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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987/12/01-Agenda-Pre-Council AdW PRE-COUNCIL WORKSHOP DECEMBER 1, 1987 4 PRE-COUNCIL CHAMBER ABSENT: Councilman Steve Murrin oe ITEMS: 1. FORMATION OF RACE TRACK POLICY ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND BRIEFING ON RACE TRACK ISSUES - BOB TERRELL, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER, DAVID YETT, ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY AND JOE BILARDI, DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Assistant City Manager Bob Terrell reviewed plans for the formation of an in- house Race Track Policy Advisory Committee to study issues related to the development of a race track within the City of Fort Worth. Councilman Gilley stressed that the committee will only look at issues such as zoning and traffic and will not become involved in issues of track operation and location. Councilman Lancaster asked how long it takes to develop a special zoning classification for race tracks. Development Director Joe Bilardi informed Mr. Lancaster that it takes approximately two months from the time an ordinance is written to have the classification in place. Mr. Lancaster indicated that he would like something more immediate. Councilman Gilley suggested that a race track permit fee may help recoup some of the expenses incurred by the Race Track Policy Advisory Committee. The Committee is expected to report to City Council by February 1, 1988. 2. PRESENTATION OF CHILD CARE TASK FORCE REPORT - LIBBY LANZARA, ASSISTANT PERSONNEL DIRECTOR Assistant Personnel Director, Libby Lanzara, and Dr. Harriet Harrell, Training Director, presented the findings of the Child Care Task Force. The Task Force was created in response to an employee's request that the City study the possibility of providing child care for its employees. Ms. Lanzara reported that in its study of child care options, the task force considered a number of critical issues including flexible work patterns, revised benefits, and freedom from anxiety about child care. According to studies, the average parent misses work eight days per year because of child care problems, and a survey of City employees revealed that 91% believe the City should provide child care assistance. Other commom child care problems identified in the survey include gaps in service for infants, shift work, sick children, and handicapped children; cost of service (the average cost is $47/week for a child 2-5 years old); and location. In addition to surveying the needs of city employees, the task force studied child care resources available within the City of Fort Worth. These resources include child care services offered by Kindercare, YMCA, Harris Hospital, First Methodist Church, and the Tarrant County Day Care Association. Among its recommendations to the City Council, the Child Care Task Force suggested that the city explore agreements with existing services and also study the possibility of establishing its own day care center for employees. 3. DISCUSSION OF DEVELOPER FEE ISSUES - CHARLES BOSWELL, MANAGEMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR Management Services Director Charles Boswell reviewed plans for the formation of a committee of local development experts to study the city's current development fee structure. He also indicated that the City will continue to employ David M. Griffith and Associates to study its development fees. 4. UPDATE ON MINORITY AND WOMEN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROCEDURES (I.R. NO. 7234) - SUNDRA DAVIS, MBE COORDINATOR Sundra Davis, Minority Business Coordinator, reviewed recent changes in MBE/WBE forms designed to streamline the certification process for businesses participating in the program. Ms. Davis reported that an appeals procedure has been established for businesses that do not receive certification. Councilman Vance questioned Ms. Davis about the way in which minorities are identified and classified. Ms. Davis reported that the MBE/WBE Office uses guidelines established by the federal government. Mr. Vance expressed concern that Vietnamese and Cambodians are not specifically listed in the federal guidelines. Bob Terrell, Assistant City Manager, indicated that the federal guidelines are used merely as a convenience and that other groups can be added as the City sees fit. Councilman Lancaster asked if the MBE/WBE Office provides assistance to all small businesses. Mr. Terrell stated that to date, all efforts have been directed at minority and women-owned businesses. Mr. Lancaster asked that the city consider expanding the scope of the MBE/WBE office to include assistance for all small businesses. Council expressed disappointment in the amount of MBE/WBE participation in city- awarded contracts. David Ivory, Senior Assistant City Manager, stated that MBE/ WBE participation among professional firms (architects, engineers, accountants) has improved dramatically and that the lack of minority service and trade contractors has contributed to the City's poor showing in those categories. S. TRINITY RIVER CORRIDOR - IN PURSUIT OF A COMMON VISION (I.R. NO. 7232) DAVID A. IVORY, SENIOR ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER AND GARY SANTERRE, TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR Rick Trice, Flood Plain Manager, reviewed issues concerning the development of a regional policy on the Trinity River Corridor. Mr. Trice reported that continued construction and development along the Trinity River Corridor will cause an increase in flood depths because of the loss of valley storage. Mr. Trice also reported on the efforts by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NTCOG) to coordinate cooperative efforts between Trinitv Corridor cities regarding flood plain development. John Promise of NTCOG reiterated the need for cooperative efforts between all affected jurisdictions. He indicated that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is also willing to work with area cities in mitigating the threat of flooding along the Trinity River corridor. Mr. Promise stated that area governments need assurance that all affected jurisdictions will adhere strictly to mutual development policies. Senior Assistant City Manager David Ivory stated that the implications of a regional development policy for the Trinity River corridor are ones which Council should carefully consider. He recommended further study before any proposals are formally adopted. Councilman Lancaster asked if all of the land owners along the Trinity River corridor are aware that the affected jurisdictions are considering a regional development policy. Mr. Ivory indicated that some of the property owners are aware and that some are not. 6. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO FALSE ALARM ORDINANCE (I.R. NO. 7230) - ROD BREMBY, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER Rod Bremby, Assistant to the City Manager, reviewed proposed amendments to the city's false alarm ordinance. Included in the amendments is a plan to extend the ordinance to residential alarms and to charge an annual permit fee for each alarm system. Councilman Gilley asked what is the purpose of the proposed alarm permit fee. Mr. Bremby stated that the permit fee is not intended to raise revenue but is intended to help recoup some of the losses which the Police Department incurs responding to false alarms. Mr. Gilley indicated that he is against charging a fee for the permit. Representatives from the Tarrant County Apartment Association and the Greater Fort Worth Alarm Association were present to respond to questions from Council. City Manager Douglas Harman indicated that alternative strategies would be developed based on Council input. 7. MONTHLY OPERATING REPORT a) OVERVIEW - CHARLES BOSWELL, MANAGEMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR b) UPDATE ON CRIME RATE TRENDS AND POLICE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES - THOMAS WINDHAM, POLICE CHIEF Police Chief Thomas Windham reviewed crime rate trends for the previous year. Chief Windham reported that the murder rate is down this year over last year, especially in calendar year comparisons. He attributed this decrease in part to the increased presence of police officers at local bars. Rape and robbery rates are also down compared to :lastyear, especially in calendar year comparisons. Assault, burglary, theft and auto theft rates are up compared to last year according to Chief Windham. Overall, the crime rate increased slightly. Chief Windham suggested, however, that the decrease in rates of violent crimes such as murder and rape is an encouraging sign. Mayor Bolen asked when the impact of the Department's additional auto theft personnel will be felt. Chief Windham indicated that the impact is already being felt to some degree. Councilman Garrison asked where stolen cars go. Chief Windham stated that 80% are recovered. Many have been stripped, however, and some have had their serial numbers changed, making tracing of owners difficult. Some of the stolen cars are taken to Mexico. Chief Windham stated that local "chop shops" encourage young teenagers to steal cars because they know the teenagers will not go to jail. Chief Windham indicated that the Police Department will also continue its emphasis on narcotics enforcement. Councilwoman Webber asked if people can be arrested for loitering for the purpose of selling drugs. Chief Windham indicated that there is currently no legal way to arrest people for loitering for the purpose of selling drugs but that efforts are underway to develop a state law making it illegal to solicit for drugs. Councilman Vance asked if more street lighting can be installed for safety rather than driving. He asked that city staff follow up with private foundations and neighborhood associations to develop programs. Chief Windham informed Council that a DARE Program will be started in Dunbar Middle School. The Department hopes to have programs in other schools as well. c) AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM REPORT (I.R. NO. 7233 ) - CHARLIE SHAPPARD, PERSONNEL DIRECTOR Personnel Director Charlie Shappard reviewed the Annual Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Program Report. Mr. Shappard reported that the City shows good representation of Blacks, Hispanics and Women although some deficiencies do exist. The proposed EEO Management Training Program will provide an extra impetus to the City's AA/EEO Program. d) ISSUES CONCERNING REGULAR COUNCIL REPORTS AND COUNCIL RETREAT SCHEDULE - DOUGLAS HARMAN, CITY MANAGER After a discussion of alternative dates, Council decided on January 12th and 13th for its first retreat. The retreat will be held locally and will provide each department head an opportunity to highlight important issues for the coming year. 8. CULTURAL DISTRICT UPDATE - DOUGLAS HARMAN, CITY MANAGER AND ANN DIVELEY, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER City Manager Douglas Harman introduced the new Cultural District Planning Director, Gilson Reicken. Mr. Harman informed Council that with regard to landscapping in the Cultural District, the city had only enough funds to landscape the Equestrian Center. Cultural District issues to be considered at a later date include parking lot fees and the option of a median along Lancaster Avenue. 9. REPORT ON POTENTIAL ECONOMIC INCENTIVES - JUDSON BAILIFF, FINANCE DIRECTOR No discussion. 10. SOUTH SEMINARY ADDITION DEVELOPMENT ISSUES - JOE BILARDI, DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Development Director Joe Bilardi informed Council that South Seminary Addition is no longer suitable for continued development because of the lack of proper streets and water. Mr. Bilardi recommended an assessment program for streets and water to bring the sub-division up to the standards of surrounding areas. 11. PROPOSED FREEWAY FROM I-35W TO S.H. 114 - APPROVAL OF SDHPT MINUTE ORDER NO. 86417 (M&C G-7358), AND OTHER ASSOCIATED DEVELOPMENT ISSUES RELATIVE TO I-35 NORTH CORRIDOR - DAVID A. IVORY, SENIOR ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER AND GARY SANTERRE, TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR Gary Santerre, Director of Transportation and Public Works, updated Council on the proposed Perot freeway in North Fort Worth. Mr. Santerre informed Council that the proposed freeway will not cost the city anything now or in the future. All rights-of-way and engineering are being provided by the property owners. 12. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH TARRANT COUNTY FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF MOSIER VALLEY ROAD FROM RAIDER ROAD TO THE CITY LIMITS (M&C C-10687) - GARY SANTERRE, TRANSPROTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR Council expressed its support for proceeding with an interlocal agreement for the reconstruction of Mosier Valley Road. 13. PURCHASE SUPPORTIVE SERVICE BY EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAM (M&C P-2179) - BOB TERRELL, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER AND RICHARD SAPP, EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING DIRECTOR Employment and Training Director Richard Sapp reviewed highlights from a public hearing which was conducted concerning Employment and Training's process for purchasing child care services. After reviewing citizen complaints, Mr. Sapp still recommends contracting with the Day Care Association for brokerage service. Mr. Sapp indicated that the contracting with the Day Care Association is the most cost-efficient way of providing day care to Employment and Training program participants. David Newell of the Day Care Association was present to answer questions. 14. PROPOSED MODIFICATION TO THE THREE-YEAR HOUSING ASSISTANCE PLAN (HAP) AND THIRD YEAR GOALS (M&C G-7375) - AL CLEVELAND, ASSISTANT PLANNING DIRECTOR Al Cleveland, Assistant Planning Director, discussed proposed modifications to the city's three-year Housing Assistance Plan (HAP) and third year goals. Changes to the HAP are necessary because of a decrease in aniticipated federal housing funds. The changes in the HAP will make the city's goals more realistic given the federal cutbacks. Changes in the third year goals reflect a shift of emphasis to large families and should make receipt of available federal funds easier. 15. 1987-88 STREET MAINTENANCE PROGRAM - GARY SANTERRE, TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR Transportation and Public Works Director Gary Santerre briefly reviewed the 1987 -88 Street Maintanence Program. Mr. Santerre informed Council that the money contributed by the Transportation Authority will be spent on main roads, thus freeing up funds for repair of secondary roads.