04-22-2024MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS
April 22, 2024
The City Council of the City of Paris met for a regular session at 5:30 p.m. on Monday,
April 22, 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; Todd Mittge,
City Engineer; Thomas McMonigle, Fire Chief;
M.A. Smith, Public Works Director; and Clyde
Crews, Fire Marshal
Opening ening 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.
Carolyn Williams, 44th Street — she said she had an issue with mowing her lot and the
City mowed a lot that was not her lot, and charged her but she did not have to pay it. She also
said it was not right to have to give your social security number to the police.
Consent A ends
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
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April 22, 2024
Page 2
made by Council Mayor Pro -Tem Pankaj and seconded by Council Member Savage. Motion
carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
5. Approve minutes from the meetings of March 25, 2024 & April 8, 2024.
6. Receive reports and/or minutes from the following boards and commissions:
a. Love Civic Center Quarterly Reports
b. VC& C Quarterly Reports
c. Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) Board (3-28-2024)
d. Historic Preservation Commission (3-13-2024)
e. Paris -Lamar County Board of Health (2-20-2024)
7. Receive March monthly financial report.
8. Receive March drainage report.
9. Receive demolition and code enforcement activity reports.
10. Approve the Final Plat of the Troy Jones Addition, Lot 1, Block A CB 134, LCAD 16186,
16187, 16188, located in the 600 Block of W. Sherman.
11. Approve the Final Plat of the Harper Industrial Addition, Lot 2, Block A, LCAD PT of
70702, PT of 71910, 111478, located in the 2500 Block of S. Church.
12. Approve Change Order No. 3 with Lloyd D. Nabors Demolition for the Belford
Demolition Project, increasing the amount of $7,500.00 for leveling of the north wall.
13. Award the bid and approve an Agreement for Concrete Demolition and Construction
services with Pridemore Construction in the amount of $368,490.00; and authorize the
City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
14. Approve RESOLUTION NO. 2024-021: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDER(S) CONTRACTS FOR THE 2023 DRP/MS
PROGRAM FROM THE TEXAS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
(TxCDBG) FUND; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO
THE SUBJECT AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
15. Approve the expenditure of TIRZ Funds to hold an educational training conducted by the
Texas Comptroller's Office to the TIRZ Board.
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April 22, 2024
Page 3
Reular Aenda
16. Presentation of awards to the Police Department, Fire Department and EMS Department
recognizing exceptional service.
Tom Milson, current president of the Red River Chapter Texas Sons of American
Revolution gave a background of the non-profit non-partisan organization dedicated to
promoting patriotism, preserving American History and teaching American History to future
generations. He said part of their activities included honoring members of the local Police, Fire
and EMS Departments for outstanding service. Mr. Milson said tonight they would be honoring
thirteen individuals who were nominated by Police Chief Salter and Fire Chief McMonigle.
Fire Chief McMonigle presented a Fire Safety Award to Captain Drew Boren and an
Emergency Medical Services Award to Deputy Chief Kellie Newman.
Police Chief Salter called upon Captain Thompson to read the citation about Sergeant
Dustin Calhoun who received the Law Enforcement Award presented by Chief Salter and
Captain Thompson. Chief Salter asked Captain Thompson to read the citation prior to presenting
the Law Enforcement Award to Detective Lieutenant Leigh Foreman. Captain Bull read the
citation for the life safety award and Chief Salter presented it to Dispatchers Robin Cannon and
Supervisor Courtney McIntyre. Next, Captain Thompson read the citation for the life safety
award for Patrol Officers Coner Darnell, Jeremy Helms, Luiz Paxton and Lieutenant Shane Stone
and Chief Salter presented the awards. Captain Thompson read the citation for life saving and
heroism with the awards being presented by Chief Salter to Patrol Officer Jeffery Rico. Captain
Bull read the citation for Bronze Good Citizenship with Chief Salter presenting the awards to
Dispatchers Marina Helms and Erin Jusseaume.
Council Member Savage said he hoped to see these types of awards every year, because
most people did not understand the details of what these departments do. He expressed
appreciation for their service to the community, as did the other Council Members.
17. Receive presentation of the Police Department racial profiling annual report.
Police Chief Salter reported that Article 2.132-2.134 of the Texas Code of Criminal
Procedure required the annual reporting to the local governing body on data collected relative to
motor vehicle stops in which a ticket, citation, or warning was issued, and/or arrests resulted
from those stops. He said that Dr. Eric Fritsch and Dr. Chad Trulson with Justice Research
Consultants, LLC was retained to prepare the 2023 Racial Profiling Report based on raw
statistical data supplied by the Paris Police Department.
Dr. Eric Fritsch presented the 2023 Racial Profiling Analysis beginning with the Paris
Police Department Policy on Racial Profiling, the department's training and education on racial
profiling and the department's complaint process and public education on racial profiling. Next
Dr. Fritsch gave Comparative Analysis #1, Comparative Analysis #2, Comparative Analysis #3,
Comparative Analysis #4, and additional information required to be reported to TCOLE. In
summary, Dr. Fritsch stated the analysis reflected that the Paris Police Department was fully in
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April 22, 2024
Page 4
compliance with relevant Texas laws concerning racial profiling, including the existence of a
formal policy prohibiting racial profiling by its officers, officer training and educational
programs, a formalized complaint process, and the collection of data in compliance with the law.
Dr. Fritsch answered questions from Council Member Savage.
18. Receive presentation regarding the work performed by the ad-hoc Downtown Traffic
Committee in 2023 for the purpose of implementing traffic softening measures.
City Manager Grayson Path said in January 2022, the City did a partnership with TxDOT
for the purpose of a 90 -day STOP Sign Study in the Downtown Plaza to determine whether
electronic signals could be replaced with static stop signs. He also said after analyzing the data
and surveys, that TxDOT determined that static stop signs would not be allowed. Mr. Path
explained that the next step taken was temporary electronic speed indicators which did soften
speeds through downtown. Mr. Path said the committee explored several other topics. Mr. Path
said the committee has recommended that electronic speed signs be purchased and installed at
several of the entrances where the greatest impact was seen. He also said these signs were
expensive and would need to be a budgetary capital request for the upcoming budget cycle.
19. Discuss and act on cancellation of the second meeting in May due to Memorial Day
Holiday, and possibly select another meeting date.
City Clerk Janice Ellis informed City Council that their second scheduled meeting in
May fell on the Memorial Day Holiday on May 27th. She said staff recommended cancellation
of that meeting but they had an option of rescheduling it for another date in May.
A Motion to cancel the May 27 City Council meeting was made by Council Member
Savage and seconded by Council Member Norment. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
20. Discuss and act on a Key to the City Policy, and select a third Council Member to join
the Mayor and Mayor Pro -Tem as a selection and award committee.
City Manager Grayson Path explained that granting the Key to the City was a symbolic
presentation which represented the highest honor that the City could confer to an individual or
organization for outstanding civic contributions. He said that City still had 17 keys remaining
in storage.
Mr. Path said that he, the Mayor and Mayor Pro -Tem had worked on the policy and
requested that the Mayor, Mayor Pro -Tem and another Council Member serve on a committee
for the purpose of deciding who should be awarded a Key to the City. He explained that it would
remain confidential until the public surprise announcement at the Lamar County Chamber of
Commerce annual banquet. Mr. Path asked that the Council discuss the proposed policy
including any edits, approve and consider selecting a third Council Member to serve on the
committee so they could begin the process of identifying candidates for the Key to the City
award.
Regular Council Meeting
April 22, 2024
Page 5
Council Member Savage said the history of giving a Key to the City was to welcome
those coming from out of town into Paris, such as a dignitary guest. He also said that citizens
were given awards. Mayor Hughes said he understood the meaning of the Key to the City.
Council Member Savage said giving a Key to someone such as Prince Harry would be impactful.
Council Member Pilgrim said if a company celebrated 100 years in business, then they might
want to give them a Key but that he also understood what Council Member Savage was
referencing. Mr. Path said it would be an annual award of the key at the Lamar County Chamber
Banquet. Council Member Savage said they could create a citizen award of the year and not
give a Key to the City to a citizen because a citizen came and went into the City. Council Member
Norment said she thought they could do both. Council Member Savage said since they did not
have to do this at the moment that maybe, they should review the policy and come up with
something different. Mr. Path said he could bring back some alternative language with regard
to the eligibility section. Council Member Savage asked if he could send it to the City Council
in advance and Mr. Path answered in the affirmative. Council Member Norment suggested taking
out the annual part and that giving of the key be impactful.
A Motion to table this item was made by Council Member Savage and seconded by
Council Members Norment and Pilgrim. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
21. Discuss and act on RESOLUTION NO.2024-022: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO
THE BYLAWS OF THE PARIS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
REMOVING TERM LIMITS FOR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS;
MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT;
AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
PEDC Director Maureen Hammond explained the current Bylaws restricted board
members to only two consecutive three-year terms and the policy review committee
recommended to remove this limitation, permitting board members who have served a full term
to qualify for additional terms. Ms. Hammond said the PEDC Board met on March 19ffi and
unanimously approved an amendment to the Bylaws removing the term limits to serve on the
Board. Board Member Mark Homer added that a term limit should be much like that of a County
or State Office, not by Statute but by a vote. He explained the importance of continuity when
working on economic development projects and the fact that some could take several years to
completion. Council Member Pilgrim added that continuity was huge and referenced several
project in which it took three to five years to complete.
A Motion to approve the amendment to the PEDC Bylaws was made by Mayor Pro -Tem
Pankaj and seconded by Council Member Pilgrim. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
22. Discuss and act on RESOLUTION NO. 2024-023: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, WAIVING INTEREST ON A
DANGEROUS STRUCTURE ABATEMENT LIEN ON PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS
CITY OF PARIS BLOCK 39, LOT PT 2, LOCATED AT 239 N.E. 2ND STREET;
MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS; AND DECLARING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
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April 22, 2024
Page 6
Mr. Path explained the City of Paris demolished a dangerous structure located at 239 Ne
2°d Street in June of 2006, and applied a lien against the property on September 1, 2006, in the
principal amount of $1,350.30. He said the lien continued to exist on this property since that
time. He also said that taxes had been paid and any other nuisance violations that may have
occurred had also been paid. Mr. Path stated that Jeff Faber is listed as the owner and took
ownership on February 5, 2024. Mr. Path said accumulated interest was approximately
$5,885.87 and the value of the property according to LCAD was $2,010.00. Mr. Path said it was
his recommendation that the City Council require payment of the principal amount of $1,350.30
and it was a Council decision as to waive or not waive interest.
Following discussion by the City Council, a Motion to require Mr. Faber to pay the
amount of the lien and one-half of the interest was made by Council Member Pilgrim and
seconded by Council Member Savage. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
23. Discuss and approve an additional $72,600.00 to be sent to TxDOT for the Runway and
Taxiway Rehabilitation Project scheduled to start early summer of 2024.
Airport Manager Paul Strahan said for the past few years the City had budgeted to provide
the 10% match with TxDOT to complete a resurface project on the runway and taxiway at the
airport. He explained the City had budgeted and sent the funds to TxDOT but since then had
been informed the project was delayed for an entire year which resulted in an increase in the cost
of the entire project. Mr. Strahan explained the original amount paid was $275,000.00 and the
amount the City needed to send to TxDOT was $72,600.00 which represented the City's 10%
requirement for a total of $374,600 and would come from the City's ARPA Funds. He also said
if bids come in higher than the estimated amount, it was possible that more funds would be
needed to cover the 10%. He said City Staff recommended approval of an additional $72,600.00
be sent to TxDOT for this rehabilitation project scheduled to start early summer of 2024.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Savage and seconded by
Council Member Norment. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
24. Discuss and act on ORDINANCE NO. 2024-016 amending Appendix A, "Fee Schedule,
"Section A3.002, "DEVELOPMENT AND GENERAL CONSTRUCTION AND
PLANNING PERMIT FEES," OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
PARIS; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE
SUBJECT; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE,
AND A SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Deputy City Manager Rob Vine explained that the purpose of these fees was to offset
public tax dollar expense directed towards development projects in town, and keeping the fees
reasonable. He said staff had reviewed the fees and recommendations included increase of some
fees, decrease of some fees and deletion of other fees. Mr. Vine said the ordinance before
Council was the recommendation of Staff.
Regular Council Meeting
April 22, 2024
Page 7
A Motion to approve this item was made by Mayor Pro -Tem Pankaj and seconded by
Council Member Pilgrim. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
25. Convene into executive session pursuant to Section 551.072 of the Texas Government
Code, to deliberate the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property if deliberation
in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the governmental
body in negotiations with a third person.
Mayor Hughes convened City Council into executive session at 7:19 p.m.
26. Reconvene into open session and possibly take action on those matters discussed in
Executive Session.
Mayor reconvened City Council into open session at 7:30 p.m. and said there was no
action to be taken.
27. Consider and approve future events for City Council and/or City Staff pursuant to
Resolution No. 2004-081.
Mayor Hughes reminded everyone of the Council reception for Council Member Pilgrim
on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Council Member Savage reminded everyone of Coffee
with Cops on Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
28. Adjournment.
There being no further business, a Motion to adjourn was made by Council Member
Savage and seconded by Council Member Pilgrim. Motion carried, 7 ayes - 0 nays. Mayor
Hughes adjourned the meeting at 7:31 p.m.
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