City of New Berlin, City Hall  Monday, August 21, 2023 -6 6:30 p.m. Location: 8815 FM 775, New Berlin, TX78155  Mailing Address: 275 FM: 2538, New Berlin, TX 78155  SPECIAL Town Hall City Council Meeting + Minutes  1. Call Meeting to Order Mayor Williams called the special meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.  2. Roll Call- - Assistant to the City Secretary Brenda Dennis provided the roll call with Mayor Williams, noting a quorum oft the following Council members Present: 1) Mayor Pro-Tem Erika Gonzales, 2) Council Member Joyce Wolfe 3)C Council Member Kim Schlichting, 4) Council Member Beverly Felts.Council Member Mike Hale 3. Opening: Pledge of Allegiance US Flag and Texas Flag, and Invocation- The Pledges of Allegiance to the US Flag and' Texas Flag, and Invocation were performed. The Invocation was led by Mr. Paul Theiss, Volunteer  excused absence.  New Berlin Fire Department Chaplin, and Pastor Saint John Lutheran Church inl Marion.  4. - Comments:  a. Mayor welcome comments - Mayor Williams welcomed everyone to the Special Town Hall meeting and asked those present to indicate by show ofhands ift they saw a sign posted on what was b. County Judge Comments - Mayor Williams recognized Guadalupe County Judge Kyle Kutscher who introduced himself and commented on the roads in Guadalupe County, right ofway issues, condition ofroads and the development and growth oft the county, future plans and projects and funds County Commissioner Comments - Mayor Williams recognized Guadalupe County Commissioner Precinct #4 Stephen Germann who introduced himself and commented on the growth in the county, Commissioner Germann recognized and introduced Mr. Douglass Burnside, Guadalupe County Road and Bridge Administrator. Mr. Burnside provided briefcomments and introductions. d. Fire Chief Comments - Mayor Williams recognized Fire ChiefKurt Strey who updated the Council  going to be discussed tonight.  that are available through the county.  and funding that is available.  regarding the following:  Wildfires in and throughout the area and the departments assistance - over 1000-man hours- fortunate to have about 40 people who work in various functions to keep New Berlin Fire and Responses to fires of all types, vehicle accidents, farm related incidents and medical calls Increased cost of fuel, bunker gear and communication devices, etc. EMC side - he has attended several meetings, met District Disaster Coordinator City and small contribution to department on future agenda  Rescue a viable force.  Sausage Festival September 3rd proceeds go toward the volunteer fire department volunteers Chief Strey introduced his two Assistant EMC's Ryan and Charlie as well as the New Berlin Fire Fighters who were present this evening -al round ofapplause exuded. Chief Strey mentioned that by way of contractual payments for services, in the past the city has made a small contribution to the department, she asked that this be placed on the next agenda for consideration.  are needed to help set up and tear down.  e. City Marshal Comments-  Page 10 of1    Mayor Williams recognized and introduced Marshal Terreal Hatcher who provided his activity report for  the dates June 20, 2023, to August 21, 2023, and addressed questions:  Total Stops -5 56 Total citations issued- 79 No/suspended. DL-11 Warnings issued- - 51 Calls for servicefncidents-4 Assist Agency-3 Fire-1  Total Citations & Warnings to date 250/154(11 vehicles have been impounded. 1 arrest. 6drug  paraphernalia cases, Istolen vehicle recovered.  Marshal Hatcher showed examples of false and illegal paper tags and explained how easy they are to Mayor Williams recognized New Berlin Municipal Judge Jacqueline Ott and Municipal Court Clerk Taylor Light who were in the audience this evening. Judge Ott provided al briefbiography and update f. City Council Members Comments - Mayor Williams recognized Council Member Kim Schlichting who mentioned a new upcoming event for Oktober"Feier" October 21st9to 5, New Berlin Community Center crafts, rummage sale, 5K run, domino tournament, and food trucks. Funds raised Public Comments: This time is provided for the public to address the City Council on issues or concerns. NO CITY COUNCIL ACTION WILL BETAKEN AT THIS TIME. Please add your name to the sign-up list BEFORE THE MEETING. Public comment(s) may be limited to 3 minutes per speaker. You will be called upon by the Mayor during the meeting. Any person making personal, impertinent, or slanderous remarks while addressing the Council may be directed tol leave the meeting. Mayor Williams recognized those that signed up to speak and they indicated that they would like to wait until the items are discussed. A list ofthose who spoke are attached to these minutes. Mayor Wiliams did recognize Betty Trivette who encouraged all those to get involved in the upcoming October: 21*Oktober Feier event. Please contact her for more information at] betythvetie@rmailcom.  obtain and how they are used.  regarding the progress oft the court.  will go toward scholarships for local students.  h. Planning and Zoning Commission Comments: Diana Flippo Strey, Chairperson  Mayor recognized Councilmember Schlichting who stated that the Commission is planning on looking  at and reviewing the city ordinances. Other Committee Comments  1. PARKS and PLAYGROUNDS - Melvin Strey, Chairperson  Mayor Williams recognized Mr. Strey who provided information on the recent application initiation process for the GVEC Power-Up grant proposal for the construction of a walking track in New Berlin City Park. We should know if we received the grant sometime after October 1st. Mayor Williams thanked all those involved for allowing them to use the Community Center this evening. Mayor Williams recognized Mr. Melvin Strey for thework that was done with the renovations oft the Community Center, the playground. Mayoralso mentioned Melvin is  Page2of1    coming up on 30 years as Vice President of GVEC. His work they them has been instrumental 2. ORDINANCES REVIEW/REVISE - Kim Schlichting, Chairman- - Councilmember Schlichting stated as mentioned the Planning and Zoning Commission is planning on looking at the city's  ins securing some oft the grants that have been awarded to the city.  ordinances.  5. Discussion only items:  a. City Taxes/Property Tax Agenda Regulation - Ordinance No. 2021-001  Mayor Williams stated and reminded those present that before any item concerning local city of New Berlin, Texas property taxes can be put on the city ofNew Berin council's agenda, a petition must be presented to the mayor oft the City ofl New Berlin with a minimum of 40% of the registered City of New Berlin. Texas voters' signatures. Once the signatures are verified as valid by the City Council, or city staff, an agenda item will be added to the next city council agenda allowing the council to discuss items concerning local city property taxes. Mayor Williams reminded those present that current citizens do not pay city taxes; we currently rely on donations. If citizens want a tax, they need to follow the above procedures, he indicated that in the future the city will have toi impose a tax to keep up with the growth and Mayor Williams recognized several citizens who spoke regarding the need of a newsletter or a way to communicate with the citizens, they spoke regarding the voluntary donations, discussion regarding what b. City Roads - Mayor Williams recognized several citizens who spoke about the urgent need to repair Gin Road and Santa Clara Road. Mayor Williams spoke in detail about the possibility of an Interlocal Agreement with the County and City to repair the roads. He indicated that the information provided was Mayor Williams recognized Guadalupe County Commissioner Stephen Germann, Guadalupe County Road Administrator Douglas Burnside and Guadalupe County Judge Kyle Kutscher who addressed questions from citizens, and council regarding the need to repair these roads. Considerable discussion regarding estimated costs for labor and materials, timelines, type of road repair, budgets, possible impact fees, ILA agreement and approvals. Spoke regarding citizen agreement to move forward with proposal to Guadalupe C. ( City Zoning -Mayor Williams spoke regarding the need to update the city's zoning. He provided a map for citizens to view and make their recommendations regarding commercial, mixed use and residential areas. The proposals and information will be forwarded to the Planning & Zoning Commission for consideration. Their recommendations will be brought back to the courcil for approval. d. Other City Business/Recommendations from Citizens + Mayor Williams indicated that the city had a website and that information such as agendas and upcoming events can be found there. Mayor Williams recognized a few citizens who requested that the volunteer donation letter and a newsletter be placed on  the roads.  percentage of citizens have donated.  ad draft and has not been approved by the County or the City.  County.  the city's website.  Announcements- - Mayor Williams reminded everyone ofthe Sausage Festival September3,2023.  6. Adjournment  Mayor Williams adjourned the Special meeting at 8:15 p.m.  Page 3of1    KbcwlLL Walter C.) Williams Jr., Mayor  Attested by: BaR  Roxann Pullin, City Secretary  Page 4 of1