05-11-2013:  ELECTION DAY - 7AM to 7PM - ALL HANDS ON DECK!

1. I do take this election seriously but let's have a little fun anyway... Click & Play this WAV audio file for a little dramatic affect... (or in MP3 format).

2. ATTENTION - ALL HANDS ON DECK...  Your circle of influence is larger than you might think.   You can make a difference.

   • Volunteers are needed at polling locations on Election Day to hold signs, etc..  I will be at the Annex location for most of the day if you want to swing by and get a sign to hold at the voting locations.  I will be available by email at John.Gorena@Gorena.org if you need to contact me. 

   • Please see the Introduction Letter for my campaign and share with others.

   • Call all those on your contact list and tell them to vote for GORENA.  I have listed my choices for the other races on the ballot on the Voting Schedule Page.

   • Send email reminder to all your friends.

   • Send Twitter messages.

   • Send Facebook Posts.

   • Strike up conversations with those you meet throughout the day.

   • DO NOT WAIT - VOTE FOR GORENA!  {and those on my recommendations list on the Voting Schedule Page.}

3. Click & Play this WAV audio file again for a little dramatic affect... (or in MP3 format).

4. Voting locations are on the County website at http://elections.dentoncounty.com/go.asp?Parent=1325&Link=1330

5. Election results will be at http://elections.dentoncounty.com

05-10-2013:  Keep Tradition Alive (KTA)  - Annual bagpipes, drums concert returns to Lewisville. 
     More than 300 firefighter bagpipers and drummers from across the country are expected to participate in the annual KTA Jam Session scheduled for Friday, May 10, on the steps of Lewisville City Hal, 151 W. Church Street.   The event, which has become a community favorite drawing more than 1,000 spectators, will include a series of performances and presentations by participants and instructors at the Keep Tradition Alive symposium being held that week at the Lewisville Convention Center.
     Also performing that evening will be The Killdares, a Celtic-themed band retuning to Lewisville after a well-received appearance in the 2012 Sounds of Lewisville summer concert series.
     Keep Tradition Alive is one of the premier training events for firefighter bagpipe and drum corps members across the country, and also includes classes for public safety honor guards conducted by the National Honor Academy. It was started by Lewisville Fire Department in 2008 and is held each May at the Lewisville Convention Center. The public Jam Session held in conjunction with the symposium has become a popular regional activity for participants and spectators.
     Friday’s event in historic Old Town Lewisville will start at 6 p.m., with performances starting at 7 p.m. The Killdares will take the stage at 7:45 p.m. Food and beverage vendors will be on site. Sponsors are Wingstop, Miller and Pierce Fire Trucks.
     For information, please visit www.lfdpipesanddrums.com or www.cityoflewisville.com.
Media contact: James Kunke, Community Relations and Tourism Director, 972.219.3726.

05-06-2013:  Lewisville City Council Meeting:

• 5:30 PM - WORKSHOP SESSION - Discussion of Regular Agenda Items and Consent Agenda Items. This is a regularly scheduled open meeting.
  • A. Discussion of the Single Family Rental Inspection Program and International Property Maintenance Code
  • B. Discussion of Regular Agenda Items and Consent Agenda Items
• 07:00 PM, Regular Council Meeting. Please look over the Agenda - Short Version or the Long version with backup material.  If the links do not work, the City's site generates links that may change and therefore go to www.CityOfLewisville.com and look there.  Please look over the long version which has some backup material that might peak your interest.  The Following are items that I think might interest you most:
  • ITEM E.  PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of the Advisability of Improvements in the Proposed Castle Hills Public Improvement Districts (PIDs) Number 5, 6, and 7.
    ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTS:
    Chapter 372 of the Local Government Code requires that a public hearing be held to determine the advisability of improvements in a proposed public improvement district. Notice of the hearing was published in a newspaper of record and included the estimated cost of the improvements, boundaries of the proposed districts, proposed method of assessment and the proposed apportionment of cost between the improvement district and the municipality. Improvements in each of the districts include water, wastewater and street infrastructure.
    RECOMMENDATION:
    That the City Council conduct the public hearing considering the advisability of public improvement districts numbers 5, 6 and 7.
    PRESENTATION: Drew Keith,Chief Strategy Officer, Bright Realty, LLC
  • ITEM 5. Approval of a Letter Agreement With Wynne/Jackson, Inc., Granting Wynne/Jackson an Exclusive Right to Commence Negotiations With Lease Holders Involved in the Lewisville Lake Master Plan; and Authorization for the City Manager to Execute the Contract.
    ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTS: The City and Wynne/Jackson (WJ) entered into a Master Development Agreement on November 1, 2010, for professional services related to the development of Lewisville Lake Master Plan. The Master Development Agreement allows WJ the first right of negotiations to be the Master Developer for this project. This letter agreement will grant WJ an exclusive right to start negotiations with the existing lease holders under the City's lease with the US Army Corps of Engineers (COE). WJ will conduct the negotiations from its own perspective which shall not be binding in anyway on the City and shall be conducted at no cost to the City.
    RECOMMENDATION:  That the City Council approve the letter agreement as set forth in the caption above.
    • PRE-MEETING COMMENTS:  This says that it "shall be conducted at no cost to the City."  To be clear, we have paid them $265,000.  I think this is misleading and should be worded to reflect that it "is part of the contract that was paid with consultation fees that we have already paid in the amount of $265,000".  See some background information from the last Retreat 02-07-2013 and meeting on 01-23-2012.
    • Post-Meeting Comments:  I mentioned that I did not like the way it was worded.  I asked that my comments be made known in the minutes of the workshop meeting.  I did not pull it from the consent agenda since it would not have mattered.  I also mentioned that I am still not in support of this project.
  • ITEM 12. Consideration of an Ordinance by Amending the Lewisville City Code Article VI, Chapter 4, Single Family Residential Rental Inspection Program; and Amending Chapter 2, Article VIII, Section 2-201, Fee Schedule, by Adding a Single Family Rental Permit Surcharge Fee.
    ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTS:  Periodic workshops by staff and City Council have been held for consideration of making amendments to the inspection of residential rental properties. The City Council directed staff to prepare the ordinance changes regulating inspection of residential rental properties. The proposed ordinance changes will require registration and will have a surcharge refundable upon completion of the inspection. The program would be triggered by the owner registration, transfer of water services by the tenant or owner, or by complaint basis by the tenant, owner, etc.
  • ITEM 13. Consideration of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Lewisville, Texas, Amending Chapter 7, Article XVIII, Oil and Gas Drilling and Production, of the Lewisville City Code by Adding a Section Regarding Water Supply Restrictions; and Adding a Section Establishing an Oil and Gas Advisory Board.
     ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTS: At the City Council Retreat held in February, 2013, staff prepared and delivered a presentation regarding potential changes to the Oil and Gas Drilling and Production Ordinance. In this presentation, options were presented regarding restricting water supplies for fracing operations during drought conditions and also options were presented regarding the Oil and Gas Stakeholders Group. From this presentation, staff has developed ordinance language that would allow the City Manager to restrict water sales when a Stage 3 Water Crisis is declared or when providing water for fracing would expose the city to increased water supply demand charges. Regarding the Stakeholders Group, ordinance language is provided to establish an Oil and Gas Advisory Board. RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve the ordinance as set forth in the caption above.
    • PRE-MEETING COMMENTS:  If you want to be on this board, please contact the City Secretary's office and fill out an application.

04-15-2013:  Lewisville City Council Meeting:

• 6:30 PM - WORKSHOP SESSION - Discussion of Regular Agenda Items and Consent Agenda Items. This is a regularly scheduled open meeting.
  • A. Discussion of Regular Agenda Items and Consent Agenda Items.
• 07:00 PM, Regular Council Meeting. Please look over the Agenda - Short Version or the Long version with backup material.  If the links do not work, the City's site generates links that may change and therefore go to www.CityOfLewisville.com and look there.  Please look over the long version which has some backup material that might peak your interest.
  • ITEM D. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of an Ordinance for a Zone Change Request From General Business (GB) to General Business (GB) and Estate Townhouse (ETH) on 60.81 Acres, Located at the Southwest Corner of Cookie Lane and Windhaven Parkway; Further Identified as Lot 1, Block A, Crossroads Centre South Addition, Phase I, as Requested by G&A Consultants on Behalf of the Property Owner (Case No. PZ-2013-03-03).
    ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTS:  The developer is proposing to rezone approximately 53 acres to ETH (Estate Townhouse) in order to construct 232 detached single-family residences as well as a clubhouse with pool and open areas. Roughly eight acres at the southeast and southwest corners of the property will retain the GB (General Business) designation. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended  approval of the zoning request by a vote of 7-0 at their March 19, 2013 meeting.
  • ITEM 5. Acceptance of the 2012 Lewisville Parks, Recreation & Open Space Vision Plan.
  • ITEM 7. Approval of a 5-Year 8-Month Lease Agreement for the Lewisville Rodeo Grounds With the Lewisville Saddle Club, Inc., in the Amount of $3,500 Annually.
    ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTS: City staff has negotiated a 5-year 8-month lease agreement in the amount of $3,500 annually with the remainder of 2013 based on a pro-rated formula. The proposed lease agreement will be effective through December 31, 2018. Use of the facility will be for rodeo type events. Stipulations within the lease require the Lewisville Saddle Club to maintain all areas of the arena, concession stand and press box. The City will maintain the bleachers system and all grounds outside the arena area.

04-01-2013:  Lewisville City Council Meeting:

• 6:00 PM - WORKSHOP SESSION - Discussion of Regular Agenda Items and Consent Agenda Items. This is a regularly scheduled open meeting.
  • A. Review of Proposed Changes to the Old Town Sign Ordinance.
  • B. Discussion of Regular Agenda Items and Consent Agenda Items.
• 07:00 PM, Regular Council Meeting. Please look over the Agenda - Short Version or the Long version with backup material.  If the links do not work, the City's site generates links that may change and therefore go to www.CityOfLewisville.com and look there.  Please look over the long version which has some backup material that might peak your interest.
  • UPDATES COMING AS I GET TIME...  Please Right Click Long version with backup material and save it to your computer to review.  It is a large file (48 MB).
  • ITEM D. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of an Ordinance Amending the Lewisville Code of Ordinances, Chapter 17 – Zoning, by Repealing and Replacing the Chapter in its Entirety; Altering Definitions; Modifying, Deleting, and Adding Uses Within Zoning Districts; Creating a Special Use Permitting Process; Requiring a Special Use Permit for Various Uses in Different Zoning Districts; Revising Regulations Related to Accessory Buildings; Amending the Regulation of Non-Conforming Uses and Structures; and Changes to Home Occupations.
    ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTS: The current Zoning Ordinance was adopted in 1995 and through the years has undergone amendments to various sections as deemed necessary. The proposed amendment is more substantial than previous updates, affecting almost every zoning district. The primary recommended change relates to the implementation of a “Special Use Permit – SUP” designation, which was introduced to the Planning and Zoning Commission in October of 2011 and was discussed by the City Council at their retreats in February of 2012 and 2013. Additional modifications regarding accessory buildings, non-conforming uses and structures, and home occupations are also proposed. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the ordinance adoption by a vote of 6-1 at their meeting on March 19, 2013.
  • ITEM 3. Approval of a Bid Award for an Annual Requirements Contract for Meter Reading Services to AccuRead, Ann Arbor, Michigan, for an Estimated Amount of $263,028.40.
    ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTS: A total of thirteen (13) bid invitations were downloaded from Bidsync.com. Two (2) bids were received and opened March 12, 2013. This contract provides for the manual reading of approximately 21,850 water meters each month and associated services (disconnects, reconnects, and re-reads). The term of the contract is for twelve (12) months, with an option to extend for up to two (2) additional twelvemonth periods. Funds are available in the FY 2013 Public Services Utility Fund Operating Budget.
  • ITEM 8. Approval of a Supplemental Appropriation of $10,000 From Hotel Motel Fund Reserves to Award an Arts Project Grant to Lakeside Arts Foundation, as Recommended by the Arts Advisory Board.
    ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTS: City Council recently created a new Arts Project Grants program to supplement the previously existing Arts Support Grants program. Applications are submitted to and reviewed by the Arts Advisory Board. An application was received from Lakeside Arts Foundation for an arts festival, previously held in The Colony, to be held on June 1, 2013, in Old Town Lewisville. The board approved the application and recommended a grant award of $10,000 at its March 26, 2013, meeting. Because the new program was created after adoption of the 2012-13 Budget, there is no money allocated for this grant. However, there is money available in the Hotel Motel Fund to cover the expense, and there is sufficient room under the State-mandated 15 percent cap for arts support.
  • ITEM 10. Approval of an Economic Development Agreement Between the City of Lewisville and Birmingham Management, Inc., and Authorization for the City Manager to Execute the Agreement.
    ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTS: Birmingham Management, Inc., owns the Lewisville West shopping center located at 701 S Stemmons Fwy., Lewisville, TX, currently valued at $2,064,078 in Real Property Improvement value. The Owner proposes to renovate the shopping center at a cost of $5.2 million dollars. The proposed agreement provides a 100% tax incentive/rebate on the improvement value for 10 years and a tax incentive/rebate of the 1% sales and use tax collected by the City on taxable items during the construction phase of the project.
  • ITEM 11. Consideration of a Variance to the Lewisville City Code Chapter 6 - Land Development Regulations, Allowing for 65% Stucco, 35% Brick Exterior Finish in Lieu of 80% Brick or Stone Masonry Requirement, for Lewisville West Shopping Center Located at the Northwest Corner of I-35E and Fox Avenue, as Requested by Grant Wickard of Good Fulton and Farrell Architects, Representing Allen Birmingham, the Owner. .
    ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTS: The owner of the shopping center desires to provide a complete facelift of the shopping center exteriors. There are five (5) buildings on the shopping center campus scheduled for these improvements. Some of the out buildings are being renovated internally as well. The owner is making significant improvements to the center including exterior finish, landscaping, parking, signage and lighting. The exterior finish is requested to be stucco in lieu of the 80% brick or stone requirement in order to create a statement look for the shopping center.
  • ITEM 13. Consideration of a Variance to the Lewisville City Code Chapter 9.5 Old Town Development Section 92, Paving, Regarding Provision of 8’ x 21’ Parallel Parking Spaces in Lieu of the Required 10’ x 24’ Spaces Along Charles Street Between Walters Street and Elm Street and Along Walters Street Between Charles Street and Mill Street, as Requested by City of Lewisville, the Property Owner.
    ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTS: With the upcoming construction of the Old Town Plaza existing parking spaces will be removed and will need to be replaced with on street parking along the perimeter streets. To maximize the number of parking spaces to be provided using existing street widths, a variance is needed to allow smaller parallel parking spaces of 8’ x 21’ in lieu of the required 10’ x 24’ spaces.

03-18-2013: Lewisville City Council Meeting:

• 6:30 PM - WORKSHOP SESSION - Discussion of Regular Agenda Items and Consent Agenda Items. This is a regularly scheduled open meeting.
  • A. Discussion of Regular Agenda Items and Consent Agenda Items
• 07:00 PM, Regular Council Meeting. Please look over the Agenda - Short Version or the Long version with backup material.  If the links do not work, the City's site generates links that may change and therefore go to www.CityOfLewisville.com and look there.  Please look over the long version which has some backup material that might peak your interest.
  • Item D - PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of an Ordinance for a Zone Change Request From General Business (GB) to Estate Townhouse (ETH) on 13.81 Acres, Located at the Northwest Corner of North Summit Avenue and Civic Circle; Further Identified as Lot 1, Block A, Valley Ridge Business Park West, Phase VI; as Requested by Megatel Homes, on Behalf of the Property Owner (Case No. PZ-2013-02-02).
  • Item 3. Acceptance of the Fiscal Year 2012 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).
    • Pre-Meeting Comments:  This is basically an announcement that the City Staff and the auditor has completed the Audit of the CAFR.
  • Item 4. Approval of an Economic Development Agreement Between the City of Lewisville and Bridal Boutique Lewisville, Inc.; and Authorization for the City Manager to Execute the Agreement.
    • Pre-Meeting Comments:  Yes it is Public Money spent on Private Property BUT there is a give and take on this one and Yes, I am barely OK with this one.  The money is actually in an account for this type of use.  It was approved by a previous council and it still has a balance and therefore I was not going to argue against it.  I did give my concerns and the rest of the Council did listen to me but chose to contribute anyway.  I would have preferred that it be spent somewhere else being that it is City money being spent to improve some private property.  In this case it is to get a building to code that is part of our historic downtown district.  The best that I could do, being the minority on how public money is spent, is that I pushed for the lesser of the options considered.  Believe me, there was a time during the discussions when the idea of a lot more money was considered.
  • Item 8. Consideration of Acceptance of a Donation of 30 Assault Rifles From Heckler & Koch for Use by the Police Department’s Tactical Unit.
    • Pre-Meeting Comments: Nice, very nice. Hard to believe that an AR-15 can be improved (ie ejection gas ports changes to keep it cleaner internally, can fire after being submerged and without being completely drained, etc...).  The police department is very fortunate to get these.
    • After Meeting Comments:  Well it seems we missed our window.  Apparently, another department got the award.  It was a first come first serve thing.  It has been requested to allow the City Manager accept such donations without needing to go through City Council.  The approval for this authority will come to council soon.  This will help avoid the loss of such donations in the future.

03-04-2013: Lewisville City Council Meeting:

• 6:30 PM - WORKSHOP SESSION - Discussion of Regular Agenda Items and Consent Agenda Items. This is a regularly scheduled open meeting.
  • A. Discussion of Regular Agenda Items and Consent Agenda Items
• 07:00 PM, Regular Council Meeting. Please look over the Agenda - Short Version or the Long version with backup material.  If the links do not work, the City's site generates links that may change and therefore go to www.CityOfLewisville.com and look there.  Please look over the long version which has some backup material that might peak your interest.

02-18-2013: Lewisville City Council Meeting:

• 6:30 PM - WORKSHOP SESSION - Discussion of Regular Agenda Items and Consent Agenda Items. This is a regularly scheduled open meeting.
  • A. Discussion of Regular Agenda Items and Consent Agenda Items
• 07:00 PM, Regular Council Meeting. Please look over the Agenda - Short Version or the Long version with backup material.  If the links do not work, the City's site generates links that may change and therefore go to www.CityOfLewisville.com and look there.  Please look over the long version which has some backup material that might peak your interest.
• Minutes of the Meeting

02-07-2013 thru 02-09-2013:  City Council Planning Retreat

The Council retreat will be at the Hilton Garden Inn [785 SH-121 Bypass Lewisville, TX 75067;  (972) 459-4600].  It is open for you to attend.  There may be times where there is a closed session but they do not last that long.  Please come hear the discussions and presentations.  Please RIGHT CLICK here and SAVE the PDF Agenda and backup material to your computer desktop.  It is a large 62 MB PDF file so it may take a few minutes to download. Once saved on your computer, just double click it to open. {Due to the dynamic operation of the City of Lewisville website, if the links do not work, then go to their website and look at it from there.}

Here are the topics that were discussed.  Click here to Continue...

02-05-2013: DENTON COUNTY REPUBLICAN ASSEMBLY MEETING

• Tuesday, February 5, 2013
  Lewisville Chamber of Commerce
  551 N. Valley Pkwy
  Lewisville, TX 75067
• Meet and Greet 6:30pm
  Program 7:00pm
• TOPIC: Preserving the Second Amendment and exposing Obama’s Plan to Destroy it.
  Speaker: Constitutional Lawyer, MICHAEL CONNELLY

02-04-2013: Lewisville City Council Meeting:

• 6:30 PM - WORKSHOP SESSION - Discussion of Regular Agenda Items and Consent Agenda Items. This is a regularly scheduled open meeting.
  • A. Discussion of Regular Agenda Items and Consent Agenda Items
• 07:00 PM, Regular Council Meeting. Please look over the Agenda - Short Version or the Long version with backup material.  If the links do not work, the City's site generates links that may change and therefore go to www.CityOfLewisville.com and look there.  Please look over the long version which has some backup material that might peak your interest.
  • ITEM 4. Approval of an Agreement With Freese and Nichols to Perform Professional Services in Connection With the Lewisville Vision 2025 Long Range Plan.
    ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTS:
    The City Council directed during the FY 2012-13 budget process that a consultant be hired to develop a long range plan. Staff advertised a request for proposals in October 2012 and received a total of 8 proposals. The firm of Freese and Nichols is recommended based on their extensive experience with similar processes as well as their extensive knowledge of the North Texas region. The contract in the amount of $228,000 will be paid over two fiscal years with $160,000 in FY 2012-13 and an additional $68,000 in FY 2013-14. Funding for the first year is available in the FY 2012-2013 budget.
    RECOMMENDATION:
    That the City Council approve the agreement as set forth in the caption above.
    • Pre-Meeting Comments:  See Pages 4, 24-40 of the Backup material for more info.  I had voted against spending $160,000 at our last retreat on a facilitator.  As you can see it is now an additional $68,000 to make it $228,000 for a consultant to facilitate a committee of citizen volunteers for about 12 to 14 monthly meetings. 
           The committee will compile ideas of what the City should look like or accomplish by 2025.  So why did I vote against it?  Now there are $228,000 reasons.  City staff can facilitate meetings to compile these ideas and facilitate these meetings. I think what happens by 2025 will be solely the decisions made by City Council members and what citizens do to invest in their business and property.   It is great to get citizen input but it should not cost $228,000 when it can be done with city staff.
           If I cannot stop it or convince other council members to vote against it (which I have not been able to do), then I will be a team player and participate to make the best of it.
    • Post-Meeting Comments: I am not going to comment on the remarks about my position on this issue except say that some people will never understand.  You can watch the video for item 4 and make up your own mind. See 2013-12-04 (City Council).  For those of you who want to volunteer to be on the 2025 committee please see the application and fill it out.
  • ITEM 7. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending the Lewisville City Code, Chapter 16, Sections 16-99 and 16-100 Regarding Emergency Cleaning of Private Residential Sewer Service Lines and Procedures.
    ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTS:
    The City will cease any clearing of sewer line stoppages in residential private sewer lines effective March 1, 2013. The ordinance retains that maintenance of the private residential sewer lines is the responsibility of the owner, tenant or occupant, however removes language regarding City requirement to clear sewer line stoppages in the private sewer line from the house to the City sewer main.
    RECOMMENDATION:
    That the City Council approve ordinance as set forth in the caption above.
    • Pre-Meeting Comments: See Pages 6, 67-71 of the Backup material for more info.  The City will not longer be cleaning out sewer drains.  It goes into effect March 1, 2013.  See the details in the backup material.
           I am in favor of the discontinuing the service as I have mentioned before...but I was against endorsing or promoting a single business over others. – See more...
• Official Minutes of the meeting

01-28-2013: Lewisville City Council Meeting:

• 6:00 PM - WORKSHOP SESSION - Discussion of Regular Agenda Items and Consent Agenda Items. This is a regularly scheduled open meeting.
  • A. Old Town Park Plaza Update
  • B. Discussion of Regular Agenda Items and Consent Agenda Items
• 07:00 PM, Regular Council Meeting. Please look over the Agenda - Short Version or the Long version with backup material.  If the links do not work, the City's site generates links that may change and therefore go to www.CityOfLewisville.com and look there.  Please look over the long version which has some backup material that might peak your interest.
  • D. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
    • 1. Public Hearing: Consideration of an Ordinance Adopting Camp Standards of Care in Compliance With Texas Administrative Code 745.115(3) Municipal for Recreational Camp Programs.
      ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTS:
      In the State of Texas, no person may operate a child-care facility or child-placing agency without a license issued by the Department of Family and Protective Services, or a certificate to operate under accreditation issued by the Department of Family and Protective Services. The Parks and Leisure Services camp program meets all of the criteria for the municipal recreation program exemption with the Department of Family and Protective Services with the proposed standards of care and Council's adoption of the proposed ordinance. The Texas Administrative code requires the Council's adoption of the Standards of Care ordinance each year. This is the third year with the same Standards of Care as approved by City Council.
      RECOMMENDATION:
      That the City Council approve the ordinance adopting the camp standards of care as set forth in the caption above.
    • 2. Public Hearing: Consideration of an Ordinance for a Zone Change Request From Townhouse Two (TH2) to Estate Town House (ETH), on 10.99 Acres, Located at the Southeast Corner of Southwest Parkway and Misty Lane; Further Identified as Country Ridge Addition, Lot 6, Block C, and a Portion of Country Ridge No. 3, Lots 7B-R1 and 8, Block C; as Requested by Halff Associates, Inc., on Behalf of Berkshire 4th Street, LLC, the Property Owner (Case No. PZ-2013-01-01).
      ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTS
      Centurion American Development Group is proposing to construct approximately 40 single-family detached dwelling units. The ETH zoning district offers more flexible side yard setbacks than the TH-2 designation, but requires a significantly larger home size. Units are proposed to range from 2,000-3,200 square feet of livable floor space, far exceeding the 1,200 square foot minimum that TH-2 requires. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zoning request by a vote of 6-0 at their January 15, 2013, meeting.
      RECOMMENDATION
      That the City Council approve the ordinance as set forth in the caption above.

01-07-2013: Lewisville City Council Meeting:

• 6:30 PM - WORKSHOP SESSION - Discussion of Regular Agenda Items and Consent Agenda Items. This is a regularly scheduled open meeting. NOTE: If needed. the Workshop Session will continue after the Council Meeting at 7:00 PM.  You will want to stay for that one also.
  • A. Discussion of Regular Agenda Items and Consent Agenda Items
  • B. Discussion Regarding Accessory Buildings
    • See slides starting on page 8 of the Long version with backup material
    • Pre-meeting comments:  This was postponed from last meeting on 12-17-2012.  As I noted that more permits are going to be needed if you want to replace your shed if it is over 120 sq ft.  Lewisville - the city of permits.  Yes, permits are becoming ridiculous.  I do believe permits are necessary to keep things up to code but there should be a point where normal repairs and maintenance do not need a permit.  For Example, If you want to replace your water heater?  You need to pay for a permit (and from what I understand from a citizen that they had to allow an inspection from the City - another person in the house.)  And Lowes or Home Depot can show show any person how to change a water heater.  It is easy!  Another example, an Electrician is going to fix some wiring?  You need to pay for a permit - and probably an inspection too.  And the list goes on....  Now, replace your shed?  You are going to need a permit and pay for that too.
    • After Meeting Comments:  I took a printout from Lowes on sheds and listed them by most popular sales.  The first page of six sheds showed one at 124 Sq ft, and 139 sq ft.  These two sheds have probably been sold to a few of you.  Did you get a permit?  I do not think you should have.  Since none of the first fifteen sheds were over 150 sq ft, I suggested that we make it 150 sq ft.  I was alone in this thinking. 
           I also confirmed in the workshop that you would need a city inspector to inspect your water heater installation.  That was a surprise to me.  Just about anyone can install a water heater.  It is easy.  Much like a clothes washer installation: water line in, wire the plug, turn on the water - easy.  Before people start spouting silly things like gas water heaters are dangerous..  It is not much different than a gas clothes dryer installation... Or a gas kitchen stove installation.  In fact the local home improvement store like Lowes has all the connections that you will need.  BUT you need a permit???  I wonder if you need a permit to change your bathroom light fixture?  I am afraid to ask, the answer might be yes.  In any case, this over reaching of permits is ridiculous.  I did not ask about fines and penalties if you get caught but I bet that is another money maker.
           The topic of accessory building permits should be on the Agenda at the next City Council meeting on 01-28-2013 (date moved since the regular council meeting day is a MLK holiday.)
  • C. Discussion of Legislative Update,
    • See slides starting on page 17 of the Long Version of the Agenda
    • Pre-Meeting Comments:  In our last meeting on 12-17-2012 with this topic, it was discussed to hire a consultant as a lobbyist in Austin.  I expressed my concerns against this stating that as elected officials, we should be talking directly to our State Representatives elected in our area instead of spending money on another consultant.  The consultant is not going to write the legislation or vote on it.  I think this is a waste of money.
    • After Meeting Comments:  There was no discussion of hiring a consultant and at this time there is not one.  This item was strictly a list of City based issues that the City is for or against.  It is a long list but most positions taken are in favor of the City.
• 07:00 PM, Regular Council Meeting. Please look over the Agenda - Short Version or the Long version with backup material.  If the links do not work, then the City's new site generates links and you should start by going to www.CityOfLewisville.com and look there.  Please look over the long version which has some backup material that might peak your interest.
  • ITEM 2. Approval of a Resolution Adopting the Lewisville Legislative Priorities and Agenda for the 83rd Texas Legislative Session and Authorizing the Mayor, City Manager or his Designee to Take Actions to Support or Oppose Bills Introduced During the 83rd Legislative Session that Impact Said Agenda.
    • Pre-meeting comments:  Consultant may not be discussed at this meeting.?  See my comments in Item C above.
  • ITEM 4. Consideration of an Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of Not To Exceed $15,705,000 City of Lewisville, Texas, Combination Contract Revenue and Special Assessment Refunding Bonds, Series 2013 (Lewisville Castle Hills Public Improvement District No. 2 Project) (the “Series 2013 Refunding Bonds”) in Accordance With the Terms of the Trust Agreement; Authorizing the Defeasance and Refunding of $14,590,000 of the Outstanding City of Lewisville, Texas, Combination Contract Revenue and Special Assessment Refunding and Capital Improvement Bonds, Series 2002 (Lewisville Castle Hills Public Improvement District No. 2) (the “Series 2002 Bonds” or the “Refunded Bonds”); Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Trust Agreement; Authorizing a Final Offering Statement Pertaining to the Issuance of the Series 2013 Refunding Bonds; Delegating Authority to Authorized Officials to Finalize Certain Sale Terms Relating to the Series 2013 Refunding Bonds, Finalize an Escrow Agreement and Finalize a Bond Purchase Agreement; Providing an Effective Date and Containing Other Matters Related to the Series 2013 Refunding Bonds.
    • Administrative Comments: Denton County Fresh Water Supply District No 1-D has requested the City to authorize and approve the issuance of up to $15,705,000 of said bonds above for the purpose of refunding and defeasing a portion of the 2002 bonds and to pay the cost of issuance of the bonds.
  • ITEM H. CONTINUED WORKSHOP SESSION (TO BE CONDUCTED IN CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM)
    • A. Discussion Regarding Accessory Buildings
    • B. Discussion of Legislative Update
  • ITEM I. CLOSED SESSION: In Accordance with Texas Government Code Subchapter D,
    • 1. Section 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney): Legal Issues Related
      to Camelot Landfill
      2. Section 551.072 (Real Estate): Property Acquisition
      3. Section 551.087 (Economic Development): Deliberation Regarding Economic Development Negotiations

Some of you have asked how to get the Lewisville Police Email Alerts.  Please sign up at http://www.cityoflewisville.com/index.aspx?page=442

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A month or so ago, LISD was looking for ways to spend unused Bond Money as reported in the local paper.  Yep, my opinion is that they apparently got more than needed and they were looking for more projects instead of paying back that unused debt from the bond.  Now, an individual who is a Flower Mound Resident and also pays taxes to LISD has written his concerns in a PDF called “LISD Abuse of 2008 Bond Funds”.  I ask that you read through it and contact Mr. Smith with your concerns.  His contact email is todd.smith2x2@gmail.com .  My hands are too full at the City level (I need your help there too).

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Interstate 35E project meeting set for Thursday at MCL Grand

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT ) will hold an informational meeting to discuss the Interstate 35E project on Thursday, Jan. 10, 6-8 p.m., at Medical Center of Lewisville Grand Theater, 100 N. Charles Street.  Estimated cost of the project is $4.8 billion. The state has $1.1 billion in currently available funding, requiring the corridor to be constructed in phases. This phased construction approach also will require a phased property-acquisition process.  Thursday’s meeting is designed to provide information to property owners in the project’s middle section, from President George Bush Turnpike to FM 2181; provide concerned residents and property owners along the corridor with a project update, including an update of the right-of-way acquisition process; and have TxDOT staff available to answer questions about the process.  Future meetings will be conducted for other geographic areas along the corridor.  Media Contact: William L. Hale, TxDOT Dallas District Engineer, 214.320.6100

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Trout stocking dates for Elm Fork announced

Texas Parks & Wildlife, in conjunction with the City of Lewisville and the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, will stock the Elm Fork of the Trinity River with thousands of rainbow trout this winter as part of an ongoing program to boost the fish population and encourage recreational use of the river.  The state will release the fingerlings on Jan. 11 and March 1, below the Lewisville Dam spillway into the river. The City’s additional stocking of trout will take place Feb. 5. Actual stocking dates are dependent on weather, so anglers should call the hatchery at 903.676.2277 to verify.  Access to the river is through LLELA, which is open Friday through Sunday. For information, please visit http://www.ias.unt.edu/llela.  Trout anglers will need to purchase a $5 Freshwater Fishing Stamp for their valid Texas fishing license in order to catch the trout. Anglers under 17 years of age are not required to have a license or stamp. There is no minimum length limit for trout, but there is a daily bag limit of five.  Media contact: Bob Monaghan, Director of Parks & Leisure Services, 972.219.3552

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Christmas tree recycling available during the holidays

Recycling Christmas trees helps to reduce waste, extend landfill life, provide useful compost and save money. Christmas trees can be dropped off at the Lewisville Lake Park soccer fields (near Lake Park Road and North Mill Street) through Jan. 18 to be recycled into mulch.  Trees must be stripped of all nails, wire, ornaments, lights and tinsel prior to being dropped off. Free mulch will be available at the drop-off site through Jan. 18, suitable for use in yards, gardens and flower beds, walkways, around trees and shrubs or for livestock bedding.   The program is sponsored by Keep Lewisville Beautiful and Lewisville Parks and Leisure Services. For information, call KLB at 972.538.5949 or PALS at 972.219.3550.    Keep Lewisville Beautiful is the preeminent environmental organization in Lewisville, committed to empowering Lewisville residents through education to take greater responsibility for enhancing their local environment. KLB is an affiliate of Keep Texas Beautiful and Keep American Beautiful. For information, call 972.538.5949 or visit www.keeplewisvillebeautiful.org. Media Contact: Amy Wells, KLB Executive Director, 972.538.5949

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