Minutes ofOctober: 20, 2020  Pagel 1  The Board of Commissioners for the City of Alamo, Texas met for the Regular Meeting on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 7:00 p.m, at the City of Alamo Municipal Building.  COMMISSION: PRESENT: Mayor Dianal Martinez Robert De La Garza, Mayor Pro-Tem Okie Salinas, Commissioner Pilar Garza, Commissioner Pete Morales, Commissioner STAFF PRESENT: Robert L. Salinas, City Manager Rick Palacios, City Attorney Alexandra Rangel, City Secretary Richard Ozuna, Police Chief Roy Contreras, Fire Chief  COMMISSION ABSENT:  Yvette Mendoza, Finance Director  I.  CALLI MEETING TO ORDER Allegiance and Pastor Tuttle led the Invocation. C. Presentations and Announcements  Mayor Diana Martinez called the special meeting held on Thursday, October 20, 20201 to ordera at 7:00 p.m. at the City of Alamo Municipal Building. Mayor Diana Martinez led the Pledge of Commissioner Pete Morales stated we still have school board elections happening for an D. Consideration and action to approve the minutes for thei first regular meeting ofOctober Commissioner Pete Morales stated on page 8i it says, "Commissioner Pete Morales asked what did we give our engineer, was it 12%" the question was "what did we give our engineer for the Commissioner Okie Salinas statedj for the record September. 24th Special Meeting Mayor made the motion tol hire Trimad Consultants. It was approved on October 6h and the minutes today say the Mayor did not make the motion to hire Trimad. Hej just wanted to clear that up and put it on the  additional 21 weeks and) he encourages. for citizens tos go and vote.  06,2 2020. sewer plant?".  record that the Mayor didi make the motion to hire Trimad Consultants. Mayor Diana Martinez respondedI Ididi make the motion, Iheard. the audio. incorporate those amendments in the motion, we will still needo as second.  City Attorney. Rick. Palacios stated there is a motion, Commissioner De La Garza ifyou want to Mayor Pro-Tem. Robert De La Garzai motionedi to incorporate the amendments, and Commissioner E. Updated Mayoral Declaration of Local State of Disaster Due to Public Health City Manager Robert Salinas stated the changes that has been added are based on Governor Abbott's latest Executive Order that has every business establishment opening to 75%, this however excludes bars that gross receipts more than. 51% alcohol. The changes include mursing homes, in where people may visit as long as they comply with the CDC guidelines. It will begin  Pilar Garza seconded. Motion carried.  Emergency.  on October 21" and wille end on November 3rd.  Mayor. Diana Martinez askedr regarding a Halloween drive-thru    Minutes of October 20, 2020 Page2  City Manager Robert Salinas responded afier speaking with the county, if we would allow the trunk or treats we may have an outcome ofhaving less kids going house to house. We are having several business asking on hosting similar events; this was an idea we had as well. It was denied to 21 weeks, but now after speaking with the county it was stated to make sure it was a drive-thru  type.  Commissioner, Pete Morales asked are garage sales not allowed? City Manager. Robert Salinas responded ift that is what the commission wishes we can Commissioner, Pete Morales asked how are the other cities doing it  City Manager Robert Salinas responded. Ihave not asked since the last two weeks we discussed  the issue.  Mayor Diana Martinez responded can) youj find out and get back to us  City Manager, Robert Salinas respondedyes  Commissioner Pete Morales asked do we. still have the curfew. for 10:00pm for under 18? Commissioner Pete Morales askedi it states here as for a city the curfew is from 1lpm-5am Mayor Diana Martinez respondedit's not happening here, we have people going over all the time City Manager Robert Salinas responded the declaration is more ofarecommendation Commissioner Pete Morales responded what is the county doing, do they have the mandatory City Manager Robert Salinas responded he have not seen the latest, the state does not have anything ini regards to a curfew. The county has recentlyremovedi thes stay at) home order, ini which Commissioner Pete Morales responded there are restaurants open until 2am such as in McAllen. City Manager Robert Salinas responded those are still okay because it's a business where people  City Manager. Robert Salinas responded yes, itis still the same City Manager Robert Salinas responded as for adults, yes.  curfew?  we did as well. Mr. Salinas stated he still needs to review the curfew?  can go eat.  Commissioner Okie Salinas stated but they choose a curfew of1 Ilam Mayor Diana. Martinez responded the poker place is still open hearing, that's why Iam asking why) you) have llam.  City Manager Robert Salinas responded thati is something they are running the risk of  Commissioner Pete Morales responded they are all open Edinburg and Mission from what Iam City Manager Robert Salinas responded he will check with the county and ifthe county no longer  has it, he will remove it.  Commissioner Pete Morales responded what about the sports  City Manager Robert Salinas responded this particular order does discuss the actual sports, it states there is no occupancy limit for youth camps, recreational sports programs for youth and adults. Whichi means itis possible to do it, what) he understands no city is doing it. He askedi is that  something the commission wants him to check on?    Minutes of October 20, 2020 Page3  Commissioner Pete Morales responded yes  City Manager Robert Salinas responded ifo other cities are doing it, then we can modify it. Commissioner Pete Morales motioned to approve, and Mayor Pro-Tem Robert De la Garza F. Consideration and action regarding aj proclamation proclaiming the month of October Mayor Pro-Tem Robert De la Garza motioned to approve, and Commissioner Pete Morales G. Consideration: and action to approve thel Lamarl Billboard contract renewal for twol Hotel City Manager Robert Salinas stated this is an annual contract with Lamar everything is the same as well as the pricing, this is for the. same billboards. Onej from San. Juan to Alamo and the other Mayor Pro-Tem Robert De la Garza motioned to approve, and Commissioner Okie Salinas H. Consideration and action on an ordinance to amend the 2019-2020 General Fund, Watera and Sewer] Fund, Debt Service Fund and Hotel/Motels Fund. Finance. Director Yvette Mendoza presented on the amended: the 2019-2020 General. Fund, Water and Sewer Fund, Debt Service Fund and Hotel/Motels Fund:  seconded. Motion carried.  as" "Breast Cancer. Awareness Month".  seconded. Motion carried.  Motel billboard advertisements.  isfrom Donna toz Alamo seconded. Motion carried.  General Fund Total Revenue:  Current Budget $10,417,262 Year to Date Actual $11,865,719 Amended. Budget $11,924,767 Increasing Revenues $1,507,505 Increasing Sales tax. $395,000  This amount is due to a 10.83 increase compared to last year' 's tax collection of82,873,051. Increasing licenses and permits in the amount of8204,6091 this is overall increase of25%for building permits and inspection fees. We are increasing intergovermmental, fees of $970,8961 this is due to the reimbursement oft the CARES Act, inj which the city has received 40% oft the $2.269  million dollars. Expenditures  Current Budget $10,782,852 Year to Date. Actual $11,114,149 Amended. Budget $11,924,767 Increasing Expenditures $1,414,915 General administration $873,784  Comprised ofe equipment for surface hubs, projector, thermal biometrics approximately is was $13,543. The window remodeling was $12,840, the interlocal agreement for Santos Livas project was $72,634. The ACAP Program $422,749, General Liability Insurance and Republic Services increase approximately $323,018. We are increasing the Police Department in the amount of $24,000 for a purchase ofa 2020 Tahoe. The Library ini the amount of813,800 for building maintenance and expenses due to the hurricane. The fire department in the amount of888,152 due to, thermal biometrics, hand dryers and an access control system. Street Sanitation in the    Minutes ofOctober2 20, 2020  Page4 4  amount of8130,688 for 2009 grapple truck. Other departments such as City Secretary, Human  Resources was for a onetime payment and equipment.  Water Sewer Fund Total Revenue: Current Budget $4,291,100 Year to Date Actual $4,772,285 Amended. Budget $4,721,100 Increasing Revenues $430,00  Increasing Water Sales $130,000 due 8.85% increase comparedi to last) years revenue of $2,219,282. Sewer charges we are increasing int the amount ofs 300,000 this is due to a 13%  compared to last year's revenue of81,957,528.  Water, Sewer Expenditures:  Current Budget $4,520,368 Year to Date Actual $4,400,938 Amended Budget $4,609,836 Increasing Expenditures $89,468  Increase of the Water Department in the amount of839,318 due to the purchase oft the Scada System and thermal biometric. Increase of the Sewer Department in the amount of8128,371 due to increase 21 valves and mains. Increase ofthe Water Plant in the amount of870,779d due to overtime and chemicals. A decrease in the amount of8149,000 for General Administration due  tot transfers.  Debt Service Fund Total Revenue: Current Budget $1,293,008 Year to Date Actual $1,685,384 Amended. Budget $1,734,893 Increasing Revenues $441,885 Debt Service Fund Total Expenditures: Current Budget $1,163,163 Year to Date Actual $1,612,316 Amended. Budget $1,616,517 Increasing Expenditures $453,354  The increase is due to refunding the Bond Series 2000, 2007,2008 and 2019.  Hotel Tax Fund Total Revenue: Current Budget $103,500 Year to Date Actual $96,124 Amended. Budget $103,500 Increasing Revenues- no change Hotel Tax Total Expenditures: Current Budget $102,903 Year to Date Actual $116,394 Amended. Budget $116,603 Increasing. Expenditures $13,700    Minutes ofOctober 20, 2020  Page 5  Commissioner Okie Salinas motioned to approve, and Commissioner Pete Morales seconded. Consideration and action to appoint a Certified Public. Accountant to conduct thel FY City Manager Robert Salinas stated the city normally uses Oscar Gonzales to do the audit, there Commissioner Okie Salinas motioned to appoint Oscar Gonzales and Commissioner Pilar Garza J. Consideration and action to approve of an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Alamo and Hidalgo County to jointly undertake a road reconstruction improvement City Manager Robert Salinas stated this the Interlocal proposal between City of Alamo and Precinct 1 to work on Crockett Rd. from Tower Rd to Border Rd. they will widening. from an existing 22 foot wide street to a. 36j foot wide street. That would be a continuous turn lane in the middle and twol lanes going on either directions. The county has acted on the interlocal. already, he stated ini the packet itl has 180 day timeline however, the county didrequest to increase itto 240  Motion carried.  2019-2020 City audit.  must be a motion to appoint Mr. Gonzales as the auditor.  seconded. Motion carried.  project to aj portion ofCrockett Ave.  days which is 81 months.  Commissioner Pete Morales motioned to approve, and Commissioner Oscar Salinas seconded. Commissioner Pete Morales asked when are we) planning on getting to work on this project? City Manager Robert Salinas responded the drainage district is planning to start on November! December for redoing the bridge, once completed then the planning will begin some time next K. Consideration and action on a Waterline Access Agreement with North Alamo Water Supply Corporation for Sed-Vicl Investors, LP-Sedona Estates Subdivision. City Manager Robert Salinas stated this is our regular Waterline Access Agreement with North Alamo Water, this allows us to have access to their water lines for hydrant maintenance and this is for Sedona Estates located on Sioux Rd. east ofA Audi Murphy within the county. Commissioner Pilar Garza motioned to approve, and Commissioner Pete Morales seconded. L. Consideration and Action to approve: a resolution authorizing the submittal ofag grant application to Texas General Office (GLO) under the 2015 CDBG-MIT funding cycle. Mr. Luis Hess stated. his concern on the difficult, to decide on aj firm based on a one page submission, in addition, after speaking with Mr. Briones he stated Mr. Salazar presented las great presentation. and qfter negotiation it was increased to 8%. His concern was tos give the other engineering. firms the option to submit their charges, and then negotiate the best deal for the city. to his understanding the more the engineers get the less the city will geti inj project finds. He states according to Mr.. Briones you can request from other engineering firms to submit what Commissioner Okie Salinas stated as discussed ini the workshop, Mr. Briones needed to give the  Motion carried.  year.  Motion carried.  they would do. This project is for what is best for the city. engineer the 6.7% break down, as was discussed in the workshop.    Minutes ofOctober 20, 2020 Page 6  Commissioner, Pete Morales motioned with the correction, and Commissioner Okie Salinas Mayor Diana Martinez stated she will approve the grant and the sumbmission of the grant, but  seconded. Motion carried.  for the recorde engineer services to be at 4.67% Mayor Pro-Tem. Robert De La Garza stated likewise we gave Quintanilla and Headly, for the sewer plant. Commissioner. Pilar Garza responded: second Commissioner Okie Salinas responded it's approved Commissioner. Pete Morales responded it's approved  Commissioner Pete Morales stated afier speaking with engineers, 8% is good) he could have charged us 15% but 8%1 Ithink with! prices ofmaterial and expertise 8%1 way less than 12%1 that  Mayor Diana Martinez stated do we have a second, didy you approve it Pilar?  CityAttorney Rick Palacios stated Mr. Salinas hads seconded, we just need to call it toas vote Commissioner Okie Salinas stated before we calledi it to a vote he wanted to add something to City Attorney. Rick Palacios responded he understands, the problem is right now, you) have a motion, and the motion has to incorporate those amendments or stand the way it was onj your motion andy your second and call that to vote, ifnot, unless you want to incorporate those amendments ifyou don' t we can see how) you vote on the pending motion on the floor right now. There is already a motion that you) have already made by Mr. Morales ands seconded. by Mayor Diana Martinez stated on the record. she approves the grant but Ido not approve ofthe  the record about approving the grant  Commissioner Salinas.  engineer services Iwill put 4.67%  Commissioner Pete Morales responded what engineer services?  City Attorney. Rick Palacios stated the motioned) just past the Mayor is qualifying that she granting but she) has ac dissent opinion, basically saying she rather want it as a certain rate but Commissioner Okie Salinas asked can he put something on the record before we move on City Attorney. Rick Palacios responded it's up to the Mayor, I know they already called the question ift there is anymore discussion then she can allow it ift there is any more discussion  right now the motion was made and passed ifthere is a majority vote.  needed.  Mayor Diana Martinez stated moving on to the next item  Commissioner Pete Morales responded So we are not going to let the Commissioner speak? Really, that! 's the mayor you are, the one not to let people speak. For the record she did not let M. Discussion and possible action to approve the Schneider Electric performance contract for water meters /LED project pending financing and legal review. City Manager Robert Salinas stated in this particular item, we have Schneider Electric performance contract ini regards of the water. meters and the LED projects pending, financing and legal review. This item will be approving the contract to allow) for the water meter project pending thej fnancing, which we are currently going through right now and the completion of legal review of this contact. Currently our City Attorney Cris Palacios is still reviewing the  Commissioner Okie Salinas. speak    Minutes of October 20, 2020 Page7 and the LEDI project.  contract. Ifthis contract is approved, then we' 112 bez moving forward with the smart water meters  Mayor Diana Martinez asked are we also going with the LED project?  City Manager. Robert Salinas statedit's on the table right now, you can choose not to do it or you can choose to include it. Either way the projects will be paying for themselves, is that Mr.. Ryan Wunder stated the projects will be paying for themselves and the last time we met and wanted to make more conservative assumption around the operations ofn maintenance and operating savings. That actually extended the return investment the payback from last time, we were at 16) years right now we are at 193 years. The total revenue increase, the utility savings whichi is al little higher than the last time we met, and the operational. savings is lower. The $98, 000 is a one time project rebate OfAEP and the construction; period savings, that is the savings while the project is being implemented. The payback is within the warranty of the water Commissioner Okie Salinas asked the contract is still under review with legal? City Manager Robert Salinas responded yes, he stated just to be clear this is again the smart water meter project that will replace all ofo our traditional rotating meters, now digital. This will reduce ai meter reader with a push ofal button and will report ini real time to City Hall. In Mr. Ryan Wunder responded that is correct, currently what is hand read we do have human error, this will allow to detect real time data, and the other half of the project is the LED project including the parks. Noto only will this project bring savings but will make buildings look better.. Commissioner Okie Salinas asked willt this go) for where we have the basketball courts, lighting Mr. Ryan Wunder responded the lighting is very comprehensive iti includes everything the city has inside and outside oft the buildings andi the parks as well. The lighting that is owned by AEP is excluded, that included the. street lights, there are. street lights inside the park that is owned by Commissioner Okie Salinas asked the ones on the courts and fields those are ours, that will be  correct?  meters.  addition, the replacement of allo ofthe lighting ofcity owned buildings.  around the parks that is not from AEP, including the tennis courts?  AEP as well, for example the ones along the walking path.  part of the project.  Mr. Aaron Garcia responded) yes  Mr. Luis Hess asked for this project can the city apply for grants?  Mr. Ryan Wunder responded Isee grant money associated with some of the work they do such as waste water treatment, projects, as for LED projects the closest would the utility rebates. Mr. Luis Hess asked is that something they can investigate and notify the city? Mr. Ryan Wunder respondedj yes, we have a team that can look into it  Mr. Aaron Garcia stated when we have come across state or grant funded projects there is more redi tape, when we bring in aj financial advisor that helps evaluate going out to the open market.. The interest rates are really good, by the time we go through all the redi tape andi time will Mr. Ryan Wunder responded when interest rates where higher such as 4-5%1 we wills see a lot of work go through the state conservation office SECO. They have ai revolving fund, but that is not ag grantj just aj financing vehicle. Currently their financing rate is 3%, what we are, seeing is  actually be at al loss and there might not be that much ofas savings.  fnancing on the market is actually less.    Minutes of October 20, 2020  Page 8  Mr. Aaron Garcia stated the city has a RFP outj for banks to compete for the besti interest rate. In  the next) few weeks the city will be receiving bids in.  Mayor Diana Martinez asked do we approve this and let legal review  City Manager Robert Salinas responded yes, iti is pending thej financing and legal review Mayor Pro-Tem Robert. De La Garza motioned to approve, and Commissioner Okie Salinas N. Consideration and Action to selecta3 3rd Party Reviewer to go over Schneider Electric's City Manager Robert, Salinas stated one of the requirements) for this particular process is Schneider requires at third party engineer to1 review the proposal amount. We did) have two submit as quote, one was proposing no more than $2,100 in review and the other was at $4,500. This will be rolled into thej financing ofthej full project, this is a state law. Mr. Aaron Garcia statedy yes, thati is correct. Once selected we wills send our documents for review, City Manager Robert Salinas stated my recommendation will be Paul Thompson, which is the Mayor. Pro-Tem. Robert De La Garza motioned to approve, and Commissioner Okie Salinas  seconded. Motion carried. Investment Grade Audit.  and they will notify the city.  lowest of the two at nor more than $2,100.  seconded. Motion carried. EXECUTIVE: SESSION: 7:40 pm  The City Commission will convene in Executive Session, in accordance with Texas Open Meetings Act, Vernon's Texas Statues and Codes Annotated, Government Code, Chapter 551, Subchapter. D, Exceptions To Requirement That Meetings Be Open. The City Commission reserves the right to go into executive session on any item listed in the Agenda Notice whether or not suchi itemi is] posted as an Executive Session Item at any time during thei meeting when authorized by the provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act. Subject to the foregoing reservation, the following arei items tol be discussed inl Executive Session:  A. Pursuant to Texas Government Code $551.071 Consultation with Attorney, Discussion Regarding Settlement of Pending Litigation Pertaining to Cause No. CL- 19-2705-F, Guadalupe Valdez V. City of Alamo Policel Department, ini the County  Court at] Law No. 6 ofHidalgo County, Texas.  OPEN SESSION: 8:00 pm  The City Commission will convene in Open Session tot take necessary action, ifany, in accordance with Texas Government Code, Chapter 551, Open Meetings, Subchapter E, Procedures Relating to Closed Meeting, $5 551.102, Requirement To Vote Or Takel Final Action  In Open Meeting.  A. Discussion Regarding Settlement of] Pending Litigation Pertaining to Cause No. CL- 19-2705-F, Guadalupe Valdez V. City of Alamo Police Department, ini the County  Court atl Law No. 60 ofHidalgo County, Texas.  Mayor. Pro-Tem. Robert. De La Garza motioned. to allow the City Manager to enter an agreement, CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: The city will be accepting public comments from 8am-5pm on the day of the meeting to be announced during the meeting. Email comments to rangel@alamotevasorg Five minutes per person with no response from the City Commission.  and Commissioner Okie Salinas seconded. Motion carried.  Residents must sign up prior to the city meeting.    Minutes of October 20, 2020  Page9 9  Luis Hess spoke on the idea of creating as grandfather rule for variances  I. ADJOURNMENT  Citizens are encouraged to sign the attendance sheet.  There being noj further business, Mayor Diana Martinez adjourned the meeting at 8:02 pm  AD  ATTEST:  Secretary  adigs6  ALAMO.