The Northlake Town Council met on Thursday, January 12, 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 - Employee Service Awards:

Shannon Gummelt and Gabriel Puhak were both recognized for five years of service to the Town of Northlake.

Briefing - Denton County Emergency Services District No. 1 Update:

Town Council expressed the need for change concerning those municipalities served by Denton County Emergency Services District No. 1. Chief Vaughn, the newly appointed Fire Chief for Denton County Emergency Services District No. 1, introduced himself to Council. The Fire Chief stated that all staff will eventually be transitioned to ESD 1 and that he hopes the transition will be completed within 90-120 days.

President of ESD Board shared the priorities of the team for this transition, including implementing transparency and restoring trust between jurisdictions and partners. He stated that a comprehensive review has begun, a forensic audit firm has been secured and that the team is working closely with the Fire Chief and administration to ensure resources are readily available to provide sustainable and appropriate fire, EMS and rescue services to the communities that are served.

Town Council stated that services have not diminished and thanked everyone who has been a part of the transition.

Briefing - Development Services Department Update:

Town Staff explained the core functions of the Economic Development Department, which include Planning and Zoning, Permits and Inspections and Code Compliance. In addition, Economic Development Staff provides support to the EDC, CDC, P&Z and BOA.

Town Staff reviewed Council Goal alignment and explained that there are now full-time staff members for each of the core functions of the department. Because of an increase in development activity, Staff contracts for services such as engineering review, permits and inspections.

During FY 2022, Economic Development moved into a new office space, implemented an online permit portal, and established online payment options.

Staff detailed goals for FY 2023, which include an updated comprehensive plan, water and sewer impact fees, improved reporting, and development of a comprehensive retail economic development program intended to recruit, retain, expand, and promote local businesses.

Staff reported that building permits have decreased, acres of platted land have increased, and certificates of occupancy have decreased.

Town Staff reviewed feedback from the Christmas at the Commons event, explaining that surveys were completed and that overall feedback was positive.

Suggested areas for improvement include electrical and sound considerations, as well as additional children's activities and an improved event layout. Staff detailed specific considerations and recommendations for planning the 2023 Christmas at the Commons event.

Briefing - Proposed Fats, Oils, and Grease Ordinance:

Town Staff explained the risk of fats, oil and grease overflow from restaurants and hotels. This can cause interference with the Town's wastewater collection system. The objective of this ordinance is to prevent interference with the collection system, prevent pollutants from passing through treatment works and into the environment, establish a standardized process for tracking, reporting and cleaning, and to recapture some of the costs associated with addressing blockages and overflows.

Staff explained that there are no strict TCEQ or EPA requirements to implement this ordinance, but it is encouraged. The State Legislature provides Model Standards for this type of regulation.

Staff noted that this ordinance would not affect residential homes, only facilities that manufacture, process, prepare or provide food, and any facility that creates fats, oils and grease as a part of its operation.

Staff presented suggested penalties for violations.

Briefing - Road Assessment Fee Policy:

Town Staff reviewed the proposed Road Assessment Fee, explaining that this policy is authorized in the Texas Transportation Code, and that it only applies at the Council’s discretion. The fees may be used to pay for a majority of the cost, or can be used to supplement roadway and highway improvements. In addition, Council may decide on the amount subsidized, up to 90% for roadway improvements and up to 100% for improvements such as curbs and gutters.

Staff explained that costs are apportioned between abutting property owners, using the "Front-Foot-Rule." Council may choose the interest rate and any unpaid fees could result in a lien on the property. 

Staff reviewed the process of adopting this policy for Council.

Public Input:

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

Consent Items:

F. Consider approval of December 8, 2022 meeting minutes.

G. Consider a Resolution of the Town of Northlake, Texas, authorizing the Town Manager to enter into an agreement with the City of Fort Worth to coordinate the release of the Wiley Tract from its extraterritorial jurisdiction, and to incorporate the Wiley Tract into the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the Town of Northlake.

H. Consider calling and authorizing public hearings to be held on March 9, 2023, and March 23, 2023, 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. 

I. Consider calling and authorizing a public hearing to be held on February 9, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., at the Town of Northlake, 1500 Commons Circle, Suite 300, Northlake, Texas 76226, in the Council Chambers, regarding the proposed annexation of approximately 6.533 acres of land located on north side of FM 407 approximately 1,200 feet west of Thompson Road contiguous to the current town limits of Northlake, Texas, in the Town's exclusive extraterritorial jurisdiction. 

J. Consider a Resolution of the Town of Northlake, Texas, approving the Northlake Municipal Management District No. 1 Five Year Capital Improvement Budget and consenting to the issuance of Unlimited Tax Utility Bonds and Unlimited Tax Road Bonds.

All consent items approved by Council.

Action Items:

K. Consider an Ordinance of the Town of Northlake, Texas, amending Article 6.03, "Fireworks," of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Northlake, Texas; declaring the use or detonation of fireworks within Town limits and within 5,000 feet of Town limits to be a nuisance pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Section 217.042; prohibiting said use or detonation. 

Council explained that even though fireworks are prohibited by the HOA in Harvest, residents have detonated fireworks in the pastures near Brian’s Place, causing fires.

Council expressed the need for consistency concerning fireworks enforcement.

Council requested a future agenda item to consider a Special Use Permit for private fireworks displays.

Approved by Council.

L. Consider an Ordinance of the Town of Northlake, Texas, amending the Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023; providing that expenditure for the said fiscal year shall be made in accordance with the said Amended Budget. 

Staff explained that this ordinance recognizes an increase in M&O tax revenue, a decrease in I&S tax revenue and proposes an increase in the M&O expenditure. This measure amends the budget in order to have resources available to purchase license plate readers as previously requested by the neighborhoods of Creek Meadows, Prairie View Farms and The Highlands.

Approved by Council.

M. Consider a Resolution of the Town of Northlake, Texas, approving the Town Manager to enter into an agreement to lease/purchase license plate readers for Creek Meadows, Prairie View Farms, and The Highlands, at an amount not to exceed $22,800. 

Approved by Council.

N. Consider a Resolution of the Town of Northlake, Texas, approving and authorizing the Town Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement/contract with Thomas Brocato, with the Lloyd Gosselink Law Firm, for legal services in connection to the Ramhorn HillDunham 345 kV Transmission Line Project. 

Approved by Council.

O. Consider a Resolution of the Town of Northlake, Texas, expressing strong concern regarding the Ramhorn Hill-Dunham 345 kV Transmission Line Project proposed by Oncor Electric Delivery Company, LLC, and authorizing the Town Manager to negotiate an alternate "southern route" for construction of the transmission line project.

An Oncor Representative explained that there are four separate “Roanoke Area Projects” that are needed to rebuild existing infrastructure. These projects will increase capacity and add connections. The Representative explained that electrical demand has increased dramatically, and additional infrastructure is needed to support the electrical growth. The Ramhorn Hill-Dunham 345 kV Transmission Line Project creates additional transfer capacity in order to bypass an area that is overloaded on the transmission system. 

The Representative explained that this process is regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC). Oncor’s responsibility is to study the area, receive input from the public, determine feasibility, and then provide the PUC with proposed options. After a six-month litigated process, the PUC will decide what will be built and where.

The Representative encouraged residents to correspond with their comments and concerns early in the process. 

The Representative gave examples of project constraints including tight subdivisions, airports, space requirements and federal land. Oncor will ultimately submit routes that best comply with PUC standards.

The Representative clarified the notification process to residents who would be affected by these transmission lines. The challenges involved with crossing through federal land were discussed and it was suggested that the option is generally used only when there is no feasible alternative route.

Town Council encouraged residents to voice their concerns to Oncor so that they are on the record. Council stated that the affected Mayors and community leaders have developed a partnership because all cities involved view this project in a similar fashion. Elected Officials with Denton County are supportive and State Representatives are on board to consider the proposed alternative routes. Council reported that there has also been strong support from the Army Corps of Engineers.

Council stated that the Town needs to be prepared to advocate on behalf of the affected property owners. 

Counter proposals have been prepared by the four affected cities. Council presented a map of suggested alternative routes and discussed potential options. This resolution will be a formal request for authorities to consider and evaluate an alternative route for the Ramhorn Hill-Dunham 345 kV Transmission Line Project.

Approved by Council.

The Town Council convened into Executive Session with one anticipated action item.

7. A. Consider a Resolution of the Town of Northlake, Texas, notifying State Comptroller of the Town's intent to hold a local option election pursuant to Local Government Code chapter 334 to use special revenues to fund a sports venue project.

Council explained that this proposed facility will be owned by the town and leased to a tenant to operate. The facility will add value to the town and will be paid for with sports tax revenue. This step notifies the State Comptroller that the Town plans to hold a special election in the future. 

Approved by Council.

Meeting was adjourned.

Please voice your comments and concerns to Oncor before January 20, 2023 via email: transmissionprojects@oncor.com

Shannon Gummelt and Gabriel Puhak were both recognized for five years of dedicated service to the Town of Northlake.