Minutes for the Saginaw City Council
333 West McLeroy Boulevard, Saginaw, Texas 76179
February 20, 2024, 6:00 PM - February 20, 2024, 9:19 PM
Roll Call: (The following members were in attendance)
1. Call To Order
1A. Call To Order -- Todd Flippo, Mayor
Mayor Flippo called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Present
City Attorney Bryn Meredith
City Engineer Trenton Tidwell, P.E.
City Engineer Dana Shumard, P.E.
City Engineer Misty Christian, P.E.
City Manager Gabe Reaume
Asst. City Manager Lee Howell
Finance Director Kim Quin
City Secretary Janice England
Police Chief Russell Ragsdale
Fire Chief Doug Spears
Director of Public Works Randy Newsom
Asst. Director of Public Works Jarred Coursey
Director of Community & Economic Development Keith Rinehart
Director of Human Resources Melanie McManus
Library Director Ellen Ritchie
Communications Manager Pedro Zambrano
Chief Building Official Larry Little
Planning Manager Susy Victor-Trevino
Absent
Councilmember Randy Edwards
Visitors
Brack St. Clair
William Hodges
Cassie Johnson
John Peet
Kimberly Wrick
Mark Towns
Travis Geltmeier
Kim Geltmeier
Sarah Geltmeier
Jerry B. Robbins
Melissa Robbins
Lea Lawson
Regina Gordon
Randy Gordon
Grace Gatica
Destiny Gordon
Sonia Camp
Doris Johnson
James Johnson
Shane Greenlee
Christine Greenlee
Judy Sutherland
Kurt M. Hicks
Ronnie Horton
Abra Nusser
Bryce Apple
Ronnie Martinez
Ron Gailey (via Zoom)
Lauren Allan
1B. 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"
1C. Invocation--Dr. Mark Towns, First Baptist Church
Dr. Mark Towns of the First Baptist Church gave the invocation.
1D. 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 comments.
2. Consent Agenda
Motion was made by Councilmember Felegy with a second by Mayor Pro-Tem Junkersfeld to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously. 6-0-0-1 (Edwards absent)
2A. Action regarding Minutes, February 6, 2024--Janice England, City Secretary
The minutes of the City Council Meeting held on February 6, 2024 were presented for consideration.
2B. Action Regarding Contract for Independence Day Event Fireworks -- Pedro Zambrano, Communications Manager
Pyro Shows of Texas is the vendor that was used for the 2023 fireworks show. We have booked them for this year's event which will be on June 29th (the Saturday before July 4th). The cost will be $25,000 with a deposit of 50% ($12,500) due when we sign the contract. The cost for the 2023 fireworks show was $22,000. Funds are available in the Parks Donation Fund for this expenditure. The Advisory Recreation and Parks Board voted unanimously at their meeting on January 22nd to recommend approval to the City Council.
3. Proclamations-Presentations
3A. Recognitions/Presentations--Gabe Reaume, City Manager
Asst. Director of Public Works Coursey introduced Ronnie Martinez. He was recently hired for the position of Water and Wastewater Superintendent.
Chief Building Official Little recognized Bryce Apple for recently achieving his Combination Inspector Certification.
3B. Consideration, Action and Presentation Regarding the City of Saginaw Business Survey -- Ron Gailey with Onpointe Insights
At a previous City Council Meeting, City Staff was directed to work with Mr. Ron Gailey of Onpoint Insights to produce a "Business Survey". This survey will be the second survey (year) of a three year contract. Mr. Gailey joined the meeting via Zoom. He gave an overview of potential questions to be included in a business survey. There was discussion regarding an expected response rate. Mr. Gailey stated he anticipates a 15-20% response rate from the 200+ businesses in Saginaw. There was discussion of feedback and results from prior surveys as well as what has been done in response to prior surveys.
Motion was made by Councilmember Lawson with a second by Councilmember Bighorse to table this item. Motion carried unanimously. 6-0-0-1 (Edwards absent)
3C. Public Works Accreditation Project Update--Jarred Coursey, Asst. Public Works Director
Asst. Public Works Director Coursey gave an overview of the American Public Works Association Accreditation Program and its purpose. He stated that the deadline to submit documentation for consideration for accreditation is September 28, 2024. He explained that there are only twenty (20) cities in Texas that have achieved this accreditation. He stated various staff members have been working on this project for several years and he sees no problem with completing the necessary work in order to meet the September deadline.
3D. Presentation by Kimley Horn & Associates
City Engineer Tidwell gave a presentation on the services that Kimley-Horn and Associates provides for the City of Saginaw. He gave a brief overview of projects that Kimley-Horn has been involved with.
4. Public Hearings
4A. PUBLIC HEARING-- Consideration and Action regarding an Ordinance amending Section 5.03, "Development Fees and Certificates," of Article 5, "Final Plat and Construction Documents," of Appendix B, "Subdivisions," of the Saginaw City Code by changing the amount and timing of review and Inspection Fees paid to the City by the Developer; and amending the Master Fee Schedule by establishing revised charges for Public Works Inspections Fees (Ordinance No. 2024-03)--Susy Victor-Trevino, Planning Manager
Public Hearing was opened at 7:21 PM and closed at 7:32 PM
Mayor Flippo declared the public hearing for this item opened at 7:21 p.m. Planning Manager Victor-Trevino explained that effective September 2023, the Texas Legislature prohibited municipalities from basing construction inspection fees on the cost of construction of a development. Therefore the City must amend its 4% construction inspection fee. Proposed Ordinance No. 2024-03 amends the construction inspection fee to be $300 per hour with a minimum of 2 hours per day. (This is the same fee as adopted by the City of Fort Worth.) It also addresses the issuance of a monthly invoice to the developer unless an agreement for an alternate payment arrangement is agreed upon during the pre-construction meeting. All fees must be paid on or before the due date on the invoice. A letter of acceptance for a project will not be granted until all fees have been paid in full. There were some concerns expressed regarding potential payment extensions. Director of Public Works Newsom stated that only in special instances would an extension be allowed.
Mayor Flippo called for any public comment. There was none. He declared the public hearing closed at 7:32 p.m.
Motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem Junkersfeld with a second by Councilmember Copeland to approve Ordinance No. 2024-03, amending the construction inspection fees as presented, and amending the Master Fee Schedule to reflect the amended construction inspection fees. Motion carried unanimously. 6-0-0-1 (Edwards absent)
4B. PUBLIC HEARING-- Consideration and Action Regarding a Request for a Change in Zoning from Office Professional (OP) to Neighborhood Mixed-Use (NMU) on the approximate 9.9 acres out of the Walker, Josiah Survey, Abstract 1602 Tract 3A1F & A1798 TRS 1E1 & 1E2 more commonly known as 1051 Grand Central Parkway (Per TAD)--Susy Victor-Trevino, Planning Manager
Public Hearing was opened at 7:33 PM and closed at 8:43 PM
Mayor Flippo declared the public hearing for this item opened at 7:33 p.m. Planning Manager Victor-Trevino explained the Planning and Zoning Commission considered this request at their February 13th meeting and voted to recommend denial of the request to the City Council. Ms. Abra Nusser of LJA Engineering, Inc. (Planning Services) gave a presentation regarding Neighborhood Mixed Use Zoning.
The following residents were present and expressed their opposition to the request.
Melissa Robbins, Topeka Drive
John Peet, Fox Run Trail
William Hodges, Topeka Drive
Cassie Johnson, Topeka Drive
Kurt Hicks, Wabash Ct.
Shane Greenlee, Grand Central Pkwy.
Asim Lughmani, Trinity Trail (also submitted a letter of opposition)
Regina Gordon, Grand Central Pkwy.
Jerry Robbins, Topeka Drive
Judy Sutherland, Wabash Ct.
James Johnson, Silver Streak Dr.
Mayor Flippo called for any additional public input. There was none. He declared the public hearing for this item closed at 8:43 p.m.
Motion was made by Councilmember Felegy with a second by Mayor Pro-Tem Junkersfeld to follow the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and deny the rezoning request. Motion carried. 5-1-0-1 (Copeland against; Edwards absent)
5. Business
5A. Consideration and Action regarding Authorization of an Amendment to CobbFendley's Contract for Utility Coordination on the Industrial Blvd. Project--Randy Newsom, Director of Public Works
Director of Public Works Newsom stated the Industrial Blvd. Project has been difficult and has required extra design coordination by CobbFendley. The proposed amendment to CobbFendley''s contract is a total increase of $20,706. Funds are available in the 2020 COs for this increase.
Motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem Junkersfeld with a second by Councilmember Lawson to approve the amendment to CobbFendley's contract for utility coordination on the Industrial Blvd. Project in the amount of $20,706 as presented. Motion carried unanimously. 6-0-0-1 (Edwards absent)
5B. Consideration and Action regarding the Purchase and Installation of a Professionally Drawn Mural at 1029 N. Saginaw Blvd--Keith Rinehart, Director of Community & Economic Development
Director of Community and Economic Development Rinehart stated the Keep Saginaw Beautiful Committee has recommended approval of a mural at 1029 N. Saginaw Blvd. at a cost of $12,900. A local artist will be used for this mural and funds are available in the Keep Saginaw Beauiful Donation Fund.
Motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem Junkersfeld with a second by Councilmember Felegy to approve the recommendation from the Keep Saginaw Beautiful Committee to fund a mural at 1029 N. Saginaw Blvd. at a cost of $12,900 with funds from the Beautification Donation Fund. Motion carried unanimously. 6-0-0-1 (Edwards absent)
5C. Consideration and Action Regarding the Purchase of Furniture for the New Library/Senior Center--Lee Howell, Asst. City Manager
Asst. City Manager Howell explained this item is for approval of the purchase of furniture for the new Library/Senior Center in the total amount of $1,238,941.35. Funds for this purchase are available in the 2022 Bond Funds.
Motion was made by Councilmember Copeland with a second by Mayor Pro-Tem Junkersfeld to approve the purchase of furniture for the new Library/Senior Center Building as presented. Motion carried unanimously. 6-0-0-1 (Edwards absent)
5D. Action regarding Approval of a One (1) Year Extension (April 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024) of the 2023 Annual Mowing Contract with SRH Landscapes--Randy Newsom, Director of Public Works
Director of Public Works Newsom recommended approval of a one year extension of the 2023 annual mowing contract with SRH Landscapes. He added that SRH Landscapes recently completed their first year of mowing service to the City. He commented SRH Landscapes did an outstanding job. He also added that City Staff will be working to get landscaping caught up and back in shape at all city buildings.
Motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem Junkersfeld with a second by Councilmember Felegy to approve a one year extension of the 2023 annual mowing contract with SRH Landscapes as presented. Motion carried unanimously. 6-0-0-1 (Edwards absent)
6. Executive Session
6A. 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:-
6B. Any Posted Item -
7. Adjournment
7A. Adjournment--Todd Flippo, Mayor
Mayor Flippo declared the meeting adjourned at 9:19 p.m.
Motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem Junkersfeld with a second by Councilmember Bighorse to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. 6-0-0-1 (Edwards absent)