Mayor Starks called the regular Brier City Council Meeting to order at 7:30 PM and the flag salute was given.

Roll Call:

Present:            Councilmembers Colinas, Gipson, McClenny, Corpron-Smith, Warner, and Doolittle. Councilmember Morgan arrived at 7:33 PM

Public Requests & Oral Communications:

Dave Vezzani, 3310 238^th St SW, asked about the status of the plan submitted by Paul Schroeder regarding the abatement of the nuisance problem. Mr. Vezzani distributed to Council photos that were taken on last Saturday of the view from his property of the progress that has been made. Mayor Starks explained the procedures that the City has taken since the abatement plan had been submitted and explained that he had sent the Public Works Department out to Mr. Schroeder’s house to review the area. Mayor Starks informed Council that Mr. Schroeder is due to have another inspection in January to review the progress. Mr. Vezzani asked if an inventory had been done and if the City had full access to the property and Mayor Starks responded that Mr. West had full access when he went out to inspect. There was Council discussion.

Peggy Dare, 22320 Hickory Way, submitted a study to Council with articles accessing the cost of community services and explained the benefits of having open space. Ms. Dare discussed the City providing a water outlet for horses and explained how Nolan West had planned to address the problem. Ms. Dare submitted a sketch of how this could be done and discussed the Brier Horse Trail and having it maintained in an attractive way. There was Council consensus to discuss this item at the next workshop. Ms. Dare submitted an article on Storm Water Management containing resources for Brier to reduce storm water problems and an article on the design guidelines for large projects. Ms. Dare discussed the Council/Manager form of government, comparing the two different types of government, and stated that she favors the Council/Manager form of government. Ms. Dare discussed low-water storm management and reviewed a buildable land study. Ms. Dare commented regarding an area that has been discussed for annexation.

Reports of Committees & City Officials:

Councilmember Colinas stated that he and Councilmembers Morgan and Corpron-Smith met with Fire District 1 to discuss a future agreement for fire services.

Councilmember Warner reported that they are now starting labor negotiations with the Police Officers.

Approval of Minutes:

Mayor Starks opened for consideration of approval of the Brier City Council Minutes of December 2, 2003. Councilmember Gipson moved and Councilmember Doolittle seconded to approve the Brier City Council Minutes of December 2, 2003. Motion Carried with Councilmembers Colinas and McClenny abstaining, as they were not present at that meeting.

Hearings:

Councilmember Colinas moved and Councilmember Warner seconded to open the Six Year Street Plan. Motion Carried and Mayor Starks opened the Public Hearing for the Six Year Street Plan. Peggy Dare asked if Hickory Way was on the Plan and Council responded that it was Number 6 on the plan. There was Council discussion with Ms. Dare. Councilmember Colinas moved and Councilmember Gipson seconded to close the Public Hearing. Motion Carried. Wayne Kaske informed Council of how the plan was put together. Councilmember Warner moved and Councilmember Gipson seconded to approve Resolution No. 475 adopting the 2004 Six Year Street Plan and authorize Mayor’s signature. There was Council discussion. Motion Carried.

New Business, Petitions, Communications, Applications & Appeals:

Mayor Starks opened for discussion the Final Plat Approval for Old Poplar Highlands. Joe Murphy informed Council that it awaits Council approval. Wayne Kaske informed Council that he has met the requirements of Resolution No. 459 and stated that the bonding was the only remaining question. Mr. Murphy stated Mayor Starks and Tom Evans have received copies of the bonds to review. Mayor Starks declared a five-minute recess at 8:38 PM. The meeting resumed at 8:45 PM and Wayne Kaske continued the City’s presentation regarding the plat. Joe Murphy reported on the Wetland Mitigation Plan and on bond coverage for the plat. Peggy Dare asked questions about the blackberries at Locust Creek Park and Joe Murphy responded. Joe Murphy agreed to give a copy of what he sends to DOE to the City. With that, Wayne Kaske recommended approval of the plat. Peggy Dare spoke regarding street trees and the landscaping of the pond and the lack of topsoil. Mayor Starks declared a five minute break at 9:19 PM. The meeting reconvened at 9:21 PM. Peggy Dare stated that she objects to the plat and its’ effect on the environment and stated that the plat was done illegally.

Ordinances, Resolutions & Orders:

Mayor Starks opened for consideration of approval of Ordinance No. 459.A granting Final Plat Approval for Old Poplar Highlands. There was Council discussion. Councilmember Gipson moved and Councilmember Doolittle seconded to approve Ordinance No. 459.A granting Final Plat Approval for Old Poplar Highlands to include amendments to Section 10 regarding the bonds and to insert language that an additional three-year Maintenance Bond for wetland mitigation is required and authorize Mayor’s signature. Motion Carried.

Miscellaneous Business by Call of Councilmembers & City Officials

Mayor Starks recommended the purchase of gas from Shultz Distributing. Councilmember Colinas moved and Councilmember Doolittle seconded to authorize purchase of gas and diesel from Shultz Distributing at a cost not to $14,850. Motion Carried.

Auditing of Accounts

Mayor Starks opened for consideration approval of the November 2003 Payroll Warrants. Councilmember Colinas moved and Councilmember Doolittle seconded to approve the November 2003 Payroll Warrants No. 11681 through No. 11734 in the amount of $79,047.65 with Warrants No. 11680 and 11694 being voided. Motion Carried.

Mayor Starks opened for consideration approval of the November 2003 Claim Warrants.  Councilmember Colinas moved and Councilmember Gipson seconded to approve the November 2003 Claim Warrants No. 16273 through No. 16305 in the amount of $225,530.24 and voided Warrant No. 16274. There was Council discussion. Motion Carried.

Adjournment

Councilmember Colinas moved to adjourn.

Mayor Starks stated that there will be a vacancy on the Council on January 1, 2004 and that the position is open to the public. Advertising the vacancy on the web page was discussed and Mayor Starks stated that it would be posted and put on the web page.

Peggy Dare reported that there has been an enormous change on the Schroeder property and that the City should not be involved in legally parked vehicles on people’s property. There was Council discussion. Paul Schroeder informed Council that he cannot drive a truck back on the property due to the weather. Mayor Starks stated that he would be sending a response to Mr. Schroeder.

Councilmember Colinas moved to adjourn and Mayor Starks declared the meeting adjourned at 9:50 PM.