05 - City Council MinutesItem No. 5
DRAFT CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS
June 12, 2023
The City Council of the City of Paris met for a regular session at 5:30 p.m. on Monday,
June 12, 2023, at the City Council Chamber, 107 E. Kaufman, Paris, Texas.
Present: Mayor: Reginald B. Hughes
Mayor Pro -Tem: Mihir Pankaj
Council Members: Gary Savage, Rebecca Norment, Clayton Pilgrim,
and Rudy Kessel
City Staff: Grayson Path, City Manager; Robert Vine,
Assistant City Manager; Stephanie Harris, City
Attorney; Janice Ellis, City Clerk; Gene Anderson;
Finance Director; Doug Harris, Utilities Director;
Todd Mittge, City Engineer; and Andrew Mack,
Director of Planning & Community Development
Absent: Council Member: Shatara Moore
Opening A Benda
1. Call meeting to order.
Mayor Hughes called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. Invocation.
Finance Director Gene Anderson gave the invocation.
3. United States Pledge of Allegiance & Texas Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Pro -Tem Pankaj led the United States Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge
of Allegiance.
4. Citizens' Forum.
John Fuston, 4010 Miranda — he said he was in favor of item 15, and glad to see
downtown was growing.
Consent A Benda
Mayor Hughes inquired of Council Members if they wished to pull any items from the
consent agenda for discussion. There being none, a Motion to approve the consent agenda was
made by Council Member Savage and seconded by Council Member Pilgrim. Motion carried, 6
ayes — 0 nays.
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June 12, 2023
Page 2
5. Approve minutes from the meeting of May 22, 2023.
6. Receive reports and/or minutes from the following boards and commissions:
a. Airport Advisory Board (2-16-2023)
b. Housing Authority (3-21-2023 & 5-16-2023)
c. Visitors & Convention Council (4-17-2023)
d. Paris Economic Development Corporation (4-18-2023)
e. Planning & Zoning Commission (5-1-2023)
Regular Agenda,
A Motion to move item 9 up after item 7 was made by Council Member Pankaj and
seconded by Council Member Norment. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
Council Member Savage said he had a conflict on items 7 and 9, and that he would need
to recuse himself. A Motion to recuse Council Member Savage from items 7 and 9 was made by
Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by Council Member Pankaj. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0
nays.
7. Discuss and act on RESOLUTION NO. 2023-026: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING
AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT AND TAX ABATEMENT
AGREEMENT WITH CULTIV8COMMUNITY PURSUANT TO THE 5 IN 5
HOUSING INFILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS
AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Planning Director Andrew Mack said the proposal for the agreement was to construct
five new single-family homes, to be spread throughout the community. He also said the five
properties were all City Trustee parcels, which did not sell at the tax sale.
Mr. Mack introduced Dave Osborne who explained that Cultiv8community was a non-
profit organization who assisted first time homebuyers. He explained the program, which
included a mentorship to the new owners.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by
Council Member Kessel. Motion carried, 5 ayes — 0 nays.
9 Discuss and act on RESOLUTION NO. 2023-028: A RESOLUTION APPROVING
THE RE -SALE OF FIVE PROPERTIES, PREVIOUSLY BID -OFF TO THE CITY OF
PARIS, TRUSTEE, TO CULTIV8COMMUNITY PURSUANT TO THE 5 -IN -5 INFILL
HOUSING PROGRAM.
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June 12, 2023
Page 3
Mr. Mack explained this was the procedure whereby the property would transfer after the
agreement was approved in item 7.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Pankaj and seconded by
Council Member Kessel. Motion carried, 5 ayes — 0 nays.
A Motion to return Council Member Savage to the meeting was made by Council
Member Norment and seconded by Council Member Pilgrim. Motion carried, 5 ayes — 0 nays.
8. Discuss and act on RESOLUTION NO. 2023-027: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING
AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT AND TAX ABATEMENT
AGREEMENT WITH P -TOWN PROPERTY HOLDINGS PURSUANT TO THE 5 IN 5
HOUSING 5 IN 5 HOUSING INFILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM; MAKING
OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND
DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mr. Mack said the developer planned to build three new Tri-Plex and two new Duplex
homes. He said Mr. Risinger was in the process of applying for plats and variances and Planning
and Zoning recommended approval, as did staff. He introduced developer Tim Risinger. Mr.
Risinger said they were in the middle of getting plans finished, that the dwellings would be real
nice and would be brick dwellings with landscaping. He also said that the majority would have
rear parking.
Council Member Savage said the memo reflected this property was located on 29th Street
but that the agenda said 20a` Street. City Clerk Janice Ellis clarified that the property was located
on 20th Street and that the agenda contained a typo. Council Member Savage inquired if this
property was outside the 5 In 5 area. Mr. Mack said it was inside the 5 In 5 area, and City
Attorney Stephanie Harris said the 5 In 5 area was amended in July.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Pankaj and seconded by
Council Member Kessel. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
10 Discuss and act on RESOLUTION NO. 2023-029: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, TO WAIVE INTEREST ON A
DANGEROUS STRUCTURE ABATEMENT LIEN ON PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS
CITY OF PARIS BLOCK 39, LOT PT 2, LOCATED AT 245 AND 253 N.E. 2ND
STREET; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS; AND DECLARING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Manager Grayson Path explained that the City demolished a dangerous structure
located at 245 N.E. 2na Street and applied a lien in the principle amount of $3,070.15. He said
with interest that had accrued since 2016, the combined total was $14,926.64, which was more
than the value of the lot. Mr. Path explained that Ben Faber inherited this lot and would like to
sell it and had asked that the City Council consider allowing him to pay the original principle
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June 12, 2023
Page 4
amount. Mr. Path said he had a check in the amount of $3,070.15 from Mr. Faber and was
holding it pending direction from the City Council.
A Motion to accept payment in the amount of $3,070.15, waive the accrued interest and
release the lien was made by Council Member Savage and seconded by Council Member Pankaj.
Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
11. Receive presentation from NewGen Strategies regarding the 2023 Water & Wastewater
Cost of Service Rate Study, discuss and act on an ORDINANCE NO. 2023-023: AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS,
AMENDING APPENDIX A, SECTION A10.004(b), "SEWER RATES FOR
CUSTOMERS USING CITY WATER," OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE
CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS TO REFLECT CHANGES RECOMMENDED BY THE
CITY'S RATE CONSULTANT; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE, A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, A SAVINGS CLAUSE, A PENALTY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Finance Director Gene Anderson said the City had treated water contracts with four local
industries and one of the requirements of the contracts was for the City to have an independent
rate consultant conduct a cost of service study each year. Mr. Anderson introduced Chris Ekrut
with NewGen Strategies who gave an overview of the rate maintenance policy, and stated the
Council adopted wastewater rate increases effective very six months beginning April 2021
through April 2026 to fund the WWTP rehabilitation and associated debt issuance. Mr. Ekrut
reported the findings of the study and reported that the retail water rates were currently sufficient
and that a rate increase was not needed. He reviewed the adopted residential wastewater rates,
the commercial wastewater rates, total residential monthly bill comparison, the sewer surcharge
and the estimated sewer surcharge customer impact.
Council Member Pilgrim inquired whether these rates would push new companies away
from Paris. Mr. Ekrut said the City could develop an economic contract with a commercial
customer. Council Member Savage said he thought industries should see these numbers prior to
approval by Council. Mr. Anderson said these numbers include the first rate increase the City
has had in three years. Council Member Pilgrim said if these rates were negotiable for those
recruiting industry to Paris, he was good with it. Mr. Path said the rates were negotiable. He
also said if the Council wanted to table this item allowing staff to notice the companies, that they
could do so. Mr. Ekrut said the impact of passing this ordinance was about $20,000.00.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by
Council Member Pankaj. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
12. Receive presentation by Mark McLiney, with SAMCO Capital Markets, the City's
Financial Advisor, regarding refunding and restructuring the Series 2013 Utility System
COs to lower the total annual debt service supported by the utility system to help offset
the costs of future utility system improvements and authorizing staff and outside
consultants to proceed with the refunding and other matters related thereto.
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June 12, 2023
Page 5
Mr. Anderson explained that in July 2013, the City issued $33,925,000.00 in General
Obligation Bonds to replace aging water and wastewater lines throughout the City, with a term of
the loan being 20 years with an option to call the loan on December 15, 2023. Mr. Anderson
said the City could pay off the bond anytime on or after the call date, and the most common
reason to call a bond issue is when interest rates had fallen since the original bonds were issued.
Mr. Anderson also said the lower interest rates reduce the annual debt service payments without
changing the final maturity date.
Mr. Anderson introduced Mark McLiney from SAMCO Capital Markets, who gave a
presentation of opportunities available on the GO Bonds, Series 2013. Mr. McLiney said with
paying off the old bonds and issuing new bonds, the City could stretch and save money. He
reviewed option 1, which would reduce the annual payment of about $105,000.00 a year totaling
$945,000.00 in total savings as opposed to the present value savings of $804,000.00. He
reviewed option 2, in which the City would issue refunding bonds to restructure the existing
bonds by adding ten years to the final maturity, reducing the debt service by approximately
$1,000,000.00 per year through fiscal year 2033. He said option 2 would increase the total debt
service by approximately $4,250,000.00, which was apresent value loss of $125,000.00 over the
life of the bonds. Mr. McLiney said after discussing these opportunities with staff, that it was the
recommendation that the City Council consider option 2, because it would allow issuance of
additional debt to complete Phase II of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and by restructuring the
bonds, there would be significant advantages to rate payers.
Following additional discussion, City Council favored moving forward with option 2.
Mr. McLiney said additional items would be brought back to the City Council for them to take
action.
13. Discuss and act on revisions to the Facade Grant application and procedures.
Mr. Mack said the Historic Preservation Commission provides incentives for fagade
grants for historic structures, and the purpose of the grant was to assist property owners with
rehabilitation of the historic structures in Historic Districts. He also said a subcommittee was
formed to review current guidelines and review the current grant amount. Mr. Mack reported
that the subcommittee met several times and recommended that the Fagade Grants be increased
beginning immediately as follows: 1) from $2,500.00 to $5,000.00 for commercial property; 2)
from $1,000.00 to $2,000.00 for residential; 3) increase the frequency of application; and 4) the
addition of a signage grant in the amount of $1,000.00 with design assistance from Texas Main
Street Design staff.
A Motion to approve this item as was made by Council Member Pankaj and seconded by
Council Member Pilgrim. Motion carried, 6 ayes - 0 nays.
14. Discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2023-024: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, AMENDING THE CITY OF PARIS
CODE OF ORDINANCES TO AMEND CHAPTER 10, "STREETS, PARKS AND
OTHER PUBLIC WAYS AND PLACES," BY ADDING A NEW DIVISION 9,
"STREET LIGHT REGULATIONS," TO ARTICLE 10.05, "STREETS AND
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June 12, 2023
Page 6
SIDEWALKS;" MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO
THE SUBJECT; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE,
A SAVINGS CLAUSE, AND A PENALTY CLAUSE; AND DECLARING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Engineer Todd Mittge said the City was experiencing an influx of growth with new
residential, commercial, and industrial development, and that one of the goals as the City was to
continue to update standards to help Paris stay vibrant and modern. He also said the ordinance
before the Council would establish streetlights as a requirement for new development in
neighborhoods and commercial areas. Mr. Mittge said developers would work with the City and
the local electrical service provider to build them into projects moving forward.
Council Member Pankaj inquired if Oncor was going to charge the City. Mr. Mittge said
the local service provider would set an allowance for installation of new street lighting and costs,
and above that would be paid by the developer. He emphasized this would help reduce crime,
increase traffic safety and add to the beautification of neighborhoods.
Following additional discussion, a Motion to approve this item was made by Council
Member Savage and seconded by Council Member Norment. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
15. Discuss and act on an Agreement with Hayter Engineering in the amount of $14,900.00
for professional services, as related to survey and design services for the Grand Avenue
Sidewalk Extension; and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
Mr. Mittge explained that as part of the Toole Design recommendations, the City would
like to partner with two commercial property owners to widen the sidewalk on the south side of
Grand Avenue, adjacent to 107 Grill and the Mustard Seeds Boutique. He said this bump out
project would expand the existing sidewalk approximately 8 feet wide and 68 feet long. He also
said that the property owners had verbally agreed to help pay for part of construction with a
combined contribution of $8,638.00, and the City would like to enter into an agreement with
Hayter Engineering, Inc. to provide survey and design services for this project.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Pankaj and seconded by
Council Member Kessel. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
16. 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 locate, stay, or expand in or near the territory of the governmental body and
with which the governmental body is conducting economic development negotiations; or
(2) to deliberate the offer of a financial or other incentive to a business prospect described
by Subdivision (1), as follows: Project Clydesdale.
Mayor Hughes convened City Council into executive session at 6:44 p.m.
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June 12, 2023
Page 7
17. Reconvene into open session and possibly take action on those matters discussed in
executive session.
Mayor Hughes reconvened City Council into open session at 7:05 p.m. and asked for a
motion based on discussions in executive session. A Motion to approve a performance
agreement between PEDC and Project Clydesdale was made by Council Member Pankaj and
seconded by Council Member Pilgrim. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
18. Consider and approve future events for City Council and/or City Staff pursuant to
Resolution No. 2004-081.
There were no future events referenced.
19. Adjournment.
There being no further business, a Motion to adjourn was made by Council Member
Savage and seconded by Council Member Pilgrim. Mayor Hughes adjourned the meeting at
7:06 p.m.
REGINALD B. HUGHES, MAYOR
JANICE ELLIS, CITY CLERK