09-27-2021MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS
September 27, 2021
The City Council of the City of Paris met for a regular session at 5:30 p.m. on Monday,
September 27, 2021, at the City Council Chamber, 107 E. Kaufman, 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; Rich Salter, Police Chief; Thomas
McMonigle, Fire Chief; M.A. Smith, Public Works
Director; Andrew Mack, Director of Planning &
Community Services; and Tom Hunt, Municipal
Judge
O enin A 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. Citizens' forum.
No one spoke during citizens' forum.
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, 7
ayes — 0 nays.
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September 27, 2021
Page 2
5. Approve minutes from the meetings of September 13, 2021 and September 14, 2021.
6. Receive reports and/or minutes from the following boards and commissions:
a. Paris Board of Adjustment (6-1-2021)
b. Airport Advisory Board (8-19-2021)
c. Historic Preservation Commission (8-11-2021)
d. Paris Visitors & Convention Council Board of Directors (8-6-2021)
7. Receive August monthly financial report.
8. Receive August drainage report.
9. Receive demolition and code enforcement activity reports.
10. Approve a Non -Profit Services Agreement with CASA for Kids in the amount of
$7,500.00.
11. Approve a Non -Profit Services Agreement with Children's Advocacy Center in the
amount of $9,375.00.
12. Approve a Non -Profit Services Agreement with City Square in the amount of $11,250.00.
13. Approve a Non -Profit Services Agreement with ETCADA in the amount of $3,375.00.
14. Approve a Non -Profit Services Agreement with Keep Paris Beautiful in the amount of
$3,750.00.
15. Approve a Non -Profit Services Agreement with Lamar County Human Resources in the
amount of $11,250.00.
16. Approve a Non -Profit Services Agreement with Lamar County Humane Association in
the amount of $11,250.00.
17. Approve a Non -Profit Services Agreement with Paris Optimist Club in the amount of
$7,500.00.
18. Approve a Non -Profit Services Agreement with Safe -T in the amount of $6,000.00.
19. Approve a Non -Profit Services Agreement with Salvation Army in the amount of
$11,250.00.
20. Approve a Non -Profit Services Agreement with United Way in the amount of
$11,250.00.
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21. Approve a Non -Profit Services Agreement with Weald Workers of Lamar County in the
amount of $11,250.00.
22. Approve RESOLUTION NO. 2021-031: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, APPROVING A NEGOTIATED SETTLEMENT
BETWEEN THE ATMOS' CITIES STEERING COMMITTEE ("ACSC") AND
ATMOS ENERGY CORP., MID-TEX DIVISION REGARDING THE COMPANY'S
2021 RATE REVIEW MECHANISM FILING; DECLARING EXISTING RATES TO
BE UNREASONABLE; ADOPTING TARIFFS THAT REFLECT RATE
ADJUSTMENTS CONSISTENT WITH TH NEGOTIATED SETTLEMENT; FINDING
THE RATES TO BE SET BY THE ATTACHED SETTLEMENT TARIFFS TO BE
JUST AND REASONABLE AND IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST; APPROVING AN
ATTACHED EXHIBIT ESTABLISHING A BENCHMARK FOR PENSIONS AND
RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS; APPROVING AN ATTACHED EXHIBIT
REGARDING AMORTIZATION OF REGULATORY LIABILITY; REQUIRING THE
COMPANY TO REIMBURSE ACSC'S REASONABLE RATEMAKING EXPENSES;
DETERMINING THAT THIS RESOLUTION WAS PASSED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE TEXAS OPEN MEETINGS ACT;
ADOPTING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND
REQUIRING DELIVERY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE COMPANY AND THE
ACSC'S LEGAL COUNSEL.
23. Approve the Professional Service Contract with Resource Management and Consulting
for General Administration Services and Addenda #1 for Ground Storage Facility Backup
Generator Project Administration Services and authorize the City Manager to sign.
24. Approve a Revised Plat of the Modern Pyramids Addition CB 170-C, Lot 1, Block A,
LCAD Property ID 71195, located at 2735 S. Church Street.
Re pular Agenda
25. Discuss, conduct a public hearing, and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2021-030: AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS,
AMENDING ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 1710 OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS,
AS HERETOFORE AMENDED, SO AS TO REZONE CITY OF PARIS BLOCK 170-
C, LOT PT OF 14, LCAD 71624, FROM AN AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT (A) TO A
COMMERCIAL DISTRICT (C) WITH A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT (SUP) FOR AUTO
FUEL SALES; DIRECTING A CHANGE ACCORDINGLY IN THE OFFICIAL
ZONING MAP OF THE CITY; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE, A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, A SAVINGS CLAUSE, A PENALTY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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Planning Director Andrew Mack explained that Sarni Ebrahim requested this zoning
change to allow the reconstruction of the Circle Fuel Station at 2735 South Church. He said that
the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Staff recommended approval of this zoning
change.
Mayor Portugal opened the public hearing and asked for anyone wishing to speak about
this item to 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 Savage. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
26. Discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2021-031: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING
THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO TRANSFER UNENCUMBERED FUNDS FROM
VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OR RESERVES TO OTHER DEPARTMENTS WHICH
ARE EXPECTED TO OVER -EXPEND THEIR ORIGINAL BUDGET
APPROPRIATIONS; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED
TO THE SUBJECT; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE, A SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Finance Director Gene Anderson explained this was the annual year-end housekeeping
Ordinance, which increased certain departmental budgets to cover anticipated expenditures. He
said these increases were offset by decreasing other departmental budgets which had an
appropriation surplus, and that the total budget was not being increased.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Savage and seconded by
Council Member Pilgrim. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
27. Discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2021-032: AN ORDINANCE TO INCREASE
THE RATE OF DEPOSITS TO THE TEXAS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM
BY THE EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS.
Mr. Anderson said the 2021-22 budget called for the Texas Municipal Retirement System
contribution rate for City Employees to increase from 6% to 7% effective October 1. Mr.
Anderson also said this Ordinance was required by Texas Municipal Retirement System to effect
the change.
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.
28. Discuss and act on RESOLUTION NO. 2021-032: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, NOMINATING A PERSON OR
PERSONS TO SERVE ON THE BOARD OF THE LAMAR COUNTY APPRAISAL
DISTRICT FOR A TERM OF OFFICE OF TWO YEARS BEGINNING JANUARY 1,
2022; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE
SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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Page 5
Mr. Anderson explained that every two years the City must provide the Chief Appraiser
the name of its nominee to serve on the LCAD board and that all of the taxing entities were
allowed to nominate people to serve on the board. He explained the entity's number of votes
were determined by a formula and that the City of Paris had 676 votes, which was the third
number of highest votes. Mr. Anderson also said that this was not a straight appointment by the
Council, but an election by the taxing jurisdictions based on their tax levies.
Following a brief discussion, Mayor Portugal opened the floor for nominations. A
Motion to nominate Ken Kohls was made by Mayor Portugal. There being no further
nominations, Mayor Portugal closed the floor for nominations.
A Motion to approve the Resolution nominating Ken Kohls was made by Council
Member Pilgrim and seconded by Council Member Pankaj. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
29. Discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2021-033: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF
A SOLID WASTE COLLECTION PERMIT TO SANITATION SOLUTIONS, INC.
FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENGAGING IN THE BUSINESS OF COLLECTING
AND/OR TRANSPORTING SOLID WASTE FROM COMMERCIAL AND
INDUSTRIAL UNITS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF PARIS,
TEXAS; FINDING A PUBLIC NECESSITY AND CONVENIENCE FOR ISSUANCE
OF SAID PERMIT; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO
THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Portugal asked for a Motion to remove items 29 through 33 from the table. A
Motion to remove items 29 through 33 from the table was made by Council Member Pilgrim and
seconded by Council Member Pankaj. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
City Clerk Janice Ellis explained that six companies had made application and submitted
required paperwork for a solid waste collection permit. Ms. Ellis said City Staff recommended
approval of these solid waste permits.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by
Council Member Savage. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
30. Discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2021-034: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF
A SOLID WASTE COLLECTION PERMIT TO RICHARD MARK BOSWELL, JR.
D/B/A DUMPSTER DROP, LLC FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENGAGING IN THE
BUSINESS OF COLLECTING AND/OR TRANSPORTING SOLID WASTE FROM
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL UNITS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF THE
CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS; FINDING A PUBLIC NECESSITY AND CONVENIENCE
FOR ISSUANCE OF SAID PERMIT; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND
PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
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Page 6
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by
Council Member Pankaj. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
31. Discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2021-035: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF
A SOLID WASTE COLLECTION PERMIT TO NELSON AND TANNA STOLL
D/B/A COUNTRYSIDE DISPOSAL, LLC FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENGAGING IN
THE BUSINESS OF COLLECTING AND/OR TRANSPORTING SOLID WASTE
FROM COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL UNITS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF
THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS; FINDING A PUBLIC NECESSITY AND
CONVENIENCE FOR ISSUANCE OF SAID PERMIT; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS
AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by
Council Member Pankaj. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
32. Discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2021-036: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF
A SOLID WASTE COLLECTION PERMIT TO JOTS RENTALS, LLC FOR THE
PURPOSE OF ENGAGING IN THE BUSINESS OF COLLECTING AND/OR
TRANSPORTING SOLID WASTE FROM COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
UNITS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS; FINDING A
PUBLIC NECESSITY AND CONVENIENCE FOR ISSUANCE OF SAID PERMIT;
MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT;
AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by
Council Member Pankaj. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
33. Discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2021-037: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF
A SOLID WASTE COLLECTION PERMIT TO RAYMOND TABOR D/B/A BIG R'S
ROLL OFF SERVICE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENGAGING IN THE BUSINESS OF
COLLECTING AND/OR TRANSPORTING SOLID WASTE FROM COMMERCIAL
AND INDUSTRIAL UNITS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF PARIS,
TEXAS; FINDING A PUBLIC NECESSITY AND CONVENIENCE FOR ISSUANCE
OF SAID PERMIT; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO
THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by
Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
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34. Discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2021-038: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF
A SOLID WASTE COLLECTION PERMIT TO FRANK FRIESEN, TURN KEY
DUMPSTER RENTAL FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENGAGING IN THE BUSINESS OF
COLLECTING AND/OR TRANSPORTING SOLID WASTE FROM COMMERCIAL
AND INDUSTRIAL UNITS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF PARIS,
TEXAS; FINDING A PUBLIC NECESSITY AND CONVENIENCE FOR ISSUANCE
OF SAID PERMIT; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO
THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by
Council Member Pankaj. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
35. Discuss and provide direction regarding City Staff's request to postpone the Builder's
Forum scheduled for October 12, due to the increased number of Covid cases.
Mayor Portugal said that Council Member Pankaj asked that this item be placed on the
agenda. Council Member Pankaj said the community organized this event and it was not an
emergency. Due to the increase in Covid cases, he said he felt that they should postpone the
forum to a later date. Council Member Savage said he totally agreed. Mayor Portugal said she
too believed that it was in the best interest for the community to postpone this forum. City
Planner Andrew Mack said he and Mr. Path had discussed this and they felt it would not be
exercising best judgment to hold this forum.
It was a consensus of City Council to postpone the Builder's Forum to a later date.
36. Discuss and on RESOLUTION NO. 2021-033: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, APPOINTING THREE MEMBERS TO FILL
THREE EXPIRED TERMS AND ONE UNFILLED VACANCY ON THE BOARD OF
ADJUSTMENT.
Ms. Ellis explained there were four vacancies, two regular positions and two alternate
positions on the Board of Adjustment. She read the names of the applicants, and presented the
ballots to the City Council for scoring of the applicants. Upon tallying of the scores, Ms. Ellis
announced the four applicants receiving the most points in order of the highest points were Ruth
Ann Alsobrook, Larry Walker, Sequoia Bruce and David Hamilton.
A Motion to approve appointments of Ruth Ann Alsobrook and Larry Walker to the
regular positions, and Sequoai Bruce and David Hamilton to the alternate positions was made by
Council Member Pankaj and seconded by Council Member Savage. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0
nays.
37. Discuss and make appointments to the Paris Housing Authority and Traffic Commission.
Mayor Portugal appointed Steve Smith to the Paris Housing Authority. Ms. Ellis said
there were two vacancies on the Traffic Commission, read the names of the applicants, and
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Page 8
presented the ballots to the City Council for scoring of the applicants. Upon tallying of the
scores, Ms. Ellis announced the two applicants receiving the most points were Sandi Kear and
Wendell Moore.
A Motion to approve the two applicants to the Board was made by Council Member
Pankaj and seconded by Council Member Pilgrim. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
38. Discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2021-039: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER, 2 DIVISION
2, DIVISION 2, "COMPENSATION," SECTION 2.10.031 "ASSIGNMENT PAY"
AND 2.10.34, "SENIORITY PAY," OF CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 2.10 POLICE, OF
THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS; MAKING
OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; PROVIDING
A REPEALER CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, A SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND
DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Police Chief Rich Salter explained that this Ordinance covered the 2021-2022 Budget
that was approved and included Phase -1 of the steps for seniority in rank. He said these changes
would create a logical and fair progression for seniority pay with regard to years of serve in each
rank.
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.
39. Discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2021-040: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, AMENDING SECTIONS 6.02.001
"COMPOSITION" AND 6.02.004, "SENIORITY PAY," OF CHAPTER 6, "FIRE
PREVENTION AND PROTECTION," OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE
CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS
RELATED OT THE SUBJECT; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE, A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, A SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND DECLARING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Fire Chief Thomas McMonigle echoed Chief Salter. He also said that in 2013, the
Composition of the Fire Department was listed incorrectly in the Code of Ordinances and this
Ordinance would make the change to reflect the actual composition of the Department.
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.
40. Convene into Executive Session pursuant to:
A. 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 any attorney to her client under
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the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas
clearly conflict with this chapter.
B. Section 551.074 of the Texas Government Code, (1) to deliberate the appointment,
employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public
officer or employee, as follows: annual evaluation of the municipal judge.
Mayor Portugal convened City Council into executive session at 6:15 p.m.
41. Reconvene into Open Session and possibly take action on those matters discussed in
Executive Session.
Mayor Portugal reconvened City Council into open session at 7:08 p.m. and said there
was no action to be taken.
42. Discuss and act on re -appointment of Judge Hunt to serve as Municipal Court Judge and
Judge Biard to serve as Associate Municipal Court Judge.
A Motion to re -appoint Judge Hunt and Judge Biard was made by Council Member
Pankaj and seconded by Council Member Knox. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
43. Consider and approve future events for City Council and/or City Staff pursuant to
Resolution No. 2004-081.
No one referenced a future event.
44. Adjournment.
There being no further business, a Motion to adjourn was made by Council Member
Pilgrim and was seconded by Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. The
meeting was adjourned at 7:09 p.m.
PAULA PORTUGAL, AYOR
ANICE ELLIgk;
S, CITY°
/I9ese.S 4