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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005/06/30-Minutes-City Council-Special Called CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2005 Present: Mayor Mike Moncrief Mayor Pro Tempore Chuck Silcox Council Member Salvador Espino Council Member Becky Haskin Council Member Donavan Wheatfall Council Member Jungus Jordan Council Member Kathleen Hicks Council Member Carter Burdette Council Member Wendy Davis City Staff: Charles Boswell, City Manager Libby Watson, Assistant City Manager Mark Ott, Assistant City Manager Joe Paniagua, Assistant City Manager Dale Fisseler, Assistant City Manager Richard Zavala, Acting Assistant City Manager David Yett, City Attorney Marty Hendrix, City Secretary Costa Triantaphilides, City Auditor Anthony Snipes, Assistant to the City Manager Other City Staff in attendance included all of the Department Heads along with certain staff support. Welcome—Mayor Moncrief Mayor Moncrief opened the Fort Worth City Council Retreat at 9:15 a.m., on Thursday, June 30, 2005, in the Trinity Room of the Doral Tesoro Golf Club and Hotel, Fort Worth, Texas. Mayor Moncrief provided opening remarks about the Council's retreat and stated that this was a unique process and an opportunity for the City Council to meet and discuss the City's big picture. He pointed out a recent article in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram about the City of Fort Worth moving up as the 19 largest city in the nation. He stated with this designation, it forces the Council to focus not only on today but tomorrow. He pointed out the importance of focusing CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 2 of 49 on the City's infrastructure. He used the City of Arlington as an example of a City in the Metroplex that has experienced what it is like to not keep up their infrastructure as the city has grown and developed, thus facing costly improvements. Mayor Moncrief pointed out that Fort Worth is going to grow and in order to grow responsibly; the Council must anticipate problems for tomorrow. He added that it requires a lot of focus, and since the Council is facing a difficult budget cycle, this retreat process will be very helpful for the new members. Mayor Moncrief added that this two-day session will also allow the Council Member to get to know each other and spend quality face time, discuss their districts, interests, families, etc. Retreat Overview— Charles Boswell City Manager Charles Boswell advised that he has attended 28 years of Council Retreats in the City of Fort Worth. He stated he felt the best ones that are held are usually the ones after the Council Elections. Mr. Boswell stated that the retreat will be started with self introductions by each of the Council Members, with each member sharing what they are comfortable with telling the Council Members and City staff regarding their goals, interests, professional backgrounds, etc. He added that then each Council Member would be asked to provide their individual district profiles, their priorities, common issues and differences. Mr. Boswell explained that Mayor Moncrief would follow with the citywide prospective. He stated that after lunch there would be a recap by the City staff of what was heard and then they would move into the discussion of strategic goals. City Manager Boswell stated that he felt it was a good time to review those goals, as it had not been done in several years. He pointed out that they were defined in the year 2001 and now there were only three remaining members on the Council here now that help to determine those goals. He added then two years later the Council went through the goals and added "mobility and air quality" to the list. He stated whether the Council decides to stay with those goals and/or to change them will be very helpful to the City staff as this will set the tone for the upcoming budget process, the City's Capital Improvement Program, etc. He pointed out that the goals might not be effective unless they are embraced by the City Council. City Manager Boswell continued to review the rest of the agenda for the remainder of day and explained who would be making presentations and the need for feedback from the Council. He advised that during a part of the overview of the General Fund Operating Budget, the City staff would review the revenue and expenditures. He stated that the real world limitations would be presented that reflect that many of the City's revenues are fixed and the only increases can come from a raise in the sales tax or ad valorum tax. He added that on the expenditure side, these categories are not legally fixed. City Manager Boswell pointed out; however, the past Councils have been reluctant to reduce public safety (police and fire), thus leaving less money for other departments and their projects. CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 3 of 49 City Manager Boswell pointed out that there was time on the agenda to discuss a Charter Election and what items the Council Members would like to see on such an election. City Manager Boswell briefly reviewed the agenda for July 1st. He stated that it was focused on all budget items as well as compensation and benefits. Self Introduction and Retreat Expectations Mayor Moncrief advised the Council that at this time each Council Member would take some time to introduce themselves, summarize their background, share their personal work style and provide their Retreat expectations. Council Members Espino, Silcox, Haskin, Wheatfall, Jordan, Burdette, Davis and Hicks and Mayor Moncrief provided their background, education, work experience, their personal working style and their retreat expectations. Mayor Moncrief recessed the City Council Retreat at 10:32 a.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2005. The meeting was reconvened at 10:55 a.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2005. Council District Profiles, Priorities and Issues Mayor Moncrief advised that at this time each of the Council Members would take some time to provide an overview of each of their Council Districts. Council Member Salvador Espino —District No. 2 District 2 encompasses the northern most part of Fort Worth, which also extends into Denton County and Wise County. Beginning at Thompson Road/North Tarrant Parkway, the district is west of Interstate Highway 35W and continues south to State Highway 121. The southern boundary is the Trinity River just north of downtown, continuing northwest to Loop 820. Council Member Espino advised that the population of his district was about 72,000 and contained three very different areas. He pointed out the area north of Loop 820, which is the far northern part of the City of Fort Worth, which is located in Denton County and Wise County. He pointed out the traffic problems experienced at Loop 820 at IH35W and that the traffic is just bottlenecked. He stated that this is the large growth area for the City in the north. Council Member Espino stated that another area was the historic Riverside and North Side area, Zip Code 76106. He pointed out the young population that lives in this area as well as the high Hispanic population. Council Member Espino pointed out that he was facing a balancing act. He advised of the aging infrastructure in certain areas of his district, the historic neighborhoods, the need for CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 4 of 49 more infrastructure to the growth areas to the north, the benefit of the economic development in the Alliance Corridor and the associated problem or ability to get people up to the corridor to work in that area with some sort of public transportation. Council Member Espino stated that the number one concern was public safety and getting public safety where it is needed. He advised of the 28th Street Gang concern and the focus needed on the youth and education. He advised that he had six (6) school districts in his district. He pointed out that there is a high dropout rate of students in the Fort Worth Independent School District in his district. He added that he wants to try to address the high school drop out rate. Council Member Espino pointed out the need for police and fire response up to the north growth area and more roadway infrastructure to provide better routes. Council Member Espino talked about the north Fort Worth area and the amount of Hispanic population. He pointed out their voting trends and the immigrant population. He talked about the Central City revitalization on the north side on the Main Street Corridor from 28th Street up to the Alliance Airport. He stated that in this area there are code compliance issues. He added Environmental Services has improved the bulky trash pickup issue and solid waste program. Council Member Espino pointed out the code compliance issue with cars parked in front yards and on grassy areas. He stated that the other issues are the keeping of farm animals, goats, chickens, roosters, etc., in yards and the amount of high weeds and grass in certain areas, etc. He expressed his concern for the report to him of illegal cockfights and dead roosters being found in certain areas. Council Member Espino continued his remarks and advised of the new developments to the north and the active homeowners associations in the Keller Hicks area, Altavista, and Golden Triangle areas. He pointed out the mobility issue again and brought up storm water flooding in certain areas of his district and that a person had drown in a certain channel in his district. Council Member Espino pointed out one of the economic engines in the City is the Alliance Airport area and the upcoming retail project, Alliance Town Center. Council Member Espino covered issues that were raised during his campaign, i.e., the condition of City roads/streets; the City's plans for long-term City facilities, providing public safety, the need for continued business and industry coming to the City and the need to address mobility in the City. Council Member Espino advised of the Kirkpatrick area. He pointed out its rich history and large African-American population and the African-American churches that are a very important part of north Forth Worth. CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 5 of 49 Council Member Espino continued his presentation and advised that he felt his district was very representative of the City as a whole. He added his theme is diversity and inclusiveness. Mayor Pro Tempore Chuck Silcox—District No. 3 District 3 encompasses most of the southwest side of Fort Worth, with a northern boundary of Interstate Highway 30 from Bryant Irvin to Highway 80, and a south boundary to Benbrook Lake, with Highway 377 bisecting part of the district. It reaches east as far as McCart Street. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox pointed out that his district was very spread out, with heavy population and new growth areas. He also advised that the landfill was located in his district. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox stated he felt his district has fewer problems than other districts in the City. He explained the infrastructure needs in his district and stated his district does not have as many street problems as some of the other districts and pointed out that based upon surveys done by the City staff, it ranks on the list as second with the least amount of problems. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox stated that they still have public safety needs, but they do not have a high crime rate as some of the other districts. He explained his concern was for better response times to areas of his district. He also talked about the need to get State Highway 121T constructed through Fort Worth and down to Cleburne. He provided the history of that project and how long it has been talked about. He pointed out the recent increase in the cost estimates for the construction of this important project and that it is a very high price tag. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox pointed out the thoroughfares of Hulen and Bryan Irvin Road in his district, which have become stop and go roads due to the heavy traffic which causes air pollution. He added that with the construction of SH121T and traffic moving over to that as a new route, that this will bring down the air quality problems in this area. He advised that most of his district's code problems are related to trash pickup and the majority of trash problems are being resolved. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox stated that now the drilling of the gas wells by the City is becoming a concern for the constituents in his district. He added that he supports Council Member Burdette's idea to have a City Staff Task Force created that is able to provide for gas well information and to address these upcoming concerns. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox pointed out that citizens are concerned about the safety issue surrounding gas wells and if there is a possibility of them blowing up. He added that there might be a need to look at the 300-foot setback issue. CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 6 of 49 Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox stated he feels lucky with the district that he does represent. He added that he also tries to help with the promotion of Meacham Air Field. He indicated that he felt it was a diamond in the rough and needs to be polished. He stated that he wants to see airlines flying out of there at sometime in the future. He advised of work being done in that area. He stated he felt it is a shame that Fort Worth residents have to drive to Love Field in Dallas for short distance flights. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox added that this is one project he believes in and will continue to work on now and in the future. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox ended his presentation by stating that he felt there was a lot of commonality between his thinking and the constituents in his district. Council Member Becky Haskin - District No. 4 District 4 boundaries stretch from North Tarrant Parkway south along IH30, taking in areas around Meadowbrook Golf Course, and west along IH35W, Sylvania and Riverside Drive. The City's east city limits serve as the eastern boundary. Council Member Haskin stated that through the redistricting process she had lost land mass and population in her district. She pointed out that she has six (6) school districts in her district and her district shares borders with 10 different cities. Using the map of her district, she pointed out the area that is located to the north near the North Tarrant County Parkway. She added that this area had just been annexed in the last 25 years and the City had accumulated a lot of the roadways from the County in that area for maintenance. She added that it is a huge growing area with a lot of substandard roads. She added that there are more kids going to the Keller Schools in that area than live in the City of Keller. She pointed out the developments contain small lots. She advised of a partnership with the City's Recreation Center and the YMCA for amenities for the center in Shriver Park. She added that the biggest concern is the building of 40,000 apartment units in that area. She added that there is a lot of multi-family zoning in that area already and two huge units are being built. She also pointed out the Mercantile Center, which is a large commercial-type industrial center, and the location of a mobile home park in that area. Council Member Haskin stated the historical neighborhood of Hillcrest was given to District No. 2 in the redistricting. She talked about the Riverside Park area, where a majority of the City's older population lives and it is the oldest neighborhood in the city. She pointed out that there are a lot of flooding and substandard streets in that area. CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 7 of 49 Council Member Haskin pointed out the Elliot Reeder Road area that has six dumpsites, with two in that area still active. She pointed out that near the location of SH121/Elliot Reeder Road there are numerous junkyards and it is a code nightmare. She advised of working to address this issue. Council Member Haskin talked about zoning case issues on 28th Street and Belknap and the large number of auto related uses, which are not a lot of viable economic uses. She added those businesses also take away from the look of the area. Council Member Haskin talked about the bulk of her district is the east Fort Worth sector, which includes the Woodhaven Sector. She pointed out the high crime centers around this area. She spoke about the large amount of apartment complexes and a large number of sex offenders have been identified as living there. She talked about the Central Meadowbrook and Eastern Hills areas and some work done to address the flooding issues. Council Member Haskin explained that some of the problems that need to be addressed in her district are shared with the surrounding districts. Council Member Donavan Wheatfall—District No. 5 District 5 runs from Southeast Loop 820 north to Meadowbrook Drive between the west bank of Lake Arlington and west of Miller Avenue. The district's northern boundary is adjacent o Haltom City, Richland Hills and Euless. Council Member Wheatfall advised that his district is considered the eastern gateway to the City. Using the map of his district, he started with the east portion of the district and moved back west. He explained that in this eastern area near the intersection of Amon Carter Blvd/Trinity Blvd there is the Centreport Business Park. He pointed out that it has 45 companies in this area and it is a major job center. He talked about Trinity Blvd running through his district and into the Hurst/Euless/Bedford area and that a large part of it is in the flood plain area. He talked about Bell Helicopter and Mosier Valley. Council Member Wheatfall advised that the historical heart of District 5 is the historical Handley Neighborhood. He added that there are major infrastructure problems as this area was annexed into the City with streets that have no drainage, no curbs or gutters and the roadway structures are failing. He advised of other areas in the heart of the district, like Polytechnic Heights, East Rosedale, etc. CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 8 of 49 He spoke about the area located around Lake Arlington on the west side. He advised of an infrastructure problem along the street of Sun Valley. He advised of development in that area and that a person could look across the lake into Arlington and see million dollar homes in Arlington. Council Member Wheatfall advised of the Eastchase area, which contains the larger estate homes. He pointed out that there is a $7 million estate located in his district, which is owned by the Pastor of one of the largest churches in the Metroplex, called the Potters House. Council Member Wheatfall reviewed the location of the historic Stop Six neighborhood and advised that it is one of the oldest African-American communities in Fort Worth. He explained how this area got its name, as it was the sixth stop on the railroad. Council Member Wheatfall explained that he drives his entire district every week and advised of the road configurations. He stated that there was no planned community and it is just a maze and on certain streets a person has to stop and turnaround. He advised that there are a lot of streets that dead-end or go nowhere and go into swamps. He stated that the citizens built a lot of the roads and the City would just go in and pave the dirt roads created. He pointed out that it is just a hodge podge of roadways. Council Member Wheatfall advised of the Wild Cat Branch Creek that drains into Lake Arlington and runs through his district. He stated it needs to be cleaned up and there is a lot of dumping that occurs in that area. He stated that the City's Environmental Management Department will be doing a clean up in that area soon. He indicated that one of his difficult challenges is in the Stop Six Neighborhood. He stated there is terrible infrastructure, poor roads, a lot of flooding, and no drainage patterns. Council Member Wheatfall stated that the objectives for District 5 are to improve the housing, attract public and private development, create changes in zoning to be more compatible and create programs to assist people with loans for housing. He added that he felt there was also a unique opportunity to use the Trinity Railroad Express to get people from the core of his district to Centerport and from the "T" to shuttle bus service into the business park. He suggested that this needed to be looked into as well as a job fair. Council Member Wheatfall talked about the Polytechnic Heights area and how it had transitioned from various ethnicities to become a Hispanic neighborhood. He advised of the need to look at infrastructure of that area and that it is deteriorating. He added that he has some really unique challenges because of the infrastructure problems and that two of the major corridors of the City run through his district, i.e., Rosedale and Lancaster. CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 9 of 49 Council Member Jungus Jordan - District No. 6 District 6 boundaries are Southwest Loop 820 on the north, Granbury Road on the west, IH35W on the east and Fort Worth city limits on the south. The district includes the westside of the IH35W industrial corridor and south of Loop 820. Council Member Jordan stated that he felt he had the most compact and homogeneous of all of the districts in the City. He added that he had a very well defined area. Council Member Jordan stated that a person could almost draw a line of the new development, which is taking place in the district. He added that about 50% of the district is Greenfield and is growing. He stated that his district has most of the concerns of bedroom communities, which is lack of jobs in this district, and no restaurants. He stated that the demographics, income, and diversity really reflect the nation as a whole. He advised of the historic areas of Wedgwood and Hallmark and that these areas are looking at 60-year-old infrastructure that needs to be maintained. Council Member Jordan pointed out that they always have close elections in this area. He indicated that they have tried to analyze this process. He pointed out that some of the people that live in this area think that they live in Crowley and other people think that they live in Everman due to the fact that their children go to school in those districts. He stated that middle class Americans seem to identify with their school districts and not the City that they live in. Council Member Jordan stated that annexation of property is a big issue for his district and economic development. He is also concerned for providing adequate public safety for his district. He added that he wants to unify the citizens in his district; let them know that they are in Fort Worth and what the City is doing for them. Council Member Jordan stated that economic development is a big issue for the district and it means jobs, prosperity, etc. He added that he also wanted to focus on communications and that this was an important aspect for unity. Council Member Jordan explained that he wants to continue to protect the quality of life in the district and provide for ethnic mixes in all of the neighborhoods. Council Member Jordan stated that he wants to bring jobs to the area so that people can live and work in this district. He expressed concern for the traffic problems to and from his district on FM 1187 during peak traffic times. He added that he would like to see restaurants in the district and other retail establishments so that citizens are not going to eat in Burleson and spending their tax dollars in District 3. Council Member Jordan stated he wants to see more mix of uses in his district and he wants to work with other districts on common goals. CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 10 of 49 Council Member Carter Burdette—District No. 7 District No. 7 is located in the northwest quadrant of the city. It includes the former Carswell Air Force Base, now the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Lockheed Martin, Lake Worth and Marine Creek Lake. The Botanic Garden, Cultural District and historic Camp Bowie Boulevard are located in the district. The district's east boundary is University, and generally IH30 on the south and the Fort Worth city limits on the north and west sides. Council Member Burdette advised that his district is very disjointed. He stated that there are two important factors. One area is located on the east side, along I1-130. He explained there are the older neighborhoods, built in the 1920's and 1930's, which are 60 to 70 years old and the streets are desperately in need of repair. He added that there are strong and effective homeowners' associations and they are active. Council Member Burdette advised of the area west of IH820 and that this area was new developments and new homes. He pointed out as a person goes further north towards Lake Worth, there is more open land and the City will be considering a zoning case from A5 to A10 for less density in that area. Council Member Burdette pointed out that Las Vegas Trail was an area solid with apartment complexes. Council Member Burdette pointed out the great neighborhood in the Como area and that it is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the City. He added it is filled with wonderful people that are creating a reawakening in this area and new political leadership. He added that there is a need for new homes and redevelopment in this area also. He pointed out that they are celebrating their 100-year anniversary this year. Council Member Burdette pointed out the west side of the district, i.e., the Lake Worth area. He stated that it is one of the oldest lakes near the City and it was built as a water reservoir. He stated that homeowners have built around the lake. He added that they are also seeing commercial development on Jacksboro Highway and a large number of homes in that area. Council Member Burdette stated that Silvercreek Road off of IH820 is experiencing a lot of traffic as a short cut around the lake. He added that there is some apartment development in this area. He added that the citizens want to keep the development down, avoid high density and have open areas around the lake. Council Member Burdette stated that the City needs to pay attention to Lake Worth and explained that it could be a central park for the west side of Fort Worth. He pointed out that there have been some pollution problems with the lake and a cleanup of the lake is needed to address the silting problem with the lake. He added that hopefully with the gas production in and around the lake, those revenues could be used to help address that problem. CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 11 of 49 Council Member Burdette continued with his presentation by going to the north area in District 7. He explained that this was a large growth area. He advised of the annexation in Lake Country Estates and of certain enclaves that need to be addressed with annexation into the City. He pointed out that people are very concerned with annexation. Council Member Burdette pointed out the Marine Creek Lake area and explained that it was a valuable asset in the district. Council Member Burdette stated that the issues he is facing in his district are dealing with the Arlington Heights and Chamberlin Heights areas. He stated that these are the older neighborhoods and have the older streets and infrastructure. He added that the City might need another bond election to address these issues. He pointed out another concern in the Arlington Heights area at Camp Bowie and IH30 were the three storm sewer systems that run from the northwest and southeast to the Trinity River and these appear to be inadequate. They are not large enough to handle the growth occurring along this area. He stated due to that fact there is some flooding from time to time in the streets and homes on certain streets. He added that it was very important to go forward with the plans for the City's storm water utility district funding. Council Member Burdette advised that the extension of fire and police services in the northern area and corresponding response times are an issue. He pointed out that there are two fire stations on the drawing board for this area and plans for extension of police protection. He explained that with the extension of these services, it would help the city to annex the enclaves. Council Member Burdette reiterated that his district is scattered, economically diverse, with the City's culture area and the historic Camp Bowie area. He pointed out that there has been some revitalization along that area. He stated that the urban village concept is being applied at this area at the intersection of 7th Street, University, Camp Bowie. A developer is looking at this area. Council Member Burdette stated his district as a whole has little industrial activity, and not many large commercial areas but rather the small local businesses. He stated that it is a bedroom community. Council Member Burdette stated that he could see further development coming on the westside of the Walsh properties and hopes to see more attention to the commercial uses. He advised that transportation was an issue and there will be more strain on the highways. Council Member Burdette pointed out the development along University and the concept for light rail out to parts of his district. He added that it could be the model to be applied to other areas in the City. He stated that the citizens are concerned about traffic and the need for rapid transit. CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 12 of 49 Council Member Kathleen Hicks - District No. 8 District No. 8 is the slender, elongated district that runs north and south with its western border paralleling IH35W from the Johnson County line to its north border at the Airport Freeway. On the east, it extends to Wichita Street and includes the Near East Side. Council Member Hicks stated that while these presentations have been very helpful, she expressed her interest to tour each of the Council Members' districts in a bus or van in order to see these areas. She advised of the shape and size of her district. She pointed out that District 8 has been historically over looked for the growth factors that are being seen in other districts. She pointed out the Garden Acres area and that they were not happy about being annexed into Fort Worth. She advised of the location of the Carter Industrial Park. She pointed out the Rolling Hills area and stated that she grew up in that area. She advised that as a person travels up IH35E, there is the Morningside area and that she has lived in that area. She advised of the Greenway neighborhood, which is an African American neighborhood that has been overlooked and is not getting much needed improvements for infrastructure. Council Member Hicks pointed out the Meadowbrook area and explained that they need to receive more attention. She stated that they have a very active community in District 8. She stated that the profile of District 8 is that the majority of the people living in the district have education by High School or GED, with moderate income levels, and with aging communities. She added that she was disappointed in the voter turn out in the recent Council election. Council Member Hicks stated that the three issues of importance in her district are providing City services, code compliance, and providing police services. Council Member Hicks stated that her district has some of the worst streets in Fort Worth and a bond election will be necessary to address some of that infrastructure. She stated that she wanted to see increased diverse participation by residents. She added she was particularly interested in the younger generations getting involved so they can determine how the community will look in 20 to 30 years. She added that her district has a growing Hispanic population. She stated that her district has a real need for positive economic development. She pointed out that all they have to offer are convenience stores. She advised of discussion on this topic with Mayor Moncrief and the City staff on how to engage people to come back to this area. Council Member Hicks pointed out the homeless shelter in this area, located near the southeast community. She added that she would be coming with recommendations for private CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 13 of 49 development within the downtown corridor. She added that she has many challenges for her district. Council Member Hicks spoke about the Riverside/Berry area located near Rolling Hills, which is a middle-class African American area. She stated that there has been a lot of decay around the area; however, there has been interest in the Riverside Village area. She stated that they are seeing the first large scale housing in that area, i.e., the new Rolling Hills area. Council Member Hicks pointed out another historical and important area is the location of the Masonic Home. She stated that they are closing their doors. She stated that this location is right off of the freeway and includes several areas of pristine land and she expressed her concern for it sitting there empty. She advised of another area of concern. She stated she does not want to see Morningside area turned into vacant land. She added that some of the houses have been demolished and thus, the land is sitting vacant and she does not want to see this trend continued. She added that she is looking into a designation for an historic district for the area. She emphasized that she does not want to see decay in this area. Council Member Hicks expressed her concern also for the Rolling Hills area. She added that she is looking forward to addressing the areas that have been overlooked and building upon the positive areas of her district. Council Member Wendy Davis - District No. 9 District 9 includes the downtown area of Fort Worth, including the Medical District, the Texas Christian University area as well as neighborhoods in south and southwest Fort Worth. The boundaries are Loop 820 on the south, west to Hulen Street, east to IH35E and north just past downtown, taking in the historic Samuels Avenue neighborhood. Council Member Davis advised that in her district there is absolutely no room to grow. Five (5) other Council districts touch her district. She pointed out that her district encompasses the downtown area of Fort Worth and really this area belongs in every Council district. She added that it is the heart of the City and defines who the City is and without its success, the City of Fort Worth could not be the 19th largest city in the country and the fifth fastest growing large city. Council Member Davis advised that the Samuels Avenue area is the oldest neighborhood in Fort Worth and she has concerns about the development trends in that area. She pointed out that the new developer with the Trinity River Bluffs project has concerns with this historic area and access to this area. She added that the developer is drawing the line with the development CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 14 of 49 on the Bluffs in trying to keep the historic area and being able to develop the new upper come residential area. She talked about her fear for more of this type of development by the development community infringing on the historical areas. Council Member Davis stated that she is working with this neighborhood to get an historical designation. She added that she is working with the historical interests in the City to determine what would be appropriate and pursuing Council initiated rezoning to historic. She requested the Council's support in this endeavor. Council Member Davis reviewed the District's profile information and pointed out the district has one of the four majority minority districts, which is Hispanic. She also pointed out the housing values and that her district has the largest percentage of housing valued at less than $50,000 in comparison to the other districts. She advised that her district has a poor housing stock. She reviewed the educational information and pointed out the drop out rate in Pascal High School. Council Member Davis pointed out the good economic development projects that are occurring in the medical district area, but expressed her concerned about the neighborhoods in that area. She stated that the area in her district located south of Rosedale faces the biggest challenges in District 9 as they have the poorest street conditions and aging infrastructures. She pointed out an area off of IH35 that was annexed into the City of Fort Worth and stated that area had no street standards and the streets are crumbled asphalt. She has seen flooding problems and two deaths in the areas of Echo Lake and Echo Lake Park. Council Member Davis talked about the Town Center Mall area and where it had started and where it has been for the last few years. She talked about the recent economic development incentive and revitalization for this area and the support received from the Council for this project. She pointed out comments that are made about there being too much economic development in this district. She reviewed the Berry Street area and stated that there was only a small piece, about a five-block area that had been revitalized and she pointed out that it needs to go beyond that distance. Council Member Davis pointed out the Hemphill Corridor and that it has as much traffic as the Hulen area in District 3. She added that it serves as an arterial to the downtown area. She stated that the City is looking at a North Central Texas Council of Governments grant to improve this area. Council Member Davis pointed out the Texas Christian University area located in District 9. She stated that the challenge in that area is dealing with the university students living in CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 15 of 49 neighborhoods, with several students in a home and all of those associated problems. She pointed out that area is trying to find a balance to that situation. Council Member Davis advised of her service on the Regional Transportation Council and that she is the Chairman of this group. She stated that they are looking at a transit system and it is a wonderful system. She added that it is not a light rail yet; however, it will service District 8, 9 and 3 on the short term. She pointed out the Cottonbelt Rail line through District 2. She advised of the rail line through Arlington to Dallas as part of a regional rail system. She pointed out that it would help Fort Worth and be revitalization for Fort Worth. She expressed her concern with an education sales tax competing with the transportation sales tax issues. Citywide Goals—Mayor Moncrief Mayor Moncrief advised that he was asked by the City Manager to give an overview of the issues as he sees them as city-wide goals and visions to be shared with the Council. He pointed out that a rail transit system is critical and it is the way to move people in large numbers. He added that the City cannot build enough roadways to handle all of the traffic for the future and the City must have commuter rails. He added that it is a change of a mind set and a change of a life style. Mayor Moncrief talked about a problem with emergency response times in the high traffic areas as well. He added that a rail system is an important tool. Mayor Moncrief stated that he heard a cross section of issues from the Council Members. He pointed out the transportation and infrastructure issues that were presented. He added that the City would see to it that SH 121T will be built and it will be built the "Fort Worth way." He pointed out the current traffic problems existing on IH35E and he emphasized how bad this was now and it is continuing to grow. He added he wants another lane to move the traffic. He pointed out that in certain areas along the highway there is another lane already in place and people question why it is empty and cannot be used. Mayor Moncrief talked about truck traffic and the ability to keep trucks out of the far left lane. He pointed out that other cities are doing this and it is going to be used on IH30 as a test. He added that it needs to be tested somewhere else as well. Mayor Moncrief talked about roadway repairs that are needed throughout the City and that there are certain bond projects to address some of these issues. He added that the Council does need to pay attention to the needs in District 5 and other districts and put the dollars where they are needed the most. He pointed out the rapid growth in the north and northeastern corridors of the City. He pointed out that these areas are putting a burden on the City for more services. He stated that for CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 16 of 49 the City of Fort Worth to go from the 20 largest city to now 19 is the result of the growth going on up in those areas and a person can see the roof tops that go on and on in those areas. Mayor Moncrief advised he had used FM 156 to reach the hotel and the ongoing development he witnessed. Mayor Moncrief had not seen this area since the last race at the Texas Motor Speedway. He added that the City cannot continue to allow the higher density developments in the outlying areas. The Council must pay attention to the impact the developments will have on the City. Mayor Moncrief spoke about the Alliance Airport corridor and the vote of the Council to put together the Alliance vision. He added that the City is experiencing the good and the bad aspects of it. He then pointed out the growth in the western edge of the City. Mayor Moncrief spoke about the storm water issue, poor infrastructure and flooding in District 7 causing homes to go up for sale. He talked about the property damage and property loss to families. He pointed out that this was a very expensive item for the City and would take a half billion dollars to correct this problem. He added this was going to require a utility district approach. Mayor Moncrief stated that the City's air quality and transportation are major issues. He stated he was trying to remember days when the City did not experience the orange and red level ozone days as now they are so common. He stated that part of it is the idling cars sitting on the freeways. He stated that the challenges will be to address the air quality and transportation issues with the rail and the City needs to attract the rail. Mayor Moncrief spoke about the economic development going on in the City and how it relates to the Trinity River Vision project, which will help with flooding and continue with the centergy from the downtown area north and provide for creation of a new gateway into the City. He pointed out the need for economic development in District 8 and other districts. He mentioned the Evans and Rosedale project, and economic development helping the entire city. Mayor Moncrief referenced the Northside area. He talked about the Mercado project on Main Street and the need to get that property sold. He added that the property needed to be cleaned up and that it does not look as attractive as it should look. He referenced the Rose Marine Theatre and stated that it is the jewel in the community and needs to continue to promote the Latin heritage in that area. Mayor Moncrief pointed out the issue of parking in downtown Fort Worth. He stated that the population is growing in this area and people need places to park. He added that people come downtown and do not have to pay to park here and he wants that to continue. He gave Dallas as an example of where visitors have to pay. He stated that when the new Omni Hotel and parking garage are complete, this would help to address some of the parking problems. He CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 17 of 49 pointed out that the City has been looking at a parking authority and he added these authorities continue to be a problem. He stated these issues need to be tied together with a global approach. Mayor Moncrief pointed out the need for housing and sustainable neighborhoods. He added he wants to be able to provide for affordable, but quality housing and not subsidized housing. He wants to look at tree preservation and the City's Subdivision Regulations that will stand the test of time. He emphasized again that the City needs a housing menu to meet all needs. Mayor Moncrief talked about the people that are homeless and that the City has put the issue of homelessness on the top of the list. He added that this is a challenge and an opportunity to do it correctly. He added that he wants to do it the "Fort Worth way." He pointed out that former Council Member Ralph McCloud has agreed to Chair the Homeless Coalition. He added that this is a need that has to be addressed. Mayor Moncrief advised that public safety is always going to be a high priority. The employee workforce in the City is important and the ability to provide for good salaries, benefits, and a family-friendly environment. He pointed out that the City staff and Council has worked hard to bring the City up to parity. Mayor Moncrief stated that he felt Fort Worth was a cleaner more attractive city. He added that trash has always been an issue for the Council in their last two retreats. He felt the trash issue has been handled and a lid has been kept on it. Mayor Moncrief talked about Customer Service and the need to move forward with e- government and the 311 system. He added that it is expensive; but the City needs to move forward in this area and not delay these issues. He talked about the City Hall space and the future location of the City Hall. He pointed out that the Lancaster Boulevard Post Office may or may not be a viable option, but there is need to move or expand. He added that the planning needs to continue on where to move or expand to in the future. Mayor Moncrief explained that all of these major issues have a price tag, some more or less. He pointed out that the Council has been excellent stewards of the taxpayers' money and the Council has not caused any tax increases to be placed on the citizens and the Council has done a good job. He added that the City has to keep up with the growth and infrastructure in terms of what we need to do now and for the future. He stated that their decisions have an impact on the future. He pointed out that investments and annexations would pay dividends to the City and he does not want to drop these balls. CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 18 of 49 Mayor Moncrief advised that the Council is going to hear about the problems of supply and demand and that there are not sufficient dollars to meet the demand. He stated that it means reductions or looking for additional revenue. He stated that the question is what are the citizens willing to give up or demand to continue or expand. He stated that those are the challenges. He added that it is not getting easier. He added that the City is blessed and blessed to have the City staff to move the City forward. Mayor Moncrief recessed the Fort Worth City Council Retreat for lunch at 12:30 p.m. Mayor Moncrief reconvened the Fort Worth City Council Retreat at 1:20 p.m. Recap of the District Priorities - Richard Zavala Acting Assistant City Manager Richard Zavala reviewed the common district priorities that were identified by each of the City Council Members in their district presentations. Those items were: • Infrastructure improvements • Transportation issues related to rail and roadways • Storm water management • Public safety • Code Compliance • Economic Development Mr. Zavala pointed out that the storm water management issue was definitely on the forefront now; however, it was not a few years ago. He added that the code compliance issues are still on the forefront and economic development is a high priority topic. Mayor Moncrief went back to touch briefly on the storm water issue. He pointed out that there are certain areas in the City that have flooded. He asked to see the hands of City Council Members who are experiencing flooding in their districts. Most of the Council Members raised their hands. Mayor Moncrief stated that the Council needs to look forward to address this in a timely manner. He pointed out that a game plan is necessary and creation of the authority has to be accomplished. Robert Goode, Director of Transportation and Public Works, pointed out that the advisory authority would create the rate and the proposed rate structure. He pointed out that this has a very large price tag. He updated the Council on the status of this project and stated that a memo of the program elements would be in front of the Council in December of this year. Mayor Moncrief stated that he wants to be careful and not be in a position to never catch up on this issue. He stated that the City needs to have a plan to get ahead of the curve. Mr. Goode CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 19 of 49 pointed out that the City's Capital Improvement Plan is a major issue and an important part of this plan. He stated that the plan would be looking at the roads as part of this process. In further discussion on their common issues, Council Member Espino pointed out that education and the youth had been left off of the list and several Council Members had expressed their concerns with the drop out rates in their districts. He recommended that the Council meet with the Fort Worth Independent School District and talk about the high school drop out rate. It was pointed out that it is not just the drop out rates but educating the workforce in their particular fields of interest. Council Member Jordan pointed out the gas well issue and that the Southwest Regional Park was undeveloped and unoccupied. He suggested that the City pursue drilling for gas in that area and use the revenues for the park development. Council Member Davis stated that she forgot to mention the issue of affordable housing, which is quality affordable housing. She added she also wants to pursue inclusionary zoning and partnering with the developers. She stated that she wanted the Council to work on a policy that looks at the powers and authority the City still has in this area. There was discussion on the inclusion of Capital Improvements Projects in the list. The Council also discussed economic development with redevelopment. This would include quality retail/commercial development to be tied in with the deteriorating areas. An example was given of the over 200 vacant gas stations that exist throughout the City. The discussion concluded that the Council needs to look at this issue and other vacant structures located on the corridors in the distressed areas. Abandoned strip centers were also a point of discussion and the need for redevelopment of those areas. This concluded the discussion on the district priorities. City Council Strategic Goals—Fernando Costa/Mayor and Council Members Director of Planning Fernando Costa spoke before the Council on the City of Fort Worth's Strategic Goals. He explained that they are the product of passed retreats. He pointed out that there are only four Council Members holding elected office since the 2003 retreat. He stated that it was timely for the new Council to look at the vision, values and strategic goals. Using a PowerPoint Presentation, Mr. Costa reviewed the purpose of this exercise as follows: CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 20 of 49 • Review the City's vision, values, and strategic goals, and how City staff uses these ideas to guide the management of City government; and • Confirm or revise the vision, values, and strategic goals He then reviewed the background as follows: • 2000 City Council adopts vision and values as part of the 2000 Comprehensive Plan. • 2001 City Council updates vision and values, and uses Comprehensive Plan goals to establish six strategic goals. • 2003 City Council confirms vision, updates values, and adds seventh strategic goal. Mr. Costa reviewed a chart showing how the vision, values, and strategic goals relate to the management of City government. The pyramid showed at the bottom individual performance plans, next the departmental objectives and performance measures, service standards/guarantees, departmental business plans, budget, organizational priorities, Council strategic goals and the vision/Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Costa reviewed a slide showing: "What is Fort Worth's vision for the future? • `By the year 2020, Fort Worth will be commonly recognized as the most livable city in Texas. • "Residents will be able to enjoy Fort Worth's friendly atmosphere and the opportunities that are associated with a growing economy and diverse community." • "Fort Worth's public schools will produce well-rounded citizens and a skilled workforce to fill high-paying jobs in local businesses." • "Fort Worth's environmental quality will also be superior, meeting the highest national standards." Mr. Costa reviewed a slide showing: "What are Fort Worth's values?" • Preservation of Western heritage • Friendly, small town atmosphere • Quality and ethnic diversity of cultural life • The arts • Neighborhood vitality • Preservation of historic buildings and districts CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 21 of 49 • Efficiency and equity in delivery of quality public services • Educational and economic opportunity • Aviation history and technology • Can-do attitude • Promotion of free enterprise • Protection of property rights • Mobility • Children and youth • Conservation of natural resources Mr. Costa asked the question, "Should we confirm our current vision and values?" Mr. Costa pointed out that the vision statement is what the goals are based upon. He opened the floor for any questions or clarifications. Council Member Espino pointed out that he felt the "Fort Worth Way" is one of inclusiveness, i.e., involve as many people as we can and be cooperative. He suggested that a statement be added somewhere to include the "Fort Worth Way." Council Member Burdette referenced problems associated with growth and economic development. He emphasized the need to promote more orderly development. He suggested that the City take a closer look at development and growth and whether it is putting a strain on older infrastructure and on the City's transportation systems. He suggested that more emphasize be placed on controlling development so it does not infringe on the quality of life. He added that he does not want Fort Worth to be another "Southlake." He stated that if the City directs more attention to watch over the growth and development, it would not overwhelm the City. There was further discussion on including "inclusiveness" in the values statement. Mr. Costa asked if Fort Worth was a "user friendly" government and if the City needs to promote "user friendly government -- the Fort Worth Way." In further deliberation, the Council suggested that the City staff do some "wordsmithing" to come up with something to state the values of the community Mr. Costa continued his presentation with the definition of a strategic goal. He stated that a strategic goal is a statement of purpose describing a critical, long-term outcome toward which the entire organization directs its efforts. He added as a reflection of the organization's highest priorities, strategic goals provide decision-makers with guidance in the allocation of financial and human resources. Mr. Costs went on to explain the characteristics of effective strategic goals as follows: Meaningful CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 22 of 49 Understandable Fully embraced Memorable Few in number (3 to 5) He emphasized the need to know what the goals are; therefore, it is best if they are few in number. He added three to five are ideal. He pointed out that the City of Fort Worth has seven. The strategic goals that the City Council has established are: • Make Fort Worth the nation's safest major city • Create a clean, attractive city • Diversity the economic base and create job opportunities • Revitalize central city neighborhoods and commercial districts • Promote orderly development in peripheral areas • Improve mobility and air quality • Promote user-friendly government In further discussion on these goals, Council Member Wheatfall recommended that Goal 5 be modify to reflect"more orderly development in all areas of the City." Mr. Costa presented a chart showing how the City is organized around the strategic goals. The chart showed the City Manager position, with each of the functions and related departments of the City reporting to him and the goals assigned to each of those functions. Mr. Costa continued his presentation with the slides showing how the City Council has aligned the City's FY 2004/05 budget with the strategic goals as follows: 1. Safest Major City: Added $500,000 to the Fire Department for staffing of four-person fire companies. 2. Clean, Attractive City: Added $300,000 to the Code Compliance Department for the purchase of a new case management system. 3. Economic Base/Job Opportunities: Allocated $6.7 million in the 2004 bond program for enhanced community facility agreements. 4. Central City Revitalization: Allocated $2.0 million in the 2004 bond program for streetscape projects in the urban villages. CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 23 of 49 5. Orderly Growth: Added $1.7 million to the Water and Sewer Fund for debt service related to the expansion of water and wastewater systems. 6. Mobility and Air Quality: Added six positions to the Transportation and Public Works Department to update the street maintenance database and to manage capital improvement bond program. 7. User-Friendly Government: Added $151,000 to the Environment Management Department for public education on the new trash collection system. Mr. Costa reviewed how the departments use their business plans to pursue the strategic goals. He reviewed the purpose, with the mission statement, five-year vision, and description of the department. He reviewed the SWOT analysis, organization, budget, major initiatives, and organizational priorities. To provide examples, he showed various statements from the City departments. He reviewed the examples of the departmental objectives; examples of departmental service standards and guarantees and individual performance plans and how they relate to the strategic goals. Continuing with his presentation, Mr. Costa reviewed the Year 2004 DirectionFinder Citizen Survey for the City of Fort Worth, Texas—Final Results as prepared by the ETC Institute dated August 2004. He pointed out that the results for each of the Council districts' levels could be different than that at the City's levels. He reviewed the methodology of the survey. He reviewed the perceptions of the community in the trends of how residents rate Fort Worth as a place to live, work, and raise children for the years 2002 to 2004. Other charts in the presentation showed all of the City's strategic goals and how the citizens rated those goals for the City for the years referenced. The presentation concluded with a review of the trends and benchmarks. Mr. Costa showed the charts of the 2004 composite customer satisfaction indices for the City of Fort Worth and benchmarking measures with other cities of similar population. He reviewed the summary of the survey results. Mr. Costa went back to the characteristics of effective strategic goals and posed a question to the Council as to whether they wanted to confirm the existing goals, revise them or discuss them further at a separate workshop session. Mayor Moncrief suggesting starting with the first goal and going through the list to see whether they should be amended. The first goal was: Become the nation's safest major city CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 24 of 49 Council Member Davis indicated her concern for not appropriately measuring all of the aspects that qualify the City as the "safest city." She also suggested looking at how is the City of Fort Worth measured against other cities. She pointed out that a lot of time can be spend on how the City averages as a whole; however, she stated that the City is only as strong as the weakest links. She added in some areas the City is not seeing any improvement. She indicated she wanted to hear from the staff on the number of existing problems and how they are being addressed. Council Member Davis pointed out positive things came to downtown after it was made safe. She stated that there could be areas that this will not be realized as an attained goal. There was further discussion of the model of prevention rather than attacking the problems as they occur. She pointed out the issue of the Hemphill area and the fact that they are loosing the bike patrol in that area and it is not safe now. Council Member Davis pointed out that until there is a perception that there is protection there, it would be a growing problem for a need for safety. Mayor Moncrief clarified with Council Member Davis if she disagreed with the goal and she stated "no." Council Member Burdette suggested making the statement that "every community in Fort Worth is safe" is the way to meet this goal. He stated that it is going to be hard to fully be achieved. He stated that the Council and staff need to make it measurable on a citywide basis. He suggested amending the goal to "make every Fort Worth community safe." Council Member Wheatfall stated he felt that Council Member Burdette's suggestion was an objective under the goals. He felt it would be a bullet point under one of the objectives. City Manager Boswell indicated he is in favor of the first goal as it is aiming at something. He added that the measurable issue might be hard to determine. Council Member Haskin interjected that adding more police and public services is not necessarily the right answer and is not the only way to do it. She used zoning and density as an example. Mr. Costa explained that all of the departments are working to that goal in what they do for the City. Council Member Wheatfall pointed out safety is not just crime; it is the prevention of flooding, breakage of gas lines, preventing health issues, etc. Mayor Moncrief reviewed the next goal: Create a cleaner and more attractive city. He stated that he felt it has been created and just needs to be maintained. The next goal is: Diversify the economic base and create job opportunities. Council Member Burdette stated that diversity brings in other opportunities. He requested clarification on this statement. Assistant City Manager Dale Fisseler stated part of this goal is to not be too dependent on any one type of business in the City. CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 25 of 49 Council Member Davis explained that this includes several bullet points, i.e., bringing corporations to the City, the training of the work force, and seeing the educational successes. She added that these are part of the goal and if a city is not educating the citizenry and training them then there will not be the ability to create and fill job opportunities. Council Member Wheatfall felt the word "strength" is missing, i.e. "strengthen the workforce." City Manager Boswell indicated that he felt diversity had been done and now the City needed to strengthen the economic base and work force. The next goal is: Revitalize central neighborhoods and commercial districts Mayor Moncrief suggested changing the goal to "Revitalize and redevelop central city neighborhoods and commercial districts." Council Member Wheatfall stated that the central city is in all districts. There was further discussion on the central city in all districts. Mr. Costa pointed out to the Council that there was a definition that relates to "central city." Council Member Hicks supported the comments made earlier by Council Member Davis. In further deliberation, it was suggested that "revitalize neighborhoods" be the goal. City Manager Boswell pointed out that Goals 4 and 5 were developed in tandem. Goal No. 5 is: Promote orderly growth in peripheral areas. There was considerable discussion on these two goals and Mayor Moncrief requested Mr. Costa redo Goal 4 maintaining "central city" and including "older neighborhoods" as well as the orderly development and redevelopment in the outlaying areas. Council Member Wheatfall indicated that he supported the two goals as originally stated. Mayor Moncrief added that he wanted the staff to look at"redevelopment" as an addition. Goal No. 6 is: Improve mobility and air quality Mayor Moncrief stated that he wanted to keep this goal and the City needed to move forward to do something about it. Council Member Wheatfall recommended that this goal be moved up higher on the list of goals in order to see it better and be reminded of it. Mayor Moncrief went on to Goal No. 7: Promote user-friendly government. There was further deliberation by the Council on this goal. Council Member Wheatfall suggested to: "Promote efficient user-friendly government." City Manager Boswell spoke up on this issue and whether it was necessary as a goal. He stated that the other goals were directed to everything in the City. He added that this goal statement to him was a management issue. Mr. Costa pointed out that he felt it was redundant. Mayor Moncrief interjected he sees too much unfriendly government. He felt the goal was identified as part of the citizens' responses to the survey. Mayor Moncrief added he felt it was a re-enforcement statement to citizens and to city employees. CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 26 of 49 Council Member Espino commended the Community Relations Department on their customer service and he spoke in support of leaving in this goal. Council Member Burdette asked how these goals are communicated to the citizens. City Manager Boswell stated that it is done in a variety ways, i.e., Comprehensive Plan, Budget, City Page in the Fort Worth Star Telegram, the City's cable channel, web site, etc. Council Member Burdette suggested a card in the City's water bill. He added he felt the citizens needed to see these goals. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox talked about"user friendly government" and the one reason it is so necessary is that when citizens are not being listened to at City Hall, then they will call their Council Members. He advised that the more the staff can be "user friendly" the happier the citizens will be, quick responses will provide positive feed back and the citizens will not have to go to the Council Members. City Manager Boswell added that he believes staff has gotten this and believes it; however, perhaps the City has not gotten all the way there yet. He questioned if it is appropriate for the City at large or an expectation of the City Manager or a City staff commitment to see that it is run this way. Council Member Wheatfall stated he wanted the "efficient user friendly" wording. He felt it was important to keep in those words. In further discussion on this topic, it was the consensus of the Council that all of the seven goals would be maintained and that the City staff would provide for some "wordsmithing" based upon the discussions just held by the Council. Budget—Policy, Goals and Priorities—Richard Zavala Acting Assistant City Manager Zavala spoke about the short-term decisions and the long- term focus that the Council has to make. He pointed out that the needs would always exceed available resources. He stated that the drivers are: general operating, compensation and benefits, committed costs, service enhancements, and growth. He then presented a chart that showed where the City has been in the last 10 years: 1995 at $253 million; 2000 at $324 million, plus $71 million and in 2005 at $425 million, plus $101 million. He reviewed a chart showing the City's payroll and health benefits for those years and another chart looking ahead to 2010 based upon what the City knows now. Those points were the City's Capital Improvement Program with committed costs for fire stations, community centers, and libraries. It also included compensation and benefits, service enhancements and growth. Mr. Zavala advised that the budget focus for 2005 to 2010 is to maintain a focus on future commitments, service needs CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 27 of 49 and the City Council's Strategic Goals. He reiterated the need for short-term decisions, with long-term focus. Mayor Moncrief recessed the City Council Retreat at 2:55 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2005. The meeting was reconvened at 3:20 p.m. City Manager Boswell advised of the "wordsmithing" completed by the City staff during the break and the new goals that had been redone. These new goals were as follows: • Make Fort Worth the nation's safest major city • Improvement mobility and air quality • Create and maintain a clean, attractive city • Strengthen the economic base, develop the future workforce and create job opportunities • Revitalize and redevelop the central city and other older areas • Promote orderly development in growing areas • Promote efficient, user-friendly government These goals were shown and the Council discussed if they were okay. Council Member Haskin requested that Goal No.4 be revised to add "quality" job opportunities. City Manager Boswell stated that the Council would receive new revised copies at the meeting tomorrow. Mayor Moncrief advised of next agenda item. Overview of General Fund Operating Budget—Bridgette Garrett Using the PowerPoint Presentation, Budget Director Bridgette Garrett reviewed for the Council the Budget Overview, which included the general economic conditions and trends and significant benchmarks. She advised of the budget development, decisions and impacts, with the decision package prioritization and major budget issues. She advised of the current budget issues, showing the gap information and significant issues. Mrs. Garrett reviewed the deliverables, which is the Council understanding the current fiscal situation by reviewing the progress to date on closing of the budget gap. She also advised of developing a blueprint for a balanced budget and to provide guidance regarding budget priorities. Budget Director Garrett reviewed the other slides showing the general economy status, the budget work done to date, the revenue trends for property tax, in comparison with the CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 28 of 49 benchmarking cities, the revenue trends for sales tax, in comparison with the benchmarking cities, the other revenues received by the City, and a summary of revenue projections. In discussion on the presentation, Council Member Haskin requested clarification on whether all of the benchmarking cities offer the senior citizen exemptions. Mayor Moncrief asked about the pie chart on revenues, particularly regarding the revenues received from licenses and permits at 11%. Mayor Moncrief expressed his concern with the Texas State Legislature getting into this issue and how it could affect the City with these revenues. City Manager Charles Boswell pointed out the limited revenue components. He added that the sales tax revenue is volatile and can change over night. He pointed out the issue with franchise fees and that gas and electric franchise fees are on fixed contracts. He pointed out to the Council that the City is really limited in these areas. Mr. Boswell emphasized that property taxes are the biggest portion of the revenues and the Council has the most control over the property tax rate. Council Member Espino brought up for discussion the gas well revenue and whether it will go to just any general fund account. City Manager Boswell advised that the income from the mineral rights is property taxed on the value, the bonus signing in the lease revenue will be going directly to the park with the well, and other lease well revenues are split to all the City's parks system and capital improvements projects rather than operating costs. He added that if the wells are on property in an enterprise fund then the revenue goes to the enterprise fund. There was further clarification and discussion on the revenue from the appraisals on the land of the gas wells. It was clarified that there are assessments against the mineral rights and those result in ad valorum taxes. Council Member Davis asked if the City could see those results yet. Council Member Burdette felt it was too early to tell what it would be for this first year. Council Member Espino also asked about the personal property taxes and getting this amount of money. Budget Director Garrett reviewed the chart showing "balancing the budget FY2005/06 expenditure impact areas as: city growth, prior commitments, and service level enhancements. She reviewed a chart showing the budget growth areas for FY2001 to FY2005 showing the overall General Fund Budget increased 19.81%, with salaries increased 13.65%; police 24.25% with CCPD and 33.26% without CCPD; fire at 24.67%; Transportation/Public Works at 27.35%; Code Compliance at 39.15% and PACS at 15.19%. CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 29 of 49 She reviewed the chart showing the City's growth: population increases from April 2004 to April 2005 from 598,850 to 618,600 —up 3.59%. Also growth is due to annexations, with the new annexation policy and the increasing number of annexation opportunities. Budget Director Garrett presented the chart showing the prior commitments of operating cost increases, operating costs of new facilities, increases in general costs (utilities, fuel, etc.), gang unit enhancements, and fire station four-person staffing. She continued her presentation with a chart showing the proposed service level enhancements: police patrol officers, water gardens maintenance, code compliance improvement, library books and materials, and gang prevention programs. Mrs. Garrett reviewed the slide showing the on-going studies, i.e., Storm Water Study, Pavement Management, Mobility Air Quality, Energy Conservation Study, Tree Ordinance, Parking Authority, Rental Registration of Unrelated Persons and Water Master Plan. Budget Director Garrett reviewed several slides showing the balancing of the budget with the evolution of the budget gap, reducing the gap and that the flexibility is limited. Council Member Haskin asked about the reduction of the technology budget and what has been taken out of the package. City staff responded that E-government project could be reduced and the department has reduced their technology scope for next year. Director of ITS Pete Anderson addressed the technology reduction package. Mayor Moncrief expressed his concern about the E-Government project and the software being obsolete once it is purchased. Mr. Anderson advised of the project and their work to reduce the storage capacity on servers, to cut out certain expenses and hire the contractor to do the conversation and migrate the departments. Council Member Davis indicated she wants a written proposal on this project and what is being recommended. Mayor Moncrief also requested a written proposal on the original budget, what was requested, what was eliminated and what will be accomplished. Budget Director Garrett advised that balancing the budget could be difficult as the flexibility is limited. She reviewed the slide showing the personal services costs, primarily salaries, and that they account for over half the General Fund Budget. Council Member Davis indicated that she wanted to see the total costs in the departments, what are the salary increases, and the additional costs or percentage of continuing a salary increase. Council Member Jordan requested clarification on the salary increases, a clarification on the new positions versus salary increases. Budget Director Garrett reviewed the information on the Enterprise Fund fee increases for aviation at 1.9% in selected accounts and in water at a single digit increase to be determined following the rate study. Council Member Burdette verified with City staff that the rate increase CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 30 of 49 did not include the amount needed to address the storm water issue. City staff confirmed that it did not include that funding. Budget Director Garrett reviewed the slide with the budget calendar showing the following dates: July 22, 2005 TAD Certified Tax Roll August 9, 2005 City Manager's Proposed Budget Presented to Council August 9 thru September 13 Council Budget Workshop Sessions September 13 Budget Adopted; Tax Rate Set City Manager Boswell provided further clarification that the budget gap of$3.4 million is assuming sufficient service cuts. He stated there is still a gap to close and if this is not possible, there will have to be other service reductions. City Manager Boswell advised that they had received $2.9 million of service reduction packages by the departments to get to the $3.4 million figure. Acting Assistant City Manager Richard Zavala presented some of the reduction packages, which represent $2,876,322: • Library— cutting back one day of service at the branch libraries • Parks—reduction of operation hours at community center • Parks—reduction of funds for median mowing program • Parks - closing pools except for Forest Park Pool • Transportation and Public Works - eliminate alleyway maintenance/abandonment program • Transportation and Public Works— eliminate speed humps program He then explained that they are adding the budget improvement packages in the amount of$4 million for: • Street lights • Coming Up Program • Harley Street • Program improvements for the Development Department • Park Department for the water gardens Council Member Jordan requested further information on the proposed compensation package. City staff advised that they have used a placeholder for an assumed pay increase in the CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 31 of 49 amount of $10 million total for general employees, which is a 3% across the board, and additional funds for step increases for police and fire, for a total of$14 million. Council Member Davis advised that she did not want to start the budget process at a $3 million deficit and she felt the Council is going to start at a larger deficit than that. Mayor Moncrief advised that the City Manager is giving them a starting pointed. City Manager Boswell advised that the departments were given options and one of them was a budget cutback of 3.5%. He advised that the departments determined their priorities and offered to cut the programs or services that are on the bottom of their lists. Council Member Davis indicated that she wanted to see the whole list in front of the Council and wanted a more in-depth discussion on this issue. City Manager Boswell stated that he could get together the information for tomorrow's agenda for discussion. Council Member Haskin indicated that she wanted to see all of the lists. She stated is it hard to see the City accomplishing a better quality of life now that the City staff is reducing programs, services and staffing. Council Member Haskin brought up the golf issue and pointed out that not all citizens are playing golf, yet the City is paying for golf courses in the City's general fund. She pointed out that there is not a large population interested in doing this. City Manager Boswell explained he wanted the Council to understand what the City is facing in this budget process. Council Member Haskin also brought up the ambulance billing issue and that it will go up again if the service is changed. City Manager Boswell stated that the ambulance situation is just status quo. Mayor Moncrief stated that there would be a more in-depth discussion tomorrow. Council Member Davis indicated that she also wanted the summary of authorized positions per department. She added that she wanted to see what positions are authorized for FY 04/05; what cuts have been made in the authorized positions; whether there been some increases in police and fire; and she wants to see what positions are being requested by departments. Charter Amendment Election—Richard Zavala Acting Assistant City Manager Richard Zavala began the presentation with an explanation of the new state legislation, which limits the City to two election dates, i.e., November and May of each year. Using the memo provided to the Council, he advised of the steps that are involved in the Charter Amendment Election process. He advised of the two schedules that had been prepared, one for November 2005 and one for May of 2006. He pointed out that the May date would allow more time for the committee to be formed and the Council to CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 32 of 49 receive input. He added that if the November date were to be used then there would be less time available in the process. Mayor Moncrief started the discussion with clarification for the newer members. He stated that that the Council needed to consider when it is appropriate to go to the people for this election in proposing changes for the charter and what changes should be asked for in this document. He pointed out that some of the likely items are: City Council pay, Council discussions of term limits, and other issues that just need to be addressed because laws have changed that affect certain sections of the Charter. Mayor Moncrief reiterated that the Council needs to determine if an election is needed, when it would be held, what products are they going to present, and what are the citizens' moods going to be in this regard. He pointed out what can happen in the state legislature and how that impacts the City and the Council. He stated he is concerned about the senior tax exemption coming forward and the issue of"meet and confer" being on the same ballot. He stated that this might all depend on what the Council has to do after the budget. He added the question is when is the best time to do so and under what conditions. Mayor Moncrief opened the floor for discussion and input from the Council Members. Council Member Wheatfall pointed out the issue of the time line and added that another part of this process is looking at the budget. He pointed out that the Council "pay piece" is an impact on the City's budget. He added that he is trying to get a feel for what is the best political climate and what are good charter amendments. He suggested that certain amendments be done at certain times. City Attorney David Yett explained there were only two dates on which to hold the election, the dates in May and November of each year. He added that once the election is held, the Charter could only be amended every two years. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox suggested that since there are only two election dates now, that perhaps the Council should use the May date of next year. He added that the November date is too close. He stated that the Council "pay issue" is a serious one and there needs to be a lot of communication and input from the citizens as to what they will accept. He stated that timing is part of the issue and with the November date being close to the time to pay taxes; their humor will be a lot less. He suggested the May date be used and that the City Council and staff have the meetings around the community in order to resolve any questions and problems. Council Member Burdette stated that today is the first time he had heard about the proposed changes to the Charter. He added he is concerned about the November date. He explained he wants more time to study these amendments and he does not want to rush into it. He wants more experience with these types of things. CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 33 of 49 Mayor Moncrief indicated that it appears to make sense that there seems to be no interest on the part of the Council to place this issue on the November ballot. He added that this coming May of 2006 would be a good time and the school district would be holding their election. Council Member Haskin stated that the "pay issue" has been out there and has been talked about for years. Council Member Espino stated that he agrees with the other Council Members that the date in November is off the table. He added that May might be problematic also. He stated that he would not want a City Council election on the same date. He stated that the Charter amendments would be directed towards future Council Members and pay they receive and term limits people can serve. Council Member Espino also recommend longer terms be considered also. He added that this was a lot to undertake and he hoped to be able to do it by May 2006. Council Member Wheatfall talked about the Council "pay issue" and added that there is a need to go through a Charter review process. He stated that there might be other things that might need to be in the Charter. He felt it might be best to set up and go through the process and then determine if there is a real need to call the election. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox stated that there have been some good points made and there are problems with certain election dates. He suggested going forward with meeting with the citizens and pointed out that there are some things that really need to be addressed. He also wanted to get the input from the citizens and then decide what to put before the voters. Mayor Moncrief indicated his concern that the Council is asking citizens to serve in this important task and then may decide not to have an election. He felt that this was not a good idea. City Attorney David Yett advised that there are certain changes that need to be made in the City's Charter; however, they are not subjective enough on their own to call an election. He added that there needed to be something major for the election to be called. He advised that it takes a lot of work on the part of the staff to go through the Charter. He added it is still a good document without the amendments. In further discussion, Council Member Hicks suggested that there was a need to look at staggered terms of office for the Council Members. She pointed out that with having the election of the entire Council every other year; the City is facing the possibility of having the whole Council turnover to a new Council. CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 34 of 49 Council Member Jordan pointed out that all of the things that have been discussed are all interrelated somewhat. He questioned the issue of going to three-year terms, with elections every year to provide for staggered terms. He asked if this would eliminate the run-off provisions. City Attorney Yett explained that there would still be run-off elections. Council Member Haskin brought up the need for the Council to have more flexibility in the number of meeting held during the year and that part of the Charter needed to be changed. She pointed out the City of Dallas has the whole month of August off Mayor Moncrief wrapped up the discussions that had been held on the Charter Election information. He advised that this concluded their discussions for the day and it had been a very productive day. He pointed out the importance of the information that was exchanged. He advised of the positive comments that had been made and that the Council was able to complete the day's agenda ahead of schedule. With no further discussion, Mayor Moncrief adjourned the Fort Worth City Council Retreat at 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2005. FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2005 Present: Mayor Mike Moncrief Mayor Pro Tempore Chuck Silcox Council Member Salvador Espino Council Member Becky Haskin (arrived at 9:20 a.m.) Council Member Donavan Wheatfall (arrived at 9:10 a.m.) Council Member Jungus Jordan Council Member Carter Burdette Council Member Kathleen Hicks Council Member Wendy Davis City Staff: Charles Boswell, City Manager Libby Watson, Assistant City Manager Mark Ott, Assistant City Manager Joe Paniagua, Assistant City Manager CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 35 of 49 Dale Fisseler, Assistant City Manager Richard Zavala, Acting Assistant City Manager David Yett, City Attorney Marty Hendrix, City Secretary Costa Triantaphilides, City Auditor Anthony Snipes, Assistant to the City Manager Other City Staff in attendance included all of the Department Heads along with certain staff support. Mayor Moncrief opened the Fort Worth City Council Retreat at 9:05 a.m. on Friday, July 1, 2005, in the Trinity Room of the Doral Tesoro Golf Club and Hotel, Fort Worth, Texas. Mayor Moncrief advised the Council that the City staff had done some "wordsmithing" of the strategic goals per the discussions held by the City Council and the new goals had been distributed to the Council as follows: ADDITIONAL VALUE: • Inclusiveness and cooperation: "The Fort Worth Way" REVISED STRATEGIC GOALS • Make Fort Worth the nation's safest major city. • Improve mobility and air quality. • Create and maintain a clean, attractive city. • Strengthen the economic base, develop the future workforce, and create quality job opportunities • Revitalize and redevelop the central city and other older areas. • Promote orderly development in growing areas. • Promote efficient user-friendly government. Acting Assistant City Manager Richard Zavala pointed out the changes and he reviewed those for the Council. There was a brief discussion on these proposed goals and that the City staff would go forward with these goals unless there were objections from the City Council. There were no further comments from the Council. CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 36 of 49 Mr. Zavala pointed out from the discussions held yesterday that the Council had reached a decision by consensus that there would not be a Charter Amendment Election held in November 2005. He added that there would be a workshop session held in the near future for a briefing of the process; review of the benchmarking survey results obtained by the City staff, and a proposed schedule presented in July with an election date of May 2006. He added that the Council would then begin the process in early September 2005. Council Member Davis requested a copy of the City Charter be provided to the Council Members. City Manager Charles Boswell advised that he was going back to the agenda item on the City's budget and the presentations and discussions the rest of the day would be directed towards budget related issues. Budget (cont'd) Staff Summary of Day 1 —Richard Zavala Acting Assistant City Manager Zavala reviewed the following factors that the City Council needs to remember for the budget decision process: • Year 2010 • Strategic Goals • Noah's Ark • All of the above City Manager Charles Boswell stated that he wanted to make it clear that the Council was not setting the budget within the next two or three hours of discussion. He added that it is not the Council's job to do that at this stage of the process. He pointed out that this was an opportunity for the Council to get a common base of knowledge on where the City is and what staff will be struggling with during the budget process. Any consensus or guidelines that the Council wants to provide the City staff at this time will be helpful and he does not want the Council to be surprised at what the City staff will bring to the Council regarding budget proposals and the option of raising the tax rate. He pointed out that the City has seen seven years of tax rate reductions and the Council has held the line in the last three years. He pointed out that one cent on the tax rate represents $3 million. City Manager Boswell pointed out that there could be an adjustment to the sales tax projection after the City receives the sales tax information in a week or 10 days for the collections in May. He added if the trend is up, the City staff would get more aggressive with that projection. He added that the Certified Tax Roll would be obtained in three weeks. He stated that it is unpredictable and could cause more stress on the financial gap that currently exists if there is not significant added tax value. He pointed out that the attempt to balance the CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 37 of 49 budget through various budget reduction packages got the budget to the $3.5 million gap. He stated that those changes could be seen in the $2.9 million reduction packages. He pointed out that there is a list of the things that are possible reductions. City Manager Boswell continued his presentation with a review of the handout information for the Council showing the exception packages. He pointed out as an example the operating cost for Fire Station Number 38 and the committed costs and contractual costs for the operation of this station. (Council Member Haskin arrived at 9:20 a.m.) City Manager Boswell explained that he wanted to take the Council through the other lists that had been provided as a matter of information. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox brought up for discussion the process the Council has experienced in the past budget workshop sessions where the Council could pick certain favored projects and eliminate other projects. He added that he wanted to look at the whole process in the budget workshop sessions. City Manager Boswell asked for input from the Council on the format of the budget workshop sessions. He explained that the Council had indicated in previous discussions that they wanted time for the department heads to make presentations and present their needs and this will definitely add more time to their workshop sessions. He added that if it were the consensus of the Council that they want to add this process, the City staff would develop a schedule and bring that to the Council. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox pointed out that it would be more time; however, it is only eight hours out of the year. He emphasized that this is perhaps an extra hour two times a week for four weeks and it is important to hear from the departments. In further deliberation, it was the Council's recommendation that the presentations tell how we got there and where we are now and a mechanism to pay for it. In other words, if the departments bring a problem, then they need to bring a solution. In further discussion, Council Member Jordan added that he wanted to see budget trends over a period of time. He stated for an example how it has trended over the last 10 years as part of that process. City Manager Boswell moved on with the presentations. City Manager Boswell suggested Budget Director Bridgette Garrett lead the Council through each page of the budget handout materials or whether they wanted to hold that until after the presentation on the compensation package. The Council requested to hear the compensation package. CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 38 of 49 Compensation and Benefits— Salaries - Karen Marshall The compensation package presentation was made by Human Resources Director Karen Marshall and her Assistant Director of Human Resources Mark Washington. Ms. Marshall went over the total compensation policy and provided an overview of what is projected for next year for compensation and the challenges. She advised of the 12% placeholder for the increased costs in the City's group benefits. She pointed out that this placeholder was not going to be necessary, as the group benefits were not going to increase. Using a PowerPoint Presentation, Ms. Marshall reviewed the purpose of the presentation, which was to: Review Total Compensation Policy Provide Update on Compensation Provide Update on Group Benefits Provide Overview of GASB Liability Overview of Retirement Plan She reviewed the total compensation policy—goals: • Enable the City to accomplish its strategic goals and annual objectives • Enable the City to meet its stated service level and the highest quality and in the most cost effective manner. • Ensure undesired turnover does not occur at a greater rate than market average. She then reviewed the total compensation policy—long-range strategy: • Maintain market median with 3% to 5% above market when economically feasible • Provide equitable benefits for all employee groups, which will position the City to attract and retain quality employees and be an Employer of Choice Ms. Marshall reviewed the chart showing the turnover comparison (municipal governments) for the years 2001 to 2005 projected and advised that Fort Worth is ahead of the Metroplex in keeping employees. She reviewed the salary considerations: CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 39 of 49 • Achieving total compensation goal will cost the City $31.7 million to $36.2 million. • Work towards goal in stages • Build on the past and don't lose ground Ms. Marshall reviewed the chart showing the salary history of increases for the years 2000 to 2004, with an average of 4.9% for all employees. She presented the chart showing the salary package for FY 05/06, with $10 million as a placeholder, with equitable distribution of funds across all employee groups. She advised of the across the board raises for all City employees and the projected salary increases for the police and fire employees, with step increases. At the requested of several Council Members, Ms. Marshall explained to the step plans and that there would be only 150 people that benefit from the step increases. Council Member Wheatfall requested that the Police and Fire be separated out from the general City employees. Ms. Marshall advised that it was time for discussion and questions on her presentation and she posed the question on whether the staff was moving in the right direction in interpreting the total compensation policy. City Manager Charles Boswell spoke to the Council about what has been included in the proposed budget. He advised of the budget adjustments to get to the gap of$3.5 million. He spoke about the $10 million placeholder for compensation. He talked about the project across the board raises for the employees and the step increases for police and fire. Council Member Davis indicated that she wanted the number for the general employees as well. She added she is not comfortable separating the $10 million from the $1.759 million for general employees. She then asked where is this going to put the City in the employment market and does it get the City to the market median. Ms. Marshall advised that it will not get the City to the market median, but it get closer to the market median. In further discussion, Acting Assistant City Manager Zavala referenced the step increases and clarified that for the general employees it was for the non-exempt employees, not exempt employees. Council Member Jordan requested an Executive Summary of the market review that was done in the year 2004. He explained that he does not want the City to loose track; however, he wants a trend over the last five years. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox indicated that he wanted information on employees who have left the City for retirement, disability leave, or to go to another job elsewhere. City staff pointed out that this information has been provided in the CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 40 of 49 retreat packet of information. City staff pointed out that this information was identified on the blue sheet on the backside of the sheet. City staff did clarify that it does not include any retirement. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox stated he wanted to know projected percentages of those categories to get a better feel of what is happening at the City. Mayor Moncrief interjected that he is hearing a request from the Council Members for trends and a need for history. He added he is requesting that right now and in the future presentations. He also requested information be furnished on trends and where it is trending in one direction or another. Ms. Marshall stated she had advised the Council of the placeholder of the across the board for city employees at 3.5% and it has only been budgeted at 3% across the board. She corrected her statement. Mayor Moncrief asked if this is what the Council wanted to do for the general employees. He reiterated that the Council made a commitment to keep up with market and to provide for salaries and benefits to keep the workforce and attract better employees. Mayor Moncrief expressed a concern that only a limited number of employees will benefit from this proposal. Council Member Wheatfall explained that he wanted to see what the budget may have been when the large percentage raises were given to the employees. He asked whether there was an increase in the tax rate at the same time. Council Member Wheatfall wanted to know if it required a tax increase. The tenured Council Members advised that there was no tax increase and the tax rate actually went down or was kept the same. City Manager Boswell added that the City has to provide for a balanced budget and did so and still gave those increases. Council Member Jordan stated his concerns that he is looking at a new budget and hearing about the limitations of revenue and now looking at policy issue of how the City Council is paying the employees. Council Member Wheatfall stated that perhaps the policy needs to be adjusted, as the City does not have the revenues to do so. He added that the nature of the revenue source would not allow the promise. City Manager Boswell stated that the goal is to be 3% to 5% above market when it is feasible. He stated the goal might be loftier that can be achieved in the next few years. He stated that he does not know how many employees think of it is a goal and not a commitment. Council Member Jordan stated that it might never be possible to fill that gap. Council Member Davis asked what other cities are doing in the difficult budget times and just how can the City remain competitive with what the other cities are doing. City Manager CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 41 of 49 Boswell stated that the other cities data is not available today, but the City staff can get it. Council Member Haskin interjected that she had seen an article on compensation plans for civil service, which showed the City of Fort Worth was leading the state, perhaps over compensating to keep ahead of the competition. She added she also wants to look at all of the information. Mayor Moncrief stated Ms Marshall can sense the feelings of the Council through the discussions and that the City will try to do the minimum to keep up and the chances are slim with the challenges the City faces. In further discussion, Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox stated that the Fire Department representatives have advised him that they are not agreeing with the numbers presented. He wants to see what their numbers are for comparison. City Manager Boswell stated that their market analysis might be the 11%. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox stated that he wants to listen to the three groups to see where their numbers come from. Mayor Moncrief stated that he wants them to bring the solution to where the money is going to come from. Compensation and Benefits—Health Benefits—Karen Marshall Using a PowerPoint Presentation, Ms. Marshall revised the group health benefits. She reviewed the self-funding information as follows: • City is responsible for losses/claims • Risk is based on our own experience • In years with good experience, plan retains the profits that would have been paid to an insurance company • Allows City to have lower rate increases than market (8% average increase since 2001) • Allows the City to have more control over plan design and benefit determination Ms. Marshall advised that the Health Benefit Advisory Committee was appointed by the City Manager and provides input on medical benefit administration. The committee composition is 12 members. She reviewed the Medical Benefit—Background as follows: • Trend for medical expenditures is 12%, but there is no increase in City, retiree or employee contributions due to: o Healthy reserve level CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 42 of 49 • Wellness Program and employee consumerism (deductible/plan changes) • Claims administration by AETNA beginning January 1, 2005 She emphasized that the 12% placeholder originally placed in the proposed budget for next year is not needed and there is no need to raise the insurance costs to employees. She also emphasized the City's wellness program and what it has accomplished. Ms. Marshall continued her presentation with a review the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). She stated that GASB-45 requires accounting for post employment health benefits as a liability and this has to be accomplished by the City on October 1, 2007. This requirement will make the City change from funding on a "pay as you go basis" to accrued liability. She review the next slide of GASB Liability as follows: Present Value of Benefits: $1,455,107,000 Actuarial Accrued Liability: $ 900,174,000 Annual Required Contribution $ 95,657,000 Ms. Marshall stated that the above figures are based on January 2005 actuarial report from AON. She added that the City needs to start chopping away at this liability issue. City Manager Boswell advised how the City got to this point and that it is the health benefits given to the retirees. He stated that employees hired before 1988 will have the free cost of health benefits when they retire. He pointed out the additional costs for dependents and making this type of commitment for a 30-year look. He stated that this results in this billion-dollar number. City Manager Boswell reviewed the slide showing the Continuum of Responses to GASB and explained how the City can get to a clean audit and to reflect the actual financial view. He stated that if the City were to go on a year-to-year basis with this requirement, auditors would write-up the City on this approach and this would result in the bond rating going down. It would also place more impact on the City's debt service costs. City Manager Boswell stated that staff is showing the Council how to deal with this issue. Ms. Marshall stated that most other cities are in the same predicament. Council Member Wheatfall stated that the City's retirement plan is very generous. He questioned how the City rates with the entire benefits package and where the City is with the entire compensation and benefits package. He indicated that this information is important to the Council. Ms. Marshall stated that this information is included in the executive summary of the study. Council Member Haskin requested further clarification on the time frame for all of this. City Manager Boswell stated that a decision is necessary in May 2006. He added CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 43 of 49 that they are seeking information on how other cities are handling this requirement. City Manager Boswell stated that he needs to consult with the City's auditor and financial advisor and move forward. Council Member Haskin asked when it will affect the City's bond rating. Jim Keyes, the City's Finance Director, explained that this is a problem all across the country and the issue is what is the City going to do about it. He added that the City would be looking at three to five years to see something happen to the bond rating and this would only occur if the City was not doing anything at all. He stated that the City of Fort Worth is further along than some other cities as to determining their liability and coming up with a plan and the rating agencies will recognize that. Mr. Keyes explained that he felt nothing was needed to be done this year to affect the bond rating. Council Member Davis requested further clarification about the figures that had been presented, which was provided by the City staff. Ms. Marshall pointed out the upcoming important dates for open enrollment for medical benefit for 2006 to occur in October of 2005, that the policy decision (strategy) on GASB liability and medical benefits needs to be done between October 2005 and September 2006 and that the City will need to begin accounting for GASB liability by October 2007. She advised that it was time for discussion and questions. She posed the question to the Council if they agreed with the benefit recommendation for no increase for FY 05/06. Mayor Moncrief asked about wellness program and whether the City should strive to provide a better program to give the City employees more to work with, for example a wellness facility that will provide a gym and on site evaluations, etc. He asked if there are there other cities that provide for those services. Ms. Marshall stated that City staff has looked at this and there are cities that do provide for these benefits. She added that she has also looked at how effective it is also. Mayor Moncrief stated he wanted to see what has been proposed. He stated that large corporations are doing this and give Pier One as an example. Council Member Espino suggested this type of facility could be part of the master plan for city facilities. He stated that there has got to be a way to measure how this has been accomplished in other cities. City Manager Boswell stated that the City has arrangements with a number of fitness facilities around the city for City employees to join at reasonable rates. He added that there needs to be a better job of marketing it. Mayor Moncrief felt it paid a better benefit for the employees, and their quality of life. With no other comments from the Council, Ms. Marshall then went on to the retirement pension plan. CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 44 of 49 Compensation and Benefits—Pension Benefits—Karen Marshall She reviewed the first slide showing the City's retirement pension plan as follows: • Specific monthly benefit at retirement • 5 year vesting • Percentage of earnings per year of service formula (3% x high — 3 years average x years of service) • Rule of 80, 25 years and out(police), 65 with five years of service Ms. Marshall reviewed the contributions chart showing the employees' contributions for general employees, police and fire employees and the City's contribution rate. Ms. Marshall then reviewed the City's DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Program) program, which allows a member to defer retirement in order to accumulate a retirement savings account known as DROP. The Plan requirements are: an employee is eligible to join at normal retirement date; the plan freezes high three years of earnings; freezes the years of service; the employee continues to contribute and the employee must stay for at least 12 months and the employees can only do this for a period of five years. In further discussion, Council Member Wheatfall asked about the five-year vesting and what the average was for other cities. Ms. Marshall stated that she felt the five years are very common. Council Member Wheatfall indicated that he wanted to look at longer vesting period and longer step period. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox pointed out that the DROP program does not cost the city any money. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox talked about the retirement contribution and about raising the percentage for contribution. He indicated that he had heard something is going to happen. City staff advised that no increase in the percentage is in this proposed budget. Council Member Davis gave the history of the DROP program and that it was highly controversial among the Council Members and it only passed on a 5 to 4 vote of the Council. She stated that there is impact to the City of DROP over time from one perspective in that it retains the higher cost employees longer than normal. She added that the cost of new employees and training has to be compared to holding onto the higher paid long tenured employee. The new Council Members asked when the DROP was approved and City staff advised that it was in 2002. Council Member Davis referenced the backup information on this program and the information provided that there is no cost of living adjustment or interest credited to the DROP account. However, if an employee completes at least two years of service after making a DROP election, then the employee's initial pension benefit upon retirement will include a retroactive cost of living adjustment for the DROP period. Council Member Davis stated that she did not CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 45 of 49 remember this in the discussion way back when the Council deliberated this issue; and, she questioned what this was costing the City. She asked how many employees are staying and what is this cost to the retirement fund. Council Member Davis stated that it is a cost in the retirement and it is a cost to the City in the long run. City Manager Boswell stated that it should be neutral actuarially. He explained this statement to the Council. He added that for the higher paid employees the City does not have enough experience with this to see the impacts, if any. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox stated that there are a lot of variables in the DROP program. Mayor Moncrief stated that information is needed on this product to determine if it is successful. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox provided information on an actuarial study and what information it will show and how the budget will be affected with this information. Council Member Haskin asked if the City's retirement program needed to be changed then perhaps the DROP program would not need to be provided. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox indicated that the benefit package consists of salary, other benefits, retirement, good health benefits and retirement and perhaps this makes up for the lower salaries. This concluded the presentation on the City's salaries and benefits. Mayor Moncrief recessed the Fort Worth Council Retreat at 10:25 a.m. on Friday, July 1, 2005. Mayor Moncrief reconvened the Council meeting at 10:50 a.m. Mayor Moncrief referenced the proposed budget handout information that had been provided by the City staff. He explained that he just wanted an overview of what the Council will be considering and caused the Council not to get into deep debate. City Manager Boswell stated that he would defer to Budget Director Bridgette Garrett and Acting Assistant City Manager Richard Zavala to review the information. He indicated that it was to be just a flavor of the proposed budget at this point. He added that the Council would be hearing the working points to get to a balanced budget and a look at the other potential reductions that could be make in the budget process. Council Member Wheatfall asked about the across the board raise and whether low performance employees received this raise and if they do, why should they get across the board. City Manager Boswell responded to this question and indicated that there was a threshold that an employee has to hit in order to receive the across the board as this change raises and shifts their entire range. Acting Assistant City Manager Zavala reviewed a chart showing the compensation and health benefit trends from the previous five years. Budget Director Garrett reviewed a sheet showing CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 46 of 49 the Balancing of the Budget to reduce the gap based upon the dates of May 3, 2005 compared to June 24, 2005. The gap went from $6,830,292 compared to $3,465,952. She reviewed the handout information on the General Fund Reduction Packages that were implemented, which showed what positions, programs or services that were taken out of the budget. Mrs. Garrett reviewed the General Fund Improvement Packages to be funded in the budget by each department. She reviewed the exception packages for FY 2005/06. She reviewed the list for the June 24 date that closed the budget deficit gap at $3,465,952, which still must be found. Council Member Espino pointed out some conflicting figures in the handout information and requested clarification from the City staff on those figures. Mayor Moncrief asked about the police/fire packages that were funded. Ms. Garrett referenced that information. Budget Director Garrett reviewed the unfunded packages that were requested for police/fire pointed out that these would be over $6 million in additional requests. She reviewed the General Fund Reduction Packages potential. She stated that these were packages that really should not be reduced and are still in the budget right now. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox referenced the Police Department's unfunded list and requested clarification on the specialized unit enhancements in the amount of$59,306. He added he wanted to know if it is detective positions that they are requesting. City Manager Boswell referenced the funded items under the Police Department and that those detectives had been funded in the amount of$79,000. Mayor Moncrief advised the Council they have the information on the budget before them and if Council needs more information then get with the City staff Mayor Moncrief stated after reviewing this information he is already seeing a sacrifice in service. He sees the challenges are great and options are few. He stated how does the City get to address the issues for the year 2010. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox stated that he has been through this before in the 90's and with the issue of high debt service payments. He stated that the debit service is now in the $40 million range now. He spoke about the pluses and minuses of the process that the City Manager will provide the budget in ways that Council can see everything. Mayor Moncrief stated he had picked up a magazine in his room at the hotel and it was a road map of the City of Fort Worth. He added that it reflected all of the city and had a reflection of the history and how the City has maintained the western heritage, built new projects and stills maintains the quality of life in the neighborhoods. He added the City still has the quality of life issues addressed with a balance of economic development. He stated that it the City's CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 47 of 49 publication and City produces this magazine to advertise the city. He pointed out that it was a great publication. Wrap Up and Closing Remarks—Mayor Moncrief Mayor Moncrief advised that it was time to provide for the wrap up comments and he requested that City Manager Boswell as well as each of the Council Members provide feedback. City Manager Boswell stated it had been very helpful to everyone to hear the introductions of all council members, to achieve the modification to the strategic goals and that the budget discussion was helpful for the staff to hear and see the issues of concern expressed by the Council. He added he feels good about what has been accomplished at the retreat. Mayor Moncrief went around the table and got feed back from each of the Council Members. Council Member Wendy Davis felt the information on the budget was invaluable and she wanted to carry it forward and communicate it to the citizens in her district and find out what their wishes are. She added she had some guesses that can be done from the survey. She added she has better information. She thanked the staff for their work in putting on the retreat. She pointed out that sometimes the Council has a tendency to "shoot the messenger" and she wanted the staff to know that she appreciates them and the work provided. Council Member Carter Burdette indicated that it had been meaningful to him as a new member. He felt he had gotten to know the Council Members and City better through this process. He advised that he had also been able to talk with other staff members to address problems that he had received from his constituents for his district. He stated that the budget is the most frightening thing. Mr. Burdette stated this retreat had been a great learning experience and he was also appreciative of all of the work of the staff Council Member Becky Haskin stated that all of her expectations were met, except one, and she enjoyed learning about the new members. She stated that she felt some of the budget reduction packages will deteriorate the quality of life. She stated she agreed with Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox' concerns about the police officers spending their time for responding to the false alarms and they go out for no reason at all on these calls and it is wasting their valuable time. She felt this budget is going to have to be accomplished by thinking outside the box. Council Member Jungus Jordan stated he is a new member of Council and he had observed the professionalism of the staff. He added that it was an education process to get the CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 48 of 49 new Council Members up to speed. He stated that he is a "back to basics" kind of guy. This is a business enterprise and they need to have a good business relationship. He added he also appreciates the time and pointed out that the Council's questions are their work hours. Council Member Wheatfall stated he appreciates the entire process and that it has been a diligent one and bringing forth best recommendations. He added that he felt the Council was charged with keeping an eye on the business and not giving away funds. He added that the Council needed to scrutinize the budget and services and programs. He added that the City is growing and changing. The City needs to be in a self-preservation mode — and he is looking for efficiency and productivity. He wants a lean machine and the "best bang for the buck." Council Member Silcox stated that this will be his fifteen budget. He stated that while it is bleak, it is not as bad as in the past. He is back to the basics also and he likes to see the City operate like a business too! He stated that if the Council raises the taxes beyond a point that the citizens want then there could be a back lash. He added that the Council has got to consider this. Mayor Pro Tempore Silcox also brought up the response by the Police Department on the false alarm issue and that something needed to be done in this area. He added that 13 to 19 officers were chasing these responses. He wants to cut taxes rather than increase them. He stated the people in his district would rather cut services than raise taxes. City Manager Boswell responded to Council Members Davis' and Silcox's comments about getting the word out to the citizens and he added he is available to talk with the citizens in those districts on this if necessary or have other staff in attendance. Council Member Espino stated that as a new Council Member this would be his first time to go through the budget process. He felt the Council would be proactive in the use of the City dollars and he pointed out that sometimes the results would not show up until years down the road. He was impressed with each person's background. He felt there would programs that could be build upon and get the community involved in the program and get the citizens involved in it. Crime watch programs are effective, etc. He stated this needs to get back and get communicated. He advised that he liked Council Member Wheatfall's comments made during the retreat about taking care of the least represented citizens in the community, the ones that can't be at the meeting. Council Members Hicks thanked the staff for this event. She added that she felt all of the Council Members care for Fort Worth. She echoed what Council Member Espino stated about always remember the average Fort Worth citizen. CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES DORAL TESORO GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL JUNE 30 AND JULY 1, 2005 Page 49 of 49 Mayor Moncrief thanked the Council Members for their responses and staff has heard their appreciation. Mayor Moncrief thanked Anthony Snipes and Blanca Chapa and the hotel people. He felt it was a hidden paradise. He stated he wanted to go back and reflect on what they had heard and Council's willingness to share their personal things. He stated that he is learning from "noodling"to "trending" and things have been clarified. He advised that the Council would have to hold the line or increase the taxes. Mayor Moncrief stated that the Council wants to see the whole picture and if the proposed services for reduction packages are justified. He emphasized the strategic goals need to be remembered in doing the budget analysis and doing it the "Fort Worth way." He added that there are going to be differences coming thru this process. He emphasized that he wants accurate information. He pointed out that the Council has requested to get to history, the trends, and how the needed funding can be raised or found. Mayor Moncrief emphasized the City of Fort Worth's ranking in the county and that it is one of the most livable cities in the nation. He added he cares about the quality of life and the Council needs to strike a balance. With no further presentations or discussions, Mayor Moncrief adjourned the Fort Worth City Council Retreat at 11:40 a.m. on Friday, July 1, 2005. These minutes approved by the Fort Worth City Council on the 26th day of July, 2005. APPROVED: Michael J. Moncrier Mayor ATTEST: N� a d�� Marty Hendrix City Secretary