HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-09-04 - Regular City CouncilFoGI�/I
City of Stephenville - Regular City Council Meeting
Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at 5:30 PM
The City Council of the City of Stephenville, Texas, convened on Tuesday, September 4, 2018, at 5:30 PM, 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:
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Doug Svien
Council Member Mark McClinton
Council Member Carla Trussell
Mayor Pro Tem Brady Pendleton
Council Member Rhett Harrison
Council Member Alan Nix
Council Member SherryZachery
Council Member Brandon Huckabee
n COUNCIL ABSENT:
OTHERS ATTENDING: Allen L. Barnes, City Administrator
Staci L. King, City Secretary
Randy Thomas, City Attorney
Call to Order
Mayor Svien called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
II. Pledges of Allegiance
Mayor Svien led the Pledge of Allegiance to United States and Texas flags.
III. Invocation by Pastor David Whiteman, Grace Fellowship Church
IV. Regular Agenda
1. Proclamation for Constitution Week
Mayor Svien read the following proclamation:
WHEREAS, the Constitution of the United States of America, the guardian of our liberties,
embodies the principles of limited government in a Republic dedicated to rule by law; and
WHEREAS,September 17, 2018 marks the two -hundred -thirty-first anniversary of the
drafting of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional
Convention; and
WHEREAS,it is fitting and proper to accord official recognition to this magnificent
document and its memorable anniversary; and
NOW THEREFORE, I, Doug Svien, by virtue of the authority vested in me as mayor of the
City of Stephenville, do hereby proclaim September 17 through 23 as Constitution Week
and urge all citizens to study the Constitution and reflect on the privilege of being an
American with all the rights and responsibilities which that privilege involves.
2. Proclamation for Hunger Month
Mayor Svien read the following proclamation:
Whereas, one in every six people in North Texas struggle with hunger and food insecurity,
including one in every four children; and
Whereas, thirteen percent of American households and seventeen percent of American
households with children do not consistently have enough nutritious food to eat; and
Whereas, children from families struggling with hunger may be more likely to repeat a
grade in elementary school, experience developmental impairments in areas like
language and motor skills, and have more social and behavioral problems; and
Whereas, partner agencies in Erath County are distributed food by the Tarrant Area Food
Bank, which provides more than 2 million meals to over 53,000 households in thirteen
n Texas counties monthly; and
Whereas, the month of September has been designated as "Hunger Action Month" in
order to bring attention to the reality of food insecurity and promote ways for individuals
to get involved in the movement to end hunger, including volunteering, hosting food
drives and donating funds.
Now, Therefore, I, Doug Svien, Mayor of the City of Stephenville, Texas, do hereby
proclaim September to be "Hunger Action Month" and thank the Tarrant Area Food Bank
for their work in the fight against hunger.
3. Citizens' General Discussion
Iris Jeane Edwards, 838 N. Paddock, addressed the council regarding the city's sex
offender ordinance. Ms. Edwards had previously addressed the council with her concern
that her home was more than 1000 feet from Hook Elementary and not in violation of the
ordinance. Ms. Edwards stated that she had hired a surveyor and confirmed that her
house was more than 1000 feet from Hook Elementary. Mr. Barnes stated that the
miscommunication may lay in the fact that the distance is measured "as the crow flies"
from property line to property line. Ms. Edwards' residence is 886 feet from Hook
Elementary.
4. Tarleton State University Music Business Program
Dr. Douglas Tejada
Dr. Tejada gave a presentation on Tarleton State University's new Music Business degree
City Of Stephenville
City Council - 04 Sep 2018 Page 2 of 11
program. This program is designed for students that are interested in more than just
being a "road musician." The city and Tarleton are looking forward to working together to
become a Texas Music Friendly Community.
5. Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council Annual Report
Whitney Lee, Executive Director, gave the following report:
Looking Back - Over the Summer
Art Camp
• We hosted nearly 100 children for a week of art -focused activities. 68 were
from the local area; 27 came from zip codes outside of Stephenville
Gallery Events — artist receptions, gallery visitors, and classes
• 213 total visitors for the summer with 101 from Stephenville and 112 coming
from outside of our area
Looking forward
Urban Cowboy Nite - Sept 27
• Free concert event featuring Johnny Lee & the Urban Cowboy Band. More than
700 "Interested or Going" on Facebook event. 12 confirmed hotel rooms
Ballet Austin on - October 30th
• Free event for 1,400 local elementary children and schools. 22 confirmed hotel
rooms
Ragin Cajun - March 23
We will continue to feature local talent in our four galleries as part of the Art in Public
Places program in partnership with the City. We're adding watercolor classes, children's
art classes, an Essentrics class — all in addition to our regular Paint the Town events. And
we just renewed our contract with Certified Music Therapist Cathy Knoll to bring arts to
adults and children who faces unique learning challenges through the AccessArts
program.
Future plans
In August we had a Board Workshop and Visioning session. During that session we
identified several key areas we'd like to focus on moving forward. Among the many top
key areas are Outreach and Facility Development.
Outreach - We serve 8 rural counties and we're looking to expand partnerships in
these areas: Erath, Bosque, Comanche, Eastland, Hamilton, Hood, Palo Pinto and
Somervell. We've started with contacting local hotels and will work to reach out
to hotels in each of these areas as well as their chambers. We've reached out to
incoming Tarleton students and We've also looked into placing materials at the
official Texas Visitor's Centers at key state crossings. In 2020 we'll host a national
exhibit And we're researching billboard options — so be looking for that.
Facility Development — After replacing a damaged roof and equipment from the
large storm that came through a couple years ago, we're actively pursuing plans
to update and expand our main gallery on River North Blvd. By improving lighting
and current use of space, our goal is to bring in larger exhibits, juried shows, and
City Of Stephenville
City Council - 04 Sep 2018 Page 3 of 11
grow in other artistic avenues — such as space for voice or music lessons, pottery
classes, photography, writer's workshops, and so much more.
• Outdoor gallery — perhaps are biggest long term dream is to create an outdoor art
gallery. Not only would this create truly accessible and interactive art, but could
incorporate outdoor classroom space.
Future Generations
In addition to everything mentioned, a key goal of ours is to grow in such a manner, that
we can start a scholarship program for students in the arts or pursuing artistic endeavors.
I'm also excited to be a part of the Texas Music Friendly Committee and to work along
side a variety of community partners to make sure our community provides artistic
avenues for all future generations.
6. Consider Approval of Ordinance No. 2018-0-34 Adopting the Fee Schedule
Monica Harris, Director of Finance, gave an overview of the proposed changes to the fee
schedule.
MOTION by Mark McClinton, second by Alan Nix, to approve Ordinance No. 2018-0-34,
adopting the fee schedule as presented.
MOTION CARRIED. by the following votes:
Ayes: Mark McClinton, Brady Pendleton, Rhett Harrison, Alan Nix, Sherry
Zachery, and Brandon Huckabee
Noes: Carla Trussell
Consider Approval of Ordinance No. 2018-0-35 Adopting the 2018-2019 Budget
Monica Harris, Director of Finance, presented an overview of the proposed budget. It was
explained that the Stephenville Type B Economic Development Authority's budget was
not included and would be adopted separately.
MOTION by Mark McClinton, second by Brady Pendleton, to approve Ordinance No.
2018-0-35 adopting the 2018-2019 budget.
MOTION CARRIED. by the following votes:
Ayes: Mark McClinton, Carla Trussell, Brady Pendleton, Rhett Harrison,
Sherry Zachery, and Brandon Huckabee
Noes: Alan Nix
8. Consider Approval of Ordinance No. 2018-0-36 Adopting the 2018 Tax Rate
Monica Harris, Director of Finance, explained to the council that the maximum tax rate
had previously been set at $0.5091 and that the proposed budget was developed based
on a $0.4800 tax rate; the council could adopt any rate under $0.5091.
MOTION by Rhett Harrison, second by Sherry Zachery, that the property tax rate be
n increased by the adoption of a tax rate of $0.4700, which is effectively a 2.33 percent
I increase in the tax rate.
City Of Stephenville
City Council - 04 Sep 2018 Page 4 of 11
Council member Brady Pendleton said the council is obviously cautious with the tax rate,
and while a one -cent tax decrease is gracious, he feels that is not a real help to the
citizens of Stephenville.
MOTION TO AMEND by Brady Pendleton by changing the rate to $0.45930, which is
effectively a 0.0 percent increase in the tax rate.
MOTION FAILED for a lack of second.
MOTION TO AMEND FAILED by the following votes:
Ayes: Carla Trussell, Rhett Harrison, Sherry Zachery
Noes: Mark McClinton, Brady Pendleton, Alan Nix, Brandon Huckabee
Council member Mark McClinton asked Council Member Rhett Harrison where the offset
for the loss of $120,000 would come from. Mr. Harrison said he'd like to go back to staff
and ask them to find ways to reduce expenditures, possibly with an assigned
subcommittee to help make recommendations as to what the changes should be.
Council member McClinton asked Allen Barnes, City Administrator, to explain how the
state -proposed revenue cap could affect the tax rate. Mr. Barnes stated that if the
governor's proposed 2.5% revenue cap were in place, the City of Stephenville would have
had around a $5 million negative impact. He believes that if the tax rate is reduced, which
he stated the city council has the ability to do, some serious damage could be done if a
low revenue cap is enacted by the legislature next year. He stated that if revenue caps
are put in place, it will become increasingly difficult for cities to be able to fund needs of
the city.
Council member McClinton expressed concern that if the tax rate is lowered now, without
knowing if revenue caps will be enacted, it could become more difficult to "keep pace"
with the city's needs. Council member Sherry Zachery said she felt it was a good thing
that it would become more difficult to raise taxes. Council member Brandon Huckabee
said he felt that Stephenville was not a violator in terms of property taxes. Mr. Huckabee
stated that Mr. Harrison's proposed rate would save the average household around $15
per year. He felt that the budget was already lacking some major projects and that it was
short-sighted to try to cut a tax rate when the city has many needs to be met. Council
member Zachery stated that the city should be focused on growing its sales tax base, not
its property tax.
MOTION FAILED by the following votes:
Ayes: Carla Trussell, Rhett Harrison, Sherry Zachery
Noes: Mark McClinton, Brady Pendleton, Alan Nix, Brandon Huckabee
MOTION by Brandon Huckabee, second by Mark McClinton, that the property tax rate be
increased by the adoption of a tax rate of $0.4800, which is effectively a 4.5 percent
increase in the tax rate.
MOTION FAILED by the following votes:
Ayes: Mark McClinton, Alan Nix, Brandon Huckabee
City Of Stephenville
City Council - 04 Sep 2018 Page 5 of 11
Noes: Carla Trussell, Brady Pendleton, Rhett Harrison, Sherry Zachery
MOTION by Carla Trussell, second by Mark McClinton, that the property tax rate be
increased by the adoption of a tax rate of $0.4750, which is effectively a 3.42 percent
increase in the tax rate.
MOTION CARRIED bythe following votes:
Ayes: Mark McClinton, Carla Trussell, Brady Pendleton, Rhett Harrison, and
Sherry Zachery
Noes: Alan Nix and Brandon Huckabee
9. Consider Approval of an Airport Development Agreement with Prime Building
Components, LLC
MOTION by Alan Nix, second by Sherry Zachery, to approve an airport development
agreement with Prime Building Components, LLC.
MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. by the following votes:
Ayes: Mark McClinton, Carla Trussell, Brady Pendleton, Rhett Harrison, Alan
Nix, Sherry Zachery, and Brandon Huckabee
10. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2018-11-11 Approving a Negotiated Settlement
Between the Atmos Cities Steering Committee and Atmos Energy Corporation
Shelley Burnett, Manager of Public Affairs, explained that the resolution before council
was for a $0.19 reduction in rates, as negotiated by the Atmos Cities Steering Committee.
MOTION by Mark McClinton, second by Carla Trussell, to approve Resolution No. 2018-R-
11.
MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. by the following votes:
Ayes: Mark McClinton, Carla Trussell, Brady Pendleton, Rhett Harrison, Alan
Nix, Sherry Zachery, and Brandon Huckabee
V. Tourism and Visitors Bureau Committee
Carla Trussell, Chair
1. Committee Report
Carla Trussell, Committee Chair, gave the committee report.
2. Consider Approval of Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund Application for Woofstock
MOTION by Carla Trussell, second by Brady Pendleton, to approve the HOT fund
application for Woofstock in the amount of $3,000 for advertising expenses.
MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote.
3. Consider Approval of Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund Application for the American Junior
Rodeo Association
MOTION by Sherry Zachery, second by Carla Trussell, to approve the HOT fund application
for the American Junior Rodeo Association in the amount of $2,500.
MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote.
City Of Stephenville
City Council - 04 Sep 2018 Page 6 of 11
4. Consider Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund Application for Larry Joe Taylor's Fall
Festival/Rhymes and Vines
MOTION by Carla Trussell, second by Sherry Zachery, to approve the HOT fund application
for Larry Joe Taylor's Fall Festival / Rhymes and Vines in the amount of $1,500 before the
event, with $1,500 being funded after the event.
MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote.
5. Consider Approval of Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund Expenditure in the Amount of $40,000
for MoolaFest
Julie Smith, Tourism and Visitor Bureau Manager, explained that the cost of the hot air
balloons for Moo -La Fest would be approximately $40,000. The balloon group would
require a $1,000 deposit to book the dates of May 31 through June 2. Ms. Smith
explained that she would be seeking sponsorships to help cover the cost of the event.
MOTION by Carla Trussell, second by Brady Pendleton, to authorize a $1,000 deposit for
the the dates of May 31 - June 2 for Moo -La Fest.
MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. by the following votes:
Ayes: Mark McClinton, Carla Trussell, Brady Pendleton, Rhett Harrison, Alan
Nix, Sherry Zachery, and Brandon Huckabee
VI. Public Works Committee
Alan Nix, Chair
1. Committee Report
Alan Nix, Committee Chair, gave the committee report.
2. Consider Approval of a Three -Year Lease Agreement with Wesley Wood Cattle Company
MOTION by Mark McClinton, second by Alan Nix, to approve a three-year lease
agreement with Wesley Wood Cattle Company.
MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote.
3. Consider Approval of a Contract with N.G. Painting for the Garfield Ground Storage Tank
Rehabilitation Project
MOTION by Mark McClinton, second by Alan Nix, to approve a contract with N.G. Painting
for the Garfield Ground Storage Tank Rehabilitation Project.
MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote.
4. Consider Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Parkhill, Smith and Cooper
for the S36 Well Field Development Project
MOTION by Mark McClinton, second by Alan Nix, to approve a Professional Services
Agreement with Parkhill, Smith and Cooper.
MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote.
S. Consider Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc for
the Master Infrastructure Management Plan
MOTION by Mark McClinton, second by Alan Nix, to approve a Professional Services
Agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc.
City Of Stephenville
City Council - 04 Sep 2018 Page 7 of 11
MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote.
6. Consider Approval of Amendment No. 2 to the Solid Waste Franchise Agreement with
Progressive Waste Solutions (dba WC of Texas)
MOTION by Mark McClinton, second by Alan Nix, to approve Amendment No. 2 to the
Solid Waste Franchise Agreement with Progressive Waste Solutions (dba WC of Texas).
MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote.
Vll. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT
Sherry Zachery, Chair
1. Committee Report
Sherry Zachery, Committee Chair, gave the committee report. Staff had requested a
change in title and duties for the Code Compliance Officer to Code Enforcement and
Health Inspector. The council was in favor of the change of title and duties.
Vill. NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT
Rhett Harrison, Chair
1. Committee Report
Rhett Harrison, Committee Chair, gave the committee report.
2. Consider Approval of a Professional Services Contract for a Governmental Affairs
Consultant
MOTION by Mark McClinton, second by Rhett Harrison, to authorize the city
administrator to negotiate a professional services contract with Todd Smith.
MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote.
IX. Finance Committee Report
Mark McClinton, Chair
1. Committee Report
Mark McClinton, Committee Chair, gave the committee report.
2. Consider Approval of Contract with Brooks Watson & Co for Auditor Services
MOTION by Mark McClinton, second by Carla Trussell, to enter into a contract with
Brooks Watson & Co for auditing services.
MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote.
X. MONTHLY BUDGET REPORT
Monica Harris, Director of Finance
1. Monthly Budget Report for the Period Ending July 31, 2018
Monica Harris, Director of Finance, gave the following report:
In reviewing the financial statements ending July 31, 2018, the financial indicators
are as or better than expected.
City Of Stephenville
City Council - 04 Sep 2018 Page 8 of 11
• Property Tax - We received $25K in property taxes in the month of July,
resulting in a $528K increase over funds collected through July 31st of last
fff
year. Erath County normally collects 99.5% of the property taxes for
Stephenville through July; the amount collected this year is 1.05% over
budget.
• Sales Tax - We received $471K in sales tax in July, resulting in $208K over
the target budget through July 31st. We have received $247K or 5.18%
more than last year.
• HOT Funds - We received $351K in Hotel Occupancy Taxes through July as
compared to $297K last year. We spent $288K in Hotel Occupancy Tax
funds through July as compared to $293K last year.
• Revenue (Budgetary comparison) - The target budget for operating
revenue is $20 million. We received $21.6 million in revenue, resulting in
$1.6 million over budget. This is a result of property taxes, which are billed
in October and due by January 31st, as well as sales and other taxes,
service charges, and grants.
• Expenditures (Budgetary comparison) - The target budget for operating
expenditures is $16.9 million. We expended $14.9 million, resulting in $2
million under budget.
• Revenue (Prior year comparison) - Operating revenue received last year
was $20.5 million as compared to the current year's $21.6 million, resulting
in a $1.1 million increase due to property taxes, sales taxes, and service
charges.
• Expenditures (Prior year comparison) - Operating expenditures last year
were $15.4 million as compared to the current year's $14.9 million,
resulting in a $574K decrease.
• New Programs - $861,951 of the $875,000 for street pavement
maintenance has been spent as of July 31st.
XI. Stephenville Type B Economic Development Authority Update
Jeff Sandford, Executive Director, gave a brief update on SEDA's activities, which includes: site
visits; developer visits; updates to the facade grant; education and marketing projects; workforce
partnering with Fort Hood; retention and expansion efforts; policy, budget, and goal
development.
XII. CONSENT
1. Consider Approval of Minutes
• City Council Work Session - 24 Jul 2018
• City Council Work Session - 31 Jul 2018
• City Council - 07 Aug 2018
• Council/SEDA Joint Work Session - 09 Aug 2018
• City Council Budget Hearings-13 Aug 2018
• Special City Council Meeting - 23 Aug 2018
• City Council Work Session - 27 Aug 2018
City Of Stephenville
City Council - 04 Sep 2018 Page 9 of 11
• Special City Council Meeting - 28 Aug 2018
2. Consider Approval of Bid Awards
• Street Renovation Materials
• Mowing Services - Wasson's Specialty Services
• Road Construction On -Call Contract
• Food Inspection Services
• Office Supplies - Staples
3. Consider Approval of Election Contract
4. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2018-R-12 Committing to the Texas Music Friendly
Community Initiative
5. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2018-R-13 Accepting the 2018 Pavement
Maintenance Project
MOTION by Mark McClinton, second by Alan Nix, to approve the consent agenda as
presented.
MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote.
XIII. Comments by City Administrator
• Council/SEDA Joint Work Session - Thursday, September 6 at 4:00 p.m.
• Bosque River Trail 5k and 1 mile fun run -Thursday, September 6
• Council Committee Meetings -Tuesday, September 18 at 5:30 p.m.
• Council / Planning and Zoning Commission Joint Work Session - Thursday, September 13
at 5:30 p.m.
• Town Hall Meetings to Answer Questions Regarding Charter Amendments -TBD
• Regular City Council Meeting - Tuesday, October 2, 2018
• Accepting applications for Boards and Commissions until Thursday, November 8, 2018
XIV. Comments by Council Members
Mark McClinton wishes everyone a productive and safe school year.
Carla Trussell wanted to remind everyone that Friends of the Library's Dinner in the Stacks at
Tarleton is coming up soon.
Alan Nix wanted to thank the Fire and Police Departments for being there to help when it is
needed. Mr. Nix stated that both chiefs had outstanding departments that they should be proud
of.
Brandon Huckabee thanked everyone that was attending or watching the council meeting. He
thanked staff for their hard work on the budget and helping him through the budget process. He
stated that tax reform needed to happen, and encouraged everyone to do their part to make the
reforms happen in Austin.
Doug Svien stated that Pat Fallon would be attending the Republican Women's Meeting later this
month. He also thanked Rhett Harrision and the nominations committee for agreeing to discuss
City Of Stephenville
City Council - 04 Sep 2018 Page 10 of 11
F
the creation of an ethics policy.
XV. 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
1. Section 551.087 Economic Development Negotiations
• Project Blue
• Project Select
• Project Tarleton Crossings
2. Section 551.074 Personnel Matters
• Deputy City Secretary Position
XVI. Action taken on items discussed in executive session (if necessary)
1. Section 551.074 Personnel Matters
• Deputy City Secretary Position
MOTION by Sherry Zachery, second by Mark McClinton, to appoint Karen Wilkerson as
Deputy City Secretary.
MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote.
XVII. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
Doug Svi , Mayor
ATTEST: —
Staci L. ing, ity Secreta
City Of Stephenville
City Council -04 Sep 2018
Page 11 of 11