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06-28-2021 CorrectedCORRECTED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS June 28, 2021 The City Council of the City of Paris met for a regular session at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 28, 2021, at the City Council Chamber, 107 E. Kaufinan, Paris, Texas. Present: Mayor: Paula Portugal Mayor Pro -Tem: Reginald Hughes Council Members: Renae Stone; Gary Savage; Mihir Pankaj; Linda Knox; and Clayton Pilgrim City Staff. Grayson Path, City Manager; Stephanie Harris, City Attorney; Janice Ellis, City Clerk; Gene Anderson; Finance Director; Richard Salter Police Chief, Russell Thrasher, EMS Director; M.A. Smith, Public Works Director; Andrew Mack, Director of Planning & Community Services; Clyde Crews, Fire Marshal; and Sandy Collard, HR Director Opening A1,enda 1. Call meeting to order. Mayor Portugal called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2. Invocation. Finance Director Gene Anderson gave the invocation. 3. Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes led the pledge. 4. A. Citizens' forum. Derrick Hughes, 627-5a' N.E. — he referenced item 17 and said that a lot of people were just now finding out that the name of the park was Marin Luther King. He said Joan Mathis had dedicated her to life to the people in Paris and was still contributing to the community. Mr. Hughes favored renaming the park after Mrs. Mathis. Janice Moseley, 4100 Goforth, Kilgore, Texas - she said she received notification that the City was doing to demolish the house at 473-5ffi North Street, which belonged to her deceased aunt and uncle. Ms. Moseley said she was a teacher, she was trying to clean up this property this summer and had a potential buyer. She asked that the house not be demolished. Regular Council Meeting June 28, 2021 Page 2 Brenda Cherry, 1442 Fitzhugh — she referenced item 17 and said that Mrs. Mathis was a wonderful person and deserved to be honored but not by removing Martin Luther King's name from the park. Monica Yates, 1815 Majestic — she agreed with Brenda Cherry. She said it would look bad for the City to remove Martin Luther King's name from the park and feels like they should consider other options. Samantha Hughes, 627-5h N.E. — she said she did not think that it was a dishonor to change the name of the park from Martin Luther King to Joan Mathis, and that he already had a street named after him. Kimberly Johnson Stone, 820 Majestic — she said the park should be left as Martin Luther King Park, because he is a historical figure and fought for everyone. B. Recognition of Yulanda Robins Reeves for her outstanding organization of the Junteenth Parade. Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes and Police Chief Richard Salter presented Ms. Reeves with a certificate of appreciation for organizing the parade and her leadership of the community event. C. Recognition of Don Yarbrough and the Weald Workers of Lamar County for their countless volunteer hours in helping to make Paris beautiful. Mayor Portugal said Mr. Yarbrough could not be at this meeting and asked that this item be tabled to the next meeting. A Motion to table this item was made by Council Member Pankaj and seconded by Council Member Savage. Motion carried, 7 ayes — nays. Consent Agenda Mayor Portugal 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 Savage and seconded by Council Member Pankaj. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. 5. Approve minutes from the meeting on June 14, 2021. 6. Receive reports and/or minutes from the following boards and commissions: a. Historic Preservation Commission (5-12-2021) b. Housing Authority (5-18-2021) c. Paris Economic Development Corporation (5-11-2021) d. Paris Public Library Advisory Board (5-19-2021) e. Building & Standards Commission (5-17-2021) 7. Receive May monthly financial report. Regular Council Meeting June 28, 2021 Page 3 8. Receive May drainage report. 9. Receive demolition and code enforcement activity reports. 10. Approve the Final Plat of Lot 1, Block A of the Aubror Properties Addition CB 316, LCAD Property ID 18757, located in the 3300 Block of N.E. Loop 286. 11. Approve the Final Plat of Lot 1, Block A of the East Side Storage Addition, LCAD Property ID 50982, located in the 300 Block of N.E. 46th Street. 12. Approve the Replat of Lot 3, Block A of the Morningside North #1 Addition, LCAD Property ID 125739 and 104691, located in the 4100 Block of Lamar Ave. 13. Approve Applicant's request to withdraw the petition of Michael McAfee for a change in zoning from a Two -Family Dwelling District (2F) to a Multiple -Family Dwelling District No. 2 (MF -2) in the City of Paris, Block 220-A, Lot 9A & 6, located at 1905 E. Price Street, LCAD Property ID 22040. 14. Approve the bid from Ron Doe Homes for the construction of single-family homes under the TDHCA HOME Program grant, authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute all necessary documents. 15. Approve RESOLUTION NO. 2021-018: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS APPROVING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR AN EXTENSION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE CRIME PREVENTION AUTHORITY (MVPCA), FORMERLY THE AUTOMOBILE BURGLARY AND THEFT PREVENTION AUTHORITY (ABTPA), GRANT FOR CONTINUATION OF THE NORTHEAST TEXAS AUTO THEFT TASK FORCE; APPROVING A CASH MATCH FROM THE CITY OF PARIS IN CONNECTION WITH SAID GRANT EXTENSION; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR ACCEPTANCE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF SAID GRANT UPON NOTICE THEREOF; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Re ular A enda 16. Discuss, conduct a public hearing and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2021-018: 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 CONSIDER AND TAKE ACTION REGARDING THE PETITION OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS FOR A MAP AMENDMENT FROM A CENTRAL AREA DISTRICT (CA) TO A COMMERCIAL DISTRICT (C), BETWEEN PINE BLUFF, GRAHAM, NW 3RD AND NE 3RD Regular Council Meeting June 28, 2021 Page 4 STREETS; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, A SAVINGS CLAUSE, A PENALTY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Planner Andrew Mack explained the current zoning for the four areas and the proposed amendments. He said the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the changes, as did staff. Mayor Portugal asked for anyone wishing to speak about this item, to please come forward. With no one speaking, Mayor Portugal closed the public hearing. A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Pankaj and seconded by Council Member Pilgrim. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. 17. Discuss and act on RESOLUTION NO. 2021-019: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, CHANGING THE NAME OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PARK TO MRS. JOAN MATHIS PARK IN HONOR OF CITIZEN JOAN MATHIS; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mayor Portugal asked for a Motion to remove this item from the table. A Motion to remove this item from the table was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by Council Member Savage. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. Council Member Stone said this park was in her district. She said she had asked this item be tabled once she found out the park was Martin Luther King Park, because she wanted to get community input. She said a meeting was conducted on Father's Day at the St. Paul Baptist Church and the majority of the people wanted to leave the park as Martin Luther King Park. Council Member Stone said this was nothing against Mrs. Mathis and other options could be looked at to honor Mrs. Mathis. Council Member Savage said this park was not just in a district but in the City of Paris. He said an overwhelming majority of people wanted the name changed to the Joan Mathis Park and that it would not be a dishonor to Dr. King. He said people did not even know the name of the park until recently. He said they could honor Dr. King by naming the park after Joan Mathis, because he wanted everyone's name to count. Council Member Stone said she respected Council Member Savage's opinion but in her opinion it would be a dishonor to change the name of the park and she would continue to fight to get Joan Mathis honored. Council Member Pankaj said he too had conversations about changing the name of the park. He asked if they could honor both of the individuals and connect the two from yesterday to today. Regular Council Meeting June 28, 2021 Page 5 Council Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes said he agreed with Council Member Savage, in that this would not be a dishonor to Martin Luther King but that it was a dishonor when it was changed from Johnson Park and was not recognized. He said he spoke with Mrs. Mathis and she said that she would be honored either way, but that she did not tell him not to do it. A Motion to change the name of the park to the Mrs. Joan Mathis Park was made by Council Member Savage and seconded by Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes. Motion carried, 4 ayes — 3 nays, with Council Members Pilgrim, Pankaj and Stone casting the dissenting votes. 18. Discuss and act on RESOLUTION NO. 2021-020: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, APPROVING TIMOTHY DEGHELDER AS THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY MANAGER IN CONFORMANCE WITH SECTION 23 OF THE CITY CHARTER; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Manager Grayson Path said he had worked with Library Advisory Board Members Melanie Loughmiller and Steve Hellman, as well as Sandy Collard, Human Resource Director, to serve as an interview team. He also said a total of five individuals applied and two were interviewed. Mr. Path introduced Timothy DeGhelder as his selection for Library Director and asked that City Council approve the Resolution appointing Mr. DeGhelder as the Library Director. A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Knox and seconded by Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes and Council Member Pankaj. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. 19. Announcement of Mayor's Yard of the Month Award. Planning Director Andrew Mack explained the Mayor had initiated a new program, which began this month and was to award and recognize a high quality of excellence in property care and improvement. He said the purpose of the program was to recognize Paris neighbors who demonstrate above average efforts in maintaining their properties, and thereby contribute to the overall appearance of the community at large. Mr. Mack reviewed the criteria and nomination forms for the program, members of the judging committee, advertisement for the program, the awards and the special yard signs. W. Mack said the Mayor's next award announcements will take place at the first City Council meeting of the month. Mayor Portugal said letters would be sent to the next winners inviting them to the City Council meeting. 20. Discuss the possibility of scheduling a City Council Retreat or Workshop. Mayor Portugal said she placed this item on the agenda for the purpose of team building for City Staff and City Council. She said she knew of several consultants and that the State allowed them to allocate $50,000.00 without having to go out for bids. Mayor Portugal proposed Regular Council Meeting June 28, 2021 Page 6 that staff bring consultants forward for presentations beginning at the next meeting and if Council wanted to hear additional presentations, staff could contact additional consultants. Mayor Portugal proposed the retreat for October 8 for staff and October 9 for City Council, or October 21 for staff and October 22 for City Council. Council Member Savage inquired as to the location and Mayor Portugal said a place had not been selected, but they could use the community room at the library or some other place. Council Member Knox asked if the sessions for staff and City Council would be individual of each other, and Mayor Portugal answered in the affirmative. Council Member Pankaj said this was a great idea and would give City Council a chance to set goals. Council Member Stone inquired who would conduct the retreat. Mr. Path said staff would bring someone to City Council to interview. Council Member Pilgrim asked if staff could bring someone to the next meeting and Mr. Path answered in the affirmative. 21. Discuss and act on a Resolution appointing members to the Board of Adjustment. City Clerk Janice Ellis said there were four vacant positions on this board, but staff had only received three applicants. She explained they could make appointments or table the appointments of this board upon advertising and receiving additional applicants. A Motion to table this item until there were enough applicants to fill the board was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by Council Member Pankaj. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. Mayor Portugal recessed City Council at 6:22 p.m. and reconvened City Council at 6:47 p.m. 22. Discuss and make appointments to the various Boards and Commissions. Ms. Ellis said there were three vacant positions on the Paris Economic Development Corporation Board, and read the names of the applicants. Upon completion of marking the ballots by City Council, City Staff tallied the points given to each applicant and Ms. Ellis announced the three persons as having received the most points were Mark Homer, A.J. Hashmi and Erik Roddy. A Motion to appoint the three nominees to the PEDC was made by Council Member Knox. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. Ms. Ellis said there were two vacant positions on the Planning and Zoning Commission, and read the names of the applicants. Upon completion of marking the ballots by City Council, City Staff tallied the points given to each applicant and Ms. Ellis announced the two persons as having the most points were Sims Norment and Francine Neeley. A Motion to appoint the two nominees to the Planning and Zoning Commission was made by Council Member Knox. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. Regular Council Meeting June 28, 2021 Page 7 Ms. Ellis said there were three vacant positions on the Airport Advisory Board, and read the names of the applicants. Upon completion of marking the ballots by City Council, City Staff tallied the points given to each applicant and Ms. Ellis announced the three persons as having the most points were Bill Allan, Nathan "Jim" Bell, and LeAndra Maughon. A Motion to appoint the three nominees to the Airport Advisory Board was made by Council Member Pankaj. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. Ms. Ellis said there were two vacant positions on the Band Commission, and said the two applicants were Lucia Bunch and Cleonne Drake. A Motion to appoint the two nominees to the Band Commission was made by Council Member Pilgrim. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. Ms. Ellis said there were two vacant positions on the Building and Standards Commission, and read the names of the applicants. Upon completion of marking the ballots by City Council, City Staff tallied the points given to each applicant and Ms. Ellis announced the two persons as having the most points were Adam Bolton and Pat Conrad. A Motion to appoint the three nominees to the Building and Standards Commission was made by Council Member Pilgrim. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. Ms. Ellis said there were four vacant positions, which included two alternate positions on the Historic Preservation Commission. Mayor Portugal said that Glee Emmite was the Main Street representative and Council Member Knox said Laura Caffey was an architect. Ms. Ellis explained that both needed to be re -appointed to the Commission because of the required makeup of the Commission. A Motion to re -appoint Laura Caffey and Glee Emmite in the positions, and Jessica Holtman as the alternate was made by Council Member Knox. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. With regard to the Housing Authority, Ms. Ellis explained this board was to be appointed solely by the Mayor pursuant to State Law. She said there were two vacancies and one applicant, Shatara Moore. Mayor Portugal appointed Shatara Moore and asked Ms. Ellis to advertise for additional applicants. Ms. Ellis said there was one vacancy on the Library Advisory Board and one remaining applicant, DeEtte Cobb. A Motion to nominate DeEtte Cobb to the Library Advisory Board was made by Council Member Knox. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. Ms. Ellis said there were two vacancies on the Main Street Advisory Board and two remaining applicants, Shelby Gilliam and Don Yarbrough. A Motion to nominate Shelby Gilliam and Don Yarbrough was made by Council Member Pilgrim. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. Regular Council Meeting June 28, 2021 Page 8 Ms. Ellis said there was two vacancies on the Traffic Commission and one applicant. A Motion to table this item and advertise for additional applicants was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by Council Member Pankaj. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. 23. Discuss and appoint City Council Members to serve as liaisons to the various Boards and Commissions. Mayor Portugal said that some of the boards required the Mayor to serve as an ex -officio member and then proceed through the list of boards and commissions as follows: PEDC - Bylaws require the Mayor serve an ex -officio. Council Members Pilgrim, Pankaj and Stone all indicated they wanted to serve on this board. Mayor Portugal said she wanted to get all of the boards filled before appointing two liaisons to a board. She said she would like for Council Member Pilgrim to serve. board. Airport Advisory Board - Council Member Knox said she would like to serve on this Band Commission - Council Member Pilgrim said he would like to serve on this commission. Building & Standards Commission — Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes said he would like to serve on this commission. Historic Preservation Commission — Council Member Knox said she would like to serve on this commission. Library Advisory Board — With no one expressing a desire to serve on this board, Mayor Portugal said she would serve on the Library Advisory Board. Main Street Advisory Board — Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes and Council Member Pankaj said they would serve on this board. Planning and Zoning Commission — Council Member Savage and Council Member Pankaj said they would serve on this board. Traffic Commission — Council Member Stone said she would serve on this board. Board of Adjustment — Mayor Portugal said she would serve on this board. Regular Council Meeting June 28, 2021 Page 9 After further discussion regarding the PEDC, Council Member Stone was placed on the PEDC as a liaison. Council Member Pankaj said he had just come off of the PEDC, was aware of the projects but out of respect would not ask to serve on this board. He asked if it was allowed for Council Members to go to the PEDC meeting. Mayor Portugal said the City Staff always posted a possible quorum notice for the PEDC meetings so that was fine. Ark -Tex Council of Governments — Ms. Ellis said the Mayor routinely serves on ATCOG and a Council Member may serve on the Executive Committee to the Board of Directors. Mayor Portugal said she will serve on the Council and Council Member Pankaj said he would serve on the Executive Committee. Visitors & Convention Council — there were no volunteers to serve on this Council. Love Civic Center Board — Council Member Pankaj volunteered to serve on this board. 24. Discuss and act on Paris Economic Development Corporation's budget for FY 2021- 2022. PEDC Executive Director Maureen Hammond presented the 2021-2022 Annual Budget to the City Council (see attached budget). Ms. Hammond answered questions from City Council about the budget. A Motion to approve the budget as presented was made by Council Member Pankaj and seconded by Council Member Knox. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. 25. Consider and approve future events for City Council and/or City Staff pursuant to Resolution No. 2004-081. None were referenced. 26. Adjournment. There being no further business, a Motion to adjourn was made by Council Member Pilgrim and was seconded by Mayor Portugal. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. PAULA PORTUGAL, BYO R