07.30.2002 Town Council Minutes SpecialuGu6
MINUTES
Special Called Meeting of the
Prosper Town Council
First Baptist Church Youth Building
601 S. Church St., Prosper, TX
Tuesday, July 30, 2002, 7:00pm
j. Calitgorder. Mayor Dunmire called the meeting to order. Council Members present: Mayor Jim Dunmire, Mayor Pro -Tem Jeff Walker,
Charles Niswanger, Larry Tracey, and Russell Kaker. Michael Perry was not present. Also present: Town Administrator Jennifer Finley,
Town Secretary Amber Phillips, Town Attorney Rebecca Brewer, Town Engineer Travis Roberts and Town Planner Edward McRoy.
PrIviale consultafign with City Attorney coL)cgrn Ing the leadi a5 pects of lbeorel inary 12 al and overall develonme Pit of th
suUdivosion Lngwn as The Village gf La C ima. Mayor Dunmire adjourned into Executive Session at 7:02pm.
3. Rec nvene into Rea War Sess Ion tp take any necessary action as a. rg suit ofS�lfl ExCcutive Sgssion Mayor Dunmire reconvened
Into Regular Session at 7:58pm. No action taken as a result of the Executive Session.
to the Master PlarnProlegt Mayor Dunmire explained that this discussion was placed on the agenda at the request of the EDC. The
Planning & Zoning Commission and Council are currently going through the processes of zoning and annexing the property located at the
corner of SH289 and CR78. The EDC informed the Mayor that the proposed RetaiilCommercial zoning may conflict with the Master Plan and
suggested that it be put on hold until the Master Plan is further along.
Mayor Dunmire further explained that in past meetings/discussions, the Council felt that the corner of SH289 and CR78 was a good location
for Retail/Commercial„ but now the question arises as to what fits into the Master Plan currently being prepared by MESA. Another issue at
hand is the name "Prosper Town Center" which was named by the developer. The developer has advised that they are still desirous of
Retail/Commercial zoning, regardless if the Town's actual municipal complex Is located there. Mayor Dunmire advised that the question
arises whether to proceed with this zoning and annexation of this development or consider tabling until the Master Plan is complete.
Charles Niswanger and Jeff Walker agreed that they would like to see the zoning and annexation continue but are not prepared at this time to
make any definite decisions regarding a location for the Town Hall.
Robin McCaffrey, MESA Development Group, presented Council with his observations regarding the SH289 corridor. He explained that the
purpose of the first Master Plan public meeting was to identify the goals and objectives that will drive the plan. A continuing theme throughout
that meeting was Preston Road (SH289). He stated that some of the public sentiment was to: maintain a rural feel along Preston Rd, keep
the Town center at its current location, keep Preston Rd primarily residential, keep out strip -centers and preserve the history of the Town.
There were also several concerns regarding traffic flow on Preston Rd.
In regards to the Town's identity, Robin felt that SH289 north of US380 is significantly different than SH289 south of US380. According to him,
current traffic counts are not significant enough to support retail in this location. Any commercial development north of SH289 will be forced to
compete with commercial development south of SH289. The retail will follow the traffic density. Robin explained that if Broadway were
extended east then it would create more east/west continuity which could support some retail.
Mayor Dunmire felt that Robin brought up some valid issues but disagreed with some of Robin's issues as well. He explained that he has
heard public sentiment in favor of a Retail/Commercial development on SH289. Residents continually ask when Prosper will get a grocery
store. He also felt that there would be significant traffic to support such a development. Not only would it service Prosper residents, it would
also draw in traffic from Celina, Gunter, and other areas to the north. The developer has expressed interest in aligning sidewalks and
hike/bike trails with surrounding residential neighborhoods which would lower traffic and draw people in on foot. He explalned that a municipal
complex at that location is not an issue right now. Mayor Dunmire further explained that a RetaillCommercial development would enhance the
ability to slow down traffic in that area by extending the road and placing a traffic light. TXDOT has indicated that a retail development would
allow the possibility of street widening, turning lanes, deceleration lanes, etc.
Robin agreed that a grocery store may be a good fit for that location. He advised that the site should be capable of sustaining itself as a retail
center, not only now but in future years to came. He felt that one way to do that would be to extend Broadway. John Harris, representative for
the development at SH289 and CR78, stated that was part of the plan, but they don't intend to extend past CR77. Mr, Harris further explained
that he does not envision US380 as a grocery store location, but as a location more suited for Wal-Mart, Cosco, etc. More of the "big giant"
type stores. He gave instances in other areas where grocery stores, dry-cleaners, etc. did not succeed on major highways like US380. One
reason his group chose the SH289/CR78 location was because of the people residing to the north of Prosper. Their studies predict a traffic
count of approximately 20,000 in the next decade at that location.
Jeff Walker agreed with the retail concept at that location but explained that it will need to compliment the surrounding residential
developments, John Harris suggested the possibility of relocating old buildings to use as office sites and limiting the use of concrete. The
front of the development will be softened with landscape and possibly a pond or fountain. It will not be extremely high density and will be
developed in phases. Jahn requested that the Council at least keep them in mind as a possibility for the Town Center.
Mayor Dunmire advised that they will encourage the Planning & Zoning Commission to come up with a design that will cover the entire
development in order to provide continuity.
Ed McRoy identified the following as major strategic issues/decisions surrounding the proposed development.
• The character of Preston Rd.
• A traffic light will increase the number of accidents but decrease fatalities.
• Traffic numbers are important, but there is a capacity question.
• If this is developed, it may take away from the other retail developments in the area.
• The future tollway may take away from Preston Rd at some point in the future.
Robin explained that he is not saying "no" to all retail on Preston, but it needs to have a rural/residential flavor.
Jeff Walker stated that he does not envision Preston as a (}lane divided road at any point in the future, so it should be easy to maintain the
rural feel.
A resident from the audience addressed Council, stating that the Town needs a development to bring in sales tax dollars. He felt that the
Council should attempt to do a better jab in generating revenue and doing something to better Preston. Ile explained that he would like to see
a development that looked somewhat like the southeast corner of Preston and Park in Piano. He felt that if there are good buffer zones and
his quality of life Is not interrupted, then he would support Retail/Commercial at this location. He asked how much commercial development
would be required to keep his taxes down. He felt that allowing Phil Jobe to put in offices nearby would create a retail node.
Another resident partly agreed but indicated that Preston should not look like Plano, Frisco, etc. He stated that John Harris is a conscientious
developer and will provide quality, but he expressed concern regarding other potential commercial developments. He stated that he does not
want to see the Council accepting any more retail after this.
Council agreed that too much Retail/Commercial zoning may already exist on Preston Rd. They will need to take a second look at this.
Jeff Walker requested that Ed identify all of the tracts on Preston Rd. that are zoned Commercial and see what type of action can be taken
now to limit some of the future commercial developments. The Council should identify which developments are desired and which are not.
John Harris explained that through working closely with developers, he feels Preston will be widened. Collin County is the fastest growing (top
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v,dened at some point in the future. He understands the desire to keep a country -feel; therefore if the State chooses to widen Preston Rd, the
setbacks will be in place which will prevent developments from being located directly next to the road. In order to maintain rural charm,
developments should set back a ways off of the road.
Robin advised that they should not assume that SH289 will be widened, but he agrees that ultimately there will be pressure to widen it.
Mayor Dunmire advised that the whole issue was to bring this subject to the awareness of the Council at the request of the EDC. If they
choose to proceed, they will need to do so with the understanding that they must be cautious, keeping the Master Plan in mind and taking a
look at the other developments.
No action taken.
5. Action oU amendment to Ordinance 01.11. Water Co se atlon Plan. Mayor Dunmire asked that Town Administrator Jennifer Finley
present Council regarding the proposed amendment to the Water Conservation Plan. She advised that the original amendment was to
change Level Il to allow watering only between the hours of 10pm and 5am, but this change brought on many complaints from residents due
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amending Level II of the ordinance to prohibit watering with automatic sprinkler systems from 5am to 10pm and to prohibit hand -watering from
8am to bpm and from 10pm to 5am. This will provide additional hours for hand -watering which is more reasonable for residents that do not
have automatic sprinkler systems. These hours will also allow adequate time for the wells and ground storage tanks to refill. Jennifer further
advised that going past Level II will most likely NOT be required this Summer as long as there are no unforeseen problems with the water
system.
Mayor Dunmire advised Council that these hours are critical in practicing responsible water -conservation and providing adequate time for the
recovery of the Town's wells and ground storage tanks. Hopefully, within the next 18 -months, the Town will have access to surface water
which should provide a little more leniency in requiring ample time for the storage tanks and welts to recover. He stressed the positive effects
of responsible water -conservation regardless of the water situation. Jeff Walker reminded Council and residents that the Town is actually
ahead of the water situation compared to prior years.
Motioned by Jeff Walker and seconded by Charles Niswanger to adopt Ordinance No. 02-30, amending Ordinance No. 01-11, Water
Conservation Plan, as recommended by Town Administrator Jennifer Finley. Motion carried. Vote 4 to 0.
problems. Town Engineer Travis Roberts presented Council regarding the possibility of hiring someone to proceed with TV Camera
Inspections in an attempt to detect the infiltration problems. In the event the Council agrees to proceed with the inspections, Travis
recommended choosing a few streets in the beginning and examining the results of those inspections before proceeding any further. If the
results provide enough information to identify needed repairs then it would be wise to go forth with additional inspections. If not, it may not be
cost-effective to inspect any additional lines. The lines will need to be cleaned out before they can be inspected. A week of inspections will
cost approximately $10,000. Travis will give direction regarding the inspections.
Mayor Dunmire advised that It is critical that the inspections begin as soon as possible with regards to the upcoming budget year. Motioned
by Larry Tracey and seconded by Charles Niswanger to approve TV Camera inspections for the sewer lines up to a limit of $10.000. Motion
carried. Vote 4 to 0.
7 Discussion on the tJ an agenda for a f ,tura Town Nall Meeting, Mayor Dunmire explained that a-eW'vrl'kafP
Meeting is needed to discuss long-range items with residents. Suggestions have been made to have tables available with information
regarding various organizations/committees. This will provide residents an opportunity to visit and learn more about them. The meeting will
consist of a presentation} on various issues and a questionlanswer session. Presentations will not necessarily be given by each of the groups
represented, so the time before the meeting will give citizens the opportunity to meet with the various groups.
Charles Niswanger recommended that the Council present the infrastructure projects necessary within the next 5, 6 and 7 years, as well as
the costs involved with such and the potential impact it could have on taxes
Mayor Dunmire recommended having the meeting on Tuesday, September 17`r°, which would allow a month and a half for preparation.
Jennifer requested that each Council Member take over a role or particular subject. Mayor Dunmire advised Council that they would not
necessarily be required to make a presentation but would be required to provide all of the information to the Staff, and the Staff would prepare
the appropriate slides.
Larry Tracey recommended making a suggestion box available to the citizens.
A. Adlaurn. Mayor Dunmire adjourned the meeting at 9:58pm.
Mayor m Dunmire
wn Secretary Amber Phillipsl