1. Call To Order
1.A. Call To Order -- Todd Flippo, Mayor
Mayor Flippo called the meeting to Order at 6:00 p.m.
1.B. Pledges--Pledge of Allegiance to the United States; Pledge of Allegiance to the State of Texas--"Honor the Texas Flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one State under God, one and indivisible"
1.C. Invocation--Pastor Joe Rangel, SOBA Church
Mayor Flippo gave the invocation in absence of Pastor Joe Rangel.
1.D. Audience Participation--Anyone wishing to speak during the discussion of an item listed on the agenda must complete an audience participation form. These forms are located by the Police Chief. After completing the form, give it to the City Secretary. She will give it to the Mayor. The Mayor will call on you when that item is discussed. You will have three (3) minutes to make your comment
2. Consent Agenda
Motion was made by Councilmember Junkersfeld and seconded by Mayor Pro-tem Felegy to approve item 2A and 2B from the Consent Agenda. Motion carried Unanimously 7-0-0-0.
2.A. Action regarding Minutes from the January 20, 2026, Council meeting--Vicky Vega, City Secretary
Council approved the minutes from the January 20, 2026, meeting.
This item was approved through consent.
2.B. Action regarding Approval for Weaver and Tidwell, LLP to perform the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Audit--Kim Quin, Finance Director
Council approved Weaver and Tidwell, LLP to perform the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Audit.
This item was approved through consent.
3. Proclamations-Presentations
3.A. Presentation on Update on Comprehensive Action Plan for Safe Streets for All (SS4A) --Pete Kelly, P.E., Kimley-Horn
Pete Kelly, P.E. with Kimley-Horn, presented a Comprehensive Action Plan for Safe Streets for All (SS4A). Mr. Kelly highlighted some key points during his presentation:
- Why conduct a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan
- What is a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan
- Project Timeline
- Public Engagement: What to expect?
- Project website
- Pop up event
This item was for informational purposes and no action taken.
3.B. Presentation of the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award--Kim Quin, Finance Director
Kim Quin, Finance Director gave an overview of the Government Finance Officer Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Award. This award represents a significant achievement of the City, and It reflects the commitment of the City Council and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to achieve the award, the budget document must meet fourteen mandatory criteria showing the document to be a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communication device. Ms. Quin dedicated this year's award to Elizabeth Thorp, Finance Manager for her hard work a dedication. This is the 39th year that the City of Saginaw has received this award.
This item was for informational purposes and no action was taken.
3.C. Presentation of Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2025--Kim Quin, Finance Director
Jennifer Ripka, a partner with Weaver and Tidwell, LLP presented to Council the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year End 2024-2025. The financial transactions of the City are reviewed by external auditors. The objective of the audit is to express an opinion as to whether the basic financial statements are fairly presented, in all material respects, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, are free from material misstatement, and to report on the fairness of supplementary information when considered in relation to the basic financial statements as a whole. The audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as, the overall presentation of the financial statements.
This item was for informational purposes and no action taken.
3.D. 2026 Work Plan Workshop--Gabe Reaume, City Manager
City Manager Reaume gave a brief overview of the projects on the proposed 2026 Work Plan:
- Employee Personnel Manual Update (Carryover)
- 2026 Bond (Communication and Informational Awareness)
- Creation of "Friends of Parks" or other parks related non-profit
- Citywide Tree Assessment (Carryover)
- Update and Standardize Gateway/City Limits “Welcome” Monument Signs
- Strategic Plan Update
- Update of the Economic Development Plan (last adopted in 2016)
- Review a Street Maintenance Fee
- Update facility deposit fees, rental fees, and program offerings. (Recreation and Aquatics)
- Hotel Recruitment/Hotel Market Study
- Cyber Security Audit Risk Assessment
- Minimum Property Standards Compliance-Hotels
Council discussed adding a work plan update on the agenda on the second meeting of every month.
This item was informational and no action was taken.
3.E. Discussion regarding Hiring Policy for Staff--Shawn Morrison, Councilmember Place 5
Councilmember Morrison lead the discussion regarding the City's hiring policy for staff. He inquired whether the City currently has a formal hiring policy in place and asked for clarification on several components of the process. Specifically, his questions whether the policy outlines the required number of interviews to be conducted, the number candidates to be considered, and whether it includes guidelines for the posting and advertising of open positions. Mr. Morrison suggested that, if a formal policy is not currently in place, the City should consider creating one. He noted that establishing a standardized hiring policy would be beneficial in strengthening recruitment efforts.
City Manager Reaume gave a brief overview on the process and emphasized that managers have a choice on who they want to select for their department.
This item was for information purposes and no action was taken.
4. Business
4.A. Consideration and Action regarding Ordinance No. 2026-03, Calling a Bond Election to be held on May 2, 2023--Gabe Reaume, City Manager
Council approved approved Ordinance No. 2026-03, Calling a Bond Election to be held on May 2, 2026.
The following Propositions will be on the Ballot:
Proposition A - THIS IS A TAX INCREASE; the issuance of bonds in the amount of $38,000,000 for street improvements, with priority given to McLeroy Boulevard and Industrial Avenue, and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds.
Proposition B - THIS IS A TAX INCREASE; the issuance of bonds in the amount of $6,000,000 for park, recreation, and open space improvements and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds.
Proposition C - THIS IS A TAX INCREASE; the issuance of bonds in the amount of $15,000,000 for an animal control facility and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds.
Mayor Flippo received one request to be speak on topic.
Dan Dittsfurth, Saginaw resident. Mr. Dittsfurth addressed the Council regarding the proposed animal control facility. He stated that reviewing the City's website and searching information from the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee, he was unable to find details indicating that the animal shelter would be included on an upcoming ballot. He expressed that while he is in support of constructing a new animal control facility, he is concerned there is insufficient public information available to educate residents about the potential proposition. He noted that without clear communication outlining the purpose and the scope of the project, voters may be hesitant to support the measure or not vote at all. Mr. Dittsfurth emphasized that he supports the other two propositions, streets and park improvements.
Staff clarified that informational materials, including mailers, will be distributed to all households within the City. Staff further noted that Town Hall meetings will be conducted for each proposition to provide residents with factual information and an opportunity to learn more about the proposed measures.
Councilmember Copeland read an e-mail that was sent to all members of Council out loud for the record from John Dreese, Saginaw resident. Mr. Dreese was unable to attend the meeting but wanted to express his support for the construction of a new animal shelter facility, noting is professional background in engineering. He stated that he agreed with the engineers cost estimates and trusted the opinions of professionals who have experience constructing similar facilities.
Mayor Flippo called on Joe Stout, Chair of the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee to speak on topic. Mr. Stout expressed his support for the proposed animal shelter facility and stated that he is comfortable with the $15 million funding measure. He noted that if Council chose to increase the amount, he would be supportive. However, he believes the $15 million allocation is appropriate and expressed hope that Council would move forward with approval.
Council discussed whether any members wished to suggest or propose an alternative motion regarding the funding amount for the proposed animal shelter facility.
Councilmember Copeland made a motion to approve $16.5 million for the bond measure related to the proposed animal shelter facility and it was seconded by Councilmember Lawson. Motion failed. 1-6-0-0 (Yea; Copeland) (Nay; Felegy, Lawson, Junkersfeld, Flippo, St. Clair & Morrison)
A second motion was made.
Motion was made by Mayor Pro-tem Felegy and seconded by Councilmember Lawson to adopt Ordinance No. 2026-03, Calling a Bond Election to be held on May 2, 2026; Proposition A; In the amount of $38,000,000 for street improvements, Proposition B; In the amount of $6,000,000 for park, recreation, and open space improvements, Proposition C; In the amount of $15,000,000 for an animal control facility. Motion carried unanimously. 7-0-0-0.
4.B. Consideration and Action regarding a full-time position for the Library and Communications Departments--Gabe Reaume, City Manager
City Manager Reaume, presented to Council two staffing requests within the Library and Communications Department. His request is to convert a current part-time employee into a temporary full-time Digital Communications Specialist position. He noted increased resident engagement and demand for video content and social media communications. City Manager Reaume also discussed the need for an additional part-time Library Assistant due to record patron attendance and programming. The Library board met on January 13, 2026 and voted to support the addition, noting that position can be funded through the Library donations.
Council discussed staffing levels and process of hiring.
Motion was made by Mayor Pro-tem Felegy and seconded by Councilmember Lawson to approve a temporary Full-time Digital Communication Specialist and a Part-time Librarian. Motion carried unanimously. 7-0-0-0
5. Executive Session
No executive session
5.A. 551.071. Texas Government Code. Consultation with Attorney. The City Council may convene in executive session to conduct a private consultation with its attorney on any legally posted agenda item, when the City Council seeks the advice of its attorney about pending or contemplated litigation, a settlement offer, or on a matter in which the duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with the provisions of Chapter 551, including the following items:
5.B. Any Item Posted
6. Adjournment
6.A. Adjournment--Todd Flippo, Mayor
Motion was Councilmember Junkersfeld and seconded by Councilmember St. Clair to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously 7-0-0-0.
Mayor Flippo Adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
_________________________________________ ____________________________________________
Vicky Vega, City Secretary Todd Flippo, Mayor