10/09/2017MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS
October 9, 2017
The City Council of the City of Paris met for a regular session at 5:30 p.m. on Monday,
October 9, 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; Doug Harris, Utilities Director; and Alan
Efrussy, Planning Director;
Opening Agenda
1. Call meeting to order.
Mayor Clifford called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. Invocation.
Gene Anderson gave the invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance.
Council Member Drake led the pledge.
4. A. Citizens' Forum.
No one spoke during the citizens' forum.
B. Proclamation Declaring the Month of October as Operation Empower Month.
Mayor Clifford read the proclamation and presented it to Ms. Deb Fleming and
accompanying students.
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
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October 9, 2017
Page 2
made by Council Member Lancaster and seconded by Council Member Trenado. Motion
carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
5. Approve minutes from the meeting on September 25, 2017.
6. Receive reports and/or minutes from the following boards, commissions, and committees:
a. Paris Public Library Advisory Board (July 26, 2017 & August 16, 2017)
b. Paris Municipal Band Commission (April 27, 2017)
c. Paris Visitors & Convention Council (August 30, 2017)
d. Paris Economic Development Corporation (August 18, 2017)
e. Paris Historic Preservation Commission (May 10, 2017)
f. Paris Board of Adjustment (August 1, 2017)
7. Approve revisions to the Personnel Policies & Procedures.
8. Approve a new lease agreement with the Lamar County Genealogical Society for its
continued use of the Historical Depot.
Regular Agenda
9. Conduct a public hearing, discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2017-042: AN
ORDINANCE AMENDING ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 1710 OF THE CITY OF
PARIS, TEXAS, AS HERETOFORE AMENDED, SO AS TO REZONE PART OF THE
REDDIN RUSSELL SURVEY #786, BEING LOCATED IN THE 3500 AND 3600
BLOCK OF NORTH MAIN STREET, IN THE CITY OF PARIS, LAMAR COUNTY,
TEXAS, FROM A COMMERCIAL DISTRICT (C) TO A LIGHT INDUSTRIAL
DISTRICT (LI); 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 Bobby Smallwood requested this change
for the purpose of trailer sales. He said the Planning & Zoning Commission and staff
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. Bobby Smallwood spoke in support
of this zoning change. With no one else speaking, Mayor Clifford closed the public hearing.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Mayor Clifford and seconded by Council
Member Drake. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
10. Conduct a public hearing, discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2017-043: AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS,
AMENDING ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 1710 OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS,
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October 9, 2017
Page 3
AS HERETOFORE AMENDED, SO AS TO REZONE LOTS 1-7, CITY BLOCK 274
AND LOTS 5-12, BLOCK 10 OF THE FAIRWAY ADDITION BEING LOCATED AT
222, 232 AND 254 EAST HICKORY STREET, IN THE CITY OF PARIS, LAMAR
COUNTY, TEXAS, FROM A COMMERCIAL DISTRICT (C) TO A LIGHT
INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT (LI) WITH A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT (SUP) FOR A FLEA
MARKET; 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.
Mr. Efrussy said this zoning change was requested to allow for a flea market. He said
Planning & Zoning Commission and staff recommended approval. Mr. Efrussy also said that
Holland Harper would be giving the City Council a presentation and would answer any
questions. Mr. Harper said their family had owned this property since 1930 and that Johnnie Lee
approached them about three months ago with the idea of Hickory Street Emporium. He said
Mr. Lee was in the marketing management business for Coca-Cola Distribution, and that Mr.
Lee would be the operator and the lease would be for one year. Mr. Harper depicted slides
reflecting the plans.
Council Member Portugal inquired about improvements to the property. Mr. Harper said
the goal was a clean, nice and appropriate place for families. Council Member Portugal inquired
how the neighboring church felt. Johnnie Lee told the Council the whole concept was about
creating a nice family atmosphere and he had spoken to the church pastor, who plans to be the
first person to use the foyer of the Hickory Street Emporium for fundraising. He explained the
planned setup, as well as having food trucks located at the facility. He said he spoke with Rita
Haynes of the Red River Valley Fair, who offered over -flow parking for the emporium. Mr. Lee
said there would be no tents, structures or trash. He also said days of operation would be
Thursday through Sunday or Tuesday through Sunday, with closing set for one hour prior to
dark. Council Member Knox said she thought this would be great for the community, as did
Council Member Trenado and Mayor Clifford.
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
Members Drake, Knox and Portugal. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
11. Conduct a public hearing, discuss and act on an Ordinance considering the petition of
Eddy Thomas for a change in zoning from a Single Family Dwelling District No. 2 (SF -
2) to a Commercial District (C), on Lots 7-A and part of 8, City Block 331, being located
at 3787 N.W. Loop 286.
Mayor Clifford explained that this item was tabled at the Planning and Zoning
Commission. Mr. Efrussy asked that the item be opened for public hearing and left opened to
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October 9, 2017
Page 4
the November 13 City Council meeting. Mayor Clifford opened the public hearing and
continued it to the November 13 meeting.
12. Conduct a public hearing, discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2017-044: 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 LOTS 7 AND 8, CITY BLOCK
255-A, BEING LOCATED AT 2635 AND 2645 EAST PRICE 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. 1 (MF -
1); 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.
Mr. Efrussy said the applicant requested this zoning change to allow for construction of a
triplex. He also said that the Planning and Zoning Commission and staff recommended approval.
Council Member Knox expressed concern about this lot being too narrow of a lot for a triplex
and inquired about the plans. Mr. Efrussy explained that the owner would pay for and submit
plans for review if the zoning change was approved. He said the property could accommodate a
triplex.
Mayor Clifford opened the public hearing and asked for anyone wishing to speak in
support or opposition of this item, to please come forward. Co-owner John Saunders, 3053 FM
196, Blossom, Texas, spoke in support of this zoning change. He said if this property would not
accommodate the triplex, they would build a duplex. With no one else speaking, Mayor Clifford
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. Conduct a public hearing, discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2017-045: 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, BLOCK 5 OF THE
SPRINGLAKE ADDITION, BEING LOCATED AT 345 N.E. 29TH STREET, IN THE
CITY OF PARIS, LAMAR COUNTY, TEXAS, FROM A SINGLE-FAMILY
DWELLING DISTRICT NO. (SF -2) TO A TWO-FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT
(2F); 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.
Mr. Efrussy said zoning cases in items 13 and 14 were properties across the street from
each other. He said the applicant wanted to build a duplex on each of the properties. Mr.
Efrussy explained that initially staff did not recommend approval of these zoning cases, but after
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October 9, 2017
Page 5
further discussion and the approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission, that staff supported
the decision of Planning and Zoning.
Mayor Clifford opened the public hearing and asked for anyone wishing to speak in
support or opposition of this item, to please come forward. Ken Kohls, 3935 Brandyn Place,
spoke in support of this zoning change. Mr. Kohls said normally he would oppose this change,
but it would be such an improvement to the neighborhood, because the properties were
overgrown and not on the tax roll. Anna Sanchez, 325 N.E. 29`h Street, said her family lived next
to the grown up lot and she opposed the zoning change. She said they had expressed an interest
in purchasing the lot and that a duplex did not fit into the neighborhood. John Saunders said he
purchased the lot in March at a courthouse sale and he had not been contacted by Ms. Sanchez.
Mr. Saunders explained the property was homesteaded, so he had to wait six months before he
could do anything with the property. He said he planned to start construction within thirty days.
He said he owned two other properties and planned to construct single family dwellings on those
lots. With no one else speaking, Mayor Clifford closed the public hearing.
Council Member Portugal asked Mr. Saunders if he would be landscaping the properties
and he answered in the affirmative. She said it would be good to have the property on the tax
rolls. Council Member Knox said this would be a great improvement in the neighborhood.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Mayor Clifford and seconded by Council
Member Lancaster. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
14. Conduct a public hearing, discuss and act on an ORDINANCE NO. 2017-046: 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 5, BLOCK 4 OF THE
SPRINGLAKE ADDITION, BEING LOCATED AT 355 N.E. 29TH STREET, IN THE
CITY OF PARIS, LAMAR COUNTY, TEXAS, FROM A SINGLE-FAMILY
DWELLING DISTRICT NO. 2 (SF -2) TO A TWO-FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT
(2F); 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.
Mr. Efrussy said the Planning and Zoning Commission approved this zoning change, and
staff 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 this item was made by Mayor Clifford and seconded by Council
Member Lancaster. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
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October 9, 2017
Page 6
15. Discuss and authorize the City Manager to execute a Ground and Tower Lease
Agreement with T -Mobile West, LLC for the puTose of installing telecommunications at
the East Water Tower site in the 600 Block of 25 Street NE.
City Manager John Godwin explained that T -Mobile wanted to lease space on the City's
east water tower and grounds for an antenna for installation and operation of telecommunications
equipment. Mr. Godwin said the lease provides for an initial five-year term, with the possibility
of an additional three renewal terms of five years each. He also said the rental fees for the first
year would be $1,850 per month, and the fees would escalate by 3% each successive year of the
initial term and any renewals. Mr. Godwin said this provided a new source of revenue for the
City and allowed T -Mobile to better serve the residents of Paris who were their customers.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Drake and seconded by
Council Member Lancaster. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
16. Discuss and act on an informational mailer for the November 2017 Special Election.
Mayor Clifford inquired of Council if they read the informational mailer in their packets
and if they had any questions. Council Member Portugal said she had a big concern with the
second bullet point, under proposed changes. She stated "if the proposition is approved,
economic development will still be funded, but at about $600,000 per year." Council Member
Portugal said they could not bind future Councils to fund that amount, because it was illegal.
She said that is why they do a budget every year. Mayor Clifford said Council had discussed this
and had noted that they would still do economic development. Council Member Portugal said
this Council will do that, but a future Council or a future manager could change that amount or
completely take it out of the budget. Mayor Clifford reiterated that Council had discussed their
intentions and this informational mailer was to educate the public.
A Motion to accept the brochure as written was made by Mayor Clifford and seconded by
Council Member Trenado. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 1 nay, with Council Member Portugal
casting the dissenting vote.
17. Discuss and act on rental rates for new hangars at Cox Field.
Mr. Godwin informed City Council that the four new hangars and related infrastructure at
Cox Field was nearly completed. He said at the September 21 Airport Board meeting they
unanimously approved rental rates of $185.00 and $195.00. He also said preference would be
given for the four new spaces to existing renters who had no history of delinquency over those
currently on a waiting list. Mayor Clifford inquired about the number of people waiting to rent
hangars and Mr. Godwin said the last count was approximately twenty.
A Motion to approve the rental rates for new hangars was made by Council Member
Drake and seconded by Mayor Clifford. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
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18. Discuss and act on a Resolution casting votes for representation on the Lamar County
Appraisal District.
Mr. Godwin explained the City's current representative on the Appraisal District Board
of Directors no longer wished to continue to serve for another term. He said the City had 627
votes to cast prior to October 15. He further explained this was not a straight appointment by the
Council, but an election by the taxing jurisdictions based on their relative tax levies. He asked
Council if they had anyone in mind. Several Council Members said they were not sure how this
was supposed to work and did not have names. Mr. Godwin apologized for the confusion and
said Mr. Noble had served for a number of years, but no longer wished to serve. He also said he
could provide Council with a list of names via e-mail but that the people had not been contacted
yet. Mr. Godwin said they could table this and place it on their workshop agenda scheduled on
Monday, and he would get in the touch with the Lamar County Appraisal District.
A Motion to table this item to the October 16 meeting was made by Council Member
Drake and seconded by Mayor Clifford. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
19. Consider and approve future events for City Council and/or City Staff pursuant to
Resolution No. 2004-081.
Mr. Godwin reminded City Council of their special work session scheduled on Monday,
October 16, at 5:30 p.m.
20. Adjournment.
There being no further business, a Motion to adjourn was made by Mayor Clifford and
was seconded by Council Member Drake. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. The meeting was
adjourned at 6:19 p.m.
SFAMW •' •'