The Frisco City Council Meeting opened about 45 minutes late tonight and started by hearing a variety of reports from city officials.

Event Updates

Texas Pinball Festival will be at the Embassy Suites Dallas-Frisco on March 27th-29th

Arts on the Square will be at Frisco Square on March 28th-29th.

Crime was down from last January to this January 2%, but 14 vehicles that were unlocked were broken into just last week.

The council’s consent agenda was accepted, but the feasibility report for the Arts Center was pulled out for clarification.

The council then went to the legislative agenda which included a planned development and a license for a child care center.

Public hearings for annexation of property, change of zoning for a property to residential area, and a specific use permit for a licensed child care center.

Janet Webb made a public comment during citizen input of gratitude to First Methodist Church for their support of the scouts and invited council members to their upcoming Blue & Gold Banquet.

The Council appointed Robert Cox to fill the unexpired term of Place 1 on the Zoning Commission until the term expires September 30, 2015.

The Council approved a Resolution for a Memorandum of Understanding regarding polling locations for future joint elections.

The Council approved a Joint General Election with FISD, Collin College, LISD, Denton County and Collin County for May 9th, 2015. Eight new locations were added to Frisco for early voting and election day.

Taking up Citizen Bond Committee Recommendations for a May 9th Bond.



The following were under consideration:

A. $41,500,000 in Bond funding for Public Safety including Fire Department and Police Department needs.

B. $37,000,000 in Bond funding for expansion of the George A. Purefoy Municipal Center to include Library expansion and Municipal Court function.

C. $3,325,000 in Bond funding for expansion of the Fleet center to include warehouse space.

D. $9,000,000 in Bond funding for a new Senior Center Facility.

E. $125,000,000 in Bond funding for Street and Road Improvements.

F. $32,000,000 in Bond funding for Parks and Recreation Department needs.

G. $10,000,000 in Bond funding for a Performing Arts/Cultural Facility.

H. $10,000,000 in Bond funding for Grand Park Improvements.

See a full layout of the bond here.

The Citizen Bond Committee has been meeting for a year and was made up of 21 members appointed by council members.

One of their goals was to keep the tax rate below 50 cents.

Council Member Scott Johnson recused himself from voting on sections where his company may be a part of in case the funds were used for a public-private partnership. He stated he wanted to keep his character and reputation from any suspicion.

The City Council approved the full $41.5 million in funding for Public Safety.

Councilman Johnson points out that the city held back from growth during the recession and that when the money is allocated it is not guaranteed to go to that session.

The $37 million was approved for the George A. Purefoy Municipal Center to include Library expansion and Municipal Court function.

The Council approved $3.325 million for expansion of the Fleet center to include warehouse space.

The Council approved $9 million to build a new Senior Center that will allow the city to “grow into” and provide crafting and gathering space.

The Council approved $125 million for street and road improvements.

Items F and G were held until the end and the council moved to the funding in item H for the Grand Park Improvements which was approved for $10 million to be on the bond.

Councilman Sowell asked if the city could combine money allocated for the Parks and Recreation Department and the Performing Arts Facility. That was determined to not be allowed.

The Council approved the $32 million for the Parks and Recreation Department.

Mayor Maso qualified that just because bonds are approved it doesn’t mean that they have to be sold.

Councilman Scott Johnson stepped down from the Performing Arts discussion due to conflict of interest.

Several citizens submitted cards concerning the Performing Arts and Cultural Facility the majority was supportive and a few were in opposition.

Young Frisco resident Zoe, 9, who said she loves to act, requested funding be approved so Frisco could have a larger theater for larger plays.

Tammy spoke as a member of the Bond Committee and said that many who never cared about government wanted to get involved and see the Arts Center approved.

Howard Korn, president of the Frisco Community Theater spoke in favor of the bond funding be added to the bond election. He said that they had people from Waco and farther attend performance, stay in hotels, and eat in Frisco restaurants.

Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Cheney thanked the community for it’s very cordial and understanding communication.

Councilman Sowell says he doesn’t think the city has managed existing platforms well.

Mayor Maso says most comments he received was “Please give us the opportunity to vote on this Art Center.” Maso added that he doesn’t support more studies because that is what the Council was elected to do.

Mayor Pro Tem Bob Allen says the current project doesn’t have much in common with a previous Collin County Art Center that was cancelled and that he supports giving the citizens a vote.

Councilman Keating says he doesn’t feel that the mission of the Art Center is clear and that a study is needed. He said the process was described as “Write numbers on scraps of paper until we find a number that works.”

City Manager Purefoy that he came up with the number and joked he used good paper and not scraps.

Councilman Tim Nelson pointed out that general obligation bonds have never been used on public-private partnership which this project may end up being. Says he doesn’t see the clarity and the urgency to support at this time.

The Arts and Cultural Center portion of the bond passed 3-2 be add to the ballot.

Councilman Johnson abstained due to a conflict of interest. Councilmen Tim Nelson and John Keating voted against the bond issue.

The total bond amount for the May election is $267,325,000.

The Council passed several other issues to make the bond official.

Several residence spoke against the city allowing low income housing in Westridge Villas and Liberty Pointe seeking tax credit.

The proposed developer says this is not Section 8 housing, but affordable housing. She says they looking to have 80 affordable units and 13 market rate units. LL

Mrs. Anderson, a new Frisco resident, who retired from 30 years at the Department of Defense, spoke on the need for affordable housing especially for low income military members.

Residents testified with concerns about crime, property value, student population, and traffic.

Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Cheney noted that the Council doesn’t approve the project, but can give a letter of support for the project as the developer applies for the tax credit with Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs (TDHCA).

City Attorney Richard Abernathy recommended the city annex the property and sit down with the developer about rights before giving support.

Mayor Pro Tem Bob Allen pointed out this is not a zoning request. The point was made that the city would not be able to widen the roads near Westridge.

The Council voted to table until the March 3rd meeting with a 4-2 vote.

The Council adjourned at 11:18 p.m.