Carrollton City Council Regular Worksession & Meeting - September 10, 2024

The Carrollton City Council convened on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, starting with a Pre-Meeting and Worksession at 5:30 PM, followed by the Regular Meeting at 7:00 PM. The meeting covered the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget and tax rate, contract approvals, public hearings on zoning items, and discussions on the management of the Indian Creek Golf Club and a potential Korea Town designation.

Consent Calendar

The Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda (Items 9-31) in a single 7-0 vote. Key items approved include:

• Minutes: Minutes from the July 26-27 Strategic Retreat and the August 20 Regular Meeting.
• Bids & Purchases/Contracts: Fence installation at R.E. Good Soccer Complex ($167,737), Rosemeade Recreation Center renovations ($402,000), temporary staffing services ($1.2M over three years), risk management software ($130,000), replacement fire alarm equipment ($76,412), 3M sign materials via Fort Worth ($150,000), Duncan Heights NOTICE Phase 1 construction ($6.95M), Country Villas Street Reconstruction ($7.79M), and a temporary water demand increase agreement with Dallas.
• Resolutions: Multiple license plate reader camera expansions with Flock Safety Systems (software, park cameras, 57-camera grant lease), acceptance of the 2025 Catalytic Converter Grant ($184,167), AV equipment for the Real Time Crime Center ($200,906.91), adoption of the Atmos Energy rate settlement (avg. $5.52/month residential increase), an amendment to the VertexOne utility billing contract ($296,823), ratification of emergency storm debris removal by CrowderGulf ($1.27M) and tree trimming by Elite Tree Services ($29,255 overage), insurance coverage binding ($1.4M), and amendment of the Indian Creek Golf Club management contract.
• Ordinances: Adoption of the updated Comprehensive Fee Schedule (Chapter 31), effective October 1, 2024.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Zoning Case 33 (Neu Tint Auto Glass): The property manager, Yugendra Shahi, spoke in favor of the SUP, detailing the clean, indoor nature of the vehicle wrapping and window tint business.
• Public Forum (Item 39): Jim Baker, representing a 182-home HOA at Keller Springs and Kelly Boulevard, expressed frustration over traffic management plans for the upcoming LIV Golf tournament. He stated barricades planned for Kelly Boulevard would force traffic through his neighborhood and requested the blockade be moved. The Mayor stated someone from the city would follow up.
• No other public testimony was offered on the Consent Agenda, the remaining zoning cases, or the Tax Rate and Budget public hearings.

Discussion Items

• Management of Indian Creek Golf Club: Director of Parks and Recreation Scott Whitaker presented the history of the golf operations. The city's revenue share model has created a $1.7 million reserve, with the city's share exceeding $900,000 in 2023. However, the operator, Orion Management Solutions, lost money in 2023 due to increased expenses. An independent consultant recommended renegotiating the contract. The proposal was to lower the city's revenue share from 18% to 16% and include a $7,000 monthly management fee for the contractor when the course is closed for at least five days due to extraordinary events. Council consensus supported the amendment.
• Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Budget: The Council reviewed the final budget package. Key points included funding a 1.5-cent reduction in the tax rate from the effective rate, funding for various ATBs, and maintaining a balanced budget. City Manager Erin Rinehart highlighted the city's tax relief options.
• Request for Korea Town Designation: Economic Development Manager Chris Simchek provided background on discussions since May 2023. A formal request was recently received from a property owner and the Korea Town Association, but lacks endorsements from the Korean Society of Dallas and the Korean American Chamber. Councilmembers expressed strong support for recognizing the Korean community's contributions and authorized staff to continue discussions to build broader consensus before any formal action.
• Flock Cameras and Real Time Crime Center: Chief Roberto Arredondo and Assistant Chief Vic Humphrey detailed the Flock Safety program expansion. The Chief provided examples of crimes solved using LPR technology, including homicides and abductions. The RTCC will serve as a central hub to integrate camera data and other intelligence, acting as a force multiplier to get real-time information to officers.

Key Outcomes

• FY2025 Budget and Tax Rate Adopted: The Council adopted the FY2025 Operating and Capital Budget. The property tax rate was set at $0.538750 per $100 valuation (a 4.16% increase over the no-new-revenue rate). The Council separately ratified the property tax increase. Mayor Babick noted this is the 11th straight year the city has reduced the tax rate. The motion to adopt the tax rate passed 6-1 (Councilmember Fleming opposed). The budget and ratification votes were unanimous.
• Zoning Approvals:
  • Eiswelt Gelato & Arcade (Case 2024-085): Unanimously approved. SUP allows an arcade with up to 32 gaming stations (excluding adult arcade), no alcohol, with hours limited to 2-10 PM (Mon-Fri) and 11 AM-10 PM (Sat-Sun).
  • Neu Tint Auto Glass (Case 2024-071): Approved with a 6-1 supermajority vote (Councilmember Carpenter opposed), overriding the P&Z Commission's denial. The SUP allows vehicle wrapping, window tinting, and replacement in the (LR-2) district. Stipulations strictly prohibit paint/body repair and overnight vehicle storage.
  • Walmart Monopole (Case 2024-074): Unanimously approved. SUP allows a 150-foot freestanding communications tower behind the Walmart on East Trinity Mills Road.
• Indian Creek Golf Club Contract Amendment: Council provided unanimous consensus to authorize the City Manager to amend the management contract with Orion Management Solutions. This adjusts the revenue share formula to 16% for the city's share and allows for a $7,000 monthly management fee during extraordinary closures.
• Emergency Response Ratifications: The Council ratified emergency expenditures for debris removal ($1,266,800 to CrowderGulf) and tree trimming ($29,255 overage to Elite Tree Services) related to the May 28, 2024, severe windstorm.