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All right. Welcome everyone. It is officially 6:00 pm on may 12th, 2026

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to the regular city council meeting for the city of burn, texas. It's my pleasure

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at this time to, uh, call forward, uh, student pastor pearson s

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sena from curry creek baptist church to lead us in a, uh, curry creek church to lead us in,

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uh, invocation pearson. Thanks for coming. Thanks, y'all. I'm really

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grateful to be here. Um, would y'all bow your heads with me? Sure.

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father, thank you so much for the gift of today.

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lord, I thank you for every man and women in

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this room, god, that they've gathered together, um,

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ultimately to talk through what it looks like to steward our city. Well, lord, so I pray,

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uh, that you would be in this meeting. Lord, I'm just reminded of

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jeremiah writing to the people of israel saying, I want you to seek the welfare of the city

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that you are in, lord. And I thank you that we get to do that as your people, as

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we get to seek the welfare of whatever city we reside in. So, lord,

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I pray that you would be over this meeting as we're discussing just

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that. And lord, I thank you that in all things you are over it.

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you know exactly what is happening, lord, and you, you're not unaware,

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um, of any detail, lord. 'cause you are working through

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all things ultimately for your name, god. So I'm, I'm grateful

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that we can trust in that today, lord, and and I thank you

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ultimately today for, for life that is found in you, um,

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that our hope can't be placed in governments, but that our hope can be placed in

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new and a coming kingdom that we get to receive through trusting

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your son jesus, who came for us out of his love for us,

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god. So I pray that, that we would keep him on the forefront of our minds to today,

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as as we go, uh, throughout the city council meeting. But

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lord, we, we love you and we are grateful for you. And it's in your prayer.

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amen. Amen. Thanks. Thank you. Pearson. Would you join me in the pledge allegiance

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and then to the texas flag? I pledge

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allegiance to the flag, the united states of america

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to the look for she stands, one nation under god,

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indivisible, with liberty, justice. For

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honor the texas flag, I pledge allegiance to judge texas,

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one state under god. One indivisible. Thank you.

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you may be seated, exceeded. Moving on to agenda item

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number two, uh, administration, the new oath of offices,

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council members, districts one and three. Lori

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mayor proto, would you like to start? Sure.

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aye. I do soly swear. Swear. Thankfully,

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I thankfully execute the office of city council member

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district one, the state of , the state of texas, the state of

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texas, and will to the best of my ability and will to the best of

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my ability, preserve and defend the constitution,

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preserve, protect defendant constitution and laws of the united states

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and of the states. So help me, god and the laws of the united states and

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state. So help me, god

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shall

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I, I I do solemnly swear,

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do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the duties of

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the I pay for this, the duties of the office, city council

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district, city council district, free for the city of er,

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for the city of er, the state of texas. State of texas. And to the best

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of my ability, to the best of preserve, protect, and defend

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the constitution, preserve, protect defendant, constitution

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and of the united states and of states,

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the laws of the united states and of states.

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all right, we're going to move to agenda item number 3, 20 26 dash 1 31.

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consider election of the mayor, office of the mayor pro tem. It is my recommendation

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to this council that we continue with, uh, councilman willison, serving as mayor pro tem.

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if we have any questions or comments, um, I'd like to ask some motion.

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mayor, I, I mo I moved to elect councilman ty willison

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to the office of mayor prote for the term of may, 2026 to may, 2027.

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okay. Second from councilman bunker, please vote.

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motion passes. Five zero. Thank you everyone. Welcome. Welcome back, ty. Thank

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y'all. Moving on to agenda item number 4 20 26 dash 1 63.

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we're gonna give a proclamation. This is public service, uh,

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employee week. And so I have a proclamation of refinery. We're gonna honor this proclamation

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for all the public servants, recognizing their commitment to our community. So, um,

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I'm gonna read this and then we're gonna do a photo op. I believe so. Whereas public

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service is a vital pillar of strong, thriving community, those who dedicate

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their time and talents to serving the public play in a central role, and maintain the quality of life

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enjoyed by all residents. Public service recognition week provides

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an opportunity to honor the contributions of public employees at all levels of government, and

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recognize their commitment to integrity, respect, collaboration, service, and excellence.

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although public service recognition week was observed nationally, may 3rd through the ninth, 2026,

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the city of bernie takes this opportunity to formally expresses appreciation for the public servants

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whose work strengthens our community throughout the year. The city of bernie is fortunate

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to be served by dedicated team of professionals, those whose hard work expertise

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and responsiveness ensure the effective delivery of high quality, customer focused,

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essential services to our community. Public service provide the essential

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services residents rely on each day, including public safety, education, infrastructure,

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utilities, emergency management, parks and recreation, libraries, courts,

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community planning, and many other functions that support a safe, vibrant, and well-served

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community. We also extend our sincere appreciation of the public

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servants of bernie independent school district, kendall county, and other public agencies whose

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work supports our residents, families, students, neighborhoods, and businesses with professionalism

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and care. We further recognize the members of the burning city council as well,

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those who serve on the boards and commissions, whose leadership, guidance, and volunteerism

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help shape the future of our city. The spirit of public service reflects the best

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of our community. People choosing to serve something larger than themselves, working

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together to solve problems, care for neighbors, strengthened public trust, and help

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bernie continue to be an exemplary, exemplary hill country community.

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the city of bernie affirms that service and excellence are not only organizational values,

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but civic values that strengthen the relationship between local government, public institutions,

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and the people we serve. These individuals demonstrate, dedication,

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adaptability, professionalism, and a deep sense of responsibility, often

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working in behind the scenes to support the needs, safety, and wellbeing of our

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community. So, therefore, I frank, richie, may or bernie, do you hereby recognize may 3rd

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through the ninth, 2026 as public servant recognition. Give yourself a hand

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as if you come up for the photo. Like everybody that's a, that's a member of team bernie,

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uh, to come forward for, for photo ops. Anyone that's working for the city that's in the audience

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can please come forward. Um, and then the council will be back here for, but I just wanna

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say to the community as a whole, um, each

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and every day that I come to city hall and, and I get the experience with the different departments that

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we work with, the amount of excellence, dedication, and preparedness that

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the staff has, these, uh, public servants have for the city of burn, whether

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it's the fire department, the police department, parks and rec, water, utilities, um,

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city manager, staff, the clerk, staff across the board, our com

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our community is so blessed to have the service that we have. So from the bottom of my heart and

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the rest of the council, uh, thank you all for the, what you guys do

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here. Chief, you're chief, you're in uniform, you can be the center.

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maybe I'll take back everything I said about efficiency ,

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couple them. Yeah, a couple of them might be aggies

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over

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perfect . Just wanna make sure all

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beautiful faces .

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okay. All right. We're smiling big.

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we're gonna do, we're gonna hold

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it for one more second.

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thank you. Thank you everyone.

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thank you. Yeah, just give it to lori. Yeah, absolutely. Photoshop jeff in later. Yeah.

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, again, thank you to everyone that that served this community from, from

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across the board. Thanks for all your efforts and your sacrifices. So, moving on,

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we're gonna go into, uh, number five, conflicts of interest council members. Do you have any conflicts

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of interest this evening? No. No sir. Alright. No conflicts of interest. We'll move on

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to agenda item number six, public comments. Um, I'll read your name. You can come forward

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in the podium. You can state your name and your address, and you'll have three minutes, uh, once you're done giving your name

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and address. Uh, our first speaker tonight is stewart blend. Stewart,

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I'll startled you. Stuart . Um,

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my name is stuart blin. I live at 2 4 3 marisol in burnie.

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and the reason for wanting to be here is about

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a month ago. I, I've been in, in, um, um, in,

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in a active adult community, uh, that is being built in

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esperanza. And about 30 days ago, I'm trying to

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turn into es uh, esperanza drive. There

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had been an accident, which is probably not real surprising at 46

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and esperanza and traffic was stopped

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always for over 30 minutes. The

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reason I bring this up is because there's only one way in and out of

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esperanza. And my understanding is a large part of that is

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because of the original plan was to extend esperanza

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into adler, which I guess the decision was made not to move adler

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or take adler further in. The reason it's a big concern

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is several reasons. Number one, if someone was to have a heart attack

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and there's no way of getting an ambulance in or a person out,

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there's a possibility of someone dying if a child was to have

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a, an accident, a serious accident. Again, there's no way in

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no way out for them to be taken to a hospital.

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so I think this is an extremely urgent

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pro problem that we have to deal with in this area. Now,

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at the present time, it's my understanding that a road is being built, which has always

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been planned, uh, for another way of getting out of

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espanza. Actually, on the other side of s of, uh, espanza,

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I think about where the hospital is going in. The

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reason I'm here, though, is to ask that maybe the

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council can help push this along a little bit faster. It's

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gonna get done, but from what I understand,

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it's not likely to see this until at least 2028.

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and like I say, this is a serious issue. It's a serious problem, uh,

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because there is only, again, this one way of getting in and out.

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and that's all I really have to say. Alright,

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thank you, stuart. Uh, no one else has signed up

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to speak, but if someone has come in late, I'll give you the opportunity to come forward and state your name and address and

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you'll have your three minutes, uh, for public comments.

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all right, no takers. Okay. We will move on then to agenda

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item number seven, a consent agenda, council members, um,

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any issues concern with consent agenda? If not, can I get a motion to

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approve consent agenda on a through c? Mayor?

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mr. I'm mayor. I move that we approve the consent agenda as presented.

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uh, second from councilman bunker, please vote.

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all right, send you to passes. Five zero. Thank you everyone.

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somebody was excited about that. So, moving on to the regular city

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agenda items number eight, a 2026 dash 1 55. Receive the

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second quarter financial investment report for the period ending in march 31st, 2026.

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presenting sarah buckley. Sarah, good evening mayor and counsel. The

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purpose of this agenda item is to review the city's financial performance through our

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second quarter of the fiscal year ended march 30th, 31st,

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sorry, march 31st. This agenda item aligns with

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several of the items on our bernie strategy map.

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so here we are in our budget management cycle, and, uh, we're

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almost to april and we have kicked off our budget process.

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um, just to give you all a, an update on that, uh, all the departments have submitted

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their, uh, preliminary budgets. We've reviewed them, and we'll be doing our force ranking

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workshop this week so far

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this year. Um, despite what's going on nationwide and

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maybe the cooling off of the economy a little bit, um, we're doing, we're doing well.

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the year is moving forward as expected. We, um, we were conservative in

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our budget. There were some, at least some of the, um, areas that impact the city.

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we, uh, we had advanced understanding of what we thought was gonna be happening this year, and we budgeted

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for it appropriately. And so we're, we're actually moving along just as expected, which

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is great news. So starting with interest revenue, um,

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we, we knew, we've had a couple gangbuster years of interest revenue when

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the, the rate was higher, but we had been told for over a year, almost

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two years that interest rates were gonna be decreasing. So we had already pro

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programmed that into the budget. We had projected a 3%, um,

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overall decrease compared to last year on our interest. And,

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um, so far we're doing well. We're right, uh, right where we would expect to be

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at valorem, uh, property taxes. We have met our revenue projections

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for the year. So 99% of our budget has been collected. That includes

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current year taxes and delinquent taxes, 97% collection

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on the current year. So we'll probably see a couple more percentage points collection before

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september, but where we've received the lion's share of it and

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are right on track with where we have been in prior years exactly this time,

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sales, tax revenue, um, you know, de despite what's been going

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off and it has been cooling off, um, lately in our

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reports, but, um, 24 and 25 were just amazing years.

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double digit increases in sales tax revenue year over year. So,

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um, taking out a one-time audit collection

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fees, which are, uh, fees that come in after an audit has been conducted. And then you have

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to pay back taxes. So that's not current revenue. It's audit collections that

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we got last year. So if you, if you take that out, we're, we're doing very well.

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um, we've collected 49% of our budget, which

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is right in line with where we have in prior years.

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so some of these graphs may look a little different. We've changed, uh, service providers now

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to, uh, zac tax. They just have a really, a really cool platform. And we have

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the ability to run all different kinds of reports. So the graphs do

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look a little differently because they're from a different service provider. But this

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just shows that, um, our moving average, you know, despite

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the cooling off, we're still up compared to last january. So, uh, not

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as high of a growth rate, but we're still growing

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and sales tax revenue overall. Um, again, we had, we had

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positive months this quarter

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permit revenue we're at 36% of budget. Um,

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part of the reason is we had three large projects that closed down in 2025. And

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so, um, those, those were a surge at the end of 2025. But we're

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expecting a few projects that are gonna commence later in the year that are, are gonna increase the permit revenue.

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so it may look like we're behind schedule, but we do anticipate that we'll

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pick it up before september. Hotel motel

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taxes, this is where we expect to be this time of year. Um,

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the sales usually come in during the summer months, and so, um, 34%

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is what we would have expected in q2.

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the utilities are doing well. Um, consumption, we've had a mild couple of months,

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so consumption on electric decreased by 2% compared to the

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same year last quarter. And we've collected 38% of our budget

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so far. Water revenues, consumption has increased 8%.

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um, you know, despite getting some rain, we did have a couple, um, months

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or that at least month in january that we needed a little bit of rain.

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wastewater falls in line with water, so we're 7%

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increase over last year. And 46% of budget

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cash utility has collected 57%. Um, we still have that hedge,

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um, in place for customers to help keep rates steady and consumption

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did decrease by 9% by, um, same time last year.

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and storm water is, um, moving along. It's 43% of budget.

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it's, um, not very cyclical. It's very same revenues

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every month. So in line with where we were last year. Any questions

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on the financial performance council? Just for understanding

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for myself, this is the second quarter, so we're halfway through the fiscal year. Yes,

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sir. Correct. So any of the slides that we just went through, when it benchmarks

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at 36% of budget, 51% of budget, that's,

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I, is it fair for me to say we're halfway through the year? A benchmark is 50% depending

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on the revenue source, and some of them you explained would have, you know, more cyclical

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revenue in the summer months, for example, retail tax. Right. So, but

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we would already pass the holiday months in that example. Yes. Right. So,

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so just as the big picture, I just wanted to make sure I level set where my understanding of

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where this is. I absolutely you your understanding exactly correct. Okay.

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um, I, we try to put where we were this time, um, same

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time in at least the last year or the two years to show where we typically are at this time

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of the year. So you're right, sales tax revenue specifically was this last quarter

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for the holidays. And there was one slide that I think it was at 36%, but then you explained

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that this is something that mm-hmm . There we go. Permit revenue, right. Permit permit

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revenue is something that's really can't be easily

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forecasted. It all depends on when the big projects close or when they're going on. And

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so, um, we saw the surge of revenue at the end of 2025. We were,

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we were in a similar situation last year where we felt like we were lagging towards the beginning of

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the year, but then we had a bunch of close, uh, projects closed out. There were the three projects

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that closed out at the end of 2025. So we are expecting the same, a similar

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situation for this year. So 36% may not seem like we're meeting revenue at

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50% of the fiscal year, but we do anticipate some of the bigger projects coming online.

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the talking points for each of the slides did a great job explaining that. Um, so thank you for

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that. I just wanted to make sure I was level setting myself of where we were annually on the fiscal year

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at 50% and understanding the numbers. Thank you. Yes, sir. Question, um, permit

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revenue. Mm-hmm . Is that just construction revenue? What

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about utility permits? Are those all included together or no,

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this is governmental permit revenue only. Okay. But do we have permitting for utilities?

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don't we? I mean, we have impact fees and,

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but I don't think there's permitting on utility side. I'm looking at my utility folks now. There

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we would have, oh, I'm sorry. Go ahead. And, um, I mean, we would have,

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uh, so the part of a project, a commercial project,

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um, it's called, we call it ocs, but it's your public improvements,

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um, infrastructure. And so when those permits are applied for, yes, there

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are fees for those. And the reason I'm asking is like in, in, uh, in qualy farms

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we're providing gas, correct. Do do each of those gas meter hookups

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have to have a permit when they build that house? Yes. Correct. So that permit revenue would

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be included in this number as well as any other permit? Or is it separated? No,

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this is just governmental funding that would that be under the utility

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budget then? Yes, sir. Okay. That's interest understand. Thank you.

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any other questions? Council, um, question on the, for the sales tax,

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um, I was curious, 'cause it seemed like it was a pretty mild winter. Did we see

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an increase? I know you can look deeper into the sales tax revenue.

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did you see an increase in our more local retail

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customers? I'm just curious. Um, or if, if it was more based on

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the larger retailers? So, um, retail was mild, it

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was 1%, but they are the biggest portion of our, of our, um,

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breakdown, our industry breakdown. Um, I did look up december performance

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because I know that that's always, usually a question that gets asked is how did we do with

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everybody coming into town? Um, we just did really fantastic in

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24 and 25. It's not that we didn't do bad this year, but we did in

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fiscal year 24. We did 1.4 million in december and 25, we

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did 1.5, um, we did 1.26. So

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not terrible. Considering that our, our average is usually 900,000 to

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a million dollars. That's still a really great december for us. It's just, it's

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being compared to really great years. So, um,

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we, I mean, we are cooling off some, but we anticipated that in our budget

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and we are doing very well compared to other communities especially.

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but, um, some of our bigger retailers, we've seen kind of

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a drop, like one of our bigger retailers has seen a drop. And I think it's just because

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you do home improvements, for example, when you have a lot of disposable

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money. So, um, but so far we're, we're doing okay.

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we're keeping an eye on our top, our top. I I do like this slide.

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um, I think you explained you're using new software for the presentations.

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um, I'd be curious to see quarter after quarter to this slide in particular. My

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question though on this slide is, you know, the bottom line number 83%

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is a big portion of this overall picture and it just encompasses other,

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yeah. Right. So that to me, you know, the other area is making up the

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17% or whatever it is. Is that right? That doesn't even add up. The numbers don't add up. Sarah,

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wouldn't that also be the audit num money too would've been accounted for in

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that, that I think you thank you, christie. Is that, that's wrong. Okay. Yeah.

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well, we are, um, we actually have requested some

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custom reports from our new service provider and those custom reports,

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um, are not yet available. So right now I'm using the, the canned reports,

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but we are, we're hoping as soon as we start getting those custom reports, we'll send 'em out to you monthly

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and you can really dive into all the details you wanna see. And then, um,

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we'll continue modifying these slides with information that you all would like to see. I'd

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like to like to hear your feedback because the new platform is really dynamic, so

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almost anything you wanna see, um, we can probably put together going forward. Yes.

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food, restaurants, we, I think, I think we can

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get down to that level. Is that, but that we can even do a geo let go the food category that's

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called restaurants, correct? Oh, yes, yes. I'm sorry. Food is, that's

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very nice. That's positive. Yep. I mean, assuming that's huge. I mean, 16%,

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that's a lot. Restaurants did really, really well. And, um, if you look over at the

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bar graph, one category I'd never seen before was accommodation, which

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is not hotel motel taxes, because that's not part of sales tax. So I had to look into

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it. And it's the other fees that hotels, um, charge,

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like if you're gonna reserve a room for like a banquet or something during the holidays

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or, um, if you sell food in your, in your

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hotel bar or things like that. So that was strange that it,

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it popped up in our top seven categories, but I had to look it up myself

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because I I had never seen that one before. So I think it's

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interesting, you know, if restaurants are doing that much higher than I think from a retail perspective,

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if they aren't doing as well, it's like, well, how can they, how can they get those

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customers? If restaurants are bringing in people, how do they, I think, you know, for the

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chamber, I think this is great information for them to use. 'cause obviously their

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customers are there, so how do those retail customers get them? So anyway,

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I think that's good, good information to be available.

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yeah. One other question. Professional services mm-hmm

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. What is the sales tax on professional services? So this, um,

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the big professional services in our community have to do with insurance companies.

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okay. Um, I'm, I'm not as well versed in all the insurance

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products to know which ones are taxable or not, but, um, so there's, there's

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an insurance claims company that generates a lot of revenue for us every year that's based

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outta bernie. Gotcha. Okay. I just wanted understand what that meant because I mean, I, I don't think you

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pay sales tax when you go to a lawyer or a doctor or a dentist that I'm aware of. So I just wanted

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to know what that meant. You, you pay a lot. I don't know if it's tax, you just pay a lot.

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that's why you gotta have insurance. . Okay.

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any other questions from counsel? Can I get a motion to, yeah,

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I move. We receive and approve the second quarter of financial and investing report for the

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period ending march 31st, 2026. Second from councilman

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mickelson, please vote.

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motion passes. Five zero. Thank you everyone. Thank you sarah. Thank you. Moving on to agenda

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nine a resolutions nine a 2026 dash 0 5 2.

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consider resolution number 2026 r 25, a resolution of the city council of the

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city of be texas. Adopting the city of bear needs comprehensive safety action plan,

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reaffirming the city's goal zero commitment to eliminate roadway fatalities and these

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serious injuries and directing implementation to accordance with the safe streets and roads

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for all grant program, uh, presenting abigail. Abigail.

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hi, good evening. For those of you who haven't had the chance to meet, my name is abigail knott. I am city

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engineer, uh, working with, uh, director kara.

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the safety action plan relates to our brain strategy map. Uh,

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it's obviously for infrastructure implementation, uh, also using data

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to inform our decisions and borrowing from our master plans.

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so a brief overview of safe streets for all. Really at

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a high level, it's analyzing our networks to determine where crashes are impacting

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our community and what things we can do to improve upon for pedestrian safety

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and vehicular safety. There

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are two types of ss four a grants. There is the planning and demonstration.

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so that's the current grant that we have received and what we're working on right

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now. It's really the development of a comprehensive safety plan. It's also

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allowing us to, uh, determine activities that can be done that can be

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used for the next phase of grant applications, which is implementation. So

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what can we, uh, plan, design, and develop from

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the safety action plan? So the ss

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four a process. In april, 2024, we submitted

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a grant for the planning application. In late 24,

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we were notified of that grant and we did move forward with an rfq for

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a consultant to help us, uh, engage in that plan. Um,

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we are so sorry, um,

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in that, that we are amending, uh, the city safety action plan. So that was part of the

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mobility master plan. Uh, it allows us to conduct pedestrian safety

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action plans in the downtown area to analyze pedestrian fatalities

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and, uh, injuries, and then to conduct intersection focus,

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road safety audits. So

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I know, uh, director carol has presented to you before, part

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of that was the safe, safe streets for all plan to have public

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outreach. And so this timeline kind of shows you the activities we have done to date.

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and today we are here for the culmination of all of the activities related to this planning grant.

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and that is the comprehensive safety action plan.

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this all started with a five year analysis of crashes throughout

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the city limits in burney. So from that, we are able to determine if

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what types of crashes occurred and where. So there were 2,342

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crashes within the city of burn. However, when you start

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to break it down and look at the high injury network, so we're looking for

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areas where, uh, there were fatalities, there were major or minor

403
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injuries related to a crash. You can see that even though there were 153

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miles of network impacted by crashes,

405
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really only 23 miles of those 153

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were impacted by, uh, high injury crashes. That's 15%

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of our streets are really telling up to 73% of those high

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injury incidences. From

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that, we establish the high injury network. This allows us to

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focus on future safety projects and code updates that we'd like to

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implement that are focused on what is occurring in those areas.

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from that, we really get to that, uh, comprehensive safety action plan. So

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what are the targeted projects that we can implement that would help in those,

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um, those areas, those 15% of the areas where we're seeing 73%

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of the incidences occurring. And it was narrowed down to five intersections,

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river plant, main river, the five points area,

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main bandera and cascade and scenic loop, and really also focused on three

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corridors. So main street, blanco, and river road.

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and in those we're looking at all of the things that could be

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considered to help make improvements to the network.

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so some of those things are systemic countermeasures. And so implementation,

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uh, on the ground, is it shared use pass? Could it be flashing

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00:32:18,725 --> 00:32:22,605
yellow arrows? It could even be a signal reflective back plate.

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00:32:22,825 --> 00:32:26,715
so those are the orange boundaries that go behind a signal light that draw

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attention to what the signal is telling you to do. Uh, it could also be non infrastructure

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projects. So safe routes to school corridor studies. So additional studies

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to understand what's going on in the corridor, uh, intersection evaluations or

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there improvements that can be made.

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the policy and procedure recommendations really gets down to what updates

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can we do to our design standards? Are there additional operational

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and guidances that we can include in design to make streets safer?

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00:32:57,225 --> 00:33:01,085
um, parking management programs, additional campaigns. So

433
00:33:01,245 --> 00:33:05,085
just simple outreach to let people know, uh, what to do in

434
00:33:05,285 --> 00:33:09,165
certain areas to be safe. Um, maintaining the high injury

435
00:33:09,525 --> 00:33:13,305
network. So we want to upkeep that crash data. The more that we're able to

436
00:33:13,675 --> 00:33:17,445
know and study in those areas of helps us understand, uh, changes that

437
00:33:17,685 --> 00:33:21,665
are occurring and things that we need to do to adjust, um, a public facing

438
00:33:22,085 --> 00:33:25,925
transportation safety task force. So that would be something that we could engage

439
00:33:26,355 --> 00:33:29,815
with the public. We're currently current, we're currently doing something internally

440
00:33:30,555 --> 00:33:34,125
that looks at traffic operational improvements, but really this would turn it towards

441
00:33:34,625 --> 00:33:38,265
the public to give them an opportunity to interact with us. And then, um,

442
00:33:38,925 --> 00:33:40,365
progress in our a da transition plan.

443
00:33:44,065 --> 00:33:47,845
the ss four a process really considered a lot of public

444
00:33:48,135 --> 00:33:52,105
input. So not only did director carroll come to, uh, city council to speak, but

445
00:33:52,325 --> 00:33:56,245
also we had a safety safety task force. And so it was comprised

446
00:33:56,865 --> 00:34:00,325
not only of, um, different positions throughout the ci city of bernie,

447
00:34:00,905 --> 00:34:04,765
but also engaged with members in our community. So, uh, county commissioners, we had council representatives,

448
00:34:05,905 --> 00:34:09,845
uh, bernie, isd, um, you can see the picture at the

449
00:34:09,925 --> 00:34:13,725
top right corner. Our consultant went out to market days and engaged with

450
00:34:13,965 --> 00:34:17,525
folks in the community just naturally to get some feedback

451
00:34:18,145 --> 00:34:22,085
on how they felt about some of the high injury network areas and even get feedback on what

452
00:34:22,325 --> 00:34:23,725
they thought would be an appropriate improvement.

453
00:34:26,665 --> 00:34:30,485
so the community's top priorities, river and her were downtown intersections.

454
00:34:31,125 --> 00:34:32,285
and then of course, pedestrian safety.

455
00:34:36,185 --> 00:34:40,045
one of the last, uh, public outre public outreach components was a survey

456
00:34:40,205 --> 00:34:44,025
that went out in april and there were 49 comments received. And

457
00:34:44,245 --> 00:34:48,205
you can see speed enforcement was one of the things top on the mind of folks in the city of

458
00:34:48,365 --> 00:34:52,285
bernie. So the reason we're here today

459
00:34:52,565 --> 00:34:56,285
presenting this is it's, it's the culmination of the process. So it is that comprehensive

460
00:34:57,005 --> 00:35:00,805
safety action plan and its adoption lends towards the vision zero goals

461
00:35:01,085 --> 00:35:05,045
that were adopted by the city council in august, 2022. Uh, that started with

462
00:35:05,165 --> 00:35:09,005
that mobility master plan. It allows, uh, this grant allowed us to

463
00:35:09,215 --> 00:35:13,205
amend the safety action plan to meet all the current federal requirements. And really

464
00:35:13,405 --> 00:35:16,965
it is that roadmap to vision to vision zero. In addition,

465
00:35:17,805 --> 00:35:21,635
approval of this, um, comprehensive safety action plan allows us to reach into

466
00:35:21,925 --> 00:35:25,365
that next, uh, set of dollars that's set aside for grants for implementation.

467
00:35:26,425 --> 00:35:30,375
so what's on the plan, uh, can be moved into the implementation stage

468
00:35:30,725 --> 00:35:33,605
well if we are awarded a grant for it.

469
00:35:35,065 --> 00:35:38,885
and then of course, uh, as I mentioned, director carroll did come to multiple council meetings to present,

470
00:35:39,585 --> 00:35:43,445
uh, ongoing process with you. So with that, I will

471
00:35:43,605 --> 00:35:46,695
take any questions on the, um, planning grant

472
00:35:47,745 --> 00:35:51,515
and the resolution today. Thank you, abigail. Any questions on council? Just

473
00:35:51,805 --> 00:35:55,685
to comment on the surveys, um, I was looking over that data and I found that

474
00:35:56,085 --> 00:36:00,005
interesting. You said there was 49 unique surveys that came back, but collectively, if you look at

475
00:36:00,165 --> 00:36:04,125
that data, 46% of 'em had a similar sentiment as the

476
00:36:04,245 --> 00:36:08,225
number one thing that we could focus on. So I look forward to those conversations if

477
00:36:08,445 --> 00:36:12,405
this moves forward with the, with the grant money. And that conversation was around police enforcement

478
00:36:12,925 --> 00:36:16,525
and speed, to your point on that one slide. Um, and enforcing

479
00:36:17,005 --> 00:36:20,805
some of the laws that we might have available to us, particularly on main street, where than most of the

480
00:36:21,045 --> 00:36:24,035
incidents have taken place. So I, I think it's a great opportunity.

481
00:36:25,115 --> 00:36:28,945
I'll, I'll share, I I know director carol's told me once that we received this feedback, he, he

482
00:36:29,165 --> 00:36:33,165
had a conversation with chief perez and our department to talk about that, that

483
00:36:33,445 --> 00:36:37,325
perception, the feedback there. And, and they'll take that into consideration

484
00:36:37,685 --> 00:36:41,445
when they figure out their downtown plans. Well, I've, I think in the last few months

485
00:36:41,755 --> 00:36:45,305
I've seen a lot more presence on main street blanco, at least, um,

486
00:36:46,065 --> 00:36:47,965
for me. So I think they've already been doing it.

487
00:36:50,125 --> 00:36:54,045
I, at least for me, I dunno if that's true or not chief, but I think they're already . Yeah, I feel the same.

488
00:36:54,365 --> 00:36:58,205
I feel like I've seen more people pulled over by yeah, so I think, I think they're

489
00:36:58,405 --> 00:37:02,205
already, um, implementing it. And I would look and I would encourage that to continue,

490
00:37:02,545 --> 00:37:06,365
but the discussion is to get grant money to further the efforts in that,

491
00:37:06,785 --> 00:37:10,345
um, making the streets safe and having zero deaths. And so, um,

492
00:37:10,875 --> 00:37:14,805
when we can get that money, there's a lot of different things, but according to the survey, you know, most

493
00:37:15,005 --> 00:37:18,115
of the people were saying, hey, it's around, um, controlling,

494
00:37:19,045 --> 00:37:22,185
distracted driving jaywalking, how is that defined, um,

495
00:37:23,065 --> 00:37:26,365
in the state of texas. So things like that. I look forward to those conversations as all.

496
00:37:27,585 --> 00:37:31,125
um, item number two and item number three are most common of the survey

497
00:37:31,685 --> 00:37:35,565
feedback were things that are outside of our control, right? That would require something with the state of texas

498
00:37:36,065 --> 00:37:39,925
on, on the streets. And so focusing on what we can do, um, I thought

499
00:37:40,085 --> 00:37:43,915
was important. Any questions from

500
00:37:44,115 --> 00:37:48,055
council? Nope. Can I get a motion from councilman wilson?

501
00:37:48,755 --> 00:37:52,645
yep. I'd like to make a motion that we approve resolution number 2026 dash

502
00:37:53,095 --> 00:37:56,545
r 25, a resolution of the city council of the city of burn texas,

503
00:37:57,375 --> 00:38:01,335
adopting the city of bernie comprehensive safety action plan, reaffirming the city's

504
00:38:01,735 --> 00:38:05,665
goal zero com commitment to eliminate roadway fatalities

505
00:38:06,475 --> 00:38:10,285
and serious injuries in directing implementation in accordance with

506
00:38:10,575 --> 00:38:14,355
the safe streets and roads for all grant program requirements. Second

507
00:38:14,805 --> 00:38:16,295
from councilman bunker, please vote

508
00:38:23,635 --> 00:38:27,515
in. Motion passes. Five zero. Thank you everyone. All right, don't go nowhere. Have we go? Moving on

509
00:38:27,735 --> 00:38:31,695
to nine b 2025 dash 1 58, consider resolution

510
00:38:31,935 --> 00:38:35,925
number 2026 dash r 26, resolution of city council. City of

511
00:38:36,045 --> 00:38:39,865
bernie authorized the submission of the application to the us department of transportation for

512
00:38:40,085 --> 00:38:43,445
safe streets and rose for all fiscal year 2026 implementation

513
00:38:44,325 --> 00:38:47,595
grant affirming that the comprehensive safety plan adopted this date. Cons,

514
00:38:48,395 --> 00:38:52,305
cons constitutes, thank you. The city qualifying act,

515
00:38:52,535 --> 00:38:56,425
qualifying action plan, committed to requirement non-federal local matching funds and

516
00:38:56,645 --> 00:38:59,285
providing for related matters presenting abigail. Abigail,

517
00:39:00,935 --> 00:39:04,485
thank you. Thank you for your approval. So let's talk about the very

518
00:39:04,965 --> 00:39:08,765
exciting next phase of ss four a. It also fits into our strategy plan

519
00:39:09,045 --> 00:39:12,525
much in the same way. The planning, granted, it allows us to invest in our infrastructure,

520
00:39:13,665 --> 00:39:17,665
use data to, um, make decisions, and then also it

521
00:39:17,885 --> 00:39:21,645
lends from our master plans. So mobility studies

522
00:39:22,155 --> 00:39:26,005
from the past really gives the roadmap of how we got to this point. So in 2018,

523
00:39:26,705 --> 00:39:30,505
we had a master plan that recommended crosswalks with medians on main and

524
00:39:30,725 --> 00:39:34,565
river. From there, we've continued to develop master plans that all lend towards

525
00:39:34,825 --> 00:39:37,005
the same type of downtown pedestrian safety improvements

526
00:39:42,345 --> 00:39:46,045
in past citizen surveys. And this was analyzed as part of

527
00:39:46,405 --> 00:39:50,315
ss four four a as well as for the planning grant. It was looking at what

528
00:39:50,705 --> 00:39:54,665
did the community think that we needed to do. And so we have about 1000,

529
00:39:55,945 --> 00:39:59,845
uh, responses that are mobility focused. And of those

530
00:40:00,175 --> 00:40:03,925
pedestrian improvements was one of the highest responses

531
00:40:04,265 --> 00:40:06,005
for things that we need to evaluate.

532
00:40:10,785 --> 00:40:14,785
so as we've been working with our consultant, uh, on the planning grant, we

533
00:40:15,005 --> 00:40:18,965
really did target may, 2026 to get the comprehensive safety action plan

534
00:40:19,485 --> 00:40:23,465
approved because we were already focused on the next steps. And that next steps is the

535
00:40:23,685 --> 00:40:26,765
grant that is now open for us as four a for implementation.

536
00:40:28,105 --> 00:40:31,205
and so our goal is to propose, uh, 3.6 million

537
00:40:32,545 --> 00:40:36,485
in funding for pedestrian safety construction and a safe

538
00:40:36,685 --> 00:40:40,565
route to school planning. And so this grant does, uh, require upfront money from

539
00:40:40,725 --> 00:40:43,325
the city of bernie, however, it's matched at 80% from the federal government.

540
00:40:46,665 --> 00:40:50,285
so of the items proposed in the grant, I'll walk through each of them.

541
00:40:50,785 --> 00:40:54,405
uh, we have south main street and we really are looking at improvements,

542
00:40:55,385 --> 00:40:59,125
uh, for pedestrian safety. And that can include pedestrian refuge

543
00:40:59,515 --> 00:41:03,245
islands. So that's a safe space in between lanes where pedestrians don't

544
00:41:03,605 --> 00:41:07,525
feel they have to cross such a long street. Uh, it gives 'em

545
00:41:07,645 --> 00:41:11,525
time to pause, reassess if it's safe, and then cross again. Uh, flashing

546
00:41:12,155 --> 00:41:15,845
beacons. So those are, uh, flashing alert to let folks know pedestrians

547
00:41:16,485 --> 00:41:19,285
are crossing outside of a designated intersection signal,

548
00:41:20,705 --> 00:41:24,175
uh, a da compliant curb ramps, um, pedestrian

549
00:41:24,935 --> 00:41:28,765
ramps directionalized. So that just allows folks to cross the street in a directional

550
00:41:29,085 --> 00:41:33,025
pattern that sends 'em directly across instead of in, into a different, uh,

551
00:41:33,245 --> 00:41:37,165
longer path. And we don't anticipate that any way, any right of way acquisition

552
00:41:37,905 --> 00:41:41,475
is required for river road.

553
00:41:42,385 --> 00:41:46,305
we are also looking for pedestrian improvements the same as as

554
00:41:46,525 --> 00:41:50,085
main street. So refuge islands, the flashing beacons, a da upgrades,

555
00:41:51,345 --> 00:41:55,045
um, enhanced high visibility pavement markings. So just making

556
00:41:55,625 --> 00:41:59,625
the place where we want pedestrians to go a little more obvious. And

557
00:41:59,845 --> 00:42:01,365
we also do not anticipate right away acquisition

558
00:42:04,865 --> 00:42:08,325
on, uh, west san antonio. West blanco. So the small loop

559
00:42:08,995 --> 00:42:12,785
that goes, um, in the downtown area, we're looking for,

560
00:42:13,145 --> 00:42:16,565
uh, some more comprehensive improvements. So transitioning to partially

561
00:42:17,305 --> 00:42:20,925
one way. So controlling the traffic through the area to make it safer for pedestrians.

562
00:42:22,305 --> 00:42:26,205
um, a roundabout at west san antonio and west blanco. So

563
00:42:26,405 --> 00:42:30,265
to help, uh, ease the movement of vehicles, but

564
00:42:30,735 --> 00:42:34,545
while safely maintaining space for pedestrians of another, um,

565
00:42:34,895 --> 00:42:38,785
rapid flashing beacon pavement marking improvements. And again, no

566
00:42:39,005 --> 00:42:40,205
right of way acquisition is anticipated.

567
00:42:43,335 --> 00:42:47,085
we're also looking at, um, safe routes to schools. So this would be something

568
00:42:47,485 --> 00:42:51,005
more in the planning area, which is, uh, doing a walking assessment,

569
00:42:51,875 --> 00:42:55,725
analyzing sidewalks in the area, uh, near the bisd campuses inside

570
00:42:56,125 --> 00:43:00,045
the city limits, identifying sidewalk gaps, really looking for ways

571
00:43:00,305 --> 00:43:02,325
to make sure that children are able to get safely to school.

572
00:43:08,255 --> 00:43:12,115
so the, the items proposed in our

573
00:43:12,315 --> 00:43:16,075
implementation grant came from a variety of sources. Of course, we did develop

574
00:43:16,615 --> 00:43:20,515
the planning grant, which had out extensive outreach. And so we do have an understanding

575
00:43:20,855 --> 00:43:24,815
of what is sought from the community, what is sought from, um, the

576
00:43:25,035 --> 00:43:28,955
city officials, but also it was really important that if we're gonna

577
00:43:29,075 --> 00:43:32,915
go after a grant, we should be able to attain the grant. And so it was looking at what

578
00:43:33,195 --> 00:43:37,155
are the conditions in the grant and what projects did we have in that ss

579
00:43:37,355 --> 00:43:41,175
four a, uh, comprehensive safety action plan that we felt had

580
00:43:41,395 --> 00:43:45,315
the most viability of obtaining an implementation grant. So we wanna make

581
00:43:45,475 --> 00:43:48,755
sure that we're able act to, to gain funding to implement something.

582
00:43:50,135 --> 00:43:53,955
so, uh, we are focusing on, uh, five outta the 10 highest crash intersections

583
00:43:54,755 --> 00:43:58,575
in the downtown area. And of course we are lending from things that are part of

584
00:43:58,815 --> 00:44:02,795
master plans that we already have in place. And really the goal is just a

585
00:44:02,915 --> 00:44:05,355
safe, walkable downtown that supports our community charm.

586
00:44:08,105 --> 00:44:12,095
with that, I am happy to take any questions. Alright, thank you miguel.

587
00:44:12,515 --> 00:44:16,515
any questions, counsel? Mr. Just add one more comment on the roundabout on the

588
00:44:16,715 --> 00:44:20,635
square. Oh, so helps because that, um, it's like a, a blind, it's a blind

589
00:44:20,795 --> 00:44:24,755
spot. So visibility, that's another reason for it. 'cause it slows traffic down and allows for the

590
00:44:24,875 --> 00:44:28,855
flow, just adding that component. Um, just a comment on

591
00:44:29,115 --> 00:44:32,845
a lot of those, uh, diagrams you had raised median, is that

592
00:44:33,125 --> 00:44:37,025
a viable solution on the txdot roads? The,

593
00:44:37,745 --> 00:44:41,595
the solution that, um, we have laid out is viable. Okay.

594
00:44:42,265 --> 00:44:46,165
um, and actually txdot prefers to do that when they can? Correct. Okay. And

595
00:44:46,365 --> 00:44:50,225
then the other clarification, clarification question I had is

596
00:44:50,505 --> 00:44:53,365
the list of projects that were just presented for this particular,

597
00:44:54,585 --> 00:44:58,485
um, part of it, uh, those are for discussion. If the grant is awarded, then we

598
00:44:58,685 --> 00:45:02,605
can discuss those projects and you know, obviously we can't do all of 'em 'cause of the

599
00:45:02,725 --> 00:45:06,665
amount of money it seems like just on the list of projects wouldn't cover that. No,

600
00:45:06,975 --> 00:45:10,925
we're gonna do all, no. If we get awarded that money, we'll bring it. We have to accept it. If

601
00:45:11,105 --> 00:45:15,045
we choose not not to, we don't do all those projects for, we're, we're letting them know we think we can do

602
00:45:15,165 --> 00:45:18,205
all these projects and they'll, you know, the grant will cover 80%.

603
00:45:19,505 --> 00:45:23,165
so we will need to have an item to, if we get receive it to officially

604
00:45:24,025 --> 00:45:27,745
accept it and, and then we'll talk through the, the planning of that. But

605
00:45:28,155 --> 00:45:32,145
okay. And the grant was 3.3 0.6 millions and it would cover all

606
00:45:32,365 --> 00:45:36,215
of those projects for 3.6. That's 80%. Okay. Thank

607
00:45:36,565 --> 00:45:40,065
you for explaining. Um, another thing it does is, um,

608
00:45:41,125 --> 00:45:45,035
re re reduce left turns. Um, one thing I've learned from jeff

609
00:45:45,425 --> 00:45:49,265
and other engineers who know much more than this brewer, um,

610
00:45:49,665 --> 00:45:53,225
is, uh, left turn lanes create lots of traffic headaches in

611
00:45:53,685 --> 00:45:57,395
downtown and create lots of safety concerns. So if you ever gone down river road traffic

612
00:45:57,975 --> 00:46:01,625
backs up, left turns going onto turner pecan, et cetera, or

613
00:46:02,165 --> 00:46:05,845
downtown on the few streets, we're not supposed to take left turns.

614
00:46:06,325 --> 00:46:10,125
, everyone takes left turns anyway. So creating situations where people can't take those left

615
00:46:10,365 --> 00:46:13,405
turns. Yeah. And in addition, creating those pedestrian safety areas,

616
00:46:14,505 --> 00:46:18,285
um, you know, both my businesses, I look out my office and watch people watch

617
00:46:18,605 --> 00:46:22,145
people playing frogger every day and it's not, not safe. So, um,

618
00:46:22,965 --> 00:46:26,925
I think what we have laid out is, assuming it can happen,

619
00:46:27,365 --> 00:46:31,325
I think would be great for downtown . I I don't disagree with you at all. We all

620
00:46:31,525 --> 00:46:34,965
see that every day. Um, downtown, I just, you know, the cost of 3.6

621
00:46:35,805 --> 00:46:39,265
covering all of that seems like a tall, tall order. But,

622
00:46:40,485 --> 00:46:44,365
um, you know, I, I think the other curious thing is in about two weeks everybody

623
00:46:44,805 --> 00:46:48,565
will talk about how traffic is so great around bernie and we don't have a traffic problem.

624
00:46:51,585 --> 00:46:55,285
one other question on the roundabout on the square, we need to make sure that

625
00:46:55,635 --> 00:46:59,405
when we plan that it's incorporated with the concept that we're working

626
00:46:59,705 --> 00:47:03,375
on to revitalize the whole square. It is. Okay. Absolutely. Yeah. We've

627
00:47:03,725 --> 00:47:07,525
talked about how that works with waterworks already, so yeah, that

628
00:47:07,805 --> 00:47:11,555
is, yeah. So mayor pro tem willison was kind of the council liaison

629
00:47:12,105 --> 00:47:15,005
on this work. Was council member scott on this as well with you?

630
00:47:16,385 --> 00:47:20,365
was there someone, another council member working with you and director carol, but he's also on that subcommittee

631
00:47:20,805 --> 00:47:24,675
with waterworks terrace and so they've had those conversations with those property owners down there. Yeah,

632
00:47:24,965 --> 00:47:28,605
and we've, when we met with the property owners for waterworks terrace, we talked to,

633
00:47:29,065 --> 00:47:32,605
um, christine and I talked with them about how we were also working on the safe streets

634
00:47:33,785 --> 00:47:37,665
and how that might likely be first just because of the grant process, if,

635
00:47:37,905 --> 00:47:41,545
if we got the money. So they were aware as well about that. So.

636
00:47:43,235 --> 00:47:46,765
okay. Any comments from council? Motion? Councilman willison?

637
00:47:47,855 --> 00:47:50,725
mayor, I'd like to make a motion that we approve resolution number 2026

638
00:47:51,915 --> 00:47:55,805
dash r 26, a resolution of the city council of the

639
00:47:55,965 --> 00:47:59,945
city of burn texas, authorizing submission of an application to

640
00:48:00,165 --> 00:48:04,065
the us department of transportation for a safe streets and roads for

641
00:48:04,285 --> 00:48:08,235
all fy 2026 implementation. Grant affirming

642
00:48:08,845 --> 00:48:12,805
that the comprehensive safety action plan adopted this date constitutes the

643
00:48:13,005 --> 00:48:16,915
city's qualifying action plan, committing the required non-federal

644
00:48:17,605 --> 00:48:19,925
local matching funds and providing for related matters.

645
00:48:21,905 --> 00:48:23,835
second from councilman bunker, please vote.

646
00:48:36,175 --> 00:48:40,075
and motion passes. Five zero. Thank you everyone. Moving on to nine cce 2026

647
00:48:40,945 --> 00:48:44,435
dash 1 3 0 consider resolution number 2026

648
00:48:45,115 --> 00:48:48,995
dash r 27 a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into and manage

649
00:48:49,255 --> 00:48:52,555
an amendment to the agreement between the city of bernie and freeze and nichols, incorporated

650
00:48:53,335 --> 00:48:56,755
for the adler road and drainage improvement projects presenting. Abigail. Abigail,

651
00:48:58,125 --> 00:49:02,055
thank you. So the adler road projects lends towards our

652
00:49:02,795 --> 00:49:06,735
strategy map and that it's an investment in our infrastructure. It's also investing, uh,

653
00:49:06,955 --> 00:49:09,515
recommendations for the master plan, both drainage and mobility.

654
00:49:12,375 --> 00:49:16,275
so the city has two ongoing adler road projects. There is the

655
00:49:16,435 --> 00:49:20,275
low water crossing project, which if you've driven on adler road, you're very familiar with it.

656
00:49:20,775 --> 00:49:24,425
we also have the road widening project, which is currently in design freezing nichols

657
00:49:24,915 --> 00:49:28,775
was selected as a design team in 2022 for the culverts. And in 23 for

658
00:49:28,995 --> 00:49:32,915
the road projects. The proposed item is an amendment to our existing

659
00:49:33,355 --> 00:49:35,475
engineering con contract with freezing nichols for both projects.

660
00:49:39,985 --> 00:49:43,625
the drainage projects for the low water crossings at curry and nona creeks

661
00:49:44,045 --> 00:49:47,965
were identified in the drainage master plan. It is funded through

662
00:49:48,425 --> 00:49:52,365
the stormwater utility fund and cost sharing with kendall county. And as I

663
00:49:52,485 --> 00:49:56,165
mentioned, both culverts are under construction and we do anticipate completion of the

664
00:49:56,605 --> 00:49:58,205
entirety of the project in august of 2026.

665
00:50:02,005 --> 00:50:05,755
so additional services are required for the project for a few reasons. First,

666
00:50:06,205 --> 00:50:10,105
we did revise the bid plans so that the two culverts were

667
00:50:10,325 --> 00:50:14,145
bid separately. We did have right away acquisition needs we were able to secure right

668
00:50:14,385 --> 00:50:18,365
away at curry creek. However, at no name creek, it did take us a little bit more time. So

669
00:50:18,585 --> 00:50:22,505
the goal was to get the contractor started as soon as possible so that we could

670
00:50:22,665 --> 00:50:26,265
get the project completed as soon as possible. Um, we do have additional

671
00:50:27,005 --> 00:50:31,005
construction services because of, uh, delays that I'll talk about in

672
00:50:31,165 --> 00:50:34,965
just a second. We did need the, the consultant to stay on longer to help us through

673
00:50:35,245 --> 00:50:38,885
the project. Um, some of those delays were related to historic and environmental

674
00:50:39,365 --> 00:50:43,225
permitting. We did find a, well, there were also some communication lines that we

675
00:50:43,505 --> 00:50:47,175
had to assess that were unanticipated. And so a little extra

676
00:50:47,525 --> 00:50:48,925
time, um, on the project.

677
00:50:52,065 --> 00:50:55,805
the roadway project was part of the 2022 quality

678
00:50:56,185 --> 00:51:00,155
of life proposition, a bond. And so it is a design focus on road

679
00:51:00,445 --> 00:51:03,445
widening, drainage improvements and sidewalks.

680
00:51:04,745 --> 00:51:08,605
and as the design has advanced, there were just opportunities that came

681
00:51:08,845 --> 00:51:12,645
to the forefront that we really believed that we needed to take advantage of to enhance

682
00:51:13,105 --> 00:51:16,825
the corridor. So some of those are

683
00:51:17,295 --> 00:51:20,835
roundabout improvement at plant street, which will provide,

684
00:51:21,545 --> 00:51:24,875
uh, improved pedestrian safety, better traffic flow.

685
00:51:25,665 --> 00:51:29,155
uh, in addition, we intend to make it a bid alternative

686
00:51:30,465 --> 00:51:34,265
so it will be implemented into the design. However, if

687
00:51:34,485 --> 00:51:38,205
we opt not to construct it, we would have a regular intersection. However, that regular

688
00:51:38,605 --> 00:51:42,195
intersection will also be designed so that at a later date

689
00:51:42,665 --> 00:51:46,605
the roundabout can easily be inserted and it won't require any additional changes

690
00:51:46,825 --> 00:51:47,965
to the roadway that we've just built.

691
00:51:51,425 --> 00:51:55,365
the amendments also include additional coordination. So it's it's lessons that we've

692
00:51:55,645 --> 00:51:59,085
learned from the low water crossing projects. So we have, uh, telecommunications

693
00:52:00,085 --> 00:52:03,915
lines that need to be coordinated. We also know that we have sewer and water upgrades that

694
00:52:04,205 --> 00:52:07,965
will need to be done. We're improving access to northside park.

695
00:52:09,015 --> 00:52:12,565
we'll have additional lid features, additional drainage improvements.

696
00:52:13,585 --> 00:52:17,465
uh, we do wanna have public outreach as well. And then, uh, it, we

697
00:52:18,125 --> 00:52:22,085
have determined through assessment of all of these additional needs that we might need some additional

698
00:52:22,485 --> 00:52:26,285
right of way. So we just wanna have them on hand to determine whether or not that might,

699
00:52:26,555 --> 00:52:30,465
that might be needed. So

700
00:52:31,135 --> 00:52:35,125
again, by incorporating all the lessons that we've learned, we really know that we want to be

701
00:52:35,205 --> 00:52:39,205
ahead of the game for the, for the larger project because we'd like that to go as

702
00:52:39,525 --> 00:52:43,525
smoothly and quickly as possible for the city of bernie. And so we've adjusted things

703
00:52:43,865 --> 00:52:47,645
for the field condition and by adding the additional design and construction phase

704
00:52:47,875 --> 00:52:51,845
support, we really believe that this is, uh, a necessary enhancement to the project that's

705
00:52:52,245 --> 00:52:55,925
underway. And the goal at the end of the day is just is to improve

706
00:52:56,325 --> 00:53:00,085
safety address drainage and ensure that we're really making

707
00:53:00,645 --> 00:53:04,365
a long-term improvement to the infrastructure that's not going to require

708
00:53:04,765 --> 00:53:06,805
us to come back and do additional fixes later.

709
00:53:10,825 --> 00:53:14,785
so with the proposed amendment, uh, we are looking at

710
00:53:15,175 --> 00:53:18,405
about 130,000 towards the culvert improvements.

711
00:53:19,585 --> 00:53:22,945
so additional fees for that. For the roadway project, it's about 1.36 million

712
00:53:25,625 --> 00:53:29,465
and that will increase the contract amount from about 1.6 to

713
00:53:29,685 --> 00:53:29,685
3.27 million.

714
00:53:33,705 --> 00:53:37,625
so on the roadmap to completion for adler road, uh, right now

715
00:53:38,025 --> 00:53:41,265
for the overall road widening project, we are at preliminary design

716
00:53:42,225 --> 00:53:45,955
and assessing the right of way needs. Um, we are hoping that

717
00:53:46,265 --> 00:53:50,005
design will be completed in, uh, early spring of 2027.

718
00:53:50,955 --> 00:53:53,245
that allows us to go out into construction in 2027.

719
00:53:56,315 --> 00:53:57,765
with that, I will take any questions.

720
00:54:00,755 --> 00:54:04,555
alright, any questions from counsel? It's

721
00:54:04,845 --> 00:54:08,405
not the money, it's the, the money. No, but most of that I believe,

722
00:54:09,025 --> 00:54:12,925
if I'm correct, a large part of the increase is due to right of way

723
00:54:13,045 --> 00:54:16,665
acquisition. So we do have about, uh, $229,000

724
00:54:18,265 --> 00:54:21,325
that's going to go to the additional effort for right way acquisition.

725
00:54:22,745 --> 00:54:25,165
it is one of the larger, uh, increases.

726
00:54:27,275 --> 00:54:31,205
okay. Alright. Can I get a motion from councilman wilson? Mayor, make

727
00:54:31,445 --> 00:54:35,085
a motion that we approve resolution number 2026 dash r 27

728
00:54:35,965 --> 00:54:39,825
a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into and

729
00:54:40,105 --> 00:54:44,025
man manage an amendment to the agreement between the city of bernie and

730
00:54:44,405 --> 00:54:47,765
rece and nichols, incorporated for the adler road and drainage improvements

731
00:54:48,765 --> 00:54:50,385
projects for an additional 1,648,483

732
00:54:54,035 --> 00:54:57,425
with a not to exceed total costs of 3 million 266 535.

733
00:55:00,545 --> 00:55:02,925
second from council macaluso, please vote.

734
00:55:09,665 --> 00:55:13,485
and motion passes. Five zero. Thank you everyone. Thanks abigail. Moving on to 90 20 26

735
00:55:15,075 --> 00:55:17,605
dash 1 4 9, consider resolution number 2026

736
00:55:19,085 --> 00:55:22,765
r 28, a resolution authorized and city manager to enter into and manage

737
00:55:23,125 --> 00:55:26,805
a professional services contract with liquidity engineering llc

738
00:55:27,265 --> 00:55:31,125
for design services for the amman road water transmission main project for amount

739
00:55:31,485 --> 00:55:35,425
not to exceed $127,000 presenting. Andrew, andrew,

740
00:55:36,735 --> 00:55:40,605
thank you. Thank you mayor. Good evening mayor and council again. Tonight we'll

741
00:55:40,845 --> 00:55:42,955
be talking about the amman road water transmission main.

742
00:55:44,955 --> 00:55:48,845
this is how this project aligns with our strategy map. It invests in maintaining high

743
00:55:49,005 --> 00:55:51,805
quality infrastructure systems as well as advances master plan recommendations.

744
00:55:54,675 --> 00:55:58,285
it's a little project background, just a refresher. Uh, this is a 16 inch water transmission

745
00:55:58,835 --> 00:56:02,725
main that will connect our, our new tank and pump station off of ammond road. Shown in

746
00:56:02,885 --> 00:56:06,885
this picture on at the yellow, uh, to the east side of our distribution system

747
00:56:07,815 --> 00:56:10,665
where a, the developer will install a, uh,

748
00:56:11,985 --> 00:56:15,885
uh, extension of the distribution main to the amman transmission main for us to connect

749
00:56:16,125 --> 00:56:19,865
to the developer of george's ranch. Uh,

750
00:56:20,225 --> 00:56:23,685
the project was completed back in 2024. Uh, however,

751
00:56:24,265 --> 00:56:28,165
the timeline for construction was unknown at that time because the timelines of

752
00:56:28,325 --> 00:56:31,245
the corresponding projects were unknown. So we put the project on hold.

753
00:56:33,875 --> 00:56:37,785
there's a portion of the project that's underneath ammond road, uh, that will, um,

754
00:56:39,215 --> 00:56:43,005
under the westbound lane of ammond road that we'll need to move into easements

755
00:56:43,305 --> 00:56:47,075
due to a county, kendall county right of way rule change that passed last year

756
00:56:47,785 --> 00:56:51,645
in september. Um, due to this rule change, they no longer allow utilities

757
00:56:52,245 --> 00:56:56,165
under the roadway. Uh, so we're looking at uh, re-aligning the

758
00:56:56,285 --> 00:57:00,005
water maintenance easements outside of the road. Uh, we did look at

759
00:57:00,345 --> 00:57:04,135
the space between the pavement and the right of way line, however, there was limited space

760
00:57:04,505 --> 00:57:07,825
for the construction of a 16 inch main as well as there were, um,

761
00:57:08,525 --> 00:57:12,525
existing telecom utilities in that area that made it difficult for us to fit the water main in

762
00:57:12,685 --> 00:57:16,325
that space. So the liquidity

763
00:57:16,925 --> 00:57:20,805
engineering is, was the original design engineer for the project. So we reapproached them

764
00:57:20,945 --> 00:57:24,925
for the additional services needed to do that realignment. And again, it's for

765
00:57:25,045 --> 00:57:28,835
only 21 and linear feet of that pipeline. It's not for the entire project, it's

766
00:57:29,125 --> 00:57:32,865
just the portion underneath ammond road. Uh, so they provided a proposal to us to

767
00:57:33,275 --> 00:57:36,685
accommodate that redesign as well as provide bid face services,

768
00:57:37,785 --> 00:57:41,325
uh, as we will go straight into bid phase as soon as the design is completed and permitted.

769
00:57:42,065 --> 00:57:46,065
and we anticipate that timeline to be about three to four months, um, assuming all

770
00:57:46,285 --> 00:57:50,245
the easements are obtained, um, soon. And then we can start bidding construction

771
00:57:50,485 --> 00:57:50,885
later this year.

772
00:57:55,225 --> 00:57:58,485
so with that, I'll open up to any questions. Alright, any questions from counsel?

773
00:57:59,555 --> 00:58:03,525
okay, just one. I mean I assume that the price was in line with what they charged us

774
00:58:03,725 --> 00:58:06,925
before. Yes. Yes, we checked for that and thank you.

775
00:58:07,835 --> 00:58:11,725
okay. Alright. Can I get a motion from councilor olso? May I

776
00:58:11,845 --> 00:58:15,845
make a motion that we approve resolution number 2026 dash r 28 a

777
00:58:16,165 --> 00:58:19,765
resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into and manage a professional

778
00:58:20,565 --> 00:58:24,485
services contract with liquidity engineering llc for design

779
00:58:25,125 --> 00:58:29,065
services for the amman road water transmission main project for an amount not to exceed 127002nd

780
00:58:32,005 --> 00:58:33,325
from councilman bateman, please vote.

781
00:58:40,025 --> 00:58:43,115
motion passes. Pause zero. Thank you everyone. Moving on to nine

782
00:58:44,325 --> 00:58:48,065
e, right, 2026 dash 1 5 0.

783
00:58:49,685 --> 00:58:53,525
consider resolution number 2026 r 29, a resolution authorizing city manager

784
00:58:53,865 --> 00:58:57,645
to enter, enter into an interlocal agreement with the city of fair oaks ranch for the shared gbr

785
00:58:58,045 --> 00:59:02,045
water main extension along ammond road presenting. Andrew. Andrew. Thank you mayor.

786
00:59:03,835 --> 00:59:07,735
this is how this item aligns with our strategy map. We're collaborating with our community partners. We're

787
00:59:08,085 --> 00:59:11,885
committing to strategic and responsible conservative financial management, as well as advancing

788
00:59:12,215 --> 00:59:16,115
again, our master plan recommendations. So just

789
00:59:16,405 --> 00:59:20,125
to give some background on this one. So this is regarding the gbra delivery pipeline that

790
00:59:20,425 --> 00:59:24,205
the city of burning will be constructing on behalf of gbra. It'll be a pipeline that gets dedicated

791
00:59:24,685 --> 00:59:28,605
to them. Upon completion, it'll take it from their regional main at the south end of ammond

792
00:59:28,885 --> 00:59:32,765
road, uh, to our new tank and pump station site. Uh, this will

793
00:59:32,925 --> 00:59:36,405
become our second delivery point from gbra, uh, second metering station,

794
00:59:37,105 --> 00:59:41,045
or second to our current one at buckskin drive off of cascade caverns. So

795
00:59:41,245 --> 00:59:45,225
it'll provide system redundancy in that, in that fashion, uh, for us to, if

796
00:59:45,445 --> 00:59:48,845
there was any maintenance needed on one side, we could use this other delivery point.

797
00:59:50,245 --> 00:59:54,245
additionally, it'll provide, uh, system pressure for this east side of the system and fire

798
00:59:54,445 --> 00:59:56,965
flow capacity with additional storage at our tank pump station.

799
01:00:00,705 --> 01:00:04,645
so this is a, a great opportunity for community partnership. Uh, fair oaks ranch

800
01:00:05,065 --> 01:00:08,995
has, um, similar connection point that they're planning, uh, at an adjacent site

801
01:00:09,285 --> 01:00:13,205
next to ours for their water infrastructure. So they have approached

802
01:00:13,465 --> 01:00:17,365
the city and our staff to determine how this pipeline would be sized if

803
01:00:17,565 --> 01:00:21,345
we were to share in this investment. And, uh, so we did that. We looked at both of

804
01:00:21,585 --> 01:00:25,525
our, uh, peak capacity needs and size, the pipeline accordingly,

805
01:00:26,025 --> 01:00:29,845
uh, as a 16 inch pipeline. And, uh, from that we were able to determine

806
01:00:30,315 --> 01:00:34,015
what the cost sharing split would be. So, uh, based on those peak capacity needs,

807
01:00:34,365 --> 01:00:38,005
bernie responsibility would be 69%, and fair oaks ranch would be 31%.

808
01:00:39,305 --> 01:00:42,965
and this includes all design and construction costs, uh, for that shared

809
01:00:43,565 --> 01:00:47,325
pipeline up to and including the branch. Point beyond. The branch point will be the metering

810
01:00:47,685 --> 01:00:50,925
stations where each of the cities will intake the water from gbra.

811
01:00:54,715 --> 01:00:58,715
so just a, uh, high level of what the interlocal agreement outlines. Basically, uh,

812
01:00:59,365 --> 01:01:03,275
city bernie will manage design permitting, bid and construction, which we have done so thus far,

813
01:01:03,715 --> 01:01:07,615
um, design is a hundred percent completes. Permits are approved. We're currently in bid

814
01:01:07,775 --> 01:01:11,695
phase. Uh, we'll also advance payment of all costs, uh, subject to reimbursement,

815
01:01:12,425 --> 01:01:15,975
where fair oaks ranch will then reimburse us for those costs for their shared

816
01:01:16,825 --> 01:01:20,535
split, which would be that 31%, and they'll do so on a quarterly

817
01:01:21,015 --> 01:01:24,895
basis to the city. Uh, if you recall there, we were 100%

818
01:01:25,735 --> 01:01:29,575
complete on this project, and recently in fair oaks ranch recently told us about

819
01:01:29,995 --> 01:01:33,855
or informed us of, uh, updates and realignments. They're planning along amon road

820
01:01:34,055 --> 01:01:38,055
widening, softening of the 90 degree curve. So, uh, because

821
01:01:38,445 --> 01:01:42,315
that came after the project was, uh, designed and permitted, uh,

822
01:01:42,535 --> 01:01:46,325
they agreed to pay 100% of those additional costs. And so that's written into the agreement

823
01:01:46,995 --> 01:01:50,915
as well. So with that,

824
01:01:51,075 --> 01:01:54,715
I'll open up to any questions you may have. Okay, thank you. Answer any questions from council?

825
01:01:55,735 --> 01:01:59,635
pretty straightforward. I get a motion from councilman bunker. Yeah, I move. We approve

826
01:02:00,115 --> 01:02:04,035
resolution number 2026 r 29 resolution. To authorize the city management,

827
01:02:04,475 --> 01:02:08,395
enter into an interlocal agreement with the city of federal oaks ranch for the shared

828
01:02:08,795 --> 01:02:12,555
gbra water main extension along hammond road. Second from councilman

829
01:02:12,955 --> 01:02:13,635
mickelson, please vote.

830
01:02:21,115 --> 01:02:24,975
motion passes. Five zero. Thank you everyone. Thank you andrew. Moving on to agenda item

831
01:02:25,355 --> 01:02:29,095
10 a 2026 dash 1 54 discussion regarding

832
01:02:29,535 --> 01:02:33,495
the naming process for the new community park currently under construction at the north side community park

833
01:02:33,805 --> 01:02:37,605
site. Presenting, uh, that was that. Good

834
01:02:38,095 --> 01:02:41,775
evening council and mayor, let's talk about some fun stuff. There we go.

835
01:02:42,195 --> 01:02:45,925
forget this pipeline and streets. And even

836
01:02:46,215 --> 01:02:50,215
though we need all that to get to the park . Um, alright, so we have some

837
01:02:51,055 --> 01:02:55,055
exciting things to talk about tonight. We get to talk about renaming, what

838
01:02:55,255 --> 01:02:59,075
we currently call northside community park. Renaming the park as

839
01:02:59,295 --> 01:03:03,155
to our community charm. It serves our customers and it helps us achieve the

840
01:03:03,375 --> 01:03:07,355
best in class status. Why

841
01:03:07,575 --> 01:03:11,135
are we here? Alright, so the purpose tonight is we staff

842
01:03:11,765 --> 01:03:15,475
need your input, you specifically counsel, um,

843
01:03:17,625 --> 01:03:20,675
based off of our naming policy,

844
01:03:21,675 --> 01:03:25,295
naming rights policy. We need your input. We need to know which

845
01:03:25,935 --> 01:03:29,375
approach you want us to select on, or which approach you want us to go down

846
01:03:29,995 --> 01:03:33,895
to select a name. We need to know how much level of participation

847
01:03:34,215 --> 01:03:37,765
you want from the community. And then we're also gonna talk about what

848
01:03:38,595 --> 01:03:42,435
is needed to name a park, what kind of criteria and

849
01:03:42,655 --> 01:03:46,515
priorities. And then at the very end, we're gonna talk about next steps and

850
01:03:46,935 --> 01:03:49,815
timeline. And if you want, that is a,

851
01:03:50,955 --> 01:03:54,645
uh, preview to what some of our new signs at the park will look like. Obviously,

852
01:03:55,395 --> 01:03:59,355
we need to change something there. So, uh,

853
01:03:59,795 --> 01:04:03,695
as some of you are more aware, council will listen. Who gets to

854
01:04:03,815 --> 01:04:07,175
see it every day? Um, we are very active on the construction site.

855
01:04:07,915 --> 01:04:11,835
uh, we basco is coming to life. We just installed the

856
01:04:12,055 --> 01:04:15,935
lights under the pavilion. Um, all the concrete pads have been poured for

857
01:04:16,095 --> 01:04:20,015
the pickleball, uh, the restroom, the three restrooms are coming to

858
01:04:20,215 --> 01:04:23,995
life. And now you can start to see our trail. Uh,

859
01:04:24,275 --> 01:04:28,235
so we are moving and then we are also working on the dog park as

860
01:04:28,455 --> 01:04:31,175
we speak. So there's a lot of activity taking place at northside.

861
01:04:32,795 --> 01:04:36,535
one of those is we've are looking at our first review of the signs.

862
01:04:36,955 --> 01:04:40,815
so the way finding signs, signs that say that discuss the park

863
01:04:41,015 --> 01:04:44,945
rules that talk about the splash pad, that talk about the pickleball rules, playground

864
01:04:46,235 --> 01:04:49,975
dog park, multi-use fields. Some of these signs

865
01:04:50,315 --> 01:04:54,095
are going to have our park name. So we're here tonight to talk about

866
01:04:54,485 --> 01:04:58,395
what our park name is going to be or what potentially what, um, what path we

867
01:04:58,615 --> 01:05:02,535
need to take. Based off your feedback tonight, we'll guide us to the next steps.

868
01:05:03,955 --> 01:05:07,815
but before we do that, we do need to talk about some of the history of

869
01:05:08,015 --> 01:05:11,995
the land. This will all tie to our naming policy. It

870
01:05:12,215 --> 01:05:16,135
will come together at the end. So back in

871
01:05:16,295 --> 01:05:20,085
the 18 hundreds, um, burning specifically,

872
01:05:20,515 --> 01:05:24,205
this piece of land property was striving in the agriculture world.

873
01:05:24,825 --> 01:05:28,465
uh, we had a lot of cattle, corn, oats, uh,

874
01:05:29,065 --> 01:05:32,725
but we were really heavy in sheep. Now I'm just gonna share a really quick

875
01:05:33,185 --> 01:05:37,085
fun fact. Um, in 1880, kendall county had a

876
01:05:37,205 --> 01:05:41,205
sheep population of over 16,000, which produced more than 65

877
01:05:41,765 --> 01:05:45,085
pounds of wool. I just thought that was a interesting fact.

878
01:05:46,025 --> 01:05:49,605
um, we're gonna move on to property owners. We are the 14th

879
01:05:50,445 --> 01:05:54,305
property owner. The very first owner was the state of texas. The

880
01:05:54,525 --> 01:05:57,765
state of texas granted the land to a female resident

881
01:05:58,665 --> 01:06:02,375
in 1837. Since then, again,

882
01:06:02,945 --> 01:06:06,905
we are now the 14th owner, but before us, um, was

883
01:06:07,145 --> 01:06:11,085
ernest and rosa presler and were farmers. They had

884
01:06:11,285 --> 01:06:14,925
the land in 1942 all the way to 2008 when the city purchased

885
01:06:15,365 --> 01:06:19,025
the land. Now let's talk briefly about the

886
01:06:19,605 --> 01:06:21,645
historic features of the property and surrounding area

887
01:06:24,065 --> 01:06:28,005
as of today, and hopefully in the future, we have no desire to relocate it or remove it,

888
01:06:28,145 --> 01:06:31,965
but the ice house is still on the property. The ice house

889
01:06:32,245 --> 01:06:35,305
lived behind the pressler home. Um,

890
01:06:36,665 --> 01:06:40,365
and if you're curious, we still use that ice house. It is currently

891
01:06:40,685 --> 01:06:44,685
vacant because of the construction, but before that it was our it room. It's where we had our,

892
01:06:44,945 --> 01:06:48,565
uh, wifi set up for the cameras. Um, so we're still using

893
01:06:49,045 --> 01:06:52,285
it . Um, and then the land next to it,

894
01:06:53,105 --> 01:06:56,775
um, it was a ranch. It was the adler ranch, hence

895
01:06:57,255 --> 01:07:01,035
adler road. And the adler ranch eventually became a boarding house with

896
01:07:01,325 --> 01:07:05,205
eventually became a nursing home slash hospital. That hospital

897
01:07:05,345 --> 01:07:08,845
was called the wynonna home. Hence the photo there.

898
01:07:09,785 --> 01:07:13,685
it is also the land that has a really adorable pig if you drive by

899
01:07:13,895 --> 01:07:17,725
adler. Um, okay, so now you've got a little bit of

900
01:07:18,035 --> 01:07:21,565
history on the land, the culture, um, the area,

901
01:07:23,295 --> 01:07:27,075
which leads us into our city naming policy. Highlights. Typically

902
01:07:27,725 --> 01:07:31,045
a city owned property should generally reflect geographical.

903
01:07:32,185 --> 01:07:35,805
so any names tied to the location, um, or surrounding areas.

904
01:07:36,515 --> 01:07:40,345
culture names that reflect bernie's identity, um,

905
01:07:40,585 --> 01:07:44,575
or community character. Historical names

906
01:07:44,925 --> 01:07:48,485
connected to the property's past ecological significance, highlighting

907
01:07:49,305 --> 01:07:53,145
the natural resources and landscaping features. That land has

908
01:07:53,965 --> 01:07:57,845
a lot of trees. Um, and then recognition. This one

909
01:07:58,005 --> 01:08:01,845
we have not spoken about until right now on purpose. So the recognition based names

910
01:08:02,905 --> 01:08:06,245
honors an individual who significantly provides

911
01:08:07,125 --> 01:08:11,025
contribution sustained service and substantially advance the

912
01:08:11,835 --> 01:08:14,205
advancement of the recreational opportunity. In bernie.

913
01:08:16,425 --> 01:08:20,355
we actually have an individual who speaks to this, this

914
01:08:20,965 --> 01:08:24,965
criteria perfectly. Um, maybe some of

915
01:08:25,085 --> 01:08:28,455
y'all knew her, uh, but she was the very first

916
01:08:29,685 --> 01:08:33,365
director of bernie parks and recreation. She's also the one that

917
01:08:33,785 --> 01:08:37,485
per that proposed the land to be purchased for future

918
01:08:37,875 --> 01:08:41,805
park development, which is how we actually have the park. And if you're

919
01:08:42,005 --> 01:08:45,865
curious, her name is linda cornelius. She also served as

920
01:08:46,285 --> 01:08:49,845
a director in five other cities across the state. But most impressively,

921
01:08:51,345 --> 01:08:55,185
she is the f most impressively, she has one

922
01:08:55,405 --> 01:08:59,125
of the most accomplished female athletes at texas a and m.

923
01:09:00,185 --> 01:09:03,755
um, she also is the first female student

924
01:09:04,355 --> 01:09:08,355
athlete induced, induce inducted into

925
01:09:08,665 --> 01:09:12,655
the school's hall of fame. She's also the first female track

926
01:09:13,005 --> 01:09:16,945
and field, all american four years. And she qualified for

927
01:09:17,165 --> 01:09:21,005
the 1980 us olympic team. But if you recall, in 1980,

928
01:09:21,625 --> 01:09:25,465
we did not, uh, we did not attend the olympics on purpose. Um, so

929
01:09:25,785 --> 01:09:28,925
she left quite a reputation, um, professionally

930
01:09:30,185 --> 01:09:34,125
and, and on the track. So just wanted to throw that out there because

931
01:09:34,475 --> 01:09:38,445
it's rare that we have a name, um, that hits every

932
01:09:39,085 --> 01:09:42,245
criteria. Now, from here, we still have opportunities

933
01:09:43,225 --> 01:09:47,185
for park amenity names. So if down the road we have a very generous donor, we

934
01:09:47,405 --> 01:09:50,945
can name the basketball court after them ghost briscoe. Um,

935
01:09:51,505 --> 01:09:55,125
we can name the dog park fuels after them. We're leaving that opportunity available

936
01:09:55,625 --> 01:09:59,485
for the future. Uh, and then the final

937
01:09:59,725 --> 01:10:03,445
naming decision really it it comes down to to use city council

938
01:10:03,815 --> 01:10:07,805
mayor. So this will, so we have four options that y'all can

939
01:10:08,085 --> 01:10:12,005
consider that we hope that you consider. Option one is staff develops the

940
01:10:12,165 --> 01:10:16,005
name. Option two, we take it out to the community and ask for their

941
01:10:16,365 --> 01:10:19,765
feedback. Option three, it's a council led nomination process.

942
01:10:20,865 --> 01:10:24,745
option four, it's a hybrid process combining what staff has

943
01:10:25,205 --> 01:10:28,695
researched. We take it out to the public and we ask for their feedback, their input.

944
01:10:30,545 --> 01:10:34,165
we believe that these are four solid options, but again, we need your

945
01:10:34,565 --> 01:10:38,445
feedback and your guidance. So it takes us to our last slide for tonight on this particular

946
01:10:38,855 --> 01:10:42,085
topic. First step was to come here tonight.

947
01:10:43,435 --> 01:10:46,625
next step, depending on your guidance, we take it out to,

948
01:10:47,585 --> 01:10:51,485
we take it to only staff or we take it to, we take it out to the public and we

949
01:10:52,035 --> 01:10:55,425
rely on our communication department. We lean on them to help us get the word out.

950
01:10:56,945 --> 01:11:00,885
and then by the time we meet again in june, we will have a staff

951
01:11:01,125 --> 01:11:04,945
recommendation. And then we will formally ask for counsel, um,

952
01:11:05,625 --> 01:11:09,565
to accept that name for the park. So now I leave it up to

953
01:11:09,685 --> 01:11:12,205
you and ask for your feedback on which way you would like us to go.

954
01:11:14,035 --> 01:11:18,025
well, alright, well thank you those that, um, I mean my,

955
01:11:18,345 --> 01:11:22,265
my personal thoughts on this, I think first of all, great presentation, great job. Um, you

956
01:11:22,485 --> 01:11:26,145
kind of gave us too many options, honestly, . Um, my

957
01:11:26,525 --> 01:11:30,205
personal thought process is I like the hybrid process combined, the staff research and then the public

958
01:11:30,535 --> 01:11:34,205
input. Um, it is slash right now we call it the community park.

959
01:11:34,585 --> 01:11:38,255
so I think it should have some community input. Um, maybe

960
01:11:39,285 --> 01:11:42,925
communication goes out there and says possible names. Here's basically this presentation

961
01:11:43,525 --> 01:11:47,445
out to the community. 'cause if they don't have the history, they're gonna say, we should name it, blah, blah, blah, blah.

962
01:11:47,645 --> 01:11:51,505
exactly. You know what I mean? So if we give them some history, some background of the park and

963
01:11:51,725 --> 01:11:55,505
the people there, kinda like what you just did now, um, that might narrow

964
01:11:56,035 --> 01:11:59,925
down the, the process. Um, and have staff go through, through that

965
01:12:00,085 --> 01:12:04,045
process plus what your recommendations. Um, and then bring that back to council with hear

966
01:12:04,285 --> 01:12:07,905
the top five choices that from what the community has said, staff agrees

967
01:12:08,325 --> 01:12:12,125
with and something like that. And then have that discussion. And then council has a final decision.

968
01:12:12,385 --> 01:12:15,285
but that's just my 2 cents. So I'll open it up to anyone on the council.

969
01:12:16,565 --> 01:12:20,325
I think, you know, we're billings with tax dollars from our community. So I think community

970
01:12:20,645 --> 01:12:24,605
input has to happen, right? I mean, whether absolutely. Um, I do think

971
01:12:24,805 --> 01:12:28,565
that, uh, we do limit ourselves there. We don't

972
01:12:28,845 --> 01:12:32,765
allow the community to propose names. I think there needs to be

973
01:12:32,885 --> 01:12:36,375
a process. 'cause there may be somebody out there that we have. I mean, you had me at aggie,

974
01:12:36,905 --> 01:12:40,895
uh, so I was of that name. But, uh, it will not be, there

975
01:12:41,245 --> 01:12:44,325
may be someone else out there that, that the community, uh, that we're missing.

976
01:12:45,275 --> 01:12:49,245
just because you just have a, so, uh, that's possible. And

977
01:12:49,445 --> 01:12:52,925
know, I I, so I like the idea of as long as the community

978
01:12:53,545 --> 01:12:57,545
recommendations meet those guidelines and then the filter through staff, not

979
01:12:57,795 --> 01:13:00,765
just, you know, I don't want parking park face, but you know, something

980
01:13:01,945 --> 01:13:05,765
you no legitimate. I, I like the idea of the committee to be able to propose

981
01:13:06,165 --> 01:13:10,005
names as well. Not just getting a list of let's vote on

982
01:13:10,205 --> 01:13:13,805
these names. And I don't think it should end up with a straight vote to the city either.

983
01:13:14,445 --> 01:13:18,005
I mean, it's, I think we should limit it and then we can decide on a name.

984
01:13:19,145 --> 01:13:22,925
that's just my thoughts. Okay. Council macaluso.

985
01:13:24,155 --> 01:13:28,045
well, I have a very different point of view than you might expect. I don't

986
01:13:28,285 --> 01:13:32,165
really like naming civic structures after people.

987
01:13:33,285 --> 01:13:36,405
I do not like it. And the reason I don't like it is over time

988
01:13:37,315 --> 01:13:41,225
history changes and you end up wanting to change the name of the structure or

989
01:13:41,445 --> 01:13:45,385
the event, or the statue or whatever. I would prefer it to be a bernie park, if

990
01:13:45,605 --> 01:13:49,525
you wanna call it bernie northside park, bernie central park. I don't care. You listed

991
01:13:50,085 --> 01:13:53,265
a whole list of great things that I can see as

992
01:13:54,275 --> 01:13:58,245
educational, informational signage throughout the park. You went through all the

993
01:13:58,405 --> 01:14:02,365
history of the land. I think that's fabulous signage. I can see that throughout the park

994
01:14:02,525 --> 01:14:06,305
giving people the history of the land. I just don't like picking out an name. The,

995
01:14:06,625 --> 01:14:10,045
the person you mentioned, ms. Cornelius, I think that's fabulous as an information

996
01:14:10,935 --> 01:14:14,885
piece. I just, that's just my opinion. I have seen it so many times. They name

997
01:14:15,125 --> 01:14:17,545
things for people, which is great. I understand why.

998
01:14:19,865 --> 01:14:23,345
it just, it's just my personal bias. I, I don't particularly like it. So my answer is,

999
01:14:24,145 --> 01:14:27,965
it doesn't matter which process you put in here because my personal view is it should be a very simple

1000
01:14:28,275 --> 01:14:31,795
name. Bernie, northside park, bernie central park.

1001
01:14:32,585 --> 01:14:36,555
we already have a city park, so it can't be city park. Uh, it's

1002
01:14:36,845 --> 01:14:40,705
gotta be some other name. I would prefer bernie to be front and center because bernie and

1003
01:14:40,925 --> 01:14:44,845
the citizens of bernie are paying for this. And the people that come there, majority of

1004
01:14:45,005 --> 01:14:48,525
which are not gonna be from bernie, should know that bernie is where they're coming.

1005
01:14:49,425 --> 01:14:53,405
and I just think you have so many great ideas you put out there that I can just

1006
01:14:53,525 --> 01:14:57,445
see all these informational signs all over the park, giving people information about the

1007
01:14:57,605 --> 01:15:01,465
history, about the whatever, you know, all the different things you put out there. That's,

1008
01:15:01,885 --> 01:15:05,845
that's just my, my view. So we, because otherwise, otherwise you get

1009
01:15:06,005 --> 01:15:10,005
into this list of names, right? And well, I like this name and I don't like

1010
01:15:10,085 --> 01:15:13,505
that anymore. It's, that's just my perspective. So

1011
01:15:15,365 --> 01:15:19,205
I think the conversation next time is gonna be great. Um, so I am most

1012
01:15:19,405 --> 01:15:23,245
supportive option for the hybrid process and getting community feedback. 'cause I think more

1013
01:15:23,485 --> 01:15:27,365
input is better than less, right? And then collectively to come back in that next

1014
01:15:27,565 --> 01:15:31,445
conversation I think will be lively because we'll have community input and we'll

1015
01:15:31,605 --> 01:15:35,325
have some of our own ideas and that's why we're here to make those decisions. So I think

1016
01:15:35,625 --> 01:15:39,035
option four would be what I would support. Okay. Kyle?

1017
01:15:39,805 --> 01:15:43,165
I, I support option four as well. I think definitely get, uh, community

1018
01:15:43,885 --> 01:15:47,575
feedback. Yeah, I think, um, community input.

1019
01:15:48,165 --> 01:15:51,845
I think you, I would hesitate to give the community

1020
01:15:52,465 --> 01:15:55,875
the names. I think it's better to let them choose because

1021
01:15:56,825 --> 01:16:00,675
as someone who went through the branding process, um, even

1022
01:16:00,965 --> 01:16:04,165
though you might get silly names, it doesn't really matter.

1023
01:16:05,185 --> 01:16:08,975
you just get the names. Um, and then maybe staff looks,

1024
01:16:10,115 --> 01:16:14,045
gets rid of the ones that were obviously silly and then, uh, brings forward the ones that are

1025
01:16:14,125 --> 01:16:18,025
more realistic. Um, and then council as, uh,

1026
01:16:18,245 --> 01:16:22,045
councilman bateman pointed out can then discuss that. I mean, I tend to lean

1027
01:16:22,325 --> 01:16:26,325
towards what joe said as well. I think kinder park was a great name leaning

1028
01:16:26,645 --> 01:16:30,445
towards the german heritage. It's simple. It's not one person or indoor a

1029
01:16:30,715 --> 01:16:33,875
something that's more poignant towards just northside.

1030
01:16:34,905 --> 01:16:38,765
um, I think, uh, connecting it to a person

1031
01:16:39,175 --> 01:16:43,165
isn't, kind of, doesn't really go with any of our other parks. So I don't know why we would start

1032
01:16:43,425 --> 01:16:47,185
now, but, um, I know we're not debating that at this point, so

1033
01:16:47,485 --> 01:16:51,475
I won't go further into that. So I think the hybrid process is the way to go. Okay.

1034
01:16:51,875 --> 01:16:55,685
yeah, I agree. I I think the, um, with what everybody said up here, joe, I, to your point,

1035
01:16:55,885 --> 01:16:59,845
I, I agree. I mean, putting bernie out there for sure, um, but from someone

1036
01:17:00,025 --> 01:17:03,925
who travels almost every weekend to a soccer tournament, and when you go to austin community park

1037
01:17:04,125 --> 01:17:07,985
and austin community park, and they're 17 miles apart, you

1038
01:17:08,205 --> 01:17:12,005
know, someone coming to the community goes, I was, I'm going to burning city park. Well, I'm going to burning

1039
01:17:12,235 --> 01:17:15,845
city park too. I don't wanna call it city park. I know, but, but I'm just saying,

1040
01:17:16,265 --> 01:17:20,005
um, I did just for the, the the heck. But I looked, the ice house had my,

1041
01:17:20,345 --> 01:17:24,165
my, my attention. So I looked up the german name for doss ice house,

1042
01:17:24,365 --> 01:17:28,225
and it's a doss ice house, right? Just spelled with an e, right? So, um, that's

1043
01:17:28,645 --> 01:17:32,385
not very original there. So free thinkers park. Free thinkers park. There you go. Um,

1044
01:17:32,825 --> 01:17:36,625
but I agree, I think the hybrid process is probably the consensus for the counselor to,

1045
01:17:36,865 --> 01:17:40,765
to move forward. Um, but like I said, going out to the community, like here's,

1046
01:17:41,145 --> 01:17:44,695
we could just say open up to everything, but these are some of the top ideas

1047
01:17:45,305 --> 01:17:48,805
and then bring it back and, um, we can do that through email conversations

1048
01:17:49,665 --> 01:17:53,405
and stuff like that. So why, why don't we do this? I think we've got a good consensus to pursue

1049
01:17:53,805 --> 01:17:57,565
option four. We'll get with staff, we'll come up with a plan, we'll get you that plan

1050
01:17:57,865 --> 01:18:01,545
as soon as possible, and the tool in which we're gonna get public input and,

1051
01:18:01,985 --> 01:18:05,525
um, there's a good chance we probably won't have our next meeting,

1052
01:18:06,345 --> 01:18:10,325
the second meeting in may. So that gives us enough time to, to get back and get something

1053
01:18:10,565 --> 01:18:14,565
to you for the first meeting in june. Okay. I

1054
01:18:14,685 --> 01:18:18,565
would try to get the survey out before oh, before school's out?

1055
01:18:19,005 --> 01:18:23,005
absolutely correct. Yeah. We'll, we'll, we'll convene tomorrow and start working on the otherwise people

1056
01:18:23,515 --> 01:18:26,605
correct say we tried to do it. Well, they're gonna say that no matter what.

1057
01:18:29,065 --> 01:18:32,945
all right, great. Thank you counsel. All right, thank you lizette. Uh,

1058
01:18:33,165 --> 01:18:36,445
before we move on to, oh no, we're going to 10 b uh, 2026

1059
01:18:37,245 --> 01:18:41,045
dash 1 36 discussion regarding the proposed gas rate update.

1060
01:18:41,405 --> 01:18:45,375
sarah, good evening. Again,

1061
01:18:46,205 --> 01:18:50,205
I feel like we need a stretch break or something. . That was fun. .

1062
01:18:51,865 --> 01:18:55,745
um, the purpose of tonight's presentation is to review the results of the recent gas

1063
01:18:56,635 --> 01:19:00,245
rate, um, study, as well as the proposed changes

1064
01:19:00,825 --> 01:19:04,285
to the rate structure. The this agenda item is just a presentation

1065
01:19:04,945 --> 01:19:07,645
and discussion only. There's no action item being proposed tonight.

1066
01:19:09,755 --> 01:19:12,545
this item aligns with several of the items on our strategy map.

1067
01:19:15,345 --> 01:19:18,915
so over the past many months, uh, city staff has worked very closely with

1068
01:19:19,365 --> 01:19:22,725
schneider engineering to review the finances and the rate structure of the gas utility.

1069
01:19:23,825 --> 01:19:27,245
and that involved, um, projecting and looking at the utilities

1070
01:19:27,955 --> 01:19:31,605
operational and infrastructure needs over the next five years and developing

1071
01:19:32,285 --> 01:19:36,285
a proposed funding plan. Additionally, um, as part of that study, there were

1072
01:19:36,565 --> 01:19:40,365
some rate structure changes that, uh, came to light that we'll

1073
01:19:40,645 --> 01:19:44,205
wanna discuss. So tonight we'll go over the purpose of the gas rate review,

1074
01:19:45,065 --> 01:19:48,985
review, uh, future infrastructure projects, the funding plan for those projects and

1075
01:19:49,205 --> 01:19:50,845
the overall gas rate study results.

1076
01:19:53,825 --> 01:19:57,505
so why now? Why are we looking at gas rates now? Um,

1077
01:19:58,865 --> 01:20:02,365
the overall purpose of this rate study and really any rate study for a utility

1078
01:20:02,905 --> 01:20:06,325
is to develop a financial plan that supports the long-term

1079
01:20:07,025 --> 01:20:11,005
sustainability of your system. And the last time we did one of

1080
01:20:11,125 --> 01:20:15,085
these comprehensive rate studies was back in 2014, and a lot has changed

1081
01:20:15,285 --> 01:20:18,685
since then. Our system has really, really grown. It's seen some tremendous growth.

1082
01:20:19,585 --> 01:20:23,565
and so with any growing utility, there's really a need to continue

1083
01:20:23,835 --> 01:20:27,465
upgrading the operational support and infrastructure to,

1084
01:20:27,905 --> 01:20:31,445
for that increased capacity. At that same time, we have

1085
01:20:32,205 --> 01:20:36,105
existing infrastructure that's aging, and with any system, you need to continue to

1086
01:20:36,385 --> 01:20:40,095
invest in that infrastructure to maintain your reliable and safe operations.

1087
01:20:41,945 --> 01:20:45,925
um, additionally, as part of this study, we wanted to really

1088
01:20:46,085 --> 01:20:49,805
look at whether our existing rate structure was aligned with individual

1089
01:20:50,805 --> 01:20:54,365
customer demand. And what I mean by that is that there are some

1090
01:20:54,845 --> 01:20:58,845
customers that create a greater demand on the system simply by the types

1091
01:20:59,465 --> 01:21:03,445
of appliances they're using, the new technological advances in those appliances.

1092
01:21:04,185 --> 01:21:07,795
and so what we wanted to do was determine whether

1093
01:21:08,285 --> 01:21:11,905
or not the funding plan that we could come up with would, um, be able to

1094
01:21:12,345 --> 01:21:16,125
be, um, equitably allocated consistently between the customer

1095
01:21:16,505 --> 01:21:17,725
groups depending on that demand.

1096
01:21:21,305 --> 01:21:25,165
so this is a service map of our, um, of our system, and it

1097
01:21:25,325 --> 01:21:28,565
shows kind of the bubbles of the emerging growth areas on our system.

1098
01:21:29,705 --> 01:21:33,575
um, this next map shows the upcoming infrastructure needs

1099
01:21:33,945 --> 01:21:37,755
in our system, and over the next five years, our gas utility

1100
01:21:38,245 --> 01:21:41,965
capital improvement plan, um, has about 9.3 million

1101
01:21:43,425 --> 01:21:47,345
of infrastructure needs that we're planning for. Um,

1102
01:21:48,025 --> 01:21:51,965
the cip plan is the primary driver really for this rate study. The need for the rate

1103
01:21:52,125 --> 01:21:55,805
study and is also the biggest impact on potential future rate changes.

1104
01:21:58,105 --> 01:22:01,795
the goal, uh, for to fund this infrastructure is to issue debt

1105
01:22:02,265 --> 01:22:05,975
for a portion of it. And so our, um, new rates would

1106
01:22:06,355 --> 01:22:10,325
need to be able to, um, support that new debt service for that

1107
01:22:10,445 --> 01:22:14,165
infrastructure. I mentioned that the need for this infrastructure

1108
01:22:15,065 --> 01:22:18,735
is, um, driven largely by the new appliance technology

1109
01:22:19,745 --> 01:22:23,715
that's evolved in the past decade or so. And, um, what

1110
01:22:24,005 --> 01:22:27,925
I'm talking about specifically, one of the biggest culprits is the tankless water heaters.

1111
01:22:28,955 --> 01:22:32,365
they were developed to be more efficient. You're not needing to

1112
01:22:32,995 --> 01:22:36,785
heat a whole tank of water all day waiting for when you need it to

1113
01:22:37,005 --> 01:22:40,675
take your hot shower, but what it does require is it requires that,

1114
01:22:41,025 --> 01:22:44,445
um, immediate burst of energy in order to give you that hot water on demand.

1115
01:22:45,225 --> 01:22:49,165
and when you have bubbles of customers that are all wanting to take their hot shower

1116
01:22:49,505 --> 01:22:53,145
at the same time with tankless water heaters, what that creates is,

1117
01:22:53,625 --> 01:22:57,325
um, a system capacity issue during that, that peaking hour.

1118
01:22:58,065 --> 01:23:01,925
and so it just creates this additional strain on the system that makes

1119
01:23:02,305 --> 01:23:06,285
it more difficult to maintain that consistent pressure and system reliability.

1120
01:23:07,345 --> 01:23:10,725
and that was just an unintended consequence of the new technology

1121
01:23:11,665 --> 01:23:15,525
and something that our original system wasn't, wasn't built for. So that's

1122
01:23:15,805 --> 01:23:19,625
kind of the need for our increased, um, infrastructure. So one

1123
01:23:19,845 --> 01:23:22,995
of the goals was really to evaluate whether this

1124
01:23:24,145 --> 01:23:28,145
our current structure or a new structure could be adopted to better

1125
01:23:28,675 --> 01:23:32,545
reflect the differences in system demand and infrastructure costs across

1126
01:23:32,985 --> 01:23:36,725
the customer classes. So what what we're

1127
01:23:37,005 --> 01:23:40,805
proposing is, um, currently, um, surprisingly we just have a single

1128
01:23:41,075 --> 01:23:45,045
tier for each residential and commercial. And so I have a breakout there

1129
01:23:45,345 --> 01:23:49,125
of our current rate structure broken up between the number of customers

1130
01:23:49,745 --> 01:23:53,325
in the residential class and the commercial class. And this is actually a little bit unusual.

1131
01:23:53,875 --> 01:23:57,645
it's more common, um, that our peers have tier, um, I didn't

1132
01:23:57,885 --> 01:24:01,645
mean to rhyme, but I just did. Our peers have tiers. And so what we're

1133
01:24:02,125 --> 01:24:06,045
recommending is a three tier approach, um, to break our customers

1134
01:24:06,595 --> 01:24:09,925
each class into three tiers. And so small residential

1135
01:24:10,705 --> 01:24:14,505
is by large our biggest, um, customer tier, and

1136
01:24:14,755 --> 01:24:18,685
they're the ones that would see the least impact on this new,

1137
01:24:19,105 --> 01:24:22,865
um, bill or the new rate structure. Um,

1138
01:24:23,785 --> 01:24:27,765
in the past, what we've noticed is that if you look at the

1139
01:24:27,885 --> 01:24:31,595
average residential bills, it's really those small customers that they're,

1140
01:24:32,085 --> 01:24:35,965
they're not the ones that are driving this demand for the increased infrastructure, but they're paying the higher bills.

1141
01:24:36,825 --> 01:24:39,635
and so what we wanted to do is create those incremental

1142
01:24:40,935 --> 01:24:44,725
tiers so that the cost of this infrastructure is, um, pushed

1143
01:24:45,115 --> 01:24:48,805
more to the, the medium and the larger customers that are have that appliance

1144
01:24:49,165 --> 01:24:53,125
technology. So this slide

1145
01:24:53,445 --> 01:24:57,035
shows the, um, the projected average

1146
01:24:58,235 --> 01:25:02,205
bill impact to the three different tiers of customers. Of course,

1147
01:25:02,505 --> 01:25:06,485
the largest, um, the largest group is residential small, and they

1148
01:25:06,645 --> 01:25:10,365
would see an average of about $9 a month, um, increase on their bill.

1149
01:25:12,585 --> 01:25:16,165
um, there's this, uh, one time differential that we're

1150
01:25:16,645 --> 01:25:20,365
creating in order to set up the tiers. So you see the incremental increases

1151
01:25:21,315 --> 01:25:24,785
from small to large. Um, it

1152
01:25:25,465 --> 01:25:29,465
you that sets up the, the tier structure that we need to, um,

1153
01:25:29,685 --> 01:25:33,385
the small residential customers would see the smallest overall increase of

1154
01:25:33,785 --> 01:25:37,285
all the bills and their bills are not forecasted, and our rate structure

1155
01:25:37,805 --> 01:25:41,565
forecast to increase in the next three years. So this would be the one time increase

1156
01:25:42,185 --> 01:25:46,155
for them. They wouldn't see any additional increase. This

1157
01:25:46,445 --> 01:25:49,285
next slide shows the estimated average commercial bill impacts

1158
01:25:50,575 --> 01:25:54,405
commercial customers with the larger meters and higher system demand would see the

1159
01:25:54,605 --> 01:25:58,525
larger increases under the proposed tier structure, um, same as the residential.

1160
01:26:02,305 --> 01:26:06,245
so next steps after, after we have discussion and obtain feedback from

1161
01:26:06,445 --> 01:26:10,305
counsel, we would bring forward the first reading of the gas rate ordinance on

1162
01:26:10,525 --> 01:26:13,765
june 9th. The second reading of the ordinance would come june 23rd.

1163
01:26:15,785 --> 01:26:19,725
it would take approximately two months to set up the billing system. It takes a little bit of time

1164
01:26:19,885 --> 01:26:23,605
to set up those tiers in the billing system, and during that time, we plan

1165
01:26:23,905 --> 01:26:27,805
to work, um, the, the customer service department plans to work

1166
01:26:27,925 --> 01:26:31,605
with the communications department to send out proactive customer communications.

1167
01:26:33,385 --> 01:26:37,205
so the new right rates could become effective as early as august 1st consumption,

1168
01:26:37,845 --> 01:26:39,325
which would show up on september. Bills.

1169
01:26:44,465 --> 01:26:48,445
um, councilman wilson may remember, I rem I know that this is

1170
01:26:48,605 --> 01:26:52,195
something that you've brought up in past, uh, rate studies that

1171
01:26:52,705 --> 01:26:56,605
for customers that are needing assistance, we do have a fantastic partnership with

1172
01:26:56,865 --> 01:27:00,845
the hill country family services called the good neighbors fund. And it is funded

1173
01:27:01,345 --> 01:27:05,325
by contributions by existing city utility, uh, customers who either round

1174
01:27:05,565 --> 01:27:09,445
up their bill or donate a dollar or so a month. And that fund goes to hill country family

1175
01:27:10,125 --> 01:27:14,085
services for folks that are needing assistance. Um, they can sign up with an application

1176
01:27:14,835 --> 01:27:17,625
through hill country family services for help. So,

1177
01:27:20,705 --> 01:27:24,265
any questions? Questions or feedback? Council macusa,

1178
01:27:24,755 --> 01:27:28,535
just to comment, um, you said the average looked like the average bill based

1179
01:27:28,885 --> 01:27:32,565
on the 2016 rate was about $50 a month. Am I recalling that correctly?

1180
01:27:34,465 --> 01:27:38,385
uh, so, uh, yes. Most of our customers residential are

1181
01:27:38,605 --> 01:27:42,245
about $50. So just with the inflation calculation index, that's over $70

1182
01:27:43,165 --> 01:27:47,055
a month now, right? That's with nothing else.

1183
01:27:47,355 --> 01:27:51,315
that's just inflation and gas. Gas service is,

1184
01:27:51,755 --> 01:27:55,335
um, not only critical, but it's dangerous. So maintaining the infrastructure

1185
01:27:55,915 --> 01:27:59,895
is extremely important. You get gas leaks or explosions, you hear about

1186
01:28:00,215 --> 01:28:03,935
'em over the country, and that can be devastating to neighborhoods, homes, individuals lives.

1187
01:28:04,875 --> 01:28:08,835
so, I mean, I think it's, it's obvious it's gonna have to be a rate increase. Um, the

1188
01:28:09,055 --> 01:28:12,935
other thing I would mention, I don't know, I don't think any, I have a propane system at my house. I don't

1189
01:28:13,415 --> 01:28:17,295
have city gas propane's expensive, so I did the calculation

1190
01:28:17,775 --> 01:28:21,755
even at the new rate. I mean, it's $750 a year on average for gas, for, for,

1191
01:28:22,225 --> 01:28:26,215
based on the average rates you're showing. I mean, I can tell you what it costs to put in a

1192
01:28:26,295 --> 01:28:30,255
propane tank and to fill it up, up twice a year. It's a lot more than that. So I'm just saying

1193
01:28:30,955 --> 01:28:34,895
the city customers are on natural. I wish I was on natural gas getting a really good

1194
01:28:35,135 --> 01:28:39,135
deal overall compared to what the options are. Say if you lived outside of the

1195
01:28:39,215 --> 01:28:41,655
city or even within the city, but don't have, but don't have gas system.

1196
01:28:44,305 --> 01:28:47,995
thank any comments council? No.

1197
01:28:48,525 --> 01:28:49,735
okay, great. Thank you sarah.

1198
01:28:53,275 --> 01:28:57,255
all right. Moving on to before we head in to agenda item number 11, comments from council. I'm gonna

1199
01:28:57,295 --> 01:29:01,285
turn it over to city manager, uh, uh, thatcher. Uh, we don't have a

1200
01:29:01,545 --> 01:29:05,445
two mayor's report tonight, but he does have a prepared statement he wants to talk about today. So,

1201
01:29:05,705 --> 01:29:09,585
ben, uh, mayor counsel, thank you very much. I do have a couple items. First off,

1202
01:29:09,805 --> 01:29:13,785
as I mentioned earlier, the second meeting in may, there's not a lot of items in

1203
01:29:14,005 --> 01:29:17,905
the queue. It's the day after memorial day. I think one or two of you might even be gone. So

1204
01:29:18,125 --> 01:29:21,985
we're aiming to not have that meeting. I'll confirm that and let you know, but

1205
01:29:22,205 --> 01:29:26,025
it looks like that probably will happen. Also, today, uh, began the

1206
01:29:26,285 --> 01:29:30,245
installation of the america two 50 decor around city hall. It's gonna be going

1207
01:29:30,445 --> 01:29:34,265
on at the, uh, at the, the town square park, the gazebo.

1208
01:29:34,685 --> 01:29:38,575
you'll see some things. Those decorations will be out until

1209
01:29:39,065 --> 01:29:43,065
we start, uh, decorating for, uh, for dickens. Um,

1210
01:29:44,545 --> 01:29:48,465
so as you are all aware, many of those in the, in the community of

1211
01:29:48,685 --> 01:29:52,475
major network television network made a big announcement yesterday that impacts

1212
01:29:52,965 --> 01:29:56,925
bernie. And I've received a significant amount of questions,

1213
01:29:57,445 --> 01:30:01,285
concerns, just curiosities about how this all came about.

1214
01:30:01,545 --> 01:30:05,365
so I, I would like to read a statement that kind of answers a lot of those

1215
01:30:05,685 --> 01:30:08,565
questions. I did provide you a copy of it so you can have that.

1216
01:30:10,035 --> 01:30:13,925
basically, the city learned about this project at essentially the same time as the community

1217
01:30:14,465 --> 01:30:17,965
did, and that was when the, uh, the network made their public announcement.

1218
01:30:18,965 --> 01:30:22,875
I wanna be clear that the city of bernie is not producing, sponsoring, endorsing,

1219
01:30:23,715 --> 01:30:26,485
casting, or otherwise partnering in this television production.

1220
01:30:28,115 --> 01:30:31,655
following the announcement, a production manager did contact our parks department about

1221
01:30:32,325 --> 01:30:36,005
a, uh, potential inquiry. And based on that initial conversation,

1222
01:30:36,615 --> 01:30:39,955
staff understands that the production currently anticipates filming primarily

1223
01:30:40,705 --> 01:30:44,325
at residential homes with possible occasional filming involving

1224
01:30:44,915 --> 01:30:48,745
cast members, exiting vehicles, walking in the downtown area or

1225
01:30:48,965 --> 01:30:52,925
dining at local restaurants. The production manager indicated that

1226
01:30:53,125 --> 01:30:55,635
they do not anticipate needing to close streets.

1227
01:30:57,155 --> 01:31:01,125
that is the extent of the city's direct communication. At this point, no formal

1228
01:31:01,545 --> 01:31:05,195
formal permit application has been submitted, and no street closures, park

1229
01:31:05,685 --> 01:31:09,445
closures, or use of city property have been approved by the city for this production.

1230
01:31:11,385 --> 01:31:15,185
uh, I do want to acknowledge the concern we have heard from residents. We

1231
01:31:15,405 --> 01:31:19,005
understand that concern because so little is known about this project at this time.

1232
01:31:20,275 --> 01:31:24,205
what we do know is that our neighbors care deeply about bernie its character

1233
01:31:24,565 --> 01:31:28,525
and the way our name is used. We take immense pride in our community and what

1234
01:31:28,925 --> 01:31:32,605
it represents, bernie is far more than just a storyline.

1235
01:31:34,105 --> 01:31:38,005
bernie is a real community made up of families, neighborhoods, small businesses,

1236
01:31:38,725 --> 01:31:42,725
churches, volunteers, public servants, and people who work hard every day

1237
01:31:42,925 --> 01:31:46,685
to make this a special place. That is the bernie, our residents know

1238
01:31:47,295 --> 01:31:49,865
value and help sustain every day.

1239
01:31:51,445 --> 01:31:55,415
I also wanna clarify the city's role. Bernie is a film friendly texas

1240
01:31:55,875 --> 01:31:59,685
community as certified by the texas film commission in the office

1241
01:31:59,905 --> 01:32:03,525
of the governor in 2021, the city council adopted

1242
01:32:03,965 --> 01:32:07,965
filming guidelines to manage filming activity in a way that protects residents,

1243
01:32:09,005 --> 01:32:12,765
businesses, public property, public property, and public health,

1244
01:32:13,065 --> 01:32:16,455
safety and welfare. That certification and those guidelines

1245
01:32:17,125 --> 01:32:20,285
should not be understood as an endorsement of any particular production.

1246
01:32:21,595 --> 01:32:25,235
they are reg regulatory framework only. Private

1247
01:32:25,725 --> 01:32:29,585
filming on private property does not generally require the city's permission. Simply

1248
01:32:30,005 --> 01:32:33,885
because a production company is filming, the city becomes involved when

1249
01:32:34,125 --> 01:32:37,605
filming activity requires the use of public property, public streets,

1250
01:32:38,665 --> 01:32:42,595
rights of way parks, public facilities, city

1251
01:32:42,885 --> 01:32:46,685
equipment or personnel traffic control, or creates impacts that

1252
01:32:46,965 --> 01:32:50,565
fall under city ordinances and policies. If formal requests

1253
01:32:51,125 --> 01:32:55,025
are submitted, they will be reviewed through the city's normal processes and

1254
01:32:55,245 --> 01:32:59,085
in accordance with applicable law. The city's review must be based

1255
01:32:59,285 --> 01:33:02,805
on the operational and legal standards in our ordinances and policies,

1256
01:33:03,705 --> 01:33:07,085
not on the viewpoint, storyline or editorial choices of a production.

1257
01:33:08,945 --> 01:33:12,915
it is also important to remember that the greater bernie community exp extends well

1258
01:33:13,325 --> 01:33:17,125
beyond the municipal boundaries of the city limits of bernie. As I have shared

1259
01:33:17,365 --> 01:33:21,005
on multiple occasions, the city of bernie covers approximately 12 square miles,

1260
01:33:22,015 --> 01:33:25,705
while the greater burn area associated with the two bernie zip codes covers

1261
01:33:26,125 --> 01:33:30,045
more than 150 square miles. Because bernie is the primary

1262
01:33:30,365 --> 01:33:34,045
incorporated city and kendall county, many activities and public conversations

1263
01:33:34,705 --> 01:33:38,485
in the broader area are often associated with bernie, even when

1264
01:33:38,725 --> 01:33:42,525
they occur outside the city's corporate limits. Based on the limited information

1265
01:33:43,205 --> 01:33:46,485
shared with staff, it appears likely that a significant portion of this production

1266
01:33:47,485 --> 01:33:51,205
activity may fall into that same category and occur outside the city's

1267
01:33:51,605 --> 01:33:55,525
jurisdiction. Now, bernie remains open to responsible film,

1268
01:33:55,895 --> 01:33:59,885
media and creative projects that are respectful of all residents, businesses, neighborhoods,

1269
01:34:00,565 --> 01:34:04,505
and public spaces. At the same time, the city does not control how

1270
01:34:04,725 --> 01:34:08,645
our private television network markets or edits a program. What we

1271
01:34:08,925 --> 01:34:12,805
do control is how we protect the public interest and how we continue to tell the true story

1272
01:34:13,085 --> 01:34:16,875
of bernie. We will continue to monitor the situation, respond

1273
01:34:17,365 --> 01:34:21,245
appropriately to resident questions, and keep the counsel informed if any

1274
01:34:21,445 --> 01:34:24,045
formal permit applications or operational requests are submitted.

1275
01:34:25,515 --> 01:34:29,485
most importantly, we will continue doing the work that actually defines bernie as you

1276
01:34:29,925 --> 01:34:33,685
recognized earlier, mayor with your proclamation. And that is providing excellent public service,

1277
01:34:34,575 --> 01:34:38,505
supporting our neighborhoods and businesses, protecting our quality of life, and

1278
01:34:38,725 --> 01:34:40,965
preserving the community character that our residents value.

1279
01:34:43,805 --> 01:34:46,285
absolutely. Thank you, ben. I couldn't have said it better myself.

1280
01:34:48,345 --> 01:34:52,165
moving on to, uh, gentleman river, comments from council. Do we have any other comments from

1281
01:34:52,405 --> 01:34:56,405
council this evening? I would say

1282
01:34:56,485 --> 01:35:00,405
no. We got three more days of ap testing and then finals next week. So good luck to

1283
01:35:00,525 --> 01:35:04,325
all the kids that are testing and finish strong next thursday. Then you can forget

1284
01:35:04,565 --> 01:35:08,265
everything. When's graduations? Uh,

1285
01:35:08,585 --> 01:35:12,075
friday next. Next friday. Okay.

1286
01:35:12,665 --> 01:35:16,525
uh, chargers baseball. Mm-hmm . Doing great. So good luck to them in the

1287
01:35:16,965 --> 01:35:20,665
playoffs. Um, and then thank y'all to council for, um,

1288
01:35:21,055 --> 01:35:24,865
mayor pro tem again. And then thank you to, um, bernie

1289
01:35:25,305 --> 01:35:29,245
for trusting me for another now three years now that we have three year terms. So appreciate that.

1290
01:35:29,325 --> 01:35:33,245
look forward to working with all of staff again. Um, stuck with me for

1291
01:35:33,405 --> 01:35:37,305
three more years, so, um, that'll be fun. Um, look forward to it. Um,

1292
01:35:38,025 --> 01:35:41,745
you know, bernie's a great community. I look forward to, um, seeing

1293
01:35:42,165 --> 01:35:45,905
through many of the projects we still have in the, in our radar. Um,

1294
01:35:46,635 --> 01:35:50,635
excited to still be a part of the bonds that we still have going forward.

1295
01:35:51,385 --> 01:35:54,925
so I'm, I'm glad to be here for that part as well as other projects.

1296
01:35:55,465 --> 01:35:58,805
so again, thank you all to everyone. Alright, thank you. Time,

1297
01:36:00,465 --> 01:36:04,345
joe. Good? Yep. Uh, yeah, I just wanna say, uh, appreciate, uh,

1298
01:36:04,745 --> 01:36:08,645
the trust again, and, and it's been a pleasure working with you guys briefly and, uh,

1299
01:36:08,845 --> 01:36:12,525
look forward to another three years and continue to learn and serve. So appreciate it.

1300
01:36:12,955 --> 01:36:16,745
yeah, thanks kyle. Absolutely. Just, uh, thank you guys for willing to step up as

1301
01:36:16,965 --> 01:36:20,845
a public servant once again. Um, you know, it pays so well and, uh,

1302
01:36:21,105 --> 01:36:24,925
we got a big pay raise. Yeah, you guys do get a pay raise this year. So, um, but thank

1303
01:36:25,245 --> 01:36:29,105
you tha for stepping up as mayor pro tem. Uh, again, just hats off to, uh,

1304
01:36:29,785 --> 01:36:33,605
our community, uh, public servants, uh, our staff across the

1305
01:36:33,805 --> 01:36:37,685
board. I mean, you guys are top-notch. It is the best, it's the best community.

1306
01:36:38,625 --> 01:36:42,325
um, ben, thank you for, for the statement for what's going on in our community.

1307
01:36:43,185 --> 01:36:47,085
um, bernie's bernie, and we love bernie. Um, so no matter

1308
01:36:47,245 --> 01:36:51,245
what the media wants to portray or whatever we want to think about it, this is a wonderful place

1309
01:36:51,445 --> 01:36:55,285
to live, work, play, and, and be a part of. So, and that's because of the public servants,

1310
01:36:56,145 --> 01:36:59,855
um, the community members, and then all those that take care of one another. So thank

1311
01:37:00,205 --> 01:37:03,725
you guys and have a great, uh, great rest of your week. And we will officially adjourn at 7:36 pm.