06/12/2017MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS
June 12, 2017
The City Council of the City of Paris met for a regular session at 5:30 p.m. on Monday,
June 12, 2017, at the City Council Chamber, 107 E. Kaufman, Paris, Texas.
Present: Mayor: Steven Clifford
Council Members: Billie Lancaster; Aaron Jenkins; Billy Trenado;
Linda Knox; Cleonne Drake; and Paula Portugal
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; Clyde Crews, Fire Marshal; Kent
Klinkerman, EMS Director; Doug Harris, Utilities
Director; Alan Efrussy, Planning Director; and
Priscilla McAnally, Library Director
Opening Agenda
1. Call meeting to order.
Mayor Clifford called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. Invocation.
Father Reed gave the invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance.
Council Member Drake led the pledge.
4. Citizens' Forum.
Ronald Frazier, 1370 NE 7t' — he spoke about the need for speed bumps and stop signs
around T.G. Givens School. He also said there was an empty lot next to his mother's house at
1370 7a', which was grown up and had skunks, rats and snakes on it.
Brenda Lopez, 948 Pine Bluff — she said since the new street was completed it had
become like a freeway. She asked if cameras could be installed to catch the speeders. Ms.
Lopez also said since the new street had been built, she was experiencing problems with her
home and rodents were coming in her house.
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June 12, 2017
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Consent Agenda
Mayor Clifford 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 Portugal and seconded by Council Member Drake. Motion carried, 7
ayes — 0 nays.
5. Approve minutes from the meeting on May 22, 2017.
6. Receive reports and/or minutes from the following boards, commissions, and committees:
a. Paris Public Advisory Board (4 -19 -2017)
b. Airport Advisory Board (4 -20 -2017)
c. Paris Economic Development Corporation (4 -18 -2017)
d. Planning & Zoning Commission (5 -1 -2017)
e. Traffic Commission (5 -2 -2017)
7. Approve the Final Plat Lot 1, Block A, of the Pine Creek Apartments Addition, City
Block 317.
Regular Agenda
8. Conduct a public hearing, discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2017 -019: 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 1 -A, CITY BLOCK 295,
BEING LOCATED AT 3275 CLARKSVILLE STREET, IN THE CITY OF PARIS,
LAMAR COUNTY, TEXAS, FROM A SINGLE - FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT
NO. 2 (SF -2), TO A MULTI - FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT NO. 2 (MF -2);
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 explained that Richard Bland's requested zoning change
was consistent with the future land use plan and that the Planning & Zoning Commission
recommended approval. Council Member Drake inquired if this would cause additional issues
with flooding. Mr. Efrussy said any concerns would be addressed by the City Engineer at the
time a site plan was submitted. Council Member Portugal asked about restraints with the size of
the building that would be built, as the lot was small. Mr. Efrussy said that had been addressed.
Mayor Clifford 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
Clifford closed the public hearing.
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June 12, 2017
Page 3
A Motion to approve the zoning change was made by Council Member Trenado and
seconded by Mayor Clifford. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
9. Conduct a public hearing, discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2017 -020: 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 15, CITY BLOCK 294,
BEING LOCATED AT 3145 E. HOUSTON STREET, IN THE CITY OF PARIS,
LAMAR COUNTY, TEXAS, FROM PUBLIC LANDS AND INSTITUTIONS (PLI),
TO A SINGLE- FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT NO. 2 (SF -2); 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 explained that John House's requested zoning change
was consistent with the future land use plan and that the Planning & Zoning Commission
recommended approval.
Mayor Clifford 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
Clifford closed the public hearing.
A Motion to approve the zoning change was made by Council Member Drake and
seconded by Council Member Trenado. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
10. Conduct a public hearing, discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2017 -021: 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 1 -A, CITY BLOCK 40,
BEING LOCATED AT 98 PINE BLUFF STREET, IN THE CITY OF PARIS, LAMAR
COUNTY, TEXAS, FROM A CENTRAL AREA DISTRICT (CA) TO A CENTRAL
AREA DISTRICT (CA) WITH A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT (SUP) FOR AN
AUTOMOBILE DETAILING SHOP; 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 explained that Ben Faber's requested zoning change was
from a Central to a Central Area District with a Specific Use Permit for an automobile detailing
shop. Mr. Efrussy said that the Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as staff recommended
approval of the zoning change with a Specific Use Permit.
Mayor Clifford opened the public hearing and asked for anyone wishing to speak in
support or opposition of this item, to please come forward. Ben Faber, 508 S. Church, spoke in
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June 12, 2017
Page 4
favor of the zoning change. With no one else speaking, Mayor Clifford closed the public
hearing.
A Motion to approve the zoning change was made by Mayor Clifford and seconded by
Council Member Portugal. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
11. Conduct a public hearing, discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2017 -022: 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, BY AMENDING SECTIONS 8 -106 AND 8 -201 TO
PROVIDE A DEFINITION FOR "PAWN SHOP" USE AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE
LOCATION OF SUCH USE IN THE GENERAL RETAIL (GR) AND COMMERCIAL
(C) ZONING DISTRICTS; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE; PROVIDING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING A
PENALTY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mr. Efrussy explained an applicant requested to establish a pawn shop in an existing
structure and there was no definition of a pawn shop in the ordinance. He said the Planning and
Zoning Commission recommended that pawn shop use be allowed in the Commercial and the
General Retail Districts with no outside storage. Mr. Efrussy also said there were four other
pawn shops in the City. Mayor Clifford inquired if the other shops would be grandfathered and
Mr. Efrussy said they were located in General Retail Districts.
Mayor Clifford 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
Clifford closed the public hearing.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Mayor Clifford and seconded by Council
Member Portugal. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
12. Discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2017 -023: 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; TO CHANGE TRAFFIC FLOW
ON 3RD SW STREET FROM BONHAM STREET TO SHERMAN STREET FROM A
ONE -WAY TO A TWO -WAY STREET FOR TRAFFIC FLOW; 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.
Mr. Godwin said the Traffic Commission reviewed four streets two years ago and the
City successfully converted two of four streets from one -way to two -way configuration to
improve traffic flow in downtown at that time. He also said the Traffic Commission
recommended converting 3'd SW to a two -way street from Bonham Street to Sherman Street.
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June 12, 2017
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A Motion to approve this item was made by Mayor Clifford and seconded by Council
Member Trenado. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
13. Discuss and provide direction to city staff on an application for disannexation of property
located at 6055 Clarksville Street, filed by Jason and Whitney Boehler.
City Attorney Stephanie Harris said staff received an application for disannexation from
the owners of a single property, because they do not have water and sewer. She also said the
property next to them was disannexed in September 2015 as a part of the Airport Road
disannexations. Council Member Portugal inquired of Mr. Godwin if there was a long term plan
to get water and sewer and Mr. Godwin said it was a very, very long term plan due to lack of
development in the area. He said it would be quite costly to install proper equipment to move
everything up -hill.
It was a consensus of City Council to instruct the City Attorney to proceed with the
process of disannexation of the property located at 6055 Clarksville Street.
14. Receive presentation and discuss operations plan and budget needs for Public Works,
Engineering, Utilities, and Finance Departments.
City Council heard from Utilities Director Doug Harris about rebuilding of pumps at
Campbell's and Woodard lift stations, ongoing rebuilding of pumps and replacement of valves at
the flow equalization basin, new headworks /mechanical bar screen, rebuilding of one pump at
ground storage, rebuilding of two sludge transfer pumps, replacement of a filter surface pump
and a cost of living adjustment for employees. Mr. Harris explained that the staff had saved
$700,000 in doing a lot of the work in- house. Following the presentation, Mr. Harris answered
questions from Council.
Next, City Engineer Carla Easton reviewed the engineering department's budget needs
and plans, which included review of codes scheduled for the June 26 City Council meeting,
construction of the Airport hangar under construction by TxDOT, ongoing downtown
improvements, the utilities bond program, the street bond program, the ADA transition annual
funding and permitting fees. Following the presentation, Ms. Easton answered questions from
Council.
Public Works Director Jerry McDaniel reviewed the repairs done to the tennis courts; the
Skate Park and Market Square, as well as provided information about drainage, maintenance
staffing, parks planning & development, pool improvements, recycling, the old landfill closure
maintenance, the Sports Complex and heavy equipment needs. Following the presentation, Mr.
McDaniel answered questions from Council.
Finance Director Gene Anderson reviewed the warehouse and utility billing office
operations, and the staffing levels. Mr. Anderson also reviewed operations and staffing of the
finance department. Mr. Anderson said the finance office had received the GFOA Certificate of
Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 20'' consecutive year. He also
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June 12, 2017
Page 6
outlined needed renovations at city hall. Mr. Anderson reviewed with City Council the retiree
COLA request and Phase 2 of the sick leave sell back policy.
15. Discuss and act on the City of Paris' bidding policies and procedures.
Mayor Clifford said he placed this item on the agenda after talking to Mr. Godwin, He
said the City follows State Law, but does not have a policy on bidding and were not advertising
bids on free web - sites. Mayor Clifford referenced Electronic Business Daily and Texas Bids.
Net and said that he would like to see all bids and plans on these sites, in addition to what City
staff is currently doing. Council Member Portugal said she believed staff was bringing in goods
bids and that they could not make people bid. Council Members Knox, Trenado, Lancaster and
Jenkins thought it was a great idea to put plans and documents on -line for bidders to review.
City Council discussed the number of days in advance bids should be advertised that
ranged from fourteen days to one year, and the length of time it takes to get construction bids due
to bonding and location of jobs. Mr. Godwin said that staff will need to make sure the engineers
are placing bids and documents on as many sites as possible and if the City still only gets two or
three bids, then we will know we did our best.
Mayor Clifford favored a written policy and then made a Motion that the City Council of
the City of Paris require all competitive bids with the City of Paris or any other agency of the the
City of Paris, in addition to the current procedures for advertising and listing, that these bids also
be listed on City of Paris website, and at a minimum on the Electronic State Business Daily and
Texas Bids.Net, and that the listings either include a complete description of the project to be bid
including all materials necessary to place a bid or a link to a download site where these materials
can be freely downloaded, including digital copies of the architectural files such as auto cad files
if they exist, or other digital scanned versions of the plan such as PDF files, and that these web -
site bids be placed as soon as the information is available but never less than thirty days prior to
the opening of the project bids, and that these requirements be immediately on all bids not yet
approved by the City Council. The Motion was seconded by Council Member Trenado.
Mr. Godwin said at the point an engineer puts together plans that the City does not own
them. He said if the City is going to provide them free, then the City will have to provide them
on their behalf. Mayor Clifford said if a potential bidder wants a hard copy, they should pay for
it, but the plans themselves should be available for free download. Council Member Portugal
said she did not favor "never less than 30 days" because 14 days might be necessary. Mayor
Clifford amended his Motion to delete the thirty days. Council Member Portugal said they had
not considered a safety record policy. Mayor Clifford said when bids are received, they are not
required to take the lowest bid but it was part of their due diligence to look into the companies.
Mr. Godwin said they could reject all bids but State Law required criteria be in place prior to
bids going out. He also said if they wanted to require a safety record policy that would need to be
in place prior to bidding. Mr. Godwin recommended that they not make the bidding process so
complicated as to result in fewer bids for the City. Mayor Clifford said he stood by his amended
Motion and asked for a vote. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 1 nay, with Council Member Portugal
casting the dissenting vote.
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16. Consider and approve future events for City Council and /or City Staff pursuant to
Resolution No. 2004 -081.
None were referenced.
17. Adjournment.
There being no further business, a Motion to adjourn was made by Council Member
Jenkins and was seconded by Council Member Drake. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. The
meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
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