11/09/2020MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS
November 9, 2020
The City Council of the City of Paris met for a regular session at 5:30 p.m. on Monday,
November 9, 2020, at the City Council Chamber, 107 E. Kaufrnan, Paris, Texas.
Present: Mayor: Steven Clifford
Council Members: Paula Portugal; Renae Stone; Reginald Hughes;
Gary Savage; and Clayton Pilgrim
City Staff: Grayson Path, City Manager; Stephanie Harris, City
Attorney; Janice Ellis, City Clerk; Gene Anderson;
Finance Director; Randy Tuttle, Interim Police
Chief; Kent Klinkerman, EMS Director; Thomas
McMonigle, Interim Fire Chief; M.A. Smith, Public
Works Director; Doug Harris, Utilities Director;
and Clyde Crews, Fire Marshal
Absent: Council Member: Linda Knox
Opening A enda
Call meeting to order.
Mayor Clifford called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. Invocation.
Finance Director Gene Anderson gave the invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance.
Council Member Portugal led the pledge.
4. Citizens' forum.
No one spoke during citizens' forum.
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 Pilgrim, and seconded by Council Member Savage. Motion carried, 6
ayes — 0 nays.
Regular Council Meeting
November 9, 2020
Page 2
6. Receive reports and/or minutes from the following boards and commissions:
a. is Visitors & Convention Council Quarterly Activity & Financial Reports
b. Love Civic Center Quarterly Activity & Financial Reports
c® is Visitors & Convention Council Board of Directors Minutes (9-21-2020)
d. Paris Public Library Advisory Board (9-16-2020)
e. Planning and Zoning Commission (10-5-2020)
7. Approve RESOLUTION NO. 2020-049: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TEXAS
DEVELOPMENT BOARD FINANCIAL APPLICATION FOR FUNDING
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLAN; AND
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS.
® Approve an Airport Ground Lease Agreement with Larry David Ervin, for construction
of a new airplane hangar at Cox Field Airport.
9Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Hayter Engineering to provide interim
city engineer services to the City of Paris; and authorize the City Manager to execute all
necessary documents.
10. Accept the bid from Ron Doe, Inc. for construction of single-family homes under the
HOME Program grant received from the Texas Department of Housing and Community
Affairs, and authorize the City Manager to execute all associated documents.
11, Authorize the City Manager to amend the Agreement with Gary and Rebecca Nash to
increase the City's portion of cost sharing from $25,000.00 to $33,000.00 for
improvements necessary to replace a failed retaining wall along Johnson Woods Creek
and adjacent to their property.
12. Award the bid in the amount of $56,985.00 from Bernal Commercial Construction for the
construction of a gabion-style wall, pursuant to the July 22, 2020 Agreement between
Gary and Rebecca Nash and the City; and authorize the City Staff to negotiate contracts.
13. Approve the Final Plat of Lot 1, Block A of the Mo and Jen Addition, LCAD Property ID
50079, located in the 4 100 Block of N. Main.
14. Approve the Final at of Lot 1, Block A of the Scott Addition City Block 101, LCAD
Property ID 15544, located at 930 W. Campbell.
15. Approve the Final Plat of Lot 1, Block A of the Rent One LLC Addition City Block 158,
LCAD Property ID 16571, located in the 800 Block of S. Main Street.
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November 9, 2020
Page 3
16. Discuss, conduct a public hearing and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2020-061: 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, "USE OF LAND AND
BUILDINGS;" BY AMENDING SECTION 12, "SPECIFIC USE PERMITS;"
PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING A PENALTY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Manager Grayson Path said the City Council requested that the Planning and Zoning
Commission review and consider an amendment to the zoning ordinance that would allow
residential uses in Commercial and General Retail districts, specifically if the structures were
originally built as residential homes. Mr. Path also said that the Planning and Zoning
Commission decided to allow residential uses in the C and GR zoning districts with an SUP,
regardless of whether the use was of an existing structure or of a newly constructed structure.
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.
Council Member Hughes inquired if someone wanted to build a shop and house on
commercial property would they be required to get SUP. Mr. Path confirmed that it would be
necessary to obtain a SUP if you were building a house on commercial property.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by
Council Member Portugal. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
17. Discuss, conduct a public hearing and act on a variance request for setback and
placement of a new wireless communication facility (WCF), located at 105 N.W. 19th
Street, LCAD 17391®
City Attorney Stephanie Harris explained that items were similar, in that they were both
applications for a variance of a setback. Ms. Harris said Branch Communications was proposing
to develop and construct a 180' wireless communication tower at 105 N.E. I 91h Street. She
-reviewed the ordinance, which requires that the actual location of such towers in certain zoned
areas require at least 500', and this residentially zoned property was one of those. She said the
applicant had requested a 450' setback variance. Ms. Harris further reviewed with City Council
the requirement for masking or camouflaging the structure. David Wells explained the
construction of the tower and said it was designed with a stress point that should it collapse, it
would collapse on itself. He proposed a wooden fence with shrubs for masking the tower.
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November 9, 2020
Page 4
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.
Mayor Clifford questioned the speed of connection, the price and the equipment for home
use. Chris Rule answered questions regarding speed, price and the actual equipment. Mayor
Clifford asked if residents were notified and if staff received objections. Ms. Harris said they
were notified and staff did not receive any objections. Council Member Stone inquired about
maintenance. Mr. Wells said the company will come once a quarter for maintenance purposes
and will also perform an annual inspection of the tower. Council Member Savage wanted to
know if additions to the tower required Council approval. Ms. Harris said they would be allowed
up to four without Council approval. Council Member Savage inquired if the structure was safe.
Mr. Wells said he had been doing this work for 23 years and up until 5 years ago, he had not
seen a tower go down. Mayor Clifford said this would be bringing competitive internet to the
residents.
A Motion to approve the variance for the setback was made by Mayor Clifford and
seconded by Council Members Portugal and Pilgrim. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
18. Discuss, conduct a public hearing, and act on a variance request for setback and
placement of a new wireless communication facility (WCF), located at 1902 Bonham
Street, LCAD 17245.
Ms. Harris said this tower would be located at 1902 Bonham Street, and the company
was requesting a 375' setback variance.
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 variance for the setback was made by Council Member Savage
and seconded by Council Member Portugal. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
19. Discuss and act on RESOLUTION NO. 2020-050: A RESOLUTION CANVASSING
THE RETURNS FOR THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD ON
NOVEMBER 3, 2020, FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 2;; DECLARING THE WINNER IN
SAID ELECTION; DECLARING THE TERMS OF OFFICE; MAKING OTHER
FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Clerk Janice Ellis reported the November 3`a General Election District Two election
results, as Ed Darnell having received a total of 167 votes and Reginald B. Hughes receiving a
total of 221 votes.
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November 9, 2020
Page 5
A Motion to approve the Resolution declaring Reginald B. Hughes elected to serve as
City Council Member for District Two was made by Council Member Hughes and seconded by
Council Member Savage. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
20. Recognition of outgoing Council Member Derrick Hughes.
Mayor Clifford presented a plaque to Council Member Derrick Hughes for his service to
the City of Paris.
21. Issuance of Certificate of Election; Administer Statement of Elected Officer to Council
Member; and Administer Oath of Office to newly elected Council Member.
Ms. Ellis administered the Oath of Office to newly elected Council Member Reginald B.
Hughes.
22. Election by City Council of Mayor and Mayor Pro -Tem to serve the City of Paris until
the next general municipal election.
Mayor Clifford opened the floor for nominations of mayor, and Council Member
Portugal nominated Steve Clifford for mayor. There being no other nominations, Mayor Clifford
closed the floor for nominations and took a vote. City Council voted unanimously to elect Steve
Clifford as mayor. Mayor Clifford opened the floor for nominations of mayor pro -tem, and
Council Member Stone nominated Paula Portugal for mayor pro -tem. There being no further
nominations, Mayor Clifford closed the floor for nominations and took a vote. City Council
voted unanimously to elect Paula Portugal as mayor pro -tem.
23. Discuss and act on the City Manager's proposal for the creation and advertisement for
Department Heads consisting of the Director of Planning and Community Development,
as well as City Engineer.
With the recent resignation of the City Engineer/Community Development Director, Mr.
Path said he examined the vacated position, along with the needs of Community and City
Operations. Mr. Path explained his proposal of separating the City Engineer role from the
Community Development Director role, and instead combine the Community Development
Director role with the City Planner role to create a new Director of Planning and Community
Development, and create a separate and standalone City Engineer. Council Member Savage
inquired if funds were sufficient to do this. Mr. Path said there was for the first year, and then
adjustments would be made at the next budget cycle. He also said additional duties would go
under the Community Development Director, such as he was going to move code enforcement
under that department. He also said the planner was a new position that had been budgeted this
year. Council Member Portugal said she was thrilled with this decision, as did Mayor Clifford.
Council Member Stone inquired if Mr. Path was going to hire within. Mr. Path said the position
would be advertised in-house and outside as well, because of the qualifications needed for the
position.
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November 9, 2020
Page 6
A Motion to approve the City Manager's proposal was made by Mayor Clifford and
seconded by Council Member Portugal. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
Council Member Savage left the meeting at 6:20 p.m.
24. Discuss and approve the confirmation of the City Manager's appointment of Ron Hervey
as Interim Library Director.
Mr. Path informed City Council that Priscilla McAnally, Library Director, announced her
retirement effective December 31, 2020. In order to maintain operations, Mr. Path said he
wanted to appoint Ron Hervey, Library Supervisor, to serve as Interim Library Director while he
searches to fill the position permanently. He asked City Council to confirm appointment of Ron
Hervey to serve as the Interim Library Director.
A Motion to confirm the appointment was made by Council Member Pilgrim and
seconded by Council Member Hughes. Motion carried, 5 ayes — 0 nays.
25. Discuss and approve the confirmation of the City Manager's appointment of Russell
Thrasher as Interim EMS Director.
Mr. Path said Kent Klinkerman, EMS Director, announced his retirement effective
November 30, 2020. Mr. Path also said he wished to appoint Russell Thrasher to serve as Interim
EMS Director while he searches to fill the position permanently. He asked City Council to
confirm appointment of Russell Thrasher to serve as the Interim EMS Director.
A Motion to confirm the appointment was made by Council Member Portugal and
seconded Council Member Pilgrim. Motion carried, 5 ayes — 0 nays.
26. Discuss and act on considering the qualifications of Alfred Benesch & Company to serve
as a third party engineering firm for the purpose of auditing the Utility Bond Package #4
Project; and authorize the City Manager to negotiate the Scope of Services.
Mr. Path said at the October 12 meeting, City Council had agreed to meet with a third
party engineering firm. He introduced Jeff Sockel and Tim O'Brian, both professional engineers
from the firm of Alfred Benesch and Company who provided City Council with their
qualifications and experience. Mr. O'Brian reviewed the audit process and the benefit of third
party inspections.
Mayor Clifford asked if they would have access to Oscar Renda's documents, and Mr.
O'Brian said that would be up to Oscar Renda, but that the information should be in their
inspection reports provided to the City. Mayor Clifford asked if they would do any actual
digging during the investigation, and Mr. O'Brian said they would not. Council Member Pilgrim
inquired of Mr. O'Brian, if they would be able to testify should the City ended up in a lawsuit.
Mr. Brian answered in the affirmative. Council Member Portugal wanted to know how long the
process would take. Mr. Sockel said they would have preliminary answers in a month or two,
Regular Council Meeting
November 9, 2020
Page 7
but that would really depend on how large a scope the Council wanted. Mr. Sockel said once the
scope of services was negotiated, they would begin the audit. He said once they got into the
audit, they would give Council a report and if Council did not want to go further with the audit,
they could cancel at any time.
Council Member Pilgrim said this firm was definitely qualified and that he valued Mr.
Path's opinion. Mayor Clifford echoed Council Member's opinion. Mr. Path asked Council to
authorize him to negotiate the scope of services and bring something back to the Council at their
December meeting.
A Motion to authorize the City Manager to proceed with negotiating the scope of services
and bring back to the City Council in December was made by Mayor Clifford and seconded by
Council Member Portugal. Motion carried, 5 ayes — 0 nays.
27. Convene into executive session pursuant to Sec. 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: Downtown Development.
Mayor Clifford convened City Council into executive session at 6:52 p.m. and said there
was not action to be taken.
28. Reconvene into Open Session and possibly take action on those matters discussed in
Executive Session.
Mayor Clifford reconvened City Council into open session at 7:31 p.m.
29, Consider and approve future events for City Council and/or City Staff pursuant to
Resolution No. 2004-081.
No future events were referenced.
30. Adjournment.
There being no further business, a Motion to adjourn was made by Mayor Clifford and
was seconded by Council Member Portugal. Motion carried, 5 ayes — 0 nays. The meeting was
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STEW J. CLIF 1), M.D., MAYOR