JANUARY 19, 2023 – City Council Meeting Minutes
Feb 23, 2023
CITY OF SEYMOUR
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 19, 2023
A Regular City Council Meeting was held on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. at the Portwood Arts and Civic Center, 800 E. Morris, Seymour, TX 76380.
- Call to Order was called by Mayor Jon Hrncirik at 7:00 p.m.
Roll Call by Mayor Jon Hrncirik
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Jon Hrncirik
Council present: Mayor Jon Hrncirik, MPT Les Hons, Council Member Mark McCord, Council Member Lan Winn, Council Member Billy Henricks and Council Member Deborah Gillispie.
City Staff Present: City Administrator Dr. Jeffrey Brasher, City Secretary Conchita Torrez, ED Director Lauren, Chief of Police Mike Griffin, Sargent Bryce Sawyer, Ronnie Kolacek , Street Supervisor, Shaun Teel, Street Employee, and part-time water employee Robert Torrez.
Guests: Kimberly Stevenson, Kristen White, Kimberly Hill, Dan Craighead, Holly Simon, Chris Flis, Louis Sirmons, Paula Vaden, Karen Kolacek, Shelby Hardin, Tina Casillas, John Zielasko, Sandra Moorhouse, Rick Moorhouse, Hunter Brooks, and Shay Teel.
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Jon Hrncirik
Prayer led by Council Member Lan Winn
2. Prayer
At this time, Mayor Hrncirik, allowed Dan Craighead to speak regarding the Shipman Land Lease, so he could have enough time to drive backhome.
7. Discuss, consider, and take action regarding Shipman Land Lease, as discussed with Dan Craighead on behalf of Rancher’s Investment Inc., owner Stewart Heighten.
Mr. Craighead approached the podium and spoke regarding the land lease. He stated he had the lease for several years and paid $2840.00 on an annual basis. His contract had expired in June, 2022 and Mr. Craighead had sub-leased it toRancher’s Investment Inc., owner Stewart Heighten. Mr. Craighead was requesting that the City Council lease it for five more (5) years.
Motion made by MPT Les Hons, seconded by Council Member Billy Henricks, to allow Rancher’s Investment, Inc., owner Stewart Heighten to lease for a 5 year term, pending Mr. Brasher to consult with City Attorney Fritz Quast for approval or inquire if City Council would need to go out for bids. Motion passed 5/0.
At this time (7:10 p.m.) our Regular Meeting closed to enter into an ExecutiveSession so that Hunter Brooks could go and be with his girlfriend’s family, who lost her brother in an accident.
Executive Session closed at 7:30 p.m., and Regular Meeting reconvened at 7:36 p.m.
3. Mayor or MPT Announcements
Mayor Hrncirik had no announcements at this time.
MPT Hons thanked every department for a great job that they do each and every day.
4. City Administrator Report(s)
(a.) Employee List & SFRC Golf total ( 105 )
(b.) Supervisor Written Reports
(c.) Fishing Tournament Information
City Administrator Dr. Jeffrey Brasher gave his report regarding Salt Fork, and announced a Catfish Fishing Tournament which will be held on June 24, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. For more information , contact Dr. Brasher at City Hall, 940-889-3148.
5. Citizen Comments
Kimberly Stevenson, representative for Seymour Helping Hands, gave an update regarding information on phone numbers that were previously given and that can be utilized in the event someone is needing assistance. Kimberly also announced that on January 26, 2023 there will be a Town Hall Meeting at City Hall , 301 N. Washington Street, if anyone is interested in volunteering for the upcoming events. Any help would be appreciated.
6. City Administrator Dr. Jeffrey Brasher to recognize Department of the month
Dr. Brasher recognized the Street Department for a job well done. Ronnie Kolacek is the new Street Supervisor and was recognized along with Shaun Teel for their outstanding work they continue to do.
8. Action Items
(a.) Discuss, consider, and take action regarding 804 N. Tackitt Street, described lot with baseball back stop.
(b.) Discuss, consider, and approve Resolution No. 1538, regarding a budget adjustment.
(c.) Discuss, consider, and take action to approve final modifications, regarding Hotel/Motel Tax Funds.
(d,) Discuss, consider, and take action regarding request from The Whiteside Museum, in the amount of $15,842.63 from the Hotel/Motel Fund.
Regarding Action Item (A) Mr. Shelby Hardin spoke and is interested in purchasing the baseball back stop property, located close to his 804 N. Tackitt property. He asked City Council to consider selling it . If sold this would get it back on the tax roll.
Motion made by MPT Les Hons, seconded by Council Member Mark McCord to give City Administrator Dr. Brasher direction to post a bid notice in the BANNER and on the City Website for two (2) weeks. The council will review any bids that were received before the deadline of February 10, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. Motion passed unanimously 5/0.
Regarding Action Item (B), Resolution No. 1538, making a budget adjustment for Police Department. This adjustment would allow the Seymour P.D. to hire a much needed extra police officer. These changes would not increase the overall budget. $35,000.00 was moved from the old HS cafeteria renovation project, plus an additional $11,857.30 from the grant funds project in the police department to fund this officer for the City of Seymour for a total price of $46,857.30.
Motion made by Council Member Lan Winn, seconded by Council Member Deborah Gillispie, to approve Resolution No. 1538. Motion passed unanimously 5/0
Regarding Action Item (C ), much discussion has been had regarding this agenda item.
Kristin White addressed City Council regarding the Hotel/Motel Fund as the Chamber of Commerce Director.
She stated that the funds are paid by the hotels and the tourists. She and the board have also been to conventions, lectures and have kept up with the necessary information that is required.
She also stated that the 501 3 (C ) is not a requirement or recommended. The Hotel Funds are for anyone that wishes to apply for it. She would recommend that a Council Member, Administrator or ED Director join the board.
Mayor Jon Hrncirik stated that this is a board that consists of a judge, veterinarian, a former council member and it is an insult by thinking that this board is not capable of handling their affairs.
Council Member McCord stated that the funds were for charitable boards and the felt the Hot Board should have the same training as the Council does, regarding Open Meetings Act and Public Information.
Motion was made by Council Member Lan Winn, seconded by Council Member Deborah Gillispie, to leave the Original Hotel/Motel Fund policy as is.
City Secretary Torrez asked for clarification, if this was the Hotel/Motel Fund in place before any changes were made, and Council Member Winn replied “yes”. Also, Dr. Jeffrey Brasher was placed on the board and a designee as well to overlook and attend the meetings, plus a council member as deemed by the Mayor. Motion passed with 4 yeas and 1 nay by Council Member McCord.
Regarding Action Item (D ) No discussion was had nor action taken .
9. Consent Items
(a.) Approve December 20th, 2022 Meeting Minutes, Special Called Meeting Minutes on January 5th , 2023, and January 10th , 2023.
(b.) Financial Report
(c.) Discuss, consider, and take action regarding City of Seymour bills paid the
month of December, 2022.
(d.) Discuss, consider, and take action to retain the company of Jacob
& Martin, for City of Seymour.
Dr. Jeffrey Brasher stated that due to Finance Director Mary Griffin being sick and out of the office, no Financial Report was in their packet. Council could come by City Hall and obtain a report once Mary got back.
Motion made by MPT Les Hons, seconded by Council Member Billy Henricks, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion passed unanimously, 5/0.
10. Public Hearing
( a.) City of Seymour to hold the First Public Hearing in regard to the Distributed Generation
Avoided Cost of Generation Rate being added to Section 11.803, Power Cost Adjustment
Factor.
The City of Seymour held a Public Hearing on the Distributed Generation avoided Cost of
Generation Rate being added to Section 11.803, Power Cost Adjustment Factor. The CGR is
not a required federal mandate, but the city’s consultant stated that this most likely will
become law during the current legislative session for individuals that install solar panels in a
municipal residence. The policy was written by Schneider Engineering who serves as the
consultant for electric power services. The addendum sets the standards for the city to
purchase power back from residences that generate more power than they utilize in their
homes if they have installed solar panels. This item will be considered by the council in
February’s City Council Meeting.
11. Executive Session(s)
An Executive Session, closed to the Public and pursuant to Chapter 551
of the Texas Local Government Code under Section §551.074: Personnel
a.) Seymour Police Department; Police Chief 7:10 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
(b.) City Secretary position 8:16 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
(c. ) Any posted agenda item that requires consultation with City Attorney.
12. Action Items regarding Executive Sessions
(a.) Discuss, and take action regarding Seymour Police Department, Police Chief.
No action taken on this agenda item.
(b.) City Secretary position
Motion made by Council Member Lan Winn, seconded by Council Member Billy Henricks, to appoint Lauren Bush as City Secretary for the City of Seymour. Motion passed unanimously 5/0.
(c.) Any posted agenda item that requires consultation with City Attorney.
No action taken on this agenda item.
13. Adjournment of meeting
Motion made by Council Member Lan Winn, seconded by Council Member Billy Henricks, to adjourn meeting at 8:59 p.m. Motion passed unanimously 5/0.
Passed and Approved on this the 16th day of February, 2023.
Mayor Jon Hrncirik, City of Seymour
Attest :
City Secretary, Conchita Torrez, TRMC