CITY OF NATALIA 2078 State Hwy. 132N.. P.O. Box 270 . Natalia, TX 78059-0270 (830).6 663-2926 . Metro (830)665-2206 . Fax (830)663-3806  REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 2078 STATE HWY 132 NORTH, NATALIA, TEXAS 15 APRIL 2024 at7:00 P.M. MINUTES  ROLL CALL: Mayor Tommy Ortiz - Present  Mayor Pro-Tem Sam Smith - Present Alderman Darin Frazier Present Alderman Selica Vera = Present  Alderman Mike Fernandez - Present Alderwoman Ruby Vera - Present  1.  CALLTO ORDER: Allegiance by Mayor Ortiz.  Mayor Ortiz called the regular city council meeting to order at 7:00 pm; followed by the Pledge of  2.  CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: Mr. Eric Smith stated that communication between the school district and the city has greatly improved, and he thanked the city staff. Mr. Smith spoke on Item #7, showing his support oft the Gol Medina membership renewal and encouraging the city council to renew itsi membership. Mr. Smith encouraged all the city council to attend the meetings to stay informed and he feels it would not be wise to cut the city out of Go Medina and bet the only city in the county not involved. 3. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Alderwoman S. Vera stated she was impressed with how fast the bulk items were being picked up throughout the city and she thanked city staff for the eclipse event coordination. Alderman Fernandez asked for a status update on the animals located at the property on FM 471. Nichole Bermea responded that she was told the animals were removed. Alderman Fernandez stated they may have removed some but there are still chickens there. Chief Chavez stated he will let the officers know to address it. Alderman Fernandez stated the No Parking signs on the IH35 access road are knocked again. He requested that the city install no smoking signs on the little league outfield fences. Alderman Fernandez asked that the city address a hotel occupancy tax ordinance ifit hasn't been done in the past already. He believes it was done years ago. Alderman Smith and Alderwoman R. Vera believe it was addressed inj past years but need to check ifi it was codified. Alderman Frazier thanked city staff. Alderman Smith addressed property owners having illegal dumpsters in the city. All dumpster rentals should go through the city contracted waste company STRD. Alderman Smith ask Chief Chavez to make sure that when officers are patrolling, they address residents if they have an illegal dumpster. Alderman Smith also requested the officers watch for illegal dumping in the city. Alderwoman R. Vera asked that the council report when residents place items curbside and let the residents or the office know. Mayor Ortiz thanked the city staff. He stated things are looking good in the city and that residents think they can do whatever they want, and officers need to be aware while patrolling the city. He feels things  overall are improving. 4. CONSENT AGENDA:  All of the following items are considered to be routine by the City Council, there will be no separate discussion on these items and will be enacted with one motion; unless removed. by any Council Member to discuss and consider separately by making such request prior to a motion and vote.  a) Approval of the Minutes: b) Approval of the Minutes:  18 March 2024 Regular Meeting 18 March 2024 Special Meeting  1    c) Approval of the Financial Activity Report: March 2024 d) Approval oft the Utility Department. Activity Report: March 2024 e) Approval oft the Municipal Court Activity Report: March 2024  f) Approval oft the Police Department/Code Enforcement Activity Report: March 2024  Action: Alderman Fernandez made the motion approving the consent agenda, and Alderwoman S. Vera  seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0; motion carried. 5. INFORMATIONALI ITEMS:  a) City Adminstratorsecretalry Nichole Bermea reported that bulk pickup started today. Nichole gave an update on the progress of the HOME program construction. Nichole had attended a meeting on the next steps for the CPF funding. The rise broadband installation is almost complete. They have b) NMDD - Ruby Vera gave information on the mobile health unit and the medical services it provides. Yall's Beauty Shop will be having its grand opening on April 20th, and everyone is invited to attend. The NMDD board will be in attendance, and it would be nice if members of the council could also attend. Ruby reported she received a call from a resident involved with Gateway Fellowship Church wanting to use the MDD property on May 10th to offer nutritional services and CPR class certification. c) Chief Martin Chavez Chief Chavez reported that at this time the department is fully staffed. The officers are working hard on code compliance and dogs at large issues. The city council members  two more locations to finish up and they will be done in the city.  offered their congratulations to newly hired Chief Chavez. DISCUSSION/CONSIDERATION OF ACTION ITEMS:  d) Mayor - Mayor Ortiz thanks city staff.  6. Discuss/Consider: al MOU with the City of Devine relating to the Burnt Boot Creek Drainage project located partially within the City of Natalia jurisdiction. Nichole explained that she spoke to Art about the project, and he feels this will not affect the city in any way due to the elevation and the work is not within our city limits. Alderman Frazier stated that the work is being completed in Devine. Nichole asked that the council refer to the mapi in the packet which shows the locations where work is to be completed. Alderman Smith asked why we are named in this. Nichole explained that because part of the creek falls within our jurisdiction all parties within the jurisdiction must be named. Alderwoman R. Vera made a motion to accept and approve the MOU with the City of Devine. Alderwoman S. Vera seconded the motion. Motion 7. Discuss/Consider action of a Resolution; The City of Natalia Go Medina membership for the 23-24 Fiscal Year. Stephanie Blanks, Executive Director Medina County Economic Development will discuss how Go Medina benefits its member cities. Executive Director Stephanie Blanks gave a detailed overview of what Go Medina does, how it works and how it has affected the City of Natalia. Alderman Frazier stated that he appreciates the work that Stephanie does, but he does noti feel that anything has been done to benefit the City of Natalia. The data center is in the county and does not benefit the City of Natalia. Alderman Frazier has major concerns with the power needs the data center will require and how that is going to affect the residents in our city. Alderman Frazier asked why the council was not a part of the planning and decision-making process and Stephanie explained that thet former Mayor wasi involved and did attend many meetings where the data center was discussed. Alderman Frazier stated that he has talked to AEP employees and with a data center this large it is sure to drawl substantial amounts of power that will likely cause outage concerns. Alderman Fernandez reminded the council that the renewal was discussed previously, and it was voted to not renew membership. Stephanie listed the benefits of membership, advertising, website information, marketing, contests, first responders' event and other things. Alderman Fernandez asked if Natalia was invited to the first responders event and Stephanie stated yes, all first responders in the county were invited. A member of the Natalia Fire Department in attendance stated that she was not aware of the event. Mayor Ortiz stated that he is now going to the meetings and will communicate information back to the council. Alderman Fernandez stated that the meetings are held during work hours and several council members are unable to attend. Nichole stated she would send Stephanie the council's email addresses, sO she can email the minutes from meetings to the council.  carried; 5-0.  2    Alderwoman R. Vera made a motion to approve the resolution to renew the Go Medina membership for 8. Discuss/Consider acceptance of the final amended Interlocal agreement between the City of Natalia and Medina County Emergency Services District #4 regarding construction and operation of a 24-hour EMS station. Nichole explained that Dan Santee has amended the MOU to reflect the EMS #4 to be responsible for garbage services as requested. Alderwoman R. Vera made a motion to accept the final Interlocal Agreement between the City of Natalia and Medina County Emergency Services District #4. 9. Discuss/Consider site lease agreement between T-Mobile West LLC. and the City of Natalia. Nichole explained that T-Mobile would like to place three antennas on the catwalk or legs of the water tower. A representative would like to make a site visit later in the week. However, Nichole would like to gauge the councils' feelings on this before she wastes time proceeding further. Alderman Frazier stated we need to keep in mind that we will be having work completed on the tower and this should not interfere. Nichole explained that she would coordinate with T-Mobile and Texas Rebuild/E3 should we approve the placement of the antennas. Alderwoman R. Vera made a motion to allow Nichole to proceed with the steps of possibly entering into a lease agreement with T-Mobile. Alderman Smith seconded the motion.  the 23-24 fiscal year. Alderman Smith seconded the motion. Motion carried; 5-0.  Alderwoman S. Vera seconded the motion. Motion carried; 5-0.  Motion carried; 5-0. EXECUTIVE SESSION:  10. The city council will meet in closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 551.074, personnel, to deliberate the position of City. Administrator, to include the hiring process and designation, if necessary. Alderwoman S. Vera made a motion to convene into executive session at 8:08 pm. Alderman Smith 11. The City Council shall reconvene into Regular Session, and if necessary, may act on items discussed in a. $551.074 Personnel Matters: City Administrator, to include the hiring process and designation, if The city council reconvened into regular session at 8:25 pm. Alderman Frazier made a motion to appoint Nichole Bermea as the City Administrator. Alderman Fernandez seconded the motion.  seconded the motion. Motion carried; 5-0.  REGULAR SESSION: Executive Session: necessary.  Alderwoman R. Vera asked Mayor Ortiz to call for a record vote.  Vote:  Mayor Tommy Ortiz - Present; not voting Alderman Mike Fernandez - Yes Alderwoman Ruby Vera-) Yes 12. ADJOURNMENT carried; 5-0.  Mayor Pro-Tem Sam Smith - Yes Alderman Darin Frazier Yes Alderman Selica Vera - Yes  Alderman Smith made ai motion to adjourn at 8:25, pm. Alderman Fernandez seconded the motion. Motion  Passed and approved this 20th day of May 2024.  Attest:  GOIARR  Approval:  Aihna Nichole M. Bermea ChyAdmnstratb/secctay  Sam Smith, Mayor Pro-Tem ER  F TRT  3