City Council

Belton City Council Special Meeting September 18, 2018- 5:30 P.M. The Belton City Council met in special session in the Wright Room at the Harris Community Center with the following members present: Mayor Marion Grayson, Mayor Pro Tern Craig Pearson and Councilmembers David K. Leigh , Wayne Carpenter, Guy O'Banion, Dan Kirkley and John R. Holmes, Sr. Staff present included Sam Listi, John Messer, Gene Ellis, Amy Casey, Brandon Bozon, Chris Brown, Angellia Points, Matt Bates, Paul Romer, Bob van Til, Charlotte Walker, Kim Kroll, Judy Garrett, Susan Allamon and Wes Gilbreath. The Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag was led by Director of Finance Brandon Bozon , and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas Flag was led by Councilmember John R. Holmes, Sr. The Invocation was given by Mayor Pro Tern Craig Pearson. 1. Call to order. Mayor Grayson called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. 2. Consider an ordinance adopting Belton's Strategic Plan for FY2019-2023. City Manager Sam Listi presented a brief overview of the Strategic Plan for FY2019- 2023. He highlighted revisions that have been made to the plan since the last Council meeting as shown in Exhibit "A". Listi explained that everything in yellow in the presentation is newly added or revised . Mr. Listi emphasized that this is the not the beginning, nor is it the end of the planning process. He said it is actually the middle of the process. He discussed a few of the street options that are available to the Council. These include the minor arterial street which has been identified and is envisioned , but the road could also be a collector street built to serve and meet the area needs. He added that now is not the time to abandon this project. It is important to leave the project in the long range Strategic Plan. Councilmember Kirkley said that most of the Council have lived in Belton for a very long time, and have watched Belton grow. They have seen the development that has occurred. He said that in the 1950s, he and Mayor Pro Tern Pearson saw things that their fathers in community leadership experienced when some decisions were not made as timely as might have been appropriate or helpful - he gave an example of the current inability to widen Main Street. Mr. Kirkley said that he has prayed and finds himself heartbroken because the Council serves two primary stakeholders - individuals and the community as a whole. There have been times he and others on Council have had to pray about making some difficult decisions. They have made the decision that if they have to vote against a friend, family member or neighbor on behalf of the community as a whole, then they need to be willing to do that. He said most have made that commitment. He related a story from several years ago when his second grade teacher asked him to not approve a Bush's Chicken that was proposed to be constructed next to her house on Lake Road. When he made the motion for Belton City Council Special Meeting September 18, 2018- Page 2 approval years ago, he said had to do what would benefit the community as whole more than what would benefit him as an individual. Kirkley added that he remembers when Loop 121 was so desperately needed, and the City planned and worked at it for a number of years. He remembers the difficulties and the inconveniences it created ... but it had to be done. He said the Council has had to make very difficult decisions. Because Lake to Lake Road has been in the planning process for 20 years, and because of the commitments and sacrifices that have been made by the community, it is his opinion that the Council does not have an option . They must proceed with the adoption of the Strategic Plan and planning for the future. As it breaks his heart to have to say it, it is his opinion that the Council has to go ahead with the plan. Councilmember O'Banion said he echoes most of what Councilmember Kirkley has said. He wished that more of the people who attended the September 11 th Council meeting were in attendance at this meeting to hear what the Council has to say. He believes that a large majority of the people who have spoken against the Lake to Lake Road are basing their opposition on some false premises which make it hard for them to make sense of the rest of it. He outlined the false premises as: 1. It has been said that the City wants to build a four-lane highway through the neighborhood. That's never been part of the plan, and as far as Mr. O'Banion is concerned , it will never be part of the plan. It is a neighborhood street, and timing, funding and other unforeseeable things will determine the scale of the street. It is unknown at this time whether the road will go from FM 439 to Sparta Road to relieve some pressure there, or whether it will contain a bridge allowing the road to continue to IH-14. It is conceivable at this time that there will be some sort of street to relieve pressure in a neighborhood that is not yet built out. It is not going to be a 150' to 200' wide highway; it is a 150' to 200' right-of-way where the Council could put in a 37' street, should they desire. He said he understands the emotion , but the Council has to base their decisions on facts . 2. There is this thought that the City has somehow kept this road a secret. That is a completely false statement. He said there have been many meetings and newspaper articles about the Lake to Lake Road over the last 20 years. This road has never been a secret. It is a large green space going through a development. The Council has been very involved in the development process while this neighborhood was being built. It has been platted and laid out through the Council. Council has been very involved in the entire process of the neighborhood with the Lake to Lake Road as part of the plan. The Council didn't decide that they wanted a Lake to Lake Road in that area, and then they decided to sit back and let the development happen . This street, in some form , has been part of the Strategic Plan , the Thoroughfare Plan and the Development Plan of that whole neighborhood. Mr. O'Banion believes the majority of the people against Lake to Lake Road are basing their opposition on these false beliefs. He said that if the City was going to Belton City Council Special Meeting September 18, 2018- Page 3 put a highway in your backyard , he would be violently opposed to it. However, he added , that is not happening. He said the single most important fact in this entire conversation is that Lake to Lake Road is not a highway. However the road ends up being designed, it will be nice, and it will be complementary to the neighborhood. He said the speed limit will not be 50 mph. He believes it will be 40-45 mph at the most. Councilmember Leigh said there have been comments made that the Council needs to walk the neighborhood. He stated that he has walked the area. He also said he lives on Loop 121 , and part of his property will be taken for the greater good of the community in order to widen Loop 121. Mr. Leigh said he learned a lot from former Councilmember Joe Baisden who was pastor of the Belton Church of Christ when he voted in favor of an item regarding alcohol. He said Mr. Baisden commented that although his church was against alcohol, and he himself was against alcohol, he would be a hypocrite to vote against this particular issue since he frequented restaurants that happen to have bars located in them. Mr. Leigh added that everyone in the room drives up and down IH- 35 and Loop 121 , and every car makes a negative impact on the environment and makes a negative impact on the people who live next to the roads, but maybe to the greater good. He mentioned pod casts by Jordan Petersen, and summarized one about "Truth." He said, "Truth is what you observe." Mr. Leigh talked about the changes to Belton over the years, and how the Council is expected to be good stewards of the community. He said it would have been good if the forefathers had planned for a road from 317 to IH-35 where no houses were allowed to be built. He said the Council is supposed to plan for future growth and acquire right-of-way at the lowest cost to the citizens and the lowest impact to the community to protect children and to protect Belton homes. That's why the Council is doing what they are doing, to protect those not just today, but in future years. Before enough funding is secured for this road , most of the Council won 't be here, and the City Manager and most of the Staff will not be here, and it will be somebody else's future decision. If they choose to build the road , then they have the freedom to do that. They can also choose not to build the road. The current Council will provide the path for future Councils. Leigh mentioned how growth in Temple has caused the City to condemn homes in the path of widening Poison Oak Drive for the new school under construction. Temple is being responsible by protecting the children , and protecting the children trumps those thirteen homes. He said he's glad Belton isn't in that spot, and stated that he was willing to talk with each person individually about the issue. He said he appreciates Mr. Listi for changing the verbiage and changing the focus on the Strategic Plan . He added the focus is: 1. to make sure the City secures right-of-way for future roads, not just this one, before somebody puts a house -in the middle of it; and 2. to work with the City's partners, which means the citizens, to accomplish the plans, whatever they may be. Belton City Council Special Meeting September 18, 2018 - Page 4 Mayor Grayson said that the Lake to Lake Road is in the Strategic Plan, and it is 7- 10 years out, so there is plenty of time to discuss it and negotiate what is best for the community. Upon a motion by Councilmember Carpenter, and a second by Councilmember Kirkley, item 2 including the following captioned ordinance was unanimously approved upon a vote of 7-0. ORDINANCE NO. 2018-29 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE STRATEGIC PLAN, FY2019-2023, FOR THE CITY OF BELTON, TEXAS. 3. Consider an ordinance adopting the City of Belton Budget for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2018, and ending September 30, 2019. Director of Finance Brandon Bozon said the only change to the proposed FY2019 budget was in the Drainage Fund which has been adjusted to the $0.50 rate increase rather than the $1.00 increase which was original proposed. Mayor Grayson and other Councilmembers thanked Staff for their diligence in preparing the budget and meeting the Council's goals. Mr. Bozon thanked the Council their input and work on the budget as well. Mayor Pro T em Pearson asked how many consecutive years the City has received the Distinguished Budget Award. Mr. Bozon replied every year since 1992. Councilmember Holmes said he has had many meetings and conversations with Mr. Bozon, the Mayor and Mr. Listi regarding the budget and tax rate. He is still against utilizing M&O funds to buy down the debt portion of the tax rate. In his mind, he saw valid solutions. He reviewed a few of those alternatives with the Council, although he acknowledged it was too late in the process. He apologized to the Council for voting in opposition to the tax rate at a previous meeting without offering those alternative solutions. He said that will not happen again. Upon a motion by Councilmember Leigh and a second by Mayor Pro Tern Pearson, the following captioned ordinance was unanimously approved by a roll call vote as follows: Name Yes No Abstain Councilmember Guy O'Banion X Councilmember John R. Holmes, Sr. X Councilmember David K. Leigh X Councilmember Wayne Carpenter X Councilmember Dan Kirkley X Mayor Pro Tem CraiQ Pearson X Mayor Marion Grayson X Belton City Council Special Meeting September 18, 2018- Page 5 ORDINANCE NO. 2018-30 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE CITY OF BELTON FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2018, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2019. 4. Consider a motion that the property tax rate be increased by the adoption of a tax rate of $0.6598 on the $100.00 assessed valuation, which is effectively a 1.26 percent increase in the tax rate. Director of Finance Brandon Bozon provided a summary of the proposed FY2019 tax rate and explained that the Tax Code considers an increase in revenue as a tax rate increase even if the rate does not change. The Tax Code also requires specific language for the motion. Councilmember Leigh asked how much revenue was generated from a penny adjustment to the tax rate. Mr. Bozon replied that it is $95,353 net of TIRZ or approximately $108K including TIRZ. He asked how much the veteran exemption affected the City of Belton. Mr. Bozon said that the effect was approximately $1 B0K or $0.0161 on the tax rate. Mr. Leigh explained how, although the veteran exemption is a great way to honor our veterans, it is detrimental to cities with a high veteran population. He said it is basically an unfunded mandate. Councilmember Carpenter asked what the effect was on revenues with the loss of the County EMS contract. Mr. Bozon replied that it is a decrease of approximately $500K. Councilmember Kirkley made the following motion: "I move that the property tax rate be increased by the adoption of a tax rate of $0. 6598 on the $100. 00 valuation of property assessed in the City of Belton, which is effectively a 1. 26 percent increase in the tax rate. " Councilmember O'Banion seconded the motion to approve the following captioned ordinance, which was unanimously approved by a roll call vote as follows: Name Yes No Abstain Councilmember Guy O'Banion X Councilmember John R. Holmes, Sr. X Councilmember David K. Leigh X Councilmember Wayne Carpenter X Councilmember Dan Kirkley X Mayor Pro T em Craig Pearson X Mayor Marion Grayson X Belton City Council Special Meeting September 18, 2018- Page 6 TAX ORDINANCE NO. 2018-31 AN ORDINANCE LEVYING AD VALOREM TAX FOR PAYMENT OF OUTSTANDING DEBTS OF THE CITY OF BELTON FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2019 (TAX YEAR 2018), TOGETHER WITH INTEREST THEREON, LEVYING TAXES FOR GENERAL FUND PURPOSES, AS PROVIDED BY THE STATUTES OF TEXAS; PROVIDING WHEN TAXES SHALL BECOME DUE AND WHEN SAME SHALL BECOME DELINQUENT IF NOT PAID; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY AND INTEREST ON ALL DELINQUENT AD VALOREM TAXES; AND PROVIDING THAT IF ANY PART OF THIS ORDINANCE BE HELD INVALID BY COURT, SUCH FINDING SHALL NOT AFFECT ANY OTHER PART OF THIS ORDINANCE. There being no further business, Mayor Grayson adjourned the meeting at 6:09 p.m . ATTEST: Amy M. Casey, City Clerk  FY 2019-2023 EXHIBIT "A" Strategic Plan Update City Council Meeting September 18, 2018  Summary • Belton’s Strategic Plan has been updated for the next five years. • Plan reflects achievements in 2018, and will guide the Community into the future, maintaining the existing six (6) Goal categories: • Governance • Economic Development • Public Safety • Connectivity • Quality of Life • Parks/Natural Beauty • Belton’s Strategic Plan remains substantial, yet realistic in scope. • A Scorecard reviews twenty-three (23) Goals for FY 2018, and indicates status: 1. Completed in FY2018, Multi-Year Goal; 2. Underway in FY2018, Extended to FY2019; 3. Deferred in FY2018, Extended to FY2019; and 4. Deferred in FY 2018. • 19 Goals presented for FY 2019  Revised or New Goals for FY 2019 or Goals that merit restating include these: Governance 1b: Address Tax Increment Investment Zone (TIRZ) Boundary/Strategic Funding Objectives 1c: Implement Comprehensive Plan Elements and Initiate Sunset Review of Design Standards, Requirements 1d: Work with State/Federal Legislators on Local Priorities Public Safety 2a: Identify Strategic Needs of the Police Department 2b: Implement Changes in EMS Service (eliminating outside city runs for emergency service) and Identify Strategic Needs of the Fire Department Revised or New Goals for FY 2019 Quality of Life 3b: Implement Miscellaneous Infrastructure Enhancements - Water, Sewer, Drainage 3c: Conduct Library User Survey and Determine Next Steps Economic Development 4b: Build S. IH 35 Sewer and Water Infrastructure 4d: Facilitate Retail, Tourism Strategies Revised or New Goals for FY 2019 Connectivity 5a: Construct Hike/Bike Trail from University Drive, north and west, to Sparta 5B: Design S. IH 35 Hike/Bike Trail from Park & Ride, south to FM 436 (Holland Road) 5C: Coordinate Repair/Replacement of Central Avenue Bridge in Yettie Polk Park 5D: Continue Planning for Lake to Lake Road Revised or New Goals for FY 2019 Parks & Natural Beauty 6b: Design/Construct Phased Improvements in Heritage Park – streets, utilities, park enhancements  Project What was once a conceptual Project alignment on these street Plans  Corridor has become much more real with street ROW dedications, subdivi- sion plats, and land acquisitions 2015 resulting in land conveyed to the City as development has Thoroughfare occurred. Plan  Possible Revisions Goal 5d: Continue Planning for Lake to Lake Road FY 2019-2023 Goal Category: Connectivity Goal 5d: Continue Long-Term Planning for Lake to Lake Road Project Applicable Outcome Belton is a fully connected community with active and engaged citizens Statement(s): Project Year: FY 2019 Team Leader: Assisted By: City Manager Directors of Public Works, Planning, Finance, and Police and Fire Chiefs Outcome • ROW is secured for Lake to Lake Road project from IH 14 (US 190) to FM 439 Description(s): • Subdivision activity monitored and evaluated to ensure compatible development and minimal neighborhood impact from project. • Analysis is completed by USACE leading to ROW across Corps park at FM 439 • Environmental Study, which includes Community Impact Assessment and other associated analyses, conducted. Performance • Process for next steps in ROW acquisition outlined and plan for achievement determined Indicator(s): • City and Bell County allocate multi-year funding for ROW acquisition • Phased construction funding, 7 - 10 years out • Road design concept (street section) reviewed, balancing need for circulation and neighborhood compatibility • Phased construction options analyzed: 2 lane, sidewalk, trail; 4 lane only when needed • Commitment to conduct future meeting to present information and gather input when appropriate Challenges/Barriers: • Private property owner’s concerns about project impacts • Project cost and complexity • Portion of alignment outside City limits, requiring County partnership • Corps of Engineers’ Review • Projects with higher City priority: Loop 121 and FM 93 widenings Partners: • Bell County • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • Area Property Owners • TxDOT • US Congress • Citizens at large • KTMPO • CTCOG • Emergency Service Personnel-PD, FD Timeline for Implementation Expected Completion Date FY 2019 – 2035 (FY 19-29: Planning; FY 29-35: Phased Construction) FY 2035 Earliest construction FY 2029 Cost Funding Source(s) Future ROW Costs: TBD City of Belton, Bell County, TxDOT, Project Cost Estimate: $49.7M KTMPO, Private Developers  FY 2019-2023 Strategic Plan Adoption • The Strategic Plan Update has been on City website for public review and comment since August 28th • Public comments were received at City Council meeting on September 11th. • Recommend adoption of an ordinance approving the Strategic Plan Update for FY 2019-2023, as revised to guide the City during the next five years.  City of Belton, Texas Strategic Plan FY 2019 Year 1: Three Year Action Plan Priority 1 Goals: FY 2019 Goal Categories Goals a) Implement Balanced Tax/Fee Schedules b) Address TIRZ Boundary/Strategic Funding Objectives 1. Governance c) Implement Comprehensive Plan Elements and Initiate Sunset Review of Design Standards, Requirements d) Work with State/Federal Legislators on Local Priorities a) Identify Strategic Needs of the Police Department 2. Public Safety b) Implement Changes in EMS Service (eliminating outside city runs) and Identify Strategic Needs of the Fire Department a) Implement Annual Street Maintenance Program 3. Quality of Life b) Implement Miscellaneous Infrastructure Enhancements - Water, Sewer, Drainage c) Conduct Library User Survey and Determine Next Steps a) Implement Downtown Redevelopment Plan 4. Economic b) Build S. IH 35 Sewer and Water Infrastructure Development c) Coordinate City/BEDC Efforts to Enhance Economic Development d) Facilitate Retail, Tourism Strategies a) Construct Hike/Bike Trail from University Drive, north and west, to Sparta b) Design S. IH 35 Hike/Bike Trail from Park & Ride, south to FM 436 (Holland Road) 5. Connectivity c) Coordinate Repair/Replacement of Central Avenue Bridge in Yettie Polk Park d) Continue Planning for Lake to Lake Road a) Implement Parks and Recreation Master Plan 6. Parks / Natural Beauty b) Design/Construct Phased Improvements in Heritage Park  City of Belton, Texas Strategic Plan FY 2019 Year 2: Three Year Action Plan Priority 1 Goals: FY 2020 Goal Categories Goals a) Conduct Comprehensive Strategic Plan Update (2020) b) Implement Balanced Tax/Fee Schedules c) Implement Comprehensive Plan d) Address TIRZ Boundary, Strategic Funding Objectives 1. Governance e) Complete Sunset Review of Design Standards f) Initiate Water Rate Study g) Evaluate Employee Compensation Plan h) Evaluate Three Creeks Annexation - 2020 earliest opportunity a) Address Strategic Needs for Police Department 2. Public Safety b) Address Strategic Needs for Fire Department a) Implement Annual Street Maintenance/Reconstruction Program 3. Quality of Life b) Schedule Other Infrastructure Priorities for Water, Sewer, and Drainage c) Plan for Library Services and Implement a) Implement Downtown Redevelopment Plan b) Complete IH 35 Sewer/Water Infrastructure 4. Economic Development c) Coordinate City/BEDC efforts d) Update Retail, Tourism Strategies a) Complete Hike/Bike Trail Extension from University Drive, north and west, to Sparta Road 5. Connectivity b) Construct S. IH 35 Hike/Bike Trail from Park & Ride, south to FM 436 c) Repair/Replace Central Avenue Bridge in Yettie Polk Park d) Continue Planning for Lake to Lake Road 6. Parks / Natural Beauty a) Implement Parks and Recreation Master Plan b) Continue Enhancements to Heritage Park  City of Belton, Texas Strategic Plan FY 2019 Year 3: Three Year Action Plan Priority 1 Goals: FY 2021 Goal Categories Goals a) Implement Balanced Tax/Fee Schedules b) Update Comprehensive Plan at 5 Year Anniversary 1. Governance c) Reach Consensus on TIRZ Policy Direction d) Evaluate Belton’s Long-Term Future Water Rights for Sufficiency a) Analyze PD Facility Needs and Municipal Court 2. Public Safety b) Analyze Fire Department Facility Needs c) Evaluate Options for Providing Fire Sprinkler Protection Downtown a) Continue Annual Street Maintenance/Reconstruction Program 3. Quality of Life b) Continue Infrastructure Priorities for Water, Sewer, Drainage a) Keep Downtown Belton Vital b) Develop IH 35, IH 14 Corridors 4. Economic Development c) Establish Façade Grants for 6th Avenue Properties d) Develop Rockwool Land e) Implement Retail and Tourism Strategies a) Complete Trail Projects – University to Sparta and S. IH 35 b) Participate in Regional (KTMPO) Planning for Transportation and Hike/Bike Needs 5. Connectivity c) Repair/Replace Central Avenue Bridge east of IH 35 in Shirttail Bend d) Continue Planning for Lake to Lake Road e) Coordinate Loop 121 Construction with TxDOT a) Update Parks/Recreation Master Plan at 5 Year Anniversary 6. Parks / Natural Beauty b) Continue Enhancements to Heritage Park c) Develop Plans for Standpipe Park  City of Belton, Texas Strategic Plan FY 2019 Year 4: Three Year Action Plan Priority 1 Goals: FY 2022 Goal Categories Goals a) Implement Comprehensive Strategic Plan Update b) Complete Comprehensive Plan Update 1. Governance c) Finalize Process for TIRZ Plan Adjustments (Expires in 2024) d) Implement Balanced Tax/Fee Schedule a) Update Police Department Strategic Plan b) Update Fire Department Strategic Plan 2. Public Safety c) Address City Court Facility Needs a) Continue Annual Street Maint./Reconstruction Program b) Continue Infrastructure Priorities for Water, Sewer, Drainage 3. Quality of Life c) Investigate Aesthetic Corridor Enhancements on So. Main St. a) Continue Downtown Infrastructure Investments b) Implement Improvements to 6th Avenue 4. Economic Development c) Continue Development of BEDC Properties d) Continue Development of IH 35, IH 14 Corridors a) Continue Hike/Bike Trail Extensions b) Coordinate Loop 121 Construction with TxDOT 5. Connectivity c) Coordinate FM 93 Enhancements with TxDOT d) Continue Lake to Lake Road Planning a) Complete Enhancements to Heritage Park 6. Parks / Natural Beauty b) Construct Standpipe Park  City of Belton, Texas Strategic Plan FY 2019 Year 5: Three Year Action Plan Priority 1 Goals: FY 2023 Goal Categories Goals a) Implement Updated Strategic Plan b) Implement Updated Comprehensive Plan c) Implement Plan for TIRZ Adjustments (expires in 2024) 1. Governance d) Implement Balanced Tax/Fee Schedule e) Begin Process to Conduct Charter Review (required in 2025) a) Implement updated Police Department Strategic Plan 2. Public Safety b) Implement updated Fire Department Strategic Plan a) Continue Annual Street Maint./Reconstruction Program b) Continue Infrastructure Priorities for Water, Sewer, Drainage 3. Quality of Life c) Implement Improvements to S. Main Street a) Continue Downtown Enhancements 4. Economic Development b) Continue Development of BEDC Properties c) Continue development of IH 35, IH 14 Corridors a) Continue Hike/Bike Trail Extensions b) Coordinate Loop 121 Construction with TxDOT 5. Connectivity c) Coordinate FM 93 Enhancements with TxDOT d) Continue Lake to Lake Road Planning a) Implement Updated Parks Plan 6. Parks / Natural Beauty b) Enhance Nolan Creek Recreational Improvements