Supporting Documents for Agenda Items can be found HERE.
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Attendance: Present: Mayor John Escoto, Mayor Pro Tem Charlie Bradt (Position 4), Mike McLeod (Position 5) , Jim Pollard (Position 3) Ted Fletcher (Position 2) and Ron Raymaker (Position 1)
ITEM 6: Gladys McKissick Proclamation - The family of Gladys McKissick, a resident celebrating her 105th birthday,requested the city proclaim September 17, 2022 as Gladys McKissick Day in Shenandoah. Council action not required.
NOTE: The photo is of Mayor Escoto reading the above proclamation to Mrs. Gladys McKissick at her 105th birthday party on Thursday, September 15. Members of Council and city staff were invited to attend.
ITEM 7: World Teachers' Day Proclamation - World Teachers’ Day is held annually on October 5 since the first observation in 1994. This holiday marks the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. It sets standards regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers for their initial preparation, further education, recruitment, employment, and learning conditions. Council action not required.
ITEM 8: Energy Rates- City Council has chosen to decline the proposed rate increase for Entergy. Council voted 5-0 to decline the proposed rate.
ITEM 9: General Funds/ Surplus Reserve Funds - As discussed during the budget workshop, staff brought back amounts to be designated into a general fund reserve fund or a capital improvement fund. The City must hold a minimum of 180 operating days of costs in reserves. The estimated dollar amount to cover the 2022-2023 general fund operating budget is currently $28,822 a day. Council voted 5-0 to approve the transfers.
ITEM 10: Texas Water Development Water Board Fund- The city approved a low-interest loan with the Texas Water Development Board to pay for improvements to the city’s wastewater treatment plant. Because Council must approve the creation of all accounting funds, fund 620 will be used for the recording of the loan proceeds and expenditures for transparency and accurate recording. All previous expenditures will be moved to this new fund 620 and indicated in this upcoming audit. Council voted 5-0 to approve the creation of Fund 620.
ITEM 11: Investment Policy - The State of Texas requires cities to review/adopt an investment policy annually. The current policy was revised approximately 11 years ago to be very restrictive in authorized investments. No changes have been made since the adoption of the policy last year. Council voted 5-0 to approve the policy.
ITEM 12: Equipment Replacement Fund/ Asset Forfeiture Fund Expenditures - This is a routine procedure required to expend money from these funds due to the restricted nature of the funds. The police department requested the purchase of 15 tasers for replacement of expired, out-of-warranty, and faulty units from the equipment replacement fund. The police department also requested the purchase of one advanced laser trajectory finder kit and one professional fingerprint magnifier from the asset forfeiture fund. Council voted 5-0 to approve the purchases.
ITEM 13: Vision Park Pond Project - Fifteen bids were submitted for this project. Sterling Site Services, LLC submitted the lowest bid at $951,000.56. The agreement with Residences at Metropark, LLC requires a cost share for the hauling and spreading/compaction of the dirt spoils. Council voted 5-0 to accept the bid.
ITEM 14: Memorial Hermann Hospital Amendment - An easement is required for access to all water supply lines, service lines, water meters, and appurtenances. This will allow the city access to the equipment the city is responsible for maintaining on Memorial Hermann’s property. Council voted 5-0 to approve the easement.
ITEM 15: Municipal Development District (MDD) Appointment - By ordinance, the presiding officer of the MDD Board shall appoint members to fill vacancies on the board. The resignation of David Hoover created a vacancy and the appointee will fill the unexpired term. This appointment becomes official upon approval by City Council. Council voted 5-0 to approve the appointment of Dr. Jim Wallace to the MDD Board.
ITEM 16: Halloween Safe Streets Discussion - Halloween Safe Streets was put on hold for two years due to COVID. Since that time, there has been discussion about continuing the safe streets event. Chief Dunlap has also expressed general safety concerns with the large crowds that come to the event. Following discussion, the parade will be the format again this year. Shortly after the event, a committee composed of Council member(s), staff, Civic Club and residents will be created to work on a concept that will provide a safe, manageable venue for future events. Discussion only.
ITEM 17: Minutes of the July 27, 2022 Meeting - Council voted 5-0 to approve the minutes as amended.
City Attorney Update: none
City Administrator Updates
- National Night Out will be our next event, the first of fiscal year 2022-2023, on October from 6-8 pm. This event brings neighbors together with local law enforcement at the city park for a night of fun, food and fellowship for all ages.
Executive Session: None Scheduled
The meeting was adjourned at 8:01 pm.
Upcoming Events/Meetings
September 20: Planning and Zoning Commission, 6 pm
September 28: Municipal Development District, 6 pm
September 28: City Council, 7 pm
October 3: National Night Out, 6-8 pm