The World Series kept the meeting short, luckily preventing the amount of damage our council could do.
Too bad we don't have a World Series more often.
Note. Certain thin-skinned folk had their feelings hurt from comments on my last blog. To prevent that happening this time, I will omit their name in this blog. I will not mention which councilman in order to prevent embarrassment.
Mayor Bill Cecil and Councilman Mark Russo absent.
III. Proclamations.
1. Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
Councilman David Sweet presented the proclamation to a couple citizens who have lost family to pancreatic cancer. Both are involved with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
3. Animal Shelter Appreciation Week.
Councilman Cliff Sevier presented the city's proclamation to the city to let all citizens in the city know what a great job the city does. The city gracefully accepted it's own proclamation.
2. Herb Moltzan Appreciation Week.
Mayor Pro Tem ____ _____ presented the proclamation to Herb Moltzan who served on the Parks Board for 10 years. Mayor Pro Tem ____ _____ served with Mr Moltzan for 3 years on the Parks Board.
IV. Open Forum.
Nothing.
V. Consent Agenda.
None Pulled.
VI. Appointments.
1. Rockwall County Committee on Aging. Gave the annual report showing lots of meal on wheels were handed out. They also need the city to give them $21,500. Councilwoman Margo Nielsen made the motion, which passed 5-0.
VII. Action Items.
1. Continued discussion of directional signs for downtown. The city staff rejected Councilman Sevier's suggestion of teaming with National Sign Plazas as the free signs now cost $3500 each. The city staff proposes to do signs in-house at a cost of about $500 each.
A brief discussion as how more signs will improve the city, contradicting previous statements by council that "sign pollution" was the 2nd greatest blight on the city of Rockwall. (Lake Rockwall Estates being the first, of course), led to a motion to have the Main Street committee look into sign needs for downtown.
Surprisingly, Mayor Pro Tem ____ _____, who normally hates sign pollution more than he hated being mocked in a previous blog, was silent on the issue of more pole signs in the city.
I guess it's ok to clutter the city with signs, so long as the city is the one doing it.
2. Rockwall Kennel Club is a new PR program by the city that automatically enrolls you as a member when you adopt an animal from the city pound.
3. Council got to spend some money to plan and promote the upcoming $60,000,000 (my estimate) bond election. During a recession. With 10% unemployment. And predicted inflation. And record high foreclosures.
Wat coud posibly go wrond?
4. A Christmas Market will be held on San Jacinto during the Christmas Parade on Dec 4, permit needed to close the road.
5. Cranky guy who complained about a wall between his house and the new apartments on Yellow Jacket got a compromise. The wall will be masonry, then tubular steel - by the trees he didn't want destroyed- then masonry again.
Adjourned just shy of 7pm! Short meetings are possible, but only because Rangers trump talking to hear one's own voice.
Showing posts with label signs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label signs. Show all posts
Monday, November 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Rockwall City Council 19 July
The 6:00pm meeting started promptly at 6:05pm.
III. Consent Agenda.
All Passed 6-0.
There was some discussion of upcoming development on the large area west of Ridge Road where Alamo St is interrupted.
IV. Appointments.
1. P&Z Chairman Hunter briefly talked about the upcoming public hearing on a replat that wasn't heard at the last P&Z because the applicant was a no-show.
Motion to continue until next meeting.
2. Lady wants to build some parking spaces at her business downtown on public right-of-way.
Passes without discussion 6-0.
3. Almost exactly the same (different lady) as #2. Passes 6-0.
V. Public Hearings.
1. See appointment #1.
VI. Action Items.
1. Pergola thing from last meeting is back. After a lengthy coma-inducing discussion, council is sending the item to Dallas for approval.
4 & 5. Extension of 212 agreements for undeveloped areas under consideration for annexation (mostly or completely surrounded by city anyways).
Mayor Pro Tem Glen Farris expressed that he opposes the annexation of the areas unless it was to regulate development.
Motion to begin annexation passed 4-2, Councilman Russo and Mayor Pro Tem Farris opposed.
3. Donor recognition signs from last meeting are back.
Little discussion, but self-designated sign-Nazi Farris wanted pole signs excluded from the donor sign allowance.
He explained that if these signs were up along the I-30 corridor (only place pole signs allowed), it would cause confusion finding things.
In other words, signs would make it hard to find the place you want to go.
Plus, Glen hates pole signs. Example of a Pole sign:
Passed 6-0.
2. Directional signs. Discussed back in November. The signs would be privately maintained, and would b e used to direct people to areas around town (Harbor, Downtown) and businesses in those areas. The businesses on the signs would pay the private company and the city would get a percentage of those sales. Home builders would not be allowed to advertise. The issue was brought forth to council (both times) by Councilman Sevier, who explained this program would be ideal to help promote areas like the Harbor and Downtown.
The discussion revolved around making it easy to get around town and reduce confusion while searching for a business.
In other words, signs would make it easy to find the place you want to go.
Motion to get staff to look at (again presumably, as it was the same request in November), passes 6-0.
The following item was not on the agenda posted Friday afternoon:
6. Actual wording from the agenda amendment :
Here's how the law is written:
III. Consent Agenda.
All Passed 6-0.
There was some discussion of upcoming development on the large area west of Ridge Road where Alamo St is interrupted.
IV. Appointments.
1. P&Z Chairman Hunter briefly talked about the upcoming public hearing on a replat that wasn't heard at the last P&Z because the applicant was a no-show.
Motion to continue until next meeting.
2. Lady wants to build some parking spaces at her business downtown on public right-of-way.
Passes without discussion 6-0.
3. Almost exactly the same (different lady) as #2. Passes 6-0.
V. Public Hearings.
1. See appointment #1.
VI. Action Items.
1. Pergola thing from last meeting is back. After a lengthy coma-inducing discussion, council is sending the item to Dallas for approval.
4 & 5. Extension of 212 agreements for undeveloped areas under consideration for annexation (mostly or completely surrounded by city anyways).
Mayor Pro Tem Glen Farris expressed that he opposes the annexation of the areas unless it was to regulate development.
Motion to begin annexation passed 4-2, Councilman Russo and Mayor Pro Tem Farris opposed.
3. Donor recognition signs from last meeting are back.
Little discussion, but self-designated sign-Nazi Farris wanted pole signs excluded from the donor sign allowance.
He explained that if these signs were up along the I-30 corridor (only place pole signs allowed), it would cause confusion finding things.
In other words, signs would make it hard to find the place you want to go.
Plus, Glen hates pole signs. Example of a Pole sign:
Passed 6-0.
2. Directional signs. Discussed back in November. The signs would be privately maintained, and would b e used to direct people to areas around town (Harbor, Downtown) and businesses in those areas. The businesses on the signs would pay the private company and the city would get a percentage of those sales. Home builders would not be allowed to advertise. The issue was brought forth to council (both times) by Councilman Sevier, who explained this program would be ideal to help promote areas like the Harbor and Downtown.
The discussion revolved around making it easy to get around town and reduce confusion while searching for a business.
In other words, signs would make it easy to find the place you want to go.
Motion to get staff to look at (again presumably, as it was the same request in November), passes 6-0.
The following item was not on the agenda posted Friday afternoon:
6. Actual wording from the agenda amendment :
6. * Discuss and consider maintenance issues at the Shores Golf Course, and take any action necessary.
* Justification: This is an emergency agenda item. Due to maintenance conditions, including irrigation deficiencies and the extreme heat observed today, July 19th, at the Shores Golf Course, discussion and possible action may be required to ensure protection of City controlled property.Here's how the law is written:
Sec. 551.045. EXCEPTION TO GENERAL RULE: NOTICE OF EMERGENCY MEETING OR EMERGENCY ADDITION TO AGENDA. (a) In an emergency or when there is an urgent public necessity, the notice of a meeting or the supplemental notice of a subject added as an item to the agenda for a meeting for which notice has been posted in accordance with this subchapter is sufficient if it is posted for at least two hours before the meeting is convened.
(b) An emergency or an urgent public necessity exists only if immediate action is required of a governmental body because of:
(1) an imminent threat to public health and safety; or
(2) a reasonably unforeseeable situation.
(c) The governmental body shall clearly identify the emergency or urgent public necessity in the notice or supplemental notice under this section.
(d) A person who is designated or authorized to post notice of a meeting by a governmental body under this subchapter shall post the notice taking at face value the governmental body's stated reason for the emergency or urgent public necessity.
(e) For purposes of Subsection (b)(2), the sudden relocation of a large number of residents from the area of a declared disaster to a governmental body's jurisdiction is considered a reasonably unforeseeable situation for a reasonable period immediately following the relocation. Notice of an emergency meeting or supplemental notice of an emergency item added to the agenda of a meeting to address a situation described by this subsection must be given to members of the news media as provided by Section 551.047 not later than one hour before the meeting.
Possible examples of"(1) an imminent threat to public health and safety; or
(2) a reasonably unforeseeable situation."
Flooding.
Tornado.
The moon crashing into the earth.
Praxis exploding.
Is lawn maintenance of a private golf course an example of
"(1) an imminent threat to public health and safety; or
(2) a reasonably unforeseeable situation."?
Dead grass.
Dead grass.
A worthy and important issue? Probably.
Is it worth possibly violating state law? I'm not Greg Abbot. What was so vitally important as to amend the agenda at noon, was no longer important at 7:30pm. The item was removed from the agenda. (Several in audience were quite unhappy about that, too.)
Is it worth possibly violating state law? I'm not Greg Abbot. What was so vitally important as to amend the agenda at noon, was no longer important at 7:30pm. The item was removed from the agenda. (Several in audience were quite unhappy about that, too.)
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
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
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....)
I will no longer encourage the popular mantra "Go Vote" just to vote and "make sure your voice is heard".
3-8-10
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....)
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Signs, signs, everywhere it's asinine
On more than more occasion the staff has bragged to council when presenting codes that they are following other cities and/or copying the wording of code enforcement and ordinance.
Let's be like other cities!
The city is on a mission to keep Rockwall from becoming "something bad and mysterious" that is apparently caused by businesses advertising. I have yet to hear from council or staff exactly what it is they are protecting Rockwall from by creating very restrictive sign ordinances.
Increased revenue for the city coffers?
Should Rockwall really be emulating other cities? Is this a sign that other cities are doing things better than Rockwall? I live in Rockwall, and have done so for the last 23 years, because I like Rockwall. If I wanted to live in some crap fest like Plano or Dallas, I would. If you like what other cities are doing, go there if you think it's better. Don't bring it to Rockwall.
Prosperous business is good for the city. That is not a complicated concept.
Signs increasethe chance for a business to prosper. How can this be so??? Because people can find things.
The city may be the worst offender regarding signs. What's the biggest "sign" in the city? The water tower?
How many of those awful pole signs has the city installed over the last 150+ years? How many intersections are there?
Why hasn't the city mandated "monument" signs instead of pole signs for street signs? Answer: because it makes it easier to find things. What a concept.
The city puts up banner signs at several major roadway intersections. No problem. If you have a business that does that in front of your business? Problem.
The city doesn't like your company vehicle with advertising on it where it can be seen, yet the city does so with all of the city's own vehicles!
If those on council are so against "sign clutter", why do they put up their own campaign signs for 2 months? Should they not lead by example? If our most "anti-sign because internet is the best way to market" councilman runs for re-election next year, will he put up signs if he gets an opponent or rely on internet marketing?
Rockwall is the best place to live and work.
Dallas is corrupt and broke and falling apart. Let's not "copy" Dallas (or any other place).
Let's be like other cities!
The city is on a mission to keep Rockwall from becoming "something bad and mysterious" that is apparently caused by businesses advertising. I have yet to hear from council or staff exactly what it is they are protecting Rockwall from by creating very restrictive sign ordinances.
Increased revenue for the city coffers?
Should Rockwall really be emulating other cities? Is this a sign that other cities are doing things better than Rockwall? I live in Rockwall, and have done so for the last 23 years, because I like Rockwall. If I wanted to live in some crap fest like Plano or Dallas, I would. If you like what other cities are doing, go there if you think it's better. Don't bring it to Rockwall.
Prosperous business is good for the city. That is not a complicated concept.
Signs increasethe chance for a business to prosper. How can this be so??? Because people can find things.
The city may be the worst offender regarding signs. What's the biggest "sign" in the city? The water tower?
How many of those awful pole signs has the city installed over the last 150+ years? How many intersections are there?
Why hasn't the city mandated "monument" signs instead of pole signs for street signs? Answer: because it makes it easier to find things. What a concept.
The city puts up banner signs at several major roadway intersections. No problem. If you have a business that does that in front of your business? Problem.
The city doesn't like your company vehicle with advertising on it where it can be seen, yet the city does so with all of the city's own vehicles!
If those on council are so against "sign clutter", why do they put up their own campaign signs for 2 months? Should they not lead by example? If our most "anti-sign because internet is the best way to market" councilman runs for re-election next year, will he put up signs if he gets an opponent or rely on internet marketing?
Rockwall is the best place to live and work.
Dallas is corrupt and broke and falling apart. Let's not "copy" Dallas (or any other place).
Monday, February 22, 2010
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"
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"
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
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!
-
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!
-
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