HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-01-06 - Regular City Counciln
MINUTES OF REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
City of Stephenville - City Council
Tuesday, January 6, 2015, 5:30 P.M.
The City Council of the City of Stephenville, Texas, convened on January 6, 2015, 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
Russ McDaniel
Council members
Casey Hogan
Doug Svien
Brady Pendleton
Alan Nix
Sherry Zachery
Jerry Warren
Present via video conference:
Boyd Waggoner
Others Attending
Patrick C. Bridges, Interim City Administrator
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, January 6, 2015, by Mayor Weldon. Weldon acknowledged
gratefulness for Alan Nix being back with the council following his recovery from serious
injuries suffered in a fall.
Mayor Weldon reminded the public of the Erath County Junior Livestock show this
weekend at the rodeo grounds.
Weldon announced that Council Member Boyd Waggoner's attendance is by video
conferencing as provided by state statute.
II. Citizens' General Discussion
Rick Hale, 1479 Highland View, Stephenville, local building contractor and President of
the Erath County Builders' Association, spoke in support of Pat Bridges as the next city
administrator. Hale stated that since the last city council election, "things [rules and
regulations] have gotten a lot better —easier and simpler". Hale said that he has gotten
to know Pat Bridges and Bridges has promised to have an open-door approach and will
listen to any concerns with an open mind.
Shelby Slawson, 101 Jason Court, Stephenville, said that she wanted to encourage the
council to appoint Pat Bridges as the next city administrator. Slawson stated that she
Regular Business Meeting January 6, 2015
Stephenville City Council
has worked with Pat Bridges and Judy Miller and hopes that the council will make these
positions permanent. She said that Pat Bridges is a solid leader, servant -minded and
accessible.
Rhyne Gailey, general contractor in Stephenville, said that he has been encouraged by
the way Pat Bridges has been working with local contractors and builders. Gailey said he
hopes the council will make the position a permanent one.
Tom Heap, 703 Prairie Wind, Stephenville, said that Pat Bridges is "an excellent go-
between for the council and the citizens and the staff'. He also complimented Judy
Miller, interim Community Development Director.
Janet Whitley, 1407 Glenwood, Stephenville, and Chairman of the Planning and Zoning
Commission, spoke in defense of Judy Miller as a result of comments made in today's
edition of the Stephenville Empire -Tribune. She said that the behaviors set out in the
letter are in no way the behavior exhibited by Judy Miller. Whitley said that Judy Miller
has shown cooperation, helpfulness, and a positive attitude.
III. Presentation by Leadership Stephenville Class
Mayor Weldon reported that this matter will be rescheduled for the February meeting.
IV. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
A. Consider Adopting Resolution No. 2015-01 Approving Investment Policy,
Broker/Dealers and Investment Strategies
MOTION by Doug Svien, second by Brady Pendleton, to adopt Resolution No. 2015-
01. MOTION CARRIED.
B. Quantitative Financial Information for the General Fund
Finance Director Walter Wood stated that each year the General Fund Financial
information is presented to the Finance Committee. This information is used for
financial analysis by the credit agencies and bond holders. No action by the council
was required.
V. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT —Jerry Warren, Chairman —
Consider Approval of Action Plan for Economic Development
Chairman Warren reported that the committee has asked Jeff Moore to develop the
following action plan:
Regular Business Meeting January 6, 2015
Stephenville City Council
STEPHENVILLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Action Plan
1. Select Type A or Type B economic development sales tax.
• Type A sales tax— used for primary job employer projects primarily
• Type B sales tax — used for Type A projects as well as "quality of life projects."
2. Establish Sales Tax Rate to reduce the additional sales tax for property tax relief within the
City to adopt economic development sales tax.
(e.g., one -eighth of one percent, one-fourth of one percent)
3. Determine Ballot Proposition content. (i.e., define the type of projects to be authorized)
4. Order an election on a sales tax proposition by ordinance by Friday, February 27, 2015.
5. Canvass the election results for the May 9, 2015 ballot proposition.
6. Report the results of the election to State Comptroller's office by June 30, 2015.
7. Determine name of the economic development corporation.
• Type A—e.g., Stephenville Economic for Industrial) Development Corporation
• Type B—e.g., Stephenville Community [or Economic] Development Corporation
8. Name initial board of directors
• Type A board — have at least five (5) member board
• Type B board — have a seven (7) member board
9. Certificate of formation for the corporation is prepared, approved by City Council by
resolution and is filed with the Secretary of State's office.
10. Board of Directors hold organizational meeting to adopt bylaws and elect officers.
11. City Council approves bylaws of the economic development corporation by resolution.
12. Economic development sales tax starts on October 1, 2015 provided results of election are
reported by June 30, 2015. First allocation of sales tax revenue should be received from the
State Comptroller's office in December 2015.
13. Once the economic development corporation receives the sales tax revenue:
• Corporation may approve the use of the sales tax revenue for permissible "projects"
as that term is defined in chapters 501 to 505 of the Texas Local Government Code.
• City Council retains authority to approve all expenditures of the corporation.
• The corporation may contract with another private corporation to carry out an
industrial development program or objective; or assist with the development or
operation of an economic development program or objective consistent with the state
statute.
City Revenue Currently:
Property tax revenue$4,316,477.00
Sales tax revenue$5,400,000.00
Franchise Taxes$1,431,000.00
Lice nse/Perm its$171,300.00
Municipal Fines$250,000.00
Service Charges$900,800.00
Other $317,125.00
Total: $12,786,702.00
Regular Business Meeting January 6, 2015
Stephenville City Council
City Revenue if Ballot Proposition is Approved
At 1/8 of one percent:
Property tax revenue $4,316,477.00
Sales tax revenue
Franchise Taxes
License/Permits
Municipal Fines
Service Charges
Other
Total:
$4,950,410.25
$1,431,000.00
$171, 300.00
$250,000.00
$900,800.00
$317,125.00
$12,337,112.25
3.52% reduction
MOTION by Jerry Warren, second by Russ McDanel, to approve the Stephenville
Economic Development Action Plan. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote.
VI. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE REPORT —Consider Approval of Rate Adjustment to the
Exclusive Franchise Agreement with Progressive Waste Solutions of TX, Inc. for
Municipal Solid Waste
MOTION by Alan Nix, second by Brady Pendleton, to approve the rate adjustment
Amendment No. 1 to the Exclusive Franchise Agreement with Progressive Waste
Solution of TX, Inc. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote.
Mayor Weldon brought up the subject of recycling and expressed a desire for the Public
Works Committee, Progressive Waste, and the community to see the need for this to be
a part of our solid waste planning.
VII. CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION by Doug Svien, second by Russ McDanel, to approve the consent agenda.
MOTION CARRIED.
A. Approve Minutes
1.
Regular Council Meeting on December 2, 2014
2.
Special Council Meeting December 16, 2014
3.
Special Council Meeting December 22, 2014
4.
Special Council Meeting on December 23, 2014
S.
Special Council Meeting on December 30, 2014
B. Approve Bid Awards for City Vehicles
C. Authorize the sale of city vehicles
1. 1999 Chevrolet 14 ton pickup (Parks Department)
2. 2011 Dodge Charger (Police Department)
D. Approve Contract Renewal for Sewer Effluent Purchase
Vill. Comments by City Administrator
Pat Bridges announced upcoming meetings:
• Thursday, January 8, at 5:30 p.m., Economic Development Meeting at Fire
Station No. 2
• Thursday, January 20, at 5:30 p.m., Special Council Meeting for evaluation of the
city attorney and city secretary
Bridges thanked those people who spoke on his behalf and in support of him.
Regular Business Meeting January 6, 2015
Stephenville City Council
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IX. Comments by Council Members
Boyd Waggoner made statements concerning the consideration of Pat Bridges as city
administrator versus two candidates from out of town. He expressed his preference of
considering someone for the job who had the educational credentials and the work
experience in a city administrator/manager position.
Alan Nix wished his Granddaughter, Skylar Garner, Happy Birthday. Skylar is celebrating
her ninth birthday today. He told his granddaughter to, "Live Long and Prosper".
Nix then offered his grateful appreciation to Fire Chief Chew and his staff who
performed exemplary service in caring for him and his family as they responded to an
emergency incident at his home.
X. EXECUTIVE SESSION. At 6:15 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. 551.074 Personnel Matters (a)(1) to
deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties,
discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee and Sec. 551.071(a)
Consultation with Attorney; pending or contemplated litigation
A. City Administrator's Position
B. Cause No. CV33030, Erath County District Court; Stephenville City Electric, Inc.,
Lone Oak Landscaping, LLC, and Watson Electric and Insulation v. City of
Stephenville and Mark Kaiser
Council reconvened in open session at 8:30 p.m.
XI. Action Taken on Matter Discussed in Executive Session (if necessary)
MOTION by Russ McDaniel, second by Casey Hogan, to begin negotiations with Pat
Bridges for the position of city administrator, Stephenville, Texas. MOTION CARRIED.
XII. Adjourn
MOTION by Doug Svien, second by Russ McDanel, to adjourn the meeting. MOTION
CARRIED at 8:32 p.m.
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Regular Business Meeting January6, 2015
Stephenville City Council
Jer K. Idon II, Mayor