Carrollton City Council Worksession and Meeting Summary - September 12, 2023

The Carrollton City Council convened for a Worksession at 6:00 PM and a Regular Meeting at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. The Council approved the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, which implements a tax rate reduction for the 10th consecutive year. Key actions included authorizing a lease for a Street Corner Urban Market in downtown Carrollton, approving multiple public works and parks contracts, and voting 6-2 to advance the Dudley Branch Hike and Bike Trail contract amendment. The Council also recognized Rosemeade Rainforest lifeguards for life-saving actions and heard public testimony on zoning and community needs.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved Items 14-25 (with Item 24 as amended), and 27-32, with Item 26 removed for separate consideration. Key approvals include:
• Approving minutes from June 20 and July 11, 2023.
• Purchasing and installing electrical panels for McInnish and R.E. Good restrooms (NEMA 3 Electric, Inc., $195,192.40).
• Awarding Trinity Mills Fountain Maintenance (annual $60,000, total $180,000) and Grounds Maintenance (annual $115,000, total $345,000).
• Authorizing 5-year Gateway Services contract with CardConnect, LLC (annual $12,000, total $60,000).
• Approving the 2022 Alley Replacement Paving and Drainage Improvements contract with 3D Paving and Contracting, LLC ($2,284,262.40).
• Extending a sales tax compliance review contract with HDL Companies (annual $100,000, total $200,000). Staff noted $1.38 million has been recovered since 2018.
• Awarding McInnish and R.E. Good Sports Complex Improvements contract to Criterion Contractors, Inc. ($540,192.00).
• Approving telecommunication services from Zayo Group, LLC (annual $82,750, total $248,250).
• Adopting the amended Comprehensive Fee Schedule effective October 1, 2023.
• Authorizing a lease with Leon Charles Smith LLC for a Street Corner Urban Market at 1003 West Main Street (10-year term, $255,000 City contribution).
• Authorizing an interlocal agreement with CFBISD to staff a Fire Academy and EMT training program at Creekview High School.
• Ratifying a negotiated settlement with the Atmos Cities Steering Committee regarding the 2023 Rate Review Mechanism (system-wide increase of $142 million, resulting in a $6.47/month increase for average residential customers).
• Approving Contract Amendment No. 2 for the Dudley Branch Drainage Improvements project with HDR Engineering ($158,949, revised total $548,949).
• Amending the contract with Metrocrest Services to fund equipment for mental health services ($78,500, total contract $1,116,546).
• Authorizing an Economic Development Incentive Agreement with Wyntron, Inc. (50% tax grant on new personal property for 5 years, not to exceed $178,305).
• Verifying completion of a state-mandated cybersecurity training program for city employees.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Hearing – Metrocrest Services Zoning (Item 33): Bev Grimley, Chief Programs Officer for Metrocrest Services, spoke in support of amending Planned Development 218 to add a 20' x 20' pergola/pavilion to their community garden. She stated the structure is intended to provide shade for community nutrition and gardening classes.
• Public Forum (Item 38):
• Adam Poulter spoke in opposition to proposed holiday decoration and parking ordinances, arguing they would negatively impact small businesses and residents with smaller lots. He also advocated for an ordinance requiring clear and visible house numbers to improve police and emergency response safety.
• Jerry Ostrowski (3033 Taos Trail) requested the City Council consider allocating funds to dredge the Dudley Branch Taos Trail Pond, citing it had become shallow over his 30 years of residency.

Discussion Items

• Engineering Inspection Fees (Worksession Item 4): Jonathan Wheat, Director of Engineering, presented fee structure changes mandated by HB 3492. The city must shift from a 4% value-based fee to fees reflecting actual inspection costs. Staff proposed unit-based fees (e.g., per linear foot) and stated these fees will be reviewed annually. Council expressed support for the revised structure.
• FY 2024 Proposed Budget (Worksession Item 5): Diana Vaughn, CFO, presented the final budget. Key features included a tax rate reduction for the 10th consecutive year, a 5% raise for employees, and increased infrastructure investment. Councilmember Palacios raised a point of equity regarding funding for community events, requesting a more formalized process for cultural festival grants. Councilmember Axberg praised the conservative and risk-aware budgeting approach.
• National Night Out Permits (Worksession Item 6): Mayor Babick proposed waiving permit fees for National Night Out block parties to encourage community participation in the event supporting first responders. Council reached a consensus to adopt this waiver policy.
• Council Goals (Worksession Item 7): Council reviewed and achieved consensus on the final wording of the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Council Goals as summarized by the retreat facilitator.
• Dudley Branch Hike and Bike Trail (Regular Meeting Item 26): Councilmember Nancy Cline (Mayor Pro Tem) requested the trail alignment be re-evaluated to place it within the 30-foot pedestrian easement, arguing it would preserve trees and avoid permitting delays. Jonathan Wheat responded that the current design saves 21 trees and that a full redesign would likely cause a 6-month delay, jeopardizing an August 2024 deadline tied to federal COG funding. Councilmember Axberg confirmed the timeline risk. After an initial motion to approve with guidance to staff failed, the Council voted 6-2 to approve the contract amendment as presented.

Key Outcomes

• Fiscal Year 2024 Budget and Tax Rate: The Council adopted the FY 2024 Operating Budget (Item 35) and established the tax rate at $0.55375 per $100 valuation (Item 36). The Council also ratified the property tax increase reflected in the budget (Item 37). All three votes were unanimous. The tax rate reduction is the 10th consecutive year.
• Dudley Branch Hike and Bike Trail (Item 26): Authorized Contract Amendment No. 3 with HDR Engineering ($197,246.42). Vote: 6-2 (Councilmembers Klein and Palomo opposed).
• Consent Agenda (Items 14-32): Approved unanimously as presented, with Item 26 removed for individual consideration.
• Metrocrest Services Zoning (Item 33): Approved zoning amendment to allow a garden pavilion. Vote: Unanimous.
• National Night Out Permits: Council directed staff to implement a policy waiving block party permit fees for the National Night Out program.
• Staff Recognition: The Council recognized lifeguards Maurice Harris, Caleb Hernandez, and Brady Stafford with the "Gold Whistle" award for administering life-saving CPR at the Rosemeade Rainforest pool on August 26, 2023.