THE STATE OF TEXAS S CITY OF BROWNSVILLES COUNTY OF CAMERON S  MINUTES ofal Regular Meeting ofthe City Commission ofthe City of Brownsville, Texas, held on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at 5:00 P.M., with the following members present via Zoom https://uso2web.z0om.1S//85932304410Ppwd-btnUss3yrw/OpV/UUSZz09  Teleconference Meeting by logging on at:  TREY MENDEZ JOHN F.COWEN,JR. ROSE GOWEN NURITH GALONSKY PIZANA JESSICA TETREAU JOEL MUNGUIA BEN: NEECE NOEL BERNAL HELEN RAMIREZ ELIZABETH WALKER BRYANT WALKER RENE: DE COSS GRISELDA ROSAS ABSENT CALL TO ORDER a) ROLL CALL  Mayor COMMISSIONERS AtLarge "A" At-Large "B" District1 District 2 District3 District4 CITY MANAGER DEPUTY CITY MANAGER ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER CITY ATTORNEY INTERIM CITY SECRETARY  NONE  A quorum being present, Ms. Griselda Rosas, Interim City Secretary, read the call to order to consider the matters as posted and filed for the record in The Office  ofThe City Secretary on June 12, 2020.  b) INVOCATION:  Pastor Brad Burkes delivered the invocation.  c) FROCLAMATIONS)  Rodolfo & Josefina Solis Mayor. Juan "Trey" Mendez. III)  (Mayor T. Mendez II/Commissioner N. Galonsky Pizana)  The proclamation was read and presented by Mayor Juan "Trey" Mendez III,  virtually.  Minutes. June 16, 2020- - Page lof11    Brownsville Fashion Week (Commissioners N. Galonsky Pizana/J. Cowen. Jr.) Commissioner Nurith Galonsky presented  The proclamation was read and presented by Commissioner Jessica Tetreau.  d) PRESENTATIONS):  Mitte Foundation and Cultural District Report.  Felipe Pena Executive Director with Children's Museum and the Mitte Cultural District Chair, introduced Ms. Dyna Mitte, Associate Director of the Mitte Foundation, provided a briefbackground of] Roy F. & Joann Cole Mitte Foundation noting that the intentions of the Mitte is helping to achieve their goals for Brownsville. Ms. Coleith Molstad, Mitte Foundation Executive Director gaveabrief overview with a PowerPoint presentation of the Mitte Cultural District, noting that the endowment provides the sole source ofrevenue for operations and grant making which the foundation provides to Mitte Cultural District entities, contributes to joint- advertising costs and is aiding with Cultural District Designation. The following speakers briefly updated the Commission oft the Mitte Cultuaral District surrounding  areas:  Felipe Pena, II-Chairman-Mitte Cultural District  Dr. Patrick Burchfield-Gladys Porter Zoo Director- - Grant Recipient Reba Cardenas McNair - Dean Porter Park Renovation, Inc. & Mitte Cultural Beth Pace-At-Large Board Member, Dean Porter Park Renovation, Inc. Cristina Quiqui' Tijerina-Board Chair Costumes of the Americas Museum- Dillon E. Vanderford, Jr.-Assistant Executive Director Sombrero Festival, Ltd.- Veronica Dimas-Rosenbaum-Executive Director Brownsville Wellness Julie de la Garza-Board Chair Children's Museum of Brownsville-Grant Deyanira Ramirez-Executive Director Brownsville Museum of Fine Art-Grant Roy Del Los Santos, Jr.-Immediate Past-Chair, Mitte Cultural District, Executive Director & COO, Sombrero Festival, Ltd. Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) Designation & 2016Key' Takeaways: Expanded District Boundaries, Economic: Self- R.J. Mitte (Roy F. Mitte, III) Mitte Foundation President provided closing  District Board Member Grant Recipient Foundation Collaboration Coalition-Grant Recipient Recipient Recipient  Sufficiency, and Increased Focus on Art & Music Programming  remarks.  Minutes. June 16, 2020- - Page 2 of1l    PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD  The following citizens signed up for Public Comment  1. Mark Kaswan, expressed concern not to release the. Jefferson Davis Monument to 2. Jason Salinas, did not wish to address the Commission but would like for his opinion to be registered for the record noting not to release the Jefferson Davis Monument to the Confederate Daughters, and further noted that the monument be 3. Juan Trevino did not wish to address the Commission but would like his opinion to be registered for the record opposing to return the monument to the Daughters 4. Yolanda Speece, noted that the Jefferson Davis Monument should be given the proper context and should be replaced with more child and/or family friendly 5. Bruce Kidd, noted that the Jefferson Davis Memorial was not a racist symbol it 6. Ruben Cordova, opposed to the removal oft the. Jefferson Davis monument. 7. Ana Chapa, did not wish to address the Commission but would like for his opinion to be registered for the record, opposed to return the monument to the Daughters oft the Confederacy or to be removed and placed in the museum. 8. Sadie Hernandez, opposed to preserving the. Jefferson Davis Monument. 9. Teresa Saldivar, opposed to preserving the Jefferson Davis Monument. 10.Juan Cantu, did not wish to address the Commission but would like his opinion to be registered for the record, noting that the monument did represent a threat to the 11. Claudia Serrano, did not wish to address the Commission but would like her opinion to be registered for the record, opposing to preserve the monument. 12. .Ofelia Alonso, noted that the City owed its citizens full transparency on where the monument would be located and opposed onj preserving it. 13. Victoria Guerrero, opposed toj preserving the monument. 14. Theresa Gallegos, opposed inj preserving the opposed inj preserving the monument. 15.. Jose Colon-Uvalles, opposed to preserving the Jefferson Davis Monument 16. Fernando Alonso, opposed toj preserving the. Jefferson Davis Monument  the Confederate Daughters  removed or destroyed.  oft the Confederacy, or removed.  monuments.  represented southern pride for al leader.  community.  WORK SESSIONS  As a governmenta body, the City Commission will not vote or take any, formal action on any items 1.) Presentation and update on Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority (CCRMA). Projects, including the West Rail Trail Project/West Blvd. Project. Mr. Joel Garza, Multimodal Transportation-Mobliny Director introduced Mr. Pete Sepulveda from Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority (CCRMA) gave al brief  discussed in the work. session, portion of the agenda.  Minutes June 16, 2020- - Page 3 of11    presentation regarding the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority Projects  including the West Rail Trail Project/West Blvd. Project. Briefdiscussion ensued amongst the Commission. Commission Redistricting Precensus Analysis.  2.) Redistricting presentation by Rolando Rios regarding Brownsville 2020 City  As] pert thei request ofCity Staff, agenda item will bej presented at the next scheduled 3.) Discussion regarding the City of Brownsville response to the urgent public necessity concerning COVID-19, otherwise known as Coronavirus, including but a. Continuity Plan Update: City staffing, facilities and services, including  City Commission meeting.  not limited to:  actions and continuity ofsuch operations; b. Financial Update: Emergency Procurement; and Drive-thru collections/testing site update  Lupe Granado, Finance Director briefly updated the Commission on the COVID-19 finances; total expenses to date is $6,479,526 with the majority spent on personnel overtime; with focus on the Police and Fire. Emergency Procurement comes in second with the majority spent on testing kits for the uninsured. Dr. Arturo Rodriguez, Director of Public Health and Ms. Michelle Jones, Epidemiologist briefly updated the Commission on the COVID-19 collections and  testing site as ofJ June 12, 2020, noting the following:  3,668 tests administered/users are local employers  2,286 did not meet criteria 50% Insured, 50%1 Uninsured 263 positive, 2,907 negative results 501 results pending  Dr. Rodriguez along with Ms. Jones, further noted that additional COVID-19 drive thru lanes had been opened, provided details ofimpact to events due to the executive orders; and the Boots on the Ground Operations was on its 38th day, noting that the current concentration was on the north side of the city; and had 5-8  staff members participating in the operation. Briefdiscussion ensued amongst the Commission.  CONSENT AGENDA ITEM(S)  Consent Agenda Items listed were considered to be routine by the City Commissioner Nurith Galonsky Pizana moved to approve Consent Agenda Items 1,2, 4, and moved Consent Agenda Item 3 out of sequence for discussion and action. The motion was seconded by Commissioner John Cowen, Jr. and carried unanimously. Consideration and ACTION to award a term contract, RFP# RBW-28-0515, for body camera licensing, data storage, and maintenance for the City of  Commission and was approved by one motion.  Brownsville Police Department.  Minutes June 16, 2020- -) Page 4 of1l    2) Consideration and ACTION on Resolution Number 2020-048 to sign the Advance Funding Agreement (AFA) between the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and City of Brownsville for Phase I development of Hydrologic Model oft the Brownsville Resaca and Canal System in the amount of $32,500 4) APPROVAL on SECOND and FINAL READING on Ordinance. Number 2020-318-LL, amending the City of Brownsville Code of Ordinances, repealing and replacing in their entirety Chapter 106, Article II Sections 106-  as budgeted.  107, 106-108 and 106-38. Consent Agenda 3  3) APPROVAL on SECOND and FINAL. READING on Ordinance Number 235- 2019-068-CO, to rezone from Dwelling "G" (DG) to Apartment "G" (AG-CO) for Lot 26, Block 1, St. Tropez Subdivision, Cameron County, Texas, located at 2521 Commissioner Jessica Tetreau moved to that Consent Agenda Item 3, be approved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rose Gowen and carried as Ayes: Commissioners Tetreau, Cowen, Gowen, Munguia, Neece and Mayor  Old Port Isabel Road, with a Conditional Overlay. (District2 2)  follow: Mendez  Nays: Commissioner Galonsky Pizana  ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION (S)  Consideration and ACTION to approve Resolution Number 2020-063, to remove and donate the Jefferson Davis Monument located at Washington Commissioner Rose Gowen moved that Resolution Number 2020-063, to remove and donate the Jefferson Davis Monument located at Washington Park, be Attl this time, Commissioner Benl Neece gaveab briefbackground ofthe. Jefferson Davis Monument, and noted that the City cannot donate the monument since the City does not own it. Commissioner Neece further noted that the monument had been a State marker back in 1976 or 1977, which was located oni the State highway. Commissioner Neece recommended amending the motion that the Jefferson Davis Monument be removed immediately and authorizing the City Manager to hold the monument in a safe location and to determine the ownership, until the Commissioner Rose Gowen: moved to remove the monument, clean the plaque immediately, and have the City Manager decide ownership in the meantime it will be stored by the City, agreed and accepted the amended motion as recommended by Commissioner Ben Neece. The motion was seconded by Commissioner. Jessica  Park.  approved.  outcome of the monument is determined.  Tetreau and carried unanimously.  Minutes June 16, 2020- - Page 5of11    2) Consideration and ACTION on Resolution Number 2020-061 in support ofa Cultural District Designation Application to the Texas Commission on the Commission Ben Neece moved that Resolution Number 2020-061 in support of a Cultural District Designation Application to the Texas Commission on the Arts, be approved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nurith Galonsky 3) Consideration and ACTION on the Seventh Amended Declaration of Local  Arts.  Pizana and carried unanimously. Disaster for Public Health Emergency.  Helen Ramirez, Deputy City Manager read the recommended changes to the Seventh Amended Declaration of Local State Disaster for Public Health  Emergency.  Briefdiscussion ensued amongst the Commission.  Commissioner Nurith Galonsky Pizana moved that the Seventh Amended Declaration ofLocal State Disaster for Public Health. Emergency, be approved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rose Gowen and carried unanimously. 4) Consideration and ACTION to create an Equity Task Force.  Commissioner Nurith Galonsky Pizana noted that she had discussed the item with Commissioner Rose Gowen and Commissioner. John Cowen, Jr., and the idea was to try to create more equity within the city. Commissioner Galonsky Pizana mentioned that Commissioner Cowen had been helpful in providing a reference point to what the City of Austin is doing with theirs strategic performance dashboard and it has different areas in which they evaluate whether or not there was equity. Commissioner Galonsky Pizana noted that there was only one. Fire: station to cover District 1 area and expressed concern for the Southmost Public Library, and would like recommendations as to how we need to deliver services equally throughout  our city.  Briefd discussion ensued amongst the Commission.  Commissioner Nurith Galonsky Pizana moved that the creation of the Equity Task Force, be approved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner John 5) Consideration and ACTION to rescind awarded contract to R.E. Friedrichs Co. for the Brownsville Community Resource Center Senior Center Project. Damaris McGlone, Parks and Recreation Director provided al brief explanation ofthe proposed agenda item noting that the contractor had withdrawn their bid and  Cowen, Jr., and carried unanimously.  agreed to rescind the contract.  Briefo discussion ensued amongst the Commission.  Commissioner Nurith Galonsky Pizana moved that the contract to R.E. Friedrichs Co. for the Brownsville Community Resource Center Senior Center Project, be rescinded. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ben Neece and  carried unanimously.  Minutes June 16, 2020 - Page 6 of1l    6) Consideration and ACTION to award contract for the Brownsville Community Resource Center Senior Center Project to the lowest responsive & responsible bidder, H20 Construction Services, Inc., in the Amount of Commissioner Ben Neece moved that the contract for the Brownsville Community Resource Center Senior Center Project, be awarded, to the lowest responsive & responsible bidder, H20 Construction Services, Inc., in the amount of$675,855.00. The motion was seconded by Commissioner John Cowen, Jr., and 7) Consideration and ACTION on renewal of term contract for Excavation, Loading and Hauling Services for the City of Brownsville, as budgeted. Commissioner Nurith Galonsky Pizana moved that the contract renewal for Excavation, Loading and Hauling Services for the City of Brownsville, as budgeted. Contract #HDS-30-0418, be approved. The motion was seconded by 8) Consideration and ACTION on Resolution Number 2020-057, authorizing, in accordance with section 26.04 (c-1) of the' Texas Tax Code, that a city officer or employee calculate the voter approval tax rate for tax year 2020 in the manner provided for a special taxing unit at eight percent (8%). Lupe Granado, Financial Services Director, provided lab briefexplanation oft the proposed agenda item noting that the Texas Senate Bill 2 (SB2) of the 86th Legislature lowered the property tax rate a taxing unit can adopt without voter Commissioner Rose Gowen moved that Resolution Number 2020-057, authorizing, in accordance with section 26.04 (c-1) of the Texas Tax Code, that a city officer or employee calculate the voter approval tax rate for tax year 2020 in the manner provided for a special taxing unit at eight percent (8%), be approved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner. Jessica Tetreau and carried as follow: Ayes: Commissioner Tetreau, Cowen, Jr., Gowen, Munguia, Neece and Mayor  $675,855.00.  carried unanimously.  Contract: #HDS-30-0418.  Commissioner John Cowen, Jr., and carried unanimously.  approval.  Briefdiscussion ensued amongst the Commission.  Mendez  Nays: Commissioner Galonsky Pizana  BOARD APPOINTMENTES)  1) Consideration and ACTION on Resolution Number 2020-044 to appoint or reappoint member(s) to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board  Committee.  Resolution Number 2020-044 was approved as follow:  Minutes June 16, 2020- - Page 7of11    Commissioner Ben Neece moved that Joe Lee Rubio be reappointed to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Committee. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nurith Galonsky Pizana and carried unanimously. 2) Consideration and ACTION on Resolution Number 2020-046, to appoint a member to thel Brownsville Public Library System Advisory Board. Resolution Number 2020-046 was approved as follow: by Commissioner Rose Gowen and carried unanimously. reappoint member(s) to the Board of Adjustment (BOA). Resolution Number 2020-052 was approved as follow:  Commissioner) Nurith Galonsky Pizana moved to appoint Celia Flores Feistto thel Brownsville Public Library System Advisory Board. The motion was seconded 3) Consideration and ACTION on Resolution Number 2020-052, to appoint or  Commissioner Rose Gowen moved to appoint Roy. De Los, Santos to the Board of Adjustment (BOA). The motion was seconded by Commissioner John Cowen, 4) Consideration and ACTION on Resolution Number 2020-051, to appoint or reappoint member(s) to the' Transit. Advisory Committee (TAC). Resolution Number 2020-051 was approved as follow: Commissioner Rose Gowen and carried unanimously. reappoint member(s) to the Main Street Advisory Board. Resolution Number 2020-055 was approved as follow:  Jr. and carried unanimously.  Commissioner Nurith Galonsky Pizana moved to appoint Gregorio Rincones to the Transit Advisory Committee (TAC). The motion was seconded by 5) Consideration and ACTION on Resolution Number 2020-055, to appoint or  Commissioner Ben Neece moved to appoint Wesley Reed to the Main Street Advisory Board. The motion was seconded by Commissioner. John Cowen,J Jr., and Mayor Trey Mendez III moved to re-appoint Angelina Macias and Commissioner Ben Neece to the Main Street Advisory Board. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jessica Tetreau and carried unanimously. Commissioner Nurith Galonsky Pizana moved to appoint Vanessa Sandoval to the Main Street Advisory Board. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Commissioner John Cowen moved to appoint Ian Buenrostro to the Main Street Advisory Board. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nurith Mayor Trey Mendez moved to appoint Daniela Loera to the Main Street Advisory Board. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jessica Tetreau and  carried unanimously.  John Cowen, Jr., and carried unanimously. Galonsky Pizana and carried unanimously.  carried unanimously.  Minutes June 16, 2020- - Page 8 of1l    6) Consideration and ACTION on Resolution Number 2020-056, to appoint or reappoint member(s) to the Historic Preservation and Design Review Board  (HPDRB).  Resolution Number 2020-056 was approved as follow:  Commissioner Ben Neece moved to appoint Larry Loff to the Historic Preservation and Design Review Board. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ben Neece moved to appoint Luis Murillo to the Historic Preservation and Design Review Board. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rose Gowen moved to appoint Philip Samponaro to the Historic Preservation and Design Review Board. The motion was seconded by 7) Consideration and ACTION on Resolution Number 2020-053, to appoint or reappoint member(s) to the Building and Standards Commission. Resolution Number 2020-053 was approved as follow: John Cowen, Jr., and carried unanimously. Cowen, Jr., and carried unanimously.  Commissioner Nurith Galonsky Pizana. Commissionerlessica Tetreau. Commissioner Ben Neece.  Commissioner Jessica Tetreau moved to appoint Fabriel Cisneros to the Building and Standards Commission. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Commissioner Ben Neece moved to appoint Larry Hollman to the Building and Standards Commission. The motion was seconded by Commissioner John Commissioner Ben Neece moved that the third appointment be tabled. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nurith Galonsky Pizana and carried 8) Consideration and ACTION on Resolution Number 2020-058 to appoint or reappoint member(s) to the Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau  unanimously.  (CVB). Advisory Board.  Resolution Number 2020-058 was approved as follow:  Commissioner Ben Neece moved to appoint Danny Loff to the Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau/CVB)Advisony Board. The motion was seconded Mayor Trey Mendez moved to appoint Edgar Navarro to the Brownsville Convention and' Visitorsl Bureau (CVB). Advisory Board. The motion was: seconded 9) Consideration and ACTION on Resolution Number 2020-059, to appoint or reappoint member(s) to the Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB).  by Commissioner Jessica Tetreau.  by Commissioner Ben Neece and carried unanimously.  Resolution Number 2020-059 was approved as follow: Joel Munguia, agenda item was tabled and carried as follow: Ayes: Commissioners Tetreau and Munguia  Upon motion by Commissioner Jessica Tetreau seconded by Commissioner  Minutes June 16, 2020- - Page 9of11    Nays: Commissioners Galonsky Pizana, Cowen, Gowen, Neece and Mayor Commissioner Jessica Tetreau moved to appoint Frank Wood to the Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB). Motion failed due tol lack ofas second. Commissioner Ben Neece moved to appoint Patricio Sampayo to the Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB). The motion was seconded Ayes: Commissioners Galonsky Pizana, Cowen, Gowen, Munguia, Neece and  Mendez  Commissioner Nurith Galonsky Pizana and carried as follow:  Mayor Mendez  Nays: Commissioner Tetreau  10)Consideration and ACTION on Resolution Number 2020-060 to appoint a  member(s) to the Charter Review Committee. Resolution Number 2020-060 was approved as follow:  Commissioner Jessica Tetreau moved to appoint Evaristo Cardenas to the Charter Review Committee. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ben  Neece and carried unanimously.  EXECUTIVE SESSION  At this time Commissioner Jessica Tetreau abstained from attending the Executive Upon motion by Commissioner Nurith Galonsky Pizana seconded by Commissioner John Cowen and carried unanimously, the Executive Session convened at 8:24 p.m. A) Attorney consultation pursuant to Section 551.071, Texas Gov't Code to receivel legal advice regarding the City Commission's duties, privileges, rights, and responsibilities pertaining to the issuance award of a specific franchise license for residential waste management pursuant to the City's General Franchise Ordinance and applicable state law requirements and to address Upon conclusion of] Executive Session, Mayor. Juan "Trey" Mendez III, convened the Regular meeting at 8:43 p.m. There was no action taken inl Executive Session. POSSIBLE ACTION ON ANY ITEM(S) AS DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION NOTE: The City Commission of the City of] Brownsville reserves the right to discuss any items in Executive Session whenever authorized under the Texas Open Meetings Act,  Session and left the meeting.  related legal issues.  Chapter 551 ofthe' Texas Government Code.  ADJOURNMENT  There being no further business to come before the Commission, upon duly made  motion the meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.  Approved this 15th day of_ September 2020.  Minutes June 16, 2020- - Page 10of11    ht  X  Trey Mendéz Mayor  Attest: Lp Griseldal Rosas Interim City Secretaryu  pO FERLARNT  Respectfully submitted by: Yolanda Galarza-ldminisiraive. Supervisor Office oft the City Secretary  Minutes June 16, 2020 -I Page 11 of11