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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-09-05 - Regular City CouncilMINUTES OF REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING City of Stephenville - City Council Tuesday, September 5, 2027, 5:30 P.M. The City Council of the City of Stephenville, Texas, convened on September 5, 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 Doug Svien (late arrival) Council members Carla Trussell Mark McClinton Brady Pendleton Rhett Harrison (late arrival) Alan Nix Sherry Zachery Jerry Warren Others Attending Allen L. Barnes, City Administrator Randy Thomas, City Attorney Staid L. King, City Secretary Call to Order Mayor Weldon called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. II. Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas Flag —"Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible." III. Invocation by Pastor Tom Konz, Faith Lutheran Church, Stephenville IV. Hunger Action Month Proclamation Nate Sturmer, Tarrant Area Food Bank, was present to accept the proclamation on behalf of the Food Bank and its Erath County partners. V. Citizens' General Discussion The following came forward to address the council regarding Erath County Humane Society: Marcy Tanter, 1107 Prairie Wind, Stephenville, Texas Dr. Tanter identified herself as a pet owner and pet lover who has lived in Stephenville for 19 years. She expressed concern that if the Humane Society is not helped and the budget not increased, there would be stray dogs and cats running rampant around town. She stated that when she first came to Stephenville, no one would take animals to the shelter because animals weren't adopted out, but were euthanized instead. Dr. Tanter said that there has been a tremendous turn -around under the current director and board of directors. She told council it was their duty as elected officials to protect the city from animals running rampant. Stephenville City Council September 5, 2017—Page 1 Angie Adams, 300 Tanglewood Circle, Stephenville, Texas r Ms. Adams began by expressing her agreement with Dr. Tanter. She stated that she is a pharmacist, and that the drugs used for euthanizing animals every three days would be much more than the $8000 the city has allocated to the shelter. She stated that she did not have all the fads or numbers, but had just recently been made aware of the issue. Ms. Adams stated that she had attended a "euthanasia day" and it was the worst day of her life. She described a major difference in the shelter within a year after Diane McCoy took it over and encouraged the council to fund the shelter as requested. Mayor Weldon closed floor to those wishing to speak about the Erath County Humane Society until the item came upon the agenda. Mayor Weldon felt that there had been some miscommunication about the Public Health and Safety Committee's report and felt that after the report, some of those in attendance would have their questions and concerns addressed. Mayor Weldon asked for anyone else wishing to address the council and no one came forward. VI. Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council Annual Report and Approval of the 2017-2018 Budget — Julie Crouch -Smith, Executive Director Julie Crouch -Smith thanked the City of Stephenville for their support and gave a brief history of the Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council (CTFAC). Ms. Crouch -Smith listed the events held by the CTFAC in the past year: Ballet Austin, with over 2500 children attending the performance of Peter and the Wolf; "An Evening with Don Edwards," a free concert event at the Birdsong Amphitheater; classical music concerts in partnership with the Piatigorsky Foundation; CTFAC's River North Gallery exhibits, which are changed quarterly; Art in Public Places program which displays artwork atthe Clark Field Regional Airport, the Stephenville Senior Citizens Center, and the Stephenville Public Library; Manners Camp and Art Camp for children; Access Arts Clubhouse; Paint the Town; Fired Up; and Ragin' Cajun Annual Fundraiser. CTFAC currently has a capital campaign underway to aid in repairs to the roof and air conditioner caused by hail damage. Ms. Crouch -Smith again thanked the council forthe city's continued support of the arts and making the arts a priority for future generations. Mayor Weldon asked Ms. Crouch -Smith to give an overview of the Levitt Foundation grant, which the CTFAC has applied for the past two years. Ms. Crouch -Smith stated that Stephenville has been in the top 10 finalists, but has been unable to secure the grant and the CTFAC board had not determined if they were going to apply again due to the promotional costs. Mayor Weldon encouraged the board to consider reapplying. MOTION BYAlan Nix, second by Mark McClinton approve the Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council annual report and budget. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. VII. Consider Approval of Ordinance No. 2017-0-09 Mobile Food Vendors Jeremy Allen, interim Director of Planning and Building Services, reported to council that Council ^ Member Zachery, Code Compliance Officer Jimmy Finney, and himself had met with several food I{f I vendors to discuss the ordinance that had been presented to the committee. The ordinance that was presented to council was reviewed and agreed upon by the vendors, staff, and Zachery. Stephenville City Council September 5, 2017—Page 2 MOTION by Mark McClinton, second by Carla Trussell to approve Ordinance No. 2017-0-09. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. Vill. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT A. Consider Repealing Ordinance No. 2010-07 Use of Wireless Communication Device for Electronic Messaging While Operating a Motor Vehicle is Prohibited MOTION by Carla Trussell, second by Sherry Zachery, to repeal City of Stephenville Code of Ordinances Section 71.08 Use of Wireless Communication Device for Electronic Messaging While Operating a Motor Vehicle is Prohibited (Ordinance No. 2010-07). MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. B. Consider Approval of Contract with the Erath County Humane Society Council Member Pendleton began by addressing those in the audience that were in attendance to speak to the council regarding the contract and funding of the Erath County Humane Society (ECHS). He wanted to assure them that the city had no intention, at anytime, of defunding the ECHS and stated that the council 100 percent supported the ECHS and their efforts. Pendleton explained that discussions had taken place regarding the facility needs of the ECHS and how can the city help support those needs, other than just funding them. Pendleton addressed the fact that the current contract with the ECHS had been in place for many years and while it may need to be updated, it wasn't feasible to try to play catch up in one year. MOTION by Brady Pendleton, second by Mark McClinton to approve a six-month contract with an additional $9,500 in funding and allow Allen Barnes to negotiate the contract thereafter. Mayor Weldon explained that the city has been working on a solution to the ECHS's facility problems. He also explained that $9,500 was fully funding the ECHS's request for the next six months, with the timeline of six months creating a deadline for action and time to evaluate the ECHS's needs in the future. Mayor Weldon shared that a private business has expressed interest in helping the city accommodate the facility needs of the ECHS. Mayor Weldon shared a story about Sully and Clancy, a dog and cat that his family adopted from the shelter and acknowledged the hard work of those at the ECHS. Mayor Weldon opened the floor to those wishing to address the council. Dana Taylor, Erath County resident, stated that she was a former animal control officer. Ms. Taylor stated that according to her calculations, the shelter only received $24 per animal taken in from Erath County and the City of Stephenville in order to provide care for the animals and that was not adequate for all of the necessary care. Ms. Taylor said an agreement needed to be reached as to who was in charge, as she felt that both the city council and ECHS were both trying to be decision -makers and a compromise must be reached. She also stated that the euthanasia is not going to work. Angie Adams again addressed the council, this time regarding the need for more information to be presented to the public, as she was not previously aware of the information that was shared by Mr. Pendleton at this meeting. A member of the audience asked if Erath County had committed to additional funding and Mr. Barnes said that he was told no, not at this time. Stephenville City Council September 5, 2017—Page 3 Councilmember Zachery encouraged those in attendance to also attend a County Commissioners' meeting and present the same information to them as well, and expressed her fff displeasure with the county for not "stepping up." MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. IX. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE REPORT A. Consider Approval of Wood Cattle Company Lease of 536 Acres MOTION by Alan Nix, second by Mark McClinton to approve a one-year lease with Wood Cattle Company. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. B. Consider Approval of CH2M Wastewater Treatment Plant Contract Amendment MOTION by Alan Nix, second by Brady Pendleton. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. C. Annual Report from Waste Connections No action taken. D. Consider Approval of Household Hazardous Waste Contract Renewal MOTION by Alan Nix, second by Mark McClinton. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. E. Consider Approval of Effluent Purchase Agreement Renewal MOTION by Alan Nix, second by Mark McClinton. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. X. MONTHLY BUDGET REPORT —Monica Harris, Finance Director Property Tax- We received $22K in propertytaxes in the month of July, resulting in a $61K increase over funds collected through July 31st of last year. Erath County usually collects 99.5% of theCity's property taxes by July 31st. The $5.28 million collected through July 31st reflects 98.5%of the total amount budgeted for property taxes this fiscal year, 1% below the 99.5% norm. Sales Tax- We received $445K in sales tax in July, resulting in $114Kover the target budget through July 31st. Projections indicate that we should receive about $75K above budget. Revenue (Budgetary comparison) -The 83%target budget for operating revenue is $20.3 million. We received $20.5 million in operating revenue, resulting in a $229K overage that is reflected in taxes and service charges. Expenditures (Budgetary comparison) -The 83%target budget for operating expenditures is $15.9 million. We expended $15.4 million, resulting in $5292K under budget. Revenue (Prior year comparison) - Operating revenue received last year was $20.2 million as compared to the current year's $20.5 million, resulting in $335K increase due to property taxes, intergovernmental grants, and service charges. Expenditures (Prior year comparison) - Operating expenditures last year were $14.5 million as compared to the current year's $15.4 million, resulting in $837K increase. In the General Fund, the $96K increase was caused by prior year personnel vacancies and additions to personnel this year. In the Utility Fund, the $469K increase was for the Tarleton Methodist branch sewer study, the Eastside Sewer project, and higher maintenance costs. And in the Special Revenue Fund, the $265K increase was due to the creation of SEDA and the purchase of a signalized cross walk and electronic ticket Stephenville City Council September 5, 2017—Page 4 writers. Ij New Programs - We have spent $842K of the $886K budgeted for street improvements as of July 31st. We are on track to spend the entire amount. XI. Stephenville Type B Economic Development Report — Dr. John Hubbard, Executive Director SEDA's FY2017-2018 budget will be $487,730, which is based on sales tax collection. Personnel, contractual, marketing, general services, and a transfer to general fund for the city's maintenance of SEDA comprise the majority of the budget, with most expenses going to personnel and funds reserved to economic development projects. There is $200,000 dedicated in the current budget for economic development projects, as well as another $300,000 in undedicated funds that can be used as well. Panda Express and Aldi should be closing in October and November, respectively. Strikesville, a 36,000 square feet facility that includes a bowling alley, ropes course, and restaurant will be built on Christy Plaza. Project Blue has been in the works for almost a year and representatives were in attendance in hopes that an economic incentive would be agreed upon during executive session. XII. CONSENTAGENDA ^ MOTION by Mark McClinton, second by Sherry Zachery, to approve the consent agenda with the f( jI exception Item E (Approve Ordinance No. 2017-0-10Authorizing an UpdatedService Credit with the Texas Municipal Retirement System). MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. Mayor Weldon opened council discussion on Item E. Councilmember Nix acknowledged that this was a difficult budget year, but he felt this unfairly took a benefit away from the employees. MOTION by Alan Nix to not approve Ordinance No. 2017-0-10 and place the credit back into the budget. Motion died for lack of a second. MOTION by Doug Svien, second by Brady Pendleton, to approve Ordinance No. 2017-0-10 Authorizing an Updated Service Credit with the Texas Municipal Retirement System. MOTION CARRIED, Alan Nix casting an opposing vote. A. Approval of Council Minutes 1. Regular Council Meeting on August 1, 2017 2. Special Council Meeting on August 14, 2017 3. Special Council Meeting on August 22, 2017 4. Special Council Meeting on August 29, 2017 S. Special Council Meeting on August 31, 2017 B. Approve Bid Awards 1. Food Service Inspection Contract 2. Street Renovation Materials 3. Office Supplies Stephenville City Council September 5, 2017—Page 5 C. Approve Sale of City Property 1. 2014 Chevrolet Caprice Police Vehicle 2. Office Furniture 3. Unclaimed Vehicles D. Approve Resolution No. 2017-R-23 Ballistic Armor Grant E. Approve Ordinance No. 2017-0-10 Authorizing an Updated Service Credit with the Texas Municipal Retirement System F. Approve Contract Renewal with Stephenville Aviation for Airport Management Services G. Approve Contract Renewal with DBT Transportation Services for AWOS Services H. Approve Right -of -Way Lease Renewal with McCoy's Building Supply XIII. Comments by City Administrator • Special Council Meeting —Tuesday, September 12 • Special Council Meeting — Thursday, September 21 XIV. Comments by Council members Mark McClinton said his thoughts and prayers were with our brothers and sisters in south Texas as they recover from Hurricane Harvey. He gave congratulation and kudos to the downtown merchants on the farmer's market and the organizers of the antique car show and asked that residents please support the downtown merchants and their efforts to bring events to the downtown area. He also mentioned that on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. was the Frist United Methodist Church 100-year celebration. Doug Svien said that Stephenville is a very giving community and he appreciates the citizens here. Jerry Warren wanted to share that on August 16 he attended the Optimist Club meeting and Chief Jason King presented the best program that the Optimist Club has had in the 30 years he has been a part of the Optimist Club. He said Chief King's discussion on the dangers of social media was very informative and interesting. Mayor Weldon wanted to echo the sentiment of thoughts and prayers to those recovering from Hurricane Harvey as it could be weeks, months, and years before full recovery is made. He acknowledged the National Guard who are serving on the coast, as well as their families. Mayor Weldon appreciates the way our community has come together to help those effected. 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 Section SS3.087 - Deliberations Regarding Economic Development Negotiations: A. Project Summer B. Project Blue C. Strikesville Stephenville City Council September 5, 2017—Page 6 XVI. Action taken on items discussed in executive session (if necessary) The meeting was called back into session at 8:50 p.m. A. Project Summer No action taken B. Project Blue A presentation was made by Project Blue. Project Blue would be located at Wolfe Nursery and US377/West Washington. The $25 million development would include a restaurant, 45,000 square foot retail space, and a 100-key hotel. The development would employ 127 full-time equivalents once it is completed. MOTION by Mark McClinton, second by Sherry Zachery authorizing the city administrator to offer a letter of intent with EG Tejas, LLC on the terms discussed in executive session. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. C. Strikesville MOTION by Doug Svien, second by Carla Trussell to approve a property tax rebate up to $100,000, including any property taxes rebated by Erath County, and waiver of development fees up to $20,000; which SEDA will reimburse to the city. MOTION CARRIED, Alan Nix casting an opposing vote. XVII. Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 8:56. Jerry K. W don, Mayor ATTEST: ' n 0 Stephenville City Council September 5, 2017—Page 7