2015_09.21 CC MinutesKENNEDALE
You're Here, Your Home
www.cityofkennedale.com KENNEDALE CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
September 21, 2015
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 405 MUNICIPAL DRIVE
WORK SESSION - 5:30 PM
REGULAR SESSION - 7:00 PM
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 5:36 p.m.
II. WORK SESSION
*NOTE: Pursuant to Section 551.071, Texas Government Code, the City Council reserves the right to
adjourn into Executive Session at any time during the work session or the regular session to discuss
posted executive session items or to seek legal advice from the City Attorney on any item posted on the
agenda.
A. Review Governance Training and Agenda Format
City Manager Bob Hart informed Council that Brian Johnson and Charles Overstreet had attended a
Policy Governance Workshop in Atlanta, he stated that the information obtained from the workshop was
used to prepare the new agenda format. Bob provided a brief explanation on the format changes in
relation to policy governance; adding that we will try the new format and if we need to change it we can.
B. Discuss establishing a Water Rate Committee
Public Works Director Larry Ledbetter stated that it had been three (3) years since the last review of the
water rates; therefore, we need to establish a Committee for a review. He added that city consultant
Carolyn Marshall will be working with the committee on this project. Mayor Johnson stated that we
need to get citizens from different neighborhoods and possibly someone from the school board to sit on
the Committee.
C. Discuss Simple Recycling
A presentation was provided by HR Director Kelly Cooper for Simple Recycling. She explained that Simple
Recycling offers Kennedale residents another option to recycle textiles and home goods with no cost to
residents or the City. Kelly added that only about 5% of the donated items end up in a landfill. She
concluded stating that references have been checked, with all positive feedback; the City Attorney has
review the contract; and the Keep Kennedale Beautiful (KKB) Committee is in full support of the
program.
405 Municipal Drive, Kennedale, TX 76060 1 Telephone: 817 -985 -2100 1 Fax: 817-478-7169
It was noted that Keep Kennedale Beautiful Committee members were in attendance to show support
for the Simple Recycling program; and that the item is listed later in the agenda for approval.
D. Discuss establishing a Charter Review Committee
City Manager Bob Hart reminded Council that at their budget workshop in May, they talked about
updating the City Charter which was adopted in 1997. Bob stated that cities typically review their
Charter every five (5) years. He noted that Kennedale's Charter was very well written, but a
few areas need to be reviewed. Bob stated that a Charter Review Committee will need to be established
and will meet for approximately ninety (90) days to formalize recommendations for the updates.
Updates are due to City Council by January 2016, and will need to be finalized and added to the ballot by
March for the May 2016 election.
Mayor Johnson stated that we would like to appoint a mix of the original Committee members with
some suggested new members. Bob stated that this item is listed under Decision Items to be voted on
later in the agenda.
E. Discussion of items on regular agenda
No items were discussed at this time. Council moved into executive session.
III. REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Johnson opened the regular session at 7:00 p.m.
IV. ROLL CALL
Present: Frank Fernandez, Brian Johnson , Kelly Turner, Liz Carrington, Charles Overstreet, Michael Walker
Absent: None
V. INVOCATION
VI. UNITED STATES PLEDGE
VII. TEXAS PLEDGE
"Honor the Texas Flag; I Pledge Allegiance to Thee, Texas, One State under God; One and Indivisible."
VIII. VISITOR /CITIZENS FORUM
At this time, any person with business before the Council not scheduled on the agenda may speak to the
Council. No formal action can be taken on these items at this meeting.
Paula Kitchen, 4808 Andalusia Trail, Arlington, Texas 76017, spoke as a representative for the Cub Scout Day
Camp Program. She thanked the City for the use of Sonora Park and requested the use of the park pavilion
and ballfields for next year's event, to be held on June 13 -17, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Cub
Scouts presented Council members with ball caps from the camp as a show of thanks.
Chris Sunderman, 2200 Chrisman Trail, Mansfield, Texas 76063 is the incoming Cub Safe Shoot Event
Coordinator for the Tejas District. He stated that the event is held every year, where Scouts bring BB guns
Page 2 of 6
and do target shooting. The program teaches them to handle guns properly and safe technics. The group
has used Sonora Park in the past and are requesting use of the facility on Sunday, November 1, 2015.
IX. REPORTS /ANNOUNCEMENTS
In addition to any specific matters listed below, the city council may receive a report about items of
community interest, including but not limited to recognition of individual officials, citizens or departments,
information regarding holiday schedules, upcoming or attended events, etc.
A. Updates from City Council
Liz Carrington stated that she, along with city employees Rachel Robert and Larry Hoover, the Army
Corps of Engineers, and a member of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) conducted
a day -long survey of Village Creek. They were looking at the habitats in the area to remediate Village
Creek and bring it back to its natural wetland status.
Charles Overstreet stated that he, along with the Mayor and Bob Hart went to the Carver Institute in
Atlanta for a governance workshop. He added that they learned how to make our Council more efficient,
and looks forward to implementing the strategies they learned.
B. Updates from the Mayor
Mayor Johnson reported that he gave the State of the City address at the Chamber of Commerce
luncheon this past week and it was well received.
C. Updates from the City Manager
There were no reports or announcements from the City Manager.
X. MONITORING INFORMATION
A. Executive Limitations
B. Ends
- Balanced Scorecard
Bob Hart stated that the updated information was in the agenda packet for review.
XI. INCIDENTAL ITEMS (CONSENT)
All matters listed under incidental items (consent) have been previously discussed, require little or no
deliberation, or are considered to be routine by the council. If discussion is desired, then an item will be
removed from the consent agenda and considered separately.
A. Consider approval of agreement between the City of Kennedale and Alluvium Development for The
Vineyard Phase 2.
B. Approve Schedule of Investment Activity for quarter ending June 30, 2015
C. Discuss and approve a contract with Simple Recycling and authorize the City Manager to sign the
agreement
D. Discuss and consider approval of Ordinance 578 amending the FY 2014 -15 budget
Page 3of6
Motion To approve Incidental Items (Consent) agenda. Action Approve, Moved By Liz Carrington,
Seconded By Charles Overstreet.
Motion passed Unanimously
XII. REQUIRED APPROVAL ITEMS
A. DISCUSS AND CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE 574 OF THE CITY OF KENNEDALE, TEXAS ADOPTING THE
BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2015, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2016;
AMENDING BUDGET FIGURES FOR THE PRIOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2014, AND ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30, 2015; APPROPRIATING RESOURCES FOR EACH DEPARTMENT, PROJECT, OPERATION,
ACTIVITY, PURCHASE, ACCOUNT AND OTHER EXPENDITURES; PROVIDING FOR EMERGENCY
EXPENDITURES AND EXPENDITURES AS ALLOWED BY APPLICABLE STATE LAW; PROVIDING FOR THE
FILING OF THE BUDGET AS REQUIRED BY STATE LAW; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE
CUMULATIVE OF ALL ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE
City Manager Bob Hart provided a short overview of the budget process, stating that Council has
completed a planning session, the review process and the two required public hearings. Staff is now
bringing the recommended FY 2015 -16 Budget forward for City Council approval.
Frank Fernandez questioned if the recommended budget included salary increases for all city employees.
Bob Hart replies, yes, most employees.
Motion To approve Ordinance 574, adoption of the FY 2015 -16 Budget. Action Approve, Moved
By Charles Overstreet, Seconded By Liz Carrington.
Motion passed Unanimously
B. DISCUSS AND CONSIDER ORDINANCE 577 FIXING AND LEVYING MUNICIPAL AD VALOREM TAXES FOR
THE CITY OF KENNEDALE, TEXAS, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2015 AND ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016; DIRECTING THE ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION THEREOF; PROVIDING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE CLAUSE
City Manager Bob Hart provided an overview of the tax increase, stating that the Ordinance for adoption
recommends a tax rate of 76.75 cents. This is a 2 cent increase over the current fiscal year, and
represents an increase of 3.24 %. He noted that 100% of the increase will be taken to the fund balance,
which will give the City a 17% general fund balance.
Mayor Johnson questioned what the 2 cent increase represented annually for the average household?
Bob stated it was approximately $30.
Councilman Fernandez questioned what is considered an average household? Bob replied $174K.
There were lengthy discussions regarding the proposed increase and the need to increase the fund
balance to position the City for emergencies and to increase our bond rating. Liz Carrington noted that
most households will not notice the increase because the school district tax rate will see a 3% decrease.
Motion To approve Ordinance 577 fixing and levying Municipal Ad Valorem Taxes. Action Approve,
Moved By Charles Overstreet, Seconded By Michael Walker.
Page 4of6
Motion passed with a vote of 4 -1; with Frank Fernandez voting against approval.
C. Discuss and consider approval for ratification of property tax increase in FY2015 -2016 Adopted Budget
Bob Hart explained the calculations for the property tax increase. Mayor Johnson clarified that
the vote is saying that this is an accurate number; noting that we have already approved the tax rate.
Motion To move that this budget will raise more revenue from property taxes than last year's budget by
an amount of $210,372, which is a 4.89 percent increase from last year's budget. The property tax
revenue to be raised from property added to the tax roll this year is $192,830. Action Approve, Moved
By Kelly Turner, Seconded By Charles Overstreet.
Motion passed with a vote of 4 -1; with Frank Fernandez voting against approval.
XIII. DECISION ITEMS
A. Consider establishing a Charter Review Committee and making appointments
Bob Hart stated that this was discussed during the work session. He added that the current Charter was
adopted in 1997 and this will be the first review in 18 years. There are some legal issues that have arisen
over the years and we may want to have discussions about better alignment with policy governance.
Mayor Johnson stated that items for review includes the role of the mayor to serve as chief governing
officer; qualifications of the city manager to be consistent with the requisite organization
principles; appointment of the city secretary; City Council terms from two years to three years; other
areas consistent with policy governance; and technical areas based on law changes.
Mayor Johnson read the list of suggested individuals to serve on the Charter review committee: Frank
Fernandez, Charles Overstreet, Earnest Harvey, Robert Mundy, John Clark, and Ray Cowan if he would
consider it.
Motion To approve, as presented, with the addition that if any of the individuals identified cannot serve,
the mayor can appoint others to the Committee. Action Approve, Moved By Michael Walker, Seconded
By Kelly Turner.
Motion passed with a vote of 4 -0; Frank Fernandez abstained.
B. Discuss and consider action related to nominations to the 2015 -2016 Tarrant Appraisal District Board
of Directors.
City Manager Hart stated that as a taxing jurisdiction within Tarrant County we have the ability to
nominate someone to serve on the board of directors for the county -wide appraisal district. He noted
that the City currently has seven (7) votes.
No nominations were made.
C. Consider approval of minutes from August 17, 2015 regular meeting
Motion To approve the August 17, 2015 regular meeting minutes. Action Approve, Moved By Kelly
Turner, Seconded By Liz Carrington.
Motion passed Unanimously
Page 6 of 6
D. Consider approval of minutes from September 9, 2015 Special Meeting
Motion To approve the September 9, 2015 special meeting minutes. Action Approve, Moved By Kelly
Turner, Seconded By Charles Overstreet.
Motion passed Unanimously
E. Consider approval of minutes from September 17, 2015 Special Meeting
Motion To approve the September 17, 2015 special meeting minutes. Action Approve, Moved By Kelly
Turner, Seconded By Charles Overstreet.
Motion passed with a vote of 4 -0; Mike Walker abstained.
XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Johnson recessed into executive session at 6:00 p.m.
A. The City Council will meet in closed session pursuant to Section 551.072 of the Texas Government
Code to deliberate the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property for the following:
1. 213 Valley Lane
2. 1201 Bowman Springs Road
XV. RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION, AND TAKE ACTION NECESSARY PURSUANT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION,
IF NEEDED
Mayor Johnson reconvened into open session at 6:30 p.m.
No action required.
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
Motion To adjourn. Action Adjourn, Moved By Kelly Turner, Seconded By Liz Carrington.
Motion passed Unanimously
The meeting was adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
Leslie Galloway, City Secretary