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That one was me.
>> Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

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Welcome to tonight's regular scheduled
meeting of the Freeport City Council. It

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is

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6 o'clock on September 8th and I will
declare a quorum is present. So, we'll

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officially call this meeting to order.
At this time, I would like to ask

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Councilman Roso if you would lead us
both in the pledge and the prayer.

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Please rise.

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Let's pray.
First of all, Lord, we'd like to thank

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you for being such a good God and
enabling us to have meetings and make

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decisions. We ask you to bless the
council, the mayor, city manager, all

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elected officials.
In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

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» Amen.
>> Pledge allegiance to the flag of the

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United States of America and to the
republic for it stands one nation

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indivisible with liberty and justice for
all.

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» Honor the Texas flag. I pledge
allegiance to the Texas one state under

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God one and indivisible.
>> Thank you. And you may be seated.

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» Glad you could join us, Councilman.

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All right. Item 1 D, matters subsequent
to posting.

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» No, sir. Thank you.
>> None tonight. So, we're going to move

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on.
Next, we have audience participation.

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First on my list is Mr. Sam Raina.

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Toby, you got the clock.
>> Mayor, council, Dr. Kelly, good evening.

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My name is Ema and I reside in 2002
North Avenue G.

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These photos that I gave y'all
are my next door neighbor backyard and

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ditch. This code citation was issued by
court code officer Miss Allan St. Arnold

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neglected premises junk vehicle leader
and debris unregistered inoperable

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vehicle parking in yards and not on an
improved surface.

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Death Star House Bill 2127 section 11
sub chapter A chapter 51 local

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government code is amended by adding
section 51.002

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to read as follows
ordinances or rules inconsistent with

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state law prohibited
notwithstanding section 51.001 001. The

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governing body of a municipality may
adopt, enforce, or maintain an ordinance

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or rule only if the ordinance or rule is
consistent with the laws of the state.

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There is no law in the state of Texas
that prohibits parking in your yard.

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Death Star bill 2127 was passed to
regulate municipalities.

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Some cities were passing laws and
ordinances that were above and beyond

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state and federal laws. Freeport, you
can park in the grass.

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Neglected premises. Look at their ditch.
Spotless.

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There's no ditch in Freeport cleaner
than that.

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What the city should be doing is
reimbursing those kids for money they

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spend repairing a drain line the city
broke. The contractors the city used to

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resurface North Avenue G and H or the
responsibility or the responsibility

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port that broke the pipes but is the
city's liability.

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Councilman Matamoros addressed the
problem with the city manager and Baola.

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Biola said the broken pipe was on the
owner's side, so they had to repair it,

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but it was the city that broke it.
Mr. Lee and family should be reimbured

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for the damage of $57,958
plus labor.

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This been going on for a while.
Item five I on the agenda. Waving the

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fees for the MLK celebration should be
done annually as well as waving the fees

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for the St. Mary's Catholic Church
annual bazaar which raises funds for the

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church. The church has been paying over
2500 in fees annually. They will not pay

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any fees for the next three years thanks
to the donation of council members Miss

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Mireles and Mr. McDonald. But the city
should wave the fees for the MLK and the

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St. Mary Bazaar. Both these events
are good for our economy.

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Thank you.
Oh,

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resolution.
Stick to it.

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I don't know where we were on the time.

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1 minute and 15 seconds.
Mr. Rain, I'm being told you have 1

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minute and 15 seconds remaining

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» uh on this uh on on on the uh uh the tax
the tax rate that the the no new revenue

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rate uh are are we in compliance with
Senate Bill 1851?

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Uh it were not because there were there
were three cities to start with in

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Brazoria County that were not compliance
with 1851. Uh Jones Creek, Brasoria,

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and Bonnie. And then Danbury and here
lately Surfside.

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They're not in compliance with 1851. So
they can they cannot raise taxes. Okay.

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And you have it here, no new revenue
rate, which is that one that they have

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to adopt if they're not in compliance.
So what I want to know, or we in

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compliance with 1851.

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If we're not,
we cannot raise taxes. Thank you.

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» Thank you, Mr. Raino.
[clears throat]

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» Mr. Hayes, would you like to speak now
or wait till 5e?

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Next we have Mr. Manning Rollerson.

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» Good afternoon, council. [snorts]
>> Good evening, sir.

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» See everybody after this Labor Day
weekend. We all still here. Thank God.

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Um, one thing I'm looking at on the
budget is the restoration of the old

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city hall. That's a great thing, 100%.
But I do have to say something about the

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Lincoln Park deal that I do want to talk
about because Lincoln Park was designed

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back during uh uh segregation
and Lincoln Park brought the blacks and

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the whites in this city together. That's
why it was built. That's the history of

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Lincoln Park. Lincoln Park was supposed
to be replaced over on the Cherry Street

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site on Fourth and Cherry, which is a
old OA Fleming site over there that was

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swapped for that baseball field that was
built that we still don't have Lincoln

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Park. I cannot understand why it's in
the agreement with the Port of Freeport

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that we don't have Lincoln Park and we
haven't started on Lincoln Park. before

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Lincoln Park was removed off the east
end. They were supposed to put that park

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and every amenity on that park back on
that site on the OA Fleming site and it

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has not been done. Everything else is
being done in this city, but we don't

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have Lincoln Park there and that is an
issue based on legal and I do want to

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know why is there a legal uh uh u case
about the O8 Fleming site when that was

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clearly voted on by Mr. Kane and uh Mr.
uh bass and the rest of the council to

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put that park over there. So there's no
excuse for it when the park is not even

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being started. So and as for a sports
complex is not supposed to go back as a

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sports complex. It's got to go back just
like that park was because it's

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historical. You can add to it with other
amenities, but you cannot change it. It

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is a historical park. So we're not going
to think about a sports complex because

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it's supposed to be rooftops in that
community. So, we need the rooftops and

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that and that park place back over
there. This is my main pet peeve based

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on what happened with the east end over
there. So, we need to work towards

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getting Lincoln Park together and the
the fixing the new city hall. That's the

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best thing. But I do want to bring some
news before we uh my time run out. Uh uh

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uh Japanese Finance Ministry accept our
investigation against Freeport LNG. They

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will be sending uh delegations here to
speak to the people in Freeport and talk

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to the frontline leaders. They will be
coming down and having a public meeting

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when all our representatives need to be
there because when there's a deliberate

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explosion, there's accountability to the
people of Freeport. And you guys need to

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hold that accountable because at the end
of the day, we are paying taxes for

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every industry that's built in this
community. They call in baitment taxes.

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And embaitment taxes go on your
property. You'll never own your

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property, nobody, unless you got it in a
trust. So, at the end of the day, you

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need to make real decisions when it
comes to embaitment taxes and giving tax

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breaks to the industry that has not
shown nothing back in this city over 80

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years since DA been here. A lot of
investments, three generations that was

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left behind because you can look at this
city, it shows it. All that taxation did

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not build Freeport back. Same thing with
$2.6 6 billion dollars that was invested

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in the Freeport LNG. We have not seen
the investment on that. But they blew up

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and we gave them another seven years in
baitment. So that taxes is on the people

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of Freeport. That's on your homes. So at
the end of the day, these industries

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need to start paying their fair share.
They need to stop polluting in this

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community or we going to go to the
people that fund this government with

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these buildouts of liqufied natural gas
and we going to hold them accountable to

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the toxic poison of this community. At
the end of the day, y'all represent us

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and when they blow up in this community,
they are legally liable to the citizens

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of this community. And that's why I ask
for the contingencies from the insurance

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companies that it go directly to the
pocket of the people cuz libraries, food

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banks, that's good. But the sickness
come from the people. Thank you.

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» Thank you, Mr. Rosen.
[clears throat]

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Excuse me.

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Next we have Mr. Jeff Pena.

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[snorts]

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Hello. Tonight, I'm asking the council
to take action regarding Mark Parker,

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the president and chair of the Freeport
EDC during executive session. I believe

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Mark Parker should be removed from that
position or resign. And I have the court

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records for Parker's case to support my
request. Those records show that he

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entered a plea of no contest and paid
the associated fine. A no contest plea

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is not an admission of guilt, of course,
but it isn't an admission of innocence

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either. The defendant is essentially
choosing not to contest the charge and

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allowing the court to decide. And in the
case, the result was that Parker

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avoiding have avoided having a
conviction entered on his record. Now,

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I'm not here to tell you that the judge
didn't have the legal authority to

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exercise discretion. He may have, but
here's the question. Does everybody get

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the same opportunity?
Why would, excuse me, would any other

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ordinary Freeport resident receive the
same special treatment? Would someone

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with political connections receive the
same outcome?

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That's what needs to be answered because
having legal discretion is one thing and

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applying that discretion fairly and
consistently is another because

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otherwise it's the very definition of a
corrupt judge. And that brings me to

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Judge Trey Gerard. I'm not accusing
Judge Gerard of committing a crime

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simply because he exercised his personal
discretion. I'm asking whether that

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discretion has been exercised
consistently. If Parker received an

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outcome that is routinely available to
similar situation, excuse me, situated

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defendants, then let's see that. Let's
examine the comparable con cases. Let's

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determine whether ordinary citizens are
receiving the same special treatment.

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Because if they are, great. But if
politically connected people receive

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opportunities that ordinary residents
don't, then we have a serious corruption

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problem in our court. There cannot be
two sets of laws in Freeport.

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And if an investigation determines that
Judge Gerard violated his professional

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obligations, then the appropriate
authorities should be notified,

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including the Texas State Bar if
warranted. I'm asking for accountability

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is all, not a conviction from this
podium. Now, while we're talking about

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accountability, I want to address
another elephant in the room, drug

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testing. City staff

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have informed me of concerns that Nicole
Morales, council member over here from W

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C seated in front of me
for everybody that can see at home

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appeared to be under the influence of
illegal drugs at a previous city council

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meeting.
>> Mr. Pena,

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» I'm not going to stand here and declare
that she was under the influence.

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» Mr.

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I am going to remind you that all
comments must be respectful in tone

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» and reasonable in nature. No threats,
yelling, cursing, harassing, or

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derogatory comments will be allowed.
>> Well, I'm telling you right now,

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» I'm not going to stand here and and
declare that she was under the

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influence. All I'm saying is that u
something can be determined very easily

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through appropriate drug testing. So,
I'm I'm asking council to establish a

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drug testing requirement, including a
hair follicle test, to determine whether

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there is any evidence of illegal drug
use. And while we're at it, let's make

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this equal and universal. Let's test
everybody, the mayor, everybody else,

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this person here laughing, thinking it's
a joke, no exceptions, no favorites, no

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political gains. Because if we're asking
people who serve the public to maintain

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a standard of conduct, then that
standard needs to apply across the

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board. There are not and should not be
two sets of laws in Freeport. So my my

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requests tonight are very
straightforward. Remove remove Mark

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Parker as president and chair of the
Freeport EDC for his direct and loan

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involvement of an assault of a public
servant and review the circumstances

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surrounding their exercise of judicial
discretion by Gerard and refer any

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00:15:34,639 --> 00:15:39,199
substantial professional misconduct
involving the judge to the appropriate

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authority including the state bar if
warranted. And and fourth, establish a

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lawful uniform drug testing policy for
all council members, all directors of

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city hall or their managers and all
appointed drug uh board members. And

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where there is a legitimate concern
about illegal drug use, use appropriate

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testing to determine the facts. No more
looking the other way. No more special

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treatment. No more protecting people
because who they are or who they know.

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This has to stop. Freeport deserves
better. And more importantly, the

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citizens of Freeport deserve to know
that the same rules apply to everyone.

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» Times up, Mr. Pñena.
>> Jerry, you need dabbling these people

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here as they continue to interrupt.
>> Your time is up, Mr. Pñena. Use it

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correctly and use it judic use it fairly
and and

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» can you escort him out please?

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» All right, we're going to move on.

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00:16:45,839 --> 00:16:52,839
proclamations, presentations, and
updates. Dr. Kelly.

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» Yes. Thank you. So, the upcoming events
are 16th annual Kidfest September 12th

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in downtown from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
We have Haunting Tales of the Texas

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Coast running from September 12th
through October 31st at Freeport Museum

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10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hispanic Heritage
Month exhibit is also at the museum

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September 15th through October 15th. We
have Seniors Bingo September 21st at

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Riverplace from 10:00 a.m. to noon. And
then we have Nickelodeon Worldwide Day

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of Play September 26th at the museum
from 11:00 a.m. to 4 pm.

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» Thank you, ma'am. Once again, a lot of
good stuff coming up in the city of

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Freeport.
Uh we also have a proclamation that I am

209
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honored to read. This proclamation is
Hispanic Heritage Month.

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Whereas National Hispanic Heritage Month
or Mes Deharencia Hispa is celebrated

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00:17:59,200 --> 00:18:09,039
from September 15th through October 15th
each year in honor of our rich history,

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culture, and impactful contributions of
Hispanic and Latino communities,

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00:18:11,679 --> 00:18:20,000
including [snorts] American citizens
with roots in Spain, Mexico, the

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Caribbean, Central America, and South
America.

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00:18:22,000 --> 00:18:32,080
And whereas the obser observance began
as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 under

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00:18:29,280 --> 00:18:37,280
President Lyndon B. Johnson and was
expanded to a 30-day celebration by

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00:18:34,559 --> 00:18:42,799
President Ronald Reagan. It was
subsequently made law on August 17th,

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1988.
The celebration begins on September 15th

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in recognition of the independence
anniversaries of Costa Rica, El

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Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras,
Nicaragua, followed by Mexico on

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September 16th and Chile on September
18th.

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00:19:02,480 --> 00:19:09,919
And whereas Hispanic and Latino
Americans represent one of the largest

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and fastest growing communities in the
United States with approximately 68

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00:19:13,679 --> 00:19:23,360
million Hispanic residents comprising
about 20% of the nation's population as

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of July 1st, 2024,
and continuing to play an essential role

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00:19:25,840 --> 00:19:34,799
in the cultural, economic, civic, and
social fabric of our nation.

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00:19:32,559 --> 00:19:39,679
And whereas Hispanic and Latino
residents are an integral part of the

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00:19:37,440 --> 00:19:45,280
city of Freeport, representing
approximately 59.2%

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00:19:42,799 --> 00:19:50,320
of our community and contributing
greatly to the character, strength,

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00:19:47,760 --> 00:19:55,440
growth, and cultural richness of our
city.

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00:19:52,400 --> 00:20:00,080
And whereas during National Hispanic
Heritage Month, we come together to

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honor and celebrate the vibrant
traditions of Hispanic and Latino

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00:20:02,400 --> 00:20:11,600
families, including faith, hard work,
community, and patriotism,

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00:20:08,799 --> 00:20:16,080
and to recognize their invaluable
contributions toward strengthening our

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society.
And whereas the city of Freeport is

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00:20:18,400 --> 00:20:27,520
proud to observe me Herencia Hispa
honoring the leadership achievements and

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00:20:25,039 --> 00:20:34,799
cultural heritage of Hispanics and
Latinos who are central to our city's

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00:20:30,400 --> 00:20:39,840
identity and inclusive community spirit.
Now therefore, I, Jerry Kaine, mayor of

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00:20:37,600 --> 00:20:47,760
the city of Freeport, on behalf of the
city of Freeport, do hereby proclaim

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00:20:42,960 --> 00:20:53,919
September 15th through October 15, 2026
as Hispanic Heritage Month and encourage

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00:20:51,280 --> 00:21:00,080
all residents to recognize and celebrate
the rich heritage, history, and culture

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00:20:56,960 --> 00:21:05,200
of our Hispanic and Latino community,
and to continue working together towards

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00:21:02,559 --> 00:21:11,280
a future that is welcoming, prosperous,
and united for all.

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00:21:08,000 --> 00:21:17,600
In witness whereof, I have here unto set
my hand and affixed the seal of the city

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00:21:14,559 --> 00:21:24,200
of Freeport this 8th day of September,
2026.

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00:21:20,000 --> 00:21:24,200
I will sign it [applause] now.

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00:21:26,559 --> 00:21:34,440
I agree. [applause and cheering]
I was signing it. I didn't get to

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00:21:29,760 --> 00:21:34,440
participate in in the clapping.

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00:21:37,679 --> 00:21:44,000
All right, ladies and gentlemen.
[clears throat]

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00:21:40,960 --> 00:21:50,880
Next, we have the consent agenda.
Uh, on the consent agenda, we have item

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00:21:47,440 --> 00:21:57,919
number 3A, action regarding the minutes
of August 17, 2026.

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00:21:54,480 --> 00:22:03,760
We have 3B action approving changing the
date to the first meeting in November

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00:22:00,000 --> 00:22:10,960
2026 due to DIA de los Muertos
procession on to Tuesday November 3rd.

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00:22:08,320 --> 00:22:15,000
Uh we have 3C action approving
resolution number 2026-3066

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00:22:15,280 --> 00:22:23,919
to allow the police chief to enter into
an interlocal agreement with Trinity

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00:22:20,400 --> 00:22:29,679
Charter Schools to establish procedures
and expectations regarding school safety

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00:22:27,360 --> 00:22:34,799
planning and emergency response
coordination.

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00:22:32,159 --> 00:22:38,840
Uh we have 3D action approving
resolution number 2026-3067

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00:22:39,440 --> 00:22:52,559
to authorize a right of entry agreement
with Sweet Te's Diner for the Cruise for

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00:22:45,840 --> 00:22:57,280
Cancer event on September 19th, 2026.
And that's it. Uh council, is there a

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00:22:55,280 --> 00:23:01,760
motion?
We have a motion by Councilman McDonald.

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00:23:01,039 --> 00:23:06,440
» Second.
>> Second by Councilwoman Morales.

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00:23:10,320 --> 00:23:15,400
Any discussion needed on this, ladies
and gentlemen?

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00:23:15,840 --> 00:23:27,000
I'll call the vote. All those in favor
state I. I. All oppose state nay. Motion

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00:23:23,360 --> 00:23:27,000
carries unanimously.

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00:23:30,960 --> 00:23:39,760
It is now 6:23
and we are going to recess the regular

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00:23:37,360 --> 00:23:43,600
scheduled meeting and open a public
hearing.

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00:23:41,360 --> 00:23:50,159
Uh public hearing regarding the fiscal
year 2026 through 2027 annual budget.

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00:23:48,320 --> 00:23:54,080
Miss Hurst.
Uh, mayor and council, this public

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00:23:52,080 --> 00:23:59,360
hearing is being held to receive public
comments regarding the proposed fiscal

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00:23:56,000 --> 00:24:06,159
year 26 through 27 budget. The proposed
budget includes approximately 43.87

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00:24:02,799 --> 00:24:10,480
million in revenues and 45.54
million in expenditures with the

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00:24:08,559 --> 00:24:15,039
difference representing an intentional
use of available fund balance primarily

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00:24:12,960 --> 00:24:19,679
for capital projects and one-time
investments. This budget was developed

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00:24:17,520 --> 00:24:24,320
through several months of collaboration
among city council, the city manager,

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00:24:22,000 --> 00:24:28,960
finance, our departments, and staff
while also considering feedback received

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00:24:26,320 --> 00:24:32,240
from our community. In particular, the
community survey identified

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00:24:30,400 --> 00:24:36,720
beautifification and infrastructure as
important priorities. In response, the

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00:24:34,640 --> 00:24:40,880
proposed budget includes approximately
595,000

280
00:24:38,240 --> 00:24:44,799
in beautifification initiatives and a
little over four million in

281
00:24:42,480 --> 00:24:48,679
infrastructure initiatives, representing
approximately 4,700,000

282
00:24:48,799 --> 00:24:54,559
in combined investment in these
community priorities. The budget also

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00:24:52,880 --> 00:24:59,760
makes meaningful investments in our
employees, public safety, city services,

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00:24:57,600 --> 00:25:04,159
equipment, facilities, and long-term
capital needs while maintaining a strong

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00:25:01,840 --> 00:25:08,559
financial position. We appreciate the
community members who have participated

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00:25:06,000 --> 00:25:12,159
along the along the way and throughout
this process. Public input is an

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00:25:10,400 --> 00:25:16,720
important part of developing the budget
that ultimately reflects the priorities

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00:25:14,159 --> 00:25:21,960
and needs of Freeport. At this time, we
welcome any comments from the public

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00:25:18,320 --> 00:25:21,960
regarding the budget.

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00:25:23,360 --> 00:25:28,200
Do we have any comments from the public?

291
00:25:29,840 --> 00:25:33,159
Going once,

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00:25:33,600 --> 00:25:37,080
going twice.

293
00:25:37,120 --> 00:25:43,360
Come on up,
Mr. Raina.

294
00:25:41,887 --> 00:25:48,039
[clears throat]
>> Can Can you make sure you're speaking in

295
00:25:44,880 --> 00:25:48,039
the mic?

296
00:25:48,320 --> 00:25:54,400
» Can't hear you.
>> Go ahead. I'm asking ask her again.

297
00:25:51,919 --> 00:25:58,640
» Are we in compliance with Senate Bill
1851?

298
00:25:56,960 --> 00:26:02,919
» So that has to do with the tax rate, but
yes, we are.

299
00:25:59,360 --> 00:26:02,919
» Okay. Thank you.

300
00:26:05,919 --> 00:26:12,480
» That's a good question. And you know, we
couldn't answer you while ago.

301
00:26:11,363 --> 00:26:16,279
[clears throat]
>> Uh, anybody else?

302
00:26:17,679 --> 00:26:26,760
All right. It is 6:26 and we are going
to close this public hearing

303
00:26:28,880 --> 00:26:35,960
and we are going to open another public
hearing. Wait a minute.

304
00:26:48,480 --> 00:26:55,760
I went one too far in my book.
We're going to open It's 6:27 now. We're

305
00:26:54,559 --> 00:27:00,720
going [clears throat] to open the public
hearing regarding the 2026 tax rate.

306
00:26:59,360 --> 00:27:04,159
Miss Hurst.
>> Yes, sir. The public hearing is being

307
00:27:02,559 --> 00:27:08,559
held to receive public comments
regarding the city of Freeport's

308
00:27:05,679 --> 00:27:14,640
proposed property tax rate for the 2026
tax year. The proposed tax rate is

309
00:27:11,440 --> 00:27:20,320
0.474988 474988
per $100 of taxable value, which

310
00:27:17,679 --> 00:27:26,000
represents a decrease in the city's tax
rate. While the proposed rate is

311
00:27:22,880 --> 00:27:30,400
approximately 6.76%
above the no new revenue rate, it is

312
00:27:28,400 --> 00:27:34,799
important to clarify that this does not
mean the city is increasing its tax

313
00:27:32,400 --> 00:27:40,960
rate. In fact, the proposed rate is
approximately 7.42%

314
00:27:37,760 --> 00:27:45,679
below the city's current tax rate.
Although the tax rate is decreasing, the

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00:27:43,200 --> 00:27:50,799
city does anticipate an increase in
total t property tax revenue due to

316
00:27:48,559 --> 00:27:55,039
changes in growth in taxable property
values. We understand that the

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00:27:52,960 --> 00:27:59,440
terminology required as part of the
property tax process can be confusing,

318
00:27:57,679 --> 00:28:04,480
so we want to be sure that we're clear
and transparent with our community. The

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00:28:01,760 --> 00:28:09,200
proposed tax rate is going down while
anticipated property tax revenues will

320
00:28:07,120 --> 00:28:14,080
increase. At this time, we welcome
comments and questions from the public

321
00:28:11,039 --> 00:28:20,360
regarding the proposed 2026 property tax
rate.

322
00:28:16,720 --> 00:28:20,360
» Thank you, Miss Hurst.

323
00:28:20,480 --> 00:28:24,679
Once again, the floor is open.

324
00:28:27,919 --> 00:28:34,279
Going once,
going twice.

325
00:28:34,320 --> 00:28:39,760
It is now 6:28 and we are going to
close.

326
00:28:37,919 --> 00:28:41,440
» Excuse me.
>> Yes, sir.

327
00:28:40,480 --> 00:28:45,520
» Can I say something?
>> Yes, sir.

328
00:28:42,960 --> 00:28:50,320
» All right. Uh, yes. Thank you, uh,
Ashley for uh, clarifying that and

329
00:28:48,159 --> 00:28:56,320
breaking that down for us. It's a lot of
um, well, it's not a lot, but it's uh,

330
00:28:53,520 --> 00:29:01,679
talk going around town that we're
raising taxes. And you know, [cough]

331
00:29:00,355 --> 00:29:05,440
[clears throat] I was hoping, you know,
somebody would be here to ask a

332
00:29:03,039 --> 00:29:11,840
question, but I think you pretty much
broke it down uh as as best as you

333
00:29:08,880 --> 00:29:16,720
could. Uh [snorts]
but I hope that hopefully they're

334
00:29:13,440 --> 00:29:22,080
listening because, you know, uh it is a
lot of confusion about, you know, uh how

335
00:29:20,080 --> 00:29:27,279
that is broken down. And I think you
broke it down, uh uh pretty good. I want

336
00:29:24,320 --> 00:29:29,679
to thank you for that. that we're not
raising taxes.

337
00:29:29,279 --> 00:29:32,960
» Correct.
>> You know, right? Right. Clarify.

338
00:29:32,080 --> 00:29:37,039
» Yeah.
>> All right. Yeah.

339
00:29:35,919 --> 00:29:40,279
» Thank you.
>> Thank you.

340
00:29:42,720 --> 00:29:49,200
» We're not raising taxes, right?
>> No, sir.

341
00:29:46,720 --> 00:29:52,100
» We're taking in more tax revenue, right?
>> Yes, sir.

342
00:29:50,000 --> 00:29:56,520
» Okay. Thank you.
[clears throat]

343
00:29:53,520 --> 00:29:56,520
Anyone

344
00:29:58,159 --> 00:30:01,159
else?

345
00:30:03,840 --> 00:30:11,679
All right. So, it is now 6:30. We are
going to close the public hearing on the

346
00:30:09,279 --> 00:30:18,320
tax rate
and reconvene back into our regular

347
00:30:14,799 --> 00:30:23,600
scheduled meeting.
We have agenda item 5A,

348
00:30:21,520 --> 00:30:28,279
consideration and possible action to
adopt ordinance number 2026-2772

349
00:30:28,799 --> 00:30:38,480
adopting the fiscal year 2026 through
2027 budget. Miss Hurst,

350
00:30:36,320 --> 00:30:42,880
» mayor and councel, before you tonight is
the consideration and adoption of the

351
00:30:40,480 --> 00:30:47,279
city of Freeport's fiscal year 26
through 27 budget. This budget

352
00:30:45,279 --> 00:30:51,360
represents several months of planning,
analysis, and collaboration. Our goal

353
00:30:49,760 --> 00:30:55,760
throughout this process has been to
develop a budget that is realistic,

354
00:30:53,520 --> 00:31:00,559
transparent, financially responsible,
and responsive to the needs of this

355
00:30:57,840 --> 00:31:06,960
community. The total proposed budget
includes approximately 43 million in

356
00:31:03,279 --> 00:31:10,320
revenues and 45 million in expenditures.
The difference represents the

357
00:31:08,399 --> 00:31:14,720
intentional use of available fund
balance for capital projects and

358
00:31:12,399 --> 00:31:20,000
one-time investments. It does not
indicate an ongoing operational deficit.

359
00:31:17,919 --> 00:31:28,399
The general fund remains in a strong
financial position with approximately 19

360
00:31:23,919 --> 00:31:33,039
million sorry 19.75 million in revenues
and 19.44

361
00:31:30,720 --> 00:31:37,919
million in expenditures.
We project the general fund to begin the

362
00:31:35,120 --> 00:31:42,880
year with approximately 14 million in
fund balance and end the year with

363
00:31:39,919 --> 00:31:48,960
approximately 15 million.
The utility fund includes approximately

364
00:31:45,760 --> 00:31:53,279
11 million in revenues and 10 million in
expenditures. And the budget also

365
00:31:51,120 --> 00:31:57,679
includes approximately
three and a half million in grant

366
00:31:55,120 --> 00:32:02,240
funding, allowing us to leverage outside
resources to further invest in our

367
00:31:59,679 --> 00:32:06,640
community. This year's budget also
includes several organizational changes

368
00:32:04,559 --> 00:32:11,279
designed to improve transparency and
better reflect the true cost of city

369
00:32:08,640 --> 00:32:16,880
services. These include establishing
golf and EMS as enterprise funds,

370
00:32:14,159 --> 00:32:22,240
incorporating solid waste into the into
the utility fund, moving city sponsored

371
00:32:19,840 --> 00:32:26,960
events into the city events fund, and
restructuring several departments and

372
00:32:24,159 --> 00:32:31,440
funding sources. We also took a detailed
and conservative approach to our revenue

373
00:32:28,799 --> 00:32:36,880
projections. Estimates were adjusted
using actual collection rates, current

374
00:32:33,840 --> 00:32:42,399
trends, contractual revenues, and
comproller projections rather than

375
00:32:39,039 --> 00:32:47,679
simply carrying forward carrying forward
prior year amounts. A major focus of

376
00:32:45,279 --> 00:32:52,960
this budget is also our employees. It
provides for a 3% salary increase,

377
00:32:50,559 --> 00:32:59,279
implementation of new pay matrix step
plans, and several positions needed to

378
00:32:56,320 --> 00:33:04,640
strengthen city services. At the same
time, the city is absorbing an 18.4%

379
00:33:02,720 --> 00:33:09,279
increase in the employee health
insurance premiums. Most importantly, we

380
00:33:07,600 --> 00:33:12,720
wanted this budget to reflect not only
the needs identified by staff and

381
00:33:10,960 --> 00:33:16,960
council, but also the priorities
identified by the community. The city's

382
00:33:15,200 --> 00:33:20,320
community survey showed an overall
importance placed on beautifification

383
00:33:18,559 --> 00:33:26,240
and infrastructure, and we use that
feedback during the development process.

384
00:33:23,600 --> 00:33:30,399
The budget responds with approximately
595,000

385
00:33:27,840 --> 00:33:34,320
in beautifification initiatives and 4
million in infrastructure initiatives

386
00:33:32,720 --> 00:33:39,279
for a combined investment of
approximately 4.7 million toward two

387
00:33:37,279 --> 00:33:43,200
priorities that our residents told us
matter to them. Those investments

388
00:33:41,840 --> 00:33:48,080
include street and drainage
improvements, water and utility

389
00:33:45,039 --> 00:33:52,960
infrastructure, parks revitalization,
city facilities, beautifification

390
00:33:50,559 --> 00:33:57,679
efforts, facade and business improvement
programs, and other projects throughout

391
00:33:54,799 --> 00:34:02,240
the city of Freeport. This budget also
makes important investments in public

392
00:33:59,440 --> 00:34:07,519
safety, vehicles and equipment, city
facility re renovations, parks and

393
00:34:04,880 --> 00:34:11,839
recreation, economic development, and
the continued replacement of aging

394
00:34:09,359 --> 00:34:15,760
infrastructure and assets. I want to
sincerely thank each of our departments

395
00:34:13,599 --> 00:34:20,240
and department directors for the time,
research, and careful consideration they

396
00:34:17,679 --> 00:34:23,359
put into their request. I also want to
personally thank the staff accountant

397
00:34:21,760 --> 00:34:27,919
for the tremendous amount of time that
went into developing, reviewing, and

398
00:34:25,440 --> 00:34:31,919
balancing this budget alongside me.
Thank you to our city manager for her

399
00:34:30,399 --> 00:34:36,480
leadership and guidance throughout the
process, and to city council for your

400
00:34:34,079 --> 00:34:40,240
participation in the workshops, all of
your questions, and the direction that

401
00:34:38,320 --> 00:34:44,480
you help provide us while we work toward
the budget presented tonight. And

402
00:34:42,399 --> 00:34:49,200
finally, thank you to our community.
Your participation and feedback does

403
00:34:46,560 --> 00:34:52,960
matter. This budget is one way we can
demonstrate that we are listening and

404
00:34:51,119 --> 00:34:57,520
working to turn the priorities that you
have identified into meaningful

405
00:34:55,200 --> 00:35:01,760
investments in Freeport. From the
finance department's perspective, the

406
00:34:59,440 --> 00:35:05,839
work does not just end with adoption.
We'll continue to closely monitor

407
00:35:03,680 --> 00:35:10,000
revenues, expenditures, fund balances,
and capital activity throughout the year

408
00:35:08,000 --> 00:35:14,320
and provide the transparent financial
reporting to council in our community

409
00:35:11,760 --> 00:35:19,440
that you have grown to know. I believe
the fiscical year 26 through 27 budget

410
00:35:17,119 --> 00:35:23,760
provides a responsible financial plan
that invests in our employees,

411
00:35:21,200 --> 00:35:28,320
infrastructure, services, and community
while protecting the city's long-term

412
00:35:25,520 --> 00:35:33,280
financial position. It reflects our
continued commitment to transparency,

413
00:35:30,880 --> 00:35:38,079
accountability, responsible fiscal
stewardship, and moving Freeport

414
00:35:35,119 --> 00:35:42,640
forward. Staff respectfully recommends
approval and adoption of the budget as

415
00:35:40,320 --> 00:35:50,680
presented.
Thank you, Miss Hurst.

416
00:35:45,119 --> 00:35:50,680
Uh, councel, I'll entertain a motion.

417
00:35:55,359 --> 00:35:59,920
» I'll make a motion.
>> We have a motion to approve,

418
00:35:57,594 --> 00:36:03,280
[clears throat] I assume. Motion to
approve by Councilman Davis.

419
00:36:02,160 --> 00:36:08,560
» Second.
>> Second by Councilman Roso.

420
00:36:06,560 --> 00:36:12,240
Any
discussion needed on this, ladies and

421
00:36:10,800 --> 00:36:15,040
gentlemen?
>> Yeah.

422
00:36:12,800 --> 00:36:22,880
» Yes, sir.
>> All right. I'm looking for the uh the

423
00:36:18,480 --> 00:36:30,040
rec center. I'm trying to find them.
>> Toby, if you could pull the budget

424
00:36:25,119 --> 00:36:30,040
website up, that may be easiest.

425
00:36:44,400 --> 00:36:56,359
And then just click on under general
fund if you'll click on rec uh scroll

426
00:36:50,480 --> 00:36:56,359
down rec center. Yeah. Okay.

427
00:37:17,920 --> 00:37:25,920
Is there something specific you're
looking for that I could maybe help?

428
00:37:21,280 --> 00:37:27,839
» Yes. Uh some repairs over there
>> for building.

429
00:37:27,280 --> 00:37:34,520
» Yes.
>> Okay. Toby, if you could scroll down to

430
00:37:29,680 --> 00:37:34,520
the 545 line.

431
00:37:35,200 --> 00:37:39,040
The the table will Yeah.

432
00:37:46,400 --> 00:37:52,320
Does that say 5,000? I'm sorry. I can't.
>> That's all.

433
00:37:50,400 --> 00:37:57,599
I'm just asking cuz I'm going to go
somewhere.

434
00:37:53,920 --> 00:38:00,599
» Yes, it says 5,000.
>> Okay.

435
00:38:01,440 --> 00:38:10,400
Um, the rec center has a lot of a lot of
repairs needed over there.

436
00:38:06,880 --> 00:38:17,920
Uh they need roof repairs. They need the
the flooring needs to be repaired over

437
00:38:13,520 --> 00:38:24,000
there from past uh water leaks and and
and uh in the pump room. If you ever

438
00:38:22,079 --> 00:38:28,160
went in there and looked at how old that
pump is and that pump is barely working

439
00:38:26,000 --> 00:38:34,320
over there that goes to the pool. Now we
going to redo the pool and then the pump

440
00:38:31,280 --> 00:38:41,760
go out or the pump station. So, it some
pumps need to be replaced inside of that

441
00:38:37,119 --> 00:38:49,119
pump house. Uh, it needs flooring. Uh,
needs to be replaced over there. Uh,

442
00:38:44,880 --> 00:38:56,720
ceiling is water damaged from the leaks.
Uh, just the patchup work that have been

443
00:38:52,480 --> 00:39:02,720
done in the past and not done right. Uh,
you know, I know we're striving to uh

444
00:38:59,680 --> 00:39:08,079
stop doing patchup works now. I've been
in city hall and I've been hearing that

445
00:39:04,640 --> 00:39:12,640
talk and [clears throat] it wasn't this
this group had done it. This has been

446
00:39:10,000 --> 00:39:20,160
happening and
uh that's that needs to be addressed

447
00:39:15,839 --> 00:39:25,232
now. The the pool has been out for two
years. I mean, I was just at the

448
00:39:22,320 --> 00:39:29,839
football game Friday night and and and
[snorts]

449
00:39:26,320 --> 00:39:32,960
two people uh senior citizens asked me,
"What's up with the pool? when we going

450
00:39:31,359 --> 00:39:39,040
to get the pool back, you know, what are
we doing? I mean, I know we are working

451
00:39:36,000 --> 00:39:43,680
on getting the pool. I have explained
that to them. But the rec center, I

452
00:39:42,400 --> 00:39:48,000
mean, just the rec center, the
experience of the rec center, you know,

453
00:39:45,920 --> 00:39:53,520
we already don't have [clears throat]
things for the kids to do, uh, a lot of

454
00:39:51,359 --> 00:39:58,880
things for kids to do in Freeport. And
we need to upgrade, uh, the rec center.

455
00:39:56,720 --> 00:40:05,187
And before even upgrading it, we need to
repair it. and we need to do some

456
00:40:01,119 --> 00:40:10,400
maintenance. So, uh I seen some some
[snorts] uh

457
00:40:07,359 --> 00:40:18,079
some quotes from last year uh of some
repair work that needed to be done that

458
00:40:12,960 --> 00:40:24,000
was uh supposedly turned turned in to
their boss, but it wasn't passed on to

459
00:40:21,119 --> 00:40:29,680
this side of the boss, you know. So, I
mean, them are $29,000.

460
00:40:27,040 --> 00:40:35,040
Uh, $25,000.
So, this that's not going to get that's

461
00:40:32,160 --> 00:40:41,040
that's not going to get it.
That's right there. So, I mean, I think

462
00:40:37,520 --> 00:40:46,480
we need to do some kind of adjustment. I
mean, we got a lot of things in here

463
00:40:43,599 --> 00:40:53,359
that we're upgrading and and needs to be
done. We're adding workers and adding

464
00:40:49,119 --> 00:40:58,400
this, but I mean,
I mean, we can go through here and find

465
00:40:54,960 --> 00:41:02,800
something that can be uh taken out or
moved around or because the rec center

466
00:41:00,800 --> 00:41:09,280
needs some more monies for for repairs
over there. I mean, we got three three

467
00:41:06,240 --> 00:41:17,000
police cars again. We bought three
police cars last year.

468
00:41:11,920 --> 00:41:17,000
I mean, that's $350 something,000.

469
00:41:17,280 --> 00:41:25,680
And and and our facilities need to be
repaired.

470
00:41:22,000 --> 00:41:31,119
I mean, if you we can't keep buying
$350,000

471
00:41:27,599 --> 00:41:35,920
uh worth priest cars every year.
Uh

472
00:41:33,040 --> 00:41:42,240
I mean, we can get one or or or take one
of them cars and move that money to the

473
00:41:39,760 --> 00:41:47,920
rec center for repairs. That's a
$100,000 plus

474
00:41:46,000 --> 00:41:52,560
or something. I mean, what do y'all I
mean, do do y'all know anything about

475
00:41:50,720 --> 00:41:57,359
I'm asking council. Do you know anything
about the rec center and any issues? I

476
00:41:55,839 --> 00:42:03,440
would like y'all to go over there and
check it out, but today is the day. I

477
00:41:59,760 --> 00:42:07,920
know it's kind of late now, but I mean
that it's it's it needs to be repaired

478
00:42:06,240 --> 00:42:13,920
over there and it's no and there's no
money in here for that stuff to happen.

479
00:42:12,319 --> 00:42:17,680
So,
I mean, I'm going to meet y'all halfway

480
00:42:15,839 --> 00:42:21,599
or whatever, but we need to move
something and add some more money over

481
00:42:20,079 --> 00:42:26,000
there to the rec center for some
repairs.

482
00:42:23,119 --> 00:42:30,880
And I looked up and down this thing and
it's a couple of them, but but the

483
00:42:28,800 --> 00:42:36,880
police cars is one cuz they already got
cars last year. They do need cars, but

484
00:42:33,760 --> 00:42:41,440
we I mean, we can still you can get two
and not three. And that's still a lot of

485
00:42:39,520 --> 00:42:45,599
money for over there because all of
these other departments need cars too.

486
00:42:44,240 --> 00:42:51,520
And they didn't they haven't been
getting any cars.

487
00:42:48,319 --> 00:42:55,680
So now we got to buy them cars
and we can't take away their cars

488
00:42:53,520 --> 00:43:01,839
because they haven't even got cars since
I've been here. I ain't heard and no no

489
00:42:57,680 --> 00:43:06,560
other department get getting any cars.
So, I know I know that's one place that

490
00:43:04,240 --> 00:43:11,680
we can we can grab some money up out of
there and and send it to the rec center

491
00:43:09,760 --> 00:43:17,839
if y'all
if that makes any sense or to anybody up

492
00:43:14,720 --> 00:43:21,359
here or I mean because [clears throat]
all of our stuff is going down, you

493
00:43:19,920 --> 00:43:26,480
know, I know we're going to put some
money in our uh ball fields and stuff

494
00:43:23,760 --> 00:43:31,760
maybe look like but the kids ain't got
nothing to do

495
00:43:29,119 --> 00:43:36,800
and then we then now we going to we have
all our buildings, you know, going down

496
00:43:34,800 --> 00:43:43,480
and we want these residents to fix their
stuff up and then we neglecting our

497
00:43:40,480 --> 00:43:43,480
stuff.

498
00:43:44,079 --> 00:43:52,800
So, we have to work on our stuff. Show
the people you'll fix your own stuff

499
00:43:49,920 --> 00:43:56,640
before you come down and and and on
people and tell them they need to fix

500
00:43:54,800 --> 00:44:00,359
their stuff. And especially when it got
to do with the kids

501
00:44:02,160 --> 00:44:10,079
Uh, I mean, we sit down, we we let city
hall go down like that. That's a shame,

502
00:44:08,000 --> 00:44:15,040
but I got to stay on track. I'm talking
about the rec center, and we need to

503
00:44:12,560 --> 00:44:21,119
move some money over to the rec center
some kind of way today if possible. I'm

504
00:44:18,480 --> 00:44:27,040
only one vote, but I just wanted to put
that out there. And and we need to look

505
00:44:24,720 --> 00:44:31,440
through here and find something some way
to make it happen.

506
00:44:28,960 --> 00:44:36,319
So, Councilman, if I may, I would
propose um two different options that

507
00:44:33,760 --> 00:44:41,440
y'all could consider. Um the facilities
and grounds capital fund has a fund

508
00:44:39,119 --> 00:44:46,880
balance of
a little over 2.2 million. So, if y'all

509
00:44:44,160 --> 00:44:54,240
want to assign some of that fund balance
for the rec center, you could do that or

510
00:44:50,400 --> 00:45:01,760
um reassign it from a budget requested
uh item to that rec center.

511
00:44:58,319 --> 00:45:06,000
Just something to consider.
>> What are we using the 2 point? What' you

512
00:45:04,079 --> 00:45:10,400
say? 2 million two
>> 2.2. So right now it's just sitting in

513
00:45:08,400 --> 00:45:13,599
that fund balance.
>> And what do we usually use that for? I

514
00:45:12,800 --> 00:45:18,640
mean I mean
>> so that would be capital improvements to

515
00:45:15,599 --> 00:45:23,040
our city facilities and the grounds. So
your rec center repairs, they would

516
00:45:21,119 --> 00:45:26,400
qualify for that.
>> Oh, okay.

517
00:45:24,800 --> 00:45:31,359
Let's do it.
I agree with you 100%. If we can move

518
00:45:29,440 --> 00:45:40,200
some of that money, I propose that we
move that money and make sure we get the

519
00:45:34,240 --> 00:45:40,200
rec center fixed properly for our kids.

520
00:45:40,560 --> 00:45:45,280
» You know, my my [snorts and cough]
>> you know where [clears throat] I stay

521
00:45:43,760 --> 00:45:50,960
with with the children.
>> Yeah. My my take on this is um I too

522
00:45:48,720 --> 00:45:56,960
feel like we need to do some work at the
at the rec center. [clears throat] Um

523
00:45:54,160 --> 00:46:02,319
but I I
I don't if we have if we have 2.2

524
00:45:59,599 --> 00:46:11,520
million sitting here in a fund that can
be used for this. It is my opinion that

525
00:46:06,160 --> 00:46:16,240
we leave it in the fund. We identify
what we're going to do,

526
00:46:14,000 --> 00:46:24,760
get a bid, then pull the money from
there at that point in time to make the

527
00:46:19,520 --> 00:46:24,760
repairs. As opposed to

528
00:46:25,280 --> 00:46:36,560
moving $50,000, $100,000, $200,000, or a
million dollars, you know, as opposed to

529
00:46:31,920 --> 00:46:42,160
just arbitrarily moving a number at this
point to put on this line item. Um,

530
00:46:39,359 --> 00:46:49,599
knowing that the money is is there in
this fund that can be used for

531
00:46:46,400 --> 00:46:54,800
the needed repairs that you speak. That
that's [clears throat] my take on it.

532
00:46:52,319 --> 00:47:00,480
So, if y'all do want to, and that's
totally fine, too. Just if you do if you

533
00:46:57,200 --> 00:47:04,800
did want to keep it all within the same
budget adoption, you could set that

534
00:47:02,640 --> 00:47:09,520
ceiling amount. We and you're assigning
that spending power as as those projects

535
00:47:07,359 --> 00:47:15,440
come up. they would still have to be um
approved and come before council, but

536
00:47:12,319 --> 00:47:20,720
the um but the bud then we wouldn't have
to do a budget amendment because that um

537
00:47:19,200 --> 00:47:25,359
spending authority would already be
within the budget. Again, totally up to

538
00:47:23,440 --> 00:47:30,560
you. I'm just explaining.
>> Yep.

539
00:47:27,680 --> 00:47:34,720
» So, if we if we don't move it now, then
you got to do a budget amendment.

540
00:47:33,200 --> 00:47:38,880
Is that what you just said? Is that kind
of what you're saying?

541
00:47:35,760 --> 00:47:42,960
» Yeah. So if we don't set the amount now
to spend then yes it will it whether

542
00:47:41,119 --> 00:47:48,240
it's coming from general fund whether
we're using fund balance in the capital

543
00:47:44,800 --> 00:47:53,440
fund if we don't set that budget amount
>> the spending if we don't give it the

544
00:47:50,400 --> 00:47:58,079
spending authority now then then we have
to come back for the amendment for the

545
00:47:55,599 --> 00:48:01,440
authority to spend it
>> and that would be every time a repair

546
00:47:59,760 --> 00:48:04,720
got done [clears throat]
>> we just

547
00:48:02,079 --> 00:48:12,400
» if it's not budgeted yes that is correct
>> so So I I'm

548
00:48:08,560 --> 00:48:15,400
propose we just set a uh a 100,000 over
there.

549
00:48:16,480 --> 00:48:24,480
» Well, seem like we would uh
figure how much we need

550
00:48:23,760 --> 00:48:28,720
and that
>> I mean you might not need all that.

551
00:48:26,000 --> 00:48:33,599
» I know. That's why I say we need
>> Yeah. We need to see how much we need to

552
00:48:31,280 --> 00:48:36,240
to to repair the things that need to be
repaired.

553
00:48:34,880 --> 00:48:39,280
Yeah, because then
>> it may be more than a h 100,000,

554
00:48:38,880 --> 00:48:44,480
» right?
>> You know, we may need more than 100,000

555
00:48:41,440 --> 00:48:45,760
to do what needs to be done to get it up
to spec.

556
00:48:45,440 --> 00:48:48,960
» Yeah.
>> So,

557
00:48:46,160 --> 00:48:54,319
» well, I've seen some I' I've seen some
uh some quotes of some work that that

558
00:48:52,640 --> 00:48:58,960
that needed to be done
>> already.

559
00:48:55,119 --> 00:49:03,839
» Yeah. And it didn't go. Now, it's more
need to be done, but you know, that's

560
00:49:01,359 --> 00:49:08,800
something you can do this year and and
that will fix a lot of and that that'll

561
00:49:05,920 --> 00:49:14,240
that'll do a lot of stuff. And then next
year, you know, you can chip away at it.

562
00:49:11,200 --> 00:49:19,040
» Yeah. Where these quotes come from?
>> Uh rec center. Bella

563
00:49:18,640 --> 00:49:24,880
» Bella,
>> when I was talking to Bella,

564
00:49:20,480 --> 00:49:29,119
» she got some bids. She has some from
they're not any good anymore because

565
00:49:27,359 --> 00:49:34,319
they're over a year they're over a year
old.

566
00:49:30,960 --> 00:49:39,280
» Yeah. So it won't be the same price now,
you know,

567
00:49:36,079 --> 00:49:43,119
but I mean it's still in that range. And
>> still in the $100,000 range.

568
00:49:41,280 --> 00:49:45,680
» Yeah.
Yeah.

569
00:49:44,720 --> 00:49:52,000
» I'm I'm pumped.
>> And that's that's flooring. Uh that's

570
00:49:49,200 --> 00:49:56,880
that's that's pumps pump upgrades. You
have to do the pumps because you going

571
00:49:54,319 --> 00:50:03,520
you you f to do all this to the pool.
You the the pool needs the the shading

572
00:50:00,319 --> 00:50:08,000
stuff. All that stuff is rusted and you
know where you like the concession stand

573
00:50:05,359 --> 00:50:13,760
area over there and in the shading part
over there. All that stuff is is is bad.

574
00:50:10,960 --> 00:50:19,599
That stuff need to be replaced. You
going to bring a a a a fresh new pool up

575
00:50:16,480 --> 00:50:24,240
in here and have that raggedy uh stuff
sitting out there like that?

576
00:50:22,079 --> 00:50:29,359
The slides and stuff, all that stuff,
all that stuff need to be replaced.

577
00:50:27,680 --> 00:50:33,200
If we going to bring the pool back,
bring it back. And when you walk in

578
00:50:30,800 --> 00:50:37,359
there, you going to say, "Wow." Or don't
walk in there and say, "Oh, well, they

579
00:50:34,640 --> 00:50:42,079
just they they just painted the pool or
something. It it took this long to do

580
00:50:39,440 --> 00:50:47,240
that."
When you walk into the pool, make it

581
00:50:44,079 --> 00:50:47,240
say, "Wow."

582
00:50:49,440 --> 00:50:54,559
» You done?
>> Yes, sir.

583
00:50:52,079 --> 00:50:59,839
» Let me uh let me kind of make a
suggestion to you guys. Um I agree

584
00:50:57,200 --> 00:51:06,745
totally with you. You know how I feel
about the children about that pool. Um

585
00:51:03,920 --> 00:51:08,960
he I just got on counsel, but let
[clears throat] me tell you something.

586
00:51:07,599 --> 00:51:13,839
And when I was hitting right there in
that chair, we didn't have that kind of

587
00:51:11,200 --> 00:51:17,760
problems. And I I I kind of know where
it all kind of stemming from and all of

588
00:51:16,160 --> 00:51:22,240
the turmoil that you guys have been
having, but uh we need to get rid of

589
00:51:20,240 --> 00:51:28,079
that and we need to get it, like you
say, fixed. We need to help our

590
00:51:24,079 --> 00:51:32,400
children. They're our future. Um
I really can't say a whole lot more. I

591
00:51:30,000 --> 00:51:37,760
mean, we seem to beat them to death and
and not give them things. I mean, uh, we

592
00:51:35,839 --> 00:51:42,960
need to kind of stress just just like
Mr. Rollers said, uh, you know, that

593
00:51:40,640 --> 00:51:47,280
park down there, that Lincoln Park, uh,
I was born and raised in that area. I

594
00:51:45,040 --> 00:51:52,160
mean, we had a baseball field, we had
basketball courts, uh, we had a

595
00:51:49,599 --> 00:51:57,200
fieldhouse there. It was all fenced in,
we had, uh, amenities there for the

596
00:51:54,559 --> 00:52:02,559
children, uh, saddle horses, monkey
bars, uh, uh, swing sets. I mean, all

597
00:52:00,400 --> 00:52:08,319
kind merrygorounds. I mean, that was all
there. And when this deal went through

598
00:52:04,880 --> 00:52:14,079
the port here, it seems like in in the
charter states, y'all shouldn't even

599
00:52:10,559 --> 00:52:19,520
sell a piece of of park until we have
the same amenities and the same size

600
00:52:17,200 --> 00:52:23,119
park or larger.
I don't know where y'all sit on this

601
00:52:20,880 --> 00:52:27,920
stuff, but we seem to have the children
don't have no amenities over there

602
00:52:25,280 --> 00:52:33,440
whatsoever, but a ballpark. And that's
not really cutting it for a a regular

603
00:52:30,800 --> 00:52:36,400
park for the children. I mean, uh, I
totally agree with you. I think we need

604
00:52:34,960 --> 00:52:40,640
to do something over there with the
Lincoln Park on that end of the field. I

605
00:52:38,400 --> 00:52:45,119
mean, that end of the city. I'm I'm with
you 100%. I'm going just suggest to

606
00:52:43,280 --> 00:52:49,440
y'all, I mean, y'all are going to pass
the the the budget anyhow. I mean, why

607
00:52:47,280 --> 00:52:54,559
don't y'all just go ahead and and and
pass it and then come back like Mrs.

608
00:52:51,920 --> 00:52:58,559
Hurst says, you got $2.2 million, you
know, sitting in another fund that y'all

609
00:52:56,079 --> 00:53:02,720
can reallocate. I mean, that would be
the suggestion I have with you guys. I

610
00:53:00,800 --> 00:53:06,640
mean, we have to have Is this the second
hearing

611
00:53:04,720 --> 00:53:08,319
» for the for the budget that we have
tonight?

612
00:53:07,119 --> 00:53:12,480
» If we vote tonight.
>> Okay. Yeah, that's what Yeah. So, I

613
00:53:10,559 --> 00:53:16,480
mean, you got to get it approved before
September the 30th. Anyhow, so

614
00:53:14,640 --> 00:53:18,800
» the 15th. So, if y'all don't approve it
tonight, we'll have to call a special

615
00:53:18,079 --> 00:53:22,480
meeting.
>> Yeah. And I appreciate you getting that

616
00:53:20,559 --> 00:53:26,240
form that I was asking you for. I mean,
I've seen it all all in there. I mean, I

617
00:53:24,880 --> 00:53:29,920
I know a little bit of something about
it here because I've been in those shoes

618
00:53:27,440 --> 00:53:34,559
before, Ash. It's all very very
>> Yes, sir. And I I I saw it today when I

619
00:53:32,640 --> 00:53:37,599
started. I said, "Oh, she got that form
in there. Put it all in there."

620
00:53:35,920 --> 00:53:41,440
» Yes, ma'am. Yeah. There you go. Yeah,
it's all in there.

621
00:53:39,760 --> 00:53:44,880
» But, uh, I'm going to just suggest that
to you guys, you know, and then we can

622
00:53:43,200 --> 00:53:49,040
kind of what we need to do is get
somebody over there and go or a couple

623
00:53:46,880 --> 00:53:53,040
of us and go through it and see what it
really needs and then say, "Hey, this is

624
00:53:51,200 --> 00:53:57,520
what we want to to do in there and get
it done."

625
00:53:54,240 --> 00:54:01,119
» Okay. Yeah. How's that? So, so, so it's
not going to be a problem to do it that

626
00:53:59,200 --> 00:54:02,800
way. I mean, we just have to put
>> It's not a problem to do it however

627
00:54:02,240 --> 00:54:05,040
y'all want.
>> Yeah. I was just given different

628
00:54:04,640 --> 00:54:10,079
options.
>> But no, but see, I just don't want to

629
00:54:06,640 --> 00:54:15,359
get into I'm I'm glad you you express
your uh feelings and I know a couple of

630
00:54:13,599 --> 00:54:20,079
everybody's on a pretty much the same
page. It's just it's just how to to uh

631
00:54:18,000 --> 00:54:27,040
get it done. But I don't want to get to
the point to where, you know, uh then we

632
00:54:23,359 --> 00:54:33,280
get over there. Oh, it need 150,000. But
then they say, well, then people say

633
00:54:30,240 --> 00:54:36,720
that, oh, we only want to spend $75,000
this year.

634
00:54:34,000 --> 00:54:39,760
» But yeah, maybe we maybe only do it by
one year, but

635
00:54:37,760 --> 00:54:46,079
» yeah, we not going to and and that's not
going to cut it. You know, it but we can

636
00:54:43,200 --> 00:54:50,720
make the uh do the amendment part the
way, but long as it get done. Well, I

637
00:54:48,640 --> 00:54:55,760
know the staff that we got now, Dr.
Kelly and I've been talking to Tracy and

638
00:54:53,040 --> 00:55:00,480
you know and they on the board with with
fix things, right?

639
00:54:58,000 --> 00:55:04,319
» You know, we ain't patching up. So when
you go over there and look at it and

640
00:55:01,839 --> 00:55:10,960
y'all walk around and do a tour, well, I
want that same attitude. Fix it, right?

641
00:55:09,280 --> 00:55:15,760
And I'll be glad to meet you over there
anytime you want to walk there and we

642
00:55:12,640 --> 00:55:20,160
can check it out anytime. I'm retired
now.

643
00:55:18,000 --> 00:55:22,319
Anybody else have some any comments on
this?

644
00:55:20,480 --> 00:55:27,440
» Well, that roof going to cost a lot,
man. Just the roof alone. That's why I

645
00:55:24,480 --> 00:55:29,119
say, you know, we need somebody to look
at this stuff.

646
00:55:28,720 --> 00:55:34,240
» Exactly.
>> And then put it on pencil and paper so

647
00:55:31,359 --> 00:55:38,880
we can really know how much we can we
can use or how much we need.

648
00:55:37,918 --> 00:55:43,520
[clears throat]
I think everybody

649
00:55:41,599 --> 00:55:46,800
everybody wants it, right?
>> I think everybody's on the same page.

650
00:55:45,119 --> 00:55:49,440
» Yeah. General consensus. I think all of
us are wondering.

651
00:55:47,359 --> 00:55:57,568
» It's just a matter of of going over
there and and taking somebody, not just

652
00:55:52,559 --> 00:55:59,588
you two knuckleheads. Uh take
[laughter]

653
00:56:01,920 --> 00:56:06,240
» Oh, Lord.
>> Somebody that Somebody that does this

654
00:56:05,040 --> 00:56:10,960
for a living.
>> Somebody that does it for a living.

655
00:56:08,799 --> 00:56:15,359
» That's all I'm saying. Somebody Somebody
that does it for a living. Somebody that

656
00:56:13,359 --> 00:56:19,920
do it every day. Not
>> not not a retire.

657
00:56:18,160 --> 00:56:23,559
I'm just kidding.
>> I love you, Larry.

658
00:56:24,480 --> 00:56:29,480
» Council, any any other questions or
comments?

659
00:56:30,720 --> 00:56:38,200
» Let me ask you this. Are you good with
with that on this issue?

660
00:56:39,359 --> 00:56:45,200
» Yeah. Once we know how much we're going
to need to do whatever, do it at that

661
00:56:44,640 --> 00:56:48,200
point.
>> Yeah.

662
00:56:49,280 --> 00:56:53,839
» Yeah. I ain't trying to spend the whole
2 million. I'm just, you know, that's a

663
00:56:53,520 --> 00:56:57,440
good
>> make y'all get it right. No, they just

664
00:56:55,359 --> 00:57:03,599
want to get grab a little handful out of
there and and make it, you know, make

665
00:57:00,160 --> 00:57:08,720
make the public notice it.
Any

666
00:57:05,440 --> 00:57:15,760
other questions or comments
before we before we call the vote? Um I

667
00:57:12,000 --> 00:57:21,119
would like to thank Miss Hurst
and everybody involved,

668
00:57:18,640 --> 00:57:26,400
you know, the the department heads, our
city manager,

669
00:57:23,040 --> 00:57:31,839
um the citizens who
contributed their input. Uh I am excited

670
00:57:29,520 --> 00:57:39,680
to see what we have a little over $4
million going into infrastructure

671
00:57:35,280 --> 00:57:45,440
much needed infrastructure. Um I hope by
the end by the end of this we have more

672
00:57:42,240 --> 00:57:51,200
people whose commotes will flush when it
rains.

673
00:57:47,920 --> 00:57:55,599
It's a [snorts] big goal of mine.
So with that being said, I'm going to

674
00:57:52,799 --> 00:57:59,599
call the vote. All those in favor state
I.

675
00:57:56,559 --> 00:58:04,599
» I. I all oppose.
>> All oppose state nay.

676
00:58:01,599 --> 00:58:04,599
» Nay.

677
00:58:05,280 --> 00:58:16,240
» I didn't see one.
>> You probably do on a on a on a

678
00:58:11,599 --> 00:58:20,000
» on a budget or here or the tax on text.
>> All right. So, we're going to take a

679
00:58:17,599 --> 00:58:22,480
roll call. That's all right. It doesn't
say it on here.

680
00:58:21,040 --> 00:58:25,839
» Yeah, I did not put it on there. I'm
sorry. If legal says that's the way

681
00:58:24,400 --> 00:58:29,280
we're going to do it, by gosh, that's
the way we're going to do it. Councilman

682
00:58:27,760 --> 00:58:34,079
McDonald, what is your vote?
>> Nay.

683
00:58:30,799 --> 00:58:37,920
» Councilman Davis.
>> I

684
00:58:35,760 --> 00:58:41,400
was going to say yes.
What do I say,

685
00:58:42,240 --> 00:58:46,680
» Council Roso? I

686
00:58:48,079 --> 00:58:56,720
» Councilwoman Morales.
>> Uh, yes.

687
00:58:53,920 --> 00:59:00,040
And the mayor's vote is I as well.
>> Oh, I

688
00:59:01,040 --> 00:59:08,200
» So, it still passes four to one.
>> Thank you.

689
00:59:04,960 --> 00:59:08,200
» Thank you.

690
00:59:12,160 --> 00:59:21,960
Next we have agenda item 5B,
consideration of possible action

691
00:59:17,440 --> 00:59:21,960
approving resolution number 2026-3068

692
00:59:22,240 --> 00:59:32,480
to ratify the property tax revenue
increase reflected in the fiscal year

693
00:59:27,920 --> 00:59:37,440
2026 2027 budget. Miss Hurst.
>> Uh yes sir. So this item is to consider

694
00:59:34,960 --> 00:59:42,160
approval of the resolution ratifying the
property tax revenue increase reflected

695
00:59:39,680 --> 00:59:47,040
in the budget that was adopted. I want
to briefly clarify what this action

696
00:59:44,720 --> 00:59:51,760
means because while the city's prop
property tax rate is decreasing, the

697
00:59:49,920 --> 00:59:58,079
city is projected to receive
approximately 12.45%

698
00:59:55,119 --> 01:00:03,119
more in property tax revenue. Last
year's budget included approximately 3.4

699
01:00:00,880 --> 01:00:10,000
4 million in property tax revenue
compared to approximately 3.8 million in

700
01:00:06,720 --> 01:00:14,520
the 26 through 27 budget, showing an
increase of approximately $425,500.

701
01:00:15,280 --> 01:00:21,200
It's important to emphasize that this
increase in revenue does not mean the

702
01:00:19,200 --> 01:00:24,880
city increased its property tax rate.
I'm going to continue to say that

703
01:00:22,319 --> 01:00:29,200
tonight to drive in the point. In fact,
the proposed tax rate is lower. The

704
01:00:27,440 --> 01:00:33,359
additional revenue is generated
primarily by growth and changes in

705
01:00:31,440 --> 01:00:38,640
taxable property values within the
city's tax base. Because the adopted

706
01:00:36,000 --> 01:00:43,280
budget anticipates receiving more total
property tax revenue than the previous

707
01:00:40,640 --> 01:00:48,079
year, state law now requires council to
take a separate vote to formally ratify

708
01:00:45,599 --> 01:00:52,160
that increase. This vote provides
transparency by clearly acknowledging

709
01:00:50,160 --> 01:00:56,640
the additional revenue included in the
budget while also recognizing that the

710
01:00:54,400 --> 01:01:02,960
city is able to generate that additional
revenue with a decreased tax rate. Staff

711
01:01:00,400 --> 01:01:10,720
respectfully recommends approval of the
re resolution ratifying the revenue.

712
01:01:07,839 --> 01:01:15,359
Also, the motion is listed on the memo.
>> Council, the motion is specific for this

713
01:01:13,280 --> 01:01:21,359
agenda item. So, I'm going to go ahead
and make the motion. I move to ratify

714
01:01:18,720 --> 01:01:31,400
the property tax revenue increase
reflected in the fiscal year 2026 2027

715
01:01:26,400 --> 01:01:31,400
budget. Is there a second?

716
01:01:32,400 --> 01:01:35,640
» A second.

717
01:01:37,440 --> 01:01:43,480
» Any questions or comments on this one?
answer.

718
01:01:44,160 --> 01:01:50,960
» Yeah. I I I just wish we had some more
questions, you know, people get some

719
01:01:49,280 --> 01:01:54,880
more questions cuz they got the answer.
I know this is confusing. I mean, uh

720
01:01:53,760 --> 01:01:58,799
» it's very confusing.
>> They Yeah. I mean, but they got the

721
01:01:56,960 --> 01:02:03,920
answers for you. I mean, they can they
can answer these questions for you. And

722
01:02:00,880 --> 01:02:08,559
I need you to stress decrease a little
more. Just decrease, you know, because

723
01:02:06,400 --> 01:02:13,920
they ain't hearing the decrease part,
you know.

724
01:02:10,160 --> 01:02:18,200
But uh Dr. Kelly, do you have anything?
>> You have any you want to

725
01:02:18,240 --> 01:02:24,079
» I don't know that I'll do a better job
than Ashley has done here tonight. But I

726
01:02:22,319 --> 01:02:30,480
will say
>> what a property pays at the end of the

727
01:02:27,200 --> 01:02:37,359
day is a function of the rate and the
value of the property. We have done our

728
01:02:33,599 --> 01:02:42,960
part by decreasing the rate. We do not
set the value. We have no control over

729
01:02:40,160 --> 01:02:45,960
setting that value and I'll leave it at
that.

730
01:02:46,240 --> 01:02:49,559
» Good answer.

731
01:02:50,559 --> 01:03:01,520
» Yeah. So, like earlier Mayor said, just
want to thank you uh Ashley, uh Dr.

732
01:02:57,440 --> 01:03:07,200
Kelly, uh everybody who, you know, put
time in on this whole budget. Uh well,

733
01:03:04,640 --> 01:03:12,079
we got Tracy back there. just the work
that she's been doing behind the scenes.

734
01:03:10,079 --> 01:03:19,760
You know, the lawyer, thank you for
sitting here.

735
01:03:15,039 --> 01:03:28,480
Uh and the work, you know, is still
going to come the uh the the DA

736
01:03:25,520 --> 01:03:33,920
the DAW revenue. Uh the DA we still have
to sign that. And y'all going to get

737
01:03:30,720 --> 01:03:39,839
explained a little bit more about that
when when that comes out. I mean, it's a

738
01:03:37,119 --> 01:03:44,799
it it's an increase there, too. I mean I
mean, we winning. We we winning now. You

739
01:03:43,280 --> 01:03:48,960
know, everybody going to say, "Oh, they
still ain't paying what they should

740
01:03:46,240 --> 01:03:55,680
pay." But now, and that's true. And
that's true. But we fighting. Well, Dr.

741
01:03:52,559 --> 01:04:02,079
Kelly, uh, who [clears throat] else? And
the and the other cities, Clue and and,

742
01:03:59,039 --> 01:04:08,400
uh, Lady Jackson, all of them. they
finally stood up a little bit to dial

743
01:04:06,240 --> 01:04:13,280
and
you're going to see

744
01:04:10,480 --> 01:04:18,049
uh a a difference this time and post.
So, thank y'all

745
01:04:16,029 --> 01:04:18,049
[clears throat]

746
01:04:18,880 --> 01:04:22,680
council. Anyone else?

747
01:04:24,319 --> 01:04:28,760
How does this vote need to be taken?

748
01:04:29,039 --> 01:04:37,280
this regular vote or a roll call?
>> To my knowledge, I didn't see that this

749
01:04:34,799 --> 01:04:41,160
one had to be a record vote.
>> All right,

750
01:04:37,920 --> 01:04:41,160
» roll call.

751
01:04:41,574 --> 01:04:43,594
[laughter]

752
01:04:43,839 --> 01:04:47,920
» We got one more. I think we're going to
have to do

753
01:04:46,400 --> 01:04:51,760
» I don't think you have to do roll call
on this.

754
01:04:49,440 --> 01:04:58,079
» We're call I'm gonna call I'm gonna call
it. All those in favor state I.

755
01:04:55,039 --> 01:05:03,440
» I. All oppose state nay.
>> Nay.

756
01:04:59,200 --> 01:05:08,799
» Motion carries three to two with
McDonald,

757
01:05:05,520 --> 01:05:16,359
Councilman McDonald, I apologize,
and Councilwoman Morales

758
01:05:12,880 --> 01:05:16,359
being the nay.

759
01:05:20,799 --> 01:05:29,960
Agenda item 5C, consideration and
possible action to adopt ordinance

760
01:05:26,559 --> 01:05:29,960
number 2026-2773

761
01:05:30,559 --> 01:05:39,280
establishing a tax rate for the 2026 tax
year. Miss Hurst.

762
01:05:36,400 --> 01:05:44,400
» Okay, last one. This item is to consider
adoption of the city of Freeport's

763
01:05:41,039 --> 01:05:52,480
property tax rate for the 2026 tax year.
The proposed tax rate is 0.474988 474988

764
01:05:49,440 --> 01:05:57,200
per $100 of taxable value. And I want to
emphasize from the beginning that this

765
01:05:54,559 --> 01:06:02,400
represents a decrease in the city's tax
rate. Under state law, we are required

766
01:06:00,079 --> 01:06:08,880
to compare the proposed rate to the no
new revenue rate. The proposed rate is

767
01:06:05,440 --> 01:06:14,319
approximately 6.76%
above the no new revenue rate, which

768
01:06:11,599 --> 01:06:19,200
requires specific statutory language and
procedures during tonight's adoption.

769
01:06:16,880 --> 01:06:23,920
That language can sometimes be confusing
because it may sound as though the city

770
01:06:21,039 --> 01:06:30,000
is increasing its tax rate. That is not
what is occurring. The city's tax rate

771
01:06:26,640 --> 01:06:37,440
is going down. In fact, the proposed
rate is approximately 7.42%

772
01:06:34,400 --> 01:06:42,160
below the current rate.
At the same time, due primarily to

773
01:06:39,920 --> 01:06:47,839
changes in growth in taxable property
values, the city anticipates receiving

774
01:06:44,720 --> 01:06:54,400
additional property tax revenue. Simply
stated, the tax rate is decreasing while

775
01:06:51,039 --> 01:06:59,359
anticipated revenues will increase. This
allows us to continue funding city

776
01:06:56,480 --> 01:07:04,480
services, employees, infrastructure, and
community investments while providing

777
01:07:01,440 --> 01:07:08,960
citizens a lower tax rate. Looking
forward, we also have an opportunity to

778
01:07:06,960 --> 01:07:13,839
continue working toward pushing that
rate down every year. As we discussed

779
01:07:11,839 --> 01:07:19,359
during our budget workshops, that will
require us to continue to explore and

780
01:07:16,480 --> 01:07:24,720
implement revenue diversification,
including strengthening our sales tax

781
01:07:21,520 --> 01:07:30,000
base, evaluating appropriate charges for
services and user fees, pursuing

782
01:07:27,359 --> 01:07:34,400
economic development, and identifying
other sustainable revenue sources that

783
01:07:32,240 --> 01:07:38,720
will reduce our reliance on property
taxes.

784
01:07:35,920 --> 01:07:43,920
Achieving that will take sorry achieving
that will take all of us working

785
01:07:40,400 --> 01:07:48,960
together council management staff our
businesses and our community. Team

786
01:07:46,640 --> 01:07:54,079
simply means together everyone achieves
more. And by working together as that

787
01:07:51,359 --> 01:07:58,319
team we can work to grow and diversify
our revenue base to continue to

788
01:07:55,920 --> 01:08:03,680
strengthen this city while look working
toward reducing the tax burden on

789
01:08:00,640 --> 01:08:09,039
property owners. State law does require
adoption of the tax rate to be a record

790
01:08:06,079 --> 01:08:13,039
vote along with specific motions and
statutory language. Those required

791
01:08:11,359 --> 01:08:17,759
motions are included with the agenda
item and should be made as presented.

792
01:08:15,760 --> 01:08:22,880
Overall, this is a positive step for
Freeport. We're decreasing the tax rate,

793
01:08:20,719 --> 01:08:27,839
increasing anticipated revenue,
investing in our community, and creating

794
01:08:25,520 --> 01:08:33,120
an opportunity to continue building a
more diversified and sustainable

795
01:08:30,080 --> 01:08:38,640
financial future. staff staff
respectfully recommends approval of the

796
01:08:35,679 --> 01:08:43,040
property tax rate.
>> Thank you, Miss Hurst.

797
01:08:41,120 --> 01:08:47,920
Um on this, there are three different
motions that may need to be made. Um all

798
01:08:45,839 --> 01:08:54,159
three of them will require a record
vote. U the motions are specific. So I

799
01:08:52,239 --> 01:09:01,040
will
make the motion on the first one. I move

800
01:08:57,520 --> 01:09:04,040
to approve the debt service tax rate of
0.057196

801
01:09:04,799 --> 01:09:15,120
per $100 of taxable valuation for the
2026 tax year. And I'm asking for a

802
01:09:12,960 --> 01:09:20,440
second.
>> A second.

803
01:09:16,159 --> 01:09:20,440
» A second by Councilman Davis.

804
01:09:21,520 --> 01:09:26,880
Any discussion needed on this, ladies
and gentlemen?

805
01:09:25,679 --> 01:09:28,719
Yeah. We're going to do three of them.
>> We're gonna do three of them. I'm

806
01:09:28,480 --> 01:09:31,679
» go ahead.
>> And they're all going to be a record

807
01:09:29,920 --> 01:09:36,880
vote. So, this is what you was looking
for.

808
01:09:32,400 --> 01:09:43,359
» Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Uh [clears throat] now
once again, uh looking for some

809
01:09:39,920 --> 01:09:49,279
questions. Uh man, I went down I went to
city hall and I sat down. I talked with

810
01:09:45,679 --> 01:09:56,000
Ashley and and and a little bit with Dr.
Kelly and try to get them to, you know,

811
01:09:53,279 --> 01:10:01,840
make me understand this or make make,
you know, make this make sense, you

812
01:09:58,080 --> 01:10:08,880
know, and it's it's hard, I mean, for a
resident or somebody to to know that,

813
01:10:05,280 --> 01:10:16,239
but what what the problem is, and it
isn't a problem, but this what they told

814
01:10:11,840 --> 01:10:23,120
me out in the streets, y'all uh uh I
heard y'all you, Winston, and the mayor

815
01:10:19,840 --> 01:10:27,600
voted to raise taxes. Everybody except
Larry and Nicole.

816
01:10:25,280 --> 01:10:34,640
Well, see, now we come in here and now
we got another vote splitting again. But

817
01:10:31,040 --> 01:10:40,560
ain't nobody asking no questions.
So, we confusing the people if we don't

818
01:10:37,760 --> 01:10:46,880
if we not being, you know, transparent.
If if you if somebody's voting no,

819
01:10:44,400 --> 01:10:51,840
I need to I need to ask a question here
a question or something. Why is why is

820
01:10:49,120 --> 01:10:56,800
this a problem? Why is this why you
don't think that this is right? Because

821
01:10:53,760 --> 01:11:03,280
the people are watching and they are
confused and so they just taking sides

822
01:11:00,560 --> 01:11:07,199
and but it's nobody asking no question.
Nobody's saying nothing. That's

823
01:11:05,440 --> 01:11:13,600
confusing the people. I just wanted to
let y'all know that and I'm sorry, but

824
01:11:11,920 --> 01:11:17,360
that's the way I get it. I understand
it. I went and sat down with them. if

825
01:11:15,600 --> 01:11:23,280
some of the people that that that that's
saying this stuff outside outside here

826
01:11:20,480 --> 01:11:27,120
residents and stuff could come and and
sit in here and ask questions. I mean,

827
01:11:25,360 --> 01:11:34,560
you'll be better you you'll get better
educated on, you know, uh how this tax

828
01:11:32,080 --> 01:11:40,480
revenue and all this tax stuff work. You
may not fully understand it, but you

829
01:11:38,814 --> 01:11:46,159
[clears throat] you you you'll have a
better understanding if you ask a

830
01:11:42,480 --> 01:11:52,560
question. Thank you. Well, let me say
this. Uh, all I'm hearing is decrease.

831
01:11:49,840 --> 01:11:59,199
I'm not hearing increase.
Now, you know, do we want it to go down

832
01:11:56,239 --> 01:12:04,400
even lower than what it is?
I'm hearing decrease. I'm not hearing

833
01:12:02,640 --> 01:12:10,255
increase.
That's what I'm hearing.

834
01:12:06,239 --> 01:12:14,080
» Yeah. And we and we increasing workers
[snorts]

835
01:12:11,679 --> 01:12:18,719
» in the in the community. some taxpayer
money. I mean, we're we're we're adding

836
01:12:16,960 --> 01:12:24,800
uh workers in the street department and
the parks department and the you know uh

837
01:12:22,960 --> 01:12:30,159
code department. I mean just just
whatever department but I mean this is

838
01:12:26,960 --> 01:12:35,840
what uh has been needed here for a
while. So the budget is doing is doing

839
01:12:32,719 --> 01:12:40,800
pretty well when you able to add
workers.

840
01:12:38,239 --> 01:12:43,920
Add workers that's you have to pay them
to do that.

841
01:12:44,880 --> 01:12:50,920
and we'll get more houses that their
commodes will flush when it rains.

842
01:12:51,920 --> 01:13:00,400
I I I understand what you're saying,
Councilman, and I think the confusion

843
01:12:56,960 --> 01:13:05,520
comes in the fact that um yes, we are
voting to lower the tax rate.

844
01:13:04,080 --> 01:13:10,880
» Exactly.
>> That is that is what we're voting on.

845
01:13:08,320 --> 01:13:16,320
And uh I'll repeat it again. We're
voting to lower the tax rate from the

846
01:13:14,400 --> 01:13:23,199
previous year.
Um what m Miss Kelly, Dr. Kelly had

847
01:13:20,159 --> 01:13:31,199
mentioned just a few minutes ago
is something that is out of our hands.

848
01:13:26,159 --> 01:13:38,719
The value of your house may go up.
>> Okay? So if the value of your house goes

849
01:13:35,440 --> 01:13:44,640
up more than
the percentage that we're lowering

850
01:13:42,320 --> 01:13:51,440
then at the end of the day it is
possible that although the taxes are

851
01:13:48,480 --> 01:13:56,000
being lowered
at the end of the year you might be

852
01:13:52,960 --> 01:13:59,920
paying a couple hundred dollars more.
>> Right. Right.

853
01:13:57,679 --> 01:14:04,640
» And that that I believe is where the
confusion is.

854
01:14:02,560 --> 01:14:08,800
It's kind of hard to explain sometimes,
folks, but uh

855
01:14:05,920 --> 01:14:13,280
» it is it is
>> the what he's basically saying or

856
01:14:11,120 --> 01:14:18,159
Jerry's saying is
everyone receives an appraisal every

857
01:14:15,520 --> 01:14:21,360
year. Mostly everyone. There there's
some people that don't get appraised

858
01:14:19,840 --> 01:14:26,640
every year. It's every couple of years,
but u I'm very aware of it because my

859
01:14:25,120 --> 01:14:33,760
taxing
uh uh liability is is, you know, between

860
01:14:29,280 --> 01:14:38,080
30 and 40 grand a year. So, um,
anytime that you get a letter from the

861
01:14:35,679 --> 01:14:42,719
county or whatever that they they want
you to or meet you to talk to you about

862
01:14:40,719 --> 01:14:48,960
raising your taxes or your appraisal on
your home, well, you have to kind of

863
01:14:46,000 --> 01:14:53,440
defend that and try to get them to lower
that appraisal rate because you don't

864
01:14:51,360 --> 01:15:00,719
want to sit there and pay taxes on a
house that's $100,000 and it's only

865
01:14:56,719 --> 01:15:06,480
valued at 90,000 or you paid $100,000 is
going to value that 90. So, uh, and what

866
01:15:04,239 --> 01:15:14,880
we all are approving tonight is a tax
rate. That tax rate is multiplied times

867
01:15:11,440 --> 01:15:19,920
your appraisal on your home to give you
the value of the taxes that you owe the

868
01:15:17,360 --> 01:15:24,800
city. The same thing with the county
happens, the same thing with the school

869
01:15:21,760 --> 01:15:29,199
happens and the other taxing entities.
They multiply whatever that appraisal

870
01:15:27,120 --> 01:15:34,800
times their rate. the port and everybody
else has had the same thing. And so

871
01:15:31,760 --> 01:15:38,800
anytime your appraisals rise and you
lower the tax rate, you're still going

872
01:15:36,800 --> 01:15:46,000
to take in, she just said she's going to
take in $425,000

873
01:15:41,679 --> 01:15:52,640
more from the people. We on this council
could have adopted a no tax increase

874
01:15:50,480 --> 01:15:58,800
and they would the the city would have
lost like 80 something thou. What was

875
01:15:54,560 --> 01:16:04,560
the the um the value of the the city not
the the loss on that tax rate if we took

876
01:16:01,600 --> 01:16:09,120
the the note uh increase?
>> Uh

877
01:16:07,040 --> 01:16:15,360
Dr. Kelly, do you happen to remember off
the top of your head?

878
01:16:10,880 --> 01:16:18,960
» It was $29 per house per average house
price.

879
01:16:16,159 --> 01:16:23,600
» No, but I was talking to what was the uh
the overall uh loss that we would take

880
01:16:21,840 --> 01:16:25,280
on it the city would have taken? I think
it was

881
01:16:23,920 --> 01:16:27,199
» I thought it was like 80 something,000
or something.

882
01:16:25,760 --> 01:16:31,360
» Yeah. Yeah, I think it was.
>> They could we could have adopted that

883
01:16:28,880 --> 01:16:36,560
rate and the city could have lost 80
something thousand dollars, not lose it.

884
01:16:34,159 --> 01:16:41,520
Y'all are fixing to get millions of
dollars more on IDAs. You're the what

885
01:16:40,320 --> 01:16:45,280
you're talking about your industrial
district agree. Y'all are going to get

886
01:16:42,960 --> 01:16:51,360
millions of dollars more. So y'all could
have said, "Hey, you know what? Let's

887
01:16:47,280 --> 01:16:55,440
give the people that that tax less taxes
on their homes and adopted that rate

888
01:16:53,679 --> 01:17:01,920
instead of adopting a rate that's going
to take $425,000

889
01:16:58,400 --> 01:17:05,920
more from the taxpayers.
Do you does that are you understanding

890
01:17:05,120 --> 01:17:11,520
that?
>> Okay, that's those are the rates that

891
01:17:08,640 --> 01:17:19,120
that form that I asked from Ashley. They
they she used to actually when I was

892
01:17:14,640 --> 01:17:22,159
here the uh the uh
uh director of finance used to fill that

893
01:17:21,600 --> 01:17:26,320
out. Okay.
>> I used to see that. I mean that's why I

894
01:17:24,560 --> 01:17:29,360
asked you for it. But
>> I know that I didn't know that y'all

895
01:17:27,760 --> 01:17:34,480
sent the information to the county now
and the county filled it out for you

896
01:17:31,199 --> 01:17:39,760
now. So, but anyhow, that's one of the
the things we could have done to save

897
01:17:36,800 --> 01:17:44,239
the people some money.
But I mean that's the reason I vote

898
01:17:41,840 --> 01:17:48,960
against any kind of tax increase. I have
a large tax bill. So I mean any kind of

899
01:17:47,040 --> 01:17:53,120
tax increase I'm not voting for it. I'm
sorry. I just don't vote for it. I don't

900
01:17:51,360 --> 01:18:00,000
want to take no more money from the
people than than we have to. Uh

901
01:17:57,199 --> 01:18:05,840
we're not really uh physically
responsible for $345,000

902
01:18:03,440 --> 01:18:09,760
slipping out of here. And the people are
paying for it. The the taxpayers out

903
01:18:07,600 --> 01:18:14,800
there are are paying for it. some way or
another. I mean, that's that's not being

904
01:18:12,000 --> 01:18:18,239
physically responsible. I mean, so I
mean, that's I mean, that's just one one

905
01:18:17,059 --> 01:18:23,360
[clears throat] item there, you know,
that we can look at, but uh y'all going

906
01:18:21,440 --> 01:18:27,360
to y'all have to do what you got to do,
and I'm going to just have to be where

907
01:18:25,040 --> 01:18:31,040
I'm at at, you know, that's But I wanted
to try to explain that to you so

908
01:18:29,120 --> 01:18:38,400
Winston, you could get it and and and
things. But anyhow, that's that's uh how

909
01:18:34,239 --> 01:18:43,920
it's how it's actually done. So,
>> well, thank you

910
01:18:39,760 --> 01:18:49,520
» for that for that explanation. Uh,
but I encourage you to look around. Not

911
01:18:46,159 --> 01:18:57,840
you. Uh, [laughter]
not you. I was drinking. Uh, check the

912
01:18:54,000 --> 01:19:02,640
paper, the local paper, and look at the
surrounding cities

913
01:19:00,000 --> 01:19:07,920
and and look what Freeport's doing and
look what the surrounding city is doing.

914
01:19:05,440 --> 01:19:17,120
I mean, it could be worse. It takes
money to run a city and Freeport needs a

915
01:19:11,199 --> 01:19:22,320
lot of work done and we can't just say
we can't just keep blaming on the the

916
01:19:19,199 --> 01:19:28,560
the the past people that was running it.
We got to look forward and what are what

917
01:19:25,199 --> 01:19:35,360
are the people that's in charge to to uh
run Freeport now? How are we going to

918
01:19:31,600 --> 01:19:40,320
fund Freeport and build Freeport up? You
know, now if [clears throat] they don't

919
01:19:37,440 --> 01:19:45,600
execute, well, then we we have another
problem. But I think they're on the

920
01:19:42,239 --> 01:19:53,120
right track on building Freeport up. And
only way you can build it's going to it

921
01:19:48,560 --> 01:19:58,159
it costs to to build this city up.
So, but just look at the paper and look

922
01:19:55,600 --> 01:20:04,239
at the surrounding cities and and and
see what's going on. in Freeport. You

923
01:20:01,199 --> 01:20:09,199
gonna say, "Oh, we winning.
We winning."

924
01:20:07,280 --> 01:20:15,600
» You if you want to really build up
Freeport,

925
01:20:12,159 --> 01:20:19,199
create a business atmosphere,
look look at the the surrounding cities.

926
01:20:18,235 --> 01:20:24,159
[clears throat]
All of them have growth.

927
01:20:21,520 --> 01:20:30,719
Where's your growth here in Freeport?
I mean, you take people like businesses

928
01:20:27,920 --> 01:20:36,400
like Chick-fil-A, Waffle House, the
Dollar General store. Those all of those

929
01:20:33,040 --> 01:20:42,239
stores collect a sales tax and the city
has a portion of that sales tax that is

930
01:20:39,040 --> 01:20:46,560
reimbursed back to the city. If you want
to do something like that, it's just

931
01:20:43,600 --> 01:20:50,719
like over in Webster or somewhere in
that natures. all of the businesses that

932
01:20:48,800 --> 01:20:55,600
they the the residents don't even have a
water bill because all of the businesses

933
01:20:53,440 --> 01:20:59,920
pay enough for it to cover some of their
the water bills and stuff, you know,

934
01:20:57,280 --> 01:21:05,679
trash and stuff. But if you create an
atmosphere where you can attract

935
01:21:02,159 --> 01:21:09,199
businesses and attract more rooftops
>> that are going to help us

936
01:21:07,600 --> 01:21:12,560
» pay in they're going to pay more
property taxes. Well, that's going to be

937
01:21:11,120 --> 01:21:16,400
at that 4 point something. that's going
to be an increase in your in your in

938
01:21:14,640 --> 01:21:20,320
your in your income
>> and your revenue. So, that's where

939
01:21:18,080 --> 01:21:23,600
you're you'll collect money.
>> If that's what y'all want to do, that's

940
01:21:21,760 --> 01:21:26,960
where we need to head. But you've got to
instruct the city, hey, you don't need

941
01:21:25,280 --> 01:21:30,480
to be beating the businesses over the
head. You need to get them here. And

942
01:21:29,120 --> 01:21:34,320
once they get here and they start paying
sales tax, paying the water bills, and

943
01:21:32,400 --> 01:21:39,040
things like that, well, then you can use
some of that money in that city to to do

944
01:21:36,719 --> 01:21:43,760
the repairs that you need to make.
>> Well, Mr.

945
01:21:40,800 --> 01:21:50,400
I don't disagree with you one bit there
and I can tell you part of accomplishing

946
01:21:48,159 --> 01:21:55,040
what you are talking about right there
starts right here

947
01:21:52,480 --> 01:22:01,600
» and the the fact that this council is
working together

948
01:21:58,239 --> 01:22:08,400
» for the first time in
quite some time um that that is the

949
01:22:05,600 --> 01:22:12,880
start to making it happen.
>> Yes, it is. Yeah.

950
01:22:09,760 --> 01:22:16,239
» And EDC is where it can start and and go
from there.

951
01:22:13,679 --> 01:22:21,920
» Yeah. And that's what and so that I'm
glad you brought that up. EDC where it

952
01:22:18,800 --> 01:22:25,679
can start and go from there. Uh but like
I totally agree with you, but that's

953
01:22:23,760 --> 01:22:32,239
what I was saying. You know, that's what
that's what this group is is here to do.

954
01:22:28,639 --> 01:22:39,840
And that's why we hired Dr. Kelly,
Tracy, and and uh Mr. Harris. Uh we

955
01:22:37,840 --> 01:22:46,159
ain't our Robert Rob was already here
whenever we got here. So uh I ain't got

956
01:22:42,719 --> 01:22:50,239
nothing to do with that. But uh you know
you you're exactly right. But that's

957
01:22:48,080 --> 01:22:55,280
what we're striving to do. And that's
why I called last year. What's the

958
01:22:52,960 --> 01:22:58,639
vision of Freeport?
What is what what is the vision? They

959
01:22:57,120 --> 01:23:03,120
they've never had a vision. You have to
have a vision and you have to set goals

960
01:23:01,120 --> 01:23:10,320
and and then you have to, you know, set
a plan to accomplish those goals. And

961
01:23:06,800 --> 01:23:13,280
that that's in planning 101.
>> Yeah.

962
01:23:10,719 --> 01:23:16,239
» I mean, so you're right. That's
business.

963
01:23:13,679 --> 01:23:20,920
» That's 101. So that's what we got to do.
>> We got anything from this side of the

964
01:23:17,920 --> 01:23:20,920
room?

965
01:23:28,639 --> 01:23:35,120
» Did y'all hear that? I didn't think you
did.

966
01:23:32,880 --> 01:23:39,323
I said I don't have much more to say,
but I'm I'm agreeing and I like what I'm

967
01:23:37,199 --> 01:23:41,343
hearing.
[snorts and clears throat]

968
01:23:43,120 --> 01:23:54,480
» I' I've said this before and I'll say it
again. We have people in place that

969
01:23:50,639 --> 01:23:58,800
if they do their job, then that we can
accomplish what we're talking about

970
01:23:56,320 --> 01:24:04,080
accomplishing.
Ashley, you're doing a great job. Don't

971
01:24:01,040 --> 01:24:09,120
let nobody tell you you're not or put
you down. You're doing a great job as

972
01:24:06,880 --> 01:24:14,639
far as I'm concerned. But I'm only one
vote.

973
01:24:10,880 --> 01:24:18,400
I mean, I vote I vote what I vote. I
don't vote what none of these other guys

974
01:24:16,560 --> 01:24:20,560
up here vote.
>> Knuckleheads.

975
01:24:19,600 --> 01:24:23,560
» Yeah. Knuckleheads.
>> Knuckleheads.

976
01:24:23,920 --> 01:24:33,033
» All right. Speaking of voting, this is
going to be a record vote. Councilman

977
01:24:29,280 --> 01:24:36,639
McDonald. Nay.
[clears throat]

978
01:24:34,320 --> 01:24:42,258
» Councilman Davis, come on. Get it out
before you.

979
01:24:39,120 --> 01:24:42,258
» All right. [cough and clears throat]

980
01:24:43,040 --> 01:24:46,760
» Councilwoman Morales.

981
01:24:46,800 --> 01:24:50,520
» I'm gonna go with nay.

982
01:24:52,400 --> 01:25:00,719
» Council Roso.
Hi.

983
01:24:56,480 --> 01:25:09,360
» And the mayor votes I as well.
So once again, u Councilman McDonald and

984
01:25:05,600 --> 01:25:14,239
Morales were in nay on that one.
>> Uh the second motion,

985
01:25:11,840 --> 01:25:21,400
I move to approve the maintenance and
operations tax rate of

986
01:25:18,400 --> 01:25:21,400
417792

987
01:25:21,600 --> 01:25:32,679
per 100% of taxable valuation for the
2026 tax year.

988
01:25:29,120 --> 01:25:32,679
Is there a second?

989
01:25:37,520 --> 01:25:43,600
» Five.
>> 5.

990
01:25:39,600 --> 01:25:51,080
» There's There's three motions on 5C.
>> Yeah, I vote. Second. I second.

991
01:25:47,040 --> 01:25:51,080
» Second by Councilman Roso.

992
01:25:52,400 --> 01:25:58,560
Any more discussion needed on this,
ladies and gentlemen?

993
01:25:56,639 --> 01:26:01,520
Can can you repeat that? How did you
word that that uh motion? What did you

994
01:26:01,199 --> 01:26:09,880
say?
>> I move to approve the maintenance and

995
01:26:04,000 --> 01:26:09,880
operations tax rate of 0.417792

996
01:26:11,120 --> 01:26:19,320
uh per $100 of taxable valuation for the
2026 tax year.

997
01:26:22,000 --> 01:26:25,679
» Second.
>> We have a first and a second.

998
01:26:24,385 --> 01:26:33,120
[clears throat]
Is there any questions or comments?

999
01:26:29,600 --> 01:26:39,760
» Is it any feedback on that
Ashley? I mean them numbers. So I know

1000
01:26:36,639 --> 01:26:45,040
you already read did it one time but
>> so the the first motion the debt service

1001
01:26:42,239 --> 01:26:50,480
that's um the the amount that y'all have
to adopt. That's what funds the um any

1002
01:26:47,760 --> 01:26:53,600
debt payments the city has. So that goes
to its own fund. It's separate from

1003
01:26:52,159 --> 01:26:59,120
everything. And then the maintenance and
operations. This is the general fund

1004
01:26:55,600 --> 01:27:03,480
part of it. [clears throat]
>> Thank Thank you.

1005
01:27:00,239 --> 01:27:03,480
» No problem.

1006
01:27:04,400 --> 01:27:08,920
» Any any other questions or comments?

1007
01:27:09,360 --> 01:27:14,760
» Councilman McDonald, let's say you.
>> Nay.

1008
01:27:17,040 --> 01:27:21,639
» Councilman Davis. Uh,

1009
01:27:21,840 --> 01:27:28,880
» Councilwoman Morales.
>> What do I say? I

1010
01:27:27,520 --> 01:27:31,195
» I
>> I

1011
01:27:29,679 --> 01:27:33,215
» I
[clears throat]

1012
01:27:33,600 --> 01:27:40,239
» Councilman Roso
>> I.

1013
01:27:37,199 --> 01:27:47,719
» And the mayor votes I as well.
So on that one, it went four to one with

1014
01:27:43,120 --> 01:27:47,719
Councilman McDonald being the Nate.

1015
01:27:47,840 --> 01:27:56,800
The third motion on this item I will
make. I move that the property tax rate

1016
01:27:53,760 --> 01:28:03,440
be increased by the adoption of a tax
rate of

1017
01:27:59,840 --> 01:28:10,639
point 0.474988
per $100 of taxable valuation which is

1018
01:28:06,880 --> 01:28:16,560
effectively effectively a 6.7
6.76%

1019
01:28:12,960 --> 01:28:23,520
increase in the tax rate.
Now, this one is

1020
01:28:20,159 --> 01:28:29,040
kind of confusing as I read it.
>> So, this is one of the ones that is

1021
01:28:25,520 --> 01:28:33,760
required by um by the state that it has
to be adopted a certain way. So you're

1022
01:28:30,960 --> 01:28:38,800
adopting your total tax rate and that
6.76%

1023
01:28:36,320 --> 01:28:46,239
increase that it mentions means the
total tax rate is 6.76%

1024
01:28:42,800 --> 01:28:51,239
above the no new no new revenue rate. So
you're saying that you're acknowledging

1025
01:28:48,000 --> 01:28:51,239
that fact

1026
01:28:52,639 --> 01:28:57,840
» that was 6.7% above
>> 6.76%

1027
01:28:57,280 --> 01:29:02,880
yes sir.
>> Okay.

1028
01:28:59,760 --> 01:29:07,920
And then overall that total tax rate is
7.42%

1029
01:29:05,520 --> 01:29:09,440
below y'all's rate today.
>> Yeah.

1030
01:29:08,960 --> 01:29:16,159
» Below.
>> But that's just above the the no tax

1031
01:29:12,080 --> 01:29:19,360
rate, right? That's 6.76.
>> Yes, sir.

1032
01:29:16,800 --> 01:29:23,639
» Okay. Thank you.
>> And the second one was below.

1033
01:29:24,239 --> 01:29:30,560
» Yes.
>> So I made the motion. Is there a second?

1034
01:29:29,679 --> 01:29:35,600
I'll second
>> second by Councilman Davis.

1035
01:29:33,681 --> 01:29:42,719
[clears throat]
>> Any discussion needed on this one?

1036
01:29:39,199 --> 01:29:45,760
» So question is basically the the total
rate is decreasing,

1037
01:29:45,280 --> 01:29:47,440
» right?
>> Yes ma'am.

1038
01:29:46,800 --> 01:29:52,679
» Okay.
>> Total rate is going down by 7.42%.

1039
01:29:55,297 --> 01:29:57,317
[snorts]

1040
01:29:58,880 --> 01:30:05,480
So, council, we're voting on a tax
decrease.

1041
01:30:06,960 --> 01:30:11,159
Any other questions or comments?

1042
01:30:12,639 --> 01:30:17,719
Councilman McDonald.
>> Nay.

1043
01:30:14,719 --> 01:30:17,719
» Nay.

1044
01:30:17,840 --> 01:30:21,400
» Councilman Davis.

1045
01:30:22,480 --> 01:30:26,639
» Councilwoman Morales.
>> Hi,

1046
01:30:26,960 --> 01:30:34,920
Councilman Roso
>> I

1047
01:30:30,320 --> 01:30:34,920
» and the mayor votes I as well.

1048
01:30:34,960 --> 01:30:41,679
» So on [clears throat] that one once
again we have a four to one with

1049
01:30:38,239 --> 01:30:44,880
Councilman McDonald being the nay.
>> Okay. Thank you all for your help.

1050
01:30:44,080 --> 01:30:48,560
» Thank you.
>> Thank you Ashley.

1051
01:30:46,239 --> 01:30:51,600
» Thank you Ashley.
>> Good job.

1052
01:30:50,317 --> 01:30:53,600
[applause]
All

1053
01:30:54,719 --> 01:31:04,920
right. Agenda item 5D,
consideration and possible action

1054
01:31:00,239 --> 01:31:04,920
approving resolution number 2026-3069

1055
01:31:05,840 --> 01:31:13,760
appointing a member to the Senior
Citizens Commission. Dr. Kelly.

1056
01:31:11,440 --> 01:31:17,840
» Yes, thank you. The Senior Citizens
Commission serves in an advisory

1057
01:31:15,600 --> 01:31:22,560
capacity to support program services and
initiatives benefiting senior citizens

1058
01:31:20,320 --> 01:31:27,040
within the city of Freeport. Board
member Brenda Leard submitted

1059
01:31:24,239 --> 01:31:33,040
resignations prior to the ex expiration
of their appointed term which are set to

1060
01:31:29,600 --> 01:31:37,440
expire on May 31st, 2027. This
resignation has created a vacancy on the

1061
01:31:35,040 --> 01:31:41,920
commission that requires city council's
action to ensure continued functionality

1062
01:31:39,760 --> 01:31:47,120
and representation.
And I believe you have an application in

1063
01:31:44,080 --> 01:31:53,440
your packet from Miss Karen Tate to
consider.

1064
01:31:50,080 --> 01:31:59,520
» Is Miss Tate here?
She is not.

1065
01:31:56,480 --> 01:32:03,120
» But we have a representative.
I would like to say that Miss Tate

1066
01:32:01,360 --> 01:32:08,480
attempted to be here, but she is stuck
in Michigan right now uh in in a a

1067
01:32:07,040 --> 01:32:11,360
flight situation.
>> I say she's not

1068
01:32:09,440 --> 01:32:14,800
» but she very much wanted to be here.
>> She's not caught up in snow or anything

1069
01:32:13,440 --> 01:32:19,360
like that. [laughter]
>> I don't know.

1070
01:32:16,320 --> 01:32:21,840
» It was two It was Brenda Brenda Lair
too.

1071
01:32:19,679 --> 01:32:27,120
» Miss Lair is the one that resigned.
>> Yeah. Brenda.

1072
01:32:24,880 --> 01:32:34,080
» Yep.
Councilman Roso, you are the liaison,

1073
01:32:31,520 --> 01:32:41,199
so you get to make a motion.
>> I make a motion that we accept.

1074
01:32:37,760 --> 01:32:43,120
» We have a motion on the floor to accept
Miss Tate.

1075
01:32:42,239 --> 01:32:46,920
» Second
>> by Roso.

1076
01:32:47,199 --> 01:32:51,560
Seconded by Councilman McDonald.

1077
01:32:54,400 --> 01:33:03,480
Any questions or comments?
>> Quick question for Loretta. Are we do we

1078
01:32:59,120 --> 01:33:03,480
have all the members we need now?

1079
01:33:05,760 --> 01:33:10,960
» Uh if Miss Tate is uh appointed by
council, then yes, we will have a full

1080
01:33:10,400 --> 01:33:14,159
board.
>> Okay.

1081
01:33:11,360 --> 01:33:21,800
» Um and she was unanimously recommended
by the board by the commission.

1082
01:33:17,920 --> 01:33:21,800
» That information helps.

1083
01:33:22,639 --> 01:33:30,480
So with that, council, I'll call the
vote. All those in favor state I. I. All

1084
01:33:28,320 --> 01:33:36,480
oppose, state nay.
>> Motion carries unanimously.

1085
01:33:32,639 --> 01:33:44,040
Congratulations. We have a full board.
>> That brings us to agenda item 5e.

1086
01:33:40,639 --> 01:33:44,040
Mr. Hayes.

1087
01:33:45,360 --> 01:33:54,080
Toby, you got the clock.
>> Good afternoon, uh, mayor and council.

1088
01:33:51,600 --> 01:34:00,639
I've served on that board since uh I
think 2017 I was asked to be on it. Uh I

1089
01:33:58,159 --> 01:34:05,440
feel like I've served a good purpose
there. They put it together because of

1090
01:34:03,440 --> 01:34:10,880
my business experience of almost 50
years and helping manage people and

1091
01:34:08,800 --> 01:34:16,080
stuff like that. I'm the vice president
of that board and I also serve on the

1092
01:34:13,520 --> 01:34:21,360
board for the Bradport Water Supply
Corporation which is building the

1093
01:34:17,679 --> 01:34:25,360
reservoir and uh I'm secretary of that
board. So I'd like to continue at least

1094
01:34:23,360 --> 01:34:30,639
for two more years to see if we can get
some of these projects finished. So I'd

1095
01:34:27,760 --> 01:34:34,040
appreciate being ready for it.
>> Thank you, sir.

1096
01:34:35,520 --> 01:34:43,719
» All right. 5E consideration and possible
action approving resolution number

1097
01:34:40,719 --> 01:34:43,719
2026-3070

1098
01:34:44,000 --> 01:34:52,880
appointing Mr. Kenneth Hayes as the city
of Freeport's representative to the

1099
01:34:49,040 --> 01:34:56,960
Brazesport water authority. Dr. Kelly.
>> Yes. Thank you. As a founding member of

1100
01:34:54,639 --> 01:35:02,800
the BWA, the city of Freeport is allowed
to appoint one member to the Brazesport

1101
01:35:00,480 --> 01:35:07,040
Water Authority Board of Directors to
represent the city's interests. That

1102
01:35:05,199 --> 01:35:13,960
appointment is made by the city council
to serve as a two-year term. The current

1103
01:35:09,280 --> 01:35:13,960
term expires September 2026.

1104
01:35:14,000 --> 01:35:19,280
» Council, is there a motion?
>> I'll make a motion.

1105
01:35:17,040 --> 01:35:23,360
» Easy, easy.
>> Go ahead.

1106
01:35:20,800 --> 01:35:26,360
» We'll give it to Mr. McDonald.
>> First,

1107
01:35:27,679 --> 01:35:34,199
» Miss Morales, you want to go second?
>> Sure. I'm always second.

1108
01:35:35,280 --> 01:35:41,440
All right. So, we have a motion by Mr.
McDonald and second by Councilwoman

1109
01:35:39,760 --> 01:35:47,239
Morales.
Uh, council, any questions or comments

1110
01:35:44,000 --> 01:35:47,239
on this?

1111
01:35:49,360 --> 01:35:55,679
Yeah, I I would like to say thank you,
Mr. Hayes, for standing up and sticking

1112
01:35:53,360 --> 01:35:58,679
with it and standing up for the city of
Freeport.

1113
01:35:59,199 --> 01:36:03,600
So with that being said, all those in
favor state I.

1114
01:36:03,120 --> 01:36:09,840
» I.
>> I. All oppose state nay.

1115
01:36:07,199 --> 01:36:13,239
» Yeah. Two more years.
>> Thank you, sir.

1116
01:36:15,856 --> 01:36:21,520
» [snorts]
>> Agenda item 5F,

1117
01:36:19,280 --> 01:36:28,320
consideration and possible action by
city council approving items for surplus

1118
01:36:25,360 --> 01:36:32,400
and authorized the sale with an online
auction using public surplus. Miss

1119
01:36:31,679 --> 01:36:36,159
Kramer,
>> good evening, mayor and council.

1120
01:36:33,920 --> 01:36:41,520
» Good evening. Staff is requesting
approval to declare several items a

1121
01:36:38,960 --> 01:36:47,280
surplus and authorize their sale through
the public surplus online auction

1122
01:36:44,080 --> 01:36:51,760
platform. We continue to identify items
that are no longer needed for city

1123
01:36:48,880 --> 01:36:56,639
operations and this auction process has
worked well for us in previous years.

1124
01:36:54,560 --> 01:37:02,679
The items listed have been reviewed and
are ready to move forward with disposal

1125
01:36:59,360 --> 01:37:02,679
online auction.

1126
01:37:03,119 --> 01:37:07,320
Council, is there a motion?

1127
01:37:08,239 --> 01:37:14,360
» I'll make a motion to approve.
>> Second.

1128
01:37:16,800 --> 01:37:22,400
We have a motion to approve by
Councilman Davis, seconded by Councilman

1129
01:37:20,880 --> 01:37:27,840
McDonald.
Um, is there any

1130
01:37:25,760 --> 01:37:31,840
comments or questions?
>> I got a question. Is this the list?

1131
01:37:30,800 --> 01:37:33,600
Is this the list?
>> Yeah. Was it in your packet?

1132
01:37:33,119 --> 01:37:38,760
» Yeah. Yes.
>> Well, I just got it. Yeah. And I got

1133
01:37:34,960 --> 01:37:38,760
here. Yeah. Okay.

1134
01:37:39,199 --> 01:37:43,159
» I think there

1135
01:37:48,960 --> 01:37:58,080
» looking at the list. Um kind of looks
like we been hoarding a lot.

1136
01:37:56,320 --> 01:38:03,040
» Yeah. There's there's a lot of stuff
that it says

1137
01:38:00,880 --> 01:38:07,679
inoperable.
>> And um you know, in my opinion, if it's

1138
01:38:05,199 --> 01:38:11,560
inoperable,
it needs to get gone.

1139
01:38:11,600 --> 01:38:18,320
» Any any other questions or comments?
>> Question. The the money from these

1140
01:38:16,320 --> 01:38:21,760
sales, where does it go? Does it go back
into the department or where does it go?

1141
01:38:20,000 --> 01:38:25,360
In a general fund or where where does
the money go to?

1142
01:38:23,360 --> 01:38:28,560
» How is that money spent? It should go
back to the department.

1143
01:38:26,560 --> 01:38:32,360
» Okay.
>> Department where it came from.

1144
01:38:37,760 --> 01:38:41,978
» Anything else? Council
[snorts and clears throat]

1145
01:38:42,719 --> 01:38:49,040
hearing none. I will call the vote. All
those in favor state I. I.

1146
01:38:48,159 --> 01:38:55,560
» I.
>> All oppose state nay.

1147
01:38:51,440 --> 01:38:55,560
» Motion carries unanimously.

1148
01:38:58,560 --> 01:39:07,199
Agenda item 5G,
consideration and possible action

1149
01:39:03,679 --> 01:39:11,520
approving the proposed 2026
illumination light locations.

1150
01:39:10,080 --> 01:39:18,400
Miss Kramer,
>> good evening. So, I'm presenting tonight

1151
01:39:15,520 --> 01:39:23,760
to you the proposed 2026 light
locations. I know we had reached out to

1152
01:39:20,480 --> 01:39:27,679
y'all for some input. Uh, so we didn't
get much input back. So we decided to

1153
01:39:25,679 --> 01:39:32,000
propose some locations in each of your
wards and let you have a take a look at

1154
01:39:29,840 --> 01:39:35,239
it and to see if you were okay with
those locations.

1155
01:39:37,119 --> 01:39:45,280
» So you were the one that u put the put
the dots on the paper for us.

1156
01:39:42,800 --> 01:39:49,280
» Why did you choose the route of the
railroad track in M?

1157
01:39:46,400 --> 01:39:52,560
» Because it seems really dark at night.
It's real dark. It is on the end of all

1158
01:39:51,440 --> 01:39:54,719
of those streets. There
>> it is. I

1159
01:39:53,280 --> 01:39:58,719
» I saw where it just looked like it
followed it. And that other one on Ninth

1160
01:39:56,480 --> 01:40:01,679
Street is very well put because
>> I know I drove through there just the

1161
01:40:00,639 --> 01:40:07,800
other day. So,
>> yeah.

1162
01:40:03,600 --> 01:40:07,800
» But I just kind of followed it.

1163
01:40:18,864 --> 01:40:27,520
» [clears throat]
>> Um,

1164
01:40:22,880 --> 01:40:34,080
council, if there's not any objection
from council, I would like on this

1165
01:40:30,639 --> 01:40:40,880
agenda item to move discussion ahead of
making a motion. That way,

1166
01:40:38,320 --> 01:40:48,239
if we got to make any changes, it all
comes out smoothly. instead of making a

1167
01:40:43,600 --> 01:40:52,800
motion, make changes and and
changing the motion.

1168
01:40:50,639 --> 01:40:56,880
Does anyone on council have an objection
with that?

1169
01:40:54,960 --> 01:41:03,840
I wouldn't Well, I guess mine is a
objection, but I mean, I just gave her

1170
01:40:59,280 --> 01:41:10,320
some some spots where, you know, I
pick some lights, so I guess she'll look

1171
01:41:06,719 --> 01:41:12,560
at it and I'll come by Friday and and
sit down with you and go over that. That

1172
01:41:11,840 --> 01:41:17,600
sounds good.
>> If that's fine.

1173
01:41:14,480 --> 01:41:22,320
» But if we're good with it, we can
>> vote on it tonight. And

1174
01:41:20,800 --> 01:41:25,760
» what? Well, you got to move them
tonight.

1175
01:41:23,840 --> 01:41:29,119
» It's on here for consideration and
possible action.

1176
01:41:26,800 --> 01:41:33,440
» I mean, well, I gave her a sheet. How we
going to move them on here? Why we going

1177
01:41:30,320 --> 01:41:38,560
to move these dots?
>> She She can She can make notes and she

1178
01:41:36,800 --> 01:41:46,239
can move the dots.
>> I gave her a map and And I circled and I

1179
01:41:42,639 --> 01:41:49,880
I got circles on in a pin where I'll
pick the lights up.

1180
01:41:51,199 --> 01:42:01,440
I I would like to say um
I'm glad to see more lights going up

1181
01:41:59,119 --> 01:42:07,119
close to the schools,
especially uh should

1182
01:42:04,960 --> 01:42:11,600
the government decide to stop changing
the clocks

1183
01:42:09,119 --> 01:42:20,280
um during the school time of school. Uh
we're going to need those extra lights

1184
01:42:14,719 --> 01:42:20,280
» if we can't rely on the sun. Council,

1185
01:42:22,320 --> 01:42:28,719
do you have any other
>> see where the school? What are you

1186
01:42:25,840 --> 01:42:33,040
talking about? That that straight line?
>> Yeah, look at look at Ward B.

1187
01:42:31,280 --> 01:42:37,040
» So, Florida
down our street on Avenue G. There's no

1188
01:42:35,520 --> 01:42:40,800
more lights needed there. I guess I
haven't paid attention.

1189
01:42:38,560 --> 01:42:45,679
» I don't go out at night. solid. I mean,
I'm not saying that there can't be some

1190
01:42:42,560 --> 01:42:49,199
that are mid block,
>> but I I feel like

1191
01:42:47,679 --> 01:42:52,800
» every corner has a light.
>> Okay.

1192
01:42:49,920 --> 01:42:57,760
» Yeah.
>> I will I will say in the past, and I

1193
01:42:55,119 --> 01:43:04,159
don't know how how much the police
department has um contributed this year,

1194
01:43:01,679 --> 01:43:09,040
uh but in the past when the officers are
driving around um they would make

1195
01:43:06,320 --> 01:43:11,920
recommendations as well. We had one
recommendation from the police

1196
01:43:10,320 --> 01:43:14,480
department and it was at Jones and
Yellowstone and that's on this list.

1197
01:43:14,000 --> 01:43:19,679
» Yay.
>> And I I think that uh that is beneficial

1198
01:43:17,679 --> 01:43:23,040
cuz they they probably do a lot more
driving around at night than I know they

1199
01:43:21,840 --> 01:43:26,040
do than I do.
>> Yeah.

1200
01:43:27,520 --> 01:43:35,040
And see, I was riding I with the
question I was going to ask like the

1201
01:43:32,239 --> 01:43:41,440
side roads like coming into the main
road, all of them roads are really dark

1202
01:43:38,400 --> 01:43:47,119
and that's why I put some lights on them
roads because I mean if you run through

1203
01:43:44,320 --> 01:43:50,480
there and you see like it is really
dark. So if you wanted to do something

1204
01:43:48,639 --> 01:43:54,560
or you wanted to hide and you want to
duck into a corner and you hit one of

1205
01:43:52,159 --> 01:43:58,880
them side roads or you run through one
of them side roads, this is just pitch

1206
01:43:57,040 --> 01:44:03,440
dark in there. I mean you can but you
can just be sitting there and scheming

1207
01:44:00,880 --> 01:44:09,440
up on something on on them side roads
and they need they need to start getting

1208
01:44:05,920 --> 01:44:15,040
some lights in in them side roads. So I
got a couple of lights that's going on

1209
01:44:12,080 --> 01:44:19,280
side roads. When when you added those
lights, did you remove some lights as

1210
01:44:17,679 --> 01:44:24,639
well?
>> Did I remove some? When from what?

1211
01:44:21,760 --> 01:44:29,440
» When when you added the extra dots for
her.

1212
01:44:27,600 --> 01:44:33,520
» I haven't moved nothing. I just saw
this. I didn't really I didn't even take

1213
01:44:31,840 --> 01:44:37,280
this with me whenever I
>> Yeah. Whenever I went out there.

1214
01:44:34,960 --> 01:44:43,040
» I'm just saying the city has an allotted
x amount of lights that we can put up.

1215
01:44:39,600 --> 01:44:48,239
» Oh, I had to Oh, I had to. If you if you
put a dot in a spot that there wasn't a

1216
01:44:46,400 --> 01:44:52,400
dot, then we got to take it away from
somewhere.

1217
01:44:50,400 --> 01:44:56,320
If that makes sense.
>> In other words, you can't have the ones

1218
01:44:53,840 --> 01:45:00,000
in red and then add some to them. You
have to eliminate the red ones as you

1219
01:44:58,639 --> 01:45:04,159
put in new ones.
>> Yeah, cuz I didn't I didn't do the red.

1220
01:45:02,239 --> 01:45:08,880
So, I didn't look at that. She did.
Yeah. No, I know. Laura did. That's what

1221
01:45:06,880 --> 01:45:13,440
I'm saying. I ain't got none where the
red's at. I can take all of them off

1222
01:45:10,960 --> 01:45:13,440
then.

1223
01:45:17,600 --> 01:45:23,600
How many did you put on there?
>> 12.

1224
01:45:19,920 --> 01:45:25,280
» Oh, okay. You probably had 12 then. The
red ones,

1225
01:45:24,320 --> 01:45:30,920
» right?
>> I guess

1226
01:45:27,119 --> 01:45:30,920
» I think he had 13.

1227
01:45:32,560 --> 01:45:36,880
» 13.
>> I think he had 13.

1228
01:45:35,840 --> 01:45:40,800
» You're going to have to leave one
somewhere.

1229
01:45:38,639 --> 01:45:45,520
Yeah,
>> that's why I say how come we'll just

1230
01:45:43,440 --> 01:45:47,840
we'll just take some of these off.
>> Yeah,

1231
01:45:46,719 --> 01:45:51,040
» that's what you
>> That's what you have to do here.

1232
01:45:49,600 --> 01:45:54,000
» That's what he's asking you. If you
removed the red ones when you put the

1233
01:45:53,520 --> 01:45:59,760
new one.
>> Oh, I didn't. I didn't.

1234
01:45:58,159 --> 01:46:04,840
» I didn't even look at this.
>> You didn't see the red dots in it?

1235
01:46:01,840 --> 01:46:04,840
» Yeah.

1236
01:46:06,800 --> 01:46:13,360
All right. Ward day, are you good with
I'm with the mappers?

1237
01:46:10,639 --> 01:46:16,960
» Yeah, I'm I'm I'm good. I mean, I'm like
Laura said, she put them I I saw where

1238
01:46:15,520 --> 01:46:20,800
they were all put in right by the
railroad tracks, and those are all dead.

1239
01:46:19,119 --> 01:46:24,320
A lot of them are dead in roads except
for Fifth and Fourth there, you know.

1240
01:46:22,400 --> 01:46:28,239
So, that needed some light up on that
end of town. I'm good with it. Yeah. And

1241
01:46:26,480 --> 01:46:34,480
the one over by 9inth Street is right
there at that crossover there. So, it it

1242
01:46:30,480 --> 01:46:39,360
was dark there. So, I'm good. Yeah. Word
C. Are you good with

1243
01:46:35,840 --> 01:46:43,440
» And I just got 10.
>> Yeah, I'm good with it.

1244
01:46:41,119 --> 01:46:48,080
» I'm Eminem D.
>> I got five.

1245
01:46:45,520 --> 01:46:50,880
» Word D. You good with it?
>> Word D is good with it. So the only

1246
01:46:50,239 --> 01:46:57,800
» that makes sense.
>> Only one we're having

1247
01:46:53,199 --> 01:46:57,800
» discrepancy is with word B.

1248
01:47:05,440 --> 01:47:08,440
12.

1249
01:47:14,239 --> 01:47:25,040
» So, I'm counting 12 red dots.
>> I think there's one down in circle.

1250
01:47:23,440 --> 01:47:29,760
» I think one circle.
>> I've counted three times already. One,

1251
01:47:28,000 --> 01:47:32,800
two, three, four. I counted 12, but I
missed one down there.

1252
01:47:31,199 --> 01:47:37,840
» You see that? It went on a riverview.
>> I got 13 that time.

1253
01:47:36,159 --> 01:47:41,920
» That's what he counted. 13.
>> Okay. So,

1254
01:47:40,339 --> 01:47:46,639
[clears throat]
he gave you 13 updated dots.

1255
01:47:45,280 --> 01:47:49,920
» I thought he said 12.
>> 12,

1256
01:47:48,320 --> 01:47:56,560
» which is no problem. We We'll find a
spot for his last one.

1257
01:47:52,320 --> 01:48:01,920
» Okay. So, um,
council, I'm okay

1258
01:47:59,040 --> 01:48:07,440
with moving on with this.
Make a motion to accept it with the

1259
01:48:04,560 --> 01:48:08,639
changes that Councilman Davis has
presented.

1260
01:48:08,239 --> 01:48:12,239
» Y,
>> if y'all are okay with that,

1261
01:48:10,800 --> 01:48:18,560
» you going to make a motion?
>> Yes, sir. So, I I will make that motion

1262
01:48:15,760 --> 01:48:24,400
to approve the
um lighting locations with the changes

1263
01:48:21,520 --> 01:48:27,040
that Councilman Davis has presented for
W B.

1264
01:48:25,920 --> 01:48:33,159
» I'll second that.
>> I have a second by Councilwoman Morales.

1265
01:48:29,920 --> 01:48:33,159
» Thank you.

1266
01:48:37,280 --> 01:48:41,965
» Any other discussion needed on this
[clears throat]

1267
01:48:42,239 --> 01:48:50,239
hearing? Hearing none, I'll call the
vote. All those in favor state I. I.

1268
01:48:47,280 --> 01:48:52,800
» All oppose, state nay.
Motion carries unanimously.

1269
01:48:52,080 --> 01:48:56,159
» Thank you.
>> Thank you.

1270
01:48:53,760 --> 01:49:01,119
» Thank you, Laura.
>> Agenda item 5H,

1271
01:48:59,199 --> 01:49:05,719
consideration and possible action
approving resolution number 2026-3071

1272
01:49:06,159 --> 01:49:17,239
deeming property as surplus for
destruction or donation. Chief Hal is

1273
01:49:12,159 --> 01:49:17,239
not around. Come on up, Officer Graham.

1274
01:49:18,000 --> 01:49:23,600
» Good evening, Mayor and Council.
[clears throat] Uh, so staff recommends

1275
01:49:22,320 --> 01:49:27,280
council to approve the resolution
deeming the property a surplus allowing

1276
01:49:25,199 --> 01:49:31,440
the property the city to process with
applicable city procedures and legal

1277
01:49:28,880 --> 01:49:37,440
requirements to dispose of the property.
So, the property listed um is about 60

1278
01:49:34,719 --> 01:49:42,239
total items. Uh, it's uh body armor and
duty gear. Um, so there plate carriers

1279
01:49:39,840 --> 01:49:46,239
and uh armor plates. These are items
that have not been in use over the last

1280
01:49:44,159 --> 01:49:51,360
year. Most of these are even older than
that. Some as old as 20 years. Uh, the

1281
01:49:48,880 --> 01:49:54,560
typical uh manufacturer warranty would
not

1282
01:49:52,960 --> 01:50:00,239
would prevent us from using them in
excess of 5 years old. Uh, these would

1283
01:49:56,880 --> 01:50:03,280
generally be destroyed. Um, there are a
couple that are just nearing the end of

1284
01:50:02,000 --> 01:50:06,480
their use. on those. We [clears throat]
would make those available for donation

1285
01:50:04,960 --> 01:50:11,199
to another law enforcement entity in
Brazoria County if they requested and

1286
01:50:09,119 --> 01:50:16,231
only if they signed a waiver uh
releasing us as liability.

1287
01:50:14,000 --> 01:50:18,400
» Appreciate that.
[clears throat]

1288
01:50:16,639 --> 01:50:22,800
» You said five years. Is that the life
expectancy of those jackets? Yes, sir.

1289
01:50:20,080 --> 01:50:26,360
» Wow.
>> It's good to know.

1290
01:50:28,480 --> 01:50:33,320
» Council, is there a motion?
>> So move

1291
01:50:33,440 --> 01:50:36,440
Second.

1292
01:50:38,159 --> 01:50:43,840
» Motion by Councilman McDonald and
seconded by Councilman Davis.

1293
01:50:42,960 --> 01:50:47,840
» Yes,
>> Miss Councilwoman Morales. You got to be

1294
01:50:46,560 --> 01:50:51,520
a little quicker.
>> What did I do?

1295
01:50:49,600 --> 01:50:55,040
» You were trying to make the motion. I
seen you raise your head. You

1296
01:50:54,080 --> 01:51:01,840
» and
>> I'm always second. I'm just kidding.

1297
01:50:58,639 --> 01:51:05,480
Is there any questions or comments
for the police department?

1298
01:51:07,119 --> 01:51:13,280
All right, I'll call the vote. All those
in favor state I.

1299
01:51:11,520 --> 01:51:19,112
» I. All oppose, [clears throat] state
nay. Motion carries unanimously.

1300
01:51:16,800 --> 01:51:21,132
» Thank you, sir.
[clears throat and snorts]

1301
01:51:21,760 --> 01:51:31,000
Agenda item 5 I, consideration and
possible action approving resolution

1302
01:51:27,679 --> 01:51:31,000
number 2026-3072

1303
01:51:31,360 --> 01:51:40,400
to wave fees associated with the use of
the Freeport MUN municipal park and the

1304
01:51:37,360 --> 01:51:46,560
Freeport Riverplace for the Martin
Luther King celebration committee of

1305
01:51:43,599 --> 01:51:53,280
Brazoria County the grand parade and
festival festival to be held on January

1306
01:51:50,080 --> 01:51:58,080
18, 2027.
Councilman Roso, let us know what why

1307
01:51:55,840 --> 01:52:06,800
you wanted this on here.
>> Well, first of all, uh the MLK

1308
01:52:02,719 --> 01:52:15,520
uh committee has been in operations for
the last 20 years and uh we've always

1309
01:52:11,840 --> 01:52:20,719
were able to get the park and the uh
riverplace.

1310
01:52:17,280 --> 01:52:26,080
Uh, last year was the first year that we
had to uh

1311
01:52:23,360 --> 01:52:33,040
we had to get
I don't know how to put it, but uh we

1312
01:52:29,840 --> 01:52:38,560
were going to get charged for it, but
uh

1313
01:52:35,040 --> 01:52:46,880
the the lawyer uh Chris
stepped up to the plate and he he uh he

1314
01:52:42,560 --> 01:52:46,880
paid for it and

1315
01:52:47,440 --> 01:52:50,679
Did you?

1316
01:52:50,960 --> 01:53:01,840
» Yeah. And uh our city manager did did
the other part. So it's a it's an event

1317
01:52:59,040 --> 01:53:09,360
uh that people come from all over the
county. A real large number of people

1318
01:53:05,440 --> 01:53:18,159
comes every year. Uh we have all kinds
of entertainment. uh

1319
01:53:12,639 --> 01:53:25,679
uh all sorts of uh eating trailers and
things like that. It's a I think it's a

1320
01:53:21,360 --> 01:53:30,080
real plus for the uh for the community
nonprofit.

1321
01:53:27,760 --> 01:53:34,880
Uh
I don't see any reason why we can't

1322
01:53:32,560 --> 01:53:39,679
approve this.
Uh, like I said, we've been coming there

1323
01:53:37,119 --> 01:53:47,280
for the last 40 years,
so it's not like it's something new.

1324
01:53:42,719 --> 01:53:50,480
It's something that's been going on. Uh,
that's about it.

1325
01:53:48,960 --> 01:53:58,400
» Did you want to make a motion?
>> Yeah, I'll make a motion that we uh we

1326
01:53:54,159 --> 01:54:05,280
uh accept the uh approval of
uh the entry fee. We we we've already

1327
01:54:01,520 --> 01:54:10,159
submitted the letter like we always do.
Uh

1328
01:54:07,920 --> 01:54:12,320
» thank you, Councilman. Is there a
second?

1329
01:54:11,199 --> 01:54:20,599
» A second.
>> Second by Councilman Davis.

1330
01:54:15,760 --> 01:54:20,599
Any questions or comments on this?

1331
01:54:21,040 --> 01:54:28,400
» Are we going to set a precedent here
being able to do that?

1332
01:54:24,480 --> 01:54:32,560
» I hope we change the rules before long.
>> Okay. Well, I mean, I'm gonna I'm gonna

1333
01:54:30,880 --> 01:54:35,199
tell you if you don't mind. I'm gonna
tell you. You go ahead first. No, you

1334
01:54:34,960 --> 01:54:38,159
go.
>> I I want to hear what you have to say.

1335
01:54:36,800 --> 01:54:40,320
» I ain't gonna argue with you. You go
ahead. I'm just

1336
01:54:38,960 --> 01:54:44,800
» Yeah, because I might ask.
>> Yeah.

1337
01:54:42,320 --> 01:54:54,000
In in my opinion,
if it is an organization that is doing

1338
01:54:48,800 --> 01:54:58,000
something that is a city related
function,

1339
01:54:55,679 --> 01:55:07,920
something that's bringing people to the
city to spend money, then they shouldn't

1340
01:55:03,280 --> 01:55:13,199
have to pay. They also shouldn't have to
bring it before counsel.

1341
01:55:10,960 --> 01:55:19,599
is nonprofit.
>> I think if u

1342
01:55:16,639 --> 01:55:23,520
the Catholic Church wants to continue
doing their

1343
01:55:21,679 --> 01:55:27,920
fish fry,
they shouldn't have to pay for it. I

1344
01:55:26,239 --> 01:55:33,679
think if
Freeport LNG wants to continue doing or

1345
01:55:30,800 --> 01:55:40,239
the the port, I'm sorry, wants to
continue doing take a kid fishing, they

1346
01:55:37,040 --> 01:55:43,520
shouldn't have to pay for it.
It's pretty pretty simple. High school

1347
01:55:42,400 --> 01:55:46,880
wants to have a prom.
>> Prom,

1348
01:55:45,360 --> 01:55:53,040
» you know, there's there's a lot of
things and and a year ago or two years

1349
01:55:49,280 --> 01:55:57,840
ago, we we changed this and I think we
got it wrong

1350
01:55:54,880 --> 01:56:02,960
and I I expect it to come back before
council again and hopefully we get it

1351
01:56:00,320 --> 01:56:08,119
right.
That's my take.

1352
01:56:04,880 --> 01:56:08,119
» Yes, ma'am.

1353
01:56:08,159 --> 01:56:15,119
legal has something to say.
>> So in [snorts] this resolution, what

1354
01:56:12,400 --> 01:56:21,440
you're doing is you're finding a public
purpose with the event.

1355
01:56:18,639 --> 01:56:28,400
You can't, per the Texas Constitution,
you can't give away city money, which

1356
01:56:24,320 --> 01:56:35,679
you would be doing by waving the fees,
unless you find a public purpose. You

1357
01:56:32,080 --> 01:56:43,280
have celebration of a federal holiday.
that all by itself as a public purpose.

1358
01:56:40,560 --> 01:56:50,159
» When we um revisit this, we will make
sure legal puts their eyes on it because

1359
01:56:46,239 --> 01:56:53,159
we want to do what we can
legally.

1360
01:56:54,080 --> 01:57:02,320
» Well, let me say this. The
[clears throat] last 40 years

1361
01:57:00,080 --> 01:57:07,480
we've been doing it.
Last year was the first year that we had

1362
01:57:04,239 --> 01:57:07,480
to pay.

1363
01:57:08,320 --> 01:57:17,239
Now whether that has any bearing on what
we're going to decide, that's another

1364
01:57:14,239 --> 01:57:17,239
story,

1365
01:57:17,280 --> 01:57:23,360
» but it can't be too long if we've been
doing it for 40 years.

1366
01:57:21,986 --> 01:57:27,080
[clears throat]
>> Just never got caught.

1367
01:57:27,440 --> 01:57:32,480
» Councilman McDonald, did you want to
add?

1368
01:57:30,080 --> 01:57:35,480
» Yeah, I want I want to add. Yes, sir.
>> Um

1369
01:57:36,000 --> 01:57:45,840
I I I love this city for that reason
that you just said, Winston. I'm glad

1370
01:57:42,480 --> 01:57:52,000
that you kind of brought this up, but if
we're going to do this, we need to do it

1371
01:57:48,000 --> 01:57:57,199
for the everyone across the board. Uh we
had a meeting earlier because of our

1372
01:57:53,760 --> 01:58:01,599
church uh having their bazaar
and Nicole called the meeting with the

1373
01:57:59,280 --> 01:58:05,599
city manager and the financial people
from the from the church and I met

1374
01:58:03,440 --> 01:58:13,440
there. They asked me to attend and she
and I both gave up our time for the next

1375
01:58:09,280 --> 01:58:19,360
three years for the church bizaar.
And if this is going to set precedence,

1376
01:58:16,239 --> 01:58:25,520
I need to know that because I might use
I have other groups that I belong to

1377
01:58:22,159 --> 01:58:32,080
that have Hispanic East End bario people
there and stuff and I they always ask me

1378
01:58:28,400 --> 01:58:36,800
for my time, you know, donating my uh my
my time with the facilities. So, if this

1379
01:58:35,199 --> 01:58:42,239
is going to set presidents, I mean, we
need to know that so we can schedule

1380
01:58:39,360 --> 01:58:48,080
those churches and the nonprofit groups
to be able to do this. And I'm in total

1381
01:58:44,320 --> 01:58:52,639
agreeance. I'm not I'm not against it.
They they all support the city and

1382
01:58:50,719 --> 01:58:56,560
that's what that's what I do. I want to
support the city, but if we're going to

1383
01:58:54,320 --> 01:58:59,760
set presidents, we need to set it and be
do one thing and not just do it or do it

1384
01:58:58,800 --> 01:59:01,760
across the board.
>> Yeah.

1385
01:59:00,880 --> 01:59:04,880
And [clears throat] I'm in total
agreeance and I'm I'm want to support

1386
01:59:03,760 --> 01:59:08,960
this right now. Yeah.
>> Um I love it and I'm just I've always

1387
01:59:07,840 --> 01:59:16,080
done it. So
>> yeah, I I agree. Um we the way it's

1388
01:59:13,040 --> 01:59:17,360
written right now, I don't think it's
right.

1389
01:59:16,719 --> 01:59:23,119
» Yeah.
>> Um so we will be revisiting it and we'll

1390
01:59:21,520 --> 01:59:29,360
have a different set of legal eyes
looking on it.

1391
01:59:24,080 --> 01:59:33,840
» Yeah. Um, so at that point we will
>> do what we can.

1392
01:59:30,880 --> 01:59:40,239
» We have to I just my my problem was it
was the church or any kind of 5013C or

1393
01:59:38,159 --> 01:59:45,440
any kind of nonprofit group they were
having to pay and they wanted in

1394
01:59:42,239 --> 01:59:50,080
somewhere between 2,000 and $3,000 for
that, you know, just for that uh day

1395
01:59:47,360 --> 01:59:53,440
event. So I just, you know, we just need
to work on that and get it right. You

1396
01:59:51,679 --> 02:00:00,400
know, that's that's all I'm asking. I
agree. But this agenda item will take

1397
01:59:57,920 --> 02:00:01,760
care of the Martin Luther.
>> Yes.

1398
02:00:00,719 --> 02:00:04,639
» King parade.
>> Yes.

1399
02:00:03,280 --> 02:00:06,960
» So, with that being said,
>> I'll make the motion to that we approve

1400
02:00:06,560 --> 02:00:12,800
it.
>> You You're 10 minutes too late.

1401
02:00:10,080 --> 02:00:17,360
» Well, I'll second it then.
>> Nine minutes too late for that.

1402
02:00:14,719 --> 02:00:21,119
» Oh, that's right. He He Listen, did I
second it then? No, Dave is second.

1403
02:00:19,920 --> 02:00:26,000
» It's time to vote.
>> Yeah. I'm going call the vote. All those

1404
02:00:23,920 --> 02:00:30,880
in favor state I.
>> I. All oppose state nay. Motion carries

1405
02:00:29,840 --> 02:00:35,400
unanimously.
>> That's good.

1406
02:00:32,159 --> 02:00:35,400
» I agree.

1407
02:00:42,560 --> 02:00:47,440
I don't know if y'all realized this or
not.

1408
02:00:45,599 --> 02:00:54,360
» Just like this.
>> Last year when we passed the budget, it

1409
02:00:50,400 --> 02:00:54,360
was 2 o'clock in the morning.

1410
02:00:54,639 --> 02:01:02,480
» But last year, we went line by
[cough and clears throat]

1411
02:00:59,199 --> 02:01:06,080
we went department by department
>> until 2 o'clock in the morning.

1412
02:01:04,688 --> 02:01:10,639
[laughter]
>> So, here we are at 8:00 and we're going

1413
02:01:08,159 --> 02:01:13,119
to start work session.
Is it too late to comment?

1414
02:01:12,080 --> 02:01:16,840
» Yes, ma'am.
>> I know you lie.

1415
02:01:18,320 --> 02:01:26,719
» Ward A, Councilman McDonald.
>> Um, I really don't have a lot. I've got

1416
02:01:24,000 --> 02:01:34,874
one important one and I want to tell my
sweetheart happy anniversary.

1417
02:01:30,560 --> 02:01:34,874
» Don't Don't miss Ellen. [applause]

1418
02:01:37,199 --> 02:01:43,040
We've been married for u
>> right at 54 years today.

1419
02:01:42,080 --> 02:01:49,800
» Wow.
>> And um I want to tell her thank you.

1420
02:01:46,000 --> 02:01:49,800
» Hey. All right.

1421
02:01:51,040 --> 02:01:54,639
» Praise the Lord.
>> Been putting up with you a long time,

1422
02:01:53,760 --> 02:01:56,800
hadn't she?
>> Yeah.

1423
02:01:56,434 --> 02:02:00,639
[laughter]
>> Yeah. She's put up with me a very long

1424
02:01:59,040 --> 02:02:05,040
time.
>> Well, congratulations. had some moments

1425
02:02:02,639 --> 02:02:08,800
and had some good times.
>> Yeah.

1426
02:02:07,760 --> 02:02:12,719
» Marriage.
>> Lord be Councilman Davis.

1427
02:02:10,880 --> 02:02:16,960
» Man, Lord be. Thank y'all. Thank
everybody for coming out. Thank

1428
02:02:13,920 --> 02:02:21,599
everybody for uh supporting the budget
tonight. Uh you know, the people that

1429
02:02:20,669 --> 02:02:26,400
[clears throat]
came out didn't have no questions. So,

1430
02:02:24,239 --> 02:02:31,360
it seemed like you supported it. I think
we're doing some good things here in

1431
02:02:27,760 --> 02:02:37,199
Freeport now. Uh, we're going to I I
think you're going to be able to start

1432
02:02:32,480 --> 02:02:41,280
seeing it. And if you don't, hey, you
hold Dr. Kelly accountable. No,

1433
02:02:39,664 --> 02:02:48,239
[laughter]
no, they they do an awesome job. Uh, uh,

1434
02:02:45,119 --> 02:02:53,440
her and the whole staff is building the
staff. I can I I can just see the staff

1435
02:02:50,400 --> 02:03:01,040
building and it's like and you know,
some only good things going to come out

1436
02:02:55,679 --> 02:03:03,920
of that. But I and I missed the email.
I didn't miss the email, but I was

1437
02:03:02,560 --> 02:03:08,000
talking about I was supposed to bring
this up during the budget. And we'll

1438
02:03:06,880 --> 02:03:12,159
have to we're going to have to look in
look into this one, too. Uh it's a

1439
02:03:10,480 --> 02:03:17,440
possible. So, we getting a lot of
complaints on trash pickup. I mean,

1440
02:03:15,520 --> 02:03:23,440
that's all around. That's that's
everybody has a pipe on trash pickup.

1441
02:03:20,480 --> 02:03:30,239
Well, heavy trash pickup
is is really becoming an issue. Well,

1442
02:03:27,280 --> 02:03:34,080
it's always been an issue, but we're in
a contract

1443
02:03:32,320 --> 02:03:41,920
that nobody up here had nothing to do
with, I don't think. Maybe. I hope not.

1444
02:03:38,000 --> 02:03:47,040
But, uh, we're in a I think it's like a
seven-year contract. So, that was that

1445
02:03:45,119 --> 02:03:52,639
was done before I know before I got
here. I know before this one all them

1446
02:03:50,159 --> 02:03:59,840
before we got here
and we are struggling

1447
02:03:57,040 --> 02:04:07,840
to pick up. I mean, we have citizens,
older citizens that like when you have

1448
02:04:02,560 --> 02:04:13,440
heavy trash they pick up. Like,
you know, if you have a senior citizen

1449
02:04:09,920 --> 02:04:18,960
or or older person pay somebody to cut
their tree, trim their trees and they go

1450
02:04:16,880 --> 02:04:24,080
and stack them out on the road,
>> they say, "Well, I ain't paying to to

1451
02:04:21,679 --> 02:04:31,599
bundle them up for a year and stuff, you
know." Well, the trash company drive by

1452
02:04:28,800 --> 02:04:37,840
it and ain't don't pick them up. That's
in the contract because that's in the

1453
02:04:34,400 --> 02:04:48,000
contract. So, most of the time they're
not wrong per contract, you know. So,

1454
02:04:41,679 --> 02:04:54,880
but my solution is we need to get a a a
a claw truck

1455
02:04:51,520 --> 02:04:59,679
to where we can go by and we can go by
and help. So, after they come by on

1456
02:04:57,440 --> 02:05:03,440
Wednesday, what they don't pick up,
well, bam. That's what you running

1457
02:05:01,280 --> 02:05:10,639
around and and and you scooping up every
day. every so when like Wednesdays over

1458
02:05:06,320 --> 02:05:17,119
here and on war A and W B I mean cuz
they only do it once a month.

1459
02:05:13,119 --> 02:05:24,400
So if we could get a price on a on on
one of them claw trucks and see if we

1460
02:05:20,080 --> 02:05:31,679
can fit that somewhere. I know the the
residents will really appreciate that.

1461
02:05:27,840 --> 02:05:37,040
especially our older res residents
who just can't get out. I mean, and you

1462
02:05:34,800 --> 02:05:42,960
see some there's some older ones still
out there trimming trees and and and

1463
02:05:39,599 --> 02:05:48,400
dragging them to the front. I mean, but
all of that bundled up and and you can

1464
02:05:46,080 --> 02:05:53,119
ride around other count, other cities
and stuff and they they stuff ain't

1465
02:05:50,480 --> 02:05:58,880
bundled up and tied in a knot nice and
neat. I mean, it just it's it's just

1466
02:05:56,480 --> 02:06:05,199
it's just hard. It's just too hard. But
I had got an email from a uh and this is

1467
02:06:02,800 --> 02:06:10,560
a pastor from the west side over here. I
don't want to call his name out, but you

1468
02:06:07,679 --> 02:06:16,320
know, that was one of the complaints and
they didn't pick it up and then he had

1469
02:06:12,800 --> 02:06:19,920
to he loaded it on his truck and then he
took it off to the dump and then the

1470
02:06:18,080 --> 02:06:24,800
dump happened to be closed cuz it was
raining. So he stuck with all of this on

1471
02:06:22,639 --> 02:06:28,800
the back of his truck cuz you know he
just trying to be in compliance trying

1472
02:06:26,320 --> 02:06:34,960
to get that stuff up.
>> So I know y'all wrote that down. Know

1473
02:06:31,440 --> 02:06:40,639
you heard me. And we going to let's see
if we can at least get a price on it.

1474
02:06:37,440 --> 02:06:46,079
Get a look on it and see how we can fit
that in because you know that's how you

1475
02:06:43,360 --> 02:06:51,280
get prepared for takeover.
Like when I how many on how many years

1476
02:06:48,400 --> 02:06:55,520
we got on that contract, but we want to
take over something, we can take over

1477
02:06:52,960 --> 02:06:59,280
the trash and you can get prepared. Get
your truck, get your prices on your

1478
02:06:57,119 --> 02:07:05,360
stuff, get ready cuz when that contract
come, we might need to be moving on.

1479
02:07:04,320 --> 02:07:11,679
Thank y'all.
>> Thank you, Councilman.

1480
02:07:07,599 --> 02:07:17,199
Let's see. Councilwoman Morales, W C. I
think uh Jarvis took my thunder because

1481
02:07:14,560 --> 02:07:21,760
I have the same concern in my work with
see mainly sen a lot of senior citizens

1482
02:07:19,679 --> 02:07:25,040
live over there too and you go down the
streets and you see all that pile of

1483
02:07:23,440 --> 02:07:28,320
stuff and everything all over the place
then they get tagged that that you

1484
02:07:26,880 --> 02:07:33,840
didn't bundle it or you need to bundle
it and you need to do this. I mean come

1485
02:07:30,239 --> 02:07:40,800
on now guys you know and I agree with
with him 100%. I had a resident call me.

1486
02:07:37,360 --> 02:07:47,119
She's she's kind of disabled, has a
cane, and she was seeing the she heard

1487
02:07:43,760 --> 02:07:49,360
the truck coming, so she got her her
>> what do you call it? The

1488
02:07:48,719 --> 02:07:53,440
» dumpster.
>> The dumpster to put out on the street

1489
02:07:51,440 --> 02:07:57,920
and she was almost there close to the
curb when they got there. She kept

1490
02:07:55,280 --> 02:08:02,000
waving at him and she was there walking
with her little dumpster and they just

1491
02:08:00,159 --> 02:08:05,760
passed her up. The guy didn't even have
the decency to go over there and grab it

1492
02:08:03,520 --> 02:08:10,239
from her. I mean, come on now. She's an
old lady.

1493
02:08:07,360 --> 02:08:14,560
» I'm like, God dunk, you know, but
>> the I don't know how much more time we

1494
02:08:12,079 --> 02:08:19,280
have for for the the contract, but it
can't be soon enough as far as I'm

1495
02:08:16,400 --> 02:08:23,119
concerned. But yeah, I agree with you
100%.

1496
02:08:20,800 --> 02:08:28,480
Thank you,
>> Councilman Roso. Word.

1497
02:08:25,199 --> 02:08:31,599
» How much time do we have on this
contract? Does anybody know?

1498
02:08:32,960 --> 02:08:36,440
Three more years.

1499
02:08:37,199 --> 02:08:45,920
» Three Three more years. U
>> First of all, I agree with uh Mr. Davis

1500
02:08:43,920 --> 02:08:50,159
on a couple of things. One is the rec
center. I'm so glad you brought that up.

1501
02:08:48,000 --> 02:08:57,520
That That was awesome. That was a good
move. And also on the trash pickup,

1502
02:08:54,400 --> 02:09:03,679
uh I agree with you on that also. Uh we
need to uh instead of instead of all

1503
02:09:00,800 --> 02:09:09,394
this debris and trash sitting out in the
front of people's houses that's not what

1504
02:09:07,040 --> 02:09:18,079
three foot three foot long
[clears throat] and tied up that that uh

1505
02:09:13,360 --> 02:09:24,560
that grabber can pick up everything.
That grabber can pick up everything. And

1506
02:09:20,880 --> 02:09:30,880
I mean they don't they can do leaves and
trees and things like that on one one

1507
02:09:27,440 --> 02:09:36,960
round and and and all the other stuff
with that grabber. I mean,

1508
02:09:34,159 --> 02:09:41,440
you can do it with that.
Everything. Get everything out of front

1509
02:09:39,119 --> 02:09:47,280
of these houses. There's so much trash
in the front of these houses and and and

1510
02:09:44,079 --> 02:09:52,159
they're not going to pick them up.
this this company we got right now,

1511
02:09:49,280 --> 02:09:59,599
they're not going to pick up uh
microwaves and whatever, TVs and all

1512
02:09:56,560 --> 02:10:05,360
that kind of stuff. They just sit there
uh ice box, all that stuff, it just sits

1513
02:10:02,639 --> 02:10:10,159
there and no, I mean, yeah, you say
you're going to write a ticket, but

1514
02:10:07,280 --> 02:10:16,400
writing a ticket doesn't make people
pick up stuff. Uh

1515
02:10:13,920 --> 02:10:21,199
so we need to we need to address that.
Uh,

1516
02:10:18,159 --> 02:10:28,239
how do we want our city to look?
Uh, I think we're responsible for how it

1517
02:10:24,239 --> 02:10:32,880
looks, not citizen by citizen because
some people just don't care. Some people

1518
02:10:31,040 --> 02:10:37,280
don't care about trash sitting out in
front of their house

1519
02:10:35,040 --> 02:10:41,199
or they'll put it in the middle. Trust
me, they'll do it. They'll put it in the

1520
02:10:39,280 --> 02:10:47,199
middle of two houses where you really
don't know who put that trash out there.

1521
02:10:44,800 --> 02:10:51,840
And that's real, y'all.
>> Uh

1522
02:10:49,040 --> 02:10:56,239
I'm I'm I'm excited about KidFest.
That'll be Saturday, y'all.

1523
02:10:54,480 --> 02:11:02,079
Uh
I'm not a kid. I used to be, but I I get

1524
02:10:59,679 --> 02:11:04,320
excited when anytime we can do anything
for kids,

1525
02:11:02,880 --> 02:11:09,920
» kids, your mom and dad.
>> Uh and and I think that's special. It's

1526
02:11:07,199 --> 02:11:15,679
no telling how many kids going to come.
Hopefully a lot of them, which they do,

1527
02:11:12,400 --> 02:11:22,440
a lot of them come.
We got we got we got bingo coming up. Uh

1528
02:11:22,480 --> 02:11:29,679
» so that's another thing I'm excited
about. Even though I don't play bingo.

1529
02:11:27,760 --> 02:11:35,679
My wife does, but I don't I don't play
bingo. But it's a draw for people to

1530
02:11:33,920 --> 02:11:40,960
come and and they do. They come from
Lake Jackson, Clue, Jones Creek. All you

1531
02:11:38,400 --> 02:11:47,679
have to do is say bingo and they're
coming. Uh, we we No, seriously. We've

1532
02:11:44,719 --> 02:11:54,480
we've stepped up our our our bingo
prizes. Our bingo prizes are are

1533
02:11:51,679 --> 02:12:00,880
a lot nicer than what they used to be.
Uh, the food that we feed the people, we

1534
02:11:58,960 --> 02:12:07,840
this last time, I think we got it from
talking about good. Uh, we have I mean,

1535
02:12:05,119 --> 02:12:13,280
we have some good food for them to eat.
That's all I got.

1536
02:12:10,239 --> 02:12:13,280
Thank you.

1537
02:12:13,840 --> 02:12:20,639
Thank you, Councilman. Uh, first off,
I'd like to thank everybody that came

1538
02:12:18,880 --> 02:12:26,880
out tonight.
We actually getting out of here at a

1539
02:12:22,239 --> 02:12:31,119
decent hour, I believe. Um,
start of football season.

1540
02:12:30,079 --> 02:12:34,800
» We're two and0.
>> How about them exporters?

1541
02:12:32,639 --> 02:12:38,639
» Two and0.
>> 56 to nothing and 38 to nothing.

1542
02:12:37,679 --> 02:12:44,800
» Yeah.
>> I mean, way to go. What a way to start

1543
02:12:41,360 --> 02:12:52,000
the season. Um, I did not have a
exporter collared shirt, so I had to go

1544
02:12:47,920 --> 02:12:56,737
with the second second bests.
My Texans.

1545
02:12:53,599 --> 02:12:56,737
» Oh, yeah. [laughter]

1546
02:12:56,880 --> 02:13:05,560
Um,
Kidfest this weekend, Saturday. I will

1547
02:13:02,000 --> 02:13:05,560
be missing it.

1548
02:13:05,679 --> 02:13:16,960
This happens to be my daughter's
what do you call the sweet 16?

1549
02:13:13,599 --> 02:13:21,599
So, I will be participating in a
birthday party instead of the kid fest

1550
02:13:18,960 --> 02:13:24,760
this year, but I'm sure it'll be left in
good hands.

1551
02:13:25,520 --> 02:13:34,000
um
the discussion that we're having about

1552
02:13:30,639 --> 02:13:43,360
the trash pickup.
Um you know, a lot of the responsibility

1553
02:13:38,719 --> 02:13:49,280
of the way the city looks falls on
the individuals. I'm not saying all of

1554
02:13:46,239 --> 02:13:56,400
it does.
uh regardless of what company we

1555
02:13:54,239 --> 02:14:00,159
end up using
and this is a couple years down the

1556
02:13:58,719 --> 02:14:03,920
road. It's not something that's going to
happen overnight. And there's going to

1557
02:14:02,159 --> 02:14:13,079
be rules, there's going to be
regulations, and there's going to be

1558
02:14:06,880 --> 02:14:13,079
people that are pushing the envelope.

1559
02:14:14,239 --> 02:14:26,480
So how we
how we tackle that is is the issue that

1560
02:14:22,159 --> 02:14:32,679
we have to we have to figure out.
The company we had before this company

1561
02:14:29,119 --> 02:14:32,679
had the claw

1562
02:14:32,800 --> 02:14:41,679
and there was piles of debris and
trash and couches and everything all

1563
02:14:39,280 --> 02:14:48,239
over the place. And those those yards
that didn't have piles of debris and

1564
02:14:43,520 --> 02:14:54,639
trash had claw marks
in their front yard from from the claw,

1565
02:14:52,239 --> 02:15:01,599
you know, digging it up. You know, I I
was here whenever the contract was

1566
02:14:57,280 --> 02:15:06,400
signed. Um it was the only company that
applied, so we didn't have a whole lot

1567
02:15:03,760 --> 02:15:11,760
of choice in the matter.
Um but

1568
02:15:09,760 --> 02:15:16,360
can things be different? Can things be
better? Absolutely they can.

1569
02:15:16,400 --> 02:15:24,599
That that is up to us to to make the
changes that are that are necessary.

1570
02:15:27,040 --> 02:15:35,520
We're still
um looking for volunteers to come out

1571
02:15:31,360 --> 02:15:40,520
and decorate and hand out candy at the
FrightFest coming up on the 22nd

1572
02:15:40,880 --> 02:15:49,840
of October. It's going to be a great
time once again. This will be the sixth

1573
02:15:46,719 --> 02:15:55,040
annual I believe.
So that's all I have. Dr. Kelly,

1574
02:15:54,400 --> 02:15:59,440
» nothing.
>> Nothing to report.

1575
02:15:57,679 --> 02:16:03,480
Good. So with that, ladies and
gentlemen, it is 8:16.

1576
02:16:04,560 --> 02:16:13,840
I'm going to repeat that. It's 8:16
and we're going to close our regular

1577
02:16:11,199 --> 02:16:21,040
schedule meeting and go into executive
session. Executive session consult

1578
02:16:18,400 --> 02:16:29,199
Texas Government Code section 551.071
071 consultation with attorney about DAO

1579
02:16:25,440 --> 02:16:34,719
IDA negotiations and discuss attorney
advisory opinion regarding formal ethics

1580
02:16:32,160 --> 02:16:37,719
complaint against chair of the EDC
board.