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Regular Council Meeting March 22, 2021 Page 5 Public Works Director Michael Smith explained the City of Paris had entered into two long-term agreements with the Greater Paris Development Foundation for management of the trail. He said the trail was part of a 130 plus mile trail that the GPDF and others had been working to connect and complete. Mr. Smith further explained that one lease was entered into December 12, 2005, and was for the 100 feet of right-of-way of 2.3 miles of the abandoned railroad line from 12a' Street S.E., East to Loop 286. He said the other lease was entered into October 13, 2008, and was for the 100 feet wide of abandoned railroad right-of-way beginning at the interchange of US 271 South and Loop 286 and going East for approximately 0.8 miles to the intersection of Old Clarksville Road and the railroad line. Mr. Smith said the City has maintained this trail which included mowing, trimming and new asphalt each year, which took over 2,000 man hours and cost approximately $30,000.00. He also said the GPDF and its trail associates had approached the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to see if they would consider taking over the entire system from Farmersville to New Boston, including the portions within the City limits. He explained the TWPD was willing to consider the request but would need to know whether each lessee, including the City of Paris was willing to abandon their lease agreements for this area to be included as a Texas State Park. Mayor Clifford said this was a step they needed to take to turn the Trail into a State Park, and he thought it would be good for the City. Council Member Portugal asked Mr. Smith if anyone had spoken to the people and groups who were instrumental in getting the Trail de Paris started. Mr. Smith said they had been approached, and were in moving forward with this request. Council Member Savage asked about any drawbacks. Mr. Smith said it was a win-win. Mayor Clifford said the only drawback he saw was that the City would have to ask the State for permission to use the Trail for events. Don Yarborough of Wealdworkers said his group picked up trash on the Trail and inquired if the State was going to pick up trash or if they would allow him to do so. Mr. Smith said he would have to look into this and get back with him on that question. He also said this letter was not a guarantee that the Trail would be taken over and turned into a State Park, but only the first step. Council Member Savage asked if trash became an issue would the City be able to help out. Mr. Smith said he did not see a problem with that. A Motion to approve this item was made by Mayor Clifford and seconded by Council Member Knox. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays. 20. Convene into executive session pursuant to Section 551.087 of the Texas Government Code, (1) to discuss or deliberate regarding commercial or financial information that the governmental body has received from a business prospect that the governmental body seeks to have locate, stay, or expand in or near the territory of the governmental body and with which the governmental body is conducting economic development negotiations; or (2) to deliberate the offer of a financial or other incentive to a business prospect described by Subdivision (1), as follows: First National Bank Building and associated properties. Mayor Clifford convened City Council into executive session at 5:50 p.m. 21. Reconvene into open session and possibly take action on those matters discussed in executive session.