By Saudia Kroviak

After approval of the September 20th and October 4th meeting minutes, City Council allowed for individual consideration in regards to holding the second of two public hearings to consider the proposed annexation of tracts of land, being part of the Isaac Herring Survey, containing 18 acres of land, located on North Murphy Road (FM 2551), north of McWhirter Road; two parts of the Mary Scott Survey, one containing  just under 5 acres of land located on Dublin Road, north of FM 544 and the other containing 17 acres of land, located on Heritage Parkway, north of FM 544; as well as a part of the Daniel Herring Survey, containing just over 12 acres of land, located on Moonlight Drive, east of South Murphy Road.
The first to address council was Mr. Thomas James.  Mr. James expressed concern about his property, one of two parts of the Mary Scott Survey, being annexed and explained the financial burden as it pertained to the connection between the sewer and water. Although no action was taken, discussion to clarify the City’s responsibility for sewer and water lines and where those water lines would be located took place. Assistant City Manager Bickerstaff explained that the City is responsible for extending or providing the lines to the extraterritorial jurisdiction line of the property.
Mr. Todd Spencer and Mr. Don Kiertscher addressed Council regarding parts of the Daniel Herring Survey proposed for annexation. Mr. Spencer explained that he is in the process of building a home on property, and simply requested not to be annexed by the City; while Mr. Kiertscher clarified that he lives in lot five, adjacent to the property proposed for annexation. He stated that this property is landlocked by residential development and that he didn’t see any reason for the annexation.
No action on these items were taken, however clarification on emergency services was rendered by Chief Lee on behalf of the Fire Department and Chief Cox on behalf of the Police Department.
  Mr. Dale Johnston addressed Council regarding the second part of the Mary Scott Survey, stating that the Public Notice was misleading and that he intends to continue using the land for agricultural purposes and noted House Bill 1472 which requires a development agreement rather than annexation for land that is designated for as agricultural exemption, timber management, or wildlife management.  Mr. Johnston asked how, or if this applies in the current situation. There was no Council action on this item.
Moving forward, Councilmember Bradley moved to approve a resolution declaring expectation to reimburse expenditures up to $750,000 with proceeds of future debt and Councilmember Halbert seconded the motion; passing with Mayor Baldwin absent.
Council also determined that Staff will meet with Sign Plazas, Inc. and converse a resolution to the issues involving payment, inconsistency in signage, advertising for locations outside of Murphy and logo change issues.
An open discussion was held regarding proposed changes to Chapter 28 “Development Standards” of the City of Murphy Code of Ordinances. Although no action was taken, Councilmember Halbert did ask for clarification concerning special permit signs verses sale/lease signage for commercial property and she would also like to see a formula used for transitional fencing; as well as some language added regarding providing recycling storage for commercial properties to encourage businesses to recycle. Assistant City Manager Bickerstaff reminded Council to continue sending questions and comments, as Mayor Pro Tem Daugherty stated he had done. This item is scheduled to go to the Planning and Zoning Commission in November and to Council in January.
Gary Hendricks, City Engineer, addressed Council explaining the significant drainage issues surrounding McCreary Road, stating that correcting the issues would require an additional $200,000 above the $1.2 budgeted for the McCreary Road project. Mr. Hendricks stated that the City is working with the City of Wylie and awaiting their response to a proposal to resolve the drainage issues by working together and utilizing Wylie’s system.
The City Manager/Staff Reports included mention of upcoming events, updates concerning the Rodeo Elevated Storage Tank and the North Hill Park Grand Opening Celebration. Financials were reported by Linda Truitt, Financial Director, and Construction Projects Updates were reported by Kim Lenoir, Community Services Manager. Questions around financials included how many single family home permits were projected in the FY2011 budget and if the FY2010 budget expenditures would remain at 90% of budget.  Ms. Truitt reported 50 single family home permits were projected and also reported expenditures would be slightly higher than 90%. Clarification in the Council Meeting included Councilmember Halbert explaining that the Park Escrow Fund would be reduced for the Skyline Park escrow monies. Ms. Lenoir reported 100% of what was budgeted was indeed used for Travis Farm Park as well as noted that a change order was issued in regards to the Windy Hills Sewer Lift. She also addressed landscape concerns on Heritage Parkway stating that she will be contacting the contractor to correct the issues.
Afterwards, Councilmember Bradley requested to clarify the vote on Item 5. He stated that Councilmember Brandon did not actually vote on the item because he was trying to amend the motion. Councilmember Bradley asked to give Councilmember Brandon an opportunity to vote on the item if he chose to; however Councilmember Brandon declined and stated he was fine with the results of the vote being stated as unanimous.