10/24/2016MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS
October 24, 2016
The City Council of the City of Paris met for a regular session at 5:30 p.m. on Monday,
October 24, 2016, at the City Council Chamber, 107 E. Kaufinan, Paris, Texas.
Present: Mayor: A.J. Hashmi
Council Members: Billie Lancaster; Aaron Jenkins; Billy Trenado;
Steve Clifford; Matt Frierson; and Cleonne Drake
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; Jerry McDaniel, Public
Works Director; and Alan Efrussy, Planning
Manager
Opening Agenda
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.
Bill Sanders, 3775 Eagle Bend, vice - president for Optimist Baseball Club — he said the
club director resigned and no one knew that he was supposed to have been at the council meeting
when non -profit agencies were requesting funds. He asked that Council support the optimist
club.
Sims Norment, 606 Church Street — he said Paris was 300 miles from the capital and far
from an Interstate. He said the EDC made mistakes in the past but if they do nothing, they will
get nothing. Mr. Norment supported PEDC constructing a spec building.
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October 24, 2016
Page 2
Renee Harvey, 4125 Smallwood Road, Paris Board of Realtors — she expressed support
for the construction of a spec building by PEDC. She said realtors had not been able to find
empty buildings for prospective businesses. She also said based on the number of inquiries over
the last several years, she did not believe the building would stay empty.
Carolyn Williams, 1205 W. Center Street — she said she would like to see lots and
intersections mowed. She also said that Graham and Center Streets were bumpy from the gas
line work that had been done and those streets needed to be repaired. Ms. Williams stated she
had received a bill from the City for a lot they said they mowed, a lot that did not belong to her
and when she looked at the referenced lot, nothing had been done to it.
Josh Bray, 8097 FM 195, Sanitation Solutions — he said he supported the PEDC spec
building and said they should be progressive for the success of Paris. He also said they should
spend economic money for economics and that a building was needed in Paris.
Brad Drake, 3215 Abbey Lane, owner of Paris Industrial — he spoke in support of the
PEDC spec building.
Vic Ressler, 4020 Holbrook, Century 21 Executive Realty — he informed the City
Council that several companies had inquired about relocating to Paris, but they could not find a
building. Mr. Ressler said this building could be constructed below market value and the
exposure was minimal.
John Brockman, 2925 Aspen, PEDC Vice -Chair — he said he worked for First Federal
and he had reviewed the statements from the Paris Banks and in summary, this spec building was
not a high risk investment. He also said the PEDC was converting cash into construction of a
building.
Stephen Gerald, 3410 Culbertson, financial advisor for Edward Jones and past PEDC
liaison — he expressed support for construction of a PEDC spec building, citing this was a pro -
business move.
Pat Murphy, 5295 Clarksville St., commercial real estate appraiser — he said PEDC got a
great buy on the land without a building and because the slab was already there, they could
construct the building for $19.00 a square foot compared to what it would cost without a slab,
which was around $50.00 a square foot.
Carol Hufnagel, 720 Bunker — she spoke in opposition of the PEDC constructing a spec
building. Ms. Hufnagel said they had no idea what business wanted to come, what kind of
dimensions would be needed and then questioned why they should funnel taxpayer money into
this project.
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October 24, 2016
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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 Clifford and seconded by Council Member Trenado. Motion carried,
7 ayes — 0 nays.
5. Approve minutes from the meeting on October 10, 2016.
6. Receive reports and /or minutes from the following boards, commissions, and committees:
a. Traffic Commission (9 -6 -2016)
b. Building & Standards Commission (9 -19 -2016)
7. Receive September drainage report.
8. Receive demolition and code enforcement activity reports.
9. Approve RESOLUTION NO. 2016 -031: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE
PRIVATE RE -SALE OF TWO TRACTS OF TRUSTEE TAX PROPERTIES (LCAD
NO. 11153 — EAST PARK ADDITION, BLOCK O, LOT 14 AND LCAD NO. 11157 —
EAST PARK ADDITION, BLOCK O, LOT 18 -20, 1391 NE 12TH) TO RANDALL
AND SHEILA PUETZ FOR $500.00, AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
EXECUTE DEED.
10. Approve RESOLUTION NO. 2016 -032: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE
PRIVATE RE -SALE OF ONE TRACT OF TRUSTEE TAX PROEPRTY (LCAD NO.
53732 — CITY OF PARIS, BLOCK 297, LOT 20, A786 RUSSELL SURVEY, 1830
BUTLER LANE, ACRES .49) TO TONY PERRY FOR $1,300.00, AND
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE DEED.
11. Approve RESOLUTION NO. 2016 -033: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE
PRIVATE RE -SALE OF TWO TRACTS OF TRUSTEE TAX PROPERTIES (LCAD
NO. 15520 — CITY OF PARIS, BLOCK 100 -A, LOT 11, W LONG AND LCAD NO.
15521 — CITY OF PARIS, BLOCK 100 -A, LOT 12, 728 LONG ST) TO WACHELLE
WILLIAMS FOR $950.00, AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE
DEED.
Regular Agenda
12. Conduct a public hearing, discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2016 -031 AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS,
AMENDING ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 1710 OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS,
AS HERETOFORE AMENDED, SO AS TO REZONE LOT 12, CITY BLOCK 249,
BEING LOCATED AT 2620 LAMAR AVENUE, IN THE CITY OF PARIS, LAMAR
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COUNTY, TEXAS, FROM A GENERAL RETAIL DISTRICT(GR) TO A GENERAL
RETIAL DISTRICT (GR) WITH A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT (SUP) FOR A TATTOO
SHOP ON THE EXISTING PROPERTY; DIRECTING A CHANGE ACCORDINGLY
IN THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY; PROVIDING A REPEALER
CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, A SAVINGS CLAUSE, A PENALTY
CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Planning Director Alan Efrussy said the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended
approval of this item, as did staff.
Mayor Hashmi opened the public hearing and asked for anyone wishing to speak in
support or opposition of this item, to please come forward. Jason Vickers, 2120 Pine Bluff,
spoke in support of this item. With no one else speaking, Mayor Hashmi closed the public
hearing.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Drake and seconded by
Council Member Trenado. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
13. Discuss and act on PEDC's proposal to build a spec building on the property located at
2305 NW Loop 286 (formerly known as Oliver Rubber Company).
PEDC Executive Director Michael Paris explained if PEDC were allowed to move
forward with this project, that two conditions would be incorporated into the approval and they
were a) the spec building could not be leased without the approval of the Paris City Council and
b) the spec building could not be sold without the approval of the Paris City Council. Following
the last City Council meeting, Mr. Paris said he followed -up with concerns raised by Council
Members Clifford and Drake, by placing phone calls to the EDC Directors in other cities and
gathering additional information. Mr. Paris gave them a summary of those discussions. He also
addressed Bitco and said it remained empty for 20 months but since then Buster Paving has been
paying taxes on the property and employing people. He said CTech did remain vacant for 5
years.
Council Member Frierson asked Pat Murphy additional questions about the loss of value.
Mr. Murphy said there would not be a loss of value unless they had to construct the building
from scratch, but the foundation was already in place and they got a great deal on the property.
Council Member Clifford inquired how long it would take to construct the building and Mr. Paris
told him about 6 months. Council Member Clifford said they had a good piece of property and
had value without a building. He expressed concerned about constructing a building that was not
what a company was looking for and said 6 months from now they would still have a good piece
of property with value. Council Member Clifford suggested offering incentives to get a
company here instead of constructing a building. Mr. Paris said there had been problems in the
past with offering incentives. Council Member Clifford said the contracts needed to be written
to include better claw backs, liens and incentives given in smaller amounts over an interval of
time, only if the company complies with the agreement. Council Member Trenado asked if
PEDC had been approached by a company for space. Mr. Paris said they have had three
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October 24, 2016
Page 5
prospects but not specifically about this building. He said he felt Paris was missing opportunities
by not having a spec building. Mayor Hashmi said PEDC was working better than it had in the
past and that they were doing what they felt was best and that City Council also was doing what
they thought was best for the City. He expressed appreciation to the PEDC Board for bringing
this forward. He said when the project was first brought the cost was around $400,000 but now
it was nearly to $1,000,000 and he was uncomfortable in spending that amount of money.
Mayor Hashmi referenced the residents he had heard from who opposed this and stated he could
not support it for that reason. He told Mr. Paris if they had someone ready to come to Paris and
commit, that the people in his district probably would not oppose spending this money. He
expressed reluctance on spending $1,000,000 on a speculative building. PEDC Board Member
John Brockman expressed appreciation to City Council for hearing PEDC's proposal. Mr.
Brockman further said the Board had worked very hard on this project and it was evident this
project was supported by the business community.
A Motion to allow PEDC to construct the spec building was made by Council Member
Trenado and seconded by Council Member Frierson. Motion failed, 2 ayes — 5 nays, with Mayor
Hashmi, Council Member Lancaster, Council Member Jenkins, Council Member Clifford, and
Council Member Drake casting the dissenting votes.
14. Third and final reading, discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2016 -032: AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS,
GRANTING TO ONCOR ELECTRIC DELIVERY COMPANY LLC, ITS
SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, AN ELECTRIC DELIVERY FRANCHISE FOR THE
NON - EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE AND OCCUPY PUBLIC RIGHTS -OF -WAY
WITHIN THE CITY OF PARIS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF
AN ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM; PRESCRIBING
CONDITIONS GOVERNING THE USE OF THE PUBLIC RIGHTS -OF -WAY;
PROVIDING FOR COMPENSATION THEREFOR; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE AND A TERM OF SAID FRANCHISE; PROVIDING FOR
WRITTEN ACCEPTANCE OF THIS FRANCHISE; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL
OF ALL EXISTING FRANCHISE ORDINANCES TO ONCOR ELECTRIC
DELIVERY COMPANY LLC, ITS PREDECESSORS AND ASSIGNS, AND
FINDING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS FRANCHISE IS PASSED IS
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY.
Finance Director Gene Anderson said this was the third and final reading required prior
to approval.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Mayor Hashmi and seconded by Council
Member Frierson. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
15. Discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2016 -033: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, AMENDING THE TRAFFIC
CONTROL MAP ADOPTED IN SECTION 31- 65(b), OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS; ESTABLISHING A STOP SIGN
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October 24, 2016
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AT THE INTERSECTION OF 16TH NE STREET AND VAN ZANDT STOPPING
NORHT AND SOUTH -BOUND TRAFFIC ON 16TH NE STREET; MAKING OTHER
FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; PROVIDING A
REPEALER CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, A SAVINGS CLAUSE, A
PENALTY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Assistant Police Chief Tuttle stated the Traffic Commission studied this intersection and
recommended placement of stop signs in place of the yield signs, due to accidents.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Mayor Hashmi and seconded by Council
Member Frierson. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
16. Discuss and act on an agreement with an architect for design and related tasks for
construction of a new EMS station.
A Motion to bring this item from the table was made by Mayor Hashmi and seconded by
Council Member Frierson. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
Mayor Hashmi inquired of Paul Denney if he had a chance to review the project and if
his firm was comfortable doing the project. Mr. Denney answered in the affirmative.
A Motion to approve Denney Architects for the design and related tasks for construction
of the new EMS station was made by Mayor Hashmi and seconded by Council Member Clifford.
Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
17. Discuss and act on meeting dates for November and December.
Mayor Hashmi asked Council if they were good with the proposed meetings dates in
November and December, which meant cancelling the meetings of November 28 and December
26, and adding a special meeting on December 5 to hear from the bond attorney.
A Motion to approve the meeting schedule was made by Council Member Clifford and
seconded by Council Member Trenado. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
18. Receive update from city staff on drainage projects.
Public Works Director Jerry McDaniel gave an update on drainage projects and answered
questions from City Council.
19. Consider and approve future events for City Council and /or City Staff pursuant to
Resolution No. 2004 -081.
Mayor Hashmi said he had a number of items they had discussed at the beginning of the
year which they had not received updates. He said he would like the following items brought
forward: 1) update on cleanup of the entry ways into the City; 2) an answer to a citizen inquiry
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October 24, 2016
Page 7
as to why names of persons of delinquent taxes are not published in the newspaper and whether
it can be done; 3) update on making the permitting process a little easier for people to understand
reflected in a one page document; 4) update on future sell of delinquent tax properties; and 4) a
presentation regarding the sale of bonds. Mr. Godwin said the bond presentation would be on
the December 5 City Council agenda.
20. Adjournment.
There being no further business, a Motion to adjourn was made by Council Member
Frierson and was seconded by Council Member Clifford. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. The
meeting was adjourned at 7:03 p.m.
�`� ' .o'. BILLIE SUE LANCASTER, MAYOR PRO -TEM
ELLIS,