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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-08-26 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE EULESS CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 26, 2008 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Euless City Council was called to order by Mayor Mary Lib Saleh at 4:03 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26, 2008, in the Precouncil Conference Room of City Hall, 201 North Ector Drive. Those present included: Mayor Mary Lib Saleh, Mayor Pro Tern Linda Martin, Council Members Tim Stinneford, Leon Hogg, Donna Mickan, and Glenn Porterfield. Council Member Perry Bynum was not present. The precouncil meeting included: • A presentation by Tarrant County Commissioner Gary Fickes on the Texas High Speed Rail that is being proposed between the cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston; The city council convened into closed session at 4:55 p.m. for deliberation of personnel matters regarding legal services as authorized by Section 551.074 of the Texas _ Government Code. The city council reconvened into open session at 5:25 p.m. for the following presentations: • Deputy City Manager Loretta Getchell and Mary Jean Maloney, Atmos Energy Corporation, gave a briefing regarding the Atmos Rate Review Mechanism Settlement; • Director of Public Works Ron Young reviewed a proposed Interlocal Agreement with the City of Bedford for a signal light at the intersection of Cheek Sparger Road and Rio Grande Boulevard; > Police Chief Mike Brown and City Manager Gary McKamie discussed a proposed ordinance setting a daytime juvenile curfew; • Police Chief Mike Brown reviewed a proposed vehicle idling ordinance; • Deputy City Manager Loretta Getchell gave an update on the Cities Aggregation Power Project proposal; • and the city council reviewed the agenda items. The city council reconvened into closed session at 6:50 p.m. for deliberation regarding contemplated and pending litigation, as authorized by Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code, regarding land use, Merced vs. City of Euless, and Short vs. City of City Council Minutes Page 2 of 12 August 26, 2008 Euless; and economic development incentives on West Airport Freeway as authorized by Section 551.087 of the Texas Government Code. They reconvened into open session at 6:58 p.m. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF SCHEDULED ITEMS - COUNCIL CHAMBERS The Euless City Council continued their meeting in the Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m. for the consideration of scheduled items. STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT City Manager Gary McKamie, Deputy City Manager Loretta Getchell, City Attorney Bob McFarland, City Secretary Susan Crim, Deputy City Secretary Becky Null, Director of Finance Vicki Rodriquez, Director of Public Works Ron Young, Director of Economic Development Bill Ridgway, Director of Parks and Community Services Ray McDonald, Director of Planning and Development Mike Collins, Police Chief Mike Brown, Fire Chief Robert Isbell, Assistant Police Chief Bob Freeman, City Engineer Robert Barker, Fleet and Facility Administrator Kyle McAdams, Library Administrator Kate Lyon, Public Works Manager J. T. Ackerman, Human Resources/Risk Manager Carolyn Marshall, Assistant Director of Finance Jackie Theriot, Recreation Superintendent Michael Davenport, Police Lt. Joe Kraft, Wastewater Foreman Terry McGahey, Information Services Administrator Dan McLain, Computer Services Specialist Jake Dilliplane, Communications and Marketing Manager Betsy Deck, and Reserve Police Officer Clyde Cullum. VISITORS Carlema and Dustin McGahey, Angela, John, Ashlynn, Clayton and Chase Christian, Iris Elliott, Alicia Shaeffer, Jerrie Keller, Helen Voss, Charles Cinquemani, Neilda Johnson, Karen Gagle, Jodi Bickerstaff, Roger and Georgann Woodard, Jim Bowman, Barbara McClung, Jake Thomasson, Carroll Scott, Esther Johnson, John Schleeter, and others as noted in the visitor register. INVOCATION Reverend Gary Scarlett, Pastor, First Church of the Nazarene, gave the invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council Member Leon Hogg led the Pledge of Allegiance. ITEM NO. 1 PRESENTATION OF EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH FOR SEPTEMBER Director of Public Works Ron Young introduced Wastewater Foreman Terry McGahey, who was being recognized as Employee of the Month for September. Terry introduced his wife, Carlema and son, Dustin, and his daughter and son-in-law, Angela and John Christian, his granddaughter, Ashlynn Christian and grandsons, Clayton and Chase Christian. City Council Minutes Page 3 of 12 August 26, 2008 Mayor Saleh presented Terry with a plaque for being selected Employee of the Month r.. for September. ITEM NO. 2 PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION Mayor Saleh presented a proclamation to Assistant Police Chief Bob Freeman and Police Lt. Joe Kraft proclaiming September as National Preparedness Month. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Stinneford motioned to approve Consent Agenda Items 3 and 4. Mayor Pro Tem Martin seconded the motion. Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tem Martin, Council Members Stinneford, Hogg, Mickan, and Porterfield Nays: None Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 3 AWARDED RFP NO. 005-08 `.. Awarded Request for Proposal No. 005-08 to Scott & White Prescription Services (SWPS) for the purchase of prescription medications under the employee health plan for a three-year term with (2) three-year renewals. ITEM NO. 4 APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of August 12, 2008, and the Special Called Meeting of August 21, 2008. REGULAR AGENDA ITEM NO. 5 APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 08-1287 Council Member Mickan motioned to approve Resolution No. 08-1287 supporting the application of Northern Trust Bank of Texas, N.A., for a Municipal Setting Designation for the property located at 2821 Central Drive (Bedford Central Plaza Shopping Center) in Bedford, Texas. Council Member Stinneford seconded the motion. Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tem Martin, Council Members Stinneford, Hogg, Mickan, and Porterfield Nays: None Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. City Council Minutes Page 4 of 12 August 26, 2008 `., ITEM NO. 6 HELD PUBLIC HEARING FOR EULESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BUDGET FOR FY 2008-2009 Mayor Saleh opened the public hearing at 7:15 p.m. for the Euless Development Corporation (EDC) Budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2008, and ending September 30, 2009. Director of Finance Vicki Rodriquez stated the Euless Development Corporation (EDC) Board of Directors met on August 11, and they recommend approval of the proposed budget for FY 2008-09. The EDC budget is supported by a half cent sales tax that was approved by the citizens of Euless in 1993 for the exclusive purpose of economic development, park and library projects. The EDC is expected to begin FY 2008-2009 with a fund balance of $927,640 and is expected to receive sales tax revenue and related interest totaling $3,929,500. Proposed operating and capital expenditures total $4,024,507. The park budget includes an increase of 3.2% for personnel and additional mowing costs, and it funds maintenance of the park systems, supplies, utilities, equipment, and irrigation. The library budget includes an increase of approximately 3.5% for library personnel plus ... approximately $100,000 for additional library materials. The economic development budget includes funding for personnel, supplies, advertising, artwork and incentive agreements that have been instrumental in bringing additional development to the City of Euless. The EDC budget provides for debt payments on existing bonds and provides for an annual contingency of $250,000. If approved as submitted, the EDC budget would have an estimated ending fund balance of $832,633, which exceeds the Board's recommended minimum reserve level of $500,000. There being no proponents or opponents, Mayor Saleh closed the public hearing at 7:17 p.m. ITEM NO. 7 APPROVAL OF EULESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BUDGET FOR FY 2008-2009 Council Member Porterfield motioned to approve the Euless Development Corporation Budget for FY 2008-2009. Mayor Pro Tem Martin seconded the motion. Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tem Martin, Council Members Stinneford, Hogg, Mickan, and Porterfield City Council Minutes Page 5 of 12 August 26, 2008 Nays: None Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 8 HELD PUBLIC HEARING FOR CITY OF EULESS FY 2008-2009 OPERATING & CAPITAL BUDGET Mayor Saleh opened the public hearing at 7:18 p.m. for the City of Euless Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2008-2009. Director of Finance Vicki Rodriquez stated the preliminary budget is on file in the City Secretary's Office, the city's website, and the library for citizens to review. The city's General Fund is the largest fund and supports primary governmental functions. The FY 2008 General Fund operating revenue was $29,626,955. The current fiscal year sales taxes represent the largest revenue source at 33% of the total, with property taxes being the second largest source at 30%. In FY 2009, total operating revenue is expected to increase 3.81% over FY 2008 or $30,753,309. The remainder of the funding for this budget is derived from franchise fees, fines, permits and other miscellaneous sources. Projected property tax revenue is based on a proposed tax rate of 47¢ per $100 of assessed value, which is exactly the same as the current rate for FY 2008. The FY 2008 General Fund expenditures totaled $29,604,902 compared to a proposed budget for FY 2009 of $30,747,615. This is an increase of 3.86% over the current year. Of this increase, 2.52% funds a salary and benefit package for employees, leaving a 1.34% cumulative increase in all other line items. Approximately 55% of these funds are dedicated to the police and fire departments. The remaining funds support the park and recreation department, street maintenance, development services, library services, city administration and general overhead which includes utilities, incentives, appraisal and tax services, and other expenses that are not directly related to a specific department. Breaking down the general fund expenses further, 75% of the budget is dedicated to personnel expenses and includes a proposed 3.5% salary increase for employees. The remaining 25% is allocated to professional services, utilities, supplies, etc. The budget not only continues all existing programs and services, but also maintains the property tax rate at the current rate of 47¢ per $100 of assessed value. In addition to the operating expenses, the FY 2009 budget includes proposed capital expenses of $2,028,848, which includes approximately $533,000 of capital expenses carried over from FY 2008 for projects not yet completed. The balance has been allocated for continuation of the Tarrant County Home Program, the street overlay program, and the city-wide computer replacement program. Additional funding is also included for a deposit into the GASB 45 Trust, increased fuel cost, various equipment needs throughout departments, and replacement of a portion of the city's portable radio system. City Council Minutes Page 6 of 12 August 26, 2008 The second largest operating fund is the Water and Sewer Fund. In FY 2008 operating revenues for the Water and Sewer Fund totaled $16,560,114, compared to the FY 2009 proposed operating revenue of $16,911,421. This is a 2.13% increase over the current year. Water and sewer user charges make up 93% of the overall revenues, and include a proposed rate increase of 220 in both water and sewer rates. The remaining revenues are derived from interest earnings, sanitation, recycling, and other user based fees. Budgeted expenses for the Water and Sewer Fund in FY 2008 totaled $16,331,530. In FY 2009, operating expenses are proposed at $16,908,996. This is a 3.5% increase over the current budget and covers the cost of purchasing water from Trinity River Authority (TRA), the cost of wastewater treatment by TRA, all expenses associated with water production and distribution, meter reading and billing, debt payments, overhead expense and infrastructure replacement. In addition to the operating expenses, this budget includes capital expenses of $121,751 for projects funded in FY 2008, which have not yet been completed. To break this down even further, 44% of this budget is allocated for payments to the Trinity River Authority, 10% for general administration and franchise payments, 6% for utilities, 5% for infrastructure, 7% for the service center operation, 21% for personnel expenses and the remaining 7% for other miscellaneous expenses. This budget has been prepared based on a projected increase in the water rate of 220 �.. per thousand gallons, which will increase the rate to our citizens from $2.97 per thousand gallons to $3.19 per thousand gallons. A portion of this rate was based on information provided to us by TRA during their budget process last September, which showed an increase in the rate needed from the contracting parties for FY 2009, with the balance recommended to support increased overhead, production, and distribution cost. However, the rate could be up to 80 less than proposed. TRA will not submit their proposed budget for FY 2009 to the contracting parties until September 10. If their proposed rate is in fact less than they originally projected, the rate increase that will be submitted for your consideration at the second meeting in September would be reduced to reflect this change. If the reduction is the full 80, the city's proposed rate would be $3.11 per thousand gallons, rather than $3.19. Euless has not increased rates other than pass-through charges since 2003. Projected sewer revenue is also based on a proposed rate increase of 220 of which over 200 is directly related to cost increases proposed in TRA's Fiscal Year 2009 wastewater budget, which was presented to the City of Euless and other contracting parties on August 12. This will increase the cost per 1,000 gallons from $2.21 to $2.43. The city purchases most of its water from TRA and has all wastewater treated by TRA. These projected increases are based on escalating cost for both the city and TRA including chemicals, fuel, utilities, maintenance, etc. Even with the proposed rate increase for the City of Euless, the total combined utility bill remains competitive when compared to other cities in our area. We understand that several area cities are proposing increases to their rates, as well. City Council Minutes Page 7 of 12 August 26, 2008 The Car Rental Fund is the third largest operating fund and is fully supported by a 5% tax that was authorized by the citizens of Euless in 1999 to be imposed on the short term rental of motor vehicles. Due to a revenue sharing agreement with the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, a consolidated car rental facility was built at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and located within the boundaries of the City of Euless. Two-thirds of the revenue from this facility is rebated to the owner cities of the airport. The remaining third has allowed the city to cash flow numerous projects throughout the city. The proposed FY 2009 budget includes estimated total operating revenues of approximately $12,950,000 with a net of approximately $4,500,000 to the City of Euless after rebate. Based on council direction, a portion of these funds support general government operations and general obligation debt service, which has a direct reduction on the property tax burden. Additionally, a portion of these funds will be allocated for drainage improvements and erosion repair along Bear Creek Parkway, a traffic signal at Gateway Boulevard and Mid Cities Boulevard (if studies warrant) and funding to pay for a portion of the proposed Midway Park Family Life Center. The financial impact of this revenue source has allowed for many improvements throughout the city that would not have been possible otherwise. In addition to the Capital projects funded from the Car Rental Fund, the recommended Capital Improvement Program includes funding for street overlays on Fair Oaks Boulevard, on Ash Lane from Aransas Drive to State Highway 157, and on Denton Drive which will be done in conjunction with Tarrant County. It also provides for the design of Vine Street, wastewater line replacements on Woodridge Circle and Koen Lane, replacement of water meters and transponders, a feasibility study for proposed improvements at the Texas Star Sports Complex, which includes both the Parks at Texas Star and Softball World, and trail enhancements at Bob Eden Park. Also, the city is recommending funding for a Family Life Center at Midway Park, a portion of which will be funded by the Car Rental Fund, and potential grants, with the balance being funded primarily from gas bonus revenues. The city envisions this project to offer something for the whole family, and satisfies the most requested amenities identified in the recently adopted Parks Master Plan. If approved as proposed, this project would include expansion of the current recreation center to include additional programming space, a new senior citizen center, and an indoor and outdoor aquatics facility. In summary, the city's total revenues for all operating funds are projected at $87.2 million, and include funding from a variety of revenue sources, including property taxes, sales taxes, car rental taxes, franchise fees, and user-based fees, etc. Total revenue, excluding inter-fund transfers, equals $80,400,000 compared to $79,200,000 in FY 2008. This is an overall increase of 1.52% in total revenues. Proposed expenditures in the operating funds total $88,200,000, which includes capital expenses, debt service payments, personnel cost, utilities, supplies, maintenance, insurance, incentives, and other operating costs. Excluding inter-fund transfers, operating expenses total $77,600,000, which is an increase of less than one half of 1% ``� over the FY 2008 budget. City Council Minutes Page 8 of 12 August 26, 2008 There being no proponents or opponents, Mayor Saleh closed the public hearing at 7:32 p.m. ITEM NO. 9 APPROVAL OF FIRST AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1822 Council Member Hogg motioned to approve the first and final reading of Ordinance No. 1822 adopting the City of Euless Official Operating and Capital Budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2008, and ending September 30, 2009, and providing for the investment of funds. Council Member Stinneford seconded the motion. Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tem Martin, Council Members Stinneford, Hogg, Mickan, and Porterfield Nays: None Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 10 RATIFIED THE PROPERTY TAX REVENUE INCREASE REFLECTED IN THE FY 2008-2009 BUDGET Council Member Stinneford motioned to ratify the property tax revenue increase reflected in the Fiscal Year 2008-2009 budget. Council Member Mickan seconded the motion. Ayes: Mayor Saleh, Mayor Pro Tern Martin, Council Members Stinneford, Hogg, Mickan, and Porterfield Nays: None Mayor Saleh declared the motion carried. ITEM NO. 11 HELD PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED TAX RATE Mayor Saleh opened the public hearing at 7:35 p.m. for the proposed ad valorem tax rate of$0.4700 per $100 valuation for tax year 2008. Director of Finance Vicki Rodriquez stated the budget includes property tax revenue based on a proposed tax rate of $0.4700 per $100 valuation which will be used to fund a portion of the city's General Fund and the city's Debt Service Fund. Ms. Rodriquez stated that roughly 30% of the budget is funded by property taxes. The city's total operating revenue for FY 2008 was $29,626,955, with sales taxes representing ``" the largest revenue source at 33% of the total. City Council Minutes Page 9 of 12 August 26, 2008 For FY 2009, the total operating revenue is forecast to increase to $30,753,309 which is 3.81% over FY 2008. The city continued to have some new commercial and residential development during the past year which will provide increased revenue for 2009. The FY 2008 General Fund expenditures totaled $29,604,902, compared to a proposed budget for FY 2009 of $30,747,615, an increase of 3.86% over the prior year. Of this increase, 2.52% funds a salary and benefit package for the employees leaving a 1.34% cumulative increase in all other line items. Approximately 55% of these funds are dedicated to the police and fire departments, with the remaining funds supporting the park and recreation department, street maintenance, development services, library services, city administration and general overhead such as electric, phone, gas, etc. A breakdown of the General Fund expenses by type shows that 75% of the budget is dedicated to personnel expenses and includes a proposed 3.5% salary increase for employees. The city has been fortunate to see its tax base expand from just under $1 billion in FY 1995 to $2.73 billion for FY 2009. The Euless tax rate has declined steadily from a high of 61.6¢ in 1995 to a proposed rate of 470 for FY 2009, which is the same as the FY 2008 tax rate. There are two components to the tax rate; a debt component and an operations component. The debt component has reduced from a high of 16.360 in 2005 to 11.810 in 2009. This reduction is due in part to the council's strategy of using Car Rental Funds to reduce the city's need for additional debt by cash-flowing capital improvements projects when possible. State law requires that we levy a tax rate sufficient to pay the required debt payments on outstanding bonds. The remainder of the tax rate is used to fund the city's general government operations. The operation component has dropped significantly since 1995 and has remained around 350 for several years. The Euless tax rate publications are required to be based on average home value. Euless has seen the average home value rise in the last few years due to the construction of several new housing additions with substantially higher selling prices. It is important to note that a review of several established neighborhoods showed very little change over the past five years. These new subdivisions have pushed the average home value from $137,094 last year to $139,704 this year. To show how the new residential construction throughout the city has impacted the valuations, Ms. Rodriquez compared building permit values from 2000 to 2009. The average new home has increased from a value of$94,115 in 2000 to $277,353 in 2008. Several neighborhoods were reviewed throughout the city and found that very few existing homes showed increased valuations. An actual home was selected in the Wilshire neighborhood that was typical, and a comparison shows that based on this home's actual taxable value of $105,000, with Euless' 20% homestead exemption, the homeowner has paid either the same or less taxes to the City of Euless in each of the preceding five years `um. and will pay exactly the same taxes in 2009 as he paid in 2008. Since his value has not changed and our rate has been steadily decreasing, his tax bill to the City of Euless has decreased from $415.80 in 2004 to $394.80 in FY 2009. City Council Minutes Page 10 of 12 August 26, 2008 N•• The average home value for properties occupied by senior citizens in the City of Euless is $123,543 and after applying the 20% homestead exemption and the $35,000 senior citizen exemption, the taxes owed on the average value is $300.02 annually. This amount may be further reduced due to the fact that Euless has passed a freeze on senior citizen taxes. This means that when an individual reaches age 65, taxes will be frozen and the citizen will never pay more than the frozen amount. Euless is just one of the taxing entities included on the overall tax bill. The proposed tax rate for all entities for FY 2009 is $2.395 per $100 assessed value for those citizens located in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District and approximately $2.39 for those located in the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District. The school district represents about 54% of the total tax bill, the city 20%, the county 11%, the hospital 9%, and the community college 6%. In closing, Ms. Rodriquez stated the City of Euless is pleased that the proposed tax rate will remain unchanged at $0.47 per $100 valuation, and that the city's FY 2009 proposed budget provides for the continuation of all existing services. There being no proponents or opponents, Mayor Saleh closed the public hearing at 7:44 p.m. ITEM NO. 12 ANNOUNCED THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF VOTE ON TAX RATE '4111/ Mayor Saleh announced that the vote on the tax rate will take place on Tuesday, September 9, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 201 N. Ector Drive, Euless, Texas. ITEM NO. 13 PUBLIC COMMENTS Neilda Johnson, 1911 Greenbriar, addressed the council on behalf of her neighbors, Karen Gagle, 1909 Greenbriar, and Jodi Bickerstaff, 810 Eastcliff, regarding the flooding of their property during the rainstorm on Wednesday, August 20. Roger Woodard, 812 Eastcliff, addressed the council regarding the storm water that gets into the sewer system and then backs up into his house. Jim Bowman, 814 Eastcliff, addressed the council regarding the sewage that flows from the Woodard's yard to his yard. ITEM NO. 14 REPORTS STAFF REPORT Director of Parks and Community Services Ray McDonald introduced Recreation �• Superintendent Michael Davenport who gave a report on the successes of their department during the past year. He reported on the Midway Recreation Center usage, their summer camp program, the Parks and Community Services Partners program, City Council Minutes Page 11 of 12 August 26, 2008 their many special events, recreation activities, and athletic programs, both at the Parks at Texas Star and Softball World as well as the senior citizen programs, volunteer program, aquatics activities, and the Historical Preservation Committee's many activities and events. CITY MANAGER City Manager Gary McKamie thanked Deputy City Manager Loretta Getchell, Director of Finance Vicki Rodriquez and her staff, along with Mayor Saleh and the City Council for their hard work on the budget. He asked the citizens attending the meeting who live on Eastcliff Drive and Greenbriar Drive to meet with him after the meeting to discuss their problem with the storm drainage and sewer. CITY ATTORNEY City Attorney Bob McFarland gave an update on Aram Azadpour's court case. CITY COUNCIL Council Member Leon Hogg thanked the employees for all they do. Mayor Pro Tem Martin thanked Recreation Superintendent Michael Davenport for a great report on the recreation activities, which are successful and popular with the citizens. She congratulated Wastewater Foreman Terry McGahey on being selected employee of the month, noting that he had a great time at the Public Works Rodeo she attended. She announced that it is time for the nominations for volunteer of the year, teen volunteer of the year, and the business volunteer of the year, and she stated that the nomination form is on the Euless website. She thanked everyone for being at the meeting. Council Member Mickan congratulated Terry McGahey on being chosen Employee of the Month and she thanked Michael Davenport for his report on the Parks and Community Services Department. She stated her appreciation for the work the Parks Department put into keeping the neighborhood pools open this year. She thanked the Public Works Department for spraying for mosquitoes this year, which made it more enjoyable to be outside. She wished all the employees a great Labor Day weekend, and thanked them for all the work they do. Council Member Porterfield echoed the compliments to Terry McGahey and Michael Davenport. He thanked those who spoke to the council tonight, stating staff does a good job keeping the council informed. He stated it is especially good to hear citizens tell how issues affect their lives and thanked them for speaking to the council about it. Council Member Tim Stinneford congratulated Terry McGahey on being chosen Employee of the Month and noted that it was especially meaningful, because Terry received his 25-year service pin last year, but he is still putting forth the kind of effort necessary to be selected Employee of the Month. He thanked Michael Davenport for his report, stating Euless has a great group of outstanding employees. He thanked Vicki Rodriquez, Loretta Getchell, and the finance staff for all the work put into the City Council Minutes Page 12 of 12 August 26, 2008 budget. He stated that with this being National Preparedness Month, it is a good time for the citizens to think about joining the Citizen Police or Fire Academies or the Citizen Emergency Response Team. He announced that on September 13, the Euless Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association will hold their annual barbeque and silent auction fundraiser. Mayor Saleh stated she appreciated everyone who came to the meeting. She noted that she recently had the pleasure of showing the mayor of Shreveport, Louisiana, and members of his staff around the City of Euless. They were very impressed with the beauty of our city. ITEM NO. 15 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Saleh adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m. APPROVED: he yAZ J eG J Mary Lib Sikh Mayor ti.. ATTEST: Susan Crim, TRMC City Secretary