Former Member of the Duncanville City Council, 2007-2009 Duncanville, Texas
(New updates for February 1, 2010below)
Well, I lost the election. In a democracy, people have the right to be wrong. . .
I want to thank those who voted for me and who worked on my campaign, and I want to congratulate Johnette Jameson for her successful re-election bid. How lucky we are to still have at least one independent person on the Duncanville City Council.
I look forward to clearing my name and defending myself against the frivolous criminal charge brought against me by those with ill will.
The Petition to Ban Red Light Cameras will continue. (Duncanville residents, call or email if you want to sign it.) Paul Ford Reports will continue. And I will continue to encourage everyone to get involved, stay involved, and keep asking questions. ----------------------------------
Hello, and welcome to Paul Ford Reports! Behind the scenes information about what’s going on in Duncanville, notes on matters before the City Council, commentary on local affairs, reprints of newspaper columns, links to other sources of information -- all that awaits you, and more! My goal is for Paul Ford Reports to be a continuing resource for people who want to know, as the late Paul Harvey put it, “the rest of the story.”
Questions? Comments? Tips on something that needs looking into? Email me at Paul@PaulFordReports.com
And -- if any person mentioned on Paul Ford Reports believes I have mischaracterized his or her position or actions, submit a rebuttal.
Update - February 1, 2010
There will be a meeting of the Duncanville
City Council on Tuesday, February 2, 2010. The briefing starts at 6:00 PM in
the Briefing Room, and the meeting itself begins at 7:00 PM in the Council
Chamber. Both the briefing and the meeting are open to the public.
[Please excuse the formatting problems below.]
BRIEFING
SESSION -- 6:00 PM Briefing
Room, City Hall 203 East Wheatland Road
Duncanville, Texas 75116
REGULAR MEETING -- 7:00
PM City Council Chamber
203 East Wheatland Road
Duncanville, Texas 75116
View Agenda here (you will need to copy and
paste the following to the address bar above):
http://www.ci.duncanville.tx.us/pdf/February%202%20%202010%20(regular%20meeting%20agenda).pdf
View
Information Packet here (you will need to copy and paste the following to the
address bar above): http://www.ci.duncanville.tx.us/pdf/09%20-%20City%20Council%20packet%20-%20February%202%20%202010.pdf
Update - January 19, 2010
There will be a meeting of the Duncanville City Council on
Tuesday, January 19, 2010. The briefing starts at 6:00 PM in the
Briefing Room, and the meeting itself begins at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber.
Both the briefing and the meeting are open to the public.
[Please excuse the formatting problems below.]
BRIEFING
SESSION -- 6:00 PM Briefing Room, City
Hall 203 East Wheatland Road Duncanville,
Texas 75116
REGULAR MEETING -- 7:00 PM City Council
Chamber 203 East Wheatland
Road Duncanville, Texas 75116
View Agenda here (you will need to copy and paste the following to the address bar above): http://www.ci.duncanville.tx.us/pdf/January%2019%20%202010%20(regular%20meeting%20agenda).pdf
View Information Packet here (you will need to copy and paste the following to the address bar above): http://www.ci.duncanville.tx.us/pdf/08%20-%20City%20Council%20packet%20-%20January%2019%20%202010.pdf
Update - December 13, 2009
There will be a meeting of the Duncanville City Council on Tuesday, December 15, 2009. The briefing starts at 6:00 PM in the Briefing Room, and the meeting itself begins at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. Both the briefing and the meeting are open to the public.
BRIEFING SESSION -- 6:00 PM Briefing Room, City Hall 203 East Wheatland Road Duncanville, Texas 75116
REGULAR MEETING -- 7:00 PM City Council Chamber 203 East Wheatland Road Duncanville, Texas 75116
There will be a meeting of the Duncanville City Council on Tuesday, December 1, 2009. The briefing starts at 6:00 PM in the Briefing Room, and the meeting itself begins at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. Both the briefing and the meeting are open to the public.
BRIEFING SESSION -- 6:00 PM Briefing Room, City Hall 203 East Wheatland Road Duncanville, Texas 75116
REGULAR MEETING -- 7:00 PM City Council Chamber 203 East Wheatland Road Duncanville, Texas 75116
There will be a meeting of the Duncanville City Council on Tuesday, November 17, 2009. The briefing starts at 6:00 PM in the Briefing Room, and the meeting itself begins at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. Both the briefing and the meeting are open to the public.
BRIEFING SESSION -- 6:00 PM Briefing Room, City Hall 203 East Wheatland Road Duncanville, Texas 75116
REGULAR MEETING -- 7:00 PM City Council Chamber 203 East Wheatland Road Duncanville, Texas 75116
View Agenda Here View the Agenda Information Packet Here
Update -- November 2, 2009
1. Constitutional Amendment Election on 11-3-09 2. November 3, 2009 City Council Meeting
Constitutional Amendment Election
Tomorrow is Election Day. Voting will take place from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM at Byrd, Reed, and Fairmeadows schools. Here is a summary of the proposals and voting suggestions from Peg Venable of Texas Americans for Prosperity:
On Tuesday, Nov. 3, Texas voters will have the chance to strengthen property rights in our state and to make the property appraisal system more fair and accountable.
Voting on the 11 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution happens tomorrow, but we don’t want you to enter your polling place uninformed.
You can take this email with you – and here are our recommendations:
Below, you’ll find a detailed description of all 11 proposed amendments along with AFP’s explanation and our recommendation on whether voters should approve or reject the propositions.
If you have any questions about our recommendations, please e-mail us at info@afptx.org.
Texas Election Constitutional Amendments, November 3, 2009, Recommendations from Americans for Prosperity-Texas:
Proposition 1 - AGAINST Proposition 1 would amend the constitution to authorize the legislature to allow a municipality or a county to issue bonds and notes to finance the purchase of buffer areas or open spaces adjacent to military installations. The buffer areas would be used to prevent encroachment or to construct roadways utilities, or other infrastructure to protect or promote the mission of the military installation. The municipality or county may pledge increases in ad valorem tax revenues for repayment of the bonds or notes.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the financing, including through tax increment financing, of the acquisition by municipalities and counties of buffer areas or open spaces adjacent to a military installation for the prevention of encroachment or for the construction of roadways, utilities, or other infrastructure to protect or promote the mission of the military installation."
Against: Not the appropriate role of cities and counties, and could raise taxes. Proposition 1 would allow cities and counties to raise taxes to build infrastructure under the broad justification of protecting a military base. This could lead to higher property taxes at a time when property owners are already feeling an economic burden. While protecting military bases is a worthy goal, this should be a federal responsibility. Cities and counties should not be allowed to increase property taxes to finance the bonds.
Proposition 2 - FOR Proposition 2 would amend the constitution to authorize the legislature to provide for the taxation of a residence homestead solely on the basis of the property's value as a residence homestead, regardless of whether the property may have a higher value if it were used for other purposes.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for the ad valorem taxation of a residence homestead solely on the basis of the property’s value as a residence homestead."
For: Property rights and taxpayer protection issue. Some Texas homeowners have seen their appraisals rise substantially, not because the value of their homes increased, but because the land was considered more valuable as a potential business site. Texas already prohibits agricultural land and timber land from being appraised based on other possible uses, but no similar protection exists for homeowners. This is key to homeowners to keep their property from being taxed at a higher rate in some urban areas where the land might be more valuable as a shopping mall or other enterprise. This is a property rights issue.
NOTE: Props 2 & 3 are not going to open the door to a statewide property tax, as some viral emails are suggesting. The Texas Constitution prohibits a statewide property tax and that portion of the constitution is not being amended. (Sec. 1-e. ABOLITION OF AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAXES. No State ad valorem taxes shall be levied upon any property within this State. This can be found in Article 8: Taxation and Revenue, Section 1-e: abolition of ad valorem property taxes.
Proposition 3 - FOR Proposition 3 would amend the constitution to require the legislature to provide for the administration and enforcement of uniform standards and procedures for appraisal of property for ad valorem tax purposes.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment providing for uniform standards and procedures for the appraisal of property for ad valorem tax purposes."
For: Taxpayer protection measure. Though this opens the door further for state involvement in local property taxation, this proposed amendment would make sure that properties in different counties are appraised according to the same uniform statewide standards. It would allow appraisal standards to be enforced by direct action against appraisal districts, rather than relying on penalties against school districts. Since state funding to school districts is partially based on local property value, it’s unfair to allow values to be determined differently in different counties.
Proposition 4 - AGAINST Proposition 4 would amend the constitution to establish the national research university fund to provide a source of funding that will enable emerging research universities in this state to develop into major research universities. The amendment would require the legislature to dedicate state revenue to the fund and to transfer the balance of the existing higher education fund to the national research university fund. This amendment would further require the legislature to establish the criteria by which a state university may become eligible to receive and use distributions from the fund.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment establishing the national research university fund to enable emerging research universities in this state to achieve national prominence as major research universities and transferring the balance of the higher education fund to the national research university fund."
Against: While the goals of the proposal are commendable, Texas should focus more of its limited resources strictly on those institutions that are the closest to attaining nationally recognized status. By setting criteria such that at least seven different universities can draw from the NRUF, it will take longer for the leading research universities, such as the University of Houston, to reach national prominence.
Proposition 5 - FOR Proposition 5 would amend the constitution to authorize the legislature to allow for a single appraisal review board for two or more adjoining appraisal entities that elect to provide for consolidated reviews of tax appraisals.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to authorize a single board of equalization for two or more adjoining appraisal entities that elect to provide for consolidated equalizations."
For: Taxpayer protection measure. Many rural counties have a difficult time finding enough qualified and willing candidates to sit on their appraisal review boards. Proposition 5 would let counties join together to form consolidated appraisal review boards. Having fully qualified appraisal review boards would help ensure a more professional appraisal review process.
Proposition 6 - AGAINST Proposition 6 would amend the constitution to authorize the Veterans' Land Board to issue general obligation bonds, subject to certain constitutional limits, for the purpose of selling land and providing home or land mortgage loans to veterans of the state.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the Veterans ’ Land Board to issue general obligation bonds in amounts equal to or less than amounts previously authorized."
Against: Taxpayer protection measure. Voters should have the ability to approve bonding authority every time it is needed. This proposed amendment will reduce the board’s accountability to the voters. Voters did not vote for perpetual borrowing when they authorized the first set of bonds. There is no reason why the board should not be expected to come back to the voters for approval of these large amounts of borrowing.
Proposition 7 - FOR Proposition 7 would amend the constitution to allow an officer or enlisted member of the Texas State Guard or other state militia or military force to hold other civil offices.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment to allow an officer or enlisted member of the Texas State Guard or other state militia or military force to hold other civil offices."
For: Individual liberty issue. This proposed amendment would correct an oversight in the Texas Constitution. The Texas State Guard and other Texas military forces were overlooked during earlier amendments to this section exempting other members of the armed forces. Many civil officials would like to become active in the Texas State Guard or other Texas military forces but are prohibited from doing so by the current constitutional provision.
Proposition 8 - AGAINST Proposition 8 would amend the constitution to authorize the state to contribute money, property, and other resources for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of veterans’ hospitals in this state.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the state to contribute money, property, and other resources for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of veteran’s hospitals in this state.”
Against: Not appropriate role of state government. Though a laudable objective, funding these hospitals is the responsibility of the federal government. In these tough budgetary times, the state should not devote any of its limited resources to something that is not a responsibility of Texas state government. If we want more veteran’s hospitals in Texas, our federal legislators should work to provide them with federal funding.
Proposition 9 - AGAINST Proposition 9 would define what is a state-owned public beach. The public, individually and collectively, would have an unrestricted right to use and a right of ingress to and egress from a public beach. The amendment would authorize the legislature to enact laws to protect these rights.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment to protect the right of the public, individually and collectively, to access and use the public beaches bordering the seaward shore of the Gulf of Mexico."
Against: Property rights issue. The Open Beaches Act gives the state too much power to restrict the right of private landowners to enjoy their property. Placing this authority in the Constitution would only worsen this problem by making the law more difficult to change in the future. Under the Open Beaches Act, the state has forced homeowners to move or remove their houses after hurricanes and other changes to the coastline. The law should be weakened, not placed in the Constitution.
Proposition 10 - AGAINST Proposition 10 would amend the constitution to authorize the legislature to provide that members of the governing board of an emergency services district may serve terms not to exceed four years.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment to provide that elected members of the governing boards of emergency services districts may serve terms not to exceed four years."
Against: Taxpayer protection issue. Proposition 10 would weaken public oversight over the governing boards of emergency services districts. Since these boards have the power to set tax rates, the members should have to face the voters regularly. Members of the Texas House of Representatives and the United States House are elected every two years, and there is no reason members of the boards of emergency services districts should be any different.
Proposition 11 - FOR Proposition 11 would amend the constitution to provide that the taking of private property for public use (“eminent domain”) is authorized only if it is for the ownership, use, and enjoyment of the property by the State, its political subdivisions, the public at large, or by entities granted the power of eminent domain, or for the removal of urban blight. The amendment would prohibit the taking of private property for transfer to a private entity for the purpose of economic development or to increase tax revenues. The amendment would also limit the legislature's authority to grant the power of eminent domain in the future unless it is approved by a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to each house.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment to prohibit the taking, damaging, or destroying of private property for public use unless the action is for the ownership, use, and enjoyment of the property by the State, a political subdivision of the State, the public at large, or entities granted the power of eminent domain under law or for the elimination of urban blight on a particular parcel of property, but not for certain economic development or enhancement of tax revenue purposes, and to limit the legislature ’s authority to grant the power of eminent domain to an entity."
For: Private property rights protection issue. Proposition 11 would add key protections against abuses of the power of eminent domain by stating the legitimate purposes for eminent domain in the Constitution. Passage of this amendment would also have the symbolic value as a strong message from the Legislature and voters that eminent domain must be used for very limited purposes, only when it is really needed.
Prop11 will protect property rights by defining public use and prohibiting a governmental taking for economic development or enhancement of taxes. This proposed amendment would require the government to keep any property it takes through eminent domain in its possession, to occupy the property, and to use the property for some productive purpose. It would prohibit the government from taking property without a clearly stated purpose. It would also prohibit property from being taken by government and then given to a private entity. The proposed amendment will make it more difficult for the Legislature to grant eminent domain power to additional entities.
NOTE: This amendment is a “fix” to the outrageous Kelo Supreme Court decision of 2005, and will prohibit local government from taking property and turning it over to a developer so the taxing entity can receive more in property taxes. (The Texas Municipal League supported the decision and used your tax dollars to file an amicus brief before the U.S. Supreme Court to allow such a taking.)info@afptx.org.click here.http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/)
November 3, 2009 City Council Meeting
There will be a meeting of the Duncanville City Council on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. The briefing starts at 6:00 PM in the Briefing Room, and the meeting itself begins at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. Both the briefing and the meeting are open to the public.
BRIEFING SESSION -- 6:00 PM Briefing Room, City Hall 203 East Wheatland Road Duncanville, Texas 75116
REGULAR MEETING -- 7:00 PM City Council Chamber 203 East Wheatland Road Duncanville, Texas 75116
Today is the last day to vote early in the Constitutional Amendment Election -- 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the Duncanville Library. Especially important is Proposition #11, which will give property owners more protection against having their property seized for "economic development or enhancement of tax revenue purposes." If you haven't yet voted and can't make it today, Election Day is this Tuesday, November 3rd, at Byrd, Reed, and Fairmeadows schools.
Update -- October 20, 2009
City Council Meeting, October 20, 2009
There will be a meeting of the Duncanville City Council on Tuesday, October 20, 2009. The briefing starts at 6:00 PM in the Briefing Room, and the meeting itself begins at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. Both the briefing and the meeting are open to the public.
BRIEFING SESSION -- 6:00 PM Briefing Room, City Hall 203 East Wheatland Road Duncanville, Texas 75116
REGULAR MEETING -- 7:00 PM City Council Chamber 203 East Wheatland Road Duncanville, Texas 75116
Agenda: 1. Discuss Vicious Dog Ordinance. 2. Discuss Junked Vehicle Ordinance. 3. Discuss Taser Policy. 4. Discuss Smoking Ban. 5. Discuss Noise Ordinance. 6. Discuss Graffiti Abatement Program. 7. Discuss Certified Retirement Community Program. 8. Discuss development of Strategic Plan.
(This involves hiring an outside consultant to "facilitate" a "retreat.")
9. Review Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Workplan and develop Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Workplan. 10. Recess into Executive Session [closed to the public] to conduct City Manager Review.
(This is to discuss City Manager Kent Cagle's new contract.)
11. Consider any action necessary pursuant to discussion in Executive Session.
(This is the vote to renew Kent Cagle's contract.)
City Council Special Meeting, October 9, 2009
There will be a special meeting of the Duncanville City Council on Friday, October 9, 2009 at 9:00 AM in the Briefing Room at City Hall.
Agenda: 1. Discuss Duncanville Community Multicultural Commission. 2. Schedule joint meetings with Boards and Commissions.
Update-September 15, 2009
September 15, 2009 City Council Meeting
There will be a meeting of the Duncanville City Council on Tuesday, September 15, 2009. The briefing starts at 6:00 PM in the Briefing Room, and the meeting itself begins at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. Both the briefing and the meeting are open to the public.
BRIEFING SESSION -- 6:00 PM Briefing Room, City Hall 203 East Wheatland Road Duncanville, Texas 75116
REGULAR MEETING -- 7:00 PM City Council Chamber 203 East Wheatland Road Duncanville, Texas 75116
There will be a meeting of the Duncanville City Council on Tuesday, September 1, 2009. The briefing starts at 6:00 PM in the Briefing Room, and the meeting itself begins at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. Both the briefing and the meeting are open to the public.
BRIEFING SESSION – 6:00 PM Briefing Room, City Hall 203 East Wheatland Road Duncanville, Texas 75116
1. Discuss and consider approval of amendment to Board & Commission Appointment/Reappointment Guidelines.
2. Scheduling – review and discuss upcoming calendar items. a. Strategic planning session b. Workshop – Duncanville Community Multicultural Commission
3. Review and discuss all agenda items.
REGULAR MEETING -- 7:00 PM City Council Chamber 203 East Wheatland Road Duncanville, Texas 75116
Agenda:
Invocation Pledge of Allegiance Mayor’s Report Recognition of Visitors / Proclamations / Presentations Citizens Public Comment Period [Each speaker will be allowed two (2) minutes to address the council.]
CONSENT ITEMS
1C. Approval of minutes.
2C. Reject bids received July 16, 2009 for gymnasium floor resurfacing.
3C. Approval of a 4B expenditure in the amount of $60,000 and a General Fund expenditure in the amount of $1,284 with Dynamic Sports Construction, Inc. through the Texas Local Government Purchasing Cooperative (TLGPC) for gymnasium floor resurfacing.
4C. Approval of a 4B expenditure in the amount of $3,490.03 for a paint grant for the property located at 519 E. Highway 67.
5C. Approval of a 4B expenditure in the amount of $6,000.00 for a landscape grant for the property located at 519 E. Highway 67.
6C. Approval of a 4B expenditure in the amount of $4,529.36 for a sign grant for the property located at 519 E. Highway 67.
7C. Approval of City of Duncanville investment policy.
8C. Approval of authorized dealers and financial institutions.
REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS/REQUESTS
9. Consider approval of Ordinance No. 2092 amending the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and map, as heretofore amended, to amend the existing “LR-2-SUP” Local Retail-2 zoning with a special use permit for a convalescent home by revoking the “SUP” Special Use Permit on Lot 1A, Block H, Cedar Ridge Addition, more commonly known as 302 South Venice Drive and by amending the existing “LR-2” Local Retail-2 zoning to Planned Development-Residential on property described as 5.9 acres of land, being lots 1A and 1B, Block H, Cedar Ridge Addition, situated in the northeast corner of S. Venice Drive and W. Wheatland Road, more commonly known as 302 S. Venice Drive and 805 W. Wheatland Road, as described in Exhibit A; providing for development regulations; providing for the approval of the site plan attached as Exhibit B; providing repealing, savings, and severability clauses; and providing a penalty of fine not to exceed the sum of two thousand dollars for each offense.
10. Consider approval of Ordinance No. 2094 approving and adopting a budget for the City for the fiscal year October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010 and providing that expenditures for said fiscal year shall be made in accordance with said budget.
11. Consider approval of Ordinance No. 2095 levying the ad valorem taxes for the year 2009 at a rate of $0.696 per one hundred dollars ($100.00) assessed valuation on all taxable property within the corporate limits of the City as of January 1, 2009; to provide an interest and sinking fund on all outstanding debts of the City; and, providing for due and delinquent dates together with penalties and interest.
12. Consider approval of Ordinance No. 2096 approving and adopting a budget for the distribution of hotel/motel tax receipts for the fiscal year October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010.
13. Consider approval of hotel occupancy tax grant agreement with Duncanville Community Theatre for use of hotel/motel tax funds for FY 2009-2010. AGENDA (CONT.)
14. Consider approval of Amendment No. 1 to the Inter-Fund Loan Agreement for renovations to the Duncanville Community Theatre Building located at 106 S. Main Street.
15. Consider approval of Amendment No. 1 to the Advance Agreement for renovations to the Duncanville Community Theatre Building located at 106 S. Main Street.
16. Consider approval of Ordinance No. 2097 amending Chapter 20, “Water, Sewer and Sewage Disposal”, of the Code of Ordinances, Article II, “Water Service Charges”, by amending Section 20-17 to provide for the imposition of an administrative charge to be established by resolution of the City Council for delinquency of payment; and by adding Section 20-22 to provide for an administrative fee and civil penalty for accessing the water meter after disconnection or bypassing the water meter; providing a savings clause; providing a severability clause; and providing a penalty of fine not to exceed the sum of two hundred dollars ($200.00) for each offense.
17. Consider approval of Ordinance No. 2098 amending the Code of Ordinances by amending Section 10-4 of Chapter 10 to establish new fees for garbage and trash collection.
18. Consider approval of Resolution No. 2009 - 090118 adopting a master fee schedule and approving fee increases for FY 2009-2010.
19. Consider approval of Amendment No. 2 to the Household Hazardous Waste Interlocal Agreement with Dallas County extending the agreement from October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010 and a Solid Waste Fund expenditure in the amount of $85,000 for the collection and disposal of household hazardous waste.
20. Consider approval of Contract for Technical Services with Trinity River Authority of Texas for the period October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010 and a Utility Fund expenditure in the amount of $25,000 for analysis of water and wastewater, industrial inspections, and/or sampling services.
21. Councilmember Reports - In addition to items of community interest regarding which no action will be taken, as authorized by Section 551.0415 of the Government Code, the following reports are anticipated:
a. Councilman Cannon – Dr. Pepper StarCenter.
Posted Friday, August 28, 2009 at 5:00
Update -- August 17, 2009
August 18, 2009 City Council Meeting
There will be a meeting of the Duncanville City Council on Tuesday, August 18, 2009. The briefing starts at 6:00 PM in the Briefing Room, and the meeting itself begins at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. Both the briefing and the meeting are open to the public.
The most interesting items on the Agenda should be those concerning the budget for the next fiscal year. However, despite there being three separate items about the budget on the Agenda -- items five, six, and seven -- there is no background information in the Agenda Packet about the cuts in services, reductions in employee benefits, and fee increases the City Council is planning.
BRIEFING SESSION – 6:00 P.M. Briefing Room, City Hall 203 E. Wheatland Road
AGENDA:
1. Discuss and consider approval amendment to Board & Commission appointment / reappointment guidelines.
2. Scheduling – review and discuss upcoming calendar items.
3. Review and discuss all agenda items.
REGULAR MEETING – 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers, City Hall
AGENDA:
Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor’s Report
(Animal shelter ribbon cutting; Commissioner Mayfield’s town hall meeting)
Recognition of Visitors / Proclamations / Presentations
Citizens Public Comment Period
[Each speaker will be allowed two (2) minutes to address the council.]
CONSENT ITEMS
1C. Approval of minutes.
2C. Approval of Resolution No. 2009-081802 authorizing continued participation with the Atmos Cities Steering Committee and a General Fund expenditure in the amount of $777.00 for membership fees.
3C. Approval of Resolution No. 2009-081803 approving the Interlocal Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Dallas for the provision of law enforcement services.
REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS/REQUESTS
4. Receive presentation from Best Southwest Chamber of Commerce.
5. Receive presentation and discuss proposed FY 2009-2010 budget.
6. Public hearing to receive input on the proposed FY 2009-2010 budget for all City funds.
7. Consider directing staff on proposed FY 2009-2010 budget for all City funds.
8. Public hearing to receive input on the proposed FY 2009-2010 hotel/motel tax budget.
9. Consider directing staff on the proposed FY 2009-2010 hotel/motel tax budget.
10. Receive Police Department public safety report.
11. Councilmember Reports:
Councilman Skinner – reserves the right to comment on any posted agenda item. Councilman Cannon – reserves the right to comment on any posted agenda item. Mayor Pro Tem Smithey – reserves the right to comment on any posted agenda item; Transportation Summit. Councilwoman Jameson – reserves the right to comment on any posted agenda item.
Update -- August 2, 2009
1. Highlights of the July 21, 2009 Council Meeting; 2. August 4, 2009 City Council Meeting; 3. Budget Workshops on August 6th and August 7th.
Highlights of the July 21, 2009 Council Meeting
Councilmember Johnette Jameson pulled the Earle Jones $100,000 contract (Agenda Item 4C) and the $135,000 gift to developer Monte Anderson (agenda Item 5C) from the consent agenda to vote on as separate items, but both passed 7-0. It's business as usual.
August 4, 2009 City Council Meeting
There will be a meeting of the Duncanville City Council on Tuesday, August 4, 2009. The briefing starts at 6:00 PM in the Briefing Room, and the meeting itself begins at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. Both the briefing and the meeting are open to the public.
Perhaps the most interesting item on the agenda will be is a discussion of the "Inclusiveness Committee" (Agenda Item 3). However, the agenda item with the most actual importance is probably Agenda Item 2C, "Approval of Amendments to the City of Duncanville Employee Handbook." This will result in a reduction of employee benefits. However, as it is on the Consent Agenda, we can expect little to no discussion about it.
Afterwards, the Council will return to the Briefing Room for three separate meetings about appointments to City boards. The first of these meetings will be in Executive Session -- meaning the public is not allowed -- but the second two meetings will be open to the public.
Here is the agenda:
BRIEFING SESSION – 6:00 P.M. Briefing Room, City Hall 203 E. Wheatland Road Duncanville, TX 75116 View Agenda Packet Here
AGENDA
1. Conduct interviews with Board & Commission applicants.
2. Scheduling – review and discuss upcoming calendar items.
3. Review and discuss all agenda items.
REGULAR MEETING – 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers, City Hall 203 E. Wheatland Road
AGENDA
Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor’s Report – CGFO Certification
Recognition of Visitors / Proclamations / Presentations
Citizens Public Comment Period
CONSENT ITEMS
1C. Approval of minutes.
2C. Approval of amendments to the City of Duncanville Employee Handbook.
(Reductions in employee benefits.)
REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS/REQUESTS
3. Consider approval of guidelines pertaining to the scope of activities, membership descriptions, meeting schedule and final actions needed for the creation of the Duncanville Community Multicultural Commission.
4. Councilmember Reports.a. Councilwoman Jameson – reserves the right to comment on any posted agenda item.
5. Recess into Executive Session pursuant to G.C. Section 551.074, Personnel, to discuss appointments to the Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Sign Control Board, and 4B Board.
6. Recess into workshop to discuss appointments to the Park & Recreation Advisory Board, Library Advisory Board, Keep Duncanville Beautiful Board, Tri-City Animal Shelter Board, and Certified Retirement Community Oversight Committee.
7. Consider appointments to the Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Sign Control Board, 4B Board, Park & Recreation Advisory Board, Library Advisory Board, Keep Duncanville Beautiful Board, Tri-City Animal Shelter Board, and Certified Retirement Community Oversight Committee.
Posted Friday, July 31, 2009 at 5:00 P.M.
Budget Workshops on August 6th and August 7th
On August 6, 2009, the City Council will hold a Budget Workshop at the Duncanville Library in the meeting room. The main topic of discussion wiIl be, like every year at this time, the inevitable property tax increase.
According to the City's website, "if needed" there will be another Budget Workshop the next day, August 7th, at the same location. These meetings are scheduled to begin at 8:30 AM and will not be televised; there are no recording facilities in the library meeting rooms.
Here are the agendas:
DUNCANVILLE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2009, 8:30 A.M.
Duncanville Library/Community Center Meeting Rooms 1, 2 & 3 201 James Collins Blvd. Duncanville, TX 75116
AGENDA
Discuss proposed budget for FY 09-10.Consider calling a public hearing on August 18, 2009 on a tax increase due to the fact the proposed tax rate will exceed the rollback rate or the effective tax rate, whichever is lower.
Posted Friday, July 31, 2009 at 5:00 P.M.
DUNCANVILLE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2009, 8:30 A.M.
Duncanville Library/Community Center Meeting Rooms 1, 2 & 3 201 James Collins Blvd.
AGENDA
Discuss proposed budget for FY 09-10.Consider calling a public hearing on August 18, 2009 on a tax increase due to the fact the proposed tax rate will exceed the rollback rate or the effective tax rate, whichever is lower.
Posted Friday, July 31, 2009 at 5:00 P.M.
Update -- July 20, 2009
There will be a meeting of the Duncanville City Council on Tuesday, July 21, 2009. The briefing starts at 6:00 PM in the Briefing Room, and the meeting itself begins at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. Both the briefing and the meeting are open to the public. Here is the agenda:
DUNCANVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2009
BRIEFING
Briefing Room, City Hall 203 E. Wheatland Road Duncanville, TX 75116 View Agenda Packet Here
BRIEFING AGENDA
1. Staff Reports
2. Scheduling – review and discuss upcoming calendar items.
3. Review and discuss all agenda items.
REGULAR MEETING – 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers, City Hall
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor’s Report
Recognition of Visitors / Proclamations / Presentations
Citizens Public Comment Period
[Each speaker will be allowed two (2) minutes to address the council.]
CONSENT ITEMS
1C. Approval of minutes.
2C. Approval of an expenditure in the amount of $53,745.90 for annual purchase of manhole rehabilitation services from Insituform Technologies, Inc. through the Texas Local Government Purchasing Cooperative.
3C. Approval of an expenditure in the amount of $123,015 for annual purchase of cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) sewer line rehabilitation services from Insituform Technologies, Inc. through the Texas Local Government Purchasing Cooperative.
4C. Approval of contract with Earle Jones to provide contractual economic development services.
This will be another $100,000 thrown at Mayor David Green's relative Earle Jones; 4B Board Director Earle Jones's son is married to David Green's daughter. And once again, we will see Mayor David Green refuse to recuse himself from voting on this contract.
For more on Earle Jones, go to the "Pro-Dunc Postcard" page of Paul Ford Reports, "http://www.paulfordreports.com/6101.html , and scroll down to item #4, "Economic Development Director."
5C. Approval of an expenditure of 4B funds in the amount of $135,000 for Main Station improvements.
This represents yet another gift of taxpayer money to Monte Anderson, the primary owner of Main Station. In my opinion, Monte Anderson, along with Dalton Lott, is also one of the primary beneficiaries of the millions of dollars in taxpayer money the City is spending on the Main Street Vision Development Plan. In addition to Main Station, Monte Anderson owns the Center Street Condo Project, the Church Building on Main Street next to Main Station, and at least two other buildings on Main Street at the center of the Plan.
Currently, the 4B Board owns 32% of Main Station and is supposed to receive 32% of the profits. One wonders -- will this new gift by the 4B Board increase the 4B Board's ownership percentage? Not that it really matters -- last time I checked, Main Station has yet to pay ONE CENT of profit to the 4B Board.
6C. Approval of Ordinance No. 2093 approving a negotiated resolution between the Atmos Cities Steering Committee (“ACSC” or “Steering Committee”) and Atmos Energy Corp., Mid-Tex Division (“Atmos Mid-Tex” or “Company”) regarding the Company’s rate review mechanism filing in all cities exercising original jurisdiction; declaring existing rates to be unreasonable; requiring the Company to reimburse cities’ reasonable ratemaking expenses; adopting tariffs that reflect rate adjustments consistent with the negotiated settlement and finding the rates to be set by the attached tariffs to be just and reasonable; approving Atmos’ proof of revenues; adopting a savings clause; determining that this ordinance was passed in accordance with the requirements of the Texas Open Meetings Act; declaring an effective date; and requiring delivery of this ordinance to the Company and the Steering Committee’s legal counsel.
REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS/REQUESTS
7. Receive Fire Department Public Safety Report.
8. Consider approval of City of Duncanville participation in the National League of Cities (NLC) Prescription Discount Card Program administered by CVS Caremark.
9. Consider approval of City of Duncanville participation in and/or advertisement of prescription discount programs.
10. Consider approval of Duncanville Community Multicultural Commission (DCMC) Processes and Procedures.
11. Receive Councilmember Reports.
a. Mayor Pro Tem Smithey – reserves the right to comment on any posted agenda item; transportation issues.
b. Councilwoman Jameson – Oncor issues.
c. Councilman Skinner – reserves the right to comment on any posted agenda item.
Posted Friday, July 17, 2009 at 5:00 P.M.
Update -- June 18, 2009
Petition to Ban Red Light Cameras
On Friday, June 19th, I will be at the Duncanville Public Library off of Main Street from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM to collect signatures for the Petition. I'll be sitting directly under the clock tower by the front door.
Update -- June 15, 2009
DUNCANVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2009
BRIEFING SESSION – 6:00 P.M. Briefing Room, City Hall 203 E. Wheatland Road View Agenda Packet Here
AGENDA:
1. Staff Reports
a. Board & Commission attendance records and reappointment information.
2. Scheduling – review and discuss upcoming calendar items.FY 09-10 Workplan July meeting schedule
3. Review and discuss all agenda items.
REGULAR MEETING – 7:00 P.M.
Council Chambers, City Hall
203 E. Wheatland Road
AGENDA:
Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor’s Report – Emily Panacek 100 th Birthday
Recognition of Visitors / Proclamations / Presentations
Citizens Public Comment Period
[Each speaker will be allowed two (2) minutes to address the council.]
CONSENT ITEMS
1C. Approval of minutes.
2C. Approval of Resolution No. 2009-061602 authorizing the City to apply for an award from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, administered by the U.S. Department of Justice, for digital mobile video systems.
REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS/REQUESTS
3. Consider award of contract for professional auditing services to Weaver and Tidwell, LLP and an expenditure in the amount of $49,500 for FY 08-09 audit.
4. Consider approval of Resolution No. 2009-061604 establishing a mission statement and purpose, goals, membership criteria, and procedures for the Duncanville Community Multicultural Commission (DCMC)
[This should be interesting -- recall Councilman Anthony Skinner's comments when this matter was first raised on June 2nd, detailed in the June 9th, 2009 update below.]
5. Consider approval of participation in the National League of Cities (NLC) Prescription Discount Card Program administered by CVS Caremark.
6. Receive Councilmember Reports.
Councilman Skinner – reserves the right to comment on any posted agenda item; July 4th parade and celebration.
Councilwoman Jameson – reserves the right to comment on any posted agenda item.
Councilman Cannon – upcoming City events; reserves the right to comment on any posted agenda item.
Mayor Pro Tem Smithey – reserves the right to comment on any posted agenda item.
Updates -- June 9, 2009
1. Legislative Inaction on Red Light Cameras 2. Workshop and Meeting on June 2, 2009 3. Budget Workshop on June 10, 2009
Legislative Inaction on Red Light Cameras
Despite the gallant efforts of many in the State House of Representatives and the State Senate, no changes were passed regarding Red Light Cameras. In Duncanville, we must continue with the Petition to Ban Red Light Cameras. Call me if you want to sign it.
Workshop and Meeting on June 2, 2009
Nothing of particular note occurred at the City Council Workshop, Briefing, or Meeting on June 2nd. Grady Smithey was unanimously voted Mayor Pro Tem -- no surprise there; that usually is given to the person who the majority believes to be most at-risk in the next election. With Smithey coming off of three straight campaigns against Deborah Hodge, one of which he lost, the added exposure -- minimal though it may be -- resulting from his selection as Mayor Pro Tem can only help.
During the Workshop, Dorothy Burton resurrected her "Inclusive Cities" initiative and proposed the creation of an "Inclusiveness Board." This prompted Anthony Skinner to go on and on about how he did not want the mission statement of the "Inclusiveness Board" to contain any language that could be interpreted as encouraging the acceptance of homosexuality. He said that the question he was asked most when campaigning was, "Is Duncanville encouraging homosexuals to move here?" I am not making this up.
Banging his hand on the table, Skinner thundered, "I believe homosexual behavior is wrong!" This prompted Burton to proclaim that while she believed in the absolute truth and inerrancy of the Bible, she was not going to "look in anyone's bedroom" and would not agree to any change in the language of the mission statement. The matter was unresolved on June 2nd and will be addressed in a separate workshop sometime in the future.
The discussion of homosexuality and the Inclusiveness Board went on for about ten minutes, but the only hint of this in the official minutes of the meeting is the following: Difference of opinion regarding the definition of multicultural and diversity; and schedule a workshop.
Budget Workshop on June 10, 2009
On Wednesday, June 10th, at 8:30 AM, there will be a City Council Workshop in the Briefing Room at City Hall.
Here is the Agenda:
WORKSHOP – 8:30 A.M. Briefing Room, City Hall 203 E. Wheatland Road View Agenda Packet Here
1. Discuss Census 2010 Complete Count Committee.
2. Discuss Revised FY 08-09 and Proposed FY 09-10 Budgets:
a. General Fund and Debt Service Fund summaries
b. Proposed reduction packages
c. Supplemental packages
3. Discuss Comprehensive Plans:
a. Fire Department Master Plan
b. Parks Master Plan
c. Building Maintenance short-term and long-term needs
d. Street Capital Improvement Program
4. Discuss Solid Waste Fund.
5. Discuss Hotel/Motel Tax Fund.
6. Discuss Texas Municipal Retirement System and future funding requirements.
7. Discuss Proposed FY 09-10 City Council Budget.
Posted Friday, June 5, 2009 at 5:00 P.M.
Updates -- June 1, 2009
1. City Council Workshop on June 2, 2009 2. Agenda for the June 2, 2009 City Council Meeting
City Council Workshop on June 2, 2009
There will be a City Council Workshop on June 2nd at 1:30 PM in the Briefing Room at City Hall, 203 East Wheatland Road, Duncanville, 75116. The Workshop is open to the public.
Here is the posted agenda:
WORKSHOP – 1:30 P.M. Briefing Room, City Hall 203 E. Wheatland Road View Agenda Packet Here
1. Review and discuss FY 08-09 Workplan.
2. Discuss City Attorney attendance at City Council meetings.
3. Discuss formation of Duncanville Community Multicultural Commission (DCMC).
4. Discuss proposed changes to political sign regulations.
5. Discuss proposed changes to Chapter 16A “Sign Regulations” of the Code of Ordinances.
Later that night at 6:00 PM will be the regular City Council briefing session, followed by the City Council meeting at 7:00 PM.
Here is the posted agenda for that:
BRIEFING SESSION – 6:00 P.M. Briefing Room, City Hall 203 E. Wheatland Road View Agenda Packet Here
1. Scheduling – review and discuss upcoming calendar items.
2. Review and discuss all agenda items.
REGULAR MEETING – 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers, City Hall 203 E. Wheatland Road Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor’s Report
Recognition of Visitors / Proclamations / Presentations
Citizens Public Comment Period
CONSENT ITEMS
1C. Approval of minutes.
2C. Award of annual contract to Highway Technologies, Inc. in the amount of $169,492.16 for traffic marking services.
3C. Approval of Ordinance No. 2091 amending Chapter 19 of the Code of Ordinances, Article VI, “Stopping, Standing and Parking”, Section 19-107, “Prohibited on Specific Streets”, by repealing Subsection (51) providing no parking on the north side of Middale Road as described herein and reserving the same for future use, by adding Subsections (86) and (87) to provide for no parking on the north side and south side, respectfully, or Middale Road as described herein, and by adding Subsection (88) to provide for no parking on the west side of Chatfield Drive as described herein; providing a savings clause; providing a severability clause; and providing a penalty of fine not to exceed the sum of two hundred dollars ($200.00) for each offense.
4C. Approval of a 4B expenditure in the amount of $5,000 for a sign grant for property located at 715 Skyline Drive.
5C. Approval of a 4B expenditure in the amount of $1,752.75 for a sign grant for property located at 611 S. Main Street.
6C. Approval of a 4B expenditure in the amount of $2,450.00 for a paint grant for property located at 1206 N. Duncanville Road.
REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS/REQUESTS
7. Consider election of Mayor Pro Tem for 2009-2010.
8. Consider appointment of Audit Committee.
9. Public hearing to consider the request of Pamela Foto-Dasabe of Ayisha, LLC, to amend the existing “C-1” Light Commercial zoning to include a “SUP” Specific Use Permit (Indoor Party and Rental Facility) on Lot 16, Block C, Crestview Addition, more commonly known as 608 Crestside.
10. Consider directing staff on the request of Pamela Foto-Dasabe of Ayisha, LLC, to amend the existing “C-1” Light Commercial zoning to include a “SUP” Specific Use Permit (Indoor Party and Rental Facility) on Lot 16, Block C, Crestview Addition, more commonly known as 608 Crestside.
11. Public hearing to receive input concerning potential projects for the Community Development Block Grant Program for FY 2009.
12. Consider approval of Resolution No. 2009-060210 authorizing submission of a grant application with Dallas County for the Community Development Block Grant Program for FY 2009.
13. Consider Sign Control Board action pursuant to the request of Wayne Currens to erect a second highway sign at 930 E. Highway 67.
14. Receive Councilmember Reports.
Councilman Smithey - reserves the right to comment on any posted agenda item.
Mayor Pro Tem Burton – AT&T.
Councilwoman Jameson – reserves the right to comment on any posted agenda item.
Updates -- May 19, 2009
1. Red Light Camera State Legislation 2. Agenda for the May 19, 2009 City Council Meeting
Red Light Camera State Legislation
On May 11th, the Texas House of Representatives passed -- by a vote of 138 to 6 -- House Bill 300, a TXDoT "sunset" bill. Included in H.B. 300 are the following, as reported by the Texas Municipal League Legislative Update newsletter:
1. TXDoT may not approve the implementation or operation of a Red Light Camera system that was not in operation on June 1, 2009, or for which a contract for the administration or enforcement of the system had not been entered into by a local authority on or before that date.
This would prevent any new Red Light Cameras from being put into operation.
2. TXDoT by rule shall require that the change interval of a traffic light equipped with a Red Light Camera system must be at least one second longer than the minimum change interval established in accordance with the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
This would make it more difficult for cities to short-time yellow lights. Reducing yellow light times increases accidents and increases Red Light Camera violations; lengthening yellow light times decreases accidents and decreases Red Light Camera violations.
2. A city may not enter into or renew a contract for the administration or enforcement of a Red Light Camera system after June 1, 2009.
This would end the Red Light Camera system in any city as soon as the contract with the Red Light Camera company expires. The problem is that -- like everything else about Red Light Cameras -- the contracts with the Red Light Camera companies routinely depart from accepted practice and include provisions that would never be included in a legitimate contract.
For example, the contract the City of Duncanville has with RedFlex does not allow the City to cancel it. The contract calls for a three-year initial contract period to be followed by three one-year extensions. The contract states that if the City wants to renew the contract, the City must give RedFlex a 30-day notice that it wants to renew. But the contract goes on to state that if the City does not give a 30-day notice that it wants to renew, the contract is AUTOMATCALLY renewed for another year anyway. That's it -- there is no provision for the city to cancel.
The RedFlex contract was signed in 2006 by City Manager Kent Cagle and then-City Attorney David Berman, a member of the same law firm as our current City Attorney, Robert Hager. Imagine, government officials actually signing something like that. I once asked Robert Hager about the lack of a cancellation clause in the RedFlex contract -- standard in all legitimate contracts -- and he replied, "Oh gee, Paul, I guess you're right! I'll have to look into that!" By golly, I guess so!
If H.B. 300 becomes law, at least at the end of the three years of contract extensions the City would no longer have any excuse to maintain the cameras. Call your state representative and state senator and let them know you want H.B 300 to pass with the Red Light Camera provisions listed above intact.
In any event, we must continue with the Petition to Ban Red Light Cameras.
By the way, the Texas Municipal League, a lobbying group for city governments funded by taxpayer money, condemns all of these changes, declaring they would "undermine the effectiveness of local law enforcement, jeopardize traffic safety and life-saving law enforcement technology (sic), and eliminate state revenue."
What do you think?
Agenda for the May 19, 2009 City Council meeting:
BRIEFING SESSION – 6:00 P.M. Briefing Room, City Hall 203 E. Wheatland Road
1. Scheduling – review and discuss upcoming calendar items.a. Meeting, mid-year review of FY 08-09 work plan
2. Review and discuss all agenda items.
REGULAR MEETING – 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers, City Hall 203 E. Wheatland Road View Agenda Packet Here
Invocation Pledge of Allegiance Recognition of Visitors / Proclamations / Presentations Citizens Public Comment Period [Each speaker will be allowed two (2) minutes to address the council.]
1. Consider approval of Resolution No. 2009-051901 canvassing results of the general election held May 9, 2009.
2. Administer Oath of Office to newly elected Councilmembers.
CONSENT ITEMS:
3C. Approval of minutes.
4C. Approval of fifty-three month contract with Southwest General Services of Dallas, LLC for EMS billing and collection services through City of Rowlett Purchasing Cooperative.
5C. Cancellation of contract with C & C Engineering, Inc. for third-party inspection services for Costco construction project.
6C. Cancellation of contract with Graham Marcus, Inc. dba Bureau Veritas for third-party inspection services for Hollywood Park 6 & 8 Addition.
7C. Cancellation of contract with Graham Marcus, Inc. dba Bureau Veritas for third-party inspection services for the Meadows of Daniel Farms Addition.
8C. Approval of two-year agreement with Valley View Consulting, LLC for professional investment and advisory services.
REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS/REQUESTS
9. Receive Police Department public safety report.
10. Consider Sign Control Board action pursuant to the request of Umar Ibrahim of Ibrahim Investment Management Co. for a sign variance at 804 S. Cockrell Hill Road.
11. Receive Councilmember Reports. a. Mayor Pro Tem Burton - City elections.
b. Councilman Skinner - reserves the right to discuss any item on the posted agenda; service on the City Council.
c. Councilman Cannon - reserves the right to discuss any item on the posted agenda; recent elections; Shop Duncanville.
d. Councilman Smithey - reserves the right to discuss any item on the posted agenda; municipal elections.
Update -- May 6, 2009
City Council Meeting, May 5, 2009
So what happened at last night's City Council meeting? I was not assaulted by the police or arrested, even though I made the same type of comment on the same subject that brought on their attack at the last meeting. What did happen was that Mayor David Green and Councilmember Grady Smithey recused themselves from voting on a $184,000 contract for Paradigm Traffic Systems after I detailed the $5000 in campaign contributions they received from the company's director.
Here are the comments I made about the Paradigm contract, Agenda Item 2C. The comment on "the new policy of arresting people who speak when the Mayor tells them not to" appears about halfway through:
“Award of bid to Paradigm Traffic Systems, Inc. in the amount of $184,020 for traffic signalization cabinets and accessories."
Earlier in Briefing I asked that Agenda Item 2C be removed from the consent agenda because it represents a conflict of interest. Mayor David Green and Councilmember Grady Smithey received $5000 from a company to which they now want to give a city contract. David Green and Grady Smithey should recuse themselves from this vote because they have received thousands of dollars from Paradigm Traffic Systems. For them to now vote to give Paradigm Traffic Systems $184,000 of taxpayer money is a conflict of interest.
I shall vote against this contract, and here are my reasons why. Agenda Item 2C is a contract to give Paradigm Traffic Systems of Arlington $184,000 of taxpayer money for traffic signal equipment. A top official of Paradigm Traffic Systems, Jeffrey Bryan, has given Mayor David Green and Councilmember Grady Smithy $5000. David Green and Grady Smithey now want to give Jeffrey Bryan’s company $184,000 of taxpayer money. David Green and Grady Smithey should recuse themselves from this vote because they have received thousands of dollars from the company that will directly benefit from this contract. For them to participate in this vote in any way would be a conflict of interest.
Last year, David Green received $1000 from Jeffrey Bryan, who lives in Arlington, Texas. Bryan described himself as the “Manager” of Durable Specialties, another company that makes traffic signal equipment and which is located in Duncanville. According to the Texas State Comptroller’s Office, Bryan is also the Director and President of Durable Specialties. David Green received another $1000 from Jeffrey Bryan’s wife, Pam Bryan, who listed her address as P.O. Box 381788 in Duncanville. David Green also received $1000 from something called, “Durable Enterprises, A Partnership,” also listed at P.O. Box 381788 in Duncanville. In addition, Jeffrey Bryan was a member of Mayor David Green's re-election campaign “steering committee.”
According to the Texas State Comptroller’s Office, Jeffrey Bryan is also a director of Paradigm Traffic Systems. The Comptroller’s Office lists Bryan’s address as P.O. Box 381788 in Duncanville.
Grady Smithey received $1000 from Jeffrey Bryan and $1000 directly from Paradigm Traffic Systems. Paradigm Traffic Systems is a corporation, and it is illegal in Texas for a corporation to make a direct political contribution to a candidate. Grady Smithey claimed last year that he didn’t know it was illegal to accept campaign contributions from a corporation. Smithey said he would return the $1,000 he received from Paradigm, but I have not seen any proof that he ever returned it.
I shall vote against this contract because, in my opinion, it looks too much like a payoff. Jeffrey Bryan gives Mayor David Green $3000, Jeffrey Bryan gives Councilmember Grady Smithy $2000, and now Green and Smithey want to give Jeffrey Bryan’s company $184,000 of taxpayer money. Is that how we should do business in Duncanville?
In addition, something seems odd about the bidding process. According to the City Manager, bid notices were sent to 64 companies, but only two bids were received. One bid was from Paradigm Traffic Systems of Arlington for $184,000. The second bid was from another traffic signal company, also in Arlington, Consolidated Traffic Controls. That bid was for $270,000. One expects there to be differences in bids, but doesn’t a difference that big -- 47% -- for supposedly the same work seem rather excessive? I ask again, is that how we should do business in Duncanville?
And speaking of how we do business here in Duncanville, I want to say that the City Council’s new policy of arresting people who speak when the Mayor tells them not to is incompatible with a free society. If they can rough me up and charge me with a crime for speaking calmly about matters directly related to City affairs, they can do it to anyone. They can do it to you. This policy must not continue. It must be challenged. I will not let you down.
[As I said this, Mayor Green banged his gavel and said, “Mr. Ford, you’re moving off-topic” a few times, but even though my digression was as long as the one I made on April 7th, there were no rehearsed calls of “City Manager!” and “Chief Brown!” No rehearsed exit off the dais by Kent Cagle, Ken Weaver, Scott Cannon, Dorothy Burton, and Grady Smithey. There were three policeman standing in the back of the Council Chamber, and Chief Robert Brown was seated in the front row, but none of them made any move towards me.]
I shall now continue with Agenda Item 2. I ask again that Mayor David Green and Councilmember Grady Smithy recuse themselves from this vote. They have received thousands of dollars from Paradigm Traffic Systems. For them to now vote to give Paradigm Traffic Systems $184,000 of taxpayer money would be a blatant conflict of interest.
We as a City Council must reassure our constituents that any decision we make to award money to any company is done with the best interests of the community and the city in mind. If there is any appearance that our decisions may be influenced by money that we have received from people involved in that company, we must recuse ourselves from voting and recuse ourselves from participating in any discussion. I urge my colleagues, Mayor David Green and Councilmember Grady Smithy, to take that step tonight.
------------------------------------
Grady Smithey mumbled through a lengthy response and said, “Sometimes I think your village back in Massachusetts is missing its idiot.” (I moved to Texas from Massachusetts in 1992.) But then he and Mayor Green did indeed recuse themselves from the vote. The Paradigm contract still passed by a vote of three to two --Johnette Jameson and I voted against it -- but that's progress, of a sort. . .
Update -- May 4, 2009
City Council Meeting -- Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Here is the agenda for the City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 5th. The meeting itself begins at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The briefing session, which is open to the public, begins at 6:00 PM in the conference room.
DUNCANVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2009 View Agenda Packet Here
BRIEFING SESSION – 6:00 P.M. Briefing Room, City Hall 203 E. Wheatland Road Duncanville, TX 75116
AGENDA
1. Scheduling – review and discuss upcoming calendar items.
2. Review and discuss all agenda items.
REGULAR MEETING – 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers, City Hall 203 E. Wheatland Road
AGENDA
Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
Recognition of Visitors / Proclamations / Presentations
Citizens Public Comment Period
CONSENT ITEMS
1C. Approval of minutes.
2C. Award of bid to Paradigm Traffic Systems, Inc. in the amount of $184,020 for traffic signalization cabinets and accessories.
3C. Award of bid to Traffic Parts, Inc. in the amount for $16,900 for traffic signal supplies.
4C. Approval of Ordinance No. 2089 adopting Supplement No. 10 to the Code of Ordinances adopted May 20, 2003.
5C. Approval of Ordinance No. 2090 amending Chapter 19 of the Code of Ordinances, Article VI, “Stopping, Standing and Parking”, Section 19-107, “Prohibited on Specific Street”, by adding Subsection (84) to provide for both sides of Fairwood Place as described herein, adding Subsection (85) to provide for the north side of Middale Road as described herein, and adding Subsection (86) to provide for the north side of West Red Bird Lane as described herein; providing a savings clause; providing a severability clause; and providing a penalty of fine not to exceed the sum of two hundred dollars ($200.00) for each offense.
6C. Approval of Resolution No. 2009-050506 authorizing a cooperative purchasing agreement with the City of Rowlett.
7C. Approval of Resolution No. 2009-050507 authorizing the North Central Texas Housing Finance Corporation to apply for a grant from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.
8C. Approval of Resolution No. 2009-050508 authorizing the City to apply for an award from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant, administered by the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Agency, for replacement emergency response equipment.
9C. Approval of Resolution No. 2009-050509 authorizing the City to apply for an award from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant, administered by the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Agency, for replacement of a fire engine.
10C. Approval of Resolution No. 2009-050510 acknowledging the 2010 Census as a top priority for all elected and appointed officials and encouraging full support and participation of the community in achieving an accurate and complete count through the formulation of a Complete Count Committee.
11C. Approval of Resolution No. 2009-050511 approving the Dallas County Improvement Program Project Supplement Agreement to the Master Agreement Governing Major Capital Transportation Improvement Projects for public transportation improvements to Main Street MCIP Project 41005 from Nance Street to Carder Street.
12C. Approval of encroachment/license agreement authorizing fence installation within a City alley easement along the rear line of Lot 12, Block A, Thoroughbred Hills Addition.
13C. Approval of an expenditure of 4B funds in the amount of $1,960.00 for a paint grant for property located at 202 E. Cherry Street.
REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS/REQUESTS
14. Consider approval of one-year renewal of contract with TML for health benefit administration and one-year renewal of contract with Fort Dearborn Life for life insurance coverage.
15. Consider approval of Keep Duncanville Beautiful Adopt-A-Park Program.
16. Receive Councilmember Reports.
Councilman Ford will discuss the new City Council policy and the importance to democracy of a free exchange of ideas; the $1,100,000 City budget deficit; the upcoming election; and reserves the right to discuss any other item on the posted agenda.
Councilwoman Jameson reserves the right to discuss any item on the posted agenda.
Councilman Cannon reserves the right to discuss any item on the posted agenda.
Councilman Smithey reserves the right to discuss any item on the posted agenda; and character.
Voting Recommendations
Ok, here‘s the dynamic: The City has a tremendous power -- the power to tax. Many people want that tax money to be given to them, directly or indirectly. So they organize (“Pro-Dunc”), they manipulate, they spin, they con voters into believing the voters’ interests are the same as theirs, and they work to get politicians into office who will give them what they want. Some politicians just need the flattery of being befriended by the rich or powerful, some want the perceived status or the opportunity to travel at public expense, others want jobs for their relatives or money -- whatever it is, their sponsors behind the scenes provide it. And in return, politicians use their power to tax to steer your money over to their sponsors.
Carefully look at the political scene at any level -- city, state, or national -- and you will recognize how consistently true this pattern is.
This year’s City Council election once again gives voters a clear choice between candidates who are aligned with special interests and candidates who are independent and unconnected. I encourage everyone to vote for these independent candidates:
Buck Werner for At-Large City Council Johnette Jameson for District 5 City Council And, yes, Paul Ford for District 3 City Council
Last May, we had a chance to clean house -- but we didn’t. Most of us didn’t vote, and the majority of us who did voted for the same people who have been taking advantage of us year after year. This time, let’s not be passive. This time, let’s not fall for it. This time, let’s not willingly invite those who have taken advantage of us time and time again to continue to do so.
As the majority on the Council and their sponsors cross the line into the shameful arena of organized violence (see updates for April 12th, April 14th, and April 25th below), it is more important than ever for the people of Duncanville to get involved and make their voices heard.
Who here can look at what is happening in Duncanville and not be offended? Who here is so enamored of the attentions of the “Pro-Dunc” crowd that they can watch the video of the police grabbing me as I calmly speak of city matters and not be appalled? Who here can watch a member of the City Council dragged off and injured during a City Council meeting and not realize that such violence could just as easily be directed against you?
The time is now. Make your voices heard.
Early voting takes place at the Library. Here's the schedule:
Monday, April 27, to Friday,May 1: 8 AM to 5 PM Saturday, May 2: 8 AM to 5 PM Sunday, May 3: 1 PM to 6 PM Monday, May 4, and Tuesday, May 5: 7 AM to 7 PM
Election Day is Saturday, May 9, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, at your usual polling station -- Reed, Fairmeadows, or Byrd School.
Updates -- April 25, 2009
1. New "Pro-Dunc" Postcard 2. Candidates Forum
New "Pro-Dunc" Postcard
At the April 7th, 2009 Duncanville City Council meeting, many members of “Pro-Dunc” were in the audience. When Police Chief Robert Brown and Officer John Morris grabbed me, former mayor Glenn Repp, “Pro-Dunc” member and a top official in the Duncanville Rotary, jumped up and took three photographs.
A source told me that “Pro-Dunc” was going to use one of Glenn Repp’s photographs on a postcard to be mailed to voters in District 3 on behalf of my opponent. Yesterday, April 24th, voters in District 3 received that postcard. The photograph is captioned, "Councilman Paul Ford ejected from meeting Tuesday April 7, 2009 for unruly conduct and disrupting meeting." The postcard then directs people to a video link on the "Pro-Dunc" website.
The YouTube video to which they are sent, like a previous YouTube Video, “District 3 Councilman Paul Ford Displays Lack of Civility” mentioned in the last “Pro-Dunc” editorial -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tK8-clKOdz8, a clip from the July 17, 2007 City Council meeting -- was uploaded by a person using the pseudonym “labrats10.” Who is “labrats10”? “labrats10" is the screen name of Larry Bratton, member of the Duncanville Independent School District Education Foundation and, like Glenn Repp, a top official in the Duncanville Rotary; check out this link: http://www.myspace.com/labrats10.
The video to which voters are directed on the “Pro-Dunc” postcard is not of the April 7th, 2009 City Council meeting, but edited footage of the March 3rd, 2009 meeting. The March 3rd meeting has already been discussed at length in a previous update, located about 4/5ths of the way down this page.
Most interestingly, after that March 3rd video finishes playing, a link for a clip from the April 7th, 2009 meeting pops up. That video was shot by a person in the audience and is not the City of Duncanville City Council video or the video shot by the Duncanville Police Department: ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IEr275vMNM.
I bet that many people who received the “Pro-Dunc” postcard and took the time to watch the March 3rd video also watched that clip of the April 7th meeting. I have said this before, and I say it again -- the more people know about what’s really going on in Duncanville, the better our city will become.
Candidates Forum
The Candidates Forum on Thursday was much more sedate than expected. The “Pro-Dunc” crowd was surprisingly restrained, and the questions routine.
About the only specific charge my opponent made was the following: “Mr. Ford says he is a watchdog, or a, watches the budget very carefully, and yet on March 3rd, when there was a budget item before the city of $230,000, he was silent, he didn’t speak for it or against it, but he voted for it.” To view this, go to http://www.ci.duncanville.tx.us/streaming.shtm, left click on “April 24, 2009 (the Forum was actually on April 23) Duncanville Candidates Forums (sic),” and when the video appears, move the time arrow on the bottom to 39:06.
The budget item on March 3rd -- Agenda Item 2C -- was described as follows: “Award of bid to APAC-Texas, Inc. in the amount of $233,434 for hot mix asphaltic concrete overlay services.” The description of the contract went on to state, “The scope of services include labor, equipment, and materials to prepare and place a 1½” asphaltic surface to the streets shown on the attached exhibit. . . ” About 17 streets were indicated on the map. This contract was to provide necessary street maintenance -- of course I voted for it. There was no discussion on the item because it was on the Consent Agenda -- that‘s what the “C” means; if I thought there was anything wrong with the contract, I would have asked that it be removed from the Consent Agenda.
That’s exactly what I did on April 7th -- I asked that Item 3C be removed from the Consent Agenda because 3C was a motion to CANCEL a street maintenance contract. It was while I was explaining why I believed that contract should not be cancelled that the police moved in. To read the comments I had prepared for that agenda item, scroll down to "Updates -- April 12, 2009" below.
Update -- April 22, 2009
Tomorrow, April 23, at 6:00 PM, is the Candidates Forum at Duncanville City Hall. Candidates for City Council and School Board are scheduled to appear. Look for the "Pro-Dunc" crowd to cram the first few rows, cheer uproariously at every grunted inanity of their sponsored candidates, and laugh derisively at every comment of their opponents. . . Last year, I had the misfortune to sit behind an employee of the Allen Group, prime contractor for the Dallas Logistics Hub in Lancaster. Members of the Allen family in California had contributed heavily to Grady Smithey and David Green, and whenever either of them uttered a word, the Allen Group employee would not only cheer like a pre-teen at a Jonas Brothers concert but also clap with her hands cupped in such a way as to produce a sound reminiscent of light-bulbs bursting on a sidewalk.
“So you’re voting for Smithey and Green?” I asked her at the end with feigned innocence. “Oh, no, I can‘t!” she replied. “I live in Arlington. But I wish I lived in Duncanville so I could vote for them!”
Update -- April 20, 2009
Just a reminder -- there will be no City Council meeting this Tuesday, April 21, 2009. The cancellation of the April 21 meeting was announced during the briefing session of the April 7 meeting. When Mayor David Green announced the cancellation, councilmembers Ken Weaver, Scott Cannon, Grady Smithey, and Dorothy Burton immediately indicated their approval -- like everything else that happens with the City Council, that decision appeared to have been worked out well in advance. I asked Mayor Green if he and some other members of the City Council were going out of town that week, because that's why they cancelled the meeting scheduled for March 17 (see my update of March 24 below). Mayor Green gave a vague response but did not answer directly.
So why was this Tuesday’s meeting cancelled back on April 7? Are some of them going to take another trip at taxpayer expense this week, as they did in March? Or did they anticipate some fallout from what they planned on doing later that night?
In any event, I will be in the parking lot of City hall on Tuesday, April 21, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Drop by if you want to talk or if you want to sign the petition to ban Red Light Cameras.
Update -- April 17, 2009
I have posted the two-part series of columns on Red Light Cameras I wrote for Today Newspaper. Click on the "Newspaper Columns" tab above or go to http://www.paulfordreports.com/35401.html
Updates -- April 14, 2009
Hello! I’m back from the Dallas County Jail. I turned myself in at the Duncanville Police Department about 4:45 PM on April 13, was transported to the Dallas County Jail about 5:30 PM, and was released about 5:00 AM this morning. The bond for the Disrupting a Public Meeting charge was $500, and my first court appearance is May 12. Keep you posted.
Tonight at 6:30 PM at the Hilton Garden Inn, 800 North Main Street, there will be a Townhall/Community meeting “initiated” -- according to the City of Duncanville’s official website -- by at-large councilmember Dorothy Burton, who coincidentally just happens to be running for re-election against Buck Werner. Chief Appraiser Ken Nolan of the Dallas Central Appraisal District is scheduled to speak about appraisals. . . I plan on being in the lobby collecting signatures for the Petition to Ban Red Light Cameras.
If you run into Dorothy Burton, you may want to ask her about this charming email she sent to Mayor David Green on April 8:
Last Night’s Meeting Dorothy Burton (Council Member) Sent: Wednesday, April 08, 2009 11:09 AM To: David Green (Mayor)
Cc: Ken Weaver (Council Member); Scott Cannon (Council Member); Paul Ford (Council Member); Grady Smithey (Council Member); Johnette Jameson (Council Member); Kent Cagle
Mayor,
I just wanted to tell you I could not have been any prouder of you as our mayor than I was last night. You handled a very difficult situation with wisdom, professionalism, grace, sensitivity and respect to all, even our colleague Councilman Ford. It was an unfortunate and sad situation for all who were present in the chamber and watching on streaming video and television. We as an elected body are better than that and our city deserves better. You have been extremely patient with us all in the past and the action you took I believe was appropriate and one long overdue.Thank you for putting the citizens of Duncanville first and for placing the collective conduction of the city's business ahead of an individual agenda. From one colleague to another, well done.
Dorothy
Drop by if you can make it.
Updates -- April 12, 2009
Hello! I’m back from the hospital. So many thanks to all who visited or called to offer support. I know you want me to tell you about April 7, and I’ll do my best to post a summary of what happened in a few days.
Here is a link to a YouTube video of what occurred at about 26:40 into the actual meeting. This video was shot by a person in the audience and is not the City of Duncanville City Council video or the video shot by the Duncanville Police Department: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IEr275vMNM
A few quick points:
First, there is a warrant out for my arrest for Disrupting a Public Meeting. I’ll probably turn myself in later today, so if you call or email and there is another long delay, you'll understand why. . .
Second, to all those collecting signatures for the Petition to Ban Red Light Cameras -- please keep going! The petition drive must continue, independent of anything else. Signature collectors can bring forms to Ann and Katy Hubener at Crescent Real Estate, 400 North Main Street, Duncanville, 75116. Ann and Katy are experienced in these affairs and will be of great help.
Third, the second part of my two-part series of columns on Red Light Cameras is in this week’s Today Newspaper, currently on sale.
Here are some of the comments I had prepared for the City Council meeting of April 7, 2009 but was unable to make, and a link to an excellent article on Red Light Cameras from Science Daily.
Here is the link to the article on Red Light Cameras:
Here are my comments for agenda item 3C and agenda item 12, and for my Councilmember Report, prepared for the April 7, 2009 City Council meeting but never delivered:
Agenda Item 3C
“Approve termination of annual contract in the amount of $59,000 with CURTCO, Inc. for crack sealing services.”
I shall vote against this, and here are my reasons why. This is a contract to pay $59,000 for fixing street pot holes. The City Council wants to cancel the contract to save that $59,000 because, as many of you know, the City of Duncanville has a budget deficit of over one million dollars. If you have a small pot hole and you don’t fix it, pretty soon you have a big pot hole that will not only cause more problems for drivers, but also be much more expensive to fix. We should not postpone necessary street repairs. The result will be increased hazards for motorists and increased expenses later on.
I have a better idea of how we can save $59,000. Instead of canceling a contract to repair our streets, let’s cancel the contract we signed with the Duncanville Chamber of Commerce to give them $25,000. Let’s cancel the contract we signed with the Best Southwest Chamber of Commerce to give them $15,000. That’s a total savings of $40,000 right there.
That leaves $19,000 to go. Ok, let’s cut the City Manager’s salary by $19,000. That still leaves him with a base pay of $160,000 before benefits.
Doesn’t that make more sense than eliminating necessary street repairs? Canceling this contract will not be good for our city, and I will not vote to do it.
Agenda Item 12
Consider award of bid to McMahon Contracting, L.P. in the amount of $713,647.79 for E. Center Street, N. Merrill Avenue, and E. Cherry Street infrastructure improvements.
(Note: This has to do with Monte Anderson’s Center Street Condo Project development.)
I shall vote against this, and here are my reasons why. This contract of $713,000 is directly connected to the Center Street Condo Project. The money will be spent on improvements to the streets and sidewalks around the Project. When the money is spent and the building permit for the first condo is issued, then and only then will the City receive a $564,000 reimbursement from the North Central Texas Council of Governments. But if the Center Street Condo Project doesn’t get off the ground, we won’t get any of that $564,000.
The problem I have with this is that I don’t think the Center Street Condo Project will get off the ground. The City Council, over my objection, has already committed $700,000 in taxpayer money to the Center Street Condo Project -- $350,000 worth of land and a $350,000 loan. Now the Council wants to commit another $700,000.
The Center Street Condo Project calls for the construction of 31 condominiums on Center Street just east of Main Street. In my opinion, the prices the developer plans on asking for these condos are way too high to get many buyers: 1500 square-foot condos are supposed to sell for $195,000, 1225 square-foot condos are supposed to sell for $154,000, and 975 square-foot condos are supposed to sell for $125,000. Even in a good economy, getting those prices would be unlikely; in the present economy, getting that kind of money just isn’t going to happen. But the developer must get those prices in order to pay back the City of Duncanville the $700,000 the City Council has already given him.
The contract for the Center Street Condo Project calls for the City to receive 100% of the sales price for the first five condos. But the City will be the second lien-holder for the project, not the first -- the bank will be the first lien-holder. Our 100% only applies to what is left over after the bank is paid. The plan calls for groups of five condos to be built at a time until all 31 are put up (Note: At the April 8, 2009 4B Board meeting, Monte Anderson announced the plan was now to build only TWO condos at a time). Therefore, the startup costs for the first five condos will be especially high because the utilities and sewer lines for the other 26 condos must be built at the same time. And if the condos don’t sell for what the developer hopes they will sell for, there'll be nothing left over for the City.
The contract for the Center Street Condo Project calls for the City to take possession of the land if the condos don’t sell. But remember, the bank will be the first lien-holder. If the project doesn’t work out, the bank wil get the land and any unsold condos, not the City.
The contract also calls for the City to get 75% of the profit from the sale of each condo. But again, that profit is based on selling the condos at prices that today’s market just isn’t going to pay.
More and more, the Center Street Condo Project looks like the Madison Deal, where the City Council gave a member of the 4B Board $209,000 in taxpayer money to build a housing development that was never built. (Note: See my “Pro-Dunc” page, http://www.paulfordreports.com/27701.html for pictures.) More and more, it appears the Center Street Condo Project will end up the same way. When it’s all over, the citizens of Duncanville may well be out over a million dollars of taxpayer money. If the City Council passes this $713,000 contract today, and the Center Street Condo Project isn’t built, we won’t get that $564,000 reimbursement. And can we afford, in this economy, to spend $713,000 on street and sidewalk improvements that aren’t necessary? I believe the contract we are voting on today, like the Center Street Condo Project itself, is not in keeping with the obligation we have to carefully protect our citizens’ money.
(Note: Both of the above agenda items passed by unanimous 6-0 votes after I was removed.)
Agenda Item 16
Councilmember Report
We have an election coming up. Early voting begins on April 27th and ends on May 5th. Early voting takes place at the Library on Main Street. Election Day is Saturday, May 9th. Voting on May 9th takes place at Reed Middle School, Byrd Middle School, and Fairmeadows Elementary School, depending on where you live.
Last year, only 10% of us voted and 90% of us stayed home. And now look, we have over a million dollar deficit. So get involved, ask questions, think for yourself, and vote. Let’s not miss another opportunity to move Duncanville forward.
The signature drive to put the issue of Red Light Cameras on the ballot in November is continuing. If anyone here tonight wants to sign, I’ll see you in the lobby or parking lot after the meeting.
Updates -- April 2, 2009
1. Today Newspaper column 2. $1,100,000 city budget deficit
Today Newspaper Column
I have a two-part series of columns on Red Light Cameras beginning this week in the Today Newspaper.
This is obviously a controversial subject, and, well -- oh, let's just say it: A lot of "Pro-Dunc" types (see http://www.paulfordreports.com/27701.html) are big advertisers with the paper and may not be so pleased. But we need a local paper that will print ALL points of view -- even ones that you or I or "Pro-Dunc" don't like -- and I applaud Today for doing so.
Let me know what you think!
$1,100,000 City Budget Deficit
At the City Council Budget Workshop on Monday, March 30, City Manager Kent Cagle stated the City was running a $1,100,000 deficit for this budget year. What's that flapping sound you hear? Oh, just the chickens coming home to roost. . .
I know home appraisals are down, but -- just like a working man or woman, just like a family -- when you squander what you have when you have it, when the hard times hit you're in trouble.
Mr. Cagle presented the Council with a list entitled "Budget Reductions made by Management" that included the following cuts and the estimated savings from each:
1. Salaries & Benefits (Frozen Positions/Vacancies): $326,020 2. Training/Travel/Conference: $31,447 3. Fleet Replacement Contribution: $140,426 4. Asphalt Overlay (to be paid out of Street CIP Fund): $140,000 5. Crack Sealing: $80,000 6. Signs & Pavement Marking: $33,181 7. Signal Maintenance: $60,283 8. Library Books: $40,000 9. Color change out: $52,400 (Note: This has to do with planting and maintaining seasonal flowers and other greenery.) 10. Alarm Billing: $24,550 11. Other Reductions (Supplies, Dues, etc.): $61,143
Mr. Cagle also mentioned the possibility of furloughs -- unpaid holidays -- for non-civil service employees. Each day employees stay home allegedly saves the City about $22,882. In addition, Mr. Cagle mentioned -- without specifying the estimated savings -- the possibility of closing the Library/Recreation Center one or two days a week, changing employee health benefits, and reducing the City Council budget.
I have requested itemizations of these budget cuts and will keep you posted.
More on the budget deficit later. . .
Updates -- March 27, 2009
1. Red Light Camera article in the Wall Street Journal 2. City Council Budget Workshop on Monday 3. Council Meeting with School Board on Wednesday
Red Light Camera article in the Wall Street Journal
Here's a link to an interesting article on Red Light Cameras in the Wall Street Journal:
This will take place on March 30, 2009, at 4:30 PM in the Briefing Room at City Hall. The purpose is to "discuss the budgets for FY 2008-2009 and FY 2009-2010, and the April 1, 2009 joint meeting with the Duncanville ISD Board of Trustees, involving the joint operations of the DISD Natatorium."
Why at 4:30 PM instead of later on, say at 6:30 or 7:00, when more members of the public could attend? Because most of the Council are going to a "New Urbanism" event that night in Dallas . . .
Hope you can come anyway. If you do come, be sure to ask me about signing the Petition to Ban Red Light Cameras.
Council Meeting with School Board on Wednesday
This will take place on April 1, 2009, at 7:30 AM in meeting rooms 1-3 at the Library/Recreation Center. The purpose is to discuss the Natatorium and the possibility of some sort of joint funding for it between the City and the School District.
Why 7:30 AM? Haven't a clue, but come if you can!
Updates -- March 24, 2009
1. City Council Meeting Scheduled for March 17, 2009 2. Madison Field
City Council Meeting Scheduled for March 17, 2009
Want to know why there wasn’t a City Council meeting on March 17, 2009 as scheduled? On Monday, March 9, the City Secretary called and said the meeting was cancelled because there were “no items on the agenda.” I asked how she knew that, as the deadline for submitting items for the agenda wasn’t until Wednesday, March 11. Furthermore, if there was a decision to cancel a City Council meeting, shouldn’t the entire City Council have been consulted? The City Secretary replied she was only passing on what she had been told.
Fair enough, so I called City Manager Kent Cagle. Before hanging up on me (really), Cagle said the Mayor had decided to cancel the meeting the previous week. Nowhere in the City Charter or the City Council Rules of Procedure is the Mayor given the authority to cancel a meeting on his own.
What’s the real story? Turns out some of them went to Washington, D.C. at taxpayer expense for a National League of Cities conference the week of March 17. Yes, your tax dollars at work.
But some good came of it. On the day of the cancelled City Council meeting, I parked in front of City Hall from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A few folks stopped by and all but one signed the petition to ban Red Light Cameras.
Madison Field
Many people have called and emailed with questions about Madison Field. I've added a few more photographs of the $209,000 disaster on the "Pro-Dunc" page, http://paulfordreports.com/3973.html, all taken on February 21, 2009.
Petition to Ban Red Light Cameras
Please help with the Petition to Ban Red Light Cameras! I need about 1300 signatures from registered Duncanville voters. I can’t do it alone -- I need your help. Please call or email, and we’ll make it happen.
I am running for re-election to the City Council, and a page of this website will feature that -- http://paulfordreports.com/4722.html. To avoid any conflict with campaign finance requirements, the cost of this site will be listed as a campaign expense and the site displays the following notice: “Pol. Adv. paid for by Paul Ford. Treasurer Charles Bateman.”
I am running for re-election in District 3. The person I defeated two years ago is running against me. It’s very simple -- if you like what I’ve done in the past two years, vote for me; if you like what my opponent did in the two years he was on the Council, vote for him.
Your choice.
Remember -- local elected officials actually have more control over our day-to day lives than elected officials at the state or national level. Stay informed, think for yourself, and vote. If we step back and let other people do our governing for us, we will always be led astray.
Apathy is the greatest enemy of democracy and the best friend of corruption.
Early Voting: April 27 to May 5
Election Day: May 9
Last Day to Register to Vote: April 9
If you want to contribute to my campaign, put a campaign sign in your yard, or help with other campaign activities, call or email. Telephone: (972) 296-9000 Email: Paul@PaulFordReports.com
Ok -- so what was the big ruckus at the last City Council meeting on March 3rd? In my Councilmember Report at the previous meeting on February 17th, I said there’s really no evidence Red Light Cameras improve traffic safety and quoted extensively from one of the largest studies ever conducted on the subject: “The results do not support the view that red light cameras reduce crashes. Instead, we find that Red Light Cameras are associated with higher levels of many types and severity categories of crashes. In many ways, the evidence points toward the installation of Red Light Cameras as a detriment to safety.”
So how was that reported in the minutes, the official written record of the meeting maintained by the City?
Paul Ford commented on notion that red light cameras are improving safety; changing behavior; and the findings of the Department of Transportation funded study by the North Carolina Urban Transit Institution.
That’s the opposite of what I said. At the beginning of the March 3rd meeting, I offered this revision to the Council:
Paul Ford commented that there is no evidence that Red Light Cameras improve safety and quoted extensively from a large study conducted by the North Carolina Urban Transit Institute, which concluded that Red Light Cameras were a “detriment to safety.”
After I made my opening statement, Dorothy Burton spoke in support of the original version, then Johnette Jameson said she would vote for the revised minutes because both versions were about the same length but my version summarized more precisely what was actually said. Grady Smithey then spoke in favor of the original version. I responded to a few points made by Burton and Smithey about “action minutes” versus “verbatim minutes” and said, “The revised minutes are short, to the point, and accurate.”
Then they shut down the conversation. Dorothy Burton “called the question” -- a motion to end all discussion. Calling the question is done when a discussion gets repetitive and no new information or ideas are being offered. Our City Council usually calls the question when the position of the majority is questioned -- they use it to stifle debate.
After Burton called the question, Johnette Jameson said, “My light is on,” meaning she had switched on her panel light to indicate she wanted to speak. Mayor David Green said Jameson had hit her light “at about the same time.” I said, “I would like to hear what Mrs. Jameson has to say,” and Green replied that the question had been called. I said, “Point of order,” and Green said, “I don‘t recognize you.” I repeated, “Point of order,” and Green shouted, “You‘re out of order!”
I said “Point of order” again and began to make the following statement: “Mayor Green, we have a fundamental obligation to inform our citizens of all sides of an issue. To call a question before that is done is a betrayal of that obligation.” What a shocking statement to make at a City Council meeting! Green shouted again that I was out of order and I replied, “No, Mayor Green, you are out of order. Please stop interrupting me.” I tried again to speak and Green shut off my microphone, shouted “You‘re out of order!” a few more times, and then called a five-minute recess.
Five minutes later, Green called the meeting back in session, and I attempted to make my “We have a fundamental obligation” statement. Green shouted “You’re out of order!” and said he would call another recess and then have me “escorted out.” I said, “So because I‘m saying things you don‘t want people to hear, you’re going to get the police?” Green replied, “No, not the police, but I will have you escorted out.”
A police officer is the only person with the authority to arrest anyone in that situation. I asked, “If you’re not going to use the police to escort me out, then who are you going to use?” Green replied, “I‘ll get a police officer.” ????? I asked Police Chief Robert Brown, who was in the audience, to come over to the dais. Green shouted, “No!” and called another recess as City Manager Kent Cagle said to me, “It’s already been worked out.” During the recess, two police officers arrived to reinforce the two already there.
Five minutes later, back in session we go. I made the statement about our obligation to inform citizens and Green made no move to have me “escorted out.” Instead, he hurried through votes on the motion to call the question and on the revised minutes.
Here’s what I said in my Councilmember Report at the end of the March 3rd meeting:
We have an election coming up in May. Local elected officials actually have more control over our day-to day lives than elected officials at the state or national level. We need to stay informed about issues and candidates, and we need to encourage our family and friends to stay informed. If we step back and let other people do our governing for us, we will always be taken advantage of. Apathy is the greatest enemy of democracy and the best friend of corruption. So stay informed, think for yourself, and vote.
Also tonight, I want to announce the beginning of a Petition Drive to ban Red Light Cameras in Duncanville. Yes, a petition drive to put on the ballot an ordinance banning Red Light Cameras. I need to get about 1300 signatures of registered Duncanville voters. I can’t do that alone. I need your help. If you want to help out, please contact me by phone or email, and we’ll make it happen.
And last, I want to announce a new website, Paul Ford Reports.com. This should be up and running in about a week. The site will feature behind the scenes information about what’s going on in Duncanville, reprints of newspaper columns, and more. Then when the Mayor shuts off my microphone, you’ll be able to read that night exactly what he didn’t want you to hear. Not exclusively a campaign website, I hope to maintain Paul Ford Reports as a continuing resource for people who want to know, as the late Paul Harvey put it, "the rest of the story." The website will also have a link for people to email me with questions or tips. So coming soon to a computer near you, Paul Ford Reports.com.
