05 - City Council MinutesItem No.
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS
December 9, 2017
The City Council of the City of Paris, met for a special session at 9:00 a.m, on Saturday,
December 9, 2017, in the Galleryat the Paris Public Library, 326 S. Main Street, Paris, Texas,
Present: Mayor: Steven Clifford
Council Members: Aaron Jenkins; Billie Lancaster; Billy Trenado;
Linda Knox; Cleonne Drake; and Paula Portugal
City Staff- John Godwin, City Manager; Stephanie Harris, City
Attorney; and Janice Ellis, City Clerk
1. Call meeting to order.
Mayor Clifford called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
2. Convene into Executive Session pursuant to Section 551,087 of the Texas Govenurient
Code, (1) to discuss or deliberate regarding commercial or financial inflon-nation that the
governmental body has received from a business prospect that the governmental body
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 prospect described
by Subdivision (1), as follows: Project Orange Fire.
Mayor Clifford convened City Council into executive session at 9:01 a. n.
3. Reconvene into Open Session and possibly take: action on those matters discussed in
Executive Session.
Mayor Clifford reconvened City Council into open session.
4, Discuss roles and responsibilities of City Council,
City Manager John Godwin presented and reviewed with City Council a policy
previously adopted.
5. Discuss residential maintenance and redevelopment, including an ordinance for fire and
safety inspections of rental property,
Mr. Godwin said Council Member Portugal requested this item, and he provided them
with a copy of an ordinance that was discussed a year ago. He explained there were people
living in horrible: conditions, such as no running water and holes in their roofs. Mr. Godwin said
staff did not want to hurt responsible rental property owners, but address the ones who were not
responsible.
Special Council Meeting
De,cemb�er 9, 2017
Page 2
Council Member Drake said it becomes a Health and safety issue. Mayor Clifford said lie
did not want any person's health and safety at risk, but at the same time this might cause rental to
go up and force some people on the street. He said he just wanted everyone to keep in mind their
rules had consequences. Council Member Portugal said the City of Kaufinan recently passed an
ordinance that excludes apartments. Mr. Godwin asked Council if they wish to put together a
committee and Council favored doing so. Mayor Clifford said he was not for an ordinance that
makes a person replace .all of the wiring in their house, or states they are in violation if they have
cracked mortar, but wanted it to be based on a safety and health basis. Council Member Knox
said she would like to see sornething written that if the Police are called several times for noise
and other nuisances, that there is teeth in ordinance to do something. Mr. Godwin suggested
they may want to require a certificate of occupancy be issued each time a house is rented and
charged approximately $20.00. Council Member Knox liked that idea and said if the rules are
violated, then the certificate could be pulled. City Attorney Stephanie Harris reminded everyone
the property owner would still have to go through the eviction process,
Council Member Trenado inquired about redevelopment, Mr. Godwin said letters had
been sent to four different developers with regard to vacant lots. lie also explained the
developers were informed fees would be waived and property would be given to them, if they
would build houses on the lots. Mr. Godwin said only one of the developers was interested, but
so far has not moved forward. They discussed the home loan program through, the banks, and
Council Member Jenkins asked if the stipulation could be dropped that the owner had to occupy
the house in order to get a loan. Mr. Godwin said he would check on that with the banks.
Following additional discussion, it was a consensus of the City Council for Mr. Godwin
to put together a committee, and to develop all ordinance with regard to maintenance of rental
houses.
6. Discuss downtown redevelopment and possible new ordinances.
Mr. Godwin said this was similar to the housing issue, in that they did not want to
penalize those that took care of their property, Mayor Clifford asked if they could do tax credits
and abaternents in the downtown area. Mr. Godwin answered in the affirmative and said they
could enter into 380 agreements as that was passed several years ago. It was a consensus of City
Council to move forward with this. Council, Member Knox said HPC was trying to preserve
downtown, and it was important that they stay within the guidelines in order to get tax
restoration credits. She said she would like to see more grants for historic properties, Mr.
Godwin said a vacant registry ordinance was a good tool and said he would bring something to
Council in the future.
7. Review and discuss the street bond projects; the budget for street repairs; street projects
completed by city staff, and equipment needs.
Council Member Drake said she requested this itern and confirmed that Collegiate Street
was not on the original list, Mr. Godwin said that was correct, and that protects would be added
Special Council Meeting
December , 2017
Page 3
and some removed, He reviewed the projects that had been started, the ongoing projects and
future projects.
8. Review and discuss utility projects, and plan for future projects.
Mr. Godwin presented and reviewed with City Council an updated list of projects. He
also informed thein that they would be digging up downtown, including parking spaces, Mr.
Godwin said during construction downtown business would be affected but that once the project
was complete, the improvements would be great for the downtown area,
9. Review and discuss maintenance of drainage facilities.
Mr. Godwin provided City Council with an updated map and answered questions,
10, Review and discuss update of the Operating and other Plans for the City of Pans
Mr. Godwin said Council Member Drake requested this item, and that a copy of the
City's Operating Plan had been placed in their packets. He said the Operating Plan was current,
but the City did have some old plans, such as the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Godwin inforined
Council it was a lot of work to update plans if the City was not going to follow them.
11, Discuss possibly outsourcing certain positions, particularly seasonal jobs.
Council Member Portugal said she requested this item and was wondering instead of
hiring seasonal employees, if they could contract out. Mr. Godwin said the City already
contracted out for mowing, and the only seasonal employees they had were lifeguard and
concession stand workers. Mr. Godwin also said that it was difficult to get contractors for code
type issues, because they did not want to tear up their equipment.
11 Discuss curbside recycling,
Council Member Portugal said she requested this, because the recycling, program had
been successful. Mr. Godwin explained they could add curbside recycling but to keep in inind
there would be an additional charge to each household. Mayor Clifford said there would be a
major push back frorn citizens, and lie did not favor curbside at this time. It was a consensus of
City Council to not move forward with curbside recycling, but continue the current program and
possibly get some additional bins.
13. Review and discuss update on the city web -site,
Mr. Godwin presented a hand-out to Council reflecting the current status of the new web-
site and said the plan was to have it completely finished by May.
Special Council Meeting
December 9, 2017
Page 4
14. Discuss safety concerns in the City Council Chambers.
Council Member Drake said she requested this item. City Council discussed concerns
and options.
15. Adjournment.
There being no further business, Mayor Clifford adjourned the meeting at 12:53 p.m.
STEVEN J. CLIFFORD, M.D., MAYOR
JANICE ELLIS, CITY CLERK
MINUTESOff' THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS
December 11, 2017
The City Council of the City of Paris net for a regular session at 5:30 P,m, on Monday,
December 11, 2017, at the City Council Chamber, 107 E. Kaufman, Paris, Texas.
Present: Mayor: Steven Clifford
Council Members: Aaron Jenkins; Billie Lancaster; Linda Knox;
Cleonne Drake; and Paula Portugal
City Staff John Godwin, City Manager; Stephanie Harris, City
Attorney; Janice Ellis, City Clerk; Bob Hundley,
Police Chief-, Larry Wright, Fire Chief, Doug
Harris, Utilities Director; Kent Klinkerman, EMS
Director; Carla Easton, City Engineer; Jerry
McDaniel, Public Works Director; Alan Efrussy,
Planning Director; Clyde Crews; Fire Marshal
Absent: Council Member: Billy Trenado
Opening Agenda
1. Call meeting to order.
Mayor Clifford called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. Invocation.
EMS Director Kent Klinkeri-nan gave the invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance.
Council Member Drake led the pledge.
4. A. Citizens' Forum.
No one spoke during citizens' forum.
B. Proclamation recognizing Logan Gilbert for representation of the United States on the
2017 Trampoline and Tumbling 25th World Age Group Team,
C. Proclamation recognizing Rylee Chapman for representation of the United States on
the 2017 Trampoline and Tumbling 25th World Age Group Team.
Regular Council Meeting
December 11, 2017
Page 2
Coaches Williarn and Lisa Gandy presented a video performance of Logan Gilbert and
Rylee Chapman's competition. Mayor Clifford read the proclamations and presented them to
Mr. Gilbert and Ms. Chapman,
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 Drake and seconded by Council Member Portugal. Motion carried, 6
ayes -- 0 nays.
S. Approve minutes from the meeting on November 13, 2017..
6Receive reports and/or minutes from the following boards, commissions, and committees:
a. Love Civic Center Governing Board (8-10-2017)
b. Paris Public Library Advisory Board (10-25-2017)
c. Main Street Advisory Board (10- 1 O�-2017 & 10-26-2017)
d. Paris Economic Development Corporation (10-20-2017)
e, Traffic Commission (10-3-2017)
f Board of Adjustment (9-5-2017)
g. Airport Advisory Board (1.0-1q-2017)
7. Receive October monthly financial report,
& Receive October drainage report.
9. Receive demolition and code enforcement activity reports.
10. Appoint Matthew Coyle to serve an unexpired term on the Historic Preservation
Commission.
11, Re -appoint Sims Non-nent to the Civil Service Commission.
12. Approve RESOLUTION NO. 2017-040: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF' PARIS AND REGION VIII
EDUCATION SERVICE CENTER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TEXAS
INTERLOCAL PURCHASING SYSTEM PROGRAM; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS
AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Regular Agenda
13. Discuss and act on RESOLUTION NO, 2017-041: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, APPROVING AN ECONOMIC
Regular CouncH Meetlng
December 11, 2017
Page 3
INCENTIVE PACKAGE FROM THE PARIS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION TO AMERICAN SPIRALWELD PIPE COMPANY, LLC;
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE A TAX
ABATEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND AMERICAN
SPIRALWELD PIPE COMPANY, LLC; AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO CERTIFY AN APPLICATION BY AMERICAN
SPIRALWELD PIPE COMPANY, LLC TO TEXAS ENTERPRISE FUND; MAKING
OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND
DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
EDC Director Michael Paris expressed appreciation to city officials and county officials
for their support of this project, and said that the City of Paris had become a finalist. Mr. Paris
said American Spiralweld Pipe was a subsidiary of American Cast Iron Pipe Company, which
was a 100 year old company. He introduced company representatives, Patrick Hook, Mike
O'Brien, and Ian Willoughby, Mr. Hook gave a presentation to the City Council, which included
an introduction to the company's history and their culture. Mr. Willoughby gave a presentation
on a timeline of American's portfolio. Mr. Willoughby explained that the product that would be
manufactured was steel pipe, anywhere frorn 24 inches to 12 feet in diameter and up to I inch
thick. He said the product was used in water transmission, waste water systems and in industrial
pumping systems. Mr. Willoughby said the proposed plant would be a capital investment of $60
million dollars, and would hire 55 to 60 employees at $54,000 a year with a full benefit package.
He also said later the company would add a second shift with 45 more jobs and eventually a $20
million dollar building would be added along with 13 to 15 jobs at an average of $52,000 a year.
Mr. Paris explained the incentive package approved by PEDC included land,, a forgivable
loan for $500,000 to include, and there would be additional rail costs for Kiamichi Railroad to
build a spur to the property. He said if Council approved this tonight, the next step was to make
application to the Texas Enterprise Fund for additional incentives. Mr. Paris said the company
had narrowed their selection to Paris and another city, and he hoped to know soon about their
decision. Mayor Clifford said lie was impressed with this project, as did Council Mernber Drake,
Council Member Portugal expressed appreciation for their consideration of the City of Paris, as
did other Council Members.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Mayor Clifford and seconded by Council
Mernber Portugal. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays,
14. Conduct a public hearing, discuss and act on an Ordinance considering the petition of
Eddy'rhornas for a change in zoning from a Single Family Dwelling District No. 2 (SF -
2) to a Mixed Use Planned Development District (PD), on Lots 7-A and part of 8, City
Block 331, being located at 3787 N.W. Loop 286.
Mayor Clifford said this item was tabled at the Planning and Zoning meeting, and made a
Motion to table this item, which was seconded by Council Member Drake. Motion carried, 6
ayes — 0 nays.
Regular Council Meeting
December 11, 20,17
Page 4
15. Discuss, conduct a public hearing, and act on an Ordinance regarding the petition of
Kathy Mathis on behalf of E. Mario Garcia for a change in zoning from General Retail
District (GR) to a General Retail District with a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for a Tattoo
Shop, located at 1247 Clarksville Street, on the City of Paris Block 103-A, Lot PT of 9,
being known as 1225, 1245, and 1247.
Planning Director Alan Efrussy said the applicant requested a zoning change from
General Retail to General Retail with a SUP for a tattoo shop. He said the Planning and Zoning
Commission voted unanimously to recommend denial of this SUP request and that staff
recommended approval conditioned upon adherence to the requirements of the Texas Health and
Safety Code,
Council Member Knox inquired why Planning and Zoning denied the request. Mayor
Clifford said the applicant did not show up to the meeting and three other property owners did,
and spoke in opposition to this zoning change.
Mayor Clifford opened the: public hearing and asked for anyone wishing to speak in
support or opposition of this item, to please come forward. Don Weir, owner of Smith Carpet,
spoke in opposition to the zoning change, as did Treva Brunson, owner of a Piece of Cake. Chad
Lindsey, Planning and Zoning Commission member said he was not for or against the zoning
change, but the reason he voted against it was because the applicant did not corrie to the meeting.
Property owner Richard Lee also spoke in opposition of this zoning change. With no one else
speaking, Mayor Clifford closed the public hearing.
A Motion to deny the zoning change was made by Mayor Clifford and seconded by
Council Member Drake, Motion carried, 6,ayes 0 nays.
16. Discuss, conduct a public hearing, and act on ORDINANCE NO, 2017-049: 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 SECTION 8-107, "COMMERCIAL
& SERVICE USES," OF SECTION 8, "USE OF LAND AND BUILDINGS" AND BY
AMENDING SECTION 12-100, "SPECIFIC USE, PERMITS" TO ELIMINATE THE
RENTAL AND SALE OF TRAILERS IN THE CENTRAL AREA (CA) ZONING
DISTRICT AND TO ALLOW THE RENTAL AND SALE OF TRAILERS IN THE
COMMERCIAL (C) ZONING DISTRICT THROUGH THE SPECIFIC USE PERMIT
(SUP) PROCESS; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE, A SAVINGS CLAUSE, A PENALTY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE,
Mr. Efrussy said items 16 and 17 were related to each other and had been combined into
one ordinance. He explained that the City of Paris was requesting to amend the Zoning
Ordinance to eliminate the sale and rental of trailers in the Central Area District and to create the
Specific Use Permit process within the Commercial District to allow the sale and rental of
trailers. He reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of these
amendments, as did staff.
Regular Council Meeting
December 11, 2017
Page 5
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 secodided by Council
Member Portugal. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
17. Discuss, conduct a public hearing, and act on an Ordinance regarding the petition of the
City of Paris, Texas, to amend Zoning Ordinance No. 1710 by creating the Specific Use
Pen -nit (SUP) process within the Commercial (C) Zoning, District to allow the sale and
rental of trailers.
Mayor Clifford opened the public bearing 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 Knox. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
18. Discuss, conduct a public hearing, and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2017-050AN
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 A, FINAL
PLAT, WYNN WOOD ADDITION, BEING LOCATED AT 860 SOUTH
COLLEGIATE DRIVE, IN THE CITY OF PARIS, LAMAR COUNTY, TEXAS,
FROM A TWO-FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT (2F) TO A MULTI -FAMILY
DWELLING DISTRICT NO, I (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 explained that applicant Rick Casey requested a zoning change from a Two -
Family Dwelling to a Multi -Family Dwelling District for a triplex unit. He said the Planning and
Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of this request and staff recommended
denial. He further referenced the existing land use, existing zoning and Future Land Use Plan
and said staff believed that by approving this rezoning it would be a spot zoning decision. Mr.
Efrussy expressed a concern that later down the road, someone might try to put an apartment
complex there if they amended the zoning. He said there was not a use in the zoning ordinance
for a triplex, Mayor Clifford and Council Member Knox inquired if this could be done with a
SUP. Mr. Efrussy said they would have to amend the zoning ordinance.
Mayor Clifford opened the public hearing and asked for anyone wishing to speak in
support or opposition of this item, to please come forward. Cindy Casey, wife of applicant,
spoke in support of this zoning change. Ms. Casey said they were doing nothing but changing a
few walls inside the duplex to turn it into a triplex, as it was a huge structure and could
Regular Council Meeting
December 11, 2017
Page 6
accommodate three living units. She said there was no way someone could put an apartment
complex on the lot, because it was too small for that. With no one else speaking, Mayor Clifford
closed the public hearing. Mayor Clifford said he did not have a problem approving the zoning
change, because the lot was too small for an apartment complex but that he would like for Alan
to look at amending the zoning ordinance.
A Motion to approve the zoning change was made by Mayor Clifford and seconded by
Council Member Portugal. Motion carried, 6 ayes -- 0 nays.
19. Discuss and provide direction to city staff on an application for disannexation of property
filed by Case .and Ashley Johnson, 2355 Wildwood Lane.
A Motion to remove this item from the table was made by Mayor Clifford and seconded
by Council Member Drake, Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
City Attorney Stephanie Harris said items 19 and 20 should be discussed together and
this afternoon, staff had received a new application for the same area. Ms. Harris said the new
one would not be discussed, because staff did not receive it in time to place it on the agenda.
Ms. Harris reviewed the maps, citing the Johnson and Archer property were contiguous
but that the White property was not and would create a hole if they disannexed it. She also said
this was against the City's disannexation policy because these did not meet the guidelines. Ms.
Harris farther said these three properties were among thirteen along Wildwood Lane. Ms. Harris
explained that the only service not currently available to property owners in the subdivision was
sewer, and that some properties purchased their water from the City and others from the County.
Property owner Case Johnson said be had a LCW Supply meter and another meter, and
that initially Lamar County served the area. He also said the properties were annexed around
2000. Property owner Ms. Archer said there had been no street maintenance. Property owner
Sherrie White said they did not have access to water. City Manager John Godwin explained
water was there and it did not matter who serviced it. Mr. Godwin also said the City could not
kick off another utility entity just because they annex or disannex. Loren Stephens, 2385
Wildwood, said he was not there to speak for or against disannexation but that the bridge was
sinking and the road was terrible. Mr. Stephens said he had paid for a clear water system and to
hook onto the City of Reno, it would cost $6,000 or $7,000.
Council Member Portugal said these disannexation applications did not meet the criteria
as set out in the City's policy, Ms. Harris said the guidelines reference a majority of property
owners. Mayor Clifford said his inclination was to deny these requests. Council Member Knox
said if other property owners decide to join in, they could then review the requests. Mr. Godwin
said if the disannexations did not go the way the property owners wanted, the City could possibly
enter into an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Reno for the City of Reno to provide sewer to
the property owners. It was a consensus of the City Council that the applications did not meet
the criteria under the guidelines for disannexation.
Regular Council Meeting
December 11, 2017
Page 7
20. Discuss and provide direction to city staff on applications for disannexation of property
filed by the following:
• Jeremy & Kristen Archer, 2305 Wildwood Lane
• Jeff & Sherrie White, 2410 Wildwood Lane
21. Discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2017-051: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, ISSUING A LICENSE TO DAVID
THOMPSON d/b/a LONE STAR CAB CO. TO OPERATE A TAXICAB BUSINESS
ON THE PUBLIC STREETS OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS; FINDING A PUBLIC
NECESSITY AND CONVENIENCE FOR ISSUANCE OF SAID LICENSE; MAKING
OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND
DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Manager John Godwin explained that this item and the next two were the taxi cab
companies that had been doing business in Paris for years.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Mayor Clifford and seconded by Council
Member Drake. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
22. Discuss and act on. ORDINANCE NO. 2017-052: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, ISSUING A LICENSE TO RANEY
DAY ENTERPRISES, INC., &b/a CITY CAB, TO OPERATE A TAXICAB
BUSINESS ON THE PUBLIC STREETS OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS;
FIN r DING A PUBLIC NECESSITY AND CONVENIENCE FOR ISSUANCE OF SAID
LICENSE; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS, RELATED TO THE
SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE,
A Motion to approve this item was made by Mayor Clifford and seconded by Council
Member Portugal, Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
23. Discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2017-053: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, ISSUING A LICENSE TO RANEY
DAY ENTERPRISES, INC. d/b/a. YELLOW CAB OF PARIS, TO OPERATE A
TAXICAB BUSINESS ON THE PUBLIC STREETS OF THE CITY OF PARIS,
TEXAS; FINDING A PUBLIC NECESSITY AND CONVENIENCE FOR ISSUANCE
OF SAID LICENSE; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED
TO THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Mayor Clifford and seconded by Council
Member Knox. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
24, Discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2017-054: 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
ReguW Council Meeting
December 11, 2017
Page 8
ORDINANCES OF TIME CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS; ESTABLISHING STOP SIGNS
STOPPING NORTHBOUND AND SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC AT THE
INTERSECTION OF 18TH STREET NE AND FAIRFAX 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 Randy Tuttle said the Traffic Commission received a request to
Places stop signs at I8`°' N.E. and Fairfax. He also said the intersection currently has no traffic
control. device and that Commission recommended approval.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Drake and seconded by
Council Member Jenkins. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
25. Discuss and possibly act on a Resolution proposed by the Historic Preservation
Commission to petition the City Council to instruct the City Manager and City Attorney
to foreclose on the Belford Apartment Complex and put out a Request for Proposals for
Sale of the Belford Apartment Complex as an "Adaptive Historical Property
Restoration."
City Engineer Carla Easton said this item was presented to the Historic Preservation
Commission in October by member David Alarid for the City to intervene and try to move
forward with restoration of the Belford Building. Ms. Easton gave a history to the Council,
beginning with the building being identified by code enforcement as a dilapidated structure in
2010. She said the Building and Standards Commission placed its first order on the property in
September of 2010, and subsequent orders were placed in attempts to force the owner to repair
the building. Ms,. Easton reviewed the timeline of the Building and Standard Commission's
actions. She referenced the structural engineer's report which identified multiple deficiencies in
the structure that tendered it unsafe, including severe deterioration of the building. In summary,
Ms. Easton also said that civil penalties had accrued to the sum of $2,021,80'0.00 and continued
to accrue at $1,100.00 per day. Ms. Easton told City Council that in October and November of
2016, city staff and Council Member Lancaster met with the owner in an eftbrt to help him by
recommending that the City Council reduce or waive all penalties, should the owner want to sell
the property to a genuine buyer. Ms. Easton said no further progress had been made on the
demolition or repairs to the property. She also said the City could legally demolish the building
but has not done so, due to cost. Ms. Easton explained the Historic Preservation Commission
recommended a process by which the City would intervene with the following: take ownership
by foreclosure; procure bids for the building restoration; adopt a tax increment financing to
subsidize the restoration; and sell the property to an investor.
Mayor Clifford said if the City took over the building and Mr. Alarid was able to do
something with it, the building could be saved. He also said it was his understanding if the City
did not, that in a matter of time it could collapse, City Attorney Stephanie Harris said this could
be done, but it was not without risk to the City. She said a lawsuit would have to be filed, in
order to reduce the civil penalties to judgment and more than likely, it would result in a trial and
the result could be appealed, Ms. Harris advised once a final judgment was entered, they would
Regular Council Meeting
December 11, 2017
Paige 9
have to go through post -judgment remedy process, get an abstract of judgment and get a writ of
execution on the judgment. She also said subsequently there would be a sheriff s sale and then
the City could bid oil it at that time. Ms. Harris told the Council if the City takes ownership of it,
there will be at least a period of time between when the City gets title and it is sold to someone
else by the RFP process, and there were associated liabilities but those were executive session
type details. Ms. Harris said if the building doesn't sell, then the City has the building and there
are barriers to sell, one of which is the condition of the building, tax credits that would be
important to this project were on the chopping block under the federal tax overhaul plans,
including the: new market tax credits and historic tax credits. Ms. Harris told Council if those go
away, it would be difficult to finance the project according to her understanding as how Mr.
Alarid wants to finance the project, Ms. Harris said if it sells and doesn't get restored, and it
comes back to the City, then at the end of five years the City owns the building. Ms. Harris
advised she was not telling them yes or no, but that she would be remise if she did not make
them aware of all of this.
Mayor Clifford inquired what would happen in the next seven years if the City did not do
this, Ms. Harris said either the City would have to demolish it, or it would collapse. She advised
that the City had the right to demolish it. Ms. Harris reported Mr. Kammer was under order's to
demolish it but had not demonstrated the willingness, or the ability to, do, so. Mayor Clifford
want to know how much demolition would cost and Ms. Harris informed him the estimates were
approximately $300,000 to $400,000. Mayor Clifford said if they do nothing, then at some
point the City would have to demolish it to the cost of $300,000 or $400,000, or the City can
own it along with its problem but at least have a chance to sell it. Ms. Harris emphasized if the
City owns it then the City has liabilities that the City would not have. Mayor Clifford said if the
City decided to demolish it, the City assumed those liabilities at that point. Mayor Clifford
inquired who, would own the property if the City demolished it and Ms. Harris said Boomer
Trends owned by Kenny Kammer would own the property, Mayor Clifford wanted to know
what would happen to the $2 million dollars owed. Ms. Harris said it would still be a liability oil
the property,
Council Member Knox said while Mr. Alarid presented an opportunity, the entire
Historic Preservation Commission felt it was necessary to do sornething with the building,
because the owner was not or could not do something with it. She said it was an eye sore,
becorning increasingly dangerous and nothing was being done, except properties around it were
losing tax value. Council Member Knox said this property was, sitting there rotting and it was a
significant piece of property. She also said there were opportunities that existed today to do
sornething with it, to save a piece of Paris' history. Council Member Knox stated either Paris
was going to be a historic town or not and this time, the State of Texas has designated Paris as
one of the most historic cities in the State of Texas. She also said she was in favor of the
foreclosure and pursuing a viable option. Mayor Clifford agreed with Council Member Knox.
Ms. Harris said she did not know if HPC had discussed this, but there was a provision under
Chapter 214 of the Local Government Code that would allow them to file a lawsuit that would
result in the appointment of a receiver. Ms. Harris said the receiver would pretty much have all
of the rights of the owner but could not sell the property. She also said the receiver could do the
repairs, bring it up to historical standards and had the right to reimbursement, plus a receivership
fee of 10% of the costs and expenses the receiver puts into the building, Ms. Harris, said any
RegOar Councif Meeting
December 11, 2017
Page 10
time after one year and while the receivership is still active and the owner has been given the
opportunity to pay for the work and hasn't done so, the City or the receiver could petition the
court for the receivership to end and order the building sold, Ms. Harris said at that time, all of
the proceeds would go to pay back the receiver, and the receiver could bid on the property and
get a credit on what the receiver spent on the building. Council Member Knox wanted to know
if this was discussed with the HPC and Ms. Harris said she did not know. Council Member
Knox inquired about tax credits in this situation. Ms. Harris said there may be a problern with
financing, but she did not know the answer to that.
A Motion to foreclose on the Belford Apartments and uphold the resolution upheld by the
Historic Preservation Commission was made by Council Member Knox and seconded by Mayor
Clifford. Motion carried, 4 ayes — 2 nays, with Council Members Drake and Portugal casting the
dissenting votes.
Ken Kohls, 3935 Brandyn Place, wanted to know if the City was now going to own this
property, since they foreclosed on it. He said there was property in the Historic District that the
City owned right now and they were not doing anything on it. He referenced The Plaza Theater
downtown. Mayor Clifford said the City did not have good options right now. Council Member
Knox said the City was assuming the property to bid out in an RFP format, so that investors
could purchase the property and repair the property. Mr. Kol-Ils wanted to know when that was
going to happen, Council Member Knox said they had five years to do that. Mayor Clifford said
he thought the alternative would be to tear it down at that point, if nothing materializes and the
City would have to tear it down anyway. Council Member Knox said they were hoping that
something will be done with the building.
26- Convene into Executive Session pursuant to Section 551.071 of the Texas Government
Code, Consultation with Attorney, to receive legal advice frorn the City Attorney about
pending or contemplated litigation and/or on matters I which the duty of an attorney to
her client under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of
Texas clearly conflict with this chapter, as follows. New Cingular Wireless PCD, LLC
d/b/a/ AT & T Mobility, Plaintiff v. City of Paris, CTRA Property Holdings Corporation
and Oncor Electric Delivery Company, LLC, Defendants, Cause No. 86108.
Mayor Clifford convened City Council into executive session at 7':36 p.m.
27. Reconvene into Open. Session and possibly take action on those matters discussed in the
Executive Session,
Mayor Clifford reconvened City Council into open session at 7:42 p.m. and said Council
received legal advice from the city attorney about pending litigation.
28. Consider and approve future events for City Council and/or City Staff pursuant to
Resolution No. 2004-08 1.
Nothing was referenced,
Regular Council Meeting
December 11, 2017
Page 11
29, Adjournment,
There being no further business, a Motion to adjourn was made by Council Member
Portugal and was seconded by Mayor Clifford. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays. The meeting
was adjourned at 7:43 p.m.
STEVEN J. CLIFFORD, M.D., MAYOR
JANICE ELLIS, CITY CLERK