MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL  On the 28th day ofl May 2024,t the City Council ofTaft, Texas, convened: for ai regular meeting at 2300 Green  Avenue, Taft, Texas, Taft City Hall at 6:30 P.M. 1.CALL MEETING TO ORDER  There being a quorum, Mayor Vasquez called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. 2.CALL ROLL AND ESTABLISH A QUORUM IS PRESENT  Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez  Mj present M present M present M present  absent absent absent absent  Others Present: Ryan Smith, others present listed on sign in sheet  3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  Councilman Garza led the Pledge of Allegiance.  4. PRAYER  Rev. Steve Boettcher led the prayer. 5. CITIZEN COMMENTS  1) Maxine Bowenappearedbefore: council to ask what kind ofEmergencyl Management System was in place for the City ofTaftdue to Hurricane season. Ms.] Bowenl has gone through three major 2) Melony Hickeyappeared beforecouncil to address the closureofthe splash pad. Ms. Hickey was 6PUBLICHEARINGI REGARDINGTHE ANNEXATIONI REQUEST BY ADOLFO APARICIO INR REFERENCE TO HIS 2.21 ACRE TRACT OF] LAND LOCATED OFF ABAZOLA. 7.PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS REQUESTTO PURCHASE, APARICIO'S2.21 TRACTOFLAND OFF ABAZOLA FOR $79,560  hurricanes already and believes that there should be a plan inj place. inquiring on when the splash pad would be opening this summer.  PLUS CLOSING COSTS. Public Hearing Opened at 6:39 p.m.  David Smith board president for the' Taft] Economic Development Corporationpresented itemsnumbered 6and 7 combined during thel PublicHearing. Mr. Smith stated this Public Hearing was the second one fort the sequence ofevents that neededi to takeplace. Mr. Smith alsoi informed the public that Mr. Adolfo Aparicio has volunteered to annex his 2.21 acresofproperty with the City of Taft. Mr. Smith answered  any questions that were brought to his attention. Public Hearing Closed at 6:49 p.m.  8.I DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTION REGARDING ADOLFO APARICIO'S REQUEST FOR ANNEXATION OF HIS2.21 ACRE TRACT OFF OF ABAZOLA. Councilman Keeney moved to approved Adolfo Aparicio'sr request for annexation, the motion was  seconded.  The following Votes were polled:    Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried.  for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent  9.DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY, ACTION REGARDING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION EXPENDING579,560 PLUS CLOSING COST ONTHE PURCHASE OF ADOLFO APARICIO'S2.21 ACRE LOT OFF OF ABAZOLA. Councilman Garza motioned to allow the Economic Development Corportation to purchase Adolfo Aparicio's! 2.21 acre lot off of Abazola for $79,560 plus closing costs, the motion was seconded.  The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried.  Mi for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M: for Da against Dabstain Dabsent M: for against Dabstain absent M for D against Dabstain Dabsent  10. DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTION IN REFERENCE TO THE CITY HOSTINGUPTO5MOVIEI INTHE PARK EVENTS THROUGHTTHE MONTHS OF JUNE, JULY,AND AUGUST DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS. EVENTSTO BE HELD ON SATURDAYS AND ESTIMATED COST TO CITY TO BE MAINTAINED UNDER $5,500. Ryan Smith informed the Council that quotes were obtained fori movies alone allowing residents to bring their own drinks and: snacks. The amount wouldl be closer to $3000.00 ifapproved. Mr. Smith stated this schedule coordinates with the school calendar, there wouldi be two movies in. June, twoi in. July and one in Councilman Garzai motioned to allow the City to host 5 movie in the parks for months of June, July and August during the summer months and the cost to be maintainedi under $5,500, themotion was seconded.  August.  The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried.  M for Da against abstain Dabsent M for Ja against Dabstain absent M for Jagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for Ja against Dabstain absent  11.DISCUSS, CONSDIER AND NECESSARY ACTION ON ALLOWING THE MEMORIAL PARK TO BE UTILIZED FOR MARKET DAYS ONE WEEKEND PER MONTH AND THE CITYTO' WAIVE ALL FEES AND PEDDLER LICENSE IN RELATION' TO MARKET DAY'S Ryan Smith stated residentson) Facebook: have beenexpressing! how they would like to be able to utilize Councilman Garza motioned to allow ther memorial parkt to be utilized for market days one weekend per  EVENTS.  having market days like surrounding cities.  month until the end of the year, the motion was seconded.  The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor) Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried.  M for against Dabstain absent M for Da against Dabstain Dabsent M for against abstain Jabsent M: for  against Dabstain Dabsent    12.1 DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTION ON ALLOWING THE CITY MANAGER TO GO OUT FOR PROPOSAISONI REPIAGNGFLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT, Councilman Molina stated he would liket to seei ifthereare funds availablei in thel budget to upgrade some of the equipment at the parks. Ryan Smith stated he would be able to obtain proposals for the price of items and possibly reach outt to individuals to collaborate with the cost. Mr. Smith suggested revisiting Councilman Molina motioned to allow the City Manager to go out forj proposals on replacing the playground equipment benches and shelters at city parks, the motion was seconded.  BENCHES, AND SHELTERS AT CITY PARKS.  this during a budget workshop as well.  The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor) Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried. THE RECYCLING BINS.  Mi for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent Mi for Dagainst abstain absent M: for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M: for against Dabstain absent  13.DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTION ON ASSIGNING AJ LOCATIONFOR Councilman Keeney stated the best location fort therecycling' bins wouldbe in thei field area to the left of Councilman Keeney: moved to assign the location for the recycling bins, the motion was seconded.  the animal shelter, with operational hours daily and free to the public.  The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried.  M for against Dabstain Dabsent Ei for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent Mi for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for D against Dabstain Jabsent  14.) DISCUSS, CONSIDER. ANDNECESSARY ACTIONINRELAIONTO: THE CONTRACT Councilman Garzamotioned for the City ofTaft to enter into an agreement with the Taft Little League,  BETWEEN THE CITY OF TAFT AND THE TAFTLITTLE LEAGUE.  the motion was seconded. The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried.  E for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for Dagainst abstain absent M for Jagainst Dabstain Dabsent M: for Ja against Dabstain absent  15.DISCUSS, CONSIDER ANDNECESSARY ACTIONON, A RESOLUTION FINDING THAT Ryan Smith stated thisl has previously been done. AEPI has requested the council deny the rate increase.  AEP'S REQUESTED RATE INCREASE SHOULD BE DENIED.    Councilman Keeney moved to enact a resolution finding that AEP's requested rate increase should be  denied, the motion was seconded. The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried.  Mi for against abstain Dabsent M for Dagainst Dabstain absent M for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent  16.1 DISCOSS, CONSIDER. ANDNECESSARY ACTIONON ADDINGAI HARDSHIP PTO SALE Ryan Smith stated there is already a policy in place that allows employees to sell PTO. There is a requirement that states 4OhousofrTOmustremin in their bank prior to selling, and only 40 hours of PTO are allowed to be sold at the end of the year (December). The recommended policy allows the employee to sell up to 24 hours due to hardship at any time, and still keep up to 40 hours in their Councilman Keeneymoved to tablei item number 16! pending the city attorney's review of the hardship  POLICY: FOR CITY OF TAFT EMPLOYEES.  personnel bank.  PTO policy, the motion was seconded. The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor] Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez  E for Dagainst Dabstain absent M for Jagainst Dabstain absent Mi for against Dabstain absent Mi for against Dabstain Dabsent  The motion carried. The item was tabled.  17.DISCUSS, CONSIDER ANDNECESSARY ACTION TO ALLOW CITY HALL TO CLOSE Ryan Smith stated thisisa ai free training fora all employeesotpublic works and city hallstaffregardingt the water meters. It would be best to close City Hall to avoid interruptions and be able to allow as many Councilman Keeneymoved to allowcity hall to close for training on June 4th from 9:30 am - 12:00 pm,  FOR TRAINING ONJUNE 4TH FROM 9:30 AM -1 12:00 P.M.  employees attend as possible. the motion was seconded. The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried.  Mf for against Dabstain Dabsent Mf for against abstain Dabsent Mf for against Dabstain Dabsent Mi for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent  18.DISCUSS, CONSIDER, ANDNECESSARY ACTION TO ALLOW THE CITY ATTORNEY TOSEEK CLARIFICATION OF THE FEDERAL COURT ORDER FROM 1989. Attorney. Andrew Quittner stated this would bet to allow the 1989 order tol be amended and clarified. The next step would be to gain clarification from the federal court thati issued the order. Councilman Garzamotioned to allow the city attorney to seek clarification of the Federal Court Order from 1989 with the caveat that the plaintiff agrees, the motion was seconded.    The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried.  Mi for Dagainst Dabstain absent Mi for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent Mi for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M: for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent  19.DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTION ON ALLOWING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTERINTO A CONTRACT WITH TALON INVESTIGATIONSTO CONDUCT A 3RD PARTY INVESTIGATION IN RELATION' TO CURRENT PERSONNEL MATTERS. AND TO DETERMINE A NOT' TO EXCEED PRICE FOR THE SERVICES. Ryan Smith stated thes specific 3rd party investigators are from San Antonio. The company consists of Councilman Keeneymoved to allowt the cityr manager to enteri into a contract with' Talon Investigations to conducta 3rd party investigation in relation to current personnel matters and the price not to exceed  former FBI employees.  $10,000 for the services, the motion was seconded. The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried.  M for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent Ofor Dagainst M abstain Dabsent M for D against Dabstain Dabsent f for D against Ma abstain Dabsent  The mayor then reopened the discussion regarding item number 19: for further clarification. They Mayor re-voted on agenda item 19, the following vote was polled by Mayor Vasquez.  Mayor Vasquez The motion still carried. JOHN LANDRETH.  Ofor M against Dabstain Dabsent  20. DISCUSS, CONSIDERANDNECESSARY ACTION ON THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE ADMINISTATVEIEAVE OR EMPLOYMENT. FOR THE CHIEF OF POLICE Mayor Vasquezrequested that Chief] John Landreth bej placed on paid administrative leave. Chief. John Mayor Vasquez motioned to continue the administrative leave of Chief John Landreth with pay, the  Landreth gave a speech informing the council and public of his 30-year career.  motion was seconded. The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor] Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion failed. EXECUTIVE SESSION:  Ofor H against abstain absent Mi for against Dabstain Dabsent for M against Dabstain Dabsent Mf for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent  21.CLOSED: SESSION: City Council will meeti in Closed session pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, in accordance with the authority contained in:  Section 551.071 (Consultations with. Attorney) in reference to possible litigation against Section 551.074 (Personnel Matters): to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline or dismissal ofaj publicofficer or employee:  the city    City Manager City Attorney Public Works Director  The Council moved into Executive Session at 7:32 pm. matter(s) discussed in Closed Session may be considered.  22. Open Session: The City Council will reconvene in Open Session at which time action on the  Section 551.071 (Consultations with Attorney) ini reference to possible litigation against Section 551.074 (Personnel Matters): to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline or dismissal lofap publicofficer or employee:  the city  CITY MANAGER CITY ATTORNEY PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR  The Council Reconvened Session at 8:27 pm. Matters of Executive Session: The Council announced:  CITY MANAGER: Council decided to interview: 3 applicants fort this] position and reinstate the CITY ATTORNEY: Council decided to interview the applicant from the Gwosdz Law firm. PUBLIC WORKSDIRECTOR: Council stated thel hiring ofthe Public Works Directorwas up to Councilman Garza motioned to approve the Executive Session items listed above, the motion was  position for an additional 30 days.  the discretion of the City Manager.  seconded.  The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor. Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion failed.  Mf for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for Dagainst abstain absent M for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent E for a against Dabstain Dabsent  23. COUNCIL AND STAFF COMMENTS: COMMENTS MAYBE MADE BY STAFF OR  COUNCIL BUT NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN Councilman Keeney & Ryan discussed the Splash Pad.  24. ITEMS TO CONSIDER FOR PLACEMENT ON FUTURE AGENDAS Councilman Garza - Would like to look into a flag pole being placed at City Hall.  25. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST AND/OR UPCOMING EVENTS  Councilman Garza - Announced the book sale being held by the Library.  Pastor Steve Boettcher    26. ADJOURN- - TIME 8:35P.M. The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried.  Councilman Keeney: motioned to Adjourn, the motion was seconded.  Mi for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for Dagainst 'Dabstain DJabsent M for Dagainst abstain Dabsent Mi for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent  Passed and Approved this Jlbyat Gpnk  2034  CITY OFTAFT  -  - Leonard Vasquez, ATTEST:  asy  hegs  City Secretary  Apkefng