[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6082943,"mediaKeyId","2935940-93fdff8feed8318b4b9a8457be576f52","parentId",2935940,"title","Coppell council directs staff to tighten Rolling Oaks pricing, limit bulk plot sales and add 1,900 spaces","audioSeconds",670,"startMs",846000,"endMs",1516000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2935940-93fdff8feed8318b4b9a8457be576f52&start=846&end=1516","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2935940-93fdff8feed8318b4b9a8457be576f52/thumbnail_846000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6082943/Texas/Coppell-council-directs-staff-to-tighten-Rolling-Oaks-pricing-limit-bulk-plot-sales-and-add-1900-spaces","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6082943-275144279fe5f29e5710022bfed4eca3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770976375&Signature=RzwiScihGJGN4f9EsYFzKVteGvRcv5MgB4xda-AuMpHP7zBHkfDQLA7JL92PXUYl8FeQU3BHcVCvgE~DOX8edVHdrsbwUYCoCIigx5OfQgP39EFEa8H51F-HmVwvXvTWu6~K2lLH8MXpRKR9nP6NfjNIvX0LUZH05KMCfAzJ9P3B0Kh-G8AOsdZQp2Byr1hJyZPCrl05sOTr4lbSU66-UevG1LRVMe0JJBiurfjEwku6c8dr9T1sn5wvb-F5rryGbVgPQuXf4fnD~fMaSxzN7izIH7qU9LFB5Nt7o1~d-cwI90h9bsM9e~Zfuk2V45DdlVRdj8mj0YKIJ-h5sy-r8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Coppell TX","date","2025-04-09T21:08:13.667Z","article","Coppell — City staff told the Coppell City Council on April 8 that Rolling Oaks Memorial Center needs operational changes to remain financially sustainable and recommended a community-focused approach that pairs price increases with a modest land expansion and limits on bulk purchases.

The presentation by staff member Sherry and Tyler Peace, Rolling Oaks cemetery manager, laid out four linked recommendations: adopt a resident/standard rate structure with verification; discontinue the current 20% resident discount and instead offer a verified resident-only rate; limit sales to six spaces per person or household (down from a council-approved 15-per-person policy as written); and develop a small expansion adjacent to the Garden of Legacy that contractors estimate would add about 1,900 single‑depth in‑ground spaces, with some spaces offering double‑depth rights.

Why it matters: Rolling Oaks is funded through a special revenue fund, not the general fund, meaning operations are intended to be supported by cemetery revenue rather than property taxes. Staff said the cemetery’s existing price levels are “well below market,” which contributed to regional demand that has reduced the municipality’s in‑town inventory. Council members repeatedly said they want to preserve the cemetery as a community amenity for Coppell residents while ensuring the fund remains solvent.

Key details from staff and council discussion:
- Privatization/management agreements: Staff described the option of a management agreement with a private cemetery operator, noting the city would still own the land and could negotiate operational terms but might have limited day‑to‑day control. The council repeatedly expressed reluctance to privatize now; several members said they would not favor turning day‑to‑day operations over to a private firm at this time.
- Pricing and timing: Staff recommended a two‑tier pricing structure (resident and standard rates) and proposed implementing new pricing beginning June 1, 2025, with further operational changes phased by October 1, 2025.
- Resident verification and discounts: Under the new structure staff would require documentation to qualify for the resident rate; the existing 20% resident discount would be discontinued and replaced by a verified resident-only rate.
- Limits on purchases: The current policy allowing up to 15 spaces per single contract was characterized by staff as ambiguous. The recommendation — adopted direction from council — is to cap sales at six spaces per person or household to reduce speculative batch purchases or resale activity.
- Expansion and capacity: Staff and consultants said the Garden of Legacy area has adjacent open ground suitable for a limited expansion; contractor estimates presented at the meeting indicate the initial expansion could create roughly 1,900 additional in‑ground single‑depth spaces, with some double‑depth options to increase usable capacity.
- Warranty and life span: Construction methods discussed were said to have expected lifespans of roughly 20–50 years when properly built and maintained; staff said the city typically requires a two‑year maintenance bond/warranty on workmanship and materials for capital repairs.
- Current operations and funding: Sherry said Rolling Oaks is operated from a special revenue fund that covers three full‑time staff; staff reported a positive fund balance and that operational expenses (salaries, contractor fees for openings/closings, landscaping and monuments inventory costs) have been met in recent years.
- Resident exceptions and former residents: Staff said a longstanding policy allows former residents with 10 or more years of prior residency to qualify for resident pricing with documentation; council asked staff to preserve a path for former residents who established long ties to the city.

Council direction and next steps: Council directed staff to move forward with the community‑focused operational philosophy and the staff recommendations described above — proceed with residency verification, price restructuring, the six‑space limit per person/household, and the small expansion plan — and to return implementation materials and policy language for administrative enactment. Staff said they would draft fee changes for implementation as early as June 1 and would pursue operational changes and opening of the new garden area by October 1, 2025, if council guidance remained the same.

What the council did not decide tonight: No formal ordinance or contractual action was voted at the meeting; the council gave policy direction but did not adopt new code language or award any contracts for the cemetery. Staff said any privatization or management agreement would require further analysis and eventual negotiations if pursued.

Public comment and emotional context: During the regular session three residents spoke during citizens’ appearance to describe personal connections to Rolling Oaks and urged the council to maintain city control and protect the cemetery as a community asset. Speakers described daily visits, emotional ties, and trust in city stewardship.

What staff will bring back: Draft pricing schedules, draft residency verification rules and documentation lists, contract language revisions for plot sales (including a proposed right of first refusal flag discussed by council members), and implementation timelines for proposed June and October changes. Council also requested periodic reporting on sales mix and fund performance so future councils can monitor resident vs. nonresident sales mix.

Ending: Council members praised staff for the analysis and asked for quick implementation while protecting the cemetery’s community focus. Staff said they would produce formal policy language, fee schedules and implementation plans following the direction given at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council - 04/08/25","oneSentenceSummary","Coppell City staff recommended a community‑focused operating model for Rolling Oaks Memorial Center and asked the City Council for direction on price increases, residency verification, a six‑space limit per person/household and a small expansion that would add roughly 1,900 in‑ground spaces.","taxTitle","Coppell, Dallas County, Texas","taxId",55075,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6082932,"Staff previews 2024 International Building Code updates for Coppell; focus on emergency responder radio coverage and EV charging amendments",358,3045000,3403000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2935940-93fdff8feed8318b4b9a8457be576f52&start=3045&end=3403","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2935940-93fdff8feed8318b4b9a8457be576f52/thumbnail_3045000.jpg","/articles/6082932/Texas/Staff-previews-2024-International-Building-Code-updates-for-Coppell-focus-on-emergency-responder-radio-coverage-and-EV-charging-amendments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6082932-5317aef69b3b88a988f4ce3307810d70/orig.mp4?Expires=1770976375&Signature=Evm8AKJEtX-6p14IrldHLC6doOxqcHdl6~kFea8mKqVSgIHT6M6DsbtVcbO~ZzqtBNSTO8U9~4x6arHwcFdQzEKg3nw2Ho88LVnyu35R3YSs77hfeXxWO1gYbBDwAn45l3-lTlqDuj3Zt7QD4py2lXlSHoEu6A4-F4cq5bYEFQBbOwezIKpIEgDfsfGu04nNFYK234UdpTt1QdHnxi6E24habxtWEfh05t8UgcNWDmeURRf73cCRHZ2z51o8bJV0tnqW6C9wc2rCuUbWJMjZzYlZTvbyKG5N0N2~HqiEzn2HMgXqupwLADwLH~91qSqs8pyxTcWvoHOf9BteQvk0cQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Coppell — City building and fire officials reviewed the proposed adoption of the 2024 International Code series during the April 8 work session, telling the City Council the update brings safety and interoperability improvements but also requires local amendments in several areas.

Chief building official Steve Shewert and Fire Chief Oates summarized changes that will affect new construction and inspections if Coppell adopts the 2024 editions. Two issues the staff highlighted as most relevant to Coppell are: emergency responder communications (radio enhancement) systems for structures with interior radio coverage issues, and proposed amendments to address electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

Emergency responder radio systems: Fire staff said the updated codes discuss in‑building radio amplification (often antenna systems or distributed antenna systems) that improve first‑responder radio coverage where building materials and topography reduce signal strength. Staff said Coppell’s topography and existing antenna infrastructure generally provide adequate coverage for many buildings, but new construction with low‑E windows, thick concrete or certain layouts may require dedicated pathways or systems. Staff noted their current practice is to require pathway provision in new construction so a system can be added if in‑building testing shows coverage gaps; they do not withhold certificates simply because a pathway is provided.

EV charging and fire safety amendments: The 2024 International Fire Code itself does not comprehensively address vehicle charging safety, so staff proposed a Council of Governments (COG)‑recommended amendment. The amendment staff recommended adds a fire‑department accessible power disconnect for charging arrays (a locked disconnect box the fire department can operate) and places limits on the location of charging stations in parking garages (first‑floor proximity to entrances, within 50 feet of a fire lane, or near stairwells or top floors to preserve access). The intent is to balance charging deployment with firefighter access and emergency power‑isolation capability.

Residential and permitting notes: Staff said most residential EV charger installations follow manufacturers’ installation instructions; the city requires permits for residential chargers and had roughly two residential charger permits per month on average last year (staff estimated roughly 30 permits in a recent year and a citywide estimate of fewer than 100 permanent chargers currently installed). Staff also said they will run an outreach program during national Building Safety Month in May to educate residents about permit requirements and safe installations.

Code adoption and insurance/ISO implications: Shewert said code adoption affects the city’s insurance and ISO rating because the BCEGS and other audits track how current a jurisdiction’s adopted codes are and how they are enforced. He recommended the city adopt the new cycle and stick closely to published model language where possible to minimize additional local costs.

Next steps: Staff presented a packet of proposed amendments and told council they will return with the formal ordinance for adoption. Council members asked for further clarity on residential permit counts and the practical impacts to homeowners doing renovations; staff said they will provide additional outreach and concrete guidance to homeowners and contractors.

Ending: Council heard the technical briefing and took no formal vote; staff will bring formal adoption language and the proposed local amendments back in a later ordinance cycle for council consideration.","Building and fire officials briefed council on changes required to adopt the 2024 International Building/Fire Code cycle, including emergency responder communications systems and a model amendment for electric vehicle charging stations that includes a fire department disconnect and location requirements.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6082938,"Council approves $1.93 million award to rebuild McArthur dog park; CRDC funding planned",3040,3550000,6590000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2935940-93fdff8feed8318b4b9a8457be576f52&start=3550&end=6590","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2935940-93fdff8feed8318b4b9a8457be576f52/thumbnail_3550000.jpg","/articles/6082938/Texas/Council-approves-193-million-award-to-rebuild-McArthur-dog-park-CRDC-funding-planned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6082938-b0a14fd0f8307ae9170b5a16289c4237/orig.mp4?Expires=1770976375&Signature=QtZNSDzl6f8xtUEjjJWA96CeTeMrZUF55haC8bJCTIYDIjGzxvupbQHhGqOF2-mfNNt~WMSxXw0Qg7HA6bX0D5h6506I90uHrbm-6zNDSABA87lIb7X3Tv2Jg3hSsRqjzu9f2Mo-UVrtOx3ui0phsOpnDH4F4zoMwGRZIMe8R5E3pYCHFHHLrR~thiIMGJLcb4iTUtCK0jh-2B5hVpUdtQgVtMqUAO0khaTXGTbR498cbuL7ryOFBK~N5uUCkc~VO5Mt3J1Uv~dniT8kFY1ZqvRIcFvxsKDR9WHOUhbqJrvTRBPDIs8UDG8-4g2PYc2TLgY7ew~lpnv~7H8tVssDjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Coppell — The City Council voted April 8 to award bid QO325‑01 to Cole Construction for $1,932,114 to reconstruct the McArthur dog park, a project staff said was shaped by two community surveys and Parks & Recreation Board review.

City project manager Mike Richter told council the design grew from resident input in two surveys (early 2023 and later 2024) that prioritized a larger dog park footprint, a separate large‑dog area, an all‑weather synthetic turf surface, improved irrigation and drainage, upgraded fencing and gates, shade structures and improved drinking fountains. After an initial round of bids produced several unresponsive submissions, the city rebid and received nine bids; Cole Construction was the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, staff said.

Funding and next steps: The project is funded through the Coppell Recreation and Development Corporation (CRDC) fund, supported by local sales tax revenues; staff will present the contract to the CRDC board on April 21 as a next administrative step. Staff estimated a contractor schedule of roughly 180 calendar days, with an anticipated early‑June start and a projected completion near late autumn/early winter if the schedule is met. The recommended contract includes two alternates (park perimeter lighting and irrigation for the synthetic turf section); the council approved the base contract as presented.

Council questions and operational details: Councilors asked about durability and maintenance measures (staff said a concrete mow strip will protect fencing from mower damage), lighting hours (staff said lighting for a lit park would follow the city’s lighted‑park schedules but requires an ordinance update for operational hours), and whether the synthetic turf area would be mixed‑use for all sizes (staff said yes). Staff also said a public education rollout on expected owner behavior would be produced when the park reopens.

Vote: Council approved the award (motion carried). The roll call in the meeting record listed Walker, Hinojosa Smith, Carol Nevills, Prem Kumar and Matthew Hill as voting in favor and none opposed.

Ending: With the contract award approved at the council meeting, staff said construction procurement processes will proceed, the award will be presented to the CRDC board on April 21, and staff aim to open the renovated dog park following construction and final inspections.","Council voted to award bid QO325‑01 to Cole Construction to rebuild the McArthur dog park with a $1,932,114 contract; project was informed by two public surveys and will include a synthetic turf area, improved drainage/irrigation, upgraded fencing and optional lighting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Coppell council directs staff to tighten Rolling Oaks pricing, limit bulk plot sales and add 1,900 spaces

Staff previews 2024 International Building Code updates for Coppell; focus on emergency responder radio coverage and EV charging amendments

Council approves $1.93 million award to rebuild McArthur dog park; CRDC funding planned