Rockwall City Council 18 October

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 20 September

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:

Rockwall City Council 05 April

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.

Banning and No-ing Commission.

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.