05-City Council MinutesItem No. 5
memorandum
TO: City Council
John Godwin, City Manager
FROM: Janice Ellis, City Clerk
SUBJECT: CORRECTED MINUTES
DATE: March 29, 2017
BACKGROUND: City Council minutes of April 22, 2013 were presented and approved on May
13, 2013.
STATUS OF ISSUE: On March 23, 2017, it was brought to my attention that the vote on item
17 (Skinner Tax Abatement Agreement) was not recorded in the minutes. Since that time, I have
viewed the DVD from that meeting and have corrected the minutes to reflect the public hearing
and the vote. I have attached a copy of the corrected portion of the minutes and have hi- lighted
the additions.
BUDGET: N/A
RECOMMENDATION: Approve corrected minutes for the City Council meeting of April 22,
2013.
CORRECTED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS
April 22, 2013
The City Council of the City of Paris met for a regular session at 5:30 p.m. on Monday,
April 22, 2013, at the City Council Chamber, 107 E. Kaufman, Paris, Texas.
Present: Mayor: A.J. Hashmi
Council Members: Aaron Jenkins; Billie Lancaster; John Wright;
Richard Grossnickle; Matt Frierson; and Cleonne
Drake
City Staff: John Godwin, City Manager; Kent McIlyar, City
Attorney; Janice Ellis, City Clerk; Gene Anderson,
Finance Director; Shawn Napier, City Engineer;
Kent Klinkerman, EMS Director; Larry Wright,
Fire Chief, Bob Hundley, Police Chief, and Doug
Harris, Utilities Director
Opening Agenda
1. Call meeting to order.
Mayor Hashmi called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. Invocation.
Reverend Bob Bush gave the invocation. Mayor Hashmi asked for a moment of silence
on behalf of the victims in West, Texas and Boston, Massachusetts.
3. Pledge of Allegiance.
Council Member Grossnickle led the pledge.
4. a. Citizen's forum.
Main Street Director Cheri Bedford invited everyone to the brown bag lunch appreciation
for volunteers scheduled for April 24`h downtown.
b. Public Announcements.
• Proclamation declaring May 5 -11, 2013 as Drinking Water Week.
• Proclamation declaring May 4, 2013 as Fit City Paris Day.
Regular Council Meeting
April 22, 2013
Page 5
Manager Roger Coan, and Director of Engineering Kasey Floyd. Mr. Keaton expressed
appreciation to the City Council and PEDC. He said the tax abatement was important to Skinner
and that over the next eighteen months Skinner would bring life to the plant. Mr. Keaton said
two lines of production would be moved to this plant the second week in May and that Skinner
had partnered with a company that produced fruit for them, which will be produced in the plant.
Mr. Keaton said Skinner's plans for Paris had grown since the company acquired the vacated
Sara Lee facility in December.
Mayor Hashmi opened the public hearing and asked for anyone wishing to speak in
support or opposition of this item, to please come forward. With no one speaking, Mayor
Hashmi closed the public hearing. Mayor Hashmi told Mr. Keaton they were very happy to have
Skinner as part of the community. Council Member Frierson thanked Skinner for their
dedication in coming to Paris. Council Member Grossnickle welcomed Skinner to the
community. Council Members expressed appreciation and willingness to work with Mr. Keaton
and Skinner.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Wright and seconded by
Council Member Drake. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
18. Receive and discuss Audit Report FY 2011 -2012.
Mr. Anderson stated that the City Charter required City Council select a qualified public
accountant to conduct an independent audit of the City's financial records annually and required
the finance director to prepare a complete financial report as the end of the fiscal year. He said
the report included in their agenda packets met both requirements. Tom Hensel from
McClanahan and Holmes reviewed a summary of the City's assets, balance sheet, revenue,
expenditures, fund balances, water and sewer funds.
A Motion to accept the audit report was made by Council Member Drake and seconded
by Council Member Lancaster. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
19. Presentation regarding mosquito control.
Paris -Lamar County Health Department Director Gina Prestridge explained that
prevention of the West Nile virus had begun a month ago. She said they had partnered with the
City of Paris, in that city employees had the dunks in their vehicles and were placing them
where needed, and that a code enforcement officer was working an additional hour everyday also
putting out mosquito dunks. Ms. Prestridge also said that city employee Ed Wayne Samis was in
the process of becoming a licensed applicator, so that he could fog or spray for mosquitos. She
added that Mr. Coe would start fogging the first week of May and would continue until Mr.
Samis became licensed.
20. Discuss the May 11, 2013 bond election.
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS
March 27, 2017
The City Council of the City of Paris met for a regular session at 5:30 p.m. on Monday,
March 27, 2017, at the City Council Chamber, 107 E. Kaufinan, Paris, Texas.
Present: Mayor:
Council Members:
City Staff
W
A.J. Hashmi
Billie Lancaster; Aaron Jenkins; Billy Trenado;
Steve Clifford; Matt Frierson; and Cleonne Drake
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 Clyde Crews, Fire Marshal
Opening Agenda
Call meeting to order.
Mayor Hashmi called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. Invocation.
Pastor Bob Bush gave the invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance.
Council Member Lancaster led the pledge.
4. Citizens' Forum.
Louise Hagood — she said March 21 st marked the 101 st year anniversary of the great fire
of Paris and it concluded the commemorative year of that event. She said she wanted everyone
to know the role played by the City of Paris and went on to say the City was the main stay in the
last 365 days, making it such a wonderful year. Mrs. Hagood explained in detail the organization
of the events and specifically complemented Cheri Bedford, Chief Wright, Council Member
Lancaster, and Chief Hundley. In summary, Mrs. Hagood stated the City of Paris employees
were true leaders and should be commended.
Regular Council Meeting
March 27, 2017
Page 2
Mark Rothfuss, 2810 Willowbend, president of Archers for Christ — he provided a map to
City Council. He said the park had always been open to the public with the exception of hunting
season, which was for a three month period. He explained this was for the safety of the public.
Dick Harvey — he urged the City Council to look at the recent poll taken and referenced
that 80% of the people voted that the entire lake area should be open to the public.
Ken Kohl, 3935 Brandyn Place — he asked that the City provide a place for citizens to
take items, such as paint and electronics twice a year.
Michael Gunter, Honey Grove, Texas — he asked City Council about their opinion on
Sharia Law.
Beverly Biggs, Powderly, Texas — she agreed with Mr. Harvey and said she would like to
see hiking, camping, symphonies and activities like that at Lake Crook.
Sybil Colson, 819 Lamar Ave — she spoke about item 16 and said she normally tried to
approach what the City did with reason, but she could find no reason in what they were trying to
do with this ordinance. Ms. Colson said for an owner being required to register their building,
carry an exorbitant amount of insurance, and be fined if not done, was no way to attract people to
downtown. Ms. Colson referenced property rights and asked Council to deny this ordinance.
Jerry McDaniel, public works director — he expressed appreciation to the City Council in
helping with the city -wide cleanup.
Adrian Grogan, Archers for Christ — he said the Archers had harvested over twenty wild
hogs and without their presence, they would have a lot of problems with hogs at Lake Crook
Park.
Cleonne Drake, Council Member for District 6 — she applauded the city manager in
working toward getting the city cleaned up. She said they had asked that seniors and people with
disabilities to call the city if they needed help getting items to the curb, and there were only five
calls. She said the boy scouts helped her last Saturday and she urged citizens to pick up around
their properties and make Paris beautiful.
Consent Agenda
Mayor Hashmi inquired of Council Members if they wished to pull any items from the
consent agenda for discussion. Council Member Drake asked that future code enforcement
activity reports include the address, the complaint/problem, and the date completed. She said she
would like to see the report in the same format at the drainage report. It was a consensus of
Council to receive the report in a different format. A Motion to approve the consent agenda was
made by Council Member Frierson and seconded by Council Member Clifford. Motion carried,
7 ayes — 0 nays.
Regular Council Meeting
March 27, 2017
Page 3
5. Approve minutes from the meeting on February 27, 2017.
6. Receive reports and /or minutes from the following boards, commissions, and committees:
a. Board of Adjustment (12 -15 -2016, 1 -5 -2017, 1 -19 -2017 & 2 -21 -2017)
b. Planning & Zoning Commission (2 -6 -2017)
c. Traffic Commission (10 -11 -2016)
d. Paris Firemen's Relief & Retirement Fund (4 -2 -2016, 5 -10 -2016, 6 -4 -2016, 7 -12-
2016,8-9-2016,9-13-2016,11-8-2016,12-13-2016 & 1 -10 -2017)
e. Historic Preservation Commission (2 -8 -2017)
f. Main Street Advisory Board (2 -14 -2017)
g. Housing Authority (1 -27 -2017)
7. Approve renewal of the Lease Agreement with the Girl Scout Council of Red River
Valley for a certain area on Lake Gibbons Property.
9. Approve the Final Plat of Lot 1, Block A, Al Stor -N -Go Addition City Block 323,
located at 2420 FM 79.
10. Declare miscellaneous equipment as surplus property and authorize the sale by public
auction.
11. Receive February monthly financial report.
12. Receive February drainage report.
13. Receive demolition and code enforcement activity reports.
14. Approve RESOLUTION NO. 2017 -019: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, APPROVING A PROCLAMATION DECLARING
THE MONTH OF APRIL AS FAIR HOUSING MONTH; MAKING OTHER
FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Regular Council Meeting
March 27, 2017
Page 4
Rep,ular Agenda
15. Discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2017 -009: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, DECLARING JUNK AND RUBBISH,
AS DEFINED HEREIN, TO BE A PUBLIC NUISANCE; AUTHORIZING THE
BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION TO CONDUCT PUBLIC
HEARINGS, AND TO ISSUE ORDERS TO REMOVE OR STORE SAID JUNK AND
RUBBISH; AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO PERFORM SUCH WORK AND FILE
LIENS IF ORDERS OF THE COMMISSION ARE NOT COMPLIED WITH;
PROVIDING A PENALTY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE;
PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
City Manager John Godwin explained this was a change in procedure and authority of the
BSC would be expanded to include junk. He said that BSC unanimously recommended approval
of this ordinance. Mayor Hashmi inquired if this was already part of the code and Mr. Godwin
said if personal property was involved, it became a longer process. He further said with this
ordinance in place, it would go to BSC first and they could issue an order. City Attorney
Stephanie Harris said it would give the City authority to remove the property after a hearing by
BSC. Mayor Hashmi confirmed that it gave the City more tools but did not take away the rights
of citizens. _
A Motion to approve this item was made by Mayor Hashmi and seconded by Council
Member Clifford. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. ,r UTZ
16. Discuss and act on AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PARIS, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 7 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES,
"BUILDING AND BUILDING REGULATIONS," TO ADD ARTICLE VIII,
"VACANT BUILDING REGULATIONS," TO CREATE A REGISTRATION
PROGRAM FOR ALL VACANT CENTRAL AREA BUILDINGS; PROVIDING A
PENALTY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mr. Godwin explained these types of ordinances were implemented in many cities to
encourage people to take care of the buildings they own. He also said there were grants and low
interest loans available and if an owner could not afford to take care of a building, it should be
sold to someone who could take care of it. Mr. Godwin said the City needed to have high
standards in order to have a better city and attract others to come to invest in Paris.
Mayor Hashmi said if they were intent on increasing the population in Paris; they needed
to relax some of the regulations without jeopardizing health and safety. He said Paris did not
need the same regulations as New York. Mayor Hashmi said he agreed with Ms. Colson and if
the City imposed fines and large insurance requirements, the people would leave Paris. He
mentioned that Skipper Steely had some good ideas about rejuvenating the downtown area and
Regular Council Meeting
March 27, 2017
Page 5
with his permission; he would place an item on the next agenda. Council Member Drake said
she had some of the same concerns about downtown revitalization and expressed a desire to see
more advertisement about grants and financial incentives. Council Member Lancaster said they
needed to support downtown and that penalizing people was not the right approach. Council
Member Frierson said they had to be very sensitive to property rights and he did know that he
could support fees and fines. He said maybe they could modify the document. He asked if staff
had met with downtown merchants and Mr. Godwin told him no, but they met with the Main
Street. Mr. Godwin said Main Street was interested in protecting whoever had already built in
downtown and that the insurance was for liability only, not the value of the building. Council
Member Frierson said the ordinance was written a little harsh and suggested they get groups
together and make modifications. Council Member Clifford said he agreed with a few items,
such as providing a floor plan and making sure the building address was visible. He said most of
the ordinance was very restrictive, such as standards for occupancy and that the ordinance went
way too far to criminalize it. He specifically referenced activity such as storage. Council
Member Clifford said this was not good for downtown. Council Members Jenkins and Trenado
opposed this ordinance. Mayor Hashmi inquired what would happen to the Grand Theater
owned by the City should this pass. Mr. Godwin said the City had insurance on the Grand.
Mayor Hashmi said something needed to happen downtown, but not this ordinance. A Motion to
deny the item was made by Mayor Hashmi. Council Member Frierson suggested they table the
item and make modification. Council Member Clifford favored rejecting it and bringing
something else back to the Council.
A Motion to deny this item was made by Mayor Hashmi and seconded by Council
Member Clifford. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
"Ok POW
17. Discuss and act on an amendment to the Archers for Christ Lease at Lake Crook.
Mr. Godwin said portions of Lake Crook had been leased to the Archers for Christ for
many years and the lease was extended in 2016. He also said the Archers maintained exclusive
control and access to certain sections for three months per year, and the remainder of the year the
area was open to the public. Mr. Godwin said the City planned to open trails for walking and
equestrian uses, and he proposed the City decrease the leased area by two sections 7 and 8A. He
also said he met with both groups and five out of the six people were in agreement. He also said
the Archers assured the City they would redouble efforts to keep proper signage in place.
Mayor Hashmi asked Mr. Rothfuss about membership, tournaments, and asked if he was
agreeable with the resolution. Mr. Rothfuss said he was in agreement. Mayor Hashmi asked Mr.
Harvey if he was satisfied with the resolution. Mr. Harvey said he was not and he thought zone
#2 was sufficient for hunting, because it was 120 acres. Council Member Clifford said the
Archers were good stewards, they had cameras up, there had been no illegal activity since the
Archers had a presence at the lake and if they were not there, the City would have to take care of
all of this. Council Members Trenado and Jenkins agreed with Council Member Clifford.
Mayor Hashmi said this was a matter of give and take by both parties and he favored the
amendment.
Regular Council Meeting
March 27, 2017
Page 6
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Drake and seconded by
Council Member Trenado. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
18. Discuss and act on RESOLUTION NO. 2017 -020: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS SUSPENDING THE APRIL 21, 2017,
EFFECTIVE DATE OF ONCOR ELECTRIC DELIVERY COMPANY'S REQUESTED
RATE CHANGE TO PERMIT THE CITY TIME TO STUDY THE REQUEST AND
TO ESTABLISH REASONABLE RATES; APPROVING COOPERATION WITH THE
STEERING COMMITTEE OF CITIES SERVED BY ONCOR TO HIRE LEGAL AND
CONSULTING SERVICES AND TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE COMPANY AND
DIRECT ANY NECESSARY LITIGATION AND APPEALS; FINDING THAT THE
MEETING AT WHICH THIS RESOLUTION IS PASSED IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
AS REQUIRED BY LAW; REQUIRING NOTICE OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE
COMPANY AND LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE STEERING COMMITTEE.
Finance Director Gene Anderson explained this was the City's standard response when
Oncor requests a rate increase. He said by passing this ordinance, it would allow for time for
more review, and generally resulted in a lower rate than what was proposed.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Frierson and se " ded by
Council Member Drake. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
=6
19. Discuss and provide direction to staff regarding information to educate the vo N on the
upcoming bond election.
City Manager John Godwin said the City may not use public funds to promote a yes vote
in a bond election, but had an obligation to inform and educate citizens on the propositions. Mr.
Godwin said he had prepared two documents, one was a fact reference sheet and one was a
mailer. Mayor Hashmi said he would like a couple of changes and Mayor Hashmi said he did
not want to name the streets and Council Member Drake agreed. She said she wanted to make
sure citizens knew that the list in front of them was not the selected streets. Mr. Godwin asked
that Council Members e-mail to him their changes, so that he could bring it to Council at the next
meeting.
20. Discuss and act on changing the City Council meeting date of May 8 to May 15, 2017.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Mayor Hashmi and seconded by Council
Member Drake. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
21. Discuss and act on identification of one neighborhood in each district by the city council
member of that district for purposes of creating a neighborhood of dreams, which will
include involvement of residents, clean-up, demolition of dilapidated structures,
strategically placed dumpsters, landscaping. Discuss and act on an award to be given to
one homeowner for improvement of home and landscaping, by a committee made up of
one member of every church in the district.
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March 27, 2017
Page 7
Council Member Lancaster said she was impressed with improvements on Pine Bluff and
thought other Council Members might be interested in doing something in their districts. Mayor
Hashmi inquired if she wanted to engage the committee already in place. Council Member
Lancaster said no, that she wanted the churches to act as the committee and the award money
would be privately donated in the amount of $1,500. Council Member Drake said she would like
to see this happen, but she sent out 32 letters in an attempt to get the clean-up project going and
she only heard from 3 people. Council Member Frierson said he needed to do a little more
research. Council Member Clifford said the concept seemed to be working well on Pine Bluff
and that if Council Member Lancaster wanted to pursue this project he would support her, but
thought they should pursue this one neighborhood at a time. Council Members Jenkins and
Trenado thought it was a good idea.
22. Discuss and act on placement of the sidewalk and wheelchair ramp (ADA matter) located
at the southwest corner of Bonham and 7a' N.W.
Council Member Lancaster said when the State put in the wheel chair ramps at this
location, they made a mistake. She said when someone turns at the intersection; they have to
pull in the other lane or go up on the ramp. Council Member Lancaster expressed concern about
an accident occurring at this location, and said it needed to be reviewed. Mr. Godwin agreed
with Council Member Lancaster and stated that it was ADA compliant, but the State placed the
ramp in the wrong place. He said he would contact TxDOT and if that that did not work, they
would engage someone else to do so.
23. Discuss and act on acquiring real property located near the West Paris Trail.
Mr. Godwin explained that a property owner on 12th Street NW had offered several times
to donate a small lot to the City. He said it was not close to the West Paris Trail, that it was not
adjacent to the trail and could not be used in conjunction with the trail. He recommended not
accepting this piece of property.
A Motion to not accept the property was made by Mayor Hashmi and seconded by
Council Member Drake. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
24. Discuss and act on developing a sidewalk repair and replacement plan, form a committee
made up of three council members, the public works director, and the city manager.
Council Member Lancaster said they needed get a plan and follow it to repair or replace
sidewalks. Mr. Godwin said the City needed the funding for such a plan in order to carry it out.
He explained the City gets CDBG funding and uses that funding as far as it will go. Council
Member Frierson suggested as they are doing road improvements and/or replacements, perhaps
they could include sidewalks. Council Member Clifford said he had no problem in forming a
committee and making a plan, but questioned where they were going to get the money to fund
the plan. Council Member Jenkins liked the idea of possibly doing sidewalks at the time the
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March 27, 2017
Page 8
roads were done. Council Member Lancaster said she would bring this back when the new
Council was seated.
25. Discuss and act on developing a downtown roof replacement plan, including redesign and
financial options, and form a committee made up of three council members, the public
works director, and the city manager.
Council Member Lancaster said if flat roofs were continued to be put on downtown
buildings, everyone knew what would happen. She said many of the roofs were like sponges and
buildings were separating. Council Member Lancaster said there was a way to put other type of
inexpensive roofs on the buildings and still retain the historic look. She said they needed to find
a way to help the downtown building owners. Council Member Drake questioned whether or not
legally they could tell an owner what kind of roof to place on their building. Mayor Hashmi
inquired how Council Member Lancaster wished to proceed and she said she mainly just wanted
to bring this to the attention of everyone.
26. Discuss and act on addition of two security cameras at 2nd and Bonham Streets.
Council Member Lancaster explained this was brought to her attention by the ladies who
run the little antique shop near that location, and that they are afraid to come out at night. She
also said the ladies had been broken into and they had lost some of the lighting around that
location. Council Member Lancaster inquired about putting security cameras at the location.
Chief Hundley said they were looking at a lot of different areas to place cameras and he would
make sure to have extra patrol cars around that area. Council Member Lancaster said she wanted
to put it to a vote.
A Motion to add two security cameras at 2nd and Bonham Streets was made by Council
Member Lancaster and seconded by Mayor Hashmi. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
Mr Godwin said staff would take care of it, but interjected it would become a real issue if
City Council was going to select where all the cameras should be installed. He also said the
police department had already selected a place for the two cameras and now, they would have to
move them. Council Member Lancaster said those ladies felt real concern for their safety. Mr.
Godwin said he understood, but this decision put Council doing police work instead of the police
department.
Mayor Hashmi questioned if this was the role of the City Council as related to the Charter
and policy decisions. He asked the City Attorney if she determined this was not the role of the
City Council, that she bring this back to the Council for reconsideration. Council Member
Lancaster said she would have felt negligent had she not brought this forward. Mayor Hashmi
said he understood, but that Council needed to know if it was a policy decision.
27. Convene into Executive Section 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
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March 27, 2017
Page 9
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 incentive to a
business prospect described by Subdivision (1) as follows: JS Baking, LLC (Skinner
Bakery) Tax Abatement Agreement Amendment.
Mayor Hashmi convened City Council into executive session at 7:19 p.m.
28. Reconvene into Open Session and possibly take action on those matters discussed in
Executive Session.
Mayor Hashmi reconvened City Council into open session at 7:37 p.m.
29. Consider and approve future events for City Council and/or City Staff pursuant to
Resolution No. 2004 -081.
JANICE ELLIS, CITY CLERK