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02 Council Minutes (11/12/01)MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL November 12, 2001 The City Council of the City of Paris met in regular session, Monday, November 12, 2001, 6:00 P. M., Paris Junior College, Applied Technology Building, Room 1016, 2400 Clarksville Street, Paris, Texas. Mayor Michael J. Pfiester called the meeting to order with the following Council Members present: John F. Bell, Richard Manning, Joe E. McCarthy, John A. Carter, Jr., Kevin Gray and Benny Plata. Also present were City Manager Michael E. Malone, City Attorney Larry W. Schenk, and City Clerk Mattie Cunningham. The Invocation was given by Charles Olson with the Christian Fellowship Church. Mayor Pfiester asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes of previous meetings. There being none, the minutes were approved as presented. City Manager Malone announced that the City Council had been furnished minutes for the Paris Public Library Advisory Board and the Airport Advisory Board with no action being required. City Manager Malone advised that the Paris Economic Development Corporation minutes of October 17, 2001, had also been furnished. Scheduled under that item is a personal appearance by Kenney Kammer on behalf of S. I. Management, Inc., and KG Properties, LLP, requesting a tax abatement for an assisted living community development. Also scheduled under this item is providing direction to city staff regarding a request for tax abatement by S. I. Management, Inc., and KG Properties LLP. City Manager Malone suggested that the City Council table the corresponding agenda items, 3-C-1 and 3-C-2, because representatives from the companies were not present. A motion was made by Councilman Bell, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Manning, to table the above two items. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays. Regular City Council Meetrng Nov. 12, 2001 Page 2 Under personal appearances, Audrey J. Evans, 874 Cedar Street, appeared before the City Council requesting that the city adopt an ordinance specifying the number of domestic and farm animals that can be kept at a residence inside the city limits and prohibiting the burial of animal remains at residences. Ms. Evans discussed the problems that she was having at her home and in the neighborhood with dogs, cats, and, at one time, goats in her neighbor's back yard. She also explained that this neighbor was also burying animals in their backyard. City Attorney Schenk advised that he is familiar with cities who have attempted to adopt ordinances that limit the number of dogs and cats, and that it is usually a highly contested issue. Mayor Pfiester said the City Council would take this matter under advisement. Donald G. Wilson and Dr. Ted McLemore appeared on behalf of HW Investment. Mr. Wilson asked that the City of Paris participate in the cost of extending Pine Mill Road from 30th N. E. over to Collegiate Drive. He said they have owned this property for approximately twenty years. In the past they have tried to develop the property as a gated community and did not wish to extend the street through the development. Mr. Wilson pointed out that the Master Plan calls for Pine Mill Road to go through their property and hook-up with 25th Street. Mr. Wilson said that as they were being more or less forced to extend the street, the City of Paris should participate in the cost between the 28 foot street that is normally used in a development verses the 39 foot street that would be required to be a feeder street for Pine Mill Road. Mr. Wilson advised that the approximate cost of this street is going to be $100,000.00, and that is contingent on the price of concrete at the time of the bid. He said the engineering has already been paid for. Mr. Wilson advised that the estimated cost to the city would be $30,000.00 to $40,000.00. After discussion, a motion was made by Councilman Bell, seconded by Councilman Carter to authorize cost participation by the City of Paris on the extension of Pine Mill Road from 3 0th Street N. E. to Collegiate Drive. The Regular City Council Meetrng Nov. 12, 2001 Page 3 motion carried 6 ayes, 1 nay, Councilman Plata voting no. Mayor Pfiester declared the public hearing open to consider levying assessments on benefitted property for a portion of the cost of the expansion of the sanitary sewer line extension for the Cope Addition, Suburban Estates Addition, Golden Acre Addition, and certain tracts in the E. Crow Survey along Meadowlark Street, Mockingbird Street, Cope Street, Pine Mill Road, Thomas Drive, Welch Circle, and 46th Street N.E., thence southerly to tie into the existing city collection system. City Engineer Shawn Napier presented a visual presentation for this project. He explained that this project started out with a petition being presented to the City of Paris to bring sewer to Meadowlark Street, Mockingbird Street, and Cope Street. Mr. Napier said in designing the project, the nearest sewer line was a lift station located in the Morningside North Addition and that lift station carried most of the southwest and south side of Highway 82. The sewer line would go north all the way to Pine Mill Road and would intersect a small creek crossing under Pine Mill Road and in that general area would extend east and west, including Mockingbird Street, Meadowlark Street, and Cope Street. He said that from this point the line would be extended east picking up Golden Acre Addition and other houses on 46th Street. Mr. Napier said that in computing the assessment, he used two different methods. He said the first method was the tributary area method, where the drainage area that included the area not served with sewer was estimated to be approximately 170.5 acres. Mr. Napier said that he had computed approximately 63 acres to be assessed in this drainage area. The percentage of the assessment worked out to 37% of the drainage area which will be served by this project and based on the 37%, that is how they levied the cost of the total project and multiply that 37%, and that is how they came up with the cost. Mr. Napier said the cost per acre was $2,570.25 per acre. Mr. Napier advised that at the last meeting, there was a question raised regarding the frontage foot method. He said they went back in and calculated by the frontage foot method Regular City Council Meetrng Nov. 12, 2001 Page 4 and with this method they took the same 37% and divided by the total frontage foot of all the affected homeowners in this area. Mr. Napier said that with the frontage foot method, it came out to $12. 87 per frontage foot. Mr. Napier told Council that property owners receiving letters will see their individual lots and be given the cost of 25.7025 per acre which is the tributary cost, as well as a frontage foot cost of $12. 87 per front foot. Mr. Napier said that some of the methods makes it very unfair for someone that has a large frontage foot and large acreage, so he went in and set the smaller of the two costs to the property owner. Ronnie Baker, 610 N. E. 46th Street, was present asking why the property on the north side of his property had not been assessed. Mr. Napier explained that there is a state statute that governs counties whose population is less that 100,000 which says a property cannot be assessed if it is over five acres. City Attorney Schenk advised that the properties larger than five acres could be assessed an impact fee if the City Council adopts an impact fee. Delania Burrow wanted to know why their assessment is $2,574.00. Ms. Burrow advised that her family owns two lots located in the project area, but that there will never be anything located on those lots. Ms. Burrow said they presently have horses on the two lots, and this land has been in her family for years and will probably will never have a house built on it. City Attorney Schenk advised that this property has been subdivided and it is presumed that those lots will be or can be sold and a house placed on them. There is nothing that the city can do to put anything there that says a house will not be placed on the lots. No one else appeared, and the public hearing was declared closed. ORDINANCE NO. 2001-071 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, Regular City Council Meetrng Nov. 12, 2001 Page 5 PARIS, TEXAS, DETERMINING THE NEED FOR SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS TO PROVIDE SANITARY SEWER SERVICE IN SUBDIVISIONS GENERALLY DESCRIBED AS THE COPE ADDITION, SUBURBAN ESTATES ADDITION, GOLDEN ACRE ADDITION, AND CERTAIN TRACTS IN THE E CROW SURVEY, ALONG MEADOWLARK STREET, MOCKINGBIRD STREET, COPE STREET, PINE MILL ROAD, THOMAS DRIVE, WELCH CIRCLE AND 46TH STREET N. E. WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS; STATING THE GENERAL NATURE AND EXTENT OF SAID IMPROVEMENTS; DECLARING THE IMPACT OF THE PROJECT IN ENHANCING THE VALUE OF INDIVIDUAL PROPERTIES; INVOKING THE AUTHORITY OF THE CITY UNDER SUB-CHAPTER D OF CHAPTER 402 OF THE TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE TO ASSESS AGAINST THE PROPERTY AND PROPERTY OWNED THEREOF A PORTION OF THE COST OF SAID IMPROVEMENTS; CLOSING THE PUBLIC HEARING ON AND ESTABLISHING THE AMOUNT OF ASSESSMENT AND THE TIME, TERMS, AND CONDITIONS OF PAYMENT AND DEFAULT; PROVIDING FOR CERTIFICATES; PROVIDING FOR LIENS; PROVIDING FOR PERSONAL LIABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REMEDIES FOR NON- PAYMENT; PROVIDING A REPEALER; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE, WAS PRESENTED. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Bell, for adoption of the ordinance. Tem Manning, seconded by Councilman The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays. ORDINANCE NO. 2001-072 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PARIS, PARIS, TEXAS, AMENDING SECTION 16-27 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PARIS TO PROVIDE A SEPARATE FEE FOR LARGE BRUSH PICKUP AND PROVIDING FOR DISPOSAL OF BRUSH DELIVERED TO THE CITY Regular City Council Meetrng Nov. 12, 2001 Page 6 BY RESIDENTS AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE; AMENDING SECTION 16-28(A) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PARIS TO REFERENCE THE FEE FOR LARGE BRUSH PICKUP; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE, WAS PRESENTED. A motion was made by Councilman Bell, seconded by Councilman Plata, for adoption of the ordinance. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays. ORDINANCE NO. 2001-073 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, PARIS, TEXAS, ADOPTING SECTION 3-4 TO CHAPTER 3 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PARIS, ENTITLED "PROXIMITY OF ESTABLISHMENTS SELLING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES TO CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, ETC., REGULATED; PENALTY FOR VIOLATION"; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY NOT TO EXCEED $2,000.00; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE, WAS PRESENTED. A motion was made by Councilman Bell, seconded by Councilman Plata, for adoption of the ordinance. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays. Resolution No. 2001-176, accepting and letting the bid of Hansen & Associates, Inc. For the "Gateway Project Entry Sign Repair Project" in the amount of $19, 844.00 conditioned upon said contractor meeting all of the terms and specifications included in the bid document, and authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute the contract with Hansen & Associates, Inc., was presented. A motion was made by Councilman McCarthy, seconded by Councilman Gray, for approval of the resolution. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays. Regular City Council Meetrng Nov. 12, 2001 Page 7 Resolution No. 2001-177, authorizing the City Manager to execute and the City Clerk to attest to a lease agreement by and between the City of Paris and Star-Net Online Systems for a certain space on the City's water tower located at 24th Street N.E. in exchange for Internet and wireless services at a decreased rate, was presented. City Attorney Schenk explained that the contract the City Council had received previously had a number of omissions in it that were still being discussed with the contractors. He said all of those have been resolved. City Attorney Schenk asked the City Council that if they choose to approve the resolution, to approve it subject to resolving the amount of comprehensive liability insurance in the contract. He felt that this issue will be resolved, but they have not received the final certificate regarding the insurance. After further discussion, a motion was made by Councilman Bell, seconded by Councilman Gray, for approval of the resolution subject to resolving the amount of comprehensive liability insurance requirement in the contract. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays. Resolution No. 2001-178, approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a professional service agreement by and between the City of Paris and Hayter Engineering, Inc., for the Drainage Improvement Project extending from E. Price Street to Simpson Street, was presented. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Manning, seconded by Councilman Plata, for approval of the resolution. The motion carried 7 ayes 0 nays. Resolution No. 2001-179, approving the form of Change Order No. One to the contract for the "Eastgate Subdivision, TDHCA#719068, Street Paving and Drainage Improvement Project, to reconcile the cost and revise the quantity of seeding and fertilizer for erosion control of the streets and drainage ways, including along the east side of 47th Street, providing for a net decrease of $8,130.00 in the contract price, for a total contract price of $352,594.00, was presented. A motion was made by Councilman Carter, seconded by Mayor Pro Regular City Council Meetrng Nov. 12, 2001 Page 8 Tem Manning, for approval of the resolution. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays. Resolution No. 2001-180, authorizing an application be made to the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, through the Ark-Tex Council of Governments, for a"Violence Against Women Act" Grant for the period beginning June l, 2002, and ending August 31, 2003, in the amount of $98,243.00 being 75% of the cost of the Violence Crimes Against Women Unit Project," with the City of Paris providing $32,748.00 in the form of in-kind service, was presented. A motion was made by Councilman Bell, seconded by Councilman Gray, for approval of the resolution. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays. Resolution No. 2001-181, authorizing the purchase of one (1) 2002 4-wheeled excavator for use in the Parks and Rights-of-way Division of the Public Works Department be advertised for bids to be received after due notice at the office of the City Manager to the City of Paris, City Hall, 135 lst Street S.E., Paris, Texas 78460, unti13:00 P.M. on the 4th day of December, 2001, was presented. A motion was made by Councilman Plata for approval of the resolution. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Manning and carried 7 ayes, 0 nays. Resolution No. 2001-182, authorizing the purchase of one (1) oil distributor truck for use in the Street Division of the Public Works Department be advertised for bids to be received after due notice at the office of the City Manager ofthe City ofParis, City Hall, 135 1st Street S.E., Paris, Texas 75460, unti13:00 P.M. on the 4th day of December 2001, was presented. A motion was made by Councilman Bell, seconded by Councilman Plata, for approval of the resolution. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays. Resolution No. 2001-183, authorizing the purchase of one (1) Model Year 2002 4-Wheel Drive Backhoe/Loader for use in the Water and Sewer Divisions of the Public Works Department through the Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments, was presented. A motion was made by Councilman Bell, Regular City Council Meetrng Nov. 12, 2001 Page 9 seconded by Councilman Gray, for approval of the resolution. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays. Resolution No. 2001-184, authorizing and directing the City Manager to execute on behalf of the City of Paris, the purchase order for one (1) Ford F3 50 Type 1 Ambulance for a total purchase price of $72,220.95, which represents the cost of the ambulance, which is $86,300.00, plus the cost of the Houston- Galveston Area Council of Governments fee, which is $1,423.95, less the value ofthe City's trade-in, which is $15,503.00, was presented. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Manning, seconded by Councilman McCarthy, for approval of the resolution. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays. Mayor Pfiester announced that the next item on the agenda was declaring as surplus property a 1968 Mack Fire Engine Model CF611 F, Serial 1063, and two old hydraulic rescue tools; approving the sale of said fire engine to Texas A&M Fire Academy for consideration that the academy allow ten (10) Paris recruits to attend basic training at one-half (1/2) the regular price. After discussing the sale of the Fire Engine with Fire Chief Ronnie Grooms, a motion was made by Councilman McCarthy, seconded by Councilman Bell, to table action on this item for one month. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays. Resolution No. 2001-185, nominating Richard Manning to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Lamar County Appraisal District, was presented. A motion was made by Councilman Gray, seconded by Councilman Bell for approval of the resolution. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays. Resolution No. 2001-186, authorizing the City Manager to execute, on behalf of the City of Paris, a purchase order for five upgrades to the end tidal carbon dioxide monitors in use by the Emergency Medical Services Department from Medtronic Physio-Control Corp, which is the sole source provider of such equipment for a total purchase price of $21,370.50, was presented. A motion was made by Councilman Carter, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Manning, for Regular City Council Meetrng Nov. 12, 2001 Page 10 approval of the resolution. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays. Resolution No. 2001-187, directing the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications for the replacement of an 8" water main at Cox Field Airport; that such project be advertised for bids to be received after due notice at the office of the City Manager of the City of Paris, City Hall, 135 lst Street S.E., Paris, Lamar County, Texas, was presented. A motion was made by Councilman Bell, seconded by Councilman Carter, for approval of the resolution. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays. Mayor Pfiester called for discussion of and possible action on directions to staff regarding the preparation of an ordinance in conformance with HB 1362 for the regulation, registration, and certification of dangerous wild animals to be kept in the city limits. Stephanie Harris, Assistant City Attorney, came forward telling the City Council that currently the city has an ordinance that prohibits the keeping of dangerous wild animals. Ms. Harris informed the City Council that the new legislation regarding dangerous wild animal does not prevent a municipality from prohibiting or regulating by ordinance the ownership, possession, confinement, or care of a dangerous wild animaL Ms Harris advised that the legislation provides that in the absence of an outright ban on the keeping of such animals, a municipality must adopt an ordinance, which amends the Texas Health & Safety Code, Chapter 822, by adding Subchapter E, and sets specific criteria which must be incorporated into the program. Ms. Harris discussed the cost associated with adopting a certification and registration procedure for keeping of dangerous wild animals within the city limits of Paris. Ms. Harris inquired as to whether the City Council wished to maintain the present stance of prohibiting the keeping of dangerous wild animals or if they would like city staff to prepare and bring back an ordinance in conformance with HB 1362 for the regulation, registration, and certification of dangerous wild animals to be kept in the city. Ms. Harris asked for Regular City Council Meetrng Nov. 12, 2001 Page 11 direction regarding this matter. After discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to continue with the present ordinance, which prohibits the keeping of dangerous wild animals within the city limits of the City of Paris. Mayor Pfiester announced that the City Council would take a break at 7:08 P.M. Mayor Pfiester reconvened the council meeting at 7:20 P. M. Mayor Pfiester called for discussion of proposals for and consider approval of a resolution authorizing the City Attorney to negotiate and the Mayor to execute a professional services contract with a qualified attorney or attorneys for delinquent tax collection services for the City of Paris. The Mayor announced that there were five qualified firms that responded and that at this time he would allow each to present their proposals. Gilbert Bragg with the firm of McCreary, Veselka, Bragg & Allen, P.C., 5929 Balcones Drive, Austin, Texas, came forward giving background information regarding their firm and presented their proposal to the City CounciL Mr. Bragg said they would coordinate their activities with the Tax Collector's office so as not to be an undue burden on them at certain times when they have peak activity. Mr. Bragg said they would do four mass mailings per year. This would be a letter of general information to everyone telling them that they have delinquent taxes. Mr. Bragg said that would be followed by their personnel who would be doing the extensive title research in Paris. Mr. Bragg said he has talked to City Attorney Schenk about the homestead program and that is something that he is very interested in getting involved in. He stated that he understood that there may have been some conversation about whether the City of Paris would like one firm to collect for all taxing entities or whether the City of Paris would like to have its own delinquent tax attorney Regular City Council Meetrng Nov. 12, 2001 Page 12 separate from the other attorneys. He felt that the latter would be an excellent method. Mr. Bragg said that if the City of Paris selected their firm, he would be the city's attorney and would not have allegiances with anyone one in the community as he is from out of town. Tab Bell and Ted Hudson, with the firm of Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott L.L.P., came forward telling the City Council that in their proposal they are associated with a local attorney, Robert Scott, who lives in Paris and practices in Greenville, Texas, and he is the City Attorney of Greenville. Mr. Bell said that he and Mr. Scott will be doing the actual day-to-day collection work, and the City of Paris account would be serviced out of Tyler, Texas. Mr. Bell gave a brief history of their firm, which consists of eight offices and about thirty-one attorneys and advised the City Council that they have been doing delinquent tax work since 1970. Mr. Bell also stated they were interested in the "homestead program" and felt that they could use their computer resources to benefit the city greatly by identifying accounts that are either delinquent for a number of years, or based upon their GO code as to what part of the city they are located. Mr. Hudson came forward telling the City Council that he will be the attorney that will be coming to Paris from Tyler most of the time. He will be working the accounts with the firm and he was looking forward to that opportunity and the chance of coming to Paris and be an aggressive tax collector for the City of Paris. T. K. Haynes, Attorney, Paris, Texas, appeared before the City Council stating that he has been the Delinquent Tax Collection Attorney, and he had worked cooperatively with the attorney for other taxing entities which have concurrent jurisdiction with the City of Paris . Mr. Haynes said, if selected, he sees no Regular City Council Meetrng Nov. 12, 2001 Page 13 reason why that cooperation would not continue. Mr. Haynes said he has been the Delinquent Tax Attorney for the City of Paris from 1968 through 1982 and April l, 1999, through September 30,2001. Mr. Haynes said he would like to continue to serve as the Delinquent Tax Attorney for the City of Paris and felt that he could protect the tax payers from the city and make sure they are treated fairly with proper respect. He said he knows a lot of the people that work for the city and he has enj oyed working for the City Attorney. Mr. Haynes advised that he has proposed and would continue to be available to help in the "Clean-up Paris Campaign" which can be assisted by tax activity. Liz Vaughn, with the law firm of Linebarger, Goggan, Blair, Pena & Sampson, LLP, Tyler Texas, came forward. Also present with this firm were Jacqueline Maxfield, Area Manager that works Lamar County, and Don Wolf, a Partner of the law firm. Ms. Vaughn presented the City Council their proposal and gave background information regarding their firm. Ms. Vaughn advised that they represent all of the entities in Lamar County except for the City of Paris. She felt that their relationship with the employees of the Lamar County Appraisal District and the other taxing entities throughout Lamar County gives them the ability to better serve the City of Paris. Ms. Vaughn said they usually work the suits or delinquent tax collection by doing four to six mailings per year, depending on the requests of the client. They work with the Appraisal District to get all of the information to do the mailing and also do specialized letters, notice of intent to sue letters, and notice of intent to seize letters, which gives taxpayers a final warning before they go ahead with anything else to let them know that additional costs could be incurred. Ms. Vaughn said that if their firm is selected to collect the City of Paris's delinquent taxes, they can improve the collection rate. They have been involved in the "Homestead Program" through their work with the Lamar Regular City Council Meetrng Nov. 12, 2001 Page 14 County Appraisal District. She reaffirmed their commitment, if chosen, to represent the City of Paris in the collection of delinquent taxes. Sidney Gordon with the firm of Gay, McCall, Isaacks, Gordon & Roberts, P.C., was present, giving a history and background information regarding their firm to the City ofParis. Ms. Gordon said the scope of services would be to perform all services necessary for the collection of delinquent taxes; communicate and work with the officials and staff of the City of Paris; communicate and work with the Lamar County Appraisal District and other taxing entities; provide written reports as requested by the City Attorney; respond to inquiries from the City Attorney by telephone conferences, e-mail, fax, or in person as required; interface with the "Homestead Program"; and provide excellent collections for the City of Paris and provide all services needed to achieve our goal of collecting as much money as possible and as quickly as possible in a professional manner. Mayor Pfiester called for discussion of the proposals and consideration on approving a resolution authorizing the City Attorney to negotiate and the Mayor to execute a professional services contract with a qualified attorney or attorneys for delinquent tax collection services for the City of Paris. After discussion, a motion was made by Councilman McCarthy, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Manning, to table action on the resolution. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays. Mayor Pfiester called for discussion of and possible action on directing city staff regarding SB 522, shortening the period of time for vesting by city employees under the Texas Municipal Retirement System. City Attorney Schenk advised that the Texas Legislature at its last session structured certain amendments to the Texas Municipal Retirement System, and one of those changes provided for five year vesting instead of the current vesting of ten years unless the city adopts an ordinance prior to December 31, Regular City Council Meetrng Nov. 12, 2001 Page 15 2001, declining this benefit. He further advised that this would bring Texas Municipal Retirement System in line with other public retirement systems in Texas, as well as public plans in other states. After discussion, a motion was made by Councilman Gray, seconded by Councilman McCarthy, to allow for the five year vesting with the Texas Municipal Retirement System. The motion carried 7 ayes, 0 nays. Gene Anderson, Director of Finance, reminded the City Council that during the budget workshops one of the things that was going to be implemented was the out-sourcing, printing, and mailing of the utility bills for the city. Mr. Anderson said the chosen company would begin with the last billing cycle in November. Mr. Anderson also discussed the use of credit cards for paying utility bills and other payments due the city. City Attorney asked Stephanie Harris to come forward, but first, he commended Ms. Harris for her outstanding work with the United Way campaign. The City Attorney pointed out, from an article in the Paris News, that the Government Division reported more than 200 percent above its goal. Ms. Harris came forward telling the City Council that the Government Division of the United Way in the past was having difficulty meeting a$5,000.00 goal, but the Government Division came in with about $10,200.00, and almost all of that came from the City of Paris. Ms. Harris told the City Council that she wanted the Council to know what good, wonderful people that they have working for the city. Terry Townsend, Director of Public Works, came forward presenting drainage issues to the City CounciL Mr. Townsend discussed a major water line break that had just occurred on Highway 195. He stated that Oak Creek had been without water for the last three hours and that hopefully the line has been repaired. Also, he reported a water line break on 8th S. E. Mr. Townsend also presented an overview of the projects currently underway. Regular City Council Meetrng Nov. 12, 2001 Page 16 City Manager Malone reported that the hangar building for Cox Field Airport arrived last week and that the building was being erected. The City Manager reported that Code Enforcement is using a temporary employee to mow lots and that this practice was resulting in a great savings over the bid process used previously. He reported that there is a web-site operated by TNRCC that has included a photograph of the city's illegal dump case involving 4,000 tires. The City Manager also reported that the city was about to complete the replacement homes on the first grant for housing and will be starting on the new grant we received shortly. Mr. Malone said the City Engineer is developing a project that would enable the city to fund an additional two million gallon water storage tank located in West Paris. City Manager Malone reported that the city lot lift station project is about 20% complete as far as engineering and sizing the pumps and ordering the fiberglass manhole. City Manager Malone advised that with regard to the Martin Luther King Extension Project, one-half of the street is in place and the water and sewer lines are complete. He said the project is 65% complete. City Manager Malone pointed out that the bid had been awarded for the Gateway Sign Project; the Manhole Rehabilitation is presently underway at various locations throughout the city; and the lOth Street S.E. Water Line Replacement Project is 95% complete. He also reported that the city is working on a significant sewer main project located on the north side of Clement Road. Staff is attempting to get easements for that project in order to start construction. This proj ect is a very important element in completing the tasks identified in the SSES and in satisfying the Administrative Order issued by the EPA. City Manager Malone also reported that Fire Chief Grooms has Regular City Council Meetrng Nov. 12, 2001 Page 17 the EMT certification training under way as of October 29th and that Chief Grooms is working on the status of employee immunization. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. MICHAEL J. PFIESTER, MAYOR ATTEST: MATTIE CUNNINGHAM, CITY CLERK