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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-06-08 Regular Meeting MinutesMINUTES CITY OF ANNA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING June 8, 2004 7:00 PM Community Room, Texas Star Bank The City Council of the City of Anna met in Regular Session at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 8, 2004, at the Community Room, Texas Star Bank, located at 402 W. White Street (FM 455), and considered the following items: 1. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Mayor Kenneth Pelham. Roll Call and Establishment of Quorum. All council members were present. 3. Consider citizen comments and presentations. Ms. Sue O'Neal discussed drainage problems on Smith Street. Pictures were presented to the council. Mr. Lawrence explained general procedures for approval of subdivisions and noted that drainage studies are an integral part of the subdivision approval process. Ms. O'Neal also stated that the stop sign on Smith Street and FM 455 was not visible. Ms. Molly Young made a formal request to Mayor Pelham regarding historical zoning. Jim and Robyn Luscombe gave a Power Point presentation on CR 366 and proposed alternative routes for the ultimate thoroughfare routing, identified as Route 1 and Route 2. Jim Luscombe stated that previously the Luscombe family had been given about 45 days to come up with alternate solutions to the CR 366 thoroughfare routing issue. He stated that the family had developed and given a presentation to the Collin County Commissioners Court and wished to make the same presentation to the council. This presentation is a summary of their position regarding the problems with using the existing route of CR 366 as the ultimate thoroughfare and the potential for using alternative routes. Mr. Luscombe noted that the Collin County Park and Open Space Strategic Plan was used as a starting point for much of their position regarding the rationale for an alternate route for the thoroughfare. This plan emphasizes the need to Minutes 6-08-04 Page 1 of 6 preserve significant visual resources, usable homesteads, trees, hedgerows, prairies, historic structures, and other similar features and landmarks. Mr. Luscombe outlined what he described as a strategic plan to preserve these things in conjunction with surrounding agricultural settings. He noted that CR 366 runs from US 75 west to Highway 5 on the east. CR 366 is on both the Collin County and City of Anna thoroughfare plans. There are segments of CR 366 in the City of Anna and in the unincorporated area of the county. Residential housing development is now occurring on the north side. Other development is planned for the area along SH 5 that will also likely use CR 366 as a connection to US 75. The issue of the ultimate routing of the CR 366 thoroughfare has come up now because the County is requiring a 110 feet of right of way (ROW), from end to end, which is about 2 miles long. Mr. Luscombe stated that putting a 4 -lane road on the existing CR 366 route creates significant problems. He showed an aerial view illustrating the location of the Luscombe family homes and how this road would be affecting their homes and land. He noted the current road runs through the property owned by various family members and then highlighted the area which would be included in the additional 110 feet of right-of- way. He stated that the proposed right-of-way would be "right on top of them". Mr. Luscombe stated the Luscombes are a pioneer family in the area and have made continuous investments into the property. They have a Land Heritage Program application in progress. The family has preserved a native Texas prairie, they have active agricultural operations. He noted that his aunt is regionally famous for her 800 varieties of Iris flowers and their land has rows of pecan trees. He noted that it is unusual in 2004 to have several members of a family located closely together and that the family have been good stewards of the land. He noted that there is currently a half mile stretch of CR 366 that is a drag race strip. If it is pave it, it will become even more attractive. He stated that the family has met with representatives of the Skorburg Company and the City and awaiting a response from Collin County Commissioner Jaynes. The developer drafted an alternative route and that option was reviewed by the engineers but was not regarded as acceptable because the curve was not safe enough. So the family hired its own traffic engineer to come up with a solution. The family is presenting 2 routes for the County and City to consider Route 1 is the family's preferred route because it takes traffic totally away from their family community and serves the development area fully. Route 2 goes to the back of the property but still separates one family group. Route 2, however, could be extended dueeast to Highway 5. The curves where designed to eliminate safety concerns. Route 1 has a 45 mph design speed and Route 2 has a 55 mph design speed. Both have moderate cost impacts and both preserve the pecan trees and eliminate the drag strip problem. Mr. Luscombe also noted that the family would make the segment of CR 366 that will not be part of the ultimate thoroughfare and make it into a private drive. Minutes 6-08-04 Page 2 of 6 Mr. Luscombe stated his belief that it is appropriate for the developer to bear most of the cost of this solution. In the primary affected areas plats have not been filed yet so now is the time to secure the right of way. One of the areas is owned by a Luscombe family member and the family is discussing ways to trade land with the developer to help this development move forward. He noted that future economic changes, the price of gas, or other factors may slow down the need for all this east -west traffic. He commented that Collin County has approved and started a Melissa Road project that will take east -west traffic away from CR 366 and the future outer loop will also take east -west traffic away from CR 366. Mr. Luscombe also provided estimated costs for the alternative routing. He stated that the actual length of the new thoroughfare on the CR 366 route was about 4,800 feet. Using Route 2 would add about 400 feet and Route 1 adds about another 400 feet. He urged the council to proceed and build out the road now since the additional distances are not great The estimated additional cost is in the area of about $80,000 to $120,000, much different than what they were originally led to believe. Mr. Luscombe said he also presented to the County a possible historic heritage parkway. Sites noted were; Governor Throckmorton, an Indian attack, native Texas prairie, old town with post office, Old Stage Coach Road and Foster Crossing. They all line up and could be made into something with visitor appeal. He also asked the County to integrate these two plans (open space and thoroughfare), redraw the RA4, consider the historic heritage parkway and agree to this alternate route and concept and communicate those decisions back to the City of Anna and the developer. He then quoted a prominent developer (Richard Skorburg) by saying, "In our opinion, the best handling of the road adjacent to the Gant and Luscombe property would be to leave the road as a rural section, to preserve the canopy of trees along the ROW road, these trees are vital and will be a major feature and adds to the beauty of the neighborhood and the city. And after careful review, the residential zoning plan north of Weston Road in relationship of Highway 75 and Highway 5 are major collectors only a few thousand feet away, there is not a need for a large road." 4. Consider recommendation of Planning and Zoning Commission regarding replat of Block 9, Lots 8 and 9, Original Donation. Motion to approve replat of Block 9, Lots 8 and 9 by J.W. Finley, based on P & Z recommendation. John Geren seconded the motion. Vote 5 - 0 to approve. 5. Consider action regarding road improvements and/or selection of thoroughfare route for CR 366 (Foster Crossing Road). Mayor explained Route 2 would be acceptable with donations of ROW and signed agreement of all parties. It might also cause some revision of the Skorburg plat. Minutes 6-08-04 Page 3 of 6 A lengthy discussion followed regardingthoroughfare plan revision to follow alternate Route 2. Questions were raised regarding how individuals will enter the property and questions regarding the Wysong property. The Wysong family has been approached, according to Ryan Betz (Skorburg Co.). ROW purchase will have to done on the Wysong side; the ROW will not come closer to the property or Luscombe buildings. Mayor Pelham and Mr. Lawrence stated that in the future, when traffic flows on the interim roadway appear to be high enough to cause safety concerns, the City will consult a traffic consultant regarding the need for thoroughfare construction but there is no way to give a timeframe on that at this time. Robyn Luscombe expressed concerns that whether the road is a 4 -lane or a 2 - lane road, there are still 250-500 cars driving between the homes. She noted that this volume of traffic would disturb and disrupt the rural lifestyle of current residents. Mr. Mosier asked who would be maintaining the road. Mayor Pelham stated that it was Collin County's responsibility to maintain the proposed interim roadway, just as under the current arrangement. Mayor Pelham stressed the importance of getting this agreement ironed out and written down. Then, if in the future it has to be changed, that it may be another sit down process, but the agreement could be pulled out and reviewed at that time. Mr. Luscombe stated that he wished that they could have it exactly like they wanted, but this is a compromise and they still had some negotiating to do. Mr. Lawrence advised the Council to revise the thoroughfare plan to reflect Route 2. This will also be an indication that the city supports the agreement. Mr. Luscombe then began speaking about his concern about the north -south thoroughfare that connects CR 366 with FM 455 (White Street), but the Mayor advised him that this was a separate issue and is not part of the current CR 366 agreement. Montgomery asked why we are doing a temporary road. Mr. Lawrence said there was an agreement with Collin County. The county will pave the existing roadway under the terms of the original project which was approved by the Commissioner's Court. The sum of $108,000 was agreed to and this would help the City financially, because the developer would reimburse this cost to the City. Ultimately a 4 -lane concrete curb and gutter roadway will be built through the area. The Luscombes stated they would be perfectly happy to have Route 2 be done right now. Questions regarding the costs of the road were discussed. Mr. Kleinheskel gave Mr. Montgomery a $1.801foot cost estimate to scrape and prepare road before applying an asphalt surface and gave him $52 a foot to put on the standard two course chip -seal road surface. Minutes 6-08-04 Page 4 of 6 Ryan Betz of the Skorburg Company stated that the calculations of Montgomery and the Luscombes was not correct. He stated that the cost of the additional road construction using Alternate 2 would be about $250,000. He also noted that all parties needed to make sure that there is an understanding here about the basic terms of the agreement and that we don't go backwards later. Half of the ROW that is going to come off this loop is being given by the Skorburg property owner and half by the Luscombe property owner. Mr. Lawrence recommended revision of the thoroughfare plan. He argued that any further action should be delayed until an agreement is worked out with all parties regarding CR 366. It is the intention of the City to get this done in the next few weeks. Motion to approve thoroughfare revision to Route 2 by John Garen, seconded by J. W. Finley. Vote 5 - 0 to approve. 6. Consider action regarding naming of county roads in Anna planning area. No action at this time. Several council members suggested that local residents should be given more time to voice their opinions regarding the names used on county roads. It was the consensus of council that action should be taken at the next council session. Consider action regarding 2004 street improvement program. After brief discussion of alternative projects, a consensus of council members agreed that work on the east side of town near the elementary and junior high school should be the 2004 priority. The project would include Smith Street, E. 5'h, E. 6`h, E. 7'h and E. 8" with possible ROW donations from property owners to widen the streets if necessary to insure proper drainage. The staff was directed to contact the City's consulting engineer to secure cost estimates and identify possible issues that might argue against doing work on these streets. Motion to authorize Mayor to get engineering cost estimates on Smith St., Sixth St., and Eighth St. and Easton by Mark Montgomery, seconded by Lynn Mosier. Vote 5 - 0 to approve. 8. Consider request from Mr. Rod Walnofer regarding pro -rata reimbursement for water line on N. Powell Parkway. A brief discussion was conducted on pro -rata reimbursement, with review of the previous agreement with Mr. Walnofer regarding the cost and responsibility of the water line. Motion to deny Mr. Walnofer's request was made by Chris Caldwell and seconded by J. W. Finley. Vote 5- 0 to approve. 9. Discuss and take action as desired regarding purchase and/or location of emergency alarm sirens. Council discussed installing two sirens on 455 and moving the existing siren to E. White Street, with possibility of using bond for payment. Motion to table was made by J. W. Finley and seconded by Chris Caldwell. Vote 5 - 0 to approve. Minutes 6-08-04 Page 5 of 6 10. Staff report(s) and discussion of other issues, including suggestions for future agenda items, as desired by city council members and staff. 1. Discussion on Tanglewood Retreat & review. 2. Review of Anna Staffing Projections & current needs 3. Discussion of possible arborist regarding ordinances for the preservation of trees as future development occurs. Adoption of a tree preservation ordinance was discussed. Mr. Lawrence noted that such ordinances require considerable staff effort. He mentioned that Anna faced considerable budget restraints and had to set priorities for use of funds. There was general agreement that tree preservation was worthwhile but council members questioned whether an ordinance could be effectively implement at this time. 4. Friday, June 11'", close offices to honor memory of President Ronald Reagan. 5. Fire Department — Council member Lynn Mosier asked about current budget balance? He also asked about flushing of hydrants and if several leaks that had been discussed previously had been fixed. 6. The status of activity on securing a chief of police was discussed. 7. Council discussed holding a Town Hall meeting to discuss growth and change in city. Discussion focused on idea that the meeting should be in a presentation format with question -answer session following presentation. 11. Payment of bills. Motion to pay bills made by Lynn Mosier, seconded by J. W. Finley. Vote 5 — 0 to approve. 12. Adjourn. Motion to adjourn made by Lynn Mosier, seconded by Chris Caldwell. Vote 5 — 0 to approve. The meeting was adjourned at 9:11 p.m. ATTEST: Wayne E. Cummings City Secretary Minutes 6-06-04 Page 6 of 6 Mark Montgomery, MXyor Pzio-tehni