Minutes of May 20, 2024, Regular City Council Meeting at Heritage Hall, 7:00 PM. The Merkel City Council met for a Regular City Council Meeting on May 20, 2024, at Heritage Hall, 7:00PM. Mayor Schrampfer called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and announced a quorum present. Council members present were Larry Hewitt, Gary Hicks, Brady Rutledge, Matthew Riggan  and Keith Darby. Collin Jacobs and Eileen Hayman were also present. Mayor Schrampfer led the Pledge of Allegiance and Texas Pledge. Citizens were given an opportunity to comment.  Prayer led by Larry Hewitt.  Administer Oath of Office to Matthew Riggan, City Council Place 1, and Collin Jacobs, City Council Brady Rutiedge motioned to approve the minutes of the April 15,2024, Regular City Council Meeting. The council discussed the staff reports. City Manager Weaver spoke on the water leaks, updating the cityl handbook, wastewater plant project underway, completed water line projects and the property Mayor Schrampfer introduced Gregory' Wortham, applicant for the EDC Director. Mr. Wortham discussed his background, and what challenges/opportunties/deas he sees for the city. Brady Rutledge motioned to approve Gregory' Wortham as EDC Director. Keith Darby seconded the The council discussed the employment compensation agreement for the EDC Director position. Brady Rutledge made a motion to approve the Agreement for Employee Compensation between the Cityof Merkel andi the Merkel Economic Development Corporation. Keith Darby seconded the The council discussed Resolution No. 05202024 a resolution of the City of Merkel, Texas authorizing the Merkel Economic Development Corporation to undertake a project to promote new or expanded business enterprises by providing a partially forgivable low-interest loan and conveying property1 to Brandon and Lindsey Feagan. The Council discussed the EDC helping with small businesses loans, performance agreements, and business incentives. Discussion of metal building, drop off and pickup service with laundromat. Questions were asked about the need for a laundromat and what would be Motion was made by Collin. Jacobs to table Resolution No. 05202024 which Keith Darby seconded.  Place 3.  Keith Darby seconded the motion. Approved 4-0.  sale.  motion. Approved 4-0.  motion. Approved 4-0.  provided out of pocket. Discussion of EDC past project costs already spent.  Approved 4-0.    The council discussed Resolution No.05202024-1 a resolution oft the City of Merkel, Texas authorizing the Merkel Economic Development Corporation to undertake a project to promote new or expanded business enterprises by providing a grant to. Jody Cory for demolition of the Merkel Locker Plant. Brady Rutledge motioned to approve Resolution No. 52020241aresolution of the City of Merkel, Texas authorizing the Merkel Economic Development Corporation to undertake a project to promote new or expanded business enterprises by providing a grant to Jody Cory and was seconded by Collin Discussion of adopting the building ordinances and amendments from the City of Abilene and enteringi into an intercity agreement for permitting, building plan review and inspections. The Council also discussed homestead exemptions, bonding, regional building standards, consistent  Discussion of asbestos removal, cost of abatement and donation of land.  Jacobs. Approved 3-1.  reinforcement, and code enforcement.  Motion to move forward with adopting City of Abilene's Building Ordinance and amendments and entering into an intercity agreement for building plan review, permitting and inspections was made The council discussed Ordinance No 05-20-2024 amending the nuisance ordinance, streamlining the process and cleanup. Motion to approve Ordinance No 05-20-2024 an Ordinance of the City of Merkel, Texas amending Ordinance No 110998-2; adopting regulations regarding nuisance conditions on property; providing for notice and abatement; providing a penalty; providing a severability clause; and establishing an effective date was made by Collin Jacobs. Keith Darby seconded the motion. Motion to approve the 2nd Quarter FY 2023-24 Quarterly Investment Report was made by Keith Darby  by Matthew Riggan and seconded by Keith Darby. Approved 4-0.  Approved 4-0.  and seconded by Brady Rutledge. Approved 4-0.  The council reviewed the 2nd Quarter budget numbers of Fiscal Year 2023-24.  Brady Rutledge motioned to approve City Manager, Brian Weaver, as the Designated Officer authorized by the Council to enter into contract with the bank fort the City of Merkel. Matthew Brady Rutledge motioned to adjourn and was seconded by Keith Darby. Approved 4-0.  Riggan seconded the motion. Approved 4-0.  Meeting Adjourned: at 8:42 PM. Me  Evelyn  SsHt