08/22/2016MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS
August 22, 2016
The City Council of the City of Paris met for a regular session at 5:30 p.m. on Monday,
August 22, 2016, at the City Council Chamber, 107 E. Kaufman, Paris, Texas.
Present: Mayor: A.J. Hashmi
Council Members: Billie Lancaster; Aaron Jenkins; Billy Trenado;
Matt Frierson; and Cleonne Drake
City Staff: 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; and Doug Harris, Utilities Director
Absent: Council Member: Steve Clifford
Opening Agenda
1. Call meeting to order.
Mayor Hashmi called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. Invocation.
Gene Anderson gave the invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance.
Council Member Lancaster led the pledge.
4. Citizens' Forum.
Billy Bell, 2054 Cleveland — he said he did not believe it was the responsibility of
citizens to bear the expense for security cameras for businesses, and suggested adding a police
officer.
Michael Glatfelter — he proposed that downtown business owners donate space for a
police sub - station instead of citizens having to pay for security cameras. He said cameras would
invade the privacy of people and the present administration had become complacent.
James Belcher, 5th Street NE — he said he was paying a water bill in the amount of
$70.00, which was exorbitant when he was a part-time resident. He said the residents in his
district should be treated like residents in other districts.
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August 22, 2016
Page 2
Consent Agenda
Mayor Hashmi inquired of Council Members if they wished to pull any items from the
consent agenda for discussion. There being none, a Motion to approve the consent agenda was
made by Council Member Frierson and seconded by Council Members Drake and Trenado.
Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
5. Approve minutes from the meeting on August 8, 2016.
6. Receive reports and /or minutes from the following boards, commissions, and committees:
a. Main Street Advisory Board (7 -12 -2016)
b. Historic Preservation Commission (6 -8 -2016 & 7 -13 -2016)
c. Building & Standards Commission (7 -18 -2016)
d. Paris Economic Development Corporation (7 -13 -2016 & 7 -29 -2016)
7. Receive July monthly financial report.
8. Receive July drainage report.
9. Receive demolition and code enforcement activity reports.
10. Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract for grant administration services with
Resource Management Consulting Co. in the amount of $22,750.00.
11. Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract extension with EST, Inc. for
construction management and inspections for the 2013 bond project, in an amount not to
exceed $108,000.
Regular Agenda
12. Discuss and act on a Hotel Occupancy Tax Agreement with the Lamar County Chamber
of Commerce.
Board Chairman Stephen Gerald expressed appreciation to city staff for working on
events with the chamber. Chamber President Ken Higdon explained the major issue for the
chamber was the ability to invest large sums to improve the center and make capital maintenance
improvements as necessary and that he was asking for a longer lease term of ten years. Mr.
Higdon said the two other changes from the existing agreement were the possibility of an
additional 1% and granting the LCC board the authority to give priority to events that would
bring in overnight visitors. City Attorney Stephanie Harris recommended the opt -out provision
be changed from 364 days written notice to 180 days written notice. She expressed concern that
364 days' notice was too long should there be an issue.
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August 22, 2016
Page 3
A Motion to approve the agreement subject to the opt -out provision being changed to 180
days was made by Mayor Hashmi and seconded by Council Member Trenado. Motion carried, 5
ayes — 1 nay, with Council Member Drake casting the dissenting vote.
13. Receive presentations and act on the fiscal year 2016 -17 budgets for the Love Civic
Center and the Visitors & Convention Council.
Ken Higdon presented the Lamar County Chamber and Visitors and Convention Council
budgets to the City Council.
A Motion to approve the budgets was made by Mayor Hashmi and seconded by Council
Member Drake. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
14. Receive presentation of budget requests from non -profit agencies.
Finance Director Gene Anderson reported the City had received two new budget requests
from non -profit agencies, those being the Paris Optimist Club and the Northeast Texas Trail
Coalition.
Mary Clark gave a presentation to the Council about the Northeast Texas Trail and said
they were asking the City to commit to $10,000 on an annual basis for three years to help fund a
director position. After hearing the presentation, Mayor Hashmi said it sounded like a good idea,
but that the City could only commit to one year at a time. He inquired about the location of the
proposed director's office and Ms. Clark said they wanted it to be in Paris. Ms. Clark informed
the Council that funding was being requested from other cities, as well as private businesses and
foundations. Council Member Frierson said the development of the trail has brought a lot of
good things to a lot of people. Ms. Clark inquired of the next step. Mayor Hashmi said it would
need to be placed on agenda, voted upon and if there was enough support, it would be put into
the budget.
15. Discuss the 2016 -2017 budget for the City of Paris, and act on RESOLUTION NO. 2016-
027: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS,
CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR SEPTEMBER 6, 2016 ON THE CITY
MANAGER'S PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016 -17; MAKING
OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mr. Anderson said Mr. Godwin had informed them in his memo that he had made a
couple of changes in the budget, after receiving the certified tax roll. He also said he thought
that the key points Mr. Godwin wanted to emphasize was the tax rate was recommended to
remain the same, and they would be able to raise additional revenue at that same tax rate because
of the reappraisal done this year. Mr. Anderson said the City had several large expenditures they
would need to fund this year and referred Council to the tax rate notice. Specifically, he said the
increase in revenue would be used for debt service on two new fire trucks, the new EMS station,
Regular Council Meeting
August 22, 2016
Page 4
and grant matches for the trail and sidewalks. Mr. Anderson asked that Council set the public
hearing for the budget and two rate hearings for the tax rate. Council Member Lancaster asked if
something came up that needed to be added to the budget when that could be done. Mr.
Anderson said it would need to be done rather quickly, because a public hearing was required on
any increases.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Mayor Hashmi and seconded by Council
Member Drake. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
16. Discuss and act on RESOLUTION NO. 2016 -028: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, CALLING TWO PUBLIC HEARINGS
TO RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE CITY'S PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX
RATE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016 -2017; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND
PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
Mr. Anderson said staff was proposing the public hearings be scheduled for September 6
and September 12.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Mayor Hashmi and seconded by Council
Member Trenado. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
17. Discuss and act on RESOLUTION NO. 2016 -029: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A
LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF PARIS AND ARCHERS FOR
CHRIST FOR THE USE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY AROUND LAKE CROOK;
MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT;
AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Attorney Stephanie Harris said Archers for Christ's current lease expires on
September 30, 2016 and they wanted to enter into a new agreement. She also said the new lease
was identical to the current lease.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Mayor Hashmi and seconded by Council
Member Frierson. Motion carried, 6 ayes — nays.
18. Receive presentation on Surveillance Camera Project and provide direction to staff.
Chief Hundley informed the Council that the initial cost for infrastructure for six cameras
would cost $49,800. He said the initial install would be in the downtown plaza, the splash park,
N. Main, Pine Bluff and Graham Streets. He said any additional phases would require point to
point broadcasters at $6,000 each and cameras at $1,200 each. Chief Hundley explained because
the cost was near $50,000, they would need to go out for bid prior to moving forward.
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August 22, 2016
Page 5
Mayor Hashmi asked Chief Hundley to address concerns they heard during the public
forum. Chief Hundley said the reason cameras would be helpful was that some people do not
come forward when they see a crime, either because they do not care or fear retribution. He said
cameras would be placed in public areas and it may give the police leads should a crime occur.
Chief Hundley referenced a recent burglary in a downtown business and stated the surveillance
camera helped the police department solve the crime. Chief Hundley also said that no one has a
right of privacy in a public place. Council Member Lancaster said it was her understanding that
there were several downtown business owners who expressed a willingness to contribute to the
costs of cameras. Council Member Drake said the City should talk to those individuals in an
effort to help toward the costs. Chief Hundley said he would do so.
It was a consensus of the City Council that the businesses be contacted about
contributions toward the cameras and that staff go out for bids.
19. Discuss and provide direction to staff regarding renovation of existing buildings.
Mayor Hashmi said he requested this item and that neither he nor family members owned
downtown property. He said he recently faced issues and learned some very good information.
Mayor Hashmi also said as they look toward improvement of the appearance of the City, one
area that quickly pops out is the downtown area and old dilapidated buildings that are
uninhabited. In summary, Mayor Hashmi spoke about the location of the City, population
growth compared to the City of McKinney and that to rehabilitate a downtown building would
cost the owner more than the value of the property. He suggested they form a committee
comprised of city staff members, downtown owners and the fire chief, and ask them to bring
back new suggestions that would help with growth and renovation of downtown properties.
Mayor Hashmi also suggested a check list for those who wanted to renovate a building making it
easier to understand what was required of them.
Fire Chief Larry Wright agreed with Mayor Hashmi about a check list. He told the
Council he recently made a presentation to HPC regarding myths, such as the requirement of
sprinklers in downtown building. Chief Wright explained that many downtown buildings were
not large enough to require a sprinkler system, because the building had to be over 5,000 feet.
He said an exception was if a commercial building was being used as a residence. He also said
the cost of a sprinkler system for a commercial building was about $1.50 per square foot. Chief
Wright further explained that a building could not house warehouse storage but could contain
store inventory being used in the business. He also explained when a certificate of occupancy is
needed.
Mayor Hashmi told Chief Wright it seemed that he had addressed most of the issues and
maybe a committee was not needed. Chief Wright said they could follow the codes and still work
with people because of the clause about authority having jurisdiction, which gave him authority
to waiver from the center line. Mayor Hashmi said he thought a check list was needed. Chief
Wright said he would get with the city engineer and building official to combine everything into
one check list.
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August 22, 2016
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20. Discuss bond status and the possibility of selling bonds for streets.
Mayor Hashmi said he had asked the city manager to give them an update with regard to
how much money the City owed, status of bonds, and what bonds were maturing.
Finance Director Gene Anderson said three issues were outstanding, which included a
general obligation refunding done in 2010 in the amount of $1,800,000 which will be paid off in
2020; certificates of obligation issued in 2010 in the amount of 3,156,000 which will be paid off
in 2030; and general obligation bonds issued in 2012 in the amount of $2,457,000 which will be
paid off in 2022. Mr. Anderson also reviewed the water and sewer supported debt of three
outstanding issues. Mayor Hashmi inquired the total debt amount. Mr. Anderson said roughly
the tax supported debt was $7,400,000 and the water and sewer support debt was in the amount
of $51,979,000, which included principal and interest. Mr. Anderson said the City was in
adequate financial condition to pay this debt without a problem. Mayor Hashmi inquired the
effect to a home owner's property tax if they were to have a $30,000,000 dollar bond and the
cost to the City should they divide the amount over a specific number of years. Mr. Anderson
estimated that the City would probably have to have an annual debt payment in the amount of
$1,000,000 to $2,000,000 depending on the interest rate. Mayor Hashmi inquired about the
current interest rate and Mr. Anderson said it was 3.5% to 4 %, but changed every day. Mr.
Anderson also said that one penny on the tax rate would bring in about $150,000 and estimated
that it would take fifteen cents to fund it. Mayor Hashmi inquired what that would mean to the
average property owner. Mr. Anderson said if it took fifteen cents to fund it that would mean
about an additional $150.00 per year on $100,000. Mayor Hashmi asked Mr. Anderson to
calculate actual numbers and get back to the Council with those numbers.
21. Discuss and act on improvements to the city website and an automated public access
channel.
Mayor Hashmi said he requested this item and it was discussed in the past, but the
Council did not move forward due to the cost involved in hiring additional staff and old
technology. He proposed that they look at creating an animated public channel for residents,
also accessible by computer and that it be under the IT Department. Mayor Hashmi said
information on this channel could include applying for permits, rules and regulations and various
ordinances of the City. Mayor Hashmi also said the current website should be easier to navigate
instead of having to click on numerous links to find what one needs. He inquired if this could be
accomplished using the funds that were set aside from the cable franchise as previously
discussed. Mr. Anderson said it was his understanding that it would need to be set up through
cable in order to use those funds. He also said the funds had to be spent on capital expenses, not
operational expenses. Mayor Hashmi asked about the possibility of going through the cable
company and whether or not they could then link it to the City website. Mr. Anderson said it
might be a possibility but would have to explore it. Mayor Hashmi asked that Mr. Anderson do
that and bring it back to the Council. Council Member Drake said in any event, they needed to
improve the City website to make it more user - friendly. Mr. Anderson said it would cost
$20,000 to $25,000 to upgrade the City website platform.
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August 22, 2016
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22. Discuss and provide direction to city staff for a city -wide cleanup day.
Council Member Drake said she requested this item, as she noticed there were still a lot
of things at curbs and then depicted photographs throughout the City. Council Member Drake
said the City could not do this alone, but would take the community coming together. She
suggested contacting civic groups and churches. Council Member Drake said they would need
to come up with a date in the fall and publicize in advance. She said there were items in back
yards that had been there since the ice storm. Mr. Anderson said the biggest problem was getting
it to the curb. Council Member Drake said maybe the boy scouts or other civic organizations
could help the citizens get items to the curbs. Mayor Hashmi said this would make the City look
better and if the City Manager could come up with a day they could move forward with this.
Council Member Frierson said KPB did a lot of great work and maybe this was an opportunity to
recharge that effort. Council Member Drake said she would work with the City Manager on this.
23. Consider and approve future events for City Council and /or City Staff pursuant to
Resolution No. 2004 -081.
Nothing was referenced.
24. Adjournment.
There being no further business, a Mot
Frierson and was seconded by Council Member
meeting was adjourned at 718 p.m.
c)n to adjourn was made by Council Member
Drake. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays. The