[0:07] We'll now call the bulk spring city council meeting to order, May 12, 2025, at 7.02 p.m. After the identification of a quorum, we'll have the implication led by a Dr. McCall and the president of the legislative chief, heri, the secretary would you call the roll?

[0:29] Councillor Member Hill.

[0:34] Councillor Member Hill.

[0:37] Council Member Garcia here, Council Member Gabriel,

[0:45] he's supposed to be online and he's not.

[0:49] Council Member Gabriel is absent.

[0:54] Council Member Whitley here, Mayor Potemiles here, Council Member Salil here, Mayor Gordon

[1:01] here, you have a form.

[1:02] Thank you very much.

[1:03] Would you please stand for the invocation followed by the pledge of allegiance to both flags, Dr. McCall?

[1:10] Good evening, Council Mayor, City Manager and the community.

[1:14] I'm honored and blessed to be here.

[1:16] I pray that I pray to God that this strengthens someone here tonight and his power and grace be with them throughout life's most difficult moments.

[1:28] Lord God Almighty, the great creator, father of all fathers, who sits high and look low,

[1:34] who hears our prayers and hold our lives in the palm of his hands.

[1:38] We thank you.

[1:39] Thank you for allowing us to come together on this day, at this time, in this place.

[1:45] I know I'm just your messenger, but I pray that you get wisdom, guidance, and understanding

[1:51] to those on this council as they move this city onward and outward, Heavenly Father.

[1:55] I pray that the citizens come together to spring this city to new heights.

[2:03] Father God, I ask you to continue to bless each and every box brings department that serves this community and see that it's done with dignity and compassion.

[2:12] I believe in your word, Father, and I know that one day every need shall bow and every tongue shall confess as to how we treated each other, what we did and how we did.

[2:21] I thank you for the leaders that dedicated themselves to this community father and the ones that remain continue to stay in firm in your actions in Jesus name.

[2:32] And those that are leaving, thank you, thank you for having a voice that rang loud, that took chances for making those decisions only to make this place better than you found it.

[2:42] I know you could have chosen anyone else to pray tonight, Heavenly Father, but you chose me and for that I am truly grateful, humble and thankful, Heavenly Father, that all God's true to say, Amen.

[3:24] Thank you very much, Dr. McCall. Thank you very much, Chief Hurley.

[3:28] Next item.

[3:31] Mayor, Council Member Gabriel is online. He needs to, okay, can you show him present at 704, please.

[3:39] Councilmember Gabriel present at 7.04 p.m.

[3:49] Items of community interest, one presentation by Councilmember Whitley.

[3:57] That was quick.

[4:09] So again, speaking from the heart because that's what I seem to do best.

[4:14] I had four council members that we kind of started this thing together.

[4:20] One came in on my second year that have impacted my life.

[4:26] they have changed me in ways that I could never imagine and I just, you know, I've been

[4:33] giving awards out to staff, mostly health and safety, but I just felt on my very last

[4:40] meeting to not work before I leave here as a regular citizen that I wanted to honor four

[4:47] of the council members that have set with me, that have taught with me, that have prayed

[4:50] with me and then have some cried with me. I want to give you all a award tonight so I'm

[4:56] going to come down and grab them and I'm just going to give them to you I guess one at a time.

[5:24] So the first award is going to go to council members Salal.

[5:51] So how long to say about each and every one of you individually but the guy told me you can't put all that on the award

[6:00] So,

[6:03] just for you, we came in this together and we're not going out together, you're staying, but thank you for being my friend, and friends forever.

[6:13] You made it a lot to me, yummy.

[6:21] Stay there.

[6:36] Okay, this next one is for Councilmember Paula Garcia.

[6:42] We had a rough start in the beginning, but we ended up working together for the community.

[6:51] And given a lot of awards,

[6:55] we gave a lot of awards out together for a lot of the city.

[7:00] Like I say, it was a rough start.

[7:02] Yeah, we got here.

[7:03] The truth did come out quickly.

[7:06] And I appreciate you.

[7:13] Yeah, and also for you that they I was like I can't I can't put all the stuff in writing on this thing

[7:19] So you didn't already

[7:22] Okay, keep on going forward praying for your mother, you know, I'm there. I know you are. Thank you very much

[7:30] Well,

[7:44] this one was gonna be my last one

[7:47] But now it's not

[7:50] Mayor pro Tim miles

[7:51] I just have no words.

[7:54] If it wasn't for you, I would have walked out of here months ago.

[7:59] You have taught me more than anybody in this whole city environment that I have been

[8:06] a part of.

[8:07] You have taught me strength.

[8:10] You have listened to me go crazy at times, not knowing what to do.

[8:15] And if it's because of your leadership and all of the things that you've done for me,

[8:21] and I appreciate you more than anybody.

[8:24] And so, this one's for you,

[8:37] same situation, they were like, this is way too much verbiage

[8:40] for one little plaque.

[8:48] Yeah, I'm going to miss all of you guys.

[8:51] That's all I got for now.

[8:53] Thank you.

[8:55] Well, I appreciate you saying that.

[8:57] Yeah.

[8:59] And that's all folks.

[9:02] All right.

[9:03] with

[9:08] the Scholarship Board, please.

[9:12] Scholarship Bishop.

[9:13] Next item.

[9:14] Best Southwest Partnership 2025

[9:16] Merrill Scholarship Presentation.

[9:20] Going to ask Miss Amanda Skinner,

[9:24] Miss Nassaya Denise Foreman to come forward

[9:29] as a part of the best Southwest Partnership

[9:31] Memorial Scholarship.

[9:33] And if you share a bit about,

[9:36] and I have some on Miss Nassaya,

[9:37] about the actual program and our participation.

[9:50] Okay now, okay.

[9:52] Good evening mayor, councilmembers, Mr. Fender and yes.

[9:56] Thank you. My name is Amanda Skinner. I'm the president and executive director of the best Southwest partnership.

[10:00] We are a regional organization and we have ten member cities and the city of ball springs being one of those.

[10:07] And currently, Mayor Gordon is the chair of our organization.

[10:10] But annually we give away scholarships to a resident of every city that is a member

[10:16] and Miss Nassaya Foreman here is a resident of Baltimore Springs and a graduating senior

[10:22] from Vanguard High School.

[10:24] She is going to pursue a degree in nursing at Texas Women's University where I went.

[10:33] So that's awesome.

[10:35] And so with the help of the Baltimore Springs, we are giving her $1,500 in a little gift

[10:40] back and get through college to come down there.

[11:06] She's holding more so on today

[11:08] package than this many of you.

[11:27] Council

[11:39] would you join us please because it's all the part of our scholarship program.

[12:53] I want to thank everybody for choosing me for this reward.

[12:57] I am truly grateful, and it will help me pursue a bachelor of science in nursing at TWU, so thank you again.

[13:11] Thank you very much, and all the best.

[13:14] Next item, Mayor.

[13:16] Yes ma'am. Council Member Hill is present at 7.15. Council Member Hill shone present at 7.15 PM and Miss Whitley wants to do her

[13:28] presentation.

[13:29] Okay, real quick.

[13:34] Will you miss the others?

[13:37] So

[13:38] Council Member Hill

[13:41] We've been for instance the beginning you have always been kind and nice to me

[13:47] you gave me a lot of information when I came on council on what you can do, what you can't do,

[13:53] what you should do, what you shouldn't do. And I have appreciated it. And so I wanted to give you

[13:59] this award for me to you. Just to thank you for, I know we've only been here together for a year,

[14:07] but you got to come down and get it.

[14:11] I told the other part of the crew that I had this big

[14:15] long thing I wanted to say and the guy was like, that's going to be a no man. We can't do that.

[14:21] So, and then here's a little, here's your little boy.

[14:26] Thank you for everything.

[14:33] This is bitter sleep, I know, but it's time. I know.

[14:44] Item number three, presentation by Mayor Gordon.

[14:48] At this time, I'm going to ask the, and I never pronounce it correctly, and I know you're going to get me

[14:55] Raida, family to come to the podium.

[15:07] Two members, I don't see that head, well, Mr. Dicer is, I think he's out, Mr. Gibson representing the Chamber of Commerce. And I think it was someone else that was supposed to have been here this evening. But the small business administration, business person of the year, Alex Rada has served as president of J. Rada's trucking since November

[15:37] Number 2002, 2022.

[15:42] Prior to that, Alex served as executive vice president.

[15:46] Alex served his country in the United States Marine Corps.

[15:49] Today, Jay Rhaedis, please forgive me.

[15:53] Trucking LLC is certified as a disadvantaged, small, minority enterprise business,

[15:59] a part of the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association and

[16:03] committed to being the number one trucking company in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

[16:09] Tonight,

[16:48] the City of Bulk Springs presented to J. Ruretis trucking LLC for over 20 years of unwavering commitment to offer trucking services to the region with the start in Bulk Springs with one truck.

[17:01] Now expanding services to Houston and El Paso, we commend you as the recipient of the 2025 small business administration business

[17:10] on the other year and being recognized out of over, and I have to say it again, 900,000

[17:17] businesses here in the city of Bulk Springs, you're representing our community will.

[17:22] We attended the luncheon with you.

[17:24] I think we have pictures from the luncheon, the small business administration.

[17:40] I know you were nervous the other day, but I think you've gotten over there.

[17:45] Would you have some words, please?

[17:51] Good afternoon, everyone.

[17:51] My name is Alex Réda, I am the son of the CEO and founder, Jesus Réda, this is my

[17:58] sister Jessica Réda, my mom, Juanita Réda. So we started our company in 2002

[18:04] and after the years, many, plus 20 plus years, we've been able to do some great

[18:10] achievements and thankfully we've been in the city of Boschbrings and we

[18:13] appreciate everyone for this recognition. Thank you, City of Boschbrings.

[19:47] All

[20:01] right, again, congratulations to every individual that received a plaque this evening

[20:11] in honor of what you bring to not only the community but to the world.

[20:16] Next item.

[20:16] Mayor's message to

[20:21] everyone here at this evening. I just wanted to

[20:24] impart some words as my last mayor's message. Tonight marks my final

[20:29] regular City Council meeting as your mayor. As I sit here this evening I'm

[20:34] filled with deep gratitude, pride and joy. This moment closes a five-year chapter,

[20:40] a chapter that has made me incredibly proud and deeply humbled. And what a

[20:47] chapter it has been. We've come a long way together. When I look back, I don't see policy decisions

[20:54] or projects completed. I see people. I see dedication. I see a community that stood tall

[21:02] through uncertainty and a team that leaned into the hard work of governing the resilience

[21:09] and resolve we know that we have. One of the challenges we faced head on was housing

[21:15] And we did it, we built more, we expanded opportunities, we created housing choices for

[21:22] working families, for seniors, for those seeking a place to call home.

[21:27] We laid not just a foundation of concrete, but a stability and belonging.

[21:36] Economic development didn't just happen on its own.

[21:39] It was built carefully and intentionally on solid policy.

[21:42] We created an environment where businesses could trust, invest, and grow.

[21:48] We showed that bulk springs was not just open for business, but grounded in accountability

[21:55] and transparency.

[21:57] We also made a concerted effort to take care of the everyday essentials.

[22:04] Sidewalks, we walked through, we just recently had safe routes to school and other targeted

[22:11] areas where you see new sidewalks have been placed. The roofs over city buildings,

[22:16] the potholes field throughout the city. These things matter. They tell the story of a city

[22:23] that doesn't just dream big but tries hard to take care of its citizens, businesses, and property

[22:29] owners. Then came the storms, some literal, some figurative, the pandemic, devastating winter storm

[22:39] from Yuri, wildfire, and flooding emergencies that stretched our systems and our spirits.

[22:46] There were moments when leadership had to wear many hats, and I did.

[22:52] At times I was the police, fire, and even interim city manager.

[22:58] Not because I saw it, but because the city needed continuity, calm, and direction.

[23:04] and through all of it, from the uncertainty of COVID to the transitions of not one but two

[23:12] city managers, we kept going. We balanced the budget. We held the line. We stood together,

[23:20] but more than anything, what I would care with me are the relationships, the kind that

[23:27] sustained progress far beyond a term of office. Internally, we became stronger as a team.

[23:35] externally, we forged partnerships that insured our city head, not just a voice, but a seat at the table.

[23:42] I served on local, regional, national, and state level boards, not just for title, but

[23:51] to make sure that bulk springs was represented, respected, and never overlooked.

[23:56] That was my promise, and I kept it.

[23:59] This isn't just the end of a term, it would be the passing of a baton.

[24:03] And I just saw with full confidence because we built something strong, our city.

[24:12] Our city isn't a great position to continue moving forward under new leadership.

[24:19] And I will continue to pray for our unity in the community to sustain us.

[24:24] To the City Council, City staff and our first responders, our community partners as well

[24:32] as our residents. Thank you. Thank you for allowing me the honor of serving you, for standing

[24:38] with me to close. I'll share the words of my angel that have resonated with me. I've learned

[24:48] that people will forget what you said. People will forget what you did, but people will never forget

[24:56] how you treat it. How you made them feel. I hope I made you feel seen. I hope I made you feel heard and

[25:05] above all, I hope I made you feel proud to call Bulk Springs your home. Thank you for the last five

[25:13] years I served six before, so a total of 11 years. I want to thank you for that from the bottom of my

[25:19] heart. Thank you. Next item.

[25:41] Thank you. Next item.

[25:47] Community announce

[25:48] announcements. The canvassing for the general and special election will be held on May 14th at 6pm at the Civic Center.

[25:57] Our next city council meeting will be made the 27th at 7pm here at City Hall. We had to move it due to the memorial holiday.

[26:07] La Quinta-Sole groundbreaking ceremony is May 28th from 11 a.m. to noon at 24 hundred

[26:14] dutestones behind the QT if you need information contact the SPART department. The Box Springs

[26:21] Chamber of Commerce celebrity golf tournament is May 29th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 9509 Water

[26:30] View Parkway. Again contact the SPART department if you need more information regarding this.

[26:35] The Park Fest summer reading kickoff is May 30th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Luda Kee Park.

[26:42] That's 32 11 Hickory Tree Road.

[26:45] Juneteenth Jubilation is June 21st at 5 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park.

[26:53] That's 1,200 Elim Road.

[26:56] PNC Bank Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is July 8th at 12, 601 Lake June Road.

[27:03] Again, if you need more information, contact the SPART department.

[27:07] Starbucks Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is July 14th.

[27:12] For the new restaurants, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 12304 Elam Road, again, contact the

[27:18] SPART department if you need more information.

[27:21] That's all I have, Mayor and Council.

[27:22] That's a busy summer.

[27:23] Thank you so much.

[27:25] Next item.

[27:27] There are no public comments for items on the agenda.

[27:31] Thank you.

[27:32] If you now move to individual items, item one presentation of the 2025 capital improvement

[27:38] program.

[27:40] Mr. Banner.

[27:43] Mayor, Council, Caves, traffic signals and parks, improvements, economic development

[27:49] issues, policy document updates such city centers, so forth, marketing and branding your city

[27:56] and so forth.

[27:58] Next screen.

[28:00] And this is just the business capital as we wrote the strategic plan.

[28:04] We just follow our strategic themes and you'll see right there what those are.

[28:11] You can go ahead and scroll.

[28:14] So project categories, finance, administrative costs, our streets, our actual parks and

[28:21] trails, utilities, public safety, and economic development, the next screen.

[28:27] So funding sources, we've talked a lot about that, so if you remember we're working now on a street maintenance project, it's going to be kicking off, you know, it was 3.84 million.

[28:36] You saw that one of the streets that we put in there, you see how much things cost and so how this money can go really quick and so a lot of that you have to use for these other funding sources, which would be bonds.

[28:52] see your CIP budget, your general fund.

[28:56] As you all know, we had a pretty aggressive last couple of years.

[29:00] What we call aggressive with our street general fund operating, 55 or so streets trying to attack a little bit here and there.

[29:09] You'll see tonight on our budget amendment, we actually ran out of that 750 because we did so many projects.

[29:14] And so that's kudos to the group here and we're asking for 400,000 more to finish out the year in that general fund operating.

[29:21] That's aside from all the CIP, but that's just talking about funding sources there.

[29:26] And then, obviously, in utility funds, your water and sewer fund will fund a lot of

[29:32] your infrastructure, what we talked about, with pie bursting, new lines, new growth, and

[29:36] all that.

[29:38] EDC, funding's creative, this past year with RADC, our committee development, that we were

[29:48] were able to use several of those, several, a couple million to actually ingest into the

[29:55] community parks and streets and so forth, and then of course

[30:00] Mr. Public Private Partnerships, which have been really growing in our development agreements that we've had. You recall past couple meetings, we've produced some subdivision ordinances, and we've approved the developers agreements where they're contributing financially to our city center, and they're contributing for trails and so forth, and just other. So click next one. So this is going to be hard to see. So

[30:25] let's just on this. Can you turn it? Hey, Freeman, can you turn it?

[30:32] That light off up there, if you don't mind.

[30:34] I'm gonna try to use

[30:38] this real quick.

[30:39] What we did, we had a bond option as we were going through

[30:44] this in the past several months to put things together.

[30:48] Like I said, it's easy to come up with, it's easy to come up

[30:51] with dollars, there's no doubt about that and what we need.

[30:54] But it's harder to sectionize out everything

[30:57] so we can produce what we needed to.

[31:00] So what we had been talking to and what I've been mentioned

[31:02] of the council was between $11 and $13 million issuance that we wouldn't have to raise taxes

[31:07] at this time, and that we would need to engage pretty quick because of the tax rate and

[31:12] keep protecting that INS rate, especially with new legislation.

[31:16] And then, of course, the bigger projects that would come with facilities or anything else

[31:20] that we may do, bigger, we would have to look at doing something more creative because that

[31:28] that could be affecting your tax rate.

[31:32] So in your left corner over here,

[31:34] we basically have all the projects.

[31:37] We developed this into three different categories,

[31:41] the economic development, which include the parks,

[31:44] peace, and we included the streets.

[31:47] And then, can you move over a little bit?

[31:53] No, the other way, I'm sorry.

[31:55] So you got the streets, the parks, economic development,

[31:58] and that's the 360 drive, okay.

[31:59] So if you go up and start a little bit, you'll see on the left-hand corner is where all

[32:07] these projects are, the next column where it says cost, this is the total cost.

[32:13] And then on the third column is what we are talking about actually utilizing the funding

[32:22] for to issue, to allocate towards some of these projects, because some of these projects

[32:28] will be partially funded, so excuse

[32:35] me.

[32:36] So if you go all the way down on the left hand side,

[32:40] all the way down, you'll see that there's 297 million

[32:43] will get there.

[32:44] And that's going to be comprised of all these projects.

[32:47] If you look up here, you'll see right now we have

[32:51] the first project, Elom Road from Peach Tree Road to Pioneer.

[32:55] We've gotten a grant for that.

[32:57] We have a match for that.

[32:59] it's going to be a reconstruction of four lane divided road where in that process and so what

[33:04] we'd be doing is utilizing four hundred thousand of that for our match. You can see over if you go

[33:10] back to the left you can see 21 that's a twenty one million dollar project.

[33:16] If you move down

[33:18] down the column now the other way I'm sorry go back. If you move down you'll see the city center

[33:22] Our master plan, there's a $500,000 there for land acquisition in the city center and as y'all know, we have several projects going and we can talk a little bit more about that.

[33:36] And then as you go down, you'll see the master plan.

[33:38] This is part of the city center master plan for the trails piece and the parks piece for the economic development to do a design project to connect the new multipurpose

[33:47] this would build in in that area of the city center to the continuous trail

[33:52] system that we'll have and the park system that we would have in the city center as

[33:56] you'll know that y'all proved before. If you go down under the section where you

[34:01] see it really in big so it's not working streets 11 million so 11 million of

[34:09] this 13 million would be for streets and if you go down you can see the spring

[34:13] Oaks Drive, that was the S&T project that we were not able to do because it was 4.8 million.

[34:19] So we included that in this issue so we could complete it, be the reconstruction of

[34:23] the spring lake from Pioneer Road completely to Belt Line.

[34:28] Then you'll see some of these areas in gray and you'll see like Belt Line Road, I-20 to

[34:33] Mercury Road.

[34:33] That's just part of the plan.

[34:35] It's a 17 million dollar project, but we're not able to fund it.

[34:38] So that's why those are grayed out.

[34:40] And then you'll see the Shepard Lane Elom Road to the wreck center we've talked about that quite a bit because I'll that growth area over there

[34:46] And some of that of course that being the city center and then no sidewalk Shepard Lane's in bad situation in bad state

[34:53] And you can't just pothole it today. So but that's a approximately $17 million dollar rebuild all the way down from Elom to

[35:02] Cigaville

[35:03] So what we're doing

[35:05] Is including two lane two to three lane

[35:09] with sidewalks through from Elam to the Rec Center, so that would be a portion of that, okay?

[35:19] That's the 6 million. So if you scroll down,

[35:24] scroll down more, can you go down more?

[35:34] Well, I mean, zoom out please, but I'm just saying to scroll down, I'm sorry.

[35:39] Maybe I'm not saying,

[35:44] okay.

[35:48] Mr. Finter, I believe they have it in front of them, but it is kind of hard to see.

[35:52] If you have it in front of you, so the street section there would be $4.8 million for the street spring hoax, okay?

[35:59] That was the Tulane, I mean, that's the reconstruction of spring lake from Pioneer Road.

[36:05] And then you have $6.2 million, which is the shepherd piece from Elam to the rec center.

[36:11] And that eats up your 11 million.

[36:12] And if you scroll down, keep going.

[36:14] You can see all these projects to the left.

[36:16] McKenzie, all these big dollar projects and what they're for the Reconstruction 16th

[36:21] Road on Lake June McKenzie Road. Obviously we need a lot of road work because it

[36:26] hasn't been done in 30 years, but this is not the time because we only have 13 million

[36:31] dollars. So as you keep scrolling down, keep going and then you'll get to the parks and

[36:38] wreck, the next down to that. You talked earlier about trying to have one of our

[36:44] initiatives is couldn't write there connectivity in the city we just did the

[36:48] safe routes to schools a huge success for for the elementary we did get we are

[36:53] going after a grand did get that for the match it's about 8,000 foot of five

[36:59] foot sidewalk hot for colleges elementary the sidewalk of the trails grant

[37:04] there that's a 2.2 million dollar project and we're utilizing 250,000 of this

[37:10] for our match towards that project to keep going.

[37:15] So as you get down all the way to the end, you'll see in blue, okay, right here, let me

[37:23] just say some of these are huge projects right here, so if you look at your Hickory Tree

[37:27] Dittitions Pond System, that's a $30 million project.

[37:30] You look at your other pump station, $735,000.

[37:34] Obviously, our drainage and water and sewer funds would be utilized for that but we'd have

[37:39] I have to have some other funding for that.

[37:40] If you move down and see the public safety,

[37:43] that's also comprised of, it's not just the public safety,

[37:48] but it's the actual trigger of the public safety building

[37:51] because the $18 million multi-complex

[37:54] that would be eventually built in the city center,

[37:56] whether it's through private partnership

[37:57] or however we handle that,

[37:59] which would move, utilize all civic center library,

[38:05] municipal court, police, administration,

[38:07] and everything in one building and then we would actually be rebuilding a fire station

[38:12] and then remodeling this building for public works and another second fire station.

[38:19] All in all, if you scroll down, you'll see 296 million, 343,000.

[38:28] Obviously we can't do all that but you'll see on the right side in the yellow, the 13 million.

[38:32] And that's part of what we're talking about now with the cost of issuing that without raising the tax and doing the projects that I just talked about that we're highlighted in yellow there so now

[38:49] if you'll look right here we have an abundance of streets we have plenty of to do this is an altered alternative project that we could utilize some of that money obviously there's $24 million set aside there for all those roads minor collections.

[39:06] We could pick and choose instead of doing the two major streets that we were talking about

[39:10] because it's going to hit your 11 million real quick.

[39:14] And you couldn't do all these streets and a lot of these are just partial

[39:22] and there are a lot of the reclamation projects.

[39:26] So that's an alternative.

[39:28] The bottom line is we've got plenty to do.

[39:31] We need to go ahead and protect that three cents that we have right now to get that debt service because we have the residual to get the 13 million and we have the projects to do it.

[39:42] So either way we do it, we need to do it. And this is part of the presentation to you is giving you the CIP project plan.

[39:50] Now you're going to hear the process of why the whole debt issuance and why we need to do it.

[39:56] And then the next item will be, can we continue with this for the 13 million to work on a framework of financing a CIP project for 13 million?

[40:09] There's a lot of information in that.

[40:11] But again, we've been talking about for months about utilizing that residual piece that we have, so the task we would be raising taxes.

[40:19] And obviously, we wouldn't be taken on the huge projects of any kind of recreation center, sports complex, municipal facilities, or anything like that until we actually go out for the big bond, but then that's when we have to re-evaluate the way we fund our maintenance and operation, which 60% of that is taken up by public safety as we know.

[40:38] you know, and so that's an operation M&O, that's our biggest part of that

[40:41] tax rate is 76 cents and then we have three cents in the M&O and so if we were to

[40:46] go issue a ton of debt then you're talking about raising that M&O rate,

[40:49] excuse me, an IS rate way up and so that means raising taxes and so back in

[40:55] a way from that, that's why we had been, I had been mentioning the 11 to 13

[41:00] million was what we were going to come out to possibly have to issue so we could

[41:04] Do these projects,

[41:10] any questions?

[41:15] No, sir.

[41:16] Yes.

[41:19] Council member Gabriel, you got a question.

[41:22] Yeah, can we go back?

[41:24] Oh, well, I have it here.

[41:27] I was looking at the last screen, and I was asking,

[41:33] going to ask, are the concrete reclamation streets?

[41:39] Those, is it reasonable to assume those streets have never been, those are the original streets that were laid down for the, for the city?

[41:52] Sorry, yes, or I would say that there's not been, there has been overlays and additions in the past, but I would say the majority of those streets would not have had total reclamation.

[42:07] Yes, I was asking because I spoke to several residents on each one of those streets and their parents purchased the houses, and now their kids now live in the houses and the streets were put down in the 70s.

[42:24] Yes, sir.

[42:24] And they have not been, they haven't been maintained or replaced or in any capacity since then.

[42:36] That was the first and last time, so I appreciate seeing the information on and

[42:41] asked that we play special attention to the concrete reclamations, because the city has moved on several times and

[42:51] and left these particular neighbors behind, and they've been here for generations.

[42:59] Thank you.

[43:01] Council Member Whitney.

[43:03] I would like to double back off that.

[43:04] I actually do live on one of those streets, and that house was a pond in the 70s.

[43:10] And so my street has not been redone and quite since 1985.

[43:16] But I would, I'm going to fight for the Hickory Tree from Lake June to Bruton.

[43:22] like I believe that that street is very heavily traveled and I feel like it would

[43:28] trump any of these small residential streets including my own that is the

[43:35] road that we all have to travel every single day. I think the fine line with

[43:39] that road is when you get to Bruton between Hickory Tree and Peach Tree half of

[43:44] that's Mesquite and half of that spot spring so it's like well which

[43:47] old you want us to fix or what you know but I think that Hickory Tree from late

[43:51] June to Bruton is so important and I know that he's gone out and done major patches.

[43:59] But if he could just go a little further, you know, because right there at McWhorter

[44:03] where the turn in is, it is just so, so beaten up.

[44:08] There was one hole in front of 7-11 that, I mean, your cargo had gone in.

[44:12] So I would personally be willing to say, you know, that is a main traveled road.

[44:19] Rodney is also the the road that you travel. Thank you. Rodney is also the road

[44:25] that travels where you that filters the neighborhood. Right so that's a main

[44:31] thoroughfare but Hickory Tree most important more than anything. That's a

[44:35] super important street and we have a school on that street as well and the kids

[44:40] are still walking in the ditches and there's no safe streets inside.

[44:48] I just want

[44:49] great points that you're making and that's why we threw this in here and do

[44:53] realize we are really trying hard to figure out what we can do because 30 years

[44:58] Yeah, it is true that they have not

[45:00] I'm in touch. Every time, I think we come to this and we go, well, we may need to want to rethink this a little bit more and rethink it. We just get further and further behind. But, you know, just what we put up there to say two streets, or we'll total 11 million, doesn't mean we have to do those. Those can, we still can be working through something else and what you'll hear from from Mr. Sponus in just a minute. But yes, we can go through and pick and select some of these and see what we can do. I think the main thing here is, let's

[45:29] proceed. Let's be able to proceed with the issuance and say it's going to be for the streets

[45:34] and this is what we're going to, this portion will be for the streets and then come back

[45:37] and select those streets so we can get the process rolling because you'll hear from

[45:42] Sponus that we really need to do, have this done in June before legislation takes hold.

[45:49] Right. I just, yeah, I just think it's super, oh my, I speak mayor.

[45:53] Yeah, I agree with you.

[45:54] I think that the majority, 95% of the complaints out there are the streets.

[46:00] You fix the streets, then people will stop complaining and they will be more engaged.

[46:05] My personal opinion, or at least I hope so.

[46:09] Thank you.

[46:10] Thank you, Mayor.

[46:11] Any other?

[46:12] Mayor, I have a question.

[46:13] Mayor Pro Tem, so this 13-9, Mr. Finner, you're saying this is the max that a bond that we

[46:24] we can issue without to tax our citizens.

[46:28] Yes, ma'am.

[46:29] All right.

[46:30] And I, if you'd remember back in several months,

[46:33] I'd been kind of talking about the 11 million.

[46:35] And luckily, we were able to get it up.

[46:38] But again, you remember, you have your M&O rate

[46:40] for maintenance and operation for everything

[46:42] in your INS rate.

[46:43] And you'll see here in the presentation

[46:45] how that rate, that INS rate has,

[46:48] we've lost 10 cents over the past eight,

[46:50] 19 years I think has been okay something like that but right now we have that residual

[46:56] because debt has been paid down to issue it without raising taxes you know and again that's

[47:05] something is better than us not being able to do anything and then save the taxpayers

[47:12] money at the same time and I think that's important to look at and then a few more years

[47:18] or less than that a couple of more years from now we'll be able to go after a bigger one

[47:24] as well as you were explaining. And as you're going through the process of explaining this

[47:30] to residents, M&O because everybody doesn't know about our maintenance and operations and all

[47:37] that if you can state those terms you know so our residents can understand what that actually means

[47:45] instead of using an immunode because you know we're familiar with that but they're not and so that's really break it down for them so that you can get it.

[47:53] Thank you.

[47:56] Any other?

[47:58] Okay, thank you, Mr. Frenner.

[47:59] Thank you.

[48:02] Dick, please.

[48:03] Long.

[48:04] Item number two, presentation of plan and finance to fund the 2025 capital improvement program.

[48:12] Good evening, Mr. Supponis.

[48:21] Thank you, Charles.

[48:25] It's good to be here tonight.

[48:27] Over many years, I've been asked by the staff to come forward and talk about the city's

[48:32] debt capacity.

[48:33] The fact matters, we have an issued new city debt in over 10 years and at the end of

[48:39] this year, we'll have only two years of debt remaining for less than a million dollars.

[48:44] We have an issued debt.

[48:45] And the death that we have on standing, our INS tax rate, and I'll show this in a minute,

[48:51] has consistently gone down as our values have gone up about level debt service of pay.

[48:58] And if you go back 12 years ago, our INS tax rate was 12 cents, it's 3.1 cents now.

[49:06] That being said, about two months ago, I reached out to the city senior staff and made them

[49:13] We're not aware of some bills that are being considered for the legislature and there are a number of bills that are starting to be consolidated that will limit the city's ability to issue debt for the purposes that they can issue debt for and the amount of debt they can issue debt and how they go about issue the debt.

[49:33] very restrictive that will take place forwarded a summary of the legislation that's being proposed

[49:40] currently, but it's very draconian that could really limit your ability. And so at the time that

[49:49] we originally reached out to the city, the way that it worked previously in previous legislative

[49:54] sessions is when the legislature passed a bill, it would become effective September 1st. And the

[50:03] Attorney General previously indicated that if we authorize new debt prior to September

[50:10] 1st, we could close it after September 1st in October and it takes about 30 days to

[50:16] go through an attorney general's review process that we have a little buffer time as long

[50:22] as we follow the law and issue prior to that.

[50:25] But just a couple weeks ago, we found that the proposed legislatures were where a significant

[50:32] amount of debt was issued previously in September that closed in October. And they actually made amendments

[50:40] to the bills to say they become effective September 1st and that would have to be issued and closed

[50:46] before they become that legislation takes effect. And so we reached out, again, Charles, Chris,

[50:54] the senior staff, and said, we're going to have to, if you want to go forward under the current

[50:59] legislative ability of a city to issue we need to move forward quickly and that's why this is

[51:05] coming forward very kind of quickly for you. So I've actually handed pages out to you a copy

[51:11] of the presentation. It's very slightly different in format than what I've actually forward previously

[51:17] to the city secretary. And here's the reason why it's kind of interesting because of the previous

[51:21] presentation. When I put it out I had difficulty reading. I'm a little bit older and I had to

[51:25] And I said, I'm going to have to separate a couple pages up.

[51:28] So, it's the same information, but it's just a little bit more,

[51:32] I've added a page and split it in,

[51:35] and so I asked you to refer to yours.

[51:37] So if you go to the next page, you're going to see that our capital plan

[51:42] indicates the exact reflex what Charles presented earlier.

[51:46] These projects, 2.1 million for economic development oriented projects,

[51:53] which include roads, land,

[51:56] position, and trail projects,

[51:58] 11 million streets, 250,000,

[52:00] for the sidewalk and trail, 13.3 million.

[52:04] So that's what we're trying to fund here.

[52:06] And so, page three, if you go to the next page,

[52:10] let's talk about how we issued that.

[52:12] We're gonna issue certificate obligation,

[52:14] and this is where it differs.

[52:15] I split this in two pages for your council member

[52:17] and your presentation,

[52:19] but the same information that's there.

[52:21] And what a certificate obligation, it's called the Texas double barrel pledge.

[52:27] And what it means by double barrel, it says that we can actually pledge our ad-lorm taxes,

[52:34] which gives us our investment grade, double A minus rating and revenues.

[52:40] Now, there's two kinds of bonds that are issued there.

[52:42] We can issue utility bonds, fund utility system, or we issue bonds to fund our general improvements.

[52:49] And the way the lawyers write the actual document would indicate whether we actually are going

[52:55] to love it, INS tax or utilities.

[52:58] In the case of our program, the document is going to put a limit, for instance, when it

[53:04] says that there's a combination of emblem taxes and net revenues, it might be a maximum net

[53:09] revenues for the entire loan of $1,000.

[53:12] So it's never going to beat our utility system.

[53:14] If we actually were doing utility improvements, we would actually say unlimited net revenue

[53:20] pledge with the thought that we'd always budget our revenues from the utility system to

[53:25] pay the debt.

[53:26] But in case, and we needed to do this, and I represent some East and West Texas small communities.

[53:32] Sometimes they have to use taxes to augment their utility revenues to fund their debt programs.

[53:38] They choose to do it.

[53:39] You can do a combination of it.

[53:40] But in this case, it's 100% ad-blorm taxes.

[53:43] These are tax exempt. We're expecting to have a 25-year ammarization. These are actually

[53:51] in bond just technicalities. These are callable in 10 years. And the reason in 10 years

[53:57] is there is that the investors buy bonds and they want to have a specific known time to

[54:04] get their investment, that they can understand their rate of return. And the 10 year in today's

[54:10] we'd call it an equilibrium position where if you set an investor we'll give you 12 years of

[54:15] call protection you wouldn't get a lower industry but if you start to go nine years or eight years

[54:20] you actually get a higher industry because you have to buy that bond they'd want the same

[54:25] amount of funding. We're using interest rates as they are of your AA-credit and we're adding about

[54:32] 25 basis points to buffer on that industry. The timeframe that we put together

[54:40] indicates that we would issue in August 11th and close on August 29th.

[54:45] It's about the last day you could issue because administratively the Attorney General

[54:50] Texas reviews these in his municipal bond department and they require 15 days from receipt

[54:55] of executed documents.

[54:57] So this would anticipate Joe and Rudy who's your bond council getting things executed and submitting

[55:01] them immediately.

[55:03] So we have the 15 days to close this transaction.

[55:05] And one reason we did this, and you'll see, is that we tried to set the first real action

[55:10] on which is a notice intent a little bit forward, so you can have time to look at different

[55:14] scenarios and think through this process, but we want to start the process going forward.

[55:19] So on page four, if you go back to page three for the audience, but page four on the written

[55:25] handout I gave to the council members, it actually has the impact.

[55:30] The current market interest rate would be about 4.72%, we've added about 25 basis points

[55:37] across the board.

[55:38] We issue about 13,885,000, we pay issuance costs which involve bond rating agencies,

[55:46] bond council, my fee financial advisor, fee for the attorney general to review and approve

[55:52] this fees for the rating agency and produce an offering document to submit and market

[55:59] to the citizens. And underwriter's discount of about one, we've actually figured in

[56:05] here about 173,000 dollars, about 1.5 percent, though I anticipate that when we actually sell

[56:15] these, we'll actually probably sell these at premium. And what it means is that this assumes

[56:20] a par bid that when someone buys a bond, they buy it at $5,000 for $5,000 segment of the bond issue.

[56:30] And the way the underwriter makes a profit is based on the discount that they actually charge on it.

[56:35] So in today's market, what we've seen is a lot of bonds being sold were the true interest cost might

[56:41] be 4.79%, but the actual coupon rate would be 5.5%. As a result, we might issue

[56:50] to $12.8 million of bonds and receive $13.8 million

[56:54] because you get a premium

[56:55] because we're occupying slightly higher in market.

[56:59] And we use the total funding is the same as it is here.

[57:03] The whole goal is to give the investor the opportunity

[57:07] to structure a bond that meets his needs,

[57:10] but gives us the lowest interest

[57:12] and principal cost to pay the bond issue back.

[57:16] The total principal interest on this is gonna be

[57:19] And I apologize, we've got an error in my linking there, but the total

[57:26] principal of interest on this is going to be about 24,226,000 of that for

[57:34] 25 years, it'll be an average of $1 million. So what's the impact on your tax

[57:39] rate? Right now, our tax rate is 3.12 cents. And we use ultra-conservative

[57:44] scenario where we used the only grew our ad volume tax over the next 5 years at our 10

[57:53] year historical growth rate, which would only be $67 million a year. It would be a half

[58:00] of one cent. A moderate growth rate that would be 3 years at our 3 year average growth rate

[58:07] and five years at our five year historical growth rate, we only have a 0.2 cent tax rate impact.

[58:19] And both these scenarios are growing much slower than we've had before.

[58:24] So it doesn't break us exactly even at the 3.1, but I think on a moderate assumption, which

[58:33] is less than our historical growth, but using some numbers, it's about two tenths of one

[58:38] penny that would impact us, which we believe can be absorbed in the city's overall budget.

[58:43] We turn to the next page. This is an important page for the city.

[58:50] Pretty stunning growth.

[58:52] The numbers in black are your actual taxable values and the blue issue of preliminary that

[58:56] that we received just recently from the Dallas Central

[59:01] Prasal District.

[59:02] And we've had significant growth over the last few years.

[59:06] It's slowed somewhat.

[59:08] And so we've grown from, in the last 10 years,

[59:12] from $676 million to over $2 billion in tax

[59:17] will assess value.

[59:19] Our five-year growth rate on average is about $190 million.

[59:23] It's higher than a 10-year growth rate, 135 million, and only this last year shows a slight

[59:31] slowdown in growth.

[59:32] And this is consistent, we see, with the Dow's area communities, everyone seems to be

[59:37] growing just a little bit less in this last year than they have in the previous years.

[59:42] And it's something we think may continue, and we have to consider it, it takes continued

[59:47] going forward.

[59:47] on the next scenario is the next page we go forward.

[59:52] This is an important one and this actually looks at the last 10 years and as our values

[59:59] This has been tricky.

[1:00:00] We've almost tripled in value. Our INS tax rate has gone down by two thirds, and it's because

[1:00:09] we haven't issued new debt. We've had the same annual approximately level debt service outstanding.

[1:00:14] So, when you look at ten years ago, we were at 9.4 cents on our INS tax rate, and that's

[1:00:20] only for debt service. It's not subject to the truth and taxation limitation of M&O. If

[1:00:27] if it's authorized by the council that pays it,

[1:00:30] but the current rate is 3.12 cents.

[1:00:35] And we'd gone back farther, just two or three years,

[1:00:37] we'd have been about 12 cents

[1:00:38] when we actually issued the debt.

[1:00:40] And it's just an example of just

[1:00:43] our bigger base needs a lower tax rate

[1:00:45] to pay that debt service.

[1:00:47] It's kind of interesting because as I told Charles,

[1:00:49] when I first got together, when he first was named,

[1:00:52] a city manager, I talked to him about some

[1:00:54] The presentation I made over time, and you may remember that for years, maybe the most

[1:01:01] scope of this entire time, I'd actually come to a council workshop and say, what's your

[1:01:05] debt capacity?

[1:01:06] No tax rate increase.

[1:01:08] And year after year was kind of decreasing, not because your values were changing, because

[1:01:12] our tax rate was going down.

[1:01:13] So, when I made the assumption hypothetically in fiscal year 21, when you had a five cent

[1:01:20] tax rate or five percent tax rate, your debt capacity was more because you had a higher

[1:01:26] tax rate for it, but right now it's at 3.12 percent. So, you now you turn to page 7 and

[1:01:33] this, the next page right here, this actually shows how we do the mathematics. And a couple

[1:01:40] of things I'm going to bring to your attention is one is that you look at the third column

[1:01:47] to the left of what our growth is. Our growth is really not significant. We're actually

[1:01:52] matching our current growth for the next few years and it's lower than what we had in

[1:01:58] each of the last four years. But we're assuming this lower growth would take place. Secondly,

[1:02:04] I'd like you to look at the fifth column from the left. And what that is that shows you how

[1:02:08] the debt we have outstanding. So at the end of this fiscal year, we have approximately

[1:02:13] only $1,8,000 total debt principal interest payments.

[1:02:18] And you can see it's level at about $500 and just slightly over $40,000, spend that

[1:02:23] way for a number of years.

[1:02:25] Just we have just slightly over a million dollars of principal that we pay.

[1:02:29] So what happens is we issue the new debt around it and when you look at the new debt, we have

[1:02:35] our total existing debt.

[1:02:36] The city's been very conservative in budgeting.

[1:02:39] as a result, we have some access that's service funds and that's service interest in seeking

[1:02:44] account, that we can use to modify and buffer our tax rate impact, and we'll have some

[1:02:50] interest earnings on the time that we have this. So the net result of this is that we would

[1:02:55] actually have about one half a one cent impact on our INUS tax rate based on these assumptions.

[1:03:03] We take the same spreadsheet and we use three years that are a historical five-year growth rate and then two years based on our 10-year growth rate, which is just slightly higher.

[1:03:15] It's about two tenths. Now, but one thing I told charge is the reason I went with the two tenths is because we actually buffer this by 25 basis points.

[1:03:24] If you ran it at today's interest rates, the scenario that we use the moderate three-year

[1:03:31] average growth rate, and instead of this very low 135 million, we have no tax rate impact.

[1:03:40] So as of today, based on what I would consider moderate growth assumptions, I could say, and

[1:03:44] we price bonds as of today, then I think we're at a break even at your current tax rate.

[1:03:52] If you go forward two more pages, I'm going to go to the time frame.

[1:03:57] So this is the important thing, and I'm going to kind of work backwards in that, and

[1:04:02] I can tell you the logic, and I've got it by your staff and how they want to propose it.

[1:04:09] We're actually issuing bonds on, based on this schedule, on August 11th, which we think

[1:04:15] is probably the last state that you could actually issue and close by the, in the time frame

[1:04:19] do again we need the 15 working days to go forward and it's going to be a busy time

[1:04:25] for attorney general's office so I don't think there are going to be many exceptions.

[1:04:29] And to do that what we have to do is to do a notice of intent and a state of Texas currently

[1:04:34] the notice intent indicates you do a publication, a publish on your website and on your paper

[1:04:41] record and in that published that document the City Secretary publishes the resolution

[1:04:48] authorizing the notes 10 and it says we were to issue up to 13.9 million of certificate

[1:04:54] obligation to be paid back by a commission of ad-villorum taxes and net revenues are

[1:05:01] system and it's going to fund a detailed list of projects.

[1:05:05] The two things I want to mention in that is that each of those three items that it indicates

[1:05:10] updates are not take seat numbers so you can say 15 million and you know what we for

[1:05:17] pricing after the council decides you know we we don't want it to be 15 we do 13.9

[1:05:24] and we can just downsize issue and reduce it and the list of projects but you can't go

[1:05:30] up.

[1:05:30] And so a lot of a couple of our clients being considered that some of legislation is going to significantly

[1:05:37] really restrict what you can issue debt for, they're actually going to be a little bit higher

[1:05:42] in their notice of intent with the thought that between now and when they publish, when

[1:05:48] we actually get ready to issue, we'll know certainly of what the final bill that was passed

[1:05:54] and what how it finally affects our future debt issuance.

[1:05:57] And I'll use the most examples that right now we can use such a preservation of unpark

[1:06:03] improvements and facilities for cities.

[1:06:07] In the future, if this bill passes,

[1:06:12] the certification can't be used for parks or recreation facilities or any municipal facility.

[1:06:17] So I have a number of clients that are looking at public safety or fire stations or park improvements,

[1:06:22] because they feel that if they don't do this, they won't be able to go forward and use certificates.

[1:06:27] And in the future, the bill indicates that it can only be one election date in November.

[1:06:34] And if the election is a failure, you can't call another election for five years, which is, again, pretty severe results.

[1:06:39] So people are thinking about what risk they put themselves in going forward.

[1:06:45] So right now, we have this on May, and the reason being is by the time that you pass it, our city secretary provides that to your paper of record.

[1:06:58] published that, you know, we have, that 45 days, we won't have it, we went to two weeks

[1:07:04] later, it would be too short time for him to meet the process.

[1:07:08] And with the thought being that between now and if you decide to, for my recommendation

[1:07:14] to be that you'd have the notice on the ninth and you don't have to make a final determination,

[1:07:20] you have to make a determination of a not to exceed number.

[1:07:23] So I mean you had to talk about a variety of streets that you want to consider and you know I've been around for a while and I've gone through this with many cities.

[1:07:32] I'm sure you have a hard discussion about what streets should have been included and some of those streets that were in the last place should they be included.

[1:07:39] You know a variety and I look to your judgment to do that but you know we might say we could do a higher number and you could bring it down or just it.

[1:07:51] prior to actually us issuing the debt.

[1:07:53] But I do think the important thing is to go forward here

[1:07:57] and to be able to make the time frame to issue

[1:08:00] and to go forward and close before.

[1:08:05] So in summary, the fact of matters of cities

[1:08:08] and the strongest financial condition financially

[1:08:10] has been, it's got a double A minus.

[1:08:13] We went through a rating review within the last year.

[1:08:15] It was confirmed in our rating, very positive notes

[1:08:19] about the city. The unfortunate thing is that our INS tax rates gone down over the years

[1:08:26] and as you as a council and the next council that sits there will have to make decision if they

[1:08:31] want to issue debt within the current INS rate or do they want to increase the INS rate now.

[1:08:39] Unfortunately, cities overall, Texas, I haven't go through the same discussion that we're having right

[1:08:43] now. It's been busy, I can remember running numbers for cities and sitting presenting them.

[1:08:48] I think we have four different meetings tonight for different communities to talk about this.

[1:08:52] As everyone has to decide, do they move forward now under our current laws?

[1:09:00] And again, as I said, that we can monitor the market, you know, as I indicate some clients

[1:09:06] that said, we're moving forward.

[1:09:08] If the legislation passes, they'll move forward.

[1:09:12] If the modification of the legislation, they might change how they're doing their debt

[1:09:16] issue where they might abandon it, but it is very severe and today during our Monday

[1:09:23] morning forum discussion we were talking about the legislation and some of the buying

[1:09:28] council lobby said we talked to you were saying that intriguingly we've seen bills but

[1:09:32] coincidentally they said there's momentum growing for people to make amendments to existing

[1:09:36] bills. It's not just the bills on debt specifically limitations, but it could be a bill that

[1:09:43] addresses another issue they could have. Someone put a rider in to get it approved and that rider might even have a more severe

[1:09:51] implication to the city's status. So

[1:09:54] and so in summary

[1:09:56] First of all, I want to congratulate your staff. You know, we've they've worked hard to do something

[1:10:01] in a very constrained time frame to provide you with this information and the

[1:10:06] to address the issues that we're facing and opportunity to move forward to City prior

[1:10:12] to do legislation and we'll continue to monitor legislation with them to see what takes

[1:10:20] place and how it would impact you.

[1:10:24] And so, you know, as your financial advisor, we're here to serve and answer any of the questions

[1:10:29] that provide any additional information, size, what we have here for you, mayor, council members.

[1:10:34] Thank you.

[1:10:37] Any questions?

[1:10:38] Mayor Potem.

[1:10:42] I do have one question.

[1:10:44] I just want to make sure I heard you right in your explanation because you did say that

[1:10:51] you are embedding about a 25% basis point.

[1:10:57] Why so much?

[1:10:59] And you said two tenths and one tenths.

[1:11:02] Well, I will say that it's been an interesting spring.

[1:11:05] And it's quite a down a little bit, but if you remember, there was some initial discussion with tariffs, no tariffs.

[1:11:13] And within that week alone, it straights going up 50 basis points down 60 up 40.

[1:11:19] And they kind of stabilized.

[1:11:21] And there's been some positive news about resolutions of some of those issues.

[1:11:27] But, you know, the goal is we want to buffer what it was.

[1:11:31] But again, so if we had issued today, we would have been somewhere around,

[1:11:39] I think, somewhere

[1:11:41] around 4.72 percent, but we just put a buffer in there because we have that time frame.

[1:11:47] But we're hoping that in general, some of the uncertainty clears out before we go to

[1:11:54] the market for that process.

[1:11:56] And I will say that from a conservative perspective,

[1:12:00] and I'm gonna be careful and say,

[1:12:03] I don't know where interest is going,

[1:12:05] but we are near 20-year highs in interest rates right now.

[1:12:09] It's unfortunate that the legislature is giving us

[1:12:12] this absolute deadline,

[1:12:14] but I think we're kind of like bumping up

[1:12:16] against where rates could go.

[1:12:18] And so, wow, I've got 25 basis points.

[1:12:21] I think it's highly likely we will be more within the range

[1:12:24] change of where rates are today at the 472 versus the 4.97%.

[1:12:30] Okay.

[1:12:31] That makes sense.

[1:12:32] Okay.

[1:12:33] All right.

[1:12:33] Thank you.

[1:12:34] Any other questions?

[1:12:36] Come in.

[1:12:37] And let me follow up.

[1:12:39] And one thing is that on SNS area two, you know, we're very moderate growth at current rates.

[1:12:45] We have no tax rate impact.

[1:12:46] Based on that circuit.

[1:12:49] Thank you.

[1:12:50] Okay.

[1:12:51] Thank you, Mrs. Collins.

[1:12:52] Just

[1:12:55] ma'am, just one more comment to say to Mr. Fender, you know, thank you once again, and that speaks to your leadership, because again, you was being very creative and reinvesting the city money and getting our debt capacity down, which was very important because it allowed us to be able to show citizens the ability of what way you do that.

[1:13:24] that we can have a bond out there that will not increase or force us to have to put that back on taxpayers.

[1:13:34] And so I commend you for doing the things that you have done since you have been in that seat.

[1:13:40] And it's not easy, not everybody has a background in bonds and mutual funds and all those things.

[1:13:48] Because I do and I completely understood what you were talking about.

[1:13:51] That's why when you say the basis points in our eye that was, that caught my attention.

[1:13:56] So that's why I asked that question, so thank you for that.

[1:14:02] Okay, next item.

[1:14:04] Item three.

[1:14:06] Oh, Councilmember Gabel.

[1:14:09] Yeah, I just want to leave it open to ask more about the CII to email and ask more about

[1:14:14] the CIP.

[1:14:15] I realize we're going through a contraction of the economy.

[1:14:20] So I realize we're going to need data is tentative by the hour.

[1:14:26] So I just need to make sure I'm able to ask email to questions.

[1:14:35] Mr. Finney,

[1:14:38] I'm sorry, what did you, would you repeat your request councilmember Gaber?

[1:14:44] Oh, can you not hear me?

[1:14:46] I'm sorry.

[1:14:49] Can you hear me now?

[1:14:50] Well, staff's trying to understand what the request is.

[1:14:52] What question?

[1:14:53] Do you have a question about that?

[1:14:54] No, no, no, I was the questions I had.

[1:15:00] I actually would be more answerable in a stable world. So I guess I need an email because this, well, I guess I'll, the questions I need to ask, things would have need to have been steady, but we'll see how things are in about 30 days.

[1:15:20] And in 30 days, I would like to revisit and probably refine my questions once I have more data. Okay?

[1:15:31] It's more of a statement in the question more of a statement. Mr.

[1:15:35] bonus a mayor and apologize I didn't mention this previously to you and and I think it directly I'm glad the councilman brought that question up between now

[1:15:45] And if you were to have the notice we're available to run as many different that sizing scenarios and update it on going base

[1:15:51] The interest rates and so you'll have updated revised information for your quest

[1:15:58] Thank you good start to city manager

[1:16:01] and he'll direct us and we'll respond quickly to your questions.

[1:16:07] Okay, thank you.

[1:16:08] Next item.

[1:16:10] Item 3, consideration, action, gun approval of the 2025 CIP and plan of finance and direct staff to work with the finance team to implement.

[1:16:21] Mr. Fender?

[1:16:22] If I just need a motion, if Council was agreeable to allow me to work through this process,

[1:16:29] I've heard your concerns or needs, desires, and I need to work with Mr. Subonus.

[1:16:36] Mayor Gordon.

[1:16:38] Council Member Heal.

[1:16:39] I'd like to make a motion that we approve the 2025 CIP and plan of finance and direct staff

[1:16:45] to work with the finance team to implement.

[1:16:48] Second.

[1:16:49] Motion made by Council Member Heal.

[1:16:51] No second by Mayor Pro Tem, Miles.

[1:16:54] Any discussion or comments?

[1:16:58] The motion on the floor is to approve the 2025 CIP and plan of finance and direct staff to work with the finance team to implement.

[1:17:08] That is the motion on the floor.

[1:17:11] Madam Secretary, call for the vote.

[1:17:13] Council Member Hill?

[1:17:14] Yes.

[1:17:15] Council Member Garcia?

[1:17:16] Yes.

[1:17:17] Council Member Gabriel?

[1:17:18] Yes.

[1:17:19] Council Member Whitley. Yes. Mayor Pro Temmiles. Yes. Council members allow. Yes. Motion has passed. Thank you, Mr. Finner. Thank you, Mayor Counsel.

[1:17:28] So much. Thank you, Mr. Suppano and Mr. Finner. Next item. Item 4 reconsideration action on rezoning ordinance 002-2024 by Marie today in

[1:17:41] and play strategies for property located at 4708 Pioneer Road from the C commercial zoning district

[1:17:49] to a PD development district development of a mixed-use community incorporating commercial

[1:17:55] agriculture and residential uses.

[1:17:58] Councilmember Whitley.

[1:18:00] Yes, we've been going back and forth with this for like two years.

[1:18:06] I know the applicant couldn't be here this evening or last meeting, so we brought it back tonight.

[1:18:15] Point of order.

[1:18:17] There's no point for you to make.

[1:18:19] Okay, proceed, Councilmember Whitley.

[1:18:24] Thank you, Madam Mayor.

[1:18:26] And I feel like that after this sitting here for two years, nothing's really happened.

[1:18:32] and she still doesn't own the land that she would like to cut through.

[1:18:36] We still don't have the, okay, from the fire department.

[1:18:40] I feel like we need to just simply close out the item, either approve or deny it, either way.

[1:18:48] Okay, before we can go into discussion, is that it Council Member Whippie?

[1:18:52] Yes, ma'am.

[1:18:52] Okay.

[1:18:53] I'll entertain a motion,

[1:18:58] Madam Mayor.

[1:18:59] Council Member Whippie.

[1:19:01] I would like to make a motion to deny.

[1:19:03] I, the rezoning ordinance 002-2024, by Marie today, to rezoning subject parcel totaling 13.6822 acres located at 4708 Pioneer Road from sea commercial zoning district to PD, plan development district to develop a mixed use community incorporating commercial agriculture and residential uses.

[1:19:27] Is there a second?

[1:19:31] Second, motion made by Councilmember Whitley, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Miles.

[1:19:36] Why is this happening again when the mayor today hasn't asked for this second?

[1:19:39] Point of order, I can come to you, Councilmember Gabor, after Councilmember Whitley and Mayor Pro Tem Miles.

[1:19:46] And I'll entertain your question, Councilmember Whitley.

[1:19:49] No questions or comments?

[1:19:51] Mayor Pro Tem Miles, none.

[1:19:54] Councilmember Gabor.

[1:19:55] So, you know, this is just another obstructionist attempt for, I guess, Councilor Whitley to burn the house down before she leaves.

[1:20:05] But Ms. Today wasn't invited to speak or her business partners were not even allowed to.

[1:20:19] I believe two of them are out of town.

[1:20:22] One of them is burying their mother.

[1:20:26] Miss,

[1:20:28] the counselor would know that if she would have

[1:20:32] done a research to even speak to Miss today.

[1:20:35] Miss today is not informed about this situation.

[1:20:38] She did not ask for it.

[1:20:40] She emailed last time and wondered why it was even on the agenda.

[1:20:45] We knew it was a nefarious investigation.

[1:20:46] One of the words is that of control.

[1:20:48] by Ms. Whitley.

[1:20:49] He still has the floor.

[1:20:50] By Ms. Whitley?

[1:20:52] Yeah, we knew it was in the various decision or a nefarious attempt at making this decision.

[1:21:00] This should not be happening.

[1:21:02] This is trouncing on her rights and setting up the city for a very powerful lawsuit.

[1:21:09] And someone like a counselor that's on her last night shouldn't be making decisions based

[1:21:15] based upon someone's future when they don't even know what their future is,

[1:21:20] because they can't even build, because of the tear of situation.

[1:21:24] So this is another weaponized attempt at using a city position to stifle a community

[1:21:36] members, a former council members rights as a builder for her own property.

[1:21:42] and she's on that property before anybody was up there on that

[1:21:47] dius telling her that she can't do something but she deserves as much of a

[1:21:52] right to go through the full process as anybody else who's built and asked for an

[1:21:57] S.U.P. in this town. It is not up to Alistema Miles or Sherry Wittley or any of

[1:22:08] the rest to compromise and stay in the way from the agenda.

[1:22:13] It's your main, remain to the, this is getting to the item.

[1:22:19] I proceed at this point.

[1:22:20] He is now stating my name, this is getting away from the agenda.

[1:22:24] I know exactly what's going on and this is who is running the city.

[1:22:30] A bunch of folks.

[1:22:31] Thank you, Mayor.

[1:22:34] Thank you.

[1:22:37] If it is your main to the discussion, it was not.

[1:22:43] If it is your main to the discussion, and as the presiding officer,

[1:22:46] let me make that call, anyone else?

[1:22:52] Madam Mayor, Councilmember Whitley, second round.

[1:22:56] So I have a piece of paper here.

[1:22:58] This was a public Facebook post made May 13th.

[1:23:02] I would like to thank the folks who spoke and wrote in support of this project.

[1:23:06] I would like to thank the city staff and my team who have been working together on this

[1:23:10] project for the last six months ever since we made the initial presentation to council.

[1:23:15] And my team has been working with me for the last two and a half years.

[1:23:19] There were four members of council who decided they needed a workshop for questions but never

[1:23:23] brought that up.

[1:23:24] Two and a half years ago, this person was on council.

[1:23:27] Two and a half years ago, there was a, I should probably stop there.

[1:23:30] but that would make this start in 2022.

[1:23:35] Ms. Kluz retired April of 2023.

[1:23:38] So the people continue to talk about it.

[1:23:43] You continue to talk about it.

[1:23:46] You want to vote?

[1:23:48] Let's vote.

[1:23:52] Anyone's trying to burn the house down?

[1:23:57] Mayor, she's constantly with you still has time.

[1:24:01] And that's all I'd like to say.

[1:24:02] This isn't a personal vendetta.

[1:24:04] I don't know the woman personally.

[1:24:06] This is simply something that has been here.

[1:24:10] I have been getting repeatedly tagged on Facebook over this stuff on Mother's Day on Easter to the point I had to deactivate it because it's completely ridiculous and out of control.

[1:24:21] So why aren't you doing anything?

[1:24:23] Why is it sitting?

[1:24:25] And so we brought it back.

[1:24:28] It's our right, kind of like the car washed with you.

[1:24:31] We had the right to bring it back.

[1:24:32] So, council, just so the view is-

[1:24:36] Mr. Grafita?

[1:24:37] Just so the viewing public and the watching public understands,

[1:24:39] when this ordinance,

[1:24:40] when this case was brought before us previously,

[1:24:43] it did have a public hearing, the public hearing was closed,

[1:24:46] and then we acted on the ordinance.

[1:24:48] We actually, the ordinance itself did not,

[1:24:52] as I recall, did not obtain a second,

[1:24:54] so the ordinance failed for lack of a second.

[1:24:58] So in your zoning code, if an ordinance is not,

[1:25:01] If the ordinance is denied, then it's basically barred from coming back probably one period of one year, unless there's a substantial change to that ordinance.

[1:25:12] So where it was left last time without it being denied, it just did not pass for lack of a second, then the ordinance can come back.

[1:25:19] Basically, it was not denied with prejudice, the ordinance, or the zoning case could come back.

[1:25:24] However, the zoning case would have to go back through the entire process.

[1:25:26] would have to go back to the planning and zoning and start the entire process over again.

[1:25:30] So I just want for clarity to say all we're looking at today is that that ordinance was brought back because of a policy that you all have in place where it

[1:25:37] Council member may put an item back on the agenda.

[1:25:41] So the ordinance was brought back not the zoning case itself, but just the ordinance.

[1:25:47] Okay. Any other questions, ma'am?

[1:25:52] Council member Gabriel, second round and let's make sure you remain germane to

[1:25:57] to the content of this agenda item.

[1:25:59] Thank you, Mayor.

[1:26:00] We all know when we've added this planning and zoning approved this, the staff approved this.

[1:26:08] Mr. Finner has spoken personally about the approval of this project and how it needed to go through.

[1:26:16] It's an obvious due process violation by this council.

[1:26:25] to vote this woman when she has purposely said that I am not,

[1:26:33] I don't have due to the

[1:26:36] economic instability, I don't have the answers, and now there's a council member or council

[1:26:42] members working against her and we know why. Because she was on the council formally and

[1:26:51] And stuff was said and so it's time to make sure that she suffers, I get it, I get it.

[1:26:57] And it was a concern on overpopulating the site and how anybody that would be visiting the property and

[1:27:08] the so-called retail upfront would cause a chain reaction of traffic entering in and out of the property.

[1:27:17] And those things were discussed at the meeting.

[1:27:19] And so there were several issues that came up, including the fact of the staff asking of a way to exit the property on the back of the property as well.

[1:27:33] And these things were ignored and then they were discussed and they were brought to the applicant and they were not addressed.

[1:27:41] And so there were some major concerns that were brought forth and unfortunately they were just not addressed.

[1:27:49] there's nowhere in any city where you will see an enclosed narrow area where

[1:27:56] there is one way in and one way out. That just doesn't exist and that is very

[1:27:59] concerning where you have retail space in the front and where we have narrow

[1:28:05] streets where now you're going to probably have a backup of traffic where

[1:28:09] someone is trying to do multiple things on a narrow piece of property. Retail

[1:28:15] entertainment and residential and farming.

[1:28:19] No one is trying to stop anyone from being innovative

[1:28:23] and trying to create things on their property,

[1:28:26] but we want our city and we want people to be safe.

[1:28:30] We have, we talk about speeding,

[1:28:32] we talk about traffic accidents all the time in our city.

[1:28:36] And think about the fact that somebody's trying to turn

[1:28:38] into a very narrow piece of property

[1:28:41] and there's a backup on Pioneer.

[1:28:43] and someone now can't get out, and now our public safety can't get in, and our public safety trucks can't turn around on the property because there was nothing built to allow them to be able to do that.

[1:28:58] All of these things were brought up and discussed, and so let's get factual information out there.

[1:29:04] no one is trying to shut something down. We just want to make sure that it is built

[1:29:09] decent in an order where we can keep our residents safe and I just want to

[1:29:16] make sure that gets out there because again trying to put four things on a very

[1:29:22] narrow property where our fire trucks does not cannot turn around and then we have

[1:29:30] If something in the front that can create traffic is very concerning, time is up, Mayor Protein.

[1:29:39] Councilmember Salau.

[1:29:42] I just want to say, there are a lot of things about this project I disagree with, and

[1:29:50] I spoke about them when initially we had the workshop about this project.

[1:29:55] but my, well based on

[1:30:00] I think sometimes was it today or sometimes last week about pulling this from the agenda. So I don't know why, you know, we're gonna vote on this today. And the next thing is, you know, if we're gonna vote on something, at least let the person

[1:30:24] that owns the project, you know, be here to defend themselves. That's, you know, what I feel.

[1:30:32] And

[1:30:35] whatever way the vote goes, I believe everyone should get their due process.

[1:30:41] And last time, I believe they didn't get a second when it was brought up.

[1:30:46] So if based on what I've heard, it has to go through the whole process again for it to get a vote.

[1:30:53] You know, if I'm wrong, but that's what I understand.

[1:30:56] and any

[1:31:00] other questions or comments?

[1:31:04] What was the applicant contacted to be here tonight

[1:31:10] to discuss any outstanding items?

[1:31:13] Did the council member or applicant communicate

[1:31:18] with each other before placing the item back on the agenda?

[1:31:23] Reconsideration usually happens the night of,

[1:31:27] If we adopted as much as possible Roberts rules of order, is that correct?

[1:31:32] Not only when you do a reconsideration, it will be that same issue.

[1:31:36] It might come up.

[1:31:37] Yeah.

[1:31:39] Show.

[1:31:39] He just has to have a close.

[1:31:40] You get, okay, close to you.

[1:31:42] Normally on a Roberts rule of order a reconsideration is done at that same meeting correct.

[1:31:46] Correct.

[1:31:47] Okay.

[1:31:47] And then the timeline has not been established in terms of, it was left, as council members

[1:31:56] It was left without a second.

[1:32:02] There's nothing that says that applicant has to, because it's just kind of a paying

[1:32:07] charge, it's kind of out there.

[1:32:09] Well, no, the ordinance, the ordinance failed, it's not a hanging charge, the ordinance failed.

[1:32:15] It just, it changes it procedurally on what can happen next.

[1:32:19] So being that it failed, but it failed for lack of a second versus an eight and

[1:32:22] an out right denial, they have to go back through the process.

[1:32:25] Yes, if you reconsider tonight and you vote it down, then it's basically barred from coming back for one year, unless there's a substantial change to the zoning case itself.

[1:32:40] Has the case been sent back to PNZ?

[1:32:47] No, the case is not sent back to PNZ.

[1:32:49] So, therefore, tonight, what we have before us and the motion that's on the floor to deny this,

[1:32:56] what's the applicability of that knowing what we know, what has been resurfaced about this particular case?

[1:33:03] Because there's not a timeline on when an applicant, if they decide it, because it failed, I'm just trying to get a chronology going here.

[1:33:11] I don't have that for no reason.

[1:33:15] Mr. Fanner?

[1:33:18] No.

[1:33:19] No chronology.

[1:33:20] I mean, it's was recommended by PNZ, came to counsel.

[1:33:23] It failed.

[1:33:24] And so, as Mr. Norfield has said, it wasn't denied, so it can be reconsidered.

[1:33:30] Councilwoman Whitley asked for it to be on twice to be reconsidered.

[1:33:35] So, I'm lost on how it can be reconsidered if it failed.

[1:33:38] Because we have a policy.

[1:33:39] And we'll pass that night.

[1:33:40] But we have a policy that allows a councilman to bring something back on to the agenda for reconsideration and it's an ordinance, yeah

[1:33:48] That's not the zoning case. It's just it's the ordinance

[1:33:51] Can you further expound on elaborate on that just a little bit more?

[1:33:56] We already had the public hearing the public hearing was closed

[1:33:58] So that's what requires the notice the due process is the public hearing portion of it

[1:34:03] And then the ordinance of course anyone can can can speak on any of these agenda items even though it's an ordinance not a public hearing

[1:34:10] And if they were here, they would be given the opportunity to speak.

[1:34:13] Obviously, they're not here and don't have the opportunity to speak because of some conflict on an email that you all received.

[1:34:19] And staff, Council, do you receive an email requesting that this item be postponed, hailed, or from the applicant?

[1:34:29] Council did, that one, that came through today, or the mayor, staff came through today, and there's a word on that.

[1:34:36] Okay. So whatever action the board takes. Okay. Okay. So are there any ramifications if it is denied and

[1:34:48] that's a loose ending question.

[1:34:50] ramifications as far as for the applicant, they won't be able to bring the exact zoning case back to have to be a substantial change to afford to be considered within the next year.

[1:35:01] Any other questions or comments? I just trying to get some clarity. Any other questions or comments?

[1:35:08] Okay,

[1:35:11] the motion.

[1:35:13] Councilmember Gabriel, that's round three.

[1:35:18] Yeah, I would just like to make it clear, I would like to piggyback a little off of what Mayor Proton stated.

[1:35:32] We hire people that went to college, we hire for various things.

[1:35:36] So, when our staff approves a project such as they did with Mr. Days, we pay them a lot of money.

[1:35:47] We entrust them with the care of the city while we are home or doing something else 98% of that time.

[1:35:57] I don't think it's fair to belittle or besmirch the work that they do.

[1:36:07] considering planning and zoning is the one who presented this, well, this was presented

[1:36:14] to planning and zoning from staff, staff, recommended that it be approved.

[1:36:20] Planning and zoning approved it, I know because I was on planning and zoning and so was

[1:36:25] the new Councillor that will be here.

[1:36:27] This is also doing him and injustice too.

[1:36:31] I,

[1:36:34] not when our city manager speaks up and backs all those other free up and says that

[1:36:39] this project is a good, as a go, it's, and the people have written us letters and gave

[1:36:46] us personal testimonials. It is not up to anyone on that dius to deny the city what they tell

[1:36:53] you to do. You work for them. You, they don't work for you. Each one of you works for them.

[1:36:59] You will do what they tell you to do, not what you want to do because it's your last night and because you want to be mean.

[1:37:10] Point of order, this guy.

[1:37:13] You need a control.

[1:37:14] She has been respectful enough to email twice and say that she does not know why you are all putting her on gender just to talk behind her back.

[1:37:24] Councilmember Gabriolus, stay on point.

[1:37:28] Thank you.

[1:37:29] Thank you, Mayor.

[1:37:30] Mayor.

[1:37:31] Councilmember Hill.

[1:37:33] I wasn't going to say anything, but due to the evidence that I researched and found out, it was a conflict of interest for former councilmember Marie today to even try to start the project

[1:37:53] because she was on council at the time and she was on council probably about two

[1:38:00] years. So she started working on the project a little bit before that. So that's

[1:38:03] a conflict of interest. So all the things that is portrayed on social media

[1:38:10] that they say that we do appear as city council members is the things that they

[1:38:14] have been doing. So it's probably kickbacks as well coming with that. And so for

[1:38:19] that should be looked into if that did come back to council as a whole because

[1:38:26] that needs to be addressed as well. You can't sit on City Council and get

[1:38:30] kickbacks to make your house look better. Just like I heard a roof was done

[1:38:36] I don't remember he'll just make certain we don't have any evidence. No she was

[1:38:43] on council.

[1:38:46] You agree with me we don't have any evidence before us okay

[1:38:49] That's all those statements, correct?

[1:38:51] Well, we can go pull the records.

[1:38:54] Do we have any evidence for us of kickbacks?

[1:38:58] Oh, I don't know.

[1:38:59] I don't know.

[1:38:59] And as any proof or records of a read today's thinking process,

[1:39:03] not even Tartisha Hill, that was in the last month.

[1:39:06] Please don't say that.

[1:39:06] I'm not even a council member.

[1:39:08] He'll see you.

[1:39:08] Council member Gabriel.

[1:39:10] Let's stay on point.

[1:39:12] And Mayor, can I speak?

[1:39:14] Mr. Fanner.

[1:39:15] Okay.

[1:39:15] It's been said that I want to make the record very,

[1:39:18] very, very, very clear, it's been said that I supported this wholeheartedly.

[1:39:24] I made this, I made it a very big point that I would not support this development without proper circulation.

[1:39:32] The innovation of the project was great, staff, bring your project, we're not going to tell you what to do, okay?

[1:39:39] You're in the private world, you bring it, there was some innovative things there.

[1:39:43] But we constantly push back on the no circulation, I would not dump traffic into another subdivision.

[1:39:51] There had to be circulation out throughout that property.

[1:39:54] I made that very clear, I made it very clear with staff, staff made it very clear back to them.

[1:39:59] And they met, we had four, five, seven meetings and they kept denying it.

[1:40:03] So I want to set the record straight.

[1:40:05] Why it could have been a good project and there could have been some good innovation there.

[1:40:09] It still had to have proper planning.

[1:40:11] And that's where I was.

[1:40:12] And that comes at a second step.

[1:40:14] The three today deserves to be here.

[1:40:16] Point of order.

[1:40:17] Is it not due process?

[1:40:19] It's been due process.

[1:40:21] Go ahead, complete, Mr. Fanner.

[1:40:23] I'm done.

[1:40:24] Okay.

[1:40:25] And the circulation issue comes, comes at a, and we talked about this, this was just zoning.

[1:40:29] That's all that it was.

[1:40:30] And the circulation issue that comes at the, at the next zoning first, then we look at,

[1:40:34] then we look at site planning, plating site planning and so forth.

[1:40:38] That's what we address those issues, such as circulation.

[1:40:41] Correct.

[1:40:42] Any other?

[1:40:44] And that's an excellent point.

[1:40:46] This was only the first phase, if you're going to say phases of a project, that was the

[1:40:50] first.

[1:40:51] And to my knowledge, there hasn't been a meeting to go back with the applicant to revisit

[1:40:58] the ingress, egress, number of land uses, et cetera, et cetera.

[1:41:02] Yes, there has been.

[1:41:03] Yes, ma'am.

[1:41:04] I'm sorry.

[1:41:05] Since the last meeting.

[1:41:06] Since this was last on the agenda, we've had several meetings with them, we've had several emails back and forth.

[1:41:13] It's all about having that circulation from time to the end of the property to have other circulation, not to them across a dead man's own piece of property into another neighborhood residential street.

[1:41:24] We've had that conversation that had to show up on the plans.

[1:41:27] Correct. So I'm stating since the last time this was on when it was, there was no motion

[1:41:34] with me and there was no second. There has not been that communication since that point.

[1:41:39] That's what I'm referencing. So that what we have before us and I'm getting ready to, unless

[1:41:45] someone else has a comment, I'm getting ready to restate the motion, just making sure everyone

[1:41:52] understands where we are. And it's not miscommunicated that I didn't give ample time

[1:41:57] I'm to try to gain a better work and knowledge and understanding of where we are and where we go from here.

[1:42:04] So are there any other questions or comments?

[1:42:06] Yes.

[1:42:08] My question is from Mr. Finner.

[1:42:10] Mr. Finner, I know the mayor pointed and asked you, have you discussed this with them since the motion failed?

[1:42:21] We'll just say in the last 90 days, not talking about the tariffs.

[1:42:26] have this been discussed in the last 90 days?

[1:42:32] No, no.

[1:42:33] I don't know when I had the last meetings.

[1:42:36] Okay.

[1:42:36] I do know, we sent information back.

[1:42:38] I don't know what dates those are.

[1:42:40] I don't have it about the same thing that I had one-on-one meetings

[1:42:45] with the actual applicant, too.

[1:42:47] So since the motion didn't get the second, correct?

[1:42:51] Since the motion failed, I can't recall.

[1:42:54] Gotcha.

[1:42:54] Thank you, Mr. Finner.

[1:42:55] That's all I have, Mayor.

[1:42:56] Okay? The motion on the floor is for denial to rezone ordinance 002-2024 by Marie today,

[1:43:08] DBA, place strategies, Ivan Gonzalez to rezone subject parcel totaling, plus or minus 13.6822 acres

[1:43:17] located at 47.08 Pioneer Road from C commercial zoning district to PD, plan development district to

[1:43:25] to develop a mixed-use community, incorporating commercial, agricultural, and residential

[1:43:30] uses.

[1:43:32] Madam Secretary, call for the vote.

[1:43:34] Council Member Hill?

[1:43:35] Yes.

[1:43:36] Council Member Garcia?

[1:43:37] Yes.

[1:43:38] Council Member Gabriel?

[1:43:40] No, of course not.

[1:43:42] Council Member Whitley?

[1:43:44] Yes.

[1:43:45] Mayor Pro Temmiles?

[1:43:46] Yes.

[1:43:47] Council Member Salil?

[1:43:49] Abstain.

[1:43:53] Motion has passed.

[1:43:57] Okay.

[1:43:58] item number five, discussion regarding the March 2020-25 financial report and the second quarterly report.

[1:44:06] Hello Ms. Tan. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Good evening.

[1:44:10] Yeah, I got five items so bear with me, okay. I am Tan, baby, the interim chief financial officer

[1:44:18] for the City of Boston Springs. You scroll down just a little bit. I will be presenting the March 2025

[1:44:27] a monthly financial report.

[1:44:29] It is important to note that staff has been actively addressing balancing corrections

[1:44:35] and ensuring the accuracy of financial records as a result certain revenues will

[1:44:40] trend lower than expected.

[1:44:42] As of March, we are at 35% of budget for comparison.

[1:44:47] As always, we start out with the memo to the city manager, which provides an overview of how

[1:44:53] each fund is trending in relation to what we expect to have happened.

[1:45:00] In relation to the general fund revenues, for the month of March, it reflects that the projections are within our expectation. Franchise fees have exceeded our budgeted projections for the month of March. Of course, due to on-court paying all of their Franchise fees up front. As mentioned last month, sorry, property taxes are now at 100% collections, which is within our budgeted expectations. Sales tax revenue is at 33.17%.

[1:45:30] percent of budget.

[1:45:32] As stated each meeting, sales taxes collected two months in the

[1:45:36] rear.

[1:45:36] I need to go ahead.

[1:45:41] Sales taxes collected two months in the rear.

[1:45:44] Therefore, sales tax is going to train low.

[1:45:47] As it relates to other taxes, the revenue collected is at 26.5%.

[1:45:52] Other taxes include bingo and mixed beverage tax.

[1:45:56] Bingo is collected at a quarterly basis, October is accrued back into fiscal year 2024.

[1:46:04] And the first quarter was received in February.

[1:46:08] Mixed beverage tax is collected as well, two months in a rears, which is at 38%.

[1:46:16] Interest earnings are below the budgeted projections for the month.

[1:46:19] As it relates to our interest earnings, the interest revenue is at 20.42%.

[1:46:25] As you all know, in April 24th, the city implemented a new investment policy.

[1:46:30] As a result, the city reallocated funds originally in the city's depository account to an existing investment account in logic, yielding a higher interest rate.

[1:46:41] The interest receipt from logic was incorrectly recorded.

[1:46:44] As only general fund revenue, the interest revenue was currently being reallocated to the correct funds based on the percentage of cash invested per each fund.

[1:46:54] And we'll talk about that a little bit more during the budget amendment presentation.

[1:46:59] Moving on to the general fund expenditures, they're at 39.92%.

[1:47:04] That's largely due to vacancies and we'll move on to the utility funds revenue, which is at 55.99% which is slightly above our projections.

[1:47:16] Our water tower released an interest earnings are trending higher than expected.

[1:47:21] And water tap fees are trending low at 6.35%.

[1:47:27] This revenue will be adjusted at the budget limit as well.

[1:47:32] For utility fund expenditures, we're at 31.90% which is also due to vacancies.

[1:47:40] Moving on to our special revenue funds, we're at 28.6%.

[1:47:45] and revenues in 29.37% in expenditures.

[1:47:51] For the capital improvement, we are trending up high because of the interest we've collected

[1:47:57] in that fund for revenues, and we have no expenses at this time recorded.

[1:48:06] For the vehicle replacement program, we are at 50.60% for revenues and 58.22% for expenses

[1:48:14] That service for the general fund, we are at 94.90% in revenues and 5.18% in expenditures.

[1:48:27] For the tax increment re-investment zone, we are at 108.16% in revenues and 100% in

[1:48:37] the transfer expenditures.

[1:48:38] For the debt service tip, red at $69.35 in revenues and $25.94 in expenditures.

[1:48:49] EDC, both type A and B, red at $33.43 in revenues and $15.55 in expenditures.

[1:49:00] That service for EDC, revenues were at 50.61%, expenditure is 15.45%.

[1:49:09] On our last page, we have all cash and investment reconciliation balances, and without

[1:49:16] taking any questions you have.

[1:49:20] Any questions or comments?

[1:49:24] Hearing none.

[1:49:24] Thank you, Ms. Tam.

[1:49:27] Always a thorough report.

[1:49:29] Thank you.

[1:49:31] Next.

[1:49:32] All righty.

[1:49:32] We're going to move on to our investment report for the city.

[1:49:39] This is for the second quarter, which is January 1 through March 31st.

[1:49:46] The total portfolio is at 53.6 million, which is a change of 13.7 million.

[1:49:56] In our investments for total, at the end of March, we're at 33.5 million.

[1:50:05] and in our regular depository we're at 20.1 million which is the 53.6 and

[1:50:15] I'll

[1:50:16] take any questions.

[1:50:21] We'll move on to the EDC investment report.

[1:50:33] The end of

[1:50:34] March EDC had a total of 757,000 with 105,000 in investments.

[1:50:47] I'm sorry I looked at

[1:50:48] the wrong 10 million in EDC that is the net change between March and January. When I

[1:50:58] let's have the other page I was like hold on now. In investments we have 105,000 and in

[1:51:06] our depository we have 9.9 million. I don't take any questions.

[1:51:15] Here are no seeing no

[1:51:16] I want to read this at hand next.

[1:51:23] You may proceed next item.

[1:51:27] Consideration action on approval of an ordinance amending the annual budget for the City of Box Springs for fiscal year October 1st, 2024 through September 30th, 2025, providing that the expenditure shall be made in accordance with said budget as amended.

[1:51:41] All

[1:51:44] right.

[1:51:44] As mentioned in the financial reports, we have been actively addressing some bounce corrections

[1:51:50] that's needed within finance and ensuring that our financial records are accurate.

[1:51:55] Since we're halfway through the budget, we did review revenues and expenses to determine

[1:52:00] what adjustments needed to be made.

[1:52:03] In your packet, you will see the combined fund summary, which summarizes the effect of the

[1:52:10] requested amendment by fund for fiscal year 2025

[1:52:14] for the adopted ending fund balance.

[1:52:19] So let's start on the next page.

[1:52:22] So I'll go through a couple of things

[1:52:24] that's important to note, next page.

[1:52:30] So I have created a color legend for you all

[1:52:34] and just so that we're all on the same page.

[1:52:37] Light green is for reallocation

[1:52:39] of previously budgeted funds from one line item to another, which does not affect fund balance.

[1:52:46] All of the yellow highlights are revenue reductions, meaning we are looking at trends.

[1:52:53] We are seeing, you know, either last year we didn't collect or we're seeing sales tax go down.

[1:53:00] So we're trying to ensure that we be more modest with what we're intending to collect and

[1:53:07] and being transparent with how things are going.

[1:53:10] And then the light pink are expenditures

[1:53:12] that affect fund balance.

[1:53:15] So the general fund has majority of the corrections

[1:53:19] that will affect the overall budget.

[1:53:24] So we'll start out by discussing the revenue reductions.

[1:53:29] All right, so we've noticed that over the last couple of years

[1:53:34] in the property revenue collections

[1:53:35] the link line item and the interest we've not been collecting what we have historically budgeted

[1:53:41] but we continue to budget at that rate so we're reducing it down to a more realistic number.

[1:53:48] In addition the sales tax is trending low and I think it has a lot to do with the uncertainty.

[1:53:55] We don't really know how things are going to go so we don't buy as much.

[1:54:00] We're also proposing to reduce revenue in some of the permit line items, parts and

[1:54:06] rates and conditions sales.

[1:54:09] So we've kind of been talking about the interest revenue and how everything was allocated

[1:54:14] to the general fund and what the pot is consistent of all of the different funds.

[1:54:20] So because of that, we are proposing a reduction in interest revenue of $500,000.

[1:54:27] But on the flip side of that, you will see an increase in revenue in other funds, such as the street maintenance,

[1:54:35] those other water and sewer, things of that nature, drainage, and things like that.

[1:54:43] On the expenditure side, for the workers' compensation, we tend to get the updated information

[1:54:49] after we've already budgeted it, so we're doing the estimation as it is.

[1:54:54] So this adjustment is to true up to what we'll actually have to pay out.

[1:54:59] For the vehicle maintenance budget, if you scroll down to a

[1:55:10] little more.

[1:55:13] All right, for the vehicle maintenance budget and fire, that budget actually got cut.

[1:55:18] So this is the amount that's needed in order to do preventative maintenance and

[1:55:23] annual testing for the, on their older apparatuses.

[1:55:28] Also, their contracted services was cut as well and so we're needing to add money back

[1:55:33] for the cancer screening, bunker gear cleaning and things of that nature.

[1:55:40] As you all know, the cost of construction increases over time, we might start a project

[1:55:45] a year ago and then as we progress with that project, we need more money.

[1:55:50] So as a result, we are proposing and Mr. Fender spoke to this earlier when he was talking

[1:55:54] about the CIP plan, we are proposing a $400,000 increase in our contract services for

[1:56:01] the streets department as well as $100,000 in our contracted services for the construction

[1:56:06] management department.

[1:56:09] So I just wanted to touch on some of those big ticket items to kind of give you a little

[1:56:14] background, but if there's more questions in regards to the overall, if you'll go back

[1:56:20] to the summary page that kind of shows the impact and I did not mention those revenues

[1:56:27] that have been increased especially in the general fund it's just not enough to cover

[1:56:33] especially that interest that we had to reduce down by so with that I'll take any questions

[1:56:41] you may have.

[1:56:42] In

[1:56:50] that case, I don't

[1:57:13] know if that is a mistake.

[1:57:14] I didn't say no motion.

[1:57:19] She's seeking a motion.

[1:57:21] Oh, sorry.

[1:57:22] I didn't say I didn't say no motion.

[1:57:25] Madam Mayor.

[1:57:25] Council Member Wheatley.

[1:57:27] I move to approve and well, the sad thing is I close my computer.

[1:57:31] I'm sorry guys.

[1:57:32] I move to approve.

[1:57:33] What?

[1:57:38] I move to approve and ordinance amending the annual budget for the city.

[1:57:42] For the fiscal year, October 1, 2024.

[1:57:45] 4 through September 30th, 2025, providing that expenditure shall be made in accordance with said budget as amended.

[1:57:52] Second, motion made by Council Member Whitley.

[1:57:55] Second by Mayor Pro Tem Miles.

[1:57:58] Mayor Pro Tem, I'm sorry, Council Member Whitley.

[1:58:00] I think you're doing a great job.

[1:58:03] I'm glad that you're part of the city of Boltsprings, and I just appreciate everything you're doing for us.

[1:58:09] And I don't think we say it enough, but thank you.

[1:58:11] Thank you. Mayor Pro-Chem-Mouse.

[1:58:16] Ditto, you're doing an excellent job. Thank you for the

[1:58:20] detailed explanations for the presentation. It's very thorough, so I appreciate it.

[1:58:29] Councilmember Garcia. Just thank you, Mr. Fender. Thank you. For all y'all do. Yeah, awesome.

[1:58:35] You're bringing names that we need to make our city better. Thank you. Councilmember Hiegel.

[1:58:46] Councilmember Vincent?

[1:58:48] Yes, ma'am.

[1:58:50] Appreciate you, Mr. Nese.

[1:58:52] We have to stay liquid in these tumultuous times.

[1:58:58] With the way the world is working, you may be revising that again, before we get back.

[1:59:05] So, I appreciate you when you're energy and your youth and I hope hopefully we're treating you right.

[1:59:13] I appreciate you, thank you.

[1:59:14] Yes.

[1:59:14] Thank you.

[1:59:16] Council Member Salau.

[1:59:18] I just want to say thank you, staff.

[1:59:21] Okay.

[1:59:22] The motion on the floor, again, is for approval of an ordinance amended in the annual

[1:59:26] budget for the city, for fiscal year, October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025, providing

[1:59:34] that expenditure shall be made in accordance with said budget as amended.

[1:59:39] Madam Secretary, call for the vote.

[1:59:42] Council Member Hill.

[1:59:43] Yes.

[1:59:43] Yes. Council Member Garcia. Yes. Council Member Gabriel.

[1:59:48] Yes. Council Member Whitley. Yes. Mayor

[1:59:52] Potem Miles. Yes. Council Member Salão. Yes. Motion has passed. Thank you very much. One more.

[2:00:00] All right, next item. Item 7, discussion regarding the budget calendar for fiscal year 2025 is keeping our things budget. I wanted to get you guys on the budget train. So last week, myself and the directors, we all had a meeting. We wanted to start this budget process early. So this is a rough draft. We wanted to put something in front of you guys so that you know what we're doing that we're working on it. And so you'll get a periodic updates of the

[2:00:29] different changes because decad is you know putting out preliminary numbers and we're working in the

[2:00:36] background to get those things done but we want to do budget a little bit differently so I won't go

[2:00:41] through the whole thing but I just want to say of course we have a legend blue is decad yellow is city

[2:00:47] council and what's really important is yellow for you guys everything else is internal for us just

[2:00:54] to talk about a couple of things today is highlighted because of course I had the budget amendment and I'm

[2:00:59] talking to you guys about the budget calendar. But on May 30th and May 31st, we will start our

[2:01:06] first discussions with council. We want to do it early so that you guys know what we have

[2:01:12] going on and we know what you guys want to see happen so that we can try to make a budget that

[2:01:17] works for everyone. So this is just a draft to get us started as we're working through the process

[2:01:25] and as we see fit we're going to try to bring things forward.

[2:01:28] We have already projected out the dates that we want to bring things to council for presentations,

[2:01:33] for example, on June 17th, and then also workshops on July 22nd.

[2:01:40] And then we've also put the dates on there for the agenda items as well.

[2:01:45] So those are the dates that we're striving for,

[2:01:47] and we just want to be transparent and keep you all in the loop.

[2:01:52] All right. Thank you, Ms. Tane. Appreciate you.

[2:01:55] Thank you. Next item.

[2:01:58] Item A, consideration, action,

[2:02:00] monitoring, approval of the child care awareness

[2:02:02] proclamation.

[2:02:05] Council, we can remain as individual items

[2:02:09] or if you'd like to take all three proclamations at one time.

[2:02:12] Your discretion.

[2:02:16] The first is the child care aware proclamation.

[2:02:19] Would you give a little insight

[2:02:21] Like as the proclamations intake to you and how it ends up with the new process that we have some people might not be enlightened, Ms. Gross.

[2:02:35] Proclamations are submitted to my office or the mayor's office.

[2:02:39] If she gets them or he gets them, they will forward them to my office and we put it together and we'll bring it to council for approval.

[2:02:49] that's what these are forged not so

[2:02:55] hearing not hearing a consolidation of

[2:03:00] the items you're gonna obtain number eight a motion regarding the child here

[2:03:06] aware proclamations and you have those in your packet is

[2:03:13] their motion

[2:03:19] hearing

[2:03:20] not removed to the next item no mayor I'll make a okay councilmember Salah I like

[2:03:27] We have to make a motion to approve all three proclamations.

[2:03:33] Is there a second?

[2:03:36] Second.

[2:03:38] Motion made by council members allowed second by council member Gabriel for consideration

[2:03:45] to approve proclamation, child care, aware proclamation, front line workers appreciation month,

[2:03:55] which is May, and third, Jewish American Heritage Month Proclamation.

[2:04:03] Discussion?

[2:04:04] Councilmember Salau.

[2:04:09] I don't think there's anything to be said.

[2:04:11] This is a good proclamation to be observed, so thank you,

[2:04:22] yes, ma'am.

[2:04:22] Councilmember Gabel.

[2:04:25] These are great proclamations.

[2:04:27] I hope society and I hope as all we have a deteriorated to a point to where we don't

[2:04:36] see the beauty and the responsibility that we hold in bringing awareness to child

[2:04:46] care and awareness and frontline workers.

[2:04:51] We employ a few of those, and Jewish-American heritage, proclamation, long overdue.

[2:05:00] I don't see why anybody would have a problem with this, unless thank

[2:05:07] you, Mayor.

[2:05:08] Okay. Council Member Heel.

[2:05:12] No comment. Council Member Garcia.

[2:05:15] No comment. Council Member Wheatley.

[2:05:18] I was just curious who brought these proclamations before us.

[2:05:21] I

[2:05:25] do, because for the policy now they have to come before council.

[2:05:29] Obviously you came up, you wanted us to approve these.

[2:05:32] Like these are your items.

[2:05:34] They're not my items on requesting the proclamations that the mayor is recommending approval of.

[2:05:42] Okay, yes, ma'am.

[2:05:43] Thank you.

[2:05:45] I was just asking.

[2:05:47] Yes, ma'am.

[2:05:49] Councillor, Mayor Portilla Mouse.

[2:05:52] Yeah, I do have a comment because I think I stated this before that I would like for your procedure that you were creating as gross to come back to City Council so we can have a more streamlined way that we approved these proclamations because right now I know most of us get a lot of emails that are not verified.

[2:06:19] And there is no backup information.

[2:06:23] It would be better to instead of just receiving a proclamation written as a draft,

[2:06:30] but to have some background information on it.

[2:06:32] Like one of these emails I saw it said, such person grass roots.

[2:06:37] So to me, that's not viable, right?

[2:06:41] Because we get emails all the time asking to support things.

[2:06:44] And they're not actually coming from legitimate sources.

[2:06:47] And so that concerns me and so I want to make sure that we do have a true process where we can verify information and that we have back up when things are brought before us and that process is put in place.

[2:07:02] Like again, I know for a fact one of the things listed on this didn't say that the inactual body or entity or that supported is it something, something grass roots.

[2:07:13] And so, when our city is backing things, let's make sure that we're backing things that's coming into us, that are legitimate sources.

[2:07:23] And so, let's make sure that we put a process in place to do this.

[2:07:30] Okay.

[2:07:32] Just ma'am.

[2:07:32] Any other?

[2:07:33] Okay.

[2:07:34] There was a process, I believe the city secretary, I don't have the date on it.

[2:07:41] That's the one I'm referring to that now it's going to remove the mayor and now have City Council

[2:07:46] Have that process come to us and we look over each one that comes before us with backup information

[2:07:53] That's the one I'm referring to. Okay, so since we voted for a change

[2:07:58] Okay, again, this was

[2:08:02] Presented a proclamation process to the council

[2:08:05] So, the proclamations come to either the mayor or

[2:08:11] the city secretary's office, and there was background information.

[2:08:15] It did not reach the council with the proclamations.

[2:08:20] I have an email in a request to us in order to initiate the process in the first place.

[2:08:25] And that's why the process that we tried to put in place previously would,

[2:08:29] these individuals would have to do their work on the backside and provide all the information

[2:08:34] and input there where as is in a stuff to the proclamation, but yes, I have emails.

[2:08:41] I didn't, I was, it's not been translated to me of what all we need in order to get

[2:08:47] these approved until tonight, so okay, but there is backup information on these individuals

[2:08:55] request.

[2:08:55] Yes.

[2:08:56] Okay.

[2:08:57] Just didn't make it to the council members.

[2:08:59] Yes, I wasn't aware that they wanted those until tonight, so going forward, they will

[2:09:03] get those.

[2:09:03] Okay, so just trying to clarify and confirm that this process is not, it was never voted

[2:09:13] on by Council.

[2:09:14] No, ma'am.

[2:09:15] So do you have a process so that Council is astute to when an intake comes in how it's

[2:09:23] going to flow out to Council before it comes to this body for approval because at the

[2:09:30] last meeting this was before the council and it was held until this meeting so that could

[2:09:36] have been some communication in between that time and now.

[2:09:39] And again that has been.

[2:09:40] I have the floor between that time and I'm just trying to get and all I get is getting

[2:09:44] understanding that's what we're about to do.

[2:09:47] Go ahead Ms. Gross.

[2:09:50] As I'm learning tonight that process will come back to council what I presented and it'll

[2:09:57] be just proclamations, it won't say mayor or if it could say mayor and council proclamations,

[2:10:03] it's going to do some changing in that procedure, but we have not got that approved at this

[2:10:09] point.

[2:10:10] No, ma'am.

[2:10:11] So you're bringing the process back for council's approval?

[2:10:14] That's what I believe that's what they want.

[2:10:16] Okay.

[2:10:17] All right.

[2:10:18] And not this process.

[2:10:20] Will it incorporate any of this process?

[2:10:22] It'll be in the same realm of that process, it just won't have just mayoral proclamations

[2:10:31] in there.

[2:10:34] Okay.

[2:10:35] We're approaching.

[2:10:36] You had a question?

[2:10:37] Again, as I stated before, I asked for this a while ago in conjunction when we first brought

[2:10:46] before the rest of the council for the change to also implement a new process to make

[2:10:53] make sure that everything is consistent and done decent in the city, not only that this

[2:11:00] current governing body would follow, but the governing body after us would also have

[2:11:07] a path to follow as well so things could be done in a consistent manner.

[2:11:15] The motion on the floor is for approval of agenda item, proclamations for number 8.

[2:11:23] 8.

[2:11:24] Child, here.

[2:11:25] Aware proclamation.

[2:11:26] 9.

[2:11:27] Frontline workers appreciation month.

[2:11:30] 10.

[2:11:31] Jewish American Heritage Month.

[2:11:35] Madam Secretary, what you call for the vote?

[2:11:38] Councillor Member Heal?

[2:11:39] Yes.

[2:11:40] Councillor Member Garcia?

[2:11:42] No.

[2:11:43] Councillor Member Gabriel?

[2:11:45] Yes.

[2:11:46] Councillor Member Whitley?

[2:11:50] No.

[2:11:50] Just because it didn't come to us first.

[2:11:51] First. Mayor Pro Tem miles. No. Council members allow. Yes. Mayor Gordon. Yes. Motion has passed. Thank you.

[2:12:07] Item. Public comments, items on the agenda are not on the agenda. I'm sorry.

[2:12:14] Carrie Marshall.

[2:12:22] Good evening, Mayor and Council.

[2:12:24] Good evening.

[2:12:25] Good evening.

[2:12:27] I am here to Carrie Marshall, one, two, six, zero, one, Natalie Drive-Balk Springs.

[2:12:33] I'm here to talk to you a little bit about the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the

[2:12:38] largest grass root mental health organization within these United States.

[2:12:45] Named Dallas seven sector is the area that all of the area that is south of

[2:12:53] Interstate 30 is the southern sector and that is the area that I represent as

[2:12:59] the designated affiliate leader and those cities include the seven part of

[2:13:05] Dallas City of Dallas, Seagaville, Brand Prairie, Duccanville, DeSoto-Balves Springs,

[2:13:11] Mosque, Wil Montgomery Hill, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Sunnyvale, and Hutchins.

[2:13:18] And what we do in that area is that we bring mental health awareness and education and

[2:13:24] resources to those areas.

[2:13:26] You may have heard during the pandemic that the southern sector was identified as having

[2:13:32] disparities.

[2:13:34] We knew those disparities was there all along.

[2:13:37] But just as you're reading, whether it's digital or a hard copy, it was highlighted that these things were there.

[2:13:46] They were already there, we knew it, but the pandemic brought a light to them.

[2:13:52] So what we're doing now is that we're in those areas, and we are helping people to understand what mental illness is all about.

[2:14:00] understanding what the diagnosis of the symptoms and signs of it, and how they can get help.

[2:14:08] Now, the Dallas Southern sector, as well as all the the anatomy affiliates, we offer free, free, free mental health support groups, education and awareness.

[2:14:20] So at the box frames library, we are blessed to bring speakers into that space to share information with you

[2:14:29] in terms of youth, teens, adults, family members, as well as yourself.

[2:14:37] So, May is mental health awareness month, and the theme is in every story there is strength.

[2:14:47] And the reason that the theme is such, because when a person share their story, share their concern,

[2:14:54] It benefits others. It benefits help them too.

[2:15:00] It's a support for themselves as well as their loved ones. So there is strength. You gain strength in hearing someone else's story. So you may say that, well, you know, that that doesn't impact me. I don't, I don't, I don't have a mental health concern. And I don't know anybody. One out of five. One out of five. One, two, three.

[2:15:32] Thank you all and just remember this is mental health America. Where this one? Thank you.

[2:15:40] Former state rep Carl Sherman.

[2:15:46] Good evening. Good evening mayor. Mayor Gordon.

[2:15:59] Mayor

[2:16:00] marks. I simply wanted to experience your council meeting. I'm going to tell you that I was very

[2:16:08] impressed with Councilwoman Whitley in expressing her gratitude to various members on the council.

[2:16:19] I am grateful for your civic engagement and involvement and when I see the folks here in

[2:16:26] ballsprings from Mr. Finner to Madam Secretary Gross to your city attorney. I think the

[2:16:38] guy's name is Joe Gorfita.

[2:16:42] You know I'm grateful for your commitment and dedication

[2:16:47] to this work. Too often people sit on their couch and they express frustration about things

[2:16:56] that are happening in politics.

[2:16:59] In fact, there are people who play politics,

[2:17:03] and they know that all they have to be

[2:17:05] is the manifestation of the regular citizens' frustration.

[2:17:12] And they'll score points.

[2:17:14] But I believe that you are all engaged sincerely

[2:17:18] in focusing on what you believe is important

[2:17:21] for the citizens here.

[2:17:23] And it shows in having former mayors here as well, like former Mayor Marshall and other council

[2:17:31] members that have been here and continue to show up when lose a draw, they're engaged.

[2:17:39] I enjoyed hearing the financial report from Miss Tanbati, quite energetic and I hope that

[2:17:47] She will be the person you select here, but I don't get a vote on that.

[2:17:53] I think that would be Mr. Finner in this council manager form of government.

[2:17:58] So I just wanted to tell you, Mayor Gordon personally, to have your son.

[2:18:05] He was sitting behind me, I noticed, and I know he's proud of his mother and your service

[2:18:10] to this city.

[2:18:11] This city is going to be around long before or long after, we're all not.

[2:18:18] Lord's will, if it continues, if time continues, I just don't know considering what's happening

[2:18:24] in politics higher up, where we're going to be.

[2:18:29] But since June 13, 1953, when this city was incorporated, we've had citizens who were willing

[2:18:36] to step up to the plate and say I will serve and I open pray that you will be

[2:18:44] proud of your service and look back and say I did it not for selfish

[2:18:49] reason not for self-interest but because you love this community well I would

[2:18:57] think that as a state rep you would allow me to close and that's okay if not

[2:19:04] Please proceed.

[2:19:05] Okay.

[2:19:06] In the interest of democracy, I ask that you continue to fight for local control because

[2:19:19] every day more and more of your authority and your ability to serve the community is being

[2:19:28] stripped from you.

[2:19:30] We need you, and we need you to continue to hire good people to represent the community

[2:19:38] and make sure we're focused on the issues.

[2:19:43] Mr. Jim Sabona, when he left, Sabonis, I pronounce his name wrong, but we had a good conversation

[2:19:53] on the parking lot, and I didn't ask him if I could say this.

[2:19:58] But he boasted about ballsprings.

[2:20:02] He boasted about your city manager and your focus on being conservative and making sure

[2:20:09] that you achieve the things long-term.

[2:20:13] And it grieves him.

[2:20:15] It vexed his spirit that you're not being helped by elected officials higher up.

[2:20:24] But stay focused, you're moving things, and it's worth me, for me, to stay to the end

[2:20:33] to be able to say this to you.

[2:20:35] God bless you, and the citizens of Ball Springs should be thankful to have you volunteer

[2:20:42] your time here.

[2:20:44] Thank you.

[2:20:45] Thank you.

[2:20:47] You'll always be State Representative Sherman.

[2:20:50] Thank you very much.

[2:21:04] I have also got a slide to show, just quickly, a few.

[2:21:09] This is just public comment for office column, the address for the record please.

[2:21:18] My name is James Cedorani, the address for the property is 11916.

[2:21:24] I am representing ARC architects. I just wanted to introduce this project. We are working

[2:21:30] the planning. What was the street?

[2:21:35] Seagalville Road.

[2:21:36] Seagalville Road. Okay. Thank you.

[2:21:39] So we were working the planning department. We are requesting a zoning change and this

[2:21:45] suggested that we can, well, before we go through the council meeting, we can gain some

[2:21:52] feedback. If I can just introduce the project and then if you can give us some feedback

[2:21:59] that would be very beneficial for us. So, we applied for rezoning for this property

[2:22:06] from retail to commercial.

[2:22:12] It's 14,000 square feet of retail and workspace that we are

[2:22:17] proposing. It will be divided into two portions to accommodate potential tenants who will

[2:22:23] be able to use it for small mixed-use spaces. The spaces that we are proposing are it could

[2:22:33] be a DAS studio, karate studio, small shops, flower shops, art studios. We presented it to

[2:22:42] the zoning department. They thought it was just a warehouse space, so they denied it. But

[2:22:50] But what we wanted to discuss and propose is, it is not just a warehouse building, it's

[2:22:58] a multi-use building that we are suggesting.

[2:23:01] So before, I know it's been denied by planning, but we wanted to gain some feedback so that

[2:23:10] we can change our plans for that to be approved.

[2:23:27] I'm not, excuse me, I'm not sure what the project is, but I do have the address.

[2:23:32] I'll find out, you know, because obviously if they come to the PNZ, our plain zoning department,

[2:23:37] everybody has the right to come to make application to come to PNZ and then on to council.

[2:23:43] So they don't just stop with this.

[2:23:45] I mean, we obviously give them zoning information and then they can go from there.

[2:23:49] So I'll have to find out a little bit more about this.

[2:23:52] And we want you to hear that because we can't engage into conversation with you back and forth, but staff is deferred as city managers indicated they will follow up with you.

[2:24:03] Thank you so much.

[2:24:05] Thank you.

[2:24:08] Item 11.

[2:24:09] I'm sorry, that's all I have there in Council on public comments.

[2:24:13] All right.

[2:24:16] Next item 11.

[2:24:18] In accordance with the Texas Government Code Chapter 551, the City Council recess an executive session.

[2:24:24] Pursuant to the following sections A, section 551 of 74 personnel deliberations regarding

[2:24:31] the appointment evaluation, reassignment duties, discipline or dismissal of a public officer

[2:24:36] employee, one city manager to city secretary.

[2:24:41] We'll now move into executive session at 9.28 p.m.

[2:24:50] We're reconvening an open session at 10.59 p.m.

[2:24:55] Take action if any.

[2:24:56] On matters discussed in executive session.

[2:25:03] Councilmember Salau.

[2:25:05] Yeah, I'd like to say something before we close.

[2:25:09] And yeah, I just want to say it's been a journey this last two years.

[2:25:17] And I remember my first interaction with Councilwoman Sherwidley.

[2:25:25] Was it after midnight on Facebook, asked me a lot of questions.

[2:25:31] you know, and I was just like what the hell does she want.

[2:25:35] So it was like, you know, you know, I got to know her

[2:25:39] and really value a lot of, you know, you really love the city.

[2:25:45] And even from that day, I didn't know where you were coming from,

[2:25:49] but she really cares about the homeless situation in the city

[2:25:54] and it played a lot of homeless

[2:25:57] accountments, so thank you for your contribution to the city.

[2:26:01] Then to the mayor, as I've been here for a long time,

[2:26:07] you've been like the mayor for a long time, so I don't,

[2:26:12] you've been a mayor for almost all the time I've been here in the city.

[2:26:16] And I appreciate the day after my election, you calling me and

[2:26:20] talking to me and always have an open door to talk to me if I had any questions and a

[2:26:29] couple of events we attend it so I really appreciate mentorship, leadership and guidance.

[2:26:39] I hope you guys well and I hope you guys don't stay away from the city, I get it still

[2:26:46] be active in the city as much as you can. I know it's been a... I know what's

[2:26:53] worth to say, but it's been a tough two years, you know, a lot of personalities

[2:26:56] here and trust me. I didn't know what I was getting into the first, the first, first

[2:27:03] year was all women except me. It was, you know, it was something else. I'll just

[2:27:09] leave it at that, you know, but it's been a journey and I really appreciate each

[2:27:13] I wish one of you, we don't agree on everything, but I really value your friendship and your conversations, your advice, and thank you guys for your service to the city.

[2:27:25] Thank you, Councilmember Salau.

[2:27:28] If there's nothing further, I'll entertain a motion.

[2:27:32] May I make a motion to adjourn?

[2:27:35] Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem, Miles, Seconded by Council Member Hill to adjourn.

[2:27:42] Any discussion of that?

[2:27:44] If not, may the Secretary call for the vote.

[2:27:46] Council Member Hill?

[2:27:47] Yes.

[2:27:48] Council Member Garcia?

[2:27:49] Yes.

[2:27:49] Council Member Gabriel?

[2:27:51] Yes.

[2:27:52] Council Member Whitley?

[2:27:54] Yes.

[2:27:54] Mayor Pro Tem, Miles?

[2:27:56] Yes.

[2:27:56] Council Member Slyle?

[2:27:58] No.

[2:28:03] motion has passed.

[2:28:05] Thank you and we stand adjourned at 11.02 pm.

[2:28:08] Thanks everyone.

[2:28:10] Thank you mayor.

[2:28:12] Have a blessed evening.

May 12, 2025 City Council

Transcript