Carrollton City Council Regular Worksession and Meeting - May 21, 2024

The Carrollton City Council held a combined Regular Worksession and Meeting on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. The worksession began at 5:45 PM, followed by the regular meeting at 7:00 PM. Key topics included a briefing from TxDOT on the IH-35E reconstruction, funding requests from the Children's Advocacy Center for North Texas and Metrocrest Services, approval of a substantial consent agenda for infrastructure and equipment, and a unanimous vote to participate in the state Events Trust Fund program for the LIV Golf Team Championship at Maridoe Golf Club in September 2024. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:17 PM.

Presentations

• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Proclamation: Mayor Steve Babick presented a proclamation recognizing May 2024 as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) Awareness Month. A local resident living with hEDS spoke to the council about the challenges of her condition and her hope that the proclamation will lead to greater awareness and better care.

Consent Calendar

All items on the consent agenda (Numbers 10 through 27) were approved unanimously (7-0) via a roll call vote. Item 28 (LIV Golf) was pulled from the consent agenda for a separate roll call vote. Key items discussed during the consent review included:

• Item 10 (CPR Program): Three-year subscription for RQI Partners for $51,601.00. Staff clarified this is distinct from the prior Avive AED program.
• Items 15 & 16 (Equipment Purchases): Staff confirmed the LeeBoy Asphalt Machine ($112,388) and Case Skid Steer ($65,500.75) were replacements, not additions to the fleet.
• Item 20 (Perry Road Improvements): Construction contract awarded to 3D Paving for $4,585,101.20. The lowest bidder was disqualified due to responsibility concerns. The project covers 4,000 linear feet and is expected to take one year.
• Item 21 (Plano Parkway Park Phase 1): Contract awarded to Axis Contracting for $2,235,184.83. A $20,000 early completion incentive is attached to the parking lot for Hebron High School. A companion budget amendment (Item 23) transferred $260,720 from the General Facilities Fund to the Parks Fund for this project.
• Item 22 (Vegetation Nuisance Ordinance): Adopted to align Chapter 95 with state law (HB1750). Establishes a 12-inch vegetation limit and 10-foot mowed setback for agricultural operations near residences.
• Item 24 (McInnish Turf Design): Design contract with CEI for $107,100 for synthetic turf on up to three fields.
• Item 26 (Catalytic Converter Grant): Authority to apply for a $753,000 grant for 57 FLOCK cameras. Chief Arredondo noted a significant reduction in catalytic converter thefts over three years.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 28 (LIV Golf ETF): Five residents spoke. Adam Poulter and Susannah Dooling spoke in opposition, questioning the direct economic return for Carrollton and suggesting funds be directed elsewhere. John Mahalik, Lisa Sutter, and John Sutter spoke in favor, emphasizing regional branding, long-term investment parallels, and the quality of the event.
• Item 31 (Highlands of Carrollton 3): Jack Bennett of the HOA board spoke in favor, highlighting a previous difficulty in selling a home due to the incorrect multifamily zoning.
• Public Forum: Adam Poulter urged the council to expand community engagement on upcoming master plans and promoted the Carrollton Pride Festival. Susannah Dooling thanked city staff for the Earth Day event.

Discussion Items

• TxDOT IH-35E Briefing: Nolan Del Yero (TxDOT) and Bob Stevens (Lone Star Constructors) presented the project update. A major upcoming impact is the planned full closure of the Luna Road Bridge over IH-35E for up to 12 months, beginning in September 2024. Councilmembers expressed strong concern about city gridlock and urged the team to explore all options to minimize the closure duration and to provide robust, early communication on detours. The project has a substantial completion target of December 2025.
• Children's Advocacy Center: CEO Kristen Howell presented a funding request, asking for $115,000 to cover 20% of the cost of serving Carrollton children. The Center served 214 Carrollton residents last year.
• Metrocrest Services: Executive Director Tracy Eubanks reported a 26% increase in Carrollton clients (projecting ~12,000 versus a forecast of 9,622). While under a $400,000 annual contract, Eubanks stated that matching the previous funding ratio would require roughly $511,000 in the next budget cycle.
• LIV Golf Events Trust Fund (Item 28): James Clark of Outlyr explained the application process, emphasizing that the local match is a post-event deposit determined by state-audited tax receipts. The city's $115,300 maximum match, combined with the state share, is rebated back to the city after the event. Council and staff discussed conservative economic projections compared to LIV's typical impact, the regional sales tax benefit, and a two-year commitment. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Carpenter and seconded by Councilmember Axberg.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (Items 10-27): Approved (7-0).
• LIV Golf ETF (Item 28): Approved (7-0). The city will apply for the program with a local match up to $115,300.
• West Plano Parkway Annexation (Item 29): Approved (7-0).
• Chipotle & Starbucks PD-212 Amendment (Item 30): Approved (7-0).
• Highlands of Carrollton 3 Zoning Correction (Item 31): Approved (7-0).
• Crowley Crossing Warehouse SUP (Item 32): Approved (7-0).