05-Council Minutes from meetings 9/14/09-09/21/09

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Regular City Council Meeting September 14, 2009 Page 3 Historic Preservation Commission Chairman Arvin Starrett said that the Historic Preservation Commission was concerned with the development of downtown Paris and recognized the importance of not only the preservation of landmark structures, but the aesthetic appeal in the look and feel of historic districts. He also said that Lamar County had purchased property north of the courthouse and that the Historic Preservation Commission was encouraged by the wishes of the Lamar County Historical Commission to develop this property. Mr. Starrett stated that these funds would be used to create a downtown entry park that would include green spaces, trees, planting beds, heritage lighting and historical markers. A Motion to approve this request was made by Council Member Pickle and seconded by Council Member Rogers. Motion carried, 6 ayes - 0 nays. 24. RESOLUTION NO. 2009-091: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS; IN SUPPORT OF THE APPLICATION TO THE U.S. DEFARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, TIGER DISCRETIONARY GRANT PROGRAM, BY THE CITY OF PARIS, FOR FUNDS TO CONSTRUCT THE NORTHEAST TEXAS (RED RIVER VALLEY) TRAIL, APPROXIMATELY 130 MILES OF PEDESTRIANBIKING/EQUINE TRAILS FROM FARIVIERSVILLE, TEXAS, TO NEW BOSTON, TEXAS, ALONG ABANDONED RAIL BANK; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Grant writer Earl Erickson gave a presentation to the City Council stating that the $18,755,599 TIGER grant application was for a 130 mile non-motorized, pedestrian, bicycling and equestrian trail project extending from Fannersville to the New Boston/Texarkana area on an abandoned rail corridor. Mr. Erickson said that the City of Paris would be the nominating entity and project manager and that no matching funds would be required from the City. He emphasized that once the Red River Valley Recreational Trail was completed, that it would be the largest in Texas and the fourth largest in the U.S. During the presentation, Council Meinber Kear arrived to the meeting at 5:50 p.m. A Motion to approve this item was made by Gouncil Member Pickle and seconded by Council Member McCarthy. Motion carried, 7 ayes - 0 nays. Mayor Freelen moved to item 10. 10. Public hearing on amendments to the City's Budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2009, and ending September 30, 2010, in accordance with the Charter of the City of Paris. Mayor Freelen opened the public hearing and asked that anyone wishing to speak, to please come forward. With no one speaking, Mayor Freelen closed the public hearing. .,„'s 4