her property.

Charlene Coburn lives on Price Road near H. Thomas Road.

Fox 5 reports there are three buildings on her property, all of them showing signs of substantial damage. In addition, there was debris on the property, and authorities report that a number of animals were living there. Hall County officials also say Coburn is a hoarder.

Finally, after the two-decade effort to get her to clean up the property, Hall County Code Enforcement took her to court, and after she didn't follow orders to clean up the property, Coburn was jailed.

Blocking the Paths Out of Poverty

2011-11-30T10:04:00.001-06:00

http://www.creators.com/opinion/john-stossel/blocking-the-paths-out-of-poverty.html

What about the football stadiums??

2011-11-17T09:37:00.000-06:00

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/11/17/turf-war-glendale-bans-fake-grass/

It's always worse in Dallas...

2011-11-09T07:49:00.000-06:00

http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2011/11/on_day_one_of_tyrone_mcgills_a.php

On Day One of Animal Cruelty Trial, A Simple Question: How Hard Is It to Free a Trapped Cat?

By Anna Merlan Tue., Nov. 8 2011 at 5:33 PM

Tyrone McGill

After completing jury selection yesterday, the prosecution began laying out its case this morning in the felony animal cruelty trial of former animal shelter manager Tyrone McGill, who is currently on administrative leave and continues to draw a paycheck from the city of Dallas. "This is not a difficult case," Assistant District Attorney David Alex promised the jury. "It's as simple as a picture."

Displayed on several screens throughout the courtroom was the picture in question: that tiny hole in the flimsy sheet rock wall that was ultimately all it took to free a cat from where it had been trapped for at least 15 days. "It didn't take the jaws of life or fire and rescue to cut this hole," Alex said.

Instead, it took a knife from the euthanasia room and about 10 minutes to remove the corpse from behind the break-room wall, where it had gotten stuck after escaping from its cage some 15 days earlier. At that point, it was badly decomposed, its fur coming away in clumps. According to the testimony of animal cruelty investigator Domanick Munoz this afternoon, when found, the cat's nails were also worn down from jumping up and clawing against the wall in a desperate bid to free itself. Throughout this first day of testimony, from both the prosecution and the defense, a basic question arose: How could it be so hard to free a cat from a wall?

According to the prosecution, the answer lies with McGill, who, according to shelter employees, promised repeatedly to "take care of" the issue and then failed to act. According to former shelter worker Kimberly Killebrew and Munoz, McGill also discouraged shelter workers from taking direct action to free the animal. He implied that they would face termination for destroying city property if they did so.

"He was actually giving them a threat," Alex told the jury. "This wasn't a priority to him. He had the authority to stop the suffering, and on that Tuesday he flat-out told [Killebrew], 'We're not going to do it.'"

But throughout the day, defense attorney Anthony Lyons pointed out repeatedly that the same rules that forbid destruction of city property also prevented McGill and other supervisors from taking actions that could potentially endanger the safety of city employees. He also asked Killebrew, Munoz and another shelter worker who testified today, Adam Cooper, why they hadn't considered it their responsibility to free the cat.

"You testified to the jury about how concerned you were about that cat," he said to Killebrew. "So why didn't you cut a hole in the wall?... You just testified, blaming him for not doing it, why didn't you do it?" Furthermore, he said, McGill had made efforts to free the cat, including lifting ceiling tiles and calling Equipment and Building Services.

In his testimony, Munoz painted a picture of a dysfunctional climate where animal shelter employees were frightened to step outside the chain of command for fear of losing their jobs. The prosecution read portions of a scathing email he wrote to McGill and Munoz's own supervisor, Adrian Vela, on May 18, the day the rotting cat was ultimately removed from the wall. At that point, the smell of decomposing flesh was so strong it carried all the way down a long hall from the break room where the cat was walled up.

"Why is it so hard to have a cat removed from the wall, dead or alive?" Munoz asked. "... This is unsanitary, unhealthy, and socially unacceptable. ... Why are we turning a blind eye to this situation?"

The prosecution will continue to present its case tomorrow.

Liberation weekend!

2011-11-04T09:22:00.002-05:00

http://rockwallpets.com/pick.html

This weekend (November 4-6), any cat or dog over 1 year old is available for adoption at your price, even if your price is $0.00!

Rockwall PETS is paying the difference in adoption fees.

Marco! Polo! Marco! Polo!

2011-11-04T07:46:00.002-05:00

http://dailycaller.com/2011/11/03/unable-to-pay-bill-mich-city-turns-off-lights/

Unable to pay bill, Mich. city turns off lights

By Corey Williams - The Associated Press Published: 8:52 PM 11/03/2011

HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. (AP) — As the sun dips below the rooftops each evening, parts of this Detroit enclave turn to pitch black, the only illumination coming from a few streetlights at the end of the block or from glowing yellow yard globes.

It wasn’t always this way. But when the debt-ridden community could no longer afford its monthly electric bill, elected officials not only turned off 1,000 streetlights. They had them ripped out — bulbs, poles and all. Now nightfall cloaks most neighborhoods in inky darkness.

“How can you darken any city?” asked Victoria Dowdell, standing in the halo of a light in her front yard. “I think that was a disgrace. She said the decision endangers everyone, especially people who have to walk around at night or catch the bus.

Highland Park’s decision is one of the nation’s most extreme austerity measures, even among the scores of communities that can no longer afford to provide basic services.

Other towns have postponed roadwork, cut back on trash collection and closed libraries, for example. But to people left in the dark night after night, removing streetlights seems more drastic. And unlike many other cutbacks that can easily be reversed, this one appears to be permanent.

The city is $58 million in debt and has many more people than jobs, plus dozens of burned-out or vacant houses and buildings. With fewer than 12,000 residents, its population has dwindled to half the level from 20 years ago.

Faced with a $4 million electric bill that required $60,000 monthly payments, Mayor Hubert Yopp asked the City Council to consider reducing lighting. Council members reluctantly approved it, even in an election year.

“We knew it was going to hurt,” Councilman Christopher Woodard said. “We’re all hurting.”

In late August, contractors from DTE Energy Co. began rolling through the streets, taking out two-thirds of the light poles.

“It is a winning proposition, but that doesn’t make it a winner with the citizens who find themselves in the dark,” Woodard added. “We had to watch our backs when we got out of our cars before. Now we have to watch them even more closely.”

Unless the government gets an unexpected infusion of cash or sees an uptick in its dying tax base, many parts of Highland Park will remain beneath a shroud every night.

The city’s monthly electric bill has been cut by 80 percent. The amount owed DTE Energy goes back about a decade, but utility executives hesitated to turn off the juice.

“We are extremely concerned with public safety,” said Trevor Lauer, vice president of marketing and renewables for the Detroit-based utility. “We recognize that street lighting is something that contributes to public safety.”

Now, he said, the company has “a municipal lighting customer I’m confident can pay its monthly bill.”

Most of the 500 streetlights still shining in Highland Park are along major streets and on corners in residential areas. DTE Energy has listed the city’s overdue bill as an uncollectable expense.

The leader of a nonprofit group that works to reduce energy costs for low-income families said he’s not heard of any other communities becoming so desperate to save money that they turned off streetlights. It might be a sign of things to come.

“If it works in Highland Park, I could not imagine other cities not looking at that as one option,” said David Fox, executive director of the National Low Income Energy Consortium in Alexandria, Va.

In its heyday, Highland Park was one of Michigan’s urban jewels, with large yards, spacious homes and tree-lined streets.

Henry Ford put his first moving assembly line here, and his factory eventually churned out a car every minute. By 1930, the city had grown to 50,000 people.

Ford later moved his primary manufacturing operations to River Rouge, southwest of Detroit, in search of room to expand. Highland Park survived that loss. But it never recovered from Chrysler’s decision in the 1990s to move its world headquarters 50 miles north to Oakland County.

“That took away $6 million” in taxes, Woodard said. “That was a lot of money to not have anymore. It was a major industrial operation moving out of here. When Chrysler moved out, things started to happen.”

Small businesses catering to Chrysler workers began to fail, and the city struggled to pay its bills. And like Detroit, which lost 250,000 residents from 2000 to 2010, people moved out, leaving hundreds of abandoned houses.

In 1980, the census counted 27,000 people living in Highland Park. By 2010, that number had fallen to 11,776.

The median household income is $18,700, compared with $48,700 statewide. And 42 percent of the city’s residents live in poverty.

“It’s pretty ghetto,” Cassandra Cabil said from her front yard. Voices drift in the darkness from down the street, but the speakers can’t be seen.

The 31-year-old short-order cook works odd hours and sometimes makes it home late at night. She watched recently as crews removed the streetlight and pole from in front of her rented home.

“It’s really dark unless people have their lights on,” she said. “There’s a lot of vandalism going on, people breaking into these houses.”

No Clapping!

2011-11-03T09:24:00.000-05:00

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/09/27/peekskill-residents-livid-about-no-clapping-rule-at-city-council-meetings/

Peekskill Residents Livid About No Clapping Rule At City Council Meetings

Critics Say They Feel Like They're Being Treated Like Kindergarteners

September 27, 2011 10:49 PM

Reporting Al Jones

PEEKSKILL, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — Want to get yourself thrown out of a Peekskill City Council meeting? Start clapping.

After a series of boisterous meetings, Mayor Mary Foster is trying to bring decorum back to the chamber by banning clapping.

“We’ve had to end meetings because the disruptions just became too unruly,” Foster said.

However, critics of the measure spoke with 1010 WINS’ Al Jones and said they felt like they were being treated like kindergarteners.

“If that was the only incident, it would be very different. But we’ve been receiving that kind of treatment consistently and this is just one little piece of that puzzle,” Jim Adler said.

Adler said the mayor and council are trying to silence anyone who doesn’t agree and he’s not happy about it.

“The bullying and the lack of decorum when she and her leadership in Peekskill treat people with such disrespect,” he said, adding he would continue to attend the bi-monthly meetings and clap.

Tracy Breneman admitted that the meetings have become a bit loud, but doesn’t agree with the rule.

“They institutionalized this no clapping among other things, which is absolutely absurd,” she said.

Mayor Foster argued that the rule is just another attempt to get through meetings with less interruption, but critics in Peekskill were reading the Declaration of Independence in protest.

“You think that a no clapping rule is really going to make these issues go away?” asked community activist Darrel Davis.

The City Council voted unanimously to ban clapping on Sept. 12. In January, the council also eliminated a public comment session at the beginning of meetings.

Comprehensive Plan Info

2011-11-02T07:29:00.001-05:00

http://rockwallconservative.me/2011/11/01/rockwall-comprehensive-plan-where-do-you-fit-in/

The euthanizing will continue until morale improves.

2011-08-17T07:26:00.011-05:00

Edited since first posted. I guess we are "No Kill" without calling ourselves "No Kill"? 10% killing ain't killing.

No increase in budget is expected.

Dogs and cats will never be more important to me than real city issues.

However, if this does interfere with funding essential services....

http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2011/aug/16/rockwall-city-council-mandates-no-kill-status/#c93042

The Rockwall City Council voted unanimously Monday night to make Rockwall a No Kill community. It’s the culmination of a volunteer-driven campaign by Rockwall Pets, an independent nonprofit, to stop the killing of healthy and adoptable animals at the city shelter. Following meetings between Rockwall Pets board members and city management, the issue was sent to the city council.

The council directed city staff to maintain a minimum 90% live outcome rate at the city’s open-admission municipal shelter. The city must now adopt, return to owner, or save the lives of at least 90% of the animals it takes in. The No Kill Advocacy Center established what has become the industry standard, allowing a maximum euthanasia rate of 10% for animals who are gravely ill or irredeemably aggressive.

Using marketing, community relations, and off-site adoption strategies, the volunteers of Rockwall Pets came close to achieving the No Kill goal singlehandedly this year. The live outcome rate for the Rockwall Animal Adoption Center was 86% during April and May, when the nonprofit scrambled to adopt out pets from the suddenly full facility. The city council noted this effort during a discussion period preceding its historic vote.

“I see the 90 percent, but I’m wondering why not 100 percent?” asked councilman David White, getting into the spirit of the discussion. “I wish that extra 10 percent could be cute little Yorkies.” (Actually, I said I'd hate for that extra 10% to be cute little Yorkies, my sister would kill me. Her Yorkie, Frodo pictured above. )

It may take as long as two or three months to retool Rockwall Animal Services to meet the council directive. In the meantime, councilwoman Margo Nielsen asked city staff to present a revised euthanasia selection protocol at the next council meeting. Rockwall Pets hopes this overhauled procedure, coupled with ongoing efforts from volunteers, will begin saving more lives immediately.

“Everyone at Rockwall Pets appreciates the Rockwall City Council for their dedication in making our town the best place to live for people and their pets,” said Rockwall Pets board member Pam Kitkoski. “We're so proud that we have the second city council in Texas to create a No Kill community.”

The Austin City Council was the first in Texas to mandate a No Kill initiative with its vote in March 2010. After launching its 34-point No Kill Implementation Plan, Austin has a year-to-date live outcome rate of 90%, and 93% of its animals were saved during July. As a comparison, Rockwall has year-to-date live outcomes of 77%, with 83% of its animals saved during July.

Volunteers organized by Rockwall Pets have made a huge difference. Just three years ago, prior to volunteer involvement, the city was killing more than half the animals that entered the shelter. Rockwall Animal Services reported live outcomes of only 46% in 2008.

The No Kill initiative kicked into high gear when Rockwall Pets incorporated as a nonprofit in late May. The organization began collecting donations, planning to rehabilitate sick and injured animals. When the shelter suffered a large influx of cats and kittens during June, Rockwall Pets saved the lives of numerous adult cats by sponsoring an impromptu fee-waived adoption program.

The group’s current promotion is “Summer of Love: 60s Power!” which encourages the adoption of pets who’ve spent more than 60 days at the Rockwall shelter.

“We’re so happy we decided to begin taking donations, because all those funds go directly to help the animals,” Kitkoski said. “Most donations to the city shelter are used to buy equipment and other things, and that money must be approved by the city council before it’s spent. At Rockwall Pets we use our donated funds to save lives immediately.”

Following its vote Monday night, the city council has made saving the lives of animals official business in Rockwall.

Source: RockwallPets.com

Did you check the lost and found?

2011-08-02T08:38:00.002-05:00

It's been a while, but time demands as well as staying within the laws of the Open Meetings Act make it difficult to write this blog. It's also less fun when professionalism and respect for other councilmen limit my "snarkiness".

However, Monday evening's events were important enough to write a quick post about the bond election.

Council was considering calling for a bond election in November for a bond package in the neighborhood of $60,000,000. That's about triple our current operating budget just for a point of reference.

Americans Cut Spending for First Time in 20 Months

10 Signs the Double-Dip Recession Has Begun

Rhode Island's Central Falls Files for Bankruptcy

Is Rockwall about to file bankruptcy? No.

Is Rockwall in financial trouble? No.

Are we meeting our debt service and other bills? Yes.

Do we want to continue on a path of sound financial stewardship? Enfer Oui. Pardon my French.

Our unanimous vote of council said now is not the time, not that never is not the time.

We voted to delay holding the vote to call for the election until January. We will also conduct a financial review to see if it makes sense to call for a May election on this bond package.

A lot can happen. We hope it will get better, but if it doesn't?

It is also important to note that if the bond election passes, we would not be responsible for any debt - immediately.

We only start paying on debt service when we issue the bonds to pay for the individual projects.

None of these issues are dead, merely delayed.

David White
Rockwall City Council Place 1

Rockwall City Council 20 June - The Movie!

2011-06-23T23:44:00.002-05:00

Thanks and credit goes to the Rockwall County News.

Part 1 (about 10 minutes).

Rockwall City Council 6 June

2011-06-22T16:09:00.003-05:00

My first meeting as a new representative was fairly uneventful. I still haven't quite decided on a new format for this blog, so at least this post will be a little dry.

Started the meeting and then we had the swearing in of newly elected representatives.

III. Proclamations.

1. First one to Girl Scout Autumn Tarter.

2. A second for Juneteenth.

IV. Open Forum.

1. 2 men came forth to speak about their plans to aid in the relief efforts of Joplin, Missouri.

V. Consent Agenda.

Items 1 and 5 pulled by Mr Sevier.

Rest approved 7-0.

Item 1 related to minutes of a meeting Mr Sevier missed, Passed 4-0 and 3 abstentions.

Item 5 dealt with extension of Discovery Blvd. Passed 7-0 and source of funding. Passed 7-0.

VI. Appointments.

1. Vice Chair Jackson briefed council on public hearing items on the agenda.

VII. Public Hearings.

1. Couple wants to open a Snow Cone stand behind Luigi's. They changed the plans to accommodate some concerns of P&Z and an adjacent business.

After brief discussion, item passed 7-0. (Sorry, Chance and Ashley! Better get chamoy if you want to compete!)

VIII. Site Plans/Plats.

1. Resident of LRE (The Zoo) wants to expand her house and needs some variances. She got it 7-0.

IX. Action Items.

1. Several items for the Toyota U.S. Open Triathlon. Fees waived for Harbor Use, Route Approved and Date Approved. All Passed 7-0.

2. Your electric bill going up a couple bucks per month thanks to a negotiated rate increase we approved for Oncor. I blame Fiat Currency! Passed 7-0.

3. LRE again! Dilapidated house going to be demolished. Eventually. Passed 7-0.

4. Mr Sevier wants Consent Agenda items that are associated with spending money have the amount listed along side the item. Done.

X. City Manager's Report.

Wayfinding signs directing folks to downtown was discussed. Once details hammered out with TxDOT, city will move forward with installation.

Rockwall City Council 16 May

2011-05-30T18:28:00.004-05:00

Relatively short meeting.

III. Proclamations.

1. National Safe Boating Week. Boating can be dangerous. Be safe. If you want some safe boating classes, check out Bass Pro Shops in conjunction with the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

2. Recognition of YAC students.

3. Content removed due to extreme profanity by the author.

45 minutes later.....

IV. Consent Agenda.

Passed 6-0.

V. Appointments.

1. "Please waive fee at Harbor." Passed 6-0 without discussion.

2. YAC report on Senior Prom. It was a success! Near as I could tell it was fully paid for by donations.

VI. Action Items.

1. Issuance of Certificates of Obligation. Passed without discussion 6-0.

2. Mobile adoption unit purchased.

3. Adoption of code of ordinances. Also, all ordinances are now online.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For those not aware, on May 14th the city of Rockwall held the general election for the Mayor's seat and 3 open council seats. The results are as follows:

Mayor

David Sweet, 1,565 (70.15%)

Glen Farris, 557 (24.97%)

Sam Buffington, 109 (4.89%)

City Council Place 1

David White, 1,067 (53.35%) <---that's me

Bob Lewis, 731 (36.55%)

Freddie Jackson, 202 (10.10%)

City Council Place 3

Bennie Daniels, 1,003 (50.63%)

Mike Townsend, 808 (40.79%)

Bill Watts, 170 (8.58%)

City Council Place 5

Michelle Smith, 854 (41.88%)

Connie Jackson, 645 (31.63%)

Dennis Lewis, 540 (26.48%)

On June 6th, I rise from the world of the proletariat - transitioning from the swordn in to the sworn at.

I will continue this blog, albeit in a form yet to be determined.

An attempt will be made not to irritate my fellow councilmen in my writing, but I make no promises...

Rockwall City Council 2 May

2011-05-30T18:00:00.004-05:00

Apologies for the extreme delay since the last blog. I was slightly preoccupied...

Thus begins my second to last blog as on of "those" people:

III. Proclamations.

1. Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

Fact: Motorcycles are fun.
Fact: 4-Wheel cage drivers aren't looking out for motorcycles.

Motorcycling presents more risk thus requiring greater defensive posturing while operating one.

Also, I love motorcycles.
.
Mine on the way up to McDonald Observatory in the Davis Mountains:

2. National Day of Prayer. May 5th a county Mayor's breakfast calling for a day of prayer for our country.

V. Consent Agenda.

All passed without discussion 7-0.

VI. Appointments.

1. Ruth Peck had some things to say about Music Fest. Also gave some gifts to parting councilmen.

2. Fella came to explain "congregate care facilities." Basically, it was explained as a long term hotel-resort for the senior citizens.

Long discussion ensued.

VII. Public Hearing Items.

1. TIF stuff for PD-32. No none spoke, no action taken.

VIII. Action Items.

1. TIF stuff, passed 7-0 without discussion.

2. Gun range needs fixing. We share the facility with multiple law enforcement departments. Total repairs are $410,000, are part is about 27%.

3. SUP's for all future elder care facilities? Maybe, but not on this go round. Long discussion led to a motion to have staff look into requiring SUP's for any type of senior living facility. Passed 5-2, Sevier and Russo opposed.

4. Banners? We don't need no sticking banners. Ordinance banning all off premise banners passed 7-0, effective August 7.

5. Banner stuff for special events, related to item #4. Passed 7-0.

6. Changed maximum allowed height for front yard fences from 42" to 48".

7. Employees given a bonus (haven't had step increase pay raise in 2 years) due to higher than expected sales tax revenue. Police also got an increase in pay. Passed 7-0.

Rockwall City Council 18 April

2011-04-26T09:49:00.005-05:00

It's a two-fer! Posting 2 on same day, so don't miss the meeting from April 4th right here.

Executive Action.

1. 380 Agreement between city and Murphy Building Ltd. 7-0. Read about 380 agreements!
2. Harbor Heights investor (I think that's what I wrote) agreement. 7-0.

III. Proclamations.

1. Sons of the American Revolution. Three guys gave out some awards:

Law Enforcement Commendation to Sgt Jeff Welch.

Fire Safety Commendation to Ariana Hargrove.

And ________ _________ awared for EMS service. (Missed name, former councilman running for mayor distracted me.)

James Cullins for proper flag etiquette.

2. Little girl raised $5000 for American Heart Association. Read about it here.

3. Rockwall Environmental Action Day (aka Hazard Waste You Can Stop Putting Down The Drain or Burying Day) is April 30th. More here.

IV. Consent Agenda.

1. Passed 7-0. (Minutes)

2. Ramp closure off I-30 east of SH-205 for the Classic Rock Rotary Sprint Triathalon on May 15th. Won't be as inconveniencing to citizens as the event last year was.

V. Appointments.

1. P&Z Chair Herbst. One item withdrawn, voted to allow winery in Harbor, first change in plan to first building at PD-32.

2. Former councilman Stephen Straughn introduced the new Chief Professional Officer for the Rockwall Boys and Girls Club. Lots of upcoming plans to make the club more educational and cannot do without the city's $$help$$.

3. Issue about parking in Meadowcreek Estates, no show.

4. Extension of SUP for BigTex Trailers for 3 more years. Passed 7-0

VI. Public Hearing Items.

1. Winery coming to the Harbor. Will be making some wines (all from Texas grapes) and selling all Texas wines. Passed 7-0 with one councilmember offering "Congratulations." for the applicant getting the SUP passed by council.

2. Change to first office building going up at PD-32. Proposed change includes a restaurant on the top floor. Passed 7-0.

3. Front yard fence built without permit from city or permission from council. Contractor said "all would taken care of" but all wasn't - he got a citation. Neighbors ok with fence. Passed 4-3 (Scott, Sevier, and Farris opposed).

4. TIF stuff changing on PD-32, waiting on meeting with TIF board to be held on May 2nd. Tabled.

VII. Action Items.

1. Show cause hearing to demolish house at 470 Nicole. Onwer has failed to respond to certified letters and has 90 days or blammo. Passed 7-0.

2. Long discussion about adding congregate care facilities. Seemed to be a lot of confusion from council on what congregate means and who wants what and when they want it and what is already in the code and how it works. (Hard to hear when you don't listen.) Anyhoo, city has had some inquiries into this type of facility, and code must be changed to allow it.

Motion made to allow this type of facility with SUP passed 5-2 (Sevier opposed - didn't want to force SUP, wanted in code along with already allowed uses like Nursing homes, assisted living, etc. Russo also opposed.)

3. Airport Road bond issuance. Passed 7-0.

4. Tabled to May 16th when the voting pool will be favorable to passage. (Some council were either expected to be absent at this meeting or the next, and the theory was if the super majority wasn't present, the motion would have failed. "Vote stacking" was a term used.)

For the people!

Rockwall City Council 4 April

2011-04-26T09:21:00.003-05:00

Sorry for the grand delay - campaigning does take considerable time!

Executive actions:

1. "Real property change with Gibson Family". Passed 7-0. Me neither.
2. $5000 approved for sewer stuff. Passed 7-0.
3. Easement agreement. Passed 7-0.
4. Reappointment to water board. 7-0.

III. Open Forum.

No one. C'mon folks!

VIII. Action Items.

1. No vote on bond thingy. These votes pass on first reading - read caption, will vote at next meeting.

2. Samey-same.

IV. Consent Agenda.

Councilman Sevier pulled items 5&6.

Rest passed 7-0. Items included changing the AG lot at 3097 and 205 to Commercial and allowing Auto Repair facilities in downtown with SUP.

5. $800,000 contract awarded for Discovery Blvd Extension.

6. $650,000 contract awarded for water line replacement.

$14,500,000!

V. Appointments.

1. P&Z Vice Chair Connie Jackson. Variances for McDonald's approved, surgery center variances approved.

2. Zebra Mussels are causing trouble. They get into water sources and mess all sorts of things up. Can't live with 'em, can't kill 'em.

Water folks have tried chemicals, filters, and magic and nothing has worked to rid us of this tiny beast!

As a result our available water supply is reduced and voluntary water conservation is being requested.

- 40 minutes later -

Discussion ended.

Basically, we're up a creek without a paddle and a boat-load (figuratively and literally) of Dreissena polymorpha.

3. State legislation to "help" the Zoo get sold water from the city instead of AquaTexas. No real update, it's still floating around the halls of the State Capitol.

VI. Public Hearing Items.

1. "Big to do" about moving a front yard fence. Passed 6-0 with no council discussion.

VIII. Site Plans/Plats.

1. Gonna Upgrayedd the old McDonald's. Passed 6-0.

2. Rockwall Surgery Center is expanding and needs variances. Passed 6-0.

IX. City Manger's Report.

Comments from City Manger Julie Couch, Council members Sevier and Nielsen, and Mayor Cecil:

CIP committee convening, Ralph Hall turn lane open, Oct 2012 completion for 740, John King overpass on schedule, audit report "fabulous", no employee pay raise for 2 years, same 3 false alarms at harbor, average response time for fire department has gone up (construction played a major part in that.)

But what kind of BIKE was it?!?

2011-04-05T07:52:00.004-05:00

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: April 4, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FROM: Sgt. Jeff Welch

Public Information Officer

Rockwall Police Department

“Rockwall Police Search for Speeding Motorcyclist”

Rockwall, Texas – On Monday, April 4, 2011, just after midnight, Rockwall Police were attempting to stop a speeding motorcyclist on Westbound IH 30. After accelerating rapidly to speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour, the driver abruptly stopped the motorcycle on IH 30 approximately one mile West of Horizon Road and fled on foot down an embankment towards the shoreline of Lake Ray Hubbard. A foot search was conducted and officers were unable to locate the suspect. Based on information developed at the scene, it was believed the suspect fled into the water in an attempt to evade capture. Using Search and Rescue Units from the Garland Fire Department, Dallas Fire Department, and Rockwall Police Department, a thorough land search was conducted with no results. Additionally, personnel from Dallas Fire Department’s Swift Water Rescue team conducted a search from a boat with no results. At approximately 4:45 A.M., the driver’s family was contacted by the suspect. An on-duty supervisor confirmed that the suspect was ok by contacting the suspect’s family member who spoke directly to him. No further water search will be necessary.

Rockwall City Council 21 March

2011-04-03T20:22:00.004-05:00

First meeting on the internets! Streaming audio was Rockwall's initial foray into the world of 1's and 0's moving into your PC at the speed of light!

III. Proclamations.

3. (I missed the first one as I was a few minutes late, but our Chief of Police received an award for being the antithesis of the LAPD.)

1 & 2. Barbara Coleson and Claudette Hatfield Day was declared for two ladies who have worked hard for downtown for many years.

Executive Actions included acquiring right of way, spending money and appointing the CIP committee.

IV. Consent Agenda.

Councilman Sevier pulled items 2 & 3.

The rest approved 7-0.

2. Mowing service contract, Councilman Sevier confirmed the contract renewal did not go out for bid and cost an additional $28,000. Passed 6-1, Sevier opposed.

3. HVAC replacement contract bid acceptance - not lowest bid, but lower bids did not meet requirements.

V. Appointments.

1. P&Z Chair Herbst presented 2 items. The first was to amend the Downtown Zoning district to allow Auto Repair, Minor so that Archer's can remain downtown - after he is granted an SUP.

The second was a change to a zoning (somewhere) to change an agriculture zoned area to a PD (single family). Opposition from folks because of the density. Item was continued.

2. Annual Financial Audit. Tax revenue up a little. "We are in the eye of the economic storm." And as anyone who has lived through a hurricane will tell you, the eye is the halfway point between destruction! We did about average compared against the four cities in comparison.

Audit available here.

3. Fella from Rockwall Surgery Center wants to expand, but first has to have city approve an offsite parking arrangement with Rockwall High School. Sound complicated? No. Made complicated? Yeah. But approved 6-0. (Mayor Pro Tem Farris left at some point.)

VI. Public Hearing Items.

1. Request for a zoning change for an area at 549 and 205. Wants to make an area zoned as AG into Commercial (or General Retail). Surrounding area is residential, and there is some opposition from neighbors (including a lawsuit to prevent claimed violation of deed restrictions.)

LOTS of discussion.

In the end, council moved ahead to rezone to General Retail.

2. Zoning change or the Downtown District to allow for Auto Repair, Minor.

See previous blogs for info. I can't possibly write about it for the 10th time - especially on a Sunday evening.

Lots of support, not sure if any opposition.

Passed 6-0.

1. Items delayed the LRE water rate increase. Passed 6-0.

2. Resolution to call for public hearing regarding LRE water. Passed 6-0.

3. Ammendment to Unified Development Code to allow for congregate care facilities. Similar to assisted living facilities without medical assistance or personal care.

Talk Talk by Talk Talk

Tabled for 30 days.

Rockwall PD will not be appearing in any grainy cell phone videos anytime soon. And that's a good thing.

2011-03-22T14:14:00.006-05:00

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: March 23, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FROM:

Sgt. Jeff Welch

Public Information Officer

Rockwall Police Department

Rockwall Police Department is Awarded “Recognized” Status

The Rockwall Police Department is the 42^nd police agency, out of over 2,800 agencies in the state (less than 2%) to be awarded “Recognized” status by the Texas Police Chiefs Association. The “Recognition Program” was developed a few years ago by the Texas Police Chiefs Association to assist Texas police agencies in meeting their professional obligations to their citizens. This is a voluntary process where police agencies prove their compliance with law enforcement’s current Best Practices.

Being “Recognized” means that the agency meets or exceeds all of the 164 identified Best Practices, which cover every aspect of law enforcement from pursuits, use of force, protection of citizen rights, evidence and property management, and other patrol and investigative operations. This “Recognized” status ensures that an agency has carefully planned for these critical issues, has developed policies and procedures to address them, as well as put systems in place to identify and correct problems.

Police officers exercise government’s highest powers – the power to stop and question an individual; the power to arrest and seize a person and his property; and the power to use force, including deadly force, in that process. Police agencies direct and control an officer’s activity through supervision, training, and written policies and procedures. Since supervisors cannot always be present, officers often operate alone. This means training and policies, along with the appropriate equipment, are even more critical to ensure proper performance.

The Recognition Program assures city management and the citizens that their Police Department is operating within the best practices of law enforcement. The review process of policies, the on-site visit to inspect equipment and facilities, interviews of staff, and proof of compliance in all areas took over a year. The Rockwall Police Department was approved for “Recognized” status by the committee on March 3, 2011. At last night’s City Council meeting Rockwall Police Chief Mark Moeller was presented the Certificate of Recognition by TPCA committee members.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

May the best candidates win.

2011-03-15T15:37:00.007-05:00

Or the least worst depending on your level of cynicism.

Yesterday at 5pm was the filing deadline for the May 14th election for city council.

I filed for Place 1.

Pretty full slate this year - 3 people have filed for each of the three open seats and 3 have filed for Mayor.

Quick brief on me:

My family moved to Rockwall in 1987 when I was a wee lad (slang used in honor of St Patrick's Day tomorrow) of 12 years old. I graduated from Rockwall High in 1993 - way back when everyone in every school was a Yellow Jacket. Much of my family still lives in town - my parents, my sister (1996 RHS Grad) and her family, and my cousin (1994 RHS Grad) and her family.

Our business, Rockwall Controls, is located in Rockwall and has been for 25 years.

Needless to say, I spend most of my time in Rockwall. I want Rockwall to be the greatest city it can be.

It will achieve this not by the actions one person, nor has it been a great city because of the actions one person or of city councils - past or present. Rockwall is a great city because of the people who live here who want Rockwall to be a great city.

Government action is government interference. This extends from what goes on in your home, your neighborhood, or local businesses. One of the great dangers we face from government action is the Law of Unintended Consequences. Meddling into affairs of which one is not expert or educated always creates consequences that often do more harm than good.

Government at all levels has perfected this.

Who knows more about your neighborhood? You or city council?

Who knows what's best for your business? You or city council?

Who knows what's best for Rockwall? You or city council?

There has been far too much disconnect between council and citizens. Much of which is council induced. Opinions counter to what council believes are not welcomed. Hostility to differing views has been common. Citizens are expected to be cheerleaders to government - not the coach.

I have been repeatedly accused of spreading "misinformation" on countless occasions. I spread "information" that was given. Any "mis" part was the fault of council not producing the information either willfully or negligently.

Rockwall needs open government that is truly representative of the citizens of Rockwall. Council's number one job is to be us. Their job is to protect our rights, our property, and our taxes from the machine designed to rob us of our rights, property, and taxes.

Rockwall is not business friendly. You will hear from some that it is. Ask a business person. Ask a business that has tried to open here. Ask a business that is here and needs to make changes.

I have witnessed meddling and micromanaging of million and billion dollar companies wishing to do business in Rockwall. Was the goal to make citizens' lives better? No. Was the goal to give the business the best opportunity to be prosperous? No.

Nitpicking and meddling in business was done because one or more persons serving "don't like" some aspect of the business.

Example: Ice machines, propane, or Red Box offend one of our officials, so a business must do without in order to jump through a hoop to have the chance to operate in Rockwall. Heck, just read the sign ordinance for a taste of business hostility.

Good businesses are good for the citizens. Sales taxes make it possible to have good services without having to pay for services solely through fees or high property taxes.

Without a good business environment, you either give up services or you pay high property taxes.

And what to do with those taxes? First and foremost, provide essential services: police, fire, roads, water, sewer. These are priorities.

But debt is the real priority. Debt must be paid. Debt obligations carry a moral, ethical, and legal requirement to be paid.

In a budget crisis, no one every says, "Well, lets stop paying the debt, that would solve our deficit!". You can't not pay debt! (Apologies for the grammar.) Having the ability via a good credit rating to borrow makes it possible to buy large needed projects like police stations or fire stations.

Large debt comes with large risk. But in most cases almost everyone can agree that the risk is worth it - roads, police stations, etc.

However, in many cases there is disagreement over the debt risk and the reason for the debt.

We will have a very large bond package in November - somewhere between $25 -$60 million depending on with whom you talk. None of the items are for what I have described as priorities for citizens. All are for recreational desires.

We need a council and councilmen who will be good stewards of the bond money if it passes.

On the issuance of debt or general fund budgeting Rockwall must be fiscally responsible.

We must also be realistic when it comes to forecasting the tax income. A rosy picture is painted by many who believe Rockwall is immune to those problems facing the Federal government, the State government, the County government, and the School District, and most municipal governments.

Rockwall is not immune.

That is not to paint a picture of doom and gloom. But, rather the viewpoint that council must be
realistic in planning for the future.

I have no hidden agenda. I have no pet projects I want done. No one has put me up to run. I have no ties to city boards or commissions. The Republican Party of Rockwall (of which I am the treasurer) does not trump my allegiance to the citizens of Rockwall.

My loyalty always lies with the citizens of Rockwall and I will always take the position of a citizen and advocate for the citizen - not the "government".

Council represents the people, the bureaucracy represents the government.

I will always represent the people.

Rockwall City Council 7 March

2011-03-15T14:33:00.002-05:00

III. Proclamations.

Supposed to be two, but both were postponed.

IV. Open Forum.

No one spoke, guess everyone in town in perfectly content with government!

V. Consent Agenda.

None pulled, passed 7-0.

2nd reading of the anti-bumming ordinance.

VI. Appointments.

Two scheduled, P&Z either no show or had nothing to report, and the other was tabled.

VII. Action Items.

1. Starting process to issue Certificates of Obligation. Fancy word for taking on big debt without the hassel and inconvenience of a bond election where the opportunity for citizens to actually have the chance to say yea or nay is bypassed.

Looks like the maximum amount of the CO will be $7.7 million. Also, some refinancing of the current TIF was included.

Mayoral Candidate Farris wanted some explanation from the city manager regarding PD-32 - to clear up "misinformation". Also, Mr Farris asked who pays for the debt if the REDC defaults.

COs being issued will be used for infrastructure and improvements. The TIF pays for the debt service on the COs.

The answer about who is responsible for the debt once again went unanswered.

Here is the answer the CEO of the REDC gave:

The City of Rockwall issues the debt, and if sales tax revenues were not sufficient to cover the debt repayments, it would be the city council’s responsibility to balance the budget. The Sales Tax Revenue Bonds are issued with a first priority lien on sales tax revenues of the corporation and the CO debt repayment is a second priority lien.

2. More TIF stuff.

Passed 6-1, Councilman Sevier opposed.

VII. City Manager's Report.

-Turn lane at Ralph Hall and 3097 is complete.
-Drainage improvements on 740 are complete.

Mr Farris wanted to clear up rumors that the In-N-Out Burger, who he gave a hard time about the sign they needed, is still coming to Rockwall.

Mr LaCroix spoke the project architect who said "yes".

The response In-N-Out gave me to my inquiry was "tentative".

(tentative
–adjective
2.unsure; uncertain; not definite or positive)

Here's hoping.

-Bills in State House and Senate to help out LRE with water has been introduced. Relief finally coming to LRE?

(tentative
–adjective
2.unsure; uncertain; not definite or positive)

Rockwall City Council 21 February

2011-03-06T13:32:00.005-06:00

I can't seem to find my notes on this meeting, so I'll be relying solely on my memory for the content. This shouldn't affect the accuracy, or inaccuracy as I have been repeatedly accused of from sitting councilmen during multiple council sessions.

Exectuive session items:

Some money was spent, was it 3 things? Only one I remember was hiring a lobbyist to get a bill passed that has something to do with private water service providers in municipal boundaries, or something like that.

IV. Consent Agenda.

I think the anti-bum ordinances were pulled.

(1)It will be ok for Shriners and Firemen to hold up traffic and distract drivers, but not others. (1st reading)

(2)Camping in public places passed on 2nd reading.

V. Appointments.

1. P&Z Vice Chair Connie Jackson, also current candidate for city council, coincidentally gave the P&Z report for the second week in a row. Not as much verbosity or micromanaging this time.

2. Police Chief Moeller gave his racial profiling report (as mandated by state law, I think). No reports of racial profiling for the past year against police officers. Against code enforcement in Lake Rockwall Estates however....

3. Lady who wants fees waived at Harbor so she can have a fundraiser got it. ($400 rental fee plus other fees waived.)

VI. Public Hearings.

1. Guy wants a large accessory building to replace two existing. Passed.

2. Kroger wanted to add a gas station. This would have shorted the parking lot 8 spaces that would be required. City council decided that Kroger doesn't know anything about customers' needs and are more knowledgeable than Kroger about the retail business and denied the request 4-2-1. (Russo and Nielsen supported Kroger, Sweet abstained.)

3. Church needed an SUP to engage in their first amendment rights of religion and peaceable assembly. Was some discussion about adding a parking ban that hasn't been a problem for the empty lot adjacent to the building, don't know if that was removed in the final motion. Either way, the church will be able to continue practicing their natural rights - with government's permission. Passed 6-1, Scott opposed.

VII. Action Items.

1. AquaTexas (Water service provider in LRE) isn't getting the green light to raise water rates, yet.

2. City staff thought it would be a good idea to tack on a 5% fee for absolutely no good reason to citizens natural gas bills (Atmos). Council was like, "Oh, no you din't". Failed 7-0.

3. Big-ass trashcans will not be forced upon citizens. Several, if not all, council received over 100 emails opposed to the idea of giant trash cans and recycling bins as well as the reduction in services while increase the cost.

Mayor Pro Tem/ Mayoral Candidate Glen Farris was the only one who did not support the motion to keep the current, perfect trash service exactly the way it is. Basically he stated the 100 emails were not enough to sway him as the 34,900 people who didn't convey opinion one way or the other to council mattered more.

FYI, absolutely nothing prevents one citizen in Rockwall from having big-ass trashcans or big-ass recycle bins if so desires. Anyone can have big-ass cans, all you have to do is call the city and request one (or both). The difference between the failed plan and current situation is that (1) robots won't pick up your big-ass trashcans, (2) You have have to pay a couple bucks more a month, but only if you rent them from Allied. You can go to Home Depot or Lowe's and get big-ass trashcans if you want, and (3) No one is forced by the city to have big-ass trashcans.

4. Item about creating a PR position tabled.

5. Art in Public Places - on all future bonds passed, 1% of the money will go to an art project. (THIS IS HOW IT WAS EXPLAINED TO ME: If we pass a bond, 1% of the amount will go to fund an art project, but only at the site of the bond passed. The money will not be used to fund any art project or other art related projects throughout the city.) Passed 7-0.

6. City creating a citizen cheer leading citizen committee to promote passage of the c.$40,000,000 bond package election in November.

7. The new Mi Cocina restaurant needs a sign variance - passed WITHOUT any discussion.

8. Police department is buying a SWAT Rapid Deployment Vehicle - around $50,000, but it won't cost taxpayers anything as the money comes out of seized property.

9. City once again talking about somehow broadcasting meetings over the internet. I think they are going to start out doing what the county has done, basic audio streaming.

If I find my notebook, I may edit this with some snarky comments. But then again, Black Ops calling my name...

Rockwall City Council 7 February

2011-02-21T16:21:00.001-06:00

III. Proclamations.

1. February is black history month. The proclamation explained the civil war started in 1861 when confederates attacked Ft Sumter.

Yep, it was just that simple.

The theme for this year is “African-Americans and the civil war” and “contributions of blacks during the civil war.”

IV. Open Forum.

1. Fellow from the Zoo spoke in anger about the upcoming water rate increase for Lake Rockwall Estates. (Should push mine to about $150-160.00 a month.)The mayor said the city was in the process of looking into the rate increase and that the request had to be approved by city council.

V. Consent Agenda.

Mayor Pro Tem Farris pulled item 1.

Councilman Scott pulled items 2 & 4.

1. Minutes from meeting Mr Farris missed. Passed 5-0-2. Sevier and Farris abstained.

2. Mr Scott wanted a bunch of wording changes for youth sports agreements. Passed 7-0.

4. Final approval for Christian Brothers. Pulled for basic showboating. Passed 7-0.

VI. Appointments.

1. P&Z Vice Chair Connie Jackson filled in for Mr Herbst. Recent actions by P&Z:

-Petty micromanagement of the looks of a new McDonalds, a company that would be unsuccessful if not for the meddling of the unqualified or incompetent.

-Best Buy lighting changes for outside signage. Denied because P&Z was afraid other businesses would also want lights to help promote business.

-Enlargement of accessory building in the Zoo. Passed 7-0.

-Expansion of SPR Packaging, lots of variances needed. Passed 7-0, with the added note from Ms. Jackson that she was “thrilled someone is expanding in this economy.” A comment that is strangely contradictory to those from the Mayor and some council who claim the economy is Rockwall is essentially immune from the economic problems plaguing the rest of the world.

2. Folks want the fee waived at the Harbor for an event to raise money for a non-profit organization. City waives fee for 501.c3s and Ms. Nielsen suggested they get the actual organization to make the request to keep more in line with the requirement. Will return next time.

Mr Farris opposed support as the event happens the same day as Founders Day. Recommended they pick a new date.

2. Jerry Archer back again. See previous blogs for more info.

Needs an SUP, but the unified development code for Downtown does not allow any auto repair facilities, not even with an SUP.

City will have to change the code in order to allow SUPs for auto repair and then Mr. Archer can make application for the SUP.

After some risk management lessons from the Mayor and Council, motion was made to have staff make changes to allow auto repair facilities in the downtown district with an SUP.

4. Lady wants to talk about changes to trash service. She seemed to be for it and against it. But not really.

Mr. Scott explained there was much “misinformation” about the upcoming changes:

-Councilman Clifford Sevier, Councilman Mark Russo, and Mayor Pro Tem Glen Farris are the ones on the subcommittee and Councilman Clifford Sevier, Councilman Mark Russo, and Mayor Pro Tem Glen Farris were the ones who came up with the idea to change current garbage and recycling service. Councilman Clifford Sevier, Councilman Mark Russo, and Mayor Pro Tem Glen Farris were sitting around one day and they decided without any input from Allied Waste or anyone else, the best thing in the world be for Councilman Clifford Sevier, Councilman Mark Russo, and Mayor Pro Tem Glen Farris to propose to council that we change garbage and recycling service.

-No one will have to use both types of 96 gallon trash cans.

-If you want to continue to recycle, you will have to have at least the 96 gallon trash can.

The Mayor vigorously defended the proposal.

Mr Sweet explained that recycling is “good for the earth”. (Although he does oppose the changes – that’s good. Gaia will be pleased and angry all at once.)

Item will be back to council.

VIII. Action Items.

4. LRE water rate increase. Council will require a “show cause” from AquaTexas to justify the rate increase. Rate increases by private water providers in city limits must have council approval.

VII. Site Plans.

1. McDonald’s new store design has a rounded roof. Building standards have no provision for rounded roof. That’s the only reason for the variance request. Passed 7-0 without meddling.

2. Best Buy has had some lights illuminating the store for the last three years that do not comply with code. City noticed problem after three years and now wants Best Buy to not have those lights. Best Buy would like to change those lights - that no one notice or complained about for three years - for some projection lights to illuminate the blue field around the main sign on the building.

Mayor Pro Tem Farris wanted Best Buy to justify in dollars how this would increase the business of Best Buy. He also stated that the new light would not increase Best Buy’s earning power. He continued his opposition stating that not having the lights would not hurt Best Buy. He was also concerned other businesses would want similar lights.

Ms Nielsen agreed with Mr Farris.

Councilman Sweet took the other side of the issue stating that he wants the businesses in Rockwall to be their own experts. This wasn’t an unusual request and if other businesses made the same request that could go through the process just like Best Buy is doing.

Mr. Farris made a motion to deny the request which failed 5-2. (Nielsen also supported the motion.)

After the motion to approve was made, Mr Farris wanted to add a punitive requirement for a “photovoltaic study”. P&Z Director LaCroix said it would not be necessary. Motion passed without the punishment 6-1. (Farris opposed.)

3. LRE fella needs an accessory building to hide all the crap he keeps in his yard that the city keeps complaining about. He wants to enlarge an existing metal building, which will not meet the masonry requirement. A bunch of belly-aching ensued after a motion to deny failed, the motion to approve passed 5-3. (Sevier, Farris, and Scott opposed.)

4. Expansion of SPR Packaging and variances. Lots of discussion. Passed 7-0.

VIII. Action Items.

1. CIP task order contracts approval. Despite continued economic troubles plaguing the USA, the city is gearing up to promote bond passage in November. Baseball fields, downtown stuff, historic park, one other I think. Floating around the $40,000,000 mark I think. Possibly more.

Keep repeating: “Debt is sustainable.” “Debt is sustainable.” “Debt is sustainable.”

Works for Wisconsin. And Dallas. And Rockwall ISD. And the Federal Government. And Texas.

2. Electronic sign won’t go away. Pointless and expensive. Does anyone other than city or council really care about this waste?

Just stop already.

3. Change in the bum ordinance. You can still be a bum, but can’t set up temporary lodging on public land.

Passed 7-0.

Rockwall City Council 18 January

2011-02-06T19:21:00.009-06:00

Missed the executive committee items as my pens wouldn't work. I'll guess and say it had something to do with appointing cronies or spending money.

Appointment #2 was postponed to next meeting.

Public Hearing Item #1 was moved to March meeting.

III. Consent Agenda.

Councilwoman Nielsen pulled item #6, Councilman Sweet pulled item #1, and Councilman Russo pulled items #4 and 5.

Items 2 and 3 passed 5-0. (Sevier and Farris absent).

1. Minutes approval for meeting Mr Russo missed, passed 4-0.

4. Mr Sweet needed clarification, something about Oncor rate we are coordinating with other cities.

5. Contract and $20,000 gift approval for STAR transit. Passed 3-2, Mr Sweet and Mr Russo opposed.

6. Ms Nielsen need clarification on this item regarding access easements. I wrote a lot, but finished my notes on the item with the sentence, "Man, this is complicated and boring."

Passed 5-0.

VI. Action Items.

2. Couple bums making people feel dirty or scared or offended and want them removed from the cityscape.

Mr Scott led the discussion against bummery.

-Bums are breeding.
-No current ordinance against bummery.
-Rockwall is a lucrative place to buminate.
-This gives police the ability to "do something".
-Asked about legal challenges to the bum laws in Dallas.

Mr Eckert replied, "Not that I'm aware of." He did explaing bumming when called "loitering " was ruled by the Supreme Court to be protected under Freedom of Assembly.

Mr Sweet continued the discussion.

-"What he said." (Pointing at Mr Scott.)
-He also mentioned "some emails", presumably anti-bum related.
-Some ladies in town were approached and got scared.
-The bums are not from Rockwall, according to the police.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Have to stop here a second. As I write this and watch Life (If you haven't seen, watch it on Blu-Ray if possible), I had to share the awesomeness of these brown-tufted capuchin monkeys in Brazil.

Let's see a councilman do that!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back to Mr Sweet:

-Question about rewording of ordinance to allow non-profit groups to panhandle like bums.

Mr Russo added that the wording of the ordinance would forbid anyone from sleeping anywhere on public property, including taking a quick snooze on a park bench.

Mr Eckert and Mrs Couch will revisit the wording.

Mr Nielsen had concerns about how the bums will be charged and where the "vagrants" would go while awaiting justice. Chief Moeller explained [bums] will be charged with a misdemeanor and will stay at the Rockwall County Three Hots and a Cot Motor Inn.

She continued that she is not opposed to the ordinance, but had reservations with the wording.

A little more discussion and Mr Scott pulled the motion to have staff more time to rework the ordinance. It will be on the next agenda.

IV. Appointments.

1. P&Z Chairman Herbst on the public hearings for the evening: Flower shop good, Christian Brothers Good.

V. Public Hearing Items.

2. Flower shop moving, needs an SUP. Everyone from the neighbors to P&Z are in favor. Passed 4-0.

3. Christian Brothers Automotive back for the THIRD TIME. (Old blogs have info on the SUP) Gonna open up next to Home Depot between an Alzheimer's place and a bank.

Applicant was happy to be in Rockwell. (Named for an ancient rock well discovered by T.U. Wade while digging for a rock wall. Below is the earliest known picture of the well.)

Lenny's got it wrong, too, bro. (Fixed now.)

Without virtually no discussion and two speaking at the public hearing: (1) a competitor opposed to the idea and repeatedly cited a different ordinance as his argument; (2) The land owner adjacent to the property who supported the idea. The SUP was granted 4-0. Christian Brothers recurring nightmare of rejection ends. Unless they get screwed on the second reading.

VI. Action Items.

5. 212 agreement, passed 4-0.

3. FM 549 south of I-30 to SH-276 will be renamed "Corporate Crossing" pending corporate sponsorship. "Really Boring Street Name Placeholder Avenue" was already taken. Passed 4-0.

4. Citizen Survey discussion. I could only handle a couple minutes of the discussion and fled to the Flying Saucer instead. Mondays are Pint Night!

Rockwall City Council 3 January

2011-01-15T15:39:00.003-06:00

"Meet the new year, same as the old year." - Pete Townsend

No amount of dilly-dallying would keep this meeting from starting late.

Action from executive session, here's what I caught: Motion, resolution, abandon, portion, Hilltop Drive, quick claim deed. Passed 6-0.

III. Open Forum.

Starting the new year with no speakers, everyone must be so pleased with the progress of our council.

IV. Consent Agenda.

Everything passed with nothing pulled 6-0.

V. Appointments.

1. General Manager with superhero name, Omega Hawkins, with annual report and tax money request for KART.

-KART is now Star Transit. (Star is not an acronym, but how about "Subsidized Transport Around Rockwall?")
-17,500 trips in city of Rockwall last year.
-18,160 trips total in county
-Few hybrid vehicles now in bus fleet, part of a pilot program.
-New hours of operation are 6a-6p.
-Ridership continues to increase.

Mayor Pro Tem Farris extolled KART/STAR, "It's cheap".

Councilman Sweet explained his disappointment that the KART/STAR board did not put a member of council on that board (appointed a county commissioner instead), even though the city has over 95% or ridership and contributes $20,000 a year vs $10,000 contributed by the county.

Councilman Sevier reiterated the desire by some on council to have city of Rockwall representation on the board.

Mayor Cecil was also "distressed" at the lack of city representation.

Motion to give 20,000 tax payer dollars to Star Transit passed 5-1, Councilman Sweet opposed.

VI. Action Items.

WARNING: SOME MAY FIND A WORD IN THE FOLLOWING ITEM OFFENSIVE.

1. Allied Waste wants Rockwall citizens to have 2 big-ass trashcans. These big-ass trashcans are 96 gallons EACH. The cans will be embedded with an RFID chip to track your recycling weight.

Basically, you will get divvied points for recycling. The amount recycled by you and your neighborhood or subdivision will be divided by the number of those participating in the program.

So if you are enrolled and recycle nothing and your neighbor recycles 20 pounds, you each get credit for 10 pounds. Got it?

Your reward could be a coupon for up to $20 per month at participating retailers, or you can donate the money to our over-funded school to build another football stadium or swimming pool.

Most likely your monthly reward will be an average of $8-12. (How can a range be an average?)

The goal is to trick people into thinking they are getting something for nothing. Really the goal is to please Gaia for our maltreatment.

Allied Waste says it will increase participation, which is currently estimated at 45% - about the same as individual councilmember's participation, to as high as 85%.

Garbage rates will increase regardless of participation from $14.39 to $15.75 per month, and commercial rates for customers with no ability to participate will increase 5%.

Allied also says the city will look better because instead of a bunch of garbage cans of different colors, sizes, shapes, etc, everyone will be exactly the same. And the city sure loves promoting monotony!

The representative also suggested that the city have an ordinance to prevent people from leaving the big-ass trashcans out at the curb after pick-up.

Points from council discussion:

-50% increase in participation in every city program enacted
-Voluntary participation at first.
-All big-ass trashcans will have the chip, but only record the participants.
-A camera will record all the trash dumped from the big-ass trashcans.
-It "won't hurt" to start this program.
-Trash service will decrease to one time per week.
-Recycling service will decrease to one time every two weeks.

Mr Sweet opposed stating it was an "increase in rate, and decrease in service." He also noted that he, like many others, had no place to store "one, much less two" of these big-ass trashcans.

The first of May we can expect the service to start.

Motion to move forward passed 5-1-1. Mr Sweet opposed and Mr Russo abstained. (Mr Russo stated afterward he did not feel it appropriate to vote as he had missed the entire discussion.)

Anyway, here's Bono on trash:

Here's where some of your money goes!

2011-01-11T07:51:00.003-06:00

List of all employee salaries for the city of Rockwall.

http://rowlettreporter.com/?page_id=290#

Special Thanks to Jerry Berrgren at rowlettreporter.com.

Jerry has also listed the city of Rowlett salaries on rowlettreporter.com.

Rockwall City Council 20 December

2010-12-31T17:13:00.004-06:00

Last meeting of the year and they didn't waste anytime screwing over the taxpayers!

Few actions from Backroom Dealings aka "Executive Session".

- Development agreement with Presbyterian Hospital. Passed 7-0

-Something about park projects. Passed 7-0

-From the minutes: "Councilmember Scott made a motion authorize the city manager to execute
development agreements with Harbor Heights Investors subject to resolving the insurance questions, confirming the legal descriptions of the properties involved and approval of the agreements as to legal form." Passed 6-1, Councilman Sevier opposed.

This was regarding PD-32, part of the failed (regardless of what some clueless morons say) Harbor Project. This motion was to move ahead and spend $9,000,000 to put in infrastructure for a new speculative office building.

What you say? When did we start absorbing costs for developers? New to me, too. It is far beyond normal and customary practice for the city to pay for costs that are part of normal commercial development.

There are the defenders of this action (which was a deliberately ambiguous motion if you remember) who will say this will do "this" or "that" and bring in trillions of dollars to Rockwall and this will help the Harbor (why would it need help it it wasn't a failure as some state?) If you recall further the reason for the taxpayer "investment" into PD-32 was to increase "foot traffic" from new residents in homes and apartments...

Anyway what's really going on is political favoring and backroom deals at the expense of the taxpayer. Nothing is being discussed openly or honestly. No one will know anything about it until this part of the harbor fails and we'll be sitting on even more millions upon millions of debt.

Merry Christmas from the City of Rockwall.

Only Councilman Sevier cast the honest vote. The rest gave the proverbial middle finger, albeit secretly, to the rest of us.

III. Consent Agenda.

Councilman Scott pulled items 2,3,6.

Remaining items passed 7-0.

Items 2 and 3 regarded minutes.

Item 6 was Mr Scott's traffic light project at Ralph Hall and 3097. $31,200 for the project, not to mention the destruction of all the foliage. Reason pulled 12% - talk about the project, 78% - grandstand for the audience.

IV Appointments.

1. Planning and Zoning Chairman. Quite a few items, nothing reaching national security level, so I won't detail.

VIII. Action Items.

3. City renaming a portion of FM 3549 to Stoghill Rd. Sounds easy, but it was apparantly Grandstand Night at the Apollo, so Mr Sweet, Mr Scott, and Mr Russo blathered on for 20 minutes about how easy a decision it was to make renaming a street. Not quite as easy as screwing over the taxpayers for $9 million, but still pretty easy.

6. Renaming Caruth Lake to Raymond Cameron Lake. Mr Cameron has been a long time resident of Rockwall and contributed much to the city.

Also, as Councilman Scott noted, the city got involved in litigation with the Caruth family which "caused a lot of heartache" a short time ago, so renaming the lake was a great opportunity to show others what happens if you mess with the city. Watch out, Mr Hubbard.

IV. Appointments.

2. Leadership Rockwall is going to build a Rockwall County dog park at Harry Myers. It was pProposed that it won't cost the city anything to build or maintain for one year. City will resume maintenance (the Parks Dept already does maintain the area in question) after the first year of operation.

Mr Russo commended the project and expressed how this has been a "need" for Rockwall.

(Quick question, does any politician really know the difference between a "need" and a "want?)

No money has been raised (around $11,000 needed), but there are many companies that have pledged support.

Few comments from various council including one jerky response from Mr Scott to Mr Sevier's comments about a previous motion from Mr Sevier to keep dogs out of the Kids Zone at Harry Myers.

The Mayor noted that it was a county project, but all contributions from governmental entities were from the city of Rockwall.

The answer was basically that Rockwall as the only city with any means.

Acceptance of project passed 7-0.

3. Presentation of City's Strategic Business Plan.

Truthfully, the girl who did the presentation was nice and professional, but the content was drier than a klejner.

V. Public Hearing Items.

1. Lady wants to open a B&B in one bedroom at her house.

-Would only operate Friday nights and Saturday nights
-She met all requirements for the SUP
-SUP would be reviewed in 6 months (basically, giving her a trial run)

Caused a lot of debate and discussion, but when it came down to asking the neighbors' opinion (via 14 or so mailed inquiries), 5 supported (all on her cul-du-sac), 3 opposed (actually 4 opposed, but ANONYMOUS RESPONSES ARE NOT CONSIDERED UNLESS THEY ARE MENTIONED DURING DELIBERATION THEREBY SKEWING THE OBJECTIVITY OF THE DISCUSSION).

The 3 opposition came from one residence on another street and 2 from Lake Pointe Church (2 of the churches soccer fields were in the notification zone).

Mathematically speaking 5 for, 2 against. And the non responses are tacit acceptance, therefore affirmative votes. Not that anyone on council cares enough to know that.

Not quite the 50% opposition Mr Scott and Mr Sweet kept espousing, but lawyers don't need math and muffins always come in 12's, so math ain't a daily brain battler for these two.

In the end the neighbors' opinion was not considered and Mr Scott didn't believe anyone would stay in a B&B near a Target and Home Depot and gave several other subjective reasons why he opposed.

Mr Sweet concurred with Mr Scott by taking out a small tape recorder and just before playing back into the microphone what Mr Scott finished saying seconds before He said, "And my personal opinion of this is: "

Mr Russo asked from whom the anonymous opposition came.

Mayor Pro Tem Farris and Councilmember Nielsen were the only ones who wanted to give the chance to see how it would play for the next 6 months. Failed 5-2.

2. Rezoning of some land from Ag to Commercial. Continued to January 18th.

3. Guy wants to open a bail bond place and needs an SUP. Passed 7-0.

4. New McDonald's by Tom Thumb needs drive-thru (will be a double drive-thru) approval. Got it 7-0.

VI. Site Plans/Plats.

1. New bank going in by Home Depot doesn't meet the masonry standard of monotony. This time the masonry standard wasn't important and the exception was granted 7-0.

(Mr Scott left at this point.)

VII. Action Items.

1. Sign variance for new JoAnn store. Passed 6-0.

2. Annexation item postponed to January 18th.

4. Contract for vet to fix animals at the animal clinic. Passed 6-0.

5. No idea, something vague about Chandler's Landing. Probably something about spending a was of taxpayers money. Passed 6-0.

7. State law forcing the city to change the employee benefits due to population change. Passed 6-0.

8. Big damned electronic sign to let folks who drive passed the sign know when community events are happening.

Gonna cost somewhere between $40k and $100k and no one can agree where to put it.

I've got a suggestion where to put it.

Rockwall City Council 6 December

2010-12-19T18:31:00.004-06:00

Actions from Executive Committee.

Reappointed a bunch of cronies to various boards.

III. Proclamations.

1. Council recognized city staff that completed "Rockwall University"; staff members spend time learning about other departments. Upon completion they get knowledge, a certificate, and money, amount not disclosed.

VI. Open Forum.

...................................................................................

V. Consent Agenda.

Councilman Sevier pulled #7, rest approved 7-0.

7. Councilman Sevier asked to postpone the vote to next meeting for the owner of land in conjunction with a 212 agreement would have time to fill out paperwork.

Councilman Scott verbosely opposed the plan.

VI. Appointments.

1. P&Z Chairman Herbst presented the P&Z's decision on a new business at the bankrupt Harbor project. Paradise Burger had presented plans for a metal canopy that didn't look the same once built. P&Z didn't like the new roof "look", and claimed it didn't "fit" the Harbor. (If it were a closed-down business, it would definitely "fit.")

Want Paradise Burger to change the canopy from patchwork to uniform. Rockwall loves monotony.

2. Moved to next council meeting.

3. Judge Cathy Penn presented the yearly report for the municipal court.

-17,000 cases had gone through court at the end of the fiscal year (Aug 31, 2010).
-Mostly traffic violations.
-17% were state code offenses.

VII. Site Plans/Plats.

1. Paradise Burger from above.

Problem:

-Exceeds the 10% maximum of non-masonry material standard.
-Built canopy different from presented plan
-P&Z ok with metal roof, but not look of "rusty" panels.

The representative of Paradise Burger explained that the plan didn't show the 2D vs 3D difference. They are also trying to create a more relaxed atmosphere at the Harbor to attract more patrons. (Note to burger guy, attractive stores offering goods that people want will not positively affect patronage at the Harbor. According to the council, "foot traffic" from apartments they want built nearby is the only remedy.)

Mayor Pro Tem Farris opposed, stating "we spent a lot of time planning the (bankrupt) Harbor."

Nose, say good-bye to face.

Passed with P&Z recommendations, 6-1.

VIII. Action Items.

1. Addendum to contract with trash company to extend to 5 years. This does not lock in the rate. Passed 6-1. Councilman Sweet opposed not going out for bid.

2. Discussion of upcoming citizen survey. Discussion revolved around content and a lucky few who gets the special survey.

When mentioned that the survey would include questions in Spanish, Councilman Scott's finger moved so fast for the speak button, it nearly detached from his hand.

Mr Scott expressed opposition to certain questions and doing the survey in Spanish for "philosophical" reasons.

Councilman Russo asked about online options.

Mr Farris asked about including a question asking if people are willing to pay for the city's wish lists.

Councilman Sweet stated he agreed with Mr Scott's position about including questions in Spanish.

Councilman Sevier noted that the 3000+ non-English speaking new citizens in Rockwall didn't move to Rockwall, Rockwall moved to them (us) (That is Lake Rockwall Estates, aka The Zoo.) Not including the opinions of those residents will skew the survey. He concluded that the city knew before annexation that the vast majority speak Spanish as a first language.

Mr Farris made a motion to table until the 2nd meeting in January for more time to consider the survey. Passed 7-0.

3. Councilman Russo wants the city to help you find your lost dog using the website and social media. Staff is looking into this idea.

Rockwall City Council 15 November

2010-12-05T19:13:00.004-06:00

The Youth Advisory Council (or YACs) was present "shadowing" council and staff. Never too early to start learning about liberty infringement and financial irresponsibility.

After many time-consuming jokes where the word "yak" was replaced for the word "YAC", the meeting was started.

III. Consent Agenda.

Councilman Russo pulled item 1 regarding minutes, passes 5-0-2.

Remaining pass 7-0.

IV. Appointments.

1. P&Z Chairman Herbst presented the most recent P&Z cases. Three weeks is too long for me to recall any details.

2. Archer's Care Care, that has been operating out of compliance and without an SUP, is back again to get his building legal.

Quick recap (as I understand it):

-About 3 years ago, Archer's had to move as the previous location was in the way of the widening of SH-205.
-Archer's moved to a building that required an SUP to accommodate the business on Washington St.
-An agreement was made that by the end of 2 years (the length of the SUP), Archer's would move to a new location or bring the building on Washington into compliance with the fire code, specifically, fire sprinklers.
-Some time after the end of the SUP, Archer's came back to the city and explained he could not afford to move, nor could he afford to install a fire sprinkler system. More time was given. (Essentially, the city turned a blind eye to compliance.)
-He could now comply by installing the sprinkler system at a cost of $16,500, but needs the city to foot the $5,000 bill for move the water line (for a tap) across the street to his shop and 6 months to complete the install.

Mayor Pro Tem Farris made a motion to spend the money and give the time for "his friend", but not because they are friends.

Councilman Scott asked about other beneficiaries from the city doing this.

Chief Poindexter: No one else.

Councilman Scott also asked if the city had done this for anyone else.

The Chief explained that during the downtown renovations, including water, the city added taps at buildings if the tenants decided to put in sprinklers, the taps would be available.

Councilman Sweet concurred with Mr Scott's concerns and added that he was "struggling" with the $5,000 gift to Archer's.

Councilmember Margo Nielsen noted that the building would still have to be zoned and what would happen if the zoning failed, that Mr Archer and the city would have spent money and not be able to reap the benefit.

Mr Farris stated that the city "should have known" that this building could some have a business that would require a sprinkler system and should have included it in the renovations the Chief mentioned. Bascially, the city is at fault for Archer's problem.

Mr Scott disagreed with Mr Farris assertion of an "oversight" and has a problem spending the $5,000.

(Repeat discussion.)

Asst Manager Crowley stated that the city has secret money tucked away for exactly this sort of thing.

Councilman Russo believed that this would provide "safety" to surrounding businesses and special treatment should be given as his friend Archer has been in Rockwall 30 years.

Councilman Sevier inquired about the magic money Mr Crowley has stashed.

The city has been setting aside money to give to businesses downtown to bribe them to come downtown.

Motion to gift $5,000 to Archer's and grant a 6 month SUP to comply passed 4-3.

Only Councilmembers Scott, Sweet, and Nielsen respected taxpayers' money on this issue.

3. Appointment with Connie Cannady, with J. Stowe & Co, LLC., to discuss the compliance review of cable services franchise fees, Public, Educational and Governmental fees, and selected other provisions of the Franchise Agreement between the City of Rockwall, Texas, and Charter
Communications, and take any action necessary.

It was even more boring than it sounded (like watching slow drying paint in slow-motion). Only thing that seemed relevant was the $31,000 owed to the city by Charter.

4. YAC kids showed a power point explaining their ideas for this year's project.

1st idea is a Senior (Citizens) Prom.

2nd idea is a recycling program.

Kids want to do the Prom.

Mr Russo objected to the idea of pretend gambling at a fake casino.

Mr Sweet made a joke about the City Manager's age.

V. Public Hearing Items.

1. Some change in Teen Curfew ordinance. No one on council thought anyone needed to know any details, passes 7-0 without discussion.

2. Rest Haven needs an SUP for a mausoleum. After some jokes and assorted stalling, passed 7-0.

3. Guy up in the Shores built a fence in his front yard and needs a variance to let him keep it.

Of the notices that went out to neighbors, 7 came back with 2 in support and 5 opposed.

Mr Farris opposed as it "doesn't fit the Shores, doesn't blend with the neighborhood, and sets bad precedent if allowed."

Mr Scott agreed with Mr Farris.

The owner stated his backyard was all concrete and his dogs won't defecate on concrete, only grass. (I'll bet a million bucks, given enough time the dogs WOULD "go" on concrete.)

Council made no motion, so the request was denied.

VI. Action Items.

2. Annexation! Passed 7-0.

3. Annexation, but excluding the fireworks stand! Passed 7-0.

1. Once again, discussion about streaming council meetings via the internet. Staff looked into what "other cities do" (because God forbid we do something unique and different than Frisco or Plano) and found that for the low price of $90,000 plus $795 per month, the city could be on the internets!! Finally!

Mr Farris balked at the cost and stated, as he has in multiple meeting previously, there were lots of free options with inexpensive hardware options available. Rockwall doesn't need an offsite director or editor or producer (no foolin') to handle the broadcast of council meetings.

Mr Russo concurred.

Motion to send it back to staff to come back with another ridiculously over-priced proposal passed 7-0.

4. Approval of the corridor plan for John King Blvd, aka the "Road to Nowhere".

Councilman Sevier asked if this would be at no cost to the city.

Mr LaCroix: There will be costs. (My notes said "These are just the costs the developer would incur, not sure what I meant, but it sounds like $$$$ going down John King Blvd.)

Passes 6-1, with Mr Sevier opposing.

Rockwall City Council 1 November

2010-11-15T10:04:00.006-06:00

The World Series kept the meeting short, luckily preventing the amount of damage our council could do.

Too bad we don't have a World Series more often.

Note. Certain thin-skinned folk had their feelings hurt from comments on my last blog. To prevent that happening this time, I will omit their name in this blog. I will not mention which councilman in order to prevent embarrassment.

Mayor Bill Cecil and Councilman Mark Russo absent.

III. Proclamations.

1. Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

Councilman David Sweet presented the proclamation to a couple citizens who have lost family to pancreatic cancer. Both are involved with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

3. Animal Shelter Appreciation Week.

Councilman Cliff Sevier presented the city's proclamation to the city to let all citizens in the city know what a great job the city does. The city gracefully accepted it's own proclamation.

2. Herb Moltzan Appreciation Week.

Mayor Pro Tem ____ _____ presented the proclamation to Herb Moltzan who served on the Parks Board for 10 years. Mayor Pro Tem ____ _____ served with Mr Moltzan for 3 years on the Parks Board.

IV. Open Forum.

Nothing.

V. Consent Agenda.

None Pulled.

VI. Appointments.

1. Rockwall County Committee on Aging. Gave the annual report showing lots of meal on wheels were handed out. They also need the city to give them $21,500. Councilwoman Margo Nielsen made the motion, which passed 5-0.

VII. Action Items.

1. Continued discussion of directional signs for downtown. The city staff rejected Councilman Sevier's suggestion of teaming with National Sign Plazas as the free signs now cost $3500 each. The city staff proposes to do signs in-house at a cost of about $500 each.

A brief discussion as how more signs will improve the city, contradicting previous statements by council that "sign pollution" was the 2nd greatest blight on the city of Rockwall. (Lake Rockwall Estates being the first, of course), led to a motion to have the Main Street committee look into sign needs for downtown.

Surprisingly, Mayor Pro Tem ____ _____, who normally hates sign pollution more than he hated being mocked in a previous blog, was silent on the issue of more pole signs in the city.

I guess it's ok to clutter the city with signs, so long as the city is the one doing it.

2. Rockwall Kennel Club is a new PR program by the city that automatically enrolls you as a member when you adopt an animal from the city pound.

3. Council got to spend some money to plan and promote the upcoming $60,000,000 (my estimate) bond election. During a recession. With 10% unemployment. And predicted inflation. And record high foreclosures.

Wat coud posibly go wrond?

4. A Christmas Market will be held on San Jacinto during the Christmas Parade on Dec 4, permit needed to close the road.

5. Cranky guy who complained about a wall between his house and the new apartments on Yellow Jacket got a compromise. The wall will be masonry, then tubular steel - by the trees he didn't want destroyed- then masonry again.

Adjourned just shy of 7pm! Short meetings are possible, but only because Rangers trump talking to hear one's own voice.

Ahh, heliport!

2010-10-28T16:02:00.005-05:00

If you haven't read previous blog, this may not make too much sense. I inquired at the FAA regarding the city of Rockwall's fantasy that it could create a "no fly zone". As I thought, a bunch of pandering fools got it wrong. Again. (At best, I think the city could get an agreement from CareFlight.)

David,

I'm in the FAA's office of airports and my office considers landing area proposals (heliports) as they relate to safety of aircraft operations. The question you posed is an air traffic matter but I can give you the answer. FAA only considers implementation of a no fly zone would be to protect national security. As long as the helicopter is being operated in accordance with the FAA regulations for their operation, the FAA would not enforce a local ordinance.

Hope this helps,

Glenn A. Boles

Airspace Program Manager
FAA Airports SW Region
email: Glenn.A.Boles@faa.gov
phone: 817 222-5627

FAA SW Region, Airports Division
Attn: Glenn Boles, ASW-624
2601 Meacham Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX 76137

Rockwall City Council 18 October

2010-10-28T09:38:00.005-05:00

All the herp that's fit to derp.

IV. Consent Agenda.

1. Pulled by Councilman Scott, minutes approval for meeting he missed. Passed 6-0-1.

2. Police buying new vehicles: 5 Crown Victorias and 2 Chevy Tahoes at a cost of $175,000.

3. Fake drug K2 banned, as well as God's mistake, Salvia Divinorum.

4. Councilman Sevier asked about the seemingly endless supply of money from the 2005, this time for a drainage project. Turns out it will run out some day. (Then you just pass another one, so technically it is endless.)

5. Same as #4.

6. Mayor Pro Tem Farris opposes allowing Walgreens to have anything displayed outside, including propane. His extensive marketing background qualifies him as the expert on business needs of type of operation. Denying Walgreens even outside display of propane tanks is good for the city and the neighborhood. Hey, Glen, wanna really do something good for the city and neighborhood? Consider this:

Rest of council supported business (be still my heart), 6-1.

7. Basically, same thing as 6, but for 7-11 up north. Passes 6-1.

VII. Action Items.

2. Sign Variance for American National Bank at Horizon and Ridge Road. Passes 7-0 without Mayor Pro Tem (who hates signs) comments.

V. Appointments.

1. P&Z Chairman Phillip Herbst. Recommends (1) adding wineries and solar panels to Unified Development Code, (2) a minimum 60 day demolition delay in Old Town District or Historic Properties, like the Alamo, and (3) add pergolas to allowed structures on the takeline.

2. Guy has a house next the apartments being constructed on Yellow Jacket. He doesn't want the masonry wall that all parties (HOA, builder, and City) agreed to years ago to be built because too many trees would be removed in the construction process. He wants the city to alter the agreement and force the builder to install a tubular steel fence,

A representative from the HOA explained that they had done extensive research and employed a landscape architect to help find the best solution, which is the masonry wall.

Council retreats to executive session, probably to discuss getting their butts sued for changing the agreement with the apartment builder.

On the return, the item was tabled two weeks to see if one johnny-come-lately's problem could be resolved.

Councilman Sweet supported the tabling, but noted that 2 years ago this situation was concluded after a lot of time had been spent on it.

Mayor Cecil noted his love of HOA's and his desire to do what's best for the City, the HOA, and the residents - no mention of the apartment builder, I guess he can suck an egg.

3. Resident in Windmill Ridge (and friend of council) hates that CareFlight is flying over her house to Presbyterian Hospital and transporting dying patients to other hospitals. The life-saving helicopters are flying too low to her house and she claims have destroyed her roof and patio cover. She demanded to know why the heli-pad was not on the roof (because the hospital plans upward expansion) or closer to the emergency room (there wasn't enough clearance.)

She has made visits to hospital staff demanding answers, but left unsatisfied.

Staff explained they had contacted CareFlight and that weather is a main determinate to approach and landing.

Repeatedly, the Mayor expressed that CareFlight flying over her house on a life-saving mission is "unacceptable".

Mayor Pro Tem Farris wants an ordinance drafted to prevent helicopters from flying over residential neighborhoods.

I guess ol' Glen don't know nuthin' 'bout no dango FAA.

The City Attorney warned against the city creating an unenforceable ordinance. (Like that has stopped them before.)

Councilman Sweet, a muffin salesman and an expert in aircraft and flying, stated that weather is not a factor in flying.

Councilman Sevier wasn't confident the city had the authority to control air traffic.

Councilman Scott explained that the city and hospital have already had a lot of "give and take" with the hospital.

Mayor Cecil stated the ONLY answer is to create a "no fly zone" over Rockwall. We will also be changing our nickname from "The New Horizon" to "The Iraq of Texas".

Motion to have staff investigate interfering with CareFlight's ability to save lives passed 7-0.

4. Power point by city staff regarding streets.

Nutshell:

-Some roads are good.
-Some need repair.
-Need some new equipment.
-Need some new personnel. (9 more by 2016)
-New roads need to be 2' wider to be like a few other cities.
-Need directional signs. (Councilman Sevier been pushing this with great resistance.)
-Mow the Right-Of-Ways.
-Start street sweeping downtown.
-Standardize street signs. (Will take years and $$$$)
-LED signs like Rowlett (Also $$$$)
-Start doing preventive maintenance.
-Permanently fix potholes.
-Increase number of warranty inspections of new roads.

VI. Public Hearings.

1. What P&Z presented in first appointment. Passed 6-1, Councilman Russo opposed.

2. Not discussed, will be continued to next meeting.

3-6. City annexation and 212 agreements.

First guy doesn't want to be annexed, city says. "Eat it."

Second lady accepts the inevitability of annexation, but wants to keep selling fireworks once she is annexed. Not gonna happen.

Annexing land is more addictive than K2. We should ban it.

VII. Action Items.

1. Ordinance about large, outdoor recycling containers. No permit needed to save the earth and make sure as few as possible see you doing it.

Mayor Pro Tem Farris asked about the process for dispute resolution about container placement.

The city will first discuss with you the problems they invented and then force compliance.

Rockwall City Council 4 October

2010-10-18T11:50:00.010-05:00

Actions from Executive Session: Appointments to YAC and REDC. Right-of-Way acquisition on 549.

III. Proclamations.

4. Fire Prevention Month. City will give you a free smoke detector if you can't afford one.

2. Rockwall 4H Clovers Week. No one said exactly what they do, but it was explained that it is a good way to get involved in the community, it "helps you grow", and "helps others grow".

3. Pumpkin Patch Proclamation. Started by the Friends of the Library and the Catholic Women, The pumpkin patch has been around 22 years. Sold 50,000 pumpkins last year. Funds go to support the library.

The mayor asked for an explanation in the difference between a "pie pumpkin" and "cut pumpkin". "Pie pumpkins" are for pies, and "cut pumpkins" are for cutting (or carving).

1. National Charity League Day. First chapter in Texas was started in Rockwall. Girls do all sorts of things around town to help the community while also fostering relationships between mother and daughter. Open to all girls from 7th-12th grade.

The mayor stated that some wonder why our community is so great. He continued it is because of all the local organizations involved in the community.

I always thought it was because of council's micromanaging of citizens' lives.

IV. Open Forum.

Crickets.

V. Consent Agenda.

# 7 pulled by Mark Russo.

Rest passed 6-0.

7. Mark Russo didn't "like the time frame". Glen Farris doesn't want position (seat on commission or board) to affect how long one sits on other commissions. I agree, people should be allowed to serve as long as possible on boards and commissions. That will prevent any fresh ideas or independent thinkers from affecting the political machine.

VI. Appointments.

1. (new) P&Z Chair Phillip Herbst.

First item "approved", second item denied a manufactured home in the Zoo to have vinyl siding.

2. Main St Advisory Board requests that the holly bushes on Rusk between San Jacinto and Goliad be removed. Businesses located there don't like them, including Councilman Farris who apparently has an office there. Passed.

I didn't hear that the city would be replacing trees (somewhere) for those they removed as they require of citizens and businesses who do the same.

Note: Trees were removed and replaced with flower planters in less than 24 hours. Amazing how fast the city worked without having known beforehand what the vote of council would be.

3. Tom Thumb's want's to have a pumpkin patch of there own. Because of the confusion created by the myriad of ordinances, many were confused why they needed a permit.

Confusion was "cured" and Tom Thumb gets a pumpkin patch.

VII. Public Hearing Items.

1. Walgreens (from last meeting) still wants to increase the products they offer customers, yet council is still opposed. Motion to allow Walgreens to commit capitalism failed 3-3. Mayor Cecil, Councilman Sweet, and Councilman Russo supported the free market. The rest opposed.

Mayor Pro Tem Farris explained the PD was sacred like Ground Zero and should not have outside displays of items nor Mosques adjacent. He continued that Walgreens knew the rules when they built.

Councilman Sweets alter ego showed up to explain all levels of management change and business plans change and the store is try to change and compete with others (specifically CVS across the street that CAN do all the Walgreens cannot). He added that the city is preventing one business from competing with another. (Well, that is why we call it GOVERNment and not ALLOWment.)

Margo Nielsen and Cliff Sevier stated that similar SUP's accross the city might indicate that the zoning is improper and needs to be re-examined to prevent the constant flow of SUP's.

Glen Farris noted, as former CEO of Walgreens and therefore the expert on Walgreens, that Walgreens doesn't need to sell propane, outside "displays" are too much like signs (Glen Hates signs) and this is nothing more than some sneaky attempt on Walgreens part to increase their market visibility and make money.

Ms. Nielsen made a motion to allow only the propane tanks to be displayed outside. Passed 4-2, Farris and Sevier opposed Walgreens propane market greed.

A motion was then made to look at the hyper-restrictive ordinances dealing with outside displays. (I could give em a list of all the small business folks I met a few months back who would whole-heartedly agree. The former owner of a once very prominent local business told me he would never open another business in Rockwall for this very reason.)

2. 7-11 up north wants the same thing as Walgreens. Council is willing to give in to the propane tanks, but not the Red Box. Councilman "Sweet" once again defended the free market and stated the city must be flexible to the businesses that must be flexible to the market.

Council hates Red Box. They believe Red Box dispensers are worse than Heroin/Cyanide/C-4 vending machines and would cause more harm to Rockwall than Fat Man did to Hiroshima.

Note to Red Box - invent an invisible box and it will be welcomed in Rockwall.

7-11 can have propane ONLY. 5-1, Farris threw the anti-business vote. Again.

VIII. Site Plans.

1. Single mom with 3 kids, including one with special needs, wants to have a manufactured home moved into the Zoo without meeting the oppressive "masonary" requirements of the city.

No one on council made a motion to approve or deny the request, so that none would look like a jerk denying a single mom with 3 kids, including one with special needs, a decent home in Rockwall.

(Didn't work)

2. In-N-Out coming to Rockwall. The first obstacle is the roof design. In-N-Out want's the restaurant to look like an In-N-Out. City design standards require a variance for them to achieve this.

IX. Action Items.

1. In-N-Out wants a taller sign than the self-described "sign Nazi", Glen Farris, wants anyone anywhere in the universe to have. In-N-Out wants a 60ft sign in order for people to see it from a greater distance than 10ft away.

Glen Farris opposes of course. Glen hates signs. Glen doesn't think businesses need signs because we have the internet - yes he said that. (Not this meeting, but a previous.)

Cliff Sevier suggested the sign not exceed the elevation of the Toyota sign OR 60ft.

Margo Nielsen explained in her expert opinion as director of a charity that a tall sign is not necessary. She also noted that Toyota got a taller sign because the building is "special". (LEED certified isn't "special", it's a waste of money and feel good crap. But with our earth-worshiping "green" council, anything that pretends to counteract the effects of the Sun's superheated nuclear output is "special". )

In-N-Out explained in their expert opinion as super successful hamburger sellers that a tall sign is necessary for that location.

David Sweet's doppelganger once again defended the business' need over the sentiment of council.

First motion failed 4-2, due to lack of super majority.

After further discussion, which included Mark Russo accusing the In-N-Out folks of a deceitful presentation and Glen Farris crying like a baby and stamping his feet at the thought of a 50ft sign (Mark Russo tried to convince In-N-Out that by Glen going to 50ft he was really sacrificing something and they should be on their hands and needs kissing the feet of Glen Farris for allowing a 50ft sign.) In-N-Out is getting a 50ft sign.

Glen Farris' toddler-like attitude and council's refusal to tell Mr Farris where to stick his attitude and stand up for business nearly cost Rockwall an In-N-Out.

50ft sign passes 6-0.

2. Some 212 agreements as part of annexation procedures passed 6-0.

3. City yet again annexing land. Passed 6-0.

4. Cliff Sevier wanted to know if the city should waive building fees for non-profits. It was thought it could look too much like funneling money to non-profits. Mrgo Nielsen noted that when Helping Hands asked for a waiver, it was granted. Hm.

No action.

5. Cliff Sevier and Chief Moeller want K2 (fake marijuana) banned. Everyone on council agreed that a substance with no confirmed ill-effects should be banned 6-0.

Tobacco related deaths per year: 400,000+ (Legal in Rockwall, 18 or older to buy)
Alcohol related deaths per year: 80,000+ (Legal in Rockwall, 21 or older to buy)
Legally obtained prescription drug related deaths per year: 32,000+ (No age limitation with prescription)

Aspirin related deaths per year: 2,000+ (Legal in Rockwall, no age restriction to buy)
K2 related deaths per year: 0 (Illegal in Rockwall, regardless of age)

Also to be banned is a plant (and it's processed derivatives) Salvia Divinorum. God made a mistake?

Ordinance to be drafted for next council.

--From miscellaneous, the Toyota Triathlon is going to being in huge amounts of revenue to save the failed Harbor project. How much?

Coming soon to an overspending council near you?

2010-09-29T07:26:00.001-05:00

Forney – Great Porkopulous of Kaufman County

(Note: this is not mine, merely borrowed from another blog.)

Posted on September 28, 2010 by RockwallConservative

“Ambition is the last refuge of failure.” – Oscar Wilde

This Reporter learned that the City of Forney ambitiously spent $20,000,000 on parks the city cannot afford. And what remedy does the city seek? Why, spread the wealth, or spread the misery – your choice. Forney is lobbying the State Legislature for a constitutional amendment to create parks districts, presumably districts that would mirror the associated school district.

When governments speak of “districts”, they speak of taxing entities, like hospital districts, municipal utility districts, school districts, community college districts and so on.

Your Texas State senator and Representative need to hear from you. They must know you do not want a constitutional amendment that taxes rural residents to pay for a municipality’s extravagance.

Times are tough and going to get tougher, before they get better. It is paramount we prevent an amendment to the Texas constitution that allows the formation of “park districts”

Select this link to find your Texas State Senator contact information: http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/senate/members.htm

Use this link to find your Texas State Representative: http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/welcome.php

Call, write a personal note, send email – be sure to tell them you oppose a constitutional amendment for “parks districts”.

Rockwall Residents are represented by

Rep. Jodie Laubenberg

Rockwall County Office:
603 N. Goliad
Rockwall, Texas 75087

(972) 772-8525
(972) 722-3377 Fax

E-mail Rep. Laubenberg – click on this link

Senator Bob Deuell

2500 Stonewall St.
Greenville, Texas 75401
(903) 450-9797
Fax (903) 450-9796

E-mail Sen. Deuell – click on this link

Rockwall City Council 20 September

2010-09-27T15:52:00.001-05:00

Actions from Executive Committee: Bunch of folks reappointed to boards and commissions. A few new members were appointed. Can't have too much new blood, independent thinking may ensue.

III. Consent Agenda.

#3 Pulled by Councilman Sevier.

Rest passed 7-0.

#3 was the terrible idea known as PD-32, or as one councilman called it: "The Rob Whittle Bailout."

Passed 5-2, only Councilmen Sevier and Russo were wise enough to vote against the next failed Harbor project.

IV. Appointments.

1. P&Z Chairman Michael Hunter talked about the public hearing items.

2. P&Z Commissioner Mark Stubbs wants the city of Rockwall to build a massive sports complex so kids and adults can play kids games in luxury. 20-25 kids were in attendance to show support.

His points:

-Whole family played baseball and there was no youth sports park.
-None of his kids played baseball because there was no youth sports park.
-Rockwall is 20 years behind because we have no youth sports park.
-YMCA is nothing but a crutch for youth sports.
-The city hasn't grown faster becuase we have no youth sports park.

Then out came the power point:

-Basically, we "need" a youth sports complex for kids and adults to play kids games. (Kinda like how people "need" a flat screen tv, while the water heater is leaking.)
-In other cities the ratio of residents to ball fields is much higher than Rockwall. Except in the cities where it is lower.

The next speaker for the power point (to talk about finances):

-The youth sports complex would basically be free!
-In one weekend people attending games would spend almost a MILLION dollars! At 52 weeks, that's like 52 MILLION DOLLARS! We can't lose!
-Cities have to build these facilities. Private industries won't because they can't make any money. (Read that as, these complexes bleed money.)
-Terrell and Farmersville have better facilities than Rockwall and we can't fall behind those crappy towns. How embarrassing!
-Put it to a public vote. If it fails, then put it to more public votes until it passes.

I was told this guy, who wants Rocwwall to spend millions for his park, doesn't even live in the city.

Councilman Scott, who lives in a expensive house and is an expert on ballfields, wanted people to know that he has been accused of calling this "his project" and wants people to know that this is not "his project". It is his "legacy". (according to reliable sources.)

Councilman Sevier also expressed his support for the "need", but said it will be up to citizens to champion it.

Councilman Sweet had nothing to add to the conversation, but spoke for a while anyway.

V. Public Hearing Items.

1. Rockwall Honda wants to sell boats, but has to beg the city for permission to display the boats in front of his store.

Councilman Farris had some questions:

Q. How many boats be would displayed?

A: As many as will fit onto allotted area.

Q. How many people asked for Honda to sell boats?

A: Enough to make Honda want to sell boats.

Q: Will Honda want more signage? (Glen hates signs.)

A: Yes.

Q: Might Honda expand to even more product lines?

A: Uh, yes.

Councilman Sevier complimented Honda's upkeep of the front of the store.

Councilmember Nielsen wan to know what kind of boats, and this led to a lengthy discussion about what boats are, how they work, and the best kind of skis to buy. Or something.

2. Walgreens on 205 wants to display things that CVS is displaying right across the street, but can't because of Rockwall's Soviet-style planned development distracting. They want to add a Red Box, ice freezer, and propane cage.

P&Z opposed the Red Box, but the other 2 items were a-ok.

Cliff Sevier had made the motion to approve and David Sweet seconded.

Margo Nielsen's opposition was that there was too much storage outside, having those items wont increase sales, nor influence anyone to go to that store.

Matt Scott was ok with the ice and propane, but was worried about theft of the Red Box. Yes, he really said that. No, he wasn't prompted by the Chief of Police sitting a few feet away.

Glen Farris has a problem with outside displays. Pointed out that the Walgreens moved into the
Soviet-style planned development, and knew ahead of time these items would not be allowed. Also, Mr Farris stated there was no market for propane, ice, or a Red Box. It was not a necessity, and it would not help business "that much".

Isn't it nice to have such brilliant elected officials to help people know what is and isn't good for our private business?

Cliff Sevier had made the motion to approve and David Sweet seconded.

The wind then shifted, and Councilman Sweet rescinded his second.

Matt Scott would not judge their business model, but would not support allowing things not in the PD.

Councilman Sevier pulled his motion in order for the item to return at next council for a full vote. (Mr Russo had left a little while before.)

3. 7-11 at 205 and 552 want a Red Box and ice freezer to be displayed outside of the store. Applicant asked for a postponement.

VI. Action Items.

1. Hotel/Motel money stuff. $390k was asked for by various groups, $190k was given allocated. The vote was in two parts, the first part passed 6-0, the second part was for money to go to the chamber of commerce, Mr Farris recused himself, but it passed 5-0-1.

5. Heritage Christian Academy needs an extension for the portable buildings used for classrooms. A lot less silly questions this year from last, but alas there were a few.

The mayor wanted to know how long the school expects to not have enough money to finish out the second floor of the main building.

The school had no clue how long it would not have enough money to finish out the second floor. Mr Farris added to the motion that if the school left, the SUP would not pass on to next owner.

Passed a 3-year extension, 6-0.

3. City has an ordinance that if you have outside dumpsters, the dumpsters must be enclosed. (Somehow some properties are excluded by being "grandfathered" in after the ordinance was passed.) The city, however, wants to make sure businesses that want to recycle can do so easily. The new ordinance would remove the screening requirements and require a free permit so the city can tell you the best place to place the dumpster. There are 20-25 recycle dumpsters in the city that are causing hearts to stop from people seeing them. The city wants to force people who are already recycling to ask the city for permission to continue doing so.

Margo Nielsen, who has enclosure-less recycling dumpsters in violation of current ordinance at Helping Hands, was assured by Glen Farris that her dumpsters were ok and would not require any city intervention. He continued this was a method to force people to be considerate to others.

David Sweet thought the permit was too much.

The city's position is basically that they want people to recycle, they just don't want people driving by a business to know that business is recycling.

It was proposed the ordinance would read in such a way that the recycling dumpsters would be mostly out of sight. Tabled to reword ordinance.

Dumpster talk only took 25 minutes.

6. City is finally codifying solar panels. City will have a 1000 sqft limit for electric, pool, and/or water. Will require a permit only, no more begging the city to let you save energy and money.

10. REDC Budget. What do they do again? Passed 6-0.

11. Rockwall Technology Park budget, including maintenance performed by Ms Nielsen's family. Passed 5-0-1, Ms Nielsen recused herself.

7. Amended budget for 2010.

8. Adopted budget for 2011.

Mr Scott, who is very wealthy and a brilliant lawyer (just ask him), had several points:

-The sky is not falling.
-At last meeting, it was suggested by a stupid citizen to cut spending, not gonna happen on Matt Scott's watch.
-Costco, which Mr Scott personally brought to Rocwkall, made everything great!
-There is no chance of a double dip recession, in fact all the economist he listens to say we are coming out of the recession!

Here's a link to one of those economist: M.E.B. Financial

Then there's this dummy who thinks we aren't out of a recession: Dumb Guy who knows nothing of finances. You really can't trust someone who lives in a $31,500 home. Mr Scott lives in a much more expensive home and according to him, that makes him very wise in the ways of money. Not only that, he is so smart he went to the best school in the nation and has the diploma to prove it!

The mayor noted that thanks to LRE (aka the Zoo), the Ad Valorem collections were awesome!

Then the rest of council spoke for 20 minutes what a great job they all were doing.

9. Ad Valorem rate remains 50.31 per 100. Mr Sweet then had 845 things to say about that, including how responsible council has been with tax dollars.

Responsible?

4. Electronic Sign to replace all those banners the city and others put up.

This led to Mr Sevier asking why political signs placed in front of Chili's in TxDot right-of-way are removed, but elsewhere in the city political signs in TxDot right-of-way are not.

Mr Scott then belittled and mocked Mr Sevier for his question, pulled out his diploma, and said, "THAT'S WHY!"

And for some reason the Mayor mentioned In-N-Out coming to Rockwall. He may have been talking in his sleep.

12. Discussion of broadcasting meetings over internet. Staff still "looking" into it.

2. The capital improvement planning work session will be moved to the "retreat". Mr Scott will be pushing for the youth sports park. The Mayor doesn't think this is a good time to put forth a massive bond election. I thought we were immune to the laws of economics in Rockwall.

Maybe the Mayor needs to consult with Mr Scott's financial planner:

Condominiums ≠ apartments. Except when they do...

2010-09-26T19:46:00.004-05:00

Thankfully, our city government is far more open and trustworthy than Richardson - they would never go off and do something like this.

Plan to trade condos for apartments angers residents in Richardson's Brick Row development

08:32 PM CDT on Saturday, September 25, 2010
By IAN McCANN / The Dallas Morning News
imccann@dallasnews.com

Construction at Brick Row, a mix of apartments, condominiums, townhouses and retail in Richardson, started two years ago as the real estate market was imploding.

Developers and city officials touted the $140 million project as an upscale replacement for hundreds of aging apartments near a DART light-rail station and a place for young professionals to get an Uptown feel in the suburbs.

But with the condo market still lagging, developer Winston Capital is asking for permission to build more apartments instead of the condominiums that were planned.

That has nearby residents and those who bought the first townhouses in Brick Row crying foul.

They want the development that is on paper, which included 150 townhomes, 300 condos and only 500 apartments.

"I would never have bought if I knew this was going to happen," townhouse owner Gary Flatt told Richardson plan commissioners this month. "Would you buy next to a bunch of apartments? I wouldn't."

The City Council is expected to consider the proposal in October. Commissioners voted 5-2 to allow some of the planned condominiums to become apartments, but those closest to the townhouses are to remain condo units.

A handful of Brick Row's townhouses have sold, and the condos probably wouldn't sell if they were built. But the apartments are renting briskly, developers say.

They argue the buildings would look the same, and they would fill more quickly, providing more residents to draw retail. The goal, the developer said, is to build a complete community.

"The market is what it is, and we're trying to make the best development we can," said Chris Ray, a Winston Capital executive. "It all relies on the other pieces."

The mix of housing at Brick Row, once called Centennial Park, has long been a contentious issue. Residents in nearby Highland Terrace wrestled with a plan for the area nearly a decade ago, eventually settling on 800 units at most. They strongly objected when Brick Row's zoning was set in 2007 at 950 units.

Brick Row is one of several mixed-use developments in Richardson and is part of a larger redevelopment strategy. It replaced hundreds of older apartments at Greenville Avenue and Spring Valley Road.

Since Winston broke ground on the project in 2008, some segments of the housing market have recovered. Even some condos, primarily near downtown Dallas, are once again selling. But new suburban condos are simply not viable because people can't get financing to buy or even build them, said Mike Puls, a Dallas real estate analyst.

"A condo won't work there for 20 years," Puls said of areas beyond LBJ Freeway.

While residents would rather the land remain vacant than have apartments on it, Puls said it's better for the tax base and property values to have something built.

Still, residents are adamant in their opposition to substituting apartments for condos. They want owner-occupied units, not hundreds more renters.

"It needs to be what they said it was going to be," said Shelley McCall, president of the Highland Terrace Neighborhood Association. "If it takes a little longer, that's fine."

It can't happen here..........

2010-09-20T10:58:00.004-05:00

It can't happen here. It can't happen here. It can't happen here. It can't happen here. It can't happen here. It can't happen here. It can't happen here. (Just keep repeating until you believe it.)

Dallas real estate projects stuck in neutral as market idles

12:56 AM CDT on Sunday, September 19, 2010
By STEVE BROWN / The Dallas Morning News
stevebrown@dallasnews.com

The new streets are paved, the landscaping is in place, and fancy signs and sculptures tell motorists they've arrived at MidtownPark. But there's no there there at the project just east of North Central Expressway.

Plans for dozens of buildings have not gotten off the ground – another result of the national recession and real estate market downturn.

Developers tore down more than 80 acres of aging apartments around the intersection of Meadow Road and Manderville Lane. The blocks of prime real estate were cleared to make way for a development that was to include residential and commercial projects.

Three years ago, investment brokers were hired to market the land. But most new apartment and commercial developments have been on hiatus in the last couple of years.

The property is zoned for 3,800 apartments, condos and townhouses, 90,000 square feet of retail space and 930,000 square feet of office space.

"You can be very smart with real estate and timing, but things totally out of your control can be a real problem," said property broker Newt Walker. "The money that was available for new deals and demand for projects like that abruptly shifted away.

"Now it's just sitting there until the real estate market turns, and no one knows how long that will be."

MidtownPark developer Valencia Capital Management oversaw construction of sidewalks, a traffic roundabout and small parks for the project. The city of Dallas paid almost $10 million to help revamp the neighborhood between North Central Expressway and Greenville Avenue.

Officials with Dallas-based Valencia Capital did not return phone calls.

Slow going

A few miles to the east on Skillman Street, there's another mixed-use development in waiting.

Lake Highlands Town Center is planned as a 70-acre high-density urban development to be built at Skillman and Walnut Hill Lane.

Developer Prescott Realty Group knocked down hundreds of decrepit apartments for the project, which will include retail, residential and public space along White Rock Creek.

Ground was broken in 2007 – right before the recession hit.

The first phase of construction, which includes new roads, a lake park and other public amenities, is pretty much done.

Work will be finished on a new DART light-rail station to serve the project late this year.

But so far, none of the apartment and retail buildings are under way.

"It's going a little slower than we anticipated, but we are moving forward," said Prescott Realty president Vance Detwiler. "We are actively marketing the project and hope to have an announcement in the next 90 days.

"We look forward to getting going."

Just wait

Prescott Realty has also closed down two large apartment communities just south of its construction site. Those buildings will probably be knocked down at some point, Detwiler said.

Development sites are selling for as much as a 50 percent less than they were a few years ago, said Will Balthrope, a vice president of investment with Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services.

"And there is a dearth of financing for any new construction," he said.

But eventually properties like MidtownPark and Lake Highlands Town Center will be on builders' front burners, he said.

"The hard lifting has already been done," including the zoning and infrastructure construction, Balthrope said. "While those tracts sit vacant today, the person that eventually builds on them will make a lot of money."

Rockwall City Council 7 September

2010-09-16T13:08:00.004-05:00

III. Proclamations.

1. Constitution Week. Some ladies from the DAR accepted the proclamation honoring the adoption of the US Constitution.

Almost in unison the council exclaimed, "Consti-what-tion?"

It was then explained that the Constitution was the "whole basis of how we live and what we do." If only.

The mayor then declared the Constitution to probably be one of the most important documents in US history.

The ladies then handed out copies to the audience. When she approached councilmembers, their reaction was that of a vampire to a cross.

Actually one councilman took a copy to solve a wobbly-chair problem.

2. National Preparedness Month.

Basically, you should have a plan and supplies in case of dire life threatening-emergency. Liek say, your golf course isn't getting watered.

I say forget all that advice and just call the city if you ever need anything. That's what city government is for, to fulfill the desires and needs of citizens. Well, certain citizens anyways.

On second thought, you better get prepared and not rely on government.

IV. Open Forum.

Crickets.

V. Consent Agenda.

2 & 3 pulled by councilmen that couldn't be bothered to go to a couple meetings and therefore couldn't vote on the minutes.

Rest passed 7-0.

VI. Appointments.

1. P&Z was a no show!

VII. Public Hearing Items.

1. Budget.

City comments:

No new employees.
No new taxes.

Not City comments:

No cut in spending.

Only one person spoke:

-Told the mayor not to fear free speech, nor demonize those who engage in it (via blogs).
-The economic outlook is not a rosy as the mayor claims.
-In the real world (read: private sector) when revenue goes down, costs are cut
-Reduce the budget, not maintain status quo to prepare for what the rest of the populace sees happening in the financial world.

2. ANOTHER fella has to beg the city for permission to install solar panels on his house.

One audience member spoke asking why solar panels are still requiring the homeowner to beg the council for permission to install solar panels.

Mayor Cecil: "Because we require it."

Audience member: "This should be a routine process. Plano has it figured out."

Councilman Farris then defended the city's inaction by explaining that the city has been studying the issue "intently". The city wants to make sure it's ok with HOA's before it is codified.

Passed 7-0.

VIII. Fella in the Zoo built a fence too high (48", city max 42") and without permission from the city.

Councilmember Nielsen asked why the city standard was 42", as 48" seemed like a more "regular" height.

Chief Code Guy Widmer: "At 48 inches, it is hard for people from a vehicle to see into the yard."

In case you didn't get that:

At 48 inches, it is hard for people from a vehicle to see into the yard.
At 48 inches, it is hard for people from a vehicle to see into the yard.
At 48 inches, it is hard for people from a vehicle to see into the yard.
At 48 inches, it is hard for people from a vehicle to see into the yard.
At 48 inches, it is hard for people from a vehicle to see into the yard.

Ms Nielsen asked for a more reasonable standard and made the motion to approve.

Passed 7-0.

2. PD-32 aka Failed Harbor Project 2

Glen Farris:

-Thanked council for postponing vote until the vote was stacked.
-The "hill" is the most valuable piece of property in the Metroplex. (uhhh, I'm guessing Glen hasn't seen much of the Metroplex.)
-Potential income for the city is $700 million. (How the city coffer benefit from a TIF, I have yet to see.)
-Will make every single person in Rockwall's life so much better. (Yipee! I knew the only thing missing to make everyone in Rockwall feel great was a watching a bunch of yuppies crammed into a tin can. )

Matt Scott:

-Lot of good reasons to oppose apartments and multifamily. (Has repeatedly said he does not support multifamily.)
-Opposing anything but single family is dogmatic. (Has repeatedly said he does not support multifamily.)
-Supported the apartment complex "Evergreen".(Has repeatedly said he does not support multifamily.)
-Opposing multifamily is not good.(Has repeatedly said he does not support multifamily.)
-These are not "apartments", just a bunch of units crammed together on all sides and each with a separate deed. (As opposed to an apartment which is just a bunch of units crammed together on all sides and each with a single deed.)
-All units will be owner occupied. (No one has yet said how this will be enforced.)
-The homes will be worth more than the $190k average home in Rockwall and more than all of councils' homes, except Mr Scott's home which is worth WAY more than the next councilman's home.
-Can't vote cautious just because you can't see the future. (But you can vote reckless when you can't see the future.)
-Mr Scott then chastised me (indirectly) for not having enough knowledge about such things because my home is only worth 12% of the taxable value of Mr Scott's home. He would rather live in a town of $300k homes, not those as low valued as mine. (FYI, He forced a neighborhood full of those types of home into the city limits.)
-He noted the investors in the audience ready to build as soon as the city invests ten of millions of taxpayer dollars to fund this fiasco.
-He then got onto Councilman Russo for previously voting throughout the process, but now not wanting to spend ten of millions of taxpayer dollars to fund this fiasco.
-He then continued that opposing wanting to spend ten of millions of taxpayer dollars to fund this fiasco was irresponsible.

Cliff Sevier:

-Noted that had the mayor not tabled the issue, it would have died at the previous meeting. It was tabled to guarantee passage with a stacked council.
-He defended his votes to spend money on the plans, as he couldn't vote against something that didn't exist.
-8 other large multifamily complexes in Rockwall have less density combined than this project.
-Massive increase in parking and traffic issues.

David Sweet:

-This is needed for the success of the Harbor. (Big government solution to a failed government created problem: throw money at it. Ah, works so well for Social Security, Schools, Mass Transit, etc.)
-Need more foot traffic during the day. (Foot traffic ain't the missing factor in the equation of success at the Harbor; stuff people want to buy is the missing factor in that equation.)
-These are not "apartments" or "multifamily", just a bunch of units crammed together on all sides and each with a separate deed. (As opposed to an apartment which is just a bunch of units crammed together on all sides and each with a single deed.)
-Will be a TIF (Remind me, David, how does a TIF halp the city?)
-He HOPES AND PRAYS THOSE INTERESTED SPEND THE MONEY.

Margo Nielsen:

-For 10 years mystery people have been asking for different housing types to downsize.
-The council has good intentions. (Good intentions are also useful pave stones for certain destinations.)

Mayor Cecil:

-This will not be successful without residential. (Just like all the other retail areas in Rockwall, if it wasn't for that apartment complex in the middle of the Kroger parking lot, it would have gone out of business a LONG time ago.)
-No one will pay $100k or more for these homes without retail. (Someone should tell that to those who developed the Shores, Chandler's Landing, Buffalo Creek, etc.)
-These are not "apartments" or "multifamily", just a bunch of units crammed together on all sides and each with a separate deed. (As opposed to an apartment which is just a bunch of units crammed together on all sides and each with a single deed.)
-Nothing can stop someone from owning multiple condos and renting those units out. (Sounds a lot like an apartment.)
-People want to own a piece of the Harbor. (I'm guessing he means the developers.)
-This is the best possible scenario to make this development and the Harbor successful. (Wow, an admission from the mayor that the Harbor was a failure. And before anyone argues: IT IS IN BANKRUPTCY.)

Passes 5-2.

Only councilmen Russo and Sevier saw the foolishness of spending TENS OF MILLIONS OF TAX DOLLARS to develop Rob Whittle's second major failure in Rockwall.

The city will be the "developers" of this land.
This will be a massive collection of apartments.
This will cost tens of millions Rockwall tax dollars.

Anyone who tells you differently is lying to your face.

4. City annexing to make sure some folks can't do with their property what they want.

5. City adding pergolas to allowed structures on the takeline. Dallas ok with it, but no more changes in building types.

6. Something about a demolition delay for homes in the historic ovelay district.

7. Item about allowing wineries in city limits. Passed 7-0. More benefits for the "wine and cheese" folk passed by the 2 "hot dog and beer" councilmen?

8. The staff needs to schedule a meeting to discuss capital improvement planning and want council input as to when they think it would convenient for them to attend and inconvenient for citizens.

9. The terribly designed left turn at Ralph Hall and Horizon needs fixing. Gonna cost $25k, but City Manager Julie Couch says that money doesn't exist, especially with this multi-million dollar fiasco called PD-32 coming up. May not happen, but staff will investigate to confirm it won't happen.

I've notice that whenever staff comes up with some idea, they can always find money in the budget to fund that project. But very often, when councilmembers come up with an idea, the city responds "there ain't no money" before the councilman even finishes his sentence. Weird.

Rockwall City Council 16 August

2010-08-31T19:20:00.003-05:00

Action from Executive Committee: we bought some land.

VII. Action Items.

1. District Attorney Kenda Culpepper presented to council the county-wide plan for the "No Refusal" weekend over the Labor Day holiday.

Should be called "Quicker Warrant" weekend as "No Refusal" could technically always be the case if the local governments wanted to do so.

Basically, if you get pulled over and the police suspect you are driving under the influence (DWI) and you refuse a breathalyzer, the police have a couple local judges that are on call to sign a warrant for a blood test.

Rockwall's Municipal Judge Cathy Penn will be one of the judges on call and if used, the city will reimburse the county $120 per hour for Judge Penn's time.

Last year, the county used the on call Judges 3 times. Also, there were less refusals than past years. In this case, crime deterrence is credited.

City agrees to the agreement 6-0. (Glen Farris was a no-show.)

III. Proclamations.

1. Rockwall University Graduates recognized for graduating Rockwall University.

Employees spend time learning what goes on in other departments, while citizens wonder why the Water Department serviceman is dressed in a tie and loafers.

Graduates received a plaque and money.

IV. Consent Agenda.

5 & 6 pulled by Cliff Sevier.

1-4 Pass without discussion 6-0. (1. Minutes, 2. Minutes, 3. Donor Sign thingy, 4. Utility easement granted to ONCOR somewhere.)

5. 1st Reading of a zoning change for the hillside up from the Harbor.

Basically, the majority of council and staff want to fundamentally change the demographic and feel of Rockwall by turning it into Plano, Jr.

The Centrally Planned Development (PD-32) includes high-density retail and residential (1201 units) development for the proposed 80 acres.

The city will foot the bill (probably as certificates of obligation or a TIF) to put in all the roads and infrastructure, as well as paying for moving the exit ramp from I-30 back.

The cost is in the millions to do so, with guarantee of any development. Unless of course there is already some secret developer involved that has not been divulged, but I really doubt that is the case. I guess someone could get past campaign finance reports and compare those to any future developers that magically appear. Not gonna be me, I have too much faith in my government.

The residential will possibly include townhomes and condos, NOT APARTMENTS OR MULTIFAMILY DWELLINGS , even though some of the elevation drawing and renditions show residences connected at 3 walls, the ceiling and the floor to other non-apartments. They are merely residences that a connected together apart from one another.

I repeat, multiple families living in the same building apart from each other are NOT APARTMENTS. Several council stated this.

The expression used repeatedly was "urban residential" NOT APARTMENTS. (Clicky on link for a GIS of "urban residential" and you will see they are NOT APARTMENTS.)

The "urban residential" obsession is obviously filling a need in the market that the market forces are too stupid to recognize. People move away from the urban areas to the suburbs and demand an urban setting they chose not to live in in an urban area. Duh.

Councilmen Russo and Sevier expressed their opposition.

Councilmen Sweet and Scott then stamped their feet and demanded to know why Councilmen Russo and Sevier were opposed.

Councilman Sevier's main opposition is the "cramming" in of the homes, aka "row housing". He also noted that he has never supported increasing multifamily-type house in Rockwall, unlike other councilmen who oppose multifamily except when they vote for it.

Councilman Russo's two reasons for not supporting were the negative impact of more traffic at an already high density traffic area and he believes the developers should be planning the best use of land, not the city.

After 30 minutes of monkeying around, the city avoided a deadlocked vote of 3-3 (Sweet claimed he would oppose), the council tabled the item until the next meeting when the cards would be stacked in favor of passing the item.

Malvina Reynolds - 1962

(Councilwoman Nielsen excuse herself from the remainder of the meeting.)

V. Appointments.

1. Jerry Archer of Archer's Car Care was forced to move (2007, I think) from his location on SH-205 for the purpose of SH-205 being widened.

He a few blocks to Washington St and was again burdened by the Fannin St repairs.

Long story short, he agreed to put in fire sprinklers by x amount of time (3 years I suppose) in order to fulfill the SUP . He has not done so for various financial reasons, and still cannot afford to do so. He needs a little more time to figure it all out and was granted 90 more days, 5-0.

2. Fella living in the ETJ of the city wants to be released from Rockwall's ETJ and be taken into McClendom-Chisholm's ETJ. City didn't like that idea one bit. Failed without a vote. He's stuck.

On the bright side, he might some day get city water!

VI. Public Hearings Items.

1. Bunch-o-land being annexed.

People who spoke do not want to be annexed. City could give a Rat's Donkey. Basically, the Mayor's position was that if you live in the ETJ we will annex you, like it or not.

Why call it a hearing if no one listens?

City must annex or as I was once told by a councilman, "People would do whatever they want."

Patrick Henry would be so proud! "Give me liberty or give me death! Or not."

VII. Action Items.

3. Tabled.

2. City's answers the Old Town Shoppe's questions from previous meeting:

Lights need fixin'.
Trees need trimmin'
Planters need movin'.
Parking lots need illuinatin'.
Christmas time will decoratin'.
Councilman Sevier's sign initiative need implementin'.

4. Councilman Russo wants the staff to look into setting up Cultural Arts Districts in the city.

Councilman Scott was the most vocal opponent because he is not interested in it. "The wine and cheese folk get too much attention and not enough for the beer and hot dog folk like [Mr Scott] and [David Sweet]."

Councilman Scott then asked Mr Russo why he would support this and not a multi-million dollar ball field monument?

Mr Russo: "This is way cheaper."

Councilman Sevier opined that staff may have too many projects and that if there is too much for staff, there won't be any followup.

Mr Scott then made a motion to have staff look into Cultural Arts District program. Passed 5-0.

Rockwall City Council 2 August

2010-08-23T20:48:00.005-05:00

An urgent matter kept me from all but the first hour of the meeting.

This handy pie chart will illustrate in a general manner how the time was spent in that hour. (Actually, this chart could be used to illustrate every meeting.)

Rockwall City Council 19 July

2010-07-21T14:35:00.016-05:00

The 6:00pm meeting started promptly at 6:05pm.

III. Consent Agenda.

All Passed 6-0.

There was some discussion of upcoming development on the large area west of Ridge Road where Alamo St is interrupted.

IV. Appointments.

1. P&Z Chairman Hunter briefly talked about the upcoming public hearing on a replat that wasn't heard at the last P&Z because the applicant was a no-show.

Motion to continue until next meeting.

2. Lady wants to build some parking spaces at her business downtown on public right-of-way.

Passes without discussion 6-0.

3. Almost exactly the same (different lady) as #2. Passes 6-0.

V. Public Hearings.

1. See appointment #1.

VI. Action Items.

1. Pergola thing from last meeting is back. After a lengthy coma-inducing discussion, council is sending the item to Dallas for approval.

4 & 5. Extension of 212 agreements for undeveloped areas under consideration for annexation (mostly or completely surrounded by city anyways).

Mayor Pro Tem Glen Farris expressed that he opposes the annexation of the areas unless it was to regulate development.

Motion to begin annexation passed 4-2, Councilman Russo and Mayor Pro Tem Farris opposed.

3. Donor recognition signs from last meeting are back.

Little discussion, but self-designated sign-Nazi Farris wanted pole signs excluded from the donor sign allowance.

He explained that if these signs were up along the I-30 corridor (only place pole signs allowed), it would cause confusion finding things.

In other words, signs would make it hard to find the place you want to go.

Plus, Glen hates pole signs. Example of a Pole sign:

Passed 6-0.

2. Directional signs. Discussed back in November. The signs would be privately maintained, and would b e used to direct people to areas around town (Harbor, Downtown) and businesses in those areas. The businesses on the signs would pay the private company and the city would get a percentage of those sales. Home builders would not be allowed to advertise. The issue was brought forth to council (both times) by Councilman Sevier, who explained this program would be ideal to help promote areas like the Harbor and Downtown.

The discussion revolved around making it easy to get around town and reduce confusion while searching for a business.

In other words, signs would make it easy to find the place you want to go.

Motion to get staff to look at (again presumably, as it was the same request in November), passes 6-0.

The following item was not on the agenda posted Friday afternoon:

6. Actual wording from the agenda amendment :

6. * Discuss and consider maintenance issues at the Shores Golf Course, and take any action necessary.

* Justification: This is an emergency agenda item. Due to maintenance conditions, including irrigation deficiencies and the extreme heat observed today, July 19^th, at the Shores Golf Course, discussion and possible action may be required to ensure protection of City controlled property.

Here's how the law is written:

Sec. 551.045. EXCEPTION TO GENERAL RULE: NOTICE OF EMERGENCY MEETING OR EMERGENCY ADDITION TO AGENDA. (a) In an emergency or when there is an urgent public necessity, the notice of a meeting or the supplemental notice of a subject added as an item to the agenda for a meeting for which notice has been posted in accordance with this subchapter is sufficient if it is posted for at least two hours before the meeting is convened.

(b) An emergency or an urgent public necessity exists only if immediate action is required of a governmental body because of:

(1) an imminent threat to public health and safety; or

(2) a reasonably unforeseeable situation.

(c) The governmental body shall clearly identify the emergency or urgent public necessity in the notice or supplemental notice under this section.

(d) A person who is designated or authorized to post notice of a meeting by a governmental body under this subchapter shall post the notice taking at face value the governmental body's stated reason for the emergency or urgent public necessity.

(e) For purposes of Subsection (b)(2), the sudden relocation of a large number of residents from the area of a declared disaster to a governmental body's jurisdiction is considered a reasonably unforeseeable situation for a reasonable period immediately following the relocation. Notice of an emergency meeting or supplemental notice of an emergency item added to the agenda of a meeting to address a situation described by this subsection must be given to members of the news media as provided by Section 551.047 not later than one hour before the meeting.

Possible examples of

"(1) an imminent threat to public health and safety; or

(2) a reasonably unforeseeable situation."

Flooding.

Tornado.

The moon crashing into the earth.

Praxis exploding.

Is lawn maintenance of a private golf course an example of

"(1) an imminent threat to public health and safety; or

(2) a reasonably unforeseeable situation."?

Dead grass.

A worthy and important issue? Probably.

Is it worth possibly violating state law? I'm not Greg Abbot. What was so vitally important as to amend the agenda at noon, was no longer important at 7:30pm. The item was removed from the agenda. (Several in audience were quite unhappy about that, too.)

Rockwall City Council 6 July

2010-07-08T08:45:00.005-05:00

III. Open Forum.

1. A representative from RISD briefly talked about the strategic plan devised by a 156 member committee. She didn't get into details of the report, but I can imagine it read something like: "blah blah blah, spend tons of cash, tax tax tax, it's for the children."

IV. Consent Agenda.

#6 (regarding one of the SUP's for a new antique store) was pulled and didn't need to be.

All were eventually approved 7-0.

V. Appointments.

1. Fella that wants to break the world record for giant work out session at the harbor was back asking for half the money he wanted before - this time "only" $2500.00.

Mayor Pro Tem Farris gave mad props to Councilman Russo for bringing the "Fit City" initiative to Rockwall and made a motion to support the request.

It is slightly possible the city could get the money back if the fund raising goals are met. The organizers wanted to give any leftover money to the Boys and Girls club, which Councilman Farris thought acceptable. (Was not a staff recomendation, but the idea was entertained to amend the motion.)

Councilman Sweet expressed he would not support the motion as not a wise expenditure of taxpayer money, nor should any leftover city money go to a non-profit.

Councilman Sevier also did not support giving the money to a non-profit and stated that the collected Hotel/Motel Tax dollars are available for such events.

Councilman Russo dittoed the opposition of "funneling" money to a non-profit.

Mayor Pro Tem Farris re-amended the motion to remove the "funneling".

It was also argued that this would "bring economic development to the harbor". (That's polispeak for "I can't think of a better argument and no one will argue against 'economic development.'" Much like "it's for the children", "it's for health and safety", or "national security.")

Mrs Nielsen expressed that she would help find more sponsors and that this was a loan. (An unsecured loan.)

Mayor Cecil pointed out to those still opposed (with the "funneling" taken out) that they aren't willing the expend $2500 on this, but are willing to put forth $700,000 worth of bonds!

The motion passes 5-2, Councilman Sweet opposed spending yours and my tax dollars on the event.

VI. Action Items.

1. The city is going to spend $20,000 to have an on-site spay/neuter clinic at the Animal Adoption Center.

The current policy is after an adoption, the new owners have 6 months (!) to get the animal fixed. The city confirms this by having an animal control officer contact the owner and ask if they have done so. And if they haven't fixed the animal, well, they'd better - or else they might get called again.

But for an initial cost of $20,000 plus whatever it costs to have a vet come to the adoption center and perform the operation, the city will no longer have to waste man hours calling adopters for follow-up.

Motion for staff to pursue this adventure passes 7-0.

2. The all-new, comprehensive sign ordinance that staff and council recently passed after spending untold hours and months developing needs amending.

The YMCA would like to install a couple signs thanking sponsors. The city's current ordinance classifies this as off-premise advertising and it is unacceptable. The change would make it acceptable for non-profits to use some of their sign allowance showcasing the sponsors that make the operation possible.

15 minutes of rambling discussion ensued, including the concern that a church might also take advantage of this allowance, because that's what a church would do - get a corporate sponsor.

Well, maybe if this guy was the pastor:

The motion to approve, brought to you by Carl's Jr, passed 7-0.

Rockwall City Council 21 June

2010-06-26T10:44:00.005-05:00

III. Proclamations.

1. Taylor Lipsett Day. City recognized the achievements of paralympian, Taylor Lipsett. He showed the mayor his gold medal, which the mayor passed around council. Surprisingly, no one on council spent 30 minutes grandstanding - they saved that for later.

After the presentation, the mayor told Mr Lipsett and his entourage that they were welcome to stay for the rest of the meeting. They left. (Must have been to council before?)

IV. Consent Agenda.

None pulled. The 2nd reading of speed limit change for 3097/Horizon Rd. Still don't know what the change is. They must be lowering it to match the speed of the majority of drivers who like to go 20 mph under the posted speed limit. (That is when heading south, they like to go 20 mph over when heading north, guess they think that makes it even.)

V. Appointments.

1. P&Z Vice Chair Phillip Herbst talked about the site plans and public hearing items on tonights agenda. P&Z recommended approval of SUP's for 2 antique stores, so long as they don't have any outside displays. Concern about the stores the stores looking too much like an antique store and such.

They did not approve a request by Olive Garden to use fake stone over natural stone. The only fakeness allowed, is the authenticity of the food.

2. Resident wants to build a shade structure on the take-line. Weird restrictions by city of Dallas prevent things from being built below certain a certain sea level. (438ft) Dallas has to get involved and approve.

There were concerns that the structure, which is smaller than a gazebo which the city allows without begging, being built would hinder views that a gazebo (which he wouldn't have to come to council and beg) would obstruct. The question is only in regards to the city of Dallas restriction of being built below a certain sea level.

Of course, this doesn't stop council from getting involved to address issues that didn't exist until they magically appeared in their heads.

3. A rep for the downtown shops has some concerns. Not enough parking, and the parking that does exist, no lights. People can't cross Fanin street, cars come too fast. More planters and benches, or move the ones that are there. Black street lights would be better than bronze street lights. Trippy. Lots more Christmas decorations. (Presumably during Christmas.)

Council mentioned that many of the concerns were already being discussed and are in planning stages. Council not getting people directly affected involved in the planning stages of a project? Unpossible.

Kind of a long discussion, would have been shorter if there wasn't an open seat for the Mayor's race next year...

VI. Public Hearings.

1. 1st antique store. Lady won't have any outside displays, doesn't want to have outside displays, and even if she did want either, she wouldn't be allowed.

Council approved 7-0.

2. 2nd antique store. Pretty much same as before, except this applicant finds out at the last minute that she won't have anywhere for her customers to parking, nor anyplace to accept deliveries. The owners of the parking lot behind her shop sent a letter to council stating such.

One of the mayoral candidates, wanting to appear as the great moral arbiter, proposed postponing the request until the parking situation which has nothing to do with the city could be worked out.

The current mayor smartly suggested passing the 1st reading and allowing it to move forward so as not to delay the desired opening date of July 15.

17 hours later with the issue so fart pounded into the ground that Australians were now involved, they passed first reading of the ordinance, 7-0.

Mayor Cecil then spent 10 minutes letting non-regulars to the meeting know that the council likes to move meetings along quickly. Guess I missed those.

VIII. Action Items.

1. City starting process to take over the cemetery along 205. Passes 7-0.

Back to VI. Public Hearings.

3. Bunch of code/ordinance "clean up". passes 7-0.

VIII. Site Plans/Plats.

1. The undeveloped area around Best Buy is about to be developed. Yay.

Developers want some variances for the architectural requirements.

Power point.

Some of the new stores coming in: Home Goods, Joann, Freebirds, Vitamin Shoppe, SmashBurger, another secret tenant, and Olive Garden. (<-- WARNING don't click if very easily offended)

Councilman Scott (in one of his blind squirrel finding a nut moments) asked the developer if they could get a Chuy's and Dairy Queen. (Attention U-haulers - we had one, closed long time ago.)

Chuy's passed, DQ not asked.

He also asked about a clock tower that no one remembered.

The Olive Garden rep then presented to council samples of the fake stone they want to use on the facade. Council liked.

Both variances approved 7-0.

Rockwall City Council 7 June

2010-06-15T09:22:00.003-05:00

III. Swearing in of Elected Officials. (The swearing of elected officials is behind closed doors, I am told.)

The mob has spoken and the .05% who showed up to vote have re-elected Mark Russo, Cliff Sevier and Margo Nielsen.

IV. Selection of Mayor Pro Tem - Probably gonna be Glen Farris, but was moved to executive session at the end of the meeting. Will have to wait til next time.

This is where the legally posted agenda diverges from the agenda used by council for this meeting. I am told it is ok to rewrite the agenda for 2 reasons:

1. No action taken on the item
2. "It's for a good cause" (Following the law is obviously not a good cause. After consulting with an attorney who is an expert on the Open Meetings Act, he did say it was probably ok since there was no action, but would have advised against changing the agenda since the law was a little murky. I took looked through the law and could not find an exception for "it's for a good cause.")

V. Distinguished Citizen Award "Beyond the Horizon"

Marilyn Mock the "Foreclosure Angel" received the award. She has helped 70 families stay in their homes.

She got a big plaque and an statue of an eagle.

VI. Open Forum

1. Fella who put in solar panels a while back wanted to give council an update. Thanks to "incentives" from the government (aka your's and my tax dollars"), 98% of the costs were covered. All his bills have dropped from $150 to $40.

He thanked the city for "all it did". Does obstructing count?

However, he did not thank anyone else for funding this project via tax dollars.

Your welcome.

VII. Consent Agenda.

None pulled.

#4 had something to do with changing the speed limit on 3097, but no one said what it was going to be. I can't imagine it being slower than 55 mph as everyone seems to drive 35 mph on it.

VIII. Appointments.

1. P&Z Chairman was a no-show!

2. Fella wants to break the world record for the "World's Largest Community Workout". Texas has a lot of fat people and the most cities on the "fattest cities in America" list.

The event will be at the Harbor and expects 3,000-5,000 people to participate.

This is associated with the "Get Fit" program introduced by Councilman Russo a while back, and Eclipse Fitness on the lake.

The organizer would like "support" from the city, specifically bathrooms, facilities, personnel and money - $5,000.

Glen Farris liked the idea as it would have a positive economic impact on the Harbor. He did not support the idea of giving away the $5,000 requested.

The other associated costs the city would be giving away would total about $1,000.

David Sweet then commented saying "tremendous", "absolutely no question", "struggling", "take me through the process", and "help me out". (If you have never been to council, he says those words a lot...)

City staff had already researched and "found" $5,000 in the general fund that the city could give for this event. (Didn't say if they had researched for grant money, more on that later...also didn't hear if the organizers had contacted local businesses and rich folk for the money.)

If he can't get the money, the event won't be as great as the organizer would like, e.g. no "free" T-shirts to give away.

And if the event brings in over $19,000, the organizer would give back the $5,000.

Margo Nielsen made the motion to approve the $5,000, noting that the city had committed to the Get Fit program and we must now support it.

Motion failed 5-2, Mayor Cecil also supported.

Glen Farris Asked for the item to come back to council in 2 weeks.

IX. Action Items

1. Lady in the Zoo wants to put up a carport to replace one that had fallen down. P&Z approved, 7-0. Council approved 7-0.

2. The "can't be tamed" expansion of city limits via annexation - procedures initiated to annex 4 areas.

3. Councilman Russo wants to get a citizen committee started to help find outside monies (private grants, sponsorships, etc) for various projects.

Glen Farris asked why not make this a staff directive. Mark Russo explained it would increase citizen involvement and save money. Mr Farris said staff does it well enough (fyi, staff did mention looking for any grant or outside money for the Get Fit item above. The $5,000 was "found" in the budget) and no need to get citizens to do this. Mr Scott agreed with Mr Farris' objections.

(Are they against citizen involvement or saving money?)

Mr Scott also expressed concern that people would commit to a civic position, and then "not show up".

This would be like a councilman showing up late, missing meetings, or coming and going during the meeting as he pleases, and that would be unacceptable.

4. Councilman Russo wants to form a volunteer program to get citizens to help out mowing right-of-way the city won't mow but a couple times a year. If any citizen also followed that model, he would be cited and fined by the city.

Basically, everyone hated the idea because high grass on city property = not dangerous, high grass on your property = dangerous and mowing is "risky" if citizens do it, too much liability if a rock goes flying into a windshield.

A while back the city had cut back on mowing some areas, unbeknown to the Mayor and others.

For the time being, the city thinks it best to do nothing and let the grass just be high. Who cares if another dog gets bit from a snake hiding in the city's high grass. Tethering is far more dangerous than snakes anyway, and that issue was already addressed.

Rockwall City Council 17 May

2010-05-20T09:04:00.004-05:00

Only action from Executive Session was to appoint someone to North Texas Water District Board.

III. Proclamations.

1. Safe Boating Week. Our city emblem is a boat. We live next to a lake full of boats. There are tons of private docks on the lake for boats. We invested in the boat launch at 66. We have several private marinas. Rockwall seems to be boat friendly, right?

Did you know if you have a boat the city government doesn't want to see it?

C. Storage of Vehicles. On lots less than five (5) acres, trailers, motor homes,
trucks (greater than 1.5-ton capacity), camper cabins, non-street legal
motorcycles (including all-terrain vehicles, dirt or moto-cross bikes , or similar
type vehicles) boats, farm machinery, or similar equipment, excluding golf
carts, shall not be parked or stored on any residential or agricultural lot or the
adjacent street except when in conformance with the following provisions:
1. Such equipment shall be located beside or behind the primary structure
and back from the nearest corner of the front façade of the house a
minimum of 10 feet, (if such equipment is 6 feet or less in height, the 10
feet minimum setback shall not apply), and
2. On lots less than one and one/half (1.5) acres shall be screened from
view of public street rights-of-way with a minimum 6-foot solid fence or
equivalent landscaping, and
3. On lots less than one and one/half (1.5) acres, equipment taller than 8
feet above grade shall respect a 3 foot setback from all side and rear
property lines; and
4. If located on a lot which is less than one and one/half (1.5) acres, it shall
be parked on an approved surface of concrete, asphalt or stabilized
gravel.

You can have a boat, but don't let anyone see it (except on the water)!

Anyways, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary was present to talk about boating safety. Lake Ray Hubbard is one accident away from becoming Lake Lewisville!

IV. Consent Agenda. No items pulled. All pass 7-0.

V. Appointments.

1. P&Z Chairman Michael Hunter noted that the upcoming Public Hearing item passed with P&Z approval 7-0.

2. Stephen Straughn the new head of Rockwall Boys and Girls club wants a rental fee waiver for an upcoming event at the Harbor. (This came up at last meeting to waive fees for civic group events. It was also mentioned by Mr Straughn that it was an issue brought to council when he was on council a few years ago, and noted that Margo Nielsen supported the idea. I am guessing that the idea did not pass, or he would not be here asking now. What was his vote then? Just wondering.)

The amount being asked to have waived is $800.

Margo Nielsen made a motion to approve.

Passes unanimously 7-0. A few points to consider.

Quote from Glen Farris November 26, 2009: "I am appalled at The Rockwall News and the Boys and Girls Club of Rockwall for implying that the City of Rockwall should give up economic development opportunities and bail out a nonprofit organization. It is not the responsibility of any City to ensure that non-profits thrive or even survive. The Rockwall County Kiwanis (of which I am a member) just gave the B&G club $1,500.00. I have supported the organization in the past through Leadership Rockwall and attending their functions. Other Council members have been board members in the past. As a reward the Rockwall City Council and the City of Rockwall gets slammed by a website and others for not bailing them out. My support ends here."

Well maybe it ends after he votes to waive (read: give) $800 to the Boys and Girls Club.

Second point, alcohol will be sold at this event for children that will be attended by children at this park (and a park by another name is still a park, don't shovel that "Outdoor Entertainment Area" stuff this way.)

Why didn't councilmen Sweet and Scott voice disapproval at alcohol sales at this park as they did to a 7-11 which will only be selling alcohol near a park? Not even one peep about alcohol possibly contributing to the delinquency of minors in attendance.

3. Presentation of the Parks and Open Space Plan aka World Is In Financial Crisis, But To Hell With That, Let's Spend Some Money Plan.

City has a good number of parks. People like parks. Heck, I like parks. People want parks. But, a few folks want a Sports Complex. In fact they go so far as to say we need a Sports Complex. Kinda like the way I need a 1956 Porche 550 Spyder.

Data from the 2008 citizen survey was presented. The wants of the citizens don't seem to match the needs stated by some council and the consultant.

What citizens want:

1. Jogging Trails 91%
2. More Parks 81%
3. Performing Arts Center 80%
4. Nature Center 78%
5. More Big Parks 77%
6. Dalton Road Park 76%
7. Sports Complex 69%
8. Spray Grounds 64%
9. Water Park 63%
10. Dog Park 63%
11. Pool 58%

The claim was made that many of those priorities would be met with #6 being built and implying that the Sports Complex should be our focus.

The oft-interrupted power point presentation ended with a summary of the priorities and costs (of which I am only showing high end of estimates given because this is government):

1. Northshore Park - $200,000
2. Acquire land (200 acres) for Sports Complex - $15,000,000
3. Acquire 50 acres for a south Rockwall Park
4. Caruth Lake - $3,250,000
5. Trails and linking trails - $550,000 per mile

Lots of questions by council during and after the presentation.

I suspect much of the presentation and many questions were prepared by these guys:

Motion to approve the plan passed 6-1, Mayor Cecil opposed.

The Mayor then tried to move on to the next item, but was asked by Councilman Scott "if he (Mr Scott) missed something" to explain the Mayor's vote. Mayor Cecil stated he voted the way he voted. After being pressed again by Councilman Scott, the Mayor stated he did not have to justify his vote to Mr Scott.

VI. Public Hearings.

1. A Honda dealership wants to open in Rockwall, but is having difficulties with the franchise process. The developer needs an extension on an SUP, so that when the issue is resolved, construction can begin.

The staff recommendation is to add language to force the dealership to do that which they had planned to do voluntarily, namely construct a LEED Gold building.

Some council considered not extending the SUP because this "valuable real estate" is being tied up and it could be used for something else. I am sure that if any of those council members made a reasonable offer to personally purchase that land, the developer might consider selling it to them. Of course, none did.

SUP approved for another year 7-0.

VII. Action Items.

2. Fella from last time that wants all his land in one ETJ or the other, preferably McClendom-Chishom's than Rocwkall's.

Glen Farris asked if any land swap negotiations were done or if the land was just outright being removed from Rockwall ETJ and given to McClendom-Chisholm; none were and yes to the latter.

3. Sign covers from last meeting brought up. Last time everyone voted to approve, this time everyone opposed.

No one from council was yelled at by other council members for changing their vote due to not being smart enough or diligent enough to investigate the issue before hand. (It's happened before!!)

4. Changes to the Youth Advisory Council. Glen's idea: If kids from cities that go to RISD schools want to participate in City of Rockwall sponsored YAC, the other cities will pay for their residents' involvement.

Motion was made and passed to have Glen talk to other mayor's in RISD to talk about paying for their residents to participate in City of Rockwall YAC.

(Off note: Matt Scott noted his property evaluation being down, David Sweet made a joke Matt's mere presence in the neighborhood was the reason. This got a great chuckle, but all I could think was, "Mayor's race starting early!"

From this point it should be considered that the property evaluations are down city-wide. This means less tax money for the city. Combine that thought with the expensive park plan when you vote on the multi-million dollar luxury bonds next year.)

1. Last item was to schedule some work sessions. Many conflicts, no resolutions. Stay tuned.

Rockwall City Council 03 May

2010-05-07T08:25:00.006-05:00

Prelude:

I have been accused of hating Rockwall. This is just a ridiculous statement. Those who make this claim confuse my distaste for council actions as "hate" for my hometown. The true nature of liberty-loving conservatives: skepticism of the intentions of government in general. We have many on council who favor the idea of big-government as the answer to all our woes. "We the people" are the answer, not seven souls who sit at the head of our city government, regardless of who they are. We must fight government intrusion of our liberties at all levels of the governments in our lives: local, county, state, and federal. That is what I will do as your councilman: help protect life, liberty, and your pursuit of happiness.
Tomorrow is the final day to vote. If you haven't, please do. And remind your family, friends, and neighbors as well.

Actions from executive session:

1. Council unanimously acted to "enforce termination of lease" the city has at the Shores Golf Course.

2. Parcel acquisition on Airport Road.

3. Appoint someone to Land Use committee.

III. Proclamations.

1. Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. A lady biker called "Stryker" received the proclamation on behalf of all motorcyclists.

A couple observations:

-"Bikers" aren't known for their love of motorcycle safety equipment. Most choose to ride sans helmet or other protective gear.
-"Stryker" while shaking hands and talking to the Mayor had a giant patch on her vest letting us know she was a member of the "Sh*tcrew"
-The whole club came to get a picture with the mayor and I noticed "Squirrel" (President of club, I think) had a large patch on his jacket of a skeletal hand letting all who notice said patch that the observer is "Number 1".
-I didn't see any motorcycles in the parking lot despite there being 10-15 bikers present.

IV. Open Forum.

No one spoke.

V. Consent Agenda.

#2 Pulled by Cliff, rest approved 7-0.

2. The city is applying for an $80,000 grant to purchase a SWAT vehicle.

VI. Appointments.

1. P&Z Chairman Michael Hunter presented the recent actions of P&Z for the Site Plans on Council Agenda (See below). 1&2 P&Z passed with little discussion.

Regarding the third site plan (First Baptist Church new Youth Building) for the evening, P&Z expressed concern over the "look" of the building and how it affects the southern "entry" to downtown. Another "entry". Is this the new meme that will be used to block progress? This is the 3rd time it has been used now. P&Z wanted FBC to replace a fairly new 6ft cedar fence with a masonry wall , but settled for an 8ft cedar fence with masonry columns on 45ft centers. P&Z vote was 6-1.

2. Rockwall FD and the Rockwall Committee on aging got a "free" grant to purchase safety equipment for elderly and disabled folks. 420 kits will be distributed throughout the county.

The kit includes:

An emergency radio that works on several power sources and receives emergency alerts. ($85 at Radio Shack, city price is Top Secret.)
Wireless alarm unit with a flashing light (for the visually impaired -not my words) and a siren.
Smoke Detector and CO Detector.
Bed Shaker (The Mayor asked if he could get one.)

3. The city's franchise agreement with Charter Cable is coming to an end. The state has taken franchise agreement authority from cities in the state. An auditor is going to go through the last few years of financial transactions the city has had with Charter to make sure that Charter has given us everything they were obligated and compensate the city is necessary.

Councilman Sevier wanted to know why this wasn't done regularly since it was revealed that Charter is often found deficient in these audits. City Manager answered that we are doing it now.
The question was repeated, with same answer given several times.

The audit will cost the city about $13,500. I hope we find Charter at least $13,500 deficient or else we might be in the red for this process.

Also, Charter may or may not continue to maintain the fiber network between city buildings, it will depend on the cost vs alternatives like wireless.

4. Guy wants to be able to sell stone-like sign covers for metal signs. 2 problems: Changes size of sign and it wouldn't meet the masonry requirement. After lengthy discussion, it was allowed 7-0.

NOTE: If you are appearing before council for what you think is a simple issue, be prepared.

Write down everything you want to say.
Have a clear presentation of the problem from which you are seeking relief .
Have a clear solution for the problem.
Get ready for vague questions and the occasional accusation.
Talk to at least 2 councilmen prior to the meeting detailing your issue.
If possible get a lawyer to talk for you (or someone who talks to obstructionists for a living).

VII. Site Plans

1. A man (who recently was publicly accused of making snide comments about council. No, not me.) wants to split his lot into two. Passes 7-0.

2. REDACTED

3. REDACTED

VIII. Action Items

1. REDACTED

2. Change the quarantine requirements for dogs after biting incidents.

-Last year 44 dog bites resulted in no cases of rabies.
-The Animal Adoption Center euthanized 41% of the animals taken in last year.

Passed 7-0.

3. Allow civic groups to have the rental fee ($100 per hour, 4 hour minimum) waived at the harbor.

Rockwall City Council 19 April

2010-04-21T21:31:00.004-05:00

III. Proclamations.

1. The Rockwall Youth Advisory Council (YAC) presented to the Rockwall County Library a giant check for around 300 bucks to buy some environmental books. How many trees were killed and how many CFS were produced for this endeavor? It's the show that counts.

IV. Consent Agenda.

4 items, all pulled.

1. Minutes. Passed

2. 2nd reading for the SUP of the greatest 7-11 ever. Passed 5-2, Matt Scott and David Sweet opposed this generator of sales and property taxes and soon-to-be local employer.

3. Replat of some lot on Ralph Hall. David Sweet opposed, not sure if he said why.

4. After-the-fact approval of a front yard fence. Passed 7-0

V. Appointments.

1. P&Z Vice Chairman Herbst reported the vote on the upcoming public hearing. Passed P&Z 3-2.

2. YAC kids presented their green report and passed out some paper (!) handouts.

The objective of their project was to get the community to "go green". Not sure if they succeeded yet.

Part of the project included a display at the library with solar powered light. (Let that sink in for a minute.)

Paper (!) awards were given out to the kids with comments and praise from the mayor and Councilman Farris. (Glen noted his resume wasn't as good as "these kids". I know my resume is at least slightly better than high school kids. Logically, Glen is saying my resume is better than his! And if he is "qualified" to be on council based on his resume, I guess that means I am too, despite what some have said on certain internet forums! Thanks, Glen!)

Glen also noted this was the best group ever. Take that last year kids!

3. Independent financial report of city. Fella says we doing ok, but cautions that we be in a "W" recession and haven't hit the 2nd drop yet. Whatever, lets spend ridiculous amounts of money!! What's some "finance" joker know anyway.

4. Some guy is having problems forcing his neighbor to do whatever the guy wants his neighbor to do. Constantly calls code enforcement on his neighbor, who in turn (supposedly) reported him to the cops and the cops had the complainer under surveillance for secret reasons!

The Mayor stated that all the complaints had been addressed and compliance from the neighbor had been achieved. The man then stated that the forms may be falsified.

He also mentioned that he had signed for his neighbor's certified letters and then placed them into the neighbor's mailbox.

He then suggested the city eminent domain the neighbor's property and make it a park!

Cuckoo.

VI. Public Hearings.

1. Christian Brothers.

Basically, everyone who spoke wants Christian Brothers Auto repair in Rockwall, but not in Rockwall. Christian Brothers will soon be applying for an SUP to install a quantum tear in the fabric of the universe to open in Rockwall.

Speaker 1: Opposes because it is a "gateway to the hospital district".The first time opposition was because the first site was a "gateway to the city".

Speaker 2: Represents former owner of the land and supports because it will produce tax revenue and is a good fit for the area.

Speaker 3: Real estate broker that brought CB to the site. Was also responsible for bringing in many of the other business in this Planned Development District (PD-9). PD-9 encourages "mixed use" not just medical.

Speaker 4: Guy from secret cove neighborhood noted that his neighborhood "accepted" the hospital into the area (wasn't that nice of him!) He then spent 10 minutes randomly saying words before finally stating he would like to talk about the 7-11 (which is a done deal) as he didn't get a chance to oppose it at one of the multiple public hearings held over the last few months. (I may have added that last part.)

Speaker 5: Representative of the owner of the lot adjacent to the south opposes.

Speaker 6: A neighbor from the Fox Chase neighborhood supports it! She said if she worked in one of the nearby buildings it would be nice and convenient to have something like that close to work.

Speaker 7: Representative of the owner of the lot adjacent to the west opposes. He also thought the city would spend 100% of it's resources constantly watching over the day-to-day activities of the place to ensure compliance with the SUP.

Speaker 8: Owner of competition. Opposed.

Speaker 9: Representative of the hospital opposes.

Speaker 10: A different competitor who thinks it impossible to fit that building onto the land. (Hello! Quantum tear in the universe ring a bell??)

David Sweet opposes because all the land owners around oppose.

Matt Scott opposes because he says it is not the best use of the land. (Does that imply an empty lot is a better use of the land?)

Margo Nielsen supports as the land has been vacant for 5 years and no medical has been developed. Bird in the hand? Yes.

Mayor Cecil opposes, says it is no good next to a medical facility.

Glen Farris noted that another local auto repair business got council support when they wanted to go where that business it "wouldn't fit". He supports the SUP also stating no medical use had been developed for that spot.

Mark Russo opposed, agreeing with others that it "didn't fit".

Christian Brothers denied (again) 5-2.

The Christian Brother's representative then asked where would the city like them to open??? Fingers were then inserted into ears and loud humming commenced.

2. A guy wants to move his fence a couple feet out from it's exiting spot on the side of his home. Of course, government made this a difficult task because if you live on a corner you have 2 "front" yards. This made his fence request technically a front yard fence request requiring council's blessing.

The public hearing was open, no one chose to speak, and then the public hearing was CLOSED.

But, some lady decided she didn't understand what the heck anyone was talking about, so the public hearing was reopened. Didn't realize that was allowed.

After 3 hours of explaining what was the plan with the fence, the lady gave her blessing (not that it was needed...) and council allowed the fence by a vote of 5-0 (Matt Scott left and Mark Russo recused himself.)

V. Action Items.

1. Consideration of city wide banning of free newspapers and flyers to homes and other locations tabled for the second time.

Rockwall City Council 05 April

2010-04-07T13:24:00.005-05:00

I am quite pleased at the hundred or so inquiries at my lack of updates since my last post.

Actions from Executive Session - Right-of-Way stuff for airport road.

III. Proclamations.

- Bunch of Boy Scouts were present fulfilling requirements for a merit badge.

2. Rockwall Environmental Action Day aka Hazardous Crap Your Neighbor Didn't Know About Day. On April 17 at the city service center, you can finally get rid of all those half-empty paint cans, broken electronics, old tires, etc that you have been "saving". Warning: you may sit in line for up to an hour or more. Take your Kindle.

1. Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month.

IV. Open Forum.

1. Rockwall Music Fest lady came to thank the city for whatever it is the city did. Probably for money.

2. Guy from Community Waste Disposal wants the city to know that he can pick up trash cheaper than Allied. Heck, if he can get the bulk trash in my neighborhood picked up when it is supposed to, as opposed to Allied which last month too 3 weeks to pick up my neighbors even after repeated communication with the city, I'm all for the change!

3. 17-year Mayor of McClendom-Chisholm thanked the city for all the years of working together between Rockwall and McClendom-Chisholm. Gonna go out on a limb and say Rockwall has probably contributed a whole lot more to McClendom-Chishom than the other way around.

V. Consent Agenda.

No items pulled. 1-4 were about minutes, and 5 has the words "change order". Usually, "change order" = more money being spent.

VI. Appointments.

1. P&Z Chairman Michael Hunter to let council know that the much anticipated 7-11 at the corner of Tubbs and Horizon passed P&Z by a vote of 4-1.

2. Some guys from the US Coast Guard Auxiliary stopped by to promote boater safety. They are also recruiting and want to work with the city to further educate boaters.

There was then a debate about VHF vs UHF radios. I think UHF won.

3. Tabled until next meeting. Sounded like a real snoozer anyway.

4. Members of the Environmental Subcommittee presented a power point. (In case you were unaware, city staff loves power point presentation more than Lit'l Smokies and sheetcake.)

Conclusion: we are green.

I hope the reduction in energy usage (read: money) reflects as a reduction of taxes!

VII. Public Hearing.

1. Basically, 7-11 wants to put in a store with more than 2 gas pumps. That requires an SUP from the city as does any other gas station that comes in anywhere in the city. This gives folks the opportunity to micro-engineer the 7-11, especially in the aesthetics department.

Notices went out to all property owners (5) within 200' as required by state law and city ordinance. 3 came back, all in favor.

The 7-11 folks also made all the changes that the P&Z wanted.

It was mentioned that the near-by neighborhood (Fox Chase) had some concerns. Not mentioned at this point is that 2 other neighborhoods (Windmill Ridge and Lake Rockwall) are also nearby (and in fact closer).

Issues and suggetions raised during public hearing:

-Alcohol will be sold close to a park (Not illegal according to state law. In fact the city of Rockwall allows drinking in one of our very on Non-park parks: the Harbor.)
-Alcohol will be sold close to a hospital. (State law limits sales of alcohol near a hospital at 300', front door to front door. The 7-11 is well over 400' from the hospital.)
-7-11 will increase crime. Because nothing entices criminal activity like fruit pies and a Slurpee.
-Too much noise (FYI the 7-11 in on a major arterial road, someday at least 4-lane, as weall as next to a hospital with a helipad.
-Safety issues. Didn't elaborate, probably means the coffee is too hot.
-6 pumps is too many. How someone not in the gas station business knows this is beyond me.
-Limit the hours to 8-5. Do they not know where the name 7-11 even comes from??
-Protect children. (Parents: that's your job.)
-Too much traffic. I am guessing the thinking is that people from all over Rockwall will drive all
the way across town passing 3 other 7-11's as well as a multitude of convenience stores and grocery stores to come to this 7-11.
-Will negatively affect what other kinds of businesses might go there. Because NObody ever wants to have an office near a convenience store...
-This is a bad location for a 7-11. This had been brought up by others. What gets me is why the world's most successful franchiser has not snapped these people up to help them make real money! 7-11 wating alot of money on research and marketing when all they need to do is just ask some random guy on the street where they shouldn't put a store.
-The Kroger and Walgreens are close enough for the hospital people. Those sound more like inconvenience stores.
-Not compatible with that area. This dispite the fact that the developer and 7-11 say it is.
-No good that it is open 24 hours next to hospital also open 24 hours.
-People will drink at the 7-11. (Against the law.)
-People will drink at the park. (Against the law.)
-People will furnish alcohol to minors (Against the law.)

It was mentioned by Councilman Scott that these folks were outside the 200' range of the city requirement for notification, but he had tried to get it extended to 1000' but failed. I guess the implication is that more in Fox Chase would have notified and been able to get involved had he gotten his way.

Notice this map:

The square is the location of the 7-11/ Future Medical Office Site. Big Circle is 1000' from the site and the little circle is 200' from the site.

At 1000' the notices would have gone out to many more property owners, that's true. Notices going out implies that those being notified are those who could been affected by the zoning request.

At 1000' here is an approximate breakdown of additional homes that would have received notification at 1000':

7 homes in Fox Chase.
25 homes in Windmill Ridge
35 homes in Lake Rockwall Estates.

Fact: my home is closer to the 1000' mark (about 3 houses out) than anyone else who spoke from Fox Chase who opposed the 7-11!

Councilman Farris stated that this is a good business for Rockwall, the 2-pump ordinance is antiquated, and with the 7-11 you are getting a known good business versus taking the chance at getting a bad business at that spot.

Councilman Sevier noted that nothing can stop the sale of alcohol at that location. I'll repeat: Nothing can stop the sale of alcohol at that location. Nothing can stop the sale of alcohol at that location. Nothing can stop the sale of alcohol at that location.

He noted that the Kroger is as close to Fox Chase and it sells alcohol.

He also mentioned that the P&Z asked for and received many concessions from 7-11 and the only real issues is the number of pumps requested.

Councilman Scott stated his opposition was based on the sale of alcohol near the park.

Mr Farris rebutted that we then must make a choice: get rid of alcohol sales or get rid of parks.

Councilman Scott then stated he was "disappointed" that Mr Farris would make such a "flippant" remark. Mr Scott was "disappointed" that Mr Farris would make such a "flippant" remark? Shall I do an Open Records Request to find other flippant remarks not made by Mr Farris?

Councilman "Gabbby" Sweet said this was one of the top 700 toughest decisions he has had to make on council and gave 4,129 reasons why.

Where was the concern about alcohol when those opposed were supporting the ordinance to make Rockwall "wet"?

Where was the concern about alcohol when those opposed were supporting the ordinance to make The Harbor "wet"?

Where was the concern about alcohol when those opposed were supporting the ordinance to make Downtown "wet"?

Passes 5-2, Sweet and Scott opposed.

VII. Site Plans/Replat.

1. Canyon Ridge apartments. HOA and the apartments came to an agreement on whatever the problem was. Passes.

IX. Fella with part of his land in Rockwall's ETJ and part in McClendom-Chisholm's ETJ wants it in one or the other, preferably McClendom-Chisholm's ETJ.

Most would like to put this through a long drawn out process, but councilman Sevier had the brilliant idea to not put this through a long drawn out process. His idea was to take action and give the guy what he wants (to be removed from Rockwall's ETJ).

Some staff and council were apprehensive that we would lose around 150 acres of the city and get nothing! That's probably like a couple hundred dollars a year in taxes we could lose!

Councilman "Gabby" Sweet had a few hundred things to say about it as well.

Mr Sevier made a motion to remove the land from the ETJ, passed 5-2 (Nielsen and Farris opposed.)

2. Social media discussion again. 45 minutes basically talking about Facebook which is about 44 minutes and 45 seconds longer than I wanted to hear about Facebook.

Councilmen Farris, Russo, and Sweet talked a lot about this. Now 3 "Gabby's".

Motion to accept the policy regarding social media passed 6-1, Russo opposed.

3. Budget stuff for about 15 minutes. Money comes in, money goes out.

4. Last item postponed to next meeting.

And since you, the reader, stuck around to the end, I present this video of a baby doing his best impression of our very own "Gabby"-est councilman.

Rockwall City Council 15 March

2010-03-17T13:09:00.006-05:00

III. Consent Agenda.

1 & 6 pulled by Matt Scott. Rest approved 7-0, including the new sign ordinance which is comprehensive and will not at all create any issues for those needing signs at their businesses.

1. Minutes from meeting Matt Scott missed.

6. Replat of an area that is part of Pebblebrook Apartments for the purpose of building more apartments as allowed by the current zoning of Multi-family. Seems a couple people who live in a house nearby oppose the idea of more apartments or the way the apartments were going to be built. Planning and Zoning approved. Council is trying to play peacemaker by trying to get the HOA and the apartment to agree on the replat. Seems as though council can't really stop this, and the replat will automatically go throuhg by virtue of the P&Z approval in less than 30 days.

Motion to postpone/table passes 6-1, Glen Farris opposed.

IV. Appointments.

1. P&Z Chairman Michael Hunter spoke of the public hearings on the agenda. Regarding the first public hearing, the applicant withdrew the case.

The second public hearing was for a proposed 7-11. That was tabled as P&Z could not come to a decision to allow a business to bring employment and taxes to Rockwall, or deny a business bringing employment and taxes to Rockwall. P&Z will hear again and then once again back to council.

The 7-11 wants more than 2-pumps (as allowed by the current Planned Development), and somehow the types of brick and roof pitch affect how the number of pumps decision.

The 7-11 has met the masonry standard, not asking for any building or landscape variance, and have gone above and beyond and met all the architectural demands the P&Z had asked for that caused the denial the first time.

Rockwall welcomes all businesses.

Matt Scott further expressed that the 7-11 will increase the number of people (kids) at the 3097/Tubbs crosswalk, and that the street lights are inadequate.

VI. Action Items.

1. Glen Farris loves social media and wants the city to love it too. The city has started the process of looking into what possibilities can be considered when they get around to utilizing social media.

There is a lot of training available for government employees to learn how to use Facebook, Twitter, etc. I suggest hiring 14-year old girls to run the Facebook page, sounds a lot cheaper and most are experts already. A "not free, but not cheap" conference has piqued the interest of staff that will offer training on how to use social media. Seems it's all about how to do stuff, and not legal type stuff.

Glen then (again) reminded people how awfully wrong the "blogosphere" is in Rockwall. And that misinformation was rampant from the blogs about Rockwall. Especially that report of $150,000 lights that weren't approved by council, YET.

FROM THE TOP OF THIS BLOG: ...and report a biased opinion of what I witness.

Of course if it wasn't for misinformation, there would be no information coming out of council meetings.

Glen Farris also mentioned that Ustream could be utilized to broadcast the meetings for free, and would only require a small purchase of a web cam or two. Quite a sensible difference than the estimated $40,000-$80,000 estimate from a while back!

The discussion also delved into policy, what can and cannot be posted and who would control, etc. David Sweet mentioned that something popped up on the REDC Facebook, but he wasn't sure what was on there and if it was or wasn't something. I think he's talking about this:

No city staff saw anything wrong with an official arm of the city (essentially the City of Rockwall) joining Facebook pages advocating the election of a candidate or two, even if one of those candidates sits on the board of the REDC. Well, no staff except the city attorney who recommended the removal of those from the REDC Facebook page, even though he didn't think anything was wrong (legally) with it.

New improved page:

I seriously doubt either candidate knew that some rogue REDC employee had done such things.

3. The new Tom Thumb shopping center (that's what normal people will call it, but it's really "The Shops at Stone Creek") needs a sign plan approval, because what they want and need will exceed the allowance by the sign ordinance. They would like to add 2 useful signs to the property, but due to the sign ordinance they are required to have signs they don't want or need that read "The Shops at Stone Creek" and the number of signs allowed will be exceeded with the approval of the two additional signs. Doh!

Margo Nielsen thinks even the number of allowed signs seemed like too many.

Glen hates signs.

David Sweet and Matt Scott thought that two more signs were "overkill".

Glen Farris wanted to know if certain signs could be combined, but during the sign ordinance discussions both council and P&Z said no to that idea.

Glen then made a motion to deny the request.

Mark Russo noted that the city's sign ordinance is what is causing the conflict!

The land can get a replat and get one of the signs without having to jump through any unnecessary hoops and fully comply to the ordinance. I'll be that's what they do...

One councilman (forgot which) asked if the council could block that move, and P&Z Director Robert LaCroix said no.

Motion to deny the "Shops at Stone Creek" the ability to advertise, thereby increasing revenue and taxes paid to the city denied 4-3. Mark Russo, Mayor Ceci,l and Councilman Sevier opposed the idea of denying the "Shops at Stone Creek" the ability to advertise, thereby increasing revenue and taxes paid to the city.

"The most pro-business council I have ever seen" I was once told by a sitting councilman.

4. Parks Department director Brad Griggs presented a plan for the Northshore Park located north/adjacent to Reinhardt. It is an expansion of the existing park with some upgrades and new equipment. Total cost $145,000, with money coming from the Park Development Fund. Will be completed by July.

5. San Jacinto Street between Rusk Street and Washington Street will be closed off every 2nd Saturday from May to October for a arty/crafty sale. All property owners affected were ok with the idea. Motion to approve passed 7-0.

Cliff Sevier gave a shout-out to the downtown coordinator for all the work she has done to revitalize downtown and helping businesses grow. I can't wait to see the hard numbers that I am sure the city has been keeping to verify that!

I wonder why the city didn't just hire a dedicated code enforcement officer to force people downtown to comply with the vision the city has for the area. Worked for Lake Rockwall (or did it??)!

6. Put in some radio stuff for the city's Radio Communication System so code enforcement and police can respond more quickly to parking violations at the Park at Fox Chase passed 7-0.

Banning and No-ing Commission.

2010-03-10T14:21:00.002-06:00

I was not present at this meeting; a little birdie was my source for the following info, so if any of the information is wrong, blame that person.

Planning and Zoning a public hearing for a proposed 7-11. An SUP is needed for "retail store with gasoline product sales with more than 2 dispensers". 7-11 would like to install 6 pumps.

I clarify: 7-11 needs an SUP to get more pumps than currently allowed (2) by the Planned Development zoning.

This item was before P&Z not too long ago, and 7-11 withdrew to make changes to things P&Z objected. And they did. They improved the "look" as they were asked.

HOWEVER, some of our more central planning minded and micromanaging commissioners have once again put up a roadblock to progress.

Some of the new objections from some commissioners:

-A DVD rental kiosk designed to be outside located outside
-Propane rental located outside (Unlawful to locate anywhere else, but who cares, amiright?)
-An ice machine located outside (The stupid is strong with this one)
-Anything located outside - (Only low-life jerks like things displayed outside, I guess.)
-7-11 (Opposed just cuz)
-6 pumps because there are already enough pumps on 3097 (!!!)

Some of the objections from the Fox Chase HOA (1 of only 4 neighborhoods at that corner):

-Kids will cross 3097 to get to the 7-11. Why was there no opposition to the crosswalk that was painted there as well? AND, people (including kids) already cross 3097 to get to the Park at Fox Chase. I am unaware of ANY incident/accident ever happening at that intersection. But, people do like to use false claims of unsafe conditions to get their way.

Did I mention people cross that intersection all day long?

-People will buy alcohol and take it to the park. By people, I think they mean "those" people at Lake Rockwall Estates. Also, it is unlawful to drink any alcohol in any park in the city. Well, except the Harbor, the "Outdoor Entertainment Area" that isn't a park which is just an area that is used for entertainment outdoors.

-There will be an increase in traffic. I assume they don't mean people who drive passed that intersection already, and instead they mean people all over Rockwall will pass several convenience stores already in town and go way out of their way just to use this 7-11. Plus, there is no traffic light and that will further increase the traffic problem because people will line up for miles and miles just to get a Big Gulp.

-There will be lights. Similar to the bevy of lights at the Hospital right next door?!?

The Hospital likes the idea and supports the idea. They would love to have a convenient convenience store.

Rob Whittle (developer) noted that the plan for this area was done in 1986, and has turned out better than envisioned. The plan for that corner has always been for a convenience store. There is also a plan to put a retail center around the 7-11.

After 2 dead-locked votes of 3-3 (Minth, Stubbs and Buchanan were the anti-business side, while Chairman Hunter, Vice Chairman Herbst, and Jackson were the pro-business side.)

Mr Hayes was absent, hence the deadlock. A motion to table until next meeting was passed.

Rocwkall may have the "most pro-business council ever seen" as I was once told, but this action by P&Z sure doesn't reflect that.

Even it passes, what will that really mean? More sales tax and property tax for the city? Maybe the-anti business commissioners are right, we can always use rainbows and unicorns to pay for needed services.

Why is this surprising? David White for Rockwall City Council, Place 6

2010-03-09T14:13:00.002-06:00

It has apparently shocked a few that I have filed to run for council. And these are faithful fans of the blog!

I filed last year, but was ineligible. I said then I was likely to run. Very few have asked if I would run, and no one has asked me to run, but I thought the tone and content of this blog was sort of obvious of my intentions.

If you want to know where I stand, it should be evident from the year-plus history available for anyone to read.

Basically:

Promote Fertile Economic Environment
Promote Frugality in Government
Promote Common Sense Policy
Control bureaucracy, not citizens

There will certainly be some attacks from some low-lifes, but my email is to the right and I will answer any question anyone has about anything.

No web site up, but using free things like Facebook and the blog site goes along with my own personal practice of not spending money just to spend it.

Rockwall City Council 01 March

2010-03-03T12:43:00.003-06:00

Quick note: I worked as an alternate judge for the election yesterday. I had multiple opportunities to talk to voters throughout the day. If it's true that "ignorance is bliss", there are a lot of very happy people in this county. Not the majority, and not a large minority, but large enough to affect reasonable assumptions about possible outcomes.

I will no longer encourage the popular mantra "Go Vote" just to vote and "make sure your voice is heard".

3-8-10 EDIT BELOW

Action from Executive Session: Approval of Parcel 32 at Airport Road. Approved 6-0.

III. Open Forum.

1. Pastor Robbins saw the item about the cemetery on 205 and mentioned concerned.

2. Former Councilman Stephen Straughn taken over duties at the Boys and Girls Club. He mentioned that negative things had been said (1) (2) (3) (4) regarding the club between council and the club, and publicly apologized for things said.

Translation: We still broke and gonna be hitting the city up for some cash pretty soon, sooooo sorry.

Glen Farris hopes Mr Straughn can turn it around.

David Sweet offers "anything you need". (Is this, "How much you want?")

Mark Russo wants the city and the club to "work together." (Is this, "How much you need?")

IV. Consent Agenda.

Glen pulled 1 and 6.

Cliff pulled 5 and 9.

David Sweet made a motion to approve rest and then blew a giant bubblegum bubble and popped it breaking world records for size and loudness.

1. Concerned minutes, approved with Glen abstaining.

5. Cliff was confused regarding a speed limit change on 205, he thought the council had already voted on a change. The bypass speed limit was what had been approved, this was for the REAL 205.

6. City wants to put up "historic" lights along 205. Glen wanted to know if the lights would be low energy, like LED, lights. City Engineer Chuck Todd said that type of fixture was not available for that exact model of light. Glen stated he wants the city to set the standard for using low-energy and LED lighting.

City initiating a leadership role and setting an example?!? Be still my heart!

Cliff opposed the lights and the $152,000 price tag for lights no one will notice, and further that the state should be putting lights on a state highway, not the city.

Approved 5-1, Cliff opposed. Maybe Cliff is the only one who thinks $152,000 sounds like real money.

CORRECTION (3-8-10) The motion was to table.

9. Cliff questioned a $14,000 change order for Squabble Creek Wastewater Phase 2. This is to add 4 taps for future use. This was an idea put forth by a citizen and the city staff said it was a good idea [that must have slipped by the city staff and engineers involved in the project] that they just didn't think about.

V. Appointments.

1. P&Z Chairman Michael Hunter didn't have anything to report other than his desire to go get ice cream.

2. The manager from Applebee's wanted his item regarding a late hour permit to sell alcohol removed from the agenda. His permit for selling mediocre food was renewed.

3. A fella has his land in the ETJ of both Rockwall and McClendon-Chisholm (yes, that's a real city) want's it to be just in the ETJ of one city or neither. Motion to dicuss with McClendon-Chisholm passed.

VI. Public Hearing.

1. Continuance from previous meeting regarding fella trying to get a wedding shack built before his daughter's weeding in June. After much discussion betweeen staff, which seemed like it could have been discussed prior to presentation to council, it was approved.

VII. Site Plans/Plats.

1. Right after his annexation, a guy poured a big-o-foundation for a future building. He didn't know that he had been annexed after a 3-year process that involves multiple discussions between land owners and city staff, followed by multiple public hearings where all land owners are notified for each hearing, ending with two separate votes to pass an ordinance to complete the annexation. Oh, and he never got a permit to pour the foundation.

The plan is to build an enclosed building with all steel siding.

P&Z approved his desire to get exterior requirements waived, fire code requirements waived, and parking space requirements waived.

Glen visited the site and spoke to the owner, and Glen was under the impression the owner was going to build a 3-sided "car port" (open on one side, 50% exposure on the other.) Glen expressed that another owner down the street was required to comply to exterior requirements (90% masonry) and did not want to set a precedent for others.

Cliff Sevier has a problem overriding the advice of the Fire Chief, who did not recommend approval of the fire code waiver.

Margo Nielsen wanted to know if the exterior waiver could be approved, and the other two requests denied. Yes.

Glen made motion to deny the request.

Cliff asked why a month ago a similar situation with multiple waivers could not be voted on separately, but this one could. I'm not sure what blank stares from staff mean.

He could build the "car port", but as it is the motion was denied.

VIII. Action Items.

1. Cemetery on 205 (ooh, good name for a Psychobilly group). The staff investigate a bunch of options for historical significance and other things to help keep the cemetery maintained.

Mark made motion to pursue the steps laid out by staff.

Glen asked how much staff time would be used to move through the process, but no one knew.
It was then asked (by Glen, I think) if volunteers could be used by the city to do the leg work associated with the process. Yes, and passed 6-0.

Second motion was to do something else (???) first. Passed also, 6-0.

2. SIGNS ordinance ready to be passed. Pole signs are verboten any where except the I-30 corridor. I guess there is an assumption of exemption for pole signs the city uses for street signs as requiring those to be monument signs would be leading by example. Oh, that and it would be hard to find things.......

Vehicle signs are also permitted. The owners can park their vehicles anywhere on their property.

What a concept. Sheesh.

City Manager Julie Couch got too busy to do a City Manager's report.

Some points were noted:

1. Sales tax for November was up, but down for December and January, and the city was on-track to meet budget.

2. Glen asked about the crime stats from the Harbor, if they were higher than other areas of the city. Cliff asked why the Harbor gets a special report. Chief Moeller answered that council wanted one. Glen wanted to know if the city could work with the Harbor to help reduce incidents, especially people using their position to not pay for valet parking.

3. The city has some corporate sponsors for the Concert by the Lake, notably Rockwall Ford.

4. The downtown association wants to have a ribbon cutting in conjunction with the reopening of 205 to remind people that downtown has stores and resaturants ready to take your money in exchange for goods and services. (Well, except that one that doesn't seem to want to engage in that exchange....)

Waste not, want not. Or not.

2010-03-01T14:41:00.007-06:00

Imagine for a minute your home is missing a front door. While at Home Depot to buy a door, you notice that Milwaukee has 19-piece power tool kit on sale for $4,999.00. You don't have $4,999.00, but you do have a credit card. You have no use for a 19-piece Milwaukee power tool kit. But, it's so pretty in it's red and white color scheme, and you will be the envy of all your neighbors!

Imagine still: You don't work in construction. You can't afford it. There is no guarantee you will like it. And very likely, your significant other will be angry at you for purchasing it. In fact, were you to call and ask for permission, the answer would likely be "no". Likely because you cannot afford it. But you do so want it, and after all, Home Depot takes a credit card!

I will focus on the "afford" aspect, rather than the "want" aspect for now.

Not living within your means rarely leads to financial prosperity. I cannot think of anytime running up lots of debt for luxury items, like a 19-piece Milwaukee power tool set, has had any sort of payback to the purchaser. Such is the case for luxury items.

Everyone in Rockwall pays taxes, either property or sales. Tax is the city's income or "paycheck". We are expected by society (whether one does or not) to live a lifestyle that can be supported by one's income. Large purchases bought on credit (mortgage or vehicle) tend to serve utilitarian purposes. Large purchases (like a guitar-shaped swimming pool or vacation to Machu Pichu) may seem fun and great, but unwise should such a purchase jeopardize future financial stability.

Wanting is not the same as needing. Sounds simple enough.

Rockwall has several elected or appointed officials who want a lot of things. Just like a kid going through a toy catalog at Christmastime.

There are several pet projects in the hearts of several of our officials. None are things Rockwall needs, just things those officials want.

It is an irresponsible use of our taxes to fund monuments to egos:

The natatorium where only a select few get to swim.

Football stadium improvements that don't make people run faster or catch more footballs.

The twice-defeated-in-a-bond-election courthouse with gilded toilet seats atop commodes carved from Italian marble.

The "giant tub of concrete" down by the lake. (Not my words, crazy woman on Topix.)

If a wealthy individual decides he needs 15 classic cars and a 100,000 sqft home and has no trouble paying for it, god speed to him. What anyone does with his money is no concern of mine, unless sometime down the line I have to end up paying for it.

This is the case with the city. No matter what the city does, we all end up paying for it. Whether roads or services or city hall or the harbor.

The question then begs, when should the city fund our own Taj Majal? Personally, I would say never. But a different opinion might be when all the necessities (roads, sewers, services, emergency fund, etc - maybe even an area with 40 years of neglect the city heroically decided to rescue.) are fully funded and we have a mountain of surplus. Of course what is a surplus of tax money other than over taxation?

There are reasonable uses of our taxes than can fund recreational or non-vital uses, but we should never go into debt for ten's of millions of dollars every few years to fund such projects.

From Webster's:

Conserve : v. to keep in a safe or sound state; especially : to avoid wasteful or destructive use of

Also, n. a delicious jam-like concoction, usually with added nuts and whole fruit.

Close your eyes and bend over, you ain't gonna feel a thing. Well, except this giant boot.

2010-02-26T14:47:00.005-06:00

Often while sitting taking fairly accurate notes at council, I wonder to myself, "Who do these councilmen represent?"

Not as an accusation, but merely a point of wonder.

Sometimes an issue is brought forward, and council asks copious questions I can't imagine any rational human asking. Concerns so focused that I can only imagine only one person or a small handful would even worry about. Yet phrased in such a way, that it seems thoughtfully out of the blue.

The are issues brought forward that would only affect 99.9% of Rockwall, yet receive great attention for just a few from council, staff, or a combination of both.

I have often wondered, "Why would anyone even care about that?" or "Whose life is so boring and petty that they could spend so much time fretting over such a ridiculous matter in which the resulting action will do nothing but impeded or inconvenience a larger group?" Are our lives not complicated enough without devising ways ways to complicate them more, or worse, those of our neighbors?

So, as a person made up mostly of Mexican food with small amount of paranoia mixed in, it makes me think, "Who's behind all this and where are the fajitas?"

On occasion, council asks good questions, probing for details leading to a reasonable decision.

But maybe more often, passion arises that is seemingly inexplicable.

I have posted before some of those actions, which I will not go into, but it returns me to the question, "Who is being represented?"

The city council does not represent city staff. The council should not take action just because staff wants it.

The city council does not represent one person. The council should not take action just because one person wants it.

The city council does not represent special groups. The council should not take action just because a special group wants it.

(I exclude the granting of SUP's and the like as those are needed sometimes just to counter the negative actions that caused the need for the request!)

The council should act because something is good for Rockwall, not just to benefit one person or to make one old, cranky jerk happy. (He'll never be happy anyway.) I can't imagine one group or person whose interests trump those of the city at large.

A good starting place could be for the council to take great concern at any usage of "I believe X" or "I think X". When the needs of the one or few out weigh the needs of the many, the resulting actions never to lead to more freedom, prosperity, or efficiency. Also, the Enterprise would have been destroyed.