Rockwall City Council 7 February

III. Proclamations.

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

Yep, it was just that simple.

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

IV. Open Forum.

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

V. Consent Agenda.

Mayor Pro Tem Farris pulled item 1.

Councilman Scott pulled items 2 & 4.

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

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

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

VI. Appointments.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Mayor vigorously defended the proposal.

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

Item will be back to council.

VIII. Action Items.

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

VII. Site Plans.

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

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

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

Ms Nielsen agreed with Mr Farris.

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

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

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

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

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

VIII. Action Items.

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

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

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

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

Just stop already.

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

Passed 7-0.

Rockwall City Council 18 January

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

Appointment #2 was postponed to next meeting.

Public Hearing Item #1 was moved to March meeting.

III. Consent Agenda.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Passed 5-0.

VI. Action Items.

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

Mr Scott led the discussion against bummery.

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

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

Mr Sweet continued the discussion.

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

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



Let's see a councilman do that!

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Back to Mr Sweet:

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

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

Mr Eckert and Mrs Couch will revisit the wording.

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

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

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

IV. Appointments.

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

V. Public Hearing Items.

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

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

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


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

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

VI. Action Items.

5. 212 agreement, passed 4-0.

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

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

Rockwall City Council 3 January

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

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

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

III. Open Forum.

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

IV. Consent Agenda.

Everything passed with nothing pulled 6-0.

V. Appointments.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VI. Action Items.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Points from council discussion:

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

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

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

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

Anyway, here's Bono on trash:

Here's where some of your money goes!

List of all employee salaries for the city of Rockwall.

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

Special Thanks to Jerry Berrgren at rowlettreporter.com.

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

Rockwall City Council 20 December

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

Few actions from Backroom Dealings aka "Executive Session".

- Development agreement with Presbyterian Hospital. Passed 7-0

-Something about park projects. Passed 7-0

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

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

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

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

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

Merry Christmas from the City of Rockwall.

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

III. Consent Agenda.

Councilman Scott pulled items 2,3,6.

Remaining items passed 7-0.

Items 2 and 3 regarded minutes.

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

IV Appointments.

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

VIII. Action Items.

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

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

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

IV. Appointments.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Acceptance of project passed 7-0.

3. Presentation of City's Strategic Business Plan.

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

V. Public Hearing Items.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mr Russo asked from whom the anonymous opposition came.

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

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

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

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

VI. Site Plans/Plats.

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

(Mr Scott left at this point.)

VII. Action Items.

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

2. Annexation item postponed to January 18th.

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

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

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

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

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

I've got a suggestion where to put it.

Rockwall City Council 6 December

Actions from Executive Committee.

Reappointed a bunch of cronies to various boards.

III. Proclamations.

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

VI. Open Forum.

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

V. Consent Agenda.

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

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

Councilman Scott verbosely opposed the plan.

VI. Appointments.

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

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

2. Moved to next council meeting.

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

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

VII. Site Plans/Plats.

1. Paradise Burger from above.

Problem:

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

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

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

Nose, say good-bye to face.

Passed with P&Z recommendations, 6-1.

VIII. Action Items.

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

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

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

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

Councilman Russo asked about online options.

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

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

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

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

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

Rockwall City Council 15 November

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.