04.22.13 MINUTESMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS
Apri122, 2013
The City Council of the City of Paris met for a regular session at 5:30 p.m. on Monday,
April ZZ, 2013, at the City Council Chamber, 107 E. Kaufman, Paris, Texas.
Present: Mayor: A.J. Hashmi
Council Members: Aaron Jenkins; Billie Lancaster; John Wright;
Richard Grossnickle; Matt Frierson; and Cleonne
Drake
City Staff: John Godwin, City Manager; Kent McIlyar, City
Attorney; Janice Ellis, City Clerk; Gene Anderson,
Finance Director; Shawn Napier, City Engineer;
Kent Klinkerman, EMS Director; Larry Wright,
Fire Chief; Bob Hundley, Police Chief; and Doug
Harris, Utilities Director
Opening Agenda
l. Call meeting to order.
Mayor Hashmi called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. Invocation.
Reverend Bob Bush gave the invocation. Mayor Hashmi asked for a moment of silence
on behalf of the victims in West, Texas and Boston, Massachusetts.
3. Pledge of Allegiance.
Council Member Grossnickle led the pledge.
4. a. Citizen's forum.
Main Street Director Cheri Bedford invited everyone to the brown bag lunch appreciation
for volunteers scheduled for Apri124'h downtown.
b. Public Announcements.
• Proclamation declaring May 5-11, 2013 as Drinking Water Week.
• Proclamation declaring May 4, 2013 as Fit City Paris Day.
Regular Council Meeting
April 22, 2013
Page 2
Mayor Hashmi read the Fit City Paris Day proclamation and presented it to Dr. Cherry,
Ms. Cochran, Ms. Dunning, Ms. Connot and Ms. Stauter. Ms. Stauter expressed appreciation to
the Council for recognition of the program and invited everyone to the ceremony scheduled for
May 4t" at 11:00 a.m. in Bywaters Park.
Consent A�enda
A Motion to remove items 13, 14, and 15 from the consent agenda was made by Mayor
Hashmi and seconded by Council Member Grossnickle. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. Mayor
Hashmi inquired of Council Members if they wished to pull any items from the Consent Agenda
for discussion. A Motion to pull item 11 was made by Council Member Wright and seconded by
Mayor Hashmi. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
11. Award a bid to the lowest responsible bidder for construction of Phase I of the TWDB
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan for water line replacements.
City Engineer Shawn Napier explained the city had received a low interest loan from the
Texas Water Development Board for a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund in the amount of
$3.4-million dollars. He said the loan would allow for replacement of 15 water lines from the
City's Capital Improvement Project, and that three bids were received. Mr. Napier said the
lowest bid was from McInnis Brothers Construction in the amount of $1,815,202.95, which was
$200,000 lower than the other bids. Mr. Napier recommended the bid be awarded to McInnis
Brothers Construction. Council Member Wright inquired about their work record and references
of McInnis. Tom Pruitt of Hayter Engineering, told Council they were a nationwide company,
that their financial background was good, that they had done several treatment plants and
specifically referenced a 20-million dollar plant.
A Motion to award the bid in the amount of $1,815,502.95 to McInnis Brothers
Construction was made by Council Member Grossnickle and seconded by Council Member
Drake. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
13. Approve a water service agreement with Paris Generation, L.P.
Finance Director Gene Anderson answered questions by Mayor Hashmi with regard to
the gallons of water, cubic feet and the cost associated with purification.
A Motion to approve the agreement was made by Mayor Hashmi and seconded by
Council Member Drake. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
14. Approve RESOLUTION NO. 2013-015: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COLTNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS; APPROVING AN APPLICATION FOR AN
AUTOMOBILE BURGLARY & THEFT PREVENTION AUTHORIZING GRANT
FOR CONTINUATION OF THE NORTHEAST TEXAS AUTO THEFT TASK
FORCE; THE TOTAL OF THE GRANT IS EXPECTED TO BE $198,139.00 WITH A
CASH MATCH FROM THE CITY TOTALING $49,744.00 ALONG WITH A
Regular Council Meeting
April 22, 2013
Page 3
$1,000.00 "IN-KIND" MATCH IN THE 2013-2014 POLICE BUDGET;
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS
NECESSARY FOR ACCEPTANCE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF SAID GRANT
UPON NOTICE THEREOF; MAKING OTHER FiNDINGS AND PROVISIONS
RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Hashmi asked Chief Hundley for a breakdown for the total grant amount of
$248,883. Chief Hundley said approximately $98,000 was for personnel costs and the remainder
was for two vehicles, telephones, data card service, and other supplies. He said the $47,000 cash
match was for vehicle insurance and office space. Council Member Wright inquired about the
number of auto theft cases per year. Chief Hundley said they had 37 cases in the last year and
that the two detectives covered a nine county area.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Mayor Hashmi and seconded by Council
Member Drake. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
15. Approve ORDINANCE NO. 2013-015: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COLTNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, AMENDING SEC. 26-9 SENIORITY PAY, OF
CHAPTER 26, POLICE, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
PARIS, TEXAS TO ADD AN ADDITIONAL SENIORITY PAY STEP FOR
OFFICERS WITH 3-4 YEARS' SERVICE WITH THE PARIS POLICE
DEPARTMENT; AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED TO THE SAME; PROVIDING
A REPEALER CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, A SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND
DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Hashmi referred to Section 26-9 items (a) 1-5 and asked about the percentage
increase and decrease in dollars with regaxd to years of experience. Chief Hundley explained
under Civil Service Law, the base pay for any rank had to remain the same. He further explained
a beginning police officer was required to receive the same pay as an officer with more
experience in the same position. Chief Hundley said turnover continued in the police department
and that he had asked the manager to target two areas, because between 2001 and 2010 the
department had lost 59 police officers. He said some had been through retirement, but there had
been a large number of officers leave the department who had been with the department between
three and six years. Mayor Hashmi confirmed that the salary increase was a higher percentage
for that group, because more officers left between the three and six year mark. Mayor Hashmi
compared Section 26-9(d) of the ordinance to the memorandum, specifically that there was no
captain position in the budget for 2012-2013, as was stated in the memorandum. Mr. Godwin
said the increases and name change of positions were previously approved and the amendments
to this section of the Code were reflecting those changes.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Mayor Hashmi and seconded by Council
Member Wright. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. �
A Motion to approve the remainder of the Consent Agenda was made by Council
Member Drake and seconded by Council Member Frierson. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
Regular Council Meeting
April 22, 2013
Page 4
5. Approve the minutes from the City Council meeting on April 8, 2013.
6. Receive reports and/or minutes from the following boards, commissions, and committees:
a. Paris Public Library Advisory Board (2-20-2013)
b. Paris Economic Development Corporation (3-5-2013; 3-7-2013 and 3-14-2013)
c. Historic Preservation Commission (3-25-2013 and 4-1-2013)
d. Traffic Commission (3-5-2013)
7. Receive March monthly financial report.
8. Receive March drainage ditch maintenance report.
9. Receive dilapidated structure report.
10. Discuss possible future amendments to the City of Paris Charter.
12. Approve a mutual aid agreement between the Paris Fire Department and the Reno
Volunteer Fire Department.
16. Approve ORDINANCE NO. 2013-016: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COLJNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, AMENDING THE TRAFFIC CONTROL MAP
ADOPTED IN SECTION 31-65(b), OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY
OF PARIS, TEXAS; ESTABLISHING A STOP SIGN AT THE INTERSECTION OF
CHERRY STREET AND 24� H STREET NW STOPPING EAST AND WEST-BOUND
TRAFFIC ON CHERRY STREET; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS
RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE, A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, A SAVINGS CLAUSE, A PENALTY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Regular Agenda
17. Discuss, conduct a public hearing and act on RESOLUTION NO. 2013-016: A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS,
APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING A TAX ABATEMENT AGREEMENT WITH
JAMES SKINNER CO.; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS
RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
PEDC Executive Director Steve Gilbert said that in December 2012 Skinner purchased
the former Sara Lee facility with plans to invest $25,000,000 and create 393 jobs. He stated part
of the local incentive package included property tax abatement and to date Skinner had spent
$5,600,000. Mr. Gilbert said Skinner would continue to pay property taxes on the $5.6 million.
(See Paris Texas Expansion Summary attached as Exhibit "A") Mr. Gilbert informed City
Council that those present at the meeting were CEO Audie Keaton, CFO Shawn Bushouse, Plant
Regular Council Meeting
April 22, 2013
Page 5
Manager Roger Coan, and Director of Engineering Kasey Floyd. Mr. Keaton expressed
appreciation to the City Council and PEDC. He said the tax abatement was important to Skinner
and that over the next eighteen months Skinner would bring life to the plant. Mr. Keaton said
two lines of production would be moved to this plant the second week in May and that Skinner
had partnered with a company that produced fruit for them, which will be produced in the plant.
Mr. Keaton said Skinner's plans for Paris had grown since the company acquired the vacated
Sara Lee facility in December. Mayor Hashmi told Mr. Keaton they were very happy to have
Skinner as part of the community. Council Member Frierson thanked Skinner for their
dedication in coming to Paris. Council Member Grossnickle welcomed Skinner to the
community. Council Members expressed appreciation and willingness to work with Mr. Keaton
and Skinner.
18. Receive and discuss Audit Report FY 2011-2012.
Mr. Anderson stated that the City Charter required City Council select a qualified public
accountant to conduct an independent audit of the City's financial records annually and required
the finance director to prepare a complete financial report as the end of the fiscal year. He said
the report included in their agenda packets met both requirements. Tom Hensel from
McClanahan and Holmes reviewed a summary of the City's assets, balance sheet, revenue,
expenditures, fund balances, water and sewer funds.
A Motion to accept the audit report was made by Council Member Drake and seconded
by Council Member Lancaster. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays.
19. Presentation regarding mosquito control.
Paris-Lamar County Health Department Director Gina Prestridge explained that
prevention of the West Nile virus had begun a month ago. She said they had partnered with the
City of Paris, in that city employees had the dunks in their vehicles and were placing them
where needed, and that a code enforcement officer was working an additional hour everyday also
putting out mosquito dunks. Ms. Prestridge also said that city employee Ed Wayne Samis was in
the process of becoming a licensed applicator, so that he could fog or spray for mosquitos. She
added that Mr. Coe would start fogging the iirst week of May and would continue until Mr.
Samis became licensed.
20. Discuss the May 11, 2013 bond election.
Mayor Hashmi reminded everyone of the upcoming election and asked Council Members
to encourage residents in their districts to vote in the election.
21. Receive report from Citizens' CIP committee.
Mayor Hashmi said that he requested this item be placed on the agenda. He said he
wanted to remind the committee of the general guidelines set by Council, which were that first
preference should go to all industrial locations, that the next preference should be given to West
Regular Council Meeting
April 22, 2013
Page 6
Paris and that the oldest lines needed to be considered for replacement. Mayor Hashmi also said
that the Council wanted as many water and sewer lines replaced with the funds that would be
available. Council Member Drake asked that any area that proposed a threat to public safety also
be included on the priority list. Council Member Frierson urged anyone who did not understand,
to please ask questions. Council Members Wright, Lancaster and Jenkins all said they were
pleased with information that was being disbursed to citizens.
22. Discuss disannexation policy.
Council Member Wright said those not getting full city services should either be
disannexed or given some kind of relief on what they have to pay, ar that they should be
provided full services. Mayor Hashmi agreed with Council Member Wright. Council Member
Grossnickle pointed out that those who had requested disannexation were getting water at a
cheaper price and already had working functioning septic systems. He also said if they were
offered sewer they might not elect to do so, because of the costs associated with laying the line
and hooking up to the city sewer system. Mayor Hashmi inquired about the city talking to the
appraisal district in an effort to reappraise properties that did not have full city services. City
Attorney Kent McIlyar said the city could not advocate the case for a property owner, because
there were other taxing entities. Council Member Frierson suggested that the city provide some
sort of proof or affidavit reflecting that certain services were not provided by the city. Mr.
McIlyar said that could be done if requested by a property owner, but the letter or affidavit could
only be of a factual basis. Mr. Godwin explained that Council was going to be limited in their
decision and that was whether or not to disannex. He said State Law required properties be
valued at 100 percent of their value and required treatment of the same types of rate payer
groups. Mr. Godwin said a policy would be presented to Council at the next meeting and if
anyone had suggestions to please let him know prior to the next meeting.
23. Consider and approve future events for City Council and/or City Staff pursuant to
Resolution No. 2004-081.
Mr. Godwin reminded everyone of the groundbreaking ceremony for the 6t�' and 24tn
Street Project scheduled for May 2°d at 12:15 at PJC. Mr. Godwin also said May 27t" was a
meeting date and holiday, so they would need to move their Council meeting from May 27`" to
May 20`h, and would also canvass the election at that time.
24. Adj ournment.
There being no further business, a Motion to adjourn was made by Council Member
Frierson and was seconded by Council Member Drak�. Motio rried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. The
meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m. � ��
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ICE ELLIS, CIT CLERK
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