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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999/03/02-Minutes-City Council 01 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 2, 1999 Date & Time On the 2nd day of March, A.D., 1999, the City Council of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, met in regular session, at 7:15 p.m., in the Southwest High School Auditorium, 4100 Altamesa Boulevard, with the following members and officers present: Attendance Mayor Kenneth Barr; Council Members Chuck Silcox, Becky Haskin, Frank Moss, Clyde Picht, Ralph McCloud and Cathy Hirt; City Manager Bob Terrell; Deputy City Attorney William Wood; City Secretary Gloria Pearson. Council Member Wentworth and Mayor Pro tempore Lane were absent. Council Member McCloud was temporarily absent. With more than a quorum present, the following business was transacted: Invocation The invocation was given by Dr. Greg Stephens, Bishop of Fort Worth Latter Day Saints Third Ward. Pledge The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Minutes On motion of Council Member Haskin, seconded by Council Member Picht, the minutes of the regular meeting of February 23, 1999, were approved unanimously. Special Presentations/ Judy Harman, Chair, Sister Cities Trier Committee, Introductions introduced six guests from from Trier, Germany: Johann Aubart, President, Trier City Race Organization and his wife Margarete Aubart; Gehard Weiland; Henner and Gisela Helfrich; and Stepfan Willems. Herr and Frau Helfrich and Herr Willems ran in the Cowtown 10K Marathon. Herr Willems is a firefighter in Trier and joined other firefighters from Japan last week honoring the three firefighters who lost their lives. Herr Aubart expressed his appreciation to the Council and the City of Fort Worth for the considerations they had been provided during their visit. Council Member McCloud assumed his seat at the Council table. Council Member Picht introduced Gordon Hubenak, Vice Principal for Southwest High School. Mr. Hubenak welcomed the Council to the school and invited them back to visit the school and review its programs at any time. CITY COUNCIL MEETI FORT WORTH, TEXAS MARCH 2, 1999 PAGE 2of16 Council Member Picht also recognized three students from Southwest High School who operated the cameras during the meeting: Myra Montengra, Angela Arneson, and Justin Ray. Announcements Council Member Moss announced that a reward was being offered for information leading to the arrest of the individuals responsible for the assault of one youth and the homicide of another youth. He thanked various companies and individuals who made contributions to the reward fund. Consent Agenda On motion of Council Member Moss, seconded by Council Member Picht, the consent agenda was adopted unanimously. Appointments Council Member Hirt made a motion, seconded by Council Member Picht that Council Member Silcox be appointed to the Neighborhood Resources Development Council. The motion carried unanimously. OCS-1042 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Claims No. OCS-1042 from the Office of the City Secretary recommending that the City Council refer notices of claims regarding alleged damages and/or injuries to the Risk Management Department. It was the consensus of the City Council that the recommendation be adopted. G-12487 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Settlement of Claim No. G-12487 from the City Manager recommending that the City Council: 1. Approve settlement of the claim filed by Homer Gentry; and 2. Authorize the City manager to expend the sum of $20,000.00 for the settlement agreed to by Homer Gentry, his attorney, and the City of Fort Worth; and 3. Authorize the $20,000.00 check to be issued to Homer Gentry and his attorney, Howard Rosenstein. It was the consensus of the City Council that the recommendation be adopted. ky COUNCIL MEETING FORT WORTH, TEXAS MARCH 2, 1999 PAGE 3of16 G-12488 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Settlement of Lawsuit No. G-12488 from the City Manager recommending that the City Council: 1. Approve the proposed settlement of the lawsuit entitled Julie Mallette v. City of Fort Worth and Fletcher Norwood, Civil Action No. 4:98-CV-044-Y; and 2. Authorize the payment of $25,178.00 jointly to Julie Mallette and her attorney, B.C. Cornish; and 3. Authorize the appropriate City representatives to execute the documents necessary to complete the settlement. It was the consensus of the City Council that the recommendation be adopted. G-12489 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Ord. # 13718 No. G-12489 from the City Manager recommending that the Transfer Cable City Council: Franchise 1. Adopt Ordinance No. 13718 amending Ordinance Nos. 8291, 10193 and 12105 and franchise agreement dated August 11, 1981; granting consent to the transfer of control of a cable television system and franchise from Marcus Cable Associates, L.L.C. to Paul G. Allen; and approving an acceptance agreement; and 2. Approve the related Acceptance Agreement with Vulcan Cable, Inc.; Vulcan Cable ll, Inc.; Marcus Cable Associates, L.L.C.; Marcus Cable Properties, Inc.; Charter Communications Holdings, L.L.C.; and 3. Approve the Acceptance Agreement with Paul G. Allen. Council Member Silcox disclosed that he had a business relationship with Marcus Cable Associates that he would be filing an affidavit and would not be voting on Mayor and Council Communication No. G-12489. Council Member Picht made a motion, seconded by Council Member Moss that Mayor and Council Communication No. G-12489 be approved. The recommendation carried by the following vote: CITY COUNCIL MEETI w, FORT WORTH, TEXAS MARCH 2, 1999 PAGE 4 of 16 AYES: Mayor Barr, Council Members Haskin, Moss, Picht, McCloud, and Hirt NOES: None ABSENT: Mayor Pro tempore Lane and Council Member Wentworth NOT VOTING: Council Member Silcox G-12490 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Res. # 2502 No. G-12490 from the City Manager recommending that the Ord. # 13719 City Council: Increase Legal Fees to Varnum, Riddering, 1. Adopt Resolution No. 2502 increasing by $85,000.00 the Schmidt & Howlett, maximum amount to be paid to Varnum, Riddering, L.L.P. Schmidt & Howlett L.L.P. for a total sum not to exceed $135,000.00; and 2. Adopt Appropriation Ordinance No. 13719 increasing the estimated receipts and appropriations in the Cable Communications Fund in the amount of $135,000.00 from available funds for the purpose of funding the retention of Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt and Howlett, L.L.P. for outside counsel for assistance in reviewing the transfer of cable system ownership from Marcus Cable to Vulcan Cable. Council Member Silcox disclosed that he had a business relationship with Marcus Cable Associates that he would be filing an affidavit and would not be voting on Mayor and Council Communication No. G-12490. Council Member McCloud made a motion, seconded by Council Member Haskin that Mayor and Council Communication No. G-12490 be approved. The recommendation carried by the following vote: rWV;, NY COUNCIL MEETING FORT WORTH, TEXAS MARCH 2, 1999 PAGE 5 of 16 AYES: Mayor Barr, Council Members Haskin, Moss, Picht, McCloud, and Hirt NOES: None ABSENT: Mayor Pro tempore Lane and Council Member Wentworth NOT VOTING: Council Member Silcox Public Hearing It appeared to the City Council that they set today as the date for a public hearing concerning modifications to the Emergency Repair Program. Mayor Barr asked if there was anyone present desiring to be heard. Jerome Walker, Director of Housing Department, appeared before the City Council and gave a staff report calling attention of the City Council to Mayor and Council Communication No. 12491, as follows: G-12491 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Ord. # 13720 No. G-12491 from the City Manager recommending that the Modification to the City Council: Emergency Repair Program 1. Approve the following modifications to the Emergency Repair (ER) Program; and A. Increase the income limit of eligible homeowners from 30 percent to 35 percent of area median family income (AMFI); and B. Require program recipients to have owned and occupied their property for at least six months prior to filing an application; and C. Set a time period of one year within which ER Program recipients cannot apply to participate again for repairs in the Priority 2 category; and 2. Allocate $100,000.00 from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program income to the ER Program fund to begin assisting households on the waiting lists for Priority 2 and 3 repairs; and CITY COUNCIL MEET1111 FORT WORTH, TEXAS MARCH 2, 1999 PAGE 6of16 3. Adopt Appropriation Ordinance No. 13720 increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Fund in the amount of $100,000.00 from available funds for the purpose of funding the Emergency Repair Program. There being no one else present desiring to be heard, Council Member McCloud made a motion, seconded by Council Member Silcox, that the public hearing be closed and that Mayor and Council Communication No. G-12491 be adopted. The motion carried unanimously. G-12492 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Ord. # 13721 No. G-12492 from the City Manager recommending that the Ord. # 13722 City Council: Ord. # 13723 Ord. # 13724 1. Adopt Ordinance amendments, by providing for the plan Amend Building, review and inspection of buildings by approved third Mechanical, party organizations; providing penalties for the violation Plumbing, and thereof; providing that the ordinances shall be Electrical City Codes cumulative, as follows; and A. Ordinance No. 13721 amending the Fort Worth Building Code; B. Ordinance No. 13722 amending the Fort Worth Mechanical Code; C. Ordinance No. 13723 amending the Fort Worth Plumbing Code; D. Ordinance No. 13724 amending the Fort Worth Electrical Code 2. Approve a waiver of permitting fees for a period of 90 days for projects that utilize third party services. Council Member Haskin expressed her appreciation to the staff for the extra effort they provided to have these ordinances ready for tonight's Council meeting. Mayor Barr stated that staff worked over 100 hours over the past weekend to get the ordinances ready for consideration by the Council for this meeting. City Manager Terrell advised the Council that this concept may be adopted regionally. fY COUNCIL MEETING FORT WORTH, TEXAS MARCH 2, 1999 PAGE 7of16 On motion of Council Member Silcox, seconded by Council Member Moss, the recommendation was adopted unanimously. G-12493 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Attorney's Fees to No. G-12493 from the City Manager recommending that the Johnson, Vaughn & City Council confirm the engagement of Johnson, Vaughn & Heiskell Heiskell to represent former City Marshall Norman Donoho in the lawsuit of Larry Schoolcraft vs. Norman Donoho, Bob Terrell, Max Ragsdale, Libby Watson and the City of Fort Worth, Cause No. 348-172050-097, and authorize the payment of reasonable attorney's fees not to exceed $30,000.00. On motion of Council Member Moss, seconded by Council Member Haskin, the recommendation was adopted unanimously. G-12494 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Attorney's Fees to No. G-12494 from the City Manager recommending that the Haynes & Boone City Council confirm the engagement of Haynes & Boone to represent City Manager Bob Terrell in the lawsuit of Larry Schoolcraft vs. Norman Donoho, Bob Terrell, Max Ragsdale, Libby Watson and the City of Fort Worth, Cause No. 348- 172050-097, and authorize the payment of reasonable attorney's fees not to exceed $35,000.00. On motion of Council Member Moss, seconded by Council Member Haskin, the recommendation was adopted unanimously. G-12495 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Res. # 2503 No. G-12495 from the City Manager recommending that the Attorney's Fees to City Council adopt Resolution No. 2503 increasing to Ann Clarke Snell $80,000.00 the maximum amount authorized to be paid to Ann Clarke Snell of the law firm of Bickerstaff, Heath, Smiley, Pollan, Kever & McDaniel, as outside counsel in the case of Larry Schoolcraft v. City of Fort Worth, et al., Cause No. 348-172050-97. On motion of Council Member Haskin, seconded by Council Member Moss, the recommendation was adopted unanimously. G-12496 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Ord. # 13725 No. G-12496 from the City Manager recommending that the Accept Donation for City Council: Van Zandt Cottage CITY COUNCIL MEETI %j FORT WORTH, TEXAS MARCH 2, 1999 PAGE 8of16 1. Adopt Appropriation Ordinance No. 13725 increasing the estimated receipts and appropriations in the Van Zandt Special Trust Fund in the amount of $20,000.00 from available funds for the purpose of funding, maintenance, operation, development and/or programming of the Van Zandt Cottage; and 2. Authorize the City Manager to utilize the funds for the Van Zandt Cottage ("Cottage") located at 2900 Crestline Road. On motion of Council Member Haskin, seconded by Council Member Picht, the recommendation was adopted unanimously, with appreciation. P-8790 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Purchase of Trash No. P-8790 from the City Manager recommending that the Can Liners City Council authorize the purchase of heavy duty plastic trash can liners from Pollock Paper Company on the basis of the low bid in the amount of $38,034.20, with payment terms net 30 days, f.o.b. destination and freight no charge. It was the consensus of the City Council that the recommendation be adopted. P-8791 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Purchase Agreement No. P-8791 from the City Manager recommending that the for Fire Department City Council authorize: 1. A purchase agreement for linens with Orr Textiles, Charm-Tex, and Acme Textiles for the Fire Department, based on low bid meeting specifications, f.o.b. destination, freight no-charge and payment terms net 30 days; and 2. This agreement to begin March 3, 1999, and expire March 2, 2000, with options to renew for two additional one- year periods. It was the consensus of the City Council that the recommendation be adopted. Y COUNCIL MEETING FORT WORTH, TEXAS MARCH 2, 1999 PAGE 9of16 P-8792 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Purchase Agreement No. P-8792 from the City Manager recommending that the for Ready Mix City Council authorize a purchase agreement with Tarrant Concrete Concrete for the City of Fort Worth based on being the single vendor to respond to Bid Number 99-0038 for ready mix concrete. It was the consensus of the City Council that the recommendation be adopted. P-8793 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Purchase of HVAC No. P-8793 from the City Manager recommending that the System Repair City Council confirm the emergency purchase of HVAC system repairs from Johnson Controls Inc. for the Transportation & Public Works Department for a total amount not to exceed $24,500.00, with payment due in 30 days. It was the consensus of the City Council that the recommendation be adopted. P-8794 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Purchase of Crushed No. P-8794 from the City Manager recommending that the Limestone City Council authorize: 1. A purchase agreement with Marock, Inc. to furnish several grades of crushed limestone to the City of Fort Worth based on the low bid of $9.77 1ton for the Water Department and $10.38/ton for Village Creek, f.o.b. Fort Worth, freight no charge, payment terms net 30 days; and 2. This agreement to begin March 24, 1999, and expire March 23, 2000, with options for two additional years. It was the consensus of the City Council that the recommendation be adopted. P-8795 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Purchase Agreement No. P-8795 from the City Manager recommending that the for Electric Motor City Council authorize: Services 1. An annual purchase agreement for electric motor services from Shermco Industries for the City of Fort Worth departments based on the low bid received with payments due within 30 days of invoice dates; and CITY COUNCIL MEETING FORT WORTH, TEXAS MARCH 2, 1999 PAGE 10 of 16 2. This agreement to begin on March 2, 1999, and expire on March 1, 2000, with options to renew for two additional one-year periods. It was the consensus of the City Council that the recommendation be adopted. P-8796 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Purchase of Spur No. P-8796 from the City Manager recommending that the Gear Drive Assembly City Council confirm the emergency purchase of a spur gear drive assembly for the Water Department from Walker Process Equipment for a total amount not to exceed $60,300.00, net, f.o.b. Fort Worth, with payment due in 30 days. It was the consensus of the City Council that the recommendation be adopted. P-8797 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Purchase Agreement No. P-8797 from the City Manager recommending that the for Weatherization of City Council authorize: Homes 1. A purchase agreement for the weatherization of homes with Texas Industries for the Blind and Handicapped (TIBH) On Our Own Services, Inc. for the Housing Department; and 2. This initial agreement to begin March 2, 1999, and end of May 31, 1999, with two options to renew for two one-year periods. It was the consensus of the City Council that the recommendation be adopted. L-12443 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Acquisition of No. L-12443 from the City Manager recommending that the Avigation Easements City Council: 1. Authorize the acquisition of three individual avigation easements for residential properties in Irving, Texas, and described as Lot 10R, Block 10 of the Revision of Block 10, Block 11 and Lots 1-8 and 35-45 of Block 13 (4110 Victoria) from Royce O. Williams for $19,125.00; Lot 66, Block 21 (3925 Billings Court) from Willie J. and Pearline D. Scott, for $23,375.00; and Lot 12, Block 32 (4013 Bremerton) from Ann E. Deering a/k/a Ann Elizabeth `Y COUNCIL MEETING FORT WORTH, TEXAS MARCH 2, 1999 PAGE 11 of 16 Deering, for $20,375.00; all located in the Northwest Park Addition, and for the purpose of expanding D/FW Airport; and 2. Find that the prices offered by D/FW Airport are just compensation; and 3. Authorize the acceptance and recording of the appropriate instruments. It was the consensus of the City Council that the recommendation be adopted. C-17280 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Professional Services No. C-17280, dated February 23, 1999, from the City Contract with Bryan Manager recommending that the City Council authorize the Eppstein & Company, City Manager to execute a professional services contract Inc. d/b/a The with Bryan Eppstein & Company, Inc., d/b/a The Eppstein Eppstein Group Group, for the design, administration, execution and analysis of a survey of Fort Worth citizens' attitudes, opinions and preferences, at a cost not to exceed $19,950.00. Council Member Silcox made a motion to approve Mayor and Council Communication No. C-17280 by adding the following amendment to the contract: "Fieldwork, i.e., citizen contact will not be started until on or after May 3, 1999." Motion seconded by Council Member Picht. Council Member Haskin requested permission from the Council to abstain from voting on this issue. She stated that although she and Mr. Eppstein are under contract for an unrelated topic, Mr. Eppstein would be assisting in her re-election campaign. Council Member McCloud made a motion, seconded by Council Member Hirt, that Council Member Haskin be allowed to abstain from voting on Mayor and Council Communication No. C-17280. Motion carried unanimously. Original recommendation, as amended, carried by the following vote: CITY COUNCIL MEETI S FORT WORTH, TEXAS MARCH 2, 1999 PAGE 12 of 16 AYES: Mayor Barr, Council Members Silcox, Moss, Picht, McCloud, and Hirt NOES: None ABSENT: Mayor Pro tempore Lane and Council Member Wentworth NOT VOTING: Council Member Haskin C-17291 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Richard Carr No. C-17291, dated February 23, 1999, from the City Construction Manager recommending that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Richard Carr Construction Company in the amount of $546,515.65 for pavement reconstruction on Beddell Street (Sixth Avenue to South Adams Street), Frazier Street (Boyce Avenue to Broadus Avenue), and Broadus Avenue (Frazier Street to William Fleming Court). On motion of Council Member Silcox, seconded by Council Member Haskin, the recommendation was adopted unanimously. C-17298 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Right-of-Way No. C-17298 from the City Manager recommending that the 2118 Edwin Street City Council authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a standard consent agreement with Lillian and Joe Greenslade authorizing use of the alley located behind and north of 2118 Edwin Street for installation of a fence. It was the consensus of the City Council that the recommendation be adopted. C-17299 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Dunaway and No. C-17299 from the City Manager recommending that the Associates City Council authorize the City Manager to execute an engineering services agreement with Dunaway and Associates, Inc. for M-321 and M-423 sanitary sewer mains in the amount of $181,400.00. It was the consensus of the City Council that the recommendation be adopted. C-17300 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Professional Service No. C-17300 from the City Manager recommending that the Industries (PSI), Inc. City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a �nYf COUNCIL MEETING FORT WORTH, TEXAS MARCH 2, 1999 PAGE 13 of 16 contract with Professional Service Industries (PSI), Inc. for geotechnical and material testing services for Phase II construction of taxiway Alpha at Meacham International Airport for a period of 12 months, with an aggregate fee not to exceed $65,366.00. It was the consensus of the City Council that the recommendation be adopted. C-17301 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Kimley-Horn and No. C-17301 from the City Manager recommending that the Associates City Council authorize the City Manager to execute an engineering agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for the design and construction management of the proposed Harmon Road elevated storage tank for a total fee not to exceed $222,000.00. It was the consensus of the City Council that the recommendation be adopted. C-17302 There was presented Mayor and Council Communication Transystems No. C-17302 from the City Manager recommending that the Corporation City Council authorize the City Manager to execute an engineering agreement with Transystems Corporation for the design of the Heron Drive water line extension for an amount not to exceed $155,520.00. It was the consensus of the City Council that the recommendation be adopted. Z-98-174 It appeared that the City Council at its meeting of February SP-98-032 23, 1999, continued the hearing of Talley Associates/Coy Talley by Pennsylvania Avenue, L.P., for a change in zoning of property located at 1619 Pennsylvania Avenue, 1700 Pruitt Street, 611 Ninth, and 612 Eighth, from "D" Multi- Family, "ER" & "FR" Restricted Commercial to "PD/SU" Planned Development/Specific Use for all uses in "E" Commercial, Zoning Docket No. Z-98-174 and Site Plan No. SP-98-032. An additional 3.5' setback is required on Eighth Avenue with a double row of shrubs, substitution of four compact parking spaces no less than 8' wide by 15' long for standard parking spaces, a minimum of 62 parking spaces provided and only surface mounted wall signs. Mayor Barr asked if there was anyone present desiring to be heard. James W. Schell Mr. James W. Schell, a lawyer representing Talley Associates/Coy Talley stated that a compromise had been reached with the contractor and requested that the following additional items be read into the record: CITY COUNCIL MEETIN% FORT WORTH, TEXAS MARCH 2, 1999 PAGE 14 of 16 1. The property may be used for office purposes and such accessory uses as are necessary to support such office use. 2. The building situated at 608 8th Avenue may not be demolished prior to May 1, 1999. 3. The rendering of the new office building to be constructed on the property suggests the architectural style of the finished building. Council Member Hirt made a motion, seconded by Council Member Silcox, that Zoning Docket No. Z-98-174 and Site Plan No. SP-98-032, as amended, be approved. Council Member Picht asked if the site plan complied with the landscaping and parking ordinance. Ann Kovich, Development Director, stated that it did not. Council Member Hirt clarified that the site plan had been reviewed by the Zoning Commission and the requirement was waived due to the set up of the property. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Barr, Council Members Silcox, Haskin, Moss Picht, McCloud, and Hirt NOES: None ABSENT: Mayor Pro tempore Lane and Council Member Wentworth There being no one else present desiring to be heard in connection with recommended changes and amendments to Zoning Ordinance No. 3011, Council Member Hirt made a motion, seconded by Council Member Silcox, that the Zoning Hearing be closed and the following ordinance be adopted. (9-Y COUNCIL MEETING FORT WORTH, TEXAS MARCH 2, 1999 PAGE 15 of 16 ORDINANCE NO. 13726 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH, BEING ORDINANCE NO. 3011, AS AMENDED, SAME BEING AN ORDINANCE REGULATING AND RESTRICTING THE LOCATION AND USE OF BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES, AND LAND FOR TRADE, INDUSTRY, RESIDENCE AND OTHER PURPOSES, THE HEIGHT, NUMBER OF STORIES AND SIZE OF BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES, THE SIZE OF YARDS AND OTHER OPEN SPACES, OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING, AND THE DENSITY OF POPULATION, AND FOR SUCH PURPOSES DIVIDING THE MUNICIPALITY INTO DISTRICTS AND THE BOUNDARIES THEREOF UPON "DISTRICT MAPS"; PURPOSE AND CONFLICT; PROVIDING CUMULATIVE OF ALL ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A PENAL CAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION AND NAMING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The motion carried unanimously. Citizen Presentations Mr. Jeff Schwanz, 7904 Mustang Ct., and Mr. Brent Sandlin, Jeff Schwanz and 4605 Mustang Ct., appeared before the City Council and Brent Sandlin spoke in favor of funding for speed hump construction on their street. Brian Goodwin Mr. Brian Goodwin, 2733 South Park Lane, a student at Southwest High School, requested that the City Council lower the minimum drinking age to 18. He supported his request by stating that eighteen year olds were old enough to vote and go to war and as such should be old enough to consume alcohol. Mayor Barr commented that this issue was not within the City Council's authority and that Mr. Goodwin should address the issue with State agencies. Dan Murphy Mr. Dan Murphy, 4425 Willow Way Road, appeared and spoke in opposition of the attorney fees paid for the transfer of the cable franchise reflected in Mayor and Council Communication No. G-12490. CITY COUNCIL MEETIN FORT WORTH, TEXAS MARCH 2, 1999 PAGE 16 of 16 Mayor Barr stated that the attorney fees initially paid by the City are fully reimbursable to the City by the new owners of the cable company. Mr. Murphy also inquired about the increase in attorney fees for actions taken against City employees and why City attorneys could not be utilized vs. private law firms. Mayor Barr explained that the City's potential for being sued is high because of our size. He added that private law firms assist with the City Legal Department's large workload to resolve cases as soon as possible. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. CITY SECRETARY MAYOR