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MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS September 19, 2016 The City Council of the City of Paris met for a special session at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 19, 2016, at the City Council Chamber, 107 E. Kaufman, Paris, Texas. Present: Mayor: A.J. Hashmi Council Members: Billie Lancaster; Aaron Jenkins; Billy Trenado; and Steve Clifford City Staff: John Godwin, City Manager; Stephanie Harris, City Attorney; Janice Ellis, City Clerk; Gene Anderson, Finance Director; Carla Easton, City Engineer; Larry Wright, Fire Chief; Bob Hundley, Police Chief; Kent Klinkerman, EMS Director; Doug Harris, Utilities Director; and Jerry McDaniel, Public Works Director Absent: Council Members: Matt Frierson and Cleonne Drake Call meeting to order. Mayor Hashmi called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2. Conduct a public hearing on amendments to the FY 2016 -17 budget. Mayor Hashmi opened the public hearing and asked for anyone wishing to speak about this item, to please come forward. Larry Schenk addressed the City Council about a cost of living adjustment for city employee retirees. Mr. Schenk said he addressed the Council two weeks ago and it was his understanding that a COLA would be included in the budget and that it would be discussed at the last Council meeting according to the City Manager's letter to Council. He said he did not understand why procedurally it could not be done. Mayor Hashmi deferred to City Attorney Stephanie Harris. Ms. Harris said it was not one of the two amendments included and could not be discussed because it was not on the agenda. Mr. Schenk said he wanted the record to reflect that there was no formal vote on the amendments. Ms. Harris said this was the public hearing on the amendments and Council would be voting under item 4 for the budget. Tommy Haynes spoke in favor of retirees receiving a COLA and said after the last meeting he spoke to the city manager who told him there was no interest in giving a COLA to retirees, but that he spoke to Council Members Lancaster, Clifford and Trenado who said it was not too late. Ms. Harris reiterated this was not a posted agenda item. Stephen "Red" Holmes asked if they could possibly amend the budget at a later date and Mr. Godwin answered in the affirmative. Council Member Trenado inquired of Mr. Godwin if the employees got a raise this year and Mr. Godwin told him no.