Richardson City Council Meeting October 24th, 2023
OPENING & REMOTE MEETING POLICY
All councilmembers are present as well as City Manager Don Magner and City Secretary Aimee Nemer.
Mayor Pro Tem Shamsul leads a prayer and the pledges.
Minutes of previous meetings are approved unanimously.
One public comment is received regarding an experience with Richardson Police. No public speakers are present.
The first discussion item is on the Remote Council Meeting Policy. Communications Director Greg Sowell presents. The recommended policy states that a councilmember should request remote participation prior to the 72-hour agenda posting deadline. It also states that no more than two councilmembers may attend a meeting remotely. Councilmembers may remotely attend up to four meetings per two-year term. Any requests beyond the four would be decided by the mayor or presiding officer. Any requests denied by that officer may be heard and voted on by Council. Greg explains that if such a request is made less than 72 hours before a meeting, then the Council vote would not take place until the following week. (JN: I understand the legal compliance aspect but if this unlikely situation were to ever occur that would be a pretty pointless vote.) Greg explains that equipment installation is necessary to implement this policy. (JN: I’m excited to hear that the council chambers will have remote attendance capabilities. This should make it easy to allow public speakers the option to attend remotely as well, though this policy doesn’t cover that. Hopefully, we will see this option implemented before too long. It would be a great tool to increase accessibility and engagement with the community.)
Councilman Barrios asks what would happen if a councilmember loses connection. Greg explains that the councilmember would be allowed back into the meeting but would be considered absent for the portion that connection was lost. Councilman Barrios asks if a public hearing could be held on the policy. City Manager Don Magner states that this is a procedural matter that doesn’t require a hearing, but they are also not prevented from holding one. Councilwoman Justice states that this topic has been on two agendas with time in each for public comments to be heard. She also reminds Council that a public hearing would require a newspaper posting. Councilman Hutchenrider asks about the timing of a Council vote on a denied remote attendance request. City Manager Don Magner answers that it is a state law requirement that creates the awkward timing. Mayor Pro Tem Shamsul asks what software would be used. Greg answers that Zoom will be used. Councilman Barrios shares concerns about the policy in general. He is concerned about transparency and how it may be used by future councils. Mayor Dubey states that the intent of this policy is to increase a councilmember’s ability to engage and represent the city.
ZONING DECISIONS
The next item is a public hearing on ZF 23-10, a special permit request for Shredder, an indoor ski school at 1002 N. Ctrl Expy. This request is also discussed in notes from the Oct. 5th CPC meeting. Staff presents an overview and the applicant steps forward to answer questions. No public speakers are present. Council unanimously approves the request.
The next item is a public hearing on ZF 23-11, a special permit request for Boss Nail Academy, at 521 W. Campbell. This request was also discussed in notes from the Oct. 5th CPC meeting. Development Review Manager Chris Shacklett gives an overview and explains that a special permit is required since the use is not listed in the zoning ordinance. (JN: Sounds like we should update the ordinance to include some newer uses.) Chris also states that the neighboring property owner’s concerns regarding parking have been addressed. Council unanimously approves the request.
CONSENT AGENDA & CLOSING
The consent agenda is passed unanimously. It includes a resolution adopting the Council Goals statement, which does not include tactics. It also includes seven bid awards: $660K to Lanier Parking for Eisemann Center Garage management services (This is roughly $200K higher than the lowest responsible bid.), $550K to Reliable Chevrolet for 11 Police Tahoes, $81K to Reliable Chevrolet for two Police Silverados, $380K to Rush Truck Centers of Texas for seven city vehicles, $350K to Associated Supply Co. for two backhoes and one skid steer loader, $1.2M to Bond Equipment Co. for six loader crane trucks, and $500K to Reliance Truck & Equipment Inc. for four waste loader trucks.
Council discusses a recent Eisemann Center performance, the Pawtoberfest event, Network’s ‘Fork-Off’ event, a Leadership Richardson event, and the Library re-opening. Councilman Hutchenrider gives a reminder that early voting is now open for the November constitutional amendment election. Both Collin County and Dallas County residents can once again vote at First Baptist Church Richardson at 1001 N. Ctrl Expy.
Council then convenes into executive session to discuss economic development negotiations regarding a commercial development in the area near E. Arapaho and U.S. 75. The footage ends here.