Robert Rayburn, Mayor Commissioners: William Beaty District 1 Anna Velez District 2 Michael Keller District 3 BC Hardin District 4 Amanda Hill, City Administrator CITY OF MASON CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA January 21, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. Richard P. Eckert Civic Center, 1024 McKinley Avenue, Mason, Texas 76856 Call to Order by Mayor Robert Rayburn Invocation given by Commissioner Michael Keller Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Anna Velez Public Comments ITEM 1. Discussion and Action Discuss and consider acceptance of Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRF) from the Texas Water Development Board. ITEM 2. Discussion and Action Discuss and consider financing for equipment replacement and capital improvement needs. ITEM: 3. Discussion and Action Discuss and consider lead and copper financing. ITEM 4. Discussion and Action Discuss and consider adjustments to the City of Mason Rate & Fee Schedule. ITEM 5. Discussion and Action Discuss and consider approval to apply for grant funding through LCRA's Community Development Partnership Program. ITEM 6. Discussion and Action Discuss and consider adoption of 2021 International Maintenance Code and 2015 International Existing Building Code. ITEM 7. Discussion and Action Discuss and consider proposal by Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP to perform a study to be conducted related to redistricting of City of Mason Election Districts, redistricting process and costs related. ITEM 8. Discussion and Action Discuss and consider approval for Order of Election for the May 3, 2025, General Election for Commissioner District 2 and Commissioner District 4. ITEM 9. Mayor's Comments and Administrator's Reports No action may be taken on these items. ITEM 10. Consent Agenda: Minutes Departmental Reports Quarterly Investment Report Financials Correspondence ITEM 11. Adjourn Notes to the Agenda: 1. The Commission may vote and/or act upon each of the items listed in this Agenda. 2. If, during Public Comments, Commissioner's Report, or Administrative Report, an inquiry is made about a subject for which notice has not been given as required by law, the Commission may make a statement of specific factual information in response to the inquiry and may recite existing policy in response to the inquiry. Any deliberation of or a decision about the subject of the inquiry shall be limited to a proposal to place the subject on the agenda for a subsequent meeting. 3. The Commission reserves the right to retire into executive session concerning any of the items listed on this Agenda, whenever it is considered necessary and legally.justified under the Open Meetings Act. TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE $S 551.071 - 551.087 allows for executive sessions for consultation with attorneys, deliberation on real property, receipt of gifts, personnel matters audonferences withemployees. Approved: Robert Rayburn, May MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable Mayor & City Commission FROM: Amanda Hill, City Administrator SUBJECT: January 21, 2025 Commission Meeting Agenda Items DATE: January 16, 2025 This is a long agenda with 8 action items. 1. Items 1 and 2 will be discussed together to some extent. These items were discussed at length at last week's workshop. Item 1 is the DWSRF loan. John Palacio ordered the study of the water infrastructure which identified $17,000,000 in needed repairs and upgrades. We were approved for a loan in that amount, but we can't afford the debt service. We must come up with a number that the commission is comfortable with. The payment would be made by raising property taxes. 2. was asked by the commission to identify the City's most pressing needs. As early as in my interview - expressed concern for the condition of and lack of adequate equipment, tools and facilities. - have worked with the department heads to identify the most crucial items, which total approximately $850,000. The taxi increase on this amount is 8.3 cents/$100 of value. If the Commission is not comfortable with the large tax increase necessary for both loans, - would ask that you not move forward with the Water Development Loan, but increase the equipment, tools and facilities loan to $1,000,000. This will allow us to purchase additional equipment and supplies to do some of the water and electric line work in house. The tax increase on this amount is 9.78 cents/$100 of value, being 55%. 3. This item was also discussed at the workshop. It is my recommendation that the commission not move forward with this financing. There is simply not enough benefit to justify it. 4. The Commission approved the 2025 Rate and Fee Schedule in November. In December, we had citizens comments requesting that the liquor license fees be lowered. have added the fees for the licenses that we currently have in Mason to the rate and fee Schedule. Those figures are highlighted for your review. Please note that the fees are for a two-year cycle, not annual. When entering the previously approved Rate and Fee Schedule, we discovered a few errors and oversights. have made those corrections and have highlighted them as well. None of these fees are new or increased. They are already being charged, they just weren't on the list. 5. LCRA offers a $50,000, 20% match community grant. I would like to apply for a $15,000 grant to update the restrooms at the Community Building. 6. This item has been on the last couple of agendas. The City previously adopted the following: a. International Building Code b. International Residential Code C. International Fuel Gas Code d. International Mechanical Code e. International Plumbing Code, except Sections 103 & 104 f. International Energy Conservation Code g. International Fire Code - am requesting that the International Existing Building Code and Property Maintenance Codes be added. This gives us a guideline and procedures to address substandard and dilapidated structures within the City. 7. This item has also been previously discussed. The City must determine every 10 years ift their voting districts are in balance. The analysis is $10,000. If it is determined we are in balance, then that is the end. If the districts are out of balance it would be approximately another $10,000 to bring them into compliance. 8. This item is a formality to officially call the May 3, 2025 General Election for Commissioner District 2 and Commissioner District 4. The deadline to file for a place on the ballot is February 14, 2025 Consent Agenda You will notice some changes in the consent agenda. In an effort to streamline the meeting, the quarterly investment report will now be included here rather than as a separate agenda item. You will also notice a summary format of the check register and Revenue and Expense report. Should you have questions on any of the entries, please contact me before the meeting, if possible, for clarification. PUBLIC COMMENTS Citizens may make comments, suggestions or present complaints about any issue, including items posted on the current agenda. Commission members may not discuss the issue except to present relevant factual information or to ask questions of the citizen or city staff for further clarification. Commission members may request that an item be placed on a future agenda for discussion and/or possible action. In order to be recognized by the Chair, all Comments made by Citizens will need to be made from the microphone at the front of the assembly. Because the proceedings are recorded as an official record of this public meeting of the City Commission, any Citizen making comments will need to identify themselves and speak clearly into the microphone. ITEM 1. Discussion and Action Discuss and consider acceptance of Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRF) from the Texas Water Development Board. N 5I ITEM 2. Discussion and Action Discuss and consider financing for equipment replacement and capital improvement needs. ITEM 3. Discussion and Action Discuss and consider lead and copper financing. TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD P.O. Box 13231, 1700 N. Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78711-3231, www.wdbtexas.goy Phone (512) 463-7847, Fax (512) 475-2053 Official Electronic Mail sent via email. No hard copy tot follow. August 23, 2024 Pattie Allen and Donna Longehennig Co-Interim City Administrators City of Mason aitsalanachoimusonusand mamstamscsnnw Re: Funding Determination Letter - SFY 2023 DWSRF-LSLR (IJA-Equivalency) Dear Ms. Allen and Ms. Longehennig: The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) received your application for financial assistance from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Lead Service Line/ Replacement (LSLR) Program for the project detailed below. This project is eligible for DWSRF-LSLR funding in the amounts shown: Project Description City of Mason Lead Service Line Inventory Project TWDB Project Number 63063 PIF Number 15223 Inventory Inventory Principal Forgiveness (51%) $156,122.00 Inventory Loan Amount (0% Loan, includes loan origination fee) $150,000.00 Inventory Sub-Total $306,122.00 Non-Inventory (Planning, Design, Construction) Non-Inventory Principal Forgiveness (51%) $0.00 Non-Inventory Loan Amount* (includes loan origination fee) $0.00 Non-Inventory Sub-Total $0.00 Total Principal Forgiveness $156,122.00 Total Loan $150,000.00 Total Funding $306,122.00 *Non-inventory loan portion is funded at the program's current equivalency loan rate. Our Mission Board Members Leading the state's efforts Brooke T. Paup, Chairwoman I L'Oreal Stepney, P.E., Board Member ine ensuring a secure water future for Texas Bryan McMath, Interim Executive Administrator Ms. Allen and Ms. Langehennig August 23, 2024 Page 2 The closing deadline for a commitment covering Inventory only is 12 months. The closing deadline for any other commitment, including those with a combination of Inventory, Planning, Design, and Construction costs is 24 months. This project is eligible for funding under the capitalization grant provided through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This is an equivalency project; therefore, the project must follow all federal requirements (e.g. Build America Buy America, SRF Public Project Awareness requirements, Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, etc.). The application is currently under technical review by TWDB staff. Until the project receives a funding commitment from the TWDB, the budgeted amounts in the application are subject to change. If you have any questions regarding this funding determination, please contact Rebekkah Sandt at (512) 475-1977 or DWSRF@hdblexas.goV. The TWDB appreciates your interest in the DWSRF-LSLR program and looks forward to working with you to complete this project. Sincerely, Marven Cek-Clany Marvin Cole-Chaney Director, Program Administration and Reporting Water Supply and Infrastructure Cc: Colden Rich, Engineer, colden.fich@e-ht.com Rudy Segura, Jr., Bond Counsel, sequra@mphlegalcom Erick Macha, Financial Advisor, msMAgsadas Dain Larsen, RWPD Assistant Director, dananendiwdbiesao RWPD-Team 1 RWPD-FA Donna Langehennig From: Shamama Nazneen ShamamaNazneen@twdbtexasgov> Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2024 12:03 PM To: Pattie Allen; Donna Langehennig Cc: Colden Rich; Rudy Segura; Erickmacha@hiltopsecurities.com; WSI-RWPD-Team1; WSI- RWPD-FA; WS/-RWPD-APPLICATION-COMPLETE Subject: Notice of Complete Application - City of Mason (Mason County) DWSRF LSLR $300,000 Some people who received this message don't often get email from shamamanazneen@lwdbtexas.gov. Learn why this is important Ms. Allen and Ms. Longehennig, The City of Mason's (City) financial application is considered to be administratively complete. The project number is 63063. A technical review ofthe application will now be completed to provide feedback to you as to whether any additional technical information (financial, engineering, environmental) will be required to complete our analysis of the application and recommendation for the Board. The team managing this project will be: Theresa Finch, Manager, (512) 475-1713 Shubham Aggarwal, Project Assessment Manager/Revlewer, (512) 475-2448 Chris Caran, Environmental Protection Specialist, (512) 463-3887 Kyle DuQuesnay, Financial Analyst, (512) 463-7776 Breann Hunter, Attorney, (512) 463-8510 Heather Rose, Water Planner, (512) 475-1558 Texas Water Development Board staff looks forward to working with the City. Ifyou have any questions, please contact the above-mentioned team members. Thank you. Shamama Nazneen Administrative Assistant V Regional Water Project Development Texas Water Development Board 1700 N. Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78701 (512) 463-7191 shamama.nazneenorwdb.texas.gox TOP WORK Austin mcrican Statcsman PLACES statesman.com 2023 Texas WaterDevelopmentt Boardisa 20231 Topl Workplace! 1 PROJECT BUDGET MASON DWSRF-LSLR: PROJEGT Uses Inventory Principal Inventory Loan 0% DWSRF Loan Funds Total TWDB Forgiveness Interest Cost Other Funds Total Cost Construction LSLR $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Subtotal Construction $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Basic Engineering Fees Planning $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Design $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Construction Engineering $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Subtotal Basic Engineering Fees $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Special Services Application $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Environmental $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Water Conservation Plan $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Surveying $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Geotechnical $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Testing $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Regulatory Compliance, Piloting $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Inspection $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 O&MI Manual &1 Training $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Pre-Planning Engineering Services $40,000 $0 $0 $40,000 $0 $40,000 LSLR Inventory $102,441 $107,559 $0 $210,000 $0 $210,000 Subtotal Special Services $142,441 $107,559 $0 $250,000 $0 $250,000 Other Asset Management Plan $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Subtotal Other Services $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Fiscal Services Fiscal/Legal $0 $750 $0 $750 $0 $750 Bond Counsel $0 $20,000 $0 $20,000 $0 $20,000 Financial Advisor $0 $17,500 $0 $17,500 $0 $17,500 Issuance Costs $0 $1,250 $0 $1,250 $0 $1,250 Loan Origination Fee $0 $2,941 $0 $2,941 $0 $2,941 Subtotal Fiscal Services $0 $42,441 $0 $42,441 $0 $42,441 Contingency Contingency $13,681 $0 $0 $13,681 $0 $13,681 Subtotal Cnmtinguny $13,681 $0 $0 $13,681 $0 $13,681 TOTAL cos STE OF TEK $156,122 - - $150,000 $0 $306,122 $0 $306,122 * je0o008a8 * * KEITH PKINDLE 00 000000000 87779 & G * SICENSER o ). A a ITEM 4. Discussion and Action Discuss and consider adjustments to the City of Mason Rate & Fee Schedule. CITY OF MASON 2025 RATE & FEE SCHEDULE Deposits and Fees Residential Utility Deposit $ 300.00 Housing Authority Resident Deposit $ 150.00 Commercial Utility Deposit $ 400.00 ConnectReconnect Fee $ 30.00 Disconnect Fee $ 20.00 Insufficient Check Charge $35.00 Infrastructure Fee $ 5.00 Late Utility Bill Payment 5% Water Rates Residential: In City Limits Monthly Base Rate (0-1000 gallons) $ 22.50 Per 1000 gallons (1001-10,000 gallons) $ 2.75 Per 1000 gallons (10,001-25,000 gallons) $ 3.75 Per 1000 gallons (25,001-50,000 gallons) $ 4.25 Per 1000 gallons (50,001 and up gallons) $ 5.75 Commercial: In City Limits Monthly Base Rate (0-1000 gallons) $ 24.50 Per 1000 gallons (1001-10,000 gallons) $ 2.75 Per 1000 gallons 10,001-25,000 gallons) $ 3.75 Per 1000 gallons (25,001-50,000 gallons) $ 4.25 Per 1000 gallons (50,001 and up gallons) $ 5.75 Residential: Out of City Limits With or Without Sewer Monthly Base Rate (0-1000 gallons) $ 45.00 Per 1000 gallons (1001-10,000 gallons) $ 2.75 Per 1000 gallons (10,001-25,000 gallons) $ 3.75 Per 1000 gallons (25,001-50,000; gallons) $ 4.25 Per 1000 gallons (50,001 and up gallons) $ 5.75 Commercial: Out of City Limits With or Without Sewer Monthly Base Rate (0-1000 gallons) $ 49.00 Per 1000 gallons (1001-10,000 gallons) $ 2.75 Per 1000 gallons (10,001-25,000 gallons) $ 3.75 Per 1000 gallons 25,001-50,000 gallons) $ 4.25 Per 1000 gallons (50,001 and up gallons) $ 5.75 Landfill Water Sales In Town Customer - up to 1,000 gallons $ 60.00 Out of Town Customer - up to 1,000 gallons $ 80.00 Water Meter and Shut Off Valve Installation 3/4" water meter (up to 60) $ 750.00 1" water meter (up to 60') $ 850.00 2" water meter (up to 60) $ 1,800.00 Page - 1 CITY OF MASON 2025 RATE & FEE SCHEDULE Sewer Rates Residential: In City Limits Monthly Base Charge (0-3,000 gallons) $12.00 Per 1,000 Gallons (3,001-10,000 Max.) $2.00 CAP $24.00 Residential Sewer with no water service $24.00 Commercial: In City Limits Monthly Base Charge (0-3,000 gallons) $13.50 Per 1,000 Gallons (3,001- and above) $2.00 CAP $50.00 Commercial in City Limits with no water $50.00 Residential: Out of City Limits Monthly Base Charge (0-3,000 gallons) $24.00 Per 1,000 Gallons (3,001-10,000 Max. ) $4.00 CAP $24.00 Commercial: Out of City Limits Monthly Base Charge (0-3,000 gallons) $27.00 Per1,000 Gallons (3,001- and above) $4.00 CAP $100 Commercial Outside City Limits with no water $100 4" Sewer Connection Complete to the property line by the City (up to 60') $ 1,350.00 Locate line, provide sewer saddle and patch street only $ 600.00 Locate line and provide sewer saddle (not in street) $ 300.00 * All connections for electric water and wastewater services are set at cost of materials and labor. Annual Grease Trap Inspection fee 150.00 Page I - 2 CITY OF MASON 2025 RATE & FEE SCHEDULE Garbage Rates Residential: One pick up per week in City Limits $ 24.00 Residential: One pick up per week - out of City Limits $ 48.00 Commercial: curbside collection per Cu. Yd. with one Cu. Yd. min. $ 28.00 Commercial: curbside collection two pick-up per week $ 56.00 3 Yard Dumpster One pick-up per week $ 110.00 Two pick-ups per week $ 160.00 Three pick-ups per week $ 220.00 Four pick-ups per week $ 285.00 Five pick-ups per week $ 340.00 Mason ISD $ 2,427.00 Extra Dumpster pick-up $ 50.00 Outside City Limits one pick-up per week $ 220.00 Outside City Limits two pick-up per week $ 320.00 Trash Container One trash can is provided for each utility account, the can remains City property Only city issued trash cans will be picked up Additional trash can (one-time delivery fee) $ 75.00 Monthly fee for pick-up of additional trash can (each additional can) $ 8.00 Replacement can due to customer-caused damage $ 75.00 Second pick up of regular containers (residential or commercial) Double normal rate 20 Yard Roll Off Trash Dumpster 48" and 72" 20 yard Roll Off Dumpster Deposit $ 200.00 48" 20- yard Roll Off Dumpster per Load/Pick Up $ 650.00 72" 40- yard Roll Off Dumpster per Load/Pick Up $ 800.00 Rolloff Relocation $ 100.00 * Each apartment, mobile home or dwelling serviced by an electric meter shall be charged the minimum monthly garbage rate. Page I 3 CITY OF MASON 2025 RATE & FEE SCHEDULE Electric Rates Residential: Monthly base charge $20.00 Per KWh energy distribution charge 0.04500 Commercial: Monthly base charge $30.00 Per KWh energy distribution charge 0.04500 Industrial: Monthly base charge in city limits $150.00 Monthly base charge outside city limits $ 300.00 Per KWh energy distribution charge 0.04500 Variable pass-through element to be adjusted monthly based on total monthly adjusted power cost from LCRA power bill. FORMULA: (Total Monthly Adjusted Power Cost from LCRA Billy Divided by (Adjusted Wholesale kWh from LCRA Power Bill X Annualized Net Loss Factor) Electrical Service Construction New 200 amp single phase service base charge $ 850.00 Meter base, 200 amp single phase $ 95.00 * All connections for electric, water and wastewater services are set at cost of materials and labor. Streetlights Monthly Rental $ 15.00 Install New Utility Pole Quote **** Projects exceeding $25,000 in total value must be approved by the City Commission Page I 4 CITY OF MASON 2025 RATE & FEE SCHEDULE Permit and Application Fees: Building Single Family Residential, New $ 220.00 minimum (0.05 sq. ft.) Multi-Family Residential or Non-Residential, New $ 325.00 minimum (0.05 sq. ft.) Addition or Outbuilding $ 50.00 minimum (0.05 sq. ft.) Plumbing Single Family Residential Project $ 50.00 minimum (0.05 sq. ft) Multi-Family Residential or Non-Residential, New $ 50.00 minimum (0.05 sq. ft) Lawn Irrigation System $ 40.00 Electric Single Family Residential Project $ 50.00 minimum (0.05 sq. ft) Multi-Family Residential or Non-Residential Project $ 50.00 minimum (0.05 sq. ft) Mechanical (HVAC) Single Family Residential Project $ 50.00 minimum (0.05 sq. ft) Multi-Family Residential or Non-Residential $ 50.00 minimum (0.05 sq.f) Sign, Fence and Demolition $ 75.00 Moving and setting up of house or manufactured home $ 180.00 Floodplain $ 25.00 Re-Inspection Fee $ 50.00 each Starting Project Without a Permit $ 75.00 Outdoor burning $ 40.00 Zoning (variance, conditional use or re-zoning requests) $ 250.00 Application for Street/Alley Closure $ 600.00 Right of Way (ROW) construction $ 100.00 Roofing Permit Residential $ 50.00 Commercial $ 100.00 In Ground Pool $ 100.00 Solar Array $ 25.00 (0.05/sq. ft) Page I 5 CITY OF MASON 2025 RATE & FEE SCHEDULE Subdivision Minor Plat (does not include County filing fees) $300.00 Full Plat (does not include County filing fees With submission of preliminary plat $250.00 With submission of final plat $650.00 * Square foot prices shall not apply to service calls Alcohol/Liquor License Rates - ALL LICENSES & FEES ARE FOR TWO YEARS Brewer's License $1,500 Distiller's and Rectifier's Permit $1,500 Winery Permit (G) $75 Mixed Beverage Permit - 1st Renewal $1,125 Mixed beverage Permit - 2nd Renewal $1,500 Mixed Beverage Permit - 3d & Subsequent Renewals $750 Wine and Malt Beveragel Retailer's Off-Premise Permit $60 Malt Beverage Retail Dealer's Off-Premise License $60 Package Store Permit $500 Brewer's Self-Distibution License $600 *All other licenses will be at" TABC max local amount for first issuance with review by Commission prior to renewal. Peddler/Door to Door Sales Peddler License (good for 30 days) $25.00 Second and each additional license $10.00 Page I 6 CITY OF MASON 2025 RATE & FEE SCHEDULE Landfill Rates & Fees General rate $0. 06/b ($10 minimum) General rate for Mason County Residents $0.08/lb ($15 minimum) Small Animal (pet) $ 10.00 Surcharge for unsecured loads $ 15.00 Charge to use the scale $ 2.00 Brush, limbs, yard debris, tree removal $. 02/lb ($5 minimum) Page I 7 CITY OF MASON 2025 RATE & FEE SCHEDULE Animal Control Fees Dog License Spayed/Neutered Proof, 1 year term $ 5.00 Not Spayed/Neutered, 1 year term $ 25.00 Dangerous Animal, per year $ 50.00 Change of Address on Dangerous Animal $ 25.00 Impoundment Ofs Strays, Daily Fee $ 25.00 Quarantine Fee, Daily $ 15.00 Surrender Fee mpoundmenleunanang $ 50.00 County Services (Law enforcement discretion) Initial impoundment charge $ 25.00 Daily impoundment charge $ 25.00 Other Services At Cost Disposal of Dead Animals ($5 Landfill & $10 Pickup) $ 15.00 Adoption (Plus cost of neutering/spaying services) $ 20.00 Calls outside City limits $ 50.00 Trapping Fee per animal $ 20.00 Page I 8 CITY OF MASON 2025 RATE & FEE SCHEDULE Facility Rental Rates Swimming Pool Deposit nla Rental (City furnishes 2 lifeguards) $ 175.00 for 2 hours Entrance Fee (All ages, per session) $ 4.00 per person Season Pass $ 100.00 Pavilion Deposit nla Rental $ 60.00 RVI Park Site Rental (day) $ 30.00 Site Rental (week) $ 175.00 Site Rental (month - 3 months maximum) $ 450.00 Tent Site (day) $ 10.00 Non-camper shower use per person $ 5.00 Dump Fee $ 25.00 Community Building Deposit $ 300.00 Rental $ 300.00 Dance Slab Deposit $ 300.00 Rental $ 175.00 Eckert Civic Center Deposit $ 300.00 Rental $ 250.00 Page I 9 CITY OF MASON 2025 RATE & FEE SCHEDULE Open Records Request Fees Copies Standard Document Copy $ 0.10 per page Legal Document Copy $ 0.10 per page Oversized Copy Paper $ 10 each USB $ 5.00 each Labor $ 15.00 Postage & Shipping Actual Cost Faxing Fee $ 1.00 Page I 10 CITY OF MASON 2025 RATE & FEE SCHEDULE Miscellaneous Rates & Fees Pre-Mixpound Cost+ 25% (rounded up to nearest cent/lb.) installation of Banner over Highway for 2 weeks $50.00 Equipment Hourly Rates*A $ 120.00 Labor Wage multiplier for labor associated costs such as Social Security, Workmen's Compensation, health insurance, vacation and holidays, retirement, sick leave, Medicare and uniforms. CURRENT MULTIPLIER 1.6 Administrative Fee 10% (Added to the bottom line of repair and construction estimates **** For use in assessing costs of accident repairs and in estimating utility construction. Equipment is not available for rent to the Public. Connect or Disconnect after Regular Hours (after 4 p.m. before 7 a.m.) $ 60.00 Data accuracy reread $ 35.00 Temporary Service Connect plus Kw used $ 30.00 Meter Tampering Fee* $1,500 * *Fee is in addition to cost of material and labor to repair All credit card services will have a service charge of 3.5% Page - - 11 TEXAS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE COMMISSION: ndl n Licenses and Permits Maximum Local Fees TWO-YEAR MAXIMUM TIER LICENSE/PERMIT TYPE FEEIN CODE LOCAL FEE (for AUG.31, 2021 two-year period) (no surcharge) Effective Sept. 1, 2021 Brewer's License (BW) Upper Tier (consolidation of a Manufacturer's N/A $1,500 License and Brewer's Permit) Upper Tier Distiller's and Rectifier's Permit (D) $3,000 $1,500 Upper Tier Winery Permit (G) $150 $75 Upper Tier Out-of-State Winery Direct NIA (Out-of-state) Shipper's Permit (DS) Upper Tier Nonresident Brewer's License (BN) NIA (Out-of-state) Upper Tier Nonresident Seller's Permit (S) $300 $150 Middle Tier General Distributor's License (BB) $600 $300 Middle Tier Wholesaler's Permit (W) $3,750 $1,875 Middle Tier General Class B Wholesaler's Permit (X) $600 $300 Mixed Beverage Permit and Lower Tier Mixed Beverage w! Food & Beverage Certificate (FB) required (MB) ORIGINAL $6,000 EXEMPT per Code Sec. 11.38(d) $1,125 1ST RENEWAL $4,500 EXEMPT per Code Sec. 11.38(d) in 1sty year of 2-year renewal period 2ND RENEWAL $3,000 $1,500 3RD & SUBSEQUENT RENEWALS $1,500 $750 Wine and Malt Beverage Lower Tier Retailer's Permit (BG) (previously known as a Wine and Beer Retailer's Permit) Every county EXCEPT Bexar, Dallas, $350 $175 Harris, and Tarrant counties ORIGINAL in Bexar, Dallas, Harris, and Tarrant counties $2,000 $1,000 RENEWAL in Bexar, Dallas, Harris, and Tarrant counties $1,500 $750 Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer's Lower Tier Off-Premise Permit (BQ) $120 $60 (previously known as Wine and Beer Retailer's Off-Premise Permit) TWO-YEAR MAXIMUM FEEIN CODE LOCAL FEE (for TIER LICENSE/PERMIT TYPE AUG.31,2021 two-year period) (no surcharge) Effective Sept. 1 2021 (Malt Beverage) Retail Dealer's Lower Tier On-Premise License (BE) Every county EXCEPT Bexar, Dallas, $300 $150 Harris, and Tarrant counties ORIGINAL in Bexar, Dallas, Harris, $2,000 $1,000 and Tarrant counties RENEWAL in Bexar, Dallas, Harris, $1,500 $750 and Tarrant counties (Malt Beverage) Retail Dealer's Lower Tier $120 $60 Off-Premise License (BF) EXEMPT Lower Tier Private Club Registration Permit (N) per Code Sec. 11.38(d) Private Club Malt Beverage and EXEMPT Lower Tier Wine Permit (NB) per Code Sec. 11.38(d) EXEMPT Lower Tier Private Club Exemption Certificate (NE) per Code Sec. 32.11(b) and Code Sec. 11.38(d) Lower Tier Package Store Permit (P) $1,000 $500 Lower Tier Wine-Only Package Store Permit (Q) $150 $75 EXEMPT Lower' Tier Passenger Transportation Permit (TR) per Code Sec. 11.38(d) No fee established in Code on 8/31/21; Other Consumer Delivery Permit (CD) N/A fee was established Permits inrule per Code Sec. 57.03 Other Bonded Warehouse Permit (J/JD) $300 $150 Permits Other Manufacturer's Agent's $1,500 $750 Permits Warehousing Permit (AW) Other EXEMPT Carrier's Permit (C) Permits per Code Sec. 11.38(d) Other Promotional Permit (PR) $600 $300 Permits Other EXEMPT Third-Party Local Cartage Permit (ET) Permits per Code Sec. 11.38(d) Other Branch Distributor's License (BC) $150 $75 Permits Not a license or permit Subordinates Forwarding Center Authority (FC) so local fee is not authorized Brewer's Self-Distribution License (SD) (consolidation of a Manufacturer's Subordinates N/A $600 Self-Distribution License and Brewer's Self-Distribution: Permit) Subordinates Brewpub License (BP) $1,000 $500 Not a license or permit Subordinates Food and Beverage Certificate (FB) so local fee is not authorized Late Hours Certificate (LH) (consolidation ofa Mixed Beverage Late Not a license or permit Subordinates Hours Permit, Private Club Late Hours N/A so local fee is not Permit, and a Retail Dealer's On-Premise authorized Late Hours License) Subordinates Local Distributor's Permit (LP) $200 $100 Subordinates Water Park Permit (WP) $60 $30 ITEM 5. Discussion and Action Discuss and consider approval to apply for grant funding through LCRA's Community Development Partnership Program. Grant applications are due for this round of grant funding on January 31st. Community Grants LCRA supports local communities in its service area with grants of up to $50,000 through the Community Development Partnership Program (CDPP). About CDPP grants Who can apply Volunteer fire departments, emergency responders, cities and counties, schools, libraries, civic groups, museums and other tax-exempt nonprofit organizations with projects located within LCRA's wholesale electric or water service area, or areas in which LCRA Transmission Services Corporation provides transmission services are eligible to apply. Projects eligible for funding Grant projects must improve the value of a capital asset by building, renovating or purchasing equipment, and must benefit an entire community. Grant application requirements LCRA awards up to $50,000 for capital improvement projects that benefit an entire community. Applicants requesting more than $5,000 in grant funding must supply matching funds of at least 20% of the total project cost. Proposals must include plans, detailed budget, financials, vendor quotes or estimates, and IRS determination documentation. How often grants are awarded CDPP grants are awarded twice a year and online grant applications are accepted in January and July. After you apply Once the application window closes, LCRA will update you via email as to where your proposal is in the review process. The review process takes about eight weeks and begins after the application window closes. We will email every applicant about the final status of their application and whether their project will receive a CDPP grant. Grant program FAQs What is CDPP? LCRA awards grants of up to $50,000 to worthy community projects in the LCRA wholesale power, water and transmission service territories through the Community Development Partnership Program, or CDPP. The CDPP was established in 1996 to provide funds to rural, economically challenged communities that have difficulty fundraising for their needed projects. CDPP grants support economic diversification in local communities; contribute to the health, safety and development of a community; or improve the quality or quantity of services essential for the development of viable communities and economic growth. CDPP grants are awarded twice a year for capital projects for volunteer fire departments, emergency responders, cities and counties, schools, libraries, civic groups, museums and other tax-exempt nonprofit organizations. The projects must benefit or be available to an entire community and must improve the value of a capital asset by building, renovating or purchasing equipment. What groups are eligible to apply? The CDPP provides grants to tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, such as: Museums. Civic groups. Historical associations. Emergency responders. Volunteer fire departments. Cities, counties and economic development corporations. Special districts such as libraries, schools, hospitals, emergency services and municipal utilities. The proposed grant project must have a physical address located within LCRA's service areas. Organizations in all or part of the following counties are eligible for CDPP grants: Aransas, Austin, Bandera, Bastrop, Blanco, Brown, Burleson, Burnet, Caldwell, Callahan, Cameron, Coke, Coleman, Colorado, Comal, Concho, Coryell, Crane, Crockett, Culberson, DeWitt, Dimmit, Eastland, Ector, Edwards, Fayette, Gillespie, Goliad, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hamilton, Harris, Hays, Hidalgo, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Lampasas, Lavaca, Lee, Llano, Mason, Matagorda, Maverick, McCulloch, Medina, Menard, Midland, Mills, Nolan, Nueces, Pecos, Real, San Patricio, San Saba, Schleicher, Starr, Sterling, Sutton, Taylor, Terrell, Tom Green, Travis, Upton, Uvalde, Val Verde, Waller, Washington, Wharton, Williamson and Zavala. Grants are not available to individuals, for-profit entities, professional associations, social service projects or limited-use facilities. What are the eligibility requirements? The proposed grant project must have a physical address located within LCRA's service areas. Projects must benefit or be available to an entire community. Projects should, at a minimum, have a 10-year useful life. Projects must be completed within 12 months of the date the grant is funded. Failure to complete the project on schedule or to abide by the terms of the agreement may result in LCRA requiring the recipient to return the grant. An applicant must not have received a CDPP grant within 24 months. Projects must be maintained for the public purpose for which the grant was awarded. What projects are eligible for funding? Under CDPP rules, 70% of the funds available in any given grant cycle must be awarded for grants of $25,000 or less. The remaining 30% may be awarded for larger grants of up to $50,000. The larger grants are ntended for projects with a far-reaching impact on a broad community. Applications in this category should be for particularly impressive and noteworthy projects. Projects should encourage economic diversification in local communities; contribute to the health, safety and development of a community; or improve the quality or quantity of services essential for the development of viable communities and economic growth. The projects must benefit or be available to an entire community and must improve the value of a capital asset by building, renovating or purchasing equipment. CDPP places emphasis on projects for volunteer fire departments, projects that include public safety lifesaving equipment and/or public education, demonstration components and projects that address needs caused by natural disasters. Favorable attention also is given to projects that have a positive impact on natural resources and include: Water conservation components such as: Xeriscaping. Low-flow toilets and fixtures. Rainwater catchment systems. Energy conservation components such as: Solar panels. Windows or insulation. LED lighting and energy efficient bulbs. What projects are NOT eligible for funding? Religious sanctuaries. Projects that are not available to an entire community. Projects that already are complete or in fundraising mode. Land acquisition, debt-reduction campaigns and capital campaigns projects. Program operating costs, administrative andlor indirect costs, such as personnel and overhead expenses. Social service projects and limited use facilities such as food pantries, transitional housing and substance abuse facilities. Appliances, unless they are part of a renovation project and are commercial in nature or built-in and would be conveyed with the property if sold. Planning or consultant fees, grant writing fees, training, workshops or seminars (except for public firefighting organizations, including volunteer fire departments). Additional items that are not eligible: Drones. Software. Office equipment. Tree trimming or removal. Animal kennels or enclosures. Computer andlor video equipment. Furniture (including chairs and tables). Two-way radios, repeaters, base units and pagers. What are the matching fund requirements? LCRA requires applicants to supply at least 20% of the total cost of projects greater than $5,000. Matching funds must be available at the time of application submittal and documented in the grant application with financial or bank statements and/or letters of credit or monetary support. Matching funds can include pledged donations and/or awarded funds reserved for the project. (Application must include documentation to substantiate the value and availability.) Funding awards in pending status at the time of grant submittal are not eligible as matching funds. In-kind volunteer labor and/or donations of materials or equipment use may be used as matching contributions and must be identified and explained in the application and values calculated at current prevailing rates. What documentation is required? A detailed description of the proposed project. An IRS determination letter or Form 990, if a nonprofit. A detailed project cost summary, including temized costs and funding sources. A current financial or bank statement. Vendor quotes or estimates. A list of key staff and members of the applicant organizations Board of Directors. Photos of the project, if applicable. How does the review process work? The review process can take up to eight weeks from the application deadline. During that time, an internal committee reviews each project application and makes a recommendation to the CDPP Review Committee. From time to time, the review committee may occasionally award a smaller grant than requested because of limited funds or ineligible project components. You will receive update emails during the review process informing you of the status of your proposal. All applicants will be notified by email of the final status of their application. What is the grant application timeline? Apply Online beginning Jan. 1 and July 1 Deadline Midnight on Jan. 31 and July 31 Will not be extended Review process Takes up to eight weeks after deadline Update emails provide proposal status Award notice Delivered by email Funding takes six to eight weeks after award notice Project completion Required within 12 months of the funding date Failure to complete the grant project on schedule or abide by the terms of the letter agreement may result in LCRA requiring the recipient to return the grant Eligible to reapply 24 months after grant funds are received and the prior grant-funded project is completed How much money is awarded? Twice a year, LCRA awards grants up to $50,000 for capital improvement projects that serve an entire community. Most grants are for $25,000 or less, but several grants of up to $50,000 are awarded every grant cycle. Over $1.5 million is awarded in CDPP grants every year. Fiscal Year 2024 Number of applications received: 261 Total number of grants awarded: 89 Number of grants between $25,001-550,000 awarded: 12 Funding awarded: $1,998,703 Fiscal Year 2023 Number of applications received: 228 Total number of grants awarded: 80 Number of grants between $25,001-$50,000 awarded: 11 Funding awarded: $1,800,982 Fiscal Year 2022 Number of applications received: 230 Total number of grants awarded: 68 Number of grants between $25,001-$50,000 awarded: 9 Funding awarded: $1,549,541 After you apply Once the application window closes, LCRA will update you via email as to where your proposal is in the review process. The review process takes about eight weeks and begins after the application window closes. We will email every applicant about the final status of their application and whether their project will receive a CDPP grant. - - - - R ENERGY. WATER COMMUNITY! SERVICES Community Development Partnership Program Score Sheet Organization Name: Amount of Request: Project: Notes: 1. Funding Category: Up to 30 pts a. Projects receive points based on the program area (list below) and the impact they will have on the community: 10-30 pts Fire departments and fire department training 5-30 pts Public safety Up to 30 pts Recreation, community planning, education, health care, transportation, employment Up to 20 pts b. Projects receive additional points if they meet the following criteria: 5 pts Volunteer fire department Up to 5 pts Public safety lifesaving equipment Up to 5 pts Public education, demonstration component Up to 5 pts Organization or project affected by a natural disaster 2. 0,3 or 5 pts Applicant contributes more than the 20 percent minimum required match 3. Up to 12 pts Project impacts a narrow population within a community; project impacts a city or community or pieces of more than one city or community; project has substantial benefits to a city or community, more than one city or community or a county; project has substantial benefits to a region 4. 50 or -20 pts Grant funds will enable applicant to complete overall project 5. 0, -5 or -10 pts Applicants that have received a CDPP grant within 2-3 years receive -10 points and those having received a grant within 4-5 years receive -5 points 6. Up to 10 pts Applicant's contribution and project impact 7. Up to 15 pts Projects that have a positive impact on natural resources by addressing issues such as energy or water conservation 8. 0,5, 10 or 15 pts Project location: 5p pts Applicant is a customer of an LCRA wholesale electric customer 5, pts Applicant is located in LCRA's water service area 5j pts Applicant is located in a county with $3 million or more in taxed transmission assets based on the most current taxed amount Opts Applicant is not a customer of an LCRA wholesale electric customer or located in LCRA's water service area but is located in a county with less than $3 million in LCRA taxed transmission assets based on the most current taxed amount 9. 0, 5, 10 or -5 pts Population is under 5,000 (10 pts); pop. is 5,000-20,000 (5 pts); pop. is 20,001-50,000 (0 pts); and pop. is over 50,000 (-5 pts) 10. 0 or1 10 pts Percentage of persons below poverty is higher than the state level percentage 11. 0 or 10 pts Per capita income level falls below the state level Total project points = Revised September 2024 - R ENERGY WATER C COMMUNITY: SERVICES Community Development Partnership Program Scoring Criteria 1. Funding category: SB 219 delineates nine areas eligible for funding. Projects can receive up to 30 points based on the program area and the impact they will have on communities in LCRA's service areas. Projects meeting the following criteria can receive up to 20 additional points: Volunteer fire department - 5 points; Public safety lifesaving equipment - up to 5 points; Public education, demonstration component - up to 5 points; Organization or project affected by a natural disaster - up to 5 points. 2. Applicant's contribution/match: Applicants that contribute more than the required minimum match receive higher scores. Applicants requesting more than $5,000 and not meeting the minimum 20 percent matching funds requirement are not eligible. 3. Project impact: Projects impacting more people receive higher scores. 4. Project completion: If the grant funds enable the applicant to complete the project the applicant receives additional points. If not, applicant loses points. 5. Recent CDPP grant: Applicants that have received a CDPP grant within five years lose points. 6. Applicant's contribution and impact: Applicant scores points based on the match contribution and size of the city impacted by the grant project. 7. Impact on natural resources: Projects that have a positive impact on natural resources by addressing issues related to water conservation or energy conservation can receive additional points. This includes projects that install rainwater catchment systems, xeriscaping, low flow toilets, solar panels and LED lighting or energy efficient bulbs, windows or insulation. 8. LCRA service area: Applicants can receive additional points for being located in one or more or LCRA's service areas (wholesale electric, water and/or transmission). 9. Population: Points are awarded to smaller, rural communities with fewer resources than those available in larger communities." 10. Poverty level: Projects in areas where the percentage of persons below poverty is higher than the state level percentage receive additional points. 11. Per capita income: Projects in areas where the per capita income level falls below the state level receive additional points.* Information is obtained from the United States Census Bureau. Revised September 2024 ITEM 6. Discussion and Action Discuss and consider adoption of 2021 International Maintenance Code and 2015 International Existing Building Code. PREFAÇE Introduction he International Property Maintenance Codes (IPMC) establishes minimum requirements for the maintenarce of existing buildings through odel code regulations that contain clear and specific property maintenance and property improvement provisions. This 2021 edition is fully compatible with all of the International Codess (I-Codes*) published by the International Code Councils (ICCF), including the International Bullding Code (IBC). International Energy Conservation Code 5 (IECC), International Existing Building Code" (IEBC$), International Fire Codes (IFC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGCS), International Green Construction Codes (Igcc), International Mechanical Code" (IMC), International Plumbing Code* (IPC), International Private Sewage Disposal Code (IPSDC). international Residential Codes (IRC*), International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC). International Wildland-Urban Interface Codes (IWUICS), International Zoning Codes (IZC) and International Code Council Performance Codes (ICCPC'). The -Codes, including the IPMC, are used in a variety of ways in both the public and private sectors. Most industry professionals are familiar with the -Codes as the basis of laws and regulations in communities across the US and in other countries. However, the impact of the codes extends well beyond the regulatory arena, as they are used in a variety of nonregulatory settings, including: Voluntary compliance programs such as those promoting sustainability, energy efficiency and disaster resistance. Thei insurance industry, to estimate and manage risk, and as a tool in underwriting and rate decisions. Certification and credentialing of individuals involved in the fields of building design, construction and safety. Certification of building and construction-related products. US federal agencies, to guide construction in an array of governmentowned properties. Facilities management. "Best practices" benchmarks for designers and builders, including those who are engaged in projects in jurisdictions that do not have a formal regulatory system or a governmental enforcement mechanism. College, university and professional school textbooks and curriçula. Reference works related toi building design and construction. International Existing Building Code 2015 Chapter 1 Scopé and Administration Part 1 - Scope and Application Section 101 General [A11 101.1Title These regulations shall be known as the Existing Building Code jof the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings Program, nereinafter referred to as 'this code.' [A1101.2 Scope The provisions oft the International Existing Building Code shall apply to the repair alteration, change of occupancy addition to and relocation of existing buildings. Where conflicts occur between the provisions of this code and the provisions of Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1202, Industrialized Housing and Buildings, or the provisions of 16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 70, rules governing the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings Program, the provisions of Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1202 and 16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 70 shall control. [A1101.3 Intent The intent of this code is to provide flexibility to permit the use of alternative approaches to achieve compliance with minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and welfare insofar as they are affected by the repair, alteration, change of occupancy addition and relocation of existing buildings. [A1101.4 Applicability This code shall apply to the repair, alteration, change of occupancy addition and relocation of existing buildings, regardless of occupancy, subject to the criteria of Sections 101.4.1 and 101.4.2. [A1101.4.1 Buildings Not Previously Occupied A building or portion of a building that has not been previously occupied or used for its intended purpose in accordance with the laws in existence at the time of its completion shall be permitted to comply with the provisions of the laws in existence at the time of its original permit unless such permit has expired. Subsequent permits shall comply with the International Building Code jor International Residential Code, as applicable, for new construction. [AJ101.4.2 Buildings Previously Occupied The legal occupancy of any building existing on the date of adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as is specifically covered in this code, the International Fire Code, or the International Property Maintenance Code, or as is deemed necessary by the code officia/for the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public. [A11 101.5 Safeguards During Construction Construction work covered in this code, including any related demolition, shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 15. 3, 2025 at 10:-4:20 AM GST lan48, 2025 at 10:44:20 AM CST 51 39,970", W 99 131 46.424" 1036 Bluabonnett Rd A Mason TX 76856 à United States 6 Networklan 3, 2025 at 0:44:565 AM GST LocalJan 3, 2025 at 0:44356AM GST N30 45 40,583", WG 99 137 44.962" 1105Bluebonnat Rd Mason TX76856 UntedStates NabworkJan 3, 2025 at A : Masop a 56 S s Netwiprk; atoe 915 AM a a Localan 025 à103959 N 96 a 5434 99 A A A * Mason A 685 a ITEM 7. Discussion and Action Discuss and consider proposal by Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP to perform a study to be conducted related to redistricting of City of Mason Election Districts, redistricting process and costs related. Cily of Mason 2024-2025 Redistricting Budget Senior Reimbursable Attorney Senior GIS Para Expenses $425 $280 S180 I. PRELIMINARY WORK Initial schedule planning 2 Gather Data and input benchmark + 0 Geocode incumbents U Identify and begin other Census-related tasks 3 II. INITLAL ASSESSMENT Preparation of initial assessment III. CONSULT WITH CLIENT AND DEVELOP AND ADOPT CRITERIA Initial Consultation with Commissioners 3 3 U Notice of public meeting (criteria)translate 2 $50.00 Geocode locations (facilities) 2 Draft resolution on criteria & process ADVICE/CONSULTATION. Total Hours 6 20! 6] ADVICE/CONSULTATION Total Cost $2,550 $5,600 $1,080 IV.DEVELOP REDISTRICTING PLANS Build one illustrative plan (City Commission Districts) I 8 0 Revisions to illustrative plan I 4 DEVELOP REDISTRICTING PLANS Total Hours 2 12 0 DEVELOP REDISTRICTING PLANS Total Cost $850 $3,360 $0 V.E PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ADOPTION OF PLAN Prepare for and conduct Public hearing/adoption of Final Plan 7 9 I Translate hearing notices/submission notice into Spanish 0 $200.00 Large Format Maps for Posting at Hearings ($50.00 x 2 maps) $100.00 PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ADOPTIONOF PLANTotal Hours 7 9 PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ADOPTION OF PLANTotal Cost $2,975 $2,520 $360 VI. REQUIRED DISSEMINATION OF REDISTRICTING PLANS Maps/demographic information to County Staff 0 0 Send digital mapping files as client directs 0 Prepare any additionally requested maps 0 0 Assist with voter coding (upon request) 0 DISSEMINATIONOF PLANS Total Hours 0 2 DISSEMINATION: OF PLANS Total Cost $0 $560 $360 Total Attorney Hours 15 Total GIS Hours 43 Total Paralegal Hours 10 GRANDTOTALS $6.375 $12,040 $1,800 $350.00 TOTAL FOR ALL $20,565 TOTAL HOURS 68 & Hours allocated to plans are for those that follow existing Census geography. 92024- la Bickerstaff 2025 Heath Delgado Acostal LLP 39 Pract tical Law Rescarce u N 023-8039 Local - Government - Redistricting a Ae * N : - - sw E 3 2 DAVID MENDEZ, BICKERSTAFF HEATH DELGADO ACOSTA LLP, WITH PRACTICAL LAW GOVERNMENT PRACTICE Search the Resource IDnumbersin! blue on Westlaw for more. A Practice Note advising local governments comes into play before a general election, even if redistricting is forced to consider redistricting their single- not otherwise required by state legislation or local ordinance or policy. member districts after the federal census. This Coordination of efforts. In most states, local government Note explains when redistricting is required, entities typically hold their general elections jointly with other entities. Changes in single-member districts made by one entity describes the population and demographic may affect the configuration of voting or election precincts that data typically used, outlines applicable federal may be used jointly by other entities in the area. As a practical matter, the configuration of election precincts and the timing of constitutional principles and voting rights any redistricting changes may need to be coordinated with other laws, and provides guidance on organizing a entities to ensure orderly elections after redistricting. successful redistricting process. Census data. The federal Census Bureau Public Law 94-171 population data files provided for redistricting, as well as census geography, and this may or may not match what is on the ground, Each federal census affects political subdivisions that elect their Onel Person, One Vote. The one-person, one-vote principle governing boards from single- member districts. Legal counsel for applies to local governmental entities, along with the concept of these local entities end up guiding them through the redistricting "Maximum Total Deviation, " process. This Note provides an overview of redistricting obligations Section 2 of The' Voting Rights Act. Section 2 of the Voting Rights imposed by federat constitutional law for local counsel to consider Act prohibits discrimination against protected minority groups after a release of the census. ast those prohibitions apply to all state and local governmental entities. Legal standards supplied by the courts apply to a This Note focuses on local political subdivisions. that have voters elect protected voter challenge of a redistricting plan adopted by the the governing board from single-member districts. The release of governmental entity. the census at the beginning of each decade requires these entities to Improper race-based decision-making. A delicate balance determine if, based on the new population figures, the single- member districts continue to conform to the US Constitution's one- person, exists between complying with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act Out-of-balance to protect minority voters and complying with the Fourteenth one-vote requirements. electoral districts may require Amendment' 5 restrictions on race-based decision-making. A the entity to rebalance the population among the districts. political subdivision can identify appropriate districting criteria This Note specifically discusses: for its particular circumstances and incorporate these elements Covered entities. The one- person, one-vote principle applies into its redistricting process to provide a defense to potential legal to the governing boards of local governmental bodies such as challenges. county commissioners courts, city or town councils, school district - Potential legal challenges to a redistricting process. There are oro college district boards, and similar entities whose governing typical types of federal suits initiated to challenge a governmental boards are elected from districts. The discussion also distinguishes entity's redistricting process. A potential residual implication of judicial bodies and governing boards of certain types of special Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act can also exist. districts to which the concept is not applicable. Practical tips and suggestions for a successful process. When redistricting is required. Statutes, charter provisions or State laws also affect redistricting obligations, as do home rule other state and local provisions may require periodic districting charters, ordinances, regulations, and local This Note does how review and also explains the one- person, one-vote principle policies. THOMSON REUTERS' 2: 5 aen aransscerve. not examine these provisions, and counsel should determine how STATE LAW RELEVANT they may apply to their entity's particular situation. State constitutions have incorporated some aspects of these apportionment principles into the structure and selection of CO7ERED ENTITIES representatives of state legislatures. For example, statutes may The US Constitution's one-person, one-vote principle mandates that not only dictate that representatives to a governing board be members of an elected body be drawn from districts of substantially elected from single-member districts, but they may expressly equal poputation (U.S. Const. amend. XIV). In particular, the courts provide for the use of the federal census population data as the have recognized that a citizen's right to vote for the candidate of their basis for the apportionment of the districts and may even call for choice is centrat to a democratic system of government. Likewise, the review and rebalancing of the districts each, decade on the that citizen's right to vote freely for his or her candidate of choice can release of the federal census. just as effectively be thwarted by diluting the person's vote as if the These constitutional and legislative provisions are likely to contain voterwas: simply prevented from voting. unique requirements, timing, and terminology whose usage may have evolved over time through court rulings. GOVERNMENTS Notwithstanding LOCAL COVERED the federal principles concerning redistricting outlined above, it The apportionment of congressional seats and the election is important to determine the existence and applicability of any of representatives within the various states under the federal state-imposed requirements or local policy that may also affect constitution are premised on voting districts of relatively equal local redistricting processes. population size. The courts have extended the one-person, one-vote principle to elections of the state tegislative bodies and WHEN REDISTRICTING IS REQUIRED election of local governing boards having general and significant governmentat functions. This requirement has therefore been The release of data by the Census Bureau before. April 1, 2021, extended to the single-member districts of legislative bodies such triggers redistricting review by political subdivisions with single- as county commissioners courts or the governing boards or councils member district structures (PL 94-171, HR 1753, December 23, 1975, of municipalities, public school districts, special districts, and other 89 Stat 1023). The enumeration process is initiated by the federal entities in which the governing boards of the entity are elected from Census Bureau in 2020. Census dayi is April7 1, 2020. By January1, single-member districts (Reynolds V. Sims, 377 U.S. 533 (1964)). 2021, population data will be provided to the administration to apportion the congressional seats. During February and March of The governing boards of these types of local governmental entities are 2021, the Public Law 94-171 data will be released to the individual legislative in nature as they make general policy for the administration states 50 that the states can draw their congressional districts. oft the political subdivision that allow it to carry out its governmental functions. These functions may include: The enabling legislation for political subdivisions created by general or well as those > special legislation, as subdivisions created under Building and maintaining public works. state constitutional mechanisms, may contain specific provisions 1 Providing governmental services. requiring review of the population of the respective electoral districts a Levying and collecting taxes. on the release of this census data. These statutes or provisions Conducting elections. typically prescribe that political subdivisions must use the federal census data to redistrict and provide specific timelines for reviewing An important characteristic of these entities is that they are imbued and implementing redistricting plans to ensure elections from with general governmental powers over a defined geographic area. balanced districts at the entity's next election. The courts have held that election of members to the governing boards of these type of entities cannot be apportioned among single- CENSUS MAY TRIGGER REDISTRICTING REQUIREMENT member districts of substantially unequal population. Whether or not the enabling legislation expressly provides for recognition of the census and periodic review of the population to LOCAL GOVERNMENTS NOT COVERED ensure compliance with one-person, one-vote principles, a political Courts have recognized that not all local governmental entities subdivision still needs to be familiar with the release of the census or functionaries have such broad powers of general applicability. data. Any general elections held by the entity after new census In these instances, the courts have held that the one-person, data is available are potentially subject to a legat challenge under one-vote requirement does not apply. Examples of these types of the one-person, one-vote principle ift the nevi census data reflects offices include, judges or constables. Likewise, examples of political impermissible population imbalances among the districts. Subdivisions with limited governmental powers, or where the ability to vote or participate is limited to certain groups of citizens, such. as A voter or candidate may be able to successfully challenge and stop landowners or other users of the entity's services, include certain the entity's election if the plaintiff can demonstrate to the court that types of agricultural utility, or resource conservation districts. In the census data shows that the existing single- mernber districts are these instances the duties of these functionaries and entities are out of balance based on the new census data and that the entity more limited than normal governmental activities, or affect only could have redistricted to bring the population of tre respective a scecific sub-group of persons, sO that compliance with the cne- single-member districts back nto balance before noiding the person, one-vote principles is not appropriate or necessary. eiection but falled to do S0. 2 : ATING THE REDISTRICTING PROCESS territory coincides with the election precinct' S territory. At a service Whether a local government holds elections on its own or jointly center: serving muitiple election precincts, the voter' S election with other entities, it is important for any adjustments to the precinct is identified when the voter is qualified, and the voter is territoriat boundaries of single-member districts to be incorporated provided à ballot for only those races in the election precinct in int the election precincts used to conduct elections. Changes in which the voter resides. single-member districts made by each entity typically require some If the boundary of the single-member districts of any one of these redrawing of voting precincts used by the governmental entity as state or local entities changes to include less than ail of the terrilory well as by other entities with which it may, jointly conduct elections. of the election precinct, then the election precinct generally must The political subdivision needs to coordinate the timing of these be modified. The entity responsible for creating and maintaining adjustments to ensure orderly elections after redistricting. election precincts must either: A county, city, or other local entity may be legislatively assigned Adjust the election precinct boundaries to reflect the redistricting responsibility for: changes. Conducting general elections for local governmenta. entities Creater new election precincts to accommodate the changes. within its territory. Since general elections recur as often as annually, the window Maintaining a list of registered voters. to adjust election precincts in a redistricting year can be fairly The entity administering elections typically uses election precincts as small. From the time that the census data is released, the various basic units to conduct elections as well as to maintain a current voter governmental entities may havej just a few months to complete registration list. An election precinct usually is drawn wholly located their redistricting and still allow the entity responsible for the within territory of: administration of the election precincts sufficient time to update the election precincts and registered voter lists. Congressional districts. Statel legislative districts. CENSUS DATA County commissioner precincts. Public Law 94-177 fites are the initial type of census data the federat Municipal or school districts. Census Bureau provides specifically for redistricting. This data, when In other words, the election precinct is customarily drawn so that all correlated to federal census geography, has historically provided the of the voters vote in the same type of district, such as congressional. underlying population and demographics on which redistricting is or legislative. All of the voters residing in the election precinct are conducted by state and local governmental entities. coded to that precinct number and can therefore be presented Important issues to be aware of concerning the census data this cycle with an: appropriate ballot containing all of the relevant races in include the territory for which they are eligible to vote when they present Whether citizenship information will be released and whether it themselves at the polls on election day. A change in the territorial will be usable for redistricting purposes. boundary of any single-member district that caused an election precinct to contain territory from more than one congressional How the census demographic information is tied to the bureau's district, legislative district, or city council district would likely mean census block and other geographic data. that voters in the precinct would have to be assigned different ballots How the ethnic and racial categories are structured within depending on where they resided in the orecinct. the census and determining how best to use this data in the redistricting analysis. POLLING LOCATIONS AND SERVICE CENTERS : What other types of data that may be available to augment the Depending on a particular state's structure and requirements, voters redistricting process and analysis and the appropriateness of using typically vote at a polling location in the election precinct in which these alternative types of data. they reside. Voters at such an election precinct vote, for example, on a city council race for territory within the election precinct, and they CITIZENSHIP INFORMATION DISPUTES may also vote on a county commissioner race or a school district race Most state legislatures and local governmental entities in the various in the same territory- In some jurisdictions, voters may vote at voting states historically used the Public Law' 94-171 file to redistrict, but centers serving voters in multiple election precincts and in this case, during the past decade, suits have been brought to attempt to a vvoteri is provided with a ballot containing only those races for the compel jurisdictions to use citizen-voting-age population (CVAP) voter's unique election precinct. rather than total population for drawing districts. This wouid Whether voting in a precinct polling place or a service center exclude children and non- citizens from the agportionment base. serving multiple election precincts, the voter presents credentials However, the Supreme Court has ruled that there is no constitutional tnat indicate the person's registered voter address that is reviewed requirement to use CVAP. It left open the question whether a political and confirmed by election officials at the poiling place or center. subdivision could choose to use CVAP rather than total gopulation The voter is then presented with a ballot. AL a precinct polling for drawing districts. location, since everyregistered voter must reside within the electicn To provide CVAP data as part of the census, the current precinct to be qualified to vote there, every voter gets the sarre administration. over the strong oojection o' the Census Bureau ballot that includes all the races for political subdivisions) vhose profess'onas, attempted to include a citizenship quest on on the xuters MASrEEr. 3 2020 census. Various states and other governmental entities other than federal census data as an alternative for redistricting challenged this move, and the Supreme Court invalidated the purposes typically faces many challenges, primarily to reliability. adminstrationsorder adding the citizenship question to the census. Redistricting can be accomplished using the smallest units of census Because the Court did not allow the administration to include the geography, census blocks, tor reduce the potential for liability as a question on the census, the administration now plans to report CVAP result of improper race-based decision-making. However, VTDs, or in a separate file released contemporaneousy with the Public Law election precincts, should be used as the redistricting building blocks 94-171release. This file will be created by supplementing census when possible and to the extent feasible. In smalier jurisdictions, responses with administrative records that reflect individuals' this may not be feasible because the precincts are too large to be citizenship status. While this CVAP data mayi be available, it is not aggregated into equally populated districts. clear at this time how complete and accurate this data will be. Depending on the results of the 2020 presidential election, it is also CENSUS RACIAL AND ETHNIC CATEGORIES not clear whether the Census Bureau will continue on its current For the 2020 Census, only six racial categories are expected course to produce and release this data. to be listed. Individuals will be able to choose a single race or any combination of races that might apply. Therefore, there are CENSUS GEOGRAPHY potentially 63 different racial combinations that might occur. The Public Law 94-171 population data is correlated to census Additionally, the Census asks persons to designate whether they are geography by the Census Bureau.. This allows a user to place the or are not Hispanic. When the Hispanic status response is overlaid information on digital or hard-copy maps and to cumulate the data on the different possible racial responses, there are 126 possible to determine the population of ane electoral district or other discrete different combinations. The Census tabulates each one separately. territory. The specific demographic characteristics of the data can also be accessed to allow a user to determine the racial or ethnic The governmental entity's methodology will also need to consider composition of a geographical area. data called voting age population (VAP) data. It is classified in eight racial and ethnic categories. This information is provided for the Limited The Census Bureau has created its own set of census geography. purpose of addressing some of the: specific legal inquiries under the The Census Bureau's geography is based to some extent on Voting Rights Act. Voting age population is the Census Bureau's count information solicited from and submitted by state and local of persons who identified themselves as being eighteen years of age or governmental entities and corresponds closely to actual older at the time of the census (as of April 1, 2020). geographical features on the ground. The geography includes: In addition to this population and demographic data, the entity Streets. will have access to additional information that may bear on the Roads. redistricting process, such as: Streams. County road miles. Jurisdictional boundaries such as city limit lines, county lines, or Facilityl locations. state lines. Registered voter information. The Census Bureau's geagraphiçal units are of various size, with the Incumbent residence addresses. smallest units called census blocks. In urban areas, these census blocks correspond roughly to city blocks. In less densely populated See Decennial Census Redistricting Data, in particular, the 2020 Discussion section. areas, census blocks may be quite large and indeed may encompass several miles of territory. Census blocks are also aggregated into larger unitsi including block groups, tracts, and voting tabulation ONE-PERSON, ONE-VOTE PRINCIPLE districts (VTDs), which often correspond to county election precincts The constitutional principle of one person, one vote is crucial to (see Geographic Areas Reference Manual, in particular, Chapter 11). redistricting. To comply with this standard, eachof the single- There are many forms of geographic, population, election, economic, member districts must be more or less similar in size in terms military, engineering, and satellite data available. In addition, of population. Unless expressly required by state or local policy, computer-aided mapping or Geographical Information Systems (GIS) local political subdivisions historically have not required exact allow users to: equality of population. For example, some courts have historically required that governmental entities create districts that have a total Create their own unique geographic units. population deviation of no more than ten percent between their Modify existing units. most populated district and least populated district. Likewise, some Geocode unique information to specific places on any map. state statutes may specify ten percent as a permissible percentage of deviation of the population numbers among the districts. This While there are a multitude of geographic and population data ten percent deviation is usualiy referred tO as the! Maximum Total options available, governmental entities have historically used Deviation, It is measured against the "ideal" or target population for federal census geography as well as the Public Law 94-171 data the governmental entity based on the most recent census. The ten for redistricting purposes. Courts reviewing redistricting plans have percent standard is a rebuttable presumption of compliance with the generally recognized federal census data (both geographic and one- person, one-vote requirement. oopulation) 35 an appropriate basis for redistricting. Using data 4 This twenty percent approach used for state and local governmental those prior policies. In additicn, although Section 5; preclearance has entities is different than the approach that courts have applied to been eliminated by a Supreme Court decision for most. jurisdictions, congressional districts. In the apportionment of population among a court may, in certain cases, impose preclearance requirements as congressional districts, the courts have typically required virtualiy a remedy on the political subdivision involved in a discrimination suit exact population among the districts. brought under Section 2. STAYING WITHIN THE ALLOWABLE DEVIATION SECTION 2 CAUSES OF ACTION In a typiçal redistricting situation, a governing body calculates the Section 2 of the' VRA forbids a voting standard, practice, or procedure ideal district size by dividing the total population of the entity by from having the effect of reducing the opportunity of members the number of single-member districts on its governing board. of a covered minority to participate in the political process and to In determining whether the population of the respective single- elect representatives of their choice. Inj practical terms, this non- member districts is within this ten- percent balance based on census discrimination provision prohibits districting practices that, among population data, the percentage by which the population of the other things, result in packing minorities into a: single district in an most populous single member district exceeds the ideal district size effort to limit their voting strength to that one district when, if the is added to the percentage by which the ideal district size exceeds minority population had not been 50 concentrated in that one district, the population of the least populous single-member district. If this the group could have electoral strength in a second district as well. cumulative percentage exceeds the permissible ten-percent total maximum deviation, the entity should redistrict, that is, redraw the Fracturing or cracking minority populations into smalt groups in boundaries of the individual districts SO that the total populations of multiple districts so that their overall voting strength is diminished all the new districts are within the permissible ten- percent limit. can be discrimination under Section 2. No magic number exists that designates the threshold of packing or cracking. Each plan must be CENSUS DATA USUALLY REQUIRED judged on a case-by-case basis. In handling voting rights cases and reviewing redistricting plans, LEGAL TEST courts have typically required the use of official census data unless the governmental. entity or other parties can demonstrate that some The Supreme Court has defined the minimum requirements for a other better alternate data exists. The court cases that have dealt minority plaintiff to bring a Section 2 tawsuit. This three-pronged with the question have made it clear that the showing required to legal test requires the minority plaintiff to prove that: justify using data other than census data is a veryl high one. The - Ther minority group's voting age population is sufficiently large burden of demonstrating that some alternate data should be used and geographically compact 50 that a district with a numerical may be particularly difficult with redistricting projects occurring 50 voting age majority of the minority group can be drawn (a majority- close to the release of new census data. As a practical matter, entities minority district). should therefore use the Public Law 94-171 data in their redistricting - The minority group is politically cohesive, that is, it usually votes processes. and acts politically in concert on major issue. Ini the redistricting process, each governmental entity will use a There is polarized voting, with the Anglo majority usually voting to broad spectrum of demographic and administrative information defeat candidates of the minority group's preference. to accomplish the rebalancing of population required by the one- (Thornburg V. Gingles, 478 U.S.. 30 (1986).) person, one-vote principle. Where there is a disparity in the percentage of the various racial SECTION 2 OF THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT or ethnic groups in a jurisdiction, courts have typically held that the minority population to be considered when determining if the Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, 52 U.S.C.S 10301 minority group constituted a majority in a putative single-member (VRA) prohibits discrimination against minority groups in the district under the Ginglesthreshold analysis is citizen VAP. In certain voting practices of state and local governmental entities, including cases, a minority group may assert that Section 2 requires that redistricting. Counsel for these entities must be familiar with legal the governmental body draw a new majorily-minority district. The standards applied by the courts should a protected voter challenge a governing body must be: sensitive to these Section 2 standards as it redistricting plan adopted by the entity. redistricts. Before delving into a more detailed discussion of Section 2 In considering changes to existing boundaries, a governmental entity standards, it is important to point out these standards as applied by must be aware of the location of protected minority populations the courts differ from the retrogression standards formerly applied vithin its single-member districts to ensure that changes are not oy the US Department of Justice (DOJ) under Section 5. While the made that a piaintiff may claim have resulted in packing, fracturing, Note does not attempt to distinguish the Section 2s standards from or cracking the minority population. the retrogression standards formerly applied by DOJ under Section 5 to covered jurisdictions, itr may still be important for practitioners to In conducting its redistricting analysis and, if out of balance. in understand and be able to explain the differences in legal analysis redrawing electoral districts, a governmental entity shouid ce aware for their clients. Many officials and constituent groups participating of the location of significant minority population and the effect of in the 2020 redistricting process will be familiar with the prior any modifications in district bourdaries to tnis population. of voters. standards and anatysis and may! have expectations stemming from The redistricting consultant maytypically dev velop tnematic maps 5A 5 depicting the location of protected minority populations within the Adherence to the. Shaw standards remains an: important territory of an electoral district as part of any analysis. This type of consideration during the redistricting process. One way to minimize data can be useful in identifying and addressing potential packing the potential for Shawl liability is to adopt redistricting criteria that and cracking issues. include traditional redistricting principles and that do not elevate race- based factors to predominance. VAP data is useful in measuring potential electoral strength of minority groups ini individual districts. In addition, if districts are ADOPTING REDISTRICTING CRITERIA sufficiently large that they encompass whole voting precincts, historical electoral performance within an area may be examined. Adopting appropriate redistricting criteria, and adhering to them Information concerning voter turnout and voter registration levels during the redistricting process, is critical to the ultimate defensibitity relative to voting- age population or citizenship percentages (eligible of an adopted redistricting plan. Traditional redistricting criteria that voteri information) may also be helpful in analyzing whether a the governing body might want to consider adopting include, for redistricting change may adversely affect a protected minority group example: in a particular electoral district. - Usingi identifiable boundaries. Using whole voting precincts, where possible and feasible, IMPROPER RACE-BASED DECISION- -MAKING Where not feasible to use whole precincts, being sure that the The political subdivision must navigate a fine line between complying plan! lends itself to the creation of reasonable and efficient voting with Section 2 oft the VRAI to protect minorityvoters and avoiding precincts. unlawful race-based decision- making under the Fourteenth Maintaining communities of interest (such as traditional Amendment of the US Constitution. A political subdivision neighborhoods). can identify appropriate districting criteria for their particular Basing the new plan on existing districts. circumstances and incorporate these into their process to avoid Adopting districts of approximately equal size. problems in this area. Drawing districts that are compact and contiguous. In Shaw V. Reno, 509 U.S. 630 (1993), the Supreme Court ruled that Keeping existing representatives in their districts. where racial considerations predominate in the redistricting process to the subordination of traditional (non-race-based) factors, the use Narrow tailoring to comply with the VRA. ofr race-based factors is subject to the strict scrutiny test under the There may be other criteria that are appropriate for an individuai Fourteenth. Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. To pass this test entity's situation, but all criteria adopted should be carefully requires a showing that: considered and then followed to the greatest degree possible. Therace-based factors were used in furtherance of a compelling state interest. REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANS SUBMITTED BY PUBLIC Their application was narrowly tailored, that is, they must be Ini implementing a redistricting process, a governmental entity used only to the minimum extent necessary to accomplish the should also consider requiring any plans proposed by the public for compelling state interest. the tocal entity's consideration to: For further details on detending equal protection claims, see Practice Be a complete plan, that is, a plan that includes configurations for Note, Section 1983: Equal Protection Claims (W-002-6708). all single-member districts. This is important because, although itr may be possible to draw a particular district in a particular REDISTRICTING PRINCIPLES way ifi it is considered only by itself, that configuration may have unacceptable consequences on other districts and make it difficult Complying with Section 2i is a compelling state interest. The following or impossible for an overa all plan to comply with the applicable principles therefore emerge in the post Shaw environment to guide legal standards. the redistricting process: Follow the adopted redistricting criteria. Race may be considered. Race may not be the oredominant factor in the redistricting IGATION EXPOSURE process to the subordination of traditional redistricting principles. INJUNCTION RISK FOR IMBALANCE Bizarrely shaped districts are not unconstitutional per se, but the bizarre shape may be evidence that race was the predominant Ap political subdivision whose single-member districts are shown to consideration in the redistricting process. be out of balance based on the most recent census has the potential of having its general elections enjoined Specifically, a voter oft the If race is the predominant consideration, the plan may: still be political subdivision may be able to petition a court to enjoin the constitutional ifi iti isi narrowly tailored to address compelling holding of a general election of single-member district positions for governmental interest such as compliance with the VRA. the governing board of the entityift the voter can demonstrate that Ifa a plan is narrowly tailored, it must use race no more than is the districts are out of oalance based on the most recent federal necessary to address the compelling governmental interest. census. The better course, if possibie under the circumstances, is that racial The complaint is essent: ally that the vcier's carticipation i tne considerations not predominate to the subordination of traditional election ard vote for a particular candidate for a singie member redistricting criteria, sO that a difficult strict: scrutiny test is a voided. 6 district office has been diluted. The vote of a voler residing in an over- Federal courts can impose a broad range of remedies in populated single-member district and participating in an election for Section 2 cases, which can include ordering a specific plan to a position from that districti is harmed because their vote is worth less be implemented by the political subdivision. Ifa a court-ordered than the vote of a voter in an under-populated district. Courts may plan must be implemented, the court may: also prescribe when enjoin the city's abitity to hold the elections in this situation until the and how elections will be conducted under that plan. A plaintiff political subdivision rebalances the population. prevailing on a Section 2 claim usually results in an award for recovery of the plaintiff's attorneys fees and court costs from PACKING AND CRACKING CAUSES OF ACTION the political subdivision, which can be significant. In addition to A political subdivision that undertakes to redistrict its single- exposure to these costs, the court may also place the political member districts to bring them into balance for one-person, one- subdivision under continuing oversight by the Court or the vote purposes may be chaltenged under Section 2 of the VRA for Department of Justice for any future election changes. discriminating against a protected minority group. In this situation, ar member of the protected class may bring a complaint against the SHAW CLAIMS political subdivision alleging that the plan impermissibly dilutes Equal protection claims can also arise under. Shaw V. Reno from the voter's ability to elect the candidate of their choice. Cases of majority voters. This type of suit typically alleges that a redistricting this type can arise from actions by the political subdivision that are process and a plan developed under that process placed an alleged to pack or crack the protected minority voters to reduce impermissible level of focus on race or ethnicity. These racial their abitity to elect a candidate of their choice in one or more gerrymandering: claims can often be countered through a well- single-member districts. thought-out redistricting process in which the political subdivision articulates and adheres to traditional districting principles and restricts Packing results when members of a protected minority group the use and examination of race or ethnicity to the extent necessaryto are drawn into a single-member district in numbers that restrict ensure protection of protected minority voters, but no more. or diminish the group's ability to effectively elect candidates in multiple districts. While there is no specific guarantee that a For more detail on equat protection and: section 1983 claims, see protected minority group be able to elect representatives to the Section 1983 Toolkit (N-007:9739). governing board of a political subdivision in proportion to their percentage in the total population of the politiçal subdivision, an PRACTICAL TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL PROCESS attempt to diminish the group's electoral impact may be treated as a discriminatory act by the political subdivision. A: successful redistricting process is initiated early and recognizes the time constraints that will come into playf for the political subdivision. Similarly, cracking ors splitting up territory in which members of a The political subdivision should secure legal, GIS, and demographic protected minority group reside for the purpose or with the effect expertise and resources to accomplish the project in a timely fashion. of diluting the group's voting strength and their ability to elect a AlL political subdivisions with single-member districts will essentially candidate of their choice within a single-member district may give be conducting their redistricting processes at the same time and rise to a legal challenge. This type of challenge is typically brought in will be facing similar time constraints. This specialized redistricting federal court under Section 2 of the VRA. assistance should be secured well before the release of the census data and a timeline developed that assures completion on the Both packing and cracking issues can be addressed during schedule. entity's required the redistricting process by compiling and properly analyzing demographic information. Redistricting experts use various data A work session with the governing board and the staff toi iron out sets to assess the etectoral strength and historical participation the resources and: schedule is recommended before the start of the in elections of the affected groups. There are several prophylactic process. The following steps are important to consider in relation to steps that can be taken in establishing redistricting policies and in the work: session: plan development that serve to provide the political subdivision with Before the release of the census data, the GIS and demographic some defense to these types of claims. For example, some political consultants for the political subdivision should collect base data, Subdivisions adopt policies that require all redistricting plans to such as: follow traditional districting criteria, such as using whole voting GIS; precincts or following easily identifiable geographic boundaries or other principles found by the courts to constitute race-neutral boundaries; and districting criteria (see Adopting Redistricting Criteria). geocoding data. Section 2 litigation can be protracted and expensive as: On release of the census, the entity shouid schedule a meeting to receive a report or assessment regarding whether the districts are Both sides will typically require expert witnesses to assess and out of balance. prove up the demographic and electoral evidence. If redistricting is required, the entity should: Witnesses will be used to develop a record of electoral history or the history of discrimination in the political subdivision. adopt guidelines and criteria; Elect'ons cac be delayed for significant periods of time while the ansider traditional districting criteria; and litigation is resoived. de lecices whetner and how plans from the public wil ce considered. 7 Develop a redistricting plan that illustrates adherence to the Have the redistricting consultants or stafi prepare a formal entity's redistricting guidelines and criteria. analysis and report on all plans submitted to the political Review and modify plans as necessary, subdivision for consideration. Depending on the level of interest, conduct one or more public At a public meeting, or as appropriate for the political subdivision, hearings and have staff or the consultants describe the plan and consider and adopt a plan based on the criteria and guidelines. explain how they comply with the policies and legal principles. ABOUTI PRACTICAL LAW Practicau Law Grovides egal knov-now that gives lawyers al better starting pc nt. Our expert te: T ot attorney editors creates and Ta aintains th ousards o up-to-date, practical resources across 3 mafor practice areas. We gc beyond primary aw: andi traditicnal ega: research: :0 91 ve. ou the rescurces neeged : practice more efficiently, improves C Jert serice aro a0d more /ale. If ou arer rotourrenty a subscricer. wei invie outo! takeatral cfo curd oriline serv ces at legalsolutions.com/practical-law. For more rformaonorte Schedule hra' ring, ca. 1-800-733-2889: on eral ferencealtomepgtrzom. aR's. 5 ": 8 ITEM 8. Discussion and Action Discuss and consider approval for Order of Election for the May 3, 2025, General Election for Commissioner District 2 and Commissioner District 4. Filing for Commissioner District 2 and Commissioner District 4 began on January 15, 2025 and will continue thru 5:00 p.m. on February 14, 2025. Candidate Packets can be picked up from Pattie Allen at City Hall. ORDER OF ELECTION CITY OF MASON orden de eleccion Ciudad de Mason, Texas An election is hereby ordered to be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 for the purpose of: Por la presente se ordena que se llevara a cabo una eleccion el. 3 de mayo, 2025 Con el proposito de: Electing: Elecciones: City Commissioner District 2 Comisionado para Distrito 2 City Commissioner District 4 Comisionado para Distrito 4 Early voting by personal appearance will be conducted each weekday at City Hall, 124 Moody Street, Mason, Texas between the hours of8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. beginning on Monday, April 21, 2025 and ending on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (La votacion anticipada por comparecencia personal se llevard a cabo todos los dias de la semana en el Ayuntamiento, 124 Moody Street, Mason, Texas entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 5:00 p.m. a partir del lunes 21 de abril de 2025 y terminando el martes 29 de abril de 2025.) Applications for ballot by mail shall be mailed to: Las solicitudes para balotas que se votardn en ausencia por correo deberan enviarse a: Pattie Allen Early Voting Clerk PO Box 68 124 Moody Street Mason, TX 76856 atleallmacipolaamnan www.cityofmason.us 325-347-6449 Applications for ballots to be voted by mail must be received no later than the close of business on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (Las solicitudes de boletas para ser votadas por correo deben recibirse a mas tardar al cierre de operationes el martes 22 de abril de 2025.) Federal Post Card Applications (FPCAs) must be received no later than the close of business on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (Las Tarjeta Federal Postal de Solicitud deberan recibirse no mas tardar de las horas de negocio el martes 22 de abril de 2025.) Issued this the 21st day of January, 2025. Emitida este dia 21 de enero, 2025. Robert Rayburn, Mayor Firma del Oficial Que Preside, Alcalde CONSENT AGENDA January 2025 SUBMITTED MINUTES: Monthly Meetings: Public Hearing Minutes - December 16, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes - December 16, 2024 CITY ADMINISTRATOR & DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: Departmental Reports Electric Water/Wastewater Landfill Street/Parks Animal Control Code Enforcemenl/Building Official 2024 4th Quarter Investment Report DISCUSSION ONLY Financials from Finance Officer Mason County Jail & Sheriff Report from Treasurer (not received) Mason County Sheriff's Dept Call Log CORRESPONDENCE None PUBLIC HEARING CITY COMMISSION December 16, 2024 5:30 P.M. The City Commission met this the 16th day of December 2024 at 5:30 p.m. for a Public Hearing at the Richard P. Eckert Civic Center, 1024 McKinley Avenue, Mason Texas. Members present: Mayor Robert Rayburn, Commissioner Anna Velez and Commissioner Michael Keller. Members absent were: Commissioner William Beaty and Commissioner BC Hardin. Staff present: City Administrator Amanda Hill, Rhett Vacek for audio/video and City Secretary Pattie Allen. Visitors present: David & Debra Hyden, Matt & Dacia Hyden, Pattie Grote, Steven McEwen, Nancy Hurta, Mark Hurta, Brock Estes, Roy Marler, Belinda Ransleben, Derek Hitzel and others who did not sign in. The purpose of this Public Hearing is to hear Public Comments on the following: Consider an application for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a food truck business in a R-2 zoned district located at 441 West Spring Street in Mason, Texas. The Public Hearing oft the City Commission was cancelled since to the Planning and Zoning was unable to form a quorum for their Public Hearing and Special Meeting and didn't make a recommendation to the City Commission regarding item listed in the Public Hearing. REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2024 5:30 P.M. The City Commission met this the 16th day of December 2024 at 5:30 p.m. for a Regular Meeting at the Richard P. Eckert Civic Center, 1024 McKinley Avenue, Mason Texas. Members present: Mayor Robert Rayburn, Commissioner Anna Velez and Commissioner Michael Keller. Members absent were: Commissioner William Beaty and Commissioner BC Hardin. Staff present: City Administrator Amanda Hill, Rhett Vacek for audio/video and City Secretary Pattie Allen. Visitors present: David & Debra Hyden, Matt & Dacia Hyden, Pattie Grote, Steven McEwen, Nancy Hurta, Mark Hurta, Brock Estes, Roy Marler, Belinda Ransleben, Derek Hitzel and others who did not sign in. CALL TO ORDER by Mayor Robert Rayburn. INVOCATION given by Commissioner Michael Keller. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Commissioner Anna Velez. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Rayburn opened the floor for public comments. Belinda Ransleben spoke to the Commission regarding the Local Alcohol Beverage Permit fees that the Commission adopted last year. She indicated that THC is a benefit to the town of Mason providing an opportunity to locals and tourists that is not offered by any other business as they make and sell their own craft beer. She added that this is a small business and not heavily funded by outside investors. She indiçated that being a fairly new business, they are. just getting to the point that they are seeing increased customers and patrons and getting more foot traffic. She requested that the City Commission look at placing the Local Alcohol Beverage Permit fees back on the agenda to lower the rates that were adopted last year for the 2 types of permits that they operate under. She indicated that these fees, on top of the State permit fees they are required to pay, are just too much for their small business to cover. Brock Estes stated that the wineries are capped at $75 local permit fees for a 2 year period and wants to see the City lower the permit fees that THC is required to pay. He asked this item to be placed on the next agenda ofthe City Commission. Derek Hitzel, owner of Porchlight Distillery supports Brock and Belinda and their endeavors and request of the City of Mason. There being no further public comments, Mayor Rayburn closed the Public Comments. ITEM 1: Discuss and consider an application for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a food truck business in a R-2 zoned district located at 441 West Spring Street in Mason, T'exas. Mayor Rayburn reported this was in conjunction with the Public Hearing that was cancelled and this item would not be considered at this time SO no action would be taken. ITEM 2: Discuss the interest of the City of Mason regarding the Mason County, Texas Multi Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan. Mayor Rayburn stated that the purpose of a Hazard Mitigation Plan helps to increase the awareness ofhazards and areas of vulnerabilities, identifies actions to reduce risks and focuses on local resources and mitigation plans are important for disaster assistance. He added that entities that have a Hazard Mitigation Plan in place will be looked at first if there is a disaster declared in their area. The City ofMason is not currently a part of the Hazard Mitigation Plan that the County has in place. City Administrator Hill reported that the City had signed a resolution years ago to be part of this type of plan with Mason County but then backed out and chose not to be a part ofit. The Commission discussed at length but chose to take no action at tonight's meeting. ITEM 3: Discuss and consider 2021 International Maintenance Code and 2015 International Existing Building Code. City Administrator Hill reported that this item was on the agenda last month and the Commission chose to table the item as the Commission would like to read the International Maintenance Code before they consider adopting it. The code book was ordered and only one Commissioner has picked up from the office for review. MOTION: Commissioner Velez made the motion to table this agenda item. Commissioner Keller seconded the motion. Mayor Rayburn called for discussion. There being no discussion, Mayor Rayburn called for a vote. In favor: All. Opposed: None. Motion Carried. 3-0. ITEM 4: Discuss and consider repealing Ordinance #24-358 REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 10-313 AND ENACTING NEW REGULATIONS RELATED TO OBTAINING UTILITY SERVICE, MONTHLY PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS, ASSESSING PENALTIES FOR DELINQUENT BILLS, EXECUTING A DEFERRED PAYMENT AGREEMENT, DISCONTINUANCE, UNSAFE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS OR EQUIPMENT AND REESTABLISHMENT OF OTILITY SERVICE; ESTABLISHING THE CONDITIONSWHEREBY THE CITY MAY REFUSE TO PROVIDE OR MAY TERMINATE UTILITY SERVICE; CLARIFYING DEFINITION OF TAMPERING; PROVIDING THAT ANY PERSON WHO VIOLATES OR FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THIS ORDINANE WILL RESULT: IN THE METER BEING LOCKED OR REMOVED AND ASSESSED A FEE ON THEIR ACCOUNT NOTTO EXCEED FIFTEEN HUNDRED DOLLARS ($1,500.00) AND A REINSTALLATION CHARGE OF THIRTY DOLLARS ($30.00); AND REPEALING INCONSISTENT PROVISIONS AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE and approving proposed Ordinance #24-359. City Administrator Hill reported that last month the Commission adopted changes to this ordinance last month, however, due to some things with the billing process are out of compliance and needs to be brought into compliance with the Public Utilities Commission standards. The City is required to send out a separate written notice ofa delinquent account and then give the customer 10 days to pay prior to disconnecting for nonpayment. Currently bills are due on the 15th of each month. Notices of a delinquent account will be sent out on the 16h and disconnects will be on the 27th of each month. This leaves little time to get the next month's billing out on the 1SL of each month. The staffi is willing to try to meet these timelines but it is a possibility if this doesn't work, then the due dates may need to be moved to the 10th. For now, the staff will attempt to meeting the deadlines with the due date remaining on the 15th. The wording oft the ordinance needs some minor changes to accommodate these new changes to bring the City's billing timelines into compliance. The proposed changes are included in the Commission packets. MOTION: Commissioner Velez made the motion to rescind Ordinance 10-313 and 24-358 and replace it with Ordinance 24-359 as proposed with changes to the dates for the billing cycle. Commissioner Keller seconded the motion. Mayor Rayburn called for discussion. There being no discussion, Mayor Rayburn called for a vote. In favor: all. Opposed: none. Motion Carried. 3-0. ITEM 5: Discuss and consider budget amendment for approved purchase of a skid steer with trailer. City Administrator Hill reminded the Commission that this purchase was discussed last month and approved. She is requesting a budget amendment for $58,869.87 for the purchase of the skid steer and trailer. She added that approximately $15,700.00 was saved by purchasing through Sourcewell. She added that the money to cover the purchase will come from funds in the Logic account. MOTION: Commissioner Velez made the motion to approve the budget amendment for the purchase of the skid steer and trailer in the amount ofs $58,869.87. Commissioner Keller seconded the motion. Mayor Rayburn called for discussion. There being no discussion, Mayor Rayburn called for a vote. In favor: all. Opposed: none. Motion Carried. 3-0. ITEM 6: Discuss and consider a study to be conducted related to redistricting of City of Mason Election Districts, redistricting process and costs related. Mayor Rayburn informed to the Commission that after the census every 10 years, it is required by law that redistricting needs to be looked at to keep voting districts within a small percentage of each other. The last time redistricting was done for the City of Mason was in the late 1990's when the lawsuit was filed against the City due to representation of the Hispanic community. There was considerable discussion but no action was taken. ITEM 7: Consent Agenda Mayor Rayburn stated that the Commission was presented the departmental reports, financial reports and past minutes for approval. Mayor Rayburn brought up the issues with the contractors laying the fiber cable and the multiple times they have bored into the City's water and sewer lines. City Administrator Hill reminded the Commission that the financials are for the month of October and will change slightly as bills are received for the end ofthe fiscal year that have to be put back to that year. Commissioner Velez commended William and Patricia Beaty for their work and donations for the Christmas lights and the Grinch at Heritage Park. City Administrator Hill added that David Hyden and the City departments were also greatly involved in the Christmas lights at Heritage Park and around town. Commissioner Keller commented on the sales tax, permit fees and complimented City Administrator Hill on her level of presentation to the Commission on items on the agendas. MOTION: Commissioner Velez made the motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Keller seconded the motion. Mayor Rayburn called for discussion. There being none, Mayor Rayburn called for a vote. In favor: all. Opposed: none. Motion Carried. 3-0. ITEM 8: Mayor's Comments and Administrator Reports - No action may be taken on these items. Item was skipped. ITEM 9: Adjourn Mayor Rayburn stated if there was no further business to come before the Commission, he would call for a motion to adjourn. MOTION: Commissioner Velez made the motion to adjourn. Commissioner Keller seconded the motion. Mayor Rayburn called for discussion. There being none, Mayor Rayburn called for vote. In favor: all. Opposed: none. Motion Carried. 3-0. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Electric Department December 2024 Monthly Report System Maintenance North Square Alley Safety Concern Removed decommissioned transformer rack from overhead poles Cross Arm Replacement at McCollum and Gooch Replaced crossarm damaged by woodpeckers with fiberglass arm Street Lighting Replaced 6 street lights between Nu-way and Short Stop with LEDs Replaced 4 additional street lights from work orders 0 New and Upgraded Service Loops Yonker's Power Upgrades Single Phase Service D Scheduled outage with Yonker's business and effected residents a Upgraded 50KVA pole mount transformer to 75KVA a Ran 4/0 triplex to new 400A disconnect (#6) Three Phase Service a Upgraded 25kVA lighting transformer to 50kVA a Ran 70'2/0 triplex service to 225A single phase disconnect (#7) 616 Smith Street - Pedestal Conversion from Overhead Constructed pedestal and pulled in 50 feet of 4/0 URD triplex wire Worked with electrician for quick removal and reroute of service New House Near 825 Colorado Street - Pedestal Install Set 30' service pole and ran 60' overhead triplex to transformer pole Constructed pedestal and pulled in 50 feet of 4/0 URD triplex wire East Short Street Lot - Power Upgrade and Establish Point of Service Set 30' service pole awaiting customer provided meter loop Upgraded transformer from 37.5kVA to 50k' VA to support new service ) Tree Trimming 349 Ketner - Removed tree branch making occasional contact to high voltage line 804 Whitney Street - Removed several tree limbs from service and installed tree guards Outages 1604 Mebus Street Squirrel Interference Refused transformer; made plans to mitigate issues in the future Equipment and Other Repairs Pressure Digger Replaced fuel pump City Park Lift Station #1 and #2 Pulled grinder motor and removed debris from motor Replaced float with failing contacts Hoffmann Street - Boring Company Damage Assisted water department in repairing waterline in close proximity to two high voltage underground lines Wastewater Treatment Plant - Aerator Motor Replacement Bolted and wired replacement motor for aerator motor in pond #1 Recycle New Sign for Accepted Items Welded frame for attaching sign Prepped, painted, and concreted sign in ground Water wastwaker December Monthly Log 2024 12-4-24, Leak behind the Eckert center and moody street. Sewer machine got stuck in mainline on South Live Oak. 12-5-24, Got the sewer machine unstuck from mainline, discovered collapsed sewer line from previous repair with concrete. 12-6-24, Fixed and replaced collapsed section of the sewer line with new SDR pipe and bands. Manhole overflowing at hair salon on post oak street, ran newly repaired sewer line and broke the clog. Lift station pump at metal pile tripping the breaker, was clogged with rags. Electric meter reads. Leak on 6 inch line on elm street, Put a 7 112 inch band on a hole made by a rock. Marked water lines on Oak, Fir, and 86 south in front of the city park. Hair salon clogged again due to roots in the system. Unclogged the line and added root killer to the mainline. Fiber company hit multiple water and sewer lines on Oak, Kettner, south live oak, and stengel. made sure they went back and fixed all their mistakes. Moved trailers to the community center due to freezing temperatures. Fiber company Hit sewer main on kettner. We supplied the parts for them to fix it correctly. Meter re reads for Lisa, Turned water off on Ave F. Completed Tap for the new house on Ave F. Finished repeat sample points for tceq. Installed new aerator at the wastewater plant with the help of the electric guys. Water leak on Hoffman. Ipicked up the cities new trailer in san Antonio. Valve change on wheeler due to water leaking by. Dug on the valves for the 6 inch meter for the state department. City of Mason Landfill Monthly Report December 2024 12/2/24 Double/ Daily routes, worked pit, pretripped equipment, fixed dumpster. 12/3/24 Daily routes, greased dumpster truck and arm, picked up trash, worked pit, street borrowed dump truck, picked up and redelivered roll off on broad St. 12/4/24 Daily routes, moved dirt, worked pit 12/5/24 Daily routes, washed roll off getting it ready for CDL, Pushed up piles and redid road, worked pit. 12/6/24 Daily routes, moved dirt, worked pit, covered trash 12/9/24 Daily routes, Greased equipment, Washed dozer, Worked pit, Filled Spray machine. 12/10/24 Daily routes, picked up the hills, worked pit, picked up trash, emptied roll off at cabinet shop 12/11/24 Daily routes, emptied peanut mill roll off, worked pit, moved dirt, fire extinguishers replaced today, pest control came today 12/12/24 Daily routes, greased front ends of trucks, worked pit, picked up trash, sprayed out trailer. 12/13/24 Daily routes, dumped roll offs, covered half of trash, worked pit 12/14/24 Worked pit, worked scale house, covered rest of trash 12/16/24 Daily routes, worked pit, filled spray trailer and equipment, greg called in sick, kyle finished CDL course, picked up trash 12/17/24 Daily routes, picked up hills and trash, moved dumpster and metal to metal pile, worked pit. 12/18/24 Daily routes, moved dirt, worked pit 12/19/24 Daily routes, dumped roll offs, picked up trash, worked pit, pushed up piles, compactor sprung a leak around 2:40pm 12/20/24 Daily routes, finding leak on compactor, covering trash, moving to new area, washing spray trailer, fueling up equipment, delivered a large can. Fixed compactor 12/23/24 Double routes, picked up hills, Worked pit, filled up spray trailer. 12/26/24 Double routes, fueled equipment, moved dirt, worked pit, picked up trash. 12/27/24 Daily routes, sprayed out the spray trailer, filled up pick up and gas cans, worked pit and covered getting ready for sat. 12/30/24 Daily routes, worked pit, dumped roll offs, loaded someone with mulch, delivered a can, fixed some covering 12/31/24 Daily routes, worked pit, filled spray trailer, picked up hills, picked up trash, pushed up piles. Delivered a dumpster to Napa and picked up 4 cans. City Landfill Activity during the month of December 2024 Total Amount of scaled loads ecluding City's trucks Total Scaled loads: 502 Breakdown of scaled loads Mason County Residents: 290 City of Mason Residents : 212 Total amount of tonneage ( city's refuse trucks; Compacted) Tonnage: 156 Total ammount of tonnage scaled loads Tonnage: 336 Revenue Cash Received: $7,085.80 Check Received: $3,069.40 Charges: $4,708.80 Credit Cards: $8,203.10 Total: $23,067.10 Monthly Report Streets/Parks December 2024 Streets: Potholes repaired- Doole st, Mckinnley, Church st, Ave D, Ave B, Westmorland, Garfield, Cardinal, S. Pecan, Elm, Post Oak, Coolidge, Pine, N. Robin/87, Spring st. Ave F, EL Paso st, Wilson st, Wren, Kettner. Continued Daily Leaf Bag Pickup. Assist at Recycle - Ray Duarte on Vacation Repaired pavement where Water Department did water tap to new house on Colorado. Meter Read. Michael Longoria acquired his CDL. Picked up trash along Right of Ways @ Spring st, Pontotoc st, Bickenbach rd, N. Robin. Hauled Re-grind road material to Park Campground road and topped road off. Organized Street Dept Shop Exterior equipment. Patched pavement where waterleak occurred on Moody st. Received New Kubota Skidsteer on 12/11/24- Did some basic training and operations on new skidsteer. Set out Barricades and Safety Cones on West Square for 4-H Steer show. Hauled Regrind material to Recycle Yard for stockpile. 6 Dumptruck loads. Parks: Cut dead trees at Ramon Park. Willl haul off at later date when Dump truck is available. Worked on Water way at Ramon Park. Hauled off 2 loads dirt/ debri. Replaced 2 Basketball Nets at Joe Martinez Park. Prep Community Blg for' Weekly Rentals Prep Eckert Center for Weekly Rentals Shred Leaves at City Park grounds. Finished winterizing all faucets at City RV Park slots. Burn Ban went in effect Mid December- Set out Burn Ban signs and covered Grills. Pattie Allen From: Ashley Scantlin Sent: Friday, January 10, 2025 3:16 PM To: Pattie Allen; Amanda Hill; Johnny Castillo Subject: December 2024 City of Mason Animal Control Monthly Report November 2024 License Issued - New tags - 0 Renewal - 0 Total # of tags issued since inception - 2647 Dogs Dogs picked up and taken to pound - 15 Dogs surrendered by owner - 4 Dogs surrendered by non - owner - 0 Dogs dumped at pound - 0 Dogs adopted from the City - 0 Dogs rescued by Second Chance - 1 Dogs rescued by Ole Yellow - 0 Dogs rescued by Buddy's - 0 Dogs rescued by Other Rescues - 4 Dogs redeemed by owners - 9 Dogs that died at shelter - 0 Dogs euthanized - 0 Dogs picked up that were microchipped - 0 Dogs picked up and not taken to pound (returned)- 6 Cats Cats picked up and taken to pound - 0 Cats surrendered by owner - 0 Cats dumped at pound - 0 Cats surrendered by non - owner - 0 Cats adopted from the City -0 Cats rescued by Second Chance - 0 Cats rescued by Ole Yellow - 0 Cats rescued by Buddy's - 0 Cats rescued by Other Rescues - 0 Cats redeemed by owner - 0 Cats died at shelter - 0 Cats euthanized - 3 Cats at pound that are microchipped - 0 Cats given away for barn cats to county residents - 0 Bites/Quarantine Dogs 1 Home Quarantine 0 Shelter Quarantine 0 Euthanized & tested for rabies - 0 2. Location Positive/Negative: 3. Location Positive/Negative Cats Home Quarantine 0 Shelter Quarantine 0 Euthanized & tested for rabies 0 1. Location 2. Location Positive/Negative 3. Location Positive/Negative Citations & Warnings Verbal Warnings - 5 Doorknocker Warnings - 1 Tickets - 0 Traps Set Feral Cats - 3 Non Feral Cats - 0 Other Animals - 2 Dead Animal Pick Up Run over - 36 Shot by Sheriff's Dept. 0 Other - 3 Number of Animals at Pound at Month's End Dogs - 0( (1-1 foster) Cats - 0 Other animals picked up -0 2 Monthly Report December 2024 Things have seemed to slow a bit on the Building Official side of things this month. - only issued 19 permits this month with a total receipt of $7632.04. issued four electric permits, four additionloutbuliding permits, two sewer connection permits, two plumbing permits, two fence permits, one burn permit, and one mechanical permit. Wallace and I were able to do a final inspection on a new house on Mebus this month, and several other houses are getting close to completion. This next year is shaping up to be a record for new builds in the city limits of Mason. On the Code Enforcement side of things, was able to open seven new cases. I was able to open five high weeds and grass cases, one commercial vehicle parking case, and one dogs barking case. am still working on the commercial vehicle parking case, but happy to say that the high weeds and grass cases seem to be taken care of and the dogs barking case as well. The barking dogs was a challenging case. For there to be a dog barking case I must record the dogs barking excessively for fifteen minutes within a fifteen-day period. That was not a problem with the dogs is question. They never really stopped to take a breath. The more difficult part was contacting the owners. - was finally able to speak to them and they agreed to keep the dogs inside. Ispoke with the complainant, and she said it has been quiet these last few weeks. Ih have also been contacting the owners of properties with dilapidated structures. Right now, I am just contacting them to see what they plan on doing with the structures, letting them know that we are aware of them, and that something is going to need to be done with them in the future. It has been a good and busy year. I continue to learn a lot from Wallace as we do all our inspections and look forward to continuing learning from him. lalso look forward to working with Amanda on some things that we have not had a lot of success with in the past Here is to a new year. - 3 3 * * I S 5 - S E E a g & E - 0 - a 0 df e 2 2 & a 3 0 de City of Mason = Investment Report Cash Balances and Certificates of Deposit Balances as of 12/31/2024 Checking Cash Balance inl Depository Bank Acct# Bank Balances MAY: 2023: $861,058.0 001 from Regis deposit wasr moved from the Operating/ Account balance to open BESS Proj. Checking Acct top pay invoices to Schneider Eng & constuction Operating Account 10472 CB expenses. $ 497,983.04 "varies daily Project Acct.- Series 2018 10421 CB $ "closedA Amegy Ser 2018 TWDB L1000725 Esc $83,916.95 Project Acct.- Principal Forgiveness 10723 CB $ 2,218.63 *originalf funding TWDB: 7/24/18 Landfill Closure Operations 10693 CB $ 4,047.58 Project Acct- New Landfill 11339 CB $ 2,155.54 B.E.S.S. Project Account- Checking 12335 CB $ 421,050.91 "opened 5/16/23 CDBG Lift Station #CDV21-0333 12327 CB $ 167,298.52 "opened 5/16/23 CDBG Water Tank Imprv #CDV23-0180 16748 CB $ 'set-up account- -waiting on project tob begin Balance of Cash Funds $1,094,754.22 INVESTMENTS TexSTAR Investment 1600011110 JPM Closed 7/30/24 5.3126% $0.00 *Statement Balances as of1 12/31/24 LOGIC Investment 6001704001 JPM Deposit 11/5/24 4.6928% $197,948.66 Balance ofl Investments $197,948.66 Length ofTerm Re-Invested Maturity CD Account CDI Number Bank Length ofTerm in days Amount Interest Rate Date 11/30/22 from CD Operating Account CD #1 Redeemed 21200 CB 61 Months 180 $233,447.38 4.1 10% 5/28/2025 #210221 tot #21115 #20190 moved to Op Ck Operating Funds CD #2 CLOSED 20190 CB 12 Months 365 $0.00 0.00% #10472 11/30/22 Operating Funds CD #3 CLOSED 20241 CB 12 Months 365 $0.00 0.00% 10/28/2024 Closed 10/28/24 Operating Funds CD #4 Same 20218 CB 121 Months 365 $235,644.70 4.46% 7/20/2025 Same Operating Account CD: #5 CLOSED 21357 CB 6Months 180 $0.00 0.00% 8/28/2024 New 11/30/22 Closed 8/29/24 Operating Account CD #6 Redeemed 21205 CB 61 Months 180 $179,241.56 4.10% 5/28/2025 New 11/30/22 11/30/22 movedf from Project Account CD Redeemed 21199 CB 31 Month 90 $491,076.73 4.20% 2/25/2025 Project Acct Cking #11339 3/20/23 Opened with Mason BESS Escrow CD CLOSED 21435 CB 3M Months 90 $0.00 0.00% 9/23/2024 Regis endo of Funds-hold battery project until CLOSED 9/27/24 New 5/28/24 Required TWDBI 1&S Funds-Ser: 2018 New 21424 CB 31 Months 90 $95,601.40 4.00% 2/25/2025 by TWDB Operating and Project CD Total H##########EEE $1,235,011.77 Landfill CD Accounts 11/30/23 movedf from Li Landfill Closure Op #1 Redeemed 21204 CB 6N Months 180 $242, 100.89 4. 10% 5/28/2025 Cisr Cking* #10693 11/30/22 from CD Landfill Closure #2 Redeemed 21203 CB 61 Months 180 $258,331.08 4. 10% 5/28/2025 #20192 to #21114 Landfill Closure CD :o-w----- $500,431.97 10/5/22 New CD- Landfill Equip Reserve CLOSED 21271 CB 1 Year 365 $0.00 0.00% 10/9/2024 CLOSED 10/9/24 Landfill Equipment Reserve CD Total-HHHHHHHHEE $0.00 Balance For City CD's $1,735,443.74 Total Cash Investment Assets $3,028,146.62 City of Mason Confidential 1/16/2025 Page 1 NOTE: Funds Insured by FDIC for a total of $500,0000 Additional Collateralization of Funds at Commercial Bank for a total of $3,434,856. 73 in Securities as of 12/31/24 Texas Water Development Board AmegyBank of Texas Accounts- Radionuclide Reduction Project Mason, TX Tax & Surp Rev CO 2018 #5493725 AB Feb2 2024 Jul: 2024 $0.00 Mason Tx Combo 2018 TWDB Escrow #5493726 AB Oct2 2024 L1000725 Esc $0.00 CLOSED 10/3/2024 Mason Tx Prin Frgvns TWDB #5493727 AB Dec 2024 LF1000726 $53,403.85 NOTE: 8/20/21- - Deposit date for received funds from TX Emergency Management Recovery Act $285,573.31 10/26/21- Returned funds to TX Emergency Management Recovery Act $285,573.31 City of Mason Confidential 1/16/2025 Page 2 1 G 8 3 s 2 3 s @ BBGR g RE 0 a d & j 5 - n 00 9 a 9 e pe a 8 o 2 0 8 A8e a - 8 t & 8 5; a coj ai K g9 15 & 6 9: 3 19 1 8 a n ai ai à a 6; n Ee 11 Ri 6 8 Sjjui Wi 3 n %: e; Nn Wi 3 ; E58 S A no a! s à - E 9 * - 9 - 5 1 E E 4 - A 80 - D 9! $ A E 3 a Bgu A € 3 8 3 E - a - / 3 8 1 8 C S A; 8 4 & V - a E 6 a $ 2 a 3 a - 3 - B . a 6 & 3 9 L U3 a a E a . a E 3 I 3 a 8 Dn - H m - Q S p E E 3 ai f - a - de d o 5 2 3 - l a & - - 5