Sorry for the grand delay - campaigning does take considerable time!
Executive actions:
1. "Real property change with Gibson Family". Passed 7-0. Me neither.
2. $5000 approved for sewer stuff. Passed 7-0.
3. Easement agreement. Passed 7-0.
4. Reappointment to water board. 7-0.
III. Open Forum.
No one. C'mon folks!
VIII. Action Items.
1. No vote on bond thingy. These votes pass on first reading - read caption, will vote at next meeting.
2. Samey-same.
IV. Consent Agenda.
Councilman Sevier pulled items 5&6.
Rest passed 7-0. Items included changing the AG lot at 3097 and 205 to Commercial and allowing Auto Repair facilities in downtown with SUP.
5. $800,000 contract awarded for Discovery Blvd Extension.
6. $650,000 contract awarded for water line replacement.
$14,500,000!
V. Appointments.
1. P&Z Vice Chair Connie Jackson. Variances for McDonald's approved, surgery center variances approved.
2. Zebra Mussels are causing trouble. They get into water sources and mess all sorts of things up. Can't live with 'em, can't kill 'em.
Water folks have tried chemicals, filters, and magic and nothing has worked to rid us of this tiny beast!
As a result our available water supply is reduced and voluntary water conservation is being requested.
- 40 minutes later -
Discussion ended.
Basically, we're up a creek without a paddle and a boat-load (figuratively and literally) of Dreissena polymorpha.
3. State legislation to "help" the Zoo get sold water from the city instead of AquaTexas. No real update, it's still floating around the halls of the State Capitol.
VI. Public Hearing Items.
1. "Big to do" about moving a front yard fence. Passed 6-0 with no council discussion.
VIII. Site Plans/Plats.
1. Gonna Upgrayedd the old McDonald's. Passed 6-0.
2. Rockwall Surgery Center is expanding and needs variances. Passed 6-0.
IX. City Manger's Report.
Comments from City Manger Julie Couch, Council members Sevier and Nielsen, and Mayor Cecil:
CIP committee convening, Ralph Hall turn lane open, Oct 2012 completion for 740, John King overpass on schedule, audit report "fabulous", no employee pay raise for 2 years, same 3 false alarms at harbor, average response time for fire department has gone up (construction played a major part in that.)
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
But what kind of BIKE was it?!?
MEDIA RELEASE
Date: April 4, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM: Sgt. Jeff Welch
Public Information Officer
Rockwall Police Department
“Rockwall Police Search for Speeding Motorcyclist”
Rockwall, Texas – On Monday, April 4, 2011, just after midnight, Rockwall Police were attempting to stop a speeding motorcyclist on Westbound IH 30. After accelerating rapidly to speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour, the driver abruptly stopped the motorcycle on IH 30 approximately one mile West of Horizon Road and fled on foot down an embankment towards the shoreline of Lake Ray Hubbard. A foot search was conducted and officers were unable to locate the suspect. Based on information developed at the scene, it was believed the suspect fled into the water in an attempt to evade capture. Using Search and Rescue Units from the Garland Fire Department, Dallas Fire Department, and Rockwall Police Department, a thorough land search was conducted with no results. Additionally, personnel from Dallas Fire Department’s Swift Water Rescue team conducted a search from a boat with no results. At approximately 4:45 A.M., the driver’s family was contacted by the suspect. An on-duty supervisor confirmed that the suspect was ok by contacting the suspect’s family member who spoke directly to him. No further water search will be necessary.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Rockwall City Council 21 March
First meeting on the internets! Streaming audio was Rockwall's initial foray into the world of 1's and 0's moving into your PC at the speed of light!
III. Proclamations.
3. (I missed the first one as I was a few minutes late, but our Chief of Police received an award for being the antithesis of the LAPD.)
1 & 2. Barbara Coleson and Claudette Hatfield Day was declared for two ladies who have worked hard for downtown for many years.
Executive Actions included acquiring right of way, spending money and appointing the CIP committee.
IV. Consent Agenda.
Councilman Sevier pulled items 2 & 3.
The rest approved 7-0.
2. Mowing service contract, Councilman Sevier confirmed the contract renewal did not go out for bid and cost an additional $28,000. Passed 6-1, Sevier opposed.
3. HVAC replacement contract bid acceptance - not lowest bid, but lower bids did not meet requirements.
V. Appointments.
1. P&Z Chair Herbst presented 2 items. The first was to amend the Downtown Zoning district to allow Auto Repair, Minor so that Archer's can remain downtown - after he is granted an SUP.
The second was a change to a zoning (somewhere) to change an agriculture zoned area to a PD (single family). Opposition from folks because of the density. Item was continued.
2. Annual Financial Audit. Tax revenue up a little. "We are in the eye of the economic storm." And as anyone who has lived through a hurricane will tell you, the eye is the halfway point between destruction! We did about average compared against the four cities in comparison.
Audit available here.
3. Fella from Rockwall Surgery Center wants to expand, but first has to have city approve an offsite parking arrangement with Rockwall High School. Sound complicated? No. Made complicated? Yeah. But approved 6-0. (Mayor Pro Tem Farris left at some point.)
VI. Public Hearing Items.
1. Request for a zoning change for an area at 549 and 205. Wants to make an area zoned as AG into Commercial (or General Retail). Surrounding area is residential, and there is some opposition from neighbors (including a lawsuit to prevent claimed violation of deed restrictions.)
LOTS of discussion.
In the end, council moved ahead to rezone to General Retail.
2. Zoning change or the Downtown District to allow for Auto Repair, Minor.
See previous blogs for info. I can't possibly write about it for the 10th time - especially on a Sunday evening.
Lots of support, not sure if any opposition.
Passed 6-0.
1. Items delayed the LRE water rate increase. Passed 6-0.
2. Resolution to call for public hearing regarding LRE water. Passed 6-0.
3. Ammendment to Unified Development Code to allow for congregate care facilities. Similar to assisted living facilities without medical assistance or personal care.
Talk Talk by Talk Talk
Tabled for 30 days.
III. Proclamations.
3. (I missed the first one as I was a few minutes late, but our Chief of Police received an award for being the antithesis of the LAPD.)
1 & 2. Barbara Coleson and Claudette Hatfield Day was declared for two ladies who have worked hard for downtown for many years.
Executive Actions included acquiring right of way, spending money and appointing the CIP committee.
IV. Consent Agenda.
Councilman Sevier pulled items 2 & 3.
The rest approved 7-0.
2. Mowing service contract, Councilman Sevier confirmed the contract renewal did not go out for bid and cost an additional $28,000. Passed 6-1, Sevier opposed.
3. HVAC replacement contract bid acceptance - not lowest bid, but lower bids did not meet requirements.
V. Appointments.
1. P&Z Chair Herbst presented 2 items. The first was to amend the Downtown Zoning district to allow Auto Repair, Minor so that Archer's can remain downtown - after he is granted an SUP.
The second was a change to a zoning (somewhere) to change an agriculture zoned area to a PD (single family). Opposition from folks because of the density. Item was continued.
2. Annual Financial Audit. Tax revenue up a little. "We are in the eye of the economic storm." And as anyone who has lived through a hurricane will tell you, the eye is the halfway point between destruction! We did about average compared against the four cities in comparison.
Audit available here.
3. Fella from Rockwall Surgery Center wants to expand, but first has to have city approve an offsite parking arrangement with Rockwall High School. Sound complicated? No. Made complicated? Yeah. But approved 6-0. (Mayor Pro Tem Farris left at some point.)
VI. Public Hearing Items.
1. Request for a zoning change for an area at 549 and 205. Wants to make an area zoned as AG into Commercial (or General Retail). Surrounding area is residential, and there is some opposition from neighbors (including a lawsuit to prevent claimed violation of deed restrictions.)
LOTS of discussion.
In the end, council moved ahead to rezone to General Retail.
2. Zoning change or the Downtown District to allow for Auto Repair, Minor.
See previous blogs for info. I can't possibly write about it for the 10th time - especially on a Sunday evening.
Lots of support, not sure if any opposition.
Passed 6-0.
1. Items delayed the LRE water rate increase. Passed 6-0.
2. Resolution to call for public hearing regarding LRE water. Passed 6-0.
3. Ammendment to Unified Development Code to allow for congregate care facilities. Similar to assisted living facilities without medical assistance or personal care.
Talk Talk by Talk Talk
Tabled for 30 days.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Rockwall PD will not be appearing in any grainy cell phone videos anytime soon. And that's a good thing.
MEDIA RELEASE
Date: March 23, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM:
Sgt. Jeff Welch
Public Information Officer
Rockwall Police Department
Rockwall Police Department is Awarded “Recognized” Status
The Rockwall Police Department is the 42nd police agency, out of over 2,800 agencies in the state (less than 2%) to be awarded “Recognized” status by the Texas Police Chiefs Association. The “Recognition Program” was developed a few years ago by the Texas Police Chiefs Association to assist Texas police agencies in meeting their professional obligations to their citizens. This is a voluntary process where police agencies prove their compliance with law enforcement’s current Best Practices.
Being “Recognized” means that the agency meets or exceeds all of the 164 identified Best Practices, which cover every aspect of law enforcement from pursuits, use of force, protection of citizen rights, evidence and property management, and other patrol and investigative operations. This “Recognized” status ensures that an agency has carefully planned for these critical issues, has developed policies and procedures to address them, as well as put systems in place to identify and correct problems.
Police officers exercise government’s highest powers – the power to stop and question an individual; the power to arrest and seize a person and his property; and the power to use force, including deadly force, in that process. Police agencies direct and control an officer’s activity through supervision, training, and written policies and procedures. Since supervisors cannot always be present, officers often operate alone. This means training and policies, along with the appropriate equipment, are even more critical to ensure proper performance.
The Recognition Program assures city management and the citizens that their Police Department is operating within the best practices of law enforcement. The review process of policies, the on-site visit to inspect equipment and facilities, interviews of staff, and proof of compliance in all areas took over a year. The Rockwall Police Department was approved for “Recognized” status by the committee on March 3, 2011. At last night’s City Council meeting Rockwall Police Chief Mark Moeller was presented the Certificate of Recognition by TPCA committee members.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
May the best candidates win.
Or the least worst depending on your level of cynicism.
Yesterday at 5pm was the filing deadline for the May 14th election for city council.
I filed for Place 1.
Pretty full slate this year - 3 people have filed for each of the three open seats and 3 have filed for Mayor.
Quick brief on me:
My family moved to Rockwall in 1987 when I was a wee lad (slang used in honor of St Patrick's Day tomorrow) of 12 years old. I graduated from Rockwall High in 1993 - way back when everyone in every school was a Yellow Jacket. Much of my family still lives in town - my parents, my sister (1996 RHS Grad) and her family, and my cousin (1994 RHS Grad) and her family.
Our business, Rockwall Controls, is located in Rockwall and has been for 25 years.
Needless to say, I spend most of my time in Rockwall. I want Rockwall to be the greatest city it can be.
It will achieve this not by the actions one person, nor has it been a great city because of the actions one person or of city councils - past or present. Rockwall is a great city because of the people who live here who want Rockwall to be a great city.
Government action is government interference. This extends from what goes on in your home, your neighborhood, or local businesses. One of the great dangers we face from government action is the Law of Unintended Consequences. Meddling into affairs of which one is not expert or educated always creates consequences that often do more harm than good.
Government at all levels has perfected this.
Who knows more about your neighborhood? You or city council?
Who knows what's best for your business? You or city council?
Who knows what's best for Rockwall? You or city council?
There has been far too much disconnect between council and citizens. Much of which is council induced. Opinions counter to what council believes are not welcomed. Hostility to differing views has been common. Citizens are expected to be cheerleaders to government - not the coach.
I have been repeatedly accused of spreading "misinformation" on countless occasions. I spread "information" that was given. Any "mis" part was the fault of council not producing the information either willfully or negligently.
Rockwall needs open government that is truly representative of the citizens of Rockwall. Council's number one job is to be us. Their job is to protect our rights, our property, and our taxes from the machine designed to rob us of our rights, property, and taxes.
Rockwall is not business friendly. You will hear from some that it is. Ask a business person. Ask a business that has tried to open here. Ask a business that is here and needs to make changes.
I have witnessed meddling and micromanaging of million and billion dollar companies wishing to do business in Rockwall. Was the goal to make citizens' lives better? No. Was the goal to give the business the best opportunity to be prosperous? No.
Nitpicking and meddling in business was done because one or more persons serving "don't like" some aspect of the business.
Example: Ice machines, propane, or Red Box offend one of our officials, so a business must do without in order to jump through a hoop to have the chance to operate in Rockwall. Heck, just read the sign ordinance for a taste of business hostility.
Good businesses are good for the citizens. Sales taxes make it possible to have good services without having to pay for services solely through fees or high property taxes.
Without a good business environment, you either give up services or you pay high property taxes.
And what to do with those taxes? First and foremost, provide essential services: police, fire, roads, water, sewer. These are priorities.
But debt is the real priority. Debt must be paid. Debt obligations carry a moral, ethical, and legal requirement to be paid.
In a budget crisis, no one every says, "Well, lets stop paying the debt, that would solve our deficit!". You can't not pay debt! (Apologies for the grammar.) Having the ability via a good credit rating to borrow makes it possible to buy large needed projects like police stations or fire stations.
Large debt comes with large risk. But in most cases almost everyone can agree that the risk is worth it - roads, police stations, etc.
However, in many cases there is disagreement over the debt risk and the reason for the debt.
We will have a very large bond package in November - somewhere between $25 -$60 million depending on with whom you talk. None of the items are for what I have described as priorities for citizens. All are for recreational desires.
We need a council and councilmen who will be good stewards of the bond money if it passes.
On the issuance of debt or general fund budgeting Rockwall must be fiscally responsible.
We must also be realistic when it comes to forecasting the tax income. A rosy picture is painted by many who believe Rockwall is immune to those problems facing the Federal government, the State government, the County government, and the School District, and most municipal governments.
Rockwall is not immune.
That is not to paint a picture of doom and gloom. But, rather the viewpoint that council must be
realistic in planning for the future.
I have no hidden agenda. I have no pet projects I want done. No one has put me up to run. I have no ties to city boards or commissions. The Republican Party of Rockwall (of which I am the treasurer) does not trump my allegiance to the citizens of Rockwall.
My loyalty always lies with the citizens of Rockwall and I will always take the position of a citizen and advocate for the citizen - not the "government".
Council represents the people, the bureaucracy represents the government.
I will always represent the people.
Yesterday at 5pm was the filing deadline for the May 14th election for city council.
I filed for Place 1.
Pretty full slate this year - 3 people have filed for each of the three open seats and 3 have filed for Mayor.
Quick brief on me:
My family moved to Rockwall in 1987 when I was a wee lad (slang used in honor of St Patrick's Day tomorrow) of 12 years old. I graduated from Rockwall High in 1993 - way back when everyone in every school was a Yellow Jacket. Much of my family still lives in town - my parents, my sister (1996 RHS Grad) and her family, and my cousin (1994 RHS Grad) and her family.
Our business, Rockwall Controls, is located in Rockwall and has been for 25 years.
Needless to say, I spend most of my time in Rockwall. I want Rockwall to be the greatest city it can be.
It will achieve this not by the actions one person, nor has it been a great city because of the actions one person or of city councils - past or present. Rockwall is a great city because of the people who live here who want Rockwall to be a great city.
Government action is government interference. This extends from what goes on in your home, your neighborhood, or local businesses. One of the great dangers we face from government action is the Law of Unintended Consequences. Meddling into affairs of which one is not expert or educated always creates consequences that often do more harm than good.
Government at all levels has perfected this.
Who knows more about your neighborhood? You or city council?
Who knows what's best for your business? You or city council?
Who knows what's best for Rockwall? You or city council?
There has been far too much disconnect between council and citizens. Much of which is council induced. Opinions counter to what council believes are not welcomed. Hostility to differing views has been common. Citizens are expected to be cheerleaders to government - not the coach.
I have been repeatedly accused of spreading "misinformation" on countless occasions. I spread "information" that was given. Any "mis" part was the fault of council not producing the information either willfully or negligently.
Rockwall needs open government that is truly representative of the citizens of Rockwall. Council's number one job is to be us. Their job is to protect our rights, our property, and our taxes from the machine designed to rob us of our rights, property, and taxes.
Rockwall is not business friendly. You will hear from some that it is. Ask a business person. Ask a business that has tried to open here. Ask a business that is here and needs to make changes.
I have witnessed meddling and micromanaging of million and billion dollar companies wishing to do business in Rockwall. Was the goal to make citizens' lives better? No. Was the goal to give the business the best opportunity to be prosperous? No.
Nitpicking and meddling in business was done because one or more persons serving "don't like" some aspect of the business.
Example: Ice machines, propane, or Red Box offend one of our officials, so a business must do without in order to jump through a hoop to have the chance to operate in Rockwall. Heck, just read the sign ordinance for a taste of business hostility.
Good businesses are good for the citizens. Sales taxes make it possible to have good services without having to pay for services solely through fees or high property taxes.
Without a good business environment, you either give up services or you pay high property taxes.
And what to do with those taxes? First and foremost, provide essential services: police, fire, roads, water, sewer. These are priorities.
But debt is the real priority. Debt must be paid. Debt obligations carry a moral, ethical, and legal requirement to be paid.
In a budget crisis, no one every says, "Well, lets stop paying the debt, that would solve our deficit!". You can't not pay debt! (Apologies for the grammar.) Having the ability via a good credit rating to borrow makes it possible to buy large needed projects like police stations or fire stations.
Large debt comes with large risk. But in most cases almost everyone can agree that the risk is worth it - roads, police stations, etc.
However, in many cases there is disagreement over the debt risk and the reason for the debt.
We will have a very large bond package in November - somewhere between $25 -$60 million depending on with whom you talk. None of the items are for what I have described as priorities for citizens. All are for recreational desires.
We need a council and councilmen who will be good stewards of the bond money if it passes.
On the issuance of debt or general fund budgeting Rockwall must be fiscally responsible.
We must also be realistic when it comes to forecasting the tax income. A rosy picture is painted by many who believe Rockwall is immune to those problems facing the Federal government, the State government, the County government, and the School District, and most municipal governments.
Rockwall is not immune.
That is not to paint a picture of doom and gloom. But, rather the viewpoint that council must be
realistic in planning for the future.
I have no hidden agenda. I have no pet projects I want done. No one has put me up to run. I have no ties to city boards or commissions. The Republican Party of Rockwall (of which I am the treasurer) does not trump my allegiance to the citizens of Rockwall.
My loyalty always lies with the citizens of Rockwall and I will always take the position of a citizen and advocate for the citizen - not the "government".
Council represents the people, the bureaucracy represents the government.
I will always represent the people.
Rockwall City Council 7 March
III. Proclamations.
Supposed to be two, but both were postponed.
IV. Open Forum.
No one spoke, guess everyone in town in perfectly content with government!
V. Consent Agenda.
None pulled, passed 7-0.
2nd reading of the anti-bumming ordinance.
VI. Appointments.
Two scheduled, P&Z either no show or had nothing to report, and the other was tabled.
VII. Action Items.
1. Starting process to issue Certificates of Obligation. Fancy word for taking on big debt without the hassel and inconvenience of a bond election where the opportunity for citizens to actually have the chance to say yea or nay is bypassed.
Looks like the maximum amount of the CO will be $7.7 million. Also, some refinancing of the current TIF was included.
Mayoral Candidate Farris wanted some explanation from the city manager regarding PD-32 - to clear up "misinformation". Also, Mr Farris asked who pays for the debt if the REDC defaults.
COs being issued will be used for infrastructure and improvements. The TIF pays for the debt service on the COs.
The answer about who is responsible for the debt once again went unanswered.
Here is the answer the CEO of the REDC gave:
The City of Rockwall issues the debt, and if sales tax revenues were not sufficient to cover the debt repayments, it would be the city council’s responsibility to balance the budget. The Sales Tax Revenue Bonds are issued with a first priority lien on sales tax revenues of the corporation and the CO debt repayment is a second priority lien.
2. More TIF stuff.
Passed 6-1, Councilman Sevier opposed.
VII. City Manager's Report.
-Turn lane at Ralph Hall and 3097 is complete.
-Drainage improvements on 740 are complete.
Mr Farris wanted to clear up rumors that the In-N-Out Burger, who he gave a hard time about the sign they needed, is still coming to Rockwall.
Mr LaCroix spoke the project architect who said "yes".
The response In-N-Out gave me to my inquiry was "tentative".
(tentative
–adjective
2.unsure; uncertain; not definite or positive)
Here's hoping.
-Bills in State House and Senate to help out LRE with water has been introduced. Relief finally coming to LRE?
(tentative
–adjective
2.unsure; uncertain; not definite or positive)
Supposed to be two, but both were postponed.
IV. Open Forum.
No one spoke, guess everyone in town in perfectly content with government!
V. Consent Agenda.
None pulled, passed 7-0.
2nd reading of the anti-bumming ordinance.
VI. Appointments.
Two scheduled, P&Z either no show or had nothing to report, and the other was tabled.
VII. Action Items.
1. Starting process to issue Certificates of Obligation. Fancy word for taking on big debt without the hassel and inconvenience of a bond election where the opportunity for citizens to actually have the chance to say yea or nay is bypassed.
Looks like the maximum amount of the CO will be $7.7 million. Also, some refinancing of the current TIF was included.
Mayoral Candidate Farris wanted some explanation from the city manager regarding PD-32 - to clear up "misinformation". Also, Mr Farris asked who pays for the debt if the REDC defaults.
COs being issued will be used for infrastructure and improvements. The TIF pays for the debt service on the COs.
The answer about who is responsible for the debt once again went unanswered.
Here is the answer the CEO of the REDC gave:
The City of Rockwall issues the debt, and if sales tax revenues were not sufficient to cover the debt repayments, it would be the city council’s responsibility to balance the budget. The Sales Tax Revenue Bonds are issued with a first priority lien on sales tax revenues of the corporation and the CO debt repayment is a second priority lien.
2. More TIF stuff.
Passed 6-1, Councilman Sevier opposed.
VII. City Manager's Report.
-Turn lane at Ralph Hall and 3097 is complete.
-Drainage improvements on 740 are complete.
Mr Farris wanted to clear up rumors that the In-N-Out Burger, who he gave a hard time about the sign they needed, is still coming to Rockwall.
Mr LaCroix spoke the project architect who said "yes".
The response In-N-Out gave me to my inquiry was "tentative".
(tentative
–adjective
2.unsure; uncertain; not definite or positive)
Here's hoping.
-Bills in State House and Senate to help out LRE with water has been introduced. Relief finally coming to LRE?
(tentative
–adjective
2.unsure; uncertain; not definite or positive)
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Rockwall City Council 21 February
I can't seem to find my notes on this meeting, so I'll be relying solely on my memory for the content. This shouldn't affect the accuracy, or inaccuracy as I have been repeatedly accused of from sitting councilmen during multiple council sessions.
Exectuive session items:
Some money was spent, was it 3 things? Only one I remember was hiring a lobbyist to get a bill passed that has something to do with private water service providers in municipal boundaries, or something like that.
IV. Consent Agenda.
I think the anti-bum ordinances were pulled.
(1)It will be ok for Shriners and Firemen to hold up traffic and distract drivers, but not others. (1st reading)
(2)Camping in public places passed on 2nd reading.
V. Appointments.
1. P&Z Vice Chair Connie Jackson, also current candidate for city council, coincidentally gave the P&Z report for the second week in a row. Not as much verbosity or micromanaging this time.
2. Police Chief Moeller gave his racial profiling report (as mandated by state law, I think). No reports of racial profiling for the past year against police officers. Against code enforcement in Lake Rockwall Estates however....
3. Lady who wants fees waived at Harbor so she can have a fundraiser got it. ($400 rental fee plus other fees waived.)
VI. Public Hearings.
1. Guy wants a large accessory building to replace two existing. Passed.
2. Kroger wanted to add a gas station. This would have shorted the parking lot 8 spaces that would be required. City council decided that Kroger doesn't know anything about customers' needs and are more knowledgeable than Kroger about the retail business and denied the request 4-2-1. (Russo and Nielsen supported Kroger, Sweet abstained.)
3. Church needed an SUP to engage in their first amendment rights of religion and peaceable assembly. Was some discussion about adding a parking ban that hasn't been a problem for the empty lot adjacent to the building, don't know if that was removed in the final motion. Either way, the church will be able to continue practicing their natural rights - with government's permission. Passed 6-1, Scott opposed.
VII. Action Items.
1. AquaTexas (Water service provider in LRE) isn't getting the green light to raise water rates, yet.
2. City staff thought it would be a good idea to tack on a 5% fee for absolutely no good reason to citizens natural gas bills (Atmos). Council was like, "Oh, no you din't". Failed 7-0.
3. Big-ass trashcans will not be forced upon citizens. Several, if not all, council received over 100 emails opposed to the idea of giant trash cans and recycling bins as well as the reduction in services while increase the cost.
Mayor Pro Tem/ Mayoral Candidate Glen Farris was the only one who did not support the motion to keep the current, perfect trash service exactly the way it is. Basically he stated the 100 emails were not enough to sway him as the 34,900 people who didn't convey opinion one way or the other to council mattered more.
FYI, absolutely nothing prevents one citizen in Rockwall from having big-ass trashcans or big-ass recycle bins if so desires. Anyone can have big-ass cans, all you have to do is call the city and request one (or both). The difference between the failed plan and current situation is that (1) robots won't pick up your big-ass trashcans, (2) You have have to pay a couple bucks more a month, but only if you rent them from Allied. You can go to Home Depot or Lowe's and get big-ass trashcans if you want, and (3) No one is forced by the city to have big-ass trashcans.
4. Item about creating a PR position tabled.
5. Art in Public Places - on all future bonds passed, 1% of the money will go to an art project. (THIS IS HOW IT WAS EXPLAINED TO ME: If we pass a bond, 1% of the amount will go to fund an art project, but only at the site of the bond passed. The money will not be used to fund any art project or other art related projects throughout the city.) Passed 7-0.
6. City creating a citizen cheer leading citizen committee to promote passage of the c.$40,000,000 bond package election in November.
7. The new Mi Cocina restaurant needs a sign variance - passed WITHOUT any discussion.
8. Police department is buying a SWAT Rapid Deployment Vehicle - around $50,000, but it won't cost taxpayers anything as the money comes out of seized property.
9. City once again talking about somehow broadcasting meetings over the internet. I think they are going to start out doing what the county has done, basic audio streaming.
If I find my notebook, I may edit this with some snarky comments. But then again, Black Ops calling my name...
Exectuive session items:
Some money was spent, was it 3 things? Only one I remember was hiring a lobbyist to get a bill passed that has something to do with private water service providers in municipal boundaries, or something like that.
IV. Consent Agenda.
I think the anti-bum ordinances were pulled.
(1)It will be ok for Shriners and Firemen to hold up traffic and distract drivers, but not others. (1st reading)
(2)Camping in public places passed on 2nd reading.
V. Appointments.
1. P&Z Vice Chair Connie Jackson, also current candidate for city council, coincidentally gave the P&Z report for the second week in a row. Not as much verbosity or micromanaging this time.
2. Police Chief Moeller gave his racial profiling report (as mandated by state law, I think). No reports of racial profiling for the past year against police officers. Against code enforcement in Lake Rockwall Estates however....
3. Lady who wants fees waived at Harbor so she can have a fundraiser got it. ($400 rental fee plus other fees waived.)
VI. Public Hearings.
1. Guy wants a large accessory building to replace two existing. Passed.
2. Kroger wanted to add a gas station. This would have shorted the parking lot 8 spaces that would be required. City council decided that Kroger doesn't know anything about customers' needs and are more knowledgeable than Kroger about the retail business and denied the request 4-2-1. (Russo and Nielsen supported Kroger, Sweet abstained.)
3. Church needed an SUP to engage in their first amendment rights of religion and peaceable assembly. Was some discussion about adding a parking ban that hasn't been a problem for the empty lot adjacent to the building, don't know if that was removed in the final motion. Either way, the church will be able to continue practicing their natural rights - with government's permission. Passed 6-1, Scott opposed.
VII. Action Items.
1. AquaTexas (Water service provider in LRE) isn't getting the green light to raise water rates, yet.
2. City staff thought it would be a good idea to tack on a 5% fee for absolutely no good reason to citizens natural gas bills (Atmos). Council was like, "Oh, no you din't". Failed 7-0.
3. Big-ass trashcans will not be forced upon citizens. Several, if not all, council received over 100 emails opposed to the idea of giant trash cans and recycling bins as well as the reduction in services while increase the cost.
Mayor Pro Tem/ Mayoral Candidate Glen Farris was the only one who did not support the motion to keep the current, perfect trash service exactly the way it is. Basically he stated the 100 emails were not enough to sway him as the 34,900 people who didn't convey opinion one way or the other to council mattered more.
FYI, absolutely nothing prevents one citizen in Rockwall from having big-ass trashcans or big-ass recycle bins if so desires. Anyone can have big-ass cans, all you have to do is call the city and request one (or both). The difference between the failed plan and current situation is that (1) robots won't pick up your big-ass trashcans, (2) You have have to pay a couple bucks more a month, but only if you rent them from Allied. You can go to Home Depot or Lowe's and get big-ass trashcans if you want, and (3) No one is forced by the city to have big-ass trashcans.
4. Item about creating a PR position tabled.
5. Art in Public Places - on all future bonds passed, 1% of the money will go to an art project. (THIS IS HOW IT WAS EXPLAINED TO ME: If we pass a bond, 1% of the amount will go to fund an art project, but only at the site of the bond passed. The money will not be used to fund any art project or other art related projects throughout the city.) Passed 7-0.
6. City creating a citizen cheer leading citizen committee to promote passage of the c.$40,000,000 bond package election in November.
7. The new Mi Cocina restaurant needs a sign variance - passed WITHOUT any discussion.
8. Police department is buying a SWAT Rapid Deployment Vehicle - around $50,000, but it won't cost taxpayers anything as the money comes out of seized property.
9. City once again talking about somehow broadcasting meetings over the internet. I think they are going to start out doing what the county has done, basic audio streaming.
If I find my notebook, I may edit this with some snarky comments. But then again, Black Ops calling my name...
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