City Council Meeting

CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 300 W. MAIN STREET TUESDAY, MARCH 02, 2021 AT 4:30 PM MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Mayor Jensen called the meeting to order at 4:31 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Ron Jensen Mayor Pro Tem Jorja Clemson Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Mike Del Bosque Council Member John Lopez Council Member Cole Humphreys Council Member Jeff Wooldridge Council Member Jeff Copeland Council Member Greg Giessner STAFF PRESENTATIONS 1. COVID-19 Update Mr. Dye reviewed the Governor’s current Executive Order indicating Texas would be one- hundred percent open for business on Wednesday March 10th. Mayor Jensen mentioned he no longer needs to approve large gatherings. Council Member Lopez asked if events such as Memorial Day, Arbor Day and Cinco de Mayo would remain virtual. Mayor Jensen said the city has no jurisdiction over the Cinco de Mayo event, and the school district would likely decide for that event. Mayor Jensen indicated staff would review the upcoming virtual city events and provide an update. Council Member Humphreys inquired if a June 1st public event is planned now, would it be canceled should COVID numbers change. Mr. Dye advised it would likely not cancel but COVID safety protocols would be encouraged. Mr. Dye reviewed current down trends in COVID positive numbers and the upcoming staff-assisted COVID vaccination registration events, and he advised the city’s Grand Connection transit will be offering Grand Prairie residents transportation to a city vaccination site with a forty-eight hour notice of the need. He also reviewed TDHSA Emergency Assistance Program and Food Distribution efforts. Chief Robert Fite provided a vaccine update with a timeline of the number of doses given. Dallas County initially said they would provide twenty-five hundred doses if we agree to use their registration system. He advised the city provided a restroom trailer and bottled water due to The Theater at Grand Prairie’s continuing efforts to recover from storm damage. Chief Fite advised the following week would be a drive-thru vaccine service event. He noted Collin County and Dallas County have both contracted their vaccine service and indicated they city would be asking Dallas County Judge Jenkins to include Grand Prairie as a partnered site in utilizing their contractor for vaccination services. Chief Fite noted the Johnson and Johnson vaccine City Council Meeting – March 02, 2021 Page 1 of 8  may be available for mass vaccination at numerous sites by May. Council Member Giessner asked what kept the city vaccination site from changing into a drive-through location before now. Chief Fite indicated it was due to planning efforts. PRESENTED 2. Weather / Storm Event Update Chief Fite introduced and acknowledged his Emergency Management team for their great efforts during the winter storm event – Chase Wheeler, Daniel Ringhauser and Damara Winfrey. Chief Fite reviewed Emergency Operations Center activation details at the Charles V. England Training Facility and at the alternate Emergency Operations Center at the Police and Fire Administration Building. He noted citywide challenges during the storm event. Chief Fite confirmed two-hundred eighty residents utilized the warming center at Ruthe Jackson Center. He said Emergency Communications 9-1-1 calls increased sixty-four percent during the winter storm event, and he advised an all-department after-action review was conducted where some challenges were identified and would be addressed for improved service. Council Member Copeland asked to review the use of four-wheel drive ambulances. Chief Fite noted that Chief Murphy suggested the purchase of certain four-wheel vehicles; and although Chief Fite was not convinced of the need at first glance, he approved it and it made a big difference during this storm event. Council Member Copeland noted he would like staff to review the addition of more four-wheel drive vehicles. Mayor Pro Tem Clemson said she was disappointed that there were not additional generators at the various city recreation centers and requested a staff review for possible addition of generators. Chief Fite said it has been discussed and will be further reviewed. Council Member Giessner asked whether residents stayed overnight at the warming center. Chief Fite said yes, although it is not recommended but was the right thing to do at the time. PRESENTED AGENDA REVIEW Mayor Pro Tem Clemson asked if Council had any questions on Consent Agenda items four through seventeen. Mr. Giessner stated that ten Consent Agenda items had been reviewed during the Finance and Government Committee meeting held earlier this day. Council had no questions on Consent items. EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Jensen called an executive closed door session at 5:16 p.m. pursuant to Chapter 551, Subchapter D of the Government Code, V.T.C.A., to discuss Section 551.071 “Consultation with Attorney,” Section 551.072 “Deliberation Regarding Real Property,” Section 551.074 “Personnel Matters” - City Manager’s Contract, and Section 551.087 “Deliberations Regarding Economic Development Negotiations.” City Council Meeting – March 02, 2021 Page 2 of 8 RECESS MEETING Mayor Jensen adjourned the executive session, opened the public meeting, and called a recess at 6:12 p.m. RECONVENE MEETING Mayor Jensen reconvened the regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. Council Member Greg Giessner led the invocation. Council Member John Lopez led the Pledge of Allegiance to the US Flag and Texas Flag. PRESENTATIONS 3. Proclamation for National School Social Work Appreciation Month presented to Blanca McGee, Grand Prairie ISD Director of Social Emotional Learning Mayor Pro Tem Clemson presented the proclamation to the Grand Prairie ISD team of Counselors and Social Workers. PRESENTED CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Jensen recognized Harold Willis, 538 Lindly, who requested information on agenda item nine, the arrival of pipe repair clamps and its relation to the winter storm event. Mayor Jensen advised the city does not yet know the exact date when the items will be received. Council Member Giessner added that this item is a price agreement and not specific to any weather event. Mr. Willis inquired about agenda item eleven, requesting the life expectancy of the HVAC system. Council Member Giessner noted a warranty exists but these units are at the end of their normal use period. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Del Bosque added that these units are utilized year-round and may not last as long as other similar units that are not used as often. Mayor Pro Tem Clemson moved, seconded by Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Del Bosque, to approve Consent Agenda items four through fifteen and table Planning and Zoning items sixteen and seventeen. The motion carried unanimously. 4. Minutes of the February 16, 2021, and February 18, 2021, City Council Meetings Approved on Consent Agenda 5. Change Order #1 with Dana Safety in the amount of $200,000 for the remainder of the current term, bringing the total cumulative value of the current term to $500,000; and adding $200,000 to next year’s annual renewal option, totaling $500,000 for that term; authorize City Manager to execute this renewal Approved on Consent Agenda 6. Price Agreement for software support for ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus and Remote access from SHI Government Solutions through a national inter-local agreement with BuyBoard at an City Council Meeting – March 02, 2021 Page 3 of 8  estimated annual cost of $50,539.13. This agreement will be for one year with the option to renew for two additional one-year periods totaling $151,617.39 if all extensions are exercised. Authorize the City Manager to execute the renewal options so long as sufficient funding is appropriated by the City Council to satisfy the City's obligation during the renewal terms Approved on Consent Agenda 7. City Manager’s Contract Approved on Consent Agenda 8. Price Agreement for temporary staffing from Internal Data Resources (IDR) ($204,360.00 annually) through a Master Interlocal agreement with the Department of Information Resources (DIR). The Agreement will be for one year with the option to renew for two one year periods totaling $613,080.00 if all extensions are exercised. Authorize the City Manager to execute the renewal options with the aggregate price fluctuations of the lesser of up to $50,000.00 or 25% of the original price so long as sufficient funding is appropriated by the City Council to satisfy the City’s obligation during renewal terms Approved on Consent Agenda 9. Price Agreement for water pipe repair clamps from Ferguson Waterworks (up to $125,000.00 annually). This agreement will be for one year with the option to renew for four (4) additional one-year periods totaling $625,000.00 if all extensions are exercised. Authorize the City Manager to execute the renewal options with aggregate price fluctuations of the lesser of up to $50,000 or 25% of the original maximum price so long as sufficient funding is appropriated by the City Council to satisfy the City’s obligation during the renewal terms Approved on Consent Agenda 10. Construction contract with Felix Construction Company in the amount of $7,864,279 for Robinson Road Pump Station; 5% construction contingency in the amount of $393,214; Materials testing with Team Consultants in the amount of $15,076; in-house labor distribution in the amount of $40,000 for a total of $8,312,569 Approved on Consent Agenda 11. Ordinance amending the FY 2020/2021 Capital Improvements Projects Budget; contract with Trane in the amount of $122,351.00 plus a 10% contingency of $12,235.10 for the complete replacement of a HVAC 50 ton RTU and supplemental system for the fitness area at the Summit through an existing City Price Agreement; contract with Trane in the amount of $93,477.00 plus a 10% contingency of $9,347.70 for the complete replacement of a HVAC 50 ton RTU for the gym area at the Summit through an existing City Price Agreement; purchase of building management system controls from Enviromatic Systems in the amount of $8,885.00 through an existing City Price Agreement ADOPTED City Council Meeting – March 02, 2021 Page 4 of 8  ORD 10964-2021 12. Ordinance amending the FY 20/21 Capital Improvement Project Budget; Contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates in the amount of $76,322 for the design of Closed-Circuit TV (CCTV) and Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) on IH 30 frontage roads from MacArthur Blvd to SH 161 ADOPTED ORD 10965-2021 13. Ordinance amending the FY 2020/2021 Capital Improvements Projects Budget; Professional Consultant Contract with Pacheco Koch Consulting Engineering, Inc. for the Main Street Roadway Improvements in the amount of $3,110,003 ADOPTED ORD 10966-2021 14. Resolution amending resolution 5109-2020 in support of a Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) application to the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Justice Assistance for $36,300 in total funding with an agreement for $10,890 to be allocated to funding Dallas County projects and $1,778.70 to be allocated to the City of Dallas for fiscal administration fees and expenditures leaving a net amount of $23,631.30 to the City of Grand Prairie ADOPTED RES 5157-2021 15. A Resolution ratifying support of a Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) application to the Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office, Criminal Justice Division for $86,000 in total funding for the purpose of funding a Crisis Support Specialist position’s annual salary and fringe benefits ADOPTED RES 5158-2021 PLANNING AND ZONING ITEMS TO BE TABLED 16. Z210203/CP210203 - Planned Development Request - Gilbert Villas (City Council District 1). Planned Development Zoning Request for a townhome development with 96 lots on 8.379 acres. The lot sizes range from 2,250 to 3,866 sq. ft with lot widths of 25 feet and 85-90-foot lot depths. Tracts 4, 6, and 22, Elizabeth Gray Abstract 1680, City of Grand Prairie, Dallas County, Texas, zoned PD-317, with the approximate address of 108 Shady Grove Rd (On February 8, 2021, the Planning and Zoning Commission tabled this case by a vote of 9-0) TABLED City Council Meeting – March 02, 2021 Page 5 of 8  17. Z201203/CP201202 - Zoning Change/Concept Plan - Grand Prairie Multi-Family (City Council District 3). Zoning Change and Concept Plan for a Multi-Family and General Retail development on 31.45 acres. Tract 5, Mercer Fain Survey, Abstract No. 475, City of Grand Prairie, Dallas County, Texas, zoned SF-4 and GR, and located at the northeast corner of E Marshall Dr and S Belt Line Rd (On February 8, 2021, the Planning and Zoning Commission tabled this case to the March 8, 2021 meeting by a vote of 9-0) TABLED PUBLIC HEARING ZONING APPLICATIONS 18. Z210102/CP210102 - Zoning Change/Concept Plan – The Royalton at Grand Prairie Phase 2 (City Council District 2). Zoning Change and Concept Plan for a 204-unit multi-family development on 9.2 acres. Tract 2.1, Frederick Dohme Survey, Abstract No. 395, City of Grand Prairie, Dallas County, Texas, zoned PD-294, within the SH-161 and IH-20 Corridor Overlay Districts, located at the southwest corner of SH 161 and Forum Dr, and addressed as 1705 S Forum Drive Chief City Planner Savannah Ware presented the Zoning Change/Concept Plan noting that the applicant decided to proceed with his original request. Mr. Spencer Byington, 5600 S. FM 148, Kaufman, Texas, spoke in support of this item and advised changes could not be made economically. Council Member Wooldridge asked Ms. Ware if staff explored every option available. Ms. Ware advised staff did work with them on options, but they only offered one pad site up front. Council Member Copeland asked for the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation. Mayor Jensen noted the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial. Motion made by Council Member Wooldridge, seconded by Council Member Giessner, to close the public hearing and deny the Zoning Change/Concept Plan as presented. Voting Yea: Mayor Jensen, Mayor Pro Tem Clemson, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Del Bosque, Council Member Lopez, Council Member Humphreys Voting Nay: Council Member Copeland DENIED 19. Z201202/CP201201 - Zoning Change/Concept Plan - The Lofts at Grand Prairie (City Council District 4). Zoning Change and Concept Plan to rezone 26.3 acres from A to a Planned Development District for Multi-Family Use. Tract 6A A 43 TRS 6A & 6A01 & 6B, James C. Armstrong Survey, Abstract No. 43, City of Grand Prairie, Tarrant County, Texas, zoned A, and addressed as 931 N Day Miar Rd (The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of this request by a vote of 7-0-1) Ms. Ware reviewed the Zoning Change/Concept Plan and noted the applicant would need to improve the road along the property (video of the roadway shown). She reviewed the applicant’s requested variances and displayed conceptual renderings. Ms. Ware noted that staff received written opposition therefore requiring a ¾ vote. She advised that staff is unable to recommend approval and the Planning and Zoning Commission also denied the request. City Council Meeting – March 02, 2021 Page 6 of 8  Council Member Lopez asked how many variances had been approved for other multifamily developments in the area. Ms. Ware reviewed details of mixed-use on the future land use map. Mr. Giessner asked to review the Day Miar road map and asked who would be responsible for road improvements. Mayor Jensen advised the city would need to improve the road. Ms. Ware advised the zoning is agriculture and taking a master planned approach is needed. Council Member Wooldridge asked if parking lots would be permitted. Ms. Ware confirmed they can have parking but no structures. Environmental Services Manager Cindy Mendez reviewed information regarding the nearby well head easement and confirmed nothing can be built in that easement, but cars can be parked there. She said there are five wells producing at that site, and currently no additional drilling is planned. Ms. Mendez advised there is a road built for the gas well operators to access for maintenance. Council Member Lopez asked if retail or commercial was planned, would an agreement need to be in place with the property owner, Mr. Anderson. Ms. Ware informed there is a different property owner in this area. Mayor Jensen noted they would need to access this development using Day Miar Road or get permission from the current property owner. Ms. Ware confirmed. Robert Weinstein, 495 Broadway, New York, New York, with WB Property Group advised they are looking to apply for 676 apartments and requested three variances which included sixty-eight percent one-bedrooms, ten percent of total parking carports and 15 percent of total parking garage. He indicated the development would include four-story construction overlooking Joe Pool Loyd Park and noted this type residential property will support a demand for retail. Council Member Copeland thanked him for his willingness to participate in the officer next door program and asked how he plans to address Day Miar Road. Mr. Weinstein said they have committed to improving the road leading to their property and are committed to being in the city long term. Council Member Copeland asked for clarification of the variances and opined that they are too many in number. Mr. Weinstein said there may be a possibility of reducing one of the variances. Mayor Jensen said funding for Day Miar Road would have to be resolved. Council Member Giessner noted the moratorium to be discussed later in this meeting may apply if this item is denied. Mr. Weinstein asked how much of Day Miar Road would need to be improved and if asphalt would suffice. Mr. Giessner said the road would need to be paved. Transportation Director Walter Shumac confirmed and said drainage for this area is also an issue that would need to be addresses. Mayor Jensen confirmed this road improvement is not currently on the city’s capital improvement projects list. City Manager Tom Hart said these road improvements need to be reviewed further. Council Member Lopez asked if there were any other concerns. Mayor Jensen said he is concerned with the sixty-eight percent one-bedrooms and unfavorable access. Council Member Lopez moved, seconded by Council Member Copeland, to close the public hearing and table this case. The motion carried unanimously. TABLED 20. Second Reading and consider adoption of an Ordinance providing for a moratorium on the acceptance of any development related applications or permits for property development within the corporate limits of the City for the following uses: single-family attached, single family townhouse, single family – hybrid housing (build to rent), 2-family/duplex, 3&4 family, and multi-family apartment uses City Planning Director Rashad Jackson reviewed the moratorium on multifamily development and provided background information including the schedule of public hearings. Council City Council Meeting – March 02, 2021 Page 7 of 8  Member Lopez asked what the difference is in multifamily traffic and other type traffic. Mr. Jackson clarified the types of traffic flow. Council Member Lopez noted that the city is not planning to cease multifamily development with this proposed moratorium. Mr. Jackson confirmed. Council Member Wooldridge asked if the Freese and Nichols report will be available soon. Deputy City Manager Bill Hills confirmed it would be and said it is critical that utilities are available, and this pause is necessary to plan for the best and most effective use of the land. David Lehde of the Dallas Builders Association, 5860 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas, spoke in opposition of this moratorium. He does not agree the moratorium is justified by state statute. Mayor Jensen confirmed the City of Grand Prairie is in support of growth. Council Member Copeland asked Mr. Lehde if he had information on the percentage of apartment renters who may have rented first then purchased homes within the city. Mr. Lehde said he could obtain that information to provide on a later date. Council Member Wooldridge moved, seconded by Council Member Giessner, to close the public hearing and adopt the ordinance as presented; The motion carried unanimously. ADOPTED ORD 10967-2021 ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION There were no items for Individual Consideration. CITIZEN COMMENTS Carole Harrison, 301 N. Beltline, Grand Prairie, requested help to bridge the gap within the city by building better relationships and Code Compliance awareness. Ms. Harrison spoke of the Community Step Up program and people of different cultures in Grand Prairie. Harold Willis, 538 Lindly, spoke of the lack of communication via telephone due to the power outage during the recent storm. Mr. Willis requested a citizen’s review committee to be in better communication with Atmos Energy and requested cooling stations in the summer. Joe Garcia, 2222 San Antonio Street, discussed rear parking in the alley near his home, indicating apartment parking is a problem. He noted an auto accident occurred near fire hydrant in front of their home and discussed the need of a no parking sign in that intersection. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Jensen adjourned the meeting at 7:48 p.m. The foregoing minutes were approved at the March 16, 2021, City Council meeting. _____________________________ Mona Lisa Galicia, City Secretary City Council Meeting – March 02, 2021 Page 8 of 8