02-26-2024MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS
February 26, 2024
The City Council of the City of Paris met for a regular session at 5:30 p.m. on Monday,
February 26, 2024, at the City Council Chamber, 107 E. Kaufinan, Paris, Texas.
Present: Mayor: Reginald B. Hughes
Mayor Pro -Tem: Mihir Pankaj
Council Members: Shatara Moore, Gary Savage, Rebecca Norment,
Clayton Pilgrim and Rudy Kessel
City Staff: Grayson Path, City Manager; Robert Vine, Deputy
City Manager; Doug Harris, Assistant City
Manager; Stephanie Harris, City Attorney; Janice
Ellis, City Clerk; Gene Anderson; Finance Director;
Rich Salter, Police Chief; Thomas McMonagle, Fire
Chief; Todd Mittge, City Engineer; Duke McGee,
Building Official; Sandy Collard, Human Resources
Manager; and Clyde Crews, Fire Marshal
Opening A Benda
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.
Mario Sanchez, Washington Street — he said he was not in agreement with the new trash
service and citizens were not getting as much cubic square feet of trash with the new service.
Charles Baxter, 32900 CR — he said he nor the neighbors wanted an RV Park and asked
that the City not disannex the property at 660 & 680 CR 32900. He said they did not want a
temporary park either. He also said the landowner was out there now clearing or doing
something on the property.
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February 26, 2024
Page 2
Bradley Reel, 700 CR32900 - he said they did not want an RV Park. He also said the guy
was his next-door neighbor and he told all of the neighbors that they wanted to build a house but
the City would not give them a permit. Mr. Reel said something was up with all of this and he
and the others were not getting the full story. He also said to build a house the property owner
did not need to disannex because a new home was just built out there by another neighbor.
Melanie Bender, 52900 CR 32900 — she said they had just built a home and got all the
required permits. She said she did not understand why the Bonds needed to disannex to build a
house. She also said the reason they gave was that police and fire do not come out there but that
was not true, because the police and fire do come to that area.
Billy Pharr, CR 31700 - he said he was against the trailer park. He said he had owned a
160 -acre ranch out there since 1852. He also said his property connected to the property owned
by the Bonds and he did not want people from a trailer park running out there all over his
property.
Consent Agenda
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 Mayor Pro -Tem Pankaj and seconded by Council Member Norment. Motion carried, 7
ayes — 0 nays.
5. Approve minutes from the meeting of February 12, 2024.
6. Receive reports and/or minutes from the following boards and commissions:
a. Housing Authority of the City of Paris (10-25-2023, 11-14-2023, 12-19-2023, and
1-16-2024)
b. Paris Public Library Advisory Board (8-16-2023, 9-20-2023, 10-18-2023, 11-15-
2023, & 1-10-2024)
c. Main Street Advisory Board (10-10-2023)
d. Paris -Lamar County Board of Health (2-21-2023, 4-17-2023, 7-17-2023 & 9-18-
2023)
e. Paris Visitors & Convention Council (10-16-2023)
f. Historic Preservation Commission (9-20-2023)
g. Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone "TIRZ" Board (1-22-2024)
h. Love Civic Center Board (3-16-2023, 7-13-2023 & 11-29-2023)
i. Building & Standards Commission (1-22-2024)
7. Approve RESOLUTION NO. 2024-015: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, APPROVING THE ANNUAL REPORT, FISCAL
YEAR 2022/2023, FOR TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER ONE
AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO FILE SAME WITH THE TEXAS
OFFICE OF THE COMPTROLLER; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND
PROVISIONS AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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February 26, 2024
Page 3
8. Receive January monthly financial report.
9. Receive January drainage report.
10. Receive demolition and code enforcement activity reports.
11. Approve RESOLUTION NO. 2024-016: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, APPROVING A PARTIAL WAIVER OF THE
PARIS HOUSING AUTHORITY ("PHA") OF THE CITY OF PARIS' 2023
PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TAXES ("PILOT"); MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND
PROVISIONS RELATED OT THE SUBJECT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
12. Approve the Final Plat of the Kilian Addition, Block A, Lot 1, LCAD 117490, located in
the 2300 Block of N.E. Loop 286/Spur 139.
13. Approve the Final Plat of the Huhtamaki West Center Addition, Block A, Lot 1, LCAD
53591 and 53657, located at 800 W. Center.
14. Approve RESOLUTION NO. 2024-017: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, APPROVING THE RETURN OF A PORTION OF
A $200,000.00 DONATION FROM THE PHILIP AND SALLY CECIL
FOUNDATION, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $166,790.00; MAKING OTHER
FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
15. Approve the low bid of $430,970.42 from Core & Main, LP for material to be used in the
three (3) water line looping projects; and authorize the City Manager to execute all
necessary documents.
Regular Agenda
16. Convene into Executive Session pursuant to 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, to -wit: City of Paris v. Essent
PRMC.
Mayor Hughes called for a Motion to remove this item from the table. A Motion to
remove this item from the table was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by Council
Member Savage. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays
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February 26, 2024
Page 4
Mayor Pro -Tem Pankaj said he and Council Member Norment had a conflict on this item.
A Motion to recuse Mayor Pro -Tem Pankaj and Council Member Norment was made by Council
Member Pilgrim and seconded by Council Member Savage. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
Mayor Hughes convened City Council into executive session at 5:40 p.m.
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 6:10 p.m. and said there was
no action to be taken. Mayor Hughes called for a Motion to return Mayor Pro -Tem Pankaj and
Council Member Norment to the meeting. A Motion to return Mayor Pro -Tem Pankaj and
Council Member Norment to the meeting was made by Council Member Savage and Council
Member Pilgrim. Motion carried, 5 ayes — 0 nays.
18. Discuss, conduct a public hearing, and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2024-008: 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 BLOCK A, LOTS 7R AND 8R,
LCAD #20605 AND #130518 IN THE WESTVIEW ADDITION, LOCATED AT 1824-
1834 WEST HOUSTON STREET, FROM A ONE -FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT
NO. 2 (SF -2) TO A ONE -FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT NO. 3 (SF -3);
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.
Building Official Duke McGee explained this applicant was requesting a zoning change
in order to construct single-family residences on these lots. He said that the Planning and Zoning
Commission voted to approve the zoning change, and that staff recommended approval.
Mayor Hughes opened the public hearing and asked for anyone wishing to speak in
support or opposition, to please come forward. With no one speaking, Mayor Hughes closed the
public hearing.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Kessel and seconded by
Council Member Moore. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
19. Discuss, provide direction to City Staff, and act on RESOLUTION NO. 2024-018: A
RESOLUTION DENYING A PETITION (BRANDON AND KARA BOND) TO
DISANNEX A 31.774 ACRE TRACT OF LAND LOCATED AT 660 AND 680 CR
32900 WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF PARIS; MAKING OTHER
FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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February 26, 2024
Page 5
City Attorney Stephanie Harris said this is the second time the applicants had submitted a
petition to disannex this property. She said the previous application was in May of 2021, and the
City Council denied the petition. Ms. Harris also said the applicants said the reason for the
application was that they did not receive water, sewer, fire protection or police protection. She
further said at this time the only services not available to this property were water and sewer.
Ms. Harris explained that the applicant had not alleged any changes of circumstances between
the first application and the filing of the application before them. In addition, Ms. Harris
explained that Texas Local Government Code Section 43.057 and Section 43.142 provided that
if the annexation or disannexation would create a keyhole, the governing body must find that
surrounding the area was in the public interest. Ms. Harris said disannextion of this property did
not appear to be in the public interest. City Manager Grayson Path reiterated that the City did
provide police, fire and street services to the property.
A Motion to deny the request for disannexation was made by Council Member Norment
and seconded by Council Member Savage. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
20. Receive a presentation about a short-term rental program for the City of Paris.
Deputy City Manager Rob Vine gave a presentation about a short-term rental program for
the City, which included the definition of a short-term rental and stated the program and
supporting ordinance would require owners that rent their home or other dwellings for less than
30 days, to obtain a STR permit and adhere to the requirements of the program. Mr. Vine
reported that according to Avenu, the City had 43 short-term rentals available on October 12,
2023. Mr. Vine said the purpose of this program was to ensure the short-term rentals were
operated in a safe manner and provided a means to promote a safe environment for those that use
them for temporary lodging, much like the hotels and motels.
Council Member Savage inquired if there would be a penalty for those who do not
register and Mr. Vine said there was a penalty section in the ordinance. Mr. Path said citizens
who had short-term rentals in their neighborhoods had expressed concern about some of the
issues neighbors were experiencing. Mayor Pro -Tem Pankaj said it would be a good idea to
meet with some of these short-term rental owners. It was a consensus of City Council to move
forward with a short-term rental program.
21. Discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2024-009: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 4,
"BUILDING REGULATIONS," ARTICLE 4.02, "CONSTRUCTION CODES AND
STANDARDS," DIVISION 5, "PLUMBING CODE" TO ADD SECTION 4.02.124,
"CROSS -CONNECTION CONTROL PROGRAM;" MAKING OTHER FINDINGS
AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; PROVIDING A REPEALER
CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, A SAVINGS CLAUSE, A PENALTY
CLAUSE; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mr. McGee said the ordinance before the City Council explains the purpose of backflow
protection; defines local duties and responsibilities for the City's Water Purveyor, Building
Safety Department, Installers and Owners; provided for the City's regulatory compliance;
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February 26, 2024
Page 6
establishes enforcement procedures; set fines and procedures for violations; and provides relief
and appeal protocols. He also said that Staff recommended adoption of this ordinance
establishing a cross -connection control program to help protect the public drinking water system
for the City of Paris.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Mayor Pro -Tem Pankaj and seconded by
Council Member Norment. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
22. Discuss and possibly act on RESOLUTION NO. 2024-019: AMENDMENT BY THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS TO CITY PERSONNEL
MANUAL SECTION 14.01 TO ADD JUNTEENTH AND VETERANS DAY AS PAID
EMPLOYEE HOLIDAYS; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS AND
DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Hughes said over the last couple of years that citizens had been inquiring about
these two holidays, and that is why he asked that it be placed on an agenda. Mr. Path explained
that every entity had the flexibility to recognize which holidays to observe. He explained that
observing a holiday involved closing of non-essential city offices which meant that essential city
office employees would be afforded an additional day off or to be paid for the holiday. Mr. Path
said it was difficult to calculate an amount because of factoring in sick leave, vacation leave,
shift demands, the varying amounts of pay, and step pay. He also said Labor Day 2023 was the
expense of about $13,000.00 in pay paid out plus benefits.
Council Member Savage asked about other cities. Mr. Path said they did not poll other
cities. Council Member Savage said he had no problem with adding both of these holidays.
Council Member Kessel inquired about a floating holiday and if that was in the policy. Mr. Path
said it was not in the policy but if an employee had to work a holiday then they could take a day
off later. Council Member Savage said African Americans made up about 20% of the population
and there was a large amount of veteran population. He reiterated he was good with both of
these holidays. Mayor Pro -Tem Pankaj and Council Member Moore supported both holidays.
Council Member Norment said she supported the holidays but that would give 12 holidays, some
of which were not recognized. She suggested they look at the holidays and trade two of the
others. Mr. Path said he would not recommend trading days because of planning schedules of
employees that were already taking place.
A Motion to approve both holidays was made by Council Member Savage and seconded
by Council Member Moore. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
23. Discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2024-010: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
PARIS, TEXAS DECLARING UNOPPOSED CANDIDATES IN CITY COUNCIL
DISTRICTS 1, 3, AND 6 FOR THE MAY 4, 2024 GENERAL ELECTION TO BE
ELECTED TO OFFICE; DETERMINING THAT NO GENERAL ELECTION BE
HELD IN DISTRICTS 1, 3 AND 6; DIRECTING THAT A COPY OF THIS
ORDINANCE BE POSTED AT APPROPRIATE POLLING PLACES; DIRECTING
THAT A CERTIFICATE OF ELECTION BE ISSUED TO THE UNOPPOSED
CANDIDATES; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO
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February 26, 2024
Page 7
THE SUBJECT; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE,
A SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Clerk Janice Ellis said the candidates in Districts 1, 3 and 6 were unopposed and the
deadline had passed to make application to run for City Council. Ms. Ellis asked City Council to
declare candidates for District 1, Shatara Moore; District 3, Gary Savage; and Alix Putnam,
District 6 as elected to office and cancel the election in those districts.
24. 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 government 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 Lightning.
Mayor Hughes convened City Council into executive session at 6:42 p.m.
25. Reconvene into open session and possibly take action on those matters discussed in
executive session.
Mayor Hughes reconvened City Council into open session at 6:54 and announced there
was no action to be taken.
26. Consider and approve future events for City Council and/or City Staff pursuant to
Resolution No. 2004-081.
No future events were referenced.
27. Adjournment.
A Motion to adjourn was made by Council Member Kessel and seconded by Mayor Pro -
Tem Pankaj. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. Mayor Hughes adjourned the meeting at 6:54
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