City of Richland Springs Minutes of City Council Meeting on August 12th, 2024 Meeting: Discussion oft the ongoing projects and regular business of the city Council Attendees: Mayor Frank Pearce; City Water Manager, Chris Perry Council Members: Aaron Bessett, Larry Crump, Jessica Scales, Dale Mckinnerney, &. Johnie Reeves Called to Order/Location: 07:00pm at City Hall Mckinnerney, Johnie Reeves, Chris Perry Guests/Citizens Present: Deana Sealy, Walter Stratton 7:00pm 1. We opened the meeting with a prayer. Note Taker: Jessica Scales Absent: none City Officials Present: Frank Pearce, Aaron Bessett, Jessica Scales, Larry Crump, Dale 7:01pm 2. Guest and Citizen Participation: Walter here to hear water and tax rate discussion; Jessica brought up multiple items as private citizen: 1)questioning whether RS Beautification Committee still needs to be on water bill, discussed other non profits who could benefit 2) discussed the gate ordinance with RSISD to make sure they are not in violation like last year 3) discussed whether sidewalk in front of post offiçe is public property and was advised iti is, requested it not be blocked to pedestrians and cyclists due to dangerous intersection and people constantly parking illegally in shoulder lane 4) discussed reminding anyone who has 7:10pm 3. We discussed and approved the previous minutes. Acorrection was made to the statement PETA fined us', should be threatened toi fine us in future if not resolved". Ar motion to approve the minutes was made by Dale Mckinnerney, 2nd by Johnie Reeves, passed by 7:17pm 4/5. We discussed the bills and reviewed the reports. Discussed extra monthly costs for repairs, street lights, pest control and reimbursements. Received letter from TCEQ that 5 more samples are needed for lead and copper, to be submitted by September. Final audit still in process, TWDB accepts that we arei in process and made deadline. Aaron Bessett made a motion to accept the bills and reports, 2nd by Larry Crump, passed by unanimous vote 5-0. No deputies in attendance for area wide report. No discussion, no action taken. 7:22pm. 7. We discussed the status of the water grants from TWDB. Deana advised us of 'in progress' status and no final acceptance until last audit received(very soon). She has also received a requested bid for the water line install which has to include a Hazard Mitigation plan, already in process as well. She has been unable to reach TruClear, no one at their main facility, company vehicles all parked, no one answering phones, calls, texts, or emails. TCEQ water enforcement division will NOT give an extension. Hold up with permit was discussed, our point of contact Mr Hearn is working on getting us affluent limits to hold off the enforcement division. Backup option of aerators with sprinklers, approved by A&M, may get us quicker permit. The aeration will help us meet the specs required. No further time lime estimates available until after 7:33pm 8. We discussed the proposed tax rate and set the date for a public hearing. Proposed tax rates as just receivednumbers slightly different than last meeting estimates): Kidslgrandkids/school that no one under 16 can operate UTVS in town unanimous vote 5-0. 7:22pm 6. Rolling Agenda Item: Sheriff's Office Report third audit received and processed. no- new revenue: 0.384184 net -$65K voter approved rate: 0:438876--73K 0.406367 DeMInimus rate: 3.318041 -$500K Discussed rates and whats best for the city and its citizens. DeMinimus is not a realistic option. Discussed setting to a rate just lower than the voter approved rate provided, sO no election required. Recommendation of 0.438870 to generate slightly more revenue for city without too large of an increase; current rate is 0.410000. This is a proposed tax rate, to be placed in local paper to publicly notify citizens of the public hearing, with it being scheduled for September gth, 2024. A motion was made to approve the proposed tax rate and publicly post the proposal. Motion made by Johnie Reeves, 2nd by Aaron Bessett, approved by unanimous vote 5-0. 7:43pm 9. We discussed our rates for Water, Sewer, and Garbage. We are required to discuss it yearly per the program from TWDB to help with revenue and expenditures. Based on our expenditures, we need to discuss whether they need to be increased again this year to cover. Sewer and garbage rates are ok but water base rate would need to bei increased by at least $1.65. Discussed how to leave base rate the same for our minimum users in town and only increase gallon rates for those using more than 4,000 gallons. Made some suggestions to gallon rates. Numbers will be run to see if that will cover increase needed. No action taken at this time, 7:56pm 10. This agenda item was added in case of additional information being provided by the property owner requesting annexation at last meeting. Deana noted property owner had contacted her requesting engineering bid for water/sewer line installation at cost to owner. She provided bid and advised a feasibility study would also be required. Has not heard anything back from owner. No further info provided at this time, no discussion, no action taken. 7:58pm 11. We discussed the park lights. Johnie suggested big security lights, mounted at strategic points to cover the park but also not blind any neighboring properties. Discussed using street light poles to mount them to prevent vandalism. Discussed 2 or 3 lights, one by shed and one by large pavilion, possibly mounting one on firestation. Will check price of lighting and install 8:06pm 12. Discussed considering joining the San Saba Chamber of Commerce at the suggestion of a local business owner. Discussed pros and cons. Pros do not really apply to the city, as we do not network to promote the city as a product, the way local businesses do(websites, Facebook, Google etc). Reviewed the 2023 Return on Investment Financial statement from the SSCOC, showing that all of the businesses in Richland who are members received $0 return on the investment of $150. Decided not to join. AI motion was made by Jessica Scales to not join the Chamber of Commerce, 2nd by Dale Mckinnerney, passed by 8:10pm 13. We discussed setting up a Community Neighborhood Watch program. Discussed levels of crime around town. Discussed who would be interested among council and splitting up the city into sections. Discussed basic setup and communication channels with volunteers and local law enforcement. It was decided that we would wait til National Night Out with all the local law enforcement agencies, to setup an information and volunteer sign up booth for any citizens interested. Jessica will take the lead on this, and handle information and booth setup and try to attract citizens, as she was provided all the necessary information during the Law! Enforcement Citizens Academy. National Night Out is scheduled the first Tuesday in October in Texas; 8:16pm 14. We discussed the resolution of the Texas Mult-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan between Llano and San Saba Counties. We need one. They have plan in place and used their funds already to get all required FEMA approvals and have invited us toj join in. Took action, both rssolutions for the city and WSG have to be approved. Motion made to accept the Hazard Mitigation Resolution for the City of Richland Springs and the Hazard Mitigation Resolution for the Water, Sewer, and Garbage department. Motion made by Johnie Reeves, 2nd by Aaron no further discussion until more information available. with Elliot Electric. unanimous vote 5-0. scheduled sign up for Tuesday October 1st, 2024. - Bessett, passed by unanimous vote 5-0. 8:19pm 15. We discussed our insurance rates with the Texas Municipal League. Rates have increased $1,405 without any changes. Changes will need tol be made to estimates, they are currently too low on a fewi items. If we adjust them, rates WILL go up. May need to hire contractor to evaluate all our items and property and give proper estimates to insure we aren't over valuing anything. We will also check with tax office to find out value per square foot to decide actual value at this time. Will look into both first before further discussion, no action taken 8:24pm 16. At the request of local unnamed citizens, we discussed continuing the Citizen of the Year award, which has not been given out in years. Discussed requirements, criteria, and examples of good citizenry. Discussed nomination and voting process. Decided to let the citizens nominate all candidates, and the council will discuss nominations and vote on winner. Will set deadline for nomination submission to November 1st 2024 and announce to community, 8:30pm 17. We discussed the old water office status. Work still ongoing. The new roof had its first rain, and a leak was discovered and fixed by the contractor. Next rain had no leaks. All electrical parts for installation have been delivered and electrician will be there 8/14/24 to start. at this time. to be discussed after and a citizen chosen. Process progressing smoothly at this time. 8:34pm 18. Mayor Reports: -Dean Lord sold business property and business name 'Lord Farms', property next to City Hall, it was purchased by BoHo Unique owners, they will be further cleaning up the property and -the aeration system has been purchased, but tanks needs to be lowered into stock tank first to set the levels, will find local tank. Deana suggested Mr. Schroeder's tank because its full and -King property will be sent letter shortly advising them to remove, junk cars left on sides of city street, discussed field of solar panels they installed and salesman who had been going around continuing the same farmstand business. easily accessible. Will find out if he will let us use it. RS promoting them. 8:51pm 19. No executive session needed. No further discussion or action needed. Motion made to adjourn meeting by Aaron Bessett, 2nd by Larry Crump, passed by unanimous decision 5-0. HalFans Sialn Mayor, Frank Pearce g Secretary, Jessica Scales