Your Council In Action

Posted March 31st, 2008
The City Council met on March 27, 2008 to consider and take action on the following items:
 
Devon Energy Gas Well Variance Request
The City Council decided to table a vote on the waiver/variance requested by Devon Energy in order to study the establishment of additional criteria to mitigate the effects of the gas well on residential areas. The issue will be reconsidered at the April 24, 2008 Regular City Council Meeting.    
 
City Hall and Park Project (Phase 2)
Council approved Phase 2 of the City Hall Project. Phase 2 of the City Hall Project is the construction of a New City Hall facility and Park complex located on a 4 acre tract of land at the corner of Lakeshore Drive and Inspiration. The New City Hall will be a total of 5,500 square feet and will feature a new Municipal Court/Council Chambers and house the City’s Administrative Departments. The Park will consist of a pavilion, green space, and a quarter mile walking trail.
 
Automated Meter Replacement
The City Council has directed staff to begin the replacement of all residential water meters with an automated meter reading system. The automated meter reading system is already in place at the water production plants. Most of the City’s residential water meters are over 15 years old and have begun to misread the water flow, causing a discrepancy between the amount of water produced and the amount of water billed. The new water meters will be operated through a radio read system that allows the City to read meters electronically.
 
Parker County Transportation Coalition
County Judge Riley asked the City Council to pass a resolution supporting the formation of a committee to assess the transportation needs of Parker County. The City Council passed a resolution supporting the formation of the coalition and appointed Tim Carter to represent the City of Hudson Oaks.
 
Joint Resolution for Regulation of ETJ
Staff presented a Resolution and Interlocal agreement with the Cities of Aledo, Weatherford, Springtown, and Azle to work with Parker County to specify the governmental entity in charge of regulating subdivision plats in the extraterritorial jurisdiction. Council approved the Resolution.
 
Creation of a Code Enforcement Program
Staff requested that the City Council approve the formation of a Code Enforcement Program that will utilize City of Hudson Oaks Police Officers. The Officers will wear a Code Enforcement uniform and follow a process that has been outlined by staff. 
The Code Enforcement process:
 
 1. Trained Code Enforcement Officers will tour the entire City and a give a request for compliance to property owners not in compliance with the City’s regulations, along with information on the City’s bulk trash pickup day.
Owners not in compliance will be given one week to come into compliance before a formal letter is sent.
 
2. After one week the Code Enforcement Officers will return to the property, if the property owner is still not in compliance with City Regulations then the City will send a certified letter which acts as a notice of violation and provides information on bulk trash disposal services(hazardous waste is not included). The letter will give the landowner two weeks to come into compliance before a citation is issued.
 
3. Twenty one days after the initial request for compliance is given, the city will issue a citation and the property owner will have to appear before the Municipal Judge. The Municipal Judge is authorized to fine up to $500 for each citable offense, and for each re-inspection thereafter.
 
4. After the property owner is given a citation, the City may deliver written notice to the property owner of its intent to bring the property into compliance at the owner’s expense. After the City brings the property into compliance, they must send a statement of charges to the property owner. If the owner does not pay the charges within 30 days, the City may place a lien on the property for actual charges incurred, plus interest and fines levied by the Municipal Judge.
 
The City Council approved the creation of a Code Enforcement Program.
 
The Next Council Meeting will be held on April 24, 2008 at 7 PM.