HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-07 - Regular City CouncilMINUTES OF REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
City of Stephenville - City Council
Tuesday, March 7, 2017, 5:30 P.M.
The City Council of the City of Stephenville, Texas, convened on March 7, 2017, at 5:30 p.m., in
the Council Chambers at City Hall, 298 West Washington Street, for the purpose of a Regular Business
Meeting, with the meeting being open to the public and notice of said meeting, giving the date, time,
place and subject thereof, having been posted as prescribed by Chapter 551, Government Code, Vernon's
Texas Codes Annotated, with the following members present, to wit:
Mayor
Jerry K. Weldon II
Mayor Pro-Tem
Alan Nix
Council members
Mark McClinton
Carla Trussell
Doug Svien
Brady Pendleton
Rhett Harrison
Sherry Zachery
Jerry Warren
Others Attending
Allen Barnes, City Administrator
Wayne McKethan
Randy Thomas, City Attorney
Cindy L. Stafford, City Secretary
Call to Order. The meeting of the Stephenville City Council was called to order at 5:30 p.m. on
Tuesday, March 7, 2017, by Mayor Weldon.
II. Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag
III. Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas Flag —"Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas,
one state under God, one and indivisible."
Mayor Weldon led the audience in the pledge to the United States Flag and to the Texas Flag.
IV. Invocation was given by Pastor Brian Tarpy of the Christian Reformed Church of Stephenville.
V. Citizens' General Discussion
On behalf of the city council, Mayor Weldon presented the following proclamation to Jimmy
Chew:
WHEREAS, Jimmy Chew was named Fire Chief of the Year by the Texas Fire Chiefs' Association on
January 16, 2017, which recognizes leadership accomplishments to the Texas Fire Service and
significant achievements for his department; and
Regular Business Meeting —March 7, 2017
Stephenville City Council
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WHEREAS, we recognize Jimmy Chew for the type of man he is —one of good character, high
intellect and common sense, dedicated to the service and protection of the lives, families, and
property of our community, and
WHEREAS, Jimmy Chew has faithfully served the citizens of Stephenville with sound, effective
leadership for over 46 years, beginning his career with the Stephenville Fire Department on
December 1, 1970; advancing to Assistant Fire Chief on July 1, 1984, then being named Fire Chief
on January 1, 2005; and
WHEREAS, Jimmy Chew has also dedicated his time and attention to advancing the capabilities
and tools necessary to carry out the critical mission firefighters face each day.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Stephenville City Council hereby congratulates Jimmy Chew upon being
named the Texas Fire Chief of the Year. We honor his faithful and loyal devotion to the
Stephenville Fire Department and all those it serves, and we thank him for the measure of
devotion he pays to his fellow firefighters and his fellow man.
Chief Chew asked that thoughts and prayers be with three of Stephenville's firefighters and all the
others currently fighting a 300,000-acre fire in the Panhandle. He expressed appreciation for this
recognition and said that he loves Stephenville and serving its citizens and loves the fire service
,more than anybody in the world".
Mayor Weldon, addressing the young people in the room, referred to the saying, "walking on the
shoulders of giants". Weldon said that we need to appreciate the significance that Chief Chew
brings to the idea of public service and the firefighting community. "Chief Chew, you truly are a
giant in the profession, and we are blessed to have you."
VI. Tarleton State University—Tarleton Round -Up, Hunter deMasi, Student Director for Tarleton
Round -Up
Hunter deMasi introduced Brock West, public relations chair, and Erin Warren, adviser. He
thanked the council for the opportunity to inform the community about this event which is an
annual day of service that enables Tarleton students, faculty, staff and community members to
work together in a collaborative effort to assist the Stephenville community. DeMasi said that
participation in this event has seen an increase of 500% over the past five years. The 2017 goal is
250 job sites involving 2,500 volunteers. This event is scheduled for April 1.
VI 1. 2017 Leadership Stephenville Class —Report on Class Project, Shelby Slawson
Shelby Slawson reported that the 2017 Leadership Stephenville class will host "Burgers for
Backpack Buddies" to raise funds to assist the cause of providing weekend food packs for at -risk
Erath County school children. The hamburger lunch will be held on Friday, March 31, at City Park.
Slawson challenged council members and all citizens to contribute to this cause.
Regular Business Meeting —March 7, 2017
Stephenville City Council
Vill. STEPHENVILLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
A. Report from John Hubbard, PhD, CEcD, Executive Director
B. Discussion Concerning Stephenville Legislative Day at the Capital
John Hubbard reported that the SEDA board has received seven applications for its fagade grant
program. SEDA is working with Tarleton State University for a Stephenville Legislative Day to visit
the state capital on March 21 and meet with Texas Water Development Board, Economic
Development and Tourism, Texas Department of Agriculture, state representatives and senators.
Hubbard reported on an exciting project. Project Quick Silver is a proposed retail development
set to occupy 13-16 acres on the south side of West Washington Street and North Wolfe Nursery
Road. The project's developer is Don Silverman of MQ Partners, Addison, Texas. The owners of
the entertainment center will be Ernie and Geneva Brooks, Dublin, Texas. Plans also include a
grocery store and retail shopping center. Anticipated completion date is Summer 2018.
C. Consider Approval of $25,000 Grant to Equibrand
Hubbard reported that the SEDA board has approved an economic development agreement to
Equibrand to provide a $25,000 grant for infrastructure improvements associated with installing
a water storage tank at its new facility in the Stephenville ETJ. Equibrand agrees to maintain a
minimum employment level of 50 employees for four years.
MOTION by Doug Svien, second by Brady Pendleton, to approve an economic development grant
to Equibrand in the amount of $25,000 for infrastructure improvements. MOTION CARRIED by
unanimous vote.
D. Consider Approval of $6,100 Grant to Twisted J. No action was taken on this item.
IX. EASTSIDE SEWER PROJECT REPORT —Public Works Director Nick Williams, PE
Williams reported that the project information form has been submitted to and received by the
Texas Water Development Board, and the right -of way acquisition services have been advertised.
X. PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
A. PUBLIC HEARING —Case No. PP2017-01—Consider Approval of Preliminary Plat of the Stone
Gate Estates Subdivision located on FM 914 (at CR 454), Erath County, Texas
Jeremy Allen, acting Planning and Building Services Director, presented the staff report on this
matter outlining the specifics of this subdivision.
Mayor Weldon opened a public hearing. No one came forward to speak either in favor of or
opposition to this preliminary plat, and the mayor closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Mark McClinton, second by Carla Trussell, to approve the preliminary plat of Stone
Gate Estates Subdivision. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote.
Regular Business Meeting —March 7, 2017
Stephenville City Council
B. PUBLIC HEARING —Case No. RZ2017-01
1. Consider request to rezone from B-4 Private Club to B-2 Retail and Commercial Business
District, Lot 1 and Lot 3 of Washington Crossing Addition, 2865 West Washington Street,
Stephenville
Mayor Weldon opened a public hearing. No one came forward to speak either in favor of
or opposition to this rezoning request, and the mayor closed the public hearing.
2. Consider Adopting Ordinance No. 2027-0-02 rezoning from B-4 Private Club to B-2
Retail and Commercial Business District, Lot 1 and Lot 3 of Washington Crossing
Addition, 2865 West Washington Street, Stephenville
MOTION by Brady Pendleton, second by Sherry Zachery, to adopt Ordinance No. 2017-0-
02. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote.
C. PUBLIC HEARING —Case No. FP2017-01, Consider Approval of Final Plat of Phase V of
Lakewood Estates Subdivision
Mayor Weldon opened a public hearing. No one came forward to speak either in favor of or
opposition to this final plat, and the mayor closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Brady Pendleton, second by Mark McClinton, to adopt the final plat of Phase V of
Lakewood Estates Subdivision. MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
Ayes: Council members McClinton, Svien, Pendleton, Harrison, Zachery, Warren, and Mayor
Weldon.
Nays: Council members Trussell and Nix.
D. PUBLIC HEARING —Case No. AZ2017-03, Consider Approval of City of Stephenville
Annexation Plan
Mayor Weldon opened a public hearing. No one came forward to speak either in favor of or
opposition to the Annexation Plan, and the mayor closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Mark McClinton, second by Alan Nix, to approve Resolution No. 2017-R-07
adopting an annexation plan. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote.
XI. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
A. Consider Approval of Annual Review of Financial Policy Statements and Financial
Management Policy and Investment Policy and Adoption of Resolution No. 2017-R-08
MOTION by Doug Svien, second by SherryZachery, to approve Resolution No.2017-R-08. MOTION
CARRIED by unanimous vote.
Regular Business Meeting —March 7, 2017
Stephenville City Council
B. SEDA Spending Authorities --Consider Approval of Amendments to the Bylaws of the
Stephenville Type B Economic Development Authority
MOTION by Doug Svien, second by Mark McClinton, to approve the following amendment:
"(e) For any expenditure Ten Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($10,000.00) or less, or any budgeted
item previously approved by the city council, SEDA has sole approval authority and may begin
making expenditures sixty (60) days from the date of the published notice, if required by Section
505.160 of the Texas Local Government Code, as amended. For all other non -budgeted
expenditures costing Ten Thousand and 01/100 Dollars ($10,000.01) or more, the city council shall
also be required to approve the expenditure, consistent with the Act."
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
Ayes: Council members McClinton, Svien, Pendleton, Harrison, Zachery, and Mayor Weldon.
Nays: Council members Trussell, Nix, and Warren.
C. Lease Agreement with Wesley Wood Cattle Company LLC for 536 acre tract. This matter was
considered and approved by council at a special council meeting on February 23, 2017.
XII. POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief of Police Jason King recognized District Attorney Alan Nash, Sheriff Matt Coates, and County
Commissioners Dee Stephens and Joe Brown.
A. Agreement with Erath County District Attorney and Sheriff for Forensic Examinations of
Cellular Phones, Mobile Devices, and Electronics
King explained that Erath County Sheriffs Office has acquired the device and associated hardware
and software, and the SPD has funded the associated training costs for one of its detectives and
one of the sheriffs investigators.
MOTION by Mark McClinton, second by Alan Nix, to approve the agreement for forensic
examinations of cellular phones, mobile devises, and electronics. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous
vote.
B. Agreement with Erath County District Attorney and Sheriff for Special Crimes Unit
King explained that this agreement creates a formal arrangement among the parties, and the unit
will be fully integrated and work out of one facility with an agreed -upon unit commander
reporting to the Chief of Police and the Sheriff. It also delineates procedures and disposition
protocols for any assets seized as part of any criminal investigation by the special crimes unit.
MOTION by Mark McClinton, second by Alan Nix, to approve the agreement for special crimes
unit. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote.
Regular Business Meeting —March 7, 2017
Stephenville City Council
XIII. MONTHLY BUDGET REPORT —Monica Harris, Finance Director
Monica Harris reported that property tax receipts collected through January show a $79K increase
over the same period last year. January sales tax receipts were $456K, which is $109K over the
target budget through January 31. Budgetary comparisons show an overage in revenue and
under -budget spending for the period.
Harris reported that the lift for the street department was purchased at a $10,150 savings. Staff
is requesting authorization to spend the remaining amount on an auto crane. MOTION by Doug
Svien, second by Alan Nix, to approve the purchase of an auto crane. MOTION CARRIED by
unanimous vote.
XIV. CONSENTAGENDA
MOTION by Doug Svien, second by Mark McClinton, to approve the consent agenda. MOTION
CARRIED by unanimous vote.
A. Approve Minutes
1. Regular Council Meeting on February 7, 2017
2. Special Council Meeting on February 23, 2017
B. Approve Resolution No. 2017-R-09 Accepting the City Park Parking Lot
C. Approve Memorandum of Understanding with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for
Training
D. Approve Sale of City Property "Held in Trust" by Erath County Tax Assessor -Collector, and
being the south 60 feet of Lot 8, Block 7, Clifton Heights Addition located south of 508 Clifton
Street
XV. Comments by City Administrator
• March 14, 2017—Council Work Session (Health Insurance) and Special Council Meeting
(Audit)
• March 30, 2017—Playin' on the Plaza —Food trucks and music by 23 Roses, Pour Brothers,
and Jon Young Band
XVI. Comments by Council members
Mark McClinton thanked Chief King for the rollout of the K9 unit and recognized Bruner Motors
for their generous contribution of the Tahoe vehicle for this program. He also wanted to recognize
the other partners for their contributions —Pet Supplies Plus and Greens Creek Veterinary
Hospital.
He recognized Wayne McKethan—on this being his last council meeting —and thanked him for his
III dedicated service as interim city administrator.
Regular Business Meeting —March 7, 2017
Stephenville City Council
Carla Trussell welcomed Allen Barnes to his first council meeting.
Doug Svien announced that he and Brady Pendleton have each agreed to donate $500 to
Backpack Buddies. They called on other elected officials to contribute the same.
Rhett Harrison said he was pleased to hear good news about new businesses planning to come to
Stephenville and thanked SEDA board members for their efforts, especially the efforts of SEDA
president Matt Harpole.
Alan Nix, Sherry Zachery, and Jerry Warren all welcomed Allen Barnes to Stephenville and thanked
Wayne McKethan for his service.
XVII. EXECUTIVE SESSION. At 7:06 p.m., Mayor Weldon recessed the open portion of the meeting,
and council went into executive session in compliance with the provisions of the Texas Open
Meetings Law, Subchapter D, Government Code, Vernon's Texas Codes, Annotated, in
accordance with Sec. 551.072 Deliberations about Real Property —Lots 1 and 4, Block 13, City
Addition, Stephenville, Erath County, Texas, located at the southeast corner of Virginia and
McNeill Streets
Council reconvened in open session at 7:48 p.m.
XVIII. Action taken on matters discuss in executive session (if necessary)
MOTION by Alan Nix, second by Mark McClinton, to offer the proposed property for sale to Erath
f County for the appraised value. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote.
XIX. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Jerr K. Idon, Mayor
ATTEST:
Cindy L. fford, City Wdetary
Regular Business Meeting —March 7, 2017
Stephenville City Council