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 February 18, 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 Ministerial Alliance = Pastor Laura Hewett Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner William Beaty Public Comments ITEM 1. Discussion and Action Discuss and consider corrections to Mason TX Rodeo Association agreement with the City of Mason and Mason County. ITEM 2. Discussion Only Discuss updates on the Robinson Oaks Water Project. ITEM 3. Discussion and Action Discuss and consider proposal by Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP to perform a study to be conducted related to redistricting ofCity of Mason Election Districts, redistricting process and costs related. ITEM 4. Mayor's Comments and Administrator's Reports = No action may be taken on these items. ITEM 5. Consent Agenda: Minutes * Departmental Reports * Financials * Correspondence ITEM 6. 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 $8 551.071 = 551.087 allows for executive sessions for consultation with attorneys, deliberation on real property, receipt of gifts, personnel matters and conferences with employees. A Approved: Robert Rayburn, Mayoi MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable Mayor & City Commission FROM: Amanda Hill, City Administrator SUBJECT: February 18, 2025 Commission Meeting Agenda Items DATE: February 14, 2025 We have a very short agenda this month. 1. A few months ago, you approved the agreement with the Mason Rodeo Association. After the County had also approved it, the Association pointed out a few minor corrections. First, their name has changed to Mason TX Rodeo Association. There were a couple of places where the word "contract" was used instead of "agreement. There was a discrepancy in one paragraph to the next regarding time. One said 30 days and the other said 60. This draft is to clean all of that up. Nothing material has changed. 2. Ity was discovered during the negotiation with Gerald Robinson to get water to the Robinson Oaks subdivision, that the existing water line along Estes Lane does not have a recorded easement. - have had the area surveyed to identify a legal description SO that we can negotiate with the Duttons to get the easement recorded. offered $1,000 for the easement. Mr. Dutton rejected that offer and said they won't take less than $5,000. I told him I don't have the authority to agree to that and would present it to the Commission. I then reached out to an appraiser for a quote. His answer was it will cost more than it's worth for him to appraise it. He can do a limited appraisalletter of opinion for $1,000 and a full appraisal would be $3,000. This line was there when the Dutton's purchased the property, sO they have suffered no loss byi it being there. This will be a discussion only but will be on the March agenda to direct me to hire the appraiser, pay the $5,000 or some other compromise. Once we have legal access to the existing line, I would be comfortable allowing the residents of Robinson Oaks to move forward with getting Mr. Robinson to sign the easement through the development, hire a contractor and move forward with the construction of the water line. 3. This item is carried over from the past couple of meetings. I - encourage the Commission to move forward with the analysis of our current districts to ensure they are in balance. I have spoken with our City Attorney on this. He has consultants that they work with on redistricting, but he hasn't gotten back to me with names or cost estimates. f the Commission sO desires, I would ask that the motion be to authorize me to contract with the lowest proposal. 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 corrections to Mason TX Rodeo Association agreement with the City of Mason and Mason County. Pattie Allen From: Sloan Landre soanlandreegmal.om, Sent: Friday, February 14, 2025 3:44 PM To: Pattie Allen Subject: Re: Rodeo Association Agreement - Corrected Hi Pattie, Sorry it's later than thought responding. We are good with the agreement. We just need to make sure a lease will followthis, we checked with one of the groups we are trying to get a grant with and we will need the long term lease to apply. Thanks, Sloan Sent from my iPhone On Feb 12, 2025, at 9:02. AM, Pattie Allen spattie.allen@cityofmason.us> wrote: Good Morning Everyone, Please see the attached agreement with corrections as requested by the Rodeo Association. Ihave highlighted the changes made from the previous agreement. If this is acceptable to all, we will move forward in presenting this to the City Commission for their approval. If there are any further questions or corrections, please let me know. Thanks, Pattie Allen City Secretary - City of Mason P.O. Box 68 Mason, Texas 76856 325-347-6449 - tele 325-347-5955 - fax <Mason Rodeo Interlocal Agreement - 2025.docx> 1 INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT REGARDING CITY OF MASON RODEO ARENA STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF MASON This is an interlocal agreement ("Agreement") made and entered into by and between MASON COUNTY, TEXAS ("County"), acting herein by and through Sheree Hardin, County Judge of Mason County, Texas, hereunto duly authorized by the Commissioners Court of Mason County, Texas and the CITY OF MASON, TEXAS ("City"), acting herein by and through Robert Rayburn, Mayor of the City of Mason, Texas, hereunto duly authorized by the City Commissioners ofthe City of Mason, Texas and MASON TX RODEO ASSOCIATION ("MRA"), a501.c.3, acting herein by and through its President, Jared Whitworth. WHEREAS, the Mason City Park lies entirely within the County of Mason; and WHEREAS, the City owns the land upon which the City Park is located; and WHEREAS, the MRA wishes to lease the rodeo arena and grounds from the City; and WHEREAS, the MRA, maintains the rodeo arena and grounds located within the boundaries oft the Mason City Park and provides recreational services and/or rodeo events for the citizens of the City of Mason and Mason County; and WHEREAS, Chapter 791 ofthe Texas Government Code authorizes two or more public entities to contract with each other to perform functions that each may individually perform; and WHEREAS, the parties desire to enter into an agreement whereby the County will provide maintenance services on or around the rodeo arena for the City and MRA; and WHEREAS, the County agrees to render such maintenance services in exchange for recreational services and/or rodeo events provided to the youth and other citizens of Mason County; NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants, conditions, performances, and promises contained herein, the parties agree as follows: 1. The County will perform general maintenance services on and around the rodeo arena located at the Mason City Park. 2. In exchange for maintenance services provided by the County, the City and MRA will continue to permit recreational services to be provided to the youth and other citizens of Mason County at the rodeo arena. 3. The maintenance performed by the County shall be performed by County employees, with equipment owned by the County, if both are available at the time of the request. Otherwise, an approved volunteer with written permission from the Road & Bridge Administrator and the County Judge may use county equipment to perform maintenance services on or around the rodeo arena. 4. The County will only undertake maintenance services if and when requested by the City or the MRA, however, any requested maintenance may not interfere with the use of County equipment and/or County employees if needed elsewhere on behalf ofthe County. 5. The County does not assume liability or responsibility for any acts or omissions that arise in whole or in part from activities that take place at the City Park or in and around the rodeo arena. 6. The City will lease the rodeo arena and grounds located within the boundaries ofthe City Park to the MRA for a period of99 years. The cost oft this lease is $1 and may be renewed at the end of the term. 30 days written notice must be given by either the City or the MRA to terminate the lease. 7. This agreement shall become binding and have full effect upon such date as signed on behalf of each party to this agreement. This agreement shall remain in full force and effect until such time as County, City, and/or MRA, jointly or individually, through their particular officials, pass a resolution terminating this agreement (where applicable). Said termination shall not take effect until the expiration of30 days following the filing of said resolution with the appropriate office within each entity. Each entity shall be given notice of such termination without delay. 8. Notice to be effective under this agreement must be in writing and received by the entity against whom it is to operate by either hand delivery or certified mail, return receipt requested. Miscellaneous Provisions 1. This agreement states the entire agreement oft the parties, and an amendment to it is not effective unless it is in writing and signed by the authorized representative of each entity. Each amendment shall become effective when the amendment has been duly and legally signed by the duly authorized individuals representing the entities, or as the amendment may state. 2. This agreement is performable in Mason County, Texas and' Texas law governs its interpretation and application. 3. Should any clause, phrase, sentence or paragraph of this Agreement be declared invalid or void, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. 4. The parties agree that this Agreement shall not confer third party beneficiary status on any non- party, including citizens of either the County or the City or members of the MRA. 5. The parties agree that this Agreement shall not create a joint venture or partnership and shall not waive any defenses available to any of the parties in the event of claims asserted by any non-party. AGREED and ENTERED this the day of 202 Mason County, Texas City of Mason, Texas By: By: Sheree Hardin Robert Rayburn County Judge Mayor Mason Rodeo Association By: Jared Whitworth President ITEM 2. Discussion Only Discuss updates on the Robinson Oaks Water Project. ITEM 3. 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. City ofMason 2024.2025 Redistricting Budget Senior Reimbursabie Actorney Senior GIS Pari Expenses $425 5280 SI s PRELIMINARY WORK Inicial schedule planning Gather Dana and inpur benchmark ) Geocode incumbents ) Identity and begin other Census-related tasks II. INITLAL ASSESSMENT Preparation ofi initial assessment III. CONSULT WITH CLIENT AND DEVELOP AND ADOPT CRITERIA Initial Consultation with Commissioners Notice of public meeting (criteria)translate 0 $50.00 Geocode locations (facilities) Drait resolution on criteria & process AOUTCECONSULTATION TotalHours o 2 AOMICECONSULTAION TotalCost 52,550 55000 SLOSD EV.E DEVELOP REDISTRICTING PLANS Build one illustrative plan (City Commission Disuicts) 8 Revisions to illustrative plan + DEVELOP REDISTRICTINGI PLANS Total Hours 21 12 0 DEVELOP REDISTRICTING PLANS Total Cost 5350 $3.360 S0 V. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ADOPTION OF PLAN Prepare for and conduct Public hearing/adoprion of Final Plan 7 9 Translate hearing notices/submission notice into Spanish U $200.00 Large Format Maps for Posting at Hearings (S50.00 x 2 maps) $100.00 PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ADOPTION OFI PLAN Toal Hours 71 PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ADOPTION OF PLAN Total Cost $2.975 $2.520 $360 VE. REQUIRED DISSEMENATION OF REDESTRICTING PLANS Maps/demographic information to Counry Staff 0 0 Send digital mapping files as client directs U Prepare any additionally requested maps 0 Assist with voter coding (upon request) U 0 DISSEMINATIONI OF PLANS Total Hours 0 21 DISSEMINATIONOFI PLANS Toial Cost 30 5560 $360 Total Attorney Bours 15 Total GCS fEours 43 Total Paralegal Hours 0 GRANDTOTALS $6375 512,240 $1:800 $350.00 IGIAL GOR ALL 520,565 IOTAL CIOURS 68 Bours aliocated to plans are for chose thac follow exisungCensus geugraphy BBickerstaff Hasuh Delgado Acosta LLP 42 Practical Law Resource D: 023 3039 Local Government Redistricting DAVID MENDEZ, BICKERSTAFF HEATH DELGADO ACOSTA LLP, WITH PRACTICAL LAW GOVERNMENT PRACTICE Search the Resource IDnumbersinblue on Westlaw for more. A Practice Note advising local governments comes into play before a general election, even ifr 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 One 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 'Maximum Total Deviation." " these local entities end up guiding them through the redistricting process. This Note provides an overview of redistricting obligations Section 2 of The Voting Rights Act. Section 2of the Voting Rights imposed by federal constitutional law for local counsel to consider Act prohibits discrimination against protected minority groups after a release of the census. as 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 oy 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 a Improper race-based decision-making. A delicate balance determine if, based on the new population figures, the single-member exists between complying with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act districts continue to conform to the US Constitution's one-person, to protect minority voters and complying with the Fourteenth one-vote requirements. Out-of-balance electoral districts may require Amendment's 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: fori 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 councitls, school district - Potential legal challenges to a redistricting process. There are or 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. a Practical tips and suggestions for a successful process. When redistricting is required. Statutes, charter provisions or State laws also affect redistricting oblgations, as do home rule ocher state and local provisions may require periodic districting review and aiso explains how the one-person, one-vore principle charters, ordinances, regulations, and local policies. ThisNote does C THOMSON REUTERS 24205 humsRtts, Ar gaarsarvau Local Government Redistricting ocs 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 COVERED ENTITIES representatives of state legislatures. For example, statutes may Thel 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 suostantially elected from single-member districts, but they may expressly equal population (U.S. Const. amend. XIV). In particular, the courts provide for the use of the federal census population data as the haver 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 central to a democratic system of government. Likewise, the review and reoalancing 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 egislative provisions are likely to contain voter was simply prevented from voting. unique requirements, timing, and terminology whose usage may have evolved over time through courtr rulings. Notwithstanding LOCAL GOVERNMENTS 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 oi any ofr rapresentatives 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 legislative bodies and WHEN REDISTRICTING IS REQUIRED election of local governing boards having general and significant governmental 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 isi initiated by the federal entities iny which the governing boards of the entity are elected from Census Bureau in 2020. Census dayi is April 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 he 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. of the political subdivision that allowi it to carry out its governmental functions. These functions may include: The enabling legistation for political suodivisions created by general or special legislation, as well as those subdivisions created under : Building and maintaining public works. state constitutional mechanisms, may contain specific provisions Providing governmental services. requiring review of the population of the respective electoral districts 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 Ani important characteristic of these entities is that they are imbued and mplementing 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 ofe 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 familiars 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 suoject to a legal challenge under one-vote requirement does not apply. Examples of these types of the one-person, one-vote principle if the new census data reflects offices include) judges or constables. Likewise, examples of political impermissible population mbalances among the districts. subdivisions with limited governmental powers, or where the ability toy 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 courc that types of agricultural utility, or resource conservation districts In the census data shows that the existing singie-member districts are thesei instances the duties of these functionaries and entities are out of balance based on the new census dara and chat the entity more timited than normal governmental activities, or affect only could have redistricted to bring the population of the respective ja specific sub-group of persons, 50 that compliance with the one- single-member districts back into balance before holding the person, one-vote principles is not appropriate or necessary. election but failed 0o jo 50. 2 2920 Thumanasts Mninsas Local Government Redistricting OORDINATING THE REDISTRICTING PROCESS territory coincides with the election precinct 5 cerritory. Acaservice Whether a local government holds elections on its own or jointly centers serving multiple election precincts, thes voter s election with other entities, it is important for any adjustments to the precinct is identified when the voten is qualified, and thevoteri S territorial boundaries of single-member districts to bei incorporated provided a ballot for only thoser racesin the election precinco in in 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-memoer discricts of any one of these redrawing of voting precincts used by the governmental entity as state orl local entities changes to include less than all oi the cerricory well as by other entities with which it may jointly conduct elections. ofthe election precinct, then the election precinct generauy 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 eithen 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 governmental entities Create 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 0e 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 have 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 territoryof administration of the election precincts sufficient time to update the election precincts and registered voter lists. Congressional districts. State legislative districts. CENSUS DATA County commissioner precincts. Public Law 94-171 files are the initial type of census data the federal Municipal or school districts. Census Bureau provides specifically for redistricting This data, when In othery words, the election precinct is customarily drawn SO that all correlated to federal census geography, has historically provided the f thev 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 oe 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 themselves at the polls on election day. A change in the territorial Whether citizenship information will be released and whether it boundary of any single-member district that caused an election will be usable for redistricting ourposes. precinct to contain territory from more than one congressional How the census demographic nformation is tied to the bureau's district, legislative district, or city council district would likely mean census biock 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 precinct. the census and determining how best to use chis 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 alsovote 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 mayy 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 pasc decade, suits have been brought to atrempt to ay voter is orovided with a ballot containing only those races for the compel jurisdictions to use ditizen-voting-age oopulation (CVAP) voter's unique election precinct. racher than total population for drawing districts. This would Whether voting in a precinct polling place or a service center exclude children and non-citizens from the apportionment base serving multiple election precincts, the voter presents credentials Howeves, the Supreme Court has ruled that there is no constitutional that indicate. the person's registered voter address thati is reviewed requirement to use CVAP. IEL left open the question whether a political and confirmed by election officials at the polling place or center. subdivision couid choose to use CVAPratherthant total population The voteri is then presented with a ballot. At a precinct polling for drawing districts. location, since every registered voter must reside within the election Toprovide CVAP data as partiofs the census, the current precinct to be qualified to vote there, everyvoter gets the same administration, over the Strong oojection ofthe Census Bureau ballot chat includes all the races for political subdivisions whose professionals, attempted.to include a citizenship question on the MATNmSReS - nynr: sarva 3 Local Government! Redistricting 020 census. Various states and other governmental entities other than federal census data 35 an atcernacive forr redistricting challenged this move, and the Supreme Court invalidated the purposes typically faces many challenges primarilyt toreliabitity, administration's order adding the citizenship question to the census. Redistricting can be accomplished using the smailest units ofc census Because the Court did not allow the administration to include the geography, census blocks, toreduce the potantial for liabilicy asa question on the census, the administration now plans to report CVAP result of improper race-based decision-making. However, VTDs, or in as separate file released contemporaneousty with the Public Law election precincts, should be used as the redistricting building blocks 94-171 release. This file will be created by supplementing census when possible and to the extenc feasible. In smaller jurisdictions, responses with administrative records that reflect individuals' this may not be feasible because the grecincts are too large to be citizenship status. While this CVAP data may 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 orl hard-copy maps and to cumulate the data on the different possible racial responses, there are 126 possible to determine the population of an 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). eographical 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 ooundaries such as city limit lines, county lines, or Facility locations. state lines. Registered voter information. The Census Bureau's geographical units are of various size, with the Incumbent residence addresses. smallest units called census blocks. In urban areas, these census olocks 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 units 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 vore is crucial to (see Geographic Areas Reference Manual, in particular, Chapter 11). redistricting. To comply with this standard, each of the single- There are many forms of geographic, population, election, economic, member districts must 0e 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 thath have a total Create their own unique geographic units. population deviation of no more than ten percent between their Modifys 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 usually 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. Theten forradistricting purposes. Courts reviewing redistricting plans have percent standard is a rebuttalote prsumatanofcomplanes Withthe generallyr ecognized federal census data (ooth geographic and one-person, one-vote requirement. population) as an appropriate basis for redistricting. Using data 4 emadn tostan 4 gn hat Local Government Redistricting his twenty percent approach used for state and local governmental those prion policies In addition, although Section 5 preclearance has encities is different than the approach that courts have applied to been euminated by a Supreme Courto decision for most jurisdictions, congressional districts. In the apportionment of population among acourt may, in certain cases, impose oreclearance requirements as congressional districts, the courts have typically required virtually a remedy on the political subdivision invoived in a discriminadion suit exact population among the districts. orought under Section 2. STAYING WITHIN THE ALLOWABLE DEVIATION SECTION 2 CAUSES OF ACTION in a typical redistricting situation, a governing body calculates the Section 2 of the' VRA forbids a vouing standard, practice, or grocedure 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- electr representatives of their choice. In 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 so 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: small groups in boundaries of the individual districts SO that the total populations of multiple districts 50 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 oe 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 thats some The Supreme Court has defined the minimum requirements for a otherk better alternate data exists. The court cases that have dealt minority plaintiff to bring a Section 2 lawsuit. This three-pronged with the question have made it clear that the showing required to legal test requires the minority plaintiff to prove that: istify using data other than census data is a very high one. The a Ther minority group's voting age population is sufficiently large burden of demonstrating that some alternate data should be used and geographically compact 5O 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 Ther minority group is politically cohesive, that is, it usually votes processes. and acts politically in concert on majori issue. In the redistricting process, each governmental entity will use a There is oolarized 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- (Thomburg 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 Ginglesthrashold analysis is cicizen VAP. In certain voting practices of state and local governmental entities, including cases, a minority group may asserc that Section 2 requires that redistricting. Counsel for these entities must be familiar with legal the governmental body draw a new majority-minority district. The standards applied by the courts should a protected voter challenge a governing body must 0e 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 enticy standards, it is important to point out these: standards as applied oy must be aware of the locationof protected minoricy populations the courts differ from the retrogression standards formerly applied within its single-member districts to ensure thato changes are not by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) under Section 5. While che made that a pia ainciff may claim hay e resulted in packing, fracturing, Note does not attempt to distinguish the Section 2 standards from or cracking the minority population, the retrogression standards formerly applied by DOJ under Section 5 to covered jurisdictions, it may still be important for practitioners to in conducting its redistricting analysis and, if out of balance. in unders stand and be able to explain the differences in legal analysis redrawing electoral districts, a governmental entity shoutd be aware jor their clients. Many officials and constituent groups participating ofchel location of significant minority population and the effeccof in the 2020 redistricting process will be familiarwith the prior any modifications n disrict boundaries (o this population of voters. standards and analysis and may have expectations stemming from Tine redistricting consultant may typically develop thematic maps 20207 tumsan Ratins: ain gns vinad 5 Local Government! Redistricting Jepicting 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 0e useful in dentifying and addressing potential packing the potential for Shaw liability is to adopt redistricting criceria thac and cracking issues. include traditional redistricting principles and that do 100 elevace race-based factors to predominance. VAP data is usefut in measuring potential electoral strength of minority groups in individual districts. In addition, if districts are ADOPTING REDISTRICTING CRITERIA sufficiently large that they encompass whole voting precincts, historical electoral oerformance 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 criticalto che uttimate defensibitity relative to voting-age population or citizenship percentages (eligible of an adopted redistricting pian. Traditional redistricting criteria that voterinformation) 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. Using identifiable boundaries. Using whole voting precincts, where possible and feasibie. 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 of the VRA to protect minority voters and avoiding precincts. unlawful race-based decision-making under the Fourteenth Maintaining communities of interest (such as traditional Amendment oft the US Constitution. Ap 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 in their districts. Keeping existing representatives 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. pfrace-based factors is subject to the strict scrutiny test under the There may be other criteria that are appropriate for an individual ourteenth 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. The race-based factors were used in furtherance of a compelling state interest. REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANS SUBMITTED BV PUBLIC Their application was narrowly tailored, that is, they must be In mplementing 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 local entity's consideration to: Fori further details on defending equal protection claims, see Practice Bea 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 it may be possible to draw a particular district in a particular REDISTRICTING PRINCIPLES wayi ifi iti is considered only by itself, that configuration may have unacceptable consequences on other districts and make it difficult Complying with Section 2 is a compelling state interest. The following ori impossible for an overall plan to comply with the applicable principles therefore emerge in the post-Shaw environment to guide legal standards. ther redistricting process: Foitow the adopted redistricting criteria - Race may be considered. - Racer may not be the predominant factor in the redistricting LITIGATION EXPOSURE process to the subordination of traditional redistricting principles. INJUNCTION RISK FOR (MBALANCE 1 Bizarrely shaped districts are not unconstitutional. pers se, but the bizarre shape may oe evidence that race was the predominant Ar political subdivision whose single-memoer districts are shown to consideration in the redistricting process. be out of balance based on the most recent census hasthepotential of having its general elections enjoined. Specifically, a voterc of che Ifrace is the predominant consideration, the plan may still be political Subdivision may be able to petition a court to enjoin me constitutional ifi it is narrowly tailored to address compelling holding of a general election of sngle-memperdistict. positions for govemmental interest such as compliance with the VRA. the governing board of the entity if thes votercan demonstrate that - lfap plan is narrowly tailored, it must use race no more than is the districts are out of balance based on the most recent feden al necessary to address the compelling governmental interest census Thet better course, if possible under the circumstances, is that racial The complainti is essentially chaci che votersparticipation m the considerations not predominate to the subordination of traditional election and vote for a parrcularcandidate for a single member redistricting criteria, so that a difficutt strict scrutiny testi is avoided. 6 30 Thersan Revtan: Aitan ve: Local Govemment Redistricting strict office has been diluted. The vote of a voter residing in an Over Federab courts can impose a oroad range ofremediesin popuiated single-member district and participating in an election for Section 2 cases, which can include ordering a speciric planto a position from that district is harmed because their vote is worth less be implemented oy the potitical subdivision. lfa court-ordered than the vote of a voter in an under-populated district. Courts may plan must be mplemented, the court may also prescribe when enjoin the city's ability to hold the elections in this situation. until the and how electionswill be conducted under chat plan. A plaintiff political subdivision rebalances the population. prevailing on a Section 2 claim usually results in an award for recovery of the pl aintiff's 5 attorneys fees and court costs from PACKING AND CRACKING CAUSES OF ACTION the political subdivision, which can e 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 Courtorthe vote purposes may be challenged under Section 20 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 impermissiole level of focus on race or ethnicity. These racial their ability 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 necessary to 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 equal protection and section 1983 claims, see protected minority group be able to elect representatives to the Section 1983 Toolkit (W-007-9730). governing board of a political subdivision in proportion to their percentagei in the total population of the political subdivision, an PRACTICAL TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL PROCESS attempt to diminish the group's electoral impact may be treated s a discriminatory act by the political subdivision. As successful redistricting process is initiated early and recognizes the time constraints thaty will come into play for the political subdivision. Similarly, cracking or 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 riset 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 Both data and a timeline developed that assures completion on the packing and cracking issues can be addressed during the redistricting process by compiling and properly analyzing entity's required schedule. demographic information. Redistricting experts use various data A work session with the governing board and the staff to iron out sets to assess the electoral 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 rollowing steps are important to consider in relation to steps that can be takeni 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 precincts or following easily identifiable geographic boundaries GIS, 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: Onr release of the census, the entity should schedule a meetingto receive a - Both sides will typically require expert witnesses to assess and report or assessmentr regarding whether the districts are out of balance. prove up the demographic and electoral evidence. the entity should: a Witnesses will be used to develop a record of electoral history or Ifredistrictingi is required, the history of discrimination in the political subdivision adopt guidelines and criteria, Elections can be delayed for significant periods of time while the onsider tradicional districting criteria. and litigation is resolved. decides whether and how plans from the publics WIE be considered. 24207 PumsMRvtes 4N nynis savas Locat Government Redistricting Develop a redistricting plan that illustrates adherence to the Havet the redistricting consultanus ors staif prepare a formal entity's 's redistricting guidelines and criteria. analysis and reporton all plans suomicced to che poutical 3 Review and modify plans as necessary. subdivision for consideration. Depending on the level ofi interest, conduct one or more public Ata public meeting, or as appropriate for the political suodivision, hearings andi 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. ABOUTE PRACTICALI LAW Practical Law crovides legau know-now thar gives lawyers a becters starting point. Ours expert teamo of attomey editors creates and mainrains thousards or up-to-date, practical vesources across ali major praccice aress we go beyord primary law and tradicional legal rasearch to g e you the resources needed o practice more efficiently, improve Clienc senice and add morei alue. If, yous arenot currently a subscricer, wei invice ou to akeat trat ofcurcnline sarvices a: tegatsolations.com/practiral-law. Formore nformatcnorto schedu dlet tan ning, call 1-800-733-2889 Or email lerangatumepucom. 20 gnisn sar AT a 8 CONSENT AGENDA February 2025 SUBMITTED MINUTES: Monthly Meetings: Special Meeting/Workshop Minutes January 13, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes - January 21, 2025 CITY ADMINISTRATOR & DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: Departmental Reports Electric Water/Wastewater Landfill Street/Parks Animal Control Code Enforcemenl/Buldling Official DISCUSSION ONLY Financials from Finance Officer Mason County Jail & Sheriff Report from Treasurer (not received) Mason County Sheriff's Dept Call Log (not received) CORRESPONDENCE None CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING/WORKSHOP JANUARY 13, 2025 5:30 P.M. The City Commission met this the 13th day of. January, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. at the Richard P. Eckert Civic Center. Members present: Mayor Robert Rayburn, Commissioner William Beaty, Commissioner Anna Velez, Commissioner Michael Keller and Commissioner BC Hardin. Staff present: City Administrator Amanda Hill, City Secretary Pattie Allen, P & Z Commissioner and Rhett Vacek with the sound system. Visitors present: Hap Hedges, LeEster Burch, Colden Rich with Enprotec Hibbs and Todd, Bernard Aguilar, Sue Pledger, Karen Scantlin, Kathy Schulze, Emilie Davidson, Daniel Davidson, Trey Carrington, Kay Knight, Nancy Hurta, Mark Hurta, Mike Dail, Pattie Grote, Amy Herring, Carolyn Hiza, Christel Lively, David Davidson Sr., Sandra Davidson, Gloria Lumpkins, Rolly Lumpkins, David Hyden, Debra Hyden, Justin McFarland, Rheannon Wartenbach, Peble Churchman, Alan Churchman, Larry Brown, Barbara Brown, Kathy Brandenberger, Carl Max Brandenberger, Denise Brandenberger, Angela M. Smith, Cindy Priess and others that didn't sign in to the meeting. CALL TO ORDER by Mayor Robert Rayburn. INVOCATION given by Commissioner BC Hardin. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Commissioner William Beaty. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Rayburn opened the floor for public comments. Commissioner Beaty spoke first asking when the public would be able to speak as the agenda separating the workshop and the special meeting was not clear. He indicated that he had called TML and they had said the two should be designated separately on the agenda as the workshop atmosphere is more relaxed than a meeting. Mayor Rayburn responded that the public will be able to speak on the agenda items. Nancy Hurta said there were not enough copies of the agenda on the table for the public to know what is even on the agenda. Sue Pledger asked the Commission to take no action tonight and to do some extensive research before making any decision. Mayor Rayburn closed the Public Comments. ITEM 1: Discuss and consider acceptance of Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRF) from the Texas Water Development Board. City Administrator Amanda Hill began by saying that she didn't believe the City Could take the full amount of the $17 million and the City tasked her with determining what the most pressing projects with the water system would be. She indicated that there was no doubt that the City needed the full amount ofn money for the water system projects however the City could not afford payments on the full amount of money. Commissioner Velez asked for the water department as how they determined the projects listed on the map (which was included in the packet) and the sense of urgency. Colden Rich with Eht reported that the determination of priority took the entire water system into account and prioritized the needs due to issues and needs expressed by City staff. Eht submitted the application for these funds on behalf oft the City of Mason and was told by the Administrator and Commission at the time to shoot as high as they could think on the needs the City was faced with concerning the water infrastructure. Emilio Palacio, Water/Wastewater Supervisor indicated that they have identified the lines that are a constant problem with breaks in the lines, low quality material, undersized lines, etc. Commissioner Hardin asked if there was an option for "slip lining" for the pipes bursting? Commissioner Beaty asked about the completion of the water loop on Hwy 87 South. Colden Rich responded that there is less of a demand in that area and that particular portion of the loop doesn't require a 10" line. Commissioner Beaty also asked ifthe Post Hill area of town had adequate water supply lines for fire protection in that area oft town. Commissioner Velez asked ifthis will get water to the area of Robinson Oaks as those people do not currently have City water in that area of town. She asked staff where this was in getting water to these people. City Administrator Hill responded that we are still in the survey stage and need to get the easements corrected where the City does have a water line in that vicinity before the City can move forward. Emilio Palacio indicated that Wren, Kettner, Elm, Mulberry, Comanche, Mesquite and Brazos were all in dire need of attention. He added that valves are not shown on the mapping and many valves in town are no longer in working condition and need replacement as they are not able to shut off valves to lower pressure on lines they are working on SO they are having to work them "live" which is a huge waste of water. Commissioner Hardin would like to see numbers on the costs for the suggested repairs. Mike Dail stated that he represents property owners in the City. He expected to hear what areas the City needs to improve. Taxpayers can't take any more taxes and there are limitations on increases. He said he would hold this City Commission accountable and appreciates the opportunity to speak before them tonight. City Administrator Hill passed out information to the City Commission and explained the information provided pertains to $5.8 million and feels like the City could handle receive this amount of funding. She indicated that she is also asking for funding for replacement of some equipment. She gave a scenario of the proposed tax increase and how it would affect taxes on a $250,000 home. LeEster Burch stated that while there is a low tax burden from the City of Mason, there is not a low tax appraisal. That's what the bottom line is. Karen Scantlin asked about the proposed equipment purchases. City Administrator Hill indicated this would be discussed in the next agenda item. Cindy Priess stated this proposed tax increase would be a 150% increase. She included that if the City is going to even consider this that the community needs to be made aware. She asked who the City's Financial Officer is (City Administrator and Hilltop Securities is the City's financial advisor). She agreed there are lots ofinfrastructure issues that need to be addressed but the city can't do it all at once. Larry Brown stated that it is basically doubling the city's current property tax. Sue Pledger indiçated that she had visited with Donna Langehennig as Donna is always very knowledgeable and is a valued asset to the City of Mason. She was sad Donna wasn'tat the meeting tonight. She suggested to take care ofthe emergency issues now and see if the City can apply for any grant funding. Angela M. Smith asked if this would have to go to a vote before the citizens? Bernie Aguilar with Hilltop Securities indicated this would be implementing the INS tax rate with the particular debt being over a 30 year period. Trey Carrington asked if this amount of funds would be enough to handle what needs to be done ofifthe City would come back and ask for more of an increase later on. The second option City Administrator Hill presented to the Commission is to reçeive $3.8 million which would be a 17.24 cent increase on the city's tax rate. Commissioner Hardin stated that he hears the citizens but what kind ofcity are we going to be able to leave our kids and grandkids? Commissioner Velez suggested that the City look for grants rather than raising the taxes. Colden Rich with Eht stated that TWDB is one ofthe main funding conduits and grants aren'tt typically given in the amounts that the City is needed. Commissioner Keller stated that there needs to be a combination of grants and loans. Commissioner Beaty suggested that the city had received several large grants in the past and the staff needs to prioritize and present the most urgent needs. Jim Schmidt stated that he bought his hunting lodge on back taxes and now that property taxes are more than what he initially paid for that building. He asked not to go up on taxes unless it is absolutely necessary. Mayor Rayburn stated that he recognizes the need not to overburden the taxpayers. The City is not trying to "Cadillac" Mason but there are some significant problems with our infrastructure that need to be addressed. He added that when the taxes go up, it affects all ofthe City Commission as well because they are property owners too. But he added that the City has a responsibility to the taxpayers to provide services. It is long overdue that these water lines need attention and repairs SO that they are reliable. Commissioner Velez asked if there was a deadline for this loan. Colden Rich reported that the deadline was September 2025. He did add that Eht could reapply for the SRF funds in March. Commissioner Velez asked that Emilio Palacio determine what needs replacing and put a dollar amount to it. Commissioner Keller stated that he doesn't take any of this lightly and if you look at the city tax rate, 11% of city revenue comes from city taxes and over 70% comes from services. He said that he likes the fact that we have control of our utilities and that the city doesn'tsell them to other companies. He said that problems need to be identified, equipment needs should be addressed and figure out what can be done that has the least impact on our community. No action was taken by the Commission. ITEM 2: Discuss and consider equipment replacement financing. City Administrator Hill gave an overview was given on equipment and vehicles that are lacking and expressed that the big ticket items needed is a truck for the Electric Department (current pressure digger has a 1978 digging unity and the truck is a 1990 model). It is worn out and the auger is undersized for poles being used now. Preference is to get a newer truck sO that it will last a longer period of time. A dump truck is needed for the Street Department. A water truck is needed for the landfill although a water trailer is an option but the landfill permit would need to be modified as the permit says "water truck". The landfill is also in need of sheep's feet for the compactor. An excavator is requested to be used between departments and while the water department has a backhoe to do work, it is easier to accidentally tear into the water and sewer lines SO the excavator is more delicate and precise. The remainder of the money requested would be used for the purchase of approximately 10 vehicles. She looked at a lease option and feels like the purchase option would be the better option for the City. In total, she is requesting $850,000 to replace the needed equipment. She is seeking good condition sO that it can all last longer. Mayor Rayburn asked if the City could outsource work as opposed to staff doing the work and what that cost difference would be. City Administrator Hill responded that the City has experienced, trained personnel in place. Commissioner Beaty responded that he has total confidence in staff to do the jobs that need to be done. City Administrator Hill added that buying through a government auction typically provides a l-year warranty on vehicles and equipment. Karen Scantlin is in disagreement in getting any unnecessary vehicles. She said the need for infrastructure is more important. Lots of people can't afford a tax increase. She suggested to do this plan a little at a time. She threatened to call TCEQ due to the sewer water in the creek by her daughter' S house on Pecan Street. Angela M. Smith stated that there is a senate bill that passed and cannot raise the tax rate over a certain amount. It was explained to her that senate bill pertains to M&O rate not INS rate. Commissioner Beaty would like mileage and year models of all pickups. Martin Palacio explained to the Commission parts of his job as maintenance and mechanic that he is able to do and what he is not able to do. Some repairs just have to go back to the dealers and some issues is he doesn't have the proper tools to be able to do his job. Some of the tools are extremely expensive. LeEster Burch stated when it gets to the point that Habitat for Humanity home owners can't pay their taxes, then it is time to do something different. She asked in the future if the public could get a copy ofthe packets SO they know what is being discussed and have the information available to them. Pete Munoz, Street Supervisor indicated that his department has not had a dump truck for 4 years. It makes it difficult for them to do some of their jobs without the necessary equipment. Commissioner Beaty suggested that if a dump truck was purchased that it be an automatic. No action was taken by the Commission. ITEM 3: Discuss and consider lead and copper financing. City Administrator Hill explained that the financing the City of Mason as been awarded is both a grant and a loan. The City employees have completed the lead and copper inventory process and the most that she can account for in expenses used would be around $100,000. Ifthe City received that amount, the remainer oft the funding would remain in an escrow account. She is recommending to the City Commission that the City does not take this funding. Colden Rich indicated that there were flaws in this particular funding. He said the initial intent was to allow outside resources to inventory the water lines in towns and cities and allow the staff to be able to continue with their normal operations. The funding was awarded after the deadline for the inventory of the lead and copper water lines to be completed. Now the cities have 10 years to address and remedy the lead and copper lines. Emilio Palacio reported that there are approximately 1300 total services and the replacement is projected to be between $5000 and $10,000 per service needing replacement. No action was taken by the Commission. Mayor Rayburn explained the open meetings act to the public attending to indicate that this is the first opportunity as a whole that the Commission has been able to discuss any ofthese items. ITEM 4: Adjourn Mayor Rayburn stated ift there was no further business to come before the Commission, he would entertain a motion to adjourn the meeting. MOTION: Commissioner Anna Velez made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Michael 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. 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m. REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 21, 2025 5:30 P.M. The City Commission met this the 21St day of January 2025 at 5:30 p.m. for a Regular Meeting at the RichardP. Eckert Civic Center, 1024 McKinley Avenue, Mason Texas. Members present: Mayor Robert Rayburn, Commissioner William Beaty, Commissioner Anna Velez, Commissioner Michael Keller and Commissioner BC Hardin. Staff present: City Administrator Amanda Hill, Rhett Vacek for audio/video, Finance Officer Donna Langehennig, and City Secretary Pattie Allen. Visitors present: Leslie Whitworth, Cindy Morris, Sherry Alexander, Bobby & Donna Bednarik, Karen Watson, Darrell Watson, Mike Goff, Crockett Keller, Don Durflinger, Dane Phillips, Mike & Anna Masters, JD Kidwell and Kim Paxson, Jean Reardon, Bruce Lehmberg, Karen Scantlin, Annette Thomas, Sue Pledger, Hal & Amy Zesch, Jennifer Warmbrodt, Raul & Margie Sanchez, Irene Martinez, Nancy Clay, Jacquelyn Bridges, Melda Castillo, Henry Tuckness, Greg & Judy Confer, Sherie Clarkson, Cindy Bowden, Robert & Jerrie Owens, Bert Mahnken, Nicholas Gierisch, Keith & Tina Jope, Andi Parker, Larry & Barb Brown, Tommy & Brenda Koepke, Shane Dyson, Brandon & Brandy Neece, Bob & Cathy Terrell, David & Sandra Davidson, Robert & Bonnie Riggs, Cathy Grace, Tim Farenthold, Deborah Silerio, Murray Dollar, E. Thomas Resendiz, Judy Uherek, Jimie Langehennig, Amy Herring, Michaela Martinez, Maria Gonzales, Glover & Mariana Davis, Minnie Schmidt, Amy Townsend, Juanita Horton, Ken & Sherrie Cordero, LeEster Burch, Rheannon Wartenbach, Steven McEwen, Lee & Kacey Butcher, Christel Lively, Lori Slocum, Nancy Hurta, Mark Hurta, Ann Taylor, Jim Lyles, Leroy Crump, David Martel, Angela M. Smith, Vernon Parker, Trey Carrington, Harold Hoerster, Robert & Dilek Parr, Ryan Jordan, Frank Bartlett, Robert Johnson, Heather Wyatt, Lilly Wyatt, William R. Parr Jr., Payton Brandenberger, Chris Hotard, Neel Lyles, Lorene Wagner, Brian Wright, Daniel Schlender, David & Debra Hyden, Diane Evans, Alan Churchman, Mike Dail, Porchlight Distillery, Carolyn & Joe Hyza, Ruberto Sanchez, Emma McCrea, Clay & Kelly McCrea, Kim Lehmberg, Katherine Steapp, Luann Hooten, Bob & Stacy Johnson, Brian Smith, Michael Martin, and others that didn't 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. Commissioner Keller addressed the community saying there is a reason that he is not social media. He said, "Quit the hate, we are all in this together, our new City Administrator has been unfairly targeted and she inherited this problem. She is just trying to provide options. He added to quit hating on outsiders. The Commission is desperately seeking answers and Amanda has done exactly what the Commission has asked her to do!" Brian Wright spoke on the tax rates for each taxing entity and who sets the valuation. He appreciates the public servants and the jobs they do. Leslie Whitworth said that people seem to be confused about the property tax. It is not the overall tax bill that would be increased, only the city's portion. Hal Zesch asked to be as constructive as possible. The City Commission are not targets. They are trying to solve problems that are not their making. These problems are a few decades in the making! Currently when something is broke, a band aid is just being placed on issues and not a long-term fix or replacement. Past Commissions have turned away money that could have been valuable to the City of Mason. The City has had a number of attorney fees. He appreciates what the City Commission is doing. Kim Paxson was looking back at city taxes and they are less now than they were in 2016 and for many years, the tax rate was exactly the same. Seeing this information put things in perspective for her. Sherrie Cordero stated that rent houses will have to go up on their rental rates to cover the cost of extra taxes. The working class that rent and work here in Mason cannot afford more expenses. Jennifer Warmbrodt sat on the Planning and Zoning Commission in Lake Dallas and she is floored that there is not more governance in Mason. She recommends establishing an Economic Development Board and stated that ift there is more revenue streams, it would take the responsibility off the home owners. She recommended reaching out to Wes Virdell. Carolyn Hyza stated that coming out of the meeting on Monday the Commission should look at the list of priorities, with the greatest concerns being taken care of quickly and decide what can be put off for a bit. She asked that these things be published and requests a bond election rather than raising taxes. She suggested the infrastructure fee for maintenance. She said she supports the Commission but find where the priorities are and try to keep the work in house. Cathy Terrell stated that by raising taxes, this would cause a ramification on businesses. The landlord will pass on the fees to the renters, renters pass on the fees to the customers. The internet businesses will get the money as the local small-town businesses will not be able to compete with lower prices. And she added that our schools would suffer as people can't afford to move here or live here. Nicholas Gierisch asked about the RO station being opened again. Could charge for that water and make revenue off ofit. Also has proposed for years about having more large-scale events in Mason to bring people here to increase revenue for all. David Davidson said it didn't take long for the last discussion turned into you versus me. There is a lack of trust between the taxpayers and the City Commission and also a lack of communication. He suggested to prioritize problems, get a study committee formed and have the City Administrator educate these people to help come up with options for decisions. David Martell was upset and said that if something doesn't change, people won't be able to live in Mason. He and his family were raised on great values and hard work and he loves Mason. Sue Pledger thanked the Commission. She added there is a lot of wisdom out in the audience and the decision doesn' 't have to be made until around September sO get input and vote from citizens. She likes the idea of a maintenance fee to be added to the utility bills and suggests to use in house workers when possible on projects. Crockett Keller spoke regarding Mason County properties have not gone down in valuation although the tax rates may not have increased. There has not been growth in Mason and population has not been increased. Taxes are hard on fixed income people. "The power to tax is also the power to destroy!" Karan Watson asked the Commission to take into consideration that many businesses in Mason do not employee staff at 40 hours a week. Workers can't afford double taxes as many people in Mason are living on salaries of 20-30 hours per week. Frank Bartlett stated that some of this commission started in 2021-2022 working on grant funding to have a comprehensive plan developed SO that the city would have a "plan" for taking care ofi infrastructure and needs. Then the City applied for funding through the TWDB and the City is constantly looking for grants but part of the reason that was given for the City not receiving grants is that the average household income is too high. He added that because the tax rate has not been increased in many years, this also disqualified the City from receiving some of the funding. He added that at the point the City is in, the staffi is having to be reactive while the City Commission is trying to be proactive. He added that the City Commission hasn't even had an opportunity to hear the proposals of the City Administrator. He asked the community to support the City Commission and help them to solve the problem. Angela M. Smith reminded the audience that at the last meeting the only option brought to the table was doubling the tax rate. In the meantime, she added that other options are available. She is asking the Commission to dig deeper and work harder on options. Larry Brown stated that utility rates in Mason are out the roof. He said the taxes may not have gone up in the past but the valuations sure. have. Leroy Crump asked when the planning for the funding started? He said that the agenda item needs to be specific in costs sO that the public will know what is being looked at. Brandon Neece stated that raising taxes is a double edge sword. Procrastinating is what has gotten us where we are. He asked that the vote not be taken tonight on the taxes. He would prefer seeing something of a change go on the utility bill rather than raising taxes. Mike Dail encouraged the City Commission to look at Senate bill #2. He has info to share ifthe Commission is interested. Reminded the Commission that they need to stay within the law. Ken Cordero would like to know what the $5 million is getting and would like it itemized. He doesn't want to see the taxes doubled. Eloy Rensendiz asked how long has the City had the problem with the equipment and infrastructure issues? He also asked, "Why is everything in Mason SO expensive?" J.D. Sanders said to raise the taxes by double is totally not feasible. He added that it is getting to the point where people can'ts stay here in Mason because they can'tafford to. He is opposed to the tax rate increase and says there has got to be another way! Ann Taylor said that sO many residents are elderly that cannot afford a tax increase. She added that it will come to a point for some people, do I pay my bills or do I eat. She is grateful that the food pantry is here in Mason. She said that most people can' 't afford a tax increase. Deborah Silerio asked to help find a way to make the City better without raising taxes. She said the taxes are high, the rent is high but the wages are low. She asked for the Commission to seek wisdom from the community. Trey Carrington said that he has spent 7 years working with Habitat for Humanity and people can't afford to keep a house due to taxes and that many people are in need in this community. Judy Uherek said that if you want everyone to be able to stay in Mason, then it is time to look at the budget. She understands this is an inherited problem but there needs to be a fee on the utility bill rather than higher taxes. She added that between 2021 and 2022 the house values doubled. Bob Johnson said there is a reason he came to live in Mason and there is a reason he has stayed. He loves Mason and this is where he wants to be but living on a fixed income is hard and expenses continue to go up but income doesn't. Ifthe City raises taxes, it is directly going against the citizens of Mason. There being no further public comments, Mayor Rayburn closed the Public Comments. ITEM 1: Discuss and consider acceptance of Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRF) from the Texas Water Development Board. City Administrator Hill reviewed some of the information presented at the workshop a week ago. She added that this process for this funding began 3 years ago and she explained that the proposed number of $5 million or less is a number that the City can somewhat be comfortable with and can afford the payments. She added that while an infrastructure fee on the utility bills is a great idea, it will take a while to accrue enough funds needed to address some ofthe priorities the City is needing to address in their infrastructure. She added that the workshop went sO wrong in 3 hours that other options were never able to be presented to the Commission and the public in attendance. Commissioner Velez questioned the vote that the Commission took on adopting the de minimis tax rate and that vote was never rescinded. She added that there needs to be more workshops to discuss options for the funding or generating revenue for the water infrastructure. Commissioner Hardin would like to look at fees to see what a viable solution is. City Administrator Hill suggested that fees tend to stay forever but other options can come and go in 5-7 years. Water Supervisor Emilio Palacio stated that what a lot of people don't realize is that many ofthe City water lines are old concrete line which are extremely old because cast iron lines started being used in the 1930's SO he believes some of our water lines are well over 100+ years old. Commissioner Keller acknowledged that the City Commission has not done an adequate job in expressing to the community how dire our water system is. He added that taxes, a bond vote, or other options are possibilities but doing nothing is not a possibility. He added that the only portion oft the property taxes that would be possibly affected would be the City's portion, not the whole property tax amount. He suggested setting up workshops to look at all options and needs. Commissioner Beaty said that priorities were discussed at the last meeting. He added that ifthe taxes go up, they will never go down. City Administrator Hill reminded the Commission and the public that this is an I&S tax rate. Commissioner Velez reminded everyone that there is still a neighborhood in her district that still doesn't have water. Sheshared that this had been brought to the City's attention back in March of 2024. City Administrator Hill informed the Commission that she had emailed each of them regarding that matter just this morning. MOTION: Commissioner Velez made the motion to take no action and schedule workshops in the near future. 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. 5-0. ITEM 2: Discuss and consider financing for equipment replacement and capital improvement needs. Mayor Rayburn asked for any discussion. There was no discussion. MOTION: Commissioner Velez made the motion to take no action and schedule workshops in the near future. Commissioner Hardin 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. 5-0. ITEM 3: Discuss and consider lead and copper financing. City Administrator Amanda Hill stated that she is asking the Commission to not accept this financing for the lead and copper inventory. MOTION: Commissioner Velez made the motion to not accept the lead and copper financing. Commissioner Beaty 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. 5-0. ITEM 4: Discuss and consider adjustments to the City of Mason Rate and Fee Schedule. City Administrator Hill stated that recently the City Commission had approved a new Rate and Fee Schedule however, some of the fees that the City is already charging and collecting had been inadvertently been left off the fee schedule. Those fees were sewer rates for residential and commercial outside ofthe city limits and garbage rates pertaining to commercial curbside collection and the MISD pickup, extra dumpster pickup and the charges relating to the outside city limit picks for 1-2 pickups per week, electrical rates pertaining to the Industrial charges. She added that the City Commission is to reconsider the TABC maximum local taxes that they had adopted last year. The Commission discussed lowering the local taxes for alcoholic beverage sales as follows: Brewer's License, Distiller's & Rectifier's Permit, Winery Permit, and Brewer's Self Distribution License at a rate of$75.00, the Mixed Beverage Permit (1St renewal at $100.00, 2nd renewal at $100.00, 3rd & subsequent permit renewal at $100.00), package store permit at $100.00 and the Wine & Malt Beverage Retailer's Off Premise and Malt Beverage Retail Dealer's Off Premise license each at $60.00 and with all of these licenses to be renewable on a 2 year cycle. MOTION: Commissioner Beaty made the motion to amend the rate and fee schedule by adding the fees that were currently being charged but inadvertently left off of the schedule and amend the Alcohol Liquor License Rates as discussed with those license fees to begin with the next permit cycle. Commissioner Hardin 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. 5-0. ITEM 5: Discuss and consider approval to apply for grant funding through LCRA's Community Development Partnership Program. City Administrator Hill stated that LCRA has a cycle of grant funding coming up for projects by entities in their region and is asking for the City of Mason to apply for this funding through LCRA's Community Development Partnership Program for some renovation to the bathrooms at the Community Building. Grant applications are due by January 315t. She stated that the amount she would like to request would be $15,000 and would have a 20% match. MOTION: Commissioner Velez made the motion to allow the City Administrator to apply for grant funding through LCRA's Community Development Partnership Program. Commissioner Beaty 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. 5-0. ITEM 6: Discuss and consider adoption of2021 International Maintenance Code and 2015 International Existing Building Code. City Administrator Hill stated that this item has been on several agendas. Commissioner Velez feels like her district is being targeted and would like a list of property owners notified. She stated that one oft the properties pictured in the packet was her grandparents' house. Commissioner Hardin added that there was a concern from citizens regarding fines. Commissioner Beaty reported that he had spoken with Eli Castillo, former Code Enforcer/Building Official and Eli recommended that the City did not adopt either oft the codes. MOTION: Commissioner Velez made the motion to not adopt the 2021 International Maintenance Code or the 2015 International Existing Building Code. Commissioner Beaty 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. 5-0. ITEM 7: 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. City Administrator Hill stated this had been previously discussed. She stated that the analysis portion would cost approximately $10,000 and ifit was determined that the City of Mason was more than 10% out of compliance, then it would take approximately another $10,000 to bring it into compliance. Commissioner Velez is not in favor ofhiring a company to redistrict. Currently the money is not in the budget to cover these costs. The redistricting would reflect eligible voters, not registered voters. City Administrator Hill recommends getting the analysis done. MOTION: Commissioner Velez made the motion for the Mayor to call TML and not to hire BickerstaffHeath Delgado Acosta LLP. Motion died for lack of a second. MOTION: Commissioner Beaty made a motion for the Mayor to contact Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP to find out and clarify information is correct and put on the next agenda. Commissioner Keller seconded the motion. Mayor Rayburn called for discussion. There being no discussion, Mayor Rayburn called for a vote. In favor: Commissioners Beaty, Keller and Hardin. Opposed: Commissioner Velez. Motion Carried. 3-1. ITEM 8: Discuss and consider approval for Order of Election for the May 3, 2025, General Election for Commissioner District 2 and Commissioner District 4. Mayor Rayburn reported that it is that time of the year to call for an election to be held on May 3, 2025 for Commissioner District 2 position and Commissioner District 4 position. MOTION: Commissioner Beaty made the motion to approve the Order ofElection for the May 3, 2025 General Election for Commissioner District 2 and District 4. Commissioner Hardin 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. 5-0. ITEM 9: Mayor's Comments and Administrator Reports = No action may be taken on these items. City Administrator Hill reported that the City will receive funding from the Mason Community Foundation for upgrades to the kitchen at the Community Building and wanted to let everyone know that the Community Building will not be available to rent for the entire month of! March. ITEM 10: Consent Agenda Mayor Rayburn stated that the Commission was presented the departmental reports, financial reports and past minutes for approval. MOTION: Commissioner Beaty 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. 4-0 with the Mayor not voting. ITEM 11: 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 Beaty seconded the motion. Mayor Rayburn called for discussion. There being none, Mayor Rayburn called for vote. In favor: all. Opposed: none. Motion Carried. 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Electric Department January 2025 Monthly Report o System Maintenance Orange Street - Damaged Crossarm Replaced crossarm with woodpecker damage to wildlife resistant fiberglass Robin Street - Rotten Pole Replaced decayed and leaning pole with new class 2 40' pole Transferred high voltage lines and triplex to new pole FM1871 near Sommerfeld Road - Easement Improvements Trimmed multiple trees encroaching on power lines Moved all transformers to western phase for fusing line Installed cutout fuse for isolating line in the event of fault Post Hill Street and Rainey - Neutral Line Repair Utilized mechanical jumper to replace melted section of 2/0 main line neutral Street Lights Crosby Cemetery Road, Smith Street directional shade, Community Building, N. Spring & Olmos Street Intersection C West Rainey Street Reconductoring Located all critical survey stakes between Post Hill Street and Wheeler Street Contacted effected landowners with trees inside right-of-way Trimmed right-of-way on south side of West Rainey Street near Owen Street Identified and staked pole locations for approximately 1000 feet of line Reroute interfering lines at West Rainey and Owen Street Set class 2 40' pole near Fort Mason Transferred service line and street light to new pole Pulled in 350' of #4. ACSR wire to reroute power for six effected houses Scheduled area outage pending for final transition to new line 0 Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Activation - Winter Weather Annex EOP declared in response to temperatures in the teens and ice accumulation expected EOP Declaration will account for yearly training 16 Tex. Admin. Code $25.53 961 hour event involved preparation of vehicles, facilities, communication channels, emergency response prioritization, and task logging New and Upgraded Service Loops 616 Smith Street New Pedestal Worked with electrician to transfer power feed from overhead to underground 0 Tree Trimming Balsam Street Assisted Street Dept. to remove large broken limb from over road Trimmed trees in work zone to 18ft+ clearance Post Hill and West Rainey Street Trimmed and shaped oak tree at intersection City Park Assisted Street & Park Dept. to remove large broken limb from over pavilion Outages - None Equipment and Other Repairs Water Well #4 Issue with small leak in chlorine gas vent line causing corrosion to electrical components Diagnosed minor issue with DC boost converter Replaced failed magnetic overload relay with smart motor protection controller Water Well #1 - Concrete Dolly Path for Chlorine Bottle Transport Prepped site and built concrete forms Poured and finished concrete Holiday Lighting Turned off lights and removed decorations Water/Wastewater January Monthly Report Leak on Smith street Mini Excavator Broke down. Blew the front hydraulic seal. The F-250 truck broke down. Placed valve on leifeste street to isolate line SO we can flush. Replaced meter at Pam Spillers house. Meter maid broke the meter. Flushed Pam Spillers house to get all the dirt out. Leak on wren street. Ran manhole at the intersection of Bridge and Morrow Street. Chlorine leak at well 4, the chlorine rusted the electronics and caused the well to trip out. Rebuilt the chlorine injector for well 4. Well 5 chlorine injector also went out. Rebuilt well 5 injector. Scada system at well 7 went down due to unknown reasons. Attended a tier 2 reporting class in Austin. Poured concrete slab at well 1 with the electric guys. City of Mason Landfill Monthly Report January 2025 1/2/25 = Daily routes, double routes (Wed& Thu), Jerimiah turned in deposit, Cassy worked scale house, fed off, Ellie off, guy in pit pre trip and washed dozer, grease all equipment in pit, worked pit, made sure yellow gate is closed, worked pit, moved dirt, sprayed trash at the end of the day, emptied roll offs. 1/3/25- Daily routes, Jeremiah turned in deposit, worked pit, washed and greased trash trucks, cover trash with loader leave half for Saturday, Kyle left early, checked roll offs, emptied big roll off for Saturday trash, swapped out small can for large can, spray out spray trailer, 1/4/25- Opened office. John Paul worked pit, stayed 30 min late waiting on JP to finish in pit, 1/6/25 Daily routes, Kyle turned deposit in, fill spray trailer, fuel and pre trip all equipment, checked roll offs, move to new line from last week but continue sloping down, check piles, make sure yellow gate is closed, emptied roll offs, daily inspection around landfill, push up metal pile, pushed up brush pile, pushed up rock pile, picked up loose trash, 1/7/25- Jeremiah out, JP turned in deposit, daily routes, picked up hills, pick up trash in bottom of pit, maintenance trucks, daily inspection around landfill, daily pre trip on equipment, pushed brush pile, pushed metal pile, pushed rock pile, picked up loose trash, moved rocks from dirt wall, spray trash. 1/8/25- Jeremiah out, Daily routes, John Paul turned in deposit, delivered large trash can, moved dirt to stockpile by trash SO loader can move later, 1/9/25- Jerimiah out, Daily routes, worked pit, sprayed spray trailer out, moved dumpsters at Yonkers, daily inspections of landfill, made trash in working face smaller, 1/10/25- Kyle out sick, daily routes, worked pit, sprayed machine out, covered half of trash, fixed pit roads, fueled trash trucks, maintenance trash trucks, preparing for Saturday, 1/11/25- worked scale house, worked pit and covered, moved to new area 1/13/25- Daily routes, filled spray trailer, washed spray trailer, worked pit, treated wood for trailer, picked up trash. Picked up dumpster from across wellness center, trained Kyle on dozer, created new yearly holiday trash schedule 1/14/25- Daily routes, worked pit, picked up hills, applied another treatment to wood, picked up trash, timesheets, continuing training Kyle on dozer, guys delivered a can. 1/15/25- Daily routes, worked pit, washed and cleaned dozer looking for hose leak, picked up trash, Jerimiah came back to work, continuing training on equipment, greased equipment, picked up call back cans. 1/16/25- Daily routes, worked pit, dumped roll off, worked on trailer, repainted scale, moved dirt. 1/17/25- Daily routes, covered half of trash, dumped roll offs. 1/21/25- Double routes, worked pit, messed with mulch pile, moved old destroyed dumpsters to metal pile, metal guys came to remove pile, pre tripped and filled equipment and trucks, 1/22/25- Daily routes, worked pit, moved metal from field to metal pile, Guys started removing metal pile, dumped roll offs 1/23/24- Daily routes, worked pit, continued removing metal, picked up trash, Moved dirt, sprayed trash 1/24/25- Daily routes, worked pit covered half the trash, worked on trailer replacing boards, dumped roll offs, picked up Gooch Roll off It was finished. 1/25/25- Worked scale house, and worked pit, covered rest of trash and moved to new line, sprayed trash 1/27/25- Daily routes, worked pit, worked on trailer only need one more board to bolt down then its complete should be this week, moved more metal-to-metal pile, Metal guys finished removing pile, greased and pre tripped equipment, sprayed trash 1/28/25- Daily routes, worked pit, moved trash from metal pile to pit, removed pallets dumped at brush pile to pit, filled up the spray trailer for the week, ordered last board for trailer, sprayed trash 1/29/25- Daily routes, worked it, moved dirt, moved stock pile, removed last of metal and then pushed metal pile to back, had a staff safety meeting, spray trash 1/30/25-Jp off for dr. app, daily routes, worked pit, moved dirt, dumped roll offs, moved more metal, sprayed trash 1/31/25- Daily routes, cleaned and washed trucks, fueled equipment and pickups, covered trash, finished replacing boards on trailer, worked pit, pushed metal up City Landfill Activity during the month of January 2025 Total Amount of scaled loads ecluding City's trucks Total Scaled loads: 430 Breakdown of scaled loads Mason County Residents: 251 City of Mason Residents : 179 Total amount of tonneage ( city's refuse trucks; Compacted) Tonnage: 140 Total ammount of tonnage scaled loads Tonnage: 310 Revenue Cash Received: $5,498.20 Check Received: $2,375.40 Charges: $11,739.00 Credit Cards: $6,496.89 Total: $26,109.49 Monthly Report City Of Mason Streets/Parks Departments January 2025 Streets: Potholes- Elm st, Martin st, Stengel, Ischar, Lee, Howard st, Reagan St, Bryan st, S. Pecan, Post Hill, Coolidge, Ave D, Lincoln , City Park main road, Koocksville/87, Fuschia, Forsythia, Balsam, Spring st. Meter read. Assist Rhett at Community Bldg Upgrades. Started on Bathroom floors removing floor tile, then remove metal wall Panels at south corner of inside building. Also replace bad ceiling panels. Tore down old water pump custodial room also. Leaf Bag pickup continues. Assist Water Dept with water Leak at Smith st/87. Repaired asphalt where water leak occurred at Smith st. Repaired asphalt on College st where sewer line was repaired by Water Dept. Repaired Asphalt on Elm st where water leak occurred. Picked up 2 large Axis dead deer for Animal Control. Cleaned Creekway entries at Smith St, Post Oak bridge and Moody bridge. Installed 2 new Fire Truck zone signs at Moodywestmortand intersection. Tires repaired at Dipsticks on Case Loader. Safety Video session. Assist Parks Dept in removing large dead tree that fell over. Repaired dirt rd at Baseball field loop where unknowns were mudding. Parks: Assist Raudel in replaçing A/C Filters at Community Blg. Prep Park Restrooms for Week of Arctic Blast. Raudel also assisting with Community Blg upgrades. One womens commode Valve replaced at Com. Blg Meter Read. Clean and monitor Eckert, Community Blg, Park Pavilon for Rentals. Pattie Allen From: Ashley Scantlin Sent: Friday, February 7, 2025 1:44 PM To: Pattie Allen; Amanda Hill; Johnny Castilio Subject: January 2025 City of Mason Animai Control Monthly Report November 2024 License Issued - New tags - 6 Renewal - 3 Total # of tags issued since inception - 2656 Dogs - Dogs picked up and taken to pound : 21 Dogs surrendered by owner - 3 Dogs surrendered by non - owner - 16 Dogs dumped at pound - 0 Dogs adopted from the City - 0 Dogs rescued by Second Chance - 14 Dogs rescued by Ole Yellow - 0 Dogs rescued by Buddy's - 0 Dogs rescued by Other Rescues - 1 Dogs redeemed by owners - 2 Dogs that died at shelter - 0 Dogs euthanized - 6 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 - 1 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 - 1 Cats at pound that are microchipped - 0 Cats given away for barn cats to county residents - 3 Bites/Quarantine Dogs 1 Home Quarantine 2 Shelter Quarantine 1 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 Other Animals Tested for Rabies 1 Fox- Negative 1 Skunk- Positive Citations & Warnings Verbal Warnings - 5 Doorknocker Warnings - 2 Tickets - 0 Traps Set Feral Cats - 3 Non Feral Cats - 0 Other Animals - 3 Dead Animal Pick Up Run over - 25 Shot by Sheriff's Dept. - 2 Other - 8 Number of Animals at Pound at Month's End Dogs - 1 Cats - 0 Other animals picked up - 0 2 Monthly Report January 2025 The month of January was another very busy month for me. There is al lot of new construction, lot purchases, and re-plats occurring in the city these days. Much of my time this month has gone to trying to get things going with Habitat for Humanity. They have purchased land with over 20 lots on the north side of town. This is going to be the first major subdivision for the city in a long time. Habitat will be responsible for building the infrastructure for those lots. It has been a learning experience to say the least. The late purchase of their land has really narrowed the window for getting everything in line and ready for the Habitat workers, but think it is going to be done just in time. There are three houses currently being constructed in the City of Mason. Two of the houses are almost completed and there are three more that are about to begin in the next couple of weeks. It is good to see all the new houses being built, and some affordable housing among them. Iv was able to issue 20 permits this month for a total of $6'607.15 in receipts. lissued two roofing permits, one plumbing permit, four building permits, two electric permits, three mechanical permits, one zoning permit, one sign permits, one demolition, one mobile home set-up permit, two water construction permits, and one each of electric and sewer construction permits. On the code enforcement side, have not opened any new cases this month other than talking to a couple of people about mowing their grass but have instead focused on closing some of my existing cases where have not seen any progress in a long time. have sent certified letters to several residences and will take the steps required to bring them in before the judge if no progress is made. One of the cases is dealing with a commercial business existing in a residential area. We have received several complaints in the last year about commercial trucks being parked in the right of way, blocking drivers view at stop signs, and starting and idling in the early morning hours disturbing sieep. Chad Barnett, Code Enforcement Officer/Building Official 2 ( 1 1 - 9 3 d& 5 % 3 df 3 & 3 d& & & % % df % de - : a E & d& - < - a E 6 % - - - B e e : 2: - - € à 3 E 8 I I à E E e a 5 5 e 5 B 5 S a 9 a à I a E & 8 de DE E B e I S 8 2 P 3: 4 -