City of Richland Springs  Minutes of Public Meeting and City Council Meeting on November 13th, 2023 Public Meeting @ 6pm at the RS Community Center: discussion and Q&A1 for the recent City and Council Members present: Kristy Perry, Chris Perry, Jessica Scales, and. Jason  water and sewer rate increase Note Taker: Jessica Scales Guests present for public meeting: none No discussion held, no citizens present for meeting.  Lewis  Regularly Scheduled Meeting: Discussion oft the ongoing projects and regular business of Council Members: Aaron Bessett, Franky Soto, Larry Crump, Jessica Scales, and. Jason  the city Lewis  Council Attendees: Mayor Frank Pearce Note Taker: Jessica Scales Absent: Aaron Bessett  Called to Order/Location: 7:00 PM at the RS Community Center City Officials present: Mayor, Frank Pearce; Treasurer, Franky Soto; Secretary,lessica Scales; Larry Crump; Jason Lewis; City Water Manager, Chris Perry Guests present: Dave DeGroot, Deputy Ty Mann, Deputy lan Merriman, K9 Andor  7:00pm 1. We opened the meeting with a prayer.  7:02pm 2. We had Guest and Citizen Participation: Mr. DeGroot wanted to let us know he had purchased the Water Well Services business, located in the city of RS, and planned on running it as locally as possible to help taxi revenue for the city and help the 7:04pm 3. We discussed and approved the previous meeting minutes. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Franky Soto, 2nd by Larry Crump, passed by 7:06pm 4. We discussed the payment of bills for the city and the water department. Larger extra purchases included payment for cleaning crew on old water office by Franky's crew, a power washer for cleaning equipment regularly, electronic equipment for monitoring stations and oil for repairs. A motion to approve the bills was made by Jason Lewis, 2nd by. Jessica Scales; Franky Soto abstained, passed by unanimous vote, 3-0. 7:13pm 5. We discussed the monthly reports for the city, and the water sewer and  community. The council thanked him for his considerations.  unanimous vote, 4-0.  garbage department.    currently profit and loss for the WSG is int the negative due to recent repair costs. WSG currently has "$11,000 int the account to continue operations after this TruClear is still monitoring the pond and will need to take samples weekly Our lead and copper: samples were submitted and accepted, results all clear AMS: still needs to be paid: $160,000 total, but to be paid in 2 installments, half when half project is completed, the other half upon completion. Process still on track, pond sludge level slowly decreasing. Note: Current city acct balance "$ Discussing purchasing signs to clearly identify City Hall. Chris received complaints thati it is not easily identifiable. Discussed sign, print, style and color, location on building. Alli in agreement to add standard informational sign to cityl hall and old  round of bills is paid  TCEQ has given us no updates or approvals  212,000. Will have to monitor bills closely.  water office. Chris will order.  7:20pm 6. Rolling Agenda Item: Sheriffs Office report  Deputy Mann briefly advised us they are still working on the fight against all crime in the county, speeding around town: still a problem, ongoing deputy shortage, and deputies doing best to patrol. Council asked that more tickets be given out, and advised engine brake signs would soon be going up and asked SO to enforce as well. Discussed local Deputy Merriman brought us up to speed on the status oft the county K9 unit. All purchases and: schooling were: successfully completed and they are now actively patrolling. Introduced the council to K9 Andor, and went over his capabilities. Discussed his active duty and situations he had already been utilized for; he has already found narcotics during a search. Discussed how to best introduce him to the county and locals, he will be available for school and business requests to meet and greet, and to let everyone know. Thanked for the introduction, took group photo for the record. 7:37pm 7. We discussed the drought contingency plan andi its current stage. Discussed rainfall amounts locally. The area received 3-5 inches locally over the last month. Well level now sits around 20', a more than 6' increase. Forecast still shows very little rain over winter. Discussed and decided to leave at this stage throughout winter, no action 7:39pm 8. We discussed the old water office. Franky's demo cleanup crew removed as much tar and debris as they could off the walls and frames. Full dumpster. Had to leave top of walls due to 2x6 in place that cant be removed. We had two more contractors look at the building site and both declined to make al bid because oft the length oft the large project and their already busy workloads. We were also advised all the rocks are loose around top edge of walls and will need tol be replaced and mortared. Will be asking Ray Clarke, although retired, if possiblyi interested in constructing the pole barn.  incidents and locations of hot spots.  taken.  No action taken ati this time.    7:42pm 9. Rolling Agenda Item: Eclipse 2024  No newi information at this time. No action taken. Next multicounty multiagency meeting will be before next council meeting, more information to come. 7:45pm 10. Discussed Christmas bonuses for city employees and the sheriff's deputies. Decided on same bonuses as last year, $500 Mando, $200 Chris, $200 Kristy, $100 Jordan, and $20 gift certificates to The Coyote Station for each deputy. A motion was made to approve the amounts for Christmas bonuses, to be paid out and distributed by the city. Motion made by Franky Soto, 2nd by. Jason Lewis, passed by unanimous vote, 4-  0.  7:47pm 11. Mayor Reports:  -Currently stalled on water office build, taking any suggestions for contractors -Roads are being slowly repaired, using maintainer to grate, listed all possible places that might need a dump tot filli in large holes and dips. Discussed worst locations to start with, after washout from flooding. All streets will be inspected beforehand. -Jason asked if city had considered purchasing al bucket truck. Hei is requesting that old cable lines bei taken down off phone lines, as no longer in service. States some streets have draping or cut lines dangling; worried about appearance. Discussed other purposes for bucket truck usei for city use, no other uses or needs listed by anyone. Discussed renting one for a one-time use only. Discussed insurance liability, as someone would need to be lifted towards power lines. Discussed asking Oncor ift they could assist. Will check prices with San Saba print as well, as they rent out al bucket truck for sign and 7:57pm 12. We entered into Executive Session per Chapter 551 of the TX Gov't Code to 8:37pm 13. We exited the executive session. We discussed the action to be taken, no 8:37pm 14. Motion made to adjourn meeting by Franky Soto, 2nd by Larry Crump, passed  banner installs. No action taken at this time. discuss local ordinance violations. action needed at this time. by unanimous vote, 4-0.  Reve Frank Pearce Lae  dabn Jessica Scales  A