Page 162 CITY OF FORT STOCKTON, TEXAS MINUTES OF: REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE OF MEETING: JANUARY 27, 2025 TIME OF MEETING: 5:30 PM PLACE OF MEETING: 121 WEST SECOND STREET FORT STOCKTON, TX 79735 ROLL CALL WAS ANSWERED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS: PRESENT: COUNCIL MEMBER DARREN HODGES, COUNCIL MEMBER PAUL JEROME CHAVEZ, MAYOR PAUL CASIAS, MAYOR PRO-TEM JAMES WARNOCK, COUNCIL MEMBER RUBEN J BERNAL, COUNCIL MEMBER RUBEN FALCON CITY MANAGER: FRANK RODRIGUEZ III CITY SECRETARY: MARINA CANTU CITY ATTORNEY: JESSE GONZALES JR. Mayor Paul Casias called the Regular Meeting to Order at 5:30 p.m. after declaring a quorum present. Mayor Paul Casias read the Mission Statement: "The Mission of the City of Fort Stockton Municipal Government is to Promote & Value Public Confidence and Trust by the Accountable and Responsible Use of Community Resources; to Ensure Public Safety; Improve Public Services; Promote Local Recreation and Entertainment; and Generate Economic Development." INVOCATION: Council Member Darren Hodges gave the Invocation. PLEDGES: Council Member Ruben J. Bernal led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America Flag & the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas Flag. PUBLIC TESTIMONY 1. Public Testimony There was not any Public Testimony. Page/63 CONSENT AGENIDA: 2. All matters listed are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. If discussion is desired, that item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. Minutes: (Mayor) a Regular Meeting Minutes of Fort Stockton City Council, 01/13/2025 Regular Meeting Minutes of Building & Standards Commission, 12/05/2024 Regular Meeting Minutes of Fort Stockton Cemetery Advisory Board, 07/30/2024 Accounts Payable Grand Total: $559,176.73 Motion was made by Council Member Ruben J Bernal, seconded by Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, and carried unanimously to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. RESOLUTION: 3. Discuss/Act upon Resolution No. 25-100R, A Resolution Completing the Annual Review of the Current City ofl Fort Stockton Investment Policy Manual, which shall remain in effect until it is repealed by City Council; However, Amendments or Omissions to the Manual may be Recommended by the City Manager or Completed by the Governing Body, as needed. Nilva Salinas the Assistant to the Director of Finance advised City Council that there were no changes to the City of Fort Stockton Investment Policy Manual this year. Motion was made by Council Member Ruben Falcon, seconded by Council Member Ruben J Bernal, and carried unanimously to approve Resolution No. 25-100R, A Resolution Completing the Annual Review of the Current City of Fort Stockton Investment Policy Manual, which shall remain in effect until it is repealed by City Council; However, Amendments or Omissions to the Manual may be Recommended by the City Manager or Completed by the Governing Body, as needed. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. Page 164 REGULAR BUSINESS: 4. Discuss/Act upon the 1st Quarterly investment report ending December 31, 2024. (City Mgr./Dir. of Fin) Nilva Salinas the Assistant to the Director of Finance provided the following report: In accordançe with Resolution No. 11-110R, the City exceeded the required 7% of General Fund's and Enterprise Fund's budgeted expenses totaling $22,981,100.00 by maintaining $1,608,677.00. GENERAL Beginning of Quarter End of Quarter Quarterly Interest Earned TOTAL $ 9,271,843.02 $ 9,319,836.20 $ 112,546.19 CVB Beginning of Quarter End of Quarter Quarterly Interest Earned TOTAL $ 1,077,324.96 $ 1,032,893.22 $ 11,593.63 EDC 4-A Beginning of Quarter End of Quarter Quarterly Interest Earned TOTAL $ 3,393,046.62 $ 3,451,259.91 $ 40,788.70 EDC 4-B Beginning of Quarter End of Quarter Quarterly Interest Earned TOTAL $ 1,531,856.20 $ 1,626,251.88 $ 18,651.49 SPECIAL ASSESSMENT Beginning of Quarter End of Quarter Quarterly Interest Earned TOTAL $ 3,709,055.76 $ 3,969,433.11 $ 45,753.68 LOGIC's average interest rate was 4.5% Motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, seconded by Council Member Ruben J Bernal, and carried unanimously to approve 1st Quarterly Investment report ending December 31, 2024. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. 5. Discuss/Act upon 1st Quarterly Revenue & Expense Report ending December 31, 2024. (Dir. of Fin.) Page 165 Nilva Salinas the Assistant to the Director of Finance provided the following report: REVENUES REVENUES EXPENSES OVER/UNDER) EXPENDITURES GENERAL $ 2,320,357.13 $ 2,578,580.86 ($ 258,223.73) We have not posted our Intergovernmental Transfers for the first quarter. HB 445 $ 145,056.67 $ 215,415.99 ($ 70,359.32) MUNICIPAL COURT TECH $ 28.00 $ 0.00 $ 28.00 RECREATION $ 119,110.00 $ 102,540.60 $ 16,569.40 HOUSING AUTHORITY $ 142,453.71 $ 158,649.10 ($ 16,195.39) These arej federal funds, which have since been paid ENTERPRISE $ 3,411,328.50 $ 1,721,547.50 $ 1,689,781.00 EDC4-A $ 204,830.43 $ 229,313.98 ($ 24,483.55) The deposit for the Standpipe Project has been posted for $112,000.00 EDC4-B $ 163,708.16 $ 17,874.10 $ 145,834.06 CVB $ 218,773.97 $ 363,997.59 ($ 145,223.62) Fall Fest Expenses were paid under this quarter which totaled a litle under $89,000.00 VENUE TAX $ 60,482.45 $ 22,106.14 $ 38,376.31 DEBT SERVICE $ 431,588.66 $ 9,127.37 $ 422,461.29 Our bond payment is coming up in March Motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, seconded by Council Member Ruben J Bernal, and carried unanimously to approve 1st Quarterly Revenue & Expense Report ending December 31, 2024. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. 6. Discuss/Act upon Construction Speed Concurrence, lowering the speed limit by 10 MPH per roadway section for the TxDOT State Highway Improvement Project which involves bridge joint repairs and concrete structure repairs for the overpasses at IH 10 & FM 1053. (City Mgr.) City Manager Frank Rodriguez III shared that TxDOT will be carrying out a construction project within Fort Stockton city limits, focusing on bridge joint repairs and concrete structure repairs on several overpasses. TxDOT is seeking approval for a speed reduction during this construction. He advised City Council he has spoken with Chief of Police Ernesto Velasquez, who is aware of the impacted areas. The speed reduction will begin at the end of January. Page 66 Motion was made by Council Member Ruben Falcon, seconded by Council Member Ruben J Bernal, and carried unanimously to approve Construction Speed Concurrence, lowering the speed limit by 10 MPH per roadway section for the TxDOT State Highway Improvement Project which involves bridge joint repairs and concrete structure repairs for the overpasses at IH 10 & FM 1053. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. 7. Discuss/Act upon City of Fort Stockton Authorization to Issue Requests for Proposals for Administrative Services (RFP) and Requests for Qualifiçations (RFQ) for the 2025 Texas Community Development Block Grant Program, Downtown Revitalization Program, administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture. (City Mgr.) City Manager Frank Rodriguez III explained the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has launched the 2025 CDBG Downtown Revitalization Program, which includes Main Street set- aside grant opportunities. He requested approval from City Council to authorize the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Administrative Services as well as the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the 2025 Texas Community Development Block Grant Program, Downtown Revitalization Program, administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture. He mentioned that there were a couple of strategic planning sessions. This grant could potentially provide up to $1 Million, with a matching fund requirement capped at $50,000, meaning the city would bc responsible for covering $50,000 if awarded. The plan is to begin at the arch on Main Street and work toward the church, identifying buildings that require renovations to match the desired look, including the installation of solar lighting and other improvements. If the grant is awarded, that's fantastic, if not, this project will remain a long-term goal to be gradually worked on each year. Council Member Ruben Falcon inquired if the amount the City would apply for would be determined by the City Manager or would the stakeholders on Main Street have input. Samantha Chumley ofGrantworks explained there would be a project scope meeting that would include anyone the city would like to involve. Council Member Ruben Falcon inquired if an engineer would be involved. Samantha Chumley of Grantworks responded that the project would be completed in two phases. The first phase involves the City applying for the grant. If the grant is awarded to the city, phase two would involve the engineer coming on board. Page 67 City Manager Frank Rodriguez III explained the project scope meeting would involve the stakeholders along Main Street. He values their input on the project and anticipates a need for infrastructure improvements. Motion was made by Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, seconded by Council Member Ruben J Bernal, and carried unanimously to approve City of Fort Stockton Authorization to Issue Requests for Proposals for Administrative Services (RFP) and Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) for the 2025 T'exas Community Development Block Grant Program, Downtown Revitalization Program, administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. 8. Discuss/Act upon Pay Application No. 3 from Hydro Resources-Mid Continent, Inc. for Belding Water Well #6 Replacement Well Services totaling $140,334.00. (Asst. City Mgr.) Assistant City Manager/City Attorney Jesse Gonzales, Jr. explained Hydro Resources-Mid Continent, Inc. is approximately 75% complete with the Belding Water Well #6 Replacement Well. Motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, seconded by Council Member Darren Hodges, and carried unanimously to approve Pay Application No. 3 from Hydro Resources-Mid Continent, Inc. for Belding Water Well #6 Replacement Well Services totaling $140,334.00. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. 9. Discuss/Act upon Pay Application No. 4 from Hydro Resources-Mid Continent, Inc. for Belding Water Well #6 Replacement Well Services totaling $220,742.00. (Asst. City Mgr.) Assistant City Manager/City Attorney Jesse Gonzales, Jr. explained this project is almost complete. Motion was made by Council Member Darren Hodges, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, and carried unanimously to approve Pay Application No. 4 from Hydro Resources-Mid Continent, Inc. for Belding Water Well #6 Replacement Well Services totaling $220,742.00. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Faicon voted aye. Page 168 10. Discuss/Act upon the Teresa Mason Park Renovation Project in an amount not to exceed $250,000, as approved by the Economic Development 4-B Corporation on January 16, 2025. (City Atty.) Assistant City Manager/City Attorney Jesse Gonzales, Jr. explained that the Economic Development 4-B Corporation approved the project in September and held a public hearing for it on January 16, 2025. He clarified that this refers to the park commonly known as "Rocket Park.' # Motion was made by Councill Member Ruben Falcon, seconded by Council Member Ruben J Bernal, and carried unanimously to approve Teresa Mason Park Renovation Project in an amount not to exceed $250,000, as approved by the Economic Development 4-B Corporation on January 16, 2025. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. 11. Discuss/Act upon the Acceptance of Remie Ramos' Resignation as EDC Executive Director, which was previously accepted by the Economic Development 4-A Corporation on January 16, 2025 and the Economic Development 4-B Corporation on January 13, 2025. (City Atty.) Motion was made by Council Member Ruben Falcon, seconded by Council Member Ruben J Bernal, and carried unanimously, to Accept Remie Ramos' Resignation as EDC Executive WN Director, which was previedsly accepted by the Economic Development 4-A Corporation on January 16, 2025 and the Economic Development 4-B Corporation on January 13, 2025. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. 12. Questions from Media. Joh Covington of the Fort Stockton Pioneer inquired who made up the team the City Manager had previously mentioned. City Manager Frank Rodriguez II explained that the team includes the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Director of Finance, Economic Development Corporation Executive Director, Convention and Visitor's Bureau Director, and the ITTechnician. Joh Covington of the Fort Stockton Pioneer further inquired where the ideas for utilizing the potential grant were coming from. Page169 City Manager Frank Rodriguez III replied that the ideas were inspired by other cities with a similar downtown style, as well as suggestions from the committee. Joh Covington of the Fort Stockton Pioneer inquired if the city had a sense of what the stakeholders' input might look like. Would they be given options, or how would they contribute to the plan? City Manager Frank Rodriguez III clarified the stakeholders would be guided under the direction of City Council. In order to alleviate any chaos, the committee would handle the groundwork, and the stakeholders would be presented with options to help steer the direction of the plan. 13. Adjourn. Motion was made by Council Member Ruben Falcon, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, and carried unanimously to adjourn the Regular City Council Meeting at 6:04 p.m. Council Member Darren Hodges, Council Member Paul Jerome Chavez, Mayor Paul Casias, Mayor Pro-Tem James Warnock, Council Member Ruben J Bernal, Council Member Ruben Falcon voted aye. - - a Cavar Paul Casias, Mayor ATTEST: MMAA V / Ah Marina A. Cantu, City Secretary