Rockwall City Council 13 21 September

"Do not ever say that the desire to 'do good' by force is a good motive. Neither power-lust nor stupidity are good motives." - Ayn Rand

If only.

III. Proclamations.

1. Some ladies from the D.A.R accept a proclamation for Constitution Week. Or maybe it was a eulogy.

Ironic the world's greatest model for liberty and freedom would be presented by council!

IV. Consent Agenda.

8,9, and 11 pulled by Cliff. Rest approved unanimously by council.

note: The final vote for LRE zoning was part of the consent, surprisingly without any grandstanding. No multifamily included!

8 and 9 referenced new traffic lights going in at the corner of Market Center and Ralph Hall, or as I call it: the "Vortex of Stupidity." If you wanted to see what it's like to get through a four-way stop against drivers with the IQ of a carrot, better do it soon. In a couple months, even monkeys will be able to figure out when its their turn to "go".

11. Regarding the final platting of the Utley Middle School Addition, Matt wanted to know who else gets the privilege of filing the final plat after construction. Turns out, no one. Hmm.

V. Appointments.

1. P&Z Chairman michael Hunter presented P&Z commissions recommendations for the public hearings to follow. 1st four approved unanimously, 5th split vote 4-2. The reasons for opposition? Questioned location of the new facility as it is in an "entry to the city". Liked the idea, but not the location. (more on that later).

2. Fella wanted a waiver on some street improvement requirements, ie he didn't want to pay the city for something everyone else has to pay, around $20,000.

His lawyer spoke a bunch of lawyer talk for like 20 minutes, did well except when she accused a P&Z commissioner of a "flippant remark." Strike 1.

Matt asked some good questions, but unfortunately the citizen decided to interrupt his lawyer and started answering. Strike 2.

Then the citizen made a "wave off" motion to the council in disgust. Strike 3.

Glen made a motion to deny and it passed 7-0. And he's out (20k).

Here's a hint: if you are paying a lawyer big bucks to represent you, keep your trap shut.

3. Some folks from Law Enforcement Support Committee hawked some tickets to the Behind the Badge Appreciation Dinner at Southern Junction.

4. The city's C3 Development Process Team presented a method to help streamline getting a project through the system . Basically, one bureaucrat will be coordinating all the other bureaucrats.

VI. Public Hearings.

1. A couple need a replat for the "existing drainage and utility easement in the rear of the property." I think something about flood plain in there, too. Passes 7-0.

2.City changing a Planned Development to Commercial zoning. After an executive session, passes 7-0.

3. Another PD being changed to Light Industrial, only affects one guy and he has no objection. Passes 7-0.

4. Developers of the new development at the corner of Quail Run and 205 (adjacent to the CVS) want some of the residential to be commercial for a small retail strip. Several questions were raised, like why were some of the reshuffled homes put into flood plain. Did he give a good answer? Not really, but did admit they were having trouble selling those lots in the flood plain (just wait till they try and build on it!).

A former councilman wanted to know why there were no alleys, cuz when she was on council, they decided the city must have alley's so nobody would have to drive past someone's house and be forced to look at an open garage with a bunch of junk fallout out of it.

Passes 7-0.

5. Christan Brothers Automotive wants to put in a light automotive repair shop in front of the WalMart neighborhood market and next to the bank. They will keep most of the screening trees in place even planting more than they remove, there will be no access from 66, and they have gone to great lengths to ensure an attractive building will be in place. This will bring in property taxes and sales taxes for the city. They also require the owner to be local and spend 40 hours at the store and also be involved in community activities.

The representative from the company is probably the most "council ready" people I have ever seen. Excellent presentation, and had all the bases covered.

Trees. Trees. Trees. Trees. Trees. Trees. Trees. Trees. Trees. Trees. Trees. Trees.

No cars in parking lot overnight, no tires stored on-site, no painting, no welding, only "light repairs".

Trees. Trees. Trees. Trees. Trees. Trees. Trees. Trees. Trees. Trees. Trees. Trees.

The first to speak was a former city council man. He opposes it because it "doesn't fit". He likes the "idea", just not there.

The next fella to speak opposed it to"protect the quality of life of his neighbors and the city." He then proceeded to show photos of a trash bag behind the Starbucks as further evidence of his opposition. Also, the Walmart's dumpster gate was open. Then he drove around the Metroplex taking hundeds of pictures of other Christian Brothers that didn't follow Rockwall's codes and ordinances. He also yelled at a cloud.

(This city REALLY needs more activities for seniors.)

David, Matt and Mayor Cecil opposed because basically, they liked the idea of this business, just not in that spot.

If it fails on the 2nd reading, maybe we can get a developer to come in and build another mini-strip mall that'll remain empty for years while the developer takes a write-off. Oh, and the next guy will probably rip all the trees out and have access to 66.

Passes 4-3 to allow the auto-place to open. "The most pro-business council ever" I was once told.

Emphasis; Only TWO people showed up for the public hearing. A little birdy tells me a bunch of people who could have shown up for the public hearing decided to stay at home and watch tv and then complain about it after the fact.

VII. Action Items.

10. REDC budget passes 7-0.

11. Rockwall Technology Park budget passes 7-0.

6. Some in Lake Rockwall would like more time to comply with the city's utter disgust of trailers and RV's. 6 months given to comply. I wonder if the city will start enforcing this in the rest of the city now. Maybe we're just that special.

1. Some state law says that firemen or police (maybe) must have an adjustment to benefits. City Manager wants to make this benefit adjustment for all or some employees to be "fair". Don't remember vote.

5. City wants to raise water rates. Rockwall has some of the lowest rates in the region! (I guess this exclude Lake Rockwall where our bills are triple that of the rest of the city. But, I guess it's a small price to pay so uppity white folk don't have to look at my neighbors' trailers.)

Matt, Mark, David and Sevier opposed. (Were they the only?) Don't recall the vote, but City Manger Julie Couch I think was upset that she may now have to cut spending for some pet projects.

7. Budget something.

8. Budget and tax something else.

9. And another something about taxes.

12.Hotel/Motel subcommittee recommendations about something passes 7-0.

13. Motion to postpone a public meeting about the Shore's Golf Club.

2. Wild and crazy teens hanging out at the city-owned parking lot have finally forced the council to do something about hanging out in the parking lot. There appears to be a ban on non-parking activities on the horizon.

3. Something about the city's street assessment policy.

4. Update on boat dock repairs at the harbor.

Rockwall City Council 08 September

Started with executive session action, spendin money it sounded like.

III. Proclamations.

1. City Secretary accepts a proclamation for National Preparedness Month. She asks who has a emergency action plan? No one. Guess 911 isn't enough.

2. National Drug Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Chief of Police accepts without any words.

IV. Open Forum.

1. Lady who owns Lake Rockwall and a bunch of flood plain wanted to talk about zoning. Guess she didn't understand the rules laid out by the Mayor. Repeatedly.

V. Consent Agenda.

#7 pulled. The speed limit on 205 is FINALLY gin to increase from "crippled snail" to reasonable.

Glen wanted it slower for a longer distance, Matt thought it should be faster sooner. Glen's motion failed 2-5, motion to approve as recommended by TxDOT passes 5-2.

Rest of consent passes 7-0.

VI. Appointments.

1. P&Z Chairman Michael Hunter talked briefly about P&Z's recommendations regarding LRE zoning.

2. Fella who has a perfect view of the park at Fox Chase doesn't like cars parking in front of the trees and pond cuz it distorts "his" view of the park. He would like the city to restrict parking from Summer Lee to either oak or Secret Cove. For those familiar with the layout, this is basically all the street in front of the park itself. He would like to restrict the parking to be from Summer Lee to Horizon on both sides of the street.

According to the complainer it is not about "who uses the park" it's about "cars ruining the look of the neighborhood."

Then for what was a ridiculous amount of time for discussion the complainer made a smokescreen giving reasons why cars shouldn't park the way the cars are normally parked. Claimed "safety" for kids as the reason to restrict parking.

Oh, he's a former city councilman from Arkansas. hrd to believe a (former) government official could come with such a ruse.

In summary: too many people using the park and the only way to reduce the patronage is to claim safety issues on the street. Huh?

The solutions? There will be a temporary parking set up near the park (preceded this guy's complaint) and make people park on both sides of the street to use the park. Because crossing the street is safer than parking on the side of the street as your destination.

Also, there need to be signs to let folks know when the park closes because people are playing basketball at midnight. (for real?)

This was brought to council 6 months ago (and shot down I presume?)

Motion made to send the arking ban to parks board I think, or maybe to ban parking. Who can tell sometimes?

VII. Public Hearings.

2. LRE Zoning!

Mayor Cecil laid out te rules: 3 minutes, don't be repeptitive, and don't talk about water (which is triple the rate paid by the vast majority of the city).

P&Z power point laying out the plan with P&Z commission's recommendations added.

P&Z Director stated that t town halls "many" had "varied" opinions on zoning. (And by "many' he means "all" and by "varied" he means opposition and strenuous opposition.)

Four spoke asking council to vote against multifamily.

Matt stated there has be a lot of "misinformation" about zoning. There was no "secret push" for multifamily. Especially once it was exposed.

The subcomitee wanted to make sure that existing renters weren't displaced once the city begins demolishing unsafe inhabited homes. (<--My summary)

He then claimed a market for renters was the same as a market for multifamily. Also, a developed property with multifamily was more valuable than a vacant lot. Valuable = taxable. Also, multifamily would not lower property values. Which is why you see such a push in the Shores and "buffalo" neighborhoods to have multifamily built there.

"Some thought after a voice was heard that would be the end." He was talking about yours truly.

He said he thought MF would be needed and wanted, it might be needed, but not wanted though.

He then stated this PD will increase the cost of living. Again:Huh?

Matt makes the motion to approve.

David mentioned those who fought MF in the past.

Mark mentioned "Neighborhood Emowerment Zone", can't just leave it alone?

Cliff thanked Margo for he "try and change your mind" tour of multifamily.

Glen then stated they like citizen input, and that "blogs" were spreading misinformation. By "blogs" he means yours truly again (possibly timeonehands on MyDFW blog).

Glen then stated this council is ethical and no special interest were considered. Not-so-special interest?

Mayor Cecil then noted that council took longer than public in the public hearing. No surprise here.

Motion passes 7-0.

Does that mean my opinions matched my neighbors' opinions all along? Hard to believe I might actually be more in tune with my neighborhood than outsiders.

1. Budget public hearing.

Nobody speaks.

VIII. Action Items.

1. Soon to be sign on Ralph hall needs a variance and got it.

2. After hours usage by teens at the harbor parking lots. City is going to do something to restrict usage very soon, restrict hours, etc.

IX. City Manger's Report.

-Cell phones banned in school zones and city must post signs (which have been ordered).
-Floodplain notice thingy in the works.

Cliff asked about the quadplex built in violation of state law that should have been dealt with by the county and is now the city's problem.

The city is going to allow it to become a single or duplex. But duplexes are violation of deed restrictions, said Cliff I think.

Glen then parroted the false claim that the HOA's allowed MF before annexation and used the deed restriction angle as leverage against the city. (As stated by the HOA president Joan Stanley repeatedly at town halls, there was no money to fight the multifamily units. Guess that didnt make the P&Z's report....)

Meeting adjourned.

Aw Jeez, not this [expletive deleted] again!

I said it before: What the citizens of the Zoo want is irrelevant.

Certain council members and certain city staffers are STILL PUSHING MULTIFAMILY in Lake Rockwall.

Despite the 3 town halls, where there was not only opposition, but ZERO support of multifamily from the residents.

Despite the fact that DEED RESTRICTIONS PROHIBIT multifamily.

Despite the INDISPUTABLE MATHEMATICAL LOGIC that it will increase population density.

Despite the consequence of increased population density FURTHER DETERIORATING the neglected roads and water system (which cost about 3x times that of city provided water).

There are many in the city with not just a low opinion of LRE, but I believe have real contempt for people who don't fit into a mold that certain council members and certain city staffers have decided apply to citizens of Rockwall.

Too bad my neighbors weren't born wealthy and/or white. Maybe then, their opinions would be valid.

Zoo in the News!

[EDIT: AUGUST 26, 2008 10:48pm.

Mr Abshire has referenced my blog on his blog referencing his article that I referenced here on my blog. This could go on for years! <--Clicky click Thanks, Mr Abshire!]

From Dallas Morning News August 24.

By RICHARD ABSHIRE / The Dallas Morning News
rabshire@dallasnews.com

Six months after the city of Rockwall decided to annex a cluster of mostly neglected mobile homes and aging houses, some residents say life isn't much different yet. [My home built 1984, my other neighbors: late 1990's (x2) mid 80's (x2) and 2001 (x1). All houses are "aging".]

"Things haven't really changed that much, maybe because it just started," said Luis Guxman, a longtime resident of Lake Rockwall Estates. [Plan was in the works for 3 years prior to annexation, hardly "just started".]

The City Council voted 6-1 in February to annex the 335-acre subdivision, which has had problems for years with overgrown lots and substandard housing. [Mark Russo voted against.]

"It was deteriorating, and it would only be worse if we waited," council member David Sweet said. [Neighborhood has been improving on both sides foir at least 10 years I have lived here.]

The approximately 2,800 residents were already using the city's roads and schools, he said, so annexation made sense. [1. The schools are not the city's: schools belong to RISD which included LRE. 2. Every major road in Rockwall is a state road, which means everyone in LRE paid to use just like "real" citizen."]

Sweet defended the city's course of action since the annexation."It's a process," he said. "We do have a plan." [In that case, we feel better.]

The city is taking an educational rather than a punitive approach to code enforcement. [Lesson 1: do it or face a punitive action.]

"On the owner-occupied properties, they are getting it," he said, though absentee owners continue to be a problem. [If only we could lien on them, I mean lean on them.]

Jim Day, a resident for more than 30 years, said that in the past, absentee landlords had rented houses and trailers that were overcrowded. [If only the landlords had put in multi-family, those reduce overcrowding according to the city!]

"There were two little frame houses over there, and they had enough people in them to make two soccer teams," he said. "I know because my son used to play with them." [And now he has no one to play soccer with.]

Some in the neighborhood of lake houses and trailers suspected the annexation was a land grab by the city, but supporters hoped the area would be cleaned up. [The city would never force one private land owner to give up his property for another private citizen to develop and make money.]

After the council approved a three-year annexation plan for the 896-lot development in 2006, more than 200 overgrown lots were cleared and about 400 stray animals rounded up. Junk vehicles and abandoned structures also were removed. [Fyi, a 1954 Chevy truck in perfect condition, but not running is considered "junk"]

Residents also had hoped that water rates and problems with flooding would be improved. [95% of my neighbors were a bunch of suckers.]

"We were hoping that when they took over out here they would do something about the water," Guxman said. [Part of that 95%]

High water bills from the subdivision's private supplier are a common complaint. [The #1 complaint that all the residents who supported annexation believed would be solved quickly.]

Day said he pays from $150 to $175 a month, while friends who live across the road and get city water pay $40 on average. [$145-155 at my house.]

Sweet said the city does hope to take over the water system. [Hope? Where have I heard that before? (link)]

"We'd love to be in a position to control water services and rates," he said. [In other words: the city does not have the finances to do so, nor did the city prior to annexation. About $20,000,000 needed to take over the water.]

Annexation opponents had worried that the subdivision would become a financial drain. [No financial drain if nothing is done to address the major issues of water service, roads, and storm drainage. Win-win!!]

But Sweet pointed out that in the proposed budget for next year, there is no increase in tax rates and no cuts in services or personnel. [Nor increase for roads, storm drainage or water service?]

"We're not going to increase taxes," Sweet said. [Yipee.]

Rockwall City Council 17 August

The happiness of society is the end of government. - John Adams

Action Item 2:

District Attorney Kenda Culpepper needs some help prosecuting drunks! She wants the city to loan out the services of our municipal judge in issuing warrants to draw blood from suspecting drunk drivers. Presbyterian and Lake Pointe hospitals will be doing the blood draws. All local police agencies are on board.

Consent Agenda.

1 and 8 pulled.

Item 8: City's ETJ moving north into Collin County. Matt opposed as it eventually the city will annex the ETJ and put part of Rockwall into another county.

Appointments.

1. New P&Z chair Michael Hunter presented a couple things from last weeks meeting: HCA portable buildings and Zoning of the Zoo.

2. Flood plain. Summary: Lady bought a house in 2006, in 2008 she went to refinance and discovered the property was now considered flood plain. Built in 1984, re-surveyed by the city and FEMA in 2006 (Ongoing prior, but the 2006 study is the one that affected this house.) After much effort and expense she was able to get the structure certified out of the flood plain to lower insurance.

Then for the next hour all the intricacies of flood plain mapping were discussed.

City engineer Chuck Todd stated "several hundred" were affected by the changes.

David Sweet and Matt Scott thought the city should have done a better job informing those who would be affected by the changes. And by better, I think they mean "a".

Basically, it seems if you live near a creek, pond or lake, you were probably affected.

If only the city had enacted "green" initiatives sooner!

3 and 4. Bond issuance stuff. Rockwall has good credit. A motion was made and passed (but I don't really think they know what the vote was about!)

[Councilman Russo for some reason started playing hide and seek under his desk. Not sure who was "it".]

5. Fella needs to extend his 212 agreement with city (forgot to file and now has to beg.) Passes 6-1 (Matt opposed)

Then for some inexplicable reason, Mayor Cecil skipped the public hearing item and moved into action items, confusing many.

Action Items.

1. Destruction of "dangerous property" in LRE. Land owner cannot afford to repair or demolish the structure himself, and is willing to allow the city to do so, after which a lien will be put on the property to recover the money once sold. Seems to me the owner shoulda sold the land, cuz now if he sells it, he'll be out $3k!

Of course, if he had put a plastic yellow fence (as was done on a burned up home off 552) instead of relying on a chain link fence to keep people out, that would have been ok!

Mayor Cecil realizes his mistake and goes back to public hearing item.

1. Heritage Christian Academy SUP thingy (see previous CP&Z posts.)

Margo had questions about fire safety. Chief Poindexter said the portables are safe, do get inspections, and are the same as those used by the PUBLIC schools.

David made a motion to approve for 1 year only, so that the school can go through the laborious process again next year.

Glen made note that he would like to see the portable "gone from the landscape". Not sure if he included the public school's portables in that.

The school needs $700,000 to finish out a building that would replace the need for the portables.

No one on the council volunteered to help.

3. Build a new radio tower for city use. Margo wants it pretty.

4. HOA Subcommittee again again. It was disolved 7-0. Then there was talk of forming another one. Some folks were named to be on the council subcommittee and a citizens committee.

"Naming people to a committee out of executive session?", I proclaimed in my head.

"Naming people to a committee out of executive session?", Mayor Cecil proclaimed .5 seconds after my thought!

The new committee will form some rules the new HOA's could adopt to have continuity in rules amongst HOA's.

If only there were some sort of council in the city that could create uniform rules that could be used by all citizens without the need for some smaller governing body to dictate behavior.

6. Apparently fence permit laws aren't restrictive enough. Here's the rule regarding permits:

Sec. 6-125. Permit required; applications; fees.

No fence shall be constructed within the city without the owner or person in control of such premises, or his agent or contractor, having secured a permit therefore from the building official of the city. Applications shall be made and a permit issued on forms promulgated by the code official for such purpose. The fees for such permits shall be as established by resolution of the city.

You don't need a permit to fix your fence (at least according to what I read) but the need must exist!

Imagine! People just going out and fixing their fences without an unqualified government agent to oversee the project!

City staff will keep looking into the issue, or as Cliff states: more clarity needed. (To me, when an elected official says "more clarity", I always hear "greater role".)

6. David Sweet and Matt Scott don't like people parking on grass in front of homes. I suggest they don't do it, then.

Mr Scott believes if you have a driveway, you should use it: "That's what it's for." (I wonder if we will soon start looking at people who use garages as storage rooms and not used for cars.)

Also, when Mr Farris made an objection, noting that some may park in the yard to wash a vehicle, Mr Scott responded that no one does that! It would kill the grass! (I believe I heard once that Mr Farris went to Bryan Adams HS. I too lived near BA for a couple years and can attest to the fact that people do wash their cars in grass. As a kid in Garland we were forbidden from washing cars on the driveway and always did so in the grass. If only it were true it killed the grass and I hated mowing the lawn, which was always so lush and green, especially the place where we washed!)

And this is not directed at Lake Rockwall Estates, because Mr Scott made a point to say this is not directed at Lake Rockwall Estates.

"There is no reason for this!"

And when objections were raised by other council members: "We don't want to penalize folks with legitimate issues [for parking in the grass]."

I always like it when a government body gets to decided what is "legitimate."

Mr Sevier also pointed out that he "hated" cars parking in the grass, to which I suggest he also not do.

Mayor Cecil said that if there is an ordinance, it must be enforceable (which this would be hard to do.)

Regarding enforcement, the "dog tethering" issue was mentioned as another that would be hard to enforce, and therefore no ordinance against tethering exists in the city. I found this last week in the animal control ordinances:

(e) Tying dogs. It shall be unlawful for any person to tie or tether a dog to a stationary object for a period of time or in a location so as to create an unhealthy situation for the animal or a potentially dangerous situation for a pedestrian as determined by the supervisor of animal control.

The movement to control parking behavior morphed into just banning parking on the grass in the front yard of a home. Which staff will look into again.

Amazing after 150+ years since founding, that now it's a problem.

Some other points:

-I left city hall and went down Storrs to Clark. 5 homes had cars parked in grass (culvert) in the front yard.
-All of the objections (which were called rare) I could point to from the short drive from the corner of Texas and Tubbs to my house on Perch.
-Is the grass culvert "front yard"? (I have to mow it.)

This is just a pet peeve that a couple council members have and are now excersing powers to change behavior they do not approve. Amazing to me how concepts like liberty and freedom are so championed by the people when it comes to federal and state issues, but in small local issues, freedom and liberty are ignored or even ridiculed by those in power.

Freedom isn't doing what you want. It's others doing thing you don't like.

Dr. Thomas Sowell has an excellent column about this from a few months ago.

This also reminded me about a lady celebrating her 100th birthday a couple years ago. When asked her secret for long life she responded, "I spent the first 50 years minding my own business, and the last 50 staying out of other people's business."

Get over yourselves.

Central Planning and Zoning 11 August

Four new commissioners!

Plus new chairman, Michael Hunter, and vice chairman, Phillip Herbst.

Basically only two things going on this time.

Mr Hunter started the public hearing by noting that quite a few people showed up to speak, and would like them not to repeat what others say over and over and over.

So the dynamic oration begins:

Public Hearing #1 concerns Heritage Christian Academy wanting an extension on an SUP for some portables they use.

Mr Herbst started by wanting to know the long range plans of the school regarding finishing out an exiting permanent structure.

1st Item: HCA doesn't have a lot of money. Nor the power to threaten by force the public at large for educational funding.

More from Herbst:

How long can city keep issuing SUP's?
The city can't do this forever!

Kristen Minth wanted to klnow the time frame for making the portable look "nice".

Mr Buchanan would like the SUP to end when the finish out is completed.

Mr Herbst noted the neighbors were fine with the portables. Like the city cares what only the people affected by an issue care. There ARE lots of people who don't even know the portables are on the property and cannot be seen from the road or from any properties adjacent. Thanks goodness the city worries about those folks!

Connie Jackson would like to skirting on the portable to keep kids from going under the building. (I guess the assumption is the staff at HCA is kinda new at the whole "watching kids" thing and ain't smart enough to keep their students safe without city help.)

Also, she added that she knows the economy is tough, but in 3 years the city will demand to know why the school is still using portables!

Buchanan: Repeated what everyone else just said.

Minth: Repeated what everyone else said.

Didn't they listen to what Mr Hunter said at the beginning?

(All animals are created equal, but some are more equal than others - George Orwell, Animal Farm)

Summary of HCA's comments: HCA doesn't have the $600,000 to finish out the building.

Side note - Don't Rockwall PUBLIC schools use portables? I know I had several classes in portables when I went to school here.

2nd item: The Zoo! Zoning for Lake Rocwkall Estates! (I can almost taste the legitimacy of my citizenship!)

Summary of staff:

In English: "Does anyone here not speak English?"

There are stick built, manufactured, and quite a few multifamily homes in LRE.
"Many" citizens spoke against multifamily being allowed.
Subcommittee and task force recommended a mix of types of housing.
The laws of mathematics do not apply.

Then the great derailing happened:SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER

Some guy says his house is in the flood plain, will he have to leave?

No.

The Lady of Lake: "Now that I'm iun the city I see you don't allow development in the floodplain which really screwed up my plan to make phat loot developing it after getting annexed which I supported!!! Maybe city wants a park (hint hint)?"

James Merkel pointed out that deed restrictions forbid multifamily. (City is under no obligation to honor deed restrictions.) He opposes multifamily.

All others who spoke opposed multifamily.

(There was lively debate and excellent points made by commission. As well of lots and lots of repeating what had been said.)

In the end Mr Herbst made the motion to approve the zoning change, but to omit the multifamily. (few other changes, but no anger inducing changes)

Passes 7-0. So the P&Z agrees with the citizens. No one living in LRE wants multifamily.

Now all that's left is council approval. (E.g. it ain't over.)

Rockwall City Council 03 August

Quick night, 2nd in a row, too. I wonder why.

III. Proclamations

1. City Attorney Pete Eckert and Former Councilman Bob Cotti present the city with a picture of the U.S.S. Rockwall. Attack Transport that saw action in WWII.

A veteran of WWII and former sailor aboard the Rockwall, Dr Jordan (hope that's right) was present and told a story of how he saved a man's life duirng operations in the Pacific Theater.

Accepting the picture were the mayors and city managers of Rockwall and Heath.

A photo of the U.S.S. Heath was unavailable.

2. Kiawnis from Texas and Oklahoma are in town for a regional convention. Word has it the Rotarians are out looking to "rough up" any Kiwanis walking alone.

IV. Open Forum.

1. Fella who talked really needed an appointment and got it!

V. Consent Agenda.

Passed unanimously, nothing pulled.

VI. Appointments.

1. Bill Bricker talked about the P&Z's recommendations regarding the PD's (see previous post, I refuse to revisit here - too painful)

3. Speed Fab Crete and the Fire Stations.

#3 done, # 4 Almost there. (Stay on target)

2. Dude needs and extension of his 212 agreement after missing the deadline for mailing the request.

VII. Action Items.

3 moved to next meeting as Matt Scott absent, again:

6. HOA Subcommitee talk.

8. Fence ordinance talk.

9. "Parking on unimproved surfaces" talk.

1. Some money coming back to city from fire station project, and some of that is going back out "in the interest of fairness" to the architectural firm who forgot to add it to the contract.

I THINK $330k was returned, and then somewhere between $200k and $75k was give to the architect (they sure make it hard to understand when they are spending our money.)

2. Something about money or bonds or taxes.

3. Similar to 2, money stuff. Read it on the agenda if you want.

4. More of our money allocated to dedication plaques for the new fire stations: $8452.80 for 4 signs.

5. Fire Chief wants to swap some money in the fire station equipment funding for "Bunker Washing Gear" and "SCBA Filling Machines" in lieu of vehicle exhaust systems (not the fire truck mufflers, CO exhaust inside the bays).

7. Grand opening dates for fire stations discussed. Both will be on same day, probably in October or November. Donuts at 10a at #3 and cookies at 4p for #4 (same day).

10. If you got some "Weekend Development Directional Signs" you have been itching to use, now is your chance! But only from Friday evening to Sunday evening.

11. City of Rockwall in the movie biz discussion. This excites Mark Russo most of all. (Maybe awaiting his big break!)

12. Something about Atmos Energy (last item, no one cares, passes quickly)

VIII. City Managers Report(s).

I was going to go into great detail of all things discussed, but then I saw a frog in my garden this evening. Had to choose between report and frog picture, I chose the more interesting:

Central Planning and Zoning 28 July

All good things must come to an end. Alas, the central planning & zoning commission is not coming to an end.

Two new commissioners were introduced: Tony Hayes (who mentioned "driving around" the Zoo in an informal chat with me before the meeting) and Kristen Minth (someone I've known for nearly 30 years).

I hope they're better than the last. /crosses fingers

Action Items.

3. Discussion of some PD's. Basically, PD's are reviewed every couple years and decisions are made whether or not changes need to be made to those PD's.

The one of most interest to the commission and owner, are PD's 26 and 31. A fella owns the properties governed by these PD's and the city may or may not want to consider if it is or isn't neccessary to change the PD's or possibly leave well enough alone at least until later or maybe not.

The properties are right about where the John King Bypass is overpassing I-30. The owner of the land doesn't know what the state is going to do and how it will affect his property, and jsut wants the city to keep the PD as is until the overpass is finished. Sounds reasonable (at least to me). But reason and commissions go together like oil and jelly.

Outgoing (thank G-d) chairman Bricker, feels something must be done, because it must. Meddling is his talent and meddle he must! He even knows what's in the best interest financially for the owner of the land!

As is, the owner has the flexibility to keep making money with the current use. A zoning change would not only limit what could be done on the property, but would also prevent it's current use under cetrain circumstances which I won't go into here, but feel free to contact the city about the rules regarding re-zoning.

The recommendation is to re-review in 24 months.

4. Heritage Christian Academy needs to renew it's SUP for some portable buildings.

Commissioner Hunter wanted to know if there were plans for a permanent structure to replace the portables. He can't make a decision without knowing the school's long range plans. Portables = ugly, permanent = pretty.

Outgoing (not fast enough) commissioner Milner noted that it was cheaper to have portable buildings than to build a permanent structure.

Commssioner Buchanan wanted to know why the school is using [exisitng] portable buildings instead of [expensively] finishing out an unfinished 2nd floor of the permanent structure [during a recession]. [emphasis added].

Outgoing (almost there) chairman Bricker opposes the portables because the only reason the private school uses portables is to lower operating costs and make more money!!!

But, he notes it's perfectly ok for public schools to use portables to lower operating costs and make more robots!!!

5. Replatting of some land in front of Costco, I love you.

6. Replatting of SE corner of Quail Run and 205 that will be used for medical offices. I am just sure the council will oppose this for not being near the medical corridor and next to the hospital.

Then Bricker said somethings that I won't type as it makes my head hurt. Instead I'll put this quote from Lewis Black which is more sensible (actually overheard by Mr Black in an IHOP):

"If it weren’t for my horse, I wouldn’t have spent that year in college."

7. Replatting of some lots by the hospital.

8. Lake Rockwall rezoning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In the not too distant future, we will be that much closer to being "real" citizens! (I think we're 65.6% citizen right now. Still waiting for that city limit sign to move...)

Robert LaCroix presented the citizen input fom the poorly advertised, poorly attended first "town hall":

- Concerns about infrastructure
- Opposition to multi-family (not one citizen supported MF)
- Density concerns
- Added traffic (from density)

Now here is something interesting I learned, even with multi-family, there will be no increased density! Check it:

1. A double wide on a double lot has 2 people living in it. (Just an example). That's 2 people on 10,000sqft, or one person per 5,000 sqft.
2. Remove the double wide and add a multi family:
a. A duplex on the same two lots with 2 in each unit equals 4 people on 7,500 (or it is 7,000 now?). That's one person per 1,875sqft.
b. Triplex, 6 people on 10,000sqft or one person per 1,667sqft.
c. Quadplex, 8 people on 10,000sqft, or one person per 1,250sqft.
3. See? Besides, taking the same double lot lot and putting in 2 single family homes, with 2 in each unit, equals one person per 2,500sqft!

No density increase!

Bricker: multi-family will raise the value of the neighborhood and could raise the standard of the neighborhood.

Hunter agrees.

Milner agrees. And uses "those people" in a sentence. Developers will come in to make money and will do so by building the bestest duplexes EVAR! Multi-family is a "positive". It attracts poor people to the neighborhood and gives them an opportunity to "get their feet on the ground." Poor people need a place to come. Anything the city does will be an improvement to LRE. 10-20 years people will be praying in the direction of LRE because of how awesome it will be!!!

Paraphrased comment of Mr Milner :

PEOPLE WHO WASH OUR DISHES AND MOW OUR LAWNS DESERVE TO LIVE IN THE CITY THEY WORK.

If my parents didn't read this, I might have something to say about that comment.

Also, Milner wanted to know if the one fire hydrant in Area 2 affects the city's insurance rating.

Bricker then continued to express his love of multi-family. Multi-family will increase the value of the homes out here already. (Now, if that's true, why doesn't he and others push for multi-family next door to their house? If that's the case, logically the homes on Southhampton and Southwood
must be the most valuable pieces of real estate in all of Rockwall!

Bricker also noted that no one will build a "nice" home out in LRE anyway. Here's a proof:

1. No one will build a "nice" home in LRE
2. Anything built in LRE will not be "nice".
3. A duplex is an "anything".
4. Therefore, a duplex is not "nice" if built in LRE.

Thanks for making a great point, Bricker.

Epilogue:

Milner, with the help of William Henry Harrison's speechwriter, bids farewell.

Bricker, also his last meeting, made several points, mentioned how he valued public opinion [except those dummies in LRE].

There was then discussion about how great the city forced Costco (I love you) to look.

What a legacy.

Mr Door, meet Mr Ass.

"Town Hall Meeting" 23 July

Fact: What the citizens of the Zoo want is irrelevant.

The city long ago, with input from input from uppity white folk, decided what will be done with Lake Rockwall Estates.

The citizens of the Zoo deserve such treatment (punishment). After years and years of refusing to "clean up" the neighborhood, the city comes in with a grand plan to help all those trashy, ignorant folks fix their lives. We can only blame ourselves for the city's actions. We are too stupid and poor to make wise choices (for instance even MOVING into the neighborhood shows a lack of brains).

I for one welcome our new overlords.

It is time for the citizens out there to shut their mouths, and take their paddlins' like big boys and girls. The majority supported annexation, and this is exactly what many (in the minority) expected: Do-gooder mentality and forced compliance.

Here's a breakdown of those who spoke at the poorly advertised, poorly attended "town hall":

Joel Morgan, 234 Perch, 30-year resident - Wants water (from city)
Debbie Adams, 485 Eva, 30-year resident - Opposes Multi-family, wants another entrance to Area 2
Eldon Mass, 40-year resident - Wants water (from city)
David Jurrasicpark, non-resident land-owner, wants to build a quadplex. Also bought a home in flood plain he is unable to sell on Lakeside.
Antonio Rico, 1157 Yvonne - Opposes Multi-family, wants water (from city)
Leslie Price, 394 Wayne - Opposes Multi-family, wants water (from city)
Mary Garza, 482 Eva, 12-year resident - Opposes Multi-family
Joe Hayes, 303 Tubbs - Big trucks tearing up roads, youths bein' rowdy at night, wants street lights
Gerry Polsey, 131 Lynne, 27-year resident - Opposes Multi-family
Cindy Ellis, 394 Wayne, property owner - Opposes Multi-family
Larry Jackson, Blanche, - Opposes Multi-family
Nona Hayes, 303 Tubbs - Too many big trucks
"Bulletproof vest" guy, Althea, 36-year resident - Opposes Multi-family

Shannon Nerren, 599 Trout, 3-year resident - Opposes Multi-family


Reasons people opposed multi-family houses:

Overcrowding an already overcrowded area
Renters not as good neighbors as owners
Increase in traffic
Sex offenders like duplexes (???, that's what she said.)
Deed restrictions do not permit
Duplexes replacing manufactured homes negatively affects drainage (as per a Registered Professional Engineer and resident)
Impact on infrastructure has not been looked at by city

In summary: Not one resident spoke in favor of multi-family, and most who spoke oppose multi-family.

Will the city listen to the concerns of the citizens? How could they? 99.99999999999% of teh Zoo don't even speak English!!!! And the remaining 0.00000000001 speak some form of white-trash hillbilly!

Rockwall City Council 20 July

III. Proclamations

NFPA Safe Community Awarded for kids having learned that everything they love is dangerous: bikes, fire, guns, poison, etc. Apparently written by Tolstoy.

The city of Rockwall gives out FREE (Yes, Ben, I said free.) smoke detectors at the fire stations. They will even install them!

IV. Consent Agenda.

1. Minutes
2. Mother-in-Law Storage approval
3. Approval of a bid ($$)
4. Atmos something or other.

All approved.

V. Appointments. Commissioner Herbst, sitting in for Chairman Bricker, says nothing.

VI. Public Hearings.

1. Guy turning 3 lots into 1. No public spoke. Approved by council.

2. Hair Salon thingy. Limit to 1 chair. Public Silent. Approved.

3. Solar Panels! Basically:

Glen hearts solar panels.

Cliff believes no one (other than owner) should have issues of aesthetics regarding one's own home.

Mark wants an update in the future.

The home owner is getting a write-off and Oncor money to off-set the costs, and expects a 5 year payback on his 4kw system.

I was sorely disappointed the council missed such a grand opportunity to ask ridiculous questions. Passes with almost no discussion!

VII. Action Items.

Items 1 & 6 regarding parking on unpaved surface and fences moved to next meeting. Weird how things that would so greatly impact the Zoo keep coming up after not being an issue during the previous 150+ years since Rockwall's founding.

2. City water restrictions something or other on people who pay for city water. (I assume it for city water customers, because I don't get city water and would find it downright tyrannical if the city tried to impose it's restrictions on non-customers like those of the Zoo, 95% of whom thought we would be getting a cheaper water rate once annexed, as that was all they really cared about. $150.00 this month for a house <1000sqft.) style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" size="1">(The items from here to #11 had to be re-written as something got ate up like a soup sandwich, hope I can recreate. I am quite irritated now.)

3. Area in danger of being annexed had an agreement not to develop in exchange they don't get annexed. Extended for another year.

4. Same as 3, different area.

5. City about to get "all up in the Shores Golf Course" business. Public forum will be held so questions can be asked. Questions like, "Why does the city have authority over a private golf course?" and "Why isn't this a concern of anyone other than members?".

7. Main Street Rib Rub. BBBQ competition and stuff.

(Irritation level growing, as I have written so much on all this before!)

8. More main street stuff.

Money being doled out for private businesses to update signage.

Other things:

-San Jacinto Court (Harbor competition?)
-Directional kiosks for those with myopia and neck problems to find things on square
-Sidewalk repairs
-Dog Days Event

9. Sign thing moved to next meeting.

10. David presents best idea of night! Broadcasting of city council meetings. 2 years ago city had an estimated cost of $85,000. Thank God technology has come so far with the recent invention of the "internet" and "web cams"!

Of course, this isn't nearly complicated or expensive enough for a bureaucrat to consider! After all, the peoples' money won't overspend its self!

It's not like you can go to Wal-Mart and get some cheap web cam off the shelf! Further, it's a very compicated procedure to set it up that requires a brilliant IT company's technician to install! Not just ANYBODY can do it!

(irritation back to normal levels)

11. In case you haven't heard, Family Circle has declared Rockwall one of the top 10 places to raise a family! And the city wants the world to know!

12. 2 residents have complained to the city about teenagers hanging out at the Harbor overflow parking lot.

Reports of wheelies (!), loud talking, illegal drinking, hood surfing, trucks driving on a road, and reckless driving on the street.

Police have been out many times without issuing any citations or finding any wrongdoing. Some are worried about "logging" a complaint as it will lower their property value.

Cliff and Bill would consider a restriction of times of use.

Margo points out that there have been no offenses, and this could lead those hanging out at the lot to move someplace else!

Julie believes that kids do need a place to hang out, but some place they could be monitored and not near residences! Of the 2 people that have spoken to Julie, one spoke for all other residents who haven't called anyone in the city.

Glen reinforces there is no place for kids to go and wondered if the parking hour restrictions would lead to a conflict if the hotel had conventioneers or similar that needed the parking lot.

Chief Moeller finished by pointing out there have been no curfew violations.

Early dismissal - 2034!

Planning and Zoning Meeting 14 July

I read somewhere that if you eat something you don't like on the first try, the tenth time you try it, you will end up liking it.

2nd P&Z meeting, 8 to go.

All Public Hearings:

1. Some fella in Chandler's owns 3 lots, want to make 'em one lot. Bill Bricker: HOA's say ok? Yes. Passes 7-0 in favor. (No public spoke.)

2. Hair Salon is back. Not enough parking per city standard. Commissioners concerned about parking issues! It could get crowded! Doesn't this seem like it's the hair salon's problem?

(Side note: Mr Hunter seemed a little "abrupt" with Mr LaCroix, but maybe that's his style.)

Anyhoo, the recommendation seems to be a waiver (?) for the parking space and limit the number of "chairs" inside the salon to 2.

3. Fella with the solar dream is back. City sent out 21 notices, 3 came back: 2 in favor, 1 opposed. The one opposition was from the someone, not on his street and the opposition was only that it was going to on the front of the house, but would rescind his opposition if the panels were on the back of the house. It seemed as the the opposer lives directly behind and would see the panels from his house, but would never see them if the panel were mounted on the front! Odd.

City staff presents its recommendations.

Mr Hunter inquired as to the specificity of the recommendations. (Cuz city has no ordinance, has to be case by case for now.)

Mr Buchanan asked for a picture (more on that later) from further across the street (to see what the neighbor would see, a neighbor who has already stated he would have no problem with the panels.)

He then asked if there would be a glare. There will not be a glare. This was asked and answered 2 weeks ago at the last P&Z. Mr Buchanan was not absent from that meeting.

More: What if the trees go away? 2 weeks ago the tree concern was what if the trees got too big!

Lynn Davis: Will the wiring be visible???????? (Maybe.)

AGAIN she asks about glare because she believes all glass will glare no matter the background behind the glass (which is black.) If this sounds like Deja Vu all over again, it's not from the above reading, she asked the SAME thing 2 weeks ago. Maybe she thought the physical properties of the glass had changed in 2 weeks. (It didn't.)

The company rep and home owner then went into a brief discussion of how sun reflects off the panels and how the sun moves across the sky. Basically, it won't glare. Still. Even if SOMEone on some other council asks the same question, the answer will be the same (Unless the physical properties of glass change.)

(Don't remember who asked): A question of noise was raised. Again. It will still be quiet, nothing has changed from the meeting 2 weeks ago.

More from Ms Davis: Old panels look frosty and tacky! What about maintenance?!? We have to keep it pretty for the neighborhood!

Company Rep: If dirty, no worky. Just hose it off.

Ms Davis: Won't the cost of water to clean and maintain cancel out any monetary savings received from using solar panels?

(Thank God for T.H.)

Too hard to categorize the following, so it'll be kinda random:

Mr Hunter: Where goes the inverter? (Garage)

Mr. Buchanan: Will you have to beef up your roof? (No.)

Mr Bricker: If the manufacturer goes out of business, the warranty is worthless. How can we (the city) enforce upkeep on the panels to make sure there will never be a warranty issue?

Mr Hunter: What city employee can enforce the maintenance?

(What if panels become unsightly or no longer used?????)

Mr LaCroix: (Perplexed by the question?): Not sure how you can write into the SUP "unsightly" or "unused". The city can not regulate the (future) appearance of the panels any more than they can regulate shingle colors. (I thought they did that. Hmm, maybe I'll get some purple ones.)

Ms Davis: How bout a 1-year review to any "nuisance" (ie panel's appearance)!

Mr Bricker wondered if the city could do the review, and if negative have the panels taken down (he didn't like that idea, and neither did Mr Hunter).

Mr Bricker made 2 recommendations for the city's future ordinance:

Have an engineer's certificate to guarantee the strength of the roof.

AND address what the wires will look like on the roof.

(He also made a recommendation after adjournment [can they do that??] concerning how panels would be arranged on a roof .

If you (the reader) were also concerned about how bad the panels will potentially look (at least during summer) if installed today, and baring any sudden death of trees by some mysterious tree disease. This is a real picture (courtesy of Google street view) of the front of the applicant's house. (Even though it's public record, I have removed identifying markings of the street):

Rockwall City Council 6 July

Visit Planet Rockwall, now.

III. Proclamations.

Buncha folks from the city took some classes dubbed "Rockwall University Leadership Program". Department heads and Hon Ralph Hall give a class in their expertise to educate employees bout what other employees are doing. The graduates got a plaque and some money.

"How much?", asked the Mayor.
"A Token.", came the reply.

Also, casserole ideas were traded and a list of the best "lil smokies" recipe was established for departmental parties:

1. Lil Smokies with Cattlemans
2. Lil Smokies with KC Masterpiece
3. Lil Smokies with Bull's Eye
4. Lil Smokies with Kraft BBQ Sauce
5. Lil Smokies with Great Value BBQ Sauce

IV. Open Forum.

1. Pastor Joe thanked the city for not destroying the heart and soul of the Southside Community and for the city's support of the Juneteenth celebration.

2. Sheriff Eavenson disguised as "Harold" said he would like the city to have a forum or discussion regarding the Shores Golf Course. And he has a gun. I said that, not "Harold". Not as a threat, just a reminder.

V. Consent Agenda.

1. Pulled by Glen (minutes from previous meeting) cuz he had better things to do than the people's business.

5. Pulled by Matt, who vocalized his plan to oppose this item. David also said he planned to vote in mere seconds in opposition. Passes 5-2. (Replatting of a lot for Comfort Inns, I think, over between Popeye's and Burger King, see P&Z notes if desired.)

Other stuff passed including someting about the city's water conservation plan. Is this for the city's water customers only or is everyone included, like those in my neighborhood who pay 3 times what the typical citizen pays for water that is not sold to us by the city?

VI. Appointments.

1. Chairman of P&Z was first which was irrelevant as he was absent from previous P&Z and everything he would discuss was passsed during consent agenda.

2. P&Z chairman again, only this time as a normal person (Well, . He wants the city to relax (I think) or change the ordinance regarding signs that point to things like new homes being built in subdivisions to allow four per new subdivision and not one for each developer in each new subdivision and existing subdivisions and other real estate type signs would not be included unless they are and would only be displayed from Friday night to Sunday night and would be big and metal and simple and straightforward and cheap signs would not be allowed like those use for garage sales and such.

City will investigate.

3. Speed Fab almost done with the fire stations. #3 was vandalized by kids, but no one saw them, but it was surely kids because what and how it was vandalized could only have been done by kids.

VII. Public Hearings.

1. Big Shed Guy is back.

Glen wanted to know if he consulted with his HOA.

Mr LaCroix explained that find finding out if people consulted with their HOA ain't his business. (OK?!?)

Interestingly, Mayor Cecil closed the public hearing before hearing from the applicant (His representative in the case). First time I'd seen that. (Illuminati?)

Whatever, Big Shed will be built, so says the council 7-0.

2. Some guy wants a fence bigger'n what's in the ordinance. City staff has no problem. Mayor Cecil called and talked to applicant, then opened public hearing. Ok'd 7-0

3. City blah blah tax exempt blah blah something about refinancing or something. 7-0 (Action item #5 included in this)

VIII. Action Items.

2. More parking needed at the Harbor. Rob Whittle the developer would like (probably or definitely?) the city to provide or pay for more parking spaces or alternatives. The attendance at the Concerts by the Lake is overwhelming the parking available to customers of the harbor. Can the co-owners please find somewhere else for their customers to park? It's also been hurting some of the businesses at the Harbor for Thursday night business. Some have better nights though.

Averaging 4500 a night this year (5000 was highest attendance).

Cliff makes a great point that the city has spent plenty money on the harbor and cannot support spending more.

Other options:

1. Park and ride at Lake Pointe Church. $800 a night to move 160 per hour, about 320 per night.
2. Move concerts to Tuesdays.
3. Park on Summer Lee, then jaywalk across the street to the show. (Get cops to patrol and ticket jaywalkers! Cha-ching!)
4. Rob Whittle builds a parking garage (my suggestion).

7-0 gets staff to look into it.

1. Cliff wants better a record of executive sessions like a recording or at least better notes. That way if they ever have to reference in the future the ongoings at an executive session, they can get exact info.

Glen worried about haxxorz getting the audio.
Matt flat out opposed.
Margo wanted to know what other cities do.
Cliff did his homework (as always) and believes this is doable. I did a little, too and found from the open records act available at the Texas Attorney General's website:

§ 551.103. Certified Agenda or Tape Recording Required
(a) A governmental body shall either keep a certified agenda or make a tape recording of the
proceedings of each closed meeting, except for a private consultation permitted under Section
551.071.
(§ 551.071. Consultation With Attorney; Closed Meeting
A governmental body may not conduct a private consultation with its attorney except:
(1) when the governmental body seeks the advice of its attorney about:
(A) pending or contemplated litigation; or
(B) a settlement offer; or
(2) on a matter in which the duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas
Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts
with this chapter.)
§ 551.104. Certified Agenda or Tape; Preservation; Disclosure
(a) A governmental body shall preserve the certified agenda or tape recording of a closed meeting for at least two years after the date of the meeting. If an action involving the meeting is brought within that period, the governmental body shall preserve the certified agenda or tape while the action is pending.

Recording sounds reasonable and legal.

6-1 keeps staff looking into it?

3. Glen: Memba that hippy kid who wanted to tear it up on his scooter but couldn't?

The Youth Advisory Council heard the plea and these are their recommendations regarding youths on motor scooters (not the real ones):

-No age restrictions
-No required insurance(bicyclists don't have)
-Limit from 30 minutes after dawn to 30 minutes before dusk
-25 mph max
-No flag (bicyclists also don't have)
-Follow all traffic laws that bicyclists follow

No action at this time.

4. Lots of subcommittees. Some think that subcommittees are the "bomb" and others would like to some some "kicked to the curb".

Truth is, I wrote tons of notes during this discussion which seemed to go on for days. I attempted to write about it, but the option arose to get hit in the face with a cast iron skillet. I chose the more pleasant option and end with a summary:

Some subcommittees got killed, others didn't.

6. "Discuss and consider approval of a resolution directing publication of a notice of intent to issue Certificates of Obligation, resolving other matters relating to the subject and take any action necessary." (Getting late, then and now)

7. Chief Moeller wants 3 retired cop cars available to the Rockwall Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association (CPAAA) that can be used during their volunteer duties. Parades and such?
No, citizen patrols. Also, he would like funds for a special camera than can be used on the cars whcih automatically reads license plates and checks the plates to a registry of stolen vehicles.

My 4th amendment-sense is tingling! But, I was informed by a top SMU law student that it has been determined that "a) you have no expectation of privacy for something you display in public and b) the search of information about a license plate does not rise to the level of searching house, person, papers, car."

I feel much better now. Besides, you know what they say, "If you don't have anyting to hide, you don't have anyting to worry about!"

Liberty sucks anyway.

IX. City Manager's Report.

1. Fire Chief said some things. Then we found out that city will have enough sales tax revenue to meet budget, but collected fees won't. Time for a rate hike!



Here's me unsuccessfully trying to lift the governor's wallet:


Attention Texas Rangers and/or DPS. The preceding statement is 100% untrue and is intended as a humorous excuse for such a lousy picture. At no time was the governor's wallet in any danger of being "lifted".

Thanks, anonymous reader...I guess.

Sent to me by an anonymous reader without explanation. A fence maybe? A decorative wall with lights?

Planning and Zoning Meeting 30 June

City Council Lite!

My first visit to the a meeting of the Planning and Zoning comission.

Consent Agenda.

3. Approved some road right of way somewhere.

4. Approved (I think) a proposal to build a hotel on the empty land between Burger King and Popeye's. I learned that Vigor Way was a private road, not a public road. The owners of the road cannot prevent people from using it, though.

Discussion Items.

5. Some guy wants to put a home on 3 lots. DIdn't show up, no discussion. Will be a public hearing in 2 weeks.

6. Lady needs an SUP to operate a Hair Salon. It has been in operation, but was only recently noticed by building inspections that it was in business. The building inspector wasn't sure whether or not everything was ok, and referred her to the P&Z Commission. "Hair Salons" are required to have 1 parking space per 250 sqft. That's the real issue, she wasn't being sneaky, just didn't know the rule, and doesn't quite meet the requirement.

Moves to public hearing I think.

7. Next guy wants to put up solar panels on his house. City has no rules or requirements for such things. "Utility Installation, Other Than Listed" is the official term used as a catch-all for things the city doesn't know what to do with. They don't know exactly what to do, just that they must do something!

Earl Milner wanted to know what if the next owner doesn't want solar panels!!!! How can they be removed without any damage to the house??? He's a real estate guy and sometimes people don't even want pools, yet some houses have pools!!! How can we prevent current owners from making the fatal mistake of installing something some non-existent future buyer may not want??? And what about noise?? How much noise do solar panels make?!?

Lynn Davis was concerned about the glare.

Michael Hunter was concerned that existing trees could grow bigger and block the sun! Are the neighbors OK with this? (The panels, not the trees. Only an appointed or elected official would worry about the tree thing.)

Phillip Herbst didn't even see the guy's roof when he drove by! (Mr Herbst seemed to be the only one who has really done any footwork and independent investigating. On this and other issues.)

Moves to public hearing.

9. The zoning of Lake Rockwall Estates. Joy.

Was it implied by staff that there are people "with plans to build" in LRE and the city must act quickly to ensure those plans are enacted? Muliti-family plans maybe? Not specified.

The process and schedule was discussed. Does appear the city has backed off a little to flat-out zoning Area 2 as Multi-family/Mixed-use/Whatever. Both sides will be zoned Single Family, but Area 2 will have a process whereby an SUP can be issued for multi-family dwellings.

There are going to be some townhall meeting "meet and greets" to give residents an opportunity to ask questions and get input from staff about the future of LRE. Commissioners don't need to attend. The city staff will brief them on the goings on of the meetings. (Maybe one or two could go). Filtered info is always better than direct.

July 23 - Town hall Meeting (City Hall, I think)
July 28 - P&Z Work Session (City Hall)
July 30 - "Meet and Greet" (LRE Community Center)
August 6 - "Meet and Greet" (LRE Community Center)
August 11 - P&Z Public Hearing (City Hall)
September 8 - City Council Public Hearing, 1st reading (City Hall)
September 11 - City Council, 2nd reading (City Hall)

Some building standards and special considerations regarding construction and fences are covered, not of it really infuriating.

Mr Milner did remind the city that LRE will always be a sanctuary for the lowest of the low incomes and that the neighborhood will never be "upscale". Shouldn't considerations for even lower standards be instituted? He also wanted to make sure that in 4-5 years, the city won't be ashamed of the neighborhood AGAIN. (Emphasis mine) He would also like to see the prevention of multiple multi-family dwellings (side-by-side). Mr LaCroix says the city has to be careful of the wordings, as it may be to exclusionary for multi-family. Mr Milner then suggested that city may be making it too hard (via the SUP) for multi-family developers to come in and build, can't the city make it easier for the builders? Not something I would expect a real estate guy to say, but there ya go.

Phillip Herbst offers the voice of reason in the sea of insanity: Why is the city introducing multi-family to an otherwise already over-crowded are? Mr LaCroix explained the city already has triplexes built, and areas zoned for similar. I think that answered Mr Herbst's question. (Mr Herbst did mention "driving through" the neighborhood. Sigh.)

And what would a discussion of Lake Rockwall Estates be complete without someone making a classist (and classless), racist comment about the citizens of Lake Rockwall Estates:

Lynn Davis: How can we get THOSE PEOPLE to take more pride in their neighborhood. I am guessing Ms Davis has "pride", but that's as far as I will speculate.

To Ms Davis: WE ARE CITIZENS OF ROCKWALL. JUST LIKE YOU. JUST LIKE ALL THE OTHER COMMSSIONERS. JUST LIKE ALL THE COUNCIL. WE ARE NOT "THOSE PEOPLE". WE GOT ENOUGH OF THAT CRAP-TALK FROM SOME PAST AND SOME CURRENT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL AND DON'T WANT THAT BLATANT, INTENTIONAL EXCLUSIONARY TALK FROM THE CITY ANYMORE.

STOP MARGINALIZING THE NEWEST CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF ROCKWALL.

Rockwall City Council 15 June

Here we go again, again.

Glen Farris absent...

III. Proclamations

2. United States Army Day. SGTMAJ Clifford Sevier, Sr, US Army (ret) accepted on behalf of the entire army who was unable to attend.

3. American Taekwondo Association Day. The ATA does a lot of community work, food drives, etc. All that AND they have time to fight pirates! Now that's what I call Real Ultimate Power!

Facts:

1. Taekwondo practitioners are mammals.
2. Taekwondo practitioners fight ALL the time.
3. The purpose of the Taekwondo practitioner is to flip out and kill people.

And here's Mark Russo getting beaten up by a girl:

1. Finally, Pastor Joe from the AME church accepted a proclamation in honor of Juneteenth. Strangely, he was on the agenda first, but was moved to the back. Really, guys?

IV. Consent Agenda.

2 and 3 pulled.

Cliff Sevier had to abstain for some minutes approval and

David Sweet pulled item 3 for clarification of what exactly an "Automated Weather Observing System" being installed at the airport is. I looked it up, turns out its a system used to observe the weather. And it's automated.

V. Appointments.

1. P&Z chair spoke about some things that would come up again later in the public hearing section.

2. Fella wants to build a fence without having to sign a paper that reinforces the cities position about building on an easement. (FYI, you can do it like this guy will, but it's better if you don't.)
He won't have to sign and can now build his fence.

VI. Public Hearing Items.

1. Some guy wants to build a shed bigger than allowed by the city to store his mother-in-law and a car. Then he disappeared. Motion to move to later on passed, but he never reappeared.

2. Lady wants to change the zoning at the old photo studio near the post office so she can open a party barn and wedding boutique. It will also have marriage counseling, and a photo studio. The change in zoning was to accommodate a banquet hall. Margo Nielsen made motion to approve and Mark Russo PROUDLY seconded.

3. Two nurses with nearly 20 years experience wanted to open an adult day care in a home between another home and a children's day care under construction on the very busy SH-205.

The couple made a very convincing case, but there were many valid objections from the council and residents:

"Have you ever run a business?"
"Why Rockwall?"
"Will you cook for them?"
"Why not near the medical corridor?"
"What will you do if there is an emergency?"
"How will you stop old people from running in the street?"
"What about outside lights?"
"Will you save the trees?"
"What about the sex offender nearby?"
"How will the old people get there?"
"How is it we know more than you and we don't know anything?"
"What the hell is wrong with these nuts?"

Oops, that last one was what I think the applicants were thinking.

A Mr. Whybull then spoke. He supported this. He spoke of property rights and the private sector taking care of a need. Many of the concerns brought up are the concern of the state regulating industry. Mr Whybull also spoke against what he saw as democratizing business and the council getting into the realm of the city approving business plans.

Another man, J White, spoke in favor. He mentioned his wife had run many day cares, and that none were near a medical center. Which was ok, because we have 911.

The nearby child day care center is not near a medical center, but council had no objections?

David Sweet suggested that somewhere else could be better? Matt Scott believes the city does have the rightto decide what businesses can go where without comparing an adult day care to a sex shop. Mark Russo believes the adult day care center would encroach on the freedom of the neighbors.

All council agreed THIS IS A VITAL AND NECESSARY BUSINESS THAT WOULD BE SO TOTALLY AWESOME AND WE REALLY NEED IT IN ROCKWALL!!!!!! BUUUUUUUUUUUT:

NIMBY.

VII. Action Items.

1. Hubbard Chamber Music Series lost some donor or something and they would like the city to donate $2000.00 to make up for it out of hotel/motel tax money. I don't know if the city regularly sponsors, but I checked the website and the city was not listed as a sponsor. I'm sure after 2k of tax dollars are given the City of Rockwall will be added to that list. Also, if you would like to hear them and see where your Rockwall tax money is going, they are playing in Heath, at least I think so. Can't find any info on the website: Hubbard Chamber Music Series.

2. Subcommittees. What are they good for? Absolutely somethin'. Lots of subcommittees. Too many? Not enough? Should we keep em or disband em? Keep some? Lose all? Make em longer term? Make em short term? Margo Nielsen made a motion and David Sweet with 80% understanding of that motion seconded.

3. 3 guys who didn't speak other than introducing themselves were there to get some money to some kind of study or something for some road or grading or something. Planned Development District 32. Look it up.

4. Talk about the HOA reform bill aka the "I moved into an HOA and found out it sucks" bill. It didn't pass in the state legislature. According to Matt Scott it failed because some guy in Houston gave Dr Bob Deuelle (our state Senator) lots of campaign money. After more bashing of Dr Deuell, the item closed without action.

Rockwall City Council 1 June

Ah, the swearing in of (un)elected officials fills my heart with great pride knowing that our democracy works! The guarantee of 2 more years of nitwittery is upon us!

Administering the oath was Judge Brett Hall. Interesting that he's a left-hander, and, as is well known, the left hand is the devil's hand! How appropriate!

"I swear that I am smarter than everyone I represent. I promise to ignore a real problem facing the citizens in lieu of one that a friend or family has an issue with. I promise to not recuse myself in matters with obvious conflicts of interest. I will not pay attention to city staff explanations during council sessions, opting instead to ask in the most verbose way a minimum of 20 questions about that which the staff explicitly covered in their briefing. (The part about defending the US Constitution omitted.)"

IV. Open Forum

1. The Pastor from the AME church thanked the city for fixing the pool. Also he wanted to let the city know that that park and pool were the heart and soul of the community. He also mentioned it was a contentious issue to start talking about messing around with it. Told you so.

He finally talked about the substandard roads and drainage in Southside. City ignoring real problems? Say it ain't so.

2. Next guy got kicked to the curb till the next meeting.

V. Consent Agenda. Yawnsvile.

VI. Appointments

1. P&Z Chair. More yawnsville.

2. Speed Fab Crete. Fire stations. Almost finished.

VII. Public Hearing.

1. Unbelievable how much tree talk goes on in a council meeting. Tree fund: kill a tree, plant a new one or pay the city some money. Like our own version of carbon credits. But the tree fund money can be used by the city to buy and plant trees in parks and stuff, that actually sounds pretty good! Or the money can be used for something other than trees. Of course.

VIII. Action Items

1. Sounds like somebody needs a waiver or something. Ginger lady asked to postpone to a later date.

2. One of the better ones of the evening! A fella over in the mobile side of the Zoo wants to replace his nearly unlivable, dilapidated, falling down, so-bad-that-Jeffrey-Widmer-with-a-camera-would-claim-it-abandoned-and-dangerous, existing mobile home with a brand spanking new manufactured home. The city staff has some "concerns" that they would like to address to the council. The biggest concern is probably that too many single family homes will be built before the city gets to turn it into a multi-family slum.

The main problem is that the guy can't afford to build a stone and brick Taj Mahal. He can afford a manufactured home. The city's current requirement of 80% mansonary exterior are too costly for this guy and not practical for this type of home. The proposed home will be clad in Hardie Board. Margo wants to make sure any requirement of brick adds value and not just cost.

EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE SESSION CALLED BY MATT SCOTT

Half an hour later the council emerges from their super-secret meeting to finally ask questions of the home owner and manufacture's rep. Essentially, the existing home will be replaced by a similar structure, but better. The foundation and exterior will be better than existing. Everything about the new home will be 100 times better than existing. It just doesn't fit the Rockwall mold. Hell, you annexed US.

A voice of reason finally emerges as Cliff Sevier make a motion to approve, seconded by Glen Farris (who I think was concerned about about landscaping). As always happens, reason is quickly clouded in council. Mark Russo wants shutters on this guys house. Shutters. On a house he doesn't live in or have any vested interest. Shutters. I have heard there will be a historical marker placed in the front yard so that future generations will know why shutters were installed. Does Mark have shutter?. Councilman Sweet was concerned about the the life span of the home. The manufacture's rep said typically it's 25-30 years. Which I think is 10-15 years better than the tract homes that now litter our fair town. In a couple more years our neighborhood is gonna be complaining about the blight on the other side of Tubbs.

After an hour and a half of discussion, motion passes.

3. Speed fab architect or something wants more money that he forgot to charge the city? Was it 80 grand or something? Hard to follow this one. Not even sure what the action was.

4. Water conservation plan. Glen's passion about this one is kinda scary. He sure loves irrigation talk. Spent a lot of time talking about crazy devices for limiting or not limiting watering of lawns by an irrigation system and how that goes along with watering restriction times. Rain sensors and freeze sensors and robots and Cray computers controlling watering. Most people use an Aggie weather station, but I guess that's too simple. Matt opposed something about retroactive enforcement. Mark opposes micromanagement *coughshutters*. AquaTexas in the Zoo has a sure fire method the city could use to prevent over usage of water. A bumper sticker I saw once is absolutely the best remedy, which stated:

"My irrigation system is Jewish carpenter."

Works great at my house.

5. Update on the city's "green initiatives". The city staffer claims a reduction in energy for the month of may by 9% and water by 7%. I am sure only the most scientific methods were used in acquiring this information. Done by changing lights and window film placement? Never did hear a cost a cost versus savings benefit mentioned. Whatever, at least we feel like we're doing something.

6. 4-sided architectural requirements. Overlay district. Articulation standards. (repeat 4ooo times). Somehow, Glen was able to form a question out of that.

Recommendation 4 was accepted?

Huh?

7. Council/Staff retreat in November. Hmm.

8. Rockwall Zoo stuff. My fffffffffavorite.

a. Should the LRE annexation sub-committee be dissolved now that LRE is annexed. Seems pretty cut and dry. Yeah, right. Cliff Sevier: The sub-committee has done an adequate job (generous usage of the word adequate I think), city has staff to do the "job" of the sub-committee now, time to do away with the subcommittee. David Sweet agrees. Julie is very proud of the work the code enforcement has done. Be nice to get our drainage and streets fixed. I guess if Southside has to wait 50+ years, so do we. Matt Scott sniped Cliff Sevier (without saying his name) by saying "some" think the issues are black and white, but they aren't! Mayor Cecil makes motion to approve. Margo warns there is a lots of work hours still to do for the Zoo. Luckily, now that there is not subcommittee, those hours will now be divided by 7 instead of 3.

But they are all up for the challenge of not fixing roads or drainage or not acquiring water rights!

b. Zoning. City must act quickly or else they won't get to cram multi-family slums into the mobile home side! The city is just sure that's what people are wanting! Not the people who live out there, but there are people on this earth looking for a low rent housing. And by golly, if they city won't do it's best to provide that for them! If you build it they will come!

Robert LaCroix and Matt Scott express concerns about enforcemnt of anti-monotony in the Zoo. Have they never been there? Where was the concern about anti-monotony when then tract housing started taking over the city? Mr Scott said something about adding character to the neighborhood? Once again, has he not been out there?

Several times we in the audience here from staff and council that they have heard the opposition to multi-family. Yet, I have yet to hear from anyone (except on council or staff) who supports it! Especially, the residents! (All of whom i have spoken to oppose it.) The city will be having public hearing on the matter, not for input from the citizens, more like "Here's what your gonna get, like it or not, cuz we know what's best for you rubes."

A paranoid person would think something is going on behind the scenes with the fervent attitude toward multi-family housing in the Zoo presented by the council and staff.

Mr Sweet expressed his opposition, as did Mr Sevier and Mr Russo with their vote (4-3) on the motion to move forward.

c. Finally dangerous housing demolition. Jeffrey Widmer "drove around" and took pictures from the street to determine which houses where uninhabited and dangerous. Mark Russo pointed out several of the pictures presented to council had cars parked in the driveways of some of these dangerous homes. Mr Widmer assured that those cars probably belonged to people next door. Mr Farris asked if Mr Widmer drove through the entire neighborhood to identify those properties which are dangerous. Mr Widmer assured that he had done a thorough glancing.

9. City buys some water rights. No, not the Zoo's, silly.

The End. And it only took 5 hours and 20 minutes.