The Town Council met Thursday, June 9, 2022. Below is a recap of the major actions and reports from the meeting.

For a look at the full agenda packet, click here.

To watch the meeting in its entirety, click here.

Briefing - Johnie Daniel Elementary School - Building Permit Fee Reduction

Northwest ISD has requested that the Town consider a reduction of their building permit fees for the construction of Johnie Daniel Elementary School. Because of escalating construction and material costs, this measure would provide some relief to the ISD. Permit fees are based on construction value and costs include: plan reviews, inspections, engineering by consultants and internal costs attributed to Town Staff’s involvement on a project. Johnie Daniel Elementary School will be the first school within the Town limit. 

Tim McClure, Northwest ISD Assistant Superintendent, asked if there was any room for relief on the permit fees. He explained that escalating construction costs have increased the project bid considerably. Council expressed concern that reducing costs would set a precedent for future schools. Council agreed on offering a 25% reduction on permit fees for the construction of Johnie Daniel Elementary School.

Mr. McClure suggested Council stipulate that this reduction be specifically designated to public school entities.

A motion was made for a 25% reduction.

Approved by Council.

Briefing - Fireworks Ordinance Update

Town Staff provided a review of the Fireworks Ordinance for Council to consider changes if necessary. Fireworks are currently allowed only on July 4th and New Years Eve between 6pm and 11:59pm with prohibitions and exceptions.

Town Council expressed concerns over high winds and the noise associated with fireworks.

No action was taken. Council agreed to revisit the Fireworks Ordinance after July 4th.

Briefing - Schools in Large Lot Residential Zoning Districts (RR, CRO and RE) 

Town Staff explained that as we are growing, there becomes a need for more schools. Public schools are permitted use in all residential zoning districts, including over 1 acre large lot zoning districts (RR, CRO, RE). The Town does have the capability to apply reasonable conditions and restrictions on where schools are built. Adjacent residences would be affected by increased traffic and nuisance issues such as lighting and noise.

Town Staff presented Council with options and a potential timeline for dealing with schools in large lot areas. Council decided to follow the recommendation of the P&Z and begin requiring special use permits, while simultaneously exploring the use of an agricultural zoning district in an effort to have more control over where schools are built.

Town Council called for Public Input.

A Northlake Resident suggested Council refuse to renew the building permit on the property located at 3400 Knights Court. He explained that two years have passed without substantial progress on the structure. The Resident requested that if Council decides to renew the building permit, that they consider reducing the permit to 120 days, encouraging the property owner to demonstrate progress on the site. He expressed safety concerns and asked that Council guide the owner to clean up debris and add a construction fence to the property.

Consent Items:

D. Consider approval of the Town Council Meeting Minutes for May 26, 2022

Approved by Council. 

Action Items:

E. Consider Ordinance 22-0601A on proposed text amendments to Section 4.3 “Notice Requirements” and Article 5 “Zoning Districts” of the Unified Development Code (UDC) to require written notices to be mailed to property owners within 200 feet of the boundary of the larger parent tract if the property in question is a portion of that tract. Case # UDC-22-002 a. Public Hearing b. Consider approval.

Approved by Council. 

F. Consider Resolution 22-33, awarding the bid and contract to Red River Construction for construction of Catherine Branch Lift Station and Wastewater Treatment Plant Equipment in the amount of $3,523,685.

Council noted that construction of the Catherine Branch Lift Station and wastewater treatment plant equipment are key components to the Town. The construction is required and is necessary to service the entire southern region of Northlake.

Approved by Council.

G. Consider Resolution 22-34, appointing a nominee to the Upper Trinity River Water District Board, for an unexpired term ending May 31, 2025.

Council explained that the Town’s current representative on the Upper Trinity River Water District Board has been elevated to a position nominated by the County, which leaves the Town with an opportunity to appoint someone who has the Town’s best interests in mind.

The Motion was made to nominate Drew Corn to the Upper Trinity River Water District Board. 

Approved by Council.

H. Consider Resolution 22-35, authorizing the Town Manager to execute an amended lease agreement with Canyon Falls Homeowners Association, Inc., for the exclusive use of the Hay Barn, for the purpose of renting recreational space, in an amount not to exceed $400 per month.

Town Council explained that the Canyon Falls Homeowners Association has the ability to properly maintain and manage the Hay Barn, which will make the space open and available for public use.

Approved by Council.

I. Consider Resolution 22-36, selecting a representative to serve on the DENCO Area 9-1-1 District Board of Managers for a term beginning October 1, 2022, and expiring on September 30, 2024.

Two applicants were recommended.

A motion was made to appoint Jim Carter as the representative to serve on the DENCO Area 9-1-1 District Board of Managers.

Approved by Council.

J. Consider Resolution 22-37, designating the Town Manager (or his/her designee) as building official; and provide direction to staff on permit status of residential construction at 3400 Knights Court.

Town Staff briefed Council on the need to appoint a building official on staff to make decisions on property matters.

Town Staff requested guidance on the property located at 3400 Knights Court. Town Council noted that every house under construction could be considered dangerous. The process to declare this residence dangerous would start the building process over which could take a considerable amount of time.

Council asked Town Staff to pursue all actions possible under our current codes to encourage the property owner to repair and clean up the site while the permit is being reissued.

A motion was made to extend the permit based on homeowner meeting certain provisions and designating Drew Corn as building official for the Town.

The Town Council convened into Executive Session with no anticipated action items.

Meeting was adjourned.

Chief Robert Crawford reviewed Northlake's Fireworks Ordinance for Council.

Pastor Ben Scheck, of the Grove Church in Bartonville, opened the council meeting in prayer.