[0:00] Here
[0:14] » if you would please stand and join me
[0:16] for the pledge followed by the
[0:17] invocation led by Luke Olivars.
[0:21] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
[0:23] United States of America and to the
[0:26] republic for which it stands. One nation
[0:29] under God, indivisible, with liberty and
[0:32] justice for all.
[0:35] >> Yes, sir.
[0:37] All right. At this time, please bow your
[0:39] heads and join me in prayer. As summer
[0:42] fades, oh, sorry. Dear Lord, as summer
[0:46] fades and new season begins, we ask for
[0:48] your wisdom and direction for our
[0:50] community. While we do not know all that
[0:52] lies ahead, we ask that you guide our
[0:54] discussions, decisions, and the steps we
[0:57] take and help us all to trust you even
[1:00] when the road is unclear. Open the right
[1:02] doors and gently close the ones that are
[1:04] not meant for us. Teach us to listen to
[1:06] your voice above above every
[1:08] distraction.
[1:09] Give us wisdom and courage to do what is
[1:11] right, even when it feels uncomfortable.
[1:14] May this new season be filled with
[1:16] opportunities to grow in your goodness
[1:18] and kindness, to love others well and
[1:21] honor you through the words, through our
[1:23] words and actions. Bless the students,
[1:26] teachers, staff, and administrators of
[1:28] the Rockdale as they begin a new school
[1:30] year. Bless our first responders and
[1:33] their families and keep them safe as
[1:35] they perform their duties. Bless us as a
[1:38] town and as we journey together to make
[1:40] Rockto a better place for all our
[1:42] citizens. guide and direct the
[1:44] conversations and decisions made here
[1:46] this evening. Bless our mayor and
[1:49] council and all those who serve in our
[1:51] community in Jesus name. Amen.
[1:53] >> Amen.
[1:54] >> Thank you, Luke.
[1:57] >> Thank you to our uh citizens that are
[2:00] present. Thank you to our staff that is
[2:01] present this evening. And thank you to
[2:03] council
[2:04] that is also present. Uh
[2:08] do we have any announcements prior to
[2:10] getting to our head of the month? Yes.
[2:13] There's a couple of things, Mayor. Um I
[2:15] wanted to announce remind folks that uh
[2:17] coming up on September 6th and 7th um is
[2:21] our back to school pool party at the
[2:22] Veterans Park pool from 1 to six on both Sunday and Monday. The sixth is
[2:29] for fifth grade and younger and the
[2:32] seventh is for sixth grade and older. Um
[2:34] it's free admission. There will be food
[2:36] and drinks available and we want to
[2:39] encourage everybody to come out. Um,
[2:41] also I wanted to address um and make an
[2:44] announcement regarding the
[2:47] um comment from Councilman Cathy at the
[2:50] last meeting and following that um staff
[2:53] has gone up and sprayed the whole length
[2:56] of um Cameron Street, Cameron Avenue um
[3:01] and began weed eating it today. Um and
[3:04] so they're making headway on that. Um,
[3:06] and they have also gone east of downtown
[3:10] as well, uh, and and done a lot of
[3:12] weeding along there as well. This
[3:14] morning, um, Ben and I wrote out and
[3:17] identified a number of properties, um,
[3:20] that need some additional attention that
[3:22] he's going to be addressing. So,
[3:25] >> thank you. Thank you, Tim.
[3:29] » Want to talk to us about our pet? That's
[3:31] Duke, right?
[3:33] >> Yeah.
[3:41] He's a sweet boy. He's only one years
[3:43] old, we're guessing. We found him on
[3:46] July 1st at Sethco. And he was just
[3:50] along, but he knows sit. He's really
[3:53] well behaved. He There you go. Good boy.
[3:57] Um he's crate trained. He is potty
[3:59] trained. He is kennel trained. Um he is
[4:03] loves everyone. He loves other dogs. We
[4:07] don't know about cats. We don't have
[4:08] cats, but um yeah, he's a he's just a
[4:11] great um little guy. He's like 50
[4:14] poundsish, so he's not too big. Full
[4:17] grown though. And he's got these goofy
[4:19] little dew claws in the back. So, we
[4:21] don't know what he's mixed with, but
[4:22] he's definitely a katahula hound maybe
[4:24] of some kind based off his ears. So, and
[4:27] he's got these beautiful blue specks in
[4:29] his eyes. It looks like a trick on the
[4:31] camera like it's a shine, but it's
[4:33] really his eyes. So, um, yeah, and if
[4:36] you guys want to get to know him more,
[4:37] you can come on down to the Rockdale
[4:39] Animal Shelter, play with all the dogs,
[4:40] including Duke, and we'd be happy to see
[4:43] you there.
[4:45] >> Any questions?
[4:47] >> Yeah. So, uh, thank you. And I say this
[4:51] every meeting. Our, uh, ACOs do a great
[4:54] job for the city of Rockdale and our
[4:56] volunteer group, uh, does a great job as
[4:59] well. So, thank you for the work you're
[5:00] doing. I can't tell you how many pets
[5:03] we've uh adopted out uh out of our
[5:06] animal shelter and the numbers are just
[5:09] I would say as compared to several years
[5:11] ago are really staggering from what
[5:13] we've what we've uh been able to
[5:15] accomplish uh with the hard work of our
[5:18] ACOs and our volunteer group that works
[5:22] out there as well. So, thank you for the
[5:23] work you continue to do. And if you're
[5:25] interested in adopting a pet, please go
[5:28] out to the animal shelter and find your
[5:30] uh find your new favorite pet.
[5:34] >> Thank you.
[5:40] » So, we're going to move on to citizens
[5:42] communications and uh first uh we'll
[5:45] call on Grady Hall. Grady, if you'll
[5:47] step up, I will remind you you'll be on
[5:50] the timer, sir. You have three minutes
[5:52] to uh speak.
[5:54] Looks like if you would say your name
[5:56] and your address, please. Looks like
[5:58] your topic of discussion is excessive
[6:00] noise.
[6:01] >> Yeah, it's Grady Hall. We're staying
[6:03] over on 1011 East Belton and it's these
[6:09] people driving around the community and
[6:10] around the city down Cameron banging
[6:12] these speakers like they are. When
[6:15] you're sitting in your home watching TV,
[6:17] there's no reason to hear somebody's
[6:18] speakers over your TV that's parked two
[6:20] blocks away at Muny's or driving down
[6:22] Cameron Avenue.
[6:25] I had an altercation with one guy here a
[6:27] few months back. Drove by the house down
[6:30] below
[6:32] stuff came off the walls.
[6:35] There's no reason for us to have it to
[6:36] live like this with these kids driving
[6:39] around and adults too. Does the guy had
[6:41] an altercation with was about my age in
[6:44] his 50s?
[6:46] So, is there anything the city can do of
[6:49] some kind of noise ordinance?
[6:51] Anything we can do to put a stop to this
[6:53] mess?
[6:55] >> If you want to give me a call in the
[6:57] morning,
[6:58] >> I will address that.
[6:59] >> Okay.
[7:02] >> Tim Kelty.
[7:03] >> All right. Yeah. We can't go back and
[7:05] forth during citizen communication.
[7:06] >> Yeah.
[7:07] >> If you'll address to the city manager,
[7:08] and that's for anybody in here during
[7:10] citizen communication.
[7:11] >> Uh Mr. Kelty will push it out to us,
[7:13] it'll get you an answer.
[7:14] >> Yeah. Cuz I mean, I've even had some
[7:17] kids back behind us
[7:19] >> that I've had to go back there and tell
[7:20] them because they're sitting there with
[7:21] the doors open and it turned up and all
[7:23] you're hearing is their base. And I
[7:25] mean, I don't think anybody in here
[7:27] wants to have to deal with that sitting
[7:28] in their home.
[7:31] >> Thank you. Thank you, Grady. Y
[7:35] >> Peggy Bony, Miss Bony, Miss Bony is here
[7:37] to uh actually understand why Miss Bony
[7:40] is here uh to discuss her drainage and
[7:44] uh cleaning mud and debris uh concerns.
[7:48] >> Yes. Uh Peggy Bony, I live on Second
[7:50] Street here in Rockdale. Um I did call
[7:53] the mayor. We and when we had all the
[7:54] rain, the drainage that comes through
[7:58] Pan and Second, someone dug up dirt did
[8:01] not place cement there for it to drain
[8:03] properly. So the mud collected there on
[8:06] the corner of PCON and second is still
[8:07] there. The concerns are will we be able
[8:10] to get that cleaned up and will
[8:12] something be able to get done about how
[8:15] it drains there. So that's a big
[8:17] concern. Also, um I didn't put that on,
[8:20] but it's one yard there. We pretty keep
[8:23] our neighborhood pretty clean, but one
[8:24] yard has weeds growing up and I thought
[8:26] the coding officer would take care of
[8:27] that, which we try to keep our community
[8:30] clean. Hopefully, you know, we all want
[8:33] to do that and take care of it.
[8:35] >> And I I would ask uh Miss Bony that if
[8:37] you would contact him in the morning,
[8:40] please. He and I have had several
[8:41] discussions regarding my visit to your
[8:44] street. Okay.
[8:45] >> I think you saw me over there.
[8:47] >> I did. Yes, ma'am.
[8:48] >> Thank you. I appreciate it.
[8:49] >> Um so, you're very welcome. if you would
[8:51] please give him a call tomorrow, he can
[8:53] inform you of the discussions we've had
[8:55] and some um so as we can't go back and
[8:58] forth during this
[8:59] >> understand but thank you for coming
[9:01] tonight. Yes, ma'am.
[9:06] » Randy Thompson.
[9:08] Oh, Randy,
[9:10] >> how's it going?
[9:11] >> All right. Randy is here to discuss the
[9:14] creek behind his house, the waterway.
[9:17] >> It's M Branch. Yeah, it's been a it's
[9:20] been it's been an issue for a while.
[9:21] It's Randy Thompson, 302 West Bell. Um I
[9:24] have the the corner lot right there and
[9:27] it's been happening actually for years
[9:29] that uh that water that goes through
[9:31] that waterway there. It gets you've
[9:33] probably seen it before. It's been
[9:34] pretty deep through there. And uh I've
[9:36] actually had a couple of uh water
[9:38] rescues out of the house behind my new
[9:41] building there. And um that creek's just
[9:44] been grown up with vines and trees and
[9:48] just crap tires. I actually pulled nine
[9:52] trailer loads of tree limbs and debris
[9:56] and just stuff that was in there
[9:58] blocking the uh those three big
[10:01] openings, you know, that go underneath
[10:02] the the bridge. Right now, one of those
[10:06] is pretty much open, but the other two
[10:08] are basically almost halfway covered
[10:11] because there used to be a tree growing
[10:12] in there. And I guess just over the
[10:14] years, the things dropping out of it,
[10:16] you know, it built the land up inside
[10:17] there. So, you got a a deep section on
[10:20] one side and the other side is about
[10:22] half the amount of depth it should be.
[10:24] But, uh, I've I've even tried to to
[10:28] clean it out, you know, with like a skid
[10:29] steer. I was trying to get uh the core
[10:32] of engineers to like I guess they have
[10:34] to okay okay any kind of work you do in
[10:36] the waterway and uh they wouldn't call
[10:38] back or I left messages. I called the
[10:40] one in Georgetown. They actually
[10:41] answered but still didn't didn't call
[10:44] back but they answered and said they
[10:45] would call back but never did. But I
[10:47] just want to see if we could somehow
[10:49] address that waterway through there the
[10:51] creek through there because it's it's
[10:53] been bad but it's not so bad now. Like I
[10:55] said, I pulled a whole lot of stuff out
[10:56] of it, but the the land is still built
[10:58] up real high.
[10:59] >> We get it cut down some like kind of
[11:01] like y'all did with the other ones, you
[11:02] know, where they put the the concrete
[11:04] things in there. It didn't even have to
[11:06] have that. Just as long as it's it's
[11:08] probably a section 50t long probably
[11:10] that needs to be dug down,
[11:12] >> flattened out, you know, cuz it's it has
[11:14] to be about this deep before it actually
[11:16] starts going through those other two
[11:18] passages under the bridge. It it gets
[11:21] backed up pretty bad by my shop and the
[11:22] houses. just been about 6 feet from the
[11:24] back of my building before
[11:27] recently.
[11:28] >> Yes, sir.
[11:29] >> All right. I appreciate it.
[11:30] >> And I know I can't speak to you, but I
[11:33] participated in those water rescues on
[11:36] Memorial Day about 12 years ago, so I'm
[11:38] familiar with it.
[11:39] >> That was the night that it got in my
[11:41] shop.
[11:41] >> Yes, sir.
[11:42] >> A foot deep. Yeah, it was a foot deep in
[11:44] there.
[11:45] >> Thank you, Randy. Thanks. Appreciate it.
[11:46] >> Yes, sir. Point well taken. Thank you,
[11:48] Randy.
[11:50] Brother Dave Dave Melton
[11:53] here to speak about the peace
[11:55] celebration
[11:58] international day of peace. Mayor Ward,
[12:00] council, city employees, thank you all
[12:02] for your service to our community.
[12:05] Monday, September 21st is the 45th
[12:08] anniversary of the International Day of
[12:10] Peace. It will also be the fourth year
[12:12] of Rockdale Earth Day, holding
[12:14] celebrations to recognize this important
[12:16] day.
[12:18] In a big picture sense, Earth Day is an
[12:20] attempt to renew, respect, and restore
[12:22] our world. As an organization, we strive
[12:25] to stay in our lane within the Rockdale
[12:28] community and believe that these
[12:29] celebrations fit well with our mission
[12:31] statement, especially these words to
[12:34] provide educational opportunities to
[12:36] teach and inform community members on
[12:38] issues such as conservation, recycling,
[12:41] and the imperative to respect nature and
[12:44] all of its inhabitants. What a better
[12:46] way to respect our world than to promote
[12:49] peace. The theme for the International
[12:51] Day of Peace on September 21st, 2026 is
[12:56] invest in peace for everyone,
[12:58] everywhere, every day. This focus
[13:01] highlights daily actions and honors
[13:03] everyday peacemakers. In front of you
[13:06] this evening in your packet is a few
[13:10] pages of information with uh us
[13:13] collaborating with downtown businesses,
[13:16] the Rockdale Community Market, and the K
[13:18] Theater. Because the 21st falls on a
[13:22] Monday, we decided it was best to host
[13:24] our events on Saturday the 19th and
[13:27] Sunday the 20th. I would like to
[13:29] publicly invite each of you to any or
[13:32] all of these events. Peace is built in
[13:35] households, neighborhoods, and in
[13:37] communities like Rockdale. Our mayor and
[13:40] council can play a vital role in
[13:42] promoting peace and goodwill in this
[13:44] community. The Sidewalk Art Project on
[13:48] Saturday the 19th is an effort to
[13:50] promote peace while allowing artists and
[13:52] aspiring artists and those who quite
[13:55] frankly aren't artists at all like
[13:57] myself to help spread beauty, color, and
[14:00] messaging on the streets of downtown
[14:03] Rockdale. High school and junior high
[14:06] art teachers Lanny Young and Winton
[14:08] Thomas are encouraging their students to
[14:11] participate. If you have kids,
[14:14] grandkids, nephews, and nieces, Mayor
[14:16] Roy,
[14:18] uh, Councilman Perry, Miss Alveris, we
[14:21] encourage you, uh, to bring them to this
[14:24] experience and have some fun together as
[14:27] a family. We will set up that morning
[14:30] from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the
[14:32] community market at Wolf Park
[14:34] distributing sidewalk chalk to
[14:36] individuals and teams that would like to
[14:38] create a slab of beautiful mosaic on our
[14:43] uh downtown sidewalks. I have two humble
[14:46] requests for our city. Chief Meadows, if
[14:49] budget and staffing allows, we think
[14:51] that a downtown presence of police staff
[14:54] would be very much welcome. This would
[14:56] be a great opportunity for the officers
[14:58] to meet citizens. And then Mr. Kelty,
[15:01] while we are greatly appreciative of the
[15:03] weed spraying which we have seen in res
[15:05] in recent days, uh we hope that that
[15:08] continues and that litter is picked up
[15:10] because we may if the event is looking
[15:12] like it might be well uh well attended.
[15:15] We may have media coverage and we want
[15:18] to make sure that we're free of litter
[15:20] and that downtown looks as good. Sunday
[15:23] the 20th, K Theater showing. Remember
[15:25] the Titans 3 p.m. that evening at 700
[15:27] p.m. the night of peace celebration with
[15:29] Reverend uh Herbert Jones of Rockdale's
[15:31] Full Gospel doing the homaly this year.
[15:33] Thank you very much.
[15:34] >> Thank you Dave.
[15:37] >> And that is all I had signed up for
[15:39] citizens communications. Uh we're moving
[15:42] on to presentations. I don't see Dwayne
[15:44] David in the room. So, uh, we were going
[15:47] to recognize Dwayne David, uh, from his
[15:50] 27 years after his retirement from the
[15:53] Rockdale Volunteer Fire Department. We
[15:55] will recognize him, uh, next month along
[15:58] with Trent, uh, wages also. So, we'll
[16:01] move on to item number two on the
[16:03] presentation, and that is a very
[16:06] welldeserved uh, proclamation and
[16:09] recognition. Bobby Joe, you want to come
[16:11] up here, please, sir? Come on up around
[16:14] here.
[16:21] So, I don't know if any of y'all know
[16:25] where Bobby Joe Tindle grew up,
[16:28] >> but Bobby Joe Tindle and I both grew up
[16:30] in Manurva, Texas. We're actually like
[16:33] family
[16:34] and uh at least I consider you family.
[16:37] >> And uh the Tindles and the Willox and
[16:40] you know, I get chills up here talking
[16:41] about that and I'm not exaggerating at
[16:43] all. Uh so we are like family and so
[16:46] this is very special to me uh to be able
[16:48] to read this proclamation to you. Um and
[16:53] we are honoring Bobby Joe today for his
[16:55] 45 years of dedicated service to the
[16:58] city of Rockville. How special is that?
[17:02] Whereas the city of Rockdale is proud to
[17:05] recognize and celebrate individuals who
[17:08] whose hard work, dedication and
[17:10] commitment have made lasting difference
[17:11] in the lives of its citizens. And
[17:13] whereas Bobby Joe Tindle has faithfully
[17:16] served the city of Rockdale for 45
[17:18] years, demonstrating exceptional
[17:20] loyalty, professionalism, devotion, and
[17:24] public service throughout their
[17:26] distinguished career. And whereas those
[17:29] and whereas during those 45 years, Bobby
[17:32] Joe Tendle has contributed significant
[17:34] significantly
[17:36] the strength, progress, and daily
[17:38] operations of the city, earning the
[17:41] respect and admiration of colleagues,
[17:43] elected officials, and the community
[17:45] alike. And whereas the steadfast service
[17:48] of Bobby Joe Tendle reflects the very
[17:50] best of municipal government and serves
[17:53] as an inspiration to present and future
[17:56] generations of public servants. And
[17:58] whereas reaching a 45 year service
[18:01] milestone is a rare and remarkable
[18:04] achievement
[18:06] worthy of a special recognition and
[18:09] sincere appreciation by the city of
[18:11] Rockdale and all who call it home. Now
[18:14] therefore, I Ward Rodom, mayor of the
[18:17] city of Rockdale, Texas, on behalf of
[18:20] the city council and the citizens of
[18:21] Rockdale, do hereby proclaim August
[18:25] 10th, 2026 as Bobby Joe Tindle Day
[18:30] in the city of Rockdale, Texas, and urge
[18:40] all residents to join in in honoring
[18:43] Bobby Bobby Joe Tindle for 45 years of
[18:46] outstanding service, dedication, and
[18:49] commitment to the city of Rockdale and
[18:52] its people. Bobby Joe, thank you and
[18:54] congratulations, sir.
[19:02] » Let me give this chair real quick.
[19:04] >> We're gonna get a picture,
[19:06] >> you and I together.
[19:07] >> Hey, Mayor Rad, I want to say something
[19:09] also.
[19:09] >> Yes, sir. And that is in 25 years as a
[19:12] city manager in five different cities.
[19:15] The closest that I've ever had anybody
[19:17] come to 45 years is 34 years. So he's
[19:20] blown that out of the water and is truly a great public servant.
[19:30] » How much space have
[19:34] one
[19:37] and I have to say he also makes the
[19:39] Jalapeno dressing.
[19:43] >> So if you ever get a chance to eat that,
[19:45] and you're welcome to say anything if
[19:46] you'd like to say anything, Bobby Joe.
[19:48] >> Oh, really?
[19:51] » And if you want to finish running the
[19:53] rest of the meeting, you can do that,
[19:54] too.
[19:56] >> No, I don't have nothing to say.
[19:58] >> My intention was not to work 45 years
[20:01] for,
[20:03] but I enjoy what I was doing, so I just
[20:06] stayed on to it. And I thank each and
[20:09] every one of y'all for for this. And I
[20:12] just my wife, she's sitting over there.
[20:14] >> If anybody met my wife, that's my wife
[20:16] over there.
[20:19] >> Congratulations.
[20:25] » Me and him grew up in Manurva.
[20:27] >> That's right. Football.
[20:29] >> We did. We did. Congrats.
[20:33] >> Absolutely.
[20:40] Yes, we did.
[20:45] » And you don't have to stay for the rest
[20:46] of the meeting.
[20:49] That's the best part of it.
[20:52] >> Enjoy your supper.
[20:54] >> Yeah,
[20:55] >> that's the extra gift.
[20:58] So now we will
[21:01] receive a presentation from Becca
[21:03] Trevinho with the Rockdale VFW charity
[21:06] regarding the Rockdale VFW charity
[21:08] dinner.
[21:12] » Actually, it's Rebecca and Shannon.
[21:14] >> Yes,
[21:16] >> I guess.
[21:17] >> Yeah, we we kind of ping pong off of
[21:19] each other.
[21:19] >> Shannon Miller, quartermaster for BFW
[21:22] Post 6525.
[21:24] We're having a charity dinner this
[21:26] Saturday. Um, we need help getting the
[21:29] word out to sell some tickets. We're a
[21:31] little short. Uh, we want to make this a
[21:33] success so I can stay open and, um,
[21:36] continue to help the vets that I need
[21:38] to. So, um, that's pretty much all I
[21:42] got.
[21:43] >> Yes. Come out. Um, the dinner ticket's
[21:46] 50 bucks, but it includes a dinner from
[21:48] uh, the Thornell Meat Market. We have a
[21:50] guy from NBC's The Voice that's going to
[21:52] come and serve during dinner. There's
[21:55] all kinds of raffles and door prizes and
[21:57] stuff throughout the night and then
[22:00] we're gonna end the night with a dance.
[22:01] So, you really are getting a lot for
[22:03] your $50. And this event is pretty well
[22:06] paid for at this point. So, every penny
[22:09] that we raise will be going to the VFW.
[22:12] Nothing you contribute is going anywhere
[22:15] but to the hall. So, these guys really
[22:17] need it. Y'all don't want to lose your
[22:19] VFW. It's the only one around. And when
[22:22] you lose it, you lose your your ladies
[22:24] auxiliary as well. And they gave out 600
[22:26] backpacks last weekend. So it it would
[22:29] be a great loss to your community. We
[22:30] really need you guys to turn out.
[22:33] >> Where do you get tickets and what time
[22:34] is it?
[22:35] >> Right here.
[22:36] >> Tickets at at the hall.
[22:38] >> You can pick them up at BFW. You can get
[22:40] a hold of me or Becca. You can send a
[22:43] Facebook post.
[22:45] >> There's a Facebook um event page.
[22:47] >> You can buy tickets online. Go to v
[22:49] rockdealevfw.com.
[22:51] >> Yes,
[22:52] >> we got a web page set up for it.
[22:54] >> Um I mean there's a thousand ways to buy
[22:57] a ticket or you can just show up.
[22:59] >> Could you uh
[23:00] >> there's tickets left at the door?
[23:03] >> Could you take a little deeper dive on
[23:05] what the importance of this event is and
[23:07] why you're doing it and what the goal is
[23:10] of the outcome of this event for the
[23:13] reasons you're doing this event. Please,
[23:15] I understand it, but I don't know that
[23:17] all our citizens understand the reason
[23:19] behind this event.
[23:23] » Well,
[23:25] we're here for the veterans. I'm one uh
[23:29] I helped a guy today get some help with
[23:32] his uh disability claim.
[23:36] That's the main reason we're there.
[23:37] Yeah, we have a hall rental. We've got
[23:39] the canteen. Um, we meet once a month
[23:42] for that camaraderie, but guys will come
[23:46] there, they can speak to military guys
[23:49] and know what they've been through, and
[23:52] we can
[23:55] do a lot for
[23:56] >> people that that y'all don't see on a
[23:59] daily basis.
[24:00] >> These guys go out and mow the lawn for
[24:02] somebody or they will take them to the
[24:04] VA if they have a medical appointment.
[24:06] They have paid bills. They have if you
[24:09] need a chair or a walker or ramp or
[24:13] something as as a veteran, your
[24:14] resources in this com this general area
[24:18] of Texas are really limited. So when we
[24:21] lose the VFW,
[24:23] there's really no place for our veterans
[24:24] to turn to anymore. Thornell already
[24:27] lost theirs. I think Lexington lost
[24:28] theirs. Cameron's is is struggling. So
[24:33] there's just not a lot of resources here
[24:35] for veterans except our VFW. And that's
[24:38] primarily what these guys have been
[24:39] doing for so long. But they need some
[24:42] help now. And I can guarantee you almost
[24:45] everybody in this room has some kind of
[24:47] memory from the past of the VFW. And
[24:50] that's really what we want to do is just
[24:52] revitalize it, do some updates, make it
[24:55] more familyfriendly. Like we would love
[24:57] to be able to get a patio on the back of
[24:59] that so that people can enjoy the
[25:01] outside, get some outdoor seating. You
[25:03] know, the hall needs a remodel
[25:06] desperately. Like 1970s is a few years
[25:09] ago. So, you know, we'd like to re
[25:12] revitalize that a little bit. So,
[25:15] >> it it needs some love and this community
[25:17] is capable of it. We just need some
[25:20] help.
[25:21] >> There any information? Do you have any
[25:22] data on the number of veterans in
[25:24] Rockdale or Milm County?
[25:27] >> Approximately
[25:28] >> members we have. got 91. I I recruited
[25:31] four more members this year because
[25:34] Texas BFW has made a requirement to go
[25:37] to 103% because of the amount of people
[25:39] passing away. Um, we have to do that to
[25:42] keep the numbers built up. We've only
[25:44] got
[25:47] 67,000
[25:49] BFW members where we have 600,000 in
[25:52] Texas alone. So, we're trying to get our
[25:56] numbers back up. And that's not just us,
[25:58] you know, for our post, but the amount
[26:00] of people that live in Malm County.
[26:02] It's, you know, we can boost our
[26:04] numbers. I know they're out there. Um,
[26:07] especially with three beeped up just
[26:09] closing.
[26:10] So, I mean, it's it's a struggle every
[26:13] day just trying to keep the doors open,
[26:16] um, pay the bills, you know. Uh, I don't
[26:20] know if anybody's in here, but the
[26:22] Rotary Club just donated money. comfort
[26:25] AC replaced our air conditioner. That
[26:28] was awesome. Uh that's a $10,000 bill
[26:31] that I I could not pay. So, we went six
[26:35] months without that AC. It went out
[26:37] during our gun show. We were trying to
[26:38] raise money with uh the the Tony Troino
[26:42] gunsmith. So, there's a ton of things
[26:46] that happen every day that we have to
[26:50] raise money for and having the canteen
[26:52] just doesn't do it. The hall rentals
[26:54] help um actually that's how I make
[26:57] payroll some months by people renting
[27:00] the hall. I've had four funeral
[27:01] receptions this year or not really
[27:03] reception but
[27:05] uh
[27:07] you know uh kinias
[27:10] um birthday parties whatever end of
[27:13] school graduation parties
[27:16] it's a heck of a lot cheaper than a KC
[27:18] hall and it's smaller but it's 4,000
[27:20] square feet more than big enough
[27:23] um
[27:25] people would just use it and utilize it
[27:28] um I remember the W around my hometown.
[27:31] It was always something going on. Trying
[27:33] to get bingo back. Uh try to do more. Uh
[27:38] we've had barbecue cookouts, fish fries,
[27:41] >> gun show, Some day some things are a
[27:45] hit, some things are a nose dive, and
[27:48] that just kills my budget. So, um
[27:54] >> it's pretty handmouth over there right
[27:55] now. So,
[27:58] >> support Every week I struggle to make
[28:01] the payroll and
[28:04] just trying to get above water.
[28:07] >> Can I say something?
[28:09] >> Our dinner can provide the money to keep
[28:11] the hall open. We can have some more
[28:13] events. We can do some more fundraising
[28:14] and make the improvements that are going
[28:16] to bring the people in. But can't do it
[28:19] without you guys. And when it's gone, You won't get it back.
[28:23] There's there's no way to get it back.
[28:24] So
[28:26] >> keep that in mind. A great big giant
[28:27] building. thing when you come into
[28:29] Rockdale,
[28:31] >> it's owned by Texas BFW. So when if we
[28:35] shut down, then that goes back to the
[28:37] state and we lose everything.
[28:41] >> So,
[28:43] you know, I don't want that to happen.
[28:45] >> If I could just say something, mayor,
[28:47] >> first of all, I just want to thank y'all
[28:48] for everything that y'all do. I got a
[28:50] little tearary just hearing um
[28:51] everything that y'all do. Um I
[28:54] appreciate it. I feel like you guys are
[28:57] really helping um vulnerable population.
[29:00] I mean, already living in Rockdale and
[29:02] around here, it's already a challenge,
[29:04] not to mention if you're a veteran and
[29:07] struggling with different things like
[29:08] you've mentioned. Um maybe we could be
[29:11] creative, but I guess I'll ask him if
[29:14] there's any way that we can support them
[29:15] or partner with them. Um, I'm not sure
[29:18] how long your building has been there,
[29:19] but can we go via the historic route to
[29:22] support them in some way and support
[29:24] their building at least?
[29:27] >> I'll look into it.
[29:29] >> I'm just asking. I'm not sure.
[29:31] >> We're open to suggestions on anything.
[29:34] If there's something that you think you
[29:35] can do to improve it, let us know. Like
[29:38] we've had different construction guys
[29:40] come out and give us bids on projects
[29:42] like, "Hey, I can fix this thing or that
[29:44] thing." But we still have to raise the
[29:46] money for it. So, if there's something
[29:49] you could do, let us know. We're are
[29:52] >> open to it all.
[29:54] >> Yeah. If if if I can do it. Uh and and I
[29:57] did. I replaced uh nine toilets in the
[30:01] hall and the canteen this past weekend
[30:03] with the help of her husband Tony and a
[30:06] couple other uh vets that are part of
[30:08] our post. Um that's no easy task, but
[30:12] they those toilets were donated, the
[30:14] dispensers were were donated.
[30:17] So people are trying to help in in small
[30:20] ways and that's how we make a big
[30:22] difference. Um
[30:25] but um have an Amazon wish list even on
[30:29] the on the website. So even if you don't
[30:32] want to give money or service, a roll of
[30:35] toilet paper, you know, those are
[30:37] valuable. So we'll take that. We'll take
[30:39] a roll of toilet paper.
[30:41] >> Yeah.
[30:41] >> I mean, we're not choosy right now.
[30:44] >> Yeah. I mean, when you got trash bags
[30:47] that are 75 bucks a box, you know,
[30:50] because you got to hold the bottles. Um,
[30:53] it's expensive.
[30:56] Awesome.
[30:58] Well, thank you for coming by to share
[31:00] your needs and your vision. And uh you
[31:03] know, I I think I can safely speak for
[31:06] everyone sitting up here. We encourage
[31:07] our citizens to go out and support your fundraiser.
[31:11] >> I mean, your your grandkids.
[31:13] >> Yes.
[31:13] >> I mean, that was awesome. You know,
[31:16] >> your mayor's grandchildren had a
[31:19] lemonade stand in front of their house.
[31:22] They raised I think 300
[31:24] >> 350 $350
[31:27] in lemonade sales and they gave it to
[31:29] the BFW.
[31:29] >> That's a very generous citizens come by
[31:31] and support that.
[31:32] >> How awesome is that? If if little
[31:34] children can do that for us, think what
[31:36] the city as a whole could do for us.
[31:38] Like
[31:40] >> we just need the help.
[31:43] >> So any help? Stop by Saturday. Uh buy
[31:46] tickets. Buy tickets first.
[31:49] >> Uh then we know exactly where we're
[31:51] standing on Saturday.
[31:52] >> Yeah. Tell your friends, tell your
[31:54] family, share our post. If you see us on
[31:56] Facebook, share share, please.
[31:59] >> Absolutely.
[32:00] >> WFW.com. You can buy tickets or raffle
[32:02] tickets. Raffle tickets. We got I know
[32:05] we got a lot of guns, but uh
[32:08] >> we got a lot of bets, but uh
[32:12] >> we got five guns,
[32:16] » holsters,
[32:18] >> suppressors.
[32:20] >> I mean, and it's that's pretty cheap for
[32:22] chances. So,
[32:25] >> there's a really nice engraved gun in
[32:27] the auction that has no minimum bid.
[32:30] That thing's over $1,000 easily.
[32:32] >> Yeah,
[32:34] >> a Ronin 1911. And we also have a gold
[32:38] gun, a Joker gun for auction.
[32:41] Pretty badass.
[32:44] Extremely nice weapons. Uh, and I'm
[32:48] probably going to get in trouble for
[32:49] bidding on those, but
[32:52] >> but uh
[32:52] >> we'll take your money.
[32:53] >> I know.
[32:59] » Great. Thank you.
[33:00] >> Appreciate you coming up.
[33:02] >> Okay. Now, we will receive the annual
[33:05] presentation from the Rockdale Chamber
[33:07] of Commerce.
[33:09] >> Council, I passed out uh the annual
[33:12] report that Mr. Lockoff has put together
[33:15] and will be presented to council
[33:16] tonight.
[33:17] >> Welcome, Mr. Lockoff. You have
[33:18] >> Well, mayor and council, thank you'all
[33:20] for having us here today.
[33:22] >> He didn't hear me, did he?
[33:23] >> What' you say?
[33:24] >> I said you have one minute, sir.
[33:26] >> Uh, just if you'll flip to your
[33:28] presentation. Thank you very much. Have
[33:30] a nice day.
[33:30] >> You know I'm joking. Uh I don't know the
[33:34] last time that we were here to present
[33:36] to the council, but what I thought we
[33:38] would do is do a quick recap of 2025 to
[33:42] current. Uh and in page one of the
[33:46] presentation that you have in your your
[33:48] packet. Uh it will show that the chamber
[33:53] did in 2025 we had 78 interactions both
[33:57] business and tourism events for the
[34:01] chamber and they're pretty
[34:03] self-explanatory there. I want to move
[34:05] on from there to talk about 2026
[34:09] which I'm going to entitle the tale of
[34:11] two cities.
[34:13] Uh as you know uh we had starting off in
[34:17] January
[34:19] uh and the first second page is January
[34:22] through April what we've done ribbon
[34:24] cutings and all that. Uh however in
[34:28] April
[34:30] we had uh a meltdown.
[34:34] We had a resignation of our executive
[34:36] director. they uh that board at that
[34:39] time cancelled the banquet
[34:43] and uh
[34:45] it was a challenge.
[34:48] Uh we have a brand new board of
[34:49] directors which is the last page the
[34:51] addendum to your packet. Uh we've
[34:55] replaced the board. We have created new
[34:58] bylaws and I kind of want to really
[35:00] touch on what we've done since that
[35:02] April 2026
[35:05] event took place. Uh we have a new board
[35:08] of directors with a wide community uh
[35:11] influence and involvement. Uh we have
[35:14] equal representation from a lot of
[35:16] different places that we didn't have
[35:18] before. Uh we've revised the bylaws to
[35:21] reflect a modern approach to doing
[35:24] chamber business which includes a
[35:27] financial policy that requires more
[35:30] board oversight.
[35:32] Uh we have developed a new branding
[35:34] campaign. And if you've seen the logo
[35:36] which is above that page uh which
[35:40] reflects where Round Rock has been in
[35:43] the relation to the railroad where the
[35:46] future
[35:46] >> Rockdale did I say Round Rock that
[35:49] >> happens a lot. I was chair of that
[35:51] chamber and I thought I would get out of
[35:53] that business but they pulled me back in
[35:55] here. Uh Rockdale, the history of
[35:58] Rockdale from from the rail to the
[36:02] future. Okay. Uh we are now uh in the
[36:07] process and we have developed a a
[36:10] clearer job description of what the city
[36:13] of Rockdale
[36:16] should have as the director and CEO of
[36:19] the Chamber of Commerce. We posted that
[36:22] job opening for a national regional
[36:24] search uh for our next CEO uh ED and we
[36:29] have received 21 applications of people
[36:32] that are interested in the position. Uh
[36:35] the committee leading the charge met
[36:38] Friday. We have selected five candidates
[36:41] to further interview and uh see if they
[36:45] fit our criteria. Uh we're very so we're
[36:48] in the process of setting that up. Uh we
[36:51] have resolved issues with communications
[36:54] within the chamber. Uh we have developed
[36:57] an IT program to get us back on track
[37:00] there. We now have audio visual in Hogan
[37:04] Hall. So when people use that they
[37:06] actually can do an audiovisisual
[37:08] presentation there in that facility. Uh
[37:13] we fostered a stronger relationship with
[37:15] MDD and the city council and uh we have
[37:20] our very first board training meeting
[37:23] tomorrow evening to train a board on how
[37:27] a board operates and the professionalism
[37:31] that I and the other board members are
[37:33] expecting from the chamber.
[37:36] Uh since then we were very involved
[37:39] helping promote the uh the community
[37:43] July 4th event in a partnership with the
[37:46] city. Uh we're in the planning process
[37:49] of the Christmas parade and events in
[37:51] partnership with the city. Uh we
[37:54] continue to do hometown highlights here
[37:57] some rinky dink radio station in town.
[38:00] uh that we've given 96 plus hours of
[38:05] programming to the city of Rottale uh to
[38:09] promote uh tourism as well as uh foster
[38:13] greater community support. Okay. Uh
[38:17] right now we currently have 3,700
[38:20] followers uh on our social media
[38:23] platforms. Uh, and we're going to
[38:25] continue to promote shop, stay, and play
[38:27] in our home of Rockdale because together
[38:30] we are better.
[38:33] Okay. And that's my report. And I will
[38:35] take questions should you have any.
[38:37] >> I would also just point out that they
[38:39] the chamber was also heavily involved in
[38:42] helping to promote uh the the tackle
[38:44] fest that we had in May.
[38:47] >> Yeah. Well, that was Yeah, that was part
[38:49] of that.
[38:51] We get it. We appreciate it. Uh I will
[38:54] address and quell a couple of rumors
[38:56] about finances with the chamber. Uh
[38:59] while I I don't necessarily agree with
[39:01] the policy that we had before with the
[39:04] past, we're going forward in a different
[39:07] direction with how we compensate the
[39:10] person that we're reaching out to for
[39:12] the executive director's position. There
[39:14] is no money missing
[39:17] from the chamber. We've accounted for
[39:19] every dollar.
[39:21] So, if you've heard that, false.
[39:26] Uh, we ask uh I know our contract with
[39:28] the city that I have uh for our
[39:31] partnership ends this year. It was a
[39:33] two-year agreement. Uh, and we look and
[39:37] would hope that the uh city would
[39:39] partner with us again. I think this ends
[39:41] September 30th, 2026,
[39:44] that we can develop a new plan to work
[39:46] together to grow this community.
[39:51] Is your board full?
[39:53] >> Yes, 100%. We went from four members to
[39:56] 13
[39:58] and you have that should have that in
[40:01] your packet who those individuals are
[40:04] >> and it's been active board meetings
[40:07] where you may may have one or two board
[40:10] of those 13 that might be missing at any
[40:12] given time.
[40:14] >> Well, it's been summer. We're on
[40:15] vacation.
[40:16] >> Do Steve. Sir, do
[40:18] >> your bylaws have a requirement of the
[40:21] minimum number of board meetings that a
[40:23] member has to attend?
[40:25] >> Yes, sir. We do have that policy.
[40:27] >> Okay.
[40:29] >> Like I said, I took that upon myself and we we made it modernized where it
[40:36] should have been.
[40:37] >> Excellent. Thank you.
[40:38] >> And I'll make a copy available if you'd
[40:40] like one. You certainly
[40:42] >> Oh, it's not necessary for me, sir. I
[40:44] just had a qu that question.
[40:49] Well, then
[40:50] >> y'all do y'all have a normal meeting
[40:51] time?
[40:52] >> Yes, sir. 5:15 uh the second week of the
[40:56] month.
[40:57] >> And are you usually on Tuesdays?
[40:58] >> Public.
[40:59] >> What day?
[40:59] >> Normally on Thursdays, but this week
[41:01] it's on Tuesday.
[41:02] >> Well, we're having it on Tuesday this
[41:03] month because of the training. Okay.
[41:06] >> Yes, we have standardized meetings.
[41:08] >> Happens sometime the second week of the
[41:09] month. Mhm.
[41:10] >> Okay.
[41:11] >> Usually Thursdays like city manager
[41:14] Kelty
[41:15] >> open to the public.
[41:17] >> Well, if if you welcome to come in Hogan
[41:20] Hall anytime, uh we are a 501c3
[41:23] nonprofit and you certainly have a right
[41:26] to attend it. We'd love to have you.
[41:29] It's just a little tight with a bigger
[41:31] board. Oh,
[41:32] >> that makes sense. But
[41:34] >> we do have AV and we'll eventually have
[41:35] Zoom where we'll zoom our meetings.
[41:39] Gotcha.
[41:41] >> Thanks.
[41:41] >> Thank you all.
[41:42] >> Thank you, sir. Appreciate it.
[41:43] >> Appreciate you very much.
[41:44] >> Keep up the good work.
[41:49] » Now, we will receive a presentation from
[41:51] Rachel Owens for Kasa Malm County.
[42:03] » Good evening. My name is Rachel Owens
[42:05] and I am with Kasa of Milm County. Kasa
[42:07] stands for courtappointed special
[42:09] advocates and we have been in Milm
[42:11] County since 23 and have taken cases
[42:15] since 24
[42:18] and right now we have seven advocates.
[42:22] We need about 30 and if you know anyone
[42:25] that has 10 hours to spare a month, we
[42:27] would love to have them. They go through
[42:28] a 30-hour training which we give them
[42:31] and 15 is in person um at 105 South Main
[42:35] where our offices are located and the
[42:37] other half is 15 hours on their own time
[42:39] reading through the training which which
[42:41] we go over. Uh what happens with CASA is
[42:44] when kiddos are removed by CPS because
[42:46] it's no longer safe in their homes.
[42:48] Judge Young Bloodood appoints one of our
[42:50] CASAs when they enter the um the court
[42:53] system and our CASAs are with those
[42:55] kiddos from the time that that court
[42:58] they the time that they enter with the
[43:00] court system until it ends whether they
[43:02] are reunified whether they are adopted
[43:05] or whether they age out of care. I am
[43:08] I'm the executive director but I also am
[43:10] an advocate because we are short
[43:12] advocates and I'm not telling Judge
[43:14] Young Bloodood no. So, he keeps giving
[43:16] us cases as they come in, which we will
[43:18] gladly take. Um, we have
[43:23] with the legislature, the numbers are
[43:25] down right now. We only have about 40
[43:27] children in care, but that doesn't mean
[43:29] that there is less abuse occurring. The
[43:31] legislature has changed the definition
[43:32] of abuse and are trying to give parents
[43:34] more rights. I have my own opinions on
[43:36] that and I'll just leave it at that. Um,
[43:39] I don't want the government involved in
[43:41] my business, but I'm not abusing my
[43:42] children either. So um but with that the
[43:45] children have to be in much dire straits
[43:47] to be removed now. So when kids come
[43:50] into care they are coming with more
[43:52] issues more problems and they have been
[43:53] sustaining that abuse for longer periods
[43:56] of time. And we find that um they're
[43:59] needing much more care while they're in
[44:01] care because of the abuse that they have
[44:05] sustained at the hands of those who were
[44:07] supposed to take care of them. So right
[44:09] now we only have 40 40 children uh in
[44:12] Milm County. We've had like 12970 in
[44:16] care before in our county. We have
[44:18] around 5,300 youth and 1,323
[44:22] of those around there have been through
[44:24] the CPS system. That's more than our
[44:25] surrounding counties. It's not something
[44:27] to be good uh it's not anything good to
[44:29] be number one at when you're dealing
[44:31] with that. So, that's something that we
[44:33] work with. We find in our county in a
[44:35] lot of counties with abuse, it's
[44:36] cyclical and familial. And that means
[44:39] that they're they were raised that way
[44:41] and they are continuing that cycle of
[44:43] abuse. 95 of our kiddos are not even
[44:46] placed in Milm County. I drive about
[44:48] 20,000 miles every three months. Uh I
[44:51] didn't realize that because I just drive
[44:52] a lot, but my husband notices that
[44:54] because he has to buy me some new tires.
[44:56] So which he told me, he's like,
[44:57] "Rachel," he's like, "We got to change
[44:58] tires." I'm like, "What are you talking
[44:59] about? We just got tires." And so he's
[45:01] like, he looks at that. I don't. I'm
[45:03] just going. Um but the we've got a lot
[45:06] of kiddos to take care of and one of the
[45:09] things that we do to raise funds we
[45:11] receive a victims of crimes act grant
[45:13] and a health and human service act or
[45:15] care grant but in order to receive those
[45:18] grants we have to match the funding that
[45:20] they give us. Hence we have our event
[45:22] taste of milum which is coming up on
[45:24] September 19th. It's always going to be
[45:26] the third Saturday in in September. So
[45:28] you can mark your county your calendars
[45:30] from here on out. This year we're having
[45:32] it at Keling Ranch again. We had it at
[45:35] the venue in Cameron our first year. We
[45:38] It was a good problem to have. We
[45:39] outgrew that. They could take 300 I
[45:42] think 300 and we had 350 people show up.
[45:44] So we were at Keling Ranch last year. We
[45:45] had about 500 show up. They can take 550
[45:48] as what we can fit in there. I hope we
[45:50] outgrow it, but I don't know where we're
[45:51] going to go after that. My board will
[45:53] kill me if I do an event in September
[45:55] that's outside. So I can't do that. So,
[45:58] if you know of a place that's bigger
[45:59] that can house that many people, we love
[46:00] Keysling Ranch. Hopefully, we grow. Not
[46:03] sure where we're going to go next after
[46:04] that, but it you pay $50 to get in. One
[46:08] of the things uh fundraising fun making
[46:11] money off the event is number one, of
[46:13] course. Number two, though, is one of
[46:14] the reasons that we called it Taste of
[46:15] Milm. And that is to showcase all of
[46:18] what we have here in Milm County or Milm
[46:20] County, our small mom and pop and those
[46:23] types of businesses. Whether you do it
[46:24] out of your kitchen, you have brick and
[46:26] mortar, you have a food truck, the
[46:27] things that you can only get here in
[46:29] Milm County are what we showcase at this
[46:31] event. So, they bring their samples. We
[46:33] ask them to bring between four and 500
[46:35] samples because our numbers have grown.
[46:37] You get to sample all of that until it
[46:39] runs out or until you're stuffed. The
[46:41] other band uh will be playing for that
[46:44] evening. And um David Hall will be the
[46:47] MC and auctioneer. We too have guns. Um
[46:51] everybody likes guns. Uh, but my husband
[46:53] will be in town for this one, so going
[46:56] to stop me from bidding. I love the man
[46:59] dearly, though. But, um, one of the
[47:00] things we'll have is a, uh, 2K11, Kimber
[47:03] 45, a Desert Eagle 50 caliber, and I
[47:08] don't know, we're trying to think of
[47:09] outside the boxes. Everybody's got ARs
[47:11] now, so we're not even doing ARs this
[47:12] year. Um, but those are things that you
[47:14] can look forward to. But I hope that you
[47:16] can come to the event. This is some of
[47:18] the things that folks have asked me is,
[47:20] well, what do you spend your money on? I
[47:21] am paid as the executive director and
[47:23] then I also get to be an advocate and we
[47:25] finally were able to get an advocate
[47:27] supervisor because I'm only one person
[47:29] doing a lot of work which I don't mind
[47:31] but um we needed to do better and so we
[47:34] got her Addie Garrison her husband will
[47:36] start working at the uh Rockdale Police
[47:38] Department here pretty soon but all
[47:40] everyone else are volunteers all of our
[47:41] advocates are volunteers so they spend
[47:43] all of that time doing it for free out
[47:46] of the goodness of their hearts to make
[47:48] sure that those kids are taken care of
[47:50] and our whole point is to give those
[47:51] kids a voice in court and to be with
[47:53] them. And like I said, I have a case
[47:54] that's lasted two years. I've been that
[47:56] advocate for those kiddos and been with
[47:57] them through that process that entire
[47:59] time. We always strive for
[48:01] reunification, but sometimes that can't
[48:03] happen. So, we travel all over. We just
[48:05] had a kid that was placed in Vegas. I
[48:06] did volunteer to go see that kiddo. Um,
[48:10] but you know, my mom lives in Vegas,
[48:11] too. So, um, but that's we we go
[48:14] wherever the children go, and they're
[48:16] mostly placed out of our county. We
[48:17] don't even have like 10 registered um or
[48:20] certified foster homes in our county.
[48:22] That's why so many of them get sent out.
[48:24] So that's what we do in a nutshell. And
[48:26] I'll answer any questions you have
[48:28] because I can talk about this all day
[48:30] long.
[48:34] » Yes. Yeah.
[48:39] and
[48:40] >> I don't have any questions, but I just
[48:42] want to thank you and your advocates for
[48:44] what you do for our children that need
[48:46] that service. It's
[48:49] >> well, and we've saved the county in
[48:50] here. This one is 2425. The sheet that
[48:53] you've got on the left, it says
[48:54] $339,000.
[48:56] It's up to about $800,000 now of what we
[48:58] have saved the county. Um because our
[49:01] volunteers, our volunteers, they don't
[49:02] get paid. And that's money that they
[49:03] would have had to have paid for someone
[49:05] else to do this services for the
[49:07] children. So, it benefits everybody.
[49:09] number one our kiddos, but we do help
[49:11] the county out um by that service also,
[49:13] >> which that helps us as taxpayers out as
[49:16] well. So, thank you.
[49:16] >> It does.
[49:18] >> Thank you.
[49:19] Reggie. Thank you for the
[49:21] presentation.
[49:24] And moving along, council, you have your
[49:26] consent agenda before you. You've had
[49:27] time to review the consent agenda. I'll
[49:29] ask is there anything
[49:32] uh you want to take out of the consent
[49:34] agenda before I ask for action on the
[49:36] consent agenda as written?
[49:40] Make a motion that we approve the
[49:41] consent agenda as read.
[49:43] >> Second.
[49:44] >> Have a motion and a second on the floor
[49:46] to approve the consent agenda as
[49:47] written. Is there any discussion?
[49:50] Be no discussion will vote. All in favor
[49:52] said motion signify by raise your right
[49:54] hand. Motion passes unanimously.
[49:57] Moving on to the regular agenda agenda.
[49:59] Item number eight. consider uh conduct a
[50:02] public hearing on the proposed fiscal
[50:04] year 2026 2027 budget October 1, 2026
[50:09] through September 30th, 2027 for the
[50:12] city of Rockdale.
[50:14] Uh I am going to Tim, did you want to
[50:18] say something before I open the public
[50:20] hearing?
[50:20] >> You can open it and
[50:21] >> Okay. I have 6:22 p.m. The public
[50:24] hearing is now open. Is there anyone
[50:27] that wants to speak during the public
[50:30] hearing phase
[50:32] regarding the proposed fiscal year 2026
[50:35] 2027 budget? If so, you're welcome to
[50:39] step up step up to this podium and
[50:41] speak.
[50:47] Anyone present that would like to speak
[50:50] during the public hearing phase in
[50:52] regard to the proposed fiscal year 2026
[50:55] 2027 budget?
[51:04] Yes, ma'am.
[51:07] >> The budget will the budget is made
[51:08] public. all uh information relative to
[51:12] the uh budget hearings, meetings is open
[51:17] to the public. So, yes, ma'am.
[51:19] >> And it has been posted on our website
[51:21] since the 27th of July.
[51:26] >> Yeah, the the budget is posted on our
[51:28] website.
[51:29] >> Yes.
[51:30] ma'am.
[51:32] Any any one like to speak in regard to
[51:35] the public hearing open for the
[51:44] 23 p.m. and I am closing the public
[51:47] hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2026
[51:52] 2027 budget. Tim, go ahead.
[51:55] >> So there is there's no action on this
[51:57] tonight. Um but I would like to announce
[51:59] that this this whole the public hearing
[52:01] is part of the process required before
[52:03] we adopt the budget. Um the information
[52:06] on the budget has been posted on our
[52:08] website since the 27th of of July. Um
[52:12] and it's also been available at the city
[52:14] secretar's office for people to come in
[52:16] and review. Some of the highlights of
[52:18] the budget that I'm excited about. We
[52:21] are programming another half a million
[52:23] dollars um in the budget for street
[52:25] reconstruction next year. Um, we've got
[52:28] $35,000 for a skid steer for public
[52:30] works, $50,000 in culvert and drainage
[52:33] work planned. Um, we're setting aside
[52:36] $100,000 for a future fire truck, and
[52:39] $50,000 to help finance a new fire
[52:42] station expansion. Um, we've got
[52:44] $100,000 budgeted to make improvements
[52:46] at Veterans Park Pool to replace the
[52:49] deck. Um, there is a lease purchase of
[52:52] two new patrol vehicles in the police
[52:54] department. There's a 3% cost of living
[52:58] um allowance in the budget for all
[53:00] salaries. There's a $100,000 office
[53:02] improvements for public works. There's a
[53:04] $100,000 from hot funds for event
[53:07] funding. Um there's $840,000 in home
[53:11] partnership grant programming. And that
[53:13] $840,000
[53:15] is a lot, but it's actually kind of two
[53:19] years worth of of of
[53:22] um projects. Is that right, Ben?
[53:25] a year and a half.
[53:28] >> So, our match each year is 40,000. Um,
[53:31] so, and then there's $225,000 in there
[53:34] for the unified development code, which
[53:36] is being funded through a grant um that
[53:39] we're going to be talking about later in
[53:40] the meeting. Um, but the budget will pull about $300,000 from reserves
[53:45] in the general fund.
[53:48] Is
[53:48] >> that it?
[53:49] >> Yes, sir.
[53:50] >> Thank you, council. Any questions for
[53:53] Tim?
[53:54] None of those numbers changed from our
[53:56] last week's meeting. Is that correct?
[53:58] >> Um the amount we're pulling from
[53:59] reserves has gone down a little bit. Um
[54:02] going to be budgeting a little bit more
[54:03] from revenue in sales tax and um we got
[54:07] some information today on some revenue
[54:09] that we're going to generate from
[54:13] development. What do you call them?
[54:15] >> Site development permits um from this
[54:18] year. So that'll help our bottom line
[54:20] considerably. 31,000 delta between those
[54:24] two that we were going to be short has
[54:25] shrunk a little bit.
[54:26] >> Yeah, we're still going to be we're
[54:27] still going to be short, but it it'll instead of pulling we were looking
[54:31] at pulling I think 323,000.
[54:34] Um now we're probably going to be
[54:35] pulling around 28,000
[54:38] something like that.
[54:40] >> Moving on to reg agenda item number
[54:42] nine. conduct a public hearing on the
[54:45] proposed tax rate for the revenues from
[54:47] the properties on the tax role in the
[54:49] preceding tax year for the city of
[54:51] Rockdale.
[54:52] >> And I will say before you call the
[54:53] meeting, I probably should have said
[54:54] that earlier so people have stuff to
[54:56] comment on, but as part of the process
[54:58] for adopting the annual budget, we are
[55:00] required to conduct a public hearing on
[55:02] the proposed tax rate. The tax rate
[55:04] that's being proposed has a total rate
[55:06] of 782141.
[55:09] Um, this is down from the total rate
[55:10] adopted last year of 85 cents. Um and
[55:13] it's reflective of the no new revenue M
[55:16] rate of 642333 and a debt rate
[55:19] of.139508.
[55:22] Um it is the rate that will generate
[55:24] about $2.9 million from the general fund
[55:27] which is reflected in the proposed
[55:29] budget.
[55:30] >> Thank you. The public hearing is now
[55:33] officially open at 6:27 p.m.
[55:37] Is there anyone that would like to speak
[55:40] during this public hearing?
[55:43] Regarding agenda item number nine on the
[55:48] tax rate for the revenue from the
[55:50] properties on the tax ro
[55:56] » Yeah.
[56:01] Anyone want to speak during the public
[56:03] hearing
[56:05] >> on the proposed tax rate
[56:07] >> for the revenue from the properties on
[56:09] the tax role in the preceding tax year
[56:11] for the city of Rockdale?
[56:15] Does it appear that we have anyone that
[56:17] wants to speak during the public
[56:18] hearing? So, I am going to officially
[56:21] close the public hearing at 6:28 p.m.
[56:25] Tim, did you have anything else you
[56:26] wanted to say, sir?
[56:27] >> Uh, no, sir.
[56:28] >> Thank you. Moving on to agenda item
[56:30] number 10. Consider and take any
[56:32] necessary action on accepting a petition
[56:34] requesting the creation of a public
[56:36] improvement district for the military
[56:38] landing subdivision and set dates for
[56:40] the required public hearings. Go ahead,
[56:42] Tim.
[56:43] >> Uh, yes. So last,
[56:58] sorry, mayor.
[57:03] Few months ago, the city council adopted
[57:05] a um development agreement with Militin
[57:09] Landing LLC
[57:11] for the development of a new residential
[57:15] subdivision. It was back in May on May
[57:17] 13th.
[57:18] Um it is for a subdivision for about 400
[57:21] new homes on um the county road 306
[57:27] >> 306 just behind the um intermediate
[57:29] school. Um it's an area that's outside
[57:31] the city limits. Um they will be
[57:33] submitting a petition for annexation um
[57:36] here shortly. But they have part of the uh agreement in the
[57:40] development part of the terms of the
[57:41] development agreement was the adoption
[57:43] of a PID. And so they have submitted
[57:46] this this PID petition in accordance
[57:48] with the terms that were outlined in the
[57:52] development agreement. Um and so the
[57:54] action tonight is basically to accept by
[57:57] resolution to accept that um petition
[58:02] and set the public hearing dates and
[58:05] we're looking at a public hearing uh for
[58:08] September 14th.
[58:10] And Brian um Jared
[58:15] Drad
[58:16] and Jim Maddox are both here tonight to
[58:18] ask any questions you might have.
[58:22] But again, this is not to approve the
[58:24] PID. This is just to accept the uh the
[58:27] position.
[58:30] » So, will we have you'll have to have a
[58:32] public hearing? Do you have to have one
[58:33] public hearing?
[58:35] >> Uh, yes.
[58:37] >> On the PID,
[58:38] there'll be another public hearing on
[58:40] the annexation. Um, I'm not sure if
[58:42] there's a public hearing on the TUR.
[58:45] And when we do the public hearing, will
[58:48] we take an action immediately after that
[58:52] or be another month?
[58:55] >> You'll be able to take action at that
[58:58] same meeting following the
[59:02] um following the public hearing. I don't
[59:04] know whether it will take one or two
[59:06] readings. It's I'm sorry. The PIT is not
[59:08] done by ordinance. It is done by
[59:10] resolution. So, it just take one one
[59:12] vote from council. Um but there the
[59:16] terms that basically were all negotiated
[59:19] in the in the
[59:22] um development agreement will be part of
[59:25] that PID document. Um and there will be
[59:29] another more detailed document I believe
[59:33] that will accompany that. But um Andrea
[59:35] Barnes from P3 will be here. Um and Brad
[59:40] um has been on the team that has helped
[59:42] negotiate that that as well.
[59:45] >> Brad is with by the way is a city
[59:48] attorney with or with Barbara.
[59:54] » No, he's talking about this gentleman up
[59:55] here.
[59:57] >> And tonight all we're doing is Tonight
[59:59] all we're doing is setting a public
[1:00:01] hearing date.
[1:00:02] >> Yes. We're correct. There's a resolution
[1:00:03] that accepts the
[1:00:05] >> uh petition and then setting the public
[1:00:07] hearing for September 14th.
[1:00:09] >> Okay. Um so when will we see terms as
[1:00:13] far as like financials? Will that be on
[1:00:15] the the first hearing?
[1:00:18] >> Yeah. So there'll be more information
[1:00:20] forthcoming with the public hearing and
[1:00:22] the actual PID the document for adoption
[1:00:25] of a PID.
[1:00:26] >> And uh I guess to clarify what
[1:00:28] Councilman Perry was saying, we have to
[1:00:30] we act
[1:00:32] on that hearing or we have another week
[1:00:35] or month to
[1:00:39] >> um well you you can do what you want.
[1:00:42] Basically the intention is I mean what
[1:00:44] we've done in the past is would to take
[1:00:46] action after the public hearing. I'll
[1:00:48] have that information to you as soon as
[1:00:50] possible prior to the meeting. I won't
[1:00:54] wait for the packet to be sent out. So
[1:00:56] you'll have to have to find review that
[1:00:59] and if you have questions and if we if
[1:01:01] you're not comfortable acting on it that
[1:01:03] night without having further discussions
[1:01:05] um we can certainly do that.
[1:01:07] >> Um but it should be it the the documents
[1:01:10] should pretty much completely reflect
[1:01:13] the
[1:01:14] information negotiated in the
[1:01:15] development agreement.
[1:01:18] >> Right. Um to add a little more context,
[1:01:21] essentially we're in the the formality
[1:01:25] stages of creating the public
[1:01:27] improvement district um which levies um
[1:01:31] special assessments only on the property
[1:01:34] that that we own. And so uh part of that
[1:01:37] the first step of that process is to
[1:01:39] submit a ID petition, which is what
[1:01:43] we've done this evening. And so um uh as
[1:01:46] Mr. Kelty said the next step uh will be
[1:01:50] to hold that public hearing. So tonight
[1:01:51] we'll um set the public hearing and then
[1:01:55] in September we'll conduct that public
[1:01:57] hearing. Typically speaking um council
[1:02:01] then takes action um uh to create that
[1:02:06] district. So then at that point the
[1:02:08] district is created but no assessments
[1:02:11] and things are levied until the service
[1:02:14] and assessment plan uh which is I think
[1:02:16] the next item on your agenda for another
[1:02:18] development. But um that's where a lot
[1:02:21] of the nuts and bolts and the um the
[1:02:25] actual assessment numbers and the
[1:02:28] engineering reports and all of these uh
[1:02:31] things that also goes in with with some
[1:02:33] of the tur stuff. So there's there's a
[1:02:35] number of of steps to this process. This
[1:02:37] is basically the first, you know, first
[1:02:39] step of that. Um and uh uh and your
[1:02:43] consultants and staff will will have
[1:02:46] more at the upcoming months. And so
[1:02:48] probably this is probably about a uh
[1:02:52] four to five month process of
[1:02:53] documentation and different steps and milestones um to to get to the to
[1:03:00] the final um you know wrapping up of all
[1:03:03] the documents and putting in place for
[1:03:05] that uh for that PID and annexation and all that stuff. So
[1:03:10] >> yeah,
[1:03:11] >> basically he's saying at the next
[1:03:12] meeting potentially we would create the
[1:03:14] PID, but then we wouldn't actually set
[1:03:17] the terms of the financing amount until
[1:03:20] the the financing plan is completed and
[1:03:22] presented and and given to councel.
[1:03:27] >> Okay,
[1:03:30] council, any questions? If there's
[1:03:33] no nuts and bolts on it at that point,
[1:03:38] what's the public hearing for? What are
[1:03:40] they supposed to
[1:03:41] >> It is It is required by state law.
[1:03:45] >> What are they going to comment on?
[1:03:46] there's nothing to
[1:03:47] >> Well, and typically speaking, if I were
[1:03:50] creating a PID
[1:03:52] >> that affected other homeowners, that's what the intent of the law is, is
[1:03:58] that, you know, folks could come and
[1:04:01] voice their opposition and saying, "Hey,
[1:04:03] I'm getting uh I'm getting encumbered."
[1:04:06] Well, in this situation, we own all of
[1:04:08] the all of the land within the proposed
[1:04:11] district. So, I highly doubt anyone will come and object to that, but it is
[1:04:15] a part of the process that we have.
[1:04:18] >> Makes more sense.
[1:04:19] >> It could be established with lots of
[1:04:21] different property owners that might
[1:04:23] object to an assessment being placed on
[1:04:26] their property.
[1:04:28] >> I spoke to Tim about this agenda item as
[1:04:31] y'all probably thought I would. Um, I
[1:04:33] have a lot of reservations about it, but
[1:04:35] to clarify, I did go over some numbers
[1:04:37] with you that we have already kind of
[1:04:39] agreed with. Is that correct? But there
[1:04:41] is a plan to answer your question about
[1:04:43] there are some numbers about out there
[1:04:45] already percentages and dollar amounts
[1:04:47] and assessments. Is that your question?
[1:04:49] >> There are there are numbers that their estimated investment is $30
[1:04:54] million $29 million.
[1:04:56] >> That's just in the in the public cost,
[1:04:59] >> right? And not all of that will be
[1:05:01] capturable by the Tur. There's a limit
[1:05:03] on how much there's a there's a formula
[1:05:05] determined to uh established in the
[1:05:08] development agreement that will
[1:05:09] determine how much they can actually
[1:05:11] issue in bonds that will be recoverable
[1:05:14] by the PID.
[1:05:18] >> Correct. And just to clarify it, we were
[1:05:21] assuming that maybe it would be about
[1:05:22] the same at the as the other development
[1:05:24] which is about 20 to $33,000 in
[1:05:27] assessment. Is that correct?
[1:05:29] >> Correct. So, the the the cornerstone pid
[1:05:32] right now is um about $3,000 plus or
[1:05:36] minus a couple hundred dollars depending
[1:05:38] upon whether they're 40 or 50 foot lots.
[1:05:40] And I think that the
[1:05:43] uh PID assessment contemplated by the
[1:05:44] development agreement was about 2800
[1:05:48] plus or minus. It was a couple hundred
[1:05:50] dollars less. And that interest rate
[1:05:53] that is decided on, is that decided by
[1:05:57] um you guys or is that something that we
[1:05:59] negotiate? Because I know currently
[1:06:01] >> $200.
[1:06:02] >> Uh I think it's like 7.75
[1:06:05] the interest rate on the assessment.
[1:06:08] >> Oh, the interest based on what the bonds
[1:06:10] um would would sell for. Um so there's a
[1:06:13] formula based on uh and and P3 works.
[1:06:17] your consultant would would have more
[1:06:19] detail on that, but but there's a a bond
[1:06:21] buyer index of which the service and
[1:06:25] assessment plan follows um and it's
[1:06:28] governed by state law um of of what the
[1:06:31] applicable interest rate is based on
[1:06:34] what municipal bonds are selling. So we
[1:06:37] actually have a bond have bond council
[1:06:38] that's involved in assisting with the
[1:06:40] issuance of bonds for the public
[1:06:43] improvement districts and so they're
[1:06:44] sold on the open market competitively.
[1:06:48] Um they're I think that PID bonds are
[1:06:52] the reason the rates are higher than a
[1:06:54] typical municipal bond. It's backed by
[1:06:56] the full faith and credit of the city
[1:06:59] and its total ability to raise revenues
[1:07:02] through property taxes. It's limited and
[1:07:04] so the rates are generally higher than
[1:07:07] they would be for a typical general
[1:07:10] obligation fund.
[1:07:11] >> I think that's the important distinction
[1:07:12] about what this pit is. It is that the
[1:07:16] city is not pledging any of its assets
[1:07:19] or um responsibility to to repay any
[1:07:23] future bonds or pay any assessments. Uh
[1:07:25] this these costs are totally borne u by our development. And so um had been
[1:07:33] transferred to the citizen
[1:07:34] >> uh
[1:07:36] cover them but the taxpayer will though
[1:07:39] future future homeowners will cover uh
[1:07:41] >> that's what yes it'll fall on the backs
[1:07:43] of the citizens.
[1:07:44] >> Yes. It'll start as as our obligation um
[1:07:47] and then as as that property develops
[1:07:50] and and is subdivided uh those those
[1:07:53] assessments will
[1:07:55] >> be born by the beneficiaries of that
[1:07:57] infrastructure.
[1:07:58] >> We understand that. I believe we all
[1:07:59] understand that. We're just trying to
[1:08:00] look out for the citizens as well.
[1:08:03] I think it's what Nathan said though
[1:08:05] very important to be clear. It will be
[1:08:09] the burden will be on the citizens
[1:08:11] within that
[1:08:13] >> correct
[1:08:14] >> footprint of not
[1:08:17] >> everybody else outside of Absolutely.
[1:08:20] >> Right.
[1:08:22] >> Correct.
[1:08:22] >> Thank you for the clarification.
[1:08:24] >> You good?
[1:08:25] >> Yes, I'm good. Thank you.
[1:08:26] >> Council, any other questions?
[1:08:30] entertain a motion to uh schedule a
[1:08:32] public hearing.
[1:08:33] >> I make a motion that we accept a
[1:08:35] petition and schedule a public hearing
[1:08:37] on the petition for the regular council
[1:08:38] meeting on September 14th, 2026. Second,
[1:08:43] >> September 14th.
[1:08:45] >> Have a motion and a second on the floor.
[1:08:47] Is there any discussion?
[1:08:50] Being no discussion will vote. All in
[1:08:51] favor said motion signify by raising
[1:08:53] your right hand. Motion passes
[1:08:55] unanimously.
[1:08:57] Moving on to uh reg agenda item number
[1:09:01] 11,
[1:09:03] consider and take any necessary action
[1:09:05] on the ordinance for the cornerstone
[1:09:07] public improvement district annual
[1:09:09] service and assessment plan SAP update.
[1:09:12] Tim, so this is um a city's done this
[1:09:18] before, but I wanted to make sure this
[1:09:19] was in in the regular agenda, not
[1:09:21] consent agenda, so you're fully
[1:09:23] understand. Um every year um P3 as our
[1:09:26] pit administrator um reviews and issues
[1:09:30] a service and annual service and
[1:09:32] assessment plan um that is that needs to
[1:09:34] be approved by city council. Um that
[1:09:37] plan goes through all the forecasting um
[1:09:39] and and it slightly adjusts in in the
[1:09:42] plan. There are part of the important is
[1:09:46] the um disclosure notice um with all of
[1:09:50] the the the full the balance of the uh
[1:09:53] payments to the the PID. Um this is a
[1:09:57] when this is approved, we will be
[1:09:58] sending this directly to
[1:10:01] um Ranch Road and Dr. Horton and we will
[1:10:05] be posting this on our website. Um and
[1:10:08] then Dr. Horton um when they go to sell
[1:10:11] properties um under the terms of their
[1:10:13] agreement, they will include this
[1:10:16] disclos specific disclosure report in
[1:10:18] their sales contract and their closing
[1:10:21] documents and have it listed on the um
[1:10:25] sale the what do you call it? The online
[1:10:30] notice. Mayor, help me out.
[1:10:33] I'm sorry.
[1:10:34] >> What do they call when you re when you
[1:10:35] sell a real realtor property on the
[1:10:37] listing?
[1:10:37] >> MLS.
[1:10:38] >> Yeah. MLS listing. It'll that
[1:10:41] information will be there as well.
[1:10:43] >> Um and just to make sure that we don't
[1:10:45] have a repeat of last year. Um
[1:10:47] additionally, just for your information,
[1:10:48] now with the county handling the
[1:10:51] collections rather than the third party,
[1:10:52] they will property owners will get that
[1:10:54] bill with their their regular tax bill.
[1:10:56] So, they'll only get one one bill and
[1:10:59] it'll be sent to their um escrow
[1:11:01] holders. So hopefully they will be
[1:11:03] having escroed that.
[1:11:06] >> If what happens
[1:11:10] all of this assessment or all of this is
[1:11:13] being
[1:11:15] burdened on the
[1:11:18] land owners, property owners within that
[1:11:22] tur or pit
[1:11:24] >> within the pit
[1:11:25] >> pit.
[1:11:29] if if they have lose the ability to sell
[1:11:32] tracks out there, how is that
[1:11:33] guaranteed? Who's guaranteeing that?
[1:11:35] >> So, the the developer, and this is what
[1:11:38] Brian was suggesting, talking about
[1:11:40] earlier, um until they sell any lots,
[1:11:43] the developer is responsible for the
[1:11:45] entire annual bond payment. So their
[1:11:48] first B bond payment if it's a million
[1:11:50] and a half dollars um the developer is
[1:11:54] responsible for that 100% of that bond
[1:11:56] payment. When they start selling lots to
[1:11:59] home builders or to new homeowners then
[1:12:03] that portion becomes the responsibility
[1:12:05] of that homeowner. But until they sell
[1:12:07] the lot they are responsible.
[1:12:11] So if Cornerstone
[1:12:14] was only ever to sell 50% of their lots
[1:12:16] for whatever reason, they're
[1:12:18] responsible. The developers responsib
[1:12:24] » forever and ever.
[1:12:25] >> Yeah. Well, until the bonds paid off.
[1:12:27] >> 25 years.
[1:12:29] >> 30 years.
[1:12:30] >> It's a long time for me.
[1:12:34] >> I know that's a long time for me, too.
[1:12:37] Promise.
[1:12:39] Okay. So the city does not have the
[1:12:41] obligation
[1:12:43] to fulfill that correct.
[1:12:44] >> The developer does.
[1:12:46] >> That's correct.
[1:12:47] >> Okay.
[1:12:50] » And until they build a house, there's
[1:12:53] really not much of a TUR assessment that
[1:12:55] they're going to be getting. They're not
[1:12:57] really I don't think there's any TUR
[1:12:59] credit they're getting for the property.
[1:13:01] So they're paying 100% of that
[1:13:04] development cost. What would the
[1:13:07] charities in effect uh is beneficial if
[1:13:10] they sell all of the lots for that
[1:13:13] territory to kind of
[1:13:14] >> Yeah. So if they if they actually sell
[1:13:17] all 650 lots in Cornerstone and they
[1:13:21] build 650 homes out there, then each
[1:13:24] property owner is going to be
[1:13:25] responsible for the $3,000 annual
[1:13:28] installment the first year that they buy
[1:13:30] the house. the next year they're
[1:13:32] responsible for the $3,000 assessment,
[1:13:35] but it'll be reduced by the amount of
[1:13:37] the TUR credit that they receive um
[1:13:41] based on the on the total tax payment
[1:13:43] that they that they get. And there's a
[1:13:46] limit to that. You I think it's 1,800.
[1:13:51] I don't remember maybe 1,500 between
[1:13:53] 1500 and 1600 in cornerstone of tourist
[1:13:57] credit that they can max. It's the
[1:13:59] maximum tur credit they can get. So if
[1:14:01] in the future their assessed value goes
[1:14:04] from, you know, initially if it's
[1:14:07] $275,000
[1:14:08] and 10 years from now it's 300 or
[1:14:12] $400,000
[1:14:15] um and the city's tax rate stays
[1:14:17] relatively level at 78 or 80 cents.
[1:14:21] um then the amount of tax that they're
[1:14:23] going to be paying is actually greater
[1:14:25] than
[1:14:27] um the original forecast amount. But the
[1:14:30] maximum that the TUR credit will give
[1:14:31] them is that $1,400 or $1,500. Whatever
[1:14:36] is established
[1:14:37] is the maximum TUR credit.
[1:14:43] So, our action tonight
[1:14:45] >> is to uh staff recommends council
[1:14:49] approve the first reading of the
[1:14:50] ordinance.
[1:14:51] >> So, this one comes back next month.
[1:14:54] >> Yes,
[1:14:54] >> this will come back because in order for
[1:14:56] it to pass in one reading, you have to
[1:14:58] have all seven members voting and you
[1:15:00] only have five of you tonight. So,
[1:15:05] » I have a question. Am I allowed to vote
[1:15:08] on this since I was uh censored on the
[1:15:11] previous uh
[1:15:13] >> Yes. No, I actually and Councilwoman
[1:15:16] Ezmelier.
[1:15:18] >> I had to talk to the attorney
[1:15:20] >> um and got confirmation from the
[1:15:22] attorney that this particular issue is
[1:15:24] not the same because before we were
[1:15:26] talking about potential litigation and kind of a mess. This is this is a
[1:15:31] kind of a routine prefuncter notice.
[1:15:34] This has to be approved. in order for
[1:15:37] the assessment to be
[1:15:38] >> very good. Thank you.
[1:15:39] >> The only way I should say this, and this
[1:15:42] is something for the attorney, the only
[1:15:44] way the city would potentially be on the
[1:15:46] hook for that bond is if we didn't adopt
[1:15:49] this. Is that correct?
[1:15:51] >> I'd have to double check that. I believe
[1:15:52] that's correct.
[1:15:54] >> Yes, sir.
[1:15:55] >> Can you give us that answer before we do
[1:15:57] this next month?
[1:15:58] >> Yes, sir.
[1:15:59] >> I want to know what I'm on the hook for.
[1:16:01] So this this if we in other words if we didn't adopt this performance and
[1:16:05] assess performance and payment plan we
[1:16:08] would eliminate the the PID's ability to
[1:16:11] levy that assessment
[1:16:14] and the bond still is out there.
[1:16:17] >> Okay. Council entertain action on the
[1:16:20] first reading of the ordinance. I make a
[1:16:22] motion that we approve the first reading
[1:16:23] of the ordinance for the uh public
[1:16:27] improvement district annual service
[1:16:29] assessment plan for cornerstone.
[1:16:32] >> A second a motion and a second on the
[1:16:34] floor. Is there any discussion?
[1:16:37] Be no discussion of vote. All in favor
[1:16:38] said motion signify by raising your
[1:16:40] right hand. Motion passes unanimously.
[1:16:43] Moving on to regular agenda item number
[1:16:45] 12. consider and take any ne uh
[1:16:48] necessary action on a recommendation
[1:16:49] from the city manager regarding a
[1:16:52] request submitted by the Rockdale Fair
[1:16:54] Association for funding reimbursement
[1:16:56] from the hotel motel hotel occupancy tax
[1:16:59] fund for the October Gosh is that coming
[1:17:01] up so soon 2026 fairio
[1:17:05] Tim and hello Christie
[1:17:07] >> how are you
[1:17:07] >> so they have submitted an application
[1:17:09] for $25,000 but I I added uh the $5,000
[1:17:14] from the interlocal agreement that we
[1:17:16] have with them to make their total
[1:17:18] payment $30,000.
[1:17:21] Is that correct?
[1:17:22] >> Yes, sir.
[1:17:24] >> Um and this is for the their annual
[1:17:27] um event that they have. Basically, the
[1:17:30] $25,000 is the maximum amount that we
[1:17:32] gave out as a grant for events, but this
[1:17:35] also includes uh theou amount as well.
[1:17:39] >> Yes. To help with parking control.
[1:17:43] >> That's a bad word.
[1:17:44] >> Yeah. in and my uh we actually do have a
[1:17:47] plan though. Um my good buddy Steve has
[1:17:49] taken that over for us. He's going to
[1:17:51] work with some some guys from the city.
[1:17:53] Um we've also made an arrangement with
[1:17:56] our new security group. We hired a new
[1:17:58] security group this year and they've
[1:17:59] worked parking security before. So, I'm
[1:18:03] not going to put a whole security team
[1:18:04] in the lot out there, but they're going
[1:18:06] to work with the the the team that we
[1:18:09] have that's going to man the lot for us
[1:18:10] just to kind of give them some some
[1:18:12] teeth. Um, with I think some of our
[1:18:15] crowd I don't know how well they're
[1:18:16] going to listen to just, you know,
[1:18:18] volunteers in the parking lot. So, I've
[1:18:20] got some security out there to kind of
[1:18:21] back them up for that. So, we'll be
[1:18:23] paying for the team and then also for
[1:18:25] our in park security is going to be in
[1:18:28] the parking lot.
[1:18:28] >> Awesome. Go ahead,
[1:18:30] >> Christie. I was saying if you'd like I
[1:18:32] can meet with you to kind of go over
[1:18:34] what we did successfully.
[1:18:36] >> I think Steve was gonna hit you up for
[1:18:38] that.
[1:18:38] >> Okay.
[1:18:38] >> Yeah.
[1:18:40] >> And just I'm not going to speak for
[1:18:42] Chief Matters, but I did speak with
[1:18:44] Chief Matters after talking to uh I
[1:18:47] guess it was you and James in regard to
[1:18:49] have y'all talked with Chief Matters
[1:18:51] about having control over that parking
[1:18:53] lot?
[1:18:54] >> Not yet. Oh, control over it or
[1:18:56] >> or being able to do what you need to do
[1:18:58] out in that parking lot? I think
[1:19:00] >> just have a meeting with Chief Meadows
[1:19:02] is what I'm
[1:19:02] >> Well, I think I have to have an
[1:19:03] agreement with the city so that I can
[1:19:05] tow from it
[1:19:06] >> like okay like a rental agreement or
[1:19:08] something like that because I can't get
[1:19:10] a tow truck driver to come out there
[1:19:11] since we don't own that land or that
[1:19:13] lot.
[1:19:14] >> I So yeah, I set up that meeting with
[1:19:16] Chief Meadows to
[1:19:17] >> Okay,
[1:19:18] >> please.
[1:19:18] >> We'll do.
[1:19:19] >> Yes.
[1:19:20] >> So, um we have it's been a rough year.
[1:19:23] We had the fair last year. Um, we only
[1:19:25] brought in about 225,000 on the gate,
[1:19:27] which is about $30,000 less than we
[1:19:29] normally do. Um, Red Farren did not work
[1:19:32] out for us, but we've got a a pretty
[1:19:35] strong lineup this year. Um, I can't
[1:19:38] start publicizing in writing due to
[1:19:40] contractual obligations, but we'll have
[1:19:41] Shannondoa on Friday night and then
[1:19:44] we'll have uh AOS in the rooftops, I
[1:19:48] believe, on Saturday night, which they
[1:19:49] have a pretty big following. We're
[1:19:51] getting a lot of good feedback so far
[1:19:52] from their websites and and their their
[1:19:54] fan groups. Um we've learned over the
[1:19:56] last two or three years to really kind
[1:19:58] of get in touch with their their fan
[1:19:59] groups. I didn't think that most of
[1:20:01] these guys had really big ones, but they
[1:20:03] do. Um and we're kind of marketing
[1:20:05] towards them a little bit. So, we're
[1:20:07] looking uh for a bigger fair this year.
[1:20:11] Definitely need a bigger fair this year.
[1:20:12] Um I think I told y'all the last time we
[1:20:14] met, Lyn, that I wasn't ready to talk
[1:20:16] about Jubilee Days yet. I don't know
[1:20:18] that I'm ready yet either today, but if
[1:20:20] you have any questions, I'll answer
[1:20:21] them. Um, we were low on the gate and
[1:20:24] the gate money that we bring in, the
[1:20:25] majority of our income comes from uh
[1:20:28] beer sales, ticket sales, and just
[1:20:30] regular walkthrough gate sales. Um, but
[1:20:32] our sale was the biggest one that we've
[1:20:34] ever had. We raised $1.4 million uh for
[1:20:37] the kids in MM County. So, we we still
[1:20:40] kind of, you know, achieved the main
[1:20:41] goal that we were setting out, but uh
[1:20:44] the different things that we've done
[1:20:45] this year. Uh we're adding the parking
[1:20:48] um security. Uh we also have been
[1:20:50] working on building projects out there
[1:20:51] for the last probably four or five
[1:20:54] months and it looks like we're getting
[1:20:55] ready to start wrapping most of those
[1:20:57] up. We're at the electrical and water
[1:20:59] piece to all of that right now. So, I've
[1:21:02] kind of lowered my savings account more
[1:21:04] than what I would have liked, but
[1:21:06] we're working through it.
[1:21:08] Need a big fair this year.
[1:21:10] >> Good.
[1:21:11] >> Exciting to hear.
[1:21:13] >> Pegasus in the rooftops and Shannondoa.
[1:21:15] Great entertainment lineup for sure.
[1:21:17] >> The only negative feedback I'm getting
[1:21:18] is most people wish we could have done
[1:21:20] Shannidoa on Saturday night.
[1:21:22] >> We've been trying to book them for about
[1:21:23] 12 years now. And this is the first time
[1:21:24] that they were available either night.
[1:21:26] So we we grabbed them. I think we're out
[1:21:28] of town on football that Friday. Um but
[1:21:31] it's not Cameron this time. So to see
[1:21:34] how that works out for us.
[1:21:35] >> Awesome.
[1:21:37] Do you have anything else you'd like to
[1:21:38] say Christie or
[1:21:39] >> No, just
[1:21:40] >> council. Do you have any questions?
[1:21:41] >> Support every
[1:21:43] >> No.
[1:21:44] >> I do want to publicly say though to
[1:21:46] thank Shana for all her help. She stays
[1:21:47] on top of me for this and I don't know
[1:21:49] that I could get through this hot
[1:21:51] process if it weren't for her. She's
[1:21:53] awesome.
[1:21:54] >> Thank you, Shana.
[1:21:55] >> The degree of uh
[1:21:58] information you give us annually is very
[1:22:02] much appreciated. So, thank you. I told
[1:22:04] you before I'm begging for money. I'll
[1:22:06] give you all the information you want.
[1:22:09] >> So, council, it looks like staff
[1:22:11] recommends approve the application for
[1:22:13] hot funds. I'll entertain action on this
[1:22:14] agenda item.
[1:22:17] >> I'll make a motion that we approve the
[1:22:19] hot funds application with the amendment
[1:22:21] that city manager Kelty has added to it
[1:22:26] for the 2026
[1:22:29] annual Rockville fair.
[1:22:31] >> Second that. Have a motion and a second
[1:22:33] on the floor. Is there any discussion?
[1:22:36] Being no discussion, we'll vote. All in
[1:22:38] favor said motion signify by raising
[1:22:40] your right hand. Motion passes
[1:22:42] unanimously. Thank you, Christie.
[1:22:43] >> Thank you all very much.
[1:22:44] >> Absolutely. Welcome to the fair.
[1:22:49] >> Regular agenda item number 13.
[1:22:52] consider and take any necessary action
[1:22:54] on a recommendation from the city
[1:22:56] manager regarding a request submitted by
[1:22:57] the Rockdale Historical Society for
[1:23:00] funding reimbursement from the hotel
[1:23:02] occupancy tax fund for project access to
[1:23:05] uh for the Rockdale Museum.
[1:23:08] >> Hello ladies. How are y'all?
[1:23:09] >> Howdy. Doing good.
[1:23:10] >> Good. Thanks so much for having
[1:23:12] >> Mr. Mayor, council members, uh city
[1:23:15] manager. Uh thank you for having us here
[1:23:17] this evening to talk about an important
[1:23:19] improvement that we propose to make to
[1:23:20] our downtown uh superstar the depot
[1:23:24] museum. We are requesting funding, hot
[1:23:28] funds not to exceed $5,000 to complete
[1:23:30] the financial support and allow us to um
[1:23:35] add 250 ft of hard surface improvement
[1:23:38] sidewalks and improve our accessibility
[1:23:41] to all of our depot
[1:23:44] um
[1:23:45] >> exhibits.
[1:23:47] Great. Um, I would I noticed in the
[1:23:50] staff recommendation, thank you for
[1:23:52] that, Tim, that there's uh one
[1:23:54] correction I would like to make that our
[1:23:56] $3,000 sponsor is actually SLR rather
[1:23:58] than Riot. So, they have already
[1:24:01] provided
[1:24:02] >> um that sponsorship and we are just
[1:24:05] holding that those funds um until we
[1:24:10] fund the remainder of the package at
[1:24:11] which time we could start work immediately. Right.
[1:24:16] What's the what's the total value of the work that you're trying to
[1:24:20] achieve? You're asking for 5,000. Uh SLR
[1:24:23] has given you
[1:24:24] >> three What is that?
[1:24:26] >> Uh MDD has also funded 7425
[1:24:31] >> as a last their last meeting. So really
[1:24:35] it's a 44.
[1:24:38] >> It's a little less than $5,000. I
[1:24:40] rounded it up to $5,000. It's
[1:24:42] reimbursement.
[1:24:43] >> Yeah. So if they end up spending less
[1:24:45] than
[1:24:47] >> if they if if the project contract goes
[1:24:49] over a little bit, they would have up to
[1:24:50] 5,000,
[1:24:51] >> right? If 5,000 applies for just
[1:24:53] >> what they're I mean what they were
[1:24:54] asking for was $4,850,
[1:24:57] I think.
[1:24:58] >> So my question is
[1:25:00] >> if we give them the 5,000, you got what
[1:25:02] the money from SLR and something from
[1:25:05] the MDD.
[1:25:07] >> That will allow you to complete your
[1:25:08] whole project that you're trying to do
[1:25:10] >> the phase one. Yes. The sidewalk. That
[1:25:12] was my question
[1:25:12] >> specifically.
[1:25:13] >> Mhm. Okay.
[1:25:13] >> And it would enable a phase two.
[1:25:15] >> Okay.
[1:25:16] >> Immediately.
[1:25:17] >> So,
[1:25:17] >> and that's 14,850
[1:25:20] correct
[1:25:20] >> for the total project. So, project
[1:25:22] access is split into two parts. What
[1:25:24] we're uh what we're here um on behalf of
[1:25:26] is to secure the funding to be able to
[1:25:29] start and complete phase one, which is
[1:25:31] all of our concrete sidewalks. that's
[1:25:34] going to connect our property from the
[1:25:36] bathrooms where our sidewalks end to the
[1:25:38] caboose all the way down to the end of
[1:25:40] our dining car and add a second
[1:25:43] wheelchair accessible parking spot on
[1:25:45] the road where there's already a curb
[1:25:47] cut. In addition to that, it's going to
[1:25:49] lay a necessary platform at the end of
[1:25:52] our dining car on which we will be
[1:25:54] building a wheelchair accessible deck.
[1:25:57] So, the second phase of project access,
[1:25:59] we're going to be seeking corporate
[1:26:00] sponsorships. We already have two
[1:26:02] committed verbally. Uh one person who's
[1:26:05] committed to purchasing all or part of
[1:26:07] the wheelchair lift. Uh we already have
[1:26:10] our debt plans uh sent to an engineer.
[1:26:12] So we're we're working on the planning
[1:26:13] phases of that. Uh the $5,000 uh if the
[1:26:17] council would approve would allow us to
[1:26:18] actually execute this entire first step
[1:26:21] and begin uh the sponsorship packages
[1:26:23] for the people who have already donated
[1:26:25] and get that publicity out so that we
[1:26:27] can uh develop some momentum for phase
[1:26:29] two. Do you do you have an estimate on
[1:26:32] the phase one and two?
[1:26:33] >> Phase one is 14825 from the concrete
[1:26:37] contractor. He's ready to start this
[1:26:38] week when when we have secured funding.
[1:26:41] Um that that shouldn't take very long at
[1:26:44] all. Um phase two, it's going to it's
[1:26:47] we're going to have more hard numbers as
[1:26:49] soon as I get the uh debt drawings back
[1:26:51] from our engineer. Um, but we're aiming,
[1:26:55] and this is just a ballpark, between 25
[1:26:57] and 35,000 depending on, you know, how
[1:27:00] our bids come back. So, and that's for
[1:27:03] the for the full deck should be
[1:27:05] including the wheelchair lift,
[1:27:07] >> which we've already
[1:27:09] >> we have a verbal uh commitment for the
[1:27:11] wheelchair lift right now
[1:27:12] >> is approved for the Okay,
[1:27:14] >> great.
[1:27:15] >> Awesome. I'll make a motion that we
[1:27:17] approve the $5,000 recommendation from
[1:27:22] uh city manager Kelty for the
[1:27:25] reimbursement of the funding for the
[1:27:28] Rockdale Depot Museum.
[1:27:30] >> A motion on the floor. Is there a
[1:27:32] second?
[1:27:32] >> Second.
[1:27:33] >> A motion is second on the floor. Is
[1:27:34] there any discussion?
[1:27:36] >> Be no discussion will vote. All in favor
[1:27:38] said motion signify by raising your
[1:27:40] right hand. Motion passes unanimously.
[1:27:43] >> Thank you very much.
[1:27:43] >> Congratulations. Keep up the good work,
[1:27:45] ladies.
[1:27:48] >> Agenda item number 14, consider and take
[1:27:50] any necessary action on a resolution
[1:27:53] designating authorized signitories for
[1:27:55] the CDBG MIT Resilient Communities
[1:28:00] Program contract number 23-160-210-F792.
[1:28:05] Hello, Ben.
[1:28:06] >> Hey, mayor. Hey, council. Um, so this is
[1:28:08] just some paperwork on the side of the
[1:28:10] no match grant if you can recall for the
[1:28:12] unified development code. All this is
[1:28:15] doing is just giving us authorized
[1:28:17] signatures. So we're asking for the
[1:28:18] mayor to be one and Shana to be the
[1:28:21] second
[1:28:26] » pretty straightforward. Ben,
[1:28:28] >> what's the second resolution do?
[1:28:30] >> So the second resolution on the next
[1:28:32] item is just a housekeeping item. It's
[1:28:34] just reaffirming that we do follow civil
[1:28:37] rights policies for the city. Um it's a
[1:28:40] requirement on the grant to pass that
[1:28:42] resolution and keep that updated.
[1:28:44] >> I see staff is you're recommending
[1:28:46] approval on both resolutions, Ben,
[1:28:48] obviously. Okay.
[1:28:50] >> Yes. And I was I was talking to Barbie.
[1:28:53] I think you can do both of these
[1:28:54] resolutions with one motion at the same
[1:28:55] time.
[1:28:56] >> Perfect.
[1:28:56] >> Okay.
[1:28:56] >> I'm saying the mayor and the city
[1:28:58] secretary be authorized. I thought Did
[1:29:00] you not say Shana
[1:29:01] >> to sign
[1:29:02] >> is the city secretary?
[1:29:04] >> Okay. Oh, and the mayor. Yeah. Gotcha.
[1:29:06] Okay.
[1:29:06] >> Okay.
[1:29:07] >> Great. I move that we approve line item
[1:29:08] 14 and 15 as read.
[1:29:11] >> I have a motion to approve uh item 14
[1:29:13] and 15 as read. Is there a second?
[1:29:16] >> Motion is second on the floor. Is there
[1:29:18] any discussion? All in favor said motion
[1:29:20] signify by raise your right hand. Motion
[1:29:23] passes unanimously with council member
[1:29:26] Perry abstaining because he has stepped
[1:29:28] out of the room.
[1:29:34] Moving on to regular agenda item number
[1:29:36] 16. Consider
[1:29:38] and take any necessary action on a
[1:29:40] contract renewal with BVR waste and
[1:29:43] recycling. Tim.
[1:29:45] >> Yes. For the city solid waste contract
[1:29:47] with BVR waste and recycling expires in
[1:29:49] January uh actually January 2027. And I missed wrote that on on your memo. It
[1:29:56] was a 5-year contract. It started in
[1:29:59] 2021.
[1:30:01] Um
[1:30:04] over the last five years, the the BVR
[1:30:06] has provided uh good service. They
[1:30:10] originally had proposed 5% rate increase
[1:30:13] starting in January for residential
[1:30:15] pickup with a 3% per year increase
[1:30:18] thereafter for the for the term of the
[1:30:20] new contract and then 10% for commercial
[1:30:23] service and 5%
[1:30:25] year after when I talked council
[1:30:27] previously asked me to go back and kind
[1:30:30] of work them over a little bit see if we
[1:30:32] could do better and they came back with
[1:30:34] a 4% residential increase in January
[1:30:37] with 3% increases after thereafter in a
[1:30:40] 7 and a half% commercial increase um and
[1:30:44] three and a half% uh increases
[1:30:46] thereafter. All the other terms of the
[1:30:49] current contract remain the same.
[1:30:53] So my recommendation is to move forward
[1:30:57] uh with this renewal.
[1:30:59] It does keep us in in line with rates
[1:31:02] being charged by cities in the area. Is
[1:31:06] it the new contract going to be five
[1:31:08] more years?
[1:31:09] >> New contract would be an additional five
[1:31:11] years.
[1:31:14] >> Um, one of the things that happens when
[1:31:18] we hire new contract uh switch uh solid
[1:31:24] waste
[1:31:26] uh providers is we get new trash cans
[1:31:28] and that sort of thing. I'm not
[1:31:30] promoting that we get new trash cans,
[1:31:32] but what what happens when I've got one
[1:31:35] that the bottom's pretty well gone out
[1:31:36] of. Is that my responsibility or is BBR
[1:31:39] is that part of their arrangement?
[1:31:41] >> Uh, Mr.
[1:31:42] >> Okay.
[1:31:43] >> All right. You can uh you can call the
[1:31:44] city and uh we'll get it replaced.
[1:31:46] >> Okay.
[1:31:46] >> Free of charge.
[1:31:47] >> Okay.
[1:31:48] >> No problem. As long as there 10 years in
[1:31:52] there can
[1:31:53] >> as long as it is due to normal wear and
[1:31:55] tear they will replace it.
[1:31:57] >> If it's any kind of abuse or
[1:32:00] >> you know you use it to hold acid and
[1:32:04] >> okay we've had that happen
[1:32:07] >> fourth of July shenanigans.
[1:32:09] >> Okay Tim if we looked into comparable
[1:32:12] rates um and I'm just asking I was one
[1:32:15] to visit a a lot of these sites um BVR
[1:32:20] being one of them and before we made the
[1:32:22] decision to go with them.
[1:32:24] >> Uh and I understand as Tim has mentioned
[1:32:26] before, changing somebody's trash,
[1:32:28] >> one of the most disturbing things for
[1:32:30] citizens because you're getting a little
[1:32:32] bit smaller,
[1:32:34] >> but
[1:32:34] >> um but if if it keeps I want to see how
[1:32:36] we can keep rates competitive. I'm I'm
[1:32:38] not opposed to the increase annually. Um
[1:32:41] was that a was this a comparable
[1:32:43] increase in the previous contract?
[1:32:45] >> Yes, sir.
[1:32:45] >> Three and a half%. It was yes it was
[1:32:48] three to three and a half percent. We
[1:32:49] held off on it for a couple years on the
[1:32:52] increase just because it was we were in
[1:32:54] a pretty tough time for everybody uh
[1:32:56] during when we took over during COVID
[1:32:58] which was a a nightmare for everybody
[1:33:01] including us. Uh and then we did see
[1:33:04] some huge um increases in diesel and
[1:33:07] different things that went on at that
[1:33:09] time. We did have an increase and then I
[1:33:12] believe we held off this past year on on
[1:33:14] doing any price increases as well.
[1:33:16] So the the rates that they are proposing
[1:33:18] to you know I did look at other cities
[1:33:21] in the area um I looked at Giddings
[1:33:25] Thorndale Cameron Hearn Caldwell and it
[1:33:29] and and what they're proposing is is
[1:33:32] competitive.
[1:33:34] >> I'm not necessarily worried about the
[1:33:36] cities we looked at. Did we look at the
[1:33:37] other companies? Did we compare with
[1:33:39] other companies rates? Well, those other
[1:33:42] cities are being have have multiple
[1:33:44] different companies. So, no, we when I came to council a few weeks ago,
[1:33:50] you know, I asked or a few a couple
[1:33:52] months ago, I asked if whether whether
[1:33:54] we wanted to go out for bid and um
[1:33:58] potentially select a new contractor with
[1:34:01] a you know, if by going out for bid,
[1:34:03] you're going to look at the low lowest
[1:34:05] contractor and the and the desired
[1:34:08] council was to stay with BVR and get the
[1:34:11] best rate that we could from the person.
[1:34:15] So without going through that process of
[1:34:17] going out for bids, I really can't get
[1:34:19] quotes from waste connections or
[1:34:24] all I can look at see what they're
[1:34:25] charging other cities. Okay.
[1:34:29] >> Yeah.
[1:34:31] >> I'm sorry I can't remember your name.
[1:34:33] Yeah. Thank you. You were here a few
[1:34:35] months ago. Yes, sir.
[1:34:36] >> And we went through this process. Yes.
[1:34:38] >> Right.
[1:34:39] Um, and I remember having those
[1:34:42] discussions then.
[1:34:50] So, and I was out of the room when these
[1:34:53] discussions started on this agenda item.
[1:34:58] >> I'm sorry, mayor. So, I had mentioned
[1:34:59] earlier that when I brought this to
[1:35:01] council earlier, BVR was proposing a 5%
[1:35:05] increase in January.
[1:35:06] >> Okay. for residential collection and 3%
[1:35:10] a year thereafter and 10% increase for
[1:35:12] commercial service starting in January
[1:35:14] with a 5% thereafter and council asked
[1:35:17] me to go back and try to negotiate with
[1:35:19] them and um they came back and offered
[1:35:23] 4% increase for residential and a 7 and
[1:35:26] a half% increase for commercial still 3%
[1:35:30] annual increase um and but they lowered
[1:35:34] the three the 5% thereafter in
[1:35:36] commercial to 3 and a2%.
[1:35:38] >> So what would that do to a regular
[1:35:41] homeowner? How would that increase? What
[1:35:44] how much would that percent?
[1:35:46] >> So if you look at the very back of the
[1:35:50] uh you look at the very back
[1:35:53] >> attachment number one.
[1:35:56] >> Yes. Let me see.
[1:36:00] >> Yes.
[1:36:01] >> Number three. Um so the current rate um
[1:36:04] for residential
[1:36:06] >> is$1547.
[1:36:08] >> Um the 4% increase would take that up
[1:36:10] to609.
[1:36:12] So it' be about a 50 62% increase per
[1:36:16] month and then over the five years it
[1:36:19] would take it all the way up to 1811 uh
[1:36:21] by 2031.
[1:36:25] >> That additional car that's uh
[1:36:28] >> that's if if an individual requests a
[1:36:31] second cart.
[1:36:32] >> So it's 1609 plus the 1196. Correct.
[1:36:35] >> Yeah. So if you have currently if you
[1:36:36] have two carts the cost is uh 27 about
[1:36:41] $27. Under the new terms uh it would be
[1:36:45] about 28
[1:36:50] for two carts
[1:36:52] >> for 26 and 27. And then it goes up
[1:36:57] >> 26 in in the very top of the page is is
[1:37:00] the current rate.
[1:37:04] » And you I know you said you did a a you
[1:37:08] did research these other cities and I
[1:37:11] see this camera pays $20 for twice a
[1:37:14] week.
[1:37:16] Um
[1:37:17] >> and all those are comparisons are for a
[1:37:19] single cart collection.
[1:37:20] >> For a single cart.
[1:37:24] What did you say on the commercial side?
[1:37:26] It's you're doing 7%.
[1:37:28] >> Yes, sir.
[1:37:29] >> And then
[1:37:30] >> 7% and three and a half%
[1:37:32] >> annually as well.
[1:37:36] » So four and seven and then the three is
[1:37:39] consistent.
[1:37:39] >> Yes, sir.
[1:37:40] >> Between residential and commercial.
[1:37:43] Here's
[1:37:45] my concern
[1:37:48] and I said this when we before we raised
[1:37:51] our water and our sewer rates. My my my
[1:37:55] concern is for our citizens overall. My
[1:37:57] concern is especially for our fixed
[1:37:59] income citizens. It's easy for us to sit
[1:38:01] up here on this DAS and say okay let's
[1:38:04] raise rates right
[1:38:08] but it's hard for some of our citizens
[1:38:10] to afford these increases in these
[1:38:12] rates.
[1:38:14] And
[1:38:17] we've increased water rates. We've
[1:38:20] increased waste water rates on our
[1:38:22] citizens. And now here we are again
[1:38:25] potentially going to increase some more
[1:38:26] rates on our citizens.
[1:38:30] And maybe it's just the timing,
[1:38:33] but
[1:38:34] it's just seems like poor timing to me.
[1:38:37] And I'm not happy with it. I'm darn I
[1:38:41] would use another word, but I'm darn
[1:38:43] unhappy with it.
[1:38:44] >> Let me say so the these these rate this
[1:38:46] potential
[1:38:47] >> and this is not directed at you, sir.
[1:38:49] >> You're good. You're good. I understand
[1:38:50] exactly where you're coming from.
[1:38:51] >> This rate increase would actually not go
[1:38:54] into effect until uh December, January.
[1:38:57] So, it's the rate increase we did for
[1:38:59] water and sewer was
[1:39:02] uh the first one we' done in quite a
[1:39:03] while. And it was we adopted it, I
[1:39:06] think, finally in April.
[1:39:10] Um, so
[1:39:12] this would this this particular increase
[1:39:15] of 62 cents on their trash rates would
[1:39:18] be in
[1:39:20] December, January.
[1:39:23] >> So
[1:39:25] I'm not promoting for BVR at all. Not
[1:39:28] good or bad. But what I want everybody
[1:39:31] to understand is if we go I don't like
[1:39:36] increasing any more room, but if we go
[1:39:37] to the open market and we don't get
[1:39:39] something better, we're going up whether
[1:39:42] we like it or not.
[1:39:43] >> Valid point. Valid point.
[1:39:47] >> Um and I don't know.
[1:39:52] It's a rate increase. It's minimal. It
[1:39:55] does add up, but you're playing with
[1:39:58] fire when you go to the open market and
[1:40:00] ask for numbers. At that point, you're
[1:40:03] taking the lowest one you get, whatever
[1:40:05] it is. You have no other options. And
[1:40:08] anybody else, I don't know how much
[1:40:10] money BBR is making out of this deal,
[1:40:12] but anybody else that come in has a
[1:40:14] tremendous startup startup expense that
[1:40:17] they're going to share with somebody.
[1:40:19] Um, and so we just have to be mindful of
[1:40:22] that. And and my point that I'm trying
[1:40:26] to make is not that BBR is overcharging
[1:40:29] us with this increase.
[1:40:33] >> It's just that these it seems very
[1:40:38] unfortunately untimely to me for our
[1:40:41] citizens.
[1:40:43] >> Um and I wish I could change that. I
[1:40:47] don't know where I'm going with this.
[1:40:49] Unfortunately, I can't change it. It's
[1:40:51] just
[1:40:52] untimely.
[1:40:53] >> We are we are lowering tax rate if that
[1:40:56] helps at any
[1:40:58] >> which is good. Yes, I agree with that.
[1:41:01] Um
[1:41:02] >> well, I think where you're going with it
[1:41:04] is you're showing the citizens the true
[1:41:06] concern that we hear, we see, we feel
[1:41:09] it,
[1:41:11] and we're expressing what we can do to
[1:41:14] help
[1:41:16] >> ease that. But at the same time, it is
[1:41:19] what it is. Um
[1:41:21] Well, yes, sir. I agree.
[1:41:24] >> Um, so it's obvious that we need trash
[1:41:26] services, right? And we've done business
[1:41:28] with you guys for a long time.
[1:41:30] >> Yes, ma'am.
[1:41:30] >> What have you done for for us as far as
[1:41:33] to prove that you're a good partnership
[1:41:34] with our city other than providing your
[1:41:37] services? If I recall, years back, you
[1:41:40] had committed to doing a few things for
[1:41:41] our citizens in the city. Can you remind
[1:41:44] me? So, I know y'all were doing a lot of
[1:41:47] there was a big project going on with
[1:41:49] the historical building in downtown.
[1:41:51] >> I know we contributed quite a bit uh to
[1:41:54] the funding of that. Um we also have
[1:41:57] contributed to other little activities
[1:41:59] that have gone on that you know people
[1:42:01] have asked for. Um we've also um sorry
[1:42:04] we do the free events um the bulk pickup
[1:42:08] events four times a year.
[1:42:09] >> That's what I'm for sure.
[1:42:11] >> We do contribute 10. actually 20 free
[1:42:14] rolloff containers.
[1:42:16] >> Okay.
[1:42:16] >> Um that's
[1:42:18] it's quite an expense for us to do that,
[1:42:20] but we we do it for the citizens. And
[1:42:22] then also, you know, twice a year we do
[1:42:24] a free bulk pickup where we come by and
[1:42:27] we pick up uh bulk pickup at the at
[1:42:30] people's residences. So, um we do that
[1:42:33] free of charge as well. So
[1:42:34] >> they also have the last two two years I
[1:42:37] think for three different events um
[1:42:39] donated
[1:42:40] >> portaotties and restrooms for our events
[1:42:43] downtown.
[1:42:44] >> Yes, I think I remembered that. Okay,
[1:42:46] good.
[1:42:46] >> I think you're vested in your commitment
[1:42:48] to the city.
[1:42:50] And I will tell you this, I I hear
[1:42:53] exactly where you're coming from. And we
[1:42:55] have been we have been hit with an
[1:42:58] extreme
[1:42:59] uh costing increases for us, operating
[1:43:03] costs with diesel. Everybody's seen how
[1:43:05] that's going on. We can't just pass that
[1:43:07] off to our customers.
[1:43:08] >> Sure.
[1:43:09] >> You know, and so we do things, we try to
[1:43:11] be as efficient as possible and make I
[1:43:13] mean, you you saw us, you know, we kind
[1:43:15] of changed the way we pick up trash. We
[1:43:17] went from a rear load truck to a side
[1:43:18] load truck to try to be more efficient
[1:43:20] to minimize those costs. And then also
[1:43:23] some of the trucks we buy, they were
[1:43:25] $250,000 when we started this contract.
[1:43:28] Now they're $500,000. So it's it's
[1:43:32] the the and we had a 14 14% increase in
[1:43:36] our disposal costs that we that that
[1:43:39] we've incurred, you know, just over the
[1:43:40] life of the contract. and we are well
[1:43:42] aware of those costs and and and what goes on and and and then that's
[1:43:47] also why we choose to honor our
[1:43:48] commitments, you know, to the city. It's
[1:43:50] not not your problem, but we we we're
[1:43:52] trying to be as best we can be and
[1:43:54] provide the best service as possible to
[1:43:56] the city. And so
[1:43:57] >> so we right now the city has what about
[1:43:59] 2200
[1:44:01] uh how many residential properties are
[1:44:03] there?
[1:44:04] >> About 2200.
[1:44:05] >> About 2,200
[1:44:06] >> close.
[1:44:07] >> Um are there
[1:44:08] >> new with the new subdivision? It may be
[1:44:09] above that now. Are there are I was
[1:44:11] that's where I was going. Are there
[1:44:13] economies of scales that we might be
[1:44:15] able to re um realize in the future in
[1:44:19] some of the proposed increases
[1:44:21] um if we add another thousand household
[1:44:25] residential households in the city?
[1:44:26] >> I see that. Um I mean you could see that
[1:44:28] but there's there's kind of a a give and
[1:44:31] take because you get to one a certain
[1:44:32] size and then we may have to then we
[1:44:34] have to send two trucks,
[1:44:36] >> right? we have to add, you know, more uh
[1:44:40] >> what what's the word? I'm looking for
[1:44:41] more assets to the area, more expense,
[1:44:43] you know, that that's costing us. So, I can't really scale that. Um I'm with
[1:44:48] you. I've I've done many cost
[1:44:49] comparisons on on cities around and it's
[1:44:52] kind of where we we come up with our
[1:44:53] rates, just making sure we're staying
[1:44:55] competitive and make sure you guys are
[1:44:57] getting getting what you pay for. And uh
[1:44:59] and then we're always, you know, open to
[1:45:01] any considerations that that that you
[1:45:03] would may want to want to take with us.
[1:45:05] and uh and we just we try to provide the
[1:45:08] best service at the best rate as
[1:45:10] possible and um we have I have done a
[1:45:12] lot of research on the rates around and we are very competitive. So,
[1:45:18] >> thank you.
[1:45:19] >> Yes, sir.
[1:45:21] >> Council,
[1:45:27] » I didn't get on here and make friends.
[1:45:28] So, here we go. Well, I I I mean, it's a it's uh
[1:45:34] the timing, as I said, the timing is
[1:45:36] bad. It's it's a service we have to have
[1:45:38] for our citizens.
[1:45:39] >> Uh I agree, costs are going up. Diesel,
[1:45:42] as we know, if you have a diesel truck
[1:45:43] and you buy diesel or gas at the pump,
[1:45:46] it's costs are going up.
[1:45:49] >> Motor oil, whatever.
[1:45:53] I make a motion that we accept staff
[1:45:56] recommendation for the solid waste
[1:45:58] contract extension
[1:46:00] uh with uh BVR
[1:46:03] waste and recycling for a five-year term
[1:46:07] with the
[1:46:09] increases that have been provided.
[1:46:11] >> I'll second that
[1:46:13] >> motion to second on the floor. Is there
[1:46:14] any discussion?
[1:46:17] All in favor said motion signify by
[1:46:19] raise your right hand.
[1:46:21] Motion passes unanimously.
[1:46:24] And
[1:46:24] >> again, mayor, I would remind you that
[1:46:26] the effective date of this uh new
[1:46:28] contract is not till January 1st.
[1:46:31] >> January 1st. Okay, that's a good thing.
[1:46:35] All right, it is 7:18. We will now
[1:46:38] convene into executive session under
[1:46:41] sections 551087 of the Texas Government
[1:46:44] Code to a deliberate about economic
[1:46:47] development negotiations for the city's
[1:46:49] 6 acres at 633 West Cameron Avenue owned
[1:46:54] by the city of Rockdale, Texas right
[1:46:56] now.
[1:46:56] >> Okay, council, the time is 7:55 p.m. We
[1:46:59] are reconvened into open session. Is
[1:47:01] there any action coming out of closed
[1:47:02] session?
[1:47:03] >> No, sir.
[1:47:04] >> No action coming out of closed session.
[1:47:05] Is there other business? Any other
[1:47:06] business to attend to tonight before we
[1:47:08] adjourn?
[1:47:09] >> No, sir. Being none, we are now
[1:47:11] officially adjourned at 7:55 p.m. Thank
[1:47:14] you for your attendance tonight.