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05 - City Council MinutesItem No. 5 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS July 26, 2021 The City Council of the City of Paris met for a regular session at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 26, 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;tjGene Anderson, Financeh`Director; Richard Salte'r_; Polce,Chief Russell°,, Thrasher, EMS Director; M. A. Smith, Public W, orks Director; Andrew Mack, Director of Planning{ & Community Services; Clyde ;Crews, Fire Marshal; and Sandy Collard, HR Director 01jening Agenda - 1. enda-1. Call meeting to order. Mayor Portugal called the meeting to order at 5:30 2. Invocation. Finance Director Gene Anderson gave the invocation. 3. Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes led the pledge. 4. Citizens' forum. James O'Bryan, 3150 Bonham — he said he knew policies and rules changed but that sometimes the changes that happen that affect citizens are not fair. Bill Madding, 2225 36a' N.E. — he said he was concerned about having multiple family dwellings on 36th N.E., because it was already a high traffic street and there were over 50 pot holes. Regular Council Meeting July 26, 2021 Page 2 Bret Ables, 2005 37h N.E. — he said he lived directly behind the area in which multi- family dwellings were proposed. He said it was a successful area and questioned why that area would be placed in jeopardy. Consent A enda Mayor Portugal asked that item 12 be pulled and said Council Member Pankaj had asked to be recused from item, because he had a conflict. A Motion to recuse Council Member Pankaj was made by Council Member Savage and seconded by Council Member Pilgrim and Knox. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays. 12. Approve the Final Plat of Lot 1, Block A of the Mihir Pankaj 318 Addition, LCAD Property ID 18785, located at 3143 N.E. Loop 286. Council Member Pilgrim inquired if this plat was approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission, and City Planner "Andrew Mack answered in the affirmative A° Motion to approve the plat was made by Council' Member Pilgrim and seconded byjCounciiMembers Savage and Knox. Motion carried, 6w ayes —'0 nays. A Motion to return Council Member Pankaj to the meeting was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded Eby Council Member Hughes. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays. Mayor Portugal mquired'of Council Members if they wished to'pullany additional items from the consent agenda for discussion. Council Member Pankaj pointed out that the agenda reflected the corrected minutes were written as July 28, 2021. MsUllis confirmed that the actual minutes in the packet were for June 28, 2021, and the agenda wording was a typo. Mr. Pankaj also said item 13, last line should read "or instead of on. There being !nothing further, a Motion to approve the remainder of the consent 'agenda with corrections was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by Council Member Pankaj. Motion carried,,J ayes — 0 nays. 5. Approve corrected minutes from the meeting of June 28, 2021, and corrected Resolution No. 2021-019. 6. Approve minutes from the meeting on July 12, 2021. 7. Receive reports and/or minutes from the following boards and commissions: a. Paris Visitors & Convention Council Quarterly Activity & Financial Reports b. Love Civic Center Quarterly Activity & Financial Reports c. Building & Standards Commission (6-21-2021) d. Paris -Lamar County Health District (4-19-2021) e. Airport Advisory Board (5-20-2021) f. Main Street Advisory Board (6-8-2021) g. Historic Preservation Commission (6-9-2021) h. Paris Economic Development Corporation (6-15-2021) 8. Receive June monthly financial report. Regular Council Meeting July 26, 2021 Page 3 9. Receive June drainage report. 10. Receive demolition and code enforcement activity reports. 11. Approve an Airport Ground Lease Agreement with Charles McNeal, for construction of a new airplane hangar at Cox Field Airport. 12. Approve the Final Plat of Lot 1, Block A of the Mihir Pankaj 318 Addition, LCAD Property ID 18785, located at 3143 N.E. Loop 286. 13. Approve the Final Plat of Lot 1, Block A of the Hines Addition, LCAD Property ID 15201, located at 541 N.W. 11th Street. 14., Approve withdrawal of the petition of Clint -and Crista Lumpkin on behalf of Mac- and Tewabeek Mekonnen for a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for Commercial Amusements (Indoor) in, the General Retail District (CR), City of Paris, Block 219, Lots 3 4 and 5, locatedat 1800 Lamar Avenue, Suite 160; LCAD 17378. 3 Reular A ends p° t � e 15.' „ Discuss, conduct a public hearing and act on an`,Ordinance considering the petition of the City of Paris to adopt an Ordinance amending the Zoning Map for Brownwood Addition from a Multi -Family Dwelling District No..l (MF -1) to a One -Family Dwelling District k No. 2(5 =2) and a zoning map amendment to the Davenwick, LLC propertyj LCAD 116525, from a Multi -Family Dwelling District No .2 (MF -2) to a One -Family' Dwelling District No. 2 (SF -2). Planning Director Andrew Mack explained that an Ordinance amending the zoning map was established in 1983 for a 25.03 acre tract of land from Agricultural and Light Industrial to Multiple -Family District No. 1. He said the Brownwood Addition was later developed in the late 1999 to early 2000's with single-family homes. Mr. Mack said following the P&Z meeting on June 16, 2021, the City of Paris initiated a zoning map amendment for this area to maintain the character of the neighborhood consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and existing developed single family land uses. He said a hearing was held by P&Z on July 6, 2021 and they heard testimony and input by a number of property owners, both in favor and against the proposed map changes. Mr. Mack said there was overwhelming objections by the property owners and potential developers of the vacant undeveloped 3.6 acre MF -2 site owned by Davenwick, LLC. He said the Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously recommended denial of the application they initiated. He also said that no objections were made to the rezoning of the developed single family lots in the Brownwood Addition. Due to the fact that the hearing was published as a single action item, the changes could not be altered to remove the 3.6 acre unplatted tract from the rezoning action so P&Z recommended to deny. Based upon the Commissions' action, Mr. Mack said staff subsequently initiated withdrawal of the application now before the City Council for acceptance. He said the rezoning of only the Brownwood Regular Council Meeting July 26, 2021 Page 4 Subdivision single family lots were advertised as a new hearing and a second round of notices were mailed out. He also said the new hearing would be conducted by the P&Z on August 2nd Mayor Portugal opened the public hearing and asked anyone wishing to speak in support or opposition of this zoning change, to please come forward. Angie Gifford — 3765 Eagle Bend Drive in Brownwood, presented the Council with a petition of over 80 signatures of people asking that Brownwood, plus the Davenwick parcel be zoned as single family only. Vickey Hilliard — 3760 Woodland Lane, she stated she was very disappointed that the Planning and Zoning Committee did not support the request of the director and approved the zoning change. She stated that homeowners adjacent to the potential two or three story homes would lose their privacy. Ms. Hilliard also stated this could also cause potential drainage issues, traffic problems, as well as more noise, trash, and crime that tenants would bring in. James O'Bryan, 315.0 Bonham — he said this was confusing, ard`questioned if the City was withdrawing its request to rezone the Davenwick parcel. Mr °Mack said the Planning & Zoning Commission denied the City's request and the City was withdrawing its request for rezoning the Davenwick parcel tCouncil Member Pilgrim said the City Council had three options which were to allow -the withdrawal, deny the request oraper"oue the request. Roy Henderson, 3751 Eagle Bend — he said they already hadT problems with water draining on the backside` of the property and that the ditches wore not wide enough to handle more water. Bill Madding — he said the oads were already a problem and runs across the road. He encouraged to change everything to single family. Cody Sexton — spoke in favor to change the area to single family dwelling, and encouraged City Council to overturn the P&Z's decision because of privacy issues and more traffic. Cleonne Drake, 2501 Simpson — she spoke in support of single family dwelling for her sister who recently moved to Brownwood. Tuesday Smallwood Chadwick, 1040 Canon — she said they purchased the property five years ago as currently zoned. She said they were not planning to put up four story apartment buildings. She said she was a doctor, and had lived in nice rental property and they planned to build nice rental properties. Beth Gilbert, 3735 Eagle Bend — she spoke in favor of rezoning the area to single family and said drainage was already an issue. Regular Council Meeting July 26, 2021 Page 5 Mayor Portugal asked for everyone who was in favor of rezoning the Davenwick property to single family to please stand. Mayor Portugal asked for everyone who was in opposition of rezoning Davenwick to single family to please stand. Bill Sanders, 3375 Eagle Bend — he said he understood the property owners' positions but it was not right. He said it should all be single family and expressed his concern about rental property decreasing the value of their homes. Bret Ables — he said he was sure Bobby Smallwood would build something nice, but this was their community and urged them to look at the faces of the people who were attendance and realize these are their homes. John Chadwick, Powderly — he said he purchased the property as an investment and their name spoke for itself. He said he and his brother spent a lot of time looking at maps and property. He said it was zoned MF2 when they purchased the property. He said there will not be more criminal activity and there will not be more trash. He said there were no` facts to support that. He gaid.when they develop the property they will put in property drainage. :- Richard Thompson — he supported rezoninj •of single family dwelling to;all; of the property. With no one else speaking, Mayor Portugal closed the public hearing. Council Member Stone inquired of Mayor Portugal if she was going to recuse; herself since, she lived in the neighborhood., and said in her opinion it was a conflict for Mayor Portugal. Mayor Portugal said no, she was not going ,to recuse herself and it was not a conflict. City Attorney Stephanie Harris said the ordinance did not rise to create a conflict of interest for Mayor Portugal. Council Member Pankaj said he would like to send this back to Planning & Zoning so that the citizens could be heard by the Commission because the citizens did not appear before the Commission. Council Member Knox supported the idea of staff meeting with developers to find out about their plans. Mayor Portugal said she was pleased to see they were considering patio homes in the brochure Mr. Chadwick passed out at this meeting. Council Member Savage said he was not going to suggest what people should build on their lots. He inquired how this zoning request came about. Ms. Harris said the City could initiate on its own a zoning change. Council Member Pilgrim said he understood everyone's opinion and was against changing the Davenwick property because they bought it as a MF -2. He also said that Mr. Mack would see that the codes are followed. He said he was fine with changing Brownwood to multi -family. Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes said he was concerned about the comments made suggesting with rental properties their property values would decrease, they would have more crime and trash. Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes questioned if there were facts to support these comments, and agreed this needed to be discussed further. Mayor Portugal favored Council Member Knox's comments about the neighbors sitting down with Mr. Chadwick to learn about the development they were proposing for the property. Regular Council Meeting July 26, 2021 Page 6 Mr. Mack recommended approval of the City's request to withdraw the application for rezoning of these two parcels of properties. Council Member Savage inquired why the City requested the zoning change and now they wished to withdraw that request. Mayor Portugal explained that the P&Z did not have a problem with rezoning Brownwood but did with rezoning the Davenwick parcel. Council Member Pilgrim inquired if they could have two motions. Ms. Harris said it was a single item and the choices they had were to follow staff's recommendation to withdraw the zoning amendment request and that staff would go back to P&Z with a request for Brownwood only. She said the other two options were to deny the item or approve the item. A Motion to accept the withdrawal of the petition was made by Council Member Pankaj and seconded by Council Member Knox. Motion carried, 7 ayes — nays. 16. Discuss, conduct a public hearing and act an Ordinance regarding the petition of the City of Paris to adopt an Ordinance amending Chapter 5, Article 5.07 Division 4 Mobile Food Units and Food Truck Parks. City Planner Andrew -Mack explained' that--, the Planning & Zoning 'Commission recommended this minor ordinance amendment to adopt changes in the regulations regarding the Mobile Food Unit and Food Truck Parks. He ;said the; changes Mallow both mobile units in the downtown CA Zoning District for daytime operations a id parks by SUP in the CA. He also said a new special promotion permit may also be approved pfo`r mobileunits to occupy public parking spaces once per year for up to a 2 -day period - adjacent to where the business was located. Mr. Mack answered questions from City Council Members. Mayor Portugal opened the public hearing and -asked for anyone wishing to speak about this item to please come forward. Brandon Schaffer with' Smoking Good Eats, said there was a lot of demand for their :food truck and asked that the City Staff seek input from food truck operators. He said he would like to be able to operate Wednesday through Saturday,'and asked that they consider allowing the food trucks be parked on one spot during that time -period. Mrs. Shaffer also added that it took her hours to set up and take down, which they had to do since they had to move the truck every day. With no one else speaking, Mayor Portugal closed the public hearing. City Council discussed with Mr. Mack the options for bathroom requirements, permanent food trucks, and food truck parks. Council Member Savage said the ordinance should fit everyone. Council Member Pilgrim suggested they table this item and revisit it after City Staff and food truck vendors have a chance to visit about the ordinance. A Motion to table this item was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by Council Member Pankaj. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. 17. Discuss, conduct a public hearing and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2021-019: 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 Regular Council Meeting July 26, 2021 Page 7 AMENDMENTS TO EXHIBIT B ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 1710 SECTION 8. USE OF LAND AND BUILDINGS RELATING TO OFFICE AND NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICE USES; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, A SAVINGS CLAUSE, A PENALTY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Mack explained that the Planning & Zoning Commission had a work session special meeting on June 16, 2021 and approved changes to the Office and Neighborhood Service District uses, as referenced in the Matrix included in their packets and attached to the Ordinance. Mayor Portugal opened the public hearing and asked for anyone wishing to speak in support or opposition to this zoning change, to please come forward. James O'Bryan, 3150 Bonham Street, said the police showed up at his home just under 50 times for legal reasons. He said the neighbors complained about the beauty shop on his property and each time he had to prove to the officers that he had a legal non -conforming use. He said he asked staff what he could do to alleviate this problem and was told he should rezone they property. He said that was accomplished.. With these amendments, he said he would be placed' -right back in the same position. If he wanted to build air addition to his home, it Would initiate a special zoning investigation and would not be allowed. He said he would he would be required to apply for a SUP, go before the Planning & Z-oni,hg Commission and City Council for approval. Richard Thompson, 3306 Bonham said ifthe. changes were approved, that he would be in the 1same boat as James O'Bryan. With no one else speaking, Mayor Portugal closed the public hearing. Council Member Pankaj said both of these gentlemen were in his district and inquired if they could be grandfathered. City. Attorney Stephanie Harris � explained they could not be grandfathered and could'not rezone, just for them. Council Member Pilgrim inquired about the businesses located on Lamar and Clarksville. . Following additional discussion, a Motion to approve the amendment subject to changing one family dwelling unit as special use in the neighborhood service and office districts was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by Council Member Pankaj. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. Mayor Portugal recessed the City Council at 8:05 p.m. and reconvened City Council into open session at 8:15 p.m. 18. Discuss, conduct a public hearing and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2021-020: 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 AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 8, USE OF LAND BUILDINGS; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE, A SAVINGS CLAUSE, A PENALTY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Regular Council Meeting July 26, 2021 Page 8 Mr. Mack explained that the Planning and Zoning Commission had approved changes to the use matrix by adding the definition of a mixed use. He said that the term was already defined in the Zoning Ordinance, but not in the matrix. He also said this change would allow mixed uses in the CA and PD Districts. Mayor Portugal opened the public hearing and asked for anyone wishing to speak in support or opposition to this change to please come forward. With no one speaking, Mayor Portugal closed the public hearing. A Motion to approve this zoning change was made by Council Member Pankaj and seconded by Council Member Pilgrim. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. 19. Discuss, conduct a public hearing and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2021-021: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, x ; 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 o AMENDMENT FROM AN AGRICULTURE; DISTRICT (A) TO A ONE: FAMILY DISTRICT NO. 2 (SF -2), FOR THE SUBURBAN ESTATES ADDITION ANkD COPE STREET NORTH OF PINE MILL RD . PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, A SAVINGS CLAUSE, A PENALTY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. g ,4 Mr. Mach explained that annexation of certain territory consisting of 5,389.03it' acres was adopted in Decemb=er 1997, and was temporarily classified' as an Agricultural District:- He said the procedure for establishing permanent zoning on annexed territory was not completed when the' Suburban Estates Addition and Cope Street north of Pine Mill Road was developed with single-family homes. Mr. Mack also said that the Planning' and Zoning Commission voted to approve the map amendment from Agriculture District to a One -Family District No. 2. Mayor Portugal 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 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. 20. Discuss, conduct a public hearing and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2021-022: 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 AN AGRICULTURE DISTRICT (A) TO ONE -FAMILY DISTRICT NO. 1 (SF -1), FOR THE COLONIAL PARKS ESTATES ADDITION PHASE II; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, A Regular Council Meeting July 26, 2021 Page 9 SAVINGS CLAUSE, A PENALTY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Mack explained this property was annexed in 1997 and was temporarily classified as an Agricultural District. He said the procedure for establishing permanent zoning on annexed territory was not completed when the Colonial Park Estates was developed with single-family homes. He also said that the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the zoning map changes to this property. Mayor Portugal 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 Portugal closed the public hearing. A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by Council Member Savage. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. t a q 21. Discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2021-023: AN ORDINANCE`OF`THE'CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS,. TEXAS, EXTENDING THE MAYOR'S DECLARATION, OF LOCAL; DISASTER =FOR PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY AND ORDER DATED MARCH 19, 2020, AS', EXTENDED BY RESOLUTION NO. 2020-011 AND BY .ORDINANCE NOS. 2020-014, 2020-017, 2020-023, ;2020-030, 2020-035, AND ',`2021-001 AND 2021=009 FOR AN ADDITIONAL NINETY (90) DAYS; MAKING ;OTHER FINDINGS AND -PROVISIONS RELATED ATO THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. is w City Attorney Stephanie Harris said` that this .is the ninth time for extending the declaration -but Covid had not gone away, and she recommended extending it an additional ninety days. City Manager. Graysori�P_atl _said that Russell Thrasher was unable to�be at the meeting but wanted to relay the message that over 21,000 vaccines had been given in the community and they were seeing 20 new positive cases a day. A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Savage and seconded by Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes and Council Member Pilgrim. 22. Discuss conducting a Paris Building, Development and Code Forum. Council Member Pankaj said he had placed this item on the agenda. He said the City wants to be safe and enforce codes, but contractors were confused about some of the regulations and procedures. He also said he thought the City should put on a forum to introduce new staff members and discuss safety codes and procedures. Mr. Mack explained that a forum is in the planning states for fall in order to effectively address concerns and better articulate the City's policy and better educate various professions with a stakeholder role in building and development. He also said that recently an organizing and planning committee for this program was assembled. Mr. Mack said staff had reached out to Regular Council Meeting July 26, 2021 Page 10 a well-respected educator and practitioner in the State of Texas who has agreed to help with organizing and facilitating this forum. He also said Council Member Pankaj had agreed to serve on this planning committee as a speaker for the program in representing views as both an individual Council Member and as a representative of the business community. City Manager Grayson Path said the City Council tasked him with enforcing codes and City Staff was doing the right thing. He also said it was good to educate everyone to help them understand. Council Member Savage confirmed with Mr. Path that it is an education session. Mayor Portugal said two or three years ago the Chamber sponsored the same type forum, the staff did a wonderful job and she was supportive of this. Council Member Pilgrim said lately he had heard from people who tripped themselves up in an effort to cut corners. He said if staff wanted to put on this forum, he would support it. 23. Receive an amended report on the PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) Act and act on RESOLUTION NO. 2021-023: A RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO ESTABLISH A PACE PROGRAM......_ City Attorney Stepl anie`Earr, s said they had talked about this at the last City Council meeting and this was the; first step of the process. She also said at the next meeting they would conduct a public hearing kd consider approving a resolution creafing the program. A Motion to approve -this item was made by Council Member Pankaj and seconded by Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes.! Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. 24. Consider and approve future events for City Council ;and/or City Staff pursuant to Resolution No. 2004 081. ' None were referenced. 25. Adjournment. There being no further business, a Motion to adjourn was made by Council Member Pilgrim and was seconded by Pankaj. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. PAULA PORTUGAL, MAYOR JANICE ELLIS, CITY CLERK MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS August 12, 2021 The City Council of the City of Paris met for a special session at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at the City Council Chamber, 107 E. Kaufman, Paris, Texas. Present: Mayor: Paula Portugal Mayor Pro -Tem: Reginald Hughes Council Members: 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; Thomas Absent: Council Member: m Opening, Agenda 1. Call meeting to order. McMon gle, Fire Chief; Andrew Mack, Director of Planning & Community Services; Doug Harris, Utilities Director; Tim DeGhelder, Library Director; Clyde Crews, Fire Marshal; -Randy Tuttle, Assistant Police Chief; and Toro Hunt, Municipal Judge; Renae Stone Mayor Portugal called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2. Citizens' forum. No one spoke during citizens' forum. Council Member Savage left the meeting at 5:35 p.m. 3. Discuss and provide direction on the FY 2021-2022 budget for the City of Paris. City Manager Grayson Path said the City's consultant Matthew Waverly with Public Sector Consultants was present at the meeting via Zoom to discuss the recently conducted pay study survey. Mr. Waverly explained the process he used in comparing pay scales with ten other cities comparable in population, demographics, and staff size. He said the city of Marshall was the closest comparison. He further explained he reviewed ninety pages of benchmark information, job by job and aimed at a plus or minus of 5% of market pay to define competiveness in making salary recommendations. Mr. Waverly pointed out that the salary Special Council Meeting August 12, 2021 Page 2 recommendations were based on job specific information rather than people -specific classifications. Council Member Pankaj inquired if there would be an annual increase. Mr. Path said yes and no. He said for Civil Service, there would be a three-year plan to get those employees caught up according to the survey. Mr. Path said this would get the non -civil service employees caught up. Council Member Pankaj also inquired if they could adjust the three-year plan later down the road. Mr. Path said they could do so, as there was not a guarantee for the next year. Mayor Portugal inquired if there was equity based on qualification and experience. She also asked if Mr. Path ever saw a need to re-classify a position and the responsibilities, would that person be eligible for a pay increase. Mr. Path said yes, if there was a reclassification he would get Mr. Waverly to study and give them a fair market value for that position. Mayor Portugal expressed appreciation to staff for their hard work and to Mr. Path for all of his hard work. She thanked Mr. Path for tackling this long over -due project. Council Member Pilgrim commended City staff for their service and thanked Mr. Path for -,a good budget. He said he believed in Mr. Path and his team. Council Member Pilgrim asked about the 7-14 proposed match for the fund retirement and inquired if they could instead do some type of sign on bonus. Mr." Path said the firefighters had their own pension fund. Fire Chief Thomas McMonigle said the increase in salaries would be helpful in recruiting and retaining employees. Assistant Police Chief Randy Tuttle also said the 'increase in salaries would :help in getting people with experience, and they could" start an officer at a level pursuant to expenence. ' He also said the police department did have a sign on bonus with the exception of former employees. Mayor Portugal said that over the oast couple of months she had met nearly every employee. She> said Mr. Path had worked jeer hard' on, this process. Mayor Pro -Tern Hughes said he was pleased with the study and that the employees ineeded and deserved an increase in their salaries., He thanked the employees fbr their service tojthe City. He also thanked Mr. Path i for his hard work on this needed salary survey. Council Member Pankaj left the meeting at 6:50 p.m. Mr. Path clarified the total proposed revenue budget was $58.6 million which included $11.3 million in funds dedicated for specific purposes of the proposed $47.3 million operational budget, which was a $7.3 million increase from 2020-21. He said the general fund budget of $25.9 million included a $1.1 million increase from last year, and the Water and Sewer fund of $16.6 million reflected a $1.3 million increase from 2020-21. He said the additional increases in the proposed operational budget included $656,872 for the Cox Field Airport Fund, a Coronavirus Relief Fund of $714,930 and an American Rescue Plan Fund of $3 million with $640,000 in reserve. Mr. Path said the budget came with a proposed 45.373 cents per $100 valuation tax rate, a decrease of 2.7 cents from the prior year and one that brings a 3.5% increase in general fund revenue which was the highest amount allowed by State law without voter approval. Mr. Path reported the budget was balanced with roughly $343,000 from the general revenue fund balance. Mr. Path gave an overview of each department and asked if there were any questions. Council Member Pilgrim wanted to know if they were going to improve the fire rating. Chief Special Council Meeting August 12, 2021 Page 3 McMonigle said no, not until staffing was addressed. He explained that the State changed the standards, which would require an additional three or four firefighters for each shift. With regard to water production, Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes asked Mr. Path to explain the generator. Mr. Path said during the snowstorm and rolling blackouts, such as what we had this past winter, we needed a generator to keep the pumps going to meet water needs. In reference to new equipment, Council Member Pilgrim expressed concern about getting into the mill and overlay business. He said the mill and overlay process for street repair would be a more lasting process than the Band-Aid approach currently used and that the employees were good at many things, but said they may get too spread out. Mayor Portugal said that Council Member Savage had to leave during the meeting due to an emergency and Council Member Pankaj had a family matter he needed to take care of. Mr. Anderson went over the budget timeline and pointed out they had a tight schedule. Mr. Path inquired if Council wanted to have any. additional workshops to which ity was a consensus not to have additional workshops, with the, exception of Thursday. ,Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes said he really did appreciate'the employees, and he trusted Mr. Path and his ;team. He also expressed appreciation to his fellow Council' Members. Mr. Path said if they did not mind, he would like to get started on advertising for the assistant city manager position.- It was a consensus of the City Council to place an item on the next agenda when the entire Council would be present.' 4. Adjournment. There being no further business, a Motion to adjourn was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by Mayor Pro=Tem Hughes. Motion carried, 4 ayes — 0 nays. The meeting was adjourned at 7:04 p.m. PAULA PORTUGAL, MAYOR JANICE ELLIS, CITY CLERK MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS August 9, 2021 The City Council of the City of Paris met for a regular session at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 9, 2021, at the City Council Chamber, 107 E. Kaufman, Paris, Texas. Present: Mayor: Paula Portugal Mayor Pro -Tem: Reginald Hughes Council Members: Renae Stone; Mihir Pankaj; Linda Knox; and Clayton Pilgrim. City Staff Grayson Path, City Manager; Stephanie Harris, City Attorney Janice Ellis, City Clerk; Gene -Anderson- e__ Director; Richard Salte'r,q Police .Chief; Russell, Thrasher, EMS Director; i dn Thomas McM:gle, Fire Chief; Andrew Mack, Dirctor of e Planning,1 & Community Services; Doug Harris, Utilities Director; Tim DeGhelder, Library Director; Clyde Crews; Fire Marshal; Randy Tuttle; Assistant Police Chief; `and Tom Hunt, Municipal Judge; Absent: Council Member: Gary Savage O penin p A ends 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. Steve Clifford, 2057 Silverleaf — he said he served as Mayor, five of the six years he was on City Council. Dr. Clifford said he was surprised when he read the ordinance regarding item #12 and it reflected that no former City Council Members could serve on the Charter Review Committee, and that did not make sense because they had experience of how the City operated. Regular Council Meeting August 9, 2021 Page 2 Dr. Clifford said if this item was approved as written, that he, Edwin Pickle, Derrick Hughes and Aaron Jenkins would be kicked off the committee. Ruth Ann Alsobrook, 208 5t' Street S.W. — she asked City Council to consider placing permanent bathrooms at the Lake Crook Park. Larry Schenk, 3765 Dawn — he said the retirees had been diligent in their requests for a COLA, and asked that the City Council please consider giving a COLA to the retirees. Alvin Atwood, 2419 Bonham Street — he said inflation was going up, he was struggling to feed his family and the water bills kept going up. James O'Bryan, 3150 Bonham — He referenced item #12 and said he agreed with Dr. Clifford. He said he was right in that former City Council Members should be allowed to serve on the committee because they_had the experience. ..> ... B. Presentation of Mayor's .Yard of the Month Awards. Mayor Portugal asked City Council Members whose constituents were receiving an award, to please join them down front, k Mayor Portugal announced the Mayor's Yard of the Month Awards: as follows: ffi Campbell Soup Co,.,,= Industrial Award Guaranty Bank &'.Trust — Commercial Award ' Qu Pedro Sandoval —'Northeast Qu Alfred Lewis — Northwest Quadrant Bill Roden — Southwest Quadrant Danny & Nicole Booth — Southeast Quadrant Leslie Collard — Best Rehabilitation Mayor Portugal presented winners who were present with a Certificate of Appreciation, as well as a gift card from a local business. She said staff would get the certificates and gift cards to those were unable to attend the meeting. Mayor Portugal reminded everyone they could nominate a yard of the month by going onto the City website and completing the form. 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 Pankaj and seconded by Council Member Pilgrim. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays. 5. Receive reports and/or minutes from the following boards and commissions: a. Historic Preservation Commission (7-14-2021) Regular Council Meeting August 9, 2021 Page 3 b. Planning & Zoning Commission (7-6-2021) 6. Approve the lowest bids received for water and wastewater treatment chemicals for use in FY 2021-22. 7. Receive the 2021 tax appraisal roll from the Lamar County Appraisal District. 8. Receive the 2021 tax rate calculations. 9. Approve RESOLUTION NO. 2021-022: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS FORGIVING A DANGEROUS STRUCTURE ABATEMENT LIEN AND SIX NUISANCE ABATEMENT LIENS ASSESSED AGAINST THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 338 N.E. 8TH STREET; FINDING A PUBLIC PURPOSE IN SUPPORT OF SAME; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN:,.EFFECTIVE DATE.- 1W ATE.-1W Approve; a, Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Paris and the Texas State Historic Preservation of Officer regarding the. City of Paris' HOME HRA Program for the City's, demolition of a dwelling located at 7,19',3 Street S.W., Paris, Texas 75460. Regular Mends 1 Lr Discuss and act on RESOLUTION NO. 2021-023:, A RESOLUTION OF THE! CITY OF PARIS, -TEXAS, CITY COUNCIL" ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF PARIS PACE PROGRAM. City Attorney Stephanie Harris explained that this'was the last step in establishing the program that encompasses the entire city. Council Member Pankaj inquired if the City would be marketing the program. City Manager Grayson Path said the program would be marketed on the city website, as well as in pre -development meetings. A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Pankaj and seconded by Council Member Knox. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays. 12. Discuss and act on ORDINANCE 2021-024: AN ORDINANCE DETERMINING THE NEED FOR A FORMAL REVIEW OF THE CITY'S HOME RULE CHARTER; PROVIDING FOR QUALIFICATIONS RELATED TO THE MEMBERS OF A CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION; ANNOUNCING THE CITY COUNCIL'S INTENT TO SELECT AND APPOINT THE CHARTER COMMISSIONERS PURSUANT TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 9.004; ANNOUNCING THE CITY COUNCIL'S DECISION TO HIRE A CONSULTANT TO ASSIST THE CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION WITH THIS PROCESS; AUTHORIZING THE CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSIONERS TO CAREFULLY STUDY THE CURRENT CHARTER AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO AMENDMENTS. Regular Council Meeting August 9, 2021 Page 4 City Manager Grayson Path said at the July 12 meeting it was agreed upon to engage consultant Dan Edmonds. He said the ordinance set out procedures and rules for appointing the Charter Review Commission, and that Mr. Edmonds was present to answer any questions. Mr. Edmonds explained that normally he comes into a project well before an ordinance and commission is appointed and if he had come into the project earlier, he would recommend adoption of the ordinance as written. He recommended a commission of fifteen laypersons. Mr. Edmonds recommended that they not have former Council Members, nor former employees on the Commission. He said he had nothing against former Council Members or city employees but explained they tended to shadow over laypersons on the Commission. He also recommended that each Council Member select two members and that the Mayor select three. Mr. Path said Mr. Edmonds had made recommendations but that Council could changes those. Council Member Knox said when they appointed their committee, they had selected some strong individuals and she thought they would each have a voice. Council Member Pilgrim ingiured of Mr. Edmonds how long he had been in this business, and Mr. Edmonds said he had been consulting,.for twenty-two g years. Council Member Pilgrim said he was absent ,when Ms. ave her Ellis recommendation and that he supported Mr. Edmonds' recommendations. Council Member Pankaj"Ilinquired' about his reason for the*recommendation on exclusion of former city employees and former city council members. 1VIr Edmonds explained that they usually know a lot more than your average lay person and that, would, usually affect the entire commission. He said that he had nothing against former employees andorner Council Members, but that what he had seen in his many ,years in this business. � Mayor' Portugal ;said City Clerk Ms. ;Ellis gave them a recommendation a couple of weeks; prior to the ` selection and that was fornier City Council Members were not usually appointed to serve on a Charter Review Committee. Council Member Stone�inquired of Ms. Ellis if it was a law or rule;"or if it was a recommendation. Ms. Ellis slid if was a recommendation. CouncileMember Stone said they had made appointments and they would be going'back on their wo'r'd if they now made changes. Council Member Pankaj said it is frustrating when Council votes on something and then goes back on it. He said he was taking Mr. Edmonds' word because of his twenty-two years' experience. Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes said the Council was not perfect and he took responsibility for not following Ms. Ellis' recommendation. City Council discussed selection of members to the Commission and whether or not they should select from their District or citywide and decided the selection could be from their own districts or citywide. City Manager Grayson Path suggested they bring three or four names with them should there be duplication. City Council also discussed selection of the fifteenth member. Mayor Portugal favored the idea of her and Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes selecting the fifteenth member together and it was a consensus to do so. Mr. Edmonds said once Council selected the Commission, that they would need to identify the chairperson. Subject to removing #3 of Part I and changing #1 of Part 2 to reflect the number of the Commission to be eleven, A Motion to approve the Ordinance was made by Council Member Knox. After further discussion, the Motion was seconded by Council Member Stone. Motion failed, 2 ayes — 4 nays, with Mayor Portugal, Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes, Council Member Pilgrim and Council Member Pankaj casting the dissenting votes. Regular Council Meeting August 9, 2021 Page 5 A Motion to approve the Ordinance as presented was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by Council Member Pankaj. Motion carried, 4 ayes — 2 nays, with Council Members Knox and Stone casting the dissenting votes. 13. Receive, discuss and act on the Paris Economic Development Corporation's 2021-2023 Plan of Work. Paris Economic Development Director Maureen Hammond said pursuant to the Bylaws, she was to present the Plan of Work to City Council. Ms. Hammond gave a brief overview of the Plan (see Attachment). Mayor Portugal said it was a well thought out and well written plan. Council Member Pankaj expressed appreciation of the process, the plan and specifically the timeline. A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes and Council Member Pankaj. Motion carried; 6 ayes, -0 nays. { 14. Discuss and act on RESOLUTION NO. 2021-024: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, APPROVING A TWELVE (12) MONTH HIATUS . IN THE. ENFORCEMENT OF SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE CHAPTER 9, EXHIBIT. A, SECTION IX (J) REGARDING THE REQUIREMENT OF CONSTRUCTING SIDEWALKS ON SINGLE LOTS; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIO116 AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Planning Director Andrew, Mack explained that the Planning & Zoning Commission discussed the need to adopt a t2 months hiatus in the enforcement of requirements for constructing sidewalks on single building lots at its meeting of,,August 2, 2021. He said this would allow a Committee to be formed and to study this section of the Ordinance. Following a brief discussion, a Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays. 15. Discuss and appoint at least one City Council Member to the Planning & Zoning Master Trails & Sidewalk Plan Sub-Corrunittee. Mr. Mack said the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended that the City Council appoint at least one Council Member to the P&Z Master Trails and Sidewalk Plan Sub - Committee. Mayor Portugal asked City Council if anyone wished to volunteer for the Sub - Committee. Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes said he would be willing serve on the Sub -Committee. It was a consensus of the City Council for Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes to serve on the Sub -Committee. Mayor Portugal recessed City Council at 6:37 p.m. and reconvened City Council into open session at 6:50 p.m. Regular Council Meeting August 9, 2021 Page 6 16. Receive presentation from the City Manager, discuss and provide direction on the FY 2021-2022 budget for the City of Paris. City Manager Grayson Path presented the proposed FY 2021-2022 to City Council. Council Member Pilgrim said the City needed police and firefighters more than ever and he was glad they were looking at salary adjustment. Mayor Portugal said she and Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes met earlier in the day and they are in a tight crunch with five weeks away from having to adopt a budget. Finance Director Gene Anderson gave a timeline of deadlines up through September 27, stating that was the last day the budget could be adopted. Mayor Portugal said a budget workshop had been posted for Thursday, should Council want to meet. It was a consensus of City Council to conduct a budget workshop on Thursday. Mr. Path asked City Council to let him know if there was anything specifically they wanted to discuss. He also said the consultant who handled the salary survey project would be at the meeting to give them a presentation and answer questions. 171 �, Convene into Executive Session pursuant to: u . A. Section'551.087 of the Texas Government Code, (1) to discuss or deliberate regarding commercial or financial information`'that the governmental body as received from a business ,;prospect that the governmental body seeks to have located, 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 r� of a financial 'or other incentive tos w'business prospect described by Subdivision (1), as follows: Project Mustang and Project Fast Track. B. Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code, Consultation with Attorney, to receive legal advice from the'. City Attorney" about (1) pending or contemplated litigation and/or (2) on matters in 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. Mayor Portugal convened City Council into executive session at 8:05 p.m. 18. Reconvene into Open Session and possibly take action on those matters discussed in Executive Session. Mayor Portugal reconvened City Council into open session at 9:20 p.m. and said no action was necessary. 19. Consider and approve future events for City Council and/or City Staff pursuant to Resolution No. 2004-081. There were no future events referenced. 20. Adjournment. Regular Council Meeting August 9, 2021 Page 7 There being no further business, a Motion to adjourn was made by Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes and was seconded by Council Member Pankaj. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. PAULA PORTUGAL, MAYOR JANICE ELLIS, CITY CLERK I�d�P►[iPiiC7 1 1 C Paris Economic Development Corp. MISSION STATEMENT TO PLAN, PROMOTE, FINANCE, AND CONSTRUCT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE RETENTION, GROWTH, AND ATTRACTION OF BUSINESSES THAT ENHANCE THE LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT, THE ECONOMIC BASE AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PARIS AND LAMAR COUNTY, TEXAS. PRIMARY JOB GROWTH Asa Type A corporation, the PEDC must focus on the creation of "primary" jobs. A primary job is defined as a job that is "available at a company for which a majority of the products or services of that company are ultimately exported to regional, statewide, national, or international markets infusing new dollars into the local economy." If a job meets this definition and is classified under one of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) sectors listed below it can be targeted by the PEDC. • 111: Crop Production • 112: Animal Production • 113: Forestry and Logging • 11411: Commercial Fishing • 115: Support Activities for Agriculture and Forestry • 211 to 213: Mining • 221: Utilities • 311 to 339: Manufacturing • 42: Wholesale Trade • 48 and 49: Transportation and Warehousing • 51 (excluding 512131 and 512132): Information (excluding movie theaters and drive-in theaters) TARGET INDUSTRIES • Advanced Manufacturing • Warehouse and Distribution • Agriculture F) • 523-525: Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities; Insurance Carriers and Related Activities; Funds, Trusts, and Other Financial Vehicles 0 5413, 5415, 5416, 5417, and 5419: Scientific Research and Development Services • 551: Management of Companies and Enterprises • 56142: Telephone Call Centers • 922140: Correctional Institutions • 928110: National Security and for corresponding index entries for Armed Forces, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Military Bases. • Back office and Support Centers • Supply Chain and Logistics • Aerospace and Aviation ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN OF WORK The following Economic Development Plan of Work presents seven strategic initiatives and several key objectives designed to support the Paris Economic Development Corporation in achieving its mission to create and retain jobs and talent for Paris and Lamar County. This plan will be implemented over the next two years and is based on the recommendations of staff, input from City Council and the work from the following PEDC committees: Incentive Review Committee, Land Committee, and Marketing Committee. Note: It is the Executive Director's recommendation that once these strategic initiatives are completed, the plan be updated to include focused initiatives that emphasize retaining and attracting talent. While creation and retention of jobs are the organization's core activities, retention and attraction of talent significantly impact our efforts and ability to be successful. Additionally, the role of economic developers continues to evolve, and it is becoming commonplace for economic development organizations to take a more active role in supporting initiatives focused on talent, quality of life, residential housing and more. Authors: Executive Director, Maureen Hammond Board Chairperson, Josh Bray Vice Chairperson, Shay Bills Secretary/Treasurer, Mihir Pankaj Board Member, Chase Coleman Board Member, Curtis Fendley Board Member, AJ Hashmi Board Member, Stephen Terrell Econ. Dev. Associate, Chris Stout STRATEGIC INITIATIVES To meet the expectations driven by our purpose and outlined in our mission statement, we have established a broad set of strategic initiatives that will help guide our activity. These strategic initiatives are as follows: I. Foster the retention and growth of jobs II. Attract new employers and industry III. Cultivate an entrepreneurial ecosystem IV. Support workforce development programming V. Manage and expand the community's land and building assets VI. Encourage unified vision for Paris, Lamar County and the PEDC VII. Explore Internal and external funding mechanisms PLAN OF WORK SUMMARY AND PRIORITIES Foster the retention and growth of jobs Implement a formal survey in Lamar County in partnership with Paris Junior College. Timeline: Aug. 1, 2021— Aug. 31, 2022 Outcome: Survey 20 primary employers Establish board member liaisons for existing industry and host dinners with corporate exec./plant managers. Timeline: July 1, 2021—June 30, 2022 Outcome: Host 10 dinners II. Attract new employers and industry IV. V. VI. Update and enhance the PEDC website Timeline: Nov. 1, 2021— Feb. 28, 2022 Outcome: Functional new website • Coordinate with Cox Field to target aerospace and aviation compatible opportunities. Timeline: June 15, 2021—June 30, 2022 Outcome: Identify and Market Assets Cultivate an entrepreneurial ecosystem • Coordinate with the Small Business Development Center and Paris Junior College on understanding current resources and partner roles in assisting startups. Timeline: Nov. 1, 2021—June 30, 2022 Support workforce development programming Outcome: Understanding of entrepreneurial resources • Partner with Workforce Solutions to support training grants Timeline: June 15, 2021— Dec. 30, 2021 Outcome: Secure Grant through Workforce Solutions • Facilitate or support programming that creates opportunities for apprenticeships, internships, plant tours, career days, job shadowing and more. Timeline: July 1, 2021— Aug. 30, 2022 Outcome: Support or facilitate two initiatives Manage and expand the community's land and building assets Grow the organization's land inventory to accommodate current needs of existing industry and projects. Timeline: June 15, 2021— December 30, 2021 Outcome: Acquisition of land Establish and maintain inventory of available sites and buildings. Timeline: Nov. 1, 2021 — Feb. 28, 2022 Outcome: Working inventory of sites and buildings Encourage unified vision for Paris, Lamar County and the PEDC • Brand Discovery - Establish a brand to create unified messaging that positions us to communicate effectively, uniquely, and quickly to our audiences. Timeline: Aug. 1, 2021—Jan. 31, 2022 Outcome: Unveiling of brand Develop and implement Social Media Campaign Timeline: June 15, 2021—June 15, 2022 Outcome: Complete Social Media Plan VII. Explore Internal and external funding mechanisms Identify funding resources that support infrastructure development and economic development projects. Timeline: Ongoing Outcome: Project support via resources outside PEDC STRATEGIC INITIATIVE I: FOSTER THE RETENTION AND GROWTH OF JOBS STRATEGIC CHALLENGES: • More than 80% of all new net jobs are created by existing businesses and startups, prioritizing the need for robust programming in BR&E. • The PEDC does not have a formal business survey program in place for existing industry. • The PEDC does not have a CRM or formally track data pertaining to existing employers. STRATEGIC ACTIONS: 1. Determine the needs, opportunity areas, and challenges of existing employers through a formal business site visitation program. 2. Implement a formal survey in Lamar County in partnership with Paris Junior College to understand overall business climate, challenges in the local workforce, supply chain, opportunity areas for expansion and recruitment and general business intelligence for our region that will inform our strategies and programming. 3. Establish board member liaisons for existing industry and host dinners with corporate executives/plant managers in partnership with the executive director to communicate appreciation and strengthen relations. 5. Coordinate with local leadership of major industry to organize calling on corporate headquarters. 6. Establish roundtable with plant managers to encourage existing industry collaboration, foster opportunities, and identify solutions to shared challenges. 7. Coordinate with the Chamber to establish a host team to assist with recruitment and hosting of executive personnel moving to Lamar County. 8. Seek opportunities to connect existing industry to business opportunities, target relocation of suppliers and foster opportunities for vertical integration. 4. Develop an internal incentive guideline that aligns with current revenue and fund balance to assist staff and board in making financial decisions on retention and expansion projects. 9. Champion and support pro-business legislation and policy through participation in and outreach to TEDC legislative affairs, Texas Association of Business (Texas State Chamber) and elected officials. 10. Record and track all confidential business intelligence in a CRM database to maintain data and determine trends that will inform leadership and programming. 4 STRATEGIC INITIATIVE II: ATTRACT NEW EMPLOYERS AND INDUSTRY STRATEGIC CHALLENGES: • Site Selectors and corporate executives looking to relocate or expand generally visit a community's ED website first, before reaching out to the community, to view demographics, existing industry, incentives and available sites and buildings. • The PEDC website has not been updated in over five years and does not feature a buildings and sites widget. • The PEDC has minimal marketing materials, most of which are severely outdated. STRATEGIC ACTIONS: 1. Update and enhance the PEDC website targeted to external audiences that include site selectors, prospective businesses, community leaders, strategic partners, and media. 2. Improve information available on website to include comprehensive datasets. 3. Promote website as information hub for Paris and Lamar County. 4. Develop and update marketing materials including proposal template with new brand materials. 5. Continue to be responsive to all leads and prospects by submitting timely and thorough proposals that highlight Paris' competitive advantages. 6. Cultivate opportunities to recruit supply -chain related companies complementary to existing local industry. 7. Coordinate with Cox Field (City) to target aviation companies and suppliers that are compatible with airport assets. 8. Participate in targeted networking opportunities focused on site selectors, brokers, corporate executives, etc. 9. Identify and participate in targeted industry trade shows with Governor's Office, Oncor, etc. 10. Participate in call trips with Team Texas, Texas Economic Development Connection, and other partners. 11. Conduct Target Market Study to identify market opportunities unique for Paris, followed by a marketing campaign to communicate information with site selection consultants. 12. Develop an internal incentive guideline that aligns with current revenue and fund balance to assist staff and board in making financial decisions on attraction prospects. 13. Aggressively pursue feedback on projects lost to understand opportunity areas. 14. Schedule and attend trips to prospective businesses. STRATEGIC INITIATIVE III: CULTIVATE AN ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM STRATEGIC CHALLENGES: More than 80% of all new net jobs are created by existing businesses and startups, prioritizing the need for robust programming in entrepreneurship. • The PEDC does not have formal programming in entrepreneurship. The PEDC supported an incubator that launched in 2010 but closed shortly thereafter following lack of unified vision on programming. STRATEGIC ACTIONS: 1. Determine the needs, opportunity areas, and challenges of existing startups. 2. Coordinate with the Small Business Development Center and Paris Junior College on understanding current resources and partner roles in assisting startups and determine opportunity areas for PEDC programming. 3. Serve as the central point of contact for startups and entrepreneurs seeking to launch a business in Paris or Lamar County. 4. Assist entrepreneurs and startups with locating space in Paris and navigating City ordinances. 5. Coordinate with the SBDC and other partners to determine needs for Startup bootcamp and other activities that foster entrepreneurship. 6. Seek opportunities to connect entrepreneurs with existing industry and or mentors. 7. Connect entrepreneurs with funding sources including lenders, angel investor groups, SBA, revolving loan funds, etc. 8. Record and track all confidential business intelligence in a CRM database to maintain data and determine trends that will inform leadership and programming. 0 STRATEGIC INITIATIVE IV: SUPPORT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMING STRATEGIC CHALLENGES: • The most common challenge reported by industry is lack of skilled workers. While this is not unique to Paris, it is a challenge that remains at the forefront of conversations with industry. • The demand for skilled workers is greater than ever prioritizing the need for upskilling, developing programs to strengthen talent pipelines via education institutions and partnering with education institutions on training and certifications for high demand occupations. STRATEGIC ACTIONS: 1. Participate in local, regional, and state initiatives that address workforce development initiatives. 2. Facilitate or support programming that creates opportunities for apprenticeships, internships, plant tours, career days, job shadowing and more. 3. Coordinate with Paris Junior College and the Chamber to create connections between employers and job seekers through career fairs, jobs website, and more. 4. Coordinate with Paris Junior College and the Chamber to support efforts that foster career pathways to middle and high school students to establish a skilled pipeline of workers for our employer base. 5. Endorse and promote training and certifications that support existing industry. 6. Partner with Workforce Solutions to support training grants that address our existing and future needs of our employer base. 7. Continue to support Paris Junior College, A & M Commerce and other regional education institutions, workforce agencies, and training providers to promote training and certifications for high demand and critical occupations. 7 STRATEGIC INITIATIVE V: MANAGE AND EXPAND THE COMMUNITY'S LAND AND BUILDING ASSETS STRATEGIC CHALLENGES: • More than 96% of all RFPs received in the last five years began their search for relocation or expansion in communities that have either existing buildings or shovel -ready sites. • 73% of RFPs received in the last five years had a requirement for existing acreage and more than 40% of prospects that required land needed 50 acres or more. • Over 68% of RFPs expressed a preference or requirement for an existing building, and over 27% of RFPs received required an existing building in order to consider a location. 0 Most requests (over 66%) for an existing building called for 100,000 SF minimum of space. • The PEDC's largest site is 115 acres, and the overall combined inventory is less than 250 acres. in a time where land is becoming scarce, the organization must prioritize land acquisition if we want to remain competitive. • The PEDC neither has nor maintains an inventory of available sites and buildings. STRATEGIC ACTIONS: 1. Grow the organization's land inventory to accommodate current needs of existing industry and attraction projects. 2. Continue investments and partner with the City on bringing PEDC-owned land to site -ready status. 3. Engage a consultant to assist with review and updating the Northwest Industrial Park Covenants and Guidelines approved in 2003. 4. Continue to monitor the need for existing buildings and feasibility and desire to build speculative buildings. 5. Support City in a plan for Cox Field focused on securing additional funding for capital improvements, site readiness, and aviation focused strategies that target compatible opportunities. 6. Communicate and work with the City to identify infrastructure needs and projects that improve business districts in Paris and support future planning. 7. Support permitting and development processes that differentiate our community for being business - friendly, efficient, and solution -focused. 8. Maintain an attractive appearance of PEDC-owned industrial land through signage and lawn maintenance. 9. Establish and maintain inventory of available sites and buildings. 8 STRATEGIC INITIATIVE VI: ENCOURAGE UNIFIED VISION FOR PARIS, LAMAR COUNTY AND THE PEDC STRATEGIC CHALLENGES: • PEDC board members and community leaders desire to establish improved transparency and a positive image and reputation internally and externally. • The City, PEDC, Chamber and VCC desire to have common, shared values for the community that will allow each entity to communicate effectively, uniquely, and quickly to our audiences. • To our collective knowledge, a joint brand discovery that engages the community at large has never been conducted. STRATEGIC ACTIONS: 1. Establish a brand to create unified messaging that positions us to communicate effectively, uniquely, and quickly to our audiences. 2. Establish a positive reputation internally and externally through brand development and awareness. 3. Establish and maintain relations with the local media and pursue stories on PEDC successes. 4. Push out content to regional media outlets, TEDC, Governor's Office, ED publications and relevant outlets. 5. Develop and conduct public relations campaign with briefings to City Council, local civic clubs, partner agencies and more to increase public awareness of PEDC's purpose, functions, and activity. 6. Develop and implement Social Media Campaign with metrics to increase following, build awareness and establish positive reputation internally and externally (Facebook, Linkedln, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, etc.). 7. Establish monthly updates to the website. 8. Coordinate, host, and communicate new business announcements and groundbreaking events. 9. Establish a quarterly e -newsletter targeted at showcasing the organization's works and successes. 10. Conduct a community assessment to identify opportunity areas, challenges, strengths, and assets (SWOT Analysis) that informs a Five -Year Strategic Plan. 11. Maintain and expand current relationships with the County, Civic Leaders, Elected Officials, Chamber, City department directors and community leaders for project support and facilitation. STRATEGIC INITIATIVE VII: EXPLORE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FUNDING MECHANISMS STRATEGIC CHALLENGE: The PEDC's current cash position, debt obligations and incentive commitments have impacted the organization's ability to remain competitive without taking on more debt for economic development projects. The PEDC currently receives X cent sales tax revenue compared to peer communities that average a % cent. In order to remain competitive, the PEDC will need to identify ways to complement or increase our funding. STRATEGIC ACTIONS: 1. Discuss additional revenue streams and funding mechanisms that will provide the PEDC the necessary funding for economic development projects. 2. Identify funding resources that support infrastructure development and economic development projects including EDA, TIRZ, PILOT, partnership with the City and others. 3. Pursue organizing a revolving loan fund to assist startups and entrepreneurs. 4. Support attraction of employers and projects that will greatly increase our sales tax base. 5. Support shop local campaigns and other initiatives that support growing our sales tax revenue. 6. Champion and support legislation and policy that supports economic development through participation in and outreach to TEDC legislative affairs, Texas Association of Business (Texas State Chamber) and elected officials. 10