City Council

Belton City Council Meeting March 14, 2017 - 5:30 P.M. The Belton City Council met in regular session in the Wright Room at the Harris Community Center with the following members present: Mayor Marion Grayson and Councilmembers Craig Pearson , Jerri Gauntt, Dan Kirkley, Paul Sanderford and Guy O'Banion. Mayor Pro Tern David K. Leigh was absent. Staff present included Sam Listi , Gene Ellis, John Messer, Amy Casey, Erin Smith , Chris Brown , Kim Kroll , Paul Romer, Wes Gilbreath , Angellia Points Byron Sinclair, Judy Garrett, Matt Bates, Charlotte Walker and Aaron Harris. The Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag was led by CVB and Tourism Manager Judy Garrett, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas Flag was led by Councilmember Jerri Gauntt. The Invocation was given by Councilmember Dan Kirkley. 1. Call to order. Mayor Grayson called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. 2. Public Comments. There were none. 3. Presentations and Recognitions: Introduction of New Employees Department Heads introduced their new employees hired during the fourth quarter of 2016 and the first quarter of 2017 . Department ""' Employee Name Position Date of Hire Administration Judy Garrett CVB & Tourism Manager 01/03/17 Police Tyler Norton CSS-Dispatch Communications 02/10/17 Natalia Avina CSS-Dispatch Communications 02/13/17 Joshua Soileau CSS-Animal Control Officer 02/14/17 Debbie Smith Administrative Assistant 02/21/17 Fire Jean Fuselier Firefighter/Paramedic 11/09/16 Sam Fite Firefighter/Paramedic 11/10/16 Tammy Bliven Administrative Assistant 12/12/16 BEDC Ashley Yoder Project Assistant 01/27/17 Drainage Desean Gore Maintenance Worker 01/17 /17 Water Ashton Milton Maintenance Worker 01/17/17 Belton City Council Meeting March 14, 2017 - Page 2 4. Consider minutes of previous meetings: A. February 28, 2017, City Council Workshop Meeting 8. February 28, 2017, City Council Meeting Upon a motion by Councilmember Dan Kirkley, and a second by Councilmember Guy O'Banion , item 4 was unanimously approved by a vote of 6-0. REGULAR AGENDA 5. Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to th contract with Kasberg, Patrick and Associates for the Sparta Road project. Director of Internal Services/City Engineer Angellia Points said that the Council previously authorized an agreement for Professional Design Services with Kasberg , Patrick & Associates (KPA) related to the reconstruction of Sparta Road from Loop 121 to the Walmart access driveway. In January 2017 , Council approved Amendment No. 1 to this professional services agreement for the following: • Industrial and Main Street valley gutter improvements, including TxDOT review coordination , following the. discussions regarding the TruMH transport services; • Industrial Park Road right-of-way surveys , boundary surveys, and field notes; • Addition of a detour road plan and design in order to close the intersection of Sparta and Commerce during construction of the concrete roundabout; • Additional Sparta Road scope including the extension of the right turn lane on westbound Sparta Road and redesign of a driveway; • Multiple meetings with property owners for right-of-way discussions; • Roundabout circle aesthetic features including a 3D model of a Fire Fighter Memorial ; and • Scope of services from Studio 16:19 for the roundabout circle aesthetic features. Cost of the additional services in Amendment No. 1 is $38,380. Mrs. Points said that the current design services required KPA to evaluate and propose modifications to the intersection of Loop 121 and Sparta for improved vehicular traffic movements. The evaluations resulted in proposing dedicated right turn lanes for both eastbound and westbound Sparta Road traffic at the Loop 121 intersection . The right turn lane from northbound Loop 121 onto Sparta Road was also proposed to be redesigned and relocated from where it currently exists in front of the traffic signal light pole, to behind the pole . Along with these design tasks, KPA's current contract included the design of a 10-foot hike and bike trail along the south side of Sparta Road between Commerce Drive and Loop 121 . On the northwest corner of Sparta Road and Loop 121 , a partial 10-foot trail exists, transitioning into a 5-foot wide sidewalk along the BISD property. Belton City Council Meeting March 14, 2017 - Page 3 Mrs. Points explained that the proposal for Amendment No. 2 totals $17 ,600 , and includes these additional scope items: • Preparation of the traffic signal design and modification plan , including TxDOT review coordination; • Construction administration and any additional services required by the traffic engineer; and • KPA administration and overhead for the additional services. She said that funding is available within the project budget, so a budget amendment is not requested at this time . Mayor Grayson asked if the $17,600 is just for the design of the traffic signal , and said that it seems like a lot of money. Mrs. Points explained that traffic signals are very complicated . The Mayor asked how future TxDOT improvements to Loop 121 will affect this project. Points said that if TxDOT makes any changes to this intersection , they will have to replace the pedestrian crossing signal. She added that Staff does not feel comfortable waiting to add this signal until TxDOT makes improvements. Councilmember Kirkley said that TxDOT will be even more compelled to retain the signal if the City installs it now. Upon a motion by Councilmember Paul Sanderford , and a second by Councilmember O'Banion , item 5 was unanimously approved by a vote of 6-0. 6. Consider adopting an ordinance regulating the use of engine braking systems within the city limits of Belton. · Assistant City Manager/Chief of Police Gene Ellis said that he has been approached several times concerning the use of engine exhaust braking systems by big trucks . These brakes are designed to slow the speed of a large truck when descending steep grades and to assist with braking , but the noise can be a nuisance. Chief Ellis explained that the proposed ordinance is modeled after the one enacted in Temple. Signs will be placed at entrances to the City limits near residential areas, and in response to complaints . He added that enforcement can be challenging, but he believes the signs will be a strong deterrent. The ordinance will apply to all roadways in the City limits, with the exception of interstate highways (1-35 and 1-14). He said that emergency vehicles are also excluded . Mayor Grayson asked why Staff was recommending the ordinance. Chief Ellis said that it was in response to citizen complaints. Councilmember Craig Pearson said that he has had several complaints from residents in the Quail Meadows area who wanted this ordinance enacted . Mrs. Grayson stated that the ordinance was not enforceable , and Chief Ellis responded that it is enforceable, but it may be difficult Belton City Council Meeting March 14, 2017 - Page 4 to enforce unless an officer is in the area when a complaint comes in . We believe the posted signs will be a deterrent. Upon a motion by Councilmember Pearson , and a second by Councilmember Kirkley, the following captioned ordinance was unanimously approved by a vote of 6-0 . WORK SESSION 7. Receive an update and discuss the City's Strategic Drainage Plan. City Manager Sam Listi introduced Mack Parker, an engineer with KPA Engineers , who presented an update to the City's Drainage Plan (see Exhibit "A"). Mr. Parker reviewed proposed revisions to the plan , and he provided sample photos of good and problematic drainage structures . Councilmember Pearson asked if there are still culverts in the Shirttail Bend area at the low water crossing . Mr. Parker said yes , and the problem with those large culverts is the growth of brush in them . Councilmember Kirkley said that there have been discussions about drainage issues near the old high school gym . Mr. Parker said that KPA and Staff have looked at that area , and it will be expensive to fix. Councilmember Gauntt said that she attended a Nolan Creek stakeholders meeting , and TCEQ alluded to some grants that may be available. She added that the City cannot use grant money to meet its MS4 stormwater requirements , but the grants could possibly be used for costs beyond that. City Manager Listi thanked Mr. Parker for his work on the project. He said the City was told by Gary Lacy (the engineer who designed the Nolan Creek project) that the two low water crossings had to come out for safety reasons , and that has been accomplished . He also said that the Nolan Creek Regional Basin study is getting under way by CTCOG . He added that the Council's involvement with this Strategic Drainage Plan will be to review development proposals in terms of the updated standards and the City's design of public projects. Mr. Listi said that the next step is to have the Council consider a resolution adopting the updated Strategic Drainage Plan . Councilmember Pearson asked that the City give stakeholders an opportunity to review the new requirements prior to adoption . Mayor Grayson asked if other options were available for fencing since chain link looks so utilitarian . Mr. Listi said yes , but added that fencing is not always required. It usually will depend on the depth of the detention pond and the slope of the embankment. Mr. Parker said it also depends on the size of the drainage structure itself. Planning Director Erin Smith said that with other solid types of fences , it will be difficult to see into the drainage area which could present a safety concern. Belton City Council Meeting March 14, 2017 - Page 5 No Council action was required on this item. 8. Receive a presentation and discuss preservation of the City of Belton's historical Standpipe located on Hughes Street. between W. Avenue I and W. Avenue J. Director of Planning Erin Smith said that the City of Belton owns 2.305 acres of land in the block between Hughes Street/South Davis Street and West Avenue I/West Avenue J. She explained that this property contained an old 110-foot elevated storage tank built in 1979. The tank was taken out of service and demolished by the City in 2015. Recently the City began efforts to re-plat the available property into four residential lots facing South Davis Street, and create a 1.308 acre park on the west side of this block. The proposed parkland area of this property contains a historic concrete Standpipe built in 1914 as a water tower for the City of Belton at a cost of $6,000. This standpipe is 75 feet tall and 24 feet in diameter, and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a significant historic structure . City staff met with Steph McDougal with McDoux Preservation on January 2ih to review the condition of this standpipe and discuss the potential of revitalizing this historic structure. Ms. McDougal consulted with Gordon Sheppard, a Professional Structural Engineer with Apollo BBC , Inc. , who specializes in the restoration of historic masonry. On February 15th, City staff had a conference call with Mr. Sheppard and Ms. McDougal to discuss needed efforts to conserve the historic standpipe as the centerpiece of the new park. Mr. Sheppard stated the first step requires identification of the composition of the original cement skim coat which is coming off the standpipe. This will require three tests to determine if there are structural issues. The next step will be for Mr. Sheppard to conduct a site visit and evaluate the condition of the skim coat to determine how to fix this important structure . Mr. Sheppard will then complete a summary letter report that includes the lab test results and photos of the structure. He will state in the report his findings regarding the next steps to revitalize this historic standpipe. The cost for this evaluation and report is $8,800. Mrs. Smith said that funds for this evaluation and report are available in the Planning Department budget. Mayor Grayson laughingly observed that it will cost more to evaluate the structure than it did to build it originally. Councilmember Paul Sanderford asked what Staff wanted to determine with this evaluation. Mrs. Smith said that Staff wanted to know what it might cost to restore it to become a centerpiece of a proposed park in that area. No Council action was required on this item. Belton City Council Meeting March 14, 2017 - Page 6 9. Receive an update and discuss KTMPO State-Wide Trail Priority grant considerations. City Manager Sam Listi said that TxDOT has announced a Statewide Call for Projects in its Transportation Alternatives Program, and Staff will present a potential project for Council consideration. Timeframe for application is fairly short, but the project could tie existing .and planned segments of the trail together. Grants and Special Projects Coordinator Aaron Harris said that TxDOT prefers projects that: • Enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety for people of all ages and abilities • Improve safety, access, or mobility for individuals with disabilities • Construct on-system improvements in support of TxDOT's ADA/Pedestrian initiatives • Provide access to or between existing bicycle/pedestrian facilities and public transportation • Connect important community destinations (such as schools , employment, downtown , commercial , historic districts , medical facilities , and recreational areas) Mr. Harris added that in the 2016-2026 Parks & Recreation Strategic Master Plan , the Belton community overwhelmingly ranked the continued expansion of hike and bike trails as the number one priority. Staff has identified a potential project that represents the City's priorities along with TxDOT's stated objectives . The proposed project will continue the existing trail in Confederate Park southeast, beneath IH35 to the northbound frontage road , continue south along the frontage road to FM 436, and connect with the existing sidewalk at the S. Wall Street/FM 436 intersection . An alternative route using S. Wall Street will be investigated pending available right-of-way. Harris said that a comprehensive cost estimate has not been completed , but the project will likely be consistent with previous levels of fundfng which includes a $300,000 Local Match/In-Kind + $1.2M Grant Funds for a total project cost of $1.SM . He added that this project will greatly enhance connectivity, access, safety, and economic development between South Belton and our existing and planned trail network, with the ability to demonstrate strong community/regional support. However, he added that this project will be competing against communities that have the ability to demonstrate a higher level of project. Project applications are due Monday, May 22 , 2017. Councilmember Gauntt applauded the proposal to build this leg of the trail in South Belton , and the connectivity to the existing trail it would provide . Belton City Council Meeting March 14, 2017 - Page 7 Mr. Listi said the City's $300 ,000 match is a consideration for TIRZ Board , but a boundary change for a portion of the route will be needed . No Council action was required on this item . Executive Session At 6:58 p.m. , the Mayor announced the Council would go into Executive Session for the following item: 10. Executive Session pursuant to the prov1s1on of the Open Meetings Law, Chapter 551, Govt. Code, Vernon's Texas Codes Annotated, in accordance with the authority contained in Section 551.072, deliberation regarding real property - consideration of land acquisition. The Mayor reopened the meeting at 7:15 p.m., and there being no further business, the meeting was adjourned . ATTEST: Amy M. Casey, City Clerk STRATEGIC DRAINAGE EXHIBIT "A" PLAN Belton, Texas March 2017 City of Belton – Strategic Drainage Plan I. Purpose of a Strategic Drainage Plan A. To protect the welfare and safety of Central Texas Citizens. B. To provide orderly, acceptable development of existing drainage basins. C. To develop drainage management policies that meet Federal, State and Local mandates and goals. D. To assist the private community with information and guidance during the development of local real estate. E. To organize drainage project priorities for capital improvement programs over the long term. City of Belton – Strategic Drainage Plan II. History of Belton Strategic Drainage Plan A. 2002: Narrative & Mapping B. 2009: Mapping Update C. 2017: Substantial Narrative & Mapping Update III. Drainage Basins in Belton A. Nolan Creek Basin. B. Leon River Basin. C. Lampasas River Basin. D. Maps & Feature Locations. City of Belton – Strategic Drainage Plan IV. Regulatory Agency/Laws That Govern Drainage A. Texas Water Code. B. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). C. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). D. City of Belton (COB). E. Bell County. F. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). G. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). H. Texas Historical Commission (THC). I. Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission (TP&W) J. United States Game and Fish Commission. K. United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). City of Belton – Strategic Drainage Plan V. Categorized Hierarchy of Drainage Priorities A. Loss of Life. B. Loss of residential or non-residential buildings, structures, utilities, improvements or other personal physical investments. C. Inundation of roadways proper and inundation of roadways at stream crossings that could cause vehicular/pedestrian accidents or that prevent emergency equipment access/response to accidents or disaster events. D. Erosion to public or private improvements or property which cause an array of maintenance issues. E. Nuisance stormwater runoff or flooding. F. Citizen complaints that are considered “not in my back yard” issues. City of Belton – Strategic Drainage Plan VI. Drainage Basin Realities/Characteristics A. Size of Area Drained (Acreage and Length). B. Ground Cover/Foliage. C. Soil Types. D. Topography & Elevation Variations. E. Existing & Potential Development. F. Land Use; Now & Later; Public & Private. G. Regulatory Controls & Limitations. H. Land Ownership. I. Wet & Dry Utilities. City of Belton – Strategic Drainage Plan VII. Specific Considerations A. Positive Overflow. B. Flood Plain Cumulative Effects. C. Obama Executive Order 13690. D. Senate Bill 936. E. Retention Ponds. --Very limited use. --Water rights issues. F. Detention Ponds. --Downstream conditions. --Size & type of outlet structures. --Pilot channels. --Side slopes. --Fencing --Signage City of Belton – Strategic Drainage Plan VIII. Pictorial Illustrations City of Belton – Strategic Drainage Plan IX. Goals A. The City of Belton, as part of this plan, establishes the goal of preparing stream lined methods for demolition procedures, building permits issuance and property damage assessments in case of flood and tornado catastrophic events. As part of these efforts, city ordinances will be developed and passed to ensure that authorized personnel will have rights-of-entry to private property for various damage assessment procedures. B. Develop procedures for assessing flow duration of small to large drainage ways to protect stream beds and stream banks from excessive degradation and aggregation. Included in the Appendix is Lane’s stable channel balance illustrative exhibit. The accompanying theory of fluvial geomorphology and balance of dynamic channel forces will be required in applicable situations. City of Belton – Strategic Drainage Plan C. Establish a goal to research and report to the City Council the Buy-Out Program provided and administered by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). The TWDB employs an entire section of personnel that study flooding issues and develops programs to assist cities with local problem areas. D. Implement Assessment Program for existing drainage features in order to project annual budgets required to provide proper maintenance and needed upgrades to the drainage systems in the City. City of Belton – Strategic Drainage Plan E. Research the United States Corps of Engineers-Fort Worth District federal programs under Section 14 (Erosion or Stream Banks), 205 (Local Flood Protection), 206 (Aquatic Ecosystems and 1135 (Environmental Restoration) that are available to assist the City of Belton with flooding and environmental re-establishment projects and develop projects as appropriate. F. Include the design considerations outlined in this Strategic Drainage Plan as part of the Belton Design Manual. G. Implement the Storm Water Management Program adopted in May 2014 by the City of Belton.