City of Carrollton City Council Regular Worksession & Meeting - March 21, 2023

The Carrollton City Council met on March 21, 2023, for a regular worksession beginning at 5:45 PM and a regular meeting at 7:00 PM. The agenda included a proclamation for International Women's Day, a consent agenda with multiple approvals, a public hearing on an amended Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) plan, and informational updates on debt management and parks and recreation.

Consent Calendar

• Approved as amended (unanimous 8-0): Items 9 through 22. Item 9 (minutes of March 7, 2023) was approved as amended to correct a spelling error. Item 10 (portable restroom trailer purchase) was clarified as a one-time capital cost, not an annual charge. Other approvals included:
  • RFP# 23-011 for a portable restroom trailer from Ferguson Waterworks ($89,819).
  • Amendment to licensing/maintenance contract with Tyler Technologies for InCode and Brazos eCitation software ($165,000 increase, revised three-year total $728,199.54).
  • RFP# 23-007 for irrigation system installation/repairs from Andy's Sprinkler and Drainage ($300,000 annually, up to $900,000 total).
  • Purchase of one New Holland Workmaster 70 tractor from Four Brothers Outdoor Power ($40,348.77).
  • RFP# 23-013 for collector street panel replacements 2023 to Advance Contracting Group ($2,000,000).
  • Bid #23-005 for water tank inspection/cleaning from multiple vendors ($35,000 annually).
  • Purchase of two Chevrolet Tahoes from Lake Country Chevrolet ($138,196.22).
  • Purchase of one Chevrolet Bolt, one Chevrolet 1500 truck, and one Toyota Sienna ($114,055.90).
  • Construction contract with Texas Standard Construction for right turn lane extension on Rosemeade Parkway ($99,455).
  • Purchase of traffic signal vehicle detection hardware from Twincrest Technologies ($113,972.62).
  • Ratification of emergency repairs by North Texas Contracting to Trinity Mills Road water transmission line ($542,005).
  • Ordinance authorizing issuance of Series 2023 General Obligation Improvement and Refunding Bonds (not to exceed $33.5 million).
  • Resolution authorizing Dallas County to resell tax foreclosed properties.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tracy Eubanks, CEO of Metrocrest Services (1415 S. Broadway, Carrollton): Expressed appreciation for city staff and stated that Metrocrest had budgeted the full $650,000 in CDBG funding initially allocated for homelessness programs, but due to HUD's 15% public services cap, only $115,000 could be used. He noted Metrocrest has already spent $121,000 out of pocket and expects to spend an additional $343,000 by year-end. He requested the city consider additional funding to cover the shortfall, emphasizing the programs are vital for Carrollton residents.
• Susan Levine (1807 Crestview Drive, Ridgecrest Estates): Thanked city staff (Emily and Jonathan) for reworking plans for street and sewer replacement in the Ridgecrest neighborhood, stating things are progressing well.

Discussion Items

• Debt Management and General Obligation Improvement and Refunding Bonds, Series 2023 (Worksession Item #4): Chief Financial Officer Diana Vaughn presented an overview of the city's debt management policies, capital funding sources (55-60% from pay-as-you-go, 40-45% from debt), and the proposed bond issuance. Blake Roberts of PFM (financial advisor) discussed market conditions, noting the city's triple-A rating and estimated true interest cost of 3.68% for new money bonds. The bonds will fund street improvements ($18.35 million), park improvements ($9.05 million), public safety facilities ($1 million), and trail improvements ($1 million), plus a refunding of Series 2013 bonds to achieve net present value savings of approximately $253,961. Director of Engineering Jonathan Wheat highlighted completed and upcoming bond projects, including Knobhill alleys, Bel Air Heights, Crosby Estates, and Rosemeade Rainforest Pool.
• Parks and Recreation Update (Worksession Item #5): Parks and Recreation Director Scott Whitaker reported on Indian Creek Golf Club, including an independent audit showing no red lights. The golf course generated approximately $4.2 million in revenue in 2022 (highest ever), with $775,000 in capital reserves and $1.1 million in operating reserves. Planned improvements include new electric golf carts, Top Tracer technology at the driving range, and increased greens fees (within council-approved ranges). Whitaker also highlighted parks achievements: a state award for adaptive programming (Spring Bash), presentations at the state conference on park report cards, esports facility at Rosemeade Rec Center, and new technologies such as autonomous mowers and smart irrigation.
• CDBG Amended PY22 Action Plan (Regular Meeting Item #23): Environmental Services Director Cory Heiple presented the amendment required because initial allocation of $650,000 to Metrocrest Services exceeded the 15% public services cap. The amended budget reduces Metrocrest funding to $115,000 and reallocates $800,000 to infrastructure projects in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods (Carrollton Heights, Crosby Estates, Nolan Drive alley, Crockett Drive alley). Housing rehabilitation programs ($180,000) and code enforcement ($95,000) remain unchanged. A public hearing was held with testimony from Tracy Eubanks.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved as amended (unanimous 8-0).
• Resolution adopting the amended PY2022 CDBG One-Year Plan of Action and Budget (Item 23) approved unanimously (8-0). The resolution authorizes the amended budget and directs staff to submit it to HUD. Councilmember Polter confirmed with CFO Vaughn that the city has budgeted funds to make Metrocrest Services whole for the $535,000 shortfall.
• Proclamation recognizing International Women's Day and Women's History Month was presented, honoring former and current women council members and other female leaders in the community.