2023_01.17 CC Reg Mtg Min SIGNEDKENNEDALE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
KENNEDALE REGULAR MEETING I JANUARY 17, 2023 AT 5:30 PM
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I. CALL TO ORDER
To address the Kennedale City Council regarding an agenda item, submit a `Request to Speak' form before the meeting begins.
Speakers are allotted three (3) minutes, must limit their comments to the subject indicated on the form, and should address the Kennedale
City Council as a whole, rather than individual members or staff. Pursuant to Texas Govemment Code §551.071, the Kennedale City
Council reserves the right to adjourn into Executive (Closed) Session at any time during the meeting to seek legal advice from the City
Attomey on any item posted on the agenda.
Mayor Jan Joplin called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
A. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor Joplin, Rockie Gilley, Place 1; Brad Horton, Place 2; Kenneth Michels, Place 3; Austen
Degenhart, Place 4; James Connor, Place 5. STAFF: City Manager Darrell Hull; Director of Human Resources Caroline
Green; Fire Chief Jaynes Brown; Police Chief Michael Holguin; Acting Finance Director Tanisha Sherman; Library Director Elizabeth
Partridge: City Secretary Raeanne Byington; City Attorney Carvan Adkins. CONSULTANTS: Freese & Nichols and Dunaway.
II.WORK SESSION
A. Update on Dunaway UDC/Comprehensive Plan. (Moved to 2nd on agenda at 5:38pm)
Nathan Gonzales received a revised proposal from Dunaway regarding the UDC. He stated an update to our
comprehensive plan is needed.
Steven Cook with Dunaway spoke on the changes to proposal of the Comprehensive Plan and update to the
UDC. In making sure the UDC have relevance to the future land use plan. Removed parks, transportation and
utilities in the full comprehensive plan. Instead, focus on the future land use plan and proposal comes in at $100k.
This will be done first, then come back for the Comprehensive Plan on another RFP.
City Manager Hull stated that before we were doing an update. Now, with a different vision and challenges, this
allows us to make sure the proposal will be of value to the City. Since there have been changes, the City will need
a new Comprehensive Plan and not just an update to the one in place.
Budgeted was only $80k for FY23, but $150k is needed. Councilman Degenhart wants to be mindful of what is
budgeted. The remainder should be picked up in FY24.
B. Discussion on the use of discretionary funds from Tarrant County Precinct 2
Commissioner Alisa Simmons in the amount of $740,789.00.
City manager Hull stated that these funds will be used for rebuild Swiney Hiett, New Hope Road, Eden
Road, and Third St. Councilman Connor asked if some of the discretionary funds could be used for Kevin
Miller Road which had been proposed to be repaved 6 years ago. Mayor Joplin stated these funds are
specific to the streets listed.
C. Update on homeless camps in the city.
Nathan Gonzales stated that the campsite under a bridge that was able to be cleared out. They found an
additional 4 campsites that will need to be cleared. A plan has been formulated to keep these areas cleaned and
to provide resources for the homeless. JPS was on site providing assistance for the homeless at the time of
cleanup. There were also bonfires and charred wood so this is a Public Safety concern. They are aiming for 1 day
a week to go out and work on the sites. The hope is to raise the canopy so that when police patrol, they can see
what is going on and address the issues before they get big.
Thelma Kobeck, 200 Valley Ln, spoke regarding unresponsiveness from her email about the encampment.
Mayor Joplin recessed for 5 min at 6:44 pm.
Moved to III.A and III.0 upon returning from recess.
D. Discussion of Tarrant County Transportation Bond for Little School Road
expansion.
Chris Bosco, Freese and Nichols, discussed an alignment study and a bond election for the city
share of the cost, as well as reducing the cost. This proposal will do the alignment study. Full survey
and right of way would be$361,200. Do the alignment, environmental and drainage analysis but
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base it off GIS data and wait for the full survey till after the bond election and then right of way.
Reduces the proposal to $149,800.
Councilman Gilley stated his preference would be to not extend Linda Road. Councilman Horton
was concerned that we start the project and the bond doesn't pass. Are there alternative options to
look at? City Manager Hull said the City would pay up front but then be reimbursed half.
Councilman Gilley also brought up that this was unbudgeted. City Manager Hull asked if this should
be put on pause till we are deeper into our budget and Councilman Degenhart stated that was his
understanding. Mayor asked what the pause would be for and City Manager Hull stated to look at
where the $150k could be pulled from.
E. Senior Citizen Homestead Tax Freeze. (Moved to first item of Work session at 5:25pm.)
Councilman Gilley presented a tax ceiling on the exemption for citizens 65 and over. Kennedale
currently has an exemption on first $60k.
Mark Babina, 1056 Falcon Nest spoke in favor of a tax ceiling.
Annette Babina. 1056 Falcon Nest also was in favor but chose not to speak.
F. DISCUSSION AND/OR REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION OF ITEMS LISTED ON THE
AGENDA
III. REGULAR SESSION
A. INVOCATION AND PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE U.S. AND TEXAS FLAGS
"Honor the Texas Flag; I Pledge Allegiance to Thee, Texas, One State under God; One and
Indivisible."
Councilman Michels lead the pledges. Pastor James, Kennedale Revival Worship Church gave the invocation.
B. REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
In addition to any items below, the Kennedale City Council, the presiding officer, and/or staff may give or receive reports
regarding items of community interest, including, but not limited to, recognition of officials, citizens, staff, or departments;
information regarding holiday schedules; and upcoming or attended events.
1. Updates from members of the Kennedale City Council
Councilman Gilley has met with various citizens around the short-term rental issue.
Councilman Horton met with several businesses, citizens about short-term rentals, met with KYA and
impressed with them.
Councilman Michels attended the KISD long range planning and future growth meeting. He assisted Public
Works in taking the tree down in TownPark Center.
Councilmen Degenhart and Connor had no updates at this time.
2. Updates from the Mayor
Proclamation declaring February 2023 as Black History Month in the City of Kennedale.
City Manager and Mayor have met with developers. Attended Precinct 2 swearing in Commissioner Simmons and recognized
Gabriel Riva. I met with a group who plans to build the Irene Sargent Community Center and acknowledged those in the audience
who were there. Grand Opening of Dickies, Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition meeting. Chief Holguin, Capt Carlson and her
went to a Tarrant County 911 meeting. Council Chambers held the Southeast Connector Project. Met with citizens preparing for the
Juneteenth celebration.
3.
Updates from the City Manager
Overlays have started on 4th and 5th Street. Jonah Road is finished and Broadway is next. 2021 Bond is
underway.
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4.
Financial update for the City
There have been hiccups with the software and we have hired a CPA firm to come in and make sure
everything is correct and nothing is missing. There were corrupt files when they were uploaded and they are
working to fix the issues.
Library Director Elizabeth Partridge gave an update on the Meals on Wheels Program at the Community
Center. Meals are consistent and they are enjoying the food. They have also started another Bingo Monday.
Due to illness they are fogging the center to keep it clean for them.
C. VISITOR AND CITIZEN FORUM
At this time, any person may address the Kennedale City Council about items not on the agenda. Rules and procedures for
addressing the Kennedale City Council are included under "1. CALL TO ORDER". Neither
formal action nor discussion may occur at this time. Those wishing, instead, to speak on an agenda item should indicate
their desire to speak as the Kennedale City Council considers that item.
Jeff Joyner, 1011 Bell Oak Dr, spoke on issues with 2 short term rentals behind his house. He had suggestions of a 3 month
commercial real estate sign in their yard with the purpose of the house, allow others in the neighborhood to be present and
have forum where issues can be addressed with them, proximity ordinance due to the fact that they have 2 STRs right next
to one another (sharing a fence line).
Brenda Kent Joyner, 1011 Bell Oak Dr, also spoke regarding the short-term rentals. The rentals show long term on the
websites but says short term rentals are available. She would like compliance of the regulations that have been set.
Nathan Gonzales then gave an update regarding these STRs. He stated there is supposed to be a notification sent by our
regulations but is unsure if this occurred in the past. In October/Nov, specific to Lone Oak has been denied because it is
within 500 feet of a permitted STR. It is now showing as a long-term rental instead. City Manager Hull added that if they are
being loud late into the night, call the police department so something can be done right then.
Tamiko Sargent, 905 Shady Oaks, stated she wants the City Council to adopt the Federal Holiday, Juneteenth, as a City
Holiday. She requests that it be on the council's agenda for a vote.
Len Fuller, 512 Steeplechase, could not stay but wanted to express his support of the moratorium.
D. CONSENT AGENDA
These matters have appeared on previous agendas, require little or no deliberation, or are considered routine or ministerial tasks. If
discussion is desired, items may be removed forseparate consideration.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Approval of the minutes from the October 18, 2022 regular meeting.
There were a couple of adjustments needed and they have been fixed.
Approval of minutes from the December 20, 2022 regular meeting.
Consider approval of an agreement between the Tarrant County Emergency Services
District No. 1 and the City of Kennedale for American Rescue Plan Act State and Local
Recovery Funds Amendment No. 1.
Chief Brown stated that they revised the document and they are changing Addendum A giving us an
additional $580k for an additional ambulance and additional $150k for SCBAs. We have until December
2025 to purchase items. He noted that an ambulance takes 1-1.5 years to purchase and receive. Federal
funding will not be extended so we need to move forward quickly.
Motion to Approve: Degenhart. Second: Horton. Motion passes unanimously.
Chief Brown noted the new fire engine was in and they will have a 'Push In' service for it on January 28,
2023.
Consider approval of a Resolution supporting a grant application by the Police
Department for Bullet Resistant Shields.
Councilman Degenhart asked to pull #3.
Motion to Approve Items 1, 2, and 4: Connor. Second: Degenhart.
Motion passes unanimously.
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E. ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
1.
Discussion and necessary action to authorize Bristow Contracting LLC for the construction
of Tarrant County's Sewer Improvements for 3rd Street project, at a total of $424,713.50,
with the city match amount of $260,385.50.
Max Arensen with Shield Engineering gave information re: CDBG program and installing 1500 linear feet
of sewer line on 3rd Street. Originally, the cost was $442k, with City cost being $287k. County fund for this
was $164k. Bid openings came in lower than projected so total cost is $424,713.50 with the City matching
the amount of $236,385.50. Ideally, the plan is to start in 2 months.
There was discussion on contractors and the range of bids. Max stated he has heard good things about
this current contractor. Everything is in the scope of the contract and there shouldn't be any additional
costs.
Motion to Approve: Gilley. Second: Michels. Motion passes with 4 and Councilman Connor
abstaining.
IV. PUBLIC HEARING
A. City of Kennedale will hold a public hearing on January 17, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. in the city
council chambers in Kennedale City Hall, 405 Municipal Drive, Kennedale, Texas 76060, on
a proposed temporary moratorium on the acceptance of applications or the issuance of
permits for development in MF Multi -Family Residential and TH Townhome zoning districts
in the City of Kennedale.
Mayor Joplin stated the public hearing is today but the vote will be held on Friday January 20th at 1 pm.
Nathan Gonzales gave an overview of the ordinance. Andrew Franco with Freese & Nichols presented on
wastewater and sewer system. He stated we had some long documents issues with our sewer system.
Councilmembers all stated that the moratorium is needed so the sewer system can be addressed before there
are any failures.
Dunaway looked at basic demographics and what is happening in Kennedale. In the last 3 years, there have
been 2 multifamily developments totaling 382 units and 423 single family residential units. Population increased
26% during this time. Traffic data shows density issues. Kennedale Parkway sees 23,575 cars daily and
TXDoT, states the number goes up to 25,000 daily closer to 1-20. Accidents in Kennedale have increased 23%
during this time.
Mayor Joplin opened the public hearing at 8:11 pm.
Sara Johnson, 221 Village Street, approves of the Ordinance.
Kay Lewis, 399 Daleview, is concerned about townhomes going in near her home and what this will do to their
homes.
Mayor Joplin closed the public hearing at 8:14pm.
V. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Kennedale City Council reserves the right to meet in Executive (Closed) Session at any time during the meeting pursuant to the
below cited sections of the Texas Government Code:
A. PURSUANT TO §551.071— Consultation with the City Attorney pertaining to any matter in
which the duty of the City Attorney under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional
Conduct may conflict with the Open Meetings Act, including discussion of any item posted
on the agenda, legal issues regarding the Open Meetings Act, and the following:
1. Update on Uniform Development Code revision.
2. Discussion on Short-term rentals
3. Discussion of Alta 287.
B. PURSUANT TO §551.072 — Deliberation regarding the purchase, exchange, lease, or
value of real property:
C. PURSUANT TO §551.087 — (1) Deliberation regarding commercial or financial information
that the governmental body has received from a business prospect that the governmental
body seeks to have locate, stay, or expand in or near the territory of the governmental body
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and with which the governmental body is conducting economic development negotiations; or
(2) to deliberate the offer of a financial or other incentive to a business prospect described by
Subdivision.
D. PURSUANT TO §551.074 — Deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation,
reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee; or to hear a
complaint or charge against an officer or employee; and the following:
1. Update from City Attorney on city business
VI. RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION, AND TAKE ACTION NECESSARY
PURSUANT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION, IF NEEDED.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to Adjourn: Connor. Second: Gilley. Motion passes unanimously.
Mayor Joplin adjourned the meeting at 10:08 pm.
APPROVED:
MAY
ATTEST:
CITY ECRETARY RAEA T E E L, GTON
405 Municipal Drive, Kennedale, TX 76060 I Telephone: 817-985-2100 I Fax: 817-478-7169
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