MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL  On the 2nd day of. July 2024, the City Council ofTaft, Texas, convened for a regular meeting at 230 Green  Avenue, Taft, Texas, Taft City Hall at 6:301 P.M. 1.CALL MEETING TOORDER  There being a quorum, Mayor Vasquez called the meeting to order at 6:301 P.M. 2.CALL ROLL AND ESTABLISH A QUORUM: IS PRESENT  Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez  M present M present M present M present  absent J absent absent absent  Others Present: Ryan Smith, Andrea Gomez, others present listed on sign ins sheet Councilman Garza led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Pledge toi the Texas Flag.  3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  4. PRAYER  Rev. Steve Boetcher led the prayer. 5.CITIZEN COMMENTS  1) Rey Reyes appeared before the Council to speak about the City Parks and the sidewalks. 2) Laura McKinney appeared before the Council to speak about the wifi issue at the City of Taft  Library. 6.CONSENT. AGENDA  A. CODE ENFORCEMENT REPORT  Code Enforcer. Jerry Martin provided the Council with a packet ofi information to help explain thej presented report. Mr. Martin informed the Council that five (5) liens have been placed on properties, three (3) liens 7. DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTION TO APPROVE THE AMENDED Attorney Thomas Gwosdz introduced himself to the Council and explained his background. Mr. Gwosdz iso currently the City Attorney in Aransas Pass, Taft and interim for Goliad. The only change to1 the Councilman Garza motioned to approve the amended engagement letter with the Gwosdz law firm, the  pending.  ENGAGEMENTIETTER WITHTHE GWOSDZ LAW] FIRM. amended contract was to include Municipal Prosecution services.  motion was seconded. The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried.  M for against D abstain Dabsent M: for Dagainst D abstain Dabsent M for Da against Da abstain Dabsent M for D against D abstain D absent    8.A ADMINISTER THE OATH OF OFFICE FOR THOMAS GWOSDZ. ATTORNEY ATLAW. Mr. Gwosdz's oath of office was previously administered and a copy was provided to the City Secretary. 9.DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTIONTOA AMEND THE PERSONNEL Ryan Smith informed the Council that the only change on the policy was to add the word' "day". Per weekend "day" there usually is only one (1) water/sewer operator and one (1) equipment operator. This Councilman Keeney motioned to amend the personnel policy for public works, the motion was seconded.  No Action taken.  POLICY REGARDING ONC CALL TIME.  policy is specifically for thej public works department.  The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried. COMP. TIME: POLICY.  M for Dagainst Da abstain D absent Mi for Dagainst a abstain Dabsent E for Dagainst D abstain D absent M for Dagainst D abstain D absent  10.DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTION REGARDING THE CITY OF TAFT Ryan Smith informed the Council that the City currently does not have a comp. time policy. Councilman Molina reminded the council that this item had been previously tabled in February, yet an employee was paid at the end of February for the requested comp. time. Mayor Vasquez suggested to table thei item SO1 that the city attorney Mr. Gwosdz may review the audio from executive session  regarding the employee and the comp. time discussion.  Councilman Garza motioned to table item #10, the motion was seconded.  The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez  M for Da against D abstain absent E for D against D abstain Dabsent E for Da against D abstain Da absent E for Da against D abstain D absent  The motion carried. Thei item was tabled.  11.DISCUSS. CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTION' TO APPOINT MEMBERS1 TOTHE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE TML: INTERGOVERNMENTAL RISK POOL. Ryan Smith informed the Council al list ofi names was provided to choose from for the board, the list was  handed to the Council for review. The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez  Councilman Garza motioned to table item #11, the motion was seconded.  M for D against Dabstain Da absent M for Da against Dabstain Da absent M for Dagainst abstain Dabsent M for Dagainst D abstain Da absent  The motion carried. The item was tabled.  12. DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTION REGARDING THE CITY OFTAFT  SOCIALI MEDIA POLICY.    Ryan Smith informed the Council oft the social media policy in place. Councilman Garza stated he does not think it becoming ofa city employee to be commenting or answering City business from personal  facebook pages. No action was taken.  13.] DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY, ACTIONTO) HIRE A THIRD PARTY AGENCY Councilman Garza stated that there are neutral third party agencies available to assist int the process of hiring to avoid any conflict ofi interest. Councilman Molina stated the applications should be sent to the 14.1 DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTIONTOCREATE. A COMMITTEE FOR Councilman Molina would like this item posted on social media to try to bring more community  TO VET AND COORDINATE CITY MANAGER INTERVIEWS.  City Secretary instead ofthe interim City Manager to avoid any extra costs.  No action was taken.  THE DOWNTOWNI REVITALIZATION PROJECT.  involvement.  Councilman Keeney motioned to table item #14, the motion was seconded.  The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez  M for Dagainst D abstain D absent Mi for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for Dagainst D abstain Dabsent  The motion carried. Thei item was tabled.  15.UPDATE: REGARDING: THE CONTAINER. AND PAD FOR THE RECYCLING STATION.  Ryan Smith informed the Council oft the updates regarding the Recycling station.  No action was taken.  16. DISCUFS.CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTION REGARDING APPOINTMENTSTO Ryan Smith reminded the Council that this matter was discussed last meeting. Mr. Smith suggested to  THE CAPITAL IMPORVEMENTS COMMITTEE. create a committee with citizens involvement.  Councilman Garza motioned to table item #16, 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 Dagainst D abstain Dabsent M for Dagainst a abstain Dabsent M for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent  The motion carried. The item was tabled.  IDISCISS.CONSIDIR AND NECESSARY ACTION REGARDING SCHOOL ZONE SIGNS Mayor Vasquez informed the Council that this was brought to his attention by residents. Sgt. Easley informed the Council that Taft ISD are the ones who set the school zones. Mayor Vasquez requested that  ON] ROOTS AVE AND MEYER STREET.  Sgt. Easley get in contact with the ISD to coordinate the signs being placed.  No action was taken.    18.] DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTIONTO APPOINT MAXINE BOWEN AS AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE BETWEENTHE CITYOF TAFT AND THE SAN Maxine Bowen addressed the Council by giving some of! her background information and experience. Councilman Keeney moved to appoint Maxine Bowen as an authorized representative between the City of Taft and the San Patricio County Emergency. Management, the motion was seconded.  PATRICIO COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.  The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried.  Mi for Dagainst D abstain Dabsent M for Dagainst abstain Dabsent M for Dagainst Dabstain absent M for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent  19.I DISCUSS. CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTIONTO CREATE A RESOLUTIONTO ADOPT A POLICY REQUIRING MULTIPLE QUOTES AND APPROVAL FOR VENDORS SELECTION WHEN THERE ISA CONNECTIONTO. A CITY EMPLOYEE. Ryan Smith informed the Council this policy would help protect the City due to possible conflicts of interest. Attorney Thomas Gwodsz also informed the Council ofa an added definition for clarification. Councilman Keeney moved to adopt the policy requiring multiple quotes and approval for vendor selection when there is a connection to a city employee as per the changes made by the City Attorney, the  motion was seconded. The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried.  E for Da against D abstain D absent E for Da against D abstain Da absent E for Da against D abstain Da absent E for Dagainst D abstain D absent  20.] DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND NECESSARY ACTION' TOCLOSE THE DRIVE THRU AT CITY HALLJULYII, (THURSDAY)AND JULY12TH FRIDAVTOALLOW PUBLIC Ryan Smith informed the Council oft thei issues with the sewer line at City Hall. In order to reach the Councilman Garza motioned to close the drive thru at City Hall for the dates of July 11hand 12th2024t to  WORKS' TOPLACE SEWAGEWASTE WATERI PIPING. pipes digging is necessary which would cause the drive thru to be closed. allow public works to replace the pipes, the motion was seconded.  The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried. EXECUTIVE SESSION:  M: for Dagainst D abstain Dabsent M for Dagainst abstain Dabsent M for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent M for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent  21. 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) To deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment of duties, discipline or dismissal ofap public officer or employee or to hear a complaint or charge against officer or employee  CITY MANAGER INTERVIEW - Shawna Burkhart  Texas Government Code $ 551.071, consultation with attorney oni matter involving pending or contemplated litigation or other matter in which the duty oft the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct oft the State Bar ofTexas clearly conflicts with the Texas Open Meetings Act.  THOMAS. A. GWOSDZ, City Attorney  Councilman Garza motioned to move into Executive Session, 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 D abstain D absent M for against D abstain D absent M for Dagainst Da abstain absent Mi for Dagainst D abstain Dabsent  The Council moved into Executive Session at 7:36 pm. matter(s) discussed in Closed Session may be considered.  20. Open Session: The City Council will reconvene in Open Session at which time action on the  Section 551.074 (Personnel Matters) To deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment of duties, discipline or dismissal ofa public officer or employee or to hear a complaint or charge against officer or employee  CITY MANAGER INTERVIEW - Shawna Burkhart  Texas Government Code $ 551.071, consultation with attorney on matter involving pending or contemplated litigation or other matter in which the duty oft the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct oft the State Bar ofTexas clearly conflicts with the Texas Open Meetings Act.  THOMAS A. GWOSDZ, City Attorney  Councilman Garza motioned to move into Open Session, the motion was seconded.  The following Votes were polled: Councilman Molina Councilman Garza Mayor Pro-tem Keeney Mayor Vasquez The motion carried.  Mf for Dagainst Dabstain D absent for Dagainst Dabstain Dabsent Hfor Dagainst abstain Dabsent M for Dagainst Dabstain D absent  The Council Reconvened Session at 8:12 pm. Matters of Executive Session: The Council announced:    Section 551.074(Personnel Matters) To deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment of duties, discipline or dismissal ofal public officer or employee or to hear a complaint or charge against officer or employee  CITY MANAGER INTERVIEW - Shawna Burkhart  No action taken.  Texas Government Code $551.071, consultation with attorney on matter involving pending or contemplated litigation or other matter in which the duty oft the attorney to the governmental body under the' Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct oft the State Bar ofTexas clearly conflicts with the Texas Open Meetings Act.  THOMAS A. GWOSDZ, City Attorney  No: action taken.  21. COUNCIL AND STAFF COMMENTS: COMMENTS MAYBE MADE BY STAFF OR Councilman Molina stated he was eager to see the flags placed, he is available to help. Councilman Keeney asked Ryan to make sure wifi was available at the public library. Councilman Keeney also addressed the newi format of the water bills, Ryan informed him they have  COUNCIL BUT NO ACTION WILL BE' TAKEN  already been printed and will now be on aj paper bill format.  22. ITEMS TOCONSIDER FOR PLACEMENT ON FUTURE AGENDAS Councilman Molina - Would like to see the 911 addressing agent filled.  23.A ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMUNITY: INTEREST. AND/OR UPCOMING EVENTS  Ryan Smith announced the Movie in the Park for the upcoming 3 weeks. Rev. Steve Boetcher reminded the public ofthe Blessing box. Councilman Keeney announced that Thursday is the 4th of. July.  Maxine Bowen announced she would like to be apart of any upcoming National Night Out events.  24.ADJOURN-7 TIME 8:19P.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 Da abstain Dabsent E for Da against abstain absent E for Da against Da abstain Dabsent M for D against D abstain D absent    Passed and Approved this layd of lgul 2086  CITYC OFTAFT Leonard Vasquez, le ATTEST:  Mayor  Lpese  City Secretary  Ee