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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-02-25MINUTES OF THE PRECOUNCIL AND REGULAR MEETING OF THE EULESS CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, February 25, 2025 The precouncil meeting of the Euless City Council was called to order by Mayor Linda Martin at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, in the Precouncil Conference Room at City Hall, 201 North Ector Drive. Those present included Mayor Linda Martin, Mayor Pro Tem Tika Paudel, Council Members Tim Stinneford, Jeremy Tompkins, Eddie Price, Perry Bynum, and Annabel Eads. During the Precouncil meeting: > Mayor Martin recognized City Secretary/Chief Governance Officer Kim Sutter, the City Secretary's office staff, and the Texas Star Conference Centre staff for hosting the annual board and commission dinner held on Monday, February 24, 2025. Additionally, she expressed her appreciation to the City Council for attending the mid -winter worksession on Saturday, February 22, 2025. > Mayor Pro Tem Paudel expressed his appreciation to Mayor Martin for the opportunity to assist with the presentation of awards to the 2024 Volunteers of the Year. > City Secretary/Chief Governance Officer Sutter recognized the staff of the City Secretary's Office for their efforts in planning and hosting the annual board and commission awards dinner. > City Manager Chris Barker introduced and welcomed Sarah Dempsey, Audit Engagement Partner, Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P., Ellen Jones, President, Euless Library Foundation, and Lawrence Bryant, incoming Assistant City Manager. Additionally, he reminded the City Council of the retirement reception for Firefighter II/Paramedic Kenny Wroblski to be held Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 2 p.m., City Hall. > City Manager Barker reviewed the regular agenda. > Library Director Sherry Knight presented a Library update, and introduced Ellen Jones, President of the Euless Library Foundation (ELF). Ms. Jones addressed the City Council regarding a new fundraising initiative for the Dallas -Fort Worth area referred to as Library Giving Day, April 1, 2025. She advised that NBC5, H-E-B Grocery, and Communities Foundation of Texas have agreed to serve as sponsors for the giving day and are interested in making it a recurring event. The hope of the campaign is to raise $250,000. Ms. Jones expressed her appreciation to Library Director Knight and Administrative Secretary Laney James for their support and willingness to support the idea. Council Minutes Page 2 of 8 February 25, 2025 Library Director Knight continued the library update and advised of the presentation of the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association Achievement of Library in Excellence Award (Item #2), recognized part-time library aides, the Anytime Library at the Star Center, Inchy's Bookworm vending machine, and the Edible Books Contest. Additionally, she announced the following upcoming events: • Mess Fest, Saturday, March 22, 2025, 2 to 3:30 p.m.; • Euless Library Book Sale, Saturday, April 12, 2025, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and • HEB Reads! Kickoff, Saturday, May 17, 2025, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pennington Field. ➢ Finance Director Janina Jewell introduced Sara Dempsey, Audit Engagement Partner, Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P. Ms. Dempsey presented the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2024. She advised that the firm has issued an unmodified (clean) opinion, and no audit adjustments or passed adjustments were noted (Item #4). Director of Finance Jewell presented a Financial report for the period ending January 31, 2025. ➢ Texas Star General Manager Glenda Hartsell -Shelton presented a Texas Star Golf Course and Conference Centre update, including the condition of greens, leveling drains and catch basins, tree trimming and clean up, irrigation breaks, and introduced the course maintenance team, the golf pro shop staff, and the guest services staff. She highlighted Golf play and events for October through January, including MGA Events, Texas Star Cup, and 6Stones fundraiser. Additionally, she presented an update on the Raven's Grille Valentines Dinner, Conference Centre statistics and facility renovations, and introduced member relations and administrative support staff, Raven's Grille staff, and the Conference Management team and staff. ➢ City Attorney Wayne Olson addressed the City Council and advised that he will be pulling back and will share the City Attorney role with Cara Leahy White. ➢ Director of Planning and Economic Development Michael Warrix introduced Building Official David Pendley. Mr. Pendley presented an update to the City Council regarding the Cityworks permitting system and Bluebeam Revu, which allows for the review of digital plans. Additionally, he reviewed the permit issuance statistics since the implementation of the permitting system (fourth quarter of 2023), and reviewed current construction projects. ➢ Police Chief Gary Landers advised that a wreath will be laid at the 9/11 memorial on Saturday March 1, 2025, 3 p.m. in memory of fallen Police Officer David Hofer. Council Minutes Page 3 of 8 February 25, 2025 CLOSED SESSION Although posted, no closed session was held. Mayor Martin recessed the precouncil meeting at 6:20 p.m. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF SCHEDULED ITEMS — COUNCIL CHAMBERS The regular meeting of the Euless City Council was called to order by Mayor Martin at 7:00 p.m. for consideration of scheduled items. STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT City Manager Chris Barker Assistant City Manager Steven Viera City Attorney Wayne Olson City Secretary/Chief Governance Officer Kim Sutter Fire Chief Chanc Bennett Director of Finance Janina Jewell Director of Public Works and Engineering Major Jones Director of Information Services Scott Joyce Library Director Sherry Knight Police Chief Gary Landers Director of Human Resources and Risk Management Heather Moorhead Director of Parks and Community Services Duane Strawn Director of Planning and Economic Development Michael Warrix Municipal Court Manager Claudia Quintero Communications and Marketing Manager Matt Sanders Texas Star General Manager Glenda Hartsell -Shelton Computer Support Specialist II Brett Bennett Lawrence Bryant Sarah Dempsey Lee Ann Folau Jim Hamilton VISITORS Ellen Jones John Lentini Jud Park Wanda Peach Rochelle Ragas Barney Snitz Zariyan Stark INVOCATION Council Member Eddie Price gave the Invocation. PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Pro Tenn Tika Paudel led the pledges of allegiance to the flags of the United States and Texas. Council Minutes Page 4 of 8 February 25, 2025 Mayor Martin recognized the Hurst -Euless -Bedford Chamber of Commerce Youth in Government participants who were in attendance. ITEM NO. 1. PRESENTATION OF EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH 2025 Director of Public Works and Engineering Major Jones introduced Signal Technician I Jonathan Forrester. Jonathan was accompanied by family and members of the Public Works Department. Mayor Martin presented Jonathan with a plaque commemorating his selection as Employee of the Month for March 2025. ITEM NO. 2. PRESENTATION OF AWARD Library Director Sherry Knight announced that the 2024 Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award was presented to the Mary Lib Saleh Euless Public Library by the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association. Ms. Knight detailed accomplishments of the library and expressed her appreciation to library staff for their efforts. Ms. Knight was accompanied by Library Board Members Jim Hamilton, John Lentini, Wanda Peach, Rochelle Ragas, former Board Member Barney Snitz, and Library staff. ITEM NO. 3. ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT PRESENTATION FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 Finance Director Janina Jewell expressed her appreciation to Assistant Director of Finance Ross Fairclo, Audit and Compliance Professional Jackie Theriot, and the Finance Department staff for their efforts during the audit process. Additionally, she stated that independent auditors from Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P., performed the annual audit as required by the City Charter and are in attendance to present the findings of the report. Sara Dempsey, Audit Engagement Partner, Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P., presented the results of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report as well as the Single Audit (ARPA funds) to the City Council, and stated that the report indicates a sound financial environment. She added that the auditor's opinion as once again unmodified, which is the highest level of assurance they can provide and reiterated that no audit adjustments were noted. CONSENT AGENDA (items 4 through 7) Mayor Martin asked Assistant City Manager Steven Viera to read each item into the record. Council Member Stinneford motioned to approve the consent agenda items number 4 through 7. Council Member Tompkins seconded the motion. Council Minutes Page 5 of 8 February 25, 2025 Ayes: Mayor Martin, Mayor Pro Tem Paudel, Council Members Stinneford, Tompkins, Price, Bynum, and Eads Nays: None Mayor Martin declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 4. ACKNOWLEDGED RECEIPT OF THE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 Acknowledged receipt of Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, in accordance with the City of Euless City Charter. ITEM NO. 5. APPROVED RENEWAL OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO. 004-22 Approved a one-year renewal of Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 004-22, for depository services with Frost National Bank. The original contract was awarded to Frost National Bank on February 22, 2022, for depository services beginning April 1, 2022 through March 31, 2024, with an option to renew for three additional one-year periods. This represents the second renewal request. ITEM NO. 6. AUTHORIZED PURCHASE OF BODY WORN CAMERAS AND TASER SYSTEMS Authorized the purchase of twelve body worn cameras and taser systems for the Elementary School Resource Officer (ESRO) Program from Axon Enterprises, Inc., 17800 N 85th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona, through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative and entering into a five- year agreement for the system. This purchase will be reimbursed by Hurst -Euless -Bedford Independent School District per the Interlocal Agreement for the ESRO Program. The estimated expenditure over the five year period is $130,589.36. ITEM NO. 7. APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Approved City Council minutes of the precouncil and regular meeting of February 11, 2025. REGULAR AGENDA ITEM NO. 8. HELD A PUBLIC HEARING AND RECOMMENDED PROJECT SELECTION FOR THE 51ST YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 Mayor Martin opened the public hearing at 7:20 p.m. Director of Public Works and Engineering Major Jones presented the item to the City Council and explained that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) annually appropriates funds to entitlement communities through the CDBG Program. Based on recent actual bids for similar work, the total estimated cost of the project is $300,780.99. Council Minutes Page 6 of 8 February 25, 2025 The estimated allocation for the 51st Year CDBG Program for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 is $301,000. The City Council is asked to hold a public hearing to consider the proposed 990 linear feet wastewater line replacement project beginning at 902 Milam Drive, continuing south along Milam Drive to 750 Milam Drive. Also beginning at 804 Milam Drive, continuing west along Milam Drive to 805 Milam Drive. Mayor Martin asked to hear from any proponents followed by opponents of the case. There being none, Mayor Martin closed the public hearing at 7:22 p.m. Council Member Bynum motioned to approve the recommended project selection for the 51st Year CDBG Program for Fiscal year 2025-2026. Council Member Price seconded the motion. Ayes: Mayor Martin, Mayor Pro Tem Paudel, Council Members Stinneford, Tompkins, Price, Bynum, and Eads Nays: None Mayor Martin declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 9. PUBLIC COMMENTS No public comments. ITEM NO. 10. REPORTS City Manager No report given. City Attorney No report given. City Council Council Members Stinneford, Tompkins, Price, and Bynum announced the Police Department Award recipients presented at the annual awards banquet: Officer of the Year George Paongo Distinguished Service Award (Officer) Jarad Hawthorne Supervisor of the Year Jordan Sims The Bill Harvell Award (Civilian) Alisha Johnson Ralph Suarez Distinguished Service Award (Civilian) Jordan Scoggins Council Minutes Page 7 of 8 February 25, 2025 Rookie of the Year David S. Hofer Servant Leadership Award W.M. "Blackie" Sustaire Award Police Commendation Award Certificate of Merit Chris Davis Cale Smith Chase Lapenna Timothy Graham Herman Coachman Justin Coffee William Crews Patrick Cunningham Ashley Dudley Randall Gardner Jarad Hawthorne Chase Lapenna Rion Nolan Alejandro Nuncio Cynthia J. Pena Kimberly Pitman Austin Ratcliff Derick Rogers Bailey Romanelli Cale Smith Tyler Smith Darius Washington Unit Citation Award — 2024 Training Division — First Aid Tim Banigan, James Gordon, Robert Provost, Andrew Yamasaki Unit Citation Award — 2024 Training Division — Defensive Tactics Josh Bennett, Chris Courtney, Robert Harper, Stephen Jones, George Paongo, Brandon Zachary Unit Citation Award — 2024 Training Division — Fire Arms Josh Abedraboh, Todd Bellah, Brian Mabry, Michael Nafziger, Derick Rogers Unit Citation 2024 Training Division - ALERT Daniel Chism, Timothy Graham, Blake Mitchell, Jordan Sims, Jonathan Tidden, Titus Varghese Police Department Volunteer of the Year Michael Knyff Euless Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association Volunteer of the Year Jim Pope Police Department Business of the Year Preferred Staff Council Member Eads announced the 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award recipients presented at the annual awards banquet: Council Minutes Page 8 of 8 February 25, 2025 Youth of the Year Organization of the Year Business of the Year Volunteer of the Year Lifetime Contribution Award ITEM NO. 11. ADJOURN Conor McGall H-E-B ISD - District Alternative Education Program In-N-Out Burger Jim Pope Jud Park Mayor Martin adjourned the meeting at 7:27 p.m. APPROVED: L da Martin, Mayor 411-61) ATTEST: Sutter, RMC, CMC, City Secretary/Chief Governance Officer