Halor K MINUTES Aransas Pass City Council Regular Meeting Monday, January 27, 2025 at 6:00 pm City Hall = Council Chambers 600 W. Cleveland Blvd., Aransas Pass, Texas 78336 ana aue 1. Call to Order and Certification of a Quorum Mayor Ram Gomez called the Aransas Pass City Council Regular Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. With Council Members present, a quorum was established. Council Members present: Mayor Pro-Tem Carrie Scruggs, Council Members Jason Knight, Joe Dominguez, J. R. Haskins, and Mayor Gomez. Staff present: City Manager Mary Juarez, Finance Director Sandra Garcia, Planning Director Brenda Joyas, Public Works Director David Flores, Interim Police Chief Aaron Jones, and Fire Chief Michael Neujahr. Also present was City Attorney Epimenio Ysassi. 2. Invocation City Manager Mary Juarez delivered the invocation. 3. Pledges Mayor Gomez led the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S.A. flag and the Texas flag. 4. Presentations and Proclamations a. Presentation of Lifesaving and Commendation Awards (Interim Chief of Police) Interim Police ChiefAaron Jones presented lifesaving awards honoring the following officers with a commemorative plaque for their exceptional performance of duty on July 13, 2024. Corporal Hunter Thomas Officer Gena Brown Officer Christian Moreno Officer Jose Alvarado Also presented was an Exceptional Duty Award honoring Officer John Flowers for his dedication in performing above and beyond his duties over the lifetime of his service. b. Presentation regarding Fire Department Town Hall Meeting - January 29, 2025 at 9 am and 6 pm, Civic Center (Fire Chief) Regular City Council Meeting Minutes - January 27, 2025 Page 1 of 8 Fire Chief Michael Neujahr presented this item and recognized and thanked the Peace Officers for their dedication along with the same recognition for the Public Works staff. He reminded everyone of the upcoming Town Hall meeting to discuss the new Fire Station on Wednesday, February 5 at 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. at the Civic Center in the Nature Trail room for the development of a strategic plan considering the stakeholders of this community, the input of the firefighters, and the fire chief's input on where the department should go. He also mentioned the short community survey that is out on the City's social media pages. C. Recognition of Public Works Staff - Waterline Repairs Public Works Director David Flores recognized outstanding service for the following Staff: Jeff Burkhead Brandon Flick Diego Martinez Jose Fabier Sayu Ador Soreno Joseph Tondra Juan Tristan, IV Luke Woolston Brad Yarborough Also receiving an award was Rodolfo Guerra who was not present. d. 2023 Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce Audit Chamber of Commerce President Rosemary Vega presented this item of a detailed audit that was provided to council and summarized the report comprised of the contributions the Chamber provides to the community of Aransas Pass. 5. Announcements a. City Manager's Announcements i. Workshop Items - February 3, 2025 a. Draft Council Policies b. Beach on the Flats City Manager Mary Juarez informed the council of the announcements. 6. Citizen Comments Mayor Gomez called on the following citizens who signed up to address Council: Darlene Menn spoke about the Elise Roberson case. Joshua Tijerina spoke about HOT Fund tax and Candlewood Suites. Elise Chacon spoke about the Elise Roberson case. Regular City Council Meeting Minutes January 27, 2025 Page 2 of 8 Ruth Camarllo-Smith spoke about placing the panhandling ordinance on the agenda. William Garner spoke about complaints, charter amendments, and First Amendment rights. 7. Staff Reports and other Discussion Items a. Monthly Departmental Reports submitted and provided in the Agenda Packet. b. 1st Quarter Investment Report for FY 2024-2025 (October - December) City Manager Mary Juarez stated that the monthly reports and the quarterly report were provided in the Agenda Packet. 8. Consent Agenda a. Consideration of approving the December 17, 2024 Workshop Meeting Minutes (City Secretary) b. Consideration of approving the January 6, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes (City Secretary) C. Consideration of approving the January 8, 2025 Special Meeting Minutes (City Secretary) d. Consideration of approving the January 9, 2025 Special Meeting Minutes (City Secretary) Mayor Pro Tem Scruggs made a motion to approve Items 8.a.-8.d., seconded by Council Member Knight and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, Dominguez, and Haskins voted Aye. 9. Action Items a. Discuss, consider and act on which proposed City Charter amendments, if any, to submit to the city's qualified voters for their approval at the May 3, 2025 election. (City Attorney) City Attorney Epi Ysassi presented this item and council voted on the following proposed amendments: Proposition No. 1 - Shall the City Charter be amended to require that the City Manager become a resident of the city within six months. Council Member Knight made a motion to not place Proposition No. 1 on the ballot, seconded by Council Member Dominguez and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, Dominguez, and Haskins voted Aye. Proposition No. 2 - Shall the City Charter be amended to require the City Manager provide a written inventory of all real property and all permanent equipment belonging to the city, and provisions of this charter are faithfully executed. Council Member Haskins made a motion to leave the language as is stated in the Charter, seconded by Council Member Knight and there was further discussion. Mayor Pro Tem Scruggs made a motion to reconsider Proposition No. 2, seconded by Regular City Council Meeting Minutes January 27, 2025 Page 3 of 8 Council Member Haskins and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, Dominguez, and Haskins voted Aye. Mayor Pro Tem Scruggs made a motion to not place Proposition No. 2 on the ballot, seconded by Council Member Haskins and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, Dominguez, and Haskins voted Aye. Proposition No. 3 - Shall the City Charter be amended to restrict the city manager from heading one (1) or more departments except on a temporary, interim basis. Council Member Knight made a motion to place Proposition No. 3 on the ballot, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Scruggs and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, Dominguez, and Haskins voted Aye. Proposition No. 4 - Shall the City Charter be amended to provide term limits for council members and the mayor. Council Member Knight made a motion to place Proposition No. 4 without the retroactive language on the ballot, seconded by Council Member Haskins and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, Dominguez, and Haskins voted Aye. Proposition No. 5 - Shall the City Charter be amended to clarify the selection process for a member to serve as Mayor Pro-Tempore. Council Member Knight made a motion to place Proposition No. 5 on the ballot, seconded by Council Member Haskins and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, Dominguez, and Haskins voted Aye. Proposition No. 6 - Shall the City Charter be amended to require the City to post video recordings on its website of all City meetings subject to the Open Meetings Act. Mayor Pro Tem Scruggs made a motion to not place Proposition No. 6 on the ballot, seconded by Council Member Knight and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, Dominguez, and Haskins voted Aye. Proposition No. 7 - Shall the City Charter be amended to require the City to provide that resolutions and ordinances must be adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of members present and voting. Mayor Pro Tem Scruggs made a motion to place Proposition No. 7 on the ballot, seconded by Council Member Knight and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, Dominguez, and Haskins voted Aye. Proposition No. 8 - Shall the City Charter be amended to provide that ordinances requiring publication must also be published on the City's website. Mayor Pro Tem Scruggs made a motion to not place Proposition No. 8 on the ballot, seconded by Council Member Knight and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, Dominguez, and Haskins voted Aye. Proposition No. 9 - Shall the City Charter be amended to provide reorganizing existing provisions to create a single article containing provisions related to administrative offices and departments of the City. Mayor Pro Tem Scruggs made a motion to not place Proposition No. 9 on the ballot, seconded by Council Member Knight and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, Dominguez, and Haskins voted Aye. Regular City Council Meeting Minutes January 27, 2025 Page 4 of 8 Proposition No. 10 - Shall the City Charter be amended to reduce the number of signatures required on a recall petition to remove any member of council from office. Mayor Pro Tem Scruggs made a motion to not place Proposition No. 10 on the ballot, seconded by Council Member Knight and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, Dominguez, and Haskins voted. Aye. Proposition No. 11 - Shall the City Charter be amended to require all bond issues over eight million dollars to be approved by the voters. Council Member Knight made a motion to place Proposition No. 11 on the ballot, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Scruggs and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, Dominguez, and Haskins voted Aye. Proposition No. 12 - Shall the City Charter be amended to require the Finance Director to maintain an inventory of fixed assets and capitalized equipment, including date of purchase, location, purpose, and the name of the employee responsible. Mayor Pro Tem Scruggs made a motion to not place Proposition No. 12 on the ballot, seconded by Council Member Knight and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, Dominguez, and Haskins voted Aye. Proposition No. 13 - Shall the City Charter be amended to limit the expenditure of Hotel Occupancy Tax Funds by the City. Will Garner spoke about conflict of interest for council members to serve on the council and the Chamber of Commerce Board. Joshua Tijerina spoke about not restricting the disbursement of HOT funds with percentages to avoid a surplus of built-up funds and possible conflicts with state law. Mayor Pro Tem Scruggs made a motion to not place Proposition No. 13 on the ballot, seconded by Council Member Dominguez and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, Dominguez, and Haskins voted Aye. Proposition No. 14 Shall the City Charter be amended to limit the sale of utility services outside the City Limits. Council Member Haskins made a motion to not place Proposition No. 14 on the ballot, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Scruggs and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, Dominguez, and Haskins voted Aye. Proposition No. 15 - Shall the City Charter be amended to require that Charter Commission Recommendations be submitted to the Voters (providing notice to neighbors within 500 feet). Council Member Knight made a motion to place Proposition No. 15 on the ballot, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Scruggs and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, Dominguez, and Haskins voted Aye. Proposition No. 16 - Shall the City Charter be amended to require that Charter Commission Recommendations be submitted to the Voters. Mayor Pro Tem Scruggs made a motion to not place Proposition No. 16 on the ballot, seconded by Council Member Knight and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, Dominguez, and Haskins voted Aye. Regular City Council Meeting Minutes - January 27, 2025 Page 5 of 8 City Manager Mary Juarez summarized the propositions the Council approved to be placed on the ballot as follows: Proposition No. 3 - Shall the City Charter be amended to restrict the city manager from heading one (1) or more departments except on a temporary, interim basis? Proposition No. 4 - Shall the City Charter be amended to provide term limits for council members and the mayor? Proposition No. 5 - Shall the City Charter be amended to clarify the selection process for a member to serve as Mayor Pro-Tempore? Proposition No. 7 - Shall the City Charter be amended to require the City to provide that resolutions and ordinances must be adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority ofr members present and voting? Proposition No. 11 - Shall the City Charter be amended to require all bond issues over eight million dollars to be approved by the voters? Proposition No. 15 - Shall the City Charter be amended to limit the sale of utility services outside the City Limits (providing notice to neighbors within 500 feet)? b. Consideration of approving an Ordinance to rezone a part of a property from R7As single family residential to RVI located on the rear property of 777 NAvenue A, more particularly described as Triple7 Subdivision Block 1 Lot 1R, Aransas Pass, San Patricio County, Texas owned by Mark and Geraldine Marlow. (Public Hearing held and tabled on 12/16/24) (City Manager) Planning Director Brenda Joyas presented this item, reminding the council that the public hearing was held on December 12 at the regular council meeting and the item was tabled. Ms. Joyas noted that the item was being brought back for consideration to allow the two and one-half acres at the back of the property to be rezoned to match the RV: zoning for the front of the property. The owners replated the property, but it was not rezoned at that time for some reason. Mayor Pro Tem Scruggs made a motion to approve Item 9.b., seconded by Council Member Knight and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, and Dominguez voted Aye, and Haskins voted Nay. C. Consideration of approving a Resolution readopting the City of Aransas Pass Investment Policy. (Finance Director) Finance Director Sandra Garcia presented this item and noted that this resolution for the investment policy is brought to the attention of the council on an annual basis for approval and that there are no changes to the policy. Mayor Pro Tem Scruggs made a motion to approve 9.c., seconded by Council Member Knight and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, Dominguez, and Haskins voted Aye. d. Consideration of approving a request for the use of Hotel Occupancy Tax funds in the amount of $11,000 for a spring concert on March 13, 2025 at the Aransas Pass Civic Center. (City Manager) Director of Community Enrichment Kaylynn Paxson presented this item requesting HOT Regular City Council Meeting Minutes - January 27, 2025 Page 6 of 8 funds for the spring concert which intends to provide entertainment and host a large concert by bringing in the Spazmatics to draw in more people into our city during the Spring Break dates, which overall supports tourism in our city. Council Member Knight made a motion to approve Item 9.d., seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Scruggs and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, Dominguez, and Haskins voted Aye. e. Consideration of approving to award a bid to Ryzyliant, Inc. for RFB-002 Next Gen 9-1-1 System for call handling in the amount of $137,083.00 and an annual renewal cost of $16,361.00. (City Manager) Police Technology Manager David Offalter presented this item noting this is the software the dispatchers will use for 9-1-1 calls and of the two qualified bids received; one from AT&T which required approximately four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) up front cost and an annual cost of one hundred thirty-seven thousand dollars ($137,000) and the other from Ryzyliant which required approximately one hundred thirty-seven thousand ($137,000) up front cost and an annual cost of sixteen thousand ($16,000), the bid was awarded to Ryzyliant. Mr. Offalter also stated the upfront costs will be covered by a federal grant and the annual costs will be split between the Aransas Pass Crime Control and Prevention District and 9-1-1 Funds. Council Member Knight made a motion to approve Item 9.e., seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Scruggs and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, Dominguez, and Haskins voted Aye. 10. Executive Session The meeting was recessed into Executive Session at 7:24 p.m., under the provision of Section 551, Texas Government Code to discuss the authority of: a. Texas Government Code Section 551.071 - To meet with its attorney to seek legal advice on a matter in which the duty of the attorney to the city council under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the state bar of Texas clearly conflicts with the Texas Open Meetings Act relating to: i. Conn Brown Harbor Lease - Aransas Pass Seafood Packers ii. Industrial District Agreement - South Texas Gateway Terminal iii. Sherwood Forest Annexation b. Texas Government Code Section 551.074 = To deliberate the appointment, employment, and duties of the City Manager. The council reconvened the meeting at 9:02 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Scruggs made a motion directing the City Manager to issue an RFP for bulkhead repairs at 420 Bigelow, seconded by Council Member Knight and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, Dominguez, and Haskins voted Aye. Mayor Pro Tem Scruggs made a motion to hire Mary Juarez as City Manager as to the terms specified in the employee contract, seconded by Council Member Knight and the motion passed with the following vote: Gomez, Scruggs, Knight, Dominguez, and Haskins voted Regular City Council Meeting Minutes January 27, 2025 Page 7 of 8 Aye. 11. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Gomez adjourned the meeting at 9:03 p.m. a. Kdisontt Ramiro Gomez Kandice Garrett Mayor City Secretary Approved on: 3/3/2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes - January 27, 2025 Page 8 of 8