The Northlake Town Council met on Thursday, January 26, 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.

Briefing - Town and County Road Projects:

Roadway Consultant detailed progress on the following projects:

FM 407 Northlake/Justin - This roadway project extends 14 miles from FM 1830 through Northlake and Justin. The project will ultimately have six lanes. The Schematic Approval is slotted for December of 2024, with the Environmental Clearance set for February of 2025.

Consultant described each step of the process, from Schematic Approval to the start of construction, and explained how potential conflicts can impact progress.

FM 407 Breakout - This roadway project stretches from Cleveland-Gibbs to Gateway. Consultant reviewed the project cost and stated that the Schematic and the Environmental Clearance are scheduled to be completed by the end of this month. This portion of FM 407 will be built as six lanes with temporary improvements made under the bridge, and will commence with the Environmental Clearance Conformity Approval, procuring the Right-of-Way, and with the relocation of utilities.

FM 407 West Feasibility Study - Consultant noted that portions of New Fairview are pushing development into Denton County. This project will stretch from Bill Cook Road to US 287 in Wise County.

FM 1171 - Consultant stated that this project is being funded by Denton County. The schematic was approved in March of 2022 with the Environmental Clearance set for June of this year. The Right-of-Way is scheduled for January of 2025 with Utility Relocations planned for February of 2026. Consultant explained that the Environmental Clearance took a significant amount of time because of the flood plain area this stretch of road construction will need to cross. In addition, the railroad agreement could impact the projects timeline.

Consultant confirmed that the Oncor Transmission Line route will not impact road construction alignment.

US 377 Roanoke Section - This project is currently under construction and is scheduled to be completed by June of this year. 

US 377 Argyle Section - Consultant explained that this project stretches from the north end of Crawford Road to FM 1171. Because portions parallel the Union Pacific Railroad, it will be limited to four lanes. The schematic was approved in January of 2018, and the Environmental Clearance and Right-of-Way have been completed. Utility Relocation should be completed by December of this year.

US 377 Creek Section - Consultant is anticipating that the schematic will be approved in November of this year. The Environmental Clearance is scheduled for completion in May of 2024 with the Right-of-Way Acquisition completed in August of 2025. This project requires a significant amount of coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers because of the impact to their easement. The Utility Relocation and a Ready to Let Date is scheduled for August of 2026.

SH 114 East - Consultant explained that the schematic for this project was approved in July of 2020. The Environmental Clearance was completed in August of 2020. The Utility Relocation is scheduled to be completed next month with a Let Date set for April of this year. Consultant reported that in the next 2-3 years, exiting 35W onto SH 114 will be on main lanes all the way through the corridor.

SH 114/US 377 Interchange - Consultant stated that this project should be completed next month.

Proposed Denton County Bond Partnership Projects - Council explained that Cleveland-Gibbs South and Strader Road are priorities of the Denton County Commissioner and the Denton County Judge. These two roads will primarily be funded by Denton County.

These additional projects met the criteria that Denton County put forth in order to assist with funding:

• Faught Road (Old Justin to FM 407)
• Northwest Crossing (FM 407 to future Florance)
• Street A (FM 156 to future McPherson)
• McPherson Road (Harmonson to existing McPherson)
• Whyte Road (future 35W frontage road to Cleveland-Gibbs)

Staff reviewed the road project prioritization and explained the cost, funding and challenges for the top twelve, requesting comments and feedback from Council. 

Consultant added that all planned road projects in the Dallas District are listed online at keepitmovingdallas.com. 

Staff described some of the challenges associated with the Catherine Branch Project. The town has absorbed all of the contingency and price cuts, but still requires roughly $600,000 to get the project started. This deficit is mainly due to a 15 month delay by Oncor and cost increases. Staff confirmed that by shifting funds, the Town has the ability to keep the project on track.

Staff presented options for relieving the $1.3M project deficit for Cleveland-Gibbs (south of FM 1171), which include seeking additional funding from Denton County, beginning construction and funding through the next debt issuance, or partially funding the project with Southeast Roadway Impact Fees. 

Council advised to postpone the bid for two weeks and come back with solid options.

Briefing - Faught Road Project:

Staff requested direction from Council on the Faught Road project, suggesting the town use the Florance Road Project funds, which has been delayed due to Right-of-Way acquisition issues, or expand the Faught Road Project to include the water lines along Faught and Robson Ranch and construct a four way intersection at Faught and Old Justin Road.

Council expressed urgency in getting the project underway.

Briefing - Entryway Monumentation Design Update:

Staff explained that the entryway monumentation selection is a process of refinement.

Consultant outlined the progress of this project including site locations, concept development, and discussions with Town Staff and Community Representatives. Consultant reviewed the gateway locations and presented the eight original concepts. The focus group of Community Representatives completed a survey and their comments were consolidated and refined to develop the final three.

Consultant reviewed the three final concepts and requested direction from Council to refine those selections even further. Council noted that finding a cohesive theme representing the town has been more challenging than expected. Staff encouraged comments and explained the thought process behind the final three concept selections. 

Council expressed concern about monumentation features deteriorating, upkeep, and being imposing to the horizon. Council suggested incorporating more of the Town's heritage and expressed a preference for more open concepts.

Staff recommended using a unifying theme with site specific alterations.

A follow-up survey will be provided to Council.

Briefing - Sports Facility Update:

Staff explained that after the last meeting, Council passed a resolution to have the Comptroller review a proposal for sports venue taxing. The Comptroller has approved that proposal. The February 9, 2023 Council agenda will include a call for a sports venue election, which will be held in May.

The proposed 165,000 square foot facility will be located at the southeast corner of 35W and SH 114 in the Chadwick Park area and will feature two ice rinks and six hard courts. The $45 million estimated cost of the facility will be at no tax increase for residents. It will be funded by a 2% hotel occupancy tax, a 1/8¢ sales tax from the EDC, a 1/8¢ from the CDC and proceeds from the facility lease. A special election must be called to approve the project.

Staff explained that the Town will finance the construction, but the facility will be leased and operated by a tenant. Staff confirmed that the Town is very close to a rental agreement, but is still in negotiations. 

Staff reviewed the Estimated Pro Forma projections for FY 2024 through FY 2053. Staff also reviewed tax projections, which included estimates of yearly inflation and totals by ten-year periods. 

Council explained that this facility would be a huge driver for economic growth, and requested a scenario-driven analysis from Staff. Council expressed concerns about funding the project in the years before the breakeven point. Staff explained that the Town could utilize an interest only option or some other form of debt service accommodation would be needed to fill the gap.

Town Attorney confirmed that other revenue sources may be used to fund the project without utilizing the general fund.

Public Input:

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

Consent Items:

A. Consider approval of January 12, 2023 meeting minutes.

B. Consider a Resolution of the Town of Northlake, Texas, approving and authorizing the Town Manager to execute an Interlocal Agreement with Denton County Sheriff's Office to provide Talk Groups and programming for Northlake Police radios.

C. Consider a Resolution of the Town of Northlake, Texas, approving and authorizing the Town Manager to execute a purchase agreement/contract with GTS Technology Solutions through cooperative purchasing, for 4 Police computers, in an amount not to exceed $25,000.

D. Consider a Resolution of the Town of Northlake, Texas pursuant to Section 395.042, Texas Local Government Code, setting a public hearing to consider amending the Water and Sanitary Sewer Master Plans, Land Use Assumptions, Capital Improvements Plans, and Water and Sanitary Sewer Impact Fees and providing for publication of thirty (30) days notice of such public hearing.

E. Consider a Resolution of the Town of Northlake, Texas, authorizing the Town Manager to remit Calendar Year 2023 annual assessment to the Steering Committee of Cities Served by Oncor, in an amount not to exceed $714.

All consent items approved by Council.

Action Items:

A. Consider a Resolution of the Town of Northlake, Texas, creating the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Steering Committee and appointing members.

Council made their individual recommendations for the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Steering Committee and a motion was made to appoint twelve members.

Approved by Council.

B. Consider an Ordinance of the Town of Northlake, Texas, amending Chapter 7 of the Code of Ordinances to address prevention of Fats, Oils, Grease from entering the Town's wastewater Infrastructure.

Approved by Council.

C. Consider a Resolution of the Town of Northlake, Texas, approving a Road Assessment Fee Policy.

Council expressed concerns that this policy could be used for commercial reasons. Staff and Council confirmed that the policy is a mechanism for properties to contribute to development projects from which they benefit. This policy will be determined on a case-by-case basis by Council under specific circumstances.  

Approved by Council.

D. Consider an Ordinance of the Town of Northlake, Texas, proposing text amendments to Section 1.01.004 "Definitions and Rules of Construction" of Article 1.01 "Code of Ordinances" of the Codes of Ordinances; and of Section 3.4 "Board of Adjustment" of Article 3 "Boards and Commissions" of the Unified Development Code. Case # UDC-22-005.

Staff explained that this is a clean up item for language in the Unified Development Code. This includes the Board of Adjustments term length, references to “Town Administrator” which need to be updated to “Town Manager,” and the removal of a requirement to publish notice of the Board of Adjustment agenda items in the newspaper 24 hours in advance of a meeting, which is not required by state law.

Public hearing was opened and closed without any speakers.

Approved by Council.

E. Consider a Resolution of the Town of Northlake, Texas, approving and authorizing the Town Manager to take administrative action as necessary to support the amicus brief submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court by the State of Indiana, and supported by the Texas Attorney General, regarding the ability of States to enforce restrictions upon roadway blockages caused by stopped trains.

Council explained that there have been problems with railroad lines along FM 156 and US 377 blocking roadways. The trains are becoming longer and have become more frequent. This resolution states that the town requests authority at the state level to regulate trains, particularly in regard to regulating blocked crossings.

Approved by Council.

F. Consider a Resolution of the Town of Northlake, Texas, awarding BID 22-06 and authorizing the Town Manager to execute an agreement/contract with Ed Bell Construction Company for reconstruction of Cleveland Gibbs south, in an amount not to exceed $5,649,214.35.

Postponed for two weeks.

G. Consider a Resolution of the Town of Northlake, Texas, authorizing the Town Manager to draft and execute a letter of consent regarding the petition submitted by Justin Community Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., and Ponder Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., for the creation of the proposed Denton County Emergency Services District No. 2.

200 residents who live west of FM 156 filed a petition to create a tax district in their area as a way to fund better fire service. This petition would allow the residents to put this proposal on the ballot. This would essentially create a partnership across all areas to ensure that everyone contributes and receives adequate fire service. 

Approved by Council.

The Town Council convened into Executive Session with no anticipated action items.

Meeting was adjourned.

Cole Phillips, youth pastor of The Gathering Table Church, a ministry of the Farmhouse Coffee Shop, opened the meeting in prayer.