City of Midland City Council met July 9.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council convened in regular session in the Council Chamber, City Hall, Midland, Texas, at 10:00 a.m., July 09, 2024.
Council Members present: Eric Davidson, Amy Stretcher Burkes, Robin Poole, Lori Blong, Scott Dufford, John Norman
Council Members absent: Jack Ladd
Staff members present: City Manager Tommy Gonzalez, City Attorney John Ohnemiller, Deputy City Manager Morris Williams Jr., Assistant City Manager
Jose Ortiz
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m.
OPENING ITEMS
1. Invocation – Reverand Pat Bryant, Travis Baptist Church
2. Pledge of Allegiance
PRESENTATIONS
3. Presentation of special events, organizations, individuals, periods of time, or reports, including, but not limited to:
3a. Presentation from Chief of Staff Taylor Novak and Project Manager Kiara Taylor regarding Customer Service Initiative and Introducing SeeClickFix and Ask Jacky.
Chief of Staff Taylor Novak gave a brief overview of the organizational customer service initiative and enhancement known as SeeClickFix and ITSD Project Manager Kiara Taylor gave a brief overview of Ask Jacky, an AI virtual assistant. A demonstration was provided for both programs.
CONSENT AGENDA
4. MOTION APPROVING THE FOLLOWING MINUTES:
4a. REGULAR SESSION OF JUNE 11, 2024
4b. SPECIAL SESSION OF JUNE 18, 2024
4c. REGULAR SESSION OF JUNE 25, 2024
6. 0722024 – MOTION RATIFYING THE EXECUTION OF CHANGE ORDER #1 WITH REECE ALBERT, INC. REGARDING THE COMPASS 04 PU2202 PROJECT; SAID CHANGE ORDER BEING IN THE AMOUNT OF $256,777.83 AND PROVIDING FOR ADDITIONAL MOBILIZATION AND TRAFFIC CONTROL; AND APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $104,968.73 FROM THE ROAD BOND TO PROJECT 98103118. FUNDING SOURCE: ROAD BOND FUND (DISTRICT 2) (GENERAL SERVICES) (STRENGTHEN AND SUSTAIN OUR INFRASTRUCTURE)
7. 2024110 – RESOLUTION RATIFYING AND APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH TOMMY KLEIN CONSTRUCTION, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $96,678.44 FOR THE FIRE STATION 8 ROOFING PROJECT THROUGH BUYBOARD; AND RATIFYING AND APPROVING A CHANGE ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $23,176.38 TO SAID CONTRACT FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FIRE STATION 8 ROOF DECKING (DISTRICT 1) (GENERAL SERVICES) (STRENGTHEN AND SUSTAIN OUR INFRASTRUCTURE)
9. 2024112 – RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $105,000.00 FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TRAINING ACADEMY SHOWER UPGRADE PROJECT TO MIDTEX OF MIDLAND, INC.; AND APPROVING $10,500.00 FOR PROJECT RELATED EXPENSES (DISTRICT: NONE) (GENERAL SERVICES) (STRENGTHEN AND SUSTAIN OUR INFRASTRUCTURE)
10. 2024113 – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A THREE YEAR RENEWAL OF MICROSOFT ENTERPRISE LICENSING FROM SOFTWARE ONE, INC., THROUGH THE INTERLOCAL PURCHASING SYSTEM, FOR THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS DEPARTMENT AT A TOTAL COST OF $1,511,265.51 (DISTRICT: NONE) (GENERAL SERVICES) (PROVIDE SOUND GOVERNANCE & FISCAL MANAGEMENT)
11. 0732024 – MOTION APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE MIDLAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND STARFIGHTERS SPACE TEXAS, INCORPORATED (DISTRICT: NONE) (CITY MANAGER) (STRONG ECONOMY WITH MORE QUALITY JOBS)
12. 0742024 – MOTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A FOOTBALL/SOCCER STADIUM NONEXCLUSIVE LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE MIDLAND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT; SAID AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE FOR THE LEASE OF ASTOUND BROADBAND STADIUM TO THE MIDLAND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR THE PURPOSE OF HOLDING UNIVERSITY INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE FOOTBALL AND SOCCER GAMES AND OTHER APPROVED EVENTS (DISTRICT 4) (DEVELOPMENT SERVICES) (QUALITY OF LIFE AND PLACE)
Eric Davidson moved to approve consent agenda items 4 – 13, excluding items 5, 8 and 13; seconded by Robin Poole.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYE: Davidson, Stretcher Burkes, Poole, Blong, Dufford, Norman
NAY: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Ladd
The following item(s) were pulled from consent agenda and considered individually.
5. 2024109 – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH ALL CITY MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. OF SANTA FE SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, TO PROVIDE SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD SERVICES FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT A TOTAL COST OF $839,710.80; AND AUTHORIZING PAYMENT
Council Member Poole and Council Member Dufford pulled this item to ask City staff to engage with MISD. It may be better if MISD provides support for paying the crossing guards or work with the City to come up with a solution. A discussion on roads and safety ensued since the City is in charge of roads.
Deputy City Manager Morris Williams reported this matter is time sensitive since school will start next month.
Terry Morgan, 15 Metz Court, offered his comments about this item and would like to be a part of the conversation if needed.
This item is being deferred so that staff may reach out to MISD.
Scott Dufford moved to defer Resolution No. 2024109; seconded by Robin Poole.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYE: Davidson, Stretcher Burkes, Poole, Blong, Dufford, Norman
NAY: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Ladd
8. 2024111 – RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO TRUCLEAR WATER SOLUTIONS, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,440,000.00 FOR THE ADVANCED GROUNDWATER TREATMENT PROJECT; AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR SAID PROJECT
Council Member Eric Davidson pulled this item from the agenda so that more information may be received before making a decision. It will be placed on the agenda for a future Council meeting.
Eric Davidson moved to defer to a future Council Meeting Resolution No. 2024111; seconded by Scott Dufford.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYE: Davidson, Stretcher Burkes, Poole, Blong, Dufford, Norman
NAY: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Ladd
13. 2024114 – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN ADVANCE FUNDING AGREEMENT (AN “AFA”) WITH THE STATE OF TEXAS, ACTING BY AND THROUGH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (“TXDOT”), FOR A TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES SETASIDE (“TASA”) PROJECT, THE WILDCATTER TRAIL CHAMPIONS, ETC. PROJECT, CSJ 090632067 IN MIDLAND, TEXAS (THE “PROJECT”); SAID PROJECT TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SHARED USE PATH ALONG CHAMPIONS DRIVE FROM THE SCHARBAUER SPORTS COMPLEX ENTRANCE TO TRADEWINDS BOULEVARD, ALONG TRADEWINDS BOULEVARD FROM CHAMPIONS DRIVE TO DEAUVILLE BOULEVARD, AND ALONG DEAUVILLE BOULEVARD FROM TRADEWINDS BOULEVARD TO ARLINGTON ROAD; THE ESTIMATED TOTAL PROJECT COST BEING $4,783,673.00; THE CITY OF MIDLAND, TEXAS’ (THE “CITY’S”) ESTIMATED SHARE OF THE TOTAL PROJECT COST, INCLUDING PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING COSTS, BEING $924,374.00; APPROPRIATING FUNDS; AUTHORIZING PAYMENT TO TXDOT OF THE CITY’S LOCAL MATCH, WHICH IS ESTIMATED TO BE $792,174.00, PLUS ALL NONREIMBURSABLE COSTS AND 100% OF OVERRUNS, IF ANY; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY SECRETARY TO CERTIFY A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO TXDOT
Assistant City Manager Jose Ortiz gave a brief overview of the different phases of this project, timeline and funding.
City Manager Tommy Gonzalez provided information on the next steps such as getting the easement.
Mayor Blong stated her excitement for the project and provided a brief history of how it came about. Mayor Blong also thanked Intergovernmental Relations Officer Lindsay Adams and Grant Accountant Michele Hagemann for their work on this project. Mayor Blong also offered a special thank you to Michele for her work in grants.
Eric Davidson moved to approve Resolution No. 2024114; seconded by John Norman.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYE: Davidson, Stretcher Burkes, Poole, Blong, Dufford, Norman
NAY: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Ladd
SECOND READINGS
14. 10537 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF MIDLAND TO REZONE LOT 9, BLOCK 1, WESTOVER PLACE ADDITION, CITY AND COUNTY OF MIDLAND, TEXAS, FROM O1, OFFICE DISTRICT TO SF2, SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT (GENERALLY LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF KENT STREET AND WEST LOUISIANA AVENUE); CONTAINING A CUMULATIVE CLAUSE; CONTAINING A SAVINGS AND SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A MAXIMUM PENALTY OR FINE OF TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,000.00); AND ORDERING PUBLICATION (FIRST READING HELD JUNE 25, 2024) (DISTRICT 3) (DEVELOPMENT SERVICES) (QUALITY OF LIFE AND PLACE)
Deputy City Secretary Jan Hamilton read the caption of Ordinance No. 10537.
John Norman moved to approve the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 10537; seconded by Robin Poole.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYE: Davidson, Stretcher Burkes, Poole, Blong, Dufford, Norman
NAY: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Ladd
15. 10538 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF MIDLAND TO REZONE LOT 11, BLOCK 1, WESTOVER PLACE ADDITION, CITY AND COUNTY OF MIDLAND, TEXAS, FROM 2F, TWOFAMILY DWELLING (DUPLEX) DISTRICT TO SF2, SINGLEFAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT (GENERALLY LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF KENT STREET, APPROXIMATELY 140 FEET NORTH OF WEST LOUISIANA AVENUE); CONTAINING A CUMULATIVE CLAUSE; CONTAINING A SAVINGS AND SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A MAXIMUM PENALTY OR FINE OF TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,000.00); AND ORDERING PUBLICATION (FIRST READING HELD JUNE 25, 2024) (DISTRICT 3) (DEVELOPMENT SERVICES) (QUALITY OF LIFE AND PLACE)
Deputy City Secretary Jan Hamilton read the caption of Ordinance No. 10538.
Amy Stretcher Burkes moved to approve the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 10538; seconded by John Norman.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYE: Davidson, Stretcher Burkes, Poole, Blong, Dufford, Norman
NAY: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Ladd
16. 10539 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF MIDLAND TO GRANT A SPECIFIC USE DESIGNATION WITHOUT TERM FOR LOT 1A, BLOCK 4, PLUNK ADDITION, SECTION 10, CITY AND COUNTY OF MIDLAND, TEXAS (GENERALLY LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF GARDEN CITY HIGHWAY, APPROXIMATELY 568 FEET WEST OF ALLEN STREET), WHICH IS PRESENTLY ZONED C, COMMERCIAL DISTRICT, ALLOWING SAID PROPERTY TO BE USED FOR AUTOMOBILE OR OTHER MOTORIZED VEHICLE SALES AND SERVICE; MAKING SAID DESIGNATION SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS CONTAINED HEREIN; CONTAINING A CUMULATIVE CLAUSE; CONTAINING A SAVINGS AND SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A MAXIMUM PENALTY OR FINE OF TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,000.00); AND ORDERING PUBLICATION (FIRST READING HELD JUNE 25, 2024) (DISTRICT 2) (DEVELOPMENT SERVICES) (QUALITY OF LIFE AND PLACE)
Deputy City Secretary Jan Hamilton read the caption of Ordinance No. 10539.
John Norman moved to approve the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 10539; seconded by Amy Stretcher Burkes.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYE: Davidson, Stretcher Burkes, Poole, Blong, Dufford, Norman
NAY: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Ladd
17. 10540 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF MIDLAND TO REZONE A 6.92ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF BLOCK 1, WEST 191 INDUSTRIAL PARK, SECTION 12, AND AN 8.70ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF BLOCK 2, WEST 191 INDUSTRIAL PARK, SECTION 13, CITY AND COUNTY OF MIDLAND, TEXAS, FROM RR, REGIONAL RETAIL DISTRICT TO LI, LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT (GENERALLY LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF NORTH FM 1788 AND WEST COUNTY ROAD 77); CONTAINING A CUMULATIVE CLAUSE; CONTAINING A SAVINGS AND SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A MAXIMUM PENALTY OR FINE OF TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,000.00); AND ORDERING PUBLICATION (FIRST READING HELD JUNE 25, 2024) (DISTRICT 4) (DEVELOPMENT SERVICES) (QUALITY OF LIFE AND PLACE)
Deputy City Secretary Jan Hamilton read the caption of Ordinance No. 10540.
Robin Poole moved to approve the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 10540; seconded by Amy Stretcher Burkes.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYE: Davidson, Stretcher Burkes, Poole, Blong, Dufford, Norman
NAY: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Ladd
18. 10541 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF MIDLAND TO REZONE LOTS 4 AND 17, BLOCK 61, PARK AVENUE HEIGHTS ADDITION, SECTION 2, CITY AND COUNTY OF MIDLAND, TEXAS, FROM MF22, MULTIPLEFAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT TO SF3, SINGLEFAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT (GENERALLY LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF SOUTH LEE STREET AND ON THE WEST SIDE OF SOUTH TYLER STREET, APPROXIMATELY 165 FEET SOUTH OF EAST CALIFORNIA AVENUE); CONTAINING A CUMULATIVE CLAUSE; CONTAINING A SAVINGS AND SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A MAXIMUM PENALTY OR FINE OF TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,000.00); AND ORDERING PUBLICATION (FIRST READING HELD JUNE 25, 2024) (DISTRICT 2) (DEVELOPMENT SERVICES) (STRENGTHEN AND SUSTAIN OUR INFRASTRUCTURE)
Deputy City Secretary Jan Hamilton read the caption of Ordinance No. 10541.
John Norman moved to approve the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 10541; seconded by Robin Poole.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYE: Davidson, Stretcher Burkes, Poole, Blong, Dufford, Norman
NAY: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Ladd
19. 10542 – AN ORDINANCE ALTERING PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMITS ALONG CERTAIN STREETS IN THE CITY; AUTHORIZING INSTALLATION OF APPROPRIATE SIGNS AND MARKINGS; REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 10493; CONTAINING A CUMULATIVE CLAUSE; CONTAINING A SAVINGS AND SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A MAXIMUM PENALTY OR FINE OF TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200.00); AND ORDERING PUBLICATION (FIRST READING HELD JUNE 25, 2024) (DISTRICT: NONE) (ENGINEERING SERVICES) (SET THE STANDARD FOR A SAFE AND SECURE CITY)
Deputy City Secretary Jan Hamilton read the caption of Ordinance No. 10542.
John Norman moved to approve the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 10542; seconded by Robin Poole.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYE: Davidson, Stretcher Burkes, Poole, Blong, Dufford, Norman
NAY: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Ladd
PUBLIC HEARINGS
The City Council will hold public hearings on the following items:
20. 0752024 – THE PROPOSED GRANTING OF OIL AND GAS WELL PERMITS TO FIREBIRD ENERGY II, LLC (“OPERATOR”) FOR THE DRILLING OF THE FOLLOWING OIL AND GAS WELLS: MBE 101H; MBE 201H; MBE 301H; MBE 302H; MBE 401H; MBE 402H; MBE 701H; MBE 702H; AND MBE803H; SAID WELLS BEING GENERALLY LOCATED 635 FEET SOUTH OF MOCKINGBIRD LANE AND BETWEEN 1,680 FEET AND 1,840 FEET EAST OF HOLIDAY HILL ROAD (PUBLIC HEARING ONLY) (DISTRICT 4) (DEVELOPMENT SERVICES) (SET THE STANDARD FOR A SAFE AND SECURE CITY)
Oil & Gas Compliance Officer Ron Jenkins gave a brief overview of the item noting this is an existing pad site with the same set up as in the past. There have been no complaints.
Mayor Blong opened the public hearing at 10:55 a.m.
Chris Hamiliton, with West Loop Professional Services is here to answer any questions Council may have. Council had no questions.
There being no one else wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed at 10:56 a.m. PUBLIC HEARING ONLY, NO ACTION TAKEN.
21. 10543 – AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR LOT 9, BLOCK 14, WARWICK ADDITION, CITY AND COUNTY OF MIDLAND, TEXAS (GENERALLY LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF SEABOARD AVENUE AND NORTH L STREET), BY PERMITTING A REDUCED MINIMUM SIDE YARD SETBACK ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE PROPERTY; CONTAINING A CUMULATIVE CLAUSE; CONTAINING A SAVINGS AND SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A MAXIMUM PENALTY OR FINE OF TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,000.00); ORDERING RECORDATION BY THE CITY SECRETARY IN THE DEED RECORDS OF MIDLAND COUNTY, TEXAS; AND ORDERING PUBLICATION (DISTRICT 3) (DEVELOPMENT SERVICES) (QUALITY OF LIFE AND PLACE)
Deputy City Secretary Jan Hamilton read the caption of Ordinance No. 10543.
Senior Planner of Development Services Landon Ochoa gave a brief overview of the item noting the client would like to add on to his house and is proposing a special exception for a reduced sideyard setback for a corner lot. There are no letters of objection and staff recommends no action be taken. Staff recommends that if Council approves this item, they approve it with certain conditions/recommendations.
Mayor Blong opened the public hearing at 10:59 a.m.
Brooks Sitka, 2001 Seaboard Avenue, would like to expand his property. Their home was purchased in 2018 when the allowable set back was 5 feet. In July of 2019, the setback ordinance was amended to 10 feet.
There being no one else wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed at 11:01 a.m.
John Norman moved to approve the first of two readings of Ordinance No. 10543; seconded by Scott Dufford.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYE: Davidson, Stretcher Burkes, Poole, Blong, Dufford, Norman
NAY: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Ladd
22. 10544 – AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR LOT 16, BLOCK 13, SOUTH PARK ADDITION, CITY AND COUNTY OF MIDLAND, TEXAS (GENERALLY LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF SOUTH FORT WORTH STREET, APPROXIMATELY 253 FEET SOUTH OF EAST NEW JERSEY STREET), BY PERMITTING A REDUCED MINIMUM REAR YARD SETBACK; CONTAINING A CUMULATIVE CLAUSE; CONTAINING A SAVINGS AND SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A MAXIMUM PENALTY OR FINE OF TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,000.00); ORDERING RECORDATION BY THE CITY SECRETARY IN THE DEED RECORDS OF MIDLAND COUNTY, TEXAS; AND ORDERING PUBLICATION (DISTRICT 2) (DEVELOPMENT SERVICES) (QUALITY OF LIFE AND PLACE)
Deputy City Secretary Jan Hamilton read the caption of Ordinance No. 10544.
Senior Planner of Development Services Landon Ochoa gave a brief overview of the item noting the client would like to reduce the setback to add on to the property. Staff recommends Council take no action, however, if approved that it will be under certain conditions/recommendations.
Mayor Blong opened the public hearing at 11:05 a.m. There being no one present wishing to speak, the public hearing was immediately closed.
John Norman moved to approve the first of two readings of Ordinance No. 10544; seconded by Robin Poole.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYE: Davidson, Stretcher Burkes, Poole, Blong, Dufford, Norman
NAY: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Ladd
MISCELLANEOUS
23. 10545 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ETHICS OF THE CITY OF MIDLAND, TEXAS (LEGAL)
Deputy City Secretary Jan Hamilton read the caption of Ordinance No. 10545.
City Attorney John Ohnemiller reported this is an update to the City’s ethics code which hasn’t been updated since 1994. It applies to the City Council and City Boards and Commissions. It will now align with state law.
Council Member Amy Stretcher Burkes inquired about the portion on censorship and agreed to an amendment to this document. This portion will not affect Boards and Commissions, only the ethics part.
Amy Stretcher Burkes moved to approve as amended, changing the censure portion to a super majority vote, the first of two readings of Ordinance No. 10545; seconded by Scott Dufford.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYE: Davidson, Stretcher Burkes, Poole, Blong, Dufford, Norman
NAY: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Ladd
24. RECEIVE AND DISCUSS A PRESENTATION FROM MANAGING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY CHUCK BLUMENAUER REGARDING THE CONDITION OF THE MIDLAND FIREMEN'S RELIEF AND RETIREMENT FUND, UNFUNDED LIABILITY SOLUTIONS, AND TIMELINES ASSOCIATED THEREWITH. THE MIDLAND CITY COUNCIL WILL TAKE NO ACTION ON THIS ITEM.
Mayor Blong and City Manager Tommy Gonzalez provided an introduction and historical information of this item. Mr. Gonzalez also reviewed some of the options that could take place.
Mayor Blong highlighted that whether they decide to do a bond or a tax increase it would have to go to a vote in the community.
Public Safety and Managing Director Chuck Blumenauer provided information on the Midland Firemen’s Relief and Retirement Fund (MFRRF), the current status and timeline for a potential bond.
Discussion took place on the pay as you go option, possible election dates, the actuarial report, autocorrect and possible solutions to consider.
Chandler Whiting, 6111 E. CR 105, voiced his frustrations and concerns of this item.
Blake Merrill, Andrews, Texas, voiced his frustrations and concerns of this item and would like to know if the Mayor has the Firefighters’ back.
Mayor Blong noted she is the first Mayor to get this far in coming up with a possible solution to this issue and that she does have the Firefighters’ back.
City Manager Tommy Gonzalez provided information on the two actuary reports.
Christopher Collier, 1301 Rattler Lane, voiced his frustrations and concerns of this item and would like to know what happens if it goes to a bond election vote and does not pass.
City Manager Tommy Gonzalez reported that if this item goes before a vote and does not pass, everyone would have to come back to the table to come up with another solution.
Mayor Blong reported she would like to provide the best possible solution up front.
Council Member Poole reported she doesn’t believe a bond is the best option but that a cash infusion may be better in which Mayor Blong agreed.
City Manager Tommy Gonzalez reported that if we do $47 million and the plan changes are made which comes out to $39 million, this will be the better option.
Nathan Thompson, 105 N. G. Street, voiced his frustrations and concerns of this item with regard to a radio comment.
Jessie Martinez, 4113 N. CR 1140, voiced his frustrations and concerns of this item with regard to working with the pension board.
Justin Graham, 2310 Terrace Avenue, reported on his interactions with Rudd & Wisdom, the Actuarial Consulting Firm.
Mayor Blong reported that the fund board voted for Rudd & Wisdom to provide the studies for plan changes and so far it has not been done.
Lance White, 1001 E. CR 128, voiced his frustrations and concerns of this item along with a radio comment.
Greg Wells, 1600 S. CR 1133, voiced his frustrations and concerns of this item with regard to a radio comment.
Richard LeClair, 7006 E. CR 90, voiced his concerns with losing Firefighters and encouraged the Council to stay the course.
Dustin Langman, Big Spring, Texas, voiced his concerns with losing Firefighters.
To listen to this item in it’s entirety, please visit the City of Midland website at www.midlandtexas.gov. The entire Council and City Management staff went in depth in their discussion of this item so that the public would know that the Council is committed to solving this issue.
NO ACTION TAKEN ON THIS ITEM.
25. MOTION MAKING APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS (DISTRICT:NONE) (CITY SECRETARY’S OFFICE)
THIS ITEM WILL BE REVIEWED AT A FUTURE COUNCIL MEETING. NO ACTION TAKEN.
PUBLIC COMMENT
26. Receive public comments where individuals may address the City Council on City related issues and projects not on the present agenda. Any deliberation of or decision by the City Council regarding the item being discussed shall be limited to a motion to place the item on the agenda for a subsequent meeting. (Please limit comments to three minutes or less.)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
27. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 551.101, the City Council will hold an Executive Session, which is closed to the public, to discuss the following matters as permitted under the following sections of the Texas Government Code:
Mayor Blong recessed the meeting to go into Executive Session at 1:37 p.m.
a. Section 551.087, Deliberate Economic Development Negotiations
a.1. Discuss business prospects that the City seeks to have locate, stay, or expand in or near the City of Midland, Texas, and discuss possible incentives.
All the business at hand having been completed, the meeting adjourned at 1:37 p.m.
https://www.midlandtexas.gov/967/PrimeGov-Meetings