CITY OF SMILEY March 20, 2024 MINUTES  COUNCIL FOR REGULAR SESSION  The Smiley City Council met in a regular session on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. at the Smiley City Hall located at 207 Steele, Smiley, TX 78159. Members present were. Mayor Lisa Benavidez, Diana Moreno, Ellis Villasana, Melva Childress, Lori Price, Scott. Jewett, Marshal Jason Torres. Absent Daniel Benavidez AQuorum was present, and Mayor Benavidez called the meeting to order.  Invocation given by Lori Price Citizen tol be Heard: None  The Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. and Texas recited.  1.1 1"motion made by Diana Moreno and 2nd Melva Childress by to approve the minutes ofthe December 20, 2023 meeting. All in Favor, 4/0, None Opposed. Motion Passed. 2. Financial Statements and unpaid bills were presented. 1St motion made by Ellis Villasana and 2nd by Diana Moreno to approve the payment of debt for the month, All in Favor, 4/0, None 3. The City Marshal office had 17 calls for service and 89 citations were issued. The NRA grant for ammunition was approved and his office has received the check. Marshal Torres  Opposed. Motion Passed.  attended a School Safety Meeting.  4. Smiley Fire Department Monthly Report: 1medical assist  5. Thel Utility Department Monthly Report: 2 new water taps, and a sewer tap were: installed. The city had three sewages backups and were sO bad that we. had to request assistance from Nixon to use their sewer jetter to clear the blockage. Several repairs were made out at the wastewater plant that included fixing the sprinkler and broken overflow pipe. The city currently has one. lawnmower that is down, but parts have been ordered. 6. Library Report given by Cody Holmes: 31 Books have been checked out and on April 13 Author Jill Zapata will be doing ai reading ofl her book at the library. 7. Mayor Lisa Benavidez gave the City Managers report:  a. The city will be asked to renew their ESD contract in the next few months. b. March 21 the ESD: is hosting an open house from 4-6:00 pm Animal Control - The city does not have a suitable facility that is within the Texas Code to have an animal shelter. The city currently does not have the funds to send someone to the Animal Control Officer course, to purchase a vehicle to transport the    animals, veterinary services ift the animals are injured, food or resources to properly d. Thanked the utility department for dealing with two oft the sewage back ups that were  dispose of any items associated with the animals. caused by clothing being flushed. The city's new website is up.  Our grant was approved for the wastewater treatment plan. g. Currently looking for a grant for our lift stations.  8. Presentation by AEP representative Vee Straus about the proposed rate increase. 9. 1s'motion made by Diana Moreno and 2nd Melva Childress by to disapprove the proposed rate increase by AEP. All in Favor, 4/0, None Opposed. Motion Passed. 10. Presentation by Karen Fonseca who addressed the city council about assuming the management of the waterline that she is currently taking care of on County Road 180. Mrs. Fonseca provided a list of customers on the line who are currently paying her as well as a diagram oft the approximate location oft the residents. Mrs. Fonseca wasi informed that the council will: need tol have discussions about assuming the water line and that a decision was 11.15motion made by Diana Moreno and 2nd Melva Childress by to approve having a budget workshop on. April 3 at 10:00 a.m.. All inl Favor, 4/0, None Opposed. Motion Passed. 12. Discussion was. had about removing meters from closed accounts and vacant houses sO they can be used at other locations throughout the city. 1st motion made by Ellis Villasana and 2nd Diana Moreno by to approve removing meters at vacant houses.. All in Favor, 4/0, None 13. Discussion was had about charging property owners the minimum amount (water, sewer, trash and street fees) ifthey want to keep a water meter at their vacant property. 1st, motion made by Ellis Villasana and 2nd Melva Childress by to table the discussion until next month when the city secretary can provide what the minimum payment would be. All in Favor, 4/0, 14. Discussion was had about charging all property owners who are within city limits a street fee starting October 15t. 1s'motion made by Melva Childress and 2nd Lori Price by to approve charging all property owners a street fee. All in Favor, 4/0, None Opposed. Motion Passed. EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Smiley City Council may convene into executive (closed) session in accordance with the Texas Government Code when necessary and legally justified. Any item on1 this agenda may be discussed in executive session ifauthorized by Texas Law regardless of whether it is listed under Executive Session" oft this agenda, and regardless of any past or current practice oft the City Council. Executive Sessions herein are closed meetings, and may include the consideration of any item otherwise listed on the agenda plus any subject matter specified in the executive session notice, and may include items under the Texas Government Code as follows: Section 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney regarding contemplated or  not going to be made tonight.  Opposed. Motion Passed.  None Opposed. Motion Passed.    pending litigation, a settlement officer or administrative hearing); Section 551.072 (Deliberations regarding Real Property); Section 551.073 (Deliberations about Gifts & Donations); Section 551.074 (Personnel Matters); Section 551.076 (Deliberation about Security Devices); Section 551.086 (Deliberations regarding Municipally Owned Utility); and Section 551.087 (Deliberations regarding Economic Development Negotiation). In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Smiley will provide for reasonable accommodations forj persons attending City Council meetings. To better serve attendees, requests should be received 481 hours prior to the meeting. Please contact the city secretary by phone at 830-587- 15.1"'Motion made by Melva Childress and 2nd by Lori Price to. ADJOURN. All in Favor, 4/0,  6220 or fax 830-587-6231.  None Opposed, Motion Passed. Time 4:35 p.m.  Scott Jewett Smiley City Secretary  Lisa AA Mayor  baaly  SCOTT JEWETT MY COMMISSION EXPIRES 10/02/27 NOTARY ID: 13219391-8    :  Sb 8AA3A Ft