Thanks and credit goes to the Rockwall County News.
Part 1 (about 10 minutes).
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Rockwall City Council 6 June
My first meeting as a new representative was fairly uneventful. I still haven't quite decided on a new format for this blog, so at least this post will be a little dry.
Started the meeting and then we had the swearing in of newly elected representatives.
III. Proclamations.
1. First one to Girl Scout Autumn Tarter.
2. A second for Juneteenth.
IV. Open Forum.
1. 2 men came forth to speak about their plans to aid in the relief efforts of Joplin, Missouri.
V. Consent Agenda.
Items 1 and 5 pulled by Mr Sevier.
Rest approved 7-0.
Item 1 related to minutes of a meeting Mr Sevier missed, Passed 4-0 and 3 abstentions.
Item 5 dealt with extension of Discovery Blvd. Passed 7-0 and source of funding. Passed 7-0.
VI. Appointments.
1. Vice Chair Jackson briefed council on public hearing items on the agenda.
VII. Public Hearings.
1. Couple wants to open a Snow Cone stand behind Luigi's. They changed the plans to accommodate some concerns of P&Z and an adjacent business.
After brief discussion, item passed 7-0. (Sorry, Chance and Ashley! Better get chamoy if you want to compete!)
VIII. Site Plans/Plats.
1. Resident of LRE (The Zoo) wants to expand her house and needs some variances. She got it 7-0.
IX. Action Items.
1. Several items for the Toyota U.S. Open Triathlon. Fees waived for Harbor Use, Route Approved and Date Approved. All Passed 7-0.
2. Your electric bill going up a couple bucks per month thanks to a negotiated rate increase we approved for Oncor. I blame Fiat Currency! Passed 7-0.
3. LRE again! Dilapidated house going to be demolished. Eventually. Passed 7-0.
4. Mr Sevier wants Consent Agenda items that are associated with spending money have the amount listed along side the item. Done.
X. City Manager's Report.
Wayfinding signs directing folks to downtown was discussed. Once details hammered out with TxDOT, city will move forward with installation.
Started the meeting and then we had the swearing in of newly elected representatives.
III. Proclamations.
1. First one to Girl Scout Autumn Tarter.
2. A second for Juneteenth.
IV. Open Forum.
1. 2 men came forth to speak about their plans to aid in the relief efforts of Joplin, Missouri.
V. Consent Agenda.
Items 1 and 5 pulled by Mr Sevier.
Rest approved 7-0.
Item 1 related to minutes of a meeting Mr Sevier missed, Passed 4-0 and 3 abstentions.
Item 5 dealt with extension of Discovery Blvd. Passed 7-0 and source of funding. Passed 7-0.
VI. Appointments.
1. Vice Chair Jackson briefed council on public hearing items on the agenda.
VII. Public Hearings.
1. Couple wants to open a Snow Cone stand behind Luigi's. They changed the plans to accommodate some concerns of P&Z and an adjacent business.
After brief discussion, item passed 7-0. (Sorry, Chance and Ashley! Better get chamoy if you want to compete!)
VIII. Site Plans/Plats.
1. Resident of LRE (The Zoo) wants to expand her house and needs some variances. She got it 7-0.
IX. Action Items.
1. Several items for the Toyota U.S. Open Triathlon. Fees waived for Harbor Use, Route Approved and Date Approved. All Passed 7-0.
2. Your electric bill going up a couple bucks per month thanks to a negotiated rate increase we approved for Oncor. I blame Fiat Currency! Passed 7-0.
3. LRE again! Dilapidated house going to be demolished. Eventually. Passed 7-0.
4. Mr Sevier wants Consent Agenda items that are associated with spending money have the amount listed along side the item. Done.
X. City Manager's Report.
Wayfinding signs directing folks to downtown was discussed. Once details hammered out with TxDOT, city will move forward with installation.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Rockwall City Council 16 May
Relatively short meeting.
III. Proclamations.
1. National Safe Boating Week. Boating can be dangerous. Be safe. If you want some safe boating classes, check out Bass Pro Shops in conjunction with the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
2. Recognition of YAC students.
3. Content removed due to extreme profanity by the author.
45 minutes later.....
IV. Consent Agenda.
Passed 6-0.
V. Appointments.
1. "Please waive fee at Harbor." Passed 6-0 without discussion.
2. YAC report on Senior Prom. It was a success! Near as I could tell it was fully paid for by donations.
VI. Action Items.
1. Issuance of Certificates of Obligation. Passed without discussion 6-0.
2. Mobile adoption unit purchased.
3. Adoption of code of ordinances. Also, all ordinances are now online.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For those not aware, on May 14th the city of Rockwall held the general election for the Mayor's seat and 3 open council seats. The results are as follows:
III. Proclamations.
1. National Safe Boating Week. Boating can be dangerous. Be safe. If you want some safe boating classes, check out Bass Pro Shops in conjunction with the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
2. Recognition of YAC students.
3. Content removed due to extreme profanity by the author.
45 minutes later.....
IV. Consent Agenda.
Passed 6-0.
V. Appointments.
1. "Please waive fee at Harbor." Passed 6-0 without discussion.
2. YAC report on Senior Prom. It was a success! Near as I could tell it was fully paid for by donations.
VI. Action Items.
1. Issuance of Certificates of Obligation. Passed without discussion 6-0.
2. Mobile adoption unit purchased.
3. Adoption of code of ordinances. Also, all ordinances are now online.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For those not aware, on May 14th the city of Rockwall held the general election for the Mayor's seat and 3 open council seats. The results are as follows:
Mayor
David Sweet, 1,565 (70.15%)
Glen Farris, 557 (24.97%)
Sam Buffington, 109 (4.89%)
City Council Place 1
David White, 1,067 (53.35%) <---that's me
Bob Lewis, 731 (36.55%)
Freddie Jackson, 202 (10.10%)
City Council Place 3
Bennie Daniels, 1,003 (50.63%)
Mike Townsend, 808 (40.79%)
Bill Watts, 170 (8.58%)
City Council Place 5
Michelle Smith, 854 (41.88%)
Connie Jackson, 645 (31.63%)
Dennis Lewis, 540 (26.48%)
On June 6th, I rise from the world of the proletariat - transitioning from the swordn in to the sworn at.
I will continue this blog, albeit in a form yet to be determined.
An attempt will be made not to irritate my fellow councilmen in my writing, but I make no promises...
Rockwall City Council 2 May
Apologies for the extreme delay since the last blog. I was slightly preoccupied...
Thus begins my second to last blog as on of "those" people:
III. Proclamations.
1. Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
Fact: Motorcycles are fun.
Fact: 4-Wheel cage drivers aren't looking out for motorcycles.
Motorcycling presents more risk thus requiring greater defensive posturing while operating one.
Also, I love motorcycles.
.
Mine on the way up to McDonald Observatory in the Davis Mountains:
2. National Day of Prayer. May 5th a county Mayor's breakfast calling for a day of prayer for our country.
V. Consent Agenda.
All passed without discussion 7-0.
VI. Appointments.
1. Ruth Peck had some things to say about Music Fest. Also gave some gifts to parting councilmen.
2. Fella came to explain "congregate care facilities." Basically, it was explained as a long term hotel-resort for the senior citizens.
Long discussion ensued.
VII. Public Hearing Items.
1. TIF stuff for PD-32. No none spoke, no action taken.
VIII. Action Items.
1. TIF stuff, passed 7-0 without discussion.
2. Gun range needs fixing. We share the facility with multiple law enforcement departments. Total repairs are $410,000, are part is about 27%.
3. SUP's for all future elder care facilities? Maybe, but not on this go round. Long discussion led to a motion to have staff look into requiring SUP's for any type of senior living facility. Passed 5-2, Sevier and Russo opposed.
4. Banners? We don't need no sticking banners. Ordinance banning all off premise banners passed 7-0, effective August 7.
5. Banner stuff for special events, related to item #4. Passed 7-0.
6. Changed maximum allowed height for front yard fences from 42" to 48".
7. Employees given a bonus (haven't had step increase pay raise in 2 years) due to higher than expected sales tax revenue. Police also got an increase in pay. Passed 7-0.
Thus begins my second to last blog as on of "those" people:
III. Proclamations.
1. Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
Fact: Motorcycles are fun.
Fact: 4-Wheel cage drivers aren't looking out for motorcycles.
Motorcycling presents more risk thus requiring greater defensive posturing while operating one.
Also, I love motorcycles.
.
Mine on the way up to McDonald Observatory in the Davis Mountains:
2. National Day of Prayer. May 5th a county Mayor's breakfast calling for a day of prayer for our country.
V. Consent Agenda.
All passed without discussion 7-0.
VI. Appointments.
1. Ruth Peck had some things to say about Music Fest. Also gave some gifts to parting councilmen.
2. Fella came to explain "congregate care facilities." Basically, it was explained as a long term hotel-resort for the senior citizens.
Long discussion ensued.
VII. Public Hearing Items.
1. TIF stuff for PD-32. No none spoke, no action taken.
VIII. Action Items.
1. TIF stuff, passed 7-0 without discussion.
2. Gun range needs fixing. We share the facility with multiple law enforcement departments. Total repairs are $410,000, are part is about 27%.
3. SUP's for all future elder care facilities? Maybe, but not on this go round. Long discussion led to a motion to have staff look into requiring SUP's for any type of senior living facility. Passed 5-2, Sevier and Russo opposed.
4. Banners? We don't need no sticking banners. Ordinance banning all off premise banners passed 7-0, effective August 7.
5. Banner stuff for special events, related to item #4. Passed 7-0.
6. Changed maximum allowed height for front yard fences from 42" to 48".
7. Employees given a bonus (haven't had step increase pay raise in 2 years) due to higher than expected sales tax revenue. Police also got an increase in pay. Passed 7-0.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Rockwall City Council 18 April
It's a two-fer! Posting 2 on same day, so don't miss the meeting from April 4th right here.
Executive Action.
1. 380 Agreement between city and Murphy Building Ltd. 7-0. Read about 380 agreements!
2. Harbor Heights investor (I think that's what I wrote) agreement. 7-0.
III. Proclamations.
1. Sons of the American Revolution. Three guys gave out some awards:
Law Enforcement Commendation to Sgt Jeff Welch.
Fire Safety Commendation to Ariana Hargrove.
And ________ _________ awared for EMS service. (Missed name, former councilman running for mayor distracted me.)
James Cullins for proper flag etiquette.
2. Little girl raised $5000 for American Heart Association. Read about it here.
3. Rockwall Environmental Action Day (aka Hazard Waste You Can Stop Putting Down The Drain or Burying Day) is April 30th. More here.
IV. Consent Agenda.
1. Passed 7-0. (Minutes)
2. Ramp closure off I-30 east of SH-205 for the Classic Rock Rotary Sprint Triathalon on May 15th. Won't be as inconveniencing to citizens as the event last year was.
V. Appointments.
1. P&Z Chair Herbst. One item withdrawn, voted to allow winery in Harbor, first change in plan to first building at PD-32.
2. Former councilman Stephen Straughn introduced the new Chief Professional Officer for the Rockwall Boys and Girls Club. Lots of upcoming plans to make the club more educational and cannot do without the city's $$help$$.
3. Issue about parking in Meadowcreek Estates, no show.
4. Extension of SUP for BigTex Trailers for 3 more years. Passed 7-0
VI. Public Hearing Items.
1. Winery coming to the Harbor. Will be making some wines (all from Texas grapes) and selling all Texas wines. Passed 7-0 with one councilmember offering "Congratulations." for the applicant getting the SUP passed by council.
2. Change to first office building going up at PD-32. Proposed change includes a restaurant on the top floor. Passed 7-0.
3. Front yard fence built without permit from city or permission from council. Contractor said "all would taken care of" but all wasn't - he got a citation. Neighbors ok with fence. Passed 4-3 (Scott, Sevier, and Farris opposed).
4. TIF stuff changing on PD-32, waiting on meeting with TIF board to be held on May 2nd. Tabled.
VII. Action Items.
1. Show cause hearing to demolish house at 470 Nicole. Onwer has failed to respond to certified letters and has 90 days or blammo. Passed 7-0.
2. Long discussion about adding congregate care facilities. Seemed to be a lot of confusion from council on what congregate means and who wants what and when they want it and what is already in the code and how it works. (Hard to hear when you don't listen.) Anyhoo, city has had some inquiries into this type of facility, and code must be changed to allow it.
Motion made to allow this type of facility with SUP passed 5-2 (Sevier opposed - didn't want to force SUP, wanted in code along with already allowed uses like Nursing homes, assisted living, etc. Russo also opposed.)
3. Airport Road bond issuance. Passed 7-0.
4. Tabled to May 16th when the voting pool will be favorable to passage. (Some council were either expected to be absent at this meeting or the next, and the theory was if the super majority wasn't present, the motion would have failed. "Vote stacking" was a term used.)
For the people!
Executive Action.
1. 380 Agreement between city and Murphy Building Ltd. 7-0. Read about 380 agreements!
2. Harbor Heights investor (I think that's what I wrote) agreement. 7-0.
III. Proclamations.
1. Sons of the American Revolution. Three guys gave out some awards:
Law Enforcement Commendation to Sgt Jeff Welch.
Fire Safety Commendation to Ariana Hargrove.
And ________ _________ awared for EMS service. (Missed name, former councilman running for mayor distracted me.)
James Cullins for proper flag etiquette.
2. Little girl raised $5000 for American Heart Association. Read about it here.
3. Rockwall Environmental Action Day (aka Hazard Waste You Can Stop Putting Down The Drain or Burying Day) is April 30th. More here.
IV. Consent Agenda.
1. Passed 7-0. (Minutes)
2. Ramp closure off I-30 east of SH-205 for the Classic Rock Rotary Sprint Triathalon on May 15th. Won't be as inconveniencing to citizens as the event last year was.
V. Appointments.
1. P&Z Chair Herbst. One item withdrawn, voted to allow winery in Harbor, first change in plan to first building at PD-32.
2. Former councilman Stephen Straughn introduced the new Chief Professional Officer for the Rockwall Boys and Girls Club. Lots of upcoming plans to make the club more educational and cannot do without the city's $$help$$.
3. Issue about parking in Meadowcreek Estates, no show.
4. Extension of SUP for BigTex Trailers for 3 more years. Passed 7-0
VI. Public Hearing Items.
1. Winery coming to the Harbor. Will be making some wines (all from Texas grapes) and selling all Texas wines. Passed 7-0 with one councilmember offering "Congratulations." for the applicant getting the SUP passed by council.
2. Change to first office building going up at PD-32. Proposed change includes a restaurant on the top floor. Passed 7-0.
3. Front yard fence built without permit from city or permission from council. Contractor said "all would taken care of" but all wasn't - he got a citation. Neighbors ok with fence. Passed 4-3 (Scott, Sevier, and Farris opposed).
4. TIF stuff changing on PD-32, waiting on meeting with TIF board to be held on May 2nd. Tabled.
VII. Action Items.
1. Show cause hearing to demolish house at 470 Nicole. Onwer has failed to respond to certified letters and has 90 days or blammo. Passed 7-0.
2. Long discussion about adding congregate care facilities. Seemed to be a lot of confusion from council on what congregate means and who wants what and when they want it and what is already in the code and how it works. (Hard to hear when you don't listen.) Anyhoo, city has had some inquiries into this type of facility, and code must be changed to allow it.
Motion made to allow this type of facility with SUP passed 5-2 (Sevier opposed - didn't want to force SUP, wanted in code along with already allowed uses like Nursing homes, assisted living, etc. Russo also opposed.)
3. Airport Road bond issuance. Passed 7-0.
4. Tabled to May 16th when the voting pool will be favorable to passage. (Some council were either expected to be absent at this meeting or the next, and the theory was if the super majority wasn't present, the motion would have failed. "Vote stacking" was a term used.)
For the people!
Rockwall City Council 4 April
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.)
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 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.
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