CITY OF SANTA FE REGULARCOUNCIL MEETING MAY23, 2024 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS 12002 HWY. 6, SANTAFE, TEXAS  MINUTES  The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.b by Mayor Brandon Noto. Hear remarks from newly-elected members of Council  Mayor Brandon Noto presented former Mayor Bill Pittman with a' "Key to the City plaque on behalf of the City Council and City staff for his commitment and many years of service to the City of Santa Fe. Mayor Noto expressed his utmost appreciation to Mr. Pittman and gave al brief summary oft the many' ways Mr. Pittman has dedicated his Councilmember Rusty Schroeder thanked everyone who came out to vote and said he looks forward to doing his Councimember Ryan McCamy thanked everyone who came out to vote and hopes he can gain the trust of the Councimember Bubba Jannett said he is here for the people oft the community and his decisions are made in the Mayor Brandon Noto thanked everyone for their support and explained iti is a challenge to be a Council memberb but it is a challenge that each member welcomes. He asked that everyone keep the Council in their thoughts and prayers that Council will have its hearts and minds opened to God and follow! his willi for our city, this will be and is ac city of God's people. He looks forward to the blessings he has in store for Council as it keeps its eyes and ears  time and services to the community. part in serving the needs of the community.  community in hopes of continuing to serve the community in the future.  best interest of the city.  towards Him. Roll Call:  Present:  Mayor Brandon Noto Councilmember Rusty Schroeder Councimember Ryan McCamy Councilmember John Dickerson Councimember Ronald Bubba" Jannett Councimember Dana Marks  Absent:  None.  Thei invocation was given by Pastor Tim Gregory from Santa Fel Worship Center, and Mayor Brandon! Noto then led  those present in the Pledge of Allegiance tot the U. S. Flag and to the Texas Flag.  Staff Report:  1. Presentation of departmental reports bys staff, specifically a recap of the activities performed duringt the previous month and a report of 1) Finance- - cityf finance activities (including cash flow, financial reports, investment reports, utility audits services, PEG channel development), update on Mulberry Farms Public Improvement District and Santa Fel Economic Development  upcoming activities, events, and projects ont thel horizon  Corporation project updates presented by Finance Director Rudy Zepeda.    Minutes (cont.) 5/23/2024 Page 2of6 Citizens' Comments:  Roy, Johnson, 3711 Tower Road, wanted to comment on an item that was on the agenda, Mayor Noto explained to Mr. Johnson that with the item already up for discussion it would be beneficial for him to speak when the item is Christine Villere, 3015 Avenue F, said had taken the training to become a poll watcher for elections. She said she was impressed with Galveston County's conduction oft the May elections andi felt it was important for everyone to know, as the County is who processes the votes for the City's elections. She watched the whole process and said she now has al better understanding of howe elections work, and that it has restored hert faith in the City's elections.  presented as Council is unable to deliberate during "citizen's comments."  Business: Old Business:  1. Consideration and possible action: Appointment or reappointment of two members to the Santa Fe City Secretary Natalie. Arnett said there are two positions oni the Planning and Zoning Commission that are expiring in May 2024. Commissioner Andrew Mills and Commissioner Wendy Wagner-McGee have both expressed their desire to be reappointed. Ms. Arnette explained thatt thisi item was on thel May 9, 2024, meeting and att thatt time there were no additional applications received. Since, there has been one applicant. Staff does not have a recommendation of whom to appoint or reappoint tot the positions. Mayor Notol let Council know that hel had spoken with both Andrew Mills and Wendy Wagner-McGee on their interests to be reappointed and also spoke with Motion by Mayor Noto, seconded by Councilmember Marks, to reappoint Commissioner Andrew Mills and Commissioner Wendy Wagner-McGee tot the Planning and Zoning Commission to serveat three-year term to expire Motion by Councilmember Dickerson, seconded by Councimember Marks, to reappoint Commissioner Andrew Mills and Commissioner Wendy Wagner-McGee tot the Planning and Zoning Commission tos serveathree-yeart term Councimember Schroeder expressed to the applicant his recommendation that they start attending meetings to  Planning and Zoning Commission to serve at three-year term to expire in May 2027  Chairperson Glennie Heffner for input on the performance of the members.  inN May 2027. Given that the motion was made by the Mayor, it was invalid.  to expire in May 2027. The motion passed the roll call vote unanimously.  become more involved with the City, and encouraged them to applyi ifanother term ends.  New Business:  1.Consideration and possible action: Selection of a Mayor Pro Tem as the new Mayor Pro Tem. The motion passed the roll call vote unanimously. Mayor Noto congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Jannett on his appointment.  Motion by Councilmember Dickerson, seconded by Councimember Marks, to select Councilmember Bubba Jannett    Minutes (cont) 5/23/2024 Page 3of6  2.Consideration: andj possible action: Firstr reading ofa an ordinance of the City of Santal Fe, Texas, amending Parts 6 and' 7 of Subsection F, School Zones, of Section 2, Traffic Control Devices, of Chapter 9, Traffic Code, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Santa Fe, Texas, to change the effective times for the Police Chief Walter Braun said that there was a complaint received from Roy, Johnson to eliminate 0.7 miles oft the school zone thati is on Maple Street. Chief Braun said that in 2009, Council approved the extension of the school zone as the residents that live on Maple Street were concerned about students going to and from Santa Fe High School before and after school driving at extreme speeds. Council approved the extension as an effort to slow the drivers down. Chief Braun said that he would recommend the times oft the school zone reflect the times that are posted on Highway 6 to avoid any confusion. Mayor Noto said he used to frequent the area and that the road is very narrow and there are many students that walk down Maple Street and there are no sidewalks. Mayor Noto let City Manager Alun Thomas noted that Mr. Johnson had sent pictures with his suggestions along with a letter he had: sent tol Mr. Thomas. All thei items received were in the agenda packet for Council to review. Roy, Johnson, 3711 Tower Road, stated that he frequently drives in the area and did not realize that it was a school zone until he received a citation in the school zone. Mr. Johnson said he asked the officer why the area was as school zone and the officer replied that students were racing down thats street. Mr. Johnson said he did not understand whyi it hadi to be a school zone to pull drivers over for racing andi it did not make sense, as there was no school present. He said his request is to remove the 0.7 miles as a school zone. He then went through each school and gave the distance of what is considered the school zone around each school. He also listed areas that were missing certain school zone street signs, gave suggestions as to where there needed to be more school zone related signs, and gave suggestions on where school zones and signage should be moved. Mr. Johnson went through each oft the pictures that were presented and explained why he took each of the pictures. Mr. Johnson detailed his frustrations to the Council as to why hel has made his request to remove the extended school zone area. He said he understands that safety is important; however, hei is looking for consistency in the distance in school zone areas across the city. After much discussion, Mr. Thomas explained that part oft the process of changing the distance and the school zone signs in other school zones, the Chief of Police has to assess the situation at each location to see what he feels is a reasonable adjustment to the area. Mr. Thomas explained it is at the discretion of the Council ifit would like to Motion by Councimember McCamy, seconded by Councilmember Jannett, to approve the first reading of an ordinance amending Parts 6a and7of Subsection F, School Zones, of Section 2, Traffic Control Devices, of Chapter 9, Traffic Code, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Santa Fe, Texas, to change the effective times for the established school zones on Maple Street as presented. The motion passed the roll call vote unanimously. Councilmember McCamy moved to amend his motion, seconded by Jannett, to approve the first reading of an ordinance amending Parts 6 and 7 of Subsection F, School Zones, of Section. 2, Traffic Control Devices, of Chapter 9, Traffic Code, oft the Code of Ordinances of the City of Santa Fe, Texas, to change the effective times for the established school: zones on Maple Street and to discuss the distance oft the school: zone ata al later time. The motion City Manager Alun Thomas explained to Council that ifit chooses to postpone the distance requirements andj just approves the change in the school zone, it would be an ordinance that will incur publishing costs ini the newspaper. Then, changing the distance will incur more newspaper publishing costs, that tend tol be pricey, but staff can dos SO ifCouncil chooses. Mr. Thomas said it would ber more cost and time-effective tor make the changes simultaneously.  established school zones on Maple Street  Council know he would be hesitant to remove the restriction duei to the safety oft the students.  make any of the changes following an assessment ofe each areal by Chief Braun.  passed the roll call vote unanimously.    Minutes (cont.) 5/23/2024 Page 40f6  Councilmember McCamy asked if Chief Braun had done the assessment for this area, Mayor Noto said that yes, Councilmember McCamy amended his amended motion, seconded by Councilmember Jannett, to revert to the original motion as presented. The motion to amend the amended motion passed the roll call vote unanimously. 3. Consideration and possible action: Approval of the MID-MOD Grant Engineering Service contracts for the North Road Improvements and the South Road Improvements projects tol IDS Engineering Group and City Manager Alun Thomas explained that the City had recently been awarded a CDBG-MIT (MIT-MOD) Grant for improvements to certain streets in Alta Loma. Now thatt the grant has been received, an engineering contract must bee executed to proceed with the engineering phase oft the projects. Staff recommend approving the MIT-MOD Grant Motion by Councimember Marks, seconded by Councimember Dickerson, to approve the MIT-MOD Grant Engineering Service contracts for the North and South Road Improvements project to IDS Engineering Group and toa authorize the execution of such contracts by the Mayor. The motion passed the roll call vote unanimously. 4. Consideration and possible action: Approval of a resolution adopting policies in connection with the City of Santa Fe, Texas, participation in Federally Funded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) City Manager Alun Thomas thisi is alsoi in reference toi the CDBG-MIT (MIT-MOD) Grant. As ac condition to accepting the funds, certain policies need to be set in place to ensure compliance with the grant program and certain federal laws. The resolution is to adopt 5 different policies: citizens participation plan agreement procedures, excessive force policy, fair housing policy, section 504 policy and grievance procedures, and a code of conduct policy. There are also 3 project specific policies, section 3 economic opportunity, limited English proficiency, and affirmatively Motion by Councilmember McCamy, seconded by Councilmember Marks, approving ar resolution adopting policies inc connection with the City of Santa Fe participation in Federally Funded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects and adherence to the regulations as presented. The motion passed the roll call vote unanimously. 5. Consideration and possible action: Approval of ai resolution of the City of Santa Fe, Texas, designating authorized signatories for contractual documents and documents for requesting funds pertaining to the City! Manager Alun Thomas explained this is the last required resolution for the MIT-MOD funding. Approval of the resolution allows for the Mayor and City Manager to execute contractual documents, execute the environmental review document between the General Land Office and the City, and will allow for the Mayor, City Manager, City Secretary, and Finance Director to execute State of Texas purchase vouchers inr requests for payment. Motion by Councilmember Marks, seconded by Councimember Jannett, approving a resolution designating authorized signatories for contractual documents and documents for requesting funds pertaining tot the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) as presented. The motion passed the roll call vote unanimously.  the Chief of Police had already performed an assessment at this location.  authorizing the execution ofs such contracts by the Mayor  Engineering Service contracts to IDS Engineering Group.  projects and adherence to the regulations  furthering fair housing.  Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)    Minutes (cont.) 5/23/2024 Page 5of6  6. ( Consideration and possible action: Authorizing the establishment of a Project Warpath Committee by the Santa Fe Economic Department Corporation for the consideration of proposals for the reconstruction of Warpath Avenue; authorizing the Committee to be comprised of members from the City of Santa Fe, Santa Fe Economic Development Corporation, and the Santa Fe Independent School District; and Finance Director Rudy Zepeda said that on April 30, 2024, the Santa Fe Economic Department Corporation (EDC) recommended creating a committee for the funding of either asphalt or concrete repaving on Warpath. Avenue to consist of members from the City of Santa Fe, Santa Fe Economic Development Corporation, and the Santa Fe Independent School District (SFISD). The idea would be to create the Committee to generate input from these interested parties on the City's basic construction plan and design SO that the EDC can, in the future, submit an infrastructure grant project to the City Council fort thet funding oft the project. Councilmember McCamyi is also al board member of the EDC and added that the SFISD came to the EDC to ask ifity would help fund the project. EDCH had Mayor Noto expressed some concerns on the need for a Committee, noting that EDC has not had a committee on its past projects. If the EDC approved to fund the projects, then Streets Superintendent Billy Creppon would collaborate with the other entities involved in the project to move forward. Councilmember Jannett expressed his concerns that thet funding of the street is not benefiting commercial property like EDC had been created to do. Street Superintendent Billy Creppon said the Capital Improvement Plan was put in place for future goals. Warpath Streeti is al heavily travelled road due to the schools and the H-E-B grocery store. Mr. Creppon said that concreting the street would benefit the city as the life span is much greater than pavement. A traffic study showed that, over one week, approximately 25,000 vehicles traveled on the south side of Warpath and approximately 15,000 vehicles ont the north side. City Manager Alun Thomas said iti is al heavily utilized roadway. Mr. Thomas said, in referencei to Councimember Jannett's concern abouti ifits serves a commercial function or not, that H-E-Bi is located on Warpath Avenue and other businesses are being developed ini the area; the EDC's function is to make sure infrastructure is more appealing toi future businesses, as failing streets would be a disincentive to bring businesses to Santa Fe. Mr. Thomas said the approval for thei funding oft the project by EDC would still have to be made byt the City Council. After much discussion, it was the consensus of Council that no committee was needed therefore, no motion was needed. Mr. Thomas assured Council that staff will collaborate with other entities, as it has in the past. 7. Consideration and possible action: Adoption of a Resolution by the City of Santa Fe, Texas, finding that CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC's requested increase toi its electric transmission and distribution rates and charges within the city should be denied; finding that the City's reasonable rate case expenses shall be reimbursed by the company; finding that the meeting at which this resolution is passed is open to the public as required by law; requiring notice of this resolution to the company and Gulf Coast Coalition City Manager Alun Thomas explained that during a previous meeting Council approved a resolution to postpone the start time of the CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC's rate increase. The City is a member of the Gulf Coast Coalition of Cities, which has contracted attorneys that are experts at utility cases as they are incredibly complex. Thel legal counsel has done their research and determined the ratei increase is unjustifiably high. Thel legal  appointing members from the City of Santa Fe tot the Committee  the idea of creating the committee to oversee the project.  of Cities' legal counsel  counsel has recommended to deny thei increase.    Minutes (cont.) 5/23/2024 Page 6of6  Motion by Councimember McCamy, seconded by Councilmember Dickerson, to approve finding that CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC's requested increase to its electric transmission and distribution rates and charges within the city should be denied; finding that the City's reasonable rate case expenses shall be reimbursed by the company; finding that the meeting at which this resolution is passed is open to the public as required by law; requiring notice oft this resolution tot the company and Gulf Coast Coalition of Cities' legal counsel. 8. Consideration and possible action: Amending the engineering contract between the City of Santa Fe, Texas, and BGE, Inc., to include geotechnical services from Terracon Consultants, Inc. with the proposed City Manager Alun Thomas explained the Avenue P project is jointly funded by a couple of entities, including the City of Santa Fe. At the time when the engineering was proposed, and the contract was executed, the Project Engineer did noti include the cost for geotechnical services. Sincet that time the Engineer, BGE, has determined that geotechnical services are necessary, and recommends inclusion of the cost for such services in its contract. Mr. Thomas saidt the geotechnical: services are a crucial part oft the project to ensure the reconstruction of Avenue Pis up to standard, given the weight of the box culverts, the street paving, and future vehicles that will use the street. Mr. Thomas gave a detailed description of Terracon Consultants, Inc. and the services itp provides. Council expressed itsi frustrations about multiple engineers missing the inclusion of such an important service to the completion oft the project. Finance Director Rudy Zepeda explained there wouldi not be al budget amendment as the amount that was budgeted for the project was more than anticipated therefore no budget amendment would need Motion by Councilmember Marks, seconded by Councilmember Dickerson, approving the amendment to the engineering contract between the City of Santa Fe, Texas, and BGE, Inc., to include geotechnical services from Terracon Consultants, Inc. withi the proposed fee amount of $24,362.50, for the Avenue PS Storm Sewer Project and request that the City Manager contact Drainage District No. 1 for 50% reimbursement for its half of the contract.  fee amount of $24,362.50, for the Avenue P Storm Sewer Project  to! be made.  The motion passed the roll call vote unanimously.  Announcements:  Community Services Director Georgia Carmack let everyone know that the Park and Recreation Board will be hosting a Family Fun Fest. There will be a cook-off, cornhole tournament, and plenty of activities for families to enjoy, on June 29, 2024. Mayor Brandon Noto said that the Santa Fel High School baseball team is in game 2of4 Summary of action from this agenda, request for future agenda items, and scheduling future meetings: Mayor Noto let Council know that there would need to be a special meeting for the following week and said for Council to get with City Secretary Natalie Arnett about availability. The next regular Council meeting is currently scheduled for Motion by Councilmember Jannett to adjourn. The motion passed and the meeting adjourned at8 8:25p p.m.  int the playoffs.  June 13, 2024.  ATTEST: àtalie  22722  ChpE