MINUTES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 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 Michael Booher, Animal Control Officer Les Guthrie, Water/Wastewater Superintendent Anthony Shaw, Chief Operator, Water Treatment Plant ALDERMEN PRESENT Mayor Craig Fenter Alderman Place 1 Libby Gonzales Alderman Place 2 Brandon Sisson Alderman Place 3 Greg Robinson Alderman Place 4. Joel Hood Alderman! Place! 5. John Moffit ALDERMEN. ABSENT CITY ATTORNEYS PRESENT David Spiller Reid Spiller JACKSBORO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REPRESENTATIVE Brenda Tarpley, Director 1. CALLTOORDER 2. INVOCATION Albert Aguilar, Chief Operator Water/Wastewater Distribution/Colection Reagan Roberts, Water Plant Operator Johnny Burritt, Code EnforcementBulding Inspection Tech. Lacy Myrick, Municipal Court Clerk Crystal Mitchell, Customer Service Rep. Tedra Bilby, Administrative Assistant tot the Police! Department Detective. Aaron Austin Officer Gabriel Shaw Officer Nick Mincheff 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. Agenda Item Number 6, Presentation and Recognition, was moved up and heard at this time. a. CAROLINE DAVIS AND TERESA WILSON-VOLUNTEERS AT THE ANIMAL SHELTER. 6.P PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITION: Animal Control Officer, Michael Booher, recognized Caroline Davis and Teresa Wilson as outstanding volunteers for the Jacksboro Chief of Police Bryan Corb and Assistant Chief Stewart Chalmers of the Weatherford Police Department recognized Officer Gabby Ragle with an accommodation for her extraordinary off-duty service, thwarting an attempted GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR EXCELLENCE City Manager, Michael Smith, announced the achievement for excellence in financial reporting had again been awarded to the City of Jacksboro, and especially recognized Finance Officer, Hanna Atkinson, for all of her hard work in preparing for Mayor Fenter addressed the two members of the public who had signed up for public comment, Alton Morris and Luke Bodey, and stated that the subject of their comments was an agenda item. Both Mr. Morris and Mr. Bodey elected to wait Animal Shelter. b. OFFICER GABBY RAGLE. kidnapping in' Weatherford. INF FINANCIAL REPORTING FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023. the audit. 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS and address the Council later when the agenda item was discussed. 5. ( CONSENT AGENDA will be considered separately. a. EXCUSED ABSENCES b. MEETING MINUTES .FINANCIAL REPORTS. 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. Ifdiscussion is desired, thati item willl be removed from the consent agenda and L.OCTOBER: 28, 2024 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES. Alderman Sisson made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting 11/25/2024 Page 1 of5 Alderman Gonzales seconded the motion. Motion carried with unanimous consent. 7. PUBLIC HEARING: a. COUNCIL TO CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE FOLLOWING REQUEST: C CASE Z-05-2024: REQUEST FOR A FINAL PLAT OF THE PROPERTY TO BE KNOWN AS LONE STAR ESTATES, FOR PROPERTY LOCATED IN SINGLE FAMILY1 (SF1). ZONING DISTRICT, CURRENTLY DESCRIBED AS THE 61.76 ACRES AT THE CORNER OF SOUTH 11TH STREET AND CRUSHER ROAD, LACONSIDERATION: FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A CHANGE IN MASONRY REQUIREMENTS TO ALLOW FOR THE USE OF "SHEET METAL" FOR HOMES BUILT SOLELY IN THE AREA TOBE OF THE J.W. BUCKER SURVEY, JACKSBORO, JACK COUNTY, TEXAS. KNOWN AS LONE STAR ESTATES. The public hearing for both matters was opened at 5:39 p.m. The City Manager, Michael Smith, presented the Planning and Zoning's recommendations to approve the plat for the 15 tracts and to approve the special use permit for the use of sheet metal. He also referred to the Deed Restrictions being placed on the tracts, and that they were inline with the requirements oft that zone and the City's Ordinances. Alderman Sisson inquired about the square footage of the homes and ift the developers were only wanting barndominium style homes. The applicant for the plat and special use permit, Bruce Furgerson, responded that they wanted to allow flexibility for the home builders in the materials that could be used. With no other comments offered, Mayor Fenter closed the public hearing at 5:43 p.m. 8. COUNCIL TO DISCUSS AND TAKE ACTION ON THE RECOMMENDATION FROM THE PLANNING AND ZONING a. APPROVE THE FINAL REPLAT OF THE AREA TO BE KNOWN AS THE LONE STAR ESTATES. b. APPROVE A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A CHANGE IN MASONRY REQUIREMENTS TO ALLOW FOR THE USE OF "SHEET METAL" ON HOMES BUILT SOLELY IN THE AREA TO BE KNOWN AS LONE STAR Alderman Sisson made a motion to accept the recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Commission and approve COMMISSION TO: ESTATES. the plat and special use permit for sheet metal. Alderman Robinson seconded the motion. Motion carried with unanimous consent. INVESTMENT POLICY. 9. COUNCIL TO DISCUSS AND TAKE ACTION ON THE ANNUAL RENEWAL OF THE CITY OF JACKSBORO The City Manager, Michael Smith, presented the current investment policy and stated that City Staff had no recommendations to change any part of the policy. Alderman Hood seconded the motion. Motion carried with unanimous consent. Alderman Robinson made a motion to renew the investment policy as stated. 10. COUNCIL TO DISCUSS AND TAKE ACTION ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF GILDARDO TORRES FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF JACKSBORO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEMBER, PLACE 6, UNEXPIRED Jacksboro Economic Development Corporation Director, Brenda Tarpley, presented the recommendation to council for Alderman Hood made a motion to accept the recommendation of Gildardo Torres to the JEDC Board, Place 6. 11. COUNCIL TO DISCUSS OPTIONS FOR CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION TO FUND THE PURCHASE OF AIR-PAKS, A TRAINING TOWER, AND CLASSROOM FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT; RENOVATIONS TO THE JACKSBORO POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND REPAIRS TO CITY HALL, THE TWIN LAKES ACTIVITY CENTER, The City Manager, Michael Smith, reviewed the different repairs and renovations needed throughout the City. He has spoken with the City's investment firm, and they are ready to assisti in obtaining certificates of obligation to fund the various projects. He stated that the City is in a very good position, in which it will be debt free by 2031. Staff were TERM. Gildardo Torres to be appointed to fill the vacant position of Place 6 on the JEDC Board. Alderman Gonzales seconded the motion. Motion carried with unanimous consent. AND THE JACKSBORO E.D.C. BUILDING AND TAKE ACTION. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting 11/25/2024 Page 2of5 directed by Council to obtain bids for the various projects requested in order to have an idea of how much money was 12. COUNCIL TO DISCUSS PERMITTING AND FEES FOR ON-SITE SEWAGE FACILITIES IN THE CITY LIMITS. The City Manager, Michael Smith, addressed with the Council the need for the City to have a permit and feei in place for on-site sewage facilities (septic tanks) that would bei installed in the new Lone Star Estates. He reminded the Council of their previous discussion and agreement to allow for the septic tanks to be used in the development because there were no sewer lines in that area. He stated that City Staff recommended that the City mirror the permit and fees that Jack County is currently using for simplicity. The Code Enforcement Technician, Johnny Burritt, addressed the questions that the Council had about permitting maintenance requirements and that anyi issues arising would be the owner's responsibility and not the liability of the City. Council recommended that City Staff move forward with a permit and fee 13. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF AMENDING THE CITY'S ORDINANCES AND CITY'S PERSONNEL POLICIES RELATIVE TO REDUCING THE POWERS, DUTIES AND AUTHORITY OF THE CITY MANAGER-AND INCREASING THE POWERS, DUTIES AND AUTHORITY OF THE MAYOR AND/OR CITY COUNCIL AS THEY Mayor Fenter began the discussion by stating that this was not a power play. He said there was a need to modify HR provisions and address problems within City Hall. He stated that he thought that with the three employees appointed by Alderman Sisson stated that he felt that an outside party should be brought in, who has no any connection to the City, to evaluate the policies, checks and balances. He stated that there is no clear direction on where things currently lie, and Alderman Robinson stated thati it made no sense to him for the Council to appoint an individual and not do their annual review. Currently, the Council reviews the City Manager, but not the other three who are appointed. He stated that he did not feel the need to bei involved in the day to day operations of the City, but that it would be appropriate to review those whom the Council appoints. The Mayor agreed and added he felti it could be a relief to those appointed. Alton Morris addressed the Council and commented that the Agenda Item referenced reducing the power of the City Manager. He stated that there had been al lot of turmoil over the last nine months within the City. He stated that the strife within the City needed to be relieved, and that he would be running for Mayor in the next term. Sherry Rupe addressed her concern that the Council is elected and should have more say over the positions that they Alderman Hood asked the City Attorney, David Spiller, if our type of government structure had restrictions in power that the Council needed to be aware of when modifying the oversight of employees. Mr. Spiller stated that the laws that needed to be followed began with the State's Constitution, Local Government Codes and Laws, then ordinances, contracts and personnel policies. Ifthe Council had policy questions, there are departments through TML (Texas Municipal League) that can review policies for Cities and clarify them. Currently, he added, it was not actually the policy for Council to make the three appointments, andi that the Ordinance in place stated that the righti is with the City Manager toh hire with the guidance of the Council. The power to review would be in an area not typically under the Council. He further explained that we are not al Home Rule City but a Type A General Law City, and we can only do what the law specifically states we are able to do. We currently have an Ordinance and a Contract for the City Manager that spell out the roles and powers of the City Manager. Those can be changed, but changes need to be checked with TML and how those changes willl be rolled over into an Ordinance and policy change. Alderman Hood reiterated that there were restrictions with Type A General Law, and Mr. Spiller agreed. Mr. Spiller added that as he spoke with other general law Alderman Sisson reaffirmed that het felt the Council needed to understand the policies better and clean them up, preferably with third party assistance. Mr. Spiller replied that there are things under the current Ordinances that are prohibited, but that the Council has the authority to do other things that they are currently not doing, such as requesting the reviews that have been done oft the three appointed positions from the City Manager during his review. Mr. Spiller pointed out that the real matter at hand was the relationships between the Mayor, Council and City Manager, and their failure to communicate. Itwas for the betterment of the City for them to work together for a common goal. Alderman Sisson again stated that we needed to clean up the policy that we currently have and understand what our policy states needed to complete the various repairs and renovations needed. schedule mirroring Jack County's. PERTAIN TO APPOINTED CITY PERSONNEL AND EMPLOYEES. the Council, input should be given by the Council for evaluations and review. that he felt changes needed to be made, but not a change in power. appoint. cities, their councils were not involved in those reviews. and then what needs to be changed. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting 11/25/2024 Page 3of5 Mr. Morris stated that they all must work together, or it will not work. Luke Bodey spoke to the Council and asked, as the City is currently operating, what wasn't working correctly, and Alderman Sisson answered that it was all working fine, but Alderman Gonzales asked the City Attorney to clarify if the Council did choose to do the reviews, that there would need to be changes made to the Ordinance and policy, and that as he explained, other Type A General Law cities were not doing the reviews. Mr. Spiller agreed, both were correct. He advised Council to be careful of what bounds they wanted to cross in! hiring, firing, and reviews. Currently, by Ordinance, the Council only hires the City Manager. Then the City Manager hires the other heads of departments with the Council's input. The Council's role is to make policy and hold the City Manager accountable. Alderman Robinson inquired why an emphasis had been placed on the three department heads, Dr. Jason Johnson addressed the Council with his concern that they were overstepping their boundaries; they didn't know The Mayor requested that the City Attorney review the history of how the position of City Manager came about, and thati it was not through an election but by the creation of the office. Mr. Spiller stated that at the time, the position could be established in two different ways, and that the position was set up under statutory Ordinance over 40 years ago. The Mayor stated that it would take an election to change that form of government. Johnny Rupe inquired whati the catalyst was to this discussion, and the Mayor stated it was a difference in personalities. Raemarie Bodey expressed that shet felt that the Mayor was initially very rude when he began addressing the constituents, and he said he was sorryi ifit appeared Alderman Moffit stated that he didn't fully know what all was needing to be discussed or addressed, and would like to table the discussion. Sherry Rupe stated that the power should be with the elected council and not the City Manager or anyone else, to which Mr. Spiller replied that the Council sets Policy, and the City Manager hires and is held accountable by the City Council. Mr. Rupe asked if there had been any issues with the personnel in question, and Alderman Sisson replied that there were no issues with department heads. He continued that there was a problem with communication between Ross Tolleson spoke and stated that he felt this discussion was too vague, and clarity was needed before any action there was miscommunication and al lack of communication making things uncomfortable. and Mr. Spiller answered that it was not found in the Ordinances, only that they had input. what their current powers were and yet were asking for more power. that way. the Council, Department Heads, the City Manager and Chief Corb. should be taken. Alderman Sisson made a motion to table the discussion. Alderman Gonzales seconded the motion. Motion carried with unanimous consent. 14. DISCUSSION. AND CONSIDERATION OF AMENDING THE CITY'S ORDINANCES AND PERSONNEL POLICIES RELATIVE TO AUTHORIZING, PREPARING AND EXECUTING AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE Alderman Sisson stated that he could not find any other towns of equal size who had a contract with their police chief. Chief of Police Bryan Corb stated that he had found several examples and would pass those along to Alderman Sisson. Alderman Sisson stated that more research needed to be done and agenda item 13 resolved before this matter could be CHIEF OF POLICE. discussed. No action was taken pending the resolution of agenda item 13. a. UPDATE ON PROGRESS ON MCCOMBS STREET 17. UPDATES/REMINDERS/EVENTS: The City Manager gave an update on McCombs Street and stated that as soon as the area dried up, there were plans to pour a concrete ditch to direct the water off of the street. Joseph Garza, a resident on McCombs Street, addressed the current situation oft flooding onto his property, and requested that he be provided with a written plan from the City Manager on the direction that the City planned to take to redirect water draining off of his property. Alderman Robinson asked if an engineer had surveyed the street prior to its repaving, and the City! Manager said no. He is currently awaiting a survey for an easement before addressing the repair. Alderman Sisson requested that the McCombs Street plans be placed on the b. CITY HALL WILL BE CLOSED NOVEMBER 27-29TH FOR THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY. C. ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE. AND COOKIE CRAWL - DECEMBER 5TH; COOKIE CRAWL BEGINS AT next agenda. 5:00 P.M. AND PARADE BEGINS AT 6:30 P.M. City Council! Minutes Regular Meeting 11/25/2024 Page 4 of5 d. CITY CHRISTMAS PARTY - DECEMBER 6TH AT THE CONCERNED CITIZENS CENTER BEGINNING AT JANUARY 15, 2025 FIRST DAY TO FILE FORTHE GENERAL AND SPECIAL ELECTION POSITIONS. 6:00 P.M. e. DECEMBER 9, 2024-1 NEXT COUNCIL MEETING. The City Manager gave updates and reminders of alle events. Alderman Robinson announced that the Jacksboro FFA Issues Group was going to State with their presentation. At 6:59 p.m., Mayor Fenter moved the Council meeting into closed session. Those invited into attendance were the City Manager, Michael Smith, the City Attorneys, David Spiller and Reid Spiller, Police Chief, Bryan Corb, Administrative Assistant to the Police Department, Tedra Bilby, Human Resources Director, Leslie Jackson, and Council Members. 12. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION a. PERSONNEL MATTERS ($551.074 TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE). a. PERSONNEL MATTERS ($551.074 TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE). Mayor Fenter reconvened the meeting into Open Session at 7:27 p.m. No action was taken. 13. OPEN SESSION CONSIDERATION OF ANY OFFICIAL ACTION ON THE CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS. 15. ADJOURNMENT Alderman Robinson made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Sission seconded the motion. Motion carried with unanimous consent. APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JACKSBORO, TEXAS ON THE 9TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2024. CITY OF. JACKSBORO huly CRAIG FENTER MAYOR ATTEST: MalymkBumt SHALYN L. BURRITT CITY SECRETARY City Council Minutes Regular Meeting 11/25/2024 Page 5of5