MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF' THE CITY COUNCIL  On the 14th day ofl May 2024, the City Council ofTaft, Texas, convened: fora a regular meeting at 230 Green  Avenue, Taft, Texas, Taft City Hall at 6:301 P.M. 1. CALLNEFINGTOORDER  There being a quorum, Mayor Vasquez called the meeting to order at 6:301 P.M. 2.CALLI ROLL AND ESTABLISH, A QUORUM IS PRESENT  Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez  M present present present M present  absent absent absent absent  Others Present: Andrea Gomez, Kandi Hubert, others present listed on sign in sheet  3.] PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilman Garza led thel Pledge of Allegiance.  4. PRAYER  Rev. Steve Boettcher led the prayer.  .PRESENTATION: GULF COAST GROWTH VENTURES  Paul Fritz presented information regarding Gulf Coast Growth Ventures. Mr. Fritz discussed the progress oft the plant along with sponsoring the Taft High School girls for women in the industry conference. Mr. Fritzi informed the public that health and safety are an important part oft thei industry as well.  6.CONSENT AGENDA  A. CITY SECRETARYI REPORT  Approval of Minutes for 04/23/2024 Regular council meeting.  Councilman Keeney moved to approve the minutes for the 04/23/2024 Regular council meeting, 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 Mi for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for against Dabstain Dabsent E for against Dabstain Dabsent  B. PUBLIC WORKS REPORT  Kandi Hubert stated the Public Works Director David Furzer was not available.  C. COURTREPORT  Ricardo Medina informed the council the report was printed and placed in council boxes for review. Councilman Keeney inquired if that report was the total for the month of April, Mr. Medina confirmed.    D. LIBRARY REPORT  Librarian Georgina Silvas reported to the Council that the extended hours of operation will begin sometime in. June. Ms. Silvas also announced the book sale will take place in June.  E. CITYMANAGER REPORT  Kandi Hubert announced the training session for the 4A and 4B EDC committees will take place on Thursday May 16, 2024 at 6:30 p.m, and she invited the public to attend. Ms. Hubert also announced the Planning and Zoning meeting will bel held the same day int the back room. Both meetings will take place  simu.taneously. 7.CITIZEN COMMENTS.  1) Maria Garcia requested to speak regarding the Annexation. Ms. Garcia expressed she lives on Escobedo Road and is concerned of the rise in traffic that will take place if the annexation takes 2) Jason Keeney stated he is looking for the direction ofTaft. Mr. Keeney stated that the Council 3) Rebecca McCarty stated her mother is Robbin McCarty. Rebecca McCarty stated her mother was 8. DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTION REGARDING ADOLFO APARICIO'S 9. PUBLICI HEARING REGARDING ADOLFO APARICIO'S REQUEST: FORA ANNEXATION 10. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS REQUEST TO PURCHASE APARICIO'S 2.21 TRACT OF LAND LOCATED OFF ABAZOLA David Smith board president for the' Taft Economic Development Corporation presented these items numbered 8 through 10 combined. Mr. Smith stated that Mr. Adolfo. Aparicio has requested volunteered annexation for his 2.21 acres of property with the City ofTaft. Mr. Smith explained the sequence of events that are to take place ifthe Council approves the annexation and answered any questions that were brought to his attention. Mr. Smith also showed the Council and thej public a video image of what is to Councilman Keeney moved to approved. Adolfo Aparicio'si request for annexation on the 2.21 land  place.  has the choice to decide what direction Taft will go.  kicked off oft the TQIC board. REQUEST: FOR ANNEXATION.  FOR $79,560 PLUSCLOSING COSTS. Public Hearing Opened at 7:00 p.m.  take place ift the annexation is approved. Public Hearing Closed at 7:34 p.m.  located off of Abazola, 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 H for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for Jagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for against Dabstain Dabsent    11.DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTIONTO] PURCHASE: 200 WATER METERS Ryan Smith stated hel had presented the Council with documents explaining the quotes on the necessary meters. Mr. Smith informed the Council that these newi meters will be more efficient for the residents and Councilman Garza motioned to approve thej purchase of the 200 water meters for the City ofTaft for the  (150 CURRENTLYI NEEDED).  the staff as they will no longer have to manually read those new: meters.  cost of$73,000, 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 E for Da against Dabstain Dabsent Mi for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent E for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent  2DISCISS.CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTIONTO ACCEPT ROBBIN MCCARTY'S Councilman Keeney moved to accept Ms. McCarty'sresignation from the 4A board ofTQIC, the motion  RESIGNATION FROMTHE 4A BOARD OF (TQIC).  was seconded. The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried. BOARD (TOIC).  Mf for Dagainst abstain Dabsent Efor against DJabstain Dabsent M for against abstain Dabsent M for against Dabstain Dabsent  IBDISCUSS.CONSDIER AND NECESSARY ACTIONTO APPOINT MEMBERS TOTHE 4A The council discussed the members that should be reinstated, Manuel Espinosa and Glen Searcy. Councilman Garza asked Mr. Espinosa and Searcy ift they would like to be reinstated back to the board, Councilman Keeney moved to: reinstate Manuel Espinosa and Glen Searcy, the motion was seconded.  both individuals responded yes. The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried.  Hf for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent for against Dabstain Dabsent Mf for against Dabstain Dabsent Mf for against Dabstain Dabsent  As second motion was made regarding item number 13 and goes as follows.  Councilman Keeney moved to table the remaining nominations for the 4A board TQIC, the motion was  seconded.  The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez   for Dagainst abstain Dabsent Mi for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent H for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for Da against Dabstain Dabsent  The motion carried. The 2nd part oft the item was tabled.    14.) DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY. ACTIONTOUPDATETHESIGNATORIESAND After further discussion and explanation that there isi not a complete board, the Council decided it was best to remove all signatories on the TQIC bank account until there is a complete board. Councilman Keeney moved to remove all the signatories from TQIC until further consideration, the  NAMES ONTHE TOIC BANK ACCOUNT.  motion was seconded. Thei following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried.  M for Dagainst abstain Dabsent M for Jagainst abstain Dabsent M for Jagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent  15.] DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTIONT TO ALLOWTHE CITY'SPUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENTTO AID 4B (EDC) IN CLEANING' THEIR PROPERTYLOCATED David Smith stated that the EDC has allocated funds tol have the Toland Road property cleaned. The EDC has previously used Mr. Mirabal cleaning. Mr. Smith stated he would like to contract with the City for assistance in this cleaning and EDC will be able to pay the City for the use oft the dump truck that is needed to haul offi items that are not accepted at the dump site such as concrete and tires. Councilman Garza motioned to allow the City Public works department to aid the 4B EDC in the cleaning  ONTOLAND ROAD.  oft their property located on Toland Road, 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 Da abstain Da absent E for  against Dabstain Dabsent M for J against Dabstain Dabsent M for Ja against abstain absent  16. DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTIONTO. APPOINTI MAXINE BOWENTO  THE CHENIERE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE. Maxine Bowen stated that she would like to be more involved.  Councilman Keeney moved to appoint Maxine Bowen to the Cheniere Community Advisory Committee,  the motion was seconded. The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried. LEAGUE CONTRACT. stated there was not one at this time. The following Votes were polled:  M for a against Dabstain Dabsent M for J against Dabstain Dabsent M for against abstain Dabsent Mi for D against Dabstain Da absent  ITADISCUSS.CONSIDER AND NECESSARY. ACTION REGARDING THE 2024 LITTLE Councilman Keeney inquired ift there was a current signed contract with the Little League. Kandi Hubert Councilman Keeney moved tot table item number 17 to a later date, the motion was seconded.    Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez  E for against Dabstain a absent Mi for Ja against abstain Dabsent M for Dagainst abstain Dabsent M for Dagainst Jabstain absent  The motion carried. The item was tabled.  18. DSCUS.CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTIONTO AMEND PERSONNEL POLICY Kandi Hubert had given the council an updated copy oft the Personnel Policy for review showing the removal of the 7 hours "on call" time. Councilman Garza inquired ift this updated policy would be Councilman Garza motioned to approve thej personnel policy regarding on call time/compensation, the  REGARDING ON CALLTIME/COMPENSATION.  standard practice from here, Ms. Hubert stated yes after the approval today.  motion was seconded. The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried. 2YEAR' TERM.  M for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent E for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for Ja against Dabstain Dabsent  19.DISCUSS. CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTIONTO REAPPOINT: RUDY MIRABAL, JERALDI NINO,AND. JOSE HERNANDEZ TOTHE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD FORA Councilman Keeney moved to reappoint Rudy Mirabal, Jerald Nino and Jose Hernandez toi the Planning  and Zoning board for a 2 year term, the motion was seconded.  The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried. QUOTES/REPAIRS.  E for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent E for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for against Dabstain Dabsent M for against abstain Dabsent  20. DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTION REGARDINGSWIMMING POOL Ryan Smith informed the Council that thej previous pool quote that was given was a little on thel higher Councilman Keeney moved to allow the City Manager to continue to gather quotes for the repairs oft the  side, this item is to discuss thei idea of possibly gathering other bids.  swimming pool, 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 Dabstain Dabsent M for Jagainst Dabstain Dabsent M: for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent  DISCUSS.CONSIDEK AND NECESSARY ACTION. REGARDING PAINT COLORSFOR THE OUTBUILDINGS. ATTHE POOL (RECEPTION. AND EQUIPMENT: STORAGE). Ryan Smith informed the Council there is currently graffiti on the walls oft the city's pool. To maintain  the appearance and integrity it willl be necessary to repaint the structure.    Councilman Garza motioned to approve the painting of the out buildings oft the pool (reception and  storage area), the motion was seconded. The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried. POOLSAND PARKS.  M for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for  against Dabstain Dabsent H for D against Dabstain Dabsent  22. DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTION REGARDING THE NAMING OF THE Kandi Hubert stated what the City would like to doi is try to sell the name oft thej pool to try to offset the Councilman Keeney moved to allow the City staff to pursue negotiations with surrounding businesses to offset the cost of the pool and include their business name on it, the motion was seconded.  costs.  The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried.  M for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for Jagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for Jagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent  23.I DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTIONTO. AMEND ORDINANCE 1096 ESTABLISHING A] REVISED SCHEDULE FOR WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES) AND APPROVE ORDIANCEHID32124 REGARDINGTHE WATER AND WASTE WATER Kandi Hubert informed the Council that recommendations for water and waste water rates had been given to the Council for review tol help offset the water and waste water charges. The City has been charging Councilman Keeney moved to amend Ordinance #1096 by approving Ordinance # 1103-2024, the motion  RATESTO INCLUDE TAPS.  less than what the City is being charged. The bulk water rate will stay the same.  was seconded. The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried.  M for Da against Dabstain Dabsent H for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent H for J against Dabstain Dabsent M for against Dabstain Dabsent  24. DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTION REGARDING AN APPLICATIONFOR ACCNI FOR WATER SERVICIS/CIRITICATE OF CONVENIENCE, AND NECESSITY). Ryan Smith stated that the public utility commission issues a CCN granting a utility geographic monopoly for providing utility service. At this time the city has not applied for this designation and it Councilman Keeney moved to approve the application for a CCN: for water services for the City, the  would be prudent to do so as it will protect the city.  motion was seconded. The following Votes were polled:    Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried.  M for Dagainst Da abstain Dabsent M for Dagainst abstain absent  for against Da abstain Dabsent M for D against Dabstain Dabsent  25.] DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTION REGARDINGTHE GEAR GRANT FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SPONSORED BY THE' TEXAS FOREST SERVICE. Ryan Smith informed the Council the Gear Grant from the Texas Forrest Service willl help will cost participate with the city inj purchasing new hear for the Taft Volunteer Fire Dept. The city's total cost will Councilman Garza motioned to approve item number 25 regarding the Gear Grant for the Fire  not exceed $6000.00.  Department, the motion was seconded. The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried. CITY ISSUED DEVICES.  M for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for Ja against Dabstain Dabsent M for Ja against Dabstain Da absent M for Dagainst abstain Dabsent  26. DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTION REGARDINGTHE POLICYE FOR Kandi Hubert stated that the policy for city issued devices will be added to the Personnel Policy. This acknowledgment states that any issued electronic devices or keys are to be returned to the City prior to terminating their services. Ryan Smith included that due to the public information act this also ensures that any devices are to be turned in are intact so that any information may be properly removed from the  devices.  Councilman Garza motioned to approve item number 26, 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 M for Ja against Dabstain Dabsent M for  against Dabstain Dabsent M for D against Dabstain absent  27.] DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTION REGARDING. ADDINGA  CONFIDENTIAL CLAUSE TOTHE PERSONNEL POLICY.  Ryan Smith stated a confidential clause of personnel policy ist to establish aj policy that there are certain channels to go through to obtain information. This is to make sure the employees understand that Councilman Keeney moved to adopt the new confidentiality agreement for employees with the City of  information is confidential within City Hall. Taft, the motion was seconded. The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez  M: for Da against Dabstain Dabsent H for against abstain Dabsent M for against Dabstain Dabsent M: for J against Dabstain Dabsent    The motion carried.  28. DISCUSS.CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTIONTOSET AJ BUDGET WORKSHOP. Kandi Hubert asked the Council as a whole what day would be best tol hold al Budget workshop. The Councilman Keeney moved to set al budget workshop for Tuesday 5/21/24 at 6:30 p.m., the motion was  Council decided 6:30 on 5/21/2024.  seconded.  The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried.  M for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for Jagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for against Dabstain Dabsent M for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent  29.1 DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTION REGARDING, ANUPDATEONTHE Kandi Hubert stated there have been no updates at this time from the City Attorney or the Police Chief regarding an update on the attorney general opinion. Councilman Molina reminded Council that the Councilman Keeney moved to table item number 29 until al later date, the motion was seconded.  ATTORNEY GENERALS REPORT.  city'si inquiries have been ongoing for 7 months.  The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez  E for D against Dabstain Dabsent M for D against Dabstain Dabsent E for Ja against Dabstain Dabsent M for Da against Dabstain Dabsent  The motion carried. Thei item was tabled. EXECUTIVE SESSION:  30. CLOSED SESSION: City Council will meet in Closed session pursuant to the provisions of Chapter  551 oft the' Texas Government Code, in accordance with the authority contained in:  Section 551.074 (Personnel Matters) and Section 551.071 (Advice of Counsel) and Section 1.05 (Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct):  To deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment of duties, discipline or dismissal of a public officer or employee or to hear a complaint or  charge against officer or employee  INTERNAL EMPLOYEE INVESTIGATION (551.074 (a))! POLICE CHIEF-J JOHN LANDRETH (551.074 (a)) MAYOR-LEONARD VASQUEZ (551.071 (a)) PENDINGITIGATION  Mayor Vasquez announced that he and Chief. John Landreth have requested their items be held in open  session.  Councilman Keeney motioned to move into closed session, the motion was seconded.  The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina  Ei for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent    Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried.  M: for Dagainst Dabstain absent M: for J against Dabstain absent M: for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent  The Council moved into Executive Session at 8:06 pm. matter(s) discussed in Closed Session may be considered.  31. Open Session: The City Council will reconvene in Open Session at which time action on the  Section 551.074 (Personnel Matters) and Section 551,071 (Advice of Counsel) and Section 1.05 (Texas Disciplinary Rules of] Professional Conduct):  To deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment of duties, discipline or dismissal ofap public officer or employee or tol hear a complaint or  charge against officer or employee  INTERNAL EMPLOYEE INVESTIGATION (551.074 (a)). POLICE CHIEP-JORNLANDAETH (551.074 (a)). MAYOR-LEONARD VASQUEZ (551.071 (a)). PENDINGIITIGATION  The Council Reconvened Session at 9:21 pm. Matters of Executive Session:  INTERNAL EMPLOYEE INVESTIGATION: No Action Taken (551.071 (a). PENDINGLITIGATION: No. Action' Taken (551.074 (a)). MAYOR-LEONARD VASQUEZ: No. Action Taken  (551.074 (a)) POLICE CHIEF - JOHN LANDRETH (Open Session): No Action Taken Councilman Molina suggested ai roll call to take place for the record. The roll call to include. John Landreth  due to his position being placed on the agenda. The following roll was called:  Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez Chief. John Landreth  M present M present M present present present  D absent D absent Dabsent Dabsent Ma absent  Councilman Molina motioned to table this item due ChiefI Landreth's absence, the motion was seconded.  The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez  M for Dagainst Dabstain D absent M for - against Dabstain J absent M for against Dabstain Dabsent M for D against Dabstain Dabsent  The motion carried. Thei item was tabled.  32.COUNCILAND: STAFF COMMENTS: COMMENTS MAYBE MADE BY STAFF OR Kandi Hubertreminded the Council and public ofThursdays EDC training at 6:30 p.m. 33.ITEMSTO CONSIDER FORPLACEMENT ONJ FUTURE AGENDAS  COUNCIL BUT NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN    Councilman Keeney - Would like tol look into the school zone sign on Davis Road. The sign on the 34. ANNOUNCEMENTSOF COMMUNITY INTEREST AND/OR UPCOMING EVENTS Councilman Keeney announced an invitation to the upcoming Budget Workshop and invited the public to Councilman Garza agreed with Councilman Keeney to show up for future workshops and meetings.  North end is un-operational and would like to get it fixed.  show up for everything.  20.ADJOURN- - TIME 9:35P P.M.  Councilman Garza motioned to Adjourn, 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 M for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M: for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent  Passed and Approved this Jtbr  2084  Suak  CITY OFTAFT Leonard Vasquez, ampd ATYEST:  Ves  Gomez,  City Secretary  BbrG