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05-09-2022MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS May 9, 2022 The City Council of the City of Paris met for a regular session at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 9, 2022, at the City Council Chamber, 107 E. Kaufinan, 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; Robert Vine, Assistant City Manager; Skylar Unger, Deputy City Clerk; Gene Anderson; Finance Director; Rich Salter, Police Chief; Andrew Mack, Director of Planning & Community Development; M.A. Smith, Public Works Director; Thomas McMonagle, Fire Chief; Clyde Crews, Fire Marshal; Russell Thrasher, EMS Chief; Cheri Bedford, Main Street Director; Robert Talley, Code Enforcement Supervisor; and James Hooten, Assistant Building Official Absent: Council Members: Shatara Moore, Gary Savage Opening, Agenda 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. Presentation of Mayor's Yard of the Month Awards Mayor Portugal announced the Mayor's Yard of the Month Awards as follows: Lamar National Bank — Commercial Award Christine Holson — Northeast Quadrant Dorotha Miller — Northwest Quadrant Regular Council Meeting May 9, 2022 Page 2 Ruth Ann Alsobrook — Southwest Quadrant Mike & Pat Roberts-Pshigoda Foundation — Southeast Quadrant Ellen Green & Leif Lindblom — 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 who 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. B. Citizens' Forum. Sims Norment, 606 Church Street — he encouraged the Council to support the Rental Maintenance Property item on the agenda, as it could encourage more people to move to Paris. 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 Knox and seconded by Council Member Pilgrim. Motion carried, 5 ayes — 0 nays. 5. Approve minutes from the meeting of April 25, 2022. 6. Receive reports and/or minutes from the following boards and commissions: Historic Preservation Commission (3-9-2022) Love Civic Center (2-10-2022) Paris Economic Development Corporation (3-21-2022) Paris Public Library Advisory Board (3-16-2022) Planning & Zoning Commission (4-4-2022) Paris Visitors & Convention Council Board of Directors (3-21-2022) Love Civic Center Quarterly Reports VC&C Quarterly Reports 7. Receipt of the 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. 8. Approve and award the lowest responsible bids for ground maintenance of various city parks, medians and city lots. 9. Approve RESOLUTION NO. 2022-031: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, APPROVING THE BID AND AWARDING THE CONTRACT FOR CONCRETE DEMOLITION AND CONSTRUCTION ON THE CITY OF PARIS TO RICHARD DRAKE CONSTRUCTION, LP, THE LOWEST RESPONSIBLE BIDDER; APPROVING SAID CONTRACT AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND Regular Council Meeting May 9, 2022 Page 3 PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Re rular A enda 10. Receive presentation from North Star regarding the branding and marketing project. City Manager, Grayson Path introduced Mr. Ketchum who then gave a presentation regarding "place branding." He stated that Texas is growing at a rapid pace, and Paris should get its fair share. He said that the brand of the city is more than just a logo; it is a symbol of unity between the residents, and the community. He went on to say that according to recent research, more people are looking for an inclusive place to live, where they have a balance between the right place to live and the right job. He showed some examples of other branding endeavors North Star has been a part of, and then opened the floor to the Council for questions. Mayor Portugal thanked Mr. Ketchum for his presentation. Council Member Pankaj stated that he was excited to see what North Star could come up with and hoped that they would also be able to pick up on the voices of Paris that may not have been heard in the meetings to ensure the inclusiveness of all of the residents of Paris. 11. Discuss and act on RESOLUTION NO. 2022-032: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TAX ABATEMENT AGREEMENT WITH ENNS VENTURES, LLC; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Planner Andrew Mack introduced Mr. Ronny Enns to the Council and stated that he was planning on building several duplexes in the city by utilizing the 5 in 5 Infill Development Program. Mr. Mack also stated that City staff recommended approval of the agreement. Mr. Enns said he was looking forward to providing housing to the city that was not in need of repairs, and was clean and affordable. He stated that as an investor, he saw a good opportunity to work together with the city to make something that works for everybody. Mr. Mack asked the council if they had any questions. Mayor Pro Tem Hughes asked if Mr. Enns was the same person who purchased the property on 7t' street next to Leon Williams Park. Mr. Mack answered in the affirmative. Mr. Hughes then asked when they anticipate breaking ground there. Mr. Mack stated that it is anticipated that the first two duplexes on 10th street this year, and then next year or sooner, they will move to Henderson. He said there have been some delays with platting and utility extension. A Motion to approve the item was made by Council Member Pankaj and seconded by Council Member Knox. Motion carried, 5 ayes — 0 nays. Regular Council Meeting May 9, 2022 Page 4 12. Discuss and act on RESOLUTION NO. 2022-033: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS APPROVING A RESIDENTIAL TAX ABATEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, ("CITY") AND WE'RE GOING TO PARIS, LLC, ("OWNER"); MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Planner Andrew Mack stated that he was extremely pleased to be working on this project with Mr. Seth Bame and Mr. Barret Limburg regarding the long over -due renovation of the Westgate Apartments. Mr. Mack said that City staff recommended approval of the five-year 100% Residential Tax Abatement Agreement and then introduced Mr. Bane and Mr. Limburg to give their presentation. Mr. Limburg stated that he was excited to be involved in this project and to be able to provide housing to the City by restoring an existing structure. He and Mr. Bame then showed a PowerPoint presentation of other buildings their company had renovated. Council Member Pankaj stated that he was excited to see some positive progress in West Paris. Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes asked if they planned to refurbish all the existing units, or if they would have to demolish some. Mr. Limburg answered that they planned on keeping every unit, and possibly in the future adding more on the land that is nearby. Mayor Portugal asked if there was a timeline in mind for when they would begin construction. Mr. Limburg stated that they were ready to begin as soon as they got approval from both the City and County. He said they hope to get started within the next 30-60 days and the total time for renovation was approximately 12 months. A Motion to approve the item was made by Council Member Pankaj and seconded by Council Member Hughes. Motion carried, 5 ayes — 0 nays. 13. Receive an update on the City's 5 in 5 Housing Infill Development Program. Mr. Mack stated back in January of this year the City Council adopted the 5 in 5 Housing Infill Development Program Guidelines. Since that time, the City Council has approved three development agreements, with three additional developers coming forward in the next month or two. The City is continuing to work with builders and investors with lots they own and have control over as to enter the 5 in 5 Program. 14. Receive quarterly update as to the status of the Vacant Building Registration. Mr. Mack introduced Code Enforcement Supervisor, Robert Talley, and Main Street Director, Cheri Bedford. Mr. Mack stated that this endeavor has been a team effort. He went on to say that, he believed the Vacant Building Registration has made a difference in the revitalization of Downtown. Cheri Bedford stated there were 197 parcels in Downtown, which included vacant lots. In 2021, there were approximately 38 buildings on the Vacant Building registration. Code Regular Council Meeting May 9, 2022 Page 5 Enforcement Supervisor Robert Talley stated that due to more detailed data entry, enhanced organization, as well as multiple ownership changes, the number of Vacant Buildings for 2022 went up to 44. He said letters were sent out in February to all vacant property owners requiring the annual registration under the ordinance. He also said further refinements to the administrative procedures were anticipated for the next round of the vacant building registration program for 2023, which would include: expansion into all historic districts and vacant residential structures, enhanced communication measures with vacant building owners, closer examination of the funding incentive for encouraging vacant building renovations, and a more accurate inventory and accounting of vacant building properties in relation to the new quarterly reporting program for the City Council. Mrs. Bedford and Mr. Talley presented the Council with a slideshow of before and after pictures of newly renovated downtown properties. Council Member Pankaj asked staff if they could post the before and after photos on social media to promote the marketing of downtown. Mrs. Bedford stated that she does post some of them on Facebook with the owner's permission, but can make an effort to post more of them. Council Member Knox expressed how incredible the after photos looked in comparison to the before photos. Mayor Portugal asked staff if there was a way to get better compliance from the people who own the vacant properties, for example, withhold Fagade Grants if they were not fully registered, insured and had all payments up to date. Mrs. Bedford stated the Vacant Property Registry does allow for Fagade Grants, but it is specifically for vacant buildings, and when the owner is requesting the Fagade Grant, he or she should be registered already. Mayor Portugal thanked staff for their presentation. 15. Discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2022-028: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 4, "BUILDING REGULATIONS," ARTICLE 4.02, "CONSTRUCTION CODES AND STANDARDS," ARTICLE 4.03, SECTION 4.03.004, "BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION ESTABLISHED; PROCEEDINGS; CIVIL PENALTIES," ARTICLE 4.04, "RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE," ARTICLE 4.05, "VACANT BUILDINGS;" AND AMENDING APPENDIX A, "FEE SCHEDULE," 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 SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Planner Andrew Mack stated staff has been working on this project for approximately nine months. He explained how this project initially developed in response to concerns that were brought to staff's attention regarding neglect and other nuisances inside and around the yards of occupied rental properties, and in the South Church Historic District 2 area. Accordingly, a project team was assembled including staff from the Community Development, Engineering, Fire and City Administration Departments. He said staff first presented the idea to Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), who unanimously sent a recommendation to City Council for adoption of the changes and implantation of the new rental housing inspection program and vacant residential structure ordinance amendments. He said there were also several residents in attendance who spoke in support of the proposed changes. He also said this Regular Council Meeting May 9, 2022 Page 6 ordinance provides for a license registration requirement, including inspection of the property every two years for all resident dwelling units in HPC 1-16, it also imposed limitations on how many people can occupy a dwelling based upon square footage of sleeping quarters in a residential dwelling according to the 2022 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), which was also adopted for these regulations within the Historic Overlay District. Mr. Mack said this ordinance will provide for the bare minimum life safety requirements to be met as part of the new biennial inspection program; as well as serve both the rental property owners and tenants in assuring the safety of the dwellings occupied in these historic district properties. Mr. Mack stated staff recommended approval of this ordinance and then introduced Assistant Building Official, James Hooten, and Code Enforcement Supervisor, Robert Talley. Mr. Hooten presented the brochure that is to be mailed out to the property owners regarding the registration processes and procedures. He stated that there would be a $55.00 fee every two years, and that his inspections would consist of minimum life safety requirements (smoke detectors, stairways, plumbing, exposed wiring, etc...) He informed Council that Code Enforcement will inspect the exterior of the property for falling fences, deteriorating storage, clutter, and things of that nature. Council Member Pilgrim asked staff if this would be similar to the rental code enforcement that is currently in place citywide. Mr. Mack stated this would amend that section to allow for only the Historic District, as currently Code Enforcement can only inspect properties if there is a complaint made first. Council Member Knox read a statement requesting the Council for their continued support in the protection of the Historic District. City Manager, Grayson Path stated that the city's codes were there for good reason, and encouraged the Council to approve this item. Council Member Pankaj and Mayor Pro -Tem Hughes asked if this registry would ever become citywide. Mr. Path stated that eventually he would like it to be citywide, but to see how this works out first and then decide from there. Following further discussion, a Motion to approve the item was made by Council Member Knox and seconded by Council Member Pilgrim. Motion carried, 5 ayes — 0 nays. 16. Discuss and act on a Resolution repealing prior Policies and Procedures for Boards and Commissions, and adopting new Policies and Procedures for Boards and Commissions. City Manager, Grayson Path stated that staff had been working recently on revising the polices and procedures for the boards and commissions as the current policies were contradicting. Mr. Path presented the proposed changes to the Council and recommended approval. Mayor Portugal asked if there was anything added regarding excused absences. Mr. Path said there was still the 75% rule, but there could be more language added to define an excused absence. Council Member Pankaj requested a binder to be placed in the Council Chambers with all of the information for each board. Mr. Path said he would make that happen. Following further discussion, the consensus was to bring the corrected policies and procedures to the next meeting for approval. Regular Council Meeting May 9, 2022 Page 7 17. Discuss and possibly act on procedures for conducting annual evaluations of the city manager, city attorney and municipal judge. Mayor Portugal asked for volunteers to take the lead in handing this year's evaluations. Following some discussion, it was decided to wait for the two absent council members to be present and then continue the discussion. 18. Convene into executive session pursuant to: Section 551.087 of the Texas Government Code, (1) to discuss or deliberate regarding commercial or financial information that the governmental body has received from a business prospect that the governmental body seeks to have located, stay, or expand in or near the territory of the governmental body and with which the governmental body is conducting the economic development negotiations; or (2) to deliberate the offer of a financial or other incentive to a business prospect described by Subdivision (1), as follows: Project Athens. Mayor Portugal convened City Council into executive session at 7:04 p.m. 19. Reconvene into open session and possible take action on those matters discussed matters in Executive Session. Mayor Portugal reconvened City Council into open session at 7:20 p.m., and said there was no action to be taken. 20. Consider and approve future events for City Council and/or City Staff pursuant to Resolution No. 2004-081. No future events were referenced. 21. Adjournment. There being no further business, A Motion to adjourn was made by Council Member Pankaj and seconded by Council Member Pilgrim. Motion carried, 5 ayes — 0 nays. Mayor Portugal adjourned the meeting at 7:20 p.m. ... E clry -, o PAULA PORTUGAL `OR : cn r ' UNGER, DEff LJTY CITY CLERK