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06/25/2018 MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS June 25, 2018 The City Council of the City of Paris met for a regular session at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 25, 2018, at the City Council Chamber, 107 E. Kaufinan, Paris, Texas. Present: Mayor: Steven Clifford Council Members: Renae Stone; Derrick Hughes; Billy Trenado; Linda Knox; Clayton Pilgrim; and Paula Portugal City Staff: John Godwin, City Manager; Stephanie Harris, City Attorney; Janice Ellis, City Clerk; Gene Anderson, Finance Director; Bob Hundley, Police Chief; Larry Wright, Fire Chief, Carla Easton, City Engineer; Doug Harris, Utilities Director; Kent Klinkerman, EMS Director; Jerry McDaniel, Public Works Director; Priscilla McAnally, Library Director; and Clyde Crews; Fire Marshal Opening Agenda 1. Call meeting to order. Mayor Clifford called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2. Invocation. Pastor Seal gave the invocation. 3. Pledge of Allegiance. Council Member Hughes led the pledge. 4. Citizens' Forum. Larry Schenk, 3765 Dawn Drive — he said he for the last two years, he had spoken about the need of a cost of living raise for retirees. Mr. Schenk said retirees had not received a COLA in more than a decade, and urged the Council to consider giving them one. Louise Hagood, 556 Fitzhugh — she said Cheri Bedford was working very hard in beautifying Paris, and Council had been lacking in enforcing codes. Ms. Hagood said code enforcement was not out enough because there was still a lot of high grass, junk and rubbish. Regular Council Meeting June 25, 2018 Page 2 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 Trenado and seconded by Mayor Clifford. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. 5. Approve minutes from the meeting of June 11, 2018. 6. Receive reports and/or minutes from the following boards and commissions: a. Main Street Advisory Board (5-8-2018) b. Paris Visitors & Convention Council (5-21-2018) c. Historic Preservation Commission (5-22-2018) d. Housing Authority (5-31-2018) 7. Receive May monthly financial report. 8. Receive May drainage report. 9. Receive demolition and code enforcement activity reports. 10. Approve the Final Plat of Offutt Properties Addition No. 3, City Block 77, located at 459 N.E. 1st Street. 11. Approve the Re -plat for a Portion of Lots 2 & 3, Block 9, Sperry's First Addition, located at 2851 Bonham. 12. Approve the Re -plat of W.E. Campbell Addition, Block 1 Lots 1 & 2, located at 1104 S.E. 12th Street. 13. Approve the Final Plat of Burns Addition, Lot 1, Block A, City Block 80, located at 529 N.W. 3rd Street. 14. Approve the Final Plat of Leeks Addition Lot 1, Block A, City Block 88, located at 705 N.W. 5' Street. 15. Approve the Final Plat of William Harlan Addition, Lot 1, Block A, City Block 252, located at 1770 E. Washington Street. 16. Approve final payment in the amount of $40,287.90, close out the contract with Richard Drake Construction on the 2017 Street Bond Improvements to E. Cherry, E. 3rd, N.W. 7th, and S.W. 7th Streets, and accept improvements. Regular Council Meeting June 25, 2018 Page 3 Reg A °enda 17. Discuss, conduct a public hearing and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2018-017: 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 7, CITY BLOCK 266, BEING LOCATED AT 1375 N.E. 20' STREET, IN THE CITY OF PARIS, LAMAR COUNTY, TEXAS, FROM A SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT (SF -2) TO A COMMERCIAL DISTRICT (C); 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. City Manager John Godwin explained that applicant Gary Weatheread was requesting a zoning change from Single -Family Dwelling District to Commercial District, and proposed to build a shop close to his house. Mr. Godwin said staff, as well as the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval. Mayor Clifford opened the public hearing and asked 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 Mayor Clifford and seconded by Council Member Pilgrim. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. 18. Discuss and appoint Richard Manning to serve the unexpired term of Derrick Hughes on the PEDC Board. Mayor Clifford said for many years the Paris City Council has had a deadline to place something on the agenda and that deadline was noon the Wednesday before the Council meeting. He said Council Member Portugal posted it on Thursday afternoon. He said it did not violate the open meetings act but did violate the City Council's policy that had been in place for years. He said in the future he respectfully requested that all Council Members abide by the policy. With regard to the substance of the agenda item, Mayor Clifford said two weeks ago Mr. Pilgrim argued establishing and following a procedure for elections and appointments. He proposed a policy by which all nominations were made, and then all nominations were placed in a hat, randomly drawn out, and voted on until the board was filled. Mayor Clifford said this policy passed unanimously and although he was absent that night, he supports this policy. He said before they had even used the process, this item was placed on the agenda contradicting this policy. Mayor Clifford said he did not feel this was fair to the other applicants. He said if Mr. Manning was not re -appointed to the PEDC Board that he felt Mr. Manning would be willing to assist the Board at Mr. Paris' request. Regular Council Meeting June 25, 2018 Page 4 Mayor Clifford said because this agenda item was posted in violation of Council's long standing rules, because it directly violated the newly adopted procedures, because it was not fair to other applicants, because it would not have an effect on economic development and it was not in the best interest of Paris, he made Motion to table this item and was seconded by Council Member Knox. Mayor Clifford asked for discussion on this item. Council Member Portugal said she spoke with Mr. Godwin about this issue and there was a misunderstanding about whether she wanted this on the agenda. She said when the agenda came out, she she realized it wasn't on the agenda and it was just a mistake. She said she felt Chairman Manning had served this City well, both as a mayor and chairman of PEDC. Council Member Portugal said she would like to give him the opportunity to see Spiral Weld complete and be there when they join the Paris family. Council Member Knox said that Mr. Hodge presented a valid argument at the last meeting how important this policy was and a delegation of people stood in support of policy and procedures. She said it would be undermining their wishes. She said she felt they needed to honor the wishes of the people that were at the last meeting, in that Mr. Manning should be nominated like other applicants. Council Member Stone agreed. She said if they change their policy before they ever use it, the integrity of the City Council would be jeopardized and they did not need that. She said Mr. Manning had served in the community and expressed appreciation, but that they needed to make sure that everyone had the same opportunity. Council Member Hughes asked if they could hear from PEDC Executive Director Michael Paris as to why he wanted Mr. Manning re -appointed. Mr. Paris said he contacted Council Member Portugal and suggested Mr. Manning be re -appointed for continuity of the Board. Mr. Paris said Spiral Weld had not made a decision and that Mr. Manning had built a relationship with representatives of Spiral Weld. Mayor Clifford inquired of Mr. Paris whether or not Mr. Manning could be involved, if he was not re -appointed to the Board. Mr. Paris said he could be involved, but could not vote if he was not on the board. Mayor Clifford said there was a Motion and second on the floor to table this item and called for a vote. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. 19. Discuss and make appointments to the various Boards and Commissions. Mayor Clifford said he wanted to follow exactly the way Council wanted to do this, and would start with Council Member Portugal and let everyone who wanted to nominate an applicant do so. All the people who are nominated will be placed into the basket and then drawn out, and vote in the affirmative only and anyone who gets four votes will be on that committee. Mayor Clifford confirmed with Council this was the procedure. Regular Council Meeting June 25, 2018 Page 5 With regard to the Airport Advisory Board, Council Member Portugal nominated Nathan Jim Bell; Council Member Knox nominated Anna Spencer; and Council Member Stone nominated David Taylor. Mayor Clifford called for a vote on each nominee, and all three nominees were appointed to the board. With regard to the Band Commission, Mayor Clifford nominated Betsy Mills and Council Member Knox nominated Collane Hernan. Mayor Clifford called for a vote on each nominee, and both nominees were appointed to the commission. With regard to the Building Board of Appeals, there were no applicants. With regard to the Building and Standards Commission, Mayor Clifford said there were two vacancies. Council Member Portugal nominated Kenneth Kohls; Council Member Pilgrim nominated Beverly Johnson; and Council Member Hughes nominated James Belcher. Names were drawn and voted upon, with Beverly Johnson receiving 6 votes and Kenneth Kohls receiving 4 votes. With regard to the Historic Preservation Commission, Mayor Clifford said there were four vacancies. Council Member Portugal nominated Carolyn Patterson; Council Member Pilgrim nominated Matt Coyle, Council Member Knox nominated Linda Vandiver; Council Member Stone nominated Michael Lazar, and Mayor Clifford nominated Randy Hider. Names were drawn and voted upon, with Linda Vandiver receiving 6 votes, Matt Coyle receiving 6 votes, and Randy Hider receiving 7 votes. Mayor Clifford said there was still one vacancy to be filled and called for another round of nominations. Council Member Portugal nominated Carolyn Patterson and Council Member Knox nominated Michael Lazar. Michael Lazar's name was drawn and he received 5 votes. Pursuant to city ordinance, Mayor Clifford explained the mayor was required to appoint members to the Housing Authority. He said there were three vacancies and he re -appointed Terry K. Haynes, Dewayne Dangerfield, and Gary Savage. With regard to the Library Advisory Board, Mayor Clifford said there were two vacancies. Council Member Portugal nominated Ashley Lassiter and Council Member Knox nominated Marilyn Threadgill. Both nominees were appointed to the board. Mayor Clifford said one term was for three years and one term was for two years. Mayor Clifford nominated Marilyn Threadgill to serve in the three-year position and she received 7 votes. With regard to the Main Street Advisory Board, Mayor Clifford said there were two vacancies. Council Member Knox nominated Carolyn Patterson; Council Member Pilgrim nominated Jenny Wilson; and Council Member Portugal nominated Jane Helberg. Names were drawn and voted upon, with Jane Helberg receiving 4 votes, Jenny Wilson receiving 2 votes, and Carolyn Patterson receiving 6 votes. With regard to the Paris Economic Development Corporation, Mayor Clifford said there were three vacancies and one was for a one-year term. He proposed they select all three appointees and then select a person to serve the one-year term. It was a consensus of Council to Regular Council Meeting June 25, 2018 Page 6 do so. Council Member Portugal nominated Richard Manning; Council Member Pilgrim nominated Jay Hodge; Council Member Knox nominated Clifton Fendley; Council Member Trenado nominated A.J. Hashmi; Council Member Stone nominated Mihir "Mark" Pankaj; Council Member Hughes nominated Shay Bills; and Mayor Clifford nominated Lyle Edwards. Mayor Clifford asked if there were any other nominations, and Council Member Hughes nominated Carl Cecil. Names were drawn and voted upon, with A.J. Hashmi receiving 4 votes, Mihir "Mark" Pankaj receiving 1 vote, Richard Manning receiving 4 votes, Carl Cecil receiving 3 votes, and Shay Bills receiving 4 votes. Mayor Clifford asked City Council who they wished to serve the one year term, and Council Member Portugal suggested Richard Manning. Mayor Clifford called for a vote and with 4 votes, Richard Manning was appointed to serve the one-year term. With regard to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Mayor Clifford said there were two vacancies. Council Member Portugal nominated Mark Pankaj; Council Member Knox nominated Brady Fisher; Council Member Trenado nominated Benny Plata; and Council Members Stone and Pilgrim nominated Sims Norment. Names were drawn and voted upon, with Sims Norment receiving 4 votes and Mark Pankaj receiving 7 votes. With regard to the Traffic Commission, Mayor Clifford said there were two vacancies. Council Member Portugal nominated Wendell Moore; Council Member Pilgrim nominated Plug Clem; and Council Member Knox nominated Charles Richards. Names were drawn and voted upon, with Wendell Moore receiving 7 votes and Charles Richards receiving 4 votes. 20. Discuss and act on RESOLUTION NO. 2018-015: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, APPOINTING FIVE MEMBERS AND TWO ALTERNATE MEMBERS TO THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 16 OF THE CITY ZONING ORDINANCE AND THE CITY'S POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR STANDING BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mayor Clifford said there were five regular positions, two alternate positions and six remaining applicants. He inquired of Council if they were agreeable in appointing all of the applicants to the Board, and it was a consensus of Council to do so. Council Member Portugal nominated Chris Fitzgerald to the alternate position. Mayor Clifford called for a vote, and Mr. Fitzgerald was appointed to serve in the alternate position. Following a brief discussion as to which members would serve two-year terms and which members would serve one-year terms, City Council elected to let the Board make that decision at their first meeting. 21. Discuss and appoint City Council Members to serve as liaisons on the various Boards and Commissions. Mayor Clifford said it was not required they serve as liaisons, but if there was a board that anyone one wished to volunteer for they could do so. Council Member Portugal selected the Airport Advisory Board; Mayor Clifford selected the Band Commission; Council Member Regular Council Meeting June 25, 2018 Page 7 Hughes selected the Building & Standards Commission; Council Member Knox selected the Historic Preservation Commission; Council Member Pilgrim selected the Main Street Advisory Board; Mayor Clifford and Council Member Trenado selected the Planning and Zoning Commission; Council Member Trenado and Council Member Portugal selected the PEDC. In addition, Council Member Trenado volunteered to serve on the ATCOG Executive Committee to the Board of Director; Council Member Hughes volunteered to serve on the Visitors and Convention Council; and Council Member Stone volunteered to serve on the Love Civic Center as an ex -officio. 22. Discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2018-018: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, AMENDING SECTIONS 34-22(b), "WATER RATES," AND SECTION 34-23 (a), (b), AND (c), "SEWER RATES — FOR CUSTOMERS USING CITY WATER," OF CHAPTER 34 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS TO REFLECT CHANGES RECOMMENDED BY THE 2018 WATER AND SEWER RATE STUDY; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, A SAVINGS CLAUSE, A PENALTY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A Motion to remove this item from the table was made by Mayor Clifford and seconded by Council Member Hughes. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. Finance Director Gene Anderson reviewed the findings for the 2018 Water and Wastewater Cost of Service Study performed by New Gen Strategies & Solutions. Mr. Anderson explained that scenario one favored residential consumers who consume less, and under that scenario the customer would see an increase of $4.38 a month which included water and sewer. Mr. Anderson further explained the current water and sewer rates for non -contract customers which were adopted October 1, 2014, were determined to be insufficient to generate the revenue required to operate the system. Council Member Portugal said the rates have to be enough to cover the cost of service. Council Member Pilgrim said he did not like raising rates, but it was necessary. Mayor Clifford also said it was necessary. A Motion to approve this item reflecting an increase in rates under scenario one, was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by Council Member Hughes. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. 23. Discuss and direct staff to make possible changes to sidewalks and grassy strips along Church Street as part of the Church Street reconstruction project. Mayor Clifford said Becki Norment was going to give a presentation regarding this subject. Ms. Norment said she resided at 606 S. Church Street, and had lived in the neighborhood for over twenty years. She depicted slides reflecting sidewalks on Pine Bluff and Church Streets, referencing there were some property owners who simply did not maintain their lawns or the green space between the street and sidewalks. She said some of the brand new sidewalks on Pine Bluff were already so overgrown with weeds and grass that the sidewalks were covered up. Ms. Norment asked that City Council take another look at the Church Street Project and consider Regular Council Meeting June 25, 2018 Page 8 paving the grassy area between street and sidewalk, which would allow for a much better look and would help with the maintenance issue. She said she had a petition of those on Church Street who were in agreement with getting this done. City Manager John Godwin explained that bids were opened last Thursday and at this point, they could reject all bids and re -bid the project or approve the bid with a change order. Mayor Clifford inquired about the cost of moving the sidewalk closer to the street to eliminate the grass between the sidewalk and street. City Engineer Carla Easton estimated the cost to be an additional $100,000, and explained that the sidewalk would need to be wider by two feet of concrete because it would be closer to the street and would need to accommodate the ADA requirement. Mayor Clifford said he was inclined to go with the residents. Council Member Pilgrim agreed, in that Church Street was a major thoroughfare into the city. In looking at the green grass growing over curbs on Pine Bluff, Council Member Portugal said it was a failure when people do not take care of their property. Mr. Godwin said if Council was in agreement, that staff could bring something back to them in two weeks. It was a consensus to do so. 24. Receive and discuss annual departmental reports from EMS, Police, Fire and Library. Library Director Priscilla McAnally gave an update on the artwork restoration and preservation, the status of the roof repairs, and information about the after-school programming. EMS/IT Director Kent Klinkerman informed the City Council that the new city web -site had been launched and in the near future, a new phone system would need to be purchased for the city. He said there had been delays in getting the new northwest ESM station built; gave them an overview of the transport workload and the need for a new paramedic. Fire Chief Larry Wright told the City Council about station maintenance, the cancer screening program, the recognition program for retailers for IED chemical purchases, the active shooter training, protective equipment and the need for a third code crew. Police Chief Bob Hundley said the overall crime statistics reduced 6.81% over 2016 increase, calls for service decreased but arrests, arrests increased, the Canine Unit and fully staff Narcotics Unit had success in drug arrests, and that drug use was still a major use. Chief Hundley explained the drug issue played a big part in the crime against persons and crimes against property. Chief Hundley said legislatively mandated and unfunded training had increased, fewer people were applying to be a police officer, they were losing officers to higher paying police departments or the private sector and it took nine months from hire to get an officer on the street. He encouraged hiring incentives for certified officers with experience and asked that they compact the 20 year top out pay to 10 year top -out. Chief Hundley depicted a pay, comparison chart for review. He said the partnership with Lamar County Humane Association was very successful, and expressed appreciation to the group. He also said the police department was having a lot of issues with the phone system and would need a new system in the near future. Chief Hundley expressed concern about the exterior of the police and court building, in that brick was beginning to deteriorate and would eventually result in water on the inside of the building if not repaired. Regular Council Meeting June 25, 2018 Page 9 25. Convene into Executive Session 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 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: Campbell Soup Company. Mayor Clifford convened City Council into executive session at 7:33 p.m. 26. Reconvene into Open Session and possible take action on those matters discussed in Executive Session. Mayor Clifford reconvened City Council into open session at 7:57 p.m. He said the Council discussed a potential business agreement with Campbell Soup. 27. Consider and approve fixture events for City Council and/or City Staff pursuant to Resolution No. 2004-081. In addition to the downtown plan meeting going on upstairs at that time, Mr. Godwin announced there would be another one next Thursday at 7:00 p.m. 28. Adjournment. There being no further business, a Motion to adjourn was made by Mayor Clifford and was seconded by Council Member Pilgrim. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. The meeting was adjourned at 7:58 p.m. °`"SHE CITy'%,, TEV . " CLIFFO 1 T ., MAYOR ANICE ELLIS,