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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006/02/23-Minutes-City Council-Special Called FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE KELLER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT JOINT MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2006 Present: Mike Moncrief, Mayor Salvador Espino, District 2 Becky Haskin, District 4 Carter Burdette, District 7 Wendy Davis, District 9 (arrived at 6:32 p.m.) Absent: Mayor Pro Tern Chuck Silcox, District 3 Donavan Wheatfall, District 5 Jungus Jordan, District 6 Kathleen Hicks, District 8 City staff: Charles Boswell, City Manager Libby Watson, Assistant City Manager Dale Fisseler, Assistant City Manager Richard Zavala, Acting Assistant City Manager David Yett, City Attorney Melinda Ramos, Assistant City Attorney Marty Hendrix, City Secretary Bob Riley, Director of Development Department Dana Burghdoff, Assistant Director of Planning Department Mark Rauscher, Planning and Development Manager, Department of Transportation & Public Works Greg Simmons, Facilities Manager, Department of Transportation & Public Works Keller Independent School District Board of Education David Farmer, President, Place 6 Linn Jencopale, Vice President, Place 1 Randy Pugh, Secretary, Place 2 Cindy Lotton, Place 3 Jarrett Armstrong, Place 5 Absent: Scott Brown, Place 4 FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE KELLER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT JOINT MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2006 Page 2 of 15 Bob Apetz, Place 7 Keller ISD Staff: Dr. James R. Veitenheimer, Superintendent Jeff Baker, Director of Planning and Development Guests: Bob Templeton, Demographer, Planware Systems, LLC Jane Sanford, Precinct Administrator, Tarrant County Rich Schiller, Maintenance Facility Director, Tarrant County Call to Order by Mayor Mike Moncrief/President David Farmer (Agenda Item 1) The meeting was called to order by Mayor Mike Moncrief and President David Farmer, Keller Independent School District (KISD) Board of Education, at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2006, in the Old Rock Gym, 350 Keller Parkway, Keller, Texas 76248. Mayor Moncrief advised that a quorum of the Fort Worth City Council was not present; however, additional Council Members were expected and the meeting would proceed. He expressed appreciation to the KISD Board of Education for hosting the meeting. He indicated that this was the first time that these two entities had met jointly in this type of setting. Mayor Moncrief talked about the growth and infrastructure needs that both entities are experiencing and that these two issues are moving targets for both the School District and the City. Mayor Moncrief pointed out two flip charts for note taking of important issues that are raised or need to be addressed during the meeting had been arranged by staff. Mayor Moncrief turned the meeting over to President Farmer. President Farmer advised of the growth that the KISD has experienced over the last 10 years and the challenges they face to provide space for their students and maintain their high level of education. He spoke about the pre-meetings that had been held to arrange and host this meeting for the sharing of vital information. President Farmer advised that there were citizen participation cards available for the citizens in attendance at this meeting to fill out in order to ask questions, etc. He did clarify that normally the Board of Education allowed for public input at their public meetings; however, he added that at this meeting that practice would not be followed in order to allow for this important information sharing meeting. He pointed out the citizens could leave the cards with their questions and they would be responded to by the School District and/or the City of Fort Worth. FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE KELLER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT JOINT MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2006 Page 3 of 15 Introductions by Council Members and School Board Members (Agenda Item 11) Mayor Moncrief requested to go around the table and asked each Council Member to introduce themselves, provide their years of service on the Council and highlights of their districts. Council Members Espino, Haskin, Burdette each introduced themselves and provided the requested information. Mayor Moncrief took this opportunity to introduce Jane Sanford, Precinct Administrator and Rich Schiller, Maintenance Facility Director, who were in attendance at the meeting in lieu of Tarrant County Commissioner Glen Whitley, who had prior commitments and could not attend the meeting. At this time, Council Member Davis arrived at the meeting and introduced herself and provided the requested formation. President Farmer advised that the members of the Keller ISD Board of Education were elected at-large by the voters in the school district. He requested that each of the Board Members introduce themselves and provide information on their service to the Board. Board Members Jencopale, Pugh, Lotton, and Armstrong each introduced themselves and provided the requested information. President Farmer introduced himself. Superintendent James Veitenheimer introduced himself. Mayor Moncrief introduced himself, as well as City Manager Charles Boswell. Overview of Keller ISD and Student Achievement— Superintendent James Veitenheimer (Agenda Item III-A) Dr. Veitenheimer pointed out the facility that they were in for this meeting. He stated that it was the Old Rock Gym, which is an historic structure in the City of Keller and it is used for the KISD Board Meetings. He highlighted the KISD enrollment at 26,000 students and showed a chart of the number of students at the elementary, intermediate and high school levels. He advised of their 28 campuses, and the number of employees that work for the district, the number of teachers, the tax rate, the number of square miles in the district and the fact that there are nine (9) cities located within the school district. He pointed out that 16 of the Keller ISD FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE KELLER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT JOINT MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2006 Page 4 of 15 facilities are located within the City of Fort Worth. Dr. Veitenheimer presented the ethnicity breakdown. He reviewed the exemplary schools and the recognized schools. He provided their performance data and the campuses that hold the Gold Performance Awards. Dr. Veitenheimer advised of their communication tool, "The Key", which is their newsletter, and pointed out other forms of communications were videos on their web site, their public television station; that they produce an annual report, and they have their e-mail news or "pod cast." Dr. Veitenheimer pointed out that they were opening four (4) new schools in August of 2006. Council Member Haskin requested clarification about their public service channels and whether they reach the Fort Worth residents. Dr. Veitenheimer indicated that these channels do not reach all of the Fort Worth residents. Mayor Moncrief requested clarification on the status of the schools that are recognized or exemplary. Dr. Veitenheimer indicated that there were 18 campuses that were recognized or exemplary. Overview of Existing Collaborations Between the City of Fort Worth and Keller ISD—Libby Watson,Assistant City Manager (Agenda Item III-B) Assistant City Manager Libby Watson provided an overview of the existing collaborations between the City of Fort Worth and the Keller Independent School District. She pointed out the joint collaboration on the School Security Program, at a cost for equipment and salaries at $212,000, with half of the costs paid by the School District and the other half by the City. She indicated that it is currently in four schools and they want to add the program in the new middle school. Ms. Watson advised of the After School Programs in five of the schools, which 209 children participate. She stated that their daily attendance is around 157 students, with a cost for the program at $125,000. Assistant City Manager Watson advised of the Park Glen Public Library that is located within the district. She also explained that the School District provides the City the use of their facilities for meetings and other uses that are held in this area. Ms. Watson recognized Fort Worth employee Kathy Livingston, School Liaison and Youth Outreach Manager, who works with the school district and that she has been included with the discussions held on the construction of new facilities. She advised that there are four new schools currently under construction. She then introduced the City's Development Department Director Bob Riley. Ms. Watson concluded her presentation. Council Member Espino referenced the use of the Keller Independent School District's facilities for meetings in his district and he extended his appreciation to them for this use. FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE KELLER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT JOINT MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2006 Page 5 of 15 Keller Board Member Randy Pugh spoke about the City's development process, who the City staff contacts are for this process, and indicated his interest to learn how this process could be placed on the fast track. Development Director Bob Riley addressed Board Member Pugh's questions and comments. President Farmer emphasized the importance of the development review and permit timing process and having the permitting and platting process where it can be done easier and faster. Dr. Veitenheimer spoke about the fact that now the School District and other governmental entities have to abide by having only two uniform election dates, May and November, for which bond elections may be held by the school district. He pointed out how this was a problem for the district as schools have to open in August for students. Mayor Moncrief also spoke about this same issue and how it affects the City. Growth and Development in Fort Worth and Need for School Facilities—City Overview—Growth and Demographic Projections—Dana Burghdoff,Assistant Director, City of Fort Worth Planning Department (Agenda Item III C-1) Dana Burghdoff, Assistant Director of Planning for the City of Fort Worth, made a presentation on the growth and development occurring in Fort Worth and the Keller Independent School District area. Ms. Burghdoff presented a map showing all of the jurisdictions that are located with the Keller Independent School District, which included Fort Worth, Keller, Hurst, Haltom City, North Richland Hills, Southlake, Watauga, Westlake and Colleyville. She then presented a chart showing the land area in square miles, and the Year 2000 population in total and in school-age children of the City of Fort Worth, the Fort Worth Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, the City of Keller and a grand total of the other municipalities. Ms. Burghdoff reviewed a map showing the locations of the plats that had been approved by the Fort Worth City Plan Commission between July 1, 2001 and December 31, 2006. She stated that it was a total of 157 final plats that were approved within the Fort Worth portion of the Keller School District. Ms. Burghdoff reviewed a pie chart showing the lot size on those above referenced plats and stated that the plats represented 6,235 lots. She reviewed the number of single-family building permits that were issued by the City between July 1, 2001, and December 31, 2005. FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE KELLER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT JOINT MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2006 Page 6 of 15 The pie chart showed 8,761 (25%) were in the Keller ISD and 26,184 (75%) were in the 14 other ISD's within the City. The total number of permits was 34,945. Ms. Burghdoff then presented a color-coded map showing the population growth from 2005 to 2030 and the areas where there will be no growth to the areas that will see the highest growth. She presented another map showing how the Keller ISD boundary fit into those growth areas. Ms. Burghdoff concluded her presentation. Impacts of Growth on Keller ISD and Facility Master Planning Initiatives—Bob Templeton,Demographer, Planware Systems, LLC (Agenda Item III C-2) Mr. Bob Templeton, Demographer, Planware Systems, LLC, presented a report on the Keller ISD 4th Quarter, 2005 New Housing. He reviewed the DFW economic indicators as follows: • DFW new housing market—49,381 starts • Interest rates rising to between 6.5%to 7%in 2006 • Unemployment at three year low in Tarrant County at 4.6% and in the State at 4.8% • Inflation concern with fuel cost and material cost rising • Multi-family occupancy rates rising to 91.9% • Resale inventories falling • Year 2006 should see slight reduction in new home starts Mr. Templeton showed a map of the Keller Independent School District, along with a list of the fastest growing districts in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area, with Keller being third on the list. Mr. Templeton then showed the DFW School Districts ranked by annual starts, again with Keller ISD being third on the list with annual starts of 2,849. Mr. Templeton showed a chart showing the Keller ISD enrollment history and emphasized that the district has experienced the fastest growth since the 1980's, averaging over 8% annual growth. He reviewed a chart showing the Keller ISD enrollment growth from 1989 to 2005 and explained that the district has experienced an average of between 7% to 9% annual growth during the last 15 years. Mr. Templeton reviewed the Keller ISD new home start history from 2000, along with the closings during the same period of time. FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE KELLER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT JOINT MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2006 Page 7 of 15 Mr. Templeton reviewed a chart showing the price range distribution of annual starts, closings and current inventory in the district. Mr. Templeton reviewed the list of Keller Subdivisions, and the new home starts in those subdivisions. He pointed out that the current vacant lot and future lot supply will produce an additional 6,000 students for the district. Mr. Templeton presented a chart showing the Keller ISD forecast in students. He stated that enrollment growth in Keller ISD has been extremely fast since the 1980's. The growth has averaged 8% to 10% annually. He added that due to the young families moving into the district, enrollment growth will continue to be strong even past the start of the slow down of housing growth. He stated that the district can expect for enrollment growth to build out at approximately 38,000 to 41,000 students. Mr. Templeton reviewed a map showing the Keller Independent School District's campuses, with 18 elementary schools, five intermediate schools, 6 middle schools, and 3 high schools. He pointed out that the minimum additional campuses will be three elementary schools and one high school. He emphasized that the multi-family impact could cause a need for additional schools. Mr. Templeton summarized his presentation as: • Keller ISD new housing market record breaking growth again in 2005, with 2,849 annual starts • New housing inventories down (District average 5 months supply) • Economy showing signs of growth (unemployment lowest levels in three years, consumer confidence up and job growth improving) • Interest rates moving upward (6.28% for a 30-year fixed loan) economist predicting 6.5%to 7%in 2006. Slight concerning for lower price ranges. • Vacant developed lot supply 4,098 (17 months supply) • Keller ISD annual start rate will begin to slow during the next three years as Keller ISD moves toward build out. • Multi-family development will increase as conditions for multi-family development are improving. Multi-family development is a big concern as rapid development can product student growth overnight. • District will continue to see rapid enrollment growth due to continued single family development, multi-family development and young age of population in Keller ISD. This presentation was concluded. FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE KELLER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT JOINT MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2006 Page 8 of 15 In discussion on this presentation, Council Member Becky Haskin indicated that there were 10,000 units of multi-family in the KISD. She talked about a recent zoning case of commercial property that is coming forward and requesting to be zoned to multi-family. She recommended to the district that a representative be present at the meeting if the district did not support the zoning change request to multi-family. There was further discussion on this issue. Council Member Espino spoke about the challenges the City faces with zoning change requests and pointed out that there were legal reasons that certain zoning changes could not be denied. Zoning Issues: Existing Zoning and Conformance with the City of Fort Worth's Comprehensive Plan — Dana Burghdoff, Assistant Director City's Planning Department (Agenda Item III C-3) Dana Burghdoff, Assistant Director of the Planning Department for the City of Fort Worth, spoke before the Council and the Keller Board of Education on the existing zoning and conformance with the City's Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Burghdoff reviewed a color-coded map showing the future land uses that are designated within the Fort Worth's Comprehensive Plan. She pointed out that 51% of the future land use in the KISD is single-family residential. She then reviewed the predominant zoning classifications in the Fort Worth and Keller portions of the KISD. She stated that in Fort Worth they are "A-5" one-family residential and "AR" one-family residential restricted. In Keller, the zoning classifications are "SF-LD", which is one-family residential low density and "SF-8.4", which is one-family residential high density. Ms. Burghdoff showed a chart of the minimum lot and house sizes within those referenced zoning districts. She also reviewed a map showing the locations and number of multi-family housing units that are currently located within the Fort Worth and Keller portions of the Keller ISD, which contained 1,746 units for Fort Worth and 492 units for Keller. She reviewed how much property in the Fort Worth City Limits/Keller Independent School District is zoned for multi-family housing, which is 1,402 acres as compared to the City of Keller, which is 77. She reviewed where the undeveloped, multi-family-zoned land is located and pointed out that there were 27 undeveloped multi-family zoning districts, which represented 1,094 acres. Ms. Burghdoff then reviewed the location of the undeveloped, multi-family-zoned land which is inconsistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan. She explained that there were 13 undeveloped multi-family zoning districts which are inconsistent with the City's plan or 421 FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE KELLER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT JOINT MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2006 Page 9 of 15 acres. She explained that the City had reached out to the landowners with that zoning to request that they change the zoning. She added that those property owners are not willing to change the zoning so that they can have the flexibility to develop under that zoning if they want to. She indicated that there was a lot of zoning that was not consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Burghdoff concluded her presentation. Council Member Espino questioned the reason there was so much multi-family zoning. Ms. Burghdoff explained that it was an issue of annexation of property and this was the zoning that was requested at the time of annexation. She indicated that some of this zoning had been in place for a long period of time. There was further discussion on this issue. Impacts of Rezoning of Properties on Keller ISD Enrollment—Jeff Baker, Director of Planning and Development, Keller ISD (Agenda Item III C-3) Jeff Baker, Director of Planning and Development, with KISD, made a presentation on the infrastructure and facilities master planning. He advised of the development acreage remaining in the district and the amount of single-family residential, multi-family, and the growth projects. He advised of the growth build out in the next decade. He stated that there would be 15 campuses in the district in Fort Worth and they were near exceeding the capacity. He reviewed the enrollment disbursement. He reviewed the Zoning Case ZC04-207 located north of the Riverside Elementary School that came before the Council in August 2004, which was approved by the City Council and the impact on the district. He reviewed the taxing units in this area. He reviewed the general growth assumptions. He pointed out the financial implications to KISD. He spoke about the revenue impact for the cost to educate the students and their loss of $405,000. He reviewed additional cost impacts for staffing, teachers, bus routes, and new construction and what this can do to new bond costs. He spoke about opposition to the zoning case coming up on the property going from commercial to town homes in Fort Worth City Council District 4. Council Member Burdette stated the tax base of residential homes does not pay the bill for the School District and the district really needs commercial zoned and industrial zoned based properties. He asked if they have looked at land for this type of zoning. He added his point was that commercial and industrial zoning brings no children. There was further discussion on this issue. Jeff Baker indicated that Council Members Espino and Haskin, along with City staff Dana Burghdoff and Fernando Costa have been supportive and very helpful. FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE KELLER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT JOINT MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2006 Page 10 of 15 Council Member Espino also spoke about sending letters in opposition to tax credits requested by developers for multi-family developments. He also brought up a new zoning case coming forward on Old Denton Road. Dr. Farmer requested clarification from Jeff Baker as to whether he attends the Council Meetings on behalf of the School District when the zoning cases that affect their district are being considered. Mr. Baker explained that the cases are opposed in writing and in person, if he is requested to do so. Council Member Burdette stated that he would encourage the School District to bring forward their view points. Council Member Haskin also pointed out the benefits of having them there at the meeting. Council Member Wendy Davis provided comments on previous actions that have been taken by the Council on zoning cases. She stated the Council is learning about the viability of sales tax and the impact of too much residential tax base and not enough commercial and industrial. She also encouraged the communication between the City and the School District. Council Member Burdette stated the Council does not break zoning change requests down to what school districts the property is located in and certain districts are affected differently. He encouraged the Keller ISD to stay informed and involved. Members of the Keller Board of Education encouraged Jeff Baker to be at the City Council meetings. Superintendent Veitenheimer stated that there appears to be a need to look at zoning holistically as it relates to the zoning and affected entities. He added that school board members and school staff should be heard as to the impact to the district. Mayor Moncrief stated that developers needed to hear this conversation. Council Member Haskin stated in her opinion developers do not care. She then pointed out the issue of cumulative zoning that City of Fort Worth has in place. She encouraged school officials to tell the City what they want in zoning for their district. There was further deliberation on checks and balances for zoning changes. Director of Development Bob Riley responded to questions regarding who is notified when zoning change cases come to the City and how the City handles the comments from the school districts. There was further discussion about notification to the board members when these zoning cases are being considered at the City. In further deliberation on this topic, Council Member Espino spoke about the need for retail uses in some of the zoning areas. Legal Issues and Limitations Pertaining to Zoning in Cities—David Yett, City Attorney (Agenda Item III C-3) City Attorney David Yett introduced Melinda Ramos, Assistant City Attorney, who spoke before the Council and the Board of Education on the City's zoning regulations. She FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE KELLER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT JOINT MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2006 Page 11 of 15 advised that zoning districts are established to provide appropriate locations for different types of land uses and establish development standards. She stated that the City is able to control land use through an exercise of its police power as established by City Charter and Chapter 211 of the Texas Local Government Code. Ms. Ramos presented the purpose of the zoning regulations and that they are to create a balanced and efficient pattern of land development to avoid haphazard growth. She stated that the regulations are to ensure land uses are properly situated next to each other. She stated that they are to set restrictions on building heights, bulk, lot size, etc. She stated that they are to substantially advance a legitimate governmental interest. She then spoke about the limitation on zoning and the legal issues of takings, due process, vested rights, the First Amendment of the Constitution, etc. She spoke about takings claims, which are the economic impact of the regulation on the claimant; the extent to which the regulation has interfered with investment-backed expectations; and the character of the governmental action. She spoke about the criteria used to consider in zoning. She stated that the appropriate location for a particular land use can be determined by considering the following: • Existing land uses in the vicinity • Density • Capacity of existing or proposed public facilities • Conformity with the Comprehensive Plan Ms. Ramos concluded her presentation. Infrastructure and Facilities Master Planning of the City of Fort Worth: Master Thoroughfare Plan as It Affects Far North Fort Worth — Mark Rauscher, Planning and Development Manager, TPW, City of Fort Worth (Agenda Item III C-4) Mark Rauscher, Planning and Development Manager in the City's Transportation and Public Works Department made the presentation on the City's transportation needs. He advised of the huge gap between the needs and funding city-wide and in north Fort Worth. He stated that there was $700 million in roadway needs in the City. He broke that figure down to $360,000,000 in neighborhoods and $300,000,000 in arterial thoroughfares. He pointed out that $122,000,000 had been funded through the City's 2004 capital improvement program. He stated that $65 FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE KELLER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT JOINT MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2006 Page 12 of 15 million was for neighborhood streets and $57,000,000 was for arterials, including the North Tarrant Parkway project and Golden Triangle. He stated that additional funding was sought through the North Central Texas Council of Governments' call for projects and the Tarrant County Bond Program. Mr. Rauscher provided the status of transportation projects as follows: • North Tarrant Parkway • IH35W to Beach Street—complete • Beach Street to US 377—June completion • Golden Triangle Boulevard (IH35W to US 377) ■ Consultant on-board (TN&P) ■ $7.3 million included in 2004 CIP ■ Additional funding through NCTCOG Call for Projects and the Tarrant County Bond Program ■ Could result in $25,000,000 total for project (4-lane divided with curb/gutter/sidewalks) • Construction to start in 2008/2009 timeframe (environmental reviews) • Completion in 2010 • Six-lanes needed by 2020 Mr. Rauscher advised of the roadway improvements for new intermediate and middle schools as follows: Keller-Hicks (Keller Hicks Intermediate School east to Alta Vista) • Minor Arterial (4-lane undivided) • Estimated Construction Cost$1,253,000 KISD Community Facility Agreement • Total funds: $642,250 • Includes 3 lanes, temporary signal at Keller Hicks and Beach, and sidewalk in front of schools Beach Street(Golden Triangle to Keller Hicks) • Major arterial (four-lanes) • Estimated construction cost$2,502,000 • No community facility agreement with KISD per findings of Traffic Impact Study FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE KELLER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT JOINT MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2006 Page 13 of 15 Mr. Rauscher presented the roadway improvements for the elementary schools as Woodland Springs and Shiver Road Elementary Schools are located within subdivisions and are served by interior residential streets. Mr. Rauscher concluded his presentation on this item. Infrastructure and Facilities Master Planning of the City of Fort Worth — Arterial Streets Around School Buildings — Mark Rauscher, Planning and Developer Manager, TPW, City of Fort Worth (Agenda Item III C-4) He then reviewed a map of the thoroughfares in northern Fort Worth and in the Keller Independent School District which showed the streets by MTP classification and showed the school sites. Using the same map, Mr. Rauscher reviewed the streets by existing classification as a local street, major arterial, minor arterial, principal arterial and freeway. The map also showed the future school sites. Mr. Rauscher reviewed the City of Fort Worth and KISD coordination efforts. He stated that the city and the school district are rapidly growing and more dialogue and coordination on school sites is needed. He stated that included optimizing the locations in terms of existing or soon-to-be constructed infrastructure, minimizing the locations along primary arterials, lowering infrastructure costs, providing safer pedestrian environment, and improved mobility. He pointed out that the students, parents and faculty would benefit. Mr. Rauscher provided comments on the benefits of a regional approach to mobility and air quality. Mr. Rauscher concluded his presentation. Council Member Espino brought up the issue of a four-way stop at Keller/Hicks Road. He talked about the conditions of the roadway and that this roadway improvement was a top priority for the residents of the Woodland Springs area. He also brought up a four-way stop issue on Heritage Trace. In further discussion, Mayor Moncrief suggested regular meetings between the Keller ISD staff and City staff regarding these important transportation issues, particularly as it would relate to the 2010 bond election. There was further deliberation on the infrastructure improvements and President Farmer expressed his concern for those costs being passed to the School District and how that can affect their bond funds for new school construction. There was also discussion on the lack of sidewalks in certain developments. City staff provided information on how sidewalks are either put in by the developer of a subdivision or money is placed in an escrow fund. There was further deliberation on areas where subdivisions are developed with sidewalks, then the next one is not, and the next development may have them, FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE KELLER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT JOINT MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2006 Page 14 of 15 etc. There was further discussion on how this issue can be resolved. In this discussion, Council Member Davis emphasized to the Keller Board Members and staff that attention needs to be paid to the Texas State Legislature and how local controls are being impacted by private interest groups and how this is becoming a disadvantage to the citizens and the quality of life in communities. Planned City of Fort Worth Facilities in Far North Fort Worth — Greg Simmons, Facilities Manager, Transportation and Public Works, City of Fort Worth (Agenda Item III C-4) Greg Simmons, Facilities Manager, Transportation and Public Works Department with the City of Fort Worth, spoke before the Council and the Keller Board of Education on the new facilities that are planned in far north Fort Worth. Mr. Simmons advised of the location of Fire Station No. 41 and Fire Station No. 38 on Park Vista Boulevard. He stated that in the 2004 Bond Program there was proposed a recreation center for this area; however, the site has not been chosen. He advised that there was a library located on Summer Glen. Mr. Simmons then spoke about the development of a Facilities Master Plan process that will address the needs of all City departments for facilities. He extended to the Keller officials an invitation to keep the City staff advised of any building plans and to keep a coordinated effort. He spoke about a proposed location for a northwest branch of city hall services, located north of Loop 820 as part of this planning process. In further discussion, Council Member Espino spoke about the community center in the northern part of the City that would be close to Keller. He advised that Council Member Haskin had been working with the YMCA for a joint facility which would be funded by $2.5 million by the YMCA and $2.5 million by the City. He added that these entities are working together to determine a suitable site. This concluded Mr. Simmons' presentation and the discussion on this agenda item. Operational Strategies for Ongoing Dialogue between Elected Officials and Staff (Agenda Item IV) Mayor Moncrief provided a wrap-up of the presentations and comments made during the meeting. He stated that the City and School District needed to partner up together to address issues in Austin. He encouraged having annual meetings. He encouraged the continued good working relationship between the Keller ISD staff and Fort Worth staff. He spoke about the drop FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE KELLER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT JOINT MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2006 Page 15 of 15 out rates in other school districts located with the city limits. He spoke about the competition with other counties. He thanked the Board of Education for hosting the meeting. President Farmer spoke about the school district's dilemma to education the children that are the result of the rapid growth in their district. He expressed appreciation to the City Council for their attendance. He encouraged more opportunities to meet and work with them. He stated that they needed to make a commitment to meet annually. Council Member Wendy Davis expressed appreciation to Council Member Becky Haskin for her recommendation that the Council meet with the Keller Board of Education. Mayor Moncrief provided closing comments and expressed appreciation to everyone for this successful joint meeting. Adiournment (Agenda V) Mayor Moncrief and Dr. Farmer adjourned the meeting at 8:39 p.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2006. These minutes approved by the Fort Worth City Council on this the 21st day of March, 2006. APPROVED: Michael J. Moncrief Mayor ATTEST: Marty Hendrix, TRMCICMC City Secretary