The Northlake Town Council met on Thursday, March 9, 2023.

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.

To view the slide presentation, click here.

Presentation - Recognition of Town Hall 101 Graduates

Staff explained that the Inaugural Town Hall 101 class was developed to build relationships and to educate Northlake residents and business owners about the Town. Department heads were able to meet with the class and review specific departmental and governmental functions. Staff described the eight classes students attended, covering topics such as Town history, government structure, public safety and finance.

Staff presented certificates to each member of the class, and recognized their accomplishment in front of Council. 

Council stated that Town Hall 101 is an exciting opportunity for residents to get involved with the Town, allowing Staff to share their passion for what they do, their focus and the dedication they have to their roles.

Presentation - New Employee Introductions

Staff introduced four new Northlake Police Department employees: three new officers and a new records clerk.

Presentation - Upper Trinity Regional Water District on Water Conservation Efforts

Representative from Upper Trinity Regional Water District explained that the treated water system serves 29 communities and approximately 400,000 people in Denton County and a portion of Collin County.

Representative reviewed water sources and explained that the Upper Trinity Regional Water District contracts with the City of Dallas and the City of Denton for water out of Lake Lewisville and Lake Ray Roberts, with additional water rights for Chapman Lake through a partnership with the City of Irving.

Representative explained that the Texas State Legislature requires the Upper Trinity Regional Water District to look 50 years ahead in planning for water supply needs. Representative stated that the permitting process to use Lake Ralph Hall took 18 years to complete.

Representative explained that the Taylor Water Treatment Plant serves Northlake and its surrounding areas. The plant was constructed in 1997 and was very close to being maxed out the first year it went online. A 50M gallon a day expansion project was completed in 2002, which was the last major expansion of the plant. Improvements have been made over the years to provide better service to water customers. 

Representative presented a chart of daily water demands from 2018-2022 which showed the average daily usage, actual usage from last year and current trends. Representative noted that the chart started trending higher in June of last year, maxing out treatment capacity, which initiated the Stage 1 drought restrictions. Usage is currently trending about the same as last year. 

Representative stressed the importance of water education, which is accomplished by utilizing school outreach programs, tours, talks and digital media.

Representative reviewed irrigation efficiency, stating that 80% of the water used during the summer months is used outdoors. Representative explained that the watermyyard.org application notifies residents of weekly watering recommendations based on local weather. Representative added that another great resource for water customers is a free irrigation system checkup for more efficient landscaping. Out of the 400 checkups that were conducted last year, 42% of the households were overwatering. If residents followed recommendations, they could save over 4,524 gallons of water per week. Representative stated that on average, there were about 14 recommendations for repairs or adjustments per home. The total water savings of this program was approximately 619,800 gallons per week for the residents who signed up for this free service.

Representative stated that most new irrigation controllers have a setting for seasonal adjustments, which reduces the amount of watering between winter and summer seasons. 

Representative reviewed native landscaping and stated that Upper Trinity provides a free homeowners guide for lawn and garden care, providing information on basic irrigation controller settings, soil preparation and native plants.

Representative explained that every five years the State develops a statewide water plan. Preliminary projections are showing that systemwide, the population is growing at about 8% per year, which makes providing water a challenge. The Region C Water Plan Process distributes a survey to help develop population and demand projections. They identify available supplies and evaluate water management strategies before developing the plan.

Representative explained that water conservation education and campaigns will continue. Design will begin on the Taylor Water Plant expansion in April of this year in order to provide up to 100M gallons per day to Upper Trinity customers. In addition, design will be wrapped up and construction will begin on the Southwest Pump Station and Lake Ralph Hall.

Representative stated that Upper Trinity Regional Water District will begin working with Homeowner Associations to better communicate information to residents. 

Council explained that there are times of year when water conservation is more important and added that conserving water during the winter months can save residents money through winter averaging. Council stressed the importance of conservation during the summer months to avoid the Town from moving to another pricing tier.

Public Input:

To view public input, please go to Item 3 of the Town Council meeting video here.

Consent Items:

A. Consider approval of the Town Council Meeting Minutes for February 23, 2023.

Approved by Council.

Action Items:

A. Hold a public hearing regarding the proposed annexation of approximately 1.157 acres of Dale Earnhardt Way right-of-way from State Highway 114 to approximately 300 feet north of Northport Drive within the Town's exclusive extraterritorial jurisdiction (1st Required Public Hearing; 2nd Required Public Hearing set for March 23, 2023; Final Consideration set for April 13, 2023).

Staff explained that in order to expand and make improvements to the roadway at 114 and Dale Earnhardt Way, the Town needs bring the entire road into the Town of Northlake. Two public hearings have been scheduled and the Commissioner’s Court Order has been received. All the conditions to proceed have been met. 

Council clarified that this step does not mean that the Town cannot partner with Denton County on funding for these road projects. 

To view the public hearing, please go to Item 5A of the Town Council meeting video here.

Approved by Council.

B. Consider an Ordinance of the Town of Northlake, Texas, amending Article 9.03, Division 2 of the Code of Ordinances; adopting land use assumptions, capital improvements plans, and impact fees for water and sanitary sewer facilities. 

Staff explained that contractors have reviewed impact fees per State Statute. A special committee was formed to review land use assumptions, the capital improvement plan, and impact fees for water and sanitary sewer facilities. 

To view the public hearing, please go to Item 5B of the Town Council meeting video here.

Staff clarified that the land use assumptions were based off of Council’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Staff explained that the Committee decided to keep fees at the maximum, allowing Council to decide on a case-by-case basis how to best manage and distribute those fees with credits and disbursements.

Approved by Council.

C. Consider an Ordinance of the Town of Northlake, Texas, amending the Code of Ordinances and Appendix "A"; Impact fees (A4.003), and Roadway impact fee schedule (A6.003).

Staff explained that this step reflects the recent road and water and sewer impact fee schedule adoption and will update the Code of Ordinances.

Approved by Council.

D. Consider a Resolution of the Town of Northlake, Texas authorizing participation in certain cooperative purchasing programs in accordance with the Town's Procurement Policy; identifying those cooperative purchasing programs; authorizing the Town Manager to execute any and all necessary agreements for participation and approving related contracts.

Staff explained that this Resolution allows the Town to benefit from other municipalities' bid pricing through interlocal cooperation agreements. 

Approved by Council.

E. Consider a Resolution of the Town of Northlake, Texas, approving and authorizing the Town Manager to execute a purchase agreement with The Fulcrum Group for the purchase of two network servers, in an amount not to exceed $46,536.98.

Staff explained that the warranty on the Town's server has expired and that the replacement was planned and in the FY 2023 budget. 

Approved by Council.

F. Consider a Resolution of the Town of Northlake, Texas, approving and authorizing the Town Manager to execute a purchase agreement with Andale Construction, for HA5 Pavement Treatment, in an amount not to exceed $191,675.00.

Staff stated that this process is a high density treatment that will extend the life of the asphalt road. The UV protectant creates a layer that will keep oils in the asphalt. Crews will fill cracks before the treatment is applied. 

Council explained that the key to this process is longevity. Preservation of the existing road surface allows for maximum use of preexisting pavement.

Approved by Council.

The Town Council convened into Executive Session with one item to consider.

Section A. ii. Authorizing the Town Manager to start negotiations of a potential lease agreement with tenant of proposed sports venue. 

Approved by Council.

Meeting was adjourned.

Council and Staff recognized the Inaugural Town Hall 101 Graduating Class.

Staff introduced four new Northlake Police Department employees: three new officers and a new records clerk.