List of all employee salaries for the city of Rockwall.
http://rowlettreporter.com/?page_id=290#
Special Thanks to Jerry Berrgren at rowlettreporter.com.
Jerry has also listed the city of Rowlett salaries on rowlettreporter.com.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Friday, December 31, 2010
Rockwall City Council 20 December
Last meeting of the year and they didn't waste anytime screwing over the taxpayers!
Few actions from Backroom Dealings aka "Executive Session".
- Development agreement with Presbyterian Hospital. Passed 7-0
-Something about park projects. Passed 7-0
-From the minutes: "Councilmember Scott made a motion authorize the city manager to execute
development agreements with Harbor Heights Investors subject to resolving the insurance questions, confirming the legal descriptions of the properties involved and approval of the agreements as to legal form." Passed 6-1, Councilman Sevier opposed.
This was regarding PD-32, part of the failed (regardless of what some clueless morons say) Harbor Project. This motion was to move ahead and spend $9,000,000 to put in infrastructure for a new speculative office building.
What you say? When did we start absorbing costs for developers? New to me, too. It is far beyond normal and customary practice for the city to pay for costs that are part of normal commercial development.
There are the defenders of this action (which was a deliberately ambiguous motion if you remember) who will say this will do "this" or "that" and bring in trillions of dollars to Rockwall and this will help the Harbor (why would it need help it it wasn't a failure as some state?) If you recall further the reason for the taxpayer "investment" into PD-32 was to increase "foot traffic" from new residents in homes and apartments...
Anyway what's really going on is political favoring and backroom deals at the expense of the taxpayer. Nothing is being discussed openly or honestly. No one will know anything about it until this part of the harbor fails and we'll be sitting on even more millions upon millions of debt.
Merry Christmas from the City of Rockwall.
Only Councilman Sevier cast the honest vote. The rest gave the proverbial middle finger, albeit secretly, to the rest of us.
III. Consent Agenda.
Councilman Scott pulled items 2,3,6.
Remaining items passed 7-0.
Items 2 and 3 regarded minutes.
Item 6 was Mr Scott's traffic light project at Ralph Hall and 3097. $31,200 for the project, not to mention the destruction of all the foliage. Reason pulled 12% - talk about the project, 78% - grandstand for the audience.
IV Appointments.
1. Planning and Zoning Chairman. Quite a few items, nothing reaching national security level, so I won't detail.
VIII. Action Items.
3. City renaming a portion of FM 3549 to Stoghill Rd. Sounds easy, but it was apparantly Grandstand Night at the Apollo, so Mr Sweet, Mr Scott, and Mr Russo blathered on for 20 minutes about how easy a decision it was to make renaming a street. Not quite as easy as screwing over the taxpayers for $9 million, but still pretty easy.
6. Renaming Caruth Lake to Raymond Cameron Lake. Mr Cameron has been a long time resident of Rockwall and contributed much to the city.
Also, as Councilman Scott noted, the city got involved in litigation with the Caruth family which "caused a lot of heartache" a short time ago, so renaming the lake was a great opportunity to show others what happens if you mess with the city. Watch out, Mr Hubbard.
IV. Appointments.
2. Leadership Rockwall is going to build a Rockwall County dog park at Harry Myers. It was pProposed that it won't cost the city anything to build or maintain for one year. City will resume maintenance (the Parks Dept already does maintain the area in question) after the first year of operation.
Mr Russo commended the project and expressed how this has been a "need" for Rockwall.
(Quick question, does any politician really know the difference between a "need" and a "want?)
No money has been raised (around $11,000 needed), but there are many companies that have pledged support.
Few comments from various council including one jerky response from Mr Scott to Mr Sevier's comments about a previous motion from Mr Sevier to keep dogs out of the Kids Zone at Harry Myers.
The Mayor noted that it was a county project, but all contributions from governmental entities were from the city of Rockwall.
The answer was basically that Rockwall as the only city with any means.
Acceptance of project passed 7-0.
3. Presentation of City's Strategic Business Plan.
Truthfully, the girl who did the presentation was nice and professional, but the content was drier than a klejner.
V. Public Hearing Items.
1. Lady wants to open a B&B in one bedroom at her house.
-Would only operate Friday nights and Saturday nights
-She met all requirements for the SUP
-SUP would be reviewed in 6 months (basically, giving her a trial run)
Caused a lot of debate and discussion, but when it came down to asking the neighbors' opinion (via 14 or so mailed inquiries), 5 supported (all on her cul-du-sac), 3 opposed (actually 4 opposed, but ANONYMOUS RESPONSES ARE NOT CONSIDERED UNLESS THEY ARE MENTIONED DURING DELIBERATION THEREBY SKEWING THE OBJECTIVITY OF THE DISCUSSION).
The 3 opposition came from one residence on another street and 2 from Lake Pointe Church (2 of the churches soccer fields were in the notification zone).
Mathematically speaking 5 for, 2 against. And the non responses are tacit acceptance, therefore affirmative votes. Not that anyone on council cares enough to know that.
Not quite the 50% opposition Mr Scott and Mr Sweet kept espousing, but lawyers don't need math and muffins always come in 12's, so math ain't a daily brain battler for these two.
In the end the neighbors' opinion was not considered and Mr Scott didn't believe anyone would stay in a B&B near a Target and Home Depot and gave several other subjective reasons why he opposed.
Mr Sweet concurred with Mr Scott by taking out a small tape recorder and just before playing back into the microphone what Mr Scott finished saying seconds before He said, "And my personal opinion of this is:"
Mr Russo asked from whom the anonymous opposition came.
Mayor Pro Tem Farris and Councilmember Nielsen were the only ones who wanted to give the chance to see how it would play for the next 6 months. Failed 5-2.
2. Rezoning of some land from Ag to Commercial. Continued to January 18th.
3. Guy wants to open a bail bond place and needs an SUP. Passed 7-0.
4. New McDonald's by Tom Thumb needs drive-thru (will be a double drive-thru) approval. Got it 7-0.
VI. Site Plans/Plats.
1. New bank going in by Home Depot doesn't meet the masonry standard of monotony. This time the masonry standard wasn't important and the exception was granted 7-0.
(Mr Scott left at this point.)
VII. Action Items.
1. Sign variance for new JoAnn store. Passed 6-0.
2. Annexation item postponed to January 18th.
4. Contract for vet to fix animals at the animal clinic. Passed 6-0.
5. No idea, something vague about Chandler's Landing. Probably something about spending a was of taxpayers money. Passed 6-0.
7. State law forcing the city to change the employee benefits due to population change. Passed 6-0.
8. Big damned electronic sign to let folks who drive passed the sign know when community events are happening.
Gonna cost somewhere between $40k and $100k and no one can agree where to put it.
I've got a suggestion where to put it.
Few actions from Backroom Dealings aka "Executive Session".
- Development agreement with Presbyterian Hospital. Passed 7-0
-Something about park projects. Passed 7-0
-From the minutes: "Councilmember Scott made a motion authorize the city manager to execute
development agreements with Harbor Heights Investors subject to resolving the insurance questions, confirming the legal descriptions of the properties involved and approval of the agreements as to legal form." Passed 6-1, Councilman Sevier opposed.
This was regarding PD-32, part of the failed (regardless of what some clueless morons say) Harbor Project. This motion was to move ahead and spend $9,000,000 to put in infrastructure for a new speculative office building.
What you say? When did we start absorbing costs for developers? New to me, too. It is far beyond normal and customary practice for the city to pay for costs that are part of normal commercial development.
There are the defenders of this action (which was a deliberately ambiguous motion if you remember) who will say this will do "this" or "that" and bring in trillions of dollars to Rockwall and this will help the Harbor (why would it need help it it wasn't a failure as some state?) If you recall further the reason for the taxpayer "investment" into PD-32 was to increase "foot traffic" from new residents in homes and apartments...
Anyway what's really going on is political favoring and backroom deals at the expense of the taxpayer. Nothing is being discussed openly or honestly. No one will know anything about it until this part of the harbor fails and we'll be sitting on even more millions upon millions of debt.
Merry Christmas from the City of Rockwall.
Only Councilman Sevier cast the honest vote. The rest gave the proverbial middle finger, albeit secretly, to the rest of us.
III. Consent Agenda.
Councilman Scott pulled items 2,3,6.
Remaining items passed 7-0.
Items 2 and 3 regarded minutes.
Item 6 was Mr Scott's traffic light project at Ralph Hall and 3097. $31,200 for the project, not to mention the destruction of all the foliage. Reason pulled 12% - talk about the project, 78% - grandstand for the audience.
IV Appointments.
1. Planning and Zoning Chairman. Quite a few items, nothing reaching national security level, so I won't detail.
VIII. Action Items.
3. City renaming a portion of FM 3549 to Stoghill Rd. Sounds easy, but it was apparantly Grandstand Night at the Apollo, so Mr Sweet, Mr Scott, and Mr Russo blathered on for 20 minutes about how easy a decision it was to make renaming a street. Not quite as easy as screwing over the taxpayers for $9 million, but still pretty easy.
6. Renaming Caruth Lake to Raymond Cameron Lake. Mr Cameron has been a long time resident of Rockwall and contributed much to the city.
Also, as Councilman Scott noted, the city got involved in litigation with the Caruth family which "caused a lot of heartache" a short time ago, so renaming the lake was a great opportunity to show others what happens if you mess with the city. Watch out, Mr Hubbard.
IV. Appointments.
2. Leadership Rockwall is going to build a Rockwall County dog park at Harry Myers. It was pProposed that it won't cost the city anything to build or maintain for one year. City will resume maintenance (the Parks Dept already does maintain the area in question) after the first year of operation.
Mr Russo commended the project and expressed how this has been a "need" for Rockwall.
(Quick question, does any politician really know the difference between a "need" and a "want?)
No money has been raised (around $11,000 needed), but there are many companies that have pledged support.
Few comments from various council including one jerky response from Mr Scott to Mr Sevier's comments about a previous motion from Mr Sevier to keep dogs out of the Kids Zone at Harry Myers.
The Mayor noted that it was a county project, but all contributions from governmental entities were from the city of Rockwall.
The answer was basically that Rockwall as the only city with any means.
Acceptance of project passed 7-0.
3. Presentation of City's Strategic Business Plan.
Truthfully, the girl who did the presentation was nice and professional, but the content was drier than a klejner.
V. Public Hearing Items.
1. Lady wants to open a B&B in one bedroom at her house.
-Would only operate Friday nights and Saturday nights
-She met all requirements for the SUP
-SUP would be reviewed in 6 months (basically, giving her a trial run)
Caused a lot of debate and discussion, but when it came down to asking the neighbors' opinion (via 14 or so mailed inquiries), 5 supported (all on her cul-du-sac), 3 opposed (actually 4 opposed, but ANONYMOUS RESPONSES ARE NOT CONSIDERED UNLESS THEY ARE MENTIONED DURING DELIBERATION THEREBY SKEWING THE OBJECTIVITY OF THE DISCUSSION).
The 3 opposition came from one residence on another street and 2 from Lake Pointe Church (2 of the churches soccer fields were in the notification zone).
Mathematically speaking 5 for, 2 against. And the non responses are tacit acceptance, therefore affirmative votes. Not that anyone on council cares enough to know that.
Not quite the 50% opposition Mr Scott and Mr Sweet kept espousing, but lawyers don't need math and muffins always come in 12's, so math ain't a daily brain battler for these two.
In the end the neighbors' opinion was not considered and Mr Scott didn't believe anyone would stay in a B&B near a Target and Home Depot and gave several other subjective reasons why he opposed.
Mr Sweet concurred with Mr Scott by taking out a small tape recorder and just before playing back into the microphone what Mr Scott finished saying seconds before He said, "And my personal opinion of this is:
Mr Russo asked from whom the anonymous opposition came.
Mayor Pro Tem Farris and Councilmember Nielsen were the only ones who wanted to give the chance to see how it would play for the next 6 months. Failed 5-2.
2. Rezoning of some land from Ag to Commercial. Continued to January 18th.
3. Guy wants to open a bail bond place and needs an SUP. Passed 7-0.
4. New McDonald's by Tom Thumb needs drive-thru (will be a double drive-thru) approval. Got it 7-0.
VI. Site Plans/Plats.
1. New bank going in by Home Depot doesn't meet the masonry standard of monotony. This time the masonry standard wasn't important and the exception was granted 7-0.
(Mr Scott left at this point.)
VII. Action Items.
1. Sign variance for new JoAnn store. Passed 6-0.
2. Annexation item postponed to January 18th.
4. Contract for vet to fix animals at the animal clinic. Passed 6-0.
5. No idea, something vague about Chandler's Landing. Probably something about spending a was of taxpayers money. Passed 6-0.
7. State law forcing the city to change the employee benefits due to population change. Passed 6-0.
8. Big damned electronic sign to let folks who drive passed the sign know when community events are happening.
Gonna cost somewhere between $40k and $100k and no one can agree where to put it.
I've got a suggestion where to put it.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Rockwall City Council 6 December
Actions from Executive Committee.
Reappointed a bunch of cronies to various boards.
III. Proclamations.
1. Council recognized city staff that completed "Rockwall University"; staff members spend time learning about other departments. Upon completion they get knowledge, a certificate, and money, amount not disclosed.
VI. Open Forum.
...................................................................................
V. Consent Agenda.
Councilman Sevier pulled #7, rest approved 7-0.
7. Councilman Sevier asked to postpone the vote to next meeting for the owner of land in conjunction with a 212 agreement would have time to fill out paperwork.
Councilman Scott verbosely opposed the plan.
VI. Appointments.
1. P&Z Chairman Herbst presented the P&Z's decision on a new business at the bankrupt Harbor project. Paradise Burger had presented plans for a metal canopy that didn't look the same once built. P&Z didn't like the new roof "look", and claimed it didn't "fit" the Harbor. (If it were a closed-down business, it would definitely "fit.")
Want Paradise Burger to change the canopy from patchwork to uniform. Rockwall loves monotony.
2. Moved to next council meeting.
3. Judge Cathy Penn presented the yearly report for the municipal court.
-17,000 cases had gone through court at the end of the fiscal year (Aug 31, 2010).
-Mostly traffic violations.
-17% were state code offenses.
VII. Site Plans/Plats.
1. Paradise Burger from above.
Problem:
-Exceeds the 10% maximum of non-masonry material standard.
-Built canopy different from presented plan
-P&Z ok with metal roof, but not look of "rusty" panels.
The representative of Paradise Burger explained that the plan didn't show the 2D vs 3D difference. They are also trying to create a more relaxed atmosphere at the Harbor to attract more patrons. (Note to burger guy, attractive stores offering goods that people want will not positively affect patronage at the Harbor. According to the council, "foot traffic" from apartments they want built nearby is the only remedy.)
Mayor Pro Tem Farris opposed, stating "we spent a lot of time planning the (bankrupt) Harbor."
Nose, say good-bye to face.
Passed with P&Z recommendations, 6-1.
VIII. Action Items.
1. Addendum to contract with trash company to extend to 5 years. This does not lock in the rate. Passed 6-1. Councilman Sweet opposed not going out for bid.
2. Discussion of upcoming citizen survey. Discussion revolved around content and a lucky few who gets the special survey.
When mentioned that the survey would include questions in Spanish, Councilman Scott's finger moved so fast for the speak button, it nearly detached from his hand.
Mr Scott expressed opposition to certain questions and doing the survey in Spanish for "philosophical" reasons.
Councilman Russo asked about online options.
Mr Farris asked about including a question asking if people are willing to pay for the city's wish lists.
Councilman Sweet stated he agreed with Mr Scott's position about including questions in Spanish.
Councilman Sevier noted that the 3000+ non-English speaking new citizens in Rockwall didn't move to Rockwall, Rockwall moved to them (us) (That is Lake Rockwall Estates, aka The Zoo.) Not including the opinions of those residents will skew the survey. He concluded that the city knew before annexation that the vast majority speak Spanish as a first language.
Mr Farris made a motion to table until the 2nd meeting in January for more time to consider the survey. Passed 7-0.
3. Councilman Russo wants the city to help you find your lost dog using the website and social media. Staff is looking into this idea.
Reappointed a bunch of cronies to various boards.
III. Proclamations.
1. Council recognized city staff that completed "Rockwall University"; staff members spend time learning about other departments. Upon completion they get knowledge, a certificate, and money, amount not disclosed.
VI. Open Forum.
...................................................................................
V. Consent Agenda.
Councilman Sevier pulled #7, rest approved 7-0.
7. Councilman Sevier asked to postpone the vote to next meeting for the owner of land in conjunction with a 212 agreement would have time to fill out paperwork.
Councilman Scott verbosely opposed the plan.
VI. Appointments.
1. P&Z Chairman Herbst presented the P&Z's decision on a new business at the bankrupt Harbor project. Paradise Burger had presented plans for a metal canopy that didn't look the same once built. P&Z didn't like the new roof "look", and claimed it didn't "fit" the Harbor. (If it were a closed-down business, it would definitely "fit.")
Want Paradise Burger to change the canopy from patchwork to uniform. Rockwall loves monotony.
2. Moved to next council meeting.
3. Judge Cathy Penn presented the yearly report for the municipal court.
-17,000 cases had gone through court at the end of the fiscal year (Aug 31, 2010).
-Mostly traffic violations.
-17% were state code offenses.
VII. Site Plans/Plats.
1. Paradise Burger from above.
Problem:
-Exceeds the 10% maximum of non-masonry material standard.
-Built canopy different from presented plan
-P&Z ok with metal roof, but not look of "rusty" panels.
The representative of Paradise Burger explained that the plan didn't show the 2D vs 3D difference. They are also trying to create a more relaxed atmosphere at the Harbor to attract more patrons. (Note to burger guy, attractive stores offering goods that people want will not positively affect patronage at the Harbor. According to the council, "foot traffic" from apartments they want built nearby is the only remedy.)
Mayor Pro Tem Farris opposed, stating "we spent a lot of time planning the (bankrupt) Harbor."
Nose, say good-bye to face.
Passed with P&Z recommendations, 6-1.
VIII. Action Items.
1. Addendum to contract with trash company to extend to 5 years. This does not lock in the rate. Passed 6-1. Councilman Sweet opposed not going out for bid.
2. Discussion of upcoming citizen survey. Discussion revolved around content and a lucky few who gets the special survey.
When mentioned that the survey would include questions in Spanish, Councilman Scott's finger moved so fast for the speak button, it nearly detached from his hand.
Mr Scott expressed opposition to certain questions and doing the survey in Spanish for "philosophical" reasons.
Councilman Russo asked about online options.
Mr Farris asked about including a question asking if people are willing to pay for the city's wish lists.
Councilman Sweet stated he agreed with Mr Scott's position about including questions in Spanish.
Councilman Sevier noted that the 3000+ non-English speaking new citizens in Rockwall didn't move to Rockwall, Rockwall moved to them (us) (That is Lake Rockwall Estates, aka The Zoo.) Not including the opinions of those residents will skew the survey. He concluded that the city knew before annexation that the vast majority speak Spanish as a first language.
Mr Farris made a motion to table until the 2nd meeting in January for more time to consider the survey. Passed 7-0.
3. Councilman Russo wants the city to help you find your lost dog using the website and social media. Staff is looking into this idea.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Rockwall City Council 15 November
The Youth Advisory Council (or YACs) was present "shadowing" council and staff. Never too early to start learning about liberty infringement and financial irresponsibility.
After many time-consuming jokes where the word "yak" was replaced for the word "YAC", the meeting was started.
III. Consent Agenda.
Councilman Russo pulled item 1 regarding minutes, passes 5-0-2.
Remaining pass 7-0.
IV. Appointments.
1. P&Z Chairman Herbst presented the most recent P&Z cases. Three weeks is too long for me to recall any details.
2. Archer's Care Care, that has been operating out of compliance and without an SUP, is back again to get his building legal.
Quick recap (as I understand it):
-About 3 years ago, Archer's had to move as the previous location was in the way of the widening of SH-205.
-Archer's moved to a building that required an SUP to accommodate the business on Washington St.
-An agreement was made that by the end of 2 years (the length of the SUP), Archer's would move to a new location or bring the building on Washington into compliance with the fire code, specifically, fire sprinklers.
-Some time after the end of the SUP, Archer's came back to the city and explained he could not afford to move, nor could he afford to install a fire sprinkler system. More time was given. (Essentially, the city turned a blind eye to compliance.)
-He could now comply by installing the sprinkler system at a cost of $16,500, but needs the city to foot the $5,000 bill for move the water line (for a tap) across the street to his shop and 6 months to complete the install.
Mayor Pro Tem Farris made a motion to spend the money and give the time for "his friend", but not because they are friends.
Councilman Scott asked about other beneficiaries from the city doing this.
Chief Poindexter: No one else.
Councilman Scott also asked if the city had done this for anyone else.
The Chief explained that during the downtown renovations, including water, the city added taps at buildings if the tenants decided to put in sprinklers, the taps would be available.
Councilman Sweet concurred with Mr Scott's concerns and added that he was "struggling" with the $5,000 gift to Archer's.
Councilmember Margo Nielsen noted that the building would still have to be zoned and what would happen if the zoning failed, that Mr Archer and the city would have spent money and not be able to reap the benefit.
Mr Farris stated that the city "should have known" that this building could some have a business that would require a sprinkler system and should have included it in the renovations the Chief mentioned. Bascially, the city is at fault for Archer's problem.
Mr Scott disagreed with Mr Farris assertion of an "oversight" and has a problem spending the $5,000.
(Repeat discussion.)
Asst Manager Crowley stated that the city has secret money tucked away for exactly this sort of thing.
Councilman Russo believed that this would provide "safety" to surrounding businesses and special treatment should be given as his friend Archer has been in Rockwall 30 years.
Councilman Sevier inquired about the magic money Mr Crowley has stashed.
The city has been setting aside money to give to businesses downtown to bribe them to come downtown.
Motion to gift $5,000 to Archer's and grant a 6 month SUP to comply passed 4-3.
Only Councilmembers Scott, Sweet, and Nielsen respected taxpayers' money on this issue.
3. Appointment with Connie Cannady, with J. Stowe & Co, LLC., to discuss the compliance review of cable services franchise fees, Public, Educational and Governmental fees, and selected other provisions of the Franchise Agreement between the City of Rockwall, Texas, and Charter
Communications, and take any action necessary.
It was even more boring than it sounded (like watching slow drying paint in slow-motion). Only thing that seemed relevant was the $31,000 owed to the city by Charter.
4. YAC kids showed a power point explaining their ideas for this year's project.
1st idea is a Senior (Citizens) Prom.
2nd idea is a recycling program.
Kids want to do the Prom.
Mr Russo objected to the idea of pretend gambling at a fake casino.
Mr Sweet made a joke about the City Manager's age.
V. Public Hearing Items.
1. Some change in Teen Curfew ordinance. No one on council thought anyone needed to know any details, passes 7-0 without discussion.
2. Rest Haven needs an SUP for a mausoleum. After some jokes and assorted stalling, passed 7-0.
3. Guy up in the Shores built a fence in his front yard and needs a variance to let him keep it.
Of the notices that went out to neighbors, 7 came back with 2 in support and 5 opposed.
Mr Farris opposed as it "doesn't fit the Shores, doesn't blend with the neighborhood, and sets bad precedent if allowed."
Mr Scott agreed with Mr Farris.
The owner stated his backyard was all concrete and his dogs won't defecate on concrete, only grass. (I'll bet a million bucks, given enough time the dogs WOULD "go" on concrete.)
Council made no motion, so the request was denied.
VI. Action Items.
2. Annexation! Passed 7-0.
3. Annexation, but excluding the fireworks stand! Passed 7-0.
1. Once again, discussion about streaming council meetings via the internet. Staff looked into what "other cities do" (because God forbid we do something unique and different than Frisco or Plano) and found that for the low price of $90,000 plus $795 per month, the city could be on the internets!! Finally!
Mr Farris balked at the cost and stated, as he has in multiple meeting previously, there were lots of free options with inexpensive hardware options available. Rockwall doesn't need an offsite director or editor or producer (no foolin') to handle the broadcast of council meetings.
Mr Russo concurred.
Motion to send it back to staff to come back with another ridiculously over-priced proposal passed 7-0.
4. Approval of the corridor plan for John King Blvd, aka the "Road to Nowhere".
Councilman Sevier asked if this would be at no cost to the city.
Mr LaCroix: There will be costs. (My notes said "These are just the costs the developer would incur, not sure what I meant, but it sounds like $$$$ going down John King Blvd.)
Passes 6-1, with Mr Sevier opposing.
After many time-consuming jokes where the word "yak" was replaced for the word "YAC", the meeting was started.
III. Consent Agenda.
Councilman Russo pulled item 1 regarding minutes, passes 5-0-2.
Remaining pass 7-0.
IV. Appointments.
1. P&Z Chairman Herbst presented the most recent P&Z cases. Three weeks is too long for me to recall any details.
2. Archer's Care Care, that has been operating out of compliance and without an SUP, is back again to get his building legal.
Quick recap (as I understand it):
-About 3 years ago, Archer's had to move as the previous location was in the way of the widening of SH-205.
-Archer's moved to a building that required an SUP to accommodate the business on Washington St.
-An agreement was made that by the end of 2 years (the length of the SUP), Archer's would move to a new location or bring the building on Washington into compliance with the fire code, specifically, fire sprinklers.
-Some time after the end of the SUP, Archer's came back to the city and explained he could not afford to move, nor could he afford to install a fire sprinkler system. More time was given. (Essentially, the city turned a blind eye to compliance.)
-He could now comply by installing the sprinkler system at a cost of $16,500, but needs the city to foot the $5,000 bill for move the water line (for a tap) across the street to his shop and 6 months to complete the install.
Mayor Pro Tem Farris made a motion to spend the money and give the time for "his friend", but not because they are friends.
Councilman Scott asked about other beneficiaries from the city doing this.
Chief Poindexter: No one else.
Councilman Scott also asked if the city had done this for anyone else.
The Chief explained that during the downtown renovations, including water, the city added taps at buildings if the tenants decided to put in sprinklers, the taps would be available.
Councilman Sweet concurred with Mr Scott's concerns and added that he was "struggling" with the $5,000 gift to Archer's.
Councilmember Margo Nielsen noted that the building would still have to be zoned and what would happen if the zoning failed, that Mr Archer and the city would have spent money and not be able to reap the benefit.
Mr Farris stated that the city "should have known" that this building could some have a business that would require a sprinkler system and should have included it in the renovations the Chief mentioned. Bascially, the city is at fault for Archer's problem.
Mr Scott disagreed with Mr Farris assertion of an "oversight" and has a problem spending the $5,000.
(Repeat discussion.)
Asst Manager Crowley stated that the city has secret money tucked away for exactly this sort of thing.
Councilman Russo believed that this would provide "safety" to surrounding businesses and special treatment should be given as his friend Archer has been in Rockwall 30 years.
Councilman Sevier inquired about the magic money Mr Crowley has stashed.
The city has been setting aside money to give to businesses downtown to bribe them to come downtown.
Motion to gift $5,000 to Archer's and grant a 6 month SUP to comply passed 4-3.
Only Councilmembers Scott, Sweet, and Nielsen respected taxpayers' money on this issue.
3. Appointment with Connie Cannady, with J. Stowe & Co, LLC., to discuss the compliance review of cable services franchise fees, Public, Educational and Governmental fees, and selected other provisions of the Franchise Agreement between the City of Rockwall, Texas, and Charter
Communications, and take any action necessary.
It was even more boring than it sounded (like watching slow drying paint in slow-motion). Only thing that seemed relevant was the $31,000 owed to the city by Charter.
4. YAC kids showed a power point explaining their ideas for this year's project.
1st idea is a Senior (Citizens) Prom.
2nd idea is a recycling program.
Kids want to do the Prom.
Mr Russo objected to the idea of pretend gambling at a fake casino.
Mr Sweet made a joke about the City Manager's age.
V. Public Hearing Items.
1. Some change in Teen Curfew ordinance. No one on council thought anyone needed to know any details, passes 7-0 without discussion.
2. Rest Haven needs an SUP for a mausoleum. After some jokes and assorted stalling, passed 7-0.
3. Guy up in the Shores built a fence in his front yard and needs a variance to let him keep it.
Of the notices that went out to neighbors, 7 came back with 2 in support and 5 opposed.
Mr Farris opposed as it "doesn't fit the Shores, doesn't blend with the neighborhood, and sets bad precedent if allowed."
Mr Scott agreed with Mr Farris.
The owner stated his backyard was all concrete and his dogs won't defecate on concrete, only grass. (I'll bet a million bucks, given enough time the dogs WOULD "go" on concrete.)
Council made no motion, so the request was denied.
VI. Action Items.
2. Annexation! Passed 7-0.
3. Annexation, but excluding the fireworks stand! Passed 7-0.
1. Once again, discussion about streaming council meetings via the internet. Staff looked into what "other cities do" (because God forbid we do something unique and different than Frisco or Plano) and found that for the low price of $90,000 plus $795 per month, the city could be on the internets!! Finally!
Mr Farris balked at the cost and stated, as he has in multiple meeting previously, there were lots of free options with inexpensive hardware options available. Rockwall doesn't need an offsite director or editor or producer (no foolin') to handle the broadcast of council meetings.
Mr Russo concurred.
Motion to send it back to staff to come back with another ridiculously over-priced proposal passed 7-0.
4. Approval of the corridor plan for John King Blvd, aka the "Road to Nowhere".
Councilman Sevier asked if this would be at no cost to the city.
Mr LaCroix: There will be costs. (My notes said "These are just the costs the developer would incur, not sure what I meant, but it sounds like $$$$ going down John King Blvd.)
Passes 6-1, with Mr Sevier opposing.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Rockwall City Council 1 November
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.
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.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Ahh, heliport!
If you haven't read previous blog, this may not make too much sense. I inquired at the FAA regarding the city of Rockwall's fantasy that it could create a "no fly zone". As I thought, a bunch of pandering fools got it wrong. Again. (At best, I think the city could get an agreement from CareFlight.)
David,
I'm in the FAA's office of airports and my office considers landing area proposals (heliports) as they relate to safety of aircraft operations. The question you posed is an air traffic matter but I can give you the answer. FAA only considers implementation of a no fly zone would be to protect national security. As long as the helicopter is being operated in accordance with the FAA regulations for their operation, the FAA would not enforce a local ordinance.
Hope this helps,
Glenn A. Boles
Airspace Program Manager
FAA Airports SW Region
email: Glenn.A.Boles@faa.gov
phone: 817 222-5627
FAA SW Region, Airports Division
Attn: Glenn Boles, ASW-624
2601 Meacham Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX 76137
David,
I'm in the FAA's office of airports and my office considers landing area proposals (heliports) as they relate to safety of aircraft operations. The question you posed is an air traffic matter but I can give you the answer. FAA only considers implementation of a no fly zone would be to protect national security. As long as the helicopter is being operated in accordance with the FAA regulations for their operation, the FAA would not enforce a local ordinance.
Hope this helps,
Glenn A. Boles
Airspace Program Manager
FAA Airports SW Region
email: Glenn.A.Boles@faa.gov
phone: 817 222-5627
FAA SW Region, Airports Division
Attn: Glenn Boles, ASW-624
2601 Meacham Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX 76137
Rockwall City Council 18 October
All the herp that's fit to derp.
IV. Consent Agenda.
1. Pulled by Councilman Scott, minutes approval for meeting he missed. Passed 6-0-1.
2. Police buying new vehicles: 5 Crown Victorias and 2 Chevy Tahoes at a cost of $175,000.
3. Fake drug K2 banned, as well as God's mistake, Salvia Divinorum.
4. Councilman Sevier asked about the seemingly endless supply of money from the 2005, this time for a drainage project. Turns out it will run out some day. (Then you just pass another one, so technically it is endless.)
5. Same as #4.
6. Mayor Pro Tem Farris opposes allowing Walgreens to have anything displayed outside, including propane. His extensive marketing background qualifies him as the expert on business needs of type of operation. Denying Walgreens even outside display of propane tanks is good for the city and the neighborhood. Hey, Glen, wanna really do something good for the city and neighborhood? Consider this:
Rest of council supported business (be still my heart), 6-1.
7. Basically, same thing as 6, but for 7-11 up north. Passes 6-1.
VII. Action Items.
2. Sign Variance for American National Bank at Horizon and Ridge Road. Passes 7-0 without Mayor Pro Tem (who hates signs) comments.
V. Appointments.
1. P&Z Chairman Phillip Herbst. Recommends (1) adding wineries and solar panels to Unified Development Code, (2) a minimum 60 day demolition delay in Old Town District or Historic Properties, like the Alamo, and (3) add pergolas to allowed structures on the takeline.
2. Guy has a house next the apartments being constructed on Yellow Jacket. He doesn't want the masonry wall that all parties (HOA, builder, and City) agreed to years ago to be built because too many trees would be removed in the construction process. He wants the city to alter the agreement and force the builder to install a tubular steel fence,
A representative from the HOA explained that they had done extensive research and employed a landscape architect to help find the best solution, which is the masonry wall.
Council retreats to executive session, probably to discuss getting their butts sued for changing the agreement with the apartment builder.
On the return, the item was tabled two weeks to see if one johnny-come-lately's problem could be resolved.
Councilman Sweet supported the tabling, but noted that 2 years ago this situation was concluded after a lot of time had been spent on it.
Mayor Cecil noted his love of HOA's and his desire to do what's best for the City, the HOA, and the residents - no mention of the apartment builder, I guess he can suck an egg.
3. Resident in Windmill Ridge (and friend of council) hates that CareFlight is flying over her house to Presbyterian Hospital and transporting dying patients to other hospitals. The life-saving helicopters are flying too low to her house and she claims have destroyed her roof and patio cover. She demanded to know why the heli-pad was not on the roof (because the hospital plans upward expansion) or closer to the emergency room (there wasn't enough clearance.)
She has made visits to hospital staff demanding answers, but left unsatisfied.
Staff explained they had contacted CareFlight and that weather is a main determinate to approach and landing.
Repeatedly, the Mayor expressed that CareFlight flying over her house on a life-saving mission is "unacceptable".
Mayor Pro Tem Farris wants an ordinance drafted to prevent helicopters from flying over residential neighborhoods.
I guess ol' Glen don't know nuthin' 'bout no dango FAA.
The City Attorney warned against the city creating an unenforceable ordinance. (Like that has stopped them before.)
Councilman Sweet, a muffin salesman and an expert in aircraft and flying, stated that weather is not a factor in flying.
Councilman Sevier wasn't confident the city had the authority to control air traffic.
Councilman Scott explained that the city and hospital have already had a lot of "give and take" with the hospital.
Mayor Cecil stated the ONLY answer is to create a "no fly zone" over Rockwall. We will also be changing our nickname from "The New Horizon" to "The Iraq of Texas".
Motion to have staff investigate interfering with CareFlight's ability to save lives passed 7-0.
4. Power point by city staff regarding streets.
Nutshell:
-Some roads are good.
-Some need repair.
-Need some new equipment.
-Need some new personnel. (9 more by 2016)
-New roads need to be 2' wider to be like a few other cities.
-Need directional signs. (Councilman Sevier been pushing this with great resistance.)
-Mow the Right-Of-Ways.
-Start street sweeping downtown.
-Standardize street signs. (Will take years and $$$$)
-LED signs like Rowlett (Also $$$$)
-Start doing preventive maintenance.
-Permanently fix potholes.
-Increase number of warranty inspections of new roads.
VI. Public Hearings.
1. What P&Z presented in first appointment. Passed 6-1, Councilman Russo opposed.
2. Not discussed, will be continued to next meeting.
3-6. City annexation and 212 agreements.
First guy doesn't want to be annexed, city says. "Eat it."
Second lady accepts the inevitability of annexation, but wants to keep selling fireworks once she is annexed. Not gonna happen.
Annexing land is more addictive than K2. We should ban it.
VII. Action Items.
1. Ordinance about large, outdoor recycling containers. No permit needed to save the earth and make sure as few as possible see you doing it.
Mayor Pro Tem Farris asked about the process for dispute resolution about container placement.
The city will first discuss with you the problems they invented and then force compliance.
IV. Consent Agenda.
1. Pulled by Councilman Scott, minutes approval for meeting he missed. Passed 6-0-1.
2. Police buying new vehicles: 5 Crown Victorias and 2 Chevy Tahoes at a cost of $175,000.
3. Fake drug K2 banned, as well as God's mistake, Salvia Divinorum.
4. Councilman Sevier asked about the seemingly endless supply of money from the 2005, this time for a drainage project. Turns out it will run out some day. (Then you just pass another one, so technically it is endless.)
5. Same as #4.
6. Mayor Pro Tem Farris opposes allowing Walgreens to have anything displayed outside, including propane. His extensive marketing background qualifies him as the expert on business needs of type of operation. Denying Walgreens even outside display of propane tanks is good for the city and the neighborhood. Hey, Glen, wanna really do something good for the city and neighborhood? Consider this:
Rest of council supported business (be still my heart), 6-1.
7. Basically, same thing as 6, but for 7-11 up north. Passes 6-1.
VII. Action Items.
2. Sign Variance for American National Bank at Horizon and Ridge Road. Passes 7-0 without Mayor Pro Tem (who hates signs) comments.
V. Appointments.
1. P&Z Chairman Phillip Herbst. Recommends (1) adding wineries and solar panels to Unified Development Code, (2) a minimum 60 day demolition delay in Old Town District or Historic Properties, like the Alamo, and (3) add pergolas to allowed structures on the takeline.
2. Guy has a house next the apartments being constructed on Yellow Jacket. He doesn't want the masonry wall that all parties (HOA, builder, and City) agreed to years ago to be built because too many trees would be removed in the construction process. He wants the city to alter the agreement and force the builder to install a tubular steel fence,
A representative from the HOA explained that they had done extensive research and employed a landscape architect to help find the best solution, which is the masonry wall.
Council retreats to executive session, probably to discuss getting their butts sued for changing the agreement with the apartment builder.
On the return, the item was tabled two weeks to see if one johnny-come-lately's problem could be resolved.
Councilman Sweet supported the tabling, but noted that 2 years ago this situation was concluded after a lot of time had been spent on it.
Mayor Cecil noted his love of HOA's and his desire to do what's best for the City, the HOA, and the residents - no mention of the apartment builder, I guess he can suck an egg.
3. Resident in Windmill Ridge (and friend of council) hates that CareFlight is flying over her house to Presbyterian Hospital and transporting dying patients to other hospitals. The life-saving helicopters are flying too low to her house and she claims have destroyed her roof and patio cover. She demanded to know why the heli-pad was not on the roof (because the hospital plans upward expansion) or closer to the emergency room (there wasn't enough clearance.)
She has made visits to hospital staff demanding answers, but left unsatisfied.
Staff explained they had contacted CareFlight and that weather is a main determinate to approach and landing.
Repeatedly, the Mayor expressed that CareFlight flying over her house on a life-saving mission is "unacceptable".
Mayor Pro Tem Farris wants an ordinance drafted to prevent helicopters from flying over residential neighborhoods.
I guess ol' Glen don't know nuthin' 'bout no dango FAA.
The City Attorney warned against the city creating an unenforceable ordinance. (Like that has stopped them before.)
Councilman Sweet, a muffin salesman and an expert in aircraft and flying, stated that weather is not a factor in flying.
Councilman Sevier wasn't confident the city had the authority to control air traffic.
Councilman Scott explained that the city and hospital have already had a lot of "give and take" with the hospital.
Mayor Cecil stated the ONLY answer is to create a "no fly zone" over Rockwall. We will also be changing our nickname from "The New Horizon" to "The Iraq of Texas".
Motion to have staff investigate interfering with CareFlight's ability to save lives passed 7-0.
4. Power point by city staff regarding streets.
Nutshell:
-Some roads are good.
-Some need repair.
-Need some new equipment.
-Need some new personnel. (9 more by 2016)
-New roads need to be 2' wider to be like a few other cities.
-Need directional signs. (Councilman Sevier been pushing this with great resistance.)
-Mow the Right-Of-Ways.
-Start street sweeping downtown.
-Standardize street signs. (Will take years and $$$$)
-LED signs like Rowlett (Also $$$$)
-Start doing preventive maintenance.
-Permanently fix potholes.
-Increase number of warranty inspections of new roads.
VI. Public Hearings.
1. What P&Z presented in first appointment. Passed 6-1, Councilman Russo opposed.
2. Not discussed, will be continued to next meeting.
3-6. City annexation and 212 agreements.
First guy doesn't want to be annexed, city says. "Eat it."
Second lady accepts the inevitability of annexation, but wants to keep selling fireworks once she is annexed. Not gonna happen.
Annexing land is more addictive than K2. We should ban it.
VII. Action Items.
1. Ordinance about large, outdoor recycling containers. No permit needed to save the earth and make sure as few as possible see you doing it.
Mayor Pro Tem Farris asked about the process for dispute resolution about container placement.
The city will first discuss with you the problems they invented and then force compliance.
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