January 21, 2021 – City Council Meeting Minutes

Apr 20, 2021

SEYMOUR CITY COUNCIL

REGULAR CALLED MEETING

JANUARY 21, 2021

A Regular City Council Meeting was held on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 7:00 P.M. at the Portwood Arts and Civic Center, 800 E. Morris, Seymour, TX  76380.

Call to Order/Roll Call/Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Jon Hrncirik

Council Present: Mayor Jon Hrncirik, MPT Monty Glass, Council Member Lan Winn, Council Member Brenda Miller, Council Member Brian Broome, and Council Member Mary K. Fair.

Counsel Present:  No counsel was present at this meeting.

City Staff Present: City Secretary Conchita Torrez, ED Director Lauren Bush, Water/WWTP Supervisor Robert Torrez, R.O. Plant Employee John Davis, Street/Transfer Station Employee John Byrket, Street Employee John Lynch, Salt Fork Supervisor Todd Hrncirik, EMC John Hostas,

Guest(s): Spur and Missie Gray, Mark McCord, Charlie Rose, Cindy Sites,           and Ricky Barrick.

Mayor Jon Hrncirik had no announcements

Questions and/or comments from citizen’s:

Emergency Management Coordinator John Hostas spoke during the meeting regarding the Mitigation Project that was implemented about two years ago.

FEMA approved the Safe Room/Tornado Shelter Rebate Program and Baylor County will start accepting applications. As of Thursday, January 21, 2021, a total of 24 applications had been received. The rebate program is a 50/50 cost share program, up to $3,000.00 max.  For more information contact John Hostas at 889-3553.

As a citizen, John Hostas also expressed his concerns over the issues at the Seymour Shooting Range.  He stated since it has been shut down, due to a shooting incident that happened a few months ago he it has been nice not to worry about his children playing outside or for the neighbor’s safety.  He would like to see it remain closed and hopes that City Council will consider his concerns.

ED Director Lauren Bush wanted to remind everyone that the Seymour Ministerial Alliance and City of Seymour had partnered together and on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 COVID-19 19 Relief Funds will be available. You may pick up an application at the Catholic Hall.

Consent Agenda:

1. Consider approving the consent agenda as follows:

(a.) Approve November 30th, December 8th , & December 17, 2020 Minutes   

(b.) Accept Reports

1.   Monthly Investment Report

2.   First Bank & Trust account report summary

3.   Employee List/ Salt Fork Recreational Complex golf report

4.  Supervisor reports

Council reviewed the consent agenda, and a motion was entertained by MPT Monty Glass, seconded by Council Member Brian Broome, to accept the consent agenda, with the exception of 1. B Reports Monthly Investment and FBT Account Summary, which will be approved at a later date.  Motion carried 5/0.

END OF CONSENT AGENDA

Regular meeting closes and Public hearings to begin at 7:13 p.m. .  

2.  The City of Seymour will hold their final Public hearing regarding the City of Seymour proposed electric rates as suggested by Schneider Engineering representative Steve Moffitt.   

Representative Steve Moffitt explained to Mayor and City Council at a previous meeting his recommendations regarding the electric rates and figures.  Also, an ordinance that he worked up with numbers and figures would be passed that night as well. Copies were at hand for the visitors and those that were not able to attend the meeting could come by and obtain a copy of said ordinance. 

Council Member Mary K. Fair read some of the figures that were presented on said ordinance. 

Guest Charlie Rose asked to address the Mayor and City Council. His concern was regarding the ordinance at hand and he understood from the meeting that Schneider Engineering attended, that there would no longer be a formula, but a fix rate. He suggested we look into it so that the ordinance could get passed quickly.

Council Member Mary K. Fair stated that the Power Cost was accurate.

Charlie Rose stated that was all he had to say.

** City Secretary Conchita Torrez spoke with Steve Moffitt, and Steve stated the ordinance was correct. He also spoke with Council Member Brenda Miller and explained all the figures and verbiage on the ordinance.

This public hearing closed at 7:17 p.m.

3.  The City of Seymour will hold a Public hearing regarding the City of Seymour Transfer Station hours, following the guidelines of TCEQ and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the City of Seymour.

This public hearing had been previously held before and the council was not satisfied with the hours.  The hours had been changed several times, but, upon searching some information, City Secretary Torrez came across information that requires the City to operate during the hours below. The City of Seymour approved a SOP (Standard of Procedure) years ago and we the City is required to follow it.

Hours of operation will be Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., during the winter hours and Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m. during Daylight Savings time.  The Transfer Station may also be closed during lunch, from Noon to 1:00 p.m.    

This public hearing closed at 7:22 p.m.

4.  The City of Seymour will hold a Public Hearing regarding Chapter 1 – General Provisions .

ED Director Lauren Bush had presented these ordinances for approval after making several changes to the ordinance and much needed updates.

Mayor Hrncirik asked that Lauren explain to the citizens what General Provisions was since they did not have a copy of the ordinance. Lauren explained that some of the General Provisions in this ordinance are how city government runs and the set up.  Information regarding the city secretary, administrator duties are in here.  Airport rules and regulations, Municipal Court also may be found in this chapter.

This public hearing closed at 7:27 p.m.

5.  The City of Seymour will hold a Public Hearing regarding Chapter 2- Animal Control.

This chapter is basically explaining all the animal control definitions regarding Livestock permits, animal permits, vicious animals and other related information regarding animals may be found in this chapter.

Charlie Rose made a comment and stated that while the City is looking into improving these ordinance, since it is a public hearing it would be nice if the citizens had a copy they could view as well.

ED Director Bush stated that this was just for review for the council and since changes are being made the copies tonight were just for review. She would make sure copies would be available for the public or go on the website and view it on there.

This public hearing closed at 7:31 p.m.

6.  The City of Seymour will hold a Public Hearing regarding Chapter 3- Building and Construction.

This chapter received minimal changes but includes for employees to identify a dangerous structure and while doing cleanup, a roof will not fall on them.

Any building that is dilapidated and need to be removed.

This public hearing closed at 7:34 p.m.

7.  The City of Seymour will hold a Public Hearing regarding Chapter 4- Business and Commerce.

Chapter regarding Business and Commerce basically describes entails the requirements for vendors, whether door to door, or anyone doing commercial business need to get a permit. Also, anyone that has a junk or scrap iron yard in the city limits will need a permit.  This is just a few of the items that are listed in this chapter.

This Public hearing closed at 7:40 p.m.

8.  The City of Seymour will hold a Public Hearing regarding Chapter 5- Fire Protection.

This chapter is in regard to our Seymour Volunteer Fire Department. Lauren stated she went over this chapter with Fire Chief Kenneth Hons and Les Hons. After viewing the chapter, they were happy with the changes.

The Fire Department uses the City of Seymour IEN #, that is why several things are in this chapter, it is not the city needs to know what and how they operate on every aspect of their business.

Lauren stated for council to considering appointing a Fire Marshall in the future. The city and other businesses in Seymour have been in need of one at one time or another.

Charlie Rose spoke and stated that on the stipend that is paid to the Fire Department, City Council seriously needs to consider raising it. The firemen put themselves and their lives at risk.

Public Hearings close and an Executive Session will begin 7:50 p.m.

Mayor Hrncirik announced that Executive Session would begin at this time. (7:53 p.m.)

9. An Executive Session (closed to the public) and pursuant to Chapter 551, Texas Local Gov. Code of the State of Texas, Section §551.074; Personnel regarding Transfer Station Dept./Attendee.

Executive Session closes and Regular Meeting resumes with Agenda Item #10 at 8:14 p.m.

10.  Discuss, consider, and take action regarding deliberations from Transfer Station Executive Session.

Motion made by MPT Monty Glass, seconded by Council Member Lan Winn, to open Transfer Station, Tuesday – Saturday during winter from 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. during Daylight Savings time.  Transfer Station will also be closed from Noon – 1:00 p.m. for lunch.  Motion carried 5/0

11. Discuss, and give direction to Street Supervisor Shawn Sanchez, regarding equipment proposal from Montgomery Tractor.  

This agenda item was tabled due to Shawn Sanchez not present.

12. Discuss, consider, and take action regarding update from meeting between Water/Sewer Supervisor, Council Member Brenda Miller, Royce Stallcup and TCEQ Representative, (via telephone) with questions regarding Land Lease concerns.

Royce Stallcup called City Secretary regarding not being able to attend meeting due to spouse being sick. Therefore, this agenda item was also tabled.

13. Discuss, consider, and take action regarding Seymour Shooting Range Rules as presented by Salt Fork Recreational Complex Supervisor, Todd Hrncirik.

Salt Fork Recreational Complex Supervisor Todd Hrncirik presented the gun range rules he and ED Director Lauren Bush had gone over.

Before Hrnciirk started, Council Member Mary K. Fair asked if copies had been made for the public to view. City Secretary stated that this was not a permanent copy, but one to review and make changes. Council Member Fair stated that she had lots of comments and questions.

After a lengthy discussion and debate, Mayor Hrncirik stated too much time had already been taken on this agenda item. He stated that Todd, Lauren, and Council Member Mary K. Fair could discuss this at the city office and make the required changes. !!  Mayor Hrncirik stated we were moving on.

Council Member Mary K. Fair asked if anyone in the meeting would get to speak and Mayor Hrncirik stated No ! Charlie Rose stated it was the law that citizens be allowed to speak with the Mayor stating that after the rules were corrected and done, they could speak in February’s meeting.

Mr. Gray who had been sitting in at the meeting, stated he did not care if the law was called on him but, he had kids running around out there and we did not live out there to see what actually went on.

14. Discuss, consider, and take action to take bids on wood furniture (tables, chairs, hutch) at the Salt Fork Recreational Complex.

Todd Hrncirik stated there were nice Rustic tables with chairs that took too much space and he would like to sell them and buy the white fold up tables with chairs. Motion made by MPT Monty Glass, seconded by Council Member Lan Winn, to allow City Secretary Torrez to place a bid notice in the BANNER for two weeks and Council Member Brenda Miller stated she could put it on the Miller Auction Website as a courtesy to the City.  Motion passed 5/0.

15. Discuss, consider, and take action regarding quotes received for Portwood Art & Civic Center, regarding restroom upgrades and repairs.

The City of Seymour received three quotes for this job. The quotes  were submitted by Danny Lane Plumbing, Brian Schnoover and Danny Hrncirik Electric.  Motion made by Council Member Mary K. Fair, seconded by MPT Monty Glass, to accept quote from Danny Lane Plumbing in the amount of $4,715.00. Motion carried 5/0 .

16. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve Ordinance No. 2021-01, an Ordinance establishing an electric rate for the City of Seymour, and reflecting changes in the February 2021, Utility Bill through our new electric provider Lower River Colorado Authority (LCRA).

Motion made by MPT Monty Glass, seconded by Council Member Brian Broome, to approve Ordinance No. 2021-01 with correction on (G) regarding default date. Motion carried 5/0.

17. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve Ordinance No. 2021-03, an Ordinance re-establishing the City of Seymour Transfer Station hours, following the guidelines of TCEQ and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the City of Seymour.   

Motion made by MPT Monty Glass, seconded by Council Member Lan Winn, to establish Transfer Station Hours as following:

Closed Sunday & Monday

Tuesday – Saturday open from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Winter hours

Tuesday – Saturday open from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. during Daylight Savings Time

Transfer Station may be closed during lunch from NOON – 1:00 p.m.  

Motion carried 5/0

18. Discuss, consider, and give ED Director Lauren Bush approval to apply for a FEMA/AFG GRANT for the Seymour Volunteer Fire Department.    

ED Director Lauren Bush addressed the City Council and stated that this grant for the SVFD could be up to 350K with a 5% match from the fire department.

Motion made by Council Member Brian Broome, seconded by Council Member Brenda Miller. Motion carried 3/0 with Council Member Lan Winn & MPT Monty Glass abstaining.

19.  Discuss, consider, and give ED Director Lauren Bush approval to apply for a CYBER SECURITY GRANT through NORTEX.

Motion made by MPT Monty Glass, seconded by Council Member Brenda Miller, to allow ED Director Bush to apply for Cyber Security Grant through NORTEX.  Motion carried 4/0 with Council Member Brian Broome abstaining.

20.  Discuss, consider, and give Lauren Bush approval to apply for the PRIDDY FOUNDATION  for SEYMOUR DOWNTOWN MURAL(S).

No Action was taken on this agenda item at this time.

21. Approve General Election Orders for Saturday, May 1, 2021, for the City of Seymour,   Mayoral position, Council Place #2, and Council Place #4, for a two-year term.    

Motion made by MPT Monty Glass, seconded by Council Member Brian Broome, to approve the General Election Order for Saturday, May 1, 2021, for Mayoral position, Council Place #2, and Council Place #4.  Motion carried 5/0.

22. Discuss, consider, and approve Resolution No. 1502, appointing Judges and Clerks for the City of Seymour General Election, Saturday, May 1, 2021.

Motion made by MPT Monty Glass, seconded by Council Member Brian Broome, to approve election Resolution No. 1502.  Motion carried 5/0.

23. Discuss, consider, and take action to retain the firm of Jacob and Martin, Inc., for the City of Seymour Fiscal Year 2020-2021.   

Motion made by MPT Monty Glass, seconded by Council Member Brian Broome, to approve retainer fee with Jacob & Martin, inc. in the amount of $1.00 for Fiscal Year 2020-2021.  Motion carried 5/0.

24. Discuss and approve the City of Seymour account payable bills paid the month of December 2020, in the amount of $452,497.42.  

Motion made by MPT Monty Glass, seconded by Council Member Lan Winn, to approve City of Seymour bills.  Motion carried 5/0.

REGULAR MEETING CLOSES AND EXECTUVE SESSION BEGINS AT 9:32 p.m.

25.  An Executive Session (closed to the public) pursuant to Chapter 551, Texas Local Government of the State of Texas, Section §551.074; Personnel- RO Plant Department/Attendee.

EXECUTIVE SESSION CLOSES AND THIRD EXECUTIVE SESSION BEGINS at 10:23 p.m. 

26. An Executive Session (closed to the public) pursuant to Chapter 551, Texas Local Government of the State of Texas, Section §551.074; Personnel- Electric Consultant

EXECUTIVE SESSIONS CLOSE AND REGULAR MEETING RESUMES AT 10:52 p.m.   

27. Discuss, consider, and take action regarding deliberation from Executive Session relating to RO Plant Department/Attendee.

Motion made by Council Member Mary K. Fair, seconded by Council Member Brian Broome, on the following list with a motion carrying 5/0.

1. Robert and John to work hand in hand to get R.O. Plant in order and repair safety issues.  

3. John will be coming back and report to Mayor and City Council after receiving report from Jacob & Martin Representative, Allen Phillips.   

4. Allen Phillips to come in and review the R.O. Plant and give a report of what needs to be repaired and order parts.

28.  Discuss, consider, and take action regarding deliberation from Executive Session relating to Electric Consultant.

Motion made by Council Member Brian Broome, seconded by Council Member Brenda Miller, to allow City Secretary to contact City Attorney Wayne Olson, and draw up a contract for the one interested party that responded to our Electric Consultant Ad.

City of Seymour and Jason Glass. 

$200 monthly retainer fee

4 hours of phone support

If 4 monthly hours exceed, it will be $50.00 per hour for phone support

Or $100 an hour On Site Support.

Note****  Monty Glass abstained from all comments, questions, and voting.  

29.  Adjournment by MPT Monty Glass, seconded by Council Member Brian Broome, at 11:05 p.m.

PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS THE 18TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2021.

Mayor Jon Hrncirik

Attest:

City Secretary, Conchita Torrez