November 15, 2018 – City Council Meeting Minutes

Dec 31, 2018

CITY OF SEYMOUR CITY COUNCIL

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

NOVEMBER 15, 2018

 

A Regular City Council Meeting was held on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 7:00 P.M. at the Portwood Arts and Civic Center, 800 E. Morris, Seymour, TX  76380.

 

Call to Order, Roll Call and Pledge of Allegiance by Mayor Pro-Tem Jon Hrncirik

 

Council present: MPT Jon Hrncirik, Council members Les Hons, Paula K. Vaden and Mary K. Fair

 

Council absent: Monty Glass

 

Counsel present: City Attorney Jonathan Whitsitt

 

City Staff present: City Administrator Steve Biedermann, City Secretary Conchita Torrez, Finance Director Mary Griffin, ED Director Lauren Bush, and Electric Supervisor Jay Barrington.

 

Guests: Kay Bradley, Blake Laughlin, Wade Caussey, Rusty Freeze, Tabatha Lane, Jim Martin, Brian and Misty Broome.

 

Proclamations: Alpha -1 and Diabetes Awareness Month were read by MPT Hrncirik.

 

Announcements from the Mayor Pro-Tem: No announcements at this time from MPT Hrncirik.

 

Citizen’s Questions and/ or Comments: Blake Laughlin approached the podium and addressed MPT Hrncirik and City Council.

 

My name is Blake Laughlin and I reside at 510 N. Tackitt Street, here in Seymour. I am not from here but I have been here for 9 years.  I grew up in a wonderful town called Marshall Texas, and had wonderful heroes in that town like Bill Moyers, George Foreman. I moved here 9 years ago because my momma passed away. I have 5 grandchildren here in this town. So, that’s why I am here.  I love many of the people in this town and I’ve come to speak some encouraging words. By no means is it criticism or directed at any one person.  I want to share with you a metaphor that was given to me many years ago.  I want to emphasize how much this has impacted me, my leadership style and my way of living. I want you to know a few things about me.  I was in the Navy for 8 years and served in Vietnam War, was a supervisor 2nd Class Petty Officer, got out of the Navy and was a youth leader for 20 years.  I went to college, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and I have been in many leadership positions in the committee for the Christian Youth Camp in Athens and recently as Board of Directors at Camp Chaparral.  So many things have impacted my life, but, not as much as this metaphor.  I want to share with you for your encouragement and benefit.  A wise man, many years ago, that loves people, once told me, “Blake, if you want to be successful, then you want to be like one person. See there’s 2 types of people in this world that impact the world, they are either Goat Herders or Shepherds.  He said, “Now Blake, the Goat Herder gets behind people, cracks a whip and drives them.  However, the Shephard gets out in front and leads with a soft voice.”

I share this metaphor with you because it has impacted me more than my education, more than my 17 years experience in the prison system.  I’ve graduated from the Sergeants Academy and I’ve learned a lot, but, applying this metaphor, this agricultural metaphor has impacted me and I wanted to share this with ya’ll because ya’ll have the potential to change and make Seymour a wonderful place and I hope this metaphor encourages your, and gives you the strength to want to be the Shephard and not the goat herder.

 

CONSENT AGENDA: (Items listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine and are generally enacted in one motion. The exception to this rule is that a Council Member may request one or more items to be removed from the Consent Agenda for separate discussion and action.)

 

  1. CONSIDER APPROVING THE CONSENT AGENDA AS FOLLOWS:

 

  1. Approve Regular Meeting Minutes for Thursday, October 18, 2018
  2. 1. Monthly Investment Report
  3. First Bank & Trust Accounts Report Summary
  4.   Employee List/SFRE Membership Total Report
  5. Administration and Supervisor monthly reports

 

END OF CONSENT AGENDA

 

Motion made by Councilmember Les Hons, second by Councilmember Paula K. Vaden, to accept the consent agenda as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Regular meeting closes and Public Hearings will begin at 7:11 p.m.

 

PUBLIC HEARING

 

  1. 2. The City of Seymour will conduct a Public Hearing regarding proposed changes to the City of Seymour Ordinance restricting the use of trucks on streets within City Limits.

After reviewing the ordinance and Council asking that legal review be done on this ordinance, by our City Attorney Jonathan Whitsitt, no more questions were asked and this public hearing closed. The ordinance once approved may be viewed at City Hall.

 

PUBLIC HEARING

 

  1. The City of Seymour to conduct a Public hearing regarding an Application for Tiny House Variance zoning request from Tabatha Lane. This variance is in regards to the Subdivision of Lot 3, Block T, of the Miller’s First Addition comprised of .482 acres, located at 508 S. Oak Street.

 

A Public Hearing was held regarding the variance zoning request by Tabatha Lane. Several things were discussed and brought to the Council’s attention by ED Director Lauren Bush.

A sign according to Mrs. Bush had not been placed at the address of 508 S. Oak Street.

Direction was given to Lauren to make sure that the sign is placed at location by John Byrket.

No more questions were asked and this public hearing closed.

 

PUBLIC HEARING

 

  1. The City of Seymour to conduct a Public Hearing regarding proposed changes to the Public Nuisance Ordinance, sections 7.201 – 7.208.

 

This Public Hearing was addressed by ED Director Lauren Bush.  The current public nuisance ordinance was presented to City Council a month ago for approval at this meeting. After reviewing this ordinance and no questions were further asked, this public hearing closed.

The ordinance once approved may be viewed at City Hall.

 

PUBLIC HEARING

 

  1. The City of Seymour to conduct a Public Hearing regarding an increase of City of Seymour Transfer Station Fees listed for “Commercial Brush Only” located in the Transfer Station Ordinance.

 

The current ordinance fees were reviewed and prices had been initially set for this meeting. Upon review, Council chose to set the prices as follows for Trailers-Commercial Brush Only:

16 ft. or under                        $40.00

Over 16 ft.                             $60.00

Truck                                      $80.00

 

After agreeing on prices above this, and no questions were further asked, this Public hearing was closed.  This ordinance once approved may be viewed at City Hall.

 

PUBLIC HEARING

 

  1. The City of Seymour to conduct a Public Hearing regarding Utility Ordinance 2014-02, Section 6; Rules and Regulations (8), regarding Electric Utility Deposits.

 

City Administrator stated at this Public hearing that the wording on the original ordinance was too vague.  It needed clarification regarding the Electric Utility Deposit Sections.

Refund applying to both residential and commercial accounts of utility deposits, will be applied to the customers utility bill, if in the previous 18 months from the date deposits were paid and ALL payments have been paid promptly.

 

No questions were asked and this public hearing closed. This ordinance may be viewed at City Hall.

 

Public hearings close and Regular Meeting resumes

 

  1. Discuss, consider and approve Ordinance No. 2018-09, an Ordinance of the City of Seymour, in regards to the restriction use of trucks on streets within the City Limits.

A motion was made by Council member Les Hons, second by Council member Paula K. Vaden, to approve Ordinance No. 2018-09, pending legal review by City Attorney.

Motion passed unanimously.

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Discuss, consider and approve an application from Tabatha Lane, regarding a variance for the Subdivision of Lot 3, Block T, of the Miller’s First Addition, comprised of .482 acres, located at 508 S. Oak Street.

 

This agenda item died for lack of second. A Special Called meeting will be held once the City has complied with sign regulations regarding this variance.

 

  1. Discuss, consider and approve Ordinance No. 2018-10, an Ordinance of the City of Seymour, regarding the update of a Public Nuisance Ordinance, and repealing all existing ordinances.

 

Motion made by Council member Les Hons, second by Council member Paula k. Vaden, to approve the updated Public Nuisance Ordinance No. 2018-10.  Motion carries with 2 ayes and 1 nay by Council member Mary K. Fair.

 

  1. Discuss, consider and approve Ordinance No. 2018-11, an Ordinance of the City of Seymour, regarding the repealing of Ordinance 2010-08, Section “Trailers/Commercial/Brush Only” with the following changes:

16 ft or under              $50.00

Over 16 ft.                  $75.00

Truck                           $100.00

 

After reviewing and discussing the prices, Council chose to lower each one to the following:

16 ft. or under             $40.00

Over 16 ft.                  $60.00

Truck                          $80.00

 

Motion made by Council member Paula K. Vaden, second by Mary K. Fair, to approve Ordinance No. 2018-11, with changes.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

  1. Discuss, consider and approve Ordinance No. 2018-12, an ordinance of the City of Seymour, repealing Ordinance No. 2014-02, Section 6 “Rules and Regulations”, (8), clarifying wording regarding electric deposits.

 

Motion made by Council member Mary K. Fair, second by Council member Les Hons, to clarify wording regarding electric deposits.  If a customer is prompt pay (payments made every month by the due date of the 18th , without a single late payment, for 18 months, customers will have their electric deposit applied to their utility bill.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

  1. Discuss, consider and take action regarding Christmas Light Project in Seymour Memorial Park.

 

Kay Bradley addressed MPT Hrncirik and City Council regarding ideas to beautify our park.

She would like to place solar lights on the bridges and decorate the south side behind Portwood Art & Civic Center.  Angels would be placed around the area and citizens are encouraged to purchase one in memory of loved ones. The Seymour Fire Department will donate $500.00 to help with the cost of decorating the flag pole.  Kay is very generous in donating her time and good efforts to make our City shine during the holidays. Jay Barrington, Supervisor of the Electric Department will make sure that the electricity is set up properly and working as it should. A hot chocolate station may be in the works and as each year goes by, citizens will become involved and will participate.

 

Motion made by Council member Les Hons, second by Council member Paula K. Vaden, to allow Kay Bradley to proceed with decorations at the park and around Portwood Pavilion during the Christmas Holidays.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

  1. Discuss, consider and approve Resolution No. 1473, a resolution of the City of Seymour, for Fiscal Year 2018-2019, a one –time budget adjustment for Municipal Purposes regarding line item increase to cover property and liability claims.

 

Motion made by Council member Mary K. Fair, second by Council member Paula K. Vaden, to approve Resolution No. 1473, for a one-time budget adjustment regarding line item increase to cover property and liability claims in the amount of $2,449.00.  Motion passes unanimously.

 

At this time MPT Jon Hrncirik called for a 15 minute recess at 8:52 p.m.

Recess ends at 9:07 p.m.

 

  1. Discuss, consider and take action regarding City of Seymour bills paid the month of

October, 2018.

 

Motion made by Council member Les Hons, second by Council member Mary K. Fair.

Motion passed unanimously.

 

  1. Discuss, consider and take action to change December 20, 2018, Regular City Council meeting to Thursday, December 13, 2018 or leave as scheduled.

Due to conflicting schedules with the Seymour Fire Department the Council meeting will stay on as scheduled for December 20, 2018.  No action taken on this agenda item.

 

  1. Discuss, consider and give direction regarding the current Public Nuisance Ordinance for Livestock, Fowl, or Other Animal (s).

 

This ordinance has been reviewed by the City Attorney.  It will be up for approval at the December 20, 2018, Regular City Council meeting. No action taken on this agenda item.

 

  1. Discuss, consider and give direction regarding the current Public Nuisance Ordinance for Unsafe, Dangerous, or Hazardous Buildings and Structures.

 

This agenda has also been reviewed by the City Attorney. It will be on the December 20, 2018, Regular City Council meeting for approval.  No action was taken on this agenda item.

 

  1. Discuss, consider and take action regarding Hatcher Pool bid of $42,924.00, as presented by City Administrator Steve Biedermann.

 

Motion made by Council member Les Hons, second by Council member Mary K. Fair, to accept bid from Hatcher Pool in the amount of $42,924.00.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

 

  1. Discuss, consider and take action regarding quotes received for SFREC Roofing Project 2018-01, from the following:

 

Kinnibrugh Construction                    $31,200.00

Robert Crowell Construction              $22,700.00

Jim Martin Construction                      $44,100.00

 

Council reviewed bids and a motion was entertained.  Motion by Council member Les Hons, for Kinnibrugh Construction.  This motion died for lack of second. City Attorney advised that a motion could be made for another company, therefore, Council member Mary K. Fair made a motion to accept bid in the amount of $22,700 from Robert Crowell Construction, and a second by Paula K. Vaden. Motion passed unanimously.

 

  1. Discuss, consider and take action regarding sealed bids received for property located at 410 N. Tackitt Street.

 

No sealed bids were received for property described as 410 N. Tackitt, therefore, no action was taken on this agenda item.

 

  1. Discuss, consider and take action regarding guidelines for baseline hourly wages per City of Seymour departments, as presented by City Administrator Steve Biedermann.

Mr. Biedermann presented MPT Hrncirik and City Council some Baseline Hourly Wages for each department for the City of Seymour.  The following hourly wages were set as follows:

 

Street/Park Dept.                                                                                $10.00

Water/Sewer Dept.                                                                             $10.00

Electric Dept.                                                                                      $12.00

R.O. Dept.                                                                                          $10.00

Police Dept.                                                                                        $11.00

Salt Fork Dept.                                                                                   $10.00

Admn. Dept.                                                                                       $10.00

Transfer Station Dept.                                                                        $10.00

ED Development Coordinator                                                            $12.00

 

These represent starting wages, however are amendable to applicant’s prior work experience.

 

Motion made by Council member Les Hons, second by Council member Paula K. Vaden to approve the Baseline Hourly Wage as presented by City Administrator Steve Biedermann.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

  1. Discuss, consider and take action regarding bid received from Horizon Metro Irrigation Supply for Salt Fork River Estates Golf Complex in the amount of $24,344.03, regarding sprinkler controllers.

 

Motion made by Council member Les Hons, second by Council member Paula K. Vaden, to approve bid from Horizon Metro Irrigation Supply in the amount of $24,344.03.

Motion passed unanimously.

 

  1. Discuss, consider and take action regarding renewal of IT Contract for Clayton Miller.

Clayton Miller presented two quotes to City Council for renewal of his IT Contract.

 

Motion made by Council member Mary K. Fair, second by Council member Les Hons, to accept the quote of $6,000.00 for 100 hours.  Payment will be paid in two installments of $3,000.00.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

MPT Hrncirik called a 5 minute recess at 10:27 p.m.

Recess ends at 10:32 p.m.

 

Regular meeting closes and Executive Session (s) will begin

 

  1. An Executive Session (closed to the public) and pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Local Government Code, under §551.074- Personnel: Sick Leave Incentive.

 

Executive Session begins at 10:27 p.m. and closes at 10:38 p.m.

 

  1. An Executive Session (closed to the public) and pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Local Government Code, under §551.074- Personnel: Drug Testing in accordance with City of Seymour Personnel Policy Manual.

 

Executive Session Two begins at 10:38 p.m. and closes at 11:03 p.m.

 

Executive Sessions close and Regular Meeting resumes

 

  1. Discuss and take action regarding deliberations from executive session regarding Sick Leave Incentive.

 

City Administrator was given direction to leave Sick Leave Incentive as written in the Personnel Policy Manual and distribute incentive on December 17, 2018.

 

  1. Discuss and take action regarding deliberations from executive session regarding Drug Testing in accordance with City of Seymour Personnel Policy Manual.

 

No action taken regarding this Executive Session.

 

  1. Adjournment by Council member Les Hons, second by Council member Paula K. Vaden at 11:05 p.m.

 

PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS THE 20TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2018.

 

Mayor Pro-Tem Jon Hrncirik

 

Attest:

 

Conchita Torrez, City Secretary, TRMC