04 City Council Meeting Min 1-8-07
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF PARIS
January 8, 2007
The City Council of the City of Paris met for a regular session at 6:00 P. M. Monday,
January 8, 2007, at the City Council Chamber, 107 E. Kaufman, Paris, Texas.
Present:
Mayor:
Richard Manning
Council Members: Tim Ray; Curtis Fendley; Mary Ann Fisher,
Mayor Pro Tern; Kevin Gray; Jesse James
Freelen; and Don Wilson
City Staff:
John Lestock, Assistant City Attorney; and
Janice Ellis, City Clerk
1. Mayor Manning called the meeting to order.
Ronnie Grooms gave the invocation.
2. Pledge of Allegiance.
Council Member Ray led the pledge.
3. Receipt of report from the Planning & Zoning Commission.
A. Consideration of and action on the Preliminary Plat of Lot 1, Block A, Lamar
Properties, being located in the 1100 block of Lamar Avenue.
Subject to the Engineer's recommendations, a Motion to approve this item was made
by Council Member Fendley and seconded by Council Member Freelen. Motion carried, 7 ayes
- 0 nays.
4. Interview candidates for the position of Interim City Manager
A. Ernest R. Clark
B. James Berzina
Mayor Manning informed Council that James Berzina had withdrawn his application.
The Council interviewed Ernest Clark and subsequently, Council Member Fisher asked Mr.
Clark when he could start. Mr. Clark told Council he could not make a decision to work for
the City, until he had spoken to each Council Member separately.
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CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Manning inquired if there were any items that Council Members wanted to pull
from the Consent Agenda for discussion.
Council Member Fisher made a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda and Council
Member Fendley seconded the Motion, subject to a correction being to the Minutes of December
11,2006, page 9, item D, as follows: "Council Member Fendley seconded the motion to move
item number 12 up." The Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed to approve and
adopt the Consent Agenda, Items 6, 7, 7 A, 7B, 7C, 7D, and 7E as follows:
6. Approval of minutes from previous City Council meetings. (12-11-2006; Special
Meeting, 12-15-2006; Special Meeting, 12-19-2006; and Special Meeting 12-27-2006)
7. Receipt of reports and/or minutes from committees, boards, and commissions:
A. The Charter Study Committee, Paris, Texas. (12-7-06)
B. Building and Standards Commission. (12-18-06)
C. Main Street Advisory Board. (8-23-06; 9-5-06; 11-15-06)
C. Paris Economic Development Corporation. (12-20-06)
D. Paris Public Library Advisory Board. (11-15-06)
8. ORDINANCE NO. 2007-001: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF P ARIS, PARIS, TEXAS, PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 7 OF THE CITY
CHARTER AND SECTION 43.142 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE,
DISANNEXING 727.75 ACRES OF LAND FORMING A PORTION OF THE
CURRENT OUTER BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF
PARIS, LOCATED SOUTHEAST OF THE INTERSECTION OF FM 905 AND FM
1507, IN RESPONSE TO A PETITION FOR SUCH DISANNEXA TION FILED BY
17 PROPERTY OWNERS INVOLVING 29 TRACTS OF LAND; MAKING A
FINDING WITH REGARD TO POTENTIAL REFUNDS OF PROPERTY TAXES TO
THE AFORESAID DISANNEXED LANDOWNERS; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS
AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Manning referred Council to the information in their packets. Council Member
Wilson said the City provided fire and police; however, needed to install fire hydrants to better
serve the citizens. He stated the cost to install the hydrants would be approximately
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$10,000.00. Council Member Wilson further stated the City could not provide sewer unless
there was more development. He said he would like to look at the offset between the taxes they
had to pay and how much their insurance rates would go up, should they be disannexed.
Council Member Freelen stated they had not set any criteria for disannexations and that they
should do so for future applications.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Freelen and seconded by
Council Member Ray. Motion carried, 5 ayes - 2 nays, with Council Member Fisher and
Council Member Wilson casting the dissenting votes.
9. Consideration of and action on the following resolutions:
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-001: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF THE FILES AND
LEGAL REPRESENTATION BY MONTE AKERS FOR THE CITY OF PARIS
CHARTER AMENDMENT PROJECT FROM THE LA W FIRM OF BOVEY, AKERS
& BOJORQUEZ TO AKERS & BOULEWARE-WELLS; MAKING OTHER
FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Fisher and seconded by
Council Member Freelen. Motion carried, 7 ayes - 0 nays.
B. RESOLUTION 2007-002: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PARIS, PARIS, TEXAS, REAPPOINTING DR. DA VID CARPENTER, MRS.
DENISE WILLIAMS, MR. LARRY REAVES, DR. GORDON B. STROM, JR., AND
DR. CAROLINE WILSON AS MEMBERS OF THE PARIS-LAMAR COUNTY
BOARD OF HEAL TH; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS
RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Fendley and seconded by
Council Member Fisher. Motion carried, 7 ayes - 0 nays.
C. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-003: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PARIS, PARIS, TEXAS, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE
EXECUTION OF CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NOTICE NO. 002A FOR PUBLIC
HEAL TH SERVICES, DSHS DOCUMENT NO. 7560022067-2007-02
(ATTACHMENT NO. 002A) IMMUNIZATION BRANCH - LOCALS; MAKING
OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Fisher and seconded by
Council Member Freelen. Motion carried, 7 ayes - 0 nays.
D. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-004: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PARIS, PARIS, TEXAS, AFFIRMING THAT THE CITY OF PARIS HAS
COMPLIED WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PUBLIC FUNDS
INVESTMENT ACT; AMENDING THE CITY'S INVESTMENT POLICY; MAKING
OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Fendley and seconded by
Council Member Gray. Motion carried, 7 ayes - 0 nays.
E. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-005: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PARIS, PARIS, TEXAS, AWARDING THE BID FOR CITY DEPOSITORY
FOR THE PERIOD BEGINNING MARCH 1,2007 AND ENDING FEBRUARY 28,
2009; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT UPON THE TERMS
AND CONDITIONS SET OUT IN THE INSTITUTION'S BID; MAKING OTHER
FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Fendley and seconded by
Council Member Fisher. Motion carried, 7 ayes - 0 nays.
F. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-006: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PARIS, PARIS, TEXAS, ACCEPTING THE ROUTINE AIRPORT
MAINTENANCE PROGRAM (RAMP) GRANT; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION
OF A GRANT AGREEMENT FOR TXDOT PROJECT NO. AM 2007P ARIS;
MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT;
AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Freelen and seconded by
Council Member Fendley. Motion carried, 7 ayes - 0 nays.
G. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-007: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PARIS, PARIS, TEXAS, GRANTING THE EXERCISE OF OPTION TO
RENEW THE PASTURE LEASE AGREEMENT WITH CAREY EA THERL Y FOR
THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT COX FIELD AIRPORT FOR AN ADDITIONAL
FIVE (5) YEARS; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO
THE SUBJECT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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Lisa Wright explained that Carey Eatherly was exercising his option to renew the lease
and upon expiration of the renewed lease, it would go out for bid.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Fisher and seconded by
Council Member Gray. Motion carried, 7 ayes - 0 nays.
H. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, PARIS,
TEXAS, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING A PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH A PERSONNEL CONSULTING FIRM TO
CONDUCT A PERSONNEL SEARCH FOR CITY MANAGER CANDIDATES FOR
THE POSITION OF CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS; MAKING
OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND
DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Manning explained the reason he wanted to go with The Pace Group was because
they did an outstanding job for PEDC. Council Member Wilson said he would like to look at
several firms and determine which was the best. Council Member Fisher agreed with Council
Member Wilson. Mayor Manning said that he would contact several firms and schedule them
for presentations before Council.
A Motion to table this item was made by Council Member Fendley and seconded by
Council Member Wilson. Motion carried, 7 ayes - 0 nays.
10. Personal Appearances
A. Bill Strathern - regarding the results of the City of Paris Public Opinion Survey.
Mr. Strathern reported that 2,500 surveys were turned in and contained over
1,000 written comments. He stated the survey would help in developing a
Strategic Business Plan, a guide to the City's future. Mr. Strathern presented
Council with a handout outlining the collected information.
B. William Conder - regarding C-Tech.
Mr. Conder reported to Council that C- Tech's corporate charter had been
forfeited several times for being delinquent on their franchise taxes. He
expressed concern about the amount of money PEDC had loaned C- Tech, the
extensions granted to C- Tech, and C- Tech's failure to comply with the Incentive
Agreement.
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11. Citizens Forum.
Bill Strathern, 4905 Trails End - he stated that the City needed to have a Strategic
Business Plan prepared. He further stated PEDC was requested in 1993 to prepare one,
but that it was not done.
12. Mayor Manning convened the Council into Executive Session at 7:36 p.m. pursuant to
Section 551.071 ofthe Texas Government Code, Consultation with Attorney, to receive
advice oflegal counsel pertaining to pending or possible litigation and to receive advice
of legal counsel pursuant to the duty of an attorney to his client under the Texas
Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas, regarding the
following matter:
A. Jim Bell vs. The City of Paris, Texas, Cause No. 75213, pending in the
62nd Judicial District Court of Lamar County, Texas.
13. Reconvene in open session to consider and take necessary action, as deemed
appropriate, regarding those matters discussed in the Executive Session.
Mayor Manning reconvened the open session at 7:55 p.m. and stated there was no
action to be taken.
14. Discussion and possible action regarding goals and objectives of the City of Paris and
the City Council - requested by Council Member Wilson.
Council Member Wilson said he requested this item, because he thought it was a good
ideal for the Council to set goals and objectives. Upon hiring of an interim City Manager, he
suggested they discuss setting goals and objectives. Mayor Manning agreed with Council
Member Wilson.
15. Discussion regarding City Council Members giving City employees work direction -
requested by Council Member Freelen.
Council Member Freelen said he did not think that Council had the right to give work
direction to employees. Mayor Manning reminded everyone of Section 23 of the City Charter.
16. Consider and approve future events for City Council and/or City Staff pursuant to
Resolution No. 2004-081.
None were referenced.
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17. Possible future agenda items.
Council Member Fendley said he previously asked that an item be placed on the Agenda
to consider rehiring Tony Williams. He stated that he had changed his mind, because he had
spoken with Tony Williams and they needed to move the Community forward.
Mayor Manning asked for a discussion and possible action item regarding the new city
attorney. He scheduled a special meeting for Tuesday, January 16,2007.
Council Member Freelen asked for a discussion item regarding the amount of money
spent on legal fees and consulting fees.
18. Staff Reports.
A. Gene Anderson regarding Water Rights at Pat Mays Lake.
Gene Anderson reported that the contract with the Corp of Engineers did not
allow for a lump sum payment toward the outstanding principal. He told Council that
the City was currently paying on Spaces 1 and 2, but not on Spaces 3, 4 and 5. He
stated that the total owed for Spaces 1 and 2 was $800,258.00 with the final payment
for Space 1 being made in 2017 and the final payment for Space 2 being made in 2027.
Gene further told Council the total amount owing for Spaces 3, 4 and 5 was
$9,350.296.00. Council Member Fendley said they should look at a shorter pay-out
plan. Gene told Council he could run the figures on a five year, ten year and fifteen year
pay-out plan.
B. Jon Clack regarding Drought Contingency Plan.
Jon Clack reported that the lake level was at 82% and if it stayed at that level for
a few more days, he would be recommend moving out of the Drought Contingency
Plan.
C. Lisa Wright regarding Annual Preservation Report.
Lisa Wright reported to Council that the Historic Preservation Commission
participated in the Visionaries in Preservation Program; applied for and received a
Visionaries Grant; received a Lennox Foundation Grant; contracted with Main Street
Architects to revise the design standards for the commercial and residential historic
districts; and considered seventy Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness.
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19. Referrals.
There were none.
20. Adjournment.
There being no further business, Council Member Fisher made a motion to adjourn the
meeting and Council Member Freelen seconded the Motion. The meeting was adjourned at
8:16 p.m.
RICHARD MANNING, MAYOR
JANICE ELLIS, CITY CLERK
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