MINUTES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER9, 2024 CITY STAFF PRESENT Michael Smith, City Manager Shalyn Burritt, City Secretary Hanna Atkinson, Finance Officer Leslie. Jackson, Human Resources Bryan Corb, Police Chief Jeremy Jennings, Fire Chief Johnny Burritt, Code Enforcement Erica Garza, Sr. Customer Service Rep. Tedra Bilby, Administrative Assistant Police Department Officer Daniel Moody  ALDERMEN PRESENT Mayor Craig Fenter Alderman Place 1Libby Gonzales Alderman Place 2 Brandon Sisson Alderman Place 3 Greg Robinson Alderman Place 4. Joel Hood Alderman! Place 5J John Moffit ALDERMEN. ABSENT  CITY ATTORNEYS PRESENT David Spiller JACKSBORO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REPRESENTATIVE Brenda Tarpley, Director  1. CALL TO ORDER 2. INVOCATION  Mayor Fenter called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. The invocation was led by Brian Smith. 3. PLEDGES TO THE FLAGS Pledges led by Mayor Fenter. 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS  Dana Lovejoy-Leierer, a local business owner, asked several questions about the tax abatement process for the square. Council directed the City Manager to explain the process that was taken to designate the square as at tax abatement zone and that a person doing business in this area may then apply for a tax abatement for improvements made to their business. Ms. Lovejoy-Leierer expressed her desire for funds to be put into revitalization efforts downtown, especially All other members of the public who had signed up for public comment chose to defer their comments until the specific  sidewalks.  agenda item was brought up for discussion. 5. CONSENT AGENDA willl be considered. separately. a. EXCUSED ABSENCES b. MEETING MINUTES  All matters listed under Item 5, CONSENT AGENDA, are to be considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will not be a separate discussion of these items. If discussion is desired, that item will be removed from the consent agenda and  A AUGUST 26, 2024 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES. Alderman Sisson made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.  Alderman Robinson seconded the motion. Motion carried with unanimous consent. 6.F PROCLAMATION:  a. APROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF JACKSBORO, TEXAS, RECOGNIZING JACKSBORO CITIZEN FREDDIE SUE HOWARD ON HER 100TH BIRTHDAY, AND DECLARING SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 Mayor Craig Fenter explained the occasion of Ms. Howard's 100th birthday, and read the proclamation to be presented to  FREDDIE SUE HOWARD DAY" IN THE CITY OF JACKSBORO. her, declaring her 100th birthday, September 19, 2024, as Freddie Sue Howard Day. Agenda Item Number 14 moved up by Mayor Fenter and heard at this time.  City Council Minutes Regular Meeting 09/09/2024 Page1of6    14. COUNCIL TO DISCUSS AND CONSIDER OBTAINING A K9 NARCOTICS DOG FOR THE JACKSBORO Mayor Fenter invited R.C. Langford to address Council. Mr. Langford stated because of his past experience with K9 handling, he was approached to help obtain a narcotic dog through a grant. Mr. Langford described his efforts to raise funds for food and necessities for the K9 from area businesses. He explained that the K9 would be an asset for not only narcotic searches but for missing individuals as well. Chief Corb explained that the dog was now available, but had not been obtained yet. Katie Hammond from STOMP addressed her support for the K9 to help further address the drug Chief Corb presented the Council with statistics of drug related arrests in the area, details of costs associated with acquiring the K9, as well as maintenance, healthcare, insurance, food and shelter. He addressed the amounts covered by the grant and the funds donated by the local community to the Jacksboro Police Association. Chief Corb estimated needing an excess of $525.00 in funds after grants and donations. Alderman Hood inquired about the insurance for the dog, and the City Manager answered that it was solely for replacement, not health. Chief Corb stated details of the costs for the handler's overtime and how the work schedule would be modified had not yet been worked out. The City Manager, Michael Smith, added that he had contacted multiple cities in the surrounding area who had a K9 unit. He estimated costs for workers compensation and liability adding $2000 annually. He stated that if an additional insurance to cover the health of the dog was added, it would be around $1500 plus 10% of costs annually. The cities contacted by the City Manager all budgeted around $5000 for wellness of the dog. He stated that labor law standards would dictate the work hours and overtime hours, and he estimated $6500 to $8000 in overtime costs. His estimation in total would be around $14,000 annually to maintain the K9 and handler costs, which would need to be added to each budget. He stated that he wasi not opposed to the dog, but wanted the Council to understand the annual costs associated with the commitment, beyond what the grant was covering for the cost of the dog and training and the donations made. Alderman Sisson reiterated that it was not an issue of whether the dog would be beneficial to the City, but a budgeting issue. Alderman Gonzales asked if only one officer is trained, and that officer is called in off duty for K9 assistance, would that be considered overtime. Chief Corb answered that it would, but that an adjustment in hours for the remainder of the shift worked could be made. He explained further that there would be a procedure and process that would need to take place before the officer could be called out with the K9. Alderman Robinson inquired if the Police Department would receive funds from the seizures made during drug arrests, and Chief Corb answered yes, if the K9 was assisting in the arrest, the Police Department would be eligible for those funds seized, but they are not readily available. The City Manager discussed that he was not able to count on seized asset recovery when working on the budget, and the $14,000 Mayor Fenter expressed his displeasure with the passed budget and felt that funds could be found throughout the budget, including looking at salaries, to accommodate funding the K9 program. He stated that he was frustrated that the City had not been reimbursed the $60,000" owed from equipment purchased for the skatepark, and that would be enough to cover the costs. The City Manager stated that the budget passed at the last meeting was balanced and tight. There is a street department vacancy and a parks and recreation vacancy, but that the third fireman position had potentially been filled. He stated that the extra amount could be pulled from the additional $40,000 put into the streets department or elsewhere in the budget. Alderman Hood inquired if the two staff positions remained vacant for thet first three months of the new fiscal year, if that money could be used to pay for the K9 and overtime expenses. The City Manager expressed that he would be agreeable to holding off hiring in the parks position, but he would not recommend that for the streets position. Chief Corb inquired if the budgeted salary of Adam Rydlinksi for October through December would cover the costs while he is still on military leave and not receiving pay from the City. The City Manager agreed that those savings from Sergeant Rydlinski's salary and the open parks and recreation salary should be enough to come up with the $14,000 to cover the costs. Alderman Gonzales asked if there would be only one officer with the K9 whose position was dedicated to the animal, and if that officer was called out, would that position need to be covered while the officer was called away for K9 Chief Corb also explained that he would work with the school system and hopefully be able to provide drug dog assistance to the campuses, allowing them to get rid of their third party searches. He also explained that the Police Department K9 would be utilized by the County as well. Alderman Sisson asked for a summary oft the options for funding the K9 for this fiscal year. The City Manager replied that it would begin in the next fiscal year, with donated funds being used for the equipment needed for the dog and food, not filling the parks and recreation job and using the remainder of Sergeant Rydlinki's salary until December. Chief Corb stated that if the Council voted for the K9, it should arrive at the end of September. The City Manager recommended that he take the salaries out of Parks and Recreation department and the Police Department to fund the $14,000 needed for fiscal year 2025 and use donations for all food and materials  POLICE DEPARTMENT.  issues in the community.  would need to be available for the upcoming budget.  assistance. Chief Corb replied that there would be swing shifts to cover.  City Council Minutes Regular Meeting 09/09/2024 Page 2of6    and not have those expenses go through the City. Mayor Fenter stated he would like to give flexibility to the City Manager Brian Isbell spoke at this time and stated that he would like the Council to table the discussion until the actual money for funding had been found in the budget. He argued that he felt that the Council had been circumvented in this process, and felt Council's consideration of thei item should have taken place before any community discussion or fundraising had taken place. Alderman Sisson stated he understood his reason for feeling that way, and although the community was in favor of the dog, it all seemed to happen before the decision was given to the Council. Alderman Gonzales asked if the discussion was tabled for them to be able to think through the decision, would the opportunity to get the dog be lost. Chief Corb stated that he was unsure and would have to inquire. Alderman Hood asked if there was a definite plan in place for the salary and overtime of the handler. The City Manager stated that the $14,000 he had come up with included the handler's overtime, but there would need to be an agreement made regarding hours worked, salary and overtime with the handler. Alderman Hood stated that in respect to what the Council had been given at this point, he could see that a good amount of preparation had gone into researching this expense. The City Manager stated that if the Council wished to table the matter, he, Chief Corb and the handler would come back to Council with an agreement and with funding options. Alderman Hood replied that he felt a motion could be made to pursue and approve the dog, and then staff could come Alderman Hood made a motion to approve the acceptance of a K9 dog and program and work with City Staff to amend the budget regarding the salaries in the Parks and Recreation Department and Police Department to fund the additional  to look into other areas of the budget if more funds are needed.  back and address the budget and agreement with the handler. $14,000 needed for the program in the 2025 Fiscal Year. Alderman Sisson seconded the motion. Motion carried with unanimous consent.  Alderman Gonzales stated that although she was not opposed to having the K9 and K9 Program, she was not in  agreement with the way the situation was handled prior to coming to Council for consideration.  Agenda Item Number 7 was heard at this time.  7. PUBLIC HEARINGS  a. PUBLIC HEARING FOR CONSIDERATION OF A TAX ABATEMENT AGREEMENT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED IN "COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT ZONE NUMBER 4" OF THE CITY OF  JACKSBORO, KNOWN AS 125 E. ARCHER STREET, JACKSBORO TEXAS.  Mayor Fenter opened the public hearing at 6:56 p.m.  The City Manager, Michael Smith, provided information to the Council on the application from Jake and Crystal Hettinger for tax abatement of the building on the corner of East Archer and North Church streets. He reminded the Council that this area had previously been designated as al blighted area, and for the encouragement of growth in the area, that Council had declared this area as at tax abatement: zone. Alderman Hood stated that although the Hettinger's application stated they were using $350,000 in estimated improvements, and that did not meet the $500,000 standard in the policy, that Council had the discretion to vary those amounts, and he estimated that their improvement costs had probably gone up. Crystal Hettinger replied their expenses had gone up, butt that she and her husband felt justified in their request for tax abatement because of the importance of beautifying the downtown area. She stated that prior to their purchase and renovations, the building was unusable and not structurally sound. She stated that she is hopeful that with what they have accomplished sO far, and their continued work, it will help revitalize the downtown area and make a good firsti impression. She states that she hopes it will convince more business owners to move forward in investing in downtown. Jake Hettinger added that prior to beginning any renovations, the property taxes had gone up $100,000. He knew with the continued renovations, the taxes would continue to increase, and that was a concern with starting a retail business and Officer Michael Leierer spoke regarding he and his wife, Dana's business on the square and stated he was frustrated that his taxes at his business had doubled, but we were going to give someone a tax abatement 100% tax free. Alderman Sisson stated that the purpose of the abatement zone was to try and bring more retail into town. Alderman Robinson stated that more retail coming in results in lowering taxes for all over time. Alderman Gonzales stated that if the Leierer's decided to make improvements tot their business, they would also be able to apply for the abatement. Alderman Hood clarified that the abatement would only be for city taxes on the property, and could only be awarded for two to five years. This would be relief for a verys short period, and definitely not 100% relief from taxes all together. Mr. Hettinger stated that the abatement would offset taxes being raised and penalizing people for putting money intoi improvement of their businesses on the square. The City Manager explained that this is a common practice in many cities to encourage retail  paying employees.  City Council Minutes Regular Meeting 09/09/2024 Page 3of6    growth. Mayor Fenter added that the abatement would hopefully add more businesses, and would then help everyone in  the long term.  Mayor Fenter closed the public hearing at 7:14 p.m.  8. COUNCIL TO DISCUSS AND TAKE. ACTION ON THE REQUEST FOR TAX ABATEMENT FORI PROPERTY LOCATED IN "COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT ZONE NUMBER 4" OF THE CITY OF JACKSBORO, The City Manager, Michael Smith, offered the recommendation that the Council approve a property tax abatement for the Alderman Gonzales made a motion to approve the request for property tax abatement for the property at 125E. Archer  TEXAS, KNOWN AS 125 E. ARCHER STREET, JACKSBORO, TEXAS.  maximum of five years at 100%. Street for ai total of 5 years at 100%. Alderman Sisson seconded the motion. Motion carried with unanimous consent.  9. COUNCIL TO DISCUSS AND TAKE ACTION ON THE REQUEST TO PURCHASE PROPERTY BY THE Brenda Tarpley, Executive Director of the. Jacksboro Economic Development Corporation, and the City Manager, Michael Smith, discussed the property being recaptured by the JEDC of approximately 20.8 acres. The Council was givena  JACKSBORO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.  property description and map of the property.  No action was taken. 10. RESOLUTION  A. R-09-2024 ARESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JACKSBORO, TEXAS, A TEXAS TYPE A GENERAL LAW MUNICIPALITY, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING AI REAL ESTATE SALES CONTRACT BY AND BETWEEN THE JACKSBORO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, A TYPE BI ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ACPT, LLC, A TEXAS NONPROFIT CORPORATION, AND ACPT, LLC, A TEXAS LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE AND CONVEYANCE OF 20.84 ACRE TRACT OF LAND CONSISTING OF LOT3, BLOCK: 27 OF THE. J.W. BUCKNER SURVEY, ABSTRACT NUMBER 34, OF THE CITY OF JACKSBORO, JACK COUNTY, TEXAS; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR. AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.  Alderman Sisson made a motion to accept Resolution R-09-2024 as presented.  Alderman Robinson seconded the motion. Motion carried with unanimous consent.  11. COUNCIL TO DISCUSS AND CONSIDER RENEWAL OF THE JACKSBORO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OFFICE LEASE. AGREEMENT FOR THE GULF, TEXAS AND WESTERN RAILROAD DEPOT LOCATED AT: 302 SOUTH MAIN STREET, JACKSBORO, TEXAS. The City Manager, Michael Smith, explained that the contract missed the extension deadline in 2019. City Staff recommend extending the contract for renewal for the remaining five years with the same terms. Alderman Sisson made a motion to extend the lease agreement, starting in 2019, for 10 years.  Alderman Gonzales seconded the motion. Motion carried with unanimous consent.  12. COUNCIL TO DISCUSS AND TAKE ACTION ON THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER BEING LICENSED FOR ON-SITE SEWAGE FACILITY (SEPTIC SYSTEM) INSPECTIONS AS A DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE The City Manager, Michael Smith, addressed the need to have the Code Enforcement Officer be licensed to inspect septic tanks if they are approved in the city limits for future builds. Jack County Commissioners have agreed to allow for the City's Code Enforcement Officer to work as a designated representative under their current license. Alderman Hood made a motion to designate the Code Enforcement Officer to serve as a licensed representative under  UNDER THE JACK COUNTY TCEQ LICENSE.  the Jack County TCEQ License. Alderman Moffit seconded the motion. Motion carried with unanimous consent.  13. COUNCIL TO DISCUSS AND CONSIDER A LAND LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE JACK COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT TO RELOCATE THE BULK WATER STATION TO HIGHWAY 3344 NEAR THE JACK  COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER.  City Council Minutes Regular Meeting 09/09/2024 Page 40 of6    The City Manager, Michael Smith, described to the Council the. Jack County owned property, just South oft the County Jail and next to property owned by the. JEDC being considered for relocation of the bulk water station currently located on Highway 380 south of town. The new location would provide strong water pressure for quicker filling at the station. The City would work with the Texas Department of Transportation for driveway access from Highway 3344, and approximately one to two acres would need to be cleared for truck access to the bulk station. City Staff would recommend, in exchange for use oft the County's property, that the County receive a discounted rate for water. Discussion was held on the Alderman Hood made a motion to approve al land lease agreement, allowing for free bulk water for the County up to $500  different types of discounts that could be offered. Alderman Gonzales seconded the motion. Motion carried with unanimous consent.  per month, then a regular rate for any amount used over the $500. Alderman Robinson was excused from the meeting at 7:29 p.m. Agenda Item Number 14 was heard at an earlier time in the meeting. COMMISSION GENERAL MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE. Executive Director, Brenda Tarpley as his proxy and alternate. MEETINGS WITH HOLIDAY CONFLICTS: OCTOBER 14, 2024. - COLUMBUS DAY NOVEMBER 11, 2024-VETERANS DAY  15. MAYOR TO DESIGNATE PROXY AND ALTERNATE FOR THE NORTEXI REGIONAL PLANNING  Discussion was held.  Mayor Fenter designated the City Manager, Michael Smith, and the Jacksboro Economic Development Corporation 16. COUNCIL TO DISCUSS AND CONSIDER CANCELING OR RESCHEDULING THE FOLLOWING COUNCIL  DECEMBER 23, 2024-MONDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY  Discussion was held.  Alderman Sisson made a motion to cancel the October 14th, November 11th and December 23rd meetings.  Alderman Moffit seconded the motion. Motion carried with unanimous consent. 17. UPDATES/REMINDERS/EVENTS: SEPTEMBER 11TH b. HOMECOMING - SEPTEMBER 13TH. DUELING PIANOS EVENT. SEPTEMBER 14TH. NATIONAL NIGHT OUT - OCTOBER 1ST 61 P.M. TO8 8 P.M. g. STOMP SOBER FEST - OCTOBER 19TH 12 TO P.M. h. TRUNK-OR-TREAT DOWNTOWN OCTOBER 31ST ANIMAL SHELTER QUARANTINE FACILITY  Alderman Moffit was excused from the meeting at 7: 32 p.m.  a. FIRST RESPONDER AND MILITARY APPRECIATION LUNCHEON AT THE HALIBURTON BUILDING-  d. ICS (INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM) TRAINING FOR STAFF- - SEPTEMBER 16-20TH. e. 2ND ANNUAL FLY-IN, CAMP-OUT AT THE JACKSBORO AIRPORT-: SEPTEMBER 28TH- 29TH.  Updates were given to the Council. 18. ADJOURNMENT  Alderman Hood made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Gonzales seconded the motion. Motion carried with unanimous consent.  APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JACKSBORO, TEXAS ON THE 23RD DAY OF SEPTEMBER,  2024.  CITY OF JACKSBORO  City Council Minutes Regular Meeting 09/09/2024 Page 5 of6    Ghl CRAIG FENTER MAYOR  ATTEST:  AhalmdBumat SHALYN L. BURRITT CITY SECRETARY  City Council Minutes Regular Meeting 09/09/2024 Page 6of6