Minutes of August 19, 2024, Regular City Council Meeting at Heritage Hall, 7:00 PM. The Merkel City Council met fora a Regular City Council Meeting on August 19, 2024, at Heritage Hall, 7:00PM. Mayor Schrampfer called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and announced a quorum present. Council members present were Matthew Riggan, Collin. Jacobs and Rode McElreath. Brady  Rutledge was absent. Prayer led by Collin. Jacobs.  Mayor Schrampfer led the Pledge of Allegiance and Texas Pledge. Citizens were given an opportunity to comment.  Matt Riggan motioned to approve the minutes of the. July 15, 2024, Regular City Council Meeting and August 8, 2024, Called City Council Meeting. Rode McElreath seconded the motion. Approved 3-0. The council discussed the staff reports. City Manager Weaver stated that PSI has completed the testing of the meters, the inspector from CCSS has started with the city, visited Coleman for a seminar on grants, and met with. Jacob & Martin for possible grants for water loss. The council D'Anne Carson from Government Capital spoke about bond costs and interest rates fori the Fire Station. Collin. Jacobs discussed with Chief Harris about Merkel becoming the HUB of West Taylor Motion was made by Coliin. Jacobs to adopt Ordinance No. 08192024 calling for al bond election to be The Council discussed Resolution No. 05202024 an EDC project approving a partially forgivable loan for al laundromat with property donated by the EDC. Discussion ofl location, infrastructure issues, other funding options, and EDC budget. Collin Jacob motioned to deny Resolution No. 052024 and Mayor Schrampfer opened al Public Hearing to allow publici input on proposed zoning change of property described as Lot $180 W: 240, Block 3-4, Porter Heights Additioni from agricultural open 3 Letters were entered into the public hearing. The public hearing closed at 7:46 PM. Rode McElreath motioned to table Ordinance No. 08-19-2024-A and Matt Riggan seconded. The Council reviewed the Ordinance No. 08-19-2024-B regarding substandard housing. City Manager stated that the city would look at vacant housing initially. Matt Riggan suggested mass mailing sO  discussed census numbers and how they affect grant approvals.  County.  held on November 5, 2024, and was seconded by Rode McElreath. Approved 3-0.  was seconded by Rode McEireath. Approved 3-0.  space district (AO) to single family residence district (SF-1) at 7:44 PM.  Approved 3-0.    citizens would be aware oft the new ordinance. Code enforcement will be following the building codes  adopted and can use discretion fori timely completion. Discussion of the FY: 2024-2025 Budget regarding updates made.  Motion to approve 1sty reading of Ordinance No. 09162024 an Ordinance of the City of Merkel, Taylor County, Texas fixing and establishing a Budget for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2024 and ending September 30, 2025 (FY2025) was made by Matt Riggan and seconded by Rode McElreath. Discussion of Ordinance No. 09162024-1 for establishing a tax ratei for the FY2025. Discussion oft the no new revenue rate versus the voter approval rate. Merkel doesn't have exemptions such as homestead or taxi freeze. Discussion of budget for next year based on tax rate, city needs for vehicles, growth needed, and street signage. Council agreed on tax rate of $.5600. Called meeting will be set CollinJacobs motioned to approve Ordinance No. 08192024-1 an ordinance of the City of Merkel, Texas amending Ordinance No. 08142023 providing an increase in' Water, Sewer Utility and Solid  Approved 3-0.  to approve the tax ordinance.  Waste Rates. Rode McEireath seconded the motion. Approved 3-0. The council reviewed the 3rd quarter FY: 2023-24 Budget numbers. Jacobs and seconded by Matt Riggan. Approved 3-0.  Motion to approve the 3rd quarter FY 2023-24 Quarterly Investment Report was made by Collin Motion to table new EDC Board members was made by Matt Riggan and seconded by Rode The council reviewed the Mellinger Park Agreement and exhibit. A attachment including the designs for the park. Questions were asked about thei time-length oft the construction, the costs covered by the city, and section 2 of the agreement needing to be detailed. Discussion of the parkl being under Rode McEireath motioned to approve the Mellinger Park Agreement with the addition oft the Mellinger Park Project Exhibit A replacing section 2-A was seconded by Collin. Jacobs. Approved 3-0. The Council discussed vacancy of City Council, Place 5 and introduced Elaine Chaney as candidate. Collin. Jacobs motioned to adjourn and was seconded by Rode McElreath. Approved 3-0.  McElreath. Approved 3-0.  construction and not available during thel homecoming and Christmas parade.  Meeting Adjourned at 9:00 PM. Vuks smne Evelyn Morse,City Secretary  Wgsuh