City Council Preview – May 6, 2014
Today’s council meeting begins with a Work Session at 3pm followed by a Regular Session at 6:30pm, both at City Hall at 215 E. McKinney Street. Go here for a full agenda, complete with backup material. This council meeting is anticipated to be a long one – an appropriate way to send off Mayor Burroughs, Mayor Pro Tem Pete Kamp, and Council Member King. This will be their last official regular session meeting as members of council.
Here are a few items that might interest you:
TEXTING BAN ORDINANCE
We will consider an ordinance making it illegal to “text” while operating a motor vehicle. The ordinance defines texting broadly to include, “any other use of the device, besides dialing telephone numbers or talking to another person, while operating a motor vehicle.” The Traffic Safety Commission originally proposed an all out ban on any use of handheld devices while driving, but the council agreed to pursue a ban specific only to texting or other similar type activities.
The above picture is to the point and is part of a study that indicates texting and driving might just be more dangerous than drinking and driving. See the video below for more:
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SETTLEMENT WITH EAGLERIDGE ENERGY
The city has been involved in global settlement negotiations since November when we first passed the “Standstill Agreement” with EagleRidge Energy. The goal of these negotiations has been to solve long-standing problems, particularly as it relates to how to adequately regulate existing well sites, many of which came into existence under different rules. Our agenda includes an action item to act on such an agreement should it be reached by the time of the council meeting.
Click here to see a November article I wrote on the problem with old well sites in the city.
BELL AVE CONSERVATION DISTRICT CONTROVERSY
We will be hearing an appeal of denials of the Historic Landmark Commission of Certificate of Appropriateness for a property located at 1807 North Bell. It is interesting to note that this home was previously owned by the former front man of Denton’s own Midlake, Tim Smith. Perhaps that alone qualifies this home for historic designation.
The current owners purchased the property and significantly altered a number of aspects of the structure in a way that violates historic guidelines outlined in the ordinance that created the Bell Ave. Conservation District. In order to resolve those issues, the applicant submitted a number of Certificate of Appropriateness applications – all were denied by the Historic Landmark Commission.
RAYZOR RANCH RAMPING UP – SEEKS ADDITIONAL TOOLS
There will be two items on our agenda tonight relating to the Rayzor Ranch development near the intersection of 380 and Bonnie Brae. You’ve no doubt seen the build out of retail stores on the North side of 380 (Rayzor Ranch Marketplace) and RED Development is now ramping up to begin work on the South side of 380 (Rayzor Ranch Town Center). One item is a second amendment to a 2010 Economic Development Program Grant Agreement and the other is a public hearing prior to considering a resolution that the proposed public improvements on the South side of 380 promote the interests of the city – in order to move forward with a Public Improvement District.
As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please leave them below or contact me via email or cell at 940-206-5239.