Rockwall City Council 4 October

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?

Rockwall City Council 7 September

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 03 May

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 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.

Rockwall City Council 01 March

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....)

Rockwall City Council 15 February

Actions from Executive Session: Acquisition of Parcel 9.

III. Proclamations.

3. Graduates of Rockwall University recognized. They learned about other departments and how those departments work together Then they got a certificate.

2. This week was declared Severe Weather Awareness week after the worse snowstorm in Rockwall's history. The mayor asked if anyone had their own home emergency plan. No one did. Guess we are all doomed.

1. Hazelina Johnson Day. Lady lost 70 pounds and has run a bunch of marathons. Next stop: London. Will be representing Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

IV. Consent Agenda.

27 items!!! And not one councilman felt the need to grandstand or pull any item!

V. Appointments.

1. P&Z Chairman Michael Hunter (who may or may not be planning a run for council this year) noted that the two upcoming public hearing items passed P&Z 7-0.

2. Chief Moeller presented the Racial Profiling Report. There were 3 complaints of racial profiling, and all 3 were dismissed.

The complaints against the police were unfounded. I wonder what a similar report on council or staff would find.

VI. Public Hearings.

1. Fella wants to build a giant shed and requires a zoning change. He gets up to address council and says nothing. The council votes to table any zoning change hearing until full council present (Glen Farris suspiciously absent). Passes 7-0. THEN the petitioner had something to say: he is trying to get a giant shed built before his daughter's wedding in June, and is upset that he now has to wait 2 more weeks before the vote so that he can move along with his plan.

Wait till he finds out in two weeks that will only be the first hearing and vote! Will actually be at least four weeks before he will know what he will be able to do (or not be allowed to do). He may want to get on the phone with the Hilton quick!

2. SUP needed so a guy can build a shed without meeting the city's exterior requirements of imported Italian marble. It will also have shutters, not sure if that is a result of Councilman Russo's influence. Passes 7-0.

1. Sign Ordinance discussion again. Without Mr Farris I would have expected this discussion to move quickly, but 45 minutes later my expectations were killed.

Changes proposed by staff:
-more prohibitions on pole signs.
-more prohibitions on vehicle signs
-prohibitions on signs with non-commercial vulgar or obscene messages
-prohibitions on Holiday signs used for advertising

Pole sign options: No pole signs except on I-30. No pole signs on divided or to be divided roads. No pole signs on undeveloped tracts.

No inflatable type advertising of any kind. So that guy who rents inflatable bounce houses on 276 and uses one to let passers-by aware of that fact will no longer be allowed as that is advertising that the city staff doesn't like. However, if you have a party and rent one and it has the name of the company and phone number on it for adverstising, that will be allowed because that is not advertising according to the city staff. Got that?

City staff also hates cars owned by companies that have advertising signs parked in front of the office of that business where people might drive by and see that vehicle sign being used for advertisement. But if that vehicle is not in front of the business it is advertising, the city does not consider that advertising and will allow that.

For example: Consider you own a construction company and you have an office at a strip mall. If you park in front of your office, you could be in violation. But if you were doing work at the office next door, you could park in front of that office without getting harassed. Make sense?

Margo Nielsen and Mark Russo seemed to be the only voices of reason on this issue. Both agree that vehicles with signs should be able to park on land owned or leased by the company owner without city harassment. Margo

David Sweet asked about church vans.

City Manager Julie couch stated that if you have your vehicle that you paid for and pay taxes on is parked in front of your business that you own and pay taxes on the city will ask you to move it where it cannot be seen even if you cannot move it where it cannot be seen easily buy busy-body city staff.

The city will selectively enforce this as it cannot be reasonably enforced.

Staff also noted that the drafted ordinance was modeled after other cities which are so great the same staff doesn't want to live or work there.

Mussolini would have been so proud.

Motion to CONTINUE. Time spent so far: 1:45.

"The most business friendly council I have ever seen", I was once told.

2. Annexation of four little pockets of freedom not yet devoured by the monster of supreme control. Om nom nom.

3. Require an SUP for any business wanting to sell alcohol within 200 feet of a city park, This was mainly targeted stemming from the proposed 7-11 at Tubbs and Horizon (which would have been AWESOME! *sigh*). Sounded like some cranky lady who was horrified at the thought some precious little snowflake would see alcohol sold near the Park at Fox Chase. I wonder where this cranky old bat buys groceries? Or maybe she was worried people would buy alcohol at the store and then drink it at the park which is already forbidden by the city.

City Attorney Pete Eckert noted that the city cannot create a stricter standard than the State of Texas has created. (300 ft from a school, church, or hospital.)

Mark Russo asked why the city allows consumption of alcohol at the Harbor which is a park.

City Manager Julies Couch's response: "The Harbor is not a park. It's and 'Outdoor Entertainment Area.'"

Ladies and Gentlemen, I think we can award this year's first prize of "Best Usage of Politispeak"

Rockwall City Council 02 February

This meeting took over as the number one spot for "Most Tedious Council Meeting" ever.

Number two is all the rest.

III. Proclamations.

1. Black History Month celebrating contributions and achievements of African-Americans. Why hasn't the name "Black History Month" succumbed to the compulsion of political correctness?

IV. Public Forum.

1. Pastor Joe Robbins talked about the Rockwall Cemetery. He noted that in several meetings with the city, that if the city took ownership, it would always remain a cemetery.

I wonder if 4 or more council members was at that meeting? Surely not, as that seems like it could be seen as a violation of the Open Meetings Act. Maybe not, but isn't it better to be safe than sorry? Of course, I may have just missed the public notice. Or maybe, there was no dealing made that didn't give the rest of the public the opportunity to hear and give input.

2. Ross Ramsay had a meeting with multiple staff members from several departments and had a good experience dealing with them all.

3. The Mayor presented an award from the Chamber of Commerce recognizing the city as a great business partner from businesses that have been allowed to operate in the city.

V. Consent Agenda.

#2 Pulled by Cliff, #5 pulled by Margo.

Rest approved 7-0. 2 new ordinances, the one from last time about "Special Events" and the other granting P&Z commissioners 3 year terms instead of 2. Item 3 authorizes the city to spend $41,084 for some hazardous waste storage tanks, money comes fromt he Recycle Fund.

2. Margo requested a larger zoning map. Approved 7-0.

5. Cliff asked about a $300 per month fee the city will be paying to Union Pacific Railroad for a crossing on John King Blvd for "maintenance". Is this forever? Does it really cost $3600 a year for the railroad to maintain 40-50ft of a railroad crossing? It appears this is the case with every RR crossing, surely we are negotiating this fee?

April 20th, construction at the crossing will be complete.

VIII. Action Items.

1. Rockwall Cemetery. Matt placed it on the agenda after seeing a channel 8 news report with former councilman Sam Buffington expressing concerns the city would develop the land after the city takes ownership. According to Mr Buffington the city did this years ago after Lake Ray Hubbard was built. (Is that the one at Spring Creek and Woodpark?).

One lady with a little help has been maintaining the cemetery for the last 20 years, and is getting beyond her ability to maintain the cemetery.

Sam Buffington then proceeded to make an outburst.

The Mayor proclaimed order!

Mr. Buffington outburst again, and was threatened with removal by the mayor if he made another outburst.

And then he was removed.

Mr. Scott talked to the lady who has been maintaining the cemetery after he had the item placed on the agenda, and decided instead to continue supporting the city's effort to take over the cemetery.

Motion was made to remove the item from the agenda, passes 7-0.

Likely, the state will offer some program to help transfer ownership to the city. Public Hearings will be held during this process.

Motion was made to initiate this process, passes 7-0.

Another motion made to look at more state options, passes 7-0.

(This was a brief moment of excitement in an otherwise tedious meeting.)

VI. Appointments.

1. C3 code enforcement customer satisfaction project. I will only briefly note some points:

- 93% of Rockwall say the code enforcement is great!
- 79% say code enforcement is reasonable! (Shouldn't that equal the first number?)
- 89% please way city is maintained.
- 50% happy the way service is done (but they don't know why)
- Customers want code enforcement to be educational, timely, effective, consistent, and effetive
- City should obey it's own codes
- Nobody wants less enforcement
- People move out because they love code enforcement
- Want to talk to code enforcement officers
- Citizens do not want different levels of enforcement for different neighborhoods
- Treat all neighborhoods the same

(Does this mean the city sill start enforcing the codes in the rest of the city that they so diligently enforce in the Zoo, or does this mean even more heavy handed code enforcement in the Zoo?)

- Customers want code enforcement to drive regular routes (like is done in the Zoo...)

Code enforcement is not the issue, it is those with the influence or power creating codes and ordinances to address pet peeves targeting small groups or individuals.

Several recommendations came out of this. Strangely, putting THE ENTIRE CODE ONLINE AND EASY TO ACCESS AND REVIEW was not one of them.

- Top 7 violations:
1. High Grass (like on the city's property on both sides of Tubbs from Market Center to 3097).
2. Trash
3. Property Maintenance (Neighbor's house needs painting? Just report em!)
4. Zoning (no details given I think)
5. Junk Vehicles (That means anything not running or registered, even if it's your project '55 Chevy)
6. Hanging Limbs - Yikes!
7. House Numbers (too many or not enough?)
- 52% of Rockwall in an HOA
- Only 25% of violations in HOA neighborhoods (That cannot be right, the Zoo has an HOA and I know we get a lot of violations)

The Mayor asked about the city violating it's own rules. These were city watering when no one else can, high grass on city property, not screening it's lighting, lack of stone on a fire station. (Just an FYI for the focus groups, rules do not apply to those in charge of creating or enforcing rules)

Glen asked about the 1500 "open cases". Those may or may not be resolved, but probably may or not be closed.

VII. Public Hearings.

2. Guy wants to put a big shed on his land (Continued from last meeting). Didn't show up again, SUP deined without prejudice (that way he can come back).

3. City wants a requirement from a business wanting to sell alcohol within 200 ft of a city park.
Passed 6-0 with no discussion?

4. The great "Antennas on the Water Tower and Electronic Sign" controversy. TxDOT visited the city and put forth a few acceptable place the city can place an electronic sign on TxDOT right-of-way. I think an agreement was reached.

5. Sign ordinance discussion. Painfully long, so once again jsut some points:
- City will allow "free speech" on commercial signs.
- Glen hates signs.
- Glen may be giving up his fight to make I-30 corridor as flat as Kansas.
- Margo says if you own the land and the property, you should be allowed to park your vehicle (which has been painted with company logos and such) so that passersby can see it.
- Glen thinks parking a vehicle painted with a company's logo where people passing by on the street is a loophole a business uses to get around the sign ordinance.
- Glen claims the purpose of a commercial vehicle with a company logo is to deliver things, not to advertise.
- Mark noted the city has vehicles with city logos.

(It took you .001% of the time to read the above discussion on signs as they spent talking about it.)

5. New million dollar docks at the harbor. The city wasn't presented with 2 layouts and 2 options (one for 50mph wind, and the other for 70mph wind which would cost over $80, 000 and would have to come out of reserves)

Power point!

The budgeted cost is $955,000.
It should last much longer than the paper mache dock the city put in first.
Floating concrete and big dang piers will make it super strong!
David and Matt liked a different layout than the rest of the council.

After what I think was a 9 hour discussion, Glen (a real hero for doing this - no joke) made a motion to approve "layout 1" to withstand 50mph winds. Passes 5-2. Another motion was made to hire a consulting engineer to oversee and make sure everything done correctly. Passes 7-0

Whew!




-

Rockwall City Council 07 December

Adjourned at 7:30pm, could any damage be done in such a short time? You be the judge.

II. Mark led the invocation and pledge, including a moment of silence for those who died at Pearl Harbor which led to the US involvement in World War II, where many American soldiers fought and died for freedoms and liberties that the council believes we aren't smart enough to manage on our own.

III. Proclamations.

2. Helping Horses, Healing Hearts Day. A group that takes care of horses no one wants (including France?). They also let autistic kids ride em. The group also works with abused women and children.

1. John Browning Day. Not the gun one, the other one who writes an article found in local papers and elsewhere. 7th anniversary? He's also won some awards, and also nominated for a Pulitzer.

IV. Open Forum

No one took the opportunity to tell the city how awesome a job it is doing this month.

V. Consent Agenda.

2 and 9 pulled by Matt
6 pulled by Glen
5 pulled by Cliff

2. Approval of minutes from previous council session that had Matt left early.

5. More stringent dog tethering definitely NOT specifically directed at the largely Hispanic neighborhood, Lake Rockwall Estates. Cliff and Mark opposed, rest of council agreed with Dr Jeffrey Widmer, DVM that it was time to punish LRE for not being like the rest of Rockwall.

6. Something about installation of antennas that TxDOT is doing or Rockwall is doing. Glen pulled because he wants some kind of electronic sign put up in Rockwall (monument sign, I presume) that the city has been trying to get TxDOT to put up for a while now. The staff agrees to look into the electronic sign while negotiating the antenna thing. Passes 5-2 (Mark and Mayor Cecil opposed.)

9. Contract with KART (read: subsidize KART). Matt pulled to say that he originally opposed as he was waiting for more information from KART and now that he has it, he will support. Passes 7-0

VI. Appointments.

1. P&Z Chairman Michael Hunter mentioned the upcoming public hearing.

2. Environmental subcomittee and Allied waste presented a sales pitch for an "alternative recycling collection program." The alternative to what we have now? Pay more. For $3-4 more a month you will be able to recycle more and get "reward points" (kinda like miles on credit cards) that can be redeemed for teddy bears or foot warmers or am/fm stereo cassette recorders. (Will this be a voluntary or mandatory reward program?)

If Allied Waste was really that interested in recycling (city for that matter), why is it after 10 months and a multitude of phone calls can many of my neighbors not even get a recycling bin?

Maybe Toppo Chico and Jarritos bottles aren't worthy enough for recycling.

VII. Public Hearing.

1. Lady wants to able to let her daughter build a second home on her lot of 5 acres on Wallace Lane and needs a zoning change.

Talk about fast action!! The city didn't even ask about mansonary requirements, how long they planned to live there (assumptions were made, though), no one demanded shutters be placed on the home, no one explained to her that she knew when she bought the home that there wasn't a second home and she should just suck it up and accept that she wasn't smart enough to buy a proper tract home or one without wheels. What a difference 2 miles makes!!!!

2. Public "comments" (not a hearing) regarding the Shores Golf Course. Matt is ready to finally do it after waiting for the management company to fix the problems on the course (the problems have not been fixed, hence the forum). Glen was not (at first) in favor as he didn't think the city will be able to do anything to the course, even with public comments. Cliff thought the public comment forum would be a good time to let the rest of the city know why the city was sooo interested in the affairs of a privately operated golf course. (Obviously, this council session was not a good time, as no one explained why the city was sooo interested in the affairs of a privately operated golf course. I did find out why later, but I ain't saying. It's a conspiracy!!!)

3,4,5 dealt with annexation, aka "bureaucratic lava flow." More land added.

6. Council wants to extend length of the terms (not number of terms, set by charter at 2) for P&Z commission from 2 years to 3 years. Apparently, it takes 2 years to train a commissioner, then the city only gets 2 years of useful work out of the commissioner. That must really make our newest commissioners feel good about themselves and the "work" they do.

Does it really take 2 years to learn to ask dumb questions? Maybe it takes 2 years to get commissioners to start asking dumb questions. Hmm, I'll have to consider that for a while.

7. Expansion of notifying people of zoning (and similar) changes within 200 feet of area being changed to 1000 feet. Tabled to next meeting (2nd time at least, maybe 3rd?)

Blight Me

Prior to annexation, a lot of staff and council used the term "blight" to describe Lake Rockwall Estates.

Remember the case a few years ago where a neighborhood was deemed "blighted" in order to destroy the neighborhood so a company (Pfizer) could come in and "revitalize" the area's economy?

Yeah, not so much.

Two points to take away:

1. Using the term "blight" is an excuse that government bullying of a citizen (or group of citizens) is in the best interest of everyone not affected by said bullying.

2. A government official (elected or appointed) using the term "blight" is an indicator that the person using the word "blight" is probably a scum bag.

Rockwall City Council 16 November

Here begin the lies (at least according to some...).

III. Consent Agenda.

None pulled! Speed voting!

Things covered in consent: minutes, discontinued some program (probably good), amended employee benefit policies (probably ends up costing Rockwall money), bought some radio equipment ($$$), re-platting some land, more employee benefit stuff (more money).

V. Action Item

6. Rename the RPD's Community Service Office in honor of a volunteer who passed away. Council spent some time speaking great things of the man and his service to the Citizen's Police Academy and Citizens On Patrol.

I am all for respecting the selfless deeds of another, but I wonder what this will cost the city?

In the spirit of his selfless volunteerism, maybe we can get donations to pay for any memorials or sign changes.

No disrespect to him or his family. Really.

IV. Appointments.

1. Rockwall County Committee on Aging annual report.

Lots of Meals on Wheels delivered, that's great.

Lots of seniors helped and counciled and visited, that's great, too.

Lots of volunteers help out, that's wonderful!

$21,500 of public funds given this year from the city of Rockwall? (Other "contributions": $20,000 from county, $14,000 from state, Heath $8,000, Royse City $8,000)

Said it before, sure is easy to be "charitable" with other people's money. Guess Rockwall doesn't have enough residents to donate money voluntarily.

2. YAC kids annual trek to council. Glen is the councilman in charge of the group.

The president of the group presented two options for the YAC's community projects.

The first is a "green" propaganda campaign to make people want to save the earth from asteroids, earthquakes, volcanoes, solar flares, and man. Especially man. The only entity in the universe powerful enough to destroy a rock of 260,000,000,000 cubic miles!!!!!!

They will murder some trees for a kiosk, some books, and some pamphlets to let people help the environment. Magic will be involved to make the "carbon footprint" be zero, I assume.

Don't forget: the envinronment can recover from solar flares, earthquakes, volcanoes, and asteroids - but not man using the combustion engine or hairspray!

The second was an idea to promote Rockwall as a place to live, work and play. Not only to encourage people to live here, but to keep people as well.

Who the heck is that supposed to benefit from promoting Rockwall?!?

Anyway, the group, led by Rockwall's own Green Czar - Glen Farris, luckily chose to do the "green" project before man destroys the earth.

At least they're getting indoctrinated involved in government!

V. Action Items.

1. Bylaw changes for REDC.

2. City looking at a program to get some signs put up around town directing people to various areas of the city. Sounded like the signs would be advertising signs, directing people to different businesses that businesses pay to be on the sign. The program is run by a private company, but Rockwall would get some of the revenue generated from those signs, and the money could be used to fund other directional signs for the city (or possibly other projects?).

City looked at this a while back, but turned down because no one at the time wanted more signs in the city. But, city will look at again.

And Glen Hates Signs. Except monument.

3. Animal tethering. Again. The city wants to further restrict dog tethering, limiting tethering to two continuous hours per day. Luckily, the city will give people 30 days to comply by allowing them to spend a bunch of money to buy a fence or kennel for the dog.

Mark wanted to know how the city would enforce the 2 hour limit.

Jeffrey Widmer doesn't "think" this will be an issue. (I love it when bureaucrats use words like "believe" and "think".) This is to target people,mostly, from long term tethering. So, 2 hours and 1 second is long term? I've seen a dog clean itself for longer than that.

Mark then asked where dogs have been noticed tethered.

Widmer: "Front and back yard".

Mark then asked how the city will find out about the tethered dogs.

Widmer explained neighbors will call on neighbors. What a country!

The code enforcement will drive by and place bright orange stickers on the animals to warn owners of impending towing of the animal.

Margo wanted "exceptions" to replace the "defense to prosecution" wording. (Go, Margo!)

David wanted to know if there was specific issues that have brought this to council.

Widmer explained there were not and the city was doing "just cuz".

David then expounded asking if there was a specific problem.

Widmer "believes it is inhumane".

Someone better call the Air Force. I have personally witnessed hundreds of dogs at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio tethered with no more than a 2-foot leash for hours on end!!! Who knew little ole Rockwall was smarter than one branch of the finest military in the entire world and all of history!!!!!

Mark asked about which areas are dog-tethering havens.

Widmer: None specific, but he explained Rockwall has annexed areas....(I don't know what he said next, when my eyes rolled back into my head, they did so with such force and speed as to bruise my brain causing me temporary loss of brain function for several seconds).

Annexed areas? Let's see what's been annexed lately...mostly a bunch of big empty land and some largely Hispanic area that shall remain nameless.

I am referring to Lake Rockwall Estates. I lied about the area remaining nameless.

Glen wants exceptions put into the ordinance. (instead of "defense to prosecution", you can share the accolade with Margo).

Cliff expressed this will increase demand on city staff.

Cliff and David then expressed their support for humane reasons.

Admission the sole purpose is to address humane treatment?

From the current code:

Tying dogs. It shall be unlawful for any person to tie or tether a dog to a stationary object for a period of time or in a location so as to create an unhealthy situation for the animal or a potentially dangerous situation for a pedestrian as determined by the supervisor of animal control.

So, there is already protection language for animals in the existing code? Why the hell are they amending it?

To punish Lake Rockwall Estates. Denial isn't just a river in Egypt, Rockwall.

Mayor Cecil wants a report in 6 months about the enforcement of the code.

Wanna bet where all the violations will be cited?

Passes 4-2, Cliff and Mark opposed.

4. Glen presents a power point and video about social media and how the city should be utilizing it to get better communication between residents and the city.

Some of Glen's points:

1. The internet is the wave of the future (no, he didn't reuse a power point from 1995)
2. Newspapers print mostly bad stuff.
3. City does lots of good things that don't get reported.
4. Journalists often inject their own slant.
5. Rockwall.com not always up-to-date. (He referring to minutes being posted?)
6. City subverted by negative blogging. (I take that as a veiled endorsement.) He also mentioned Topix as an example where bad information is spread.
7. No way for city to rebut me blogs.

He may be right about Topix , but it sure is funny! (Just look for "Ann's" rantings!)

Glen then came up with a bunch of suggestions for staff to look into to start utilizing various social media.

Mark demands live video! NOW!

David said he wasn't worried about negatively blogging. And then called it "mess"! Another veiled endorsement!!

Cliff and Margo said some things as well, but nothing so awesome and David and Glen's worshipful endorsement of my blog!

Finally, only 2200 residents subscribe to the eNewsNow. Sign up, only takes a second!

5. Last item tabled until next meeting.

Over at 1950!

Rockwall City Council 2 November

III. Open Forum.

1. Lady lives on Shady Dale and doesn't want city to connect other end of Shady Dale, brought a petition.

2. Another lady was worried the name "Shady Dale" would get changed?

VII. Action Item #4

Water rates for the 4th time. Matt questioned the 12,000 gallon conservation limit, wants it raised to 15,000. Other cities nearby have higher conservation levels than 12,000. Matt pointed out the citiy's requirement that homes have large lots combined with the fact that many young families are moving into Rockwall, makes it hard to keep within the 12,000. Passes 5-2

Logic and Reason? It's more likely than you think.

IV. Consent Agenda.

2, 3, 4, 5 pulled by Cliff.

1 pulled by Mark.

6 pulled by default.

1. Minutes from previous meeting Mark skipped. Passes 6-0, Mark abstains.

2. Cliff questioned the city's contribution into the employee retirement. Employees can contribute up to 7%, city matches up to 14%!!!!! Sure is easy to be generous with other people's money. Passes 7-0.

3. Police Pursuit vehicle purchases. Cliff questioned the money. Won't cost out of budget?

4. Approval of bid award for construction of Shady Dale (or Shadydale?), see open forum. Price tag is $379,000.

Matt explained to the ladies from open forum the road plan had been in place since the 80's and funding for it just became available. Passes 7-0

Where's my fodder?!?

5. Mayor Cecil questioned the time frame on some utility work for 740 widening. Will start end of November, scheduled finish in March or April. Hopefully this will finish early as widening begins in February. (I think) Awarded the bid for the work 7-0.

6. SUP for some solar panels, 2nd reading, passes 7-0.

V. Appointments.

1. P&Z Chairman Michael Hunter noted the P&Z vote on Appointment #3, 5-1.

2. Omega Hawkins, GM of KART presented annual report of KART's activities. They scoot around a lot of people.

City of Rockwall contributes $20,000.

Matt asked about ridership and other cities' contributions. 15k riders from Rockwall (City), out of 106k rides. Terrel contributes $10k, Royse City - $10k, Forney $0 (that's zero). Rest of funding comes from contracts (shuttling private events) and state funding.

When asked for more information about ridership and contributions, she didn't have that info.

Essentially, Rockwall is subsidizing other cities.

Cliff noted that the city is subsidizing $1.20 per city rider.

David asked about number of Rockwall County riders, she didn't know. Mr Sweet also asked about the riders of other cities in Rockwall County (she didn't know).

City of Kaufman and Kaufman County have contributed squat for this year to KART - KAUFMAN Area Rural Transportation.

Matt and David voiced opposition to giving KART money without knowing the breakdown of the information they questioned. Matt wants to make sure the city is paying it's fair share.

Matt on a roll!! 3-0 for the night!

3. Fella wants to add on a small room to his manufactured home in LRE.

Margo doesn't think it will add value to the home and property. Huh?

Mayor Cecil wanted to know about brick and stone requirements. Hardi-board would be the outside.

Fella bought the home 8 months ago and has been fixing it up ever since. Lives in the 3 bedroom (or 2?) with his wife and 6 kids.

Cliff said the PD was passed to help clean-up properties and approving this will lead to more requests similar. Cliff wants the engineered stamped plans before he would approve. He explained to the owner that he bought the home knowing how many kids he had and should just live with the poor decision he made.

Glen asked how long the owner planned to live there. The plan is to make the home a little more livable until he can totally replace the manufactured home with a stick built home in the future.

Matt didn't think it will improve the area. -.25

Glen asked to table until the next meeting to have more time to consider. David also supported this idea, as did Mark.

Margo said it would not make the original better. (I wonder what would, maybe some low income rental housing?)

Mark asked what other repairs had been done: interior has had extensive work, and he is only beginning to work on the exterior.

Margo made a motion to deny. Passes (to deny) 4-3.

VI. Public Hearing.

6 items, all about annexation. No one spoke.

VII. Action Items.

1. Leonard Sinelli Parking Edifice at the Park at Fox Chase. City is leasing 1 acre, will have 22 parking spaces (room for 70). Will start December 1st.

2. "Discuss and consider approval of a resolution accepting and supporting the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program and take any necessary action." Nuff said?

3. "GetFitTexas" program coming to Rockwall to promote fitness in Rockwall. Rockwall has the chance to be named "fittest" city in Texas. I hope so. I will definitely show up for that photo-op!

--

Actions from Executive Committee.

Lots of stuff read by David in his best impression of the Micro-machines guy.

Right of ways aquired, money spent, folks named to some boards and/or committees.

Early night!

Rockwall City Council 19 October

Very short this one! I will of course give credit to several members of council who seemed to try and stretch out the meeting.

III. Proclamations.

1. Something for schools. RISD asked to do the presentation at a school (or all the schools?). Which school will be the lucky recipient?

IV. Consent Agenda.

1. Pulled by Margo. (Relating to minutes of meeting when she was absent) Passes 6-0

3. Pulled by Glen. Something about a facilities agreement. Glen asked what type of business and Cliff wanted to know if there was going to be paved parking. Passes 6-0.

2. Stone Creek development changes approved, 6-0.

V. Appointments.

1. Chairman Michael Hunter from the P&Z Commission. Mentioned P&Z recommendations for an SUP for some solar panels coming up in the public hearing.

2. Citizen's Police Academy Alumni Association thanked council for the quasi-police cruisers. Also, they presented a check in the amount of $277,929.60 symbolic of the 13,362 hours donated to the city over the last few years. Mayor Cecil, a CPA Alumnus, has donated more than 800 hours of his time.

Chief Moeller received a grant check for $10,000 to be used for various police purchases. So, the police department has to go out and beg the state or feds for grants? 10 Grand? That was about the cost of "dedication" plaques for the new fire stations. Sheesh. Glad we have our priorities straight.

VI. Public Hearings.

1. Some guy wants to put in some solar panels. Glen loves the idea and fully endorses it. (Why not make it easier then? Why do people have to come begging the city for something like this? Why isn't there at least an ordinance allowing this to be done by permit?)

Mayor Cecil asked what the expected return of investment would be. Since the homeowner is doing the installation himself, it will only cost $10,000, AND it will pay for itself 100% the "DAY IT GOES IN." That is a helluva lot of electricity!!!!!!

Glen was real curious about the estimated savings.

VII. Action Items.

1. Boat dock at Harbor project, allow the project to proceed. For some reason there was a waiver of some fire code, no one said what exactly. Passes 6-0.

2. Fire Chief getting some grant money to buy a new "brush truck". Again with the grants? As I recall the fire chief was the one asking for the $10,000 plaques. I'm no fire expert, but maybe plaques are as instrumental in putting out fires as a fire truck.

3. 3rd time for water rate hike discussion. Margo asked it be tabled since Mark was not present. She thought it respectful to honor the request of council members who ask that items be tabled when they are unable to attend a council meeting. Was that a dig at actions from the previous meeting? If so, Bravo.

4. City bout to do some wreckin in LRE. 3 house going down! This is great news...for the property owner. The city spends the money (around $2,000) and puts a lien on the property. All the owner has to do is wait a few years for the property value to increase to sell it and not really lose any money! I would even guess the city spending $2,000 will make the land more valuable immediately!

City Attorney Pete Eckert wanted to make sure the owners weren't present in the audience, and had the Mayor call their names. They weren't.

How much will this cost the city over the next few years if unable to collect? There's a BUNCH of home marked as demolishable.

5. YAC Bylaws approval. Approved.

Few things I like more than a do nothing government!

"To do nothing at all is the most difficult thing in the world. The most difficult and the most intellectual." -Oscar Wilde