Or the least worst depending on your level of cynicism.
Yesterday at 5pm was the filing deadline for the May 14th election for city council.
I filed for Place 1.
Pretty full slate this year - 3 people have filed for each of the three open seats and 3 have filed for Mayor.
Quick brief on me:
My family moved to Rockwall in 1987 when I was a wee lad (slang used in honor of St Patrick's Day tomorrow) of 12 years old. I graduated from Rockwall High in 1993 - way back when everyone in every school was a Yellow Jacket. Much of my family still lives in town - my parents, my sister (1996 RHS Grad) and her family, and my cousin (1994 RHS Grad) and her family.
Our business, Rockwall Controls, is located in Rockwall and has been for 25 years.
Needless to say, I spend most of my time in Rockwall. I want Rockwall to be the greatest city it can be.
It will achieve this not by the actions one person, nor has it been a great city because of the actions one person or of city councils - past or present. Rockwall is a great city because of the people who live here who want Rockwall to be a great city.
Government action is government interference. This extends from what goes on in your home, your neighborhood, or local businesses. One of the great dangers we face from government action is the Law of Unintended Consequences. Meddling into affairs of which one is not expert or educated always creates consequences that often do more harm than good.
Government at all levels has perfected this.
Who knows more about your neighborhood? You or city council?
Who knows what's best for your business? You or city council?
Who knows what's best for Rockwall? You or city council?
There has been far too much disconnect between council and citizens. Much of which is council induced. Opinions counter to what council believes are not welcomed. Hostility to differing views has been common. Citizens are expected to be cheerleaders to government - not the coach.
I have been repeatedly accused of spreading "misinformation" on countless occasions. I spread "information" that was given. Any "mis" part was the fault of council not producing the information either willfully or negligently.
Rockwall needs open government that is truly representative of the citizens of Rockwall. Council's number one job is to be us. Their job is to protect our rights, our property, and our taxes from the machine designed to rob us of our rights, property, and taxes.
Rockwall is not business friendly. You will hear from some that it is. Ask a business person. Ask a business that has tried to open here. Ask a business that is here and needs to make changes.
I have witnessed meddling and micromanaging of million and billion dollar companies wishing to do business in Rockwall. Was the goal to make citizens' lives better? No. Was the goal to give the business the best opportunity to be prosperous? No.
Nitpicking and meddling in business was done because one or more persons serving "don't like" some aspect of the business.
Example: Ice machines, propane, or Red Box offend one of our officials, so a business must do without in order to jump through a hoop to have the chance to operate in Rockwall. Heck, just read the sign ordinance for a taste of business hostility.
Good businesses are good for the citizens. Sales taxes make it possible to have good services without having to pay for services solely through fees or high property taxes.
Without a good business environment, you either give up services or you pay high property taxes.
And what to do with those taxes? First and foremost, provide essential services: police, fire, roads, water, sewer. These are priorities.
But debt is the real priority. Debt must be paid. Debt obligations carry a moral, ethical, and legal requirement to be paid.
In a budget crisis, no one every says, "Well, lets stop paying the debt, that would solve our deficit!". You can't not pay debt! (Apologies for the grammar.) Having the ability via a good credit rating to borrow makes it possible to buy large needed projects like police stations or fire stations.
Large debt comes with large risk. But in most cases almost everyone can agree that the risk is worth it - roads, police stations, etc.
However, in many cases there is disagreement over the debt risk and the reason for the debt.
We will have a very large bond package in November - somewhere between $25 -$60 million depending on with whom you talk. None of the items are for what I have described as priorities for citizens. All are for recreational desires.
We need a council and councilmen who will be good stewards of the bond money if it passes.
On the issuance of debt or general fund budgeting Rockwall must be fiscally responsible.
We must also be realistic when it comes to forecasting the tax income. A rosy picture is painted by many who believe Rockwall is immune to those problems facing the Federal government, the State government, the County government, and the School District, and most municipal governments.
Rockwall is not immune.
That is not to paint a picture of doom and gloom. But, rather the viewpoint that council must be
realistic in planning for the future.
I have no hidden agenda. I have no pet projects I want done. No one has put me up to run. I have no ties to city boards or commissions. The Republican Party of Rockwall (of which I am the treasurer) does not trump my allegiance to the citizens of Rockwall.
My loyalty always lies with the citizens of Rockwall and I will always take the position of a citizen and advocate for the citizen - not the "government".
Council represents the people, the bureaucracy represents the government.
I will always represent the people.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Rockwall City Council 7 March
III. Proclamations.
Supposed to be two, but both were postponed.
IV. Open Forum.
No one spoke, guess everyone in town in perfectly content with government!
V. Consent Agenda.
None pulled, passed 7-0.
2nd reading of the anti-bumming ordinance.
VI. Appointments.
Two scheduled, P&Z either no show or had nothing to report, and the other was tabled.
VII. Action Items.
1. Starting process to issue Certificates of Obligation. Fancy word for taking on big debt without the hassel and inconvenience of a bond election where the opportunity for citizens to actually have the chance to say yea or nay is bypassed.
Looks like the maximum amount of the CO will be $7.7 million. Also, some refinancing of the current TIF was included.
Mayoral Candidate Farris wanted some explanation from the city manager regarding PD-32 - to clear up "misinformation". Also, Mr Farris asked who pays for the debt if the REDC defaults.
COs being issued will be used for infrastructure and improvements. The TIF pays for the debt service on the COs.
The answer about who is responsible for the debt once again went unanswered.
Here is the answer the CEO of the REDC gave:
The City of Rockwall issues the debt, and if sales tax revenues were not sufficient to cover the debt repayments, it would be the city council’s responsibility to balance the budget. The Sales Tax Revenue Bonds are issued with a first priority lien on sales tax revenues of the corporation and the CO debt repayment is a second priority lien.
2. More TIF stuff.
Passed 6-1, Councilman Sevier opposed.
VII. City Manager's Report.
-Turn lane at Ralph Hall and 3097 is complete.
-Drainage improvements on 740 are complete.
Mr Farris wanted to clear up rumors that the In-N-Out Burger, who he gave a hard time about the sign they needed, is still coming to Rockwall.
Mr LaCroix spoke the project architect who said "yes".
The response In-N-Out gave me to my inquiry was "tentative".
(tentative
–adjective
2.unsure; uncertain; not definite or positive)
Here's hoping.
-Bills in State House and Senate to help out LRE with water has been introduced. Relief finally coming to LRE?
(tentative
–adjective
2.unsure; uncertain; not definite or positive)
Supposed to be two, but both were postponed.
IV. Open Forum.
No one spoke, guess everyone in town in perfectly content with government!
V. Consent Agenda.
None pulled, passed 7-0.
2nd reading of the anti-bumming ordinance.
VI. Appointments.
Two scheduled, P&Z either no show or had nothing to report, and the other was tabled.
VII. Action Items.
1. Starting process to issue Certificates of Obligation. Fancy word for taking on big debt without the hassel and inconvenience of a bond election where the opportunity for citizens to actually have the chance to say yea or nay is bypassed.
Looks like the maximum amount of the CO will be $7.7 million. Also, some refinancing of the current TIF was included.
Mayoral Candidate Farris wanted some explanation from the city manager regarding PD-32 - to clear up "misinformation". Also, Mr Farris asked who pays for the debt if the REDC defaults.
COs being issued will be used for infrastructure and improvements. The TIF pays for the debt service on the COs.
The answer about who is responsible for the debt once again went unanswered.
Here is the answer the CEO of the REDC gave:
The City of Rockwall issues the debt, and if sales tax revenues were not sufficient to cover the debt repayments, it would be the city council’s responsibility to balance the budget. The Sales Tax Revenue Bonds are issued with a first priority lien on sales tax revenues of the corporation and the CO debt repayment is a second priority lien.
2. More TIF stuff.
Passed 6-1, Councilman Sevier opposed.
VII. City Manager's Report.
-Turn lane at Ralph Hall and 3097 is complete.
-Drainage improvements on 740 are complete.
Mr Farris wanted to clear up rumors that the In-N-Out Burger, who he gave a hard time about the sign they needed, is still coming to Rockwall.
Mr LaCroix spoke the project architect who said "yes".
The response In-N-Out gave me to my inquiry was "tentative".
(tentative
–adjective
2.unsure; uncertain; not definite or positive)
Here's hoping.
-Bills in State House and Senate to help out LRE with water has been introduced. Relief finally coming to LRE?
(tentative
–adjective
2.unsure; uncertain; not definite or positive)
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Rockwall City Council 21 February
I can't seem to find my notes on this meeting, so I'll be relying solely on my memory for the content. This shouldn't affect the accuracy, or inaccuracy as I have been repeatedly accused of from sitting councilmen during multiple council sessions.
Exectuive session items:
Some money was spent, was it 3 things? Only one I remember was hiring a lobbyist to get a bill passed that has something to do with private water service providers in municipal boundaries, or something like that.
IV. Consent Agenda.
I think the anti-bum ordinances were pulled.
(1)It will be ok for Shriners and Firemen to hold up traffic and distract drivers, but not others. (1st reading)
(2)Camping in public places passed on 2nd reading.
V. Appointments.
1. P&Z Vice Chair Connie Jackson, also current candidate for city council, coincidentally gave the P&Z report for the second week in a row. Not as much verbosity or micromanaging this time.
2. Police Chief Moeller gave his racial profiling report (as mandated by state law, I think). No reports of racial profiling for the past year against police officers. Against code enforcement in Lake Rockwall Estates however....
3. Lady who wants fees waived at Harbor so she can have a fundraiser got it. ($400 rental fee plus other fees waived.)
VI. Public Hearings.
1. Guy wants a large accessory building to replace two existing. Passed.
2. Kroger wanted to add a gas station. This would have shorted the parking lot 8 spaces that would be required. City council decided that Kroger doesn't know anything about customers' needs and are more knowledgeable than Kroger about the retail business and denied the request 4-2-1. (Russo and Nielsen supported Kroger, Sweet abstained.)
3. Church needed an SUP to engage in their first amendment rights of religion and peaceable assembly. Was some discussion about adding a parking ban that hasn't been a problem for the empty lot adjacent to the building, don't know if that was removed in the final motion. Either way, the church will be able to continue practicing their natural rights - with government's permission. Passed 6-1, Scott opposed.
VII. Action Items.
1. AquaTexas (Water service provider in LRE) isn't getting the green light to raise water rates, yet.
2. City staff thought it would be a good idea to tack on a 5% fee for absolutely no good reason to citizens natural gas bills (Atmos). Council was like, "Oh, no you din't". Failed 7-0.
3. Big-ass trashcans will not be forced upon citizens. Several, if not all, council received over 100 emails opposed to the idea of giant trash cans and recycling bins as well as the reduction in services while increase the cost.
Mayor Pro Tem/ Mayoral Candidate Glen Farris was the only one who did not support the motion to keep the current, perfect trash service exactly the way it is. Basically he stated the 100 emails were not enough to sway him as the 34,900 people who didn't convey opinion one way or the other to council mattered more.
FYI, absolutely nothing prevents one citizen in Rockwall from having big-ass trashcans or big-ass recycle bins if so desires. Anyone can have big-ass cans, all you have to do is call the city and request one (or both). The difference between the failed plan and current situation is that (1) robots won't pick up your big-ass trashcans, (2) You have have to pay a couple bucks more a month, but only if you rent them from Allied. You can go to Home Depot or Lowe's and get big-ass trashcans if you want, and (3) No one is forced by the city to have big-ass trashcans.
4. Item about creating a PR position tabled.
5. Art in Public Places - on all future bonds passed, 1% of the money will go to an art project. (THIS IS HOW IT WAS EXPLAINED TO ME: If we pass a bond, 1% of the amount will go to fund an art project, but only at the site of the bond passed. The money will not be used to fund any art project or other art related projects throughout the city.) Passed 7-0.
6. City creating a citizen cheer leading citizen committee to promote passage of the c.$40,000,000 bond package election in November.
7. The new Mi Cocina restaurant needs a sign variance - passed WITHOUT any discussion.
8. Police department is buying a SWAT Rapid Deployment Vehicle - around $50,000, but it won't cost taxpayers anything as the money comes out of seized property.
9. City once again talking about somehow broadcasting meetings over the internet. I think they are going to start out doing what the county has done, basic audio streaming.
If I find my notebook, I may edit this with some snarky comments. But then again, Black Ops calling my name...
Exectuive session items:
Some money was spent, was it 3 things? Only one I remember was hiring a lobbyist to get a bill passed that has something to do with private water service providers in municipal boundaries, or something like that.
IV. Consent Agenda.
I think the anti-bum ordinances were pulled.
(1)It will be ok for Shriners and Firemen to hold up traffic and distract drivers, but not others. (1st reading)
(2)Camping in public places passed on 2nd reading.
V. Appointments.
1. P&Z Vice Chair Connie Jackson, also current candidate for city council, coincidentally gave the P&Z report for the second week in a row. Not as much verbosity or micromanaging this time.
2. Police Chief Moeller gave his racial profiling report (as mandated by state law, I think). No reports of racial profiling for the past year against police officers. Against code enforcement in Lake Rockwall Estates however....
3. Lady who wants fees waived at Harbor so she can have a fundraiser got it. ($400 rental fee plus other fees waived.)
VI. Public Hearings.
1. Guy wants a large accessory building to replace two existing. Passed.
2. Kroger wanted to add a gas station. This would have shorted the parking lot 8 spaces that would be required. City council decided that Kroger doesn't know anything about customers' needs and are more knowledgeable than Kroger about the retail business and denied the request 4-2-1. (Russo and Nielsen supported Kroger, Sweet abstained.)
3. Church needed an SUP to engage in their first amendment rights of religion and peaceable assembly. Was some discussion about adding a parking ban that hasn't been a problem for the empty lot adjacent to the building, don't know if that was removed in the final motion. Either way, the church will be able to continue practicing their natural rights - with government's permission. Passed 6-1, Scott opposed.
VII. Action Items.
1. AquaTexas (Water service provider in LRE) isn't getting the green light to raise water rates, yet.
2. City staff thought it would be a good idea to tack on a 5% fee for absolutely no good reason to citizens natural gas bills (Atmos). Council was like, "Oh, no you din't". Failed 7-0.
3. Big-ass trashcans will not be forced upon citizens. Several, if not all, council received over 100 emails opposed to the idea of giant trash cans and recycling bins as well as the reduction in services while increase the cost.
Mayor Pro Tem/ Mayoral Candidate Glen Farris was the only one who did not support the motion to keep the current, perfect trash service exactly the way it is. Basically he stated the 100 emails were not enough to sway him as the 34,900 people who didn't convey opinion one way or the other to council mattered more.
FYI, absolutely nothing prevents one citizen in Rockwall from having big-ass trashcans or big-ass recycle bins if so desires. Anyone can have big-ass cans, all you have to do is call the city and request one (or both). The difference between the failed plan and current situation is that (1) robots won't pick up your big-ass trashcans, (2) You have have to pay a couple bucks more a month, but only if you rent them from Allied. You can go to Home Depot or Lowe's and get big-ass trashcans if you want, and (3) No one is forced by the city to have big-ass trashcans.
4. Item about creating a PR position tabled.
5. Art in Public Places - on all future bonds passed, 1% of the money will go to an art project. (THIS IS HOW IT WAS EXPLAINED TO ME: If we pass a bond, 1% of the amount will go to fund an art project, but only at the site of the bond passed. The money will not be used to fund any art project or other art related projects throughout the city.) Passed 7-0.
6. City creating a citizen cheer leading citizen committee to promote passage of the c.$40,000,000 bond package election in November.
7. The new Mi Cocina restaurant needs a sign variance - passed WITHOUT any discussion.
8. Police department is buying a SWAT Rapid Deployment Vehicle - around $50,000, but it won't cost taxpayers anything as the money comes out of seized property.
9. City once again talking about somehow broadcasting meetings over the internet. I think they are going to start out doing what the county has done, basic audio streaming.
If I find my notebook, I may edit this with some snarky comments. But then again, Black Ops calling my name...
Monday, February 21, 2011
Rockwall City Council 7 February
III. Proclamations.
1. February is black history month. The proclamation explained the civil war started in 1861 when confederates attacked Ft Sumter.
Yep, it was just that simple.
The theme for this year is “African-Americans and the civil war” and “contributions of blacks during the civil war.”
IV. Open Forum.
1. Fellow from the Zoo spoke in anger about the upcoming water rate increase for Lake Rockwall Estates. (Should push mine to about $150-160.00 a month.)The mayor said the city was in the process of looking into the rate increase and that the request had to be approved by city council.
V. Consent Agenda.
Mayor Pro Tem Farris pulled item 1.
Councilman Scott pulled items 2 & 4.
1. Minutes from meeting Mr Farris missed. Passed 5-0-2. Sevier and Farris abstained.
2. Mr Scott wanted a bunch of wording changes for youth sports agreements. Passed 7-0.
4. Final approval for Christian Brothers. Pulled for basic showboating. Passed 7-0.
VI. Appointments.
1. P&Z Vice Chair Connie Jackson filled in for Mr Herbst. Recent actions by P&Z:
-Petty micromanagement of the looks of a new McDonalds, a company that would be unsuccessful if not for the meddling of the unqualified or incompetent.
-Best Buy lighting changes for outside signage. Denied because P&Z was afraid other businesses would also want lights to help promote business.
-Enlargement of accessory building in the Zoo. Passed 7-0.
-Expansion of SPR Packaging, lots of variances needed. Passed 7-0, with the added note from Ms. Jackson that she was “thrilled someone is expanding in this economy.” A comment that is strangely contradictory to those from the Mayor and some council who claim the economy is Rockwall is essentially immune from the economic problems plaguing the rest of the world.
2. Folks want the fee waived at the Harbor for an event to raise money for a non-profit organization. City waives fee for 501.c3s and Ms. Nielsen suggested they get the actual organization to make the request to keep more in line with the requirement. Will return next time.
Mr Farris opposed support as the event happens the same day as Founders Day. Recommended they pick a new date.
2. Jerry Archer back again. See previous blogs for more info.
Needs an SUP, but the unified development code for Downtown does not allow any auto repair facilities, not even with an SUP.
City will have to change the code in order to allow SUPs for auto repair and then Mr. Archer can make application for the SUP.
After some risk management lessons from the Mayor and Council, motion was made to have staff make changes to allow auto repair facilities in the downtown district with an SUP.
4. Lady wants to talk about changes to trash service. She seemed to be for it and against it. But not really.
Mr. Scott explained there was much “misinformation” about the upcoming changes:
-Councilman Clifford Sevier, Councilman Mark Russo, and Mayor Pro Tem Glen Farris are the ones on the subcommittee and Councilman Clifford Sevier, Councilman Mark Russo, and Mayor Pro Tem Glen Farris were the ones who came up with the idea to change current garbage and recycling service. Councilman Clifford Sevier, Councilman Mark Russo, and Mayor Pro Tem Glen Farris were sitting around one day and they decided without any input from Allied Waste or anyone else, the best thing in the world be for Councilman Clifford Sevier, Councilman Mark Russo, and Mayor Pro Tem Glen Farris to propose to council that we change garbage and recycling service.
-No one will have to use both types of 96 gallon trash cans.
-If you want to continue to recycle, you will have to have at least the 96 gallon trash can.
The Mayor vigorously defended the proposal.
Mr Sweet explained that recycling is “good for the earth”. (Although he does oppose the changes – that’s good. Gaia will be pleased and angry all at once.)
Item will be back to council.
VIII. Action Items.
4. LRE water rate increase. Council will require a “show cause” from AquaTexas to justify the rate increase. Rate increases by private water providers in city limits must have council approval.
VII. Site Plans.
1. McDonald’s new store design has a rounded roof. Building standards have no provision for rounded roof. That’s the only reason for the variance request. Passed 7-0 without meddling.
2. Best Buy has had some lights illuminating the store for the last three years that do not comply with code. City noticed problem after three years and now wants Best Buy to not have those lights. Best Buy would like to change those lights - that no one notice or complained about for three years - for some projection lights to illuminate the blue field around the main sign on the building.
Mayor Pro Tem Farris wanted Best Buy to justify in dollars how this would increase the business of Best Buy. He also stated that the new light would not increase Best Buy’s earning power. He continued his opposition stating that not having the lights would not hurt Best Buy. He was also concerned other businesses would want similar lights.
Ms Nielsen agreed with Mr Farris.
Councilman Sweet took the other side of the issue stating that he wants the businesses in Rockwall to be their own experts. This wasn’t an unusual request and if other businesses made the same request that could go through the process just like Best Buy is doing.
Mr. Farris made a motion to deny the request which failed 5-2. (Nielsen also supported the motion.)
After the motion to approve was made, Mr Farris wanted to add a punitive requirement for a “photovoltaic study”. P&Z Director LaCroix said it would not be necessary. Motion passed without the punishment 6-1. (Farris opposed.)
3. LRE fella needs an accessory building to hide all the crap he keeps in his yard that the city keeps complaining about. He wants to enlarge an existing metal building, which will not meet the masonry requirement. A bunch of belly-aching ensued after a motion to deny failed, the motion to approve passed 5-3. (Sevier, Farris, and Scott opposed.)
4. Expansion of SPR Packaging and variances. Lots of discussion. Passed 7-0.
VIII. Action Items.
1. CIP task order contracts approval. Despite continued economic troubles plaguing the USA, the city is gearing up to promote bond passage in November. Baseball fields, downtown stuff, historic park, one other I think. Floating around the $40,000,000 mark I think. Possibly more.
Keep repeating: “Debt is sustainable.” “Debt is sustainable.” “Debt is sustainable.”
Works for Wisconsin. And Dallas. And Rockwall ISD. And the Federal Government. And Texas.
2. Electronic sign won’t go away. Pointless and expensive. Does anyone other than city or council really care about this waste?
Just stop already.
3. Change in the bum ordinance. You can still be a bum, but can’t set up temporary lodging on public land.
Passed 7-0.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Rockwall City Council 18 January
Missed the executive committee items as my pens wouldn't work. I'll guess and say it had something to do with appointing cronies or spending money.
Appointment #2 was postponed to next meeting.
Public Hearing Item #1 was moved to March meeting.
III. Consent Agenda.
Councilwoman Nielsen pulled item #6, Councilman Sweet pulled item #1, and Councilman Russo pulled items #4 and 5.
Items 2 and 3 passed 5-0. (Sevier and Farris absent).
1. Minutes approval for meeting Mr Russo missed, passed 4-0.
4. Mr Sweet needed clarification, something about Oncor rate we are coordinating with other cities.
5. Contract and $20,000 gift approval for STAR transit. Passed 3-2, Mr Sweet and Mr Russo opposed.
6. Ms Nielsen need clarification on this item regarding access easements. I wrote a lot, but finished my notes on the item with the sentence, "Man, this is complicated and boring."
Passed 5-0.
VI. Action Items.
2. Couple bums making people feel dirty or scared or offended and want them removed from the cityscape.
Mr Scott led the discussion against bummery.
-Bums are breeding.
-No current ordinance against bummery.
-Rockwall is a lucrative place to buminate.
-This gives police the ability to "do something".
-Asked about legal challenges to the bum laws in Dallas.
Mr Eckert replied, "Not that I'm aware of." He did explaing bumming when called "loitering " was ruled by the Supreme Court to be protected under Freedom of Assembly.
Mr Sweet continued the discussion.
-"What he said." (Pointing at Mr Scott.)
-He also mentioned "some emails", presumably anti-bum related.
-Some ladies in town were approached and got scared.
-The bums are not from Rockwall, according to the police.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Have to stop here a second. As I write this and watch Life (If you haven't seen, watch it on Blu-Ray if possible), I had to share the awesomeness of these brown-tufted capuchin monkeys in Brazil.
Let's see a councilman do that!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Back to Mr Sweet:
-Question about rewording of ordinance to allow non-profit groups to panhandle like bums.
Mr Russo added that the wording of the ordinance would forbid anyone from sleeping anywhere on public property, including taking a quick snooze on a park bench.
Mr Eckert and Mrs Couch will revisit the wording.
Mr Nielsen had concerns about how the bums will be charged and where the "vagrants" would go while awaiting justice. Chief Moeller explained [bums] will be charged with a misdemeanor and will stay at the Rockwall County Three Hots and a Cot Motor Inn.
She continued that she is not opposed to the ordinance, but had reservations with the wording.
A little more discussion and Mr Scott pulled the motion to have staff more time to rework the ordinance. It will be on the next agenda.
IV. Appointments.
1. P&Z Chairman Herbst on the public hearings for the evening: Flower shop good, Christian Brothers Good.
V. Public Hearing Items.
2. Flower shop moving, needs an SUP. Everyone from the neighbors to P&Z are in favor. Passed 4-0.
3. Christian Brothers Automotive back for the THIRD TIME. (Old blogs have info on the SUP) Gonna open up next to Home Depot between an Alzheimer's place and a bank.
Applicant was happy to be in Rockwell. (Named for an ancient rock well discovered by T.U. Wade while digging for a rock wall. Below is the earliest known picture of the well.)
Lenny's got it wrong, too, bro. (Fixed now.)
Without virtually no discussion and two speaking at the public hearing: (1) a competitor opposed to the idea and repeatedly cited a different ordinance as his argument; (2) The land owner adjacent to the property who supported the idea. The SUP was granted 4-0. Christian Brothers recurring nightmare of rejection ends. Unless they get screwed on the second reading.
VI. Action Items.
5. 212 agreement, passed 4-0.
3. FM 549 south of I-30 to SH-276 will be renamed "Corporate Crossing" pending corporate sponsorship. "Really Boring Street Name Placeholder Avenue" was already taken. Passed 4-0.
4. Citizen Survey discussion. I could only handle a couple minutes of the discussion and fled to the Flying Saucer instead. Mondays are Pint Night!
Appointment #2 was postponed to next meeting.
Public Hearing Item #1 was moved to March meeting.
III. Consent Agenda.
Councilwoman Nielsen pulled item #6, Councilman Sweet pulled item #1, and Councilman Russo pulled items #4 and 5.
Items 2 and 3 passed 5-0. (Sevier and Farris absent).
1. Minutes approval for meeting Mr Russo missed, passed 4-0.
4. Mr Sweet needed clarification, something about Oncor rate we are coordinating with other cities.
5. Contract and $20,000 gift approval for STAR transit. Passed 3-2, Mr Sweet and Mr Russo opposed.
6. Ms Nielsen need clarification on this item regarding access easements. I wrote a lot, but finished my notes on the item with the sentence, "Man, this is complicated and boring."
Passed 5-0.
VI. Action Items.
2. Couple bums making people feel dirty or scared or offended and want them removed from the cityscape.
Mr Scott led the discussion against bummery.
-Bums are breeding.
-No current ordinance against bummery.
-Rockwall is a lucrative place to buminate.
-This gives police the ability to "do something".
-Asked about legal challenges to the bum laws in Dallas.
Mr Eckert replied, "Not that I'm aware of." He did explaing bumming when called "loitering " was ruled by the Supreme Court to be protected under Freedom of Assembly.
Mr Sweet continued the discussion.
-"What he said." (Pointing at Mr Scott.)
-He also mentioned "some emails", presumably anti-bum related.
-Some ladies in town were approached and got scared.
-The bums are not from Rockwall, according to the police.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Have to stop here a second. As I write this and watch Life (If you haven't seen, watch it on Blu-Ray if possible), I had to share the awesomeness of these brown-tufted capuchin monkeys in Brazil.
Let's see a councilman do that!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Back to Mr Sweet:
-Question about rewording of ordinance to allow non-profit groups to panhandle like bums.
Mr Russo added that the wording of the ordinance would forbid anyone from sleeping anywhere on public property, including taking a quick snooze on a park bench.
Mr Eckert and Mrs Couch will revisit the wording.
Mr Nielsen had concerns about how the bums will be charged and where the "vagrants" would go while awaiting justice. Chief Moeller explained [bums] will be charged with a misdemeanor and will stay at the Rockwall County Three Hots and a Cot Motor Inn.
She continued that she is not opposed to the ordinance, but had reservations with the wording.
A little more discussion and Mr Scott pulled the motion to have staff more time to rework the ordinance. It will be on the next agenda.
IV. Appointments.
1. P&Z Chairman Herbst on the public hearings for the evening: Flower shop good, Christian Brothers Good.
V. Public Hearing Items.
2. Flower shop moving, needs an SUP. Everyone from the neighbors to P&Z are in favor. Passed 4-0.
3. Christian Brothers Automotive back for the THIRD TIME. (Old blogs have info on the SUP) Gonna open up next to Home Depot between an Alzheimer's place and a bank.
Applicant was happy to be in Rockwell. (Named for an ancient rock well discovered by T.U. Wade while digging for a rock wall. Below is the earliest known picture of the well.)
Lenny's got it wrong, too, bro. (Fixed now.)
Without virtually no discussion and two speaking at the public hearing: (1) a competitor opposed to the idea and repeatedly cited a different ordinance as his argument; (2) The land owner adjacent to the property who supported the idea. The SUP was granted 4-0. Christian Brothers recurring nightmare of rejection ends. Unless they get screwed on the second reading.
VI. Action Items.
5. 212 agreement, passed 4-0.
3. FM 549 south of I-30 to SH-276 will be renamed "Corporate Crossing" pending corporate sponsorship. "Really Boring Street Name Placeholder Avenue" was already taken. Passed 4-0.
4. Citizen Survey discussion. I could only handle a couple minutes of the discussion and fled to the Flying Saucer instead. Mondays are Pint Night!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Rockwall City Council 3 January
"Meet the new year, same as the old year." - Pete Townsend
No amount of dilly-dallying would keep this meeting from starting late.
Action from executive session, here's what I caught: Motion, resolution, abandon, portion, Hilltop Drive, quick claim deed. Passed 6-0.
III. Open Forum.
Starting the new year with no speakers, everyone must be so pleased with the progress of our council.
IV. Consent Agenda.
Everything passed with nothing pulled 6-0.
V. Appointments.
1. General Manager with superhero name, Omega Hawkins, with annual report and tax money request for KART.
-KART is now Star Transit. (Star is not an acronym, but how about "Subsidized Transport Around Rockwall?")
-17,500 trips in city of Rockwall last year.
-18,160 trips total in county
-Few hybrid vehicles now in bus fleet, part of a pilot program.
-New hours of operation are 6a-6p.
-Ridership continues to increase.
Mayor Pro Tem Farris extolled KART/STAR, "It's cheap".
Councilman Sweet explained his disappointment that the KART/STAR board did not put a member of council on that board (appointed a county commissioner instead), even though the city has over 95% or ridership and contributes $20,000 a year vs $10,000 contributed by the county.
Councilman Sevier reiterated the desire by some on council to have city of Rockwall representation on the board.
Mayor Cecil was also "distressed" at the lack of city representation.
Motion to give 20,000 tax payer dollars to Star Transit passed 5-1, Councilman Sweet opposed.
VI. Action Items.
WARNING: SOME MAY FIND A WORD IN THE FOLLOWING ITEM OFFENSIVE.
1. Allied Waste wants Rockwall citizens to have 2 big-ass trashcans. These big-ass trashcans are 96 gallons EACH. The cans will be embedded with an RFID chip to track your recycling weight.
Basically, you will get divvied points for recycling. The amount recycled by you and your neighborhood or subdivision will be divided by the number of those participating in the program.
So if you are enrolled and recycle nothing and your neighbor recycles 20 pounds, you each get credit for 10 pounds. Got it?
Your reward could be a coupon for up to $20 per month at participating retailers, or you can donate the money to our over-funded school to build another football stadium or swimming pool.
Most likely your monthly reward will be an average of $8-12. (How can a range be an average?)
The goal is to trick people into thinking they are getting something for nothing. Really the goal is to please Gaia for our maltreatment.
Allied Waste says it will increase participation, which is currently estimated at 45% - about the same as individual councilmember's participation, to as high as 85%.
Garbage rates will increase regardless of participation from $14.39 to $15.75 per month, and commercial rates for customers with no ability to participate will increase 5%.
Allied also says the city will look better because instead of a bunch of garbage cans of different colors, sizes, shapes, etc, everyone will be exactly the same. And the city sure loves promoting monotony!
The representative also suggested that the city have an ordinance to prevent people from leaving the big-ass trashcans out at the curb after pick-up.
Points from council discussion:
-50% increase in participation in every city program enacted
-Voluntary participation at first.
-All big-ass trashcans will have the chip, but only record the participants.
-A camera will record all the trash dumped from the big-ass trashcans.
-It "won't hurt" to start this program.
-Trash service will decrease to one time per week.
-Recycling service will decrease to one time every two weeks.
Mr Sweet opposed stating it was an "increase in rate, and decrease in service." He also noted that he, like many others, had no place to store "one, much less two" of these big-ass trashcans.
The first of May we can expect the service to start.
Motion to move forward passed 5-1-1. Mr Sweet opposed and Mr Russo abstained. (Mr Russo stated afterward he did not feel it appropriate to vote as he had missed the entire discussion.)
Anyway, here's Bono on trash:
No amount of dilly-dallying would keep this meeting from starting late.
Action from executive session, here's what I caught: Motion, resolution, abandon, portion, Hilltop Drive, quick claim deed. Passed 6-0.
III. Open Forum.
Starting the new year with no speakers, everyone must be so pleased with the progress of our council.
IV. Consent Agenda.
Everything passed with nothing pulled 6-0.
V. Appointments.
1. General Manager with superhero name, Omega Hawkins, with annual report and tax money request for KART.
-KART is now Star Transit. (Star is not an acronym, but how about "Subsidized Transport Around Rockwall?")
-17,500 trips in city of Rockwall last year.
-18,160 trips total in county
-Few hybrid vehicles now in bus fleet, part of a pilot program.
-New hours of operation are 6a-6p.
-Ridership continues to increase.
Mayor Pro Tem Farris extolled KART/STAR, "It's cheap".
Councilman Sweet explained his disappointment that the KART/STAR board did not put a member of council on that board (appointed a county commissioner instead), even though the city has over 95% or ridership and contributes $20,000 a year vs $10,000 contributed by the county.
Councilman Sevier reiterated the desire by some on council to have city of Rockwall representation on the board.
Mayor Cecil was also "distressed" at the lack of city representation.
Motion to give 20,000 tax payer dollars to Star Transit passed 5-1, Councilman Sweet opposed.
VI. Action Items.
WARNING: SOME MAY FIND A WORD IN THE FOLLOWING ITEM OFFENSIVE.
1. Allied Waste wants Rockwall citizens to have 2 big-ass trashcans. These big-ass trashcans are 96 gallons EACH. The cans will be embedded with an RFID chip to track your recycling weight.
Basically, you will get divvied points for recycling. The amount recycled by you and your neighborhood or subdivision will be divided by the number of those participating in the program.
So if you are enrolled and recycle nothing and your neighbor recycles 20 pounds, you each get credit for 10 pounds. Got it?
Your reward could be a coupon for up to $20 per month at participating retailers, or you can donate the money to our over-funded school to build another football stadium or swimming pool.
Most likely your monthly reward will be an average of $8-12. (How can a range be an average?)
The goal is to trick people into thinking they are getting something for nothing. Really the goal is to please Gaia for our maltreatment.
Allied Waste says it will increase participation, which is currently estimated at 45% - about the same as individual councilmember's participation, to as high as 85%.
Garbage rates will increase regardless of participation from $14.39 to $15.75 per month, and commercial rates for customers with no ability to participate will increase 5%.
Allied also says the city will look better because instead of a bunch of garbage cans of different colors, sizes, shapes, etc, everyone will be exactly the same. And the city sure loves promoting monotony!
The representative also suggested that the city have an ordinance to prevent people from leaving the big-ass trashcans out at the curb after pick-up.
Points from council discussion:
-50% increase in participation in every city program enacted
-Voluntary participation at first.
-All big-ass trashcans will have the chip, but only record the participants.
-A camera will record all the trash dumped from the big-ass trashcans.
-It "won't hurt" to start this program.
-Trash service will decrease to one time per week.
-Recycling service will decrease to one time every two weeks.
Mr Sweet opposed stating it was an "increase in rate, and decrease in service." He also noted that he, like many others, had no place to store "one, much less two" of these big-ass trashcans.
The first of May we can expect the service to start.
Motion to move forward passed 5-1-1. Mr Sweet opposed and Mr Russo abstained. (Mr Russo stated afterward he did not feel it appropriate to vote as he had missed the entire discussion.)
Anyway, here's Bono on trash:
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Here's where some of your money goes!
List of all employee salaries for the city of Rockwall.
http://rowlettreporter.com/?page_id=290#
Special Thanks to Jerry Berrgren at rowlettreporter.com.
Jerry has also listed the city of Rowlett salaries on rowlettreporter.com.
http://rowlettreporter.com/?page_id=290#
Special Thanks to Jerry Berrgren at rowlettreporter.com.
Jerry has also listed the city of Rowlett salaries on rowlettreporter.com.
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