05/08/2025 MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING FOR
TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE (TIRZ) BOARD
PARIS, TEXAS
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, 107 E. KAUFMAN ST, PARIS TEXAS
THURSDAY, MAY 08, 2025
4:00 O'CLOCK P.M.
Members present: Cody Head, Chairman; Miles Mathieu, Vice -Chairman; Thomas
McMonigle, Secretary; Maureen Hammond, Reeves Hayter, and
Pam Norwood
City Staff. Rose Beverly, City Manager; Rob Vine, Deputy City Manager;
Stephanie Harris, City Attorney; Osei Amo-Mensah, Director of
Planning and Community Development; and Skylar Unger, Deputy
City Clerk;
Absent: Dillon Cecil
1. Call meeting to order.
Chairman Head called the meeting to order at 4:01 P.M.
2. Citizens' input.
No one came forward during citizens' input.
3. Approve minutes from the Special meeting on April 10, 2025.
A Motion to approve the minutes as presented was made by Mr. McMonigle and seconded by Mr.
Mathieu. Motion carried 6 ayes – 0 nays.
4. Update on the current Project Plan.
Deputy City Manager Rob Vine distributed a list of Catalyst Projects compiled by Mainstreet Coordinator
Cheri Bedford. The list outlines the status of each project—categorized as completed, in progress, or
incomplete, along with estimated costs. As Ms. Bedford is currently out of the office, further discussion
was postponed. Mr. Vine noted that upon her return, they will review the list together to refine project
priorities and update cost estimates. Following further questions from the board, Chairman head moved
on to the next item.
5. Update on the current Finance Plan.
Mr. Vine presented the Board with a list of currently active permits within TIRZ Sub -Zone 2 (Downtown),
showing a total valuation of $6,724,327.00. He explained that this figure is based on the valuation of all
active permits. Mr. Vine also noted that a few larger projects are underway but have not yet entered the
permitting phase, so the total valuation is expected to increase in the future. Ms. Hammond said that she
understood staff would be providing projections for all sub -zones for the entire 30 years. Chairman Head
responded that using permit valuations is currently the most accurate method for projecting totals until the
projects are completed. Following further discussion regarding a more effective approach to developing
the projections and their associated timeframe, Chairman Head proceeded to the next agenda item. (Note.-
some
Note:some discussion is hard to hear on the recording due to board members being too far away from their
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microphone.)
6. Review and discuss the 1st Street Renovation Project, including consideration of allocating TIRZ funds
to support the project.
Rob Vine introduced consultant Vance Lyles with MTG Engineers & Surveyors to provide an overview
of the status of the project. Mr. Lyles explained that this is a 2023 CDBG-funded project through the
Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). The goal is to transform 1 st Street into a more pedestrian -
friendly "plaza." He noted that the addition of eight bump -outs, utility connections for water and power
to support events, and general construction cost increases have raised the overall project cost by
approximately $300,000.00. Mr. Lyles also reported unexpected utility issues and the discovery of a
basement beneath the street, both of which contributed to additional cost increases. The original grant
amount is $500,000.00, with a required match of $129,318.00 provided by the City. The total cost may
increase further depending on the inclusion of alternate items such as landscape beds, irrigation systems,
electrical outlets for food trucks, and glass pavers. Mr. Lyles stated that plans for the environmental review
have been completed, and once clearance is received, the project will be ready to go out for bid ---
potentially by mid-to-late June. The TDA contract date is set for the end of the year.
Ms. Hammond said that this was a great project and would significantly enhance the area. She inquired
whether there were any plans to place the utilities underground. Mr. Lyles responded that there are
currently no such plans, as the quote for relocating the overhead electric lines underground was extremely
high. Mr. Vine added that the cost was prohibitively expensive but noted that further discussion with
Oncor could still take place. He stated that he would coordinate with City Engineer Todd Mittge to obtain
a more accurate estimate for the underground utility work.
Mr. Hayter expressed that he was under the impression the street would be permanently closed to traffic
and sought clarification regarding the inclusion of removable bollards. Mr. Vine confirmed that the street
would be permanently closed to through traffic; however, the bollards would be removable to allow food
trucks to enter, park during events, and then be reinstalled. He emphasized that the street would remain
closed to general traffic at all times to maintain safety and minimize confusion.
Guest attendee Chad Lindsey, representing 1st Street Media, spoke in support of the project. He
acknowledged the high cost of relocating utility lines underground but stated that 1 st Street Media would
support the project in any way possible. He also suggested that stamped brick might offer a more cost-
effective and easier -to -maintain alternative to traditional paved brick.
Ms. Hammond expressed surprise that the funding request was being presented to the board at this stage
of the process. She remarked that, given the ongoing planning efforts, submitting piecemeal funding
requests before the planning is complete undermines both the process and the broader vision.
Chairman Head stated that what he found most encouraging about the project was the collaboration it
demonstrated between the Chamber, the City, and potentially the TIRZ Board. While the project may not
fully align with the current planning efforts, he expressed his support for the City moving forward with
initiatives like this.
Ms. Hammond added that if this request were approved, she believed no additional project requests should
be brought forward until the planning process has been completed.
Mr. Vine explained that the reason the funding request was being presented to the board at this time was
due to the City receiving $400,000.00 as part of a disannexation agreement with a solar farm, in lieu of
taxes. He stated that the City of Paris had partnered with the Chamber of Commerce and reached an
agreement for each entity to contribute $100,000.00 from Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds to help
cover the project's funding shortfall. This would still leave a remaining gap of $100,000.00 in project
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funding. Mr. Vine noted that discussions were ongoing at the City Council level regarding how to allocate
the disannexation funds, but mentioned that the TIRZ could be considered as a potential backup funding
source if needed.
Following further discussion Chairman Head moved onto the next item.
7. Request future agenda items.
Future agenda items will include: an update on the estimated cost to relocate the overhead utility lines on
1 st Street underground; a current account balance for the TIRZ fund, including projected revenue; an
update on the Project Plan, including associated timelines; and the consideration of tax abatements for the
5 -in -5 Housing Infill Program. Ms. Hammond also proposed holding a community workshop as a future
item for discussion.
8. Adjournment.
There being no further business, a Motion to adjourn was made by Ms. Norwood and seconded by Mr.
McMonigle. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays. Chairman Head adjourned the meeting at 5:19 P.M.
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