Richardson City Council Meeting January 30th, 2023

All councilmembers are present as well as City Manager Don Magner and City Secretary Aimee Nemer.

Councilman Corcoran leads a prayer and the pledges.

Minutes of the last meeting are approved unanimously.

No public speakers for this portion of the meeting.

First is a public hearing on ZF 22-17, a request to rezone the Hyatt House (Hotel) at 2301 N Central Expy to convert the hotel into apartments. The CPC voted 4-3 to recommend approval. The reason for three commissioners voting against seems to be due to Canyon Creek residents expressing opposition to any apartment developments near their borders. This request also includes the conversion of a half-acre undeveloped lot across the street to open space. The proposed development would convert 131 suites into 131 (total) studio and 1-bedroom apartment units. So far, the city has received 19 letters in support and 22 letters in opposition to this proposal. Councilman Dubey asks about the advantages/disadvantages to approving this, especially considering that it goes against the current future land use plan. Staff answers that it would provide workforce housing and wouldn’t require a complete redevelopment since the same buildings and suites would be used. The applicant presents increased ability to conduct background checks and increased incentive to maintain the property as beneficial reasons for approval. The projected price of rent per unit is roughly $1,400/monthly including all utilities. Councilman Hutchenrider asks about the proposed deed restriction of 2 people per unit, a provision requested by the Canyon Creek HOA. He specifically asks about the situation of a couple having a child. The applicant’s lawyer answers that the residents would be issued a nonrenewal notice in this situation and would have to move out at the end of their current 12-month lease term. Two public speakers oppose this development. The first claims that the city will lose the hotel/motel tax benefits. The other is simply opposed to apartments. Mayor Voelker, Mayor Pro Tem DePuy, and Councilmembers Dubey, Hutchenrider, and Justice express support for this proposal. Councilmembers Corcoran and Shamsul express opposition. The request is approved 5-2. Councilman Shamsul and Councilman Corcoran, whose district includes the Canyon Creek area, vote against.

City Manager Don Magner introduces the Transportation & Mobility Director, Mark Nelson and Asst. Director Pritam Deshmukh for an update on department projects. Mr. Nelson highlights the efforts to overhaul the city’s traffic signal infrastructure. This project is expected to be completed in phases over the next three years. The city is also preparing for an autonomous vehicle program by upgrading technology and planning possible routes. The intersection of Jupiter & Campbell will see changes to existing lanes to allow for increased capacity. Various infrastructure improvements including bike lanes and increased pedestrian safety are also highlighted. Most of the funding for these projects will come from various grants. Councilman Corcoran asks about the road widening at Jupiter & Campbell. He makes the point that widening roads doesn’t lead to less traffic, a point that many proponents of public/alternate transportation often make. Mr. Nelson replies that creating designated turn lanes will hopefully clear up existing congestion. Mr. Magner clarifies that they are not trying to reduce traffic, but make traffic safer. Councilman Hutchenrider, citing the recent murder of Tyre Nichols by Memphis police, asks about the capabilities of cameras installed at intersections and potentially using them to monitor for public safety. Staff answers that currently cameras are only monitored 6 AM – 6 PM and do not record or store any video. Staff may remotely access cameras to adjust their position after hours if needed. Mayor Voelker states that a broader discussion with public input would be a good idea if they were to consider using these cameras in the way Councilman Hutchenrider describes.

Mr. Magner and Mr. Nelson also present an update on the Interlocal Agreement with DART, specifically the Silver Line project. Sound walls will be installed along the route to lessen the noise into neighborhoods from the train. Aesthetic arches will also be constructed along the route as it passes over Hwy 75. The projected date of service for the Silver Line is now delayed until 2026.

 (The last 10 minutes of audio is sped up and difficult to understand.) 

Due to a surplus in sales tax revenue and Covid relief funding, DART will be refunding approximately $14.5 million back to Richardson. This funding can only be used on projects DART approves.

The consent agenda is approved unanimously and includes approval of the Interlocal Agreement that was just presented. It also includes authorizing Fannin Tree Farm to replace the trees damaged along Main St. for approximately $150,000.

Council discusses various events that they attended, and the meeting adjourns.