CITY OF SCHULENBURG SCHULENBURG, TX March 20, 2023  The City Council of the City of Schulenburg met in regular session on Monday, March 20, 2023, at 6:30P.M. in the Council Chambers located at 607 Upton Avenue, Schulenburg, Texas. The elected officials present included Mayor, Elaine Kocian, Alderwoman, Wendy Fietsam, Aldermen, Greg Thomas, Larry' Veselka, and Clarence Ahlschlager. City Staff present were City Administrator, Tami Walker, Operations Manager, Darryl Moeller, Police Sergeant, Tobey Visitors included, Layne Vyvjala of the Schulenburg Sticker and Armen Herzik.  McFadden, and City Secretary, Mason Florus.  Mayor Kocian called role, Mason Florus said a prayer over the meeting and its members, led Alderman Veselka made a motion, seconded by Alderman Thomas, to accept the Consent A. Minutes from the Regular Scheduled Council Meeting held on March 6, 2023 Mrs. Walker led discussion on a Notice for General Election for Municipalities, City of Schulenburg. Mrs. Walker announced that this notice gives a date, time, and place for the May 6, General and Special Election being held at the Public Library, with early voting also taking Mrs. Walker also informed Council that since Chief Brenek is on the Ballot for SISD School Board, Precinct 4 Constable, Jason Strickland, and a SPD Officer will take the ballot boxes from Alderwoman Fietsam made a motion, seconded by Alderman Ahlschlager, to accept the Notice Mrs. Walker led discussion on the Appointment of Election Judge and Alternate Judge for the Mrs. Walker stated that The Fayette County Elections Administrator, Terri Hefner, is recommending Kathy Kleiber as the Election Judge and Helen Niesner, as the Alternate Judge. Alderman Veselka made a motion, seconded by Alderman Thomas, to appoint Mrs. Kleiber and Mrs. Niesner as Judge and Alternate Judge respectfully. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. Walker led discussion on a Resolution by the City of Schulenburg, Texas, suspending the May 1, 2023 effective date of the proposal by CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp., D/BIA CenterPoint Energy Entex and CenterPoint Energy Texas Gas - South Texas Division to implement interim GRIP Rate Adjustments for Gas Utility Investment in 2022 and requiring  the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Texas Pledge. Agenda Items A and B. The motion passed unanimousiy.  B. Payment of Current Bills  place at the Library April 24 - 28 and May 1stand 2nd.  the City Hall, to the Library, and then back to City Hall each day.  of Election. The motion passed unanimously.  City of Schulenburg General Election to be held on May 6, 2023.  delivery of this resolution to the company and legal counsel.    Mrs. Walker elaborated that CenterPoint Energy made Interim Rate Adjustment or "GRIP" filings with the cities ini its South Texas Division Service Area. The company is seeking recovery of $68,292,974 in invested capital. The current filing will increase rates to residential customers by $3.72 per month. This will increase the current residential customer charge from $27.03to Under the GRIP stature, cities my not challenge the company's request. The only action the City may take is to suspend the effective date of the rate increase by 45 days. Mrs. Walker said this ist typically what the City does every year and recommends approving the Resolution of Alderman Thomas made a motion, seconded by Alderwoman Fietsam to approve the Resolution suspending the rate increase by 45 days. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. Walker Updated Council on the Civic Center. Mrs. Walker stated that Legal informed her the contract between the City and Construction Managers did not meet statutory requirements. As a result, the City will go through a design/build project process with the Civic Center. Alderman Ahlschlager asked who would be taking care of the new advertisements and contracts. Mrs. Walker answered that it will be the City's Legal Counsel. Mrs. Walker then addressed Council about an Interlocal Agreement for the Use and Operations Mrs. Walker said that the current agreement is from 2014. The City and former SISD Superintendent, Mr. Limbaugh, were working towards a new agreement before he left last year. Mrs. Walker estimates the City has spent in excess of $25,000 on the fields and over $100,000 ofe equipment that can't afford to be damaged or stolen. Not to mention the labor that goes into Mrs. Walker is looking for guidance from Council to write up a new agreement and present it at Alderman Veselka stated that everything being sO expensive now a days, the City should recoup some cost. Alderman Ahlschlager agreed stating that he thinks the School should cover 1/5 or even 2/5 of the expenses at the Sports Complex. Alderman Veselka asked if the school makes money off their games. Mrs. Walker answered that they do charge admission for high school games. Mrs. Walker concluded saying that Schulenburg High Baseball and Softball teams do pay for their tournaments but do not make any other monetary contributions tot the There was a general consensus from Council that Mrs. Walker continue and write up an  $30.75 per month.  suspending the rate increase by 45 days.  of Athletic Facilities.  maintaining the grounds.  an upcoming SISD School Board Meeting.  Sports Complex.  updated Interlocal agreement between the City and SISD.  Fire Marshal, Steve Strickland's, report was included in Council's packets.    Operations Manager, Darryl Moeller, reported the following to Council:  Electric Department - Replaced an air switch at the Texan, replaces poles and pulled communication lines on Wolters, and installed a new lighted wind sock at the helipad. Water/Wastewater: Department - pressure washed and began painting the Public Pool, dug up two clogged sewer lines on August and Schultz, and did line locates on Russek Street Department- - Repaired the Dollar General Lift Station Building and will repaint it  St. and James Ave.  soon, they also assisted with digging up the sewer lines.  City Wide Clean Up concluded last Saturday. The City filled 14 containers full of various  garbage.  The Warehouse is being painted, the painters will finish on Wednesday and they will do all the  trim work soon after.  City Administrator, Tami Walker, reported the following to Council:  March 7, Met with Construction Managers of South East Texas in regards to the Civic March 8, Worked on TDA Grant for generators, Mason conducted drawing for order of names on the ballots, attended a meeting with Nicor about rerouting powerlines to split their and DFA's load, Megan and I attended a meeting with Schneider Engineering in regards to emergency preparedness. Also attended an EDC meeting March 9, Met with Strand at the Henderson Hill Ground Storage Tank. Still waiting to proceed with a close out date, received the goodie bags Mayor requested from the Chamber for the League of Women Voters of South Central Texas program March 12, attended the League of Women Voters of South Central Texas program at Sengelmann Hall where 8 local female mayors, including Mayor Kocian, were  Center  recognized for their public service.  March 13, conducted a staff meeting with Administration  March 14, met with Fayette County Emergency Management Coordinator, Angela Hahn March 15, conducted an interview with a potential Water/wastewater operator Mrs. Walker announced that the City hired 3 high school boys who worked during spring break and plan on returning this summer. The audit is still being drafted. The auditors plan on  presenting at the first Council Meeting in May.  LCRA's Steps Forward program will be held April 14, volunteers will continue painting down at the Expo Center. Mrs. Walker concluded stating that herself and Mason will attend a TMCA Alderman Veselka made a motion, seconded by Alderman Thomas, to adjourn the meeting at  Seminar in College Station from April 12-14"h. 6:59. The motion passed unanimously.