Carrollton City Council Work Session and Regular Meeting - March 20, 2024

The City of Carrollton City Council convened for a work session on March 20, 2024, followed by a regular meeting. The work session covered consent agenda items, a presentation from DART on the Silver Line project, the annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR), and a multi-year budget outlook. The regular meeting included public hearings on several zoning cases, approval of consent agenda, and a public forum. The council returned to work session for an update on the Bar K project and information sharing.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the February 20 meeting (noted a corrected number, to be rechecked).
• Renewal of RFP 22-022 for temporary staffing services: an amount not to exceed $300,000 across all departments.
• Second and final renewal of bid 22014 for water meters from Neptune Technology Group and Zenar USA: an amount not to exceed $160,000.
• Purchase of one ambulance body from Fraser Limited and one Ford 550 chassis from SANPAC Ford: an amount not to exceed $348,660.
• Ordinance amending Title 9, Chapter 94 (swimming pool regulations) for compliance with state law.
• Resolution authorizing purchase of six parcels in the Carleton Heights neighborhood for public right-of-way: an amount not to exceed $25,735.
• Resolution for LexisNexis Accurant virtual crime center investigative software: $929,800 for the first year, with a total five-year contract value of $158,213.
• Resolution acknowledging receipt of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for fiscal year ending September 30, 2023.
• Resolution for professional design services for the Hebron elevated storage tank and downtown silos painting projects: an amount not to exceed $250,000.
• Six-month interlocal agreement with the City of Fort Worth for school crossing guard services: an amount not to exceed $195,000.
• All consent items were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made regarding consent agenda items (10–19).
• Public hearings were held for items 20–26; comments are summarized under each respective Discussion Item below.

Discussion Items

Item 20: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Year 2023 Amended Plan

• City received $727,587 in new HUD funding plus $492,413 in unspent funds, totaling $1,220,000. New allocations include $200,000 for alley reconstruction on Bowie Drive, $115,000 for park improvements (pedestrian dock at McKinnish Park, benches, grills, lights at various parks), and $15,000 for program administration. Council held a public hearing with no speakers and approved the resolution unanimously.

Item 21: Yasha Auto Care (PLSUP 2023-122)

• Applicant requested an amendment to Special Use Permit 391 to allow an automotive paint and body shop with outdoor vehicle storage at 2014 East Belt Line Road. After Planning & Zoning discussion, the applicant removed the paint and body component, leaving automotive repair with outdoor storage. Staff recommended approval with conditions: 8‑foot CMU wall on three sides, hours of operation 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, outdoor storage limited to the screened area (approximately 15 spaces). Public comments from neighboring business owners (Doug McCracken, Amy Wynne, Anthony Wynne) opposed, citing concerns over blight, security, noise, and the wall’s industrial appearance. The applicant stated the fence would improve the property and that the storage was necessary for daily operations. Council approved with stipulations as from Planning & Zoning (5–2; Councilmembers Carpenter and Palomo dissenting).

Item 22: Skyline Motors (PLSUP 2023-138)

• Request to amend SUP 457 to allow outdoor display of vehicle inventory for auto sales at 327 Sky Lane Drive. The current SUP allows only indoor storage of up to 30 vehicles. Staff and Planning & Zoning recommended denial due to past code violations (vehicles stored outside, landscaping not provided) and applicant’s failure to provide requested information. No public speakers. Council voted to deny (6–1; Councilmember Fleming dissenting).

Item 23: Fuji Film Canopy Renovation (PLSUP 2023-143)

• Request to amend SUP to replace a 300‑square‑foot metal shed with a 1,200‑square‑foot canopy to protect equipment. Staff recommended approval. No public comments. Approved unanimously.

Item 24: Meredo Golf Club (PLSUP 2023-144)

• Request to amend SUP 339 to relocate maintenance facilities to the southeast corner of the property (approximately 2.12 acres) near the DART Silver Line. Staff recommended approval with vegetative screening (trees every 30 linear feet). Public comments from a resident (Douglas Carlson) expressed concern about an existing outdoor storage area and odor; the applicant clarified that equipment would be consolidated. Approved unanimously.

Item 25: J Auto (PLSUP 2023-132)

• New SUP for indoor display of up to 12 vehicles (auto sales) at 1750 Briar Croft Court, Suite 220, with no outdoor storage. Staff recommended approval. No public comments. Approved unanimously.

Item 26: TESO Arcade (PLSUP 2023-121)

• New SUP for an amusement arcade (39 gaming stations, no gambling) at 2540 Old Denton Road, Suite 102. The arcade was already operating; the applicant sought compliance. Staff recommended approval with hours: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Saturday–Sunday. Public comments from a resident (Linda Wade) opposed, questioning the purpose of the games and potential for escalation. Approved unanimously.

Public Forum

• Residents of the Country Place neighborhood (Bill Harrison, Ed Perry, Lori Wheeless) addressed drug-related police activity at a property on Rain Tree Drive, requesting increased police presence and investigation of suspected short-term rental operations. A resident (Robbie Otwell) raised concerns about alley conditions and safety improvements near Trinity Mills. Council acknowledged the comments.

Work Session: DART Silver Line Project Update

• Trey Walker (VP of Design and Construction) provided an update: the 26‑mile corridor with 10 new stations, vehicles received, revenue service expected Q4 2025–Q1 2026 with 6 a.m.–9 p.m. hours (30‑minute peak frequency). Discussion included gate operations (56 seconds down, 60‑second dwell), quiet zone options for downtown, noise walls, elevator upgrades (200 ft/min), and safety/security improvements (100 contracted security officers added). Council emphasized fare enforcement and connectivity with DCTA.

Work Session: ACFR Presentation

• Melissa Everett and Diana presented the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. Key points: clean audit opinion, unrestricted net position increased, liquidity strong (governmental current ratio 21.22), total revenues up, pension liability at 91% funded (down from 105% last year but still favorable), OPEB unfunded liability decreased to $2.7 M. The city maintains a AAA bond rating.

Work Session: Multi-Year Budget Outlook

• Melissa Everett presented the 5‑year forecast for the general fund and utility fund. Uncertainties include legislative mandates (property tax cap, sales tax rule 334), economic recession, and inflation. General fund expects a surplus from sales tax and investment income. Utility fund projects a 7.43% rate increase in FY2025, driven by TRA sewer costs (10% increase). The city remains the second cheapest in cost of service. Council requested additional briefing on utility costs and inflation impact during the budget process.

Work Session: Bar K Project Update

• Robert Winningham reported that Bar K (restaurant, bar, and dog park) has not met the May 5, 2024 building permit deadline due to delays at other locations. The incentive agreement requires a building permit within three years. Staff recommended a 12‑month extension of all project deadlines. Council expressed support for the extension, citing the project’s destination value; a formal resolution will be brought forward.

Information Sharing: Storm Drain Art Contest

• Results of the contest to paint storm drains on Broadway Street were shared. Seven winning designs were selected from 22 submissions; painting days scheduled for March 12, 16, and 30. A people’s choice winner was also recognized.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda (items 10–19) approved unanimously.
• CDBG amended plan (item 20) approved unanimously.
• Yasha Auto Care SUP (item 21) approved with conditions (5–2; Councilmembers Carpenter and Palomo opposed).
• Skyline Motors SUP (item 22) denied (6–1; Councilmember Fleming opposed).
• Fuji Film canopy (item 23), Meredo Golf Club (item 24), J Auto (item 25), and TESO Arcade (item 26) approved unanimously.
• Council supported 12‑month extension for Bar K project deadlines; formal resolution pending.
• Council directed staff to provide additional briefings on utility costs and inflationary impacts during budget process.
• ACFR acknowledged.
• DART Silver Line update received; council emphasized fare enforcement and pedestrian safety.