Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-06-04 Regular MeetingCity of Stephenville - Regular City Council Meeting cy4jvT0,-,- Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at 5:30 PM The City Council of the City of Stephenville, Texas, convened on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, 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: Council Member Mark McClinton Council Member Nick Robinson Council Member Ricky Thurman Mayor Doug Svien Council Member Carla Trussell Mayor Pro Tern Brady Pendleton — via videoconference 5:30 p.m. - 6:40 p.m. Council Member Alan Nix Council Member Brandon Huckabee Council Member Gerald Cook COUNCIL ABSENT: Allen L. Barnes, City Manager Staci L. King, City Secretary Randy Thomas, City Attorney I. Call to Order Mayor Svien called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. II. Pledges of Allegiance Council member Ricky Thurman led the Pledges of Allegiance. III. Invocation by Ward Hayes, Valley Grove Baptist Church IV. Regular Agenda 1. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2019-11-19 Resolution of Appreciation for the Stephenville Rotary Club Burton Smith was in attendance to accept the resolution and present the city with a ceremonial check on behalf of the Stephenville Rotary Club. MOTION by Brandon Huckabee, second by Mark McClinton, to approve Resolution No. 2019-R-19 showing appreciation to the Rotary Club of Stephenville. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. 2. Citizens' General Discussion Kaylee Pemberton, on behalf of the Stephenville Downtown Merchants, addressed the city council to explain what they do to encourage visitors downtown, as well as encourage increased communication and partnership with the city. 3. Report from Sundown on the Square Committee Marion Cole, Metta Collier, and Patricia Weldon addressed the council on behalf of the Sundown on the Square Committee. This is the 5th year for sundown on the square; over $150,000 has been raised to benefit the Stephenville Historical House Museum. Sundown on the Square is the first Saturday in October from 5-9 p.m. 4. PUBLIC HEARING The City of Stephenville has received a petition from First Baptist Church Stephenville Requesting the Abandonment of Barton Street between Green and Mason Streets Mayor Svien opened the public hearing at 5:45 p.m. Ken May, First Baptist Church, explained that the church made the request in order to be able to expand their facilities as the church continues to grow. He explained that he also feels there are safety and security issues for the members crossing between the two buildings. Dr. May said there were no specific plans for expansion at this time, however the street would be closed to vehicular traffic. No one else came forward to speak in favor of or opposition to the closure of the 200 block of Barton Street. Mayor Svien closed the public hearing at 5:50 p.m. 5. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2019-R-20 Initiating the Abandonment of Barton Street Between Mason and Green Streets Nick Williams, Director of Public Works, explained that there is a water line under the 200 block of Barton Street, but there are options should the street be closed and the water line need to be abandoned. Alan Barnes, City Manager, explained that the resolution was brought to council in accordance with City of Stephenville Ordinance. If the council approves the resolution, the request will go to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their recommendation, then again to the council for final approval. Several council members expressed concern over closing this street off to through traffic. Staff was asked to conduct a traffic count study to measure the usage of the street. MOTION by Mark McClinton, second by Ricky Thurman, to approve Resolution No. 2019- R-20 initiating the abandonment of a portion of Barton Street. MOTION CARRIED by the following votes: Ayes: Mark McClinton, Nick Robinson, Ricky Thurman, Brady Pendleton, Alan Nix, Brandon Huckabee, and Gerald Cook Noes: Carla Trussell 6. Consider Approval of Ordinance No. 2019-0-16 Amending Building Permit Fees Karen Wilkerson, Interim Director of Planning and Building Services, explained to council i that due to recently enacted state legislation, cities are no longer allowed to base building City Of Stephenville Regular City Council Meeting - 04 Jun 2019 Page 2 of 7 permit fees on the valuation of residential and multi -family properties. The proposed fee schedule allows the city to comply with state law. MOTION by Alan Nix, second by Brandon Huckabee, to approve Ordinance No. 2019-0-16 amending building permit fees. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. V. Tourism and Visitors Bureau Julie Smith, Tourism and Visitors Bureau Manager 1. Consider Approval of Hotel Occupancy Tax Application for the Cowboy Capital Pro Rodeo The Cowboy Capital Pro Rodeo submitted and application for $20,000; the event was budgeted at $15,000. MOTION by Carla Trussell, second by Mark McClinton, to approve funding the Cowboy Capital Pro Rodeo in the amount of $15,000. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. 2. Consider Approval of Hotel Occupancy Tax Application for the Epic Rodeo Experience Epic Rodeo Experience submitted an application in the amount of $10,000. MOTION by Carla Trussell to approve funding in the amount of $6,500. MOTION FAILED for lack of a second. MOTION by Mark McClinton, second by Ricky Thurman, to approve the application in the amount of $3,000. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. VI. Planning and Zoning Commission Karen Wilkerson, Interim Director of Development Services 1. PUBLIC HEARING The City of Stephenville is considering the abandonment of the Wiley Street right-of- way from Hilicrest to Dale Street Mayor Svien opened the public hearing at 6:06 p.m. No one came forward to speak in favor of or opposition to the closing of Wiley Street. Mayor Svien closed the public hearing at 6:07 p.m. 2. Consider Approval of Ordinance No. 2019-0-17 Abandoning Wiley Street The Planning and Zoning Commission gave a unanimous recommendation to proceed with the abandonment of Wiley Street. Council member Alan Nix wished to clarify that the portion of Wiley Street that was being abandoned would be relocated and rededicated within the subdivision. MOTION by Brandon Huckabee, second by Nick Robinson, to approve Ordinance No. 2019-0-17 abandoning Wiley Street. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. City Of Stephenville Regular City Council Meeting- 04 Jun 2019 Page 3 of 7 VII. Parks and Leisure Services Rk Jennifer Basham, Director of Parks and Leisure Services 1. Consider Approval of Summer Day Camp and After School Programs Jennifer Basham, Director of Parks and Leisure Services, explained that the city and Stephenville ISD will be partnering to provide after -school care, as well as school break camp and 12 weeks of summer camp. This program will be cost neutral to the city. This program will also offer extra activities such as dance, swim, cooking, etc., at an additional cost. MOTION by Mark McClinton, second by Carla Trussell, to approve an after school program and summer day camp partnership with Stephenville ISD. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. 2. Consider Approval of Authorization to Apply for TxDOT Green Ribbon Projects Jennifer Basham, Director of Parks and Leisure Services, explained that this grant is for the replacement and refurbishment of the existing median beds in the city. The estimated costs are $400,000, which is the maximum allowable award for the program. The current beds will be refurbished to include more drought -tolerant and perennial plants to minimize maintenance. MOTION by Gerald Cook, second by Carla Trussell, to authorize the application for the TxDOT Green Ribbon Project. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. Vill. MONTHLY BUDGET REPORT Monica Harris, Director of Finance, gave the following report: In reviewing the financial statements ending April 30, 2019, the financial indicators are as or better than expected. Property Tax - We received $25K in property taxes in the month of April, resulting in a $260K or 4.56% increase over funds collected through April last year. Erath County usually collects 96 to 97% of the property taxes through April. The $5.95 million is 98.55% of the $6.04 million budgeted. Sales Tax - We received $456K in sales tax in April, resulting in $48K over the target budget through April. We received $279K or 8.09% more than the funds received through April last year. HOT Funds - We received $247K in Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue through April, a 34% increase over the $184K in Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue received last year. We spent $164K in Hotel Occupancy Tax funds through April as compared to $184K last year. These numbers do include revenue and expenditures for Moolafest, as well as interest income. Revenue (Budgetary comparison) - The target budget for operating revenue is $14.9 million. We received $17.6 million in revenue through April, resulting in $2.77 million over budget. This is a result of property taxes, sales tax and interest income. Expenditures (Budgetary comparison) - The target budget for operating expenditures is $11.8 million. We expended $10.4 million through April, resulting in $1.4 million under budget. Revenue (Prior year comparison) - Operating revenue received last year was $16.5 million as compared to the current year's $17.6 million, resulting in a $1.1 million increase due to property City Of Stephenville Regular City Council Meeting - 04 Jun 2019 Page 4 of 7 taxes, sales and taxes, service charges, and investment interest. Expenditures (Prior year comparison) - Operating expenditures last year were $10.1 million as compared to the current year's $10.4 million, resulting in a $261K increase. Additional expenditures included wages, the special election, outside professional fees, maintenance, Child Safety grants, wages and advertising in the HOT Fund, and wages and economic development programs in the SEDA Fund. Page 1 of 14 New Programs - The shade structures have been purchased for the bleachers at the ball fields. The computers for patrol units have been purchased. The dump trucks for Utilities and Streets have been delivered. The utility master plans and Eastside Sewer project are still progressing. IX. Stephenville Type B Economic Development Authority Update Jeff Sandford, Executive Director, gave an overview of SEDA's activity for the past year, to include: • 7 completed Fagade grants for locally owned businesses; 2 approved applicants • 6 complete Economic Development grants to assist the development phase of various projects • 1 Chapter 380 performance agreement • Workforce Development Grant completed • Soldier for Life Transitional Assistance Program - Fort Hood, Texas • 12 partnerships with Developers : NEW investment to the area 2 industrial projects in pre -development stage 3 Retail/ Multi Use Development Projects (40.5+ acres) 1 Housing/ Multi Use student living n 1 local manufacturing expansion I I Management portfolio from $49 million to $316 million III . Historic and new market tax credits X. Council Appointments 1. Consider Election of Mayor Pro Tem Council member Carla Trussell nominated Council member Mark McClinton. Mr. McClinton said he appreciated the nomination, but wished to decline. Mr. McClinton nominated Council member Alan Nix. Council member Brandon Huckabee nominated Council member Brady Pendleton. The following votes were cast: Alan Nix - In favor: Mark McClinton, Alan Nix Brady Pendleton - In favor: Carla Trussell, Nick Robinson, Ricky Thurman, Gerald Cook Mr. Pendleton was duly elected as Mayor Pro Tem. Mr. Pendleton's videoconference connection was lost at 6:40 p.m., prior to voting. Connection was not restored; Mr. Pendleton is shown as absent from the remainder of the meeting. City Of Stephenville Regular City Council Meeting - 04 Jun 2019 Page 5 of 7 2. Consider Approval of Council Committee Appointments Mayor Doug Svien made the following appointments for city council committees: Community Services: Nick Robinson, Chair; Brandon Huckabee, Alan Nix, Carla Trussell Finance: Mark McClinton, Chair; Brandon Huckabee, Brady Pendleton, Nick Robinson Nominations: Gerald Cook, Chair; Alan Nix, Ricky Thurman, Carla Trussell Personnel: Ricky Thurman, Chair; Gerald Cook, Brady Pendleton, Nick Robinson Planning and Development: Brandon Huckabee, Chair; Gerald Cook, Mark McClinton, Ricky Thurman Public Health and Safety: Brady Pendleton, Chair; Mark McClinton, Ricky Thurman, Nick Robinson Public Works: Alan Nix, Chair; Brandon Huckabee, Mark McClinton, Nick Robinson Tourism and Visitors Bureau: Carla Trussell, Chair; Gerald Cook, Alan Nix Brady Pendleton MOTION by Mark McClinton, second by Carla Trussell, to approve Council Committee assignments as presented. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. by the following votes: Ayes: Mark McClinton, Carla Trussell, Nick Robinson, Ricky Thurman, Alan Nix, Brandon Huckabee, and Gerald Cook XI. CONSENT 1. City Council Minutes • Regular City Council Meeting - 07 May 2019 • Special City Council Meeting - 14 May 2019 • Special City Council Meeting - 16 May 2019 • City Council Work Session -16 May 2019 2. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 2019-R-21 Authorizing Membership in the Atmos Cities Steering Committee 3. Consider Approval of Sale of City Property 4. Consider Approval of Ordinance No. 2019-0-18 Creating Chapter 37 Municipal Court of the Stephenville Code of Ordinances 5. Consider Changing the Date of the July Regular City Council Meeting to July 9, 2019 MOTION by Carla Trussell, second by Mark McClinton, to approve the consent agenda as presented. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. XII. Comments by City Manager • Council Committee Meetings -June 18 at 5:30 p.m. • Nominations Committee Meeting - June 25 at 5:30 p.m. • Applications are being accepted for Citizen Boards and Commissions until June 14. XIII. Comments by Council members Mark McClinton thanked everyone for their hard work on Moo -La Fest. Carla Trussell said she has heard many great comments from the public about Moo -La Fest and is City Of Stephenville Regular City Council Meeting - 04 Jun 2019 Page 6 of 7 looking forward to next year. The museum will be hosting "A Peek at the Past' on Saturday, June 15. Nick Robinson acknowledged the great job done by staff and community volunteers at Moo -La Fest. Alan Nix wanted to recognize city staff from all departments for working together and making Moo -La Fest a successful event. Gerald Cook stated that he was pleased with Moo -La Fest and the great turn -out from the community and visitors. He said he enjoyed spending time at the event. Brandon Huckabee acknowledged the efforts behind -the -scenes at Moo -La Fest. He stated that he enjoyed the event, as did others he talked to. Doug Svien said he agreed with all of the previous comments, and wanted to add that he spoke with some of the event participants and they stated it was one of the best run events they had been to. XIV. 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 Deliberation Regarding Economic Development Negotiations • Project Blue • Project CS • Project Tarleton Crossings The meeting was called into executive session at 6:47 p.m. XV. Action taken on items discussed in executive session (if necessary) The meeting was called back into regular session at 8:04 p.m. No action was taken on items discussed on executive session. XVI. Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. pF STFpyF," ATTEST: _� Staci L. King, City Secret a �URPO R •n n n u„n•,•,• City Of Stephenville Regular City Council Meeting - 04 Jun 2019 N, 1� Doug Svien, Mayor Page 7 of 7